looking back: “Success in the church is not necessarily an easy thing to gauge, but I like to think Alyth Parish Church has achieved quite a lot in my time. I hope we’re more out-ward-looking as a congregation than we were, more aware of the church beyond the bounds of the parish, and more aware of our responsibilities within them. Visits like those of Levi and Ruth Nyondo from Malawi, and the African Children’s Choir have certainly helped to widen all our horizons, and to make us realise just how much we all take for granted. We’ve raised not just awareness of the needs of others, but a lot of funds too for a whole host of good causes. Our own church has benefitted hugely from the generosity for which Alyth folk are now widely and rightly renowned – the signifi-cant upgrading of the Church Lounge, the replacement of pew cushions and hymn books, the refurbishment of the organ and Airlie Street Hall all spring to mind as worthwhile projects undertaken cheerfully and effec-tively.” looking ahead: “I see no reason why Alyth Parish Church should not continue to go from strength to strength. The congrega-tion is surely in a strong position both to bridge the gap and to attract a new minister. That will take some time, and I’ve been amused by the number of people who have asked me who we’re getting next! As if there was some magic cupboard of available ministers in the vestry. Realistically I wouldn’t expect my successor to be in place before the New Year – we should remember that nine months elapsed between Gordon Oliver’s departure and my arrival, and it doesn’t do any harm for a congre-

gation to have an opportunity to readjust and prepare for the next in-cumbent. In the meantime I hope and pray that everyone will continue to support the church here and in due course its new minister. I’m grateful for this opportunity through the Alyth Voice to express my sincere thanks for all the support I’ve received and all the fun I’ve had in my time here, and to wish God’s continued blessing on your kirk and your town.” We’re sure you will agree that Neil will be missed in all aspects of Alyth life, not only for his encouragement through wedding prepara-tions, his gentleness through christenings, and his comfort through be-reavement or illness. He has wholly involved himself in many activities in the town, being a familiar face at events and a regular at coffee mornings, not to mention the sight of him in shorts running up Pitnacree! Neil has brought energy and compassion to church life in Alyth, and we know the Kirk of the Canongate will be all the better for his pres-ence, as we have been blessed by his time here. Let’s all keep smiling, for his sake. We wish Neil the very best in his new parish.

WITH ONLY one Sunday service to go, the Reverend Neil Gardner took time out of his busy schedule to tell the Alyth Voice his thoughts… on Alyth: “Alyth is not a difficult place to be parish minister. For a start it’s a rural charge with just one church, which means that instead of trying to cover several congrega-tions and communities at once the minister can concen-trate on our one church and community. There’s a natu-ral overlap, of course, between the two, and an instinc-tive awareness of and respect for the church in the wider community. I’ve found everyone very supportive and encouraging, whether they come to church or not. These days there are many parishes where the same could not be said!” on Edinburgh: “I’ve been very happy and fulfilled in Alyth these last eight years or so, and there are very few places for which I would have been prepared to exchange what I have here. But the Kirk of the Canongate is one that would always have appealed to me wherever I was, and at whatever stage in my ministry. It’s a historic church with strong military connections and a fine liturgical and musical tradition and a unique parish that includes Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Scottish Parliament. Life will be very different from here, but there would have been no point in going some-where similar. I still can’t quite believe that I’m going to be actually living and working on the Royal Mile, and although it’s a very exciting prospect I’m sure there will be times when I miss Alyth, not least when I’m stuck in traffic or woken by sirens wailing in the middle of the night!”

Padre on the March

Alyth Voice 102nd Edition, June 2006

Tel. 01828 633045 Minimum Circulation 1575 Email address: alythvoice@alythvoice.co.uk Website: www.alythvoice.co.uk

Neil watching over his flock up Alyth Hill on Easter morning

Above: Sketch of the Kirk of the Canongate on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile [source: www.scotcities.com]

from Cambridge Street to the Canongate

Above: Kirk of the Canongate interior [source: www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk]

2

ALYTH AMATEURS FOOTBALL CLUB WE HAD a rather up and down season in Division One and finished in 5th place. At time of writing (15th May) on Saturday (20th), we are due to play in the semi-final of the Consolation Cup, against Letham United or Stanley. This is a trophy we won last year. We overcame Balmoral Utd from Blairgowrie 0-1 in the semi final of the local Marshall cup. However, the result is the subject of a protest. If we are successful, we will be playing in the Marshall Cup final against Rattray on Tuesday (30th). Sandy McCurdy

TIMES TO REMEMBER DVD

MANY SINCERE thanks to Derek Todd for his donation of £511.50 to Voice funds, following sales of the popular DVD of the Alyth RBLS ‘Times to Remember’ weekend in July 2005. Derek produced the entire DVD and donated £3 out of every £5 sale + any donations to the Voice. Copies are still available from Michael Kay’s at 13 Airlie Street.

Email: GBSACIC66@aol.com Tennessee, USA - 16th May 2006

I AM from the Jonesborough, the oldest town in the upper eastern part of Tennessee. We are in the mountains and the Scots settled this area very heavily. We are in the little point next to North Caro-lina & Virginia, all of which were heavily settled by Scots. Nearby to Jonesborough is Grandfather Mountain, North Carolina where the largest gathering of the American Scots Clans is held yearly. We are very proud of our Scottish heritage in this area. So am I!! My earliest forefather was John B. Burns and he was born in 1681 in Ayth. He was a Jacobite, captured, tried and sentenced to death in 1715, but was give the chance to go to the colony. He died in Penn. in 1760. I am a direct descendent of his. I would love to come to your town and plan to do so in the future. Eileen of Old Stables B&B gave me your email address and suggested I contact you. Do you know of any other Burns in the area? Any info that would assist me in my searches?

Thanks, Gerald W. Burns

*~*~* Dates for Your Diary *~*~* JUNE 3rd Coffee Morning, Airlie St. Hall Alyth & Dist. Pipe Band 4th Rev. N. Gardner’s final Alyth service Alyth Parish Church 10th Coffee Morning, Airlie St. Hall A. Anderson Mem. Fund 11th Gala Day, Jubilee Park Alyth Gala Committee 17th Alyth Show, Aberbothrie, New Alyth Alyth Show Committee 24th Social Evening, music by John Bell Alyth Bowl. & Ten. Club 26th AGM Ogilvy Rooms Alyth Musical Society JULY 1st-8th Charity Shop, Airlie St. Hall Alyth Parish Church 8th July to mid-August - Bookfest Alyth Scout Group 15th Coffee Morning, Airlie St. Hall Alyth&Dist. Plough. Soc 22nd Jam in the Den Den of Alyth

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

In order to avoid disappointment please ensure that articles/ads for publication are submitted before the 21st day of each month. Note: The views expressed in the Alyth Voice are not necessarily those of the team nor can they accept any responsibility for

accuracy and spelling of any article.

ARTICLE SUBMISSION to the Voice

Please note ALL articles must be accompanied with a name and address BEFORE they will be published in the Voice.

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

Useful Telephone Numbers

Airlie Street Hall (contact-Fiona Dorchester) - 01828 632455 Blairgowrie Police Station - 01250 872222

Perth Police Station - 01738 621141 Hydro-Electric Emergencies - 0800 300999

Scottish Gas Emergencies - 0800 111999 Scottish Water - 0845 6008 855

Alyth Post Office - 01828 632301 Alyth Health Centre - 01828 632317

Alyth Primary School - 01828 632462 Blairgowrie High School - 01250 873445

Alyth Environmental Group - 01828 632907 NHS 24—new 24 hour health service - 08454 24 24 24

If you offer an emergency or breakdown service e.g. Plumber, Electrician, Locksmith, Glazier, Central Heating or any other trade,

please send us your name and number for our useful numbers section

- - - VOICE TEASER - - - What is a Puddock?

Answer to last months Teaser- What is Ettle? Intend/Aspire

Community Markets

4th Saturday of the Month

from 22nd April

Blairgowrie Wellmeadow

10am –3pm

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

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

ALFRED ANDERSON’S MEMORIAL PROGRESS ON all fronts is proceeding well and we await the out-come of a request before final arrangement for the Cairn’s unveiling can be organised. Building will only take a few days but the lead time on an engraved plaque will take some 4 to 6 weeks. We expect the date to be sometime in late summer or autumn. A suggestion has been made that the Town Hall should accommo-date both Alfred’s bust, when not in the museum, and Napoleon’s bell (Town Hall bell), in the foyer. Funds now stand at approx £2000, but we have to aim for at least £3000, so there is still plenty of time to donate to this worthy cause by visiting Michael Kay’s shop or attending our coffee morning. If there is any money left over then it will be distributed to some wor-thy cause(s) within the town. Finally please do not forget the coffee morning in Airlie St Hall on the 10th June, if you wish to help or donate baking or raffle prizes then please contact Marguerite McKenzie on Alyth 632749.

Jim O’Brien, Secretary

ALYTH VOICE

‘ALYTH in ACTION’ SUMMER PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION

RULES - Submit up to 3 photos per person, which you consider to best capture ‘Alyth in Action’ - A5 print format only (no emails please) - Write your name/address/tel.no/age (if under 16) on the back - Pop entries in the Voice Box in Alyth Pet Supplies or post to M. Kay, 13 Airlie St., Alyth - Please note all photos are non-returnable - On submission, copyright transfers to the Voice

CLOSING DATE 15th September 2006 Prizes to be won!!

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ANONYMOUS LETTERS

WE REITERATE that letters submitted to the Voice will not be printed unless accompanied by the author’s name and address (although these can be withheld from publication on request). We received an anonymous letter regarding vandalism and would be happy to print it, if the aforementioned details are forwarded. Mean-while, this subject is covered in the Police Re-port on page 6.

Name & Address Supplied - 13th May 2006

ALYTH LAID BARE DOES ALYTH pay any of its rates or do the rates no longer provide for the upkeep of our public gardens? It is, as I write the 13th May, and in one month’s time it will be mid-summer with a town centre devoid of any floral decoration, other than that provided by our own Alyth in Bloom, which can hardly be held responsible for the whole town. I am not going to sing their praise, but where would we be without the bit of floral pleasure they pro-vide? It really is time that both our Commu-nity Council and in particular our Regional Councillor (Deputy P&K Provost) challenged the bureaucracy in Perth & Kinross Council, although, I rather suspect it is the paid execu-tive staff of P&K which fail every year to meet their obligations. Regardless of flowers, their obligation to cut grass appears to have now completely disappeared, except for coun-cil properties/estates. Something has to be done to change this annual problem and it is up to our elected members to pursue this with urgency, by lead-ing campaigns if necessary, which will ensure that these matters are attended to regularly all year round. For evidence - look no further than the town square, the only flowers in evi-dence at the memorial garden are a bunch of weeds. Perhaps more of the public would care to comment and maybe we could have a pub-lic response from the authorities!

A Concerned, Agitated Citizen

- AH’D RAITHER HAE A PONY - by Dan Dewar

A lively lass, tap o’ her class,

Dad’s Darlin’ an’ Mum’s Honey, cried, ‘Daddy, it’s ma Birthday soon!

wull you buy me a Pony?’

“Ah, Sweetheart, Ponnies are sae dear, an’ ah’ve no got much money;

ah’d buy ye sweets an’ sic-like treats but, Darlin’, no a Pony!”

‘Ah see thae pennies in yer purse,

an’ loads ye gie tae Mummy! Yet,though ah wheenge,ye pooch yer cheenge

an’ say, ye hunny onie!’

‘Mum says that ah’m ma Daddy’s Pet, the Moon an’ Stars he’s gonnie

gie a’ tae me if ah’ll agree – ah dinnae need a Pony.’

‘Ye promised me, braw budgies, three, an’ said, “they’re affy bonnie!”

but really, Dad, ye mak’ me mad! Ah’d raither hae a Pony!’

‘Ma pals at school ca’ me a fool, there’s Jean an’ Jan an’ Ronnie;

their Mums are Ace, their Dads are Cool, for they’ve a’ got a Pony!’

‘Ye thocht ah’d like a Pussy-Cat, a’ black, or striped, or tawny;

but you cud no kid me wi’ that – ah’ll only luve a Pony!’

‘An’ then ye brocht that Puppy-dog, sae shilpit, peak’t an’ scrawny…

Whut made ye think that shiver’n tink could ever match a Pony?’

‘Ye promise this an’ promise that… Ye haver sic baloney-

if you luv’d me, then you’d agree: whut ah need is a Pony!’

Yae nicht she heard her Daddy’s words:

“If ah wis no sae stony, ah’d hug wee Claire, an’ buy for her,

The brawest Shetland Pony…”

He hoped red shoes wid cure her blues… but felt a muckle Phoney…

She sighed… an’ said, in her wee bed… ‘It micht hae been a Pony…’

If you think siller disnae coont, try tellin’ Claire an’ Johnnie…

‘cause, if their Daddy wisnae skint – they’d hae a braw wee Pony!

Your Letters

Don’t have access to email? Alyth Library are now offering FREE access to the Internet for

SURFING the WEB / sending EMAILS Visit the library for more details...

Email: johnsibbald51@yahoo.co.uk 24th April 2006

DEAR ALYTH VOICE, I am enquiring after any information on the Alyth violet football strip from the 1950's. I am trying to source a strip or a design from the 50's and willing to pay a fair price for such. Many Thanks, J. Sibbald

Email: j.h.hindmarsh@hypermax.net.au Australia

2nd May 2006

I HAVE again found THE Alyth Voice and I would love to download some of the photos. I was interested in the ones of the King George Jubilee as I mind being a sailor on the Britannia float. I was also a sailor at the Coronation - that is a wee while ago. I have a couple of photos of the A.T.C. and the Army Cadets, but I expect they are common items in Alyth. If not, I would be happy to send them to you, to use as you wish. I was surprised to see school photos with my late sister Cicely Hindmarsh, and a lot of the peo-ple I remember so well. I really enjoy the photos and look forward to some more photos (KEEP THEM COMING!). I shall try and send one of the photos I have, wondering if some of my old mates mind the time. I hold the years I was in Alyth, as the best place a boy or young man could have grown up. I do feel that Alyth is my home town. I doubt if I will get back in body to walk the streets, but I can still walk from our back door at 15 Alexandra street, round the back of Bunty Duncan’s house, round the back of the coal sheds and the back of the police station, turn right at Jack and Wilson Reid’s house, along to the bakers or Lunans, up to the Square or down to the bottom of David street for the Sunday papers, Airlie Mount for a beer, or Dellies for an ice cream, or even Flemings for a fish supper. I do have the best memories any boy or man could have of his early years.

Hedley Hindmarsh

Email: kate@carisiow.fsworld.

co.uk Isle of Wight 9th May 2006

THANK YOU for helping to make Tom's home visit so enjoyable. He had such a good time, so many people said he had-n't changed a bit, and they would have recognised him anywhere. Many thanks again,

Kate Boyland

Photo: Tom Boyland, Helen McDonald and Jack Ogilvie

catch up on old times!

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

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

4

Shops

LUNANS

Newsagents

8-10 Airlie Street

We offer all year round newspaper and magazine delivery.

A great selection of cards for every occasion.

A good selection of stationary, toys, wrapping paper and gift bags.

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

Telephone – 01828 632330

Envelopes Notepads Pens, Pencils & Gifts

Newspapers

Magazines

Toys

DAVIDSONS CHEMIST

PRESCRIPTIONS DISPENSED

DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE

MINOR AILMENTS SERVICE AND ADVICE ALWAYS AVAILABLE

FROM YOUR LOCAL PHARMACIST 9 Airlie St, Alyth Tel 01828 632302

RENDEZVOUS **HAIRDRESSER**

59 Airlie Street,

Alyth

Tel: 01828 632097 Open Tues - Sat

Gift Vouchers Available

THE ALYTH TRADITIONAL

FISH BAR Telephone Orders Welcome

01828 632000

Fish Suppers £3.00 on Wednesday for OAP’s

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

Licensed Grocers

National Lottery outlet.

Video & DVD rental.

Irvines Butcher Meat

Dry Cleaning: Shoe Repair

Credit/Debit card facility now available

FREE HOME DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE Telephone Orders Welcome

73-75 Airlie

St. Alyth

PETS PANTRY

19 High Street Blairgowrie

Tel: 01356 623006 Keith Nicol

Traditional Acupuncture in Blairgowrie

Acupuncture can help a variety of symptoms and health problems

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

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

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

07762 188418 (mobile)

[ [[

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

Reg. Holistic Reflex Therapists

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

Joan Taylor SRM, Reflex Zone Therapist Specialised Clinics Monthly

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

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

FURNITURE STORE PERTH STREET, BLAIRGOWRIE

(Adjoining Shell Garage)

COME ON IN AND HAVE A BROWSE

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

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

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

ALL AT DISCOUNT PRICES

COLIN & CATHY FORD Number 5 Toutie Street, Alyth

CHIROPODY SUGARING, FACIALS

EYELASH/BROW TINTING PEDICURE, MANICURE

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

For an Appointment Tel:01828 632297

David Scott Ltd FUNERAL DIRECTORS & MONUMENT AGENTS

Also Golden Charter Pre-Paid Funeral Plans

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

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

A 24 hour service is maintained on 01828 633 433

H O B B I E S H O B B I E S H O B B I E S

19 Airlie Street Alyth Tel: 01828 632565

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

Closed Wednesdays

prop: Muriel McNicoll

Market Square, Alyth, Perthshire, PH11 8AA Tel : 01828 632309 Fax : 01828 632609

Open Monday -Friday 8.30am -5.30 pm Saturday 9.0am -5pm

NOW OPEN SUNDAYS 12.30—4.00PM

* Special Offer on Compost - Levingtons 75Kg * * Buy 3 for £12.00 *

Alyth Pet ShopAlyth Pet Shop 17 Airlie St, Alyth Tel: 01828 633555

TROPICAL FISH *SPECIAL OFFER*

COMPLETE TANK SET-UP FOR £80 INCLUDING £10 WORTH OF FISH FREE

OTHER PET FOODS AND ACCESSORIES IN STOCK

MEG’S MINI MARKET 22Commercial Street, Alyth

Tel: 01828 633143 Now open Sundays 12 -4pm

Household Goods, Kitchenware and Lighting DIY TOOLS AND WORKWEAR

Greetings Cards CUT FLOWERS, VASES AND PLANT POTS

Large Selection of Bedding Plants

5

Glenfernate Fresh Meats

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

Email: sales@glenfernate.com www.glenfernate.com

Beef, Lamb & Venison Direct from a Local Perthshire Farm

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

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

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

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

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

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

Plus free delivery in the local area

We deliver every Friday in the Blairgowrie/Alyth Area. For more information, for a price-list with all our cuts and produce, or to place an order, contact Ann, by telephone, fax or email. ‘Glenfernate Fresh Meats are licensed Game Dealers’

ATC AWARD PRESENTATION SIX CADETS from 2519 (Strathmore) Squadron, Air Training Corp have been presented with the Bronze Award of the Duke of Edinburgh Award. The certificates and badges of the award were presented by the Revd T.W. Tait BD RAF VR(T) (Retd), who as the Corps Chaplain of the Air Training Corp has had his appointment for a further 4 years confirmed by the Air Cadet Council. Padre Tait has been the Squadron Chaplain for the past 32 years and during that time was indeed the Squadron Commander. The cadets who received their award were, sergeants Hayley Sinclair (Alyth) and Mark Harper, corporals Bret Gillies and Alan Harper and cadets Andrew Mor-rison and Fraser McIntosh (all Blairgowrie). To gain the award the cadets had to successfully complete four sections of the award. These were skill, physi-cal recreation, service and expe-dition. These sections were car-ried out over a six month period on the Squadron. In the skill section the cadets studied aeronautics. In the ser-vice they received training on the Scottish Police. The physical recreation section required the cadets to improve their general fitness and then complete a final test, scoring the required number of points to meet the award crite-ria. The cadets found all of the sections challenging and rewarding, but most demanding was the expe-dition. This required a two day, fifteen mile hike. The hike was carried out in the Lomonds in Fife. Padre Tait congratulated all of the Cadets for their efforts and determination, and assured them that their success in gaining this award will help them in their future careers. All six cadets now intend to attempt the Silver Award. Flt Lt M. Kay

L-R: Flt Lt R. Kemp, Cpl Alan Harper, Cdt Fraser MacIntosh, Sgt Hayley Sinclair, Cdt Andrew Morrison, Cpl Bret Gillies, Sgt Mark Harper,

Corps Chaplain Rev. T.W. Tait

THE INTER-WAR Period saw the 1st Battalion on foreign service in India and the 2nd Battalion at home, serving in both England and Scotland. After the death of King George V, Queen Elizabeth succeeded her father-in-law as Colonel-in-Chief on 11th May 1937, the day before the Coronation. The Bowes-Lyon family had a long association with the Regiment. Her father, the Earl of Strathmore was Honorary Colonel of the 4/5th Dundee and Angus Battalion. Her eldest brother, Lord Glamis was wounded with the 5th Battalion on 29th January 1915. Another brother, the Hon Fergus Bowes-Lyon served as a regular officer with the 2nd Battalion in India, from 1910-14 and then re-joined for the First World War. He was killed in action while serving with the 8th Battalion at the Battle of Loos in September 1915. A number of other cousins and nephews have also served with the Regiment. One of her first duties as Colonel-in-Chief was to present a new Stand of Colours to the 2nd Battalion at Balmoral Castle, on 14th September 1937, shortly before the Battalion left for active service in Pales-tine. She remained Colonel-in-Chief for over sixty years until her death on 30 March 2002. During the Second World War, there were, at various points, some 13 Battalions of the Regiment, of which 7 were active service battalions serving in a number of theatres of war. The 1st Battalion was captured at St Valery, as part of the 51st Highland Division in June 1940. The Battalion was re-formed in Scotland, and later served again along with the 5th and 7th Battalions with the 51st Highland Division (the Highway Decorators) in North Africa (El Alamein), Sicily (Sferro Hills) and North West Europe (Falaise Road, Rhine). The com-mander of the 51st Highland Division, General Tom Gordon Rennie, a regular officer of The Black Watch and a former CO of the 5th Battalion in 1942, was killed at the Rhine Crossing, 24th March 1945. The 4th and 6th Battalions also served in France in 1940, but escaped at

Dunkirk. Their later histories are somewhat different. The 4th spent the greater part of the War on garrison duties in Gibraltar, before returning to the United Kingdom in No-vember 1943. The 6th served in North Africa, the Italian mainland (Cassino) and Greece. The 2nd Battalion served in British Somaliland, Crete (where the garrison was evacu-ated on the German invasion of the island in May 1941) and North Africa (Tobruk), before being posted to the Far East (Burma, 1944), where it became part of Wingate’s Chindit Force, and took part in the Second Chindit Expedition of 1944. The 1st Tyneside Scottish became a Territorial Battalion of The Black Watch in 1939 and served in France, 1940 (Ficheux), Iceland, and North West Europe (Defence of Rauray). The Battalion was disbanded in October 1944 and the men sent to other units (including the 5th Black Watch). The remainder of the units were Home Service or Training Battalions, the 10th served in Barrow in Furness and Lockerbie. During the Second World War, The Black Watch lost nearly 1400 officers and men...

A & R Robertson & Black Writers To Her Majesty’s Signet Established 1838 Blairgowrie

Bank Street, Blairgowrie, Perthshire, PH10 6DE Tel: 01250 872043 Fax: 01250 874485

Email: admin@robertson-black.co.uk Website:www.robertson-black.co.uk

Do you have a property that you want to rent? Are you looking for rented accommodation? We have over 50 properties which we currently let.

If you wish further information, please contact:

Arlene Breen on 01250 872043 Email:arlenebreen@robertson-black.co.uk

THE BLACK WATCH (ROYAL HIGHLAND REGIMENT) Many thanks once again to The Black Watch Museum

for this third article on the potted history of the Regiment.

General Tom Gordon Rennie

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Monday - Sunday: Lunches 12 - 1.45 Dinners 6.30 - 8.45

Tel No 01575 582223 www.glenisla-hotel.com

6

I MUST start this article with the recent graffiti that has appeared around the town. I am pleased to report that my colleague, Consta-ble Hughes has followed up the complaints made and as a result several juveniles have been identified as those responsible, and in turn have been dealt with as appropriate for their age. A complaint made from several residents recently, is the in-creased use and abuse of small motorcycles, often known as a ‘mini-moto’. These bikes are designated as a motor vehicle. To ride on the road, the bike has to be registered, taxed and insured, as an ordinary motor bike, and the rider must be of a legal age and have the appro-priate licence. We do have the power to seize vehicles, which are causing or are likely to cause alarm, distress, or annoyance to mem-bers of the public. The power to seize the motorcycles or mini-motos will come after a warning has been issued to the rider. The riders will also be dealt with under the Road Traffic Act. I appeal to parents not to buy these bikes for their children, unless they have already established where they are going to ride them. Should you witness persons on such a motorbike, we would ask that you give us a good description of the riders and their bikes - such as the colour of the bike, the colour of the helmet they are wearing, or any other identifying features. Once again, I thank the residents of Alyth for the continued help and assistance since I have been in the town.

Regards, Constable Mark Stewart If you have need to contact the Police please use the following numbers – Emergency 999 Enquiry or to report a crime 01738 621141 Crimestoppers 0800 555 111

ALYTH GALA COMMITTEE ON BEHALF of Alyth Gala Committee, I would like to thank all who attended and donated to our Bingo Tea fundraiser held on 4th May, which made £420. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support. Without such support it would be impossible to go on. This year’s Gala Day is on Sunday 11th June (12noon - 5pm) with lots going on in the main ring - discovery dogs, Army, Strongman act, Linda Grant dancers, Linda Tosh danc-ers, wrestlers and much, much more. I hope to see you all at this year’s event.

Thanks again, Eric Simpson (Chairperson) N.B. Stalls and car-boots available, just call 07752-055-290

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

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

email john.swinney.msp@scottish.parliament.uk

SCOUTING REPORT WE HELD a very successful coffee morning on 6th May raising £430. Our thanks to all who contributed especially our loyal com-mittee and helpers for running it, and our patrons. Twenty-three Dutch scouts from Nimagen stayed for a week in the Scout Hut. They thoroughly enjoyed their stay here and were made very welcome by all. They laid on a Dutch night for our Group on the Saturday night, where they comprehensively enter-tained the ensemble. Some of us had to repeat a Dutch tongue twister, but the tables were reversed when they got the Dundonian “Eh wis wakin doon the Wellgate, an’ mey pey went skey hey”. Mind you the expression looses a little in the interpretation! Two of our members have been selected to take part in a national project to construct a training centre for leaders in Malawi. This will cover a 5 week programme with another team going out after them to complete. I have never visited Malawi, but I have first hand knowledge of some of the poorer parts of South Africa. These kids have nothing, the clothes they wear we would not use as dusters in our houses. Through scouting we can utilise not only international acceptance, but also use our local contacts who know what is best for their culture and customs. Scouting means many things, and in situations like Malawi, it can give such assistance to children who have a real need. We have decided to hold a Book Fest to raise funds to send them. The plan is to gather books during June, and throughout July and August have the Scout Hut open 3 times a week to sell them. In addition, if anyone has any second hand sports equipment which they no longer use or fit, we will have a ”Sports Corner” to sell them. If you can help collect or man the shop, I would be grateful for your assistance. Also if you know of any fund which we can approach for financial assistance please let me know. A very worth cause. At time of writing we are enjoying such beautiful camping weather, which will no doubt terminate this weekend as the Cubs are off to camp. It is debatable who is more apprehensive, the Cubs, the parents or the Leaders…all for differing reasons! In all, 24 Cubs from Alyth will be joined by another 12 from Invergowrie. Must pack my kit… where did I put the Hedex?

Ron Kirkpatrick

ALYTH HALLS COMMITTEE THE AGM of the Alyth Halls Committee was held in the Lesser Town Hall on Tuesday 8th May with the usual disappointing turn out of the general public. No new faces were amongst the eight per-sons present and all agreed to serve as members without an election process.

From those present the following office bearers were elected: Chair - Callum Strachan V/Chair - Sheila Fisher Treasurer - Jessie McLean Secretary - Jim O’Brien replaced Irene Tripney The Chairman thanked Irene for her past two year’s work.

With reports on the achievements and financial position (full copies of the minutes are posted on the Town Hall Foyer notice board) the Chairman outlined future plans in what will be a busy period of work over the next 12 months, the major tasks being refurbishment and decoration of the foyer, stairwell and balcony, together with consideration of upgrading the kitchen. Plus of course the many ongoing maintenance tasks. Concern was expressed about a few bad debts (non-payment of accounts post hire) and it was agreed that future lets to those indi-viduals or relations known, will not be permitted unless current debts are settled. The committee is willing to make repayment possi-ble on any agreeable terms but individuals must understand that we have a duty to the community to attend to these matters... The Chairman also wished to have stressed in this short article the importance of this committee which is responsible for managing a major part of the town’s heritage. Committee meetings are held on the 2nd Tuesday of every month in the Council Chambers, Town Hall - all are most welcome to attend and if inclined, become active members of the committee.

Jim O’Brien, Secretary

Police Update

Alyth 45th Perthshire Scouts

+ Sports Corner

We shall collect books

& any second-hand sports equipment

Help to collect & sell would be much appreciated

June-Collection of books/8th July to mid-Aug sale in Scout Hut Open-Saturday & Sunday 2–4pm / Wednesday 7 – 9 pm

7

MUIR DRIVING SCHOOL

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

Book Ten Lessons Only- Pay For Nine

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

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

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Tel: 01828 632231 or Mobile 07729924784

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Stonework

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Servicing, Mechanical &, MOT Repairs Welding & Steam Cleaning

Panel Beating, Spray Painting and Restoration.

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

Quality Used Cars For Sale Open 9 am ‘til late

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

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Lessons available by the hour or in block bookings

Pass Plus Registered Member of the Driving Instructors Association

Stewart MacDonald

Electrical Contractor

Tel: 01828 632995

8 Cambridge Street Alyth

PH11 8AW

CHIROPODIST H.P.C. REGISTERED

TRISHA WALTON

HOME VISITS 01828 640229

8

COPY FOR the Voice has to be in before our monthly meeting on the 24th May. At that first meeting of the 2006/2007 term, elections will be held to determine our officers for the coming year. The three years I have served as Chairman have gone well. That is in all but one respect. The Community Council was struck by the controversy over the Drumderg wind farm proposal within days of assuming office. The matter has not yet closed. All I can say is that at least half of that period was the most difficult of the thirteen years I have been on the Community Council. I wholly disagree with their stance and some of their methods, but I have to congratulate the Not On Drumderg campaign upon their effectiveness in rousing some peo-ple to at least think about renewable energy. My position all along has been one of looking after the interests of Alyth and promoting

GREETINGS EARTHLINGS – Well we finally seem to have en-joyed a spell of decent weather at the end of April and it seems the flora and fauna are playing catch-up with old Mother Nature. It cer-tainly has been a late Spring! We have had more than our fair share of culture in April, and the fact that it was home grown was an added bonus. I am of course referring first to ‘Wild, Wild Women’, the production by Alyth Mu-sical Society, which I thoroughly enjoyed, and then we had ‘Hoolie in the Hall’, a wide representation of local bands. Must confess, it must be my age, but I found the sound levels a bit too much. Still, I’m looking forward to the ‘Jam in the Den’ – I find I’ve got a little more scope there to move around to find a comfortable level of sound. Congratulations to Jim and ‘Mystic’ Meg on their move up the burn to the former painter and decorator’s shop. I had a wee sip of wine and a small munchy to celebrate their opening. Well laid out and with good prices on household items. Don’t miss the bedding plants and garden items, up the pendy, next to the shop. I’m sure I’ll get a generous discount with a plug like this! Would like to take this occasion to wish Willie Potts, mine host at the Losset Inn, all the best for his impending heart treatment. All the regulars wish him well, although one or two have been heard to ask “Heart, what heart?” I had occasion to meet our local councillor, Ian Miller. I was very

ON SATURDAY 20th May the Alyth Climate Action Town Project hosted an Energy Saving Exhibition in Airlie Street Hall. This was an event to raise the awareness of energy efficiency and micro-renewable energy generation at community level, and contribute towards the Climate Action Town aim of reducing Alyth’s green house gas emissions.

The event was a huge success with over 30 exhibitors displaying their products and services, filling the hall and spilling outside onto the pavement. From the moment the doors opened at 1.30pm the hall was buzzing with activity, and hundreds of people turned up to see all the different stalls and learn how they could reduce their own energy use, save money and contribute to preventing climate change.

THE ALYAN ‘You are not alone’ surprised to find he was an eminently down to earth person, no airs and graces, and with a genuine concern about the people of Alyth and the issues that affect them. Could I possibly have discovered in this sleaze-ridden age, such a thing as an honest politician? A rumour is actively circulating the toon that in the annual Burn-side Inn fly fishing competition – a certain Yank walked away with the championship as well as the heaviest fish trophy. Surely, that can’t be true…must be some of Bush’s propaganda! Eh? Smudger. I’ve been hearing a lot of talk about the ‘local deity’ i.e. Tesco and how it is sucking the lifeblood out of our sister community of Blair. I think shoppers know how to vote with their feet, but at some of the prices they charge i.e. a toaster for a fiver, and the other ‘bargains’ it is hard to resist. I can’t help but wonder that when Tesco have run everyone else out of business what sort of pricing structure we can expect? At least in our local shops, we can still get a cheery greeting and a bit of a blether. I would rather pay the extra few pence to get local service from traditional people such as Mike Dorward and many others. Got to close with a chuckle as is my habit. A man was up in Perth Sheriff court on a charge of assaulting his wife. His wife, giving evidence, was asked by the defence counsel “Are you not aware that your husband had a metal plate fitted to his head after his accident at work?” “Aye” she responded “but there’s times when I think he’s got a cup and saucer in there too”. See you all next month

the town as well as possible. I want to thank the retiring Community Council members for their support over these three years, and the way they have fed into the discussions and decisions, some excellent input. Perth & Kinross Council, The Scottish Executive, the Police service and the NHS all certainly know we exist! Because I leave it as late as possible before submitting my copy to the Voice, I am restricted for space. However, I have to get another plug in for a Community Council event. We are supporting two charities, the Alzheimer’s Association and AYP, by inviting the Morrison’s Academy Swing Band to the Town Hall on September 15th. Watch out for tickets! On sale soon! We are always open to ideas for future events. Keep in touch. Jim Adam, Chairman

ALYTH COMMUNITY COUNCIL

ALYTH RESIDENTS PLEDGE TO COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE The event was attended by Lesley Riddoch, writer and broadcaster, who said a few words commending Alyth’s proactive initiative and enthusiasm. This was soon followed by the announcement of the winners of the poster competition. Pupils from Alyth Primary School had volunteered to design posters to help advertise this event and the 11 best were chosen and put up around the town leading up to the day. The following children are the winners receiving some fantastic cycling prizes generously donated by exhibitors; Rebecca Campbell (first), Heather Monica Stewart and Holly Young (equal second), Louise Dickson, Kimberley Stewart, Alana Barclay, Re-becca Valentine, Harvey Clark, Rebecca Livingston, and Serena Reid. The event was also attended by prominent MSPs, and they were invited up onto stage at 4pm to say a few words and sign the Alyth Climate Action Town Charter, together with a number of large com-munity organisation representatives. This charter will be on display in the library window for a few weeks, before being moved into Alyth Museum. Throughout the event 96 people volunteered to sign ‘The Pledge’ promising to reduce their non renewable energy use, and took away many ideas on how to do this, from quick fix energy efficient light bulbs to plans for wood stoves or eco-designed exten-sions. Many people also entered the exhibition quiz hoping to win the fantastic prizes generously donated by exhibitors and Alyth busi-nesses. The quiz winners are Edie Muir (Alyth), Erwin Oosterhoorn (Alyth), Ester Muir (Alyth), Sebastian Currie (Alyth), Rheanna Thom (Milton of Balhary), Heather Horsman (Blairgowrie), Crona O’Shea (Stirling) and Caitlin Richardson (Alyth). The Alyth Climate Action Town Project will continue to promote energy efficiency and micro-renewable generation in Alyth and have regular reports in the Voice, so WATCH THIS SPACE.

Clive Bowman

Louise Ramsay & Lesley Riddoch

9

All joinery work undertaken

For more information contact Derek Fairweather on

07740 986 069

MURDO FRASER MSP MID SCOTLAND & FIFE

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

or you can contact Murdo on 01738 553 990 to arrange a meeting; or write to him at-

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

murdo.fraser.msp@scottish.parliament.uk

Established 1975

MURRAY PENNYCOOKMURRAY PENNYCOOKMURRAY PENNYCOOK

PLUMBING & HEATING GAS, OIL & SOLID FUEL

Clar-Innis, Meigle Road, Alyth

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

Corgi & SNIPEF Registered Rhones - Lead Work –Drains

Free Estimates

Charles A Davidson

Blacksmith, Welder and Fabricator

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

Tel: 01828 632948 Mobile: 07957-766546

Airlie Computers Simon Bogle

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

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

New and Used Computer Sales Help, Advice and Training

Website Design and Hosting www.airliecomputers.co.uk

• Drystone Dyking • Stone Garden Features • Stone Planters and Seating • Wall Repairs • and Pointing • Patios, Paths and Decking • Roof Repairs and Guttering Robert Miller Cherrybank Cottage, Leitfie Terrace, New Alyth, PH11 8NF

I&D Insurance Services

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

Extremely competitive premiums for both Household and Private Car

Quotes provided without obligation. Going on holiday?

Let us arrange your travel insurance.

Your local broker serving your local community 16 Airlie Street

Alyth 01828 633000

Email: IandDinsurance@aol.com

ROBERTSON’S DAIRY BALKEERIE

BY GLAMIS FORFAR Tel/fax 01307 840431

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

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

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

Ash Chimney Systems

Call Simon on

01382 580245 or 07709-340575

Professional Chimney Sweep Prompt and reliable –

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PETSIT SCOTLAND

Reliable pet care for when you can’t be there

Holidays, long working hours, hospital stays and business trips mean we cannot always be there for our pets. Our professional petsitters will care for

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SERVICES INCLUDE Daily home visits while you are away.

Dog walking. Feeding. Exercise and play. Basic training. Pet Taxi. Grooming and socialising for

dogs. We care for all small animals including dogs, cats,

birds, fish, rodents and exotic pets.

Contact - 01250 874227 Website - www.petsitscotland.com

Our Petsitters are fully insured members of the National Association of Registered Petsitters.

GEORGE W. RENNIE 2 St. Malcolm’s Wynd

Kirriemuir

Tel: 01575 573292 Mobile: 07711 818238

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

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

Services To advertise with the Voice, or change an existing ad, please

contact Margaret on 633083 or email: advertising@alythvoice.co.uk

For all the usual garden services including

gravelling, paving and fencing.

Now that summer is here it’s time to book your grass-cutting,

summer planting etc..

I can also clean out those messy

garages and sheds for you

Tel Big Gav on 07739 833595

BIG GAV BIG GAV BIG GAV

BARONY VIEW GROUND

MAINTENANCE HAY STREET

ALYTH

FOR INTERIOR DECORATING AND EXTERIOR PAINTING, ALL

TO THE HIGHEST STANDARD *

LIGHT DOMESTIC CLEANING SERVICE AVAILABLE

* call 01828 632879 for free estimates.

Walls & FloorsWalls & Floors A Roger -Decorators

3 Bank Street, Alyth, PH11 8DB

GEO’s BAR GEO’s BAR GEO’s BAR & & &

THISTLE LOUNGETHISTLE LOUNGETHISTLE LOUNGE AIRLIE STREET, ALYTH

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

Lounge available for meetings FOOTBALL ‘LIVE’

on Digital & Five

10

Look Who’s Forty! PUBLIC NOTICES

ALYTH LIBRARY New for 2006 STORYTELLING SESSIONS

FOR PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN FRIDAYS at 2pm All welcome!

Alzheimer Scotland The Alyth and District Branch of

Alzheimer Scotland will be holding a monthly Coffee Club in Alyth on the 3rd Wednesday of

each month. The Coffee Club is in the lounge of Burnside Court which will be open from

10.30am till 12.30pm.We will be delighted to meet anyone caring for someone

with dementia. You and the person you care for will be most welcome. PLEASE COME ALONG

For further details please phone: 633817

MOTHERS & TODDLERS Do you enjoy a cuppy and a natter? If so, come along & join our group. New members welcome. We can be

found in the Ogilvy Rooms, Commercial Street, on Mondays, Tuesdays & Fridays from 9.45-11.15am.

Children welcome from birth to pre-school. So come along & join us soon. Info? Call Kathleen (633266)

ALYTH PLAYGROUP is held within the Community Wing of Alyth

Primary School. We are open Tuesday & Thursday 9.15-11.5am. Playgroup is open to all children aged 2-preschool (no need to be out of

nappies). Call Kathleen on 633266 to enrol.

Alyth & District Pipe Band Coffee Morning

to raise funds to purchase 'kit' Saturday 3rd June

10am - 12 noon Airlie Street Hall Usual Stalls

(any help/baking/donations will be greatly appreciated) (Tel: Jackie or Kyle Macintyre 01828 633369)

Free Frozen Plums! I have frozen top grade Victoria plums to share.

Anyone wanting a quantity, large or small, please contact me Tony Henry on 632906

They are suitable for jam or stewing

THANK YOU

Brenda and Mick Clark would like to convey their heartfelt thanks to friends and relations for making their 40th Anniversary party a most joyous occasion. Many thanks

for all the lovely gifts we received. We would also like to thank the bar staff at

Alyth Bowls for their hard work. Once again, THANK YOU EVERYONE.

Alfred Anderson Memorial Fund

Coffee Morning see article on page 2

Saturday 10th June 10am - 12 noon Airlie Street Hall

Usual Stalls (baking/raffle contributions very much appreciated)

Tel: Marguerite McKenzie 01828 632749

Alyth & District Pipe Band The Band wish to thank everybody

who helped, contributed and supported the Bingo Tea on 11th May. The generosity of all was

greatly appreciated and a grand total of £647.26 was raised.

A special thanks to Jessica Edwards and Anne Rhind.

Jackie Macintyre, Secretary

Alyth Parish Church Charity Shop

in aid of church funds

Airlie Street Hall SATURDAY 1st - 8th JULY

Daily 10am-4pm (except Saturday 8th closes 1pm)

Donations gratefully accepted on 1st/2nd afternoons or during the week.

WANTED books, CDs, records, cassettes, household furnishing, toys,

jigsaws, games, bric-a-brac, etc

To arrange collection tel: Jim Lindsay (632390) or Audrey Young (633161)

NO clothing/shoes/food/ large or heavy furniture Belmont Circle of Friends

THANK YOU to everyone who supported the Daffodil Tea at Belmont Castle

on 29th April. Over £800 was raised and it is

very much appreciated.

Richard Colville Duncan on 8th June

Love from Mum, Paul & all the family xxxx

MARY MACKIN Glad you’re home and making progress.

Love from all the family xxx

ALYTH MEIGLE & DISTRICT Nursing & Samaritan Association

would like to thank everyone who supported and donated to our Coffee Morning on 29th April.

The total raised was £722.70. We would like to say a special thank you to

Morag Mcarthur who dressed and donated the lovely doll. The birthday was 15th October and

the doll was won by Effie Hutcheson. Also thank you to Cost Cutters, Lunans and

Davidsons who displayed the doll and sold birthday guesses for us.

ALYTH MUSICAL SOCIETY MAY I through the Voice thank all those who supported Alyth Musical Society in its latest production, 'Wild Wild Women'. The company really appreciated the large and responsive audiences and it was gratify-ing to hear so many positive comments about an unknown show. Photos of the show can now be found on our web site at www.alythmusical.com. The hunt is now on for next year's production and the list has been narrowed to 3, which will be voted on by members of the Society at its AGM in the Ogilvy Rooms on Monday June 26th at 7.30pm. We would give a warm welcome to new members as it is always great to have new people joining the company and having the opportunity to experience the fun of prepar-ing and taking part in a production. So if you are interested in becoming part of AMS please come along on June 26th. Once again thanks to everyone who supported us.

John White

** CONGRATULATIONS ** John Aitken on your 80th birthday

Love from all the family xxxx

2nd Alyth Brownies THANK YOU A very big

thank you to everyone who

supported, helped and

donated to our coffee morning on 13th May. We raised an

incredible £710.78.

ALYTH BOWLING & TENNIS CLUB Social Evening for Members & Guests

SATURDAY 24th JUNE Dancing to John Bell

ALYTH GUIDE HUT A trestle table is missing from the Guide Hut - please return it ASAP

or telephone Dawn on 632424

11

Alyth Arts & Framing 4 Mill Street, Alyth . Tel: 01828 633477

Picture Framing .Tony Flavell

Gallery Rosslyn Moran (original art & children's book illustration)

Dez Bowman (photography ) . Morna Bissett (abstract). Mary Watson (feltworks) . Jude Tara (collage).

Original artworks . Prints . Watercolours . Cards

OPEN: 1 –6pm Tue, Thurs, Fri, Sat & Sun CLOSED: Mon & Wed

LOCHSIDE LODGE & Roundhouse Restaurant

Bridgend of Lintrathen, By Kirriemuir Tel: 01575 560340 Fax: 01575 560251

E-mail: enquiries@lochsidelodge.com www.lochsidelodge.com

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

Lunch: 12noon to 1.30pm Dinner: 6.30 to 8.30pm

Closed Sunday evenings and all day Monday

Alyth Christmas Lights 200 Club

MAY 2006 DRAW

£50 no. 110 Mr. A. Segan £30 no. 147 Ms. M. Darroch £20 no. 55 Mr. J. Muir

Thanks to everyone who rejoined for the coming year.

Still some numbers available for anyone else who would like to join.

Tel: 632017 Liz Gordon

ALYTH PARISH CHURCH FLOWER SERVICE 1936

Submitted by Mrs Edith Turnbull (nee Grant) now living in Huntly She writes, “It would be nice if someone could put names to the faces in the picture.

Please note that all us girls wore hats and we all carried flowers to the Flower Service at the High Parish Church.”

Many thanks to Betty Gray, Margaret Bell, Ian Berry and Beattie Turnbull for help with names.

Back row: Harold Hutchison, Bill Mackintosh, Ian Berry, Jackie Gage, Scott Findlay, Anna Stewart, John McLean, Beatrice Stewart, Wilson Reid (part hidden), Helen Kinloch, (?), Betty Stewart, Lena Donaldson

3rd Row: Nellie Fairweather, Mary Dunbar, Dorothy Chalmers, Margery Logan, (?), Jean Kydd, Nan Shaw, (? tall girl), Margaret Donald, Margaret Edward, Irene Crichton

2nd row: Gladys Fraser, Eveline (Topy) Stewart, Mary Mackintosh, Rae Crawford, Jean Buick, Margaret Barron, Margaret Findlay, Mary Menzies, Edith Grant

Front Row, kneeling: Jimmy Murray, Sheila Stewart , (?), Ian Stewart, (?), Walter Kidd, Billy Anderson, Betty Anderson, Lena Fairweather, Jean Edward

Are you in this photo, but not named? Please let the Voice know.

THE ORGANIC HUT

South West Fullarton, Meigle Tel - 01828 640391

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

Half mile south of Meigle on Dundee

Road. Follow signs

Visit us for a wide range of organic fruit and vegetables. Other organic goods include eggs, various teas,

oatmeal and chocolate. We also stock Ecover products, soaps and

recycled paper goods. DUSK BY THE POND

MID MAY: I look out of my office window at an altered landscape. The silhouette of the trees is just the same as it was a few weeks ago, but the colours are different: the ‘beechen green’ of Keates’s ‘Ode to a Nightingale’ has replaced Shakespeare’s ‘cold bare ruined choirs’, but I see also pink and gold in the unfurling leaves of oak and Norway maple. This late spring has come all in a rush after that cold dry time: four weeks late seemed to be the general opinion. I have been watching the yellow flags springing up from their muddy beds in the wet places and have been aware of the beavers’ activity. They have been planting irises: a bit haphazardly, it is true, but definitely planting because the irises have been stuck into the muddy capping of a dam, roots down and stem up. In a few weeks the lochans will blaze with their yellow fire. Some years ago a friend told me that the best way to watch wildlife was to sit in a comfortable chair with a glass of whisky and a pair of binoculars. For a long time I ignored this advice, but when Gerhard Schwab, master beaver man of Bavaria and his partner, came to visit us he said exactly the same thing. So we set off for the pond each evening, equipped with those light chairs that have a place for a glass or bottle in the right armrest, some bottles of beer, and our binoculars. Once in place, and giving the beer a little time to settle, we would open the bottles and settle down to pass the evening. Dusk comes slowly, but as it gathers there is a quick changing of the guard. A bum-ble bee dives down and crawls into its burrow. A buzzard flies quickly into a tree and a moment later an owl flies out from its perch in a neighbouring one. Bats flitter where only a few moments before tits were searching the branches for insects. All of a sudden there is a swirl in the water and a beaver shows itself, swims a few strokes and then dives comfortably and gracefully. We sit forward and gaze through our binocu-lars, hoping to see more. Nothing happens, but the cry of an occasional little grebe. We lean back, take a swig from the bottle and wonder what will happen next. Perhaps nothing, so we sit on, scanning the pond and its shores, looking through our binoculars and swigging beer, while hunting owls fly noiselessly and bats swoop through the dusk. Will our patience be rewarded? The darkness deepens and eventually someone admits that even with binoculars they can no longer make anything out in the black water. Paul Ramsay

12

Printed for Alyth Voice by Blair Copy Shop Copyright©alythvoice 2006

FOLLOWING GAVIN MANN’S photograph in the Jan/Feb Voice, Eileen Carnegie of Alyth Library has kindly unearthed The Alyth Guardian from 1921, containing an advertisement (July 8th 1921) and an article (July 15th 1921) relating to this event. The Y.M.C.A. hall is today, the Ogilvy Rooms. This is the first of two articles which will be published in the Voice over coming months.

Y.M.C.A. Bazaar Competitions ----

NEEDLEWORK EXHIBITION AND SALE ----

A BAZAAR FOR THE COMMUNITY

An exhibition and sale of needlework drew an interested company of ladies to the Y.M.C.A Hall on Saturday afternoon. The articles exhibited were these sent in for the competition in connection with the work stall of the forthcoming Y.M.C.A. bazaar on August 26 and 27, which has for its object the repayment of the cost of the recent extension of the Y.M.C.A. buildings, to discharge the existing bond, and to provide means for the consolidation and extension of the future work of the association. As Rev. James Meikle, who pre-sided, indicated, the Y.M.C.A. is one of the best institutions of the community and every person can and should have an interest in it. The bazaar is not for the good of one particular section or interest but for the promotion of the social and spiritual welfare of the com-munity through the Y.M.C.A. For the ladies the exhibition was an interesting event in itself and attracted considerable attention. The merit of the work all over was of a high order and the judges – Mrs Ferguson, Baledmund, Pitlochry, and her daughter, Mrs Carmichael of Balendoch – found it no easy task to make the leading awards. Mr Meikle intimated apologies for absence from Lady Ogilvy-Wedderburn, Silvie, and Mrs Inglis, Barony Hall, two of the con-veners of the work stall. Mr Meikle conceived that a chairman’s duty was confined to two things – to say something negative and positive. He must not say anything that would take away from the words of Miss Ramsay who was to open the sale. The note-worthy point about the forthcoming bazaar was that it was an event in which the whole of Alyth was interested. They must feel that it was their own bazaar. It was not being done merely out of benevolence for a section of the community. Every person who belonged to churches was involved and also all others besides those in the churches – every one who had a desire for his or her neighbour’s good should take an interest in the bazaar. He had great pleasure in introducing Miss Ramsay. The house of Bamff had rendered many kindnesses to Alyth. (Applause.) Miss Ramsay remarked that it would be very strange if she had needed any introduction to a company of Alyth people. (Applause.) It was an interesting occasion and she saw before her a great many beautiful things but she was not sure that she had taken in what it all meant. Needlework was a subject in which all women were inter-ested. In this country we had the best thread and the best needles in

ALYTH Y.M.C.A. BAZAAR 1921 the world so that our work should be the best. Some of their pat-terns, especially of embroidery, had come down to them from very ancient times. They were beautiful workers with the needle in olden times. She remembered reading that when the men went into battle they were most careful to put on their most beautiful shirts, so that if they were killed in battle they would not disgrace their women folk through being found with inferior shirts. (Laughter.) In this the men at least showed respect for their women folk. There was a certain amount of pride and satisfaction in knowing that your things had been nicely and well made. Nothing in this world could be done without thought. Whether it was a great engineering feat such as the Forth Bridge or whether it was a comparatively simple thing like making a baby’s frock, there must be thought behind it before it was expressed. It was quite manifest that a great deal of law, order, pa-tience, neatness, love, care, ingenuity and originality went to the making of things. Some of the competitors in the competitions had only been allowed to spend a very small sum of money on material for the articles, which showed it was thought which had made the articles valuable. Continuing, Miss Ramsay pointed to the value of beautiful things made in the past. She thought perhaps a certain amount of poverty was due to carelessness about beautiful things of the past. In almost every house they found beautiful work done in past centuries which if carefully handled remained to delight succes-sive peoples and inspire them to make more beautiful things. For they must see and desire beautiful things before they could attain. Originality and taste were not the possession of the few. These qualities in work could be cultivated; they could have them by going about it in the proper way. What they saw before them that after-noon was their offering to an object which everyone must feel to be desirable. She thought all would realise that the extension of the Y.M.C.A. premises was a great benefit to the community. (Applause.) Miss Ramsay then presented the prizes to the following winners in the competitions:- Blouse – 1 Miss J.A. Morrison, Balhary; 2 Miss Jean Howe, 10 Ar-doch Street, Possilpark, Glasgow. Apron (plain) - 1 Miss Margaret Campbell, Balendoch; 2 Mrs W.S. Kidd, Greenburn, Alyth Apron (fancy) – 1 Mrs Sandilands, Logie Park, Alyth Work Bag – 1 Mrs W.S Kidd; 2 Mrs Sandilands. Article made from not more than ‘3s worth of material- – 1 Miss Etta Reith, 22 Albert Terrace, Aberdeen (camisole); 2 Mrs Watson, Yew Lodge (crochet trimmed hankerchief). Article made from not more than ‘2s worth of material – Mrs Wat-son, Yew Lodge (lace hankerchief); 2 Miss Denroche-Smith, Bal-hary (tray cloth). Mrs Cochrane from Craigisla, the other convener of the work stall, moved a hearty vote of thanks to Miss Ramsay and to the judges, and the chairman was thanked for his services on the call of Mr W. Richie Smith, president of the Y.M.C.A. Mr Meikle, before business commenced, complimented Miss Watson, Yew Lodge, on organising the exhibition and sale. It was an excellent advertisement for the big event in August. More to follow next month.

THE BALLAD O’ THE LITTER-PICK The Group sat in the Losset Lounge, each thinking’ in his turn: “O whar can we find a skeely bunch tae clean the Alyth Burn?”

Then up an’ spake ane person there, (he’d worried ower this greatly) “We hae at least ane volunteer…Young Citizen John Wheatley”

Young Wheatley came, an’ freends an’ dogs, a’ folk o’ richt guid cheer On Sunday April twenty-third, in sunlicht an’ fresh air

They say a’ comes tae him who dares in ony earthly matter… Weel, ane keen helper dooked his e*se, by faa’in’ in the watter.

We did aboot five turns or sax, a-lookin’ roon’ fur junk Before we’d heaved oot twa car-jacks, an’ laid them on the bank

An’ twa car-springs, an’ ither things – we wonder’d by whit cause There had arrived in oor dear Burn three coloured snooker-ba’s!

The job was done, the trailer bumped tae us along the bank An’ so it all went to be dumped: a’ gone…the Lord we thank

All ower, all ower by half past fower: an’ shall we hope or fear How Bonnie Alyth Burn will look, aboot this time next year?!

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