September's Meeting

Added at 19:05 on 14 September 2025

SDCC Welcomes New Chair and Sets Dates for Festive Fun

A new chapter has begun for the Stonehaven & District Community Council (SDCC), as long-serving Chairperson David Lawman formally stepped down at this month’s meeting. David was warmly thanked for his steady leadership over the past three years and was unanimously elected to continue serving as Secretary, ensuring his experience is still a guiding force within the Council.

Stepping into the Chair is Rachel Frame, who was unanimously chosen by fellow councillors. Rachel brings fresh energy and a clear focus on communication and public involvement—two cornerstones of her leadership style.

As part of the Council’s fresh approach to keeping the community in the loop, the SDCC website will be reviewed to make sure it’s still doing the job—easy to use, informative, and welcoming. And good news: those informal updates from the Council will be making a comeback, giving residents a friendly, behind-the-scenes look at what’s happening between meetings. These will sit alongside the formal reporting from The Bellman’s professional team, who continue to cover council business with their usual clarity and detail.

It’s all part of a reinvigorated effort to make communication more open, more regular, and a bit more human—because the more we share, the better we shape Stonehaven together.

As part of this renewed focus, two public consultations have been posted on the Community Council website inviting residents to share their views on key local issues:

•            Beach Toilet Feasibility Survey — exploring the possibility of reopening the Beach Toilets and improving public toilet provision

•            Town Centre Health Checks — assessing the vitality and resilience of Stonehaven’s town centre to guide future planning and investment

Please use this link: Stonehaven & District Community Council - Consultations

And finally from this months meeting, in the ever-crucial realm of “Any Other Competent Business”—where the truly weighty matters are settled—two decisions were made that will shape the very soul of Stonehaven’s winter:

First, the Christmas Tree will be lit on 29th November, casting its festive glow across the Market Square and officially giving permission to feel merry.

Second, the legendary Nippy Dip returns on 1st January, offering brave souls the chance to start the year with a splash, a shiver, and possibly a few regrets.

Both events are considered vital to the town’s seasonal wellbeing and will be reported with equal seriousness and sparkle—informally by the Council and formally by The Bellman’s professional team. Details will be published nearer the time, so keep your woollies handy and your calendars marked.

The Council would also like to remind residents that all meetings are open to the public and we encourage members of the community to attend, also new members to the council are always welcome. Whether you’re enthusiastic about planning, local services, festive lights, or icy plunges, your voice matters. It’s through shared ideas, active participation, and a good dose of community spirit that we shape a town that thrives—it’s your involvement that makes Stonehaven shine.

Author: Andy McArdle