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Thousands Of Banff & Buchan Families To Lose Out

Aberdeenshire, Information No Responses »

Oct 292015

With thanks to Kenny Hutchison, Parliamentary Assistant to Dr. Eilidh Whiteford MP.

UK Government cuts to tax credits are set to hit thousands of Banff and Buchan residents, new figures revealed today.

The Children’s Society, which campaigns on behalf of children and young people, revealed on Friday that 4,000 children in 2,400 households in the constituency will lose out as a result of cuts to tax credits available to families in work.

The Children’s Society also revealed serious concerns related to the UK Government’s intention to re-define what constitutes ‘child poverty’.

The Government’s proposals include measures to remove any reference to income from the Child Poverty Act 2010, which legally obliges UK Governments to act against child poverty.

Following on from the publication of the figures, Dr Whiteford said:

“The Children’s Society figures illustrate the scale of the damage this measure will do – not only to my own constituents, but across the whole of the UK.

“Even the Tories’ Scottish leader disagrees with these cuts. The Scottish parliament is united in its opposition – and yet, we find ourselves, once again, at the mercy of a Government with no regard for the negative consequences of its attacks on the poor.

“As if that wasn’t bad enough, the UK Government plans to cover up these consequences, by re-defining what constitutes child poverty. It’s simply astonishing – but sadly, not surprising.”

More info relating to the proposals to re-define what constitutes child poverty can be accessed here.

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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.]

Winter Clothing Appeal Aims To Keep Kids Cosy

Aberdeen City, Articles No Responses »

Oct 292015

A north-east charity is aiming to ensure that hundreds of local children living in poverty are warm on their walk to school this winter. With thanks to Ian McLaren, PR account manager, Innes Associates.

Cash for Kids has launched its annual Coats for Kids appeal in order to fulfil an anticipated 600 applications for children’s winter clothing vouchers.

In order to meet the expected demand, the Aberdeen-based charity needs to raise over £30,000 to fund the purchase of a warm winter coat, a pair of winter boots and a scarf, hat and gloves for every child to keep the winter chill away.

This is the third consecutive year in which Cash for Kids has organised the Coats for Kids appeal.

The appeal was initially launched after the charity received a significant number of applications in its quarterly grant funding programme from families requesting funding to purchase winter clothing for their children.

Cash for Kids, which supports sick, disabled and disadvantaged children and young people under the age of 18 living in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, works with support workers, social workers and community groups to identify those children who are in need of new winter clothing.

The charity has struck a deal with a leading retailer to provide vouchers to the families in need. These vouchers can then be redeemed against the purchase of children’s winter wear.

Michelle Ferguson, charity manager, said:

“Winter is a time when family finances can become very stretched. There are an estimated 12,000 children in north-east Scotland living in poverty and some of their parents cannot afford to purchase warm winter clothing for their children. There are obvious health reasons why youngsters should be cosy when walking to school or playing outside in winter.

“In 2014, we were inundated with applications and expect similar high demand this year. We received an incredible response last year with a large number of public and corporate donations which enabled us to fulfil all applications. To do the same again this year would be tremendous, meaning that all of the children in north-east Scotland who may not otherwise be kitted out in warm winter clothing are ready for whatever winter can throw at them.”

In addition to running specific appeals, Cash for Kids provides quarterly grant funding to support sick, disabled and disadvantaged children and young people under the age of 18 throughout Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. Funding is distributed at the end of January, April, July and October every year and is available to individuals, families and community groups. All applications must be endorsed by a third party, such as a social worker or health visitor.

Any individuals, organisations or businesses that wish to support this year’s Coats for Kids appeal should contact Michelle Ferguson on 01224 337010 or michelle.ferguson@northsound.co.uk, or visit www.northsound1.com/coats.

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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Spectre: Andrew Watson Reviews

Aberdeen City, Opinion No Responses »

Oct 292015

Spy thriller Spectre is Daniel Craig’s fourth outing as James Bond. It’s not as good as the previous Skyfall, though even that wasn’t particularly remarkable. Aberdeen Voice’s Andrew Watson watched the most expensive Bond movie yet in its second day in cinemas.

There were just over a dozen people at Vue on Aberdeen’s Shiprow during the Tuesday morning showing, which was probably good given that most people were at work at that time of day.
Casting-wise the composition of its starring actors is interesting. Much time was spent placing the voice of main antagonist Ernst Stavro Blofeld.

Indeed Christoph Waltz is best known by many as Jamie Foxx’s sidekick in Django Unchained.

He’s very soft spoken like Bond’s previous adversary, Skyfall’s Raoul Silva (Javier Bardem).

Anyway, the film primarily revolves around Bond and his main love interest Dr Madeleine Swann, played by Léa Seydoux. She’s the daughter of a man with serious links to a shadowy organisation called Spectre.

Basically Bond starts the film following the death wish of M (Judie Dench). Her assignment from beyond the grave lands him in some serious trouble. It turns out that new management at MI6 wants to steamroll the ‘00’ project, and 007’s transgression justifying this process.

He goes rogue anyway, and tracks down Swann’s father. Upon revealing his daughter’s location, someone to help Bond in M’s search for answers, he urges him to protect her before killing himself.

This is amidst the new setup of the British intelligence services, soon to turn global, warring with the old guard like the current M (Ralph Fiennes). The latter is, of course, in favour of the ‘00’ project.

When Bond seems certain to die, inextricable links are made between himself and Blofeld. The revelation concerning Bond’s childhood almost makes enduring some of the film’s less watchable moments worthwhile just for this alone. Of course, looking back it was Bond’s upbringing that made Skyfall intriguing.

However, barely a couple minutes of key dialogue within a film clocking almost two and a half hours is a lot to ask. Highbrow types maybe wouldn’t have the patience.

The fascinating detail revealed is seemingly the one of few things of substance revealed in the duration; the rest just cars, combat and explosions. The whole “Bond, James Bond” routine early on in the film in this particular outing is meant to be brooding and sexy, but just comes off as corny.

Yes, despite how more serious Bond has become in the Craig-era there are, thankfully you suppose, some lights moments; the third ‘c’, comedy.

Overall it’s typical of most Bond films that have preceded it: spy thriller slightly more intelligent than your average exploding action film. Shaking, but not too stirring.

Who You Gonna Call For Spooky Halloween Retreat?

Aberdeen City, Opinion No Responses »

Oct 292015

With thanks to Eoin Smith, Senior Account Executive, Tricker PR.

Calling all wannabe Ghostbusters: are you brave enough to spend Halloween in a haunted hotel?
Guests at The Caledonian Hotel in Aberdeen are amongst the bravest of the brave, as the building is thought to be the home of a ghostly presence that walks the corridors.

Legend has it that the ghost of Mary Littlejohn, a much-revered restaurant manager from the hotel’s dim and distant past, has been spotted in the hallways of the hotel, which opened on Union Terrace Gardens in the Granite City in 1892.

Hotel staff are more than willing to share their stories of ghostly goings on – and can even point guests intrigued by the paranormal to the spots where they are most likely to encounter some paranormal activity.

Babs Dawson, a member of the housekeeping staff for over 19 years, is the hotel’s unofficial ghost expert.

She says,

“I am one of the longest serving members of staff at The Caledonian, and as long as I have been here there have been whispers of a ghost.

“Everyone who works in the basement office has experienced a supernatural presence. When people are working alone down there, they often hear footsteps in the corridor but when they go to check who it is… no-one is ever there.

“Some members of staff have also mentioned that there is a cool spot on the right hand side of the fourth floor corridor – we think this might have been where Mary lived while working in the hotel.

“The hotel has been open for over 100 years, and I really do believe that there could be an otherworldly presence here. I think even after all these years, Mary is still checking in on us to make sure the hotel is running smoothly!

“Some guests are intrigued and actually want to see the spirit, but I can assure those who have no desire to come face to face with her that she has never been mischievous. She seems to want to ensure our guests have a restful and relaxing stay, just like the rest of us.”

The Caledonian isn’t the only haunted location in Aberdeen city centre, and there are dozens of other spectres that will delight – and terrify – fans of TV shows like Most Haunted.

His Majesty’s Theatre – just a few hundred yards from the hotel – is said to be haunted by not one but two spooks. The most famous is Jake, the spirit of a stagehand who died in a tragic rigging accident during a circus performance at the time of World War II.

Many actors and crew have reported unusual goings-on during performances, with disembodied footsteps heard backstage and props and tools mysteriously vanishing without a trace. There are also rumours of a Grey Lady, who has been spotted gliding through the foyer.

There are other paranormal hotspots close to the hotel too. Halloween ghost hunters might spot the ghost of Friar Charles Gordon – affectionately known as Priest Gordon – near the Castlegate. After 50 years’ service at St Peter’s Chapel, Gordon died in 1855 and was so loved by the city that the citizens lined the streets for his funeral.

They might also catch a glimpse of the ghoulish monks that haunt the historic Green marketplace, or the pale apparition of a dark haired woman dressed in white that hovers in St Nicholas Kirkyard.

And The Caledonian Hotel is not the only member of The Hotel Collection in Aberdeen to house a ghostly presence. Anne McIntosh, duty manager at The Aberdeen Skyway Hotel, has come face to face with one spectre in the dead of night.

Anne says,

“When you’re working the nightshift, you often feel like there’s a presence there with you – but I think that’s part and parcel of working alone at night. There was one time, though, about five years ago that I saw something I really can’t explain.

“I was working on my own at the reception. I left for a second to look at the security monitors and noticed that there was a woman sitting on a seat next to the reception. I went through to speak to her, but she had disappeared. When I went back through to look at the monitors again, she was still sitting there.

“As far as I know, no-one before or since has seen the ghost – but it was pretty terrifying at the time!”

For those looking to jump into their Mystery Machine and head to Aberdeen for a spooky break, rooms at The Caledonian Hotel are available on Halloween from £67.15 per room (based on double occupancy, bed & breakfast). Rooms at The Aberdeen Skyway Hotel are available from £58.65 (based on double occupancy, bed & breakfast).

The Caledonian Hotel and The Aberdeen Skyway Hotel are part of The Hotel Collection, which has one other venue in the city – The Aberdeen Altens Hotel. There are 446 bedrooms across the three venues, and each has conferencing and banqueting facilities. The Aberdeen Altens Hotel also has a health and leisure club. Further information is available at www.thehotelcollection.co.uk/aberdeen

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Trail To Tranquility Premiers At Belmont 14.11.15

Aberdeenshire, Featured, Information 1 Response »

Oct 292015

Trail to Tranquility and Trouble Again in Tranquility are to premier on 14 November at Aberdeen’s Belmont Cinema. Suzanne Kelly, who played a role in Trail to Tranquility, reports.

Trail to Tranquility was written by and produced by Alistair Baranowski and directed by Paul Vernon. Trouble Again in Tranquility was written by Stewart Walker. They were shot on location at the Tranquility Wild West Town in Huntly.

Located near the Glendronach Distillery in Aberdeenshire, Tranquility was begun in 2005 and is a reconstruction of a small frontier town in the old American West.

Award-winning director Paul Vernon said:

“Trail to Tranquility has been very well received at some exclusive previews, so I know you are all in for a fun treat in the old Western tradition of good guys vs bad guys.”

Also appearing on the same programme is another short western – Trouble Again In Tranquility – which is a follow-up to last year’s short Trouble In Tranquility.

Of Trail to Tranquility, Alistair Baranowski said:

“I think the making of this film has been a labour of love by everyone involved in front & behind the cameras. We were extremely lucky to have some great young & talented local actors on board helping us out. There’s plenty of action throughout the film to satisfy all western fans & there’s some fantastic cinematic work from our award winning director, Paul Vernon.”

Acctor Karl F Hiemeyer who played the US Deputy Marshal said:

“It was a lot of fun working with director Paul Vernon, Mikey Mcallen and the rest of the cast and crew for TTT. It was a great experience for me and memories for a lifetime. The makeup crew did a fantastic job throughout.”

Paul Vernon added:

“With some enthusiastic new talent from the south, some lively returnees from last year’s ‘Return of a Son’ and a few firm loyal favourites from the Town itself, we hit the ‘Trail To Tranquility’ running. We had two and a half days to shoot a 30 minute film – no mean feat. However with the whole team totally committed to the project, working hard and pulling in the same direction we managed to pull off a great looking film.

“With plenty of action, fist fights, gun play and plain old skullduggery this is a romping western in the good old tradition of the Wild West.”

Mikey McAllen, who plays outlaw Kelly, said:

“Working on Trail to Tranquility was something really different for me. I really enjoyed portraying the outlaw Kelly – this is a guy who doesn’t care about anything other than himself.

“This is my first western and playing this cowboy villain was a great new experience for me. It has now made me want to push myself more in taking on a variety of different roles for future projects. Not only did I get to neet and work with some fantastic actors but having the chance to work with an amazing and creative director Paul Vernon as well, made it a very positive experience. It was a big shame the production had to come to an end as I had so much fun.

“I can’t wait to see the finished piece of Trail to Tranquility.”

Tranquility Wild West Town is open to the public only on our “Open Days” or “Round Ups”.

Ticket Hotline – from Ally on tranquility_town@hotmail.c o.uk

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Rebecca At HMT: Duncan Harley Reviews

Aberdeen City, Articles, Featured, Opinion No Responses »

Oct 292015

Emma Rice has taken the Daphne Du Maurier 1938 bestseller out of the box, shaken it about a bit and injected a good measure of humour. Does it work? Duncan Harley reviews Rebecca at HM Theatre, Aberdeen.

Lizzie Winkler as Bea and Andy Williams as Giles in REBECCA photo by Steve Tanner.

Billed as a study in jealousy, and described by Du Maurier as “a sinister … psychological and rather macabre … tale about a woman who marries a widower”, the story is indeed a dark one.

Following the mysterious death of Rebecca, his first wife, Maxim de Winter returns to his Manderley estate in Cornwall with a new bride, Mrs de Winter.

From the outset, all is not as it seems and the new mistress of the house sets out to uncover the secrets of the past.

Along the way she must stand up to the sinister housekeeper Mrs Danvers, assert her new-found authority and finally enable her new husband to come to terms with the unburied memories which desperately haunt him.

Says Rice:

“Rebecca challenges us from the grave with her lack of care for society’s rules … I celebrate all of the wonderful female characters … from the passionate and loyal Mrs Danvers to the new Mrs de Winter, who wakes from her fairy tale slumber in front of our very eyes.”

Gender roles are to the fore in this adaptation. Men are men, and get up to man-like things such as drinking and womanising. Women are women and get up to dressing up and organising things. The exception to the rule is the unseen but omnipresent and very dead Rebecca de Winter, a manipulative sexual predator, incapable of love and intent only on satisfying her own pleasure.

Traditionally Rebecca is a morbidly dark tale but Emma Rice has lightened the story line somewhat. Sea shanties, performed by a sou’wester clad troop of jolly Cornish sailor men, lighten up the darkly intense mood and a Warhorse style puppet-dog sticks his nose into groins everywhere. There are episodes of knockabout and slapstick and at one point Jack – Rebecca’s cousin and ex-lover – attempts the great double-flickaroo’ cigarette trick.

Perhaps the most unlikely comedy turn comes via Katy Owen. Alongside playing the anguished harbour-side waif Ben, she plays Robert – the young Welsh house-boy. In a series of rollickingly hilarious skits Katy literally has the theatre audience in stitches.

Imogen Sage as Mrs de Winter, and Emily Raymond as the creepy Mrs Danvers, excel and LeslieTravers’ stage set is a triumph. Doubling both as decaying stately home and stormy quayside, the set appropriately suggests a place where nothing is as it seems. Rebecca’s wrecked boat becomes the wine cellar; the parlour effortlessly morphs into a boathouse and later a storm-swept harbour mouth.

If criticism were due, it would be on the grounds of a slightly hurried second half. The plot involves a lot of soul-searching and problem-solving, and at times the action moves perceptibly too fast for those unfamiliar with the storyline to follow. The notion of a Judge Jeffries style coastguard, played by Andy Williams, was also hard to swallow. But in them far off days in Cornwall, perhaps the local Coastguard did indeed double as hangman.

All in all though, the production works wonderfully well and the entire cast gave a polished and thoroughly professional performance.

After the final curtain call and as we all made our way down to the exits, a fellow theatre-goer was heard to remark:

“I wonder what Daphne would have made of it all?”

Her companion whispered:

“I think she would have approved wholeheartedly.”

Adapted and Directed by Emma Rice – Rebecca plays at HM Theatre Aberdeen until Saturday 31st October

Tickets from Aberdeen Performing Arts Tel: 01224- 641122

Words © Duncan Harley, Images © Steve Tanner

Aberdeen 1 Motherwell 1 – Pittodrie Stadium 24.10.15

Opinion, Sport No Responses »

Oct 252015

Aberdeen couldn’t capitalise on the luck they had going ahead in this game, and ended up with only one point, remarks Voice reporter Andrew Watson.

In the build-up to the game it looked like miserable weather for a potentially miserable spectacle.
Fortunately the conditions warmed and cleared up slightly.
Aberdeen almost threatened early on, with winger Jonny Hayes delivering an inviting cross into the box, but beaten by a good diving defensive header.

Conversely, it took a sliding Shaleum Logan to deny Motherwell a good chance on goal.

There was a good cross put out for a corner for the Reds, though Motherwell cleared for an unsuccessful counter attack.

Some lax defensive work almost saw Adam Rooney snap up the ball just outside the Motherwell box, but keeper Connor Ripley recovered the fumbled ball and picked it up.

Down the other end, Aberdeen’s man between the sticks, Danny Ward, then made an excellent diving effort as a shot just went wide.

Dogged defending by the Steelmen denied Peter Pawlett as he launched a powerful run into their box.

There was also some good linkup play from the Dons, but Logan’s cross into the final third fell short.

Motherwell came agonisingly close afterwards, beating an outstretched Ward but still going just wide.

The aforementioned Logan was unfortunate not to get a free kick for high feet. Credit to him, though, no complaints.

The Fir Park men broke free, but the ball was put out.

Hayes threatened, doing well to beat his man. However, he seemingly opted for an impossible shot at an impossible angle, instead of simply making the pass with a cutback.

Again Hayes was involved in the next run of play, with some good linking with Niall McGinn. The latter making an incisive pass to the former, only for the former to overcook his finish. Easily best chance of the game so far.

Switching halves, Ward almost undid his good work leaping for a high ball by dropping his save. Thankfully picked it up in time, though.

The stalemate was then broken, with Logan winning a free kick due to a poor challenge. Rooney headed down a ball that then deceived the keeper with a wicked bounce that went in for a goal.

1-0 Aberdeen after 43 minutes!

Captain Ryan Jack then had an impressive half volley effort go above the crossbar by not too great a height. Not much happened between that and half time.

Opening the second half was a Motherwell attack, though this was only a tame headed effort saved comfortably by Ward.

Pawlett then comfortably shrugged off ‘Well’s captain Keith Lasley but the Dons were then dispossessed. The latter was then taken off.

Aberdeen came close, just over the bar. Motherwell came close, just chalked for offside.

The Reds then got painfully close with good play between Rooney and Hayes, the former playing provider instead of taker. Hayes had it bobbling just past the post. Agonising.

The ball did eventually cross the line, but Mark Reynolds’ effort was deemed offside.

Motherwell’s Scott McDonald then came on the pitch. This was to prove decisive towards the game’s conclusion. Until then, the Red Army marvelled at Pawlett’s spectacular overhead effort that just went over the bar.

It became apparent that Ashton Taylor was struggling with some form of back pain, but was soldiering on. However, Paul Quinn came on for Taylor come the 70 minute mark.

Pesky Pawlett then got almost clear on goal, his low driving effort just wide.

Three minutes after that substitution, Motherwell hit back. McDonald dived to head past Ward. He turned to the Main Stand, goading the Aberdeen support.

1-1.

Not long after this Aberdeen had a good effort almost take a fortuitous deflection, but the errant ball was caught by Ripley.

After 80 minutes Pawlett came off for David Goodwillie.

Hayes drove into the box but the angle was too tight to beat Ripley.

The only joy post-Rooney-goal for the Dons support was when Graeme Shinnie put McDonald on his backside with a gamely shoulder barge. They erupted with derision.

Ripley reared again with an amazing fingertip save, catlike reflexes. His opposite number, Ward, pulled off similar heroics, too.

Near the death McGinn was substituted for youngster Ryan McLauglin.

Ward then made another decisive stop, earning his side a point. It’s all they deserved.

With the last chance of the game Hayes almost turned things around, though nobody tagged onto his searching pass.

Final score: 1-1.

Aberdeen Forward Courses: From 31.10.15

Aberdeen City, Charity No Responses »

Oct 222015

With thanks to Angela Theobald.

Environmental charity Aberdeen Forward are hosting a range of workshops and courses up until the end of 2015.

Aberdeen Forward works closely with local communities, businesses and individuals to educate and promote projects that help to protect our environment, reduce waste and encourage sustainability.

Course Details

Hobby Club: Every Wednesday, 10am-12pm/1.30pm-3pm, these are drop in craft sessions. Donation of £2 per person.

Upholstery afternoon class: 2pm-5pm, £200, every Monday in this block

2nd November to 7th December

Upholstery weekend class: 31st October to 1st November, 10am-4pm, £200

If you book with a friend, we will give you a £10 discount each.
Also if you are already booked onto another course with CFine, you will get a £10 discount.
There will be breakfast and a homemade lunch included.

Back to Basics Sewing courses 2015: 6pm-8pm, £92, every Thursday in each block

19th November to 17th December – a two week break for xmas and new year – then the last date on 14th January

Advanced Sewing courses 2015: 6pm-8pm, £92, every Monday in each block

16th November to 14th December – a two week break for xmas and new year – then the last date on the 11th of January

Crochet: 6:30pm-8:30pm, £60, Every Wednesday in each block

November 4th, 11th, 18th

Booking:

To book or find out more please contact atheobald@cfine.org or 01224531376.

Venue:

Unless otherwise stated, the venue is:
Aberdeen Forward, 2 Poynernook Road, Aberdeen, AB11 5RW

CLAN Cancer Support Thanks Dedicated Volunteer

Aberdeenshire, Information No Responses »

Oct 222015

With thanks to Jessica Murphy, Senior Account Executive, Citrus Mix.

CLAN Cancer Support has paid tribute to a long serving volunteer who has been involved with the north-east charity for nearly a decade. CLAN thanked Frances Richards for her tireless fundraising efforts and role in spearheading the Friends of CLAN Stonehaven group in a moving presentation at its Stonehaven premises.

After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 1996, Frances wanted to do something to help others who were going through a similarly difficult experience.

She joined the charity’s board of directors in 2006, serving for six years before standing down to concentrate on fundraising for CLAN in Stonehaven.

Along with her daughter Andrea, Frances put her efforts into organising a wide range of fundraising events through CLAN’s Stonehaven Support Group, which became Stonehaven CLAN in the Community before the duo set up Friends of CLAN (FOC) Stonehaven in 2009.

Friends of CLAN groups are invaluable to the charity, helping to organise and host a number of fundraising and awareness events throughout the calendar year.

FOC Stonehaven brings in an annual estimated total of around £12,000 for the charity – testament to the dedication and enthusiasm of all volunteers involved.

Frances said:

“It has been very much a family effort with my daughter Andrea – we have worked together throughout the years on a lot of events which has been a lot of hard work and dedication but always good fun. Andrea and I fundraised through two fashion shows in 2006 and 2007 before we formally started Friends of CLAN Stonehaven in 2009.

“We started off with around six members and it has been great to see the group grow throughout the years. We have organised all sorts of events from quiz nights and shows to being involved with the Stonehaven Half Marathon as their charity of choice – there is always great variety. The Ury Players, a number of whom are members of the FOC committee, put on a wonderful charity performance of Dirty Dusting and will divide the proceeds between CLAN and another charity.

“All of the events have also had the effect of raising CLAN’s profile in Stonehaven, which is something I was very passionate about. Leaving CLAN’s board of directors in 2013 was quite difficult for me, but I had always been interested in CLAN in the community and wanted to focus on that. Andrea and I have lots of memories from FOC, but it is time for us to move on. However I am sure I will be still be involved in helping out at some events when CLAN needs it.”

Lucy Whiteman, CLAN’s services manager, said:

“Frances has been integral to the continued success of FOC Stonehaven and also played an important role during her time on our board of directors. On behalf of the entire CLAN family I would like to thank her for all her efforts over the years. We will miss her hugely but I am sure she will still be a presence in the life of CLAN at future events.

“Our Friends of CLAN groups are vitally important to us as a charity throughout the year and vital for conveying the message of CLAN and what we do. We would like to use this opportunity to appeal to people to consider joining. We have a number of opportunities in Stonehaven for people who are interested in helping organise and host fundraising and awareness events for the charity.”

Frances added:

“Everyone will get something different out of volunteering. For me and my daughter it was all in the enjoyment of organising and doing something positive together and knowing that someone who is going through the cancer experience will be benefiting from our efforts. Although this can be stressful at times it also brings some fun and a wonderful sense of achievement. As well as helping to raise funds you become a part of the CLAN family and that in itself is a wonderful support network.”

For more information on volunteering opportunities and to express an interest, please contact Cally Smith at Cally.smith@clanhouse.org or visit www.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, 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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Mental Health Aberdeen Gets Fundraising Boost

Articles No Responses »

Oct 222015

With thanks to Jessica Murphy, Senior Account Executive, Citrus Mix.

A ceilidh held in aid of Mental Health Aberdeen (MHA) has brought in thousands of pounds to help the charity.
Employees at oil and gas consultancy ADIL danced their way to raising £3,000 for MHA – their chosen charity of the year.

Staff at ADIL have not just been donning their dancing shoes to support the charity – earlier this year they also pulled up their sleeves, gave up their spare time and helped MHA paint its offices.

The company’s continued support has so far brought in more than £6,400.

Astrid Whyte, chief executive of MHA, said:

“The support we receive from companies in Aberdeen is so important and makes such a difference to us. Staff at ADIL have raised a fantastic amount for us already throughout the year and we would like to thank them for their generous efforts so far.

“We are particularly appreciative of gestures like this in the current economic climate. Demand for our services continues to grow throughout the north-east and support like this is invaluable to us as we work hard to meet requirements. Holding events also helps us to build up our profile and make people aware of what we do, as well as letting them know we are here to help.

“We work throughout Aberdeen and the north-east and there is a strong need for the services we offer, which range from our Companions Befriending Service to youth counselling sessions. We want to continue providing and improving these services in local communities in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, and kind gestures like this make all the difference to us in achieving that.”

Peter Brawley, operations and improvements manager at ADIL, said:

“MHA is a fantastic charity and it is great to know that the money we have raised will be going towards such a good cause.

“Despite the situation that the oil industry is currently in, we believe that it is still crucial to provide support to our community and we will do whatever we can to do so.”

Founded in 1950, MHA offers a range of resources which include emotional and practical support, information and advice, support with helping overcoming social isolation, links and access to other community resources as well as activities promoting mental wellbeing. Based in Aberdeen, the charity has centres throughout the north-east in towns including Aboyne, Banff, Ellon, Peterhead and Inverurie.

The organisation was among the first to provide community care – with its first residential project, a group home for discharged psychiatric patients, opened more than 35 years ago. MHA has also been providing day services continuously for over 60 years.

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