PITMEDDENNEWS

SEASONS GREETINGS

EditorialI was recently talking to a friend and the subject of all the new people in the village came up and how people move to the village because it has a nice community feel but then get caught up in the commuter trap where the village is just somewhere they live and the kids go to school. What a shame that is as Udny and Pitmedden have such a lot to offer but as always, you have to go out and join up.One example would be the Pitmedden Bowling Club. This is a long established association in the village and in recent years has been very successful at local and national level, yet with several hundred new residents they have one new member. At £45 per annum membership fee they are not asking for the earth. Members can play 24/7 on the green, coaching is available free, you are not forced to enter competitions and it is intended to give members recreation. If we look at Methlick, Tarves, Oldmeldrum and so on Pitmedden are in a much healthier state than all of them put together yet they have one new member. It is a fun place to be and the clubhouse is being refurbished to give us more social activities so why not give it a try?

There is also the tennis club, the guides, rainbows and boys brigade and the hall committee who are always looking for fresh ideas and new life. Why not make this a New Year’s resolution to get out there and join in, the rewards to yourself and the village will be great and it will keep that community spirit alive. It’s a win-win situation so, young or old, get out there and join in. What harm can it do - just give it a go and let us keep this community alive and not just become another satellite of Aberdeen.The other thing we spoke about was the First Responders in Pitmedden who are, without question, our shining light. Not many people are aware that they support not just Pitmedden but Tarves, Methlick, Udny Green and Udny Station, Ellon and Inverurie. Whilst lives cannot be measured in terms of cost, how much support do they get outwith the village? It costs a fortune to ensure that they have all the necessary equipment to carry out their work and help from the aforementioned places would be very well received! Ok, that’s enough ranting for one issue; I’ll put my soapbox away and say Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year to all our readers.

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Pitmedden was again awarded the first prize in

the Formartine in Bloom' its category. Winning for the third year in succession for the Pitmedden Team.The award made in Meldrum Academy was accepted by Bob Bamlett and Vicky Allen on behalf of the village. This award came after Pitmedden and Udny Green were awarded a silver medal in the Beautiful Scotland awards. Bob Bamlett was surprised and delighted,

Judges gave the Formartine award to Pitmedden for an unprecedented third occasion. They commented on the scale and range of display and the community effort that has gone in.Local Councillor Paul Johnston also praised the support shown to Bob and the team from local business such as the Linsmhor Hotel, Pitmedden Bar, Sunflower Garden as well as residents.

FIRST LOCALLY AND SILVER NATIONALLY FOR UDNY

SNOW CLEARING Aberdeenshire Council have been struggling to keep up with deep snow falls from the end of November. After an appeal by local residents, snow clearing teams concentrated on clearing around the School, shop, Kirk

and to Greenacres. The Council have also agreed to a suggestion from Paul Johnston to investigate recruiting recruiting a local contractor to supplement the Council snow clearing and respond quicker in the future.

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The Community Group that is coordinating the bid for a Scotland in Bloom award needs to improve the area around the village’s waste recycling bins next to the Doctors surgery. While that is not the best place for the bins, so far that is where the Council have chosen and it is currently an eyesore. This August, the area was cleared of bushes and weeded. Bob Bamlett has asked for the Help of Kenny Florence to get some help together to remodel the site. The judges last time said we need to make it look better and reduce rubbish . We have acquired paving slabs for recycling t use and the Council’s roads service have agreed to second hand slabs and roads officials will help with kerb alterations.If you can help - we need some people to form a work arty to lay the slabs and finish the job.If you can help Kenny and the team please let us know. Email pitmeddennews@hotmail.com

Recycling does not have to be an eyesore

Where have all the milestones gone? That was the question Udny Community Council have been asking Aberdeenshire Council. In an effort to put together historical information for the Beautiful Scotland Competition, members realised that some of their historical milestones around Udny had gone missing. It was confirmed by an Aberdeenshire Councillor, John Loveday that the milestones were in the Councils granite yard. Udny Community Council have now asked Councillor Loveday to organise their return so that they can take pride of place in the competition next year for Beautiful Scotland.

Where have all the mile stones gone?

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To CENTRICA, the parent company of British Gas who have stepped into resolve the debt crisis at Pitmedden Hall. The Hall has now got a FAIR bill, which settles our problem. We are now able to set about getting the hall repairs done.

Clean Dogs.After some badgering by the Community Council and Cllr. Johnston, Aberdeenshire Council has agreed to trial a Clean Dog walking scheme here in Pitmedden. This is similar to the Green Dog Walker idea successfully running in Falkirk and has resulted in a reduction of 50% in dig fouling. The plan relies on peer pressure to effect results. We were hoping to have the

scheme unveiled by now but Environmental Health who are funding it, are not ready yet . A launch for this will be organised when Aberdeenshire Council have the materials - there will be lots of further news to come .

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Wind Turbine for the

CommunityThe Udny Community Wind Turbine moves closer and closer. While a number of contractual issues remain to be sorted, the turbine itself is expected to be delivered in April, built in May and commissioned in June. The group of “5” taking this whole thing forward, continue to do a power of work and look forward to the day it is eventually commissioned by Enercon – the German manufacturers – and it is steadily spinning, generating electricity and earning money for the Community Trust to spend. Surely we all will need a party to celebrate this – lets get planning.The turbine – an 800 kw Enercon E48 – will be the first community-owned, community-built and community-run wind turbine on mainland Britain. It is not a joint venture between a major developer and a local community like has happened elsewhere, nor a partnership or a co-operative involving a few local investors – and it is not a small micro-turbine attached to a village hall somewhere or to

some other community facility. It is as it says on the tin – “a community-owned, large wind turbine”. The group have been inspired by the 2-3 community-owned turbines that have recently been built in the Western Isles – Tiree and Gigha – and in Orkney – Westray. These turbines generate significant funds for their respective communities. The Udny turbine will do the same. The Udny Community Trust is currently being formed to direct the use of these funds and to make things happen. You all need to get involved. Read about the Trust later on in this issue.

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A small group of people from Udny & Pitmedden and around-about, have been meeting regu-larly over the last 8-9 months to “steer” the formation of the Ud-ny Community Trust. Everybody living in the parish – within Ud-ny & Pitmedden, Hatton Crook and their surrounding areas – and over 16 - will be welcome to join this Trust. Trust members, acting through its Board, will direct the Trust’s activities. They will direct the spending of the monies earned

by the community turbine and add to these monies by a wide range of other activities. Impor-tantly, its members – YOU who live in Udny & Pitmedden – will get involved in the projects you want to make happen. Music festivals, arts & crafts maybe, sporting festivals, the Udny Games resurrected perhaps, en-vironmental projects, walkways, bridle-paths and the end to “fuel poverty” – what ever that is – with property insulation . Youth scholarships, supporting good causes – all kinds of things which we can’t even think of just now. A “Planning For Real” event in the New Year will bring all of this to your attention and help recruit the first Board of this Trust. Get involved as soon as you can!!

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Udny & Pitmedden Church is about to start looking for a new minister. Rev. Regine Cheyne, who had been with us for 5 years, moved on in September to a new charge in Rhynie. Rev. Ken Pryde from Newburgh is now acting as our interim Moderator Rev. Norrie McIv-er – previously at New Hills, Bucksburn – is temporarily leading worship while a new minister is found. The church is really delighted to have him. You want to hear Norrie on a Sunday morning. !!As always you are very welcome on to join the services each

Sunday. Udny Green @ 10.00 and Pitmedden @ 11.15. Come early for coffee in the meeting room at the back of Pitmedden Church. “Mainly Music” on Tuesday’s at 10.00 – again in Pitmedden Church - gives an opportunity for Mums and tod-dlers to get together for fun, fel-lowship, music, tea & coffee in the church. The Kirk Café on Wednesday allows everyone else to get together from 10.00 onwards for a coffee or tea and very delicious scones. The Prayer Meeting on Thursdays @ 7.30 helps everyone speak directly to God. It is amazing the power of prayer. If you have a special prayer request come and speak to us.

News from the Pews

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Udny Udny Udny Udny Green Green Green Green News News News News Parking in Udny Green !

The Green has been so busy recently what with “Eat on the Green”, “Art on the Green” and the “Hall on the Green”. All of these places are really busy and attract cars, cars and cars. These cars park everywhere! Do we need more parking places? Perhaps we should “eat” into the green and create some new parking bays in-between the street lamps. Would this destroy the look of the Green.? Some say YES.!

The granting – on appeal by a Scottish Government

“Reporter” – of planning permission for (4) house within the old smiddy yard, behind the hall, will add to parking pressures. The Udny community did not object to (3) houses but did object to (5) – which was turned down – and then objected to (4) – which has now been approved – though only on appeal after the local guys refused to support it. We all hope the new residents – when they move in – will not object to the noise of the hall when parties are in full swing – and – will not bring any more cars with them.!

Never Mind The

RumoursWe heard a rumour that Kenny Florence was giving up the Pitmedden Bar, so who was taking it on? Well, in our own stylish way, we did the obvious and phoned Kenny to ask and it turns out, just like all good rumours, that there was no truth in it at all. Kenny is staying in the bar and he will also be opening Mitchell’s old garage in the new year. He will be carrying out car and motorcycle repairs as well as MOT tests and will be called the Pitmedden Service Centre. Best of luck Kenny!

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Christmas Kirk Arrangements

Udny & Pitmedden Kirk invite you all to celebrate

Christmas with them. On Christmas Eve in Pitmedden at 7.30 we have our traditional Christmas Eve family service. You are all welcome. Later-on in the evening at 11.30 we have the “Watch- night” service which gives you a real feel for what happened just over 2,000 years ago way down in Bethlehem.

On Christmas Day @ 10.00 the church celebrates

Jesus’s birth at Udny Green. Come together and celebrate Christmas with others in our community and have a happy day at this special time. God Bless you all.

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Pitmedden - Dispensary Opening Hours The Haddo medical Practice have recently been going over some of the recent Feedback/comments from the National Patient Questionnaire. One of the recurring, negative themes was not being able to collect medication/prescriptions over the lunchtime period. Taking this on board, we have decided to give it a go and provide an enhancement to the current service we provide. Starting from Monday 1st November, Pitmedden will be open from 8.45 - 6pm. Patients will be able to collect prescriptions at any point through this period and early feedback has shown an increase in the number of patients coming in through the lunchtime period.

Pharmacy Applications & Existing arrangements at Pitmedden Tarves

Pitmedden

A new date of the 9th December 2010 has been set for the hearing of the application by Opel and Associates (The Doctor’s own Company) to a Pharmacy in Pitmedden. If granted this Pharmacy would be very beneficial to the patients who visit the

Pitmedden surgery. It should also be noted that the doctors still intend to dispense prescriptions at Methlick should the pharmacy be approved. (Once again none of the Community Councils will be invited to this hearing even though they have made written representations)

We have been informed that under the existing PPC criteria the new Pharmacy should open prior to the 14th December 2010 and normally, prior to the opening a second form should be submitted (Form B) to the PPC with details of the pharmacist etc. To our knowledge this has not been submitted and we are not aware of any extension being requested.

The Udny English DictionaryAcoustic A device for herding cows.

Bacteria: The rear portion of the cafeteria!

HamstringUnderwear for pigs.

DependOpposite the shallow end.

SurrealA noble eel

PrivilegeA shelf in an outside lavatory.

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Planning for Real Planning for Real Planning for Real Planning for Real Making it Real.Making it Real.Making it Real.Making it Real.Udny Community Council supported by the Formartine Partnership are arranging an event to take place on the 11th & 12th March 2011 in Pitmedden. The main aims of this two day event are to revisit the aspirations of the community, raise awareness and provide a current status of the Turbine project and associated Community Trust. We would hope that this leads to increase the membership of the Trust and confirm funding priorities and directives for the Trust.Both Pitmedden and Udny Green Primary Schools have agreed to support this event by re-creating the 3D models of the villages and engaging in various projects

which will have the theme of renewable energy generation and energy conservation. By working with the schools we hope to make a significant contribution towards their Green Flag award. There will be a competition for the best project/model and the winner(s) will be announced at the event. We are also engaging with Meldrum Academy so that the full range of school children can have an input into our event. We will be inviting Local Groups to set up display boards and tables so that they can highlight possible trust funded projects and ways in which community funding could improve their groups activities.

Although we have not heard of this happening around the Udny and Pitmedden area, Royal Mail & The Trading Standards Office has confirmed the following scam.

A card is posted through your door from a company called PDS (Parcel Delivery Service) suggesting that they were unable to deliver a parcel and that you need to contact them on 0906 6611911 (a Premium rate number).

DO NOT call this number, as this is a mail scam originating from Belize.

If you call the number and you start to hear a recorded message you will already have been billed £315 for the phone call.

If you do receive a card with these details, then please contact Royal Mail Fraud on 020 7239 6655.

POSTAL SCAM

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Thank all whom signed the petition to have the Seton play area improved with equipment. After some lobbying the Council will be able to have it all in place by the end of March 2011 We will also be having some money raising events in 2011 to seek funding to add more equipment for local kids. Anyone with ideas or who can assist with this can call me on 01651 842083.

Suzanne Cattanch - Community Council

ThankYou

Safety on

Oldmeldrum RoadEfforts to try and improve safety for people crossing on Oldmeldrum Road - especially near the school for parents and children - are ongoing. The Community Council and School Parents - (Friends of Pitmedden School) want the Council to investigate and propose safety improvements and have held site meetings with officials.A Traffic speed and volume survey has been asked for by Cllr Johnston. Suzanne Cattanach (842083) is co-coordinating the Community’s efforts.

Ellon: 01358 789739

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Chap

Development.The decision to allow 15 houses to be built on the site east of the Health Centre stemmed from a perceived need to recompense the Castle for ground lost in the Health Centre and new Community Hall sites.The original idea was along the lines of an extensive "Milldale" type development, however the developer, Chap, felt they would rather build more densely on the site and have proposed a layout of 24 to 25 houses.The Community Council have a number of reservations about the layout Chap are proposing. Although the houses will have to conform to modern planning regulations in terms of insulation, the orientation and positions of the houses are designed more with a view to convenience for the developer rather than optimised for social and ecological benefit (such as having houses facing south for maximum solar effect).

Also, the effort to increase the number of houses on the site resulted in a greater number of small plots near the Hall site. This could lead to noise production from the new Hall being an issue in future. Chap subsequently have proposed dumping the spoil from the development in a mound close to the Hall in the same way as has been done at the Health Centre, (the so-called "Doctors’ Lump") as a

sound screen. This produced obvious concerns in that it was going to be placed on the actual Hall site, reducing resource space. Also, there's no guessing what size the mound might be!It should be noted that Chap have been relatively

open to discussion and are at least willing to listen to the Community Council's concerns. If the developer can accommodate at least some of its views, we have every hope that this development at the entrance to the village will be both aesthetically pleasing and ecologically sound.

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Oldmeldrum Road, Pitmedden, AB41 7NY

Tel. 01651 842214

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Tuesday NightsTuesday NightsTuesday NightsTuesday NightsPitmedden HallPitmedden HallPitmedden HallPitmedden Hall

Pee-Wee (Under 8’s) 6:30 - 7:15Pee-Wee (Under 8’s) 6:30 - 7:15Pee-Wee (Under 8’s) 6:30 - 7:15Pee-Wee (Under 8’s) 6:30 - 7:15Juniors (Under 16’s) 7:15 - 8:15Juniors (Under 16’s) 7:15 - 8:15Juniors (Under 16’s) 7:15 - 8:15Juniors (Under 16’s) 7:15 - 8:15

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Adults - Why not try the Basic Self Defence Course? Dates to be arranged if enough

interest. Class would be held 8:30 - 9:30

Tuesday Nights in Pitmedden Hall.

For more information or to register for the

Self Defence Classes - Call

David Mutch on 01651 842931Satori Martial Arts Grampian is a member of

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Chief Instructor - Alistair McAlistairAll classes are supervised by a qualified instructor

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Udny Green,Ellon,

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Phone: 01651 842337Fax: 01651 843362enquiries@eatonthegreen.co.uk

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Wee Hughie adored and loved his girlfriend, Lorraine, to whom he was engaged to be married. Wedding plans were well underway and he was looking forward to spending the rest of his life with Lorraine. However, a beautiful exotic young lady, called Kleerly, came to work in his glen and they found that they got on together very well and as time went by, Wee Hughie realised that he was in love with Kleerly and that the Love was reciprocated. Being a gentleman he decided that as he had promised to marry Lorraine he would do so and steadily removed himself from his other relationship. One day, he and Lorraine were walking along the banks of the River Tay. As they walked, Lorraine slipped and fell into the river and she was swept away and drowned. He stood on the bank for a few minutes feeling very sad before walking away singing happily.And this is what he sang. "I can see Kleerly now Lorraine has gone"

A Torry quine was driving down the A90 when her car phone rang. It was her boyfriend, urgently warning her, " I just heard on the news that there's a car going the wrong way on the A90. Please be careful!" "It's not just one car!" said the Torry quine, "There's hundreds of them!"

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Udny Station HotelUdny Station HotelUdny Station HotelUdny Station HotelTel 01651 842216

www.udnystationhotel.co.ukThe place to visit for quality home cooked food

Enjoy good freshly prepared meals devised by our chef Jane Andrew in ourrefurbished restaurant which oozes with a friendly welcoming ambiance.

At Udny Station we always go that little bit extrato ensure that your dining experience is specialEnjoy Lunches priced from £6.95 for 2 Courses

Evening Meals served from 5pmSunday Carvery 12.Noon – 4 pm

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Christmas LightsThe Pitmedden Christmas Trust is going through a period of extreme difficulty due mainly to legislative issues. This means that there will be no village Santa Parade and Christmas lights switching on ceremony but the good news is that we are still getting Christmas lights. The reason is that they simply cannot afford the Public Liability insurance, or provide the manpower, that such an event demands. The first year they had an official switch on 24 people came along but last year there were around 300 and the committee simply could not afford it. Some people imagine that the sponsorship of the lights will cover these things but unfortunately this is not the case as they are spending

upwards of £600 per annum on maintenance. The remainder of the funds collected are distributed amongst deserving causes in the village, like the First Responders. The effort of the guys who make it happen, in terms of time and commitment, is beyond reproach so if you can help or provide any financial support please get in touch with Ross MacKay (mackayrossco@aol.com) The committee have not given up by a long chalk and with some help and support they hope to be back next year. Let’s all hope so - 300 people can’t all be wrong - and it does bring a smile to the face when we see the lights on in the village.

Doctor Doctor I feel like biscuits! What, you mean those square ones? Yes! The ones you put butter on? Yes! Well, that means you're crackers!

What is white and furry and smells of peppermint?A polo bear.

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Sat Dec 11 @18:00 - Haddo House HallFriends of Haddo Country Park invite you to join them at Haddo House Hall for their first Family Film Night . The film will the The Lion, the With and the Wardrobe. Please bring your own sears, food and drinks but there will be free popcorn! Tickets are £6 for adults and £4 for children and concessions or £15 for a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children)

Sat Dec 18 @08:00 - 10:30AMMEET: Haddo Car ParkCapture the magic and wonder of Yuletide with a walk exploring the sights and sounds of the night, star constellation spotting and Yule tales around the fire; bring food and hot drinks for yourself - and a small log or two for the fire and a candle in a holder too (if you can).

Contact: The Formartine Ranger on 01358 726417/ 07786 021780

Friends of Haddo Country Park

The Running Shop Aberdeen and Oldmeldrum Rotary Club had again joined forces to bring the Santa Fun Run/Walk Spectacular to Haddo House Country Park this year. The popular event took place on Sunday, December 5 and saw runners and walkers of all ages take on a sponsored snow covered course around the beautiful estate in the Aberdeenshire countryside.Kids of 12 and under also took part in a 3K fun run at 12 noon on the day and children of 9 or younger go to run a 2K course at the same time. Following that there was the main 5K fun run at 1pm. The runs were followed by mince pies and mulled wine.Prizes went to the first three running and walking Santas and sponsorship money will be split between the runners own choice of charity and the Rotary charities, including the Challenge to eradicate Polio from the world'.If you want to help or run next year contact Oldmeldrum Rotary at: oldmeldrumrotary.org.uk

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The Community Council plans to reinstate a very old road which has fallen out of use over the years. It runs from Wood Recyclability at Cloisterseat up between the field margins and onto the Old Craig Road. The idea is to allow safe access for walkers and cyclists to and from the Formartine Way.Although the right-of-way lapsed some considerable time ago both Aberdeen Endowment Trust and Udny and Dudwick Castle have generously agreed to allow access on the road. Indeed, the Castle have been kind enough to make over a 2 metre strip of land at the lower end in order not to infringe upon Wood Recyclability's car parking.Over the past century a great deal of field debris has been

deposited on the road. We are hoping to clear this and to use a rock crusher to create a firm surface for the road from the cleared field stones themselves. A great deal of work will be needed to clear the road, however most people realise the huge advantage of allowing our young people safe access to the footpath. Anyone who can lend a hand in the process of clearing (once it starts) is very welcome.It will cost quite a lot to clear the road of debris and to crush all the stone, but it is hoped that the money will be available once the Community turbine is up and running.

Bob McIntyre

THE DROVE ROAD

The Pitmedden School Christmas fair has been lucky to avoid the really bad weather... So many other fairs have been cancelled. However, the School Parents have estimated funds raised to be £790. Thanks to all that helped and came along.

Pitmedden School Fair

A big thank you!22222222

TOLQUHON GALLERY

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T el : 01651 842343

O P E N M o n , T u e s , F r i , S a t 1 1 a m t o 5 p m .

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Paintings, Prints, Sculpture, Ceramics, Glass, Jewellery.

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FAIR TRADE YULE LOG For the Sponge6 Free Range Eggs150g Fair Trade Caster Sugar50g Fair Trade Cocoa Powder For the Filling and Icing :2 Jars Fair Trade Chocolate and Hazelnut SpreadA little Fair Trade Icing Sugar to dust Preheat oven to 180C / gas mark 4. Line a Swiss roll tin with baking parchment. Separate eggs. In a large bowl whisk yolks and caster sugar until thick and pale (easiest using an electric whisk). In another large clean bowl whisk the whites to a soft peak stage (again an electric mixer is easiest). Sieve the cocoa powder onto a sheet of baking parchment or into another clean bowl. Carefully fold together the yolks and sugar mixture with some of the whisked whites, then alternating with a little cocoa then more whites until blended. Pour into lined Swiss roll tin making sure the mixture reaches the edges. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and leave to cool in tin for a few minutes. Turn out onto a clean tea towel sprinkled with a little caster sugar. Roll up from long side. Leave to cool completely. Unroll and spread with chocolate and hazelnut spread. Roll up again and cut off a little at one end at an angle to make a branch, stick this to the side of the log using the spread. Use more spread to cover the whole log, marking on a bark pattern using a fork. This looks good decorated with a sprig of holly (wrap the stem in foil first). Move carefully to a serving platter and sprinkle with a dusting of icing sugar for a snowy look!

To get the ingredients - or for more information on Fairtrade in our Community call Anne Aspden on 842329 or Vicky Allan on 842402

Recipe by Beth Bruce-Gardener of the Friendly Food Company - a local Cordon Bleu Chef.

The Big Breakfast, for those new to the village, is held on the first Saturday of every month from 8.30 to 12 in Pitmedden Church. It is a great opportunity to get someone else to cook breakfast for you and clean up afterwards. The staff (if we can call them that) will be very nice and, if you are lucky, treat you with some respect for the first couple of visits. James the chef will cook you a lovely breakfast and hurl insults at you given the chance, Stephen and Andy will hurl insults at you and serve you given the chance, Tony and Al try to act like professionals but are usually dragged down by the rest and they even have Dr Burnett “doing the dishes” (that means working under cover in case anything goes wrong)The money goes to various causes and in the past it has gone to such things as Christian Aid, the Haiti Appeal, Habitat for Humanity, Poppy Scotland and the Udny & Pitmedden Church. Everyone is welcome and when they told us every Saturday that included the 1 st of January so go on - treat yourself.

The Big Breakfast

The Good Companions Committee would like to wish all their members a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.   The Good Companions is a club for the over 50s in the Udny Parish and new members are always welcome. For further details please contact Joey Sleigh on 851256.Future Meetings:

6th February - Rosie Kellas Concert Party 16th March - Hector Riddell

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News Thank you for all your garden waste over the last year. The weather has been difficult for gardening and composting, but

we have still had a successful year. Once again we are grateful to you for keeping plastic other waste out of the compost.

The gates are now closed for the winter. We cannot make compost in cold weather. Leaves and woody waste have very little energy left in them and the compost cannot become warm enough to kill weed seeds. We will be open again at the end of March when the clocks change.

We have had some new volunteers this year, but are always looking for more help. Mugs of coffee and glasses of beer are often consumed once the work is finished. Get in touch with Bob Bamlett on 842591 if you are interested.

No room left in your compost bin?

Why not bring your garden waste to us and we’ll turn it in to compost.

What do we want?We are collecting GARDEN WASTE to turn into compost. We want your grass clippings and other plant waste that you might normally put in your wheelie bin or take to the tip. If you already make compost at home, DON’T STOP… but DO give us anything that won’t fit in your compost bin.Where do we want it? We are using the old Allathan Quarry just outside Pitmedden; Want to get involved?PUT is a voluntary organisation and we are dependent on goodwill. Membership of the Cooperative is open to anyone who lives in the Parishes of Udny or Tarves If you don’t want to become a member, but still want to help out you can volunteer along with the rest of us, by helping to make the compost. To find out more you can contact: Chris York on 851553 or Bob McIntyre 842338

The Pitmedden Park Committee have received a letter from Keith Newton of Aberdeenshire Council intimating that they would like to settle the dispute with Community’s Committee and agree a lease with us for the use of the car park and playground.

We are awaiting contact from Gordon Daniels their Estates Manager to open discussions. This has been the first change in over two years in the Council’s position.

The Park is a Trust held for the people of Pitmedden in Udny with local people on the Committee along with users and trustees. The trustees are David Murray as chair of the Community Council. Cllr Paul Johnston and Susan Burgess of the National Trust. They have been united in trying to get Aberdeenshire Council to agree proper terms for the management of the park and its use.

Pitmedden Park.Pitmedden Park.Pitmedden Park.Pitmedden Park. Pitm

edden Park T

rust

Your village - yo

ur p

ark

Ensure the Memory Lives Forever

Fraser Memorials Ltd

We are a small family business supplying

high quality granite memorials, vases and name plates.

We also carry out Additional Inscriptions

and Renovating Existing Stones on site

Contact us for a free quotation at:-

Graniteview, Millbank, Pitmedden Ellon, AB41 7NX

Tel: 01651 842540

Email – moira7@btinternet.com

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Tattie riddles

instead o brains! Weel, weel an, n foo’s aa mi freens e day?Ye ken, its becomin mair n mair appearand aat oor so-caaed poleetical maisters, nae maitter fit level they’re at, they’re certainly nae blessed wi verra muckle common sinse atween their twa lugs, in fac insteed o brains in their heids they maun aa hae tattie riddles aat’s fair ful o great big holes!Stairtin at local level wi the orra ongauns caased b aat mannie Trump at Menie – I aye said aat if wir Cooncil got inta bed wi him they wid hae naethin bit tribble, ay, n aat’s jist fit is happenin! Of coorse it wid appear aat there is three in ower es bed, wir ain Scottish government hiv got themsels inveigled in’t, n fit wey A jist dinna ken becis e makin o a gowf coorse is, nae maitter foo ye leuk at it, its nae o great national importance! Wiv noo got e disgustin spectacle o wir greedy Cooncil n wir equally greedy Government backin Trump in e Coort against an aul woman fa jist wints tae bide in her ain hoose in peace

– they shuid aa hing their heids in shame! Ay, es orra ongauns remind m weel o an aul Scots sayin “Greed is envy’s auldest brither, scraggy wark they mak thegither.”N noo A see in e paper here the ither day aat Trump his sacked e man, a Mr O’Connor, fa he pickit for his greenkeeper/links superintendent at Menie. Weel, weel noo, is aat nae a great surprise, says I laachin up m sleeve! It wid appear aat Mr O’Connor jist wisna gyaun tae cowtow til, n be coonjered n bullied by his Yankee maister – ay, its jist a peety aat wir ain local cooncillors n wir Scottish parliamentarians hidna e guts n e sinse tae dae e same! Then w hiv e antics o wir British Government – some o the things they’re proposin tae dae tae try tae reduce e deficit at wir aa sipposed tae hae, ye ken, if e consequences warna sae serious A wid b doubled ower n sair wi laachin!I aye thocht aat ane o e main duties o a cwintry’s government wis tae protect its fowk, keep safe its residents. Hooiver, here in Britain, in twa ‘eers time, wir gyaun tae hae twa fine new aircraft carriers costin millions n millions o pounds - bit wir nae gyaun tae hae ony aeroplanes tae mak eese o them!? Asweel as this, wir government his taen oot o

Countra Clatter

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service HMS Ark Royal three ‘eers afore it wis due tae retire!? So at e moment fa the h--- is defendin us? N aa becis, appearandly, e siller is deen!?Then far else bit Britain, a cwintry wi a coastline estimated tae b roon aboot twelve thoosan miles lang, which eesed tae be patroled n protected by at least twa squadrons o Nimrod aircraft, its noo gyaun tae b protected by one aircraft, nae one squadron, jist one aircraft – a twin engined Cessna! There’s nae doot wir aa gyaun tae feel richt safe in oor beds noo – ay, at wull b richt!Then tae croon the hale jingbang lot wiv got e European Coort tellin us aat w hiv tae let murderers, rapists, crooks o aa discription, faa’s lockit up in jile, w hiv tae allow them e richt tae vote!?!? Na, na, aat’s jist a step ower far – fin ye eyn up in jile ye lose aa yer richts, its pairt o e punishment, if ye dinna wint tae lose yer richt tae vote then dinna dae e crime! Tak tent Mr Cameron, if ye hiv ony guts ava y’ll tell e Coort tae min their ain business! Ay, spik aboot tattie riddles insteed o brains!A Blythe Yuletide n a Richt guid New 'eer tae aa mi Readers

Bill Johnston

Save a life, not a roadSIR, It's about time that Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire councils take a look at their roads policies. Should it not be that our roads are ploughed back to the hard tarmac surfaces rather than leaving an inch of snow on top? This top layer soon becomes compacted and, just like ice, makes the roads worse for most drivers, leaving you with no real grip unless you have winter tyres or a large vehicle. Other countries with regular snowfall clear the roads back to the tarmac and then treat them with grit or sand, therefore giving everyone a fair chance. It’ s time to stop worrying about the roads (the cost of repairs). That damage is going to occur, anyway, through cold and freezing conditions.Instead, we should start thinking about the people injured on icy roads. Please, Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire councils, take our roads back to the tarmac. Save a life, not a road.

A. Rennie, Edmondside

LETTER

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This is the time of year when the bird table in your garden or at your backdoor is about the most important place for the birds in your garden - your garden birds! With daylight over the next few weeks at an increasing premium - i.e. getting shorter every day, it is so essential that you are diligent and attentive at making sure it is kept adequately stocked with food, especially first thing in the morning. Once you begin putting out food it is important that you continue to do so every day simply because the birds learn quite quickly that here is a source of food for them and become quite dependent upon it always being there for them. If for any reason you don’t put out food for them sadly instead of looking and searching elsewhere many will just wait and wait just to see if food appears then by the time they discover that no food is coming they have little or no daylight time left in order to find an alternative source.So, what kind of food can you put onto your table?Kitchen scraps -

Crumbled-up brown and white bread is suitable, but moisten if very dry. Mouldy bread is also quite suitable.

Pastry is popularCooked rice, brown and

white, without salt addedDry porridge oats or coarse

oatmealFat, including suet, is

particularly welcomed by tits, great spotted woodpeckers, thrushes and wrens

Bacon rind, chopped up quite small, can benefit robins as well as tits, but avoid very salty bacon

Grated cheese is a favourite with robins

Bones with some fat or meat attached are good, but keep small bones, especially those of poultry, out of reach of cats and dogs

Potatoes - baked (cold and opened up) roast and even mashed, are all suitable. Wildfowl also enjoy them.

Dried fruits, such as raisins and sultanas, are particularly enjoyed by blackbirds, song thrushes and robins

Apples, including bruised and part-rotten ones, cut up, are very popular with all thrushes,

Bird Bird Bird Bird ReportReportReportReport

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including blackbirds and starlings.If you’ve got young children or perhaps your grandchildren visit you regularly they usually like to make things in the kitchen, I recall ours certainly did, here’s an easy recipe for you and them to make for a Bird

Cake - pour melted fat or

suet or lard onto a mixture of ingredients such as seeds, nuts, dried fruit, oatmeal, crushed biscuits, cheese and cake. Use about one-third fat to two-thirds mixture. Stir well in a bowl and turn out on the bird table when solid. An empty half coconut shell makes an ideal bird cake feeder.

Peanuts - these are rich in fat and are very popular with tits, greenfinches, house sparrows, and if you are fortunate, great spotted woodpeckers and siskins. Crushed or grated peanuts attract robins, dunnocks and even wrens.Salted peanuts should be washed thoroughly and dried immediately in the oven

before being put out to the birds.

Coconut - Fresh coconut in the shell is very popular with tits and you can put bird cake mixture in the empty shell.Desiccated coconut is unsuitable as bird food.

Mealworms - These are relished by robins and may attract insect-eating birds such as pied wagtails.

Finally don’t forget the DRINKING WATER -Birds appreciate a source of water for drinking and bathing. You can make a simple, shallow birdbath by sinking a dustbin lid in the ground. Place a few stones in the bath to provide perches. Keep the bath clean and change the water

frequently.One useful tip for cold winter weather - line the birdbath with a sheet of fairly thick polythene so that the ice can be removed easily or tip the water out at the end of the day and replace it in the morning.Floating a tennis ball in the water can help to stop the ice forming.Look after your garden birds just now and they will provide you with a great deal of enjoyment and pleasure for the rest of the year – its cheaper entertainment than the tele!Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all my Readers

Bill Johnston33331111

NUMBERS FOR YOUR NOTICEBOARD

LOCAL SERVICES

Local Councillor Paul Johnston 01651 851198Udny & Pitmedden Church. 01651 842052Pitmedden Primary School Christian Henderson 01651 842374Udny Green Primary School Susan Hogg 01651 842376Pitmedden Village Hall Kathleen Wilkie (Bookings only) 01651 842929Dr Spence (Udny Green) Hall Bill Shewan 01651 842346Haddo Medical Group 01651 843468NHS 24 08454 242424Castle Veterinary Centre 01358 720223Dog Warden 01467 628195

LOCAL CLUBS & ORGANISATIONS

Pitmedden Bowling Club 01651 842652 Pitmedden Playgroup Jillian & Pam 01651 843075 / 851376Pitmedden 2s Group Jillian & Pam 01651 843075 / 851376Pitmedden Mothers and Toddlers Andrew & Marion 01651 842284 / 843652Udny Tennis Club Diana Benzie 07810 258149Formartine Sports Development Colin Grant 01651 842997Boy’s Brigade 1st Udny Andy Burslem 01651 842092Rainbows 1st Pitmedden-Udny Wendy Lawson 01651 842683Brownies 1st Pitmedden-Udny Sheila 01651 842557Guides Jillian Wood 01651 843075First Responders Jim Young 01651 843021Ladies Friday Fellowship Anne Aspden 01651 842329

LOCAL SHOPS and BUSINESSES

Linsmohr Hotel Bill Berry 01651 842214Mosshead General Store & P.O. George Stephen 01651 842253Building Contractors Richard Eaton 07714 755323 / 01651 842168Udny Building Services Derek Cowe 0771 0662559 / 01651 842006Ian Fraser (Painter & Decorator) Ian Fraser 01651 842006Aberdeenshire Larder 01358 727850The Flower Shop 01358 720401Chiropodist Douglas Leal 01358 742620John’s Taxis 07880 600979 / 01651 842893Hawthorn Taxis -Pitmedden 01651 842871Electrical Contractor Peter Hardy 07909 517119 / 01358 721742Electrical Contractor K.F. Watson 07713 979837 / 01358 789739Fraser Memorials Moira 01651 842540Satori Martial Arts David Mutch 01651 842931Udny Station Hotel Gordon & Eileen Andrew 01651 842216

PITMEDDEN NEWS CONTACTS

Editor - Alun Walker 01651 842078

E-mail pitmeddennews@hotmail.com

WEB SITE (temp) www.pitmedden.wordpress.com

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