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Aberdeen Unites For Charlie Hebdo Vigil

Aberdeen City, Featured, News No Responses »

Jan 162015

On 7 January 12 members of French satirical publication Charlie Hebdo were gunned down in their offices. This was a premediated, cold-blooded assassination by radicalised people claiming somehow to have ‘avenged the Prophet Mohammed’. Following the massacre of the journalists – and others in France unlucky enough to have crossed the path of the murders, worldwide, pan-religion condemnations were issued and rallies held. Aberdeen, with its considerable French population, joined in with its own rally, organised by Frog in Aberdeen and especially Julie Tchao. Suzanne Kelly talks to those who attended.

There were many families present, many with French origins. Picture credit: Suzanne Kelly.

Aberdeen’s Castlegate filled up last Sunday with people of all ages and nationalities to stand together in solidarity for those who lost their lives in Paris, their families and friends. Several hundred people rallied, carrying the flag of France, posters, and signs proclaiming ‘I am Charlie/Je Suis Charlie’ – the ‘I am Spartacus’ slogan adopted for those who express solidarity with the magazine and its use of satire and humour to mock the powerful, corrupt and dangerous.

A small shrine was set up with a candle; a book of condolences was readily filled with comments – it is being sent to Paris.

People also wore pencils on their coats as a symbol of the power of the written word and of satire – a representation that ultimately the pen is mightier than the sword or gun.

Organiser Julie Tchao said:-

“I think it is really excellent the turnout we had today, not only from the French community which is good, but also from Scottish and British people who are like us shocked and horrified by what happened. It is really great that on this occasion everyone could gather around a good cause and a peaceful event and share our sorrows but also share the fact we say no to terrorism and yes to freedom of speech.

“I am really touched by the turnout from a small city like Aberdeen.”

Also attending the event was Domenic Bruce; he commented:-

“I think what has happened is very inhumane and a huge distortion of what Islam is as a religion. I think all we can do is hope that love and light can diffuse the situation and people come together to help the victims’ families – and well the whole world really.”

There were many families present, many with French origins. Natalie and here family were one such group. She commented:-

“We decided to come as a family to show our solidarity with what happened in Paris – the atrocities – and to demonstrate that we want to keep our freedoms.”

Her partner Nick added:-

“It’s too easy for the silent majority to stay silent and that’s why we wanted to be here – remembering what happened – not shouting about it – but quietly supporting the people of France, and supporting freedom.”

The historic Castlegate has seen many events over its many hundreds of years as a gathering place, but no one could have imagined it would be used for such an international, interfaith display of unity as it did that Sunday; the dignity on display and the kindness people showed to each other brings hope.

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Aberdeen Forward Courses 2014

Aberdeen City, Environment No Responses »

Jan 082015

With thanks to Angela Theobold.

Environmental charity Aberdeen Forward are hosting a range of workshops and courses up until the end of 2015.
Aberdeen Forward works closely with local communities, businesses and individuals to educate and promote projects that help to protect our environment, reduce waste & encourage sustainability.

Available courses are as follows.

Hobby Club: Every Wednesday, 10am-12pm/1.30pm-3pm, these are drop in craft sessions.

Plant ideas workshop: We are pleased to offer this plant ideas (http://www.plantideas.org/) workshop which teaches how to make the most of plants in various useful ways. The cost is £35 per class. Here is the format of the classes:

Personal Hygiene: 24 Jan 11-13:00 at Aberdeen Forward building Make your own deodorant, toothpaste, hand sanitizer and shampoo. Learn about the cold process that produces Plant Ideas soap, used as a base for the shampoo. Discover the actions of the ingredients in your products that keep you clean and smelling fresh.

Household: 21 Feb 11-13:00 at Aberdeen Forward building Natural alternatives are often pretty pricey so why not make your own? Learn with us about natural household scents – make your own incense, evergreen and citrus infusions and orange oil lamps. Make your own natural polish and laundry liquid and learn about citrus cleaners, citrus dustcloths, anti-bacterial sprays and washing up liquid. Find out what houseplants can purify the air in your home.

Herb Walk: 21 Mar 11-13:00 Location to be announced Join us as we identify plants and their uses. Learn some wild food recipes and simple plant remedies and many other great plant ideas. Expect some surprises and the chance to sample some finished products made from wild plants

Wild Food: 25 Apr 11-13:00 Location to be announced
Skincare: 16 May 2015, 11-13:00 at Aberdeen Forward building Learn how to make a moisturiser, lipbalm, bath melts and massage bar all with organic base ingredients and essential oils

Intensive Upholstery Weekend: 31 January to 1 February 2015, 9:30am-4pm both days, £190

Evening Upholstery (Tuesdays): 20 January to 17 March (one week break on the 17 February), 6pm-8pm, £190

Back to Basics Sewing courses 2015: 6pm-8pm, £92, every Thursday in each block

15 January to 19 February
5 March to 9 April
23 April to 28 May
11 June to 16 July
30 July to 3 September
17 September to 22 October
5 November to 10 December

Intermediate/Advanced Sewing courses 2015: 6pm-8pm, £92, every Tuesday in each block

12 January to 16 February
2 March to 6 April
20 April to 25 May
8 June to 13 July
27 July to 31 August
14 September to 19 October
2 November to 7 December

Curtain Making: 12pm-4pm, £92, every Saturday in each block

7, 14 and 21 February 2015
2, 9 and 16 May 2015
1, 8 and 15 August 2015
7, 14 and 21 November 2015

Candle Making: Wednesday 18th February (6pm-8pm)

Crochet Beginners Course: Wednesday 4th, 11th and 18th March 2015 (6pm8pm)

Booking: To book or find out more please contact courses@aberdeenforward.org or 01224560360.
Venue Unless otherwise stated, the venue is: Aberdeen Forward, 2 Poynernook Road, Aberdeen, AB11 5RW

Competition Hots Up For Universities’ Boat Race 2015

Aberdeen City, Featured, Sport No Responses »

Jan 082015

RGU Boat Club president Emily Geddes and her Aberdeen University Boat Club counterpart, Tom Coles.

With thanks to Beverly Tricker, Tricker PR.

The 2015 Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race looks set to be the most hotly contested yet.

Top student rowers will be going oar to oar in all-out battle to win the coveted rowing race, which takes place on the River Dee on Saturday, 21st March at 2.20pm.

Reigning river champions Robert Gordon University (RGU) have thrown down the gauntlet to Aberdeen University to try and beat RGU’s record-breaking win of last year.

RGU won in seven minutes and 47 seconds, beating Aberdeen University by two lengths. Despite losing the race, Aberdeen University also broke the original race record of eight minutes and one second with their time of seven minutes and 54 seconds – so there’s everything to row for in the 2015 event.

Now in its 20th year, the event also includes alumni, second crew and media team races and with all this action on the water it will be a real spectator attraction, and the public are urged to come along and cheer on the teams.

RGU Boat Club president Emily Geddes (20) hails from Aberdeen and has been rowing since the age of 13, winning double gold medals at the British Rowing Junior Championships.

Applied Sports and Exercise Science student Emily believes that RGU could be on course for its fourth win in a row. She says:

“Last year we made it a hat trick and we are going all out to make it four in a row. We won’t be taking anything for granted and are working hard to hold onto the title.”

Her Aberdeen University Boat Club counterpart, Tom Coles (21) is from Callander and aside from his computer sciences studies, rowing and the presidency of the University’s boat club takes up most of his free time.

Tom says:

“We may not have won last year, but we came very close and we also succeeded in breaking the previous boat race record. We are confident that we will see the title return to Aberdeen University in 2015. We’re full of fighting spirit and will be going all-out to achieve victory.”

The race takes place over a 3.5km stretch of the River Dee in Aberdeen, between the Bridge of Dee and the Aberdeen Boat Club. In preparation of the 2015 event, both crews are undergoing gruelling training, including early morning starts on the river.

Each of the 18 rowers and accompanying coxes will take just under 300 strokes to compete the race, pushing their physical and mental endurance to the hilt.

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

“This is a fantastic event for both universities and the city as a whole and is always contested in great spirit. The fact that both teams broke the course record last year shows how the standard of our student athletes continues to rise and I’m sure this year’s race will be another exciting spectacle.”

Professor Ferdinand von Prondzynski, Principal of RGU adds:

“The rivalry of the Oxford and Cambridge boat race is nothing compared with the competitive determination of our crews, not to mention the passion of our supporters, and we hope that students, families and the general public will turn out in large numbers to support this great sporting occasion.”

Scotland’s oldest boat race continues into 20th year though the continued support of global investment group, Aberdeen Asset Management.

Martin Gilbert, chief executive of Aberdeen, comments:

“The Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race showcases the city’s finest student rowing talent and the spirit of competition between to the two sides certainly adds to the occasion. Aberdeen is delighted to back the Universities’ Boat Race as it enters its 20th year.”

Follow the 2015 Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race at www.facebook.com/AAM BoatRace and at http://twitter.com/2015Boat Race.

New Dining Experience In Store For Aberdeen

Aberdeen City, Featured, News No Responses »

Jan 082015

A slice of American nostalgia is set to hit Aberdeen with the launch of a fun and fresh new restaurant at Bon Accord & St Nicholas. With thanks to Paul Smith, Citrus Mix.

Ed’s Easy Diner is scheduled to open its doors at the beginning of April, with work due to begin on transforming its new home at the heart of the Bon Accord food court.

In a first for Aberdeen, the popular restaurant group will bring its retro concept to a north-east audience.

Launched in London’s vibrant Soho in 1987, Ed’s Easy Diner has expanded to take in various prime sites throughout the capital and can be found in key cities throughout England. With an all-American menu and 1950s themed decor, Ed’s has made a huge impact with diners.

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

“We’re delighted to welcome Ed’s Easy Diner and are sure the new restaurant will be a big hit with our visitors. We’ve carried out extensive market research to get a real picture of what the people of the north-east want and what has come back loud and clear is that variety is key.

“At Bon Accord & St Nicholas we’re committed to bringing new and exciting names to Aberdeen and Ed’s Easy Diner is a great example of that. It promises to be something totally different and a really strong addition to what is already an excellent food offering in the Bon Accord mall.”

Ed’s will work closely with UK employment charity Springboard to target local people in Aberdeen, offering worthwhile, long-term employment and careers. The retro restaurant group has become synonymous for hiring staff based on attitude, rather than previous experience; a policy that saw them shortlisted for the 2013 Springboard award for best recruitment initiative.

Kelly Johnstone, director of Springboard Scotland, said:

“Springboard is delighted to be working in partnership with Ed’s Easy Diner. As a charity, Springboard helps and supports unemployed people of any age into a career in the hospitality industry. We are pleased to be working with Ed’s and the local communities in Aberdeen, as well as Edinburgh and Glasgow, to employ people into a great career in hospitality.”

Andrew Guy, CEO of Ed’s Easy Diner, said:

“Bon Accord & St Nicholas is a great new location for our diner. We’ve recently opened in Edinburgh, our first in Scotland, and are very much looking forward to bringing our retro 50s brand to the people of Aberdeen.”

The addition of Ed’s Easy Diner is part of wider plans to expand the leisure choices at Bon Accord & St Nicholas.

Plans have been submitted to Aberdeen City Council for permission to create a new leisure hub within the centres. At the core of the blueprint is a proposed 28,000 sq ft cinema complex and seven new restaurants totalling 30,000 sq ft.

The innovative design includes the creation of a new entrance from Upperkirkgate at Drum’s Lane, leading to an external courtyard and providing access to the upper level of the mall where the new leisure area would be situated. The plans work within the existing footprint of the Bon Accord mall.

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 270,000 visitors a week, are owned by F&C REIT and managed by specialist retail agency Savills. For further on the centres visit www.bonaccordandstnicholas.com .

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Five Armies: Grand Finale or Final Fizzle?

Aberdeen City, Opinion No Responses »

Dec 192014

The finale of The Hobbit trilogy has arrived. Aberdeen Voice’s Andrew Watson reviews The Battle of the Five Armies.

There was a sizeable audience at the Vue cinema on Shiprow for Sunday lunchtime’s showing, the film having being released on the previous Thursday.

I can’t say I was too impressed, to be honest. When the film came into swing I actually felt a tad deflated. Okay, there can’t be too much deviation, given that it’s based on J. R. R. Tolkien’s sizeable tome, but surely it could’ve been executed better?

As I say, it wasn’t the best. Yes, there were some excellent special effects, both during fight scenes and those rendering the setting, bringing to life the fantastical imagination of the acclaimed author. However, the only parts of note were the closing scenes.

I don’t mean that in a flippant way, as such. What I mean is that it was interesting to see how they tied it up for it to end almost seamlessly, so that it ushers in the beginning of The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Anyway, the crux of things is that disparate groups motivated by their own self interest are brought together to rally against a common enemy, the Orcs.

In it Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage), leader of the Dwarves, is overtaken by lunacy trying to find the Arkenstone of Lonely Mountain. This is akin to the effect that The Ring had upon its holder, Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman).

Thorin cuts a lonely and divisive figure for most of the film, turning his back on the destitute people of Lake Town, their community ravaged by Smaug the dragon. The icy relations between Dwarves and Elves are worsened because of this.

A couple of plus points for the film are the depictions of both man and beast. Ian McKellen as Gandalf is under no scrutiny, naturally, for his acting ability. What really stood out and struck me was how haggard and bloodied he looked. The look of a beaten man, both physically and in life: his make-up team did an excellent job.

Furthermore, Benedict Cumberbatch is devilish as the eccentric and calculating dragon, Smaug. It’s not just his voice but the expert special effects, too, that achieve the full impact.

All in all, despite its positives, this outing really is eclipsed by its predecessors and the three other films that follow it chronologically.

City Youth Council Welcomes Votes At 16 Move

Aberdeen City, Opinion No Responses »

Dec 192014

With thanks to Michael Hutchison.

Welcoming the news the news that David Cameron and Nicola Sturgeon will work together to ensure that 16 and 17 year olds get the vote in time for the 2016 Scottish Parliament elections, Aberdeen City Youth Council Chair, Rebecca Lindsay has commented:
“This is a significant step forward for votes at 16 in all elections.”

“I am delighted that 16 and 17 year olds will have their say in Scottish and Local elections from 2016 onwards.

“There is still however still work to be done to ensure that the voting age is lowered in UK and European elections. The referendum saw young people engage and turnout in amazing numbers and helped us to get to where we are now. We need to see this as an opportunity to do that again and win the vote in all elections.

“This campaign has united the five parties at Holyrood and has seen the First Minister and Prime Minister find common ground. Votes at 16 is a cause people are rallying around and I hope that will continue.”

Martin Close, who will get a vote in 2016 elections if the proposals go ahead, added:

“I was very grateful to be one of the many 16 year olds in Scotland who gained the vote for the referendum earlier this year.

“If it is decided not to lower the voting age then I will be one of the many young people who would not be able to vote in the 2016 Holyrood Elections. It seems strange that I would be allowed to vote on such a huge matter for Scotland’s future but not get to vote in a normal election for parliament.” “Young people have shown that we are more than capable of taking on the responsibility of voting.

“It is very important that young people are given the opportunity to vote in every single election which affects our lives.”

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Aberdeen Sports Village Wins Gold

Aberdeen City, Sport No Responses »

Dec 192014

With thanks to Dave Macdermid.

Aberdeen Sports Village, a partnership between the University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen City Council and sportscotland has achieved Investors in Young People and Investors in People Gold
accreditation.

Investors in Young People is the only people management standard that focuses on an employer’s recruitment and retention of young people, while achieving IIP Gold puts Aberdeen Sports Village in the top 7% of all IIP accredited organisations.

Launched in July 2014, Investors in Young People originated through a key recommendation from the Commission for Developing Scotland’s Young Workforce, led by Sir Ian Wood. The accreditation is offered to all businesses across Scotland and exists to recognise and support organisations across Scotland in the employment of young people.

Having now achieved both accreditations, Aberdeen Sports Village is now eligible to use and display the Investors in People and Investors in Young People logo and plaque, and enjoy their benefits.

Commenting on the award, David Beattie, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Sports Village, said:

“We’re immensely proud to have been awarded both IIP Gold and IIYP accreditation and I believe this represents our firm commitment to each of our employees and demonstrates the good practice we have in place.

“We have a fantastic, passionate and diverse team at Aberdeen Sports Village and having achieved both IIP Gold and IIYP shows just how far we have come as an organisation since opening in 2009.”

Peter Russian, Chief Executive of Investors in People Scotland, said:

“This is a fantastic achievement for Aberdeen Sports Village, and I and the whole IIP team would like to wholeheartedly congratulate them. Achieving both IIP Gold and IIYP is a fantastic achievement. The Investors in Young People framework not only recognises and supports organisations in the employment of young people, but marks them out as an employer of choice. I envisage that many more organisations in the North East of Scotland will wish to follow in the footsteps of Aberdeen Sports Village and demonstrate their commitment to young people by working with the Investors in Young People framework.”

He continued:

“The benefits of recruiting and developing young people are countless. These include the creation of a talent pool for the future, new and increased skills in areas such as IT and social media, fresh eyes and mind-sets into business operations along with enthusiasm and unique talents.”

Aberdeen Sports Village opened in August 2009 to provide world class sport and exercise opportunities to everyone in the community. These opportunities were further enhanced with the opening of a state of the art Aquatics Centre in May 2014. The organisation recently defended its ‘Scottish Gym of the Year’ title at the 2014 National Fitness Awards.

Romance In The Air This Christmas At Aberdeen Ice Rink

Aberdeen City, Featured No Responses »

Dec 192014

With thanks to Phil Moar, Citrus Mix.

An Aberdeen couple brought extra sparkle to a city ice rink with a unique marriage proposal.

Kyle Wilson produced a dazzling diamond as he popped the question to his surprised girlfriend Grace Brodie at the rink in Union Terrace Gardens.

Dressed in disguise as Spiderman, Kyle skated towards his very own Mary Jane, and only revealed his true identity when he went down on one knee.

Using cards to share memories of their time together, the proposal marked the culmination of two months of planning after the 23-year-old store manager decided the city centre attraction would be the perfect location.

The newly engaged couple met each other on a blind date set up by Grace’s mother, who knew Kyle through a work connection, in August last year.

Kyle said:

“I knew Grace’s mother through work and we got to know each other quite well. She thought I would be well suited to her daughter so that is how our meeting came about. Everything just went from there, and we went on holiday to Blackpool a few months later, which has great memories for us. We got to know each other quite quickly and it has all been natural.

“I knew when I first met her that she was the one I wanted to be with and the more I got to know her the more I realised that I wanted to be with her for the rest of my life. When I heard the ice rink was coming back I knew that would be the perfect place to ask her, and everything went from there.”

After receiving permission from Grace’s family to propose, Kyle arranged for the couple to take to the ice-rink, which forms part of a programme of Christmas events devised by business organisation Aberdeen Inspired, on Wednesday afternoon.

“I planned it all and even borrowed a ring from her jewellery box to make sure I bought the right size for her. I think it will have come as a surprise to her. She knew that she was going to the ice rink, but just thought that it would be a normal day. My knees were trembling when I asked her. I am just so pleased it all went well.” he added.

Grace, a 23-year-old mental health nurse, said:

“I was absolutely shocked because I never expected anything like that. I didn’t suspect anything at all. I had seen Spiderman on the ice already skating with people, but I assumed he was there to entertain everyone .I arrived at the rink wondering where Kyle was but the organiser told me he was away to the toilet and told me to go onto the ice.

“I went onto the rink and said to the organiser that I had wanted Kyle to hold my hand to help me, and he said that Spiderman would look after me. Even then I didn’t click. I only knew something was going on when he started skating towards me and then I thought it was something Kyle would do.

“The messages he showed were special as it was the story of our time together. It has all been so surreal and the reaction from everyone at the rink was amazing. They all clapped and cheered us, it was absolutely lovely.”

Gary Craig, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said:

“We are delighted that we were able to play a part in this romantic gesture. It is a great feel good story at this special time of the year and we wish Kyle and Grace all the best for their future together.”

The rink is open from noon to 8pm each day between now and January 4. Admission costs £3 per person, including skate hire, with the entire entry fee being donated by Aberdeen Inspired to The ARCHIE Foundation, the official charity of the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital.

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Common Weal National Tour Grand Finale In Aberdeen

Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, Information 4 Responses »

Dec 132014

Common Weal Aberdeen is delighted to announce their National Tour Event. With thanks to Beth Dynowski.

In support of the launch of Common Weal Aberdeen & Common Weal Aberdeenshire, an event is to be held as part of the wider Common Weal National Tour.

The event presents Aberdeen’s first large scale event organized by citizens of Aberdeen with keynote speakers from around Scotland to come together to think ambitiously about social innovation and equality.

Speakers who will be in attendance include journalist and broadcaster Lesley Riddoch, politician and Aberdeen University Rector Maggie Chapman and Aberdeen Poet Makar Sheena Blackhall.

The event is focused on community engagement, empowerment and innovation in common issues which affect all citizens of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire and beyond.

The Common Weal encourages diversity of thinking and approaches to shaping society across the social, cultural, economic and political spectrum and presents a unique opportunity across the city and shire to connect a local, national and global conversation.

Common Weal Aberdeen/shire launch (to be immediately followed by a social event open to all.)

Tuesday 16th December, 7-9pm,
The Citadel,
Castlegate,
Aberdeen.

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Duthie Park Carol Concert Supports Foodbanks

Aberdeen City, Charity No Responses »

Dec 112014

With thanks to Dave Macdermid.

Friends Of Duthie Park will be putting on a Christmas Carol Concert at 11 am and 2 pm on Saturday 20th December 2014 at David Welch Winter Gardens, Duthie Park.
The event will also include a raffle on behalf of Food Banks across the city.

To enter the raffle, and have the opportunity to win a Christmas Fruit Hamper donated by CFine, please bring along any tinned goods, packaged and jars of food, toiletries and staple items such as tea, coffee, sugar etc.

CFine will then distribute all items to those who need that extra bit of help at Christmas.

Anyone wishing to make a donation before the Christmas Carol Concert, should contact Arthur Gill, or drop their donation off at the Winter Gardens.

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