Spectacular skies around Midmar
Midmar Newsletter 54th Edition Summer 2024
Newsletter News Something for everyone to enjoy in this Summer Newsletter, many thanks again to our contributors for providing both inspiration and variety. I was going to put a delightful picture of children splashing enthusiastically in one of the many puddles that we have seen during the recent wet Spring on the front cover but that did not seem very “ summery ”. Then, just this past week we were treated to a spectacular overnight light show of the Aurora Borealis which, although I missed it, I was told by an amazed Duncan Sewell that it registered almost 1500 nanoTesla and he has never known it previously exceed 600! I had to look up what a nanoTesla (or nT) is, it is a measurement of the strength of a Magnetic Field. With a little more research I discover that Nikola Tesla was an Austrian born inventor (1856 - 1943). In 1960 the “ General Conference on Weights and Measures ” named the International System of Units, measurement of magnetic flux density, the Tesla , in his honour.
Our Cover Winners Fionn Sewell and Amanda Liddiard for staying awake late on 10th May to capture colourful skies
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 Autumn edition by end of July 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 inter- net because it is available via Midmar Hall website, www.midmarhall.com
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This Issue at a Glance
Page
Contents
Notes
2 2 4 4 5
Newsletter News, Cover Winner
Sponsoring the Newsletter
Advertising Charges Mondays & Thursdays Thursday Evenings Alistair McRobb
Circuit Training
Mahjong at the Hall
Change is Inevitable, or is it?
6 - 7
School News
Aileen McNair
8 8 9
PTA School Fun Day
Joe Noble/Rob Ferguson Monthly on a Saturday
Midmar Tots
Fleeman Players on 27th June News From the Farmers Wife
Sarah Kearns Isabel Birse Isabel Birse
10 - 11
12 12 12 13 14 15 16 16 17 18 19 19
Senior Citizens Appeal
Appeal for Home Assistance
Monika Gordon
Jenny's Jokes Brilliant Poems Community Pub
Jenny Begg
Ruth McRobb
3rd Friday of Month
Hill of Fare Windfarm Update
Louis Backwell Bev Mackinlay Jackie & Hazel Becky Baptie Sarah Kearns Rob Ferguson Police Scotland Nigel Bennett Francis Millward
Womens Institute News
A Choice of Community Cafes Path Maintenance in 2024 Midmar Players make Mayhem Echt Shop - Prescription Service
Scammers Impersonating Police Officers
22 - 23 24 - 26
Men's Shed Update
100 Club & Annual Form
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Crossword The Larch
Guardian
28 - 29 30 - 31 32 - 33
Faith Mackenzie Rob Ferguson Police Scotland
Foot Bridge — Across the Burn Cyber Byte - Ticket Fraud Alert
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Crossword Answers
34 - 39
Local Business Information
Our Sponsors
Back
Echt Show— Saturday 13th July
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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
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Dear Fellow Residents, Eavesdropping is not a pastime that I knowingly pursue yet there are times when I fall victim to it. At such moments it proves difficult to escape its clutches. As a recent example I caught a bus in the city centre, heading for the Park and Ride at Kingswells, it was mid - morning and there were only two other passengers on board. They were having an animated conversation as I took a seat at the far end of the bus. As the bus made its way up Union Street they continued their conversation which was loudly pursued. I couldn ’ t help but hear every word they exchanged. Without going into detail, I will simply say that their discussion was far ranging. When I boarded the bus they were bemoaning the planned departure of Marks and Spencer from the city centre and the number of empty properties on Union Street. As the bus continued its journey towards the roundabout at Anderson Drive their conversation changed direction and focused, briefly, upon the turmoil in the Ukraine and Gaza. As we made our way along Queen ’ s Road they got down to the nitty gritty of things. Phrases which we have all heard and indeed used were exchanged. ‘ What ’ s the world coming to? ’’, ‘ Things aren ’ t what they used to be! ’’, ‘ Who ’ s going to get us out of this mess? ’’, ‘ When are politicians going to stop wasting money and sort things out? ’ Suddenly, as the bus made its way towards Hazlehead one of my fellow passengers, having reached their destination, rang the bell and made to leave. A quiet descended. Silence. In the silence I found myself thinking through what had been said. Indeed that bus journey gave me food for thought as I drove home to Midmar. Let us leave the bigger issues of world conflict to one side and think of what was said about the local issues that concern folk. We do live in a very different world from the one we inhabited only a few years ago. Even here, in Midmar, there have been a great many changes over the course of the last twenty years or so. We no longer have a local shop or bus service. The woods which were a feature of our landscape have been decimated by storms and ferocious winds. The pub has long gone. However, life goes on and we need to embrace the future. Midmar Hall has been a feature of our community for some one hundred and twenty years. During that time it has provided a meeting place for a wide variety of groups of all ages. Not only as a meeting place but also a place of entertainment, both home grown and imported. It has served generation after generation, in a variety of capacities, and hopefully will continue to do so for many years to come. Some things are constant, thank goodness the Hall falls into that category.
Alistair McRobb (Midmar Hall Chairman)
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Midmar School News — Summer 2024 We have enjoyed another packed term at Midmar School and are now looking forward to hopefully, having some sunny weather and longer days!
Easter The children enjoyed a busy Easter time in school before the holidays. They demonstrated lots of creative skills when decorating hard-boiled eggs and had fun
rolling them down the hill, many eggs survived and were able to be taken home. We also had some very imaginative designs from P1-3 with the Easter bonnets they made. We had a fun Easter egg hunt around the school grounds and everyone worked in their house groups to see who would be
able to find the most eggs – all houses did very well. Parents came to join us for an end of term Easter assembly led by the children, and everyone did a great job of sharing their work with confidence and enthusiasm.
Walk and Litter Pick The children enjoyed participating in a litter pick last term with everyone managing
to do a great clean up job around the village. We are all very proud of our local area, and I know the children will be doing their best to keep Midmar clean and tidy, we hope that others will follow their great example. End of term trip
Our end of term trip was a ‘Bus Tour of Midmar’, although unfortunately the weather was not on our side, it ended up being a very wet trip! Mrs Black from the school and Mrs McRobb from the local community were excellent tour guides and were able to tell us lots about Midmar in years gone by. We learned a great deal about the local area and were surprised with how much history we have on our doorstep.
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It was fascinating to learn about the standing stones and we had lots of questions to ask about this. Any other experts out there please get in touch as we still have lots we want to know! Huge thanks to Mrs Black and Mrs McRobb for their help with this trip.
Community Partnerships As we were learning about our local community last term we were delighted to welcome lots of our parents and community members in to share a little about their jobs with the children. Mr Worth shared a bit about the windfarm which led the children to write some persuasive letters to our local Councillors. The children were delighted as they received lovely responses from all the Councillors, and some offers of further information about the plans. We enjoyed a visit from Lorrie Bilsborrow from Midmar Fisheries and also Nigel and Gordon from Midmar Men’s Shed. It was great to
hear about the kinds of things the Men’s Shed are involved in and many of our children were inspired by the input – particularly in finding out all that you can do with an old washing machine drum!
We would also like to say a huge thank you to the Men’s Shed for their help in our playground – we very much appreciate all their support and kindness. Thanks go to ALL those who came in to share with us in school last term.
Learning Focus this Term - Can you HELP? This term in school we are learning about “ Plants and Living Things” . If anyone has any expertise in this area we would love to hear from you. You would be made most welcome in Midmar School and our children always love to have visitors in to share in their learning. To g et in touch, Tel;. 01330 700390 or email: midmar.sch@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
Forthcoming Events: Saturday 11th May – Midmar Fun Day Friday 7th June
– School will host the Community Café
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School Parents Council — Annual Fun Day
Saturday 11th May, after the spectacular Northern Lights show the night before, Midmar School parents and teachers were up early to finish preparing for the annual School Fun Day which was to start at 10:00am. The blue skies, warm temperatures and light wind were welcome because the school was soon extremely busy
with children and parents coming from all around the area. In addition to the team sports, with the variety of stalls set out around the ground providing refreshments and entertainment there was plenty to keep everyone busy.
It seemed to me, unsurprisingly, that the pillow fighting cage
was the most popular side - show!! On the sports field the netball final was won by Dunecht, with Cluny Thunders as runners up; the full time whistle for the football final was blown soon after 2.00pm and was won by Cluny Red team with runners up from Skene school.
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News from the Farmer ’ s Wife In the Spring Newsletter I ended my news saying we were busy preparing for our annual Farm and Grain Assurance renewal inspection. Farmers can never predict the outcome, thankfully the assessor was happy to give Cairndae approval for another year. As I write this article, in the second half of April, the days are lengthening but the cold is persisting, work on the land is well behind schedule, ploughing still to be done and muck to spread. Many fields are still waterlogged and it will take time and patience to allow conditions to be ideal for sowing the seeds. At this time of year it is usually easy to see the signs of spring all around, many farmers busy with calving and lambing or preparing the fields for planting barley, oats, potatoes and swedes and other crops. Not this year! The cold north wind that we have had over the past few weeks just penetrates the body it is almost surprising to see the grass growing and trees blossoming. Unfortunately, with the continued rain and cold it has proved very challenging. Those lambing recently have faced many difficulties, a new born lamb can withstand cold and dry as long as it gets a suck from its mum, but not wet and cold, that is disaster if they are outside and have no shelter.
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I met a local farmer at our vet premises recently and he said " What a plitter, it ’ s been rainin ’ near every day since hairst ", “ PLITTER ” is a fine Doric word for a wet and muddy mess! That very well summarises the state of the fields so it was a relief recently to see some being ploughed and prepared for crops. In our case, if it hadn't been for a very generous neighbour, who came with his baler, our straw would still be lying rotting in the fields. Our lambs are mostly two months old now and eating lots of swedes and creep feed, we usually start selling them in May. Those farmers who have been selling "hoggs' (last year ’ s lambs) have benefited with the high prices, but feed to have kept them over the winter is expensive so every pound extra is needed. Our spring calving got off to a bountiful start with three sets of twins, however things can change very quickly if all starts trouble free!! All our calves are double tagged, each farm with its own herd number, we tissue tag every calf, this sample is sent to a laboratory to check for "Bovine Viral Diarrhoea" this disease can compromise a herds fertility and infect the embryo in the first few months of gestation. Our aim is to continue with results BVD NEGATIVE status which is vital for a healthy herd and important when selling our stock.
Better days lie ahead we all hope, now we see the grass growing and the oil seed rape about to flower, a beautiful golden glow, but not welcome for some people with allergies. There are many areas in the country that have been far worse affected, their fields totally covered in water so we have a lot to be thankful for. This unusual picture of the
bemused calf in a truck cab was taken by friends in County Offlay, Ireland, who had just recued it from a flooded muddy field. Perhaps we will be shouting for rain to make the swede seed germinate!!! Information and pictures for this article provided by Isabel Birse at Cairndaie.
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Senior Citizens of Cluny and Midmar Fund
The Senior Citizens of Cluny and Midmar Fund was established in 1970 to provide local folk with an opportunity to meet and socialise a couple of times a year.
We have funds available and we would welcome your ideas for outings that could be organised for a Summer Bus Trip and Afternoon Tea.
We would also like to organise a Meal and Entertainment later in the year as we have done before. Please give me (Isabel) a call or email with your ideas. Thankyou. eMail: cairndaie@aol.com or Telephone : 01330 833209 Midmar Resident Needs Assistance A very nice and kind elderly gentleman is looking for a bit of help so that he can stay in his own home in Midmar. Especially with getting up, getting washed and dressed and going to bed, a bit of cooking and preparing meals and some company. Approximate working hours would be just two in the morning (8am - 10am) and three in the evening (6pm - 9pm) at a rate of £12.49 per hour, four days a week. Please contact Monika Gordon : call 07599 306478 or email : mmgsco@gmail.com Jenny ’ s Jokes - Where I Have Been ? I would like to go to Conclusions, but I hear that you have to jump and I ’ m not too much on physical activity anymore. I have, however, been in Sane . They don ’ t have an airport, you have to be driven there. I have made several trips, thanks to my friends, family and work!
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Thanks to Ruth McRobb for finding these Summer poems to enjoy. Ruth ’ s accompanying comment for the first poem, “ June ” by John Updike, is that it for both young children and adults to reminisce ….
The sun is rich and gladly pays In golden hours, Silver days, And long green weeks, That never end. School ’ s out, the time, Is ours to spend. There ’ s Little League, Hopscotch, the Creek, And, after supper, Hide - and - Seek. The live - long light is like a dream,
and freckles come, Like flies to cream.
And a bit of humour, substitution for what many of us may have left on the beach, adds to the comedy of Spike Milligan. Return to Sorrento(3rd class) by Spike Milligan.
I must go down to the sea again, To the lonely sea and sky, I left my vest and socks there, I wonder if they ’ re dry?
This is a spoof of Jane Mansfield ’ s poem “ Sea Fever ” which actually has three verses, you can look it up using Google.
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Hill of Fare Windfarm We Need Your Support
We are currently waiting for Aberdeenshire Council to announce the dates of the Area Committee meetings in Garioch, Marr and Kincardine and Mearns, where the Windfarm application will be considered. We continue to lobby our local councillors to object to the application, and encourage all of you to do the same. The meetings are likely to take place during either May or June. If not then, they are unlikely to proceed before September. Since our last update, HoFWIG has produced a detailed analysis of the issues arising from the application, going through the details of the application and considering these alongside the Scottish Government ’ s National Planning Framework 4. We have also commissioned professional reports from experts in planning and in landscape and visual analysis. All of these have been formally submitted to the Scottish Government ’ s Energy Consents Unit and to Aberdeenshire Council. There are many legitimate reasons for objection to this Windfarm and we have highlighted them. According to the ECU (Energy Consents Unit) website for this application [ECU00004592] around 1500 people have submitted objections to date, with 20 letters of support. It is clear that communities all around the Hill of Fare are vehemently opposed to the Windfarm.
Thanks to everyone who has supported the campaign so far by writing letters and making a financial contribution. We are still in need of funds so if you can help, please make a donation to support the campaign via GoFundMe, find the page by searching for “ HOFWIG ”. This is the web address for the page https:// gofund.me/768416e9 or using this QR code makes the GoFundMe page simple to access.
This is a long journey that we are on and we continue to need your support. You will find further up to date information at any time via the websites NaeFare (www.naefare.com) and HoFWIG ( www.hilloffare.org) . You can also join the Hill of Fare FaceBook page. This Article submitted by Louis Backwell
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Midmar S.W.R.I. We do not meet during the summer because we all have so many other activities to pursue. We will resume on Wednesday September 11th when we have arranged a visit by David Loumgair, the Community Fundraising Coordinator, from Charlie House. David will be telling us about the work they do for families who have children with life limiting or life threatening conditions.
Full details of the future programme will appear in the Autumn edition of the Newsletter, alternatively contact Bev Mackinlay Tel: 01330 833513 for more information. Everyone is of course invited to come and try a "Taster Session ” at any time.
Your Local Community Cafes Community Cafés are a wonderful way for local folk to get together and socialise on a regular basis. At the same time your donations help cover the material costs and raise vital funds for gathering places within our community. Typically these cafes serve home bakes and good quality beverages, all provided by an army of volunteers who should get more recognition than they do. Thankyou to them all. There is our own Midmar Hall Café, but also, within a few miles, there are also cafes at Echt Church (Hope Café every Tuesday 9 - 11) and Garlogie Hall (fortnightly, on a Wednesday from 10 - 12). Midmar Community Cafe is open, 10 - 12am, at the Hall on the first Friday of every month, all are welcome.
If you would like to be involved, help out occasionally with home bakes or ask any questions about how we are making sure we run the cafe safely, please get in touch with Hazel (01330 833280) or Jackie (07505 936271) or eMail info@midmarhall.com.
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Midmar Paths in 2024 “ In every walk with Nature one receives far more than he seeks. ” - John Muir It has been a quiet few months over winter and spring for maintaining and improving local paths. The best thing for paths when the grass is not growing is that they are being walked and treaded on. Hopefully despite the recent
(very) wet weather you ’ ve been able to enjoy the paths maintained improved in 2023 and others! WHAT ’ S THE GOAL? The purpose of a regular path group is to maintain and improve the paths locally, making them more accessible for all users and hopefully reducing the risk of scratches, stings, and tick bites too. Over the last few years these meet ups have also provided a great way to meet our “ neighbours ”, learn new skills and give something back to the community we are part of. UPCOMING PLANS
The Comers burn path, a peaceful place to wander.
This year we will to continue maintaining paths near Midmar Primary school, Comers and in Tillybirloch woods and are looking at a couple of opportunities to create new paths and make a few improvements in new areas. Plans will soon be made for regular meet ups from June to mid/late Autumn. There will be a survey available to give feedback on paths, check volunteer availability and generate more ideas about where we will focus our efforts in 2024. Get in touch with Becky to get the survey link (contact details below). GET INVOLVED
We would GREATLY appreciate any volunteers willing to help spend an hour or two helping. No skills required but having some tools like loppers, gloves, wheelbarrow, shovel can be helpful. Any amount of time you can contribute would be greatly appreciated. If you use the local paths, please help us maintain them if you are fit and able. Do you have any suggestions about a local path you ’ d like to see maintained or improved? Could you bake a cake or make a snack for the volunteers on meet up days?
Tillybirloch to Glenwood "school path", before and after in 2023!
Or, would you like to know more about path meet ups and volunteer? If so, I ’ d love to hear from you! Please get in touch with Becky via email: rebeccajbaptie@gmail.com
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!! Mayhem in Midmar Hall !! The Midmar Players offered their enthusiastic audience yet another unique and innovative dramatic production on Saturday 27 th April, at Midmar Hall. The cast of nine actors performed a variety of short plays and sketches, including the first performance of a 10 - minute version of Cinderella, written by a cast member specifically for this occasion. The Ugly Sisters, their antics
and costumes brought the house down! Well known sketches from the repertoires of John Cleese and Stephen Fry also provoked considerable hilarity..... as did one of the best known ‘ Reverend ’ monologues of Rikki Fulton. Also warmly received were a selection of Doric poems and the ‘ Four Candles ’ and ‘ Mastermind ’ sketches, originally
performed by the two Ronnies and adapted for this production. After delicious interval ‘ eats ’ the second act commenced with a highly drunken ‘ Dinner for One ’! All these performances were interspersed with musical items provided by Midmar ’ s very own band, the “ Midmar Occasionals ” and also by the equally talented visiting Ukulele band.
Before the finale, a rousing communal singsong, a special tribute was paid, in the presence of members of her family, to Phyllis Baird, a long time and much valued member of the Midmar Players, who died in the autumn of 2023. This tribute included the surprise
appearance of her favourite singer, Rod Stewart (in cardboard form!), who presided over the final enthusiastic rendition of ‘ Sailing ’!
Thank you to everyone involved, audience, backstage and performers alike, the event raised £560 that will donated to Midmar Hall funds , overall a great success! Article submitted by Sarah Kearns - May 2024
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“ Better News ” Echt Shop Prescription Delivery Service As many Midmar residents have likely to have only recently discovered, NHS Grampian and Davidsons pharmacy in Banchory abruptly stopped
their prescription delivery service at the end of April. As far as I am aware there was no public consultation.
When I wrote to our MSP about it I pointed out that aside from the inconvenience of having to get to Banchory, which may be impossible for some, it will hugely increase the number of prescription miles travelled and how is that good for the planet! However on Saturday I received an eMail indicating that Porter Pharmacy in Westhill will take this on for a trial period of four months and, provided their is sufficient take up, the service will continue.
Anyone wishing to make use of this MUST contact Banchory Doctors Practice and tell them that they would like Porter Pharmacy in Westhill to collect and process their prescriptions. Article by Rob Ferguson - 07767 317486
Recognise Scammers Impersonating Police Officers.
A police person may contact you in person, by phone or by email. Contact in person: If an officer contacts you in person, they must show you their police warrant card. This is proof of their identity and authority, call 101 to verify this if you are at all concerned. Contact by Phone and Email: If an officer contacts you on the telephone or by email, they'll identify themselves clearly. They will never ask you: - for your bank details or PIN to transfer funds to another account to hand over cash or bank cards to a courier to pay a fine or a fee over the phone or online for remote access to your computer and log on details to register personal details in an attachment they send or on a website to 'assist' in an investigation by doing any of the above to click on a hyperlink to participate in an investigation If you are unsure about whether the person you are dealing with is a genuine police officer – STOP – and call 101 to check their identity.
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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
Beauty at Eden
Hall Upstairs
SWRI (Women’s Institute)
Midmar Hall
If you need assistance please contact us or bring you problem to one of our repair cafes on: - 23rd June & 24th August (14:00 - 16:00).
Thursday
Beauty at Eden
Hall Upstairs
Circuit Training
Midmar Hall
Play Mahjong
Jubilee Room
Friday
Men’s Shed— Activity Shed by Hall
Fleeman Productions Double Bill—Doric Comedy evening Thursday 27 June at 7.30pm “ Evie ” a true Aberdonian whose sharp wit and humour are shared with her cat, as she faces a huge change to her way of life. “ Gosser ’ s Gala ” a village gala day, where the weather and cub scouts get in the way of things running smoothly. Tickets, are £10, online at ticketsource.co.uk/fleeman - productions or email sarahkearns50@gmail.com
We normally meet on the last Saturday Morning of a month. Informal gatherings for children 0 - 5 years with parents and guardians
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, 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
During Day by Appointment
Jane Aiken 07715 692444
SWRI Restarts in September
Summer Break Restarts September
Bev Mackinlay 01330 833513 Judith Stokoe 01330 833719
During Day by Appointment
Jane Aiken 07715 692444
( 2nd Wednesdays) Bev Mackinlay 01330 833513
6.45pm - 7.45pm
Pamela Black 07833 900620
Thursday Evenings by arrangement
Bea Bennett 07884 211843
Mahjong June & August on
10am-1pm
Nigel Bennett 07464 552550
Thursday evenings, fun for all.
Our Autumn edition will be published in late August, if you are organising an event of any sort in and around Midmar area, let us know and we can promote it. newsletter@midmarhall.com Hall users advertise free and we welcome others to sponsor us with adverts at competitive rates: - Business Card Size : - £25 Half A5 page : - £45 Whole A5 page : - £80
Bea Bennett for details …. beateben@gmail.com or call 07884 211843
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The Midmar Men ’ s Shed The foundations for the new Shed are progressing amazingly well with the backfill, drainage and ducting now being installed. Next steps may require some temporary access restrictions at the back of the Hall (services connections), alternative routes will be posted.
We have collected a large amount of PIR insulation for the floor and walls, donated by local trades and individuals. We are very grateful for all that has been received so far, and would welcome any more (most are offcuts that would otherwise have been destined for the landfill). We do have bit of a challenge storing this insulation, so if anyone
has space in a barn or shed that we could use, it would be very helpful (just needs to be windproof). Apart from the collection of PIR that we have amassed, we again wish to thank Miller Plant for support with our endeavours.
Whilst the new Shed has been the main focus, many Shedders have recently been heavily involved in the Comers Bridge replacement, with a lot of time, equipment and effort put in to complete the task. Deconstruction happened over Easter, with various phases of construction following on, as weather permitted. The much improved bridge is now in service; stronger and safer than before. While normal Shed activities
have been on the back burner with these other priorities, there are a couple of items of furniture under repair, and we have assisted with the installation of swivel mounts for the
Shed Hours : Tuesday ’ s 18:30 — 21:00 & Friday ’ s 09:30 - 13:00 Web : www.midmar.uk Tel : 07464 552550 Email : midmarmensshed@gmail.com Nextdoor : mensshedmidmar
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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.
front seats of a campervan. Also, some new shelving material has been sourced, cut and installed at the Midmar School to help with storage of paper items.
In April we welcomed a visit from the Scottish Men’s Shed’s Association (SMSA). They were to have visited before, but on both occasions the weather got in the way (snow and floods). They appreciated
seeing what we do, and the progress that we have been making with the new Shed. Interestingly, despite the SMSA supporting over 200 Sheds across Scotland, the government has zero funding assigned to help the organization.
Every year it is a battle to get funding, and it takes a big effort not only from the SMSA, but also lobbying by our local MSP, who is a great supporter of the cause. If you would like to support the petition to call on the Scottish government to provide some regular funding, please do so here: 38degrees SMSA funding petition (link included on web version of newsletter or use this QR code). There are roughly 4200 signatures so far, with 5000 required for the issue to become a discussion in the Scottish parliament.
Shed Walks and the Repair Café’s are continuing, but at a slightly reduced interval. Meantime, if you need help with something, do please get in touch.
Morning Walks: 3rd June, 1st July (09:30 - 13:00) Repair Cafes: 23rd June, 24th August (14:00 - 16:00)
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Midmar Hall 100 Club
And the winners of the MAY prize draw are … First £100 - Martin Begg Second £60 - Liz Cook Third £30 - Gareth Brown Fourth £25 - Jessica Liddiard So that is it for 2023/2024, thank you ALL for your support. To try your luck in 2024/2025 and support Midmar Hall at the same time, get your lucky number by filling in the adjacent form or eMail Midmar100club@gmail.com. The form allows up to FIVE members from each household to have a number. It costs £15 for each number and this will enter you into all the remaining draws until May next year. Draws are normally made during the
monthly community café held on the 1st Friday of a month.
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‘100 Club’
Midmar Hall ‘100 Club’
C/O MEIKLE MIDMAR
Prize Draw
MIDMAR
Membership Form
INVERURIE
2024 - 2025
AB51 7LS
For an annual subscription of £15 per name your form will be entered in to the quarterly draw that takes place in August, November, February and May
First Prize: £100 Second Prize: £60 Third Prize: £30 Fourth Prize: £25
(This form allows up to 5 members of the same household to enter)
Name 1 :___________________________________________________________
Name 2 :___________________________________________________________
Name 3 :___________________________________________________________
Name 4 :___________________________________________________________
Name 5 :____________________________________________________________
Address: ___________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________Postcode:___________________
e - mail: _____________________________________________________________
PAYMENT BY BANK TRANSFER ONLY EMAIL FORM TO midmar100club@gmail.com
Sort Code: 82 61 00 Account No. 00396512 Use your name as a reference.
Bank transfer details:
Signed: ______________________________________ Date: _________________
Return the completed form to the email address above Your 100 club ‘ lucky ’ number will be advised upon receipt of payment and a completed form
Winners are announced in the Midmar Newsletter, on our Facebook Page (What ’ s on in and around Midmar) and on our website www.midmarhall.com
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Cut this page out,
fill the form on the
reverse and
send to :-
100Club
c/o MEIKLE MIDMAR
MIDMAR
INVERURIE
AB51 7LS
Or SCAN and
eMail to
midmar100club@gmail.com
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Take the weight & Exercise your grey cells
Thanks to Guardian Website for this download.
Check your ANSWERS Page 36
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The Larch ‘ I frequently tramped eight or ten miles through the deepest snow to keep an appointment with a beech - tree, or a yellow birch, or an old acquaintance among the pines ’. - Henry David Thoreau In this “ Neck of the Woods ”, we, as a community in Midmar, are blessed with the opportunity to make our acquaintance with a number of trees. Moreover, due to the foresighted planting policy of Corsindae Estate, this area, one anticipates, will be graced by a lot of trees in years to come.
For me there is one particular favourite, in my own ‘ backyard ’, which is not so far to tramp! A European Larch, now in its winter mode and raiment. This was planted, as a 5 foot sapling, approximately thirty five years ago. At the time of writing it survives; indeed thrives. It has, thus far, weathered many winter tempests and summer droughts. The European Larch, known as ‘ Larix decidua ’, apparently may grow to 30 or 40 meters and live for 230 years, all things being equal! Impressive! According to information from the ‘ Woodland Trust ’, this tree provides a habitat for much wildlife ……
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‘ The seeds of the European larch are eaten by red squirrels and a number of birds, including the siskin and lesser redpoll, while the buds and immature cones are eaten by black grouse. The caterpillars of many moths feed on the foliage, including the case - bearer moth and larch pug. Larch Tortrix moth caterpillars eat the cone scales ’. I have noticed too that my Larch tree is also a good perching point for the vigilant crows.
As an observer of its seasonal growth pattern, to me it is a harbinger of the approaching season. As I pen this in March, just now tiny green shoots, barely perceptible, indicate the slowly approaching spring solstice. As local residents will know, the advent of spring as witnessed in the weather and many plant growth patterns in these parts, tends to drag its heels, often until May.
‘ For in the true nature of things, if we rightly consider. Every green tree is far more glorious, than if it were made of gold and silver ’ - Martin Luther
In this burgeoning season, the green shoots of the Larch will have developed into small purple buds, known as larch roses, indicating the renaissance of growth and vigour. As the warmer months develop the iridescent pale green shoots take on a darker hue. New cones grow
and the branches droop under the weight. In high summer, the tree is at the apogee of its beauty. For me this tree holds a special place in my heart, insofar as it is a symbol of resilience, adaptation and fortitude. ‘ The silent echo of the frozen voice of God ’ (Not attributed but quoted by Lorenzo Ricciardi)
In European folklore, the larch was said to protect against enchantment. The wearing and burning of larch was thought to protect against evil spirits. However, I have not yet gone into production of larch based garments!
Article by Faith Mackenzie March 2024
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Foot Bridge A
The work took about a month but the foot bridge crossin with new materials that are more substantial than w In the last year, many individuals and several local busine equipment to make the project a success. Mid We even had some fun along the way too and on the odd o
Article submitted by Rob Ferguson : rob.ferg
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Across the Burn
ng Milton Burn linking Comers with Glenwood has been rebuilt what we replaced. It will be good for another 30+ years. esses have contributed materials, money, skills, time, tools and dmar can be very proud of what has been achieved. occasion, when the sun came out, it is a lovely spot for a picnic.
guson@aiexps.co.uk : 07767 317486
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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 ”
Answers to the Quick Crossword on Page 27
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● 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
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