The Foggie Gossip
May / June 2009 Edition      

The shelter remains cordoned off, not only to bus passengers, but to the local "Last of the Summer Wine" pensioners who meet there most mornings to catch up on the latest gossip and put the world to rights.  They are now on the homeless register until a new venue is found.

Planning Permission for the improvements to The Square was GRANTED by Aberdeenshire Council on 16th June 2009.  All efforts will now be focused on securing the necessary funding to allow the project to proceed at the earliest opportunity.
Sketches showing the enhancements to be carried out can be seen in the June 2008 issue of the Gossip.

All the Bodyguards serving in Iraq.  Billy is in the back row, 4th from right.

UK Foreign Secretary, David Miliband, on visit to Basra.

Billy seated on right during a break from escort duty.

Raising money for various charities, Richard Waters and Fiona Addison from Aberchirder Pharmacy took part in the Six Harbour Walk on 3rd May.  Organised by Buckie Rotary Club, money raised was going to McMillan Cancer Support (local), Meningitus UK, Capability Scotland (local), Buckie Pipe Band and other local charities.  A total of approximately £13,000 was raised for good causes.

Pictured below holding their certificates are Richard with his dog Molly and Fiona with her dog Ricky.  Fiona's son Kieran joined them on the walk.  Can you spot them in the video from YouTube?

Local businessman and entrepreneur (or wheeler/dealer as he prefers to be called) Robert C Bremner, affectionately known as Bingo, celebrated his 90th Birthday with his family on 16th May 2009 at Thainstone House Hotel.  With him were his 5 daughters, his son William and all their families - the 14 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

Bingo said, "I had many cards and gifts from near and far and would like to take this opportunity of thanking one and all for remembering me and making my "big day" a very special and most memorable occasion:  Foggie loon born and bred and just love ma hame - 'Sweet Foggieloan' : Hope to be here for a few good years yet - born 1919 and still going strong".

Other grandchildren not in picture above are : -
Simone Maclean, Lisa Fox, Amanda Stewart. Colvin Cruickshank, Garth Cruickshank, Barrie Nicol, Emma Bryce, Simon Rutherford, Andrew Bremner.
Holly, Jamie & Rowan Garrett and great -granddaughter Frankie Mia Walker.

Left: 'Birthday Boy' Bingo Bremner with his wife of almost 70 years, Annie.

They have 6 surviving children:
Ann, Elizabeth (Betty), Marion, Elsa, William & Janice.
(Son Robert Deceased 2005)

People visiting Aberchirder’s community woodland at Cleanhill will notice a big change as a result of the felling of its larch plantation during May 2009.

Around 60 years ago, 1.7 hectares (4.2 acres) of European larch was planted for commercial purposes . A decision was made to clear the area after a gale in October 2006 blew down a large number of the trees, blocking paths and creating a safety hazard. Short term work secured the pathways and woods but experts advised that the whole plantation had reached an age and condition where it should be harvested.

Cleared areas either side of one of the footpaths.
 

Having obtained a Forestry Commission felling licence, the Association’s Cleanhill Warden Jonny Barton spent much time in discussion with potential buyers before securing a contract with 'Euroforest' to cut and remove the timber.  He said: “We are very grateful for the advice and cooperation we received from Aberdeenshire Council's Landscape Services, Environmental Health and Transport & Infrastructure, which made the exercise possible.”

An automated harvester machine felled the whole plantation – apart from a small corner which is being retained as specimen trees – in four days in mid-May, Stacking and removal took a little longer than expected, not helped by some extremely wet weather.
 

As part of the felling licence, a plan for restocking of the area has been prepared.  This will involve planting a wide range of native species of trees, paid for with the proceeds of the sale of the larch.  Jonny Barton explained: “We have approached the Scottish Wildlife Trust to organise the planting later in the year and we hope to involve members of the community in some way, as it is their woodland.”
 

The event raised approximately £10,000 towards Aberchirder Sports Club developments.

Aberchirder Brownies held a fashion show on 27th May to raise money towards general funds.
Fashions were provided by Tesco, Huntly and a total of £450 was raised.

Back L-R:  Stacey MacLean, Emma Murray, Kirsty Ewen, Vickie Locke, Abbie Bowie, Amy Keith, Isla Jack, Janette Murray, Lucy McLean, Gemma Duguid, Lisa Williamson, Stephanie Acutt, Lucy Shand, Lauren Nattress, Kanisha Choudhury.
Front L-R (from little girl centre):  Lucy Forrest, Lindsey Proctor, Vicky Proctor, Emily Proctor.
 

Looking for Leaders

Volunteer Leaders are urgently required for Aberchirder Brownie Guide Unit & Aberchirder Rainbow Guide Unit.
For further information, please contact Helen Fowlie, Tel: 01466 780210

Above are seen Brownie Unit Leader Julie Allan (back 3rd left) and Assistant Leader Lisa Williamson (back 2nd left) receiving gifts on leaving the Brownies.
Julie is expecting her first baby at the end of July and Lisa is about to start a new career after finishing university.

1st Aberchirder Girl Guides meet on Wednesday evenings during school term.
Open to 10 - 14 year olds
(after 14yrs become a young leader)

For further details or to join the fun, contact
Elaine Robertson, Tel: 01466 780199

Kirsty Anne Ball was born on 2nd June 2009 at Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, weighing 8lb 5oz.  Proud parents Kate (nee Peden) and Jamie are seen here with Kirsty and 2 year old Josie. 

Kate, formerly of Causewayend Crescent, Aberchirder, is book-keeper at Jamie's signwriting and design business at Lochyside, Fort William.

Aberchirder's annual gala on Sunday 7th June, was a great success with some 55 teams of young footballers competing in their age groups.

Stewart Stevenson M.S.P. who paid a surprise visit, presenting prizes.
On the left is Billy Forrest, leader of St Marnans Youth.

Stewart Stevenson presenting a shield to captain of Deveron Blizzard

A Nose Job Diary

Written by One Who Nose!
Jan Garrett, Aberchirder

Price £5

All proceeds go to
Marie Curie Cancer Care.

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Tel: 01466 780244
or
email: HouseGarrett@aol.com