The Foggie Gossip

November 2006 EDITION

Gale force winds on 26th October caused considerable damage to the woodland on Cleanhill on the southern fringe of Aberchirder.  A great number of trees were uprooted and many others suffered such wind damage  that they require to be felled.

Aberdeenshire Council were made aware of the situation and made the area as safe as possible soon thereafter.  Further work in clearing the fallen trees will be carried out by a team from the Scottish Wildlife Trust, Aberdeenshire Council and volunteers.

Uprooted Trees

One of the Main Pathways Blocked by Fallen Trees

Part of the Storm Damage

Prior to the closure of Rose Innes Nursing Home, a number of employees embarked on an SVQ level 3 course in Care at Moray College in Elgin.  Pictured above are (from left) Joyce Mackie, Liz Tough,  Jacqueline Chalmers and Darleen Nicol graduating on 13th October.  The course was also attended by former Rose Innes employees Meg Duncan, Margaret Birtwhistle and Suzanne Thom.

Many local farmers attended the visit and used the opportunity to question the Minister closely on support payments.

The recently published hard covered book
'The Waater Mannie'
shares memories and stories from the life of Neil Mutch.

Neil, who wrote the book in his own words and in the Doric tongue, has farmed at Rowantree Farm, Aberchirder, since 1959 but is better known as a water diviner and his skills are sought from far and wide.  He can be seen in many parts of the country with his home made divining rods (old Tri-ang bicycle forks with copper wire inside) searching for underground water or pipes and dangling his spinning watch checking the depth of the source.

The photograph on the front cover of the book was taken while Neil was on a water divining trip to the Isle of Man.  The organisers of a ploughing match wanted a true Scotsman to take the plough so Neil obliged.

A couple of years ago Neil discovered he also has healing hands and has helped many people and animals with various ailments.

The book is on sale at local shops and a number of book stores in the area priced £9.99

Wanted

Wanted

A new Drop-In centre has opened at the Scout Hall behind Marnoch Church Hall in Main Street.  It was first mooted by Brenda King as Church Youth Elder. Now, thanks to invaluable support from Ruth Brown, the recently appointed Youth Worker with Banff & District YMCA and Debbie Ray, Youth development Worker with Aberdeenshire Council, together with a local resident, the project has got off the ground.  Financial support is being given by Marnoch Church until such time as funds can be raised to pay for such things as heating etc.  Thanks also go to the local Co-op for their support in setting up and running the tuck shop.

The centre is open to all 12-18 year olds every Tuesday and Friday evenings from 7-10pm.  There has been a good attendance each evening with the young folk being led to organise what they want to do with guidance and encouragement from the leaders.  They also hope to take part and support various community projects in the future.

Can you help?

Although the group has various pieces of furniture, they would be delighted to hear from anyone who is perhaps renewing their 3 piece suite or trying to get rid of any comfortable chairs, sofas, music centres/stereos, lights, cupboards etc.  Anyone who feels they could donate any equipment or furniture or who could help in any way, please contact Brenda on 01466 780796.

COMMUNITY COUNCIL
 

No Agreement On Joint Projects

The Community Council recently hosted a follow-up meeting on the Community Action Plan when representatives of local groups came along to discuss possible ways ahead regarding youth activities and facilities.

A good number of people are putting in a lot of effort as volunteers to provide activities for young people. However by the end of the evening no agreement had been reached on groups working together on joint projects.

Copies of the Action Plan report are still available in the Library.

Goodbye Hanging Baskets

Many thanks go to Stephen Forrest and Duncan Robb for taking down all the hanging baskets. The contents will be used by Jonny Barton to make compost for a garden scheme he is helping with at Colleonard in Banff.

Spray Painting

Youth disorder in Huntly has recently spread to Foggie in the form of spray painted slogans. If you know which locals are responsible please call (anonymously) Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or Grampian  Police on 0845 600 5700.

Remember – the Police can only keep Aberchirder safe if you play your part.

COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
 

Aul’ Broon Still Selling Well

Sales of the book Aul’ Broon Fae Foggie Toon, are approaching the 1000 mark.

This will be a boost to the community as all proceeds will go to Association funds to help finance future projects for Aberchirder and district.

An ideal Christmas gift for home or abroad. On sale at Donald McKay’s and Aberchirder Pharmacy.

Christmas Lights

Association committee members and volunteers will be putting up this year’s festive display on Sunday 26 November (weather permitting), so volunteers are always welcome.

Donation bottles from the Bowling Club and Commercial Hotel will be emptied before the next Association meeting on Thursday 7 December.

To volunteer to help please contact Stephen Forrest on 780969.

The Hill

Visitors to the Hill will have seen the damage caused by wind in the larch plantation in particular. Jonny Barton is in contact with Aberdeenshire Council while a clearance plan is worked out. In the meantime please don’t put yourself in danger by going near the fallen trees.

If you would like to volunteer for some work on Cleanhill, please contact
Jonny Barton on 01261 812110

1964/65 Aberchirder Secondary 1 - A & B

CAN YOU FILL IN THE BLANKS?

Back Row from left:  ? , Billy Bean, David Smart, Leslie Watson, John McKenzie, George Wilson, Alistair Scott, Neil Mutch, John Riddle, George Bowie, _ Paterson.

Middle Row:  Norman Alexander, ? , Sandy Morrison, ? , ? , Alison Andrew, ? , ? , William Riddoch, ? , Abdul Satar.

Front Row:  ? , Aileen Shand, ? , Pat Murdoch, Mary Durno, Shirley Brown, Helen Youngson, Marion Davidson, Gladys Cooper, ? , Edna Donald.

You can email us here if you know the missing names.