Family Archives - Page 12 of 17

Aboyne Strongman Lifts Some Extra Special Weights

Jul 112014

Forget cabers and stones – local Aboyne strongman James is practicing his weightlifting with some real, live Highland dancers. With thanks to Eoin Smith.

To celebrate the launch of this year’s Aboyne Highland Games official programme, local Aboyne weightlifter, James Dawkins, 21, put his super-human strength to the test by lifting a pair of highland dancers, Amy Lawson –Anderson, 6, and Kirsty Dundas, 9.

The girls, also from Aboyne, used the opportunity to demonstrate their impressive balancing skills by holding their dance poses perfectly on the palms of James’s hands.

The young strongman made balancing the girls look like a walk in the park and as if he could in fact toss them like a caber. They are all hoping to perform just as well at this year’s Games, on Saturday August 2nd on Royal Deeside.

The programme celebrates the activities and stories surrounding the Games as well as listing the attractions to enjoy on the day.

There will be 96 arena events, including the famous ‘heavies’ tossing the cabers, highland dancing, a fiddle competition and rousing pipe bands.

The Games will also host 70 trade stands and a fun fair for the kids to enjoy.

As well as the traditional events, there will also be some sporting events to participate in. Some are more competitive than others – from the high jump and junior sack race to the extra gruelling Fungle Hill Race.

As part of 2014’s Homecoming celebrations, the Games have marked this extra special year by finding a strongman to take on the Dinnie Stones challenge. UK strongman, Mark Felix, a competitor at the World’s Strongest Man, is taking on the challenge to lift and carry the original stones, which weight over 773lbs over a distance of 4 metres.

Mark is attempting to recreate the feat set by the legendary Donald Dinnie, celebrated as ‘The World’s Greatest Athlete of the 19th Century’, who famously carried the ‘Dinnie Stanes’ across the Potarch Bridge in Aberdeenshire in 1867.

Ian Scott, Aboyne Highland Games chairman, says:

“More than 9000 visitors from all over the world are expected to visit us on the village green on August 2nd. People of all ages will be able to enjoy the events whether they are competing or spectating. There really is something for all the family to enjoy – from the famous ‘Dinnie Stanes’ attempt to the highland dancing.”

Further information on the games and all of the activities can be found by visiting www.aboynegames.com

SpeedFest 2014 Draws In The Crowds

Aberdeenshire, News No Responses »

Jul 042014

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

Alford SpeedFest 2014 took place at the Grampian Transport Museum on Sunday 29th June with nearly 4,000 people flocking to the outdoor arena to see the largest gathering of rare supercars, performance cars and historic racing cars in the North East of Scotland.

Now in its fifth year, highlights for the 2014 event included displays of the ‘Jim Robbins Special’ Indy car plus the ‘Charles Bang Special’ dragster – a record holder, having set the US ‘D’ class quarter mile record.

The ‘Early Bird Rides’ began on the circuit at 11am, giving members of the public the opportunity to jump into the passenger seat of some of the days participating vehicles.

The event was officially opened at 12.30pm by Joel Sande, father of UK pop star Emeli Sande.

The cutting of a fantastic Packard Bentley inspired cake confirmed that the event was officially underway before Richard Pargetter took to the sky in his Pitts Special to wow the crowds with the first of the day’s displays.

The traditional pursuits took place in the afternoon, with regular demonstrations from the guest vehicles including the Packard Bentley driven by Chris Williams, taking to the track complete with white boiler suit and bowler hat. Spitting flames out of the exhausts of its 1500bhp, 42 litre engine the vehicle was a real crowd pleaser.

Static paddocks were complimented by the appearance of not one but two of the classic McRae Rally Cars, including Y4 FMC (one of the Ford Focus rally cars driven by the late Colin McRae) This complimented perfectly the Ford Sierra RS Cosworth rally car which was also in attendance.

As the day came to a conclusion a ‘Best of British’ parade took to the circuit, featuring some of the vehicles which had taken part in the track events. They were then joined by a rare McLaren P1 for the final few laps.

Museum curator, Mike Ward, enjoyed the day’s proceedings.

“SpeedFest 2014 was a really great event and I’m sure people will long remember the three special guest cars we had – it’s the first time we’ve had a dragster on our circuit, the first time we’ve had an Indy racer on our circuit and certainly the first time we’ve had a 42 litre aero engined Packard Bentley on our circuit. These vehicles captured the imagination of the crowds and it was great to see so much track activity on the day.”

The event organisers would like to express their thanks to the many supporters who helped make the event possible, including John Clark Motors, Parks Motor Group, Revolutions UK, Fennel Inverurie and Peter Vardy Porsche. Special thanks also to the many drivers and volunteer marshals and not forgetting the North East public, whose continued support helped ensure a great event in 2014.

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Willows Animal Sanctuary Open Day Saturday 5 July

Aberdeenshire, Featured, Information No Responses »

Jul 042014

This Saturday offers two great opportunities for animal lovers to enjoy an entertaining day out and help support animal welfare charities into the bargain. With thanks to Suzanne Kelly.

Willows Animal Sanctuary invites you, your friends and family to its next Open Day. Willows in Strichen will hold its gala day this Saturday 5th July.

Come join the staff, farm, domestic, exotic and wild animals living at Willows.

There will be loads to do and see, and animals to meet.

All are welcome to come see the animals, meet the staff, and join in the festivities.

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.

Jenny Gray of Willows said:-

“We are hoping this will become a popular annual event to raise money for our winter feed.”

Costs for everyone are spiralling upwards, and animal sanctuaries such as Willows must bear the brunt of price increases. They are reliant on donors to keep going.

A new foal, Fern will be one of the stars of the show. Other new additions include a blind lamb and a racehorse.

Willows were approached by a caring lady who lives near Glasgow and asked to help with a blind lamb whose mother died giving birth to her. Willows were able to give her sanctuary here and also to accept another orphan lamb to become her sighted companion. The blind lamb has been checked by a vet and given the all clear. Both lambs have settled in well and are very popular with visitors.

Chief is an ex racehorse who arrived in early March 2014. His owner was desperate to find him a safe home as he had lost his companions one by one as they be-came old and unwell and these losses were making him extremely stressed. He is an absolutely lovely boy who was totally relaxed about being relocated to Willows.

Somehow the new arrivals sense the peaceful atmosphere at Willows Animal Sanctuary and quickly appear as if they have been resident for years!

Also on Saturday, Redwing Riding School will hold its annual show at Blaikewell Farm.

Click to Enlarge.

Redwing Riding school was opened in 1985 to pay for the maintenance of the growing animal population at Blaikiewell Animal Sanctuary. Blaikewell is a small charity in Deeside, Aberdeenshire, providing a home to over 60 horses and ponies, two Jersey cows, and six pigs as well as cats, dogs and any other animal or bird that needs a safe place.
Redwing Riding School has always been conducted with the welfare of the horses and ponies firmly in first place

There will be prizes for horse and rider in many different events, and a raffle to raise funds for the school and Blaikiewell’s. Anyone wishing to help support the animals at Blaikewell can make a donation via this link.

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‘Big Stuff Rides’ At GTM Thursday 10th July 2pm – 4pm

Aberdeenshire, Events, Featured No Responses »

Jul 042014

The Grampian Transport Museum in Alford is preparing to host its first Rides session of the School summer holidays when representatives from the world of commercial vehicles take to the circuit on Thursday 10th July.

‘Big Stuff Rides’ will give museum visitors the chance to jump in the passenger seats of some interesting and unusual commercial vehicles – including vintage buses from the Aberdeen & District Transport Preservation Trust, recovery vehicles from S.S Walker in Aberdeen and a 1975 Commer Fire Engine which is privately owned by an enthusiast from Aultmore, near Keith.

These ‘rides’ sessions are unique to the Grampian Transport Museum in Alford and offer museum visitors the chance to take to the passenger seat and enjoy laps around the dedicated road circuit at no additional cost, being included in the museums standard admission.

Curator, Mike Ward, is looking forward to summer at the museum.

“It’s always a great feeling when we reach the summer season. Our unique events programme gets into full swing with events just like these ‘rides’ sessions, which are always popular with families and youngsters.

“July and August are among our busiest months and once the Big Stuff event has passed we still have the Classic & Vintage Gathering and Fast Car Rides events to look forward to before the end of the July!”

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Alford SpeedFest: Sun 29 June

Aberdeenshire, Featured, History No Responses »

Jun 242014

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

Enthusiasts will be heading to Aberdeenshire for the annual Alford SpeedFest, to be thrilled by the largest gathering of rare supercars, exciting performance cars, and historic racing cars in the north east of Scotland.

We are delighted to announce that Park’s Motor Group of Hamilton will be providing a collection of McLaren sports cars, to join the McLaren P1 supercar on display.

These will join iconic names such as Maserati, Lamborghini, Ferrari, Porsche, Lotus, Frazer Nash, Aston Martin, TVR.

SpeedFest is an established flagship event at the Grampian Transport Museum in Alford. SpeedFest generates a lot of excitement and will showcase 120 specially selected and invited cars to make up the best entry list ever seen in the north east. The cars themselves participating actively in the event are made as accessible as possible to the public.

The event is based around the oval road circuit which incorporates the famous Alford Pursuits. As well as seeing the cars put through their paces, families have the chance to join in with fast car rides for the first 150 through the gate before the event gets fully underway.

Organisers James Parker and Nick Livingstone comment ‘With 39 days to go, preparations for Alford SpeedFest14 are well underway. We are beginning collect and prepare some of our exhibits. The ‘Jim Robbins Special’, a 1951 Offenhauser engined Indycar, which was on pole position for the 1955 Indianapolis 500 has arrived, and is currently undergoing its final preparation for the event, where it will be running on track.

The car has kindly been lent to the event by Mr E. Dean. Butler. The car was last seen in public at the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed, where it was driven by the US Formula 1 driver, Eddie Cheever.’

Another EDB racing car on our track will be the ‘Charles Bang special’ slingshot dragster, which set the US ‘D’ class quarter mile record at 10.35 seconds.

Powered by a flathead V8, this car wowed the crowds at the 2008 Goodwood Festival of Speed, running in a display of vintage dragsters.

Most of the cars were shipped over from the USA, and, although the US has particularly rich pickings as far as drag cars go, the C.B. special made it into the show on its own merits.

Historic racer Chris Williams brings his unique Packard Bentley directly from the Cholmondeley of Power, this beast spits frames from the exhausts of the 1500bhp 42-litre supercharged engine and is more powerful than a Bugatti Veyron. Other key attractions this year include Jimmy McRae’s rally cars, and Richard Pargetter’s fantastic aerobatic display in his Pitts Special.

We are planning a great day for enthusiasts and families with exciting non-stop action on the circuit, and a range of sidestands and activities for families.

Local and national companies are providing support for the event, including Park’s Motor Group, John Clark BMW, Revolutions of Perth, Glack Attack mud run, EDB Racing, Storm Windows, Crosshill Garage.

We thank these companies for their charitable funding contribution for the Grampian Transport Museum.

Alford SpeedFest14
Sun 29 June 2014: 11:00am- 5:00pm
Grampian Transport Museum, Alford, Aberdeenshire AB33 8AE

Adult £10, Child £5, OAP £7, Family £25.
Tickets on the gate: Advance sales (inc. Early Bird fast car rides from May 26; tel GTM 01975 562292)

For further information please email James Parker or Nick Livingstone.
Web: alfordspeedfest.co.uk

Search For A Dinnie Stones Strongman At Aboyne Games

Events, Featured, Sport No Responses »

Jun 202014

Mark Felix will attempt to recreate Donald Dinnie’s amazing feat of strength.

World’s Strongest Man competitor, Mark Felix will take on the legendary Dinnie Stones challenge at 2014’s Aboyne Highland Games. With thanks to Eoin Smith.

After a global search, the annual Aboyne Highland Games have found a strongman worthy of attempting the ultimate strongman challenge – lifting and carrying the world famous Dinnie Stanes at this year’s games, which are taking place on Royal Deeside on Saturday August 2nd.

The event will also form part of the 800-strong Homecoming Scotland 2014 event programme which is designed to showcase hundreds of events and festivals across the country from mass participation to small community activity.

Strongman and World’s Strongest Man competitor Mark Felix will attempt to fill the athletic shoes of legendary Highland strongman Donald Dinnie. Mark will re-enact the famous scenario where he will attempt to lift and carry the original stanes, which weigh over 733 lbs, for a distance of over 5 yards, the width of the famous 200 year old Potarch Bridge.

Originally from Grenada, UK-based Mark has competed nine times at the World’s Strongest Man and is a previous World Record Holder for the IronMind Silver Bullet challenge. The muscleman will attempt to carry the stones over a replica of the Potarch Bridge placed in the centre of the Games arena, which has been created by pupils from Aboyne Academy.

Earlier this year, the Games were keen to find a strongman with credentials as impressive as Donald Dinnie. The search began initially by trying to locate a competitive weightlifter called Peter Puszer whose titles include Strongest Man in Slovakia. However, finding him proved to be the greatest challenge and the search went global, capturing the imagination of the local and national press.

Eventually, the mysterious Peter contacted the games, but was not able to visit to attempt to lift the stanes. Fortunately, the Games head-hunted muscleman Mark who is equally worthy of the ultimate strongman challenge.

Celebrated as the ‘World’s Greatest Athlete of the 19th Century’ with 20 Highland Games championships under his belt, Donald Dinnie famously carried the ‘Dinnie Stanes’ across the Potarch Bridge in Aberdeenshire in 1860 and then became a founding member of the Aboyne Highland Games in 1867.

If Donald Dinnie had the opportunity to compete in the Olympics in the 19th Century (or even possibly today) his strongman prowess and all round track and field talent would have catapulted him to true Olympic legend status. The Dinnie Stanes challenge is highly respected by strongmen and one that many have attempted, but not been able to complete without the use of aids in the past.

Ian Scott, chairman of the Aboyne Highland Games, comments:

“Donald Dinnie is a historical figure at the very heart of these games, as he was a founding member of the Games back in 1867. Having a World Strongest Man competitor take on the Dinne Stone challenge at this special Homecoming Scotland 2014 Games will be really exciting and one of the many highlights of this year’s games.

“We have a great range of events lined up for 2014’s Aboyne Highland Games and there really is something for all members of the family to enjoy.”

Mark Felix’s Dinnie Stanes attempt completes an exciting programme of events at this year’s games. More than 9000 visitors from all over the world will travel to Aboyne to enjoy an array of traditional events including the famous ‘heavies’ tossing the caber, throwing the heavy hammers, putting the shot, Tug o’ War, fiddle competition, as well as experiencing the stirring pipe bands and Scottish dancing.

And, all taking place in the stunning surroundings of Royal Deeside.

There will also be many other sporting events to see and take part in from the high jump to the junior sack race – a hugely popular event for children.

There is also the Fungle Hill race which offers the braver participants an extra tough circuit to test their legs on. Come and join us on August 2nd 2014.

Caroline Packman, Homecoming Scotland 2014 Director said:

“Aboyne Highland Games will see one of the most exciting feats of Homecoming Scotland 2014, when Mark Felix attempts to lift the legendary Dinnie Stones. Scotland is the perfect stage for events, and with over 9000 visitors from around the world set to visit Aberdeenshire in August, the Games will showcase the very best of Scottish tradition.”

Further information on the games and all of the activities can be found by visiting www.aboynegames.com

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Diorama Of Great Train Robbery Arrives At Alford

Aberdeenshire, History No Responses »

Jun 132014

Show stopping Model completes Great Train Robbery Exhibit. With thanks to Martyn Smith, Marketing & Events Organise

Scale model of the scene at the Bridego Railway Bridge, Ledburn

A new arrival to the collection at the Grampian Transport Museum has completed the line up of a topical new exhibition on the events of the Great Train Robbery.
Still billed as the ‘crime of the century’ the events which took place in the early hours of 8th Aug 1963 were only ever photographed in the hours after, when the authorities arrived to begin their investigation.

The Son et Lumiere model, which is now on show at the museum, is an absolutely accurate scale model of the scene at the Bridego Railway Bridge, Ledburn.

Recently built to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the infamous raid, it is on loan from the Luton Model Railway Club until the end of August and helps to bring together the first serious exhibition of its kind on the subject.

Having already reunited two of the actual vehicles used in the raid, Curator Mike Ward is delighted to have secured the Diorama.

“It’s great to have this show-stopping model as part of our Great Train Robbery exhibition. This has been painstakingly built, from scratch, working from the Police photographs which were taken in the hours after the raid – the only visual record of the scene of the crime which was captured.

“There was a lot of mis-information reported following the incident and the Luton Model Railway Club have done a fantastic job of peeling back the layers to get to the truth and recreate the scene of the crime. We’re very grateful to the Luton Club for allowing us to borrow the model until August. It really does put the finishing touches to our exhibition!”

Along with the Diorama, Grampian Transport Museum was also to locate and secure on loan the actual Austin Loadstar truck which was used to flee the scene of the crime with the loot. An ex army Land Rover Series 1 was also tracked down and is also on display until the end of August.

Father’s Day Supercar Rides At The GTM

Articles, Featured, History No Responses »

Jun 062014

With thanks to Martyn Smith.

Grampian Transport Museum will be the venue for a special treat for Dads on Father’s Day, Sunday 15th June.

Some of the world’s fastest and most exotic cars will take to the museums purpose-built road circuit, each with a passenger seat waiting to be taken. Just £10 will buy one of our Fathers Day Supercar Rides tickets, giving several laps around the track as a front seat passenger.

An eclectic mix of cars including Ferrari, Lamborghini, TVR, Luego, and Porsche will give Dad a day to remember.

Rides are limited to dads only – who must be over the age of 18 – but the event is a great day out for all the family. Tickets for the rides sessions are £10 if pre-booked or £15 on the day, subject to availability.

Later in the summer children will be able to enjoy a ride around the circuit as part of the ‘Big Stuff’ session, which takes place on Thursday 10th July – or the ‘Fast Car Rides’ session which takes place on Wednesday 23rd July.

The Grampian Transport Museum features a number of exciting and exclusive exhibitions for 2014 including The Great Train Robbery exhibit and multi-million pound HGV simulator. Also, the unique Junior Driving School will be open for younger visitors to enjoy.

GTM Classic And Vintage Gathering: Entries Sought

Aberdeenshire, Information No Responses »

May 232014

Grampian Transport Museum is accepting entries for its Classic and Vintage Afternoon Gathering 2014. With thanks to Martyn Smith, Marketing and Events Organiser, Grampian Transport Museum.

The Grampian Transport Museum is now accepting entries for its annual Classic and Vintage Afternoon Gathering on Sunday 20th July.
A traditional, relaxed meeting for owners of all pre-1990 cars, commercials and motorcycles, the gathering represents an excellent opportunity for enthusiasts to meet and display their cherished classic.

The event is also open to museum visitors as part of the standard admission price.

Pre-booked entry for car owners is £10; this is a donation which will be used to fund educational visits to the Grampian Transport Museum for local schools. Included in the price are admission to the museum itself and light refreshments – tremendous value considering the standard admission rate of £9.50 or £7.50 concessions.

Entry forms can be downloaded from the museum website at www.gtm.org.uk and should be completed and returned by Monday 7^th July.

The Grampian Transport Museum features a number of exciting and exclusive additions for 2014, including a Great Train Robbery exhibit – featuring real vehicles used in the raid – and a multi-million pound HGV simulator. The event is sure to add another dimension to the museum experience for visitors.

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Walk to Beat Blood Cancer – Sun 18 May, Hazelhead Park

Aberdeen City, Charity No Responses »

May 092014

With thanks to Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research.

Join us at Hazlehead Park, Aberdeen and enjoy a splendid walk through the the park, whilst enjoying the view of all its beauty. Dog lovers are most welcome for our Paws to Beat Blood Cancer. You can walk in memory of a loved one, to celebrate a life saved or simply for a great day out!

This lovely walk leads through the nurseries and den wood, where you can take in all its splendour.

The walk starts at Hazlehead Park, Hazelhead Avenue, Aberdeen, AB15 8HB.

Registration / Sign In opens at 10.00 am with the dog walk starting at 10.30 am and the
walk starting at 11 am.

The Pre-registration fee until 11pm on Thursday 15th May, for adult walkers is £10, under 12s are just £5,

dog & owner is £15. For a discounted price of £25 for the family, simply register two adults and two children using the online registration form and your discounted price will be calculated at the end.

Registration fees on the day will be £15 for adults, £5 for under 12s, dog & owner £20 and a Family of 2 adults and 2 children will be £30.

Families are very welcome to bring their dog using the family price above.

Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research is a leading UK charity dedicated to improving the lives of patients with all types of blood cancer, including leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma.

See more at: http://leukaemialymphomaresearch.org.uk/event/walking

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