ABERNETHY COMMUNITY COUNCIL

Hello Crier, we at the Community Council would like to use this opportunity to reintroduce ourselves as we have had new members and new office bearers appointed recently. We currently are Ritchie Young - Chair, Caroline Haxton - Vice Chair, Linda Buchan - Data Controller, Donna Gillespie - Treasurer, Ro Bell - Secretary, Carol McMahon - Planning and Helena McAllister - Aberargie Representative.

We are supported by our local Councillors Kathleen Baird and David Illingworth. Sadly, as everyone will be aware, we recently lost Councillor Henry Anderson and all at the community council are deeply saddened by the loss and send our love to his family.

As per the new normal we now meet over Zoom warm and snug whilst at home. The meetings are limited in time and never more than 90 minutes. There are new proposals, new actions, and a genuine belief that the community council may be an initiator of change.

We have, during the lockdown, used our time to create a village website which will be going live very soon. This is a call specifically for local community businesses and groups to submit their details to us if they would like to be represented on our local business or groups page. There is no charge for this as we are considering it a community service. We will be looking for the name of the business/group, logo, contact details and sector.

Please send any queries to: abernethycommunitycouncil18@gmail.com or join the CC facebook group by searching Abernethy Community Council and get in touch there.

There are plans to deliver a covid safe virtual experience for the village, an Abernethy audio tour platform where in various spots users of a smart phone app can learn about the village, the people whose stories have been lived here and the history of special places and buildings. Songs, poetry, voices of young and old brought together to share something of this wee village. We hope to have something that community members can get involved in and enjoy throughout the year. We hope all content will be created by the community. All ideas are welcome, please do get in touch.

There is work to be done delivering new cycle routes, working with the elected members and statutory bodies. Helping to plan and signpost safe places for us all to take to two wheels.

We are also here to help spread information and give support. We are working with Network Rail to ensure there are wee signs giving information about Samaritans and those who would support someone having suicidal thoughts.

We would like to thank the local ice warriors during the recent bad weather for stepping up and helping as well as the Abernethy Angels for organising the vaccination clinics that have so far run successfully in Abernethy. We were delighted to help and the community spirit shown was wonderful.

Also for the local farming community we should all be aware that lambing season is approaching and the need to be especially aware around livestock in fields is great. Please tread carefully and respectfully whilst out walking. Any queries about walking routes please get in touch.

There is a belief we can bring together more people to deliver action on projects. Projects which are grounded in the community and inspired by community need. So this is us. Keep an eye and an ear open, we will actively keep folks informed. Come and see…

Ritchie Young, Chair