Alyth Voice

Alyth Voice
98th Edition, January/February 2006
Tel/Fax: 01828 633045
Email address: alythvoice@alythvoice.co.uk
Minimum Circulation 1525
Website: www.alythvoice.co.uk
TOP GUITARISTS COME TO ALYTH
CHRISTMAS WINDOW COMPETITION 2005
Three of the world’s top guitarists who between them have worked with Jamie
Cullum, Bill Wyman, Bryn Terfel and June Tabor will be performing at Alyth
Town Hall on Sunday 26th February as part of a special Scottish tour. Martin
Taylor, Neil Stacey and Martin Simpson as Guitars3 will present a show fusing
jazz, folk and blues which has impressed audiences and critics alike from New
York to Paris, Sydney to Tokyo. The tour which is part of a series of dates
covering the length and breadth of Scotland is supported by The Scottish Arts
Council’s Tune Up fund and Alyth Community Council.
The organisers of the concert are new Alyth residents James & Alison Taylor whose company P3 Music also looks after the careers of Deacon Blue as
well as running Europe’s biggest guitar festival in Kirkmichael, Ayrshire.
James Taylor told the Voice: “By putting on this concert we want to find out
what the level of support is for music events in the Strathmore area. The guitar
festival we run in Ayrshire generates over £300,000 for the local economy and
has high profile supporters including Brian May, Bill Wyman and Dolly Parton. If the concert in February goes well and there is the support of the local
community then we might consider holding a festival in Alyth later in the year.
When we started the festival in Ayrshire seven years ago it attracted 250 people to the first event and it now attracts 5,000 visitors who come from as far
afield as Australia and Canada.”
MARTIN TAYLOR is described as "THE
acoustic guitarist of his generation" by America's Acoustic Guitar Magazine and has established a unique career as an internationally
acclaimed guitarist, his inimitable style seeing
him recognised as the world's foremost exponent of solo jazz guitar playing. In a musical
career spanning 30 years he has dazzled audiences with his solo shows, which combine
virtuosity, emotion and humour, with a strong
stage presence. As well as his solo concerts and
recordings, he has also collaborated with musicians from many different musical genres including Chet Atkins, Bill Wyman, Dionne
Warwick, Sacha Distel, and Chris Rea. In 2002,
he was appointed MBE "For Services to Music", in The Queen's Birthday Honours List and
in March 2005 his autobiography was released
on paperback by Sanctuary Publishing.
MARTIN SIMPSON is one of the finest
acoustic finger-style and slide guitar players in
the world. Winner of BBC Radio 2 Folk
Awards Musician of The Year 2002 and 2004
and also winning Best Album in 2002 for The
Bramble Briar, he is a superb interpreter of
traditional music and song from Europe and
from the American South. Growing up in
Lincolnshire he was inspired by the likes of
Martin Carthy, Davey Graham and Richard
Thompson during the folk revival of the 60s.
He was also hugely influenced by the recordings of Big Joe Williams, the Reverend
Gary Davies, Blind Willie Johnson and Doc Watson, which has led to an eclectic style of playing and repertoire that is all his own. He has worked with the
likes of Jackson Browne, David Lindley, June Tabor, Martin Carthy and Eric
Bibb and is a popular and much loved solo performer. Both spell-binding, and
highly entertaining, he is a master of his craft.
NEIL STACEY formed the Django Reinhardt
inspired group, the Kimbara Brothers, who have
since recorded six albums and toured festivals
extensively in the UK and Europe. In 1992 Neil
formed Acoustic Mania with Antonio Forcione
and they made their live and recording debut at
the Edinburgh festival in 1993. In 2002 Neil and
Dominic Miller released their first album, and
now perform with Sting’s percussionist Rhani
Kriji and Mike Lindup (Level 42). Neil’s first
purely solo album “And?” on the German Acoustic Music label met with rave reviews from critics.
THE CHRISTMAS Window Competition, which is sponsored by Alyth &
District Business Association, was a fantastic display for Christmas 2005 with
windows in, it would seem, every business in Alyth.
The displays were in so many forms, from snow scenes with skiers skiing up
and down hills, skaters on a lake, Santas doing various things, snowmen, angels, Christmas puppy displays, Christmas teddy bears display, snowbound
villages, Nativity scene, Christmas decorated family room with children,
Christmas trees of so many kinds, heights and colours and so many other fantastic displays impossible to describe here. It is hoped that many photographs
were taken of all the windows.
The judges Mrs. Dorothy Lothian, Alyth’s Citizen of the Year and Mr. John
Wheatley, Alyth’s Young Citizen of the Year had the seemingly impossible
task of deciding the winners. They stated “it was one of the hardest and most
difficult jobs they had ever undertaken” and were up and down the streets in
Alyth on numerous occasions, but after much looking and soul searching they
decreed that the winners were: -
1st - Athole Bakery, 27 Airlie Street, Alyth
Christmas Window Competition Shield
2nd - Alyth Library, 23 Airlie Street, Alyth (see page 4)
3rd - Hobbies, 19 Airlie Street, Alyth
all the above received framed certificates
Thanks must be expressed to all businesses for their fantastic window displays,
which must be the best in Perthshire if not Scotland, and brought such festive
cheer to Alyth and to all. Thanks also to Dorothy and John for their time and
effort spent on judging this event.
Thanks must also be included to the Alyth Christmas Lights Committee and
all their helpers for the fantastic Christmas light display in Alyth. Well done to
all who were involved.
Michael Kay, Chairman ADBA
GUITARS3
featuring
Martin Taylor
Neil Stacey
Martin Simpson
Sunday 26th February 2006
Alyth Town Hall
Doors: 7pm
Tickets: £12 which includes complimentary drink
Tickets available from Lunan’s Newsagent, Alyth Pet
& Flowers and www.simbioticstore.com/guitars3/
Useful Telephone Numbers
- TO A SNOWDROP by Daniel Dewar
Airlie Street Hall (contact-Helen Menzies) - 01828 632929
Blairgowrie Police Station
- 01250 872222
Perth Police Station
- 01738 621141
Hydro-Electric Emergencies
- 0800 300999
Scottish Gas Emergencies
- 0800 111999
Scottish Water
- 0845 6008 855
Alyth Post Office
- 01828 632301
Alyth Health Centre
- 01828 632317
Alyth Primary School
- 01828 632462
Blairgowrie High School
- 01250 873445
Alyth Environmental Group
- 01828 632907
NHS 24—new 24 hour health service
- 08454 24 24 24
Wee modest Angel, Heav’nly flo’er,
First sweet’ner o’ dreich Winter’s
soor,
First sign o’ Spring, new life an’
Po’er
Beyond oor ken;
Sae shy an’ mild, yet strang an’
dour,
Hail, sna or ren.
Ye dance wi’ glee whin snell winds
bla,
Shak’ petals free o’ rime an’ sna;
A prime example tae us a’
O’ pluck an’ grit:
You stand an’ coont whate’er befa’s
Whaur we micht quit.
If you offer an emergency or breakdown service
e.g. Plumber, Electrician, Locksmith, Glazier, Central Heating or any other trade,
please send us your name and number for our useful numbers section
Alyth Voice Team
Paul Ramsay
01828 632992
Editor
paulramsay@bamff.demon.co.uk
Irene Robertson
01828 633045
Compositor/Secretary
alythvoice@alythvoice.co.uk
Margaret Stanford
01828 633083
Advertising
advertising@alythvoice.co.uk
Paul & Barbara Prettyman 01828 633725
Distribution
Margaret MacKenzie
Advertising
Marjory Macpherson
Advertising
Michael Kay
01828 632252/632690 Treasurer
mike@atcalyth.freeserve.co.uk
Derek Todd
Webmaster
derek@toddalyth.freeserve.co.uk
Frae shady nooks an’ shelt’rin’
beilds
Ye gar the sullen winter yield:
He melts awa’, his fate is sealed
Afore your glory;
His cruel, tempestuous thrusts hae
reeled
An’ shrunk afore ye.
He’ll aye keep watchin’ you an’ me
Though you hae nothing tae forgi’e,
But I wi’ regularity
Gang aft agley,
No ower blest wi’ Piety
An’ strugglin’ aye.
In order to avoid disappointment please ensure that articles/ads for publication are
submitted before the 21st day of each month.
Note: The views expressed in the Alyth Voice are not necessarily those of the team nor
can they accept any responsibility for accuracy and spelling of any article.
You never think an evil thocht,
Your virtue’s no by blood been
bocht,
Tae bloom for us it’s hard ye’ve
focht
Through rime an’ sna;
Yet, there ye stand afraid o’ nocht Abune us a’ !
Dates for Your Diary
Feb 2nd
Feb 3rd
Feb 6th
Feb 9th
Feb 10th
Feb 11th
Feb 14th
Feb 14th
Feb 15th
Feb 18th
Feb 25th
Feb 26th
Feb 28th
Feb 28th
Mar 1st
Mar 6th
Mar 9th
Mar 9th
Mar 15th
Mar 19th
Mar 25th
Apr 1st
Apr 1st
Apr 18th-22nd
Revd Rbt Ramsay, Airlie St. Hall Alyth Parish Church Guild
Quiz Night, Airlie St. Hall
Alyth Parish Church
Meeting, Burnside Court Lounge Alzheimer Scotland
Monthly Meeting, Losset Inn
AEG
Skips Meeting, Club Room
Alyth Bowling Club
Coffee Morning, Airlie St. Hall
PSA
Geoffrey Bridge, Ogilvy Rooms
Alyth Literary Society
St.Valentine’s Day Window Comp. Alyth & District Bus.Assoc
Coffee Club, Burnside Court
Alzheimer Scotland
Coffee Morning, Airlie St. Hall
Royal British Legion Scot.
Coffee Morning, Airlie St. Hall
Alyth Parish Church
Guitars3 Concert, Town Hall
Alyth Comm. Council/
Scottish Arts Council
Prof. J. MacKenzie, Ogilvy Rooms Alyth Literary Society
Meeting, Lesser Town Hall
Alyth Gala Committee
Lent Study Group
Alyth Parish Church
Meeting, Burnside Court Lounge Alzheimer Scotland
Bingo Tea, Town Hall
Alyth Scout Group
AGM, Losset Inn
AEG
Coffee Club, Burnside Court
Alzheimer Scotland
Spring Concert, Parish Church
Alyth Choral Union
Coffee Morning, Airlie St. Hall
Alyth-in-Bloom
Car Wash, Fire Station
Alyth Scout Group
Coffee Morning, Airlie St. Hall
Alyth Community Council
Wild Wild Women, Town Hall
Alyth Musical Society
Why hing yer bonnie heid for me?
‘Tis I shuid stand in awe o’ thee
An’ humbly pray on bended knee
An’ hide ‘my’ face!
Your heav’nly charm an’ Purity
Hae blest this place.
I’m tainted frae my very birth
An’ coont mysel’ o’ little worth;
I sink tae gloom, you rise tae mirth
The bricht side treadin’;
You coont yer Blessins on this earth
While I keep dreadin’.
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
I’m but a coof compared tae thee,
A sinner till the day, I dee:
I needed Christ tae cleanse me free
O’ sin an’ shame;
But you are Pure as Pure can be,
Withoot a stain.
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
Though humbly in the stoor ye root
Criss-Cross’d an’ crush’d by
treach’rous boot
Ye’ll rise again! Forgiein’ nae doot,
Tae former glory
Tae love, be loved, an’ spread
what’s good:
The Auld, Auld Story.
Voice Teaser
What is Peevers?
Answer to last months Teaser-
What is Pawky? humorous
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Com recomm 06
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Mar
The Singing Kettle
Wins National Award
Sally Marchant with her VOWS award
CONGRATULATIONS TO the
Singing Kettle in Airlie Street, who
have recently won a national award
as wedding cake designers.
VOWS (Voted Outstanding
Wedding Supplier) awards are
supported by the Scottish Wedding
Directory. Elaine C. Smith presented Sally Marchant with her
accolade during an awards ceremony and dinner in the Glasgow
Hilton. The Singing Kettle was
voted for by its customers, but
finalised by a panel of independent
judges. The criteria for the award
covered quality of products, level of
service, value for money and an
overall rating.
There were over 5000 nominations for the 500 companies competing for one of the 37 categories,
and the Singing Kettle was short
listed to the last 3 for wedding cake
designer, against companies from
Edinburgh and Glasgow. Following
this award, the Singing Kettle was
featured in the Scotsman magazine
on 17th January 2006.
For the past 18 months, the Singing Kettle has been wedding cake
supplier to Gleneagles Hotel –
WELL DONE!
Burnside Court
Alyth
24th January 2006
Mrs. Dinnes would like it
known that the letters regarding Alyth Health
Centre were published
without her knowledge or
permission, and the
matter is resolved.
Strathmore & The Glens
PO Box 6621, Blairgowrie PH12 8YF
www.strathmoreglens.org
Email: sue@strathmoreglens.sol.co.uk
2
Your Letters
FANTASTIC PHOTOS of
King George V Silver Jubilee
celebrations in Alyth in 1935
now online at www.alythvoice.co.uk
THANKS TO the Alyth Voice webmaster,
Derek Todd, there is now a large selection
of current and yesteryear photographs
of Alyth on our website.
If you have any photographs of Alyth you would
like to add to the gallery, let us know.
DO YOU have any memorabilia
of Alyth from circa 1900?
photographs, newspapers,
word-of-mouth stories, implements,
clothes...anything at all from that era and
relating to Alyth.
Please can we borrow it for a
forthcoming issue of the Voice?
Telephone, email or leave it or a note in
the Voice box
by the end of February if possible
ALYTH HEALTH CENTRE
The Doctors and Staff at Alyth Health
Centre would like to thank all those kind
people who thought of us with either, their
good wishes, cards or gifts at Christmas and
New Year.
It was very much appreciated.
Thank you all.
HARDEN
Alan, Jane, Coral & Lori would like to
thank all the organisations, shops and friends
in Alyth for their generosity and support in
October and November, to Coral when she
had her accident.
It was very kind and
very much appreciated.
Thank you. J. Harden, 12/12/05
MACKAY
Will & Lily MacKay
7 High Street
Alyth
wish to thank all their friends and
neighbours for the cards and gifts.
Happy New Year to you all.
Alyth Gala Day
needs YOU!
THE ANNUAL Alyth Gala Day is seriously
under threat! Each year, the committee fundraise, organise and man the Gala Day completely voluntarily. The proceeds of which
are then donated to organisations in the
town. Currently the committee consists of 5
people and the recent sad loss of Jim McKelvie is greatly felt, as he was a central figure
in the team. This small team is not enough to
organise and share the workload of an event
this size. Can you help in any capacity? No
previous experience required and all types of
help greatly appreciated!
The next meeting is on February 28th at
7pm in the lesser Town Hall. Contact Eric
Simpson on 632993 for further details.
ARTICLE SUBMISSION to the Voice
Please note ALL articles must be accompanied with a name and address before they will be published in the
Voice. On request the name and address may be withheld from publication.
Any submission without these details will NOT be included.
To Alyth Pet & Flowers and
Meg’s Mini Market
Jim, Margaret, Cathy & all their customers
THE LADIES of the Friendship Club would
like to say a very big thank-you for the wonderful cheque which we received at Christmas.
It was extremely kind of you to think of us.
Good health and happiness to all for 2006,
Muriel & Elma
Name & Address Supplied, 26/11/05
ALL THE anti-social behaviour in Alyth
would stop if CCTV cameras were installed in
The Square because that’s where they all hang
out! Not only that but Alyth has little to do in
the small town. Increase the activities. Maybe
have a couple of club nights at the newly refurbished Airlie Street Hall.
Every time I come back to Alyth I hear that
this and that has closed and there seems to be
even less to do for the kids there and that’s
how things start. Let’s not have another incident of the library fire.
People need to stand up to these hooligans.
There are people out there that can do it. I
guarantee that if a group of adults walked up
to them and told them to go on their merry
ways or stop vandalising they would maybe
get a bit lippy when they walked off but by
God they would go!
What can the police do about this problem?
It’s a little unrealistic to say lock them all up.
Just give them the power to fine. That would
soon stop them. No money for booze either!
Stand up Alyth and fight back!
Concerned Alythian
Email: iaindinnes@btinternet.com
North Petherton
Somerset
04/01/06
WE HAVE just spent a pleasant few days
visiting my elderly mother who resides at
Burnside Court. She must be one of the incredibly independent older residents generally
referred to by Councillor Gordon Hunter in
his statement reported in The Courier and
Advertiser of Friday December 30th.
Imagine then my surprise to learn from my
mother that the Alyth Health Centre have
decided that at a mere 96 years of age she is
quite capable of making her own way, on her
wheeled walking aid, from her home to the
health centre in order to receive the services
of a chiropodist, a service that she had previously enjoyed in the safety of her own home.
My mother who had a hip replacement
three years ago (plus further surgery last year
and suffers from dizzy spells, which caused a
fall just before Christmas) is a very independent lady who asks for very little by way of
help. Whilst I shall be taking this matter up
with both Pete Wishart and Peter Barrett, I
would be most grateful if you cold publish
this letter in the Alyth Voice in the hope that it
might just prick the conscience of the person
responsible for this shameful decision.
On a lighter note can I say that whoever
designed the Alyth Christmas lights deserves
a medal - they were brilliant!
With best wishes to Alyth for 2006,
Iain Dinnes
The Black Watch
Balhousie Castle
Perth
20/12/05
Email: smith9923@bellsouth.net
Itta Bena,
Mississippi
23/12/05
HELLO ALYTH Voice,
I talked to my Dad yesterday and he mentioned that he had received some six Christmas cards from former classmates. Needless
to say I am thrilled, and it's the Alyth Voice
who brought some "light" to counter my Dad's
loss.
My husband and I are planning another trip
home in July 2006. My cousin, Jim, who lives
in Western Australia is planning to have another get together (ceilidh). It would be just
great if some of Dad's old schoolmates could
attend.
Once again, thanks to the Alyth Voice for
making my Dad feel a little better.
Elizabeth (Betty) MacKenzie-Smith
DEAR EDITOR
I am most grateful to you for sending us
copies of the 97th edition of the Alyth Voice
with the feature on Alfred Anderson. We will
keep a copy in our Archive. Thank you and
happy Christmas to you all.
Roderick Riddell
Lieutenant Colonel
Regimental Secretary
FINDLAY
December 2005
Alyth Christmas Lights
ALYTH IS like Toyland, it is wonderful! A
BIG thank you to all who helped with putting
up the Christmas lights. I hope the lights are
left alone. I think the bridge is wonderful!
Great work by all.
Alyth OAP
3
Teen Findlay would like to say a
BIG THANK YOU to ALL
her neighbours and friends
for the beautiful flowers, plants and
presents received on the occasion of her
70th birthday.
Hope you all had a great Christmas.
Alyth Musical Society
Some Light-Hearted Doggerel!
‘WILD WILD WOMEN’
Tuesday 18th - Saturday 22nd April
WEEL, did ye get anither dug?
Naw, we got twa – sister Kate & brother Buster, 3 month-old Yorkshire
Terriers, of spasmodic dynamism & ear-wrestling, but such fikes over food!
Their diet sheet is wishful fantasy. Not for them, peely-wally puppy products, but chicken, black pudden, potted heid & sausages o’ Alyth Mike’s
guid butchery & sich-like ither tasty victuals.
No they’re not replacements for the late beloved Tuggy – they’re quite
different. The carpets will never be the same; rugs are fringeless and the
sales of bumph stationery have doubled. Puppy collars were too roomy, so it
had to be cat collars.
A walk on leash became a seated drag whilst yelping non-stop about these
tyrannical humans who insisted on “walkies”.
Ever the optimists, we look forward to less turbulent times with no incontinence pads strewn throughout the kitchen & lobby. Silly me, thocht they
were wrapped around the pups like nappies, but they do eventually get the
“message”!
So, that’s Christmas this year, and the rest. Great, eh?
Josi F, Top O’ Toon, 15/12/05
ONLY FOUR months to go before our annual show hits the Alyth Town
Hall stage. Everything begins to kick into gear now with meetings about
lighting, staging, costumes etc having to be organised.
The scenery will have to be made and it is hoped that the cast stay fit and
healthy for when they are needed at rehearsals. We do have a few props and
furniture items we will have to track down for this production but will try to
cope with this ourselves before seeking help from the generous Alyth public!
John White
Welcome to Aggroville - a nice little town
Another quiet night in the Peaceable Haven. Two cowboys lie dead, a Clanton and a McLaird. The result of the ongoing feud between the families.
Alice, owner of the saloon, is distraught. This was the one place where she
thought the lawlessness of the town could not reach. Her husband Bill, a
former gunslinger is at a loss what to say to his wife.
Enter the Earps. Morgan, the mean one; Wyatt, the cool dude, Jamie, the
rather silly one and Virgil, the one who likes a drink. They are closely followed by the Judge. He always lets the Earps go first in case someone is out
to get him....he is after all a hanging judge.
It soon becomes apparent that something has to be done about the Clanton
- McLaird feud but what?
The judge approaches Bill with the proposition that he would make a good
Sherriff and bring peace to the town but Bill informs him that his tough guy
days are well behind him.
Things get even more complicated when a nun arrives, Sister Priscilla.
Here is a woman who plans to bring peace and harmony to such a town.
Those present tell her that she should get out of town immediately for no
good will come in her crusade but the nun is of stronger character and decides to stay. Alice is taken by the nun but warns her that she will have her
work cut out. The good sister learns that opposite the Peaceable Haven is
another establishment, The Red Candle. A place where ladies of questionable
character ply their trade. The good nun is overjoyed at the challenge that
awaits and makes her plans.
But even more complications arise when Alice has visitors. Jane and
Robert. A Clanton and a McLaird and they have fallen in love. They need
Alice's advice and despite her warnings of what may happen if the families
learn of this liaison the young couple are determined not to let this stand in
their way.
Will love find a way?
Will Sister Priscilla be successful in her quest?
Will the lawlessness come to an end?
Only one way to find out!
See 'Wild Wild Women' when it comes to the Alyth stage in April.
Next Month - The characters
DAVIDSONS CHEMIST
PRESCRIPTIONS
DISPENSED
DELIVERY SERVICE
AVAILABLE
MINOR AILMENTS SERVICE AND
ADVICE ALWAYS AVAILABLE
FROM YOUR LOCAL PHARMACIST
9 Airlie St, Alyth Tel 01828 632303
2nd prize
winner in the
Christmas Window
Competition 2005
Alyth Library
23 Airlie Street
St. Valentine’s Day Window Competition
ALYTH & DISTRICT BUSINESS ASSOCIATION is once more sponsoring the St. Valentine’s Day Window Dressing Competition. It is hoped that
all businesses in the town will enter.
The displays over the previous eight years have been a wonder for all to
view and I am sure this year will be the same. “St. Valentine is the patron
Saint of love” and the way that the window displays in past years have expressed this, has been staggering with teddy bears holding hands, lovers on
swings, lovers in cars, couples holding hands, hearts, roses, Cupid with his
bow and arrow, etc. What will appear this year? We will all just have to wait
and see!
Mrs. Dorothy Lothian, Alyth’s Citizen of the Year and Mr. John Wheatley
Alyth’s Young Citizen of the Year have been asked to judge the competition
on Tuesday 14th February. The St. Valentine’s Window Competition Shield
will be presented to the winner along with framed certificates for 1st, 2nd and
3rd places.
Michael Kay Chairman ADBA
RENDEZVOUS
**HAIRDRESSER**
59 Airlie Street,
Alyth
Gift Vouchers Available
Aberbothrie, Alyth
SPECIAL DIETS CATERED FOR
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Set in the quiet rural setting of beautiful Strathmore
PERSONAL ATTENTION
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DENNIS & LIBBY MELLOY
Alyth Springs Therapies
Westfield Estate Alyth Tel: 01828 632450
Reg. Holistic Reflex Therapists
Sore Neck/Shoulders, Sports Injuries, Stress, Anxiety.
Sandra Gauld AMGCP NARH
Joan Taylor SRM, Reflex Zone Therapist
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8-10 Airlie Street
Tel: 01828 632097
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You can contact John at 35 Perth Street, Blairgowrie, PH10 6DL
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4
Glenfernate Fresh Meats
Alyth Christmas Lights
ALYTH CHRISTMAS lights have now been taken
down and put to bed in their new store in the Town
Hall. For several years we have been very fortunate
that Alyth Primary School Head Teacher Mr Mark
Lindsay gave permission to use an unused classroom
as a storeroom; we have now outgrown the space
available, and we would like to thank Mr Lindsay &
the school, it has been of great help to us all. We
also thank the Town Hall Committee for giving us
the use of a much larger space in the basement.
Alyth Christmas Lights Committee would like to
thank so many people for helping in so many ways.
All the lads - electricians, joiners, shopkeepers,
farmers, drivers, pensioners etc (30 of them) who
turn up with a smile even when they get cold and
wet, to put up and take down the lights. The ladies
who kept us going with tea & coffee and the Alyth
Hotel for giving us a much welcomed and excellent
lunch. To Torith Ltd Dundee, John Robertson, Pete
Marshall and David Brough for the loan of their
hoists. Also everyone who gave electricity.
Many people still think that Perth & Kinross
Council assist with finance and labour. They do not;
it is done entirely by the people of Alyth.
Fund raising is a major part of any operation
whether it be large or small and in this, the Town
excelled. The Christmas coffee morning raised the
staggering total of £915, Alyth & District Business
Assoc. £250, Gala Committee £100, Blairgowrie &
District Rotary Club £300, Airlie Street Bar (Geo’s)
Quiz night £139, Jonathan Treffry Ltd £25, collecting tins at the switch-on £345, plus many, many
more donations from private individuals from £1 to
£500. Without this financial support we could not
afford to continue.
The design a light competition in the Primary
School was a great success with 196 entries, almost
the whole School took part. Certificates of recognition were presented to all pupils by Mrs Anne
Archbold, Alyth Christmas Lights secretary who
designed and made all 196 certificates. The winner
Nathan Hamilton, Primary 2, received tickets for the
Pantomime Sleeping Beauty for his family, kindly
donated by Perth Theatre. The runner up Tayla
Rhind, Primary 1A, received a book token. Nathan’s
Christmas light will be on display next year. We
hope this will be an annual event so that we can
create a children’s corner as the pupils were a credit
to their school, teachers & parents.
The switch-on this year was by our Citizen of the
Year Dorothy Lothian & Young Citizen of the Year
John Wheatley assisted by Provost Bob Scott on
Santa’s float, brought to Alyth by Blairgowrie &
Rattray Illuminations; we are grateful for their assistance. John Wheatley is the fourth generation of
Wheatleys to be involved with the Alyth Christmas
lights. Approximately 2000 people turned up and
that is an amazing turn out for a small town like
Alyth.
Many towns have experienced vandalism to decorations and to the lights. I am pleased to say that not
one bulb was broken and that is very heartening. The
youth always seem to get bad publicity so it’s nice to
report no damage again this year, thanks.
On behalf of Alyth Christmas Lights Committee
many thanks once again to everyone, it couldn’t
happen without the Alyth community getting together. A great place to live!
Dennis Melloy
Alyth Literary Society
Alyth Choral Union
THE ALYTH Literary Society reconvened after the
festive break with a talk from Fiona Slattery of Perth
Museum on Monart and Vassart Glass. This was
followed on the 31st January by the Annual General
Meeting.
The final three meetings (Ogilvy Rooms @
7.30pm unless stated) for the current season follow:-
A BIG thank you to the two hundred and fifty people who came to our Christmas concert. We enjoyed
it, and as usual Perthshire Brass provided some
youthful talent and fun! We were pleased to perform
a shorter programme in Glenisla Church the following Sunday. We received a warm welcome and the
retiring collection was given to charities of their
choice.
Rehearsals are now under way for our Spring
Concert (19th March – details in the public notices)
and these take place on Tuesdays 7.30-9pm in the
Parish Church hall. New members welcome.
Thank you, Verity Gwyther (Secretary)
**STOP PRESS** We now have a website.
Log on to www.alythchoralunion.org.uk
or email webmaster@alythchoralunion.org.uk
th
14 February 2006 - Mr Geoffrey Bridge, Meigle
plays and talks about the oboe.
28th February 2006 - Prof. John Mackenzie, Alyth
will give an illustrated talk on British colonial architecture entitled “From the Bungalow to the Palace”.
14th March 2006 - Annual Supper at the Strathmore
Golf Centre.
Non-members are welcome to all meetings.
Alyth Community Council
I SHOULD point out that, if these pieces are accepted by the Voice, they are all my own work. If
they have room to print them, then the sole responsibility rests with me.
The deadline date for the Voice anticipates the
date of the Community Council monthly meeting.
Therefore these notes do not represent anything so
formal as the minutes of the monthly meetings. First
of all, full minutes would take up very nearly all of
the space in the Voice. Quite apart from the fact that
they do not make the most exciting reading. Secondly, by the time they reach the Voice the information is at least three weeks old and can only be culled
from minutes that have not yet been accepted as
“correct”. Each meeting formally adopts the minutes
of the previous meeting. Sometimes there are factual
corrections.
Since I have been Chair, I have tried to use the
‘Blairie’, the Perthshire Advertiser, the Courier and
the Press & Journal to publicise highlights from our
discussions and the decisions we take. I try to be
factual and objective. It is the Blairgowrie Advertiser
which prints our reports most consistently. These
items are usually sent in, in time to be printed on the
Wednesday following the Community Council
meeting. Full minutes are available to the public.
Even allowing for all of the above, there is no
substitute for interested townsfolk coming along to
hear the proceedings for themselves. All are welcome. We meet in the evening of the fourth Wednesday of the month. Except for the AGM starting at
7pm, all meetings start at 7.30pm and are usually
held in the Old Chambers in the Town Hall. If we
anticipate a greater public interest than normal, we
meet next door in the Lesser Hall. Understandably
elected Community Council members have priority
to speak in the discussions, which does not always
leave a great deal of time for the public to participate.
Since we do not meet in December, the January
meeting is going to have a full agenda. A major item
will be considering a questionnaire sent out by the
Scottish Executive which asks a lot of questions
about how we run things and how we see the future
of Community Councils. This is a forerunner to a big
meeting organised by Perth & Kinross Council on
the 4th of February to discuss this questionnaire
collectively. All of the County’s Community Councils have been invited. I don’t think this will be a
boring conclave.
Jim Adam, Chairman
5
Enochdhu, Blairgowrie PH10 7PL
Tel: 01250 881 215
Fax: 01250 881 780
Email: sales@glenfernate.com
www.glenfernate.com
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The venison is from our own wild deer from the same hills
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If you are not satisfied, we will replace or refund in full.
BEEF PACK
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1 Pack Steak Burgers
LAMB PACK
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Leg of Lamb approx 1.5kg
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4 Dble loin chops
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1 Haunch of Venison 1.5kg(3lbs)
2 Venison Stks.
3x450g Diced Ven. 3x450g Ven. Mince
450g Venison Saus. 1 pack Ven. Burgers
Plus free delivery in the local area
We deliver every Friday in the Blairgowrie/Alyth Area.
For more information, for a price-list with all our cuts and
produce, or to place an order, contact Ann, by telephone,
fax or email.
‘Glenfernate Fresh Meats are licensed Game Dealers’
Driving
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easy
Contact Colin Sidley
Home: 01828 633 017
Mobile: 07751072408
Text:
‘PRICE’
to my mobile number for information
Email: colin.sidley@virgin.net
Lessons available by the hour or in block
bookings
Pass Plus Registered
Member of the Driving Instructors Association
G CLARK
PLASTERING & TILING
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Harling
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NO JOB TOO SMALL
FREE QUOTES
TEL:01828 633970
or 07821294678
Memory Lane
Alyth School
2nd year 1938
Milford Haven
Pembrokeshire
THIS PHOTO has been unearthed from my
mother’s last personal box of photos. It is an
original print of good quality and taken
when we were in the Second Year and about
13 years old.
The class is smaller because, although 5
joined the class from Meigle, after the qualifying exam at 11 more went to Jocky Reid’s
class (John Reid M.A) where they took
practical rather than academic subjects.
(Incidentally, I wonder if any one remembers what a wonderful jazz pianist Jocky
Reid was? Before he left to take up a headship in 1938, there was a farewell to the
senior school organised for him. It ended
with him playing some of Fats Waller
pieces. The man himself could not have
done better!) Ian Berry Many thanks to Janey
McFarlane(Ian’s cousin)for help gathering names!
Back row: Bill McKinley, Jim Lindsay, Ian Berry,
Drew Turnbull, Wilson Reid, ? Farquharson (red head from Meigle), Harry Tavendale, - ? rd
3 row: Miss Moir (Domestic Science), Jean Findlay, lass from Meigle, Nan Shaw, Betty Shanks, Betty Simpson, Margaret Findlay, Betty Fleming, Miss Joyce Whitehead (French)
2nd row: Cecilia Hindmarsh, Laura Henderson, - ? -, Betty Smith, Kathy Lumsden, Gladys Fraser, Mary McKenzie, Ina Hutcheson
Front row: Jeek Donald, Peter Gall, Willie Ferguson, Bruce Malcolm (children not in the photo were Ina Howett, Lena Johnstone, Wendy Marshall & Barbara Taylor)
“One day a new teacher came. When getting to know the class, she asked Jean Findlay if Margaret Findlay was a relative. There was much amusement when
Jean replied, ‘Yes Miss. She is my Auntie!’ Which she was! Scott Findlay, Margaret’s brother, had been in the qualifying class earlier on for a short time. If he
had still been there, Jean could also have said, ‘And that is my Uncle over there!’ Which he was! I remember Miss Smart was my music teacher and organist of
your church. On Saturdays, I used to be allowed to take turns to practice on the organ along with two other pupils, Wilson Reid (seen on the class photos and in
hospital) and George Williams who was a year younger and went on to become a medical professor at Manchester. I was sorry when I heard the old instrument had been fire damaged beyond repair. It was blown by hand bellows when I first heard it but later an electric blower was gifted by the owner (named
Galloway perhaps) who built the bungalow right opposite the entrance. Miss Smart died when I was in the 4th year. My conscience bothered me then because I
Email: pcross@dccnet.com
Vancouver
Canada resident since 1966...
formerly of 5 Bamff View,
New Alyth (1955-1963)
17/12/05
I WONDER if you can use the attached photo in the Alyth Voice &
website.
This is an original photo taken by
Mr. W.D. McIntosh sometime in
1960-61. Mr. McIntosh was the retired manager of Johnston's Stores,
which used to be located next to
"Deli's" at that time. He loved to take
pictures of Alyth and round about,
especially when it was really quiet on
Sunday mornings! His son Ian
McIntosh was the manager of the
shop when I worked there from 1960
to 1963.
If it is of interest I hope you will fit
it in. Not sure how you look after the
copyright issues, all I know is this
one taken by Mr. McIntosh certainly
wouldn't be a problem.
Best regards and keep up the good
work on the revamped website....I
just love seeing the photos, old and
new.
Peter Ross
The Alyth Burn in front of the Alyth Hotel, Commercial Street 1960-61
Ian Miller Local Councillor. SURGERY AT ALYTH TOWN HALL
(Old Council Chambers) on 1st TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH AT 7.00PM
OR CONTACT BY Tel: SNP OFF: 01250 876576 Home 01250 873304
P&K Council Tel: 01738 475018 Email: imiller@pkc.gov.uk
6
Memory Lane
I&D Insurance
Services
We have secured special rates for
All PH, DD and KY postcodes
Extremely competitive premiums for both
Household and Private Car
Quotes provided without obligation.
Going on holiday?
Let us arrange your travel insurance.
Your local broker serving your local community
16 Airlie Street
Alyth
01828 633000
Email: IandDinsurance@aol.com
The Late Queen Mother in Alyth 1921
59 Beechwood Avenue, Bottisham,
Cambridge, CB5 9BG.
Tel: 01223 811275
29th November 2005
DEAR ALYTH Voice,
Thank you very much for the ‘Alyth Celebrates’ DVD. I think it is a splendid production – but then so is
the Alyth Voice!
I am glad you liked the 1903 school photo. I have enclosed a photo taken in July 1921 at the ALYTH BAZAAR. The group includes the Earl and Countess of Airlie – AND (seated right) Lady Elizabeth BowesLyon, the future Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.
Keep up the good work! Best wishes, Gavin Mann
If you have any information on the Alyth Bazaar or this photo, please let the Voice know.
The Alyan
‘You are not alone’
GREETINGS EARTHLINGS! I trust you had a
good festive season. I think it is still politically
correct to call it ‘festive’ but no doubt, that, will
offend somebody.
Well, here it is February. It has been very cold
and icy and due to my normal metabolism being
similar to your reptiles, I have been very lethargic.
However, I note that some of your good citizens are
in a similar condition. They keep referring to the
‘Bell’s’ as the cause of their condition. I don’t know
whether this is a brand of whisky or the Hogmanay
activities.
I must relate my own personal Hogmanay experience. Being from another planet, I was in total ignorance of the custom of ‘First Footing’. I have been
watching your news programmes recently and when
the door of my spaceship was banged suddenly and
quite loudly about 2am on New Year’s day, (regular
readers will know of my ability to morph into any
person or object) I hurriedly changed into a person I
had seen on your news reports. I opened my door to
a motley trio, who were bearing bottles and lumps
of coal.
‘Happy New Year’ they all shouted drunkenly.
They were about to come in, when one of them
noticed my appearance.
‘Jeez. It’s him’ he shouted to his two companions, excitedly.
‘Whit ye awn aboot man? It’s just some boy with
a turban’ they replied.
‘The yanks are offering 20 million dollars for
him, and he’s been in Alyth all this time’ he told
them agitatedly. ‘We’ll all be rich. You got your
mobile with you Alex? I’m going to phone the CIA’
I managed to get the door closed and listened to
them trying to tell somebody that Bin Laden was
alive and well and living in Alyth. I really must
change my location.
Congratulations to Dennis Melloy and all his
helpers for the superb Christmas lighting display,
including the spectacular light bridge over the burn.
I think some people were taking bets on the survival
of said display, but the ‘little darlings’ behaved
themselves and the display was an outstanding
success.
I see we have a new post box at the bridge on
Mill Street. It is a functional, bright red affair on a
black metal pole. (What happened to the lovely
George VI box that was vandalised?) Approximately 20 feet away from this new installation is an
identical construction that appeared about three
months ago. It is bright red and on a black
pole…however, this is for the purpose of depositing
your bags of Doggie poo. I won’t even go into the
scenarios that stretch before my imagination; you
lot are way ahead of me.
I trust that by the time you read this, (beginning
of February) some of you will have stuck to your
New Year resolutions. I realise that a lot of you will
have backslid in the first week or possibly may have
lasted until the second. Statistically, January 13th is
the most common failure date for resolutions.
I occasionally partake in your local quiz league.
Obviously, in disguise. Unfortunately there is no
danger of my intergalactic knowledge affecting the
results. However, the various Tuesday nights out are
quite entertaining and sociable, and John, our quizmaster informs me that so far this year we have
raised over £1,000 for local charities and good
causes.
Any questions or enquiries – Just ask the Alyan –
He’s just as baffled as you are. See you next month.
7
Market Square
Alyth
Perthshire
PH11 8AA
Open Monday—Saturday 9 am—5.30 pm
Tel : 01828 632309
Fax : 01828 632609
Alyth Parish Church
RAISING FUNDS towards the redecoration of the
back premises, a Quiz Night will take place in the
Airlie Street Hall on Friday 3rd February at
7pm. Tickets are £10 per team of 4 including
refreshments, and will be available at the door on
the evening.
The Spring Coffee Morning will be held on
Saturday 25th February, also in the Airlie Street
Hall. There will be the usual stalls and donations
would be very much appreciated.
The annual ecumenical Lent Study Group will
begin at 7pm on Ash Wednesday, 1st March, in
the lounge at Alyth Parish Church. Friends from
St Ninian's and St Luan's and those without any
local church connection will be more than welcome to come along and share the journey towards
Easter. Details of Easter service times will be
published in the Voice in March.
The CD recorded on the church organ in October by leading Scottish organist Dr. John Kitchen,
is proving popular not only locally but through the
Internet to England, Germany and America. Copies at £10 each, with all proceeds to church funds,
are available outwith church services from Hobbies in Airlie Street and M.M.Ferguson’s in Commercial Street or through our website
www.alythparishchurch.org.uk
We look forward to welcoming Dr. Kitchen back
to Alyth Parish Church as accompanist at the
Choral Union Spring Concert on 19th March.
Pocket diaries are still available at £1 each.
Advertising
This is a £6 Size
If you wish to change your existing Ad contact
Margaret Stanford on 01828-633083
or email advertising@alythvoice.co.uk
Please inform us of any changes.
If you do not tell us to take your ad out then we will
assume there is no change and continue to run it and
invoice you each month.
Licensed
Grocers
73-75
Airlie St.
Alyth
National Lottery outlet.
Video & DVD rental.
Irvines Butcher Meat
Dry Cleaning: Shoe Repair
Credit/Debit card facility now available
FREE HOME DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE
Telephone Orders Welcome
Tel No: 01828 632306
Classic
Restorations
•
•
•
•
•
Pitnacree Street, Alyth Perthshire
•
Mechanical
Electrical
Panel Work
Ashframe repairs
Paintwork
Interior Trim
A.E.G. Jan06 Meeting Report
Jaguar XK140 Roadster
Fully restored by our expert team of committed craftsmen
Email : charles@classicrestorations.co.uk
www.classicrestorations.co.uk
HOBBIES
19 Airlie Street Alyth
Tel: 01828 632565
Large selection of hobby crafts now in stock
including knitting wools, card making
accessories, beads, sewing materials, etc
Corgi, Siku, Bruder, Lledo & many more makes of
toys & models in stock
Cards and wrapping paper for all occasions at
very reasonable prices, including Valentine’s
Day and Mother’s Day
prop: Muriel McNicoll
Alyth & District
Business Association
‘What We Can Do For You’
MANY PEOPLE will need assistance from the
Fire and Rescue Service at some point in their
lives. But in rural areas and in small towns the
Service needs just as much assistance from the
local community, to allow it to do its job effectively. In Alyth for instance, the Fire Station is
crewed by a group of highly dedicated people
who work in various occupations but spend their
spare time training and maintaining their equipment. When a call comes in, they respond. Sometimes this happens when they are at work and
thanks to their employers, they are allowed to
drop everything and go.
You would be excused for wondering exactly
what a business gets out of releasing people in
this way, except perhaps the feel good factor of
being community spirited. But in fact the Fire
Service can offer a great deal. Through a firefighter’s training, they become qualified in first
aid. The practical application of health and safety
becomes second nature, as does problem solving.
Personnel become adept at the use of a wide range
of tools and equipment and above all, learn to
become calm and level headed in a crisis. Those
who choose to progress in the service will receive
management and administrative training. In all a
bundle of skills and attributes which would be of
value to any employer.
If as an employer you would like further information on the Retained or Volunteer Fire Service,
or are interested in applying for a firefighters post,
please contact Ross Nicol or Grahame Beats at
Tayside Fire and Rescue on 01382 825295 or
pop into Alyth Fire Station on a Monday night
between 7 and 9 pm for more details.
Sandy McCurdy, Vice-President
Phone: 01828 633293
Mobile: 07885 316689
Fax:
01828 632529
Open Mon-Sat. 9 am-4.30 pm
Closed for lunch 12.30-1.30pm
Closed Wednesdays
Alyth Amateurs Football Club
WITH THE 2005/06 season ending on the last
day of May, we are roughly half-way through the
season. We have achieved a mixed bag of results,
so far, but there is still much to play for.
In the cups, we have played 11 matches and
won 7, and are still in the League Cup (Quarter
Finals); Marshall Cup and the Consolation Cup.
(Alyth are the current holders of the Consolation
Cup).
In the league we remain unbeaten, at
home, in Division One. However, our away form
is a bit erratic, with 3 losses. On the playing
front, Jason Donald is top goal scorer with 14
goals in 12 matches. However, injury has kept
Jason out of the team for a few weeks recently.
Stephen Richmond has scored 12 goals and is the
only "ever-present" player, this season.
Managers Rab Kydd and Stephen Robertson,
and the players are optimistic that, with a lot of
hard work, this season could be another winning
one for Alyth AFC.
THE ALYTH Environmental Group is keen to
continue the work started in previous years, into
2006 by expanding ongoing projects. In doing so
the Group are putting even more emphasis on
expanding Eco friendly technology. The Group
were pleased to welcome Elaine Morrison from
SCARF (Save Cash And Reduce Fuel) who gave
details of what could and couldn’t be done to
gain funding for local community projects.
Elaine and Clive have been in contact with regards the feasibility of placing a mini hydro
turbine in the Burn. Her organisation will fund a
study in the new financial year. She also explained about other funding available for mini
wind turbines and solar technology. She thinks
we should be aiming at a specific area, the school
for example, with a view to cut down on carbon
emissions at the generation plant, by reducing
power usage on site. Increased insulation, biomass or chip burners and small wind turbines
could all be considered.
It should be stressed that no hard decisions on
any of the above have been made but the heating
plant at the school needs to be replaced so it
makes sense to use Eco friendly technology and
fuel. Elaine gave local examples of community
projects for which matched funding was granted
at Kilry and Guildtown Halls.
The Group are thinking of hosting a fair in
Spring to highlight energy conservation in the
community. Elaine suggested several energy
conservation bodies who may wish to attend.
Staying with the school, Alison is working on
the plans for the upgrade of the entrance. She has
been in contact with Clair Annan who handed
over a wish list put together as a result of a
questionnaire distributed round the Eco Group.
Notice of Office Bearers and Committee Members after the Committee
meeting on Thursday the 19th of January 2006
Alison should soon be in a position to apply for
funding.
The AEG will send a representative along to the
stART Festival planning meeting with a view to
discuss what we can do this year.
Some Group members amended Jane
Pritchard’s draft plans of the most popular walks.
Obvious links were added to complete the routes
which will now be shown to the landowners.
These most popular routes will likely become the
Core Path Network.
The Group are keen to push on with work in
the Den so, it is hoped, are the Rangers. Clive will
contact Niall to try and link in with his plans for
bench and gate upgrades.
Ideas are required for the monthly
tasks. If you have any ideas for a task
which can be completed in around two
hours on a Sunday afternoon please let us
know.
The Annual General Meeting will take place
as part of the March meeting on March 9th
at the Losset Inn at 7.30pm - all welcome.
The next normal group meeting will be on
February 9th at 7.30pm at the Losset Inn.
LOCHSIDE LODGE & ROUNDHOUSE
RESTAURANT
Bridgend of Lintrathen
Office-Bearers
Chairperson
Mr. Michael Kay Telephone Alyth 632252/632690
mike@atcalyth.freeserve.co.uk
Vice-Chairperson
Mrs. Flo McNeil
Telephone Alyth 632986
Secretary/Treasurer
Mrs. Nancy Kay
Telephone Alyth 632690
Alongside Lintrathen Loch, just 10 minutes from Alyth, Lochside Lodge
& Roundhouse Restaurant is an ideal venue whether for Lunch or
Dinner – our menus are modern and imaginative using the best of
Perthshire & Angus produce, beautifully created and presented
Treat your Valentine to a romantic evening on Saturday 11th
or Tuesday 14th February with our Valentine’s Menu
Phone 01575 560340 to make a reservation –
we also have accommodation available.
Committee
Mr. S. Eno, Mrs, K. Donaldson, Mrs. O. Last, Mrs M. McNicoll,
Mrs. J. McGill, Mr. C. MacDonald
enquiries@lochsidelodge.com or
www.lochsidelodge.com
8
PUBLIC NOTICES
ALYTH CHORAL UNION
*** URGENT ***
Spring Concert
ACCOMMODATION
Alyth Out of School Club
Organ: Dr. John Kitchen
Soloists from The Royal Scottish Academy
of Music and Drama (RSAMD)
WANTED
Gounod: Grande Messe de St Cecile
Mendelsshon: Hear my Prayer
Parry: I was Glad
Telephone: 01828 - 633308
Alyth Parish Church
Sunday 19th March 2006
at 7pm
SUSAN MARSH is pleased to
announce the following successes in the
recent Associated Board of the Royal
Schools of Music examinations:
PIANO:
Grade 1 Brogan McGowan
Grade 2 Jonathan Coe (Merit)
Grade 4 Holly McGowan
Grade 5 Emily Cox (Merit)
MUSIC THEORY:
Grade 1 Claire Houstoun(Merit)
Opening Hours
8am – 9am
&
3.15pm – 6pm
Monday to Friday
We have now restarted our sports activities.
Monday – Basketball 4-5pm
Coached by Paul MacFarlane
Wednesday – Football 4.30–5.30pm
Coached by Rab Ross
For more details telephone
07718-573511
ALYTH COMMUNITY CRÈCHE
A
Crèche for children aged 0-3years
is being held at the
Community Learning Wing
Alyth Primary School
on
WEDNESDAY mornings
from 10am-12noon
There are facilities for parents to meet over tea &
coffee while Playstart Crèche workers are caring for
the children.
Further info: Perth & Kinross Council
Education & Children’s Services Childcare Information Service Tel: 0845-601-4477
Alyth Parish Church
Scottish Country Dance Class
February 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd
Airlie Street Hall
SPORT FOR ALL
Soft- or short-tennis
every Thursday
2.30-4.00pm in the Airlie Street Hall.
Played for fun, it’s like ordinary tennis
but using a soft, spongy ball and a smaller court.
Equipment available initially.
Cost £1.50
Come and have a go!
LEAGUE OF FRIENDS
Thanks to all the people who helped
and donated to the coffee morning on
26th November 2005.
The sum raised was £670.
Happy New Year to you ALL
Anne Rhind & Dorothy Suttie
Committee Members
Season Starts April 2006
March 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th
Airlie Street Hall
All Fees £40
Juniors (under 18) £10
For information call Anne Archbold on 632971 or
Moira Robertson Lang on 632770
New Members Welcome
Membership Cards Available at the Club
Alyth Musical Society
ALYTH BOWLING CLUB
SKIPS MEETING IN CLUB ROOM
10th FEBRUARY at 7.30pm
£520 was raised
The budding carol singers are more than
welcome to audition for next year’s show!
ALYTH LIBRARY
New for 2006
STORYTELLING SESSIONS
FOR PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN
FRIDAYS at 2pm
All welcome!
BORED, NOTHING TO DO?
Then why not give us a go?
Blairgowrie Army Cadets
Come along to the drill hall,
Union St, Blairgowrie.
Games Night Tues & Drill Night Thur
Both Nights from 7-9.30pm
PAY US A VISIT
01250 874400 or blaircadets@aol.com
Alyth Christmas Lights 200 Club
December Draw
ALYTH BOWLING CLUB
March 2nd
Town Hall
THANKS to all the people who
donated to, helped and attended our
December 2005 coffee morning.
TO LET
Alyth Parish Church Guild
THE GUILD resumes on
Thursday 2nd February
in Airlie Street Hall at 2pm.
The Revd Robert Ramsay from
Invergowrie will give a talk entitled
“Trek the Inca Trail”.
This again will be an open meeting
and anyone interested will be
welcome to come along.
Alyth P.S.A
Jean McPherson
£50
£30
£20
No.183 Mr. M. Dorward
No.105 Mrs. K. Sangster
No.12 Mrs. B. Halliburton
January Draw
£50
£30
£20
No.78 Miss. L. Mackay
No.193 Mr. E. MacGregor
No.97 Mrs. M. Mowatt
Alzheimer Scotland
The Alyth and District Branch of
Alzheimer Scotland will be holding a
monthly Coffee Club in Alyth on the
3rd Wednesday of each month.
The Coffee Club will start on
Wednesday 15th February 2006
when the lounge of Burnside Court will be
open from 10.30am till 12.30pm.
We will be delighted to meet anyone
caring for someone with dementia.
You and the person you care for
will be most welcome.
PLEASE COME ALONG.
For further details please phone: 633817
COFFEE MORNING
Saturday 11th February 2006
Airlie Street Hall
10am
Admission: Adults 80p/Children 40p
www.petrolprices.com - Petrol Price Comparison Website
A NEW, simple to use, free website.
Enter your postcode tell it how far you’re willing to travel (2, 5, 10 or 20 miles) and it’ll list today’s
cheapest petrol stations in your area for unleaded, diesel, LPG and other fuels.
9
AIRLIE GARAGE
ALYTH
Telephone: 01828 633363
Specialised Dementia Care
in a Domestic Setting
. RESPITE CARE
. RESIDENTIAL CARE
. SELF CONTAINED DAY CARE UNIT
All bedrooms en-suite: Beautiful Enclosed Gardens :
Home Cooking & Baking with Choice of Menu:
Trained Staff to promote independence and choice.
www.hopeparkhouse.co.uk
Tel 01250 872349
Balmoral Road, Rattray, Blairgowrie
Servicing, Mechanical &, MOT Repairs
Welding & Steam Cleaning
Panel Beating, Spray Painting and
Restoration.
All Jobs Considered
Free Estimates
Tyres at competitive prices
Winter Tyres Studded and Wheels Balanced
Breakdown Recovery and Car Transportation Service
Quality Used Cars For Sale
Open 9 am ‘til late
GEORGE W. RENNIE
2 St. Malcolm’s
Wynd Kirriemuir
Tel: 01575 573292
Mobile: 07711 818238
4WD Specialist
Cars & Light Goods Vehicles
Servicing and Repairs
Bike & Car MOT Testing
Tyres & Exhausts
Bike & Car Oils
Repairs Spares & Servicing Washing Machines,
Cookers, Tumble dryers & Vacuums.
Cycle Repairs & Spares by Post
mary.rennie@tiscali.co.uk
Traditional Acupuncture in Blairgowrie
Acupuncture can help a variety of symptoms
and health problems
Free 15 minute consultations available in Blairgowrie
to discuss whether acupuncture may be helpful.
Practitioner is fully qualified and insured and is a member
of the British Acupuncture Council.
Judith Bryden MA(Hons)LicAc.MBAcC.
Contact Judith at 01250 876345 or
07762 188418 (mobile)
J. & M. KAY
Airlie Computers
Simon Bogle
Tel: 01828 632252
Computer Repairs and Upgrades
Tel: 01828 632244 Mobile: 07732 524139
9.00am to 9.00pm, Monday to Saturday
Free Estimates, Site Visits
New and Used Computer Sales
Help, Advice and Training
Website Design and Hosting
www.airliecomputers.co.uk
THE ORGANIC HUT
The Glenisla Hotel
Ladies & Gents Hairdressers
13 Airlie Street
Alyth
South West Fullarton, Meigle
Tel - 01828 640391
Wednesday 1pm—6pm
Friday 1pm—6pm
Saturday 10am—5pm
Half mile south of Meigle on Dundee Road.
Follow signs
Visit us for a wide range of organic
fruit and vegetables. Other organic
goods include eggs, various teas, oatmeal and chocolate. We also stock
Ecover products, soaps and recycled
paper goods.
'The Inn in the Glen'
Kirkton of Glenisla
Exciting menu using Scotland's best produce
Real ales, malt whiskies and fine wines
Traditional Bar with roaring fire and beamed ceiling
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays
What’s On
Thursday 2 February — Quiz Night
Saturday 11 February — Valentine’s Menu —
Booking Essential
February Special
Wednesday and Thursday evenings—free bottle
of wine when two people have a two course meal.
Quote this ad.
Tel No 01575 582223
www.glenisla-hotel.com
10
MURDO FRASER MSP
MID SCOTLAND & FIFE
For help and advice.
Look for details of regular surgeries in the local
Press, or you can contact Murdo on 01250 874782
to arrange a meeting; or write to him atScottish Parliament, Edinburgh, EH99 1SP;
or email him at murdo.fraser.msp@scottish.parliament.uk
MUIR
DRIVING SCHOOL
Dave Muir
DSA Approved Driving Instructor
Pass Plus Registered
Intensive Courses Available
Tel: 01250 870725
Mob: 07732-531767
Book Ten Lessons Only- Pay For Nine
Charles A Davidson
ROBERTSON’S DAIRY
BALKEERIE
BY GLAMIS FORFAR
Tel/fax 01307 840431
Blacksmith, Welder and Fabricator
Gates and Rails made, erected and repaired
All fabrication and farm work undertaken
Tel: 01828 632948
Mobile: 07957-766546
Suppliers of milk, cheese, butter, cream, eggs,
yoghurts, rolls, and many other dairy products to
Private Houses, Hotels, Restaurant, schools,
Nursing Homes, etc. in Alyth, Blairgowrie,
Coupar Angus, Burrelton, Woodside, Meigle,
Newtyle and Auchterhouse
Established 1975
THE ALYTH
TRADITIONAL
FISH BAR
Telephone Orders Welcome
01828 632000
Fish Suppers £3.00 on Wednesday
for OAP’s
Monday– Thursday
4.30-9 pm
Friday
4.30-10 pm
Saturday
4.30-10 pm
Sunday
4.30- 8 pm
Walls & Floors
21, Commercial Street
MURRAY PENNYCOOK
PLUMBING & HEATING
GAS, OIL & SOLID FUEL
Clar-Innis, Meigle Road, Alyth
Tel: 01828 632135 Mobile: 07850-733-481
Oil –Gas –Solid Fuel
Corgi & SNIPEF Registered
Rhones - Lead Work –Drains
Free Estimates
David Scott Ltd
FUNERAL DIRECTORS
& MONUMENT AGENTS
Also Golden Charter Pre-Paid Funeral Plans
7 Toutie Street Alyth
Open Tuesday Mornings 9 a.m.-11.45 a.m.
Or by appointment
• Drystone Dyking
• Stone Garden
Features
• Stone Planters
and Seating
Tel : 632276 Fax: 633939
Email: thisletopia@aol.com
Lounge available for meetings
FOOTBALL ‘LIVE’
on Digital & Five
Megs Mini Market
3 Commercial Street, Alyth
Tel: 07868 649780
Good Range of Household Goods in Stock
Carpet Care
Carpet, Upholstery and Leather
Cleaned and Protected
Neil Stewart
and Decking
• Roof Repairs
and Guttering
Robert Miller
Cherrybank Cottage,
Leitfie Terrace,
New Alyth, PH11 8NF
Tel: 01828 632879
AIRLIE STREET, ALYTH
01382 580245 or 07709-340575
• Wall Repairs
• and Pointing
• Patios, Paths
Shop Hours
Mon-Fri 8.15am — 5.30pm
Sat 8.30am — 1.00pm
THISTLE LOUNGE
Call Simon on
01828 633 433
Decorating Advice Given
&
Professional Chimney Sweep
Prompt and reliable –
a clean sweep guaranteed.
Pots, Bird guards and Cowls fitted.
Our staff are happy to assist with all enquiries
A 24 hour service is maintained on
Paints & Papers, Ceramic Tiles,
Carpet Tiles,
Carpets, Vinyls, Laminate Flooring,
Decorating Sundries, Rugs.
GEO’s BAR
Ash Chimney
Systems
Call for a Free Quote:
01828 632771 or 01250 875216
Mobile: 07713-915546
FURNITURE STORE
PETS PANTRY
PERTH STREET, BLAIRGOWRIE
(Adjoining Shell Garage)
COME ON IN AND HAVE A BROWSE
BEDS– from £69; 2 and 4 Drawer Divans; Metal and Pine
Beds; Mattresses; Headboards; Pine Bedroom Furniture;
Ex-Catalogue Suites;
Pine and Beech Look Bedroom Furniture;
Dining room Sets and all types of furniture and furnishings.
10a High Street Blairgowrie
Tel: 01356 623006
Keith Nicol
Stock Changes Weekly
ALL AT DISCOUNT PRICES
BIG GAV
COLIN & CATHY FORD
Number 5 Toutie Street, Alyth
CHIROPODY
SUGARING,FACIALS
EYELASH/BROW TINTING
PEDICURE, MANICURE
by CREATIVE NAILS
**Late Nights Tues. & Thurs.**
For an Appointment
BARONY VIEW
GROUND
MAINTENANCE
HAY STREET
ALYTH
If not in stock we will try to get it for you.
Time to book your Hedge Cutting
WHY NOT JOIN OUR ALL YEAR ROUND CLUB
Alyth Pet & Flowers
17 Airlie St, Alyth
Tel: 01828 633555
R. D. Builders
Gutters cleared before winter
Don’t forget our usual services
* Greetings Cards Now In Stock *
Gravelling, Fencing, Paving
Various Varieties of Pet Foods
and all other outdoor work
CUT FLOWERS, VASES & POT PLANT HOLDERS
NOW SUPPLYING HORSE FEED & DUCK FEED
Tel:01828 632297
and Leave Clearing
Tel Big Gav on 07739-833595
FISH TANKS & ACCESSORIES
What we don’t have in stock we will get for you.
11
ork
new
St o
s
ion
ens
Ext
ova
Ren
s
tion
.
Etc
ling
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a
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For Free Estimates
Tel: 01828 632231 or Mobile 07729924784
19 Tay Road Alyth, Perthshire PH11 8EB
Nether-Turin,
Meigle Road
Alyth,
PH11 8EX
Tel. 01828 632001
Alyth Folk
THE ALYTH REVOLUTIONARY
DEAR SIRS,
I attach an article which you may find of sufficient interest to publish in the next available issue of the "Alyth Voice". I also attach two photographs, one of
which shows Robert Dempster, the other his wife, Jane Ann Hardie. Both are circled. It is thought that the one of Jane was taken at the jute mill in Alyth.
Yours faithfully, Bill Davidson
Unfortunately the photo of Robert is too dark to reprint in the Voice, please contact Bill should you wish to see it.
I WAS recently contacted by a lady living in Yorkshire, who has been trying
to find out more about her great-grandfather, a resident of Alyth in the latter
part of the 19th century.
Robert Dempster was born in Dairsie, Fife about 1849. He was the natural
son of a ploughman and had a stepfather who was also of the same profession and it is likely that his upbringing in this environment influenced his
thinking in his adult years. In 1881 he was Head Farm Servant at Easter
Tullyfergus Bothy but by 1883, when he married, he had moved to Parkside,
Auchterhouse. By that time he had changed occupation to a stone quarryman
(possibly due to his views on the conditions of farm labourers causing unrest). He returned to Alyth at some point and lived with his wife, Jane Ann
Hardie, and family at Morn Street until about 1896 when he moved to
Dunino in Fife. Dempster was the tenant of a house in Morn Street owned by
his father-in-law, George Hardie, a carter and weaver. Five of Robert and
Jane’s children were born in Morn Street between April 1884 and August
1893.
In 1884 Dempster wrote a booklet “The Natural Horseman – The Horse
and Ploughman”, the main content of which concerned horses, ploughing,
etc but he also used it as a mouthpiece for his views on the conditions which
farm workers of that era had to endure and suggested “We the farm servants
should form a brotherly lodge…….and try and recover ourselves from the
state of degradation into which we have fallen.” The booklet also makes
mention of a “Farm Servants and Agricultural Labourers Literary Lodge”
and it is known that he was a member of the Alyth Literary Society for a
short time, resigning as he did not agree with their politics. He was also a
member of the local Liberal Society and the Alyth Ploughmen’s Club and
Socialist Union. He may have been the founder of the latter as an article in
the “Glasgow Evening Times” of around 1907 referred to his early attempts
to organise farm workers and “Dempster’s club”.
Following on from this booklet, Dempster published a series of leaflets
proclaiming his views on various topics. The first leaflet came down hard on
the “slugs and drones” and explained the cause and the remedy of poverty.
Other leaflets dealt with the Irish question, the formation of an Agricultural
Board and the holding of a referendum to decide on peace or war. He also
talked of a “wage-slave society” and urged the introduction of “a national
system of money circulation supplied by the state on labour value”. These
leaflets were circulated throughout Angus and Perthshire and were distributed personally by Robert Dempster in Dundee on Saturday evenings often
rounding off with an open-air address in the Greenmarket. The previously
mentioned article in the Evening Times, was probably written by David
Lowe, an early leading light in the Scottish Labour Party. He sponsored the
first Labour candidate in Dundee in 1892 and Dempster joined him in his
support of James Macdonald. He would walk to Dundee from Alyth and
spread the word to any who would listen.
While living at Dunino, Robert was appointed to the School Board of the
primary school. By 1899 the family had moved to Clackmannanshire where
he continued to work as a quarryman and to be involved in politics. His wife,
Jane Ann, died in 1905 and in August 1906, Robert was killed in an accident
at the quarry where he worked.
Like many such individuals Robert Dempster was a man ahead of his time
but without these men much of what we take for granted today might never
have come to pass. By all accounts he was not a well educated man but had
the gifted ability to convey his thoughts to others by his writing and by word
of mouth. The aforementioned article concludes “…he would eat his frugal
meal with content, dreaming of a new time and old friends”. Perhaps a suitable epitaph.
If anyone has any information about Robert Dempster, his family, the
Alyth Ploughmen’s Club, the late 19th century Liberal Association etc.
Bill would be very pleased to hear from them.
Police Update
IN THIS my final article for the ‘Voice’ before moving on to Perth at
the beginning of February, I would like to bring our residents up to
speed with the latest news. On the crime front in the past couple of
months, police patrols in Alyth continue to crack down on anti social
behaviour and under age drinking. This has involved the confiscation
of alcohol and drug related products, with persons involved in the purchase
and sale of alcohol to young persons being reported to the Procurator Fiscal.
There is no doubt that a lot of the problems of anti social behaviour are
caused by young persons under the influence of alcohol or drugs. I appeal to
the parents of any young person who might return home ‘high’ after consuming alcohol or through taking a possible illegal substance to be aware of any
welfare issues. Whenever in doubt, do not hesitate in contacting a doctor or
out of hours ‘NHS 24’ for advice or assistance. Parents have a duty of care
for their children which does not end at the doorstep. Some of the stories we
read and see with regard to drug and alcohol abuse are quite frightening.
Popular culture would have young people believe that ‘Its OK’ to drink to
excess or take illegal substances. Please help them to understand the risks
associated with any form of this kind of abuse.
In an effort to turn this around in your community, I appeal to everyone:
if you have information which might identify persons responsible for the
illegal purchase or sale of alcohol or drugs, especially to the young people in
our community, please give the police a call in confidence or phone
Crimestoppers.
On a personal note, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all
residents, especially those involved in voluntary work in the community, for
their assistance and support in my time as your local beat constable. I have
enjoyed my time here and I would ask that you give the same support to my
replacement, Constable Mark Stewart, who you shall get to know in the
coming weeks and months ahead. I have known Mark for a number of
years and he comes to this area with a wealth of county experience
which will stand him in good stead as you will no doubt get to know
him whilst on patrol in and around Alyth.
Although I am moving station, I will still maintain an operational link with
this area through my continuation as the local Wildlife Crime Officer.
I continue to live in the Blairgowrie area and will always have an interest
in what is going on, so I look forward to reading favourably about Alyth and
its people in issues of the Voice in the years to come. Thanking you once
again for your support.
If you need to contact the Police please use the following numbers –
Emergency 999 / Enquiry or to report a crime 01738 621141
Crimestoppers 0800 555 111
Best Regards,
Graham Jack
The Alyth Voice take
this opportunity to
thank Graham for his
valuable contributions to the Voice, to
policing in Alyth and
the surrounding area
and wish him every
success in the future.
Printed for Alyth Voice by Blair Copy Shop
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