Mearns
TellyTalk – it’s like talking to the council on the telly!
A demonstration of TellyTalk, an interactive video conferencing system takes place on Monday, August 24 at Mearns Library in Laurencekirk to show customers how to use the system and speak to a council customer service advisor virtually.
Aberdeenshire Council customers can resolve a variety of queries face-to-face through a video link and copies of documents can also be provided where required without the need for people to travel to a council office.
Using TellyTalk, people can: 
- Log a housing repair
- Complete National Entitlement Card applications
- Check housing or council tax payments
- Talk through anything they don’t understand (such as a letter from the council)
Chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Kincardine and Mearns Area Committee Councillor Carl Nelson said: “The technology makes it easier for people to deal with the council and is part of its wider policy to improve customer service.
“The TellyTalk facility allows the council and its customers in Laurencekirk and surrounding areas to complete forms, share documents and print information at the touch of a button without having to travel too far.”
Vice chair Councillor Peter Bellarby added: “Although TellyTalk uses new technology that will allow the council to provide customer service remotely, it is also about giving people personal contact and this makes it easier to communicate.
“This will be a valuable service in Laurencekirk and I’m pleased to see it being demonstrated so people can see themselves how easy it is to use.”
The open event takes place on Monday, August 24 between 2pm and 4pm to provide people with the opportunity to try the new TellyTalk facility.
A step-by-step guide to using the facility is also available for people to access as they first use the system.
Mearns Community Library, Aberdeen Road, Laurencekirk, AB30 1ZJ. For more information call 01561 377298 or email laurencekirk.library@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
Mearns Youth Football Club
2005 & 2006 COME AND TRY SESSION!
Mearns Youth FC has just started and is looking for girls and boys. Come along to our “come and try” session supported by Aberdeen FC coaches this summer.
Where: Mearns Community Campus
When: Thursday 23 July – 18:30 – 20:00
Who: Born 2005 & 2006
Cost: £1
For further
New Opening Hours Mearns Library
I am delighted to let you know that from Monday 3rd August Mearns library opening hours will be increasing to 40hrs per week. 
The new opening times are as follows:
Monday 10am to 8pm
Tuesday 10am to 4pm
Wednesday 10am to 8pm
Thursday 10am to 4pm
Friday 10am to 4pm
Saturday 10am to 12pm
Better Late Than Never….
The Annals of Arbuthnott
Isabella Williamson is one of life’s ‘maker-happeners’. She’s had to be to keep the Grassic Gibbon Centre in Arbuthnott open and vibrant. The times have changed and people don’t use village halls in quite the same way as they used to. This was one of the reasons that she started supporting a group of older residents to document their memories of past times in Arbuthnott.
In this interview, Isabella tells us how the Arbuthnott Reminiscence Group got started and how it fell in alongside the development of the Grassic Gibbon Centre – both of which are quite outstanding efforts to make sure the local past is gone but not forgotten.
Mearns Academy – Moving On, part 2
Enjoy the second installment of the history of Mearns Academy…
Changes in Accommodation 1895 – 2014
Progress continues with the new building and from August, Mearns Academy will be sited on the brand new Community Campus. The facilities for learners will be excellent and indeed the whole community will benefit from the site including a community library, theatre and hugely improved sports facilities. Read the rest of this entry »
