The Foggie Gossip
October/November 2010 Edition      

GRADUATION

                       

On 20^th October 2010 Grampian Police officers made themselves available to answer questions and give advice to residents in Aberchirder. They were also on hand to take confidential reports on drug dealing and antisocial behaviour within the area.

Officers had hand-out leaflets on property safety and ways of helping stop drug crimes in the locality.

Drug use, antisocial behaviour and associated crime were high on the list of reports and comments received from the public. Many residents were pleased to see a police presence in the village, though, as recent public meetings have shown, people would like to see a higher level of coverage.

A number of young mothers took their children to meet the police so they can learn how approachable the officers are.  There were also enquiries about joining the police force and reports of illegal parking and access obstructions.

Aberchirder Guides took part in the Electric Wizard parade in Macduff on 17 September, celebrating the life and work of magician and illusionist Walford Bodie.  The performance was organised by Theatre Modo who work in local communities producing theatrical performances of local historical events.  They enlist performers from local schools and other organisations.  The Foggie Guides volunteered to take part in the Macduff event and a member of staff from Theatre Modo visited the Guides each week for a few weeks giving them team work games and arranging the performance.

Picture by Andy Taylor, Banff

Two new benches were finally put in place in the refurbished Foggie Square on 13 October 2010.

Last of the Summer Wine (as they are fondly referred to locally) enjoy the first of the winter drams, celebrating the installation of two new seats on the paved area in The Square, Aberchirder. Seated L-R are: Jim Shearer, Donald Stevenson and Sandy Tewnion.  At the rear, helping the old boys celebrate, is Linda Farquhar, Secretary of Aberchirder & District Community Association.................and before someone says it, no they didn't spill a drop - the water on the ground came from morning dew on the bench seat!  The amber nectar was kindly donated by Harry Smith whose company Highland Stoneways, carried out the construction works.

Donna Wilson
Portrait by Paul Wetherell. Hair by Naoki Komiya at Julian Watson Agency.

The British Design Awards

The BDAs recognise beautiful, useful and original new work created by British designers for both UK and international brands in the past year. Thousands voted for the worthy winners of the Best British Design and Best British Pattern awards.  Winners gained awards in the following categories: Best New Interior, Best Retail Innovation, Best British Design Brand, Best Architectural Achievement, Best Fashion Contribution to Design and Designer of the Year.

This year, the Designer of the Year award went to Donna Wilson for her work in textiles.  Donna, born and brought up at Turtory, Bridge of Marnoch, has gained many achievements and is now known world wide for her work; probably most famously for her knitted creatures.

The British Design Awards is quoted as saying:
"There’s no-one quite like textiles queen Donna Wilson. Her fabulous products include colourful cushions, tea-time accessories, playful ceramics and, of course, the starting point for the whole shebang — her collection of curious knitted creatures. In 2010, three new additions to the creature family have won our hearts: bashful ‘Wolfie’, who collects spoons; ‘Peanut’, who needs coaxing out of his shell; and ‘Puddle Man’, who likes to whistle when it rains. Imaginative, quirky, cool. Need we say more?"

In October, Future Perfect at its Brooklyn and Manhattan stores in New York, presented a selection of Donna's new work. The owner is quoted as saying: "Wilson’s weirdest creatures are not without their comforts. They’re odd, but you want to look after them".

It is with sadness that we report the passing of 'old' Bob Durno at almost 94 years of age.  Bob was a well loved and respected member of the community and will be missed by many.

Pictured here in 2007 are four generations of Durnos - Bob snr. (seated), Bob jnr. (Rear), Robert (Bob jnr's. son, [right]) and his children Iona and Calum.  Altogether Bob had four grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Bob was born at Wardhaugh, Inverkeithney.  He was from a large family having seven brothers and sisters - Ian, Jimmy, Cath, Edith, Bill, Muriel, Bill & Sandy.  They moved to farm at Ladywell Insch in 1929 and remained there for 7 years until his father John died.  They returned to Balnoon Forgue.

Bob joined the army in 1939, did a stint in England and Ireland then went off to Burma where he joined the “Chindits” - a member of Orde Wingate's allied commando force.  He even managed to swim the Irrawaddy and got a medal for his troubles!!  He left the army in December 1945.

On returning to Scotland Bob once again took up farm work.  He met and married Edith Craik in January 1949 and moved to Largue.  Robert was their first child followed by Alan, who died in infancy, Bruce and the late Graham.  From Largue they moved to East Leys near Kinnoir and then down to Itlaw at Alvah where they remained until Bob retired at age 66.

They then moved to “Foggie” where he enjoyed many a game of bowls as well as a dram with his many friends.