Articles Archives - Page 28 of 128

Almost Blue Promotions Celebrates First Year

Dec 242014

By David Innes.

Almost Blue Promotions, run by Martin Raitt and his wife Shona, celebrated its first birthday in August.

Dedicated to bringing high quality country and Americana acts to the city, I was curious as to how things have panned out with a full calendar year of promotions completed, having attended a fair number of the shows. Martin and I discussed Almost Blue’s progress over a virtual pint.

What have been the personal highlights?

“A definite highlight was managing to get to the one year anniversary. There were times when I didn’t think I’d carry on, but being an old trouper I made it.

“Sam Baker was someone I’d seen a few times in the past, so to be able to bring him to Aberdeen was a personal triumph.

“Another highlight was to give newcomer Ags Connolly his first Scottish booking. He’d played the Perth Southern Fried Festival before the Aberdeen date, but we had him booked before that. He now has a 2015 booking at The Fallen Angels Club in Glasgow.

“Also the friendships I’ve made along the way, including the artists and the regulars who come to the shows”.

What might have been better?

“Well, if more punters (not the exact terms used…) got off their arses and came along to gigs instead of moaning that nobody of any worth comes to Aberdeen, that would be a start! Obviously, better gig attendances would be great but it’s a continuous work in progress trying to get the word out about those that are happening.

“It’s also a struggle to convince artists to travel to Aberdeen, but the whole reason for starting Almost Blue Promotions was to make Aberdeen a place artists wanted to come to. We’ve had some really positive feedback from all the artists we’ve had. This will give artists confidence that Aberdeen is a place to look at when routing tours”.

Your top three albums of 2014?

“That’s a difficult one to answer as there were so many good albums out this year, and my answer will change if you ask me tomorrow!

“Sturgill Simpson has taken the country music world by storm with his Metamodern Sounds In Country Music.

“Two debut albums that I’ve really enjoyed this year are The New Madrids’ Through The Heart Of Town and Ags Connolly’s How About Now. I had the pleasure of bringing both to The Lampie this year.

“JP Harris & The Tough Choices’ Home Is Where The Hurt Is is another great release, a real old-style honky tonk sound.”

This shows why Martin is a promoter rather than a performer given his struggle with counting to three for those old-timey country waltzes.

Who do you predict for bigger things in 2015?

“Ags Connolly has big plans for 2015 and should get more exposure, so I’d expect things will take off for him. Also, Cale Tyson released a terrific debut album this year and I think he’ll be one to watch. It’ll also be interesting to see what Sturgill Simpson does after the great year he’s had.”

Any plans in place yet for 2015?

“We begin the year with The David Latto Band on Friday 30 January. They’re from Fife and it’s the same act we kicked off with in 2014.

“We’re promoting Cahalen Morrison & Eli West on Wednesday 6 May, which is very exciting, before we welcome back The Red Dirt Skinners on Friday 7 August.

“Our plan remains to have roughly one gig per month throughout the year and we’re in talks to have most months booked already, with announcements to follow soon

“It’s been a marvellous year. It’s really hard to pick out a favourite gig as I honestly think they’ve all been great. I’m really looking forward to 2015.”

www.almostbluepromotions.com

Commons Bill Enshrines UK International Aid Promise

Aberdeenshire, Articles No Responses »

Dec 192014

By Dr Eilidh Whiteford MP.

Last Friday the House of Commons passed an historic piece of legislation, to enshrine in law the promise made over forty years ago to commit 0.7% of our Gross National Income to international development.

I know this is an issue close to the hearts of many constituents, who make their own generous contributions to charities working overseas, and want to see the UK government play its part by meeting its responsibilities as part of the global community.

Although development assistance is a tiny proportion of our budget, it has a big impact on the lives of people affected by natural disasters and wars, and can have a transformative effect on those living in poor countries.

Overseas aid from this country has provided clean water and sanitation for over 43 million people.

10 million children have gone to school who otherwise would not have had an education, and 3.6 million women have given birth safely, supported by a qualified midwife or other medical professional. UK aid has also been instrumental in promoting economic development in poorer countries – indeed, some which have grown to such an extent they have become important new trading partners for us.

Although the introduction of the Bill was a manifesto commitment of all the major parties in 2010, it was introduced as a Private Member’s Bill by former Scottish Secretary Michael Moore. I was disappointed that a few MPs, who opposed the Bill (despite standing on a manifesto supporting it), tried to kill the Bill using some of Westminster’s more arcane parliamentary procedures to scupper it.

It’s enormously frustrating that our democracy is open to such shenanigans. Luckily, the Bill survived and was carried by an overwhelming majority of those present, but the outcome could have been very different.

Our aid money also supports developing countries to build open, transparent and accountable democratic systems of government. Maybe it’s time we paid a bit more attention to our own advice.

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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.]

Miles The Bear Spoofed By Reindeer In New Ad

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Dec 192014

Miles the Bear is left out in the cold as a reindeer packs his bags and heads to Cairngorms National Park winter wonderland in spoof of hit television ad. With thanks to Eoin Smith.

A reindeer’s hunt for his festive smile takes centre stage in a heart-warming spoof of one of the UK’s most feel-good television ads.
The film, launched 17 December, 2014 by VisitCairngorms, parodies Thomson’s ‘Miles the Bear’ TV adverts, where a one-eyed teddy bear rediscovers his missing smile in Jamaica.

The VisitCairngorms film features a down-trodden reindeer who finds his festive smile in the Cairngorms National Park where he gets to go mountain biking, travel on the CairnGorm Funicular Railway, experience real snow, meet his own kind in the form of the Cairngorm reindeer herd and finally to meet Santa … where he’s presented with a girlfriend for Christmas.

The video can be viewed at www.youtube.com/user/VisitCairngorms

The Cairngorms reindeer starts off at home – noticeably ‘smileless’ – having yoghurt spilled on his antlers, being dragged upstairs upside down, put through the washing machine, hung outside to dry and being attacked by the family dog. But his smile grows as he travels to the Cairngorms National Park – an area of stunning natural beauty in the Scottish Highlands renowned as a winter wonderland - where he is at the heart of family activities

“We wanted to show that you don’t have to take the family all the way to Jamaica to escape a drab and dreary life and discover your smile,” says Kevin Roach, chairman of VisitCairngorms. “Experiencing the Cairngorms National Park will bring out the smile in the whole family, particularly at this time of year with so much festive spirit about.

“Our reindeer has so much more fun than Miles the bear – who spends much of his holiday on a sun lounger. Like other visitors to the park, he gets the opportunity to skate, visit real reindeer on the mountainside, see Balmoral where the Queen holidays, go mountain biking in Glenlivet and drink hot chocolate in the snow.

“Miles may have been able to work on his tan, but we bet that even his smile will droop a little when he realises that our reindeer came face to face with Santa in a real life winter wonderland right here in the UK. Don’t be too down in the mouth though, Miles – we’d be delighted to have you visit the Cairngorms National Park at any time to enjoy a fun adventure with your family.”

Locations for the film included:

The Cairngorms Reindeer Herd – Britain’s only herd of 150 free-ranging reindeer in the UK, where visitors can, under supervision, feed and stroke the reindeer.
The CairnGorm Mountain Funicular Railway – where children under five (and reindeer) travel free on Scotland’s only funicular railway to the viewing platform and panoramic views at over 3500 ft. It also has the UK’s highest post box so the perfect drop off for Christmas cards.
Glenlivet Mountain Bike Trails – Purpose built mountain bike trails through Glenlivet Estate for all ages with spectacular panoramic views
The Potting Shed Tearoom at Inshriach Nursery – a rustic tearoom with a unique viewing gallery to spot birds and red squirrels.
Loch Morlich beach – A blue flag beach in the middle of the Highlands on a sparkling freshwater loch which views of the snow clad mountain peaks.
Balmoral Castle – favoured holiday home of the royal family since the days of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

The Cairngorms National Park is made up of five different areas – Aviemore and Cairngorms; Angus Glens; Atholl and Glenshee; Tomintoul and Glenlivet; and Royal Deeside and Donside. Visit www.visitcairngorms.com to find out more about what’s happening in Scotland’s winter wonderland this season.

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Cosier Christmas Delivered To More North-East Children

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Dec 112014

With thanks to Beverly Tricker.

A Cosier Christmas is to be delivered to even more children living in poverty, with the Coats for Kids appeal receiving a second sizeable slice of funding from Aberdeen Asset Management’s Charitable Foundation.

AAM’s latest donation of £7,500 sees its support for the winter campaign rise to £37,500 and means that hundreds of boys and girls in need will beat the cold with new warm outfits.

But in order to match a surge of late requests for assistance that have come flooding in from agencies and professionals working with families in need, there remains a £4,400 shortfall.

If that sum can be raised, then a total of 612 children living across the North-east will benefit this winter.

Emma Kemp of Cash For Kids is appealing to other businesses to show some seasonal spirit by donating to the cause.

Emma says:

“We’ve been a victim of our own success. After people heard about Coats for Kids in the media, after the very generous donation of £30,000 made by Aberdeen Asset Management Charitable Foundation last month, we had a flood of enquiries from support workers, groups and organisations working with families that are struggling financially.

“We did not foresee this demand, and we’re really pleased to receive a second award of £7,500 from the AAM Charitable Foundation which is enabling us to help more families.

“If there is any other business out there that could help us reach our target, it would be a great gesture to make at this time of year.

“If you’d like to be the business that helps us fulfil our remaining applications then please get in touch.”

Cash for Kids has seen a huge increase in applications for essential clothing for children living in poverty in the Aberdeen area. Many local families have to choose between buying food, heating their home and purchasing essential clothing.

Every penny donated to the cause is spent wisely with a deal being struck with a national retailer to ensure that the money stretches as far as possible. Sturdy boots, a cosy coat and socks are among the essential items provided and this means that children don’t have to go to school in cold weather without having suitable clothing.

All children helped are identified via support workers, groups and organisations who work closely with families that are struggling with money.

The feedback from those working with the families that have already received new clothing highlights the big difference the support makes. Not only does it mean parents don’t have to choose between clothing their child and other essentials, but the children have a sense of pride in having a new outfit to wear.

Dominic Kite ( pictured above with 5 year old Ben McCartney), representing Aberdeen Asset Management Charitable Foundation says,

“Our donation totalling £37,500 is the largest single amount to be given from our Charitable Foundation which seeks partnerships with charities where funds can be seen to have a meaningful and measurable impact.

“Cash For Kids work with professionals, organisations and other local children’s charities to make sure that the children who really need help and support can get it.”

To support the Coats for Kids appeal contact Emma on 01224 337010 or email emma.kemp@northsound.co.uk

The Aberdeen Asset Charitable Foundation was established in 2012 to formalise and develop the Group’s charitable giving globally. In Aberdeen, donations have been made to several local charities including sums of £10,000 each to Cash for Kids, to fund a breakfast club for 12 months, to Friends of ANCHOR for the Gene Machine appeal and £25,000 to the ARCHIE for Skype technology at Aberdeen Royal Children’s Hospital.

New Charity Aims To Transform Scotland’s Third Sector

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Dec 112014

With thanks to Richard Bunting.

Scottish Community Re:Investment Trust, a new independent charity aiming to transform how Scotland’s third sector uses and thinks about its finances, has been launched.
The trust’s first initiative is a specially designed new savings account to be introduced at today’s Glasgow Social Enterprise Trade Fair.

With a lack of Scottish-focused banks offering any longer a transparent way for people or third sector organisations to invest in line with their values – and with the existing financial framework failing to adequately meet the needs of charities and socially focused organisations – the trust is setting out to create radical change.

It plans to help independent charities and socially beneficial organisations to harness their collective assets, strengthen their financial expertise and gain access to financial services tailored to their specific needs.

The new Anchor Savings Account – provided by Airdrie Savings Bank, Britain’s last independent savings bank – offers a fresh and tailored focus for third sector savings. By connecting hundreds of separate accounts beneath one umbrella, the pioneering account will increase the impact of the sector’s shared financial clout.

“Scotland’s third sector, which does huge amounts of public good, desperately needs access to a financial infrastructure that matches its values and ways of working. For charities and socially beneficial organisations, the current financial system is broken beyond repair – leaving them hampered by scattered resources, unsuitable products and unmet needs,” said Deirdre Forsyth, Chair of Scottish Community Re:Investment Trust.

“By acting together and harnessing its collective assets – and by strengthening its understanding and knowledge of socially responsible use and management of money – the third sector can use its substantial financial resources to invest in its own future in alternative and better ways than is currently possible.”

Scotland’s third sector includes an estimated 45,000 different and richly varied organisations. Its investable assets have been calculated to be approximately £3.8 billion, according to the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations – but these substantial resources are currently spread across financial institutions that are mostly uninterested in the third sector’s work or needs.

If just one per cent of these assets were invested more strategically, it could transform the sector’s economic independence and its influence on banking practices.

Malcolm Hayday, Advisor to Scottish Community Re:Investment Trust, said:

“By building a common, collective and shared wealth there is huge scope for organisations to invest in and support the development of the wider third sector – recycling its investment resources and creating significant benefits for its crucial work for society, our environment and people’s well-being. In the sector, we focus on the positive impact of everything we do except when it comes to our financial reserves.”

Scottish Community Re:Investment Trust cites evidence of widespread third sector dissatisfaction with current financial services. This includes recent research for Charity Bank, which revealed that although 65% of respondents believed that loans can benefit charities’ work, only 31% of those approaching a high street bank for a loan took one, 29% were declined and 40% could not take up offered loans because of onerous terms.

With many UK social investment schemes underpinned by a focus on private investor returns rather than social, environmental and wider economic benefits, third sector organisations can also struggle to meet increasing expectations that their business decisions should be ethically based.

Another problem is that while a key third sector role is to act as society’s social antennae – identifying new needs, and inventing and testing new social solutions – such work is traditionally unbankable, often being viewed as too experimental and risky for commercial and even many social funders. Yet the sector needs supplies of relatively small amounts of high-risk investment, as well as micro loans and unsecured loans, to incubate new generations of start-ups.

Although the social finance market within the UK – and especially Scotland – is relatively small, since the financial crisis it is gaining recognition as an important funding source for third sector organisations, including the supply of early stage investments and start-ups, fostering innovation and supporting community-based investments.

But as the third sector’s resource needs increase – and as its requirement to invest in its own future becomes more acute – its members will need to act together more whenever possible.

As it explores the third sector’s appetite to work across Scotland in a new, more cooperative way on finance, Scottish Community Re:Investment Trust’s own long-term future will depend on the response of the sector. The Anchor Savings Account allows organisations to choose to donate a proportion of earned interest to the trust – allowing the charity to become self-sustaining following an initial period of grant funding.

Discussions are underway with several organisations to act as early standard bearers for the new initiative.

The trust has been established with a founding Board and team with extensive experience of social banking institutions and the third sector, founded by several organisations – Senscot, CEIS, Penumbra and Ekopia – and chaired by Deirdre Forsyth, Chair of ScotWest Credit Union. It is registered as a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) and is to be owned and managed by Scotland’s third sector.

During an initial two-year implementation phase, the trust will build its membership amongst Scotland’s third sector organisations, from which a new board will be elected in late 2015. For more information, visit www.scrt.scot.

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Aberdeen World Record Attempt Falls Short.

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Dec 112014

With thanks to Beverly Tricker.

An attempt was made by hundreds of Aberdonians today (Saturday, 6 December), to set a new world record for the longest Christmas cracker pulling chain. The attempt fell short of the current record (749) with 355 shoppers forming a human cracker chain.

The VisitAberdeen-organised event formed part of a drive to promote the city for festive breaks, and attracted large crowds to try and secure their place in the record books.

Steve Harris (pictured), Chief Executive of VisitAberdeen, says,

“We know there have been a number of different attempts around the country to try beat to the record. We were aware it was going to be quite a feat to try and pull off a new record, but it was a gallant effort from everyone who took part and although we didn’t set a new record everyone has really got into the spirit of things, and it’s been brilliant to see whole families take part in the event and have a great time. It’s been a great community event.

“Aberdeen has a lot to offer at Christmas, with the Winter Festival already well under way. From Christmas markets on Belmont Street every weekend in December to an outdoor ice rink in Union Terrace Gardens, the city is full of Christmas cheer and we are delighted to be able to spread some of that festive magic.

“With festive celebrations running right through to January, excellent Christmas shopping opportunities, and first class accommodation, restaurants and pubs, we’re encouraging more people to consider the city for a winter break.”

Further information on the world record attempt can be found on social media at facebook.com/crackerrecord and on twitter.com/CrackerRecord.

For more information on Aberdeen’s festive events, please visit www.visitaberdeen.com

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Internationally Famous Solitary Dolphin Seen In Scotland

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Dec 112014

(small) Clet_the_bottlenose_dolphin_copyright_Nic_Davies_(2)

Clet the bottlenose dolphin bow rides a ferry in the Sound of Mull. © Nic Davies.

With thanks to Richard Bunting.

A solitary bottlenose dolphin that has appeared in Scotland’s Sound of Mull this week is an internationally famous individual known as Clet – who after becoming a celebrity in France and Ireland has now been recorded in Scotland for the first time, say researchers at Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust.

The rare sighting of a lone bottlenose dolphin following a ferry between Oban and the Isle of Mull on Tuesday 2 December triggered some rapid detective work at the conservation charity. Bottlenose dolphins are not unusual in the Hebrides, even during winter – but the normally social species usually occurs in small groups, with individuals rarely seen alone

By using photo identification techniques – studying the dolphin’s distinctively scarred dorsal fin – the trust’s experts identified the animal as a renowned individual that made international headlines through its unusual behaviour when last seen in September – in Galway in Ireland, some 600 kilometres away from the Sound of Mull.

“To our knowledge, this is the first time that Clet has been recorded in Scotland, and in fact this is the furthest north he has been recorded to date,” said Dr Conor Ryan, Sightings Officer at Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust.

“Bottlenose dolphins are usually considered to be resident to certain areas, so long-distance international movements such as this challenge our understanding of this species, and also challenge our ability to protect them using Marine Protected Areas alone.”

The male dolphin was named by locals from Cap Sizun, Brittany in France, where he used to follow fishing boats between 2008 and 2010. He then travelled to Cornwall, Devon and Wales before appearing in West Cork in Ireland, where he spent several weeks interacting with boats. The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group then recorded his movements along Ireland’s west coast to Valentia, County Kerry.

The last recorded sighting of Clet was on 28 September 2014 at Inis Óirr off Galway Bay. Although not confirmed, he was thought to be responsible for a dolphin attack on a group of swimmers in Salthill, Galway. The RNLI ensured that the swimmers were able to get to shore without harm, but unfortunately the incident resulted in some sensational news headlines.

Pádraig Whooley, Sightings Officer for the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, said:

“We think it’s remarkable that Clet’s movements can be tracked to the Irish south and west coasts from France via English and Welsh waters, using images from the general public. The addition of Scotland after a two month interval brings his known tally of passport stamps to five countries and counting, and shows the need for international collaboration when trying to monitor these highly mobile marine mammals.”

Solitary dolphins such as Clet do not pose a threat to people in boats, but can be aggressive towards swimmers. The biggest danger to solitary dolphins is injury from boats, as the animals appear to seek out vessels to interact with. The deep gash on Clet’s dorsal fin may be from coming to close to boat propellers.

Wildlife photographer Nic Davies, who recorded Clet close to shore from Craignure on the Isle of Mull this week, said:

“I was out photographing otters when I heard a loud blow sound just out from the shore, and then I spotted the dolphin heading at speed towards a departing ferry.”

Clet may remain in the Sound of Mull area for weeks or even months, as he has done in other areas. Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust is asking boat owners to be respectful and to give Clet the space he needs, and hopes that the dolphin will continue to enthrall onlookers from the shore and from the ferries, which he has been bow riding in the Sound of Mull.

Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust is asking the public to report sightings of whales, dolphins and porpoises – collectively known as cetaceans – and basking sharks at www.hwdt.org. The charity’s extensive Community Sightings Network uses such sightings as a key way of strengthening understanding of the local marine environment and of these spectacular animals.

High quality images of cetaceans and basking sharks can be emailed to the trust at sightings@hwdt.org. This helps in photo identification research – a technique that allows individual cetaceans or basking sharks to be identified by their distinctive markings, often shedding new light on population sizes, social dynamics, and areas of important habitat.

Volunteers are also wanted to join the trust’s research expeditions on its specialized yacht Silurian next summer, working alongside marine scientists.

The bottlenose dolphin is a highly protected species under EU law, and the Hebrides marks the most northerly reaches of their geographical range. Some of the biggest bottlenose dolphins in the world have been recorded in Scotland, where individuals usually grow to 3.5 metres in length. Over 70 individuals have been catalogued in western Scotland.

Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust is working to secure the future of western Scotland’s cetaceans and the Hebrides’ globally important marine environment through education, research and engagement with local communities. For details call 01688 302620 or visit www.hwdt.org.

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The Red Dirt Skinners: Blue Lamp, Aberdeen 27.11.14

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Dec 052014

By David Innes.

Rob and Sarah Skinner have taken Scotland to their hearts following their triumph at the 2013 Orkney Blues Festival and their Summer 2014 Scottish tour. They always declare that they don’t want to return to the Sussex after touring here, and audiences are reluctant to let them go. One day, they will return for good to help lay the foundations for Our Big Community Arts Thing.

Nearing the end of their second tour of the country in 2014, the Skinners again held court at The Blue Lamp, where their Live In Aberdeen CD was recorded in July.

Whilst their genre-defying set and ability to add fire and spice to any musical gathering would have seen them at home at the Jazz Club in the big bar downstairs, the intimate setting of the upstairs bar was ideal.

Those familiar with their set, from a previous show or the Live In Aberdeen recording, were in for few surprises. Confusing the genre purists, for whom a sax in a country band is the work of Satan or for whom a drum kit draws a moustache on folk music’s Mona Lisa, is almost a hobby for the Skinners.

Blues, both Brown’s Ferry and Idabel see those bases covered, takes on John Prine and Ryan Adams see the country and folk appetites sated and the Skinners’ original songs telling of monochrome dreams, over-indulgence in loopy juice and hangovers, admirably unclassifiable, are warmly appreciated. Thankfully, there was no reprise of The Portsoy Tom Jones Moment of the evening before, where garments were thrown onstage. They’re a rum lot in Banffshire. I blame the rum.

The Lampie atmosphere was much more akin to that of a house concert, home ground for Rob and Sarah, with constant cheery badinage between Skinners and audience, but the music was still serious and the duo’s performance as focussed as if they were on the Cropredy bill. Their versatility is admirable, wholly professional and heart-warming. Engaging with audiences whilst taking obvious enjoyment in their art is a skill not always easily-learned.

Martin Raitt of Almost Blue Promotions has already re-booked the duo to play at Lampie in August next year and new friends they made in Gallowgate are already talking about house concerts and other promotions around that date.

The Skinners’ creative switches are never set to ‘off’ and new material is coming together, inspired by the events, troubles, joys and bizarre happenings that itinerant musicians bear and enjoy.

It’s good that they share the good times with us.

Links:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmg-j95KWwo
http://www.reddirtskinners.com/red-dirt-skinners-shop.html
http://www.almostbluepromotions.com

An Absolute Beauty Of A Show

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Dec 052014

Duncan Harley reviews Beauty and the Beast at HMT.

Aberdeen’s His Majesty’s Theatre has been staging pantomime for almost a century and the 2014 festive production of Beauty and the Beast looks likely to break all previous records as regards eye watering gags and entertainment value for children of all ages.

From the very start, the production engages all sections of the audience with a blistering series of innuendo laden laughs guaranteed to keep the grown-ups happy and the youngsters wondering.

In one of the funniest slapstick performances ever witnessed on an Aberdeen stage, Mrs Potty – played by Elaine C. Smith – wields her truncheon while fellow cast members variously demonstrate their prowess with feather dusters and frying pans.

The result is hilarious and the deadpan delivery complete with split second timing literally brings the house down.

Of course in true panto tradition, there are goodies and baddies. Mrs Potty, Dame Kitty Brewster – played by the production’s writer Alan McHugh – and of course the beautiful Belle, come into the first category. Anne Smith plays the evil witch Deadly Nightshade and Paul Leubke gives a versatile performance as the extremely unlovable alpha male Harris McTweed.

The Beast – Luke Newton – is of course a baddie destined to improve nicely as he slowly transforms into the handsome Prince Sebastian.

There are special effects galore including a quite extraordinary airborne Elaine C. Smith plus the unforgettable and incredibly scary Kraken of the Deep.

Highlights include a splendid rendering of the 1960’s Beach Boy’s hit “Surfing Cruden Bay” delivered by Dame Kitty and her wee son Boabby Brewster – played by Jordan Young. For my vote the deadpan mis-direction in the Wedding Scene and the moment when the orchestra commit the cardinal sin of opening their brolly’s indoors come a very close joint second.

Sound, set design and lighting are faultless and the costumes are to die for. With a superb musical score and entertaining choreography this is a truly magical pantomime experience.

Produced by Michael Harrison and directed by Sam Kane, Beauty and the Beast at HM Theatre Aberdeen will run and run until Sunday January 4th 2015.

Is there a happy ending ever after?

You’ll just have to go and see …

Tickets are available from Aberdeen Box Office on 01224 641122 and on line at www.boxofficeaberdeen.com

Words and pictures by Duncan Harley

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Christmas Cracker Record Attempt Needs Us To Pull Together

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Dec 052014

With thanks to Stevie Brown, Account Manager, Tricker PR.

An attempt to break the world record for the longest Christmas cracker pulling chain is set to take place in Aberdeen as part of a drive to promote the city for festive breaks.

VisitAberdeen is appealing for cracker pullers to turn out in force to smash the current record which stands at 749 on Saturday Dec 6 .

The human chain of simultaneous cracker snappers will take place in the Bon Accord Centre atrium, with registration beginning at 12pm and the countdown to the ‘big bang’ starting at 1pm.

Steve Harris, Chief Executive of VisitAberdeen, says,

“We have been appealing for people to bring their family and friends to the record attempt for the last few weeks, and the response has been fantastic – we’ve even heard from a family from New Zealand who are going to take part in the event. Christmas is a time of year for people to come together and have fun, and that’s exactly what this record is all about.

“Aberdeen is a magical place at Christmas time and we’re always looking for unusual ways to highlight the festive spirit and activities in the city. We’re a city full of Christmas fun from the Santa’s Grotto and ice rink in Union Terrace Gardens to our excellent high street and independent shopping. From mince pies on the Deeside railway’s Santa Express to craft fayres in Castle courtyards, the discerning traveller from 8 to 80 will find their ideal festive break in and around Aberdeen.”

Craig Stevenson, Centre Manager at the Bon Accord Centre says,

“We’ve never seen a record attempt like this at the centre and we’re really excited to be part of the big event. The first Saturday in December is one of the biggest shopping days of the year and we’re expecting more than 50,000 shoppers to pass through the doors, and would love as many of them as possible to get involved in the world record event.”

Participants can find more information on social media and show their support for the event at facebook.com/crackerrecord and on Twitter @CrackerRecord.

The Christmas cracker world record attempt is supported by Thistle Hotels which have supplied more than 2,500 crackers in the hope of breaking the existing record.

The current world record stands at 749 set by Brindleyplace, Birmingham.

The Christmas cracker was invented by Tom Smith in 1847, and last year over 300 million crackers were pulled in the UK alone.

In order for this event to be considered by the Guinness Book of Records as a genuine world record, each participant must register and be filmed registering for their cracker. The final line of cracker pullers has to be filmed. Organisers expect that it will take 12 weeks to have the record attempt verified by Guinness book of Records.

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