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Above: (photo by D. Todd)<br />

Privates Brown & Chalmers currently serving with<br />

The Black Watch, stand next to Alfred Anderson’s<br />

memorial cairn, flanked by standard bearers John<br />

Glen (Angus Branch) & Bob Shivas (Perth Branch).<br />

Centre: (photo by R. Jolly)<br />

Prince Charles the Duke of Rothesay unveils the<br />

Alfred Anderson Memorial Cairn, assisted by Major<br />

Andrew Gordon, Vice Lord Lieutenant.<br />

Below right: (photo by D. Todd)<br />

After the unveiling, the Duke & Duchess delighted<br />

the waiting crowds by crossing the road to meet<br />

them.<br />

Below: (photo by R. Caughie)<br />

The Duke & Duchess admire items of memorabilia<br />

on the Alfred Anderson display stand, which was set<br />

up for the Town Hall reception by Professor John<br />

MacKenzie (author of Alfred’s biography) and<br />

Dr Nigel Dalziel of the Memorial Fund Committee.<br />

<strong>Alyth</strong> <strong>Voice</strong><br />

Royal 107th Edition, <strong>November</strong> 2006<br />

Tel. 01828 633045 Minimum Circulation 1600<br />

Email address: alythvoice@alythvoice.co.uk Website: www.alythvoice.co.uk<br />

A Royal Occasion<br />

THE UNVEILING OF THE ALFRED ANDERSON MEMORIAL CAIRN ON 1ST OCTOBER 2006<br />

<strong>Alyth</strong> youth organisations’ representatives<br />

(photo by D. Todd)<br />

Alfred Anderson’s family (photo by D. Todd)


Above: (photos by D. Todd & W. Kinnison)<br />

A relaxed Duke & Duchess share a joke<br />

with the crowd.<br />

Right: (photo by J. Macintyre)<br />

<strong>Alyth</strong> & District Pipe Band, on only their<br />

second official engagement, assembled in<br />

South Airlie Street shortly after 10am and<br />

marched to the War Memorial to entertain<br />

as the crowd formed.<br />

Below: (photo by D. Todd)<br />

Police estimated the crowd to be more<br />

than 800 strong for the event, and praised<br />

the relaxed and friendly atmosphere.<br />

Despite torrential rain from 8am onwards,<br />

keen well-wishers started arriving at 9am<br />

to secure a good vantage point.<br />

2


Above: (photo by R. Caughie)<br />

The Duke shakes hands with Matthew<br />

McLauchlan, Alfred’s great-grandson. Other<br />

members of Alfred’s family present are Ryan<br />

Walker (great-grandson), Catriona Maxwell<br />

(granddaughter), Eilidh McLauchlan (greatgranddaughter),<br />

who presented a posy basket to the<br />

Duchess on departure, and Graeme Maxwell (sonin-law).<br />

Right: (photo by R. Caughie)<br />

Jim O’Brien, committee secretary introduces the<br />

Duke & Duchess to guests Dorothy Lothian (<strong>Alyth</strong><br />

Citizen of the Year 2006), John Wheatley, aged 13<br />

(<strong>Alyth</strong> Young Citizen of the Year 2006), Ian<br />

Wheatley (John’s grandfather) and Stanley Sim.<br />

Above: (photo by R. Caughie)<br />

The Duke shakes hands with Dr Morna Scott. Also seated are Helen<br />

McDonald and Violet Harper.<br />

Right: (photo by R. Caughie)<br />

Scottish Trainee Chef of the Year, Gordon MacGregor meets the<br />

Duchess of Rothesay, accompanied by his father Ewan and grandfather<br />

Gordon (former Headmaster of <strong>Alyth</strong> High School).<br />

3<br />

The Town Hall<br />

Reception<br />

Over 100 guests with connections to Alfred Anderson,<br />

The Black Watch, or representing organisations in<br />

<strong>Alyth</strong>, welcomed the Duke & Duchess of Rothesay to<br />

a reception in the Town Hall.<br />

The Duke & Duchess mingled freely with guests,<br />

who described them as warm and friendly, and<br />

genuinely interested in those they met. The hour long<br />

visit lasted well over the allotted time limit, and<br />

culminated in a heart felt speech by the Duke, who<br />

described with fondness his memories of meeting<br />

Alfred. The Duke also praised the Committee for<br />

organising the cairn in memory of such a remarkable<br />

man, his generation and what they all represented.<br />

On their departure, John Wheatley presented the<br />

Duke & Duchess with a beautifully mounted and<br />

framed photograph, taken only an hour earlier of the<br />

Royal Couple at the cairn unveiling. This speedily<br />

arranged memento was captured and prepared within<br />

the tight timescale by photographer Randolph<br />

Caughie and his wife Morag. The surprise and delight<br />

on the Royal Couple’s faces was thanks in itself.


Above: (photo by D. Todd)<br />

A happy Prince Charles sporting his<br />

Black Watch tie. Even happier is<br />

Alison Young (right), one of the<br />

teenagers representing <strong>Alyth</strong> Youth<br />

Partnership at the cairn unveiling!<br />

Meanwhile in the background, the<br />

Duchess enjoys chatting to the<br />

Rainbows, Brownies & Guides.<br />

THE UNVEILING<br />

by Dan Dewar<br />

1 st October 2006<br />

‘Twas good to see High Royalty<br />

show interest in our patch,<br />

They brought a smile, and loads of style,<br />

no other race could match.<br />

His Royal Highness and his wife,<br />

took <strong>Alyth</strong> in their stride;<br />

and I am sure, there, by the Muir,<br />

all viewed them both with pride.<br />

There, in the hall, we stood enthralled<br />

as they performed with ease:<br />

they made us feel that they were real<br />

and earned much love and praise.<br />

“So thank you both! Where e’er you goeth<br />

our thoughts will follow you.<br />

May God be kind, and may you find<br />

the strength to battle through.”<br />

There, by the Cairn, we bowed to mourn<br />

Our ‘Great War’ Glorious Dead –<br />

rememb’ring Alfred and his pals…<br />

And the difference they all made!<br />

Top Right & Below Right: (photos by N. Young)<br />

After meeting the youth organisations, the Duke & Duchess decide to meet more local people in the crowd across the road.<br />

Below: On the evening of the 1st, Perthshire Brass Band, accompanied in part by <strong>Alyth</strong> & District Pipe Band gave a rousing<br />

performance in <strong>Alyth</strong> Town Hall. The varied programme consisted of music throughout the lifetime of Alfred Anderson and was<br />

greatly enjoyed by the appreciative audience.<br />

4<br />

Centre Left: (photos by B. Prettyman)<br />

The Duke & Duchess arrive at the<br />

Town Hall for the reception to be<br />

greeted once again by Major Andrew<br />

Gordon, Dennis Melloy & Jim<br />

O’Brien.<br />

Centre Right:<br />

The Duke & Duchess (with posy to<br />

hand) bid farewell to <strong>Alyth</strong>.


ALFRED ANDERSON MEMORIAL COMMITTEE<br />

AT a public meeting held in the lesser Town Hall on Friday 10 th March<br />

at the behest of the <strong>Alyth</strong> branch of the Royal British Legion, Jim<br />

O’Brien RBLS Secretary explained that the Local branch wished to<br />

erect a cairn in memory of Alfred Anderson, but they felt that the cairn<br />

should be built by the community of <strong>Alyth</strong>, as he was the last Scottish<br />

surviving soldier of the first world war when he died in <strong>November</strong> of<br />

last year, and also to act as a further lasting reminder of all those brave<br />

service men and women who went before him.<br />

A committee was formed and nearly seven months later, on the 1 st<br />

October, the cairn was unveiled by Their Royal Highnesses the Duke &<br />

Duchess of Rothesay.<br />

Over £3000.00 has been donated by the community to the project and<br />

our grateful thanks go to everyone and all organisations who gave so<br />

freely; special thanks must go to the <strong>Alyth</strong> branch of the RBLS.<br />

The Cairn was built by Jeff Colville, who has done a wonderful job,<br />

and will stand as a testament to his craftsmanship; the joinery and shuttering<br />

work by Andy Wallace, and the foundation by Murray Pennycook<br />

and Vance Doig. Many thanks for your hard work.<br />

It has been interesting, and at times very difficult due to the security<br />

restrictions put on the committee by Clarence house (as it wasn’t possible<br />

to let people know until two weeks before the event) but somehow<br />

we managed. A reception held in the Town Hall presented us with another<br />

problem, as we were restricted with numbers attending, therefore<br />

by inviting each organisation to put forward a representative to attend<br />

we hoped to cover most of the Town - we are very sorry if we have<br />

missed anybody out, but it was very difficult.<br />

No cameras or mobile phones were permitted at the reception, so<br />

photographs were taken by independent professional photographer<br />

Randolph Caughie and are on display in <strong>Alyth</strong> library window.<br />

Randolph has pledged £1 from every sale to the Alfred Anderson fund.<br />

To end the day, a very special concert was held in the evening by<br />

Perthshire Brass & <strong>Alyth</strong> Pipe Band, (those who did not manage to be<br />

there, missed a great night), a big thank you to both bands. I understand<br />

they intend to have another one at the beginning of the year.<br />

This day, will I am sure, be remembered by everybody - it is not everyday<br />

that the future King and his wife come to oor wee toon of <strong>Alyth</strong>.<br />

A very big thank you to everyone who donated and helped in so many<br />

ways to the Alfred Anderson appeal. The fund is still open due to the<br />

extra costs incurred for the Royal visit, and donations will still be<br />

gratefully received.<br />

Finally on a personal note, my sincere thanks to the committee who<br />

made my job so enjoyable; they are Michael Kay, Jim MacFarlane, John<br />

MacKenzie, Nigel Dalziel, Marguerite McKenzie, Derek Mowatt, and<br />

an extra special thanks to our Secretary Jim O’Brien and Assistant Secretary<br />

Irene Robertson.<br />

Dennis Melloy (Chairman)<br />

ALYTH’S ROYAL VISIT<br />

THE visit on the first of October by the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay to <strong>Alyth</strong>,<br />

for the unveiling of the cairn to Alfred Anderson, was a memorable event for the<br />

town. All the usual preparations for the visit had been made and a careful briefing<br />

given in the Ogilvy Rooms by Jim O’Brien and Dennis Melloy the preceding<br />

Friday evening. We looked at maps and diagrams that showed where different<br />

groups of people were to stand near the War Memorial (the Anderson family,<br />

local notables) and, later, in the Town Hall. Timings and transport were explained.<br />

All this was a far cry from the days when King James IV could go about his<br />

land in the guise of The Guid Man o’ Ballengeich and ascertain how his subjects<br />

felt about things. But different times demand different ways and when the time<br />

came all the preparations meant that it was possible for Prince Charles and his<br />

Duchess to meet a great many people and exchange a few words.<br />

The heavy rain and thunder of the early morning gave way to a dull day with<br />

overcast sky. It was good to see that the members of the newly reformed <strong>Alyth</strong> &<br />

District Pipe Band were wearing waterproof capes, and that the band was ready<br />

to play. Later, the audience gathered at the War Memorial was delighted by the<br />

spirited performance of several favourite and well-known tunes. Pipe-Major<br />

Duthie of The Black Watch played, too, for the arrival of the Royal Couple. In<br />

due course, they arrived and were greeted by the Vice-Lord Lieutenant of<br />

Perthshire, Major Andrew Gordon.<br />

The Prince then proceeded to the memorial cairn for Alfred Anderson as last<br />

representative of the generation that fought through the First World War, and the<br />

Reverend Tait delivered a prayer of dedication. After meeting members of the<br />

youth organisations and public, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Rothesay set<br />

off for the Town Hall, but not before some, at least, of the assembled gathering<br />

had embussed and been conveyed to the Town Hall in order to be there to greet<br />

the Couple. We assembled in our groups under command of a particular leader<br />

5<br />

The Anchorage, 34 Grangehill Drive, Monifieth, DD5 4RS<br />

2 nd October 2006<br />

DEAR Sirs,<br />

Now that the final tribute to our late father, Alfred Anderson has taken<br />

place, I feel I must put pen to paper on behalf of the family. The first<br />

event being the unveiling of the Bust, so skilfully produced by Tony<br />

Morrow, sculptor, a true likeness agreed by all, which is now in the care<br />

of The Black Watch Museum, Balhousie Castle, along with his medals.<br />

Many thanks to Lt. Gen. Sir Alistair Irwin (Colonel of the Black<br />

Watch), who accepted the Bust and medals on behalf of the museum.<br />

Our thanks also to Major Ronnie Proctor who arranged the event and<br />

oversaw the proceedings.<br />

The next event was the unveiling of the Bench Seat installed close to<br />

<strong>Alyth</strong> Parish Church for all to make use of, and as the plaque indicates<br />

‘Rest and Be Thankful’. Our thanks to Dennis Melloy and Jim O’Brien<br />

who ordered the seat and arranged the installation. To the Revd Jack<br />

Campbell for his prayer of dedication, and Councillor Ian Miller for his<br />

assistance in the unveiling, we give our thanks. Of course, we must<br />

mention Kyle, the Piper, who by his playing, added a special touch to<br />

the event.<br />

Finally, we come to the unveiling of the Cairn near the War Memorial<br />

site by His Royal Highness, Prince Charles, and to be accompanied by<br />

his wife, the Duchess of Rothesay, was indeed a great honour – what<br />

more could we ask for? Thanks to the Revd Tom Tait, for his prayer of<br />

dedication, and to honoured guests, the Dowager Countess of Strathmore,<br />

Lt. Col. Sir Andrew Ogilvy-Wedderburn Bt., Sir James Cayzer<br />

Bt., Major Ronnie Proctor, Mamie Bruce-Gardyne, John Swinney MSP,<br />

Murdo Fraser MSP and Councillor Ian Miller. The presence of members<br />

of The Black Watch, and the Pipe Band was very much appreciated, and<br />

it was as pleasing to witness the attention given by Their Royal Highnesses<br />

to the youth groups including the Guides, Scouts, Cubs and Rainbows.<br />

Thanks to Irene Robertson for all the work she carried out and to<br />

the Cairn building team, Jeff Colville, Andy Wallace and Murray<br />

Pennycook.<br />

Moving on to the Town Hall reception was indeed an event which<br />

was thrilling and unforgettable, due to the fact that Prince Charles and<br />

the Duchess mingled with all present, a thrill to be long remembered by<br />

those to whom they spoke, I am sure. The Display set up by Professor<br />

John MacKenzie and Dr. Nigel Dalziel, including contents from Major<br />

Ronnie Proctor, Tony Morrow and members of the Committee, was<br />

very much appreciated by all, so very impressive. We were so pleased<br />

that Prince Charles made a speech as a tribute to Father, and we are sure<br />

that his great-granddaughter Eilidh McLauchlan who presented the posy<br />

to the Duchess, and John Wheatley who presented the speedily framed<br />

picture of the unveiling of the Cairn, will be long remembered.<br />

The culmination of the day’s events was of course the Concert in the<br />

Town Hall that evening. The music provided by Perthshire Brass and<br />

the <strong>Alyth</strong> & District Pipe Band was outstanding, and judging by the<br />

audience response, was much appreciated.<br />

Words cannot express our appreciation for the tremendous effort put<br />

in by Dennis Melloy, Jim O’Brien, John MacKenzie, Nigel Dalziel, Jim<br />

MacFarlane, Michael Kay, Marguerite McKenzie and Irene Robertson<br />

of the Memorial Fund Committee, who arranged the whole event. To<br />

the citizens of <strong>Alyth</strong> who did such a wonderful job in raising so much<br />

money in order that the tributes could take place, we thank you from the<br />

bottom of our hearts. May God Bless you all.<br />

Yours sincerely, Jim Anderson<br />

and waited our turn to be presented to HRH and the Duchess. John MacKenzie<br />

and Nigel Dalziel had prepared a display that was set out in the middle of the<br />

Town Hall’s floor. This showed aspects of Alfred Anderson’s life and death - his<br />

medals, replica bust, biography, photographs, and his obituary in newspapers and<br />

on hundreds of websites all over the world.<br />

Prince Charles made a short speech to describe his pleasure at being in <strong>Alyth</strong><br />

and his happy memories of his conversations with Alfred. He emphasized Alfred’s<br />

long service to his community as a much-respected joiner and undertaker,<br />

and his and his generation’s service to their country in time of war.<br />

All those who met the Royal Couple were impressed by their directness and<br />

warmth and well-known capacity for putting others at their ease. Dennis and Jim<br />

had emphasized that our welcome to them should be warm: we should not stand<br />

and glower at them – this was to be a friendly occasion. If we were welcoming to<br />

the Royal Couple they would have a good time and so should we. What good<br />

advice! We enjoyed a pleasant morning and the Duke and Duchess stayed longer<br />

than expected. Clearly they had liked meeting some of the people of <strong>Alyth</strong>.<br />

The Alfred Anderson Memorial Fund Committee deserves <strong>Alyth</strong>’s warmest<br />

congratulations on its achievement in making the arrangements for this most<br />

memorable visit. Paul Ramsay


Useful Telephone Numbers<br />

Airlie Street Hall (contact-Fiona Dorchester) - 01828 632455<br />

Blairgowrie Police Station - 01250 872222<br />

Perth Police Station - 01738 621141<br />

Hydro-Electric Emergencies - 0800 300999<br />

Scottish Gas Emergencies - 0800 111999<br />

Scottish Water - 0845 6008 855<br />

<strong>Alyth</strong> Post Office - 01828 632301<br />

<strong>Alyth</strong> Health Centre - 01828 632317<br />

<strong>Alyth</strong> Primary School - 01828 632462<br />

Blairgowrie High School - 01250 873445<br />

<strong>Alyth</strong> Environmental Group - 01828 632907<br />

NHS 24—new 24 hour health service - 08454 24 24 24<br />

If you offer an emergency or breakdown service<br />

e.g. Plumber, Electrician, Locksmith, Glazier, Central Heating or any other trade,<br />

please send us your name and number for our useful numbers section<br />

<strong>Alyth</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Team<br />

Paul Ramsay 01828 632992 Editor<br />

paulramsay@bamff.demon.co.uk<br />

Irene Robertson 01828 633045 Compositor/Secretary<br />

alythvoice@alythvoice.co.uk<br />

Margaret Stanford 01828 633083 Advertising<br />

advertising@alythvoice.co.uk<br />

Paul & Barbara Prettyman 01828 633725 Distribution<br />

Margaret MacKenzie Advertising<br />

Marjory Macpherson Advertising<br />

Michael Kay 01828 632252/632690 Treasurer<br />

mike@atcalyth.freeserve.co.uk<br />

Derek Todd Webmaster<br />

derek@toddalyth.freeserve.co.uk<br />

In order to avoid disappointment please ensure that articles/ads for publication are<br />

submitted before the 21st day of each month. Note: The views expressed in the <strong>Alyth</strong><br />

<strong>Voice</strong> are not necessarily those of the team nor can they accept any responsibility for<br />

accuracy and spelling of any article.<br />

ARTICLE SUBMISSION to the <strong>Voice</strong><br />

Please note ALL articles must be accompanied with a name and address<br />

BEFORE they will be published in the <strong>Voice</strong>.<br />

On request, the name and address may be withheld from publication.<br />

Any submission without these details will NOT be included.<br />

*~*~* Dates for Your Diary *~*~*<br />

NOVEMBER<br />

3rd Flu Clinic (over 65’s or at risk) <strong>Alyth</strong> Health Centre<br />

4th Coffee Morning - Airlie St. Hall R. British Legion <strong>Alyth</strong><br />

7th AGM, Scout Hut <strong>Alyth</strong> Scout Group<br />

10th Presentation Dance <strong>Alyth</strong> Bowling Club<br />

11th Coffee Morning - Airlie St. Hall League of Friends<br />

12th Remembrance Sunday Service <strong>Alyth</strong> Parish Church<br />

13th Ladies AGM <strong>Alyth</strong> Bowling Club<br />

18th Coffee Morning - Airlie St. Hall Enable<br />

18th Fiddle Festival - Kirrie Town Hall Angus Strathspey & Reel<br />

21st AGM & Social Evening-Burnside Inn <strong>Alyth</strong> <strong>Voice</strong><br />

23rd Scone Singers - Airlie St. Hall <strong>Alyth</strong> Par. Church Guild<br />

23rd Bingo Tea, Town Hall <strong>Alyth</strong> Scout Group<br />

24th Club AGM <strong>Alyth</strong> Bowling Club<br />

25th Coffee Morning - Airlie St. Hall <strong>Alyth</strong> & Dist. Pipe Band<br />

25th Charity Stalls - Airlie St. Hall Victorian Day - ADBA<br />

26th Puppet Show - Airlie St. Hall Senior Sunday School<br />

DECEMBER<br />

1st Hoolie in the Hall - Town Hall Jam in the Den<br />

2nd Coffee Morning - Airlie St. Hall <strong>Alyth</strong> Mother & Toddler<br />

2nd Race Night - Geo’s Thistle Lounge Out Of School Club<br />

9th Coffee Morning - Airlie St. Hall <strong>Alyth</strong> Christmas Lights<br />

10th Christmas Concert - Parish Church <strong>Alyth</strong> Choral Union<br />

24th Candle-lit Watchnight Service <strong>Alyth</strong> Parish Church<br />

- - - VOICE TEASER - - - What is Louze?<br />

Answer to last months Teaser- What is Dicht? Wipe<br />

Community Markets<br />

4th Saturday of the Month<br />

from 22nd April<br />

Blairgowrie Wellmeadow<br />

10am –3pm<br />

6<br />

Email: cnx123gl@yahoo.com<br />

CHIANGMAI, THAILAND – September 12 th , 2006<br />

Part two of Peter Webster’s epistle…<br />

MY MEMOIRS OF ALYTH<br />

MY Grandmother was Margaret Galloway and I well recall her telling me how<br />

the family used to rise at 5am at Westfield and how she, from the age of 8, used<br />

to help her mother deliver milk to the town from their horse and cart in the<br />

1880’s. The milk was dispensed from churns into the customers own containers<br />

as there were no milk bottles in those days. How bitterly cold it was in the harsh<br />

winters even though they were well wrapped up and how she was glad to get<br />

back to the farm for a plate of porridge and a heat from the log fire before going<br />

to the school. She appeared to have been a clever lass though as she won first<br />

prize at the College in Dundee and was presented with a compendium of Dickens<br />

stories that I still have to this day.<br />

Auntie Jessie and her sister Kate moved to Westpark from Westfield shortly<br />

after their mother, also named Margaret, died in 1935. Margaret Stewart had<br />

married James Galloway in the late 1860’s and set up home at Westfield Farm.<br />

They raised a total of eight children and with the exception of Margaret and<br />

Annie, all, including both parents, are buried within the lair in <strong>Alyth</strong> cemetery.<br />

Westfield had become over burdensome for the women after their Brother<br />

Robert was killed in an accident with the threshing machine in 1927 and eventually<br />

they decided to sell and move to a more manageable property – so Westpark<br />

was built on St. Ninians Road.<br />

Westfield had been run to a strict Victorian routine and so too was Westpark.<br />

Jessie, left on her own after her sister Kate died in 1951, stuck to her routine like<br />

glue. Every day she rose at 6.30am brewed a spoon of strong black Digee Tea<br />

taken straight from its maroon and gold packet and ate a slice of thick cut bread,<br />

butter and homemade jam. The coal fires were made and kindled, the hens and<br />

turkeys fed and the eggs collected. Breakfast was from half past eight until the<br />

end of the nine o’ clock news on the Home Service, except, that is, for a Tuesday.<br />

That was the morning the Gofer from Edwards arrived on his antique bicycle<br />

to take the message line for the weeks grocery order. He knew if he came at<br />

nine there would always be tea in the pot and an egg sandwich to boot. It was<br />

often ten before he left as it took time to discuss what was and wasn’t available<br />

and of course how many coupons were required.<br />

As soon as breakfast was over I would help Auntie Jessie to lift a shaw of<br />

tatties for our lunch. I always remember the gigantic bowl of buttered tatties that<br />

sat in the centre of the table at lunchtime. Beside it was an equally large bowl of<br />

assorted seasonal vegetables and we all dug in and helped ourselves as we ate<br />

our meat. On the rare occasion that I left a tattie behind in the bowl it quickly<br />

disappeared to re-emerge at breakfast the next morning as a tattie scone. The<br />

tatties in those days had a great earthy taste that you never get nowadays. The<br />

only time tinned cream was used was when we had trifle for sweet. That was<br />

topped with a cream mixture called Morfat. Great hilarity was created the day<br />

the Edwards’ Gofer asked what it was on Jessie’s message line. Transpired auld<br />

Jessie had accidentally added an extra ‘R” in the wrong place!<br />

Continued again next month...<br />

BLAIRGOWRIE<br />

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE NEWS<br />

A book launch was held on 20th October when Sheila Stewart MBE<br />

was invited to the Blairgowrie TIC to sign copies of her new book<br />

"Queen Amang the Heather" in which recalls the life of her mother<br />

Belle.<br />

The book priced at £7.99 gives a great insight into the life of the<br />

travelling people and the singing and storytelling career of the family.<br />

<strong>Alyth</strong> Parish Church<br />

Remembrance Sunday Service<br />

Sunday 12th <strong>November</strong><br />

10.30am<br />

Followed by wreath laying at the<br />

War Memorial<br />

Minibus available from the church to the monument<br />

returning to the Square. Details available from<br />

Jim Husband tel: 632982<br />

Strathmore & The Glens<br />

PO Box 6621, Blairgowrie PH12 8YF<br />

www.strathmoreglens.org<br />

E-mail-: sue@strathmoreglens.sol.co.uk


Your Letters<br />

9 Commercial Street, 05.10.06<br />

DEAR <strong>Alyth</strong> <strong>Voice</strong>,<br />

I would like to thank the Committee & everyone who had a hand in the organising<br />

of the Royal visit. It was very well done and a great day for <strong>Alyth</strong>. The<br />

Royal couple were so relaxed and friendly, and the <strong>Alyth</strong> folk showed their usual<br />

enthusiasm and cheered, clapped, and waved – it was a joy to be part of this<br />

super day. The cherry on the cake was the smashing concert with the Pipe Band<br />

and Brass Band in the evening in the Town Hall.<br />

Thank you one and all. Sincerely, Joy Dewar<br />

Kinkeadly, Bamff - 20 th October 2006<br />

DEAR <strong>Alyth</strong> <strong>Voice</strong>,<br />

I read Paul Ramsay’s article on Ragwort (Sept issue) with interest. As a<br />

horse owner I readily admit to recoiling in horror whenever I see Ragwort<br />

and I am pleased that the council workers he saw were taking positive<br />

action to eradicate this weed and prevent spread onto agricultural land.<br />

However, I feel that Paul has painted a rather rosey picture of this highly<br />

toxic plant.<br />

Although horses and cattle are particularly susceptible to irreversible<br />

and progressive liver failure from ragwort poisoning, deer, pigs, goats and<br />

also sheep to a lesser degree can also be affected. It is the most frequent<br />

cause of plant poisoning of livestock in Britain and is usually caused by<br />

accidental ingestion of small amounts often found in hay and silage.<br />

All parts of this plant are toxic particularly the flowers, and honey has been<br />

known to have occasionally been highly contaminated with toxins though thankfully<br />

it apparently smells so foul no-one would consider eating it. There is also<br />

evidence to suggest the toxins can accumulate in milk and subsequently cause<br />

symptoms in young animals.<br />

Ragwort reproduces primarily from seed but can also regenerate from root<br />

fragments and shoots. A single plant is capable of producing up to 200,000 seeds<br />

and possesses different dispersal structures, some of which enable the seeds to be<br />

dispersed by water, wind, people or livestock and others by dropping onto the<br />

land. These seeds can lie dormant in the soil for up to 20 years in some instances.<br />

Current recommendations advise anyone digging or pulling ragwort should<br />

wear protective clothing i.e. rubber gloves, masks and eye protectors as the toxins<br />

can be absorbed through the skin and also inhaled, if flowering. Considering that<br />

one person’s death has now been attributed to ragwort poisoning these are not<br />

THE<br />

CHRISTMAS WINDOW COMPETITION<br />

ALYTH & DISTRICT BUSINESS ASSOCIATION once again are sponsoring a<br />

window dressing competition for all businesses in <strong>Alyth</strong> to take part in.<br />

It is intended that the judging will be held over the Festive Period, hopefully<br />

between the 7th and 14th of December, by the <strong>Alyth</strong> Citizen of the Year 2006<br />

and the Young Citizen of the Year 2006.<br />

The standard of exhibits over the last nine years has been excellent, and it is<br />

hoped that this year the businesses will do their utmost to assist in helping to<br />

bring Christmas cheer to <strong>Alyth</strong> for the enjoyment of all. Let’s make the Christmas<br />

Windows in <strong>Alyth</strong> the best in Perthshire if not Scotland and also it will make<br />

the judges’ task a really difficult undertaking.<br />

It is hoped that all the Christmas windows will be on display by the 25th of<br />

<strong>November</strong> 2006 the day the Christmas Lights in <strong>Alyth</strong> are switched on.<br />

The Christmas Window Competition Shield will be presented to the winner<br />

along with certificates for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place. Michael Kay, Chairman<br />

ALYTH<br />

YOUTH PARTNERSHIP<br />

ON Saturday 7th of October the Girls' Group of AYP held an open day so that<br />

any local girls aged between 11 and 16 could come along to the community wing<br />

and see for themselves some of the activities the girls take part in. It was also a<br />

great chance for prospective members to meet current members and the youth<br />

workers and see how friendly we all are!<br />

Visitors and girls alike all had great fun making jewellery, baking, painting,<br />

playing games and tattooing themselves.<br />

Any girls who couldn't manage to the open day can still come along any<br />

Thursday evening between 6.30 and 8.00pm. It would be great to see you.<br />

Don’t have access to email? <strong>Alyth</strong> Library is now offering FREE<br />

access to the Internet for SURFING the WEB/sending EMAILS. Visit the library for more details...<br />

7<br />

A ROYAL ARRANGEMENT<br />

CAN I thank my fellow members of the Alfred Anderson Memorial Committee<br />

for offering me the chance to do the floral arrangements for the Royal visit on<br />

October 1 st , including one to be presented to Camilla, Duchess of Rothesay by<br />

Alfred’s great granddaughter, Eilidh.<br />

The committee could have chosen to have flowers done professionally, and I<br />

was thrilled they had the confidence in me to do it for what was to be a very rare<br />

and special day for <strong>Alyth</strong>. I hope the results did justice to the occasion. Thanks<br />

also to Margaret Aitchison for her support during the time it took to do the flowers,<br />

and to Donald who provided us with endless cups of tea!!<br />

On the Monday after the Royal visit, we delivered the two main arrangements,<br />

one to Mundamalla, Newtyle, and one to Belmont Castle Eventide Home, Meigle,<br />

and they were delighted to have them.<br />

Well done to everyone who helped to make the day a success.<br />

Yours sincerely, Marguerite McKenzie<br />

ALYTH MUSICAL SOCIETY<br />

would like to say a big THANK YOU to all who came along to support their<br />

fundraising concert on Friday 20th October when the sum of approximately £800<br />

was raised before deduction of expenses. Marjorie Twivey<br />

ALYTH BOWLING CLUB<br />

THE committee thank all members and the very generous people of <strong>Alyth</strong> who<br />

attended their Coffee Morning on 21 st October. It was a thoroughly enjoyable<br />

morning and the magnificent sum of £770.03, after all expenses, was raised. All<br />

the hard work entailed by the members was much appreciated by the Committee.<br />

Many thanks for all donations. Mary Hogg, Secretary<br />

ALYTH, MEIGLE & DIST. NURSING&SAMARITANS ASSOC.<br />

HOSPITAL CAR SERVICE<br />

AT the AGM on 12 th October, it was agreed by all present that charges would<br />

have to be increased to cover the cost of the parking fees. This increase will<br />

start immediately, and will be<br />

£9 for Ninewells and PRI, and £5 for Blairgowrie.<br />

*** WE NEED DRIVERS ***<br />

If there is any driver who would like to join us in this good cause for the community,<br />

please contact Eileen Colley - 01828 632183<br />

ST. NINIAN’S CHURCH<br />

OUR most grateful thanks to all the folk of <strong>Alyth</strong> for the wonderful turnout to<br />

our coffee morning on 14 th October. To donors, helpers, buyers and especially to<br />

the efficient and worthy team of the Airlie Street Hall ‘Kitchen Ladies’. We<br />

raised a fantastic £836 which has been our best effort. Thank you, thank you,<br />

thank you. Dorothy Oldham<br />

TOWN HALL & OGILVY ROOMS<br />

HALL HIRE CHARGES<br />

THE last time that the charge rates for hire of the above facilities changed was<br />

August 2003. New charges rates will commence from 1 st January 2007. They and<br />

the Categorization Table are now posted in both the Town Hall and Ogilvy<br />

Rooms. A new additional Application Form for the use of a Bar in the Town Hall<br />

is also on display. If you have any queries contact the Secretary on 632484.<br />

LATE SEPTEMBER<br />

LATE September and it’s sad. The swallows and housemartins have gone. The<br />

swifts went a while ago, but the geese have arrived and the Tattie Holidays are<br />

nearly upon us, so we can look forward to darker evenings and concerts, if not<br />

guisers and fireworks. Please note no mention of Christmas. And we’ve been to<br />

County Clare and Galway in S. Ireland, indeed an Emerald Isle of wee green<br />

fields, but where do they grow their vegetables and cereals? The Irish folk, scenery<br />

and Guiness are, to be sure, truly friendly, magnificent and very palatable.<br />

Wish I could say the same about current airports! Shoes doffed, lipstick abandoned<br />

in hold, and walking stick collapsed, my next holiday is by bus and boat.<br />

Josi, Top O’ Toon<br />

PS Overheard in ‘Costcutters’ – we’re seeking the feminine of masterful.<br />

Oh! Is it a film? Is there one?<br />

Ian Miller Local Councillor. SURGERY AT ALYTH TOWN HALL<br />

(Old Council Chambers) on 1st TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH AT 7.00PM<br />

OR CONTACT BY Tel: SNP OFF: 01250 876576 Home 01250 873304<br />

P&K Council Tel: 01738 475018 Email: imiller@pkc.gov.uk


Licensed<br />

Grocers<br />

Newspapers<br />

Magazines<br />

Toys<br />

National Lottery outlet.<br />

Video & DVD rental.<br />

Irvines Butcher Meat<br />

Dry Cleaning: Shoe Repair<br />

LUNANS<br />

Newsagents<br />

8-10 Airlie Street<br />

Envelopes<br />

Notepads<br />

Pens, Pencils<br />

& Gifts<br />

We offer all year round newspaper and<br />

magazine delivery.<br />

A great selection of cards<br />

for every occasion.<br />

A good selection of stationary, toys,<br />

wrapping paper and gift bags.<br />

Shop Open- 5.30 am - 5.30 pm Mon-Fri<br />

5.30 am - 4 pm Sat<br />

7.00 am - 1 pm Sun<br />

Telephone – 01828 632330<br />

DAVIDSONS CHEMIST<br />

PRESCRIPTIONS<br />

DISPENSED<br />

DELIVERY SERVICE<br />

AVAILABLE<br />

MINOR AILMENTS SERVICE AND<br />

ADVICE ALWAYS AVAILABLE<br />

FROM YOUR LOCAL PHARMACIST<br />

9 Airlie St, <strong>Alyth</strong> Tel 01828 632302<br />

**** selection of Christmas gifts now in stock ****<br />

RENDEZVOUS<br />

**HAIRDRESSER**<br />

59 Airlie Street,<br />

<strong>Alyth</strong><br />

Tel: 01828 632097<br />

Open Tues - Sat<br />

Gift Vouchers Available<br />

73-75<br />

Airlie<br />

St.<br />

<strong>Alyth</strong><br />

Credit/Debit card facility now available<br />

FREE HOME DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE<br />

Telephone Orders Welcome<br />

Tel No: 01828 632306<br />

MEG’S MINI MARKET<br />

22 Commercial Street<br />

<strong>Alyth</strong><br />

Tel: 01828 633143<br />

OPEN: Mon Tues Thurs Fri - 9am to 4:30pm<br />

Sat - 9am to 5pm<br />

Wed – 9am to 1pm<br />

*Christmas Goods Now in Stock*<br />

Classified<br />

<strong>Alyth</strong> Decorators<br />

The family business<br />

who care<br />

Personal service guaranteed<br />

Pat McAuley<br />

Director<br />

Garden Cottage, Bardmony House,<br />

<strong>Alyth</strong> PH11 8NY<br />

Tel: 01828 633831<br />

Mobile: 07712 732 909<br />

THE ALYTH<br />

TRADITIONAL<br />

FISH BAR<br />

Telephone Orders Welcome<br />

01828 632000<br />

Fish Suppers £3.00 on Wednesday<br />

for OAP’s<br />

Monday – Thursday 4.30-9 pm<br />

Friday 4.30-10 pm<br />

Saturday 4.30-10 pm<br />

Sunday 4.30- 8 pm<br />

COLIN & CATHY FORD<br />

Number 5 Toutie Street, <strong>Alyth</strong><br />

CHIROPODY<br />

SUGARING, FACIALS<br />

EYELASH/BROW TINTING<br />

PEDICURE, MANICURE<br />

by CREATIVE NAILS<br />

**Late Nights Tues. & Thurs.**<br />

For an Appointment<br />

Tel:01828 632297<br />

PETS PANTRY<br />

19 High Street Blairgowrie<br />

Tel: 01356 623006<br />

Keith Nicol<br />

GEO’s BAR<br />

&<br />

THISTLE LOUNGE<br />

AIRLIE STREET, ALYTH<br />

Tel : 632276 Fax: 633939<br />

Email: thisletopia@aol.com<br />

Lounge available for<br />

meetings<br />

FOOTBALL ‘LIVE’<br />

on Digital & Five<br />

8<br />

Market Square, <strong>Alyth</strong>, Perthshire, PH11 8AA<br />

Tel : 01828 632309<br />

Fax : 01828 632609<br />

Open Monday-Friday 8.30am-5.30pm<br />

Saturday 9am -5pm<br />

* Special Offer on Compost - Levingtons 75Kg *<br />

* Buy 3 for £12.00 *<br />

J. & M. KAY<br />

Ladies & Gents<br />

Hairdressers<br />

13 Airlie Street<br />

<strong>Alyth</strong><br />

Tel: 01828 632252<br />

David Scott Ltd<br />

FUNERAL DIRECTORS<br />

& MONUMENT AGENTS<br />

Also Golden Charter Pre-Paid Funeral Plans<br />

7 Toutie Street <strong>Alyth</strong><br />

Open Tuesday Mornings 9 a.m.-11.45 a.m.<br />

Or by appointment<br />

Our staff are happy to assist with all enquiries<br />

A 24 hour service is maintained on<br />

01828 633 433<br />

FURNITURE STORE<br />

PERTH STREET, BLAIRGOWRIE<br />

(Adjoining Shell Garage)<br />

COME ON IN AND HAVE A BROWSE<br />

BEDS– from £69; 2 and 4 Drawer Divans; Metal and Pine<br />

Beds; Mattresses; Headboards; Pine Bedroom Furniture;<br />

Ex-Catalogue Suites;<br />

Pine and Beech Look Bedroom Furniture;<br />

Dining room Sets and all types of furniture and furnishings.<br />

Stock Changes Weekly<br />

ALL AT DISCOUNT PRICES<br />

Traditional Acupuncture in Blairgowrie<br />

Acupuncture can help a variety of symptoms<br />

and health problems<br />

Free 15 minute consultations available in Blairgowrie<br />

to discuss whether acupuncture may be helpful.<br />

Practitioner is fully qualified and insured and is a member<br />

of the British Acupuncture Council.<br />

Judith Bryden MA(Hons)LicAc.MBAcC.<br />

Contact Judith at 01250 876345 or<br />

07762 188418 (mobile)


ALYTH VIOLET FOOTBALL TEAM<br />

1938/39<br />

Back: ? Petrie, Jim Henderson, Pat Mitchell, Wull Smith,<br />

Esk Tasker, Sandy Doig<br />

2 nd row:Jim Duncan, Jock Fowler, Willie Lundie, Geordie McDonald,<br />

Chic Findlay, Doug Cochrane, Dave Fairweather,<br />

Chic Dunbar<br />

Front : Dave Ayr, Andrew Kirkpatrick, D.L. Reid, Grant Gall,<br />

Jim Wood, John Menzies, Hemish Petrie<br />

Email: afindlay832@adelphia.net<br />

Florida, 10 th October 2006<br />

DEAR <strong>Alyth</strong> <strong>Voice</strong>,<br />

I have a picture of the 1938/1939 <strong>Alyth</strong> violet football team of which<br />

my father Charles (Chick) Findlay was a member. I am 59 years old and<br />

was born at 25 High Street in <strong>Alyth</strong>. My mother’s name was Joan, I<br />

have three sisters - Arlene, Agnes (Nessie) and Evelyn and a brother<br />

Bill. We left <strong>Alyth</strong> in 1957 for America, when I was ten but I still have<br />

fond memories. I’ve been back a few times on golfing holidays and<br />

always make sure we play a round at the <strong>Alyth</strong> Golf Club.<br />

I am a retired police officer from New Jersey, but now living in sunny<br />

Florida. Hope all is well in and around <strong>Alyth</strong>.<br />

Regards, Alex Findlay<br />

PS I read the <strong>Voice</strong> on the Internet<br />

‘FANCY DRESS’ VICTORIAN FUN DAY<br />

VICTORIAN FUN DAY, on Saturday the 25th <strong>November</strong> 2006, is a fun day<br />

that is sponsored by <strong>Alyth</strong> & District Business Association. On this day, <strong>Alyth</strong><br />

business staff and proprietors will be working in ‘Fancy Dress’ from opening<br />

time till late. This is the same format as last year, come along and take photographs<br />

of all the participants. As part of Victorian Day, which has taken place<br />

over the previous nine years, and brought a great deal of fun and jollity to all that<br />

have been involved, there is a ‘Fancy Dress’ Costume Competition for business<br />

personnel, which will be judged during the day by the <strong>Alyth</strong> Citizen of the Year<br />

2006, and the Young Citizen of the year 2006. The winner(s) will be presented<br />

with the Victorian Costume Shield and there will also be framed certificates for<br />

1st, 2nd and 3rd places. It is hoped that all businesses and business personnel will<br />

be taking part, and that there will be many locals in fancy dress to add to the fun<br />

of the day, including the helpers and assistants holding the Coffee Morning that<br />

day. Also any Charity or Charitable Organizations from <strong>Alyth</strong> and District are<br />

invited to have a stall with items for sale etc. in the Airlie Street Hall between<br />

1.00. p.m. and 4.30.p.m. Some of the charities that have taken part in the past on<br />

this fun day were Perthshire Brass Band, <strong>Alyth</strong> Scouts, <strong>Alyth</strong> Parish Church,<br />

<strong>Alyth</strong> Christmas Lights, Pads, Cat Protection League, <strong>Alyth</strong> <strong>Voice</strong>, Helping<br />

Hand Enable, Open Minds, Alzheimer and M.S. Therapy Centre, Representatives<br />

of the charities will also hopefully be in ‘Fancy Dress’. If you wish to have a<br />

charity stall please contact Michael Kay on telephone 01828 632252/632690.<br />

There will be no charge for anyone/group as ADBA pay all rental costs. M. Kay<br />

THANKS from the ALYTH VOICE<br />

COLLECTION boxes raised £42.46. ALSO to the<br />

Prettymans and all <strong>Voice</strong>teers for the speedy delivery<br />

of October’s <strong>Voice</strong>. DO you bin your <strong>Alyth</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> once you’ve<br />

read it? Why not pop it back into the Pet Shop so we can use it<br />

again? Our extra copies are always desperately sought after!<br />

9<br />

ALYTH OUT OF SCHOOL CARE GROUP<br />

ALYTH Out of School Care Group is a registered charity, run by a management<br />

committee of volunteers. Operating out of a room in <strong>Alyth</strong> Primary School, our<br />

aim is to provide a good quality affordable childcare service before and after<br />

school. We feel it is vital to keep this service in local hands, so we can set fees<br />

and membership criteria that suit our local working parents now and in the future.<br />

For example, we charge only for the time your child actually spends in the<br />

Club, not just a fixed session fee like that charged in Council run clubs. This<br />

makes it economic to send your child for even an hour after school, and know<br />

that they are being looked after in a safe, stimulating environment by qualified<br />

staff. We run many different activities throughout the school year including arts<br />

and crafts, basketball, soccer, board games, computer games, karaoke, baking,<br />

role play etc. Many children come as much for the play and social interaction as<br />

well as those with working parents who need childcare. The committee is currently<br />

looking to expand our network of contacts to include anyone in the wider<br />

community of <strong>Alyth</strong> and surrounds who might be interested in helping with the<br />

running of the group. This might mean friends or family (perhaps grandparents)<br />

of children attending or someone who would like to do something to benefit the<br />

community. Instead of having to become a part of the management committee,<br />

attending regular meetings etc, this role could be suitable for anyone with a skill<br />

to offer, and as little time as two hours a month to spare. We particularly need<br />

help with activities such as<br />

• writing letters (computers) & preparing grant applications<br />

• Shopping & fund raising<br />

• Accountancy<br />

• Photocopying & scanning documents<br />

• play activities e.g. sports, drama, music etc<br />

• art and craft skills e.g. knitting, woodwork etc<br />

• nature studies e.g. birdwatching, gardening, weather recording etc<br />

If you, or anyone you know, would like to become a “Friend of <strong>Alyth</strong> Out of<br />

School Care Group”, you can contact Carole Saunders on 07865 046 783 or<br />

talk to our Play Leader, Catherine Chalmers, on 077185 73511.<br />

ALYTH FOOTBALL CLUB 1935-37?<br />

Back: Gordon McDonald, Jimmy Dick, ?<br />

3 rd : ?, Collie Robertson, Tom Barron, ?, Davie Dear, Tommy Gray,<br />

?, ? Irvine, Jim Cameron<br />

2 nd : ?, Geordie Donald, Jim Chalmers, Willie McDonald,<br />

David Grieve, ?, ?, ?<br />

Front: Will Whyte, Bill Brodie, ?, ?, ?, Dunc Erskine, D. McPherson<br />

Submitted by Betty Gray, Silver Terrace in conjunction with<br />

Hedley Hindmarsh. Hedley later emailed the following.<br />

Australia - Email: jh.hindmarsh@bigpond.com<br />

I am sorry I cannot give you exact dates, but Dave Grieve would probably<br />

know if he is still around or Fred Kydd as Dave’s father was involved<br />

at that time, as were the Erskine and Dear families, but I believe<br />

it could have been around the 1935-37 time frame. At that time <strong>Alyth</strong><br />

Violet was the main body, I do not know the reason for the two teams,<br />

but I mind going with my Dad in the car on some of the away games to<br />

Forfar, Brechin and other places, and when we came home some of the<br />

team were invited to our place for late tea much to Mum’s surprise, but<br />

there was always Finlay`s Chip shop to fall back on. Thanks for the<br />

<strong>Alyth</strong> voice and the memories.<br />

Hedley Hindmarsh<br />

PS saw a picture of the markets down at the end of Arlie street and it<br />

brought back memories of when we were wee boys, getting a few pennies<br />

to help the farmers drive home the animals they had purchased at<br />

the sales. Them were the days. H.


SBEF<br />

James Tripney<br />

Joiner & Undertaker<br />

All aspects of joinery work,<br />

domestic & commercial.<br />

Double Glazing etc.<br />

House No’s<br />

36 Smythe St 01828<br />

632890<br />

<strong>Alyth</strong> 01828 632717<br />

Tel/fax: 01828 632260<br />

HOBBIES<br />

Tel: 01828 632565<br />

WE ARE ON THE MOVE TO 31 AIRLIE STREET!<br />

* NEW *<br />

HAVING A SPECIAL OCCASION PARTY?<br />

We can now supply helium balloons at<br />

competitive prices.<br />

*<br />

Large selection of Toys, Games and Gifts<br />

Christmas Cards from £1.00 packet<br />

Relative cards 3 for £1.40<br />

Calendars from £1.00<br />

Diaries from 75p<br />

Wrapping paper and gift Bags<br />

*<br />

For the crafters—we are now taking names for our<br />

card-making workshops<br />

A. ROGER<br />

Decorators<br />

3 Bank Street, <strong>Alyth</strong>, PH11 8DB<br />

FOR INTERIOR DECORATING AND<br />

EXTERIOR PAINTING, ALL TO THE<br />

HIGHEST STANDARD<br />

call 01828 632879 for free estimates<br />

CAKES FOR ALL OCCASIONS<br />

14 AIRLIE STREET<br />

ALYTH<br />

TEL: 01828 632426<br />

www.cakesbysally.co.uk<br />

CAMPBELL GERRARD<br />

FENCING CONTRACTOR<br />

TEL: 01575 574284<br />

MOBILE : 07977 316035<br />

******<br />

All types of agricultural and garden<br />

fencing & gates supplied and erected.<br />

******<br />

Patios, Decking, Gravel Work,<br />

Drystone Dykes and Landscaping<br />

******<br />

FREE ESTIMATES<br />

Classified<br />

MOBILE HAIRDRESSER<br />

LADIES<br />

GENTS<br />

CHILDREN<br />

OAPs<br />

Have your hair done in the comfort<br />

of your own home<br />

CUTTING<br />

PERMING<br />

EXTENSIONS<br />

ETC.<br />

Tel: 01250 870343<br />

Mrs Susan Marsh (Cert Ed)<br />

Cherrybank, Lands of Loyal<br />

Tel: 01828 633501<br />

Glenfernate Fresh Meats<br />

Enochdhu, Blairgowrie PH10 7PL<br />

Tel: 01250 881 215<br />

Fax: 01250 881 780<br />

E-mail: sales@glenfernate.com<br />

www.glenfernate.com<br />

Beef, Lamb & Venison<br />

Direct from a Local Perthshire Farm<br />

delivered to your door<br />

Bred here and raised naturally with no intensive rearing,<br />

hormones or additives. Properly hung, cut and prepared on<br />

the farm. Just good meat that is tender and full of flavour<br />

with no fancy seasonings needed to give it taste.<br />

The venison is from our own wild deer from the same hills<br />

that the sheep and cattle graze.<br />

If you are not satisfied, we will replace or refund in full.<br />

BEEF PACK £37.50<br />

3x 450g (lb) Steak Mince<br />

3x450g Diced Shoulder<br />

1kg Topside Rst<br />

1kg Silverside Rst<br />

450g Braising Stk<br />

230g Frying Stk<br />

450gStk Saus.<br />

450g Lorne Saus.<br />

1 Pack Steak Burgers<br />

( 1/4lb)<br />

Tel: 01250 870343<br />

LAMB PACK £32<br />

Leg of Lamb approx 1.5kg<br />

(3lb)<br />

1kg (2lbs) Rolled Shoulder<br />

450g Diced Shoulder<br />

4 Dble loin chops<br />

4 Leg Steaks<br />

4 Noisettes<br />

1 Pack Lamb Burgers<br />

(1/4 pounders)<br />

BBQ PACK £26.50<br />

2 Packs of Stk Burgers 1 Pack of Lamb Burgers<br />

1 Pack of Venison Burg. 1 Pack of Pork & Apple<br />

Burg.<br />

1 Pack of Stk Saus.450g 1 Pack Lamb Saus.450g.<br />

1 Pack Venison Saus 450g 1 Pack Pork Saus. 450g<br />

1 kg Frying Stks appx.6 450g Lamb Leg Stks<br />

appx.4<br />

Venison Pack £30<br />

1 Haunch of Venison 1.5kg(3lbs)<br />

2 Venison Stks.<br />

3x450g Diced Ven. 3x450g Ven. Mince<br />

450g Venison Saus. 1 pack Ven. Burgers<br />

Plus free delivery in the local area<br />

We deliver every Friday in the Blairgowrie/<strong>Alyth</strong> Area.<br />

For more information, For a price-list with all our cuts and<br />

produce, or to place an order, Contact Ann, by Telephone,<br />

Fax or E-mail.<br />

‘Glenfernate Fresh Meat are licensed Game Dealers’<br />

10<br />

Visitors Always Welcome!!<br />

Our restaurant boasts a recently<br />

revamped menu. All meals are created<br />

using the best fresh local produce.<br />

Give us a try and allow our friendly staff<br />

to cater to your every need.<br />

Restaurant Opening Hours<br />

Mon - Thurs 8.30am - 6pm<br />

Fri - Sun 8.30am - 8pm<br />

Reserve a table to avoid disappointment.<br />

Telephone 01828 634004<br />

<strong>November</strong> Silver Ball Saver<br />

18 Holes on the Rannaleroch<br />

Course accompanied by<br />

Coffee & Bacon Rolls<br />

* £13 per person on Winter Greens*<br />

* £15 per person on Summer Greens *<br />

No Winter Mats<br />

Please quote ref. av1106 when booking<br />

Telephone 01828 633322<br />

Whether it be an evening meal, lunch or a relaxing<br />

drink, enjoy our warm, friendly atmosphere.<br />

We also cater for small functions, private parties & buffets<br />

*Daily pensioners’ special<br />

*Traditional Sunday roast<br />

*Families welcome<br />

Mon - Sat Lunch 12-2.30pm Dinner 5-9pm<br />

Sunday - 12.30-8.30pm<br />

<strong>Alyth</strong> Road, Rattray<br />

Telephone: 01250 875502


DUNC’S FIRST YOUTH PIPE BAND<br />

1935 in front of <strong>Alyth</strong> High Kirk (note the wooden gates to the Kirk)<br />

Back: Dunc Milne, Andrew Kirkpatrick, George Gellatly,<br />

Hugh Cameron, Ronald Repper, Ian Berry<br />

Front: John Baynes, Alfie Smith, Doug Petrie, Leslie Bruce,<br />

Murdie Bill<br />

PIPE MAJOR DUNC MILNE<br />

11<br />

1947-48 in <strong>Alyth</strong> High Kirk’s garden facing Bamff Rd<br />

Dunc Milne - 2nd row, 2nd right<br />

If you can name anyone in this photo,<br />

the <strong>Voice</strong> would love to hear from you.<br />

Both photos submitted by Nan Crighton, Dunc’s daughter.<br />

PIPE Major Duncan Milne was a baker from Dundee. Not a professional piper, just a baker. Yet he was responsible for running the first <strong>Alyth</strong> Youth<br />

Pipe Band for over 20 years, such was his enthusiasm and commitment. Born in 1897 in Dundee, he fought in WWI firstly with the Royal Highlanders,<br />

then the Gordon Highlanders and was a member of the 11th Gordon Highlanders Regimental Pipe Band. Returning to Dundee in 1920, work was<br />

scarce and newly married, he was offered a job in a bakery in <strong>Alyth</strong> for a fortnight. Daily, he cycled the round trip from Dundee and was lucky to<br />

secure the job permanently at the end of the two weeks. Settled in <strong>Alyth</strong>, he formed the first <strong>Alyth</strong> Pipe Band aimed at adults in the 1920s, but the<br />

adults didn’t turn up for practice! By the early 1930s his focus was aimed at the youths, and the first Youth Pipe Band was formed. Dunc retired late in<br />

the 1950s and sadly the Pipe Band was disbanded. A baker Dunc may have been, but his life was far from stale. His commitment was strong - to his<br />

family, the Pipe Band, the Scouts (he was awarded the Scout Movement Friendship Badge) and the church, of which he was Beadle from 1941 for<br />

over 25 years. If you have any memories to share of the <strong>Alyth</strong> Youth Pipe Band, please let the <strong>Voice</strong> or Nan Crighton (St. Ninian’s Court) know.<br />

SCOUT REPORT<br />

“CLEANLINESS is next to Godliness”<br />

could now be rewritten as “noisiness”<br />

after a visit to Perth Baths by the Scouts.<br />

If you think that a Perth & Kinross minibus<br />

is loud, just add <strong>Alyth</strong> Scouts to it<br />

and it becomes unbearable! But of course<br />

where would the fun be if they were<br />

quiet. Well… What great facilities for<br />

them, and it is pleasing to note that the<br />

Scouts conducted themselves appropriately<br />

and consequently another visit will<br />

have to be arranged. The Troop has put a<br />

lot of resources into completing the<br />

Bronze Zodiac Award. To fulfil the requirements<br />

a Scout has to camp out one<br />

night every month for 8 months. For our<br />

8 th camp we decided to end it on a high<br />

L-R: Scott Adamson, John Wheatley, Michael Milne (Zodiac),<br />

Bruce Arnott (Zodiac), Patrick West (Zodiac), Lewis Dobie.<br />

spot and where higher than Mount Blair! The ascent took the older Scouts a mere 1hr 45 mins and even the younger ones were<br />

not much slower with one of the Leaders slightly slower – but enough of that! Badges were presented on the summit to Bruce<br />

Arnott, Michael Milne and Patrick West, the presentation taking second place to the reward…LUNCH. Overnight accommodation<br />

was in the grander version of a bothy courtesy of Kirriemuir Scouts. There were a few eyebrows raised when it was pointed<br />

out there was no road, water or electricity but any doubts were quickly dispelled when they entered. As a general concept the<br />

Scouts help with the running of the camp and I was pleased when two volunteered to get up early to make breakfast. They got<br />

one of the Scouts to set his alarm and in due course they turned up an hour early for the task. I gather the alarm setter was the<br />

third Scout to be awakened that day, but in what manner I am a little uncertain. The Scout Group had an good turn out to the<br />

visit of our Royal guests. One section who had to select two<br />

representatives to stand at the Memorial decided to wait<br />

until the Sunday to see who turned up and then pick “two<br />

clean ones”. It’s good to see that standards are being upheld.<br />

16 Cubs, 4 Leaders, 2 Explorers Scouts and 3 helpers enjoyed<br />

a camp at the Jock Neish Centre, Tannadice. The<br />

theme of the camp was Harry Potter and I can only marvel at<br />

the activities and preparation that went into not only the<br />

programme but the menu and the general running of the<br />

camp – pure magic or in line with the theme “Wizard”! I<br />

would like to extend a warm welcome to our AGM which<br />

will be held in the Scout Hut Tuesday 7th <strong>November</strong> at 8<br />

pm. Now when we refer to a web site, we usually mean the<br />

intricate workings of an eight legged insect, but the Troop<br />

have now entered cyberspace (wherever that is) and you can<br />

get us on line at www.alythscouts.co.uk. Norman West with<br />

a team of Scouts have constructed this and are to maintain it<br />

on a monthly basis. See you there! Ron Kirkpatrick<br />

BINGO TEA – Thurs. 23 rd Nov. –Town Hall – 7.30pm<br />

THE ALYAN<br />

‘You are not alone’<br />

GREETINGS Earthlings, Once again,<br />

the weather continues to amaze us<br />

with warm sunshine and pleasant<br />

evenings. Although the nights are fair<br />

drawing in now and the clocks will go<br />

back at the end of this month. What a<br />

thought! What can I say about the big<br />

occasion on the 1st of October when<br />

the future King of England, Prince<br />

Charles, Duke of Rothesay and his<br />

wife, the Duchess of Rothesay visited<br />

<strong>Alyth</strong> to unveil the Cairn memorial to<br />

Alfred Anderson. It was heartwarming,<br />

even for an extraterrestrial,<br />

such as myself, to witness the enthusiasm<br />

of the people and especially the<br />

children of <strong>Alyth</strong> welcoming our<br />

royal guests. The Prince’s comments<br />

are well recorded elsewhere but I<br />

found it interesting that he felt a special<br />

affinity to Albert, and recalled<br />

Alfred’s ties with his own Great Uncle<br />

who died in 1915. All in all, a<br />

memorable day for everyone in <strong>Alyth</strong>.<br />

A few moans were heard about traffic<br />

restrictions and security, but in the<br />

present state of terror alertness, it was<br />

a very small price to pay for such a<br />

high profile visit. This month’s column<br />

will of necessity be a bit shorter<br />

than usual, due to the anticipated need<br />

for space for various other comments<br />

and views of the royal visit to be<br />

included in this edition. The much put<br />

upon Irene has really got her work cut<br />

out for her in preparing this month’s<br />

special issue and I am sure that, as<br />

usual, she will do a magnificent job.<br />

The least I can do is make this<br />

month’s column brief. Will see you<br />

all next month – I’ve already sedated<br />

the Mugwump in preparation for the<br />

fireworks.


Pitnacree<br />

St, <strong>Alyth</strong>,<br />

CLASSIC<br />

RESTORATIONS<br />

Driving<br />

Made<br />

easy<br />

Tel:01828 633293<br />

Wedding Hire<br />

Let us make your day extra special with our<br />

unique collection of classic Rolls Royce Silver<br />

Cloud, Bentley Mk V1 & Jaguar Mk 1X.<br />

Contact Colin Sidley<br />

Home: 01828 633 017<br />

Mobile: 07751072408<br />

Text: ‘PRICE’<br />

to my mobile number for information<br />

Email: colin.sidley@virgin.net<br />

Lessons available by the hour or in block<br />

bookings<br />

Pass Plus Registered<br />

Member of the Driving Instructors Association<br />

AIRLIE GARAGE<br />

ALYTH<br />

Telephone: 01828 633363<br />

Servicing, Mechanical &, MOT Repairs<br />

Welding & Steam Cleaning<br />

Panel Beating, Spray Painting and<br />

Restoration.<br />

All Jobs Considered<br />

Free Estimates<br />

Tyres at competitive prices<br />

Winter Tyres Studded and Wheels Balanced<br />

Breakdown Recovery and Car Transportation Service<br />

Quality Used Cars For Sale<br />

Open 9 am ‘til late<br />

4WD Specialist<br />

Cars & Light Goods Vehicles<br />

Servicing and Repairs<br />

Bike & Car MOT Testing<br />

Tyres & Exhausts<br />

Bike & Car Oils<br />

Stonework<br />

Classified<br />

MUIR<br />

DRIVING SCHOOL<br />

Dave Muir<br />

DSA Approved Driving Instructor<br />

Pass Plus Registered<br />

Tel: 01250 870725 Mob: 07732 531767<br />

Gift Vouchers Available<br />

R. D. Builders<br />

Extensions<br />

Renovations<br />

For Free Estimates<br />

Tel: 01828 632231 or<br />

Mobile 07729924784<br />

19 Tay Road <strong>Alyth</strong>, Perthshire PH11 8EB<br />

Carpet Care<br />

Carpet, Upholstery and Leather<br />

Cleaned and Protected<br />

Neil Stewart<br />

Call for a Free Quote:<br />

01828 632771 or 01250 875216<br />

12<br />

Harling Etc.<br />

G CLARK<br />

PLASTERING & TILING<br />

Walls & floor tiling<br />

Harling<br />

Coving<br />

Plastering<br />

Dry Lining<br />

Ames taping<br />

Wet Dash<br />

NO JOB TOO SMALL<br />

FREE QUOTES<br />

TEL:01828 633970<br />

or 07821294678<br />

CHIROPODIST<br />

H.P.C. REGISTERED<br />

TRISHA WALTON<br />

HOME VISITS<br />

01828 640229<br />

GRANGEMOUNT<br />

CATTERY<br />

Aberbothrie, <strong>Alyth</strong><br />

SPECIAL DIETS CATERED FOR<br />

INDIVIDUAL HEATED CHALETS<br />

Set in the quiet rural setting of beautiful Strathmore<br />

PERSONAL ATTENTION<br />

FROM THE OWNERS<br />

DENNIS & LIBBY MELLOY<br />

Tel: 01828 632284<br />

Stewart MacDonald<br />

Electrical Contractor<br />

Tel: 01828 632995<br />

8 Cambridge Street<br />

<strong>Alyth</strong><br />

PH11 8AW<br />

Specialised Dementia Care<br />

in a Domestic Setting<br />

. RESPITE CARE<br />

. RESIDENTIAL CARE<br />

. SELF CONTAINED DAY CARE UNIT<br />

All bedrooms en-suite: Beautiful Enclosed Gardens :<br />

Home Cooking & Baking with Choice of Menu:<br />

Trained Staff to promote independence and choice.<br />

www.hopeparkhouse.co.uk<br />

Tel 01250 872349<br />

Balmoral Road, Rattray, Blairgowrie


THE PROPERTY SHOP<br />

ALYTH<br />

A & R Robertson & Black, W.S.,<br />

11 Airlie Street, <strong>Alyth</strong>, PH11 8AH<br />

Tel: 01828 632 116<br />

Website:www.robertson-black.co.uk<br />

Email: property@robertson-black.co.uk<br />

FREE VALUATIONS<br />

It’s knowledge of your local patch,<br />

which makes the difference!<br />

BLAIRGOWRIE PROPERTY SHOP IS OPEN 7 DAYS!<br />

Call Mel on 01828 632 116<br />

ALYTH POST OFFICE<br />

Airlie Street<br />

Tel: 632301<br />

NOW IN STOCK<br />

GREETINGS CARDS<br />

National Geographic, The Scottish National Trust, Medici<br />

NEW<br />

ART GALLERY<br />

Oils, watercolours, pastels, etchings<br />

by Scottish artists<br />

LOCHSIDE LODGE<br />

& Roundhouse Restaurant<br />

Bridgend of Lintrathen, By Kirriemuir<br />

Tel: 01575 560340 Fax: 01575 560251<br />

E-mail: enquiries@lochsidelodge.com<br />

www.lochsidelodge.com<br />

Alongside Lintrathen Loch, just 10 minutes from <strong>Alyth</strong>, Lochside Lodge &<br />

Roundhouse Restaurant is an ideal venue whether for Lunch or<br />

Dinner – our menus are modern and imaginative using the best of Perthshire &<br />

Angus produce, beautifully created and presented.<br />

Lunch: 12noon to 1.30pm<br />

Dinner: 6.30 to 8.30pm<br />

<strong>Alyth</strong> Arts & Framing<br />

4 Mill Street, <strong>Alyth</strong>, Blairgowrie, PH11 8DB<br />

New Opening Hours<br />

Open . 1pm—6pm . Tues . Thurs . Fri<br />

10am—6pm . Mon . Sat<br />

Closed . Wed . Sun<br />

Telephone: 01828 633477<br />

Mobile: 07929 406163 or 07946 109682<br />

Tony Flavell & Ros Moran<br />

TIGH NA LEIGH WINS COVETED AWARD<br />

Winner for Scotland - AA Guest Accommodation of the Year<br />

L-R: Peter Birnie The AA, Bettina & Chris Black<br />

THIS award represents the inspectors’ personal choice; somewhere they would choose to stay<br />

themselves or would enthusiastically recommend to friends and family. Introduced in 1994, the<br />

award is the principle of achievement for B&Bs in Scotland.<br />

Perhaps the outside of this house, set in the centre of the non-tourist town of <strong>Alyth</strong>, looks a<br />

bit austere but, inside, it is anything but. Owners Chris & Bettina Black closed for business a<br />

couple of years after buying the property in order to upgrade the house to a very high standard.<br />

The five bedrooms, including a four poster room, and even a suite offer the highest levels of<br />

both comfort and quality and, equally appealing a welcoming but totally uncluttered appearance.<br />

Design led, they also work well in practise.<br />

There is a choice of elegant lounges, as well as a study (with free broadband and WiFi Internet<br />

access), where guests meet to discuss the sights they have seen during the day and the local<br />

golf courses they have played. Chris and Bettina will probably be involved in these conversations,<br />

they seem to delight in welcoming guests to their home. Dinner, in the conservatory<br />

overlooking deceptively large gardens, features great local produce at very affordable prices.<br />

The Victorian townhouse was the local doctor’s home and surgery for over a century and<br />

Tigh Na Leigh translates from Gaelic as ‘house of the physician’. I can’t imagine many more<br />

effective remedies for the pressures of modern life than a few days staying at Tigh Na Leigh –<br />

it should be available on prescription. Peter Birnie, The AA<br />

www.tighnaleigh.co.uk<br />

ARRANGE A HOME FIRE SAFETY VISIT<br />

BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE!<br />

ROY Davidson of Tayside Fire and Rescue said, “Every year domestic fires<br />

account for over 500 deaths and 11,000 injuries. Many of these could be<br />

avoided if people were fully aware of the dangers within their own homes<br />

and had a means of early warning from fire in the form of a domestic smoke<br />

alarm. A domestic smoke alarm is a warning device that detects smoke at the earliest stages of<br />

a fire. If there is a fire in your home it sounds a piercing alarm to warn you of the fire, allowing<br />

you time to escape. Many people killed in house fires each year are asleep at the time. A smoke<br />

alarm will wake you and your family up and give you vital extra time to escape during the<br />

night. Smoke alarms cost from as little as £5.00 and are available from DIY stores, electrical<br />

shops and many supermarkets and high-street retailers. People living in rented Accommodation<br />

should be aware that Landlords are not legally obliged to fit smoke alarms. Your safety is your<br />

own responsibility.” WHY NOT ARRANGE A HOME FIRE SAFETY VISIT?<br />

Tayside residents can arrange for a firefighter to come to their home and assess any fire<br />

hazards that they find. During the visit the firefighter will give advice on how to make your<br />

home safer, what to do in the event of fire and what to do if you become trapped by fire. They<br />

will also fit a smoke alarm in your house, free of charge, if you don’t have one and explain<br />

how to maintain it correctly.<br />

LOOKING AFTER YOUR SMOKE ALARMS<br />

Every year people are killed in fires at home because their smoke alarms failed to work due to<br />

flat or missing batteries.<br />

To arrange a free Home Fire Safety Visit, call 01382 818555 or contact<br />

Perth and Kinross’s Community Fire Safety Department on 01738 622226.<br />

JOHN SWINNEY<br />

Your local Member of the Scottish Parliament for North Tayside is here to help you.<br />

You can contact John at 35 Perth Street, Blairgowrie, PH10 6DL<br />

Tel. 01250 876576 Fax. 01250 876991<br />

email john.swinney.msp@scottish.parliament.uk<br />

13


THE ORGANIC HUT<br />

South West Fullarton, Meigle<br />

Tel - 01828 640391<br />

Wednesday 1pm—6pm<br />

Friday 1pm—6pm<br />

Saturday 10am—5pm<br />

Half mile south of Meigle on Dundee<br />

Road. Follow signs<br />

Visit us for a wide range of organic<br />

fruit and vegetables. Other organic<br />

goods include eggs, various teas,<br />

oatmeal and chocolate. We also<br />

stock Ecover products, soaps and<br />

recycled paper goods.<br />

ROBERTSON’S DAIRY<br />

BALKEERIE<br />

BY GLAMIS FORFAR<br />

Tel/fax 01307 840431<br />

Suppliers of milk, cheese, butter, cream, eggs,<br />

yoghurts, rolls, and many other dairy products to<br />

Private Houses, Hotels, Restaurant, schools,<br />

Nursing Homes, etc. in <strong>Alyth</strong>, Blairgowrie,<br />

Coupar Angus, Burrelton, Woodside, Meigle,<br />

Newtyle and Auchterhouse<br />

Ash Chimney<br />

Systems<br />

Professional Chimney Sweep<br />

Prompt and reliable –<br />

a clean sweep guaranteed.<br />

Pots, Bird guards and Cowls fitted.<br />

Call Simon on<br />

01382 580245 or 07709-340575<br />

GEORGE W. RENNIE<br />

2 St. Malcolm’s Wynd<br />

Kirriemuir<br />

Tel: 01575 573292<br />

Mobile: 07711 818238<br />

Repairs Spares & Servicing Washing Machines,<br />

Cookers, Tumble dryers & Vacuums.<br />

Cycle Repairs & Spares by Post<br />

mary.rennie@tiscali.co.uk<br />

• Drystone Dyking<br />

• Stone Garden<br />

Features<br />

• Stone Planters<br />

and Seating<br />

• Wall Repairs<br />

• and Pointing<br />

• Patios, Paths<br />

and Decking<br />

• Roof Repairs<br />

and Guttering<br />

Robert Miller<br />

Cherrybank Cottage,<br />

Leitfie Terrace,<br />

New <strong>Alyth</strong>, PH11 8NF<br />

Classified<br />

<strong>Alyth</strong> Pet Shop<br />

17 Airlie St, <strong>Alyth</strong><br />

Tel: 01828 633555<br />

OPEN: Mon Tues Thurs Fri - 9am to 4.30pm<br />

Sat - 9am to 5pm<br />

Wed - 9am to 1pm<br />

Large Selection of Tropical Fish,<br />

Accessories and Foods<br />

Good selection of Dog Foods<br />

Tinned Foods for Dogs and Cats<br />

Pet accessories<br />

If not in stock we can order<br />

THE BURNSIDE INN<br />

4/6 Mill Street<br />

<strong>Alyth</strong><br />

Tel: 01828 633 356<br />

*****<br />

Beers, Wines, Spirits<br />

Covered Smoking Area<br />

Beer Garden<br />

Children welcome<br />

Baby changing facilities<br />

Parties catered for - golf, fishing, etc<br />

*****<br />

I&D Insurance<br />

Services<br />

We have secured special rates for<br />

All PH, DD and KY postcodes<br />

Extremely competitive premiums for both<br />

Household and Private Car<br />

Quotes provided without obligation.<br />

Going on holiday?<br />

Let us arrange your travel insurance.<br />

Your local broker serving your local community<br />

16 Airlie Street<br />

<strong>Alyth</strong><br />

01828 633000<br />

Email: IandDinsurance@aol.com<br />

14<br />

Charles A Davidson<br />

Blacksmith, Welder and Fabricator<br />

Gates and Rails made, erected and repaired<br />

All fabrication and farm work undertaken<br />

Tel: 01828 632948<br />

Mobile: 07957-766546<br />

Established 1975<br />

MURRAY PENNYCOOK<br />

PLUMBING & HEATING<br />

GAS, OIL & SOLID FUEL<br />

Clar-Innis, Meigle Road, <strong>Alyth</strong><br />

Tel: 01828 632135 Mobile: 07850-733-481<br />

Oil –Gas –Solid Fuel<br />

Corgi & SNIPEF Registered<br />

Rhones - Lead Work –Drains<br />

Free Estimates<br />

All joinery work undertaken<br />

For more information contact<br />

Derek Fairweather on<br />

07740 986 069<br />

Airlie Computers<br />

Simon Bogle<br />

FULL RANGE OF COMPUTER SERVICES FOR<br />

HOME & SMALL BUSINESS USERS<br />

Repairs - Maintenance - Upgrades - Networking<br />

New & Used Computer Sales - Tuition - Web Design<br />

Tel: 01828 632244 Mob: 07732y524139<br />

www.airliecomputers.co.uk<br />

9.00am to 9.00pm. Monday to Saturday<br />

MURDO FRASER MSP<br />

MID SCOTLAND & FIFE<br />

For help and advice.<br />

Look for details of regular surgeries in the local Press,<br />

or you can contact Murdo on 01738 553 990<br />

to arrange a meeting; or write to him at-<br />

Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh, EH99 1SP;<br />

or email him at -<br />

murdo.fraser.msp@scottish.parliament.uk<br />

BIG GAV<br />

BARONY VIEW<br />

GROUND<br />

MAINTENANCE<br />

HAY STREET<br />

ALYTH<br />

For all the usual garden services including<br />

gravelling and paving.<br />

Full Fencing Service Available<br />

Be prepared for the strong wintry winds and have<br />

those fences repaired or built.<br />

Snow Clearing and Salting Service<br />

Get your name on the list for guaranteed snow<br />

clearing and salting this winter.<br />

Tel Big Gav on 07739 833595


WINDFARMS<br />

THE news that the Scottish Ministers have decided to grant planning consent for<br />

the windfarm at Drumderg by Bridge of Cally will have been greeted with dismay<br />

by many local people.<br />

I have never made any secret of the fact that I opposed the application by SSE<br />

to build these turbines, both of grounds of visual and environmental impact, and<br />

on the effect that the construction traffic could have on <strong>Alyth</strong>, where I live. This<br />

was by no means a NIMBY attitude; I have opposed wind farms elsewhere in<br />

Scotland and have even supported one, but to my mind this was the wrong site.<br />

In taking this view I am sure that I was representing local opinion. More than 600<br />

people objected to the proposal, many of whom live in East Perthshire.<br />

What concerns me most about the way in which the matter was handled is that<br />

the local planning authority - Perth & Kinross Council - came to the view that<br />

planning consent should not be granted, having listened to all opinions. SSE were<br />

granted the consent on appeal to Scottish Ministers who overturned the Council's<br />

view. This means that wind farm or other developments can be foisted on us from<br />

above no matter what the strength of public opposition.<br />

It is instructive that many of those objecting to the application were involved<br />

in the tourism industry. I cannot believe that tourists who come to this part of the<br />

world from all over the globe to see beautiful landscapes will be as happy to do<br />

so in future if we are developing industrial sites in our rural areas. No-one in their<br />

right mind would propose 300-feet high factories or blocks of flats on a site like<br />

Drumderg - why should wind turbines be treated any differently?<br />

All this confirms me in my view that we need a radical rethink on energy<br />

policy. A huge body of opinion is building up which supports the idea that building<br />

huge on-shore wind farms is not the way to tackle climate change. In fact, the<br />

over-emphasis on onshore wind is, according to many experts, actually preventing<br />

investment in new technologies such as wave and tidal power which in the<br />

long run would be more beneficial. I am sure Government will wake up to this<br />

reality sooner or later, but in the meantime we will all have to put up with a forest<br />

of concrete and metal on Drumderg. Murdo Fraser, MSP<br />

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS - THE GOOD & THE BAD<br />

IT is getting near to the time of the year when your Christmas lights committee<br />

and our valuable team of helpers are getting ready to put <strong>Alyth</strong> Christmas lights<br />

up and spring some pleasant surprises your way.<br />

Everyone gets a great feeling of a job well done when the lights are switched<br />

on, which this year is on Saturday the 25 th <strong>November</strong>, we hope to have a larger<br />

parade this year and would like to invite any organisation to join us at the Guide<br />

hut for 6.15 to take part in the torch light parade which will be led this year by<br />

<strong>Alyth</strong> Pipe Band, Santa and our newly elected Citizen of the year and the young<br />

citizen of the year, Provost Bob Scott has once again accepted our invitation to<br />

attend. Last year many children brought along hand made lanterns, we hope they<br />

will bring them along this year, we will arrange a special place in the parade for<br />

them so everyone can see the lanterns.<br />

We were delighted with the response once again to our coffee morning and the<br />

sum of just over £685.00 was raised, thank you to everyone who donated and<br />

helped on the day, the money will be well spent.<br />

On a sadder and more serious note, every year we have to close part of Airlie<br />

Street, Commercial Street and the Square for a short time for safety and redirect<br />

traffic up some of the side streets, most people are very helpful and understanding<br />

and are very co-operative.<br />

A small amount of residents of the Town think it acceptable to curse and swear<br />

and behave aggressively to our volunteers, (these people are not youngsters)<br />

others say we have no business in closing the road and demand that we let them<br />

pass. We want to encourage younger people to join us so that the future of <strong>Alyth</strong><br />

Lights are assured, but it’s sad this attitude hampers us and could be the end of<br />

our Christmas lights as we know it. Dennis Melloy ( Chairman )<br />

MORRISON’S ACADEMY CONCERT<br />

AFTER seeing a concert at the Morrison’s Academy in Crieff, Community<br />

Council Chairman Jim Adam decided to try and bring the show to <strong>Alyth</strong>. He<br />

approached the school’s music director and arrangements were made for Sept<br />

15 th . The Town Hall was booked. Tickets were sold. Catering organised for the<br />

kids and staff, coming straight from a long day at school. Tea and coffee prepared<br />

for the interval. The scene is set.<br />

The swing band consists of around ten brass and woodwind players, with the<br />

line up completed by a drummer, bass and lead guitars and a piano player (mostly<br />

the director). The audience were told that this was the first concert following a<br />

few rehearsals. There were several new band members and one lad making his<br />

final appearance before going to university, the following day. Bearing all this in<br />

mind we were given a superb five tune first set, which showed us just how broad<br />

the music selection for swing is. Not a Glen Miller tuner was heard. The first half<br />

continued with two soloists, one playing the violin and the other vocal. The second<br />

young lady then joined the full choir for three traditional Western Isles folk<br />

songs. Part two was opened by some brilliant drumming by the drum corps of the<br />

Morrison’s Academy pipe band. The string orchestra gave a fine set of five<br />

pieces. They were followed by a clarinet soloist, we were told that the young<br />

player had dreams of becoming a music teacher, the director is already afraid for<br />

his job. The choir gave a second set as did the swing band to close the show. All<br />

present were full of praise for the professional way in which the show was presented<br />

and we were amazed at the very high standard of all the performers. The<br />

proceeds of the concert will benefit an Alzheimer's charity and the <strong>Alyth</strong> Youth<br />

Partnership. Paul Prettyman<br />

15<br />

Police Update<br />

Consuming alcohol in public<br />

REGRETFULLY, we are required to remind everyone that there is<br />

a ban on the consumption of alcohol in a public place. Here. There<br />

have been instances recently where officers have dealt with offenders by issue of<br />

a Fixed Penalty for £40 or have been reported to the Procurator Fiscal. This behaviour<br />

will not be tolerated and individuals will be dealt with as appropriate.<br />

Crime Prevention advice for a safer garden<br />

The basics<br />

Just because it's a garden doesn't mean that it doesn't need protecting. So it's<br />

worth remembering some basics:Fences should be kept in good condition. If they<br />

are falling down or there are holes then a burglar can get past it.<br />

Garages and sheds should have locks on their doors, which should be locked at<br />

all times. A heavy duty padlock, hasp and staple would be ideal, and a mortice<br />

lock for garages are a solid investment. Out of sight is out of mind: many thieves<br />

are opportunists so keep your valuables locked away.<br />

Back to nature<br />

Your garden can do the work for you. Hedges, prickly bushes and dense plants<br />

can stop intruders getting into your garden and into your property. They may be<br />

all the protection your garden needs. You could try one of these:<br />

Holly - only the most determined intruder will want to clamber over its spikes.<br />

Prickly bushes - Try the shrub Rose Rosa for its excellent ground cover and<br />

extremely thorny stem.<br />

Hedges can be the perfect fences - Blackthorn is a good one - it is very dense<br />

and can grow over three metres.<br />

But be warned, don't let your garden grow too high outside the front - if a<br />

hedge is over three feet then an intruder can hide behind it.<br />

Constable Mark Stewart<br />

Contact Numbers: Emergency 999, Crime-stoppers 0800 555 111,<br />

Blairgowrie Police Station 01250 872 222<br />

LEAVES AND RIVERS<br />

EVERY autumn comes and the leaves carry out their annual change (greens to<br />

gold, pale yellow, orange, red) and fall. And every year at this season popular<br />

science and gardening programmes field questions about leaves and how and<br />

why they change colour. To which the answer is given (more or less) that the<br />

shortening length of the days and lower temperatures cause the leaves to stop<br />

producing the chlorophyll that colours them green in summer and allows them to<br />

reveal other colours: carotenoids and anthocyanins. Some of these were present<br />

but hidden by the chlorophyll, and others resulted from chemical changes within<br />

the leaf after the chlorophyll ceased to be produced.<br />

Another interesting aspect of the fall is that of decomposition. The turning leaf<br />

that flutters to the ground lies there and a series of processes gets to work. Acids<br />

in the ground water and rain soften the leaf. Bacteria, rusts, fungi and various<br />

eaters of detritus invade. The leaves of different species vary in the speed with<br />

which they decay. In the case of trees from the temperate forests of the Northern<br />

Hemisphere, willow and birch leaves break up quickly, decompose and join the<br />

humus layer of the soil. Those of ash, elm, lime and later, the leathery leaves of<br />

alder, oak and beech follow, to take only some of the hardwoods. During the<br />

process of the leaves’ decay, a succession of different fungi takes part in their<br />

dissolution. The importance of leaf fall and all the processes of decomposition<br />

and recycling are hard to exaggerate in the economy of nature, not least along the<br />

banks of the rivers and in the water itself.<br />

The graduated decay of the leaves of the different species of tree, as they fall<br />

into a river, gives a continuity of food to the various species of invertebrate that<br />

depend on them. In their turn fish depend on the constancy of food supply provided<br />

by the insects and other aquatic life that nourish them. Strip away the insect<br />

harbouring trees and shrubs from the banks of the rivers and you strip the larder.<br />

What an odd thing to do? But that is just what anglers do: understandably, of<br />

course, because it is amazingly easy to catch your line in a high branch if there<br />

are many trees on the bank of a river where you are fishing. The key is skill, but<br />

it takes patience and persistence to acquire that. Too many of us are impatient<br />

and if we are accustomed to fish where the trees on the bank are cut back, and<br />

have paid handsomely to do so, the emphasis is inevitably on ease of access to<br />

the detriment of the habitat of the quarry.<br />

While visiting the admirable Falls of Lochay Hotel at Killin recently, I was<br />

reminded of another factor in the management of fisheries. There, hanging on a<br />

wall, was a map of the pools in the River Dee in Aberdeenshire. I don’t know<br />

when this map was made, but suspect sometime in the first half of the last century<br />

and here lies the problem: rivers are highly dynamic systems, but riparian<br />

owners and fishermen like their rivers to remain as they were when the map was<br />

made. They can market and rent the fishing that way, a known way that lends<br />

itself to the depiction of the pools on maps. Nature has no such view of rivers,<br />

however, as dried out ox-bows and river courses that have been re-routed by<br />

floods show.<br />

Is a rant looming? How did I mount this hobbyhorse and ride all the way from<br />

misty autumn and the fluttering leaves to the management of rivers and floodplains?<br />

I haven’t mentioned this year’s abundant apples, the arrival of the geese,<br />

nor even the delayed departure of the martens that I saw flying in Glen Auch in<br />

the land that Duncan Ban Macintyre celebrated in his great song of praise to Ben<br />

Dorain. Paul Ramsay


PUBLIC NOTICES RACE NIGHT <strong>Alyth</strong> Parish Church<br />

HOOLIE IN THE HALL with<br />

Amos Moses, Cabin Fever (Bob & Paddy),<br />

Temple Icons, Thin End, The Mutleys<br />

FRIDAY 1ST DECEMBER<br />

ALYTH TOWN HALL 7PM - 1AM<br />

TICKETS £5 LUNANS & GEO'S BAR<br />

All proceeds going to fund Jam in the Den 2007<br />

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION SCOTLAND<br />

COFFEE MORNING - A.S.Hall - 10-12<br />

Saturday 4th <strong>November</strong><br />

Royal visit photos on display<br />

ALYTH BOWLING & TENNIS CLUB<br />

~ notable dates ~<br />

PRESENTATION DANCE<br />

FRIDAY 10 th NOVEMBER<br />

7.30pm – 1am<br />

with a stovie supper - Dancing to Merlin<br />

Tickets from committee members<br />

~~~<br />

LADIES AGM<br />

MONDAY 13th NOVEMBER<br />

7pm<br />

A large turnout of lady members is hoped for.<br />

Next year will be the 50 th Anniversary &<br />

discussions will be held after the election of office<br />

bearers, regarding events for what will be a very<br />

busy time.<br />

~~~<br />

CLUB AGM<br />

FRIDAY 24 th NOVEMBER<br />

7.30pm<br />

Members are asked to note this date. There will be<br />

several vacancies on the committee, and a large<br />

turnout is requested. One of the positions<br />

becoming vacant is that of the Match Secretary.<br />

The Committee request members to give<br />

thoughtful consideration to the filling of this post<br />

and to submit nominations ASAP. The retiring<br />

Match Secretary will be available to help and<br />

discuss the work entailed in this particular post.<br />

Mary Hogg, Secretary<br />

The <strong>Alyth</strong> Out of School Club<br />

is situated within <strong>Alyth</strong> Primary School.<br />

Opening Hours 8am – 9am & 3.15pm-<br />

6pm. Basketball Mondays (school Gym)<br />

from 4pm-5pm. Tel: Catherine Chalmers<br />

on 07718-573-511<br />

<strong>Alyth</strong> Mother and Toddlers<br />

COFFEE MORNING<br />

Saturday 2 nd December<br />

10-12noon Usual stalls, donations welcome<br />

Tel: Kathleen 633266<br />

LEAGUE OF FRIENDS<br />

Coffee Morning<br />

Saturday 11 th <strong>November</strong><br />

Airlie Street Hall 10am-12noon<br />

Usual stalls - Admission £1, children FREE<br />

Donations greatly appreciated to<br />

Anne Rhind 633283 / Dorothy Suttie 633368<br />

Saturday 2nd December 2006<br />

7.30pm<br />

Geo’s Bar (Thistle Lounge)<br />

In Aid of <strong>Alyth</strong> Out of School Club<br />

ALYTH & DISTRICT PIPE BAND<br />

Coffee Morning<br />

Saturday 25 <strong>November</strong><br />

Airlie Street Hall, <strong>Alyth</strong> 10am - 12 Noon<br />

Usual Stalls - Raffle<br />

All donations greatly appreciated<br />

Contact: Jackie Macintyre on 633369<br />

ENABLE<br />

BLAIRGOWRIE & DISTRICT BRANCH<br />

COFFEE MORNING<br />

Saturday 18 th <strong>November</strong> 2006<br />

Airlie Street Hall<br />

10am-12noon<br />

Usual stalls + craft & Christmas<br />

cards/gifts ~ RAFFLE entry 80p<br />

Angus Strathspey & Reel Society<br />

Traditional Fiddle Festival<br />

Kirriemuir Town Hall<br />

Saturday 18 th <strong>November</strong> 2006<br />

Competitions Commence 12noon<br />

Evening Session 7.30pm<br />

ALYTH PARISH CHURCH GUILD<br />

The Guild meets on 2nd <strong>November</strong> at 7<br />

pm in the Airlie Street Hall. The speaker<br />

is the Revd. H Ormiston who will be<br />

talking about Malawi.<br />

To celebrate National Guild Week, we are<br />

holding an Open Evening on Thursday,<br />

23rd <strong>November</strong> at 7 pm in the Airlie<br />

Street Hall. Entertainment will be<br />

provided by the Scone Singers. Everyone<br />

is welcome to both these events.<br />

Valerie Waring<br />

ALYTH HEALTH CENTRE<br />

The Flu Clinics held on 20th & 27th of<br />

October have been well attended. We have<br />

arranged an extra Clinic for patients who are<br />

over 65 or in an "at risk" group on Friday<br />

3rd <strong>November</strong> 2006 between 9am and<br />

11am - no appointment is necessary.<br />

<strong>Alyth</strong> Literary Society<br />

Ogilvy Rooms, Commercial Street, <strong>Alyth</strong><br />

7.30pm<br />

7th <strong>November</strong>, 2006<br />

Climbing Mountains & Helping<br />

Farmers in East African<br />

21st <strong>November</strong>, 2006<br />

Scottish Plant Hunters<br />

A warm welcome will be extended to<br />

anyone wishing to join the Society or to<br />

attend individual talks.<br />

16<br />

Senior Sunday School<br />

presents<br />

THE KENSPECKLE PUPPET SHOW<br />

by Sylvia Troon<br />

www.kenspecklepuppets.co.uk<br />

Sunday 26th <strong>November</strong> 2006<br />

Airlie Street Hall<br />

2pm<br />

Family show suitable for aged 3+<br />

Adults £4, children under 16 £2 at door<br />

ALL WELCOME<br />

~~~~~~<br />

Primary Sunday School<br />

Lovely Christmas cards (£2/10) &<br />

tea towels (£2.50) are now available in<br />

church every Sunday, or on 25th Nov. in<br />

Airlie Street Hall, or online<br />

www.alythparishchurch.org.uk<br />

ALYTH YOUTH THEATRE<br />

Tuesday evenings 6.30-8pm<br />

From 24th October for 8 weeks<br />

in <strong>Alyth</strong> Primary School<br />

Age: primary 7+<br />

See main article on page 17 for details.<br />

ALYTH CHRISTMAS LIGHTS<br />

Two 200 Club draws were made during our coffee<br />

morning on 7th October. Winners are -<br />

September<br />

£50 - No.13 - Miss C Gordon<br />

£30 - No.40 - Mr M Kay<br />

£20 - No.30 - Mrs M Dick<br />

October<br />

£50 - No.111 - Mrs F Stewart<br />

£30 - No.66 - Mrs H Menzies<br />

£20 - No.165-Mr/Mrs J Adam<br />

Thank you for your continued support, £685 was<br />

raised towards this years projects. Please join us<br />

again on 9th December for our 2nd fund raiser.<br />

Liz Gordon<br />

<strong>Alyth</strong> Parish Church<br />

Scottish Country Dance Group<br />

<strong>November</strong><br />

2nd Town Hall, <strong>Alyth</strong><br />

9th Airlie Street Hall<br />

16th Airlie Street Hall<br />

23rd <strong>Alyth</strong> Primary School<br />

30th Airlie Street Hall<br />

7.30 - 9.30 pm<br />

For further information, please call<br />

Anne on 632971 or Moira on 632770<br />

THE ALYTH VOICE<br />

AGM & Social Evening<br />

TUESDAY 21st NOVEMBER<br />

The Burnside Inn<br />

7.30pm<br />

ALL WELCOME<br />

Catering numbers required ASAP - please let one<br />

of the team know you will attend, or pop your<br />

name into the Pet Shop <strong>Voice</strong> Box.<br />

Look forward to seeing you there.


The <strong>Alyth</strong> <strong>Voice</strong><br />

Photographic Competition WINNER<br />

‘NEW YEAR’S DAY 2006 ON ALYTH HILL’<br />

by M. Stanford, Bank Street, <strong>Alyth</strong><br />

Young Citizen of the Year 2006, John Wheatley, chose the winner.<br />

The <strong>Alyth</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> would like to thank all entrants for their photos.<br />

RE-STARTING OF ALYTH YOUTH THEATRE – OCTOBER 2006<br />

THE <strong>Alyth</strong> Youth Theatre is being re-formed, initially for an 8 week block of sessions commencing<br />

24 th October 2006. This popular club had previously been organised and run for<br />

many years by local resident Jim Adam, who retired as leader of the group last year. Perth &<br />

Kinross Council Arts Service are delighted to announce that the club is being re-formed for<br />

this initial period up to Christmas, and it is hoped, that if successful it will continue into the<br />

spring and summer terms. Annabel Rodger from Perth Theatre, an experienced drama workshop<br />

leader, will run the sessions which will take place every Tuesday night from 6.30pm to<br />

8.00pm. Former members of the Youth Theatre are invited to re-join the club and it is hoped<br />

that a number of new budding actors and actresses will also be encouraged to come along.<br />

Age Group: Secondary age pupils & P7. Contact Kirstie Bailey at <strong>Alyth</strong> Community Wing on<br />

01828 633451 or to reserve a place Rowanbank Community Learning Base 01250 874234.<br />

ALYTH IN BLOOM 2006 PRIZE WINNERS<br />

Back: M. Twivey, W. Mollison, S. Lamond (Judge), G. Coutts (on<br />

behalf of P. Chambers), J. Aitken, S. Ewart, Cllr. Miller<br />

Front: S. Scott, Master Mollison, M. McKenzie, J. Wright, H. Lamond<br />

(Judge)<br />

17<br />

ALYTH CHORAL UNION<br />

REHEARSALS are well under way for the Christmas<br />

Concert on Sunday 10 th December at 7pm. The main<br />

work, Haydn’s St. Nicholas Mass will feature the Choir and<br />

young singers from Dundee, Montrose and Inverness. The<br />

programme will also include carols performed by the choir.<br />

No Christmas concert would be complete without<br />

selections from Perthshire Brass who will also accompany<br />

carols by the audience. New members will be made very<br />

welcome, especially in the tenor section, so come along and<br />

enjoy the run up to Christmas. Janey MacFarlane<br />

ALYTH COMMUNITY COUNCIL<br />

Citizens of the Year Award 2006/7<br />

AT the forthcoming meeting of the <strong>Alyth</strong> Community<br />

Council one of the main topics will be a discussion on<br />

choosing <strong>Alyth</strong>’s Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year.<br />

Vice-chairman Barbara Prettyman urges the folk of <strong>Alyth</strong><br />

to nominate deserving persons as soon as possible, stating<br />

why they think their choice should be awarded the honour<br />

in 2006/7. Nomination forms are available at the Post<br />

Office and the closing date for handing in completed forms<br />

will be 21 st <strong>November</strong>. Contact Barbara on 633725.<br />

ALYTH & DISTRICT<br />

PIPE BAND<br />

UNLIKE everyone else, we weren't too bothered about it<br />

raining on Sunday 1st October - having just acquired new<br />

rain capes the day before! What a perfect opportunity to<br />

christen them.<br />

Everyone in the Band was really excited about playing at<br />

such a wonderful event on only our second public appearance<br />

and the first real chance to play in <strong>Alyth</strong>. It was great<br />

to finally show everyone what all that fund raising has<br />

helped to achieve.<br />

I can't speak for the rest, but for me the best part of the<br />

day was the concert with Perthshire Brass at the Town Hall<br />

in the evening. It was fantastic to hear both bands playing<br />

together and I'm sure that Gregor was not the only one with<br />

a tear in his eye when the two Bands played Mull of<br />

Kintyre!<br />

It was a thoroughly enjoyable day and one that we<br />

will all be talking about for a long, long time so thank you<br />

to the Committee for making the day possible.<br />

We will be selling tickets soon for a raffle which will be<br />

drawn on the 25th <strong>November</strong> 2006 to run in conjunction<br />

with our coffee morning and the switching on of<br />

<strong>Alyth</strong> Christmas Lights, which the Pipe Band are playing at<br />

in the evening. Prizes will include 'A Piper' for any<br />

occasion (not including hogmanay), a signed Rangers football<br />

and many others.<br />

Thanks again for all your help and support.<br />

Jackie Macintyre<br />

CONGRATULATIONS & WELL DONE!<br />

to Jim & Hilda Adam, New <strong>Alyth</strong><br />

who celebrated their Diamond Wedding in October


9th September 2006 - 10am<br />

Joiner Andy Wallace finishes the shuttering on time for the<br />

ready mix delivery.<br />

22nd September 2006 - 9.30am<br />

Dennis Melloy lays the foundation stone, ready for builder Jeff<br />

Colville to commence.<br />

23rd September 2006 - 9.45am<br />

In 24 hours the cairn is half complete, with the integral<br />

time capsule chamber in place.<br />

The Cairn<br />

18<br />

9th September 2006 - 10.30am<br />

Andy and son Sean make sure there is no air in the concrete<br />

pour. Committee Chairman Dennis Melloy looks on.<br />

22nd September 2006 - 1pm<br />

Less than 3 hours later, the cairn begins to take shape.<br />

23rd September 2006 - 1.20pm<br />

By lunchtime on day two, Jeff is ready for the contents of the<br />

time capsule to be inserted.


Top Left: 25th September 10am<br />

Jeff Colville, Jim MacFarlane, Jim O’Brien, Nigel Dalziel, John<br />

MacKenzie, Marguerite McKenzie, and Dennis Melloy, gather to witness<br />

the time capsule contents being inserted into the cairn.<br />

Top Right: 25th September 1pm<br />

Jeff lifts the very heavy concrete ball onto the top of the cairn, sealing the<br />

cairn and its contents.<br />

Above Left: 27th September 3pm<br />

The pointing complete and ready for the plaque to be inserted.<br />

Above Right: 30th September 10am<br />

The day before the unveiling, the plaque is cemented into place.<br />

Left: The plaque inscription.<br />

Below Left: 1st October 1.30pm (Photo by D. Todd)<br />

After the excitement, and ready to stand the test of time.<br />

Well done to everyone involved!<br />

THE LAST WORD<br />

HAVING the last word about anything is always an advantage, but it does help<br />

when you know the Editor and Compositor, to have the last one in a special edition<br />

of the <strong>Voice</strong>! For some months now I have been writing a note as Secretary of the<br />

Alfred Anderson committee, but I promised last month that would be my last.<br />

Well it was and it wasn’t, this one is as Secretary of the RBLS <strong>Alyth</strong> Branch. It<br />

was way back in February that the Branch called for a public meeting through the<br />

<strong>Voice</strong> to set up the Memorial Committee. That was duly formed and did all that the<br />

Legion wanted it to achieve. Whilst we still had a part to play it was encouraging<br />

that others felt the same way with as much, if not at times more enthusiasm than<br />

ourselves.<br />

I must also acknowledge others who supported our project, the RBL(Scotland)<br />

with the Area, County, Local Branches and individuals all giving generous financial<br />

support. But, it was not just the Legion, the Business Association, Community<br />

Council and The Black Watch, others also made significant contributions to our<br />

worthy cause. We would have struggled without this aid, but from the start we<br />

wished it to be by public subscription and that was how it turned out.<br />

Enough will have been said about the day, however the Legion do wish to make<br />

it clear that the envisaged project was not only to recognise Alfred, but through<br />

him have the opportunity to recognise the achievements of all that past generation.<br />

Indeed Prince Charles referred to this in his speech and while we as a town, country,<br />

nation and its people, recognise the sacrifices made by those who died so long<br />

ago, seldom if ever do we recognise the endeavours of those who survived. The<br />

local branch believes we achieved exactly that. Jim O’Brien, Secretary<br />

19


Above Left: (photo by D. Todd)<br />

<strong>Alyth</strong> & District Pipe Band get ready to entertain the crowds.<br />

Above Right: (photo by D. Todd)<br />

The committee, family and guests are glad the rain cleared before 11am.<br />

Above: (photo by N. Young)<br />

Committee Chairman Dennis Melloy and Secretary Jim O’Brien welcome the<br />

Duke & Duchess of Rothesay to <strong>Alyth</strong>.<br />

Below: (photo by D. Todd)<br />

The Reverend Tom Tait completed the cairn unveiling ceremony with a short<br />

dedication.<br />

Centre Right:(photo by D. Todd) Pipe Major Alistair Duthie of The Black Watch proudly wears the Queen Mother’s banner on his pipes.<br />

Printed for <strong>Alyth</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> by Blair Copy Shop Copyright©alythvoice 2006<br />

20

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