Ranger events and activities for October

squirrel

Saturday 8th October                 2.00 – 3.30pm

NUTS ABOUT SQUIRRELS!

Join us on a walk through Wrack Woods as we search for evidence of red squirrels. Go nuts as we discover more about these charming creatures and other animals of the woodland. All welcome, children must be accompanied. Booking essential.

MEET: at the car park, Duff House, Banff AB45 3SX

CONTACT: the Banff and Buchan Ranger on 01261 813299,

banffandbuchan.ranger@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

Sunday 9th October

SUNDAY PLAYTIME

Let your kids go wild with an old-fashioned morning of fun, creative play at Haddo.

We’ll provide a whole selection of play items – logs, sticks, ropes, blankets, balls, water trays, craft items, nature kits or a dressing up box. You just need to bring along some imagination! Booking not required.

MEET: at Haddo Country Park, Ellon AB41 7EQ

CONTACT: the Haddo Visitor Services Officer on 01651-851041, vsohaddo@gmail.com

stoneage

Sunday 9th October                    11.00am – 2.00pm

STONE AGE SECRETS AT HADDO

Explore the secrets of the Stone Age at Haddo. Find out about Neolithic and Bronze Age life via reproduction artefacts and materials from the Neolithic and Bronze Ages including axe heads, arrowheads and a bow drill, as well as examples of materials such as flint, stone, copper, tin, antlers and beeswax. Free drop in event at The Pheasantry, booking not required.

MEET: at the Pheasantry, Haddo Country Park. Ellon AB41 7EQ

CONTACT: the Formartine Ranger on 01358 726417/ 07786 021780, formartine.ranger@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

hibernation

Thursday 13th October               10.30am – 12noon

CREATURE COMFORTS at Arnhall Moss, Westhill

As autumn and winter approaches it is important to think about the birds and animals and how they will survive now that it is getting cold and dark. We’ll talk about hibernation and how we can help the animals in the woodland by giving them somewhere dry and cosy for the winter. We’ll also make bird cake for you to either take home to your own garden or leave in the woodland. Please wear warm clothing. All welcome, children must be accompanied. Booking essential.

MEET: at the tennis court car park, Arnhall Moss, Westhill AB32 6TX

CONTACT: the Garioch Ranger on 01467 681470, garioch.ranger@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

Friday 14th October                   10.30am – 12noon

CREATURE COMFORTS at Gauchhill   As autumn and winter approaches it is important to think about the birds and animals and how they will survive now that it is getting cold and dark. We’ll talk about hibernation and how we can help the animals in the woodland by giving them somewhere dry and cosy for the winter. We’ll also make bird cake for you to either take home to your own garden or leave in the woodland. Please wear warm clothing. All welcome, children must be accompanied. Booking essential.

Meet and park on Birch Wood Road, Kintore AB51 0QN

CONTACT: the Garioch Ranger on 01467 681470, garioch.ranger@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

roar of the reds

Friday 14th October          5.00 – 7.00pm

ROAR OF THE REDS

Experience the sights, sounds and smells of the red deer rut, when stags challenge each other for the hinds amidst stunning scenery. Includes walk of up to 3km / 2 miles on track with gentle inclines. Under 16’s must be accompanied. Bring warm and waterproof clothing, stout footwear, torch and (if available) binoculars. Sorry, no dogs. Booking essential. Event organised in partnership with Invercauld Estate.

MEET: Auchallater car park, A93 2 miles south of Braemar AB35 5SX

CONTACT: the Marr Ranger on 07787 583976, marr.ranger@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

 

Thursday 20th October              10.30am – 12noon

CREATURE COMFORTS at Bennachie

As autumn and winter approaches it is important to think about the birds and animals and how they will survive now that it is getting cold and dark. We’ll talk about hibernation and how we can help the animals in the woodland by giving them somewhere dry and cosy for the winter. We’ll also make bird cake for you to either take home to your own garden or leave in the woodland. Please wear warm clothing. All welcome, children must be accompanied. Booking essential.

MEET: at the Bennachie Visitor Centre, Chapel of Garioch AB51 5HX

CONTACT: the Garioch Ranger on 01467 681470, garioch.ranger@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

autumn

Saturday 22nd October               10.00am – 4.00pm

BEGINNERS AUTUMN PHOTOGRAPHY

The Donside Camera Club joins the Garioch Ranger to guide you through your camera functions and how to use your camera for macro, wildlife and landscape photography. Bring your camera, a packed lunch and suitable clothing and footwear for the outdoors. Cost: £15. Booking essential. This is a partnership event between Aberdeenshire Council Ranger Service, Donside Camera Club and the Bennachie Centre Trust.

MEET: at the Bennachie Visitor Centre, Chapel of Garioch AB51 5HX

CONTACT: the Garioch Ranger on 01467 681470, garioch.ranger@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

bushcraft

Tuesday 25th October                 10.00am – 12noon

‘BUSHCRAFT’ FOR GROWN-UPS

Want to be more confident camping? Impress the kids with your outdoor skills? Just learn something new? Join us for some grown-up, outdoor skills where you can learn to set up camp, make rope, try simple knife skills, do some knot tying and treat yourself with some campfire cooking. Ideal if you or your family want to explore the great outdoors. Activities will be flexible and weather dependent, if there are any particular skills you’d like to learn or practise then let us know and we’ll see what we can do! Campfire food and hot drinks included – bring a mug!  Cost: £5 per person, over 16’s only. Booking essential.

MEET: Haddo Country Park, Ellon AB41 7EQ

CONTACT: the Haddo Visitor Services Officer on 01651-851041, vsohaddo@gmail.com

halloween storytelling

Monday 31st October                            7.00 – 8.30pm

HALLOWEEN STORYTELLING EVENING

Following on from May Eve’s Celtic Stories’ success we now offer an evening stroll, serenaded by Tawny owls on this other most magical night of the year that welcomes the winter, to then settle down around a campfire (or indoors if necessary) and listen to some truly grim and ghastly stories both local and from further afield. Suitable for non-nervous adults and older children (8 yrs. +). Refreshments provided.  Booking essential.

Cost: £5 per person including refreshments. Call 01651 851041 or e-mail haddo@visithaddo.com to book.

MEET: at the main car park, Haddo Country Park, Ellon AB41 7EQ

CONTACT for information: the Formartine Ranger on 01358 726417/ 07786 021780

 

Road closed Mason Lodge to Carnie Roundabout

roadworks

Please note that due to Carriageway Re-Texturing to be carried out by JMS Lincoln Ltd it will be necessary in the interests of public safety to apply the following restriction to traffic.

CLOSURE

On B979 between Mason Lodge and B9119 Carnie Roundabout

on 23rd October, 2016 for one day.

Access to Emergency Vehicles will be maintained at all times

Access for pedestrians and to adjacent properties will be maintained whenever possible.

The alternative route is via A944 and B9119, as shown on the attached plan.

b979masonlodge231016

Site proposed for improved mobile service in Dunecht

Telefonica UK has entered in to an agreement with Vodafone United pursuant to which the two companies plan to jointly operate and manage a single network grid across the UK. This agreement allows both organisations to:

  • pool their basic network infrastructure, while running two, independent, nationwide networks
  • maximise opportunities to consolidate the number of base stations
  • significantly reduce the environmental impact of network development

Vodafone is in the process of progressing a suitable site in the local area of Dunecht for a radio base station. Before they submit a planning application they are keen to consult with communities, so if you have any comments on the proposal (location as per attached information below), please let me know.

CTIL_112256 TEF_069870_VF_11887_REV_C plan drawings

Mobiles can only work with a network of base stations in place where people want to use their mobile phones or other wireless devices. As part of Vodafone’s continued network improvement program, there is a specific requirement for improved services in the Dunecht area and the proposed upgrade of the established mast at this proposed site will improve 2G, 3G and 4G coverage in the area.

Consultation surgery

Library-2-640x480

I’m looking forward to my first surgery since summer – this Saturday, 1st October, 10-11am in Westhill Library. No appointment necessary. Remember it’s also the Farmers’ Market at Ashdale Hall the same day and round at the shopping centre, the monthly Lions Club sale of books, DVDs and CDs.

MSP now based in Westhill

Mike Rumbles MSP

North East Scotland

Westpoint House

BlueSky Business Space

Arnhall Business Park

Westhill, Aberdeenshire

AB32 6FS

01224 766959

Mike.Rumbles.MSP@Parliament.scot

SP 

I visited Mike Rumbles, Regional MSP for North East Scotland, this week at his office in Westhill. Mike’s office is ideally located to serve his constituents. I look forward to regular meetings with Mike to catch up on local issues. Mike can be contacted via phone or email as above.

Echt to Tarland Road closure

roadworks

Please note that due to CARRIAGEWAY REINSTATEMENTS to be carried out by Aberdeenshire Council it will be necessary in the interests of public safety to apply the following restriction to traffic.

CLOSURE

B9119 ECHT TO TARLAND ROAD

FROM Auchorrie Bridge to Junction with B993

Commencing 26 September 2016 for 2 weeks.

Site notices will be erected in due course indicating the temporary restriction to traffic and the alternative routes where applicable.

The alternative route is via B993 to Millbank, A944 to Dunecht and B977 to Echt OR B993 to Torphins, A980 to Raemoir, B977 to Echt and vice versa as shown on the attached plan.

b9119auchorriebridgetomarrboundary26092016

 

Garioch Bus Forum

bus

Garioch Bus Forum meets on Thursday 22nd September at Kemnay Village Hall at 7.30pm. Representatives from Aberdeenshire Council and Stagecoach will be on hand to answer any bus-related queries. I will not be able to attend due to another local meeting, but can pass on any comments to the Chair so that they can be discussed at the forum. Please feel free to go along and raise local issues. The Agenda for Thursday’s meeting along with the Minutes of the previous meeting can be found below:

Garioch Area Bus Forum Papers (22 Sept 2016)

Dementia cafe

Alzheimer

There are dementia cafes across Aberdeenshire. The cafes provide an informal meeting place in a community setting for people with dementia and their families to get together and develop friendships in a friendly and supportive environment. It is important that the sense of social isolation felt by many people with dementia and their carers as their condition progresses is reduced.

The cafes are suitable for people who are able to attend on their own safely or who can bring their own support with them.

There will be on occasion informative talks, singing sessions, IT support and outings organised.

You can join in at any time. Coffees, teas, cakes available purchased at cost from venues.

For more information and to find out what is happening next at your nearest Dementia Café, please contact: Anouk Kahanov-Kloppert, Community Activity Organiser on 01467 530513

Below are some of the local dates for your diary:

Monday 3rd October  10am-12noon – Carer’s X-change – all welcome. Venue: Quarriers, Wardes Road, Inverurie

Tuesday 11th October – Lunch: 12.30 onwards and sing-song 2-3pm – all welcome but lunch needs to be booked – Green Pastures Café, Westhill Community Church, Old Skene Road

Tuesday 18th October – 10.15-12.15 walk then 12.30-2pm lunch. Alford Walking Group and Dementia Café lunch – all welcome but booking essential – walking group meet outside Le Bistro, Main Street, Alford at 10.15am

Dementia café meet at Le Bistro at 12.30pm.

Food Waste Collection Service

Nom Wright recycling

Our Community Waste Officer, Nom Wright, will be in Westhill over the next few weeks to focus on explaining fully how to use the Food Waste collection service. Nom will be happy to answer any waste and recycling questions you may have.

You will find Nom at the following venues:

Tesco, Westhill – tomorrow – Monday 19th Sept 10am-2pm

Costco, Westhill, Thursday 22nd Sept – 10am-3pm

Tesco, Westhill – Wednesday 12th Oct – 4-7pm

Costco, Westhill – Wednesday 26th Oct – 4-7pm

 

Stadium survey results sent to AFC

AFC Survey 22 08 16

Westhill and District councillor Iris Walker has lodged the results of an online survey to Aberdeen Football Club ahead of the closing date for comments at the informal stage of a public consultation. The Elrick-based councillor carried out the online survey to gauge the initial views of local residents on the proposed stadium and training facility at Kingsford, near Westhill. The survey returned over 500 responses from local residents showing a near 60-40 split in opinion. Councillor Walker said “Although it will be Aberdeen City councillors who have the final say in any formal application, I wanted to make sure that I captured a range of views so that local councillors could represent those views if asked to do so at a later stage.”

Concerns raised from objectors include increased traffic and parking in local streets and public spaces, insufficient road infrastructure, knock-on costs to Aberdeenshire Council, proximity to oil and gas pipelines, noise and light pollution, as well as loss of greenbelt and loss of a boundary between City and Shire.

Those who would welcome the new stadium near Westhill said that the proposal would bring jobs to the area and much-needed sports facilities, local hotels and businesses would get a boost and it would put Westhill on the map.

Councillor Walker added “of course we have not seen the detailed plans yet so it is really important that residents make their views known once they do study the final proposals by making written representations to Aberdeen City at the appropriate time once the formal application is lodged.