A NEW Zealander in Scotland on a Rotary holiday exchange has had a tremendous response to an appeal for information about her dad’s Aberdeenshire home and early life (Diary, August 1).
Ann Hudson, from Christchurch, said her dad, James Lendrum Nicol, was born at a house called Larchwood at Alford in 1906 and emigrated to New Zealand in the 1930s.
To her great delight, she was shown round the 1890s house by the present owners and given copies of old photos.
“It was a wonderful experience to see and feel what might have happened to my late father,” said Ann.
She learned more about the house from an amateur historian in the town, who also told her how Alford developed after the arrival of the railway in the 1850s. That’s not all. Ann was given more insight into Larchwood life from the family of a former maid and the daughter of a painter and decorator who did work at the house annually.
She has also been given the names of Nicol grandparents who might be related to her dad.
“I have lots to get my teeth into in the next few months and can’t thank Diary readers enough,” said Ann.
MORE than 100 current and former members of the 1st City of Aberdeen Scout Group, including a few from the US and Canada, have signed up to attend a bash to mark its centenary – and more will be welcome. The dinner and ceilidh will be at the Britannia Hotel, Bucksburn, on October 4 (7pm).
The present Akela, Joan Cowie, said the group’s origins were at Aberdeen Grammar School and by 1923 there were two more scout groups.
“It’s all change today in the movement,” she said.
“We now have boys and girls and two beaver scout colonies, one cub pack and one scout troop. Between them, we offer scouting to over 100 young people every week.”
If you wish to attend the dinner, contact former Akela Frances Merson on fmerson@tiscali.co.uk or phone 01224 861329.
The scout hut on Aberdeen’s Forest Avenue Lane will be open from noon on Sunday, October 5, for a trip, literally, down memory lane.
WHISPER it, but the Society of Advocates in Aberdeen has lurched into the 21st century.
Yes, it has acquired a website and celebrated the event with a launch party at Concert Court in the city.
Executive secretary and librarian Maria Robertson said: “The website is part of the society’s attempts to move with the times.
“Since its conception in the 15th century, the society has existed to bring together solicitors from the various firms around Aberdeen, whether for social events, training opportunities, or just to use the library. The website aims to support these activities while increasing awareness of the society.”
The website is
www.socofadvocates.com.
SO YOU think you know your Doric?
Well, why not get yourself a ticket for the sixth Doric Call My Bluff to be staged in Inverurie Town Hall on October 8 (7.30pm).
The visitors' team of Barbara Forbes, Stewart Watson and Debbie Leslie are hoping to win back the laurels they lost to the residents’ team last year. The visitors will be up against new girl Margaret Robb, Joan Bruce and Jack Hendry. David Bruce, who sets the questions, will chair proceedings.
The evening also includes tea-interval music supplied by the Garioch Fiddlers.
Tickets are £8 and are available at Inverurie newsagents Strachans or the town’s Garioch Heritage shop on High Street.