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Post date: 04-Feb-2019 20:40:07
116th FIFE SCOUT GROUP
Christmas is well behind us and all sections are now well into their programmes for the new session.
The Scout Christmas Post was all sorted and delivered on time, providing us with a welcome boost to our funds. A very big thank you to all who made use of this service and to all those parents and friends of the Group who helped sort and deliver the cards.
On the final night of last term, the Beavers held their own Christmas party in the hall. They have embarked on a programme covering the Outdoor Challenge, Safety and Photography Activity Badges. In the future, the Colony is planning to complete the Scottish Beaver Scout Challenge in March with a Sleepover planned for April.
Meanwhile the Cub Pack enjoyed their Christmas outing to Sky High at Falkirk, followed by snacks at McDonald’s. They are now working on Local Knowledge, Fire Safety, Emergency Aid and Animal Care Activity Badges. The Pack’s next event is the District Safety Competition to be held and sponsored by Dunfermline Fire Station on 10 February. They also have a hike planned in Devilla Forest, hopefully to be held in March.
The Scout Troop are continuing with their winter camping programme with camps planned for 15/16 February and 15/16 March, all to be held at Fordell Firs Campsite. On meeting nights they are progressing with the Community and Skills Challenge Awards.
The Explorers, though lacking in numbers at the moment, have the District Quiz night in February to look forward to. To further their camping skills, they usually join with the Scout Troop where possible.
At present we have spaces in all sections: Beavers 6 to 8, Cubs 8 to 10, Scouts 10 to 14, and Explorers 14 to 18. All sections are open to both boys and girls. For further details, see the last page of this bulletin.
Peter Philp, Group Scout Leader
01383 852612
116th Fife Scout Group
SALINE PRIMARY SCHOOL NEWS
Happy New Year to everyone from Saline Primary School! We are all back and working hard towards our Saline Standard of being the best we can possibly be by being Determined, Kind, Innovative and Resilient. Look out for our hashtag #DKIR around the school and on our school twitter feed @SalinePS. Already this term we have showcased our learning with our parents, carers and community members with a Scottish celebration afternoon with poetry, song, art and dance. Thank you to all who managed to come along.
Our afterschool clubs have started back and offer a variety of activities from drama to football and fitness. We are always interested in new opportunities for our learners to develop new skills and would be delighted to hear from community members who might be interested in sharing their skill set with us. We have two newly tuned pianos in the school but unfortunately no one able to play them. Please contact the school office if this could be you! Thank you.
Some of our older pupils are participating in a Young Leadership Pathway pilot with Active Schools. Active Schools work with young people, providing a range of leadership roles supporting them to reach their potential. For primary pupils, the first step on this pathway may be as a Junior Leader within their school. The roles are varied such as Event Organisers, and Decision Makers. We have signed up to the Race for Life and this will be one of the activities that the pupils will be organising and hosting in the village. Look out for further information and news about this exciting event.
We have also decided to redevelop our outdoor space to the rear of the school and plans have been created by the children to look at this space as an outdoor classroom with a secure fire pit, a willow fence, a canopy and some planters for fruits and vegetables. If you would be able to help us with the donation of any materials listed below we would be very grateful!
× Old pots and pans
× Planters/plant pots
× Tarpaulin
× Logs/stumps that can be used for seating
As always, it’s a busy term with lots going on but that’s how we like it!
Mrs Alexis Perkins, DHT, Saline PS
01383 602430
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 WILLOW HORSE
As you all know, Willow the ploughing horse had to move to a retirement home for old willow horses. I think it’s fair to say that Willow struck a good pose on the green and is missed by many. Having a life size sculpture in a prominent position in the village creates a point of interest and can become an attraction, better still if the sculpture has a link with the village history. So we plan to find a suitable solution/replacement, perhaps made of a material that will last longer but still permits a life size and correctly proportioned horse sculpture to be created. I hope to be able to report again in the very near future how these plans are going and what help and support we would need to bring a replacement to fruition.
Gareth Turner, on behalf of the SSCDT
SALINE & DISTRICT HERITAGE SOCIETY
We had a great turnout for our first speaker event of the 2019 on Fife Pilgrims Way and our next talk will be on Wednesday 20 February, Women Pilots of WW2. Usual time of 7.00pm for refreshments and chat with a 7.30pm start in Saline Church Hall.
Tina and the committee will be spending the next few months preparing our next museum exhibition, this time on Health so if you have any stories to tell or information about health care in this area in the past, please let Tina know at the meetings.
We are also delighted to announce that there will be not just one but two visits this year, one from our twinned town of Saline, Michigan in May and another in June from a gentleman from Holland whose ancestors are buried in the old graveyard. We look forward to welcoming them to Saline, Fife.
Finally, the Community Orchard Trail leaflets are ready and will be distributed to the middle shop, the Golf Club, Bandrum, and Shieldbank shortly. The illustrations were designed by children at Saline Primary School, so many thanks to them.
SALINE SQUIRRELS
It is great to hear all about the sightings of red squirrels recently encountered around Saline. It may be part of a slow recovery after many years of decline. To help get a big picture of how red squirrels are doing, sending in a record of your sighting would really help the conservation of this much-loved animal. There are several easy ways of making your sightings count.
Nationally, there is the Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels project which has very useful information and an easy recording application. https://scottishsquirrels.org.uk
Locally, there is the Fife Red Squirrel Group www.fiferedsquirrelgroup.org.uk or Fife Nature Records Centre which has a recording form especially for squirrels https://beautiful.fife.scot/get-involved/
They’d also like to hear about any sightings of greys too (Pittencrieff Park was one of the original sites where greys were released into the wild).
COMMUNITY COUNCIL MATTERS
A healthy attendance braved another dark, cold and dreich evening to discuss a variety of issues.
David Chisholm opened the meeting with the sad news of the passing of Dan Peggie’s wife. Dan had been a regular participant at meetings and David had conveyed the Community Council’s condolences to him.
David advised of progress with the South West Fife Community Plan and of a meeting to be held to 23 February in the Parkgate Centre, Rosyth. The purpose of this meeting is to prioritise the key issues raised in the consultation events, such as the one in Saline Golf Club.
Playparks Upgrading
The North Road project appears to be well advanced and we must hope that the Playpark Group’s efforts are rewarded by children finally being able to enjoy the facility.
Things finally seem to be moving towards much needed upgrading of the Steelend playpark. Further information will be provided in the next Bulletin.
Community Centre
Again, things are moving. As indicated in the previous Bulletin, the pharmacist has met the Health Board and has submitted her application for a community pharmacy. The Health Board will shortly be seeking the community’s views via a survey that will be available in electronic and paper versions. This will be advertised in the Dunfermline Press. Please ensure that you participate.
A useful meeting has been held with Scott Fenton from Fife Council regarding greater community involvement in the Community Centre. He had provided details of community-run activities being held in centres throughout Fife. The Scottish Land Fund might consider a grant to carry out the feasibility study and business plan that are essential if community acquisition is to be considered.
Fireworks Display
Saline Golf Club has indicated that it is willing to host next year’s event. Unfortunately, it is anticipated that costs will be increased but the organising committee is reasonably confident that the necessary funds can be raised.
Galas
A donation to Steelend Gala was agreed in view of the expense involved and because it was attended by children from the communities within the Community Council area. There was lively discussion on whether Saline Gala should be revived and what form it should take. The Community Council is supportive but, if something is to happen, a new committee will be required to agree aspects such as whether it should be a traditional gala or be more events based, and where it should be held. It is essential that people come forward to join the committee or to offer help. If you have ideas or opinions or are willing to help, please pass comments to the Community Council, post on the Saline and Steelend Facebook page or on the Saline and Steelend website.
Christmas Lights
Some people have suggested Christmas lights along the Saline and Steelend road corridor. Again, this would require community support and participation. Any comments should be sent to the Community Council.
Road Safety
The installation of speed bumps on Oakley Road is proving controversial with complaints of them being dangerous in the dark. Speeding continues to be a problem. Speedwatch might be helpful, as discussed in previous meetings, but more volunteers are required. A possible danger from erosion of the road edge at the bend after the White Gates before the former piggery has been reported to Fife Council. At the time of writing, a response has not been received. In the meantime, take care around this corner.
West Fife Villages Forum
David Chisholm reported on the Forum’s inaugural meeting and how Shiresmill residents had raised issues of flooding and speeding. This reflects many people’s views here and he felt that these were issues particularly appropriate for the Forum.
Main Street Gap Site
Saline School pupils have shifted a lot of rubbish from the gap site opposite the shop, which they are developing as a community garden. Our thanks go to all the children who have been involved.
Possible Housing Site at the east end of Steelend
Sketch proposals have been prepared by Moray Royles who carried out the Saline and Steelend Housing Survey and who was the architect for the Kingdom development on Oakley Road. The sketches were prepared to enable Steelend residents to consider whether or not development should be supported. However, it should be stressed that the sketches were prepared to establish how many units could be accommodated on the site and are indicative only. The Community Council continues to believe that Steelend residents’ views are paramount. Subject to feedback from the community, the Community Council would be willing to host an event as the first stage to establishing people’s views.
Bins
After a period of improvement, things have returned to normal with bins creating a hazard for disabled people. Please try to consider others when putting bins out.
Dog Fouling
If anything, the problem is escalating and it seems that some people have no consideration for people who use our footpaths and grassed areas. If you have any information on who the culprits are, please advise Fife Council. All information is treated as confidential.
Date of Next Meeting
Tuesday 26 February 2019 in Saline Community Centre at 7.30pm. All welcome.
STEELEND CLUB
Steelend Club is a major asset which our community can ill afford to lose. It is used as an amenity by residents of both Saline and Steelend, and proved its worth during last year’s bad winter. However, not enough people are using it on a regular basis which threatens its sustainability. Think about availability for wedding receptions, funeral parties, birthdays and other events that could be lost if the doors are closed.
Membership fees are more than reasonable, the club is welcoming, and membership brings benefits not available to non-members. Why not pop in and have a word with committee members and, more importantly, give the club your patronage? The regular entertainment is excellent and there are late buses back to Saline and Dunfermline.
BAGS OF HELP FOR THE GOLF CLUB
As some of you will already be aware, Saline Golf Club has been selected as one of three recipients of funding from Tesco’s Bags of Help initiative. They will put the money towards improvements to the men’s toilets. The amount they receive depends on how many blue tokens are in the collecting boxes. So if you are shopping at the Dunfermline Fire Station store make sure you collect your tokens when you pay at the till and drop them into the collecting box as you leave. And if you are shopping at any other Tesco store hold on to the tokens and drop them in at the Fire Station branch when you are next in the town.
Saline Golf Club is a major social and leisure asset within our community. Lots of improvements are being made to attract more people to it. Please be generous in your support!
KIRKLANDS SNOWDROPS
As part of Visit Scotland’s Scottish Snowdrop Festival, the garden at Kirklands will have two open weekends. The first is 23-24 February from 2.00pm to 4.30pm, and the second is 2-3 March at the same times.
Over 40 years ago, when we arrived at Kirklands, there was a small clump of snowdrops by the front door. Each year we divided and replanted the bulbs. They are now naturalised and continue to spread around the whole garden in a dazzling white carpet. The hellebores, aconite, etc will be putting on their display too. Enjoy a walk around the two acres of woodland garden. Please let us know if you would like a guided tour for groups or individuals. There will be a small charge of £4.00 for adults, and children are free when accompanied by an adult. The charge will include a small clump of snowdrop bulbs and maybe in 40 years your garden will be a carpet of white in late winter!
Our Facebook page has more photos of the garden: www.facebook.com/kirklandshouseandgarden
P7 TREE PLANTING AT SALINE GOLF CLUB
During the summer Jacquie Mellon, who leads on developing the volunteering opportunities at Saline Golf Club, contacted Alexis Perkins, Acting Deputy Head at Saline Primary School, to discuss the idea of the older pupils being involved in planting some trees or hedgerows which could be sourced from the Woodland Trust. Alexis was happy to be involved in this activity as the pupils were in the middle of achieving their John Moore Award; they have been busy in the village doing various environmental activities and were looking for some new ideas. Alexis had received a large number of saplings from the Woodland Trust and which were delivered to the Clubhouse on November 23.
The pupils arrived with three supervising adults at 11.00am on a very cold, wet and windy morning! They were quickly involved with volunteers from the Club: Drew Mellon, David and Ann Hatton and Jacquie Mellon. Under the guidance from the Greenkeeper Robbie Breignan, they quickly planted a sapling each along the boundary wall at the third tee. The pupils had an excellent understanding of the many benefits the trees would bring to the course, such as making a good boundary, screening the road and houses, and providing a natural habitat for wildlife as well as making the course look more attractive.
After an hour of cold hard work, everyone ventured into the Clubhouse for some very welcome hot chocolate and doughnuts! Jacquie spoke to the supervising adults and pupils about the newly opened putting green and the practice area being open and free for all to use with the option to borrow clubs. Several pupils were interested and keen to come along in the future.
Since their visit Jacquie has been in touch with the school to invite the pupils back to complete another environmental challenge on the Course in the New Year…. Watch this space for details soon!
If anyone in the local community is interested in volunteering at SGC please contact Jacquie in the first instance on 07984 674057 or email at jacquie@fva.org.uk.
SALINE ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP
Saline Environmental Group are organising some new events for 2019. First on the go is a talk about Steelend bog by Keith Dalgleish (Scottish Heritage) on Fri 15 February at 7.00pm in Saline Church Hall. This will be a real opportunity for people in Saline and Steelend to develop a unique and invaluable wildlife reserve. The talk will cover the nature of bogs and in particular Steelend Bog. So, if after the talk you wish to become more involved, we are hoping to form a group of volunteers to help recreate the Bog’s original nature and develop it as an asset for the entire community.
Look out for news in the spring concerning moths and butterflies. Anyone interested in Saline Environmental Group can join or contact us on our Facebook page. All are welcome and it is for all ages.
SALINE & BLAIRINGONE PARISH CHURCH NEWS
Afternoon Club
The afternoon club for pupils in P5, 6, and 7 resumed meetings on Monday 4 February in the Church Hall. We meet from 3.00pm till 4.15pm. The dates for this term are 4, 11, and 25 February and 4, 11 and 18 March. We look forward to enjoying a programme of stories, music, games and crafts – and, of course, refreshments. New members are always welcome. Please bring an adult along to register on your first visit. Cost is 50p per session.
Holiday Club
Thursday 14 and Friday 15 February. For children of Primary School age in the Church Hall from 10.00am to 12.30pm (registration from 9.30am). The Team Builders programme includes games, competitions, music, crafts and refreshments. Further information from Anne and Alan Monk (Tel 851283, email alanmonk@talktalk.net).
World Day of Prayer
The service this year, written by a group of Christian women from Slovenia is entitled Come – Everything is Ready, will be held on Friday 1 March at 07.00pm in Saline Parish Church, and conducted by members from Saline, Carnock and Oakley Parish Churches, and Church of the Holy Name, Oakley. All are welcome to join us in this international event.
FORTHCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS:
Saline Golf Club
We have free Wi-Fi and BT Sports.
Food available throughout the year:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11.00am-2.30pm
Wednesday: 11.00am-2.30pm
Thursday: 11.00am-8.00pm
Friday: 11.00am-2.30pm
Saturday: 10.00am-2.30pm
Sunday: 12.00noon-4.00pm
Golf Memberships available.
Junior Golf Membership only £10 per year.
Social Membership only £10 per year.
Bingo every Monday, 7.30pm start.
Quiz night every Thursday at 8.30pm. £1 entry.
Steelend Miners Club
Saturday 16 February, 9.00pm.
Valentine's Night
with Gill Knight, a great vocalist.
Entry £4; this includes a light supper. Please come along.
Non-members welcome.
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
Saline & District Rural
Wednesday 6 March, 7.30pm.
Saline Community Centre
Crafts with Laura and Ruth
Warm welcome to all
Adult Badminton
Mondays 7.45pm
Wednesday 1.30pm and 7.45pm
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.
Saline & Blairingone Parish Church
World Day of Prayer, 1 March, 7.00pm
Saline Parish Church.
This Community Bulletin is produced by Saline and Steelend Communications Group
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