Youth Archives - Page 6 of 10

The Only Recipe For A Great British Row Off

Aberdeen City, Featured, Sport No Responses »

Jan 022014

A dollop of determination
A spoon full of courage
A bucket load of The Dee
… And one red velvet cupcake.

The only recipe for a Great British Row Off. With thanks to Jennifer Kelly.

(L-R) Lauren Cammaert and RGUBC president, Gillian Paterson

Bellowing orders at her cowering crew as they power down the River Dee, Lauren Cammaert isn’t your average 5ft 3 cox; as behind the façade of ruthless competitor, the Aberdeen Universities’ Boat Club president swaps her one-piece for her pinny at every available opportunity.

And she’s not alone.

It would appear that for this year’s Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race, Lauren has an army of keen bakers behind her, all inspired by the nations on-screen fascination; The Great British Bake Off (GBBO).

This new generation of university students spend their evenings adding their own touches to the latest Delia Smith recipe, baking artisan bread and designing wedding cakes. And this pastime isn’t gender specific, even 6ft 3 Alexander Hutchinson takes pride in his homemade bread.

It’s just as well they all have such a stringent exercise regime, and youth on their side.

However, 23 year old Lauren went one step further than other adoring GBBO fans and applied to be a part of the 2013 Great British Bake Off. Diligently, she pulled her application together, consisting of 12 original recipes and a 35 question-long interrogation form. After submitting, she awaited a response eagerly.

Weeks came, and passed, and the realisation that she was not successful became reality.

“I would be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed, as it took me weeks to put my application together, but I was not going to be disheartened. I can dedicate my baking skills to other causes- like bribing my crew out of their warm beds at 6am on very cold mornings!” says Lauren.

The Canadian born competitor first discovered her passion for cooking during the winter months of her childhood. Inspired by her mother and sister, Lauren followed suit and baked her way through the chilly festive months. She explains how it all began,

“Where we stayed in Canada, the winter months were perilous and there were often days that we were barricaded inside by snow. To relieve our boredom, my mom taught my older sister and I to bake. I was instantly fascinated and spent the rest of my junior years with sticky fingers, covered in flour and icing sugar.

“My baking was pretty mediocre to start, but, like anything, it improved with time. I like adding my own little twists onto recipes just to see what happens. Sometimes it’s disastrous but that’s part of the fun.

“My signature bake is a batch of red velvet cupcakes where I take elements from Nigella Lawson’s recipe and add my own cream cheese icing recipe. When I’m not too busy, I take orders for wedding cakes which have definitely proven to be my biggest, but most rewarding, challenge yet.”

For 2014, Lauren will be swapping spatula for oar in the Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race on Saturday March 1st. Lauren moved to Aberdeen when she was eight years old and started at Robert Gordon’s College. From there, she progressed to Aberdeen University to study medicine where she hopes to graduate as a doctor next year.

She describes her early rowing career,

“I started off rowing for a couple of years, inspired by the stellar reputation of Aberdeen University Boat Club, but decided that my petite frame was better suited to coxing. My mom rowed during high school, my dad at college in Cambridge so it definitely runs in the family … and my boyfriend also coaches.

“The Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race is a fantastic student event but don’t be fooled, the competitive atmosphere is so electric it could pass for a professional competition. I am always touched by how many local supporters turn up on the day to cheer us on. Hopefully this year will achieve results that Aberdeen University can really scream about.”

Although she was involved in last year’s race, Lauren views her recent presidency as a chance to step up to the plate and bring Aberdeen University to victory once more. She jokes:-

“If I have to bribe them all with fresh red velvet cupcakes to train all winter then that’s what I’ll do!”

Lauren had hoped to re-apply for the 2014 GBBO but the filming falls at the same time as the race, and there is no competition as to which she is determined to see through. Her last year at university will hopefully one filled with delicious cakes and rowing triumphs.

Keep an eye out as Lauren on 1st March 2014 as swaps her pinny for one-piece, spatula for oar and coxes her crew to victory for Aberdeen University.

Follow the 2014 Aberdeen Asset Universities’ Boat Race and show your true colours at www.facebook.com/AAMBoatRace and at https://twitter.com/2014BoatRace.

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People’s Millions, Wednesday Nov 27 – Vote Modo

Aberdeen City, Featured, News No Responses »

Nov 252013

Modo, a social enterprise that uses high quality engagement in circus and street theare to allow young people to change for the better, has been shortlisted for a People’s Millions Award and we need your vote!

Modo has been shortlisted for a People’s Millions Award

Best known for the big parades and events, Modo has worked in Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire for the past few years putting on some stunning parades and performances such as the Scottish Samurai at Bridge of Don, The Port at the Aberdeen International Youth Festival in 2012, Pandemonium and Leviathan in Peterhead and Fantasmagoria and Maelstrom in Fraserburgh 2012.

We have just finished the Shell Fireworks Parade 2013 at Aden Country Park, Mintlaw, when a capacity crowd of 5,000 came to watch a thrilling evening’s entertainment in the woods.

In addition Modo works in schools and youth groups across the city and shire.

The exciting news is Modo is up for a People’s Millions award. This would be an amazing opportunity to establish long term Circomodo programmes with all the benefits to participants, volunteers and community. Equally importantly it would secure the future of Modo in the North East. This is not just about the possibility of creating real and exciting opportunities.

It is also about Modo’s chance to establish itself fully in the North East, and have the chance to build on all the work done so far.

Who are Modo?

Modo uses circus to engage young people across Aberdeenshire and help them to change their lives for the better. Harnessing the skills and thrills of circus, Modo helps young people to improve life chances, skills, confidence and self-esteem. 16 young volunteers have recently gained their Saltire and Yava Awards working in partnership with Volunteer Centre Aberdeenshire.

What would the award do?

This award would allow us to run free weekly circus programmes in Mintlaw, Peterhead and Fraserburgh for a whole year. Young people will gain real skills, helping them in life, school and into training and employment, while having fun, making friends and becoming more engaged with their communities.

“I love coming to Modo, its magic. You’ve given me a new life to look forward to and with the awards and stuff it’s completely changed me. I’m so happy about what I’ve achieved and I feel like I have finally made my mum and dad proud and you’ve helped me to do that. I just wish I started ages ago.”

How do I vote?

Voting is done by phone on Wednesday 27th November. You can vote from 9.00am until midnight on the day and you can vote 10 times from the same phone.

The actual number is only released on the day, so sign up to our Facebook page so we can let you know the number.

Spread the word.

Find Modo Scotland on Facebook or Twitter and tell the world! If you can spare time to help us campaign for votes, please get in touch! We are going to need to get every vote we can to win!

Spend a pound to keep us around.

Every phone can be used ten times to place a vote, so for as little as £1 you can place ten votes for Modo. Every vote counts so please vote ten times.

Circus with Purpose.

Circus is exciting, requires teamwork and has within it clearly defined achievements. Through learning new skills, Circus gives young people a real sense of achievement. As well as pride in their own accomplishments, it allows young people to perform to their community and to gain accreditation, experiences and opportunities. It changes people’s lives through the passion it brings, raising aspirations, excitement and perseverance.

Modo in Aberdeenshire.

Having worked in Aberdeenshire since 2008, this year Modo has set up a permanent base in Peterhead. Although maybe best known for the big parades, behind the scenes Modo has worked with young people across the region.

This year alone we have:

run over 600 hours of workshops to over 6,000 participants
worked with young people to perform to an audience of over 20,000
employed 16 staff, trained & supported 12 volunteers and accredited 100 young people enabled young folk to attend festivals in France, Italy, Germany, Edinburgh and London
helped a dozen participants go on to employment, college, and training

“What Modo achieves with young people is beyond belief. They transform their lives, build confidence and get these youngsters believing in themselves again. I know of a young girl who had a chaotic life, getting into trouble all the time with her family and at school. I will never forget the day she came in to see me all smiles, and all because she was involved with Modo. Now her attitude to life has turned around, she is more positive about where she can see her life going, all this is down to Modo.”

Why we need to be around long term.

By being around long term, we can gain trust and build relationships. To create real progression, we need to spend time with young folk to support them in their development. For young people to commit, they need to know that we are committed. Modo wants to make a difference, and with this award Modo can commit 100% to young folk in Aberdeenshire.

Find out more:

Peoples Millions
Facebook
Twitter @modoscotland
Flickr
Youtube
Website

Vote Modo – Give Circus a Purpose www.facebook.com/votemodo

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Youth Councillors Back Calls For Ban On Religion On Education Committees

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Oct 212013

Two city youth councillors, Barry Black and Kenneth Watt, have backed a Scottish Parliament motion calling for the legislation making three religious figures on local authorities’ education committees necessary to be banned.

Instead of the religious committee members, Barry and Kenneth
believe that the positions should be filled by young people, who can be taken from democratically elected bodies such as the Scottish Youth Parliament or the Aberdeen City Youth Council.

Kenneth said:

“It is not correct in 2013 to have religious figureheads – who nobody elected and many disagree with – to be making decisions about school children.

“I firmly believe that multiculturalism should be a key part of religion in faith in school, however, this in no way makes it appropriate to have unelected people deciding the budget and crucial decisions for schools.

“The majority of young people have no affiliation to religion and by only selecting religious representatives from a faith with a ‘place of worship,’ minority faith groups and those who do not follow religion are not represented.”

Barry said:

“We have officially recognised youth groups at both national and local level – it would be a much better idea to utilise an elected young person to give input in to their education.

“Young people should be empowered to make decisions about what matters to them.”

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Independence Referendum Selected As Youth Council Annual Campaign

Aberdeen City, News No Responses »

Oct 042013

With thanks to Liam Yeats.

Aberdeen City Youth Council (ACYC) has officially voted on their annual campaign. The idea, ‘Independence Referendum: Inform, Educate & Register’, was submitted by former Chair, Barry Black.

The motion submitted read as:

‘With the upcoming passage of legislation finalising details of the Scottish Independence referendum, ACYC’s main campaign should be an information and education campaign. We should also promote voter registration to make sure as many young people in Aberdeen as possible are eligible to vote – this will of course involve registering for the first time 16 and 17 year olds who will be extended the franchise for this vote’

During their February meeting, ACYC voted to remain impartial in the Scottish Independence Referendum debate (For: 12, Against: 1 & 0 Abstentions) as many Youth Councillors felt that they should be educating young people, rather than dividing themselves.

Barry Black (Youth Councillor) said:

“I think it is vital the ACYC is at the forefront of registering and facilitating debate ahead of Scotland’s biggest ever vote. The added decision of extending the vote to 16-17 itself provides a great challenge and opportunity for all whose aim it is to increase political participation. The ACYC has time and time again shown it is effective at impartially facilitating political debate and we must ensure the youth voice is represented in this debate more than any in any debate that has been taken before.”

Struan King (ACYC Chair) said:

“It’s a really exciting time to be involved in youth democracy. Come next September young people will have a historic opportunity to have their say on Scotland’s future. The Aberdeen City Youth Council has the very serious responsibility of ensuring young people are informed and understand the issues in question to make their vote.”

Aberdeen City Youth Council is now looking into at ideas for the campaign and how they will implement it.

For more information about Aberdeen City Youth Council email, info@acyc.info or visit www.acyc.info

NE Orient Express Experience Benefits Young Golfers

Aberdeen City, Sport No Responses »

Aug 302013

With thanks to Dave Macdermid.

A group of NE business professionals has presented over £3000 to the Paul Lawrie Charitable Foundation to help more youngsters play golf to the best of their ability in a fun-based environment.

Aberdeen based h-events’ Managing Director Harvey Smith explained:

“Paul and his team do a fantastic job of getting kids interested in playing golf through his Charitable Foundation. h-events are fully supportive of their work and it was for that reason that we decided to seek the assistance of our guests who travelled with us on the Orient Express to the Open Championship at Muirfield. I am delighted to present this cheque for £3360 on behalf of all 276 clients whose generosity and support I very much appreciate.”

The innovative method of travel was well received by h-events customers.

“Having booked the Orient Express in the past, I knew it would go down well and we sold out all the seats in less than a week. Travelling in luxury simply enhanced what was always going to be a memorable day and the customer feedback has already indicated that the trip was ‘the best corporate event our company have ever done’. We are certainly planning to repeat the exercise at next year’s Ryder Cup at Gleneagles,” added Smith.

Lawrie, the 1999 Open champion and Ryder Cup star was delighted to accept the donation, and said:

“This is fantastic and really appreciated. The money will go towards the planned expansion of our academy over the coming months and I’m very grateful to Harvey and his guests.”

h-events is now the foremost provider of sporting corporate hospitality in NE Scotland and will be expanding too, celebrating its seventh anniversary by opening a Glasgow office, as Smith outlined:

“Whilst the NE does enjoy its own micro economy and has been almost recession proof, enquiries from the central belt have increased to the extent that it makes sense to have a presence there. The demand for something just a bit different is always present.

“Whilst probably two-thirds of our business is sports-related, we’re organising a St Andrews night ball on the Royal Yacht Britannia, the kind of event that we are looking at outwith the standard corporate hospitality package. We are increasing our market share of conference and events business with top speakers and entertainment never previously seen in the NE.”

City Youth Council Looks Forward

Aberdeen City, News No Responses »

Aug 152013

With thanks to Liam Yeats, Newly appointed Press Officer, Aberdeen City Youth Council.

Chairman Struan King took the opportunity to look back on the previous two years of Aberdeen City Youth Council (ACYC) as it announced that its new office bearers.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the outgoing officers who have done an amazing job and wish them all the best for the future.
“The Youth Council has come on leaps and bounds over the last two years and as an organisation will be looking to continue making a positive impact in our city.”

The full team comprises:

Chairman: Struan King ( Pictured above, Studying in the Oil & Gas Sector)

Vice-Chair: Dainius Balcytis (University of Aberdeen)

Secretary: Taylor Legge (S5, Oldmachar Academy)

Press Officer: Liam Yeats (S6, Northfield Academy)

Treasurer: Piotr Teodorowski (University of Aberdeen)

Recruitment Officer: Scott Bremner (University of Aberdeen)

Equality and Diversity Officer: Shelly Butler.

The Chairman added:

“The Youth Council has become a stronger organisation and we have a really enthusiastic team. Right now we are planning our activities for the months ahead.

“Next year will be one of the biggest years for young people in Scotland. With the Independence referendum and votes at 16 it is clear the Aberdeen City Youth Council will have a big role to play in engaging, informing and campaigning for the Youth Voice.”

The ACYC is currently discussing the content of its 2013-14 annual campaign and looking to hold a city youth consultation to form the basis of its manifesto and campaigning over the next two years.

The new team is looking forward to working with the six local Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYPs),

Struan King and Michael Hutchinson (Aberdeen Central),

Jamie Ross and Braden Davy (Aberdeen Donside), and

Kris Chapman and Megan Lukins (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine).

ACYC welcomed Christian Allard, Regional MSP for NE Scotland to its most recent meeting in July. There were two motions discussed, the first of which looked at whether or not payday loans were having a devastating effect on the most vulnerable in society. The second looked at whether or not Aberdeen City Council should supply all meat from Aberdeen and the surrounding areas.

Aberdeen City Youth Council meets on the last Tuesday of every month

www.acyc.info

Tennis Over, Denis Tournament Begins

Aberdeen City, Sport No Responses »

Jul 052013

With thanks to Dave Macdermid.

The third annual Denis Law Soccer Tournament begins at Aberdeen Sports Village (ASV) on Thursday 18July and defending champions Motherwell will face English Premiership side Sunderland in a testing opening match.
The pair have been drawn in Group A with Inverness Caley Thistle and Aberdeen.

Under 16 Group B comprises Celtic, Dundee, Sheffield United and local representatives Albion Boys Club.

Sunderland were last in the city three years ago at the 30^th Aberdeen International Football Festival where their winger George Honeyman was named player of the tournament, whilst Motherwell emerged victorious twelve months ago, defeating Dundee in the final.

The first games of the four day event will kick off at noon on 18 July with the final scheduled for the Village at 1430 pm on Sunday 21^st. All trophies will be presented at the Sports Village on Finals Day following final match.

Fixtures

Group A: Motherwell Sunderland Inverness CT Aberdeen
Group B: Dundee Celtic Sheffield Utd Albion BC

Thursday 18 July
Kings Pitch 1         12noon                  Motherwell v Sunderland
Kings Pitch 2         12noon                  Inverness CT v Aberdeen
Kings Pitch 1         1500                       Dundee v Celtic
Kings Pitch 2         1500                       Sheffield Utd v Albion BC
Kings Pitch 1         1900                       Motherwell v Inverness CT
ASV                         1900                       Sunderland v Aberdeen

Friday 19 July
Kings Pitch 1         12noon                  Dundee v Sheffield Utd
Kings Pitch 2         12noon                  Celtic v Albion BC
Kings Pitch 1         1500                       Motherwell v Aberdeen
Kings Pitch 2         1500                       Sunderland v Inverness CT
Kings Pitch 2         1900                       Dundee v Albion BC
ASV                         1900                       Celtic v Sheffield Utd

Saturday 20 July
Kings Pitch 1         12noon                  Consolation Semi Final 1: 3^rd Place Group A v 4^th Place Group B
Kings Pitch 2         12noon                  Consolation Semi Final 2: 4^th Place Group A v 3^rd Place Group B
ASV                         12noon                  Semi Final 1: Winner Group A v Runner Up Group B
ASV                         1500                       Semi Final 2: Runner Up Group A v Winner Group B

Sunday 21 July
Kings Pitch 1         1000                       Consolation Cup Final
Kings Pitch 2         1000                       Consolation Cup 3^rd/4^th Place Play Off
ASV                         1100                       3^rd/4^th Place Play Off
ASV                         1430                       Final

Donside By-election: Youth Councillors Spread The Word

Aberdeen City, News No Responses »

Jun 032013

With thanks to Kenneth Watt.

Two senior youth councillors took part in a Donside tour, handing out leaflets to every secondary school, community centre and library in the constituency ahead of the group’s hustings on Thursday 6th June.

Struan King (Vice-chair, pictured) and Kenneth Watt (Press Officer) visited over 25 venues distributing 1500 leaflets.

On Saturday and Sunday afternoons the youth council will be leafleting young people outside Marks and Spencers, with a further 1000 leaflets ready to be handed out.

The hustings on Thursday 6th June is the only one to feature all five candidates from parties with representation at Holyrood which is open to the public. A free ticket is required and can be downloaded from http://donside.eventbrite.com. People of all ages are invited, with half of all tickets guaranteed for young Donside electors.

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Donside By-election: ACYC Host Hustings On June 6th

Aberdeen City, News 4 Responses »

May 302013

With thanks to Kenneth Watt.

The Aberdeen City Youth Council has announced that it will be hosting a hustings event for candidates in the Donside by-election in the Belmont Cinema at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday 6^th June, 2013.

The event is open to people of all ages, but a significant number of tickets have been reserved for young people living in the constituency.

The event is free to attend but, due to the limited capacity of the venue, audience members are required to register at http://donside.eventbrite.co.uk/ in order to obtain a ticket.

Youth council Chair Barry Black ( pictured ) said:

“This should turn out to be a great event. The significance of the Donside seat is huge in Scottish Politics and is one that is being watched more and more closely every day.

“A number of issues regarding young people in Aberdeen will turn out to be major factors for voters in the by-election.

Cuts to college funding, a review of the school estate, and controversial changes to tuition fees in England are news stories which are discussed frequently, all of which I am sure will resonate strongly with young people and families in the constituency.

“On top of that, some communities in Donside unfortunately have incredibly high levels of child poverty and increasing crime rates.

“These are all subjects on which I’m sure that the candidates will be quizzed.”

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Gray’s Fashion Students – Talent Beyond Their Years

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

May 092013

hexagon_dress_fashion_show_daniel_mcavoy_photography-2

By Suzanne Kelly.

“Don’t expect too much; these are only 2^nd and 3^rd year fashion students” was the caveat for a recent show by Gray’s School of Arts fashion students.

They were all a year or two at least from their final degree fashion show, and could hardly be expected to do more from their outing as fledglings.

The Seven Incorporated Trades of Aberdeen, headquarters on Holburn Street was the venue; the links between it and Gray’s stretch back many years now.

If anything, having such a beautiful setting and bringing collections in front of professional weavers and other craftspeople might well have proved daunting.

No one – not even the course instructors, technicians and course leader knew quite what would happen.

Stunning

The organisation, the students’ speeches, the elegant wine and canapé reception were polished. But the calibre of the work on show was beyond all expectations. There wasn’t a piece on show which couldn’t have been in a final year student’s collection. Imaginative, daring, colourful works were all on show, but perhaps the biggest surprise was the number of pieces which could have instantly translated to retail.

Standouts

A man’s slightly oversized tweed coat had an asymmetrical back seam; it moved beautifully. A tweed tulip-style short-sleeve dress in an earthy gray-green featured brightly coloured orange silk insets at the hem, rising to differing heights towards the model’s waist; it was an elegant and wholly modern and refreshing use of tweed.

The orange inserts caught the eye and made for an amazing colour contrast with the muted colours of the body of the dress as the model walked.

Other tweed pieces for women were eminently wearable. These outfits were sophisticated and ideal for work, and quite timeless.

A simply cut sleeveless dress featured dozens (if not hundreds) of delicate, possibly hand-painted hexagons of multi-coloured material, probably silk. The overall impression these hexagons and colours gave was three-dimensional, kinetic, elegant, highly original and extremely. pleasing.

A long, romantic dress tightly fitting then cut with high, thick fringe at the skirt melded several types of fabric dyeing/printing together beautifully; the colours were muted but large patterns made it a very striking piece.

Memorable work came from every collection; there were beautiful blouses (a blue and white number seemed ready for high-end retail), skirts, asymmetrical coats…

Designers and Sponsors

The collections were Tweed Outerwear, Covered, Body of Space, This Place is Dreaming, Knack & Knave, Anarchy, Colour Against Conformity and Alternative.

As a final piece of professional fashion show tradition, goody bags were supplied containing gifts from Lush Cosmetics and literature from some of the sponsors, which were The Aberdeen Weaver Incorporation, The Seven Incorporated Trades of Aberdeen, Amicus Apple, Lush, The Athenaeum, and Daniel McAVoy Photography. The makeup for all the models was done by one person – Emma McMahon – who also had work in the show.

The Future

Gray’s School of Arts Libby Curtis spoke briefly at the end of the show; she genuinely seemed as surprised by the calibre of the show and the organisation as the rest of the audience. A member of Aberdeen Weavers had very positive things to say as well.

Recognition is growing for the Fashion arm of Gray’s, and this trend seems set to continue. At the final degree show last year, the list of awards, prizes and internships won by the graduates made for a long, impressive list.

This crop of students look set to raise the beam further. They look set to succeed on a foundation which clearly encourages experimentation, creativity, and collaboration. There seems to be no fear of tradition or elegance, and no reliance on sensationalism or gimmickry. This will be a crop of students to watch.

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