West End - Issue 70 - Oct-Nov 2012

Issue 70

Oct-Nov 2012

West End Edition Free Magazine Est : Oct 2005

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Andrew Gordon’s Essence of Excellence Christmas Preview Inside...

Great Western United : receiving new kit.

Raymond Charles (Managing Director of MTC) presenting a new kit to Mike Turnbull the Manager of Great Western United. MTC have been proud sponsors of Great Western for a number of years and have seen the team progress through the amateur league.

your local family with TrustTrust your local family company withcompany over 28 years experience over 32 years experience PVC-U WINDOWS & DOORS Full range of styles and finishes • Available in a range of colours • High security features • 10 year insurance backed guarantee

CONSERVATORIES/ SUN ROOM EXTENSIONS Free friendly advice from design through to completion • Tailor made to your requirements • 10 year insurance backed guarantee W I N D O W S • D O O R S • C O N S E R VATO R I E S • S U N L O U N G E S • H O M E E X T E N S I O N S

19/21 Charles Street · Aberdeen · Tel: 01224 643011 · www.m-t-c.co.uk

Ad-hoc contributions from : Helen Taylor; James Baggott; Pippa Greenwood; Jane Robinson and Amanda Wise Advertising Sales : Sue Simpson : 01224 - 318561 Distribution - thanks to : Anne; Mark; Sue; Carol; Caroline; Gregor; Jodi; Cameron; Kate; Sarah; Fraser; Laura; Freya; David; Maureen & Raymond; Vanessa; Lauren; Sophie; Sharon; Mary; Rebecca; Benjamin; Adam; Glenn; Kate; Alix; Andrew; Connor and Carter

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. www.thegranitecitygazette.co.uk

deadlines : 26 October for November magazine 30 November for Dec/Jan joint magazine

publisher/owner : Sue Simpson

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A note from Sue...

Well here we are again. Seven years on. Oh yes, this is our 7th Birthday! I remember finishing delivering the very first magazine and sitting back and thinking what now? Then I realised how quickly a deadline comes round and from that point on it has been a fantastic learning curve.

I have met so many wonderful people who have become friends.

Found some amazing businesses hidden away as they operate from home. Sadness too as others had to close their doors. So remember it is important to support and use these wonderful shops and businesses that are local to you, they are hidden gems.

So what’s inside this issue? Lots of wonderful articles! There is an amazing competition from The Biomedical Clinic at Banchory (see the advert below). I’m booking in for the Body MOT and will hopefully get to share my experience with you in the next issue.

Those that are looking to drastically lose weight then take a look at Gemma who has lost an amazing 4st and is looking absolutely fantastic. Temple Aesthetics has the answer.

For those just striving to get fit then there is lots of inspiration in the new directory towards the back of the book (see pg 45 onwards).

I have to wish my favourite niece (yes the other one) a very Happy Birthday on 18 October as Claire turns 21! And on the same day my aunt Alison turns 70! I am looking forward to the party.

Those that have known me a while will know that Christmas is usually last minute! Well this year I’ve got the turkey sorted!!! Oh yes a beautiful Kelly Bronze - they are limited so get yours ordered now at Andrew Gordon Butchers. I’m also heading to the March Hare Market to try and pick up some treasures for presents and at the beginning of November I have the Aberdeen Craft Bazaar at Airyhall and the American Women’s Association (AWA) event at the Treetops Hotel. Plus of course all the local schools and their fairs The November issue copy deadline for adverts, event listing and articles is Friday, 26 October 2012.

In the meantime go grab that cuppa and read on...

PS : I’m giving social networking a whirl! So those in the know and have the skill and inclination can you like us @ https://www.facebook.com/gazettemagazines PPS : Don’t forget to put your clocks back on 28 October!

  competition  competition  competition          1st prize  BODY MOT £250.00  2nd prize  relaxing oxyjet dermabrasion + hydration + skin analysis £210.00  3rd prize  STRESS test £120.00  question: what is Biomedical Clinics ISO9001:2008 registered for? find the answer on http://www.biomedicalclinics.co.uk email your answer plus contact details to biomedclinics@gmail.com T & C’s apply. Entries close on 31st October ‘12. Winners will be announced on 2nd November. Prizes to be taken up before 25th November ’12 in Banchory. Prizes are transferrable but cannot be exchanged for cash

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

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5 The Courtyard, Cults, Aberdeen AB15 9SD

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

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Reasons to be Kind to Your Parents

When You’re a Kid

1. They buy your clothes. And however terrible you think their fashion sense is now, they’re doing that with a sense of care. Just imagine how awful you’d look if they were dressing you with a sense of revenge.

Airyhall Flying Mamas Skydive to raise funds for Brain Tumour Research

2. They feed you. So indirectly, they’re responsible for deciding whether you grow up with sugar cravings, obesity, sensible eating habits or a perverse fondness for chicken liver smoothies.

3. They could wait until you have a great bunch of friends and then decide to move. You think social services are going to help with your relocation problem? Think again.

4. They tell Father Christmas what presents to leave. Yep, even that awful jumper from your spinster aunt that you had to wear on Christmas Day for the family photos. Trust me, they had a hand in that too.

5. Who do you think will insure your first car – and probably pay for the garage to fix it when you wreck it? That’s right – those mean folks downstairs who won’t let you do whatever it is you think life won’t be worth living unless you do it.

6. They will demand to see your sweetheart and if you think that’s embarrassing, wait until they bring out the photo album with you on a rug, naked, with your bum in the air. (All parents do this – experts believe it’s a pay it forward revenge tactic.)

7. They’ll pick your schools and they set your pocket money.

Ask any gambler – you can’t beat the house rules indefinitely. It’s the way of the world, so get used to it.

8. Bottom line – your inheritance is their scrimping and saving. So, for every penny they don’t give you for the latest computer game, the second it comes out in the shops, a proportion of that saving will one day find its way to you. It’s like a trickle down a mountain, gradually gathering in size.

9. They love you. And the really weird thing is that’s the reason they do all that crazy stuff to you. And the more you learn about their behaviour, the more you can inflict it on your own kids and then say, “Blame granddad and grandma – it’s how they brought me up.” That’s probably what your parents say too.

Derek Thompson “The pen is mightier than the sword and easier to carry in your trouser pocket.”

Linda Birnie,

Morna Sinclair

Sheila Baker

Brain Tumours are the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under 40 in the U.K. Despite this, of all the money spent on cancer research in the UK, less than 1% is spent on Brain Tumour research. The UK also lags behind many other countries in how quickly Brain Tumours are diagnosed. These statistics are very frightening, especially as I have personal experience.

When my daughter was aged just 2, she was diagnosed with a Brain Tumour, which we were told was life threatening. We were one of the lucky families, as 6 years on our daughter is the picture of health.

To help raise well needed funds and also raise awareness of this frightening disease, myself, Morna Sinclair and two eager friends, Sheila Baker and Linda Birnie are each going to do a tandem skydive from 10,000 feet on 3rd November at Errol airfield in Perthshire .Money raised will go to Brain Tumour U.K, which helps fund research and patient support. If you would like to support us you can either contact Morna on Aberdeen 314061 or on our just giving page http://justgiving.com/ teams/flyingmamas

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W

ell, the last flickers of the Indian summer have finally faded, and bright October days can be chilly, so it’s time to put the shorts and sandals and old tour t-shirts away for a few months and dig out the winter clothes. Shouldn’t need to buy anything new: I have plenty of stuff left over from previous years. Which is handy as times are tight, and the more I waste on clothes means the less I can waste on beer. But anyway, who needs to spend a fortune on a new wardrobe every season?

Let’s start by testing that ancient proposition: the cat sat on the mat. No it didn’t. The cat sat on my hat, actually. In fact it’s nested in it. It’s now a dense rug of cat-hair and utterly irredeemable, so I shall start collating the season’s wardrobe by binning the beanie and putting a new one on the shopping list.

Next, gloves. I don’t wear gloves often these days. I only ever used them for snowballing, and at my advanced age I don’t have to do that anymore. Still, you need a pair against the unlikely eventuality of, say, having to dig the car out of a snowdrift. So it’s now that I discover that I have many gloves, but none of them match. So, add new gloves to the list.

Now obviously you need a nice woolly jumper for the winter, and as it happens I have one. I hate it. I hate all jumpers.

They’re cumbersome things, make it

impossible to move freely, and the moment you make the transition from freezing street to overheated department store or pub or library you start sweating like an overworked horse.

So no new jumper this year. On the other hand, I don’t want to freeze every time I nip out for a paper. I know I haven’t worn a vest for, oh, 40 years. I gave them up when I was a teenager as an act of unobtrusive rebellion. But they do keep you warm. OK, some vests, then.

I shouldn’t need a new coat, though. I’ve had the same coat for years and years. It’s lovely and toastie and in excellent nick. Cost me a few bob, but it’s been worth it. Rather an odd assortment of buttons by now, mind, but nobody’s ever commented on it. Hang on, though: if I’m going to be wearing a vest from now on, my warm old coat might be a bit too warm. Lots of thin layers, that’s what they recommend nowadays. Better look for a slightly lighter one, then.

I’m definitely all right for dog-walking shoes, though, with a choice of hiking boots or wellies for seasonal snow, slush, or mud. Uhoh... the boots are fine, but there’s a deficit in the sock department. I like my boots roomy, so I can wear nice thick socks to cuddle my toes. But looking at my rather sad assortment of thermals, I see they’ve all mysteriously developed holes. In olden days my mum would have darned these, but I haven’t seen a darning mushroom in years and even if I had, I wouldn’t know what to do with it. So it’s out with the old, and off to Edinburgh Woollen Mills for the new.

Hang on – that’s a new beanie, gloves, vests, coat, and walking socks. This October’s clothesshop is beginning to look expensive. Think I’ll stay indoors until the January sales...

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Winter Wardrobe Blues

Help ChildLine in Scotland make sure no child’s cry for help goes unheard At the NSPCC’s ChildLine service in Scotland we want to make sure that no child’s cry for help goes unheard - this is why we need more volunteers.

Thousands of children speak to a ChildLine in Scotland volunteer counsellor every year because they feel they have no one else to turn to about their worries or concerns. And now, in addition to the helpline, young people can also contact ChildLine about their concerns via one-toone online counselling and email.

Last year, ChildLine’s Scottish volunteers offered support and advice to over 32,000 children from across the UK on a wide

range of issues, including bullying, abuse and neglect.

Volunteers are at the heart of what we do and by joining us you can help make a difference to the lives of other young people.

Anyone can volunteer - no experience of counselling or working with children is needed and full training will be provided.

If you would like to find out more about volunteer opportunities at the Aberdeen base please contact Kerri Stewart on 0844 890 0200 or visit www.nspcc.org.uk/volunteer ChildLine is located on the 3rd Floor of Ruby House, 8 Ruby Place, Aberdeen (off Golden Square)

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Let’s talk wine...

I is for Italy Well, where to start? Named by the Greeks as Enotria or ‘land of the vine’, this diverse wine country offers a wide range of styles.

Grapes vary from region to region influenced by a range of soils, topography and micro climates.

Pinot Grigio is probably Italy’s most famous white export but the country has a wealth of other white varieties that are well worth exploring and won’t break the bank. Here is a selection.

Fiano: Found in the south especially in Campania and also in Sicily. Typically fresh, a little floral with notes of honey and a good mouth feel.

Falanghina: Another one from Campania, showing a balanced acidity, citrus and apples and sometimes minerality.

Greco: As the name suggests this lightly peachy, zesty variety has its origins in Greece.

Grechetto: The almond scented grape behind the whites of Umbria including Orvieto Grillo: Used for Marsala in Sicily, Grillo also produces fresh, citrus inspired dry wines too.

Verdicchio: Found in the Marche region, It’s fresh with scents of nut and lemon and is a great seafood wine.

Vermentino: Found in different regions across Italy, look out in particular for wines from Tuscany and Sardinia. It’s lively and fresh with a good mouth feel and similar aromas to Verdicchio.

Carol Brown is a member of the Association of Wine Educators and the Circle of Wine Writers. She runs a range of wine courses and workshops, the informal Aberdeen Wine Appreciators Tasting Group and corporate wine entertainment events. www.wineuncorkededucation.co.uk carol@wineuncorkededucation.co.uk 01224 312076 Carol Brown WINE COURSES I will be running the following wine courses in Aberdeen this autumn :

WES 1 Day Wines of France Workshop Saturday 3rd November I am also planning Wine and Spirit Education Trust Courses Levels 1 and 2 Gift vouchers available for Wine Education Service courses and workshops and Aberdeen Wine Appreciators memberships.

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Carol is an Aberdeen based member of the Association of Wine Educators and the Circle of Wine Writers. e : gazette@fsmail.net

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the

Enchanted Castle

Fantasia 2012

Magic Zone, Fire Jugglers and Spectacular New Effects

Crathes Castle 21-25th Nov

in association with

Limited Availability Advance ticket sales only from Aberdeen Box Office tel 01224 641122 www.boxofficeaberdeen.com www.nts.org.uk

The organisers appreciate the support of the following

Open 5pm-9.30pm.

Free on-site car parking.

www.theenchantedcastle.info

Health, Fitness and Beauty

Alizonne Therapy

Another Success Story

Gemma Bremner shed an astonishing four and a half stone in just eighteen weeks after using the new diet programme, Alizonne Treatment, to help her lose weight for her cousin’s spring wedding.

“I decided in January this year that my time had come to lose weight as I was due to be a bridesmaid at my cousins wedding in April 2012.”

Describing how she felt about her size before taking the plunge with Alizonne, 25 year old Gemma explains, “I felt very sad and unhappy, it was an awful feeling. Getting ready for a night out I used to cry because of how I looked.”

Despite using numerous treatments over the years none seemed to work. “I’ve tried various different diets and slimming pills over the last five years but I never really gave anything a chance to actually work, I needed something that would be quick fix ,” says Gemma.

temple wedding banner

4/9/12

11:44

Page 1

transform your body & your life!

Gemma Lost4st with 14 weeks of treatment

Gemma before treatment

“I had a meeting with a personal trainer and who told me about Alizonne along with information about Dr Sam Robson’s clinic, Temple Aesthetics. I looked online and was really interested in trying it and despite my first horrible week, I’ve never looked back.”

Going on to explain how effective Alizonne is, Gemma says, “This diet sounded too good to be true but it really is great. It makes me feel like a new person and it feels fantastic to be able to do sports and not feel exhausted after a short time.”

Gemma advises those thinking about using Alizonne for the first time to commit wholeheartedly to the programme, “Don’t try this unless you are 110% focused and ready to lose weight. It’s really challenging for the first couple of weeks and you’ll need a lot of determination not to give in but it’s worth it.”

Weight Reduction Skin Retraction & Contour Shaping WITHOUTSURGERY TEMPLE AESTHETICS

tel: 01224 869 997

www.templeaesthetics.com

Tricks of the Trade -

Professional Make-Up Looks

By Helen Taylor

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So you think you know how to apply your make-up? Then think again. We’ve got the best hints, tips and tricks to help you achieve a professional look, and fix some of those troublesome areas too.

Tools of the Trade No make-up artist would be without a quality brush set. It provides all the tools needed to sculpt, conceal and enhance, whilst ensuring an even application of any product.

Make-up brushes come in many shapes and sizes, and each has its own job. The most essential are: Foundation brush - this ensures that a totally flawless finish is created. It makes liquid foundation easy to apply and guarantees an even covering.

Concealer brush - allows for precision when concealing any blemish, dark circle or imperfection.

Powder brush - foundation should always be set with powder and this brush offers the perfect covering.

Blusher brush - a good blusher brush will effortlessly sculpt the cheekbones and provide a well- blended hint of colour.

Eyeshadow brushes - recent make-up trends have dictated that the focus is on lips rather than eyes, however eye-shadow shouldn’t be overlooked. Swap dark shades for a neutral and natural palette and use your eye-shadow brushes to create definition.

Always remember to contour the eye by applying the lightest colour to the inner corners and under the brow bone, mid-colour to your socket and darkest shade to the outer corners.

Lip brush – after trying a lip brush you won’t ever want to be without one. Defining the lips is made easy, and colour looks even and natural.

Make-up brushes that are described as ‘natural’ or ‘bristle’ are often made from squirrel, pony, sable or goat hair, so make sure they’re 100% cruelty free before you buy.

‘Synthetic’ brushes are often far cheaper and mimic the feel of natural bristle.

Problem? No Problem Professional make-up artists have a solution for any problem. Here are a few top tips.

Under-Eye Dark Circles Firstly, prepare the skin under the eyes with an eye gel. Using the correct brush, apply concealer that’s two shades lighter than your foundation - yellow toned versions work well on ivory/beige coloured skin - to the entire area. Use your finger to blend, using a ‘tapping’ motion.

When you apply your foundation over an area that’s just been concealed, be sure to use the same ‘tapping’ motion that you did to conceal it, otherwise you will just be wiping away the product and revealing the dark area.

Under-Eye Puffiness A common mistake that many women make is to try to disguise puffy eyes by using a light coloured concealer. This only draws attention to the problem.

The key is to highlight the shadowy area underneath the puffiness to create balance and even out the look of the under-eye area.

Perfect for that early winter holiday or the upcoming party season!

After applying foundation, use a lightreflecting liquid concealer or highlighter and apply just under the puffiness, where the shadowy area is being created, not on the eye-bag itself. Blend by patting the product into the skin.

Over-Plucked Eyebrows Finding the right shape eyebrow for your face is essential, so take care not to over-pluck. However, if your eyebrows are a little sparse, there’s no need to worry, as you can create the look of naturally full brows by using either eyebrow pencil or powder.

Mimic your natural brows by using feather-like strokes when you apply, and be sure never to draw a straight or solid line.

Nails that will last for weeks!

For more information/to book an appointment please contact

Jenny at 89 Gray Street, Aberdeen AB10 6JD t : 01224 594777 e: jenny@kumikobeauty.co.uk

Health, Fitness and Beauty

Image - ‘Jenna Menard, Clinique Global Colour Artist creating a catwalk look.’

gelcolor

by OPI Now at Kumiko

Preparing your body for pregnancy

If you’re trying for a baby then you need to ensure that your body is a safe haven so your baby can develop healthily during your pregnancy. The first 12 weeks are particularly important as this is when your baby goes through major developments in a very short period.

By looking after your body from the moment you start thinking about becoming pregnant you will be laying good foundations for the months ahead as your body changes.

Eating healthily A healthy body weight is important for fertility. Being too overweight or underweight can affect the hormones needed to stimulate ovulation.

A well-balanced diet will give you the best chance of conceiving. You should eat plenty of potatoes and pasta to provide complex carbohydrates, at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day and three portions of dairy, such as yoghurt and cheese. You should also include 2-3 portions of protein in the form of meat, fish or cooked lentils a day, too. You only need a small amount of fatty foods to gain their benefits, such as avocados, nuts and fatty fish.

Drink plenty of fluids - around two litres a day. This should be mainly water, but milk, herbal teas and fruit juices are also good.

Keep your kitchen clean and always cook food well to avoid infections such as Salmonella and Listeria. You should start taking folic acid supplements as soon as you can and check with your GP to see if they recommend any other vitamins.

Foods to avoid: Cut down on salty, sugary and fatty foods as they provide very little health benefit. Avoid blue cheese such as Stilton and Gorgonzola or those which have a soft rind of mould, such as Camembert, as well as pates as these tend to contain liver and liver products. Avoid eating raw fish, such as Sushi and shellfish such as oysters and make sure all fish is well cooked to kill off bacteria or viruses. Always check that food is well cooked, including eggs. Your GP should be able to give you an extensive list of what to avoid.

Relaxation Deciding to have a baby is the first step to a major life change. You may not become pregnant as quickly as you hoped, but it’s important to try and remain relaxed.

Prioritise your tasks, make sure you give yourself enough ‘downtime’ and pamper yourself. Some people find meditating is a wonderful way to calm the mind and think positively.

Exercise If you exercise regularly there is no need to stop this until the later months of your pregnancy, unless your GP advises otherwise or you take part in extreme sports. If you don’t do much exercise, now is a good time to start some gentle activities. Regular, moderate exercise (30 minutes, three times a week) can improve your physical well being and mood and ensure your body is in good shape for pregnancy. It will also help you to build stamina and become supple and flexible, which will help you during labour.

Swimming, walking and yoga are all good exercises if you’re just starting out.

By starting early, you are giving your baby the best chance of a healthy time in the womb, leaving you to enjoy your pregnancy.

Health, Fitness and Beauty

If you’re hoping to become pregnant then make sure your body is ready for this exciting time in your life

Cryptic Crossword Across 1. Hybrid chained by a house (8)

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10. Cork so twisted by felons (6) 12. Awful lice on fourth letter hero (2,3) 13. Mortar Ted fashioned for the city (9) 14. Initially daunting soil shortage (6)

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16. Regret a way to become more than (7) 19. Weird balm, say; it’s terrible (7) 21. Song from a new form of the man (6) 23. Emitter chopped up with an axe (9) 25. Novice Tibetan priest - an animal! (5) 26. Reeds I tampered with live (6) 27. Old tree I hung about (8) 28. Darn as if to make a woman (6) 29. Heartless date stopped dead (8)

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©Puzzlepress.co.uk

Down

1. Prop he used as a funnel (6) 2. Like a note: badtempered! (9) 3. Partial poem ending to edit (5) 4. Girl, or a broad he upset? (7) 6. Get meaner about the treaty (9) 7. It’s in the sky: firstclass and noisy! (5) 8. Flower girl providing a herb (8) 11. Male deer starts reeling (4)

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15. Some kind of a reminder about what’s left (9) 17. An alternative word source? (9) 18. Holds up crates somehow (8) 20. Boy carrying Egyptian metal (4) 21. Amazing ewe Amos treated! (7) 22. Redhead helped, then attacked (6) 24. Rinse out plant extract (5) 25. Measure a tiler might use? (5) e : gazette@fsmail.net

ANDREW GORDON’S

KELLY BRONZE FREE RANGE TURKEYS

• Whole Kelly Bronze Turkeys from 4kg – 10kg • Boneless Kelly Bronze Breast Saddles 1kg – 2kg • Bone In Kelly Bronze Turkey Crowns 5kg – 7kg

Orders & Deposits being taken now

“A genuine Scottish Kelly Bronze Free Range Turkey can only come from a Kelly Bronze Farm, the closest being in Ayrshire, Scotland.”

TREAT YOURSELF, FAMILY & FRIENDS TO THE ULTIMATE & BEST CHRISTMAS TURKEY 35-37 CHATTAN PLACE, ABERDEEN, AB10 6RB TEL 01224 587553 www.andrewgordonbutchery.com

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Autumn Pudding Try this variation on summer pudding making the most of the early Autumn fruits, such as plums, blackberries and delicious English apples.

Serve with softly whipped double cream flavoured with a splash of Calvados for a really indulgent dessert.

Serves 6 Ready in 1 hour (plus overnight chilling) Ingredients 175g caster sugar 3 small English eating apples, peeled, cored and sliced 4 red plums, halved, stones removed and sliced 100g raspberries 100g strawberries, hulled and sliced 100g blackcurrants or blueberries 100g blackberries 10 slices thick-sliced white bread Extra fruit, to decorate Method 1. Place the sugar and 200ml of cold water in a large pan and heat gently until the sugar has dissolved. Add the sliced apples and simmer for 5-10 minutes until just tender. Add the rest of the fruit and simmer for a further 2-3 minutes. Leave to cool.

2. Remove the crusts from the bread slices. Use a round cookie cutter to stamp out a circle from one slice of bread to fit the base of a 1.2 litre pudding basin. Cut the remaining slices of bread in half.

3.

Carefully strain half of the fruit syrup from the cooled fruit into a shallow dish. Lightly dip most of the slices of bread into the syrup and arrange around the side of the pudding basin, overlapping them slightly to completely line the basin. Dip the bread circle into the syrup and press into the bottom of the basin.

4. Spoon the fruit into the lined basin, pressing down gently with the back of a spoon. Use the remaining slices of bread to cover the fruit filling completely and spoon over any remaining syrup.

5. Place a saucer on top of the basin and weigh it down with 2-3 food cans.

Chill in the fridge overnight. To serve, carefully turn the pudding out onto a plate and decorate with extra sliced fruit.

Mitsubishi Outlander 2012

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

New car launches take place pretty frequently. Audi, for example, has delivered no less than 21 new models into showrooms since 2010. In those same two years, niche Japanese manufacturer Mitsubishi has launched absolutely nothing. That’s why, as car launches go, this new Outlander is a pretty big deal.

So has the wait been worth it? Well, in short, yes. No longer a partnership with Peugeot Citroen (who sold versions of the predecessor), the new Outlander is described by Mitsubishi as an ‘engineer’s car’. What it means is efficiency, space and refinement were all high on the agenda – looks, however, appear to have slipped off it.

In fact, it’s worth dealing with our main complaint now. If there’s one thing that lets the new Outlander down, it’s the conservative styling. At a time when design is at the forefront of our lives, the Mitsubishi will be hard pressed to stand out in a class bristling with good-looking alternatives.

However, the new model does make a strong case for itself. Let’s start under the bonnet. In the UK, we’ll only get a 2.2-litre diesel engine and a four-wheel drive powertrain. Mitsubishi has worked hard on the unit’s green credentials. We drove a pre-production model, but by the time the car is launched in November, the maker hopes it will produce under 145g/km (down from 165g/ km) and return more than 50mpg.

The 148bhp engine doesn’t lack grunt either.

With 380Nm of torque it pulled strongly on the German Autobahns and twisty mountain roads that made up our test route. The 2.2-litre is likely to be good for 125mph and will crack the benchmark 60mph sprint in under 10 seconds. What’s really impressive though is the refinement. Inside, the engine is barely audible, while wind and tyre noise are kept to a minimum too.

If we were to be picky, we did find the steering a little numb at the dead ahead, but the manual six speed gearbox was direct and pleasant to use. There was also a noticeable lack of body roll for a 4x4 in corners.

But by far the biggest selling point for the Outlander is the two very-usable extra seats in the boot floor. They can be extended in seconds and fold away completely flat.

They’re perfect for parents who sometimes need an extra set of chairs for the school run.

Mitsubishi aims to sell 4,000 Outlanders a year in the UK at slightly more than the current model (around £25,000). We think that could be a tough ask with this sole offering. However, when the plug-in hybrid version arrives next year offering real world economy of 140mpg, it could be a very different story indeed.

New technology, for Mitsubishi at least, will also make a debut on the Outlander. There’s a lane departure warning system, adaptive cruise control and a low-speed anti-collision system which will apply the brakes for drivers if it thinks you’re about to hit the car in front – at a roundabout, for example.

What will come as standard is yet to be finalised, but expect the lot on the top-of-therange model. There’s also a new multimedia system with sat nav, which is far easier to use than before and an electronic tailgate.

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Vital Statistics Mitsubishi Outlander Engine: 2.2-litre, diesel Power: 148bhp, 380Nm 0-60mph: 9.7 (est) Max speed: 125mph (est) Efficiency: 50.4mpg (est) Co2 Emissions: 145g/km (est) Price: From £24,995 (est) Availability: On sale November Rating: *** (3) e : gazette@fsmail.net

Well hello,

have I caught you peeking!

I’m Flat 3, 17 Jackson Terrace, Aberdeen.

I’m the whole of the top floor of a 3 flatted property.

I have a lounge, eat-in kitchen, bathroom and one bedroom.

I’m situated in a quiet street which has “free parking” (but we’ll whisper that so the council doesn’t hear). I am easy access to the beach and all the amenities it has to offer. Two large supermarkets. The University of Aberdeen. King Street which is great if you work at Bridge of Don or Aberdeen City and a fantastic bus service.

So what makes me so special...

Like I said, I’m the top floor of a 3-flatted property and my neighbours are all friendly. I have nice double-glazed windows and gas central heating to keep you toastie and a security entry system to keep you safe.

My present owner bought me six year’s ago as her first flat. At the time she had to pick social space over bedroom space and guess what - I won - as I had the social space she craved as a first time buyer and entertainer of friends! My bedroom maybe compromised but it still takes a double bed, a triple pine wardrobe and a chest of drawers and I can still get access to the bed!

My kitchen will take a table and chairs and comfortably sits four. I have shared outside space within a walled garden. I have ample storage space for all your extra bits and bobs and access to the loft space too!

I would be an ideal purchase for a first time buyer. A nice mummy and daddy looking for an investment whilst their children are at University. A buy-to-let opportunity for the would be entrepreneur.

So why not pick up your phone and book a viewing right now ... telephone 07746 669234. If I can get you through the door i don’t think you will be disappointed. I’m a snip at offers over £98,000 My full particulars and home report can be viewed at ASPC Reference: 294195 URL For This Property: http://www.aspc.co.uk/cgi-bin/public/SINGLE?ID=294195 I look forward to welcoming you as my new owner.

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N

either my husband nor I were intentional hoarders. It just happened that our family house was blessed – some might say, cursed – with handy storage spaces. Builtin cupboards, under-stairs spaces, a loft, a shed and even a garage all served to quietly absorb our superfluous items.

It wasn’t just the effort of cleaning a large house or the rising cost of gas and electricity bills that made us realise that we need to move on: it was those heaving piles of bags, boxes and overstuffed suitcases. Like the chains worn

by Jacob Marley’s ghost in Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”, we felt the weight of our past lives bearing down upon us every time we opened a cupboard door.

Our children had finally flown the nest – with the exception of the odd weekend visit – and we had run out of excuses. It was time to downsize.

We started by selling some of the smaller items on Ebay.

This popular online auction site takes a relatively low commission of 10% (although you should be prepared to pay some associated listing fees). All you need is a good camera and a willingness to painstakingly write up each item for sale.

The information required for a listing includes the measurements of the item

you are selling, details of any flaws (good sellers always note down any damage) plus make, model number, material, age and any other relevant information. Then you’ll need to weigh your item and estimate the postage costs before submitting it to the online auction.

Once it’s up on the site, you can expect a nail-biting wait for the bids to come in. Sometimes you’ll receive multiple bids, sometimes none at all. Often an item will remain unsold all week and then someone will bid in the last few seconds. As the payment zooms into your PayPal account, be ready to despatch your item. You’ll need to ensure it’s well packed and sent within the timeframe you’ve indicated if you want to keep that essential 100% positive feedback score.

We found online auction sites were great for selling small objects that could be easily posted, but larger items, such as pieces of furniture, proved harder to shift.

You can list your piece for ‘collection only’ but sometimes a buyer will fall in love with your sale item and bid without really considering the transport issues. More than once I’ve had to re-list a piece of furniture after the successful bidder developed a case of cold feet.

If you haven’t the patience for online auctions, car boot

sales can provide a useful alternative. If you’re up for an early start (arrive around 6am to ensure a good place for your stall) and prepared to let your treasured possessions go for a fraction of their value, then the car boot sale is for you.

However, it’s not a good way to sell valuable jewellery, antiques or other high value items.

When we wanted to sell a large, Georgian sideboard that had belonged to my mother, we took it to a local auction room.

The idea of putting the piece in a live auction was exciting, but we were unprepared for the fees we would need to pay in addition to the auctioneer’s commission of 17.5%.

We enjoyed the buzz of the auction and fortunately my mother’s piece exceeded its reserve, but the underlying costs – including transportation, photographic fee and VAT - made a significant dent in the ‘hammer price’ achieved.

Live auction is still one of the best options for really valuable pieces, but you should think carefully about using this method to sell less expensive items.

The Art of Downsizing If, like us, you have odd bits of low value furniture to clear, you could contact a local dealer. You can save time by taking pictures along to the shop so they can see exactly what you have to sell. Of course, you’ll need to give the dealer some leeway to make a profit on the sale, but don’t let yourself be bullied into accepting a low offer. Check out similar items on sale in the shop then offer yours for

between 15% and 20% less.

Successful downsizing is an art, requiring patience and ingenuity. If you want to maximise your income, then try to avoid a ‘one size fits all’ solution – such as a house clearance service. It takes time to whittle down a lifetime of possessions, so it’s best to begin the process well before you put your house on the market.

By Claudia Leaf Of course, it’s sad to let go of the past, but it can also be liberating. We found it helped to take pictures of the things we really loved before sending them on their way. Tell yourself that you’ve enjoyed owning these items, but now it’s time to for them to become someone else’s treasured keepsake.

W

ally put his tools away in the van and then went back into the house to collect the bag of off-cuts and rubbish.

Some carpet fitters would have left it for the householder to deal with, but that was not his way. The lady paid him by cheque for the work, saying how pleased she was with the fine job he had done.

As he climbed back into his van, it once again crossed his mind that tomorrow was his 65th birthday and the day on which he would be retiring. Thank goodness he had organised a pension all those years ago. He and Mary would be reasonably well provided for and should never be broke.

All the way home, a journey of just under half an hour, thoughts of his long and active working life filled his mind.

He remembered that he had first watched a carpet being fitted when he was only ten years old and had marvelled at what he saw. He was totally enthralled and decided there and then to take up that profession when he left school.

Having achieved only average grades at school, he was extremely pleased to secure a job with a carpet company at the age of 16 in a local firm. Starting as a general assistant, within a few years Wally had graduated to being a fully-fledged fitter. He had stayed with that outfit for just four more years before starting his own one man company.

He had always thoroughly enjoyed the job; the process of first cutting and fixing the edging strips, fitting the underlay and finally putting down the carpet itself, stretching and trimming it to be a perfect fit. The sense of achievement when he stood back and eyed up a finished job had never left him. Astounding!

Arriving home, he completely unloaded the van, all his tools and everything to do with the carpet business, and put them away in the garden shed. The empty van reversed into the garage and the offcuts he’d collected earlier were put to one side to taken to the dump in due course.

“Don’t suppose I’ll ever need you again, old dear. Wonder if I can sell you and make a few quid”, Wally said aloud as he patted the bonnet of his old red Ford Transit.

He went indoors, exchanged greetings and had a cuddle with his wife Mary, who put the kettle on to make a cup of tea. While she was doing that, he changed out of his work clothes for what he sincerely hoped was the very last time. OK, it was not unlikely that he might do some fitting for friends now and again, but not for a living.

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What’s in a name?

By Eric Godley

When the tea was made he sat down in the kitchen to drink it. He patted Mary’s hand and asked, “are we all packed then, sweetheart?” She, with a mouthful of tea and biscuits, merely nodded and smiled. They would be taking a long flight to South Africa in a couple of days to visit their son and his family. It would be their first flight anywhere and they were both a bit apprehensive.

He breathed out, sat back, relaxed and, as he did so, reflected for the umpteenth time that his parents may well have been under some psychic influence when he was born. Perhaps they’d predicted what he would do with his life when, at the age of eight months, they had had him christened in the local church and thus he had become, would you believe, Walter Wall!

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Enjoy Some Tulip Mania

by Pippa Greenwood

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Tulips are amazingly good value and have the potential to transform your flower beds and tubs next spring with their silken-petalled, strikingly coloured blooms.

Late Planting Tulip bulbs are best planted from the last half of October and well in to November. Plant too early and the bulbs will be far more prone to damage by the fungal ‘tulip fire’ disease which wrecks the leaves and flowers.

Gritty Bed If your garden soil is inclined to be clay and rather heavy, tulips may suffer and are certainly less likely to come back after their first wet winter. A heavy loam works well but anything that isn’t well drained may cause problems. You can solve this to a good extent by digging an extra large planting hole and putting an inch or two of horticultural gravel or grit in the base of the hole before planting the bulb. Don’t use grit or gravel left over from the local building site, as this often contains salts and other contaminants which may harm or kill garden plants.

Contained Colour Tulips make great plants for containers such as window boxes, tubs and decent-sized pots and planters. Shorter varieties generally look best (check the front of the pack or catalogue for heights). Good drainage is essential so make sure that there are plenty of crocks in the base of the container and that it’s well supplied with drainage holes. Try either a loam-free multi-purpose compost or mix 50:50 a loam-based compost and a bit of added grit.

Fantastic Foliage Many tulips also have good looking foliage which can help to bring colour and texture to your pots and beds. Try the Kaufmanniana types such as ‘Johann Strauss’(dark red flowers with yellow edges and mottled leaves), or even better the Greigii type tulips which all have maroon patterning on the leaves, such as ‘Red Riding Hood’ (richest red with black).

Tulip Partners Richest red tulips surrounded by a mist of pale blue forget-me-nots are dreamily pretty. This wonderful combination is easy to achieve; you can sow the forget-me-not seed now, as you plant the bulbs, or if you prefer sow them early in the year, just before the bulbs emerge.

The display you achieve will be breathtakingly beautiful.

Long-lived Lovelies In most gardens tulips are not the longest living bulbs, however you can always try growing the so-called species tulips such as Tulipa sprengeri or Tulipa turkestanica. They have smaller, less-showy flowers and will be considerably more expensive initially but they look gorgeous, tend to last longer and, better still, also spread extensively in the right spot.

After a few years a carpet of species tulips can be achieved, and will take your breath away.

Good Companions Tulips look great with each other. Try combining the richly purple-black leaved Pittosporum ‘Tom Thumb’ with any purple tulip such as ‘Passionale’, or for a wackier effect chose one of the frilly petalled parrot-tulips with green streaks on their petals, or the green ‘spring green’ tulip, combined with any lowgrowing shrub.

Now is the best time of year to think tulips start planting and transform your garden for spring.

Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com.

While there, visit the new products area for a great selection including signed copies of Pippa’s books, Grower Frames, cloches, pop-up plant cloches, raised bed kits, delightful terracotta herb planters and wall plaques, Nemaslug and other natural pest controls and lots, lots more! You can also sign up for Pippa’s newsletter and get a free ebook on organic gardening.

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Take the floor 32

Katherine Sorrell offers a guide to fabulous flooring, from the traditional to the unconventional Timber Timber boards are a fabulous choice: available in a range of colours and patterns, they just get more attractive as they age. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to recondition an existing wood floor; otherwise, choose new hardwood from an environmentally friendly source, or perhaps seek out recycled boards in architectural salvage yards. Solid wood floors can be sanded, painted, limed, stained, waxed or varnished. Cheaper, but less long-lasting, are either a multi-layered or veneered wood floor, where the surface is a thin layer of hardwood attached to a base of cheaper wood, MDF, cork or plywood; or a woodeffect floor, in which a photograph of wood is bonded to a chipboard base and protected with a high-pressure laminate surface.

Carpet Carpet is another great choice: soft, warm and quiet underfoot. There are two main types: woven, which is harder-wearing and more expensive, and tufted, the durability of which is related to its pile height and density (short, dense pile is the toughest).

Natural wool looks beautiful and is

long-lasting and fire-resistant, but expensive; while cheaper, man-made fibres may look unattractive or not wear well. A popular solution is a combination of the two (perhaps 80% wool and 20% nylon). Finally, remember that a good quality underlay is essential.

Natural fibres In a wide range of colours and weaves, sisal, coir, seagrass, rush and jute are warm and soundproof and, often, good value for money. As you’d expect, the rougher the surface, the more hardwearing it will be – so you may find sisal and coir uncomfortable underfoot at first. Jute has the softest feel, but is the least durable. As with carpet, a stain inhibitor is advisable for natural fibre flooring.

Hard surfaces Sandstone, limestone, granite, marble and terrazzo are expensive floorings that last a lifetime, though they are hard, noisy and cold underfoot. In areas that might get wet, such as kitchens or bathrooms, choose a version that is matt or slightly textured – sanded for a rough finish, or riven for an attractive, hand-split effect. Terracotta and ceramic tiles have similar qualities but are cheaper and offer less of a luxury look. Ceramic tiles are heat- and water-resistant, hard-wearing and low maintenance. They vary widely in price and come in a vast array of shapes, sizes and designs, but all are liable to crack if something is dropped on them. /p38

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Sheet flooring Softer and warmer than stone or timber, sheet floorcoverings – vinyl, linoleum and cork – are relatively inexpensive and straightforward to lay (even on slightly uneven floors), and are easy to clean. Lino is a traditional material made from natural ingredients, and has its own lovely patina, while vinyl is a PVC-based man-made material, which comes in a huge range of textures and patterns, many of them good imitations of stone, wood or ceramic tiles.

Cork, often under-rated, is hard-wearing, resilient to water and offers an interesting, natural look.

Rugs With any flooring other than carpet, you will probably want to put down one or more rugs, adding softness, colour and extra interest. A rug can disguise poor flooring – and can be taken with you when you move.

Often a good starting point for a decorative scheme, rugs come in an infinite variety of shapes and sizes, textures and colours, patterns and prices. There’s a wonderful range of hand-made rugs from around the

Oak Palazzo Rovere – a Dutch pattern design oak floor with a satin lacquer prefinish, from £50.15 per m², Kährs, 023 9245 3045; www.kahrs.co.uk.

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world, including Indian dhurries, Greek flokatis, Middle Eastern kelims and French aubussons. Modern machine-made rugs can be very attractive, and you can even have a rug woven to your own design.

BOX – Unusual choices • A leather floor (tiles or sheets) is warm, soft and quiet underfoot, and requires little more than regular buffing and waxing. It wears well, too – scuffs and marks acquired over the years are part of its attraction.

• Concrete floors, though cold and hard, can be dyed in innumerable colours and given an interesting variety of finishes, from polished to painted.

• Rubber floors have a cool, stylish look and are great for waterproofing bathrooms. They come in tile or sheet form, and can be solidcoloured or patterned, smooth or studded.

• Bamboo is thoroughly environmentally friendly, being fast-growing and everregenerating. The stems are laminated together to form boards as strong as wood, then coated with lacquer for a durable surface.

Fenton sofa in Bantry Weave natural, £1,099; Greenwich coffee table, £499; Greenwich side table, £349; Painterly Floral rug, from £75; all M&S, www.marksandspencer.com.

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Neisha Crosland for Harvey Maria Vinyl floor tiles, Parquet Charcoal, £47.89 (pack of 12), John Lewis, 08456 049 049; www.johnlewis.com.

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Bean scene Get your caffeine kick effortlessly with the latest coffee makers and gadgets

We’re a nation of coffee lovers, so it’s hardly surprising that there’s a huge range of gadgets that promise to deliver the perfect caffeine fix. From cheap and cheerful cafetières to massive Costa Coffee-scale machines, there are gadgets to suit all tastes and budgets.

Coffee purists scoff at instant, saying there’s no substitute for ground coffee. The cheapest and easiest way to experiment with ground coffee is to buy it in a tin and stick it in a cafetière; expect to pay around £10 for a simple one or as much as £60 for Bodum’s Columbia double-walled cafetière, heat insulated to keep your coffee fresh. If you’d like to turn your coffee into a latte, £7 to £15 pays for a battery-powered milk frother.

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Cafetières aren’t the only cheap choice: the Aeropress (around £20 online) comes with rave reviews. It looks like a cross between a cafetière and a pump, and that’s essentially what it is: it uses gentle air pressure to extract more flavour from your coffee. Using it’s just a matter of putting in a few scoops of coffee, pouring in hot water and pressing the plunger. The whole process takes less than 30 seconds.

For years most coffee machines in the high street were filter ones, usually consisting of a reasonably sized jug, a hot plate and a funnel. They’re still around, but in recent years the focus has shifted to machines that make small espressos rather than huge jugs.

Espresso machines come in two forms: ones that use loose ground coffee, and ones that use pods.

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DeLonghi’s EC330S Espresso Coffee Machine (around £85) is a good example of the former, with a removable stainless steel filter and an integrated frother that uses steam to create perfect cappuccinos and lattes. They’re not the quietest or the most convenient - the filter only takes enough coffee for a single cup at a time - but there’s no arguing with the superbly tasty results.

If you’d rather use pre-packed coffee pods than loose grounds, DeLonghi’s Espresso Icona range (from around £99) offers the best of both worlds: it works with Easy Serve Espresso (ESE) pods, or with loose coffee. As with the EC330S, it’s only designed to make one or two drinks at a time.

ESE is the world’s favourite kind of coffee pod, with versions from big names including Illy, Lavazza and Segafredo, but it isn’t the only one: Nestle has its Nespresso system, while Douwe Egberts has its Senseo. All three systems offer pros and cons: they’re more convenient than loose coffee and less messy, but the coffee isn’t as fresh and in the case of Nespresso and Senseo, you’re locked into one firm’s coffee system. Senseo pods don’t work in Nespresso machines and vice-versa.

Coffee snobs wouldn’t go near either: for them, the only way to make coffee is to grind the beans yourself. Grinders aren’t as expensive as you might think. Bodum’s Bistro range of electric grinders starts at £79, while Krups’ GVX2 is just £36. It is one more machine to clean however and one more step between waking up and tasting the first coffee of the day. If you’re really serious about your coffee, a coffee machine with its own integrated grinder is a much better idea - but don’t expect to find one going cheap: a good quality bean-to-cup machine such as Gaggia’s R18171 will set you back £699.

Pictures left to right ... »» Aeropress.jpg Aeropress coffee maker »» Bodumcolumbia.jpg Bodum Columbia thermal cafetiere »» Bodumgrinder.jpg Bodum Bistro coffee grinder »» Iconia.jpg DeLonghi Iconia coffee maker

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Muriel’s Puzzle Pages

Calcudoku

x12

4

3

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

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

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

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Muriel’s Puzzle Pages NUMBER CRUNCHER

Easy Sudoku

1

Easy

2 6

9

10 13

3 7

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Harder Sudoku

©Puzzlepress.co.uk

Hard Looking for a

Relaxed Atmosphere Personal Attention Wedding Speciality

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

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

Across 1. One eighteenth of 26 Across (3) 4. 14 Down minus 15 (3) 6. 19 Down plus 3025 (5) 9. 12 Across plus 15 Across plus 21 Across (2) 11. 1 Across minus 27 Down (3) 12. Five ninths of 15 Across (2) 13. One eighteenth of 28 Across (2) 15. 24 Across multiplied by two (2) 16. 5 Down multiplied by nine (4) 17. 28 Across multiplied by five (4) 18. 2 Down minus 7 Down (2) 20. 27 Down minus 7 Down (2) 21. One third of 12 Across (2) 22. One third of 28 Across (3) 24. One twelfth of 28 Across (2) 26. 22 Across multiplied by 21 Down (5) 28. Inches in nine yards (3) 29. 9 Across plus 11 Across plus two (3) Down 1. 5 Down plus 27 Down (3) 2. One quarter of 28 Across (2) 3. 20 cubed (4) 4. 2 Down plus two (2) 5. 9 cubed plus 11 squared (3) 7. One third of 23 Down (2) 8. 12 Across plus 27 Down (2) 10. 5 Down multiplied by 27 Down (5) 12. 185 squared minus square root of 169 (5) 14. 12 Across plus 22 Across plus 25 Down (3) 15. 24 squared minus 26 Down (3) 19. 9 Across squared plus 212 (4) 21. 12 Across plus 22 Across plus five (3) 22. 30 per cent of 50 (2) 23. 8 Down plus one third of 22 Down (2) 25. 21 Down multiplied by five (3) 26. Pounds in one stone (2) 27. Seven squared (2)

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Muriel’s Puzzle Solutions HARD

EASY

Number Cruncher

Cryptic Crossword

SOLUTION

Calcudoku Answer

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the equivalent of 125 ox-driven carts.

Having turned down the canal because of the cost, the town of Carcassonne soon realised its mistake and agreed eventually to finance a diversion.

Discover the Canal du Midi in the South of France In 1996, the Canal du Midi became the first canal in the world to receive World Heritage status, as one of the ‘greatest engineering feats of modern times’ and ‘outstanding landscape fashioned by man’. Designed to link the Atlantic to the Mediterranean across south west France, it had been planned since Roman times but work did not start until 1667, taking 14 years and 15,000 people to complete. Sadly, the engineer Pierre Paul Riquet passed away just months before the royal barge opened the first stretch in his native town of Béziers, in 1681.

From Toulouse, where it joins the Canal de Garonne, to the vast Etang de Thau on the Mediterranean, the 245 km long waterway is dotted with over 300 supporting structures, including bridges, locks and canal aqueducts invented by Riquet to cross streams and rivers.

The canal tunnel in Malpas was also a world’s first, completed in secret in just a week before the authorities had a chance to find out. They had refused permission on safety grounds. The tunnel remains one of the highlights along the route, rivalled only by Fonserannes, a steep staircase of seven locks and now a listed monument.

For 200 years or so, the canal brought wealth to the region, encouraging agriculture, trade and related business, from boat yards to inns.

It was the cheapest way to transport people and goods since a single barge could carry

Inevitably, the advent of the railway brought commercial trade to an end but right across Languedoc, the Canal du Midi is alive and well, an integral part of the landscape, meandering past lock-keepers’ cottages, hill top castles and red-roofed villages nestling among vineyards and sunflower fields. Fed by reservoirs from the Black Mountain, or foothills of the central range, shaded by plane trees, pines and cypresses which stabilise the banks and preserve moisture, it’s a peaceful haven for holiday barges, yachts and cruisers. Fishermen doze on the banks, swans and ducks nest in the reeds and the old tow path doubles up as a cycling and walking trail.

For those who cruise along the canal, there is plenty of excitement, working the locks, ducking under low bridges, heading into the tunnel, and plenty to see, from Marseillan and the nearby oyster beds to the medieval walled town of Carcassonne, the largest in Europe, or Toulouse, the vibrant ‘pink city’ basking on the banks of the Garonne. There are picturesque harbours along the way, Castelnaudary, Le Somail, Capestang, wine tasting cellars, flower-draped inns, nature reserves, home to peacock butterflies and 200 species of birds, and glistening lagoons where flamingos feed among the islands.

In Port Lauragais, the Pierre Paul Riquet Centre is dedicated to the history of the canal while at the nearby Seuil de Naurouze, the highest point on the route and the watershed between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, an obelisk has been erected in Riquet’s honour. There is no better place to celebrate this local genius, an engineer with amazing vision but also a caring man who introduced sick pay and rest days for his workers, centuries ahead of his time.

Solange Hando

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43

A crime story in an hour.

Writing’s mostly a wonderful, solitary pursuit, sitting at a keyboard but interacting with characters elsewhere in time and space, being surprised by their words and choices and, on a good day, getting so lost in the fiction that you’ve no idea of the passage of time, who or where you are or what’s going on in the real world.

But then there are the extras that turn you into a different person. At the end of August, for example, I was at the inaugural literary festival in St Clémentin in France, with temperatures in the thirties, giving a talk on short stories, then holding a workshop called ‘Write a crime story in an hour’. And in October, I’ll be repeating that workshop in very different circumstances at Haddo House. The beauty of it, though, is that it’s different every time because the content is provided not by me but by the people who come along.

In general terms, it works like this. I talk about the basics of crime novels, breaking off now and then to ask the group for random objects, settings, names, all of which I list. Then I get them to make another completely random choice from the list and that gives us the elements of the story.

From then on, it’s up to them.

I ask questions, nudge the group into possible directions and, surprisingly quickly, we’ve got a bunch of characters with back stories, links with one another and consequent motives for murder. In St Clémentin, the arbitrarily chosen setting was a château and they had also to include two objects – a heavy thesaurus and a leg of lamb. In the event, the unfortunate owner of the château was bludgeoned to death with the lamb, which was then roasted and eaten by the perpetrator, thus destroying the evidence. Happily though, the thesaurus was open at

44

an ‘L’ page and the word ‘lamb’ was heavily underlined.

A few years ago, the version which emerged from a session with students at RGU was set in a health club and had to include a freezer.

They solved the problem by having someone discover the corpse on the sun bed of the club. It was there because the killer had hidden it in the freezer after the murder and wanted to thaw it out to dispose of it.

But it doesn’t just work for crime stories. A while ago, I was asked to go to Middleton Park primary school during their literacy week to read stories to the pupils and get each class to devise a story of its own. It was as much fun and just as creative as the crime workshops. There were many delights but the one I remember most clearly came in a story in which they had to include a mermaid, a fairy, a shark and a caveman. At one point, the caveman was fishing from the beach and he caught the shark.

‘Wow,’ said I. ‘What did he say?’ A girl said (scornfully) ‘He can’t talk. He’s a caveman.

He just said “Ugg”.’ Then the boy sitting beside her said ‘But the shark came up the beach and said “Hi. I’m Steve”.’

I’ve given these workshops to all sorts of groups and the real pleasure is seeing how people who say they’re incapable of being creative join in and soon start getting very enthusiastic and contributing faster than I can accommodate their suggestions.

It sounds weird to say so, but writing about crime can be lots of fun.

Bill Kirton

Haddo workshop is October 20th. It’s part of a crime weekend at Haddo. http://www.nts.org.uk/Property/Haddo-House/ News/1960/

www.thegranitecitygazette.co.uk

t : 01224 - 318561

Before taking early retirement to become a full-time writer, I was a lecturer in French at the University of Aberdeen.

I also used to be a presenter on Grampian TV and I’ve been a Royal Literary Fund Writing Fellow at universities in Aberdeen, Dundee and St Andrews.

I’ve written stage and radio plays, short stories, novels, sketches and songs for revues, and five non-fiction books for Pearson Education aimed at helping students with their writing and study skills. My five modern crime novels, Material Evidence, Rough Justice, The Darkness, Shadow Selves and Unsafe Acts are set in north east Scotland and my historical crime/romance novel, The Figurehead, is set in Aberdeen in 1840. My spoof mystery, The Sparrow Conundrum, was the winner in the Humor category of the 2011 Forward National Literature Awards and The Darkness won silver in the Mystery category.

My short stories have appeared in many anthologies, including three of the CWA’s annual collections and the 2010 anthology of Best British Crime Stories.

Writing as Jack Rosse, I’ve published a novel for children called The Loch Ewe Mystery and, as Jack Lefebre, a satire about online role playing games called Alternative Dimension, which has rude words in it and is definitely not for children.

My blog and website are at www.bill-kirton.co.uk.

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L A C L Now you have 18 pages of local businesses...

Local events, theatre listing, clubs and classes, notices.

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Tickets from boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel : 01224 641122 on the Nile, in His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm with 2pm Thursday and 2.30pm Saturday matinees.

Wednesday, October 24: Looking for love is the Master of Camp Julian Clary in Position Vacant: Apply Within, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 8pm. Tickets from boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 01224 641122 Wednesday, October 24: Meet three skeletons as they go adventuring to find fun, frights and fellowship in Funnybones by The Puppet Lab in The Lemon Tree Studio, West North Street, Aberdeen, at 2pm. Suitable for threeseven year olds and their families, Thursday, October 25: The Scottish National Jazz Orchestra presents In the Spirit of Duke, directed by Tommy Smith and celebrating composer, pianist and band leader Edward Kennedy ‘Duke’ Ellington, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm.

Thursday, October 25: London-based duo Public Service Broadcasting, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 8pm.

Thursday, October 25: As part of DanceLive 2012, David Hughes Dance presents The Chinaski Sessions, as choreographer Kylie Walters coaxes six testosterone-crazed men to live through an evening of debauchery and revelation, in The Lemon Tree Studio, West North Street, Aberdeen, at 7pm.

Friday, October 26: Enjoy an evening of traditional Scottish dancing in Ceilidh with Shindig, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 8pm.

Friday, October 26: Aberdeen-based Fat Hippy Records’ 10th Birthday Party featuring Gerry Jablonski and The Electric Band plus support, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 8pm.

Friday, October 26: As part of DanceLive 2012, Company Chameleon presents Gameshow, a production packed with physical movement, fearless dancing and athletics with prizes, power, money, fame, celebrity and a cult following up for grabs, in The Lemon Tree Studio, West North Street, Aberdeen, at 7pm.

Saturday, October 27: In the Scottish Chamber Orchestra’s first performance of the season, popular conductor emeritus Joseph Swensen directs Walton’s two pieces from Henry V and Schumann’s final symphony, the Rhenish, and American cellist Ralph Kirshbaum performs Barber’s Cello Con, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 7.30 pm.

Saturday, October 27: As part of DanceLive 2012, Rosie Kay Dance Company presents There is Hope, a

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timely, exciting work that speaks of today, in The Lemon Tree Studio, West North Street, Aberdeen, at 7pm.

Monday, October 29: The Jasmin Vardimon Company present the world premier tour of Freedom, directed and choreographed by award-winning choreographer and Sadler’s Wells associate artist Jasmin Vardimon, in His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm.

Monday, October 29: As part of 10-date autumn UK tour Scottish rockers Twin Atlantic, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, doors at 7.30pm.

Monday, October 29: DF Concerts present Birmingham indie rock band The Twang, following the release of their two studio albums, Love It When I Feel Like This and Jewellery Quarter, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7.30pm.

Tuesday, October 30: BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards Singer of the Year, Joan Armatrading, with special guest Chris Wood, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm.

Tuesday, October 30: Explore the spooky past of Aberdeen’s Edwardian theatre with the HMT Ghosts Tour, in His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen, at 6pm, 7.30pm and 9pm.

Wednesday, October 31: After a twoyear break, the demonic scarecrow and stand-up funnyman Ross Noble is back with Mindbender, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 8pm.

Wednesday, October 31: In association with DanceLive 2012, Federation of the Disco Pimp and the Chandeliers, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 8pm.

Wednesday, October 31: As part of DanceLive 2012, Citymoves Dance Agency presents East Coast Moves, a showcase of locally produced work and new commissions, in The Lemon Tree Studio, West North Street, Aberdeen, at 7pm. includes entry to the end-of-festival party, featuring Federation of the Disco Pimp.

Christmas 2012 At the Lemon Tree the Scottish Youth Theatre will be putting on another Christmas show - It Wasn’t Me, It was Goldilocks (December 3 - 24) Brass Jaw Christmas Tour (December 14) Rock ‘n’ Roll Hogmanay (December 30) Christmas with the Rat Pack (December 23) Hogmanay Concert (December 31)

47

Music Theatre Live Entertainment

Thursday, October 18: Lead singer of the British rock/indie act, The Charlatans, on a rare tour as a solo artist Tim Burgess, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 8pm.

Thursday, October 18: As part of DanceLive 2012, Marc brew Company presents Triple Bill, featuring Fusional Fragments, a collaboration with percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie, Nocturne and Remember When, in The Lemon Tree Studio, West North Street, Aberdeen, at 7pm.

Friday, October 19: After more than a decade since his last stand-up show, Jonathan Creek and QI star Alan Davies with Life is Pain, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 8pm.

Friday, October 19: The People’s Theatre Company presents There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly, a magical new show for parents to enjoy with their children, in The Lemon Tree Studio, West North Street, Aberdeen, at 2pm.

Friday and Saturday, October 19 and 20: Scottish Ballet present an extraordinary triple bill tracing a line through dance from the highly physical to the seductively graceful in Autumn Season 2012, with Martin Lawrence’s Run For It, William Forsythe’s Workwithinwork and Hans Van Manen’s Five Tangos, in His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm.

Saturday, October 20: In their 40th anniversary tour featuring their most memorable hits from their break-through debut single Donna in 1972 to their final No1 Dreadlock Holiday in 1978, 10cc in Concert, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm.

Saturday, October 20: Loud, hairy and unpredictable, Three Blind Wolves delivering country rock with razor-sharp edge, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7.30pm.

Sunday, October 21: The ultimate tribute to ABBA and the Bee Gees, Thank You for the Music, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm.

Sunday, October 21: Legendary British band Wishbone Ash, with support from Gerry Jablonski, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7.30pm.

Tuesday, October 23: As part of DanceLive 2012, 2Faced Dance Company presents In The Dusk, an unpredictable, fierce and visceral new work by the company’s artistic director Tamsin Fitzgerald, in The Lemon Tree Studio, West North Street, Aberdeen, at 7pm.

Monday to Saturday, October 22 to 27: The Agatha Christie Theatre Company present a stylish new production of the queen of crime’s classic thriller Murder

Christmas

Craft Fair

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Local Events Diary Wardrobe Full Yet Nothing To Wear?

Aberdeen Lions Club are hosting a Swishing Party at CLAN House on Saturday 20th October at 2.30 till 4.30 Come and Join Us and Have Some Fun Exchange up to 5 items of good quality clothing, shoes or bags Raffles and Stalls Tickets ÂŁ5 inc Refreshements From CLAN House For information tel Moureen 01224 651028 Christmas shopping night at Broomhill Primary School on Friday 2nd November, 7-9pm.

Tickets are ÂŁ3 includes 1st glass of wine.

Tickets available on the door on the night.

Book space with the gazette today Friday 26 October 2012 is the deadline for the November Issue

Tel : 01224-318561 email : gazette@fsmail.net www.thegranitecitygazette.co.uk

Christmas Fair 7 till 9pm on November 8th at Cults Academy.

Numerous stalls selling beautiful hand made gifts, free teas, coffees, mulled wine and mince meat pies etc.

Russian Choir Concert 'Resurrection' choir from St Petersburg perform Russian sacred music and folk songs. St Francis of Assisi church, Deeside Gardens, Aberdeen AB15 7PR. No entrance charge - retiring collection.

Saturday 10th November 2012,

Candy Belle Vintiques Vintage Fair candybellevintiques@hotmail.co.uk 01224 905909 @ Caledonian Thistle Hotel on Union Terrace, Aberdeen. with stalls selling quality vintage homewares, fashion and accessories.

Activities include making your own vintage inspired jewellery, vintage photo booth and having your hair done vintage style.

3rd November 2012. 10-4pm Further details at http://www.facebook.com/ candybellevintiques

7.30 p.m.

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Charity Art Auction Sunday the 25th of November 2-4 at The Bridge View Gallery, 1 North Esplanade West, Aberdeen

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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 Scottish Country Dancing Classes for Adults (and children) at all levels - Introductory to Advanced and General Dancing. Please contact 01224 636128 for more information 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 monthly (Sept - Jun), (Aberdeenshire Cricket Club) A wide range of talks on many topics fm interesting speakers. Other activities incl occasional lunches, trips, bowling & golf competitions. New members welcome. Chris Blunt, Tel. 317298

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

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

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

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demos and workshops £5 per meeting (incl refreshments) – friendly & informal group, enjoyable at all skill levels. Call Fiona Mackie on 07748 845 141 or e-mail Fionamackie118@btinternet.com 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 lifestance. 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 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 Monday Badminton Ruthrieston West Church Hall Monday’s @ 7.30pm

51

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Christmas Message?

Book some ME space in the gazette and your message will be read by thousands of local people.

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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 Scottish Country Dancing Classes for Adults (and children) at all levels - Introductory to Advanced and General Dancing. Please contact 01224 636128 for more information 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 monthly (Sept - Jun), (Aberdeenshire Cricket Club) A wide range of talks on many topics fm interesting speakers. Other activities incl occasional lunches, trips, bowling & golf competitions. New members welcome. Chris Blunt, Tel. 317298

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

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

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

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Fiona Mackie on 07748 845 141 or e-mail Fionamackie118@btinternet.com 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 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.

53

Are you seeking help to eat healthier?

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community clubs & groups

adult groups 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 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 Friskiis & Svettis Exercise Class Senior Basic : Monday 9.50 Friday 10am £2.50 per class. Drop in - come as often as you like.

Cairncry Community Centre Tel : Gunilla - 319377 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

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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 Italian Classes for Beginners and Intermediate PLUS Italian Cookery - All welcome - for more information 01224 209622 OR email: giuseppinaca@fsmail.net Russian evening and daytime classes beginning late September 2012 in North Deeside area for all interests and ages. Register interest at easyrussian4u@ gmail.com or ring Vilena 07778 781030 March Hare Market marchharemarket@gmail.com 07725 591 866 The March Hare Market is a NEW regular Craft & Vintage Market to hit Aberdeen City, it will feature 22-24 stalls selling handmade crafts & Vinatge wares. The Event will launch on 29th Septemberand will be taking place at the Boys Brigade, Crimon Place, AB10 1RX. 29th Spetember 2012 11am - 4pm FREE EVENT Adult Spanish and French classes Airyhall Community Centre Experienced language teacher E-mail John at jymcl11@gmail.com or Tel: 01224 582491 Concordia String Orchestra Welcomes string players of grade VII or above. Rehearsals at Ferryhill Church every Tuesday, starting at 7.30. Please contact Dave Southwood for more details (01467 642408)

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57

The Rotary Club We hear a lot these days about business in the community. Superstores have community liaison officers as well as a host of community action schemes, ranging from Tesco’s vouchers for schools and Waitrose’s green tokens to people rattling collecting tins at passing customers. Local firms sponsor the planting and mowing of verges and roundabouts. It’s all good stuff. It means that a lot of work is done that wouldn’t have been otherwise. It’s nothing to be cynical about.

But it’s nothing new, either.

A century ago, many local businesspeople and professionals took a very broad view of their social role in their towns and cities. In an era of great poverty, poor housing, and high crime they saw themselves not only as commercial and political leaders but also (although we might wince at the term nowadays) as moral leaders. They regarded immorality both as the cause and effect of poverty, and all over the Western world groups of them formed to lobby and to take direct action on diverse social concerns.

One such was founded in February 1905 by four Chicago businessmen – lawyer Paul Harris, coal merchant Sylvester Schiele, mining engineer Gustave Loehr, and tailor Hiram Shorey. Together they formed a rotation club, so called because members took it in turns to host meetings. The “Rotary Club” didn’t confine itself to any particular cause but instead sought to promote an ideal: that of public service, integrity and moral worth within the business community.

And the business community liked it. The original group grew so rapidly that within a year it was too big to “rotate” and had to find a permanent base. In 1906 Rotary Clubs were founded in San Francisco, Oakland, Seattle and Los Angeles.

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In 1912, Dublin and London became the first two overseas Rotary Clubs. By 1922, Rotary International had to be founded.

But what did they do, this legion of Rotarians worldwide? The simple answer is that they raised funds to support good causes – hospitals, social amenities, and so forth – as indeed they still do. But there has always been much more to Rotary than that. Chicago a century ago was a cosmopolitan city with many first- and secondgeneration immigrants, and the founders of Rotary had an internationalist outlook. Fostering global understanding was always a rather grand but, as it turned out, very achievable objective: as a result, Rotary Clubs were banned by the Nazis first in Germany and then throughout occupied Europe. Once the Iron Curtain fell, the Communists suppressed Rotary in Eastern Europe too.

But worldwide, the ideal of community leadership and public service has spread and there are now more than 1.2 million Rotarians in 35,000 clubs in 200 countries. You’ll find them doing everything from mentoring troubled youngsters to raising money for hospital equipment to funding international scholarships and student exchanges – more than 40,000 of them so far. Together, they have also donated more than $500 million in a 10-year campaign to eradicate polio.

Rotarians might no longer talk in terms of moral leadership; but if the language has changed, the vision hasn’t. The Rotarian ideal undoubtedly underpins more modern concepts such as the Big Society; and even if you’re cynical about that on party political grounds, you can’t be cynical about so many people choosing to see beyond the business of simply making money and using their positions as a power for good.

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community clubs & groups

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 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

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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 GCW Hockey Club Fun sessions for all At Rubislaw Astroturf Thurs 6.30 – 7.30 pm Youth for age 10+ 7.15 – 9pm Adults Contact coach@gcwhc.co.uk 32nd Aberdeen Anchor Boys If you’re in P1, 2 or 3 and want to take part in lots of fun activities, come and join us in Craigiebuckler Church Hall on Thursday evenings 6-7.15pm. Please contact me for further info & start date. Tel: Sarah 317827 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: £28 per pupil for a term of eight classes. http://tutorsalliance.co.uk/Music-Lessons.php

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

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

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59

community clubs & groups

parent and toddler groups 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: babiesand toddlers@aberdeenmethodist.org.uk

Midstocket Playgroup, Midstocket Parish Church, Harcourt Rd. 2.5 - 5 year olds. Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 09.15 - 11.45, Mon,Tues,Thurs 13.00- 15.30. Funded places available. Tel. 07542 256703 www. midstocketplaygroup.co.uk Rubislaw Playgroup Playgroup: Rubislaw Church Centre. Mon to Fri 9:15-11:45; from 30 mths to school age. Funded places available. Call 07747 830386 b/n 9:30 & 12:15 or email rubislawplaygroup@hotmail.co.uk Toddlers and 2s: Rubislaw Church Centre. Enjoy play, craft, singing and snack.

Toddlers: Up to 2 yrs; Wed 9:30-11:30 2s Group: 2 to 3 yrs; Tues 9:30-11:30. Call 07747 830386 b/n 9:30 & 12:15 or email rubislawplaygroup@hotmail.co.uk/ Messy Play Rubislaw Church Centre. Enjoy messy play for ages 2 to 5. Wed & Fri 1:15-3pm. Call 07747 830386 b/n 9:30 & 12:15 or email rubislawplaygroup@hotmail.co.uk/ Kids Crew Playgroup.2yrs 8mnths. Mon, Wed, Fri mornings 9.30am12pm. Funded Places available.

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+ 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 www.nct.org.uk/

in-your-area/aberdeen/W2T

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

Singing Tots 6mths - 3 yrs Mon 945-1015 & 1045 -1115 Rubislaw Church Centre phone or text : 07745 924449 info@singingtots.org /www.singingtots.org Toddler Time : Wed 09:15–11:15 term time. Friendly, welcoming group for parents & children aged 0-4. Cost 50 pence, inc snacks & refreshments New Life International Church, Leadside Road, AB25 1TW Michelle - 07808 932 907 Ruthrieston West Church Twos Group Fri 9.45 - 11.00 ( During term time) Age 1year 10 months + £2.50 per child per session. For more information phone Lynne on 01224 314692 Teeny Beats Fun singalong with musical instruments.

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

For children aged 0 to 5 years. £2 per session discounted rate for additional children. For further information contact Jenni Dalziel 07835852389, jennidalziel@live.co.uk

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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 Parents with babies and toddlers aged 0 - 3 are invited to join us to meet other parents ove a cup of tea or coffee and play with your child in a welcoming, child-friendly setting.

Thursday mornings 9.15 - 11.15am. during school terms.

Grampian Twins club A voluntary group for parents of multiples, get together on the last Friday of every month at St Francis of Assisi church, 213 Deeside Gardens AB15 7PR. There for you during pregnancy and beyond for advice, support and a great way to meet other multiple mums in the city and shire area. www.grampiantwinsclub.co.uk

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T

en pairs of brothers (3 of whom had sisters) from the 21st Aberdeen (Cults) Scouts who were camping during the summer at the National Scout Activity Centre, Fordell Firs, near Dunfermline. They were part of the 46 Scouts in camp for the week and took part in a variety of activities, including caving; climbing; go-carting and a football match with Scouts from Eire. The Scouts have beaten their record for brothers/sisters in camp. Last year, 9 pairs of brothers (1 of whom had a sister) were in camp at Aviemore. The photo shows the siblings in alphabetical order from left to right, with the youngest at the front.

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 !

At 7pm On the Fourth Wednesday of the month.

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61

Cults Academy News The new term is in full swing at Cults Academy.

S1’s have finally figured out how to load money onto their Accord Cards and where the science labs are in relation to the art department!

There is a new confidence and swagger about the S2’s. S3’s are really getting their teeth into the new Curriculum for Excellence and S4’s are gearing up for their week of work experience.

S5’s are keeping their heads down and their homework up to date while final year students are working away on their Personal Statements for their university applications.

If you would like to find out all the details of the endeavours and successes of our students, why not visit our website at www. cults-academy.aberdeen.sch.uk? In the meantime, circle Thursday 8th November on your calendars. That is the date of Cults Academy Christmas Fair. Imagine how smug you would feel if you had all your Christmas shopping completed by early November!

With over 50 different businesses exhibiting and selling their wares at the Fair you might manage to do just that. With the shopping accomplished why not try your luck on the raffle? The top prize is £100 pounds and there

are dozens and dozens of other fabulous prizes to be won. The chocolate tombola is great fun – you might win anything from a packet of buttons to a Perspex box of the chocolates favoured by ambassadors! Whether you have children in the school or not, do drop in and join us for a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie – it is an extremely sociable and convivial gathering and you are bound to see faces you recognise – everyone there will be from your local community.

The Fair raises money that is used to pay for a wide variety of goods and services for the students of the Academy. In the past, monies raised have paid for transport to sporting and educational events, for sports equipment and kit, for art supplies and for very many other items. The Fair has another very important function also. It is an opportunity for members of our community to meet and socialise and to enjoy the wonderful environment of the new Academy building. Everyone is welcome.

Please come along and help us make this a focal event in our community.

Christmas Fair - November 8 - 7-9pm

Matches

a flame however he didn’t develop his idea into a useable match.

Thanks to the humble matchstick, In 1827, John Walker, an English we aren’t lighting our birthday cake chemist and apothecary coated the end candles, bonfires and gas stoves by of a stick with certain chemicals and striking sparks off a flint with a piece let it dry, starting a fire by drawing the of steel. stick across rough surfaces. His yardlong sticks were cumbersome however, As early as A.D. 577 in China, small and he never patented it. A version sticks of pinewood impregnated with of Walker’s match was eventually sulphur were used to produce instant patented by a Samuel Jones, however flame. In Europe, it wasn’t until 1669 they also had problems; an initial that the alchemist Hennig Brandt violent reaction, an unsteady flame discovered the flammable nature and unpleasant smell. of phosphorous. In 1680 an Irish physicist, Robert Boyle (of Boyle’s Law In 1830 a French chemist, Charles Sauria, substituted white fame) coated a small piece of paper with phosphorous and coated a small phosphorous for the antimony in piece of wood with sulphur to produce Walker’s mixture. White phosphorous

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is poisonous and the new matches made people sick with an ailment dubbed “phossy jaw”. In 1855, Swede Johan Lundstrom used red phosphorous instead of white and for many decades Sweden held a worldwide monopoly in the manufacture of safety matches.

A Philadelphia lawyer named Joshua Pusey invented the matchbook in 1889 developing small paper matches bound into a pocket sized book. His idea was used by the Mendelssohn Opera Company to advertise their New York opening and suddenly paper matchbooks were everywhere, advertising everything. ©Leon F. Jones

e : gazette@fsmail.net

  

    

 

   

   Please do mention the gazette when responding to advertisers - thank you

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