West End 2 Dec/Jan magazines

Hazlehead | Queens Cross | Mannofield

West End 2 A gazette magazine

FREE

Issue 136

Dec ‘18-Jan ‘19

Successfully introducing local people - local businesses since 2005

Discover your perfect new ho

stewartmilnehomes.com Offers detailed are not combinable and are available on selected homes only. Offers are subject to status. Terms and conditions apply. See website for details, subject to contract and status. Images shown reflect the varying styles and sizes of typical Stewart Milne homes and are intended to illustrate typical styles and finishes only. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR ANY DEBT SECURED ON IT. Terms and conditions apply. Prices correct at time of going to press.

*

ome at Den View, Kingswells The Fairley - 3 bed townhouse From £352,495 The Fairley is an impressive home offering the perfect balance of elegance and practicality ● 3 bedrooms with master ensuite ● Dining kitchen with French Doors to private garden ● Cinema room/home gym ● Integral garage

PART EXCHANGE AVAILABLE*

Showhome open Thursday to Monday, 11am to 5.30pm 0845 075 8213 | denview@stewartmilne.com

Dog Boarding Service

secure garden close to parks Enquiries call Nora :

01224 631367

Kut Loose Hair Design Open Tuesday -Saturday 33 years experience » Wash cut & dry £20 » Tint cut & dry £35 » Foils cut & dry £49 » Perm cut & dry £32 tel: 01224 647096

11 South Mount Street Rosemount Aberdeen AB25 2TN Quote this advert to receive a discount for new clients.

Bake, design & decorate cakes & cupcakes for your special occasions.

Contact Lois 07518 838916 Facebook : Cut the Cake or message via Facebook Fully registered business in Aberdeen City

Christmas...

My lovely other half is working Christmas and New Year this year so our time will be limited to get around the family but hoping over the fortnight we’ll manage it! They are of course very welcome to come and visit us too. The wood burner is insitu and so are the dogs. It has been a great investment watching the flames flickering and dozing on the sofa.

This issue we have another selection of super local shops to help you grab a last minute present or two - helping you - helping them.

Of course, I’m sure a lot of you have it all in hand and are sitting back chilling before the big day - I wish that was me!

This year has gone very quickly and I can’t believe this is our last magazine of 2018 and our first of 2019! So I’d like to be the first to wish you a very merry Christmas and a healthy, happy 2019. Our next deadline is - 20 January for the February/March magazines.

Go grab some mulled cider and flick through the pages of the Dec/ Jan magazine and I’ll catch you all in February...

Sue x

independent publisher : Sue Gregory All enquiries : mobile :

01383 279 355 email : mail@ gazettemagazines.com www.gazettemagazines.com 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. All artwork is accepted on strict condition that permission has been given for use in this publication. We thank you for taking the time to read the small print.

20 Jan 20 Mar 20 May 20 July 20 Sept 20 Nov

(Feb-Mar edition) (Apr-May edition) (June-July edition) (Aug-Sept edition) (Oct-Nov edition) (Dec-Jan edition)

the three magazines are delivered to :

12000 letterboxes in Airyhall, Ashley, Bieldside, Braeside, Broomhill, Countesswells, Craigiebuckler, Cults, Holburn, Kepplestone Houses, Mannofield, Morningside, Queens Cross, Rubislaw, Seafield, Viewfield, Woodland at Pitfodels, Woodend bi-monthly [6000 West End 1/ 6000 West End 2] 2000 Kingswells Community News

The complete beauty experience in one location.

To book your experience Tel: 01224 648899 / 07871916837 14a Rubislaw Terrace Aberdeen www.labeaurose.co.uk : LBR

: @lbrhairandbeauty

Fitness Yoga Yoga is a specialist programme at Fitness Her Way. Love yoga or not, its effects are so good, other programmes use the exercises too. Joseph Pilates used a mix of yoga and gymnastics to build his unique brand.

At Fitness Her Way, like Joseph Pilates, yoga is a fitness tool. Our unique programme uses some traditional sequencing such as Sun Salutation, as a warm up. The programme progresses to use strengthening exercises for the legs; standing balance work; floor exercises for mobility and a relaxation time to help you unwind. All of this is done under the instructor’s watchful eye to get the alignment and positions correct.

When you get the right alignment in yoga it is hugely beneficial to individuals. In our small friendly classes we ensure that everyone is in the right alignment when exercising.

During a time of change for women, such as menopause, we feel the need to be active, but wish to be mindful that exercising incorrectly can be less than beneficial. Body alignment is crucial at this time of life. We recommend our Fitness Yoga programme. It builds strength and suppleness; enhances concentration and calms the mind.

One major benefit of yoga is balance.

Our unique fitness yoga, balances your body, as you may be stronger on one side of your body compared to the other.

It enhances our ability to balance when walking for a smooth gait. Yoga balances our concentration, which reduces as we age and then quietens our mind with the relaxation at the end of class.

There is a strong relationship between advancing age and declining balance.

Eyes open balance stays in the 40s range until age 50 then begins to drop by about 10 seconds for each decade after 60. Eyes closed balance is a third of the duration of eyes open balance and drops by about 4 seconds each decade after age 50. The average of 15 seconds with eyes closed for 18-39 year old.

How is your balance?

Can you balance better on one leg compared to the other?

Do you lose your concentration to balance for any length of time?

Give our Fitness Yoga a try.

Connect with us on Social Media to see our latest news and offers.

We Offer Classes for: Pilates for Pre and Post Natal Pilates Sports Injuries Pilates for Rehab Yoga Membership 1-2-1’s Invest in your fitness goals Small friendly fitness classes which gives you more attention Join in a fitness family that supports you and your progress Check our facebook page for The Haven, 3 Market Square Buildings, updates on our new Stonehaven AB39 2BY Aberdeen venue

www.FitnessHerWayLtd.co.uk

CELEBRATE

& GLOW give the gift of radiant skin

Gift Set prices from £17.50 - £78.50

Gift Vouchers Available for Treatments or create your own gift set with *3 for 2 on all dermalogica products (*cheapest product free and excludes gift sets already made up)

Mob: 07843 054 393 (text) www.kumikobeauty.co.uk Terms and conditions apply

Why we hang Stockings?

And other odd Christmas traditions…

Christmas is all about traditions, but why do we hang stockings, eat chocolate logs and drink eggnog (why would anyone drink eggnog?!)

Stockings – Noddy Holder belting out, ‘Are you hanging up your stocking on the wall?’ is a Christmas tradition in itself. There’s no official explanation of why we hang socks up for Santa though. It probably derives from a tradition of leaving out hay-filled shoes on December 5, the eve of St. Nicholas’ feast day. Children would wake to discover that the hay they left for St. Nick’s donkey had been replaced with treats or coins.

Snacks for Santa – Whether it’s milk and a chocolate digestive or sherry and mince pie, when we leave goodies for Father Christmas we’re possibly participating in a tradition that some scholars date back to ancient Norse mythology!

According to legend, Odin had an eight-legged horse named Sleipnir.

Kids would leave treats for Sleipnir, hoping that Odin would favour them with gifts in return.

Carolling – You might suppose this is a centuriesold tradition but although the songs go back hundreds of years, visiting neighbours to bid them good luck and good cheer by singing for them didn’t happen until the Victorian era.

Evergreen decorations – Before Christianity people decorated their homes with evergreens in the winter as a reminder that spring would return.

Christians adopted the tradition and decorated evergreen trees with apples to represent the Garden of Eden. The practice really took off when the public learned that Queen Victoria had a decorated Christmas tree as a nod to her German husband’s heritage.

The Yule Log – Yule logs also predate Christianity.

8

As part of winter solstice celebrations, Gaels and Celts burned logs decorated with holly, ivy, and pinecones to cleanse themselves of the past year and welcome the next one. The practice changed over time and eventually edible representations of the log appeared, which is why we eat chocolate logs today!

Eggnog – Surely the most revolting of traditions.

However, historians agree that ‘nog’ was probably inspired by a medieval drink called ‘posset’, a milky drink made with eggs, milk, and sometimes figs or sherry. These were all pricey ingredients, so it was a bit of status symbol to offer it to guests. No-one seems to know for sure why it’s called ‘nog’, but it maybe from the old word ‘noggin’ which was slang for a wooden cup.

Mistletoe - This was associated with fertility and vitality by Celtic Druids because it blossomed even during the most frigid winters.

Quite how we got from that kissing under the mistletoe is a mystery, but we do know that it began in the 18th Century and started with guests kissing the hand of their host under the mistletoe, then became progressively more personal over the decades that followed!

Advent calendars - The modern advent calendar, with its little doors containing sweets or small gifts, began with Gerhard Lang in the early 1900s.

His inspiration was a calendar that his mother made for him when he was a child, featuring 24 coloured pictures attached to a piece of cardboard.

Christmas Cards – In these days of high postage costs, texts and emails, plus more environmental awareness this tradition may be at risk of dying out. Christmas cards are a surprisingly recent tradition anyway, with the first formal card only hitting shelves in 1843.

By Tracey Anderson

kickstart your marketing with the gazette... www.gazettemagazines.com

The Banchory Singers are busy preparing for their annual festive concert. This year the theme is A Stage and Screen Christmas, so you will be treated to a selection from musical theatre, opera and television. We’re having great fun learning to sing them and we know you’ll enjoy a very jolly evening when you come.

There will be two performances in Banchory Town hall, Saturday 15th December at 7.30 pm, and Sunday 16th in the afternoon at 2.30 pm.

Tickets are available now from Choir members or Banchory Town hall and are £8 for adults, £5 for concessions and £17 for a Family ticket.

The ticket includes mince pies and wine after the concert. Don’t miss the highlight of our singing year!

Why not give the gift of a voucher this Christmas?

Treat yourself or somebody you love to a voucher for a Luxury Spa Facial with an extra relaxing back, neck and scalp massage Winter special offer for Only £50.

We can also be seen at a number of sing-outs where we’ll sing traditional Christmas carols and a selection from out concert programme. Catch us at: Sunday 9 December at 4pm: Inchmarlo Hall Monday 10 December at 6:30 pm: Banchory Lodge Hotel Sunday 23 December at 2pm: Belwade Horse Sanctuary Monday 24 December at 10 am: Raemoir Garden Centre

west |with| style

Hair & Beauty

Give the gift of beautiful hair www.westwithstyle.co.uk

Opening November

m: 07988 419 277 e: hello@fredginger.co.uk w: fredginger.co.uk a: 48b Forest Rd Abdn AB15 4BP Unit 6 Ashdale Drive, Westhill, Aberdeenshire, AB326LP. Tel: 01224741313

Take advertising space today... t : 01383 279 355

e : mail@gazettemagazines.com

9

Pets at Christmas Though Christmas is a fun time for humans, even we can feel overwhelmed. For our pets Christmas can be confusing, a bit scary and even dangerous. Here are the top reasons for emergency vet visits over the festive period, and how to avoid them.

Vomiting and diarrhoea – Often a result of Rover helping himself to Christmas goodies; one year my brother’s beagle helped himself to our entire cheeseboard, with predictable gastro-intestinal consequences! But sometimes it’s a result of him being fed too many treats or rich food. Ask visitors to refrain from feeding your pets unless they have permission, and keep all festive food out of reach!

CHOCOLATE – dark chocolate is poisonous to dogs so seek advice immediately if you suspect that’s what he’s eaten.

Lacerations or Bites: -When family members or guests bring their pet, bear in mind your dog or cat will see this as an intrusion into their territory, and some animals are very territorial indeed. Don’t leave unfamiliar animals alone together, even if they seem to be tolerating each other. In severe cases enmity separate rooms might be in order. If a guest brings a dog and your kids own a treasured hamster or guinea pig keep the small furry being well out of danger; preferably put the cage on a high shelf.

Soft Tissue Trauma – Dogs and cats can be stepped on, have things dropped on them, or be hit by cars while running around on the drive as visitors arrive. If Grandma trips over your Chihuahua BOTH might end up in casualty so keep an eye on pets at all times.

Foreign body ingestion – The beagle who ate the cheeseboard ate the cheese AND most of the board. Some pets will eat anything. Christmas baubles, lights tinsel and small toys. Ask guests not to leave things on the floor and keep a watchful eye on Rover. If he’s quietly in a corner chewing something, check it’s not Grandma’s spectacles, or false teeth!

By Tom Hancock

10

kickstart your marketing with the gazette... www.gazettemagazines.com

Climate Week North East A full week of fun, inspiring and interesting events, running between 15th- 24th March 2019, designed to raise awareness of climate change but, more importantly, show what we can all do to make a difference and reduce our carbon footprint in a fun way. The events provide knowledge and inspiration for everyone to take small (and big) steps in the fight against climate changestarting with the free Green Family Fun Day in Hazlehead Park on Saturday 16th March and culminating with Earth Day at Aberdeen Science Centre on Sunday 24th March. From tours of community renewable projects, cooking demonstrations to guided ranger walks and bike rides, films, plays, and talks,Climate Week North East is designed to showcase the inspiring action happening here in the North East and demonstrate what each of us can do to help.

We want to showcase the wonderful projects going on in your community, be it a zero waste café, school growing project, reuse and upcycling initiative or any other carbon reducing, living sustainably project. We want to enable you to tell your story and inspire others to make a difference in their life.

As Alison Stuart, Director of Aberdeen Climate Action, says: “There are so many amazing sustainability projects going on here in the north east and it is community action driving them. Climate Week is a fantastic opportunity to showcase those projects, gain recognition for the wonderful work they do and inspire others to create their own projects, help in the existing ones or simply make a change in the way they live their lives. All of us can do something to help reduce climate change. It is easy to take small steps that all build into making a big difference (and save us money). These steps can be as small as changing your home power supply to renewable, growing your own veg and eating less meat, reusing and recycling, using your car less and getting a hybrid or electric car to starting up your own community project or company with the reduction of carbon emissions as an outcome. There are lots we all can do. ”

A little Italy...

Put abit note of in your diary for ...in LittleCWNE Belmont andStreet come along to

the fun and inspiring events.

The full programme of events will be uploaded at https:// Freshly baked home mode home made pizzas with lashings of toppings.

Tender pasta dishes full of tasty ingredients and luscious cream sauces. Seafood, prime www.climateweekaberdeen. steaks, chicken dishes, all with that extra touch of genius which is true Italian cooking! org/programme.html or found CWNE @ 1JG facebook.

7 Little Belmont Street | on Aberdeen | AB10 If you would like to sign www.poldinos.co.uk up to do an event during climate week then please contact Alison Stuart, alison@ aberdeenclimateweek.org.

We have been serving fine italian cuisine since 1977.

Extensive à la carte menu for lunch and dinner.

5 minutes walk from His Majesty’s Theatre and Music Hall – special lunch and pre-theatre menus.

Gift Vouchers Available

Open Monday to Saturday: 12 noon to 2.30pm & 5.30pm to 10.15pm

of Italy...

A little bi A little Abitlittle of bit Italy... ...

in Little Belmont Street

...in Little Belmon

We have been serving fine Italian cuisine since 1977.

...in Little Belmont Street

Extensive à la carte menu for lunch and dinner.

5 minutes walk from His Majesty’s Theatre and Music Hall been serving fine italian cu If you are interested in climate We have - special lunch and1977. pre-theatre menus.

Extensive à la carte menu for lunch We what have you beencan serving fine italian cuisine since change and baked home-made pizzas with lashings of toppings.

Extensive à la carte menu forFreshly lunch and dinner. do to make a difference 5 minutes walk from His Majesty’s T Tender pasta dishes full of tasty ingredients and luscious cream then come along to our free – special lunch and pre-theatre men sauces.

Seafood, 5 minutes walk from His Majesty’s Theatre andprime Musicsteaks, Hall chicken dishes, all with that extra monthly –Climate Café, the first touch of genius which is true Italian cooking! special lunch and pre-theatre menus.

Freshly baked home mode home m Tuesday of each month, in Open Monday to Saturday 12 noon to 2.30pm and 5.30pm to 10.15pm Tender pasta dishes full of tasty ingr steaks, chicken dishes, all with that e Tempo Café between Freshly baked 7-9pm. home mode home made pizzas with lashings of toppings.

01224 647777 Tendercheck pastaout dishes full of tasty ingredients and luscious cream sauces. Seafood, prime For full details 7 Little Belmont Street | Aberdeen | AB10 1JG Open Monday to Saturday: 12 n steaks, chicken dishes, all with that extra touch of genius which is true Italian cooking!

Aberdeen Climate Action @ 1977 - celebrating 40 years - 2017 facebook 7 Little Belmont Street | A

www.poldinos.co.uk

Open Monday to Saturday: 12 noon to 2.30pm & 5.30pm to 10.15pm

Take advertising space today... t : 01383 279 355

e : mail@gazettemagazines.com

7 Little Belmont Street | Aberdeen | AB10 1JG

40

11 www.poldinos

The Perfect Cheeseboard How much cheese? - Allow about 100g-125g (3½-4oz) cheese per person if your cheeseboard is being served after a meal, or slightly more - 150g (5oz) per person if you’re serving it as a snack/light meal.

Which cheese? - Three or four cheeses is enough – more than that and there’s too much for the palate to enjoy. The cheeses should be different styles, textures and flavours. Cheddar, Stilton and Brie is a classic combination, as it mixes a hard, soft and a blue. Why not go totally British with a traditional West Country Farmhouse Cheddar matched with Cropwell Bishop, a wonderful robust blue, and maybe Bath Soft Cheese, which is gorgeously gooey and mushroomy in flavour. It’s nice to put one wild-card cheese on the board like a citrussy goat’s cheese or meaty smoked cheese like St James.

Crackers - A good oat biscuit, cracker or artisan bread will complement the cheese.

Add a chutney - look for unusual brands at farmers’ markets, and some apples or grapes.

Drinks - After a meal a sweet fortified white wine is always good. You could even try a whiskey, or a gin and tonic. If the board is going to serve as a light meal, then beer or cider is a good choice.

A note on storage - Store in a cold room or the bottom of the fridge, wrapped in waxed paper if possible This allows the cheese to breathe. Let the cheese to come up to room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving for maximum flavour.

By Tom Hancock

12

kickstart your marketing with the gazette... www.gazettemagazines.com

Smør Bullar

Festive Scandinavian cookies, though no-one seems to know their exact origins. These small spheres of butter, flour, powdered sugar and nuts, dusted with more powdered sugar for good measure are a Christmas delight.

Makes: 20-24 cookies Preparation time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 8-10 minutes Ingredients 225g Butter 60g Icing sugar 300g Plain flour, sifted ¼ tsp salt 1 tsp vanilla essence 100g Pecan nuts or walnuts, chopped fine

Extra icing sugar for dusting.

Method Preheat oven to 200C / Gas mark 6 Cream the butter and sugar together thoroughly.

Add flour, salt, vanilla and pecans, and mix well.

Cover dough and chill for half an hour.

Form dough into small balls (about 1 inch / 2.5cm diameter). If the dough seems too crumbly don’t be tempted to add water or the resulting cookies will be hard, just let the heat from your hands gradually bring it all together. Place 2 inches / 5cm apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake until set but NOT brown (8-10 minutes). Allow to cool for 3 minutes before removing from baking sheet, then roll in icing sugar. When completely cool, roll in the icing sugar again. They make lovely festive handmade gifts in pretty boxes

CUMMING FIRE & SECURITY Ltd

07817-749943 Tel: 07817-749943 Tel: Email cfs.ltd@dial.pipex.com

Email cfs.ltd@dial.pipex.com FREE ADVICE & QUOTATIONS

Help Preserve the Legacy of The Gordon Highlanders Regiment Say Yes to Volunteering at The Gordon Highlanders Museum

free advice and quotations Intruder Alarm Systems, Wired or Wireless surveys available evening Fire Alarm Systems, Wired or Wireless EVENING SURVEYS AVAILABLE

Fire Extinguishers & Blankets Electrical Work - All Types

Intruder Alarm Systems - Wired or Wireless Fire Alarm Systems - Wired or Wireless Fire Extinguishers and Blankets For Peace of Mind At Work or Home - Call Us Now Electrical Work - All Types Smoke and Heat Alarms We are looking for Volunteers to help CUMMING & SECURITY Ltd CUMMING FIRE & SECURITY Ltd PortableFIRE Appliance Testing Tea Room, Shop/Reception, Museum Guides, Tel: 07817-749943 Tel: 07817-749943 CCTV and Door Entry Systems Email cfs.ltd@dial.pipex.com Email cfs.ltd@dial.pipex.com Education and DIY/Maintenance Window and Door Lock Replacement Safes and Cabinets For more information please contact Safety Signs and Equipment Smoke & Heat Alarms Portable Appliance Testing CCTV & Door Entry Systems Window & Door Lock Replacement.

Safes and Cabinets Safety Signs & Equipment

FREE ADVICE & QUOTATIONS

FREE ADVICE & QUOTATIONS

EVENING SURVEYS AVAILABLE

EVENING SURVEYS AVAILABLE

Intruder Alarm Systems, Wired or Wireless Fire Alarm Systems, Wired or Wireless Fire Extinguishers & Blankets

Intruder Alarm Systems, Wired or Wireless Fire Alarm Systems, Wired or Wireless Fire Extinguishers & Blankets

Electrical Work - All Types

Electrical Work - All Types

Smoke & Heat Alarms Portable Appliance Testing CCTV & Door Entry Systems Window & Door Lock Replacement.

Safes and Cabinets Safety Signs & Equipment

Smoke & Heat Alarms Portable Appliance Testing CCTV & Door Entry Systems Window & Door Lock Replacement.

Safes and Cabinets Safety Signs & Equipment

Tel: 01224 498927 or Email: volunteering@gordonhighlanders.com

For Peace of Mind at Work or Home - Call Us Now For Peace of Mind At Work or Home - Call Us Now

For Peace of Mind At Work or Home - Call Us Now

Take advertising space today... t : 01383 279 355

e : mail@gazettemagazines.com

13

Walking and Smiling Depression Have you heard of walking depression? With this type of depression, you’ll seem normal (and sometimes happy) on the outside but inside, you’re really struggling.

Because you’re able to carry on living life and are not confined to bed or bursting into tears regularly, a lot of people won’t even realise you have depression. And sometimes, people themselves don’t acknowledge that they’re actually depressed, often because there’s a high level of day-to-day functioning.

A lot of the symptoms of walking and smiling depression are much the same as depression in general. You might feel very negative, down, anxious, lacking in energy, fearful, irritable, hopeless or even suicidal. Struggling to focus, feeling that something is missing from your

life or not enjoying things anymore are also common.

The main difference to “traditional” depression is that symptoms don’t interfere with day-to-day life as much.

Talking therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) are often used to treat walking depression. Hypnotherapy can work alongside them too and is now recognised as one of the most effective interventions for depression and anxiety. One of the great things about hypnotherapy is that in accessing the unconscious mind, it can help to treat the underlying causes of depression and replace them with more positive alternatives.

Contact me today to find out more about how Solution Focused Hypnotherapy can support you to overcome walking and smiling depression.

Sam Luxford DHP HPD GQHP SFBT Sup (Hyp) MNCH(Reg) CNHC

*50% Discount For With First Initial Consultation Session This Ad Help To Understand Your Brain And Achieve Your Goals

Solution Focused Clinical Hypnotherapist & Psychotherapist Established Clinical Hypnotherapy Practice for 8 Years General/Mental Health Nurse with NHS over 25 Years

Sam Luxford DHP HPD GQHP SFBT Sup (Hyp) MNCH(Reg) CNHC

• Anxiety • IBS • Goal Achievement • Weight Loss • Stop Smoking • More On Web Site...

At Aberdeen’s West End & Kippie Lodge Video Sessions Available

14

+44 (0) 7867 936505 sam@samluxfordhypnotherapy.com www.samluxfordhypnotherapy.com

Sam Luxford

kickstart your marketing with the gazette... www.gazettemagazines.com

Unusual Gifts Perhaps it’s a Secret Santa.

Perhaps it’s the uncle you see only once a year, or your brother who has absolutely everything. Or you may be working to a £10 or less budget. Here are some ideas; unusual, funny and a bit off-the-wall.

Chocolate Covered Bacon on a stick - Yes really. This is a thing and it was a hit last year when my teenage son received some from his aunt.

We all tried it. So wrong....yet somehow so right! Google for suppliers.

Fiddle Toys - Is your recipient a fiddler? Do they jiggle and fiddle with

pens? Are they a nail-biter or finger-picker? A fiddle toy is the perfect gift.

Magnetic balls which can be played with and used to sculpt shapes, or fiddle cubes which have a different activity on every face and fit into the average pocket make great gifts.

Crossword Puzzle Mug Complete the crossword while having a cuppa. Then download a brand-new set of clues from the app and try again.

Unusual clock - Everyone needs to tell the time, right?

From projection clocks to light-up colour-change clocks, there’s a funky time piece for almost everyone.

My son bought my sciencegeek husband a clock last year in which every number was replaced by a scientific formula whose answer corresponded to the hour!

He loved it.

Gift of Time Voucher Perhaps money is an issue this year. What skills do you have? Can you walk a dog?

Clean a car or a kitchen?

Put together some flat-pack furniture? Make a cake? Get creative and make a voucher promising to carry out some chore for your recipient. It’s not about the money.

By Tracey Anderson

Professional eye care for all the family

5 The Courtyard, North Deeside Road, Cults, Aberdeen AB15 9SD T: 01224 863344 E: info@sgoptom.co.uk www.scottgilmouroptometrists.co.uk FREE PARKING AVAILABLE Take advertising space today... t : 01383 279 355

e : mail@gazettemagazines.com

15

Dorian Gray Gift boxed baby socks with bow detail.

Available in Pink, Blue & Cream size 0 - 3mth £10:00 [bob&lulu] Village Hotel Gym - 1 or 3 months membership 40% off ESPA 25 min facial or back massage 10% off Village Experience vouchers 2 Nutramino bars

Christmas Shopping Locally...

Eco friendly Soy Wax travel tin candles £9.50 each, Noodle box includes 3 mini jar candles £20 each box – various scents - Handmade in Aberdeen [Junction Arts]

Meaning mini illustration, original mini artworks by Artist Gwen Black, Priced £4 - £18 [Junction Arts]

Christmas Gift Voucher for Fourmile at Kingswells. In denominations of £10 the perfect gift. {Fourmile Kingswells]

Buy in club only (Limited availablity) For more info 01224 974616 Sebastian Professional Effortless Style Kit comes in a sleek gift set which combines the powers of 5 travel friendly Sebastian products for the ultimate hair collection to bring the best out of your hair.- £17.00 [West with Style}

Zoe Scott Designs – Concrete pots and hanging hearts with cactus, Price range £5.50 - £20 each [Junction Arts]

For prices and stock visit www.facebook.com/HAPPYCUSHIONS

01224 594588 32 Ashley Road, Aberdeen AB10 6RJ

Children’s Shoe Specialist & Clothing Boutique WEBSITE is now LIVE!!!

www.bobandlulu.com 16

kickstart your marketing with the gazette... www.gazettemagazines.com

follow us on...

Dermalogica Gift Box Sets from £17.50 - £70.00. Gift Vouchers also availalbe. [Kumiko]

Claremont Studios candles 5 - Eco friendly Soy Wax Mini Melt packs and burner - £2/£4 for melt packs, Burners £8 - £15.

Christmas Shopping Locally...

A great gift idea for your friends and family who wear glasses, sunglasses or contact lenses [Scott Gilmour Optometrists]

Fred&Noah leggings from £14:00 [bob&lulu]

Chipmunk children’s slippers £16:00 [bob&lulu]

Cloud Pottery by Juliet Macleod.

Yunomi (Japanese cup) Hand thrown ceramics £40 each. [Junction Arts]

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR ADVERTISERS AND LOCAL TRADERS - IT REALLY IS HELPING x

Seedbom by Kabloom – Different seed mixes, £4.50 each [Junction Arts]

Northern Arts Club

Best Art Club in Aberdeen

Membership makes an excellent gift

8 Bon Accord Square,Aberdeen, AB116DJ Telephone - 07597126739

www. northernartsclub.co. uk Take advertising space today... t : 01383 279 355

e : mail@gazettemagazines.com

17

‘Country Birds’ mixed media original artwork, £375.00 [Junction Arts]

Christmas Shopping Locally...

System Professional Volumise Unlock Your Confidence Gift Set- £35.00 Inside this box is also a Gift Voucher which you can give to your System Professional Hair stylist and receive an instant treatment while in for your hair appointment. [West with Style]

Dorian Gray faux fur Pom Pom hat in pale blue and pink. Size new born 6mths £17:50 [bob&lulu]

ESPA Gift Sets – Village Hotel Spa Variety of fabulous ESPA gifts sets available to buy from the Village Hotel Spa Prices start from £15

Small Stories Pin Badges – Cat and Dog Person £8.50 each Xmas Decs – wooden printed hanging £8 each [Junction Arts]

Say Merry Christmas with Food this year!

ITALIAN COOKING CLASS GIFT VOUCHERS

The perfect gift for any foodie! www.cooksdayoff.co.uk

18

kickstart your marketing with the gazette... www.gazettemagazines.com

The Sebastian Professional Hydre Gift Set -£30.00 combines a moisturising shampoo and conditioner with a volumising spray to leave hair feeling lifted and replenished.

The Set Contains: Hydre Shampoo (250ml) Hydre Conditioner (200ml) Volupt Spray (50ml) [West with Style]

Christmas Shopping Locally...

Madmia toddler socks £18:00 Age 3-5 years.

Madmia Poo emoji socks £18:00 - One Size [bob&lulu]

Village Hotel Food & Drink Vouchers

Available to buy at the Village Hotel reception desk Vouchers can be used in the Village Pub or Grill

Beauty Gift Vouchers available in any denomination. [fred ginger]

Eco friendly Soy Wax Mini Melt pack – various scents - £2 each Handmade in Aberdeen [Junction Arts]

WOULD YOU LIKE TO VOLUNTEER TO BE OUR NEW TREasURER? The duties would be: Spreadsheets for Receipts and Payments Analysis Sheets Preparation of Accounts for AGM Gift Aid Claims Submission of Accounts to OSCR

For more information contact : 01224 317338 Scottish Charity SC031352

Take advertising space today... t : 01383 279 355

e : mail@gazettemagazines.com

19

CLUBS & CLASSES Seafield Walking Group

Gordonians Hockey Club - Youth Coaching

Alternate Wednesdays, leaving 9.15 from Countesswells Avenue. Coach transport.

Long and short walks each outing.

Contact kate.graham13@btinternet.com Come and join our friendly 50+ group.

FIRST WALK FREE!

from 27/28 August until late May - Children attending any school Bronze Squad (typically age 8-9) - Tuesdays 5.30 - 6.30 Silver Squad (typically 10-11) - Tuesdays 5.45 - 7.00 Gold Squad (typically 12-13) - Mondays 5.45 - 7.00 £80 for the entire season (family discounts apply) RGC Astroturf pitches, Countesswells Road, AB15 8AR Contact John Mowat Tel: 07525 811039

RUGBYTOTS ABERDEEN

LIST YOUR CLASS - FREE Basic Info only - Name of Class: Day: Time: Where: Contact: (30 words) Over 30 then there is a small charge and will be a boxed ad like this £12 per year for each magazine... Send and email: mail@gazettemagazines.com subject : Clubs/Classes

Classes weekly – age 2 to 7 [Free Taster Sessions Available] Banchory AM – Saturday Airyhall - AM Sunday Craigiebuckler - AM Sun

Westhill - AM Sunday Cults - AM Wed/PM Thurs

For more information contact : aberdeen@rugbytots.co.uk or www.rugbytots.co.uk

Aberdeen Buchan Association Fortnightly on Wed evenings at Craigiebuckler Church Hall Sept till Apr 9 Jan 7.30pm Rev Petrie will entertain £4 incl a fly cup. 23 Jan at 7pm Burns Supper £12 per ticket Gladys Lamb Secretary 01224 723722 Aberdeen Choral Society Mondays fm 5th September at 7.30pm Queens Cross Church Hall.. Please come and join us we’d love to have you. All details on our website.

Aberdeen Chorus of Sweet Adelines International - ladies Chorus singing 4 part a cappella in modern barbershop style. Monday evening from 7 -10pm at Curl Aberdeen, Eday Walk (just off Lang Stracht) New voices always welcome.

Aberdeen and District RSPB Local Group A friendly group enthusiastic about the wildlife of the NE Various events throughout the year www.rspb.org.uk/groups/aberdeen Aberdeen Diocesan Choir Tues 7.30 - 9pm Upper Hall, St Mary’s Cathedral, Huntly Street Mainly religious music in 4 parts for church svcs. All welcome especially tenors & basses. www. aberdeendiocesanchoir.com/ enquiriesADC@hotmail.com Aberdeen Italian Circle Thursdays (every 2/3 weeks) Time: 7.15 pm Rubislaw Church Centre, Beaconsfield Place Contact: abital@btinternet.com 01224 635792

Aberdeen Embroiderers’ Guild First Saturday of month in Rubislaw Church Centre, Beaconsfield Place. Workshop 10 – 12.00 Meeting at 2pm. Visitors welcome. For info contact 07809557617.

Aberdeen Italian Circle Thursdays (every 2/3 weeks) 7.15 pm Rubislaw Church Centre, Beaconsfield Place abital@btinternet.com 01224 635792 https://aberdeenitaliancircle.wordpress.com Aberdeen Model Railway Club Wednesday 7-10pm Ferryhill heritage center Email: Info@aberdeenmrc.co.uk Aberdeen Orpheus Choir Wednesday evenings at 7.15 p.m. in the Hall of Crown Terrace Baptist Church, Windmill Lane, Some vacancies in the Choir. If you can read music and interested in choral music, Info: Jane Murray on 07967926758.

Aberdeen Philatelic Society Thursdays, fortnightly fm 21st Sept 7.30pm Rubislaw Church Centre Beaconsfield Pl. Social mtg alt Fri am seafield28@gmail.com www.aberdeenphilatelic.org.uk Aberdeen Pilates Man Wed Mixed Ability Classes 6-7pm Ferryhill Community Centre T: 07557352805.

Aberdeen Round Table First Tuesday every month at 7.30pm (usually at the Cults Hotel) to plan a variety of events to aid the community. Information visit www.roundtable.co.uk.

CLUBS & CLASSES

Aberdeen Strathspey and Reel Society Mon Jnr Orchestra - 6.30 to 7.30 pm, Snr 7.30 to 9.00 pm Hazlehead Primary School, AB15 8HB 01224 676482, e-mail info@aberdeenstrathspey.org.uk or www. aberdeenstrathspey.org.uk

Barre Fitness classes Monday at 10-11am at Granville Lane Scout Hut, Tuesday at Mile End Primary from 6-7pm Friday 5pm and 5.30pm at Fitness & Wellbeing Development on Riverside Drive. c.chernouski@yahoo.co.uk

Aberdeen Velodees: Women only cycling group. Wednesday coached session + Weekend Rides. Join our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/Velodees/ or email velodees@gmail.com for more info.

Beginners Ashtanga Yoga (power Yoga).

Monday 6.30 till 7.30 and 7.30 till 8.30 (seniors). £7 Cults Kirk Centre Hub, 404 North Deeside Road, Cults. Call Simone 07985 384402 or email Simone.barnett@sky.com

After School Football - Alison McLeod Classes available at Airyhall + Kingswells for pre school children up to age 6 www.aberdeenfootballfun.co.uk Airyhall Ramblers Group Every 2nd Wednesday @ Countesswells Road 9.15am Open to over 50’s A friendly, sociable group. Long & short walks available. Contact 07472686889 Association of American Women of Aberdeen (AWA) Open to women of all nationalities. Monthly meetings, activities for all tastes, annual fundraising for a chosen charity. For membership info go to awaaberdeen.org Babies & Toddlers Fridays 10 - 11.30 during term time Gilcomston Church, use Summer Street door Contact: Gayle Veitch, gayle.veitch@gmail.com or Rosie McKie, 01224 647144 Banchory Clay pigeon Shooting Syndicate Contact Dick Bridger 01330850362 or Peter Hopkins 01330850585 Barney’s Ballroom Mon, 7-8pm + 8.15-9.15pm Fri 7-8pm & 8-9pm Cults Cults Sports Complex AB15 9TP 07342 789 965

Change a child’s life: become a Barnardo’s foster carer Call us today: 01224 624090 barnardos.org.uk/ fostering

Ceilidh class 1st & 3rd Tuesday of every month 7:30 - 9:00pm at South St Nicholas Church Kincorth. A fun social evening! Contact 01224 636128 or email: aberdeenrscds@hotmail.co.uk Childrens Highland Dancing Lessons Day: Various - After School / Saturdays Craigiebuckler, Holborn West, City Centre and Cults sinclairhighlanddancing@gmail.com or 07972104774 Clubbercise with Jessica Tuesday 8:30-9:30pm at Airyhall community Centre. All other classes listed on my Facebook page (Clubbercise Jessica Aberdeen). Contact no-07725672678 Concordia String Orchestra Ferryhill Parish Church We rehearse on a Tuesday evening 7.30-9.30pm Contact: www. concordiastringorchestra.org.uk for more information CTC Grampian Local group of the Cycling Touring Club. We provide cycle rides for all abilities and ages to local destinations and further afield. John B, Chairman, Tel: 01224 571984. www.ctcgrampian.org.uk

AB R W L E You have two minutes to find all the words of three or more letters that can be made from the letters above. Plurals are allowed, proper nouns are not. The 6 letter word will always be just a normal everyday word.

3 letters: 14 4 letters: 13 5 letters: 3 6 letters: 1

3 Letters ALE ARE AWE AWL BAR BRA EAR ERA

Cults Bridge Club Meet on Monday evenings (6.45pm) from Oct to Mar at Cults Bowling Club. Contact – Joan 01224 310752.

Culter & District Pipe Band Mon/Wed 7.30-9pm Culter Village Church Piping & Drumming, all levels Tel: Susan 07540 530705 DanceYoga Mon 8pm at Rubislaw Church Centre 07470449331 Hannah Nordlund www.facebook.com/ DanceYogaAberdeen hi@healthierwithhannah.co.uk Dru Yoga Tues 7.30pm in Jubilee Hall, South Holburn Church.

Thurs 10am in Girlguiding, Thistle Lane. One-to-one sessions or small groups in AB15 5BB or at your premises Ester 07757 304879 or druyoga.ester@gmail.com Fitness with Laura Day Metafit & Abs Clases Mon - 6-7pm Inchgarth CC Wed 6.15-7.15pm Tullos Primary Fri - 10-11am Inchgarth CC Facebook fitnesswithlaura or 07739181345.

Flying Yogis Children’s yoga classes 3-5 Years Mondays 9:3010am, NEW CLASS- Wednesdays 1:30-2pm Kingswells Community Centre, Contact :Emma Dawrant 07789558865 or www.facebook.com/emmaflyingyogis Franco-Scottish Society, Aberdeen – promoting French & Scottish culture Monthly meetings on a Tues 7.30pm usually in Albyn School, 17 - 23 Queen's Road. between Oct & May. Talks mainly in French, but sometimes English. www.franco-scottish.org.uk/ 01224 590903.

Friskis&Svettis Jympa Wednesdays from 7-8pm (exercise to music).

Low impact, suitable for all ages & abilities. Airyhall Community Centre Contact Jackie Tel 01224 713705

Befriend a Child Charity Shop 27 Holburn Street, AB11 6DJ, Aberdeen

To donate goods or volunteer contact 01224 930173 or e-mail shop@befriendachild.org.uk

CLUBS & CLASSES

Friskis & Svettis Jympa Tuesday from 7.30pm - 8.30pm Airyhall Community Centre Call Katie on 01224981474/07889011337 or email info@fsaberdeen.co.uk Granite City Chorus Scotland’s leading male barbershop chorus Tuesdays 7.00pm to 9.45pm Woodside Church Hall AB24 4DQ www.granitecitychorus.co.uk

Granite City Guerrillas Dodgeball Team 16+ Mon 8pm – 10pm at The Jesmond Sports Centre, Bridge of Don (Mixed session) Wed 8.30pm – 10pm at The Danestone Community Centre, Bridge of Don (Ladies only) Contact: www.facebook.com/thegranitecityguerrillas Granite City Scottish Women’s Institute Every 4th Wed of the month 7-9pm (Sept to June).

Ruthrieston Community Centre, 532-536 Holburn Street, Aberdeen (car park to rear). Just come along or tel the secretary 01224 587590 Hatha Yoga Thurs 9:30-10:30 am - Ashley Road Abdn £7.per session Info & bookings : Adriana 07799845716 - limited spaces Hatha Yoga - Suitable for all levels Wednesday 19.30 – 20.30 Please bring your own mat Ruthrieston Community Centre, 532-536 Holburn Street, Aberdeen For more info TMCYogaUK@gmail.com Hatha Yoga - Suitable for all abilities Mon 9:15-10:15, Wed 1-2pm and Thur 7-8pm at Ferryhill Community Centre. Contact Verity 07796915716 www.v-yoga.co.uk Italian Classes in Cults (Aberdeen) from Beginners to Advanced level Summer Sessions in Italy Enrica Conti Tel. 07786827714 encoit@talktalk.net www.italianlanguageaberdeen.co.uk

John Morrison Self employed painter and decorator 45 years of experience Free estimates / all domestic work undertaken

T: 01224 694621 M: 0770 265 1366

CLUBS & CLASSES

Jazzercise aerobic classes, Broomhill Activity Centre Mon, Tues and Wed 6.15pm Thurs 5.25pm Sat 9.30am Contact Judy 07757216969 or jazzercisejudy@gmail.com JKA Aberdeen Karate Tues & Thurs (all grades) 7pm Kincorth Sports Centre 01224 826174 Alan@karatedoshotokan-scotland.com JKA Aberdeen Tiger Cubs Childrens Karate Sessions Thursday 5 - 7 year olds Kincorth Sports Centre 07762 560630 or 01330 833688 Kaimhill Strollers Thursday at 9.15 over 50s walking group which meets Community Wing of Kaimhill School. Walks average 6 miles cost of £4 includes use of our minibus. Contact Dick on 01224 782109 or Doris on 01224 316775.

Kaimhill Yoga Group Wednesdays 9.15-10.15am. Friendly and fun. Suitable for all. Injury and illness cared for. Kaimhill Learning Centre, Pitmedden Terr AB10 7HR. Lively Minds Group Tuesdays: 1st & 3rd of each month 12p.m. – 2 p.m.

Sandwich lunch & an interesting speaker. £5 per session This is a new group open to everyone . Contact :-office@ queen’scrosschurch.org.uk Lunch Club Tuesday during school term at 12.30 p.m. Ferryhill Parish Church hall. Enjoy a two course meal with tea or coffee for £4.00. Over 50’s. New members welcome.

Mainly Music at Gilcomston Wednesdays 10 - 11.30 during term time Gilcomston Church, use Summer Street door e: katrinamrose@ hotmail.co.uk or Rosie McKie, 01224 647144 Mango Choir (mainly Gospel style) Mondays, September to April 6:30 to 7:30 at Mannofield Church Alistair Stark, 01224 318536, mail@agstark.co.uk No experience needed, no George Cormack auditions.

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

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

e:

gcormack10@hotmail.co.uk

24

Mannofield Parent & Toddler Group Monday, & Friday 1000 - 1130 @ Mannofield Church Facebook Group Mannofield Parent & Toddlers

Metafit. The Original Metabolic HIIT Workout.

Wednesday 8:15-8:45pm, Mannofield Church. Facebook @Metafit With Gemma. Tel 07793 431578 Metafit with Helen.

Monday 7.25-7.55pm Airyhall Community Centre.

Tuesday 5.30-6pm Ferryhill Community Centre.

FB- Metafit Airyhall, Metafit Ferryhill. helenewen1@ btinternet.com. 07736 247911. Metafit-training.com Monday Club Mondays 10am-12 pm. A drop in group for adults with additional needs & their carers. Opportunities to socialise with tea, coffee & homebaking. Contact:office@queen’scrosschurch.org.uk Morven Singers Wednesday’s from 5th September 7.30pm Ruthrieston West Church Hall, Broomhill Rd. 3 part mixed choir, wide range of music covered. New members welcome.

Contact Lesley 01224 315079 MummyFITT. Wed- 12-1 o at Danestone Community Centre and 10-11 on a Friday at Cults parish church main hall on quarry road. Contact kirsty167@hotmail.com/ 07540790348 / www.facebook.com/mummyFITT Musical Connections Mondays:- First & third Monday of each month 2p.m. to 3.30p.m. This is a new group starting in September 2018.

The group is for adults living with dementia and their carers . Contact:- office@queen’scrosschurch.org.uk NCT Waddling to Toddling group Mon 10-11.30am - (frmnbirth to preschool) St Francis of Assisi Church, Deesdie Gdns, Mannofield. £2 donation requested. parentsupport.aberdeen@nct.org.uk Northern Dance Club Monday’s at Jury’s Inn, Airport 7.30pm beginners, sequence and improvers starts 22 October £7.50 dropin fee - All new members very welcome Rhythm Time Multisensory Music Sessions Ruthrieston West Church Tues: 9.45am, 14mnths - 3yrs + 10.25am 0 - 12mnths + 11.05am 0 - 12 mnths Fri: 9.30am 14mnths - 3yrs 10.10am 14mnths - 3yrs 10.50am 0 - 12mnths Scottish Country Dancing - Beginners Wednesdays from 9th January at Craigiebuckler Church Hall 7:30 - 9:00, and Thursdays from 10th January Holburn West church hall 12:30 - 2:00. 01224 636128 or email: aberdeenrscds@hotmail.co.uk

kickstart your marketing with the gazette... www.gazettemagazines.com

Scottish Country Dancing classes for Children after school at St Joseph’s, Kingsford, Braehead, Craigiebuckler Church Hall or at City Moves on a Saturday morning. aberdeenrscds@hotmail.co.uk or 01224 636128 for more information.

CLUBS & CLASSES

Woodend Bridge Club Mon & Wed Evenings & Fri afternoons mid sept to mid april @ Woodend Bowling Club (ample parking) All welcome - Chris Blunt 01224 317298

Silver CITY Singers Mondays 7.20 - 9.30pm AGS Former Pupils Club 86 Queen’s Road AB15 4YQ www.silvercitysingers.com

Woodburn Walkers Every seond Tuesday @ Hazlehead Park - Contact 01224 640882 and 01224 318075. A walking group open to all over 50’s .

Tai Chi (Taijiquan) & Health Qigong (Chi Kung) Mondays 11-12 Rubislaw Church Centre, 7-8pm & 8-9pm Unitarian Church Thursdays 9:45-10:45 Catherine St Community Centre Beg’s always welcome ruyischool. mk@gmail.com www.ruyischool.com

Yoga classes Tue 17.45-19.15 AYC, 8 Bon Accord Sq. Wed 10.15-11.45 Queens Cross Church. Thur 10.00-11.30 Queens Cross Church. Moira : 01224 648475 e: moira.chicometrics@ gmail.com www.moirayogaaberdeen.co.uk

The Braeside Singers Love singing? Come and join us. We are a new community choir who meet on Tuesday evenings 6.30 to 8.00pm at Airyhall Library. For more information email audreyharvey@talktalk.net.

Yogatots - Fun, story-based yoga for children. Mon 3.40 - 4.10pm : P1-3; Wed 1.30-2.00pm : Pre-schoolers Wed 2.00-2.30pm : Parent & child (2-1/2 to antepreschool) Airyhall Community Centre Contact Jen: 07910 965741

The Fly Cup Every Thursday morning from 10- 12. An informal group for people who would enjoy a bit of company, offering a chance to meet up over coffee & homebaking. office@ queen’scrosschurch.org.uk The Mixing Bowl Aberdeen A food interest group for the community. Meets monthly in term time at St Devenick’s church hall, Baillieswells Rd, Bieldside Further details: www.mixingbowl.btck.co.uk Visions Photography Club Thursdays 7-9pm at Ruthreiston Community Centre, Holburn St. Relaxed, informal club - all levels of photographic exp visionsaberdeen@gmail.com or www.visionsphotographyclub.com

Do you need general garden maintenance?

Private garden Commercial Turf prep & laying Tree/shrub planting & pruning Snow clearing and gritting Contact :

Sam : 07947 640 147

SG Gardening Solutions Home and Commercial Services Take advertising space today... t : 01383 279 355

Yoga with Deborah Thompson Wed7-8pm. Tel: 07821704826, Cults Kirk Church Hall on Quarry Road, Cults, deborahthompsonyoga@gmail.com Yoga classes - Experienced Iyengar Teacher. Classes Mon 9.30-11 a.m, & Tues 6.30-8 p.m. Peterculter throughout Summer and Wed 6.30-8 p.m. South Holburn Church to restart 12 Sept. fionabochel@gmail.com & fionabochelyoga.wordpress.com Zumba with Sharon Wednesday 7.30 - 8.30 At Broomhill Activity Centre 197 Broomhill Road AB10 7LN Contact - 07578299963 Shaggy225@hotmail.co.uk

A KELLY ELECTRICAL SERVICES LTD 62 North Anderson Drive Aberdeen AB15 5DB

commercial - domestic - industrial - offshore installation - maintenance - repair

house rewires new builds rcd & consumer unit upgrades tv aerial installations eicr inspection & testing certification complete electrical solutions package hazardous area installation & maintenance

T: 01224 326834 M: 07917815601 E: oz.kelly@hotmail.co.uk

prompt, quality service with over 27 years experience

e : mail@gazettemagazines.com

25

the oven valet

Christmas with Autism

service with a sparkle*

My oldest son has a diagnosis of High Functioning Autism (what used to be called Asperger Syndrome). When he was younger Christmas nearly tipped both of us over the edge. Even without autism Christmas can be a special kind of hell, but if you’re the parent of an autistic child, or a child with sensory issues, Christmas can come with a super-sized side-serving of stress and meltdowns.

oven cleaners

01330 823079 07920 483 233

www.theovenvalet.com info@theovenvalet.com

interior / exterior /plastering/water damage fixed price quotations - no VAT 19 Craigiebuckler Place

tel : 01224 - 316898 mob : 07711 120 217

BOOK AN EIGHTH Single Issue £36 Three Issue £97.20 Six Issues £183.60

01383 279 355

mail@gazettemagazines.com 26

Autistic kids often find comfort in routine.

Christmas means change: decorations, Christmas music, crowds, balloons, pop-up markets and parades, disruption to the normal school timetable. There’s a lot of potential for upset. Identify possible changes and pre-warn your child. It can be helpful to show them photos or create a social story to help them understand the sequence of events and what will be expected of them. If your autistic child is old enough and / or verbal enough, involve them in planning which events they want to be part of, and which events they’d prefer to skip. For events they can’t avoid, what will help? A fidget toy? Noisecancelling headphones? This approach encourages them to develop their own coping strategies as they get older.

A visual method for counting down to Christmas is useful. My son found a chocolate advent calendar too stressful, so we found a fabric one where a Christmasthemed item is added each day with the use of Velcro. Simple but effective.

Many ASD kids don’t like surprises so it might be better to pre-discuss gifts. When our son was younger he didn’t like wrapped gifts, even ours. We left his unwrapped, but my husband and I explained that wrapping

kickstart your marketing with the gazette... www.gazettemagazines.com

was part of our Christmas to each other and it was important for us. We felt it was good for him to see that sometimes he needed to compromise too.

Discuss the Christmas Day schedule in advance. Who will arrive, when and how they should be greeted.

Some kids (even those without ASD) hate hugging relatives so prewarn guests if this is an issue. It might be prudent to go through the etiquette for receiving a gift too. We explained to our son that if we don’t like a gift we should still say thank you to show our appreciation of the thought. Be prepared for the odd slip-up! On receiving a scratchy woollen scarf from his Aunty one year he glanced at me and asked, “Do I thank her for the thought even if it was about how to make my neck as itchy as possible?” which left me smiling weakly at my bemused sister-in-law.

Finally, if they don’t want to eat the Christmas food and would rather have a sandwich, or a pizza, let them. It’s a small thing, don’t sweat it. In the grand scheme of things it’s not important.

And things change. My fifteen-year-old autistic son now tucks in with the rest of us but for three years between the ages of four and seven he ate cheese on toast for Christmas lunch (because that’s what he ate for lunch every day!). We look back now and smile fondly at the memory.

Merry Christmas.

By Alison Foster

Westhill Fencing and Decking Decorative /security garden fencing; Lap panel fencing; Storm damage repairs and replacement; Wooden gates, steps, handrails and trellising; Bespoke garden decking designed and built.

Over 15 years experience. Quality workmanship, reliable service, competitive pricing

Contact Roger Benton on 01224 791646 or 07711 501 795 thehandymancan@hotmail.co.uk Take advertising space today... t : 01383 279 355

e : mail@gazettemagazines.com

27

Recovery from Stroke or “Brain Attack” What is a stroke?

A stroke is a “Brain Attack”. It is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. Most strokes are caused by a blockage however some can be caused by bleeding in or around the brain. The severity of the symptoms depends on the size of the area of the brain affected, and how long the circulation has been interrupted for. A stroke can affect the way your body works as well as how you think, feel and communicate. It commonly affects one side of the body leaving a weak or numb arm and leg.

It’s vital to know how to spot the warning signs of a stroke in yourself or someone else. Using the FAST test is the best way to do this.

• Face: Can the person smile? Has their face fallen on one side?

28

• Arms: Can the person raise both arms and keep them there?

• Speech problems: Can the person speak clearly and understand what you say? Is their speech slurred?

• Time: If you see any of these three signs, it’s time to call 999.

(Stroke Association, 2018)

Can you recover from a stroke?

People who survive a stroke are often left with long-term problems caused by injury to their brain. Some people need a long period of rehabilitation before they can recover their former independence, while many never fully recover and need support adjusting to living with the effects of their stroke.

Recovery can occur in two main ways: In the first few weeks or months after stroke, spontaneous recovery can occur as swelling reduce and the body’s normal healing processes continue.

Thereafter further improvement can be explained by neuroplasticity. This is the brains

kickstart your marketing with the gazette... www.gazettemagazines.com

ability to adapt and compensate for damage by establishing new pathways that can help restore function.

Neurological Physiotherapy or “Neuro Physio” A specialist neurological physiotherapist or “neuro physio” is an expert in helping people recover more normal movement and function after neurological injury or disease. They will understand the common problems encountered and the impact that they can have on the life of you and your family. Treatment is focused on maximising the return of movement and encouraging as much independence as possible.

A neuro physio will use the principles of neuroplasticity to guide treatment. The research tells us how we should structure exercise based therapy in terms of intensity, frequency and type of exercise. Therapy will also often involve “hands on” treatment to provide support, tactile guidance and confidence to move more effectively.

Rehabilitation technologies New technologies are constantly developing

Get noticed first or last by grabbing our front and back page slots!

Why not phone/email/text to find out more or to just book one?

Our next deadline is 20 January for the Feb-Mar magazines West End 1/West End 2 and Kingswells!

Take action now: call Sue on 01383 279 355 text 07813 964 875 or email mail@gazettemagazines.com Visit the website for back copies of the magazines and see for yourself. Other options available.

www.gazettemagazines.com Take advertising space today... t : 01383 279 355

that assist in different parts of the rehabilitation process, from body-weight supported treadmills, to Functional Electrical Stimulation devices that use electrical signals to pull the toes up when learning to walk again, to dynamic orthoses that help a weak or tight hand pick things up again. A good neuro physio can guide you regarding what technologies might be best suited.

Summary If you suspect a stroke, act F.A.S.T. and seek immediate medical attention.

If you or someone you know needs help with physical rehabilitation after a stroke, a neuro physio can provide high quality evidenced based treatment.

Rehabilitation technologies can help push the traditional boundaries of rehabilitation.

For further information see: NHS Choices www.nhs.uk/conditions/stroke/ Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland www.chss.org.uk Stroke Association www.stroke.org.uk Different Strokes www.differentstrokes.co.uk

Neuro Physiotherapy in the

comfort

of your own

home

New local therapists in

N ABERDgEE areas & surroundin

For bookings call the Aberdeen office 01224 460 554 or email info@neurophysioscotland.co.uk e : mail@gazettemagazines.com

29

Realistic Resolutions for a Happier, Healthier New Year So let’s turn two popular, doomed-to-failure aspirations into realistic resolutions.

More Exercise Your Resolution: I’ll go to Pilates, do my dance DVD and walk two miles every week!

You didn’t manage any of these things every week last year - ask yourself why. Identify activities you enjoy and can most easily fit in.

A Better Resolution: I’ll do at least an hour’s exercise every week.

Weather too bad for walking? Missed Pilates?

Resolve to do your exercise DVD instead.

Anything else is a bonus. Better to do some exercise consistently than none.

Less Alcohol Your Resolution: “I won’t drink on weekdays/at home/EVER AGAIN!”

Finding other ways to relax if you always have a drink on returning from work (or make it a Friday-only treat). Feeling you ‘need’ a drink is a warning sign; consider if you need to make changes in your work life.

On alternate nights, swap that wine with dinner or beer with friends for low-alcohol or non-alcoholic versions.

Alison Runham

30

e Ab

ry

A Better Resolution: Think about when and where you drink alcohol, and reduce your intake gradually. Try: Matching every alcoholic drink with a soft drink, or buying a large soft drink later in the evening to last until home time.

een Carpe rd

nt

Recent research shows that even alcohol intake under the recommended limits of 2-3 units daily and 14 units per week increases your risk of many serious conditions, including dementia and some cancers, so reducing your intake is great – but tough if you’re a regular drinker.

WE WILL TAKE THE STRESS OUT OF YOUR HOME IMPROVEMENTS and supply all the services to see the job through start to finish

Our promise: To provide our customers with the highest standards of quality, efficiency and professionalism

*DOMESTIC*COMMERCIAL* • • • • • •

Full Joinery Services Doors - External & Internal Finishings, Skirtings & Facings Wood Flooring & Laminate Fitted Kitchens Decking

• Custom Made Summer Houses & Sheds • Property Maintenance • Office Refurbishments • Partitions & Suspended Ceilings Cei eilililing ngs ng

Aberdeen Carpentry WORKING TOGETHER

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

kickstart your marketing with the gazette... www.gazettemagazines.com

50

Y EXP EARS ERIE NC

E

Free ‘Learn to Sing’ Course – with The Granite City Chorus is made up of men of all ages that have one thing in common - they all love to sing!

Most of us, the writer included, started off merely by wondering if they could actually sing or looking for someone to teach them.

It is hard to describe the feel good factor that comes from singing in a polished yet relaxed environment and it is widely acknowledged that singing is good for you both physically and mentally. But you don’t have to take my word for it!

Our “Learn to Sing” course starts on Tuesday 22nd January 2019 at 7pm and runs for 4 consecutive Tuesdays. It is open to all males, it is free and no experience or musical knowledge is required. The course is held in Woodside Parish Church Hall, 46 Church St, Aberdeen AB24 4DQ and you can be assured of a warm and friendly reception from the guys. Our Music Director and experienced singers will teach you everything you need to sing and perform as a chorus singer.

There is no obligation other than to enjoy the 4-week experience and you may choose to do no more than learn to sing or to move on to other singing groups.

However, most of our chorus started with this course in previous years and stayed on to sing in the four-part harmony a cappella style. We perform at various venues throughout the year, usually charity or civic events although we do private and corporate engagements also. We have a wide repertoire of songs and the standard of coaching and rehearsal is top class whilst we never lose sight of the social side and the pure uplifting fun of it. Note also that we rehearse at Woodside every Tuesday at 7pm, feel free to walk in any Tuesday and see for yourself, you will be made very welcome.

So, Learn to Sing, enroll now! Register online at www.Granitecitychorus.co.uk or contact Adrian Blake 01224 643663

Don’t miss out - 20 January for the Feb/Mar mag 01383 279 355

Book a Twelfth!

Commit to 6 and spread the cost...

DD: 1 Mag £11 DD : 2 Mag £22 DD : 3 Mag £30 Tel : 01383 279 355

Piano Teacher M: 078901 48059 E: fionapianotutor@live.co.uk Fully Qualified and Experienced : • Grade 8 Distinction • DIP.MUS.ED. R.S.A.M.D.

Struggling with your bookkeeping and paperwork?

Let TSBS do the hard work for you!

• Royal Scottish Academy of Music & Drama

Beginners : all ages and stages welcome.

Why not refresh your bygone skills.

• Exams optional : Associated Board, Piano and Theory Grades 1-8

Reasonable rates Aberdeen City

Take advertising space today... t : 01383 279 355

01224 575127

contact@teresasmithbookkeeping.co.uk https://teresasmithbookkeeping.co.uk

e : mail@gazettemagazines.com

31

Cardiology Clinic Cardiology & Vascular Service, Assessment, Screening, Exercise ECG, Risk Factor Analysis & Aortic Scanning

cardiology@theaberdeenclinic.co.uk