CROSSPLAN - Scotland

PARTICIPATORY LANDSCAPE PLANNING

September 1999 Issue 3

All the activities are based at the Strathdon Church Hall, unless stated otherwise. A lot of the activities will be outside if weather permits. Outdoor and old clothing are advised for all events. Children age 7 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

AUTUMN ACTIVITIES

STORIES FROM STRATHDON

Sunday 29 August 2 - 4.30 pm

Learn how to tell Stories and tell some stories about Strathdon, please bring a local story if you know one, This activity is led by Fired Gordon, Senior Ranger of Aberdeenshire Council Ranger service

ACROSS THE LANDSCAPE

Saturday 4 September 10.00am - 3.00 pm Session 1

Saturday 11 September 10.00am - 2.00pm Session 2

Please bring a packed lunch.

The aim of these two sessions is to learn how art can be used as a way of interpreting the landscape. In the morning of the first session, Jackie Cumberbirch, Forest Enterprise Ranger, will look at the different landscapes near to Strathdon Church Hall. In the afternoon of session one, and throughout session two, three different workshops will be available:

• Photography workshop led by Graeme Allen. Please bring camera and film.
• Collage and felt workshop led by Isobel Conboy
• Watercolours and Pastels workshop led by Frances Denerley

These workshops will continue in Session 2.

All activities are free and have limited spaces so to ensure a place please book in advance by telephoning Judith Aylett, Crossplan facilitator, 019756 51329

BUNZEACH CYCLE

Sunday 12 September 10.30am - 1.00 pm.

Please bring a picnic lunch.

Meet at GR NJ 395 117, signposts to area will be from the Boultenstone and Heughhead crossroad. Distance will be approx. 6 miles following forest track and returning on minor road.

Family cycle looking at how the landscape within the forest could be improved and surrounding area,

PLEASE BOOK IN ADVANCE by telephoning 01466 794161

TREASURE HUNT!!

Come and find the treasure of Strathdon. Open Day 24th and 25th September in the Lonach Hall. A ceilidh will take place in the evening of the 25th from 7.30 pm. Look out for further details.

In addition to the activities stated other groups in Strathdon are looking at the landscape in other ways such as the activity named. "ECHOES OF THE LANDSCAPE" This activity is led by focal fiddler Bella Anderson. Bella is working with her fiddle pupils and local musicians both researching into the existing material about Strathdon and also to create a new piece of music for Strathdon.

This music will be premiered on Saturday 25 September, 1999.

As well as collecting the materials from these workshops we are working with various groups and individuals. Strathdon Primary School and Alford Academy have, with the Strathdon Day centre, provided some very poignant ideas.

Their work and several other ideas from groups and individuals will be on show at an interactive presentation and exhibition at the Crossplan open workshops on 24th and 25th September at the Lonach Hall. We have unearthed some interesting details from the past life of the Strath and would ask members of the public to add to these details.

The open workshops also offer a rare public opportunity for everyone to see and comment on plans and new information about the area. So whether you are just interested in seeing what has been brought together or whether you want to be more involved mark the date in your calendar and watch the press for more details.

The end of the International conference and the open workshops will culminate in a Ceilidh. Locals and visitors will be able to share each others music and experiences of the area. We have a fine ceilidh dance band and plan many cameo spots from local 'celebrities' and we hope some of our international visitors.

An exciting Treasure Hunt is planned so get your clues now and set to work on solving them. Your entry could win you a prize. The answers to the clues and the prize will be given at the ceilidh.

Who Can Be Involved?

Anyone and everyone interested in the community! Do you have a particular area of the countryside that you are interested in?

Contact Details

Local Contact: Judith Aylett Heughhead Strathdon AB36 8XY, Tel 019756 51329. e-mail judyaylett@aol.com.

Find out about Donside Internet site at www.upperdonside.org.uk

Forestry Commission: www.forestry.gov.uk

Cairngorms Partnership: www.cairngorms.co.uk

Crossplan Sponsors Include:

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June 1999 issue

April 2000 issue

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