West End - Issue 60 Oct 2011

Issue 60

October 2011 West End Edition 6th Birthday Issue Your Personal Copy

Inside this issue

Geocaching - Part 2 Disaster Cars Travel : St Lucia Gardening : Autumn Colour Meet Chef Paula McEwen

gazette Aberdeen’s only free quality lifestyle magazine

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publisher/owner : Sue Simpson All enquiries : tel : 318561 mob : 07813 964 875 email : gazette@fsmail.net

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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.

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Happy Birthday West En Happy 6th Birthday to the gazette. A whole six years. Where, oh where, did that time go? I can still remember the very first issue and wondering how it would be received!

I think I can pat myself on the back for still being here six year’s on. Are you still finding it a useful magazine each issue? I hope so!

Anyway, what’s new this month?

I have a wonderful choice of advertisers for you. For all those about to have their 17th birthday then Mark can teach you to drive!

For those that are super organised, then Maryfield Farm are tempting you with their fabulous turkeys. If you love a craft fair and want something a little different for gifts this year then pop along to The Treetops for the Annual American Women of Aberdeen Christmas Fair - there will be over 100 stalls to browse round. For something a little more low-key then our regular Craft Bazaar is back at Airyhall Community Centre.

For those dreaming of sunny destinations our travel feature this month is St Lucia, not been lucky enough to get there myself, but certainly sounds wonderful.

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

Distribution - thanks to : Dougie; Anne; Mark; Sue,: Ashley; Carol; Caroline; Gregor; Alistair; Jodie; Cameron; Kate; Sarah; Fraser; Laura; Freya; David; Elise; Tom; Maureen & Raymond; Vanessa and Lauren

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nd gazette...

Can I just say a HUGE thank you to all the advertisers over the years, my fantastic, loyal delivery team, my patient print team and to all you wonderful readers who support the local businesses that are within the gazette.

Without any of the aforementioned there would be no gazette - so thank you for six good years.

I hope you don’t mind me indulging my passion for horses on the cover this month! I thought he looked rather handsome.

For those of you lucky enough to be heading off to sunny climates for the October break - do enjoy yourselves. For those staying behind, go grab your cuppa and enjoy this birthday issue of the gazette.

Sue x

PS : There are some great halloween cakes to make - and a bumper puzzle section too.

Thank you to all the theatre ticket competition entries. The shocked winners were Mr Shepherd fm Seafield for End of the Rainbow and Mrs Fraser, Morningside for Para Handy.

Top Quality Driving Instruction in the Aberdeen Area

Save £££’s on bookings of 10 lessons or more Gift Vouchers Available

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

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

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Mists and mellow fruitfulness The end of summer is unmistakably upon us. Cooler, greyer, darker earlier. Heavy dew in the morning. Autumn beckons.

The departure of summer can be depressing, but autumn has much to offer. The landscape is beautiful, especially if you have the good fortune to live near the New Forest, which can be ablaze with yellow, gold and red.

Autumn is, of course, the time of mists and mellow fruitfulness. Late blackberries, chestnuts, mushrooms, hazelnuts, rosehips – and sloes (which will make gin in time for Christmas).

Fungi are mainly autumnal. In woodlands and forests, you can find a wonderful variety of mushrooms, toadstools, earth balls, puffballs and bracket fungi.

But even with experience and modern field guides, identifying them can be tricky and time-consuming.

Mycologists (botanists who specialise in fungi) use scientific names as a matter of routine. English names have been coined for some of the better known mushrooms and toadstools: Shaggy Caps (also known as Lawyer’s Wigs), Parasols, the Oyster Mushroom, the Beefsteak Mushroom, the Penny Bun – to say nothing of the Death Cap and the Destroying Angel. In truth, I’ve seldom heard these allegedly popular names used.

There are thousands of different species of mushroom and toadstool. A few are edible and delicious. A few are poisonous, some fatal. The great majority lie somewhere in between: not very nice, but not harmful either.

If you want to experiment with some of the edible species, there are plenty of books available to help you identify them. But remember that the only really safe way is to identify with certainty anything you’re going to eat. Disregard all those old saws about blackening sixpences or being nibbled by rabbits. Some of the deadliest species can be eaten with impunity by other mammals.

I’ve tried a dozen or so species over the years, but for my money there’s little to beat the traditional

mushroom family, Agaricus. There’s a variety of closely related species in the family, but the one to watch out for is the so-called Yellow Stainer (Agaricus xanthodermus). Looking like a horse mushroom, this species immediately turns bright yellow when cut or bruised. It won’t kill you, but it can make you very sick.

The family Amanita contains the deadliest of all species, the Death Cap (Amanita phalloides). The tiniest quantity can bring death in appalling agony There is also has the all-white Destroying Angel (Amanita virosa) and that toadstool beloved of elves and goblins, the Fly Agaric (Amanita muscaria), with its red cap and white spots. One way to be sure of avoiding these most deadly of toadstools is never to eat anything whose gills are white. But, again, there is only one sensible rule: if you don’t know with certainty what it is, don’t eat it.

Perhaps the safest and most environmentally friendly way to enjoy autumn’s fungal feast is to photograph it. Then you can spend as long as you like poring over books trying to decide what you’ve seen. The book I use most is a photographic guide, ‘Mushrooms’

by Roger Phillips (Macmillan Reference, 2006).

Of course, you don’t have to struggle to identify fungi.

You can always just enjoy their strange beauty.

by Stephen Harvey

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Margaret Waite Tel no: 07764 168 873 margaret@mwaitemortgages.com

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TR AVEL

St Lucia - a varied and scenic island

St Lucia At the southern end of the Lesser Antilles, in the Caribbean islands, St Lucia is just a drop in the ocean, 27 by 14 miles, with spectacular mountains, lush rainforest and fertile valleys fringed by sandy beaches. Tossed 14 times between French and English colonial powers, the island has thrown both cultures into the melting pot with a generous helping of African folklore, a little East Indian spice and vestiges of early Amerindian settlers. English is the official language but Creole, a mix of African dialects and French, is coming back, in tune with the stirring rhythm of reggae and calypso.

by Solange Hando

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Climbing the Pitons is strictly for the brave but there are easier treks through the hills and rainforest with jeep safaris heading for remote hamlets, banana plantations and Creole farms fragrant with cinnamon and nutmeg.

There may be time to taste cassava bread, bathe in a waterfall and bargain for bird ornaments carved out of coconut shells. At over 3000 feet, Mount Gimmie, the highest peak, rises above it all but views can be enjoyed with no effort at all in the eight-seater gondola offering an expensive but popular ‘sky ride’. There you glide up a hillside, skimming the tree tops, gazing at incense and fern trees, breadnut, blue maho and heliconia, spotting hummingbirds, butterflies, mongoose and tarantulas dangling inches from your face.

Rolling farmlands stretch into the distance, sprinkled with villages where the occasional beat of a Creole drum seems to touch the very heart of this varied and scenic island.

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St Lucia - a varied and scenic island

St Lucia is tourist-hungry but eco-friendly and most developments have been limited to the north-west around Rodney Bay. There are fine sands and palm trees, a gleaming marina and out on the hilly peninsula, known as Pigeon Island, fabulous views over the shimmering Caribbean Sea on one side and foaming Atlantic breakers on the other. Pleasure boats sail along the coast looking out for sunfish, dolphins and whales, past the lovely

Soufrière, the old capital, nestles below the luxuriant volcanic cones of the Pitons, seen on every postcard, but few visitors linger in town.

The world’s only ‘drive-in volcano’ is just a stone’s throw away, seething with sulphurous fumes and gurgling mud, and there are Botanical Gardens with mineral springs, tropical blooms and a stunning Diamond Fall gushing down multicoloured rocks. To the north, the new capital, Castries, is famed for its Jazz Festival and dutyfree malls, gleaming with Colombian emeralds and Amerindian craft, but the old town retains a quaint colonial charm.

The cathedral has stunning

murals and stained glass, designed by Nobel-prize artist Dunstan St Omer, no doubt a source of inspiration for myriad craftsmen and painters who have set up home on the nearby Hill of Good Luck.

TR AVEL

Marigot Bay featured in Dr Doolittle, the fabulous diving sites, hidden coves and sleepy villages strung with fishing nets and laundry drying on the beach. On a Friday night, when the beat of AfroCaribbean steel bands echo along the shore, the village of Anse la Raye stages a gigantic fish fry al fresco, a lively family event where all sorts of delicacies bubble in the pots or sizzle in the pans seafood, sweet potatoes, corn on the cob, rice, callaloo soup and more.

The national dish is salt fish with green bananas, but equally popular is the fiery pepperpot cooked in cassava juice.

Amazing Autumn Colour is just too tempting

by Pippa Greenwood

Autumn colour has always had the ability to make me go weak at the knees. I love it....just as the temperatures are dropping and there’s too much potential for things to become dull, gloomy and miserable, your garden can develop a new potential – to be positively glowing with fantastic foliage colour. If you’re looking to add some glorious golds, passion-filled purples, ravaging reds, yummy yellows or perhaps some outrageous oranges to your garden, then now is a perfect time to buy those autumn colour plants.

Not only is autumn a great time to plant trees and shrubs, but if you buy the plant when it is showing its beautiful autumn colours, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting.

If you want to indulge in a little planting for autumn colour on vertical surfaces such as walls, fences or arbours, there are several plants I’d suggest you consider.

Vitis coignetiae – a rampant grower, the heart-shaped leaves may measure up to 25-30cm across and their splendid scarlet and crimson colours are un-missable. This vine can be grown through large trees and over sturdier supports. The colours tend to be especially good if the soil is miserable or the root run restricted.

Parthenocissus quinquefolia - more commonly known as the Virginia creeper, it’s another sizeable climber, and this also offers a good degree of self-clinging ability, so

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it can be used to clothe walls where you have not fixed up a support system. In autumn the leaves are numerous shades of scarlet, orange and red. It can grow taller than you want, so will ultimately need trimming if, say you grow it on a house wall, or else it will move on to the roof.

Parthenocissus henryana - a relative of the Virginia creeper, but much more restrained. For much of the year its divided leaves are a dark green to bronzy colour with pretty silvery white veining. In autumn they turn rich shades of red.

If you are after a shrub or two then there is an even wider range to choose from. Fothergilla major or Witch Alder is a gorgeous smallish to medium-sized shrub that is covered with scented creamy white spiky flower clusters early in the year, before the leaves appear. Pale green for much of the year the foliage turns shades of yellow and orange in the autumn. Fothergilla needs a lime-free soil.

Amelanchier lamarckii, also known as the snowy mespilus or serviceberry, is a large shrub or small tree and produces lovely whitish blossom in spring (that is much longer lasting than the flowering cherries!) In spring the new

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leaves are a coppery colour, changing to bright green and then come the autumn it is one huge mass of fiery colours.

Acers or maples are generally reliable autumn show stoppers, and for smaller gardens you find it hard to beat one of the Japanese maples with their stunning divided leaves turning rich purples, reds, oranges and yellows depending on exactly which one you have planted. The Japanese maples also do well in large tubs, perfect for a sheltered back yard.

Cotinus or smoke bush is a shrub with attractively rounded leaves that come in shades of green, pinkish–orange or purple. Come the autumn they produce a bright display to be proud of.

The fluffy seed heads that are left after flowering look just like little clouds or plumes of smoke…. perfect with the bonfire effect of the leaves.

It is a great time to choose plants for autumn colour, but if you’re not sure what’s available, treat yourself to a visit to an open garden, arboretum or park, and note down the names of what you like best. Planting at this time of year

works well, but if your garden soil is waterlogged now, then wait a week or more until it is in better condition. If the soil is on the dry side, it will still need watering well, and the soil around the roots will need to be kept moist. Always check the ultimate or potential height and spread of trees or shrubs you’re considering…..there’s no use planting something that will out-grow its space in a couple of years time. Then sit back and enjoy your own bit of autumnal magic!

Make veg growing fun and productive with Pippa’s unique ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ system. Select your veg plants from www.pippagreenwood.com and your gardenready plants are delivered in May at a great time for planting and then, what makes it unique is that Pippa will email you every week about what you’re growing – lots of tips and help, ensuring great results. It is great value with various pack sizes available, eg up to 66 plants plus 6 packets of seed for just £39.00, plus that weekly advice.

Pyracantha - Firethorn Pyracantha is an easy to grow, low maintenance, evergreen shrub that can be trained up walls, around doors or used to create a hedge. It’s the classic ‘home security’ plant as it is dense and extremely spiky. As a bonus, it’s a great way of attracting birds to your garden. The plant provides shelter for nesting and roosting birds as well as winter food.

Fragrant white flowers bloom between May and June which attract a myriad of bees.

By autumn these flowers turn into a showy mass of red, orange or yellow berries depending on the variety. Birds feast on these berries during the difficult winter months.

Pyracantha prefers a well-drained healthy soil in full sun or partial shade, but will thrive in most soils. Good quality soil and lots of sunshine increases the berry production. Pyracantha is fully hardy and grows to around 3m. It can be kept in check by pruning but take care as the thorns are vicious. Wear heavy gloves. New flowers are produced on the previous year’s growth so ensure you don’t remove that. It’s easier to prune while the plant is in flower so you cut back to the existing flowers.

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AWA’s Holiday Gift & Craft Fair benefits local children’s charity Get your Christmas lists ready because the AWA wants to help you find all kinds of treats at its annual Holiday Gift and Craft Fair, to be held on Sunday, 6 November, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Hilton Treetops Hotel. Admission is only £3.

More than 100 stalls are expected to fill the hotel as vendors sell handmade items like jewelry, luxury pillows, children’s toys and more. Artists from the Butterworth Gallery will make an encore appearance with canvases from their Ballogie gallery near Aboyne, and artisans from all over Scotland will attend also.

The Holiday Gift and Craft Fair is the single largest fundraiser that AWA sponsors for its chosen charity. This year, Befriend A Child is that charity. All proceeds from the fair’s Sweet Shoppe and raffle will directly benefit Aberdeen’s own befriending service for deprived and vulnerable children. More than £20,000 have been donated to groups like the Aberdeen Women’s Shelter, CLAN, and others in the last three years alone.

The Association of American Women of Aberdeen (AWA) formed in 1986 to make social contacts with fellow countrymen, help newcomers settle in, provide support when the going got tough, and make lasting friendships. Founded by six American women who felt that there was not enough contact among the U.S. expatriate community in Aberdeen, the AWA has spent the past 25 years embracing life in Scotland. Today, annual membership hovers around 150 women of all nationalities who live here as expats.

Activity groups take advantage of all the Northeast has to offer: hiking, walking, exploring the various shops/restaurants/museums, and more. There are more than 15 activity groups to choose from, as well as monthly meetings and one-off events. There is no shortage of things to get involved with!

If you would like more information about joining the AWA, please contact its website: www. awaaberdeen.org.

Members can’t wait to see you at the Holiday Gift and Craft Fair!

--Lisa Ann Henkel

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TECH SPEC

Brighten the mood with high-tech lighting

Let there be light Winter’s double whammy of darkness and bad weather is enough to bring anybody down, so why not brighten the mood - and everything else - with some high-tech lighting? From lights that make your gadgets work in the dark to remote controlled candles and lights designed to cheer you up, there’s no shortage of gadget firms with very bright ideas.

The arrival of LED (Light Emitting Diode) bulbs has transformed lighting. LEDs can be made impossibly small, they use tiny amounts of energy compared to their incandescent predecessors and they last for an extremely long time - and because of that they’re absolutely everywhere.

Fancy reading your Amazon Kindle in the dark? Amazon will happily sell you a (pricey) case with a pop-out LED light that draws its power from your e-reader. Prefer a fan that creates concentric coloured rings as it spins? Search for “Mini LED Fan” and you’ll find lots. Require a torch that doubles as a Swiss Army Knife and fits in your purse or wallet? Allow us to introduce the Victorinox RED Swiss Card Lite (pictured here), although you should probably leave that one at home if you’re planning to go through airport security.

LEDs can deliver serious benefits too. If you have down-lighters in your home, replacing the bulbs with LEDs will slash your electricity bills - although you’ll notice a dramatic difference in the way your room looks, because LEDs tend to give out a very white light compared to the yellowish glow of incandescent

or halogen bulbs; if you have a bike, accessories such as the Nite Ize Spokelit bike light makes you easier to see by turning your wheel into a glowing green circle. You’ll find LED gadgets in all kinds of bike accessories: not just bike lights, but also helmet lights and task lights for urgent repair jobs.

Some LED gadgets are just strange. The Drivemocion LED car sign enables you to broadcast messages to other drivers, with a choice of smiling and winking faces, THANKS, BACK OFF or SORRY. You can’t customise it to display your own messages, although that’s probably for the best. You can also buy LED-powered, remote controlled candles (pictured below), which embed a flickering LED inside a real wax candle to deliver a surprisingly lifelike glow. The remote control enables you to adjust the LED’s brightness, to switch between flickering light and a continuous glow, and to enable the timer mode that switches the candles off after four or eight hours.

If the winter months bring you down, a SAD lamp might help.

Designed to address Seasonal Affective Disorder, LED SAD Lamps start at around £50 and deliver bright summerstyle light, which numerous studies suggest can lift the mood of people who are perfectly cheery in Spring and Summer but find their mood changing with the seasons. Not all SAD lamps are created equal, however, so it may be worth reading reviews on sites such as lighttherapyreviews.co.uk to find out which lamp best suits your need.

LED bulbs are beginning to appear in reading lamps too, with clip-on desk lamps costing around £15 and anglepoise-style ones ranging from under £20 to well over £300 depending on where you shop and whether you want an expensive designer one or a cheap and cheerful plastic job. Whether you go for a little light that attaches to your book or an enormous metal free-standing lamp, you’ll find that LEDs are particularly good for reading: the crisp white light from LED bulbs delivers excellent contrast, which is ideal for reading black text on a light background.

Images: Top - Litebook Elite S.A.D. light ; Middle - Victorinox Swiss Card Lite; Bottom: Mooncandles LED candles

Health, Fitness and Beauty

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Health, Fitness and Beauty

A Proverbial Life...

The Big Clean A place for everything and everything in its place There are some experiences in life that it’s best not to have. Helping a teenage girl to sort out her bedroom is one of them.

Now in the normal course of events the bedroom of a teenage girl is all pink and sparkly.

Perhaps there are a few posters on the wall, a scattering of soft and fluffy things or neatly arranged rows of toiletries, CDs, DVDs and books – you get the idea.

Forget it. This bedroom had little in common with the abode of a Fairy Princess. Think ‘Stig of the Dump’ and you get the general idea; actually that’s incorrect...think of a wild animal lair and you’ll get a more accurate picture.

When you’ve banned the dog from entering this bedroom in case it catches something (the plague/foot and mouth/dysentery?), you know that drastic action is needed. When you’ve run out of cups because they’re all in ‘there’, then you know drastic action is needed. When you can’t get into said bedroom without holding your nose and looking for footholds on the floor, then you know that drastic action is needed.

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So I said I would help - that is, I would supervise, provide instruction and direction. On no account would I actually clean, tidy or touch anything; it’s not my room and though I love her madly I have no intention of clearing up after her.

So I supervised whilst sitting on the bed and handing out bin bags.

A strong stomach was needed when peering into the assorted glasses, cups and plates that had been retrieved from under the bed.

Did you know that hot chocolate, when left long enough, doesn’t just develop mould but develops into a solid lump of mould? Or that chips don’t go mouldy but develop into rock hard batons of fried potato? Or that discarded banana skins actually go slimey?

The clothes were retrieved from where they had been dropped, draped, discarded and flung.

Mountains of wrappers, papers, magazines and plastic drink bottles were gathered for recycling.

Windows were flung open, dust was dusted, CDs were organised, DVDs put back into their

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Health, Fitness and Beauty And the only thing that needed cleaning and didn’t get it was the dressing table mirror: adorned with lipstick kisses and messages from friends it was strictly out of bounds. However, I think we can live with a ‘kissed’ mirror for now.

So when it was finally done it did look all pink and sparkly – a bit like the bedroom of a Fairy

Princess in fact. I may even allow the dog to go in there now the plague warning has been lifted.

Will it last?

I doubt it. correct cases and everything was arranged, tidied and sorted into correct order.

Finally, three bin bags of rubbish later, it was finished. The only thing that hadn’t actually needed cleaning was the laptop. It sat in splendid isolation in a little pool of cleanliness on top of her desk. Heaven forbid that the blessed laptop should become dusty or clogged with dirt; how else would she gossip with friends in the small hours?

I predict that within a fortnight the green miasma will once again be seeping from underneath the door, the mould will have found another home in my cups and yet more calcified chips will be found under the bed.

In the meantime I’m still trying to understand how she managed to glide forth from this room groomed, preened and pampered to perfection; giving no hint of carnage from which this vision of beauty emerged.

It must be a teenage thing.

by A. O’Brien

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Buy

Beauty For Less

by Helen Jane Taylor

As the country well and truly feels the financial pinch of the recession, there’s a lot of pressure on us to be careful with our money, to spend it wisely and to adapt to a less indulgent lifestyle. So buying those designer labelled beauty products - complete with very large price tags - can become difficult to justify for those of us on a weekly budget.

Yes, it’s hard to fight the allure of the brand and the promises that come with it, not to mention the sublime packaging and determined sales pitch from the assistant.

Is a healthy glow, flawless skin, luscious lashes and perfect pout only available if you buy into expensive top brands or is there an effective value for money alternative?

We all have a tendency to think that if it’s designer and expensive, then it’s guaranteed to make our skin more youthful, our lips look fuller and our lashes appear longer. We reassure ourselves that the expense is, of course, worthwhile but in reality, are there other products that can transform us from plain to gorgeous, for half the cost?

Well, thanks to the new trend in budget beauty, a superb range of affordably priced buys are emerging. They might not be quite as exciting and glamorous as designer alternatives, but they do offer surprising results at pleasing prices.

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The once uninteresting ‘value’ ranges have been overhauled and replaced with ones that are far more likely to grab our attention and make us realise that these products can stand up well against the competition. After all, what makes a beauty product great

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Health, Fitness and Beauty

is what it can do for you, not the name on the container.

With supermarkets like Tesco leading the way with unbelievably cheap prices on cosmetics, these budget buys provide a great way for us to try out different or fashionforward make-up looks, that we usually wouldn’t want to invest a lot of money in.

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Always wanted to run your own business? Now you can from within an establishedWest End beauty and skin care centre.

The cheap price tag makes experimenting fun, and a few pounds lost in an unsuitable lipstick is easy to live with, unlike the hefty credit card bill from the beauty counter of a top brand.

And it isn’t just cosmetics that are available at bargain prices. Everyday essentials are great value too. If you love relaxing with expensive bath and body products then you won’t be disappointed. The Body Shop - although slightly more expensive than some of the really cheap budget buys - is always the best for sumptuous, sweet smelling ranges that are perfect for

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Health, Fitness and Beauty pampering, cater for all needs and rival any designer fragrance.

More than ever before value-formoney products can even be found in your favourite clothing store. Next have a fabulous range of items that are fashion inspired and affordably priced, so you can finish a trendy new look perfectly.

Their vast range of varnishes bring nails up-to-date, at a price that allows you to try out every colour in the range.

Although it is hard to deny that a lipstick clad with an iconic designer logo looks so much more sophisticated in any handbag than a budget alternative, when on the lips the two look equally effective. And of course, with what you save on a designer lipstick, you can invest in expanding your make-up bag, finding a new look that really suits you and a satisfaction in knowing that, even with all the new purchases, you are still saving money.

NEW ‘Vitalift’ - Non Invasive Face Lift Treatment

Home Visiting Practice Routine and Preventative Foot Care Corns/Hard Skin Verrucae Toenail Cutting

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Foot Health Care Practitioner

T : 07598 382 597

Electrical stimulation making it possible to re-educate the facial muscles and perform electrolifting, restoring firmness and tone, re-model the facial oval and re-juvenate the face without scars or bruising from surgery or injecting.

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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Looking for a

Relaxed Atmosphere Personal Attention Wedding Speciality

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

t : 01224 - 318561

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

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Health, Fitness and Beauty

SPA-rty Time!

Clients of The House can now enjoy bespoke spa parties in the luxury of a prestigious private spa lounge.

Partygoers can relax in the smart new facility and take advantage of the exclusivity it offers at the popular Great Western Road beauty salon ad spa.

A range of packages can be devised to suit any celebration and it’s not just the grown-ups who are indulging in the relaxing surroundings - youngsters from six right up to teenagers are also catered for with fun spa parties.

They won’t be able to crack open the bubbly but they will enjoy a nonalcoholic cocktail, mini banquet with cupcakes, time in the hot tub and music and dancing as well as having their hair and nails done.

What a SPA-rty!

The House, 34 Great Western Road, Aberdeen AB10 6PY Tel : 01225 586699 Please do mention the gazette when responding to advertisers - thank you

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Working from home

Liquid Lunches When I started out as a reporter back in the mid1970s, journalists were heroic boozers. Epic, even. The stories I was told!

But on the local weekly in the Midlands where I did my training they were just that – stories. The older staffers span yarns of the liquid lunches of yore that had lasted for hours if not days; the lunches over which these tales were told tended to be a sandwich eaten at the desk. Very, very occasionally I would venture, normally alone, sometimes with the sports editor, to the pub next door for a pint of cold, gassy keg beer and a dried-up cheese roll with a copy of the Sun or the Mirror (because in those days the red-tops were comparatively new and all journalists, whatever they told you, secretly admired their braggadocio) and the Stranglers on the jukebox (turned right down so as not to upset the granddads). All very demure.

Then I joined the brewing trade press and life changed dramatically, especially life after one o’ clock. On my induction day the News Editor and Chief Reporter dragged me to the nearest pub.

By 2.30pm I was anxious. By 3pm I was terrified.

“Err... shouldn’t we be getting back?” I said nervously. The News Editor gestured expansively in the general direction of a party of pixillated worthies a few tables away. “That’s the Editor, that’s the Deputy Editor, that’s the Production Editor,” he said. “When they go, we go.”

They didn’t rise until 4 o’clock; by then I could scarcely rise at all. But these lunches were, if not the norm, certainly nothing unusual, especially if one were being entertained. I remember, vaguely, a press officer from Grand Met taking me to a restaurant to “explain” why the company was screwing its pub tenants so heartily. A

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by Ted Bruning

couple of scotches (doubles) at the bar were followed by a bottle of white wine (between us) with the fish, another bottle of white (for him) with the veal and a bottle of red (for me) with the beef, a half bottle (again, between us) of rather good Sauternes with pudding, a glass of port each with the cheese, and a large Calvados (for me) and a Cognac (for him) with the cigars.

By the end of it all I agreed with him wholeheartedly, which I suppose was the point of the exercise.

If you could stand any more of my boastfulness I could easily reel off a dozen more lunches like that. But the everyday pub lunches were scarcely less gargantuan – in my favourite Fuller’s pub around the corner from the office I would routinely demolish three pints of ESB, each with an accompanying scotch, in an hour. No wonder I’m so fat.

All this came to an abrupt end the day the paper was relocated from the City to Slough, over an hour’s drive from home. Lunch went back to being a sandwich at the desk. Then I was made redundant – or “went freelance”, in the jargon of the trade – and started Working From Home. Could I resist the temptation to revisit the fabled lunches of erstwhile? I could not! The wife was at work. The kids were at the childminders. A trip to the butcher’s netted a big sirloin and a punnet of mushrooms (no chips – I was on a diet), while the offie next door yielded a bottle of well-priced but extremely strong Côtes du Rhône. What a feast!

And how did I feel when I’d demolished all this? Terrible! In the intervening years my system’s resistance to this magnitude of assault had completely evaporated; and one of the more macho elements of the office liquid lunch was one’s capacity to put in a full afternoon’s work afterwards. That had gone.

All I could manage was sleep. Worse, so had the pleasure. A liquid lunch has to be convivial; sneaked alone, it’s no pleasure unless you have a thing for guilt.

So, no more liquid lunches for me. They belong to the 1980s. And, perhaps, to a rather wistful chapter in my memoirs.

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Qu

iet

Quiet Disasters

Dis

ast ers

Here we take a look at the top of the flops

CAR makers. Give them their due, they normally produce some rather good motors. But occasionally – very occasionally – disasters that should have remained in the design studio slip through the net.

Renault Koleos You only have to look over the fence to sister firm Nissan to see that crossovers can be successful – try and order a Qashqai or Juke now and you’ll be looking at a rather long wait. So it’s hard to pinpoint exactly why the Renault Koleos flopped. Renault launched it in 2008 and by 2010 it had been axed, selling just 2,890. The Qashqai, by comparison, sold 9,253 models in March alone.

Nissan Cube The Cube has been a cult hit for years with unofficial imports snapped up by style conscious buyers keen for something unique.

So when Nissan decided to bring the latest model to the UK officially in 2009, it was sure it had a hit on its hands. Unfortunately, the maker gave it little publicity, it was expensive and soon became too costly to import from Japan. 1,000 were sold which Nissan says was ‘over its estimate’. We don’t believe them.

Citroen C6 We all know that large French saloons haven’t been the most popular cars in Britain. Despite this, Citroen launched the C6 in 2006 with phrases like ‘free-thinking’, ‘svelte’, and ‘unmistakable’ in its marketing bumpf. From its launch to the end of 2010, Citroen sold just 889 units – the E60 BMW 5 Series sold ten times as many in the same period. But Citroen always said it had expectations the C6 would find homes ‘in the hundreds, rather than thousands’.

Chrysler Sebring Chrysler had its eye on entering the D-segment back in 2007 – and thought the Sebring was the answer. It wasn’t. The press packs said it combined ‘striking design with interior craftsmanship’ with ‘great performance’ thrown in for good measure. The public disagreed and bought only 2,652 of them before it slipped off the price lists in 2009. In the same period, Ford sold 126,368 units of the Mondeo.

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Motoring

Subaru Tribeca Like Renault, Subaru believed it needed an SUV in its range. So, in 2006, along came the Tribeca. Intended to offer a ‘practical SUV with great handling and a sporty drive’ it failed to find buyers. A face-lift in 2008 did nothing to improve sales and it bowed out that year with just 750 sold. In contrast, the Volvo XC90 – a car Subaru was competing with – sold 11,897 units in the same three years.

Toyota Urban Cruiser The Toyota Urban Cruiser went on sale in May 2009. Designed to meet a ‘growing demand for vehicles that are cut out for life on urban roads’ it didn’t do the job. Sales at the end of 2010 were 3,017 – the maker had planed to shift 2,000 units a year.

Chrysler Crossfire Launched with great fanfare in 2003, the Crossfire was Chrysler’s sports car for the masses. Based on the first-generation Mercedes SLK, it came in coupe and convertible forms with retro American styling. However, only 4,544 units were sold in five years, and the Crossfire quietly died in 2008. In contrast the SLK sold 4,362 units in 2004 alone.

Vauxhall Signum More than just a cut-down Vectra, the Signum was intended to offer the executive experience in an otherwise humdrum Vauxhall and arrived in 2003. But almost five years to the day, Vauxhall called time on the Signum, axing it with just 17,344 sales to its name. This was ‘on target’ according to the firm but industry experts say it was well off what was originally planned.

Ford Cougar Along with the Focus, the Cougar was one of the cars that demonstrated Ford’s ‘new edge’ look in the late 90s. Available with the Mondeo’s 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre petrol engines, the Cougar was loved by the press. Sadly, the public wasn’t convinced – the lack of a prestige badge meant sales totaled 13,958 in four years. In contrast, the BMW 3 Series Coupe sold 44,420 between ’98 and ’02, showing a badge makes all the difference.

Mercedes-Benz R-Class Billed as a car that combined ‘an SUV, sports saloon, and luxury estate car’ into one package, the Mercedes R-Class arrived in 2005 hoping to carve a niche of its own. It was such a niche that few Brits bought it, and even a makeover in 2010 did little to improve the 3,433 sales clocked up so far.

Mercedes says those numbers are ‘in-line with expectations’, but we’re not so sure about that…

by James Baggott, editor of Car Dealer Magazine (CarDealerMag.co.uk)

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Countdown

to Christmas...

To give our readers a sneak preview of what you have in stock, we invite you to send us some pictures for our popular Christmas pages within the November and Dec/Jan issues of the gazette.

Both West End and Deeside Editions.

Why not book a three issue package which will see your through to February 2012.

Any size advert - your choice.

We’ll run it with our feature in BOTH magazines.

TWO issues to let people know what you have in stock for Christmas 2011.

ONE issue for end of season sales and Valentine’s...

Book today : 01224 318561 email : gazette@fsmail.net and join our forward thinking advertisers for a successful 2011/2012.

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Homes and Interiors

Antonio suite: free-standing bath + chrome feet, £1,500; closed-coupled toilet, £1400; 1 tap hole pedestal basin, £700; all B&Q, 0845 850 0175; www.diy.com

Whether it’s large or small, contemporary or classic, brightly coloured or plain and simple, you can combine the practical and the indulgent to create a bathroom haven that’s as luxurious as it is good-looking.

There are two schools of thought when it comes to bathing, with brisk efficiency at one end of the spectrum and utter hedonism at the other. But why not enjoy both? The modern bathroom can be a wellappointed and agreeable place in which to cleanse both body and mind, a room which

is perfectly functional and also a peaceful sanctuary in which to relax, reflect and refresh.

When designing a new bathroom it’s essential to start with the practicalities before moving onto the aesthetics.

Consider who will use the room and how

fixed price quotations - no VAT 19 Craigiebuckler Place

tel : 316898 mob : 07711 120 217

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Homes and Interiors

Just add water frequently, what fixtures you’d like and how much space is available. In a small room, for example, you may need to install a shower-bath rather than a separate bath and walk-in shower, site the loo elsewhere and use specially designed, space-saving fittings. It is always a good idea to plan the room carefully on graph paper, noting the positions of pipes, windows and doors.

by Katherine Sorrell

efficient atmosphere for a quick morning shower, or a more relaxing ambience for an evening bath. You may need two types of lights: bright, directional spots for shaving or applying makeup, and gentle background lighting for relaxing in the tub.

You can highlight certain features, shine lights up or down on different areas, and use colour-changing LEDs or a whole range

Bathroom fittings are available in a multitude of styles and prices, but simplicity is often the best option: plain, inexpensive designs can look wonderful when teamed with interesting accessories, and a sensible option is to invest more in moving parts such as shower doors and taps, while saving (within reason) by buying simple white ceramics. How a bathroom feels is vital, in terms of textures and temperatures against bare skin, and underfloor heating gives an efficient, overall heat while freeing up space against the walls – perhaps for a statement towel warmer.

Lighting is also vital in creating an

Design

Supply

Installation

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

www.aquaticsoul.co.uk Tel : 01224 733402

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gcg : 25

Homes and Interiors

/contd of other effects. As for walls, by varying the colours, shapes or styles of tilework you can highlight or separate different areas, or you could use sheet materials such as Corian or Silestone for a seamless effect that’s pricey but beautiful.

Current trends in bathroom design include walk-in and extra-large showers, coloured baths and basins and sleek, minimal accessories. There’s also a growing demand for storage cabinets that coordinate with fitted bedroom furniture, giving a unified look, especially from a master bedroom to an en-suite, while hiding the clutter that you don’t really want to see. With some careful thought and planning, plus a little inspiration, you can combine furniture and fittings, walls and floor, lighting and heating, to create a room that reflects your individual style and offers an experience that is warm and welcoming, comfortable, clean and calm.

Bathroom checklist Consider all these points when planning a bathroom: • How much space is available?

• Who will you use the room and when?

• What fittings would you like to install and, if there isn’t room for all of them, what is the best way to compromise?

• What is your budget?

• What style would you like overall?

• What type of hot-water system do you have?

• Where will you place the water pipes, the soil pipe and the air extraction?

• What are your lighting and heating requirements?

• How much storage do you need, and do you prefer the fitted or unfitted look?

• How will you buy and fit the bathroom – purchase from the internet and do it yourself, co-ordinate the various tradespeople (electrician, plumber, carpenter, plasterer, tiler, painter etc), use a local fitter, or buy an all-in-one package from a showroom? Bear in mind that delivery times can be up to six weeks.

Aquaglass space-saving Quad suite, £595, Frontline Bathrooms, 0845 470 2427; www.frontlinebathrooms.co.uk

Alan D.

Cowie

Painter & Decorator Alan D. Cowie 68 Broomhill Avenue Aberdeen AB10 6JY

Put the sparkle back into your oven with a call to an experienced Ovenclean specialist!

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From food scraps to farmers’ compost Union Square’s 100 tonne recycling milestone Grant Keenan (l) and Malcolm Brown (r)

Union Square has reached a major recycling milestone, turning over 100 tonnes of food waste in just six months – the equivalent in weight of ten double decker buses or 15 male elephants.

Since March, food scraps from the centre’s 22 restaurants, cafes, Hotel and Cineworld cinema, have been transformed into top quality compost and distributed to farms across the North-east.

Union Square is working in partnership with Scotland’s largest organic waste management company, Keenan Recycling.

The company transforms food and garden waste such as cooked and uncooked meat, fruit and vegetable peelings, left overs and even paper napkins and towels into BSI (British Standard) accredited compost, at an award winning £5m facility at New Deer in Aberdeenshire.

The Government approved food waste recycling programme is a boost to Union Square’s existing green credentials, including a green roof planted with coastal grasses which maintains the thermal dynamics of the building, roof wind catchers which provide a naturally ventilated mall and under floor and water solar heating.

Ryan Manson, general manager at Union Square said: “It is very positive for us to see food that would otherwise go to waste being turned into an organic material that can be used by local farmers.

“Some of those same local farmers provide our restaurants with produce so it’s fantastic to see the process working full cycle.

“It is important that every organisation plays their part in helping to reduce landfill and we are very proud to be part of the Keenan Recycling programme.”

Grant Keenan, Director for Keenan Recycling said: "Our commercial food waste recycling service has proved successful since we launched it last year and we are delighted to have secured work with all of the retail units at Union Square that are generating food waste on a daily basis. The milestone is a great example of the amount of food which is now being diverted from landfill to be recycled into a high nutrient compost.

The Scottish Government is set to introduce legislation for mandatory food waste collection from businesses by 2013, therefore Union Square’s commitment to green recycling is setting a superb example to other Scottish businesses.”

Aberdeenshire farmer and businessman Andrew Booth of Westfield Farm and Savock Farm at Foveran, near Ellon, has been using the recycled compost on the arable and livestock farms which he manages with his father George.

He said: “We’re on heavy land and this type of BSI compost will help to open up the land. We are continually seeing the price of fertilisers increase so this is an excellent alternative for farmers which will also get nutrient values into the land. If it’s better for the land, it will improve the soil, improve yields and improve gross margins.”

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At the start of the meeting we were joined by a number of parents of schoolchildren who asked for our support in pressing the council to act to improve the safety of the pedestrian crossings at Queen’s Cross roundabout; specifically, the crossing outside St Joseph’s School where at least one child has been hurt in recent months. The most recent incident was on 9th September.

City Council to support the parents’ petition and confirm the concerns that have been aired.

For the last two years, there has not been a crossing patroller outside the school and the council is having difficulty filling this position. It is possible that a crossing patroller could be deployed from another area where there is not such a safety issue, until such time as another appointment can be made. Cllr. Stewart has been sent a petition with a large number of signatures and has passed this to the Chief Executive’s office. At the time of the meeting, Cllr.

Stewart reported that there had been no response from the Chief Executive as she was on holiday. However, Mr. Hugh Murdoch, Head of Asset Management and Operations, has been instructed to carry out safety checks on the crossings.

Sgt. Jackie Craig was welcomed to the meeting and gave us a report covering the period 1st to 31st August. The report now covers all of the West End policing area including Ferryhill and Mannofield, and so is not specific to Queen’s Cross and Harlaw.

However, this area of the West End seems to have fared rather better than the other two in relation to Quality of Life incidents, there being only 4 over the period. 3 related to Public Nuisance involving alcohol and 1 related to a motorcycle which has now been taken off the road. Vandalism remains a problem, mainly involving vehicles; the police remain vigilant and are continuing their high-visibility patrols in an effort to combat this and other vehicle crime. The Vandalism Proactive Unit has been given additional support and this has resulted in an increased detection rate of these crimes (33%). Yet again, we are reminded to secure vehicles at all times and to secure laptops, satnavs etc. out of sight.

There are advisory 20mph signs in the area, however, in some cases, these are partially obscured by tree growth. It was suggested that pollarding of the trees around St. Joseph’s could improve this situation. The Community Council will write to Aberdeen

Much discussion took place on environmental issues: dog fouling, street cleaning, drain clearing. In July, there was some flooding in the Rubislaw Den/Forest Road area and Cllr. Stewart has requested that a thorough drain clearing operation

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

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take place so that the situation does not re-occur. Cllr. Greig is already fielding questions about the Council’s winter road maintenance programme! These mainly relate to snow clearing. Cllr. Greig pointed out that it is important to keep main thoroughfares open and it is regrettable that this may often be to the detriment of street and pavement clearing in quieter residential areas. Residents are advised to check the Council’s website: http://www. aberdeencity.gov.uk/transport_streets/ roads_pavements/roa_winter_main.asp Various planning matters were discussed and these will be included in the full minute.

Again, there was debate about the proposed Household Waste Recycling Centre at the Grove Nursery site. Cllrs. Greig and Stewart are hosting a public meeting at Hazlehead Academy on 21st September to discuss the planning application Please do mention the gazette when responding to advertisers - thank you

waterbabies.co.uk

which has now been submitted by SITA. The consultation period is not yet started but Queen’s Cross and Harlaw Community Council will be submitting another formal objection to this proposal.

QXH Community Council next meeting : Tuesday, 11th October at 7.00pm in the Raven Room, Rubislaw Parish Church Centre, Beaconsfield Place.

ALL WELCOME !

Airyhall Community Council Next Meeting : Wednesday 26 October Airyhall Community Centre at 7.00pm gcg : 29

Dine Out Locally with

the gazette magazines

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Whether it be a free lineage, a small display advert or a double page feature, give us a call today and get your restaurant/hotel/cafe noticed by local residents today!

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From Commis Chef to Restaurant Owner : Career Profile

Paula shares her story of how she got to where she is today.

as Chef de Partie in its Michelin starred restaurant, The Number One. While I was determined to build up a wealth of experience my ultimate ambition was always to return to Aberdeen to open up my own restaurant, which I achieved in late 2009. However, I never imagined I’d be running my own restaurant at just 27 years of age.

What the Job Involves:

Name: Paula McEwen Age: 27 Job Title: Head Chef, Restaurant Paula McEwen Aberdeen Qualifications:

Hospitality Food Preparation and Cooking Level Two & Three with merit. Wine and Spirit Education Trust, Foundation Level

Getting There: Inspired at a young age by my Grandma who used to work in school kitchens, I can’t remember a time when I didn’t want to grow up to be a chef. My passion and flair for cooking made me all the more eager to learn, embarking on my training at college at the age of 15 and then as a Commis Chef at the five starred Marcliffe Hotel in Aberdeen. After nine months with The Foyer Restaurant and Gallery, I returned to the Marcliffe as a Chef de Partie running the pastry section.

Chefs undergo a great deal of training in order to head up a restaurant. Young chefs often long for the day that they have the freedom to choose and experiment with the menu. I was lucky enough to do most of my training in Edinburgh at the renowned Witchery by the Castle, where I was junior Sous Chef. I took great pride in running the sauce section and working the hot plate during a busy evening service, before I joined the Capital’s Balmoral Hotel

I lead a team of highly skilled chefs while managing the kitchen on a daily basis. This also involves selecting and ordering the produce to having the prep work well in hand before service begins. I like to be on top of it all.

Best Bits: I would say that the highlight of my year so far was winning runner up in the Grampian Restaurant of the Year 2011. It was a great accolade to receive in only my second year of business and we were up against some very worthy competition so it was a very proud moment for myself and the rest of the team. I would class it alongside winning Grampian Young Chef of the Year in 2005 as the best moments in my career so far.

On a day to day basis, I would say one of the best parts of my job would be creating new menus.

I love researching different new methods and techniques and experimenting with them. There are always new things to learn in this business and it is exciting trying things out to see what works and what doesn’t.

Worst Bits: It can be long hours and hard work but a hugely rewarding career filled with challenges and opportunities that you won’t find elsewhere.

Advice to Others: My advice to any new, aspiring chefs would be to stay focused and seek out good places to work that give a good training base.

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Dining In

Pear and mulled wine crumble with Mascarpone Serves 4 For the Pear filling 8 ripe pears, peeled and cut into small cubes 80g light brown sugar 1tsp ground cinnamon 1 orange zest and juiced 400ml red wine 1 tsp ground mixed spice 1 star anise For the crumble 100g unsalted butter 100g self-raising flour 80g caster sugar 4tbs porridge oats 4tbsp Demerara sugar

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Method Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4 For the fruit filling, add all ingredients in to a sauce pan. Add enough water to just cover the mixture and stir to combine. Bring to the boil, then turn down the heat and simmer for 5minutes, or until the fruit has softened.

Remember to remove the star anise.

For the crumble, place butter, caster sugar and flour into a mixing bowl and rub together with your fingertips until the mix resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in porridge until well combined.

Place the pear mixture in to an oven proof dish, cover the filling with crumble mix then sprinkle the Demerara sugar on top. Place in the oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the crumble is golden brown.

To serve carefully transfer into 4 serving plates with a spoon full of mascarpone alongside.

Featured on the Paula McEwen Restaurant Christmas Menu

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W the hy d Ne fe on’ lun apo stive t you ch lita pe jo or n C rio in din hr d f us ne istm or a ove r r as

Dining Out

If you are looking for a traditional, friendly, family run Italian restuarant then look no further than 10 Bon Accord Crescent the home of Ciao Napoli.

Established in 2003 the restuarant is over two floors with a private dining facility downstairs. Perfect for corporate dining, birthday’s, anniversaries and more... It can hold up to 60 people and a menu that can be tailored to suit your requirements.

There is certainly no such thing as ordinary at Ciao Napoli. They take great pride in using both fresh local ingredients and personally selected Italian produce to provide a truly authentic and intimate dining experience Peppe and Nino look forward to welcoming you and your family to their little taste of Italy.

Open for Lunch Mon-Sat 12-2.30pm Open for Dinner Mon-Sat 5.30-1030pm

For more details on our dining facilities please contact us on

t : 01224 213223

w : www.ciaonapoli.co.uk

10 Bon Accord Crescent, Aberdeen AB11 6DN Please do mention the gazette when responding to advertisers - thank you

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This home-made fudge is a delicious sweet treat that kids will love and is great for a Hallowe’en treat. You can replace the cherries with raisins, chopped stem ginger or chopped nuts.

Mak es a 550 pprox g (1 ¼lb )

Cherry Fudge 450g (1lb) granulated sugar 75g (3oz) butter 150ml (¼pt) milk 170g can evaporated milk 1 tsp pure vanilla extract 100g (4oz) glace cherries, chopped Place the sugar in a large heavy-based pan with the butter, milk and evaporated milk.

Heat gently, stirring all the time with a wooden spoon until the sugar has dissolved.

Bring the mixture to the boil, without stirring, and continue to boil until the mixture reaches 116C/240F on a sugar thermometer (see tip). Stir the boiling mixture occasionally to prevent it from sticking.

Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla essence and chopped glace cherries. Beat with a wooden spoon until the mixture is stiff, grainy and paler in colour.

Quickly pour the mixture into a greased 18cm (7in) square shallow cake tin. Leave until almost set then mark into squares. When completely cold, cut or break into the squares. Store the fudge in an airtight container.

Halloween Treats

TOP TIP - If you don’t have a sugar thermometer, place a jug of very cold water by the hob. After boiling the fudge mixture for about 5 minutes, drop a teaspoonful of the hot syrup into the water.

If the syrup forms a ball which you can roll between your fingers then its ready – if not, boil for a further few minutes then test again.

More Halloween Treats

... If you’re planning a Halloween party here’s a few more quick ideas to keep hungry trick or treaters happy...

EYEBALL CUPCAKES - top vanilla sponge cupcakes with a layer of glace icing. Using a tube of red writing icing, pipe lines to resemble veins and place a red cherry in the centre.

SPIDER’S WEB COOKIES - top plain digestive biscuits with a thin layer of black ready-to-roll sugar paste icing. Using a tube of white writing icing, pipe a spider’s web pattern on each topped biscuit. Leave to set.

HUBBLE BUBBLE JELLIES – make up lime and orange flavoured jellies according to the packet instructions. Leave until just beginning to set and then divide the lime jelly between 6 clear plastic cups. Add a few bug-shaped jelly sweets then top with the orange jelly and a few more sweets. Leave until set.

WITCHES BREW – make some red coloured ice cubes by pouring cranberry juice into ice cubes trays then freezing until solid. Pour lemonade into tall glasses and add the ice cubes. Add a couple of jelly sweet snakes to each glass.

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Dining Out

4

The

TH

ROOM @

The Doors are Open to the 4th Room

Come and make yourself at Home...

Open 4 Drinks

Mon- Fri from 5pm, Sat- Sun from 2pm

follow us on facebook

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4

The

ROOM

HAVE AN AFTER DINNER COFFEE ON US! Valid: For coffees served in the 4th Room after an evening meal in our Restaurant.

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Code: AG

gcg : 37

Puzzle for Charlie!

Cryptic Crossword

1

2

3

4

9

6

7

8

18

19

10

Across

11

1. Feed at and get the better of (6) 4. Potential perils for colliers? (8) 9. Mongrel point plus a change (6) 10. Settled red vole’s dispute (8) 12. Islander Ian hit at, in a way (8) 13. Tilts that angels might make (6) 15. Has to be found in all townships (4) 16. Crazy bear dad rubbed! (7) 20. Country song about big boys (7) 21. Empty art in very small containers (4) 25. A woman in a foreign place (6) 26. Standard tirade, quite brazen (8) 28. Cheat penalised and locked up (8) 29. Sullen – more so when trained! (6) 30. Sense ant could produce an orderly trait (8) 31. Middle region after a recent change (6)

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5

12

13 14

15

16 17

1 22

20

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23

24

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26 27

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31 ©Puzzlepress.co.uk

Down 1. Turn demo into a lowering of position (8) 2. Fellow engraving ‘attractive’ (8) 3. Statue is somehow shrewd (6) 5. Expire with a twisted notion (4) 6. Starter containing fifty fish (8)

11. Rambles about for a children’s game (7) 14. Rip lady apart very quickly (7) 17. Reaction that became the making of something (8) 18. Song concerning an idle sort (8) 19. Odd sweet air, so to speak (2,2,4) 22. Two tin dance? (6)

7. Full of vigour in olive lycra (6)

23. The woman Deb ran into (6)

8. He enjoys inflicting pain; it’s sad in a way (6)

24. Region development to disregard (6)

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27. Domesticated animals?

Step back! (4) e : gazette@fsmail.net

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

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

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

Maryfield Farm

are Celebrating 30years Traditionally rearing Bronze turkeys Christmas & New Year

Free range Locally produced Dry plucked Tender & full flavour

Contact us for your nearest stockist or order from Maryfield Christmas Farm Shop together with locally grown vegetables, Christmas puddings, dairy products, Dry cure hams & bacon

30 years

www.maryfieldpoultry.co.uk tel/fax 01330 822037 e-mail; info@maryfieldpoultry.co.uk Maryfield Farm,Tilquhillie, Banchory, Ab31 6HY

Gorgeous Gift Ideas gifts ♥ jewellery ♥ accessories cards ♥ toys ♥ baby gifts ♥ vintage items ♥ 162 Union Grove Tel : 467372

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gcg : 39

Pandy Arthur

Classical trained - vocally versatile

Available to sing at Weddings, Funerals, Christenings, Concerts, Corporate Events, Burns Suppers, Special Ocassions. For more information and to hear song samples visit www.pandyarthur.co.uk

Forthcoming concerts: 27th October - Cowdray Hall Lunchtime Concert, Aberdeen with Margaret Preston.

12.45pm - Free Entry.

29th October - Dinnet House , Dinnet. A ‘Save the Children’ Musical Evening with supporting Artistes.

7.30pm - Contact 01330 822142 or 01330 822303 for tickets.

11th November - Music for the Sound Festival at The Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD. 1.10pm - Free Entry.

Debut Album - out now!

Available to buy at: Finzean Farm Shop, Aboyne Corner House, Tarland Chemist, The Millers in Midmar, Platform 22 in Torphins, Buchanan’s Bistro in Banchory and Performance venues.

Website: www.pandyarthur.co.uk Telephone: 07767 340785

Pictograms 2 words

HOROBOD 5 words

GGRACE NINDIANA IBRIDGET PALED EVINNIE ETOM KALEX

4 words

PAPER CRACK CRACK www.thegranitecitygazette.co.uk

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Music Theatre Live Entertainment Monday, October 10: DF Concerts presents Surrey-based outfit You Me At Six, on tour to promote their second album, Hold Me Down, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, doors at 7pm. Tickets from boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Tuesday, October 11: Indigo Moon Theatre presents Aladdin, a colourful tale from the Arabian nights, for ages four plus, in The Lemon Tree Studio, West North Street, Aberdeen, at 2pm. Tickets from boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Wednesday, October 12: Star of We are Klang, and tour support for Russell Howard, brilliant stand-up Steve Hall’s Very Still Life, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7pm. Tickets from boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Wednesday to Saturday, October 12 to 22: From the people who brought you Desperate Fishwives and How to Look Good Glaikit, Aberdeen’s own Flying Pig Productions present The Silence of the Bams, in His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm Tuesdays to Fridays, and at 5pm and 8.30pm on Saturdays. Tickets from boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Thursday, October 13: Direct from London’s West End, the tantalizing yet tasteful, camp and colourful An Evening of Burlesque, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen at 7.30pm. Tickets from boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Thursday, October 13: One of the greatest story-tellers now celebrating 40 years on the road, Ralph McTell: Somewhere Down the Road Continues, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7pm. Tickets from boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Thursday, October 13: People’s Theatre Company presents How the Koala Learnt to Hug, written for parents to enjoy with their children, for ages four plus, in The Lemon Tree Studio, West North Street, Aberdeen, at 2pm. Tickets from boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122

Friday, October 14: Free Friday Live session, featuring Good Luck Mountain, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, Aberdeen, from 1pm. Tables booked by calling 01224 337688 Friday, October 14: An evening of traditional Scottish dancing with an eclectic, lively and stylish all-girl band, Ceilidh with Danse McCabre, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen at 8pm. Tickets from boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Friday, October 14: Performing over two hours of Pink Floyd classics, MacFloyd, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 8pm. Tickets from boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Saturday, October 15: One-hour behind the scenes tour at Aberdeen’s iconic Edwardian landmark, His Majesty’s Theatre, in HMT at 10.30am. Tickets from boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Saturday, October 15: Free SC&TURDAY LIVE session with Scottish Cultures and Traditions’ (SC&T), in The Lemon Tree Lounge, Aberdeen, from 12.30pm. Tables booked by calling 01224 337688 Saturday, October 15: Scottish Chamber Orchestra present Mullova plays Beethoven, with conductor Robin Ticciati and violinist Viktoria Mullova, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen at 7.30pm. Tickets from boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Saturday, October 15: Eight years in the making, the debut album by Bill Wells and Aidan Moffat is a special thing, full of jazz-inflected love songs with a mixture of spoken word pieces and vocals, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7.30pm. Tickets from boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Saturday, October 15: Catherine Wheels Theatre Company presents Kes, the story of one boy’s heart, based on Barry Hines’ story A Kestrel for a Knave adapted by Rob Evans, for ages 10 plus, in The Lemon Tree Studio, West North Street, Aberdeen, at 2pm. Tickets from boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122

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Music Theatre Live Entertainment Sunday, October 16: Free Belhaven Sunday Jazz session, feature 2-bit-hip, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, Aberdeen, from 12pm.

Tables booked by calling 01224 337688 Tuesday, October 18: Puppet Lab presents The Lost Sock Princess, a magical adventure for families, for ages three plus, in The Lemon Tree Studio, West North Street, Aberdeen, at 2pm. Tickets from boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Wednesday, October 19: One of the most dynamic, exciting and successful musical acts ever to come out of Shetland, Fiddlers Bid, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen at 7.30pm.

Tickets from boxofficeaberdeen. com or tel 641122 Wednesday, October 19: Armed with only stools, microphones and a spotlight, Apocalypse! present The Occasional Cabaret, combining satire, music, song and grotesquery in one anarchic evening, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7.30pm.

Tickets from boxofficeaberdeen. com or tel 641122 Thursday, October 20: Stunning world-class comedy for Jimeoin – Lovely! – no gimmicks, just pure-and-simple great craic, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7pm.

Tickets from boxofficeaberdeen. com or tel 641122 Friday, October 21: Free Friday Live session, featuring singer and guitarist John Hinshelwood, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, Aberdeen, from 1pm. Tables booked by calling 01224 337688 Friday, October 21: One of the biggest-selling groups of all time, The Drifters, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen at 7.30pm. Tickets from boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122

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Friday, October 21: Co-star and cowriter of Frankie Boyle’s Tramadol Nights, Tom Stade is one of the most sought-after comics on the circuit, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7.30pm. Tickets from boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Saturday, October 22: Onehour behind the scenes tour at Aberdeen’s iconic Edwardian landmark, His Majesty’s Theatre, in HMT at 10.30am. Tickets from boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Saturday, October 22: Free SC&TURDAY LIVE session with Scottish Cultures and Traditions’ (SC&T), in The Lemon Tree Lounge, Aberdeen, from 12.30pm.

Tables booked by calling 01224 337688 Saturday, October 22: As part of the Sound Festival, Viridian Quartet at 11.20am, Scottish Clarinet Quartet at 2.30pm, Ensemble Thing at 4.15pm and Hanna Tuulikki and Matthew Collings at 11pm, all in The Lemon Tree Studio, West North Street, Aberdeen. Tickets from boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Saturday, October 22: One of comedy’s most innovative thinkers and genre-stretching performers, Dave Gorman’s Powerpoint Presentation, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen at 8pm.

Tickets from boxofficeaberdeen. com or tel 641122 Sunday, October 23: Free Belhaven Sunday Jazz session, featuring The Aristocats, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, Aberdeen, from 12pm. Tables booked by calling 01224 337688

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Sunday, October 23: As part of the Sound Festival, Mr McFall’s Chamber and Thomas Strønen, in The Lemon Tree Studio, West North Street, Aberdeen, at 2.45pm. Tickets from boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Sunday, October 23: Scottish Ensemble, with Perth-born pianist Alasdair Beatson, perform a programme of Stravinsky and Mendelssohn in the Music Hall, Aberdeen at 7.30pm. Tickets from boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Sunday, October 23: Double bill of stand-up from two Fringe Festival favourites, Dan Antopolski and Jimmy McGhie, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7pm. Tickets from boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Monday, October 24: For a BBC Radio 1 concert/broadcast, Metropolis Music presents Noah and The Whale in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, starting at 7pm sharp.

Tickets from boxofficeaberdeen. com or tel 641122 Monday to Saturday, October 24 to 29: Olivier Award-winning Tracie Bennett took the West End by storm as Judy Garland in Peter Quilter’s extra-ordinary musical play, End of the Rainbow, now on a national tour but playing in only one venue in Scotland - His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm, with 2pm Thursday and 2.30pm Saturday matinees. Tickets from boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Tuesday, October 25: Icarus Theatre Collective presents William Shakespeare’s epic tragedy Macbeth, in The Lemon Tree Studio, West North Street, Aberdeen, at 7pm. Tickets from boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 e : gazette@fsmail.net

Music Theatre Live Entertainment Wednesday, October 26:Orcadian folk singer, song-writer and guitarist Ivan Drever with his unique musical sound, mixing traditional folk with rock ‘n’ roll, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7.30pm. Tickets from boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Thursday, October 27: The Scottish National Jazz Orchestra with saxophonist Bobby Wellins and artistic director Tommy Smith perform Wellins’ The Culloden Moor Suite and The Caledonian Suite, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen at 7.30pm, with a preshow talk at 6.45pm. Tickets from boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Thursday, October 27: Reformed unlikely 70s chart toppers Focus with The Crazy World of Arthur Brown, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7.30pm. Tickets from boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Thursday and Friday, October 27 and 28: Visible Fictions present JC Marshall’s The Hunted, the story of a lone girl who dares to be something nobody has been, in a place nobody dares to go, for ages 11 plus, in The Lemon Tree Studio, West North Street, Aberdeen, at 7pm, with 2pm Friday matinee. Tickets from boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Friday, October 28: Free Friday Live session, featuring Hedgehog Pie, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, Aberdeen, from 1pm.

Tables booked by calling 01224 337688 Friday, October 28: With a fiery twin fiddle front line, rock solid rhythm section and fine dance calling, Ceilidh with Clachan Yell, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen at 8pm.

Tickets from boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Saturday, October 29: One-hour behind the scenes tour at Aberdeen’s iconic Edwardian landmark, His Majesty’s Theatre, in HMT at 10.30am. Tickets from boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Saturday, October 29: Free SC&TURDAY LIVE session with Scottish Cultures and Traditions’ (SC&T), in The Lemon Tree Lounge, Aberdeen, from 12.30pm. Tables

booked by calling 01224 337688 Saturday, October 29: DF Concerts present Roddy Woomble, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7.30pm. Tickets from boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Saturday, October 29: Company Chordelia presents Miranda, an exciting psychological thriller of dance, music and visual theatre, in The Lemon Tree Studio, West North Street, Aberdeen, at 7pm.

Tickets from boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Sunday, October 30: Free Belhaven Sunday Jazz session, featuring The Kate Gieben Band with Kate Gieben (vocals), Bill Kemp (drums), Grigor Leslie (bass) and Col Black (guitar), in The Lemon Tree Lounge, Aberdeen, from 12pm. Tables booked by calling 01224 337688 Sunday, October 30: Music and film for the haunting season, the 1922 silent horror classic Nosferatu, accompanied by cinema organist Donald MacKenzie, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen at 5pm.

Tickets from boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Sunday, October 30: The pioneers of the twin-guitar rock which influenced generations of groups, Wishbone Ash, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7.30pm.

Tickets from boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122 Monday, October 31: Scottish indie-folk singer-songwriter Kenny Anderson, aka King Creosote, and Kid Cavaneral, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7.30pm. Tickets from boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 641122

Tickets from boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel : 01224 641122

Every Saturday: Creative Kids, sponsored by Argus Care, in the Lemon Tree Lounge, Aberdeen, doors open 12pm, activities from 12.30pm to 2.30pm.

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gcg : 43

Geocach

Fun For The Fam

Last month, we introduced y Geocaching, its history and h about doing it. This month, w to share some Geocaching ex from someone who has actua the fun. Trevor lives in North

by Trevor Arnold

strawberries are just some of the wonderful array of wildlife and flowers we’ve come across near caches.

“Geocaching is something I’ve done with my family for a few years locally and countrywide and is brilliant fun. While looking for caches, some of the things we have come across include a huge cave just 500m from our frontdoor, hidden coves leading to the sea and some amazing waterfalls. We also discovered a number of ruined castles and the ancient well of St Dyfnog at Llanrhaeadr along with its beautiful church – home to one of the most amazing stained glass windows in the UK. Along with those great finds, we’ve seen wonderful examples of nature in all its glory – orchids, tadpoles, newts, lizards and wild www.thegranitecitygazette.co.uk

Knowing where to look for caches is really simple no matter where you are in the world. Once registered on the Geocaching website, you’ll get weekly emails telling you about caches within a 50-mile radius of your location and it’s not unusual for there to be several hundred newly hidden during the week.

There’s a whole host of fun events staged around cache-hunting too, like the time around 60 cachers staged a flash-mob in the centre of Chester, put on silly hats and nattered loudly to each other for 15 minutes in-between two whistle blasts. It was particularly enjoyable because all the

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hing

other people in the vicinity were completely bemused as to what was happening. My children thought this was absolutely wonderful!

All mily

you to how to go we are going xperiences ally joined in h Wales.

What’s great about Geocaching is that it’s so varied; there are lots of different types and sizes of caches to find and many ways to find them. There are drive-bys, which are perfect if you can’t walk too far, while others might be hidden at the summit of steep hills or alongside disused railway tracks.

You never know who you might meet either: we once met three sprightly elderly ladies looking for the same caches as me and my family. At the time we were up high on the Great Orme in Llandudno – we got chatting and they told us they had travelled from Birmingham for a Line Dancing Competition and were Geocaching in their free-time.

So as you can see, Geocaching’s a great way to spend time with your family enjoying the great outdoors, come rain, shine or snow – yes, we’ve even been caching in the snow.”

You don’t have to live in North Wales though to do Geocaching. It’s a worldwide initiative so it can be done on holiday as well as where you live. It’s worth buying a good-quality map or downloading one from the Ordnance Survey website for a small fee to help you become familiar with the terrain before you set out.

Monday 21 November Tashi Lhunpo Monks.

Masked dance and sacred chant from a Tibetan monastery.

Described by the Times as "A psychedelic whirl of chanting, dancing, drums, cymbals and processions".

The Sanctuary, Queens Cross Church 7.30pm Tickets at the door: £8 (£6 concession)

Further details tel: 013308 22280 Please do mention the gazette when responding to advertisers - thank you

Bad Behaviour In School

Recognising problems

Children can be disruptive in the classroom in many ways: playing up when they should be working, refusing to carry out requested tasks, talking back to the teacher and distracting other children from their work by their behaviour. Often parents do not recognise this disruptive behaviour in their child at home but one survey found that 80% of primary and secondary school teachers blamed poor discipline at school on a lack of parental control at home. While this may be the case, research also shows that early intervention by parents and the school in dealing with difficult behaviour brings long-term beneficial results.

The effects of disruptive behaviour A child’s disruptive behaviour at school not only affects their own schoolwork, it affects the concentration and behaviour of other children in the class. It also means the teacher has to spend time controlling poor behaviour rather than teaching.

While bad behaviour may seem amusing

to other children, in reality a disruptive child tends not to have close friends, or doesn’t keep friends for long and they may find other children avoiding them at break-times.

Teachers, too, may find it difficult to keep a balanced view of the child.

Future consequences If a child is not taught how to become a considerate and active member of the class, then they are more likely to become disaffected with school and start to play truant - it’s estimated that 55,000 pupils skip classes every day. This means not only are they missing out on the social interaction gained from peers, but are less likely to do well in exams and gain employment in the future. As a result of a child’s behaviour they may be excluded from school for a fixed period of time or permanently.

Getting support for your child All schools have strategies in place to help control behaviour. The school may suggest

a written action plan, agreed by you, your child and them on how to deal with disruptive behaviour. They may impose sanctions, such as the withdrawal of break or giving a lunchtime detention. Your child may be mentored by an older pupil or supportive adults. If a child can see themselves as others see them and understand how their behaviour affects others, it can help them to behave in a more responsible way.

Your child may be referred to an educational psychologist, employed by your local authority, to assess the best way of helping them.

There are also parenting support programmes available which can help you to build on your parenting skills and open the lines of communication between you and your child – knowing that they have solid support at home will help your child to deal with problems at school.

∞ Parents are often surprised it is their

child being disruptive at school, but if a teacher feels the need to point it out to you, listen and take action.

∞ Ask to have a meeting with the school and your child to discuss the problems and to try and work out solutions. ∞ Remember that it is your child who will benefit from guidelines and support. ∞ Research shows early intervention is the best way to prevent your child’s behaviour from getting worse – and to give them the chance of a good education.

We’ve topped up! Have you?

If your child attends a local authority secondary school you can now top up their Accord Card online at: aberdeencity.gov.uk/accordpayment Topping up online is secure, fast and convenient and means you no longer need to give your child money or a cheque to take to school.

Be smart: Tap & Go! sQuid e-money, the alternative for carrying cash, is now available on the Accord Card. sQuid is perfect for pocket money!

Pay with sQuid for the ice disco at Linx Ice Arena, a swim at the Beach Leisure Centre, hiring games at the Central Library and much more.

Find out more at accordaberdeen.co.uk Please do mention the gazette when responding to advertisers - thank you

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community clubs & groups adult groups gcg : 48

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 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

Scottish Country Dancing Scottish Country Dancing Introductory classes commence on Tuesday 20th September 7:30 - 9:00 at St Margaret’s School - everyone welcome! Other Adult classes commence the same week - please contact 01224 636128 01224 636128 for more information.

Children’s classes are also running at various locations - please also contact 01224 636128 01224 636128 for further information.

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 Kilt Kickers American Square Dance Club Meets at WRI Hall, Cults Beginners from September 7.30 - 9.00pm £2.50 per night Fred Gibb, Tel 486665

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Woodend Bowling Club 285 King’s Gate, A. McCulloch Secretary Tel. 317317 Friendly and relaxing outdoor activity: new members welcome.

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 Rubislaw Park Care Home 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 e : gazette@fsmail.net

Northern Arts Club 8 Bon Accord Square, Aberdeen Come along to draw and paint on Wednesdays 10-12.30pm. Tutor session 1st Wed. of every month.

Contact Jacqueline 586928 Life Drawing Class 8 Bon Accord Square, Aberdeen Saturday morning 10-1pm Please contact Ian 484040 Bridge Tuition Beginner and intermediate Thursday evening, call Margaret 868230 Room/s for hire 8 Bon Accord Square, Aberdeen Do you need a new venue for your book club/ chess club/choir/art & craft club, then contact Jacqueline 586928 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 Rotary Club of Aberdeen Deeside Weekly on a Wed at 6.15pm for .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

the Oven Valet Oven Cleaners

Doing the jobs you hate!

Bringing the sparkle back to your oven using non toxic, non caustic products in your home.

01330 823079 07920483233 www.theovenvalet.com info@theovenvalet.com

Like walking?

Then why not join the“SeafieldWalking Group”.

It’s a great way of keeping fit, socialising and getting out into the countryside! For further information contact Elinor Tel. 314609.

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 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 Road Thurs 6pm Contact Mandy 322158 www.bkwsu.org/uk/aberdeen Jog Scotland - Airyhall Meets outside Airyhall Community Centre Tuesday 7pm. Contact Julie 323830 or www. jogscotland-airyhall.co.uk

Rotary club of Aberdeen St. Nicholas At present we are canvassing for new members,we are a very friendly club who meet for lunch,friendship and business every Monday 12.45 for1.00 pm at the Northern Hotel.If you are interested you are welcome to join us any Monday lunch time. If you would like to find out more click on to rotary 1010.co.uk select clubs and go to Aberdeen St. Nicholas or telephone Ernie on 641299/312493.

Airyhall CommCentre badminton group meets weekly on Mondays 8pm to 10pm new session starts 5/9/11 New members welcome.

Annual sub to join centre is £6 plus nightly fee of £1.00. Phone David Campbell 321301 or e mail david@david143.doo.co.uk Hatha Yoga Tues17.45 – 18.45, The Aberdeen Yoga centre, 8 Bon Accord Sq Thurs 10.00 – 11.30 / Fri 10.15 – 11.45 Fri 12.05–1255, Queens Cross Church, Session Rm Tel: 648475 or moira.chicometrics@ gmail.com Registered Yoga Scotland teacher Craigiebuckler Seniors Club Criagiebuckler Church Hall 1st Wednesday of every month 2-4pm speakers/entertainment/teas/coffees £1 per person, all‘seniors’welcome Badminton Monday - 7.30pm at Ruthrieston West Church Hall, Broomhill Road Tel : 315491 List your classes here for free.. Name of class, Time - Day - Cost Brief description e : gazette@fsmail.net tel : 01224 318561

Could you do with a break this Autumn?

Bonn-na-Coille Cottages Two exclusive one- bedroomed self-catering cottages in Ballater. Ideal for couples. Short breaks available. VisitScotland 4* (one with disabled grading) No Smoking, sorry, no Pets T: 01224 585500 M: 07980 965 901

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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 13.00- 15.30.

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 - 0930-1100 2’s group: 2-3yrs. : Tues 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 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

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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 www.nct.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 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

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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 £8 per month, with lots of fun activities, crafts and healthy snacks provided for the children.

For more information, please email the123group@yahoo.com, or call 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.

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kids groups

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 - 01224596596 Rainbows, Brownies, Guides tel : 01224 638685 for your nearest group Beavers, Cubs, Scouts : tel : 01224 208426 for your nearest group Boys Brigade HQ : tel : 01224 644400 for your nearest group 17th Aberdeen Cub Scouts : Thurs @ 1800h Scout Hall, Ruthrie Terr Tel Jacqui Duncan : 07703 435 251 or email : jacqui4bs@hotmail.co.uk

Choi Kwang Do : Inchgarth Community Centre Garthdee Mond 4.45-5.45 Thurs 6-7pm Tel Claire - 746778 After School Bridge classes : Wed at The Bridge Club 14 Rubislaw Terrace P6-7 - Anytime fm 3.00-4.30.

S1-6 - Anytime fm 3.00-5.30 , Sally Reid : 01224 - 322719 ATC 107 Squadron 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 Is your child interested in starting a new hobby, Highland Classes are available at Craigiebuckler Church and Danscentre through Carolanne Sinclair . Open to all levels of experience, with beginners classes starting at aged 5 & over. Contact Carolanne directly on 07972104774 or by email at sinclair_

carolanne@yahoo.com New class after the summer at Mannofield Church on Wed afternoons.

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 Youth Hockey Coaching Tuesday evenings 5.15pm-6.30pm from September to March for children from P4 to S4. Coaching provided by Gordonians Hockey Club at RGC astroturf pitches on Countesswells Road. Children from all schools are welcome. More details are available at www.gordonianshockey.com

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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Beaver Scouts

Age between 6 and 8

Places now available Places are now available for Girls and Boys in Beaver Scouts at the 17th Pitstruan Scout Group. Currently meeting at the Scout District Head Quarters at Ruthrie Terrace on Thursdays 6pm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7pm.

Great fun for all!

If interested please contact Jacqui Duncan mob. 07703435251 Or email jacqui4bs@hotmail.co.uk

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Kids puzzle pages

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Kids puzzle pages

Spot the Difference between the two pictures...

answers...

(space to write your answers)

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gcg : 53

the one stop business shop ...

Granite City Power Washing Services Call Pete on 07835 263882

Plumbing and Heating

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

Christie Wood Joinery

Using a chemical-free restoration process Footpaths * driveways * patios * decking * slabs *concrete Free quotations and demonstrations - reasonable rates Friendly local service, 7 days a week 20% discount with this advert

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

Piano Teacher M: 078901 48059 E: fionapianotutor@live.co.uk Fully Qualified and Experienced : • Grade 8 Distinction • DIP.MUS.ED. R.S.A.M.D.

• Royal Scottish Academy of Music & Drama

Beginners : all ages and stages welcome.

Why not refresh your bygone skills.

• Exams optional : Associated Board, Piano and Theory Grades 1-8

Andrew Barclay T : 01224 543896

Boiler Services, System Flushing and Repair.

Bathrooms fully fitted.

All trades supplied.

H : 311342

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

All trades supplied.

BONDING WITH BABY Contact: Laura Henderson 07426 456 810

Infant Massage & Rhythm Kids® courses in Aberdeen £40 per 6 week course bondingwithbaby@yahoo.co.uk

Reasonable rates Aberdeen City

www.iaimbabymassage.co.uk/laurahenderson

Adair & McIntosh Ltd

Philip Garden Painter & Decorator Tel : 735341

Tel : 210687

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

Full installations, boiler replacements, servicing, breakdowns, landlords certificates, power flushing. gcg : 54

Mob : 07902178825

Free Quotes No VAT

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Compu-Care

Call Neil 07539-462-064 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

Pilates Classes T: 01224 316502 e: tracyward2k@hotmail.com Classes taught by Chartered Physiotherapist.

Wednesdays 1-1.50pm Thistle Lane, £6 and 7-8pm Rubislaw Church Centre £7

Booking is essential.

George Cormack Painter & Decorator T: 01224 827081 M: 07840 650 853

40yrs experience, free estimates, no job to small and no vat.

e:

gcormack@talktalk.net

Piano Tuition

T : 01224 - 316978

Piano Teacher West End Well established piano teacher has a few vacancies e : gazette@fsmail.net

Design Tips Garden Landscaping Now is the ideal time to make any major garden improvements you wish to make. Autumn and winter are prime planting times for trees, shrubs, hedges and bulbs. It gives the plants time to establish before the growing season commences in spring.

Maybe you want to dig a pond, build a deck or patio or just fancy a change of scene.

Find ideas from gardening magazines, TV programmes, and your neighbours.

Alternatively, you can employ a professional garden landscaping service. They are especially useful if you have major design changes you wish to make or are unable to do the work yourself. Landscaping and garden design services can come up with ideas you hadn’t thought of, advise on the best plants for your garden and source hard landscaping items easily.

Set yourself a budget and stick to it. It’s very easy to become carried away. Ensure any plants you choose are suitable for your area and soil otherwise you could be very disappointed.

Don’t forget your front garden either. This is the first thing visitors and passers-by see and a well-tended and beautifully designed front garden creates a positive impression.

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

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[Rona Tayler]

Growing old wit

At an age when many women are planning their retirement, Banchory-based Rona Tayler was planning a career change. Now, 27 years on she can look back on the best decision of her life.

2011 marks the silver jubilee of Hawkhill House Residential Nursing Home on the outskirts of Aberdeen. It is the city’s only independent nursing home and is consistently awarded excellent ratings by the Care Commission. It was also fully booked before it ever opened its doors.

“I’m still not thinking about retiring,” she said. “I retired once, from teaching and was bored out of my mind. I hadn’t really intended retiring that time but my husband worked for BP and was offered a transfer from Aberdeen to London. I didn’t have much say in the decision. We had a 10 minute discussion which changed the course of my life.”

Rona Tayler didn’t set out to be a teacher, or to run a nursing home. As a pupil at Dornoch Academy, where she left as dux, her ambition was to be a doctor. In fact she ended up training to be a PE teacher at the old Dunfermline College in Aberdeen, and then worked her way up the promotion ladder finally progressing from principal teacher and lady advisor to assistant head at Bankhead Academy, Bucksburn, on the outskirts of Aberdeen.

“I discovered I had a knack with what were classed as difficult children so I went as a supply teacher to the schools nobody else wanted. But I didn’t find the children challenging. I used to say to them that I’d told them once and twice would be too often, and the responded to that.”

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An advanced teacher of Scottish country dancing, she encouraged the activity in the schools where she taught to the extent they were successful in music festivals. She was invited to lecture to delegates at the Commonwealth Games at Meadowbank in Edinburgh in 1970 when her lecture was illustrated by a team of 30 pupils from Bankhead.

At the time of her enforced move south to Hampshire, and subsequent enforced retirement, she had time on her hands and the life of a lady of leisure did not appeal.

“It all came to a head one day when the window cleaner called and started telling me about my neighbours. He reckoned one had her first G&T by 10.30 each morning, another couldn’t afford to pay her bills at the local shop and the home of another one was held together only

by Virginia creeper. That’s when I knew I had to do something with my life,” she said, something of an understatement from a lady who had already shone in teaching.

A chance remark from her minister back in Aberdeen, the Rev Dr Scott Hutchison now retired and living in Drumoak, stuck in her mind.

He had once told her there was a shocking dearth of nursing home places locally. Rona had cared for both her parents, with little support, and felt passionately there must be an answer to the question of better provision for older people with health problems.

With no business plan, no collateral other than the family home and no experience of project management or running a nursing home, she identified the building she wanted and approached the bank. As a result, she bought a century-old, gracious granite building on the North Deeside Road that was to become Hawkhill House, and was involved in drawing up the plans to convert it into a nursing home.

Her involvement extended to drawing out a sample room in the architect’s car park. Her first disappointment was that she was allowed only

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th ambitions to fulfill

by Ruth Morrison

39 beds and not the 48 she wanted – and finally achieved. The building of Hawkhill House began in 1984 and it was finally opened as a nursing home in 1986.

All these clichés – failure isn’t an option, the word no isn’t in my vocabulary - could have been originated by Rona Tayler who developed a unique way of dealing with her bank which eventually capitulated and agreed to her terms. It was a decision they never regretted because she never reneged on a deal or missed a repayment. She borrowed £1.25 million, a 100% loan.

“In those days I was very much slimmer,” confided the superbly stylish lady, flicking back her hair. “And I had good legs. I used to dress up and wear my highest heels for business meetings. I’d sit there across the desk from the bank manager and change position every so often. Then when he was looking at my legs, I would look at the figures on his desk.”

She added: “He did say to me once that he admired my guts and he was lending me the money based on my personality because he knew I would succeed.”

She worked on the design and planning of the quality furnishings and colour schemes.

Gradually Hawkhill House took shape. Scott Hutchison encouraged her with Bible reference and more practically, road tested the building in his wheelchair. Finally, he was the one who declared it open in summer 1986 and has returned for the annual garden party every year since.

From the outset, she has been managing director and is involved personally in the managing of the home and many of the social activates the home provides. Initially she was supported by her husband, Mike, until his death and thereafter by two co-directors. Today she has the support of the Friends of Hawkhill very active and dedicated band of helpers which includes the Lady Provost.

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From the time she decided she wanted to run a nursing home, Rona Tayler has pursued a vision of excellence, set herself exceptionally high standards and has led by example. Her ways aren’t always conventional but they are successful and she has created a happy home for many of the city’s elderly folk. It didn’t happen by accident. Typically, she decided she should learn about business before launching herself into it, so while Hawkhill was taking shape, she returned to studying externally, graduating BA (Hons) from Glasgow then became a Chartered Member of the Institute of Management and has been invited to become a Fellow.

“That’s in my notes to do next year. I’ve come a long way and it’s been a bumpy ride. I’ve been told several times that no one human being could have achieved all that I’ve done, but I’ve done it and I’m not giving up yet,” she said.

In fact she intends celebrating the home’s silver anniversary in style, as she does everything else.

[Rona with the Lord and Lady Provost at the annual garden party and matron/manager Mrs Kristin Jackson-Brown ]

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Murielâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Puzzle Pages Calcudoku

x12

4

3

ŠPuzzlepress.co.uk

Fill each cell with a number from 1-6. No number can 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.

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.

14 3 3

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Muriel’s Puzzle Pages NUMBER CRUNCHER 1

Easy Sudoku

Easy

2 6

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Across

Harder Sudoku

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1. Pounds in eight stone (3) 4. 1 Across multiplied by two (3) 6. 26 Across plus 42986 (5) 9. 18 Across plus half of 4 Down (2) 11. 4 Across plus 29 Across plus one quarter of 7 Down (3) 12. 9 Across plus 18 Across (2) 13. 18 Across plus 8 Down (2) 15. 12 Across minus two (2) 16. 32 squared (4) 17. Feet in one mile (4) 18. Square root of 841 (2) 20. 9 Across plus 2 Down minus two (2) 21. 8 Down plus three (2) 22. 4 Across minus 26 Down (3) 24. 7 Down multiplied by three (2) 26. 11 Across multiplied by 22 Down (5) 28. 1 Across plus half of 7 Down (3) 29. 22 Across multiplied by two (3)

Down

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1. 97 per cent of 200 (3) 2. 4 Down plus two (2) 3. 22 Across multiplied by 11 (4) 4. 20 Across minus 9 Across (2) 5. Minutes in eight hours (3) 7. 2 Down minus 26 Down (2) 8. One quarter of 4 Across (2) 10. 134 squared plus 73 (5) 12. 6 Across plus 10 Down minus 14 Down (5) 14. 23 squared (3) 15. 29 Across plus 4 Across minus 2 Down (3) 19. 1 Across plus 16 Across minus two (4) 21. 14 Down plus one dozen (3) 22. One eighth of 4 Across (2) 23. 24 Across minus two (2) 25. 15 per cent of 5920 (3) 26. Years in one decade (2) 27. Months in seven years (2)

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Number Cruncher Solution

Codeword SOLUTION

Calcudoku Solution

Easy Sudoku Solution

Harder Sudoku Solution

Pictograms 1. Robin Hood 2. Keeping Up With The Joneses

Copy Deadline : 19 October for November issue

Cryptic Crossword Solution

3. Paper Over The Cracks

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Window & Door Lock Replacement.

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Safes and Cabinets For Peace of Mind At Work or Home Electrical Cabling & Accessories Safety Signs & Equipment

Call Us Now

Call Us Now For Peace of Mind At Work or Home - Call Us Now Call Us Now

For Peace of Mind At Work or Home

Christmas Call Us Now

Craft Fair

Airyhall Community Centre

Saturday, 12 November 2011 11am - 4pm

Toys Clothes

Free Entry Cafe serving drinks & snacks

Picture Frames Candles Jewellery Purses Textiles - Soaps

Buy directly from the crafter

and other funky stuff

aberdeencraftbazaar.co.uk

@ Scallywags, 51H Rose Street, Aberdeen,

Please do mention the gazette when responding to advertisers - thank you

gcg : 61

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

A pg 47 pg 61 pg 54 pg 29 pg 26 pg 25 pg 10-11

Aberdeen City Council - Accord Card Aberdeen Craft Bazaar Adair and McIntosh Airyhall Community Council Alan D Cowie Painter Aquatic Soul Bathrooms American Women of Aberdeen

B pg 61 pg 49 pg 25 pg 54

Babyscanning Bonn-na-Coille Cottages Blue Flame Heating Bonding with Baby

C pg 54 pg 35 pg 54 pg 63

Christie Wood Joinery Ciao Napoli Compucare Cumming Fire and Security

D pg 39 pg 18+59 pg 51 pg 3

DAWGS Devonair Hairstylists Didrikson’s Kids Driving Tuition - Mark

F pg 37 pg 64 pg 54 pg 39

Four Mile House - Ferryhill Hotel Finnies the Jeweller Fiona Carter - Piano Tutor Flourish

G pg 54 pg 54

George Cormack Painter Granite City Powerwashing

H pg 56-57 Hawkhill House J pg 54 pg 39

Jane Crofts Gibb Junction Art and Gifts

K pg 25 Kenny Davidson - Painter pg 5 Kingsgate Law pg 17+18 Kumiko Beauty L

gcg : 62

Book space with the gazette today 19 Octt is the deadline for the November issue Tel : 01224-318561

email : gazette@fsmail.net www.thegranitecitygazette.co.uk

M pg 51 pg 39 pg 54 pg 3

Mannofield Music Maryfield Farm - Turkeys Mrs Charles - Piano Tuition MSM Driver Tuition

N pg 54

Neil Angus - IT

O pg 49 pg 26

Oven Valet Ovenclean

P pg 40 pg 31-34 pg 54 pg 54 pg 18

Pandy Arthur Paula McEwen Restaurant Philip Garden - Painter Plumbing and Heating Podiatrist - Trudi Deans

Q pg 28

Queens Cross Community Council

R pg 15 pg 55

Scottesque at Rosehip and Tutu Rosemount Joinery

S pg 61 Scallywags Toys pg 2 Scott Gilmour Optometrist pg15 Scottesque pg 26 Spik n’ Span T pg 17 pg 19 pg 49 pg 54 pg 18 pg 39

Temple Aesthetics The House The Oven Valet Tracey Ward - Pilates Trudi C Deans - Podiatrist Turkeys - Maryfield Farm

U pg 27

Union Square

W pg Waterbabies www.thegranitecitygazette.co.uk

t : 01224 - 318561

e : gazette@fsmail.net

For Sale or Loan Yogi Bear : 13.2hh Welsh Cross Gelding

Please do mention the gazette when responding to advertisers - thank you

gcg : 63

... say it with Finnies.

For christenings, birthdays, graduations, engagements, weddings, retirements, or just to say thank you.

For Life.

George Street, Aberdeen. Tel 01224 636632 www.finnies.co.uk Open: Mon/Fri/Sat: 9am-5.30pm. Tues: 9.30am-5.30pm. Wed: 9am-1pm Thurs: 9am-7pm *CHARMS SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY