Community

News

By bellmannews / August 10, 2022

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Aberdeenshire Council’s Community Led Vision Fund is now live and open for applications, providing up to £50,000 to support local projects.

Grants are being invited from public sector organisations, small to medium-sized enterprises, charities, community groups and co-operatives throughout Aberdeenshire (excluding the Cairngorms area) and can fund a range of activities with positive community, social or environmental impacts. 

Applications will be assessed and approved by a combined North and South Local Action Group (LAG), a cross-sector partnership comprising of representatives from Aberdeenshire’s public and private sector.

The fund is part of the council’s Local Development Funding Programme and grants will be targeted towards activities or infrastructure which can be delivered before March 2023 and support one or more of the following priorities:

• Capacity Building to ‘unlock’ projects (e.g. feasibility, pre-construction work, options appraisals)
• Quick win capital work for community spaces (e.g. improving interiors in newly re-opened community buildings, or energy efficiency measures)
• Green public spaces (e.g. planting or restoring green spaces, outdoor play/recreation)
• Opportunities for young people (creating or improving spaces, purchasing equipment, etc.)

Grants of between £5,000 and £50,000 will be available, and a minimum 10% match funding contribution to projects by applicants is desirable but not essential.

LAG Chair Gina Ford said: “We are delighted to announce the launch of this exciting new programme, and build upon the legacy of LEADER funding and rural development in this area over recent decades.”

Infrastructure Services Committee chair Cllr John Crawley added: “This fund is broad-ranging and very much community-led, and builds on schemes that have helped local projects reach fruition in the past.

“We’d love to see applications from community groups and organisations that are in a position to be able to move their projects forward in the current financial year.”

Committee vice-chair Cllr Isobel Davidson said: “This fund has the capacity to support both smaller and larger projects and could be just what is needed to help communities bring local projects into reality.

“The important thing here is that the projects must be completed before the end of March next year, so groups should move quickly if they wish to take advantage of this funding, and our teams are happy to provide support with the application process.”

The deadline for submission of applications is Sunday, September 11, and potential applicants can access the application form and guidance via https://bit.ly/CLLD2223

Applicants are also encouraged to contact the funding team for more information and support at externalfunding@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

Sports

Stoney Golf

By Alex Russon / August 10, 2022

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It’s been another week littered with competition here at Stonehaven Golf Club, a plethora of members able to enjoy their fifteen minutes of fame. With some events split into three divisions the leading scorers list can appear endless but nevertheless, each deserves the limelight following a fine round and it gives them a chance to impress house visitors with their framed photo of the scoreboard hung in the bathroom.

The highlights from this week can be summarised thus –

-The Midweek Medal found the more senior members of our fraternity in fine form, each division won by individuals of a vintage that remember slate and chalk being used in the classroom

-D Henderson, R Hampson & I Carnie topped their respective divisions in the Innes Medal with scores in the very low 60s.

-S Dempster won the 9 Hole Stableford (no biggy though given anyone can string a handful of good holes together so forgive me if I don’t roll out the red carpet. Let’s see what he’s made of over a proper full round of golf)

-The Ladies feasted on several competitive events with a lengthy scroll of honour below, but Pam Leiper takes the plaudits having won the Ladies Golden Oldies event eighty years to the very day that she was brought into the world!

-new signage at the gully

-The DF Leslie draw was made after Saturday’s second qualifying event, you’ll find details on the club noticeboard.

And just a word on that DF Leslie Trophy item. This is a matchplay event for which I qualified (quite comfortably) however I’m falling on my sword and withdrawing this year. Two reasons really, a) it gives others a chance, but more pertently, b) to announce my retirement from domestic and international Singles matchplay golf. It’s come to my attention that I can no longer suffer the torment of ‘shall I / shan’t I’ decisions over whether to concede short putts. The puppy dog eyes from opponents appealing for mercy, the awkwardness as their two footer slips by, the insincere words of consolation from opponents who’ve watched you muff your short putt (when inside they’re performing cartwheels). No, the whole farrago is just a nightmare for this lily livered soft southerner so I hereby withdraw from all matchplay competition.

It’s a win-win for all parties; I don’t have to suffer anymore tumbleweed moments and you don’t have to suffer the horror of three hours of me singlehanded. And before you take a sigh of relief Scott Cameron, I’m still gonna be playing the RBS, I’ll just appoint you as team captain to deal with any awkward moments and consequent pelters.

Results

Innes Medal
Div 1 – D Henderson 60; K Murdoch 62; C Taylor 64
Div 2 – R Hampson 61; R Hemphill 64; G Sangster 64
Div 3 – I Carnie 62; W Shepherd62; G McHardy 64

Wednesday Medal
Div 1 – A Officer 63; A Smith 64; S McGhie 65
Div 2 – I Shearer 63; K Howie 65; R Shearer 66
Div 3 – I Groundwater 62; S Crabb 63; W Shepherd 64

Midweek 9 Hole Stableford
S Dempster 19; A Geddes 18; R Smith 18

Ladies Medal
Div 1 – J Bradford 68; Y Scott 72; W Lawrence 72
Div 2 – A McMenemy 68; M Duncan 68; R Ericsson 70

Ladies 9 Hole Stableford
P Johnston 19; P Leiper 17; J Mackintosh 16

Ladies 3ball Better Ball
J Blackburn/S Forbes/P Parker 120
K Groundwater/J Bradford/W Lawrence 126
P Droy/R Menzies/T McKenzie 126

Ladies Golden Oldies
P Leiper 4; L Molloy 4.5; J Mackintosh 5.5

Letters to The Bellman

By bellmannews / August 9, 2022

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Dear Bellman,

I would like to share a few thoughts about the Curry Night at the Carron to Mumbai in Stonehaven that was held on the 3^rd of August for the Erskine Veterans Charity. 

First, I would like to thank Abdul Hamid and his team that worked so hard to make this event possible.  You could imagine all the Turmeric and Garam Masala spice cloud in the kitchen busy making the exquisite banquet for us to salivate over, not only that, we had the pleasure of eating it in a beautiful and unique Art Deco building built in 1937 and without visionaries like Abdul, it may have gone.

I have to also thank all the charitable people that came and supported the Erskine Veterans Charity also lovely to see some veterans there. At a guess my mother would have been the oldest veteran at 91. Plus my family and school friends some I haven’t seen since I was child in shorts and wellies.

Also thank you to all that donated raffle prizes especially to Giulianottis yet an other historic Stonehaven gem

Not forgetting IceKool Katz from Aberdeen that provide the music that was loved by all

With mixing all those ingredients into the karahi it was a recipe of fun, laughter, new friends made and old ones reunited. It was also primarily to raise funds for Erskine Veterans Charity .

Drum roll …

We were able to raise £1050 

Thank you from the bottom of my heart and on behalf of Erskine Veterans Charity

Yours etc

Bob MacRae-Clifton

News

By Jane Cruickshank / August 8, 2022

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MEDITERRANEAN sunshine was the finishing touch today, when Beautiful Scotland judges visited the town to admire the work of volunteers from across the community who co-operated and conspired to have Stonehaven looking its very best.

The route took in the train station, wildflower parkland, the Men’s Shed, Open Air Pool, Burns Garden, Market Square and onto the boardwalk and harbour. Along the way, judges Sandy Scott and Adrian Miles met with locals who discussed the points of interest and gave heritage and background information.

Wild about flowers

Wildflowers featured prominently with Horizon volunteer Kirby Porter presenting on the diversity of flora at our boardwalk. Earlier this year, Kirby conducted a survey and found over 50 different specimens.

And a long-lost Stonehaven botanist was resurrected by writer Alistair Lawrie, who discovered the town was the birth place of a man renowned in his time as a collector of wildflowers. Born in 1794, John Duncan was hailed by Charles Darwin as a ‘fellow botanist’.

Alistair has written a short story about Duncan’s life and work – this features in a project undertaken by the Mearns Writers to put together a walking route around the town with poetic recitations to be accessed and enjoyed. Funding for a leaflet has recently been secured, so this should be a welcome addition to days out in the town and hopefully a successful entry in the Beautiful Scotland Year of Stories Award.

Junior chef is recipe for success

After a tour of inspection lasting two and a half hours, a cup of tea was a welcome conclusion. Mackie Academy’s work towards environmental accreditation was showcased with the help of Phoebe Lawson. The fifteen-year-old made a study of the herbs available around the town in public gardens and planters – and put together a recipe book using those herbs, including freshly baked cheese and chive scones that were served to the suitably appreciative judges.

Horizon covenor John Cruickshank said he was delighted with the way the judging visit went.

”I think we smashed it out of the park,” he said. ”The town is looking absolutely fabulous. I am totally delighted at all the support shown for Stonehaven’s entry in Beautiful Scotland. We just have to keep our fingers crossed now until September, when we get the results.”

Feature image Phoebe Lawson’s cheese and chive scone were a tasty treat for judges Adrian Miles and Sandy Scott.

Sports

By bellmannews / August 6, 2022

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Preparations for the popular Voyonic Grampian Forest Rally are gathering pace as organisers Stonehaven and District Motor Club announce outline plans to welcome spectators to watch the action this August 13, after being forced to run behind closed doors in 2021.
 
Based in Banchory, just outside of Aberdeen, the Grampian will once again welcome the prestigious Motorsport UK British Rally Championship and KNC Groundworks Scottish Rally Championship to the event, offering a spectacular day of action in the nearby Kincardineshire forests.
 
As the biggest motorsport event in the northeast of Scotland, an impressive entry of drivers from across the UK and beyond will tackle the popular stages in the forests of Durris, Fetteresso and Drumtochty with a central rally base at Milton of Crathes.
 
And after COVID restrictions prevented fans from attending last year, rally organisers are delighted to open the doors to spectators next month, enabling them to witness some of the fastest rally drivers in Europe blast through the gravel test in a spectacular display of skill and precision.
 
Banchory will offer the first chance to view the cars and crews with the Ceremonial Start taking place in the public car park just off the B974 from around 08:40 on Saturday morning. Onlookers will have the chance to chat to the drivers and get up close and personal to the cars before they head out into the forests for the day.
 
The Zenith Energy Durris test hosts the opening stage of the event and the first of two spectator areas on the stages. Accessed from Denside, south of the B9077 near Crathes, the area enjoys catering and facilities alongside a fast and sweeping section of the stage which offers great viewing and is run twice during the day. The first stage kicks off from around 09:00 with the second pass at 14:45.
 
Stages three and six at the John Wink Design Finglenny house the second location, with easy access off the A957 just north of Rickarton before a drive into the forest to the spectator parking. Also with catering and facilities, this spot overlooks a more technical section of the stage, with competitors having to negotiate a bridge and tight left hander in front of the spectator area. Be in place for 12:00 for the first run and 15:10 for the second.
 
The ceremonial finish and traditional champagne spray will take place at Milton of Crathes from around 16:15 where the winner of the event will be crowned.
 
Each spectator area requires a £10 cash donation the local charities manning the area. More information including spectator access maps, entry list and timings will be available on the event website in the coming days.
 
Regular updates will be posted on the event’s social media channels and website: www.grampianforestrally.com

Advertising Feature

Community

By bellmannews / August 6, 2022

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A STONEHAVEN based zero waste and refill store is celebrating consistent growth by 
opening a second shop.

Replenish, which opened for business in Stonehaven in November 2020, opened its 
second store in Chapelton, Aberdeenshire.

Situated in Chapelton’s unique box park shopping centre, a collection of shipping
containers adapted into business units, Replenish at Chapelton opened for business on 20 July 2022. 

Specialising in fruit and veg, locally produce, and refills, Replenish at Chapelton 
encourages customers to join the refill revolution and ‘BYOC – bring your own containers’ to stock up with household essentials including flour, cereals, herbs & spices and pasta plus laundry detergent and conditioner. 

Like the flagship store in Stonehaven, Replenish at Chapelton will stock a selection of 
locally produced food celebrating the best the North-east and Scotland has to offer – 
including dairy produce, bread, soft drinks, cured meats, gluten free and vegan friendly products.

Owner, Donna Maver’s passion for local produce, supporting the local economy and 
considering smarter shopping as a way of reducing food miles and wastage is the driving force behind Replenish and its expansion.

Donna said: “I opened Replenish in November 2020 during the pandemic and, while I was confident the concept of a refill store would be well received, it was still daunting.

“Our customers quickly embraced our call to join the refill revolution and bring their own containers to refill with various dried goods, cleaning products and toiletries.

“The demand for locally sourced fruit and veg surpassed my expectations, within a few months of opening we launched our weekly veg box delivery service which was 
earlier than I had planned. Demand has steadily grown, so much so I applied for funding to purchase an electric van for our expanding delivery round.”

She added: “Opening another shop was part of the plan and I had my sights set on 
Chapelton. Chapelton’s focus on community and sustainability perfectly aligns with my values. It is a bustling wee town with lots of events designed to build community spirit and attract visitors.

“Local shops are at the heart of communities. Customers want to shop local to support local producers . They also want to make better shopping choices which will benefit the environment and their health while also saving money and reducing waste.

“With the current cost of living crisis, being able to buy only what you need is a money saver. The majority of our fruit and veg is loose so rather than having to buy a pre-packed kilo of carrots, customers can buy just one or two saving money and plastic packing going to landfill. 

“Plus, how many times have you found a new recipe that calls for a teaspoon each of several spices and those wee jars have sat languishing at the back of your cupboard for years? At Replenish, if you only need a couple of teaspoons of a few spices you can buy just that. Just bring your own container.”

Open seven days a week, Replenish at Chapelton can be found at The Boxes at 
Chapelton, Greenlaw Road, Chapelton, AB39 8BA. On Facebook  and Instagram or contact by email: donna@replenish.shop

Community

News

By bellmannews / August 3, 2022

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Communities, businesses, agents and owners are being encouraged to submit their entries now for the Aberdeenshire Architectural and Landscape Design Awards 2023. 

Now in their 13^th year, the Aberdeenshire Architectural and Landscape Design Awards will be given to outstanding design achievements in the categories of Business and Community Enterprise, Conservation and Building Adaptation, Innovative Single House Design (including extensions), Landscape and Biodiversity Design and Building Communities for the Future.

Eligible projects include extensions, single houses, commercial properties, landscaping schemes, regeneration projects and the creation of new communities. Submissions will be open until Friday 23 December 2022. The first phase of judging will take place in March 2023, ahead of further judging in July 2023, and the winners announced at a ceremony in Aberdeenshire on 5October 2023.

The Awards were established in 1997 as a means of raising the profile of good innovative design. Taking place every two years, the awards provide a benchmark for the quality of recent development and the effectiveness of planning policies. It also seeks to inspire excellence and innovation across Aberdeenshire.

The judging panel will feature the chair and vice chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee (ISC), four external professional advisors and the winner of last year’s student award.

There are three tiers of award: Distinction, Highly Commended and Commended along with the Ian Shepherd Award given to the entry considered to be the best of all those submitted.

Paul Macari Head of Service for Planning and Economy said, “This is the part of the process which is the most exciting, seeing the innovative projects being submitted and getting the opportunity to be amazed by the range of projects underway in the North east of Scotland. I encourage everyone, be that homeowners, developers, students or designers, to look at the categories. I feel sure there is something for everyone in there.”

To submit an entry, read the category descriptions or to see previous winners, please follow the link: https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/planning/built-heritage/aberdeenshire-design-awards/ 

Community

Sports

Stoney Golf

By Alex Russon / August 3, 2022

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The Junior Section took centre stage last week, the last of this year’s club championships being played out over two rounds. A brief squint at the clubhouse’s junior honours board reveals a parade of winners who subsequently went on to forge excellent reputations as full members. The club takes great pride in the ongoing development of its youngsters and looks forward to many more years of great golf from the current crop.

Congratulations to Connor Dalglish for winning the gross event with a two round total of 148, playing Josh Killoh into second place with the latest Locke starlet (Charlie) finishing third. In the nett event it was Alana Henderson who took the honours, a fine achievement given significant competition. The Gully Cup was hotly contested too with three players ending on the same score, Charlie Locke winning by virtue of countback.

The club has been awash with competitions in recent days so you’ll find a fulsome list of results below. Some of the scoring has been remarkable, not least the winner of the midweek Stableford who weighed in with 46 points if you please. The conditions have been benign lately but that’s still solid shooting right there and likewise from S Forbes who won the Stroke with a score in the net fifties, a fine feat indeed.

In other news, the SGC fashion police were out in full force during last Wednesday’s Stableford. A gaggle of members at the gully took the trouble to ridicule my attire as I ventured onto the 16th tee, my last three holes also accompanied by catcalls from familiar faces on the 2nd and 3^rd who felt I needed to be taken to task. Simon Mitchell put a tin hat on it when hollering “you belong at T In The Park” as I addressed my tee shot on the final hole. Lesson learned, I’ll be sure to wear my best bib and tucker for this week’s Medal, folded handkerchief protruding from the breast pocket and a trilby hat up top, tilted at a jaunty angle.

Results

Stroke & DF Leslie Qualifier Rd 1
S Forbes 59; B Wood 60; M Cockerell 62

Midweek Stableford (18 holes)
M Innes 46; S Irvine 44; A Milroy 43

Midweek Stableford (9 holes)
M Summers 20; I Burnett 19; G Jack 19

Senior Medal
Div 1 – G Brown 64; S McGhie 66; H Roulston 66
Div 2 – R Samuel 59; J Neal 60; M Ritchie 63
Div 3 – I Groundwater 57; R Pitchers 61; J Adam 63

Ladies Medal
Div 1 – F Armstrong 69; M Skidmore 70; J Bradford 70
Div 2 – M Duncan 67; A McMenemy 67; M Samuel 69

Ladies Stableford (9 holes)
P Leiper 16; J Mackintosh 16; J Blackburn 16

Ladies ‘Throw-Out’
S Henderson 43; A McMenemy 46; W Eccles 47

Ladies Putter Quaich
F Armstrong 29; C Duncan 31; R Riddell 32

Junior Championship (Gross)
C Dalglish 148; J Killoh 154; C Locke 157

Junior Championship (Nett)
A Henderson 136; C Locke 139; J Killoh 140

Junior Championship Gully Cup

C Locke 23

Junior Stableford (18 holes)
J Sutherland 38; J Killoh 27

Junior Stableford (9 holes)
J Boggon 19; D Moseley 19; M Skidmore 15

Reporter – Alex Russon

News

By Jane Cruickshank / August 1, 2022

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AN ARMY of volunteers is gearing up for a final push to have Stonehaven looking its best when Beautiful Scotland judges visit next Monday – August 8.

The entry is being led by the Horizon Group but, like last year, many of the town’s other groups are weighing in to help including the Rotary Club, Men’s Shed, Friends of Pool, Fatherland Burns Society, Lions, RNLI and Fireballs Association.

And a host of individual foot soldiers are doing their bit to keep the town spick and span including retired fisherman Ian Balgowan now sweeps the boardwalk clear of sand and shingle.

Horizon convenor John Cruickshank said he was delighted with the support being shown for this year’s entry in the competition that encourages both civic pride and environmental awareness.

He said: ”The troops that saw active service last year have re-mobilised and are on manoeuvres armed with brushes and hand tools. If you are out and about, you are likely to see them attending to our final preparations.

”And the lads from Aberdeenshire Council’s landscape services and roads departments are doing a huge amount to help. We will have Stonehaven looking its very best for the judges.”

Bid for community garden award

One area to be particularly scrutinised by the judges is the fireballs-inspired Market Square community garden, which has been entered for the Haddington 700 award. This recognises heritage celebrated through horticulture. Last year, Stonehaven won the award for its Burns Memorial Garden.

”It would be great if we could pull off a second win,” said Mr Cruickshank.

”The Market Square will be be one of the highlights for our judges, as the R W Thomson Memorial team are putting on a special exhibition of vehicles and a display to mark the 200th anniversary.”

Last year, Stonehaven was given a high Silver Gilt award for its entry in the Coastal Town section. This year, said Mr Cruickshank, the mission is to secure a Gold.