FGD- Issue 12 - Christmas 2019

Fit’s gan Doune?!

Welcome to issue 12 of Strathdon Area’s Local Newsletter

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Donside Girls win U13 Girls World Football Cup

Donside Girls returned to Aberdeen from Barcelona at the start of November in
high spirits, having won the inaugural tournament after an all-Scottish final against
Gartcairn Girls, in which scores stood at 0-0 at half-time.

This is a fantastic achievement for local players, including
Strathdon’s Chloe Ogg, pictured here holding the trophy,
and her team
mates April,
Aimee, Holly,
Michaela, Kerin,
Darcie, Sofia,
Lucy, Penny and
Sally.

________ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______

Check out www.fitsgandoune.co.uk for news, events and local businesses

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Strathdon Community The group has been very busy this
Development Trust year accessing funding, and
negotiating new paths and
Strathdon Community Development maintaining old. Paths for All funding
Trust was created to help improve the supported the creation of a new off-
quality of life of everyone living or road footpath linking the Lonach Hall
working in, or visiting, our amazing and Steading Bar with Bellabeg. In
local area. Our focus is based on the coordination with Gordon
Strathdon Area Community Action Woodlands, existing paths on Ben
Plan (CAP), published in May 2016. Newe have been maintained, and the
This sets out a range of priorities to Deochry carpark is being extended.
make our community more resilient
and sustainable in the future. Walking Weekend
In September the Paths Group held its
Our first Trust AGM was held on 25 first Walking Weekend, based at
October 2019 and included a lovely Glenbuchat Hall. Heritage and
dinner provided by local member geology walks and talks were enjoyed
Sally Scott. The evening was an by around 35 people, thanks to the
opportunity to look back at what had efforts of walk leaders and despite
been achieved and to look ahead to poor weather. The fantastic grub
our immediate priorities. Highlights provided by the Hall and the evening
include: ceilidh were highlights. Another
possible weekend is planned for June
Snow gates webcam 2020.
A webcam was installed at the snow
gates at Cock Bridge for winter road Fit’s gan Doune newsletter
users’ safety, using funding from Thanks to Jeff and Jessica Simpson,
Aberdeenshire Council. All Fit’s gan Doune is now produced at a
contractors were local, ensuring the very fair cost in Deskryside. We would
money spent benefitted local like to thank everyone for their
businesses. contributions, and to ask people to
www.snowgatecameras.co.uk help distribute copies to elderly
neighbours and friends. Currently, we
Bellabeg tennis court produce 250 copies and aim to get
An army of local volunteers, Richard them to everyone interested.
Marsh and a hard-won grant from Distribution points are Goodbrands,
Aberdeenshire Council, achieved the Bellabeg Shop, Strathdon Surgery and
refurbishment of the tennis court. Glenkindie Garage.
The court was hugely enjoyed
throughout the summer.
Paths Group

Looking ahead create a historic community asset.
Other suggestions include the
The priority for 2020 is to identify forming of a local heritage group,
ways we can generate income to building on the large turnout to a
support our ongoing work. As well as recent talk on local limekilns held at
supporting local groups and Glenbuchat Bothy. Meanwhile,
developing projects, this includes anyone interested in ‘mapping’ our
providing public liability insurance for local area in some format by pulling
local volunteers and activities, together knowledge, stories,
running the webcam and overseeing photographs and observations of the
the delivery of our CAP. We need area, however minute or obscure,
regular income to support these. We should contact Isobel Gilchrist
will explore the installation of local ([email protected]).
campervan hook-up pitches, as well
as electric car charging points. The Trust also hopes to arrange a
Further suggestions include Spring Gathering for local groups. This
facilitating donations from members is to update, share and discuss
and sponsorship from local activities, issues, enable cross-
businesses. Any other ideas are fertilisation of ideas and identify
welcome! areas of common interest. To be kept
in the loop, contact John Morris
Other issues discussed at the AGM ([email protected]).
included the challenges of local public
transport. A Strathdon Car Share Continued support
group has been established on Whats
App. To join, contact Steve Cameron Finally, the Trust exists for the benefit
(07899 994140). of all. It is run by volunteers and is
always looking for new members and
Jock Edwards highlighted the supporters. If you would like to join
importance of the local defibrillators us, give a donation or become more
and offered to check the status of all personally involved, please contact
defibrillators and their peripherals. John Morris
([email protected]). We
The proposal for a new Gairnshiel have space on our board, as well as a
Bridge to be constructed alongside vacancy for the position of treasurer.
the original was raised as a topic of Volunteers to help support this
local interest. Planning consultation valued work would be much
will take place in 2020. appreciated!

The new owners of the Mill of Click on ‘Just Giving’ on the snowgate
Glenbuchat raised the issue of webcam page to make donations.
heritage, suggesting a collaborative, www.snowgatecameras.co.uk
longterm project to return the old
mill to its original working state and

Silver Circle news November in the Lonach Hall, from
10am to 1pm. This event will differ
We’d like to say a huge thank you to from those in previous years. There
everyone who supported our October will be local stalls, teas and coffees,
Coffee morning in aid of Books and entertainment from local
Abroad, which raised £223. musicians and highland dancers.
Please join us in our festive spirit!
Summer seems a distant memory
now, but in warmer weather we We then have a busy December
enjoyed a visit to Glenkindie House planned with Christmas Bingo, a trip
Gardens, as well as an outing to to the pantomime, and our Christmas
Potarch. We also made a trip to Lunch.
Baxters Highland Village and had a
super lunch at Christies of Fochabers. The Day centre meets every
Wednesday (10am to 3pm) in the
One of our members is a wonderful upstairs Lonach Hall. Anyone who is
pianist. A recent opportunity to over 60 or in need of company is
appreciate her talent saw us singing welcome to come along – it is the
Scottish songs to her music. We also perfect place to meet and enjoy the
had a very interactive morning with companionship of others and there’s
the Cushnie Handbell Ringers and always a variety of activities on the
their beautiful gentle bells! go. Tea and coffee and a delicious
lunch are also on offer.
We have started a reading group and
have a creative writer coming in to Please do get in touch if you would
work with small groups. Arts and like to come along (07771 749849 or
crafts are often on the go and [email protected])
afternoons frequently see
competitive whist and Scrabble You can contact us on the same
tables. There’s always some less number / email if you’d like to
serious activities available too. volunteer. Although we have several
volunteers who allow the day centre
We have recently appointed an to run we always need more – the
assistant day centre organiser, Jenny more volunteers we have, the more
Rodger. Jenny has been a day centre varied activities we can offer.
volunteer for over 2 years and is a
very welcome addition as a staff In addition to the day centre, the
member. Silver Circle operates a shopping bus
on Friday mornings (01975651798 or
Our Christmas event this year will be 01975651272) and can arrange
a Christmas Coffee Morning with transport to medical appointments
Entertainment, on Saturday 30th (07707 624657)

Towie & District Senior The Practice will be closed from 6 pm
Citizens Club on Tuesday 24 December and will
reopen on Friday 27 December.
A terrifically successful concert with We then close for the New Year break
comedian Eddie Rose and the Garioch from 6 pm on Tuesday 31 December
Blend was held on a very wet Sunday and reopen on Friday 3 January 2020.
afternoon in Towie Hall. On 30 With best wishes for a happy and
November, the SCC will have a table healthy Christmas and New Year,
at the Silver Circle’s Christmas Fair, at from all at Strathdon Medical Centre.
which it will offer a hamper and other
prizes in a Buy-a-Square Competition. Scottish Sculpture Workshop
turns 40!
The Club will hold its Christmas Lunch
at the Kildrummy Inn on Thursday 5 Lumsden’s SSW celebrated its
December at 12.30 pm for 1 pm. anniversary in November with a
Members should give their names to weekend of making sessions with
Janet by 1 December. After-lunch Lumsden schoolchildren and
entertainment will be provided. community workshops in metal
casting, as well as an outdoor raku
Strathdon Medical Centre news firing of ceramics. On the Saturday
evening a crowd gathered for a
Cath Gillespie has retired from her dramatic iron pour and bonfire party.
post as receptionist at the surgery The Workshop, started by Fred Bushe
and we wish her a long and happy in 1979, was the first sculpture-
retirement. Meanwhile, we welcome specific workshop in the UK. Curated
back Lynne Strachan as Cath’s projects have explored a dialogue
replacement. considering the rural locale within the
wider globalised society.
Flu vaccinations are still available for Photograph by Felicity Crawshaw
those eligible. Please call to make an
appointment.

We would be grateful if all patients
could keep the practice up to date
with any changes to contact details,
especially mobile phone numbers.

Please order your prescriptions in
plenty of time for collection before
the Xmas and New Year Break.

Strathdon School sports area Round the halls

The Strathdon School community is Glenbuchat Hall has developed a
delighted at how the school reputation for live music that attracts
playground was transformed over the audiences from the wider area to this
summer break to provide a wonderful unlikely venue in a remote glen,
area suitable for a range of sporting where folk in the know are assured of
and play activities. a fantastic evening with superb
music. The Hall has become a
The children are using the new favourite with groups from both the
artificial grass area on a daily basis UK and across the pond, with recent
and fully enjoying the space. appearances including the beguiling
Birds of Chicago, the Nordic Fiddlers
We would like to thank everyone for Bloc and the Lonesome Ace String
their generous contributions which Band. In 2018 the Hall was one of
have ensured that children who four finalists for Venue of the Year in
attend Strathdon School will enjoy the Scots Trad Music Awards.
the area for many years to come.
In November, Corgarff Hall held a
Say the children: fundraising evening titled ‘Flix from
the Stix’ and showed two films about
‘It’s good to take your shoes off and Corgarff, ‘What they do in Winter’
lie down on it.’ made in 1976, and an Edinburgh
University student production filmed
‘The big ones get space and the little in 1964. The audience was led
ones get space. It’s big enough for us spellbound on a trip down memory
all.’ lane, punctuated by some hilarity at
the commentary and warm
‘A million, thousand thumbs up recognition of familiar places and
because the new area is brilliant!’ faces.

‘My mum doesn’t give me into
trouble now for being muddy!’

‘It’s really big, you can play two games
at the same time.’

What’s On… Regular Stuff

Mondays Fish’n’Chips 2 Go – fish and chip van – Bellabeg 4–6.30 pm
(every third Monday in the month)

Scottish Country Dancing, Lonach Hall, 7.30 pm – Monica
(019756 51365)

Tuesdays Towie Tots (ages 0–5), first Tuesday of the month, 10 am to
12 noon, Towie Hall

Bothy Birds – 1030 am to 12.30 pm – Glenbuchat Bothy
Catherine Rose (019756 41249), Carol Hutton (text: 07821 686644)

Wednesdays Silver Circle Day Centre – Upper Room, Lonach Hall 10 am to 3 pm
Nancy Strachan, coordinator (07771 749849 and
[email protected])

Art Class – Glenbuchat Bothy 10 am to 1 pm – £10 per class
New members at all levels welcome – Frances Crawford
(019756 51741)

Thursdays Pint & Pie Night – Steading Bar from 4 pm – pies and pints!

Highland Dancing for children aged 4 years and older, Lonach
Hall 6 pm – Louise Anderson (07739 313543,
[email protected]) (no sessions from 12 Dec to 9 Jan)

Winter carpet bowls – Strathdon School, 7 pm, Gladys Thomson
(019756 51297)

Enamelling Group – Glenbuchat Bothy, fortnightly, 11 am to 3 pm –
[email protected]

Open Music Session – Steading Bar from 7 pm (019756 51497)

Fridays Silver Circle Friday morning bus – book: 019756 51798/51272

Strathdon Toddler Group, Strathdon School, 10 am to 12 noon in

termtime (see Facebook)

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Strathdon Walking Group

Sunday 24 November, Corgarff Castle circuit, 3 hours, meet at Bellabeg bottle bank,
10.30 am. Contact: Gavin Smith (019756 51798)

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What’s On… Special Stuff

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November
Sat 23, Mishra, contemporary folk, 7.30 pm, Glenbuchat Hall, BYOB. Tickets: £10
(Eclectic Events)

Thurs 28, An Eclectic Mapping, short talks with different speakers, 7.30 pm,
Glenbuchat Bothy, BYOB. Tickets: £7, soup, bread, cake (Eclectic Events)

Thurs 28, Thanksgiving Celebration, Steading Bar (019756 51497 or
Facebook for details)

Fri 29, Strathdon School Parents Forum Quiz Night & Pot Luck
Supper, 7 pm, Corgarff Hall

Sat 30, Silver Circle Community Christmas Fair, stalls, entertainment,
refreshments, 10 am to 1 pm, Lonach Hall

Sat 30, Lonach Hall St Andrews Night, DJ Eddie, cash bar, raffle; free
entry, 7 pm to midnight, Lonach Hall
December
Sun 1, Folk around the Fire, with Christine Kydd & Andy Shanks,
Steading Bar, food from Skoffs from 1.30 pm, music from 3.30 pm. Free entry

Mon 2, Wreathmaking Workshops, with Isla Duncan, florist, Steading Bar, 1–
3 pm and 6–8 pm. Tickets: Eventbrite

Tues 3, CPR Training, delivered by Strathdon Fire Brigade Volunteers,
Glenbuchat Hall, 7.30–9.30 pm. Free (donations to Scottish Fire & Rescue Service
are welcome); book through Nicole Carr (019756 41700, [email protected])

Sat 7, Christmas Pop-Up Cafe, coffee, cakes and Xmas stalls (wreaths,
woodcarvings, chocolate and more for kids), Glenbuchat Hall, 10 am to 1 pm

Sat 7, Lisabett Russo & Graeme Stephen, contemporary jazz and avant-
garde folk, 7.30 pm, Glenbuchat Hall, BYOB. Tickets: £10 (Eclectic Events)

Tues 17, Strathdon School Christmas Concert, 6.30 pm, Strathdon School

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What’s On… Special Stuff

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Sat 28, Old Blind Dogs, Glenbuchat Hall, 7.30 pm, BYOB. Tickets: £13
(Glenbuchat Music)
Sun 29, Old Blind Dogs, Glenbuchat Hall, 7.30 pm, BYOB. Tickets: £13
(Glenbuchat Music)
Tues 31, Hogmanay Celebration, Steading Bar. Check Facebook for details

January
Thurs 2, First-Footin’ Ceilidh with Jonny Hardie & Friends, 7.30 pm
until late, Lonach Hall. Tickets: see Facebook for details or Kym on 07833 102055
(after 1 December)

Sat 11, Jenny Sturgeon & Kim Templeton, Glenbuchat Bothy, 7.30 pm,
BYOB. Tickets: £10 (Glenbuchat Music)

Sat 18, The Seamus Egan Project, Glenbuchat Hall, 7.30 pm, BYOB. Tickets:
£13 (Glenbuchat Music)

Sat 25, Burns Night Supper with Guest Chef, Steading Bar. Check
Facebook for details

Sat 25, Burns Night Ceilidh, 6.30 pm, Lonach Hall

February
Fri 21, Gnoss, Glenbuchat Hall, 7.30 pm, BYOB. Tickets: £13 (Glenbuchat Music)

March
Sat 14, Iona Fyfe Trio, Glenbuchat Hall, 7.30 pm, BYOB. Tickets: £13
(Glenbuchat Music)

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Booking and info

Eclectic Events: [email protected], www.eclecticglen.co.uk
Glenbuchat Music: [email protected], 019756 41303
Steading Bar: 019756 51497 and Facebook

The Steading Bar will be open in the days before Christmas, but closed on
Christmas Day. Please check Facebook or phone 019756 51497 for further events
at the Steading. And our thanks for supporting your local pub!!!

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Upper Donside Parish Church
Advent & Christmas Services

Sunday 1 December, 10.30 am Strathdon Christmas Day Celebration
Church Sun 5 January 2020, 11.30 am, Towie
Family Advent Service Church
Epiphany Service of Light
Friday 6 December, 7 pm, Lumsden
Church – Carols by Candlelight At the beginning of the New Year, we
look back at the previous 12 months and
Wednesday 11 December, 6.30 pm take the opportunity to remember loved
Lumsden Church ones who have passed away during the
Lumsden School Carol Service year. Families who have held funerals
within the Parish are invited to light
Friday 13 December, 6.30 pm candles of remembrance. Anyone who
Carols In Corgarff Hall would like to remember a family member
or friend who has passed away at any
Sunday 15 December, 6.30 pm Strathdon time is very welcome.
Church
Family Christingle Service

Tuesday 17 December, 6.30 pm Meanwhile, I would like to wish you and
Strathdon School your families a peaceful and blessed
Strathdon School Christmas Concert Christmas and a very happy and healthy
New Year.
Wednesday 18 December, 6.30 pm Towie I hope to see you at one of our various
Church services over the festive period.
Towie School Carol Service
God bless,
Sunday 22 December, 7 pm
Carols in Glenbuchat Hall Simon Crouch
Ordained Local Minister
Tuesday 24 December, 6.30 pm Towie Upper Donside Parish
Church 019756 51779, 07713 101358,
Christmas Eve Family Carol Service [email protected]

Tuesday 24 December, 11.30 pm Regular church services
Strathdon Church
Watchnight Service First Sunday of the month, 11.30 am,
United Service at Towie Church
Tuesday 24 December, 11.30 pm
Lumsden Church All other Sundays
Watchnight Service 10 am at Strathdon Church Hall and
11.30 am at Lumsden Church
Wednesday 25 December, 10.30 am,
Towie Church

Letters people were not stopping on their
way past. Even skiers, who tend to
Thank you, from Elsie Gordon come up only for the day, do not
I would like to thank all who need accommodation in the village.
contributed to the community The rebranding of the A939 as part of
collection to mark my retirement. At the Snow Roads has increased the
the school concert this year I received volume and speed of traffic between
a gift voucher for Sinclair’s Jewellers, Grantown on Spey and Braemar and
Inverurie. I spent it on rose gold Ballater, which are the destinations of
Pandora charms for the bracelet I choice for the driving tourist. To be
received for my 70th birthday from truly sustainable an area’s economy
my husband Jim. Many, many thanks. needs more than just tourism.
I am deeply appreciative. ____________________________
____________________________ Fit a Kerry-on jist tae git married!
Rosey Walker, Allargue, writes in
response to ‘Eco cabins set to boost Local couple Kerry Mutch and Craig
tourism in the Cairngorms’ Fit’s gan Davidson were married in balmy
Doune, July 2019. Cyprus in late October, before
returning to icy Strathdon for further
I was surprised by the comment celebrations.
made by author Rachel Gray
(Blackbyre Developments) about
many local businesses in the area
closing down. On the contrary,
Corgarff is home to two very
successful businesses, in Goodbrands
and the Lecht ski company, and
several land management businesses
that have enhanced the beauty of
this unique corner of Scotland. I can
only assume that she is referring to
the Allargue Arms Hotel. The building
has been many things in its time,
including a farmhouse, a pub and
now a school outward bounds centre.
The decision to change its use was
driven mainly by the change in the
drink/drive law and the fact that

Garden matters Try growing salad greens on a
windowsill; a mixed salad leaf variety
Despite the cold weather, it’s not too on a sunny windowsill will do well.
late to turn your compost as long as You can also grow pea shoots, variety
your compost bin has wooden or Twinkle, or even just sprout seeds
solid sides and a roof to keep off the such as alfalfa in a sieve (rinse twice a
rain and snow. Put a bit of old carpet day to keep the seeds fresh).
or something else on top of the Anything like this provides a crisp
compost itself to keep the heat in. addition to a winter salad.
You can mix in a nitrogen source such And if you’ve still to write your
as seaweed meal or another nitrogen Christmas letter, try asking Santa for
fertilizer to start the heating up a grow lamp for Christmas so you can
process. The end result in spring will increase your cropping over the
be worth the effort. winter!

If you have a polytunnel or green Local free-range, grass-fed pork
house, then it’s also not too late to Sausages, bag of 9, £4.00
plant over-wintering onion sets and Burgers, 4 large, £4.00
garlic cloves. You can also dig up leaf
beet plants and kale to transfer to the Chops/ribs/various joints per kg,
polytunnel or greenhouse for some £4.00
extra growth in very early spring
when the rest of the garden is empty. To order, text Jeff on
The tunnel or greenhouse also gives 07564 595651
protection from predatory birds.

Meanwhile, don’t forget to feed the
birds outside over winter, not just for
the enjoyment of seeing them but
because they will also feed on pests
as they wait their turn on feeders.

The trees have taken a couple of
years to establish here, but this year
has seen an impressive haul of cob
nuts, even at 1200 feet. If you want
to grow your own hazelnuts, try the
Kentish Cob or Red Filbert varieties,
which produce full-size nuts.

Fit’s fer denner? Dr Johnson’s Choice
Take one bottle of (inexpensive) dry
It’s cold and wet and dark, but I’m red wine (a Malbec, Shiraz or Pino
doing my best to muster up some Noir) and pour into a heavy bottomed
Christmas spriit! I have been doing a pan. Add 6 cloves and 12 level tsp of
lot of baking recently, so here are a sugar and heat to almost boiling.
couple of reliable sweet things to get Then pour 600ml boiling water. Stir.
your teeth into. Add 150ml brandy and 150ml orange
flavoured liqueur, pour into glasses
Marmalade Cake and sprinkle with freshly grated
Cream 110g butter with 110g caster nutmeg. Delicious!
sugar. Beat in 2 eggs and 110g self
raising flour. Stir in 3 rounded tbsp of And here’s how to make an
marmalade and bake in a 2lb loaf tin Orange-flavoured liqueur
lined with parchment at 170 decrees
for about 35 minutes, or until the top Start soon: it takes about 20 days
of the cake is puffed up and cracked
and a skewer comes out clean. Let it Take 10-12 bitter oranges, peel thinly
sit about 30 minutes and then turn (avoid pith) and shred the peelings
out. Loosen another tablespoon of into a 3l bottle or jar, add 1tsp
marmalade with a little hot water and cinnamon, 8 cloves and 1l of
brush it over the loaf. Then make a unflavoured vodka. Let it rest for 10
thick sugar-and-water icing and days, but shake it every second day.
drizzle over.
On day 11, make a syrup by boiling
Vegan oatmeal choc chip cookies 1kg white sugar in 1l water to
In a large bowl combine 120g dissolve the sugar. Let the solution
porridge oats, 60g plain flour, 100g cool completely. Strain the orange
caster sugar, 1tsp baking powder and peel mixture and discard the orange
a little salt. Stir in 130g dark choc peels and cloves.
chips. Form into sloppy balls and put
them on a parchment-lined cookie Wash the bottle or Jar you have been
sheet. Press flattish with a wet fork using, and return the strained
and bake for about 15 minutes at 180 mixture into it. Add the cooled syrup
degrees until golden brown. and shake well.

If sugar doesn’t do it for you, you can Let it stand for a further 10 days.
always turn to the hard stuff. Here’s
an old favourite for special guests on Decant it into pretty bottles you have
cold nights. painted in the interim, ribbon them
up and hey presto!

Sally, [email protected]

Sadie’s Stars Aries
Puir wee Aries, nae feelin ye’ve bin
Sagittarius ower much in charge o ye ain life this
Weel, fa’s a lucky quine? Yer stars are year? Nivver myn… December’ll mark
actually tellin ye tae spen a bittie the stairt o something different. Jist
siller on a spleet-new luik fer yersel myn that athou ye feel yer in guid
tae gee ye a lift ower the festive form fer takin charge, yer the weers o
period. Weel, thon's a bonus. Nae bein a wee bitty bossy an ye widnae
need tae feel guilty aboot anither wax wint tae be faain oot wi fowk aroon
an polish, an ye can git it in time fer the festivities, noo, wid ye?
Hogmanay at the Lonach!
Taurus
Capricorn Weel Taurus, yer nae deein bad. The
Capricorn, ye’ve tae luik tae the hale worl is regardin ye in awe. Aye,
second pairt o this month fer yer best fowk are gie impressed wi yer
chunce o winin aff wi somebody in performance the past 12-mon. Ye
time fer a snog aneath the mistletoe. micht be plannin Christmas awa fae
Ye’re as magnetic as the North Pole hame, bit ye micht dee weel tae hae
the noo, sae dinna be feart. Ging anither thocht fer there’s plinty richt
alang tae a gig at the Buchat and see here in Strathdon tae keep yer fowks
fa ye can pull. busy.

Aquarius Gemini
Haud gaun, Aquarius, at full throttle. There’s nae let-up tae this action-
Yer fou o ideas (athou I ken some packed year fer ye, Gemini. Bit haud
fowk fae wid ca them ferlies) an yer horses: things winnae jist fa inta
there’s nae stoppin ye noo. It’s yer yer lap. Ye've tae mak some muckle
lucky month: plinty o fun an games decisions re love an siller, bit niver
tae be haed aa ower the strath richt fear. Ye’re likely tae end 2019 (in the
throu December. Steadin Bar) wi a gran sense o guid
fortune.
Pisces
Michty me, Pisces, ye’re jist far ye Cancer
love tae be: richt in the midst o a Cancer, ye've tae pay heed tae yer
swoonin crood o fowk a giein ye their health as this year draas tae its close.
full attention! Jist myn fit ye wish fer Pey maist heed tae the first pairt o
this Christmas an mak sure tae gie yer the month, sae it’s jist as weel there’s
nearest an dearest some quality time nae much tae dae at nicht. Jist keep
… mebbe a nicht wi the aal blind dogs yer fingers oot o the cakes at the
wid be jist the ticket? Xmas Fairs an ye

shud be braw fer yer pairty frock fer George’s Fresh
Hogmanay.
Fish
Leo
Ye’ve an affa pile o stuff to see tae At Glenkindie Garage
this month, Leo, an it’s gey important
tae haud gaun wi a clear heid an git Wednesday afternoons, 1–4 pm
yer Xmas preps oot the wye as seen
as ye can. Fit aboot a fine wreath- [email protected]
makin’ sesh doon the Steadin Bar tae m
busk up yer hoose door fir the
festives? If ye canna mak it yersel, jist holly 0w7r7ea3t2h1s 1in88b8e5autiful
gie Dee a phone. bright colours or glorious

Virgo natural wreaths
Weel, Virgo, yer stars are tellin ye tae ready now or to order
git ready fer visitors at’s traivelt some
miles. Bit haud on, it’s nae likely tae £15.00 each
be the three kings, they’ll nae be here 07837 659225
till January. File yer waitin, ye'd be
weel advised tae mak the maist o yer [email protected]
romantic energy wi some CPR trainin De
in Glenbuchat. Ye nivver ken fan ye
micht need a fireman. Ledmacoy

Libra Turkeys
Yer tae hae a full-on an hectic month,
Libra. Git yer hoose clean fer the Free-range bronze turkeys
swarms o visitors yer likely tae see an
git a puckle o tickets fer the local 019756 51743
shindigs. At wye at least ye kin sen 07745 682232
them oot an pit yer feet up wi’ a fly
cuppie. [email protected]

Scorpio Stewart Hunter
Weel Scorpio, ye dee like tae be in
charge o aathing an the stars are fair Bespoke furniture from whisky
guid fer yer career as an influencer o barrels
some import. Fit’s best fer ye is tae
jyne a committee tae organise ither Commissions accepted
fowk. Mebbe hae a keek at page 2 o [email protected]
this braw mag tae gie ye an idea or
twa.

Glenkindie Central Garage & Shop

Vehicle servicing, MOTs, convenience store, post office, fuel (019756 41230)

Mon–Fri: 8 am to 6 pm; Sat: 8 am to 2 pm; Sun: 10 am to 2 pm

Christmas and New Year opening times

24 Dec 8 am to 4 pm, 25 Dec Closed, 26 Dec 10 am to 12 noon

31 Dec 8 am to 4 pm, 1 Jan Closed, 2 Jan 10 am to 12 noon

The garage will operate as above but will close on 25–28 Dec and 1–4 Jan

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Goodbrand & Ross, Corgarff, tearoom, gift shop, ski and board hire

Daily 9 am to 5 pm (019756 51433, www.goodbrandandross.co.uk)

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Spar Bellabeg Licensed Grocer and Post Office (019756 51211)

Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri: 8 am to 8 pm; Tues, Sat: 8 am to 6 pm; Sun: 10 am to 2 pm

Hot news: freshly baked croissants, breads, Danish pastries now available

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Strathdon Medical Centre

Surgery opening hours: Mon, Wed, Fri 9–11.15 am and 3–5.15 pm

Tues and Thurs 9–11.15 am (019756 51209)

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Corgarff Hall – 019756 51474 Glenbuchat Hall – 019756 41713

Lonach Hall – 07841 666004 Towie Hall – 019755 71737

Scandinavian Christmas gifts at Goodbrand & Ross

The next issue of Fit’s gan Doune will cover April–June 2020
Please share your news with us by 10 March: [email protected]

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