Turriff welcomes new tennis courts
100 Years Ago
New tennis courts at Turriff – The new tennis courts were formally opened on Wednesday by Mr George Hutcheon of Gask. There was a large attendance of members and friends, and during the afternoon tea was served by a number of ladies. Mr Hutcheon, in declaring the courts open, congratulated the club on the way they had gone in for this great improvement, and on their success in collecting funds to pay for it. After giving a history of the club, Mr Hutcheon said he was sure they would find the new courts very satisfactory, and he had no doubt they would add greatly to the popularity of the game, and that the small balance still due would, by the assistance of their bowling friends, be soon cleared-off. Bailie Mowat proposed votes of thanks to Mr Hutcheon for opening the courts and for his liberality to the club; to Mr Duncan, architect, Westholm, for giving his services; and to the ladies for providing the tea. A special vote of thanks was accorded to secretaries, Messrs W. Craick and R. Campbell, for the excellent arrangements they had made for the opening ceremony.
50 Years Ago
Aberchirder wary about water scheme – Aberchirder Town Council are still wary about securing water from Aberdeenshire’s proposed regional water scheme. This was made clear by members after a letter from Aberdeenshire County Council had been read at the monthly meeting of the council last Tuesday evening. The letter noted that the Aberchirder council was interested in the proposed scheme which had been referred to in correspondence and at meetings with the Aberchirder Council in 1956. Unfortunately it was not possible at this juncture to give an indication as to when the scheme would be in operation as plans were only in the preliminary stages and the views of the Deveron Fishery Board had been invited on alternative schemes involving abstraction of water from the Deveron at different points. After these views had been considered the county council would have to decide which scheme was to be adopted and thereafter make application to the Secretary of State for a water order. The letter added that a considerable time may well elapse before the procedure was completed and of course in a scheme of such magnitude it would not be possible to progress with definite plans until the necessary water order had been obtained. The letter concluded: “In view of your reference to the acute water shortage which is even now being experienced by your burgh, I think it right to point out that the regional water scheme should be regarded as a long term rather than a short term project and would suggest that this should be made clear to your council at the outset.” Treasurer Ian G. Dunbar said: “What does long term mean – 20 years? I would forget about the whole thing.”
25 Years Ago
Long wait for the patients – Patients can face a wait of up to seven months for their first appointment at the ear, nose and throat clinic at Chalmers Hospital, Banff. And, despite a clinic now being held once every two weeks – instead of the twice monthly system – the waiting period is not showing any significant reduction. Today Banff district councillor Mr James Reid slammed the length of time taken to see a consultant as “a national disgrace.” Mr Reid has joined the campaign launched by Banff and Buchan Local Health Council to have an urgent probe made into the situation at the Banff clinic. The matter was brought to light by council secretary Mrs Ann Stephenson, who had contacted the health board after complaints from the public. “I was told that the average waiting time for the first appointment with the consultant at the Banff ENT clinic is around seven months,” she told stunned members of the health council. Councillor Reid, who is a health council member, is furious at the delay. He said: “It is absolutely shocking – a national disgrace. This is all down to the shortage of specialists able to come to Banff. The situation is shocking and the health board have a duty to put matters right.” Dr F. Soper, unit medical officer, said that the consultants have been aware of the situation at Banff and added: “They are conscious of the length of time and are doing their best to help. Clinics are now being held once every two weeks instead of twice monthly and, on occasions, a registrar is also in attendance to help. I must emphasise that the majority of the cases involved are minor. Urgent cases are treated as such and the delay is normally in making the first appointment only.” Chairman of the health council, retired Banff GP Dr Peter Sharp, said the problem was historical adding: “The health board have always had too few consultants to cope with the demand.”