Articles Archives - Page 29 of 128

Deacon Blue – Music Hall, Aberdeen 30.11.14

Aberdeen City, Articles, Featured No Responses »

Dec 022014

By Vicky Mitchell. Photos courtesy of Chris Boland.

Deacon Blue returned to the Music Hall with their ‘New House’ tour on St. Andrews night. The last time I saw them live was 1990 at the AECC, 24 years on they still sound fantastic.
The set kicked off with ‘Bethlehem Begins’ and ‘Wild’ from Their latest album, ‘A New House’.

These were well received by the audience.

Lead singer, Ricky Ross thanked the crowd for their polite reaction and promised some older songs were on the way.

As the opening chords to ‘Twist and Shout’ blared out the crowd got to their feet and started to enjoy themselves.

A good mix of older and more recent tunes came next, with classics like ‘Fergus’, ‘When Will You’ and ‘Real Gone Kid’ being especially well received. The set finished with ‘That’s What We Can Do’ from their ‘The Hipsters’ album. The crowd were on their feet and chants of “encore” were resonating around the building.

The band re-emerged from the darkness and Ross sang Orphans. His rendition was amazing proving, if proof was needed, that his voice has not diminished with age, the band then did a rock and roll medley and the evening finished with ‘Chocolate Girl’, ‘Dignity’ and ‘Wages Day’. A fabulous two hours of music.

There were some complaints about the venue being all seater and the bar closing at 8:30pm, but despite these minor grumbles the atmosphere was fantastic and the music top quality.

Ice Rink Skates Into Town For Christmas

Aberdeen City, Articles, Featured No Responses »

Dec 022014

With thanks to Phil Moar.

Business organisation Aberdeen Inspired welcomed a very special visitor as it officially launched its outdoor ice rink in Union Terrace Gardens.

Oliver Constant, an ARCHIE Foundation ambassador, along with his mother Anne and two sisters, Hannah and Holly, were the first to don their skates and take to the rink to mark its opening.

Oliver and his family have been receiving support from The ARCHIE Foundation, the official charity of the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital and were able to try their hand at a spot of ice hockey on the new rink with members of the popular Aberdeen Lynx ice hockey team.

The rink, in a new location this year within the gardens, will be open from noon to 8pm each day between now and January 4. Admission will cost £3 per person, including skate hire, with that entire entry fee being donated by Aberdeen Inspired to the children’s charity.

The attraction forms part of a programme of Christmas events devised by the business organisation as it aims to meet its goal of increasing footfall to the city centre alongside contributing to Aberdeen’s Winter Festival offering.

Gary Craig, Aberdeen Inspired’s chief executive, said:

“The ice rink was such a success last year that we’ve brought it back again alongside extending the length of time it is within the city centre to allow even more people to enjoy it over the festive holidays.

“The rink will offer fun and sparkle in the run up to Christmas and New Year and we’d encourage friends and families, from Aberdeen and the north-east, to come down, don a pair of skates and get into the festive spirit.

“We’re delighted that the rink is in a new home this year within Union Terrace Gardens, adding a fresh feel alongside allowing businesses in a different part of the zone to benefit from the positive impact that an attraction such as this can bring to the area.”

David Cunningham, chief executive of The ARCHIE Foundation, said:

“This is an amazingly generous gesture from the businesses of the BID district and Aberdeen City Council. The ice rink is very popular and great fun, and now every skater will be helping The ARCHIE Foundation to make a real difference for the sick children of the north east and northern isles, over the festive season and in the future, through our ‘High 10 for ARCHIE’ appeal.

“They can’t all say thank you individually, but on their behalf we can and we are all extremely grateful.”

Spearheaded by Aberdeen Inspired, the ice rink has been brought to the city centre in partnership with Aberdeen City Council which has contributed £30,000 to the total cost of £132,000. The council has also contributed a further £42,500 towards additional festive activities within the area.

This total, coupled with Aberdeen Inspired’s £102,000 contribution towards the ice rink, marks a significant investment by both organisations into this year’s festive line-up of events.

Lord Provost George Adam said:

“Thanks to partnership working residents and visitors to the city will enjoy an array of festive activities which compliment Aberdeen’s Winter Festival.

“I am delighted to see the ice rink return as it was such a huge success last year. Aberdeen City Council is delighted to lend its support.”

The ice rink is the main highlight of a comprehensive programme of events by Aberdeen Inspired, with a line-up of festive films at the Belmont Filmhouse, alongside a range of activities to be run in tandem with the rink in Union Terrace Gardens all being made available for those visiting the city centre and BID zone throughout December.

Aberdeen Inspired is the banner under which the Aberdeen BID (Business Improvement District) operates. It is a business-led initiative within the city centre in which levy payers within the BID zone contribute. Proceeds are used to fund projects designed to improve the business district and driving footfall to the zone.

For further information on the work of Aberdeen Inspired visit www.aberdeeninspired.com

Comments enabled – see comments box below. Note, all comments will be moderated.

Whiteford Invites Young Musical Talent To ‘Rock The House’

Aberdeenshire, Articles No Responses »

Dec 022014

With thanks to Paul Robertson.

Young bands and solo artists could win the chance to perform in London.
Banff & Buchan MP Eilidh Whiteford has urged local bands and solo artists to participate in the House of Commons’ annual ‘Rock The House’ competition.

The competition is open to young bands and solo artists across the UK and offers them the opportunity to perform on the Terrace of the House of Commons.

Entries are being sought from across the UK for 5 categories including bands, solo artists and live music venues. Entrants submit a track to their MP, who then selects a local act to nominate to the competition.

Dr Whiteford urged local talent to put themselves forward for the competition, commenting:

“The Rock The House competition has grown massively in the last years and attracted a lot of attention. It is a great way for Parliament to connect with younger people and to recognise their achievements. I know there are some very good young bands and musicians in Banff & Buchan so I encourage them to put themselves forward and show the country just how talented this corner of Scotland is.”

The finals of the competition will be held in London in March 2015 and category winners will be rewarded with top of the range music equipment, slots at music festivals including the Download festival, and the opportunity to perform on the Terrace of the House of Commons. The competition has received the endorsement of high profile musicians including legendary guitarist Brian May and shock rocker Alice Cooper.

Applications are invited until 31st December 2015 and can be filled out online at www.rockthehousehoc.com/apply

Swing In The New Year With Stonehaven’s Fiery Celebrations

Aberdeenshire, Articles No Responses »

Nov 282014

Stonehaven Fireballs - credit pic Paul Mitchell

In full swing; Stonehaven Fireballs – Credit: Paul Mitchell

With thanks to Stevie Brown, Account Manager, Tricker PR

Flaming balls of fire swing through the crowds while the sounds of legendary 80’s pop band The Human League soar through the air.

It can only be the world famous Stonehaven Hogmanay celebrations – taking place from 8.30pm on Wednesday 31st December 2014.

Over the years Stonehaven has achieved a legendary reputation as one of the top destinations to bring in the New Year.

The population of the tranquil seaside town of Stonehaven is set to more than double from 11,000 to over 25,000 as people from around the world descend on the area to attend the hugely anticipated events.

The Stonehaven Fireballs is a 105 year old tradition that sees a select group of ‘swingers’ make their way down the High Street in front of legions of spectators, whirling flaming balls of fire above their heads before throwing them into the harbour.

Fire has been used through the centuries as a symbol for destroying wicked spirits and purifying evil to make way for good fortune. And there is no better time to forget hardships and look forward to a bright future than New Year’s Eve. From the start of December the swingers begin to create their own fireballs from chicken wire, using various materials to fuel the flames. The spectacular sight is not to be missed and is set to delight the capacity crowd of 8,500 people.

Also taking place as part of Stonehaven’s Hogmanay celebrations is Open Air in the Square – an outdoor concert in the town centre which has featured music legends Simple Minds and The Red Hot Chili Pipers in the past. This year the event will feature 80’s pop band The Human League.

Securing a high profile band three years in a row is a huge coup for a small town like Stonehaven. The concert is attended by upwards of 6,000 and there is always a vibrant atmosphere. The evening will also include a performance from Scots folk band the Peatbog Faeries and another surprise guest is set to be announced soon.

With so much on offer it’s a fantastic place to visit and bring in 2015 – it’s definitely the hottest place to spend the Hogmanay.

Where to Stay: For those looking for a fuss free Hogmanay, Thistle Altens offers the Stonehaven Package from £99.00 per person.

This includes accommodation, wristbands to the event, transport to and from the hotel, stovies on return back at the hotel, New Year’s Day breakfast and a late checkout of 2pm.

To book or for more information please call 01224 244 603 or visit www.thistle.com/Christmas.

How to get there: Stagecoach bus runs a regular service to Stonehaven. Visit http://www.stagecoachbus.com/timetable-landing.aspx for timetables. Parking is available on the streets throughout the town – normal restrictions apply.

For more information about the Fireballs Ceremony visit http://www.stonehavenfireballs.co.uk. For more information about Open Air in the Square visit www.oaits.org. If you would like further information about Aberdeen then visit www.visitaberdeen.com.

Comments enabled – see comments box below. Note, all comments will be moderated.

Aberdeen’s World Record Ambition Scares Off Competition

Aberdeen City, Articles, Featured No Responses »

Nov 282014

With thanks to Stevie Brown, Account Manager, Tricker PR

Caroline Will and Chloe Kermoal pull a Christmas Cracker

An ambitious world record attempt to be staged in Aberdeen has scared an English town into postponing their challenge of the same record until after the Granite City has attempted the feat.
Wellington, in Somerset, England, had planned to break the world record for the longest Christmas Cracker pulling chain on Saturday 22 November during their Christmas light switch on parade.

However, the organisers cancelled their attempt when they discovered Aberdeen has set itself a more ambitious target to break the same record on Saturday 6th December.

Organisers of the Wellington attempt plan to wait and see how the Aberdeen event fairs in setting a new record. A spokesperson from the Wellington organising team said:

“This decision was not made lightly but rest assured it is a postponement.”

Wellington has tried to break the world cracker pulling record three times and will now launch their challenge for the longest Christmas Cracker chain on 20 December at AFC Telford, more than two weeks after Aberdeen’s attempt which takes place in the Bon Accord Shopping centre at 1pm on Saturday 6 December.

The event in the Granite City is being staged by VisitAberdeen as part of a drive to promote the city for festive breaks, and VisitAberdeen is appealing for cracker pullers to turn out in force to smash the current world record which stands at 749 set by Brindleyplace, Birmingham. 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’ taking place at 1pm.

Steve Harris, Chief Executive of VisitAberdeen, says:

“When we started planning the Christmas Cracker world record attempt at the start of the summer we had no idea that anyone else was also vying to set a new record – all we knew was 749 was the number we needed to beat to get in the record books.

“When we heard that Wellington were also going for the record I was excited – it makes it an even bigger challenge, and I think some friendly competition is good. I wish Wellington good luck in their attempt, and it means that we will have to pull out all the stops here in Aberdeen – I have no doubt that the people of Aberdeen will rally together to help put the region on the map as the new world record holders.”

People who would like to take part in the record attempt are invited to follow the event on Facebook and Twitter and can keep up to date with the record attempt at facebook.com/crackerrecord and on @CrackerRecord.

Comments enabled – see comments box below. Note, all comments will be moderated.

Willows Animal Sanctuary Christmas Open Day

Aberdeenshire, Articles, Featured, Opinion No Responses »

Nov 282014

Deborah Cowan made the trip last Saturday, 22 November, to Willows Animal Sanctuary & Animal Assisted Therapy Unit’s Christmas Open Day. Here is her account of the visit.

My partner and I, with the best of intentions, have been meaning to get out to Willows for about three years now. Something always comes up, and until last weekend it was something we always talked about doing but never got around to.
Then a good friend of ours mentioned the Christmas Open Day and we decided to put words into deeds. We were so glad that we did.

Saturday November 22nd greeted us with dreary grey skies and a depressing cold drizzle which very nearly crumbled our resolve, but Willow’s weren’t cancelling so we decided that we wouldn’t either.

Donning warm clothes and sensible shoes, we headed out from Aberdeen with some classic Nick Cave on the car stereo and a watery sky creating some beautiful lighting effects across the various hills and fields along the way.

It really is a lovely drive out there. Willow’s is located just past Ellon in Pitsligo and we were there before we knew it.

And so was everybody else. What a turnout. The weather held and people came. The car park was full and there was a wonderfully festive, family atmosphere.

First stop, the gift shop. Full of all sorts of nick-nacks, I found a brand new pair of Wellington’s for a fiver. And my partner found two collectors item Cat Stevens records that he’s still chuffed about. But I digress.

We spoke with a very friendly young man who sold us our new treasures and asked him how long he’d been with Willow’s. Turns out, he had volunteered there for two years and had recently become a full time paid staff member. You could see how happy he was about that and how much he loved his job, and it reflects in the care of the animals. So many animals.

We paid our tiny entry charge, (only £3 each) and noted the cafe that housed our future caffeine fix and we were then let loose inside the sanctuary proper.

Kids and adults alike were having a grand time and so were the numerous free roaming cats who were making the most of all the attention they were receiving.

I have never seen so many chilled out cats in one place. They were everywhere. Sleeping in the straw next to the ponies, hanging out on top of the stall fences and winding themselves around our legs looking for a good ear scratch. And who am I to deny a cuddly cat a good cuddle.

Needless to say, I didn’t get very far to start with. At one point I was attending to two cats simultaneously while a third tried to climb on my lap. I had forgotten how lovely it is to scratch a cat behind the ears and listen to it purr.

We followed the cats and the people out of a lovely old stone barn that housed the Shetland ponies and the Cat Hotel, and discovered a cosy warm shed that houses the rescued lizards, turtles, snakes and even hedgehogs. Each habitat was immaculate and it was clear how well cared for each animal was.

Adjacent to ‘The Beastie Hoose’ was one of a number of stables, home to the numerous rescued horses that have found their forever home with Willow’s. Again, each animal was relaxed and clearly well cared for.

Some happily munched hay and ignored us while others sniffed us hopefully for treats.

Each beautiful horse had their name and history attached to their stall. Every one of them is in a significantly better place now.

By this time I’d lost my partner who was off looking for the bunnies. I turned a corner and was greeted by some very curious chickens and a peacock. No, wait…Three peacocks. All with full plume and one of them showing off said resplendent plumage to a couple of indifferent chickens who were playing hard to get. The species barrier didn’t seem to bother him but he was at least being quite gentlemanly. Perhaps he should have bought them dinner first.

I could hear goats and a donkey braying up ahead so I left my pretty friend to it and after being waylaid by yet another affectionate cat (this one called Simba, who would grab my hand with his paw when ever I tried to leave) I came across some adorable goats, a very shaggy Llama, two spectacular owls, a ferret enclosure, some very sleepy ducks and…. the bunnies.

You may have worked out by now that we’re rabbit people. There’s just something about a cheeky, binkying rabbit that will steal your heart when you’re not looking.

They are the UK’s third most popular pet and also the most misunderstood. Because of that, people buy them as novelties not realising the level of care that goes into looking after a rabbit properly. So it was great to see the impressive habitats that Willow’s have set up for the rabbits in their care.

It was around now that the gentle acoustic guitar music that had been playing on the out door speakers was replaced by the voices of numerous children from the Pitsligo Primary School who were performing their Nativity play. Cute children everywhere. Have I mentioned the wonderful family atmosphere? I can’t think of a better place to take kids of any age for a fun day out.

A lot of the donkey’s and horses will let you gently stroke their noses and teaching kids early on the value of an animal in such a fun and interactive environment is priceless.

I spoke to another staff member. A pretty young girl in her mid-teens who was still in school. She too had been volunteering for a long time and helped out every weekend. She hoped to also work at Willow’s full time one day and to see such dedication in one so young was a wonderful thing.

With so much to see and so many cats to cuddle, we hadn’t even made it into the barn yet that was full of market day stalls. With such a great turnout of people, hopefully they all did well and there was certainly something for everyone.

Without realising it, nearly three hours had passed.

The brass band set up and started to play wonderful Christmas Carols and we went in search of that pre-arranged coffee. I’m not joking, it was one of the best cups of coffee we’ve had in years.

On the way back to the car, I realised that I hadn’t taken a picture of the lovely foursome serenading us, so they very kindly posed for me and then played a beautiful carol. What a way to end a perfect day.

We waved goodbye to the fat, happy pigs by the gate on the way out and unanimously agreed that we had had an awesome time.

The love and dedication that goes into looking after the multitude of animals in Willow’s care is inspirational. It’s clear that it’s a way of life for the people who work there and it reflects in the demeanour of the animals.

We left feeling like we wanted to be a part of that too. Willow’s is a very special part of the Aberdeenshire community. They are often the last resort for many of the animals in their care and with our support they can continue to do what they do so well.

We will be there will bells on for their next open day and we’ll be taking our friends with us next time too.

Comments enabled – see comments box below. Note, all comments will be moderated.

Steve Cropper, The Animals, Friends And Fans

Articles, Featured, Opinion No Responses »

Nov 282014

Music lovers of every age converged on The Lemon Tree on 21st November, with good reason: Steve Cropper, and Animals & Friends had come to town. Suzanne Kelly and Julie Thompson joined them.

The Animals’ music filled the heads of children of the 60s and subsequent generations; it was part of a pure, strong, British Invasion which certainly inspired musicians in the USA and UK alike.

Over at Stax Records, the legendary home of some epic, timeless classics, house guitarist Steve Cropper was writing equally powerful music.

The riffs, beats and lyrics of the musicians involved have aged very well – everyone can relate to the sentiments of ‘We Gotta Get Out Of This Place’. When the musicians involved got together for this tour, nights of guaranteed feel good, sing along music was promised and delivered.

The first set saw some classic Animals & Friends songs – ‘We Gotta Get Out Of This Place’ had everyone singing along.

People in their 20’s sang along with people in their 50’s; everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. ‘The House Of The Rising Sun’, a Dylan track made a worldwide hit by The Animals back in the day closed that set. The lineup was John Steel & Mick Gallagher (The Blockheads, The Clash, Paul McCartney) – plus Danny Handley (performed with Spencer Davis, Bobby Elliott, Ric Lee (Ten Years After) & Scott Whitley.

Seeing music performed by the people who created it is always amazing, but to see Steel and Gallagher in particular will stick with me for some time. The keyboards were thrilling live, and of course all was note perfect throughout.

After the interval Steve Cropper joined the group.

Steve Cropper – Credit: Alan White Photos

Cropper was the veritable guitar king of Stax Records, home of many 1960s epic songs.

His Peavey tortoiseshell guitar would have some tales to tell if it could. Cropper’s playing did the talking; Eric Clapton may have earned the nickname ‘slowhand’ for his playing, but Cropper deserves this title as much if not more so.

Cropper’s stories of how songs were written were funny and down to earth. Being interrupted while about to have a bath, a girl’s phone number – the most mundane of circumstances led to songs, which will be long enjoyed.

‘(Sittin’) On The Dock Of The Bay’ had everyone – security, bar staff – singing and whistling with the band. It’s hard to remember a more upbeat, happy evening on the live music scene in Aberdeen than this one.

As the promoters advised:

“2007 marked founder member John Steel’s 50th year as performing musician. Back in 1957 he and The Animals co-founder Eric Burdon began plying their trade in and around their native Tyneside with not the slightest inking that they would – in a very few years – find themselves part of a group that would be forever bracketed with the very best of British music – The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and The Yardbirds – and respected all over the world.

“The Animals were also be the second British band after The Beatles to top the American charts with their multi-million selling anthem, ‘House of The Rising Sun’.”

It is hard to think that music that is still so fresh is half a century old. Everyone who works hard, who has to struggle related and always will relate to ‘We Gotta Get Out Of This Place’ for instance.

Long after today’s disposable gimmicky pop hits are forgotten, people will still be enjoying Cropper’s writing and musicianship, along with an almost peerless Animals songbook such as we enjoyed tonight. Go see these people if the chance arises; you won’t regret it.

Paul Rodgers, Deborah Bonham. Royal Albert Hall Show for Willows

Articles, Opinion No Responses »

Nov 212014

Paul Rodgers. Deborah Bonham. The Royal Albert Hall. Add in a Scottish animal shelter and the result was an unforgettable night of music, all to raise funds and awareness for Willows Animal Sanctuary. Suzanne Kelly caught the show and caught up with the generous people who made it happen.

Paul Rodgers and his wife Cynthia Kereluk Rodgers visited Willows a few years back, and became generous, hands-on patrons, who got to know the staff and the animals. Their hard work over the years has helped to make Willows’ future more secure. A horse-mad animal lover, rock and blues singer Deborah Bonham has also joined the Willows cause.

Her husband Peter Bullick, their band and their families likewise have come to Willows’ aid these past few years.

The artists involved are serious life-long animal lovers, directly involved in rescuing animals.

Paul Rodgers said:

“Such a unique charity that combines helping vulnerable people, with their Assisted Therapy Program, plus Willows employs four such people as well as provides a sanctuary before heaven for unwanted, abused, old and handicapped animals. Aiding people and animals is a win, win situation.

“As Patrons both Cynthia and myself are keen to support Willows to help them continue the amazing work they do in the community for mankind and animal kind.”

The generosity of all concerned reached a remarkable climax at the Royal Albert Hall on the 3rd of November: Paul and Cynthia organised a concert to benefit Willows. All profits are going to Willows; everyone who was at this show had a night of music which will not soon be forgotten.

Deborah Bonham commented:

“It was such an honour to be asked by Paul Rodgers and his beautiful wife Cynthia Kereluc Rodgers to appear at the Royal Albert Hall to help raise funds for Willows Animal Sanctuary and Assisted Animal Therapy. It was such an incredible night and one that I won’t forget. Willows is a charity close to my heart and to know that we have raised the much needed funds for them to survive the winter is fantastic. The work they do with animals and vulnerable people is inspirational, I’m so pleased I was able to help and be a part of it all.”

Deborah opened the show accompanied by keyboard artist Gerard Lewis. This was a new arrangement for the band, which normally features Peter Bullick on (blistering) guitars and mandolin; keyboard player Gerard Louis; on bass Ian Rowley; and the awesome Frank Benbini of the Fun Lovin’ Criminals, filling in for regular drummer Rich Newman.

It would have been nice to hear the full line up at the RAH, but as it was, the arrangement of Deborah with Gerard showcased her voice in a way that really filled the hall to great effect. Her powerful lyrics and vocals reach some astonishing emotional highs and lows and were superb on the night.

Long-time follower Lorraine Adams Robertson attended with husband Michael. She said:

“Deborah was brilliant! … and G too her keyboard player… her singing gives me goose bumps as always, and her voice makes me cry with emotion.”

The strangers I sat next to volunteered how much they enjoyed her. I explained that she usually performs with a band: they are determined to go and see her, and pick up Spirit, the latest album.

Deborah’s set included a wide variety of her songs spanning several albums – Love You So, What We Got, Hold On, Grace, Duchess (sassy), I Need Love (haunting, passionate) and Stay With Me Baby. Her voice is what the Royal Albert Hall is designed for. [Note – Deborah is currently recovering from an illness; best wishes for a speedy, complete recovery].

More information on albums and tours for the Deborah Bonham Band here http://www.deborahbonham.com/ .

Paul Rodgers has a career like no one else’s. His iconic work with Free, Bad Company and The Firm are not the full extent of his interests and talents.

The new Royal Sessions work showcases Rodgers’ powerful voice in traditional blues classics which he sings, accompanied by some of the world’s greatest blues musicians. He has gone back to the music that inspired him from the beginning, and paid it a stunning tribute. On his Facebook Page Paul wrote:

“I forget how good these guys and gals are until I play with them again. Rehearsals were fantabulous, even if there isn’t such a word. We are all here in London and are ready to rock and soul.”

The crowds were going wild for it. A favourite with fans, ‘Walk in My Shadow’ was astonishing with such a backing band behind it, and it was a pleasure to be there to hear it live.

Blues staple ‘The Hunter’ was powerful; an interesting arrangement of ‘Walk On By’ was thrilling, and ‘Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love’ had us all in the aisles singing along. ‘I Can’t Stand The Rain’ was another standout: Rodgers was to record that for Jools Holland a day or so later. The track can be found here http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/records/nzq2fj.

More on the landmark Royal Sessions album can be found here http://paulrodgers.com/release/the-royal-sessions/ .

Willows supporters and staff are hugely grateful to the artists and producer (and MC and guitarist) Perry Margouleff who helped to make this show a reality.

Jenny Gray of Willows said

“Willows would like to send enormous thanks to our amazing Patrons Paul Rodgers and his wife Cynthia Kereluk Rodgers for their amazing support and generosity. Huge thanks to Deborah Bonham and Peter Bullick for helping make it a truly amazing night. These people have done so much to help Willows through a challenging time, they are genuine animal lovers and truly care about Willows. Thanks to all friends and family that helped on the night too. This fundraiser will really help the winter feed appeal.”

The funds raised from this night of wonderful music will certainly help Willows, but the charity needs to be able to rely on steady donations large and small in order to budget adequately. Times are tough for everyone; they are very tough for animals. Pets are being abandoned at an alarming rate; horses and ponies too are being neglected and left without food and water.

Without charities like Willows, North East Scotland’s largest animal charity and a centre for animal-assisted therapy which helps many people, young and old (six of Willows employees are vulnerable people), the outlook is bleak.

If you missed the concert, but want a chance at winning some great prizes, here is your chance

Sign up to become ‘A Friend of Willows’ Help make a difference now!

If you sign on to become a ‘Friend of Willows’, at just £1 (2 US dollars) per week, by November 30, 2014 you are eligible to win:

Autographed Bad Company Guitar

Paul Rodgers Autographed Set List from The Royal Albert Hall Concert

Deborah Bonham Autographed Set List (from the Concert)

Paul Rodgers Autographed Royal Sessions LP or Cash Prizes

After careful thought, and with the help of all our supporters (and it will only work with your help) we hope we have found a way to get Willows a regular income. What we are hoping is that every ‘Friend’ who signs up for a minimum donation of £1 (2 US dollars) a week asks two other people to sign up too. It would quickly make a chain of regular donors, with each ‘Friend of Willows’ donating only a very small amount each month, the cost of a magazine or a coffee.

Comments enabled – see comments box below. Note, all comments will be moderated.

Labour Must Come Clean Over Trident

Articles, Opinion 1 Response »

Nov 212014

With thanks to Gavin Mowat, Constituency Assistant to Christian Allard MSP

SNP MSP Christian Allard has said Scottish Labour must come clean over Trident after Scottish Labour’s Neil Findlay MSP claimed that his party would not toe the Westminster line on the issue under his leadership.

Speaking on the BBC’s Andrew Marr programme, Mr Findlay claimed that there was no issue with different parts of the UK Labour party having different policy positions – and claimed that the Labour Party in Scotland had opposed the renewal of Trident ‘for some time’.

On 6th August 2014, Neil Findlay and Labour voted against a Scottish Parliamentary motion calling for the calling for the ‘speediest safe withdrawal of nuclear weapons’, and failed to propose any amendment.

At SNP Conference this weekend, SNP Leader Nicola Sturgeon said that any Labour Westminster Government that had to depend on SNP votes would have to “think again” about putting a new generation of nuclear weapons in Scottish waters.

Commenting, North East MSP Christian Allard said:

“Neil Findlay’s latest remarks are yet another example of shambolic to-ing and fro-ing from the Labour ‘branch office’ in attempt to redress their continued free-fall in the polls.

“Mr Findlay voted against a Parliamentary motion supporting the ‘speediest safe withdrawal of nuclear weapons’ before the referendum, and is now trying to pull the wool over people’s eyes by saying ‘it’s already Labour Party policy in Scotland to oppose the renewal of Trident.’

“Yet Mr Findlay’s colleagues, including Jim Murphy, have spoken against the party becoming unilateralist and getting rid of Trident – Labour must come clean on their position.

“Both Holyrood and London Labour have toed the Westminster line and voted for renewal time and again.

“By contrast, as Nicola Sturgeon pointed out at SNP conference, a Westminster Labour Government forced to rely on SNP votes would have to think again on Trident renewal.”

Comments enabled – see comments box below. Note, all comments will be moderated.

[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.]

Film-maker Backs Bid To Develop Wilderness Base

Articles, Environment, Featured No Responses »

Nov 212014

L-R, George McIntyre and Kay Jackson (The Gordon and Ena Baxter Foundation) and Alan Watson Featherstone (TFL)

With thanks to Richard Bunting.

A leading wildlife film-maker is backing a bid by Trees for Life to transform an iconic but derelict mountain bothy into an eco-friendly weather-tight base that will be used to launch a quarter century of forest restoration in one of Scotland’s great wildlife wildernesses.
Glasgow-based cameraman and film-maker Gordon Buchanan is supporting the conservation charity’s appeal to raise £30,000 to renovate Athnamulloch Bothy in Glen Affric on the Forestry Commission Scotland managed National Forest Estate.

And in a major boost, Trees for Life’s ‘Build the Bothy’ appeal has just secured a grant of £20,000 from the Moray-based Gordon and Ena Baxter Foundation, which supports worthy projects and charitable organisations, particularly in the north of Scotland and the Highlands and Islands.

The initiative to restore Athnamulloch Bothy is key to the next stage of large-scale forest restoration work being delivered in partnership by Trees for Life and Forestry Commission Scotland, in which volunteers will plant 250,000 trees to extend Glen Affric’s endangered forests further west, creating vital forest corridors and habitats for unique wildlife.

“For me, time spent in Glen Affric’s ancient forest is precious. Watching eagles soaring against the mountain peaks, red squirrels in the branches and glimpsing pine martens hunting amongst the heather is as wild and remote an experience as Britain can offer. How lucky we are to have this unique and wonderful landscape,” said Gordon Buchanan.

“The problem is that this forest is tiny, and these ancient pines are just a fragment of the forest that once filled the glen. Further west, the grasslands are silent and empty, and the only signs of the former forest that once grew there are tree roots scattered in the peat.

“I am thrilled to be supporting Trees for Life’s appeal for a new base in Glen Affric. It’s not possible to plant trees in this remote location without a place for volunteers to stay. We now have a fantastic opportunity to renovate Athnamulloch Bothy in the western glen, saving it from dereliction and bringing it back to life.”

Lying to the west of Loch Affric, the remote bothy became unsafe and was closed in 2008. Trees for Life’s volunteers had previously used it as a base for planting the first new Scots pines to grow in the area for centuries, but restoration of the Caledonian Forest in this part of the glen stalled with the bothy’s closure.

However, detailed plans have now been drawn up to renovate the building to a high ecological standard while retaining its rustic character, and the charity has signed a 25-year lease for the building with Forestry Commission Scotland. Generous donations and grants have contributed towards much of the total £137,000 cost.

The most recent of these grants is £20,000 from The Gordon and Ena Baxter Foundation based in Fochabers. Brothers Gordon and Ian Baxter, with their wives Ena and Margaret, established the foundation in 1981 so that the family could continue to extend its support for the Fochabers and district communities. In the last 12 months, the Foundation has widened funding activity to assist projects in the north of Scotland and the Highlands and Islands.

“We’re proud to support Trees for Life’s restoration of the Caledonian Forest and its Build the Bothy appeal. It is inspiring to think that this will lead to the planting of thousands of trees and create opportunities for hundreds of people to benefit from being physically active in spectacular Glen Affric,” said Kay Jackson, Manager of the Gordon and Ena Baxter Foundation.

A final £30,000 is now needed to complete Trees for Life’s most ambitious fundraising endeavour of recent years. This will bring the bothy back to life with new timbers and flooring replacing rotten woodwork, and the installation of a kitchen, living room, bedrooms, drying room, and a bathroom with eco-friendly energy and water systems.

To support the Build the Bothy appeal, please visit www.treesforlife.org.uk or call 0845 458 3505. The names of those donating at least £250 will be listed on a celebratory plaque at the bothy.

Comments enabled – see comments box below. Note, all comments will be moderated.

Older Entries Newer Entries