Culter Courier No. 135 by Culter Courier

culter courier • CULTER • COMMUNITY • NEWS • Culter Community Council News

Cllrs Boulton & Malik at our new Playpark JOHNSTON GARDENS

Have you seen what has magically appeared in Johnston Gardens Park? It’s a little piece of Duthie Gardens! The new play equipment is a great boost for Culter, and looks inviting on the grassy hillside by the stream. Many thanks to Councillors Boulton and Malik for making sure that our young families have somewhere new to go, and thanks to Aberdeen City Council for all their hard work. UPDATED FOOTPATHS

In this issue of the Courier, there is a new revision of our map of footpaths around Culter, for you to get out walking this summer. We are so lucky to live in such a lovely rural setting, but with the benefits of being part of the city too. The funding for this leaflet has been from the Community Learning Partnership at Aberdeen City Council, and Ann Wakefield and Brian Yule have worked hard to bring it together. CCC GALA TENT

The Community Council will again have a tent at the Gala this year, to highlight what has been happening in the village, and what will be coming up over the next few years. It is well worth dropping in to find out what’s going on and let us hear your comments. We need to hear from you if we are to represent the community’s views. FISH PASS

Plans for a fish pass for spawning salmon on the Culter Burn are coming together, thanks to a co-ordinated effort by the River Dee Trust, Dee District Salmon Fishery Board and two generous benefactors of the River. The

ISSUE No:135

MAY 2014

fish pass will be located on the Dam below Rob Roy at the A93 bridge and enable salmon and sea trout to ascend the five metre high dam. The fish pass will be installed this summer, ready for fish migrating in autumn and early winter to access the seventy-five miles of streams above the dam.

disposable nappies being the main culprits. Put them in the bin, not down the loo. The main Deeside sewer is going to be under increasing pressure from all the new housing being built (including the Blairs development). There is little point in installing a fish pass in Culter if the rivers are too polluted for fish.

SEWAGE PROBLEMS

POST OFFICE

We have had three repeat blockages of the main sewer in Culter since Christmas, where raw sewage was overflowing into the Culter Burn and the River Dee. Each blockage was found to be from waste not designed for sewage disposal – wet wipes, sanitary products and

We are having a Post Office facelift in June. Tony, who owns the Post Office, came to the CCC meeting in April to explain the new layout. There will be significantly increased opening hours for Post Office services and a new open plan layout with all the counters along one side of the store. The

P I L AT E S Denise McLellan Qualified Instructor

PILATES CLASSES PETERCULTER VILLAGE HALL Mondays 9.30 - 10.30 am Tuesdays 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’ Small classes, block booking essential £7.00 per class One-to-one tuition available £35.00 per session

For more information please call: Denise 01224 733424 or 7811 408186

shop front will also be smartened up, so watch out for the new look!

There is Council funding available for a School Crossing Patroller (now known as SCPs) in Culter, but no-one to do it! Call 01224 522 232 to find out how to apply.

Her grasp of planning legislation, the planning system and her encyclopaedic knowledge of what has taken place historically in relation to proposed development in the Culter area is second to none. She is kind enough to let me draw on all of this to hopefully make the transition as smooth as possible. Lavina has been a fierce defender of the Green Belt and it is thanks to her hard work and dedication that Culter remains a great village, so close to the city, yet not overrun by development. So Lavina, on behalf of the whole community, thank you very much for all you have done. As mentioned in the last Courier report, one of the main tasks of the last three months has been to provide a response to the Aberdeen Local Development Plan, Main Issues Report which was published in January. The role of this City Council Report is to stimulate debate on the main planning issues facing Aberdeen from 2016 onwards. It deals with a whole range of issues including the proposed extension to Aberdeen Harbour, the development of the City Centre, a new Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre and future housing needs. The closing date for consultation on the Main Issues Report was 24 March. The proposed Local Development Plan will be published in February next year when there will be a further two month period for consultation. In relation to Culter, the Community Council responded to the proposed areas for housing as follows:

NEW EDITOR

MALCOLM ROAD

WAR MEMORIAL

No fewer than ninety-seven men from this area are commemorated on our local war memorial behind Borsalinos. The Memorial Tower itself is sound, but there are plans to enhance the area around it this year. The City Council are planning to resurface the path leading up the slope and provide a ramp for easier access to the Memorial itself. They will also remove the existing hedge around the monument and cut back overhanging trees, which will dramatically improve its visibility and the great views from it. Neighbouring landowners have been asked to play their part in clearing the approach of debris and keeping it free of overgrown vegetation. Culter in Bloom will sow poppies on the access verges and at the top, and are looking for volunteer carers for a small commemorative plant or shrub container, which could be located there. Subject to agreement with the local British Legion, a commemorative flagpole may also be erected. POTHOLES

To report holes in the road go to the ACC website at www.aberdeencity. gov.uk/services/faultreport/ and choose “Road Surface and Potholes” LOLLIPOP LADY/MAN

The Culter Courier needs a new Editor. We now have a streamlined system for receiving articles and processing them, but need someone with an interest in Culter and a basic knowledge of computers, to take over from the current editor. Please contact me if you might be interested, on 01224 739181. Philippa Matthew

PLANNING

elcome to my first effort as Planning Liaison Officer for the Community Council. One of the first things to perplex me is “How can such a small person have such big shoes to fill?” Keeping up the standard set by Lavina Massie is going to be no mean feat (no pun intended). 2

Proposal for 71 houses off Malcolm Road East and on the remaining land to the south-west between Malcolm Road and Bucklerburn Road. CCC discussed this particular proposal in some depth and would not be averse to development if the following stringent conditions could be met: • The housing was entry-level family homes. • A safe vehicular access could be provided. To the west the site borders Malcolm Road near a blind bend. • The eastern pavement of Malcolm Road could be extended to the development to provide residents with pedestrian access to the bus stop. • The drainage in the area was upgraded to cope with the increased volume of water from the site.

MID ANGUSTON

Proposed development of 8 houses. Culter Community Council objected to this development because: • The site of this proposed house lies within the green belt. • The site is in an elevated position and will therefore be highly visible from much of the surrounding countryside. • The site is remote and not served by any public transport • The public road which leads from the A93 to the site is narrow and contains several sharp bends resulting in poor lines of sight for motorists • The 8 “executive houses” proposed will probably lead to an increase in car numbers and traffic using this road. We also submitted the following observations on future developments in Culter: • There is a need for smaller family homes within the village. At the moment, much of the housing stock comprises of either one or two bedroom flats or large detached houses. There is a real need to provide two or three bedroom family homes, as young couples who wish to start a family are experiencing real difficulty in finding a suitable home in Peterculter. • A review of infrastructure needs to be carried out to ensure sufficient capacity before there is any further development. This is especially true in relation to drainage, sewerage and flooding problems. • Culter wishes to retain its own identity as a “village within the city”. Culter Community Council is not anti-development and is keen for the village to become sustainable and for that to be achieved more family homes are required. It is our hope that this can be carried out in a co-ordinated approach rather than ad hoc piecemeal developments. One of my first observations in relation to planning matters, is that many people do not take an interest until it is too late and planning permission has been granted for a development to which they felt they have a legitimate objection. So come along to the Gala and discuss with the Community Council any thoughts you have in relation to planning matters and how we can keep you better informed about what is happening. Brian Yule Planning Liaison

News from Councillors Boulton and Malik

pring has sprung and still no snow, so let’s hope there are no late surprises! Aberdeen City Council’s budget was approved in February with no cuts to services and further investments in all areas. Aberdeen City is entering a very exciting time with many projects moving into the delivery stages.

The Aberdeen Art Gallery planning application, which had been sent to Historic Scotland for final approval, received that approval with two changes, which related to the front entrance. The wooden doors must be retained and the two side panels will remain unchanged and not dropped to pavement level as was planned. The successful applicant for the City Centre Master Plan will be appointed by the end of June. The Third Don Crossing will start in July subject to a successful tender process. The plans for Marischal Square have been on public view at the Art Gallery and submitted to Aberdeen City Council’s planning department for determination. Locally, the Countesswells Development Framework and Phase 1 Master Plan was approved as interim planning advice, with the Council to review the proposed road infrastructure once the Traffic Assessment has been carried out. It was also agreed for officers to implement the process to ratify the Development Framework as Supplementary Guidance. This includes a six week public consultation with results reported to the Committee, prior to submission to the Scottish Government. It was also agreed to note that the capacity of development on site, prior to the delivery of the AWPR, will be determined through the Transport Assessment process. Further detail on this, including a phasing plan, will be provided within 3

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the consultation outcome report due to be presented to the Enterprise, Strategic Planning and Infrastructure Committee on 3 June 2014. The web links for the consultation documents are: www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/consultations or www. aberdeencity.gov.uk/masterplanning. Alternatively, a hard copy of the document can be viewed at Marischal College between 09:00 and 17:00 Monday to Friday. Please contact the Planning and Sustainable Development Service through the main reception. A copy is also available in the Central, Cults and Airyhall Libraries during their opening times. The consultation period started on 17 March and finishes on 29 April. The Capital Works for Road Resurfacing identified that Malcolm Road from the speed sign limit sign to No. 98, will be resurfaced. The Capital Lighting Programme has identified that 18 corroded lamposts on St Ronans will be replaced in the first phase. The Capital Works Drainage Programme has identified the North Deeside/Millside junction will have drainage improvements. Finally, The Capital Works Major Bridge Repair Programme has identified the “Rob Roy” Culter Bridge requires strengthening and services diversions. We recognise that there are further sections of roads that require attention and ongoing road inspections are taking place to identify, in order of priority, roads that potentially may be brought forward for attention. JOHNSTON GARDENS PARK In 2012, we recognised the need to reestablish local play parks in our communities as one of our main priorities. Council Officers carried out a survey of all our play parks reported back on their condition. The vast majority of the equipment in the parks was in a poor

state of repair, the rest having already contacted and given 28 days to carry out been removed on health and safety remedial works. If corrective action is ground and never replaced. In order to not completed by this time, the Council remedy the situation, at the first budget will arrange to carry out the work and in 2013 we created a budget for the pur- have the costs charged to the property pose of “recreating” play parks fit for owner. I will be happy to provide more the 21st Century. Culter was identified information. as one of the first areas who urgently QUEEN’S RELAY BATON needed a play park. The park at Johnston Gardens was chosen. The people The Commonwealth Games Baton will reach Aberdeen on of Culter were given the Monday 30 June. The chance to view the oprelay team arrive in the tions at the Village Hall. city after visiting AberWe would like to thank deenshire on Sunday 29 all of those who attended June. The baton leaves and gave their comments. Village Hall Dunnottar Castle then The end result was that the public’s choice was Sat 28 June 2014 makes its way along Lower Deeside. Details selected and the play park has been recently 7.30 for 8 pm Start of the exact time will be released in April along completed. Some of the with details of local balandscaping has still to Admission £10. ton bearers. Hopefully, be finished but we would local residents will urge the community to See advert for some be able to get involved go and see and experiand to support the reence the “new” park. All more details lay as it makes its way we need is the weather! around along North DeeCllr Marie Boulton side Road before it heads to Glasgow Cllr Tauqeer Malik for the Commonwealth Games.

New date for

Gala Race Night

NEWS FROM COUNCILLOR MALONE

OVERHANGING TREES

It is almost summer, which is a favourite time of year for many of us. However, it is a season that brings its own problems. I have received several complaints regarding overhanging trees and bushes. These can obstruct pedestrians and obscure visibility for motorists. Where there are complaints, the property can be inspected. If the planting is in a private garden and the situation is causing a danger to pedestrians or drivers, the property owner will be

ROE DEER

Several residents in the Culter area have contacted me about the local presence of roe deer. There are growing numbers of deer across Scotland. Aberdeen is well ahead of most authorities in the careful, sensitive management of the situation. A Council team is working on a plan for managing the growing deer population. Over-population is a problem, since the natural environment can only feed a certain number of deer. In the meantime please be extra vigilant when driving at dusk.

COUNTESSWELLS DEVELOPMENT

Many residents may wish to keep up to date with information on the development proposals from the “Countesswells Consortium”. This is a group of businesses who have proposed 3,000 new homes, two Primary Schools, a Secondary School and other buildings. Local people have been asking various questions such as impact on the local transport system. The “Masterplan” is out for consultation until 29 April 2014. This is available on the Council website and in some local libraries. DEESIDE LINE

The Deeside Line is a wonderful facility right on our doorstep, but once again, can I appeal to cyclists using the Railway line to use a bell to signal to walkers of their imminent arrival. The path is for everyone to enjoy. Unfortunately, I still receive numerous complaints from walkers about lack of consideration from cyclists. 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 always do my best to protect and improve our local quality of life.

This year our Spring displays on North Deeside Road have been the best ever, aided by a mild winter with plenty of rainfall to give a superb early flush. But as usual we are depending on all the householders and businesses on North Deeside Road who have one or more planters in front of their property to water them generously and regularly over the summer from now on. If you are not sure of which ones you need to look after – or unable to do so, even temporarily - please give our committee member Dick Gagel a call on 734031. As planned, we’ve succeeded in “lighting up” our village entrance feature. Thanks to support from SSE Power Distribution and Aberdeen Forward, the installation cost was fully covered, and the running cost will be negligible, as the lights are low wattage LEDs, controlled by a photo-cell. We will sow poppies on the adjacent slope to the left, while the slope to the right is already planted up with a selection of tough mature wildflowers and bluebells. This year we will also be “topping-up” the wildflowers on the railway platform, and we hope to establish a new mini wildflower meadow at the bottom of Kennerty. Finally, thank you to our volunteers who helped with our annual litter pick

on Saturday May 10th – a“hardy perennial” activity for which there is always a need! If you would like to join our volunteer list, please call our secretary Carol Page on 734450 – or see us at the Gala! Erik Stien www.culterinbloom.org.uk

PETERCULTER PARISH CHURCH

ust in case you receive this issue of the Courier in time, you should note that Culter’s Got Talent takes place on Friday 16 May at 7.30 pm in the church. There is still time to come along, as tickets will be available at the door! OUTDOOR SUMMER SERVICE

Weather permitting, this will be held on Sunday 22 June, at 11.00 am (note later time). 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.

Councillor Aileen Malone Town House Broad Street Aberdeen AB10IFY Direct Dial: 522356 Home: 868690 amalone@aberdeencity.gov.uk

Culter in Bloom

any thanks to our donors, who have shown their usual generosity, following our postcard appeal in the last Courier. There’s still time to support our work – and obtain a packet of commemorative poppy seeds for your garden if you donate £10 or more!

“Digger” Sandy Cook excavates a trench for the lighting at the Western entrance statue. 5

SUMMER FAYRE

Taking place this year on Saturday 14 June from 2.00 - 4.00 pm. A wide range of stalls will be available on the day. Tickets are £3 adult, £1.50 children for tea or coffee and home baking can be purchased at the door. MONTHLY LUNCHES

On the first Wednesday of the month we offer everyone in the community a two course lunch for just £3.50! The final lunch before the summer break will be on Wednesday 4 June and they will restart on Wednesday 3 September. COFFEES & TEAS

Thursday morning coffees will finish on 26 June and begin again after the summer break on 4 September. Saturday coffees continue until 28 June and resume on 6 September. CHRISTIAN AID WEEK

Takes place this year from May 11 and once again, collectors will be calling round. 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. SWIMATHON

On Saturday 7 June, we will be holding a Swimathon from 1.00 - 2.30pm at Banchory Swimming Pool. The event will be in aid of Aberdeen Presbytery’s project to raise money for Life Straws for Malawi. Anyone wishing to take part or to sponsor a participant can contact Fiona Jones on 07775 955250 or email fiona@seajays.org.uk SUMMER CLUB

We will be holding a Summer Club again this year for all primary school age children. It will take place from 11 – 15 August, from 10.00 am – 12 noon in the large church hall. We will be using the new Scripture Union material – Mega Makers, which has the theme of inventions. To sign up, please email secretary@culterkirk.co.uk or phone 01224 735845 and leave a message if the office is closed.

FLOWER FESTIVAL

We will be holding a Flower Festival on 12 -14 September 2014. The theme will be ‘Rainbows’ and more details will be on our web site later. Past Flower Festivals have been very popular and it’s sure to be well worth a visit. John Ferguson

CULTER VILLAGE HALL

e need you! The Village Hall can’t, and won’t, exist without your support. It receives no funding from the Council and is run by a small management committee who meet once a month to oversee the running of the Hall. While we are always very grateful for the financial donations that we receive from time to time, we would also welcome practical help. Offers of help from tradesmen would keep our maintenance costs down. Or, if you have an interest in providing activities and events for the community then consider joining the committee. New members are always welcome and if you are new to the area then it’s a great way to get to know people! IMPROVEMENTS TO THE HALL

for the painting of the ceiling and walls, we would love to hear from you. PHYSIC EVENING

The evening with Maureen Smith was very popular and raised over £900 for the Hall. It was great to see the place so lively! As the feedback from it was very positive, we hope to host another similar evening in the Autumn. NEARLY NEW SALE

Held at the end of March, the sale saw lots of bargains being snapped up and, combined with the Rag Bag collection, raised around £1000 for the Hall. The next sale will be held in October. Thank you to everyone who turned up to support these, and other, events hosted by the Hall during the past few months. UPCOMING EVENTS

• 13 & 14 June: Culter Theatre Club’s Summer Show. Following on from their successful and hugely popular production of “Allo Allo” last Spring, rehearsals are now underway for their next production “Little Grimley” (Two 1 Act plays). • 4 October: Tribute in Town presents Take This! Tickets £20 include glass of fizz on arrival, buffet platter and two bottles of wine per table. Tickets are only

With a Village Hall as old as ours, there will always be a long list of repairs and upgrades which the Committee would like to carry out. Our main project for 2014 was to be the repainting of the Main Hall. As this is the area of the Village Hall that is used and seen by the most members of the community, it is vital that it is kept in good repair. Having last been painted around fourteen years ago, it is long overdue a lick of paint! It had been hoped that the painting of the ceiling and walls could be carried out during the summer holidays. However, having now received a few quotes it has become clear that the cost of the work involved is considerably more that the Committee had anticipated. With the cost estimated to be in the region of £10,000, the Committee will be forced to launch a major fundraising drive. If you have any contacts in a company that may be willing to donate to this refurbishment, or know of a company that could provide a lower quote 7

available by calling 01358 725477 or 07887 902449. Tickets are expected to sell quickly so don’t delay! RECYCLING

Just a reminder that following a change in the law, the Hall has had to implement changes to the way recyclable materials are dealt with. While we monitor the amount/type of waste, and make plans for how we will deal with it, we would like to encourage all users of the hall to help us by taking their rubbish home each day, especially drink and food containers. 200 CLUB

This is a great way of showing your support for the Hall. Just £12 allows you to be entered into twelve monthly draws with a chance of winning up to £100. See cut-out advert for more information. Further details of all events can be found on our Facebook page, or contact the office on 01224 734371. Enquiries and bookings can also be made via email. We have very competitive rates! We welcome suggestions for what you would like to see happening in the Hall. It’s your hall, so let us know what we can do for you! Thank you for your continued support. thevillagehallculter@gmail.com

CULTER GALA 2014 TEE-UP FOR CULTER

RYDER CUP

ur annual Culter Gala Day and Gala Week of Events will soon be upon us again. Our theme this year is “Tee-Up for Culter Ryder Cup. Saturday 31 May is the day to put in your calendar for a fun day out for all the family at the Culter School playing field from 1 pm till approximately 5 pm.

In the preceding week, we also have a number of exciting events lined up, such as Quiz Night, Duck Race, Art Exhibition, Bowling Hat Night, Car Treasure Hunt, Bingo Night, Celebration of Heritage 15th Anniversary and a Pipe-A-Thon. Gala Day will kick off with a procession of vintage vehicles from Borsalino’s Car Park at 12.15 pm to the School Playing Field via North Deeside Road and Coronation Road, where Gala Day will be officially opened by a surprise guest at 1 pm. (Please note new Gala Day timings, we are now starting 1 hour earlier than usual). Look out for the official program in this edition of the Courier. Posters and application forms for the various events will be posted at the following venues; Community Hall, Pop-In, Sports Centre, Library, Post Office and other places around the village. We look forward to seeing you all there. Come and join in the fun and help our local community groups and charities in the process. As every year, we are again asking for volunteers to help on Gala Day, please contact Allan McKenzie via email at allan.mckenzie@btinternet. com if you are willing to help out, it would be greatly appreciated. Allan McKenzie Culter Gala Chair On Behalf of the Culter Gala Committee

CULTER COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP

he Playgroup was visited by The Care Inspectorate and Learning Scotland (formally HMIE.) The inspection went very well, they were particularly impressed with the outdoor play area and our Windy Wood. They felt it would serve as a model to other providers and how lucky we were to have use of such a great outdoor space. We are awaiting the full written report on the inspection at time of writing.

The Children have been taking part in the Scottish Children’s Book awards. Jennifer from the library regularly visits Playgroup and asked the children to vote for their favourite of the three short-listed books. They had great fun reading the books and casting their votes. The most popular was Paper Dolls by Julia Donaldson and the children had a go at making paper dolls themselves. We also had a trip to the Lemon Tree to see a show called How High? This was part of the Arts Across Learning Festival. It was a fantastic interactive show about height and measuring, and that friends can come in all sizes! The Children have also been bird watching! They have been watching the birds in the garden with binoculars as well as playing in our hide in playgroup. We have made bird feeders and hung them in the garden. We have learned the rhyme sing a song of sixpence, painted blackbirds and practiced counting money just like the King! The Easter Bunny paid us a visit and left Easter eggs to find in The Windy Wood. On the fundraising front, the children have been filling Smartie tubes with 20ps and in May will take part in our annual fancy dress sponsored walk along the railway line. Hopefully the weather will be kinder to us this year!

Thank you Easter Bunny! 8

We will also have a stall at the Gala so please come find us and spend some money! Rachael Beedie

Peterculter Medical Practice

he practice has been relatively busy this winter, with the usual round of respiratory and gut viral infections, but hopefully these are now waning somewhat as springtime gets under way.

We will have a new doctor working with us over the next few months as a locum, Dr Clifford Masson, who has a large amount of previous experience from several different practices across the region. The partners are due to have our annual Service/Business Planning Meeting on Monday 5 May, as usual using the May public holiday for this purpose. Urgent medical cover is provided by NHS 24 (08454 242424) and GMED. This is a very useful opportunity for the team to scrutinise various aspects of our service, aiming to make improvements where possible. One area that we are addressing over the near future is the Health and Safety aspect of our premises and service. Around the waiting room area we are going to expand our notice-board space, for display of important information regarding medical & support services and health promotion. We keep the information on these notice boards refreshed and up to date. We hope that those of you who are using the online appointment booking service are finding this useful; anyone who is interested in this should look at our website www.petercultermedicalpractice.co.uk or ask at reception. Best wishes Dr DCM Harris

ST. PETER’S HERITAGE TRUST

he Heritage Centre reopened for the season on 5th April with a very special event. Allan Pennie, who co-founded the Heritage Trust in 1999 and was the first Chairman up until September of last year, unveiled a stained glass window, which was commissioned by the Heritage Committee to honour his work and dedication in the development of the Trust. The event was witnessed by many of our volunteers, as well as members of the Committee. The window reflects Allan’s work at Kennerty Dairies, his various interests and his involvement with the Heritage Trust.

The Centre this year has a number of new exhibits, including a number of displays relating to the start of World War I. There is plenty to see and it is hoped that many more Culter people will come and visit the Centre over the next six months. The Centre is open Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday from 2 – 4 pm. The Trust celebrates its 15th Birthday this year and there will be a celebratory weekend on Saturday and Sunday 17 & 18 May. The Centre will be open from 2 – 4 pm and there will be FREE admission. In the Hall there will be Afternoon Teas and also a Heritage Birthday cake to enjoy. In both buildings there will be musical entertainment provided, so do come along and share in our celebration. There are also a number of social events taking place over the next few months:

• Friday 27 June at 7.30 pm: Well-known Stonehaven photographer Andy Hall, will present a selection of pictures from his latest book. • Friday 15 August at 7.30 pm: Colin Johnstone, who lives in Culter, will give a talk on the First World War; this will be a most interesting talk. “Art in the Hall” continues throughout the next few months and a varied selection of painting and artwork will be on display and also for sale. Local artist, Anita Inverarrity co-ordinates these exhibitions on behalf of the Trust. The Heritage Hall is available for let; if you are interested in booking the Hall, please contact John Troup. Tel 01224 732701

Culter football club

SEASON 2013-2014

ulter FC has had an excellent 2013-2014 season up to the date of publication. Culter FC is currently top of the North Super League (played twenty games, won seventeen, drawn two and only lost one). There are six league games to play and we are currently three points clear and four games in hand to the second team Banks O’Dee. Hopefully we will be able to retain the North Super League Championship this season. There are also two outstanding Cup Semi-Finals to be played, both games are at Crombie Park. First semi-final is the North Regional Trophy against Dyce on the 3 May, and the second is the McLeman Cup against Banks O’Dee, date not known. Our fifty seater stand has recently had been upgraded, with side protection from the elements for the spectators. PLAYERS POOL

Allan Pennie’s window

Lewis McKimmie and Club Captain Richard Shand have had long-term injuries this season, but they have recently started playing in the last few games, which will be beneficial for the busy end of season for Culter FC.

SPONSORSHIP PACKAGE

There are numerous sponsorship packages available such as season tickets, match sponsors and pitch advertising boards. Please check the Culter FC website www.culterfc.co.uk for further details. The Hospitality Suite/Committee room at Crombie Park is 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 the 2013-2014 season. Gordon Thomson Culter FC President

CULTS CRICKET CLUB

y the time you read this article, the 2014 Season will have started. This will of course be subject to the prevailing weather conditions. Cricketers in the north-east are a hardy bunch and yes you can play in thermals, but can difficult to bowl in wellies. Cults CC, as with most amateur sports clubs, are always on the lookout for players. If you fancy a game, we cater for all ages and levels of ability, so please get in touch. My contact details are at the bottom of this article. We have a particularly busy season this year. Our senior XI’s, are taking part in not only their respective League campaigns and their own Cup competitions, as well as the Small Clubs’ Cup, the Turriff Cup, The Grades 7’s, and some guys take part in the Legends Evening League side too. So there is plenty cricket to play for this season. This season’s games at Cults are: Saturdays: 1st and 2nd XI home games. Sunday: 1st XI Cup ties Monday: Junior games/nets Tuesday: Legends Wednesday: Juniors games/nets Thursday: Senior nets Friday: Day off The winter has been strange this year, comparatively mild but extremely wet. Allan Park Stadium has experienced more flooding this winter than 10

previous years and this has taken its toll on our buildings. The ground itself has wintered not too badly and we have tidied up the detritus from the flooding. No trees washed onto the square this year! I hope that spring and early summer is kind to us and I can get decent strips prepared for the season. We, as a Club, are working closely with the Friends of the Allan Park to continue improvements that have started to be made. The Allan Park is a much more pleasant place to visit. Cults CC has to fundraise every year and are always on the look out for sponsors. Many thanks to all those who have helped us in the past. If you can sponsor Cults or know of anyone who can then, please contact me. Let us hope for a dry, sunny and warm summer and that the cricket is of good quality. Do pay a visit on match days and come and watch this fabulous sport. Ian Sutherland 01224 742833 07815 637407 thesutherlandfamily@btinternet

47TH ABERDEEN (CULTER) CO. THE BOYS BRIGADE

hat’s us almost at the end of another session once again, finishing on Thursday 15 May, with our Annual Open Night at Culter School, starting at 6:45pm. Parents, relatives and friends are all welcome to come along to see some examples of what the boys get up to on a Thursday night, followed by the Promotions and Prize Giving.

The Junior Section recently took part in the Aberdeen and District Battalion Bisset Trophy event at Boys’ Brigade Head Quarters in Crimon Place, Aberdeen on the 15 March. This the first time the Company has entered this competition and they did extremely well, winning three out of the five rounds and ran out as worthy winners. Well done to the team of Ross McKay, Josh Clayton, Elliot Brodie and Noah Sakapaji. They also entered their Battalion Unihoc competition on the 15 February, but were unable to retain their trophy from last year, finishing as runners up.

Six Senior Boys (15+) from the Company Section represented the Aberdeen Battalion at the Scottish Senior Sevens Football event at Forthbank, Stirling on the 16 April, along with four boys from the 1st Skene Company. They finished in a creditable 3rd place out of eight Battalions from across Scotland in our first time in this competition. The event was won by the Airdrie Battalion, with Falkirk Battalion in 2nd place. Both had strong teams, scoring 29 & 31 goals and conceding 3 & 4 goals respectively in their seven games. Airdrie beat Falkirk 3 – 1 in a tight, hard fought crunch game, which saw one team finish with only five players on the pitch! We, on the other hand, only scored 19 goals and conceded 12 in winning four out of our seven games. Our annual Summer Camp will take place as usual: Advance Camp 4 – 6 July, Seniors 9 – 11 July and Boys Week 11 – 18 July. Visitors’ Day is on Sunday 13 July, from 2 – 4 pm, where parents, relatives, friends are welcome to come and see how the boys are getting on at the campsite. Hopefully we will manage to resurrect the Boys v Dads Football which hasn’t happened for the last few years mainly due to weather! Any 47th Old Boys are more than welcome to join us for Visitors’ Day, as well or at any other time during the camp, although we’re not guaranteed to be there. However, if you would like to come up during the Advance Camp to help setting up the campsite you will know where to find us if not at the campsite! Mike Reid Company Captain

ALFIE’S TRUST

n May, Alfie will be back down to Great Ormond Street Hospital for his sixmonthly review. It will be a busy time, with many specialists to see. Whilst there, we will be talking again with the Head of Research to discuss further the genetic research project that will start soon on Lymphangiomatosis.

Alfie’s Trust marked Rare Disease Day on 28 February this year by hosting an information stand at the main entrance of the Riverside East building of Robert Gordon’s University. Representatives from a number of organisations

including Susan Stewart from NHS Grampian, Natalie Frankish from Rare Disease UK and senior lecturer Dr Winifred Eboh from RGU’s School of Nursing and Midwifery, engaged with large numbers of students and staff who were keen to learn more about rare diseases – which are considered rare if they affect less than 1 in 2,000 of the population. At the time of writing this, RunBalmoral is only a few weeks away. We have fantastic support again with one hundred and fifty people taking part. We would like to thank everyone that signed up and pledged to raise sponsorship for Alfie’s Trust. In June this year, the Milne family are off to Dallas to attend the first Patient Conference for patients and families affected by Lymphangiomatosis and Gorham’s Disease. This Conference, part funded by Alfie’s Trust, will bring over forty sufferers together, along with family members. This will be a very special opportunity for Alfie to meet other children like him and for families to get together to share experiences. Throughout the conference, twelve specialists will be speaking about treatments, research and future clinical trials. This special event is the first of its kind bringing sufferers together from all over the world. Thank you for your continued support. Tracy and Mark Milne www.alfiemilne.org.uk

out & about

ebruary and March gave sunshine and fine weather, but April is delivering a more seasonally expected set of conditions. Inland heavy and prolonged snow has delivered a bumper season for winter sports, but coastal regions started to see butterflies and bees in February when many of our birds made an early start to nesting. We never got the late ‘cold snap’ so wildlife is reproducing healthily and many garden birds are on their second brood.

I was captivated to witness the now relatively rare courting ritual of two pairs of Lapwings over newly ploughed fields just to the west of the village in 11

late March. The distinctive calls and acrobatic paired flight stirred deep emotional links to childhood when huge flocks and this now rare ritual were commonplace. At the back of Leuchar Moss, in bright sunshine, watching Roe Deer graze whilst my dogs were pre-occupied with a rabbit warren and perched warmly on a large flat stone, I became aware of activity overhead and was treated to close inspection by five Red Kites. I have never witnessed more than three together before and was delighted as they quartered closely overhead with every perfect detail visible. They are truly magnificent birds and seemed at ease in my presence. Maybe they had been reared in captivity and of course I had no camera to hand to record their grace and beauty. Wild flowers are now bursting to life in every hedgerow, verge, meadow and wood with trees and bushes coming into leaf. Bracken is showing its curls and broom erupting into glorious yellow. Magnolia and quince, rhododendron and jasmine, daffodils and tulips are all flowering in gardens and it is such a privilege to be ‘out and about’ in Culter. DJW

DEE-CIDERS WALKING GROUP

lovely sunny day a couple of weeks ago, we had on our calendar a trip to climb Scolty Hill. It is a relatively easy climb through conifers and on good paths. We started at Banchory, a very familiar town just eighteen miles from our Granite City. Scolty Hill supports a very tall monument on its flat grassy top, and that was our aim for the day. We parked the cars (no minibus this trip - it was in for repair) in the free car park off Dee Street on the left hand side. We walked south, crossed the river and climbed up the steps just beyond the gated entrance to, I think, the Blackhall Estate. We turned right at the top along a minor road with a high wall to one side. The dandelions were in full bloom, making it very colourful. Not far along this road is a sign to Scolty Hill. You are now in woodland. There are way markers for the three routes to the top and you can make use of the map on the information board. It is a steady climb to the 12

monument at the top. It is dedicated to General William Burnett, who after a distinguished military career with Wellington, became equerry to George III. On his retirement from the army, he acquired the Banchory Lodge Estate, and on his death - a wee while ago! his friends and tenants built the monument (in 1840). On reaching the monument, you may be tempted to clamber up inside. The views of our lovely countryside are even more spectacular, especially on such a beautiful sunny day. Many many of you have probably climbed Scolty, because it is so near to Aberdeen and Banchory is such a popular town for us. A worthwhile climb, cold and windy at the top, but just a few metres down out of the wind, a very pleasant lunch break. Another walk near at hand, taken on a terrible day of weather, was to an ancient estate where the Bishops of Aberdeen had a summer palace and shooting lodge eight centuries ago. Having just been at the River Dee, we are now in the area of the River Don. Aberdeen is fortunate, lying between two lovely but very different rivers, the Don and the Dee. “Ae mile o’Don’s worth twa o’Dee Except for salmon, fish and tree.” We started our walk in Kemnay, crossing the Don by Kemnay Bridge and on a short distance to the entrance to the Estate of Fetternear. On entering the gates, passing a lodge on the left, the track heads through Fetternear Woods. You come to a rather dilapidated bridge, which crosses a burn and there in front of you is the ruins of the Bishops Palace. It must have been a wonderful building in its day. The palace, no longer being used as an episcopal residence, became uninhabitable in the middle of the 16th Century, and the Barony passed on to the Leslies of Balquhain. As the weather was so awful, the consensus was to have a bit of a walk around the estate and then back into Kemnay for a cuppa at Ross the Baker’s and then home. That day could have turned out better and longer and more interesting if the weather was different – next time we will make sure of it. Jean Duff

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CULTER MILLS SOCIAL CLUB

he Club has a busy summer planned.

BOWLING

The Bowling season opened on Saturday 19 April and we were all raring to go. If you have never played before and would like to have a try out please come down on any Sunday morning from 10 am, equipment and coaching is provided. Meet some of the characters and find out the attraction of this Sport at the Culter Green. GALA EVENTS

A Gala dance on 17 May from 8 pm to midnight with Tutti Fruitti, of television and radio fame will kick off Gala Week. So come and enjoy a Rock’n Roll fun night. Entry is £10 with tickets available from the club, all welcome. On 23 May we are hosting the Gala Quiz at 8 pm and on 30 May will enjoy Prize Bingo at 7.30 pm. On Gala day itself, enjoy a Family Day with Kids Karaoke in the Hall from 4.30 - 6.30 pm. ENTERTAINMENT IN THE HALL

On 21 June we are holding a Ladies Afternoon Tea with “Fizz and Fashion.” Park your men in the bar and come and enjoy an afternoon with your friends. Entry is £10, which includes a complimentary drink and raffle. Come along on 27 June for a Quiz Evening at 8 pm. To enter a team of four, please call Harry or Alison on 733578. If you don’t have a team of 4, come along anyway as teams can be made up on the night. Start your Trades holiday with a selection of popular music by Blitzt at 8 pm on 12 July entry £3 (members) £4 (non members) pay at the door. We have an Acoustic Sunday Session in the Lounge with Cara Mitchell and her support act on Sunday 13 July from 2 to 5 pm. Cara was main support to Emeli Sande in 2013 at an Aberdeen Music Hall event, so this is one date not to miss. 9 August: Music by the ever popular Moonshine at 8 pm entry £3 (members) £4 (non members) pay at the door

Recorded music, on 29 May, 12 & 26 June, 10 July, 7 & 21 August and 4 September. Live music by Johnny Duncan on 24 July and Charlie Esson on 18 September. SATURDAY NIGHT DANCES

8 pm to 11.30pm. Entry charge includes tea/coffee and biscuits. 21 June: Music by Johnny Duncan 19 July: Music by George Rennie 16 August: Music by George Rennie 13 September: Music by Wayne Robertson BUSY FINGERS CRAFT CLUB

The Club meets every second Thursday 1 to 4 pm in the Lounge. Dates from 22 May onwards. If you would enjoy an afternoon of friendship and laughter please come and join us with your craftwork. SNOOKER AND DARTS

The club’s snooker section goes from strength to strength. We recently hosted the North of Scotland Snooker Championship and we will be entering two teams next season, which starts in August. You are invited to view our facilities which probably the best in Aberdeen. We welcome the re-formed Darts Team to the club. On 27 April we were the venue for the West Aberdeenshire Darts League Finals Day and presentation. And finally, following on from the success of our Open Day last year, we will repeat it on 20 September. CULTER MILLS SOCIAL CLUB AGM Sunday 29 June at 11am. All members are welcome.

To keep up-to-date with what is happening in the Club, visit our FB page at www.facebook.com/cultermillclub to check out dates and the activities available for members and guests please see the Club Web Site www.cultermillclub.com NEW MEMBERS WELCOME!

WEEKLY SUNDAY BINGO

22 August Prize Bingo at 7.30 pm TEA DANCES

Fortnightly, on Thursdays from 1.30 to 4 pm. 13

Camphill School

his term we welcomed inspectors both from the National Autistic Society as well as from the Care Inspectorate for their regular visits. I am glad to be able to share with you that we have received very good reports from both regulatory bodies. We remain the only school in the City accredited with the National Autistic Society and hope that this repeated recognition will enable us to continue to offer a first class service to children and young people with autism.

As part of our commitment to partnership working within the locality, we recently hosted and presented at a SCILL (Supporting Children in Learning for Life) workshop for parents and carers of children and young people with additional support needs. More than eighty people attended the event at our Milltimber Campus. In the morning,we heard talks about how to promote resilience and self-esteem. Later in the day attendees participated in a variety of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;hands onâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; activities around the theme of relaxation. Currently the school is undergoing restructuring and a new Management team, including an Executive Director, have been appointed. As part of our vision for the future, we will be developing more places for those needing a fifty-two week placement, as well as others who may live locally and need an intensive therapeutic programme linking home, local school and Camphill. We will be expanding our early childhood work at the younger end of our age spectrum, while also redesigning our services for young adults so that they become more easily available for people with self-direct payments and personal budgets. Our intention is to link evermore with colleagues in the City and Shire and to make the boundary between Camphill and the locality more permeable. These are exciting times and we are looking forwards with enthusiasm. Laurence Alfred 14

107 (ABERDEEN) SQUADRON AIR CADETS

our cadets were selected for an Air Experience Flight in our Grob Tutor aircraft, which gives them around twenty five minutes flying time and the chance to handle the controls under direction of the instructor. Another four will be selected for our March flying allocation.

Three cadets took part in the North East Scotland Wing Cross-Country Competition with Cdt Carl Fuhrmann gaining a Silver medal in the over-17s Boys Competition. On our February sports evening, a group of cadets went to a swimming pool for their basic Swimming Proficiency test. Five cadets passed. Many cadets at the Squadron have First Aid qualifications and refresher training has been given in preparation for the Wing First Aid Competition, which is to be held during March. To commemorate the centenary of the First World War, Aberdeen Opera Company performed “Oh What a Lovely War” at the Aberdeen Arts Centre. Throughout the week cadets from 107 (Aberdeen) Squadron attended the performances to collect on behalf of Erskine Hospital, which cares for exService and Serving men and women, providing rehabilitation, nursing and dementia care in homes throughout Scotland.

We will be sending cadets to two camps in April, a Radio Controlled Model Aircraft Flying camp and a week-long camp at an RAF Base. 107 (Aberdeen) Squadron is currently recruiting cadets aged from 13. Contact the Squadron for more information on (01224) 590679 (Mon & Wed Evenings) or visit our website www.107aircadets.org. We are located at the Prince Charles Cadet Centre, Albury Road, Aberdeen.

CULTER 50+ WALKING GROUP

e still have a healthy membership of some twenty-six walkers, even though some of our last year’s members have decided not to join us this year. We shall miss their company and hope to see some new faces to take their place. We have had some pleasant walks during this first quarter of the year and even though the weather forecasts were poor, on occasion we managed to walk in dry weather, though sometimes it was a little muddy underfoot. Our walks took us along pathways such as the Railway line from Duthie Park to Culter, Hill of Banchory, Hazlehead, Castle Fraser, the Benachie Centre and Laurencekirk. All of these walks were through beautiful scenic countryside and on some occasions there were lovely patches of snowdrops and latterly daffodils along the way. We had pleasing numbers of walkers on all of these walks, between 12-17 walkers on each occasion. Our mid-April walk will take place at Tullos Hill and will be led by a ranger.

This walk will interest all our members, as there is nature and wildlife, historical remains and up-to-date on-going work on this landfill site. Sheila Jones (Secretary) 01224 732241

CULTER PIPE BAND

he 47th Culter Boys B rigade Pipe Band has recently celebrated their 75th Anniversary. The Band is very active and is busy preparing for this year’s Piping Competitions and performing at engagements locally.

The Band meets weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8 – 9 pm at the newly renovated Culter Mills Social Club. We also have a strong Learners Section where the young members also meet weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7 – 8 pm at the Culter Mills Social Club. All prospective pipers and drummers are welcome to come along whatever their ability. Look out for the band at this year’s Culter Gala, when they will be playing on several occasions. For more information about the Band please contact: Pipe Major Neil-John Robertson 0777 5926387 neil_john1987@icloud.com Leading Drummer Gavin Morrison 0773 6784448 gavin.morrison@redbackdrillingtools.com or come along to one of the band practices. You will be very welcome. Alison Marsh Culter Pipe Band in action

CULTER LIBRARY Get ready for the 2014 Library Summer Reading Challenge!

he theme for this summer is “Mythical Maze”, which invites children to discover more about myths and legends from all over the world. By taking part in the Summer Reading Challenge through Aberdeen City Libraries, and trying to read six books over the summer, you can join the mythical creatures who are this year’s stars of the Summer Reading Challenge. Minotaur, Unicorn, Yeti, Mermaid, Dragon, Nessie, Garuda, Leprechaun, Medusa and Anansi will also appear on a free downloadable app featuring interactive activities, clues and rewards.

Collect stickers and incentives as you work your way through the Challenge and explore different zones on the Maze. There will be more activities plus hidden ‘treats’ for children to unlock on the Mythical Maze website at www.mythical-maze.co.uk which will go live before the summer holidays and there will be themed activities in libraries during the holidays.

The Summer Reading Challenge is aimed at children aged 4 and over but younger brothers and sisters can join in by sharing books with family and carers. Bookbug story and rhyme sessions for younger children will continue over the holidays. BOOKBUG STORY & RHYME SESSIONS Culter Library Thursday 24 July 10.30 – 11.15 am Thursday 21 August 10.30 – 11.15 am SUMMER READING CHALLENGE

Mythical Maze event at Culter Library Thursday 7 August 2.30 – 3.45 pm For more information contact Culter Library on 01224 732587 CulterLibrary@aberdeencity.gov.uk or visit the Aberdeen City Libraries’ website www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/library

LOCAL MUM ON PHOTO AWARD WIN HIGH

n just over a year since she first picked up a camera to photograph her new baby, local Culter mum Vivienne Cruddace has scooped awards from two of the biggest Photographic Societies in the UK.

Vivienne, of Vivienne Elizabeth Photography, was delighted to receive a Highly Commended Award from the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers in January for her

image of one year-old Amelia, which was also recognised by The Guild of Photographers with a Bronze Award. February brought more success with three further Bronze awards from The Guild! Lesley Thirsk (Director of the Guild) said that she is “delighted that Vivienne has achieved these bars, as The Guild has very demanding standards when judging photographic competitions. The judging is undertaken by a panel of internationally recognised experts from a variety of photographic backgrounds and all of the points from nine months of the competition accumulate at the end of the twelve months towards ‘Guild Photographer of the Year’” Vivienne offers newborn, baby and family photography in the Aberdeen area, and can often be found along the Deeside Railway Line with a camera in hand. She says “I am over the moon to have my work recognised by two very well respected photographic societies. However, my main priority is to provide images for parents to love and treasure forever, and I’m looking forward to working with lots of families this year” Contact Vivienne on 07958 218 910 www.vivienneelizabethphotography.co.uk

CULTER YOUTH FC

he club welcomed Bryan Robson, former Man Utd & England Captain to a packed Hilton Tree Tops as the guest speaker for the Annual Fundraising Dinner. The evening was a tremendous success and the Club would like to thank all the support

and donations received to help ensure a successful night. In January, the club maintained its Standard Level Quality Mark from the SFA which is fantastic achievement for all those involved. We are now looking to progress this over the coming year to achieve the Developmental Level. This would entail further investment from our coaches to achieve the next coach course level. To support this, the Club is always looking to expand our coaching staff and would appeal to all those interested who may be keen to get further involved. All the teams have coaches in place, but sharing the load and new ideas/approach are always welcomed. Please get in touch if you are interested in helping out. Football Development Officers are a big part of the progression of the Club and these roles involve overseeing a range of age-groups, to give guidance and share expertise. With these roles, the Club would be keen to invite currently qualified coaches who may have already been through the SYFA coaching process but have ‘hung up their boots’. Please get in touch if you want to discuss this role further. PRESENTATION NIGHT

We look forward to the Presentation Night, which will be on 11 June at Cults Academy. This is the Club’s opportunity to recognise each team and individual players for outstanding achievements over the past season. NEW PLAYERS

The club has a healthy interest from players wanting to join the Club and all teams would welcome new players, so please contact us on culteryouthfc@gmail.com to find out what we can offer. Kirstin Gove

RETURN OF THE RED SQUIRREL

S Footprints connect WANTING HELP WITH YOUR COMPUTER OR TABLET?

re you 55 years old or over and want some basic help to use a computer or other digital ‘tablet’ device? Can you attend a two-hour session once a week for four weeks, on Wednesday afternoons at Coronation Court, School Road, Peterculter? In conjunction with Bon Accord Care at Coronation Court, we have arranged for a trainer from PC Inspire to run community sessions in Culter – they’re free and friendly: There are two places still available for the four sessions on: 14 May, 21 May, 28 May and 4 June. There are eight places available for the four sessions on: 11 June, 18 June, 25 June and 2 July. First come first served – please get in touch with Dorothy if you’d like to book a place. E: info@footprintsconnect.org.uk Tel: 07771 296612 If you are unable to leave your home, we may still be able to offer some help with a home visit. And do check out our website www.footprintsconnect.org.uk John Tomlinson

taff from the “Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels” (SSRS) project have been delighted with the number of sightings of the native red squirrel from the Culter area in the last year. Many local residents will be familiar with the red squirrels further up Deeside but are perhaps less aware that some may be living right on their doorstep!

Project Officer Stephen Willis said “We have always known of the reds in the Culter area but in the last while we have had an increase in records from the public. They are resident in woods all around Culter and increasingly seem to be visiting people’s bird feeders.” Red squirrels are found throughout the area - from the woods at Newmillhill to the Golf Course. They are not alone though, as the non-native grey squirrel is found in many of the same woods. As SSRS enters its third phase, their work in Scotland’s northeast will continue to focus on targeted and coordinated trapping of grey squirrels. Trapping figures were encouraging last year, helped in large part by members of the public hosting a trap in their garden.

With an increase in our trapping coverage we have seen some extremely encouraging results. At Hazlehead Park on the edge of the City, which used to be

home to a huge grey squirrel population, we are seeing signs of the red squirrel population recovering. One of the project’s Grey Squirrel Control Officers has even started catching red squirrels in our traps for the very first time. The reds were all released unharmed. We are heavily reliant on the public to report their squirrel sightings of both reds and greys via the website www. scottishsquirrels.org.uk. The Project is keen to improve our coverage in the area. If you would like to join our trap-loan scheme then please feel free to get in touch with Project Officer, Stephen Willis. One of the Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels staff can come and meet and talk you through the process. We can be reached by email on swillis@scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk or by phone on 01224 266526.

SCOTCH BROTH Traditional Music Group

e’re having a busy Spring this year - in March we were asked by Culter Church to provide the entertainment for a Senior Citizens’ Tea. We enjoyed the afternoon as much as the audience, including the most enjoyable refreshments and, of course, the Minister’s comedy turn, the ‘Rev I M Jolly’, new to many of us and what fun! Revolutionary Route to your Ideal Weight Loss

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By the time you receive this ‘Courier’ we shall have also contributed to St Peter’s Heritage Trust’s 15th Birthday Celebrations, playing a short spot in the Centre itself this time, on 17 May. A week later we’re trying something new by arranging a day’s workshop for ourselves with a visiting tutor - new ideas and inspiration, we hope! We also aim to find a new leader for our informal Sunday sessions over the Summer, when we continue to play for pleasure. 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 18

Peter’s Heritage Hall, below the Old Culter Station. Regular numbers are the highest we’ve ever had but there’s always room for more. Christine Miller Tel: 01224 730091

fire service ACTIVE CITIZENS WILL SAVE LIVES SAY FIRE SERVICE

irefighters want active citizens to help protect their communities by putting vulnerable people in touch with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS).

There have been almost 21,000 accidental house fires in Scotland since new records began in 2009 – the incidents saw more than 4,500 people injured and claimed 191 lives. Residents throughout the country are being urged to play their part in preventing fire tragedies, with officers issuing a community call to action as the latest stage in the Join Scotland’s Fight Against Fire campaign. Aberdeen’s Prevention and Protection Station Manager Mike Cordiner, explained: “Many people who will experience a house fire will be vulnerable in some way. They might suffer from an age related illness or perhaps be in poor physical or mental health. Family members, neighbours, friends or colleagues are often uniquely placed to identify someone at risk and help protect them from fire. Discussing fire safety and encouraging someone to contact us is a very simple but powerful action that could save their life. Firefighters have seen too many tragedies that could have been prevented if the householder had been made aware of the risks in their home and had been advised of some simple steps to stay safe. Active citizens are crucial to protecting our communities from fires and the deaths, injuries and damage that occur as a result of these incidents.” Last year the Fire Service carried out more than 2,500 free Home Fire Safety Visits across Aberdeen. Some of these activities were undertaken

after referrals from partner agencies and members of the public, but we want to increase this number of referrals. Firefighters deliver our Home Fire Safety Visits in a manner that is nonjudgmental and at all times deeply respectful of people’s lifestyles and circumstances”. “Our message is clear – active citizens help us save lives. We want to hear from anyone who knows someone that could benefit from expert fire safety advice and support”. Call 01224 788758 today to ask for advice or make a referral for someone in need of help.

SOLSTICE NURSERIES PLANT SALE AND GUILD COFFEE MORNING

Sat 24 May 10.30 am – 1 pm

olstice Nurseries is having an Open Day event for people who wish to show their support. We are hoping that many of you will come along to see our nursery and find out a bit more about us and our work. Solstice Nurseries is a social firm (that is a not for profit organisation), which works with people who are recovering from mental health issues.

We are having a plant sale on Saturday 24 May between 10.30 and 1 pm, and the local Guild have kindly agreed to come and share this event with us. Admission to this event is by donation for Solstice funds, and we will be

selling plants and bric-a-brac as well as a few other activities. The Guild will provide lovely refreshments and home bakes – great value for money! They will also have a couple of fundraising stalls for themselves. We are a wholesale nursery that sells heathers, herbaceous, shrubs and alpine plants to the trade retail market, but this is a superb opportunity to share our plants with the general public. Drumduan walled garden is a beautiful site situated in the Banchory and Leggart Estate and we look forward to sharing it with all who attend. We hope that you can come and support us with this event. Location/main entrance off South Deeside Road Drumduan Walled Garden Banchory-Devenick AB12 5YL Tel: 01224 865907

CULTER THEATRE CLUB

he Theatre Club Juniors had great fun last month when they put on their very own show, “Big Bad & Little Red” and performed it live one Sunday afternoon to a great crowd. Not only were the audience treated to a super play, but they also got tea, coffee and cakes, all produced by Theatre Club members and supporters. We’re very proud of our Juniors for putting on such a professional performance.

Meanwhile, the club is now into its rehearsals for the summer show this year. This show is going to consist of two one-act plays, run back-to-back (with an interval of course!) It promises to be a great comedy night out: “Last Tango In Little Grimley” Little Grimley Amateur Dramatic Society is in trouble. The membership has dwindled to four and the audience isn’t much bigger. If they don’t come up with some rent money soon, they’re going to be thrown out of the village hall. Gordon, the chairman argues that there is only one thing that sells tickets these days: SEX. Thus begins the chaotic and hilarious build-up to an evening of extraordinary home-grown drama.... an evening the locals would never forget! “Last Panto in Little Grimley” The first sequel to “Last Tango” and sees the four club members - Gordon, Margaret, Joyce and Bernard - tackle the Christmas Panto with predictably hilarious results. Gordon is again ‘in control’ and produces an adult script for Puss in Boots to attract the audience. Unfortunately he hasn’t reckoned on a faulty word processor, less than stateof-the-art lighting or Bernard’s banana habit to prevent things going as smoothly as he would like. The show will take place on the evenings of 13 and 14 June, and we’ll have Bring Your Own Bottle, and snacks/nibbles for the audience too. For details of when tickets will be available check out our webpage at www.cultertheatreclub.co.uk Colin Jones Culter Theatre Club Chairman

The Theatre Club Juniors being Big, Bad and Red!

Carriage Driving for the Disabled

rom April to September, the Maryculter group meet every Wednesday afternoon at Maryculter Home Farm on South Deeside Road. The aim is to give the disabled an opportunity to manage a horse and carriage, assisted by an Able Bodied Driver (AB Whip).

We have twelve disabled drivers and approximately thirty volunteers who assist them to have an enjoyable drive through Templars’ Park, alongside the River Dee, or through the fields of Home Farm, using two horses called Corbie and Casse. Trained AB Whips sit alongside the disabled driver and volunteers walk alongside. A cyclist travels in front and to the rear and other volunteers walk alongside. It is a fantastic opportunity to assist and inspire people with disabilities and is a very worthwhile way to while away a few hours in an afternoon. Our lovely tea ladies provide coffee, tea and cakes and there’s always time for a good natter! If you have the time and feel you would like to join our happy group, in any capacity, please come along and join us. We are always happy to meet new volunteers. We are currently looking for a Secretary to join the committee

so if paperwork is more your thing we will be glad to welcome you! Please call or email: Irene Heale: irene.heale@ifb.co.uk Tel: 01224 735504 Kees Witte: monearn@btconnect.com Tel: 01224 732738 Carol Masson: carolmasson@btinternet.com

EASTLEIGH CARE HOME

ur lovely care home continues to enjoy a bright and lively atmosphere on a daily basis. Sadly our Home Manager, Louise Marshall, has left us and is pursuing a new venture, which has been a lifelong ambition for her. We wish her all the very best of luck and success. Morag Coburn our clinical lead has stepped up to Manager, a role Morag is very familiar with, so we wish her well too.

Pepperwood Care continue to improve both inside and outside at Eastleigh. We have had extensive landscaping work done to the external garden area. Culter in Bloom have very kindly offered a garden upgrade, as the warmer weather approaches. We will see new flowerbeds, a variety of fruit trees and various plants and shrubs being planted. Our resident’s participation will be very much considered, by having gardening hand tools available for them to be able to weed and plant from the level of a chair or wheelchair. We continue to enjoy entertainments, with the ever-popular Friday

afternoon sing-a-long and our various entertainers who bring along songs from a time of reminiscence. Our residents are also looking forward to another visit from The Puppet Gang. We continue to plan ahead with our fundraising with a quiz night. We also have a Spring Fayre planned for Saturday 21 June at 2 pm for which we have already received offers of hand-crafted donations for our stalls. We welcome all family, friends and neighbours in our local community. Thanks to everyone who has visited and supported us along the way. The warm and friendly atmosphere is still attracting staff and residents alike and long may it continue. If you would like to come join us at Eastleigh as a co-worker or view Eastleigh for a loved one please contact Morag or Jackie on 01224 734718. Best Wishes Morag Coburn Home Manager

ROTARY CLUB

he Rotary Club of Aberdeen Deeside has been working closely for several years with our Rotary partners in Uganda,helping to rebuild Kitarasa, a school in the Fort Portal area of Uganda. It was affected by an earthquake in 1994 resulting in the total collapse of one of the former classroom blocks.

This catastrophe caused an overcrowding problem and over six hundred

pupils were taught in the remaining nine classrooms. We were successful in obtaining a Rotary District Grant (£3,000) for the refurbishment of two classrooms at the school. The grant was multiplied to over £9,000 by Aberdeen Deeside’s own fundraising and donations from partner clubs Dyce and Oldmeldrum. The project started in February 2014. It was delivered through the UK charity One Brick at a Time (OBAAT). OBAAT have a local office in Fort Portal with a volunteer Project Manager and a good track record of community building projects. Through the addition of water harvesting facilities and ongoing maintenance arrangements, this work has the sustainability credentials fostered by Rotary International. Local building students were supported by a skills exchange from UK building workers and a Rotakids linkup with schools in Aberdeen was facilitated by the Dyce club. Deeside project lead Doug Nisbet encouraged other clubs to consider becoming involved in a larger portfolio of projects as ‘This project was always considered a pilot’. The Rotary Club of Aberdeen Deeside is considering what else can be achieved with assistance from our overseas partners and we look forward to doing more to help schools in this remote area of Uganda. If you would like to find out more about Aberdeen Deeside, please visit the website at www.aberdeendeesiderotary.org.uk Or contact our secretary Quentin Tweedie on 07764 939752 or qtweedie@btconnect.com

CULTER HILLWALKING CLUB

noticed that the Courier appears with the change of season – last time I welcomed winter and now spring has appeared, although the weather in the hills has not been particularly kind yet.

Carn Liath at Inverey saw us struggling against strong winds as we searched for Sergeant Davies’ Cairn. Sgt. Davies belonged to the Government troops charged with keeping the peace after the 1745 rebellion. Five years after he vanished in 1749, he was found murdered, in all probability by two of his soldiers. They were brought to trial but found not guilty. His cairn is not at all grandiose and took some finding, even though we were armed with its grid reference (available on request!) April’s Sunday walk was threatened with very heavy rain and very high winds, so we took ourselves off to Tomintoul‘s benign climate, where the wind was barely gale force and there were definitely interludes without any rain at all...things can only get better... Upcoming walks are a coastal foray from Montrose (Mon 19 May), Cairntoul & Angel’s Peak (Sun 1 June), Carn Taggart & Carn an Tuirc (Mon 16 Jun) and Ben Avon & Beinn a’Bhuird (Sun 6 July). Please contact us for further details if you are interested – Della Russell 01330 820376 or Catherine Lacy 01224 733710. You can email culterhillwalkingclub@gmail.com and there is also more information at

www.culterhillwalking.org.uk or visit our Facebook page. Catherine Lacy

Where is that pesky cairn?

THE DEESIDE CHORISTERS

he Deeside Choristers’ next performance will be a joint service of Choral Evensong at St. Andrew’s Cathedral, on Sunday 11 May at 6.30 pm.

Among the music will be the magnificent Hubert Parry’s ‘I was glad when they said unto me’ which was sung at the Wedding of William and Kate. Everyone is welcome to this service. The Choristers are a very active choir of girls, boys, men and women who sing some of the finest music composed in the period from Elizabethan times to the present day. They sing in various languages, in various countries and various churches. Now in their 38th year, their aim is to be a centre of

excellence, following the tradition and repertoire of the great cathedrals. They hold their weekly practices in term time, every Wednesday at Camphill Hall on the Murtle Estate in Bieldside at 6.30 pm. As always the Choir would welcome new singers, especially boys and girls aged seven and above, and experienced tenors and basses. For more information, please see our website www.deeside-choristers.org.uk or phone Nancy 01224 741378.

CULTER SPORTS CENTRE

eterculter Sports Centre is your local leisure facility, run by Sport Aberdeen, a nonprofit making charitable trust. Our aim is to provide the local community with opportunities to participate in sport and leisure activities whilst offering best value.

FOR THE KIDS

We have recently started Pre- School Gymnastics classes for under 5’s. There are limited spaces left on our Monday & Thursday afternoon sessions, so please get in touch with us if you’re interested.

Our term-time coaching classes run on Thursday and Sunday afternoons and we’re offering Gymnastics and Badminton for 5-16 year olds. There are spaces, but booking is essential. Active Schools are running Basketball and Multi-Sports until July. These can be booked by contacting Magnus Moncreiff on 01224 865231 or email mmoncrieff@sportaberdeen.co.uk FOR OUR OLDER CUSTOMERS

We are also concentrating on delivering some new and exciting activities for our older customers including Otago, for strength and balance, Table Tennis and Walk Football, both beginning in May. We also are running our Health Walk groups on Tuesday morning throughout the year. FOR THE GROWN-UPS

Our Adult Badminton classes are so popular that we’ve started another class on Friday evening from 8 pm. This is running on a temporary basis to gauge interest. We also have our Fitness Studio and Aerobics classes running throughout the year. We have fourteen new Spin bikes being delivered this month, so if you’re interested, then booking is advised for our Wednesday night Spin class.

Ace Dog Walking & Pet Services Est. 2003

Family-run business providing for the needs of your Pet Dog Walking Pet Care Agility Training Classes, for fun or competition * Special Foundation/Beginner Class beginning soon * We also offer a Microchipping Service for your Pet This can be done in the comfort of you own home and is linked to Petlog National Database. All services offered are fully insured References on request

Maryculter • Cults • Banchory-Devenick • Portlethen For information please contact Yvonne on 07774132519 or email : yvonnereid65@me.com 22

OUR MAIN HALL

This is available to book three days in advance and we can accommodate many sports, subject to availability. Call 732069 or visit our website for more details on when classes are running: www.sportaberdeen.co.uk. James King Assistant Manager Peterculter Sports Centre

CULTER SCOUTS

ith the Culter Scouts having been confined to the Peterculter Church Hall for the last few months, the summer term provides us the opportunity to concentrate on outdoor activities. A number of our Scouts are participating in a week-long camp at Sluggan Bridge near Aviemore. This camp is not held in a campsite, rather they pitch their tents in a field with no mod cons like tap water or toilets! It will be a great opportunity for the Scouts to stretch their field-craft skills. Of late, we have had a quiet time on the fundraising front. This will change in May. Scouts will be leading the Duck Race (24 May) and look out for our Burger Stall at the Culter Gala (Saturday 31 May). However, last month we were lucky enough to receive a grant from EnQuest for a GoPro mini waterproof digital camera, which the Scouts are going to use to show everyone what we get up to through the year. All sections (Scouts, Cubs and Beavers) are currently full. However, should your child be interested in joining, please get in touch. We operate waiting lists and try to accommodate as many youngsters as we can manage. Finally, Culter Scouts are always on the look-out for additional help. If you are interested in finding out what is involved in becoming a Scout Leader please do not hesitate to get in touch. Alternatively if you cannot commit to helping regularly, you may wish to offer your services on our Committee – we have a number of vacancies and all help is gratefully appreciated. Dave Keay Group Executive Chair 58th Aberdeen (Culter) Scouts www.culterscouts.com

Leeds, celebrating media and commercial success within the media company. Familiarly known as ‘the Piper’, the newspaper was runner-up in the Title of the Year Small Weekly 2013 category of Johnston Press’ UK-wide competition, top spot going to an English title based in Bournemouth.

CULTER FLOWER SHOW 2014

he annual Culter Flower and Handicraft Show will take place on Saturday 16 August, opening at 2 pm in Culter Village Hall, when the winners, including those for the Culter Garden competition, will receive their trophies.

There will be displays of cut flowers, vegetables, house plants, hanging baskets, patio containers, flower arrangements, baking, knitting, needlework, crafts and photography. The children have their own section with classes for miniature gardens, flower arranging and baking. We now have our own website at www.culterflowershow.com and you can view or download the 2014 schedule there. However, we are maintaining the printed schedule too, so, if you want a copy or want to enter your own efforts in the Show, please contact Catherine Lacy (Tel: 733710) or email catherine.lacyroberts@btinternet.com

And do come along and support the Show, there’s always plenty to look at and admire! Catherine Lacy

Deeside Piper editor Mike Rankin also edits three other Angus County Press local weeklies, now part of UK-wide Johnston Press Ltd, which publishes around 60 British weeklies, The Scotsman, and Scottish Radio Holdings, so the award was a tremendous achievement for Mike and his team of four fulltime reporters. Mike said: “This very much a whole team award which reflects their hard work, diligence, enthusiasm and loyalty during 2013. “As a team we punch well above our weight and appreciate the recognition of our peers.” Angus County Press group editor Brian Stormont added: “The Deeside Piper has consistently been one of our best performing titles across Scotland in the past year.” The Piper appears every Thursday on all Deeside newsstands. News concerning individuals or groups, incidents or events, local issues or concerns, sad or happy occasions is always welcomed, as are requests for advertising. Page 10 is dedicated to Cults, Bieldside, Milltimber and Peterculter news. The area reporter and photographer is Kathleen Robertson. She knows the area well, moving to Cults with her family forty-five years ago, then on to Milltimber, Aboyne, until finally settling in the Culter area. A journalist and musician all her life, she wrote mainly for north east newspapers, magazines then latterly the Piper, while also working as a teacher of both English/Media Education, and Music. Kathleen’s contact details are (01224) 735501 or email sunhoneycottage@btinternet.com Culter resident Kathleen Robertson, Lower Deeside’s correspondent for the Piper

DEESIDE PIPER RUNNER UP IN NATIONAL PRESS COMPETITION

HE Deeside Piper & Herald received a major accolade at the annual Johnston Press Awards held in 23

resilience EMERGENCIES AND ME

e now have an active Resilience Plan, which has been linked with official Emergency Responders, to enable us to provide background support in the event of an emergency in the Culter area. Many thanks to the people who have volunteered to help, especially to the key team members who have worked very hard to develop a system as the first pilot scheme in Aberdeen. We would like to have a few more volunteers on our list, who could help out. We should hopefully never need to call on you, but would like to have a wider pool of potential helpers. Please email culterplan@gmail.com or call 01224 739181 if you are interested. We would also briefly would like to let you know what it should mean to you as an individual. Emergencies situations just happen, each one will be totally different and nothing can be predicted. How would you be affected and what could you do? 1. You have already been issued with helpful information. Know from this how you can help yourself. 2. Be aware of others in your community. Friends, close neighbours and acquaintances might need assistance or support. Consider how you might help or can get help to them. 3. Be aware of what is going on around you if the event is nearby. Listen to local radio.

police

BOGUS CALLERS

olice Scotland has learned of two incidents which have occurred in the past week, where people have cold called at homes, offering services or pretending to buy something. There is nothing to suggest at this stage that the incidents are linked, but we are investigating all possibilities and are keeping an open mind.

If you have a neighbour who may be vulnerable, we would ask that you take a little time to consider if all is well if they appear to be getting cold callers at their door or workmen suddenly appearing at their property frequently, but perhaps carrying out a limited amount of work. If you have concerns, contact Police Scotland on 101, or someone you know the person can trust, to make sure all is well. Generally, it undoubtedly will be fine, but your intervention may prevent someone from being victimised by a person with criminal intentions.

In both cases, the householders were elderly women, who granted access to their properties to the male callers. In the first incident, they were offered gardening services. Whilst they were distracted, the man stole a handbag and contents, including a two figure sum of money. In the second incident, the male stated he was an antiques dealer and was seeking to view any clocks, jewellery or other valuable items that may have been in the house. In this case, nothing was taken at the time. Whilst we have only heard of these specific matters at this time, we are aware that there may be more instances occurring which have gone unreported to us. There are a few simple messages we would like to share: • Do not permit a person who you don’t know and who cold calls at your door to enter your property, unless they have genuine identification and you can verify their identity. • If you have a security chain, use it until you are comfortable with the caller’s identity. • If you have permitted a person access to your home, do not leave them alone at any time. • If you feel uncomfortable at their presence, ask them to leave immediately. If they refuse to do so, call Police Scotland or someone else you can trust. • Do not agree to sell or hand over anything you don’t want to, particularly if you are feeling pressurised to do so. • Be careful of entering in to contracts, verbal or written, with people who may pressure you in to accepting their services. Remember, any genuine trader will provide you written notification of the work they intend to carry out and you have a seven day ‘cooling off’ period in which you can change your mind before they start any form of work at your property. If they cannot or will not provide this, do not make any agreement with them or allow them to start working. Finally, bogus callers generally, though not exclusively, tend to target those who are vulnerable or appear isolated and living alone. People can be vulnerable for a variety of reasons, for example on account of age, disability, mental health or any other matter. 25

VANS2U D RUM OA K

CAR . 24HR . TIPPER Mark Crawford 07738 857412 / 01330 811012 mark1garage@aol.com

Jumbos here Petals here

Transport to Healthcare Information Centre

Travel Advice for Medical Appointments

o you need advice about travelling to and from your medical appointment? The Transport to Healthcare Information Centre (THInC) can help. They provide practical transport advice for people who have difficulty getting to and from medical appointments in Grampian.

The service provides a dedicated telephone service offering guidance on accessing suitable transport options to get to and from appointments when they have no means of personal transport.

The centre can provide details of suitable bus or train times, contact telephone numbers and other services such as local dial-a-bus or voluntary car schemes. The centre is the first of its kind in the UK and is a joint initiative between Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeenshire Council, Moray Council, NHS Grampian, The Scottish Ambulance Service and Nestrans. THInC is one of the projects taken forward as part of the Health and Transport Action Plan. Please call THInC on 01343 567839 9 am - 4 pm Monday to Friday Calls are charged at local rate. Please note that THInC does not book transport but can assist with travel advice. Further information on the Health and Transport Action Plan can be found on the Nestrans website.

August deadline Articles & Adverts to be submitted by Tuesday 22 July

New NHS 24 Phone Number

If you are feeling unwell and need a telephone health assessment ... Use the new number for NHS Advice

Call 111

free of charge from any phone

CULTER CLASSIFIEDS SLIMMING WORLD CLASSES Peterculter Heritage Hall: Thursdays @ 9:30 am Banchory Royal British Legion: Tuesdays 5:30 and 7:30 pm Call Rachael on 07878 973766 LOCAL BUILDING CONTRACTORS Rae Brown & Co LTD. Est.1975 Kitchens, Doors, Windows, Roof Repairs, Plastering, Extensions, Loft Conversions. www.raebrown.co.uk 01224 723420 HOTEL WITH A DIFFERENCE Lovat Lodge Hotel, Nairn Specially adapted for disabled guests. Local excursions and in-house entertainment Call 01667 453298 www.lovatlodgehotel.co.uk PROFESSIONAL PIANO TEACHER Highest Educational Standard. Many years experience using British ABRSM system. Pupils age 4 to University Standard have achieved highest level of success. 07474 752658 tanyabrechin@hotmail.co.uk ATLANTIC BLUE HOLIDAY COTTAGE Comfortable croft house on west coast of Isle of Lewis. Peaceful, rural location, beautiful coastal views. Ideal for relaxation, coastal walks, wildlife, cycling and bird-watching. Tel: 01851 850357 www.atlanticbluecrofthouse.com 27

Culter Community Council Philippa Matthew Catherine Lacy Ian Langtry Brian Yule Lavina Massie Anne Russell Judith Dack Ivan Krapivin

739181 733710 734910 733307 732084 733384 734569 739041

Chair Secretary Treasurer Planning / Vice Chair Vice Chair Allan McKenzie 734455 AnnRussell 733384 Julia Crighton 735312

Culter Community Council Meetings: Held at the Pop-In on North Deeside Rd at 7 pm on: Thurs 22 May, Thurs 19 June, Tues 19 August. The AGM is on Mon 17 November 2014. Minutes are held at Culter Library.

Culter Courier Editor : Philippa Matthew 01224 739181 email: cultercourier@gmail.com

Advertising : Nicola Winter 01224 901297 51 Malcolm Rd Peterculter AB14 0XA email: courieradverts@gmail.com

Opinions expressed in the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Courierâ&#x20AC;? 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.

If you see the person who delivers your Courier ... please thank them, as they are a volunteer!