Foggie Gossip September 2005

One of Aberchirder's best known businesses has been sold.
	William Rennie (Willum), with his wife Elma, have decided to retire from the general merchant's shop where the family has been trading for 82 years. Although they will miss the daily contact with their many friends and customers, they are very much looking forward to a relaxing retirement in their new home at the western end of the village. In 1923, Bella Rennie set up shop next to the house at 112 Main Street, Aberchirder. Having moved from a small shop in North Street, she bought the house and baker's shop from Mr & Mrs Coull and set up as a general merchant. Her son, William John Rennie, who took over the business when his mother Bella passed away, married one of the shop assistants, Ivy. Their son, also William John Rennie (left), has been running the business since 1960 along with his wife Elma and more recently, their daughter Carol.
Willum and Elma have been more than just shopkeepers to the people in and around Aberchirder. Over the years they have helped numerous people in so many ways - far too many to mention. Never too busy to offer good advice or information, what they didn't know, they would go out of their way to find out just to be able to help. With Willum's experience and involvement with the former Town Council and many community and other groups, he had lots of contacts and would always have, or be able to get, the answer to anyone's question or problem. Although they are about to retire as shopkeepers, they will continue to be very much part of the community. We wish them a long and happy retirement. Since the early days of trading, 'Rennie's' shop has expanded and diversified to what it is today, a high quality, modern foodstore offering excellent products at very affordable prices and providing employment for 15 people.
The original shop and house	The shop in September 2005
The New Owners The business at 112 Main Street has been acquired by the Scottish Co-op and the changeover takes place on 24 September.
A spokesperson for Scottish Co-op has confirmed that all jobs will remain. The store will be closed until Tuesday 26 September but will open for "business as usual" that day. At a later date, the store is expected to close for a time while refurbishment takes place and the standard Co-op display and shop fittings are installed. After that is complete, the opening hours are likely to be extended. The Store will be managed by Paul Boyfield.

St Marnans Youth and Girls football teams were presented with their end-of-season medals and trophies.

The awards were handed out by Stewart Neilson of Banff Academy PE staff and James Pirie of Deveronvale FC coaching staff.

Seen below are players from various teams who received individual trophies.