Local Recycling

We can’t compete with COP26, which is just getting going in Glasgow, but we are making our own small contribution. Here is a photo of the HUGE pile of medicine blister packs from Fearnan and which Jenny Penfold recently dropped off for recycling in Perth.

She sends a big thank you to all those who’ve taken the trouble to save and drop-off their empty blister packs at Clach an Tuirc.

Used packs can be dropped off any time at her front porch – either into the collection box or just left in a bag if that’s easier. Many thanks to everyone who has helped make a big difference, not just by diverting these from landfill, but by recycling them to be used again in new products. So much better!

Accident on the Brae

And here’s another ‘thank you’! This lovely bunch of flowers was sent to Pat Menzies from a cyclist who came a cropper on the Brae at the end of last month.

He was taking part in the Rotary Club’s Tayside Challenge but had missed the Duneaves turn off. However, his woes really started when he came off his bike on the bend, resulting in a broken collar bone and some injured ribs – and a trip to Ninewells Hospital.

Luckily for him that it was Pat (a trained First Responder) who happened to be coming up the Brae just after it happened.  An ambulance was called and a paramedic, who was on his way to a (non-emergency) call in Fortingall, was diverted to Fearnan and able to administer painkillers.

Pat, and Alan Douthwaite (who brought blankets), directed the traffic while waiting for the ambulance and Pat was able to contact the cyclist’s family, as well as the race organisers who promptly sent out a team to help manage the situation.  It’s good to know that local resources and the emergency services work so well together when something adverse happens.

And, while on the subject, we would all like to wish Liz Paterson a speedy recovery from her recent car accident. Hope you’re feeling better, Liz!

Fearnan Book Club Review

The book reviewed in September was The Glass House by Eve Chase.

The majority of the group enjoyed this well written and compelling book with its twisting plot. It was essentially about families and their deep, dark secrets. The book was written in two timelines, the 1970’s and present day. Initially some didn’t like the flitting backward and forward in time but noted that the tempo changed which then hooked the reader.

We reflected on the interesting characters and family dynamics which were well portrayed. The skilled, descriptive nature of the writing was also appreciated. The main setting was the remote Foxcote Manor situated down a long drive deep within the Forest of Dean. The denseness and secretive nature of the forest was like another character. It revealed an abandoned baby – and also a body. This was in stark contrast to the family’s life in their grand house in central London. 

Individual characters were discussed and Rita, the nanny, was well liked and much admired as someone who had no sense of her importance to the family and lacked self-esteem. We were delighted that she finally found happiness and there were a few surprises as her life experiences and secrets were revealed later in the book .

It took a long time for all the strands of the story to come together but all the links were finally made, and all the elements were brought together neatly. Some felt the ending was too smooth and would have preferred it to be darker but others thought it was drawn together well. It was described by one of the group in terms of chocolate: rocky road, dark chocolate then a milk chocolate ending! 

 Although there were difficult and serious issues raised, it was felt that it had a feel-good factor. As adults, the characters were able to meet up and form a blended family. Some of the subjects raised in the book were discussed further by the group e.g. change of attitudes over the decades to babies born to unmarried mothers, children born with deformities, mental health issues and dysfunctional families.

The book to be reviewed in October is The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton. 

A foundling, an old book of dark fairy tales, a secret garden, an aristocratic family, a love denied, and a mystery. The Forgotten Garden is a captivating, atmospheric and compulsively readable story of the past, secrets, family and memory from the international best-selling author Kate Morton.

Remembrance Day Service Sunday 14^th November

There will be a short Service of Remembrance in Fearnan at the War Memorial on Sunday 14th November. If you would like to attend, please gather at the memorial at about 10.50.

After the service, the FVA will be serving teas and coffee in the village hall and all are welcome. To comply with current regulations, please bring a mask to wear when entering or moving about the hall. As the service is outdoors, masks are not mandatory and a matter of personal choice.

Peter’s Pics

Peter and Sheila have been on their travels, both in this area and further afield, and Peter has shared a little travelogue of pics. They really make you want to set off for a wee trip yourself! Enjoy!

And Finally……..

Today Halloween and the clocks changing have co-incided, which makes for an extra dark and scary evening! Take care, there may be ghosts and ghoules about………

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