Events Archives - Page 7 of 34

Tickets Go On Sale For CLAN’s Christmas Cracker

Jul 142016

With thanks to Phil Moar, Account Manager, Citrus:Mix.

Tickets for a leading north-east cancer support charity’s biggest fundraising event of the year have gone on sale as preparations continue to gather pace.

CLAN Cancer Support’s annual Christmas Cracker event will take place on Saturday, November 26, at the city’s Ardoe House Hotel and Spa.

The successful event, which sees individuals and businesses from across the north-east come together in support of the popular charity, includes a drinks reception, three-course dinner, entertainment and dancing.

It is the charity’s biggest fundraiser of the year.

Last year’s event saw more than £83,000 raised, with two clients of CLAN, former STV News presenter Margaret Donald and Emily Findlay, sharing their inspiring stories with attendees.

As well as table packages, there are various sponsorship opportunities available for both businesses and individuals looking to play an active part in the evening. Individual tickets to the evening are also available.

As well as the corporate sector, the night is suitable for all to attend and is perfect for a friends and family night out, team building or even an early Christmas get together.

Susan Crighton, CLAN’s fundraising manager, said:

“Many might think that it is far too early in the year to speak about Christmas but preparation for this year’s event started immediately after last year’s evening. We’re busy planning behind the scenes and we’re delighted to be in a position to release ticket and sponsorship details for those looking to be part of the evening.

“We’ve actually had a number of confirmed bookings already which is fantastic and I’d like to say a big thank you to those who have already committed to the evening.

“Our Christmas Cracker is our biggest night of the year and is an event that we’ve really nurtured over the last few years; it has gone from strength to strength but with the current economic climate in the north-east, it has taken on an even greater importance to CLAN this year.

“Last year’s event helped raised more than £83,000 for CLAN with this money playing an integral role in our provision of free support services to anyone affected by cancer across the north and north-east of Scotland. You can see why this evening is of such great importance to us and we really hope you will be able to be part of what is sure to be a special night for all.”

Booking details can be found in full at www.clanhouse.org. The CLAN fundraising team can also be contacted on 01224 647000 or email fundraising@clanhouse.org.

CLAN Cancer Support is an independent charity which provides comfort, support and information, free of charge, for anyone, of any age, affected by any type of cancer. CLAN aims to support people to reduce anxiety, stress and to increase their ability to cope with the effects of a serious illness.

Based in Aberdeen, the charity covers the whole of north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland. CLAN has a presence in Ballater, Banchory, Elgin, Inverurie, Fraserburgh, Lossiemouth, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick.

For further information about CLAN Cancer Support please call (01224) 647 000 or visit www.clanhouse.org

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AllFord At Alford: Popular Event Returns This August.

Aberdeenshire, Events No Responses »

Jun 102016

With thanks to Martyn Smith, Marketing & Events Organiser, Grampian Transport Museum.

Now in its third year, the popular AllFord at Alford event returns to the Grampian Transport Museum on Sunday 21st August.

An established annual fixture, AllFord celebrates all things ‘Fordie’ from 1908 to the present day and in 2015 over 200 such examples descended on the North East village.

One of the largest gatherings of Fords in Scotland, this year’s event will pay tribute to a number of key milestones. The Ka, Ford’s hatchback city car, was first introduced in 1996 and this year celebrates its 20th birthday.

The Fiesta, now into its seventh generation and having sold over 16 million examples, celebrates its 40th birthday – a milestone which is shared with the second generation Escort RS2000.

However, taking centre stage this year and marking its golden jubilee is the Ford Cortina MK2 – a car which will also be paid a fitting tribute at His Majesty’s Theatre in the Lyric Musical Society’s production of Made in Dagenham, with a run beginning on Wednesday 24th August. 2016 also marks 50 years since the Ford GT took the top prize at LeMans, completing a hat trick of first, second and third place.

The organising committee are keen to hear from owners of any of these examples, to ensure they can be included in a special celebration at this year’s AllFord. Entry forms for the event can be downloaded from the museum website or collected from GTM in Alford and Overton Dismantlers, Dyce.

Trade interest is also at a high, with Arnold Clark bringing along a selection of the latest commercial vehicles for display and North East Scotland college making a welcome return with information on a range of opportunities available to new and returning students.

Sandy Dalgarno, chair of the AllFord organising committee commented:

“Last year’s AllFord was exceptionally good with some fantastic cars including, of course, the immaculate MK2 Cortina which Adrian Evans brought up all the way from Birmingham. This year is going to be even better with some notable vehicle anniversaries which we plan to celebrate and already over 100 vehicles confirmed to attend!“

AllFord at Alford returns on Sunday 21st August 2016 at the Grampian Transport Museum.

AAM Helps Wounded Veterans Become High Fliers

Charity, Information No Responses »

Jun 102016

Wounded veterans whose injuries have ended their military careers are rebuilding their lives by training for rewarding and sustainable employment in civil aviation with a charity that has landed £18,000 from Aberdeen Asset Management’s Charitable Foundation. With thanks to Esther Green, Senior Account Executive, Tricker PR.

Wings for Warriors student Marc Goddard and instructor Chris Kirk.

Ex-service personnel overcome amputation, serious burns, multiple fractures and gunshot injuries to be chosen for rigorous flight training, gruelling academic exams, underwater escape training and regular tests as students with Wings for Warriors.
Aberdeen’s funding package will support one ex-veteran through 18 months’ full training to become a commercial helicopter pilot, leading to opportunities with the air ambulance, coastguard, offshore operators and others.

It helps students like Marc Goddard (28) who was serving with the Royal Marines in Afghanistan when he sustained life-changing injuries whilst travelling in an armoured vehicle which hit an improvised explosive device.

Marc was among casualties airlifted to Camp Bastion where he was stabilised and flown back home to hospital in the UK with multiple broken bones and 25% burns to his body.

The complexity of his fractures meant he was no longer fit for service, and while jobs in offshore marine security and events management followed, neither fitted the father-of two’s lifestyle or skills.

Marc explains:

“I joined the Royal Marines straight from school and I had never known anything different. I hit a low, wondering how I was ever going to have a job that I enjoyed again and be able to support my family.

“I grew up in Norfolk around military bases and I’d always had an interest in aviation and did a bit of soul searching. I got back in touch with Headley Court Rehabilitation Centre and spoke to the right people and found out more about Wings for Warriors. I had no idea they could help people like me but I discovered it was open to veterans in my position.”

Marc made it through the tough application process and has embarked on training in Aberdeen, one of Europe’s busiest commercial helicopter centres, where the Wings for Warriors’ training centre is based.

Marc adds:

“I’m very grateful for the support I’ve had in making this dream become a reality. This is not only providing me with a future career but everything I lost from leaving the Royal Marines is being restored. It’s a second chance, a second career that draws on many of the qualities of my military training to gain commercial skills and, hopefully, a career in the offshore helicopter industry.”

Chris Kirk was just 19 years old when he stood on an improvised explosive device while on patrol in Afghanistan. Chris, then a Private with the 5th Scotland Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, awoke in hospital back in the UK to be told he’d lost his foot and his military career was over. His future seemed bleak until he discovered Wings for Warriors with an online search, “can amputees fly helicopters?”

Chris has become a fully qualified pilot and is now serving as an instructor for the charity and says:

“When I heard about Wings for Warriors I thought it was all too good to be true but I was lucky enough to be selected as one of their students. Fast forward three years and here I am as an instructor for the charity. I’ve been very lucky to get this opportunity and coming from a similar background as the students, I hope it inspires them to see just what can be achieved.

“Without support from our donors like Aberdeen Asset Management, it would not be possible to do this and give veterans this fulfilling career that helps them and their families. I have been transformed from Chris the injured soldier to Chris the helicopter pilot and that is a massive change in my life. Wings for Warriors is helping change lives and prospects by restoring real meaning and purpose to people’s lives.”

Founded four years ago, Wings for Warriors is a registered UK charity which seeks to offer wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women the best opportunities after military service has ended.

It sees the demanding and sustainable world of commercial aviation as an incentive to keep moving forward, rather then dwelling on the past for its students, and providing a means to continue supporting their families for years to come.

It recognises that veterans need to work for themselves and no allowances are made – each application is reviewed on a case by case basis and while some injuries will restrict opportunties, many of the attributes found in those with a military background, including responsibility, motivation and commitment, logical reasoning and functioning under pressure, stand them in good stead for retraining.

Through its network of volunteers and donors, including Aberdeen, Wings for Warriors delivers professional flight training at around 85% of the costs of commercial UK flight schools.

Dominic Kite of Aberdeen’s Charitable Foundation says:

“We love this charity and what it does to offer a new start to injured veterans. For many veterans, life outside of the forces can appear daunting and uncertain at the best of times. Add a life-changing injury to the equation and the future can quickly become a depressing place.

“Wings For Warriors provide these wounded warriors with the skills to achieve an exciting, rewarding and sustainable future for many years to come, in civil aviation. With rebuilt confidence, capabilities and pride Wings For Warriors graduates return to their communities as people to look up to instead of look after.”

Aberdeen Asset Charitable Foundation was established in 2012 to formalise and develop the Group’s charitable giving globally. It seeks partnerships with smaller charities around the world, where funds can be seen to have a meaningful and measurable impact and the firm encourages its employees to use their time and skills to support its charitable projects.

The main focus of the Foundation is around emerging markets and local communities, reflecting the desire to give back to those areas which are a key strategic focus of the business and to build on the historic pattern of giving to communities in which Aberdeen employees live and work.

For more information visit http://www.aberdeen-asset.co.uk/aam.nsf/foundation/home

More information on Wings for Warriors is available at www.wings4warriors.org.uk

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Whistle Blowing At Aberdeen City Council

Aberdeen City, Events, Opinion 43 Responses »

May 192016

By Scott Shaw.

I was the longstanding Insurance Officer at Aberdeen City Council and had held that position for nearly 17 years. My main duties were the running of a small insurance section which handled all the councils insurance claims such as pavement slips/trips, road pothole claims, council motor fleet accident claims, fire and employers liability claims etc.

Part of my duties also involved liaising with council insurers over insurance issues/covers which also involved insurance tender work at 5 yearly intervals. I am a fully qualified associate of the Institute of Risk management.

During March 2012 I had very good reason for believing that wrongful activity was occurring on a key insurance policy used to insure the high value art collections of Aberdeen Art Gallery and this activity had been longstanding.

The value of the Art Gallery collections are huge and at March 2012 was £240 Million. I blew the whistle, which is more accurately defined as making a public interest disclosure under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998. I was suspended immediately after doing so.

The wrongs concerned key insurance covers.

The disclosure activated the Councils Whistle Blowing Charter which fell under the responsibility of the former Head of Legal & Democratic Services and a formal investigation was conducted by the Councils internal auditors, Price Waterhouse Coopers.

I met with PWC on 25th June 2012 at PWC’s Aberdeen office where I presented further evidence regarding the wrongful conduct of the underwriting unit of the Councils insurers, Zurich Municipal.

The concern I raised was that a letter from the underwriters, in response to my request for clarification, presented information which was (to put it mildly) inconsistent with the terms of the actual active insurance policy in that it sought to reassure that theft was not limited to ‘forcible or violent entry to or exit from the premises’.

No such assurance is apparent in the pertinent section of the actual policy.

My suspension lasted an entire year which is incredible to say the least and at the end of that year I was dismissed and handed a PWC investigative report, the contents of which I considered to be inaccurate and in parts unfounded. This report was then used by the Council at Tribunal Court in Aberdeen where I firmly believe it misled a court and denied me fair judicial hearing.

The report was unfairly weighted against me and included what I consider to be inaccuracies with regard to the content of emails and time events. The most worrying aspect however, was the omission of the aforementioned letter from the underwriter, despite this having been examined by the report writer, which was key to my case.

The writer of the report was also allowed to destroy all the supporting e-mail documents he alleged to have examined in his report (thus removing an audit trail) which contravenes documentation retention surrounding fraud / whistle blowing investigations.

It has taken me literally thousands of hours and extensive use of the Freedom of Information statute to validate the disclosure and to expose the activities of PWC with regard to this matter. The covering up of wrongs is highlighted itself as being wrongful activity under the Protected Interest Disclosure Act 1998.

Based on all the evidence I have gathered and studied, it is apparent to me that, for decades, Aberdeen City Council had been diddled out of fire insurance cover on what is effectively the largest fire insurance risk north of Edinburgh.

If that was not bad enough this activity went right around the UK with Councils up and down the Country not having fire insurance cover on their high value art collections.

The FOI returns I have show that over 95% of UK Councils had inadequate fire cover.

There were other wrongs on the arrangement dating back to 2003 including wrongful activity in relation to specific covers including the important theft cover.

It took me over 2 years to produce a 160 page investigative report into the matter which validated the disclosure and on 9th November 2015 this report was presented to the Chief Executive Officer of Aberdeen City Council and the Deputy Provost who sits on the Councils Audit, Risk and Scrutiny Committee.

In late December I had managed to arrange a meeting to discuss the report and during this meeting (which included Councils Head of Legal ) the Deputy Provost suggested the Police should be notified due to the nature and historic matters concerning the insurance arrangement.

The months ticked by and after several prods and chase-ups, I received a nine line e-mail from the Council’s Legal Head and a four line letter from the Councils Chief Executive Officer declaring their satisfaction with the insurance arrangement and the Price Waterhouse Coopers report – this outcome being contrary to discussions at the meeting of 20th December 2015.

I have now taken the matter up with the head of complaints at the Chartered Institute of Public Finance Accountants (Cipfa) who are the professional body of the PWC Senior Manager (who carried out the PWC investigation/report) and also the CEO of Aberdeen City Council. For any interested reader, Cipfa publish the findings of misconduct/ethics hearings on their web page which is www.Cipfa.org

A recent Freedom of Information enquiry I sent to all 32 Scottish Councils indicates that for PIDA whistle blowing cases in local government approx 70% find no wrongs.

It is my firm belief that this figure is far too high and likely to be due to extensive nullification/turning a blind eye/cover ups of said disclosures.

I have presented my case to members of the Scottish Parliament and requested that the Scottish Parliament look at the matter. This they failed to do back in 2013 when a Public Petition was raised in the Scottish Parliament specifically concerning possible cover ups of whistle blowing disclosures. This petition can be seen on www.scottish.parliament.uk under PE01488.

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[Aberdeen Voice accepts and welcomes contributions from all sides/angles pertaining to any issue. Views and opinions expressed in any article are entirely those of the writer/contributor, and inclusion in our publication does not constitute support or endorsement of these by Aberdeen Voice as an organisation or any of its team members.]

Lemon Tree Date For Award Winning ‘RURA’

Aberdeen City, Events No Responses »

May 052016

RURA. One of the most exciting folk-based bands to emerge from Scotland in recent years

With thanks to Bob Buchan.

Live Act of the Year at the 2015 Scots Trad Music Awards, RURA will appear at The Lemon Tree on Monday 16th May.

With their second album, Despite the Dark, accompanied by extensive UK and international touring, RURA have well and truly reinforced their reputation as one of Scotland’s most powerful folk-based bands.

Their exquisitely rugged, yet refined, blend of fiddle, Highland pipes, whistle, flute, bodhran, guitar and voice has proven a resounding hit across the board.

The five-piece’s fire first ignited in 2010, as award-winners at Glasgow’s world-renowned Celtic Connections festival, where they have now appeared on a remarkable seven consecutive occasions.

Since then, Steven Blake, Adam Brown, David Foley, Adam Holmes and Jack Smedley’s powerful instrumentals and haunting songcraft has been a highlight of many of the world’s leading folk festivals – including Cambridge, Tønder, Winnipeg, HebCelt and Shetland, amongst countless others.

They are undeniably one of Scotland’s most sought-after, universally appealing acts. One listen – live or recorded – and it’s easy to see why.

“one of the most exciting bands on the Scottish folk scene” – Songlines (5 stars)

“accomplished musicianship, expressive vocals, flawless composition…supremely impressive” – FolkWords

“genuinely stirring stuff… there’s something very exciting about RURA” – Fatea Magazine

“a brilliant fusion of the old and the new” – The Herald

“Despite the Dark is a truly remarkable album… Rura are definitely heading in a huge direction.” – Bright Young Folk

“an album of its time for Scotland” – Folk Radio UK

“Rura are just what every festival needs. Barnstorming instrumentals and songs of exceptional quality. The Scottish music scene has never been stronger and these guys are right out in front!” – Bruce MacGregor, BBC Radio Scotland’s Travelling Folk

Despite the Dark Tour Dates – May, 2016:

13th May Eden Court, Inverness. 8.00pm / Tickets £12 -£14 / Box Offfice 01463 234 234

14th May Ullapool Village Hall. 7.30pm / £13 /
https://www.fatsoma.com/scottish-folk-promotions/et5l2d13/rura

15th May Incheberry Hall, Fochabers. 7.30pm / £7.52 – £13.85 /
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-arc-sessions-rura-tickets-21817495717

16th May The Lemon Tree, Aberdeen. 7.30pm / £14.20 incl bf / 01224 641122

17th May The Mash House, Edinburgh. 8.00pm / £13/
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/rura-edinburgh-tickets-21406179459

18th May The Atkinson, Southport. £10-£12 + £1 bf / 01704 533 333

19th May Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury. 8.00pm / £15 / 01743 281 281

20th May Shepley Spring Festival /
http://www.shepleyspringfestival.co.uk/tickets-2/

21st May Otley Courthouse, Burley in Wharfedale. 8.00pm / £11-£13 / 01943 467466

22nd May The Convent, Stroud. 8.00pm / £11.25 incl bf / 01453 835 138

23rd May Colchester Arts Centre, 7.45pm / £10-£12 / 01206 500 900

24th May The Witham, Barnard Castle. 7.30pm / £12 in advance–£14 on the door
Tel. 01833 631 107

25th May Eastgate Arts Centre, Peebles. 7.30pm / £12-£14—£6 (schoolchildren)
Tel. 01721 725 777

26th, 27th, 28th & 29th May Orkney Folk Festival.
http://www.orkneyfolkfestival.com/tickets/

Much more info at www.rura.co.uk

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The Brutalist Playground – Peacock Visual Arts

Aberdeen City, Events, Featured No Responses »

Apr 222016

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 08: The Brutalist Playground is the latest work by Turner Prize nominees Assemble with artist Simon Terrill at the RIBA on June 8, 2015 in London, England. The installation is open free to the public from 10 June to 16 August at the Architecture Gallery, RIBA, London. (Photo by Tristan Fewings/Getty Images for The Royal Institue Of British Architects (RIBA))

The Brutalist Playground is the latest work by Turner Prize nominees Assemble with artist Simon Terrill (Photo by Tristan Fewings/Getty Images for The Royal Institue Of British Architects)

With thanks to John Morrison.

Peacock Visual Arts is delighted to host The Brutalist Playground by recent Turner Prize winners Assemble, and artist Simon Terrill, exploring post-war design for play, as part of Look Again Visual Art & Design Festival.

Brutalism was an architectural movement of the 1950s-70s, which aligned with a new socialist agenda.

Buildings were fortress-like in form, often of grand monolithic scale and designed to bring function to the flow of people populating them.

As such, Brutalism was predominately found in municipal buildings, educational institutions, shopping centres and high-rise housing. It is from the high-rise housing schemes and their surrounding social spaces and playgrounds that The Brutalist Playground takes its inspiration.

By recreating the post-war playground structures in soft pastel coloured foam The Brutalist Playground is an immersive and climbable installation – fun for all ages!

The installation was originally commissioned in 2015 by the Royal Institute of British Architects’ (RIBA) and is accompanied by a film made by Simon Terrill using archival images from the RIBA’s archive

The Brutalist Playground is the centrepiece of Aberdeen’s Look Again Festival 2016, which celebrates bringing the very best in visual art and design to the city.

Assemble is a collective based in London which works across the fields of art, architecture and design. Its 18 members began working together in 2010. Assemble seeks to address the typical disconnection between public and the process by which public places are made championing a working practice that is interdependent and collaborative, seeking to involve the public as both participant and collaborator in the on-going realisation of the work.

Simon Terrill is an Australian artist living in London who works with photography, performance, sculpture, and installation as well as large-scale public works involving many hundreds of participants. He began working with Splinters Theatre in Canberra and went on to co-found Snuff Puppets Inc, a travelling performance troupe.

Following a BA in Sculpture and MA in Fine Art at the Victorian College of the Arts in Melbourne, he lectured in Critical and Historical Studies (2005-08) and at the Centre for Ideas (2003-08), both at the VCA. In 2008, Terrill was awarded the Samstag International Visual Arts Scholarship that enabled him to spend a year at the Slade in London. Recent exhibitions include Tilt, Sutton Gallery Melbourne, The Piranesi Effect, Ian Potter Museum of Art, Balfron Project II, 2 Willow Road, National Trust Ernő Goldfinger Museum.

Upcoming is the Creative Connections commission at the National Portrait Gallery that will feature the ninth iteration of his on-going Crowd Theory project, a series of photographic performance works which have previously featured sites including Balfron Tower (2010), the Port of Melbourne (2008), and Adelaide’s Victoria Square /Tarntanyangga (2013).

He is represented by Sutton Gallery, Melbourne and The Fine Art Society Contemporary, London, and currently lectures in photography theory at London South Bank University. In 2012, the publisher M.33 produced a monograph of his work titled Proscenium.

The Brutalist Playground:

Date: 28 April – 29 May 2016
Location: Peacock Visual Arts, Aberdeen.

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“BIG” Fundraising For Africa

Aberdeenshire, Charity No Responses »

Apr 012016

With thanks to Kieran Booth.

In October last year Barthol Chapel resident Kieran Booth (pictured), was selected by the charity, First Aid Africa, to join their 2016 international expedition team of volunteers. From June 1st, the third-year Robert Gordon University student will be travelling to Kenya to teach life-saving First Aid to schools and communities in remote Sub-Saharan Africa.

First Aid Africa works to provide and encourage access to sustainable First Aid equipment and education, delivering emergency healthcare solutions to benefit the public.

Each year, the charity sends teams of volunteers to rural areas of Uganda, Malawi, Kenya and Tanzania to train communities in First Aid skills which they would otherwise not receive. It is a little known fact that injuries kill more people each year in Africa than HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis combined.

Having recently completed his Overseas First Aid training course, Kieran (20) is looking forward to the challenges that he will face during his expedition.

“It’s going to be a fairly tiring and demanding experience out in Kenya but I have no doubt it will be equally rewarding. I applied to get involved as I knew it would be something totally different and out of my comfort zone but it feels great knowing that I’ll be helping to provide support and make a real difference in areas where First Aid knowledge and resources are practically nil.”

The international First Aid training has provided the volunteers with knowledge of how to deal with casualties both within the UK and out in Africa.

“It’s been really interesting learning about the ways to treat various injuries but we have had to realise the importance of how administering First Aid overseas can differ from across here in the UK. Many of the materials that would be used to treat injuries in this country simply aren’t available in the parts that we are travelling to and so it’s all about being resourceful and using what little equipment you have in the most effective way. One simple triangular bandage has more uses than I ever thought!”

Kieran will be making the 4500-mile journey to Kenya from the beginning of June to begin a full month of teaching before the next group of overseas volunteers arrive to relieve them.

Ahead of the expedition Kieran is required to raise money for the charity to cover the costs of the various resources and materials required during the trip and beyond.

“There are a lot of worthy charities out there seeking donations and I appreciate it’s difficult for people to support as many as they would like to. I’ve organised fundraisers that I hope people will be keen to participate in – the aim is for people to enjoy themselves, be in with a chance of winning some super prizes and all while helping a good cause.”

‘The BIG North East Quiz Night’ will take place on Saturday 23rd April in the Melvin Hall in Tarves from 7pm – suitable for all ages.

Tickets for ‘The BIG North East Raffle’ are also on sale, which features an array of prizes from businesses across Aberdeenshire and beyond.

Tickets can be reserved for both fundraisers by emailing kieransfundraising@hotmail.com

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Charity Boss Shortlisted For Male Role Model Of The Year

Aberdeen City, Charity No Responses »

Mar 112016

With thanks to Future Choices.

Local Voluntary Charity Chairman, David Forbes, has been shortlisted for a prestigious award under the category of Male Role Model of the Year on behalf of local events company Wobia Entertainment House.
The purpose of the awards ceremony is to recognise achievement from all sectors.

Charity Boss David said:

“I simply cannot believe it. Again I have been nominated and now shortlisted. Last year I was lucky enough to win and this year I have again been shortlisted.

“I’m so honoured as I only set out to make the lives of disabled people better as much as I can”

David runs a local voluntary charity called Future Choices, the charity provides vital social inclusion and recreational activities to those who have a physical disability. They provide sessions every Tuesday from 11-1 from their base at Inchgarth Community Centre in Garthdee.

The charity boss added:

“If I win, it will push me even more to help those who really need it and will be dedicated to my dear mother, whom I do this work for, and her pals.”

The results are down to the public voting, so if you feel David deserves your vote, follow the link, you need to Register, confirm email and select David Forbes for Male Role Model of the Year

http://www.wobiaentertainmenthouse.co.uk/login.html

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Aker Solutions Staff Drum Up Funds For CLAN

Aberdeen City, Charity, Featured No Responses »

Feb 292016

With thanks to Phil Moar, Account Manager, Citrus:Mix.

Staff at Aker Solutions visits CLAN House in Aberdeen.

Kind-hearted staff at a leading oil and gas services company have helped raise more than £36,000 for a north-east cancer support charity after undertaking a year of fundraising events.

Employees from Aker Solutions took part in a host of activities throughout 2015 in an effort to raise funds for CLAN Cancer Support after Aberdeen staff selected the charity as their nominated cause for the year.

The campaign saw a range of challenges completed alongside various fundraising initiatives.

From a mini sports day, a sky dive and a ski trip to participation in the popular Tough Mudder event, a race night and bake sales, a variety of events were tackled with all funds raised set to be used by CLAN to aid its provision of free support services to anyone affected by cancer across north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland.

The employees didn’t just stop at fundraising, with staff also volunteering their time at a number of the charity’s events throughout the last 12 months including its ladies afternoon and children’s Christmas party. CLAN has also been able to return the favour, showcasing a range of its services and providing information and advice at the company’s family fun afternoon and HSE week.

Aimee Ross, community ambassador at Aker Solutions, said:

“We worked closely with CLAN throughout 2015 and I’d like to thank our staff for their enthusiasm and willingness to support the charity in the last 12 months; to raise more than £36,000 is a fantastic total and testament to their efforts.

“I am particularly pleased that alongside the fundraising element of the campaign, we’ve spent time volunteering with the charity as well as being able to learn more about its offerings and services. There’s been a mutual benefit to the link-up and we’re delighted with just how successful it has been.

“Cancer is an illness that affects so many people here in the north-east and we’re proud to know that we’ve been part of CLAN’s quest to provide comfort and help to those who need it most within the region.”

Dr Colette Backwell, chief executive of CLAN Cancer Support, said:

“On behalf of all at CLAN, I’d like to say a massive thank you to the staff at Aker Solutions for their efforts throughout the year. To raise such an impressive amount of money is a fantastic achievement and one that they should be incredibly proud of reaching.

“Donations like these, especially in the current economic climate, are of great importance to CLAN as they play such an integral role in allowing us to reach out to those affected by cancer throughout the north-east of Scotland; the dedicated efforts of staff can make such a big difference and is of great value to the charity.”

CLAN Cancer Support is an independent charity which provides comfort support and information, free of charge, for anyone, of any age, affected by any type of cancer. CLAN aims to support people to reduce anxiety, stress and to increase their ability to cope with the effects of a serious illness.

Based in Aberdeen, the charity covers the whole of north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland. CLAN has a presence in Ballater, Banchory, Elgin, Inverurie, Fraserburgh, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick.

For further information about CLAN Cancer Support please call (01224) 647 000 or visit www.clanhouse.org

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Pillow Fight To Fund Children’s Beds

Aberdeen City, Charity, Featured No Responses »

Feb 292016

With thanks to Ian McLaren, PR account manager, Innes Associates

It will be pillows at dawn in Aberdeen next month as teams fight it out to be crowned Scotland’s best bed maker.
Organised by north-east children’s charity Cash for Kids, the Scottish Bed Making Championship will be held in the Granite City on Thursday, 31 March.

The competition is part of the Aberdeen-based charity’s annual Bed Appeal which runs throughout March.

It is hoped the appeal will raise £20,000 to enable the purchase of beds for around 150 disabled and disadvantaged children living in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

This is the second time the unique competition has been held and this year will be staged at the Crowne Plaza Aberdeen Airport. Teams of four will to be tested on their bed making precision and speed, with points being awarded for each task. The two highest scoring teams will then go head-to-head in a bed race to be crowned Scottish Bed Making Champions.

Reigning champions are the staff at Crerar Thainstone House Hotel who showed that their hospital corners were a cut above the rest of the competition last year. The team is confident about their chances of retaining their title against a bigger field of competitors.

General manager Morag Clark said:

“The team at Thainstone are excited to again be involved in the Scottish Bed Making Championship and we hope to successfully defend our title. It was great fun last year and it is fantastic way to support such a worthy cause.”

A number of the Aberdeen’s top hotels have already signed up to take part in the contest. The number of entries is already up on last year, but Cash for Kids is encouraging businesses from all sectors to get involved, including nursing and healthcare providers. Entries cost £100 per team of four, with all proceeds going to the Cash for Kids Bed Appeal.

Now in its fourth year, the month-long Bed Appeal aims to provide disadvantaged children with a bed of their own and disabled children with specialist beds. Over the last three years, the appeal has helped Cash for Kids provide new beds for over 350 local children.

The charity is also calling on the north-east public to fundraise for the Bed Appeal throughout March. Cash for Kids is encouraging people to wear slippers to work for a month, organise breakfast bake sales, and hold onesie or pyjama to work days. Employers are also being asked to consider raffling off an extra day’s holiday as a duvet day in support of the appeal.

Cash for Kids charity manager Michelle Ferguson said:

“The Scottish Bed Making Championship is open to anyone who wants to show off their bed making prowess. Entries from businesses of all sizes and operating in all sectors are welcome. It really is a fun event and great for teambuilding as everyone has to work together efficiently.

“The contest and the month-long Bed Appeal will once again highlight the issue of poverty in the region that is all too often hidden. We continue to be surprised by the number of applications we receive requesting beds for children who are forced to share beds with siblings or even sleep on a mattress on the floor.”

To register a team for the Scottish Bed Making Championship or for more information on the Bed Appeal visit www.northsound1.com/bed.

Cash for Kids is Northsound Radio’s listeners’ charity. It makes grants to individuals, families, children’s groups, organisations and projects throughout the Northsound transmission area. All money is raised locally and spent locally to benefit local disabled and disadvantaged children and young people under 18. More information on Cash for Kids can be found at www.northsound1.com/cashforkids, or telephone 01224 337010.

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