Simply Magic Workshop

Students from Glenalmond College Perthshire attending a simply magic workshop directed by Mary-Ann Orr at the Steeple Arts, Newburgh North Fife. Some very creative outcomes.









The next course using thread art.
A Wand in the wardrobe- wearable art- learn how to transform the old into the new. you will be taught the basic techniques of deconstruction of textiles and fibres. Then using multiple free motion stitch techniques you will re-construct the textiles into a panel of a new garment. You will make a light linen summer top with a thread art collar. 24th, 25th,&26th September.contact. orrgallery@gmail.com

Singing in The Steeple Newburgh

Singing in The Steeple Newburgh North Fife. This was the outcome after an hour or so of an open get together of people who wish to sing. The group was led by Debra Salem, community choir leader and singer. In the video clip below you can enjoy the sheer exuberance and vitality that group singing induces here from persons who had never sung together before.



The next meeting is Tuesday night 7-30, 13th October. All are welcome to share the feel-good factor. There is a modest fee of £3-00.

Alfred Malocco Collessie North Fife

Alfred Malocco at ease in his studio and exhibition space.

Today on the road from Cupar to Auchtermuchty I was diverted by an exhibition sign to the charming village of Collessie, it led me to The Glebe. Inside the Gallery outbuilding I met Alfred Malocco.
After a successful career as an Architect, He turned to painting as an interesting and challenging change of direction. Mainly self taught, his paintings are executed in oils and watercolours, and the subjects range from Landscapes, Seascapes, Portraiture, Still Life and figurative Studies.
He has travel widely, looking for interesting material in Italy, Scotland, France,Portugal Scandinavia etc.. and much of his work to date has reflected these cultures and is constantly seeking new ways to develop his skills.



In addition to his paintings and cards strictly limited signed Giclee prints are also available.

Annual Exhibition 2009
at
THE GLEBE GALLERY
& Studio
from
Saturday 19th September
till
Sunday 27th September
open
10.30 am till
6pm daily
The Glebe Gallery and Studio. Collessie North Fife,KY15 7RQ. Tel 01337 810338
Email malocco@btinternet.com

Newburgh Orchard Group Moth Night

Newburgh North Fife Orchard Group Moth Night in collaboration with The Fife Ranger Service met today to inspect the light traps. The light given by mercury vapour bulbs radiates in the ultra-violet spectrum which is irresistible to moths. They spiral in, drawn down a funnel and find rest under egg trays to hide. In the event it was a cold night with few moths flying and the mornings yield was meagre.

Identifying the few which had arrived.

The books were out to find the appropriate name.

Along with the many children present us oldies inspected. I myself since childhood have been fascinated with moths some of which are quite extraordinary and beautiful. Below is a book that illustrates some of the many different kinds.

This is a great practical solution for every moth enthusiast. The guide has all the illustrations of the classic "Field Guide to Moths of Great Britain and Ireland" but in a portable wiro-bound format with concise descriptions opposite the plates, all contained in a durable PVC wallet. Nearly all the resident and migrant British and Irish species of macro-moth are described and illustrated with superb colour artworks by Richard Lewington, showing the moths in their natural resting postures. Concise Guide to the Moths of Great Britain and Ireland

Property for sale Falkland North Fife

The Wee Hoose, West Port, Falkland North Fife, property for sale.
Offers over £350,000

Exceptional traditional home enviably located within the heart of historic Falkland. Stunning views toward Lomonds to front. Extended, modernised accommodation finished to exacting standards. Bespoke 'Murray and Murray' kitchen as featured in Best Kitchens Magazine. Garage/workshop. Potential to extend current accommodation subject to local planning permission authorities. Beautifully landscaped gardens. Home report available.

The accommodation comprises: Drawing room,Bespoke kitchen dining room,Formal dining room/bedroom 3,2 double bedrooms,Sitting room with balcony,2 shower rooms,WC/Cloaks,Landscaped gardens,Workshop,Garage.

Exceptional traditional home enviably located within the heart of historic Falkland. Stunning views toward Lomonds to front. Extended, modernised accommodation finished to exacting standards. Bespoke 'Murray and Murray' kitchen as featured in Best Kitchens Magazine. Garage/workshop. Potential to extend current accommodation subject to local planning permission authorities. Beautifully landscaped gardens. Home report available. The accommodation comprises: Drawing room,Bespoke kitchen dining room,Formal dining room/bedroom 3,2 double bedrooms,Sitting room with balcony,2 shower rooms,WC/Cloaks,Landscaped gardens,Workshop,Garage.
The Wee Hoose is a superb example of a traditional home, which has been lovingly and tastefully renovated, blending modern comfortable living within this fine period home. This is a rare opportunity to buy this unique home, which is enviably located within the West Port of historic, picturesque Falkland. The Palace and village square with all its amenities are just a few hundred yards away. Internally, the beautifully presented accommodation, finished to exacting standards comprises, on the ground floor level; entrance vestibule, magnificent drawing room, bespoke 'Murray and Murray' kitchen featuring marble flooring with under floor heating, granite worktop and large box bay window providing superb dining area overlooking the landscaped gardens. There is a door from the kitchen leading to a workshop area, which extends into the garage. This area could potentially (subject to local planning permission authorities) be incorporated to extend the current living accommodation. Formal dining room and luxurious shower room also with a natural slate floor and under floor heating. A unique feature of the property are the two separate staircases, one leading from the drawing room to the bay windowed double bedroom, which is currently used as a home office and superb sitting room/bedroom 3 with balcony enjoying wonderful views toward the Lomand Hills and another shower room also with under floor heating and 'Kohler' fixtures and fittings. The second staircase leads from the vestibule to the second double bay windowed bedroom with fitted spacious wardrobes and a most useful WC/Cloaks. Externally, to the front of the property there is a single mono-blocked drive giving access to the garage. The rear garden is fully bound making it both pet and child friendly. An attractive seating patio area extends from the kitchen and leads onto the main area of garden which is laid to lawn with surrounding raised flower beds thoughtfully planted to provide year round interest. To the rear of the garden there is a further sitting area, which enjoys an open country aspect and views of Falkland Church and the top of Falkland Palace. Images
Pagan Osborne Property Services
Solicitors and Estate Agents
1 Crossgate
Cupar
Fife
KY15 4HA

Tel : 01334 656525
Fax : 01334 654119

E-mail : property-cupar@pagan.co.uk
Website : www.paganosborne.com

Sir Menzies Campbell opens Health Clinic Cupar North Fife

Dr Gavin Sinclair, Dr Sigrid Hopen with Jim Valentine and Monty Roberts host the opening of their fabulous new clinic and X-ray suite. 31 Bonnygate, Cupar North Fife.

'Cutting the Ribbon' ceremony kindly performed by The Rt. Hon. Sir Menzies Campbell C,B.E. Q.C. M.P.

With much glee and happiness Sir Menzies addresses the throng.


The Rt. Hon. Sir Menzies Campbell C,B.E. Q.C. M.P.

One of the treatment rooms. Chiropractic: Better Health Without Drugs or Surgery.

The X-ray suite where instant diagnosis of bone and joint condition is assessed.


For more information.

The River Tay 17th September

Low water on the River Tay by Newburgh North Fife today 17th September. Tomorrow is New Moon and just like Full Moon the rise and fall in the river levels is at its greatest the difference being about 4 metres due to the tidal aspect of the waters here.

Sand banks exposed at low water.

Rowan Berries North Fife 2009

Rowan berries Auchtermuchty Common North Fife. Today being really warm and sunny I wandered over to the common, amazed to see huge stands of Rowan trees heavy with fruit and chided myself for not having any bags or containers to avail of the bountiful harvest. Those of you who have similar provision might like to make Rowan Jelly. Recipe below. Now is the time.

Rowan Jelly (Mountain Ash - Pyrus aucuparia)

Sharp and sour but sweet and succulent all at the same time, this traditional accompaniment to cold meat is bursting with flavour, and folklore !

'Rowan tree and red thread - have the witches all in dread'

On May eve Rowan crosses used to be worn in UK and were sometimes fastened to cattle (or their barns) for protection against witches and other 'evil doers'. Legend has it that the crosses had to be made without a metal knife to work properly. Rowan branches were also bought indoors on a Good Friday as this tree had a reputation for strong protection against psychic forces.

This 'mish-mash' of folklore and Christianity indicates older uses of the tree having been 'assimilated' into a religion that converted people by adapting their beliefs and practices to its own ends. 'Rowan' is the most interesting of tree names with connections to both ancient Norse and Hindu/Sanskrit culture. Spelled several ways it is connected to the old Norse word 'Runa' - meaning a charm - and being able to ward off the effects of the 'evil eye'. In even earlier times 'Runa' was the Sanskrit word for 'magician'. 'Run-stafas' were staves cut from the Rowan tree and inscribed with runes for magical (and most likely protective) reasons. The smooth bark is ideal for this purpose.

The Rowan was such a sacred tree to the Celts that many churchyards in Wales still include the tree, not unlike the Yew tree in English churchyards. The berries were much used by the Celts for brewing wine, spirit, flavouring mead, ale, perry and cider. Try squeezing some of the fresh berry juice and putting it into a gin and tonic - it makes a convincing alternative to Angostura bitters. The fresh juice is mildly laxative and good for soothing inflamed mucous membranes. In herbal medicine the juice forms the basis of an astringent gargle for sore throats and in the 19th century it was used to treat scurvy - the disease of vitamin C deficiency.

Rowan berries are around from July/August through to November in the UK and may even stay on a tree until January if the thrushes don't eat them. They are at their best for Rowan Jelly when they have attained full colour but are not yet mushy. They contain varying amounts of tartaric, citric and malic acid dependent on their ripeness. Cut them from the stalks in clusters and remove as much stem as possible before cooking. When made into a jelly the fruit becomes quite astringent and the tart taste makes a good 'digestif' accompaniment to meats such as venison, cold game or fowl.

Take about 3 pounds of Rowan berries and two pounds of juicy apples. Peel and core the apples, slice them and place them to simmer in 2 pints of water for 10 minutes, while you are washing and sorting the berries. Add the berries and simmer to a pulp. Use a potato masher to help this process if you like. Let the mixture cool a bit and then strain it through a jelly bag, leaving it to drip overnight.

Warm about 2 pounds of sugar and stir in the liquid mixture and heat to a simmer. I must admit to adding some pectin at this point as I have a problem with runny jams. You can do this and leave the apples out for a clear jelly. Add a knob of butter and stir to a rolling boil for a few minutes and put it into sterilised jars and seal. It is a most unusual taste but the thing that delights me most about this jelly is the fantastic colour.

With thanks to: J. Lust, C.L. Zalewski, R. Phillips, Edward Step.

Birnie Loch 2009 North fife

Today, warm and sunny I ventured to Birnie Loch North Fife just to sit and be. Along the way this view of a bull manifested dwarfed by a mighty oak tree.



I was joined by Mr and Mrs Oded Dardikman, a delightful couple of visitors from Switzerland, we chatted, as one does, discussed Israel, the issues in the middle east and much more, a good healthy exchange.





Birnie Loch.

Steeple Arts Poster Exhibition North Fife

SteepleArts in Newburgh, North Fife is delighted to present this exhibition of approximately 60 Chinese socio-political posters collected in the early 1980s by a British teacher, Ingrid Hass who worked in Wuhan, Central China. The exhibition ‘Red Star, White Flowers’ marks the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China on 1st October,1949. This collection is being shown for the first time in Britain and will appeal to those interested in graphic/poster art and particularly in its use as propaganda in a Communist regime.

So-called propaganda art has played a major supporting role in the many campaigns designed to mobilise the people and, throughout the People's Republic, the propaganda poster has been the favoured vehicle through which art conveyed model behaviour. Extensive use is made of Socialist Realism, not only to show life as it really is but also life as it ought to be, thus propagating ideals of correct behaviour and thought. This practice did not stop with the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949. On the contrary, propaganda art continued to be seen as one of the major means of explaining and illustrating the 'correct' policies of the moment and the Communist Party's visions of the future. These posters reinforced the messages passed on by other media such as newspapers, film and radio broadcasting. In modern China, posters are no longer produced in the same quantity and are seen by many Chinese as old-fashioned. In fact, they have now become collectors’ items in the West.

The exhibition is open from 12 noon till 4pm every day from 1st to 11th October, 2009. In addition, SteepleArts welcomes school groups and will extend opening hours to any morning if desired. Further details can be obtained from Ingrid Haas - 07772807091.

Ingrid Haas collector of these iconic posters.

Grain Harvest Ballinbreich North Fife

Here on the banks of The River Tay at Ballinbreich North Fife the grain harvest is still in full swing, late as it is due to earlier persistent rain. Each day the combines are out mid to late afternoon after the cold nights dew has dried out, and taking advantage of the dry high pressure spell. On this farm most of the combining cuts low, shreds the stalks and chaff thus returning useful soil conditioning.


Grain Harvest Ballinbreich North Fife.