Education Archives - Page 13 of 22

Dons Seek Gold Support For Children’s Cancer Charity

Aberdeen City, Information, Sport 1 Response »

Sep 262014

With thanks to Dave Macdermid.

Fraser Adams (8) meets Dons Captain Russell Anderson and Vice-Captain Mark Reynolds.

Dons Captain Russell Anderson and Vice-Captain Mark Reynolds discovered not a pot of gold but a gold ribbon on their pitch which appeared during Childhood cancer Awareness Month this September.

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is raising awareness of the impact of childhood cancer, and of CLIC Sargent’s work supporting young cancer patients and their families.

Every month, thousands of families deal with the devastating impact of a cancer diagnosis and its treatment. Cancer treatment for children is often gruelling and can start immediately, last as long as three years and take place many miles from home.

Throughout September, people across the UK are going gold – wearing gold ribbons, holding their own gold event or texting “GOLD” to 70030 to donate £3* to CLIC Sargent for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

At the home of his heroes was 8 year old Fraser Adams from Aberdeen who is currently being treated for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia at Aberdeen’s Royal Children’s Hospital. The family are being supported by CLIC Sargent’s nurse and social worker. Fraser was diagnosed in May 2013 and has another 2 years of treatment left.

The first 3 phases of Fraser’s treatment was very intense, he missed a lot of school and had very little energy. He’s now in the Maintenance stage of his treatment and is feeling fit and well. He is back full time at school, back at his school football training and participating in the game he loves.

Spokesperson’s name, from Aberdeen FC, said:

“We’re really excited to go gold for CLIC Sargent and delighted to encourage our players, staff and supports to text “GOLD” to donate.

“Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is a fantastic opportunity to show we are standing by children with cancer, and their families.”

Holly Taylor, CLIC Sargent’s Fundraising Manager for the North East of Scotland and Shetland said:

“We’re so pleased the Dons are promoting our going gold for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month by encouraging folk to Text ‘GOLD’ to 70030 to donate £3* to help us support children like Fraser and their families.

“Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is a great opportunity for schools, businesses, universities and communities to show they are standing by children with cancer.

“If you or your school, group or workplace would like to join in the fun and go gold in September you can find out more at www.clicsargent.org.uk/ccam or call 0845 1212 492.”

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is in partnership with Network Rail.

*You will be charged £3, plus one message at your standard network rate. 100% of your donation will be received by CLIC Sargent, Registered Charity No: 1107328 and Scotland SC039857. If you have any questions please call 0845 120 4442

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2000 Attend Grampian Motorcycle Convention

Aberdeenshire, Featured, Information No Responses »

Sep 122014

The 32nd annual Grampian Motorcycle Convention took place at the Grampian Transport Museum on Sunday 7th September. With thanks to Martyn Smith.

The ‘Moped Mayhem’ was introduced to the North East of Scotland in 1984

Despite atrocious weather conditions around 2,000 stalwarts descended on the outdoor arena to enjoy one of the very best motorcycle shows in Britain.
Performances from Scotland’s number one stunt rider Kevin Carmichael wowed the crowds throughout the afternoon.
Kevin’s competitive career began at the age of 7 when he took up schoolboy motocross and in 2002 Kevin was crowned World Champion in Texas.

The Convention introduced Moped Mayhem to the North East of Scotland in 1984 and this year’s Convention was no exception with a number of enthusiastic riders taking to the circuit and also to the custom built off road sections, which proved to be an interesting spectacle given the weather conditions.

Also taking place on the arena were the popular pursuits and Supermoto races, demonstrating speedway style riding skills in front of the packed grandstand.

Ever since the Convention began in 1983 there has been a vintage and classic bike parade – this year there were over thirty bikes of all ages on display and on the track. Museum Trustee, Peter Donaldson brought along his 1962 Ariel Leader which took to the circuit during the Classic Bike Parade.

Peter has been taking part in the Convention for the last 10 years and commented:

“Considering the awful weather I thought it was a fantastic day. The Grampian Motorcycle Convention really is the highlight of the year as far as the Biking calendar is concerned and I can’t wait for the 2015 Convention”

Also in attendance for the first time was Honda’s ‘My First License’ – providing youngsters with the opportunity to learn to ride in a safe and controlled environment.

The Grampian Motorcycle Convention is run by the Bon Accord Motorcycle Club and is a regular fixture in the Grampian Transport Museum’s busy outdoor calendar.

Grampian Motorcycle Convention: GTM Sunday Sept 7

Aberdeenshire, Information No Responses »

Sep 052014

With thanks to Martyn Smith, Marketing and Events Organiser, Grampian Transport Museum.

The 32nd Grampian Motorcycle Convention will be staged at the Grampian Transport Museum showground this Sunday 7th September.

The Convention has grown steadily from vintage and classic roots into the biggest event of the year at the venue and is recognised as one of the very best motorcycle shows in Britain.

Famously the Convention combines as many aspects of motorcycling activity as possible on the museum site, in an action packed programme.

The Convention introduced Moped Mayhem to Scotland back in 1984 and was among the first to showcase the staggering skills of the current generation of stunt riders.
2014 will see Scotland’s number one stunt master, Kevin Carmichael and his jaw-dropping routine. Kevin uses every one of the 150hp of his stunt bike for his act!

Run by the Bon Accord Motorcycle Club, the Convention line up is awesome with Supermoto Racing on the oval track, with speedway type riding skills, classic racer demos featuring the great names from the past; Norton, Triumph, AJS and pursuits where two machines attempt to catch each other.

Add to this drag racers, custom bikes and all the very latest machines at a great trade show and you start to understand why enthusiasts travel hundreds of miles for this event.

For youngsters there will be mini motos and for the first time a chance to learn to ride with the Honda ‘My First License’ riding experience.

Local Harley expert Lewis Reid is currently undertaking an epic charity ride on an 80cc step through moped – setting off from Aberdeen he will head for Lands End, before returning to Jon O’Groats and back to the convention to take part in the Moped Marathon. Lewis is undertaking this challenge to help raise awareness of Autism UK and Asperger’s Syndrome.

Further information about the charity ride can be found at facebook.com/ToughMotorworks.

Free parking with a FREE Park & Ride service, good food and an expert commentary make the Convention very special indeed.

Gates open at 10am and activities start at 11am. Family tickets are available for just £25, admission for adults is £10, children £5 and concessions £7.

AllFord At Alford: McRae Cars Added To Line Up

Aberdeenshire, Events No Responses »

Aug 292014

Grampian Transport Museum is delighted to announce a few late additions to the vehicle line up of the inaugural AllFord event at Alford this weekend. With thanks to Martyn Smith, Marketing and Events Organiser, Grampian Transport Museum.

A 1979 Ford Escort MK2, built to the exact specifications of the late Colin McRae, will be displayed for the first time in a number of years when it appears at AllFord this Sunday.
Now owned by the late WRC champion’s wife Alison, the vehicle was commissioned by Gordon Birtwistle of Proflex UK, on behalf of Colin.

With DJM Motorsport confirmed to undertake the special project, work began on the donor vehicle in early 2003.

The Escort was ready by July 2004 and went on to make a number of appearances during 2004 & 2005, rekindling the legendary partnership of McRae and Grist once more.

Also on display at AllFord will be the former WRC champion’s 2001 Ford Focus – Y4 FMC. This car, co-driven by Nicky Grist, was one of the Ford works vehicles which featured in the 2001 World Rally Championship, at a time when Ford was within sight of their first World Title in some 20 years. It was at the Welsh stage of the Rally of Great Britain that an accident in this very vehicle ultimately cost Colin the title.

The Focus was rebuilt and then competed in by Cumbria based Paul Benn before changing hands again and competing in the BTRDA rally, driven by Hugh Hunter. It is now locally owned by north east businessman Bob Shepherd of Station Garage, Torphins.

The final McRae vehicle on display is Colin’s father Jimmy McRae’s 1987 Sierra RS Cosworth. The vehicle was most recently driven at the Colin McRae Forest stages with Olympic Gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy co-driving alongside Jimmy himself.

The organisers of AllFord would like to pass on their sincere thanks to both Jimmy and Alison McRae for their kind support of the event.

Another late addition to the line up is a brand new 2014 registered Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. The Supercharged V8 will add a touch of Americana to the event and will prove to be a real head turner when it arrives from Inverness.

A show ‘n’ shine competition as well as an award for ‘The Choice of the People’ – the vehicle the public vote as their most popular at the event – will add an element of fun to proceedings.

AllFord at Alford takes place on Sunday 31st August from 11am – 4pm. Admission to the event is £5, with children under 16 admitted free.

AllFord at Alford: More Star Cars Confirmed.

Aberdeenshire, Events, Information No Responses »

Aug 222014

Grampian Transport Museum, Alford, is preparing to welcome Ford fans next Sunday (31st August) for the inaugural AllFord event. With thanks to Martyn Smith, Marketing and Events Organiser, Grampian Transport Museum.

AllFord at Alford will be a celebration of everything ‘Fordie’ from 1908 to the present day and is the museums first ever gathering of everything connected with Ford.
Over 170 vehicle entries have already been received, with everything from standard family cars to high performance rally vehicles and rare examples from the pioneering days of the motor
car.

Local businessman Sandy Dalgarno will be displaying a number of ex-works rally cars, including a 1972 Group 4 Escort Mexico rally car which competed in the Sydney to London Rally earlier this year. An unregistered MK5 Cortina, clocking up just 92 miles from new, will also be brought for display.

Another exciting addition to the event is the ‘Charles Bang’ slingshot dragster, which featured in this years SpeedFest event, will also be on show, falling under the banner of ‘Ford powered’ specials – thanks to its flathead Ford V8 Engine. Built in 1955 it went on to set the USA ‘D’ class record in 1965, running a quarter mile with an elapsed time of just over 10.3 seconds.

Recently on display at the Trinity Centre in Aberdeen the dragster will make its final appearance in the North East at AllFord. Although a static event, the dragster will be fired up to give members of the public an idea of the immense sound it produces.

Also in attendance will be a 1992 Escort Cosworth, driven by Malcolm Wilson. Wilson achieved his long-held ambition of winning the British Rally Championship in 1994 at the wheel of this very vehicle, which was subject to a complete nuts and bolts restoration in 2002. Powered by a turbocharged Cosworth engine, producing around 350bhp, the car also featured in the 1996 Scottish Rally Championship under the care of current owner George Gauld.

Commercial vehicles will also be represented, with entries including a 1976 F100 pick up, and 1970 MK1 Escort van confirmed so far. Historic vehicles including no less than 6 Model T Fords, ranging from as early as 1911 to 1926, will also be present, along with a pair of 1930 Model A examples from the Stonehaven area

Fans of the classic American TV series Starsky and Hutch will also be delighted, with a replica of the shows iconic Gran Torino – signed by Huggy Bear himself – brought by Celebrity Car Hire in Aberdeen.

Away from the vehicle displays a number of trade stands will be present, including the likes of Autoglym and RA Plates and Signs. North East Scotland College will also be on site, providing visitors with information on a range of courses including mechanical courses available.

Museum curator, Mike Ward, explains the rationale behind this new event:

“Where better than Alford to stage AllFord! Our location gave us the idea! Ever since the museum first opened in 1983 there has been a Model T in the exhibition. You simply cannot explain the history of the car to school children without one.

Henry Ford’s immense contribution to transport history with his introduction of ‘motoring for the masses’ was continued by the Ford Motor Company with successive innovative and popular cars. That legacy and the popular appeal of Ford’s family cars and competition cars, makes Ford the obvious choice for the museum’s first one marque celebration!”

AllFord at Alford takes place on Sunday 31st August from 11am – 4pm. Admission to the event is £5, with children under 16 admitted free.

Dalek Day At GTM

Aberdeenshire, Featured, Information No Responses »

Aug 222014

The Grampian Transport Museum is inviting all Whovians to the museum this coming Saturday (23rd August) to help celebrate the launch of the new Doctor Who series. With thanks to Martyn Smith, Marketing and Events Organiser, Grampian Transport Museum.

The award winning Alford visitor attraction will be celebrating Peter Capaldis first full outing as the Doctor by putting together a special Dalek Day from 1pm to 3pm.

Museum visitors will be able to have their photo taken alongside the museums very own blue Police box, plus a fully mobile and operational Dalek will be mingling with visitors inside the museum – again providing a great photo opportunity.

A number of special Doctor Who quizzes will be taking place, plus there will be a prize for the best Doctor Who themed fancy dress!

Finally the Banff based Deveron River Brass Band will also be performing throughout the event, playing the shows famous signature theme plus scores from the recent series and other well known sci-fi music to help keep visitors entertained.

Mike Ward, museum curator, is looking forward to the return of the TV show and to welcoming fans to the museum on Saturday:

“Doctor Who is one of the all-time sci-fi greats and has a legendary following. It seems fitting that a museum connected with the world of land transport and travel should celebrate the return of a character who has travelled so far – even if it is through time and space! Our Dalek always proves popular and this is its first outing this season so it’s a great chance for fans to meet the Doctors most infamous foe up close!”

Admission to the Dalek Day is included in the museums standard admission which is £9.50 for adults, £7.50 for concessions and 2 children are admitted free with every adult.

Should Young People Be Allowed Time Off School To Vote

Aberdeen City, Opinion 4 Responses »

Aug 152014

Struan King - European Elections Polling Station

Struan King believes the value placed on the youth vote needs to change.

With thanks to Struan King.

Two young people from Aberdeen have written to Jenny Laing and Mike Russell calling for 16 and 17 year olds to be allowed time off school to vote in the referendum.
Aberdeen Central’s two MSYPs have asked whether those in school and who are registered to vote could be allowed to miss out some of their school day to visit their local polling station and cast their ballots.

Struan King is the former Chairperson of Aberdeen City Youth Council 2013-14

Struan King MSYP commented:

“Young people are those who will be most affected by the Scottish Question and as such it is essential that they are given every possible opportunity to get involved.

Voting is a key part of the democratic process and that is something that is now part of the Curriculum for Excellence being taught in schools. Rather than preaching the importance of taking part in politics, we hope that they can instead be given time to actually make their mark.”

“As part of the run-up to the September Vote we as MSYP aim to reach as many young people as possible and will be supporting a variety of engagement activities in Aberdeen”

Michael Hutchison added:

“This would be a simple and practical measure to ensure that young people have the opportunity to actually cast their vote.

“Allowing those who have registered to vote to take a short time out of school to get to and from the polling station shouldn’t be asking for too much.

“I hope that this suggestion will be considered and I would be delighted if it helped lead to increased turnout among young people.”

WHY IS VOTING IMPORTANT?

Struan King MSYP commented:

“It is common practice for young people to be excluded from participating in the democratic process; the value placed on the youth vote needs to change.”

“No matter how they vote we want to ensure they do vote and do so informed and empowered”

“There are so many issues that affect young people and very few elected members are actively consulting or championing their voices. What we as a Youth Parliament do is step up to ensure every young person has their voice and has the information to get involved.”

WILL AN INCREASE IN YOUNG VOTERS CHANGE POLITICS?

Struan King MSYP commented:

“Extending the Vote to 16 & 17 year olds is a landmark for Scottish politics. The acid test will come post September in how this historic opportunity is carried forward; has the referendum re-engaged youth and will we see more young people involved in all levels of the democratic process.”

Comments enabled – see comments box below. Note, all comments will be moderated.[Aberdeen Voice accepts and welcomes contributions from all sides/angles pertaining to any issue. Views and opinions expressed in any article are entirely those of the writer/contributor, and inclusion in our publication does not constitute support or endorsement of these by Aberdeen Voice as an organisation or any of its team members.]

Great Train Robbery Exhibit Update

Aberdeenshire, Featured, History No Responses »

Aug 152014

The Land Rover and Diorama are moving on at the end of August. With thanks to Martyn Smith, Marketing & Events Organiser, Grampian transport Museum.

Time is running out for members of the public to catch a glimpse of history at the Grampian Transport Museum.

As part of this year’s Great Train Robbery exhibit, a Series 1 Land Rover and Austin Loadstar truck – two of the actual vehicles used in the raid – have been reunited for what is believed to be the first time since the night of the robbery.

The first serious exhibit of its kind, The Great Train Robbery provides an accurate and balanced insight into the events which took place in the early hours of 8th August 1963.

Still billed as the ‘Crime of the Century’ the temporary exhibition, produced by the British Postal Museum and Archive, is further complimented with evidence from Scotland Yard and private collectors.

To help set the scene an absolutely accurate Son et Lumiere model, showing the Bridego Railway Bridge in Ledburn, arrived at the museum in June having been kindly loaned by the Luton Model Railway Club. However at the end of this month both the scale model and Land Rover will be returning to their respective owners.

Mike Ward, museum curator, explains what having the diorama means for museum visitors:

“The robbery took place in the days before rolling news channels and social media meaning there weren’t any pictures taken at the time of the raid. However the Luton Model Railway Club has done a fantastic job of recreating such a detailed scene from the Police photography taken in hours after the event. Our Great Train Robbery exhibition is a fair and accurate account of the raid and its effects on all those involved. We’ve been very fortunate to have such a powerful and topical exhibition this season.”

The Austin Loadstar truck, along with the British Postal Museum & Archive exhibits, will remain at the museum until the end of the 2014 season.

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[Aberdeen Voice accepts and welcomes contributions from all sides/angles pertaining to any issue. Views and opinions expressed in any article are entirely those of the writer/contributor, and inclusion in our publication does not constitute support or endorsement of these by Aberdeen Voice as an organisation or any of its team members.]

AllFord Heading For Alford

Aberdeenshire, Information No Responses »

Aug 142014

A brand new event celebrating Ford through the ages will be taking place at the Grampian Transport Museum later this month. With thanks to Martyn Smith, Marketing and Events Organiser, Grampian Transport Museum.

AllFord at Alford is the museum’s first ever gathering of everything Ford, from 1908 to the present day and will be held on Sunday 31st August.
With over 100 vehicles already confirmed, fans of the iconic Blue Oval can expect an eclectic mix of vehicles including Model T’s, Model A’s, Cortina’s, Zephyrs plus a replica of the Gran Torino from the iconic TV show Starsky and Hutch.

Ford Powered vehicles will also be represented, with a 1991 Jago Jeep and a Ford Powered Robin Hood Lotus 7 Kit Car also in attendance.

A fun addition to AllFord is the ‘Show and Shine’ competition plus a special award for ‘The Choice of the People’, where members of the public will be able to vote for the vehicle they deem the most popular at the event.

Mike Ward (pictured), museum curator, is looking forward to the first AllFord event.

“The idea of having an event called AllFord in Alford has been talked about for a number of years now. Since the museum opened 31 years ago there has been a continuous storyline about Henry Ford and the enormous contribution he made to the motoring industry and this has always been a key part of our exhibition.

“When it was launched back in 1908 the Model T made motoring for the masses a reality and there isn’t anywhere more fitting than an award winning museum in Alford for an event called AllFord to take place!”

Forget ‘The Island’ – Become A Wild Woman!

Events, Information No Responses »

Jul 042014

With thanks to Jennifer Kelly.

As a response to the gripping TV show ‘The Island’, Wild things! has launched a Wild Woman weekend, giving women across the nation a chance to embrace their inner ‘Bear Gals’.

With no experience required, the weekend promises to inspire, educate and fulfill even the most unlikely Wild candidates.

Based on the Moray Coast, the environmental education charity is encouraging women to swap their hectic lives for a two-day wilderness escape on August 2nd and 3rd2014.

Arriving in true castaway fashion, the weekend will begin by boat to a remote location. From there, the intrepid explorers will learn traditional living skills such as how to identify wild edible and medicinal plants, cooking over an open fire, having a go at some creative camp craft, as well as sleeping in a hammock or tipi under the stars.

Jennie, the lead instructor for the course says:

“On this wonderful coast, the only sounds you’ll hear at night will be that of the coastal birds and, if we’re lucky, grey and common seals. The course will be restorative, inspiring and fun. You don’t have to be butch, brave or buxom as we will work together as a team. There will be some challenges but only those that will leave you feeling more alive than you ever thought possible, as well as totally in love with the natural world (if you weren’t already!).”

Wild things! is a Scottish environmental education charity based in Findhorn, Moray.

Wild things! offers a variety of inspiring wilderness and nature experiences for all ages and abilities regardless of learning challenges or physical and financial difficulties.

For more information about any of our programmes visit our website www.wild-things.org.uk, or call us on 01309 690450.

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