Web issue 104 wa2

West End 2

Issue 104 Apr - May ‘16 Free Magazine

Hazlehead | Queens Cross | Mannofield

Introducing local people to local businesses since 2005!

The Gordon Highlanders Museum The Gordon Highlanders Museum tells the history of The Gordon Highlanders since its inception in 1794 to its amalgamation in 1994. It does so using a superb collection of artefacts, historical artwork and documentation. It is recognised by Visit Scotland and Trip Advisor as one of the best tourist attractions in the North East and is proud of the 5 star experience it offers people and business for hospitality and conferences.

This number 1 attraction is run by a small team of staff supported by highly motivated and passionate teams of volunteers who give their time and energy to ensure the continued sustainability of the Museums and its beautiful garden.

Over a hundred volunteers give their time to support the Museum; the opportunities are varied, interesting and offer the chance to meet new people, feel part of a team, boost a CV or in the case of gardening volunteers out in the fresh air. The different roles include Museum Guide, Tea Room, Curatorial, Gardening, shop/Reception, Education and Hospitality.

The Museum has been awarded the Queens Award for Voluntary Service, Investors in People and Investors in Young People; recognising the support and care for staff and volunteers.

Our Volunteers come from all walks of life, there are those who served in the Regiment whose incredible knowledge is used to research a soldier’s history, offering visitors insights into the various artefacts and historical items on display; students who wish to put their Museum or History studies into practice by helping with the Curatorial Team or Museum Guides; those who have worked in an office all their working life but who have opted for something completely different and are volunteering in the tea room. Every one of them has brought skills, knowledge, energy and commitment to the Museum.

If you are interested in finding out more please contact Aileen Macdonald, Volunteering Co-ordinator, t: 01224 498927 aileen.macdonald@gordonhighlanders.com

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Aberdeen FAshion Week

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landline: 01224 949085 mobile : 07813 964 875 email : mail@gazettemagazines.com www.gazettemagazines.com

independent publisher : Sue Simpson All enquiries :

Disclaimer : Whilst we’d be flattered if you would like to borrow something from the gazette be polite and ask first!

Thank you. We try our hardest to ensure accuracy of editorial content but no responsibility can be taken for any errors and/or omissions. The views expressed within the gazette are not necessarily those of the publisher or advertisers. When replying to offers, competitions and other correspondence, we would strongly recommend that you check published information with each organisation beforehand. All artwork is accepted on strict condition that permission has been given for use in this publication. We thank you for taking the time to read the small print.

Hello Hi everyone, how are you all?

I’m enjoying the extra daylight hours in the evening, not as yet been particularly productive with them but I have tackled the garden… well I did get a little help from my family, not a solo effort I hasten to add.

There are some nice new advertisers for you this month offering help with diets, cleaning, holiday, fencing, fashion, motoring, financial, gas services and picture framing. Armed Forces Day is 25 June and to help raise valuable funds there will be a Big Curry Lunch to be held at the Town and County Hall, Town House, Aberdeen from midday until 1430h on Friday, 24 June. Tickets cost £35 per person. To book your tickets -

please visit the Aberdeen Box Office at www.aberdeenperformingarts.com Alternatively, contact Catherine on 07879 854 927.

Future Choices are keen to get some relief volunteer mini-bus drivers? It is to help on a Tuesday to transport their members to Inchgarth Community Centre. For many this is their only outing of the week - could you help? (www.futurechoices.org.uk) Thanks again for reading, have a good couple of months and see you again in June.

Grab that cuppa and enjoy the magazine. Until the next time…

Sue Our next deadlines are 27 Apr | West End 1 | Deeside | ab41 27 May | West End 2 | Kingswells 27 June | West End 1 | Deeside 27 July | West End 2 | Kingswells | ab41

A little bit of Italy...

We have been serving fine italian cuisine since 1977.

Extensive à la carte menu for lunch and dinner.

5 minutes walk from His Majesty’s Theatre and Music Hall – special lunch and pre-theatre menus.

Hazlehead Queens Cross Mannofield

...in Little Belmont Street

Freshly baked home mode home made pizzas with lashings of toppings.

Tender pasta dishes full of tasty ingredients and luscious cream sauces. Seafood, prime steaks, chicken dishes, all with that extra touch of genius which is true Italian cooking!

Open Monday to Saturday: 12 noon to 2.30pm & 5.30pm to 10.15pm

7 Little Belmont Street | Aberdeen | AB10 1JG

of Italy...

A little bi A little Abitlittle of bit Italy...

www.poldinos.co.uk

...

in Little Belmont Street

...in Little Belmon

We have been serving fine Italian cuisine since 1977.

...in Little Belmont Street

Extensive à la carte menu for lunch and dinner.

5 minutes walk from His Majesty’s Theatre and Music Hall been serving fine italian cu We have

- special lunch and1977. pre-theatre menus.

Extensive à la carte menu for lunch We have been serving fine italian cuisine since baked home-made pizzas with lashings of toppings.

Extensive à la carte menu forFreshly lunch and dinner.

5 minutes walk from His Majesty’s T Tender pasta dishes full of tasty ingredients and luscious cream – special lunch and pre-theatre men

sauces.

Seafood, 5 minutes walk from His Majesty’s Theatre andprime Musicsteaks, Hall chicken dishes, all with that extra touch of genius which is true Italian cooking!

– special lunch and pre-theatre menus.

Freshly baked home mode home m

Open Monday to Saturday 12 noon to 2.30pm and 5.30pm to 10.15pm Tender pasta dishes full of tasty ingr

steaks, chicken dishes, all with that e Freshly baked home mode home made pizzas with lashings of toppings.

01224 647777 Tender pasta dishes full of tasty ingredients and luscious cream sauces. Seafood, primeGift 7 Little Belmont Street | Aberdeen | AB10 1JG Open Monday to Saturday: 12 n steaks, chicken dishes, all with that extra touch of genius which is true Italian cooking!

Vouchers

Available www.poldinos.co.uk 7 Little Belmont Street

Open Monday to Saturday: 12 noon to 2.30pm & 5.30pm to 10.15pm

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| A

www.poldinos

t : 01224 949085 : mail@gazettemagazines.com 7 www.gazettemagazines.com Little Belmont Street | Aberdeen | AB10e1JG

Have you recently been diagnosed with Diabetes Type 2 or have elevated blood glucose levels?

Whether you have recently been diagnosed with diabetes type 2 or been told your blood glucose levels are “higher than normal”, I will provide tailored support & information you need to help prevent or help manage your diabetes type 2.

Understanding more about: What pre-diabetes and diabetes is, weight management, carbohydrate awareness, fat awareness, food labels, possible longer-term complications, benefits of physical activity…

Will improve: Blood glucose control, cholesterol levels, confidence and ability to self manage your personal diabetes condition Reduce: Diabetes medication, blood pressure, body weight and waist circumference, depression and risk of developing further complications associated with diabetes type 2.

If you are interested in knowing more about the “essentials of self-management” and possibly reversing your condition please call:

Sally Calder SAC. DIP. Clinical Nutrition.

Telephone: 07769 344 384 Email: sac.1@btinternet.com

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Why we ‘MAKE’ the best picture framers!

Our passion at Junction arts has always been to bring together the best the UK has to offer in up and coming art and contemporary design, only working with artists and independent makers that provide unique affordable pieces that you will be equally passionate about.

The picture framing service was born as a natural progression from this, firmly holding the same ethos, providing great quality affordable framing for not only local artists but for our customers alike.

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Now 5 years on we wanted to remind you of exactly what we can do.....

GETTING IT RIGHT...

Borders, slips, glass types, flat frames, box frames, hand finishes or not, there’s a lot to think about and it can be daunting but don’t worry, as well as 15 years of framing experience between us, we feel communication is key and always take the time and care needed to advise you on the very best way to frame your items.

Simply bring your items into the store and with the use of our extensive sample range we can help you choose exactly the right look.

All members of our team also have creative

KATE ROCHFORD PSYCHOTHERAPIST A safe space to explore making changes for a more fulfilling and satisfying life.

aberdeenpsychotherapy.com 07553 964208 | kate@aberdeenpsychotherapy.com | MBACP Please do mention the gazette when responding to advertisers - thank you

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backgrounds which gives us an extra eye to help you choose.

THE PERFECT FINISH...

So whether its artworks, limited edition prints, textiles, photography, a wedding gift, jigsaw puzzle, treasurers from a recent holiday or a Frisbee, (yes we’ve even framed a Frisbee) we can do it all from our fully equipped in-store workshop. Nothing will ever be sent away it stays right here where we take great care with everything entrusted to us.

GETTING IN TOUCH...

It’s easy, either pop into the store or for more convenience quotes can be given by phone or email, all we need is a general description of what you’re looking to have framed and the size.

Every item is unique and that’s the joy of picture framing, as no day is ever the same.

We hope to see you all soon.

The team @ Junction arts www.junction-arts.co.uk

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Electrolysis the permanent removal of unwanted hair

Unwanted facial & body hair is a common problem affecting as many as 80% of ladies in varying degrees. Most areas can be permanently cleared of unwanted hairs with electrolysis including hair on the upper/ lower lip, chin, cheeks, neck, chest, abdomen, underarms, bikini line and the eyebrows.

Majority of clients will be happy, well balanced people with hair growth concerns that are purely ‘cosmetic’; others may be self-conscious or even quite distressed when they take their first tentative steps through the door.

I may frequently encounter the perceived problem of hirsutism (male pattern hair growth on females) I can offer helpful and objective advice plus information to the client. In some cases where I feel there may be some abnormal systemic condition I will refer the client to their gp who may make a referral to a specialist, but in the vast majority of cases there is no underlying medical pathology and treatment at my centre is the usual outcome.

The advice and treatment offered should be sufficient to resolve any normal problem, and the result is usually a restored sense of confidence and wellbeing in the client.

Causes of hair growth • Mechanical Stimulation Plucking, (including waxing, threading, sugaring), abrasion • Normal Systemic Puberty, pregnancy,

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menopause, ie times of normal hormonal changes in the body.

• Abnormal systemic Hormone influencing medication ie steroids, contraceptive pill and hormone replacement therapy (HRT), fertility drugs.

• Disease eg endocrine disorders affecting hormonal secretions from the glands of the body.

• Operations eg hysterectomy, removal of ovaries.

• Stress (may only stimulate hair growth when severe and subsequently triggers hormonal imbalance eg in anorexia.

Electrolysis the only proven method of permanent hair removal of unwanted hair, having been around since 1875. With the use of the Apilus computerised system I can offer differing treatment methods to best suit your hair growth and skin type. Unlike laser or IPL, electrolysis is ideal for sensitive skins, dark, light and grey hairs and any colour of skin as it is not affected by pigment in the hair or skin! Electrolysis targets only the unwanted, individual hair and so the skin remains unaffected. It is a progressive treatment resulting in permanent removal of the hair and not just hair reduction!

A very fine needle (equal diameter to the hair to be treated) is inserted down the side of the follicle and a mild current is applied. This causes localised destruction at the root of the hair allowing the hair to be lifted out of the follicle. A mild tingling sensation is felt but soon passes with the application of a soothing gel!

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re you one of the 80% of women affected by unwanted facial and body hair?

Apilus Platinum Pure Electrolysis treatments can put YOU in the 20% The APILUS PLATINUM PURE - 100% PERMANENT RESULTS MORE RAPIDLY » State-of-the-art technology - 27Mhz radio frequency to permanently & rapidly eliminate ALL hair types of ANY colour » more effective - works twice as fast as any other epilator by optimising energy concentration in the hair follicle » more comfortable - the 27Mhz radio frequency so swift & concentrated that treatments are much more comfortable than conventional electrolysis » incomparable effectiveness & comfort

Jenny former nurse, anelectrologist electrologist specialist with 14 Jennyaaformer formernurse, nurse, isisan specialist withexperience.

15 years Jenny, is an electrologist specialist with 13yrs experience.

Book an£10 appointment today and with get results yourself! years experience. £10 off first first treatment this postcard off treatment THE AGE OF ULTRA COMFORTABLE ELECTROLYSIS IS FINALLY HERE!!

Finally say goodbye to unwanted facial/body hair

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4/23/2014 3:23:45 PM

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will give their 60th Anniversary Concert in Queens Cross Church, Aberdeen on Friday, 27th May, 2016 at 7.30 p.m. A special Guest for this Concert will be one of the finest contemporary British choral composers, Bob Chilcott, Guest Artistes will be Rachel Groves on Flute and Harp and Christopher Smith on oboe and Cor Anglais.

T

he year 2016 is an important milestone in the history of Aberdeen Orpheus Choir. The Choir gave its first performance in Aberdeen in April, 1956 in the Music Hall, under its founder Conductor Alexander Elrick, and so this year marks the Diamond Anniversary of the Choir.

This year the Choir with Conductor, Jane Murray and Accompanist Erika Fairhead

Animal Blessing Service

An interesting and varied programme has been chosen to include arrangements

by Bob Chilcott of Londonderry Air and Shenandoah and his composition Songs and Cries of London Town plus the first performance in the U.K. of excerpts from a piece

by Australian Composer Ben van Tienen, " Across the Dark".

Vincent HenegHan WealtH ManageMent consultant

Craigiebuckler Church Hall Springfield Road Aberdeen on 19 June 2016

a wealth of expertise on your doorstep

at 3 pm All animals with their human companions welcome

i provide an experienced wealth management service and offer specialist advice in a wide range of areas including:

For more details contact Myrna at forrester.m1@ sky.com

For further details contact Vincent Heneghan on:

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.investment planning .Retirement Planning .inheritance tax planning

Tel: 01224 202409

Email: vincent.heneghan@sjpp.co.uk Website: www.sjpp.co.uk/vincentheneghan

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The programme also includes modern and classical items to suit all tastes.

Tickets for this concert are priced at £10:00 with a concession rate (over 60's and under 16's) of £8:00 to include refreshments and may be purchased from Top Note Music Shop, 123 Crown Street, Aberdeen or from Choir Members and will be available at the door on the night subject to availability.

On the following day Bob Chilcott will lead a Choral Workshop at the International School of Aberdeen, Pitfodels.

The participation fee is £18:00 and anyone with an interest in choral music will be made most welcome. Further information

regarding this event and a booking form can be obtained on the Choir Website www.aoc.org.uk. Early booking is advised.

Aberdeen Orpheus Choir is a Charity registered in Scotland, number SCO 45709.

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Step into Scott Gi

S

cott Gilmour optometrists is a family friendly opticians which was established in Cults in 2003.

Over the last 13 years the practice has always prided itself on keeping up-to-date with technology whilst maintaining their caring values. The above photos show the results of the recent extensive refurbishment.

The new found space has opened up an area for even more glasses and sunglasses to be out on display. In fact there are over 600 frames and

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o the new look ilmour Optometrists 100 sun specs to choose from! Something to suit every budget and includes frames covered under the NHS. The space created makes it as comfortable as possible for all ages to pick new eye wear.

The test room has been enlarged too and now incorporates the latest sight testing equipment ensuring your eye examination is completed with maximum efficiency and comfort.

The two new dispensing areas allow the trained dispensers to offer personal and impartial advice on lenses and frames, plus complimentary adjustments for the lifetime of your eye wear as a nice wee extra.

The feedback from existing patients has been very favourable and for passers by the window displays always attract attention.

Why not pay a visit to the shop in Cults and experience it for yourself. We don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

Scott Gilmour Optometrists 5 The Courtyard Cults, Aberdeen AB15 9SD Tel: 01224 863344 email: info@sgoptom.co.uk www.scottgilmouroptometrists.co.uk

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Osteoporosis I was asked the question the other day, what’s the difference between osteoporosis and osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is wear and tear on the cartilage at a joint. Cartilage is a softer part, at the end of the bone, to allow for smooth movement. For many reasons, this cartilage will maybe thicken, crumble or become lumpy. It’s more common in women than men and is usually found in larger joints such as knees and hips.

Osteoporosis: Is a weakness throughout the whole bone. The skeleton is a storage system for nutrients and when the body needs the nutrients it stores, the bone becomes depleted. Other factors impact on osteoporosis such as the ageing process itself, bone density decreases after the age of 35.

It’s more common in women, particularly at menopause, but after the age of 50 men too become at risk, especially if there are other health factors present.

foods to energise and add calcium into the diet. Snacking on a handful of almonds half an hour or an hour before a exercise class will give you the energy needed for the given task.

Dairy products are commonly known to be a great source of calcium. Yoghurt, cheese, milk all great for this. Soya is also a good source of calcium as an alternative to dairy.

Soya is a phytoestrogen which will protect your bones from further loss. Tofu, when well flavoured with a spice, is a great alternative to a creamy sauce, if you’re watching the calories.

Beans & pulses a super, low fat protein, which can keep energy levels stay stable, help build bone density and keeps you energised.

Exercise needs to be regular and weight bearing. Weight bearing exercise is walking, jogging, tennis, dancing, aerobics etc (This list is not exhaustive). If you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis you will need advice from a physiotherapist or exercise specialist. Bone

Osteoporosis Diet and exercise are highly effective and essential tools in managing osteoporosis. Consulting your GP regarding medication is the first aspect of treating the condition. Making small alterations to your diet will also be effective in preventing or halting the condition. Calcium & Vitamin D supplements are highly effective in improving osteoporosis. It’s important you consult your GP when taking supplements to ensure they will work with any other medications you take.

Oily fish is generically a great food for many health conditions. Salmon, trout, mackerel, sardines, herring, all great sources of vitamin D and encourages an increase in bone formation. Eaten with dark green leafy vegetables, spinach, kale, broccoli, etc is a highly nutritious, simple & quick meal.

Almonds and sunflower seeds are great snack

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density can be increased with resistance exercise, using a form of weight, such as a band or body weight to challenge the muscle to add pull on the bone, to increase its density.

Using a resistance band to strengthen muscles and bone, such as that used in the Strength & Balance classes I deliver, will benefit people with osteoporosis, and reduce or delay its onset in those who are not diagnosed with the condition.

Specifically designed, not just to build strength and bone density but also improve balance and confidence. Coming to Strength & Balance class improves the ability to stand up from a seat; the ability to put on shoes & socks easily; improves confidence - wanting to come out to the class and enjoy the company of new friends and maybe a lunch or a cup of tea.

Laura Walker - Exercise Specialist

movement & strength specialist

prime mover pathway I Move Freely

Pilates

Strength & Balance

Ultimate U

pilates and So much moRE SquaSh club monday: pilatES 10:00am & 6:00pm

SquaSh club i movE FREEly monday 11:00am

cultS chuRch cEntRE thuRSday: aERobicS 10:00am

Sign up to FREE Ebook and REcEivE moRE inFoRmation. www.pRimEmovERpathway.co.uk Join uS on FacEbook pRimE movER pathway & ciRclE @ mannoFiEld.

All eye examinations covered by NHS Optical Coherence Tomography for early diagnosis of Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration and Retinal Conditions.

Digital Retinal Photography Visual Field Analysis Emergency Eye Appointments Large range of Designer frames and specialised spectacle lenses Accredited by RACH for Children’s Eye Examinations

Home Visits Free Car parking Open Late night Tuesday - 7pm & Saturday - 4pm Scott Gilmour BSc(HONS) MCOptom Dip Tp (IP)

5 The Courtyard, Cults, Aberdeen AB15 9SD info@sgoptom.co.uk www.scottgilmouroptometrists.co.uk

Telephone : 01224-863344

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Books, Books, Books...

Older, But Not Always Wiser

The main characters of these books may be in their twilight years, but they certainly aren’t content to sit back and spend their pensions on Werther’s Originals and bingo nights. With amateur sleuths, explosive experts and adventurers amongst them, they’ll keep you reading well past a sensible bedtime.

The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper – Phaedra Patrick Arthur Pepper likes the quiet life, but that all changes when he discovers a charm bracelet hidden away in his late wife’s things. Arthur’s cross-country quest to discover the meaning of each of the charms sees him uncovering a side to his wife he never knew existed. But will his new found knowledge help him come to terms with her death, or forever taint his memories of her? A thoroughly enjoyable read, with great characters and a page-turning storyline, this is Phaedra Patrick’s debut novel, but we wouldn’t be surprised to see her on the bestseller lists very soon.

The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared – Jonas Jonasson Allan has just about had enough of his care home, with its condescending manager, rubbish food and endless rules. So on his 100th birthday he makes his escape, in his slippers. After stealing a suitcase full of money, Allan begins a dash across country, picking up new friends as he goes (including an elephant called Sonya). As we learn of his extraordinary life, it becomes clear that there’s rather more to this centenarian than meets the eye, including a passion for explosives…

The Extra Ordinary Life of Frank Derrick, Age 81 – J.B. Morrison Being run over by a milk float wasn’t on Frank’s to-do list for the day, and he sure as heck isn’t going to let some interfering home-help try to baby him. Nope, he’s quite content on his own, with his cat Bill, his DVDs and a series of cold callers trying to sell him things he doesn’t need. But home-help Kelly Christmas proves rather more likeable than he expected, and he starts to realise that life can indeed begin again at 81. With his biting sense of humour, Frank will keep you laughing all the way through this immensely entertaining book.

Elizabeth is Missing – Emma Healey 82-year old Maud is determined to solve the mystery of where her best friend Elizabeth has disappeared to. While she’s at it, she’d also like to figure out what happened to her sister, who went missing more than 60 years ago. The problem is that Elizabeth has been getting a bit forgetful lately, and the clues keep getting muddled in her head. With twists and turns aplenty, you’ll be left guessing until the end. Definitely a ‘just one more chapter and then I’ll go to sleep’ kind of book.

The Unlikely Pilgrimage Of Harold Fry – Rachel Joyce Staid, reliable Harold lives with his wife Maureen in Devon. When Harold receives a letter from an old friend, Queenie, telling him she’s terminally ill, he pens a short reply and sets off to the post box. But his walk to the end of the road turns into a somewhat longer trip, as he decides to deliver the letter in person, and on foot. As he travels the long road north, both Harold and Maureen are given the time to look back on their long marriage, and figure out whether it can be saved. Beautifully written, and at times extremely poignant, this book is highly recommended.

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Spring is in the air Spring is a great time to clear out the makeup bag (or overflowing cupboard in my case) and treat yourself to a few new goodies.

How pretty is this new palette from Paul & Joe? Teaming an eye shadow duo with a powder blush, the palette is available in two shades: Papillons de Printemps and Floral Nectar (pictured). Retailing at £28 each, they’re not cheap, but the colours are easy to apply and you’ll be the envy of the other bathroom mirror hoggers on a night out. If you really want to splash out, Paul & Joe have also released some new lipsticks, in three vibrant spring shades.

Many people find that they need to buy a new foundation for spring/summer, as their skin loses its winter hibernation paleness. (Or that’s my excuse anyway.) The new Aqua Glow Serum Foundation by Stila combines foundation with a treatment serum. It gives great, natural looking coverage, while hydrating and softening skin. 94% of testers reported dramatically improved skin tone. If you can’t wait to take your makeup off at the end of the day because your face feels dry and uncomfortable, you need to try this foundation. It contains hyaluronic acid and other ingredients that help to keep skin hydrated for up to 12 hours after applying it. Available in 10 shades, the Aqua Glow Serum Foundation retails at £34.50.

If your hair is looking a little ‘meh’, but there’s still weeks to go until your next trip to the salon, try a KC Color Mask. Available in 14 shades, including platinum, golden copper, plum and coffee, these masks revitalise coloured hair. A small amount helps to maintain the hair

Come & see what we do!

and check out our annual sale

SALE 40% Discount on all Stock with 10% Discount on New Orders worth a visit to help us make way for new designs 197 Rosemount Place, Aberdeen 01224 622522

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colour and add brightness, while a larger amount can deepen the colour intensity. Just apply to freshly washed hair, comb through, leave for up to ten minutes and wash out. They’re particularly useful for toning down brassy tones in blonde hair, and giving depth to darker shades. The masks also contain Pro-Vitamin B5 and keratin derivative, to help repair the cuticle. Prices start from under £5.

Spring demands a lighter, fresher fragrance, and Yardley London has just released the perfect one. English Daisy is reminiscent of a wildflower meadow – floral, but not too sweet. It’s unashamedly girly, with notes including hyacinth and white rose, warmed with sandalwood and musk. And, at just £19.99 for 50ml, it’s a bit of a bargain. Team it with the English Daisy body lotion, £6.50 and embrace the warmer weather.

I’m finding that the sun’s reappearance means it’s a lot easier to drag the kids out for a walk (although it’ll be a while before we’re out of our wellies I reckon). Along with wet wipes and plasters, the one thing I always take with me is Pure & Light Organic’s Essential Family on-the-Go Cream. It’s packed with plant-derived vitamins, and helps to treat everything from insect bites and bruises to eczema. The 18 natural active ingredients include soothing calendula, hydrating shea butter and nourishing avocado. Priced at £15, it’s available from www.pureandlightorganic.eu and www. lovelula.co.uk.

Kate Duggan: www.kateduggan.co.uk

BEAUTY TREATMENTS I SKIN TREATMENTS I LASER TREATMENTS

Sign up to our newsletter on our website and get 25% off your first treatment, visit definitionclinic.co.uk/gazette25 www.definitionclinic.co.uk

info@definitionclinic.co.uk

01224 433111

19a Chattan Place, Aberdeen AB10 6RB, Scotland

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facebook.com/DefinitionClinic

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Sugar: Not So Sweet and Innocent Recently, evidence of sugar’s evils and a potential sugar tax have dominated the media. The Chief Executive of the NHS has even proposed a 20% NHS ‘sugar tax’ on food in England’s NHS cafes.

So why is sugar nutrition’s new supervillain?

Storing Sugar as Fat Sugar’s most obvious risks are obesity, which costs the NHS around £6.4bn per year, and tooth decay. What’s less obvious is that when we don’t burn off the sugar we consume our bodies convert it to fat, storing it partly in the liver, which can lead to fatty liver disease, and partly in our fatty tissues. A study of the development of visceral fat - the dangerous, hard-toshift fat that’s stored around the internal organs - showed that while it increased in all participants, it increased most in people consuming sugar-sweetened drinks on a daily basis.

High sugar intake, hand-in-hand with obesity, can also increase our risk of hypertension (high blood pressure), type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, gout, osteoarthritis, depression, respiratory problems, sleep apnoea, infertility problems, breast cancer and bowel cancer.

Sugary foods can make our blood sugar levels seesaw too, making us irritable and tired when we come ‘down’. However, experts are divided about whether a high sugar diet makes us prone to thrush, although diabetics are at higher risk and there’s anecdotal evidence of low sugar diets helping with recurring thrush.

Sugar by Any Other Name... Is Still As Sweet Your latest grocery purchase may not say it contains ‘sugar’, but glucose, dextrose, maltose, fructose (found in fruit) and lactose (found in cow’s milk) are all different forms of sugar, as is sucrose (our everyday sugar).

Honey, molasses, syrup and fruit juice concentrate are often included in supposedly healthy foods, but they all contain sugars too.

Beware.

Hear ‘sugary foods’ and you probably think of fizzy or fruit drinks, sweetened coffees, biscuits, cakes and chocolate. But check the ingredients of ketchup, pickle, salad cream, barbecue sauce, bottled cooking sauces or shop-bought soup, curry, pizza, savoury foods and low fat ‘healthy’ options - many use large quantities of sugar to improve their taste.

How Much Is Too Much?

Intrinsic sugars (those naturally occurring in milk or whole fruit) aren’t related to adverse

health effects. However, free sugars - those added to foods or naturally present in fruit juices, honey and syrup – are, and the World Health Organisation has advised us to reduce intake of free sugars to 10% of our daily calories, and down to 5% for further health benefits. The UK Government has now recommended this 5% limit.

5% of our calorie intake is equivalent to around 25-30g of sugar (around seven teaspoons). Had a can of standard Coke today, or five Jaffa Cakes? You’ve exceeded your daily sugar allowance. The allowance for children aged 4-6 is 19g a day and for 7-10 year olds, 24g. Yet a standard 200ml Capri Sun contains 20g of sugar.

• Ensure sweet treats deliver nutrition too - choose malt loaf over doughnuts.

Sugar Swaps and Drops

• Gradually wean yourself off sugar added in hot drinks, cooking and baking.

• Swap cereals with added sugar or honey for unsweetened cereals with fruit.

• Swap sugary desserts for fruit, plain yogurts or homemade milk puddings.

• Exchange fizzy drinks for sparkling water mixed with a no-added-sugar squash.

Drastically reducing your sugar intake is tough, so start small and let your body (and taste buds) acclimatise.

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t’s the dreaded question that anyone even remotely connected to cars fears more than any other: what’s your favourite car?

But finally I might have the answer: the Range Rover. Not the Sport or Evoque but the good old fashioned, full fat Rangie.

A looming family holiday looming involving a 1,500-mile trip gave the perfect excuse to borrow the car, and after two 13-hour shifts behind the wheel I can honestly say there’s nothing else I’d rather have been in.

Here’s why. First, it’s super comfortable. The front seats in our Range Rover were heated and cooled and had more adjustments than a home hi-fi amplifier from the 1980s. The huge armchair like seats with cushioned headrests never dulled a muscle and left us with no aches and pains.

With a five-year-old on board, the £7,300 entertainment pack (yes, you read that right) was a blessing. Two 10.2-inch rear screens and wireless headphones meant Finding Nemo could work his fishy magic at keeping the Are We Nearly There Yets at bay until at least Dover.

The multimedia system might be showing its age a little but it works well. It takes seconds to hook your phone up for music streaming, the satnav might look a little dated but it got us to France, Switzerland and home without fail and it’s simple to set a DVD running for the rear occupants while listening to Dad FM in the front.

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Then there’s the size – I know Range Rovers are massive, but when it comes to getting a ski trip’s worth of luggage inside, it coped admirably. Despite using up the entire boot space there was ample room inside – enough to curl up for a snooze in the back and enjoy the equally cosseting rear seats when my wife drove.

For its size it’s no slouch. Our test car had the delightful 4.4-litre SDV8. Despite only returning 26mpg, with a top speed

of 135mph and a 0-60mph time of 6.8 seconds, it’s brisk enough for French Autoroutes. It piles on speed in a smooth and linear fashion, quietly and without fuss, whilst adding to the feeling of luxury travel.

However, what really sets the Range Rover apart are the little touches. Things like the soft-close doors, the illuminated logos projected onto the floor by the wing mirrors at night, and the front seat armrests that adjust to the perfect height.

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I love the fridge in the centre console, the cameras all around the car that make it a doddle to park, and the split tailgate that automatically opens and closes at the touch of a button.

But above all it’s the fact that despite all this luxury and Rolls Royce-rivaling opulence, it’s still so utterly capable off road. As we arrived in Villars, Switzerland, the snow was falling heavily and cars were being abandoned up the mountain as snow chains failed to do their jobs. But not the Range Rover. A flick of the all terrain response button to its Snow & Ice setting and away we went.

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Home-Start is a voluntary organisation that offers support, friendship and practical help to local parents in their own homes.

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We believe that children need a happy and secure childhood and that parents play the key role in giving their children a good start in life and helping them to achieve their full potential.

Contact us on 01224 693545 or email admin@homestartaberdeen.org.uk if you would like to volunteer.

Home-Start Aberdeen is all about families.

Can you help? team

As a home visiting volunteer you will: ● Offer support to a local family in their own home ● Receive training and ongoing support ● Help others develop their parenting skills ● Encourage families to engage with their communities ● Provide practical guidance on budgeting and household management ● Connect families with other relevant organisations and services.

Learn some fantastic new skills and hobbies Make some wonderful new friends.

Home visiting volunteers need only commit to providing support for as little as 2–3 hours per week.

Inchgarth Community Centre Every Tuesday 11am - 2pm 0800 566 8728

Our charity shop at 101 George Street Aberdeen always welcomes donations.

Telephone 01224 622390 We can uplift your donations for you.

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His Majesty’s Theatre, Music Hall and Lemon Tree, Aberdeen Friday, April 15: Renowned for an action-packed pyrotechnic-fuelled explosion of a show, Limehouse Lizzy continue to keep the spirit of Celtic rock icon Philip Lynott and his band Thin Lizzy alive, in The Lemon Tree Lounge (standing), West North Street, Aberdeen.

Doors 7.30pm. Tickets £17.60 Friday, April 15: Puppet Animation Festival: The Elves and the Shoemaker is a fun adaptation of the Grimm’s tale, in The Lemon Tree Studio, West North Street, Aberdeen, at 2pm. Tickets £7.15 Saturday, April 16: One of stand-ups most charismatic and inventive performers, Canadian comedian Craig Campbell, with his new show Don’t Look Down, in His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen, at 8pm. Tickets £18 Saturday, April 16: Join performer Paul Anderson and singer Siobhan Miller for Traditional Music and Song 50th Anniversary Celebrations, in the Lemon Tree Lounge (seated), West North Street, Aberdeen, at 6.45pm.

Tickets £16.50

Sunday, April 17: The Traditional Music and Song Association Workshop offers sessions with Paul Anderson and Siobhan Miller, in The Lemon Tree Lounge & Studio, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 12.30pm and start at 1.30pm. Tickets £20 and booking essential. Email Shirley.watt795@ btinternet.com or tel 01224 314795 for tickets Tuesday, April 19: Catch talented punk-rock-and-soul group The Bellrays in The Lemon Tree Lounge (standing) Doors 7.30pm. Tickets £11 Wednesday to Saturday, April 20 to 23: Aberdeen Student Charities’ Campaign presents Michty Mia!, a hilarious Doric parody of the story of a local lass determined to find out who her Dad is so that he can walk her down the aisle on her big day, in His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm on Wednesday and Thursday, 5pm and 8.30pm on Friday and 2.30pm and 7.30pm on Saturday. Tickets £19 to £25.50 Friday, April 22: US singersongwriter Mark Lanegan, in The Lemon Tree Lounge (standing), West North Street, Aberdeen.

Doors 8pm. Tickets £24.75

Saturday, April 23: Freshly Squeezed with Eliza Shaddad, a writer and performer of arresting ability, Computer Not working? in The Lemon Call Steve’s Computer Repairs Tree Lounge (standing), West North Street, No Fix, No Fee Aberdeen, at .uk .co irs pa rre te pu m www.stevesco 8.30pm. Tickets £7.70 Mob : 07752 808 639 Tel : 01224 874441 Email : stevespcrepairs@hotmail.com

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Saturday, April 23: Aberdeen Performing Arts and Citymoves present a Double Bill with work by Claire Cunningham and Marc Brew, in The Lemon Tree Studio, West North Street, Aberdeen, at 7pm.

Tickets £11 Sunday, April 24: Fronted by the enigmatic Mark Morriss, The Bluetones, in The Lemon Tree Lounge (standing), West North Street, Aberdeen, doors 7.30pm.

Tickets £23.10 Tuesday, April 26 - 30: A continuation of the A Play, A Pie & A Pint season, Flo, is the latest play by award-winning playwright and actor Martin McCormick, in The Lemon Tree Lounge (seated), West North Street, Aberdeen, at 6pm Tuesday to Friday and 1pm on Thursday and Saturday. Tickets £11 Friday, April 29: Written and performed by Gary Mcnair, Donald Robertson is not a Stand Up Comedian, in The Lemon Tree Studio, West North Street, Aberdeen, at 7pm. Tickets Wednesday to Saturday, April 27 to 30: Scottish Ballet’s breathtaking production of Swan Lake is set to enchant a whole new generation with this world premiere of their imaginative re-telling of the timeless tale, in His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm, with 2pm Saturday matinee. Tickets £17.50 to £41.50 Saturday, April 30: Awardwinning songwriter and guitarist RM Hubbert returns with a masterfully curated and lavishly diverse set of collaborations, in The Lemon Tree Studio, West North Street, Aberdeen. Doors 7.30pm.

Tickets £15.40

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Local Stockists:- Auchenblae Stores & Laurencekirk Post Office. Castleton Farm Shop, Fordoun.

Costcutters, Victoria Street, Dyce. Cults Stores - Keystores, Kirk Brae, Cults.

L & A Stores, Summerhill Court, Aberdeen. Mitchells Dairy, Inverurie.

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Denis Law Community Football Festival returns

bigger and better

Aberdeen Sports Village (ASV) is set to welcome more than 1300 participants to the annual Denis Law Legacy Trust Community Football Festival. ASV who partner the Trust, is playing host to the Football Festival, which this year has been extended to run from 11 May to 15 July.

The event, will see individuals of all ages participate in a variety of sporting activities, and ASV are introducing an educational element to the Festival in order to remind the younger generation about the legendary status of football hero Denis Law, who originates from the Granite City.

Denis has been a huge influence and driving factor in the development of the Festival in the city, giving people of all ages the opportunity to play the game he loves.

The Community Football Festival, which is held in partnership with the Scottish Football Association, Aberdeen Football Club, Aberdeen Football Club Community Trust and Streetsport, will provide as many people as possible with the opportunity to participate in football related activities whilst educating them about the sport. It will include a number of activities including a walking football festival, coach education, ladies five-a-side football, corporate seven’s, a Streetsport evening and many more skills and technique training opportunities Denis Law Legacy Trust are delighted for the support of the key sponsors including Nexen Petroleum UK Limited and Langstane Press.

A family fun day will also take place on Sunday 10 July, where over 1,300 guests will visit ASV to enjoy a fun-filled day of games and activities for all ages.

To find out more about the Denis Law Legacy Trust Community Football Festival or for more information on Aberdeen Sports Village please contact ASV on 01224 or visit the website www.aberdeensportsvillage.com.

Photo : left to right Billy Thomson, Langstane Press John Anderson, Nexen Petroleum UK Limited Graham Morrison, Aberdeen Sports Village, Graham Thom, chairman Denis Law Legacy Trust

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Go On, Grow Your Own!

Enjoying a delicious meal which includes some home grown ingredients is a wonderful feeling – it fills you full of just the right sort of pride (and maybe even a little bit of smugness!). That meal might be a dinner party, a family supper or even a quick sandwich grabbed whilst you go about your daily work; it makes no difference, it simply feels good to indulge in a bit of Grow Your Own and then reap the rewards.

If you’re a hardened vegetable grower you may well have been sowing and potting on for a while now, but if you’re a bit behind schedule or if you’ve simply not dared to venture into vegetable production to any extent before, don’t panic – there’s still time to grow just about any crop in your plot this year.

If you want to raise some plants from seed yourself then most could be sown now, but there are a few that are likely to produce a much better yield if given an earlier start.

I’d give seeds of crops such as tomatoes, sweet peppers, chilli peppers, melons and

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aubergines a miss now, but buy in a few plants over the next month or so and you’ll be going great guns in no time at all.

Some vegetables can be directly sown now (i.e. just sow the seed into a well-prepared area of garden soil in a suitable spot) in all but the coolest gardens – beetroot, lettuce, beans, peas, carrots, rocket, spinach to name but a few. Other slightly more tender crops such as sweetcorn, squash and courgettes would fare better if given a bit of extra heat when you are germinating the seeds. That’s where an electrically heated propagator comes into its own, and you will also find it really useful if you are trying to make up for lost time as it will speed up germination of many seeds by several days. The seedlings may then need pricking out and potting on until they are sturdy enough to live in the great outdoors. With these more tender crops, try to ‘harden off’ the young plants before you put them into their final positions: having been raised and grown on inside (either in a greenhouse or on a warm, sunny windowsill) they will be a little ‘soft’ and tender, and easily damaged by cold, wind or rain. Hardening off isn’t difficult, just put the trays or pots of young plants outside on warm days once the weather has stabilised, and bring them back under cover at night. Do this for a week or so and then leave them outside, covering them with some fleece at night. The resulting plants will now have had the chance to acclimatise to ‘real’ conditions and will grow far better, whilst also being much less likely to suffer from weather damage.

If you find seed sowing and the subsequent pricking out and potting on too much when juggling with a job or other commitments, then buying in some small plants is a great plan as it gets you past the high-input bit at the beginning and allows you to just get on with the growing on, maintaining…and eating! You will get a good range from seed merchants or garden centres, but if you like the idea a bit of at-your-elbow-advice from me to ensure great results, don’t forget that you can still order garden-ready plants, accompanied by weekly advice and tips emails specific to the vegetables you’ve chosen to grow. Garden-ready plants can be planted out as soon as you get them and, provided you follow the instructions, keep them well-watered during drier weather and apply feed at regular intervals, it won’t be long until you will be harvesting crops such as climbing French and runner beans, tomatoes, sweetcorn, sugar-snap peas, peppers, chillies,

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onions, melons, butternut squash, beetroot and courgettes.

Most vegetables need a good fertile soil and a sunny or only partly shaded spot if they are to perform well, so choose your growing area with care. If space is short or your garden is limited to a paved back-yard, patio or balcony, there is no need to go without the delights of Grow Your Own – most vegetables will do well in good sized containers (minimum 30cm x 30cm x 30cm) with good-quality compost. If you can manage even bigger pots, then maintenance will be easier as they will need watering slightly less frequently. But, whether you plant and sow vegetables in pots, tubs, greenhouses or open ground, the end result will be gorgeous tasting, super-fresh vegetables to be enjoyed on your own or with company. So go on, get growing!

Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com for ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ - fantastic UK grown vegetable plants of your choice plus weekly advice and tips emails from Pippa (don’t forget your offer code 12419-E7SPS for a £4 discount), Nemaslug, biological controls, pop-up crop covers, signed books and lots more besides.

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