CULTER COURIER

ISSUE No.82 FEB 2001

PUBLISHED BY THE COMMUNITY COUNCIL

Community Council News

I thought of opening with a report from the New Boy' but looking at my birth certificate, I decided it would not be appropriate.

May I start by wishing the Peterculter community a very successful New Year. I feel that I will have a difficult task in following Jim Ritchie's leadership that has maintained a strong relationship with both the City and the local community. I can but try to continue in the same direction with the same targets, and thank him for staying in the position of the Vice Chairman.

Culter Community Council (CCC) could not exist without the help of the members who are willing to give their time and efforts, and I hope that they will assist me in the coming year as they did for Tim

CCC cannot survive without the help of the community itself, so I would ask for the support from the residents of Peterculter. Communication is always the answer so please talk to us and, if you can find the time, come and take part in the future of your community.

R F Weller Chairman

SECRETARY'S REPORT

I really do not have anything to report, as I have been in Australia for the past three months not the time of year I would choose but my sister had a birthday on Hogmanay, so that dictated the time. The heat was really unbearable on many days and nights, so I was glad to be back in the land of ice, snow and rain.

Over the years there has been some confusion about the similarity of my name and that of the Village Hall's Administrator. Unfortunately Alison Skinner and I are not related in any way. Our 'married' names just happen to be the same. Alison has proved a very helpful friend and is always willing to assist me when she can.

For the first few issues of the Courier that I produced, I used the computer in Alison's office and I relied on her expertise very much. The letters on behalf of Culter Community Council were also written there. Now, of course, I have progressed to working from home so I do not see Alison as often as I once did -and I have only myself to blame for the mistakes I make!

As the Village Hall is owned by the residents of Culter, Culter Community Council is very pleased that the close contact between us has been maintained over the years. The Chairperson of the Hall, Susan Chappell-Smith, became a member of CCC to continue the pattern already set by Ross Watt. We appreciate this very much. As mentioned under Hall News, the AGM of the Hall is on Monday 19th March and it is hoped that there is a good attendance.

Bridgend Update

Last month, Mrs Fiona Selbie, Aberdeen City Council's solicitor, informed me of the latest developments regarding Bridgend.

The problem is still being dealt with and, due to the fact that Sonder's solicitor no longer works for the company, ACC offered to arrange a new agreement using another solicitor agreeable to Sonders Ltd. A deadline of mid January 2001 was given for a reply.

Mrs Selbie was interested to hear that people are able to walk the path despite the fact that it is still padlocked, contrary to the initial agreement.

We will just have to be patient at the moment and hope that an agreement can be reached soon. Please be vigilant and inform Mrs Selbie at ACC's Legal Department, Town House, Union Street, if there appears to be any work going on at Bridgend that would be in contravention of the initial agreement.

Muriel Cheyne

Editor: It's certainly a small world. On the last week of my Australian holiday, my sister and I went to spend a week with a friend of hers -he, too, being originally from Aberdeen. During the conversation on the first evening, Walter (or Wallie as we know him) mentioned he had been concerned about the Leuchar Burn Path and had telephoned Culter at one point to discuss the matter.

Mrs Cheyne had sent him parts of the Culter Courier that had a write up about it. Imagine his amazement when he realised I was the editor of the Courier. Of course he had never heard my surname but knew me as Allie's sister, Madge! Needless to say, the tongues never halted for the week we were there at his home close to the beautiful Hervey Bay. (We were too late to see the whales.)

City Council Notes

Concerned residents tell me that not all motorists are giving way correctly to pedestrians at the Zebra Crossing. Pedestrians should have the crossing entirely to themselves from the moment they put one foot on the crossing until they are on the pavement at the far side. They should not be expected to have the agility of matadors, able to sway out of the way of vehicles whizzing past them! Perhaps if pedestrians carried sharp walking sticks or umbrellas, motorists would be deterred! I have asked the Police to show a presence there now and again.

I hope that everybody will continue to recycle all they can but it would be appreciated by those living at St Peter' s Terrace and St Mary's Place if people would not use the glass bank at unreasonable times. It makes an awful clatter and residents need their sleep.

Aberdeen City Council's administration is proposing to re- allocate Support for Learning teachers by using a new formula that would take some staff away from our local schools and send them to areas of deprivation. This has caused grave concern among parents. Not only would some local pupils lose the support that they now receive, but it would also harm the education of all children because the class teachers' time would be taken up trying to give the help which has been withdrawn.

This proposal created vociferous protests at the meeting of the Education and Leisure Committee and it will now be debated at a meeting of the full Council. Thanks to all who have written either to the school or directly to me. Rest assured that the fight for a better settlement of the issue will go on.

Pam MacDonald City Councillor  

Peterculter Parish Curch

The work of refurbishing Peterculter Parish Church is now well underway. The pews were sold off to a number of individuals so if you see a lot of extra garden benches around the village, you will know where they came from! We hope that the work will be completed by early May when we will seek to open our doors to the whole community to allow everyone to see what the church is like.

The building will be formally rededicated by the Moderator of the General Assembly at a service on 17 June 20001. We also intend to have some special services after the church is open: a Youth Service; and a Marriage Thanksgiving Service at which couples will be invited to renew their vows.

The congregation has adapted well to worship in the Hall, with many commenting on the fact that they enjoy the different atmosphere and that the singing is better because people are closer together!

Finally, our Session Clerk, Mr Jim Campbell, has stood down from this post and Mr Donald Muir has taken over. Over the years, Jim has served the church in Culter well and, while his enthusiasm and energy will be missed in this role, I am pleased that his involvement in church life will continue still in other ways.

Camphill School News

Leading up to Christmas, a Class of the school was very active raising money for the homeless in Aberdeen. Stimulated by hearing the story of The Good Samaritan in their Religion Lesson, they set about being Good Samaritans themselves. They raised over £400 by hosting a cafe, arranging a ceilidh and by receiving the money raised by an Advent Sale.

With this, they then went to the Cyrenians' building in Summer Street and sung some carols before donating the money. There they found a variety of people, both young and old, male and female, some with young children, receiving shelter from the cold outside. It was a deed done in the spirit of Christmas, while remembering that Christ was one of the most famous homeless people of all time.

Christmas though is now passed, and one's thoughts turn to the New Year ahead. One group of co-workers has began work on a play for Good Friday which shows how a group of people with special needs are inwardly transformed by the event of Christ dying on the Cross on Good Friday and rising again on Easter Sunday. It is a deeply moving play of 40 minutes, and one which we may be able to offer to you in our local community. If anyone would like to host us, please let me know. It could well be performed in a church during Lent and be followed up by a conversation on the meaning of handicap.

Cults Community Education Centre

Needs Assessment of Young People (Cults, Culter, Milltimber and Bieldside)

Some of you mayor may not be aware of a Needs Assessment project, aimed at young people, currently in progress in your area. The project has been in place since around September of last year. It entails two Detached Youth Workers, employed by Cults Community Education Centre, venturing out in the streets of Cults {and surrounding areas) in the evenings, in an attempt to get to know the young people in the area, specifically those who 'hang around'. The aims are to assess their needs in terms of what facilities are available for them in their community and what they would like to see available to them to improve their environment and hopefully make them aware of and involve them in the decision making process. If there are any young people who feel they have been missed out or would like to contribute in any way, please do not hesitate to contact either Julie Burnett or Robbie Preece at Cults Community Education Centre, Earlswell Road, Cults, Aberdeen AB159RG. Telephone {01224) 868858 or e-mail: cultscc@rmplc.co.uk.

So far the project is going well and various groups have been identified. The young people seem to be interested in the project and have been extremely helpful and co- operative. A number of formal meetings with them have already taken place that has resulted in work being undertaken to improve the BMX Track at Cults Woods, undertaken by the Arts and Recreation Department at Aberdeen City Council. This is only a fragment of the work and the scope is infinite. It is also our aim to involve as many outside agencies, as possible and welcome any comments and suggestions.

A formal report of the findings should be available for publication by mid February.

WRI

The WRI is back in full swing again. We have twenty-three enthusiastic members meantime and meetings take place at 7.30pm on the first Thursday of the month in the Playgroup Room of the Village Hall. New members will be made very welcome at any of the meetings. Any lady who is interested could come along as a visitor to begin with. The programme is always varied and taking part in the competitions is a good way of finding any hidden talents you may have.

On Saturday 10 March the Kingswells WRI group, of which the Culter WRI is a part, has a Bulb and Industrial Show at Ashvale Hall, Westhill. The ladies all work very hard and enter their articles in the various competitions. It is well worth going across to see this show.

Wilma Angus

47th Culter Boys' Brigade Company

The boys have been spending the winter months concentrating on indoor activities and projects including various badgework, sports, games and the recently launched company website.

We also attended a very successful Christmas Family Service at Peterculter Parish Church where the whole company was present. As part of their badgework the Senior Boys organised refreshments for the boys, families and friends of the company. Photographers were also present taking a group picture of the company which appeared in the local press and now on the 'home page' of our website.

Our pipe bands have resumed practice sessions twice a week after our hectic, but successful, season last year. The BB band and our senior band, Culter & District, are now working hard for this next season where Culter & District will now be competing in Grade 2. Many of the competitions have still to be confirmed, however it is our intention to attend and participate in as many as possible, keeping the Culter Pipe Bands' successful name at the fore- front of the Pipe Band world. One of the first competitions which has been confirmed is the annual Boys' Brigade Band contest, this year held in Troon on Saturday 21st April. The BB Novice band and some Officers will be competing where they will also have a full uniform inspection after playing. Our thanks go to Culter & District members who also attend this important BB date to assist the young hand. 

The Friends of the 47th, consisting of Old Boys, Officers and ex-boys, have organised a fundraiser Wrestling Night to be held at the Music Hall on Friday 3Oth March. Tickets are now on sale at various costs (concessions, families etc). For more details please contact me or Bob Grant  or visit us at www.47culterbb.com. My sincere thanks go to our 'Old Boys' who all work very hard to ensure sufficient funds are available for the BB lads.

As I have already mentioned the Company website is now up and running with interesting history and up-to-date Culter Boys Brigade news including individual pages on the Anchor Boys, Junior Section, Company Section, Summer Camp and Pipe Bands. Already we are receiving e-mails from ex-members now living overseas, who all have commented on how nice it is to be kept informed online of their past BB Company. We have also begun an ex- members list on the site where past boys frequently can be sent information and latest news on the Culter Company. Please visit the site and leave any comments you think would improve it, as the boys have still to complete some of the site. rwww.47culterbb.com]

Due to the increasing number of Anchor Boys we are still requiring help on a Monday night. If you think you can help, perhaps not every week, please either contact me or come along to Peterculter Parish Church, Monday nights, 6.30pm.

Best Regards

Cults Cricket Club

By the time this article is published I will have visited my loft and dug out my cricket gear for season 2001. Thankfully all trousers have elasticated waists, cricket jerseys by there very nature are overlarge, bats are covered and do not require to be oiled and pads are poly covered and are wiped clean.

Now that is the kit sorted out, what about the player you may well ask? I only wish that the player was as easily prepared. Well I must admit I am champing at the bit for pre-season training. With the 2001 season due to start on Saturday 28 April, the preparation in March and April is vital.

Indoor nets for March are in the process of being finalised. Check out the web site for details.

Outdoor nets start on Saturday 31st March at the Allan Park with a 2pm start. Thermal underwear and wellies are de rigueur. As I will be in Tenerife on that day I will raise a glass to the lads at the Allan Park. I will search Tenerife high and low for a net, but I will be disappointed -might as well have a cervesa. Then midweek on Tuesday l0th, again check the web site for a full schedule.

If you fancy playing cricket, all ages and ability welcome, please contact mp at thp numbers below.

Ian Sutherland

(President- Cults Cricket Club)

 email: isutherland@it.aberdeen.net. uk

or visit our web site http: / / members.tripod.co.uk/ gillanders

Culter Boys Club

Culter Boys Club is running 10 youth football teams this season in the age range from under 7s up to under 18s. The club was founded in 1983 and now has a membership of 180 boys, mainly from the Culter area, with around twenty coaches and assistants helping to run the individual teams and the club as a whole.

Bad weather has disrupted much of the season so far and most of the teams have built up quite a backlog of games. The under 16s, coached by John Moir, are best placed of all our teams so far, second in their league having won seven and drawn one of their nine games. The under 14s, coached by Mark Jordan and Ian Macrae, are also going well with 16 points from seven games.

It costs over £6,000 per year to run the club and sponsorship of strips and equipment is vital. Fortunately, the club has a good record of support from local businesses. One of the latest deals is a sponsorship by Kelly of Cults -£500 to cover a full kit for the under 13 squad of16 players, plus a matchball and some training bibs. Other local sponsors include Culter Stores, Aristacut, A J Morrison and BDM Ironing Service.

Other fundraising activities in recent months included a Culter Boys Club dance last November in the Culter Mills Club when over £2,000 was raised from ticket and raffle sales. The top prize of a helicopter trip for three people was won by Penny Paterson from Bieldside.

A 2001 club calendar has been produced with photographs of each team and these are available from Peter Fraser at £4 each or 3 for £10. The calendar has team photos and some interesting facts on the Club -did you know that Stewart Milne, chairman of Aberdeen Football Club was once a manager of Culter Boys Club?

The club has just launched a new website at  www.culterboysclub.btinternet.co.uk  that has information on all of the teams, the history of the club, fixtures, league positions and details of past players of the year.

Player of the Year Winners from last season were:

Under 10s Scott Marlow and Alistair McKenzie 

Under 11s Liam Foster

Under 12s Benny Redman 

Under 13s Stuart Gill 

Under 15s Murray Bowman 

Under 16s Stuart Russo

Dee-Ciders

Our walks before Christmas were a bit disastrous. With the weather playing up, we had to cancel two walks and divert another two to another venue. Even the mini-bus decided to pack in on us!!! We hope to be luckier this year and have scheduled some flat walking with Duff House on the menu at the end of March. However, our Christmas party at the Irvine Arms was great. A short walk and afterwards back to Ian's house to gather everyone in. After dinner a few games with the usual cheating then home to leave the Irvine Arms to get their breath back.

We started the year with an unofficial walk along the railway line from Crathes to Banchory. It was appropriate on this walk for lots congratulations to our leader, Ian Spence, on his award of an MBE services to the Duke of Edinburh Awards Scheme. Ian was so pleased he even paid for all the coffees!

The walk on 16 January was to the Hill of Fare and a lovely day for it. The weather was very good and spirits were high. Most of our group are back in harness – Eth, Gus, Chris and Ron have returned from holidaying in Australia, and are feeling the cold. Good to see everyone happy.

The Deeside Choristers

We had an eventful and interesting Christmas season with Services of Nine Lessons and Carols at St Machar's Cathedral, Old Aberdeen and St John's Church, Longside.

Further interest lies ahead. In March, in place of our monthly Evensong at St John’s Church, Aberdeen, we shall sing Compline to Gregorian Chant. The musical notation for this is not like anything that most of the youngsters have seen before, having been invented in the 12^th Century – very strange! However, you may not know that Gregorian Chant has been ‘top of the pops’ in classical Music on several occasions recently. It is addictive.

We hope to round off our 25^th Anniversary Year at the end of August with a special recital, but plans are in their infancy as yet. The year 2000 was a wonderful year for the Choristers: hearty thanks to so many folk from Culter (and elsewhere) for their support. There are 56 singers at present but we have one vacancy for a boy (7 –11 years old) who likes music and good company. For information without obligation, ring.

Eastleigh Nursing Home

Residents and staff at Eastleigh are recovering from a hectic time over the festive season. In addition to the usual festivities we held a special party for one of our residents, Peggy Taylor, who celebrated her 100th birthday on Friday 15 December 2000. It was a truly wonderful event and one that will not be forgotten by those who managed to participate.

Prior to Christmas, we held a most successful Silent Auction. This raised in excess of £420. Everyone who attended enjoyed the occasion and we have been asked that it become an annual event. Please make a note in your diary for Friday 16 November 2001: Silent Auction in Eastleigh.

Talking of diary dates, I'd like to give prior notice of two important events: The first is a QUIZ on Friday 23 February. Further details may be obtained from me at the Home.

Our major fund-raising effort will be our MAY FAYRE on Saturday 19 May 2001 from 2pm-4pm. All the usual stalls, teas and entertainment for children will be there. Look out for details later .

At present I am in the middle of compiling a cookery book and would like to invite you to submit your favourite tried and tested recipes.

As mentioned in the last Courier, our matron called a meeting with the hope of forming a 'Friends of Eastleigh Group'. Sadly the response was poor but we are still hoping that a few local caring people might be interested in finding out more.

Eastleigh Nursing Home is a happy home ready to welcome visitors. If you want any other information about us, please contact our Matron for further details.

I look forward to seeing you at our forthcoming events.

Margaret G Mearns Activities Organiser

Culter Football Club

.Third Time Top Team: Culter's fine performances in November 2000 earned us the Stewart Milne Homes First Division Team of the Month award -framed Team of the Month Certificate plus cheque for this achievement. Culter were previous winners in August and September 2000. In the month of November, we won all four games played.

Goalkeepers' Goals: In the space of a month, Culter's Goalkeepers Tony Buckley and Brian Troup surely created quite a unique double by both scoring directly from kick-outs! Tony Buckley's goal was against Banchory St Ternan on Saturday 28 October 2000. Ian McKenzie reported: "Goalkeeper Buckley gathered the ball in his area and launched a massive clearance which bounced once and flew over the bemused Goalkeeper Ewen and nestled in the back of the net!" Brian Troup, deputising for the suspended Tony Buckley on Saturday 25 November 2000, completed the remarkable double against Wilson's XI. Green Final Reporter, Sean Wallace, stated: " Amazingly 'keeper Troup scored with a long kick-out in 31 minutes. To the complete surprise of the Wilson's defence, the kick completely by-passed them before being caught up in the wind and bouncing over stranded 'keeper Whyte into the top left-hand corner."

Dinner Delight: Our l5th Celebrity Dinner was a sell-out in spite of much competition on Friday 17 November 2000. The event was attended by approximately 320 gentlemen which, of course, creates a splendid atmosphere. President Doug Jamieson made the introductory speech and Senior Committee member Gordon Morrison said Grace. Compere Peter Mitchell was superb. Comedian Peter Stevens entertained the audience and legendary Dons' former captain, Willie Miller, excelled himself with his 'Words of Wisdom'. The function, with its Raffle of superb prizes and excellent Auction items, boosted Club funds considerably. Another great night!

Kilsyth Knockout: After a fine second round start in the OVD Scottish Junior Cup by beating Tayside side Elmwood 2-0 at Crombie Park on Saturday 4 November, it was a different story in the third round. Culter bowed out 3-1 to Kilsyth at Kilsyth on Saturday 2 December after an inept display; The home side used the strong wind in the first half to net three times and bury Culter's hopes of progress. A consolation goal came too late for staging a revival.

Double Departure: Two Culter players departed during mid- December- Dave Galbraith and Brian Troup. Dave joined us from now defunct Bon-accord together with Lewis Marr at the start of 1997/98 season and followed Lewis by being transferred to East End. Experienced Dave helped out with Team Management between the transitional period before Bobby Gray's appointment. Brian 'Super Trooper' joined us for 1998/99 and gave us loyal service but, after the signing of new first choice goalkeeper Tony Buckley this season, it proved unworkable to keep two goalkeepers in the playing pool and he went back to Amateur football to play for his home town, Skene. Brian's highlight was our 'Man of the Match' starring role in the Great Northern Trophies Regional Cup shock victory over Formatine United in the April 2000 final.

Couple Arrive: To offset the departures, two new players were recruited -Christopher Ness on loan from Peterhead, and Alan Morris from Elgin City.

Fixture Freeze: The frost put paid to our final fixture of 2000 due against Lads Club on Saturday 30 December then subsequent home games in the first three weeks of January 2001.

Albert J Moir Culter Football Club

50 years ago: Culter School's Cup Winning Team which beat Banchory 4-3 in the Final in 1951.

Back Row: Shepherd, McBain, Christie, Kelly, Coutts

Culter GALA 2001

Saturday 9 June

The Gala Committee have held its first meeting of 2001 and a provisional programme for the week is now in place and a confirmed Programme will be published in the May edition of the Courier.

A programme for Gala Committee meetings has been agreed and the dates are 21 February, 21 March, 18 April, 16 May and 30 May. All meetings are in the Pop In at 7.30 and on Wednesday Evenings, and of course, we would be delighted to see anyone who comes along. There will be no pressure put on visitors to join the committee, however the views of village residents are always welcome and encouraged.

Some traditional Gala events were not included in the programme last year due to the lack of manpower required. These included the Wheelbarrow Race and the Gala Day Parade. If you are interested in helping to organise these events I would really like to hear from you. The Gala Committee itself consists of seven members and it is therefore limited in its ability to carry out the huge number of tasks undertaken in previous years. You do not have to be on the committee or attend committee meetings to become involved with this year's Gala -any and all involvement in the programme will be welcome.

Stewards are being sought to help Paul Cowie with the Youth Pool Competition during the three weeks prior to the Gala. This would just involve being around to help out for a few hours during the evening of the various heats. Last year's competition was of a very high standard and if you are at all interested in Pool you could combine an evening of great entertainment with helping the Gala Committee to run this event. Paul can be contacted and would be delighted to hear from you if you are able to help.

I can be contacted  should you need to talk to me. I will be happy to hear your suggestions.

Guiding in Culter

 As a new year begins we have had a few changes in Guiding. The Guide syllabus has changed and there is a new uniform (again!). We now have "Go For It" which encourages the girls to work on their own with less Adult input. Also we have a new Guider, Anita, who volunteered her services so this greatly reduces my work-load.

Brownies continue to be as popular with the girls with a long waiting list for places. Unfortunately one of our Brownie Guiders felt she could no longer help due to work and family commitments so Wednesday night Brownies are looking urgently for a new Adult leader.

Both Rainbow Units are full and working well with a wide range of activities, but a few leaders have let me know that they will only be able to help until summer, so if there is anyone out there who would like to spend an hour each week with a group of 15 girls aged between 5 and 7 years, then please contact me for more information.

If anyone is interested in any of these groups either as an adult leader or enrolling your daughter please contact me.

Joyce Cowie

Culter Village Hall News

Culter Village Hall and Culter Theatre Club will be holding their annual Cabaret Night on l0th March 2001. Tickets for this very popular event will go on sale mid February from Culter Village Hall. The evening includes a three-course meal and the entertainment. This year proceeds will be split between the village hall and the theatre club. Please contact Alison Skinner on 734371 for further details about ticket availability and price.

The annual general meeting of COCA will take place on Monday 19th March 2001 at 8pm. The meeting is open to all residents of Culter and the surrounding district. As well as a resume of the past year and report from the treasurer, we shall be discussing increases to hall rental rates, plans for refurbishment of the hall within certain financial constraints, and progress on the Ross Watt Community Garden. Everyone is welcome at the meeting and we would particularly like to see new residents of the village who be prepared to help in the running of our hall. We rely heavily on volunteers to keep the hall going. New ideas and enthusiasm are always welcome.

PETERCULTER MEDICAL PRACTICE

We are still putting some finishing touches to the building; important things like the external signs still need to be finalised. Then we will be planning an official opening once we are happy that all the jobs are complete! Watch out for further details.

Our art competition for the children of Culter School was a big success. We invited entries from all age groups on the themes of' A Visit to the Health Centre' or' A Health Message', the winning pictures to be framed and on permanent display in the surgery - we are keen to make the new premises as child-friendly as possible! We were very impressed by the quality of the art work and it was a real eye-opener to see what the children regard as important features of our service -for example large needles and friendly nurses were frequent images, and the glamorous and smiling ladies at reception were clearly a big hit! Well done to all the entries -it was a hard job choosing the best.

A few staff changes to report. We now have four practice nurses doing sterling service in our new expanded and modernised treatment rooms, and welcome Mrs Jenny King and Mrs Susan Steer who joined us earlier in the winter. Mrs Sybil Wilkie is our latest addition to the reception team. Sophie Bordage is the new chiropodist, and we also welcome back Ruth Nevay, speech therapist, who worked from a different base during the building works.

There has been a lot of media interest recently about childhood vaccinations again, particularly the MMR vaccine, and understandably this may raise anxiety levels among those parents with children in this age group. Please do discuss these issues with us (Health Visitor or GP), as we want you to make properly informed decisions -overall we still strongly believe in the value of immunisation and would not wish to see a return to epidemics of serious childhood infectious diseases.

So far 'flu cases have not been frequent this season, and we hope that the 'flu vaccine programme should prevent most of the potential significant problems associated with an outbreak. As we are always trying to fine-tune our service, we would be interested to hear from those of you who were invited but declined the 'flu jab (any specific reason?).

On a lighter note, we are anticipating a return of our rooftop love-birds the oystercatchers, now that the builders have left -we hope that our renovated roof will provide adequate and comfortable accommodation for antenatal and postnatal purposes!

With best wishes,

ST PETER'S HERITAGE TRUST

A happy New Year to all and we would like to thank everyone for the support given to the Trust.

In the run up to Christmas we had folk visiting the cemetery. Many of these people came from some distance away and they were delighted that they could spend time at the Centre recalling their family ties with St Peter's Church.

You may remember that we were asking for stories and photographs of the camp in Coronation Road that was erected during the Second World War

The Italian prisoners-of-war were followed by German prisoners-of- war, and then by displaced persons. Peter Kaminskas was one of the displaced persons who arrived at the camp in September 1947 to work on the land. Peter's homeland was Lithuania. Like many other of his countrymen, he sought freedom in the west.

Thanks to Peter, we now have photographs of the Coronation Road camp that was his home till the camp closed in May 1949. We intend to have Peter's photographs enlarged and an article about his experiences prepared soon.

May I say that the Centre is there for you -young and not so young. We are adding to it all the time. Have you a story, a photograph, a talent to share, or time to spare? If the answer is 'Yes!' we' d like to hear from you.

MILL MEMORIES

The unthinkable happened twenty years ago -the closure of Cutter Paper Mills Company. It was the St Valentine's Day Massacre -Culter style. The dreaded day was officially Saturday 14 February 1981 although the gates closed the day before on Friday 13th! Black Friday's gloom came at noon ending 230 years of papermaking spanning 1751-1981. The closure ended an era in Culter.

In its latter stages, Culter Mills employed a workforce of 320 but fortunately almost everyone succeeded in finding alternative employment through their own initiative, through efforts of the management and union in tracking down jobs, and through the vacancies facility set up in the premises by Aberdeen Jobcentre. Under the guidance of J p Smith (lain) a squad of 20 was retained to dismantle and move machinery, taking care of security and disposing of the 2000 ton stock, plus furniture and office equipment.

PETERCULTER OAPS CLUB

Once more it's time for our report to the Courier and we have a very good programme of events coming up at our next meetings.

March 7 -Morven Singers from Aberdeen

April 4 -Charlie Kidd and his Concert Party

April 18 -Bill Cooper and his fellow Scottish Accordian members. (extra meeting)

Our Coffee Morning is on April 7 in the Supper: Room of the Community Hall on North Deeside Road. This will be from l0am till 12 noon and it is hoped that many will support this fund-raising effort.

We are always looking for new members as our numbers are falling.

You do not have to be of pension age to join -younger members would be made very welcome.

We wish all readers a very happy and healthy 2001.

CULTER HILLWALKING CLUB

OVER 50s WALKING GROUP

Our final three walks of the year were tinged with sadness.  Bunty Bisset who had organised our group for several years was in Roxburgh. We missed her presence and were conscious of the suffering we could no longer share. We missed her kindness and her caring for everyone in the group, her wit, and her sense of fun. She died two days before the final walk of the year. In the lovely churchyard at Fasque, we stopped a while, amid the noise of birds and the country sounds she so loved, There, we remembered her courage and wished her peace and freedom from pain.

The New Year opened with a short drive to Crathes and a walk all around the grounds (and hot soup at the cafe for those who had forgotten sandwiches). Dunnottar Woods was the second venue. We all must be getting fitter as we got round in record time (for us) or was it perhaps the bitter cold that drove us? We had time for a very wild walk along the front from the Harbour to Cowie, which really put roses into cheeks and salt spray on our anoraks! We look forward to a year of walks with the group now organised by Betty Cruickshank.

POLICE NEWS

I would like to begin by wishing you all a Happy New Year and good wishes for the coming year. The Christmas and New Year period in Culter has been relatively quiet with regard notable crime.

There were only two houses broken into over the Christmas and New Year period. Entry to both houses was via a window at the rear of the property. Timer devices and security lighting at the rear of your house act as excellent deterrents to would-be criminals.

In December 2000, a Police Operation was run in the Culter and Cults area with a view to clamping down on under-age drinking and unruly behaviour by youths. The operation was a great success and youths were conveyed home to their parents when found in possession of alcohol, and letters were sent to numerous others present. I would like to take this opportunity to ask parents to speak to their children regarding the dangers and risks to their health that under-age drinking causes.

Numerous complaints are still being received by Grampian Police regarding youths congregating in large groups and causing a disturbance, mainly at week-end. If you have teenage children, do you know where they are at week-ends? Occasionally  in the Culter, Cults, Bieldside and Milltimber area there can be as many as forty to fifty youths congregating on street corners which can be very intimidating and threatening to members of the public.

On 15 December 2000, a scheme designed to combat under-age drinking was implemented in the Culter, Cults, Milltimber and Bieldside areas. This scheme involved all off-sales premises in the aforementioned areas introducing a voluntary age limit of 21 years for the purchase of alcohol. It is to run for a trial period of three months after which time it will be reviewed. The main aim of the scheme is to prevent youths, who have attained the age of eighteen, from buying alcohol on behalf of other under-age youths. It also provides the licensees with a safeguard when selling alcohol to youths whose age is difficult at ascertain.

Please feel free to contact me at Culter Police Office if there is anything I can assist you with. However, if you wish to report a crime or an ongoing incident, then please call the main Grampian Police number which is 01224 386000.

PETERCULTER PATIENTS PARTICIPATION GROUP 

Over the past six months the PPPG Committee has not met mainly due to the overrun of the completion date of the building work at the Peterculter Medical Practice. It was felt that during this period it would be better to await the completion of work and allow the staff to settle into their new surroundings.

We all appreciated that doctors, nurses and administrative staff had been working under difficult conditions and the PPPG did not wish to add to the burden during these times.

Now all is completed, the PPPG will continue to liaise with the PMP and establish a programme for 2001. I am having discussions with the staff to see what role the Peterculter Patient Participation Group can play in the coming year. I will keep you posted on developments.

58TH ABERDEEN (CULTER) SCOUT GROUP

A Happy New Year to all Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Ventures, Parents, Leaders and Committee Members.

Beavers: We have a short term solution to the Beaver Leader crisis thanks to Aileen Dow who has agreed to become a warranted Beaver Leader on an interim basis until we find a permanent leader. We are still therefore searching for Beaver leaders both to run the Colony and to be assistants. Contact Simon or Aileen if you are interested in this rewarding position.

Cubs: A busy term finished with a trip to the Arts Centre Pantomime with the Beavers. This session we will be taking part in the Aberdeen Area Cub Table Games Competition on Saturday 24 February. All Cub Packs in Aberdeen are invited to take part. The games include chess, draughts, tiddlywinks and dominoes something for everyone.

We hope to finish off Road Safety Badge with most of the Cubs and to try the three stages of Swimmer Badge at Cults Academy pool. We also have a competition for the boys to design a banner for the church that is to show what Scouting is about. The best banner will be incorporated in a 'stained glass window'.

Looking forward to May, we will be attending Aberdeen Area Cub Camp at Templars' Park on the weekend 26/27 May. We hope to hold a parent/ child camp in June.

Scouts: All the scouts over 14 joined the Venture Scouts for a trip to Inverness for the Caledonian Water Rally. This 'Cally Rally' played host to over 350 Scouts and Guides from all over Scotland for an action packed weekend. Our gang participated in rafting, canoeing, orienteering and a cruiser trip on Loch Ness,

Meanwhile the younger scouts hiked over hills and glens to reach their home for the night at Inverey. A step climb up Morven near Braemar, then a tricky route through bogs took the scouts past a vast herd of deer before everyone had to take off socks to cross a freezing cold stream.

It was also a busy time for awards and badges. Neil Musgrove and Campbell Forbes were presented their Chief Scouts Award, the highest award in this section. Four other scouts completed their Scout Award. Other badges gained were the Athlete, Camp Cook and Patrol Activity Award.

We hope to finish off Road Safety Badge with most of the Cubs and to try the three stages of Swimmer

Finally I would like to welcome both Richard Geisler and Alistair Govan to the troop as Assistant Scout Leaders.

Richard was previously a Scout and Venture Scout with the 58th and Alistair has a son in the troop and has just moved from overseas where he was a Cub Scout Leader.

Ventures: At our weekly meetings on Wednesdays, the Ventures went rock climbing, made pizzas, organised a wine tasting evening and had our annual Christmas meal.

For the coming term, our programme includes: pioneering, a monopoly evening and the hire of a bouncy castle. We shall be bag-packing at ASDA and going to a car boot sale in order to raise funds for our proposed trip at Easter to the Outer Hebrides. The money will also go towards funding the six Ventures going to Poland for their Explorer Belts.

We have a new Venture, Martin, and there is still room for now male and female members aged between 15 and 20.

Thailand World Jamboree in 2000/3

The next World Jamboree will be held in Thailand from 28 December 2002 for about ten days. This is a unique opportunity of a lifetime for Scouts and Ventures who have reached their 14th birthday but not their 18th birthday on 28 December 2002. That means those of you who are now twelve and above may apply!

40,000 Scouts from all over the world will be participating. The cost is £2,500 per Scout but there will be fundraising, and grants are available so the cost should not be a barrier to anyone.

PETERCULTER SPORTS CENTRE

As thoughts turn towards our summer holidays and New Year's resolutions remain firm (or not), it is the perfect time to visit Peterculter Sports Centre. Our facilities include a fitness studio, main sports hall, creche and general purposes room, and these can help you to achieve your fitness goals.

We have a varied aerobics programme that consists of classes from the stretch and tone variety to higher impact aerobics and step.

The fitness studio caters for all levels of user from the fitness fanatic to the first-timer. With a wide range of cy equipment and resistance weights machines, there is something for everyone. The sports hall caters for a range of different activities such as badminton, football, basketball -to name but a few.

For the children we have term time coaching and holiday sports camps that run throughout the year offering structured coaching in many sports.

ZEBRA CROSSING

Since the introduction of a pedestrian Zebra Crossing on North Deeside Road near to its junction with Coronation Road, Culter, there have been numerous complaints about drivers not complying with the rules and regulations that govern the Zebra Crossing.

The regulations that govern the Zebra Crossing are as follows:.

Every pedestrian, if he/she is on the carriageway within the limits of a Zebra Crossing, which is not for the time being controlled by a constable in uniform or traffic warden, before any part of a vehicle has entered those limits, shall have precedence within those limits over that vehicle and the drive of the vehicle shall accord such precedence to any such pedestrian.

No pedestrian shall remain on the carriageway within the limits of a crossing longer than is necessary for that pedestrian to pass over the crossing with reasonable despatch.

In lay-man's terms, should a pedestrian be using the Zebra Crossing then vehicular traffic must give way to this pedestrian. The second point is self-explanatory.

However, common sense should also be applied. Please always check the road, as you would do if crossing normally, outwith a Zebra Crossing. Likewise for drivers of vehicles, should you see a pedestrian approaching the Zebra Crossing, and then please consider slowing your speed in anticipation of the pedestrian using the crossing.

For any further advice or information on the above subject, please contact me at the Culter Police Office on 01224 732222.

LOCAL HERO

Much has been made of the achievements of the last 1000 years. William Shakespeare may have nurtured national fervour as the "Man of the Millennium" but who should gain the laurels as our own 'Local Hero'?

To many tourists, who pass each summer, Rob Roy MacGregor is the face of Culter. He stands high over the burn over which he (allegedly) leapt evading English soldiers, clinging to his crag as the silent guardian of the village. Unfortunately, this romantic view of Culter’s past does not hold up to much historic scrutiny. As the cameras click and the videos roll on Rob's Olympian feats on the north side of the bridge, few heads will turn to take in the sprawling housing scheme downstream. Locals know this as the site of the Culter Paper Mills but, apart from the sign proclaiming "Millside Street", little else exists to explain the significance of the spot to our visitors.

Here, 250 years ago, stood Culter's real "local Hero"- Bartholomew Smith, an Englishman who just happened to know how to make paper. In the waters of the Culter Bum, he saw the means to start an industry which would last {almost) to the next Millennium.

The water was there, in plentiful supply, for power and washing rags used in paper-making and a ready nearby market in Aberdeen. Bartholomew, then aged about 65, signed a lease on Tuesday 9th January 1750 with the local landowner at the estate of Culter, Patrick Duff of Premnay:

"all and haill the Waulkmill of Craigtown with the houses, yards and crofts, or portion of land and grass belonging thereto, and then possessed by John Selbie with the privilege of using the water, for the payment of the yearly rent of sixty pounds Scots".

The lease began on Whitsunday and would run for 114years. With a little imagination, we can picture the Smith family- Bartholomew, his wife and 2 sons, Richard and Lewis , returning from the church  at St Peter's to Waulkmill on Sunday 3rd June 1750 ready to start work on their new venture on the Monday, of course, never on the Sabbath! In 6 months, they were ready to start production. His wife would sort and prepare the rags for processing and his sons carried on from there. Exactly a year on, from signing the lease on 8th January 1851 an advertisement appeared in the, then, weekly Aberdeen Journal:

BARTHOLOMEW SMITH Paper-maker from England, who has now erected and set going on the Burn of Culter, a Paper-Mill, where he can serve the Country in Paper, fine and coarse, brown Paper, Paste-boards, Pressing- cards for Dysters etc., gives notice that he buys rags of all kind of Flax or Hemp, by the stone weight and designs for that end to come to Aberdeen Every Friday. Mr Smith expects, that as his Undertaking is so beneficial to the Country, every person will be careful to save these materials for his work which formerly were thrown away as useless. "

Richard, who was aged 20, soon met a local Culter 'quine' Mary Hyde (born 1732) and had a succession of children to fill the Waulkmill- Joseph (1754), Benjamin (1755), Hannah (I756), Maria (1760), Richard (1762), Harry (1763) and Ishmael (1765). Richard married, for a second time in 1768, Martha Reid (born 1755) from Glassel. Their family further swelled the workforce -Anne (1769), Margaret (1771), Alexander (1773), Martha (1775), Lewis (1777), Jean (1779), Hester (1781).

Richard's son Lewis was to carry on the family tradition at the Mill until 1819.

The founder of the Paper Mill at Culter, Bartholomew, died in 1758.

On 16th September 1758, the Aberdeen Journal said:

BARTHOLOMEW SMITH "about seven years ago he erected a paper-milne, which he greatly improved and carried on, to a considerable extent, that valuable branch of trade, by which he not only served the town and country to good purpose, but also gave daily employment to many poor families."

Culter Paper Mills, for so long the mainstay of employment in the area, is now consigned to history. A victim of the economic crisis, it closed on "Black Friday" 13th February 1981.