Aberdeen City Archives - Page 42 of 206

CLAN Cancer Support Raises Awareness Of Myeloma

Jun 242016

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

Diagnosed with a rare form of bone marrow cancer five years ago, John Boylan didn’t know anyone who had been through a similar experience.

With the support of his wife Christine, and his family, John went through treatment and therapy for multiple myeloma, not knowing what to expect or what lay ahead of him.

They often spoke of their wish for a local support group and gave encouragement to a former international athlete and CLAN Cancer Support patron, Mel Edwards, to make this a reality in 2014.

The Aberdeen Myeloma Support Group, led by Mel and supported by Myeloma UK, was established in September of that year and met on a monthly basis.

Mel had to hand over the leadership to John and Christine early this year, due to pressure of work, but he is still involved and helps to source guest speakers.

During Myeloma Awareness Week which runs from June 21 to June 28, John and Christine are hoping to raise the profile of both myeloma and the Aberdeen Myeloma Support Group.

As part of the week, CLAN Cancer Support is holding a Myeloma Awareness Day on Wednesday, June 22, which the couple are supporting.

John said:

“Most people feel overwhelmed when they are told that they have myeloma. It’s a cancer that very few people have heard about and it affects people in different ways. You go through many different emotions when you hear the news and although this is hard on the patient, it is difficult for your carer and your family.

“Christine had to adapt to the new role of carer, making sure that I was taking the proper medication, looking out for symptoms that could arise and generally looking after me. You never know what the next stage will be with myeloma, this can be very difficult.

“It is a tremendous comfort to speak to someone who is going through the same thing and that is one of the many reasons why we were anxious to encourage the setting up of a support group The group continues to help us so much and we would like to take this opportunity to raise awareness of the condition and let those living with myeloma know that there are people locally who can help.”

Multiple myeloma is a cancer which stems from plasma cells and affects multiple places in the body where bone marrow is normally active in an adult.

With around 4,800 new cases diagnosed each year in the UK, it is uncommon and there is currently no cure, however treatment can often help control the condition for several years.

CLAN’s Myeloma Awareness Day will give people access to up to date information, a variety of taster sessions and a guest speaker. Members of the Myeloma Group, which meets regularly at CLAN House, will also be on hand to discuss the condition and answer any queries from visitors.

Taster complementary therapies aimed at relaxation, pain and stress management will be held from 10.30am until 2pm, while ‘Move More’ sessions will take place at 11.30am and 12.30pm. All sessions will last 20 minutes and will be held at CLAN House.

Dr Mohammed Khan, Consultant Haematologist at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, will also give a talk from 2.30pm about ‘Secondary Immunodeficiency and its Management’ to which anyone is welcome to attend.

Christine, who helps organise the group, added:

“None of us had heard of myeloma before John’s diagnosis. It was hard seeing John so ill, there are good times and not so good times. Sharing your experiences with others going through the same thing can make a big difference and is such a vital line of support at times.

“Meeting up can be a nice break for people and also a chance to find out what has helped others. You find out more about the disease and the kinds of treatment that people are having. People are very friendly and we have all got to know each other.

“There is a lot of trust and support in the group as you end up talking about personal things. It is a very positive environment and we would like to encourage anyone to come along to CLAN for the Myeloma Awareness Day and find out a bit more.”

CLAN’s community bases throughout north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland will also be displaying information about Myeloma throughout Myeloma Awareness Week.

The Myeloma Support group is aimed at helping those coping with a diagnosis and their family members and carers, with the support of Myeloma UK, and meets monthly at CLAN House on the fourth Wednesday of every month at 2.30pm.

For further information please contact CLAN Cancer Support on 01224 647000.

Myeloma UK is the only organisation in the UK dealing exclusively with myeloma, a bone marrow cancer for which there is no cure. Our broad and innovative range of services cover every aspect of myeloma from providing information and support, to improving standards of treatment and care through research and campaigning.

For further information about Myeloma UK, visit www.myeloma.org.uk

CLAN Cancer Support is an independent charity which provides comfort support and information, free of charge, for anyone, of any age, affected by any type of cancer. CLAN aims to support people to reduce anxiety, stress and to increase their ability to cope with the effects of a serious illness.

Based in Aberdeen, the charity covers the whole of north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland. CLAN has a presence in Ballater, Banchory, Elgin, Inverurie, Fraserburgh, Lossiemouth, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick.

For further information about CLAN Cancer Support please call (01224) 647 000 or visit www.clanhouse.org

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Walker Road Gets Ready To Bounce At Bon Accord

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Jun 242016

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

An Aberdeen primary school is jumping at the chance to take part in one of the city centre’s newest fundraising events.

Five classes from Walker Road Primary School have signed up for this weekend’s Big Bounce at Bon Accord which takes place within the roof garden above the St Nicholas Centre this weekend, June 25-26.

The enhanced area, which last year saw over £200,000 worth of improvements made to it, will see a total of eight inflatables installed throughout the course of the weekend, with the shopping centre appealing for both kids and big kids to join it on the day.

The pupils from Walker Road Primary will take part in a special fundraising Big Bounce on the Friday before the weekend, with every class bouncing for half an hour to raise funds for the event. Big Bounce at Bon Accord falls under the UK-wide One Great Day initiative and will this year raise funds for Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital Charity and Aberdeen-based CLAN Cancer Support.

Gillian Graham, depute head teacher at Walker Road School, said:

“We’re delighted to be supporting this year’s Big Bounce at Bon Accord and we’re looking forward to attending the Friday school session.

“The pupils have been busy collecting pennies which will go towards two very worthwhile causes and some have even been practicing at home on trampolines in preparation for the day itself. It’s shaping up to be a fantastic new event for the city and we’re thrilled to be a part of it.”

Craig Stevenson, centre manager at Bon Accord & St Nicholas, said:

“I’d like to thank Walker Road for its enthusiasm in supporting Big Bounce at Bon Accord and I can’t wait to welcome the pupils for their half hour sponsored session.

“All money raised will go towards our overall One Great Day fundraising total which will be split this year between CLAN Cancer Support and Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital Charity. Both causes provide invaluable support, advice and information to children and families here in the north-east so we’re delighted to be doing our bit on their behalf.”

As well as a range of inflatables and bouncy castles, the event will showcase various entertainment and music which will add to the party atmosphere throughout the two days. A selection of different food and drink stalls will also be present.

Attendees will be able to purchase tokens on the day for use of the inflatables, with all profits raised being split between both causes.

For more information, please visit www.bonaccordandstnicholas.com or the Big Bounce @ Bon Accord’s dedicated Facebook event page.

One Great Day is the brainchild of Bon Accord & St Nicholas owner BMO Real Estate and sees a range of local fundraising events held at its shopping complexes throughout the UK. All funds raised go towards Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital and one other charity of each centre’s choice.

For more information on the day and school involvement, please visit www.bonaccordandstnicholas.com

Bon Accord & St Nicholas are at the heart of Aberdeen city centre’s retail sector, offering 840,000 sq ft of prime space and home to around 100 stores.

Scotland’s largest Next, Aberdeen’s only Topshop and Topman standalone store as well as the City’s largest New Look and River Island are among the key retailers, as well as H&M and New Look. Bon Accord also boasts a boutique store line up with retailers including Jigsaw, Hobbs, Phase Eight and Jo Malone.

The centres, which attract an average of 275,000 visitors a week, are owned by BMO Real Estate Partners and managed by specialist retail agency Savills.

For further on the centres visit www.bonaccordandstnicholas.com.

City Magician Conjures Up Two Trophies in Competition

Aberdeen City, News No Responses »

Jun 242016

With thanks to Aberdeen Magical Society Media Team.

An Aberdeen-based magician has scooped two prestigious prizes in a hard-fought magic competition. James Dickson was awarded the Ulster Cup for Close-Up Magic and the President’s Plate by a panel of his peers at the Aberdeen Magical Society.

James, a prolific magical inventor whose tricks are used by magicians around the world, triumphed with a creative act which culminated with a signed coin appearing inside a sealed tin of peas.

He says,

“Magic is an art form that has helped me find my place in the world. Competitions are an opportunity for me to create and collate ideas, and it means a lot to me when other people like one of my performances.”

The Ulster Cup is presented to the magician who displays the best technical skill and entertainment value in Aberdeen Magical Society’s annual close-up magic competition. The President’s Plate is awarded by the society’s current president to his favourite act of the competition.

Although James has won the President’s Plate on two previous occasions, this is the first time he has lifted the Ulster Cup as he wowed the judges with his creative magic and comedic timing. He says,

“Magic is an art form at its heart and all art is an expression of the individual. The more I perform and study magic the more I end up learning about myself.

“When I create a trick I do not sit down and think what I can do that is unique or individual to me; instead I explore ideas that I find interesting and it can lead to some unusual places.

“Even if it means investing two years of work to find a solution to a problem I am willing to go that far – and what’s more, I have. This open approach to magic and commitment has allowed my work to be picked up by others who can see the value of my efforts.

“I have no idea where magic might take me but if the experiences, travel, friendships, discoveries and fulfilment that I have experienced so far are anything to go by, I am looking forward with excitement.”

James, who cites his early influences as TV stars Paul Daniels, David Copperfield and David Blaine, has always been fascinated by the challenge presented by magic, likening it to the finest ‘whodunit’ mystery. But it was joining Aberdeen Magical Society that he feels really allowed him to hone his craft.

He explains,

“Before I joined Aberdeen Magical Society I was happy self-studying magic, but upon joining I discovered why being part of a magic club is so important for a magician.

“Aberdeen Magical Society has a library of magic that covers many topics, and has rare and out-of-print materials that can help conjurors advance in their magic. Moreover, the wealth of knowledge amongst the members is staggering and the advice I have received over the years has helped me tremendously.

“The society is established enough to attract many of the greatest magicians in the world to come and lecture, and at every meeting there is magic to see and opportunities to perform tricks that you are working on. And to top it all – it’s fun! I have made great friends and it’s fantastic that every couple of weeks I can hang around with people who share the same passion in life.

“I would recommend anyone with an interest in performing or studying magic – who can keep a secret – to join.”

Aberdeen Magical Society was founded in 1926, and is one of the most active magical societies in the country. With a membership ranging from full time professionals to amateur hobbyists, all those with a genuine interest in magic are welcome to join. Providing a warm and welcoming environment for magicians in the north east of Scotland, Aberdeen Magical Society is dedicated to developing the art of magic. In 2016, the society celebrates its 90th anniversary.

For more information, visit www.aberdeenmagic.com or like Aberdeen Magical Society on Facebook at www.facebook.com/aberdeenmagicalsociety

In memory Of Jo Cox MP By Dame Anne Begg

Aberdeen City, Featured, Opinion 1 Response »

Jun 242016

A vigil was held to celebrate the life of the remarkable MP Jo Cox, brutally murdered while looking after her constituents. Dame Anne Begg was one of several speakers at the event; her moving words were impromptu, but for Aberdeen Voice she has written a reconstruction of her message. By Dame Anne Begg.

I didn’t know Jo Cox but I had heard of her as someone to watch in the new intake of Labour MPs.

I was aware of her humanitarian work and a life dedicated to public service.

Exactly the kind of person who should be an MP.

I have fought most of my political life for increasing the diversity of our elected representatives, to make getting involved in politics attractive enough that more people, with a range of experiences and backgrounds, would want to put themselves forward.

I have fought so that people exactly like Jo Cox wanted to become an MP and was honoured to be elected to the Commons.

If her murder makes it harder to persuade good, decent people to put themselves forward for election, our democracy will be the poorer.

An attack on one is an attack on us all – politician and citizen.

I don’t think we appreciate in this country just how open and accessible our politicians are. We don’t appreciate that we can ask to meet our MP or MSP or Councillor and they will see us. You see them in your community, going shopping, attending local events, out and about and you can stop and speak to them. No body-guards, no cavalcade. Direct contact with the people they have been elected to represent. This is something very rare across the world.

If Jo’s murder makes it harder for us to have that direct access to our politicians because they have retreated behind security measures, our democracy will be the poorer.

Most politicians are decent, hardworking people who want the best for their communities and their country so the constant denigrating of our politicians has to stop.

Constantly saying that all MPs, all politicians in the UK, are corrupt, venal and just in it for themselves has to stop.

The personal abuse politicians get on-line and in e-mails has to stop.

The playing the man and not the ball when people, not surprisingly, disagree has to stop.

The trolling, abuse, threats and misrepresentation on social media has to stop.

The threats of rape, violence or murder that many women receive on social media has to stop.

If it doesn’t stop then the poison wins. Those who want to undermine our democracy win. Those who would do us harm, win.

And if they do, we lose the good, dedicated people our political system is crying out for.

We lose someone of the calibre and talent of Jo Cox.

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Footloose – The Musical At HMT: Duncan Harley Reviews

Aberdeen City, Featured, Opinion No Responses »

Jun 242016

Duncan Harley Reviews Footloose – The Musical at His Majesty’s Theatre Aberdeen

The 1980s were pelvic times. Hard Rock, Glam Rock, R&B, Hip Hop, Northern Soul and all shades of everything in-between made quite sure of that.

A torrent of unstoppable sound and movement swept the globe, empowering youth and challenging oldies.

Barriers of colour and creed turned fluid, and a new politics of expression brought young people together in an explosive mixture of sound, dance and visual art.

Except of course in Elmore City, Garvin County, Oklahoma, where evangelical Protestantism and social conservatism contrived to pretty much ban fun. A Bible Belt town of around 600 souls, Elmore has one graveyard, a Junior School and a High School. It features in the Gideon Book of Historical Places, and seemingly the school mascot is Bogey the Talking Badger.

For reasons no one could even remember, fun in the form of dancing had been banned by local ordnance since 1898. On March 3rd 1980, the Elmore School Board voted 3-2 to allow the class of 1980 to hold a school prom.

In ‘Footloose – The Musical’, Elmore has been re-named Bomont. Dancing is strictly forbidden under Local Ordnance 416, and a classic head-to-head between emerging youth and well-established establishment is defo on the cards.

Those who have seen the 1984 film, and who hasn’t, will be familiar with the plot line. Good lookin’ Chicago boy moves to Bomont, tries to fit in and meets rivalry from peers and opposition from elders. Love blossoms, establishment attitudes soften and compromise comes. Everyone starts to have fun and the art of dance is again legalized.

The transition from film to stage both retains and builds on the essential energy of the film, and although perhaps a tad slow in the very early scenes, this production builds steadily to a heady audience-engaging climax by the end of Act Two.

The casting of actor-musicians is a brave move but works very well indeed.

Any lingering suspicion that a rock band or two lurks behind the scenes is soon dispelled as Luke Baker’s ‘Ren McCormack’ and Scott Haining’s ‘Cowboy Bob’ strut their stuff and swing those flying guitars.

Even Nigel Lister’s soul-searchingly honest ‘Rev Shaw Moore’ gets in on the musical act with a rousing bass finale.

Add to the mix singer/actor Maureen Nolan as preacher’s wife ‘Vi’, a quorum of swing cowgirls and understudy Luke Thornton’s ‘Willard’ – Gareth Gates was unavailable on first night in Aberdeen – and Footloose really takes off big-time.

With around twenty classic Eighties hits, including ‘Holding Out For A Hero’, ‘Mama Says, Dancing Is Not A Crime’ and the pounding ‘Footloose Finale’, ‘Footloose – The Musical’ served up exactly what the audience wanted, and by the finale had folk dancing wildly in the aisles.

Directed by Racky Plews with David Morgan as Touring Company Stage Manager.

Footloose – The Musical plays at HMT Aberdeen until Saturday 25th June

Tickets from Aberdeen Performing Arts Tel: 01224- 641122

Words © Duncan Harley and Images © APA

CLAN To Mark Father’s Day With Special Walk

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Jun 172016

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

A leading north-east cancer support charity is to hold a special walk to mark Father’s Day. CLAN Cancer Support will host its annual Father’s Day event within Aberdeen’s Westburn Park on Sunday, June 19, from 9.30am to noon.

The event gives friends, families and individuals the opportunity to walk a 1km route through the park in memory of a loved one on a day that holds great significance for many.

The walk itself can be completed as many times as an individual chooses, with an opportunity to be sponsored to do so also available for participants.

The Father’s Day event follows a similar walk held on Mother’s Day earlier this year after CLAN was inspired by Macduff woman and CLAN supporter Marjorie Nicholson who organised a sponsored walk after losing her son to cancer on Mother’s Day in 2007.

Susan Crighton, CLAN’s fundraising manager, said:

“Our Father’s Day walk is one of our most touching events of the year which was really born out of a need to offer comfort and support on what can be a difficult day for fathers, mothers and children.

“The aim of the walk is to turn the day into something positive for those who perhaps look upon it with a sense of trepidation. It’s a chance to remember loved ones and to come together with others to celebrate the lives of family members.

“Participants can choose to walk as far as they would like and the can also choose to get sponsored – but the day itself is really more than fundraising; it’s about a sense of togetherness.”

Registration for the walk is £5 and should be completed prior to the event. Children may walk for free but must be accompanied for an adult. For more details and to register, please contact Darren Hill on 01224 647000 or email fundraising@clanhouse.org

CLAN Cancer Support is an independent charity which provides comfort, support and information, free of charge, for anyone, of any age, affected by any type of cancer. CLAN aims to support people to reduce anxiety, stress and to increase their ability to cope with the effects of a serious illness.

For further information about CLAN Cancer Support please call (01224) 647 000 or visit www.clanhouse.org

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Smiggle Opens Up Colourful Treasure Trove

Aberdeen City, Articles No Responses »

Jun 172016

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

A rainbow of colour will be unveiled in Bon Accord this week as one of Australia’s most popular and fun stationery stores opens its first store in Aberdeen.
Melbourne based Smiggle, is set to open its 61st store on Friday (June 17), bringing a treasure trove of brightly coloured stationery, gadgets and gizmos to the city centre.

The quirky children’s brand opened its first UK store in London in 2014 and is dedicated to creating original, fun and affordable stationery.

The brand’s products are focused on bold colour, quirky graphics, good value, innovation and most of all – giving fans the tools they need to have fun.

These offerings will be brought to life for Aberdeen consumers, with promises of bright backpacks, popping pencil cases, scented stationery, gadgets and gizmos and lots of goodies to deck out your desk.

Craig Stevenson, manager of Bon Accord & St Nicholas, said:

“Smiggle is a hugely popular brand and we are delighted to welcome the store to Bon Accord. Excitement has been building prior to the opening and the store is looking incredibly eye-catching.

“We are sure that Smiggle is going to become a fast favourite with youngsters, who will enjoy their fun range of stationary and accessories. We have been working hard to enhance our offering to young people, and the introduction of Smiggle, along with previous additions of JoJo Maman Bebe and Scallywags are making us a go to destination for the younger generation.”

Smiggle is known for introducing limited edition product assortments in a variety of colours, making them highly sought after, and stocks everything from bags and lunchboxes to accessories, gadgets and more.

Managing director of Smiggle, John Cheston, says:

“We’re thrilled to be opening our 61st store here in Aberdeen. There really is nothing like Smiggle anywhere else on the high street – and it will be great to see the public’s reaction when the doors open on the 17th.

“It’s important for us to inject fun into everything we do – from product design to store design, we will always focus on delivering to our fans the most original and playful stationary possible. We look forward to welcoming families in our store who know of the brand and are excited for our arrival, as well as introducing the colourful world of Smiggle to new fans in the area.”

Bon Accord & St Nicholas are at the heart of Aberdeen city centre’s retail sector, offering 840,000 sq ft of prime space and home to around 100 stores. Scotland’s largest Next, Aberdeen’s only Topshop and Topman standalone store as well as the City’s largest New Look and River Island are among the key retailers.

The centres, which attract an average of 275,000 visitors a week, are owned by BMO Real Estate Partners and managed by specialist retail agency Savills. For further on the centres visit www.bonaccordandstnicholas.com.

Aberdeen’s Music Hall Takes Time Out

Aberdeen City, Featured, Information No Responses »

Jun 172016

By Duncan Harley

We all have our story to tell about Aberdeen Music Hall. Rocket-Man Elton John can still remember playing his first ever Aberdeen gig at the venue in far off 1972 and many Aberdonians can still recall their shock introduction to Glam Rock a year later when Bowie plus legendary guitarist Mick Ronson brought Spiders from Mars to the Music Hall stage.

Elton and Bowie were in good company since the historic venue has hosted performances from many of the good and the great over the past 194 years.

Built to a design by Archibald Simpson the building opened in 1822 and over the decades performers as diverse as Charles Dickens, John Anderson the Great Wizard of the North plus the comedy duo Pinky and Perky have trodden the boards to entertain and amaze Aberdeen audiences. Politicians Tony Benn, Winston Churchill, and Lloyd George put in appearances and throughout its history, the building has played host to everything from concerts and bazaars to theatre and sporting events.

As the A Listed venue begins a £7m restoration and re-generation uplift, Aberdeen Performing Arts recently hosted a series of “Lights Oot!” events showcasing the diversity of the venue.

March 31st saw a first performance of APA Associate Artist’s Aidan O’Rourke and Jason Singh’s experimental sound work “Connect:ed” (sic). Created through the Connect Project and a year in the making, the work represents the culmination of a process involving musicians and vocalists from all walks of life and genres within the City and Shire.

The next night the Music Hall hosted “Your Hall Your Story”. Following an introductory speech from Aberdeen Provost George Adams the evening focused on the recollections and reminiscences of the users of the venue.

Directed by Douglas Irvine with Artistic Production by Lesley Anne Rose, compere Robert Lovie and actor Cameron Mowat led the audience of around 600 on a journey through the sometimes turbulent but always entertaining history of Aberdeen’s favourite concert venue using both live and recorded recollections told first hand by those who were actually there.

The stories came fast and furious throughout the evening. Roberta Duncan told how her father rose to international fame following a world record roller-skating endurance marathon in the main hall.His record making 61 hours performance seemingly stands to this day.

Mary Smith remembered meeting Sir John Barbirolli at a Hallé Orchestra performance, Sandy Hood recalled hearing Mahler and local councillor, former European and Commonwealth lightweight wrestler, Len Ironside told how wrestlers had a particular dislike of the Music Hall wrestling ring.

“It was up on stage” he said “which meant that you felt every bump and had every chance of being thrown out of the ring and down the ten feet to the floor. When this happened, the audience would simply lift you up and throw you back in.”

On one occasion, as this was going on, a voice rang out:

“Is there any word yet oh ma new hoose councillor?”

The final “Lights Oot!” night featured the first public performance of Aidan O’Rourke and Jason Singh’s musical piece “Hibernation”.

Played as a finale at “Hootenanny”, an evening hosted by the Scottish Ceilidh All Stars, the new work has become the final musical piece performed within the historic venue prior to the two year closure.

During renovation APA will be “Stepping Out” in and around Aberdeen with a programme of events inspired by the Music Hall stories.

When doors reopen in spring 2018 the venue will feature an upgraded and restored auditorium, a new 100 seat performance space plus a new box office, café and bar.

Text and images © Duncan Harley and Grampian Transport Museum, Image design – Toni Todd. First published in the May 2016 Leopard Magazine’

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City And Shire To Feature At Global Tourism Event

Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, Opinion 2 Responses »

Jun 102016

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

Representatives from local tourism body VisitAberdeenshire are heading south of the border to promote the north east of Scotland to international MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and events) buyers later this month. Business development director Peter Medley and Jenni Fraser (pictured), business development manager, will attend The Meetings Show in London from 14-16 June, to promote the region to the lucrative meetings, events and conferencing market.

Over 5,000 meetings industry professionals from across the globe will attend the exhibition, where they will have the chance to learn about the new developments in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire’s venue and incentive offering.

As well as exhibiting to the masses, Peter and Jenni will meet with key business MICE buyers in order to discuss the finer details of what the region has to offer business travellers.

Peter Medley says,

“Attending events like The Meetings Show is an incredibly important step in marketing Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire as a business travel destination to the wider world.

“Although business tourism has dipped in the north east of Scotland over the past year, there are a number of new developments which will make the region an incredibly attractive prospect for those organising world-class conferences and events.

“Hotel room rates, which were once at an all-time high thanks to the high level of energy industry professionals visiting the city, are now at a much more affordable level, making the region much more enticing to those looking for an affordable – and well-equipped – destination to hold a conference or event.”

Improvements to Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire’s infrastructure are making it easier than ever before for overseas travellers to arrive in the north east. Aberdeen International Airport is currently undergoing a £20 million expansion programme, which will see its landside, airside and security facilities improved and updated.

Coupled with new flight routes from Icelandair, which open up faster routes to many US cities and other global destinations, it has never been simpler to travel to Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

But it is not just the region’s travel facilities which are being overhauled. The Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC) is about to undergo a massive £333 million redevelopment and relocation, which will see it moved closer to the airport and the Western Peripheral Route.

Due to open in 2019, the new AECC will provide greater connectivity and convenience for those travelling to exhibitions and conferences in the area. New flexible space – including a subterranean area for holding large exhibitions – will provide greatly improved facilities for those organising events.

Similarly, Aberdeen Art Gallery and the Music Hall – both situated in Aberdeen city centre – are experiencing major renovations worth £30 million and £7 million respectively. Providing the perfect venues for gala dinners, drinks receptions and conferences, these new and improved venues will be major assets to the region’s business tourism offering.

Peter concludes,

“When many think of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, their mind springs immediately to oil and gas, however the region has much more to offer meetings and conferences in all sectors – as evidenced by the wide variety of events celebrated by the Team Aberdeen Ambassador Awards earlier this year.

“The north east is also well equipped to cater for the incentive travel market. We are incredibly lucky to have a number of world-class golf courses in the region, including Royal Aberdeen and the Trump International Golf Links. Add to this a number of spectacular whisky distilleries which offer tours and tastings throughout the year, and it becomes quickly apparent just how much the region has to offer.

“We look forward to meeting event organisers from a wide variety of industries at The Meetings Show in London, and revealing to them exactly what Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire can provide.”

For more information about VisitAberdeenshire, visit www.visitabdn.com

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2016 Gray’s Graduate Fashion Show

Aberdeen City, Opinion 3 Responses »

Jun 032016

By Suzanne Kelly. Photos courtesy of Pirate Photography Aberdeen.

This year’s Gray’s School of Art Graduate Fashion Show lived up to expectations and in some areas exceeded them. The wide variety of designs on show, the craftsmanship, the wide range of inspirations all made this another memorable fashion event for the school.

Salmena Carvalho , Fashion & Textile Lecturer / Fashion Show Curator said:

“Our graduate fashion show is a great opportunity for our students to showcase their final year collections to an external audience. This year we presented a variety of work ranging from womenswear, menswear, knit, print and mixed media. It is always an exciting time for us as we are able to collaborate with other creatives for this annual event. “

It is difficult to pick out favourite pieces or designers from such a large field, but here in their own words are some of the designers, with a few comments from me.

Nicole Ferry – Corruption.

“My collection explores the current negative affairs in society and visual attributes which connect with this theme. From politics to riots, my collection aims to convey the extent of negativity in our everyday lives.

“Gray’s graduate fashion show was a complete success. Finishing my university journey on a high.

“Myself and fellow students are incredibly proud of the collections we produced and the blood, sweat and tears was definitely worth it when viewing your garments on the catwalk. “

Nicole brought us a futuristic vision in a collection which echoed social unrest and pending problems throughout – whether directly by slogans written on clothing or via clothes geared to obstruct your face, which I found food for thought in a world where surveillance and social activism are increasing.

Natalie Anderson said:

“The graduate fashion show is a great way to unveil our creations. There is a massive amount of planning and organising that our tutor Salmena undertakes in order to make it a success for us students.

“It was great to see it all set up and everything taking place.

“Everything is done with precision from the picking of the models to deciding the music for each individual catwalk collection.

“The running of the show went smoothly and was a great achievement for all involved. “

Natalie made several stunning pieces; a luxurious black coat with very interesting textures in the nape of the fabric was far more stunning than any real fur piece could ever be.

It was both echoing dramatic costumes of the past (I thought of a full-length portrait by Holbein of Christina of Denmark) and pointing to the future with its clean lines, flow and interesting textures.

April Hay commented on her work:

“My collection is the result of a relationship I built between textile design and mineralogy.

“I believe very strongly that design and science go hand in hand and hope my work sets an example of how a cross disciplinary project could work between them.

“Working with The National Museum of Scotland enabled me to materialise a body of visual and mental research into mineral specimens whilst the facilities at Gray’s School of Art were used to create the garments and textile pieces.

“Photography, photoshop manipulation and digital print are the techniques used in my collection. “

Lisa Campbell helped organise the show; I’d seen the progress of her stunning work when I was taking an introductory course at Gray’s. The striking use of origami principles mixed with Op Art has created stunning, unique fashions.

She says:

“The Fashion Show weekend was an exhilarating experience and I can’t quite believe that it’s all over.

“There was a huge buzz of excitement during both shows, seeing everyones collections finally come together and all the hard work finally paying off.

“We have received a lot of positive feedback following the fashion show.

“As a member of the fashion show committee it is particularly rewarding to see all the elements that I have helped organise come together to showcase the work of the class.”

Egle Mazeikaite had a very elegant and extremely feminine collection; Egle explained:

“The starting point for this collection was femininity and ways of expressing it through contemporary fashion. The focus is on the concept of envelopes being an enclosing structure which contains something personal – in this case the idea of femininity.

“Using the conceptual aspects of an envelope (such as triangular overlapping shapes and the shiny strip representing the glue strip which secures an envelope and conceals its contents) the pieces in my final year collection enclose a personal message, trying to find the balance between the feminine and masculine, containing the delicacy of colour in an enclosing structure and expressing the nature of a modern woman.

“My work is feminine and carries a personal message, encouraging the wearer to be empathetic and vulnerable in order to be in touch with her femininity.”

While I wish there were space for every artist and designer’s work here; finally we have Mhairi Buchanan who explained her work:

“Decomposition and Decay, my Fashion and Textile collection has been inspired by the decay of florals. Beauty is highly desirable in this day and age.

“I feel that we are too quick to discard items because they could be a little past their sell by date. My collection is digital images of dying flowers, that have been manipulated into arrangements to revive them, and make them beautiful again.

“With this in mind, I have created textiles that are embroidered with layers of digitally printed flowers. The skirts and tops have been designed with the idea that they can be worn at any occasion. Although they may look like ball gown attire, they are versatile and could be used as separates for any event.”

It’s quite a challenge for next year’s graduating class to equal this work; and we’ll see what they do, and where these talented designers will go – great things are expected of them all.

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