CULTER COURIER

ISSUE No.81 NOV 2000

PUBLISHED BY THE COMMUNITY COUNCIL

Community Council News

Chairman's Report - AGM 19 October 2000

During the past year, Culter Community Council has been successful in most of its activities.

The Gala Committee arranged a variety of events during Gala Week and despite miserable weather on Gala Day, the attendance exceeded expectations, making the work of Dorothy Anderson, the Committee and helpers worthwhile. The Committee is now planning next year's Gala. In the meantime, any group that wishes to be considered for a grant from Gala funds should explain what they need in a letter to the CCC before 12 December 2000.

The Courier reached all the targets and continues to progress due to Marjory Skinner, Ann Wakefield and the helpers who distribute the Courier to every household (and businesses) in Culter.

For the third year in succession, all four issues each year have been self-financing. The Courier would not survive in its present form except by the continued support of our advertisers and we thank them for this.

CCC works in close conjunction with Aberdeen City Council.

Planning is on-going on a weekly basis and is the responsibility of Lavina Massie, Planning Liaison Officer. Lavina is in regular contact with the Planning Department.

.Muriel Cheyne is engaged in Rights of Way and Pathways, working closely with the Legal Department.

John Robertson and Ann Wakefield, our Treasurers, have kept our finances in order, giving monthly statements of the accounts of CCC, Gala and Courier.

During the year, our new Police Liaison Officer, PC Kevin McKenzie, took up his appointment. Kevin has added a much voun2:er dimension to CCC meetings.

On behalf of CCC, I wish to thank Pam MacDonald (City Councillor) and Kevin McKenzie (Grampian Police) for their attendance and contribution to CCC meeting. I also thank officials of Aberdeen City Council for the pleasant and efficient manner in dealings with members of CCC.

With the death recently of John Stephenson, it would be remiss of me not to record how helpful John was to our Community Council especially while he was a Grampian Regional Councillor.

As in previous years, this report would not be complete without thanks to Marjory Skinner, CCC Secretary. Marjory gives so much of her time assuring CCC ; is run in a correct and efficient manner.

Finally, thanks to members of CCC for the contribution you have made in the interests of the Village, and to Sam Weller (Vice Chairman) for his participation with St Peter's Heritage on behalf of CCC.

As this is the last meeting of the present CCC, may I take the opportunity to thank past and present members for their support during the nine years I have had the pleasure of being Chairman.

Jim Ritchie (Chairman) Culter Community Council

Secretary's Report

This past year has been dominated by the problems arising from the public footpath along the Leuchar Burn. As many of you know, this path was blocked at Bridgend by the owner of that site. Muriel Cheyne kindly dealt with all the aspects -meetings, letters and telephone calls, personal reminiscences from residents, etc. Thank you for all the time and effort you put into this, Muriel. Of course, we still await the 'kissing-gate' being opened to allow people to walk along by the Burn again.

After many long years, we had a service bus, which went right through the village, up round Bucklerbum and into town. This was of huge benefit to those who lived at the top of School Road and at the Towerview houses -and also those who live at the very top end of Johnston Gardens North. To our dismay, FirstBus has cancelled this route. There is a token bus run but this is not much good to the majority of people who used the original 24A. Both the Community Council and Cllr Pam MacDonald have appealed to FirstBus but to no avail. However we will keep on pressing for a rethink from them.

CCC applied for a grant from the Millennium Project Fund (Aberdeen City Council) and was successful in having money given to pay for a bench to be placed in the Ross Watt Memorial Garden situated at the rear of the Village Hall. Money also was allocated to pay for the signpost to the War Memorial.

Tt is gratifying to see so many younger people willing to give their time and effort to serve on the Gala Committee. What a pity we can't persuade them to come on to the Community Council. It actually takes up less time than you would think - two hours per month is all. (Promise!)

To conclude, my thanks go to all the leaders of the groups who send in copy for the Courier. You are playing a big part in keeping the residents aware of what is going on in the village. This is especially important for newcomers to the area.

District News

There is a little bit of good news coming, I think. First Bus are considering an improvement to the rump of the 24 bus service, which would give a slightly longer time between return journeys. More importantly, it would take passengers into the village from Bucklerburn, turning at Millside Street, and back up again. We will, unfortunately, still have only the one round trip per day.

You will remember that in the last issue I included a form for people to fill in if they will be needing sheltered housing in the next few years. I got a good response to this, and thanks to all who sent the form in to me. There were 34 replies, covering over 50 people. I sent the forms in with a covering letter to the Director of Housing, who has replied acknowledging the demand that exists in Culter.

The ongoing Area 10 Traffic Management Review is progressing, and is now out to statutory consultation (comments to Barry Beattie in St. Nicholas House by Friday November l0th.) After that the proposals will be publicly advertised. They are proposing to put the Kennerty slip-road back to a one way system, and I have successfully argued for this to be downhill, on the grounds that that will facilitate access to the car park and bottle bank.

A further consideration is that an uphill direction would leave a difficult exit in icy weather. There will be a "build-out" of the pavement at the junction to stop U-turns.

Another of the Roads Department's proposals is to put double yellow lines opposite the Post Office, including the lay-by, on the grounds that parked cars there obscure the view at the exit from Craigton Crescent. This will lose us some valuable short-term parking spaces. Please let me know what you think about this.

Pam MacDonald

Peterculter OAP's

On Saturday 7th October we had our annual Sale of Work when we made the total of £1186. Added to the proceeds from our big raffle this makes a grand total of around £2000 which we are very pleased with. I must thank everyone who gave so well and also all the many grand helners we had.

We have our extra concert for our members on the 18th October when Alistair Salter is entertaining, and on November 1st the Banchory Strathspey and Reel Society are our entertainers. In December the Theatre Club entertain us and then we have our Coffee Morning on {he 16th December in the Supper Room in the Village Hall from l0am to 12 noon.

Our Annual AGM is in January when any new members would be most welcome.

Flo Will President

Culter 50+ Walking Group

 Some members of our group have walked together for nearly twenty years which is some achievement. ' Anno Domini' however does take its toll and our numbers have become less certain due to the usual 'anno domini' associated disorders. We still have most enjoyable times out together, and the weather almost always comes up trumps.

July saw the group returning to Forvie Sands, a favourite walk for all of us. Another lovely day when we were able to enjoy our lunch overlooking the sea, relaxed and comfortable. We shared a few quiet moments together in the ruined church, thankful for the moment. We try to plan our walks to drive less mileage one time and further others, so we aren't running too high a petrol bill. The next trip was up Deeside, Craig Leak, peaceful, away from tourists and only a couple of homesteads all the walk. It was very relaxing. Some of us ventured up from our picnic site to the abandoned villages and we wondered how people were able to scratch a living on such an exposed and wild hillside miles from anywhere.

Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the following walk to Loch Callater, it was a new one for many and a 'definite' for future planning. September and Autumn continued with rainy unsettled weather and we nearly changed our plans to explore Tyrebagger. The blue in the sky grew and we all opted to go ahead with our intention and what a lovely day it turned out. We were thrilled, as we got further into the de-forested area, to see what beautiful panoramas were now visible -seeing: miles in most directions.

Our annual walk via Inverbervie was varied this year with a stiff climb out of Gourdon round via the Long Cairn (which was not the elongated dung heap that some of us had checked out, but was in fact some 100 yards north of it! ! !), then via the Mill of Benholm discovering the old road bridge, and down to the coast to return to Inverbervie. The name of the place conjured up mouth watering thoughts of fish and chips, and though we were all well fed, the impulse became too strong, and as 'Inverbervie' was closed we struggled on to Stonehaven to emerge from the chipper with magnum size packets of chips. So much for healthy walking!!

Now whether it was the chips or not, our numbers were drastically down for the next walk, and instead of the planned 'Fairy glen walk' the 6 of us travelled a much shorter distance to Glen Dye, and still had a really enjoyable trip.

Ann Wakefield

58th Aberdeen (Culter) Scouts

58th Aberdeen (Culter)Scout Group Beaver Leader Needed!

Our current Beaver leaders plan to move onto other things and I'm afraid that unless another Beaver leader is found by the October half-term break then Beavers will unfortunately close.

We need one Beaver leader or possibly a couple of parents to take on the responsibility of running Beavers.

Two Ventures girls, Gemma and Eleanor, are keen to act as assistants, Ann Brown who is the Aberdeen Area Beaver Leader will provide training and weekly support for the first few weeks and a full parent rota can be put in place.

In addition, a subscription to Scouting magazine is offered that, amongst other things, provides programme ideas and the Group Scout Leader will provide support and advice,

The Beavers, comprising about fifteen 6- 8 year olds, meet for 1 hour each week on Wednesday evenings from 6.15- 7.15pm. In addition the new Beaver leader will need to do some preparation and develop a programme in advance for each term. The total commitment is less than 2 hours per week -term times only.

We urgently are need a volunteer to come forward, for what is a very rewarding and fulfilling position, to provide the Beavers in Culter the opportunities they deserve to start on the Scouting programme of a lifetime'

Please contact Simon Sawers, Group Scout Leader 

Camphill Schools News

 Many of you turned out for our Open Day during the Aberdeen holiday weekend way back in September. Thank you very much for coming. It was from our point of view a very successful day and we hope that you all enjoyed yourselves. Some activities proved to very popular and so we are considering offering some of them again before Christmas.

We are thinking about showing an Advent story in the Puppet Theatre on the first or second weekend in December and perhaps having the Pottery, Basketry and Candle Making workshops open one weekend afternoon in Advent too. 1£ you or your children would be interested to attend any 0£ these activities please let me know and then look out £or notices around Bieldside and Cutler advertising the activities offered and the times.

Just now we are currently enlarging our fully integrated nursery on Murtle Estate with the view to take in more local children who could benefit from this facility. If this is of interest to you, please contact Ingun Roberts.

Although it is now only October, as this edition of the Courier is the last before Christmas, may I take the opportunity to wish you all a peaceful Advent and Christmas time and thank you for your interest and support during the last year.

Laurence Alfred.

47th Culter Boys' Brigade Company

 The summer break once again saw the company turning to our outdoor activities. The BB Pipe Band were out 'on show' nearly every weekend during the months of June and August competing at the local competitions and travelling long distances to the major contests where their results have been appearing frequently in the 'Local Press'. They finished the season on a very 'high note' achieving a well- deserved fifth place at the Scottish Championships at Arbroath.

The BB senior band, Culter &,District, which consists of Company Officers and Boy's over the age of 18 completed an extremely successful season winning the North-East Champion of Champions and the over-all Champion of Champions for the whole season. I would like to thank the members of C & D for their continued expert tuition support to the BB pipe band.

During July we had our annual BB summer camp at the Lebhall! near Ballater. This year was a very special camp for the company; as it marked our SOth Camp at the site. The occasion was celebrated with the construction and official opening of a new kitchen.

The new kitchen has been fitted with modern cooking facilities required for today's hygiene regulations. Former captain, George McNab opened the kitchen on Saturday 1st July with many ex-boys and officers present, after which the boys attended a wet, but enjoyable two-week camp. Our thanks go to all the businesses and individuals who contributed to the project which will secure the future of many enjoyable BB camps to follow.

We are now a few months into our BB session after holding our Enrolment service at the Church on Sunday lOth September and Founders Day parade in Aberdeen on Sunday 29th October. This year is the introduction of a new, more informal uniform for the boys however, both new and old uniforms will still be seen on parade for a few years yet.

Another BB session brings many new ~ideas and activities to our programmes ensuring the continued enjoyment of  the boys in the company.

The Officers, Boys and 'Old boys' of the company are currently running a recruitment drive to encourage more boys in and around the village to become involved in the many activities and opportunities available within the Boys' Brigade.

The sections are as follows,

Anchor Boys (Prim.2 & 3) Monday's 6.30pm

Peterculter Parish Church

Junior Section (Prim.4-6)

Thursday's 6.30pm

Peterculter Parish Church

Company Section

(Prim.7 +) Friday's 7.15pm

Culter School

For more information on your boy joining please contact myself or watch for details in the local press for the launch of the Culter BB website which the boys have designed as part of their badge  work achievements.

Regards

Mike Findlay, Company Captain

Community Education

AREA DAY CLASSES WELL ATTENDED UNDER NEW PARTNERSHIP

Community Education in Aberdeen has this year entered the first stages of a new partnership agreement with Aberdeen College Although ideas for courses are still in initiated within the Cults-Culter area, financial arrangements and much of the admin. Is now handled by the College.

One happy result of this is that our course fees are now 50% cheaper than before and for anyone in receipt of benefits, allowances, or being over-60, the courses are free. We hope this seems a huge return for the certain amount of extra "form- filling" which has to be done during the first class of each course. In addition, of course, community education also now has access to the wide-ranging tutoring expertise staffing the College.

As regards this session's day classes, there are two Yoga courses and a Word Processing course in Culter, Yoga, a Writers' group and Drugs Issues for Parents (the latter an evening class) in Cults Community Centre, and Introduction to Computing in Cults Academy. Most classes are full or well- attended, some with long waiting lists.

Perhaps our most exciting venture is the daytime Computing course in Cults Academy, which uses the new computer suite installed by the College and the City Council. It's a nice thought that local people from 12yrs to 88yrs (yes, our oldest student!) are all learning under the same roof -thanks again to the Academy for being so welcoming to our students.

Meanwhile, remember that Cults Community Education Centre serves the area from Culter to Cults -in fact, students come from as far away as Banchory and Stonehaven -so if anyone is sitting out there saying "why isn't there a course on such-and-such?", do give me a phone Monday or Tuesday mornings at the Community Centre (868858).

Kate Robertson

Culter  & District Horticultural Society

Thank you to every one who supported the Culter Flower Show in August, whether by entering exhibits or by coming to admire. We were very pleased to welcome Councillor George Urquhart to Culter, a man deeply involved in Aberdeen's horticultural triumphs, who was most impressed by the display of bloom in the Village Hall.

This year' s overall winner was Terry Stott. The other winners who between them won 30 awards for their green fingered talents were: Lorrie Bilsborrow, Lewis Bissett, Donald Buchan, Joyce Cowie, Jean DiMaio, A Gilbert, Alex Jenkins, David Keith, Catherine Lacy, William Loudon, Donald Milne, Helen Ranseyer, Catherine Robertson, Tarran Ross, Helen Silvester, Paul Silvester, Jack Shaw and Pat Watson.

Congratulations to all the winners, hope you all do well next year too! If you want any information about the Society or would like information about next year's schedule, please call Catherine Lacy.

Culter School

The school has seen some refurbishment over the summer holidays, with bookshelves and storage systems arranged around the balcony area. This was much needed as the school has limited storage space and is a definite improvement.

Further work on the school will start in January with the installation of additional toilets for pupils.

Planning for Christmas starts early in school. Pupils are practising for their school concert to be held on 19 and 20 December. Parents and members of the community are always warmly welcomed to share this event with the school.

Last year P7 pupils raised funds through a non-uniform day and Talent Show They decided to use the money they raised to help the residents of Eastleigh have a happy Christmas.

The school has a long tradition of helping others and the pupils felt that by supporting their local community it was a measure of returning thanks for all the community has given them.

Cults Cricket Club

The 1^st XI won the ACA Grade 1 Championship in style winning the last 6 games. I will draw a discreet veil over cup competitions, great batting lads Graeme Gillanders, captain for the first time, injured for most of the season still led his troops well.

The 2nd XI finished a creditable 3rd in Grade 4. Just wish there were more games for this almost new side.

My main disappointment was not having  junior cricket this last year. There will be in Season 2001 -watch this space.

I am now in semi- hibernation, still practicing my forward defensive, I will get it right yet.

Many thanks to all our enthusiastic players and hardy supporters, you know who you are.

For further information please contact Ian Sutherland on

email address: isutherland @it.aberdeen.net.uk

THe Deeside Choristers 1975-2000

Up to now, this season has been one of the busiest ever. We had six vacancies for girls at the beginning of term, but twenty five girls applied. To keep the balance right, we need two more boys who enjoy good company and good music. Now is a good time to start, as we shall soon be working on our Christmas music.

Almost a hundred former singers and parents came to the Anniversary Reunion Dinner at the University on September 16th. Of course they insisted on singing music familiar to them all, and the enthusiastic, full-throated sound of mature voices was splendid -awesome, in fact.

Thirty four of us spent the weekend of September 29th in luxurious accommodation at Linlithgow, visiting interesting places and finally singing Evensong at the beautiful church of St. Salvador, Dundee.

The following week we provided the music for a Harvest Festival at 5t. Andrew's Church, Banff -we really do ~et around.

On November 12th we sing a Remembrance Day Evensong at 6.30 pm at 5t. John's, Crown Terrace. Our Services of Nine Lessons and Carols this year will be at 5t. Machar's Cathedral, Old Aberdeen, 7pm on 16th December, and at St. John's, Longside, the following day (17th September).

On the social side, our annual huge firework party and barbecue will be held on November 4th; usually about 100 singers and their families come to this.

The New Year should be less hectic! Please note: we are now looking for an adult bass and an adult tenor. Do you know anyone who would enjoy our style of musical life, or are you interested yourself?  A prospectus will be sent by Post, again without obligation.

Jim Steps Down

Chairing CCC meetings is as easy as herding cats. Jim Ritchie, however, over the years has had the happy knack of keeping us on track. His lightness of touch, humour, common sense and straight talking has made him an excellent Chairman. Recently, however, he decided that his hardness of hearing, although occasionally an advantage, had now become too much of a hindrance. Jim therefore announced at the AGM that he was stepping down as Chairman.

A champion of Culter to his core, Jim is highly respected within the village and by the Aberdeen City Council where he has built strong bridges. He is a committed campaigner, always ready to fight Culter's corner. Jim can be proud of his personal contribution to the Culter community he has represented as our CCC Chairman.

The good news is Jim is not stepping far. He has accepted the job of Vice Chairman. The new Chairman, Sam Weller, and the entire CCC are delighted that Culter will still share the benefit of Jim's wisdom and experience. For the Culter community, we know that if he possibly can, Jim will continue to fix it!

Village Hall Kindergym

Village Hall Kindergym Vacancy

Culter Village Hall is looking for someone to take over as Kindergym leader. Kindergym takes place every Wednesday during term time in Culter hall. Hours are 8.55am -12.30pm, 1.15 pm -2.45pm. This gives time for setting up the equipment as well as taking the four sessions with the children. A creche is available, and an assistant helps out with all sessions. For more information please contact Alison Skinner at Culter Village Hall.

First Prize for Culter School

 Eagle-eyed pupils from Culter have scooped first prize in Aberdeen City Council's Home Safety Hazard Spotting Competition. Last year's Primary One class (1 W) entered the competition that asked the children to identify a number of home safety and road safety hazards during Child Safety Week held in May 2000.

The presentation of prizes took place on Thursday 5 October and former teacher at Culter School, Mrs M J Skinner, helped to distribute the prizes to every child. Mrs Skinner represents the Forum of Community Councils on Aberdeen Home Safety Committee. The class also received a framed certificate.

At a later date, the pupils will invite Spotless the Clean and Green leopard to visit the school to explain about litter safety.

The Aberdeen Home Safety Committee chose the winning entry from many schools throughout the city. Karen Fitzgerald, a Project Officer with Aberdeen City Council, said: "Each year, the Home Safety Committee runs a competition to promote the importance of safety. As always the standard was exceptionally high and we are delighted to present the prize to Mrs Wilson's class as they were the youngest entrants."

The hazard-spotting sheets highlighted a number of safety issues such as safety in the kitchen, in the garden and at play.

Eastleigh Nursing Home

Can you believe we are heading for winter? This can be the worst time of year for the elderly, but certainly NOT for the residents of Eastleigh Nursing Home. Excitement and anticipation are the buzz words as we all prepare for the Christmas Festive Season. Already plans are afoot for our party, visits to the Pantomime locally and H.M. Theatre.

Many thanks to all who supported me in the Aberdeen Walkathon and came along to the Fashion Show in the Village Hall. Special thanks to Pat and the girls from Virgo, Kan'yo Beauty Therapy and Tootsies footwear of Cults. £396 in total boosted our Activities Fund.

In mid-October, our matron called a meeting with the hope of forming a 'Friends of Eastleigh' Group. Posters advertising this were distributed throughout the village but, sadly, response was poor. If there is anyone out

there who might like to be a 'friend' of Eastleigh please visit our home and find out more.

On behalf of staff and residents at Eastleigh I would like to thank you again for your continued support and wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Culter School PTA

The school fundraising year got off to a successful start with the table top sale and bingo night. Then we treated the children to the Hallowe’en disco on Friday 27 October.

Our recent main event was "CHRISTMAS AT HOME' .A preparation for the festive season with an evening of demonstrations of floral art, Christmas wreath making and elegant ways to decorate Christmas trees. We also had a demonstration on make-up for that special evening out. Newton Dee displayed a stall with candles, candle holders, baskets etc, and there were examples of Christmas crafts and stationery, hand painted glassware.

On Sunday 12 November volunteers packed shopping at Asda Bridge of Dee. This is always an important fundraiser and the volunteers' efforts on the PTA's behalf are greatly appreciated.

Look out for the following FORTHCOMING EVENTS

We are in the process of arranging a beer tasting evening to take place in early December at which beer and food will be served. Details will be provided once the date is fixed and posters will be put up in the village.

Also to come, a shopping trip to Glasgow by bus to take place in late November or early December. Details to be announced shortly.

The PTA is pleased to be spending some of the funds raised so far on playground equipment. Two smart wooden benches will be arriving in the playground at the start of next term along with boxes of assorted equipment for playground games e.g. skipping ropes, hoopla etc. This should help to make the playground a little more interesting!

Culter Football Club 

Plucky Peterhead Performance: In Culter ' s first official friendly of the season on Saturday 29 July 200, we did well to hold Scottish League newcomers Peterhead to a goal-less draw at Crombie Park. Prior to the kick-off of the match, we were presented with a new first-choice kit, courtesy of Harvey J Aberdein, Club Honorary Vice President. Rhona McLean, on behalf of the Peterculter Branch of Office of Aberdeen Considine, made the presentation.

Culter's Committee: Committee members now number seventeen with two recruits and only one departure from those in membership at the end of last season. Eddie McCusker resigned after only a brief spell in membership whilst we welcome long serving player, Gus Johnstone, and regular supporter, Barrie Gammack. on to the Committee.

Nine Newcomers: The new season has seen no fewer than nine newcomers joining our playing pool. Manager Bobby Gray and Assistant Manager Jocky Lawrence have recruited several quality signings in their squad strengthening. Jocky's brother, Alan, and Graeme Thomson switched from fellow Junior side Banchory St Ternan. New players Paul Paton (Sunnybank), goalkeeper Tony Buckley (Lewis United), Greg Davidson (Parkvale Under 18s), Neil McRitchie (Keith) and Lee O'Brian (Elgin City) joined us, whilst former players Cameron McKay (PC Stoneywood) and Kevin Thomson (Glentanar) were welcomed back.

August Award: Culter made a splendid start to the 2000/2001 season and were rewarded with the Stewart Milne Homes First Division Team of the Month Award. Culter were the only undefeated team in Section 3, perhaps the toughest one in the Grill League Cup, but were pipped to qualify by last season's Premier Division Champions, Longside, after drawing 2-2 with them at Longside in the last game. Culter won all three First Division games to top the League, scoring 16 goals in the process.

Early Exit: Holders Culter had a hard hurdle in the first round of the Great Northern Trophies Regional Cup facing Inverurie Loco Works at Harlaw Park, Inverurie. It turned out a close encounter with the score being 0-0 at the end of normal time. During the game, Loco Works probably had most of the possession but Culter had clearer cut chances. In extra time, Loco works scored the only goal for our early exit from the competition.

Professor's photo: Professor Alex Kemp came out to see the team in action at the beginning of the season and enjoyed meeting old acquaintances.  He recalled his young days in Culter and has provided the photograph of the Crown Crescent football team against which my team played in the early 1950s. The Crown Crescent team is:

Back Row: Ian Thomson, James Duncan, Goalkeeper Morrison, Charles Moncur and Ronnie Middler

Front Row: Alex Kemp Alex Irvine and Vic Simpson

Albert J Moir, Culter Football Club

Culter Theatre Club

THUMBELINA -the Panto

The year 2000 had to be special and we have certainly achieved that with our pantomime this year 'THUMBELINA'. It is an entirely original production, the script being written by a very talented team from our own members, Rita Hunter, Alison & John Forrester, Audrey Mathers, and Jen Cowie -with the extra special element being an original music score, written solely by our very own, John Forrester. John is presently in post as the Principal Teacher of Music at Kincorth Academy, Aberdeen. Not to be missed Aberdeen's own original musical premiere for the Christmas pantomime season. We promise you the songs and music will be outstanding as John has great experience in this field and has a special feeling for his music -this is just the beginning.

The story of Thumbelina is well known BUT this version has many hidden delights. Fairies, Jitterbugs, Sheep, Hens, Horses, Cows, all the farmyard animals you can think of all love Thumbelina and help her along with her quest. The part of Thumbelina is to be performed by Fiona George aged 14, she lives in Peterculter, and is a pupil of Cults Academy. The wonderful comedy team of the Frog Sisters, Fenella, (Lesley Stein) and Felicity (Lynne Cowie) will have you roaring with laughter constantly; not to mention the 'dame', Madame Jolie, played by Alistair Donaldson -the dame, as we all know is a very demanding role, and Alistair who has played the dame before in pantomime for Culter Theatre Club is superb.

Our proverbial 'baddie' this year is a Mexican Frog, (brother to the Frog sisters) played by John Milne, make of that what you will! (you'd be a 'baddie' if you had a very OTT mother like Mama Frog, played by Alison Forrester) -Audiences will love to 'hate' him, old and young alike. Oh what a family, it has to be seen to be believed.

King of the Fairies, performed by Phil Wallace and his Queen, played by Jen Cowie, keep control of the seasons, you will see a wonderful array of Spring, Summer. Autumn and Winter.

The Bilsborrow family -Lorrie (Mum) and Amy (daughter) also share their many talents with costume, set design and choreography. This year we have a larger cast than normal, therefore the budget for costume has trebled, with

some very elaborate designs, and with over 126 costumes that is some major task, but as always the results will be spectacular!

This is a pantomime which is truly worthy of a special place in the Aberdeen millenium year -and tickets are expected to sell fast, so don't be disappointed, make sure you have your seats well booked in advance.

Show performances are held at Culter Village Hall, 6-9 December 2000 7.30pm including a matinee at 2pm on the Saturday, 9th December. Tickets and information from Culter Village Hall priced at £5.50 adults and £4.00 child/ concessions.

St Peter's Heritage Trust

 By the time The Courier drops through your letter box, you shall have had a news letter from the Heritage Trust. Also by that time we will have signed the lease for the former St Peter's Parish Church.

I write to you as the Chairman of the trust. Our aim is to have a centre to house the history and heritage of our community down through the ages; a centre of interest and learning for young and old.

The most important thing is that everyone can have an input. Yes, our aim is to display family history, our village, shops, personalities, and church history (both Kelman Memorial and St Peter's churches).

For those who have already donated items, ie. photographs, family stories, and artefacts, thanks and our appreciation. We have lots to read and see.

You can join St Peter's Heritage Trust. Annual membership costs £10 for adults, £5 for senior citizens, £2 for juveniles (under 18 years) or £20 for families. Life membership costs £100. We are a registered Charity and benefit from Gift Aid Donations (from tax payers).

We are having a talk by the Royal Deeside Railway Preservation Trust in October and a Silent Auction at the beginning of November. On sale at the Heritage Centre are notelets and Christmas cards, and two small books of poems that I have written that have been well received. For those who have asked –yes, I'll have another one ready for Christmas!

Are you talented? If so, why not let me know? We welcome all support. Our motto: 'Today has opportunity, tomorrow can be too late'.

Peterculter Health Centre

At long last the new premises are complete, apart from landscaping work, and it is a great relief to us to be more or less fully functional in our new very pleasant surroundings. The building has been designed with functional efficiency in mind, with all the important clinical areas being extensively upgraded. We hope that you will find the reception and waiting areas easy to use and comfortable, although no doubt our new electronic patient call system will take a little practice (on all sides!). The partners and staff feel that the long wait has been worth it, but I will now have to find other topics to discuss in the Courier! !

An important change has taken place relating to our out-of-hours work in the practice, in that the partners have now joined the GDOCS organisation which we believe will bring consistency to the provision of emergency medical cover for evenings, nights and weekends. This means that our night and weekend work will be covered by GDOCS, with which some of you will already be familiar, and we would wish to reassure you of our complete confidence in the quality of this service. The other aspect of being GDOCS members is that the Culter GPs will themselves be working several shifts per month as GDOCS doctors but it means the end of the old system of working evening plus overnight on-call duty followed by a normal day at the surgery. This must ultimately be of benefit to the service we provide. FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL ADVICE OUT-WITH NORMAL SURGERY HOURS PLEASE PHONE THE SURGERY NUMBER 733535, AND YOU WILL BE GIVEN THE APPROPRIATE CONTACT NUMBER FOR GDOCS.

Finally, the annual influenza vaccination programme is well under way and we hope that this has worked well this year - any feedback from you would be appreciated.

Peterculter Parish Church

CHRISTMAS SERVICES 2000

There will be a special outdoor Village Carol Service on Monday 11 th December in the car park at Peterculter Parish Church. This half hour service, beginning at 6.30pm, will be led by the Boys' Brigade Centenary Band. Teas/coffees and mince pies will be served in the church hall afterwards. In the event of poor weather, the service will take place in the church hall. This is an event for the whole community.

Other Christmas Services with our Gift Service on Sunday 17th December at 11.00a.m. at which people will be introducing their favourite carols. There will be a Family Service on Sunday 24th December at 11.00a.m. at which the children will be doing a Nativity Play. The popular Family Candlelit Service will take place on Christmas Eve at 7.00p.m. and the Watchnight Service, which will include a short play, will begin at 11.15p.m. There will be a half hour Family Service on Christmas Day at 10.30am. Everyone is welcome to all our services.

Peterculter Parish Church will be holding a Christmas Fayre on Saturday November 25th from 2.00p.m. -4.00p.m. in the church hall. There will be a wide range of stalls, including cake and candy, bric-a-brac, Christmas cards etc., groceries, flowers and books. There will also be games and activities for the children.

Tickets, priced £1.50 (70p for children) for tea/coffee and home baking, are now available from the church office  or at the church any Sunday morning.

Anyone wishing to contribute goods to the Fayre can hand them in to the church hall on the Friday evening from 7.00.p.m. or on the Saturday morning until 12noon.

This event is open to everyone in the community and we hope that many people will support it.

Police News

At the recent Community Consultation Seminar for Culter, Cults, Milltimber and Bieldside the Local Community Objectives for the following twelve months were set. It was agreed that all of last year's three objectives had been successfully addressed during the year and that this year the 'speeding motorists objective' should be replaced by an objective to identify areas of drug misuse. Thus this year's objectives are to:-

combat illegal parking in areas likely to cause danger to young children  e.g. outside schools

give attention to large congregations of youths

identify areas where drug misuse is prevalent

The Consultation Seminar was well attended and various community issues were discussed. I would like to take this opportunity to ask for your help in addressing the objectives for 2000/2001. I will be looking to the community for help in identifying areas where drug misuse is a problem and would ask for the community to give me a call at the Culter Office if there is anything at all that will help me tackle the above objectives.

Culter in Colour

Once again Culter has bloomed during the summer months with gardens, tubs, baskets and containers in abundance. It certainly cheers those of us who do not have gardens. Well done, everyone involved.

One of the displays that I noticed was made up of dozens of nasturtium plants, but what a show. The 'Tom Thumbs' tumbled over each other with a marvellous splash of colour. So simple, but so effective. Let's hope that even more gardens will be 'showing off' next summer.

Ross Watt Community Garden Opened

A beautiful garden has been created behind the village hall. The COCA and Culter Theatre Club raised the funds to turn the dream into reality. Their efforts; the generosity of the people of Culter who held Ross in great esteem; and 18 months of hard work led up to the official opening on 17 September 2000.

You should wander up and see the transformation for yourself!

CULTER COURIER

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