The Rev Vittoria Hancock of St Thomas Church, Aboyne and St Kentigern, Church, Ballater writes:
As you will be aware, Ballater was badly hit by flooding on the 30th December. Almost 500 properties in the Ballater area were flooded to some extent, with further flooding since. The impact of this is immense.
In the 42 households that make up the congregation at St Kentigern’s, Ballater, 29 have been affected by the flooding, 20 directly with water entering part of their homes or businesses, the others because they are now hosting family or friends in their homes, or have close family affected by the flooding whom they are helping. In the St Thomas’ congregation, more households and businesss have been affected in Aboyne and Tarland, with some of our congregational members having to be evacuated from sheltered housing and nursing homes, as well as others who have had homes flooded.
This is representative of the community as a whole. In Ballater, over 20 businesses and community facilites have been damaged. In Aboyne, the supermarket, post office, sheltered housing and care home have been affected, alongside other properties.
During the past two weeks, a song has been echoing in my head ‘the wise men built his house upon the rock… the rain came down and the flood came up…’. The communities I am proud to serve have shown that they are truly wise, built upon firm foundations. Despite the devastation and destruction, the sadness, and the shock, the people here have worked together to serve all. In their love, support, and understanding; in their practicality and sheer grit; in their consideration for others – they have demonstrated what it means to be community. The council, the voluntary organisations, the emergency services, the multitude of volunteers have all been working together with this community.
Please remember us in your prayers both now and in the weeks to come.
