You may already be aware of how a scattering of cottages back in the early 1800s became the village of Woodside when in 1834 the areas of Tanfield, Cotton and Woodside merged. They then became a Police Burgh in 1864, and in 1891 became part of Aberdeen City. But quite often we can spend too much time looking back and lose track of what is happening around us and where we want to be going.
Back in the day the Woodside Fountain outside Strachan’s Bakery (now Coral next to the Fountain Bar) was the hub of the community. Everyone’s horses would stop for a drink while their owners had a news and kids would eagerly wait for the ice cream man to go past. Now it’s just a car park that doesn’t get a second look. But what of it? Yes, the past is in the past and it cannot be changed. What we can’t or shouldn’t do however is forget where we came from.
In remembering where we came from and who we are, it is easier to live with ourselves and know what we want to bring into the future. Not everyone was happy with Woodside becoming part of the city. They liked how things were and liked that they were their own wee corner of the world. But staying as we are doesn’t allow room for growth, both in the size of the community, its economy, but also of the people who live there. For a long time, it has felt like Woodside has been forgotten. Walls and buildings are crumbling, shops closing, trees, plants and branches are reclaiming what was once theirs. People weren’t staying in the area because, well, what was there to stay for?
When the pandemic hit and lockdown came into effect back on Monday 23 March 2020 it felt like the world stopped. But on Tuesday 24 March the community of Woodside came back to life! Neighbours checked on neighbours. Folk made sure no-one was alone in our isolation. That sense of community has stayed and been joined by new buildings and positive growth. A new housing scheme down by the rugby pitches, the completed shmu extension and the new Woodside Nursery are but a few. How do we keep the momentum going? By keeping the conversations going.
We are a sociable bunch, so let’s look at what is available in our community and use it. There are a lot of groups going on, events to be organised, and ideas to be brought into reality. Let’s use our voice to say what our community needs and find the people who can make it happen. Let’s keep the spirit of Woodside alive and see what the next 130 years can have in store. We don’t have to settle; we don’t have to accept that this is all there is. If we work together, and make sure that no-one is left behind, we can keep building Woodside into a thriving, bustling, and energetic community fit for the future.
Don’t build a shrine to the past, but don’t forget it either. Use the good you have learned to improve now and the future. Instead of Carbon Footprints, let’s leave Golden Footprints for the next generation to follow.
Author: Nicola Watson