Issue 68 Jul-Aug 2012

Issue 68 Summer 2012

West End Edition Free Magazine

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Home Improvement Special - BMW M5 (2012) - Costa Rica

West End gazette

A note from Sue...

delivered to : 11800 West End Homes 200 City Businesses

Welcome back to our summer issue.

deadlines :

Issue 68

23 August for the September magazine

publisher/owner : Sue Simpson

All enquiries :

Summer 2012

West End Edition Free Magazine

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Home Improvement Special - BMW M5 (2012) - Costa Rica

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It was as ever a busy month kicking off with the Olympic Torch travelling through our area. How fantastic was that? Emma captured some shots for the gazette and Scott Gilmour who has the optometrist’s at Cults had the privilege of using one of the torches as part of his display.

Emma runs her own ‘local’ photography business and has kindly offered to help out at the gazette! You can view some of her excellent photographs on her website: www.emmadavidsonphotography.co.uk

mob : 07813 964 875

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thru the door at :

Airyhall, Ashley, Bieldside, Braeside, Broomhill, Countesswells, Craigiebuckler, Cults , Holburn, Kepplestone Houses, Mannofield, Morningside, Queens Cross, Rubislaw, Seafield, Viewfield, Woodland at Pitfodels, Woodend

Deeside gazette delivered to : Drumoak, Banchory, Torphins and Aboyne Drop offs : Peterculter and Kincardine O Neil contact details & deadlines : as above

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

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

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I’d also like to welcome the Open Door Gallery, Rhymetime, Graham Reid Joinery, Guitar Tuition, Neal’s Yard Remedial Organics, Mubasher Chowdry, Anum Brow and Beauty, MTC Windows and Doors, 1st Class Ironing and Just Dance.

For those looking for inspiration to lose weight then take a look at the success story on the back cover at Temple Aesthetics - you look amazing Tracey, well done.

There is always a lot to go and see and do in Aberdeen but we must remember the AIYF, some of the listings are on the entertainment pages - also the 2nd Aberdeen Art Fair is being held at the Music Hall, a great opportunity to see amazing ‘Art’ from galleries all over the UK. Our very own Junction Arts will have a stand there too.

Ad-hoc contributions from : James Baggott; Pippa Greenwood; Jane Robinson and Amanda Wise Advertising Sales : Sue Simpson : 01224 - 318561

Distribution - thanks to : Anne; Mark; Sue; Ashley; Carol; Caroline; Gregor; Jodi; Cameron; Kate; Sarah; Fraser; Laura; Freya; David; Elise; Maureen & Raymond; Bessie; Vanessa; Lauren; Sophie; Sharon; Mary; Rebecca; Benjamin; Adam; Glenn; Jennifer; Kate; Alix and Andrew

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Our centre page section is dedicated to converting your loft; there are some nice ideas and great pictures to inspire you. For those looking to move out with the city could Tullochvenus House be your “dream home”?

Definitely worth a look I’m sure.

Have you booked a holiday? No - then let us suggest Costa Rica? Solange has given you a nice little insight into what you can expect. If you are on holiday, remember to look after your plants before you go! Pippa has a wee guide to help you there too, which may deter any opportunist burglar! And don’t forget to lock that shed.

I know how much you men enjoy your gadgets so there is a page dedicated to all things travel!

And for those wanting a bigger gadget then have a look at the write up about the new BMW M5 (2012), I hope you’ll be impressed.

I’ll be back with the September issue in no time at all, but in the meantime, I hope you have a truly fabulous summer break. Fingers crossed the weather picks up for us. Enjoy any prebooked holidays and for the others maybe a last minute bargain.

Copy deadline for adverts, event listing and articles is 23 August.

So go grab that cuppa and read on...

Until the next time

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Cult’s Man Nominated Sam Murray is the ultimate unsung hero. He has been chair of Aberdeen's Unicef committee for more years than anyone can count, raising hundreds of thousands of pounds towards tackling child poverty throughout the world.

His most recent success was when he brokered a deal with the NHS to not throw out 'old' hospital beds but to give them to him.

Sam then led a series of fundraising activities to raise thousands of pounds to send the beds to Ghana. These beds now reside in hospitals throughout Africa! It is proven that children have more chance of recovery from illness if they can lie on a bed next to their parents and now thanks to Sam, thousands of children now have this opportunity. Sam seeks no personal gain and his tireless work is always carried out behind the scenes.

However, while the other members of the Unicef committee appreciate his work, the opportunity to carry the Olympic torch provides a fitting tribute. Sam embodies all that the olympics stand for. He is a global citizen who looks on everyone as equals and believes in equality for all. He is committed, hard-working, inspirational and in my opinion and that of my fellow Unicef committee members deserves this opportunity to carry the OIympic torch.

(Unfortunately we didn’t have a picture of Sam with the torch at the time of going to print.) www.thegranitecitygazette.co.uk t : 01224 - 318561

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 Scott Gilmour was very pleased to be able to show off Sam’s Olympic Torch in his window display earlier this month, along with a great selection of sporting frames!

We were also able to take some photographs at Mannofield as the Torch went by. Thanks to Emma Davidson Photography. www.emmadavidsonphotography.co.uk

Accredited by RACH for Children’s Eye Examinations

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

5 The Courtyard, Cults, Aberdeen AB15 9SD

Telephone : 01224 - 863344 info@scottgilmouroptometrists.co.uk www.scottgilmouroptometrists.co.uk

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Your Moment to Shine...

If I may borrow a slogan from the Olympics, this summer is going to give a huge number of people in the UK amongst their biggest “Moments to Shine”. It’s a wonderful thing to think about the huge number of people for whom the various exciting events we are all so very much aware of this summer are amongst the most important of their lives.

Whether they are gold medal winners or not there are scores of people who will look back on so many moments this summer as being THE most exciting, THE pinnacle of their career, THE most exhilarating, or simply giving them a wonderful feeling of having been involved in, or at least witnessed firsthand, history in the making.

We can all use moments like those, moments where we have felt exceptionally happy, or exhilarated, or enjoyed a sense of achievement, or perhaps power, or excitement. Maybe it is the moment you met your partner or some significant person in your life, maybe it’s the moment you gave birth, or arrived in a beautiful place, played a much-practised piece of music beautifully, scored an amazing goal, or received some wonderful news.

We can all enjoy those feelings in the moment, but we can also file them away in our minds and use them, really USE them, at times when we maybe need a little help with feeling more positive or motivated or just a little happier.

Here’s how you can do this:

First take a few slow, deep breaths, in and all the way out. Take your time and do it slowly. Then when you have done about

4 you will already be feeling slightly more relaxed. At this point close your eyes and imagine such a memory, a personal memory for you. Keep doing the slow breathing whilst you focus on the memory, so you can really bring it back and reexperience the wonderful impact it has on your mood. When you’re back in the memory, really see what you’re seeing, really hear the sounds you’re hearing, notice any smells, tastes or physical feelings associated with that time. Keep holding it in your mind, exploring it and enjoying it for at least 3 or 4 minutes, really for as long as possible to have the greatest effect. And do it again and again, the more you do it the longer you will be able to do it for and the greater the impact will be.

This summer there are even more amazing things than usual happening in the UK and for many involved it will clearly be their “Moment to shine” but each and every one of us can create our own versions of such moments and benefit from the impact we can allow them to have on us again and again.

So what do you hold in your mind as your “Moment to shine”, the moments you shone, or even those when you might shine in the future?

If you would like a chat with me about how I can help you with this or any other aspect of your life please email me on Amanda@WiseLifeCoaching.com.

If you’d, first, prefer to check out a bit more about what I do then go to my website www.WiseLifeCoaching.com.

Have a WONDERFUL summer with LOTS of moments to shine J Amanda x

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Good Sport Stories The London 2012 Games are upon us and suddenly the country is sports mad.

If the ‘Couch Olympics’ are more your style, then how about getting some fresh air and curling up in a deckchair with some of the best sporting novels around?

The Legend of Bagger Vance: A Novel of Golf and the Game of Life Steven Pressfield Those who follow Mark Twain’s philosophy that ‘golf is a good walk spoiled’ may be inclined to pick up a five-iron after reading this novel. The story proves that with the right support you can achieve anything. A former golfing champion shows up to compete in a 36-hole showdown against two golfing greats. But the local war hero has one secret weapon: his caddie, Bagger Vance.

The Swimmer John Cheever If you’re more inclined to sprint rather than opt for the marathon then this remarkable short story could be for you. Neddy Merrill and his wife are spending Seabiscuit: Three Men and a Racehorse Laura Hillenbrand This is a classic story of seeing the potential in the underdog.

Seabiscuit has wonky legs and a rather pathetic excuse for a tail but three men spot his potential and help shape this remarkable animal’s future. Who better to ride him than a partiallysighted, half-crippled, failed boxer? It’s a master-class in triumph over adversity that sees the men rescue Seabiscuit from a life of obscurity and transform him into the stuff of legends.

a drunken evening hanging around at a friend’s house in the suburbs. He decides that he’s going to swim home via the neighbours’ suburban pools. At first he’s bursting with youthful energy, spurred on by visiting more and more friends, but towards the end of the story he’s drained and in pain until he finally drags himself back home. The story is a strange mixture of realism and surrealism, playing on ideals of the American dream and what happens when the seasons change to winter and old age catches up with you.

Outside Edge: The Stage Play Richard Harris We couldn’t cover sports in this country without turning the spotlight on cricket and there’s nothing more quintessentially English than the play Outside Edge. It follows the trials and tribulations of Roger, who’s having trouble putting together a team to face the British Railways Maintenance Division Yeading East. He’s besieged by his club members’ marital problems and hysterical new girlfriends, not to mention his own wife discovering that he’s been ‘playing away’.

Make yourself a cricket tea, prepare to laugh out loud…and don’t forget the umbrella!

Fever Pitch Nick Hornby For football fans and football widows, this semiautobiographical account of what it means to support a team will have you laughing and crying in equal measures. The author Nick Hornby has been obsessed with Arsenal since before he could say ‘up the Gunners’.

Bordering on insanity at times, this memoir charts both the pleasure and the unique pain of dedicating your life to following a football team. It’s a brilliantly witty insight into the working of a young man’s mind.

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The Loneliness of a LongDistance Runner Alan Sillitoe There’s something so noble about the lone runner, battling the inclement weather like a solitary soldier. This is a story of anti-authoritarianism that will resonate with anyone who ever had to do cross-country running on a wet and windy November morning, in their vest and pants.

Set in a reform school, it’s about integrity and going against the system. Stillitoe’s beautiful and moving novel cut an elegant and poised figure in the literary world and inspired a generation.

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Let’s talk wine...

G is for Germany With vineyards at the 50th parallel, Germany is a classic cool climate wine country with white wine production far out- weighing red. For red wines, the northern region of Ahr is known for Pinot Noir and further south, Wurttemberg produces wines from Trollinger and spicy Lemberger. Also look out for the Dornfelder grape – resulting wines are fun and often off dry.

Riesling is seen as the king of white grapes and in Germany, there are many different styles from bone dry ‘Trocken’ to finely tuned ‘Kabinett’ (medium dry) to the purity of the rare Eiswein made from grapes which have frozen on the vine and other styles in between all categorised by their ripeness. The acidity of Riesling balances perfectly with any sweetness in the wine.

From the steep slate slopes of the Mosel Valley, Riesling is often a delicate floral/apple balance, further south in Baden, peachy characters start to appear It’s time to rediscover the balance and elegance that Germany offers. The lighter styles and sometimes lower alcohol levels also happen to be perfect for summer drinking.

Wines to try:

Dr L Mosel Riesling 2009 £8.95 Wine Raks Aberdeen Villa Wolf Rose 2009 £8.95 Wine Raks Aberdeen Dornfelder Schwabsburger Pfaffenkappe 2009, Schloss Rothenberg 01224 733110 Von Buhl Riesling Trocken 2009 £14.50 Deeside Drinks Emporium Carol Brown Viisit www.wineuncorkededucation.co.uk or call Carol on 01224 312076.

Carol is an Aberdeen based member of the Association of Wine Educators and the Circle of Wine Writers.

Bookings are now being taken for the WES 8 week Introductory evening class starting 12th September.

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Aluminium Foil Aluminium foil is commonly referred to as tin foil because the original product manufactured back in the early twentieth century was actually made of tin, but all the ‘tin foil’ you buy these days is now aluminium. A staple of the kitchen for over 100 years then, but it has many other uses around the home.

Soften brown sugar by wrapping it in foil and putting it in a medium oven for around 5 minutes.

Your dog or cat will dislike the feeling and sound of foil, so lay a sheet over your chairs and sofas and within a few days they’ll learn not to jump up. Likewise cover table and chair legs and this will put them off using the legs as a scratching post.

Increase the effectiveness of your ironing board by laying a sheet under the cover.

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The foil will reflect the heat back meaning you can iron on a lower setting. The same principle applies if you put foil behind your room radiators.

If you have a tray of ice cubes in the freezer, cover it with foil and this will ensure the ice stays clean and doesn’t pick up odours from other food.

If you are having your carpet cleaned you may not be able to move the larger furniture out of the room. Squares of foil under the legs will protect the furniture and won’t stain the damp carpet.

Extend the life of your scissors by cutting through several layers of foil to sharpen them.

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Margaret Waite T: 07764 168 873

margaret@mwaitemortgages.com

June Hodge T: 07715 454 165

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BBQ American Style

(you don’t want lumps) and stir for 10-15 minutes or until it darkens. Add chopped onion, green pepper, celery, minced garlic and thick slices of smoked sausage. Cook for 5 minutes, season, and add file powder (dried sassafras leaves) if you can find it, dried sage if you can’t. Add bay leaves and a litre of chicken stock, bring to the boil, then turn it down and simmer for approximately 30 minutes. Add a skinned, boned, and shredded roast chicken (cooked the day before) and king prawns (optional) and simmer slowly for another hour, topping up with stock if necessary (a gumbo is a soup, not a stew, so it needs to be liquid). Serve with brown rice.

And to drink? Californian wine, of course, but also a genuine imported American beer. Not Budweiser or Coors because they are now brewed in Britain: Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is, I think, the most widely available import – and it’s delicious!

This summer take the wire brush to the barbecue, fire up the charcoal (or gas), and throw on a steak. Or sausages. Or ribs. Or burgers. Or a piece of chicken which you can microwave first if you’re nervous. But before you cook it, make it truly American by slathering it with the following simple barbecue sauce.

Fry finely chopped onions on a medium heat until golden brown. Add minced garlic and chopped and seeded chillis (optional) and fry for another minute. Add tomato puree, Worcester sauce, vinegar, salt and pepper, and either some jam or jelly (redcurrant or apricot) or, if you’re not using chillis, some sweet chilli sauce. Fry on a medium heat for another 10 minutes and you’ll end up with a sauce that’s full of complex flavours – sweet, sour, hot and deep. Use some of the sauce as a marinade and some for pouring over, but keep them separate to avoid crosscontamination.

The crowning glory of your American barbecue is gumbo. The heart of gumbo is a roux made deep and dark by long cooking, so in a heavy-bottomed saucepan heat some oil, then add an equal quantity of sifted flour

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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

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Essence of Excellence

BBQ PACKS & ORDERS TAKEN DAILY Award Winning Butcher Shop World Cheese Counter, Fresh Fish & Seafood Butchery Demonstrations for Schools, Public & Companies Ask our staff anything about buying & cooking your meats Wedding Cheese Cakes, BBQ Events, Demo & Dine at Home

35-37 Chattan Place, Aberdeen, AB10 6RB, just off Union Grove.

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Cherry pots with fluffy meringue tops

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Serves 4 Prep time 20 mins Cook time 20 mins

Ingredients 500g fresh cherries, pitted and cut in half 50g soft brown sugar 150ml red wine 8 amaretti biscuits 3 large egg whites 150g golden caster sugar

Method

Preheat the oven to 220째C/ gas mark 7.

Place the cherries in a pan with the brown sugar and red wine.

Bring to the boil, cover and simmer gently for 10 minutes until soft.

Spoon the cherries in to 4 large ramekins.

Roughly crumble the amaretti biscuits onto the top, dividing them equally.

In a large bowl, whisk the egg whites to a stiff peak. Start adding the sugar gradually, whisking all the time until the meringue is glossy. Spoon onto the top of the cherries.

Bake for 5-8 minutes until the meringue is golden. Serve with nothing else but a chilled glass of dessert wine or a generous glass of cassis.

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Neal’s Yard Remedies Organic, an opportunity for everyone!

and support BUAV - the British Union for Abolition of Vivisection.

Every one of our products is designed to enhance your beauty by enhancing your health, either from the inside with our herbs, tinctures and remedies or from outside, with our effective skin care formulations. Many are award winning!

The company originated as an apothecary in the now famous, Neal’s Yard of Covent Garden Market, London. Our natural and organic products have been produced since 1981.

We are proud of our British heritage and the classic iconic blue glass bottles, which

Our mission is to change the world one blue bottle at a time and we need your help to achieve this. Our independent consultants introduce our amazing award winning products to more and more people in all corners of the UK. NYR Organic is one of the fastest growing direct selling companies. We are only just 3 years old and need more consultants to help spread the mission throughout Scotland and the border counties.

act as a natural preservative and protect the aromatic essential oils within, which are virtually identical to those original bottles of the original products of 31 years ago.

Our belief in sustainability means we use only the wild, organic, and natural ingredients nature can afford to give. We avoid polluting, toxic or harmful substances and don’t over-package.

We exclude ingredients such as Parabens, Mineral Oils, GM modified ingredients and petro chemicals. The only fragrance is from the aromatherapy oils and you won’t find any other synthetic chemicals in our products either. You can be assured of that because you can trust the certification from the Soil Association.

This is an amazing opportunity for anybody to grow their own business, with this ethical, independent brand. For minimal start up cost of £95, you could begin to earn an unlimited income, with just a few hours a week with no stress or targets. So call today for an information pack or to find out more. Or, why not book a home party or get together to sample the products for yourself, some home pampering, personal consultation and stress free shopping.

Call Susan on 07867 801958 or email Susan@organicbliss.org.uk or see website at www.organicbliss.org.uk

Our ingredients are sourced ethically and many are Fairtrade. Additionally, we don’t test our products or ingredients on animals

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Issue 11 of North-East North-East Scotland's Scotland’s magazine ofmagazine literature of literature andarts visual and the visual is arts to continue its isdelighted on sale at local vendors with NEOS, orpartnership via the gazette! both organisations with a Contact Sue to get your mutual passion to foster copy or pop intoof...our the artistic talents unique corner Scotland Junction Art &ofGifts - and to shareStores this secret Hammerton with the wider world!

Books and Beans Art Gallery insome Issue 11 on and sale at September via NEOS NEOS studios and outlets around the North East. outlets.

Cost ÂŁ6.00

www.pushingouttheboat.co.uk ~ follow us on facebook ~ Outside Covers POTB 11 - 2012.indd 1

Rebecca Patterson has always held the dream of opening her own gallery. After graduating from Gray’s School of Art in Aberdeen in 2009 with a BA(Hons) in Painting then again in 2010 with a Master’s in Curatorial Practice she has taken the opportunity – despite the recession – to utilise her skills and experience in achieving her dream of opening a gallery promoting affordable artwork and supporting local Artists and Designers.

The taboos associated with exhibiting in galleries have been lifted at The Open Door Gallery. The aim being to really communicate well with the exhibitors, giving them a higher proportion of the work sale and taking the time to understand their ideas and processes. In doing this Rebecca will feel enthusiastic and confident in promoting their work to the general public. The first Thursday of every month is a free open night where the public are invited to socialise in the space and meet some of the artists. The gallery actively encourages creative opportunities and networking - some exhibiting artists already undertaking projects through being involved with The Open Door Gallery.

The Open Door Gallery aims to target a missing market for affordable artwork – under £150. By pledging to stock a vast number of works in this range it has meant that unframed work will also be accepted, including prints and photography. It is an ideal opportunity to pick up some great original work at a good price and also a must visit gallery for collectors looking for investment pieces by up and coming artists and designers. www.opendoorgalleryaberdeen.com The Open Door Gallery 54 Chapel Street, Aberdeen, AB101SQ Tel: 01224 632163 info@opendoorgalleryaberdeen.com

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BMW M5 (2012)

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

BMW likes to do efficiency these days. That means big, brash and loud is out and in its place comes clever use of technology to excite drivers. That means big changes for the marque’s loudest cars, like the M5. The 5.0-litre V10 of the previous generation has been killed off, and in its place is a smaller 4.4-litre V8.

Before you become too upset though, things aren’t as bad as they seem. Yes, the powerplant may have lost a few cylinders and cubic capacity, but thanks to a brace of turbochargers this new lump is actually more powerful and more efficient (there’s that word again) than the engine it replaces.

How much more? Well, power is up 10 per cent to 560bhp and torque increased by a whopping 30 per cent to 680Nm. Ok, so that’s a little off the Merc’s 800Nm of pull, but still mighty impressive.

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control engaged, there’s just enough slip to put a grin on your face, yet save you from the kitty litter. With it off, it’s a tail out showboater.

It all helps the new M5 hit 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and crack on to 155 mph. Equally impressive is the improvements at the pumps – fuel economy is up from 20mpg to 28mpg while emissions have been slashed 112g/km to 234g/km. A major achievement.

That 4.4-litre engine sounds brilliant too.

Like a mini Bugatti Veyron it angrily sucks in air and spits out a venomous bark from its quad pipes. Equally thrilling is its rapid DCT seven-speed gearbox. Far superior to the Merc’s set up, this twin clutch box fires through ratios with a ferocity only seen before on a Ferrari 458.

But to be honest, we don’t really care about the latter. What we really care about is whether it feels as good as the V10? And the simple answer is no – it’s better.

There’s no denying the M5 is a big car, but it feels the smallest, most compact here.

It’s easy to jump in and drive – and drive fast. It’s flattering on the road, and hugely exciting on the track. With the traction

Inside it feels a lot more modern than the Mercedes – its closest rival here – with brilliant seats, a superb driving position and wonderfully direct and supple

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steering. Tech levels are understandably high for a £73k car with a head up display, DAB radio, 19-inch alloys, night vision and lots more.

But it’s not the kit or space that puts the Beemer in the number one spot here – it’s the driving experience. This is one mighty M model that’s simple to jump in and drive fast.

Masses of electronic trickery help, but that absolute peach of an engine (BMW’s most potent ever, no less), that visceral noise and that smile you’ll find hard to wipe off your face every time you drive it, help it secure the top spot.

Model: BMW M5 Price: £73,040 Engine: 4.4-litre, V8 twin turbo Power: 560bhp, 680Nm Max speed: 155mph 0-60mph: 4.4s MPG (comb’d): 28 Emissions: 234g/km Verdict: It has BMW’s most potent powerplant ever, sounds amazing and is as easy to drive as a 520d.

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Quality Products and Workmanship Wallpaper Hanging Lining/Emulsion Hand Taping

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Lofty Ideals Katherine Sorrell Converting your loft can be the ideal way to gain extra space without the expense and hassle of moving house.

Katherine Sorrell outlines the dos and don’ts.

Dark, pokey and inaccessible, lofts can often be, literally, a waste of space, useful for a bit of dusty, long-term storage and nothing else. Turn that space into one or two useful rooms and – ta da! – not only might you have added real value to your property, but you’ve got extra living space that could make all the difference to happy family life.

The simplest loft conversion might just involve strengthening and boarding out the floor, adding a light and sticking in a pull-down loft ladder – giving you a good-sized storage area that’s accessible on a regular basis, at a cost of probably only a couple of thousand pounds. Bear in mind, however, that Building Regulations may apply to even a simple conversion – see more at www.planningportal. gov.uk. Such a basic project may be a good idea in practical, everyday terms, but if it’s added value you’re after, you’ll have to be more ambitious, say the experts, and put in at least one ‘real’ room.

‘It’s a false economy to cut corners,’ says Jeremy Leaf, RICS housing spokesperson (www.rics.org).

‘To maximise your return the conversion has to be designed properly from the very beginning. You should have a proper lobby area when you come up the stairs, there should be sufficient head clearance, it should be properly insulated, you should have a dormer window rather than a Velux. It’s also important to think about how a loft conversion affects the house as a whole, as they can make them top heavy, with too many bedrooms and, in comparison, too few reception rooms. Check out

other properties nearby which have been similarly extended to see what has been done and what they’re worth.’ When doing your research, it’s always a good idea to ask a local estate agent for advice, and you could also go to a website such as www. nethouseprices.com to find out how much properties in your area have sold for recently.

A word about space planning. If you have room, adding a bathroom to a loft conversion makes sense both practically and financially, and shouldn’t cost any more than adding a new bathroom anywhere else in the house – in other words, anything from around £3,000 for a plain fit-out. Costs will be minimised if you place the bathroom above one on the floor below, keeping plumbing work simple, but Hugo Tugman of Architect Your Home (www. architect-yourhome. com) points out that you should always keep your options open. ‘It’s folly to put the bathroom in the wrong place, just because that’s where the drains are,’ he says.

‘The same goes for

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staircases – most people think that there’s just one place where a staircase can be fitted in a loft conversion, because Building Regulations require two metres of head room above it, but

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you can end up squashing your accommodation just because the best bit of loft is taken up with a staircase. It’s really worth considering the possible alternatives when doing your planning.’ e : gazette@fsmail.net

And finally, if overall head height is an issue in your potential loft conversion, don’t try to get away with cramped, uncomfortable rooms. Hugo points out that lowering the ceilings of

the rooms below is often a possibility, and can make all the difference to the success of a project. ‘It sounds like it would be a massive expense,’ he says, ‘but in fact the additional costs are

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really only plastering and decorating the rooms below, and it would probably add no more than about three or four thousand onto a simple job.’

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(It’s important to fit storage into sloping ceilings in a loft conversion, so a fitted wardrobe such as this is ideal.

This is the Melody French Oak range from Hammonds, 0800 021 4360; www.hammonds-uk.com.)

But will it add value?

If possible, try to add a bathroom to a loft conversion. The combination of bedroom with ensuite is not only convenient but is likely to add more value when it comes to selling. This Cora bath is £1,194 by BC Designs, 01206 827100; www.bcdesigns.co.uk.

A double bedroom and ensuite loft conversion by Econoloft, 0800 269 765; www.econoloft.co.uk.

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The HSBC’s annual home improvement survey found, in March this year, that a loft conversion is still the improvement that adds the most value, boosting the price of a property by, on average, £16,152. But according to specialists Econoloft, a typical conversion by building professionals costs between £20,000 and £30,000. The answer may lie, therefore, in keeping costs down by doing as much work as possible yourself – but only if you can do it to a good standard. Valuation expert Paul Cutbill, of Countrywide Surveying Services, said: ‘Whilst sensibly improved and well presented homes will generally be attractive to potential purchasers, rising labour and material costs mean that the gap between the cost of improving and monies realised at the point of any sale has been reduced. Poor quality refitting and lack of proper design considerations, often as a result of inadequate project budgeting and planning, can also have a significant knock-on effect to any added value which might be gained when selling a property.’

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Sliding Window along with our Residential Doors, Composite Doors, French Doors and Sliding Doors are all available in a number of styles and in a variety of colours and glass designs.

MTC can also extend your home to suit your needs, whether it is a Front Porch, Conservatory, Sun Lounge or a Home Extension. MTC can take care of everything from enquiry stage right through to completion- ie design, architectural drawings, planning and building warrants applications, structural reports, and all other aspects of building your tailor-made extension. Our experienced team with over 110 years in the industry will help and advise you turn your dreams into reality.

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Your Plants Don’t Want a ‘Holiday’ A good, thorough watering of the garden will mean that plants in open ground should be unharmed by hot weather for a good while.

Plants in pots and tubs are totally reliant on you if there is not much rain, so make these your priority, and tell your plant-sitter where all the containers are, especially those out of sight.

If you’re going on holiday shortly, don’t forget that your garden and plants will appreciate some TLC before you leave. An hour or two spent sorting out your plants can not only help to keep them going whilst you’re sunning yourself elsewhere, but also help to make your house look less abandoned in your absence. So before you grab a suitcase, make sure you spend some time in the garden.

I’m certainly not a lawn buff, but whether your lawn is your priority, or like me it’s more of a patch of grass than a bowling green, sort it out before you go. Give it a thorough mowing, cutting it as short as you dare but without ‘scalping’ it by cutting too low. Next take a pair of lawn edging shears, a halfmoon edger or simply a sharp spade and neaten all the edges, including those next to flower beds. The effect of edging lasts far longer than mowing and will not only stop the lawn moving into the flower beds, but also make the grass appear more recently maintained.

Make sure that all plants, especially those in containers and those forming fruit whilst you’re away, are given a good feed before you go. Liquid feeds usually have the speediest response, but if you’re taking a long trip, controlled release fertiliser granules will last for longer. If you use a dry or granular feed, make sure that you water it in well unless it’s just about to rain.

It really is worth persuading a friend, relative or neighbour to pop in to your garden and do the odd bit of watering. Make sure to suggest that they pick the sweet-peas, harvest some veg and so forth, then you’ll both benefit.

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Many plants cease flowering if faded flowers are left on them and allowed to start to form seeds. This means it’s extra important to remove every faded bloom before you leave.

If you’re off for more than a week, I suggest ‘dead heading’ not only the faded flowers, but also those which are just starting to fade.

A sharp pair of scissors or just your finger and thumb should do the trick.

Hanging baskets are invariably in the hottest, sunniest pots in the garden and with their roots up in the air they are especially prone to drought. Unless you have a really reliable watering helper lined up, it’s best to carefully lower hanging baskets and stand each one on its own pot in a shady spot where it will dry out less quickly.

Planters and patio pots lose moisture very readily especially if the weather is hot, windy or, worse, a combination of both.

By carefully grouping the pots together in one place you’ll not only make it easier for your holiday helper to find them all, but will also create shade around the roots of the pots, so reducing the risk of drought and heat damage. Try to position more drought tolerant patio plants such as pelargoniums, towards the outer edge of the group, and more drought prone plants towards the cooler centre of the group.

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Make sure that your garden sheds and other storage areas are properly secured so that there’s less chance that any light-fingered guests will burgle your belongings. It’s worth giving the padlock keys to a neighbour, just in case there is anything in the shed that might be needed in your absence.

Ladders, mattocks, spades and other gardening items that could be used to break into your house (or the shed) should be removed completely, or locked away out of sight so that they don’t encourage burglary.

Finally check that plants are healthy and that any new outbreaks of pests or diseases are treated or dealt with before you go - leave a handful of whitefly in your greenhouse, or a few greenfly on your roses, and there may well be a full-scale disaster zone when you return!

*Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com and order your ‘Winter Thru’ Spring’ Vegetable Collection, including purple sprouting broccoli, cauliflowers, cabbages and winter lettuces plus autumn planting garlic, shallots and onions AND monthly advice and tips emails from Pippa. Orders close soon. Whilst there, visit the new products area for a great selection of products including signed copies of Pippa’s books, Grower Frames, cloches, raised bed kits, delightful terracotta herb planters and wall plaques, biological pest controls and lots more!*

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35

Bronzed Goddess - The ultimate guide to faking a tan

by Helen Taylor

A great tan is essential for summer.

We all know however that spending hours soaking up the sun’s rays is a definite no-no. It’s no surprise then that more and more of us are opting for the safe option and getting a golden glow courtesy of one of the many ‘at home’ fake tanners that are on the market.

It’s not always easy to achieve the results you’d hoped for though - most people have an ‘orange disaster’ tale to tell. That’s why we’ve compiled a definitive guide to fake tanning. It’s just in time to help you look beach-ready and gorgeous and it goes a long way to prove that with careful preparation, the right products and an hour of your time, you can successfully be transformed into a bronzed goddess.

Step One - The right product If you’re new to self-tanning or have pale skin, it’s a good idea to start with a gradual tanning product. The result is fairly subtle which means it’s forgiving of beginners’ mistakes and it also allows you to achieve the depth of colour you want gradually.

Step Two - Planning Consider where you will be applying your tan. The bathroom is the obvious choice, but not necessarily the best. Ideally you need a fair amount of space, a full length mirror and lots of natural light. Allow plenty of time and don’t be tempted to rush.

Step Three - Exfoliate The most important stage of the process is preparation. Your skin is the canvas on which the fake tan product will be applied and it needs to be as even and smooth as possible.

Exfoliation is integral for establishing the right base. It’s best done the night before, as it allows the skin to settle overnight. If you’re going to wax your legs, then make sure you allow 24 hours between waxing and tanning to avoid dark dots that emerge as a result of the product building up in open follicles.

Thoroughly removing dead skin cells will allow for an even base on which to apply the tan.

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Step Four - Moisturise Moisturising is essential. Be incredibly generous with your moisturiser and ensure that it’s fragrance and colour free, as some varieties can affect the result of the tan. Pay particular attention to troublesome areas. Knees, ankles, elbows and wrists are generally drier and will soak up the tanning product if not properly moisturized, resulting in a patchy finish.

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Step Five - Apply When applying the tan it’s a good idea to wear latex gloves. Work quickly but carefully, starting with your feet and methodically covering every inch of your skin evenly. Don’t forget to include your armpits, toes and backs of your ankles.

Step Six - Don’t forget hands Once you have tanned your entire body, remove your gloves and thoroughly moisturise your hands, working the cream into nails, knuckles and wrists. Apply a dot of fake tan to the back of one hand and rub it against the other, working up past the wrists.

Step Seven - Leave to dry Drying times vary from product to product - mousses tend to work faster than creams or lotions. Whichever you use, it’s imperative that you allow it to dry on the skin fully. Speed up the process with a cool blast of air from your hairdryer. When you do dress, choose loose fitting clothes and keep away from water for at least six hours.

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37

How to Nail the Perfect At-Home Manicure

By Helen Taylor

The key to looking perfectly groomed is paying attention to little details that make all the difference.

It’s easy to overlook your hands and nails, but taking the time to include them in your beauty regime is a must for looking totally gorgeous from head to toe.

Massage a rich hand cream thoroughly into the skin, working it into all parts of the hand.

Getting Started

The Perfect Hue For You

Firstly, remove all traces of old varnish using an acetone free remover. Acetone (even with conditioners) will dry your nails, leaving them brittle. Rinse off the remover with warm water.

It’s now time to select a colour that’s going to look great on your nails.

Wearing the wrong coloured nail varnish can be really unflattering but how do you know what’s right for you?

Shape It Up Ensure that you dry your nails thoroughly; filing wet nails weakens them and makes them more liable to break. Next, shape the nails by filing from one edge to the centre, then from the other edge back to the centre, using long, smooth strokes.

Choose your perfect shade as you would clothes - consider what best suits your skin tone. Cool complexions, mainly defined as having pinkish or blue undertones to the skin, suit bright pink, silver, purple and cool red.

Never file the nails in a ‘sawing’ back and forth action, as this can cause the nail layers to split and separate, leading to weakness and breakage. Hold the emery board at a 45 degree angle, so that you are filing mainly the underside of the nail. Aim to create a ‘squared oval shape’; this is not only a natural look for your nails, but also offers the most strength and durability.

Refresh, soften and renew your hands and nails by using an exfoliator. Use either a shopbought product or create your own by mixing coarsely ground sea salt with essential oils.

Soak fingertips in a bowl of lukewarm water, before gently scrubbing the nails with a soft bristled brush to completely remove any ingrained dirt. Dry hands thoroughly.

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Massage cuticle oil or softener into the base of the nails. Leave to absorb for a few moments before gently pushing back the cuticles with a hoof stick. Clean any residue with a tissue and rinse nails in warm water.

Tidy up the nail base by clipping away dry, ragged excess cuticle using sharp nail scissors, before moisturising with a nourishing cuticle moisturiser.

The great news is, you don’t have to spend valuable time and money in nail salons to help them look fabulous; just follow our simple instructions for a brilliant at-home manicure.

Refresh and Renew

Soften Up

Warm complexions, with greenish undertones to the skin, look great in coral, gold, orange and warm red hues.

Expert Application Remove any trace of hand-cream from the nails.

Apply a clear basecoat to act as a foundation for the varnish and prevent staining. Wait until dry before applying two thin coats of polish, in three strokes.

Make the first stroke in the middle of the nail moving swiftly from base to tip. Use a stoke to the left and then right to complete the nail.

Allow the first coat to dry for three minutes and the second for five minutes. To finish, apply a top coat to lock in the colour and protect the polish.

Main Image: Courtesy of Estee Lauder

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Looking for a Relaxed atmosphere Personal attention Weddings our speciality

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39

Music Theatre Live Entertainment Wednesday 18 July Walking Tours from www. hiddenaberdeen.co.uk The Old King’s Highway Tour Thursday 19 July Aberdeen Arts Centre Whatsinaname Productions presents Side by Side Thursday 19 July Music Hall Frankie Boyle has been pilloried, misrepresented and demonised. And for what? For Telling It Like It Is. Now he will attempt a final tour, to heal Britain’s fools. To support it’s rioters. To offer the inchoate laughter of despair, to a culture in freefall. These are The Last Days of Sodom.

Friday 20 July Castle Concerts presents Olly Murs at Edinburgh Castle Saturday 21 July The Lemon Tree. National Youth Jazz Orchestras of Scotland with Rick Taylor Saturday 21 July Aberdeen Arts Centre Suspect Moutache Theatre presents... Gotcha!

Sunday 22 July Glyndebourne Operas: The Fairy Queen, Belmont Picturehouse This is not a live performance. The content of the screening was captured live in 2009.

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Wednesday 25 July Motortown Aberdeen Arts Centre Present Tense Productions present Motortown Friday 27 July Shake, Rattle & Roll - Singing Kettle His Majesty’s Theatre Bang a pot,shake a storage tin bring anything you can to make a din then play along with The Singing Kettle in this brand-new musical extravaganza.

Friday 27 July Niki King and the Elements The Lemon Tree Niki King and the Elements return to the Lemon Tree to showcase songs from her new album It’s All Good

Wednesday 01 August AIYF 2012: Mitchell School of Drama (Scotland) in Twelfth Night, The Lemon Tree Thursday 02 August Aberdeen Arts Centre Music 4 U Stage School (KISS) presents I Am What I Am Thursday 02 August AIYF 2012: Voices of the World Showcase, Music Hall Friday 03 August AIYF 2012: National Youth Brass Band of Scotland in Concert, Music Hall Saturday 04 August Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham are returning for another exciting event at Crathes Castle in Banchory.

Saturday 28 July SYT Foundation Performance 2012, The Lemon Tree

Saturday 04 August AIYF 2012: La Inestable 21 (Spain) in Coma

Sunday 29 July An Evening of Music and Song Aberdeen Arts Centre Mrs Gerrard’s Accordion Band presents

Saturday 04 August AIYF 2012: National Youth Girls Choir of Scotland & Philippines Concert Chorus Music Hall

Monday 30 July Castlegate Circular Walking Tour Walking Tours from www.hiddenaberdeen.co.uk Around Castlegate Circular Walking Tour

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Saturday 04 August Michael McIntyre - Work in Progress His Majesty’s Theatre Sunday 05 August Medieval & Prehistoric Walking Tour Walking Tours from www. hiddenaberdeen.co.uk Medieval & Prehistoric Tour e : gazette@fsmail.net

Music Theatre Live Entertainment Sunday 05 August AIYF 2012: Welcome Ceremony, Music Hall Sunday, August 5 As part of the Aberdeen International Youth Festival 2012, Ceól Mór and Guests, a performance by the Ceól Mór participants, AIYF’s educational project and traditional big band and members of the famed Treacherous Orchestra, Lemon Tree, 7.30pm.

Monday 06 August AIYF 2012: Youth Theatre Larf! (Belgium) in Madame Très Bleue, The Lemon Tree Monday 06 August AIYF 2012: World Music Night Tuesday 07 August AIYF 2012: String Orchestra Musica Iuvenalis - Slovakia Music Hall Wednesday 08 August AIYF 2012: Youth Music Theatre: UK in Nikki and the Gang, The Lemon Tree Thursday 09 August AIYF 2012: International Dance Gala His Majesty’s Theatre Friday 10 August AIYF 2012: Theatre Double Bill of New Writing and Production The Lemon Tree Friday 10 August AIYF 2012: International Variety Gala, HMT

Friday, August 10 As part of Aberdeen International Youth Festival 2012, Opera, Family and Fun, an informal hour of songs, stories and opera suitable for all ages, in The Lemon Tree, at 11am.

Saturday 11 August AIYF 2012: Project Y – Scotland National Contemporary Dance Company The Lemon Tree Saturday 11 August The 24-hour Musical Aberdeen Arts Centre Saturday, August 11 As part of Aberdeen International Youth Festival 2012, Le Chemin des Chevres and Guests, three French singers and guitarists Jean-Pierre, Julien, and Pierre-Nils, who claim to be the inventors of Sweet Humoristic Foolish Songs, mixing original gypsy jazz with wonderful lyrics, alongside Granite City act Taco and the Sharpie, in The Lemon Tree Lounge at 8pm.

Monday 13 August The Gruffalo, HMT Join Mouse on an adventurous journey through the deep, dark wood in Tall Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of the award-winning picture book by Children’s Laureate Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

Wednesday 15 August Blood and Granite, A Murder History Walking Tour Walking Tours from www. hiddenaberdeen.co.uk Blood & Granite Thursday 16 August Aberdeen Arts Centre West End Dance Studio presents Showtime 2012 Saturday, August 18 Scottish Youth Theatre: Junior Course Aberdeen work on the Summer Festival theme, Twisted Shakespeare, to give the audience a taste of Shakespeare - but not as they know it, The Lemon Tree Studio, West North Street, Aberdeen, at 1pm and 3pm.

Saturday, August 25 Seventy-five minute 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 : 01224 641122

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Muriel’s Puzzle Pages

Calcudoku

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Pictograms

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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.

4 words

READ IT ALL 2 words FERA GREAN VOLE

1 word

MAY AAA 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.

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Muriel’s Puzzle Pages NUMBER CRUNCHER

Easy Sudoku

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Harder Sudoku

Hard Looking for a

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Across 1. 15 Down plus 20 Down plus nine (4) 4. 12 Across plus 13 Across plus 2 Down plus six (4) 7. 5 Down plus half of 22 Down (2) 8. Pints in six gallons (2) 9. 9 Down minus 2815 (5) 12. One quarter of 6 Down (3) 13. One sixth of 6 Down (3) 14. 310 squared plus 3 Down minus 60 (5) 15. 8 Across plus 13 Across plus 20 Down minus five (3) 16. 12 Across minus half of 23 Across (3) 18. 247 squared plus six (5) 21. 22 Down multiplied by two (2) 23. One twelfth of 3 Down (2) 24. 16 Across multiplied by seven (4) 25. 1 Across plus 12 Across plus 415 (4) Down 1. 15 Across plus 24 Across plus 19 Down plus 23 Down plus six (4) 2. One quarter of 20 Down (2) 3. Seconds in six minutes (3) 4. Square root of 21904 (3) 5. 2 Down multiplied by two (2) 6. 20 Down multiplied by 23 Down (4) 9. 15 Down multiplied by six, plus 60 (5) 10. Seconds in four hours (5) 11. 13 Across plus 10 Down plus 1047 (5) 15. 17 Down minus 44 (4) 17. Minutes in five days (4) 19. 4 Down plus one (3) 20. 23 Down multiplied by three (3) 22. 2 Down minus one (2) 23. Three quarters of 8 Across (2)

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Letters ...

By Email Dear Sue Animal Blessing Service Thank you very much indeed for so kindly placing adverts in the Gazette over several months. This is much appreciated.

I am sorry you did not make it to the Service. It was, as always, lovely. Of course I am prejudiced as I do like all animals and it is always a pleasure to have so many well-loved family pets brought along for their blessing. It was mostly dogs of course, with one very composed cat, on a lead, who sat on her owner’s knee and surveyed all the dogs with the sort of tolerant superiority which felines reserve for their canine ‘friends’.

The Gazette is a most attractive magazine, full of interesting articles.

Keep up the good work.

Hope to meet you next year, the second Sunday in June!

Many thanks again and all good wishes Myrna Friends of the Gordon Highlanders Museum - Quiz Night - 29-06-2012 Dear Sue, Just to let you know that the above Quiz night was a great success and £1,260 was raised. Many thanks again for your help in placing the free advert in the Gazette. Your support is very much appreciated.

Regards, Dorothy

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Message Received: Jun 14 2012, 03:45 PM From: "Felicity Rogers" To: gazette@fsmail.net Subject: Thank you!

Hi Sue, I just wanted to drop you a quick email to thank you for the great job you did with the editorial for Banchory Chiropractic Clinic. I have managed to help alot of patients who saw it in the Gazette and gave us a call.

I received the latest copy of the Gazette in my inbox today and got very excited as of course I have adverts in the next few issues! I would (and have) recommended advertising in the Gazette for businesses in the area.

Thanks again, Felicity Felicity Rogers : Banchory Chiropractic Clinic Back in January –Future Choices Charity Launched an Appeal called Cash For Cans, asking members of the general public, to keep their empty drink cans and donate them to us the Charity so that we could then exchange the cans for cash, the appeal has been really worthwhile and has generated about £1,000 and cashed in one over 15,000 cans. We have local companies and community centres getting on board.

Now 6 months past –it is with great delight that we have now managed to own a Mini Bus so that our vision of providing Transport to our disabled members can strongly continue rather than paying out on Taxi costs. Having secured transport this will make the lives of our members more vibrant and accessible to everyday outings.

But without the public at large we could not have done it. So just to say a huge THANK YOU

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45

The organisers recognise and appreciate the suppor t of the following organisations

www.theenchantedcastle.info

Price includes entry into the castle.

Open 5pm-9.30pm. Free on-site car parking.

www.boxofficeaberdeen.com or www.nts.org.uk.

Aberdeen tel 01224 641122 or

Tickets available from Aberdeen Box Office, Union Street,

in association with

Crathes Castle 21-25th November

five nights of fantasia

Spectacular new effects,

Magic Zone, Fire Jugglers,

Fantasia 2012

Enchanted Castle

the

A B E R D E E N

E O M

- Events GM

Cardiac Rehab Class Receives Commemorative Donation Aileen Brown, a regular member at Robert Gordon University’s state-of-the-art sport facility, has donated an exercise spin bike on on behalf of her husband, Sandy Brown, who also attended the class but sadly passed away in October 2011.

The cardiac rehab classes are run by the Grampian Cardiac Rehabilitation Association (GCRA), a north-east charity which designs and delivers weekly sessions for GP or hospital-referred patients who are recovering from - or are at risk of developing - heart problems.

Participants undertake a structured exercise programme delivered by specialist cardiac rehab instructors at the university and across the region, comprising hour-long circuitbased training on a variety of equipment and exercise techniques.

Sandy and Aileen, from Airyhall, joined the cardiac rehab programme eight years ago, and then the class at RGU: SPORT five years ago, primarily due to Sandy’s rehabilitation needs following cardiac surgery. Partners are

invited to attend the class in support of their loved ones, and so Aileen took up membership also. The whole concept of the programme is great. When people have a heart attack or undergo major heart surgery, they can be very fragile afterwards. Family members can often, without meaning to, coddle them which can slow their rehabilitation. Classes like this build confidence and allow people to achieve far more than in the home.

There’s a tremendous amount of camaraderie.

For instructors like, Kay, to achieve the results they do, there needs to be a lot of trust. Nobody is ever pushed to do anything they don’t want to, but the supportive atmosphere helps people push themselves to achieve more than they ever thought they could manage.

Aileen’s donation of the spin bike to GCRA has been made possible following a collection at Sandy’s thanks giving service which raised a total of £640.

Further information about GCRA, including how to donate to the charity, can be found online at www.gcra.org.uk

Exercise, dance and have fun!

Just Dance For Fun and Fitness!

ChilDrens DAnCe ClAsses Mini Movers : 18mths - 2yrs / 2-3yrs / 3-4 yrs Pre-School : 4-5 yrs

Adult Dance/Workout Classes

A fun introduction to movement and dance building confidence and sociability.

Jazz and Tap : from 5 yrs upwards

Tap and Jazz Classes for Beginners- Intermediate and Advanced

Boys Class : from 5 yrs upwards

Classes held at Airyhall and Kingswells Community Centre

For further information and to book a place please telephone Jean on 681202 or 07521 398582 46

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Local Events Diary Aberdeen Bowling Club 50 Carlton Pl

Coffee Morning

21st July fm 10-12 noon

Adults ÂŁ1.50 Juvenile 75p Stalls/Green Games

Aberdeen Branch of Guide Dogs is holding a Ladies’ Luncheon at the Marcliffe Hotel and Spa on Wednesday 3 October 2012.

To make a booking or for further information:

Pam Lowbridge pam.lowbridge@btinternet. com mobile: 07738 000205 Joan Stuart stuart.morningfield@ btinternet.com phone: 01224 277143

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We would to encourage as many ladies as possible to support this worthwhile event . We shall have a tombola draw with a star prize and donations towards the tombola would be most welcome.

47

Cryptic Crossword ©Puzzlepress.co.uk

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Across 1. Marian became a pilot (6) 4. Crazy reel a tot put up with (8) 9. Force out from so deep (6) 10. Maintain in a perverse sort of way (8) 12. Name in a church, perhaps (8) 13. Racing round feeling concern (6) 15. Sheep by Richard’s first jug (4) 16. Clio can become terse (7) 20. Gardens pose these risks (7) 21. Succeed with nothing; a sot! (4) 25. Odd talk about two rings to view (4,2) 26. Point before mountain, most acute (8) 28. Sortie to find a slow creature (8) 29. Girl circling a hot desert (6) 30. Clothes made from straw, see (8) 31. Revel about a show (6)

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Down 1. Cited dad and became hooked (8) 2. Newsman made an error, pet (8) 3. Evaluate the donkey on three points (6) 5. Awful type in no great hurry (4) 6. Cast cite changes on cloud nine (8) 7. Adult fellow bust, so scared (6) 8. Combine after a point and come out (6) 11. Grandee ordered to unbalance (7) 14. Margin divided by a tenant (7) 17. Poem concerning a slacker (8) 18. Student I scold, then release (8) 19. Strange ballot of a game (8) 22. Palest sort of dishes (6) 23. Twisted source for a path (6) 24. Tranquillise, teased somehow (6) 27. ‘Star’ translated: a leading man (4) t : 01224 - 318561

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Free Entry

Airyhall Community Centre

Saturday, 25 August 2012 11am - 4pm

Buy directly from the crafter

Candles Jewellery PictureS Purses Soaps Textiles ...

Cafe serving drinks & snacks

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49

Costa Rica : Natural World At the heart of Central America, Costa Rica has set aside 30% of its land for conservation, a higher percentage than any other nation.

Framed by the Caribbean to the north and the Pacific to the south, barely the size of England, this little gem of a place claims over 180 nature reserves, including 32 national

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parks. Businessmen, farmers or government ministers, all agree that preserving the natural world is more important than financial gain.

Eco-tourism is thriving and hotels are rated according to their green policy. Officially, this is the happiest country on earth.

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So from beaches or coastal wetlands to volcanic peaks, from rainforest and jungle to montane cloud forests, Costa Rica is home to an enticing variety of flora and fauna, among them rare specimens and more types of butterflies than in the whole of Africa.

Over 800 species of birds have been recorded, mostly residents, while mammals include giant anteaters, jaguars and vampire bats. For the brave, there are thrilling skywalks right up in the treetops, along suspended walkways.

One of the easiest national parks to explore is Carara on the south coast where cicadas sing in the raintrees and butterflies the size of your hand flutter, vivid blue, along the stream.

There are pale-billed woodpeckers, boar, striped tiger ants and lizards which can run on water. Wild lilies and hibiscus splash colour along the jungle trails and now and then, a pair of red macaws takes flight as spider monkeys swing on their long dangling limbs to claim the sweet blossom of a flame tree.

On the outskirts of Carara, crocodiles bask on the muddy banks of the Tarcoles river, while toucans with rainbow-coloured bills land in the treetops. Sunsets over the estuary are spectacular with hundreds of egrets coming to roost in the mangrove and howler monkeys gathering their troops for the night.

A fair drive south, Manuel Antonio is the smallest of the national parks but boasts a rich biodiversity on both land and sea. Trails lead around the rugged peninsula and along pure white sands fringed with turquoise waters. There are offshore islands, racoons and iguanas and white-faced Capuchin monkeys draped on low branches.

On the Caribbean coast, the remote Tortuguero National Park covers the nesting sites of green and other turtles and a maze of canals, deltas and lagoons where water fowl and otters live in peaceful surroundings.

From palms to lagoons and swamps, the park preserves 11 life zones and access is only by boat.

For Costa Ricans, respect for the natural world is unconditional and that includes the awesome volcanoes in the central highlands.

Most iconic is Arenal, rising to over 5000 feet, which in May 1998 managed 23 eruptions in a single day. Now, it is dormant, its funnel top lost in the clouds or mirrored in the lake, surrounded by lush scenery and hot springs gushing out from the lower slopes.

Towering above the capital of San JosÊ are Irazu, the highest volcano at 11,200 feet, and Poas which claims the world’s largest active crater, 0.9 miles across and 900 feet deep.

Drifting in and out of the mist, belching out fumes from the green lagoon, it showers the forest with acid rain. There are four habitats in its national park, including a unique dwarf forest where ramblers might spot the yellowgreen squirrel found nowhere else in the world.

Solange Hando

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51

NHS Grampian and ACC worked together to develop the new award, which recognises the Playgroup’s efforts to promote positive health and wellbeing to children, staff, parents and the wider community.

St Devenick’s Playgroup is first to achieve Aberdeen City Council’s Early Years Health & Wellbeing Award.

St Devenicks Playgroup in Bieldside, Aberdeen is the first early years setting in Aberdeen to be awarded the Early Years Health & Wellbeing Award.

The Playgroup staff were presented with the award on 7th June by NHS Grampian service manager Hilary Young and Liz Gillies, service manager for Education, Culture and Sport for Aberdeen City Council.

St Devenick’s Playgroup should be congratulated on their achievement. It not only reflects the hard work of the children but the strong commitment from staff, families and the wider community. The playgroup has demonstrated that health and wellbeing is very much part of their everyday practice.

St Devenick’s Playgroup, Baillieswells Road, Bieldside. Playgroup sessions run from 9.20 to 11.50 Monday to Friday with lunch club on a Wednesday. Rising Fives sessions are from 12.30 to 3.00 Tuesday and Thursdays. If you would like to find out more about Playgroup or Rising 5’s, call Playgroup on 07931 223545 or Julie on 868644.

Braeside and Mannofield

Community Council Meet at Airyhall Community Centre

Meetings will be at 7pm on the second Tuesday of the month in St Joseph’s School

ALL WELCOME !

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Divorce?

Separation?

Child Law? Mubasher Choudry has opened the door on Mubasher Choudry Family Law Solutions which is focussing solely on family law.

By practising solely in family law Mubasher is able to dedicate himself to the needs of his clients. Offering support and guidance every step of the way with the aim of reaching a positive solution.

This is an extremely emotional time for the client, particularly if children are involved, and Mubasher aims to reassure clients that a positive outcome can be achieved through a variety of processes.

Mubasher Choudry Family Law Solutions, based in Golden Square, will provide advice and assistance on all aspects of family law including divorce, separation and child law.

Qualifying in 2003 Mubasher is a graduate of the University of Aberdeen. Prior to setting up his own firm he practiced family law with Ledingham Chalmers and Stronachs.

Mubasher who has been practicing family law in Aberdeen for more than nine years, is a member of the Family Law Association of Scotland, which promotes the resolution of disputes in a productive and dignified manner, and is also qualified to practice in collaborative family law.

Mubasher is also chairman of Avenue, the local mediation and counselling service, and a teaching fellow at the University of Aberdeen in the Diploma of Legal Practice Family Law Elective. He is delighted to have opened the doors of his practice and looks forward to growing and developing the business over time.

01224 467266 mubasher@mcfls.co.uk www.mcfls.co.uk Ground Floor 4 Golden Square Aberdeen AB10 1RD

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the one stop business shop ...

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Graham Reid Joinery Tel : 318834 Mob : 07707 633 389 email : graham.reid@sky.com

General joinery work.

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Maths graduate & qualified teacher Standard Grade/Intermediate & Higher.

On-going tutoring S3/S4/S5 and prelim preparation. Monthly and bi-monthly options available. Summer holiday revision sessions available to prepare for the new term. West End based. Introductory session free. £20.00 per hour

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

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

Fun, educational music classes for babies and toddlers Call for your FREE trial session!

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55

community clubs & groups

adult groups 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 RSCDS Aberdeen classes for adults start again next September! In the summer we run Summer Socials to which all Scottish Country Dancers are welcomed. Every Wed from 2nd May to the end of August at Curl Aberdeen from 7:30 - 9:45 - not suitable for complete beginners - but if you have done Scottish Country Dancing before we look forward to seeing you! For more information call 01224 636128.

Aberdeen Chorus - Sweet Adelines Int’ Britannia Hotel, Bucksburn, Mon 7.30 10pm Tel: Debbie 07967629272 Silver City Blues - Masters Swimming Club

Hazlehead Pool Mon 8:30-10pm, Cults Academy Tues 8:15-9:45pm, Robert Gordon University Weds 7-9pm, Cults Academy Thurs 8:30-10:00pm.

Contact: Head Coach Hilary Stewart on 07815824057 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

56

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 1012 – 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 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: 318313 & 821753

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t : 01224 - 318561

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 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 with Don Wells.

Cults Church Hall, 6.30pm Wed £3.50. First class free.

Rotary Club of Aberdeen Deeside Weekly on a Wed. at 6.15pm for 6.45pm in Cults Hotel. Rotary is a Service Organisation for community and international needs putting “Service before Self”. Take a look at www. aberdeewndeesiderotary.org.uk to see our range of activities and speakers, or come along and see what we get up to. Contact secretary Quentin Tweedie 868218 e : gazette@fsmail.net

Iyengar Yoga Classes ; Tues 12 - 1pm & 1pm - 2pm at citymoves Tues 7.30 - 9.30 pm & Wed 7.15 - 9.15 at South Holburn Parish Church. All classes run by Fiona Bochel, Cost is £5 an hour, tel 861347 Like walking?

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

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 Wed 6pm Contact Mandy 322158 Jog Scotland - Airyhall Meets outside Airyhall Community Centre Tuesday 7pm. Contact Julie 325 830 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 Tues 17.45-19.15, AYC, 8 Bon Accord Sq Thurs 10.00-11.30/Fri 10.15-11.45, Fri 12.00-1250, Queens Cross Church, Tel 648475 or moira.chicometrics@gmail.com Registered Yoga Scotland teacher Yoga Summer Classes 7 weeks, 2 venues, organised by GYA Craigiebuckler Church starting 3rd July Tuesday evenings 19.30 - 21.00.

8 Bon Accord Sq, top floor, from 5th July Thursday morning 10.00 - 11.30.

Different teacher each class, details http://www.grampianyoga.org.uk Drop in only £5, £4 members Craigiebuckler Seniors Club Criagiebuckler Church Hall, 1st Wed of every month 2-4pm speakers/entertainment/teas/coffees £2 per person, all‘seniors’welcome

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57

Westburn Lawn Tennis Club Come and play tennis on REAL GRASS courts at Westburn Park. Westburn is a small, friendly club offering both social and competitive tennis at very reasonable rates. Courts open SUNDAY 22 APRIL 2012 at 2pm - come and join us (free for your first visit). Membership info: Barbara Miller, 635556 Italian Classes for Beginners & Intermediate Starting in August at Kaimhill Community Learning PLUS Italian Cookery - All welcome - for more information 01224 209622 OR email: giuseppinaca@fsmail.net

Number Cruncher

Calcudoku

adult groups

Adult Italian Classes: Hillview Community Church - Cults Email enrica.conti@tiscali.co.uk Tel 07786 827714 Morven Singers We are a 4 part Choir singing a wide variety of music. We meet in Ruthrieston Church Hall, Broomhill Road on Wed 7.30p.m. to 9.30p.m.

Interested, contact Tel 07519 749 258.

Airyhall Ramblers: Over 50s Walking Group Walks fortnightly on Wednesdays, average distance 6/7 miles. Transport provided, meeting near Airyhall School at 9.15. Friendly folk, good exercise. Interested? Contact Anne Ross 314524 Exercise the fun way, the Swedish way!

Fun & effective all over body workout to lively music! Hilton Community Centre, Hilton Road. No need to book, just turn up & enjoy.

Tuesday 6.30pm-7.30pm faye53@btopenworld.com No fancy keep fit gear required, just comfortable clothing & trainers, maybe a bottle of water! For further info, contact Faye 07738 786926

Cryptic Crossword

SOLUTION

community clubs & groups

Woodend Bridge Club Woodend Bowling Club Bridge on Mon evening, Tue evening and Friday afternoons. Ample free parking. Contact Chris Blunt 317298 Craigiebuckler & Seafield Community Council craigden10@live.com We will discuss issues affecting our community and decide on strategies for resolving them. 7.30pm in Craigiebuckler Parish Church hall Airyhall Choral Ensemble ACE Juniors and ACE Seniors. Both groups meet at the Airyhall Community Centre on Fridays, Juniors meet at 3.30pm & Seniors at 4.30pm.

Cost: ÂŁ28 per pupil for a term of eight classes.

Telephone: 433163 Valerie Kemp or for more info & bookingform http://tutorsalliance.co.uk/Music-Lessons.php Friskiis & Svettis Exercise Class Senior Basic : Monday 9.50 Friday 10am ÂŁ2.50 per class. Drop in - come as often as you like.

Cairncry Community Centre Tel : Gunilla - 319377

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community clubs & groups

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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 - 01224-596596 Rainbows, Brownies, Guides tel : 01224 638685 for your nearest group Beavers, Cubs, Scouts : tel : 01224 208426 for your nearest group Boys Brigade HQ : 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

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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 5.45pm-7.00pm from September to March for or 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

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Mannofield Mother & Toddlers 10-1130am Mon for children aged 0-3.

10- 130am Wed for children aged 0-3.

10-11.30am 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:

+ 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 9.15-11.15. 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 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

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 Pamela Morrison 07762481757 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.

South Holburn Church Parent and Toddler Group E-mail: fmdfindon@aol.com www.nct.org.uk/in-your-area/aberdeen/W2T Parents with babies and toddlers aged Queen’s Cross Parent & Toddler Group Queens Cross Church Mon 9.30-11.30 Children 0 - 3 are invited to join us to meet other 0-4 & their grown-ups are very welcome. £1.50 parents ove a cup of tea or coffee and play with your child in a welcoming, childGaelic Parent & Child Group friendly setting. Thursday mornings 9.15 Gilcomstoun Primary School Mon, Wed & Fri - 11.15am. during school terms.

9.15-11.30. You don’t have to speak Gaelic to Grampian Twins club babiesand toddlers@aberdeenmethodist.org.uk attend. Mairi Morley 07900 337122, A voluntary group for parents of multiples, e : gaelic@aberdeencity.gov.uk.

Midstocket Playgroup, get together on the last Friday of every Midstocket Parish Church, Harcourt Rd. Singing Tots month at St Francis of Assisi church, 213 2.5 - 5 year olds. Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 6mths - 3 yrs Mon 945-1015 & 1045 -1115 Deeside Gardens AB15 7PR. There for you 09.15 - 11.45, Mon,Tues,Thurs 13.00- 15.30. Rubislaw Church Centre during pregnancy and beyond for advice, Funded places available. Tel. 07542 256703 phone or text : 07745 924449 support and a great way to meet other www.midstocketplaygroup.co.uk info@singingtots.org /www.singingtots.org multiple mums in the city and shire area.

Rubislaw Playgroup Playgroup: www.grampiantwinsclub.co.uk Toddler Time : Rubislaw Church Centre. Mon to Fri 9:15Wed 09:15–11:15 term time. Friendly, 11:45; from 30 mths to school age. Funded welcoming group for parents & children aged places available. Call 07747 830386 b/n 0-4. Cost 50 pence, inc snacks & refreshments 9:30 & 12:15 or email rubislawplaygroup@ New Life International Church, Leadside Road, hotmail.co.uk AB25 1TW Michelle - 07808 932 907 Toddlers and 2s: Ruthrieston West Church Twos Group Rubislaw Church Centre. Enjoy play, craft, Fri 9.45 - 11.00 ( During term time) Age 1year singing and snack.

10 months + £2.50 per child per session. For Toddlers: Up to 2 yrs; Wed 9:30-11:30 more information phone Lynne on 01224 2s Group: 2 to 3 yrs; Tues 9:30-11:30. Call 314692 07747 830386 b/n 9:30 & 12:15 or email Teeny Beats Holiday property to rent? Book a rubislawplaygroup@hotmail.co.uk/ Fun singalong with musical instruments. holiday let advert... Cost?

Messy Play Meets on a Wednesday 2pm - 3pm during £24 + vat for Deeside for one off Rubislaw Church Centre. Enjoy messy play term time at Rubislaw Church Centre. £100 + vat for five OR for ages 2 to 5. Wed & Fri 1:15-3pm. Call For children aged 0 to 5 years. £2 per session £35 + vat for West End for one off 07747 830386 b/n 9:30 & 12:15 or email discounted rate for additional children. For £140 + vat for five OR rubislawplaygroup@hotmail.co.uk/ further information contact Jenni Dalziel Both Magazines : £50 + vat one off 07835852389, jennidalziel@live.co.uk Kids Crew Playgroup.£200 + vat for five 2yrs 8mnths. Mon, Wed, Fri mornings 9.30amCall Sue on 01224 318561 12pm. Funded Places available.

Holiday Let

community clubs & groups

parent and toddler groups

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Spot The Difference Rubislaw Playgroups

Rubislaw Church Centre, 1 Beaconsfield Place, Aberdeen AB15 4AB

Call : 07747 830386 between 9.30am & 1215pm for more info or to arrange a visit.

Or contact us by email rubislawplaygroup@hotmail.co.uk

Holiday Let

Registered Scottish Charity No : SC002911

Holiday property to rent? Book a holiday let advert... Cost? £24 + vat for Deeside for one off £100 + vat for five OR £35 + vat for West End for one off £140 + vat for five OR Both Magazines : £50 + vat one off £200 + vat for five

Toddlers : Birth to 2 years Wed 9.30-11am

2’s Group : 2 years Tues 9.30-11am

• Domestic cleaning • Commercial cleaning* • Affordable rates • Flat cleans • House sitting** call today for a free quote

Tel : 01224 879 158 Mob: 07789 440 069

(*small offices) (**for utilities/repairs)

Call Sue on 01224 318561

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Playgroup : 2 yrs 6mths to school age Messy Play : Mon-Fri am 2 years-to school age Choose days to Fri 1.15-3pm suit you. Funded Must be places available. accompanied by Parent/carer an adult duties required.

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The best holiday tech from books on the beach to battling bites Technology and holidays go together like sun, sea and sangria, and you don’t need to spend a fortune to benefit. For example, noise-cancelling headphones can remove unwanted noise such as the hum of aircraft engines or the drone of bus wheels, and you can pick up a decent pair for as little as £20.

to the size of a credit card, and it includes a knife, scissors, an LED light, a screwdriver, magnifying lens, tweezers, pen and ruler. Just don’t take it in your hand luggage if you’re travelling by plane.

If you’d like to listen to the radio on your travels the Roberts Sports 925 (£16) has FM, MW and LW reception in a handy travel-sized case. If you want UK digital radio too, Roberts also makes the Sports DAB/FM radio, which receives both analogue and digital broadcasts for around £65.

2012’s most popular travel gadget is the ebook reader, which is freeing up space in thousands of people’s suitcases. While devices such as Apple’s new iPad (£399) make great ebook readers for planes and trains, they’re useless in direct sunlight: if you want to read on the beach, an ebook reader with an e-ink screen is a much better option. Amazon’s Kindle is the market leader at £89 for the basic Kindle and £109 for the Kindle Touch, but the Kobo eReader Touch Edition (£79.99) and Sony Reader Wi-Fi (£129) are very good alternatives.

Many of us have MP3 players or phones with built-in music players, and there’s a dizzying range of travel speakers to choose from. At £14.99 the X-Mi X Mini II offers a surprising amount of volume for very little money, while Gear4’s StreetParty Compact iPod and iPhone dock is a battery-powered speaker set that can also charge your iPhone or iPod when it’s plugged into the mains.

Some of the most useful travel gadgets are among the least high-tech: the Bite Relief Click (£5.99) promises to reduce the discomfort of insect bites by using a piezoelectric pulse to reduce itching, delivering instant relief in 5-10 ten clicks. In tests, Which? magazine found that such devices really do “provide a significant degree of relief”.

Another low-tech gadget is the Quik Pod (£23.99), a telescopic arm for your camera that enables you to take self-portraits in front of landmarks without having to find somebody to take the picture for you. There’s even a little mirror so you can make sure you’re not going to end up with a photo of your torso.

Don’t forget a toolkit, either: Victorinox’s Swisscard Lite mini tool kit is effectively a Swiss Army knife flattened 62

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The one thing most travel gadgets have in common is that they need some sort of power, but you don’t need to carry a charger for every single bit of kit: you can buy USB chargers for around £1.99 that plug into your hire car’s cigarette lighter and that can charge gadgets such as ebook readers, sat-navs and mobile phones, while multi-device chargers such as the Skross World Travel Adapter 2 (£17.99) offer USB device charging via a standard wall socket.

If you think you’ll be spending most of your time away from home comforts, you can even charge your devices with solar power: the PowerTraveller Explorer Solar Power Charger (around £47) is compatible with most mobile phones, MP3 players, Bluetooth headsets and many other digital devices.

Images : Amazon Kindle Touch e-reader Powermonkey Explorer Solar Charger Skross World Travel Adapter Victorinox Swisscard Lite

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