DECEMBER 2015

Hello Readers,

It is a dreich October afternoon and I am sitting at home wondering what I am going to write about for the Decem- ber issue. It always feels strange to be writing something which will not be read for another month or so. My other problem is my cat who always likes to get in on the act by walking over my notebook as I do a rough draft in pencil then walks over the keyboard as I send the final copy to Jimmy. The cat is certainly "King of the Road" in this little enclave in Bridge of Earn and everyone knows him, but I never enquire too deeply into his whereabouts day or night, especially at night; a case of "Where ignorance is bliss".

I can't help but make a comparison between today and what I was doing a week ago; visiting the most fascinating "Cavern of the Dragon" on the Island of Majorca, one of the most amazing sites I have ever seen, which I can't even begin to describe but it does make one think about the wonders of nature.

A day or two later as I pick up my pencil again.

The witching hour is drawing nigh, both literally and meta- phorically as tomorrow is Hallowe'en and also deadline day for contributions for The Crier but this evening has been Magic Friday, 30th October, the Grand Opening of The Abernethy Community Cinema, complete with Red Carpet, Piper, Perth Celebrity to cut the film tape ribbon with gold-handled scissors, a welcoming glass of bubbly to toast the new venture and a great film to start things off. Projects such as this do not get off the ground without a great deal of work and effort and having some inside knowledge I realise how much time and effort has gone into the setting up of the cinema by a relatively few people.

I am so impressed with the work which has been done in the Williamson Hall over the last few years. It now looks so bright and cheerful and feels warm and welcoming. As for the kitchen it is now a dream in comparison to the nightmare it once was! There are still some of us around who will remember.. Well done to all those involved in looking after the Hall, one of the great assets in Abernethy which benefits from the fact it was never taken over by any body outwith the Parish of Abernethy.

One other point before I leave the film night and The Wil- liamson Hall is to say how happy I was to meet up with so many people I hadn't seen for quite some time.

So on to Hallowe'en itself and I can't help thinking how it has changed over the years, when the children went "Guising" dressed up in home-made fancy dress. Why does everything have to be bought now? Half the fun was trans- forming old sheets, pillowcases and miscellaneous bits of clothing into ghosties and ghoulies and many other weird and wonderful disguises. Hallowe'en was very much a Scot- tish festival and Guy Fawkes English but now the two seem to have merged in some odd way and "guising" had nothing to do with "Guy Fawkes" How many remember the rhyme?

Guisers guisers guising at your door

A penny or a ha'penny and we won't ask more

If you haven't a penny a ha'penny will do

If you haven't a ha'penny then God bless you.

As you read this the next major festival of the year is fast approaching so Happy Christmas Everyone and All Good Wishes for 2016

Hilda Clow

EDITOR’S VIEW

A few years ago we changed the Editor’s Moan to the Editors View. However, this time round I am not having a moan which the View normally is anyway, I make no apologies for that, by the way.

I would like to congratulate the Horti. Society for brightening up the village with the floral tubs, boxes and baskets through the summer months and into the Autumn.

By the time you read this the Abernethy Community Cinema will have had it’s first screening. What a brilliant night, a glass of wine, a bowl of nibbles and great company. If you didn’t manage to get a ticket for the first showing make sure you get in quick for the second. Well done to the Cinema team, absolutely fantastic.

The winter is on its way and by the time the Crier drops through your door the bad weather may have set in. Remember to keep an eye on any elderly neighbours in times of bad weather. Clear a pavement or two of snow when it comes, to help make moving around the village a bit easier for those less able.

Have a great Christmas and a very Happy New Year. And keep reading.

The Ed.