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Parliament To Debate Trump Ban Petition

Aberdeen City, Featured, News 17 Responses »

Jan 062016

With thanks to Suzanne Kelly.

Hate speech and prejudice take a beating as Parliament’s Petitions Committee schedules 18 January for a debate on a proposed Donald Trump UK ban for hate speech. An unprecedented 580,000 people have signed an online petition started by Aberdeen Voice contributor Suzanne Kelly.

At 10,000 signatures the government made a response which can be found on the petition website.

Kelly welcomed the strongly-worded response, and replied to it as follows:

“I welcome the Government’s affirmation that it rejects attempts to create division, and that coming to the UK is a privilege which can be denied to those who seek to harm our society and who do not share our basic values.

“Much has happened since the petition was lodged on 28 November. When Trump came out with the astonishing statement in early December that Muslims should be barred from entering the US, it justified the need for this petition. At the time of writing, 567,000 people are asking for the ban.

“Freedom of any kind comes with responsibility; this includes free speech. Freedom of speech is not the freedom to engage in hate. Words can wound and can be a rallying cry to violence. If anyone doubts that speech can cause harm, reflect on how many physical fights start with verbal provocation, and how much harm is caused by verbal bullying in schools and in domestic situations.

“The reality of hate speech’s ability to incite violent acts is why the UK’s laws have stopped some 80 individuals from entering the UK to date. Trump has never, as far as I know, apologised for any of his verbal attacks.

“I am not someone known for wanting to ban one thing or another. Over the years I have fought to stop books and artwork being banned. However, there is a saying- ‘your right to swing your arm ends where my nose begins’. In other words, freedom is not freedom to cause harm to others, and from the facts I personally conclude Donald Trump’s words are demonstrably causing harm. I do not see how the government can do other but ban his future entry.

“An educated person may laugh off Trump’s diatribes, and wonder why any action is needed. Unfortunately not everyone who hears prejudicial, hate-inciting speech stops to question or analyse what they hear.

“Our government believes hate speech is illegal, witness the many who have been barred UK entry. Most of these banned people were hardly household names, so how much more weight might hate speech carry when it comes from someone who is a television personality, and would-be US president?

“Trump has money, celebrity and influence. We know that people listen to celebrities; our advertising industry spends millions of pounds on sponsorship because of it. Donald Trump’s fame is helping to spread his hate-filled rhetoric.

“If the UK government needs evidence that Donald Trump’s hate speech can encourage violence, sadly this can be provided.

“The New York Times and other media have documented the surge in violence in America directed at Muslims since the tragic ISIS / fundamentalist attacks in Paris and San Bernardino [1] – and since some high-profile politicians have used these incidents as fuel for hate speech which can escalate problems. Some respected academics are greatly concerned by this trend [2].

“There are cases which link Donald Trump’s influence directly to violence. Californian William Celli attempted to make a pipe bomb with the intention of attacking Muslims. Celli is a huge Trump supporter. Celli said he would ‘Follow Trump to the end of the world.[3]’ The end of the world might well be where they wish to take us. But I for one am not intending to follow them there.

“As I said, my petition predates Donald Trump’s remarks about Muslims; here is the story of a man I had in mind when lodging it: A homeless Hispanic man was attacked in Boston by men who openly say that they were inspired by the words of Donald J Trump.[4] They beat the man with metal poles. They broke his nose. “Donald Trump was right, all these illegals need to be deported,” is what one of the accused said to the police.

“There is no further proof required that hate speech carries consequences and that Donald Trump’s hate speech has directly caused violence.

“George Osborne made a statement to the effect we will not ban Donald Trump. I think the decision is not his alone, and his premature words call for comment. Osborne may feel that “The best way to defeat nonsense like this is to engage in robust and democratic debate, and to make it clear his views are not welcome.[5]” – but that is little comfort to victims of Trump’s hate speech.

“I doubt anyone willing to hit another person with a metal pole because they are homeless and Hispanic is open to persuasion by ‘robust and democratic debate’. Perhaps Mr Osborne wants to change the laws on hate speech that saw the previous bans; but at this point in time, banning Mr Trump is the government’s clear responsibility.

“It will take more than a few harsh paragraphs from the UK’s Prime Minister to send the right message. We need to ban Donald Trump from bringing his violence-inspiring vitriol here.

“Donald Trump is also widely – chillingly – promoting the idea of killing people whose relatives are involved in terrorism. His own words testify why he should be banned from the UK: “…with the terrorists, you have to take out their families.[6]” He did not say they need to be arrested and tried by a recognised court; he said ‘you’ have to ‘take out their families’. It is remarkable a would-be president has such little knowledge and/or respect for international law and conventions.

“Does his statement sound like an incitement to murder? I believe there are those for whom this message could well have violent repercussions. I note that have not heard Trump call for ‘taking out’ the family of Celli, the would-be terrorist pipe bomber who intended to target Muslims. What kind of message shall the UK send back to Trump for his rallying cry for executions?

“If Mr Trump had said he wanted to ban anyone with links to militant violent organisations including ISIS, then that would have been a fairy reasonable statement. But he placed every single Muslim into a group which he says needs to be barred from US entry and monitored. He is perhaps the highest-profile promoter of Islamophobia there is in the entire world.

“As a brief aside, anyone who preaches hate and violence, whatever their reason or religion, is an enemy of the stability which the world desperately needs now. There are serious global issues that require international cooperation, understanding and attention; we cannot allow anyone, even Mr Trump, to fan the flames of hatred. I hope his supporters will think again.

“In 2007 there were between 2 to 7 million Muslims citizens or residents of the United States. What the United Kingdom does with regard to my petition is not just about one man, Donald Trump; it will be sending a message to Trump’s targets, his opponents and his supporters.

“I do hope the UK government will consider all of the repercussions of Donald Trump’s anti-Muslim statements, as well as all of the sexist, racist, and nationalistic remarks he continues to make. The United Kingdom has in this petition an opportunity to say that anyone, even a billionaire, cannot mock people with disabilities, cannot disrespect women or label all Mexicans as drug dealers and rapists and call for them to be walled into Mexico, and still be welcome here.

“Many people will be watching this debate closely. Those who oppose banning Trump will need to explain their decision – not to me – but to 567,000 United Kingdom citizens. Banning Trump may well make us more secure; it would also send a message that there is not one law for the powerful, and another for the poor.

“In opening this petition I ran the risk of being ridiculed, but I have found that half a million people feel as I do. Groups have organised events and other petitions to show support for people being persecuted because of their faith. It is reassuring to see people from different backgrounds coming together to denounce hate speech.

“I am well aware how many problems and how much hatred exists around the world. I am also aware that within living memory an accomplished speaker’s words took the entire world to war and millions died as a result. No one thought that man would get into power. Donald Trump wants to be arguably the most powerful man in the world. If there is a chance that Trump could get into power, then the trajectory of his hate speech and its stated aims cannot be laughed off or dismissed as simple ‘free speech’.

“If the UK government is serious about its stated aims, then this is arguably the strongest, most clear-cut case for banning it has ever had before it. Please side with the half a million strong who make this request as a small step towards a more tolerant and peaceful United Kingdom – and a less hate-filled world.

“I thank the Petitions Committee; the administrators of the petition, the Home Office and the Government for considering this petition; I do not see how this request, made by so many, backed by fact and precedent, can do anything except succeed.”

Sources/links:

[1] http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/18/us/politics/crimes-against-muslim-americans-and-mosques-rise-sharply.html?_r=0
[2] https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2015/12/12/hate-speech-is-going-mainstream/
[3] http://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/william-celli-arrested-explosives-muslims
[4] http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2015/08/a-trump-inspired-hate-crime-in-boston/401906/
[5] http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/dec/09/petition-calling-for-donald-trump-to-be-banned-from-uk-signed-by-85000
[6] http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/trump-isis-you-have-take-out-their-families

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New Service For Rape And Abuse Survivors Launched

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Dec 312015

With thanks to Esther Green, Tricker PR

A new project to support childhood rape and abuse survivors has got off the ground in Aberdeen – with a helping hand from Aberdeen Asset Management.
The firm’s Charitable Foundation has given a donation that has enabled the city’s Rape and Abuse Support (RAS) to set up a new programme providing assistance and relief to young people and adults who have suffered abuse.

Trained volunteers offer direct and tailored support through a 12-step programme, providing a listening ear in a safe and comfortable environment where issues and coping mechanisms can be discussed.

RAS offers support and information to anyone over 13 years old who has been raped or sexually abused at any time in their life. It works in the main with the survivors of rape and abuse who may have issues around self harm, alcoholism, self esteem and post-traumatic stress disorder. It also provides information and support to families, friends and partners to enable them to support the survivor in the long term.

The charity works with partners in the community to address rape and sexual violence, has a prevention programme and receives referrals from a wide range of organisations. In January 2014, RAS expanded its service to support men and boys.

Lorraine Dobson, the charity’s support services co-ordinator said:

“We are very grateful for this donation from Aberdeen Asset Management that has allowed us to roll out this new support project for young girls and women in the North East. This project enables survivors to discuss issues relating to abuse, and the impact it has had on their lives and to explore issues including developing coping mechanises to address this in everyday life.

“Childhood survivors can share their stories with trained volunteers who can offer direct and unique support to them. This will be an ongoing project as we aim to help as many people as we can.”

Dominic Kite of Aberdeen Asset Management’s Charitable Foundation said:

“Rape and Abuse Support Aberdeen carries out vital work in the city and surrounding area and this new support group will build and develop the service it is able to offer.”

The Aberdeen Asset Charitable Foundation was established in 2012 to formalise and develop the Group’s charitable giving globally. The Foundation seeks partnerships with smaller charities around the world, where funds can be seen to have a meaningful and measurable impact and the firm encourages its employees to use their time and skills to support its charitable projects. The donation to RAS which has enabled the setting up of the new support project totals £4,000.

For more information visit http://www.aberdeen-asset.co.uk/aam.nsf/foundation/home

Challenge Laid Down For Universities’ Boat Race 2016

Aberdeen City, Sport No Responses »

Dec 312015

ABERDEEN UNIVERSITIES BOAT RACE PREVIEW FOR 2016

Erin Wyness (RGU) and Ian Walker (University of Aberdeen) will lead their crews in the 2016 Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race.

With thanks to Eoin Smith, Tricker PR.

Two Aberdeen universities are set to go head to head in a battle of steely determination on the waters of the River Dee.

Student rowers will face off in the Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race – thought to be the city’s hardest-fought sporting competition – on Saturday, March 12 at 4.00pm.

The University of Aberdeen has challenged reigning champions Robert Gordon University (RGU) to a rematch on the River Dee in the hopes they can break RGU’s four year winning streak.

In 2015, RGU won with a time of eight minutes and 30 seconds, beating fierce rivals the University of Aberdeen by one and three-quarter lengths.

Now in its 21st year, the event also includes second crew, alumni and media team races – attracting students, alumni and members of the public down onto the banks of the Dee to cheer on the crews.

Aberdeen University Boat Club president Ian Walker (21) is confident that his crew will be able to live up to their challenge and reclaim the river in March. Medical student Ian, who hails from Edinburgh, says,

“RGU has dominated the river for the last four years, but we are determined to change that. We are already training hard and are confident that 2016 will be the year the trophy will return to the University of Aberdeen boat house.”

Erin Wyness (19), president of RGU Boat Club, is equally determined to bring home the silverware. The Events Management student from Aberdeen says,

“RGU’s rowers this season are on top form, and I really believe that we can extend our winning streak to five years.”

The annual boat race stretches from the Bridge of Dee to the Aberdeen Boat Club, covering 3.5km of water. Each team of eight, and their accompanying coxes, will undergo a gruelling training regime in order to fully prepare for the challenge ahead.

Professor Ferdinand von Prondzynski, Principal of RGU, says:

“The Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race is not just a highlight of the academic year, but also of the city’s sporting calendar. The healthy rivalry between RGU and the University of Aberdeen ensures that each crew strives to perform to the best of their abilities. I, for one, cannot wait to be at the riverside to watch the crews battle it out on the water.”

Professor Sir Ian Diamond, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Aberdeen, says:

“The passion and determination of both universities’ crews is fantastic. Each year they push themselves to the limit in what is always a close competition which is thrilling to watch from the riverbank. I hope that students, families and the general public will turn out in force to support what is surely Aberdeen’s most exciting annual sporting event.”

Scotland’s longest running boat race continues into its 21st year through the continued support of global investment group, Aberdeen Asset Management.

Martin Gilbert, chief executive of Aberdeen, comments:

“The Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race allows the city’s top rowing talent the chance to put into practice the skills they have worked hard to hone over the past year. The rivalry between universities extends beyond the crews on the water and into the spectators on the shore, who are always vocal in their support of the two teams. Aberdeen is delighted to once again back the Universities’ Boat Race in 2016.”

Follow the 2016 Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race on Twitter @2016boatrace, Instagram @AAMboatrace and Facebook at www.facebook.com/AAMBoatRace

Lump Sum To Help City Adoption Charity

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Dec 312015

With thanks to Esther Green, Tricker PR

The St Andrew’s Children’s Society has been operating in Aberdeen since 2013.

A charity which plays a key role in maximising adoption opportunities for children in the North-east of Scotland has received support of £4,000 from Aberdeen Asset Management’s Charitable Foundation.
With more children in need of adoption than there are homes for them, The St Andrew’s Children’s Society plays a pivotal part in finding caring homes for children across Scotland.

Many of the 1,000 plus children in local authority care in Aberdeen and the North-east would benefit from adoption or long term fostering, and the Charitable Foundation donation will support the charity’s work to actively find potential adopters in the region.

Dan Docwra, fundraiser, for the St Andrew’s Children’s Society said:

“Our project builds upon excellent foundation work of our first two years in Aberdeen seeking potential adopters in the North-east whom we can prepare for the role of adoptive parents. This funding from Aberdeen Asset Management helps us do just that.

“We know that there are families and individuals who, with our training and preparation, would be ideal adoptive parents. Adopters come from all walks of life, regardless of their ethnicity, religion, marital status or sexual orientation. We would love to find more adopters in Aberdeen and if we can get the right people we can find a child or children for them.”

The charity which has been operating in Aberdeen since 2013 has moved into improved offices that are better suited for the holding of preparation training and the delivery of full after-adoption support, including its SafeBase Parenting Programme for parents experiencing relationship difficulties with children they have adopted. Its recruitment, training and placement programme is ongoing, only restricted by limited sources.

Dominic Kite of Aberdeen Asset Management’s Charitable Foundation said:

“As a fully functioning branch of the St Andrew’s Children’s Society, a vital service has been established in the North-east, helping to reduce the number of children in local authority care by providing loving and caring families.”

For more information visit http://www.aberdeen-asset.co.uk/aam.nsf/foundation/home

Anyone interested in more information about adoption opportunities should contact the St Andrew’s Children’s Society on 01224 878158 or email info@standrews-children.org.uk

Aberdeen Asset Management Reflects On Season Of Giving

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Dec 312015

With thanks to Esther Green, Tricker PR

A host of worthy causes have been able to develop outreach work and support more people thanks to a helping hand from the Aberdeen Asset Management Charitable Foundation which during 2015 has shared out well over £100,000 with a range of different projects working in Scotland.

The biggest single donation of 2015 was £17,203 to Befriend A Child to support underprivileged and vulnerable children living in Aberdeen for whom a troubled family life with drug and alcohol misuse, physical abuse and neglect is a daily reality.

The charity matches young people to an adult volunteer so positive childhood memories can be developed through a range of different experiences over the course of a year.

Venture Scotland helps some of the most disadvantaged young people in Scotland turn their lives around and received £15,000. The donation is for its Journey programme helping young people in Edinburgh to face up to the challenges holding them back and develop skills to overcome them.

The YMCA received £9,700 to support its Plusone programme for 8-14 year olds at risk of offending in Edinburgh. It offers one-to-one mentoring for children from the east end of city at a critical time in their lives, helping to divert them away from negative pathways to reduce the likelihood of them entering the children’s hearing system and to build positive relations, confidence and self-esteem.

HopScotch was able to provide 36 vulnerable children from deprived parts of Aberdeen and Edinburgh with an inspiring, educational and fun respite break with £9,000 from Aberdeen Asset Management.

With £8,433 the National Deaf Children’s Society is funding a weekend for 12 families with deaf babies or toddlers living in Scotland to share experience and learn more about the help and support available. The gathering, to be held in Edinburgh in February, offers vital support and advice at a time when parents are still getting to grips with their child’s diagnosis.

A cosier winter was in store for disadvantaged youngsters in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire with a £7,500 donation to Cash for Kids in Aberdeen which went towards the purchase of warm winter clothing.

By pouring in £7,236 to the Teapot Trust, the Charitable Foundation has supported the provision of open group art therapy at the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital for kids with chronic illness.

£6,600 to Lothian Autistic Society has gone to help its Fun and Friendship Project while £4,000 awarded to The Open Door in Edinburgh has supported those living with mental health problems and the elderly. Clan Childlaw Ltd gained £4000 towards its aim to make sure every young person in Scotland has access to legal advice.

The new Simeon Care centre for the Elderly in Aberdeen received a ‘moving in’ present as residents settle into the new care facility, with a grant of £7,000 being used towards purchasing new furniture for Simeon House.

Movie magic lit up the lives of sick kids after Aberdeen Asset Management donated £6,800 to the new Medicinema at Yorkhill Children’s Hospital in Glasgow to cover the costs of screening two cinema shows a week for a full month.

Rape and Abuse Support received £4,000 to help get a new project to support childhood rape and abuse survivors off the ground while the same amount was awarded to the St Andrew’s Children’s Society to maximise adoption opportunities for children in the North-east of Scotland.

Martin Gilbert, chief executive of Aberdeen Asset Management, said:

“We’ve been happy to give our support to these very worthy causes during 2015 and we look forward to continuing to support charitable organisations and projects in the areas where we operate, and where our staff live, in 2016.”

The Aberdeen Asset Charitable Foundation was established in 2012 to formalise and develop the Group’s charitable giving globally. The Foundation seeks partnerships with smaller charities around the world, where funds can be seen to have a meaningful and measurable impact and the firm encourages its employees to use their time and skills to support its charitable projects. The main focus of the Foundation is around emerging markets and local communities, reflecting the desire to give back to those areas which are a key strategic focus of the business and to build on the historic pattern of giving to communities in which Aberdeen employees live and work.

For more information visit http://www.aberdeen-asset.co.uk/aam.nsf/foundation/home

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Iron Broo Christmas Ceilidh A “Brilliant Night”

Aberdeen City, Community No Responses »

Dec 242015

Iron Broo earlier the same day at the Winter Wonderland Festival on Union Terrace.

With thanks to Charlie Abel.

It really was a brilliant night. The 2015 Iron Broo Christmas ceilidh went with a swing at St. Margaret of Scotland’s Church hall at the Gallowgate, Aberdeen on Saturday the 19th of December.
Keen ceilidh goers traded their winter blues for their dancing shoes in preparation for the Christmas holidays.

As promised it was a good old-fashioned Scottish evening where guests were invited to bring their own beverage and snacks and enjoy a ‘reel’ ceilidh.

Families and friends came and took part in the dancing, which knew no barriers to age with children, young people and the more experienced taking part. All the dances were called and everyone was invited to join in.

Nobody was left a stranger by the end of the night.

The raffle and a ‘throw coins at the whisky’ game were held to raise money for ‘Charlie House’ a local Aberdeen children’s charity.

Iron Broo would like to thank The Devenick Dairy who donated a ‘Big Beast’ Christmas hamper, full of cheeses and goodies and Makro Aberdeen for donating a bottle of malt whisky for our whisky game. A respectable £173 was raised for Charlie House.

Congratulations to Lydia Van Beers for winning the Devenick Dairy ‘Big Beast’ hamper and to Jonathan Scott for winning the Makro Whisky game with a bottle of 12 year old Old Pulteney.

“Everyone who came tonight had a fantastic time. You can’t beat a ceilidh in a wee hall for a friendly welcoming atmosphere. It’s a really great low-cost night out for anyone. Especially welcome at this time of year. Everyone is smiling,” said Charlie Abel, Iron Broo’s accordionist and band leader.

The ceilidh at St. Margaret’s was the second performance for Iron Broo on this particular day having entertained an appreciative lunchtime crowd at the winter wonderland festival on Union Terrace. The next public ceilidhs from Iron Broo are being planned already.

Keep an eye out on their Facebook page and website www.IronBroo.scot

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Festive Mission For AAM Appentices

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Dec 242015

Young staff at Aberdeen Asset Management L to R: Maja Omorczyk, Abigail Skene, Harry Rothnie, Raegan McBain and Rachel Adam.

With thanks to Esther Green, Tricker PR.

Christmas is a time for giving and apprentices at Aberdeen Asset Management have been delighted to give their time in order to provide a brighter festive time for disadvantaged children in the North-east of Scotland.
Just like Santa’s elves at Christmas, they rolled up their sleeves to sort and bag parcels that will bring festive cheer to youngsters. And by taking part in Cash For Kids’ Mission Christmas Campaign, the young staff have made a meaningful contribution that will give joy to underprivileged families in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

Statistics reveal that one in six children in the North-east are living in poverty, and the appeal aims to make Christmas morning special for disadvantaged children and young people, by asking people to give a gift at drop off points throughout the region.

A total of 10 Aberdeen-based apprentices and young colleagues have been among the volunteers that have been helping the 2015 appeal.

The public have generously responded to the call to donate gifts, and volunteers have uplifted donations, sorted them into age and gender categories, and selected gifts to match order requests coming in from schools and other organisations.

Charity manager Michelle Ferguson from the Cash for Kids Mission Christmas appeal in Aberdeen said:

“We’re delighted that young staff and apprentices, who have study commitments and other responsibilities as they learn in the workplace, have been among our volunteers this year.

“This is a great way to encourage responsible citizenship, and all efforts for the campaign really do make a difference to the lives of families living in our local communities.

“Without volunteers we would not be physically able to do this and at a time when applications are up the public response have been fantastic. We thank all our supporters who have donated cash and gifts, and those who have volunteered.”

Collectively, Aberdeen Asset Management staff have given around 70 hours of hands-on support and were happy to devote their time to such a worthy cause, finding the numbers of families in need of help quite breath-taking.

Apprentice Harry Rothnie (18) said:

“It was great to see so many gifts and toys which were bought for those who are under privileged in both the City and Shire. Due to the generosity of the public, it will make Christmas Day an even more joyous and memorable occasion for parents and children this year.”

Fellow apprentice Maja Omarczyk (19) added:

“I volunteered to help Cash for kids Mission Christmas’ campaign as I wanted to give something back to the community. One thing that I definitely got out of this is that not all children can be as lucky as others, it is very sad to know that some children could have woke up on Christmas morning without any present to open, but thanks to the generosity of people and the amazing Mission Christmas campaign all children will be able to enjoy Christmas.

“I’m so happy that I was able to help and I will definitely do it again next year.”

Morven Hutcheon (19), customer services administrator, enjoyed getting involved and said: “It was a rewarding experience that made me think how lucky I actually am. Seeing how many toys generous people in our city have donated and to be given out to children across the North-east was a real eye opener. I didn’t realise how many children in my own area were living in poverty. I’ll definitely volunteer again next year.”

Apprentice Abigail Skene (19) was pleased to be able to give something back to her community and added:

“It’s so sad knowing that some children could wake up on Christmas with no presents to open, but thanks to the amazing Mission Christmas campaign, these children can wake up and enjoy Christmas with their families.”

Lynn Brown, from Aberdeen Asset Management’s learning and development team said that by volunteering for Mission Christmas, apprentices and young people were able to do something positive to help in their community over the festive season.

Lynn said:

“We’re proud of the contribution our apprentices make and this is another example of how our young employees make a positive impact, in this case outwith the workplace in a community project that helps bring happiness to the lives of children at Christmas time.”

Mission Christmas has around 150 drop-off points for donations located around the City and Shire and by the time Christmas comes the appeal will have responded to 5,500 applications for help – significantly up on last year’s figure of over 4,700.

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Donate Christmas Stamps To CLAN Cancer Support

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Dec 242015

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

Individuals are being asked to think of a leading north-east cancer support charity this Christmas by donating leftover stamps.

CLAN Cancer Support has issued an appeal for any second-hand stamps from Christmas presents and card packaging that it can recycle to raise funds.

The charity, which provides free support services to anyone affected by cancer across the north-east of Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland, is also on the hunt for all foreign coins, including old British money.

As well as the stamps and coins, CLAN is also asking individuals to donate any unwanted mobile phone handsets, of any condition, which again can be recycled to raise funds for the charity.

CLAN launched a similar appeal this time last year and saw hundreds of handsets donated, along with a range of coins and stamps with all funds raised going towards its provision of free support services to anyone affected by cancer.

Susan Crighton, CLAN’s fundraising manager, said:

“This Christmas, we’re on the hunt for any leftover coins, stamps and mobile phones that we can recycle to raise funds for CLAN.

“With the sending of presents and cards at Christmas, stamps really are in plentiful supply at this time of year, along with new mobile phone handsets so we’re looking for the help of anyone who may have spares leftover.

“We’ve had great success in the past with this appeal and I’d like to thank all those who have donated any of these to the charity. Your donation really can make a big difference.”

Donations of foreign coins, stamps and mobile phones can be made in person at CLAN House on Westburn Road or at either of the charity’s shops on Rosemount Place and Chapel Street.

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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Star Wars, The Force Awakens – Andrew Watson Reviews

Aberdeen City, Opinion No Responses »

Dec 172015

The American epic space opera Star Wars began again with its seventh instalment, The Force Awakens. Aberdeen Voice’s Andrew Watson was there the day of its general release.

There were maybe just over a dozen people at Vue on Shiprow during the Thursday midmorning showing; which would be about right, given there were midnight and crack of dawn showings preceding it.
Generally speaking, with films of this nature, and magnitude, it can go one of two ways. This being faithful to the originals; or overcompensating lack of good storytelling with supreme focus upon special effects, fight sequences and otherworldly landscapes.

This however, seems to straddle the two. It’s not mind blowing; yet not too bad, either.

Basically, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) has gone missing, and the Resistance (what used to be the Rebel Alliance) are seeking him out for help against the odious First Order (what used to be the Galactic Empire). The latter has all but one of the fragments of data detailing his location, and the good guys have that one last piece of vital information.

So far, so good. This is the kind of solid underdog tale that the series has so successfully relied upon since its debut in 1977.

Though the best of the original characters are reprised with the same actors and actresses as before; the two or three main protagonists of the film aren’t so long in the tooth.

You’ve got Daisy Ridley as Rey, who’s basically this generation’s Luke Skywalker in the female form. She’s a scavenger and quite self-sufficient. There’s also rogue Stormtrooper Finn (John Boyega) who’s integral to the Resistance standing a chance of defeating the First Order.

On top of all that, Oscar Isaac plays ace pilot Poe Dameron with all the attributes of a non-greying Han Solo. Everyone else in the film more or less plays a supporting role to these three, including Harrison Ford (the aforementioned Han Solo) and Carrie Fisher (General Leia Organa).

Antagonist wise, there’s the triumvirate of Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), Supreme Leader Snoke (Andy Serkis) and General Hux (Domhnall Gleeson). This could also be read as the Darth Vader, Emperor Palpatine and Governor Tarkin equivalent of the film.

Come the end of the film, there are a couple of surprises. There’s yet another father and son divide, and someone of stellar importance to the series dies. The former might anger people. The latter, however, could definitely be very contentious among Star Wars fans.

All in all, it manages to come to a reasonable enough conclusion to stand by itself without the remaining two sequels. On the other hand, enough happens and enough is left unresolved to urge the viewer to watch the next instalment.

Bay Of Nigg Campaigners Deliver Leaflets To Community

Aberdeen City, Community, Environment 1 Response »

Dec 172015

By The Battle for the Bay of Nigg Committee

A group of dedicated volunteers have been out and about in Torry for the past few days delivering leaflets about the proposed Bay of Nigg development. We want to ensure that everyone in the area is aware of the impact that this project could have on their everyday lives. We hope to deliver leaflets to every house in Torry in the coming days.

If we, as a group of ordinary folk with limited resources can do this to get our message out to the local community, why hasn’t the harbour board done the same?

The Bay of Nigg project is estimated to cost £320 million – surely some of that huge amount of money could have funded a leaflet drop to fully inform our local community of this major infrastructure project that is deemed to be of national importance?

For all those outwith the Torry area, here is our leaflet for you to view.

The Battle for the Bay of Nigg Committee is a group of Torry residents trying to save our Bay from this disproportionate development. We have no specialised knowledge or qualifications. We are ordinary citizens trying to make our voices heard by Aberdeen Harbour Board, Marine Scotland, Transport Scotland, Aberdeen City Council and the Scottish Government.

Our Facebook pages have already attracted a following of almost 700 people, predominantly residents of Torry. For further information, please contact us at bay.of.nigg@gmail.com

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