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Issue 94 - West End 2 mid June/mid Aug 2015 Free magazine Hazlehead | Queens Cross | Mannofield

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Successfully introducing local people - local businesses

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

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

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independent publisher : Sue Simpson All enquiries : 2

A note from Sue...

Welcome back to our mid-June to mid-August issue of the gazette for Hazlehead|Queens Cross|Mannofield.

What’s on offer? 20% discount vouchers for food at Fourmile House which will run out at the end of July, so if you want a night off from cooking... If you attend any of Laura Walker’s fabulous classes then keep an eye out as there are changes afoot! If you are firing up the bbq this summer then grab some fab bbq packs available at Haigs’ Food Hall on Schoolhill or Andrew Gordon in Chattan Place, support your local butcher this summer.

Have you been out to the Village Urban Resort at Kingswells? I paid them a visit last month and I must say driving up to the hotel through the beautifully laid out “industrial site” is a wee gem. As you can see there are a few Jazz Nights coming up you might be interested in and even a £10 room if you dine on a Sunday!

I have a busy dance calendar this month. Whilst at print I’ll have been to Belfast to compete and once I’ve done my deliveries I’m off down to Skipton in the Yorkshire Dales for a weekend of workshops. I hope the weather will be as nice as last year.

I have a fabulous delivery team, many of whom have been with me for years! But as a few have now left school I’m now looking for a few people to replace them it’s only once every two months in this area - in particular Hazlehead and Rubislaw - also the alternate month I’m looking for some people to help deliver in Cults. Get in touch via the contact details in the top left hand corner.

A big thanks to Tara, our Teen Writer, this is her final article with the gazette and I’ll take this opportunity to wish her well in the future. Tara certainly has an actionpacked summer ahead as you’ll find out later in the magazine.

There is a wee competition this month and Gordon is offering a Reflexology Session to one lucky winner. It is a word search with a missing phrase. Nice and easy.

Our October magazine will see us celebrating ten years of publishing the gazette.

Any ideas how I should celebrate? I really don’t know where the time has gone but it has been a lovely journey. I have met so many wonderful people and said farewell to quite a few local businesses which is always sad. But hopefully I have a few more years left in me!

So why not pour yourself a nice Pimm’s and take a moment to relax in the garden and finish off the magazine.

Until next time, Sue Hazlehead Queens Cross Mannofield

Our next deadlines are 27 June for our | West End 1 | Deeside 27 July for West End 2 | Kingswells magazines AB41 Ellon Quarterly Magazine

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What’s On

Upstairs

DOWNSTAIRS Stay Sundays for just

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Saturday 29th August Back to School Disco – 80’s themed disco – Fancy dress encouraged £14.95pp – includes two course dinner 3

Barbecued rack of ribs Pre-cooking ribs in a pan of simmering water before placing them on the barbecue will ensure meltingly tender meat every time.

This method also saves space on the barbecue as the final cooking time with the sauce is much shorter. Serve with a spicy chunky tomato salsa, if liked.

Serves: 4 Ready in: 1 hour 2-3 racks of pork ribs (see Tip) 6 tbsp tomato ketchup 3 tbsp maple syrup 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 2 tbsp sunflower oil 1 tbsp Dijon mustard 1-2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed Place the ribs in a large pan and cover with cold water. Bring to the boil then skim off any scum from the surface of the water.

Reduce the heat, cover and simmer gently for 45 minutes.

Meanwhile, place the rest of the ingredients in a pan and bring to the boil.

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Simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Leave to cool.

Remove the racks from the pan and drain on a board lined with kitchen paper. Leave to cool for 5 minutes then brush each rack liberally with some of the sauce.

Cook the ribs on the edge of a hot barbecue for 10-15 minutes, turning and basting with any remaining sauce until the ribs are lightly charred in places.

Alternatively, the ribs can be cooked under a medium preheated grill.

TIP Most large supermarkets sell racks of ribs or ask your local butcher to prepare them for you. Single ribs will work just as well (you’ll need about 2kg in weight), just reduce the simmering time to about 25 minutes.

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All things Summer

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Are you ready to reinvent yourself?

Kate McLelland When you reach middle age it’s natural to look back over your life and make a mental tick-list of the things you have, or haven’t, achieved. This in turn often kick starts a realisation that it’s time to start a new page. There may be a number of reasons for this decision: your children may have flown the nest, your job may have ceased to interest you and your relationship has probably become a little stale.

It’s understandable to want a complete change, but you should be aware that it takes courage and effort – not to mention a reasonable amount of money – to make a major readjustment. Before you take any action you should consider the three ‘Rs’ that can help you decide if you’re ready to face the next chapter.

Resilience: when people launch themselves into a dramatic new way of life, few actually stop to consider whether they are emotionally ready to do so. If you lack resilience then new routines, different faces and unfamiliar places can leave you feeling anxious and depressed, rather than revitalised.

How do I know if I have resilience? Ask yourself how you have coped with similar changes before.

Do you enjoy new beginnings? Do you like meeting new people and facing new challenges?

If the answer is yes, then you’ll probably be fine.

Reliance: the old expression “Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater” says it all where reliance is concerned. While turning your back on unsuccessful relationships or dead-end jobs can be a positive move, things can quickly fall apart if you cut yourself off completely from the old life you have known. When you move to that new job or new place, make sure you have a support network in place to help if you encounter any unexpected problems along the way.

What does ‘reliance’ mean in practice? You don’t have to be needy, asking for help at every twist and turn of your new journey, but neither should you be too proud to ask for help if you need it.

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Successful re-inventors strike a balance between independence and knowing when to call on others for help.

Renewal: perhaps the hardest part, when it comes to facing a major change in our lives, is letting go of some of the roles we have played for years. That includes informal roles such as full-time mother, husband or wife just as much as the professional job titles we’ve relied on for our self-esteem.

Even leaving a destructive relationship can lead to a feeling of loss or vacancy in our lives: it may have been a negative influence but the relationship provided a structure that is now missing.

How should I handle renewal? Reacquaint yourself with the person behind the ‘label’: this is your time to be who you really are – don’t allow yourself to be defined by others and be confident that the life skills you’ve built up over the years will help you move on successfully.

As Shakespeare said: “The readiness is all.”

Change can be great, but don’t underestimate the emotional (and financial) impact of a big upheaval in your life. However, if you’ve made careful plans and can anticipate how you’ll cope with the challenges ahead, there’s every chance you’ll go on to enjoy a successful new life.

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Queen’s Cross Nursery Queens’ Cross Nursery is located within Queen’s Cross Church at the west end of Albyn Place. The nursery is purpose built and the children have sole access to a wonderful outside area directly from the playrooms with the opportunity to play outdoors every day. Wet weather gear is provided! The nursery was established in the early 1970’s by a group of mums in the congregation who felt that there was a need for good quality pre-school provision and it has continued to go from strength to strength.

Currently the nursery is open every morning during school terms and the children can stay on until 1pm if they bring a packed lunch. Children can access the Government Pre-school funding for their morning sessions and we work closely with Aberdeen City Council and the Care Inspectorate to ensure that we continue to provide very high standard of care and eduction.

From August this year we have decided to open in the afternoons until 3.15pm. This would mean children could come along from 8.45am until 3.15pm, or 8.45am until 12 or 1 or just come along for an afternoon from 1pm until 3.15pm. This gives mums an opportunity to perhaps return to work or spend time with younger children at home.

“Morag” by Trisha Richie

MBC Festival ART EXHIBITION Phoenix Community Centre Newton Dee, Bieldside

Nursery staff are really excited to be extending our day with the children and have already come up with good fun ideas for the afternoon sessions!

To find out more information check our advert in the top left corner of this page.

Thursday 20th & Friday 21st August, 2-5pm Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd August, 10am-5pm Light Refreshments available at the weekend

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Teen View : Summer Plans Hi all, this will be my last article for the Gazette but for those of you who have taken the time to read my articles: thank you! I have plenty of plans to share for the coming months and it is fair to say there will be minimal relaxation…

June kicked off with sixth year team building trip to Abernethy. It involved various activities- crate climbing, kayaking, rock climbing and mountain biking. It was great and I’m sure it will form the centre of discussion for a good few months.

Next I’m off to the Scottish Space School. It is an opportunity provided by Strathclyde University to gain exposure to various engineering courses the university offers but also an insight into the science involved in the realm of space technology.

We will be split into groups of ten and battling against each other in various projects such as: building and testing heart monitors, attending lectures, working with scientists, a live NASA interview with Tim Peake and many other exciting projects.

At the end of the month I will be doing my Gold Duke of Edinburgh practice expedition in the Assynt region of Scotland. We are going to do a coastal route passing through Ullapool and Achiltibuie, our trip involves camping for three nights and hiking for four days- although tiring, it is extremely rewarding! We’ll also be sailing over to an uninhabited island-Tanera Mor- to carry out a beach clean-up as part of our expedition aim.

This will assist the local ranger services who are kindly allowing us to camp in the area. The final destination lies a true incentive…a chipper!

July allows me to use my cooking skills as I am going to be assisting at a Free Church youth camp in Comrie. It will be a great week and I’m looking forward to meeting the P5-7’s from across Scotland. I’m then off to London to attend a similar camp for 17-21 year olds. Guaranteed, there will be a great atmosphere with: music, teaching and traditional camp games. I know several people who are going but the only challenge I will face is to successfully catch 3-4 trains carrying my unnecessarily large suitcase.

After London, I have a family holiday on the Isle of Lewis. Not very exotic but nevertheless, my time will consist of visiting family members, walking Boris the Labrador and fishing.

I might even go down to the shore to pick some winkles. (For those who don’t know winkles are sea snails found in rock pools.) Some people also like to eat winkles; personally I don’t see the culinary attraction… but each to their own.

I then head solo back to Aberdeen to stay with my granny. I’ll be helping at an inter-church holiday club hosted by the YMCA, I have done this now for several years. In the evenings there is a teen initiative called ‘Legacy’ which usually consists of an adrenalin pumped game (typically consisting of a dark room, intense music, lots of obstacles and various zombies) followed by a talk and food.

I love the Legacy group which is why I am rather keenly and deliberately returning from Lewis early (#dedicated).

The last week of the holidays I’ll be doing my Gold Duke of Edinburgh qualifying expedition. I am not sure of the exact details yet as I am doing it out with school but I’m certain it will be just as enjoyable and on the plus side I’ll be meeting new people.

Overall, the next few months are full on… I may be wandering in a delirious state due to sleep deprivation but I know for a fact I will have an absolutely brilliant summer and I hope you do to!

Tara

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4/23/2014 3:23:45 PM

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Word Ladder

Change one letter at a time (but not the position of any letter) to make a new word - and move from the word at the top of the ladder to the word at the bottom, using the exact number of rungs provided.

L O U D

Beer of the Month In the 16th century, the Bavarians passed a purity law which decreed that only malted barley, hops, and yeast could be used in brewing. It was likely an attempt to keep wheat in the bakery rather than the brewery, but it didn’t work.

©Puzzlepress.co.uk

Wheat beer – brewed with a mixture of wheat and malted barley – remained popular in Bavaria and northern Europe until the post-war period, when it started falling out of favour. It was seen as an old man’s beer and the fact that it was naturally cloudy didn’t help.

By the late 1970s it seemed that German wheat beer styles were in irreversible decline. Then a miracle happened. Students rediscovered it. It had retro chic, it was cheap and suddenly it was popular again.

B A N G

In the Belgian town of Hoegaarden, which had once had several wheat beer breweries but by the 1960s had none, a young revivalist called Pierre Celis started brewing it again and his version, too, took off.

Hidato Starting at 1 and finishing at 49, track your way from one square to another, either horizontally, vertically or diagonally, placing consecutive numbers into the empty squares as you go. Some numbers are already given.

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Erdinger from Bavaria at 5% is equally pale and cloudy, somewhat spicier and with an almost salty dryness. Again, hop character and carbonation are low, and there’s a hint of bubblegum in the finish.

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©puzzlepress.co.uk

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Hoegaarden at 4.9% abv is a pale lemon colour and cloudy to the point of opacity. When Celis brewed it he added orange peel and coriander; now it belongs to the multinational brewer AmBev there’s little trace of them either on nose or palate. Instead it’s grassy and light-bodied, and with its low CO2 content and lack of hop bitterness it’s eminently quaffable.

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As mass-produced international brands both are short on wheat character; but either would make a splendid accompaniment to a summer barbecue.

By Ted Bruning

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in Little Belmont Street

...in Little Belmon

We have been serving fine italian cuisine since 1977.

Extensive à la carte menu for lunch and dinner.

...in Little Belmont Street

We Hall have been serving fine italian cu 5 minutes walk from His Majesty’s Theatre and Music Extensive à la carte menu for lunch a

We have been serving fine italian cuisine since - special lunch and 1977. pre-theatre menus.

Extensive à la carte menu for lunch and dinner.

minutes walk from His Majesty’s Th Freshly baked home-made pizzas with lashings of 5 toppings.

– special lunch Tender pasta dishes full of tasty ingredients and luscious creamand pre-theatre men

5 minutes walk from His Majesty’s Theatre and Music Hall sauces. Seafood, prime steaks, chicken dishes, all with that extra – special lunch and pre-theatre menus.

Freshly baked home mode home ma touch of genius which is true italian cooking!

Tender pasta dishes full of tasty ingre

steaks, chicken dishes, all with that ex Open made Monday to Saturday 12 noon 2.30pm and 5.30pm to 10.15pm Freshly baked home mode home pizzas with lashings of to toppings.

Tender pasta dishes full of tasty ingredients and luscious cream sauces. Seafood, primeGift Open Monday to Saturday: 12 no Littleextra Belmont Street | Aberdeen | AB10 1JGcooking! steaks, chicken dishes, all with7 that touch of genius which is true Italian Vouchers

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Available 7 Little Belmont Street | Ab

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Here is one possible solution (others may exist) LOUD lord lard land band BANG

Solution

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The MBC (Milltimber, Bieldside, Cults) Festival is an annual event

coordinated by a small group of residents, which celebrates the local facilities and community spirit. This year's festival starts on Thursday 20th and goes on until Sunday 30th August. Most events on the programme are free to attend and give people a chance to meet up with old friends and make new ones. Posters will go up soon, and flyers with all the day, time and location details will be available in all local businesses, in MBC News and on the community website (www.cbmcommunity. org/mbc-festival/).

There is something for everyone in the MBC Festival. Saturday 29th is a day dedicated to children and their families, so we hope that local residents will put the Children's Pet Show and Family Fun Day in their diaries.

Music lovers can treat themselves to a Jazz Band event (Sun 23rd) and a Musical Evening (Fri 28th).

People looking to get active should attend the Open Evenings at the Cults Tennis Club

(Mon 24th) or Bowling Club (Wed 26th).

If a gentle stroll or simply chatting with friends is more your scene, then you'll be spoiled for choice: The Art Exhibition has been extended due to demand, and will span 4 days instead of the usual two (20-23rd August).

Refreshments will be available during the weekend.

We are planning a beautiful, vintage Afternoon Tea event for Sat 22nd.

There will be an Exhibition of local memorabilia, flowers and calligraphy running each day 27-29th There's a charity Coffee Morning on Sat 29th You are invited to attend an Open Day at Simeon and Cairnlee Houses on Sun 30th.

The MBC Festival is a non-profit community organisation. The Cults, Milltimber and Bieldside Community Council have been a long-standing financial supporter of the annual event, and this year we also secured funds from Aberdeen City Council / Vibrant Aberdeen, which allows us to promote the events much more. We hope you enjoy the programme of events arranged for this year and feedback if there's anything you can do to help us this year, or in the future.

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The Life List Edinburgh Festival The Festival season will soon be upon us in the fair city of Edinburgh. Not only can you see a cornucopia of arts events, you can also test the limits of your crowdophobia (yes, I know it’s really called ocholophobia too).

And come on, who doesn’t enjoy having mime artists thrust leaflets in your face?

However, despite the wisdom of “When in Rome...” there are some things that simply aren’t done when you’re visiting Scotland’s beautiful capital: 1. Calling it Auld Reekie with no idea what you’re actually talking about.

2. Asking for pasties because you think you’re actually in Cornwall.

pompous voice: “Well, it’s just like an overcooked fudge, really.”

4. Wearing a tartan hat and not expecting to be chinned.

5. Asking a piper to do a request of God Save the Queen.

6. Insisting that you’re one quarter Scotch, even if you are a heavy drinker.

7. Stopping a genuine Scot and trying to get directions to the Highland Clearance sale.

8. Asking if they still take English currency.

9. Mentioning how reasonably priced that whole tram thing turned out to be.

10. Contacting the police to tell them there’s a dormant volcano under Edinburgh Castle.

Learn from the experience of others - they already know and they’ll not thank you for the call.

And to really take the biscuit - a shortbread, naturally: 11. Trying to speak in a faux Scottish accent, bearing an uncanny similarity to Dr Finlay - because yer dinnae ken.

By Derek Thompson www.alongthewritelines.blogspot.com

3. Trying tablet and then declaring, in a

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Glorious Georgian You don’t have to live in a 250-year-old house to enjoy the timeless elegance of Georgian style. Refined and uncluttered, its symmetry, proportion and classicism looks good in all kinds of homes, says Katherine Sorrell Did you know that it was the Georgians who made us modern? During the century or so following the ascent of George I in 1714, our towns and cities, homes and gardens, and even our leisure time were transformed, and the inexorable rise of popular culture began.

Perhaps it is part of a trend away from pared-down minimalism in favour of bolder colours, decorative surfaces and more intricate shapes, or perhaps it is simply the appeal of classic elegance – either way, it is not surprising that

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The centrepiece of a room would be a fireplace with a prominent mantelpiece, and then lovely floorboards, Turkish rugs, and furniture made from walnut and mahogany, with carved edges, stable and strong.’

This was, of course, the age of the master cabinet-maker: famous names such as Thomas Chippendale and George Hepplewhite. Although styles varied according to the prevailing fashion, the general preference was for fine, small, light pieces made from rich woods, often

we find Georgian life and times, and especially its architecture and interiors, utterly fascinating.

But what was Georgian style? In an era that lasted more than a century, there were inevitably a variety of fashions, starting with the drama and lavishness of the Baroque, then the symmetry and order of Palladianism, then into the delicate, scrolling lines of Rococo, and finally the neoClassical and Greek Revival styles. But according to V&A curator Julius Bryant: ‘The prevailing mood of the period is one of classical revival, of symmetry, order, balance, space and calm – in contrast to Victorian clutter.

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and linens became extremely popular and a host of beautiful printed and woven patterns appeared, many of which are still available, including chintzes featuring large, bright florals, bold stripes, spray of flowers, Chinese scenes and the monochrome images of toile de Jouy. On walls, either wood panelling or blockprinted wallpaper would be perfect, or else look for appropriate paint colours from the many historic ranges on offer today. Georgian

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‘common’ colours included off-white, stone, grey, cream, a wide range of earthy tones and chocolate. Generally speaking, the stronger the colour, the more expensive it was to produce, so some people added touches of pea green, olive, lemon or pale blue, while the very well off employed brighter shades such as pink, orange, straw, deep green, ultramarine and Prussian blue.

At the start of the Georgian era homes were very poorly lit, but by the turn of the century there had been great advances in technology.

Gas and oil lighting – despite being prone to the occasional explosion – was the latest thing for those

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who could afford it, though candles were still the norm for most. This meant that decorative light fittings became fashionable, which reflected light prettily in ornamental mirrors. Period lighting can be tricky to get right; either seek out good reproductions or stick to simply, timeless modern fittings that won’t clash with other pieces.

In many older homes, panelled-wood shutters look just right at the windows – you may even be lucky enough to have them in place already. If not, simple curtains made from a suitable fabric work well, reflecting the fact that the later part of the Georgian

period saw the introduction of French rod curtains that drew horizontally – the forerunners of our modern curtains.

Last of all, to really get things right, add one or two typical finishing touches such as classical busts or statues, romantic porcelain figures, lacquerwork screens, rococo silver and Wedgwood ceramics. And ensure that your rooms are arranged with a nod to the Georgian taste, with an emphasis on order and symmetry. You will no doubt appreciate how this gracious and tasteful style, once the very cutting edge of fashion, has become an essential element in our interior vocabulary.

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

Pictures Georgian-style wing chair, £1,112, Delcor, 0191 237 1303; www.delcor.co.uk.

Georgian mirror, £249, The Pure Bathroom Collection from Smiths Briten, 0845 634 4321; www.purebathroomcollection.co.uk.

French Green no.187, an historic colour that was hugely popular at the end of the 18th and beginning of the 19th centuries, Mylands Paints, 020 8670 9161; www.mylands.co.uk

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The rules should state whether there is any prize money and how it will be allocated, and whether the winners will be published in a printed anthology / online. Finalists may also receive a critique of their stories. Many competitions charge an entry fee, which funds the main prizes and any print publication.

Competitions

Fledgling writers are reticent about sticking their heads above the parapet. Even calling yourself ‘a writer’ can sound (and feel) pretentious. And that’s without my smoking jacket and quill pen.

There can also be concerns about how good your work is. Entering writing competitions can be a productive way to circumvent all that angst.

A good competition offers you everything you need to galvanise yourself into action. There will be a deadline, a word count or limit, and a theme or genre. This gives you boundaries to work within.

You can often view the previous year’s winning entries and finalists. This gives you the clearest indication of the standard and style that the judges were looking for. (Judges change, so it’s only a guideline.)

Try reading your work aloud, which is a great way of identifying clumsily written text, and edit carefully before submitting your story. Win or lose, you’ve written something new or perhaps re-purposed material for the competition.

Use any feedback to help edit your work for the next time. Here’s an example of a prize-winning story online that was a loser first time around - I made changes based upon a judge’s critique: http://tomorrow-projects.com/wp-content/ uploads/2014/12/Arc1-2_Perfect-Circle.pdf

By Derek Thompson www.alongthewritelines.blogspot.co.uk

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Elevate

Right Side of the Road Taking your car on a holiday to Europe is a great way to avoid exorbitant airfares, hidden airport and airline costs and rip-off duty-free.

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However, before setting off for the continent in your car, there are a number of boxes you should tick before you get behind the wheel.

Here’s a very simple checklist…

• Prepare the proper documents: Ensure all car documents are up to date, including the insurance papers and V5c ownership document. Take both parts of drivers’ licences for all appointed drivers.

• Preparing the car for driving on the continent: Book an off-schedule MoT, it will throw up any mechanical or electrical problems to be attended to. In many European countries, it is illegal to drive with a broken exterior light for instance. Packing a full replacement bulb kit is worthwhile, too.

• Take an emergency warning triangle (two in Spain) and a hi-vis jacket (some countries require a vest for each passenger, too, so check before you go). If you are driving in France, breathalysers are still on the legal list of items that you are required to have in the car, but there is NO FINE for not having them.

• British cars should wear a GB sticker on the back to identify their country of origin, OR have Europlates bearing the blue GB symbol.

• Headlights: You will also need to adapt your headlights to avoid dazzling oncoming vehicles. You can buy conversion kits, or your main dealer may be able to adjust the beam.

Drive safely, have a wonderful time and remember – never drive faster than your guardian angel can fly.

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12/09/13 10.48

Aberdeen Scouts Prepare For American Adventure The Mannofield Explorer Scouts held a camp at the David Welch Winter Gardens in Duthie Park in May, in preparation for their upcoming trip to Yosemite National Park.

The group will embark on a road trip through California this July, with the end goal to spend a week exploring Yosemite National Park. The journey will also see the group of 14-18 year olds travel through Death Valley, visit the historic Alcatraz prison in San Francisco, and meet their American counterparts in the Boy Scouts of America.

On their journey, the Explorer Scouts will travel through a variety of terrains – from barren deserts to luscious forests, from sandy beaches to rocky mountains.

The group’s overnight stay at the David Welch Winter Gardens allowed them to experience all of these different landscapes in just one night.

Explorer Scout Liam Aiken, 16, says, “We are all really excited for our trip to Yosemite this summer. We have been fundraising for the last year and a half, and can’t believe it’s almost here!

“The camp in the Winter Gardens was really fun – we have never stayed anywhere like it before – and it was a great preview for the big trip this summer.”

Assistant leader Eoin Smith adds, “Scouting is all about offering young people new experiences and everyday adventure, helping them develop skills which are applicable across many areas of their lives.

“As a teaser for this summer’s American adventure, we wanted to do something special with the Explorers – and what better way to prepare them for the ever-changing landscapes we’ll face than by visiting them all at once?!”

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The Mannofield Explorer Scouts’ journey to America follows an exciting few years which have seen them meet Chief Scout Bear Grylls, who wore one of the group’s personalised hoodies on a tour of the UK; attend a talk by Ray Mears with a chance to meet the outdoor hero in person afterwards; and travel the length and breadth of Scotland on a series of adventurous summer camps.

Communities, Housing and Infrastructure Committee Vice Convener Councillor Jean Morrison says, “We hold all kinds of events in the Winter Gardens from weddings to school projects but we’ve never had anything happening as unusual as this before.

“We’re glad we could help the Explorer Scouts and we wish them all the best in their trip to Yosemite National Park.”

The Mannofield Explorer Scout Unit, based in Aberdeen, is open to young people aged 14-18 and offers a wide range of activities that are challenging, adventurous and thought-provoking. Their aim is to enthuse, energise and inspire young people in the community, through a range of fun and educational activities and camps that are designed to build confidence, improve leadership and team-working skills, spread a message of community spirit, and embrace the spirit of everyday adventure.

For more information about the Mannofield Explorer Scouts, visit www. mannofieldexplorers.co.uk; follow them on Twitter and Instagram @MannofieldESU; or like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mannofieldexplorers For more information about joining Scouts, as a youth member or a leader, visit

www.gazettemagazines.com t : 01224 949085

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Alison McLeod

Afterschool Football

Airyhall Community Centre Monday 9.30-10.00

Pre School

Wednesday 9.30-10.00 Pre School 1.30-2.15 Pre School Plus 3.30-4.15 P1/2 4.15-5.00 P1/2

Thursday 9.30-10.00 1.45-2.15 3.30-4.15 4.15-5.00

Tiny Tots Pre School P1/2 P1/2

Classes also running at Kingswells & Westdykes availability - book now! for august 2015 session

For more info contact Alison McLeod on 07824 631 221

www.Aberdeenfootballfun.co.uk Astronomy

Apogee Binary Star Corona Crater Deep Space Eclipse Equinox Galileo Gravity Hubble Kepler

Meteor Milky Way Moon Nebula Orbit Parsec Perigee

Polaris Pulsars Red Giant Stars Sun Tides

Find the names associated with astronomy in the grid and the remaining letters will spell out a related phrase

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25

When Angus Met Donny is a book commissioned by Aberdeen Football Club Charitable Trust and will be launched at the Scottish Kids Show on 27/28 June. The proceeds will be shared between two local charities, Aberdeen Football Club Charitable Trust and Friends of Bianca.

The book is being illustrated by local graphic designer David Stout.

Mike Gibb’s background is a playwright and occasional book writer – When Angus Met Donny will be his sixth book, all published for the benefit of animal charities such as DAWGS (which he co-founded) and Friends of Bianca

How about giving bowling a go this coming Summer

Where are we? The green is tucked in behind the Rubislaw tennis courts on Cromwell Road and the entrance is from Cromwell Gardens. Alf Leaper , tel. 01224 319985 will be happy to deal with any enquiries regarding adult membership. Check out our website: www.seafieldbowlingclub.co.uk. We are anxious to build up our Junior Section .As part of our Junior initiatives we are to be running a bowling development programme aimed at 10 to 14 year old boys and girls and hope this will encourage some to take up the sport. We also offer taster and coaching sessions and only after this FREE experience comes to an end do we ask those keen to continue to become junior members and to pay the modest subscription of £10. Bowls suitable for small hands are available from the Club. Junior enquiries should be directed to Hamish Mitchell, tel. 01224 318197.

We are a friendly club and are sure you will enjoy being part of it.

Wordsearch Entry - WIN a Reflexology Session

Complete the wordsearch overleaf and find the missing phrase Fill in your details below, cut out this section and send to gazette magazines, WEG2-i94 22 St Ronan’s Dv, Peterculter, Aberdeen AB14 0RA - alternatively scan and send to kingswells@gazettemagazines.com Closes 5pm - 27 July 2015

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MBC Festival 2015

three events

Art Exhibition

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Phoenix Community Centre, Newton Dee

Drop in to view and purchase work by local artists. Silent Auction for Chair Art. Refreshments provided by Milltimber Playgroup at weekend.

Thurs 20 and Fri 21 Aug (2pm - 5pm) Sat 22 and Sun 23 Aug (10am - 5pm)

Afternoon Tea (Hillview Church) Afternoon Tea Church on Sat 22Hillview nd Aug Drop in and enjoy a Cream Tea. Bring old friends and meet new ones!

Sat 22 Aug (2pm - 5pm)

Music in the Sanctuary

Cults Parish Church

With the Atholl Smith Jazz Band. Refreshments served at the end.

Music in the Sanctuary Sun 23 Aug (7pm - 8pm) (Cults Church) Tennis Open Evening Cults Tennis Club “Come and Try” event - all welcome! Join us for dinner from 8pm – tickets 23rdBYOB. on Sun Aug cost £XX; available from XXX. Mon 24 Aug (from 6.30pm)

Bowling Open Evening

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Musical Evening (Kirk Centre) Exhibition Cults Parish Church …of calligraphy, flowers and local memorabilia. in! Aug on FriJust28popth

“Come and Try” event, and Pizza Night! Club Bar open. All welcome!

Wed 26 Aug (6.30pm ’til late!)

Thurs 27, Fri 28 and Sat 29 Aug (10am - 4pm)

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28

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

Aberdeen Choral Society meet on a Monday evening at 7.30pm in Queens Cross Church Hall.

Rehearsals resume on Monday 7th September.

New members are most welcome.

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Aberdeen Fire Officer issues advice about dangers of cooking and alcohol A senior Aberdeen fire officer is urging city residents to take care in the kitchen and avoid cooking after consuming alcohol.

Between January and December 2014 of the total number of accidental house fires that occurred in Aberdeen 76% started in the kitchen.

Fire doesn’t only damage your property, but can put you, your family or loved ones at risk.

We have noted accidental house fires in Aberdeen for January 2015 have increased compared to the same period last year and Station Manager Gordon Riddel says that many of these are cooking related and involve people who may be under the influence of alcohol.

Station Manager Riddel said: “We are urging everyone to Join Scotland’s Fight Against Fire and this campaign is a reminder not to mix alcohol and cooking. The campaign also highlights the importance of having working smoke detection within your property “We have seen a number of incidents in Aberdeen where cooking and alcohol were contributory factors to house fires and it’s important that people are reminded about the dangers of not paying attention when cooking or after drinking alcohol.”

He added: “It is very easy to be distracted while cooking. The doorbell can go, the phone might ring, children can distract us, or we might leave the room to do other chores while food is cooking.

“Alcohol is also a common factor in many house fires and anyone who is under the influence is advised not to cook. Many kitchen fires happen when people are not paying

attention or they leave things unattended but there are several things you can do to prevent fires in the kitchen.

“We would urge people not to leave pans unattended. Take them off the heat if you have to leave the room. Fire starts when your attention stops. When you have finished cooking, make sure the cooker or oven is turned off.”

More than 2500 households in Aberdeen benefited from a free Home Fire Safety Visit last year, and SFRS wants the public to help them reach those who could be at highest risk.

Station Manager Riddell added: “We all know people who are at risk from fire – it could be a grandmother, aunt, friend or neighbour. If you, or someone you know, is at risk from fire, contact us now. We would urge any groups of people that meet such as church groups & adult support groups, especially where elderly or vulnerable people are involved to invite us along to speak about Fire Safety in the Home.

“Smoke alarms give you that vital early warning should a fire start. We provide free home fire safety visits and fit smoke alarms where required.

“We urge every household to have working smoke alarms and test them every week.

We provide free home fire safety visits and fit smoke alarms where required. If you or someone you know could benefit from a visit, please join Scotland’s fight against fire and request a visit by calling the SFRS freephone number 0800 0731 999, or by contacting their local fire station.”

A wide range of tips on how to keep yourself and your home safe from fire are available on the SFRS website: www.firescotland.gov.uk/ media/332084/recipe_for_safe_cooking.pdf

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29

NEOS Q&A

Vhairi Walker Why did you decide to take part in NEOS this year?

I took part this year because I finally felt brave enough too. I have wanted to be involved before, but never had the confidence to showcase my work on its own in this way.

Tell us about what people can expect to see if they come and visit you?

I want to submerge those who come to visit me into my surroundings using my locally taken imagery. From the bigger landscape to the smaller beautiful details that nature has to offer us on a daily basis.

How did you get into photography?

When I was 5 I got my first camera as a Birthday present and was hooked, snapping everything and everyone. In 2009 after working for a large portrait company I decided to go back to college and learn the real skills involved, working with both film and digital processes, graduating from Gray’s School of Art with a B.A in Commercial photography in 2012.

All details regarding Vhairi's NEOS venue can be found on the NEOS website www.northeastopenstudios.co.uk and in the soon to be circulated directory.

What inspires you and your work?

I’m inspired by the light and how it interacts with the ever changing landscape around me.

I do a lot of walking with my dog and use our adventures to document what we see. From the textures in woodlands and tall silhouettes cast by the trees to flowers and wildlife.

Nature and what it has to offer amazes and intrigues me.

What are the challenges of being a creative person?

For me it is having too many ideas all at once!!! I’ve had to try and rein this in (though difficult) to ensure that I stay focused one project at a time and see it through to completion.

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