The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
The Crescent remembered
“I was interested to read about Ian Campbell’s book on ‘the Crescent’ in Dundee,” emails reader F Hutton.
The author’s family lived in an area simply called ‘the Crescent’ – it was so known throughout the city due to its proximity to the busy Dudhope Crescent Road.
Our reader explains: “My mother was born in Little John Street and my granny and granda moved to 7 Cochrane Street.
“My auntie married and lived there and four of her bairns were born at number seven. They moved in the early 1950s.
“My mother was almost 90 when she died in 1994 and always referred to Cochrane Street as ‘the Crescent’. I bet any play you may write would be a big hit, Ian, and I hope to see it. Happy memories!”
Looked after their staff
Carnoustie reader Ian Wallace sent in the photograph below and says: “My wife Moira’s late mother Agnes Piggot was employed by Gillies of Broughty Ferry for many years. Agnes once held the title of the oldest surviving former employee.
“Mum is no longer with us, but in 1995 she was invited to attend an event held by the company to celebrate 100 years of affordable excellence! She always said that Gillies was an excellent company to work for and that they looked after their loyal staff exceedingly well.
“I can vouch for that because, when we got married in 1980, we had bought various products from Gillies for our new home, plus electrical items and other bits and bobs which were stored all over the place.
“We had to arrange to hire a van to collect then transport the stuff to our new home in Carnoustie. The staff at Gillies heard about this so provided a van and a driver to collect it all and take our property to our new home.
“My wife and I – and indeed Agnes – were eternally grateful for that wonderful gesture.
“Agnes Piggot personally thanked Mrs Philp, the then chairman of the company, for their help.”
A beautiful setting
Kilry’s Old School House opens its garden gate to the public today and tomorrow as part of the Angus and Dundee branch of Scotland’s Garden Scheme.
This pretty and productive garden is in a beautiful setting, surrounded by open, hilly countryside, at the foot of Glen Isla. Extending to two thirds of an acre, it comprises two distinct areas – the original cottage-style garden with lawn and borders of mixed shrubs, perennials and annuals enhanced by a variety of trees, and a recently acquired paddock bounded by a new hornbeam hedge.
Here there is a polytunnel, a fruit cage, a Finish barbecue hut with decking and a riverside deck on the banks of the Kilry burn which runs along the garden’s southern edge.
The garden will be open from 2-5pm when tea and cake will be served, with seating to help visitors relax and admire the view.
Admission is £4 for adults (children free) and proceeds will benefit the Willows Animal Sanctuary, British Heart Foundation and Scotland’s Gardens Scheme charities.
Keeping your plants cool
During hotter periods of weather, it’s always advisable to move potted plants into shaded areas and out of the way of the harsh midday sun.
If your plant pots are too large to move, or you want to protect any garden beds or other plants in your garden, then use some shade netting where possible.
Most garden centres will sell this, but if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, reuse some old net curtains!
During a heatwave, the most essential thing to do for your plants is to ensure they have plenty of water and stay moist. To help with this, it’s a good idea to put down a layer of bark or compost mulch.
Not only will this help lock in that muchneeded moisture, but it will also prevent any surface roots from burning in the sun.
Avoid pruning your plants during a heatwave as the strong sun and high temperatures can harm any healthy leaves or fruits.
Instead, just let your plants grow freely and only cut away any parts that are decaying, infected or dead.