Events Archives - Page 14 of 34

Animals Need Your Help This Winter

Aberdeenshire, Charity, Featured No Responses »

Jan 242014

By Suzanne Kelly.

Most Scottish animal welfare organisations get no government support: the charities must rely on private donations to keep going.

The cost of keeping animals, their food, shelter, heating and care, continues to rise, while the economy shows only modest growth.

Our local charities are not only struggling for donations, but they are also struggling to home animals which are being abandoned at an alarming rate.

Without shelter places, animals such as horses may wind up in the slaughterhouse, and other animals may be put down.

With no end to these problems in sight, help from the private sector is more important than ever. These are some of the organisations that home and rehome animals; your donations, whether goods, food, money or even time will be appreciated.

Blaikiewell Animal Sanctuary

Deeside, Aberdeenshire
Website and donation information: http://blaikiewell.com/

Mavis Petrie, her brother Bert, and volunteers take care of “over 60 horses and ponies, two Jersey cows, and six pigs as well as cats, dogs and any other animal or bird that needs a safe place”. They have been going since the 1970s, but are now facing their biggest challenge. The Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route cuts through the countryside and through Blaikiewell. This charity has already lost prime grazing fields, and as a direct result faces higher feed costs.

Willows Animal Sanctuary

Lambhill, Fraserburgh AB43 6NY
Website; http://www.willowsanimals.com/
Donate here: http://www.willowsanimals.com/SupportUs.htm

Willows is home to hundreds of animals, from pigs to peacocks, and lately it has taken on a considerable number of the abandoned horses and ponies that might otherwise have been put down.

Rescues come from all over the UK. Willows’ Animal Assisted Therapy programme is designed to improve the physical, social, emotional, and/or cognitive functioning of the patient, as well as to provide educational and motivational effectiveness for the participant. It has been running for over eight years.

Scottish SPCA

Various locations in Scotland, including Aberdeenshire
Website: http://www.scottishspca.org/
Donate here: https://www.scottishspca.org/donate

As well as rehoming a wide range of animals including budgies, cats, dogs and equines, the Scottish SPCA investigates cases of animal neglect and cruelty. There have been recent high profile cases of neglect and abuse in the Grampian area. In some instances animals were in such a poor state that they had to be put down.

The Scottish SPCA relies on the public not only for donations, but also for information about animal cruelty. Their hotline number for anyone with information about possible animal abuse or neglect is 03000 999 999.

Mountains Animal Shelter

Forfar, Angus
Website and donation information: http://www.mountainsanimalsanctuary.org.uk/

Mountains has been going for thirty years and has helped over 600 horses. However, it faces the same struggles as the other organisations, and last year received a blow. Just after a successful nativity play early in December 2012, thieves broke in and stole goods and cash worth thousands. Even their CCTV system was stolen.

Thankfully no animals were harmed or taken. Its founder, Alan Beaufort Fraser, passed away in 2010 after a lifetime helping animals throughout Europe.

Cats Protection League

Various locations in Scotland
Website: http://www.cats.org.uk/
Donate here: https://www.cats.org.uk/donate/?b=0 or call 0800 917 2287

This long-established organisation has rehomed thousands of cats and neutered feral strays over the years. As well as donations of money, new and used goods would be welcome for sale in their Aberdeen shop on George Street.

Anyone concerned for the welfare of a domestic or feral cat can call their helpline on 03000 121212.

Animal Concern Advice Line

Dumbartonshire
Website: http://www.adviceaboutanimals.info
Donate here: https://www.charitychoice.co.uk/animal-concern-advice-line-acal-11179/donate

Animal Concern Advice Line (ACAL)’s John Robins has been an active voice for animals in Scotland for years now; ACAL campaigned actively to save the Tullos Hill deer, and is currently highlighting the shooting of seals and the cruelty involved in intensive salmon fish farming.

ACAL offers advice and assistance and has a great deal of expertise focused on improving the welfare of animals whether wild, domestic or farm.

The New Arc

Ellon, Aberdeenshire
Website: http://www.thenewarc.org/
Donate here: http://www.thenewarc.org/page_2067122.html

The New Arc recently changed from a rescue and rehoming centre to a rescue and sanctuary. They are no longer taking in unwanted pets, but are to widen their wildlife rescue work. They will still assist with lost and found pets, cruelty and abandoned animals, but will refer unwanted pets to other organisations who may be able to help.

Mrs Murray’s Cat and Dog Home

Aberdeen
Website: http://www.mrsmurrays.co.uk/
Donate here: http://www.mrsmurrays.co.uk/Donate

Mrs Murray’s Home cares for lost and stray dogs and cats, and helps rehome animals whose owners can no longer care for them. Each year 1500 animals pass through their gates, and they depend on public donations and legacies to help them secure each and every one with a happy future.

Any of these organisations will be happy to hear from you, or to explain more about their work. Your financial support, donations of food and/or goods will be welcome.

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JCI Aberdeen Support Friends Of ANCHOR

Aberdeen City, Charity, Featured, News No Responses »

Jan 242014

Due to the success of this year’s event, ‘An Evening with Lady Claire Macdonald’, JCI Aberdeen is delighted to be hosting another cookery demonstration in January 2014 to raise funds for Friends of ANCHOR.

Cordon Bleu cook and published food writer Jane Lovett will be joining JCI Aberdeen to tantalise the taste buds of cookery fans across the North East at The Marcliffe Hotel & Spa on Thursday 30th January 2014.

Jane, author of ‘Make it Easy’ is a former tutor at Leith’s School of Food & Wine, has produced numerous recipes for magazines such as Home Economist, as well as running her own successful London catering business.

JCI Aberdeen President David Derbyshire spoke of the success of this year’s event,

“JCI Aberdeen was overwhelmed by the charitable support for our cookery fundraiser with Lady Claire Macdonald in February. Through ticket sales and funds raised on the night, we were able to raise £4,000 for Befriend a Child.

“We look forward to another special evening in January when we will welcome Jane Lovett to Aberdeen for an event which promises to inspire and entertain budding chefs, whilst raising funds for Friends of ANCHOR.”

Tickets for the event, which will include a drinks reception and raffle, can be purchased by contacting the project team at events@jciaberdeen.org.uk or project lead Kim John on 07717 307503.

JCI Aberdeen is part of the JCI international federation of young entrepreneurs and leaders, for people aged 18 – 40. A range of personal development opportunities are offered to members, including business, social, community and international events and projects. For more information, please email membership@jciaberdeen.org.uk or visit www.jciaberdeen.org.uk or www.jci.cc

Introducing The Family Fund

Charity, Information No Responses »

Jan 022014

With thanks to Elaine Pilmoor.

The Family Fund is a registered charity that gives grants to families raising a disabled or seriously ill child aged 17 and under.

Funded by grants, the charity brings practical and essential help, such as washing machines, fridges, bedding, specialist toys and much needed family breaks, which can often offer a lifeline to eligible families. Using their own eligibility criteria, The Family Fund tries to ensure that it provides help to families in the most need and last year supported 5,515 low-income families in Scotland. To find out more about The Family Fund you are invited to visit their website www.familyfund.org.uk You can also contact them for an application pack at info@familyfund.org.uk, by telephone at 0844 974 4099, or you can use the contact us page on their website.

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Big News For Scotland’s Music Scene

Aberdeen City, Featured, Gigs and Concerts No Responses »

Dec 242013

At the Lemon Tree on the 29th December, Terry McDermott & The Bonfires make their first return to the UK since launching their debut CD ‘Palmetto Heights EP’ on Fat Hippy Records in June this year.

Aberdeen’s Terry McDermott has made a big difference to the city’s Fat Hippy Records since they released the CD back in June.

Following his success last year on ‘The Voice USA’, Terry has developed a massive worldwide fan base, and has brought a lot of attention to Aberdeen and its many amazing musicians by choosing to work with Fat Hippy again.

Thanks to Terry, the label made it to LA earlier this month with Amy Sawers and Craig John Davidson; and with his help they are planning a tour to New Orleans next year.

Terry’s continued support and passion for all things Aberdonian is never-ending! So get along and support one of Aberdeen’s most avid supporters and ambassadors when he returns to Scotland in December to play The Lemon Tree with his most favourite label mates Amy Sawers and Craig John Davidson.

If ever there was a hard working Aberdeen musician that deserved a sold out Lemon Tree to play to, it’s this guy!

More Info:

www.facebook.com/fathippyrecords
www.facebook.com/terrymacmusic
www.facebook.com/amysawersmusic
www.facebook.com/pages/Craig-john-davidson/176033265742121

Venue: www.facebook.com/LemonTree

Aberdeen tickets: www.aberdeenperformingarts.com

Events page: www.facebook.com/events/548653075188609 Fat Hippy Records presents Terry McDermott Music & The Bonfires with support from Amy Sawers and Craig John Davidson at Aberdeen’s The Lemon Tree on 29th December

www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152023553407118&set=a.10150381140047118.375338.84646547117&type=3&theater

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Aberdeen Music Hall Hogmanay Concert 2013

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Dec 232013

With thanks to Paul Anderson.

Once again it promises to be a memorable night of the finest traditional Scottish music at Aberdeen Music Hall’s ever popular Hogmanay concert.
The show, produced by Tarland fiddle virtuoso Paul Anderson, is in its fifth year and has gained a reputation as one of the top traditional Hogmanay events in Scotland.

As in previous years, the 2013 concert boasts an impressive line up with the Jonny Hardie Ceilidh Band, Jim Stevenson on bagpipes, Joanne Pirrie (dancer), fiddle sets including music from Paul Andersons new album “Land of the Standing Stones”, song and laughter from compere Robert Lovie and some unforgettable singing from the newly crowned “Scots singer of the year Siobhan Miller.

An added attraction to this year’s show is a specially composed tune, written by Paul Anderson, which will be the prize at a draw during the concert. The successful winner will get to pick the tune title, receive a hand written copy of the piece and a recording of their tune.

“I did this a couple of years ago for the concert and it proved very popular. The title chosen that year was “the moose hoose” and it features on Land of the Standing Stones. The idea would be for this year’s tune to feature on my next album” said Paul.

The concert starts at 7.30 pm and finishes at 10 pm with tickets available from the Aberdeen Box Office. For further information please contact Paul Anderson on 01339881929 or andersoncromar@aol.com

Dickens Fellowship

Aberdeen City, Events, Featured, Information No Responses »

Dec 092013

David Innes updates us on all things Dickens.

December’s, and the second official meeting of the Aberdeen Dickens Fellowship, was celebratory as the certificate confirming its status as a member of the International Fellowship was displayed.

‘It is all the more official since the signatures are almost illegible’, chairman Paul Schlicke joked.

After commemorative photos were taken by Voice photographer Julie Thompson, and before the official theme of the meeting, ‘Detectives and detecting in Bleak House’ was engaged, new information of local interest was shared.

A new cache of Dickens’s letters has been uncovered, relating to the Guild of Literature and Art, an organisation Dickens keenly promoted. According to the correspondence, the then occupant of Arbroath’s Hospitalfield House, offered a house near Coventry to the Guild. The letters indicate that Dickens was delighted with the offer.

Conditions attached to the proposed gift, meant, however, that the Guild had to refuse the offer. Given its connections, Aberdeen members will make a trip to Hospitalfield House in the future. It will also be of interest to delegates if Aberdeen’s bid to hold the 2016 international conference is successful.

In his talk, Paul outlined how, before 1829, the “police” were held largely in contempt and members regarded as disreputable by the population.

Dickens satirises them as incompetent in Great Expectations. When the Metropolitan force of 3000 recruits was created in 1829 as a crime prevention force, with only inspectors empowered to carry pistols, but with a multi-purpose bobby’s helmet issued, Dickens’s attitude to the police changed.

He admired their cleverness and mastery of disguise. He accompanied members, especially the 1846-52 Chief Inspector Field, on duty, seeing at first hand their methods. His journalism frequently featured imperturbable detectives and policemen. Field may have been the inspiration for Inspector Bucket in Bleak House, widely regarded as fiction’s first detective.

Dickens cert Dec13 - Credit: Julie Thompson

Certificate awarded to Aberdeen Dickens Fellowship – Credit: Julie Thompson

For all Dickens’s championing of the poor and downtrodden and railing against those who kept the poor downtrodden, and for all his overt contempt for the law and do-gooders, he had an obsession with order.

His desire to control everything about his dramas and public appearances bear this out, so it is no surprise that those with a similar outlook, military man Sergeant George and Bucket himself, are sympathetic figures in Bleak House.

Bleak House, we concluded, is full of detecting. There are up to a dozen characters all seeking information, trying to eke out truth and each for his or her own purposes.

Throughout it all, Dickens seems to be keen to expose corruption, hypocrisy and inefficiency and Esther Summerson is held up as an example of how he feels life should be lived – looking after one’s self and others and taking personal responsibility in so doing.

2013’s final gathering, on 17 December, will be a festive event. Paul will read A Christmas Carol. Members will provide light snacks and refreshments, and whilst it will hardly be a Pickwickian Dingley Dell feast, we will end the year on a suitably celebratory note.

Non-members are welcome at a nominal cost of £3, and the celebration will start at 1830 and go on until 2130. The venue is, as always, Grampian Housing, Huntly Street.

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The Shows Will Go On

Aberdeen City, Featured, Gigs and Concerts No Responses »

Dec 062013

With thanks to Linda Allan.

A few weeks ago The Aberdeen Chorus of Sweet Adelines had to come to terms with two devastating blows. Not only was the weekly rehearsal venue no longer available but that this also meant the loss of a venue for one of the Christmas Shows.

So the search began to find new premises – not an easy task when the Chorus numbers seventy five ladies and the group also requires storage space for items such as electronic equipment and large complex tiered staging.

Despite this major disruption to the normally smooth running of weekly rehearsals, the Chorus has risen to the challenge to produce a Christmas Show again this year.

You will even have two opportunities to hear this talented six time gold medal-winning Chorus – on Friday 13 December at 7:30pm in Peterculter Parish Church and on Sunday 15 December at 2:30pm in Queen’s Cross Church.

Gwen Topp, the Chorus Director, has once again demonstrated her considerable creative talent and artistic expertise to take the planned show and modify it for a new venue.

“Our Aberdeen audiences have supported us so well in the past. We couldn’t let them down this year!” said Gwen.

This show is wonderful seasonal entertainment, suitable for all the family and all ages. There will be traditional Christmas carols as well as other Chorus favourites, all sung a cappella with sparkling four part harmonies and lots of fun. If you look very carefully, you may even catch a glimpse of some frisky wee reindeer and see some nifty hoof-work!

Thanks to Sport Aberdeen, The Chorus has now found a temporary rehearsal venue in the Westburn Park Bowling Club Lounge in Aberdeen and meets there on a Monday evening at 7pm.

All ladies are very welcome to come and meet us, as we are always looking for new singers. Meantime the difficult search continues for a permanent home and we look forward to announcing this on our website in due course.

Contact Info:

Linda Allan.
Marketing and Publicity
Aberdeen Chapter of Sweet Adelines International Corporation
Registered as a Charity in Scotland number SCO44140
Email: Linda Allan or Mob 07590690392

Dickens Fellowship Upcoming Meeting – Farewell to Bleak House

Aberdeen City, Events No Responses »

Nov 282013

Scotland’s only Dickens Fellowship, whose status in the event of a Yes vote next year seems, curiously, to be missing from the governmental white paper on Scottish independence revealed this week, holds its latest monthly meeting on Tuesday 3rd December, from 19:00 to 21:00. David Innes writes.

It is with regret that many of us will leave Dickens’s masterpiece after Dr Paul Schlicke’s lecture and the resulting discussion on plots and detecting in Bleak House, this time with emphasis on numbers 16–20, chapters 50–67.

A well-written and loved book like Bleak House, however, is a gift that keeps on giving. The series of Fellowship meetings and discussions will encourage members to re-read it, such is its complexity and economy.

Before the December festivities start, Fellowship members will gather again on Tuesday 17 December, when Paul will read A Christmas Carol.

Both meetings will be hosted by Grampian Housing Association, whose offices are at the Huntly Street/Summer Street crossroads. The Grampian Housing car park provides ample free off-street parking. The Fellowship is grateful to Grampian Housing for its continuing support

Membership of the Fellowship for 2013-14 costs £20. Non-members can attend individual meetings by paying £3 on the night.

https://sites.google.com/site/aberdeendickensfellowship

Peacock Opens New Winter Exhibition: #SEENINTHEDEEN

Aberdeen City, Events 1 Response »

Nov 212013

This Friday, 22 Nov, 6 – 8pm, Peacock Visual Arts open their new winter exhibition, #SEENINTHEDEEN – Creative Characters from Aberdeen and Beyond.

The exhibition has been organised in collaboration with Aberdeen collective WLDWLVS.
The works included in the exhibition all use text and typography in some way; these include pieces by local artists Brian Ross, John Mackenzie and Neil Henderson amongst others, such as a large-scale mural commissioned for the show.

This work will be shown alongside that of established international artists Adam Bridgland, Chu, Scott Myles and many more.

It will bring together a rich variety of styles and disciplines from printmaking to graffiti.

The title, #SEENINTHEDEEN, was a quick method for WLDWLVS to start documenting the hidden side of Aberdeen that people could otherwise miss.

The inspiration originally came from graffiti, paste-ups and stickers posted around the city, however the hashtag has taken on a life of its own. It’s another way of looking at the city – these are images that won’t be found in the guidebooks but that show a truer representation of the city.

The exhibition invites contributions from residents and visitors of Aberdeen using social networking platforms Twitter and Instagram. Images of street photography from shop signs to graffiti, and everything else in-between, taken and tagged with #SEENINTHEDEEN will be displayed on the website www.seeninthedeen.com, which will itself appear in the exhibition.

Neil Henderson of WLDWLVS said:

“we’re continually surprised by the gems people find around the city and we love the range of images presented; from the serious to the absurd. It was always our intention to bring the work together at some point and when the opportunity to partner with Peacock Visual Arts came around it just felt like a natural fit.”

The opening is sponsored by anCnoc and BrewDog and runs from 23rd november to 21st December.

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Dickens Fellowship: Bleak House Concludes

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Nov 142013

As a preliminary to the evening’s theme Serialisation and Bleak House, chairman Dr Paul Schlicke revealed that Dickens Fellowship HQ is ‘full of enthusiasm’ for Aberdeen’s adoption to the Fellowship. We’re the first in Scotland since the Edinburgh Fellowship disbanded in 1956. Hibernian FC have not won the Scottish Cup since 1902. The Voice’s David Innes calls in.

The University of Aberdeen’s Dr Dan Wall, a local member, introduced Serialisation and Bleak House by recalling the approach taken by the BBC’s Andrew Davies to its 2005 Bleak House broadcasts.

Davies’s production offered twice-weekly, 30 minute, episodes to replicate, as far as televisual serialisation would allow, how Dickens planned Bleak House to be offered to the public.

Serialisation, Dr Wall told us, was not exclusive to Dickens. Near-contemporaries, including Gaskell, Eliot, Trollope and Conrad, all used weekly or monthly journals to reach the widest possible audience.

Periodical publication had several advantages during its heyday of 1830-1870.

It was a cheap means of accessing fiction at a shilling (5p) per issue, when three-volume novels, the favoured structure of publishers and libraries, cost a hefty three guineas (that’s £3.15, kids). Not everyone who read serialised fiction, or had it read to them, bought the numbers.

Subscription libraries, which themselves would contribute to the demise of serialisation and working men’s clubs were means by which fiction could be accessed. With the expansion of rail travel and the ubiquitous WH Smiths, periodicals sold well to passengers.

Publishers loved serialisation’s profitability. With no need for binding and covers, the use of cheaper paper and with pages of advertisements sandwiching the narrative, periodic publication was attractive. When the novel was published in full, the same plates were re-used to minimise type-setting costs.

As for Bleak House, monthly publication allowed Dickens some breathing space to fit in his other considerable writing and editing commitments. Once his copy had met the deadline, he was free to pursue these.

He also had an eye on literary piracy; even before The Pickwick Papers’ serialisation was completed, and before Dickens had finished writing it, there were nine stage adaptations in production.

For a writer as prolific as Dickens, serialisation meant that more than one work could be worked on simultaneously. Piecemeal novel release saw each issue reviewed, giving free advertising and attracting readers who, once they had committed to a narrative, were unlikely to stop purchasing it. Bleak House, in particular, can become that addictive, believe me.

As always, the group discussion was informative and entertaining when we,

touched on some critical reaction to Bleak House, an early detective novel, where the effect on readers was described by one critic as being of ‘dubious morality’

recalled how even in the 1950s and 60s, boys’ comics including Rover and The Eagle continued to offer narratives with cliffhanger endings, ensuring that the next issue was eagerly sought and

agreed that the contemporary phenomenon of downloading is comparable to the subscription libraries of Victorian Britain.

Nothing changes, it seems, but Dickens endures.

The Fellowship will conclude its consideration of Bleak House on Tuesday 3rd December, 2013, when Dr Paul Schlicke will talk on the theme, Plots and Detecting in Bleak House, followed by a discussion seminar on numbers 16–20, chapters 50–67.

More information on the Aberdeen Dickens Fellowship can be obtained at https://sites.google.com/site/aberdeendickensfellowship/

To be added to the Fellowship mailing list, e-mail p.schlicke@abdn.ac.uk

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