Dave MacDermid Archives - Aberdeen Voice

All Roads Lead To Alford This Sunday

Mar 302012

With thanks to Dave Macdermid.

Grampian Transport Museum’s 30th anniversary season gets underway this Sunday from 10 a.m. with some extra special attractions to mark the occasion.

Grampian Transport Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (4 p.m. in October) from Sunday until October 28th.

Curator Mike Ward explains:

“GTM is the museum of the past, present and even the future and for this season, we are looking back at the Alford Valley Railway, which operated between 1859 and 1965, with more than three hundred passengers catching the 7 a.m. train to Aberdeen every weekday in 1908.

“We are also, with the assistance of Nissan, considering the future of the car and are delighted to be offering fast charging points for electric vehicles every day while other aspects include ‘Motor Spirit’ – the story of the parallel development of the car and oil industry and Cycles Chronology.

“Among the wide selection of vehicles is the former Royal Land Rover, which was based at Balmoral, and several top quality events including the 30th Grampian Motorcycle Convention in September. And for the opening day on Sunday we have a magnum of vintage Champagne to share with our visitors.”

Admission is £9 for adults, £7 for concession one paying adult can be accompanied by up to 2 free children. Additional children £3 each and all children must be accompanied by an adult. www.gtm.org.uk

For info – Dave Macdermid – dave.macdermid@bigpartnership.co.uk ; 07805 436988

Tennis Update 30.04.12

Aberdeen City, Community, Information, Sport No Responses »

Mar 302012

With thanks to Dave Macdermid.

A place in the British section of the AEGON Team Tennis competition is up for grabs on Saturday when Rubislaw face Stirling University in Aberdeen with a noon start.

In November Rubislaw became the first club side from the north to lift the AEGON Team Tennis Scotland national league title, following victories over Braid, Milngavie, Strathgryffe, Glasgow Western and Livilands, to see them qualify for the Scottish play-off.

Rubislaw have announced a provisional squad comprising Bruce Strachan, Bruce McIver, Andrew Mott, Martin Harbord and Robert Ainsley, while the students will field Nick Hatchett, Joe Gill, Rihards Emulins and Jordan Mcculloch.

Rubislaw’s ‘Start of Season Fun day’ will take place on Saturday 14th April, with a variety of organised fun activities and games taking place between noon and 5 p.m.

Image credit: © Liz Van Steenburgh | Dreamstime.com

Makeover Time For McPuddock!

Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, Articles, Community, Environment, Featured, Information No Responses »

Mar 302012

With thanks to Dave Macdermid.

Hard on the heels of the return of Spike the Talking Cactus, another of the Duthie Park’s David Welch Winter Gardens favourite characters has been rejuvenated back to his former glory.

Friends of Duthie Park Chairman Tony Dawson explains:

“Since Spike made his welcome return, we have had so many people enquiring why ‘McPuddock The Mechanical Frog’ wasn’t working as well as he should and wasn’t gurgling. And I have to say it was mostly adults doing the asking!

“Sadly he had been below par for some years but, thanks to our wonderful friends at Richard Irvin, he’s now back and as good as new, freshly repainted and emerging from the pond with accompanying gurgles on a regular basis!

“For a certain generation, Spike and McPuddock are characters they grew up with and I’m absolutely thrilled they are now both back to their best, particularly at this time, with the major restoration project well underway.”

The David Welch Winter Gardens are open between 9.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m., with closing time extended until 5.30 p.m. from Sunday onwards.

www.friendsofduthiepark.co.uk

Summer Tennis Tournament: Entries Invited

Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, Community, Information, Sport No Responses »

Mar 222012

With thanks to Dave Macdermid

District Coach Vikki Paterson with Jodie and Varada.

With the start of the traditional outdoor tennis season just a few weeks away, entry forms for two of the North East’s long standing tournaments are now available.

The 63rd NESLTA Schools Tournament, which is supported by sportaberdeen, will take place at the Ruthrieston Outdoor Centre and Westburn Tennis Centre between the 21st and 26th May, with competition from age 8 and under through to age 18 and under.

The closing date for entries is Friday 4th May, with entry forms available at: www.granitecitytennis.btik.com

June sees the staging of the Rubislaw NESLTA Confined Tournament between Sunday 10th and Saturday 16th, with four events, namely Men’s and Women’s singles, and boys and girls singles at 16 and under.

The closing date for entries is Sunday 3rd June, with entry forms available at tennis ‘places to play’ throughout the area including Rubislaw LTC.

Dons Announce Ticket Details For Semi-Final

Aberdeen City, Articles, Community, Featured, Information, News, Sport No Responses »

Mar 222012

With thanks to Dave Macdermid.

Tickets for the Dons Scottish Cup semi-final against Hibernian at Hampden on Saturday 14th April (12.15 pm kick-off) will go on sale online and at Pittodrie Stadium to season ticket holders and shareholders (those with a minimum of 260 from the original allocation) from 9 am this Saturday 24th March, with a maximum of two tickets per eligible supporter. The ticket office will close at 5.30 p.m.

These top priority groups will have until close of business (5 p.m.) on Saturday 31st March to purchase their tickets with a general sale operating from 9 a.m. on Monday 2nd April.

Aberdeen have been given an initial allocation of 12,500 tickets with prices for the North Stand being £23 for adults. The Club has also been allocated the West Stand with prices at £15 for adults and £5 for Under 16’s in the family section. Postal applications will be accepted.

Supporters are also urged to retain their tickets from the SPL match against Inverness Caley Thistle on the 24th March, the game with Dundee United on Saturday 7th April and post-split home games as, in the event of Aberdeen reaching the final, a voucher system will operate.

In light of the early kick off, Pittodrie Stadium will be closed on Saturday 14th April.

For info – Dave Macdermid – 07710 580148 – dave.macdermid@bigpartnership.co.uk

Glacier Energy Masters Under 12 Tennis Results

Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, Articles, Community, Information, News, Sport No Responses »

Mar 152012

Dave Macdermid updates Aberdeen Voice on the Glacier Energy Masters U -12 Winter Grand Prix.

Back row – Brian Morgan, Cameron Edwards, Patrick Young, Ross Martin, Fin Pears, Scott Martin (Glacier Energy). Front row – Anthony Low, Conor, McMahon, Syzmon Kierkiewa

Patrick Young consolidated his position as undisputed leader in the inaugural Glacier Energy Masters Under 12 Winter Grand Prix series with victory in the sixth and final event at Westburn Tennis Centre.
In the final, the Stonehaven youngster recovered from the loss of the opening set to edge it 0-4, 4-2, 1-0 (2) over Ross Martin (David Lloyd Aberdeen) in an entertaining match.

In the 3rd/4th place play-off, Rubislaw’s Cameron Edwards defeated his clubmate Conor McMahon 4-2, 4-2.

North East district coach Vikki Paterson was delighted with what will hopefully become an annual series.

“The grand prix has enabled the boys to enjoy regular high-level competition over the winter period and this is something we would wish to build on.”

District President Brian Morgan added.

“The standard of tennis was exceptional and I’m sure those involved will see the benefits of the grand prix going forward. We are indebted to Glacier Energy for their support as without their assistance, quite simply there would have been no event.”

Football Legend On Lookout For Exclusive Friends

Aberdeen City, Articles, Community, Information, News, Sport No Responses »

Mar 092012

With thanks to Dave Macdermid.

Organisers of the Denis Law Soccer Tournament, which replaced the longstanding Aberdeen International Football Festival last year, are looking to cement the financial future of the event with the formation of a ‘Friends’ group comprising 200 members.

Scotland legend Denis, the Patron of the DLST, is passionate about the tournament.

“Sport and in this case, football, forms an important part of a child’s upbringing and I firmly believe the experience and enjoyment that kids get from this event in my home town will stay with them forever. The organisers need your support to be able to sustain this worthy cause and I would urge you to become a Friend to ensure it can continue as an annual event. I look forward to seeing you at some point during the year to thank you personally.”

And everyone who signs up at £200 per annum to become a ‘Friend’ will get the opportunity to do just that as there will be ‘Friends of DLST’ reception at Aberdeen Sports Village, hosted by Denis himself.

In addition, Friends will receive recognition of support within the tournament programme, venue and website, a quarterly e-newsletter and entry into a prize draw for a complimentary team to be included in the DLST corporate football event.

This year’s tournament will take place at ASV between July 16th and 21st with action at 16 and Under and 14 and Under age groups.

Anyone wishing to become a Friend can pay via BACS, cheque or debit card via the ‘Friends of DLST’ link on www.aberdeensportsvillage.com or by contacting ASV Events Manager Fiona Cardwell on 01224 438926 or fiona@aberdeensportvillage.com

Available Spaces On ASV World Sports Tour

Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, Articles, Community, Information, Sport No Responses »

Mar 092012

Aberdeen Sports Village (ASV) is the premier sporting facility in the North East. ASV is running a project from 26th April as part of the London 2012 Inspire Programe. The Inspire programme provides an opportunity for everyone to be a part of the London 2012 Games – a broad participation programme. New opportunities are being created to inspire young people and encourage the whole of the UK to join in. With thanks to Dave Macdermid.

ASV’s World Sports Tour, a series of sports taster sessions for children, recently celebrated success, receiving the award of the London 2012 Inspire Mark by former Olympic, Commonwealth, European and World champion triple jumper Jonathan Edwards. Bookings are now being taken for the programme of sports activities.

ASV’s World Sports Tour offers children the chance to take part in 12 taster sessions of 12 different Paralympic and Olympic sports in the 12 weeks leading up to the arrival of the Cameroon Olympic Team in Aberdeen for their Pre-Games Training Camp (PGTC).

During the programme, the children will also discover fun facts about the events at the London Games and about athletes from different countries. At the end of each session, parents will be issued with contact details for local clubs where the children can continue to take part in the sports they enjoyed the most. The programme concludes with the Hydrasun Mini-Olympics on the 12th July, where the children will have the opportunity to meet some of the Cameroon athletes.

The programme aims to raise awareness of the Olympic Games, get the city excited about the arrival of the Cameroon team, increase the number of children participating in sport, and raise subscription numbers in established sports clubs across the city.

Additionally, the project forms the first phase of Aberdeen Sports Village & RGU: SPORT’s PGTC Community Programme through the use of local coaches and volunteers to deliver the activities. The Community Programme is set to raise the profile of the London Olympics and the Cameroon Team’s visit, and inspire the people of the North East.

Jan Griffiths, Sports Development Manager at Aberdeen Sports Village said:

“We are delighted to have been awarded the Inspire Mark for ASV’s World Sports Tour. We’re confident that the programme of activities will be inspirational to local children and, through the signposting element of the project, will provide existing children’s sports clubs across the city with a wealth of new talented and ambitious athletes.”

ASV’s World Sports Tour is open to children from P4 to S2 of all abilities, and takes place at Aberdeen Sports Village on Thursdays from 4pm to 5pm, starting on 26th April. Each session only costs £2 and spaces are limited, so advanced booking is essential. Spaces can be booked by calling 01224 438 900 or visiting Aberdeen Sports Village.

More details about ASV’s World Sports Tour can be found on www.aberdeensportsvillage.com.

Contact Details:

Kenny Gunnyeon,
Business Development Manager
Email: Kenny@aberdeensportsvillage.com
Tel: 01224 438 918

Learning On The Slippery Slope

Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, Articles, Information, Sport No Responses »

Mar 092012

With thanks to Dave Macdermid.

Aberdeen Snowsports Centre Instructor Training is a course designed to take applicants from recreational level participant to that of professional instructor in six weeks.
The training is geared toward creating employment in the growing snowsports industry locally and further afield.

The course will be held at Garthdee on Tuesdays from 5th May and it’s open to competent, knowledgeable skiers and snowboarders over 16 with an outgoing personalities and a willingness to learn.

Successful candidates will be able to become instructors at the Centre or develop their career within the National Recognised system.

This will be the centre’s fourth course delivered by highly-experienced qualified full time coaches, this time offering a revised syllabus covering personal performance improvement as well as teaching and instructional techniques.

It’s a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking for a new career or experience in the snowsports industry and a rare chance to train locally rather than undertaking expensive tuition abroad. Previous participants have gone on to train further and live the dream of instructing abroad. The course has proved popular with working professionals who enjoy the release of instructing after a hard day at the office.

Past successful trainees include:

Neil Cameron (39), Casual Snowboard Instructor

“I was a nervous applicant and was persuaded to come on the course by the guys at Aberdeen Snowsports Centre. The tuition was excellent and really improved my riding enabling me to understand how to use my board better and definitely made me a more accomplished rider. The skills given to me on the rookie course made the BASI Level 1 much easier and now I have the fun of teaching others to ride”

Jody Taylor (33), Casual Ski Instructor

“Through training on the Rookie Course last year the coaches have taken me from being able to get down a mountain to turning me into a skier. I now not only work at the slopes frequently, I met a great bunch of people along the way and the course has boosted my confidence no end!”

Joe Service (26), Casual Snowboard Instructor

“The snowboard rookie course is a great opportunity to develop your skills as a rider, develop your social life as a rider, and develop at the Centre as an instructor with the on-going instructor training.”

Further details and application forms are available from Aberdeen Snowsports Centre or online at: www.aberdeensnowsports.com

The deadline for application is Friday 6 April.

Funding Boost For Scottish Wheelchair Tennis Event

Articles, Community, Information, Sport No Responses »

Mar 012012

Scotland's GB Paralympic Hopeful Kevin Simpson

With thanks to Dave Macdermid.

Winning Wheels, the wheelchair tennis club based at Craiglockhart Tennis Centre, is pleased to announce that they have secured funding from Awards For All to support travel and hotel expenses for Scottish players travelling to the second Edinburgh Wheelchair Tennis Tournament.

The 2012 tournament being held on 14th and 15th April, is part of the Tennis Foundation’s development series. Entry is open now, with a closing date of March 22nd.

Please contact tournament organiser David Hogg for details:
davidhogg472@gmail.com or 07835222533.

Keith Thom (pictured) from Dumfries, last year’s inaugural series winner said:

“Having the Awards For All funding to support Scottish adult and junior players will hopefully encourage more disabled people to travel to this event and also help raise awareness of wheelchair tennis throughout Scotland.”

If you would like to try wheelchair tennis, weekly coaching sessions take place in Aberdeen, Stirling, Edinburgh and Glasgow. New players are always welcome, and all equipment is available at the tennis centre. For more information and details of sessions please contact:

Andrew Raitt
Andrew.raitt@tennisscotland.org or 07908091820

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