Newsletter Issue 56 - Winter 2024

Autumn Days

Midmar Newsletter

56th Edition Winter 2024

Newsletter Editor—An Opportunity Would you like to help collate and organise our quarterly newsletter? This is an exciting opportunity for someone to get involved and meet others around Midmar. If so, please get in touch, either by calling 07767 317486 or send an eMail to newsletter@midmarhall.com. To create the newsletter we ask for contributions a month in advance and then once these start coming in we can make a page plan. We use a variety of desktop tools (MS Word, Paintshop Pro, MS Excel, Adobe Acrobat etcetera) to edit and format the articles. When they are ready we use Microsoft Publisher to create the document. SIMPLE! These are all computer tools that many folk are familiar with or can easily be learned. About two days is needed to do the preparation work and your assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Cover Winner ISABEL Birse, Corsindae A sensible turbine & image of Autumn

Sponsoring the Midmar Newsletter If you would like to sponsor the newsletter one off prices are: - £25 for a business card size This Newsletter is for everyone in Midmar. We welcome all your messages and contributions for the Spring 2025 edition by end of January please. Photographs, Advertisements, Family News and Articles to our eMail address: - newsletter@midmarhall.com

£45 for a half A5 page (landscape) £80 for a whole A5 page (portrait)

The newsletter is non - profit making and we distribute it four times a year to about 230 homes throughout Midmar. We put copies into Midmar Hall and the Men ’ s Shed as well giving any spares to Echt Shop for free distribution. Do not forget you can also read the Newsletter from anywhere in the world via the internet because it is available via Midmar Hall website, www.midmarhall.com

This Issue at a Glance

Page

Contents

Notes

2 2 4 5 6

Editorial News, Cover Winner Sponsoring the Newsletter

Advertising Charges Mondays & Thursdays

Circuit Training & Mahjong at the Hall Christmas and “ A Wonderful Life ”

Alistair McRobb Pamela Morrison Aileen McNair Colette Backwell

PTA News

7 - 9

School News

10 - 11

Windfarm Update

Yoga Classes at the Hall

Friday Mornings

Christmas Services — Local Churches

Sheila Mitchell

Christmas Wreath Making

Morag Grimbley

14 - 15

News From the Farmers Wife

Isabel Birse

Women's Institute News

Bev Mackinlay

Jenny's Jokes

Jenny Begg

Poem - Grandpa ’ s Chair

Ruth McRobb

Community Pub Dates

3rd Friday of Month

Crossword

Guardian

Hogmanay at the Hall

Sarah Kearns

Boxing Day Walk

Rob Ferguson

Recipe for Sweet Potato & Chirizo Soup

Scott Baptie

Opera Highlights come to Midmar Hall

Scottish Opera

Swans return to the Fishery

Wayne & Lorrie B.

26 - 27

Men's Shed Update

Nigel B. & Gordon G.

28 - 29

Paths Maintenance & Development

Becky Baptie

30 - 31

Rain

Faith Mackenzie

32 - 33

Local Business Information

Our Sponsors

Midmar Tots

Becky Baptie

Crossword Answers & 100 Club Winners

35 - 40

Local Business Information

Our Sponsors

Circuit Training at Midmar Hall Every Monday and Thursday 6.45pm – 7.45pm

For those unsure what Circuit Training is, we work for 40 seconds per exercise, rest for 20 seconds, then on to the next exercise. Exercises are a mix of cardio and strength. We try to work our whole body through the hour which also includes a warm up and cool down stretch. Come along and join us for some fun and fitness while listening to some great music. Please get in touch if you ’ d like to come along. All you need is a full water bottle, £5 and some enthusiasm; We will provide the rest! The classes are run by volunteers and costs £5 on a pay as you go basis. For further information please WhatsApp or call Pamela on 07833 900620 Mahjong at Midmar Hall Thursday Evenings : 08:00pm — 22:00pm, June & August Mahjong is a tile-based game that was developed in the 19th century in China and become popular around the world during the 20th century. Mahjong tiles are engraved with Chinese symbols and characters representing three suits, three dragons, the four wind directions and honours. For details and arrangements contact Bea Bennett beateben@gmail.com or call 07884 21184

Dear Fellow Residents, During the festive season I shall probably settle down to watch the movie, ‘ It ’ s a Wonderful Life ’ for the umpteenth time. Made in the 1940’ s, in black and white it has become an iconic film. Yet when it was first released it was not a great success. That came later once television acquired the rights to show it. Consequently, it has been shown on television year on year and also in cinemas throughout the country. I can remember the first time I saw it on television. A wet Sunday afternoon in December when I was about ten years old. Since then, I have viewed the movie more times than I am prepared to admit. What ’ s its appeal? It is part fantasy and some refer to it as a 20 th century fairy tale. The plot centres on George Bailey who heads up the Bailey and Loan Society in Bedford Falls. One Christmas Eve he finds himself in a terrible dilemma. A large sum of money has gone missing. By accident the money ends up in the hands of Potter, the most unscrupulous citizen in town. He has been wanting to close the Bailey and Loan Society for years and suddenly finds himself with the means to do just that. Everything is going his way until the appearance of Clarence the Angel. Well – I did say it was part fantasy! From this point forward the movie reveals its dark side. George can see no way out of his dilemma but to end it all. He even says to Clarence that he wished he had never been born. Clarence then shows him what life would have been like in Bedford Falls had he never lived. Suddenly we find ourselves in a different Bedford Falls where greed and selfishness and exploitation flourish. I suppose that there are aspects of Christmas that reveal a dark side. Perhaps, as many suggest, the commercial aspects of the season have taken over. As I write this, the weekend when we change the clocks approaches. We have yet to celebrate Halloween and wear our poppies. That said it is all too evident that the festive season is waiting in the wings. Garden centres, shops and shopping malls, main streets and side streets are already putting their Christmas displays in place. Yet there are many who will never encounter even that aspect of Christmas. Their shopping will take place on the internet, where there is an abundance of choice and competitive prices. Theirs will be a solitary shopping experience but some would say one that displays another aspect of commercialisation. As the festive season approaches we will have Black Friday, which seems to go on for days, during which we will be tempted to buy more than we may be able to afford. Then the Boxing Day sales. Thankfully there are aspects of Christmas of a lighter and happier nature. Parties and pantomimes, carol concerts and ceilidhs. Time to relax with family, to settle down to watch that movie … again! Days to visit friends and take long walks. Some of these activities will take place in and around the hall this festive season, as they have before. Details can be found in this newsletter. Hopefully there will be something to attract your support. With every good wish to you and yours for the festive season. Alistair McRobb— (Midmar Hall Chairman)

P.T.A. News Another school year is in full swing and a busy start it has been. Before the tattie holidays, the parent council held their annual duck race which raised a fantastic amount for our wee school. From this we will be able to provide money to support the school with what it has planned for the year ahead. We would like to say a massive thank you to all our big duck sponsors this year ( Aligned IT Ltd, Bill Fraser, WH Leslie, Seasons Pride Gardening Services, Special K Gardening & Maintenance Services, Bogentassie Gravel, Keith Collie Digger Hire, Peace Coaches, CT Harvesting Ltd, MN Stewart Tipper & Plant Hire, Mc William Lippe, Forbes Arms Hotel, Scott Baptie ’ s Food for Fitness, Miller Plant & Grampian Accounting. Drums roll, and the winner was ………. MN Stewart Tipper & Plant Hire !! We would also like to thank everyone who bought our little ducks. The children had so much fun down at the Comers burn letting them off and watching at the finish line to see the winning ducks.

Next we move on to helping the school with all of their Christmas events. From the concert on 10th December (Midmar Hall starting 6pm) to the

Party, it is going to be exciting and busy time. Best Regards, Pamela Morrison (PC Chairperson)

Midmar School News

Another busy term in Midmar School, read about what has been happening! Garden Produce This year, our pupils once again enjoyed harvesting and using our school's homegrown produce in a variety of delicious dishes. The apples made a mouth - watering apple crumble, with added blackcurrants, plums, and blackberries. (Below is a short - written piece about this).

We also made a cottage pie using our own potatoes and carrots. In addition to creating these tasty meals, the children have developed valuable skills in gardening, food preparation, and cooking. They learned about the importance of sustainable practices, understanding where their food comes from, and the benefits of using fresh, local ingredients. This hands - on experience fostered teamwork, problem - solving, and an appreciation for healthy eating. The success of these dishes reflects their hard work! The children have all really enjoyed cooking and some have been inspired to cook at home too which is fantastic to hear about.

Outdoor Learning P1 - 4 have been enjoying their outdoor learning sessions. In one activity, the pupils collected leaves and flowers, then used small stones to bash the plants between two pieces of fabric, creating beautiful natural artworks. Take a look at some of their stunning creations displayed below!

Another exciting activity was our Fire Pit morning, along with marshmallows and warm juice. Ideal for the Autumnal mornings! See this piece of writing by a pupil about this below : -

Seasonal artwork ‘ Autumn Trees ’ by P1 - 4.

Play Leaders Having been trained as play leaders, the children in P5 - 7 have led some outdoor play sessions with the rest of the school. They showed excellent leadership skills with very enthusiastic younger pupils enjoying the activities that they had planned.

Dates for your Diary Tuesday 10th December—School Concert, Midmar Hall at 6pm Information and pictures for this article provided by Aileen McNair, Headmistress at Midmar School

Hill of Fare Windfarm Major Campaign Accomplishment

During August and September HOFWIG presented our case against the Hill of Fare Windfarm development to Aberdeenshire Council ’ s Area Committees in Garioch, Marr, Kincardine and Mearns. Councillors on all three committees voted unanimously to object to the development. These objections went forward to the Council ’ s overarching planning policy committee, the Infrastructure Services Committee (ISC), which met on 3 October to take the final decision on behalf of the Council. Representatives of the six local Community Councils, HOFWIG and some individuals again presented the case against the development. The committee unanimously concluded to support the Aberdeenshire planners recommendation and decisions of the Area Committees to object to the development. Summary of what happened …. A petition was presented requesting Aberdeenshire ISC refuse permission for the development to go ahead. This was acknowledged by Councillors. Aberdeenshire Council planners presented their report on the windfarm application and outlined the following six main reasons for refusal: - 1. impact on cultural heritage of area as outlined by Historic Environment Scotland 2. landscape and visual impact cannot be mitigated, as confirmed by independent work of planning department 3. unknown impact on private water supplies to Dunecht Estate collection tank and Braeside 4. insufficient information provided about impact on peat and carbon rich soils 5. insufficient information about ornithological impact 6. unacceptable impact on aviation interests Concerns were also raised by Councillors about the potential release of radon and heavy metals from the underlying geology during blasting and construction. The developers case for economic and community benefits had not been well made. It was also noted that there is no legislative requirement for the developers to provide community benefit, this is entirely voluntary. The full report is linked here where more detail is shown regarding these reasons for objection. The committee took note that the three area committees had also unanimously supported the recommendation to object. Presentations from community councils and HoFWIG show that this is the wrong development in the wrong place. Issues addressed by representations

were: - 

private water supplies, radon blasting frequency, disturbance

 

fails planning guidelines

 no developer contact with communities despite invitation  salami slicing of electricity export route and development (separate applications)  Impact of noise and flicker  six community councils in alignment to object with around 75% of local residents responding to a questionnaire objecting to the development Overall Comments … Councillors noted that they had received many personalised requests to object, which were enlightening and showed the level of engagement of the community. The work to inform everyone of the issues has been successful in bringing communities together. Thanks were given for that effort. This is also thanks to you for your diligence in submitting your objections in such a personal and honest way. Aberdeenshire Council will now submit a report to the ECU stating their position and referring to their report. It will include comments raised at the ISC that were not considered planning matters, but relevant objections by the councillors informed by the community. What happens next … Having reached this point, we are now expecting a Statutory Public Enquiry. We will be engaging with the Energy Consents Unit of the Scottish Government and experts to develop an understanding of the process and how best we can engage as communities, HOFWIG, and individuals. What we do know is that the planning application will be transferred from the Energy Consents Unit to the Department for Planning and Environmental Appeals (the DPEA) where it is likely that a senior official with planning and/or legal expertise, known as a Reporter, will be appointed to review the application and the representations received on it. We understand that there is a significant backlog in the DPEA and that a public inquiry process is likely to take some considerable time. Watch this space for further updates and thanks again to ALL OF YOU who have supported the campaign.

Colette Backwell - ON BEHALF OF HOFWIG

To make a donation visit GoFundMe and search for HOFWIG link https://gofund.me/768416e9 To keep up to date with what is happening sign up for the Nae Fare newsletter at www.hilloffare.org or join the Hill of Fare FB page.

Yoga Classes at Midmar Hall Fridays 10am - 11am (except 1st Friday of each month)

A regular yoga practice can bring many benefits including feeling calmer, more able to

manage stress, improved wellbeing, better sleep and enhanced strength, balance and flexibility. Yoga is suitable for everyone as the practice can be adapted as needed. So why not come along and give it a go! Block bookings work out at £8 per class. Drop - ins are £10. For any questions and to book contact Marjon at marjonyoga@gmail.com or 07788 962434 .

Christmas Nativity & Services Echt, Kemnay & Kintore Churches

Nativity Play, Echt Church on Sunday 15th December, starts 6.00pm. All welcome to attend, ALSO if your children are interested to be involved and you read this notice in time, contact Elizabeth Watt Tel 07736072197 or eMail ewatt567@aol.com

Christmas Eve Tues, 24 th Kintore – Christingle, 5:30pm

Kemnay – Clothing the Cradle, 6:30pm Monymusk – Family Service, 7:00pm

Watchnight Tues, 24 th

Echt – 11:00pm Kemnay – 11:00pm Kintore – 11:15pm Christmas Day Wed, 25 th Monymusk – 10:30am Kintore – 11:00am Joint Service Sun, 29 th

Echt, 10:00am (Communion)

Autumn News from the Farmer ’ s Wife It is late October now and Autumnal days are definitely here, the leaves falling making a carpet of many beautiful colours. In the farming calendar, Autumn means "Harvest Time", gathering in the crops that have been growing in the fields for six months, not always plain sailing with climate volatility to deal with. There is a very short window each day to get the job done, however we are thankful now that all is secure. A very helpful neighbour came to bale the last two fields just before yet another spell of rain. Our barley has all been dried to about 14 to 14.5% moisture, a number of loads were sold on for malting, these lorry loads were accompanied by a passport with our farm ’ s unique Scottish Quality Crops number showing variety moisture and quality, all for traceability. Our Aberdeen Angus fattening cattle are back home from their summer grazings in order to give extra feed as the grass now has very little nutrients.

The sheep have been with the tup (ram) since the middle of August so lambs will hopefully appear in late January. Our Autumn calving cows are still on summer grazings but being fed hay and will be taken home soon. I often feel I am repeating myself in the news, but farming is repetitive year on year and not a nine to five, Monday to Friday job especially dealing with livestock who can need our help anytime. Looking back in time, having lived in this beautiful area all my life, I have observed many changes in the farming scene. My parents bought a farm in 1952 from Corsindae Estate. At that time most farm land in this area was owned by the estates, Cluny, Corsindae, Kebbaty, Learney, Linton and Midmar. Farms were tenanted by families who worked the land together, very little machinery to help, generations following on the tradition.

Now nearly all farms are owned by farmers, land has been amalgamated to make much larger units which are more viable economically but with costly machinery doing the work and far less people. It is very difficult for young folk who have a love for the land to get a "foot on the ladder" to buy, unless they are fortunate to carry on from their parents and this is now to be made even harder by the recent UK budget if it is allowed to stand! Cairndaie was a tenant farm, being farmed by a Birse family since 1962. When Angela Fraser (Burnett Cragie of Linton estate) died in 1993, we purchased the farm. It is quite humbling to think that the Birse generations have been in this area since the mid 1900’ s as evidenced by the 1925 voting register, Charles and Mary Birse were our great grandparents.

Holidays are not something that is on many farmers "TO DO LIST" however this summer we did spend some time on a friend ’ s organic farm in County Ofally in Eire (Republic of Ireland). Now that our batteries are all recharged and we are ready for winter daily chores . Information and pictures for this article provided by Isabel Birse at Cairndaie. FOOTNOTE: - Next time you are stuck behind a combine, tractor with a machine or load of straw on the road just think they are on their way to work too, providing food for our ever increasing population. Everything we eat is produced by A FARMER somewhere in the world.

Midmar S.W.R.I. We have several interesting talks lined up for this winter and into next year. In December on Wednesday 11th our group will be going to the Garlogie Inn at lunchtime to celebrate Christmas. Next Year ….. - Taste & Try Evening where everyone makes a dish and we all try it

8th January

12th February - Talk by Megan the first responder 12th March

- Talk by David Christie about his walk across the desert

9th April 14th May

- Business meeting and trophy presentation

- Talk by Ally Walker on Therapets accompanied by her dog Reuben

We meet on the second Wednesday of a month at 7.30pm normally in the Jubilee Room at Midmar Hall. If anyone would like to join us for any of our forthcoming events please just let me (Bev Mackinlay) know on 07745 447822 or email: robinandbev@btinternet.com.

Jenny ’ s Jokes - Where I Have Been and Others …. I may have been In Continent , but I don ’ t remember what country I was in. It ’ s an age thing!

FORGIVE ME When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle. Then I realised that the Lord doesn ’ t work that way. So, I stole one and asked him to forgive me. and finally — DO COME This Church Notice made Jenny smile and is food for thought: When you were born your parents brought you here. When you were married you joined your partner here.

When you die your friends will bring you here. Do not wait for the big events, come this Sunday!

A thought provoking poem for Christmas Grandpa ’ s Chair by Brian Bilston. Suggested by Ruth McRobb …

The chair by the fire is empty - the one where Grandpa used to sit. “ I like to roast my chestnuts ” he ’ d say, After lunch, he ’ d have a kip, having polished off a pint or two and the remainder of the sprouts. He ’ d sit there, in his favourite chair, with his belly hanging out, snoring.

We ’ d laugh and he ’ d wake up and wonder about all the fuss. One medicinal sherry later, Grandpa would suggest charades: he ’ d jump up, go through his repertoire of actions, throwing himself into every mime, He ’ d settle down again after that, just sit there, that twinkle in his eye. But this year, the chair is empty, the one where Grandpa used to sit, and it ’ s like Christmas isn ’ t really Christmas but some tawdry imitation of it. Grandpa would have loved it, though. There was still Laughter. And Beer. And Games. But if he must go windsurfing in the Bahamas, he ’ s only got himself to blame!

Exercise your grey cells

Check your ANSWERS Page 34

Thanks to Guardian Website for this download.

At a Glance : Midmar Weekly,

Day

Activity

Venue

Monday

Circuit Training

Midmar Hall

Violin Lessons

Midmar Hall

Tuesday

Men’s Shed— Activity Shed by Hall

Wednesday

SWRI (Women’s Institute)

Midmar Hall in Jubilee Room

Thursday

Circuit Training

Midmar Hall

School Concert at Midmar Hall Tuesday 10th December Starts 06:00pm ENJOY THE SHOW

Play Mahjong

Jubilee Room

Friday

Men’s Shed— Activity Shed by Hall

Yoga Classes

Midmar Hall

Christmas Wreath Making Saturday 7th December 11.00am till 1.00pm To book, contact Morag Grimbley 07790 684424 morag.grimbley@btinternet.com

Boxing Day Walk Start at Midmar Hall Thursday 26 th December Meet at Hall Car Park by 10:00am WORK OFF THAT TURKEY!

We normally meet on the last Saturday Morning of a month. Informal gatherings for children 0 - 5 years with parents and guardians

, Monthly and Notable Events

Time

Further Information

6.45pm - 7.45pm

Pamela Black 07833 900620

5pm — 8pm

Ruth Hardie 07920 715438

7pm - 9pm

Nigel Bennett 07464 552550

2nd Wednesday evenings each Month

Bev Mackinlay 01330 833513 Judith Stokoe 01330 833719

SWRI Every 2nd Wednesday

6.45pm - 7.45pm

Pamela Black 07833 900620

Thursday Evenings by arrangement

Bea Bennett 07884 211843

of Month. Bev Mackinlay 01330 833513

10am-1pm

Nigel Bennett 07464 552550

10am-11am Except 1st Fri of Month

Marjon 07788 962434

Mahjong Weekly on

Can you help? Volunteers are need decorate the Hall Kitchen Please contact Sarah Kearns to get involved. Time, date, colours etcetera have all yet to be decided.

Thursday evenings.

Fun for all. Bea Bennett for details …. beateben@gmail.com or call 07884 211843

Tel: 01330 833638/07756 968868 or email: sarahkearns50@gmail.com

Hogmany at the Hall To book contact Sarah Kearns Tel: 01330 833638/ 07756 968868 Or email: sarahkearns50@gmail.com

BOXING DAY WALK — 2024

Starting from the Hall at 10:00am on Thursday 26th December—all

are welcome to come and stroll around Midmar. This year we are likely to investigate the paths in Tillybirloch woods, setting off through the village then making our way back through Comers returning via the footbridge, past the school and up to the hall. Relax, enjoy a blether, mince pies and other nibbles etcetera washed down with mulled wine. Food an drink donations welcome. Dog friendly, Child friendly and open to ALL generations - what is not to like! Further details contact Rob Ferguson 07767 317486 or eMail rob.ferguson@aiexps.co.uk

Arriving at Midmar Hall on Saturday 8th February

Opera Highlights brings a vibrant, one - of - a - kind production to venues around Scotland.

This season ’ s snappy, playful show from director Rebecca Meltzer and designer Kenneth MacLeod explores and celebrates Scotland ’ s rich landscape, with music curated by Fiona MacSherry . Guaranteed to beat the winter blues, singers Robert Forrest and 2024/25 Emerging Artists Ross Cumming , Chloe Harris and Kira Kaplan bring classic operatic excerpts by Beethoven, Bizet, Handel, Donizetti, Tchaikovsky and more to life, under the musical direction of Joseph Beesley. Book using Scottish Opera Website, this QR code will take you directly to the Midmar booking page

Splish Splash—Volunteers are needed to DECORATE the HALL KITCHEN In the last issue we featured the new fit out of the Hall Kitchen. It is much improved, I especially like the warming draw, we used it to good effect at the recent Men ’ s Shed day to prep the Butterys!

Thanks to all volunteers who have helped so far and all that is left to do is DECORATE . Please contact Sarah Kearns if you can help. Time, date, colours etcetera have all yet to be decided so please get involved. Many hands will make short work of this task.

Tel: 01330 833638/07756 968868 or email: sarahkearns50@gmail.com

Swans Return to the Fishery

Some readers may remember Lorrie Bilsborrow ’ s upsetting report in 2022 of how their swan family was predated and although another pair arrived for a while in 2023, they did not stay. Just recently either Lorrie or Wayne, (I suspect it was Lorrie), took these magnificent pictures of a whole new family arriving on a blue sky day, or, it might have been the pair that visited briefly in 2023 returning with youngsters reared elsewhere. We can never know, but it is very nice to see them all the same and I am sure we all hope that they stay for a while.

Midmar Men ’ s Shed foundations for the new shed have been levelled with the internal drainage Next will be laying the floor, but that will not be happening the spring. We are still collecting solid insulation board (ANY offcuts you have we will gladly take it off your hands!

a few useful items as donations: An

electric

electric leaf blower/vacuum and a lawn spreader.

saw has already been serviced and

and

found a new

would like a leaf

get in

addition a couple of recent projects undertaken for folk have been : -  A New Table Top, created for a garden table previously had a  An interesting House Sign stripped back to bare wood, old paint from engraved letters and the artwork recreated.

Shed Hours : Tuesday ’ s 19:00 — 21:00 & Friday ’ s 09:30 - 13:00 Web : www.midmar.uk Tel : 07464 552550 Email : midmarmensshed@gmail.com Nextdoor : mensshedmidmar

The objective of the shed is to promote health and wellbeing in the community and we are interested to: i) recruit new members whether that is limited to coming along for company and a chat/coffee or active participation in some of our activities (note transport can be arranged if necessary); or ii) to hear ideas for wider community activities.

Gordon Gauld and Nigel Bennett attended the Scottish Men ’ s Sheds Association (SMSA) 10th anniversary gathering in Perth. It was a full day, with several interesting workshops on Men ’ s Health (MOT4Men), machine competency, 3D printing and the Community Asset Transfer process. The day was finished with the presentation of Shed of the Year award which went to Banff and MacDuff Men ’ s Shed.

By the time you read this, the Midmar Men ’ s Shed will have hosted the Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Men ’ s Shed network meeting. It ’ s a quarterly event, with representation from more than ten different Sheds. In October, four Shedder ’ s walked a loop from Aboyne up Mortlich and back around past the castle. Not much of a view from the top, as we were almost in the clouds, but it was a fine 10km walk in very fresh

air. If you are interested to join one of our walks, please get in touch. On November 19th there was a nation - wide Open Doors Day for most of the Men ’ s Sheds. All interested to find out more about what we do, were free to pop in for a chat.

s ” helping to fill skip with builders rubbish, in return for tea, biscuits and a welcome donation to the Midmar

Morning Walks: 2nd Dec, 6th Jan, 4th Feb, 3rd Mar (09:30 - 13:00) Repair Cafes: Please come along to any Shed Sessions

Midmar Paths : Autumn & Winter 2024 ““ Hope is like a path in the countryside. Originally, there is nothing. But as people walk this way again and again, a path appears ” from Lu Xun You might need an extra layer or two but getting outside in the colder (and wetter) months is a great way to get your daily dose of fresh air and daylight, and often the views across the countryside are undisrupted whilst the trees are bare – making for fantastic scenes at sunrise and sunset! While you are out exploring this season, please try out the new paths we ’ ve been working on this year. The more people using these new routes will open them up and make it easier for us to continue maintenance as the pathways widen. THANK YOU

We have had lots of regular helpers and some new volunteers this year. A huge thank you to everyone who has come to the path meets with smiles and enthusiasm, whether you came for an hour or to every meet up - without volunteers none of the path work would have been achievable! You are all brilliant! NEW PATHS IN TILLYBIRLOCH WOODS (orange on the map)

Map of paths in Midmar that have been worked on, created and maintained by volunteers.

In addition to the inner Tillybirloch woodland path, which was created at the start of this year, we have recently been working on a new path on the NE side

Volunteer working on the Tillybirloch woodland loop

A peaceful amble through the inner Tillybirloch woodland path.

Trying out the improved horse path

which joins the existing paths to make a full loop around the outer edge of the Tillybirloch woods. This path is ready to be used but it is still a work in progress with some areas quite bumpy underfoot and some brash still on the ground from past forestry work. The path will become smoother the more it is used, so please give it a go and take some friends (feel free to move to the side any fallen branches or brash from the path when you are there!). If you would like to volunteer to help continue improvements on this path, please get in touch.

AN IMPROVED HORSE PATH When the Comer footbridge was rebuilt, we had to divert the horse path. Unfortunately, some of the ground was VERY boggy underfoot on the new path which wasn ’ t ideal for users. During late summer we were able to dig out the boggy areas, put in drainage pipes and lay hardcore, widening and

improving the path. So far, this improvement seems to have been just what was needed – a brilliant effort from all those involved! FUTURE PLANS  Continue maintenance of existing paths  Improvements to the Carluchie woods area loop & paths  Reinstate the loop at Bogindhu  Create a pathway from Tillybirloch woods towards East Bandodle (off road) GET INVOLVED This work can not be done without volunteers. We GREATLY appreciate anyone willing to spend an hour or two helping. No skills required but having some tools is helpful. If you use the local paths, please help us maintain them, if you are fit and able. Contact Becky via email for any enquiries : rebeccajbaptie@gmail.com Drainage put in and hardcore laid. Users can now enjoy a bog free burnside on the horse path.

RAIN To begin with, I refer to a Shakespearean analogy:

‘‘ It (The quality of mercy) droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven upon the earth beneath: it is twice blessed; it blesseth him that gives, and him that takes; ” We certainly experienced more than our fair share of rain earlier this summer. After a long cold spring and then a fleeting glimpse of the longed for summer to come, we were ‘ treated ’ to June and July weather conditions, which have yielded relatively low temperatures, and higher than usual precipitation. At least the myriad crops, trees, and other plant life, including bracken (that plant the path restorers love to hate) thrive on it!

No doubt, local under and over ground reservoirs and aquifers will be replenished. These are vital to our livelihoods, so in that respect we can be thankful of a rather rainy climate. And perhaps, if last year replicates itself, we may anticipate warmer weather to come. Also I am aware that the recent rains are moderate in comparison with elsewhere. Some parts of the world have experienced unprecedented deluges. The media presents us with images of inundated cities, valleys and lowlands. We are informed that

such events, which one might expect every fifty years, now occur every five, as an approximation. These events are attributable, we are advised, to climate change. Of course in the Tropics, the population experiences deluges and other violent weather phenomena from the start of the summer months, which are ‘ something else again! ’ We are generally fortunate, living in a temperate zone, not to be subject to such meteorological ferocity, as a general rule, although as with every rule there are exceptions. I am reminded of the old adage (unattributed): - ‘ Into every life, a little rain must fall ’ Those who have lived in Midmar over the last few years will particularly remember the rains last autumn, when a month of rainfall was delivered from ‘ on high ’ within a few hours causing local flooding and associated damage. I personally was concerned that there was no regional or Government agency able to offer any recompense or assistance, for domestic tax payers, in what appeared to be a local emergency, although I read that businesses may have been eligible to apply for damage claims. Individual householders were very much left to their own devices to rectify matters, or not. I say this as significant floods often need to be addressed on a large scale, given the devastation which may ensue. If there is significant rainfall, as occurred a few years ago in the hills above Ballater, this led to a rise in the river Dee, and much flooding and damage to property in the township. I believe that any reparations, such as there were, may have taken years to fall into place. If any reader can offer advice on such issues, should such circumstances recur, which is not conjecturally unlikely, it would be most welcome.

In my opinion, those of us who live here are privileged to be in this milieu. Within a more local context, it should be noted that the local Hill of Fare is a watershed, and following rainfall on its tops, many springs and burns emanate in different directions. A local map indicates that the Auchorrie Burn is one such, flowing in a northerly direction downhill through many parts of Midmar. I do not have access to a map of subterranean aquifers which may feed local springs, but perhaps one such exists. It is to be hoped that if and when the proposed “ Hill of Fare ” development goes ahead these ancient water routes will not be disturbed and no disruption to private water supplies to in the area will not occur. There have been concerns raised by knowledgeable local inhabitants, specialists in the field of hydrology, who no doubt are aware of water networks, above and below ground. I, personally, am not aware that these putative issues have in any way been addressed by the developers.  Have any such surveys been undertaken by them or anyone else?  Is it of any concern to them in their grand scheme of things? My own communication, sent months ago, to the developers, probably one of hundreds, judging by the strength of local opposition to this project, has not been responded to.

I presume one individual is ‘ small fry ’. I applaud the ongoing efforts of those who have pursued a reasoned collective approach, which I wholeheartedly endorse and hope that some responses may be forthcoming, to reassure the local populace. In my humble view, householders still need information on the following, amongst other significant considerations of logistics, aesthetics, and environmental damage, with associated financial implications: 

Will private water supplies be negatively affected?

 If so, what recompense will be available to householders?  Would this development destabilise local water routes, leading to flooding or droughts? It is to be hoped that our community representatives will ask pertinent questions regarding such environmental impact issues, when consultations resume. Local issues notwithstanding, it is evident that global warming is contributing to climate change, in most places on the planet. We, in this ‘ small ’ corner of the world, are not immune. An ostrich - like approach will lead nowhere. Whilst, on a global scale, most individuals may be relatively powerless to arrest the momentum, it is not inconceivable that, on a local front, some influence may be brought to bear, despite the change, nationwide, in political governance and prevailing attitudes to “ Nimbyism ”. It is a collective quest worth pursuing through appropriate channels . ‘ The best laid plans o ’ mice and men gang aft a ’ gley ’. Robert Burns Article by Faith Mackenzie Autumn 2024

Midmar Hall 100 Club

The winners of the November 2024 prize draw are … First £100 - Wayne Bilsborrow Second £60 - Bev MacKinlay Third £30 - Duncan Sewell Fourth £25 - Jackie Randell

So why not try your luck in 2024/2025 and contribute to Hall funds. Obtain your lucky number with a form from the Hall Website or request one by eMailing Midmar100club@gmail.com. The form allows up to FIVE members from each household to have a number. It costs £15 a year for each number and this will enter you into all the remaining draws until May next year.

Answers to the Quick Crossword on Page 19

Midmar Hall for Hire Whatever event are you planning, Midmar Hall has a variety of spaces for you to use, the main hall, back stage room, meeting room and a well equipped kitchen. Other facilities include our lovely

garden, WiFi, spacious car park, a projector and screen (in the main hall), a quality piano (available to musicians on request), speakers, microphones and amplifier.

Hourly Hire

Space

1st Hr

Hrly

8 Hrs

£15

£12

£87

Main Hall

Upstairs Room

£9

£7

£51

Backstage Room

£7.5

£6

£43.5

Whole Facility for 24 hours—£250

Deposit : a discretionary deposit of £250 may be requested for some functions

To book please contact us via eMail “ bookings@midmarhall.com ”

● EARTHWORKS CONTRACTORS ● ● CRUSHING & SCREENING CONTRACTORS ● ● PLANT HIRERS ● ● DEMOLITION CONTRACTORS ● ● HAULAGE CONTRACTORS ● ● QUARRY & RECYCLED MATERIALS SUPPLIERS ●

Tel: 01330 830033 Fax: 01330 830044

Email: info@millerplant.com Web: www.millerplant.com North Lurg, Midmar, Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, AB51 7NB

Stained Glass Workshop in small groups (2 - 3 people) Held in my workshop at Bankhead, Midmar. No experience required and all equipment and materials are provided. Sessions are about 3hrs, and cost £45. Time and day flexible for your convenience. If you are interested, or would like more information, please get in touch. Contact Bea Bennett—m: 07884 211843 e: beateben@gmail.com

01330 833686 or 833461 marion i brown@gmail.com Quality Food : Locally Reared

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