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Entries Pour In For ‘How Many Left?’

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Feb 112016

Vauxhall Cavalier Mk2

With thanks to Martyn Smith.

A car show celebrating the forgotten classics of the motoring world will return to Alford on Sunday 22nd May.

Now in its second year, How Many Left? was a new addition to the events programme at the Grampian Transport Museum in 2015 and returns by popular demand.

Unlike conventional car shows, How Many Left? shines the spotlight on mass produced cars which may now be considered ‘endangered species’ due to there being less than 500 licensed examples remaining, according to DVLA statistics.

Vehicles will descend on the Aberdeenshire village from near and far, with over 60 cars already confirmed to attend. These include a 1993 Peugeot 504 pickup, a 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 – the car immortalised in the Back to the Future franchise – and a rare Granada Ghia Coupe – thought to be the only licensed examples on the road in Scotland.

A 1985 Fiat Panda 45, which participated in last year’s London to Brighton Rally, will also be making the trip north to take part in How Many Left?, with Panda enthusiast Vernon Hibberd making the 600 mile trip from his home in East Hampshire.

Building on the feedback gained from the inaugural event in 2015 a strong trade presence will give enthusiasts the chance to pick up sought after spares, consumables and detailing products to help ensure their cars remain in tip-top condition.

The museum’s Marketing & Events Organiser, Martyn Smith, commented:

“We’re delighted with the level of interest in How Many Left. It was clear at the end of last year’s event that it struck a chord with true enthusiasts and it simply had to return in 2016. One of the highlights for many of our visitors and participants was the Parallel Auto Test, which was truly entertaining to watch.”

Entry forms for How Many Left? 2016 can be downloaded via the museum’s website – www.gtm.org.uk/whats-on or by emailing events@gtm.org.uk

Help For Families Of Deaf Children

Articles, Information No Responses »

Feb 012016

With thanks to Esther Green, Tricker PR.

Offering support to families when they need it the most. National Deaf Children’s Society is running a families weekend in Edinburgh this month.

Families of young deaf children from across Scotland who gather in Edinburgh later this month to learn that deafness is no barrier to preventing a child achieving their dreams. Peer support, expert advice and professional information will be available for families getting to grips with a baby or toddler’s diagnosis during a weekend course organised by the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS) and funded by Aberdeen Asset Management.

The gathering, on 27 and 28 February, will be attended by families from Angus, East Lothian, Orkney, Argyll and Bute, Midlothian, Glasgow and other parts of Scotland.

Over 90% of the 3,850 plus deaf children in Scotland are from hearing families with no previous history or experience of deafness, so for many parents the diagnosis comes as a devastating and overwhelming shock.

The NDCS supports deaf children and young people, but in the early years of a child’s development, it is parents who need the charity the most. With the low incidence of deafness in Scotland, families often find themselves to be unique within their immediate communities, leading to feelings of isolation and uncertainty.

Heather Gray, NDCS director for Scotland and Northern Ireland explains:

“The NDCS Early Years weekends empower and inform parents at a crucial stage in their child’s development, and offer vital support and advice at a time when parents are still getting to grips with their child’s diagnosis.

“Families receive clear, unbiased information from audiology, education and from local sources of support over the course of the weekend, giving parents the opportunity to explore the options that are available to their child and ask the questions they have been unable to ask in busy everyday situations.

“Through receiving this information in a safe and relaxed environment, parents are able to gain an understanding of childhood deafness and develop a network of support which can assist them now and in the future.”

By bringing families together, parents have the opportunity to share their experiences and access vital peer support that can often exist far beyond the weekend itself. In addition, families also find reassurance in the shared experiences of parent volunteers, and inspiration and encouragement through speaking to young deaf role models.

The impact of NDCS Early Years weekends is clear – parents have indicated they felt more confident in working with professionals to ensure the right support for their child as a result of becoming informed and connected.

One parent said:

“I have learned more about my child’s hearing loss in the past two days than I have in the past two months. It was eye opening to hear other people with similar or even more difficult circumstances. Great to share stories about struggles.”

Karin Hyland, of Aberdeen Asset Management’s Charitable Foundation said:

“The weekend will help 12 families; enabling parents to become part of a positive community network of mutual self-support. Families will also be informed about access to services which encourage improved community relations, reduce isolation and improve peer support through this valuable outreach work by the NCDS.”

The Aberdeen Asset Charitable Foundation was established in 2012 to formalise and develop the Group’s charitable giving globally. The Foundation seeks partnerships with smaller charities around the world, where funds can be seen to have a meaningful and measurable impact and the firm encourages its employees to use their time and skills to support its charitable projects.

For more information visit http://www.aberdeen-asset.co.uk/aam.nsf/foundation/home

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Transport Museum Seeks Dr Howie’s Daimler Photo

Aberdeenshire, History, Information No Responses »

Jan 282016

With thanks to Martyn Smith.

The Grampian Transport Museum has, at various times, published the remarkable story of the arrival of what is thought to be the second motor car in Scotland, in July 1896.

It was purchased by a truly remarkable GP, Dr P. E. Howie of Strathdon.

The German Daimler was previously owned by F.R. Simms, the ‘Father of the British motor industry’, who founded the Coventry Daimler concern that year.

Fortunately the training session given to Dr Howie in Alford Main Street at the dawn of the motoring era was photographed which in itself was quite a notable event.

Now the GTM wants to tell the story as part of a new introduction to the museum to be housed in a new reception building currently under construction. To do this properly a good copy of the Dr Howie photograph (attached) is needed that can be enlarged to be included in a photo mural.

The museum is hoping to track down a good copy or preferably an original photographic print or glass plate negative to use in the new exhibition. Does anyone out there recognise this image?

We are also keen to discover more about Dr Howie and any photographs of him or his later Daimler cars would be of great interest.

Any help would be really appreciated by all involved with the GTM.

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SpeedFest 2016 – Annual Event Returns Sunday July 3

Aberdeenshire, Information No Responses »

Jan 212016

With thanks to Martyn Smith.

Jim Robbins Indanapolis 500 race car.

Plans are now well underway for the 7th annual Alford SpeedFest, the flagship event held at the Grampian Transport Museum.

Up to 120 vehicles, each of which has been invited to attend, will participate in a variety of activities including pursuits, where direct performance comparisons are made between pairs of performance cars.

The action will get underway at 11am with the ever popular Early Bird Rides, giving members of the public the chance to ride around the museum’s purpose built road circuit in a high performance sports or supercar.

This year’s main theme is centred around record breakers and will include record breaking motor, steam and electric cars.

The museum is in the unique position of being able to call upon a number of major UK transport museums to borrow some of their prized collections. A number of spectacular vehicles will be brought in, from all over the UK, to complement the array of vehicles entered by local enthusiasts.

Plans are already afoot to begin a run at the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu, picking up additional vehicles at a number of museums on the 600 mile drive north.

Museum curator Mike Ward commented:

“The team are really excited about SpeedFest 16 because the record breaker theme has captured the imagination of colleagues in other UK transport museums and we are being offered many truly fantastic vehicles, never seen before in Scotland“

Families Of Deaf Children Share Experiences

Articles, Information No Responses »

Jan 142016

With thanks to Esther Green, Senior Account Executive, Tricker PR.

Deafness is no barrier to children achieving great things, parents will learn on a weekend course run by NCDS and funded by Aberdeen Asset Management’s Charitable Foundation.

Parents will learn that deafness is no barrier to preventing their child achieving their dreams on a weekend course dedicated to providing peer support, expert advice and professional information for families getting to grips with a diagnosis.
Over 90% of deaf children in Scotland are from hearing families with no previous history or experience of deafness, so for many parents the diagnosis comes as a devastating and overwhelming shock.

Help is on hand from the National Deaf Children’s Society (NCDS) which, with a grant from Aberdeen Asset Management’s Charitable Foundation, is organising a weekend gathering for 12 families with deaf babies or toddlers living in Scotland to share experiences and learn more about the help and support available to them.

From birth through to independence, the NCDS supports deaf children and young people but in the early years of a child’s development, it is parents who will need the charity the most. With the low incidence of deafness in Scotland, families often find themselves to be unique within their immediate communities, leading to feelings of isolation and uncertainty.

Heather Gray, NDCS director for Scotland and Northern Ireland explains:

The NCDS has its Scottish headquarters in Glasgow, and the families weekend, open to families from across Scotland with a deaf child from birth to two years old, will take place in Edinburgh in February 2016.

The impact of NDCS’ Early Years weekends is clear – all parents who attended weekends in 2014 said they felt more positive about their child’s future, and all agreed that the weekend helped them to make positive decisions and choices. 100% of families also felt more confident in working with professionals to ensure the right support for their child. Over the two days, families become informed, empowered and connected, three characteristics that stay with them long into the future.

One parent said:

“I have learned more about my child’s hearing loss in the past two days than I have in the past two months.’ It was eye opening to hear other people with similar or even more difficult circumstances. Great to share stories about struggles.”

Karin Hyland, of Aberdeen Asset Management’s Charitable Foundation said: “The weekend will help 12 families; enabling parents to become part of a positive community network of mutual self-support.

“Families will also be informed about access to services which encourage improved community relations, reduce isolation and improve peer support through this valuable outreach work by the NCDS.”

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Lump Sum To Help City Adoption Charity

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Dec 312015

With thanks to Esther Green, Tricker PR

The St Andrew’s Children’s Society has been operating in Aberdeen since 2013.

A charity which plays a key role in maximising adoption opportunities for children in the North-east of Scotland has received support of £4,000 from Aberdeen Asset Management’s Charitable Foundation.
With more children in need of adoption than there are homes for them, The St Andrew’s Children’s Society plays a pivotal part in finding caring homes for children across Scotland.

Many of the 1,000 plus children in local authority care in Aberdeen and the North-east would benefit from adoption or long term fostering, and the Charitable Foundation donation will support the charity’s work to actively find potential adopters in the region.

Dan Docwra, fundraiser, for the St Andrew’s Children’s Society said:

“Our project builds upon excellent foundation work of our first two years in Aberdeen seeking potential adopters in the North-east whom we can prepare for the role of adoptive parents. This funding from Aberdeen Asset Management helps us do just that.

“We know that there are families and individuals who, with our training and preparation, would be ideal adoptive parents. Adopters come from all walks of life, regardless of their ethnicity, religion, marital status or sexual orientation. We would love to find more adopters in Aberdeen and if we can get the right people we can find a child or children for them.”

The charity which has been operating in Aberdeen since 2013 has moved into improved offices that are better suited for the holding of preparation training and the delivery of full after-adoption support, including its SafeBase Parenting Programme for parents experiencing relationship difficulties with children they have adopted. Its recruitment, training and placement programme is ongoing, only restricted by limited sources.

Dominic Kite of Aberdeen Asset Management’s Charitable Foundation said:

“As a fully functioning branch of the St Andrew’s Children’s Society, a vital service has been established in the North-east, helping to reduce the number of children in local authority care by providing loving and caring families.”

For more information visit http://www.aberdeen-asset.co.uk/aam.nsf/foundation/home

Anyone interested in more information about adoption opportunities should contact the St Andrew’s Children’s Society on 01224 878158 or email info@standrews-children.org.uk

How Many Left? Rare Car Show Returns May 2016

Aberdeenshire, Information No Responses »

Dec 172015

With thanks to Martyn Smith.

Vauxhall Cavalier Mk2

A popular car show, putting the spotlight on vehicles which are considered ‘endangered species’ is set to return to a top Aberdeenshire museum next year.
The inaugural ‘How Many Left?’ took place at the Grampian Transport Museum in May 2015 and unlike conventional car shows, focused on some of the cars which are not thought of – and perhaps never will be thought of – as classics.

Entry criteria was set for those cars which have less than 500 road licensed examples remaining on the DVLA database.

Especially welcome are cars that were truly popular, mass produced in large numbers making them very rare survivors.

With a mix of static displays, public passenger rides and an entertaining parallel auto test the maiden event was considered a success by both participants and the public alike and the staff at the museum, which is currently undergoing an expansion project, are delighted to announce its return in 2016.

Curator Mike Ward commented:

“’How Many Left?’ was an interesting exercise in that we turned the idea of a car show on its head and celebrated cars which don’t seem to get the attention that they deserve. Rather than making a fuss about cars which are already considered classics, we gave visitors and owners the opportunity to showcase some of the cars which we’ve all had an affiliation with and those which are fast disappearing from our roads.

It’s interesting to look at the relationship between the production runs of some of these cars and then compare the data with the number of examples remaining on our roads. The relationship between these two numbers is often very striking! It’s obvious that this was a winning formula and so we’ll be bringing back “How Many Left?” and will be looking to ensure that it’s even bigger and better in 2016!”

Entry forms for How Many Left? 2016 are available to download now from the museum’s website at www.gtm.org.uk/whats-on or by emailing events@gtm.org.uk.

Peter Pan Flies Again: Duncan Harley Reviews

Aberdeen City, Featured, Information No Responses »

Dec 032015

Duncan Harley reviews this year’s pantomime at HM Theatre, Aberdeen

Jordan Young (left), Elaine C Smith and Alan McHugh. Photo by Michal Wachucik-Abermedia

Panto returned to the Aberdeen stage this week, with familiar faces Elaine C. Smith, Jordan Young and Alan McHugh firmly at the helm of the Jolly Roger, in this classic tale of the boy who never grew up.

The traditional story features a flying child, Peter Pan, who lives in Neverland and just likes to have fun.

Thrilling adventures unfold with the likes of pirates, Native Americans and of course a very alarmed crocodile. Faeries and Lost Boys feature, alongside tales of unrequited love and self sacrifice.

The flying child is in this case played by Scott Fletcher, who carries the role admirably, despite his obvious male attributes. Peter is frequently played by a woman.

The draft for the original 1904 J.M. Barrie play seemingly lacked both pirate ship and Captain Hook. Fortunately for theatre audiences, the author soon added both, and Peter Pan’s nemesis was born.

At Tuesday evening’s performance, and true to pantomime tradition, John Jack’s Captain Hook was resoundingly booed at points by an appreciative young audience, despite an engagingly villainous and faultless performance.

Written by Alan McHugh, who plays the colourfully boisterous Dame Maggie Celeste, this swashbuckling take on Peter Pan follows the traditional modern Pantomime route of audience engagement, plus several laughs a minute. Comedic duo, Dame Maggie and Jordan Young’s Smee work well together. Add Elaine C. Smith to the mix as the Magical Mermaid and the slapstick comedy takes off big-time!

New Pitsligo, Portlethen, Stewarty Milne and even Donald Trump take it on the chin as the often hilarious and sometimes raucous gags power on throughout this high energy production.

The 3D presentation in Act 2, although technically competent, seemed superfluous. It was more than made up for by the impressively scary Clockodile, however.

The team from Aberdeen Academy of Dance performed flawlessly, with both Aedan Dufton’s Michael Darling, and Logan Reid’s John Darling deserving special mention.

With costumes, set and special effects to die for, this is pantomime at its finest delivered by a creative team well-used to engaging with Aberdeen audiences.

Children of all ages are guaranteed a Jolly Roger of a time and the spectacle of an airborne Magical Mermaid has to be seen to be believed!

Directed by Nick Winston and Produced by Michael Harrison with Musical Direction by Captain Nemo – Peter Pan plays at HM Theatre Aberdeen until Sunday 3 January 2016.

Tickets from Aberdeen Performing Arts Tel: 01224- 641122

Charity Funds Holiday Respite For Vulnerable Children

Aberdeen City, Articles No Responses »

Nov 062015

With thanks to Esther Green, Tricker PR

Disadvantaged children living in Aberdeen and Edinburgh have enjoyed well-deserved breaks – some going on the first holiday of their lives – through funding from the Aberdeen Asset Management Charitable Foundation.

Scottish children’s charity HopScotch secured £9,000 from the firm’s Charitable Foundation to enable 36 children to enjoy a total of 180 days of respite at its holiday centre in Ardvullin in the Scottish Highlands.

A dozen children each from three organisations – Edinburgh Women’s Aid, Aberdeen’s Middlefield Community Project and Waverley Care in Edinburgh – were selected for the much-needed breaks allowing them to spend time in safe and secure surroundings while escaping the stresses of home life and gaining and building confidence, in a caring and supportive environment.

Waverley Care works with children who are living with, and affected by, HIV/Hepatitis C in Edinburgh. Many of the families struggle to take youngsters on holiday due to poor health and financial constraints. Children live in stressful situations and often act as carers to their parents/younger siblings and rarely get the chance to socialise or form friendships.

Middlefield Community Project is based in an area of multiple deprivation in Aberdeen, in the top five of Scotland’s most deprived areas. Families suffer as a result of parental drug or alcohol misuse, severe poverty, domestic violence, parental health issues and neighbourhood disputes. Many young children are left to fend for themselves, often playing in the streets at night.

Edinburgh Women’s Aid provides practical and emotional support to those who have been, or are, experiencing domestic abuse and many of the children will have witnessed abuse or even been abused themselves. Recovery is a lengthy process for some and an opportunity for a respite break is very beneficial in very many ways.

At Ardvullin the children try a range of activities like horse riding, canoeing and indoor climbing, boat trips, biking and visiting the beach.

One youngster who went to Ardvullin said:

“I loved my Hopscotch holiday and didn’t want to leave.

I did lots of exciting things like hill climbing, walking in the forest, canoeing and lots more. I loved the big, massive swing park out the back garden. My favourite part was when I made it to the top of the hill and the snow was really, really deep.”

The Edinburgh-based charity’s 2015 programme has provided around 350 children with a respite break at Ardvullin and this year HopScotch has worked with organisations from the Highlands, Ayrshire, Strathclyde, Perthshire, Tayside, Lanarkshire, Midlothian and Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire to identify those children most in need.

HopScotch manager Roberta Mckay said that the support given by the Aberdeen Asset Management Charitable Foundation had allowed children – many of whom have never been to the countryside or the seaside before – a chance to have a break away from their problems in a safe and secure environment. For children who are young carers, it may be the first chance of respite from their caring responsibilities.

Roberta commented:

“Good childhood memories last a lifetime. We are so grateful for the support of Aberdeen Asset Management during 2015 which helps our work to continue in providing free respite break for Scotland’s most vulnerable children.”

Karin Hyland of Aberdeen Asset Management’s Charitable Foundation said:

“HopScotch holidays provide something which every child should be entitled to – the chance to enjoy a carefree break in a safe and caring environment where they can make new friends, have fun and experience the beauty of the countryside.”

For more information visit http://www.aberdeen-asset.co.uk/aam.nsf/foundation/home

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Event Brings Family Fun To Roof Garden

Aberdeen City, Environment No Responses »

Oct 082015

With thanks to Phil Moar, Citrus Mix.

Hosted by Bon Accord & St Nicholas, the family fun day was the first event to be held in the enhanced space and saw attendees enjoy a day of music, food and activities to mark the garden’s completion in style.

At the heart of the garden is now a children’s play area, which was made possible thanks to funding from city-based charity Aberdeen Forward.

The playground is now the focal point of the greenspace, with improved seating, lighting and flower provision also helping to breathe new life into the area.

Members of the charity, alongside representatives from Bon Accord & St Nicholas and Aberdeen Inspired as well as the Lord Provost of Aberdeen George Adam were present to open the play area as it welcomed its first children.

The attraction’s new name was also unveiled, with Glashieburn’s P4 pupil William Stewart’s suggestion of ‘The Silver City Playground’, coming out top in a competition that saw nearly 50 entries submitted from schools throughout Aberdeen.

Guests were treated to a performance and workshop from the Guarana Street Drummers and were also able to take part in a number of activities provided by craft group Busy Beasties.

The event also welcomed special guests in the shape of owls Eral and Hedwig, stars of the recent Harry Potter films, thanks to Aberdeenshire-based Owl and Pussy Cat Centre. Cupcakes and samples from YO! Sushi and Ed’s Easy Diner were also available on the day.

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

“Saturday’s fun day really helped shine a spotlight on some of the new features of the roof garden and it was great to see so many happy faces join us for the celebration.

“The play area has already proved in its first day that it will be a great addition to the space, providing an outdoor area for children within the city centre; something that this part of Aberdeen simply didn’t have before.

“The hard work and dedication shown by all the partners within this project is commendable and we’re pleased that initial feedback on the garden has been positive. Aberdeen now has an enhanced event space right at the heart of its city centre and we look forward to welcoming people to the garden throughout the months to come.”

Kath Deans, landfill community fund officer at Aberdeen Forward/CFINE, said:

“We were thrilled to be involved with the roof garden project and I hope the play area is enjoyed by children for many years to come.

“This was an important project for Aberdeen Forward, which is currently in the process of merging with CFINE. It’s our aim to find worthwhile projects that will benefit from funding sourced through landfill community tax and to have this new play area at the heart of the city is a major positive for Aberdeen.”

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