Alyth Voice

94th Edition, September 2005 Tel/Fax: 01828 633045 Minimum Circulation 1525

E-Mail address -alythvoice@alythvoice.co.uk Website: www.alythvoice.co.uk

Alyth Folk

Printed for Alyth Voice by Blair Copy Shop Copyright©alythvoice 2005 12

Freida Leaves

“The Voice” After four years working with the Alyth Voice, sadly it is time for me to hand over my duties to someone else. Irene Robertson of New Alyth has stepped in to take

over from me and will be taking over next month. Within three weeks of arriving in Alyth I found myself involved with “The Voice” as Jim O’Brien was hanging up his editorial hat. I have enjoyed my time doing the Voice and especially meeting the people of Alyth. We are moving over to Fife to live nearer to our family, but we shall miss Alyth and all the friends we have made here. Thank you all for making us welcome in Alyth, it is a wonderful town and the community spirit is amazing. The Alyth Voice is going from strength to strength, mainly due to your participation, please keep sending in your letters, poems and articles etc. Without you there would be no “Voice”. I look forward to reading all about the events in Alyth each month when I receive my copy of The Alyth Voice through the post. Thank you to all who have emailed and phoned to wish us well. Regards Freida

Thank You From The Voice Team A big thank you is due to Angela and John at Blair Copy Shop for putting up with Freida and working with her to produce such a col-ourful issue last month, and for the extra time they put in to ensure it was just right. We very much appreciate all their efforts and con-gratulate them on a job well done. Thank you both very much.

The Alyth branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland marked the end of its 75th birthday celebrations on Thursday 18th August with a cheese & wine party in the lesser town hall. Addressing the 40 guests, Jim O’Brien, secretary, thanked the many organisers of the “Times to Remember” weekend while Jim Husband, Chairman, presented trophy keepsakes. The Revd Neil Gardner re-turned thanks on behalf of the guests. Two members of the Forfar RBLS were invited, Charlie Brown & George Keown (the Parade Marshals). They had both attended every remembrance in Scotland and commented on the level of support the “Times to Remember” weekend had received from the Alyth community. Charlie had been at the national commemoration in London and per head of population, was sure that Alyth had exceeded the turnout there. Jessie McLean provided a superb display of cheese and the wine was very much appreciated, while wartime favourites serenaded the bunting decked hall! A guest book from the Heritage Exhibition was circulated to collect comments and signatures. This book will be made available to the townspeople in the near future to allow any-one to add their name and comment of that special weekend – further details will be provided of the location in due course. See page 12

Alyth British Legion 75th Birthday Final Celebration

Alyth Branch Royal British Legion Chairman Mr Jim Husband

“Alyth Celebrates” DVD

On Sale Now

Alyth Voice Webmaster Derek Todd has produced a DVD to com-memorate the “Times To Remember” weekend of 16th /17th July 2005. It is on sale now and you can order a copy by contacting Michael Kay on- 01828 632252/632690 Or email the Voice at alythvoice@alythvoice.co.uk Cost £5 each, £3 of which is being donated to Alyth Voice. Many thanks Derek for capturing the special events of that week-end and all the hard work that has gone into producing the DVD.

“Alyth Celebrates” DVD

Produced by D.H.Todd Commemorating the “Times to Remember”

Weekend of 16th /17th July 05 On Sale Now

For details on how to order See page 12

Will Burns Brodie, Jessie MacLean & Sheila Fisher enjoying the British Legion evening to thank the organisers of 15th—17th July celebrations

Chairman of Alyth British Legion Jim Husband and Secretary Jim O’Brien at the Cheese & Wine Evening on Thursday 18th August

Irene Robertson of New Alyth

Joins “The Voice” Team

Irene Robertson has agreed to join the Voice team as Coordinator/Compositor on Freida’s departure. Currently on a career break taking a Degree in IT & Computing, Irene was previously Branch Man-ager with a national insulation dis-tributor for 11 years in Blairgowrie. Irene is New Alyth born and brought up, and has recently become a member of Alyth Community Council. Irene was also recently involved in the RBLS Heritage Exhibition.

THANK YOU

The Royal British Legion Alyth Branch put together a weekend that Alyth will not forget when they celebrated and remembered the anniversary of VE & VJ days, the First War, Trafalgar and the Boer War. At the parade it was remarkable to see how our old soldiers stood stiffly to attention when the parade marshal formed them up and addressed them with the words “remember why we are here”. At that point none of us who were not their generation would really know what was going through their minds as they remembered fallen comrades. It was a pleasure to be asked to help, by arranging the Heritage Exhibition in the Town Hall, made all the more pleasant by listening to the many stories and memories that people had as they gave me their precious photo-graphs, medals and various memorabilia of the war years. It also would not have been possible without the outstanding help from a great and enthusiastic team of Irene Robertson, Dave Neill, Dave McLaren, and Peter & Angela Fairgrieve, who worked from Wednesday throughout to Monday erecting, cataloguing and dismantling the exhibi-tion. At any one time we had six stewards on duty as security, and I am grateful to them as not one item went missing. To everyone who helped and loaned items a very big thank you to you all, but lets not forget the British Legion of Alyth and in particular Chairman Jim Husband and especially Secretary Jim O’Brien who co-ordinated the event so well. Dennis Melloy

“Times to Remember” Was it really only a month ago since we held our celebrations? Well to me it seems to have been so much longer. The wash-up effects of saying thank you to all manner of people, by all manner of means is particularly time consum-ing but nevertheless a pleasant chore. Calculating the cost though and making sure that a + b – c = (I don’t know what) isn’t an easy but a very, very important necessity. I am pleased to say though that costs were within our budget and the local branch thanks to sponsorship from the Big Lottery Home Front Recall, P&K and the Ladies Branch has only spent what it expected to do. The final event, held last Thursday, a cheese and wine party for all helpers was a good night to finish off our birthday celebrations.

On that occasion we made public the details of the pleasant chore I was referring to above and the branch is very pleased to say that local voluntary clubs and associations have benefited in kind to the tune of over £5450. Some £1860 of this amount came from ticket sales for the concert, private donations, a collection box on the day and sales at the games field BBQ. The £5450 comprises over £3050 being well earned eg by the bands, concert and organisations which helped run the event, we were fortunate to have the Blue Arrows and the Flypast services for free, this again reduced our costs on the day which allowed us to simply donate a further £2400 to other causes. I do need to point out though that the donations only went to voluntary (non charity) clubs and associations, we could not at this time and in line with the big lottery regulations donate to charities or privately run, profit making organisations, which does exclude a number of worthy causes.

Last month’s voice was exceptional, being a past editor for a number of years, in my time I never even dreamed of colour, let alone a 12 page issue, phew, am I glad I retired. Seriously though, Congratulations on a fine com-memorative edition. Jim O’Brien RBLS Secretary

“Alyth Celebrates” DVD I have just bought the celebration DVD from Hairdresser Mike Kay's shop which was compiled by Derek Todd of Annfield Alyth. When Libby and I sat down to watch it we did not expect to see such an entertaining and professional film. This is a film about the people of Alyth, by the people of Alyth for the people of Alyth. The weekend as we all know was a special time to remember and this DVD of Derek's does just that. We had great fun picking out all the local people that we knew, most did not know that they were being filmed (some might wish they hadn't ) but YOU’RE on it for posterity. Derek takes us from the assembled Parade to the War memorial and rededica-tion service, the fly past followed by the parade down to the South Afri-can memorial with the war vehicles, Pipe band and Perthshire Brass. Derek then takes us down to the School playing field for the games and then on to the Exhibition at the Town Hall. The DVDs are available from Mike Kay's shop at the very modest price of £5.00 and £3.00 of it goes to the Alyth Voice, Derek is obviously not making anything out of all his hard work and with the help of Mary his wife should be congratulated and supported. This DVD will I am sure become a part of Alyth history when we are all gone. Dennis Melloy

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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

Alyth Voice Team Paul Ramsay 01828 632992 Editor Email : paulramsay@bamff.demon.co.uk Irene Robertson 01828 633045 Compositor/Secretary Email:alythvoice@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 pub-lication 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/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 a 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.

Strathmore & The Glens

If you would like to know more about the work of the Partnership please visit our website at -www.strathmoreglens.org

PO Box 6621, Blairgowrie PH12 8YF

Community Markets 4th Saturday of the Month

from 23rd April Blairgowrie Wellmeadow

10am - 3pm

Dates for Your Diary

Aug 26th/27th Good as new/Jumble sale Alyth Scout Group Sept 2nd John Kitchen Organ Recital Alyth Parish Church Sept 10th Coffee Morning Airlie St Hall Alyth Brownies Sept 29th Bingo Tea in Town Hall. Alyth Musical Society Sept 22nd Social Evening -Ogilvie Rooms Alyth Musical Society Oct 8th Coffee Morning Alyth Christmas Light Ass. Oct 29th Coffee Morning Alyth Scout Group

Voice Teaser What is a Haugh?

Answer to last months Teaser- What does Tapsalteerie mean? Upside down

A.E.G Tasks

18th September Middle path to Alyth Hill : ditch and gorse clearance 23rd October Alyth School: bulb planting or other work 20th November Sewage works hedge and tree planting 18th December Sewage works hedge and tree planting

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Alyth Voice Team would like to say many thanks to Irene Robertson and Eleanor Love, whose photos were published, in the special commemorative issue. Thanks also to the Voice team, - Derek, Michael, Freida, and Ian for taking the photos for the Voice published in last months issue. Derek Todd and his wife Mary have produced a wonderful DVD recording the events of the day. He is kindly donating £3 from each copy to Alyth Voice. To find out how to buy a copy see page 12.

Many Thanks Derek and Mary for all your hard work producing this wonderful memento of the day. Thanks also is due to Derek for printing photograph orders.

Market Square Alyth

Perthshire PH11 8AA

Open Monday—Saturday 9 am—5.30 pm

Tel : 01828 632309 Fax : 01828 632609

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

73-75 Airlie St.

Alyth

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

Brownie Camp 2005

Between Friday 20th and Sunday 22nd of May, the 3rd Alyth Brownies visited Ladenford Den, Forfar, for their pack holiday. This year’s theme was Scooby Doo, and the girls were split into four groups called, Fred, Scooby, Shaggy and Daphne. As we haven’t been to Ladenford before, we began the weekend with a boundary game to familiarise the brownies (and the leaders) with the grounds. The girls also enjoyed learning some new games- Splat and Penguin Racing. On Saturday after a very long night, we made keyrings from “Scoubi Dous” and decorated T-shirts using fabric paints. Before our BBQ, we went for a walk through the den surrounding the hut. The girls had fun writing invisible ink messages using lemon juice before heating it to reveal the messages. One of the highlights of their weekend away was making spooky Scooby Doo inspired castles using spaghetti and marshmallows! All the brownies and leaders had a brilliant time and we are already looking forward to the next camp! Haley Sinclair Youth Leader 3rd Alyth Brownies.

Alyth Musical Society Alyth Musical Society will hold a Social evening for members and anyone interested in joining us on Thursday 22nd September in the Ogilvie Rooms at 7.30pm. A Bingo tea is planned for the 29th September in the Town Hall. At the AGM of the Society in June the show for 2006 was selected. This will be a rather raunchy comedy western entitled 'Wild Wild Women'. A read through of the script will take place on Monday 3rd October with singing rehearsals be-ginning on Thursday 6th October. Auditions for the show will take place on Thurs-day 27th October. New members will be made most welcome. We especially need young men in the 20-30 age range for two of the parts.

Alyth Boys Under 15s

Would like to thank the following:- Co-An Group for new strips, JB Corrie & Co Ltd for new tracksuits, Walls & Floors Alyth for new kit bags, Costcutters Alyth for Trophies for the end of this coming season, Alyth Youth Partnership for their financial support, Paul Spar Alyth for paying fees for this season, Alyth Bowling Club and members for allowing us to hold our functions in their club, also all other businesses and people in Alyth who support our club, not forgetting all our parents for the hard work they do. Thanks very much, also we would like to wish all three Alyth teams all the best for this coming season.

Mr R. Ross Alyth Boys FC U15s Manager.

As I write this, the season proper is just about to start. The Amis play their first competitive match next Tuesday (16th). Last season proved to be a winning one as we were victorious in the Consolation Cup, winning the final, at Coupar Angus by 3 –0 against Rose-lea. We had a bit of a scare, in the league, and for a while relegation was a possibility, but the play-ers dug deep, and amassed enough points to leave us in the middle of Perthshire Division One. The pre-season programme of matches and the training sessions have gone well, so we are (like a lot of teams at this stage of the season!!) very hopeful. The Rev Neil Gardner got a surprise one evening to see a bunch of players sprinting up and down the Kirk Brae. This is one of the more popular exercises, devised by Manager/President Fergy Alexander!!! For season 2005 – 06 we have a large squad of talented young players. Some of them have been with us for a couple of seasons, so are aware what is required. We are still lucky to have a few ex-perienced players, who set a good example to the young ‘uns. They include Peter Hosie, John Breen, Gary Howland and coach Stevie Robert-son. Also, we are looking forward to helping to bring on some teenagers who have come from youth football. We are very lucky to have a hard working com-mittee. We can often be seen at training on a Tuesday night, putting the world to rights, over a cup of coffee!! As always, we are so lucky to get so much sup-port from the town. And the support comes in so many ways. So thanks to all. Our monthly bingo teas usually attract about 90, and the resulting funds help to keep the club going. So here’s to a winning season!!!

Sandy McCurdy Vice President

Alyth Amateurs Football Club A wheen mair ‘ Dae YE Minds? ’ By Danial Dewar

Dae ye mind yon days at schuill Whin the missie took the drill,

An’ ye search’d aa night fur muscles, but in vain? An; wir blck-affrontit whin

A wee bit fluff grew on yer chin, An’ mither burst’er steys wi’ laching at ‘er waen.

Whin we squabbl’e at the bools We juist made up oor aen rules;

Thir wir peesers, dongies, glessies – tak’yer pick. And, if you could peich an’ plunk

(an’ the ither loon wis punl) Ye could swipe ‘is bols fur keepies, at a lick.

Afore lassies wir fur real, Aa they did wis skreich an’ squeal

As the laddies chased them roond an’ pu’d thir hair. But as they aa matured,

Then thir necks an’ lugs got scoured, An’ they splash’d-on scent an’ lipstick – loons tae snare.

Ye’ll mind o’ mulk an’ meal, An’ thae ither perks as weel;

Thir wir spuds an’ neeps; an’ peesies’ aigs tae fry. Onie rabbits that we snared Wir illegal, but whs cared?

We juist huid tae eek things oot wi’ rabbit-pie.

If ye wir skint, or short o’cash, Then ye huid tae hae a bash

At the clattin’ or the shaain’o’neeps. But fur aa ye ever made

Ye’d hiv been as weel in baid- ‘cept ye huid a wife an’ bairnies fur tae keep.

Wha’d fuget the thrashin’-mull, Whin ye slav’e without a lull,

An’ the saaty swite kept dreepin’ aff yer nose? Then, whin lousin’-time cam’ roond

(if ye hudnae keel’d or swoon’d) thir wis soup, bun-stew an’ spuds –a cheenge fae brose.

Ye’ll no furget ‘that day’ Whin the waar wis won, in May;

And, as kirk –bells rang, ye loup’d aboot the square? But, did ye ever ken

That thir still wir Alyth men Wha’d be battlin’ Japs an’ Jungle’, three months mair? INJURED TEDDY’S

TEDDY BEARS TRAIL

The Injured Teddy Bears Trail, which was sponsored by Alyth & District Business Associa-tion, has now finished. It was a competition that had been de-signed for the young and the young at heart and it started on Friday the 1st of July and ran to Wednesday the 31st of August. Can all entry forms be returned to The Doll’s House Shop, Camno Workshop, Commer-cial Street, Alyth by Thursday the 8th of Septem-ber. We hope you all had fun completing the Injured Teddy Bear’s Trail, and visitors enjoyed their visit to Alyth as much as Teddy did. Thanks must be expressed to the com-piler Mrs. J. McGill, for her work in producing the entry form, all the businesses for their Teddy Bear displays and their willingness to take part and to all who have entered. Thanks must be expressed to the proprie-tors and staff of Paul’s Spar, Commercial Street, Costcutters, Airlie Street and Alyth Post Office for distributing all the entry forms and to everyone who took part in the Teddy Bear’s Trail. The winner will be announced at the September committee meeting and prize list will be printed in October’s edition of the Alyth Voice.

Alyth Baby & Toddler Group

Are back from the summer holidays. Every Monday, Tuesday & Friday 9.45 – 11.15 am. Meet in the Ogilvy Rooms. Parents, Grandparents, Carers, Babies & Toddlers are all welcome to join us and enjoy a chance to meet new people over a ‘cuppa’ while you watch the children play with our wide range of toys and other kids. We are also requiring volunteers to join the committee and are holding an AGM on Sunday 11th September at 7.30 pm in the Ogilvy Rooms. Please come along and support our cause and if you can help out in any way it would be greatly appreciated. Any inquiries please phone Robyn on 632705

20 mph Please in Albert Street Could I remind a few of the drivers who regu-larly use Albert Street and Sidlaw Crescent, that the 20 MPH signs are there for reason of safety, not merely for decorative purposes! Marguerite McKenzie Sidlaw Crescent

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

Your Letters

Driving Made easy

Contact Colin Sidley: Home: 01828 633 017 Mobile: 07751072408 Text: ‘PRICE’ to my mobile number for information E-mail: colin.sidley@virgin.net

Lessons available by the hour or in block book-ings Pass Plus Registered Member of the Driving Instructors Association

G CLARK PLASTERING & TILING

Walls & floor tiling Harling Coving

Plastering Dry Lining

Ames taping Wet Dash

NO JOB TOO SMALL FREE QUOTES

TEL:01828 633970 07821294678

ATTENTION ALYTH BUSINESSES ALYTH VOICE

WEBSITE ADVERTISING

Tell the World about your services and Help us to Promote Alyth

www.alythvoice.co.uk

Have your business included on the Alyth Voice Website directory and tell the world what Alyth has on offer.-one year £10 with email address, contact address and telephone number or link to your own website just £5 more.

Contact Freida – Tel: 01828 632545

PUBLIC NOTICES

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 E-Mail: imiller@pkc.gov.uk

We would like add more community columns into the Voice but we can’t do it with-

out YOU! and your organisations……

Each month we would like to tell everyone what Alyth and it’s many organisations are up to!!!!

So come on folks— Lets hear from you about YOUR GROUP!!!!!!

ALYTH VOICE ARTICLES BOX HAS

MOVED

ARTICLES FOR THE VOICE CAN BE HANDED IN TO ALYTH PET SUPPLIES IN AIRLIE STREET

10 3

Coffee Morning 3rd Alyth Brownies (Thursday)

Saturday 10th September

10-12 noon Airlie Street Hall

Cancellation notice

Owing to the closure of Airlie Street Hall, due to refurbishment, we regret that the St. Ninian’s Coffee Morning for the 15th October is cancelled.

ALYTH & DISTRICT BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

The Chairman, Office Bearers and Committee of Alyth & District Business Association thank all the businesses for their marvelous Injured Teddy Bear Trail window displays which are a joy to behold and have the young and young at heart, wondering and puzzling over the correct answers. They also thank all the businesses and business personal for giving their full hearted support to the Alyth Branch of the Scottish British Legion in their “Times to Remember” Events with their fantastic “World War II” display theme windows. They sur-prised many with their contents of years of yore. Well done all.

P.A.D.S.

I would like to thank all who gave so generously t the “door to door” collection in which £406.57 was collected. Many thanks also to Linda and Charlotte and to my two wee helpers, Holly and Ewan. A total of £1146.57 has now been made to P.A.D.S. since November last year. Thanks once again Janet Young.

Susan Marsh is pleased to announce the follow-ing successes in the recent Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music examinations: Piano: Grade 2 Rosalyn Hall Grade 3 Freddie Cox Grade 4 Emily Hood Grade 4 Lynsey Smith

Thank You

Graham Buick of Denway, Alyth would like to say thanks to all relatives and friends for cards, kind enquiries and also help offered and given during his recent stay in hospital.

For Sale

Fish Tank 4ft x 18ins x 12ins Complete With Jewel Internal Filter

Hood And Light

£60 Tel - 01828 632545

Land Gulls and Crows/Rooks

Everyone likes to feed the birds, and they give us great entertainment in the garden, that is except Gulls and Crows, both species of which can easily fend for themselves. These birds are rap-idly becoming a menace as anyone (like me) who has had washing and clean windows ruined by their droppings can tell you. The only way gulls and crows will come into your garden is if you feed them, so please be selective about what you put out for the birds. After all you wouldn’t feed rats, would you? In Albert Street the rookery is thriving, in days past their numbers could be controlled, but not now in our politically correct society. The school playing field is taken over at dawn with hundreds of gulls; these are a threat to our garden birds and in the long term to us. BEWARE! Concerned Alyth Resident

Thank You Graham Buick of Denway, Alyth, thanks all relatives and friends for cards, kind enquiries and also help offered and given during his recent stay in hospital.

Thanks

On behalf of the Alyth Ploughing Associa-tion I wish to thank all who contributed and gave help on the day of the coffee morning in Airlie Street Hall. The sum of £661.93 was raised. M. Mitchell (SEC)

Attention All Voluntary Organisations in Alyth

The Voice Website would like to host an Alyth Voluntary Organisations Directory on our website- www.alythvoice.co.uk Would all voluntary organisations in the Alyth area please send the details of your organisation and con-tact details to the Voice. We will also place link to your own websites.

You can send details by email to:-alythvoice@alythvoice.co.uk Or leave them at Alyth Pet Supplies Airlie Street. Help Us to Promote Alyth on the World Wide Web.

Captain John Whitson

I visited Oamaru, in South Island New Zealand and I was delighted to find evidence of Alyth connec-tions. I have known for many years of the Alyth connec-tion as Miss Lizzie Whitson was a great friend of my great aunts, the misses Janet and Olive Bruce of Balgillo (Albert Street) they were the daughters of Captain John Whitson who captured the ship which brought back the first consignment of frozen meat. He died in Oamaru, after being put ashore with pneumonia at the start of a later voyage .He is com-memorated in the Kingsgate Hotel by the Whitson Lounge. There is information about him in Oamaru Museum. John is also honoured at Totara Estate, where the first cargoes of frozen meat were pre-pared. Some of his personal effects, such as his watch fob and compass are displayed. He is, for a reason unknown, buried not in Oamaru but in North Cemetery, Dunedin. This may suggest local emi-grants known to him. The name Alyth, is known as a girls name in Otago. I wonder if any reader remembers Miss Whitson? (I do not remember if her name was actually “Lizzie” or “Elizabeth”) she lived in one of the houses by the Parish Church that overlooked the town. She died in the late 1960’s. I think? I am placing a rowan tree at Totara in memory of Captain Whitson as the great niece of the Misses Bruce who were friends of the Whitsons. I would be very happy to include a more general mention of Alyth if there is no objection. Beatrice Dobie

Greetings people of this pleasant Earth-ling settlement!

I was actually heading for the bright lights of a large population centre just a few more nedlicks further south, but unfortunately, due to the price rise of dilithium crystals to over 1,000 zorks a barrel, I ran out of zargon. Unleaded of course. I’m not one to pollute the galaxy! So if some poor unfortunate, bangs their heed against my cleverly disguised, as well as invisible craft, currently masquerading as a derelict bank building, then I don’t apologise. You shouldn’t have been there in the first place!

In my cunning guise as an ex-postmaster, I have been examining your quaint settlement. Don’t worry; he does not know he is carrying anything unusual in his brain, which I gather is quite normal for him.

Many of your quaint rituals here fasci-nate me. I thought, in fact, that there were many more drinking establishments here than my initial reconnaissance had recorded. References to ‘The Commercial’ and to ‘The Creel’ dumbfounded me and I thought my tri-corder was indeed, faulty. However, I have now, through osmosis, with mine host, discovered that these are names that have changed over the years. However, your inhabitants still loyally refer to them by their original names. ‘Most illogical, Jim’.

(Captain’s Log – Stardate 2124) Oh,..I must comment on your novel

tourist attraction. – A game – I do love games…It seems that the game is called ‘find the loo’. It’s hilarious to watch the visitors to this fair enclave, being caught short and then looking in vain for a directional sign. There is none, and even if they are so lucky as to stumble in the right direction, when they arrive at the facility, there is nothing to indicate that it is, indeed, the convenience that they are in desperate need of…very strange!

The abundance of one of your earth sub-species, which we have catalogued

as brown trout, in the waters that run through your settlement, are most fascinating to watch. They are themselves a tourist attraction. Isn’t it very thoughtful, that some of your younger resi-dents, feel so concerned for their welfare, that they deposit copious quantities of cans, bottles and other assorted material into this water. Is this to provide an artificial habitat for these sub-species? Perhaps, they are themselves a sub-species. What other logical reason can there be for this unusual practice?

It is almost as unsightly as the triple backside of a Zanistarian Gonadite!

Well, Earthlings, – Now that I have announced my presence amongst you, will look forward to sharing copies of my monthly transmis-sions back to my home planet. In the meantime, I am looking forward to my first visit to your movies to see – ‘War of the Worlds’ - Gotta cheer the home side on, don’t you?

THE ALYAN ‘You are not alone’

Lift Required Monday to Friday

Alyth to Perth Starting at 9 am and finishing at 5 pm.

Share Costs Phone- Alyth 632243 after 4pm.

Alyth & District Alzheimers Carers Group

The above members would like to say a big thank you to everyone who supported our charity sale in the

Ogilvy Rooms. It was great fun and raised the splendid sum of £812

for our funds. Your loyal support is much appreciated.

Alyth Out of School Club

Opening Hours 8 am – 9 am

&

3.15 pm – 6 pm Monday to Friday

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

Wednesday –Football 4.30 –5.30 pm Coached by Rab Ross

For more details telephone 07718573511

Alyth Scout Group (Beavers, Cubs, Scouts)

Good as New Sale Friday 26th Aug. Jumble Sale Saturday 27th Aug.

In Alyth Town Hall Only clearly labelled jumble will be uplifted from front

of premises Or Hand into Town Hall Thurs. 6-9 pm

Thank you.

Alyth – in – Bloom Garden Competition Trophy Presentation

Lesser Town Hall Alyth

Sunday 25th September 2.30 pm

All Welcome Contact no. 632749 -Marguerite McKenzie

Alyth Rainbows

Alyth Rainbows will restart on Friday the 2nd of Sep-tember in the guide Hut at the usual time of 6.15 pm to 7.30 pm. Alyth Rainbows is available for girls age 5-7 years. If you are interested in a place for your daughter please

contact Catherine Chalmers on 01828 633825

ALYTH LITERARY SOCIETY

The new season of the Alyth Literary Society starts on the 4th October, 2005 with a talk on the Wars of Independence from Fiona Watson who, a year or two ago, presented a television series on Scottish his-tory. Following this on the 18th October, Bob Elliott from the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park will give an illustrated talk about the work of that body. The next meeting, on the 1st November, will be held in the Kinloch Memorial Hall, Meigle when Terry Isles will describe the “Dolomites and Julian Alps” in words and slides. Back in Alyth, on the 15th November, Uwe Stoneman of the Scottish Wildlife Trust will be speaking about “Puffins to Ospreys”. An outing has been arranged for 29th November to the Broughty Ferry Operatic’s production of Iolanthe in the Gardyne Theatre, Dundee. Before closing for the festive break, there will be an illustrated talk by Iona Anthony of Historic Scotland on the archaeology of the local area.

The New Year starts off on the 17th January, 2006,with Perth Museum’s Fiona Slattery giving an illus-trated talk on Monart and Vassart Glass. The Annual General Meeting will be held on 31st January and will be followed by a talk from Anthony Troon, a “Courier” columnist. Geoffrey Bridges from Meigle will talk about and play the oboe on the 14th February and our final talk will be on the 28th February when locally based historian, John Mackenzie, will describe colonial architecture in the British Empire in his illustrated talk entitled “From the Bungalow to the Palace”. The season ends with the Annual Supper at the Strathmore Golf Centre. All meetings are held in the Ogilvy Rooms, Commercial Street, Alyth (unless stated otherwise) and com-mence at 7.30pm. Membership of the Society costs £4 and there is no charge for any of the talks. Anyone wishing to join or attend any particular talk will be made most welcome. Any enquiries should be directed to 01828 632001.

Ballroom Dancing

Ballroom & Latin Dancing classes restart in the Town Hall on Wednesday 7th September 7.30. Tel: Dennis or Libby Melloy on 632284 for details or just come along on the night.

Glenfernate Fresh Meats

Enochdhu, Blairgowrie PH10 7PL Tel: 01250 881 215 Fax: 01250 881 780

E-mail: sales@glenfernate.com www.glenfernate.com

Beef, Lamb & Venison Direct from a Local Perthshire Farm

delivered to your door Bred here and raised naturally with no intensive rearing, hormones or additives. Properly hung, cut and prepared on the farm. Just good meat that is tender and full of flavour with no fancy seasonings needed to give it taste. The venison is from our own wild deer from the same hills that the sheep and cattle graze. If you are not satisfied, we will replace or refund in full.

LAMB PACK £30 Leg of Lamb approx 1.5kg (3lb) 1kg (2lbs) Rolled Shoulder 450g Diced Shoulder 4 Dble loin chops 4 Leg Steaks 4 Noisettes 1 Pack Lamb Burgers (1/4 pounders)

BEEF PACK £35 3x 450g (lb) Steak Mince 3x450g Diced Shoulder 1kg Topside Rst 1kg Silverside Rst 450g Braising Stk 230g Frying Stk 450gStk Saus. 450g Lorne Saus. 1 Pack Steak Burgers ( 1/4lb)

BBQ PACK £25 2 Packs of Stk Burgers 1 Pack of Lamb Burgers

1 Pack of Venison Burg. 1 Pack of Pork & Apple Burg. 1 Pack of Stk Saus.450g 1 Pack Lamb Saus.450g. 1 Pack Venison Saus 450g 1 Pack Pork Saus. 450g 1 kg Frying Stks appx.6 450g Lamb Leg Stks appx.4

Venison Pack £30 1 Haunch of Venison 1.5kg(3lbs) 2 Venison Stks. 3x450g Diced Ven. 3x450g Ven. Mince 450g Venison Saus. 1 pack Ven. Burgers

Plus free delivery in the local area

We deliver every Friday in the Blairgowrie/Alyth Area. For more information, For a price-list with all our cuts and produce, or to place an order, Contact Ann, by Tele-phone, Fax or E-mail.

‘Glenfernate Fresh Meat are licensed Game Dealers’

4 9

Advertising This is a £6 Size

If you wish to change your existing Ad contact Freida Murray on 01828632545

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.

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

[ [[

Alyth Springs TherapiesAlyth Springs TherapiesAlyth Springs Therapies Westfield Estate Alyth Tel: 01828 632450

Reg. Holistic Reflex Therapists

Sore Neck/Shoulders, Sports Injuries, Stress, Anxiety. Sandra Gauld AMGCP NARH

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

For All your garden machinery requirements.

SALES, SERVICE, REPAIRS, HIRES all makes.

Sharpening service. Main Dealer for Westwood, Jonsered, Echo

Stockists of Honda, Husqvarna, Castel, Stihl,

Kawasaki and more. Collection and Delivery by arrangement.

ALSO Gates, Railings, Balustrading etc.

Steel workers and fabricators

CONTACT: Blair Eng.

HIGH STREET RATTRAY

BLAIRGOWRIE TEL. 01250 872244

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)

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

Newspapers

Magazines

Toys

Envelopes Notepads Pens, Pencils Gifts

ARNOLD WHITEARNOLD WHITEARNOLD WHITE

JJJOINEROINEROINER ANDANDAND C C CONTRACTORONTRACTORONTRACTOR

All types of Joinery/Carpentry work

i.e.-Extensions, Loft Conversions, Double Glazing, Conservatories,

Kitchens. Hardwood & Laminate Flooring,

Fitted Furniture

1 Strathmore View Telephone Alyth 01828 632467 Perthshire Mobile:07736248718 PH11 8JD

RENDEZVOUS **HAIRDRESSER** Margaret or Paula

would be happy to advise on that new look for 2005

59 Airlie Street, Alyth. Tel: 632097

Open Tues - Sat

Gift Vouchers Available

DAVIDSON CHEMIST

9 Airlie Street, ALYTH.

Tel 632302 Prescriptions dispensed

Delivery service available

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

Open 7 Days –Sunday 12 am-4 pm ALL AT DISCOUNT PRICES

GEORGE W. RENNIE 2 St. Malcolm’s

Wynd Kirriemuir Tel: 01575 573292

Mobile: 07711 818238

Repairs Spares & Servicing Washing Machines, Cook-ers, 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

RELAX & REVIVE

Waxing Aromatherapy Massage

Swedish Massage St Tropez Tanning

Mini Facial Instant Manicure* Instant Pedicure

For an appointment call Nicola on 01828 633163

Mrs Susan Marsh (Cert Ed) Cherrybank, Lands of Loyal

Tel: 01828 633501

Holland 2005 Departing from the Square at 9am we

had an easy run through to Prestwick where we checked in to the compliments of fellow travelers who admired our kilted attire. Time passed quickly as there was enough to keep the Scouts amused. The flight was peaceful with only a few "oohhs" from the guys as we quickly gained altitude and they realized that they hadn't left their stomachs behind.

Weeze airport was a vast old military aerodrome which is slowly being converted into civilian use. It was an ideal location for us as it was only a short run to our destination. It did take a while to get the rental cars but there is always a delay somewhere along the line and patience is a virtue.

A forty minute run and we arrived at Plasmolen where we were met by our Dutch hosts and installed in their hall. Sunday was bright and beautiful and the hike to the swim-ming beach at the far side of the lake was greeted with enthusiasm. The sun was very strong and liberal layers of sun block applied. Although very busy everyone enjoyed the experience. A slightly longer return was compensated by visit-ing the" shoppie" . Shops in Holland are virtually all closed on Sundays and this was one of the very few which was open. Supplies for the camp had been ordered by Yule and bought for us by her cousin otherwise we would have had empty bellies for a few days.

Monday saw us on the road for Amster-dam. We were so fortunate to have Yule whose local knowledge and Dutch background was indispensable. A tour round Ajax stadium was very impressive and short train journey from a nearby station took us into the centre of the city. A welcome river bus took us out of the rain and round the canals where we witnessed a different way of life. A walk through one of the main streets illustrated how busy a city this is. We made a quick getaway before being caught in the evening rush traffic. Holland has a population of 16 million and I think they were all on the motor-way that evening .At one point we were on an eight lane part with a further 8 lanes headed in the opposite direction.

When in Rome do as the...... ..So we just had to have a day on bikes. Now these machines were quite different from the mountain bikes the guys were used to. The Dutch version is a much more functional ,and mine weighed a ton. I think it had been constructed from the remains of a panzer tank Being a part of their culture they have many cycle routes - not all of which were marked on our maps! It was all part of the adven-ture and we confidently pedalled along a part of the German border and up what the Dutch call "Devil Mountain". The older Scouts with a leader took a longer way back - not too sure if that was the original intention but it gave us slow ones a breather while we waited for them to catch up. The final leg was completed en masse at breathtaking speed - at least on the downhill sections! The walk back from the cycle hire was completed with respect and I doubt if we could have caught a pig on the road A visit to a mu-seum which was dedicated to the Second World War was a humbling experience. We were so fortunate that one of the Dutch Leaders we had met worked there and gave us an extra insight. I know things were tough in the UK during these days, but the Dutch had it rough in a big way. As part of the days activities we visited a War Cemetery which had a profound effect on us all-

Scouting Report from the youngest to the oldest. One Scout showed us his log book which read" I couldn't stay there for very long - it was so sad"

Another day, another activity and this time to a theme park which catered for all ages. Not much surprise to report that the Leaders went round the "Fairy Tale Trail" whilst the Scouts were lining up for the gravity defying rides. Although a vast layout, we all met at the designated time and headed off. Yule's parents had kindly invited us for a barbecue upon which we descended and promptly tried to eat them out of house and home

Rotterdam was our next port of call and we were shown the Fire Headquarters for the vast port which has over 9000 quays. We were provided with lunch and proceeded to a local fire station where an enthusiastic crew showed us round and gave the Scouts an exercise crawling around in the pitch black. We also visited a flood barrier which can be swung into position to protect Rotterdam from flooding. The sheer scale of this barrier is amazing.

Saturday saw the Scouts out on the lake with our Dutch hosts in their boats followed by games along the line of "It's a Knockout". This proved a suitable title when Jonathan's attempt at tossing the caber resulting in Derek having to take him to the local hospital with one of the Dutch Leaders acting as guide. The evening saw us entertaining our Dutch hosts to a "Scots Night" where the Scouts shone and did us proud

The exertions from the previous day saw our first "official" activity of brunch at noon! A hot day, we just had to head for our beach via the now popular shop. We were all impressed with Dutch food. The lads very quickly adapted to the scene and were converted into such items as "VIa", "HageI" such variety of cheese and bis-cuits and cold sausage that made us fell quite Dutch

Our last day only allowed us a short visit to one of the local crazy golf courses where after an intense competition we all declared ourselves as the winners - but hot. An increase in security at the airport was obvious but no-one was complaining in the light of circumstances. Our flight was 30 minutes early ,fortunately our bus was there and took us to the Scout Hall at Loans where the committee members had organ-ised a light meal for us before the last leg of our journey home. We all relished the vista of hills and the welcome that awaited us on the Square.

Thanks are due to all who helped in any way, parents, fundraising, our hosts. But in par-ticular I should like to thank Derek Colley who did such a power of work making all the book-ings, handling the finances and administration. Also Juultje Goldie to give her full name whose planning ,enthusiasm and Dutch background made this venture not only possible but very successful. R Kirkpatrick

Traditional Spaghetti Bolognese From Sainsbury’s Prep and cook time: 30 mins to 1 hour Serves: 4 Ingredients For the Bolognese sauce: 15ml spoon olive oil ½ x 130g pack cubetti pancetta 1 onion, peeled and finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped 2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped 2 sticks celery, finely chopped 150g pack mushrooms, wiped and finely sliced 3 x 15ml spoons tomato puree 500g extra lean mince 125ml dry red wine 400g can chopped tomatoes 15ml spoon dried marjoram 20g pack fresh parsley, finely chopped Method Heat the oil in a large saucepan and saute the pan-cetta, onion, garlic, carrot, celery mushrooms and tomato puree for 5 minutes. Add the mince and fry until browned, then add the wine, tomatoes and marjoram, cover and cook for 30-40 minutes. Cook the spaghetti as pack instructions. To serve: Pile the spaghetti onto individual plates, stir the parsley into the bolognaise sauce and spoon over the spaghetti. Serve immediately.

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

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

GEO’s BAR GEO’s BAR GEO’s BAR & & &

THISTLE LOUNGETHISTLE LOUNGETHISTLE LOUNGE AIRLIE STREET, ALYTH

Tel : 632276 Fax: 633939 e-mail: thisletopia@aol.com

Lounge available for meetings FOOTBALL ‘LIVE’

on Digital & Five

THE ALYTH TRADITIONAL

FISH BAR Telephone Orders Welcome

01828 632000

Fish Suppers £2.50 on Wednesday From 5pm-7pm for OAP’s

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

GRANGEMOUNT CATTERY Aberbothrie, Alyth

SPECIAL DIETS CATERED FOR INDIVIDUAL HEATED CHALETS

Set in the quiet rural setting of beautiful Strathmore PERSONAL ATTENTION

FROM THE OWNERS DENNIS & LIBBY MELLOY

Tel -01828 632284

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

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 8.15—5.30 Sat 8.30—5.00

Tel: 01828 632879

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: 0771 391 5546

PETS PANTRY

19 High Street Blairgowrie

Tel: 01356 623006 Keith Nicol

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

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

Stonework

Extensions Renovations

Harling Etc.

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 766 546

MUIR DRIVING SCHOOL

Dave Muir DSA Approved Driving Instructor

Pass Plus Registered

Intensive Courses Available

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

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

Alyth Pet SuppliesAlyth Pet Supplies & Flowers & Flowers

17 Airlie St Alyth

Pet Foods, Accessories, Toys Cut Flowers, Artificial Flowers, Vases

Pictures etc. We now have an assortment of Fly Fishing Hooks

If we don’t have what you need in stock, we will try a get it for you

Mobile 01828 633555

8 5

Alyth Voice Needs YOU

Irene Robertson has kindly offered to take over as the Voice Compositor and Co-ordinator. We still need someone to work with our advertisers and set out their ads for the voice. If you can spare some time each month to work with our existing team of volunteers and would like to know more about what’s involved, please give us a call on – 632545

Jet Hosing Service Available- Paths, Drives, Mono Blocking etc. cleaned of grime. Mowing, Gravelling, Fencing, Dyking,

Tree surgery and all other outdoor work

at competitive prices

Tel Big Gav on 07739833595

Telephone: 07739 833595

BIG GAV BIG GAV BIG GAV

BARONY VIEW GROUND

MAINTENANCE HAY STREET

ALYTH

Not Any more by Jim Menzies

Bonnie Dundee on the banks o' the Tay, Ye still hae ma hert, tho'in Alyth I stay,

When I visit it's different, or it seems so to me, An' I find masel' driftin' in deep reverie.

Oh whaur's the community I used to stay?

Wi' the stone walled closies whaur we a' played, Whaur you knew everybody, ground floor tae the third,

And keepin' your door shut was considered absurd.

Whaur are the bairns that played in the street? The marbles, an' pinners that bounced aff concrete, Do they still sing while skippin', or drap aff a dyke? Do they hae cuddy races, kick the can, an' the like?

We a' played fitba' fae morning tae nicht,

When it got dark then we played by street licht, Then fae oot the windies, came the order- "come in",

An' abody knew that the next goal wid win.

And whaur's the wee shop whaur ma joab was to buy, A half stane o' tatties, an' some carrots forby,

A bag o' broken biscuits and maybe some scones, An the wummin aye asked"how's yer Maw getting' on "

Whaur's a' the Tallies' shops I knew so well ?

Cabarelli's, Ianetta's, they a' used to sell, Fish suppers wi' peas, ice cream in a poke,

You knew the were Tallies, the minute they spoke.

And whaur is the cludgie that cosy wee cell? The string fae the cistern - I remember it well,

Whaur I'd sit hunched ower, studyin' reports o' the gemme, Tae decide if Jack Harkness an' me saw the same.

The auld double deckers that ran in the toon, The fares were collected efter ye'd sat doon,

The conductress aye knew how tae deal wi' a nyaff, "If' yir goin' then comoan-if yir no, well gitaff."

We spoke oor ain language, we were na posh,

Big Wullie, wee Shuggie, the washie, the Sosh, Daft Peem, fat Boab, that glaikit big dreep, The ba's on the slates, and yir gas at a peep.

I think o' the days o' my tenement hame,

The mair modern hooses, they're jist no' the same, Now there's big highways, flyovers and jams, It's no' pounds and ounces, it's just kilograms.

Maybe its times, no' the toon that has changed,

As I find masel lookin' doon memory lane, These memories seem, sae far, yet sae near,

Wi' the benefit o' hindsight one thing stands sae clear.

Those days wurnae aye rosy, and money was ticht, The wages hauf' finished by Monday nicht,

But still we came through it, and weathered the ruts, The reason is simple......

oor Parents had guts.

2nd Class Examination Passes

Cadets Angus Gray (Alyth) and Gemma Reid (Burrelton) of 2519 (Strathmore) Squadron Air Training Corp just after being presented with their 2nd class Cadet Examination Certificates by Adjutant Flying Officer Michael Kay R.A.F.V.R.(T) (Alyth) in the absence of the Commanding Officer Flight Lieutenant Roy Kemp due to work commitments. Angus and Gemma's first cadet examination pass will hopefully start them on their cadet carers with many interests and opportunities such as flying, gliding, shooting sports, leadership exercises, camps duke of Edinburgh award scheme,etc. and also the Air Training Corp examination syllabus in which they will sit ten different exams and hopefully passing them all they will be awarded a B. TEC in Aviation Sub-jects. If the above interests you and you are be-tween the ages of 13 years old to 16 years old come along any Wednesday evening between 7.00.p.m. and 9.00.pm. to 2519 (Strathmore) Sqn, Drill Hall, Union Street, Blairgowrie and speak to the Commanding Officer, adjutant or any of the Cadets.

Flying Cadets

On the 14th of August four cadets from 2519 (Strathmore) Squadron, Air Training Corp, Cadets Angus Gray (Alyth), Jemma Reid (Burrelton),

Kevin Pendleton (Luncarty)and Kirsty Soutter (Blairgowrie) accompanied by Flying Officer Michael Kay (Alyth) R.A.F.V.R. (T) journeyed to Royal Air Force Leuchar. There they joined up with 51 cadets and 8 staff from 38F (Perth), 775 (Burntisland), 859 (Dalgety Bay), 1145 (Dunfermline) 1370 (Arbroath) Squadrons and 38 (Kinross) Detached Flight all from Dundee & Central Scotland Wing and 34 cadets and 4 staff from Yorkshire Wing who are at Royal Air Force Leuchar for their Air Training Corp, Summer Camp. They where briefed on all the safety issues relevant to their coming flights in a Chinook HC2 helicopter of 18 Squadron from Royal Air Force Odiham by the Sergeants John Hickey and Carl Fielder. The cadets and staff were formed up in chalks (A flying term for a party) of 25 personal, then issued with helmets escorted out to the Chinook, strapped in to their safety belts and away they flew. The pilots showed them many of the manoeuvres that a Chinook can undertake when flying. It can fly, forwards, backwards, sideways, hover, turn in its own length, bank, dive, climb and descend vertically, and many other flight capabilities of the helicopter. Each flight lasted about 25 to 30 minutes and all the cadets and staff had a fantastic flight. All the cadets from 2519 (Strathmore) Squadron thoroughly enjoyed their flights and boasted to their fellow cadets about their day and all cannot wait for the next visit of a Chinook to Royal Air Force Leuchar's.

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.

Megs Mini Market

3 Commercial Street Alyth Tel: 07868649780

Good range of Household goods in stock

Buckets, mops, brushes and cleaning agents

Assortment of Fishing Tackle Dry & Wet Flies Lures & Hooks

Fishing Tackle and Lures Bed Linen Pillows –Duvets & Sets

All your needs for your Kitchen Pencil Cases, Rubbers & Rulers for going back to school

Please call in and have a browse.

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

LOCHSIDE LODGE &

ROUNDHOUSE RESTAURANT

Bridgend of Lintrathen, Near Alyth An Award winning Restaurant

with Rooms offering the finest of local produce in a picturesque setting

Open for Lunch every day (except Mon-days) & Dinner ( except Sundays)

For Reservations, please telephone

01575 560340

The Alyth Voice Collection Boxes

£26.72 was collect this month between dona-tions and Alyth Voice collection boxes.

Thank you all.

FAMILY PORTRAITURE

NATURALLY Come and experience a leisurely and fun portrait session with Jack and Marion in the hills and woodlands sur-rounding THE BYRE STUDIO. Help us to create your family heirlooms for yourselves and future generations. Nationally and Internationally acclaimed and right on your doorstep! Like to know more? Ring us for an appointment to view our beautiful albums and wall portraits – you are guaranteed a warm and friendly welcome.

JACK MACDONALD PHOTOGRAPHY,

THE BYRE STUDIO, EAST KINCLUNE,

KINGOLDRUM, BY KIRRIEMUIR 01575 575 502

jmphoto@globalnet.co.uk

www.jackmacdonaldphotography.com

Police Update

7 6

“Well, that’ll be the summer holidays over then, or near enough”, reports local community policeman Graham Jack. “I do hope all of you who managed to get away for a well deserved break have come back refreshed. We have been lucky this summer and blessed with good weather – what a difference it makes!” “In the past few weeks we have seen Alyth Show, the Gala Day, the VE Celebrations including the re dedication of the War Memo-rial and Jam in the Den to name but a few, were all well supported and from a Policing perspective passed without incident – excel-lent! have said it before and I will say it again, Alyth people have a great community spirit which other like towns could be very jealous of. There are a couple of things which tarnish this image – litter and vandalism are two of the main problems I see. Most of the litter appears after teatime, especially in early evening and at weekends when the majority of the litter is drink related – empty cans, bottles, boxes and plastic bags used for carrying it in, and empty food containers. The highest concentration of this is in and around the Market Square/Millenium Clock areas – the first place any visitor to Alyth encounters. Thankfully, the Cleansing department are in town early in the morning and have the majority of the litter removed before the public are about. If this did not happen can you imagine the mess and even worse the problem with vermin which would follow. A member of the public stopped me in the Square last week and took me across to the burn which was littered with empty cans, bot-tles, sweet and food wrappers, pieces of wood and articles from the now derelict portacabin and garages in Pitnacree Street (hopefully demolished by the time this gets to press) This local resident was disgusted and I had to agree. The Alyth burn is the centrepiece of the town and an obvious focal point – it is not a litter bin or dumping ground for rubbish. Those sus-pected are the young people of Alyth. I do know that the vast majority of young people in the town are law abiding and to deposit litter on the ground or in a place like the burn would be unthinkable and I am not having a go at them. It is a small minority of young people who are responsible for many things such as litter and vandalism. In an effort to change’ the current trend’ can I ask all parents to encourage their children to place their litter in either bins provided or take it home for disposal. Graffitti and vandalism similarly is not acceptable and I will ask my colleagues who patrol the Alyth area to pay particular attention to these highlighted prob-

lems over the next few weeks and persons seen offending to be given a fixed penalty or be reported.”

Road Safety

“Whilst on my ‘soap box’ can I similarly appeal to parents and grandparents dropping/ picking up their children from around the school. Last year changes were made in the St. Andrews/Alexander Street areas to assist in the road safety of children attending the school. Having assisted many times during the period where we were without a School Crossing Patrol-ler, I saw that the children were not the problem – any problem lay with a very small few individuals who selfishly and irresponsibly caused irritation and problems to other drivers and parents by not adhering to the guidelines and measures put in place for the overall safety of young children. The worst offenders, would drive to the gates of the school – an area covered by yellow zig zag lines where no stopping or turning is allowed and per-sons offending are liable to prosecution – drop their children off and either reverse their vehicle back through child pedestrians to the Alexander Street junction causing more danger there, or even worse, carry out a three point turn manoeuvre in the ‘zig zag’ area – even more dangerous and more likely to cause an injury to a passing child. Please remember, young children forget easily, and in their excitement of seeing friends or what-ever, can for a second forget about staying on pavements, step onto the road, and it is that time they can be exposed to possible danger. If it were your child in this position how would you feel if due to some irresponsible driver an avoidable accident was caused….. Please, when dropping your children off at school, always obey the School Crossing Patroller – they have a very re-sponsible job to do. If you have to park in the vicinity, do so responsibly in either the Airlie Street end of St Andrews Street, or in Alexander Street, or even still, if you don’t live too far away, try and get into the habit of walking to school. Its healthy for everybody!” “Should you have any comment to make on this issue or anything you might want to discuss confi-dentially please contact me personally while on patrol in the town or leave a message at Blairgow-rie Police Station and I will get back to you.”

Regards, Constable Jack

Should 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 Should you wish to speak to me confidentially I can be contacted on mobile 07736 082613

Ants and Anemometers

by Paul Ramsay A cloud of flying ants floated past as we walked back to the house where my brother and his family were staying at the foot of the Sma’ Glen. We had set out an hour or so earlier for a short constitutional before lunch. As we walked I realised that we were passing through Con-nachan, the farm made famous by those master Black-face breeders, the McCall-Smiths, cousins of Alexander, the celebrated author. I was re-minded also of a noteworthy clash of interests raised by the grassy hill over which we were passing,. The first time I saw the name ‘McCall-Smith’ was when it appeared in an article in the journal of the Scotttish Peat and Land Development Association, describing the transformation of unprofitable heather moorland on their farm to productive grassland. About fifteen years later I visited Connachan, having bought some of their cast ewes in Perth, and Neil McCall-Smith gen-erously lent me a couple of ram lambs to run with these ewes. He described his work of re-seeding the hill ground on his farm and said that this had not been popular with his laird. Not surprising, really, since what had been a major improvement from his point of view as a sheep farming tenant had been a misfortune for the estate, for which the letting of the grouse shoot-ing was an important asset. Red grouse depend on heather for food and cover so, no heather no grouse: what had once been a well-known grouse moor was one no longer. I described all this to my companions and, as we walked on, we considered the enormous ane-mometer on top of the hill (‘What was that word?’ asked my brother – an annywhat? – ‘An anemometer – a device for measuring the strength of the wind,’ I replied). And of course this brought up another great controversy of the age – windpower and landscape. By the time we had reflected on the implications of oil at sixty something dollars a barrel for the economic viability of wind power, and whether it was right for the state to guide investment in public utili-ties with financial inducements or levies, we were near the great structure with its three ane-mometers and two tiny windvanes. We took photographs and set off downhill for lunch. On the way down somebody pointed out that some-one had added a sign with the words ‘Save our Planet’ as a contradiction to those that said ‘Save our Hills’ along the Sma’ Glen road. It was as we neared the end of our walk that I noticed the passing cloud of ants without recog-nising them for what they were. On returning home I was able to consult my library and chal-lenge Google to give me an answer. I reflected, too, on other encounters with ants and remem-bered an occasion earlier this summer when I lay down one afternoon in one of the young pine-woods on the Bamff Hill and got bitten by ants – fiery bites, whose sting ebbed away through the evening. ‘Ants in my pants’, I thought and re-membered the splendid song, ‘ I can’t dance, I’ve got ants in my pants’, composed by Charlie Gaines and sung in one recording by Louis Arm-strong.

The Napoleonic Bell usually held in the Town Hall has been taken down. It will be going on loan to Anstruther Scottish Fisheries Museum.. This is the year of SeaBritain and SeaScotland 2005, commemorating Britain’s maritime heritage since the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 and highlighting the thousands of sea-based and sea-linked activities of our Island. Among the exhibitions in the Museum, specifically created for this year of the sea, will be Sept 23 – Oct 23 Scots in Nelson’s Navy. Once it is returned to Alyth it will take up a new position in the foyer of the Town Hall where all will enjoy it. The bell pictured above, was housed in the bell tower and was rarely seen by anyone. It has been rung on various occasions, most recently on the 17th July during the “Times To Remember” celebra-tions. Gifted to Alyth by Mr William Warden son of the landlord of the now forgotten Bamff Arms. Mr Warden was a surgeon on the British war ship, which conveyed Napoleon to St.Helena. The “St. Tey” bell in the parish of Poullan, not far from Brest, was earmarked to be melted down and used as war machines against our ancestors. However the bell never reached the smelters, but fell into the hands of a British cruiser at Brest. Mr Warden managed to buy the bell at the equivalent of a modern day government surplus sale. He presented the bell to Alyth Parish Church School in the early twenties of the nineteenth century but the bell was too large to keep in the school, so the authorities gifted it to the town. The wrought iron bell was cast in 1789.

Alyth Christmas Lights 200 Club

July Draw £50 107 Karin Donaldson £30 149 Ian Murray £20 129 Mary Russell

August Draw £50 167 Marguerite MacKenzie £30 12 Barbara Halliburton £20 94 Sue Pople

The first of our two fundraising Coffee Mornings will be held on Saturday 8th October

The Town Hall Bell

For some time now on and off, the Halls Committee have been discussing what to do with the bell, it sat up in the tower com-pletely ignored for long periods of time whilst it slowly deteriorated. Two months ago we had a request from the Anstruther museum asking if the could borrow the Bell for approximately two months to take a lead part in a special display about the Napoleonic wars – we could not refuse and indeed the idea of it being repositioned else-where the in the Town Hall (permanently on display) after having been skilfully cleaned was in line with the Committees thinking.

So it has now been removed and on it’s way to Anstruther until October. A closer in-spection of the Bell has revealed that all is not quite as it was originally cast (some damage had occurred) and the way it had been mounted in the tower hid this damage. It was damaged around the top suspension area, hence the wooden collar and the slightly muffled sound it produced. The Bell can not be hung as a normal ships bell due to this damage and upon it’s return it will be placed in a suitable protective setting on permanent display. Jim O'Brien

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

Antisocial Behaviour Roadshow

Perth & Kinross Community Safety Partnership is holding a number of community events to launch their new Antisocial Behaviour Strategy – at these events you can come along and talk to the people who have services aimed at reducing the problem – why not come along and find out about them??? Present will be local police, the Council’s Antisocial Behaviour Team, Community Mediation and Crimestoppers. Events are being held at:

Alyth’s Famous Napoleonic Bell

Will Be On Show In Anstruther Museum

"They say that nobody is perfect. Then they tell you practice makes

perfect. I wish they'd make up their minds."

Winston Churchill