2010 January Voice

Alyth Voice
142nd Edition, January 2010
Minimum Circulation 1725
Wishing you a happy & healthy New Year!
Website: www.alythvoice.co.uk
© DH Todd
The Winners of
Alyth & District Business
Association’s 2009 Fancy Dress
Victorian Day Competition on
28th November were:
1st The Alyth Hotel
Commercial Street, Alyth
The Shield and Framed Certificate
(photo above)
2nd Costcutters
73-75 Airlie Street, Alyth
Framed Certificate
(photo left)
3rd Buy Design
19 Airlie Street, Alyth
© DH Todd
Framed Certificate
(photo right)
Read more on page 2
The Alyth Voice is a free monthly newsletter, managed, written, and delivered by volunteers.
© DH Todd
VICTORIAN DAY
The Singing Kettle
Davidson Chemist
The CO-OP
The “Fancy Dress” Victorian Day Competition, which is sponsored by Alyth &
District Business Association, was one of the many events which took place over
the weekend of 28th November 2009. To all the people who participated, thank
you. There was a wide variety of costumes, all of an extremely high standard,
which included characters such as
Cleopatra and her male slave, a
boy and girl from Alyth School,
Victorian Ladies, Sweeney Todd, a
Teddy Bear, Andy Pandy, ‘Allo
‘Allo, Gunslingers, Serving
Wenches, Captain Hook and his
band, Victorian Gentleman,
Recycling Lady, and many more;
they were all fantastic! We are glad
Alyth’s photographers were out in
force to make the contestants feel
like filmstars again this year!
Audrey Young in the absence of
Ruth Jolly, Alyth’s other joint
Citizen of the Year 2009, and
Declan McKenzie and Sam Phillips,
representing the HUB who are
Alyth’s Young Citizen of the Year
2009, had the almost impossible
J. & M. Kay
task of judging all the participants’
dress (winners on front page).
The charity stalls in the Airlie
Street Hall on the afternoon of 28th
had a very successful time raising
funds for their causes. There were
stalls staffed by members of Alyth
Christmas Lights, Perthshire Brass
Band, Alyth Primary School, Alyth
Out of School Club, Meigle Parish
Church, Maggie’s Centre, SSPCA
and Alyth Guides.
Once again thanks to all the
entrants, the judges and the public
for making this event part of a
Solutions
marvellous weekend. Michael Kay
Paul’s Spar
The Dirliebane
2
Hobbies
© All images on this page DH Todd
Meg’s Mini-Market
© J. Taylor
© DH Todd
The burn lights are pretty… hazardous to put up!
Sean Burns of Primary 2 won the ‘Design a Light’
ALYTH CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
© DH Todd
2009 ‘Design a Light’ Competition Entrants with Ricky Don
by Ricky Don
For some years now, Alyth Christmas Lights has run a competition for
the children of Alyth Primary School to submit drawings/designs for a
Christmas Light. The drawings are sent to Blachere, a French
company, who supply us with the Christmas lights that we put up.
Blachere pick a winner and construct a light which is completely unique.
Just another example of the community spirit which exists in Alyth!
Thank you to all who helped over the 2 weekends to put up the Xmas
lights, you know who you are. However special mention to the 2
youngest members of the "team" John and Declan, and not forgetting of
course the "Norman Wisdom" duo who entertained with their efforts in
the burn. Thank you also to the Alyth Hotel for providing lunch, Jeff for
the soup and stovies, "Geos" for essentials, and Lorraine for her
donation.
However remember that what goes up must come down, so I’ll see
you all on Sunday 10th January (weather permitting)!
CITIZENS OF THE YEAR 2009
ALYTH COMMUNITY COUNCIL UPDATE by Stuart Clark, Chairman
Your Community Council wishes to congratulate Audrey Young and Ruth Jolly (above) for being nominated as this years Joint Citizen of the
Year and also Alyth Hub as being nominated as Young Citizen of the Year (represented above by Callum Tosh and Lewis Dobie). Plans are
underway to celebrate their achievements fully at the Volunteers party on 7th February 2010.
The Community Council are opening up the Community Council Internet site to the people of Alyth. If you wish to advertise your
community event or include some photographs then let us know. We can do the technical work for you, you just need to have the idea, and to
you it’s FREE. You can view the site at www.alythcc.ning.com or you can email us at alythcommunitycouncil@pkc.gov.uk or you can simply
telephone me on 01828 633884.
And finally, your Community Council hopes that every reader of the Alyth Voice, in Alyth and beyond, has had a very merry Christmas
and enjoys a happy New Year.
3
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
© DH Todd
L-R: Provost John Hulbert and his wife joined Sam Phillips,
Audrey Young, and Declan McKenzie to switch on the lights
© J. Taylor
The extended lights up Alyth Burn look fantastic!
Santa Claus spread a little happiness in Alyth Square
© J. Taylor
The crowds turned out to join in the Christmas cheer
The light above the Boer War Memorial is spectacular
© DH Todd
Rudolph aka Dave McLaren was in charge of Santa’s sleigh!
© DH Todd
Reindeers are scarce this time of year!
4
Useful Telephone Numbers
ALYTH HEALTH CENTRE
Airlie Street Hall (contact-Margaret Smith) - 01828 632256
Alyth Town Hall (contact: Rosemary Duncan) - 01828 633846
Ogilvy Rooms (contact Tina Tripney)
- 01828 632717
Blairgowrie Police Station
- 0300 111 2222
Perth Police Station
- 0300 111 2222
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
Anti-social Behaviour Team
- 01738 476173
NEW ALYTH ROAD, ALYTH, PH11 8EQ
Telephone: 01828 632317
Repeat Prescription Line: 01828 633663
(24 hour answering machine)
Community Nurse: 01828 632425
Health Visitor: 01828 633954
Opening Hours - Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm
After Hours
- NHS24 tel: 08454 24 24 24
Late surgeries by appointment
Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday/Friday - 5pm to 6pm
Early Surgeries by appointment
Blood Clinic - Monday/Wednesday - 8.30am to 9.30am
If you offer an emergency or breakdown service, send the Voice your name and number.
ALYTH VOICE TEAM
Editor:
Paul Ramsay - 01828 632992 - paulramsay@bamff.co.uk
Compositor/Secretary:
Irene Robertson - 01828 633045 - alythvoice@alythvoice.co.uk
Advertising:
Pamela Luscombe - 01828 633693 - advertising@alythvoice.co.uk
Marjory Macpherson & Margaret McKenzie
Distribution:
Paul & Barbara Prettyman - 01828 633725
Treasurer:
Michael Kay - 01828 632252/632690 - michaelkay1@tiscali.co.uk
Webmaster:
Derek Todd - dhtodd@tiscali.co.uk
HEALTH CENTRE NEW YEAR OPENING TIMES
Friday 1st January 2010 - Closed
Saturday 2nd January 2010 - Closed
Sunday 3rd January 2010 – Closed
Monday 4th January 2010 – Closed
Tuesday 5th January 2010 – Normal opening hours
Wednesday 6th January 2010 – Normal opening hours
Thursday 7th January 2010 - Normal opening hours
Friday 8th January 2010 - Normal opening hours
Should you have a requirement for a Doctor when we are closed
please call NHS 24 on 08454 24 24 24
ARTICLE/ADVERT SUBMISSION to the Voice
In order to avoid disappointment please ensure that articles/ads for publication are
submitted before the 19th day (8th for colour photos/16th for ads) 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.
DRUMDERG WINDFARM
COMMUNITY BENEFIT FUND GRANTS
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.
The fund is provided by the developers of the Drumderg Wind Farm, Scottish
and Southern Energy, for the benefit of residents in the geographic areas
represented by the Community Councils of Alyth and Mount Blair. £64,000 will
be available annually. SCF are delighted to announce following the first round
of applications to the Drumderg Windfarm Community Benefit Fund the
Advisory Panel at their meeting on the 26th November 2009 has approved the
projects detailed below. 2010 deadlines are 1 Feb, 3 Mar, 26 Jul, 18 Oct.
Further details from 0141 341 4960 or www.scottishcf.org.
*~*~* Dates for Your Diary *~*~*
Due to the advance notice of these dates, please check for changes!
JANUARY 2010
1st
Lighting of Beacon up Alyth Hill
Meet Alyth Square 2pm
2nd
BookFest, Scout Hut, Cairnleith St.
Alyth Scout Group
3rd
BookFest, Scout Hut, Cairnleith St.
Alyth Scout Group
11th Lunch Club, Airlie Street Hall
Alyth Senior Cit. Club
18th Exercise Class, Airlie Street Hall
Alyth Senior Cit. Club
19th Still Fiddling with Perfection, Ogilvy Rms Alyth Literary Society
20th Unwinding Techniques for Carers
Burnside Court Carers
20th Tennis Club Meeting
Alyth Bowling & Tennis
22nd Burns Supper, Bowling Club
Alyth Bowling & Tennis
25th Lunch Club, Airlie Street Hall
Alyth Senior Cit. Club
27th AGM, Kinloch Arms Hotel, Meigle
Meigle & Dist. History Soc
29th A Soldier’s View…, Perth Concert Hall The Black Watch Appeal
30th Coffee Morning, Airlie Street Hall
Local Liberal Democrat
FEBRUARY
1st
Exercise Class, Airlie Street Hall
Alyth Senior Cit. Club
2nd
AGM, Ogilvy Rooms, Commercial St. Alyth Literary Society
4th
What does the Lord…, Airlie Street Hall Alyth Parish Church Guild
6th
Coffee Morning, Airlie Street Hall
Maggie’s Centre
8th
Lunch Club, Airlie Street Hall
Alyth Senior Cit. Club
15th Exercise Class, Airlie Street Hall
Alyth Senior Cit. Club
17th A Walk on the Wild Side (Big Cat Ctry) Burnside Court Carers
20th Coffee Morning, Airlie Street Hall
Alyth Gala Day
22nd Lunch Club, Airlie Street Hall
Alyth Senior Cit. Club
27th Coffee Morning, Airlie Street Hall
Kilry WRI
Applicant
Purpose of Grant
Amount
awarded
Alyth Primary
School PSA
(Parent Staff
Association)
Alyth Out of
School Care
Group
Alyth Youth
Partnership
To assist with a new project that will work
with school children and community
members to design and paint a mural on
Alyth Primary School.
To offer a programme of art and music
tasters (for a 6 week period) to the children
who attend at the Out of School club.
To develop a new Building Bridges Parent
Support group for all parents in the Alyth
area and to continue to support the
services on offer to young people through
"The Hub" in Airlie Street.
To support the Arts Group and to offer tutor
supported classes, outings and develop an
exhibition.
To contribute to the costs of organising the
annual Jam in the Den Music event in Alyth
- this is open to all residents.
To allow the under 11’s Team to attend and
participate in the Ayr Football Tournament
in April 2010.
To assist with the costs of the running of
the lunch and exercise activities for the
benefit of the older residents in Alyth.
To develop the Mount Blair Heather
Festival as a walking and cycling festival for
the benefit of the local community.
£2,000
Alyth Arts
Group
Jam in the Den
Community
Music Event
Alyth Boys
Football Club
ALYTH CHRISTMAS LIGHTS 200 CLUB
Alyth Lunch
and Socialising
Club
Glenshee
Tourist
Association
December 2009 Draw
1st - £50 - no.087 Mr F. Brown
2nd - £30 - no.079 Mr M. Kay
3rd - £20 - no.144 Mr & Mrs N. West
Thanks to Audrey Young and Ruth Jolly for making the draw.
5
500
7059
780
1953.06
2000
820
1500
USING SHOPS & SERVICES IN ALYTH
ALYTH PHOTOGRAPHIC CLUB
PJ Milne’s letter in November Voice has opened the door to much discussion
over buying from shops in Alyth and using local business services. The Voice
has received varied feedback in response to buying habits and preferences,
and thanks everyone who has taken the time to comment. However, to enable a
fair and comprehensive article to be written on the subject, much more
feedback is requested.
All comments will be collated and used anonymously. Please think about
the questions below and send us your comments BEFORE 15TH FEBRUARY
2010 please. Either email alythvoice@alythvoice.co.uk, or drop a note into
Michael Kay’s Hairdressers at 13 Airlie Street.
by Ron McGill
Customers of the DirlieBane will have noticed that the Photographic Club
members have been very active capturing images from around Alyth and further
afield. The picture gallery in the DirlieBane is constantly changing, so there is
always something interesting for Voice readers to see. The theme for
December's photographs is "COBWEBS".
Members have been exploring the full potential of their cameras through
informative presentations on camera basics, composition, night time
photography (see photo on page 16) and image processing software. In
January, Vane Farm Nature Reserve, Kinross, have offered the club an
exclusive course on wildlife digital photography run by an award winning
photographer. New members are always welcome whatever the level of
experience, and camera. The first meeting of the Club in 2010 will be Monday
11th January at 7pm in The DirlieBane Cafe, Alyth Square. Phone Ron McGill
on 01828 634114 or e-mail ron@plumtree.myzen.co.uk.
AS A CUSTOMER
•
•
•
•
Do you shop or use services in Alyth? If not, why not?
Anything you can’t find in Alyth? Where do you go instead?
How do prices compare with out of town shops & services?
Anything you would like to see stocked, provided, or improved?
ALYTH CHORAL UNION by Janey MacFarlane
The first of our Christmas concerts was held in Glenisla Church on 6th
December. An enthusiastic and appreciative audience gave the choir a
very warm welcome. The choir would like to thank parents and friends
who travelled from Alyth to support the children’s choir and the Choral
Union. The festive refreshments were very welcome.
The second concert took place in Alyth Church on 13th December.
Not only was the choir singing ‘as one’ but was dressed ‘as one’ for it
was the first time that the choir ladies wore new matching blouses!
Gents were not forgotten for they looked splendid in their matching bow
ties!! (see photo on page 15) By contrast it was the last time that
James Robertson appeared as the choir conductor, although next session he joins the choir.
The new session resumes on Tuesday 12th January in Alyth Parish
Church when a new musical director takes up her post. Ms Helen
Addison will be known to some in Alyth as she has connections with the
town. We are looking forward to the new session when, we hope, new
members will come along and join us. A warm welcome awaits anyone
who would like ‘to make music’ with us. Happy New Year!
AS A SHOPKEEPER OR BUSINESS OWNER
•
Have you seen an increase in sales, enquiries, or foot-traffic since the
appeal in November’s Voice?
•
•
Anything you can’t compete with in other towns?
Would you like to say ‘something’ to the local residents?
YOUR feedback is so important to saving our local shops and services. If
shopkeepers and business owners don’t know why they are losing trade, how
can they compete?
ALYTH FIRE STATION NEWS
by Alan Ramsay
We would like to welcome a new recruit to the station complement, Firefighter
Robert Kydd. Robert, or Bob as he prefers, has just completed his basic training
and awaits further core training in Breathing Apparatus, first aid etc. These
abilities will help him on his way to being classed as a competent firefighter and
will be added to as his career progresses. Bob is married with one child and
adds his personal and life skills to the team at Alyth. I am sure he will be a
successful firefighter.
We are still actively recruiting and if you live and work within five minutes of
the station, we would encourage you to drop in for a chat and to show around
on a Monday evening. Remuneration is excellent and career opportunities are
there to grasp.
On to incidents in the quarter, as usual a varied lot with easy and difficult in
equal quantities. We have been fairly busy but with a decrease in domestic
incidents which is very welcome and hopefully our ongoing and successful
home fire safety initiatives are starting to make an impact so the downward
trend will continue. Unfortunately people are still being injured, and killed, in the
home so we strongly recommend a visit which is free of charge, takes very little
time and smoke detectors are fitted if required at no cost to the householder.
Call in at the station or phone freephone 0300 123 9988.
Back to incidents, and agricultural fires still abound with the hot autumn not
helping and a few calls to hay/straw bales always tie up resources for
considerable periods so we ask for care and vigilance when dealing with these.
Thankfully the other side of the good autumn was the lack of grain driers
combusting which is very welcome as they always are very taxing on stamina
and time. As the autumn passed us by the weather as we all know got very wet
resulting in a spate of calls for assistance to flooding, the last being on the 19th
of November when there was considerable water deluging from the burn in
Johnshill road after a tremendous rainfall rendered the drains incapable of
dealing with the sheer volume of water coming down from the hills. We received
a call for assistance from local businessman Mr Brough after he became aware
his and other properties were under threat from flooding. The rescue pump was
duly despatched with the crew being Incident Commander Alan Ramsay, Crew
Manager Andy Sangster, Firefighters Callum Turnbull and Harry Erskine. The
task was to mitigate any damage and relieve the water flow, a culvert was
damned and pumped out and the burn sump in Johnshill Road was also
pumped out to relieve the water pressure. These actions undoubtedly worked
and after several hours getting wet and dirty (see photo on page 14!) the flow
was reduced to a trickle. Sandbags were procured and delivered and a good
result obtained. A special thanks to the Alyth Chippie for supplying great hot
food when it was most needed!
On behalf of everyone at the station have a safe and Happy Christmas and
prosperous New Year.
THE GREAT CRANE PROJECT
by Paul Ramsay
Out of the corner of my eye I saw a small bird flying rocket-like away from the
wood beside the burn. My first thought was that it was a wader from the way it
flew. But what wader looked like that, with its white rump and dark body, and
was present in this part of the country in winter? I was too slow to focus my
binoculars on the bird and so, after some moments, moved on. What could it
have been? In the end I decided that it must have been a bullfinch and that a
sparrow-hawk, putting the fear of death into it, had made it fly for its life, which
was why it flew so uncharacteristically fast.
I have been seeing bullfinches out and about near the house and further
afield, so a darkish creature with a white rump, and of the size that my fugitive
appeared to be, made sense.
A friend rang. Did I know that there was a plan to reintroduce cranes to Somerset? No. I had no idea about this. After she rang off I googled ‘Cranes Grus
grus Somerset’ and learned a little about this splendid project.
The Eurasian or Common crane (Grus grus) was once well established
throughout the British Isles, but the combination of loss of habitat and persecution by humans resulted in its extinction about four hundred years ago. As you
may remember from my piece for ‘The Voice’ of May 2005 (‘Beavers and the
Birds of Heaven’) cranes were highly regarded by the monks of Coupar Angus.
During the 1970s cranes re-established a foothold in the British Isles when
they settled in Norfolk and bred. Since then the Great Crane Project has been
formed to encourage the return of the Eurasian (or Common) Crane to the British Isles. This project is a partnership between the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust,
the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, the Pensthorpe Conservation
Trust, and Viridor Credits Environmental Company. According to their web site
(http://www.wwt.org.uk/our-work/wetland-wildlife/eurasian-cranes) a £700,000
grant from Viridor Credits has secured the project for the next three years.
You may wonder, as I did, what the Pensthorpe Conservation Trust is. Well,
here is the answer: http://www.pensthorpetrust.org.uk/great-crane/index.htm.
That will give you enough to tell you more about cranes in the British Isles and
how the Great Crane Project was set up.
By the time you read this I hope that Christmas 2009 will be a pleasant memory, and we shall be thinking about the prospects for 2010. Let us hope above
all that the conference at Copenhagen is a success.
6
DANCING CONCERT
Dancers from the Linda Grant School of Dance recently held
their Annual Show and Presentation in Alyth Town Hall (see
photo on page 16). A fantastic audience turned out to watch
the girls and Linda was delighted with their
performance. Linda would like to thank everyone involved in
her classes and for their efforts towards the show.
•Harry
MacFadyen gave a professional and entertaining
show as MC and kept the programme running perfectly to
time.
•The food and raffle donations were exceptional! A superb
buffet was displayed at half time and the extensive raffle
made the show run slightly late - so many thanks to the
cooks and people who kindly donated.
•Mary Graham made an excellent job with all the costumes
for the show (many at the last minute as Linda hadn't
ordered enough material) and the kids all looked fantastic for
their many routines.
•Mark
Graham again, as he does year after year, turned
Linda's crazy ideas into reality creating swords for the girls
to dance with.
•Tina Tripney, hallkeeper for the Ogilvy Rooms always has
the doors open, the room clean and cosy for us every week
of the year.
•Shona
Milne - chair, treasurer, secretary, she seems to
cover all positions. Shona does an excellent job looking
after all the fundraising and accounts for the Dance Club all
with the littlest fuss and organisation in the
background. Without her, Linda would be lost and a most
grateful and sincere thanks was extended not only for this
year, but for the many, many years she has been involved
with the dancing.
•Sarah Grant took time out to come along and help line up
the girls, again with apparent ease and enjoyment, the
dancers were all lined up and arranged in time for every
performance.
Linda remarked that this year she has enjoyed working with
the dancers, and that she was very proud and happy to teach
them, they were a credit to their parents and guardians as
they are a lovely group of girls.
Presentations were given to all the dancers for their hard
work and dedication, and the Annual Awards were given to:
Class Trophies for
attendance, hard work and dedication:
Lily Tosh, Jasmine Gowrie & Natasha Smith
The Ronnie Graham Shield for
Best Newcomer to the dance school - Anna Wilkie.
The Mary Grant Cup for the Most Improved Dancer
- Kirsty Barnett.
The Jimmy Mackelvie Black Watch Crest,
for giving the most to the dance school - Claire Smith
Competitive Section:
Primary Award - Elspeth McClement;
Beginners Award - Megan Thom
Overall points winner - Megan Thom
Classes finished this year on 11 December, the Christmas
trip was to Noahs Ark on 13 December, and classes resume
Friday 8 January 2010. There are 3 classes: 5-5.45pm for
nursery age 4+; 5.45-7pm for 7-10 yrs; 7-8.30pm for age
11+. Linda is looking forward to seeing all the dancers back
in the new year and if anyone is interested in joining, please
give her a call on 01250 876682 after 5pm.
BATTLEGROUND
PERTHSHIRE
BATTLEGROUND PERTHSHIRE
is a concise account of the battles
and minor military events that
have taken place within the county
of Perthshire.
Comprising two thousand years
of battles, raids, rebellions, sieges,
riots, feuds, ambushes and skirmishes, Battleground Perthshire
shines the spotlight on the military
history of Scotland's big county.
Drawn from extensive primary and
secondary sources: archives,
eyewitness accounts and official
records, it tells the fascinating
stories of struggles for wealth,
power, freedom and the right to
self-determination.
This chronicle of Perthshire's
military history stands as an
important reminder of some of the
events that have marked the
development of the Scottish
people. It will appeal both to the
reader interested in the history of
Scotland and to those interested in
military history.
Paul Philippou is a teacher and
historian living in Perth. He has
worked at Dundee and Stirling
Universities and for The Open
University. This is his second
book; his first, Spanish
Thermopylae: Cypriot Volunteers
in the Spanish Civil War, 1936-39,
was published in March 2009 by
Warren & Pell. Rob Hands is a
geography teacher living near
Perth. He has also written and
illustrated International Issues in
the 1990s - Chambers Social
Studies Series (1991) and the
Success Guide to Intermediate 2
Geography - Leckie and Leckie
(2009).
D eta il s of B att le gro un d
Perthshire can be sourced from
the local history website
www.alternative-perth.co.uk ISBN13: 978-0-9563374-0-5
Battleground Perthshire is
priced at £7.99. It was released in
November 2009 and is available
on-line and from most local
bookshops. Tippermuir Books are
happy to offer the book for sale
directly at a cost of £7.99 with free
postage/packing. Send cheque
payable to Tippermuir Books at 3
Graham’s Place, King Street,
Perth, PH2 8HZ, or AK Bell Library
bookshop or Perth Museum Shop.
Mrs Susan Marsh is pleased to announce the following successes in the recent
Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music examinations:
Jake Bailey
Duncan Menzies
Kathryn Menzies
Luke Channon
Catriona Ferguson
Grade 1 Piano
Grade 1 Piano (Merit)
Grade 3 Piano
Grade 3 Piano (Merit)
Grade 5 Theory of Music (Merit)
7
stART
Adult Ukulele Group (16yrs +)
Meet every Monday during term time
Alyth Community Wing
7.30pm - 9.00pm
Cost: £2 per session
For more info contact Pete Nicol or
Kirstie Bailey on 01828 633761
~~~
Sing!!
Fun, informal singing workshops for
adults Dates for Winter 2009/2010
sessions 7.30pm - 9.30pm
in Alyth Community Wing
Thursdays Jan 28th, Feb 25th
Cost: £3 per session
For bookings contact Kirstie Bailey on
01828 633451
SCOUT HUT, Cairnleith Street, Alyth
2009
Sundays 20th & 27th December, 1-4pm
Wednesdays 23rd & 30th December, 7-9pm
2010
Saturday 2nd January 1-4pm
Sunday 3rd January 1-4pm
If you have any books you would like to donate to
our Book Fest, please hand them in to the Scout
Hut, drop them off at Hoyness, Chapel Street, or
telephone Ron Kirkpatrick 01828 633 962
Look forward to seeing you this Book Fest!
ALYTH EVENING CLASSES
SPRING 2010
MONDAYS
Dru Yoga (Alyth Town Hall)
For all ages & abilities. Get in tune with your body through
postures, breathing exercises, relaxation and meditation.
Bring blanket, a bottle of water and wear loose clothing.
Tutor Aileen Brown
Fee £35 ~ 10 classes from 18th January 2010
7.30 – 9pm (exc. 22nd Feb)
WEDNESDAYS
Golf (Alyth School)
An introduction to golf for the complete beginner or anyone wishing to improve technique.
Tutor Tom Melville (Professional, Alyth Golf Club)
Fee £30 ~ 8 classes from 27th January ~ 7pm – 8.30pm
Bring 6/7 or 8 iron and wear trainers or flat soled shoes.
Computer Class for Beginners (Alyth School)
Learn the very basics of computing in a tutor led evening
class.
Mouse control / windows / programs /
warning boxes / menus / shortcuts / files / folders /
Internet / Email / general tips and advice
This is a basic course with little typing, ideal for beginners
or as a refresher.
Tutor Irene Robertson AMBCS
Fee £30 ~ 6 classes from 27th January ~ 7 – 9pm
Book early to avoid disappointment.
Telephone Pam Drysdale 01250 873641
Your Letters
THANKS
Dewar
Jimmy and Ishbel, and the family of Alice Cook
(Dewar) wish to thank all who sent cards and
flowers. Also Graham Byers for his comforting talk
at grave side, and those who came to pay respect
at graveside.
Your love shown was deeply appreciated. Thanks
also to Scott Undertakers and Fergie Alexander.
THANKS
Rattray
A huge thanks to Dawn and Mary who helped me to
raise over £210 for mum (Jenny) and I going to
India next March with Guiders from all over Perth &
Kinross. The money will go to help Girlguiding in
India and the surrounding community of Pune,
India. Gillian
THANK YOU
Hodge
I would like to thank everyone who helped me
celebrate my 40th birthday in the Town Hall on
24.10.09.
Thank you all for the generous gifts, having so
many friends there made it a really special night for
me.
I also need to say a huge thank you to Karen and
my Mum & Dad for doing the catering, and Boab,
Paddy and Tony for the music, and my son Euan for
his short DJ spell! Thank you all Scott
THANK YOU
Jolly & Young
We would like to take this opportunity to thank Alyth
Community Council and the people of Alyth for
naming us Joint Citizen of the Year 2009. It is a
great honour and we hope we can do Alyth
proud by following in the footsteps of the previous
recipients. We would also like to add our
congratulations to the teenagers of "The Hub" for
their award.
Ruth & Audrey
THANKS
Macpherson
I would like to thank everyone for all their good
wishes on my move to my new abode, they are very
much appreciated. May I also take this opportunity
to thank you all for the support and many
kindnesses shown to me in September. They all
helped. Thank you,
Marjorie
TODDLERS’ CHRISTMAS COFFEE MORNING
The parents and children of Alyth Toddlers’ Group
would like to extend a warm thank you to everyone
who helped, contributed and turned up on the day.
We raised £482 for the group – an impressive sum
I’m sure you’ll agree. There was a lot of work went
into the event, and we benefited greatly from the
generosity of local shops and businesses. We are
very grateful for all the support. In fact, the money is
but one of the positive outcomes of the day. To
have young children in a town where people are
willing to give so generously, be it in contributing to
the raffle, taking part on the battle stall or helping
out in the kitchen or with the tables, is a great thing!
Thanks very much to all who contributed and we
look forward to doing it all again sometime in 2010.
Don’t have access to email?
It’s free in the Airlie Street Library
CONGRATULATIONS
The GPs and Staff at Alyth Health Centre would like to
congratulate our Receptionist, Mrs Audrey Young who
has been honoured as being one of Alyth’s Citizens of
the Year. Well done Audrey, it’s well deserved and
we’re all very proud of you.
THANKS
Alyth Guide Hut Restoration Fund
would like to thank all who helped to raise the super
amount of £691 at our recent Bingo tea. The prizes
handed in were wonderful, the sandwiches lovely,
Geraldine on top form and of course all of you who
turned out on such a horrible night to support us!
We have also been given some very generous
donations; you know who you are and a big thanks to
you all.
38 Wharncliffe Road, Wakefield
West Yorkshire, WF2 7PY
Email: veteranrunner@yahoo.co.uk
Dear Editor,
I was pleasantly surprised to come across your
website as I am a native of Alyth. I was born at the
View Park Nursing Home in October 1935. My parents,
Tom & Mary Craik, were farming at McRitch Farm at
the time. My father's parents and my uncle Jim and
family, farmed at East Cairns, New Alyth for many
years.
I attended Alyth Junior Secondary School and
recognised 2 of my teachers in the old school
photographs. Miss Oram (who, my mother said, was
the only teacher who made me work) and Joyce
Whitehead who was my French teacher at Blairgowrie
High.
Co-incidentally, Joyce Whitehead was a classmate of
my father whilst her father was the head-master. The
name of the school escapes me but it was possibly
Ruthven.
My family left McRitch when I was aged 14 and
moved to Fife. I have lived in Yorkshire since 1968.
I will continue to follow your local news with interest.
Regards, Tom Craik
PO Box 509, Arroyo Hondo, New Mexico, USA 87513
Email: little@littletreebandb.com
FAMILY HERITAGE
My great uncle, Thomas Spence, was born at Mains of
Creuchies in the 1880's. He was killed in France in
WWI while in the Black Watch. I am writing a small
book about him to distribute to family members, but
have no family contacts in Scotland that might provide
me with additional family information. I believe that he
travelled the area purchasing sheep prior to the war.
My Grand Father, Andrew Spence, was born in Glen
Isla, and also served in WWI in France. He returned
after the war and resided in Alyth with his bride Helen,
before moving to the USA. He was a Joiner.
I visited an aunt, Peggy Spence, in Meigle in the
1974.
Many thanks. Any information you can help with would
be much appreciated. Sincerely,
Gordon MacKenzie Johnston
THANK YOU
A big thank you from all the staff and GPs at the Health
Centre to all the patients who have handed in
Christmas cards and gifts - we all appreciate your kind
thoughts and sentiments.
8
CARERS INVITED TO SUPPORT GROUP
Unpaid carers are invited to come along to an
informal carers support group run in Alyth by The
Princess Royal Trust Carers Centre (Perth &
Kinross). Having operated from various locations in
the Strathmore area over the past year, the Group
will now meet every month in Burnside Court, with
the next meeting on Wednesday 20 January 2010
(1pm-3pm).The setting for the groups is an informal
and relaxed get-together where carers can enjoy
socialising and a variety of activities, as well as an
opportunity to speak with carers support workers.
The monthly programme of activities is carer-led and
to date has included arts & crafts and visits to local
places of interest.
The next meeting on 20 January 2010 will offer a
2-hour session on ‘Unwinding Techniques’, including
stress management. Future meetings will include:
Wednesday 17 February: A walk on the wild side
(an experience in ‘Big Cat’ country)
Wednesday 17 March: Bead making (jewellery for
that new Spring outfit!)
Wednesday 21 April: Visit to guide dogs in training
Wednesday 19 May: Income maximisation (how to
ensure you are receiving all the financial support
you are entitled to as a carer)
For further details on the Group please contact
Keith Scott, Carers Support Coordinator on 01738
567076.
ALYTH BOWLING AND TENNIS CLUB
Open Meeting
regarding the future of the tennis courts
All welcome to come along to the Club on 20th Jan,
2010 at 7.30pm to discuss actions taken so far and
plans moving forward. We are looking for fundraising ideas and support for fundraising activities. We
are hoping to form a working group to revitalise the
courts and the tennis club. Please come along!
Dear Alyth Voice,
Once again, I have just cleaned dog muck from
the wheels of my baby's pram. Each time I am out
walking, my focus is on the pavement as I slalom
round great steaming piles of excrement. It is
beyond belief that people in our lovely town can't be
bothered to clean up after their dogs, and I am at the
end of my tether.
I am sorely tempted to start looking out for the
offending dog owners, follow them home to see
where they live, and then return later to empty the
contents of my baby's nappies onto their doorsteps.
That seems fair enough doesn't it?
Name & Address Supplied
GOLDEN WEDDING THANKS
McLeish
Kate and Andy would like to thank family, friends,
and neighbours for cards and gifts received on their
Golden Wedding on November 28th.
Thank
you
to
everyone who has
supported the Alyth
Voice
throughout
2009,
and
since
1997.
Through
advertisements,
donations, deliveries, articles, letters,
photographs, and continuous praise and
encouragement, the Voice Team could
not have gone to print without you. It’s
truly your Voice and we thank you all.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Public Notices
ST NINIAN’S
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
The church will be OPEN
for private devotion every Sunday
1st Nov. 2009 - 28th March 2010
12.30pm to 4.30pm
Also Thursdays 11am - 12noon
Disabled Access by St Ninian’s Rd gate.
ALYTH PLAYGROUP
for Children from 2 years old
Tuesdays & Thursdays
9:15 - 11:15
Alyth Community Wing
Qualified Playstart Staff
Some places are still available and we can take
applications for children turning 2 within the
next school session.
Contact Amy Skea 01828 633821
THANKS
Alyth Christmas Lights
The Christmas Lights coffee morning on 12th
December raised £861, thanks again to all who
attended, assisted, baked, contributed, donated
and helped in any way to make it a success.
Thank you all,
Ricky Don, Lights Chairman
ALYTH PARISH CHURCH
COUNTRY DANCING
January 2010
14, 21, 28 - Airlie Street Hall
Beginners are always welcome and you don't need
a partner. Sessions last 7.30 - 9.30 pm. Further
information from Anne Archbold 01828 632 971 or
Moira Robertson-Lang 01828 632 770
ACAT OPENING HOURS
Please note ACAT opening hours at
The Hub in Airlie Street have changed for
Autumn/Winter.
ONLY OPEN Saturday & Wednesday 10 - 12
MEIGLE AND DISTRICT HISTORY SOCIETY
Our next meeting is on Wednesday 27 January at
7.30 pm and this will start with the Society's
AGM. Following this there will be short talks by
three of our members on topics of their special
interest. 2010 membership fees (£5 per
annum) are due at this meeting. New members
are always very welcome to our group which meets
in the Kinloch Arms Hotel, The Square, Meigle.
Coffee Morning in aid of
Maggie’s Centre to be held in
Airlie Street Hall on
Saturday 6th February 2010
10am – 11.30am
Contact Margaret on 01828 633940
SOFT TENNIS
Soft Tennis is played all year round in the
Airlie St Hall on Thursdays, 2.30pm to 4.opm.
Mostly for fun. If you want to try your hand
come & join us. Equipment available. Wear
soft shoes. £1 per session.
ROYAL VISIT PHOTOS
Alyth
Parish
Church
capturing the Prince Charles & Camilla
(Duke & Duchess of Rothesay) unveiling the Alfred
Anderson Memorial Cairn and the Town Hall reception
afterwards on 1st October 2006, are compiled in to an
album and can be viewed in ALYTH LIBRARY
ALYTH SENIOR CITIZENS’
LUNCH and SOCIALISING CLUB
(Perth & Kinross Healthy Communities Project)
NEXT LUNCH DATES
11 & 25 January
8 & 22 February
at 12.30 in Airlie Street Hall, £2pp
Tel. Jackie Doe 01738 473 146
EXERCISE GROUPS
18 January then 1 & 15 February
£2.00 per session or £9 payable 18 January
AIRLIE STREET HALL
Active Sessions 10am, Gentle Sessions 11am
ALYTH YOUTH PARTNERSHIP (AYP)
Sunday Service 11am
(1st Sunday of each month 6pm Evening
Service except June, July, August)
Crèche available at Morning Services
Prayer Meeting Thursdays 10am
Sunday School 11am
~~~
HOLY COMMUNION
Sunday 3rd January 2010
11am (informal)
~~~
GUILD
There is no meeting in January and the February
meeting is on Thursday afternoon, 4th February
2010 at 2pm entitled 'What does the Lord require
of you?'
~~~
FAMILY HISTORY PROJECT
is seeking an experienced Youth Worker to support the
development of a drop-in facility for young people aged
15-20 in Alyth. The post is for 15 hrs a week for one year
initially; and the wage rate is £9 - £13 per hour depending
on experience and qualifications. Further information and
application procedures from Paul MacFarlane, Youth
Work Manager, AYP on 07921 710 087or email
macfarlanep@msn.com or Job Centre Plus Blairgowrie (or
online) Closing date for applications is 15 January 2010.
For thousands of Auld Alyth photos, cemetery &
parish records, and much much more...
NEW YEAR’S DAY UP ALYTH HILL
We need your help to identify
pupils & teachers in class photos
on the church computer.
Leave Alyth Square 2pm
1st January 2010
Stout shoes or boots & warm clothing essential
Bonfire & Beacon will be lit as darkness falls
OPEN Saturdays 10-12 & Sundays 2-4
OPEN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY BETWEEN
26th Dec. - 3rd Jan. (Tel: 01828 633 045)
DID YOU GO TO
ALYTH SCHOOL?
www.alythparishchurch.org.uk
Anyone taking part does so at their own risk
A SOLDIER’S EYE VIEW OF THE FRONT LINE
An Illustrated Presentation led by
Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Cartwright
Commanding Officer of The Black Watch,
3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland
on the Battalion’s recent tour of Afghanistan
The Perth Concert Hall
Friday 29th January 2010
7pm - 8pm
The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The
Royal Regiment of Scotland has
recently returned from Afghanistan
where it was used as an Aviation
Assault Battalion employed in fast
moving and dangerous strike
operations throughout Helmand province. They were
involved in most of the major operations conducted in
Helmand Province this summer, including Operation
Panther’s Claw. In addition, D Company formed an
Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team, working with
the Afghan Army.
Lt Co Stephen Cartwright, the Commanding Officer, will
give a lecture describing the conditions and operations
conducted by the Battalion throughout a long and arduous
summer, he will then answer questions.
All proceeds from this lecture will go to the Royal
Regiment of Scotland Association welfare fund and the
Black Watch Heritage Appeal.
Tickets are £8.50 from: The Black Watch Museum Trust,
Balhousie Castle, Hay Street, Perth, PH1 5HR
Tel: 01738 638152 email: appeal@theblackwatch.co.uk
or Perth Concert Hall box office
9
ST NINIAN’S
EPISCOPAL
CHURCH
SUNDAY SERVICES
3rd January 2010
Second Sunday of Christmas
11 am Book of Common Prayer Communion
10th January 2010
The Baptism of Christ (1 Epiphany)
11 am Sung Eucharist
17th January 2010
Second Sunday of Epiphany
(Also the start of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity)
11 am Sung Eucharist
24th January 2010
Third Sunday of Epiphany
11 am Sung Eucharist
31st January 2010
Septuagesima and Education Sunday
Joint Service at St Catharine’s Blairgowrie
10.30 am Sung Eucharist
ALL ARE WELCOME
Rector: The Very Revd Kenny Rathband
Tel: 01250 874583
Every Thursday 11 am Morning Prayer
Email: abcsaints@btinternet.com
Diocesan Website: www.standrews.anglican.org
YOUR
ALYTH NEEDS
HELP!
Alyth’s future must be decided by the whole community.
From late January onwards volunteers will be delivering a
simple questionnaire through every door in Alyth, so that
every household and all its occupants have an opportunity to
have their say about their town and its future.
Please
take a few minutes to answer these
4
questions about the town, and have your answers ready
for collection again the following week (or post into the
library, HUB or post office).
All comments will be anonymous and will be collated and
displayed at a large public gathering planned for March 2010,
for a final round of voting, leading to a Community Action
Plan for Alyth.
PERTHSHIRE YOUTH BRASS
ALYTH YOUTH PARTNERSHIP
The Alyth Youth Partnership would like to congratulate all of the young people
from The HUB for being awarded the Alyth Young Citizen of the Year award. It
is a great achievement for the young people and a fantastic recognition from the
people of Alyth. Well done to everyone involved.
The AYP would also like to thank all of the individuals, business and
committees in Alyth who have given their support, encouragement and financial
help to the young people engaging with all the clubs and projects within the
AYP.
Finally we would like to remind all your readers that the Alyth Youth
Partnership will continue to run the wide range of activities and clubs throughout
2010. Alyth Youth Partnership also provides the following clubs:
by George Annan Jnr
Perthshire Youth Brass recently enjoyed yet more success in the national brass
band contest arena. Having won the Brass in the Park competition in
September, the pressure was on us to deliver at the Scottish Youth
Championships in Perth Concert Hall... and deliver we certainly did!
The youngsters put on a great show that was described by the judges as
'awesome', 'entertaining' and 'really enjoyable'. Beginning in style with the
'Raiders March', we monkeyed around with 'I Wanna Be Like You', played some
tender melodies in 'Albion Treasures', had tap dancers on stage for 'And All
That Jazz', then completed the programme with the challenging but fun 'Its Not
Unusual'.
When it was announced that we had come first, beating the much fancied
Arbroath Instrumental, the kids went bananas! (see photo on page 16) It was
a great way to end a fantastic year, and we go into 2010 as the top under 16
brass band in Scotland. The future of Perthshire Brass is bright...
The HUB, drop-in service for 15+years old, Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 4.00
pm - 8.00 pm, held at the HUB, Airlie St.
Alyth Youth Forum, 12+years old, Monday, 7.00 pm - 8.00 pm, held at the
HUB, Airlie St.
Alyth Skate Solution, 10-18 years old, Monday, 5.00 pm - 6.30 pm, held at the
HUB, Airlie St.
Alyth Girls' Group, 10-18 years old, Monday, 6.30 pm - 8.30 pm, held at Alyth
Community Wing.
Alyth Youth Club, 10-18 years old, Tuesday, 6.30 pm - 8.30 pm, held at Alyth
Community Wing.
Alyth Music Project, 10-18 years old, Thursday, 7.00 pm - 9.00 pm, held at
Alyth Community Wing.
THE CHRISTMAS WINDOW COMPETITION
The Christmas Window Competition which is sponsored by Alyth & District
Business Association had some fantastic displays for Christmas 2009 with
windows in, it would seem, every business in Alyth.
The displays were in many various forms from Santa Clauses, Christmas
trees of every shape, size and colour, an advent calendar, snow storms,
Victorian Snow Scene, Mouse Christmas snow party, Christmas morning scene
and many, many more. It is hoped that many photographs were taken of all the
windows
The judges Audrey Young and Ruth Jolly, Alyth’s joint Citizen of the Year
2009 and Lewis Dobie and Callum Tosh representing the Hub, Alyth’s Young
Citizen of the Year 2009 had the seemingly impossible task of deciding the
winners. They said it was one of the hardest and most difficult tasks (and
probably the coldest) they had ever undertaken and they were up and down
Alyth looking at the windows on various occasions but after much discussion,
sole searching and looking they decreed the winners were (photos page 13):-
All clubs are FREE to join. Look out for exciting holiday programmes which
include, white water rafting, gorge walking, rock climbing, hill walking,
residentials and much more. For more information please contact Paul
MacFarlane, Youth Work Manager, Alyth Youth Partnership on 07921 710 097,
macfarlanep@msn.com or come along to one of the clubs for a chat.
ALYTH LITERARY SOCIETY
by Bill Davidson
The Society held its last meeting before the Festive break on 8th December
when Mr Richard Buckland, chairman of the East of Scotland Branch of
Butterfly Conservation gave a beautifully illustrated talk on “Butterflies and
Climate Change”.
The first meeting of the New Year will be on 19th January and will be a
musically illustrated talk entitled “Still Fiddling with Perfection” by Mr John Currie
from Ballintuim, a former chorusmaster with the Scottish National Chorus.
The Annual General Meeting will be held at 7.30pm on 2nd February, 2010
and will be followed by an illustrated talk on her visit to St. Kilda by Mrs
Margaret Young.
All meetings take place in the Ogilvy Rooms, Commercial Street and
commence at 7.30pm. Annual membership of the Society is £5 and for
non-members there is a charge of £2 per meeting. All welcome.
1st Tower Bakery, 27 Airlie Street, Alyth
received the Christmas Window Competition Shield and a framed certificate.
2nd Shear Success, 12 Airlie Street, Alyth
a framed certificate
3rd Lunans,8-10 Airlie Street, Alyth
a framed certificate
Thanks must be expressed to all the businesses for their fantastic window
displays which must have been the best in Tayside if not Scotland and for
bringing such festive cheer to visitors and Alyth residents. Thanks must also be
expressed to Audrey, Ruth, Lewis and Callum for their time judging this event.
Thanks must also be included to the Alyth Christmas Lights Committee and all
their erectors/helpers for the best ever Christmas light display in Alyth. Well
done to all who were involved. Michael Kay ADBA Chairman
10
SPARE A THOUGHT
SCOUT REPORT
by Dan Dewar, 9 Commercial St., Alyth
by Ron Kirkpatrick
Keeping up to date comes ever more a problem. This concept is exasperated
further when “the rules” dictate that certain qualifications have a limited time.
The majority of our Leaders discovered that our first aid certificates were
approaching their sell by date and it was time for renewal. The Scout
Association recognise this and run courses to enable Leaders to keep them
updated. So it was that eight of us attended a ‘first response’ course in Perth,
with our numbers accounting for half the number participating.
You can never know enough about first aid, as heaven forbid that we require
to use these skills, but we need to be confident that we are following the correct
procedures. As part of the course, the participants had to deal with a casualty
situation. This took the form of a simulated accident, and for some obscure
reason, I had been chosen to portray the role of the “noisy one”. To give the
Alyth Leaders full credit they adhered to the concept of focusing on the ‘quiet
one’ and duly ignored my cries for immediate assistance, leaving the
administrations of my injuries to others as they tried to reassure the casualty,
and telling the others to, as they put it “Try and get him to shut up”. The moral of
this tale is best concluded with the maxim “Prevention is better than care” or
“Dinnae get hurt near us”.
A very successful coffee morning was held in the Airlie Street Hall with an
amazing result of £670 raised. It is always an interesting exercise to establish
how long it takes for the Scouts to differentiate between a saucer and a plate.
Mind you, it can lead to some interesting table settings which could possibly set
a trend in some posh restaurants, on the other hand it’s sometimes best just to
follow convention rather than change it! Sincere thanks are due to Trish
Wheatley and Pauline Adamson who set it up for us, our three ladies in the
kitchen - Margaret, Marie and Shona, all the parents and helpers who prepared
food and served on the day. Graham Arnold and Norman West projected a
pictorial record of the year’s events which underlie our recent activities and I
would extend our thanks to everyone who attended and supported this event. It
is very encouraging to have such cooperation. (see concert photos page 15)
A New Year looms ahead and already plans are afoot for some camps and
every mail brings further opportunities for Scouts to take part in events run
locally and nationally. The Troop intend having a traditional summer camp in
early July where we will focus on back to basics. The Scouts will not need their
computers or games consoles – you cannae plug them into a tree! Bring your kit
and a smile and put up a wee prayer that the sun shines.
In Springtime, when they build their nest,
they toil all day, with little rest;
yet, still find time to Charm our ears,
with Lilting Songs that lift and Cheer –
but, time will fly, and Autumn ends
with Problems for our little Friends.
With puffed-up feathers, night and day,
their tiny bodies waste away…
No juicy worms, or insects, sweet,
are found for our wee Pals to eat;
they’ve scarsely got the strength to fly –
if We don’t Help, they’ll surely Die!
If we don’t Care, don’t pause to think,
then more and More become Extinct –
to let this happen is quite Absurd!
How Dull! this Earth, without a Bird.
I’d rather have this World, End,
than lose our little, Precious Friends.
The time to Act is Always, Now!
Procrastinators Crease my brow…
Birds cannot scratch the Frozen ground,
wherein their normal food is found;
So, spare a thought, and Share some crumbs
(to Save our little, feathered Chums).
THE TREE WARDENS HELP TO START
NATIONAL TREE WEEK
By Paul & Barbara Prettyman
Alyth Tree Wardens, along with colleagues from Scone, Coupar Angus and
Blairgowrie, were invited recently to help plant a tree in Dunkeld to mark the
start of National Tree Week. MSP and Environment Minister Rosanna
Cunningham was guest of honour, invited to plant an ash and a walnut, by John
Stokes, Rural Projects Director of the Tree Council. The Tree Council are
sponsors of the Tree Warden scheme along with the National Grid. Perth and
Kinross Council Assistant Tree Officer Ken O’Lone was in charge of logistics for
the day. Also present, in his capacity of newly appointed chairman of the
Woodland Trust, was Alisdair Douglas. This was Alisdair’s first event in the new
job. There was a last minute problem with the delivery of the walnut caused by
the awful flooding in Cumbria which stranded the tree. Bellwood Trees of
Ruthven were able to step in to supply both trees for the day.
The culmination of National Tree Week was an attempt to break the world
record for tree planting. As part of the BBC’s Breathing Spaces project, schools
and communities were asked to plant as many trees as possible in one hour on
Saturday 5th December. The result is still awaited. (see photo on page 14)
AWARD WINNING LOCAL BAKER
The World Championships Scotch Pie Awards were held in the Carnegie
Conference Centre Dunfermline on 25th November. Judging took place on 10
November 2009 at Carnegie College, Dunfermline and a record number of
entries had been received for the 11th World Scotch Pie Championship.
Eighty butchers and bakers – 79 of them from Scotland - took part.
Categories included bridies, sausage rolls, steak pies, vegetarian pies, fish pies,
and of course, the scotch pie.
The Alyth Bakehouse entered the competition this year having only been
open 15 months and despite being up against fierce competition from long
established companies, the Alyth Bakehouse was awarded ‘The 2010 Bronze
Award’ for their sausage rolls! This is a fantastic achievement for new family
baker Steven Boath, who along with apprentice Sandy Robertson, makes
everything in his instore bakery situated at 4 Mill Street Alyth. (see photo p16)
ALYTH ENERGY CHALLENGE
By Clive Bowman
Members of Alyth’s Boy Scout and Girl Guides troops were rewarded with a
prize for trying to help Alyth reduce its electricity consumption throughout
September. Each member of each troop was set an individual challenge to cut
down on their own home’s electricity consumption. The most active were
rewarded with a £50 TISO voucher to go towards outdoor clothing or
equipment.
However despite the valiant efforts of the troops and many others in Alyth,
Alyth has unfortunately failed to meet the 10% reduction target so far. We
seemed to have a good run from December 2008 through to April 2009 (after
the Smart meters were put in?), with both February and April using over 8%
less electricity than a year before. Since then, however, the town’s electricity
consumption has crept back up month on month, apart from a dip back down in
September when we had our ‘big push’, with October 2009 ending with a
disappointing 2.1% increase compared to October 2007.
Though the official end date of the Energy Challenge was October 2009,
Scottish Hydro are keen to continue to support the town to reduce its bills, and
ultimately its carbon footprint. Therefore Alyth Environmental Group will
continue to be provided with electricity consumption data, and the reward prize
remains dangling in front of our eyes for another 12 months – who knows,
perhaps with the good work done through the Street by Street Insulation Project
we may still hit our target!
ALYTH & DISTRICT PIPE BAND NEWS
November 28th was a busy day and night for the Band! The Band took part in
the parade of massed bands through Blairgowrie as part of the St Andrews Day
celebrations (sponsored by BEPTA). Later on that day the Band lead the parade at the switching on of Alyth Christmas Lights - this event is a favourite of all
members of the band and an opportunity for our younger members to don their
kilts and take part.
On the same evening band members Kyle Macintyre, Kerri and Graeme
Thomson travelled to Kettering, Northamptonshire to play the Bagpipes with
Boobs & Brass & the world famous Brighouse & Rastrick Brass Bands at a sell
out concert held in the Lighthouse Theatre, to raise funds for Breast cancer
research. The three of them also play with Boobs & Brass at further events at
Leicester in December and Skegness in January 2010. (see photo page 14)
We are delighted to have been awarded a grant from Gannochy Trust to help
fund professional drumming tuition. We have recently taken delivery of the
first of our NEW kilts being made by Piob Mhor (Blairgowrie) and funded by our
recent award from The Drumderg Fund. All members of the band will be "kilted"
out by the start of our 2010 season.
As I have said before, we are always on the look out for new members (aged
8yrs - 108yrs), please come and join us! www.alythpipeband.org.uk J. Macintyre
11
ALYTH & DISTRICT FARMERS SHOW SOCIETY INDUSTRIAL TENT
to be held at South Balloch, Alyth on
19th June 2010
ENTRIES OPEN TO ALL
Rules
Entry Money – Flat Rate - £3.50 (includes free admission ticket to
Entry Forms and Fees must be in by 13th June, 2010.
Entries to be at Marquee by 9.00am on 19th June with labels firmly attached
Showground)
and named.
Entries for all children’s classes age 14 years and under - FREE
Entries not labeled and not named will be disqualified.
First Prize £1.00
Second Prize £0.75
Third Prize £0.50
All baking and produce should be covered with clear cling film.
All photographs on photographic paper no larger than 8”x 6” without a frame.
An individual may only make ONE entry per class.
Presentation of Trophies in Industrial Tent after the Parade
Three prizes will be given for each class dependent on the number of entries.
Entry Forms to be returned to Mrs Catriona Ronald,
Exhibits can be collected between 4.00 pm and 5.00 pm
North Balloch Cottage, Alyth (Tel 01828 632266)
The Judges decision will be final.
Section 1 - Baking
Section 3 - Floral Art
1
Plain Victoria Sponge filled with jam (8” tin)
24
Bowl of Floating Flowers
2
Banana Loaf (1lb tin)
25
Single garden flower stem in a vase
3
Sticky Marmalade Tealoaf (1lb tin) – recipe supplied
26
Corsage
4
2 Wholemeal rolls
27
Modern arrangement using 3 blooms
5
3 Oven scones
28
Foliage arrangement
6
7
3 Rocky road tray bake
3 Chocolate dipped Viennese biscuits
29
Crystallized flowers and leaves
8
2 Squares of Frosted Carrot Cake
9
3 Triangular oatcakes
30
Knitted scarf
10
2 individual meringues, unfilled
31
Cross Stitch picture – no bigger than 12” x 12” framed
11
Birthday themed, 8” round decorated cake (decoration
only to be judged)
32
Jumper – adult sized, any craft
33
An article using no more than 1 square meter of fabric
34
A wrapped present – shoebox sized
Section 4 - Handicrafts and Hobbies
Section 2 - Produce
12
Orange Marmalade (small jar)
35
A handmade item of jewellery, any craft
13
Strawberry jam (small jar)
36
A4 pencil sketch
37
Water colour painting no bigger than A3
14
Pineapple & sweet pepper Chutney (small jar)
15
Lemon Curd (small jar)
16
Leek and Potato Soup in a flask
Section 6 - Children
Pre-school
17
2 Scotch eggs
43
18
Waldorf Salad, small bowl
44
A Decorated egg
19
Cranachan in a wine glass
45
A Colouring-in Picture – supplied
20
4 marzipan fruits
46
Decorated Mask
21
Small Bottle of still lemonade
47
A drawing of an animal on A4 paper
22
6 home bred hens eggs
48
A Potato Animal
23
Best use of 100g of chocolate
5 Yrs – 7 Yrs
8 Yrs – 11 Yrs
Section 5 - Photography
38
39
40
41
42
Decorated Mask
An Insect
A Beach Scene
“A riot of colour”
A Rural Show Scene
A Spring Scene
49
Decorated Mask
50
2 cup cakes
51
A Pringles tube decorated as a money box
12 Yrs – 14 yrs
12
52
Decorated Mask
53
3 Chocolate Brownies
54
Mobile phone cover – any craft
LUNCH CLUB
© G. Robinson
© G. Robinson
© G. Robinson
© G. Robinson
The Alyth Senior Citizens Lunch and Socialising Club held their Christmas lunch on Monday 7th December, enjoying turkey with all the
trimmings, gateau and of course finishing off with coffee and mints! Our thanks are extended to Colin Rhind for the most generous donation of
the Christmas crackers. Entertainment was provided by The Alyth Linties (above right) and we thank Eleanor, Jean and Moira for the wonderful
programme they put together. Without the team of volunteers, plus Jackie, Ashleigh, Jacqui and Janet from Perth and Kinross Council we could
not have put on the lunch we did. Thank you to you all! Mary Hogg
Winners of the 2009 Christmas Window Competition see page 10
Christmas Window images © M. Kay
2nd Prize - Shear Success
1st Prize - Tower Bakery
13
3rd Prize - Lunan’s
© J. Macintyre
© C. Park
2nd Alyth Brownies had a great trip to see Pinnochio.
Alyth pipers steal the show at Kettering see page 11
© A. Ramsay
© K. O’Lone
Local Tree Wardens start National Tree Week see page 11
Local firefighters prevent Alyth flooding see page 6
GINGERBREAD SCHOOL
A model of Alyth Primary School made of gingerbread and
filled with sweets donated by local businesses, was a novel
way to raise school funds. The couple with the culinary talent
are Scott & Moira MacDonald, and the winner was George
Mathers, who donated the prize back to the school.
Ah didnae ken that swine flew!
© I. Reid
Congratulations to
Dan Dewar who
won the Competition
in December’s Voice
to think of a suitable
caption for Iain
Reid’s photo of a
heron.
Thank you to the
dozens of entrants
who gave the Voice
Team a great
laugh!!
© D. Arthur
Above: Keith Robertson and David Marsh
Winners of Alyth Bowling & Tennis Club
Carpet Bowls Pairs
ALYTH BOWLING & TENNIS CLUB BURNS SUPPER
22nd January 2009 at 7pm
Tickets from Club & Committee Members
14
Alyth Choral Union performed two Christmas Concerts in December - see page 6
© M. McKenzie
THANKS
BREYER
Thanks to all
from Alyth for
the memories,
nice words and
presents.
Special thanks to
Alyth Taxi.
Happy New Year
to All.
© A. Breyer
From
Alina, Anthony,
Timothy and
Adam
John Aitken, winner of the ‘Small Garden’ category
in Alyth in Bloom’s 2009 garden competition
Scouts, Cubs and Beavers put leaders through their paces at their annual concert in Alyth Town Hall
© N. West
© N. West
© N. West
Don’t
forget
our
Book Fest!
Plenty of chance to sing-a-long with the Beavers
See page 7
15
Imagination is a wonderful thing!
Members of The Linda Grant School of Dance gave a superb concert in Alyth Town Hall see page 7
© G. Annan
© John Lindsay
Perthshire Youth Brass champions see page 10
© A. Boath
Alyth Photographic Club got off to a great start see page 6
A Soldier’s Eye View of the Front Line, see page 9
© The Black Watch
2010 VOICE DEADLINES
Strict deadlines for submission:
Colour Photos by 0 10th
Business Adverts by 16th
All other items by
19th
And the Bronze Winner is... see page 11
Printed for Alyth Voice by Blair Copy Shop
See page 5 for contact details
Copyright © Alyth Voice 2010