Issue 32 November 2014

Post date: 06-Nov-2014 05:27:04

BRITISH EMPIRE MEDAL FOR SALINE PARISH

At a ceremony held at the Town House in Kirkcaldy on 7 October, John Crane was presented with the British Empire Medal for services to Saline Parish, as announced in the Queen's 2014 Birthday Honours List.

The presentation was made by Margaret Dean, the Lord Lieutenant of Fife. Jim Leishman, the Provost of Fife, was in attendance, as were members of John's family.

Being diagnosed with cancer at the end of last year, John is currently undergoing palliative chemotherapy. Consequently he has had to cut back on a number of his village activities

116TH FIFE SCOUT GROUP

During the October holiday, two Scouts completed a two-day overnight expedition along part of the Fife Coastal Path, camping overnight at Fordell Firs. Having completed this expedition, the two Scouts (who have now moved up to the Explorer Section) have completed their Chief Scout's Gold Award; well done to Jay Clinton and Sean Fisher.

The Scout Troop has now embarked on their winter camping programme; the idea is to have a camp each month over the winter. This will further enhance their camping skills.

The Beaver Colony is going from strength to strength and started back after the October break with a Halloween party.

The Cub Pack, having recruited a couple of new members along with some Beavers moving up, is continuing to grow.

There are still spaces in all sections for anyone wishing to join.

We are now preparing for our fundraising event of offering a Christmas Post service along with other groups in the Dunfermline area.

Peter Philp, Group Scout Leader

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

The Horticultural Society had a successful AGM in October with the Committee largely unchanged. A lively discussion took place as to ways that we can encourage more families and provide more interest. There will be a produce stall for purchasing home grown fruit and vegetables, home-made jams and chutneys and more advance notices posted around the village.

The Handcraft section subjects for 2015 are:

Photograph - "Celebration"

Photograph - Flower(s)

Painting - any medium

Stitched Picture

Handmade Greetings Card

Knitted or Crocheted Item

Gift Wrapped Parcel

Decorated Egg

Christmas Decoration - any craft

Congratulations to all the 2014 winners:

David King Cup (most points, pre-school and Primary 1 & 2): Ryan Muir

Junior Cup (most points, Primary 3 & 4): Robbie Muir

Mrs King Cup (most points, Primary 5, 6 & 7): Katie Muir

M & A Phelan Trophy (most points, Junior Section): Katie Muir

Society Rose Bowl (most points, floral art classes): Sharon Buchanan

Preston Place Cup (most points, industrial classes): Muriel Phillips

Alexander Downie Cup (most points, preserve classes): Annabel Davidson

Craig Cup (most points, baking classes): Lorna Jack

David King Salver (most points, fruit classes): Sheila Travers

Miss Jean King Cup (most points, fuchsia classes): M Aspin

Carstairs Quaich (most points, pot plant classes): M Aspin

Baxter Cup (most points, rose classes): T Nelson

Luscar Cup (most points, dahlia classes): J Wallace

Stevenson Cup (most points, all cut flower classes): T Nelson

James White Cup (most points, vegetable classes): J Lowe

Mrs Barbara Dewdney Cup (best vegetable garden): W Phillips

Mr Fothergill Cup (best flower garden): J Robertson

Phillips Cup (best patio garden): W Phillips

Community Rose Bowl (best hanging basket): P McFarlane

David Graham Cup (best planter, tub or container): I Hutchison

Garden with all year round interest: S & J Anderson

Rennie Cup (most point, all horticultural classes): J Lowe

Society Shield (this year for best exhibit vegetable classes): John Lowe

Mathie Memorial Cup (most outstanding entry in show): J Wallace

Potato Competition (heaviest crop of potatoes): Katie Muir

SALINE GALA

As you may be aware, there was no gala this year this was due to a number of factors including finances and lack of funding, as well as not having enough committee members to both fundraise and run the event.

Our annual pantomime is Sleeping Beauty on 21 December; tickets will be £5 each and available nearer the time.

We are planning on having another rag bag so please keep unwanted clothes, shoes, hats, bags, belts, curtains, towels and bed linen aside for us; bags will be posted through doors with a collection date which will be towards the end of November.

We are also planning on holding a movie afternoon/evening where the kids can come along and watch a movie with their friends and enjoy some popcorn/juice. The date for this is still to be confirmed.

We are joining up with the school PTA to hold the Santa Run which will be held on 21 December.

We have a Facebook page where events are advertised; please feel free to join the page although we will put posters up around the village.

If you would like to help our very small committee, any help would be greatly appreciated. Let's get next year’s gala back on track for the kids!

Email us at salinegala@sky.com or phone Joanna Jackson on 850934.

NB

The Editor reserves the right to refuse, edit or factually correct all items submitted for publication. All views expressed in this Bulletin are purely those of the author of the item concerned and are not necessarily those of the Editor or of the Communications Group as a whole.

SALINE & BLAIRINGONE PARISH CHURCH

Remembrance Sunday, 9 November

An Act of Remembrance will take place at the War Memorial in the Church Grounds at 11.00am. This is part of the morning service which starts as usual at 10.30am. A piper and trumpeter will take part and wreaths will be laid on behalf of the community and various organisations. All are welcome to attend. Refreshments will be served in the hall after the Service and the World War I Exhibition in the Heritage Centre will also be open for visitors.

Church Restoration Fund

A company of over 50 enjoyed the recent social evening with delicious 'Spuds and Puds' to eat, and music from the shows to sing along to and test our memories - raising £280 in the process. Thanks to everyone for their support. The next event, by popular demand, is another Swop Shop to be held in the Church Hall on Friday 14 November at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £2.00 which includes soft drinks and nibbles (BYOB) - contact Ann Easton, Ada Cooper, Irene Black, Lynda Bath or Janette McNaught - or just come along on the night with any good quality item of adults or children's clothing, shoes, handbags, jewellery, etc. A charge of up to £2 will be made for items swopped.

Something to promote?

Don’t forget – if you have things you want to promote on the community website, contact Ian Holmes-Lewis on 851 855

COMMUNITY COUNCIL MATTERS

Another lively meeting managed to provoke considerable debate covering a wide range of topics. Nevertheless it would help the community council to deliver a better service if more people would attend. Everyone is welcome to join in the discussions and a strong community council is better equipped to look after community interests

Introductory Remarks

David Chisholm has stood in for John Crane during his hospital treatment and he advised that seven people had been appointed, leaving three vacancies. The current membership will continue until the new community council starting at the November meeting where new office bearers will be elected. David advised on the need for community councillors to comply with the code of conduct and to declare any interests.

Welcome Packs

New members of our community should receive welcome packs but there is also a need for people to identify new neighbours. If you have a new neighbour, please contact a community councillor or John Crane.

Ongoing Matters

Mixed progress has been made on issues important to the community:

1. Constitution: This is being updated and will be available for discussion shortly.

2. North Road Play Area: There is no progress to report but this is an important parent-led initiative where volunteers are needed.

3. Former Hotel Site: The condition of this site continues to cause concern and David Chisholm agreed to contact the owners to establish their intentions.

4. Main Street Gap Site: David Chisholm has e mailed Cllr Clelland asking him to establish whether the site is still council-owned and, if so, what their intentions are.

5. Oakley Road: This is covered in more detail in this bulletin but the danger from some parents’ inconsiderate abandoning of vehicles cannot be stressed enough.

6. SSCDT: An update on an information project being led by Marylla Ferguson and Liz Harvey in partnership with the school was reported. This will be discussed in more detail later.

7. Bus service: This continues to be a problem and the Community Council continues to press for a meeting with Stagecoach and Fife Council.

Police

The next liaison meeting will be in Oakley Centre at 7pm on 13 November. Anyone can attend and police officers are keen to listen to as many people as possible. This is an opportunity to raise issues. There is no point in complaining if you haven’t made the police aware of problems

Speeding, Parking and Congestion

This continues to be a problem but finding a solution is difficult although there is strong support for the provision of additional parking at the bus turning circle, allied to improved access to the school.

Kingdom Housing Association

This is covered in more detail elsewhere.

Kinneddar Mains Steading

Residents have drawn the Community Council’s attention to the detailed proposals for the adjacent site not complying with the conditions attached to the outline consent. The Community Council has supported this in a letter to Fife Council and suggested that a public meeting be arranged to help achieve a satisfactory outcome.

Blair House Opencast Site Restoration

The lack of information on discussions with the new site owners is considered totally unacceptable given that Oakley Community Council has been given updates. It is believed that the developers will be arranging meetings at some unknown date. In the meantime, it was agreed that Thomas Docherty MP be asked for his assistance in arranging an open public meeting.

Next Community Council Meeting

7.30pm in Saline Community Centre on Tuesday 25 November 2014.

Pilates

PILATES CLASSES

InspireFit Limited, Dunfermline, run two classes on a Tuesday night in Saline Community Centre at 7.15pm (Beginner) and 8.15pm (Beginner/ Intermediate). Both classes are suitable for beginners.

Blocks run for eight weeks and the cost is £52 for the block, payable in advance.

If you would like a space in either class, please contact Suzy on 07576 368231 or email info@inspirefit.co.uk. Visit our website www.inspirefit.co.uk for more information on the benefits of Pilates.

SCOUT POST – CHRISTMAS 2014

Along with a number of other Scout Groups in Dunfermline and surrounding areas, the 116th Fife are offering a Christmas Post for 30p per card. Cards will be accepted for Aberdour, Alva, Backmuir, Bowershall, Blairhall, Cairneyhill, Carnock, Charlestown, Clackmannan, Comrie, Cowdenbeath, Cowstrandburn, Crombie, Crossford, Crossgates, Culross, Dalgety Bay, Dollar, Dunfermline, Freuchie, Gowkhall, Halbeath, High Valleyfield, Hill of Beath, Hillend, Inverkeithing, Kelty, Kincardine-on-Forth, Kingseat, Limekilns, Lochgelly, Lumphinnans, Low Valleyfield, Menstrie, Newmills, North Queensferry, Oakley Pattiesmuir, Rosyth, Saline, Sauchie, Steelend, Tillicoultry, Torryburn, Townhill and Wellwood.

CARDS WILL NOT BE DELIVERED TO ANY OTHER AREA.

Local collection points are:

CARNOCK: Mr Bernie McKeown, 11 West Park, Carnock (Evenings)

Mr Dave Robertson, 17 Hawthorn Bank, Carnock (Evenings)

GOWKHALL: Mr Tom McCreary, 39 Dean Ridge, Gowkhall

SALINE: Mr Eric Packham, 1 Henderson Place, Saline

Mr Peter Philp, 70 Upper Kinneddar, Saline

STEELEND: Mr John Williams, 5 Knockhill View, Steelend (Evenings)

OAKLEY: Mrs Jackie Miller, 26 Lindsays Wynd, Oakley

LAST DATE FOR COLLECTION: Tuesday 9 December at 5pm

FIFE PLAN: HAVE YOUR SAY

Keen readers of the bulletin will recollect that the Community Council responded to Fife Council’s draft proposals for Saline and Steelend in the Fife Plan. There were concerns over the scale of proposals given the number of houses already approved or in the pipeline. It was felt that community facilities are inadequate and that the proposal for the site off West Road (opposite hotel) should be resisted but that there was support for more houses in Steelend. It was felt that more houses would help regenerate Steelend and there was a degree of support within the community.

Fife Council has now produced its preferred plan and is starting a consultation process. People have until midnight on 8 December to comment. A drop-in session has been organised for Dunfermline City Chambers on 4 November from 3-7pm. The Community Council has advised Fife Council on several occasions of the difficulty that many people have in accessing Dunfermline and of the large number of residents without internet access. At a time when the Council constantly preaches its community engagement aims and the Scottish Government promotes this message, the consultations on this vital document maybe leave a lot to be desired.

In terms of the proposals for Saline and Steelend, Fife Council has responded by shifting the West Road proposal to the fields south of the bus turning circle, a proposal previously considered by a Scottish Government reporter to have an adverse impact on the setting of the west approaches to Saline. The support for more housing in Steelend has resulted in a deletion of the proposed site.

Notwithstanding the Community Council’s reservations, it is important that people examine the documents and make comment on the proposals. This does not necessarily mean that development should be opposed as some people might see merit in it. However, the Community Action Plan identified the lack of facilities or amenities as a big problem and this is not addressed in the plan. In commenting, therefore, people should carefully consider what facilities need to be provided should our population grow significantly.

The Community Council is anxious to ensure that our response to the plan reflects the views of the community. It would be useful if community councillors were advised of your views on the current proposals, possible alternatives and what requirements for community facilities should be included should the plan remain unaltered.

The plan documents can be viewed online at www.fifedirect.org.uk/fifeplan, at local libraries or by visiting the Development Plan team at Kingdom House, Kingdom Avenue, Glenrothes KY7 5LY. The Community Council has also made arrangements with Saline Golf Club for the documents to be examined there.

THE WEST FIFE VILLAGES EXHIBITION OF ART, PHOTOGRAPHY & CRAFT

At a meeting held on Tuesday 28 October in the Saline Community Centre, it was agreed that Saline should again host the West Fife Exhibition of Art, Photography and Craft in the spring of 2015.

John Crane, the Exhibition Manager for the previous eight exhibitions, welcomed the artists who attended. He said that the Saline & District Horticultural Society were happy to continue to keep the exhibition's funds ring-fenced within their Horticultural Society accounts. As the funds stood at over £500, these were more than adequate to meet any exhibition expenditure as all the previous exhibitions had broken even or made a small profit. He added that he had received an email from Eric Duncan, President of the Dunfermline Photographic Association, confirming their continued participation in the event. Austen Clark, who was in attendance at the meeting, stated that the Dunfermline Art Club would also provide a selection of exhibits from Club members. David Chisholm added that the Community Development Trust would fully support the event.

John said that, due to an ongoing health problem, his involvement in organising the event would probably be minimal but he would help as much as possible.

He added that Marylla Ferguson, who had been one of the mainstays of the previous eight exhibitions, had offered to take on the task of Exhibition Manager providing she received help and support from other members of the Exhibition Committee.

It was concluded that the exhibition should continue to invite the twelve in number West Fife village primary schools and Queen Anne High School to participate. It was a general view that there was a need to request the primary schools to limit the number of their exhibits. It was agreed that Jim Hensman and Marylla should visit each school to talk with the head teachers and staff.

It was agreed that a further meeting be held at 7pm on Tuesday 25 November in the Saline Community Centre.

COLLECTING PRESCRIPTIONS

As most people will remember, it used to be possible to collect prescriptions from Saline Post Office and it was assumed that this service would continue when the post office transferred to the shop on Main Street. Unfortunately the pharmacy in Oakley feels that the arrangements for storing and distributing prescriptions from the post office counter in the shop were unsatisfactory, a view shared by the surgery, and the service has been discontinued. In the old post office prescriptions were stored in a secure area behind the counter.

However, the pharmacy recognises that some patients are unable to get down to Oakley to collect prescriptions and may not be able to arrange for others to do so on their behalf. In these circumstances the pharmacy will deliver a prescription to a patient’s home FREE OF CHARGE.

If you need to make use of this service the pharmacy telephone number is 850349.

PARKING AND CONGESTION AROUND THE SCHOOL

The difficulty created by parked cars along Oakley Road at the beginning and end of the school day continues to generate a lot of discussion at Community Council meetings. The school is doing all it can to get parents, staff and visitors to park considerately and if possible avoid parking on Oakley Road at all, but a small minority persist in blocking entrances and parking on the junction with Craighouse Place. Some local residents have started taking vehicle registrations and passing the details on to the police. A few people support the introduction of double yellow lines along Oakley Road, but most people feel that this would be unattractive and unenforceable, and would inconvenience residents outside the times when parents are dropping off and collecting children.

If you are someone who needs to take a child to and from school by car please consider parking away from Oakley Road and walking the short distance to the school.

FOOTBALL COACHES NEEDED

Earlier this year a team from Saline Primary School competed in a schools’ football tournament and did well. They are keen to play more matches but could do with a bit of coaching. Could you spare an hour or two each week to help them develop their skills? The primary school plays a special part in village life and brings people of all ages and sections of the community together. If you feel you could help please ring the school on 602430 or leave a message on their website. Go to www.fifedirect.org.uk/schoolsite and click on the link to Saline Primary School.

OAKLEY ROAD AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

Whilst most of the concerns about developing affordable housing on the Oakley Road site adjacent to the park have been addressed, many people are concerned that 100% of the allocations will be ‘social rented’. If this were to be the case it is likely that most if not all of the new residents would come from outside of our area. The support that the Community Council has given to this initiative derives from the priority given to the provision of affordable housing for local people contained in the Community Action Plan. The Community Council argues that the foundation for a stable and sustainable community is the promotion of multi-generational family life. Young people should have the opportunity to remain living in the area where they grew up and where grandparents can play a key role in providing child care. Those that have had to leave to find housing they can afford can return to play a part in look after aging parents.

Kingdom Housing Association have stated that they are providing what Fife Council require but the Housing (Scotland) Act, which received Royal Assent on the 1 August this year, gives social landlords ‘more flexibility in the allocation and management of their stock’. The Community Council intends to put pressure on Fife Council to review their policies in the light of this change and to ensure that a proportion of the new homes are allocated to local people.

Liz Harvey will be holding an Open Studio

on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 December

at Grange Cottage, 2 West Road, Saline.

Studio will be open 11am-6pm both days

Paintings and cards for sale, mince pies free!

CHILD CARE

As those of you with children at the primary school will already know, a feasibility study is being carried out to establish if there is a need for childcare in the West Fife villages. The link for this survey is http://goo.gl/BwvJzi. If child care is an issue for you please take time to complete the survey and give your views. Also pass this link to people in the villages and surrounding areas that do not currently have a link with Saline Primary School. For more information contact Saline Primary School on 602430 or via the school website www.fifedirect.org.uk/schoolsite

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RESIDENTS SURVEY – AUTUMN 2014

Fife Community Safety Partnership has published a survey online to find out Fife residents’ views on community safety, crime and antisocial behaviour. We will use the results as part of the review of our strategy, to help drive our work for the coming three years.

The short questionnaire can be accessed at www.fifedirect.org.uk/communitysafety and takes around 5 – 10 minutes to complete.

The questions are already included in the latest survey for members of Fife’s People’s Panel so there’s no need to complete the survey twice as all results will be combined anyway.

We also welcome comments on views, experiences and perceptions of community safety in Fife whether in person to officers, at Community Engagement Meetings or through www.facebook.com/fifecommunitysafety and www.twitter.com/safeinfife.

Contributions

All contributions for inclusion in the Bulletin are welcome and should be submitted to Jacquie Clapperton on salineandsteelend@btinternet.com

or by telephoning 852367.

Forthcoming Meetings & Events:

Steelend Miners’ Club

Zumba: Mondays, 7.00pm-8.00pm

Zumba Toning: Wednesdays, 7.00pm-7.45pm

Sambangra Drumming Group: Tuesdays, 7.00pm-8.30pm, £2

Saline Golf Club

First Saturday of each month: Family Night, 5-7pm

Tuesdays: Bingo Night, 7.30pm

Thursdays: Quiz Night, 8.30pm, entry £1 per person

Sky TV and free wi-fi. Associate membership £10 per annum, £4 concessions

Q’zine Catering: also available for all functions. Catering opening hours are Wednesday 4.30-9pm, Thursday 11am-8pm, Friday 11am-5pm.

Brownies

Every Thursday 6.00pm-7.30pm: Saline Church Hall

116th Fife Scout Group

Beaver Colony

Every Friday, 6.00pm-7.30pm

Cub Pack

Every Thursday, 6.30pm-8.00pm

Scout Troop

Every Thursday, 7.30pm-9.00pm

Explorer Unit

Every Thursday, 7.30pm-9.00pm

The Group meets in Carnock Community Centre, Camps Road, Carnock. Open to both boys and girls

Highland Dancing Classes

Tuesdays 4.00pm-5.00pm

Thursdays 6.30pm-8.00pm

Saline Church Session Room

Adult Badminton

Mondays 7.45pm

Wednesday 1.30pm and 7.30pm

Saline Community Centre

Beginners welcome

Saline Smilers (Toddler Group)

Tuesdays 9.30am-11.30am during school terms

Saline Community Centre

Craft and Chatter

Thursdays 10.00am-12.00noon

Last Friday of month 7.00pm-9.00pm

Shieldbank Coffee Shop

Sambangra Drumming Group

Tuesdays, 7.00pm-8.30pm, £2

Steelend Club

Community Council Meeting

Tuesday 25 November

7.30pm, Saline Community Centre

Line Dance Classes

Monday 10.00am - 11.00am

Friday 10.00am - 11.00am

Saline Community Centre

Saline & Blairingone Parish Church

Sunday 9 November: Act of Remembrance,

1100am, War Memorial

Afternoon Craft Group

Every second Tuesday from 18 November

2pm-4pm, Saline Church Hall

Scottish Country Dancing

Every second Monday from 15 September

7.30 pm - 9pm Saline Community Centre

Saline & District Heritage Society

Dunfermline Opera House: Gerry McMullen

Wednesday 26 November

7.00 for 7.30pm, Saline Church Hall

Saline, Steelend & District SWRI

Joining night with supper

3 December at 7:15, Saline Community Centre

New members always welcome

This Community Bulletin is produced by Saline and Steelend Communications Group