West End Issue 56

Inside this issue

How to keep your heart healthy 6 of the most profitable cars Travel : Cappadocia Lindsay Robertson’s Charity Venture

Issue 56

May 2011 West End Edition Your Personal Copy

gazette

Wanted

Window Cleaner for Morningside Area

Please contact :

07789 771 165 20th Annual Animal Blessing Service Craigiebuckler Parish Church Hall Springfield Road, Aberdeen

12 June 2011 @ 3pm

The Service will be conducted by the Revd Kenneth Petrie All animals with their human companions welcome

We would be particularly pleased to welcome back old friends, animal or human, who have attended previously

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. We thank you for taking the time to read the small print. All artwork is accepted on strict condition that permission has been given for use in this publication.

Designed for Life Handcrafted quality jewellery Unit 1, East Mall, Union Square Tel : 590174 e.mail : lapisgold@mynet.com gcg : 2

Ad-hoc contributions from : James Baggott; Pippa Greenwood, Fred Lane Advertising Sales : Sue Simpson : 01224 - 318561

Distribution - thanks to : Dougie; Anne; Mark; Donna; Sue,: Ashley; Carol; Caroline; Jenny; Alistair; Emma; Rachel; Steph, Jodie, Cameron, Kate, Sarah, Fraser.

Laura, David, Elise and Tom

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Hello everyone...

What a quick month that was! I think I blinked and it was over.

Lots of nice weather!

Lots of holidays!

A Royal Wedding!

And the launching of the deeside gazette.

The weather for the Easter holidays couldn’t have been nicer. I did get the grass cut a few times and attempted the pots but life does just get in the way sometimes. You can be travelling along at a nice easy pace and all of a sudden a curve ball knocks you off course!

If you’ve had a curve ball why not go along to Kumiko and have a pampering facial, I had one the other week and it was just lovely! There is a new dentist in town! Dr Chris Pumford and he is opening up a new practise at Cults, just above the Tesco.

I went along to the FSB Trade Fair at Pittodrie on 20 April. I’ve never been to anything like that before but it was a great experience. Lot’s of small businesses just like the gazette and everyone was so friendly and eager to let you know about what they do. There was a great buzz in the air and Original 106fm kept me entertained the whole day! Thank you to anyone who came along because of the advertisement in the gazette.

Have you been into Athena Gifts yet? On top of having some wonderful gifts and cards they are also running workshops. I’m very tempted to book in for the Chocolate workshop and there is a jewellery workshop too which would be a nice thing to do with my daughter.

Also this month there is an interesting exhibition on at RGU. The story of Robert Gordon University in 35 objects - well worth a visit if you are looking for something unusual to do.

If you are into your garden I hope you’ll enjoy our new garden writer Pippa Greenwood.

Mr Lane has kindly supplied us with another History on your Doorstep and isn’t it amazing what you don’t know about!

Enjoy this May edition of the gazette. Until next time.

delivered to : 9800 West End Homes 200 City Businesses

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Braeside deadlines : Broomhill June - 20 May Countesswells Jul/Aug - 14 June Craigiebuckler September - 19 Aug Holburn Kepplestone Houses contact the gazette : 01224 - 318561

Mannofield Morningside Queens Cross Rubislaw Seafield Viewfield Woodland at Pitfodels Woodend

publisher : the granite city gazette

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email : gazette@fsmail.net

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oc ola wo te rks and ho Je ps we to lle o ry

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From clothes peg to calculator: The story of Robert Gordon University in 35 objects A new exhibition has launched at Robert Gordon University's Georgina Scott Sutherland Library celebrating the history of the Aberdeen institution through a range of unique objects.

The exhibition charts the history of the establishment over the past hundred years, by looking at the objects - from the unusual to the ordinary - which belonged to the Schools and Departments, both past and present, and now form part of the University's Art and Heritage Collections.

Objects include exquisite Japanese prints, a vintage calculator, a botany notebook, and even an egg beater!

The exhibition coincides with the opening of a new and improved exhibition space at the Georgina Scott Sutherland Library within Aberdeen Business School at the University's Garthdee Campus.

Jane Kidd, Collections Curator, comments: "A wide range of professionals from all over the world, including artists, architects, engineers, pharmacists, IT experts, domestic servants, cookery teachers, and nurses - to name but a few owe their skills to the educational experiences gained at what is now, Robert Gordon University.

"Over the years, these students have left behind evidence of their training in the form of a collection of diverse objects, 35 of which have been selected to give a snapshot of the University's history."

The exhibition is on until Monday 6 June at the Georgina Scott Sutherland Library in Aberdeen Business School, Garthdee Road, from 9am-9pm Monday to Thursday, 9am-5pm Friday and 1-5pm Saturday and Sunday.

For more information, please email collections@rgu.ac.uk

Health and Beauty

Facial Delight I was thrilled when I opened my Christmas Card and out popped a voucher to see Jenny at Kumiko. It did take me a while to arrange the said facial but last Wednesday was the big day!

As a lot of you know I don’t often treat myself to pampering sessions but as I get older I realise that these pampering sessions are well worth the money! And as I don’t drink or smoke - why not the odd treat.

I had had a particularly busy day and it was lovely to hop onto the massage table and be cosy under the covers while Jenny prepared my face for all the potions.

Each step of the process was explained and there was even a mapping of my face to see where the damage/dryness/greasiness is.

All extremely interesting.

You’ll be glad to know that we didn’t chat all the way through - just at the appropriate bits. I was definitely cleansed, toned and moisturised. All lovely smells and soothing music.

Whilst the final mask was doing wonders to my face Jenny gave me a wonderful neck and shoulder massage. There were quite a few knots and maybe that will be my next treat!

Jenny advised me that with a good skincare regime, obviously a healthy diet and exercise regime helps too, you can have beautiful skin without going under the knife, or being injected.

As you can see there is a special offer on all dermalogica products this month. It involves you buying three for the price of two and you must include an spf product. Not hard to do with all this lovely warm weather we’ve been having. You can get burnt here too you know!

Thank you Jenny. It was a lovely treat and I will definitely have to book in for another very soon.

SS

3 for 2 on all dermalogica products (Must include one with SPF protection)

For more information/to book an appointment please contact Jenny at 89 Gray Street,Aberdeen AB10 6JD t : 01224 594777 e: jenny@kumikobeauty.co.uk

www.kumikobeauty.co.uk

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Relaxed Atmosphere Personal Attention Wedding Speciality

Don’t Be! tel : 318561 gazette@fsmail.net www.thegranitecitygazette.co.uk

Mon-Fri 9am-5pm Saturday 9am-1pm CLOSED THURSDAY

Tel : 322000 Devonair Hairstylists 2 Devonshire Road Aberdeen (off St Swithin St)

Beauty Tips : Skin At last! The weather has warmed up and we can shed our winter layers and expose our bodies to the fresh air. Only, all these winter months with no natural light and under layers of clothes may have left your skin looking dull and dry. This needs more than a quick rub of body lotion.

First of all, you do need to exfoliate. Your body sheds skin cells all the time, but without some friction to remove them, many dead cells will just cling to the surface. Body scrubs are aplenty in your nearest chemist or supermarket, along with body brushes. Allow yourself a good 10 to 15 minutes in the shower or for even better results book yourself in with your beautician.

On the subject of beauticians, as you move down your body it definitely becomes easier

and more efficient to ask someone else help with the skin maintenance. You can shave the hair off your legs, but it’ll be much smoother – and last longer – if you wax, particularly if someone else is doing it for you and has a better view of what needs doing.

Likewise with your feet; unless you are a contortionist, a home pedicure is always going to be a tedious and backaching job.

Having prepared the surface, a good moisturiser will not only make your skin glow, but will immediately make you feel more summery. If you are naturally very pale, buy a body lotion that has also offers a light self-tanning ingredient.

How to keep your heart healthy The British Heart Foundation celebrates its 50th birthday this year, so to commemorate the charity’s milestone, we’ve put together some tips to help you keep your heart healthy.

1.

Keep an eye on your blood pressure When was the last time you had yours checked? Hypertension (high blood pressure) is one of the UK’s biggest killers, contributing to the risk of heart disease and strokes. The Stroke Association estimates that a quarter of people have undetected high blood pressure – don’t be one of them, get yours checked now.

2.

Eat chocolate Although it would be lovely to tuck into a box of Milk Tray for medicinal purposes, it’s the dark stuff you should be including in your diet. Full of monounsaturated fat, fibre, antioxidants and magnesium, a few blocks a day can help regulate blood pressure too.

3.

Watch your waist

Holding weight around your midriff means you are more likely to develop heart disease and diabetes, as fat stored here can have a big impact upon your arteries. If you think your tummy could do with some down-sizing, up your exercise and cut down on treats and goodies – it’ll be worth it!

4.

Keep active

Just half an hour of moderate exercise each day will go a long way to keep your heart, body and mind healthy.

5.

Diet swaps

Go easy on the salt, cream, butter and cheese – instead, try to include oily fish, avocados and olives in your diet, is delighted to announce the opening of their new which contain the really good fats that dental practice in Cults on Tuesday 3rd May. Chris Pumford BDS a long standing partner of Queens do wonders for your blood Road Dental Practice and his team have moved. Dr Pumford and his team are dedicated to providing cholesterol levels.

6.

professional environment. The practice ethos is all Stay at work

about preventative dentistry, listening to our patients needs and helping them achieve their ultimate desire.

Obviously, stress should be avoided due to the negative impact it has upon all A beautiful smile creates confidence and gives us a sense of wellbeing and improves our general health. aspects of health. That said, a study on We work in partnership with our patients to inspire them to achieve their aspirations. State of the art health problems in relation to retirement techniques are used from white fillings, crowns, age shows that those who keep working bridges, veneers, tooth whitening, invisible braces and dental implants. up until they are 65 tend to be in much better shape than those who pack it all A Range of Dental Inspirations Plans in early. for every member of the family

7.

Clean your teeth

Research has proved a connection between maintaining good oral hygiene and the prevention of a heart attack. Taking lifestyle factors into account, studies show that 395 North Deeside Road, Cults, AB15 9SX people who don’t look after their teeth are at Aberdeen Tel : 01224 860220 Fax: 01224 860229 a much higher risk of developing heart Email: info@dentalinspirations.co.uk disease than those who brush theirs twice www.dentalinspirations.co.uk a day.

the highest quality dentistry in a caring, relaxed and

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Health and Beauty

Why not get your business noticed along deeside?

The gazette has just launched our deeside gazette to take your business further...

A mixture of thru the doors and in drop off points along the route.

Along the route is Cults - Bieldside - Milltimber - Culter Drumoak - Banchory - Aboyne Ballater Get noticed now - just like you noticed this advert!

Tel : 01224 318561 don’t delay do it today

Looking for a Relaxed Atmosphere Personal Attention Wedding Speciality

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Devonair Hairstylists

2 Devonshire Road Aberdeen

(off St Swithin St)

Reflexology Therapy Treatments

Since our National Health service has become ever more overloaded and frustrating and, in many opinions, unable to provide us with a personal and rapid service when we need it most, more and more of us are turning to holistic therapy in an effort to treat our own medical complaints. Most of you would realise if you have been hunched over a computer or office machinery for protracted daily tasking then there is a possibility the ‘crick’ in your neck, the tension in your shoulders or the mounting headache can be caused by working conditions. We can remedy this by adhering to health regulations but inevitably we work our way through the day without thinking of the consequences. However, we do have another method of dealing with our medical niggles - reflexology.

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Many of us suffer migraine, back pain, stomach ache, bowel related problems and many other intestinal issues. Women and men suffer from varying complaints in connection with bladder, uterine and reproductive organ problems respectfully.

We often seek solace in chemical solutions which may only solve the problem in the short term or have low impact effect whilst possibly creating alternative problems.

Stress is a huge concern as it has so much influence in so many key areas of our ever more burdened bodily systems.

The ancient art of acupressure, practised and studied by ancient Chinese, Egyptian and Arabic cultures has now been adapted and scientifically modified to suit our present day requirements - in the form now know as reflexology.

This modern medical holistic approach has both encapsulated the old traditions whilst including skills acquired from study of bodily mobility and malfunction during the 20th century. Reflexology is not just a 21st century ‘gimmick’ which has roots in ancient remedies. Through personal experience both as a client and as an advanced certified practitioner, I have been satisfactorily treating and relieving clients in despairing conditions through manipulation and application of therapeutic technique on deep tissue touch and massage on corresponding areas of the feet and legs related to its specific area on the body. The proof of this successful holistic treatment is the feedback from clients who have benefited from reflexology as they hoped.

Specific applications by the therapist taking into account medical history and complaints

contact the gazette : 01224 - 318561

produce satisfying results to many of the problems mentioned above.

Many people feel they would not be comfortable with the therapist working on their feet. The pressure and massage should neither make the client feel ticklish nor uncomfortable. If there is pain there is a definite need for the therapy and the reflexologist will attempt to alleviate the point of reflex by deep massage at the pressure point. It is a pleasure to ‘read’ your feet through our fingers and even by ‘listening’ at times. I have many clients who now drop off into gentle slumber and are loath to waken up with the treatment is complete.

It can also be a relaxing hour or so of indulgence even if there are no apparent medical problems. The therapy itself can influence the immune system to deal more efficiently with any viruses and alien invaders.

If you want to know more about reflexology, or you are already aware of its holistic rewards, then why not try the service.

Please do not hesitate to contact me on the details below. I will be only too happy to advise or answer any questions on the subject.

Are you suffering? headaches, sinusitis, backache...

I offer holistic assistance with satisfying results in assisting despairing sufferers.

Caring Hands Reflexology e : jane.park55@yahoo.com t : 07510 150 492

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Get on yer bike

Once again the members of the Rotary Club of Aberdeen Bon Accord are preparing to get on their bikes to raise money for two local charities.

The seventh annual bike ride will take place on Sunday, May 15 and will once again follow the same two popular routes, starting and ending at Hazlehead Park.

The shorter route of seven miles stays close to the park boundaries around Cults and is aimed at younger participants and those less experienced. The longer route of 22 miles is more challenging and meanders through picturesque Deeside towards Garlogie and Peterculter for those wanting to spend a bit more time in the saddle.

Since the first sponsored bike ride in 2005, more than £23,000 has been raised for

local charities. This year the beneficiaries will be The Foyer and Befriend a Child, as they were last year. The Aberdeen Foyer works towards preventing and alleviating youth homelessness and unemployment and Befriend a Child provides a befriending service for deprived and vulnerable children in Aberdeen.

Club president David Lane said: “We know that economic conditions are difficult. This means that contributions are even more important. Although we encourage riders to raise some sponsorship this is not essential and all that we ask is that riders make a minimum contribution of £5 as an entrance fee, £10 for a family group or £100 for companies or larger groups.”

The club is keen to attract families with small children who aren’t up to either of the rides to follow the riders on the first kilometre of the ride and then continue around the park playing fields to the finish, a total distance of about a mile.

For more information about the bike ride or to register on line, go to www.bonaccordbikeride.co.uk.

Picture shows club and charity representatives at the launch of the bike ride outside Cults Hotel.

Everything From A Cat flap To An Extension Small jobs a speciality uPvc Windows and Doors Flooring Bathrooms Kitchens

Proprietor : Kenny Laird, 36 Lerwick Road, Aberdeen AB16 6RF

Tel : 01224 - 682072

Mob : 07974 288 982

Community

Queen’s Cross and Harlaw Community Council met on Tuesday 12th April.

We were very pleased to welcome Mike Shepherd of Friends of Union Terrace Gardens. Mr Shepherd gave us a report on the current status of the City Square design project and what are envisaged to be the next steps in the process. A very lively debate ensued with many members raising concerns about the nature and feasibility of the project. Most members agreed that the current proposals were ill thought-out and that the proposed costs were unrealistic.

This will no doubt continue to be a topic of debate whilst the design project is ongoing.

A discussion took place regarding the planning application submitted by Stewart Milne for development of the Triple Kirks site. All were agreed that the plans were unsympathetic to the surrounding architecture and that, although there is a clear need for improvement of the site, this proposal was out of keeping and detrimental to the surrounding amenities The proposed waste recycling site at Hazlehead was also discussed and although not within this Community Council’s boundaries, we are supporting our neighbours, Craigiebuckler and Seafield Community Council in their opposition to the project.

Const. Ross presented Sgt. Blakemore’s report, which once again, notes the prevalence of vehicle crime. In total, there were 18 Priority Crimes of which 4 were actual or attempted house break-ins with

intent to steal; 2 of these crimes have been detected. 8 were actual or attempted thefts from motor vehicles, again mainly unsecured vehicles. There were 5 crimes of vandalism – 1 individual has been reported for damage to a vehicle. There was also 1 instance of stop and search where an individual was found in possession of drugs.

There were 9 Quality of Life incidents: 2 related to drugs/substance misuse, 2 were accidental domestic fires and 5 were public nuisance issues. The public nuisance calls were random and no pattern has been established.

The Police will continue their high visibility patrols in known trouble spots in the area in an attempt to deter and detect offenders and will endeavour to minimise any impact on local residents. Some instances of crime are not always being reported but the police encourage us to contact them however trivial an incident may occur. It helps them to have a clearer idea of where to target their resources.

Our meeting was well attended, with a number of local residents participating.

We hope that this trend will continue. Next month we plan to have the new owners of Rubislaw Quarry come and talk with us regarding their plans for the quarry and to elucidate what we, as residents, can do to help them implement those plans.

The next meeting will be on Tuesday 10th May at 7.00pm in St. Joseph’s School on Queen’s Road.

All welcome !

Property for Sale Wardhead Cottage off Countesswells Road, Bieldside, Aberdeen AB15 9BX

Viewing : tel 01224 861779 or

07960 773603

3/4 bedroom detached cottage in a rural setting, yet minutes from Aberdeen City Centre We are delighted to offer for sale this extended cottage property, occupying a peaceful rural location yet within easy access of all the amenities of Aberdeen and its westerly suburbs.

The present owners of over 20 years have extended and upgraded the property to provide nicely proportioned family accommodation comprising.

[Price around £325,000] • • • • • • • • •

Entrance Porch Main Hallway with access to all rooms Lounge with patio doors to rear garden Sittingroom/Diningroom/4th Bedroom Dining Kitchen with integrated appliances Master Bedroom with range of fitted furniture 2 further Double Bedrooms Shower Room Study/Utility Room

Occupying a site of approximately one-third of an acre, the property enjoys a south-facing sunny aspect overlooking surrounding countryside. It is in good decorative order and enjoys the benefits of oil central heating and uPVc double glazing. The modern fitted dining kitchen and other front facing rooms enjoy excellent natural lighting and tranquil open views. The lounge and rear facing bedrooms also enjoy good natural lighting with the lounge especially benefiting from having west facing patio doors.

The property’s location is ideal for those who enjoy outdoor leisure pursuits. Various equestrian facilities are nearby, as are good hill and forest walks. Hazlehead golf course is but a few minutes away as are the Westhill, Craibstone and Deeside courses.

The property is in the catchment area of Cults Primary and Cults Academy - it is believed a school taxi service is provided.

Accommodation: Entrance Porch Pine lined, with vinyl flooring and a “boot” storage cupboard.

Glazed panelled door to hallway.

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• Carpets and other floor coverings, curtains, blinds and light fittings throughout included • Oil central heating • UPVc double glazing • Mains water; private drainage • Excellent storage including 3 lofts, 1 floored & lined and used as a play area/ hobby room • Front and rear gardens and granite chip side drive

Hallway “L” shaped and giving access to all rooms, this has a dado rail, 2 matching ceiling light fittings, 2 smoke alarms, a large storage cupboard with 3 sliding doors, fitted with shelving and hanging space, a meter cupboard and hatch accesses (2) to lofts. There is also a down light over a display area by the porch. 2 Ch radiators.

Lounge (14’9” x 12’ approx.)

A nicely proportioned airy lounge with east facing window and patio doors opening to the west facing private rear garden. 3 lamp central light fitting. TV point. Ch radiator.

NB the free standing fire and surround is to be removed.

Dining Kitchen (15’9” x 9’ approx.)

Enjoying a front aspect and also with a west facing window, this is a bright room, nicely fitted with an extensive range of base and wall kitchen units with co-ordinating work surfaces with tiling above and incorporating a stainless steel sink unit with mixer tap, 4 ring electric ceramic hob with electric oven below and extractor above, plumbing for an automatic washing machine and space for a fridge freezer. 2 spotlight

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fittings. Tiled effect laminate flooring. Roller blinds on both windows. Ch radiator

thermostatic shower. Pine lined ceiling. Wall mirror. Vinyl flooring. Ch radiator.

Master Bedroom (14’8” x 12’6” approx.)

To the front, this room has a lovely sunny south-facing aspect as well as having an east facing window. It is nicely fitted with a range of bedroom furniture including wardrobes with some doors inlaid with mirrors, a chest of drawers, bedside cabinets and vanity unit. Centre light fitting. Telephone point. Ch radiatior. The TV wall bracket is to remain.

Double Bedroom 2 (10’6” x 9’7” approx.)

To the rear, this room has a fitted wardrobe with 2 sliding mirror doors, shelf and hanging space.

Loft In addition to the storage loft access from the study/utility room, there are 2 large lofts accessed via a ramsay ladder from the hallway.

Double Bedroom 3 (9’2” x 7’1” approx.)

Another rear facing room with ch radiator.

Sittingroom / Diningroom / Bedroom 4 (13’3” x 11’7” approx.)

This room, capable of a multitude of uses to suit one’s requirements, as with the dining kitchen and master bedroom, enjoys an excellent south facing outlook. TV point. Ch radiator. NB There are plans to extend this room to the north to provide a sun room with west facing aspect.

Study / Utility Room (6’6” x 5’6” approx.)

Another room capable of different uses. Presently it houses the wall mounted central heating boiler and freezer. Pine lined ceiling. Wall shelving. Telephone point. Access to floored storage loft. ‘Window’ to porch.

The main loft (17’11” x 8’5” approx.) is floored and lined, has 2 panel radiators and 2 matching lights and is capable of use either as a playroom or hobby room or the like.

Accessed from the main loft is a further loft, partly floored providing additional ample storage.

It is believed the loft areas are capable of development.

Outside: The garden to the front is laid out in lawn with a side driveway in granite chips. Ample garage space.

The rear garden is enclosed and very private. Laid out in lawn and sheltered on all sides it is a sun trap in summer.

To the west side of the property there is a large wooden work shed behind which are 2 lean-to stores, one with electricity.

Directions: From the traffic lights at the junction of Springfield Road and Countesswells Road, travel westwards on Countesswells Road for approximately 2 miles. After passing part of Hazlehead’s 2nd 18 golf course on the right, turn right into a private road and Wardhead Cottage is some 800 yards or so further on.

Shower Room (6’10” x 5’5” approx.)

Nicely fitted with a white suite comprising w.c. and w.h.b set into bathroom furniture and corner shower enclosure with

Do you want to lease your property with confidence?

We offer :

Very competitive rates, with additional discount for landlords with two or more properties.

Personal Attention

Tel: 01224-209175 Mob: 07766377482 www.barbaraellisleasing.co.uk 13 Deeside Park, Aberdeen AB15 7PQ

With over 25 years in property leasing, we have the wealth of experience, support and contacts to offer you a first class service.

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Fast and efficient rent processing (if full factoring) Viewing times to accommodate tenants outwith office hours if requried.

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History on your doorstep There is some confusion as to when the building of Drum Castle first started, but its purpose must have been to protect the crossings over the River Dee. Whoever controlled those crossings and the tracks to them, could control the North -East of Scotland, the Laigh of Moray, and the road to Inverness. One suggestion that a Tower was built between around 1280’s, during the reign of King Alexander III; another possibility would be between the time when Robert the Bruce was crowned at Scone in 1306 and 1323; but the experts have noticed a change in the stonework at second floor level, so it could be that a small tower was there when the Forest of Drum was handed over the care of William de Irewine on 1 February, 1323 by King Robert.

The lower stonework is very similar to that of Brig of Balgownie which was started about 1285.

When you visit Drum Castle, it is the massive early Tower you notice first which would originally have been surrounded by a defensive wall called a ‘barmekin’ enclosing byres, stables, stores and a courtyard. You can see part of a similar structure remaining at Craigevaar Castle. The Tower at Drum is 70 feet high, 50 feet by 35 feet square, and the lower walls are twelve feet thick. It was certainly built to last!

The entrance to the Tower is on the south side, the well was on the east, and there are signs that a roof structure was supported by corbels

A Day In The Country with DAWGS Local charity DAWGS is holding A Day In The Country Event at Haddo Country Park in Tarves, Ellon on Sunday 29th May. The event boasts activities for the whole family including dog and owner races, a dogs tea party, bouncy castles, stalls, BBQ, sponsored walk and fun dog show from the more serious best pedigree through to the wiggliest wag!

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on the north suggesting that the courtyard extended round three sides of the Tower. There was also probably a wooden cap-house at the top, within the present wall-walk to protect the look-outs on the battlements.

The accommodation in the Tower in the 15th century would be rather uncomfortable, and it would appear that some new building was added for the laird’s private quarters to the west of the tower in the late 15th or 16th century. Then again in the 17th century the main house was built, and the same time, at Muchalls, near Stonehaven, and Craigston near Turriff, and it is possible that certain similarities were due to the same designer of Scottish Baronial Architecture of the period. Drum Castle was damaged and neglected during the Civil War years, and Alexander Irvine, the 18th laird was responsible for many changes, such as the present south-facing frontal design, and The Chapel to the West of the Castle dates back at least to the 15th century, and the earliest burial is dated 1761, Alexander the 17th laird.

The chapel has been restored several times, and the existing building is occasionally used for weddings.

The garden to the North-East of the castle was in existence before 1660 when it was ravaged

by Argyle’s troops, but has been redesigned many times, and is now cared for by the National Trust for Scotland.

All the money raised will help DAWGS maintain its re-homing services. Well over 2,000 dogs have been given the chance of a new life since the charity began over 10 years ago.

Activities start at 12.30pm with entry to the sponsored walk and dog shows from 10am.

Registration forms and sponsor forms are available from DAWGS, Tel : 01224 208989.

To find out more about the event or DAWGS you can visit the website on www.dawgs.co.uk

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Local History It was Norman custom for the king to make grants of land to his faithful followers. In the same year that King Robert made the grant of Drum to William de Irewine he also granted land nearby to the family of Burnett. Over the next century they built a fortress on an island in the middle of the shallow boggy Loch Leys about three kilometres West of the present castle. As a result, the family became known as the Burnetts of Leys. This type of castle is found on many other sites, and was originally called a Crannog . The water of the loch acted as a moat around the fortress.

Both Drum and Crathes Castles are now in the care of the National Trust for Scotland, and are open to the public from April to October.

One story suggests that the tower house of Crathes Castle was built by the sixth laird, Alexander Burnard (1454-1504) and then extensions were started in 1553 but were delayed due to political problems during the reign of Mary Queen of Scots, so that the tower was not completed until 1596 by one of the several heads of the family named Alexander.

The Burnett family were also involved at Muchalls Castle and at Monboddo House near Laurencekirk, and a total of 21 castles throughout Scotland.

The more modern wing of Crathes Castle was added in the 18th century giving its present appearance but this was burned down in 1960’s and then rebuilt. It has been in the care if the National Trust for Scotland since 1951.

frdlane@my-inbox.net

contact the gazette : 01224 - 318561

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Books You Must Own We all love a handy tip or some specialist advice from someone in the know. Here, we’ve put together seven must-have titles – with guidance on everything from domestic cleaning to how to perform the Heimlich manoeuvre.

Reader’s Digest Forbidden Advice This fantastic tome of advice features pearls of wisdom from the ‘people who know’: doctors, dentists, solicitors, shopkeepers and more. With categories including food, health, homecare, social life and education, and featuring every topic under the sun, you won’t want to miss a word. Did you know that chillies can relieve arthritis? That HMRC can see what you’re up to on eBay? And having a landline can improve your credit rating? You’ll be amazed at what you can pick up from this great book.

Everything You Need to Know, from Kingfisher Books Every home needs a good encyclopedia, and this one is perfect for satisfying the curiosity of young readers.

With ten core topics and subjects including dinosaurs, space, animals and the human body, this single-volume title is full of interesting facts, story boards, activities and useful web links. Beautifully presented with over 2000 colourful illustrations, it’s a musthave for any enquiring mind.

Auto Repair for Dummies by Deanna Sclar This collection wouldn’t be complete without a title from this hugely-popular range of ‘how to’ books, and if you don’t like calling your mechanic every time a windscreen wiper falls off or a light comes on own a copy.

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Motoring

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Gardening: May

by Pippa Greenwood

It’s great to be joining you on a regular basis, especially when the subject is gardening! I’ll be giving you some hints and tips for what to be doing in your own gardens, letting you know what I’m up to in mine, and in the process hopefully inspiring you to get out in to the garden more, enjoy everything it has to offer, and achieve some pretty impressive results yourself.

Welcome to May, one of the fastest moving months in the gardening year. May is the month when plants just keep on and on growing and developing. New transplants, recently allowed to enjoy the ‘great outdoors’ after an early start in a greenhouse, wait a week or two and then POW! they’re off, and showing you their potential. Old established garden friends, their roots well down in the soil, put on new leaves, stem growth, flower buds maybe even flowers and enjoy the fact that whilst the weather has warmed up, they’ve not yet been hit by growthrestricting drier conditions of summer. It’s a month when it is hard not to feel a regular desire to grab a trowel (or perhaps a fork, spade or cultivator) and get out there and enjoy yourself while at the same time giving the garden and its plants the TLC that’s deserved. What better way to spend an hour or two….or perhaps even a day or two?

With the massive surge in interest in growing your own vegetables, vegetable plants and seeds are available just about everywhere, so there are no excuses for not giving it a go.

Even if time is short or space at a premium, it really is worth growing a few crops – the feeling of self-satisfaction when you make that first harvest is just SO good....not to mention the taste of the crops themselves.

At this time of year you can sow seeds of

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many vegetables direct into the soil or large pots of multi-purpose compost. Try your hand at climbing French beans, dwarf French beans, runner beans, carrots, salad leaves, spinach or peas. I also adore home grown sweetcorn; this too can be sown direct now, but make sure you sow the seed in a square e.g. four rows of four seeds, formed in to a square (it is a wind pollinated crop and this is the way to get good, well-filled cobs). It is a bit late to raise your own courgettes, squash, tomatoes or peppers from seed, but there should be plenty of young plants available in local nurseries or garden centres – just make sure you buy a variety of tomato or pepper suitable for growing outdoors if you don’t have a greenhouse (the label should make this clear).

It is worth spending a few minutes to check flower beds and borders, however small or large, as at this time of year they are a hive of activity. I just have masses of twiggy pea-sticks (well branched prunings will do) and have driven them in around the edges of several herbaceous perennials. So many of these lovely plants are inclined to flop disastrously later in the year, but supported subtly now, they’ll remain upright. As I do this I always spot a few other things that need seeing to as well. All the lovely lush growth means that (in my garden at least) slugs and snails are having a fantastic time devastating the tender new leaves. When

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Home and Garden I put new plants in the ground I scatter oyster shell around the soil beneath the plants. It is readily available from local suppliers of chicken feed, and is by far the best barrier to slugs and snails that I know.... and bought in this way, it does not cost a fortune either. Early aphid (greenfly and blackfly) infestations are also likely to be building up now, and dealt with promptly they are unlikely to cause too much damage – a gentle but firm squash between finger and thumb works a treat, or for those less partial to direct action like this, spray with a fatty-acid or soap-based spray late in the day when bees are no longer about.

Golden Rules: • Make sure that seedlings and young plants get enough natural light.

• Gradually harden off young plants before planting them out.

• In warmer areas, start to plant out more tender crops, but protect with cloches at first.

• Tomatoes in containers need regular feeding with a liquid tomato food.

• Treat yourself to some summer bedding for a really lively terrace- container, but check the forecast carefully before planting them out.

Pippa Greenwood is a gardening writer and journalist and regular panellist on BBC Radio 4’s ‘Gardeners’ Question Time’.

With most of the gardening year ahead feeding makes sense too. So whether you have a well-stocked compost heap, or prefer to use fertilisers from the garden centre, apply them now so that your flowers, fruits and veg have a chance to make best use of them.

Visit www.pippagreenwood.com and sign up as a ‘Friend of Pippa’ to receive a free e-book and regular updates and bulletins.

Up until early June you can also order ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ – garden ready veg plants plus weekly advice emails from Pippa.

Local Gardener with Royal ConNection Are you looking to sell or lease your home in 2011? Did you know that unkempt gardens can actually reduce your profit margin by up to 5%! It is known as the ‘kerb appeal effect’. So if you are thinking of selling or leasing let Anderson’s Groundcare Services Ltd help you sort the garden whilst you concentrate on the inside and put that 5% or more back into your profit margin. Remember first impressions count and your garden is the first thing potential buyers will see!

We can help you with:-

* * * *

garden maintenance & tidy-ups lawns treated & scarified turf supplied & laid hedges supplied & cut

* * * *

trees & shrubs supplied & planted pruning and winter maintenance gravel supplied & laid slabbing & power washing

Anderson’s Groundcare Services LTD t : 01224 735533 m : 07923 976494 15 Johnston Gardens West, Peterculter AB14 0LB

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Magnet’s new Studio Spectrum range boasts white gloss doors brightened by mix-and-match coloured glass panels. From £336.95 for a 600mm single floor unit. For stockist details, go to www.magnet.co.uk/find-your-showroom.

KITCHENS FOR LIVING Katherine Sorrell

John Lewis’ Leckford kitchen features Shaker-style doors in warm oak and a choice of four delicate painted shades. From £10,000 for a medium-sized kitchen. Call 08456 049 049; www.johnlewis.com.

What makes a good-looking, functional kitchen?

Careful planning is the answer - plus a little bit of lateral thinking… gcg : 24

Home and Garden These days, kitchens aren’t just for cooking in, or even for eating; they’re for socialising, doing homework, painting, reading, chatting, catching up with the accounts, watching TV or simply hanging out. So how do you go about designing a space that really works for you?

sight lines to what’s going on elsewhere in the house? Perhaps you can create more room by moving the washing machine into the garage or under the stairs, or by fitting a fold-down dining table? Anything you can do in which to create a larger floor area will help.

First, assess exactly what you need from the kitchen. The panel on the right will give you a good start. Next, do plenty of research – read everything about kitchens you can get your hands on, and visit every showroom within reach. It really is the best way to establish what styles you like, and what you can afford. Then, before you get bogged down with the detail, think about the space as a whole. If your kitchen is on the small size and you’re planning on investing in it, it might be worth, at this stage, considering either amalgamating it with an adjacent room or extending. If that’s not possible, can you enlarge a doorway or knock through a ‘hatch’ to give a feeling of extra space, and better

Next: layout. Plan it with the utmost care to ensure that the room is easy to use and comfortable to be in. You don’t want to have to walk right across the kitchen to put the crockery away, tripping over the dog and the child practising headstands on the way. Nor do you want to have to manoeuvre around a dining table every time you need to get from the cooker to the sink. In technical terms, experts recommend a ‘work triangle’ between the cooker, sink and fridge (in practice, this doesn’t always work, but aim to leave uninterrupted space between the areas you use more frequently). An island unit is great for maximising space, but needs to be well designed – within one step of the contd /

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The Crescent Curve kitchen from Metris, with sleek cabinets in zebrano and matt sand, is space-efficient and cosmopolitan.

From £20,000. Call 01325 505590; www.metriskitchens.co.uk.

Designing your kitchen? Ask yourself these questions first…

• Who will use the room, how often, and how many at a time?

other worktops, not so deep that you can’t reach across it and, ideally, positioned so that the cook can see what else is going on in the room. In addition, room to cook in the way you want and enough cupboards and shelves to store everything tidily but accessibly are vital, while even seemingly small things matter a lot, like providing an area on which to dump shopping bags before unpacking, or ensuring that the bin is close to the chopping board.

Ultimately, of course, what defines a really great kitchen is much more than a set of guidelines. Avoid fashion fads, invest in quality and do your planning but, above all, go with what feels right for you. Instinct, inspiration and imagination are the secret ingredients in this recipe, helping create a room that’s comfortable and functional, as well as homely, hospitable and heartwarming.

ABERDEEN RestoRations

* Authentic French Polishing done by an experienced polisher of 29 years. * Floors sanded and sealed, waxed or polished. * All repairs, new wood blended, hearth removal and repairs to parquet, plank and block floors. * Wall panelling, staircases, doors - all stripped, polished and/or waxed in traditional style. * Insurance work welcome. * All types of furniture old and new repaired and restored.

Contact : Graham Russell www.aberdeenfrenchpolishing.co.uk gcg : 26

• How will it be used - for semi-professional cooking, regular family meals or the occasional microwave dinner? And what about other activities - homework, watching TV, doing the washing or ironing?

• Do you like using high-tech appliances?

What wiring and plug sockets will be required? Will you keep small appliances out on worktops, or hidden in cupboards?

• How much storage do you need, and of what type? For cupboards, do you prefer solid or glass doors, or maybe lots of open shelves? Will you have some unfitted elements, such as a dresser or sideboard?

And would you prefer built-in or freestanding appliances?

• What about worktops - wood, stainless steel, composite, stone or laminate? And flooring - ceramic or stone, brick, rubber, wood, cork, vinyl or lino? Collect as many samples as you can, and lay them out together to give an idea of the overall effect.

before

before

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after

Tel : 07729 493 445 Email : floorsand@googlemail.com www.thegranitecitygazette.co.uk

Home and Garden

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Recipe of the month Enjoy the wonderful flavour of fresh British asparagus with these deliciously simple topped toasts. To make them more substantial add some flaked smoked mackerel or ruffles of Parma ham.

Makes 6 Ready in 20 minutes

Asparagus Bruschettas 12 fresh asparagus spears, trimmed 6 thin slices crusty bread (such as sour dough) 6 tbsp good quality olive oil 1 large garlic clove, halved 225g (8oz) goats’ cheese Handful of rocket leaves Salt and freshly ground black pepper gcg : 28

1. Half fill a large frying pan with water and bring to the boil. Add the asparagus spears and simmer for 3-4 minutes until just tender. Drain well and refresh under cold running water.

2. Brush the slices of bread on both sides with some of the olive oil. Place the slices on a hot cast-iron griddle pan and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until just crisp and lightly charred in places. If you don’t have a griddle pan then simply grill the toasts.

3. Rub the cut garlic cloves all over the hot toasts (this imparts a mild garlic flavour to the toasts).

Spread the goats’ cheese over the toasts.

4. Arrange the asparagus spears on top of the cheese and add a few rocket leaves to each.

Drizzle over the rest of the olive oil. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper and serve immediately. www.thegranitecitygazette.co.uk

Spice of Life - Liquorice Liquorice comes from the long root of a plant, Glycyrrhiza glabra, native to south-eastern Europe and the Middle East.

The roots and rhizomes are cleaned, crushed, and then boiled and the liquorice extract is distilled. The dried roots of the plant look and feel like pieces of wood and can be chewed as a breath freshener.

During the 16th century Dominican monks cultivated the plant in Pontefract, Yorkshire where the famous Pontefract cakes originated. Most commonly recognised in the confectionary trade, liquorice is also used to flavour drinks such as Guinness and Sambuca. It’s also added to tobacco as a flavouring agent, and this is where most natural liquorice goes.

Many health benefits are attributed to this spice. Often used as a benefit to digestion, studies have shown some interesting attributes to liquorice. Glycyrrhizic acid, the vital compound in liquorice, is used to treat liver problems and stomach. It appears that glycyrrhizic acid may have strong anti-viral properties.

However, too much liquorice can cause major problems. Large, regular doses cause high blood pressure and liver problems. A woman had to be hospitalised with muscular failure after overdosing on liquorice by eating approximately 200gms a day. This caused Haribo, the makers of Pontefract cakes, to issue a statement saying liquorice products should be eaten in moderation.

Treat yourself to a...

3 Course Lunch including Tea or Coffee £16.95 3 Course Dinner including Tea or Coffee £19.95 Evening a la Carte menu also available Available Tuesday - Saturday Book online or call 587002

239 Great Western Road, Aberdeen AB10 6PS Tel: 587002 • Email: info@paulamcewen.com

www.paulamcewen.com

Cryptic Crossword Across

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1. Stylish earthbound ship (6)

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4. Birds, cut, proposed laws (8) 9. Fancy talk about nitrogen (6)

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13. Foolish amount of food? (3,3)

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13 14

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16 17 20

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15. Cone designed in the past (4)

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16. Room hidden in the nick (7)

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20. Creature chained roughly (7)

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10. Name; crazy mule name (8) 12. Stupid? You’re not now! (8)

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Down 1. Dog food served twice (4-4)

14. Top cobbler in shoe furore (7)

2. Girl with little weight, say (8)

17. European Commission still very happy (8)

3. US city deprived of a sink (6)

18. A cold El Salvador hero… (8)

5. Organisation Mary rebuilt (4)

19. …worried about fools, say (8)

6. Snake cubes on a ruler (8)

22. Soldier gal; a bit of a looker (6)

29. Poster for a US novelist (6)

7. Sucker clutching one girl (6)

23. Make your hair curl or pass (6)

30. Baked tart and cake critic (8)

8. Grave swimmer many note (6)

24. Girl circling a hot desert (6)

31. Hordes of married mules (6)

11. Reduced longing for a drug (7)

27. Liberal king put in charge (4)

21. Head honcho in great pain (4) 25. Key opening small cases (6) 26. Complaints of graduate women (8) 28. Green Marmite you spread (8)

D.A.W.G.S Dog Action Working Group Scotland

send-it

fulfilment solutions

New Parcel Collection Service Collection:

If you can no longer take care of your dog, we can help!

D.A.W.G.S finds loving homes for dogs whose owners can no longer take care of them

We collect parcels within Aberdeen City from 10am to 3.30pm Monday to Friday

Next Day Delivery: anywhere on UK mainland (excluding Channel Islands and Highlands and Islands)

Fixed Price per Parcel: To Aberdeen City – up to 5kg £5.50 incl VAT 5-10kg £7.50 incl VAT

To UK Mainland – up to 5kg £8.50 incl VAT 5-10kg £10.00 incl VAT Parcels must be labelled and insurance costs extra.

Contact: Send-it Fulfilment Solutions Ltd,

For further information contact:DAWGS on 01224 208989 or visit www.dawgs.co.uk 6 Whitemyres Holdings, Lang Stracht, Aberdeen.

12 John Street, Aberdeen, AB25 1BT

T : 01224 618450 F : 01224 618451 E : info@send-it.org Recognised as a Scottish Charity, No.SC032742

www.send-it.org

Aberdeen Orpheus Choir under their Conductor, Jane Murray are meantime rehearsing for their Summer concert. This Concert will be held in the Cowdray Hall, Aberdeen on Friday, 3rd June at 7.30 p.m. Sharing the platform will be the Albyn School Ensemble conducted by Laura Jarret. A wide variety of music will be performed, the main work being a piece, “Braif Toun” music composed by well known City Music Teacher James Reith with words in Doric by Sheena Blackhall commissioned by the Choir to celebrate their 50th Anniversary in 2005: it was, therefore, felt appropriate that this work which describes the part played by Provost Davidson and the Trades people of Aberdeen in the Battle of Harlaw in 1411 should be repeated this year being the 600th Anniversary of the Battle.

“Braif Toun” describes how Provost Davidson and the Trades People of Aberdeen marched to meet the ten-thousand strong army of Donald, Lord of the Isles, referred to as his “Heilan’ Horde” who were intent on capturing the City of Aberdeen.

Due to the large loss of life on both sides, including Provost Davidson’s the Battle was described as “Reid Harlaw”. Despite being outnumbered the Trades people were successful in saving the City from the invading army.

Tickets for this Concert costing £7:50 and £5:00 concessions may be purchased at Top Note Music Shop 123 Crown Street, Aberdeen.

21st Aberdeen (Cults) Scout Group

Scottish Charity Number SC 018385

family

Natural Born Swimmers Ask Suzie Harrold about her childhood and her face lights up as she remembers her dogged determination to be in the water. ‘My parents just couldn’t keep me out,’ she laughs.

From paddling in the sea as a tot to swimming competitively as a teenager – and everything in between!

voice commands, and learning to respond to these is excellent for your baby’s mental development. Lessons last half an hour and despite looking very gentle, provide a complete physical work out – exercising and strengthening muscles they’d never even find on land!

Previously pursuing a career in physiotherapy, when baby Angus was born in 2009 Suzie wasted no time in signing up to Water Babies – and loved it so much that she trained as an instructor, teaching all her lessons in her spare time. ‘Water Babies was – and still is – the highlight of my week,’ she recalls, ‘both as a mum and an instructor. I get such a thrill from watching the babies as they progress and feel that this is what I was born to do!’

Swimming is also excellent for enhancing the bond between the two of you. Lots of mums (and dads) find that becoming confident in water makes them more confident on land.

Others say the best thing is finding an activity that they and their baby both adore. With a clear emphasis on having fun, lessons are generally very sociable.

The Harrold family in their underwater world Suzie is now thrilled to be bringing the multiaward winning Water Babies classes to Aberdeen. The unique course teaches using

The other obvious benefit is water safety.

Sadly, drowning is still the third highest cause of accidental death among children in the UK. With progressive training, babies can be taught life saving skills such as turning onto their backs or swimming to the nearest solid object following a sudden submersion.

‘At Water Babies, we have the wealth of knowledge to ensure our parents and babies experience something truly extraordinary,’ says Suzie. ‘As parents ourselves, we appreciate that this is one of the most magical times in people’s lives so work incredibly hard to enhance it.’

Water Babies swimming’s just the beginning...

Water Babies is the UK’s leading baby swim school.

For more information call Suzie on 01382 690 425 or visit www.waterbabies.co.uk

Teach your baby to swim with Water Babies, the UK’s leading baby swim school

3 Fully qualified, world class instructors 3 Award-winning programme teaches babies from birth

3 Teaching you to teach your baby to swim

3 Saving lives through water confidence and safety skills

classes held weekly at...

Doubletree (by Hilton Beach Boulevard) Aberdeen AB24 5EF

to join in the fun call

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01382 690 425

waterbabies.co.uk

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family Rosie Isobella Bryce

Baby Scan Studio Perth

3D

4D

Aberdonian doctor offers preferential rates to Aberdeen clients for 2D/3D/4D Pregnancy Scans.

Early Pregnancy Scans start at £25.

See our website for full details of preferential offers.

Tel: 01738 472007

/ 01738 472007

www.babyscanstudioperth.com

contact the gazette : 01224 - 318561

born : 15.04.11 I’m delighted to let you know that Verity of V-Fitness had baby Rosie on 15th April.

Isn’t she just gorgeous!

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kids groups

parent and toddler groups

community clubs & groups Mannofield Mother & Toddlers 10am - 1130am Wed for children aged 0-3. & 10am-11.30am Fris for children aged 0-3. Mannofield Church, Gt Western Rd All welcome - friendly, sociable groups Holburn West Mothers & Toddlers Meet on a Wed fm 0930 & Fri fm 9.45am Parent and Toddler Group Wed (not school hols) fm 9.45 - 11.15 Rubislaw church centre, beaconsfield pl NCT Bumps and Babies Queens Cross Church,Thurs fm 2 - 4pm ‘Toots’ Playgroup Airyhall Community centre 2’s Group 1 ½ to 2 ½ - Tues & Thurs 9.30 to 11.30 Playgroup – 2 ½ onwards – Mon,Wed & Fri 9.30 – 11.30am Holburn West Playgroup Meet on a Wed fm 930am Babies andToddlers Mon 0945-1200 Crown Terr Methodist Church Friendly group for parents/ carers of children aged 0-3 Cost £1 incl refreshments. 861209/733276 or 01330 823480 e-mail: babiesand toddlers@ aberdeenmethodist.org.uk Midstocket Playgroup, Midstocket Parish Church, Harcourt Rd. 2.5 - 5 year olds. Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 09.15 - 11.45, Mon,Tues,Thurs 13.0015.30. Funded places available. Tel. 07542 256703 www.midstocketplaygroup.co.uk Rubislaw Playgroup Rubislaw Church Centre. Mon - Fri: 09151145. Fm 2yrs 10 months to school age.

Funded places available. Tel: 594345 Toddlers and 2’s Rubislaw Church Centre. Enjoy play, craft, singing and snack.

Toddlers: up to 2yrs.

Wed and Fri - 0930-1100 Girls Brigade : Meet Tues in Queens Cross Church Hall Explorers P1-3 : 5pm-6.30pm Juniors P4-7 : 6pm-7.30pm Brigaders S1-6 : 6pm-8pm Morag Pirie - 01358-742621 Girls Brigade : Are you in P1-P3? Looking for some fun? Then come and join us we meet every Thurs @ South Holburn Church, Holburn St. Tel : Lesley Bills 01224-596596 Rainbows, Brownies, Guides tel : 01224 638685 for your nearest group Beavers, Cubs, Scouts : tel : 01224 208426 for your nearest group Boys Brigade HQ :

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2’s group: 2-3yrs.

Tues and Thurs 0930-1100, Tel: 379626 Kids Crew Playgroup.2yrs 8mnths. Mon, Wed, Fri mornings 9.30am-12pm. Funded Places available. + Two’s Group.Wed, Thurs 9.30-11am. Both groups at Ferryhill Community Centre, Albury Road, Ferryhill. Tel : 584118.

Playgroup @ Ruthrieston Comm Centre ‘Playshed’, Holburn St Mon-Thurs 9.1511.15. fm 2 yrs 6 mnths. £3.50 per session - includes healthy snack. Call 572211 NCT Waddling - Toddling Mon @ St Francis of Assisi Church, Deeside Dr, Mannofield 10-11.30, drop in group for mums to be, parents & carers of babies & toddlers birth - preschool w w w. n c t. org.uk/in-your-area/aberdeen/W2T

Queen’s Cross Parent & Toddler Group Queens Cross Church Mon 9.30-11.30 Children 0-4 & their grown-ups are very welcome. £1.50 Gaelic Parent & Child Group Gilcomstoun Primary School Mon, Wed & Fri 9.15-11.30. You don’t have to speak Gaelic to attend. Mairi Morley 07900 337122, e : gaelic@aberdeencity.gov.uk.

Singing Tots 6mths - 3 yrs Mon 945-1015 & 1045 -1115 Rubislaw Church Centre Tel : Liesl 580317 or 07541 309617 Toddler Time Wed 09:15 – 11:15 term time. Friendly, welcoming group for parents & children aged 0-4. Cost 50 pence, inc snacks & refreshments New Life International Church, Leadside Road, AB25 1TW Michelle - 07808 932 907

tel : 01224 644400 for your nearest group 17th Aberdeen Cub Scouts : 1830-2000h Scout Centre, PitstruanTerr Choi Kwang Do : Inchgarth Community Centre Garthdee Mond 4.45-5.45 Thurs 6-7pm Tel Claire - 746778 After School Bridge classes : Wed atThe Bridge Club 14 RubislawTerrace P6-7 -Anytimefm3.00-4.30. S1-6-Anytimefm 3.005.30 , Sally Reid : 01224 - 322719 Fun Kids Yoga Airyhall Community Centre Tues 4-4.30pm (4-7 yrs) & 4.30-5pm (8-13 yrs) Call 07967 647 220 or go to www.louisayoga.co.uk ATC 107 Squadron

Ruthrieston West Church Twos Group Fri 9.45 - 11.00 ( During term time) Age 1year 10 months + £2.50 per child per session. For more information phone Lynne on 01224 314692 Children’s Football Tel Alison - 314669 Football for children fm age 21/2 up to P3.

Held at Kingswells and Airyhall. www.aberdeenfootballfun.co.uk Teeny Beats Fun singalong with musical instruments.

Meets on a Tuesday 2pm - 3pm during term time at Rubislaw Church Centre.

For children aged 0 to 5 years. £2 per session discounted rate for additional children. For further information contact Margaret 587144 or Caroline 566141 The 123 Group, Craigiebuckler Church Hall Every Thurs 2-4pm, Adult and Child group; children fm babies up to the age of 3 are all welcome. Costs £4 per month, with lots of fun activities, crafts and healthy snacks provided for the children. For more info, email the123group@yahoo.com, or call Elaine (07872 595015) or Pauline (07793 325278) Messy Play Rubislaw Church Centre. Enjoy messy play for ages 2 - 5. Wed & Fri 1.15 - 3pm.

Fees payable per term. Contact Leigh on 07792 265273.

Aberdeen Dolphin Swimming Club Swim School for children fm 4 years old.

Lessons at Hazlehead & Hazlewood Pools.

Coaching for children who would like to train and swim competitively.

Contact Louise Lindsay (membership secretary) on 596709 for more info.

Open to new members, male & female aged 13 – 16. Also looking for enthusiastic adult staff, male & female to join the team., Prince Charles Cadet Centre, Albury Road, Ferryhill, Aberdeen Mon &Weds 19.00 - 21.30.Tel. 01224 590679 www.107aircadets.org.

Highland Dancing Classes If your child is interested in starting a new hobby, Highland Classes are available at Craigiebuckler Church and Danscentre through Carolanne Sinclair and are open to all levels of experience, with beginners classes starting at aged 5 & over. Carolanne can be contacted directly on 07972104774 or by email at sinclair_carolanne@yahoo.com

www.thegranitecitygazette.co.uk

contact the gazette : 01224 - 318561

Lighter than a rich fruit cake and beautifully moist. If you think fruit cakes are tricky try this one. It couldn’t be simpler. An ordinary teacup is fine for measuring.

Boiled Fruit Cake



Baking

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www.thegranitecitygazette.co.uk

Ingredients 1 cup of water 225g / 8oz unsalted butter 1 cup of soft brown sugar ½ cup peel (if you don’t like peel, use chopped ready-to-eat dried apricots) 1 ½ cups raisins 1 ½ cups sultanas ¼ cup chopped glace cherries 1 tsp mixed spice 2 cups plain flour 1 tsp baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) 2 eggs Method

Place the first eight ingredients into a large saucepan and bring it to the boil.

Reduce the heat and simmer gently for 20 minutes, then set aside to cool.

Heat the oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4.

Line a deep 20cm/8inch circular cake tin with greaseproof paper.

Mix the beaten eggs well into the fruit mix. It’s important that the mixture has cooled because if it’s too warm the eggs will cook!

Then sieve the flour and baking soda into the mixture and mix well.

Pour into the cake tin and bake for 1-1½ hours until cooked through (when a skewer inserted into the cake comes out clean). If the cake is browning too quickly reduce the temperature a little.

Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the tin for fifteen minutes, then turn out on to a rack.

The cake keeps really well if it’s stored in an airtight tin.

Boiled Fruit Cake

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Recession!

We chose to save money by cutting back on advertising

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gcg : 39

Local girl Lindsay Robertson and her charity venture in Sierra Leone Lindsay Robertson is undertaking a massive charity challenge. Lindsay 24 has devoted the last three years volunteering in the Far East, Kenya and now in Sierra Leone. Currently working as a volunteer for the charity Street Child of Sierra Leone in Makeni. She witnesses daily the poverty and total desperation many thousands of children are faced with. Significant numbers of very young children suffer malnutrition, illness and abuse whilst sleeping in the streets of Makeni. She is determined to make a difference to these young lives by providing a sustainable local income for the charity.

Lindsay’s idea is to set up a charity café bar in the Makeni area. The charity cafe/bar will not only serve drinks and food but will also feature internet, give employment and act as a social meeting place for the locals and raise awareness of the street children’s situation and the charity’s involvement in Sierra Leone.

Lindsay has also opened a shop in a local construction camp which she will run as well as the café bar and these ventures will be in addition to her already major workload of delivering the charity support project work with which she has been involved over the last 6 months.

Tom Dannatt, Founder and Organiser of Street Child of Sierra Leone commented “it is not every volunteer in Africa who sets up a Western style café bar and shop - let alone all the ‘normal’ stuff she is doing on the projects. It is quite something. With real commitment, passion, innovation and effort, it is possible to achieve such a lot, even in somewhere as written off by the mainstream as Sierra Leone - and have a good time too. The local Aberdeen connection is proving to be a huge support to our work in Sierra Leone and in particular to Lindsay’s ‘special’ projects. We look forward to strengthening our relationship with the Aberdeen end of the project and to meeting all those involved when members of the London team attend events organised in Aberdeen” On hearing of the venture, the owners and patrons of The Great Western Hotel and Clubhouse Bar in Aberdeen inspired the twinning the Sierra Leone project with the Hotel in Aberdeen. Both establishments will be named “The Clubhouse Bar” and regular contact between the two will be maintained. “Being on the

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same time-zone as the UK, sundowners can be enjoyed in both bars at the same time, although there is likely to be more sun in Makeni” says Lindsay Dave Flin, Co Owner of The Great Western Hotel commented “Lindsay’s idea has provided a great opportunity for our patrons, management and staff to focus our charity efforts on. It is just such an unusual idea and knowing Lindsay, one which we find provides a strong local connection to making such a difference to people somewhere overseas. We intend to use The Clubhouse Bar at the Hotel as a centre for supporting Street Child of Sierra Leone’s activities in Makeni and to create a real social bond between the two bars.”

To this end, a small local project team in conjunction with Street Child of Sierra Leone Charity in London has secured a container courtesy of local firm RBG Ltd to hopefully be filled with donated items needed to get the Makeni café bar project up and running. The container will be shipped to Freetown and onwards to set up the café bar further inland.

Lindsay went on to say “shipping costs are likely to be the other very expensive requirement we will have. To get a 20 foot container to Sierra Leone will be costly, but we are hoping to find a way of raising money or getting help from a freighting or shipping company” Other key items such as fridges and a television have already been donated by Sodexo Remote Sites Limited and other catering and bar equipment by the Great Western Hotel and Paula McEwan Restaurant, and Petrofac.

Other donations suitable for furnishing the café bar or much needed cash donations would be most welcomed by Lindsay and the project team and both can be made by contacting The Great Western Hotel directly.

The next big event this year will be Aristoplast, Aberdeen’s very own version of Band Aid. Headlined by Aberdeen’s 11 piece pop and swing band The Aristocats, the charity gig will take place at Aberdeen’s Forum (pre-show VIP reception at The Great Western Hotel) on Friday the 17th June. The evening will include live music, food, drink, dancing and a spectacular African theme. All proceeds from this fantastic evening will go direct to the Street Child of Sierra Leone charity. Tickets are available from The Great Western Hotel and The Stage Door Restaurant. See the poster at the back of the magazine.

The contact number for equipment and cash donations is 01224 574484 street-child.co.uk

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gcg : 41

‘Don’t you know who I am?!’

Chris Russell

If you are in a band, were once in a band, or are in any way into bands, the chances are you’ve seen the excellent Rob Reiner mockumentary ‘This Is Spinal Tap’. For those who haven’t had the pleasure, the film charts the highs and lows (but mainly lows) of a long-haired, leather-trousered rock band whose star is rather tragically fading.

Musicians love Spinal Tap. It is our Bible. And we see that it is good.

The sentence ‘How Spinal Tap is this?’ would be printed on page one of The International Touring Rock Band Phrasebook, if such a thing were ever written. Finding oneself hopelessly caught up in the midst of a Spinal Tap Moment (let’s coin the abbreviation ‘STM’ for convenience) is pretty much an occupational hazard for our species.

Basically, if it causes acute embarrassment, exposes the fundamental absurdity of trying to act like a rockstar - or otherwise just makes you look like a twit - it’s an STM.

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One of my favourite Lightyears STMs occurred shortly before a gig we played at Wembley Stadium in Spring 2010. I had been asked by the production team what size stage we required and had responded with a lovingly-constructed diagram featuring meticulous footnotes and little pictures of all the band members. When we arrived on the pitch for our soundcheck, however, we were directed towards a tiny white podium roughly the size and shape of an upturned bath-tub. Turns out that the headline act, Right Said Fred (I know, you couldn’t make it up), had demanded a stage of those precise dimensions and there was basically nothing we could do about it. Never mind that there’s only two of them (and four of us) and they were using just one guitar (whilst we had a drum-kit and a piano, amongst other things). It is at times like these that the exclamation ‘Don’t you know who I am?!’ rises like a terrible bile in your throat.

And when that happens, you know you’re having an STM.

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music Last year, whilst on tour in South Africa, we turned up in Cape Town and checked into the city’s finest hotel, The Table Bay. As we were waiting for our rooms to be prepared it was brought to our attention that, following our debut visit to the city the year before, the Table Bay had erected a ‘Lightyears stayed here’ plaque in our honour and positioned it on the Golden Seal statue in the hotel grounds. My oh my, did we milk that baby dry.

We sauntered around the city with massive, smug grins all over our newly-tanned faces, telling anybody who would listen that our name was emblazoned across Cape Town’s famous Golden Seal just a few small inches away from such luminaries as Michael Jackson, Barack Obama and the England football team. But hubris is a cruel mistress and, of course, we turned up the following year to discover that we now ‘weren’t famous enough’ to stay at the Table Bay and, whilst our name remained on the statue, the hotel manager had been ‘unable to accommodate

us at the current time’. What a kick in the teeth! Don’t they know who I am?!

So please, if you ever see a lone musician in your local pub nursing a pint and looking sorry for himself, give him a biscuit and tell him he has nice hair. He’s probably just exhausted from years of trying to maintain the charade that he is a maverick trendsetter who lives every single day on the edge of existence.

And take it from me, that’s extremely hard work indeed.

Chris plays piano in South London power-pop band The Lightyears. The Lightyears, voted the UK’s BEST POP/ROCK ACT at the Indy Awards, have played Wembley Stadium, toured across four continents, worked with Sting’s producer and starred in a T-Mobile advert. Chris is currently working on his first novel, “Mockstars”. Read more of Chris’ blogs and tour diaries at www.TheLightyears.com.

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Cappadocia

travel Framed by the Taurus mountains to the south, the high plateau of Cappadocia lies in central Turkey, a land bristling with volcanic features, known as ‘fairy chimneys’, and carved with ancient underground cities and rock churches.

For early Christians and others who farmed the surrounding land, living underground was safe, cool in summer, warm in winter and whenever you needed extra space, you could just dig another room in the relatively soft stone. Stables were near the top, accessed down a ramp, while further down was a network of communal kitchens, sleeping quarters, stores, niches for oil lamps, wine cellars and chapels. The cities ran seven floors deep, often more, with air shafts, wells and millstones (complete with peepholes) which could block the tunnels in time of danger.

Many such cities remain undiscovered but 36 have been identified, a few partially opened to visitors who file through narrow passageways, stooping right down at times with the occasional moment of panic but rarely a chance to turn back. The largest city is Kaymakli, the deepest Derinkuyu. Both are on the tourist trail.

Meanwhile above ground, nature has shaped the most fantastic fairyland, eroding the soft tufa layer left by eruptions to uncover tall columns of hard rock marching through the countryside like a giant army. Some, capped with basalt, look like overgrown mushrooms, others come to a point like pixies’ hats, many are pierced with the dark holes of troglodyte dwellings. Large or small, these so-called fairy chimneys come in twos or threes, or familysized groups, while here and there sculpted ridges cling to curving slopes the colour of cappuccino.

At over 1000 metres, the little town of Ürgüp is a convenient place to stay, with its share of fairy chimneys, its rock-hewn houses turned

into cave hotels and on the doorstep, a whole flotilla of hot air balloons offering the ride of a lifetime. Every morning, they rise above Red Valley, packed with wide-eyed tourists, gliding high above it all or dipping down for a close-up view. Back on land, the astonishing moonscape stretches as far as you can see, Pigeon Valley, Hunters Valley, Uchisar, and when you reach the best viewpoints, cameras clicking all around, you almost forget to browse the souvenir stalls brimming with pottery, turquoise and pashmina.

But there is more to this land than caves and fairy chimneys. Not so far away among the vineyards, the Göreme Open Air Museum preserves some of Cappadocia’s finest rockcut monasteries and churches, dating back to the early days of Christianity. Footpaths and steps lead you from one chapel to the next where wall paintings and frescoes in earthy tones depict scenes from the New Testament, or St Theodore and St George slaying the dragon. Most decorations are from the 11th to 13th centuries but there are earlier examples.

Carved into rock or cliff, every chapel has a story to tell. Sandals is named after mysterious footprints, the Dark Church was a pigeon house, and you find a Snake Church, home of the dragon, an Apple Church, once near an orchard, Santa Barbara, where red lines were drawn on the vault to imitate brick, and the beautifully restored Tokali, with gleaming lapis lazuli in its newer section. At the entrance to the complex, the Nunnery rises on several floors, church and cells cut into the towering rock and just like in the underground cities, connected by tunnels with millstone doors. Cappadocia is indeed like nowhere else in Turkey, equally stunning above and underground..

By Solange Hando

To go or not to go, that’s now the question.

By David Reynolds [www.powersecrets.co.uk] People in their early twenties can’t defer retirement planning if they want a reasonable lifestyle in later years. But young people today face a financial situation similar to ‘The Perfect Storm’. The elements are combining to create conditions that sink any hope for school leavers to achieve financial independence during their lifetime.

A common problem is deciding whether to continue education beyond A-levels and face university tuition fees and student loans or take an alternative route.

Those who want to study medicine, law, engineering etc, will have to go to university but their earning potential will enable them to repay their debts. However, with graduates owing as much as £30,000 we should stop encouraging higher education for all and be more selective in determining who will benefit. Unless the result is a valuable degree, it is reckless to begin working life with a massive debt resulting from study that will have little impact on eventual earnings.

Many graduates with mediocre degrees struggle to find employment. Parents who spend tens of thousands funding university degrees should consider investing that money for their children in other more practical ways. A potential student can get a head start in life by saving instead.

We have to change the stigma attached to not attending university. The pressure and expectation of continuing education needs to be reappraised. For most young adults it’s entirely possible to achieve success in life without a degree. The difference is attitude, focus, enthusiasm and a good work ethic.

There are employers who accept the responsibility of formal career development programs and more companies should follow

suit. The employer may argue that a degree is evidence of a job applicant’s intelligence, but perceptive interviewing can reveal the same.

If employers think that a degree is essential, they can contribute to fees and give time off to employees.

The prospects for a successful future are as good as ever if you plan the right course whether that be university or otherwise.

In the meantime we should campaign for companies to take a more enlightened view on recruitment and ‘hire for attitude and train for skills’.

Below are ten tips for today’s school leavers who are in doubt about taking the going-touniversity default.

• Think about what your skills and aims and determine the most sensible course for you.

Bowing to peer pressure is not a good strategy.

• Seek advice from qualified, unbiased people - not just mum and dad or family friends.

• Get a job with a reputable company, regardless of size or poor pay. It’s about experience, developing skills, gaining confidence and developing a reputation. You’ll move on to better things before too long.

• Be an ‘extra miler’. Have a great attitude, enthusiasm and develop self discipline.

• Start thinking longer term about what you want to do. Plan three to five years ahead.

• Find a mentor. Most successful people attribute some of it to another person.

• Begin to set specific goals, both for your career and life.

• Stand out from the crowd, rather than being influenced by them and choose your friends and associates with care.

• Finally, and I wanted to put this at the top of the list but modesty prevailed, read my book ‘Power Secrets of the Rich and Successful’ It’s taken from the best university of all....the University of Life! It’s a proven guide to Wealth, Health and Happiness.

Thurs, May 5: Keeping alive the true spirit of traditional Scottish music, Session A9, who formed during a session on the famous A9 road between Glasgow and the Highlands, in Lemon Tree Lounge doors at 7.30pm. Tickets fm boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Thurs to Sat, May 5 to 7: Join Aberdeen and Banchory Strathspey & Reel Societies for a toe-tapping night of great Scottish music in Fiddlers’ Spectacular, with special guest stars Caledon, in HMT at 7.30pm. Tickets fm boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Fri, May 6: Free Fri Live session, featuring North Sea Gas, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, Aberdeen, fm 1pm. Tables booked by calling 337688 Fri, May 6: Canadian actor Charles Ross with his hilarious show OneMan Stars Wars Trilogy, where he single-handedly plays all the characters, sings the music, flies the ships, fights the battles and condenses the plots into just 60 minutes, in MH, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm.

Tickets fm boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Fri, May 6: The iconoclastic Glasgowbased four-piece Brass Jaw, brings a vibrant new sound to the world of jazz, working without a traditional rhythm section and creating a performance that is truly unique in sound and direction, in Lemon Tree

Lounge doors at 7.30pm. Tickets fm boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Sat, May 7: Free SC&TURDAY LIVE session with Scottish Cultures and Traditions’ (SC&T), in the Lemon Tree Lounge, Aberdeen, fm 12.30pm.

Tables booked by calling 337688 Sat, May 7: Creative Kids, sponsored

by Argus Care, in the Lemon Tree Lounge, Aberdeen, doors open 12pm, activities fm 12.30pm to 2.30pm.

Sat, May 7: With conductor Olari Elts, cellist Jean-Guihen Queyras and viola player Jane Atkins, Scottish Chamber Orchestra presents Italian Serenade with Brahms’ Variations on a theme of Haydn, Haydn’s Cello Concerto in C Major, Wolf’s Italian Serenade and Medelssohn’s Symphony No4 Italian, in MH, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm. Tickets fm boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Sat, May 7: A double bill fm awardwinning dancer/choreographer Claire Cunningham showcasing her exceptional dance technique and impressive power in ME (Mobile/Evolution), in The Lemon Tree Studio, West North Street, Aberdeen, at 7pm. Tickets fm boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Sat, May 7: The Lemon Tree, in association with Steven Winton presents Tijuana Sun / Kashmire Red / Vesuvian / Glassman, in Lemon Tree Lounge doors at 7.30pm. Tickets fm boxofficeaberdeen. com or tel 641122

Qualified Teacher Dr. Bill Mann

www.MannofieldMusic.com Beginners Welcome * No Upper Age * See Website For Details

(m) 07570 827 171

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Sun, May 8: Free Belhaven Sun Jazz session, featuring Cindy Douglas Quartet, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, Aberdeen, fm 12pm. Tables booked by calling 337688

Sun, May 8: English band, The Wave Pictures, made up of David Tattersall, Franic Rozycki and Jonny ‘Huddersfield’ Helm who have also served as backing band and cosongwriters for John Darnielle of The Mountain Goats, , in Lemon Tree Lounge doors at 7.30pm. Tickets fm boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Sun, May 8: In a night like no other and on the first national science tour celebrating the universe and the many wonders that lie within it, The Uncaged Monkeys sees the finest names in science broadcasting gather to talk of dark matter, black holes, bonobo apes, the Big Bang, and anything else they can cram into two hours, including Robin Ince, Professor Brian Cox, Dr Ben Goldacre and Simon Singh, in MH, Aberdeen, at 8pm. Tickets fm boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Mon, May 9: Hitler Moustache star and avowed atheist Richard Herring with Christ on a Bike: The Second Coming, in Lemon Tree Lounge doors at 7.30pm. Tickets fm boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Wed, May 11: Famous the world over for inventing Techno Ceilidh, Acid Croft and Hypnofolkadelia, Shooglenifty, in Lemon Tree Lounge doors at 7.30pm. Tickets fm boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Wed to Sat, May 11 to 14: Scottish Ballet and the creative team behind Cinderella and The Nutcracker present Alice, an extraordinary adventure into the depths of imagination, in HMT Aberdeen at 7.30pm, with 2pm Thurs and Sat matinees. Tickets fm boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Thurs, May 12: Following a five-star run at Edinburgh Festival Fringe and sell-out performances in London, Gerard Logan presents Shakespeare’s The Rape of Lucrece, in The Lemon Tree Studio, West North Street, Aberdeen, at 7pm. Tickets fm

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boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Thurs, May 12: Lorna Reid’s Jazz Café, featuring Graeme Stephen, in Lemon Tree Lounge doors at 7.30pm.

Tickets fm boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Thurs, May 12: A hilarious evening with one of the UK’s most innovative comedians and runner up in I’m a Celebrity . . Get me Out of here, Dom Joly in Welcome to Wherever I Am, in MH, Aberdeen, at 8pm. Tickets fm boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Fri, May 13: Free Fri Live session, featuring Bruise, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, Aberdeen, fm 1pm. Tables booked by calling 337688 Fri, May 13: Winner of Best Group in BBC Radio2’s Folk Awards 2008 and 2009, Lau, with the combined highlyregarded talents of singer/guitarist Kris Drever, accordionist Martin Green, and fiddler Aidan O’Rouke, in Lemon Tree Lounge doors at 7.30pm.

Tickets fm boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Sat, May 14: Free SC&TURDAY LIVE session with Scottish Cultures and Traditions’ (SC&T), in the Lemon Tree Lounge, Aberdeen, fm 12.30pm.

Tables booked by calling 337688 Sat, May 14: Creative Kids, sponsored by Argus Care, in the Lemon Tree Lounge, Aberdeen, doors open 12pm, activities fm 12.30pm to 2.30pm.

Sat, May 14: A superb, heart-warming and nostalgic show Ladies of Country, starring Billie Jo Spears with Lena Martell, Philomena Begley and Janey Kirk, in MH, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm. Tickets fm boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Sat, May 14: Putting the spotlight on the work of the most enigmatic, mysterious and sub textural songwriter the English speaking world has ever known, Keith James appears in concert with The Songs of Leonard Cohen, in The Lemon Tree Studio, West North Street,

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Aberdeen, at 6.30pm. Tickets fm boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Sat, May 14: Fat Hippy Records present a double album launch for Gerry Jablonski & The Electric Band’s Life At Captain Tom’s LP and The Lorelei’s Faces, in Lemon Tree Lounge doors at 8pm. Tickets fm boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Sun, May 15: Free Belhaven Sun Jazz session, featuring Marisha Addison Quintet, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, Aberdeen, fm 12pm. Tables booked by calling 337688 Sun, May 15: Fm the producer of The Australian Pink Floyd Show comes the brand new and even bigger Pink Floyd spectacular, The British Pink Floyd Show, featuring Pink Floyd’s greatest hits, in MH, Aberdeen, at 8pm. Tickets fm boxofficeaberdeen. com or tel 641122 Sun, May 15: The closing event of this year’s Word, University of Aberdeen Writers Festival is a is a multi-faceted celebration of the life and work of Norman MacCaig, one of Scotland’s greatest ever poets, in two parts; with a documentary in which poet Andrew Greig will read fm the wonderful At the Loch of the Green Corrie in the Lemon Tree Studio fm 7.30pm followed by readings of MacCaig’s poetry and live music fm Aly Bain in a gig in the Lemon Tree Lounge at 8.30pm. Tickets fm boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Mon to Sat, May 16 to 21: Direct fm London’s West End and celebrating the undisputed King of Pop, Paul Walden and Derek Nicol for Flying Music, in association with Adrian Grant for Key Concerts, present Thriller Live, bringing to life the sensational dancing and distinctive sound of Michael and the Jackson Five, in HMT Aberdeen at 7.30pm fm Mon to Thurs, at 5pm and 8.15pm on Fri and at 4pm and 7.30pm on Sat. Tickets fm boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122

Wed, May 18: Glasgow Actors Theatre Company presents King of Scotland, by Iain Heggie and starring Jonathan Watson, featuring trouserless bankers, talking dogs, flying taxis and a razor-sharp parody of the workings of Scottish politics in this Fringe-first winning comedy, in The Lemon Tree Studio, West North Street, Aberdeen, at 7pm. Tickets fm boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Wed, May 18: As seen on The Fri Night Project, 8 out of 10 Cats, Spoons, Grown Ups, Law of the Playground, Edinburgh and Beyond, Live at the Comedy Store and 5 Live’s 7 Day Sun and now on his second national tour, Rob Rouse – Great Escape, in The Lemon Tree Studio, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7.30pm.

Tickets fm boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Thurs, May 19: Fresh fm a smashhit performance in London’s O2, Buddy Holly – A Legend Reborn, featuring Marc Robinson and John-Simon Rawlings plus special guests The Everly Brothers, in MH, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm. Tickets fm boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Thurs, May 19: Following the huge success of his tour last year, Seabright Productions and Gilded Balloon Productions present Hardeep Singh Kohli – Chat Masala, in Lemon Tree Lounge doors at 7.30pm. Tickets fm boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Fri, May 20: Free Fri Live session, featuring Scott McDonald, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, Aberdeen, fm 1pm. Tables booked by calling 337688 Fri, May 20: After a sell-out show in the city’s Lemon Tree, the weird bloke with the shirts fm Mock the Week, a star of the Michael Mcintyre Roadshow, and the voice of eight series for Radio 4, funnyman Milton Jones: Lion Whisperer returns to MH, Aberdeen, at 8pm. Tickets fm

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boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Sat, May 21: One-hour behind the scenes tour at Aberdeen’s iconic Edwardian landmark, HMT in HMT at 10.30am. Tickets fm boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Sat, May 21: Free SC&TURDAY LIVE session with Scottish Cultures and Traditions’ (SC&T), in the Lemon Tree Lounge, Aberdeen, fm 12.30pm.

Tables booked by calling 337688 Sat, May 21: Creative Kids, sponsored by Argus Care, in the Lemon Tree Lounge, Aberdeen, doors open 12pm, activities fm 12.30pm to 2.30pm.

Sat, May 21: Chance to spend an evening being serenaded and entertained by well-loved Irish duo Foster & Allen, who have been together for more than 30 years and are still going strong, in MH, Aberdeen, at 7pm. Tickets fm boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Sat, May 21: Former lead singer and bassist of Trapeze and Deep Purple, Glenn Hughes is on a series of blistering live concerts around the country, in Lemon Tree Lounge doors at 7.30pm. Tickets fm boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Sun, May 22: Free Belhaven Sun Jazz session, featuring Aberdeen Jazz Orchestra, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, Aberdeen, fm 12pm. Tables booked by calling 337688 Sun, May 22: Birmingham native, Joanne Shaw Taylor is a phenomenal guitarist, singer and songwriter taking Britain and the US by storm, in Lemon Tree Lounge doors at 7.30pm. Tickets fm boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Mon to Sat, May 23 to 28: Following a sell-out season at Chichester Festival Theatre and a successful West End run, Jim Hacker and Sir Humphrey are back in truly vintage form in Yes, Prime Minister, a new comedy by Anthony Jay and Jonathan Lynn, in

HMT Aberdeen at 7.30pm. Tickets fm boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122

MH, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm. Tickets fm boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122

Wed, May 25: Star of the recent I’m a Celebrity . . Get Me Out Of Here, comedian Jenny Eclair in Old Dog New Tricks, in MH, Aberdeen, at 8pm. Tickets fm boxofficeaberdeen. com or tel 641122

Sat, May 28: Following a break fm stand up while writing shows for BBC radio and television, Boothby Graffoe makes a welcome return to Lemon Tree Lounge doors at 7.30pm.

Tickets fm boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122

Fri, May 27: Free Fri Live session, featuring Craig Davidson, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, Aberdeen, fm 1pm. Tables booked by calling 337688 Fri, May 27: Seabright Productions present Lockerbie – Unfinished Business, written and performed

by David Benson, telling Jim Swire’s full shocking story following Britain’s worst terrorist atrocity which killed 270 people, in The Lemon Tree Studio, West North Street, Aberdeen, at 7pm. Tickets fm boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Sat, May 28: One-hour behind the scenes tour at Aberdeen’s iconic Edwardian landmark, HMT in HMT at 10.30am. Tickets fm boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Sat, May 28: Free SC&TURDAY LIVE session with Scottish Cultures and Traditions’ (SC&T), in the Lemon Tree Lounge, Aberdeen, fm 12.30pm.

Tables booked by calling 337688 Sat, May 28: Creative Kids, sponsored by Argus Care, in the Lemon Tree Lounge, Aberdeen, doors open 12pm, activities fm 12.30pm to 2.30pm.

Sun, May 29: Free Belhaven Sun Jazz session, featuring McCool Jazz, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, Aberdeen, fm 12pm. Tables booked by calling 337688 Sun, May 29: For their final concert of the season, Aberdeen Sinfonietta, with conductor Garry Walker and horn player Alec Frank-Gemmill, perform Mozart’s Prague Symphony, Richard Strauss’s Horn Concerto No1 and Beethoven’s Fourth Symphony, in MH, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm. Tickets fm boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Sun, May 29: Best known for his work on Radio 4 and his book My Family and Other Strangers, stand up comedian Jeremy Hardy, in Lemon Tree Lounge doors at 7.30pm. Tickets fm boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Tues, May 31: Direct fm China, the internationally-acclaimed production The Shaolin Warriors returns to Aberdeen with a brand new show before embarking on a European tour, in HMT at 7.30pm. Tickets fm boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122

Sat, May 28: As seen on Live at the Apollo (BBC1), Walk on the Wild Side (BBC1), As Seen on TV (BBC1), 8 out of 10 Cats (Channel 4), Royal Variety Performance 2009 (ITV1) and Jason Manford & Friends (BBC Radio 2), Jason Manford Live, in

contact the gazette : 01224 - 318561

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Muriel’s Puzzle Pages Calcudoku

NUMBER CRUNCHER

Fill each cell with a number from 1-6. No number can x12 be repeated in any row or column. The numbers in the heavily outlined set of squares (cages) must combine in any order to produce the target number in the top corner, using only the mathematical operator specified: +, -, x or /. Numbers can be repeated within a cage, but not in the same row or column.

4

3

1

2 6

9

10 13

3 7

5

8

11

12

14

15

16

17 18

19

21

22 26

28

4

20 23

24

25

27 29

©Puzzlepress.co.uk

©Puzzlepress.co.uk

Pictograms 4 words

SLOW E K A T

2 words

BONDI 1 words

♂♂♂♂ gcg : 50

Across 1. 13 Across multiplied by nine (3) 4. 1 Across plus half of 14 Down (3) 6. 19 Down plus 32201 (5) 9. 4 Down plus one (2) 11. 1 Down plus 37 (3) 12. Years in six decades (2) 13. Pounds in six stone (2) 15. 9 Across plus one (2) 16. 5 Down multiplied by five (4) 17. 11 Across plus 16 Across plus one quarter of 12 Across (4) 18. Five sixths of 4 Down (2) 20. 8 Down minus 27 Down (2) 21. 20 Across minus ten (2) 22. 18 Across plus 29 Across plus 27 Down plus four (3) 24. Ninety-five per cent of 18 Across (2) 26. 242 squared plus 248 (5) 28. 18 Across plus 14 Down (3) 29. 25 down minus ten per cent of 14 Down (3) Down 1. Nine cubed (3) 2. One twelfth of 1 Across (2) 3. 22 Across multiplied by three (4) 4. Hours in four days (2) 5. Seconds in ten minutes (3) 7. 26 Down plus one third of 21 Across (2) 8. 13 Across plus two (2) 10. 279 squared plus half of 28 Across (5) 12. 41 cubed minus 104 (5) 14. Twenty squared (3) 15. 4 Across plus 20 (3) 19. 17 Across plus 23 Down plus 27 Down minus two (4) 21. 28 Across plus 21 Across minus seven (3) 22. 21 Across plus one third of 21 Across (2) 23. One ninth of 1 Down (2) 25. 5 Down plus 19 (3) 26. Double 27 Down (2) 27. One sixteenth of 14 Down (2)

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Muriel’s Puzzle Pages 3

4

5

6

Across

7

1. Narrow track (4) 3. Colliding (8) 9. Persecute (7) 10. Extreme disorder (5) 11. Reference book (12) 13. Mend (6) 15. Dormant (6) 17. Donation (12) 20. Picture (5) 21. Scoundrel (7) 22. Cherish (8) 23. Jewels (4)

8 10

9

11

12 14

13

15

Down

16 17

1. Trailbreakers (8) 2. Subject matter (5) 4. Wound (6) 5. Correctly (12) 6. Envisage (7) 7. Breathe noisily (4) 8. Verbal explanations (12) 12. Apertures (8) 14. Advertise (7) 16. Shade of grey (6) 18. Furious (5) 19. Rain gently (4)

18

19

21

20

23

22

CODEWORD Each letter in this puzzle is represented by a different number between 1 and 26.

The codes for three letters are shown. Once you have filled these throughout the grid you can start guessing words and reveal other letters. As you find the letters enter them in the box below.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

5 18

15

4 21

4

22

21

15

4

14

10

21

2

26

1

7

22

18

22 26

7

14

11

5

4

5

4 6

14

11

9

6

26 11

11 14

5

17

I

26

4

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7 5

C

8

15 13

15 21

5

16

11

4

7 15

14

S

11

3

15 8

5

10

11

6

21

5

14

23

6

14

17 7

19

5

26

7

14

22 4

16 25

26

20

1

13

23

18 2

26

4

8

24

12 12

26

13

15

Quick Crossword

2

1

4

14 5

13

8

14

4

2

26

11 5

22

23

22

gcg : 51

Calcudoku Solution

SOLUTION

Solution Across: : 1 Path, 3 Clashing, 9 Oppress, 10 Chaos, 11 Encyclopedia, 13 Repair, 15 Asleep, 17 Contribution, 20 Photo, 21 Villain, 22 Treasure, 23 Gems.

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gcg : 52 Number Cruncher Solution

Down: 1 Pioneers, 2 Topic, 4 Lesion, 5 Successfully, 6 Imagine, 7 Gasp, 8 Descriptions, 12 Openings, 14 Promote, 16 Silver, 18 Irate, 19 Spit.

S o l u t i o n s

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gcg : 53

the one stop business shop ...

Philip Garden Painter & Decorator Tel : 735341 Mob : 07902178825

Free Quotes No VAT

Adair & McIntosh Ltd

Tel : 210687

M : 07847 110 985 www.adairandmcintosh.co.uk Ex British Gas Engineers with over 20 years experience.

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Jane Crofts Gibb Private Tutor Tel. 323671 Mob: 07717 717 913

Christie Wood Joinery

ClaraCleaningCompany Tel : 07929 262 144 Domestic cleaning Fully insured References available Competitive rates One off cleans or regular slots available now.

Residential Care Home Tel : 315121 (Christine Fraser) Tel : 314508 (Alistair Reid)

Piano Tuition

Queens Cross Church House provides accommodation for elderly persons in the West End of Aberdeen.

Safe, quiet peaceful rooms.

Residential housekeeper provides all meals.

Piano Teacher West End Well established piano teacher has a few vacancies

VIP Bin Cleaning Tel : 0800 558 448 Professionally cleaned bins once every four weeks leaving it smelling of fresh cherries and that’s guaranteed.

Only costs £3.50 per clean!

the gazette Tel : 01224 - 318561 gazette@fsmail.net

Piano Teacher M: 078901 48059 E: fionapianotutor@live.co.uk

French and German, English (as foreign language). Expert tuition: 1-1 or groups. Beginners to advanced for exam help or conversation. Reasonable rates.

E:jcroftsg@yahoo.co.uk

gcg : 54

H : 311342

M : 07850 086241 All types of joinery work undertaken, Bathroom and Kitchen installation, Windows, doors, flooring and property maintenance.

All trades supplied.

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Attract local customers for your local business.

Book this space for as little as £17 plus vat ... Whole year £123 plus vat Display adverts fm : £30+vat

Compu-Care

Call Neil 07929 860 721 PC Repairs and Upgrades Aberdeen based. No call out fee. Collect and return service. New systems available. £15 ph standard pc repairs. £25ph networking/internet

T : 01224 - 316978

By qualified,experienced tutor Beginners & adults,all levels Exams optional. I also offer Associated Board Theory Exams Grades 1-8 I am available to accompany instruments & voice Reasonable rates Aberdeen City & District

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CUMMING FIRE & SECURITY Ltd 20 AQUITHIE ROAD, KEMNAY. Tel: 01467-643917

.

Email cfs.ltd@dial.pipex.com

Free Advice & Quotations. Evening Surveys Available Gas Detection Intruder Alarm Systems, Wired or Wireless Fire Alarm Systems, Wired or Wireless Fire Extinguishers & Blankets - Supply Only or Supply & Fit Electrical Wiring & Re-wiring Smoke & Heat Detectors - Supply Only or Supply & Fit Carbon Monoxide Detectors - Supply Only or Supply & Fit Portable Appliance Testing CCTV Door Entry Systems Window & Door Lock Replacement.

Safes and Cabinets Electrical Cabling & Accessories Safety Signs & Equipment

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Result : more work, more

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gcg : 55

Emergency Only 999 or 112

Albyn hospital Tel : 577426 albyn medical practice

Police Fire Brigade Ambulance Coastguard

Tel : 586829 Holburn Medical Group Tel : 400800 The Great Western Medical Practice Tel : 0845 337 0540

Police non emergency

0845 600 5 700

schools

rubislaw place medical group

Tel : 641968

garthdee medical group

Tel : 208312 Carden Medical Centre Tel : 0845 337 6330 Ferryhill Medical Practice Tel : 587484

tel : 01224 - 318561

need a dentist?

gcg : 56

the granite city gazette

useful numbers

useful numbers

need a doctor?

Albyn dental practice tel : 209286 Carden Place Dental Practice tel : 621350 Dentawhite Ltd 01506 206148 Fergus and Glover tel : 644876 Henderson & Hardy tel : 640764 Mark Palmer & Associates tel : 641778 Queens Cross Dental tel : 638889 Ross McLelland tel : 625090 The Dentist, skene street tel : 643622 The Orthodontic Clinic tel : 611633 Waverley Dental Health Practice tel : 625090

Aberdeen Grammar tel : 642299 Ashley Road Primary tel : 588732 Albyn School tel : 322408 Broomhill Primary tel : 315487 Gilcomstoun School tel : 642722 Harlaw Academy tel : 589251 Kaimhill Primary tel : 316356 Robert Gordon’s College tel : 646346 St Margaret’s School tel : 584466 St Joseph’s School tel : 322730 The Hamilton School Tel : 317295

Transport aberdeen airport

tel : 0870 040 0006

first aberdeen

tel : 650000 rail enquiries

tel : 0845 748 4950 aa breakdown

tel : 0800 88 77 66 rac breakdown

tel : 0800 82 82 82

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Annette Korstanje A graduate of Gray’s School of art, Annette’s work is inspired by the ancient wisdom and knowledge about our relationship with trees as well as their involvement with our health and well being. She explains; ‘My paintings are an exploration of mankind’s ancient relationship with the magic of trees, placing them in their social and cultural context. They look at the symbolic aspects of each tree, examining their applications in areas such as kinesiology, and aromatherapy, as well as excerpts from related poems and prose. As well as featuring the symbolic aspect of trees, I am fascinated with how to use trees for physical, emotional and spiritual healing For example, birch trees possess concentrations of salicylic acid, the predecessor of aspirin. Although birch products were never widely used, folk medicine called for chewing birch twigs to relieve headache and pain.

I have used several types of media in order to produce an interesting and affective technique of collaborative use of collage, oils and acrylic inks. ‘

Hannah Scott Hannah Scott is a mix media and textile artist living in Aberdeen. She graduated in 2010 from Grays School of Art with a BA Hons in Textile and Surface design. Since then she has exhibited work in local exhibitions around the city and shire. Her work takes inspiration from the changing environment of Scottish coastal communities, in particular the island of St Kilda. Also known as the “edge of the world” it is the lives of those who once inhabited St Kilda that inspire her. All pieces are one-offs with special consideration gone into the materials used. Hannah continues to use textiles as a way of exploring and celebrating Scotland and its people.

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Susan Cassie Susan works mainly from her studio base at the Donside studios near Monymusk which in its self is an inspirational venue next to beautiful river and forest walks.

Her work is primarily mixed media and explores different emotions and feelings through collage and muted colours.

She also produces beautiful and quirky handmade products such as note books and slide and bottle top magnets all incorporating her artwork on their surfaces.

gcg : 57

community clubs & groups adult groups

Adult Choi Kwang Do Inchgarth Community Centre Garthdee - Wed 8pm-9pm Tel Claire : 746778 Indoor Bowling @ Holburn West Church 2pm on a Mon Bon Accord MBC Hockey tel : 01224 572075 www.bonaccordmbc.net email : info@bonaccordmbc.net Seafield Bowling Club Cromwell Gdns : A Leaper, Treasurer Tel 319985 If you are interested in an outdoor pursuit among friends?

Rubislaw Tennis Club Cromwell Gardens Offers friendly and competitive tennis for all ages.

Membership info David Stead (Sec) Tel: 07811 748512 Tues Coffee Holburn West Church - Coffee & biscuits every Tues 10:30 - 11:30 All welcome.

Aberdeen Choral Society Mike Longhurst tel : 861629 @ Queens Cross Church Hall 7.30-9.30pm The Bridge Club : tel : 01224 322719 (Sally Reid) 14 Rubislaw Terrace Granite City WRI Ruthrieston Community Centre, 536 Holburn Street, Meets 4th Wed of the month, Sept to Jun. 7pm – 9pm. All welcome: Tel 571131 or 316266 University of Third Age (U3A): tel 702836 Marion. Informal learning for the retired & semi-retired.

Monday Club : tel : 01224-322946 Queen’s Cross Church Hall - Mon’s 2-4pm. Friendly games of bridge & scrabble - beginners welcome - All Ages Royal Horticultural Society Abdn tel : 781171 1st Tues in Mar @ 7.30pm Girl’s Brigade Hall, 19a Victoria St The Learig Orchestra Tel : 322617 Brian Priestley Welcomes string, brass & woodwind players of all standards to its rehearsals at Woodend Hospital on Tues at 7.30pm

gcg : 58

Scottish Country Dancing Summer Socials commence on Wednesday 4th May and run until the end of August. Every Wednesday 7:309:45 at the Boys Brigade Hall on Crimon Place Aberdeen. Everyone welcome (not suitable for complete beginners).

For more information please call 01224 636128 or www.aberdeenrscds.co.uk.

Aberdeen Chorus - Sweet Adelines Int’ Britannia Hotel, Bucksburn, Mon 7.30 10pm Tel: Debbie 07967629272 Silver City Blues - Swimming Club Hazlehead Pool Mon 8.30 - 10pm, Kincorth Pool Tues 9 - 10 pm or Kincorth Pool Thurs 830 - 10pm.

Contact Bill Reid on 745244 or 07796 248961 Senior Citizens Group Tues (2-4pm) Airyhall Community Centre. New members always welcome Interested, contact 318698 (sec) The City of Aberdeen Probus A Club for retired businessmen & professionals. Meet on Wed am’s twice monthly (Sept - Jun), (Aberdeenshire Cricket Club) A wide range of talks on many topics fm interesting speakers.

Other activities incl occasional lunches, trips, bowling & golf competitions.

New members welcome. Chris Blunt, Tel. 317298 Airyhall Community Centre Bowling Section Meets Mon/Wed/Fri 10-12 – Fri pm 2-4 £6 for session £4 to join community centre Limited spare bowls if you don’t have your own.

Tel : 318103 (Bill Setter) Granite City Speakers Club Meet every two weeks on Friday nights at 8.0pm in Aberdeen Arts Centre, Secretary: Fred Stewart, tel 723937 Our club offers a warm friendly atmosphere, advice and support. New members & visitors welcome.

Aberdeen Kiltkickers American Square Dance Club Beginners - Mon 7.30 - 9.30 pm Sandra Allen, Tel. 715181

Aberdeen Gaelic Club Brings together Gaelic speakers and individuals interested in Gaelic language and culture. Gaelic language evening classes & weekend courses plus social activities. tel 0777 939 8289, e clubgaidhlig@googlemail.com or http://aberdeengaelic.wordpress.com.

Holburn West Church Tennis 12a Ashley Park South Open Apr - Oct Annual Subs & Family Membership at Bargain Prices New members always welcome Small friendly Club Sally Davis (sec) Tel. 326111 Aberdeen Bowling Club Come and join us for a game of bowls at 50 Carlton Place.

Tel.643233 Woodburn Walkers Enjoy the countryside, meet new friends, keep fit – join the Woodburn Walkers. Age: 55+. Transport: Hire Bus. Fortnightly: Tues Start Point: Hazlehead Park. Time: 9am for 9.15am. Average Distance: 7 miles Tel: 317197/319741 Yoga Teacher : Florence Wed 1030-1130, Broomhill Activity Centre 050 t : 316278 £2 per class It’s wonderful!

Bon Accord branch – Sugarcraft Guild Meets at Airyhall Com Centre - Last Mon of month, 7-9pm Learn lots through demos and workshops £5 per meeting (incl. refreshments) – friendly & informal group, enjoyable at all skill levels. Call Madeleine Fraser 591672 for a programme Viking Hiking (Nordic Walking) One hour sessions each Thurs, Fri, Sat and Sun at 10am, Meet at Hazlehead main car park (behind the Park Restaurant). Info fm John Greig Tel. 321088 Aberdeen Humanist Group Skene House Hotel, 6 Union Grove Monthly meetings for those with a secular life-stance. Interesting speakers and topics for discussion.

Tel : M Richardson - 01888-562237

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Northern Arts Club 8 Bon Accord Square, Aberdeen Interested in Art? then grab your brushes and get painting on Wed. mornings 10.00-12.30pm. Art Tutor Wed 6 April. Please contact 312389 Aberdeen Tai Chi Chuan ‘88 Authentic tai chi, thorough tuition.

Cults Church Hall, 6.30pm Wed £3.50. First class free. Tel: Don Wells 310904 Old Time Dance Classes Dunbar St Hall, Old Aberdeen - 7.45pm 10pm 1st & 3rd Tues each month £4.00 per night Tel : James Watson : 314953 Tango Aberdeen Argentine tango dance classes Wed & Sun evenings fm 7.30pm £6 (Conc £4) Discover the passion & elegance of Argentine Tango www.tangoaberdeen.com Woodend Bowling Club 285 King’s Gate, A. McCulloch Secretary Tel. 317317 Friendly and relaxing outdoor activity: new members welcome.

Rotary Club of Aberdeen Deeside We meet weekly on a Wed at 6.15pm for 6.45pm in Cults Hotel. Rotary is a Service Organisation for community and international needs where we put Service Before Self”. Take a look www. aberdeendeesiderotary.org.uk we look forward to seeing you.

Iyengar Yoga Classes ; Tues noon - 1pm & 1pm - 2pm at citymoves dancespace, opp art gallery.

Tues 7.30 - 9.30 pm & Wed 7.15 - 9.15 at South Holburn Parish Church. All classes run

by Fiona Bochel, registered Iyengar teacher since 1995. Cost is £5 an hour, tel 861347 Like walking?

Then why not join the “Seafield Walking Group”. It’s a great way of keeping fit, socialising and getting out into the countryside! For further information contact Elinor Tel. 314609.

List your classes here for free.. Name of class, Time - Day - Cost Brief description Email to :- gazette@fsmail.net tel : 01224 318561

Keep Fit Class, the Swedish Way! Day: Monday Time: 5.30pm Fitness, flexibility and strength, “all round exercise to great music”. No need to book, just turn up and have fun while working out!

For more info : contact Sue 07766218880 Mannofield Church Hill Walking Club Monthly trips to the Cairngorms. New members welcome. Contact Peter Stewart for a programme. 313721 or p.stewart1@btinternet.com .

Rubislaw Church Centre Fountainhall Road/Beaconsfield Place Open Monday - Friday morning for teas, coffees etc Full access and facilities for those with disabilities Rooms available for hire - contact 645477 www.rubislawchurch.org.uk Jog Scotland Meets at RGU Sport Garthdee oad Thurs 6pm Contact Mandy 322158

Your No1 mobile tyre fitting and repair specialists.

Serving both Aberdeen City and Shire.

Aberdeen Mobile Tyres offer the latest products ► Eco and run flat tyres ► Car and light commercial ► 4 x 4 & track day tyres ► Winter Tyres ► Car battery replacement ► Fitting of customer supplied tyres

www.aberdeenmobiletyres.co.uk info@aberdeenmobiletyres.co.uk

Tel : 01224 -224127 Using the latest in tyre changing equipment we have the capability to supply, fit and balance all car and van tyres at a location and time to suit you.

contact the gazette : 01224 - 318561

Recession!

We chose to save money by advertising locally with the gazette.

We have successfully raised our profile within a tightly targeted area and people appreciate how great our business is.

Result : more work, more

profit - and people are talking Just compare us to any other local publication! www.thegranitecitygazette.co.uk e : gazette@fsmail.net t : 01224 - 318561

gcg : 59

Pushing Out The Boat This May, Pushing Out the Boat magazine celebrates ten years of bringing its readers the best in new writing and the visual arts, from the North-East of Scotland and far beyond.

North East Scotland's Literary 7/3/11 17:06milestone Page 2 Magazine reaches a new

WTD11 Advert 195x126mm

Described in its 10th Anniversary Issue as “a sharp-eyed, openminded magazine” and “a beautifully produced annual treat”, Pushing Out the Boat was founded in 2000 with a mission to present a heady mixture of poetry and prose in English, Scots and Doric, enhanced by artworks in

Wrong Trousers Day Friday 24th June 2011

This Wrong Trousers Day we need your help to support sick children in hospitals and hospices across the UK. It is easy for you to take part with friends, family, at work or at school, simply register online today and you’ll receive a fantastic Wrong Trousers Day fundraising pack filled with great ideas to help you raise money and have fun!

Together we can make a real difference.

Register today...

to enter our free prize draw to win Cracking high street Vouchers!

Kindly sponsored by Supported by

Wallace & Gromit’s Children’s Foundation supports children’s healthcare throughout the UK. Registered Charity Number 1096483 © Aardman/Wallace & Gromit Limited 2011

gcg : 60

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a wide variety of styles and media.

The new Issue, illustrated in full colour, offers 96 pages of high-quality contributions from not only the North-East but also from as far afield as Italy, the US, and Australia. To be launched on 1st May, the magazine will be available for sale, priced £6, from its outlets across city and shire see below for a list of vendors in easy reach of gazette readers - and you can read more or order copies from the magazine website at http://www. pushingouttheboat.co.uk, which features extracts from earlier editions.

The Launch may be private, but the public will have a great opportunity to enjoy readings by several of

Pushing Out the Boat’s talented contributors at their Word Festival event at 1pm on 14th May – see the Festival website at http://www.abdn. ac.uk/word/events/687/ for further details and to book tickets.

Local Vendors of Pushing Out the Boat include: Aberdeen Art Gallery, Schoolhill The Coffee House, Gaelic Lane Claremont Studio, Claremont Place Books and Beans, Belmont St Junction Art, Holburn St Hammerton Stores, Gt Western Rd Aberdeen Journals, Union St Peacock Visual Arts, Castlegate Waterstones, Union St

Tree

Acacia Acorn Ash Balsa Bay Beech Birch Blossom Cedar Chestnut Conifer Cottonwood Cypress Hawthorn Hazel

Holly Laburnum Lilac Oak Palm

Poplar Spruce Sycamore Willow Yew

Find these names of different trees in the grid and the remaining letters will spell out a related phrase

contact the gazette : 01224 - 318561

gcg : 61

Who’s Advertising and Where to Find Them ...

A pg 35 pg 26 pg 54 pg 63 pg 23 pg 4 pg 63

Aberden Academy Performing Arts Aberdeen Restorations Adair and McIntosh Allie McLeod After School Football Anderson’s Groundcare Ltd Athena Gifts Aquatic Soul Bathrooms

B pg 35 pg 15

Babyscan Studio Barbara Ellis Property Leasing

C pg 11 pg 54 pg 54 pg 54 pg 32 pg 55

Caring Hands Christie Wood Joinery Clara Cleaning Compucare Cults Scouts Jumble Sale Cumming Fire and Security

D pg 31 pg 39 pg 8 pg 6&9

DAWGS Deeside Home Cleaning Dental Inspirations Devonair Hairstylists

F pg 64 pg 54 pg 39

Ferryhill House Hotel Fiona Carter - Piano Tutor Flying Colours

G pg 19

Gift Room Too

I pg 27 pg 54

Interiors at Home Issis Massage

J pg 54 pg 57

Jane Crofts Gibb Junction Art and Gifts

K pg 39 pg 63 pg 21 pg 6

Kenny Davidson - Painter Kenyon Upholstery Kippie Lodge Kumiko Beauty

gcg : 62

L pg 2

Lapis Gold

M pg 47 pg 54

Mannofield Music Mrs Charles - Piano Tuition

N pg 54

Neil Angus - IT

O pg 39

Oven Valet

P pg 9 Paul Mackie Photography pg 27&43 Paula McEwen Restaurant pg 54 Philip Garden - Painter pg 25 Prestige the Laundry Q pg 14 R pg 12 pg 49

S pg 31 pg 39

Queens Cross Community Council

Rosemount Joinery Rowett Institute

Send It Fulfilment Solutions Spik n’ Span

T pg 7 pg 49 pg 54

Temple Aesthetics The Reel McCoy Tutors Alliance

V pg 54

VIP Bin Cleaning

W pg 34 pg 59

Waterbabies Whitestripes Decor

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Design

Supply

Installation

Competitive Prices We Take Pride In a Quality Finish Showroom By Appointment Only

www.aquaticsoul.co.uk Tel : 01224 733402

Bathrooms Kitchens

Kenyon-Roberts Upholstery Breathing new life into your old chairs

Don’t throw out that old chair, I can transform it into a stylish bespoke piece of furniture for you. ∗ Full

www.kenyon-robertsupholstery.co.uk Tel: 07900963241

re-upholstery service or a simple recover ∗ Antique & Modern ∗ Based in the West End ∗ Free Quotes ∗ No job too small

After School Football - Session 2011-2012

Places can now be booked for Session 2011-12 starting in August.

Kingswells Community Centre Monday 1.30-2.00 2.00-2.30 3.30-4.15

Tuesday 3.30-4.15 4.15-5.00

Pre School Tiny Tots P1/2 P1/2 P1/2

Friday

9.30-10.00 10.00-10.30 1.30-2.00 2.00-2.45

Airyhall Community Centre Pre School Tiny Tots Pre School Pre School +

Wednesday 1.30-2.15 3.30-4.15 4.15-5.00

Thursday Pre School + P1/2 P1/2

www.aberdeenfootballfun.co.uk Contact Alison McLeod : 01224 - 314669

contact the gazette : 01224 - 318561

9.30-10.00 1.30-2.00 2.00-2.30 3.30-4.15 4.15-5.00 5.00-5.45

Pre School Pre School Pre School P1/2 P1/2 P3/4

gcg : 63