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Aberdeenshire RFC Teams Up With Instant Neighbour

Aberdeenshire, Featured, Sport No Responses »

Aug 032015

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

Aberdeenshire Rugby Club is teaming up with local charity Instant Neighbour to help lend a hand to the city’s poorest and most vulnerable.
The Woodside club will work with the charity to raise donations of canned and long-life foods, electrical equipment and baby supplies for the most in-need individuals and families across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

The club will be appealing to all past and present players as well as social members to bring donations to the clubhouse between 6.30pm and 8pm on a Tuesday and Thursday night before the first pre-season friendly on Saturday, August 15.

The first XV will be taking on Perthshire while the Super Twas second XV will be facing up against RAF Lossiemouth. Representatives from Instant Neighbour will be present on the day to collect the donations raised.

Aberdeenshire RFC club president Alasdair Farquharson said:

“The club is based out of Woodside Sports Complex and as such is keen to help charities in the local area and support people in the community.

“We are therefore delighted to be organising a collection day at the club where former and current players can bring donations in kind or financial which we can then pass on to Instant Neighbour.

“We’re thrilled to be working with them and hope to help them in any small way we can.”

Susan Cheyne, business development manager at Instant Neighbour, said:

“Instant Neighbour relies on the kind donations of members of the public to allow us to continue to help those in need living in and around Aberdeen. Without donations, we would be unable to provide our local community with affordable furniture, electrical equipment, and childcare equipment, and we could not operate our food bank.

“By donating these items to us, you are directly helping to support some of the poorest and most vulnerable people living in Aberdeen. Thank you for your generosity.”

Aberdeenshire RFC are a BT National League Division 2 side situated in the north of Aberdeen. In addition to the club’s three senior teams, Aberdeenshire has a burgeoning ladies and junior team.

Further information can be found at http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/aberdeenshire/

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A To Z Of Things To Do On Royal Deeside

Articles No Responses »

Aug 012015

A is for Art: The landscape and wildlife provides a lot of inspiration to the area’s artists whose work is showcased in many local galleries, including the Lost, Butterworth and McEwen Galleries.

B is for Balmoral Castle: Built for Queen Victoria, the castle is the private residence of Her Majesty The Queen and is open to visitors daily between March and July.

C is for Cambus O’ May: Home to a stunning suspension bridge that spans the Dee and also the name of a tasty handmade artisan cheese maker.

D is for The Dee: Stretching for 87 miles, the river is the backbone of Deeside. It provides salmon fishing, canoeing and kayaking and features beauty spots such as the Linn O’ Dee.

E is for Equestrian: Trekking along the miles of bridle paths and trails in Deeside is a perfect to way to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the area. The World Horse Welfare charity has a rehoming centre near Aboyne with a fascinating visitor centre.

F is for Finzean: The home of Victorian landscape painter Joseph Farquharson, Finzean Estate offers country sports and has a superb farm shop and tearoom.

G is for Go Off-road: Head for the hills and explore Deeside’s dramatic landscape as part of an organised Land Rover safari and possibly catch sight of red deer and birds of prey.

H is for Hill walking: Deeside’s rugged landscape provides varied hill walking for all abilities. Gentle climbs like Scolty, Corbetts such as Kerloch and Munros like Mount Keen deliver breathtaking vistas.

I is for Indigenous species: The area is home to over 100 species of rare and endangered plants and animals, many of which are indigenous to Scotland. Capercaillie, golden eagles, otters, pine marten, red deer, red squirrels, Scottish crossbill and even wildcats can be spotted in this magnificent landscape.

J is for Jack and Jill: They went up a hill, but children will enjoy going down to The Den and The Glen which has a large indoor play area and a magical world of fairy tales and nursery rhymes outside.

K is for King of a castle: On Royal Deeside you can be a king in your own castle and spend a night, or a week, staying in some impressive castles and historic houses.

L is for Lochnagar: A rugged Munro, a fine whisky and a famed story about an old man penned by Prince Charles, Lochnagar’s beauty has inspired generations.

M is for Mountain biking: Mile upon mile of trails through the Deeside countryside delivers fantastic routes for mountain bikers of all ages and skills.

N is for Nine Stanes: One of around 70 stones circles in Aberdeenshire, Nine Stanes, near Banchory, is a 4,000-year-old recumbent stone circle – a style unique to the region. Visitors can journey round these Neolithic sites on the Stone Circle Trail.

O is for Outdoors: Spectacular scenery and fresh air is in abundance on Royal Deeside giving the ideal conditions for any sport. Archery, canoeing and kayaking, climbing, field sports, fishing, golf, horse riding, on and off-road cycling, snow sports, water skiing and much more can all be tackled.

P is for Picnic spots: Pack a flask and some sandwiches as regardless of the time of year Deeside offers plenty of perfect picnic spots. From riverside to lochside, castle gardens to woodland settings, or even watching gliders soar skywards, the choice is yours.

Q is for Queen Victoria: In 1848, Queen Victoria and Price Albert first visited Balmoral Estate and fell in love with Deeside. Their connection with the area is marked by the Victorian Heritage Trail – it’s a journey through Deeside in the monarch’s footsteps.

R is for Railway: Step back in time and enjoy the bygone era of train travel aboard the Deeside Railway. Steam and diesel services operate during summer on part of the old Deeside line. Charters and train driving lessons are also available.

S is for Scott Skinner: Music has always been an important part of Deeside life and the area has produced many talented musicians. One of its most famous is fiddler James Scott Skinner, whose life and works are celebrated in Banchory Museum.

T is for Tractor driving: If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to get behind the wheel of a tractor you can find out at Deeside Activity Park. It is one of the many varied activities on offer.

U is for Up, up and away: Take to the sky and experience the thrill of flying. Learn the art of gliding at Deeside Flying Club or enjoying an exhilarating helicopter flight with HJS Helicopters.

V is for Burn O’ Vat: A geological marvel carved out at the end of the last ice age, Burn O’ Vat is an impressive giant pothole that will amaze all generations.

W is for Deeside Way: Stretching 41 miles from Aberdeen to Ballater, the Deeside Way is a long distance path that follows much of the old Deeside railway line. Suitable for walkers and cyclists, it’s an excellent backbone from which to explore the area.

X is for X marks the spot: Explore Royal Deeside using Scotland’s only GeoTour. Let GPS be your guide as your head off on a geocaching adventure to uncover some of the areas hidden gems.

Y is for Yards of fairways: Deeside boasts some of the finest parkland golf courses in north-east Scotland. From picturesque courses like Banchory on the banks of the River Dee, to the highest course in Britain at Braemar, all present their own unique challenge.

Z is for Zip wire: Release you inner gorilla and swing through the trees on the Go Ape course at Crathes Castle.

For more information on places to visit, things to do and events taking place on Royal Deeside visit www.visitroyaldeeside.com.

The Legend Of Barney Thomson: Andrew Watson Reviews

Aberdeen City, Opinion No Responses »

Jul 302015

Robert Carlyle makes his directorial debut with comedy thriller The Legend of Barney Thomson, an adaption of a book by Scots author Douglas Lindsay. Aberdeen Voice’s Andrew Watson reviews.

There weren’t many people at Vue on Shiprow for the Wednesday night showing, though this was no indicator as to the quality of the film.

For a start Ray Winstone was brilliant as the ever so slightly jingoistic copper, Holdall. There’s a funny scene on the phone to someone reporting a crime to whom he replies he can’t understand what they’re saying, adding he knows damn well fine the caller’s Scottish.

He’s always simmering, even coming to boiling point walking past some ne’er do wells on the streets of Glasgow.

To be honest, when news of the film came to light it was half expected Holdall would be a fluent Glaswegian police officer and that perhaps he’d don at least a reasonably respectful Scottish brogue.

Turns out he’s does what he best, authentic Cockney.

Having said that, English actress Emma Thompson is to be commended for her performance as Carlyle’s onscreen mother, the fierce yet happy go lucky matriarch Cemolina, with a very convincing Scottish salt of the earth portrayal.

Anyway, Barney Thomson (Robert Carlyle) leads an uninspired life as a barber pushed further and further away from the shop window as his colleagues bemoan his lack of ‘chat’ to customers.

He’s awkward and antisocial to the point he’s deemed almost the perfect discontented serial killer.

Only this is by accident, though. This is comedy of silly slapstick combined with some grisly gore, both elements offsetting one other.

It also turns out there is another serial killer on the loose, and that Barney’s two accidental murders, his boss and colleague, are suspected by the ever bungling police to be all at the hands of the same person.

There’s a few nice twists throughout the film, and if you haven’t read the books, like many, the ending may come as somewhat of a surprise.

Overall, it’s something different from the typical Hollywood fare. It’s got that certain British grit and humour about it.

Sleepout In Support Of Aberdeen Cyrenians

Aberdeen City, News No Responses »

Jul 302015

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

A leading north-east homeless charity is inviting teams to spend a night sleeping rough as part of a unique fundraising challenge.

Aberdeen Cyrenian’s popular sleepout event is set to return later this year and will take place on Monday, October 26, on the second floor of Union Square’s car park.

The event is encouraging teams of two to four people to grab a sleeping bag and spend the night sleeping rough to raise awareness of the reality and discomfort faced by a homeless person on a daily basis.

There will also be a fundraising element to the event, with each team tasked with raising a minimum sponsorship of £50 per person. This element has taken on added importance this year after the recent partial closure of the charity’s drop-in service at its Summer Street premises due to funding cutbacks.

The service, which has now been restored to its five days per week provision thanks to a number of generous donations, helps more than 200 vulnerable people every week and the charity is looking to cement the future of the service by urging potential teams for the sleepout to come together to raise much-needed funds.

Rachel Sanders, fundraising officer of Aberdeen Cyrenians, said:

“On the back of last year’s sleepout success as part of the RGU Events Management course, we’ve decided to bring the event back again this year and are opening it up to the public to try and get as many people as possible involved.

“This year, the event will take place in Union Square’s car park and we’re looking for teams of two to four people to take part. Obviously, with the recent cutbacks to our drop-in service, the fundraising element of the sleepout has taken on even more importance than in previous years so we’re really looking for support from across the city.

“The sleepout is both thought-provoking and heart-warming in that people can really begin to empathise with just what a homeless person goes through on a day-to-day basis. We’re really encouraging individuals, groups of friends, workplaces and other organisations who are interested in supporting Aberdeen Cyrenians to get a team together and join us for what is an incredibly important event for us.”

Ryan Manson, General Manager of Union Square commented:

“We have always admired the work carried out by Aberdeen Cyrenians so are delighted to be able to support the 2015 sleepout by hosting the event on Level 2 of our car park. Homelessness is a very real issue, not just across the UK but right here in Aberdeen, so we hope lots of people come out to support this fantastic event.”

For more information on the sleepout event, please contact a member of Aberdeen Cyrenian’s fundraising team on 01224 625732 or email fundraising@aberdeen-cyrenians.org. More information can also be found online at www.aberdeen-cyrenians.org

Aberdeen Cyrenians was established in 1968. In the last 46 years the range of services offered by the charity has grown considerably. Originally just providing food and shelter, the services now aim to meet all the varying needs of people affected by homelessness in Aberdeen and the surrounding area.

For more information please visit www.aberdeen-cyrenians.org

City Youth Council Builds International Relationships.

Aberdeen City, Community No Responses »

Jul 302015

With thanks to Martin Carle, Public Relations Officer, Aberdeen City Youth Council

The Aberdeen City Youth Council has been making excellent progress in its efforts to build strong and long lasting relationships with other youth councils and youth groups across the world.

The biggest progress ACYC has made is the recent exchanges it has had with the University of the Basque Country.

Youth Councillors travelled over to the university where they met with the speaker of the Basque Parliament, the Basque Youth Council and the representatives from the Ministry of Education.

The ministry was kind enough to have prepared a 2 hour presentation on teaching Basque languages at schools. On their visit to Aberdeen, the representatives of the Basque Country met with local politicians, council officers and ACVO.

More recently, ACYC chairperson Piotr Teodorowski had a conversation with the Secretary General of the Tunis Youth Council. As a further step, the two bodies plan to organise and hold a video conference on terrorism, which shall be organised later in August.

Youth Council representatives have also met with representatives of our twin city Gomel to celebrate 25 years of the relationship.

On future plans for the youth council, chairperson Piotr Teodorowski says

“International exchanges and cooperation is a great opportunity for young people to learn much more about the world. Aberdeen City Youth Council tries to stay in touch not only with our twin cities but also with any similar regions to ours. “

It really is a small world!

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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.]

Lotus Day At Transport Museum This Sunday

Aberdeenshire, Information No Responses »

Jul 302015

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

This Sunday 2nd August the Lotus Enthusiasts Group Scotland will be hosting “The Lotus Day” at the Grampian Transport Museum.

Now in its 4th year this popular event sees Lotus cars from all over Scotland in attendance.

50 years of Lotus cars will be on show, with examples from the early 1960’s up to the very latest production cars, capable of 0 – 60 mph times of less than 4 seconds and top speeds in excess of 170 mph!

The event has proved popular with museum visitors and club members alike, with club members given the unique opportunity not only to display their cars but also to take members of the public out for laps on the museum’s road circuit, between 2pm and 4pm.

In addition to the passenger rides there will also be a static display of some very rare cars including the first production Lotus Esprit and a Lotus Exige LF1, built to commemorate the 1st of 81 Formula 1 victories which was achieved by Sir Stirling Moss at Monaco in 1960.

Lotus is a marque synonymous with motor racing and their race pedigree can be seen clearly in the road cars they produce.

Admission to The Lotus Day is included in the museum’s standard admission – £9.50 for adults, £7.50 for concessions and 2 children are admitted FREE with every adult.

Preceding Lotus Day the museum will be treating visitors to a day of nostalgia on Thursday 30th July with a one-off 90’s Day – along with a soundtrack from the era, the museum will also be running 90’s themed quizzes for younger visitors to enjoy.

Visitors to 90’s day will also enjoy reduced admission, with adults just £2.80 or a family ticket, priced at just £5, admitting 2 adults and up to 4 children.

Highly Sprung Artist Suffers For Her Art

Aberdeenshire, Information No Responses »

Jul 302015

Edinburgh based artist, Julia Douglas reveals blood shed behind creating ‘clothes peg dress’ on show at Drum Castle. With thanks to Esther Green, Tricker PR.

Highly Sprung by Julia Douglas is very much at home in the new exhibition space at Drum Castle. Pic: Newsline Media Ltd.

Castles have throughout history been places of bloody carnage and battles. Now an artist whose work is on show at a Scottish castle has revealed her own blood shed over creating the installation.

Julia Douglas’ Highly Sprung, a dress made out of 12,500 clothes pegs, is part of an exhibition of contemporary art in a newly created art gallery in Drum Castle in Aberdeenshire.

Creating the installation was a real labour of love for Julia, who spent long days over two months working on the project, the theme of which has become her signature style.

After breaking the pegs to separate the wood from the metal springs, she then linked the springs together to create the shape of the dress. It was an intricate but successful process and remarkably no glue, support or fastenings were needed to keep the dress structure in place.

Julia says:

“It was a very repetitive process, akin to knitting, but also just like housework, a job that you do over and over again. The process made my fingers bleed.”

But the blood shed was worth it as 15 years after its creation and Highly Sprung remains one of Julia’s personal favourites.

“All of my work revolves around the home and relationships we have with objects around the home; how they tell a story about the owners and their life,” she explains.

“Highly Sprung is very much part of that theme, in fact this was the first one I did and I have continued with that theme ever since.”

Julia feels the homely setting of a country castle provides the ideal backdrop for the ‘Human Presence’ themed exhibition.

Around 20 key works from the permanent collection of Aberdeen Art Gallery have been loaned to the castle while the gallery undergoes a major refurbishment. Other works include Gallowgate Lard by Ken Currie, Restraining Coat 2 by Julie Roberts.

Julia says:

“I am absolutely delighted that Highly Sprung has been hung in this selected exhibition.

“I feel proud to have my work sit alongside prestigious artists like Alison Watt, Ken Currie, Gavin Turk and Julie Roberts, whose works I particularly admire.

“I feel that the domestic interior at Drum Castle, with its fireplaces, wooden panels and skirting boards, is an ideal location for an exhibition exploring human presence and hope that this different setting for the work will attract new viewers as well as inspire regular gallery goers.”

The Edinburgh-based textile and mixed media visual artist plans to take time out from her busy schedule to visit the exhibition at Drum soon.

Julia’s commitments include organising the Society of Scottish Artists’ Annual Exhibition of which she is co-ordinator. She also has plans to move to South West France and set up an artists’ retreat called Studio Faire and as a professional member of Visual Arts Scotland she will be creating new work for their upcoming annual exhibition.

Drum Castle is hosting the specially curated collection of modern art on loan from Aberdeen Art Gallery until March 2017. It is open Thursday-Monday from 11am-4 pm last entry and from October on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am-4pm last entry. Situated on the A93, Drum Castle is 10 miles west of Aberdeen.

Peace And Justice Conference: Saturday 5th Sept 2015

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Jul 302015

With thanks to Stephen Hadden.

Drilling Contractors Support Mental Health Aberdeen

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Jul 302015

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

A leading north-east charity has been given a surprise funding boost by the International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC).

The North Sea Chapter of the organisation has donated £6,100 to Mental Health Aberdeen (MHA), after members supported the charity at their annual safety awards.

Attendees were asked to make personal donations to IADC’s two selected charities, MHA and Alzheimer Scotland.

The money raised was matched by the chapter, bringing the total amount to £12,200. This enabled the two charities to receive a donation of £6,100 each to help support their work.

Astrid Whyte, chief executive of MHA, said:

“This donation was a wonderful surprise and we were delighted to meet Derek Hart of the IADC to receive the cheque. Fundraising efforts like this are a fantastic help as we try to make a real difference to the lives of children, young people and families within our communities.

“Demand for our services is high throughout the north-east and this gesture will help us as we work hard to meet requirements. We would like to thank everyone at IADC who thought of us and contributed to the collection, it means a lot to us.”

North Sea regional director of the International Association of Drilling Contractors, Derek Hart said:

“We ask members for suggested charities each year as we have envelopes on the tables at our annual awards evening. It is not a fundraiser event as such but we take the opportunity to have a charity collection and always try to support local causes.

“We were pleased to be able to support such a worthwhile charity, and know that it will help enable MHA to maintain the hugely important services it offers across the north-east of Scotland.”

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.

The International Association of Drilling Contractors has represented its members in the worldwide oil and gas drilling industry since 1940. The North Sea Chapter has been in existence for 42 years, and is one of 15 active Chapters worldwide. Over the last ten years, the North Sea Chapter has donated almost £200,000 to local charities.

Luminate: Scotland’s Creative Ageing Festival

Featured, Information No Responses »

Jul 302015

With thanks to Liz Smith.

In 2015 we are thrilled to announce an enthralling new project and an opportunity for anyone living in Scotland to become part of our festival.
The Luminate Challenge is a chance for you to create something new this summer, enjoy yourself and share it with others around the country.

The challenge – we would like to invite you to create a photographic portrait of someone from a different generation, and tell us what inspired you to photograph them.

As part of Luminate 2015 a range of portraits will be chosen and exhibited online, and as part of a pop-up photography exhibition touring to various community venues including halls, libraries, care homes and sports centres across Scotland in the month of October.

Venues confirmed to date for the exhibition include Rutherglen Library, East Kilbride Library and The CatStrand, Castle Douglas.

To guide and inspire you, we have commissioned portraits from photographic artist Robin Gillanders, who has also shared some thoughts and tips on things you might like to think about when you’re setting up and taking your portraits. A selection of Robin’s images will also be included in the touring pop –up exhibition.

The deadline for entries is midnight on Monday 7 September 2015, and full details of how to enter – along with Robin Gillanders’ images and advice – can be found on the Luminate website. Anyone interested in entering the challenge can contact Luminate by email at challenge@luminatescotland.org or by phone 0131 668 8066.

Luminate, Scotland’s creative ageing festival, celebrates our creative lives as we age and takes place from 1 to 31 October each year. Launched in 2012, Luminate is supported by Creative Scotland, the Baring Foundation and Age Scotland.

About Robin Gillanders.

Robin Gillanders is an Edinburgh based photographic artist and taught history at the Royal High School, Edinburgh, until 1983, and then worked commercially from a studio in Edinburgh. He began teaching photography full time at Edinburgh Napier University in 1988, and became Reader in 2004. He left teaching in September 2012 and was awarded an Honorary Fellowship by Edinburgh Napier University in October 2014.

He has exhibited frequently in Scotland and internationally in France, Spain, Poland, Norway and USA. His work has been included in several publications and he has published four solo books with the National Galleries of Scotland, Birlinn and David & Charles.

All images by Robin Gillanders.

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