Deeside Issue 9 March 2012

Issue 9

March 2012 Deeside Edition

Your Free Personal Copy

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local people - local business

Deeside gazette thru the door to : Drumoak, Banchory, Torphins and Aboyne deadlines : April - 23 March 2012

publisher - owner : Sue Simpson tel : 01224 - 318561 mob : 07813 964 875

email : gazette@fsmail.net w : thegranitecitygazette.co.uk Our other magazine Aberdeen : West End gazette thru the door to :

Airyhall, Ashley, Bieldside, braeside, Broomhill, Countesswells, Craigiebuckler, Cults, Holburn, Kepplestone Houses, Mannofield, Morningside, Queens Cross, Rubislaw, Seafield,Viewfield,Woodland at Pitfodels,Woodend - all aofrementioned are in Aberdeen City.

Contact details are as above...

Why not join our other forward thinking advertisers and tell local people about your local business today?

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

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Dear Readers, March, already? Well the weather has been tremendous, apart from the little flurry of snow that Amanda appeared to get caught up in, we’ve had nothing! Let’s hope this is a sign of a dry, warm summer too!

There is a bit of a health theme running through the magazine this month. There is everything from looking after your feet, getting your kids active and watching that all important BMI! There is a full listing of what’s happening round and about socially, we would like to build on a clubs and classes page so please feel free to send in your clubs and classes, day, time, cost, venue and I’ll get the list underway and let people know where you are at – don’t worry it’s free to you!

I’ve enjoyed listening to Radio One this week and hearing all about John Bishop’s epic journey from Paris to London – are any of you planning any ridiculously difficult and

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challenging feats for charity this year? The Marie Curie team are looking for competitors to take part in a challenge at Crathes and the Annual Bling Fling walk along the Deeside Railway line has a fantastic line-up with a celebrity personal trainer to lead the warm up! Now ladies – worth entering just to feast your eyes on him! plus doing it for a good cause.

Hoping Jane our roving reporter will be back surfing out some stories for us in April and maybe telling us about her new puppy?

I’m excited about Dirty Dancing coming to Aberdeen this month - did you get tickets? If you look back to your November issue of the magazine you’ll be able to read about my visit to the premier.

Without further ado, go grab that cuppa and enjoy this issue of the gazette - until the next time.

Be the change NLP Hypnotherapy EmoTrance

Kenny Lochrie

kenlochrie@gmail.com 07939 668588

please do mention the deeside gazette when responding to adverts

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Want to dance but can’t? Then head along to a Ceroc class...

What is Ceroc?

www.cerocscotland.com Tel : 07813 26 93 72

The dance styles that closely resemble what people learn at a Ceroc night are Jive and Salsa. Learning to partner dance with Ceroc is the largest and fastest growing dance organisation in the UK. More than 320,000 people will learn to dance with CEROC this year in over 80 locations every week across the country.

Since the early 80’s CEROC has developed its own unique style which is easy to learn and great fun. Besides this, it’s a fantastic way to keep fit and a very sociable way to spend an evening. One of the other great things about CEROC is that there’s no need to come with a partner. Our teaching method means everyone changes partners during the class.

Learning to JiveSalsa is a great way to keep fit, socialise and enjoy a complete night out.

Come and join the hundreds of new people who are learning to CEROC every week.

All CEROC nights starts with a beginners class for 45 minutes. Then there is a short freestyle session followed by the more challenging Intermediate class. After this 30 minute class, your night out really starts when the DJ takes command of the freestyle session. This is an hour and an half of pure uninterrupted dance where you can improve your dance style and soak up the atmosphere’s addictive ambience.

There are three classes a week in Aberdeen.

Tuesday Night : Culter Mills Club 7.30pm - 10.30pm Wednesday Night : The Albyn 7.30pm - 10.30pm Thursday Night : The Station Hotel 7.30pm - 10.30pm There are regular workshops held and party nights to help improve your moves.

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Foot Notes What is the difference between a Chiropodist and a Podiatrist?

There is no difference. Podiatrist is the internationally accepted term, but both have the same qualifications and both need to be registered with the Health Professions Council.

What does a chiropodist/podiatrist do?

They treat and advise on all matters relating to feet. Most people think of ingrown toenails, but they also treat Athlete’s foot, fungal nail infections, corns, verrucae and cracked heels.

I suffer with smelly, sweaty feet. Could a Chiropodist help me?

Absolutely. In some people the sweat glands of the feet are over active, producing more sweat than they should. Some people also have greater than normal amounts of bacteria on their skin and it is the reaction of the bacteria with the sweat which causes the unpleasant odour. A chiropodist will be able to advise on footwear, foot hygiene and any sprays or creams which might help.

By Sarah Davey

What about foot pain?

Yes, a good Chiropodist will be able to advise, diagnose and provide a treatment plan for biomechanical problems of the feet as well as bunions and toe deformities.

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Make A Gift That Will Make A Difference DAWGS finds loving new homes for abandoned and unwanted dogs, and for those whose owners due to frailty or ill- health find they can no longer take care of them.

We have given thousands of dogs a second chance over the last 15 years.

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Five Ways to Get Kids Active Around 30% of British children are overweight, due primarily to an unhealthy diet and not enough exercise. Experts state that children should engage in 60 minutes of physical activity each day,and encouraging them to become more active now will help them maintain a healthy weight, improve their general fitness and wellbeing and reduce the risks of serious health problems in the future.

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Following are five suggestions to help kids get more active.

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Walk to school. Often our kids’ lack of activity is due to OUR busy lifestyle. Factor an extra half hour or so walking to school and back into your daily routine.

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Give them chores. Doing a bit of housework or walking up and down stairs a few times will get the cardiovascular muscles working.

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Limit the amount of time spent on the TV or computer. This will free up more time to engage in other more physical activities.

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Buy them sports equipment like a ball, racquet or bike for birthdays, instead of toys or sedentary games.

This will get them up and moving!

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Exercise with them! Go swimming, cycle or do some gardening together.

If you incorporate physical activity into your normal routine, you are more likely to keep it up. Good luck!

By Debbie Singh-Bhatti

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Can Food Heal?

Does what we eat make a difference?

Spring at last, with more incentives for healthier eating. Salads somehow become more appetising and we can grow our own with longer, warmer days and so much cheaper too. Try growing cut and come again salad leaves in window boxes, or sprouting seeds, if you have no garden.

With our busy lives it’s easy to forget we need to eat for nourishment, not just because we’re hungry. We know healthy eating goes towards preventing illness, but what if it may help to cure it as it appears, or even before we’re aware of it? As Chris Woollams writes in www.canceractive.com, a holistic charity website, “…how wonderful if a good diet could be like having your own personal mechanic on site 24/7 to ensure you never breakdown!”

Whilst acknowledging that an accumulation of things such as genetics, stress, smoking, pathogens and poisonous chemicals can lead to cancer, in his book ‘The Rainbow Diet’, he describes dietary changes he believes will help make a difference, such as using super nutrients like, “…resveratrol from grape skins, polyphenols in olive oil, allicin in garlic, ellagic acid in berries, quercitin in onions and apples, vitamin K and indole-3-carbinol released by beneficial bacteria from ‘greens’ and broccoli, anthocyanins from deep purple foods”.

A recent study, published in the British Journal of Cancer, has produced quite surprising results. Putting on too much weight was found to be a greater risk for breast cancer in women than drinking alcohol, and a lack of fruit, vegetables and fibre, high salt and excessive red meat consumption, together accounted for 9.2% of all cancers. At Harvard University, of 26,000 people they studied, those who closely followed a traditional Mediterranean diet, including more salads, fruit, fish and olive oil,

were overall less likely to develop cancer. Just using olive oil in baking, as well as in cooking and on salads, had the greatest effect, reducing cancer risk by 9%. It also showed that making any two changes to your diet, such as eating more peas, beans and lentils and less meat, could cut cancer risk by 12%.

Balance, moderation and variety are key factors. Vary your dairy. Try goat’s cheese or manchego, a popular Spanish sheep cheese, and soya, coconut or almond milk on your cereal. Add quinoa (keenwa) or millet flakes and linseeds to your porridge.

Eat the full spectrum of colours, yes even blue, blueberries! Try using xylitol instead of sugar. Keep drinking your usual tea, but also try green or white tea, both naturally sweet and even better for you. The odd glass of red wine is good too, but not the whole bottle of course. No excuses, the polyphenols are not just at the bottom!

Sue Blain

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8 gcg : 8 www.thegranitecitygazette.co.uk 01224 - 318561 email : gazette@fsmail.net

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For more information/to book an appointment please contact Jenny at 89 Gray Street, Aberdeen AB10 6JD t : 01224 594777 e: jenny@kumikobeauty.co.uk please do mention the deeside gazette when responding to adverts

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What’s your BMI?

And does it matter?

Many years ago my mum joined a well known slimming club, and after several months was within three pounds of achieving the target weight the club had set for her, but try as she might, she just could not shift those last few pounds. After several disheartening weeks she finally gave up trying and eventually regained all the

by dividing a person’s body weight by the square of their height, and universally the calculation is made by dividing kilograms by metres squared. So, if a person weighs 80 kilograms and is 1.8 metres tall, first square their height (1.8 x 1.8 = 3.24) and then divide this into their weight. Thus 80 divided by 3.24 gives a BMI of 24.7.

Once armed with this information, what do you do with it? Health professionals suggest that a person’s BMI should fall between 20 and 25 to be classed as healthy. If it is below 20 you would be considered underweight and anything above 25 would be classed as overweight, with obesity setting in at a BMI of 30 and morbid obesity at 35 or more.

Although a person’s BMI is a useful way of determining if they are at a healthy weight or not, it should be used with caution.

Several factors can distort the results and render the BMI meaningless. For example, it is not appropriate for the very young, nor the very old and the excessively tall. Similarly, athletes and others with high muscle mass may appear abnormally overweight.

weight she had worked so hard to lose.

This wouldn’t happen nowadays. Modern slimming clubs rarely dictate end weights and are more likely to invite you to set your own targets, although they will encourage you to choose a weight that is within a healthy range. But who decides what a healthy weight is, and does one size fit all?

Since the 1970’s, health professionals have calculated a person’s BMI – or body mass index – as a guide to determining their “fatness”. Body mass index is calculated

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At 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 m) tall and based on a BMI of 20-25, a healthy weight for my mum is between 8st 3lbs (53 kg) and 10st 5lbs (68 kg). The elusive target weight she couldn’t quite manage was 9st 13lbs (65 kg) – well within her healthy BMI range. What a shame this information wasn’t around all those years ago!

If you would like to find out more or would like help calculating your own BMI, visit www.bbc.co.uk/health or www.nhs.uk/Tools/Pages/Healthyweightcalculator.aspx.

By Debbie Singh-Bhatti

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

We have a variation of fun and quirky crafts for you to decorate. A chance to allow you and your children to relax and enjoy a friendly and creative environment.

Lots of funky acrylic paints including, fabric paints, neon colours, glow in the dark paints, pens, deco-patch papers and lots of decorating materials available.

Let the younger children play in our enchanted castle soft play area, suitable for 1 - 6 years.

You can book our studio for exclusive use with party organisers hosting your event for you, we are available for Birthday parties, School outings, Brownie, Guides, Scout groups, Nursery and playgroup outings and much more.

Available for entertaining the children at your wedding location whether it be at our studio or at your wedding location, we are here to provide a fun and creative environment to entertain your children, perhaps

whilst wedding speeches are taking place. Whilst we provide aprons to protect the children's clothes we can also provide a creative environment that does not include paint.

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Marie Curie Cancer Care’s

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The Power of Perspective Phew! That’s us just landed back from a particularly, ...um, “fresh” week skiing and as we drove North after a lovely sunny landing in Edinburgh we were a bit surprised to meet with a a sheer wall of snow hurling itself in our faces around Durris! As hubby and I squinted hard through the windscreen, keen to avoid close encounters with walls, wildlife or other vehicles our daughters looked up casually from their techno-bubble in the back of the car to enquire whether we had “noticed the crazy weather out there” ?!

Had we noticed it...?! It took both of us gluing our eyes to the windscreen and slowing to a crawl to make any progress at all  But arriving home in Deeside and unloading the car in only minor snow flurries was a doddle compared to the Arctic temperatures we had endured in the Austrian mountains last week when double sets of thermals, balaclavas and a Hottie tucked into each mitten and boot was not enough to keep us from knotting every muscle against the wild weather. There were many moments when we had to “choose” to enjoy the fun of the experience and not focus on the discomfort!! And I say that as a VERY keen skier... in fact the one who would have to shoulder the blame for us all being there...;-) Isn’t it interesting how what we become accustomed to has such a strong influence on our perception of the events in our

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lives? Honestly this minor blizzard felt like a walk in the park after the week we had just survived!

In a similar way our reaction to “the stuff that happens” to us generally in life manifests in a variety of ways according to the context, depending on what we’ve been through before, what we’ve managed to cope with and overcome. The choices we make in terms of how we view each event and circumstance hugely impacts whether we can, for example, turn a challenge into an opportunity.

A person just released from captivity, for example, will be far more aware of every element of freedom their new status affords, the choices it offers, the pleasures and the joys as well as possibly the fears, but far more oblivious to any ongoing inconveniences and discomforts, than someone who has enjoyed freedom their whole lives.

When I was released from hospital a few years ago after a 10 day stay following a near-death illness I noticed every flower, every smell, the brightness of the sky, the cars, the sounds and the colours far more brightly and vividly and memorably than ever before.

People who are told they only have a few months to live often find they choose to live every day with utmost happiness and not “sweat the small stuff”, learning instantly to “reframe” aspects of their life to pick out what is most important and how to view life’s events.

Relating this to the world events which can feel all-consuming at this time I was delighted to read in the FT of all places last month that despite what can feel at present like a wall of misery from the media about our prospects

for the next few years if we choose to look at the bigger picture there is actually good news out there.

For example, thanks to advances in science and healthcare, infant mortality across the world is plummeting and the HIV pandemic may finally be coming under control. And though the world economy is slowing it’s still forecast to grow at 3% and as a result, the world promises to be a happier place for many more people than ever it has been. Isn’t that a good reason to be cheerful?

Just like us in our “small blizzard” last weekend, comparing our situation to the seriously tough winter being endured all across Central Europe this winter we felt very light and very lucky.

circumstances in our lives, particularly those that hit hard, perhaps those we have little control over the most of all. But a trick I can teach you which can really help with this, whether it’s dealing with work crises, family dramas, health shocks, is the art of “reframing” how you view these things in a way that feels happier and more comfortable for you. I can also help you increase your awareness as to the choices you do have about influencing things in your favour.

If you want a free 20 minute consultation on how I could work with you on this, or any other aspect of your life, whether career or home-related (or both), please email me on Amanda@WiseLifeCoaching.com .

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Growing Peppers So what are the growing secrets and the hints for perfect peppers?

Chilli and sweet, or bell, peppers can both be grown in a greenhouse border, in a sunny spot in the garden in warmer parts of the country, or on a sunny, sheltered spot on the patio. You’ll get the heavier, earlier crop if you grow the plants in a greenhouse or conservatory, but it is well worth growing them outside too, especially if you choose a spot close to a sunny wall or use cloches for extra warmth.

Sweet peppers, especially the red ones, are very high in vitamin A and both red and green peppers are also very high in vitamin C. Chilli peppers also have a good supply of vitamins C and A and in addition, contain both beta-carotene and something called capsaicin which is believed to have a useful effect on blood cholesterol levels. So all in all, there should be no stopping you, especially when you remember that they also make great eating – raw, roasted, on the BBQ, in stir fries, stuffed...in pasta sauces.

The seeds are readily obtainable from many catalogues or garden centres but before you select what to grow, make sure you take into account the level of heat you’re likely to get with any chilli peppers you grow. Most seed packets and catalogues do make it very clear.

Sow the seeds between now and early April. I use a multi-purpose or a seed compost as either work well, but to get good germination you will need to provide a bit of extra warmth, ideally from a heated propagator positioned in a spot where it receives plenty of natural light.

If you don’t have the time or facilities to raise your own from seed, you can always buy a few plants in a garden centre or

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send off for them. We offer two tasty varieties a miniature sweet pepper, and a chilli pepper as part of my ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ system, they are a regular favourite ( see www. pippagreenwood.com for details) Grow the plants on in any good quality multi-purpose compost, keep them a tiny bit drier than you would a tomato plant and feed regularly with a high-potash liquid feed (most readily available as a ‘tomato food’). This helps to keep the plants growing strongly and the potash will encourage plenty of flowers and so fruits to form.

If you are going for plants in pots, choose a pot or planter that has good drainage, add broken pots for extra drainage, and make sure that the pot is 30cm (12in) or more in diameter. Once there is no danger of late frosts, ideally by early June when temperatures are also warming up, you can put the pots or plants outside in a sheltered, sunny spot.

Some sweet pepper plants can get quite tall and rather ungainly so be ready to give them a bit of extra support if necessary. A stout bamboo cane will usually do the trick, and tie the plant in loosely with twine, string or any other soft garden tie.

If you’re after the hottest possible heat from your chilli peppers, then you’ll find this comes from fruits that are totally ripe, and that that ultimate heat is most likely to be achieved from peppers grown on plants that are grown in warmer conditions. So, if your plants are going to be looking gorgeous on your patio over the summer, make sure you put them somewhere extra warm – perhaps a sunny porch or window sill for that last bit of ripening time in the autumn.

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

Growing your own peppers need not be a labour of love. In fact, it is not much more involved than growing tomatoes, so why not give it a try? Pepper plants can be unbelievably pretty too, with fruits in a range of shapes and colour, generally on compact plants and preceded by small and very pretty white flowers. This is a plant with great ornamental as well as edible potential.

For sweet peppers, if you are growing them in patio pots in a sunny spot then you are likely to find that there are still some unripened fruits on the plants when temperatures start to fall at the end of summer and well into autumn. To increase the chances of these ripening and increasing to full size, move the pots to a warmer spot or, if possible, to a porch, conservatory or greenhouse where they’ll get extra warmth and also plenty of natural light.

If you want chillies that look particularly good on the patio there are plenty to choose from. ‘Black Pearl’ is a hot chilli pepper with a distinct blackish tinge to the mature leaves and fruits that are black early on and mature darkest red.

For classic chillis with bright red, finger shaped fruits try ‘Thai Dragon’.

by Pippa Greenwood

Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com and make veg growing easy! Just select the vegetables you’d like to grow and you’ll receive garden ready veg plants PLUS every week Pippa emails you hints, tips and advice about your chosen veg. From just £39 for up to 66 garden-ready plants, 6 packets of seed and the weekly emails. Pippa’s website now also offers a great selection of growing frames, cloches, raised bed kits and biological controls.

please do mention the deeside gazette when responding to adverts

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The British Countryside Our British countryside is teeming with life this time of year.

To save you getting lost in a wilderness of animal and nature books, here are some of the best to be found. Grab the butterfly net and the binoculars; it’s time to go on a backgarden safari.

British Wildlife Photographer Award Collection 2 (Photography) AA Publishing Who says coffee table books always have to be about antique teapots and small furniture?

Bring the outside world in and celebrate the best that this island has to offer. The British Wildlife Photography Awards began in 2009 and this beautiful collection is full of the winning pictures from 2011, ranging from urban intruders to marine life.

Vivid images beautifully capture British wildlife in a wonderfully voyeuristic way. The whole collection is a window on the extraordinary lives of animals and is definitely one to be treasured.

RSPB Pocket Nature Wildlife of Britain If you’ve ever been out with your children and found yourself stumped by the question ‘what’s that?’ then this guide is a must-have for you. With over a thousand species of British animals, plants and fungi, you’ll sound like Chris Packham on Springwatch if you carry this in your rucksack.

Not released until June 2012

Collins Complete Guides - British Coastal Wildlife gcg : 16

Bugs Britannica Peter Marren and Richard Mabey

Determined to help the smallest creatures on our island make the biggest impact, ‘Bugs Britannica’ is a must-have for creepy-crawly enthusiasts. It’s wonderfully colourful and informative and guarantees to give you a greater understanding of how insects and humans interact and the importance of our tiny house-invaders. Our gardens and homes are teeming with bug-life and you might find you’re no longer reaching for the flyspray this summer.

British Wildlife Detectives’ Handbook Camilla de la Bedovere.

This is the ideal companion for budding young naturalists, but most importantly of all…it comes with

stickers. This handbook is packed with facts and information on everything you’re likely to see, both in the back-garden and beyond. Children will love turning detective and finding out what species they’re looking at. You can inspire and encourage them to really explore their natural surroundings without there being a computer in sight. The handbook has tick-boxes for keeping tabs on everything they’ve spotted so they can look back over their casework and truly admire British wildlife.

A Kestrel for a Knave Barry Hines If you were a teenager in the 1980s then you probably read ‘A Kestrel for a Knave’ in school.

For anyone who didn’t, you’re in for a treat. Disillusioned Billy Casper is enduring a deprived and violent upbringing in a small Yorkshire mining town when he builds an unlikely friendship with ‘Kes’, a kestrel hawk. Frequently described as ‘honest’ and ‘raw’ this is a story of how an animal can positively impact on human life. Kes inspires Billy to ‘soar’ and find passion in an otherwise harsh and hopeless life.

If you are opting for a ‘staycation’ and holidaying in Britain, reserve this book at the same time as booking your holiday. Our coastlines are quite literally swimming in extraordinary wildlife. This guide covers over 400 species of animals and plants found along our shores and will make a great companion for when you ‘like to be beside the seaside’.

Leafing through this book is like sticking your head straight into a rock-pool. It has clear pictures, descriptions and is packed with information to appeal to even the truest of nature enthusiasts.

please do mention the deeside gazette when responding to adverts

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Health, Fitness and Beauty

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

Bling Fling Charity Event To Get Bootylicious Work Out From One of The Worlds Top Fitness Trainers & Choreographers Organisers of this years’ Bling Trainers and Tiaras Charity Walk and Party are delighted to announce that top fitness trainer and choreographer, Steve Agyei, who has worked with Beyonce, Mariah Carey and Paul McCartney, will be holding the pre event bootylicious warm up!

Steve has extensive knowledge of fitness, sport, dance, yoga and music. He has appeared in numerous shows including Starlight Express , appeared in over 50 pop videos and performed with The Spice Girls, Sting and Paul McCartney. He also appeared with Louis Spence on Bump and Grind for Trouble TV as a fitness presenter.

Family connections in the North have led to him spend more time in the area and he now has several different classes running in Inverness and Aberdeen.

He designed the “Bootylicious” workout – a fun dance, workout class that teaches women to shake their butts like Beyonce, whilst toning their bums, tums and bingo wings - and it is a version of this that will be used as a warm up for all the Bling Fling participants in May. Janine Davies, one of the organisers’ said: “ We are delighted that Steve is able to

support our event. It’s an exciting new way to start it and I’m sure everyone will love it. It is just one of the changes this year. We have a new line up of entertainers and new therapies too so even those who have done Bling Fling before will enjoy something new.”

Bling Fling 4 will be held on Sunday 13th May, Places are still available for ladies (and men!) who fancy a fantastic fun day & evening while fundraising for the fabulous new Breast Cancer Support Centre at ARI and to help fund projects and outings for Archway, a local charity that supports children and adults with learning disabilities in the North East.

You can download the registration form and get some fundraising ideas on our website – www.blingfling.org. And remember – if you can’t join us on the day, why not hold your own Bling Fling themed event to support us – you can find more details on the website.

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Let’s talk wine...

C is for Chardonnay Chardonnay can be a room divider with many wine drinkers having a definite opinion on the grape. I do think that there is a style of Chardonnay out there for everyone as it’s such a versatile variety.

Chardonnay is a chameleon and it’s characters will change depending on it’s growing conditions (it performs well in many different climates), how it’s raised in the winery and how its matured.

Classic cool climate Chardonnay such as those from the northern Burgundian outpost of Chablis are crisp, dry and citrusy often with a mineral streak inspired by the Kimmeridgean soils of the region.

Further south in Burgundy in Meursault and Puligny Montrachet, wines are richer and fuller, oak aging plays a part giving savoury, nutty notes as the wine ages. The Maconnais in Burgundy is a good Chardonnay starting point to get to know it’s subtleties . Some times unoaked, sometimes some battonage ( lees stirring) to give complexity and sometimes barrel fermentation to add texture.

Chardonnay does have a natural affinity with oak, and when aged in oak, you can expect characters of vanillia, toast or butterscotch. Take Chardonnay to a hotter climate and the aromas and flavours will become riper – tropical fruit and fig.

It’s a key ingredient of Champagne (alongside Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier) and many other sparkling wines around the world and the term Blanc de Blancs on a label indicates 100% Chardonnay.

Compare the chardonnay….

Lindauer Blanc de Blancs NV, New Zealand Majestic Wines £12.99 Domaine Servin Chablis, France 2010 Majestic Wines £11.99 Sainsbury Carneros Chardonnay, California 2009 Majestic Wines £16.99

Carol is an Aberdeen based member of the Association of Wine Educators and the Circle of Wine Writers. She runs courses, workshops and WSET training and hosts corporate wine entertainment events and the Aberdeen Wine Appreciators tasting group.

Carol Brown http://www.wineuncorkededucation.co.uk Member of the Association of Wine Educators and the Circle of Wine Writers T: 01224 312076 M: 07751 520987

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The next Wine Education Service Introductory 8 week evening class is due to start on Wednesday 18th April at the Atholl Hotel, Aberdeen.

Ask for the wine at : Deeside Drinks Emporium 22 Dee Street Banchory 01330 822 650

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Aboyne :

what’s on round and about

The Beatson Piano Trio At Deeside CEC Theatre,Aboyne Saturday 24th March 2012, 19:30 Walk The Hour At Deeside Activity Park Sunday 25th March 2012, 11:00 Breakneck Comedy Club - LIVE in Aboyne!

At Deeside Community Theatre Thursday 29th March 2012, 20:30 Sax Ecosse At Victory Hall Saturday 21st April 2012, 19:30 Summer Kart Racing League At Deeside Activity Park Monday 2nd July 2012, 09:15 11:00 Summer Kart Racing League At Deeside Activity Park Monday 13th August 2012, 09:15 - 11:00

Ballater : Upper Deeside Music Concert, Darroch Learg In Darroch Learg Sunday 15th April 2012, 16:30 Run Balmoral In Balmoral Estate Saturday 28th April 2012, 10:30 Sunday 29th April 2012, - 15:00 Royal Deeside Golf Week At Ballater Golf Club Saturday 12th May 2012 - Friday 18th May 2012 Ballater Royal Deeside Walking Festival 2012 In Ballater Saturday 19th May 2012 - Friday 25th May 2012

Banchory :

Volunteer Project: Spruce into Spring At Drum Castle Saturday 10th March 2012, 09:30 16:00

Workshops at Crathes: Herbaceous Plants At Crathes Castle Saturday 21st April 2012, 13:00 - 16:00

Bridge CVS Training - Appointed First Aid Course At Burnett Arms Hotel Wednesday 21st March 2012, 09:30 - 16:30

Kinker to Banchory At Bellfield Park,Banchory Saturday 21st April 2012, 09:30 - 16:00

Ranger Event: Easter Holiday Children’s Wildlife Quiz At Crathes Castle Saturday 31st March 2012 - Sunday 15th April 2012

Henry V At Drum Castle Saturday 9th June 2012, 18:30 - 21:30

Ranger Guided Children’s walk: It’s a Frog’s Life At Crathes Castle Tuesday 3rd April 2012, 10:30 - 12:00 Ranger Guided Pre-School Walk: Springtime At Crathes Castle Wednesday 4th April 2012, 14:00 15:15 Cadbury Easter Egg Trail At Drum Castle Friday 6th April 2012, 11:00 - 16:00 Cadbury Easter Egg Trail At Drum Castle Saturday 7th April 2012, 11:00 - 16:00 Cadbury Easter Egg Trail At Crathes Castle Saturday 7th April 2012, 10:30 - 16:00

Workshop at Crathes: Propagation At Crathes Castle Saturday 26th May 2012, 10:00 - 15:00

Ranger Guided Children’s Walk: Brilliant Beetles.

At Crathes Castle Tuesday 3rd July 2012, 10:30 - 12:00 The Tales of Beatrix Potter: Peter Rabbit & Benjamin Bunny At Drum Castle Friday 6th July 2012, 18:30 - 20:30 Romancing the Rose (SGS Event) At Drum Castle Saturday 7th July 2012, 19:00 - 20:30 Scotland’s Gardens Scheme Open Day At Drum Castle Sunday 8th July 2012, 11:00 - 17:00 Ranger Guided Children’s Walk: Fabulous Flowers & Busy Bees At Crathes Castle Tuesday 17th July 2012, 10:30 - 12:00 Ranger Guided Children’s Walk: The Witches of the Woods At Crathes Castle Tuesday 24th July 2012, 10:30 - 12:00

Cadbury Easter Egg Trail At Drum Castle Sunday 8th April 2012, 11:00 - 16:00

Ranger Guided Pre-School Walk: Minibeast Magic At Crathes Castle Wednesday 25th July 2012, 14:00 - 15:15

Cadbury Easter Egg Trail At Crathes Castle Sunday 8th April 2012, 10:30 - 16:00

Banchory Show In King George V Park Saturday 28th July 2012, 09:00 - 17:30

Cadbury Easter Egg Trail At Crathes Castle Monday 9th April 2012, 10:30 - 16:00

Ranger Guided Children’s Events: Autumn Crafts At Crathes Castle Tuesday 23rd October 2012, 10:30 - 12:00

Ranger Guided Children’s Walk: Busy Birds At Crathes Castle Tuesday 10th April 2012, 10:30 - 12:00

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Ranger Guided Children’s Walk: Bat Bonanza At Drum Castle Sunday 15th April 2012, 14:00 - 15:30

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Open from 9am all 7 days for food and drinks.

Closed Monday evening 01330 826530 bistro@buchananfood.com

Woodend Barn, Banchory AB31 5QA please do mention the deeside gazette when responding to adverts

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Café Scientifique in Buchanans: Science & Engineering Week Special Buchanans Bistro, Outreach Events Tuesday 13 Mar 2012 7:30pm For National Science & Engineering Week 2012, the University of Aberdeen and TechFest-SetPoint are hosting a special Café Sci in the Shire event at Buchanans. Professor Stephen Redpath, Chair in Conservation Science at the University of Aberdeen will be discussing “Tackling the conflicts that threaten biodiversity conservation”.

Wiggle and Giggle with Claire Reid Children's Events, Woodend Barn Wednesday 14 Mar 2012 1:00pm - 1:45pm For age pre-school-5 years.

Come and have lots of fun in our new pre-school dance class. There’ll be of wiggles and giggles as we move together around the room using different themes each week. Movement play is a fun way to interact with your child whilst they develop new skills in a great space when it’s cold and wet outside.

Barn Art for Teens with Peter Chalmers Lang Byre Gallery, Workshops Wednesday 14 Mar 2012 4:30pm - 6:30pm

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For age 12-16 years.

A chance to get stuck into a variety of materials and develop your techniques. Each week will focus on a different contemporary artist. All abilities welcome.

Peter Chalmers is the first ‘Graduate Maker in Residence’ at Gray’s School of Art and has exhibited throughout Scotland and worked in Europe. £60 per block of 6 weeks, including materials Book both through Hilary Duncan hilaryduncan@ btinternet.com

new full length dance theatre performance. What pushes you to move, to say something, to push back? A group of extra/ ordinary people inhabit this timeless space.

Deliverance: Meursault + Wounded Knee Music, Woodend Barn Friday 16 Mar 2012 7:30pm *Please Note: This date rescheduled from February 17th* Come to the official launch night of the irregular (in more ways than we care to admit) music night featuring Edinburgh based musician Neil Pennycook who began performing under the name Meursault in 2006 and support form the enigmatic Wounded Knee.

The Drawing Lab with Peter Chalmers Lang Byre Gallery, Workshops Wednesday 14 Mar 2012 7:00pm - 9:00pm A chance to explore contemporary drawing practice and history of art whilst developing your own approach to drawing. Over the weeks discover how the drawing studio can act as a laboratory for generating and testing visual ideas. All abilities welcome. £65, £50 conc. Including materials Tel: 01330 825431

Chilli & Ceilidh with Clachan Yell Music, Woodend Barn Saturday 17 Mar 2012 7:00pm Open at 7pm, for food at 7.30pm Dust of your dancing shoes and join us for a great night of fundraising fun with the finest purveyors of ceilidh music, Clachan Yell.

Curious Seed: Push Dance, Woodend Barn Thursday 15 Mar 2012 7:30pm Following the success of Curious Seed’s award-winning production found in 2009, PUSH is the company’s ambitious

Exhibition: Fabric of the Land Exhibitions, Lang Byre Gallery Friday 10 Feb 2012 7:00pm Sunday 18 Mar 2012 7:00pm Fabric of the Land is a series of exhibitions exploring the links between art and science.

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Creative Dance with Claire Reid Woodend Barn, Workshops Monday 19 Mar 2012 1:30pm 2:30pm A creative dance class for all, to stretch and strengthen bodies and minds. The class will focus on contemporary movement combinations, improvisation, and choreography skills to enable freedom of movement and find joy in dancing together. £24, or £6 per session.

Oil Painting with Neal Macdonald Lang Byre Gallery, Workshops Monday 19 Mar 2012 9:30am 3:45pm Block 1: Monday 20 February – Monday 5 March (3 weeks) Block 2 : Monday 12 March – Monday 26 March (3 weeks) 9.30am – 12.30pm experienced painters 1pm – 3.45pm beginners and novice painters Neil returns to run this series of oil painting workshops. Split into two groups for better focus, these classes tend to book out quickly so call us soon to secure your place. £77, £57 conc. per block, materials not included .Exhibition preview: A Celebration in Colour Exhibitions, Lang Byre Gallery Sunday 25 Mar 2012 2:00pm 5:00pm Join us on 2-5pm Sunday 25 March for the preview of this A Celebration in Colour exhibition with Cathy Campbell, Colin Brown and Alan Gouk.

The exhibition runs until

Sunday 6 May. Colin Brown returns with his vibrant, urban collages and two outstanding oil painters. Cathy Campbell paints beautiful, pastel interior landscapes that lift the mundane to reverential heights, and Alan Gouk builds huge landscapes with bold, fiesta-like, swathes of colour.

An Evening with John Gordillo Comedy, Woodend Barn Sunday 25 Mar 2012 7:30pm An evening of smart stand-up comedy from Perrier-nominee and Fringe favourite John Gordillo, bringing his brand of kitchen-sink existentialism to the Barn.

Creative Dance with Claire Reid Woodend Barn, Workshops Monday 26 Mar 2012 1:30pm 2:30pm A creative dance class for all, to stretch and strengthen bodies and minds. The class will focus on contemporary movement combinations, improvisation, and choreography skills to enable freedom of movement and find joy in dancing together. £24, or £6 per session.

Oil Painting with Neal Macdonald Lang Byre Gallery, Workshops Monday 26 Mar 2012 9:30am 3:45pm Block 2 : Monday 12 March – Monday 26 March (3 weeks) 9.30am – 12.30pm experienced painters 1pm – 3.45pm beginners and novice painters Neil returns to run this series

of oil painting workshops. Split into two groups for better focus, these classes tend to book out quickly so call us soon to secure your place. £77, £57 conc. per block, materials not included Cool Singing for Kids with Sandy Miller Children’s Events, Lang Byre Gallery, Workshops Monday 26 Mar 2012 4:15pm 5:15pm These sessions are for kids age 5 - 8 years old.

Involving puppetry, action songs, singing games and other fun activities based on the Kodaly approach to music.

Lots of voice activities and opportunities to perform. £30 for 6 weeks or £5 per session, pre-booking essential Singing for Joy with Fiona & Mark Hope Lang Byre Gallery, Workshops Tuesday 27 Mar 2012 11:00am 12:30pm Have you always wanted to sing? Come and discover your own voice by singing songs and rounds from all over the world with this friendly group. No musical experience necessary, everyone is welcome! £15 or £4.50 per session Wiggle and Giggle with Claire Reid Children’s Events, Woodend Barn Wednesday 28 Mar 2012 1:00pm - 1:45pm For age pre-school-5 years.

Come and have lots of fun in our new pre-school dance

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class. There’ll be of wiggles and giggles as we move together around the room using different themes each week. Movement play is a fun way to interact with your child whilst they develop new skills in a great space when it’s cold and wet outside.

Barn Art for Teens with Peter Chalmers Lang Byre Gallery, Workshops Wednesday 28 Mar 2012 4:30pm - 6:30pm For age 12-16 years.

A chance to get stuck into a variety of materials and develop your techniques. Each week will focus on a different contemporary artist. All abilities welcome.

Peter Chalmers is the first ‘Graduate Maker in Residence’ at Gray’s School of Art and has exhibited throughout Scotland and worked in Europe. £60 per block of 6 weeks, including materials Book both through Hilary Duncan hilaryduncan@ btinternet.com Read On Book Group Lang Byre Gallery, Workshops Wednesday 28 Mar 2012 7:30pm - 9:30pm Do you hanker for lively discussion after your latest literary read? Read On will offer a range of contemporary fiction, non-fiction, poetry and graphic novels plus guided discussion.

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Exhibition Workshop: Fabric of the Land Lang Byre Gallery, Workshops Thursday 29 Mar 2012 9:30am - 4:30pm With Hilary Duncan, Fabric of the Land Artist in Residence 2012. These two ceramics workshops take inspiration from The Fabric of the Land exhibition. Capture the spirit of the land, creating simple two and three-dimensional shapes with coloured clays and slips.

The first workshop is on Thursday 29th March from 9.30am - 4pm with the follow up workshop for glazing the bisque-fired work being set on the day, depending on participants availability.

Folk Session Night Crathes Hall, Music, Workshops Friday 30 Mar 2012 8:00pm Our Folk Sessions are always held on the last Friday of the month at 8pm at Crathes Hall.

If you play an instrument, sing or just want to listen, come and join in, you’ll be made very welcome.

Opera Bohemia: Lucia di Lammermoor Music, Woodend Barn Sunday 01 Apr 2012 7:30pm The perfect introduction for firsttime opera-goers, Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor is a new production of Sir Walter Scott’s tragic love story.

Garlic Theatre: Fiddlesticks Children’s Events, Woodend Barn Monday 02 Apr 2012 2:00pm Tap your feet and listen to the beat...

Fiddlesticks is the playful spirit of a violin who breaks free from his strings and leads us into a world of musical fantasy in search of the beautiful Violinka.

Film Night: Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy Film, Woodend Barn Tuesday 03 Apr 2012 7:30am (UK 2011) Cert 15 Tomas Alfredson (Let the Right One In) directs Oscar nominee Gary Oldman along with Colin Firth, John Hurt, Benedict Cumerbatch and Kathy Burke in this Oscar nominated film based on the John Le Carré novel.

Film: The Iron Giant Children’s Events, Woodend Barn Tuesday 03 Apr 2012 2:00pm Film: The Iron Giant (USA 1999) Cert U Based on the 1968 novel by Ted Hughes, this Warner Bros. animated film is directed by Brad Bird and stars the voices of Jennifer Anniston, Harry Connick jr and Vin Diesel.

Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre: Peter & the Wolf Children’s Events, Woodend Barn Wednesday 04 Apr 2012 2:00pm One of Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre’s most successful touring shows ever. Follow Peter’s visit to his grandfather’s cottage at the edge of the Great Forest.

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

Charlie McKerron Trio Braemar Village Hall, Outreach Events Saturday 07 Apr 2012 8:00pm Normally heard within the heavyweight line-ups of Capercaillie and Session A9, the great Scottish fiddler Charlie McKerron sometimes likes to strip things back to their essence, in company with just a couple of close musical pals.

Storybox Theatre: The Pea, the Bean & the Enormous Turnip Children’s Events, Woodend Barn Monday 09 Apr 2012 2:00pm Rod Burnett uses his formidable skills as a storyteller and puppeteer to take the audience on a journey into the extraordinary garden of the imagination. He tells of a pea that finds a real princess; of the biggest turnip in the world and a bean that runs away to make its mark.

Looking for a

Relaxed Atmosphere Personal Attention Wedding Speciality

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

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

Film: Spirited Away Children’s Events, Woodend Barn Tuesday 10 Apr 2012 2:00pm (Japan 2001) Cert PG Directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by the Tokyo-based Studio Ghibli who also produced My Neighbour Totoro, Ponyo and The Sectret World of Arrietty, this is another beautiful animated film telling the story of Chihiro.

Aromatherapy Reflexology and Reiki Janis Louden MICHT t: 01339 883411 e: janislouden@btinternet.com Corse House, nr Lumphanan, AB31 4SB

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Taoist Tai Chi As you all know, I embark on things with gusto! Well Tai Chi was one of my 2011 objectives. It had taken me three years to actually get along to a beginners class.

Wednesday at 5.30 at Ferryhill Parish Church was my chosen venue. Gabriella my instructor; Mike and Freda my corners; Jamie and Kenny my fellow beginners who stuck out the whole course!

I wasn’t sure what to expect – other than it was slow, exact movements that are apparently very good for you. I was open and ready to learn. Those that know me well – know that I can chat, enjoy a laugh and being quiet and concentrate for two hours would be a challenge. You’d be proud of me. I was totally absorbed.

We had 108 moves to learn, a daunting task but each week we learnt a few more and ABERDEEN - Ferryhill Parish Church Hall, Fonthill Road, Abdn AB11 6UD Open House : Wednesday 7 March 5.30 - 7.30pm New Beginners Class starts Wednesday 14 March 5.30 - 7.30pm

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CULTS - WRI Hall, Kirk Brae, Cults, Aberdeen AB15 9QR Open House : Wednesday 7 March 7.00 – 9.00pm New Beginners Class starts Wednesday 14 March 7.00 – 9.00pm

revised the ones already learnt. It is called a ‘set’ – the whole formation of exercises – to remember all the moves in the correct sequence takes YEARS and some!

I have only just completed my beginner’s course. Have made some new friends and am enjoying the health benefits of doing Tai Chi. Gabriella was an excellent and thorough instructor and Mike and Freda were most competent and fun in the corners. Anybody that has been thinking about it has the opportunity to start a new beginner’s course at the end of March. You won’t regret it – that’s for sure.

Please visit our website www.taoist.org.uk or phone 07929 332036 for local details.

DYCE - Carnegie Hall, Skene Place, Dyce, Aberdeen AB21 7AY Open House : Wednesday 7 March 7.00 – 9.00pm New Beginners Class starts Wednesday 14 March 7.00 – 9.00pm

ABERDEEN - Midstocket Church Hall, Harcourt Road, Aberdeen AB15 5NZ Open House: Tuesday 20 March 7.30 – 9.30pm New Beginners Class starts Tuesday 27 March 7.30 – 9.30pm

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olive oil or lard, for greasing 250g/9oz plain flour 1 level tsp salt 1 level tsp bicarbonate of soda 2 tsp soft brown sugar 225ml/8fl oz buttermilk or live yoghurt

Ingredients

Allow the bread to cool for 15 minutes, then cut it into thick slices and serve.

Bake in the oven for about 12 minutes, and then turn the oven down to 200C/400F/Gas 6 and cook for another 15-20 minutes, until the base of the bread sounds hollow when you tap it.

Knead the dough lightly in the bowl for about half a minute, until smooth, and then shape it into a ball, as deep as you can make it. Place it on the greased baking sheet. Slash a deep cross in the top of the loaf with a sharp knife. This will allow the bread to open out as the soda starts to work and expand the dough.

Stir in the buttermilk or yoghurt, at first with a wooden spoon, then bringing it all together in a doughy mass with your hands. It should feel soft and firm, not sticky. Add a little more flour if the mixture is too wet.

Sift the flour, salt and soda into the mixing bowl and add the sugar.

Heat the oven to 230C / Gas 8. Grease a baking sheet with a little oil.

Method

Quick to make and tastes great with butter, jam and a cup of tea.

Soda Bread



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‘Handcrafted Highlanders’ As part of the Museum’s Education and Lifelong Learning Project, third-year Textiles and Surface Design students from the School were given a brief to design a range of surface decoration scarves from Johnston of Elgin’s luxury fabrics including cashmere and lambswool.

Aimed at the visitor market of the museum which comprises tourists, local visitors and professionals, students were to take inspiration from the legacy and identity of The Gordon Highlanders.

Following The Gordon Highlanders concept including the military tones and textures of the regiments branding, students worked in groups focusing on a theme of the Highlanders including ‘Steadfast’, ‘Ley of the Land’, ‘Threads of Time’ and ‘Forgotten Highlander’.

Tess Maclean, Education and Outreach Officer at The Gordon Highlanders Museum, explains: “This Lifelong Learning project allowed the Museum to branch out to a new demographic and inspire fresh audiences. By exploring the history of The Gordon Highlanders through textile media, the exhibition offers a creative range of fashion items suitable for the lady as well as the gent, and shows the design process from development and marketing to the final products.

“The Gordon Highlanders Museum is committed to preserving and sharing the legacy of the world-famous regiment for future generations and looks to constantly evolve and provide a wide range of unique experiences.

This exhibition hosts an array of visual delights for visitors to explore and has allowed the students to connect with the local community in Aberdeen.”

Charlie Hackett, Lecturer in Fashion and Textiles at Gray’s, adds: “This project has provided the students with a great opportunity to work with a client on a real design brief, feeding the themes and historical influences of the regiment as well as local heritage into their creations.”

The exhibition will run until June 2012, Tuesday to Saturday from 10am-4pm in the Education Room at The Gordon Highlanders Museum, Viewfield Road, Aberdeen.

Museum admission applies to view the exhibition: Adult - £5.00 Senior Citizens and students - £3.00 Child - £2.00 Family - £11.00 Admission is free to the tea rooms & garden.

For more information, please visit www.gordonhighlanders.com.

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Exterior/Interior Wallpapering Varnishing Free Estimates Buoyancy Swim Tel: 01224 318651 Mobile: 07906 863246 www.aberdeenswimminglessons.co.uk

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Adult and Baby, Adult and Toddler Swimming Lessons held at Camphill School, Bieldside, AB15 9EP. Contact – Julie McQuillan

Granite City Power Washing Services Call Pete on 07835 263882

The Meet Again Tea Shop Lumphanan Tel : Roz Buckingham

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