Issue 57 May 2017

COMMUNITY COUNCIL MATTERS

There was a better attendance at April's meeting. While there were no new issues, there was plenty of discussion of updates from the March meeting.

Saline and District Heritage Society

Barry Doyle, the Society's chair, gave a talk on its activities and management. He highlighted the efforts of Linda Moyes, Jackie Kerr and Tina Chapman. He spoke of this year's theme of archaeology that provoked discussion from the floor.

Barry remarked on the forthcoming visit of 25 American descendants of John Hardy who is buried in Saline Old Churchyard. Many of these had had major impact on the development of the USA. One had fired the first shot in the American Civil War while another had fired the last. Unfortunately, they were on the losing side. The Heritage Society and Church are hosting a visit to the grave and a visit.

Subsequent discussions have highlighted projects that are being developed that will significantly contribute to improving our community. Since it was formed, an interesting museum has been established, a heritage leaflet has been published with another on the way, the churchyard has been transformed and meetings have interesting speakers.

Barry advised that monthly meetings have been changed to the third Wednesday in the month to avoid conflict with other groups' schedules. These meetings have interesting topics with lively input so why not come along?

The society is holding an open day in the museum on 27 May. Tina Chapman has asked for people to bring along artefacts that they have dug up while gardening (no dogs or cats please!).

Playground Group

Nicola Smith, Lisa Murray and Laura Chesby gave an update on progress being made.

The application for Fife Environment Trust assistance has been submitted and discussions are ongoing with Fife Leader (see separate information) that appear to be promising. Nicola is to attend a training session on how to complete the electronic forms.

In response to a question from the floor, they advised that a faulty drain in North Road might be the reason for the flooding problem and an engineer is due to investigate.

The group has finally received a response from Fife Council on the contribution that Allanwater was meant to make towards community facilities. Those present felt that the response was evasive with doubts as to what would be delivered. There was particular concern that any contributions would not be required until the development is completed. It was felt that developers should be making up-front contributions in future.

There was further concern that Fife Council management seemed to be dragging their heels to confirming future maintenance, a requirement of funding from FET and Leader. There was also pressure to alter the designs agreed during the public consultations. While the group felt that the matter will be resolved, several people felt that Fife Council were being a bit cheeky as the group had been working hard to resolve long-standing neglect by Fife Council.

Saline to Bickramside Path

Previous issues have confirmed that Forestry Commission Scotland and Scotways have marked out the draft route with canes; Scotways will install proper finger-posts at either end once access is available through the Allanwater site. In the meantime, readers are reminded that the current route starts at the track north of The Steadings.

At present, doing the whole route involves crossing the burn that traverses the Forestry Commission land. The Commission is about to be approached about a crossing being provided.

Traffic Issues

Phil Clarke has investigated the possibility of extending the 20mph limit to Kinneddar Bridge. He advised that this would make the traffic order less effective and that Transportation did not propose to change it. He also advised that the existing access that concerned people was to the SUDS ponds and not to the Allanwater development. This access was required for maintenance of the ponds and that there would be only very limited vehicle use.

On a more serious note, there were considerable concerns of road safety on Oakley Road with confirmed reports of children running across the road from the skateboard park, cars parking on the pavement and a big drop from the carriageway to the temporary surface along the Kingdom Housing Association frontage. The latter is considered a particular danger at night. Consequently, Phil has been asked to investigate.

On an even more serious note, Tom Dodds advised of several cars leaving the road at the bend west of the Saline entrance on West Road. He had assisted in freeing people from cars and encountered some injured people. One family had been lucky to avoid more serious injuries as the car had stopped just short of dangerous obstructions. Fife Council has installed warning signs at the bend but these incidents continue. Phil has been asked to conduct further studies.

Removal of Village Eyesore?

A regular topic at the Community Council for more years that most folk can remember is the condition of an empty house on Upper Kinneddar. However, a solution may be in sight.

One of our Bulletin distributors noticed a For Sale sign in the window. Fife Council was approached and asked to provide details so that people in our community could be advised of the house's availability. Unfortunately, Fife Council cannot provide this information as the sale forms part of a national initiative to return empty houses to occupation and the council's role is to put people wanting to buy in touch with the sellers. The council has provided details of the scheme and the forms required to request information. These are being posted on the Saline and Steelend website or by contacting djmurdoch47@btinternet.com.

This property requires complete gutting, which does create potential to create a good home for an energetic family. It is to be welcomed that some people have already enquired. Hopefully, the house will be refurbished to create a home for a local family. One thing is that they will be welcomed by grateful neighbours.

Police Report

It seems to have been a quiet time in the area over the last month, possibly due to a quad bike rider being prosecuted. This follows greater police activity around the Blair House site. One of our community officers, PC Kevin Chandler, has his report posted on our web site. Please take the opportunity to respond to the Police Scotland consultation; details further down the page, beneath this month's E-bulletin.

Stewart Miller

For many years Stewart has been auditing the Community Council's books and, indeed, for many other groups. His thoroughness can be verified by treasurers and members can be confident that everything is in order. He has steadfastly refused to accept any payment as he sees that it is important that people put something back into their community.

The Community Council appreciates Stewart's commitment, not just for the audits but also for taking on board important issues like the Oakley Road water leak and poor broadband service. Accordingly, he received a round of applause at last Tuesday's meeting.

Next Meeting

This will be on Tuesday 30 May 2017 at 7.30pm in Saline Community Centre. All are welcome. The Community Council welcomes the arrival of new families to the Oakley Road development; it would be wonderful if some could attend the meeting. Everyone is encouraged to have their say.

KEEN TO GET YOUR FINGERS GREEN BUT HAVE NOT GOT YOUR OWN GARDEN?

Last month we asked if there were some gardens in Saline or Steelend where the owners didn’t have the capacity to manage them. A couple of people came forward and now the question is: ‘Are there some wannabe gardeners who want to get stuck in?’ If so, get in contact by e-mailing salinehs@gmail.com or ring Christine Turner on 01383 852887.

Happy home-growing, your Horticultural Society.

PLANNED HERITAGE NETWORK GROUP

A Heritage Network group for the West Fife Villages has been set up and they will be holding their first AGM on Tuesday 30 May at 7.00pm in Oakley Community Centre. Anyone with an interest in history and culture is welcome to join the group and, if anyone would like to contribute as an office bearer, they would be most welcome to come along to the AGM.

Editor's Notice:

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.

IRENE MELLON

As many of you will know, Irene Mellon passed peacefully at home on Monday 13 March, aged 75 years. She was the beloved wife of Eddie and a much-loved mum of Drew, Stuart, David, Craig and Paul. She was also the much-loved sister of Isobel, Janice, Anne, Sheena, Joyce, Allan and Derek as well as a much-loved aunt and mother-in-law of Louise and a cherished gran of Ross. Her funeral service was in Saline Parish Church on Friday 24 March 2017 and she was laid to rest in Saline Cemetery.

The crew at the Saline and Steelend Bulletin have gratefully received a donation from friends, neighbours and members of the Mellon family after our community appeal to keep the bulletin going. It was humbling to learn that Irene looked forward to receiving village news through the bulletin, one of the ways in which she remained connected. Thank you deeply to all who donated and we look forward to continue being of service.

Mark Baugh Tel: 851059

THE PILOT TRUST

The community bulletin team has received a donation from The Pilot Trust following the bulletin appeal to our community. We say, “Thank you and we appreciate you and respect the individuals’ wish for anonymity”.

Mark Baugh Tel: 851059

CARNOCK WOOD HUTS

The Reforesting Scotland Thousand Huts group is in the final stages of the planning application for twelve huts and one school hut at Carnock Wood. One of the final requests from the Fife Council planners was to carry out a flood survey, in case the forest access road would be impassable for emergency vehicles in the event of a 200 year flood. Levels have been taken and the access road has no flood risk.

We will report when planning permission is achieved.

ENVIR0NMENT ACTION MORNING

The Saline Environment Group is running an Action Morning on Saturday 3 June from 10.00 am until 12.00 noon. Help is needed to tidy up litter in the Glen, and to weed the two areas planted for wildlife as well as a couple of raised beds in Easter Craig Gardens. The more helpers we have to enhance the village environment the better.

Meet at the Glen entrance.

BRIGHTSIDE COMMUNITY CAFÉ

Our Easter event was a huge success. We had lots of children running around having lots of fun and eating plenty of chocolate. Our residents at Bandrum had a great day as well enjoying listening to the children; it was such a delight to see. Thank you to you all.

Please look out for more events in the coming months.

We have lots of nice handmade crafts in the café donated by a lovely lady in France; if you’d like to purchase any of these then a small donation is all we ask for.

We have a beautiful piano in the café that is gathering dust; if you know someone who can play a tune and would like to entertain our residents, please get in touch with me.

We have an amazing opportunity for six volunteers to join the Brightside team. For more information, please contact me using the details below.

Michelle Graham, Manager

Email: info@brightsidecommunitycafe.org.uk

Contact: 07869581599

Find us on Facebook @ Brightside community cafe

SALINE & DISTRICT HERITAGE SOCIETY

Many members enjoyed Dr Jean Barclay's talk on the Mitchells of Luscar House. They are a family that date back centuries and were almost a contemporary of Andrew Carnegie as they accumulated great wealth. It was particularly interesting to see the 18th Century map of the Luscar lands, so different from today's landscape.

Our final event, and our AGM, is on Wednesday 31 May, at 7.00 for 7.30pm, when Moira Fleming will present a talk on the Dunfermline poet, Robert Henryson.

Our Heritage Open day will be on Saturday 27 May between 11.00am and 2.00pm in the Church Hall. There will also be guided tours the old graveyard; posters with more details will be put up round the villages soon.

Our museum will be open from 27 May until September on at the usual days and times - Sundays 11.30 - 1pm, Tuesday evenings 6 - 8pm and Wednesdays 10 -12 noon.

We have a rota of volunteers to help man the museum and, if anyone would like to help out (free tea and coffee!), please speak to Tina Chapman.

Our theme this year is Archaeology and we are asking anyone who has dug anything interesting up in their garden (but not modern stuff) if they would like to lend these artefacts to Tina Chapman to put on display. Examples could be bits of pottery, broken pipes etc. There will also be some planned archaeological activities throughout the summer.

CHURCH NEWS

Easter Services: The Holy Week services shared with neighbouring congregations proved very helpful and inspiring. The celebrations on Easter Sunday were well attended despite the change in format.

Christian Aid Week, 14-20 May

The Christian Aid organisation, founded in response to the desperate needs of displaced people and refugees after the Second World War, still responds today to emergencies and the need to rebuild communities in the aftermath of war or natural disasters. Help is given to a wide variety of projects initiated by local groups by providing finance and practical support, training, advocacy for change - helping those in need, regardless of creed or colour. The national Christian Aid Week focuses on specific aspects of this ongoing work with special fundraising events.

In Saline, we will be holding our annual Christian Aid Day on Wednesday 17 May from 10.00am to 2.00pm in the Church Hall. There will be refreshments and goods for sale on various stalls. Envelopes will be available for donations which can be handed in to the church until the end of May.

SALINE & DISTRICT RURAL

Saline & District Rural are holding an Open Meeting on Wednesday 7 June at 7.30pm in Saline Community Centre. There will be a police talk on personal safety and all are welcome, not just members.

WOULD YOU BE PART OF THE COMMUNITY BULLETIN AND WEBSITE TEAM?

We are looking for three village folk who might have some fresh ideas and a little time to support the monthly production of our bulletin and e-bulletin for the Saline and Steelend community.

You will be working alongside the existing team for the first couple of editions or as needed so you get to know the ropes.

Ian Holmes-Lewis (Web Maestro), Jacquie Clapperton (Bulletin Editor) and Mark Baugh (Communications Team Co-ordinator) have been producing the bulletin for the last six years and would like a little help in holding and sharing the responsibility of getting community information to residents on time and in the right way.

The web maestro maintains and improves the village website www.salinesteelend.org, as well as uploading the e-bulletin each month and informing subscribers that it is available to read. Our future plans are to professionalise it into an e-zine in the hope that it will attract advertising revenue to contribute towards the costs of our paper bulletin. We need to make it more digitally friendly so it can be read on smart phones and tablets as well as desktop and laptop computers. We would also like to be able to support community groups in posting their own web pages and in maintaining them. Would you like to be involved?

The bulletin editor sends out the call for contributions to all community groups and local organisations every month, and magically cuts, pastes and edits it into a thumping good read. It requires organisational skill under a tight deadline. The draft is offered to the bulletin review panel for proofing and then, after any amendments, it is sent for print where it is picked up by our beloved distribution goblins and delivered to your local friendly distributor who puts it through your door. The editor also deals with and forwards community correspondence and queries that come in through our email address salineandsteelend@btinternet.com.

Would you like to be involved?

The team co-ordinator has an interesting strategic overview of the whole process, ensuring the right resources (people, financial, equipment) are in place when and if needed to provide a seamless communications platform service to the community. Strategically, there is more we would like to do to streamline and enhance our services such as a community-owned broadband service. Would you like to be involved?

Just give Mark a call on 851059.

WEST FIFE VILLAGES FORUM CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

A number of people have asked about the award made to Jim Hensman, mentioned in last month's Bulletin. Apparently, someone from another village told a Saline resident that Jim was not a recipient. This is not correct and naturally it caused distress and upset. There were winners in other villages and the Forum has acknowledged 'communication problems'. It has apologised to Jim and Liz. Jim wasn't able to attend the award ceremony last week but arrangements are being made for it to be presented here in Saline and Steelend.

FRACKING WORKSHOP

The facilitators for the fracking workshop back in March have provided a lengthy summary of the proceedings that will be emailed to those that participated. A copy will be posted on the village website for others to read. The report will be included in a submission to be made shortly to Scottish Government. Apparently the exercise has been recognised as an excellent example of how a consultation should be carried out and dozens of other communities threatened by fracking are clamouring for the 'Saline and Steelend methodology' to be adopted in their villages. It is good that once again we are contributing to an important national debate and demonstrating how 'community engagement' should be carried out.

ONE MANS’S RUBBISH IS ANOTHER MAN’S TREASURE

I wanted to let you know about www.freecycle.org and www.ilovefreegle.org

It is amazing what people will reuse and refurbish and it is amazing what people are giving away on Freecycle and Freegle. Join these growing movements to reduce waste going to landfill.

Just some of the local groups are listed below; Google for more!

https://groups.freecycle.org/WestFifeScotland

https://trashnothing.com/central-fife-freegle

https://www.gumtree.com/freebies/fife

https://groups.freecycle.org/freecycleclacks

https://www.freelywheely.com/freecycle/clackmannanshire

www.freeads.co.uk/clackmannanshire/freestuff

https://www.gumtree.com/freebies/clackmannanshire

WANTED : Good Quality Children's Clothing

Fife Childcare Services will be running summer play schemes across Fife during the school holidays for children aged between 5 - 12 years. Children referred to the play schemes will generally come from low income families or families in crisis.

We are looking for donations of good quality second hand or new children's clothing (both boys and girls) which will be used to support the children attending and taking part in outdoor and messy play activities. In particular we would welcome donations of: Tee-shirts, shorts, leggings or jeans, outdoor jackets, trainers, wellington boots.

Please only pass on good quality items and only those listed. Any items not used in the Play Schemes will be passed on to local Foodbanks.

Please hand in your donations to Childcare Services based in New City House [Dunfermline] or Rothesay House [Glenrothes] or contact us on 01592 583145 and we can arrange collection.

Jacquie Clapperton

Willie Wastle dwalt on Tweed,

The spot they ca'd it Linkumdoddie;

Willie was a wabster gude,

Could stown a clue wi' ony body:

He had a wife was dour and din,

O Tinkler Maidgie was her mither;

Sic a wife as Willie had,

I wad na gie a button for her!

She has an e'e, she has but ane,

The cat has twa the very colour;

Five rusty teeth, forbye a stump,

A clapper tongue wad deave a miller:

A whiskin beard about her mou',

Her nose and chin they threaten ither;

Sic a wife as Willie had,

I wadna gie a button for her!

She's bow-hough'd, she's hein-shin'd,

Auld baudrons by the ingle sits,

An' wi' her loof her face a-washin;

But Willie's wife is nae sae trig,