Issue 58 June 2017

Post date: 09-Jun-2017 01:09:55

THE INAUGURAL JOHN CRANE

YOUNG CITIZEN AWARD

We are pleased to be able to announce that the inaugural award to a child from Saline and Steelend Primary School who has done most to demonstrate the citizenship qualities that the late John Crane showed will be made later this month. Arrangements have been made with the Acting Head Teacher, Jane Gray, for the prize to be presented by Marie Crane at the end of term service in the Church.

Editor's Note:

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.

CHURCH NEWS

Christian Aid

Thanks to everyone who contributed in any way to the recent Fund raising effort for the work of Christian Aid. As a result we were able to send a cheque for £877 for the on-going relief and development work.

Open Church

As in recent years, it is planned to have the Church open several times during the week over the summer months to give anyone time to look at points of interest at their leisure or just to spend a time of quiet in peaceful surroundings. Opening times are Tuesday evenings 6.00 -8.00pm, Wednesday mornings 10.00 am - 12 noon, and afternoon 2.00 - 4.00 pm. The Wednesday morning services will continue at 11.30 am on the first and third Wednesdays of the month

Services

Sunday morning services continue as usual at 9.30 am during the summer months and there will be provision made for the children in the Hall as usual. The regular Sunday Club marks the end of the session with a Gift Service on Sunday 18 June, followed by a barbeque in the Hall and grounds.

PLAY PARK PROJECT HEADS FOR THE HILLS

A group of local parents will be climbing Ben Nevis on 10 June for sponsorship to raise money for Saline and Steelend Play Park Project. We have set up a Just Giving page and the web link is https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Play-park-project?utm_id=106&utm_term=GBVGBVq47 if anyone would be kind enough to make a donation. We’ve been busy training over the past few months starting with good old Saline Hill and moving on to West Lomond, Ben Cleuch, Ben Ledi and Ben Lomond.

Nicola Smith, Chair

COMMUNITY COUNCIL MATTERS

A reasonable attendance at May's meeting raised no new issues and the meeting mostly covered good news, there was plenty of discussion of updates from the March meeting. Our new Councillor Manekshaw was also introduced to the meeting.

Playground Group

By far the best news was Nicola Smith, Lisa Murray and Laura Chesby reporting that the group has received offers of £50,000 from both Fife Leader and Fife Environment Trust. These offers are dependent on Fife Council signing a maintenance agreement and those present were a bit concerned at the delay in this and its possible impact on timescales.

Resolving the drainage issue on the North Road site also seems to be dragging on although, as reported in last month's issue, an engineer has been appointed to come up with a solution.

The group has put a lot of effort into consulting, developing proposals and now securing the funding for a much needed North Road play area and they must be thanked for this. They will be continuing to raise money for further improvements, so please support future events. I might give the pyjama parties a miss though!

The Saline Horse

Only those with really poor eyesight can have missed the appearance of a horse and plough in the open space off Upper Kinneddar/Main Street. This is the latest community artwork produced as part of the Community Development Trust's Friends and Neighbours initiative. Despite appalling weather, volunteers with guidance from June McEwan fashioned the sculpture from willow supplied by Clare Hebbert. Judging by the response at the community council, the work has given pleasure to many people.

Friends and Neighbours, which started off as a one-off project to stimulate community spirit, has developed into a programme of works and events using different art forms. The tiles project and the lantern parade attracted big crowds and gave the steering group of Marylla Ferguson, Liz Harvey, Clare Hebbert and Ian Holmes-Lewis impetus to develop other ideas like the horse. Look out for future events.

Traffic Issues

Phil Clarke was contacted about the issues raised at last month’s meeting and by Councillor Clelland re complaints about speeding through Saline and Steelend; responses are as follows.

Phil was aware of the recent accidents west of Saline and is investigating possible causes. Most attending the community council feel that speeding is a factor but will await his team's investigation

In response to road safety concerns on Oakley Road, fencing has been erected to stop children running from the park onto the road while steps have been taken to address the drop between the carriageway and the temporary passing place adjacent to the Kingdom site. Parking on the pavement will continue to be monitored.

There was some concern about the removal of the hedge along the park frontage. It was noted that the original path to the Kingdom site was to be located behind the hedge but the owner would not agree. Consequently. The path will be adjacent to the road, which will result in the loss of the hedge. It will be replaced on completion of the path.

Councillor Clelland had asked Transportation to investigate people's concerns about speeding. He was advised that speed surveys last year had shown that a large majority of drivers were observing the speed limit through Steelend and that no action could be taken. There was a similar situation through Saline with only West Road being of concern. No engineering solution is proposed but police will continue to patrol this area.

Most folk will have noticed that the speed indicator on Main Street is working again. It should be noted that Fife Council responded quickly once informed of the fault. Readers are reminded that faults and pot-holes can be reported on Fife Direct.

Our New Councillor

Many people will have been surprised at the election of a Tory councillor to Ward 1. Councillor Manekshaw attended the community council and explained that he was trying to get up to speed on issues affecting this ward. He confirmed that he wanted to help in the community and would be organising a surgery diary.

Next Meeting

Tuesday 27 June 2017 at 7.30 pm in Saline Community Centre. All welcome.

Fife Access Forum Drop-In Event

Everyone is invited to the Fife Access Forum meeting on Tuesday 13 June at 7.00pm in Fife House, North Street, Glenrothes.

The meeting offers an opportunity to hear what the Forum has been doing and to have an update on Core Paths and other Access issues from Fife Council. There will then be ample opportunity to discuss any access issues that you have.

The event is free and booking is not required.

Thank You

To the 116th Scout Group for your donation to the Community Bulletin Appeal - we really appreciate it!

SALINE & DISTRICT HERITAGE SOCIETY

Our final speaker event was on Wednesday when we heard a recital of Dunfermline's Robert Henryson's poetry followed by our AGM. Barry already has several speakers lined up for the winter and the museum is now open for the summer.

Our Heritage Open Day went well and we are looking forward to welcoming 47 American descendants of John Hardie (Thornhill Foundation) on Monday. They will be touring the graveyard and visiting both the Church and the museum.

Volunteers to help with the museum, projects, visits, etc over the coming year are always most welcome.

Thank You

I would just like to say a big thank you to all my relatives, friends and neighbours for all their good wishes, flowers and the many lovely cards I received while I was ill and in hospital. Thankfully I am on the mend now and hope it won’t be long before I am out and about again. So thanks again to all.

Helen Paterson

STEELEND MINERS’ CLUB

Steelend Club is open to members and non-members are welcome.

Yearly membership is £5, £2 for over 60s and free over 80s.

Opening times are Wednesday and Thursday 8.00 – 11.00pm, Friday 8.00 pm - 12 midnight, Saturday/Sunday 2.00 pm - 12 midnight.

The club is the hub of the community and various events are advertised throughout the year. There is a great vocalist, Gill Knight, appearing on Friday 17 June from 8.00 pm until midnight. (Please note there is a bus through Steelend to Oakley at midnight.)

Steelend Gala this year is on Saturday 5 August. The parade leaves at 11.30 am. The Gala Queen this year is Layla Davidson, the Princess is Denan Williams and the Page Boy Riley Gardiner. There is a gala dance in the evening when Mason - a great duo - will be playing. Tickets are £5; this includes buffet.

Watch out for dates for the Children's Sunday Fun days which are held throughout the year 2.00 -4.00 pm; cost is £1.50 and this includes a burger or hot dog.

The club is also available for private hire/ functions. Details on request from 01383 851160.

Please watch out for events and come along and give your support.

RACHEL’S BIKING FOR HUNTINGTON’S

I am currently training for the Edinburgh Night Bike ride on 17/6/17 (never done any road biking before so it’s all new to me). I’m doing it to raise awareness and much needed funds for Scottish Huntington’s Association. They are an amazing charity that looks after people living with Huntington’s and their families. Please can you support me with a wee (or large if you like) donation to my page. Thanks very much, Rachel xx

You can help Rachel Duff of Bandrum Nursing Home raise money for this great cause by donating directly to their fundraising page: https://www.justgiving.com/Rachel-Duff6?utm_source=Sharethis&utm_medium=fundraisingpage&utm_content=Rachel-Duff6&utm_campaign=pfp-email.

JustGiving sends your donation straight to Scottish Huntington's Association and automatically reclaims Gift Aid if you are a UK taxpayer, so your donation is worth even more.

Thank you for your support!

CHARITABLE RESPONSE

Saline First Responders, who are now in their sixth year, are delighted to announce that they have now been granted charitable status. Our Scottish Charity Number is SC047402.

The team and Executive members are thrilled and we all look forward to serving our community for years to come.

To find out more about us please find us on Facebook at Saline First Responders.

Sincere thanks to all those who have supported us over the years.

ALAN AND ELLA ROBERTSON

Alan and his wife Ella were keen members of the community and could often be seen at Community Council meetings or walking through the village. They were both keen gardeners and wandered round their own garden holding hands whilst spotting the latest eruption of flowers from exotic bulbs planted the previous year.

Alan was keen on politics, being a local councillor in Dunfermline for a number of years. He joined the SNP in 1960 and was their Standard Bearer. Alan and Ella were strong supporters of the party and Alan was made an Honorary Lifetime Member in 2015.

Alan and Ella were also heavily involved with basketball. Alan not only coaching several local teams, but also becoming a prominent member of the Scottish Basketball League. They both travelled with the team to the USA to represent Scotland.

Alan was well known for his local appearances in his kilt or lederhosen, the latter purchased on one of the trips he and Ella took to Germany.

Alan was the founding member of the extremely talented, often prize winning, Quiz Team Linkumdoddie. The Team were named after Alan and Ella's house which is named after a location in a famous 1792 Burns song/poem Sic a Wife As Willie Had. Alan knew the poem off by heart and would often recite it.

Sadly Ella passed away in 2014 and Alan in 2016. They are fondly remembered by their family, friends and neighbours.

SIC A WIFE AS WILLIE HAD

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,

Ae limpin leg a hand-breed shorter;

She's twisted right, she's twisted left,

To balance fair in ilka quarter:

She has a lump upon her breast,

The twin o' that upon her shouther;

Sic a wife as Willie had,

I wadna gie a button for her!

Auld baudrons by the ingle sits,

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

But Willie's wife is nae sae trig,

She dights her grunzie wi' a hushion;

Her walie nieves like midden-creels,

Her face wad fyle the Logan Water;

Sic a wife as Willie had,

I wadna gie a button for her!

DISTRIBUTOR FOR THE ALLANWATER DEVELOPMENT NEEDED

A warm welcome goes out to the residents of the new Allanwater Development from the Saline and Steelend Bulletin team. We wonder if one of you would volunteer to deliver the monthly bulletin, or more accurately ten editions per year, to your neighbours. The community relies on the generous spirit of such folk so that useful information can be shared. Interested in helping? - Please get in touch with Mark on T: 851059.

Thanks to Marylla Ferguson for our new TREAT YOURSELF section - please send in your own treats to share!

RUSSIAN TOFFEE

1/2 lb / 227g castor sugar

1/4 lb / 113g butter

1/4 pint / 142ml cream

Vanilla essence

Melt the butter in a saucepan. Add the sugar and cream, plus a few drops of vanilla. Boil until "hard ball" stage is reached, stirring until the mixture leaves the sides of the pan clean. Pour into shallow, buttered tin. Mark into squares and cut when cold.

POLISH CAKE

1lb/500g packet of biscuits, crushed

4oz/100g margarine or butter

4tbs sugar

4tbs cocoa powder

4tbs syrup

Melt the butter/margarine in a pan. It is advisable to put the ingredients in a pan in the order given (that way you only need one spoon). Add the sugar, cocoa and syrup, stirring over a low heat. Once well mixed, bring to the boil and immediately remove from the heat. Stir in the crushed biscuit, mix well. Turn out onto a baking tray. Leave to cool. Cut to size desired.

FORTHCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS:

Saline Golf Club

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

Tuesdays: Bingo Night, 7.30pm

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

Sky TV and free Wi-Fi. Associate membership £10 per annum, £4 concessions

Q’zine Catering: also available for all functions.

Steelend Miners’ Club

Vocalist Gill Knight,

Friday 17 June, 8.00 pm - midnight.

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

Steelend Gala, Saturday 5 August, 11.30 am.

Evening dance with Mason and buffet, £5.

Rainbows

Every Thursday 5.00pm-6.00pm

Saline Church Hall

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

Carnock Community Centre, Camps Road, Carnock. Open to both boys & girls

Community Council Meeting, 27 June, 7.30pm, Saline Community Centre

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

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

Saline & Blairingone Parish Church

Sunday Club Gift Service

Followed by BBQ, Sunday 18 June 0930 am

Afternoon Craft Group

Every second Tuesday from 8 March

2pm-4pm, Saline Church Hall

Country Dancing

Mondays, 7.00pm

Saline Community Centre

Shieldbank Riding & Vaulting Club,

North Road, Saline, Fife KY12 9LN

Telephone: 01383 852874

Website: www.shieldbank.co.uk fb

Come and try riding! We teach adults in small groups and children separately (from 4 years upwards) on a selection of well-schooled horses and ponies. We also offer equestrian vaulting (gymnastics on a moving horse) to young people between the ages of five and 20 years.

Pony Days for children (10.00 am - 4.00 pm) and Horse Experience Days for adults (10.00 am - 5.00 pm) are being held throughout the Summer Holidays.

NEW FOR 2017: Three-Day Introductory Courses (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday) 2.00 - 4.00 pm to see if horses or ponies are going to become your favourite hobby.

Opening hours: Wednesday through Friday 9.00 am - 9.00 pm, Saturday & Sunday 9.00 am - 6.00 pm. Evening lessons available during the week 7.00 - 9.00 pm.

Everyone welcome. Just call or email to book.

Shieldbank Coffee Shop

Telephone: 01383 852621 Email: coffeeshop@shieldbank.co.uk fb

Open Tuesdays to Sundays 9.30 am- 6.00 pm.

Real, freshly-ground coffee, a large selection of teas, and home-baked cakes and scones await all visitors (you do not have to be connected to the riding stables to come to the Coffee Shop). Tasty lunches, consisting of Paninis, baguettes and toasties with diverse fillings, plus a selection of cold drinks, are also available and served all day. Just come up for a warm welcome and a tasty treat.

Craft Group meet here on Thursday mornings 10.00 am until lunchtime.

New: Group for Amateur Photographers meet on Friday evenings at 7.30 pm.

Everyone welcome.

This Community Bulletin is produced by Saline and Steelend Communications Group