Family Archives - Page 10 of 17

Choir Of Davids Required For Festive World Record

Aberdeen City, Articles, Featured No Responses »

Nov 072014

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

Dozens of Davids are required for an encore performance to break a world record in Aberdeen.
Davids, Daves and Davies from across the north east are being sought to join the Choir of Davids at the Castlegate in Aberdeen on Sunday 23 November 2014 at 3pm.

The massed Choir of Davids will sing the Christmas carol ‘Once in Royal David’s City’ in an attempt to top the 121 tuneful singers gathered last year in an attempt to create the largest choir sharing the same name.

VisitAberdeen, the destination management organisation behind the Choir of Davids, was impressed with last year’s turnout but is convinced that Aberdeen has more to offer.

Although not officially recognised by Guinness World Records due to the topic being too narrow, organisers believe that the 2014 Choir of Davids was the biggest gathering of Davids in the world all signing ‘Once in Royal David’s City’.

Davids are being encouraged to spread the word via Twitter and Facebook, sharing photos of themselves holding signs proudly stating “I am David!” and using the hashtag #areyoudavid in the run up to the event.

Steve Harris, Chief Executive of VisitAberdeen, says:

“We were thrilled to have so many Davids turn up to support our record attempt last year and hope to top the number this year with a melodic encore. Everyone’s got a friend called Dave, and we hope to hear all of them singing their hearts out at the Castlegate. We encourage all Davids to Tweet and Facebook their intention to take part in order to spread the word.

“Aberdeen’s festive celebrations fill the city with Christmas cheer every November and December, and we’re delighted to be a part of this again. The Christmas Lights Switch On Parade follow will follow our world record attempt at 5pm on Union Street, meaning the city centre will be buzzing with festive cheer.

“With great Christmas shopping opportunities and a full programme of events in the Winter Festival, we’re encouraging more people to consider the city for a festive break.”

The event is not limited to those bearing the name David, and VisitAberdeen encourages everyone to come and support the magnificent Choir of Davids which is guaranteed to get the festive season off to a great start.

The carol ‘Once in Royal David’s City’ was written and published by Miss Cecil Humphreys in 1848 as a poem, before being set to music a year later. The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at Kings College in Cambridge, which is broadcast annually, traditionally begins with a boy chorister singing the first verse of the carol solo.

Keep up to date with Aberdeen’s record attempt by visiting the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/areyoudavid or follow the event on Twitter www.twitter.com/areyoudavid2014 using the hashtag #areyoudavid

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Willows Animal Sanctuary Halloween Event – 01.11.14

Aberdeenshire, Information No Responses »

Oct 312014

With thanks to Suzanne Kelly.

Come and meet our stunning European Eagle Owls named Hedwig and Errol at our special Halloween event on the 1st of November, 11.30 am till 3.30pm. We will be holding a spooky treasure hunt, raffle and tombola. There will be free entry to the visitor attraction for all children in fancy dress!

The events run from 11:30 am through 4:30pm; they include:-

Live music,
Bottle Stall,
Tombola,
Plant sale,
Lucky ducks,
Gift shop,
Coffee Shop,
Raffle,
and Home-bakes.

Willows Animal Sanctuary, Lambhill Farm, Strichen, Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire AB43 6NY

Reg. Charity No. SCO29625

Tel. 01771 653112
www.willowsanimals.com
email kate@willowsanimals.com

A Hinna Got Time (So Fowk Say)

Creative Writing, Opinion 1 Response »

Oct 242014

By Bob Smith.

A’m fleein aroon fae a ti b
Placies ti visit, things ti dee
If a canna git ‘ere quick bi car
A’ll gyang on a plane fin it’s ower far

Bring up ma bairns! Tak them ti the park!
Aat idea ma mannie wint oot wi the ark
A’m already workin aicht ‘oors a day
So the nursery skweel fees A’m able ti pay

Tak the weans ti skweel? A’m nae daft
Are ye thinkin’ ma heid’s a bittie saft
Collect them ti? div ye nae see?
Grunnie dis aat, She’s nithing else ti dee

Leuk efter the aal’ eens? Na na ma freen
Social services tak care o’ a bodie gyaan deen
A’ve nae got time ti leuk in bye ti see
It’s nae ma fault the puir bugger micht dee

Relax in the gairden? Ye maan be jokin!
The verra idea his got me boakin
Jist cover it aa up wi a wee suppie tar
So a can park my bonnie big car

Foo ti relax? Noo ‘ere’s the hub
A ken, A’ll awa’ doon ti the pub
Efter a fyow drinks a’ll be as richt as rain
Syne ready ti rush aboot aa ower again

©bob smith “the poetry mannie” 2014
Image Credit: Family – Olga Vasilkova, Dreamstime Stock Photos.
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Full Steam Ahead At Grampian Transport Museum

Aberdeenshire, Information No Responses »

Oct 102014

With thanks to Martyn Smith.

The Grampian Transport Museum will be welcoming visitors this October with a number of special activities taking place during the school holidays.
The museum’s final rides afternoon of the season takes place on Wednesday 15th October, from 1.30pm – 3.30pm.

Celebrating its centenary year, the museum’s Sentinel Steam Waggon will take centre stage and will offer visitors the chance of a ride around the museum’s outdoor circuit.

The Sentinel will be joined by a pair of stunning Stanley Steam cars, owned by a local enthusiast. Dating from the early twentieth century there are thought to be just three of these left in Scotland!

A number of static displays will be on show too – a live steam 3.5” gauge Stevenson’s Rocket will be on show alongside a selection of miniature traction engines and railway locomotives.

Then the fun continues with a special Halloween Activity Afternoon on Thursday 23rd, from 1pm – 3.30pm. With Halloween activities, quizzes and crafts plus face painting, balloon modelling and a magic show it’s an afternoon not to be missed.

Entry to both events is included in the museum’s standard admission which is £9.50 for adults, £7.50 for concessions and 2 children admitted FREE with every adult.

Grampian Transport Museum is open daily from 10am – 4pm up until Sunday 26th October, giving visitors the chance to see fantastic displays including the Great Train Robbery Exhibition and 1910 ‘round radiator’ Maudslay, which are on display this season only.

A Mither

Creative Writing, Opinion No Responses »

Oct 032014

By Bob Smith.

A mither’s love is eynless
A mither’s love nivver tires
A mither’s love kens nae bounds
A mither’s love inspires

A mither gied ye a bosie
Fin ye fell an skin’t yer knee
A mither syne telt ye aff
Fer climmin up aat tree

A mither’s maist affa wise
An telt ye wrang fae richt
A mither jist shook her heid
Fin thocht ye nae aat bricht

A mither she aye listen’t
As ye hit een o yer lows
A mither gied ye spunk
Ti tackle aa life’s woes

Ay myn o aat gweed wumman
Be she mither, mum or mam
Fowk aa ower the warld
Should toast mithers wi a dram

©Bob Smith “The Poetry Mannie”2013
Image: © Melissa M. Morris | Dreamstime Stock Photos
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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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Aberdeen Forward: The Very Big Festive Giveaway

Aberdeen City, Environment, Information No Responses »

Sep 252014

With thanks to Elaine Murray.

Environmental charity, Aberdeen Forward, is once again welcoming the Aberdeen community to their Very Big Festive Giveaway Day on Saturday 27th September between 10am and 2pm.

As usual at the Giveaway, Aberdeen Forward will offer community groups, schools, businesses and individual’s free access to stationery, arts & craft resources and even toys.

This year there will be a special Halloween theme!

But the event does not just end there – we will have several stalls selling local-based goodies, and even some complimentary pumpkin soup for visitors on arrival. There will also be raffle (tickets £1 available now) with a range of excellent prizes from a range of local businesses worth more than £200.

As if all of this was not enough, Aberdeen Forward are providing a Halloween-themed pumpkin carving class and a jewellery-making class free of charge for visitors to the event. Attendees will also have the opportunity to attend talks on Zero Waste throughout the morning, to find out what they can do with the waste likely to be generated from the Halloween period.

Entry to the Big Giveaway Day is £3.00 for adults, children under 16 are free. The Giveaway days are at our premises at 2 Poynernook Road. No need to book and please bring as many friends and family members as you like!

There is no need to let anyone know you are coming, just pop along and enjoy this great community day.

The Giveaway day takes place at Aberdeen Forward, 2 Poynernook Road, AB11 5RW. For more details phone 01224 560360, email courses@aberdeenforward.org or visit www.facebook.com/aberdeenforward

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.

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