258th Edition, July 2020 · 2020-06-30 · Businesses are also being offered free inclusion for an...
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258th Edition, July 2020 The Alyth Voice is a free monthly magazine, managed, written, and delivered by volunteers. www.alythvoice.co.uk 2000 copies INFORMATION PLEASE REMEMBER all articles and adverts you wish placed in the Voice need to arrive with us no later than the 14th of the month.
Transcript of 258th Edition, July 2020 · 2020-06-30 · Businesses are also being offered free inclusion for an...
258th Edition, July 2020
The Alyth Voice is a free monthly magazine, managed, written, and delivered by volunteers.
www.alythvoice.co.uk 2000 copies
INFORMATION
PLEASE REMEMBER all articles and adverts you wish placed in the Voice need to arrive with us no later than the 14th of the month.
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EDITOR’S LETTER Welcome to the July issue of the Alyth Voice! Since at the time of writing the lockdown is still in force, we’ve decided to stick with our policy of not printing and delivering paper copies of the Voice this month. However, the slow but steady move back to something like normality is continuing so we’re planning to get back to printing and delivering copies as usual with the August issue. We’d like therefore to inform our advertisers that we’ll start billing for adverts again once the August issue is distributed, hopefully at the end of July. We hope that another month of no invoices will be a small boost to the local economy. We’re sorry that for many of our readers this will be yet another month without a paper copy of the Voice to enjoy. If you know someone who likes to read their regular Alyth Voice but isn’t online, do please print it out for them (in black and white if you want to avoid using a lot of ink). Even though the signs of an end to the current crisis are looking more positive than they have for many weeks, the splendid work of the Alyth Community Support Group continues and, if anything, is intensifying. In this month’s issue of the Voice, we feature an in-depth interview with many of the fantastic volunteers who are working so hard to help Alyth through the crisis. Do take the time to read their stories and thoughts about what the future might bring. Please also stay updated on the Group’s activities by following (if you aren’t already) their Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/groups/944562195607741/ - and the specially-created information website built by Alyth Development Trust at: https://communitysupport.alyth.online. If you need any question answered, or any help of any kind, there’s information available there, and if not there’s any number of people in Alyth who will be only too happy to try and help. On a related matter, Alyth Development Trust are building a new community hub website under the ALYTH.ONLINE banner. They’re offering local community groups, organisations and businesses space to promote their activities, goods and services in one central place that will be actively promoted as the source for information on everything that’s great about Alyth. It’ll be completely free for community groups and voluntary organisations. Businesses are also being offered free inclusion for an introductory period to help the local economy get back on its feet. For more details and to register your interest in being involved, contact Alyth Development Trust via [email protected] or on their Facebook page at https://www.lovealyth.org.uk Once again to all our readers and advertisers, stay well and stay safe and follow the official advice, and we look forward to seeing you again for our August issue. Kevin Coe Editor
Cover image courtesy of L McGowan
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*~*~* DATES FOR YOUR DIARY *~*~* Due to the advance notice of these dates, please check for changes!
JUNE
NOTICE
"In light of the recent Government
recommendations on Coronavirus, the Airlie Street Hall Committee has decided that all Saturday coffee mornings will be cancelled
until mid-June at the earliest. At that time and as new information is forthcoming, new
announcements will be made.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS
ALYTH HEALTH CENTRE NEW ALYTH ROAD, ALYTH, PH11 8EQ
Website www.alythhealthcentre.scot.nhs.uk
Main Health Centre Number: 01828 632317
Community Nurse: 01828 632425 Health Visitor: 01828 633954 NHS24 (Out of Hours): 111
Airlie Street Hall (contact-Shona Milne) 01828 633219
Alyth Town Hall Sandy McCurdy, Secretary Jean Coleman
01828 632744 01828 958239
Ogilvie Rooms (contact Tina Tripney) 01828 632754
Police Station 101
Hydro-Electric Emergencies 0800 300 999
Scottish Gas Emergencies 0800 111 999
Scottish Water 0845 601 8855
Alyth Health Centre 01828 632 317
Alyth Primary School 01250 871 370
Blairgowrie High School 01250 871 200
NHS 24—new 24 hour health service 111
Anti-social Behaviour Team 01738 476 173
Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Advisor 01738 562 358
Alyth Dental Care 01828 633313
Samaritan Cars—Billy & Liz Gordon 01828 633554
Dog Fouling & Strays—Perth & Kinross Council 01738 476476
If you offer an emergency or breakdown service, send the Voice your details
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Perth & Kinross School Holidays
HOLIDAY LAST DAY AT
SCHOOL RETURNING
Easter 3rd Apr (Fri) 20th Apr (Mon)
May Day 7th May (Thu) 11th May (Mon)
In-Service 21st May (Thu) 25th May (Mon)
Summer Holidays 30th June (Tue) 19th Aug (Wed) Please see page 8 for information on how to register for online services from
CORONAVIRUS—COVID-19
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms: fever, dry cough, shortness of breath, DO NOT COME INTO THE SURGERY
Please call NHS24 on 111
You can find the most up to date information about
Coronavirus on www.nhsinform.scot
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CERAMIC & NATURAL STONE, KITCHEN & BATHROOM WALLS & FLOORS inc.
CONSERVATORIES TILE REPAIR & REGROUTING DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL
WORK
FREE QUOTES
CALL SANDY 01828 632424 OR MOBILE 07835443561
For Free Estimates Tel: 01828 632231 or Mobile 07729924784
19 Tay Road Alyth, Perthshire PH118EB
David Murphy Painter & Decorator
Interior & Exterior
No Job Too Small
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25 years experience
For a professional finish call: 01828 632571 07762077839
Est 1953
No job too big or too small
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Replacement windows & Doors
Kitchens
Repairs & alterations
Call or email for advice and estimates
TEL: 01828 632070
www.GADavidsonJoiners.co.uk
Find us on Facebook :
G A Davidson Joiners
LOGS & KINDLING
[email protected] www.johnamcintosh.com
Family run business Serving Perthshire, Angus
& The Glens
For this winter try our
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J B BUICK BUILDER Local Builder since 1975
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TILING AND PLASTERING SERVICES
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Established 1980
Electrical Contractor E.C.A. Registered and Approved
Stewart MacDonald 8 Cambridge Street, Alyth PH11 8AW
Telephone 01828 632 995
A.Soutar Woodburning And
Multi Fuel Stove Installations Cairndene Cortachy Road Kirriemuir DD8 4PU
TEL:01575 572875 E: [email protected]
Services Include, Dry Appliance Installation, Flexible Liners Installed,
Twin wall systems, Rigid Flue Systems, Chimney Work And Many Other
Services! For More Information don’t
hesitate to call! Estimates Given
RENDEZVOUS
**HAIRDRESSER**
59 Airlie Street, Alyth.
Tel: 632097
Open Tues - Sat
Gift Vouchers Available
THE ALYTH TRADITIONAL
FISH BAR
NEW TEL: 01828 634165
Telephone Orders Welcome
See full menu instore
Opening Hours:
Mon - Fri 4.30pm - 9.30pm
Sat & Sun 4.30pm - 9pm
Airlie Street Hall Thursdays 7.30pm till 9.30pm
We are a friendly group keen to welcome
new members to enjoy a fun pastime that helps keep body and mind active.
This is suitable for individuals there’s no
need to bring a partner.
From July 2-3pm Every Sunday
Age from 5 years and any experience welcome
Learn all about caring for horses, building relationships, horse health, training
(including tricks) & exercise.
£5 suggested donation per person
Contact [email protected] or find us on Facebook
South Littleton, Blairgowrie PH10 7HF
Stiff neck & shoulders? Lower back pain? Like flatter abs?
Try Pilates classes with
STRATHMORE
All ages and abilities welcome
Classes: £42 per 6 week block Mon 8pm Tues 10:00am (11am to follow) Wed 8pm Thurs 10:00am (11am to follow)
Greengairs Health & Fitness, Rattray, PH10 7HE Blairgowrie Physiotherapy clinic, PH10 6ET
Contact: 07730 413674 or [email protected] or
Facebook: Strathmore Realistic Pilates
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SCOUTS Scouting has always been about the people who are taking part , and I have come across two photos which are similar in many aspects and differ in so many other ways
The first is BMT (Before My Time) and was taken about 1962 or 1964 when the Troop were headed off to Denmark. The picture was taken at the Scout Hut at Millhaugh and show a happy bunch all kilted up for the off. Mind you I would not have liked to have been the photographer as it looks like he is in danger of being soaked by the fire hose!
The second shows a remarkable change as the fire hose has now got a cover on, so it can be assumed the photographer did get soaked! This was taken in 1974, and if memory serves it was when we won the County Camping competition. The uniforms differ quite considerably, but as is always the case, there is always some joker posing ! Scouting is always changing, and this show how much can change in the space of a decade. I wonder what I will find next in my memorabilia box! Stay Well Ron Kirkpatrick
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Ronald Saunders
Roofer/Slater Slate Repairs, Tile Repairs
Lead Undertaken, Insurance Work.
01828 633053 / 07761857994
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
CHRISTINES BEAUTY TREATMENTS
Call anytime for more information
Tel:- 01828 640662, Mob 07902009177
Christine Churches
“The Pines”, Meigle Blairgowrie, PH12 8RN
HANDY HUBBY 2-HIRE
GORDON M KIDD
From Curtain Poles, Shelving, Satellite, TV, Phones, Flat Pack Assembly to Hard
Landscaping and much more.
4 St Andrew St, Alyth, PH11 8AT
T: 01828 633998
M: 07933 705476
NHS and Private Prescriptions
Medicine Compliance Aids
Long Term Medication Support
Minor Ailment Service
Smoking Cessation Service
Health Care Advice
Prescription Collection Service
9 Airlie Street, Alyth, PH11 8AH 01828 632302
DRESSMAKING & CLOTHING
ALTERATIONS to
Professional Standards
Alyth based
Call Mariya:
07707 877319 for a quote
No job too big or too small!
UTOPIA MOBILE THERAPY
SPORTS AND REMEDIAL MASSAGE
BOWEN THERAPY 01250 870235 OR 0797 1141744 www.utopiamobiletherapy.com
Local family business producing high quality beef.
Free Local Delivery or Collection
Call: 07851622044
Email: [email protected]
The Old Piggery Ltd, Leitfie
Farms, Alyth, PH11 8NZ
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Thrifty One
From the Community, For the Community
Opening times: 10am—4pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday Phone: Anne 07592 338449.(feel free to leave a message)
Facebook message on our page: Thrifty One Email: [email protected]
We had hoped to have definite news regarding re- opening dates for this newsletter, but at the time of writing there has been no news from the Scottish Government. However we are hoping to open sometime during the second half of July if permitted. On the plus side we have been able to give out two donations: The first to Alyth Nursery Class who wrote to us just as lockdown arrived. The children asked us for money to buy new games & puzzles. In particular “dominoes with the white dots”, “the shopping list game” and “tricky puzzles”. £100 is going to them, since we guess that duplicate games may well be needed. Secondly Alyth in Bloom have received their annual donation from us of £300. It has been heartening to see them at work again, cheering the town up for us all. Plans for re-opening: In making these plans we are using the guidelines issued by the Scottish Government to ensure that we can function in a way that is safe for both customers and volunteers. Though we cannot give you the final detailed plans in this newsletter, we can give you a general overview. Volunteers: Firstly you will all be aware that some of our volunteers, though they may disagree with us, fall into the venerable & therefore, vulnerable group. Others are vulnerable and it is not possible for them to be in the shop as yet. So because our volunteer numbers will be down the shop will, initially, only open three days a week, yet to be decided. Volunteers who are able to work will receive training in the precautions required by the Scottish Government so that they can keep themselves and yourselves safe. Customers: Given the current requirement for 2 meter social distancing we anticipate that only 2, possibly 3, customers will be able to be in the shop at any one time. This may, of course, have changed by the time we open. Such is the nature of our stock that it is almost impossible to avoid handling items for sale. But to keep everyone safe we will be asking customers & volunteers alike to avoid handling wherever possible. We will have boxes available to deposit handled goods which will be stored in the cellar for 72 hours before going back on display Our changing room will be closed, so if an item of clothing does not fit we will give a refund. The volunteers will be on hand to help with these guidelines. Donations: We know that many of you have been busy de-cluttering and we anticipate a fair amount of donations. At least that is the word on the Alyth streets! However this is going to be a tricky area to operate because we have to quarantine all donated items for 72 hours before we can sort them. Our storage space is very restricted at the best of times. The challenge will be how to store, then sort donations in a safe way. To this end we will be asking you to call ahead before bringing in donations, either via Messenger on our Facebook page or phoning 07592 338449. We may have to ask you to wait before bringing items in if we have as much as we can deal with. It is also possible that we may have to arrange an alternative venue for donation drop off. We would also ask you to be thoughtful about what you donate. It would be kind if you could make sure items are clean and unbroken. We are so looking forward to seeing you all again. It will be a slightly different Thrifty One for the moment but we will be as
flexible & relaxed as official guidelines permit. However our smiles, welcome & blether will be as warm as ever.
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Blairgowrie Mobile Foot Clinic Treatment in the comfort of your
own home for:
• Nail Cutting
• Callus’ or Corns
• Fungal Infections or Athletes Foot
• In-growing Toenails
For all your Foot-care requirements contact:
Madeleine McIntosh S.A.C Dip, FHPT FHPP
Registered Foot-health Practitioner 01250 872005 or
mob 07904 382840
Telephone 01828 650728 / 07885 949766 / 07809 387893
Commercial Cleaning Domestic Cleaning
Holiday Cottage Cleaning One Off Cleaning
New Build Cleaning End of Tenancy Cleaning
Office Cleaning
The Bothy, 16 Keillor Steading, By Kettins, Blairgowrie, PH13 9FT
THE RIVERSIDE FOOT CLINIC KIRSTY KNOTT & LAURA CHANDLOR
BSc (Hons) HPC Registered Podiatrists
For all your foot care needs OPEN MONDAY –SATURDAY
9.00.am-5.00 pm Thursdays 9.00 am -1.00 pm
Evening and home visits by appointment 36 Lower Mill Street Blairgowrie PH10 6AQ
01250 876057
JOHN SWINNEY Your local Member of the Scottish Parliament for Perthshire North is here to help you.
You can contact John at 17-19 Leslie Street, Blairgowrie, PH10 6AH
Tel. 01250 876576 email [email protected]
Johnston Groundworks,
Concrete Specialist experienced in Slabbing, Block Paving &
Driveway Projects Drainage & Foundation
Works, Decking, Fencing & Garden Reforming, FREE ESTIMATES
Call Douglas Johnston on 01575 560248 by Alyth
07834518524 [email protected]
Hodge Solicitors LLP
POWER of
ATTORNEY
01250 874441
28 Wellmeadow, Blairgowrie.
Clinical Aromatherapist Liz Jenkins—mifpa
Uses therapeutic massage and essential oils to improve and maintain health.
Conditions which may benefit from aromatherapy:
Back/neck/muscle pain Rheumatism and arthritis Sleep disorders Constipation Headaches Stress related illness ….and much more
For more information or to book an appointment
Tel 01828 632141
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NOTICES
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PERTHSHIRE BRASS—MAKE THE HEADLINES
Brass band gather online to perform funk hit during lockdown Perthshire Brass have join together online to record a version of a Mark Ronson's hit 'Uptown Funk'.
Perthshire Brass not getting in a Funk about twin city tour cancellation and release viral video
‘At Home Funk by Perthshire Brass’ on You Tube
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Alyth Youth Partnership Zoom, Zoom, Zoom... about 12 a week at the moment and to be honest, the novelty is wearing off and we are desperate to start working with our young people face to face. The team have been working on risk assessments and making plans to work with small groups when we can, and figuring out the resources required. Just as this Voice is published we will be giving out Summer activity packs which will include sports equipment and rainy day activities. This will be done in partnership with Active Schools Co-Ordinator Caroline Lawrie and supported by the Corra Foundation. Speaking of partnership, another idea in it's infancy is to work in partnership with the wonderful Alyth Support Group to provide facilities for people to access the internet and print important documents. This could be young people who are finding it hard to engage with blended learning, or who need to submit work online, or apply for courses or jobs. Equally it would be open to adults of any age who need to get online to renew a license, register for a service or send an email. There is a lot to figure out but the idea seems a good one and has been well received when we have spoken to the young people about it.
Whatever the Summer holds, we will continue to be as open for business as possible and welcome young people to AYP virtually for now, and organically when the rules permit. PS Check out YouTube for "Perthshire Brass - Raise Your Glass" for a special mention to the Alyth Community Support Group during the lockdown recording of the P!nk, er, "classic" Raise Your Glass!
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As the lockdown eases a little, the yellow vests of Alyth in Bloom are being seen again around town working, while trying to maintain the required social distancing---not always easy. Grass has been cut at the 5-roads roundabout, along Meigle Road and at the T-junction---makes the entries to the town so much more inviting. Flower beds have been tidied at the same locations; most are looking good despite a period of very dry weather. Polyanthus plants have been removed from the planters around town and transferred to raised beds at the allotment we share with AYP, probably to be used again next winter. The allotment has a very good collection of the weed, mare’s tail, which was removed as best possible—an ongoing job. Where nothing else will grow, the weeds still prosper! Because of CV19, the plants ordered through PKC could not be delivered but, thanks to a generous donation of plants by Derek Todd and the growing of our own by members of Alyth in Bloom, all the planters and tattie boxes around town have been filled. We wait in anticipation to see the outcome. Work on the renovation of the burn side was due to start on April 16th but, of course, was delayed. However, by the time you read this, it should be underway with a planned start date of June 29th. Phase 1 will involve digging out the bamboo, remov-ing and disposing, then filling with hardcore. Provision is being made to install street lighting at the top end of Pitnacree Street and to accommodate underground connections for the Christmas lights. Phase 2 will follow shortly after but a few de-tails still have to be agreed with PKC Structures before this happens. The new community garden at the top of Toutie Street is taking shape. Hedging is showing green thanks to frequent water-ing. We face a challenge with the amount of stones, which will have to be removed prior to seeding grass but it will happen. Where there’s a will, there’s a way! So, all in all, Alyth in Bloom is again active, albeit carefully and not at previous activity levels. Things will and are getting bet-ter. Finally, the Alyth in Bloom garden competition is normally held in July. For obvious reasons this is not possible this year so we will hold an online, virtual competition---a simplified version of the “real” thing. Please encourage friends, neighbours, relations to join in. Photos of entries will be put on Facebook and Facebook viewers will judge. The entries with the most “likes” will win. See the separate ad poster for details.
www.alythinbloom.org
www.facebook.com/alythbloom
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MURDO FRASER MSP MID SCOTLAND & FIFE
For help and advice ~ Look for details of regular surgeries in the local press. To arrange a meeting you can contact Murdo on 01738 553990 or write to him at
The Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh, EH99 1SP; or e-mail him at [email protected]
14 Airlie Street, Alyth
Opening Times Monday - Saturday
9am – 5pm T: 01828 958 050
Do you or a loved one need help with
Cleaning - Laundry - Ironing - Shopping – Assistance getting to and from
Social Events and Appointments
NEW SERVICES
One off Cleans - Office Cleans -
Holiday Let Cleans
Call Karena or Elaine on 07484787574
Or Email us at
[email protected] All Services are delivered by Professional,
Reliable, Friendly Staff, who are Police
hecked and Fully Insured
Domestic or Commercial Regular Weekly
Holiday Home Prep Deep Clean - One off Clean
References available
07583074717
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Community action against coronavirus Governments around the world are struggling to cope with the coronavirus and facing mounting criticism for what they’ve done or, in many cases, not done. But here in our quiet corner of Perthshire the community of Alyth is showing just what can be achieved with determination, energy and goodwill. The Alyth Community Support Group (ACSG) is giving an object lesson in grassroots action, so we thought the Voice should find out more about who’s involved and what they’ve been up to. We’ve interviewed some of the dozens of volunteers who are giving selflessly of their time and enthusiasm to get help to those in the town who need it. The Group was born after the devastating flood in 2015, when Dot McKenzie set up a Facebook page to coordinate recovery efforts after her daughter was one of those forced out of their homes and businesses by the overflowing burn. Dot was born in Perth and spent her early childhood in Ireland before the family moved to Alyth when she was nine. She has lived here ever since and is a housing association support worker helping adults with learning disabilities. “When the pandemic hit us, it was really easy to get the Facebook page going again.” she says. “We dropped the word ‘flood’ from the Group’s name and more and more people started using the page to share information and connect with each other. We now have more than 1,000 members on the page and more joining all the time.” KT Garrett-Sutherland is the other main driving force in ACSG. It was KT who suggested building on the Facebook network by setting up a central community hub with a phone number where people could ask for help. Originally from southeast England, KT moved to the Alyth area in 2000. “When Covid-19 hit,” she says, “it quickly became obvious that Perth & Kinross Council weren’t going to do anything unless pushed - they are very compartmentalised and don’t seem to talk to each other enough. We were so lucky to have Dot already in place: she knows everyone and can put people in touch with each other and guide their efforts towards a common goal.” Under Dot and KT’s leadership, ACSG now runs a foodbank, and provides shopping and prescription pickup services for dozens of Alythians, as well as distributing activity packs for children in lockdown and a range of other community services. Karen Blakemore and Darren Gracey do most of the organising for the foodbank. Darren is from Glasgow but has lived in Alyth for 14 years and is currently part-way through a university degree in Child and Youth Studies. Karen is from Leeds and moved to Alyth in 2018 after 30 years in charity work dealing with homelessness, addiction and foodbanks. She and her husband decided to move to Scotland after her son left home and they now run the Braeburn House B&B on Bamff Road. “We were closed because of the lockdown,” says Karen, “and I saw the call for volunteers on Facebook and thought with my background I might have something to offer.” Karen and Darren are supported by a small army of volunteers sorting, packing and delivering food parcels around the town. Pamela Fraser-Brawn has been doing several deliveries a week since the foodbank started. Originally from Surrey, she moved to Perthshire with her parents 14 years ago and now runs a beauty salon in Blair. Her parents run the post office and village shop in Bridge of Cally and Pamela moved to Alyth nearly two years ago. “When the lockdown happened,” she says, “I felt I had to do something. I saw the call on Facebook, and signed up right away.” Steven Kane has been packing parcels every week since the foodbank started. He moved to Alyth around 15 years ago and is a landscape architect with PKC, designing play areas and parks. “I wanted to do something to help the local community,” he says, “and when I became aware of the Facebook group I immediately volunteered.” Shari Sidley has been helping with deliveries. She grew up in the Great Glen and lived in Edinburgh until she and her husband moved to Alyth 16 years ago to start a family. “I run the corporate gym at the Tesco call-centre in Dundee, but really wanted to help out the community while working from home.” Another delivery volunteer is B Kidd, who moved into Alyth 14 years ago: “My husband’s a keen golfer and I thought I’d see more of him if we lived nearer the course!” B has long been a volunteer with Burnside Court, helping Davidsons out with prescription deliveries, so she was asked to join the ACSG when it got going at the start of the lockdown. She’s now helping with activity packs as well as prescriptions, and also liaising with the Council’s social work department and feeding back about vulnerable people. George Annan is well-known in Alyth as the leader of the Alyth Youth Partnership (see our interview with George in the March 2017 issue). “I saw the call for volunteers and offered to print and deliver the first batch of flyers, then got involved in food shopping and deliveries of food parcels and activity packs.”
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The activity packs produced by ACSG have been a real hit with local parents desperate for something to keep kids occupied during lockdown. KT says: “I firmly believe that our attention to addressing the mental wellbeing of Alyth residents is what sets us apart from other resilience groups, and these packs are a significant part of that work.” Danielle Jamieson took the lead in creating and distributing these - around 70 are issued every week. She and George are now planning for special summer activity packs. Another volunteer well-known locally is Jackie McIntyre of Bourtree Jams and Preserves. Her family are from Edinburgh but lived in England for a while when Jackie was a child before before moving to Alyth around 40 years ago; Jackie’s been here ever since. “I was involved in the flood support group where everybody just mucked in with practical help, so getting involved in the lockdown seemed natural,” she says. Jackie is on hand for ad-hoc requests for shopping or deliveries, although now that the fruit season has begun in earnest she works for ACSG as and when business commitments allow. Steve Taylor is an artist from North Yorkshire who has lived and worked in London, Singapore and America before settling in Alyth in 2018 with his wife Russell. “We were actually on holiday in Alyth in 2015 when the flood struck, and we were really impressed with the community response to that,” he says. “So when the lockdown struck, I wasn’t at all surprised to see how quickly people got themselves organised. My time is very flexible so I can help out deliveries and shopping, filling in gaps in the rota and and when required.” If you’ve looked around Alyth recently, you’ve probably seen the Fairy Door Trail, many painted stones and also ‘Lockie the Lockdown Caterpillar’. These are the brainchild of Dawn Tosh, who’s lived in Alyth for 25 years and is well-known as a local brownie guide leader. She works in the home economics department at Blairgowrie High School and quickly became involved in ACSG doing foodbank deliveries and shopping. “The Fairy Door Trail was inspired by a Fairy Door we’d built on our own front step a few years ago,” she says, “so my children and I decided to extend the idea around Alyth. There are now 25 doors and a map with three different coloured routes, and we’re planning to add a fourth over the summer.” Dawn and her children have also placed about 50 painted stones around the town as well as creating Lockie the Lockdown Caterpillar in the Market Square. “We’re now up to 82 stones, and hoping to get the Council to make it a permanent feature,” says Dawn.
Making things more permanent is something the ACSG is actively considering as we face what could be a relaxation of the lockdown over the coming months. "We have seen a decrease in the volume of ad-hoc requests for shopping and scripts,” says KT, “yet the food bank volumes are increasing. Moving forward the main focus of the group is to address resilience. The intention is to maintain the food bank until at least the end of the year and then take stock of the need.” The Group is setting up a more formal structure under Dot McKenzie as Chair, and is working with Alyth Development Trust to develop a long-term resilience plan for Alyth. KT says: “As we come out of the lockdown, there’s going to be a continual need for volunteers to keep this going, so if anyone would like to help please do get in touch.”
Continued over...
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Rotary Club donates to Support Group The members of the local Rotary Club in Blairgowrie are delighted to support the Alyth Community Support Group with A donation of £250. During the lockdown, Rotary mem-bers have unable to hold the usual weekly meetings where they enjoy a meal. So instead they have been donating the money they would normally spend on the meals into their own Coronavirus fund. Grant Findlay of the Rotary Club explained: “When we read about the efforts in Alyth we de-cided this was worthy of our support. We hope our small donation goes some way to help the Group continue with their excellent efforts in providing food boxes to those who require them.” Picture shows Grant (right) presenting the cheque to Dot McKenzie of the Support Group and her husband Derek.
And the current volunteers seem keen to keep going and being involved, circumstances permitting. “There’re some amazing people involved in the Group,” says Jackie McIntyre, “and they all bring different things to the Group. There’s a treasure trove of experience, and I’m sure the Group could go forward and be really valuable in the future.” "There’s definitely a future for the group,” says B Kidd. “The people in it mean it has the potential to be a really strong group to tackle resilience for future challenges like flooding and pandemics.” George Annan agrees: “Folk in Alyth are desperate to help and be part of something - this has given them a tangible way of getting involved, whatever their background or skills.” Karen Blakemore thinks the Group will continue as some sort of support framework long after the coronavirus: “On the surface, some people might think Alyth doesn’t need this level of support, but I’ve been surprised at the amount of need there is in the town.” Steve Taylor thinks Alyth has a great opportunity: “There’s the ongoing flood risk, there’s energy and momentum and it’s vital to try and preserve that with a well-managed process and good communications. You’ve got all this knowledge and experience built up, so a community framework to exploit that would be really valuable.” If you’d like to be involved in the Group, contact them via their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/944562195607741/ or phone them on 07840 755 339
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For more information please feel free to contact us on:
Telephone: 01828634285/07971283491
E mail: [email protected]
KWG Accountancy Ltd, Fionnadh, St Ninians Road,
Alyth, PH11 8AR
www.kwgaccountancy.co.uk
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FRIENDLY•PROFESSIONAL•APPROACHABLE
PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS
Logo Design Websites Social Media Stationary Hosting Email Setup Business Cards Domain Names Leaflets Adverts Flyers Marketing Brochures Signage Banners
Graphic Design Studio - Alyth
07854493805
07933 705 476
01828 633 998 Based in Alyth
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Pet Care Services
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www.airliecomputers.co.uk
9.00am to 6.00pm Monday to Sunday Covering the Perthshire & Angus areas of Scotland
David Scott Ltd FUNERAL DIRECTORS & MONUMENT AGENTS
Also Golden Charter Pre-Paid Funeral Plans
7 Toutie Street Alyth
Call for appointment
Our staff are happy to assist with all enquiries A 24 hour service is maintained on
01828 633 433
Based in - Meigle -
M: 07961 879239
www.resoluteit.co.uk
Looking to buy a new computer? Want advice on purchasing or developing
your Business I.T. Infrastructure? Struggling with a slow laptop or PC?
Tired of Call Centres / going back to the store?
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01828 632771 or 01250 875216
Carolyn Glennie Creative Kinesiologist
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Serendipity Salon 22 Commercial Street,
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WEE MACHINES (ALYTH)
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Garden Machinery
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ATV’s and Utility vehicles
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Full workshop facilities
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DENNIS MELLOY
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For Surgeries in the comfort of your own home
Contact details
Mobile: 07786674776 Home: 01828 632284
E mail: [email protected]
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• employment law
• commercial
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• wills & executries
• dispute resolution
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• legal advice for Tourism Industry
farah adams – solicitor & notary public “a refreshing approach”
call: t. 01250 874 485 m. 07719 855856 for a free consultation
e-mail: [email protected]. www.adams-law.co.uk
7 Market Square Alyth
01828 958040 Coffee - Meals - Take-away - Ice-cream
We are now in our new premises featuring a fantastic Kids Zone play area for children under 6 years!
We look forward to welcoming you to our complete new look where a new menu also awaits!
We offer outside catering, sandwich platters and are now taking bookings for children's party's!
Our new premises have a modern new toilet area with full disabled access as well as baby change
facilities.
We look forward to seeing you soon! Follow us on Facebook for all our news!
Visit our website at www.alythvoice.co.uk
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Keep weeds under control, and keep mowing. A weekly mowing will be a lot easier, try to avoid cutting grass when it is wet. Dead head perennials that have flowered such as lupines and delphiniums, early dead heading will encourage a second flowering. Greenhouse. Tomatoes will soon be on the turn hold back on picking the first ones, leaving them on the plants far a few days will encourage more to ripen. Check cucumbers for fruit pick as soon a useable, even if not required, leaving just one to set seed will stop the plant producing more fruit. Its always a problem to know when to prune/dead head shrubs. A rule that is good for most is to prune as soon as the flowers have wilted. Cut sweet pea flowers, keep cutting to prevent them from setting seed, should seed set the plant has done its job and will stop flowering.
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The Alyth Voice is a free monthly magazine written, designed and delivered by volunteers. We urgently require a deputy for our 'Layout Artist’. Are you available to compile a few magazines throughout the year? Training is available. Must have own PC and have access to MS Publisher and all the usual standard apps, Word, Acrobat, etc.
Would suit a student or someone with some spare time.
‘Come and meet us, we’re a fun bunch’. contact: [email protected]
Serving our local community since 1985
Currently registering new NHS, Private and
Highland Dental Plan patients
Same Day Emergency Appointments
(please phone by 9.30am)
• Tooth whitening, Cosmetic dentistry
• Hygienists, Braces, Facial Rejuvenation.
Looking after you and your family.
01250 875 136
www.blairgowriedentalcare.co.uk
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OPEN EVERYDAY
Conferences Parties Weddings Funerals
01828 629141
WEDDING VENUE
“We use only the finest locally sourced ingredients”
SCENIC LOCATION
FUNCTION SUITE
MENUS TO SUIT ALL
NEW
DOG FRIENDLY
ALYTH CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
200 Club
MAY 2020 DRAW
(Thanks to Elma Kidd)
1st - £50 - 167 – Mrs Marguerite McKenzie 2nd - £30 - 102 – Mr George Fleming 3rd - £20 - 92 – Mrs June Bruce
JUNE 2020 DRAW
1st - £50 - 140 – Mrs Shone Milne 2nd - £30 - 5 – Mr Sandy Martin 3rd - £20 - 86 – Mr Richard Price
Many thanks to all of you who renewed your subscriptions for another year and to new supporters. It’s fantastic to have a loyal bunch who we can rely on. It seems we are going to have to live with social distancing for some time to come.
Stay safe everyone
Thank you.
Lynn Muir
27
Beavers and otters - an encounter
I set off for my evening walk. The day had been overcast and mist covered the land. Approaching the burn I noticed a brief turmoil upstream of the drive, but saw nothing remarkable and headed on for the Burnieshead path. As I passed I noted the small clearing where beavers have been cutting ferns for food and bedding. A few yards on and I could hear the sound of gnawing. Was there a beaver just below me in the pool? There was nothing to be seen. Perhaps it was a water vole? Looking over towards the rhododendron thicket on the other bank, luminous in June with purple flowers whose reflec-tions seem to set the water aglow, there were stirrings, but nothing appeared. I walked on. Glancing ahead towards the dam that creates the pool I noticed a beaver lying quietly, floating like a log. For some moments I thought little of that and then wondered why it was lying so still and for so long. Perhaps it was on guard duty? Perhaps kits were about to come out of the lodge? At this point the beaver came to life and made for the north bank of the pool. It climbed out and walked up the bank, under the fence, and was about to begin grazing when something alerted it and it ran back to the water. Walking back upstream there was more activity around the lodge, manifested by ripples in the water. I moved up-stream a bit more to see better into one of the gaps in the rhododendron. Seconds passed and I glimpsed just briefly, a lithe, sleek, sinuous, racing beast. An otter! I took a couple of steps. The otter returned: it was swimming: swirling and diving, driven by an extraordinary energy. For a while I wondered if there were two animals: the creature seemed so often to be in two places at once. Whenever I saw its face after a dive it seemed to be chewing something. Was it after frogs, or big tadpoles, or was it catching fish? Whatever it was it was something small: I never saw clearly. At one point in all this I looked through my binoculars upstream to one of the sedge islands. What I had taken for a tree stump turned into the mallard duck and her brood. She stood still, alert, watching intensely; the seven ducklings were clus-tered silently in a group by her. When would the otter realise this potential prey was so close, and attack? By now three large beavers had grouped together near the dam about twenty metres downstream. Were they about to drive the otter away? It must be a danger to the beaver kits. Why were they so slow to act? One of the beavers then swam upstream towards the drive where I had seen the otter last. They passed each other. The beaver turned to chase the otter, which fled, making for the grassy bank, the mallards’ refuge. Surely the ducks were in serious danger now! The mother duck cried out and headed off with her brood scattering behind her. I could no longer see the otter. Had it attacked the duck? Had she carried out her decoy act successfully, or was the otter’s mind set on escaping a beaver’s bite? Moments passed and the duck and her family reassembled. There were still seven ducklings. Where was the otter now? Had the danger passed? No, there it was again and a beaver behind it. The otter disappeared and all went quiet. Darkness was falling and I walked home. Paul Ramsay
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