SEPTEMBER 2013

Hello again Readers,

I have written telling you that I usually do my column for The Crier in stages, adding to it bit by bit; not this time; the deadline is only 3 days away and Jimmy will be getting anxious so I need to get cracking.

I am always being teased about where I am when I start my article, sometimes looking out to the islands of Eigg and Rhum from Morar or maybe from south western France. This time I am in my own house in Bridge of Earn but having just returned from some time spent overlooking the Pacific Ocean from a magnificent setting on Vancouver Island, hence the rush towards the end of July. One does not take extra baggage when flying such as notepad etc. Just as well as my luggage and I parted company at Heathrow and were re-united a day and a half later in Bridge of Earn. Could have been never I suppose, so I was lucky.

It is quite amazing how things co-ordinate through various changes and are able to be checked during one's journey. I was flying from Victoria BC where my baggage was checked in and assured that I did not need to think about it until I arrived in Edinburgh----- arrived in Edinburgh, no baggage. It was to be expected as my flight from Vancouver was delayed for 3 hours and 30 minutes------maintenance problems but better to be safe than sorry. Subsequent flights had therefore to be rescheduled. Anyway, at least in Edinburgh I was reassured that my luggage was last noted between Terminals 3 and 5 in Heathrow; it was in the UK! The journey itself was another story which will keep.

What excitement there was in Canada over the birth of Prince George. There was an update of events on every news channel, fireworks, books of congratulations etc etc., everyone so happy to celebrate.

Another event which was strange was watching the end of The Open at Muirfield early in the morning realising it was evening in Scotland and unusually seeing the course looking so brown. First thoughts, my grass won't be growing either, not too much to face when I get home!

I was still in Scotland when Andy Murray won the Men's Singles at Wimbledon; such an exciting event which I will never forget. I took a newspaper over to Canada with a full report of the match and all my relatives were as excited as we were in the UK. On the strength of this I was tempted to play a bit of tennis with the younger generation, not having held a racket in my hand for many years, can still run a bit and hit a not too bad forehand!! Happy memories now.

I haven't caught up with very much Abernethy news yet, hence all the above is about me and Canada (a bit like doing an essay, "What I did on my Holidays". I am sure some of you will remember your schooldays!_ I did hear that the BBQ at the Museum was most succes)ful and that the Grand Golf Raffle was won by Alan Hill, Captain of Dunning Golf Club. His wife Corinna teaches in Abernethy School, so perhaps Alan may invite her to share the prize. Good to know there is an Abernethy connection.

The Fete at the Williamson Hall was enjoyed by young and old. I expect there will be a full report within these pages. It was lovely for me to catch up with longstanding friends and acquaintances and recall Gala Days of bygone years.

Looking forward, do not forget the Art Exhibition in the Museum, this time extending over two weekends 18th, 19th, 20th October and 25th, 26th, 27th October.

I cannot believe that next time I am writing my contribution it will be for the December issue.

Till December,

                                               Hilda Clow.

EDITOR’S VIEW

Is there no enthusiasm for the vote next year?

Brian Boyes seems to be the only person in the village who has anything to say about this life changing event.
Do you agree or disagree with Brian?, Give us your views.
You get the Community Council, Local Council and Government you deserve. If you don’t vote you can’t complain.

Very well done to the Parks Project Committee for raising so much money towards further park developments. The new facilities in the Williamson Park and the Powrie Park are great.

I see there is a letter in on the age old subject of dogs fouling on the highways and bye ways. How many more years will the people of this village have to groan and moan about the irresponsible dog owners who mess our walks?
What is wrong with these people? Have they no respect for the village, its people and their health?

             Get a grip, get a dog poo bag.