Health Archives - Page 17 of 31

MSP Welcomes Boost For Local Dairy Farmers

Feb 052015

Christian (L) with Roy Mitchell (R) at Drimmies Farm

North East MSP Christian Allard with Roy Mitchell at Drimmies Farm in Inverurie

With thanks to Ann-Marie Parry.

North East MSP Christian Allard has welcomed the news that a Scottish dairy brand will be launched this year – to promote Scottish produce at home and abroad and to provide additional support to our hard-working dairy farmers.
Last month, Mr Allard urged processors and supermarkets to support local dairy producers in the Year of Food and Drink 2015 and now Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Richard Lochhead has announced that a detailed dairy action plan will be published.

Mr Allard recently visited Drimmies Farm in Inverurie to meet owner Roy Mitchell.

The farm has 400 dairy cows and for four generations Mitchells have been farming in the heart of rural Aberdeenshire providing the very best locally produced milk.

Christian Allard MSP said:

“This is a very welcome announcement by the Scottish Government – and will provide real support for local dairy farmers in the north-east of Scotland. This will further boost the Scottish economy, making it easier for consumers to choose Scottish products first.

“Scottish food and drink has an exceptional reputation across the world – and this new dairy brand will help further showcase Scotland’s produce and allow our farmers to further capitalise on this proud reputation and access more export opportunities.

“Dairy farmers play an important role in both the local and national economy – and I know that this increased Scottish Government support will be welcomed by farmers who can now face the future with an increased sense of confidence in the face of the changing price of milk.”

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[Aberdeen Voice accepts and welcomes contributions from all sides/angles pertaining to any issue. Views and opinions expressed in any article are entirely those of the writer/contributor, and inclusion in our publication does not constitute support or endorsement of these by Aberdeen Voice as an organisation or any of its team members.]

Ski 2015 – Cross Country Skiing in the Cairngorms

Featured, Information, Sport No Responses »

Feb 052015

With the Scottish ski centres reporting between 30-60 centimeters of snow the 2015 ski season has got off to a perfect powdery start. With thanks to Janice Hopper.

The Cairngorms is synonymous with breath-taking mountain terrain and high octane skiing and snowboarding as the depth and range of skiing opportunities across Glenshee, the Lecht and the Cairngorm Mountain is vast and exhilarating.

But hurtling down a mountainside isn’t the only way to ski.

Nigel Wells (pictured), who provides tuition for the Aviemore and Glenmore Ski Shop, is a passionate advocate of cross country skiing which is a completely different approach to experiencing the landscape, expanding your skills on snow and testing yourself.

“It’s the only form of skiing that allows people to truly appreciate the Scottish countryside and really immerse themselves in the forest. The silence, compounded by the compacted snow, can be deafening and the scenery in the Cairngorms is quite something.”

Nigel is a BASI level 2 instructor but he only started skiing in his late twenties proving it’s never too late to start. He left school at 16 and experienced a demanding career with the Police force in Bradford, including becoming a Firearms Officer and a member of a specialist unit involved in the Ripper enquiries and the Toxteth and Leeds Riots, but he was soon looking for his next challenge.

Cross country skiing started as a hobby in the 1970’s but after a holiday in Aviemore Nigel became such a regular visitor that he virtually slipped into teaching. When he left the Police in 1998 he made his move to Aviemore to become a full time ski instructor and now knows the terrain of the Cairngorms intimately.

“Cross country skiing can be immensely challenging. You don’t have gravity on your side propelling you down a hillside so self-locomotion is the order of the day and that requires some effort on the part of the individual. You use your whole body and can burn around 500 calories an hour. It’s the top all over calorie burner ahead of swimming and cycling and requires huge stamina but it’s also hugely accessible.

“Children can try it and I’m also hugely interested in adaptive cross country skiing for those with disabilities. You can take it at a gentler pace or you can really speed through the forest as there are a variety of trails available in the winter months and with Glenmore now having a piste machine many more can now be cleared.”

Depending on the snowfall tracks run through Glenmore forest, taking in Bagaduish, the south side of Loch Morlich and excellent views as skiers cruise past Meall a’Bhuachaille just north of the loch and the forest. The Glenmore Cross Country Ski Machine was an investment to improve cross country skiing in the region and it’s hugely popular for an inanimate object.

With its own Facebook page the machine’s run as a charity to encourage the advancement of public participation in sport, but the beauty of cross country skiing is that those who wish to explore aren’t necessarily confined to the tracks but can venture out and explore as desired.

Cross country skiing offers its followers further advantages as Nigel explains:

“Well it’s quite economic as far as skiing goes. As long as you dress sensibly for the outdoor temperatures you don’t need quite so much kit or ski wear. You don’t have to buy a lift pass and another huge bonus is that you don’t have to queue for the lifts. That’s a lot of extra skiing time. If there’s snow on the ground you can do cross country skiing virtually anywhere so it’s really flexible.”

As cross country skiing takes place on lower ground it’s more weather dependent than mountain-top snow sports so it’s definitely worth keeping a keen eye on the forecasts. The Aviemore and Glenmore Ski Shop and its instructors have the latest information on the weather conditions, tracks being cut and other suitable terrain available.

For dedicated skiers or for complete novices cross country skiing offers a challenging way to get the most out of the stunning Cairngorms countryside and try a form of skiing that can be gentle and peaceful or rigorous and intense.

The Cairngorms National Park, in the heart of the Highlands, is the largest National Park in the UK and is made up of five different areas – Aviemore and Cairngorms; Angus Glens; Atholl and Glenshee; Tomintoul and Glenlivet; and Royal Deeside and Donside. To find out where to stay, what to do and what’s happening across the Cairngorms National Park this winter visit www.visitcairngorms.com

Whiteford Slams NE Labour MPS For Backing Tory Cuts

Aberdeenshire, Articles, Opinion No Responses »

Jan 162015

Two North-east Labour MPs vote with Conservatives for further austerity. With thanks to Paul Robertson.

It has been revealed 28 Scottish Labour MPs voted with the UK Government last night for £75 billion of cuts and tax rises.
Those voting with the Conservative Government for further austerity included two North-east Labour MPs, Anne Begg and Frank Doran.

Commenting, MP for Banff & Buchan and SNP Westminster Spokesperson for Work & Pensions, Eilidh Whiteford (pictured), said:

“Labour have shown their true colours in siding with the Tories, and it shows even more clearly that only by voting SNP can Westminster’s obsession with imposing austerity cuts be changed.”

“The Conservatives are committed to continued austerity which will hit Scottish public services- and they have now been backed by Scottish Labour.

“The consequences of austerity are all too plain to see in my own constituency and across the North-east, so it is particularly disappointing to see two Labour MSPs for the North-east side with the Conservatives. It will be ordinary, hard-working people in their constituencies who will continue to suffer and those people should not be paying the price for the mess that the Tories and Labour got us into in the first place.”

“The SNP in government has a strong record on protecting our public services and supporting public sector workers – including the recent additional funding announced for NHS Grampian. But the impact of Westminster’s austerity agenda is continuing to be felt – and with more cuts being passed down the line , the strain on our vital public services will only increase.”

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Bistro’s Home-cooked Menu To Whet Appetite Of Judges

Aberdeenshire, Information No Responses »

Jan 162015

With thanks to Eoin Smith, Tricker PR.

The word homemade can often be overused in the restaurant world.
But there is one place in the heart of Royal Deeside that takes home cooking to a whole new level. Buchanan’s Bistro in Banchory makes everything – including its curry powder – from scratch and even brews its own beer.

It’s the attention to detail that has led to Buchanan’s being short-listed for the best informal eating experience in the Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Awards, which will be announced later this month.

Owners Calum and Val Buchanan were determined to put an emphasis on fresh, local produce when they took the helm of the bistro in 2010. For them, homemade food is not just something to entice diners – it’s a means to help customers take a healthier approach to eating out.

Val explains:

“Using local suppliers allows us to change the menu daily and lets us channel our creativity to produce delicious and healthy dishes. We have a flexible menu that includes small plates, sharing boards and hot platefuls.

“Our fresh bread made on the premises every day is particularly popular with our customers.

“Calum makes the organic sourdough bread using long and traditional fermentations which is very important for the digestive system, leaving customers to indulge without feeling guilty.

“Last year we introduced something totally new for us – our very own Bistro beers. Brewed in the kitchen, the beer comes in five varieties – Original, IPA, Dark Stout, BoHo Lager and Wild Wheat.

“As it’s only sold within the bistro, we’ve found that it’s become a major reason for some customers to visit.”

Buchanan’s Bistro is located within Woodend Barn, an art centre that was established in 1994 which hosts an exciting and creative programme of music, theatre, dance, comedy, film, children’s events, art exhibitions and workshops.

The diverse offering has allowed Buchanan’s to work with Woodend Barn, providing seasonal suppers for resident theatre groups to popular weekly music slots for performers.

In addition to looking after the wellbeing of customers, Buchanan’s Bistro also looks out for the planet with a raft of policies to ensure that all practices are environmentally friendly.

A huge emphasis has been put on staff training, with all in the team offered in-house training opportunities as well as recognised SVQs.

Val adds:

“Although it may sound cliché, we really are like one big family. The staff play a fundamental role in creating a hub where people feel relaxed and leave feeling restored. We offer something a little out of the ordinary, while offering wholesome and healthy food.”

Buchanan’s will face stiff competition in the best informal eating experience award category from The Mariner Hotel in Aberdeen and The Bay Fish and Chips in Stonehaven.

Final judging takes place before the end of the year and winners will be announced at a ceremony at Ardoe House Hotel and Spa in Aberdeen on January 30, 2015. Host for the evening will be broadcaster Tam Cowan. Further information about the awards is available at www.acsta.co.uk

Aberdeen Sports Village Wins Gold

Aberdeen City, Sport No Responses »

Dec 192014

With thanks to Dave Macdermid.

Aberdeen Sports Village, a partnership between the University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen City Council and sportscotland has achieved Investors in Young People and Investors in People Gold
accreditation.

Investors in Young People is the only people management standard that focuses on an employer’s recruitment and retention of young people, while achieving IIP Gold puts Aberdeen Sports Village in the top 7% of all IIP accredited organisations.

Launched in July 2014, Investors in Young People originated through a key recommendation from the Commission for Developing Scotland’s Young Workforce, led by Sir Ian Wood. The accreditation is offered to all businesses across Scotland and exists to recognise and support organisations across Scotland in the employment of young people.

Having now achieved both accreditations, Aberdeen Sports Village is now eligible to use and display the Investors in People and Investors in Young People logo and plaque, and enjoy their benefits.

Commenting on the award, David Beattie, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Sports Village, said:

“We’re immensely proud to have been awarded both IIP Gold and IIYP accreditation and I believe this represents our firm commitment to each of our employees and demonstrates the good practice we have in place.

“We have a fantastic, passionate and diverse team at Aberdeen Sports Village and having achieved both IIP Gold and IIYP shows just how far we have come as an organisation since opening in 2009.”

Peter Russian, Chief Executive of Investors in People Scotland, said:

“This is a fantastic achievement for Aberdeen Sports Village, and I and the whole IIP team would like to wholeheartedly congratulate them. Achieving both IIP Gold and IIYP is a fantastic achievement. The Investors in Young People framework not only recognises and supports organisations in the employment of young people, but marks them out as an employer of choice. I envisage that many more organisations in the North East of Scotland will wish to follow in the footsteps of Aberdeen Sports Village and demonstrate their commitment to young people by working with the Investors in Young People framework.”

He continued:

“The benefits of recruiting and developing young people are countless. These include the creation of a talent pool for the future, new and increased skills in areas such as IT and social media, fresh eyes and mind-sets into business operations along with enthusiasm and unique talents.”

Aberdeen Sports Village opened in August 2009 to provide world class sport and exercise opportunities to everyone in the community. These opportunities were further enhanced with the opening of a state of the art Aquatics Centre in May 2014. The organisation recently defended its ‘Scottish Gym of the Year’ title at the 2014 National Fitness Awards.

Golden Garden Dream Comes True For Elderly Care Charity

Aberdeen City, Featured, Information No Responses »

Dec 022014

With thanks to Jessica Murphy.

An innovative garden project devised by Simeon Care for the Elderly will become a reality after securing £45,000 in funding.

The Aberdeen-based charity was delighted to find out it had been successful in the final of the Big Lottery Fund People’s Millions competition last night (Thursday November 27).

Simeon’s Golden Garden will provide a therapeutic haven for the 23 residents in the new care home they are building.

The home is taking shape but the outdoor space consists of piles and rubble and mud, which will now be transformed thanks to the funding.

Jeannie Carlson, Simeon Care for the Elderly manager, said the charity was overwhelmed with the support they received from the public.

“It has made such a huge difference in helping spread the word about The Golden Garden. The response we have received is just amazing and we are delighted as the process has helped more people find out about Simeon. Winning the funding means so much to us and will make such a difference to the residents as we can now fast-track the plans for The Golden Garden,” she said.

“We would like to thank everyone that took the time to vote for us as you have helped make the project a reality. For us, the garden will form an integral part of the care we provide residents here at Simeon. It is not just in the building, so much of the life of the Simeon community happens outside.”

The innovative garden plans will include a terrace with views towards the River Dee, seating alcoves taking their inspiration from seaside pavilions, a variety of alcoves with seating for groups, a hand-crafted wooden bridge, potting shed, food and flower patch, wildlife stations and personal patios leading from individual bedrooms. Carefully planned planting and features such as swing seats developed specifically for those with dementia are also included.

Jeannie Carlson added:

“Simeon is driven by a commitment to provide as much comfort and care as we possibly can. For so many elderly people, being outside is a great joy. It aids wellbeing and brings happiness into their lives, and for many, is something they treasured in their own homes. To be able to offer that same simple pleasure in a care home that is now their home is an essential support.

Dr Garuth Chalfront (pictured), a leading expert in the design, research and use of healing garden, therapeutic landscaping and dementia-friendly spaces, has developed the garden blueprint. It forms part of the new Simeon Care for the Elderly development, which is currently under construction in the grounds of the organisation’s existing facility at Cairnlee Road in Bieldside.

More Info: Simeon Care for the Elderly has been meeting the needs of older people for 30 years. Simeon’s philosophy of care, compassion and companionship supports older people to have an active, meaningful and purposeful life in a community setting and provides dignified and compassionate care and end of life care, supporting the individual as well as their families. The independent charity is part of the Camphill Movement and one of seven Camphill charities in Aberdeen.

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MP Seeks More Effective Assistance For Those Living With HIV

Aberdeenshire, Featured, News No Responses »

Nov 282014

With thanks to Paul Robertson.

The SNP’s Spokesperson on International Development at Westminster, Dr. Eilidh Whiteford, has called for more effective international assistance as the world recognises those living with HIV/AIDS.

The Banff & Buchan MP, who previously worked for an international charity, will attend a debate in Parliament on 5 December which could lead to the UK making a binding legal commitment to spend 0.7% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on international aid.

The move has been supported by more than 40 organisations representing millions of people across the UK.

Dr. Whiteford explained:

“The figure of 0.7% of UK GDP is a small contribution to international development that makes a big difference to the lives of people in developing countries. With countries across Europe making similar commitments, we have the opportunity to make a really positive impact on the lives of the world’s poorest.”

The call coincides with World AIDS Day, observed on 1 December, which recognises those across the world living with HIV and AIDS. Over 30 million people in the world suffer from the disease, and the number of people living with HIV in the UK continues to rise.

Dr. Whiteford commented:

“The rising number of people living with HIV/AIDS in the world is fuelled by the spread of the disease in developing countries where prevention and treatment options are under-developed. This is just one area where international aid from the UK and other wealthy countries can make a real difference to the lives of individuals.”

“The proportion of people living with HIV/AIDS in the UK is still relatively small but World AIDS Day offers us the opportunity to reiterate the messages around prevention, getting tested to know your status, and challenging the stigma and misunderstanding that surrounds the disease. It is important to recognise the enormous level of work done by charities like HIV Scotland, the Terrence Higgins Trust and the National AIDS Trust, in seeking to help people understand the disease and live with their condition.”

Red ribbons for World AIDS Day are available to buy in most large shops and proceeds go to HIV/AIDS charities.

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MSP Seeks Devolved Power In Light Of Ship Blaze

Aberdeen City, Featured, News 1 Response »

Oct 102014

North East MSP Christian Allard is urging Westminster to devolve powers to enable the Scottish Government to regulate the transportation of nuclear waste on Scottish land and sea. The call comes following a blaze on a cargo ship carrying radioactive nuclear waste which resulted in the evacuation of a North Sea oil platform.

Danish ship MV Parida was carrying nuclear waste when it caught fire and began drifting in the Moray Firth this week (Tuesday 7 October).

The Danish registered ship was transporting six cemented drums of radioactive nuclear waste from Scrabster to Antwerp in Belgium when a fire broke out in one of her two funnels. The ship began drifting in the Moray
Firth.

As a precaution, 52 workers from the Beatrice oil platform in the North Sea were evacuated.

Radiation and containment monitoring has been carried out on the vessel and it has been confirmed there is no risk to the public or the environment

SNP MSP Christian Allard said:

“This incident is a sobering reminder that the Scottish Government does not have control over the transportation of radioactive waste or what happens with ships in incidents like this that occur in Scottish waters.

“Thankfully risk to the public and the environment has been avoided in this case but serious questions must be asked of how the incident occurred.

“In the week when Westminster has decided to build a new nuclear power station at the staggering cost of £24.5billion on top of its commitment to the irrational and costly renewal of Trident nuclear weapons system, it is quite clear that the priorities of the London parties are at odds with the priorities of the people of Scotland

“I urge Westminster to devolve powers that would give the Scottish Parliament control over these issues and I encourage anyone who feels the same to make their views known to the Smith Commission.”

Chair of Aberdeen and District Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, Jonathan Russell added:

“The incident with the Danish Ship MV Parida is of considerable concern and suggests that regulation needs to be tightened.

“The incident was of particular worry to the people living nearby and would suggest that the regulation of the transportation of nuclear waste would be much better dealt with at a Scottish level.”

The Smith Commission has been tasked with agreeing more powers for the Scottish Parliament, following the result of the referendum on Scottish Independence. To make sure the Scottish Parliament is granted control over these and other important matters you can send your comments direct to: haveyoursay@smith-commission.scot.

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Yet Another Award For City Karate Instructor

Aberdeen City, Featured, Sport No Responses »

Oct 032014

With thanks to Charlie Abel.

Aberdeen’s famous Karate Instructor Ronnie Watt will be looking for a bigger cabinet to display his medals after receiving yet another award, this time from the Slovakian government for ‘promotion of understanding, tolerance and friendship among nations and regions’

The commemorative medal of Trnava Self-governing region (TSGR) was awarded to Ronnie on the 5th of September by the TSGR president Tibor Mikus. The award has an important place in the chivalry of the TSGR.

Jurai Staffa, the assistant to the President commented:

“It only belongs to those whose contributions to society and human values are extraordinary. It is not only awarded to residents of the region but to other outstanding personalities from other parts of the world. Its prestige and moral credit are unquestionable.

The president of the TSGR in Slovakia ( Tibor Mikos) has added

“TSGR is proud that the medal is in good hands in your case.”

Ronnie first met with President Mikos through Karate back in 2001 when Aberdeen was host to the WKC World Karate Championships at AECC, where thousands of competitors from all over the world came to compete. The competition which had been organised by Ronnie and his team in Aberdeen was praised as a huge success by the WKC who said that it was one of the best competitions they had ever attended and that the hospitality of Aberdonians was second to none.

President Mikos is a keen Karate man himself, and at 8th Dan is greatly respected throughout the Karate world as a former champion fighter and member of the WKC board. He had attended the Championships and was so impressed that he invited Ronnie to Slovakia to train his students.

Ronnie has now made several trips to Slovakia to help with teaching Karate alongside President Mikos, and Jurai Staffa, (a former treasurer and secretary to the WKC, assistant to president Mikos and author.)

This September Ronnie flew to Germany and travelled to Slovakia with the President of the WKC and good friend Dr. Fritz Wendland from Germany where a surprise ceremony was organised during a 2000 mile European road trip on Dr. Fritz’s World War 2 motorcycle and side car. The pair had been talking about the road trip for years and Ronnie knew nothing about the award that was in store for him during the journey.

Ronnie has previously received recognition from the Emperor of Japan for his life’s work in karate with an ‘order of the rising sun’ an award seldom given to people outside Japan. This followed recently an OBE from her majesty the Queen and previously Ronnie has been recognised by Aberdeen City Council as their ‘Sports Personality of the Year’ on more than one occasion.

Now aged 67 years young, 8th Dan Black Belt Ronnie Watt still trains karate every day and teaches adults and children the traditional Shotokan karate discipline which has helped shape the karate that Aberdeen is becoming famous for in the karate world. Ronnie has helped tens of thousands of people progress through karate, and some of his students have gone on to win many competition medals including gold in world karate championships.

Anyone wishing to learn Karate please visit www.karate-scotland.info

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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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