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An important development in organic growing is being pioneered not far from here in a garden, near Straloch, situated between Pitlochry and Kirkmichael called the SEER Centre (Sustainable, Ecological, Earth Regeneration) recently featured in TV’s Beechgrove Garden. Terraced plots holding a deep covering of municipal composts mixed with a generous addition of quarry rock are producing vegetable crops of very high quality on marginal land. The system is based on research by an American, John Hamaker*. Dust from igneous rocks, rich in a wide spectrum of minerals and trace elements, a plentiful by-product of Scottish quarries, stimulates soil biological activity and seems to give vigorous growth. If any readers wish to read a SEER leaflet let me know at the address below. I have followed this project for many years, and tried to support the couple who bravely launched it, Cameron and Moira Thomson.
Along with three other geriatrics, when weather permits, I play 9 holes of golf twice weekly on the Aberfeldy course; we are privileged to be led by the ex-golf professional from Taymouth Castle Club, Alec Marshall, who flew bombers in the far East in WWR. Our average age must be over 80! I am not now keen on evening events so have not attended Merchistonian dinners, but this year I was glad to keep in contact with two of my 1930’s contemporaries, Dr Eric Eadie (31-35) and Fred Lang (31-35). Fred is a long-standing friend since boyhood days in Paisley; Eric and I were in the same class of Edinburgh’s Medical School, we graduated in 1941 and in a long-lasting friendship have enjoyed comparing notes as family doctors, Eric in Surrey, I in Aberfeldy. A final word about ‘What I am up to’ is to confess trying to write another book which, because so many things get in the way, may never see the light of day. Oh for time to think!
Dr Walter Yellowlees The Cottage, Alma Avenue, Aberfeldy, Perthshire PH15 2BW November 2006 *Hamaker John D, Weaver Donald A. The Survival of Civilisation depends upon our solving three problems: carbon dioxide, investment money and population. Hamaker-Weaver Publishers, Michigan California 1982
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In response to a request to “please let us know what you have been up to” for the Newsletter, I am reminded by the refrain, spoken by the chorus in T S Elliot’s play “Murder in the Cathedral” ‘Living and partly living’. I am sure that some twilight Merchistonians of the 1930’s vintage who have experienced bereavement, will understand ‘Partly Living’. My wife, Sonia, died three years ago, since when, life has indeed, been turned upside down. ‘What I have been up to ‘ is mostly trying to come to terms with living alone, shopping, garden, life in the kitchen etc. But it would be wrong to contribute to this Newsletter by dwelling on personal miseries. Life still has compensations especially life in this wonderful part of Highland Perthshire, and I am fortunate to have a supportive family. When I have had thoughts of an old folks home, I realise that my diet is enhanced by the choice of my own organically grown potatoes, leeks, carrots, spinach, greens; and the freezer is packed with home grown tomatoes, peas and beans which will see me through the winter.
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