Alyth Voice 98th Edition, January/February 2006

Tel/Fax: 01828 633045 Minimum Circulation 1525 Email address: alythvoice@alythvoice.co.uk Website: www.alythvoice.co.uk

Three of the world’s top guitarists who between them have worked with Jamie Cullum, Bill Wyman, Bryn Terfel and June Tabor will be performing at Alyth Town Hall on Sunday 26th February as part of a special Scottish tour. Martin Taylor, Neil Stacey and Martin Simpson as Guitars3 will present a show fusing jazz, folk and blues which has impressed audiences and critics alike from New York to Paris, Sydney to Tokyo. The tour which is part of a series of dates covering the length and breadth of Scotland is supported by The Scottish Arts Council’s Tune Up fund and Alyth Community Council. The organisers of the concert are new Alyth residents James & Alison Tay-lor whose company P3 Music also looks after the careers of Deacon Blue as well as running Europe’s biggest guitar festival in Kirkmichael, Ayrshire. James Taylor told the Voice: “By putting on this concert we want to find out what the level of support is for music events in the Strathmore area. The guitar festival we run in Ayrshire generates over £300,000 for the local economy and has high profile supporters including Brian May, Bill Wyman and Dolly Par-ton. If the concert in February goes well and there is the support of the local community then we might consider holding a festival in Alyth later in the year. When we started the festival in Ayrshire seven years ago it attracted 250 peo-ple to the first event and it now attracts 5,000 visitors who come from as far afield as Australia and Canada.”

MARTIN TAYLOR is described as "THE acoustic guitarist of his generation" by Amer-ica's Acoustic Guitar Magazine and has estab-lished a unique career as an internationally acclaimed guitarist, his inimitable style seeing him recognised as the world's foremost expo-nent of solo jazz guitar playing. In a musical career spanning 30 years he has dazzled audi-ences with his solo shows, which combine virtuosity, emotion and humour, with a strong stage presence. As well as his solo concerts and recordings, he has also collaborated with musi-cians from many different musical genres in-cluding Chet Atkins, Bill Wyman, Dionne Warwick, Sacha Distel, and Chris Rea. In 2002, he was appointed MBE "For Services to Mu-sic", in The Queen's Birthday Honours List and in March 2005 his autobiography was released on paperback by Sanctuary Publishing.

MARTIN SIMPSON is one of the finest acoustic finger-style and slide guitar players in the world. Winner of BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards Musician of The Year 2002 and 2004 and also winning Best Album in 2002 for The Bramble Briar, he is a superb interpreter of traditional music and song from Europe and from the American South. Growing up in Lincolnshire he was inspired by the likes of Martin Carthy, Davey Graham and Richard Thompson during the folk revival of the 60s. He was also hugely influenced by the re-cordings of Big Joe Williams, the Reverend Gary Davies, Blind Willie Johnson and Doc Watson, which has led to an eclec-tic style of playing and repertoire that is all his own. He has worked with the likes of Jackson Browne, David Lindley, June Tabor, Martin Carthy and Eric Bibb and is a popular and much loved solo performer. Both spell-binding, and highly entertaining, he is a master of his craft.

NEIL STACEY formed the Django Reinhardt inspired group, the Kimbara Brothers, who have since recorded six albums and toured festivals extensively in the UK and Europe. In 1992 Neil formed Acoustic Mania with Antonio Forcione and they made their live and recording debut at the Edinburgh festival in 1993. In 2002 Neil and Dominic Miller released their first album, and now perform with Sting’s percussionist Rhani Kriji and Mike Lindup (Level 42). Neil’s first purely solo album “And?” on the German Acous-tic Music label met with rave reviews from critics.

TOP GUITARISTS COME TO ALYTH

GUITARS3 featuring

Martin Taylor Neil Stacey

Martin Simpson

Sunday 26th February 2006 Alyth Town Hall

Doors: 7pm

Tickets: £12 which includes complimentary drink Tickets available from Lunan’s Newsagent, Alyth Pet & Flowers and www.simbioticstore.com/guitars3/

THE CHRISTMAS Window Competition, which is sponsored by Alyth & District Business Association, was a fantastic display for Christmas 2005 with windows in, it would seem, every business in Alyth. The displays were in so many forms, from snow scenes with skiers skiing up and down hills, skaters on a lake, Santas doing various things, snowmen, an-gels, Christmas puppy displays, Christmas teddy bears display, snowbound villages, Nativity scene, Christmas decorated family room with children, Christmas trees of so many kinds, heights and colours and so many other fan-tastic displays impossible to describe here. It is hoped that many photographs were taken of all the windows. The judges Mrs. Dorothy Lothian, Alyth’s Citizen of the Year and Mr. John Wheatley, Alyth’s Young Citizen of the Year had the seemingly impossible task of deciding the winners. They stated “it was one of the hardest and most difficult jobs they had ever undertaken” and were up and down the streets in Alyth on numerous occasions, but after much looking and soul searching they decreed that the winners were: -

1st - Athole Bakery, 27 Airlie Street, Alyth Christmas Window Competition Shield 2nd - Alyth Library, 23 Airlie Street, Alyth (see page 4) 3rd - Hobbies, 19 Airlie Street, Alyth all the above received framed certificates

Thanks must be expressed to all businesses for their fantastic window displays, which must be the best in Perthshire if not Scotland, and brought such festive cheer to Alyth and to all. Thanks also to Dorothy and John for their time and effort spent on judging this event. Thanks must also be included to the Alyth Christmas Lights Committee and all their helpers for the fantastic Christmas light display in Alyth. Well done to all who were involved. Michael Kay, Chairman ADBA

CHRISTMAS WINDOW COMPETITION 2005

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Alyth Voice Team

Paul Ramsay 01828 632992 Editor paulramsay@bamff.demon.co.uk Irene Robertson 01828 633045 Compositor/Secretary alythvoice@alythvoice.co.uk Margaret Stanford 01828 633083 Advertising advertising@alythvoice.co.uk Paul & Barbara Prettyman 01828 633725 Distribution Margaret MacKenzie Advertising Marjory Macpherson Advertising Michael Kay 01828 632252/632690 Treasurer mike@atcalyth.freeserve.co.uk Derek Todd Webmaster derek@toddalyth.freeserve.co.uk

In order to avoid disappointment please ensure that articles/ads for publication are submitted before the 21st day of each month.

Note: The views expressed in the Alyth Voice are not necessarily those of the team nor can they accept any responsibility for accuracy and spelling of any article.

Useful Telephone Numbers

Airlie Street Hall (contact-Helen Menzies) - 01828 632929 Blairgowrie Police Station - 01250 872222 Perth Police Station - 01738 621141 Hydro-Electric Emergencies - 0800 300999 Scottish Gas Emergencies - 0800 111999 Scottish Water - 0845 6008 855 Alyth Post Office - 01828 632301 Alyth Health Centre - 01828 632317 Alyth Primary School - 01828 632462 Blairgowrie High School - 01250 873445 Alyth Environmental Group - 01828 632907 NHS 24—new 24 hour health service - 08454 24 24 24

If you offer an emergency or breakdown service e.g. Plumber, Electrician, Locksmith, Glazier, Central Heating or any other trade, please send us your name and number for our useful numbers section

Dates for Your Diary

Feb 2nd Revd Rbt Ramsay, Airlie St. Hall Alyth Parish Church Guild Feb 3rd Quiz Night, Airlie St. Hall Alyth Parish Church Feb 6th Meeting, Burnside Court Lounge Alzheimer Scotland Feb 9th Monthly Meeting, Losset Inn AEG Feb 10th Skips Meeting, Club Room Alyth Bowling Club Feb 11th Coffee Morning, Airlie St. Hall PSA Feb 14th Geoffrey Bridge, Ogilvy Rooms Alyth Literary Society Feb 14th St.Valentine’s Day Window Comp. Alyth & District Bus.Assoc Feb 15th Coffee Club, Burnside Court Alzheimer Scotland Feb 18th Coffee Morning, Airlie St. Hall Royal British Legion Scot. Feb 25th Coffee Morning, Airlie St. Hall Alyth Parish Church Feb 26th Guitars3 Concert, Town Hall Alyth Comm. Council/ Scottish Arts Council Feb 28th Prof. J. MacKenzie, Ogilvy Rooms Alyth Literary Society Feb 28th Meeting, Lesser Town Hall Alyth Gala Committee ————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

Mar 1st Lent Study Group Alyth Parish Church Mar 6th Meeting, Burnside Court Lounge Alzheimer Scotland Mar 9th Bingo Tea, Town Hall Alyth Scout Group Mar 9th AGM, Losset Inn AEG Mar 15th Coffee Club, Burnside Court Alzheimer Scotland Mar 19th Spring Concert, Parish Church Alyth Choral Union Mar 25th Coffee Morning, Airlie St. Hall Alyth-in-Bloom ————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

Apr 1st Car Wash, Fire Station Alyth Scout Group Apr 1st Coffee Morning, Airlie St. Hall Alyth Community Council Apr 18th-22nd Wild Wild Women, Town Hall Alyth Musical Society

Voice Teaser What is Peevers? Answer to last months Teaser- What is Pawky? humorous

Community

Markets

will recomm

ence in

March 200

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Strathmore & The Glens PO Box 6621, Blairgowrie PH12 8YF

www.strathmoreglens.org Email: sue@strathmoreglens.sol.co.uk

- TO A SNOWDROP - by Daniel Dewar

Wee modest Angel, Heav’nly flo’er,

First sweet’ner o’ dreich Winter’s soor,

First sign o’ Spring, new life an’ Po’er

Beyond oor ken; Sae shy an’ mild, yet strang an’

dour, Hail, sna or ren.

Ye dance wi’ glee whin snell winds bla,

Shak’ petals free o’ rime an’ sna; A prime example tae us a’

O’ pluck an’ grit: You stand an’ coont whate’er befa’s

Whaur we micht quit.

Frae shady nooks an’ shelt’rin’ beilds

Ye gar the sullen winter yield: He melts awa’, his fate is sealed

Afore your glory; His cruel, tempestuous thrusts hae

reeled An’ shrunk afore ye.

He’ll aye keep watchin’ you an’ me Though you hae nothing tae forgi’e,

But I wi’ regularity Gang aft agley,

No ower blest wi’ Piety An’ strugglin’ aye.

You never think an evil thocht, Your virtue’s no by blood been

bocht, Tae bloom for us it’s hard ye’ve

focht Through rime an’ sna;

Yet, there ye stand afraid o’ nocht - Abune us a’ !

Why hing yer bonnie heid for me? ‘Tis I shuid stand in awe o’ thee

An’ humbly pray on bended knee An’ hide ‘my’ face!

Your heav’nly charm an’ Purity Hae blest this place.

I’m tainted frae my very birth An’ coont mysel’ o’ little worth;

I sink tae gloom, you rise tae mirth The bricht side treadin’;

You coont yer Blessins on this earth While I keep dreadin’.

I’m but a coof compared tae thee, A sinner till the day, I dee:

I needed Christ tae cleanse me free O’ sin an’ shame;

But you are Pure as Pure can be, Withoot a stain.

Though humbly in the stoor ye root Criss-Cross’d an’ crush’d by

treach’rous boot Ye’ll rise again! Forgiein’ nae doot,

Tae former glory Tae love, be loved, an’ spread

what’s good: The Auld, Auld Story.

Burnside Court Alyth

24th January 2006

Mrs. Dinnes would like it known that the letters re-garding Alyth Health Centre were published without her knowledge or permission, and the matter is resolved.

The Singing Kettle Wins National Award

Sally Marchant with her VOWS award CONGRATULATIONS TO the Singing Kettle in Airlie Street, who have recently won a national award as wedding cake designers. VOWS (Voted Outstanding Wedding Supplier) awards are supported by the Scottish Wedding Directory. Elaine C. Smith pre-sented Sally Marchant with her accolade during an awards cere-mony and dinner in the Glasgow Hilton. The Singing Kettle was voted for by its customers, but finalised by a panel of independent judges. The criteria for the award covered quality of products, level of service, value for money and an overall rating. There were over 5000 nomina-tions for the 500 companies com-peting for one of the 37 categories, and the Singing Kettle was short listed to the last 3 for wedding cake designer, against companies from Edinburgh and Glasgow. Following this award, the Singing Kettle was featured in the Scotsman magazine on 17th January 2006. For the past 18 months, the Sing-ing Kettle has been wedding cake supplier to Gleneagles Hotel –

WELL DONE!

3

HARDEN

Alan, Jane, Coral & Lori would like to thank all the organisations, shops and friends in Alyth for their generosity and support in October and November, to Coral when she

had her accident. It was very kind and

very much appreciated. Thank you. J. Harden, 12/12/05

ALYTH HEALTH CENTRE

The Doctors and Staff at Alyth Health Centre would like to thank all those kind

people who thought of us with either, their good wishes, cards or gifts at Christmas and

New Year. It was very much appreciated.

Thank you all.

DO YOU have any memorabilia of Alyth from circa 1900?

photographs, newspapers, word-of-mouth stories, implements,

clothes...anything at all from that era and relating to Alyth.

Please can we borrow it for a forthcoming issue of the Voice?

Telephone, email or leave it or a note in the Voice box

by the end of February if possible

Your Letters ARTICLE SUBMISSION to the Voice Please note ALL articles must be accompanied with a name and address before they will be published in the

Voice. On request the name and address may be withheld from publication. Any submission without these details will NOT be included.

Name & Address Supplied, 26/11/05

ALL THE anti-social behaviour in Alyth would stop if CCTV cameras were installed in The Square because that’s where they all hang out! Not only that but Alyth has little to do in the small town. Increase the activities. Maybe have a couple of club nights at the newly re-furbished Airlie Street Hall. Every time I come back to Alyth I hear that this and that has closed and there seems to be even less to do for the kids there and that’s how things start. Let’s not have another inci-dent of the library fire. People need to stand up to these hooligans. There are people out there that can do it. I guarantee that if a group of adults walked up to them and told them to go on their merry ways or stop vandalising they would maybe get a bit lippy when they walked off but by God they would go! What can the police do about this problem? It’s a little unrealistic to say lock them all up. Just give them the power to fine. That would soon stop them. No money for booze either! Stand up Alyth and fight back!

Concerned Alythian

Email: iaindinnes@btinternet.com North Petherton

Somerset 04/01/06

WE HAVE just spent a pleasant few days visiting my elderly mother who resides at Burnside Court. She must be one of the in-credibly independent older residents generally referred to by Councillor Gordon Hunter in his statement reported in The Courier and Advertiser of Friday December 30th. Imagine then my surprise to learn from my mother that the Alyth Health Centre have decided that at a mere 96 years of age she is quite capable of making her own way, on her wheeled walking aid, from her home to the health centre in order to receive the services of a chiropodist, a service that she had previ-ously enjoyed in the safety of her own home. My mother who had a hip replacement three years ago (plus further surgery last year and suffers from dizzy spells, which caused a fall just before Christmas) is a very independ-ent lady who asks for very little by way of help. Whilst I shall be taking this matter up with both Pete Wishart and Peter Barrett, I would be most grateful if you cold publish this letter in the Alyth Voice in the hope that it might just prick the conscience of the person responsible for this shameful decision. On a lighter note can I say that whoever designed the Alyth Christmas lights deserves a medal - they were brilliant!

With best wishes to Alyth for 2006, Iain Dinnes

December 2005 Alyth Christmas Lights ALYTH IS like Toyland, it is wonderful! A BIG thank you to all who helped with putting up the Christmas lights. I hope the lights are left alone. I think the bridge is wonderful! Great work by all.

Alyth OAP

Email: smith9923@bellsouth.net Itta Bena,

Mississippi 23/12/05

HELLO ALYTH Voice, I talked to my Dad yesterday and he men-tioned that he had received some six Christ-mas cards from former classmates. Needless to say I am thrilled, and it's the Alyth Voice who brought some "light" to counter my Dad's loss. My husband and I are planning another trip home in July 2006. My cousin, Jim, who lives in Western Australia is planning to have an-other get together (ceilidh). It would be just great if some of Dad's old schoolmates could attend. Once again, thanks to the Alyth Voice for making my Dad feel a little better.

Elizabeth (Betty) MacKenzie-Smith

The Black Watch Balhousie Castle

Perth 20/12/05

DEAR EDITOR I am most grateful to you for sending us copies of the 97th edition of the Alyth Voice with the feature on Alfred Anderson. We will keep a copy in our Archive. Thank you and happy Christmas to you all. Roderick Riddell Lieutenant Colonel Regimental Secretary

FANTASTIC PHOTOS of King George V Silver Jubilee

celebrations in Alyth in 1935 now online at www.alythvoice.co.uk THANKS TO the Alyth Voice webmaster, Derek Todd, there is now a large selection

of current and yesteryear photographs of Alyth on our website.

If you have any photographs of Alyth you would like to add to the gallery, let us know.

MACKAY

Will & Lily MacKay 7 High Street

Alyth wish to thank all their friends and neighbours for the cards and gifts.

Happy New Year to you all.

FINDLAY

Teen Findlay would like to say a BIG THANK YOU to ALL her neighbours and friends

for the beautiful flowers, plants and presents received on the occasion of her

70th birthday. Hope you all had a great Christmas.

To Alyth Pet & Flowers and Meg’s Mini Market

Jim, Margaret, Cathy & all their customers

THE LADIES of the Friendship Club would like to say a very big thank-you for the won-derful cheque which we received at Christmas. It was extremely kind of you to think of us. Good health and happiness to all for 2006,

Muriel & Elma

Alyth Gala Day needs YOU!

THE ANNUAL Alyth Gala Day is seriously under threat! Each year, the committee fund-raise, organise and man the Gala Day com-pletely voluntarily. The proceeds of which are then donated to organisations in the town. Currently the committee consists of 5 people and the recent sad loss of Jim McKel-vie is greatly felt, as he was a central figure in the team. This small team is not enough to organise and share the workload of an event this size. Can you help in any capacity? No previous experience required and all types of help greatly appreciated! The next meeting is on February 28th at 7pm in the lesser Town Hall. Contact Eric Simpson on 632993 for further details.

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Alyth Musical Society

JOHN SWINNEY Your local Member of the Scottish Parliament for North Tayside is here to help you.

You can contact John at 35 Perth Street, Blairgowrie, PH10 6DL Tel. 01250 876576 Fax. 01250 876991

e-mail john.swinney.msp@scottish.parliament.uk

LUNANS

Newsagents 8-10 Airlie Street

We offer all year round newspaper and

magazine delivery. A great selection of cards

for every occasion A good selection of stationary, toys,

wrapping paper and gift bags.

Shop Open- 5.30 am - 5.30 pm Mon-Frid 5.30 am - 4 pm Sat 7.00 am - 1 pm Sun

Telephone – 01828 632330

Envelopes Notepads Pens, Pencils & Gifts

Newspaper

s

Magazines

Toys

GRANGEMOUNT CATTERY Aberbothrie, Alyth

SPECIAL DIETS CATERED FOR INDIVIDUAL HEATED CHALETS

Set in the quiet rural setting of beautiful Strathmore PERSONAL ATTENTION

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Joan Taylor SRM, Reflex Zone Therapist Specialised Clinics Monthly

For Management of Pain, Arthritis, Stroke, ANAH Disorders & Menopause.

For a Full Range of Therapies see our web site- www.alythsprings.co.uk

DAVIDSONS CHEMIST

PRESCRIPTIONS DISPENSED

DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE

MINOR AILMENTS SERVICE AND ADVICE ALWAYS AVAILABLE

FROM YOUR LOCAL PHARMACIST 9 Airlie St, Alyth Tel 01828 632303

RENDEZVOUS **HAIRDRESSER**

59 Airlie Street,

Alyth

Tel: 01828 632097 Open Tues - Sat

Gift Vouchers Available

‘WILD WILD WOMEN’ Tuesday 18th - Saturday 22nd April

ONLY FOUR months to go before our annual show hits the Alyth Town Hall stage. Everything begins to kick into gear now with meetings about lighting, staging, costumes etc having to be organised. The scenery will have to be made and it is hoped that the cast stay fit and healthy for when they are needed at rehearsals. We do have a few props and furniture items we will have to track down for this production but will try to cope with this ourselves before seeking help from the generous Alyth public!

John White

Welcome to Aggroville - a nice little town Another quiet night in the Peaceable Haven. Two cowboys lie dead, a Clan-ton and a McLaird. The result of the ongoing feud between the families. Alice, owner of the saloon, is distraught. This was the one place where she thought the lawlessness of the town could not reach. Her husband Bill, a former gunslinger is at a loss what to say to his wife. Enter the Earps. Morgan, the mean one; Wyatt, the cool dude, Jamie, the rather silly one and Virgil, the one who likes a drink. They are closely fol-lowed by the Judge. He always lets the Earps go first in case someone is out to get him....he is after all a hanging judge. It soon becomes apparent that something has to be done about the Clanton - McLaird feud but what? The judge approaches Bill with the proposition that he would make a good Sherriff and bring peace to the town but Bill informs him that his tough guy days are well behind him. Things get even more complicated when a nun arrives, Sister Priscilla. Here is a woman who plans to bring peace and harmony to such a town. Those present tell her that she should get out of town immediately for no good will come in her crusade but the nun is of stronger character and de-cides to stay. Alice is taken by the nun but warns her that she will have her work cut out. The good sister learns that opposite the Peaceable Haven is another establishment, The Red Candle. A place where ladies of questionable character ply their trade. The good nun is overjoyed at the challenge that awaits and makes her plans. But even more complications arise when Alice has visitors. Jane and Robert. A Clanton and a McLaird and they have fallen in love. They need Alice's advice and despite her warnings of what may happen if the families learn of this liaison the young couple are determined not to let this stand in their way.

Will love find a way? Will Sister Priscilla be successful in her quest?

Will the lawlessness come to an end? Only one way to find out!

See 'Wild Wild Women' when it comes to the Alyth stage in April. Next Month - The characters

WEEL, did ye get anither dug? Naw, we got twa – sister Kate & brother Buster, 3 month-old Yorkshire Terriers, of spasmodic dynamism & ear-wrestling, but such fikes over food! Their diet sheet is wishful fantasy. Not for them, peely-wally puppy prod-ucts, but chicken, black pudden, potted heid & sausages o’ Alyth Mike’s guid butchery & sich-like ither tasty victuals. No they’re not replacements for the late beloved Tuggy – they’re quite different. The carpets will never be the same; rugs are fringeless and the sales of bumph stationery have doubled. Puppy collars were too roomy, so it had to be cat collars. A walk on leash became a seated drag whilst yelping non-stop about these tyrannical humans who insisted on “walkies”. Ever the optimists, we look forward to less turbulent times with no incon-tinence pads strewn throughout the kitchen & lobby. Silly me, thocht they were wrapped around the pups like nappies, but they do eventually get the “message”! So, that’s Christmas this year, and the rest. Great, eh?

Josi F, Top O’ Toon, 15/12/05

Some Light-Hearted Doggerel!

St. Valentine’s Day Window Competition

ALYTH & DISTRICT BUSINESS ASSOCIATION is once more sponsor-ing the St. Valentine’s Day Window Dressing Competition. It is hoped that all businesses in the town will enter. The displays over the previous eight years have been a wonder for all to view and I am sure this year will be the same. “St. Valentine is the patron Saint of love” and the way that the window displays in past years have ex-pressed this, has been staggering with teddy bears holding hands, lovers on swings, lovers in cars, couples holding hands, hearts, roses, Cupid with his bow and arrow, etc. What will appear this year? We will all just have to wait and see! Mrs. Dorothy Lothian, Alyth’s Citizen of the Year and Mr. John Wheatley Alyth’s Young Citizen of the Year have been asked to judge the competition on Tuesday 14th February. The St. Valentine’s Window Competition Shield will be presented to the winner along with framed certificates for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places.

Michael Kay Chairman ADBA

2nd prize winner in the

Christmas Window Competition 2005

Alyth Library 23 Airlie Street

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ALYTH CHRISTMAS lights have now been taken down and put to bed in their new store in the Town Hall. For several years we have been very fortunate that Alyth Primary School Head Teacher Mr Mark Lindsay gave permission to use an unused classroom as a storeroom; we have now outgrown the space available, and we would like to thank Mr Lindsay & the school, it has been of great help to us all. We also thank the Town Hall Committee for giving us the use of a much larger space in the basement. Alyth Christmas Lights Committee would like to thank so many people for helping in so many ways. All the lads - electricians, joiners, shopkeepers, farmers, drivers, pensioners etc (30 of them) who turn up with a smile even when they get cold and wet, to put up and take down the lights. The ladies who kept us going with tea & coffee and the Alyth Hotel for giving us a much welcomed and excellent lunch. To Torith Ltd Dundee, John Robertson, Pete Marshall and David Brough for the loan of their hoists. Also everyone who gave electricity. Many people still think that Perth & Kinross Council assist with finance and labour. They do not; it is done entirely by the people of Alyth. Fund raising is a major part of any operation whether it be large or small and in this, the Town excelled. The Christmas coffee morning raised the staggering total of £915, Alyth & District Business Assoc. £250, Gala Committee £100, Blairgowrie & District Rotary Club £300, Airlie Street Bar (Geo’s) Quiz night £139, Jonathan Treffry Ltd £25, collect-ing tins at the switch-on £345, plus many, many more donations from private individuals from £1 to £500. Without this financial support we could not

afford to continue. The design a light competition in the Primary School was a great success with 196 entries, almost the whole School took part. Certificates of recogni-tion were presented to all pupils by Mrs Anne Archbold, Alyth Christmas Lights secretary who designed and made all 196 certificates. The winner Nathan Hamilton, Primary 2, received tickets for the Pantomime Sleeping Beauty for his family, kindly donated by Perth Theatre. The runner up Tayla Rhind, Primary 1A, received a book token. Nathan’s Christmas light will be on display next year. We hope this will be an annual event so that we can create a children’s corner as the pupils were a credit to their school, teachers & parents. The switch-on this year was by our Citizen of the Year Dorothy Lothian & Young Citizen of the Year John Wheatley assisted by Provost Bob Scott on Santa’s float, brought to Alyth by Blairgowrie & Rattray Illuminations; we are grateful for their assis-tance. John Wheatley is the fourth generation of Wheatleys to be involved with the Alyth Christmas lights. Approximately 2000 people turned up and that is an amazing turn out for a small town like Alyth. Many towns have experienced vandalism to deco-rations and to the lights. I am pleased to say that not one bulb was broken and that is very heartening. The youth always seem to get bad publicity so it’s nice to report no damage again this year, thanks. On behalf of Alyth Christmas Lights Committee many thanks once again to everyone, it couldn’t happen without the Alyth community getting to-gether. A great place to live!

Dennis Melloy

Alyth Christmas Lights

THE ALYTH Literary Society reconvened after the festive break with a talk from Fiona Slattery of Perth Museum on Monart and Vassart Glass. This was followed on the 31st January by the Annual General Meeting. The final three meetings (Ogilvy Rooms @ 7.30pm unless stated) for the current season follow:-

14th February 2006 - Mr Geoffrey Bridge, Meigle plays and talks about the oboe.

28th February 2006 - Prof. John Mackenzie, Alyth will give an illustrated talk on British colonial archi-tecture entitled “From the Bungalow to the Palace”.

14th March 2006 - Annual Supper at the Strathmore Golf Centre.

Non-members are welcome to all meetings.

Alyth Literary Society

I SHOULD point out that, if these pieces are ac-cepted by the Voice, they are all my own work. If they have room to print them, then the sole responsi-bility rests with me. The deadline date for the Voice anticipates the date of the Community Council monthly meeting. Therefore these notes do not represent anything so formal as the minutes of the monthly meetings. First of all, full minutes would take up very nearly all of the space in the Voice. Quite apart from the fact that they do not make the most exciting reading. Sec-ondly, by the time they reach the Voice the informa-tion is at least three weeks old and can only be culled from minutes that have not yet been accepted as “correct”. Each meeting formally adopts the minutes of the previous meeting. Sometimes there are factual corrections. Since I have been Chair, I have tried to use the ‘Blairie’, the Perthshire Advertiser, the Courier and the Press & Journal to publicise highlights from our discussions and the decisions we take. I try to be factual and objective. It is the Blairgowrie Advertiser which prints our reports most consistently. These items are usually sent in, in time to be printed on the Wednesday following the Community Council

meeting. Full minutes are available to the public. Even allowing for all of the above, there is no substitute for interested townsfolk coming along to hear the proceedings for themselves. All are wel-come. We meet in the evening of the fourth Wednes-day of the month. Except for the AGM starting at 7pm, all meetings start at 7.30pm and are usually held in the Old Chambers in the Town Hall. If we anticipate a greater public interest than normal, we meet next door in the Lesser Hall. Understandably elected Community Council members have priority to speak in the discussions, which does not always leave a great deal of time for the public to partici-pate. Since we do not meet in December, the January meeting is going to have a full agenda. A major item will be considering a questionnaire sent out by the Scottish Executive which asks a lot of questions about how we run things and how we see the future of Community Councils. This is a forerunner to a big meeting organised by Perth & Kinross Council on the 4th of February to discuss this questionnaire collectively. All of the County’s Community Coun-cils have been invited. I don’t think this will be a boring conclave. Jim Adam, Chairman

Alyth Community Council

A BIG thank you to the two hundred and fifty peo-ple who came to our Christmas concert. We enjoyed it, and as usual Perthshire Brass provided some youthful talent and fun! We were pleased to perform a shorter programme in Glenisla Church the follow-ing Sunday. We received a warm welcome and the retiring collection was given to charities of their choice. Rehearsals are now under way for our Spring Concert (19th March – details in the public notices) and these take place on Tuesdays 7.30-9pm in the Parish Church hall. New members welcome.

Thank you, Verity Gwyther (Secretary)

**STOP PRESS** We now have a website. Log on to www.alythchoralunion.org.uk

or email webmaster@alythchoralunion.org.uk

Alyth Choral Union

6

Memory Lane Alyth School 2nd year 1938

Milford Haven Pembrokeshire

THIS PHOTO has been unearthed from my mother’s last personal box of photos. It is an original print of good quality and taken when we were in the Second Year and about 13 years old. The class is smaller because, although 5 joined the class from Meigle, after the quali-fying exam at 11 more went to Jocky Reid’s class (John Reid M.A) where they took practical rather than academic subjects. (Incidentally, I wonder if any one remem-bers what a wonderful jazz pianist Jocky Reid was? Before he left to take up a head-ship in 1938, there was a farewell to the senior school organised for him. It ended with him playing some of Fats Waller pieces. The man himself could not have done better!) Ian Berry Many thanks to Janey McFarlane(Ian’s cousin)for help gathering names!

Email: pcross@dccnet.com Vancouver

Canada resident since 1966... formerly of 5 Bamff View,

New Alyth (1955-1963) 17/12/05

I WONDER if you can use the at-tached photo in the Alyth Voice & website. This is an original photo taken by Mr. W.D. McIntosh sometime in 1960-61. Mr. McIntosh was the re-tired manager of Johnston's Stores, which used to be located next to "Deli's" at that time. He loved to take pictures of Alyth and round about, especially when it was really quiet on Sunday mornings! His son Ian McIntosh was the manager of the shop when I worked there from 1960 to 1963. If it is of interest I hope you will fit it in. Not sure how you look after the copyright issues, all I know is this one taken by Mr. McIntosh certainly wouldn't be a problem. Best regards and keep up the good work on the revamped website....I just love seeing the photos, old and new.

Peter Ross The Alyth Burn in front of the Alyth Hotel, Commercial Street 1960-61

Ian Miller Local Councillor. SURGERY AT ALYTH TOWN HALL (Old Council Chambers) on 1st TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH AT 7.00PM

OR CONTACT BY Tel: SNP OFF: 01250 876576 Home 01250 873304 P&K Council Tel: 01738 475018 Email: imiller@pkc.gov.uk

Back row: Bill McKinley, Jim Lindsay, Ian Berry, Drew Turnbull, Wilson Reid, ? Farquharson (red head from Meigle), Harry Tavendale, - ? - 3rd row: Miss Moir (Domestic Science), Jean Findlay, lass from Meigle, Nan Shaw, Betty Shanks, Betty Simpson, Margaret Findlay, Betty Fleming, Miss Joyce Whitehead (French) 2nd row: Cecilia Hindmarsh, Laura Henderson, - ? -, Betty Smith, Kathy Lumsden, Gladys Fraser, Mary McKenzie, Ina Hutcheson Front row: Jeek Donald, Peter Gall, Willie Ferguson, Bruce Malcolm (children not in the photo were Ina Howett, Lena Johnstone, Wendy Marshall & Barbara Taylor) “One day a new teacher came. When getting to know the class, she asked Jean Findlay if Margaret Findlay was a relative. There was much amusement when Jean replied, ‘Yes Miss. She is my Auntie!’ Which she was! Scott Findlay, Margaret’s brother, had been in the qualifying class earlier on for a short time. If he had still been there, Jean could also have said, ‘And that is my Uncle over there!’ Which he was! I remember Miss Smart was my music teacher and organist of your church. On Saturdays, I used to be allowed to take turns to practice on the organ along with two other pupils, Wilson Reid (seen on the class photos and in hospital) and George Williams who was a year younger and went on to become a medical professor at Manchester. I was sorry when I heard the old instru-ment had been fire damaged beyond repair. It was blown by hand bellows when I first heard it but later an electric blower was gifted by the owner (named Galloway perhaps) who built the bungalow right opposite the entrance. Miss Smart died when I was in the 4th year. My conscience bothered me then because I

7

The Alyan ‘You are not alone’

RAISING FUNDS towards the redecoration of the back premises, a Quiz Night will take place in the Airlie Street Hall on Friday 3rd February at 7pm. Tickets are £10 per team of 4 including refreshments, and will be available at the door on the evening. The Spring Coffee Morning will be held on Saturday 25th February, also in the Airlie Street Hall. There will be the usual stalls and donations would be very much appreciated. The annual ecumenical Lent Study Group will begin at 7pm on Ash Wednesday, 1st March, in the lounge at Alyth Parish Church. Friends from St Ninian's and St Luan's and those without any local church connection will be more than wel-come to come along and share the journey towards Easter. Details of Easter service times will be published in the Voice in March. The CD recorded on the church organ in Octo-ber by leading Scottish organist Dr. John Kitchen, is proving popular not only locally but through the Internet to England, Germany and America. Cop-ies at £10 each, with all proceeds to church funds, are available outwith church services from Hob-bies in Airlie Street and M.M.Ferguson’s in Com-mercial Street or through our website

www.alythparishchurch.org.uk We look forward to welcoming Dr. Kitchen back to Alyth Parish Church as accompanist at the Choral Union Spring Concert on 19th March. Pocket diaries are still available at £1 each.

Advertising This is a £6 Size

If you wish to change your existing Ad contact

Margaret Stanford on 01828-633083 or email advertising@alythvoice.co.uk

Please inform us of any changes. If you do not tell us to take your ad out then we will assume there is no change and continue to run it and

invoice you each month.

I&D Insurance Services

We have secured special rates for All PH, DD and KY postcodes

Extremely competitive premiums for both Household and Private Car

Quotes provided without obligation. Going on holiday?

Let us arrange your travel insurance.

Your local broker serving your local community 16 Airlie Street

Alyth 01828 633000

Email: IandDinsurance@aol.com

Memory Lane

The Late Queen Mother in Alyth 1921 59 Beechwood Avenue, Bottisham,

Cambridge, CB5 9BG. Tel: 01223 811275

29th November 2005 DEAR ALYTH Voice, Thank you very much for the ‘Alyth Celebrates’ DVD. I think it is a splendid production – but then so is the Alyth Voice! I am glad you liked the 1903 school photo. I have enclosed a photo taken in July 1921 at the ALYTH BA-ZAAR. The group includes the Earl and Countess of Airlie – AND (seated right) Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, the future Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. Keep up the good work! Best wishes, Gavin Mann

If you have any information on the Alyth Bazaar or this photo, please let the Voice know.

Alyth Parish Church

Market Square Alyth

Perthshire PH11 8AA

Open Monday—Saturday 9 am—5.30 pm

Tel : 01828 632309 Fax : 01828 632609

GREETINGS EARTHLINGS! I trust you had a good festive season. I think it is still politically correct to call it ‘festive’ but no doubt, that, will offend somebody. Well, here it is February. It has been very cold and icy and due to my normal metabolism being similar to your reptiles, I have been very lethargic. However, I note that some of your good citizens are in a similar condition. They keep referring to the ‘Bell’s’ as the cause of their condition. I don’t know whether this is a brand of whisky or the Hogmanay activities. I must relate my own personal Hogmanay experi-ence. Being from another planet, I was in total igno-rance of the custom of ‘First Footing’. I have been watching your news programmes recently and when the door of my spaceship was banged suddenly and quite loudly about 2am on New Year’s day, (regular readers will know of my ability to morph into any person or object) I hurriedly changed into a person I had seen on your news reports. I opened my door to a motley trio, who were bearing bottles and lumps of coal. ‘Happy New Year’ they all shouted drunkenly. They were about to come in, when one of them noticed my appearance. ‘Jeez. It’s him’ he shouted to his two compan-ions, excitedly. ‘Whit ye awn aboot man? It’s just some boy with a turban’ they replied. ‘The yanks are offering 20 million dollars for him, and he’s been in Alyth all this time’ he told them agitatedly. ‘We’ll all be rich. You got your mobile with you Alex? I’m going to phone the CIA’ I managed to get the door closed and listened to them trying to tell somebody that Bin Laden was

alive and well and living in Alyth. I really must change my location. Congratulations to Dennis Melloy and all his helpers for the superb Christmas lighting display, including the spectacular light bridge over the burn. I think some people were taking bets on the survival of said display, but the ‘little darlings’ behaved themselves and the display was an outstanding success. I see we have a new post box at the bridge on Mill Street. It is a functional, bright red affair on a black metal pole. (What happened to the lovely George VI box that was vandalised?) Approxi-mately 20 feet away from this new installation is an identical construction that appeared about three months ago. It is bright red and on a black pole…however, this is for the purpose of depositing your bags of Doggie poo. I won’t even go into the scenarios that stretch before my imagination; you lot are way ahead of me. I trust that by the time you read this, (beginning of February) some of you will have stuck to your New Year resolutions. I realise that a lot of you will have backslid in the first week or possibly may have lasted until the second. Statistically, January 13th is the most common failure date for resolutions. I occasionally partake in your local quiz league. Obviously, in disguise. Unfortunately there is no danger of my intergalactic knowledge affecting the results. However, the various Tuesday nights out are quite entertaining and sociable, and John, our quiz-master informs me that so far this year we have raised over £1,000 for local charities and good causes. Any questions or enquiries – Just ask the Alyan – He’s just as baffled as you are. See you next month.

8

MANY PEOPLE will need assistance from the Fire and Rescue Service at some point in their lives. But in rural areas and in small towns the Service needs just as much assistance from the local community, to allow it to do its job effec-tively. In Alyth for instance, the Fire Station is crewed by a group of highly dedicated people who work in various occupations but spend their spare time training and maintaining their equip-ment. When a call comes in, they respond. Some-times this happens when they are at work and thanks to their employers, they are allowed to drop everything and go. You would be excused for wondering exactly what a business gets out of releasing people in this way, except perhaps the feel good factor of being community spirited. But in fact the Fire Service can offer a great deal. Through a fire-fighter’s training, they become qualified in first aid. The practical application of health and safety becomes second nature, as does problem solving. Personnel become adept at the use of a wide range of tools and equipment and above all, learn to become calm and level headed in a crisis. Those who choose to progress in the service will receive management and administrative training. In all a bundle of skills and attributes which would be of value to any employer. If as an employer you would like further infor-mation on the Retained or Volunteer Fire Service, or are interested in applying for a firefighters post, please contact Ross Nicol or Grahame Beats at Tayside Fire and Rescue on 01382 825295 or pop into Alyth Fire Station on a Monday night between 7 and 9 pm for more details.

A.E.G. Jan06 Meeting Report

Classic Restorations

Pitnacree Street, Alyth Perthshire Phone: 01828 633293 Mobile: 07885 316689 Fax: 01828 632529

• Mechanical • Electrical • Panel Work • Ashframe repairs • Paintwork • Interior Trim

Jaguar XK140 Roadster Fully restored by our expert team of committed craftsmen

Email : charles@classicrestorations.co.uk www.classicrestorations.co.uk

Licensed Grocers

National Lottery outlet.

Video & DVD rental.

Irvines Butcher Meat

Dry Cleaning: Shoe Repair

Credit/Debit card facility now available

FREE HOME DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE

Telephone Orders Welcome Tel No: 01828 632306

73-75 Airlie St.

Alyth WITH THE 2005/06 season ending on the last day of May, we are roughly half-way through the season. We have achieved a mixed bag of results, so far, but there is still much to play for. In the cups, we have played 11 matches and won 7, and are still in the League Cup (Quarter Finals); Marshall Cup and the Consolation Cup. (Alyth are the current holders of the Consolation Cup). In the league we remain unbeaten, at home, in Division One. However, our away form is a bit erratic, with 3 losses. On the playing front, Jason Donald is top goal scorer with 14 goals in 12 matches. However, injury has kept Jason out of the team for a few weeks recently. Stephen Richmond has scored 12 goals and is the only "ever-present" player, this season. Managers Rab Kydd and Stephen Robertson, and the players are optimistic that, with a lot of hard work, this season could be another winning one for Alyth AFC.

Sandy McCurdy, Vice-President

Alyth Amateurs Football Club ‘What We Can Do For You’

Alyth & District Business Association

Notice of Office Bearers and Committee Members after the Committee meeting on Thursday the 19th of January 2006

Office-Bearers Chairperson Mr. Michael Kay Telephone Alyth 632252/632690 mike@atcalyth.freeserve.co.uk Vice-Chairperson Mrs. Flo McNeil Telephone Alyth 632986 Secretary/Treasurer Mrs. Nancy Kay Telephone Alyth 632690 Committee Mr. S. Eno, Mrs, K. Donaldson, Mrs. O. Last, Mrs M. McNicoll, Mrs. J. McGill, Mr. C. MacDonald

Alison should soon be in a position to apply for funding. The AEG will send a representative along to the stART Festival planning meeting with a view to discuss what we can do this year. Some Group members amended Jane Pritchard’s draft plans of the most popular walks. Obvious links were added to complete the routes which will now be shown to the landowners. These most popular routes will likely become the Core Path Network. The Group are keen to push on with work in the Den so, it is hoped, are the Rangers. Clive will contact Niall to try and link in with his plans for bench and gate upgrades. Ideas are required for the monthly tasks. If you have any ideas for a task which can be completed in around two hours on a Sunday afternoon please let us know. The Annual General Meeting will take place as part of the March meeting on March 9th at the Losset Inn at 7.30pm - all welcome. The next normal group meeting will be on February 9th at 7.30pm at the Losset Inn.

H O B B I E SH O B B I E SH O B B I E S 19 Airlie Street Alyth

Tel: 01828 632565

Large selection of hobby crafts now in stock including knitting wools, card making

accessories, beads, sewing materials, etc

Corgi, Siku, Bruder, Lledo & many more makes of toys & models in stock

Cards and wrapping paper for all occasions at very reasonable prices, including Valentine’s

Day and Mother’s Day

Open Mon-Sat. 9 am-4.30 pm Closed for lunch 12.30-1.30pm

Closed Wednesdays

prop: Muriel McNicoll

THE ALYTH Environmental Group is keen to continue the work started in previous years, into 2006 by expanding ongoing projects. In doing so the Group are putting even more emphasis on expanding Eco friendly technology. The Group were pleased to welcome Elaine Morrison from SCARF (Save Cash And Reduce Fuel) who gave details of what could and couldn’t be done to gain funding for local community projects. Elaine and Clive have been in contact with re-gards the feasibility of placing a mini hydro turbine in the Burn. Her organisation will fund a study in the new financial year. She also ex-plained about other funding available for mini wind turbines and solar technology. She thinks we should be aiming at a specific area, the school for example, with a view to cut down on carbon emissions at the generation plant, by reducing power usage on site. Increased insulation, bio-mass or chip burners and small wind turbines could all be considered. It should be stressed that no hard decisions on any of the above have been made but the heating plant at the school needs to be replaced so it makes sense to use Eco friendly technology and fuel. Elaine gave local examples of community projects for which matched funding was granted at Kilry and Guildtown Halls. The Group are thinking of hosting a fair in Spring to highlight energy conservation in the community. Elaine suggested several energy conservation bodies who may wish to attend. Staying with the school, Alison is working on the plans for the upgrade of the entrance. She has been in contact with Clair Annan who handed over a wish list put together as a result of a questionnaire distributed round the Eco Group.

LOCHSIDE LODGE & ROUNDHOUSE RESTAURANT

Bridgend of Lintrathen

Alongside Lintrathen Loch, just 10 minutes from Alyth, Lochside Lodge & Roundhouse Restaurant is an ideal venue whether for Lunch or Dinner – our menus are modern and imaginative using the best of

Perthshire & Angus produce, beautifully created and presented

Treat your Valentine to a romantic evening on Saturday 11th or Tuesday 14th February with our Valentine’s Menu

Phone 01575 560340 to make a reservation –

we also have accommodation available.

enquiries@lochsidelodge.com or www.lochsidelodge.com

9

PUBLIC NOTICES

LEAGUE OF FRIENDS

Thanks to all the people who helped and donated to the coffee morning on

26th November 2005. The sum raised was £670.

Happy New Year to you ALL Anne Rhind & Dorothy Suttie

Committee Members

*** URGENT ***

ACCOMMODATION WANTED

TO LET

Telephone: 01828 - 633308

SPORT FOR ALL

Soft- or short-tennis every Thursday

2.30-4.00pm in the Airlie Street Hall. Played for fun, it’s like ordinary tennis

but using a soft, spongy ball and a smaller court.

Equipment available initially. Cost £1.50

Come and have a go!

ALYTH CHORAL UNION

Spring Concert

Organ: Dr. John Kitchen Soloists from The Royal Scottish Academy

of Music and Drama (RSAMD)

Gounod: Grande Messe de St Cecile Mendelsshon: Hear my Prayer

Parry: I was Glad

Alyth Parish Church Sunday 19th March 2006

at 7pm

SUSAN MARSH is pleased to announce the following successes in the

recent Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music examinations:

PIANO: Grade 1 Brogan McGowan Grade 2 Jonathan Coe (Merit) Grade 4 Holly McGowan Grade 5 Emily Cox (Merit)

MUSIC THEORY: Grade 1 Claire Houstoun(Merit)

Alyth Out of School Club

Opening Hours 8am – 9am

&

3.15pm – 6pm Monday to Friday

We have now restarted our sports activities. Monday – Basketball 4-5pm Coached by Paul MacFarlane

Wednesday – Football 4.30–5.30pm Coached by Rab Ross

For more details telephone 07718-573511

ALYTH COMMUNITY CRÈCHE A

Crèche for children aged 0-3years is being held at the

Community Learning Wing Alyth Primary School

on WEDNESDAY mornings

from 10am-12noon There are facilities for parents to meet over tea &

coffee while Playstart Crèche workers are caring for the children.

Further info: Perth & Kinross Council Education & Children’s Services -

Childcare Information Service Tel: 0845-601-4477

Alyth Parish Church Scottish Country Dance Class

February 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd Airlie Street Hall

March 2nd Town Hall

March 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th Airlie Street Hall

For information call Anne Archbold on 632971 or Moira Robertson Lang on 632770

Alyth P.S.A

COFFEE MORNING Saturday 11th February 2006

Airlie Street Hall 10am

Admission: Adults 80p/Children 40p

ALYTH LIBRARY

New for 2006

STORYTELLING SESSIONS FOR PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN

FRIDAYS at 2pm All welcome!

Alyth Musical Society

THANKS to all the people who donated to, helped and attended our

December 2005 coffee morning.

£520 was raised The budding carol singers are more than welcome to audition for next year’s show!

BORED, NOTHING TO DO? Then why not give us a go? Blairgowrie Army Cadets Come along to the drill hall,

Union St, Blairgowrie. Games Night Tues & Drill Night Thur

Both Nights from 7-9.30pm PAY US A VISIT

01250 874400 or blaircadets@aol.com

www.petrolprices.com - Petrol Price Comparison Website

A NEW, simple to use, free website. Enter your postcode tell it how far you’re willing to travel (2, 5, 10 or 20 miles) and it’ll list today’s

cheapest petrol stations in your area for unleaded, diesel, LPG and other fuels.

ALYTH BOWLING CLUB

Season Starts April 2006

All Fees £40 Juniors (under 18) £10

New Members Welcome

Membership Cards Available at the Club

Alyth Parish Church Guild

THE GUILD resumes on Thursday 2nd February

in Airlie Street Hall at 2pm. The Revd Robert Ramsay from

Invergowrie will give a talk entitled “Trek the Inca Trail”.

This again will be an open meeting and anyone interested will be

welcome to come along.

Jean McPherson

ALYTH BOWLING CLUB

SKIPS MEETING IN CLUB ROOM 10th FEBRUARY at 7.30pm

Alyth Christmas Lights 200 Club

December Draw

£50 No.183 Mr. M. Dorward £30 No.105 Mrs. K. Sangster £20 No.12 Mrs. B. Halliburton

January Draw

£50 No.78 Miss. L. Mackay £30 No.193 Mr. E. MacGregor £20 No.97 Mrs. M. Mowatt

Alzheimer Scotland

The Alyth and District Branch of Alzheimer Scotland will be holding a monthly Coffee Club in Alyth on the

3rd Wednesday of each month.

The Coffee Club will start on Wednesday 15th February 2006

when the lounge of Burnside Court will be open from 10.30am till 12.30pm.

We will be delighted to meet anyone caring for someone with dementia.

You and the person you care for will be most welcome.

PLEASE COME ALONG. For further details please phone: 633817

10

MURDO FRASER MSP MID SCOTLAND & FIFE

For help and advice. Look for details of regular surgeries in the local

Press, or you can contact Murdo on 01250 874782 to arrange a meeting; or write to him at-

Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh, EH99 1SP; or email him at -

murdo.fraser.msp@scottish.parliament.uk

J. & M. KAY

Ladies & Gents Hairdressers 13 Airlie Street

Alyth

Tel: 01828 632252

4WD Specialist Cars & Light Goods Vehicles Servicing and Repairs Bike & Car MOT Testing Tyres & Exhausts Bike & Car Oils

AIRLIE GARAGE ALYTH

Telephone: 01828 633363

Servicing, Mechanical &, MOT Repairs Welding & Steam Cleaning

Panel Beating, Spray Painting and Restoration.

All Jobs Considered

Free Estimates Tyres at competitive prices

Winter Tyres Studded and Wheels Balanced Breakdown Recovery and Car Transportation Service

Quality Used Cars For Sale Open 9 am ‘til late

Traditional Acupuncture in Blairgowrie

Acupuncture can help a variety of symptoms and health problems

Free 15 minute consultations available in Blairgowrie to discuss whether acupuncture may be helpful.

Practitioner is fully qualified and insured and is a member of the British Acupuncture Council.

Judith Bryden MA(Hons)LicAc.MBAcC. Contact Judith at 01250 876345 or

07762 188418 (mobile)

GEORGE W. RENNIE 2 St. Malcolm’s

Wynd Kirriemuir

Tel: 01575 573292 Mobile: 07711 818238

Repairs Spares & Servicing Washing Machines, Cookers, Tumble dryers & Vacuums.

Cycle Repairs & Spares by Post mary.rennie@tiscali.co.uk

Airlie Computers Simon Bogle

Computer Repairs and Upgrades Tel: 01828 632244 Mobile: 07732 524139

9.00am to 9.00pm, Monday to Saturday Free Estimates, Site Visits

New and Used Computer Sales Help, Advice and Training

Website Design and Hosting www.airliecomputers.co.uk

Specialised Dementia Care

in a Domestic Setting . RESPITE CARE

. RESIDENTIAL CARE . SELF CONTAINED DAY CARE UNIT

All bedrooms en-suite: Beautiful Enclosed Gardens : Home Cooking & Baking with Choice of Menu:

Trained Staff to promote independence and choice.

www.hopeparkhouse.co.uk Tel 01250 872349

Balmoral Road, Rattray, Blairgowrie

THE ORGANIC HUT

South West Fullarton, Meigle Tel - 01828 640391

Wednesday 1pm—6pm Friday 1pm—6pm Saturday 10am—5pm

Half mile south of Meigle on Dundee Road.

Follow signs

Visit us for a wide range of organic fruit and vegetables. Other organic goods include eggs, various teas, oat-meal and chocolate. We also stock Ecover products, soaps and recycled paper goods.

The Glenisla Hotel 'The Inn in the Glen' Kirkton of Glenisla

Exciting menu using Scotland's best produce Real ales, malt whiskies and fine wines

Traditional Bar with roaring fire and beamed ceiling

Closed Mondays and Tuesdays

What’s On

Thursday 2 February — Quiz Night

Saturday 11 February — Valentine’s Menu — Booking Essential

February Special

Wednesday and Thursday evenings—free bottle of wine when two people have a two course meal. Quote this ad.

Tel No 01575 582223 www.glenisla-hotel.com

11

Megs Mini Market 3 Commercial Street, Alyth

Tel: 07868 649780

Good Range of Household Goods in Stock

If not in stock we will try to get it for you.

WHY NOT JOIN OUR ALL YEAR ROUND CLUB

Established 1975

MURRAY PENNYCOOKMURRAY PENNYCOOKMURRAY PENNYCOOK

PLUMBING & HEATING GAS, OIL & SOLID FUEL

Clar-Innis, Meigle Road, Alyth

Tel: 01828 632135 Mobile: 07850-733-481 Oil –Gas –Solid Fuel

Corgi & SNIPEF Registered Rhones - Lead Work –Drains

Free Estimates

R. D. BuildersR. D. BuildersR. D. Builders

For Free Estimates Tel: 01828 632231 or Mobile 07729924784 19 Tay Road Alyth, Perthshire PH11 8EB

Stonewo

rk

Extensio

ns Ren

ovations

Harl

ing Etc.

MUIR DRIVING SCHOOL

Dave Muir DSA Approved Driving Instructor

Pass Plus Registered

Intensive Courses Available Tel: 01250 870725 Mob: 07732-531767

Book Ten Lessons Only- Pay For Nine

COLIN & CATHY FORD Number 5 Toutie Street, Alyth

CHIROPODY SUGARING,FACIALS

EYELASH/BROW TINTING PEDICURE, MANICURE

by CREATIVE NAILS **Late Nights Tues. & Thurs.**

For an Appointment Tel:01828 632297

ROBERTSON’S DAIRY BALKEERIE

BY GLAMIS FORFAR Tel/fax 01307 840431

Suppliers of milk, cheese, butter, cream, eggs, yoghurts, rolls, and many other dairy products to

Private Houses, Hotels, Restaurant, schools, Nursing Homes, etc. in Alyth, Blairgowrie,

Coupar Angus, Burrelton, Woodside, Meigle, Newtyle and Auchterhouse

• Drystone Dyking • Stone Garden Features • Stone Planters and Seating • Wall Repairs • and Pointing • Patios, Paths and Decking • Roof Repairs and Guttering

Robert Miller Cherrybank Cottage, Leitfie Terrace, New Alyth, PH11 8NF

Ash Chimney Systems

Call Simon on 01382 580245 or 07709-340575

Professional Chimney Sweep Prompt and reliable –

a clean sweep guaranteed. Pots, Bird guards and Cowls fitted.

THE ALYTH TRADITIONAL

FISH BAR Telephone Orders Welcome

01828 632000

Fish Suppers £3.00 on Wednesday for OAP’s

Monday– Thursday 4.30-9 pm Friday 4.30-10 pm Saturday 4.30-10 pm Sunday 4.30- 8 pm

Time to book your Hedge Cutting

and Leave Clearing

Gutters cleared before winter

Don’t forget our usual services

Gravelling, Fencing, Paving

and all other outdoor work

Tel Big Gav on 07739-833595

BIG GAV BIG GAV BIG GAV

BARONY VIEW GROUND

MAINTENANCE HAY STREET

ALYTH

FURNITURE STORE PERTH STREET, BLAIRGOWRIE

(Adjoining Shell Garage) COME ON IN AND HAVE A BROWSE

BEDS– from £69; 2 and 4 Drawer Divans; Metal and Pine Beds; Mattresses; Headboards; Pine Bedroom Furniture;

Ex-Catalogue Suites; Pine and Beech Look Bedroom Furniture;

Dining room Sets and all types of furniture and furnishings. Stock Changes Weekly

ALL AT DISCOUNT PRICES

GEO’s BAR GEO’s BAR GEO’s BAR & & &

THISTLE LOUNGETHISTLE LOUNGETHISTLE LOUNGE AIRLIE STREET, ALYTH

Tel : 632276 Fax: 633939 Email: thisletopia@aol.com

Lounge available for meetings FOOTBALL ‘LIVE’

on Digital & Five

Carpet Care Carpet Care Carpet Care Carpet, Upholstery and Leather

Cleaned and Protected Neil Stewart

Call for a Free Quote: 01828 632771 or 01250 875216

Mobile: 07713-915546

David Scott Ltd FUNERAL DIRECTORS & MONUMENT AGENTS

Also Golden Charter Pre-Paid Funeral Plans

7 Toutie Street Alyth Open Tuesday Mornings 9 a.m.-11.45 a.m.

Or by appointment Our staff are happy to assist with all enquiries

A 24 hour service is maintained on 01828 633 433

PETS PANTRY

10a High Street Blairgowrie

Tel: 01356 623006 Keith Nicol

Walls & FloorsWalls & Floors 21, Commercial Street

Paints & Papers, Ceramic Tiles,

Carpet Tiles, Carpets, Vinyls, Laminate Flooring,

Decorating Sundries, Rugs.

Decorating Advice Given

Shop Hours Mon-Fri 8.15am — 5.30pm Sat 8.30am — 1.00pm

Tel: 01828 632879

Alyth Pet & FlowersAlyth Pet & Flowers 17 Airlie St, Alyth

Tel: 01828 633555

* Greetings Cards Now In Stock *

Various Varieties of Pet Foods

CUT FLOWERS, VASES & POT PLANT HOLDERS

NOW SUPPLYING HORSE FEED & DUCK FEED

FISH TANKS & ACCESSORIES What we don’t have in stock we will get for you.

Charles A Davidson

Blacksmith, Welder and Fabricator

Gates and Rails made, erected and repaired All fabrication and farm work undertaken

Tel: 01828 632948 Mobile: 07957-766546

12

IN THIS my final article for the ‘Voice’ before moving on to Perth at the beginning of February, I would like to bring our residents up to speed with the latest news. On the crime front in the past couple of months, police patrols in Alyth continue to crack down on anti social behaviour and under age drinking. This has involved the confiscation of alcohol and drug related products, with persons involved in the purchase and sale of alcohol to young persons being reported to the Procurator Fiscal. There is no doubt that a lot of the problems of anti social behaviour are caused by young persons under the influence of alcohol or drugs. I appeal to the parents of any young person who might return home ‘high’ after consum-ing alcohol or through taking a possible illegal substance to be aware of any welfare issues. Whenever in doubt, do not hesitate in contacting a doctor or out of hours ‘NHS 24’ for advice or assistance. Parents have a duty of care for their children which does not end at the doorstep. Some of the stories we read and see with regard to drug and alcohol abuse are quite frightening. Popular culture would have young people believe that ‘Its OK’ to drink to excess or take illegal substances. Please help them to understand the risks associated with any form of this kind of abuse. In an effort to turn this around in your community, I appeal to everyone: if you have information which might identify persons responsible for the illegal purchase or sale of alcohol or drugs, especially to the young people in our community, please give the police a call in confidence or phone Crimestoppers. On a personal note, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all residents, especially those involved in voluntary work in the community, for their assistance and support in my time as your local beat constable. I have enjoyed my time here and I would ask that you give the same support to my

replacement, Constable Mark Stewart, who you shall get to know in the coming weeks and months ahead. I have known Mark for a number of years and he comes to this area with a wealth of county experience which will stand him in good stead as you will no doubt get to know him whilst on patrol in and around Alyth.

Although I am moving station, I will still maintain an operational link with this area through my continuation as the local Wildlife Crime Officer. I continue to live in the Blairgowrie area and will always have an interest in what is going on, so I look forward to reading favourably about Alyth and its people in issues of the Voice in the years to come. Thanking you once again for your support.

If you need to contact the Police please use the following numbers – Emergency 999 / Enquiry or to report a crime 01738 621141

Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 Best Regards, Graham Jack

Nether-Turin, Meigle Road

Alyth, PH11 8EX

Tel. 01828 632001 DEAR SIRS, THE ALYTH REVOLUTIONARY I attach an article which you may find of sufficient interest to publish in the next available issue of the "Alyth Voice". I also attach two photographs, one of which shows Robert Dempster, the other his wife, Jane Ann Hardie. Both are circled. It is thought that the one of Jane was taken at the jute mill in Alyth.

Yours faithfully, Bill Davidson Unfortunately the photo of Robert is too dark to reprint in the Voice, please contact Bill should you wish to see it.

Alyth Folk

Police Update

Printed for Alyth Voice by Blair Copy Shop Copyright©alythvoice 2005

D E C E M B E R

A N S W E R

I WAS recently contacted by a lady living in Yorkshire, who has been trying to find out more about her great-grandfather, a resident of Alyth in the latter part of the 19th century. Robert Dempster was born in Dairsie, Fife about 1849. He was the natural son of a ploughman and had a stepfather who was also of the same profes-sion and it is likely that his upbringing in this environment influenced his thinking in his adult years. In 1881 he was Head Farm Servant at Easter Tullyfergus Bothy but by 1883, when he married, he had moved to Parkside, Auchterhouse. By that time he had changed occupation to a stone quarryman (possibly due to his views on the conditions of farm labourers causing un-rest). He returned to Alyth at some point and lived with his wife, Jane Ann Hardie, and family at Morn Street until about 1896 when he moved to Dunino in Fife. Dempster was the tenant of a house in Morn Street owned by his father-in-law, George Hardie, a carter and weaver. Five of Robert and Jane’s children were born in Morn Street between April 1884 and August 1893. In 1884 Dempster wrote a booklet “The Natural Horseman – The Horse and Ploughman”, the main content of which concerned horses, ploughing, etc but he also used it as a mouthpiece for his views on the conditions which farm workers of that era had to endure and suggested “We the farm servants should form a brotherly lodge…….and try and recover ourselves from the state of degradation into which we have fallen.” The booklet also makes mention of a “Farm Servants and Agricultural Labourers Literary Lodge” and it is known that he was a member of the Alyth Literary Society for a short time, resigning as he did not agree with their politics. He was also a member of the local Liberal Society and the Alyth Ploughmen’s Club and Socialist Union. He may have been the founder of the latter as an article in the “Glasgow Evening Times” of around 1907 referred to his early attempts to organise farm workers and “Dempster’s club”. Following on from this booklet, Dempster published a series of leaflets proclaiming his views on various topics. The first leaflet came down hard on the “slugs and drones” and explained the cause and the remedy of poverty. Other leaflets dealt with the Irish question, the formation of an Agricultural Board and the holding of a referendum to decide on peace or war. He also talked of a “wage-slave society” and urged the introduction of “a national system of money circulation supplied by the state on labour value”. These leaflets were circulated throughout Angus and Perthshire and were distrib-uted personally by Robert Dempster in Dundee on Saturday evenings often rounding off with an open-air address in the Greenmarket. The previously mentioned article in the Evening Times, was probably written by David Lowe, an early leading light in the Scottish Labour Party. He sponsored the

first Labour candidate in Dundee in 1892 and Dempster joined him in his support of James Macdonald. He would walk to Dundee from Alyth and spread the word to any who would listen. While living at Dunino, Robert was appointed to the School Board of the primary school. By 1899 the family had moved to Clackmannanshire where he continued to work as a quarryman and to be involved in politics. His wife, Jane Ann, died in 1905 and in August 1906, Robert was killed in an accident at the quarry where he worked. Like many such individuals Robert Dempster was a man ahead of his time but without these men much of what we take for granted today might never

have come to pass. By all accounts he was not a well educated man but had the gifted ability to convey his thoughts to others by his writing and by word of mouth. The aforementioned article concludes “…he would eat his frugal meal with content, dreaming of a new time and old friends”. Perhaps a suit-able epitaph. If anyone has any information about Robert Dempster, his family, the Alyth Ploughmen’s Club, the late 19th century Liberal Association etc. Bill would be very pleased to hear from them.

The Alyth Voice take this opportunity to thank Graham for his valuable contribu-tions to the Voice, to policing in Alyth and the surrounding area and wish him every success in the future.