Web kcn issue 8 aug sept 2014

Kingswells

Community News Issue 8- Aug-Sept 2014

West End - Deeside - Kingswells

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Buying or Selling?

Maybe you need a dierent approach to property 14 Westhill Shopping Centre, Westhill AB32 6RL

01224 749444

acandco.com

wl@acandco.com

Aberdeen | Bathgate | Edinburgh | Glasgow | Livingston | Perth Banchory

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Inverurie

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Peterhead

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Stonehaven

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Westhill

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Autumn brings...

West End - Deeside - Kingswells

As some of you will know I love autumn! Especially if we get to indulge in an Indian summer - bliss. But, just in case, the weather turns almighty on us then you can pop along to the Art Fair at the Music Hall on the weekend of 05-07 September. Or why not try the new recipe from the Fourmile - yum.

event, or holding a Christmas fair then let us know the dates and we’ll help you advertise it.

It is the start of the evening classes this month - plenty on offer from trying a new language, learning a new musical instrument, a new craft skill, keep-fit, and plenty more - along with my favourite dancing!

In the meantime, why not re-fill your cuppa and enjoy the rest of the magazine.

I have been successful in losing quite a lot of weight these last few months and you can read what I did on page 15 or on my blog on the website. Nothing unique, but the results have been amazing.

Kippie Lodge is offering a 45 minute mini facial for only £30.

Why not treat your holiday skin today? Looking for a new job in the hair industry? Then West with Style is looking for new stylists to join their team.

If you have any news you’d like to share with us here at the KCN please feel free to contact us. Email, Facebook or even phone!

If you are part of a group that are maybe doing some unique

I am going to mention the “C” word as we only have two more issues to help spread your good cheer - see the deadlines below.

Until the next time,

Sue x

KCN - A4 bi-monthly magazine Issue 9 10 11 12

Deadline 20 Sept 20 Nov 20 Jan 20 Mar

Deliver 05 Oct 05 Dec 05 Feb 05 Apr

Mag dates Oct-Nov Dec-Jan Feb-Mar Apr-May

Contact: Sue Simpson - 01224 949085 email - kingswells@gazettemagazines.com

This is a wonderful event.

Billy Connolly

Friday 5th September Preview Evening 6pm-9pm.

Advance Tickets only.

See website for details.

Saturday 6th September 9.30am-5pm Sunday 7th September 10am-5pm

speaking at the opening of AAF 2012

Painting • Sculpture • Prints • Photography

Aberdeen Music Hall Adults £3, under 16s free.

BrOugHT TO yOu By

- Events GM

Free Childrens Arts Creche

A B E R D E E N

E O M

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

w w w. a b e r d e e n a r t f a i r. c o . u k

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A944 Bus Stop The new westbound bus stop opposite Prime Four is very inconvenient for residents in south Kingswells, particularly the elderly. The Community Council sent a deputation to a meeting of Aberdeen City Council to argue the case strongly for reinstating the westbound bus stop opposite Kingswells Church.

We regret that the Council flatly rejected this request and we believe that the decision was political.

There remains the possibility of a new bus stop being created near to the Five Mile Garage to serve residents on the south side of the A944.

Primary School We are absolutely dismayed that Aberdeen City Council planners have approved an increased number of houses to be built at West Huxterstone. KCC strongly requested last year that the development be phased to enable the primary school to accommodate the additional children. However, this request was ignored. City planners argued that the roll was going to exceed the school’s capacity anyway, so they might as well grant approval. There are now bound to be real pressures within the school and even the possibility that some children will be bussed to other schools outwith the area. This is completely unacceptable, especially after KCC had warned the Council what was likely to happen. We hope that potential buyers of new homes at West Huxterstone will be made aware of the situation !

Fast Broadband Fibre optic broadband should become available to Kingswells residents between July and October. We are told that residents served by green cabinets 11 and 13 can now apply to their broadband providers for an upgrade. Hopefully, this has worked out for those concerned and other cabinets will become “live” soon.

Signposts We’re sure that residents will welcome the new wooden signposts that guide people along the various core paths in and around Kingswells. They were put up by Aberdeen Greenspace Trust and Aberdeen City Council with advice from KCC. It’s great to see so many people using the core paths now for walking, jogging and cycling.

Landscaping We thank Drum Group for the new tree planting between Prime Four and the Kingswells roundabout.

The area is already beginning to look much better. The field between the A944 and the Den Burn has reverted to a natural state and deer can occasionally be seen in it again. We need to press now for landscaping of the roundabout itself as it looks really boring.

At West 1, about 30% of the trees and shrubs planted by the developer are dead and need to be replaced. This has spoiled the surroundings for people living there. KCC informed the developer about this last year. The property managers have so far been unable to get the contractors to do the replanting. The spring planting season has already been missed. KCC intends to keep up the pressure until things are sorted.

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Dog Bins Some residents, including dog walkers, have told us that they’d like to see some more dog bins around Kingswells. Aberdeen City Council is reluctant to provide any more, but if we can make a strong case it might be possible. It could be possible to relocate some of the existing bins. Please let us know if you have any special requests. We are pleased that the new dog bin requested for Old Skene Road has finally got the go-ahead.

Japanese Knotweed This is a notifiable and very invasive plant that has begun to take root in parts of Kingswells. It can spread quickly and is difficult to eradicate. It tends to grow along watercourses and can be seen, for example, along the Bucks Burn behind the doctors’ surgery. KCC has been pressing for action before it gets out of control. Please let us know if you spot any knotweed in your area.

(Please also read the separate article overleaf.)

Western Peripheral Route Some of you may have attended the recent exhibitions staged by the AWPR team. We won’t know until after the contract is formally awarded this autumn which sections of the road will be worked on first or what disruption there will be to traffic. The construction of the massive Kingswells South junction on the A944 is likely to cause most disruption locally. At its nearest point, the AWPR will be about 300 metres from Kingswells. When first planned, the AWPR would have reduced traffic considerably on the C89 perimeter road round Kingswells. However, due to Council approval of the new entrance into Prime Four and the planned Newhills Expansion, this future reduction in traffic now looks less certain. The AWPR team has gone to considerable lengths to limit the road’s impact on the local environment and wildlife.

Many new trees will be planted to help screen the road. The team says that the natural environment will have recovered significantly after about 15 years.

Countesswells KCC has objected to plans submitted by the developer for the first phase of building on the site of the current equestrian centre. We think that too many houses are being crammed in and there will be too little green space between them. We object in particular to the design of the flats and the dull appearance of some of the facing materials.

Community Council Membership The Community Council has five vacant places and would welcome an intake of new blood and fresh ideas. The group is open to anyone living in Kingswells who is interested in issues that affect our area.

We have tried very hard over the last ten years to improve our local community and serve the needs of residents. We keep people informed about what is going on locally, consult them when big issues come up, and work with other agencies to help improve local services. We are keen to continue and extend our work into the future.

Joining the group doesn’t have to take up too much of your free time. You don’t need any previous experience and you can decide how much time you want to spend on community council work. Anyone who is interested in joining or would like to find out more should visit our website at

www.kwells.org

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Seen an alien species on your local riverbank?

Please help stamp it, and others out An invasion of non-native plant species across Aberdeenshire, and how best to tackle the problem, was the subject of a recent multi-agency workshop.

Aberdeenshire Council hosted the workshop for government agencies, river trusts, community councils, landowners and volunteers to look at what work is already being done to control problem plants.

Local people are now being urged to help in the fight against invasive non-native species (INNS) which have been introduced deliberately or accidentally to the north-east, well outside their natural geographic range.

Plants like Giant Hogweed, Japanese Knotweed and Himalayan Balsam become established in the local environment and can spread rapidly at the expense of native habitat and at substantial financial cost to us all.

More than 50 people attended the workshop which provided an opportunity to review efforts to tackle invasive species, much of which is carried out by volunteers.

With much more work to be done to tackle the enormous challenge, keeping volunteers motivated is a key challenge and communities across Aberdeenshire are being urged to help stamp out these species before the problem gets any bigger.

Chair of the council’s Infrastructure Services Committee, Councillor Peter Argyle, said: “This is a big problem which affects us all and costs us all money. Aberdeenshire Council and other organisations simply cannot deal with this alone.

“If you want to be a good citizen and do something that really will make a practical difference – take part in some or all of the five actions listed below. Together we really can help.”

Giant hogweed – Can grow to over 3m tall and is seen on many Aberdeenshire river banks. The sap contains a toxic chemical which causes blistering of the skin when it is exposed to sunlight.

The hogweed forms dense stands, shading out native plants, blocking riverside footpaths and exposing river banks to erosion when it dies back in the winter.

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Himalayan balsam – This plant has attractive pink flowers and is popular with beekeepers, but forms dense stands along river banks where its seeds spread readily. It competes with native plants and can result in erosion of river banks.

With INNS already firmly rooted in the Aberdeenshire area, dealing with these species is going to be a long-term task and the recent workshop focused on what needs to be done to take eradication work forward effectively.

There is much that local people can do to help tackle this serious problem. Here are a few practical tips which can help:

Three key INNS are affecting land in Aberdeenshire:

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Japanese knotweed – A tall species with bamboolike stems, which was originally introduced as an ornamental plant. It is now found on river banks, waste ground, roadside verges and some gardens. Able to grow from a tiny fragment of root, the plant spreads easily in soil and extensive roots can penetrate roads, paths and even concrete causing structural damage and shading out native plants. Its destructive nature means its presence close to properties can affect the ability of homeowners to sell or get a mortgage.

»» Learn to recognise these species – good identification guides are available online: http://www.nonnativespecies. org/factsheet/index.cfm »»

Help put together a more accurate picture of where these plants are growing by sending in a record of any you see, in town or the countryside, to the Local Biological Record Centre: http://www.nesbrec.org.uk/

»» Join the conservation volunteers who help organise work groups to control these pests: http://www.tcv.org.uk/ volunteering »» Join an environmental group working to tackle the issue in your local area, and if there isn’t one, get together with your friends and neighbours to set one up. »» Check your own garden or land for invasive species and prevent them spreading.

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t: 01224 949085

Grow your own take-away Pippa Greenwood We all know that homecooked food is better for us than a stream of takeaways, but then we all deserve a little self-indulgence from time to time. So why not save yourself the guilt (and some cash) and grow your own Chinese takeaway right here in your own garden?

No I haven’t turned cookery writer, but you can easily grow some of those tasty and crunchy vegetables that make the backbone of many a Chinese stir-fry... and the great thing is that oriental vegetables do well from late summer sowings, so it’s off to the garden centre (not the takeaway) you go!

And finally, mushrooms will add a meaty texture to your home-grown vegetable stir-fry. Kits for growing both oyster and field mushrooms are available in many garden centres or by mail order. It’s not always easy to get right, I know, but the challenge is definitely worth it when you have exotic mushrooms growing in your cellar, garden frame, greenhouse, or shed.

Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com for her “Winter thru Spring” vegetable collection, plants for September, regular advice emails from Pippa, and a range of gardening products including Nemasys caterpillar, slug, ant and other biological controls, Enviromesh & Envirofleece

MD

Bean sprouts are so easy to grow you could almost do it with your eyes shut. The common types are sprouted mung-beans, and you can either buy packets of seed or a small packet of the beans themselves from your local health food store. They’ll come with easy cultivation instructions and before you know it you’ll have the beginnings of a stir-fry.

Mizuna has got to be one of the most attractive leafy vegetables you can grow. Its green leaves appear soon after sowing the seed in a pot or in open ground, and they add a great spicy flavour to your stir-fry and also add a zing to salads and sandwiches.

And where would your Chinese meal be without that delicious Oriental veg, pak-choi. It’s another easy vegetable to grow late in the summer: just sow the seeds in a well-forked soil, water, and wait. Thin out as per the instructions of the seed packet (you can eat the thinnings too), then just pinch off the roots and pop the plants into the wok. Pak-choi also grows well in a container of multi-purpose compost.

Garlic is another essential ingredient. It’s not really the right time of year to plant garlic, but for an unexpected little extra take a few spare cloves and pot them in trays of compost. Keep the compost slightly moist and in a week or two the cloves will start to sprout. What you’re after here aren’t the sprouts though, but the bright green foliage which adds a definitely garlicy flavour to stir-fries and a touch of colour as well.

Radishes add heat as well as crunch, and there are some lovely oriental varieties such as Mantanhong, which is a British-bred Chinese variety with a superbly crunchy bright red-to-pink inner flesh and spherical white roots – great for colour and texture and with a sweet almost nutty flavour. Sow in open ground or pots from now until early September for cropping in a few weeks’ time.

Spring onions are another classic stir-fry component. You won’t get a fully mature crop for harvesting this year unless you’re extremely lucky; but what you will get is a super-young onion that will add both colour and intense flavour to the contents of your wok.

GARDEN SERVICES Garden Design Treated Wood Fencing Grass Cutting Border Edging Shrub Pruning / Trimming Hedge Cutting Tree Work

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Mike Duffus Tel: 01224 732872 Mobile: 07742 761 763

E-mail: mdgardenserv@btinternet.com

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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.

C O R N

©Puzzlepress.co.uk

O A T S Aberdeen Mountain Rescue Team is 50

On 11th September, Mark Beaumont, record-breaking long-distance Scottish cyclist, adventurer, broadcaster, documentary maker and author will give a talk, fresh from the Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton relay.

On 1st November there will be a fundraising ceilidh at the Hilton Treetops, Aberdeen, with dancing to Ceol Mhor.

Although based in Westhill, Aberdeen Mountain Rescue Team’s area of operation covers all of the Grampian Region, including Deeside, Donside and the Cairngorms. Whilst the 35 members of the team give their time for free, each year the Aberdeen & St. John Mountain Rescue Association has to raise approximately £40,000 in order to pay for equipment and other running costs such as the equipment, communications, insurance, fuel, vehicles etc …

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Whilst summer holiday season may once again be upon us, I have been inundated with enquiries about constituents’ passport applications. You will be aware from the widespread media coverage of the story that the Passport Office is still wading its way through a huge backlog of applications, potentially placing people’s holiday or other plans in jeopardy.

It is true to say that traditionally summer brings a rise in applications as people prepare for holidays. However, the Government’s decision to move processing of applications for British citizens living abroad from the Foreign Office to the Passport Office, and the closure of a whole host of regional offices (including Aberdeen), meant that the Agency left itself facing unprecedented demand with depleted resources. For example, Government figures show that staff numbers have reduced by over 600 since 2010.

The effect of the Government’s decisions on passport processing was certainly foreseeable. This is something which the Government was warned about well in advance.

Staff are working to reduce the backlog and the Home Secretary has announced special measures However, the Government has simply been forced into action as it has allowed a crisis to envelop the Passport Office, by its failure to act sooner.

The Agency’s Chief Executive has already been called before MPs and provided assurances that the situation ‘is under control’. However, the contact which I had with constituents tells a different story.

Yours sincerely Frank Doran MP Aberdeen North 69 Dee Street, Aberdeen AB11 6EE, Tel: 01224 252 715, email: frank.doran.mp@parliament.uk

Whilst many call outs are rescuing hill walkers and climbers in the mountains, a large number of callouts involve searches for missing persons and these can be anywhere within the Grampian Region. So far this year the team have been involved in nine separate call outs with one being a multi-day search.

Aberdeen Mountain Rescue Team celebrates its 50th anniversary this year and to mark the occasion a number of events are being planned across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire to give the public in Grampian an insight into the Team’s work in 2014 and to help raise vital funds for the charity.

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News from Westminster

Every one of the Team members is a volunteer. They all have jobs, families and other requests on their time. However, they put everything to one side, once the call is made, to go out and help search for and rescue anyone that is missing or injured and needs assistance.

AMRT relies on donations and sponsorship from the public and businesses within their operational area.

Dawn MacKinnon, Chairman of the Aberdeen Mountain Rescue Association said: “Over 50 years many people owe their lives to the Team and Teams like ours who head to the hills, or glens or even remote parts of Aberdeenshire and the Grampians often in atrocious weather conditions. Whilst there has been many changes over the years in terms of equipment, and especially communications what has not changed is the willingness of volunteers to forfeit their time in order to help others. We really hope that the people of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire will come to see our exhibit and hear our talk, meet the Team members and also support our fundraising. “ Check out our website www.amrt.org.uk or ollow us on Facebook for more details.

Alternatively contact us by email at association@amrt.org.uk

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Kingswells is getting faster...

There are exciting times ahead for the community of Kingswells.

Almost 600 premises in Kingswells should already be able to access high speed fibre broadband, with this number increasing as the fibre continues to be rolled out throughout Scotland over the coming months.

The launch of high speed fibre broadband in Kingswells is part of the Digital Scotland Superfast Broadband Programme (www. digitalscotland.org), one of the most ambitious broadband projects in Europe. By the end of 2017, fibre broadband should be available to around 95% of homes and businesses across Scotland, with 85% able to get service by the end of 2015.

But what does it mean for you?

This significant infrastructure investment will bring real social and economic benefits to the residents and businesses in a very vibrant and innovative community.

At home, fibre broadband isn’t just about a faster internet connection. It’s about everyone in the household being able to do their own thing, all at the same time.

For businesses, ‘cloud computing’, video conferencing and social media are just a few of the advantages to having faster upload and download speeds. Work locally, yet compete globally; the improved online presence really makes the most of the digital era.

So whether you own a business, do all your shopping online, keep in touch with family and friends, pay your bills, book holidays, watch movies or play Minecraft; whatever you do, high speed fibre broadband will help you do it faster, better and more reliably than before, and all at the same time!

http://www.digitalscotland.org/newsletter-signup/ A copy of our frequently asked questions can be found at http:// www.digitalscotland.org/faqs/ Not sure about ‘how’ to make the most of the Internet?

If you would like help or training on basic online skills that will give you the confidence to participate in the digital world, find out more about what is available by clicking on the following link http://slic.digitalscotland.org/ , or by asking at your nearest library or Post Office.

We want to hear from you!

Kingswells will soon be a community where people living, working and visiting the area can communicate and connect instantly using any device, anywhere, anytime. We would really like to hear about the difference superfast broadband will make to your life so if you want to share your story contact us at: superfast@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

Traditional Scottish

music,song and dance classes

So what do you need to do?

If you want to benefit from high speed internet connectivity, you need to act – you won’t be upgraded to fibre speeds automatically. But it only takes a few easy steps …

See whether fibre broadband is available for your home or business by checking your telephone number at: https://www.btwholesale.com/includes/adsl/main.html If fibre is available, you will need to contact a communications provider (a company who provides telephone, broadband or TV services) to order fibre broadband. This can be your existing provider or you can choose a new one. If you need some advice on how to choose the best provider, Ofcom has some price comparison sites which may help. http://consumers.ofcom.org.uk/price-comparison/ Can’t get fibre yet? Register your interest here and we’ll keep you up to date with the latest news from Digital Scotland. We’ll email you our newsletter.

Just a few of the classes we run

fiddle guitar bodhran step dance pipes clarsach flute tin whistle scots song mandolin ceilidh dance mixed instruments accordion

Want to find out more?

Visit our website from August for information on all of the classes we will be running, term dates, enrolment evenings, prices and lots more.

Sign up now through facebook or our website to receive our e-newsletter, keeping you up to date with all SC&T activities.

Classes will be held in, The MacRobert Building, University of Aberdeen, AB24 5UA

w www.scottishculture.org e office@scottishculture.org t 07754 758677

Scottish Culture and Traditions Association (SC&T). A company limited by guarantee No 231578.

Registered in Scotland. Registered Office: 42 Carden Place, Aberdeen AB10 1UP. Scottish Charity No.SCO 27559

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'A Touch of Excellence' Natural Face-Lift & Indian Head Massage Angel Healing®, Karuna Reiki, Hypnosis, Hopi Ear Candles, Shamanic Practises & Reflexology Corporate: 'On-Site' Chair Massage is a 15 minute massage, fully clothed without oils, practised on a specially designed chair in your workplace.

Appointments & enquiries: Alison Christie (m) 07934 098839 alison@caledoniatouch.co.uk www.caledoniatouch.co.uk Broomhill Clinic, 18 Broomhill Road, Aberdeen £10 Discount Quote: KCN 8 (Discount valid on first appt. only)

Lower Deeside Community Association

The Return of the Red Squirrel Staff from the Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels (SSRS) project are appealing to the public to help report any sightings of red or grey squirrels.

As autumn approaches squirrels are on the move and can turn up in your garden or local woods. We know there are still some grey squirrels around Kingswells but has anyone seen red squirrels locally? Red squirrels are doing very well in Hazlehead and Countesswells so they are not far away. In the last year we have run very successful guided walks in the woods at the Crematorium- on one we saw five red squirrels at once!

As SSRS enters its sixth year, our work in Scotland’s northeast will continue to focus on targeted and co-ordinated trapping of grey squirrels. Trapping figures were encouraging last year, helped in large part by members of the public hosting a trap in their garden. Detailed study of our trapping work has shown it really does work- grey squirrel numbers have dropped rapidly and in many areas the reds bounce right back!

We are heavily reliant on the public to report their squirrel sightings of both reds and greys via the website www. scottishsquirrels.org.uk.

The Project is keen to improve our coverage in the area. If you would like to find out about our trap-loan scheme then please feel free to get in touch with Project Officer, Stephen Willis. We can be reached by email on swillis@scottishwildlifetrust.org. uk or by phone on 01224 266526.

Cults Academy Community Centre.

The committee would also like to enrol new members and hear from individuals who might be interested in running courses.

At present the following activities are taking place: Adult Badminton Italian Language Junior Badminton Italian Cookery Over 30s Football ‘ Art – Drawing and Painting Tai Chi Holiday Spanish It is hoped to set up classes in other hobbies/interests at some future date, depending on feedback and available space.

A minibus is available for hire to community groups.

We look forward to hearing your ideas and suggestions, so that the community can make optimum use of the premises at Cults Academy Community Centre. There is an office in the Cults Academy Community Centre which is open on Tuesday and Friday mornings; enquiries can be made at other times by telephone or email. Telephone no: 01224 866286 Email: CultsCC@aberdeencity.gov.uk

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Would you like help with :Toddler Tantrums? Calming at Bedtime? Assistance with Pain Relief ie teething, or when bumped / bruised?

Support and encourage your toddlers digestion?

Reflexology 4 Toddlers may be the answer.

To book a session on a Saturday morning please contact Lynne

lynne@butterflydreams.co.uk www.butterflydreams.co.uk

07808 764 712

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t: 01224 949085

It has been a real pleasure to work on this new addition to Aberdeen's growing number of heritage trails. Kingswells was long overdue to be included in the series. This leaflet is an exploration of just some of the rich heritage, archaeology and natural history of the area of Kingswells and a little further afield. Interesting Kingswells features one of the oldest archaeological monuments in Aberdeen, dating from the Neolithic period. First farmers buried their dead in these from around 4000 BC, in prominent locations in the landscape, such as this one. Only a small handful of these monuments in northeast Scotland.

The more 'modern' history of Kingswells is equally intriguing and very diverse. The leaflet seeks to explore some of the big influences on the history of the area from the Quakers to the creation of the consumption dykes, the great and impressive monuments of the period we know as the agricultural revolution. The leaflet, as sponsored by the Kingswells Community Project, is full of illustrations and will be available free of charge at venues across the City of Aberdeen as well as a downloadable pdf on the City Council's website. Thanks go to my colleague Andrew Gaffron who has done a great job of designing this leaflet. (photos Aberdeen City Council)

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the war memorial photo credited to Stevie McRae.

Kingswells Heritage Trail

Porsche Macan Porsche is set to bolster its position as market leader in the premium SUV sector with the launch of this, its new midsized Macan. An impressive range of engines, stylish exterior design and the German marque’s typically upmarket interiors all feature, but will this suave sports utility vehicle carve out a market for itself quite like the Cayenne? We find out...

394bhp, 3.6-litre twin-turbocharged Turbo – it’s ludicrously fast, but doesn’t put the lower powered V6s to shame as they are equally punchy. There is, however, a fourth option. Porsche will sell you one with a 2.0-litre, turbocharged four-cylinder unit pushing out 234bhp. Badged just ‘Macan’ it’s order-only and isn’t set to be a big hit here in the UK.

What is it?

Porsche will tell you at great length that the new Macan is not a downsized, shrunken version of the Cayenne SUV. They’ll gladly regale you with tales that the Macan’s shape takes great inspiration from the 911 and the 918 hypercar. They’ll even let slip that during the Macan’s testing regime, the 911 was

What’s the spec like?

For now at least, the range is simple. Both the petrol and diesel Macan S cost £43,300 and (surprisingly for a Porsche) come well specified with an electric tailgate, part leather/ part alcantara upholstery, dual-zone climate control, MP3

used as a benchmark for the results. The fact is, however, the new Macan is based – loosely, it must be said – on the Audi Q5 and is a new entrant into the hugely profitable and popular compact SUV sector. It expands Porsche’s SUV range by 100 per cent and, judging by the larger Cayenne’s sales history, it will sell by the bucketload.

What’s under the bonnet?

One of the reasons the Cayenne has proved such a hit for Porsche in the UK has been the choice of engines – and the Macan is no different. There’s the option of a 335bhp 3.0-litre, twin-turbocharged petrol or a 254bhp 3.0-litre twin-turbo diesel. What with its 143mph top speed and combined fuel consumption of more than 44mpg, the latter is predicted to take 60 per cent of UK sales. The range is topped off with the

CHRISTIAN AID HOUSE-TOHOUSE COLLECTION 2014 43 adults and numerous children were involved this year in the delivering and collecting of envelopes and, despite the fact that we were unable to cover every street in the village a total of £3359.99 has been sent to Christian Aid. Thank you everybody for your help and generosity in making this possible.

More information about Christian Aid can be found on: www.christianaid.org.uk/

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connectivity and 18-inch alloys. The Turbo at £59,300 adds 19-inch wheels with red brake calipers, sat nav, Bose sound system, leather upholstery with electric front seats and alcantara roof lining. There is of course a healthy options list which includes such pleasantries as Porsche’s PTV torque vectoring system (£1,012), self-levelling air suspension (£1,004 and a first for the compact SUV sector) and the Sport Chrono Package (£728). All come with Porsche’s excellent seven-speed PDK automatic transmission.

Any rivals?

The Macan’s chief rival is the hugely popular and super-stylish Range Rover Evoque. There’s also the BMW X1 and the Audi Q5 but none are as sporting as the Macan. That’s a privilege you have to pay for though.

All welcome!

Local launch of the booklet “Kingswells and Brimmond Hill”.

Thursday 11th September at Kingswells Community Centre.

Talk on Kingswells by Chris Croly (Aberdeen City Council Historian ) at 4:00 pm Complementary refreshments will be served from 3:30pm onwards, courtesy of Kingswells Community Project Fund.

Pick up your free booklet!

e: kingswells@gazettemagazines.com

t: 01224 949085

What’s it like to drive?

All that marketing hype about this being the first sports car compact SUV is true – it’s a fine-handling thing. The steering is as crisp as it probably could be and thanks to 90 per cent of the car’s power being pushed to fat tyres at the rear, it’s well-balanced, too. It rides well and even when Sport and Sport + modes are prodded, the ride is firm but never unbearable. The Turbo is deeply impressive and will reach 60mph in just 4.6 seconds. But the Turbo is really for the downsizing Porsche enthusiast. There’s no doubt the Macan will appeal to conquest customers and they’ll be more than happy with the Macan S in either petrol or diesel. The former has a lovely dainty-ness to it and has more than enough power. But it’s the diesel which is, obviously, the best all-rounder. It has more than enough power and performance and it won’t break the bank... too much.

The Verdict Just over a decade ago, Porsche caused quite some controversy producing its first ever SUV. The Cayenne wasn’t what you’d call pretty but it successfully married true Porsche handling in a more user-friendly and everyday package. The new Macan takes that to even greater levels. With ample seating for five and loading space of 1,500 litres when the seats are folded, it’s a practical proposition. Its smaller dimensions make it far more agile on the road and it genuinely feels sporty to drive – think of an upscaled, four-wheel drive Boxster and you wouldn’t be too far wrong. It’s even rather good looking in our eyes. There’s no reason why Porsche won’t have a ball with this car. In our opinion, you’re looking at Stuttgart’s new UK best-seller

Fish and Chips?

The knowledge Model: Porsche Macan S Diesel Price: £43,300 Engine: 3.0-litre, turbocharged V6 diesel Power: 254bhp, 580Nm Max speed: 143mph 0-60mph: 6.1 seconds MPG: 46.3 mpg (combined) Emissions: 159g/km CO2

We’ve even been known to paint kitchen units!

No job is too small, whether it’s a polish out of a small scratch or a complete respray, we’ll undertake a first class job at a competitive price.

*Meal Deal*

Fish + Chips + Mushy Peas + Can of Juice £6.70 Mon-Fri - 11.30am-1.30pm + 4.30pm-10.00pm Sat-Sun - 4.30pm - 10.00pm

Woodend Fish & Chips 111 Rousay Drive, Summerhill, Aberdeen AB16 6LT (next to Tesco)

We undertake general painting, resprays, body repairs, wheel refurbishment or change of colour, spoiler kits, restorations, stickers, customisation e.g. roof painted different colour, wing mirror colours and any other body work or painting requested, we’re happy to undertake.

Telephone Orders Welcome (All meals freshly cooked to telephone order)

Tel: 01224 318543

Mon to Fri 8.30am - 5.00 pm, Saturday 9.00 am-12.30pm, Cammach Business Centre, Greenbank Road, Aberdeen, AB12 3BN, telephone 01224 899209.

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13

Elevate

Just Dance ~F

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For Fun and Fitness Adult Dance / Workout Classes

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Mini-Movers – from 2yrs Pre-school Classes Jazz and Tap – from Primary 1 upwards

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For more information, or to book a place, telephone Jean Darker

07521 398582 or 01224 681202 Classes held at Webster Park (Kingswells) / Airyhall Community Centre

Junior Jazzercise is a perfect program to get kids active and learn the importance of exercise and health. The program combines fun, easy-to-follow dance moves to popular music, fitness games, and light strength training. The non-competitive atmosphere is the perfect setting to introduce your child to fitness.

Children are not required to have any dance experience.

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12/09/13 10.48

WEDNESDAY’S - KINGSWELLS VILLAGE HALL 3.40 - 4.40 pm (P2-4) & 4.50 - 5.50pm (P5 up) To book a place for the coming term, contact Louise: Tel. 467567 email: loargo@talktalk.net

The Alizonne Diet – what the heck is that!

transform your body and your life!

In an endeavour to find out exactly what the Alizonne diet was, I paid a visit to Temple Medical in West Craibstone Street, Aberdeen. Dr Sam Robson has been advertising with me for a very long time and 18 months ago invited me to come and try it out! I dismissed it as another fad. Well having seen the results on the back of the West End magazines for the last 18 months I decided that maybe this was the way forward.

After Treatment

I don’t really know when I started to gain weight. I was always told, you’re tall, and you can carry it! Well it was back in April that I wasn’t feeling very good about myself so stepped on the scales, yet again, in an attempt to make me wake up and smell the coffee. And another stone, yes another 14 pounds of FAT had crept on. I tell you I didn’t even notice. Yes the clothes were feeling tighter and if I had a full length mirror I might have glanced and thought – bit chunky – but I don’t, probably for that very reason.

Anyway, cutting to the chase I made an appointment to see Sam about advertising and thought I’ll enquire and find out more about Alizonne. After a tour of the new premises, very nice by the way, I was shown to the top of the building. Three flights of stairs; this is where the Alizonne treatments take place. No oxygen mask was to be seen at the top – just a fancy machine that looks like a hoover, a set of electronic scales, blood pressure monitor and some battery looking objects. Maybe this is why it’s called a medical diet.

temple GAZETTE august

10/7/13

09:22

Page 1

" has transformed my life"

Back to ground level Sam got talking. The fact she had a pound of fat sitting on her with 14 weeks of treatment desk which is not particularly attractive, her positive and enthusiastic way of talking about the amazing results that were happening on a daily basis, I knew at that point she had me! She said have a think about it and then phone and book an Weight Reduction Skin Retraction & Contour Shaping WITHOUT SURGERY initial consultation if you are www.templemedical.co.uk tel: 01224 869997 serious about the diet. She did say that I could be put off of the diet at any time if I didn’t follow it to the “T”. I wasn’t about to be the first to be kicked off – I’ll show you I can do it – however challenging it may become.

Alizonne -WINNERS 2012-2013

Best Weight Loss Programme/product

Nenad after treatment

Nenad before treatment

Nenad Lost 5st 7lbs Nenad before treatment

Nenad after treatment

"I joined the Alizonne programme to improve my health, it worked out perfectly and I never felt hungry"

6 West Craibstone Street, Aberdeen, AB11 6DL.

I am not going to lie and say it is only £5 a week and you step on some scales and told you’ve lost xyz pounds. It is not a cheap option. It does not transform your involve surgery of any kind. body and your life!

It does involve a HUGE COMMITMENT. A slight rearrangement of your social Before Treatment activities for the initial phase and a will of steel!

Loss of 6st 8lbs You will require the ability (41.7kg) after 26 weeks to say NO, and to mean it.

Alcohol has to be given up After too… but you can still have Treatment tea and coffee J Weight Reduction, Skin Tightening & Contour Shaping WITHOUT SURGERY

www.templemedical.co.uk

tel: 01224 869997

6 West Craibstone Street, Aberdeen AB11 6DL

Armed with the telephone, I dialled the number – 01224 869997… Within

Salena Lost 10st 7lbs (67.94kg)

after 36 weeks

Before Treatment Weight Reduction, Skin Tightening & Contour Shaping WITHOUT SURGERY

www.templemedical.co.uk

tel: 01224 869997

6 West Craibstone Street, Aberdeen AB11 6DL

five minutes I had an initial consultation and had parted with a chunk of money. My appointment wasn’t for another ten days… but I was determined I would start the way I meant to go on. Let the calorie counting begin… … I have actually now started the diet and have been on it for 14 weeks at the time of going to print. I am being complimented all the time in the weight loss, shrunk several dress sizes and feel pretty good about myself.

I don’t want to say too much more in this article, but you can read my blog on the website as I have been keeping a diary. If you are interested and want to ask me about the diet, please feel free to get in touch, I’m more than happy to share my experience. My before, after and in between pictures I’ll share in the magazines when I’m complete. I am only at the end of Phase 1 and there are 7 more phases to go. Alizonne is changing my life. The weight loss is helping me live longer. The exercise is keeping me fit and active.

The confidence in me has grown ten-fold and I’m getting ready to embrace Phase 2. http://www.gazettemagazines.com/blog-alizonne/ http://www.templemedical.co.uk/alizonne/ The top link will take you to my blog. The second link will take you to the temple medical web page and there are pictures and videos of people who have been on the diet and their results. I would just like to say that I embarked on the diet for my own health reasons. It will not be for everyone, but if you are serious about losing weight and have tried everything else then this might just work for you. Do not hesitate to get in touch with me to ask any questions. mail@gazettemagazines.com put in the subject line Alizonne and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.

Words by Sue Simpson

Pan Seared Pigeon Breast with Cranberry Mash and Blackcurrant Jus SERVES 4 PEOPLE INGREDIENTS 8 pigeon breasts, skin on (unless they are large – which is unusual- in which case you will only need four) 1kg potatoes (Desiree or King Edward are great for mashing as they have high starch content) Large handful of blackcurrants 2 table spoons cranberry sauce 100 ml of red wine Few sprigs of thyme 500ml of quality beef stock (we would buy in the whole pigeon, remove the breasts and use the remainder to make our own stock, but you may prefer not to do this at home) 50g of butter 3 tablespoons of double cream 3 table spoons of olive oil Cornflour to thicken Few sprigs of thyme Salt and pepper

When the quantity has reduced by half, add the beef stock, season to taste and simmer for ten minutes.

You may prefer not to thicken this jus, but if you do, cornflour works well, used as per the instructions on the packet.

Put half of the oil and half of the butter in a saucepan and put on to heat.

Brush the pigeon breasts on each side with the remaining oil and sprinkle the skin side with salt and pepper. Place them skin side down on the hot pan and cook for 3-4 minutes. Season the flesh side, turn and cook for 2-3 Old Skene Road, Kingswells, Aberdeen, AB15 8QA 01224Transfer 740318 to Email. info@fourmile.co.uk minutes until browned but still pink Tel. inside. a warm www.fourmile.co.uk plate to rest.

The potatoes will now be ready to mash along with the cranberry sauce and the remainder of the butter and the cream, adding salt and pepper to taste.

Spoon the mash onto the middle of the plate and drizzle the jus round the potatoes.

Make three diagonal cuts through each pigeon breast and arrange on the potatoes. Pour any remaining juices from the pan and the resting plate into the pigeon.

METHOD Peel the potatoes and put them on to boil in salted water.

To make the jus, start by reducing the red wine in a saucepan with the thyme and blackcurrants.

Serve with your own choice of vegetables.

This recipe also works well with duck breast.

Westdyke Community Club

Westhill Bowling Club

The Club was formed in 1996 and our teams are affiliated to the Aberdeen & District Juvenile Football Association. It has expanded considerably over the years and now has a membership of around 180 from age 7 to 19.

Denman Park invite you to come and try bowling.

The Club has had their share of success on the field of play and can boast trophy wins at various ages over the years.

Westdyke BC was awarded the SYFA Regional Club of the Year award in 2005, and Scottish F.A Community Club of the Year 2012.

Sporting their new kit sponsored by Fourmile House, Kingswells.

16

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If you are interested please contact Isobel McLean 01224 742745 she would be delighted to hear from you All ages are welcome and coaching is available FREE MEMBERSHIP FOR THE SEASON IS ON OFFER TO ANYONE WHO WOULD BE INTERESTED IN PLAYING BOWLS Looking forward to seeing you on the green

e: kingswells@gazettemagazines.com

t: 01224 949085

All things Summer

ferryhill HOUSE HOTEL

t: 01224 740318 www.fourmile.co.uk

t: 01224 590867 www.ferryhillhousehotel.co.uk

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17

Finding the R Your Face S

By Helen Taylor Get it right though, and you’ll be amazed, because the right style will make you look instantly younger and prettier.

So that you can make an informed decision next time you book in at the salon, we’ve compiled our guide to finding your face shape and choosing a style that will flatter it the most.

How to Find Your Face Shape

How many times have you chosen a new hairstyle based on what will suit your face shape? Probably never. That’s because most women don’t even know what their face shape is, let alone take it into consideration when opting for a new do.

Instead, they turn to magazines filled with pictures of the latest hair trends and photos of their favourite celebrities and choose a hairstyle they like, without thinking if it’s actually right for them. Of course it’s a good idea to take inspiration from these sources - after all it’s key to staying up-to-date - but it is important to ask yourself if the style you pick out will actually best suit you, because if it doesn’t you’ll end up with an unflattering result.

Firstly, pull all you hair back from your face and tie it up - remembering to clip back your fringe too.

Then stand in front of a large mirror and trace the outline of your face with lipstick. Don’t include your ears. Follow the curve of your hairline and accurately trace the edges of your cheeks and chin.

Next, step back from the mirror and take a look at the shape you’ve drawn. Is the shape you’ve created longer than it is wide? Or is it as wide as it is long?

Here’s what it all means:

If your face is longer than it is wide and your forehead is just slightly wider than your chin, then you have an oval shaped face.

But, if the shape you’ve traced resembles a circle and your cheek-

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e: kingswells@gazettemagazines.com

t: 01224 949085

bones make up the widest part of your face, then you’ve got a round shaped face.

However, if your forehead, cheeks and jaw are all fairly even in size and the shape you’ve drawn looks like a long rectangle with curved corners then you’ve got an oblong shaped face.

If none of the above sound like you, and you’ve drawn an outline that shows a long, pointed jaw line, broad forehead and small chin you’ve got a heart shaped face.

Or maybe your shape is nearly as long as it is wide with straight sides, a broad forehead and a defined jaw, with minimal curves. That means you’ve got a square shaped face.

Oblong

Fringes - both straight and side swept - can work really well on long faces. If you’re in to short styles choose an angular bob with short layers that hug the chin.

Heart

Here’s a list of styles that will suit your newly discovered face shape best:

Long hair with soft, loose curls looks great on this shape face. Choose a blunt, full fringe for a flattering result.

Oval

Square

This is the most versatile face shape, you’ll look great with long, short, straight or curly hair. Try out a variety of looks and rest assured that you’ll pull them off.

Opt for lengthy, poker straight hair with long layers or choose an extended, textured bob.

Round

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19

Image credit Lisa Shepherd

Right Hair Style for Shape

Choose long, straight styles with layers that are cut at the jaw line and that extend down to the ends. A graduated bob that is cut onto the face can work well - as long as it is cut shorter at the back of the head.

Have you got the baking bug?

By Kate McLelland In recent years baking has become a bit of a national obsession. With new cake-craft shops opening in our high streets and countless community bake-offs taking place all over the country, it would appear that the UK has been well and truly bitten by the baking bug.

Much of the renewed interest in what can be achieved with butter, sugar, eggs and flour can be ascribed to the BBC’s now legendary TV show, The Great British Bake Off, which features a team of amateur bakers taking part in progressively harder challenges over a period of ten weeks. The first episode of GBBO traditionally kicks off with “Cakes” and it’s fitting that this aspect of baking should open the competition, as cake making and decorating has become one of the most popular hobbies in Britain today.

Cupcakes are especially popular: decorated with butter cream icing, sprinkled with edible glitter and often topped with exotic decorations, they can easily be turned into individual, quirky masterpieces. These little cakes can even be displayed on a multi-layered framework (a “cupcake tower”) in place of a traditional wedding cake.

The name “cupcake” first appeared in an American cookery book published in 1796. They were so named because they were baked in pottery cups, ramekins or moulds, the size of a small teacup. Their popularity was revived in the 2000s thanks to the US TV series “Sex and the City”, when lead characters Carrie and Miranda scoffed cupcakes from New York’s famous Magnolia Bakery as they discussed their love lives.

These days you can buy special tin moulds for cupcakes and it’s possible to experiment with a huge range of recipes. Try them out on family and friends, or if you’re feeling ambitious you can even enter the National Cupcake Championships. You can view the entry guidelines at www.nationalcupcakeweek.co.uk but hurry, as the deadline for entries is 15th August.

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Although many people enjoy pottering alone in the kitchen, trying out new recipes and finding original ways to decorate their cakes, The Great British Bake Off seems to have inspired a real enthusiasm for communal baking, whether that’s about learning together or indulging in friendly competition.

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You can look up cake decorating courses in your local area by going to www.cakedecoratingcourses.co.uk or alternatively visit your local library to find out if they hold a list. If you fancy getting away from it all in order to really focus on your art, then there are a number of cake decorating short breaks and holidays available, with one day courses costing from around £100 (not including accommodation).

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If you want a real holiday experience you could sign up for a cake-making course in France, with accommodation and meals included for £649 per person. See www.frenchcakebreaks.com for more details.

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For those who simply don’t have the money to spend on courses there are a number of tutorials on YouTube (www.youtube.com) that will teach you everything you need to know, from creating a basic cake mixture to advanced piping techniques.

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val mo ins, e r ive en ve ins e ect eff , brok der v r o fo tags s, spi pots s l A kin ead d s m of s ite h bloo inu t wh and a l

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If you don’t enjoy learning alone, you can always invite a friend around to experiment with you, or get together with neighbours to create your own version of the Great British Bake Off. One thing’s for certain: there’ll be no lack of volunteers to help when it comes to tasting the results!

4/23/2014 3:23:45 PM

www.gazettemagazines.com

e: kingswells@gazettemagazines.com

t: 01224 949085

west with style H A I R & B E A U T Y

Experts in Fine Hairdressing

Tanning available 3 min. £2.75 6 min. £4.50 9 min. £6.00 12 min. £7.00

we are always on the look out for

60 min. block bookings £30.00

the right stylists to join our team.

If you’re interested in joining us please drop us an email or telephone the salon.

UNIT 6 ASHDALE DRIVE WESTHILL ABERDEENSHIRE AB32 6LP TEL 01224 741313 / 744927 email westwithstyle@aol.com

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21

Choosing and using paint...

A quick lick of paint on the walls and woodwork will brighten and beautify any home, inside and out. Our interiors expert Katherine Sorrell is on hand to help you choose the best type of paint.

Indoor walls and ceilings

Easy to apply and available in thousands of different colours, emulsion is ideal for walls and ceilings. Emulsion is always water-based, which means it is quickdrying, low-odour and cleans off the brush easily. Choose from a flat matt, standard matt or silk (softly shiny) finish. Generally, the higher the sheen level, the easier the surface will be to keep clean, but the more any imperfections will show up.

Water-based eggshell has a low shine and provides a more durable, wipeable surface – useful for walls in hard-working areas such as hallways or playrooms. For kitchens and bathrooms, consider specialist paints that are scrubbable and resistant to both moisture and steam.

Indoor woodwork and metal

Unless you have chosen an all-in-one, specially formulated paint, first use an appropriate primer to seal bare surfaces then apply a

ry

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FOR A NO OBLIGATION QUOTE OR ENQUIRIES CONTACT: T: 01224 248247 Les: (M) 07961 557 430 Doug: (M) 07983 744 727 www.aberdeencarpentry.com

22

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Masonry paints are designed for outdoor wall surfaces made from brick, stone, concrete, pebbledash and render. They come in smooth or textured finishes. For older properties, limewash is a traditional finish that has a powdery matt surface and a lovely depth of colour. Use it for interior and exterior limestone, lime render and plaster, and even wattle and daub. For woodwork, use an exterior-grade primer, undercoat and gloss, just like indoors.

For fences, sheds and garden furniture, choose from a range of specialist treatments, clear or coloured, which are designed to prolong the life of the timber. Restore old railings and other metalwork with exterior-quality metal paint such as Hammerite.

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couple of layers of undercoat on top of the primer to give ‘body’ to the surface. Remember that undercoat comes in a dark or light colour, depending on the shade of top coat to be used. For your final coat, gloss is available in a variety of finishes, from low sheen to high gloss. It is always better to apply two thin coats of gloss than one thick one, the exception being when using non-drip gloss (sometimes called one-coat gloss), which is best used for pale interior woodwork. For central heating pipes and radiators, buy a heat-resistant paint which will withstand high temperatures without discolouring.

Solvent-based paints are gradually being phased out, so these days the majority of wood and metal paints are water-based and brushes can be cleaned with hot water and detergent.

50

Y EXP EARS ERIE NCE

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Conservatory Blinds

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Blinds Direct will guarantee to beat any like for like quote!

Contact: Nicol Meldrum 30 Coull Green, Kingswells, Aberdeen AB15 8TR blindsdirectaberdeen@googlemail.com www.blindsdirectaberdeen.com e: kingswells@gazettemagazines.com

t: 01224 949085

Specialist paints

There is a specialist paint for virtually every need, whether you want to repaint your kitchen cupboard doors, paint timber, concrete or vinyl flooring, or revamp the tiles in your shower.

Look out for fire-retardant and anti-burglar paint, blackboard paint, damp-inhibiting paint, suede-effect and even magnetic paint.

BOX: What about natural paints?

Natural paints are water-based and made either with very much lower levels of petro-chemicals than conventional paints, or with plant-based ingredients. They are ‘breathable’, which is good for older houses, as well as kind to the planet and to your health. You can buy natural paints ready-mixed, in a wide range of colours, and even have them colour-matched to your desired shade. They’re just the same to apply as ordinary paints, with similar coverage, though paints made with natural oils tend to take longer to dry.

Paint swatches: Lemon Salts no. 43, Primrose Hill no. 201, Brompton Road no.

205, all Mylands (020 8670 9161; mylands.co.uk).

Bench in Brassica® No.271; raised border in Calke Green® No.34; both £22 for 750ml exterior eggshell, Farrow & Ball (01202 876141; farrow-ball.com).

This brand new exterior masonry paint from Mylands is available in the same palette of colours as its interior paints. Extremely durable, it is weatherproof and mildew-resistant, and has a beautifully flat, matt appearance. For details call 020 8670 9161 or go to mylands.co.uk.

This trend-setting wall is painted in Stiffkey Blue® No.281, £36 for 2.5l Estate® Emulsion, Farrow & Ball, as above.

Fire your imagination Bathrooms Kitchens Plumbing Joinery

Opening Hours

Monday to Friday 09:00- 17:00 Saturday 09:00- 16:00 Closed Sunday

29-37 Baker Street Aberdeen AB25 1UR 01224 647800

email :- sales@flamesaberdeen.co.uk

www.flamesaberdeen.co.uk

“Geert was fantastic from start to finish, the work he did was flawless and always with a smile, would highly recommend him” Mr Archibald, Aberdeen

Please do mention Kingswells Community News when responding to advertisers - thank you

GEERT SWAANS 07746 933125 www.swaans.co.uk

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23

Pet Allergies As sufferers of hay fever are only too aware, this time of year can be miserable if you are susceptible to allergies.

Our canine pets can suffer from seasonal allergies too, but their allergies usually result in signs of skin disease (atopic dermatitis).

Atopic dermatitis occurs when dogs react to substances in the environment.

These can be pollens, which occur outdoors in the spring and summer.

If your dog is allergic to outdoor allergens, signs of atopic dermatitis may only occur over the spring and summer.

Some dogs are allergic to commonly occurring mites and mould found indoors, and if this is the case, signs of skin disease can occur all year round.

Signs of atopic dermatitis can be similar to many other skin diseases, but commonly include itching and scratching of the face and ears, licking of feet and forelimbs, and scratching flanks and abdomen, but in severe cases the itching can progress to affect the whole body.

Over time, the dog’s skin can become inflamed and hair loss can occur secondary to licking and scratching.

Secondary bacterial infections often occur.

If you notice your pet scratching excessively, then an examination by your vet is required. Your vet may suspect atopic dermatitis from the signs that your dog is showing, but will usually carry out diagnostic tests to rule out other causes of skin disease first.

The active and lost whisky distilleries dotted around Aberdeenshire have been brought together for the first time.

24

Secret Malts of Aberdeenshire

Aberdeenshire’s rich but underrecognised whisky heritage is being showcased with the council’s Secret Malts of Aberdeenshire guide.

Aberdeenshire Council economic development team has been working in partnership with local whisky producers to highlight the hidden range of small distilleries all within an hour’s drive of Aberdeen.

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open to the public, but will organise informal tours, often led by the distillery manager who can offer a unique insight into how their whisky is made.

Targeting the tourism markets, both at home and abroad, whisky connoisseurs, local people and historians, The Secret Malts of Aberdeenshire guide highlights the fascinating history of eight local working distilleries. The comprehensive booklet also details the area’s “lost”, or non-operational, distilleries, as well as a guide to whisky tasting and the location of some specialist whisky retail outlets.

Aberdeenshire’s eight working distilleries featured in the guide are:

Of the eight working distilleries featured in the guide, most are relatively small in scale but each has its own distinctive history, style and taste. Four of them have small visitor centres and shops offering regular tours led by knowledgeable guides.

• Macduff

Three of the distilleries are not officially

Once other common causes of itching such as parasites, bacterial infections or food allergies have been ruled out, your vet will test more specifically for atopic skin disease. These tests usually involve injecting small amounts of allergens into the skin, to see which your dog reacts to. A blood test may be carried out instead.

Managing atopic skin disease may involve the use of immunotherapy vaccines, which build up your dog’s tolerance of whatever he is allergic to.

This may need to be used alongside courses of antibiotics, steroids and shampoos as necessary. Allergen avoidance can work for some dogs, if the allergen exposure can be controlled.

Alternatively your vet may recommend immunosuppressive drugs. Treatment usually has to be adjusted to find the best one for your pet.

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• Ardmore at Kennethmont • Fettercairn • GlenDronach at Forgue • Glen Garoich at Oldmeldrum • Glenglassaugh at Portsoy • Knockdhu at Knock • The Royal Lochnagar at Crathie Copies of the Secret Malts of Aberdeenshire will be widely available free at each of the distilleries and local visitor information centres. Details will be soon be available online at www. aberdeenshire.gov.uk

Summer craft classes for teenagers

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them off on the approach. Motion activated lighting and well lit paths and driveways are a necessity.

Garages and sheds should have locks on their doors. A heavy duty padlock, along with a hasp and staple would be ideal, although a determined intruder will still find a way. If it’s a concern then a metal shed should be considered.

Easy pickings in your garden

By Annie Wilson Expensive lawnmowers and garden tools, not to mention high end barbecues are valuable on the black market, particularly at this time of year. Why would an opportunist thief – and the large majority are - take the trouble to break into your property when there are easy pickings on the outside?

Clearly you need to protect your possessions starting at the boundaries not just at the property.

Fences and hedges are the first line of defence against uninvited guests so should act as an effective barrier. Keep them in good condition and make any repairs a priority. Spikes added to the top of walls and gates are good deterrents although perhaps not something you’ll want to use where you will be looking at them.

Let Mother Nature lend a hand by using ‘hostile plants’ – ones that are spiky, prickly or very dense. Choose plants such as holly, pyracantha, berberis, rambling roses and blackthorn, particularly in the areas where it’s easy to access your garden without being seen. Early autumn is an excellent time to plant as the warm soil will help to establish the roots.

Valuable property that is kept outside should be protected in just the same way as other household belongings. Mark your possessions with your postmark and house number. There are plenty of ways to do this; engraving is good way of keeping your mark permanent. Photograph your property so that you can provide a good description should anything ever get stolen and to help aid identification. Ensure that your household insurance policy covers belongings kept in sheds and garages.

A one-off investment to make your garden more secure can reduce the risk of burglary and is worth considering. Although hooking up CCTV to protect your garden gnomes may seem excessive, it may be of use if you have valuable items in your garden. Other investments that can help are getting your house alarm extended to cover your shed and garage, or buying a separate alarm for any outbuildings.

Although it’s impractical to put all your removable items indoors each night, some sensible precautions will protect your barbecue, statues, pot plants and garden furniture. Basically, anything that is movable, however heavy, is at risk. Out of sight is out of mind, so try to keep items away from public view if possible.

Finally, there’s one thing that many leave outside that is just an open

CUMMING FIRE & SECURITY Ltd invitation to a thief: a key. If it’s hidden under a mat/the bin/a plantpot

etc it might as well not be hidden at all. Install a lock box in a discrete place in your garden. It would take a very determined burglar to take the 20 AQUITHIE ROAD, KEMNAY. trouble to hack into your lockbox when there are probably easier pickings Protect the entrance to your property. If a gate isn’t practical, consider in01467-643917 neighbouring properties. .

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For Peace of Mind At Work or Home

25

Kingwells Public Hall

Ladies!

Fridays, 10 00am - 1 00pm Dog Training 6 00pm - 8 45pm Choi Kwang Do Class

Mondays, 10 00am - 1 00pm Dog Training 6 30pm - 7 45pm Boxing Class

The City of Roses Chorus needs you!

Do you love to sing?

If you are a lady age 16+ that enjoys singing, come and join us. We are a friendly group of ladies who sing in 4 part harmony every Monday evening in Westhill Community Church.

Saturdays, 9 30am - 10 30am Jazzercise 11 00am - 12 00 noon Zumba 6 30pm 7 30pm Fitness & Boxing Class

Tuesdays, 6 15pm - 8 30pm Jazzercise

Sundays 10 00am - 2 00pm Dog Training

Wednesdays, 10 00am - 12 30pm Dog Training 3 40pm - 6 50pm Junior Jazzercise 6 30pm - 6 45pm Boxing Class 8 00pm - 9 00pm Zumba

They say that singing is good for you!

So, go on, give it a go!

The above are all regular classes but anyone who may be interested in joining one of them would be best to call at the hall during the class to ascertain if there are spaces available.

Thursdays, 9 30am - 10 30am Jazzercise 7 00pm - 9 30pm Taoist Tai Chi Society Class

Check out our website www.cityofroses.co.uk For more information or to book your free trial, please call Irene 01224 749957 or Mika on 01224 742004

The hall can also be booked for special occasions providing it does not clash with the regular users.

St Mary’s Chapel at Blairs invites you to

Cocktails In Teapots

Scottish Country Dancing

Kingswells Village Hall Old Skene Road AB15 8QA

Scottish Country Dancing Summer Socials for Scottish Country Dancing every Wednesday until 27th Aug at Curl Aberdeen 7:30 - 9:45. Everyone welcome (with a little knowledge of Scottish Country Dancing).

Classes for children and adults commence in August/September check our website for latest information.

****LIVE MUSIC ****

By Morag McCall and the Maybe It’s Late trio

Taster session for Introductory classes Tuesday 16th Sept - MS Resource Centre, Long Walk Road. www.aberdeenrscds.co.uk or contact 01224 636128 or email: aberdeenrscds@hotmail.co.uk

Ceilidh classes commence in October (1st and 3rd Tuesdays) at South St Nicholas Church, Kincorth. Everyone welcome.

Contact 01224 636128 or email: aberdeenrscds@hotmail.co.uk or check our website: www.aberdeenrscds.co.uk

1st Kingswells Scout Group We are looking for a new leader for our Cub Pack.

We meet from 7.30pm to 9pm, on a Friday, at the Kingswells Community Centre.

If you have been involved in scouting before, or would like to become involved, we would love to hear from you. Unfortunately, we are short of leaders and if we can't find a new leader the pack will have to close!

If you are interested, please contact Louisa Davies on 01224 741155 or email at chrisandlouisa@btinternet.com 26

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Saturday 13th Sept 3.30pm – 6pm

Tickets £20 per person available from Rachel McDermott (07882632443) or Fran Scorgie (07715171632)

Includes 6 cocktails, sandwiches and cakes (Gluten free and non alcoholic available too) Transport bookable in advance Great raffle prizes

NEW THIS YEAR: Bring your own cup, saucer and plate (not necessarily matching) Prize for the prettiest set!

All proceeds will go to Blairs College Chapel Trust (BCCT) to support St Mary’s Chapel, Blairs, Building Renovation Fund

Scottish Charity Number: SC025728

Northern Arts Club 8 Bon Accord Square, Aberdeen, Tel : 586928 Drop in Classes - Wed and Fri10-12noon Classes run throughout the year. Cost £50 per year.

Tutor session once a month additional cost £6.

Suitable for all abilities, contact Jacqueline 07597 126739 New Classes -

Oil Painting and Life Drawing For more information visit www. northernartsclub.co.uk Saturday Life Drawing Class 10am-1pm Tutor Ian Smart contact 484040 Bridge Tuition - Beginner and Intermediate - Thurs evening, contact Margaret 868230

e: kingswells@gazettemagazines.com

t: 01224 949085

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

Compu-Care

Call Neil 07539-462-064 PC Repairs and Upgrades Aberdeen based. No call out fee. Collect and return service. New systems available. £15ph standard pc repairs. £25ph networking/internet

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

e:

gcormack10@hotmail.co.uk

the oven valet

• Plastering • Taping • Tiling • Artexing • Cornice Work

oven cleaners

service with a sparkle*

Abby Birnie:

info@theovenvalet.com

Peacehaven Complementary Therapies Offering - a range of Massage, Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Reiki, Aqua detox and Ear candling.

Treatments available from Kingswells

34 Clova Park Kingswells T: 01224 744174 M: 07950 736734 E: abbybirnie@yahoo.co.uk

www.theovenvalet.com

Caring and fully insured Police checked dog lover.

Call - Helen Tokely Mobile : 07912 963 925 Email: htokely@hotmail.com

For better health and wellbeing

• Contract and Private 01330 823079 07920 483 233

Happy Paws Dog Walker & Boarder

Available for corporate work.

For more information contact Ruth Peace SMTO UKRF TATh Iris Cancer Partnership Mob - 0783 5309 999 Email - ruth.peace@sky.com Find me on Facebook at Peacehaven Complementary Therapies

Indoor Carpet Bowling Anyone interested in trying out carpet bowling is welcome to come along to the Kingswells Community Centre.

Times are Monday 10 am – 12 noon and / or Thursday 1.00 pm to 3.00 pm.

We have some spare bowls and no experience is necessary.

For further information or questions please contact Ian: Tel 741178 e-mail: ian8cromar@aol.co.uk

CARING

FOR YOU

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FROM TOP TO TOE

PODIATRIST & CHIROPODIST -

PHYSIOTHERAPIST -

TRACEY WHITE & HILARY BLAIN

ANNETTE MACPHERSON

CHIROPRACTOR MASSAGE THERAPIST -

DIETITIAN REFLEXOLOGIST -

CHARLOTTE TRIBE CLAIRE KELLY

MARIA DOW

FRANCES SCOTT

BSc DPodM MCHS

BSC HONS, MCSP, HCPC, AACP, APPI

MCHIRO, CCT, DC

DSM, DOSM, MASC, SMTO

MSC, RD, MBDA BSC (HONS) COMP.THERAPIES, HND, MAR

(OFFERING AROMATHERAPY, INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE, REIKI)

REFLEXOLOGIST -

SAM MENZIES

WESTHILL SHOPPING CENTRE

The small band with the big sound. Sounds from the 50’s to present including Country and traditional Scottish music using midi accordion as well as Tyros hi-tech keyboards.

MAR

01224 740885

WWW.WESTHILLPODIATRY.CO.UK WESTHILLPODIATRY@GMAIL .COM

contact phone: 07731 461 222 email: arlenedougsound1@btinternet.com website: www.arlenedougsound.com (best accessed via google)

‘

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