Friock weather

A Friockheim reader has been reminiscing about winters in the village 40-odd years ago. “When the snow started,” he says, “it was inevitable that there would be power cuts and workmen toiling in terrible conditions in the field to the south of Gardyne Street to resecure the cable that crossed it. Now, I can’t remember the last time the power went off.

“And I can only praise Tayside Contracts’ employees for keeping the pavements as clear as possible, even if at times the snow seems to come down faster than they can clear it. Forty years ago, the Clydesdale Bank was still in the village, and the manager Eric Knox, successor to Burns Mitchell, would hire in men and shovels from Wilkie’s transport yard, next door but one, to clear a way to the bank door.

“Of course, this would have pleased Jim Wilkie, because the drivers probably wouldn’t have been able to get out in their lorries and down narrow farm roads to collect beasts.”

He concludes: “The snowy conditions we’ve had recently represent no more than a normal winter, and we are so much better off now, particularly in being able to keep in touch via mobile phones and electronic face-to-face conversations.”

Team stalwarts

Margaret Garvie of Perth has been in touch and says: “I wonder if any of your readers has a photograph of Bridge of Cally Cricket Club. They were active in the 1950s and my uncles, Bob Alan and Geordie Brown, were stalwarts in the team.

“They played teams from Rossie Priory, Forgandenny, Glendelvine and Maryfield Doctors. My brother Lovat Gray was sometimes allowed to play if they were a man short.

“Any other memories would be much appreciated.”

Matters of the heart

Our pets hold a special place in our hearts, providing joy and companionship during challenging times. With Valentine’s Day this weekend, one way of protecting that special relationship is to make sure our pet’s heart is strong and healthy.

PDSA vet nurse Nina Downing says: “A balanced diet with purposeful daily exercise will keep your pet’s body in good condition. Regular exercise and being the correct weight means the heart won’t be put under strain. Annual check-ups at your local vets make sure that any problems are detected.”

Signs of heart disease can include slowing

on walks; breathlessness; breathing a lot faster than normal, even when resting; coughing; falling over or fainting suddenly; and a bloated stomach.

Nina continues: “Although most heart diseases cannot be cured, symptoms can be reduced and many pets will continue to have a good quality of life.”

“Regular walkers along the pathways beside Dundee’s Dighty Burn are used to the sight of herons,” says Craigie reader Rod Cameron, “but this one made an especially eye-catching picture on the bank behind the police facility at Baluniefield, in the Douglas area of the city. A much easier photograph to capture than the kingfisher which went zipping past several times on the same stretch of the burn!”

Members of Monifieth Tennis Club with spouses, partners and guests line up for the photographer at the club’s Christmas dinner and dance on Saturday December 2 1972. It was held in the Cliffburn Hotel, Arbroath. Are you in the picture or can you see anyone you know?’