June 2016 Send news to: j.mair382@btinternet.com

In the PICTureDelivered free to every home in Letham and district by

Dunnichen Letham and Kirkden Church of Scotland (Registered Scottish Charity 003833)

News From the Manse

Morning Service

Sundays@10.30 am

ALL WELCOME

Rev. Dale London

The Manse, 7 Braehead Road, LethamPhone: 818025 (Mobile: 078505611

Well, here we are at the penultimate issue before thesummer break and I was hoping to bring you the winningarticle from the Letham Primary School P4 writingcompetition. Unfortunately, the articles are not yet readyto judge so you are stuck with me this month. Hopefullywe’ll have it all sorted for the summer issue.

But that is okay because there is still a lot to tell youabout. Elsewhere in this issue you will read about theprogress on our Church Hall Refurbishment Project andthe fund raisers we will be conducting. However Iwanted to highlight a couple of them for you here as wellbecause, to be perfectly honest, I am a bit excited aboutthem.

·   First,  following  a  successful  gig  here  lastAutumn, the Forfar Instrumental Band hasagreed to come back in July for another concert.I cannot endorse this group strongly enough.With the acoustics of the Church playing theirpart, the band is a joy to hear. I am not entirelysure what admission will cost but details will beprinted in the summer issue next month. Justkeep Saturday the 23rd of July free in your diary– it’s gonna be great!

·   Also, as the  Hall Refurbishment is expected tobe complete by the end of the month, we willbe hosting an Open Day on the 9th of July toshow it off. I do have to apologise that neitherBetty nor I will be here that day as we will beotherwise occupied (getting our daughtermarried off). But you really ought to come byand have a good nosey at what we’ve had doneto the place. It’ll knock your socks off.

In other news, you will all be aware that each month wehost a film night in the Church… each month EXCEPTfor June, July and August because the evenings are toolight then. Well, that is changing this year. Thanks tothe Letham Drama Group and the Village Hall, we nowhave blackout curtains for four of our windows, makingit dark enough to show films all year-round. This monthwe will be showing the Pixar animated film, “InsideOut” on Friday the 17th June starting at 7:30pm.

Admission is free (though donations are welcome) .The Basement will provide a tuck shop for all yoursnacking needs as usual. Again, a big thank-you goesout to the Letham Drama Group and the Village HallCommittee for their generosity.

Last but certainly not least, this month of June seesnot one, not two but THREE special Church services.We will have our Informal Communion service onJune 5th at 9:30am. There will be a Family Service(including a short skit) conducted by the WorshipGroup and others on Sunday the 19th at 10:30am.Thirdly, the Elders of the Church will conductworship on Sunday the 26th which will be followedby a Church Picnic. Please do come and share withus on any or all of these days – or, indeed at any ofour services. We would love to see you.

As a reminder, do keep your eyes on this spot nextmonth for the winning article from Letham PrimarySchool. The kids are all excited about it and, I mustadmit, I am too. Meantime, be safe, be happy and bewell.

May God the Father watch over you all.

Dale London

Page 2 CHURCH NEWS In the PICTure

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

JUNESun O5 Jun Morning Worship 10:30

Informal CommunionSun 12 Jun Morning Worship 10:30Thu O9 Jun Kirk SessionFri 17 Jun Film NightSun 19 Jun Morning Worship 10:30

Family ServiceMission Group Leading Service

Sun 26 Jun Morning Worship 10:30Elders Leading ServiceChurch Picnic

Sun O3 Jly Morning Worship 10:30Informal Communion

Sat O9 Jly Hall reopens 10 :00

Sat All Mths Mens Prayer BreakfastOn summer break

Mon All Wks Learning TogetherIn the Church 10:30

Wed All Wks Explore some MoreContact Rev Dale

FILM NIGHTNEW SUMMER SHOWING

At Dunnichen Letham and KirkdenChurch

On Friday 17th June at 7. 30 p.m.Admission Free

Dunnichen Letham and KirkdenChurch

Fabric Task Group 2016 Report

Fabric GroupThe members are: Lucy Ainsworth, Dave Lumgair,Betty Mitchell, Richard Moore , Bill Sturrock, AngusWatson and Martyn Thomas, we are also joined by theMinister, Dale London , Session Clerk, Irene McGugan,and Treasurer Elaine Saunders.

Letham ChurchDuring the year repairs have been carried out to thefront door catch and the lighting dimmer switches. Twowindow panes have been replaced due to damage. Thefire alarm system has been checked and a fire drillcarried out. Fire equipment has been serviced and P AT Testing on electrical plugs has been carried out.Various Health and Safety notices have been obtainedand displayed, and a risk assessment carried out. A newPhotocopier has been obtained and the floor cleanerreplaced. To help with electricity costs Solar Panelshave been installed.

Church GroundsThe Grass has been cut regularly by Colin Ainsworth.The Cross which was blown down during the gales hasbeen restored on a concrete base with the help ofFlosteel Ltd.

Church HallDavid Petrie Joiners started work on 4th April 2016 andthis is ongoing. Other news regarding the Hall iscontained in various articles in this issue of In thePICTure.

ManseRepairs have been carried out to the valley gutter andthe garage roof. A new gate and fencing is in place. Amaintenance programme is in place for the heating,lighting CO monitor and smoke alarm. A new extractorfan has been fitted in the bathroom and the ceiling isbeing repainted. Rev Martyn Thomas

Next Issue of‘In the PICTure’

Deadline for the July/August issue:Sunday 19th June 2016

Material may be sent to Joan Smith,9 Burnside Road (01307 818937)Email: joan_77@btinternet.com

or to Bruce Mair2 Idvies View (01307 818600)

Email:j.mair382@btinternet.com

In the PICTure CHURCH NEWS Page 3

CHURCH HALL REFURBISHMENT – LATEST NEWS!

Work has continued during May, as you will have noticed when passing by the Church, and we remainon schedule for completion by the end of June.While the contractor and subcontractors have focused on building the ramp, replacing the roof,constructing the new kitchen and toilets, and installing new windows and doors, a small group fromthe Church has been making all important decisions about floor coverings, colours for the walls andtypes of material for the toilet cubicles (!!) We hope our decisions will please most people.The total cost for this work, including all fees and insurance, is (at the time of writing) £165,215,including VAT. We have already paid out £16,315 (as of 6/5/2016) and so we have an estimated£148,900 still to pay. We are paying for this by the following means:Balance in the Renovations Fund as at 6/5/2016 £50,602Balance of money in the Consolidated Fabric Fund (Sale of Dunnichen) £49,839 Grant due from General Trustees £20,000 Loan due from General Trustees £30,000 Total £150,442However much of the loan we use needs to be paid back over 5 years, with interest, meaning that agreat deal of fund raising will be taking place, and you can read about some of that elsewhere in themagazine - see the articles re the exciting “Scarecrow Competition” and another welcome concert bythe Forfar Instrumental Band.We will also need some new items of equipment, such as a drop down screen for slide shows etc, andwe are busy preparing a wish list for these items. We have already been given six tables by thePensioners’ Committee and had another two tables donated.But delivered along with your magazine is a Pledge Form which we used to great success when werenovated the Church. If it is possible for you, we are asking as many people as possible to pledge afixed amount for the next 12 months (either in instalments or in a lump sum). We would reallyappreciate if you could give some consideration to this, and return your completed form to the Treasurer– Elaine Saunders or to any Elder.Thank you in anticipation.And don’t forget to come to our “Open Day” on Saturday 9th July between 10 am and 2 pm to see thefinished article!! Refreshments will be served – and there is no cost for attending.

Kirk Session

Visit by Members of The Steeple Church Dundee

The Rev. Webster, formerly of DLK, is visiting Letham on Sunday 12th June2016, as part of a series of outings which the Steeple Church in Dundee holds.The group plans to view the banners in our Church, then take a walk out by

the Back Fadd to see the Dunnichen battlefield and associated monuments, then return to the Hameltfor refreshment. Rev Webster would be pleased should any DLK members wish to join in for part,or all of the afternoon which starts in the Square at 2p.m. Rev. Webster

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Page 4 CHURCH NEWS In the PICTure

PLUMBING,BATHROOMS & KITCHENSFITTED, JOINERY, TILINGPAINTING, DECORATING

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welcomes items of news andexpressions of opinion from

organisations and individualswithin the community, provided sucharticles are signed. Published itemsdo not necessarily reflect the views ofeither the Publications Group or theKirk Session of Dunnichen Letham

and Kirkden Church.

Summer FunComing to a garden near you- the

Letham Scarecrow Competition!

Entry is open to individuals,families andgroups, so put your thinking hats on and

get creative.The event will take place over the summerholidays so look out for instructions in the

July/August issue of In the PICTure.

More Summer FunKeep free the evening of

Saturday 23rd July live performance by

Forfar Instrumental Bandin Letham Church.

The band enjoyed playing in LethamChurch last November and will againprovide a mixed programme, suitablefor all ages.

SummerYou are invited to

The Church Hall Open DaySaturday 9th July 2016 10am - 2pm

Come and view the refurbished HallJoin us for refreshments

All Welcome

Welcome

The Church of Scotland held its General Assemblyduring the third week in May 2016, in the Assem-bly Hall on the Mound, Edinburgh.

The new Moderator is the Revd Dr Russell Barr.He has been minister at Edinburgh’s CramondKirk since 1993 and hails from Kilmarnock. Hewas instrumental in setting up a homeless charityin Edinburgh known as “Fresh Start” in which heis still activily involved.

We look forward to his ministry.

Fairtrade

Usual goods for purchase after morningservice at the Church.

Sunday 12th June 2016

Fairtrade snippet:-Lidl are now selling fairly traded flowers.Queries to Lucy : clardmear@gmail.com

Letham Gardening Club& Letham Feuars

Planting of Summer Bedding onSaturday 11th June at 9.00a.m.

All are welcome to take part in keeping theSquare looking good and refreshments will

be available.Colin Ainsworth clardmear@gmail.com

In the PICTure CHURCH/COMMUNITY NEWS Page 5

The Bird Man of Letham (as opposed to Alcatraz)

Local man, Norman Campbell, is a long time member of Angus and Dundee BirdClub. The Club has a healthy membership of 181 and meets monthly in PanbrideChurch Hall, Carnoustie. As well as usual activities the Club has an ongoingproject to engage with young people in which ‘Norrie’ ( as he is known locally)is a prime mover.The Club purchased a trail camera which Norrie has installed in Letham PrimarySchool grounds. During spring and summer, Norrie downloads the images weeklyand these are then discussed in class. Karen Frain, Head Teacher, notes that thepupils really enjoy learning about birds and wildlife in their school environmentand this provides a base for further research.Angus is an excellent area for birds, and Norrie notes that quite a few Lethamresidents, along with the school pupils, have bird feeders and tables situated ingardens attracting blue tits and woodpeckers as well as more common species.

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Thoughts from the Annual Gathering of The Eco-Congregation Scotland

Held in Perth on 23rd April, those who attended were reminded that we should 'find a place for nature in ourcongregations'. As it says in Psalm 24 verse 1 'The earth is the Lord's and everything in it, the world and allwho live in it.'Through the mantle of Eco-congregation with its network of Churches we have the ability to influenceneighbourhoods with respect to caring for the environment. We have been entrusted with this and we should putit into action.The recent refurbishment of Dunnichen, Letham and Kirkden Church has improved it's energy efficiency byreducing the building volume, installing insulation, secondary glazing and electric heating.  Since then, a fewsolar panels have been installed to generate electricity to offset some of our usage. The current improvementsto the Church Hall include better insulation,and double glazing.Church grounds and graveyards can be very useful for wildlife either as sites for certain species or forming partof a 'wildlife corridor' enabling wildlife to travel from site to site. Birds, bats, hedgehogs and squirrels are allcreatures that take advantage of these corridors.So how can we improve our Church grounds?Perhaps we could plant a mixed hedge to provide birds with nuts and berries and with places for them to roostand nest. If we planted some wild flowers and installed 'bug hotels' then we might attract more insects, thusproviding more food for birds and bats etc. Roosting boxes could be put up for bats. These suggestions are all suitable for ordinary gardens too.Another way to help is by becoming a member of a wildlife charity such as the RSPB(Royal Societyfor the Protection of Birds), Buglife, Bat Conservation Trust, and the Scottish Wildife Trust to namea few.So, what next? Who's interested in developing any of these ideas? Please contact Lucy:clardmear@gmail.com

Page 6 COMMUNITY NEWS In the PICTure

Monthly Report from SWI Letham and DistrictThe AGM for session 2015/16 took place on Tuesday 3rd May when the annual accounts were adopted andreports were given by the President and Secretary.As pictured in the Local Group Profile, the 91st Birthday Cake was cut and served to members together witha lovely buffet prepared by the outgoing Committee.

The highlight of this friendly, social evening was thepresentation of the annual competition trophies.

The 'Webster ladies' kept it in the family with Mum,Frances, winning the Housewives' Cup and theshield for Flower of the Month. She was just pippedto the post by daughter, Lynne, who as well as beingawarded the Crafts Tray, scooped the Rosebowl formost points overall.

The committee which will serve for the 2016/17session was announced, voting having taken place atthe start of the evening.The final meeting of the current session will be thesummer outing to Peel Farm on Tuesday 7th June.

The new session begins on Tuesday, 6th September at 7.15pm in Letham Bowling Club when we lookforward to welcoming old and new friends . Jane Nicolson. (Press Secretary)

Local Group ProfileSWI: Letham and District

It is almost 100 years since the first Women's Rural Institute was founded in Scotland - at Longniddry in1917; two years after those in England and Wales. Our local Institute dates back to 1925 and presently meetsin Letham Bowling Club on the first Tuesday of every month (except July and August) at 7.15pm.There are 36 members ranging in age from the thirties to the late eighties – and more are always welcome.Institutes are open to all women and girls.A sample of what to expect at meetings taken from the recent syllabuses shows Craft and Cookerydemonstrations; information about local services; presentations from and visits to local places of interest;tips on floral art; concerts and musical entertainment and visits from other Institutes in Angus Federation.All this for an annual membership fee of £20, or £2.50 as a visitor to an individual meeting.Letham and District is one of 36 others which form the Angus Federation, which in turn comes under theumbrella of the Central Council in Edinburgh.This structure encourages friendly rivalry both locally and nationally across a wide spectrum of activities and

interests from cookery and crafts; to sports such asbowling, golf and curling; choir singing; quiz nights;debate and discussion; drama and much more. Skills canalso be learned and developed at regular workshops oncookery; crafts; Scottish country dance; and even morewidely at the annual summer 'school' which offersinstruction in for example more complex activities suchas drystane dyking.At the AGM of the local Institute in May, the 91stBirthday Cake ,which had been baked and beautifullydecorated by a younger member, Sandra Donald, was cutby a very senior member Janetta Armstrong supported byher sister Margery.

The SWI message promoted is that each Institute can bejust what its members wish it to be – with very fewboundaries. All women and girls are welcome.

In the PICTure COMMUNITY NEWS/OBITUARIES Page 7

ObituariesIt is with deep sadness that we announce the deaths of Helen Fairgreave and Annie Nicol.Helen Fairgreave was taken unexpectedly in an accident last month and was laid to rest in DunnichenCemetery on the 9th of May. She and her husband, Peter had been adherents to our Church and, thoughthey had latterly moved to Tain, they had recently sold their home up north and were planning to rejoinour community either this month or in July. At last report, Peter is still planning to return to Letham andwe look forward to welcoming him back. It is our sincere prayer that God ease his sorrow at this difficulttime.

Annie Nicol was another “weel kent face” in the village who will be sorely missed. She had been deeplyinvolved in the community throughout her time here, with the Bowling Club, the Church, the school andmuch, much more. In the past few years her health had suffered and she finally returned to the Lord onthe 11th of May. Annie was committed to God at Parkgrove Crematorium on the 19th of May and issurvived by her brother, Jim Nicoll, her daughter, Rachel, and her grandchildren, Calum, Niamh andGregor. May God watch over and comfort them all. Rev Dale London

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Letham PensionersAnnual Outing is on Tuesday 5th July, 2016.

This year, the full day trip is a nice long one…… destination being The Riverside Museum in Glasgow.This is now The Transport Museum: for those who are not interested in old trams and the likes thereare plenty shops to browse in. The coach will leave the Village Square at 10am.The shorter trip will be to Dunkeld, where The Cathedral and the Art Display can be visited andriverside walks undertaken northwards. The coach will leave the Village Square at 12noon,this being earlier than previous years for the shorter trip.Cost for either trip including high tea is £8 for member pensioners and £16 for members who are notof pensionable age.Each member will be contacted by a Committee Member with further details during June.

Future Diary Date to note:Coffee Morning - 13th August 2016 in the Church Hall. This was delayed from May due to ChurchHall refurbishment. Angus Watson

Dempster Day, Sunday 14th August 2016

Advance notice of Dempster Day and Village Flower Show. Full details next month.Dempster Day is a time for everyone to celebrate our community, have fun and find out about villageactivities. There is no charge for having a table or a space for any activity that draws attention to yourgroup, so please get in touch to discuss what you would like to do and book your space. Contact isIsobel - email isobelsword@hotmail.co.uk / phone818362 /call into the Feuars’ Hall ,Tuesday pm .

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