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June 2018 June 2018

OBITUARIES BRIANTSPUDDLE AND AFFPUDDLE

NEWS
There were so many varied aspects to Barbara and we all saw
different sides of her. I am going to tell of some which you may not
know. BRIANTSPUDDLE POST OFFICE AND SHOP

For over 30 years, Barbara, Gilbert and I went to the wilder parts of Scotland.
Barbara to fish for salmon while Gilbert and I stalked. We stayed in some Following the successful refurbishment the Post Office and Shop were formally
wonderful, unique places, two of which were outstanding. opened on Saturday 5 May. Given that it was Bank Holiday weekend it was
surprisingly warm and the event was well-attended by residents curious to see
For many years we were guests in a large former shooting lodge and the what had been going on. Sir Ken Olisa OBE did the honours; he said a few
owners, Brenda and Murdo, became close friends. Often, after dinner, Murdo thought-provoking words about the value and benefit of community effort and
would entertain us on the bazpipes. Now, bazpipes were an electric form of then cut the ribbon. An unseemly rush into the shop for refreshments followed.
bagpipes. While Murdo was being the perfect highland host, we did feel that
enjoyment of the pipes indoors is a gift not given to we sassenachs. Most of our customers have
waited patiently whilst the
Our favourite accommodation was in a very remote and cosy bothy called shop was closed for the
lnnat. lt shows in the background of the photo of Barbara and Gilbert on the refurbishment but have been
front of the service sheet. There very pleased with the results.
was no electricity, calor gas The shop area seems to be

provided light, a wood burning bigger (just a trick of the light
stove gave warmth and the perhaps), the lighting is
water was piped in direct from improved and the stock is
a burn. It was delightful, it was now displayed more clearly.
too far from any hotel for
dinner, so Barbara would take But please come and see for
enough food for the whole y o u r s e l v e s . I t ’ s y o u r
w e e k a n d p r o d u c e d Community Shop so please
marvellous meals on the rather support your community by using it. We will shortly be issuing a customer survey to
see how we might meet more of the residents’ needs (sensible suggestions only
temperamental stove.
please!) but if you have any requests or suggestions for new lines of stock please
After dinner we had hilarious let us know. You can drop into the shop any morning or e-mail briantspuddle-
evenings aided by a little wine and a few drams. shop@outlook.com
But I always felt a little sorry for Barbara here, for the river was not always full
enough for good fishing and she had many blank days. She was a skilled LAUNCH PARTY OF A NEW PARISH
fisherwoman and such days must have been frustrating but she made light of it
with her customary cheeriness. PUBLICATION DRAWS THE CROWDS

We once stayed in a hotel which offered good fishing.
Another fisherman, Sydney, was there and he and th
Barbara teamed up. One day they were taken onto a On 11 May, despite the cool and drizzly evening, the shop was full to bursting
sea loch to fish from a small open boat powered by an with an enthusiastic crowd of parishioners celebrating the launch of Beating the
outboard motor. The weather looked threatening and Bounds. Briantspuddle Village Shop probably broke the record for the greatest
a storm soon broke. Strong winds started to push them number of people in a tiny village store!
toward the opposite shore which was rocky and A new publication, ‘Beating the Bounds’ beautifully captures the ancient custom
extremely remote. It was at this point that the of perambulating the parish boundary. An idea by Sue Jones, brought to life and

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