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Post date: 03-Sep-2018 23:00:44
SALINE PRIMARY SCHOOL NEWS
TERM 1
We are back and refreshed after our summer holidays! We have welcomed some new families into our school community and our school roll is now 111 with 97 pupils in the school and fourteen children in the nursery. We have maintained our five classes this year and have capacity for more children should there be any more additions to the village and within the school catchment area.
The whole school and nursery will be taking part in outdoor learning activities this academic year with P1-4 working towards their Natural Connections award and P5-7 working towards their John Muir awards. Nursery will continue their successful partnership work with Inzievar Nursery. Outdoor learning develops self-awareness, confidence and self-esteem. It can develop collaborative-working and communication skills as well as providing positive health benefits – both physically and mentally – and assist gross and fine-motor development. It can also develop a lifelong love of the great outdoors. The pupils and staff will be visiting areas around the village including The Glen and the Community Orchard so look out for us! If you are aware of any outdoor activities we can get involved in, please let us know.
Saline Primary School is looking to appoint new school captains, house and vice captains and various other roles around the school. As part of our role in developing skills for learning, life and work, the jobs have been advertised and the pupils are busy filling out their applications. We will announce who has been successfully appointed to the roles in the next community newsletter!
Alexis Perkins, Deputy Head Teacher
STEELEND GALA COMMITTEE
The Gala Committee would like to thank all who came along to our events during Gala Week, and to the Gala on Saturday 4 August. The weather was very good to us and everyone said what a great day it was. We would like to thank Jane Smart for providing us with a sports car for the Gala Queen, and to those who gave up their time to help with the preparations. A special thank you goes to local businesses who gave so generously: Cusick Motors, Village Cars, Express Garage Doors, CR Smith, SRJ Windows, Mainbrace Rosyth, Montgomery Butchers Oakley, Saline and Steelend Community Council, Saline Store, and to Fife Council for the grant. A big thank you also goes to those who contributed to the raffle and gave donations.
The Committee are very grateful for the support from the community and local businesses as, without this, this yearly tradition would not be able to go ahead, so thank you again for your support.
We are a small committee and would gladly welcome any new members; if you are interested or have any suggestions, please contact any of the present committee.
Helen Paterson, Secretary
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.
SALINE & DISTRICT HERITAGE SOCIETY
We are taking part in the annual Doors Open Days on Sunday 16 September 10.00am–2.00pm and the church will be open too, so please spread the word. This is your chance to see our Schools in the District exhibition before it closes. A tour of the graveyard will be included and we can tell you about our plans for next year.
Our speaker events start soon and Barry has put together a great list of speakers.
On Wednesday 19 September, 7.00pm for 7.30pm, Dr David Caldwell will be presenting a talk on The Lewis Chessmen in the Church Hall. Having recently returned from a visit to Uig beach where they were found in the early 1800s, it is amazing that they were found at all as the beach and surrounding sand dunes are vast; perhaps Dr Caldwell will reveal how.
Everyone is welcome, £1 for members and £2 for non-members. Annual membership of £5 is due if anyone hasn't yet paid and can be paid that evening.
The path round the Community Orchard and enclosed settlement behind The Views has been mowed and local school children have made the most of picking apples. It is easy to walk there and a leaflet will be produced within the next few months.
SALINE & DISTRICT HERITAGE SOCIETY: COMMEMORATION OF THE MEN WHO LOST LIVES IN THE FIRST WORLD WAR
To commemorate the centenary of the First World War, Tina Chapman has researched and written a book about the men whose names appear on the Saline War Memorial which sits in front of Saline Parish Church. Not only has Tina given an account of where and when they were born within the village and its environs, but also about their families, their service histories, and their occupations before the war. Tina has also done extensive research on the men whose names did not appear on the Memorial and their histories are also included within the book. This is the first time that such a project has been undertaken and that the book will serve as an invaluable resource, not only in terms of history but also to commemorate the memory of those men who left the village one hundred years or so ago, never to return. Tina will be giving a talk on her research and officially launching her book on 21 November 2018 at Saline Church Hall at 7.30pm as part of this year’s Heritage Society’s speaker programme.
ACT OF REMEMBRANCE
As some of you will be aware, last year’s Act of Remembrance at Saline Church took place at 10.30am rather than the traditional time of 11.00am. This was to allow the Minister to attend another service. A suggestion from a local resident, emailed to the Community Council, suggesting that it should always be observed at 11.00am led to a thought-provoking discussion at the Community Council meeting. There was general agreement that there was considerable significance in the whole country falling silent at the same time. Whilst it was acknowledged that the war memorial stands in church grounds, several people felt that the Act of Remembrance should be a non-denominational/interfaith occasion. It was noted that apart from the two Commonwealth War Graves in the old cemetery, there are several others that refer to local people dying of their wounds or being killed in action. It might be appropriate to extend the Act of Remembrance to include these, perhaps by the placing of poppy crosses. It was also suggested that the Community Council should be amongst the organisations placing a wreath.
2018 is especially significant as it marks 100 years since the end of the First World War, so it is particularly important that we mark the occasion in the most appropriate and inclusive way. It was agreed that representatives of Fife Council, the Community Council, the Church, and the Heritage Society should meet to consider these issues.
At the meeting Beth Shaw showed an article from the Daily Express about Perspex ‘Tommy’ sculptures that have been erected in a number of public places across the UK. As yet, no Scottish local authorities have registered their support for the initiative but it was noted that Townhill Community Council have put up one the figures in their village. More information would be sought.
CHURCH NEWS
Services of Holy Communion will be celebrated on Wednesday 19 September at 11.30am and on Sunday 23 September at 9.30am in the Church.
Harvest Thanksgiving Service, Sunday 7 October at 9.30am.
The Monday Club resumed meeting in the hall on 27 August (3.00pm to 4.15pm) to enjoy a programme of stories, songs, craftwork and refreshments. Primary 4, 5, 6, and 7 pupils are all welcome.
Wednesday 26 September, 10 am - 12 noon. Our regular Coffee Morning will be a special effort and part of the national Big Coffee Morning in support of Macmillan Cancer Charities. There will be baking and produce etc on sale. All donations will be very welcome.
Friday 27 September: Quiz Night and Supper, 7.00 pm in the Church Hall. Tickets are available from Irene Black or Fellowship Team members. Teams will be made up on the night. Proceeds will go to the Church Restoration Fund.
SALINE GOLF CLUB
The Gents Open will take place on 23 September, £10 entry fee. Contact the club for Tee Off times (01383 852591).
COMMUNITY COUNCIL MATTERS
There was a sombre mood at this month's meeting following last week's tragic events.
David Chisholm remarked on the compassion and support that the community had shown towards Gail McAffery's family following the fatal fire. He praised the heroism shown by Sid Chesby and Jim Duncan who had tried to rescue her but had been driven back by smoke and flames.
It was noted that the Fire Service had responded immediately and had sent three fire appliances but those present felt that the distance from the fire station is a concern for West Fife Villages communities. It was acknowledged that it is highly unlikely that we would get our own fire station but that we should look at ways of making our community safer. One suggestion that was supported was the establishment of a Community Response Unit that could support the Fire Service in the way that Saline First Responders and GoodSam volunteers support the Ambulance Service. A senior fire officer may attend the September meeting and hopefully people will come along and make positive suggestions about how to make the community safer. Thoughts on the Community Response Unit would be welcomed.
A minute's silence was held in Gail's memory.
For people who don't use Facebook, Laura Chesby is appealing for donations to support Gail's family through such a difficult time. If you can help, please contact Laura at 58 Eastercraig Gardens or look for her in the school playground.
John Crane Trophy and School Update
This year's award went to Molly Cuisack and Marie Crane was pleased to hand the award over to her. Well done, Molly.
Mrs Perkins, Head Teacher, advised that the school roll is up to 97. Children have been learning fire safety and the school holds regular fire drills. Children are keen on outdoor learning and have braved some awful weather recently. They are keen to improve Saline Glen but need help. Saline Environment Group have traditionally carried out clear ups but also would benefit from new members. What about it?
Children are working with Ian Holmes-Lewis and Clare Hebbert on a Halloween Lantern parade in the run up to the Fireworks Display. The previous parade and Walking the Wizard events were enjoyed by a lot of folk and this year's should be no exception.
The children were delighted to discover that the orchard planted by pupils a few years ago had borne fruit with a mammoth apple harvest. Some children were spotted with pockets bulging with fruit, which is great as one of the objectives is to encourage them to eat more fruit. They will be working with Jenny Ventham from Forestry Commission Scotland to find ways to make use of surplus crops
North Road Playpark
Nicola Smith advised that, following the good news that work had finally started, the contractor had stopped due to soft ground. Trial bores had found 2.5m of peat under the park and solutions have to be found. The bad news was that Fife Council did not have the staff to prepare stabilisation proposals. The good news is that Nicola's husband, Brian, got a structural engineer from his work to advise and he came up with a design that will be checked by Fife Council. Hopefully, work will start again soon. Thanks are due to Brian and his engineer, and once again we must thank the Playpark Group for their perseverance.
Steelend Playpark
The good news for youngsters in Steelend was that the necessary funding has been raised but the project has been delayed due to a shortage of Fife Council staff.
Fireworks Night
The group formed to organise the event has made progress on what promises to be an exciting event. Local musician, Drew McCulloch, will be performing in Saline Golf Club afterwards and is composing music to accompany the display. Drew has appeared previously in the Golf Club to popular acclaim.
Our local councillors must be thanked for awarding £750 towards the event but more money will be required. Like previous bonfire nights, a raffle is being organised so please give generously. Donations of prizes for the raffle would also be appreciated. Watch the Bulletin and website for details.
Blair House Site Restoration
Cllr Mino Manekshaw gave an update on progress. The contract will be for a set price and bids will be marked against key factors that aim to maximise community benefit. The team who will assess the bids will include a representative from each of the three communities around the site. The Community Council felt that this should be nominated by Kinneddar Park residents, who have borne the impact of the works on the site.
Disturbingly, Mino reported that vandalism was increasing and that this was eating into the money available for restoration. If anyone notices vandalism, please contact the police
It is hoped that work on the contract will start in February 2019 but the Scottish Mines Restoration Trust will be starting some preparatory works soon.
Huttings
Three local people in the community have been successful in securing a plot and another has been allocated to the school.
West Fife Villages Community Councils Forum
The interim chair has circulated a draft new constitution which would enable non community councillors to represent their community. It will be discussed at an EGM on 19 September at 7.30pm.
Saline Community Centre
David Chisholm has been contacted by Shirley-Anne Somerville who asked about local issues. He has advised her of the difficulties in raising the funds to carry out a comprehensive update of the Community Action Plan. Much of what has been achieved in the past years has been helped by the justifications included in the current Plan.
Road Safety
The works to address safety concerns west of Saline have been completed. Tom Dodds, who has been conscientiously raising the issue of vehicles leaving the road, welcomed this. Time will now tell whether the problem has been solved. Thanks are due to Tom himself for keeping this matter in our councillors' minds and to them for arguing our case at budget meetings.
The complaints about slurry on the road, and roadside rocks through and east of Steelend have been investigated by Fife Council who confirmed that no action could be taken.
A complaint has been received from a new resident that speed limits on Oakley Road are being ignored, often excessively. The meeting agreed and most felt that the 20mph signs were badly located and that more imaginative ways of addressing the issue should be investigated. In particular, it was felt that the jump from 60mph to 20mph was a problem. Speeding through Kinneddar Park has been an issue for a long time and it was felt opportune to raise this again.
Police Report
Cllr Manekshaw reported on a police report to the Area Committee. There has been a major drugs bust in Rosyth and Speedwatch has been active elsewhere. Our own Speedwatch volunteers have been frustrated by a lack of bodies and would welcome more volunteers. If you can help, please contact the police.
Drivers should be aware that police officers are conducting Park Safe patrols. Those of us who block pavements and park badly around the school should be warned.
Date of Next Meeting
Tuesday 25 September at 7.30 in Saline Community Centre. All are welcome.
SALINE HORSE AND PLOUGH TO BECOME PERMANENT?
The popularity of the Willow Horse sculpture and plough that graced the green in Saline until recently has prompted suggestions that it might be replaced with a permanent equine sculpture.
One way of going about this would be to see if we can design and construct something suitable ourselves, using local skills and creativity.
With this in mind, the Development Trust is inviting expressions of interest from local artists who would like to take on the project. Gareth Turner has volunteered to lend his wood-working and/or metal-working skills to the construction element, if required, but now we'd like to know if anyone local is inspired to produce a design.
Please contact Ian
or any member of the Development Trust if you’d like to know more.
ADOPT-A-STREET
Fife Council's Safer Communities Team is looking for volunteers to help them with a new initiative - Adopt-a-Street. By working together in partnership, communities and the council can help prevent a build-up of litter and encourage everyone to care about their neighbourhood and/or their special place.
The team can provide a litter picker and hoop to all volunteers who sign up and you can choose the area you care about and want to adopt. Community groups can be supplied with up to ten litter pickers, five hoops, bags and gloves.
The scheme is open to anyone who wishes to participate they care about. It might be your street, local park or a path that you use regularly. Fife Council will continue to clean public places but, by working together, we can all help to make our community a beautiful place to live in or visit.
The Safer Communities Team is hoping to host an event in the near future with speakers from the voluntary organisation Leithers Don't Litter who inspired the team to look at initiatives like this. If you are interested in attending the event, volunteering or want more information, please contact Nicola Philp at nicola.philp@fife.gov.uk.
GoodSAM
With so many of us thinking of Gail McAffery at this time, safety in our community and how we can respond to accidents and incidents has been highlighted. Please watch the GoodSAM video at https://vimeo.com/197525859 and download the app that you can use for any medical emergency. You have the support of GoodSAM responders in Saline and the app calls the ambulance service for you too.
DOG FOULING (AGAIN)
Children starting school, many for the first time, got a nasty welcome by the amount of dog fouling around the school. Some parents were understandably furious and we must remember the consequences of this antisocial behaviour, not least the dangers to children's health. Other areas also suffer and it is time that something was done to address this menace. Fife Council can take action but only if they are given evidence that can be used against the perpetrators. Please therefore inform the council if you spot an owner not clearing up their pet's mess. Responsible owners should bear in mind that these antisocial folk are tarring you with the same brush.
ONLINE SAFETY - EASY READ RESOURCES
Staying safe online has never been more important. For some adults who have autism or a learning disability navigating the internet safely and legally can be even more complex.
To support them, carers, family members, Fife Adult Support and Protection Committee and child protection charity, Stop It Now! Scotland, have produced a resource pack, the first resource of its kind in Scotland, which provides vital guidance and advice.
The resource is a suite of documents which uses direct and simple language supported by photographs and simple line drawings, so they are very accessible and easy to read.
Resources available are:
• I’ve made a new friend online. But I’m worried. What do I do?
• What am I looking at online?
Copies of the new resources are available online at www.fifedirect.org.uk/adultprotectioneasyread on the Internet Safety section.
FATAL ROAD
Sadly, a woman was killed on Thursday 30 August when her Vauxhall Astra collided with a trailer being towed by a Land Rover Discovery. The incident happened on West Road in Saline, near the site of the former Saline Hotel, around 10.00am. Anyone with information into the circumstances around the collision is asked to come forward and can contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 934 of 30 August.
FORTHCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS:
Saline Golf Club
We have free Wi-Fi and BT sports.
Food available Tuesday-Sunday.
Bingo every Tuesday, 7.30pm start. Quiz night every Thursday, £1 entry.
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
Highland Dancing Classes
Tuesdays 4.00pm-5.00pm
Thursdays 6.30pm-8.00pm
Tel Betty on 852610
Sambangra Drumming Group
Tuesdays, 7.00pm-8.30pm, £2
Steelend Club
Adult Badminton
Mondays 7.45pm
Wednesday 1.30pm and 7.30pm
Saline Community Centre. T: 852610
Craft and Chatter
Thursdays 10.00am-12.00noon
Last Friday of month 7.00pm-9.00pm
Shieldbank Coffee Shop
Saline & Blairingone Parish Church
Afternoon Craft Group
Every second Tuesday. Everyone is invited to join with any sewing, knitting or craft - and enjoy the blether! 2pm-4pm, Saline Church Hall.
Shieldbank Riding & Vaulting Club
Telephone: 01383 852874 Website: www.shieldbank.co.uk Also on Facebook.
Riding lessons for children and adults of all ages and stages.
Vaulting (gymnastics on horseback) instruction for 5-20 year olds.
Everyone welcome. Just call or email to book.
Shieldbank Coffee Shop
Telephone: 01383 852621 Also on Facebook.
Open Tuesdays to Sundays 9.30 am- 6.00 pm.
Craft Group meet here on Thursday mornings 10.00 am until lunchtime.
Group for Amateur Photographers meet on Friday evenings at 7.30 pm.
Saline & District Rural
Wednesday 3 October
7:30pm, Community Centre
Talk from Christine Evans,
Local Coordinator for Poppy Scotland
Open meeting, all most welcome.
Saline & District Heritage Society
Wednesday 19 September,
Saline Church Hall, 7.00pm for 7.30pm
Dr David Caldwell: The Lewis Chessmen
Saline & Blairingone Parish Church
Quiz Night and Supper
Friday 27 September, 7.00 pm
Saline Church Hall.
This Community Bulletin is produced by Saline and Steelend Communications Group
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