Helena Torry Benefit Night 29 November

 Aberdeen City, Featured, Opinion  1 Response »
Nov 202012
 

A fundraising event to support local activist Renee Slater in her forthcoming court case will be held on Thursday 29 November at Sopranos Bistro in Aberdeen’s Guild Street. With thanks to Friends of Helena Torry.

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In the 2012 Aberdeen council elections, a candidate named Helena Torry was put forward by her agent, Renee Slater.

Nothing unusual in that, you might think, until you discover Helena is a dummy.

Not your usual political dummy, we hasten to add, but an actual shop mannequin!

Local activist Renee told Aberdeen Voice:

“Putting Helena forward for election was an act of political satire. I was trying to make a serious political point in a humorous way.

“During my campaign on Helena’s behalf, I tried to bring to the fore the point of view of a silent majority of Aberdonians.

“It was a direct response to what I saw as an under-representation of certain issues in the manifestos of the main political parties, particularly the closure of social centres for disabled people and cutbacks in community and youth work budgets.”

The council’s somewhat cack-handed response to the appearance of Helena as a candidate was to report 63-year-old Renee to the police. She was subsequently arrested and charged under Section 65 part 2A of the 1983 Representation of the People Act, then released to appear in court later.

Denied legal aid, Renee faces a court battle to clear her name in January 2013, not only having to foot her own legal costs but also facing the possibility of a substantial fine.

Fundraiser organisers Friends of Helena Torry is a group of local residents alarmed and disappointed at the council’s heavy-handed reaction to what is clearly a harmless act of political dissent, a type of political satire with a long and entertaining history.

Animals, inanimate objects and historical figures have been nominated for public office many times. Notable examples are American activist Michael Moore’s nomination of a ficus plant for congress and even Caligula’s horse (which apparently won) once featured in an electoral race. Even In the most recent U.S. presidential elections, the long-deceased Charles Darwin received around 4000 votes.

Friends of Helena Torry believe political dissent has an important role in a true democracy and should not be criminalised. Local authorities must respond to criticism in a morally acceptable way and should strive to act upon those criticisms in the interests of the public it serves.

One might think the police have more than enough to cope with as it is, that a court system under increasing strain must have more important matters to attend to than a piece of harmless satire, particularly one that actually brought a smile to a great many faces, not just in Aberdeen but around the globe.

Everyone is invited along to the evening. The fun kicks off at 7pm and will include live music from local bands and a raffle, so please come along and support Renee and join the campaign to free mannequin Helena (languishing in police custody to this day).

You can also donate or buy a T-Shirt or badge from the website:

http://www.friendsofhelenatorry.org/index.asp

All proceeds from the evening go towards Renee’s legal costs. Any surplus will be donated to a charity of Renee’s choice.

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More Than £130,000 Raised For VSA

 Aberdeen City, Featured, News  No Responses »
Nov 092012
 

VSA Aberdeen’s annual Diamond Ball was a massive success. Supporter Garreth Wood of the Speratus Group boosts the feelgood factor by announcing an extra 3-year commitment to the charity. With thanks to Claire Mcbain

L-R Garreth Wood and Sally Finnie wearing the diamond necklace donated by Garreth and supported by Finnies the Jewellers
The UK’s largest city social care charity VSA raised more than £130,000 at its Diamond Ball on Saturday 03 November.
This total was reached combining a silent auction, live auction and funds raised when loyal VSA supporter and main ball sponsor Garreth Wood donated a full day’s takings from four of his city bars totalling more than £48,500.

Garreth, of The Speratus Group, has supported VSA for three years through its ball and associated fundraisers. He has also contributed staff time through corporate volunteering.

His initial three-year pledge was completed last night but Garreth delighted ball guests by announcing an additional 3-year commitment to VSA worth around £250,000.

“I’m over the moon with what we raised last weekend for such an incredible cause,” said Garreth. “I’m so very proud of our enthusiastic, hardworking staff and I’m really grateful to the people of Aberdeen. We challenged them to come out and support VSA and they absolutely surpassed our expectations.

“Working closely with VSA over the past three years has been very fulfilling for me and my team. I’m very much looking forward to growing that relationship over the next three years. I feel very much part of the VSA family and I’m fully committed to their worthy cause.

“Part of the Speratus Partnership’s mission is to develop young people with learning difficulties and disabilities and, personally, I’m very passionate about providing high standards of care to our elderly population. Naturally, my pledge for the next three years will focus on these areas within VSA.”

VSA Director of Fundraising and Communications Karen Barlow said:

“The event was a sell-out and I’m delighted with how much our generous guests raised for VSA through the silent auction, live auction and raffle. Events like this are essential to make sure VSA can continue supporting people in Aberdeen city and shire each year.

“Garreth has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for VSA over the last three years and we’re ecstatic to have him on board for longer than expected. He really understands VSA and he’s passionate about helping us achieve our goals. We’re so excited and already forming plans for the next step.”

This year’s ball was themed to honour VSA patron Her Majesty the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and attracted almost 350 guests to Aberdeen’s Ardoe House Hotel. To celebrate the jubilee, a diamond necklace donated by Garreth and supported by Finnies the Jewellers was raffled and won by one lucky lady.

The event was also sponsored by chartered accountants Simpson Forsyth, oilfield service company Roemex Ltd, NYOP Education and luxury hamper company Highland Fayre. Principal sponsor Garreth traditionally marks the ball date by donating monies from several of his Aberdeen bars. This year all four city centre hotspots – Amicus Apple, Illicit Still, Paramount and NOX – took part in the fundraiser.

VSA Christmas Toy Appeal Kicks Off

 Aberdeen City, Featured, News  No Responses »
Nov 092012
 

SAMSUNG
With thanks to Claire McBain.

VSA, the UK’s largest city social care charity, supporting more than 2,500 people in Aberdeen each year, has launched it’s festive campaign to ensure as many local children as possible have a present to open on 25 December at its Christmas Inspirations shopping evening, sponsored by Prestige Scotland.

Campaign co-ordinator Debbie Fotheringham said:

“Not every child is lucky enough to have a gift of their own on Christmas morning. For some, the harsh reality is that their families can’t stretch to provide presents for them and their siblings, leading them to the wrong conclusion that they’ve been naughty this year. We want to replace these situations with classic Christmas spirit.”

Like last year’s inaugural event, Christmas Inspirations took place at Pittodrie Stadium’s Richard Donald Stand. Shoppers were welcomed with cocktails and canapés courtesy of Prestige Scotland, festive tunes and a fantastic selection of food, art and gift-themed stalls. 

The appeal will continue at drop-off points across the city until the week before Christmas.

Debbie continued:

“We’d really appreciate if gifts were brand new and not wrapped. Gift vouchers are great too for the older children.

“We had an amazing response to our appeal last year, helped by individuals and companies gathering gifts, as well as local businesses that acted as drop-off points. We were able to supply each child that’s part of VSA with a couple of treats from Santa and had plenty goodies left to share with others in the city and shire. I’m looking forward to topping last year’s results over Christmas 2012.”

VSA will be collecting toys at its Christmas Inspirations evening and at the drop-off points listed below:

• VSA, 38 Castle Street, Aberdeen AB11 5YU

• VSA’s Northfield Lodge, Provost Fraser Drive, Aberdeen AB16 7JY

• Citrus:Mix, Bon Accord House, Riverside Drive, Aberdeen AB11 7SL

• Original FM, Original House, Craigshaw Road, Aberdeen AB12 3AR

Additional drop-off points will be announced on the VSA website (www.vsa.org.uk), where a list of suggestions of age-specific toys is also available for inspiration.

VSA Announces Diamond Ball And Silent Auction

 Aberdeen City, News  No Responses »
Oct 262012
 

Back - Garreth Wood, L-R Martin Brown, Jessica Bird, Calum MacKinnon, Ellis McKenzie
With thanks to Claire McBain.

Today (Friday 26 October 2012) VSA, the UK’s largest city social care charity, launches its silent auction ahead of next week’s VSA Diamond Ball (Saturday 3 November 2012).

The charity also hopes to raise up to £50,000 on Saturday 27th October, when loyal VSA supporter Garreth Wood will donate a full day’s takings from four of his city centre bars.

For the last three years Garreth’s company, The Speratus Group, has supported VSA through its Ball and associated fundraisers, as well as contributing staff time through corporate volunteering. 

Garreth traditionally marks the Ball date by donating monies from several of his Aberdeen bars and this year all four city centre hotspots – Amicus Apple, Illicit Still, Paramount and NOX – are taking part in the initiative.

As in 2010 and 2011, The Speartus Group is also the main sponsor for the VSA Ball which this year has a diamond theme to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth ll, the VSA’s Patron.  In Her Majesty’s honour, a diamond necklace, donated by Garreth and supported by Finnies the Jewellers, will be raffled at the Ball on 3rd November.

Garreth said:

“We recognise the amazing work that VSA carries out in the city and shire and are proud to be associated with them.  We look forward to a strong continued relationship with VSA and supporting the tremendous work they carry out every day.”

Karen Barlow, director of fundraising and communications, said:

“We’re so grateful for Garreth’s generous commitment to VSA, raising hundreds of thousands of pounds in the past few years.  I’m delighted to have him and his team on board.  This weekend’s fundraiser will be their biggest yet.  I urge as many people as possible to support it.” 

Items in the online silent auction, which concludes during the VSA Ball on Saturday 3rd November, can be viewed, and bids made, by texting DIAMOND to 88850 and following the instructions, or by registering at www.diamond.auction-bid.org

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Kyle Hewitt – A Jolly Good Velo

 Aberdeen City, Featured, Sport  1 Response »
Oct 042012
 

I’ve been known to walk the three and a half miles to Pittodrie.  I have also cycled it. And back.  In the glory days, I often wondered on a Sunday morning how I’d got home the night before.  But even the efforts of The Red Final’s regular erstwhile correspondent LS Pringle, who used to walk to and from Echt to watch the Dons at Pittodrie, compare poorly with an initiative being undertaken by fanatical Red and cycling addict, Kyle Hewitt, writes David Innes.

With thanks to Chris Gavin, Secretary of Aberdeen FC Heritage Trust,

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If you’re planning a trip to next Saturday’s match in Kilmarnock the chances are that you’ll travel in the warmth and comfort of a coach or car, or you’ll go by train.  Not so Kyle Hewitt.  Kyle is planning to make the journey a good bit tougher for himself by finding his way from Aberdeen to Rugby Park on his bike.

This young man is a seasoned cyclist – with trips including Land’s End to John O’Groats under his belt – who considers 100 miles to be ‘a wee training run’.

Now Kyle is planning a venture to help raise funds for the Aberdeen FC Heritage Trust by cycling to each SPL ground when the Dons play there this season.

Kyle says:

“I have a tremendous passion for the Dons.  This is growing stronger all the time and I wanted to give something back by promoting and supporting the Trust, a charity close to the club.  

“To do this I’ll spread the word by going to away games on my bike and during my travels encourage, as many members of the Red Army as possible to donate to the Trust in recognition of my efforts.

“Hopefully lots of Dons fans will chip in with donations whilst I am doing the hard work.  Just think of it as buying the Trust a pint!  I would love it if fellow fans can also help publicise the trips and spread the word by taking photos when they see me en route to games and posting them on the internet.  That would be really helpful.”

In a year of high-profile sporting endeavour throughout the UK and most recently across the Atlantic, it’s heartening to see a local sportsman doing his bit for his community by combining his love of football with his passion for cycling to benefit a charity.  This is especially true when that charity is working for the benefit of all Dons’ supporters.

To find out more about Kyle’s sporting ambitions, visit CyclingScotsman.com where you will be able to follow Kyle’s routes, the progress of each outing and read his blog.

To find out more about AFC Heritage Trust and to help Kyle with his fundraising, you can tour the Trust’s website, which is packed with information about the Dons, at http://www.afcheritage.org

The Trust’s home page has a PayPal donation button and whatever you’re able to donate, large or small, will be used to preserve and promote the Dons’ history and their place in the community.  All donations will be very much appreciated and you’re asked to mention Kyle’s name in your transaction.

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HM Royal Marine Band Benefit For Combat Stress

 Aberdeen City, Information  No Responses »
Sep 032012
 

Fifty members of HM Royal Marine Band will be playing at the International School Aberdeen on Wednesday 5th  September to benefit the charity, Combat Stress. With thanks to Susie McKay.

combat-stress-logo_0
Combat Stress helps service veterans who live with the unseen scars of war.

Many veterans find it difficult to move on with their lives; for some, their lives change forever and due to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), they may lose their families and end up on the streets, homeless.

Too many end up in prison.

The concert will be a very intimate event with only 250 guests. There will also be a pre-concert reception at 6:45 pm.

Tickets are £30 and are available in advance from Catherine at 07879 854 927,
email cylross@btinternet.com

Combat Stress would like to hear from any potential volunteers, fundraisers, or from anyone who may benefit from its services.
http://www.combatstress.org.uk/pages/contact_us.html

Le Tour De Deeside: Fundraiser For Easter Anguston Farm

 Aberdeen City, Charity  No Responses »
Aug 312012
 

Four Total E&P UK Limited graduates will today unveil to their colleagues Le Tour de Deeside, a fundraiser in aid of VSA’s Easter Anguston Farm, a Peterculter-based visitor attraction that offers training and support to adults with learning difficulties. With thanks to Claire McBain.

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Easter Anguston Farm, run by VSA, will benefit from the takings at an adult and family cycle event on Sunday 30 September 2012.

Graduate engineers Louise Reid, 25, from Aberdeen, Jamie Kirkwood, 25, from Fraserburgh, Steven Grzywa, 26, from Portlethen and Drew Annand, 26, from Brechin have organised and will host the event for TEP UK employees, family and friends to mark the end of their graduate scheme.

Le Tour de Deeside will comprise a team cycle race along the Deeside Way, with integrated Olympic-themed challenges.

Funds will be raised from entry fees, tomorrow’s internal coffee morning at TEP UK – when the Le Tour de Deeside is unveiled and its family fun day in September.  Louise, Jamie, Steven and Drew will also volunteer at the farm.

Louise Reid, graduate process engineer at Total, said:

“VSA stood out to us because we knew the money we raised would make a difference close to home.  We wanted to see the results.  It had to be a project we’d be interested in as young adults and a story people attending our event could identify with. 

“Easter Anguston Farm fits the bill perfectly.  We’ll physically see our funds in use and can push the project on by donating our own time.

“I’m so excited to be part of this.  I can’t wait to meet the service users and understand what the farm means to them.  Knowing our efforts will directly benefit them is a real motivator.  I want to raise awareness of VSA within TEP UK and inspire others to follow in our footsteps.”

Fiona Davidson, farm operations manager, said:

“We’re so grateful to be the chosen charity.  I’m positive we’re giving them something back too.  This project will force them to pull together to become short-term experts in something they’d never face in day-to-day employment.  Not to mention the skills they’ll develop with fundraising, event organisation and meeting our service users. 

“We’re also so thankful to Total.  Corporate matching is a great initiative and will give this project a big boost.”

“When they visited, we decided revamping the pond would match their estimated funds and time available.  I’m working on a major development of the farm and this was one of my initial targets. 

“Making areas like this more attractive is so important.  We don’t want Easter Anguston to just be a working farm.  It’s becoming an attraction where the family can spend a whole day.”

For more information about Easter Anguston Farm contact Fiona Davidson on 01224 733627.

Le Tour de Deeside will take place on Sunday 30 December from 12noon.  Teams will register at the Robert Gordon University Business School, Garthdee, where a barbecue will follow afterwards. 

For further information, photographs or to arrange interviews, please contact Claire McBain on 01224 358611 or 07808768530 or e-mail claire.mcbain@vsa.org.uk

Willows Family Fun Day: 28th July, Inchgarth CC

 Aberdeen City, Information  No Responses »
Jul 262012
 

Willows Animal Sanctuary are holding a fundraising event at Aberdeen’s Inchgarth Community Centre on Saturday July 28th.

Willows Kelsey And friend
All are welcome at a family fun day to help raise funds for Willows.

There will be stalls with –

  • Cupcakes
  • Home bakes
  • Scentsy candles
  • All sorts (bags, purses etc)
  • Face painting + Glitter Tattoos
  • Hand-made cards

PLUS LOTS MORE STILL TO BE CONFIRMED

There will also be –

  • Raffles (with some fabulous prizes which have been donated in aid of this event)
  • Lucky dips
  • Guess the birthday
  • Bouncy castles
  • Food and drinks

We have also been allowed the outdoor space to hold a car boot sale.

Willows Family Fun Day.
28th July, from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm

Inchgarth Community Centre
Aboyne Place,
AB10 7DRAberdeen

Fundraiser Sought For Friends Group

 Aberdeen City, Events, News  No Responses »
Jul 262012
 

duthiebandstand
With thanks to Dave Macdermid.

The Friends of Duthie Park group is looking for a part time fundraiser to assist with ongoing funding to improve the park, following the completion of the current major restoration work.

This will see the return of many original Victorian elements.

As ‘Friends’ Chairman Tony Dawson outlines, there are potentially some tremendous opportunities for local organisations within the confines of the Park.

 “There are specific projects that do not come within the remit of the restoration work, including both winter and summer planting. Additionally there are initiatives we would love to be able to afford, such as the installation of a water harvesting system for the glasshouses, or the development of a Duthie Park smart phone application. The Friends also has its Annual Open Day which would, I believe, be an excellent community ‘fit’ for a local company, with this year’s event next month on Sunday 19th August.

“We have produced a selection of potential packages that could be available and what we are looking for is someone who could spend time speaking to local businesses persuading them to become involved, in return for a commission on any funds secured.”

Anyone interested in the position should, in the first instance, contact info@friendsofduthiepark.co.uk including full contact details.

Willows Open Day 26 May And Rescue News

 Aberdeenshire, Featured, Information  No Responses »
May 172012
 

willowshorse2
With thanks to Suzanne Kelly.

Kate at Willows Animal Sanctuary has updated Aberdeen Voice with the latest news, including an open day and some dramatic equine rescues.

An open day will be held on 26th May at Willows Animal Sanctuary from 11:30 to 5pm.

You are invited to come and meet the staff and residents of Willows and enjoy:

  •    LIVING HISTORY!
  •    COFFEE SHOP!
  •    LOTS OF TOMBOLAS!
  •    BOTTLE STALLS!
  •    TREASURE HUNT!
  •    PLANTS FOR SALE!
  •    LIVE MUSIC!
  •    HOME BAKE STALL!
  •    BODY SHOP STALL!
  •    BEASTIE HOOSE!
  •    GIFT SHOP!
  •    LUCKY DUCKS!

Come along and meet all your favourite furry friends!

While animals all over the UK are experiencing problems, here are some tales of equine work that Willows has been doing locally:

Early in 2012 Willows received a call about the plight of three miniature Shetland Ponies that had been abandoned on one of the Shetland Islands.  Their owner had neglected the ponies and then simply moved away, with the result that they had been seized by Shetland Island Council and were subject to legal proceedings.

We learned that one of the ponies was a young stallion named Faramir, who had at an earlier date been rescued from being sold for slaughter.  We were told that he was very badly behaved around other ponies and arrangements were about to be made to have him put down. Another of the ponies was named Carly and she was expecting a foal which had been sired by Faramir.

The third pony, called Defiant, was also facing an uncertain future.  We agreed to save all three ponies and they undertook a fourteen hour boat trip from Shetland to Aberdeen where they were picked up and transported to Willows. They were checked by our vet and were so riddled with worms that the worms were visible on the poor ponies’ bottoms!

Here is a short film of their arrival at Willows.

They all settled in well, and Defiant already has a new home, while Faramir has been beautifully behaved and Carly is quietly awaiting her happy event!

Tor came to Willows because he suffers very badly from sweet itch, which is an allergic response to midge bites. His owners were desperate to find him a home where there were not too many midges.  He is a lovely gentle horse, but when he arrived and was inspected by our vet it was agreed that he was the most overweight horse that any of us had ever seen.

He was immediately placed on a restricted diet as he was in imminent danger of developing laminitis, a disease which affects horses’ feet, and is linked to over-feeding.  When he has been reduced to a more svelte outline Tor will be available for rehoming!

 Humphrey’s neglected feet were beginning to turn up and he was riddled with both worms and lice.

Humphrey the donkey came to Willows with a Shetland pony companion called Dennis because they were no longer wanted.   He had been bought – with much enthusiasm but little knowledge – as a children’s pet, and had ended up just being left out in a muddy field all winter.

No proper attention had been paid to him – his neglected feet were beginning to turn up and he was riddled with both worms and lice. Humphrey and his shetland pony friend Dennis will become permanent residents here at Willows and will be able to enjoy the happy life that they deserve.

Prince was the much loved pet of a lady who, due to a change in her circumstances, found herself unable to keep him.  Prince travelled down from Shetland with the three rescued miniature Shetland ponies and has settled in well.

willowsginger
Clyde was the deeply loved pet of a young woman who had, sadly, been diagnosed with cancer.  Her distraught mother was desperate to find a safe home for this much loved pony and rang Willows in desperation – she had rung a large horse charity and asked for their help, only to be told that she should have Clyde put down!  She told Willows of her plight, whilst sobbing her heart out and begged us to take him as we were her last hope!

We agreed of course, and are happy to report that Clyde has settled in well and is enjoying his time at Willows.

As a registered charity, Willows relies on your donations to continue its ever-increasing work supporting rescued wild, domestic and farm animals, and all contributions will be welcomed.

See how you can donate by visiting our website at www.willowsanimals.com

Willows Animal Sanctuary is situated on the B9093 between New Pitsligo and Strichen.

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