Mar 052015
 

duthie-park-bandstand-featWith thanks to Dave Macdermid.

Alan Amoore is the new Chairman of the Friends of Duthie Park, replacing Tony Dawson, who stepped down after seven years in the role at this week’s AGM of the group.

Tony, who has had the Dawson Beech planted within the park in recognition of the work he has done, will retain his links with the group, having been appointed to the role of Honorary President.

This year’s Friends of Duthie Park Open Day will take place on Sunday 16th August.

Feb 272015
 

fodp_logo_With thanks to Dave Macdermid.

This year’s Friends of Duthie Park Annual General Meeting will be held within the sunken area of the David Welch Winter Gardens on Tuesday (3rd March) at 7 pm.

The AGM is open to members and non-members and those present will be treated to a presentation updating activity within the park over the past twelve months in addition to sponsorship opportunities available for local businesses.

The Friends of Duthie Park is also looking for additional committee members who would be willing to assist with the group’s work.

Anyone interested who cannot attend next week’s meeting can contact info@friendsofduthiepark.co.uk

Aug 152014
 

duthiebandstandWith thanks to Dave Macdermid.

Organisers of this weekend’s Friends of Duthie Park Open Day, sponsored by A-FAB, have been boosted with the news that Clydelink, the company that operates pedalos and canoes on behalf of Aberdeen City Council, is offering the attractions for free during the course of Sunday’s event.

Tony Dawson, Chairman of the Friends, believes the gesture will all but guarantee that last year’s attendance figure of just over 6,000 will be surpassed this time round.

“When the pedalos were reintroduced last summer, demand was fantastic and the fact that, along with the canoes, they will be free for the duration of our open day. We will also be offering rickshaw rides round the park I’m sure they will also be extremely popular.

“The park is looking stunning right now and, with so much going on this Sunday, all we need now is the weather to make it another day to remember.”

Among the other attractions at this year’s FODP Open Day (www.friendsofduthiepark.co.uk), which runs from noon until 4 pm on Sunday (17th August), are The Bon Accord Silver band, piper Calum Lawrie, Bokwa with Jodie, Zumba & powerhoops with Elma, The Sharon Gill School of Dancing, Wrestlezone Scotland, The Airyhall Dancers, AFC in the Community, British Military Fitness, First Aberdeen vintage vehicles, various kiddies rides, the canoes and, the one and only, Spike the Talking Cactus.

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May 012014
 

duthie-park-bandstand-featWith thanks to Dave Macdermid.

One of the north east’s most popular visitor attractions has attracted record numbers of visitors for the opening quarter of the current year, in its first full year following major restoration work.

Aberdeen’s Duthie Park welcomed more than 100,000 visitors during March, a rise of over 20,000 when compared to 2012 and over 40,000 more than the corresponding month last year.

Tony Dawson, Chairman of the Friends of Duthie Park, believes the increased numbers reflect the positive feedback received since the £5.2 million revamp.

“The park is a real jewel in the crown within, not just the north east, but the whole of the country, and after seeing more than a million visitors last year, the signs are that we’re in for even better numbers this time round. 

“Everyone who visits the park cannot fail to be impressed by the way it is looking right now and I must pay tribute to the staff there who take such a pride in ensuring a visit to Duthie Park is a fantastic experience. With such a variety of attractions, including the pedalos, Spike the talking cactus and the magnificent David Welch Winter Gardens, the park has something for all age groups.”   

The Duthie Park is one of the most popular parks in Scotland, with over half a million visitors every year. It was bequeathed to the city by Miss Elizabeth Crombie Duthie in remembrance of her brother and uncle and was opened in 1883 by Princess Beatrix.

Its historical significance as one of the finest examples of a late Victorian public park has led to its inclusion in Historic Scotland’s Inventory of Designed Landscapes and Gardens. The recent restoration and reconstruction of some of the lost features was inspired by old written and photographic sources and was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Aberdeen City Council.

The official reopening of Duthie Park took place on 30th June last year. This year’s Friends of Duthie Park Open Day will be on Sunday 17th August.

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Apr 252014
 

APP.Turf 038With thanks to Dave Macdermid.

The next Friends of Duthie Park gardening session will take place in Duthie Park on Sunday 27th April from 12 noon to 2pm. Friends and volunteers will be planting daffodil bulbs that were used for early spring displays in the David Welch Winter Gardens to give added colour next spring in the park.

Existing members and any potential new members who wish to take part are requested to meet at the entrance to the David Welch Winter Gardens at 12 noon.

Feb 282014
 

duthiebandstandThmWith thanks to Dave Macdermid.

This year’s Friends of Duthie Park Annual General Meeting will be held within the sunken area of the David Welch Winter Gardens on Tuesday evening (4th March) at 7 pm.

On the same day, the organisation will unveil its brand new website which has been donated by media and communications agency AVC Media.

The AGM is open to members and non-members and those present will be treated to a presentation updating activity within the Park over the past twelve months in addition to sponsorship opportunities available for local businesses.

FODP Chairman Tony Dawson is delighted to add AVC Media to the list of well known local organisations that are supporting one of the north east’s most loved attractions.

“All of the monies raised by the Friends are reinvested within the Park and the fantastic support we receive from business means we can undertake more projects to benefit visitors to what is such a lovely place.

“Spencer Buchan and the team at AVC Media have been a pleasure to work with and the website they have designed for us is fabulous. We want the Friends website to be the first port of call for anyone to find out what is happening within Duthie Park so it a hugely important communication tool for us.”

AVC Media managing director Spencer Buchan said the firm was only too delighted to help out. He said:

“Friends of Duthie Park is a great local organisation dedicated to helping look after one of Aberdeen’s best public parks and we were only too happy to design and build its website.

“Our talented team wanted to reflect the fantastic work carried out by FODP and let people know about it through a great website.”

The Duthie Park is one of the most popular parks in Scotland, with over half a million visitors every year. It was bequeathed to the city by Miss Elizabeth Crombie Duthie in remembrance of her brother and uncle and was opened in 1883 by Princess Beatrix. Its historical significance as one of the finest examples of a late Victorian public park has led to its inclusion in Historic Scotland’s Inventory of Designed Landscapes and Gardens.

The recent restoration and reconstruction of some of the lost features was inspired by old written and photographic sources and was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Aberdeen City Council. The official reopening of Duthie Park took place on 30th June last year.

Among the other companies to assist the Friends are BP, Ocean Installer, Craig Group, and Ben Reid.

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