Deeside - Issue 10 April 2012

Issue 10 April 2012 Deeside Edition Free Publication

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local people - local business

Deeside gazette thru the door to : Drumoak, Banchory, Torphins and Aboyne deadlines : May- 23April 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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Happy Easter What a quick year this has been. Thrown with the warmer winter we have found ourselves at Easter already!

I do hope there is still a wonderful summer to come, but will enjoy the pleasant weather whilst I can.

There is a lot going on over Easter. There are fun things round and about for the children and of course just a time to relax. For those lucky enough to be travelling have a safe trip and enjoy your holiday!

Zumba classes kick off in Aboyne and surrounding area in mid-April – I can thoroughly recommend giving it a go. It is great fun, lots of laughter and of course you work out too! The exercise can help with making your body ten years younger but for those looking to improve their looks then why not check out the HD Clinic in Banchory Square. Rachel and Penny are happy to give you advice on semi-permanent make-up and wrinkle reducing treatments. A short trip into Aberdeen and Jenny at Kumiko can help with electrolysis which is a permanent way to remove unwanted hair.

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

If you are looking to dine out then why not try your local Buchanans Bistro. It is right next to Woodend Barn and offers a unique dining experience which I think you will truly enjoy. The relaxed atmosphere of the restaurant, along with the art on the walls, the friendly staff and of course great food!

The Fourmile Inn and Ferryhill House Hotel offer traditional fayre and I can thoroughly recommend their burgers! And they also do a mean fish and chips! The Ferryhill House has just started their garden menu where you can enjoy your meal outside and the children can enjoy playing on the new playground equipment.

For those heading to sunnier climates or just wishing a new set of glasses then Scott Gilmour Optometrist at Cults has a great new range of Chanel glasses and sunglasses in stock. They are very stylish and definitely worth a peek.

Are you looking for a new challenge this spring? Then why not embark on a Writing Reflexion Workshop? There are taster days set up in May and no experience is required.

They say there is a “book” in all of us – why not write the first chapter this year?

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

Zumba Fitness!!!

New term starts week of April 16 Monday - 7-8 Alford/Tullynessle Hall Tuesday - 6.30-7.30 Chapel of Garioch Village Hall Wednesday - 7-8 Tornaveen Community Hall

Why not advertise your local business in our First Birthday Issue :

Thursday - 7.30-8.30 Aboyne Victory Hall “Ditch the workout – Join the Party!”

Email Mike Recomio:

thehotstepper@btinternet.com

Send copy by 23 April 2012 please do mention the deeside gazette when responding to adverts

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It was a beautiful day for the opening of HD Be raising manager of Friends of A There was a donation box for Frien

The clinic was open from 1pm until 4pm. There was champagne and canapes for guests and the afternoon was filled with demonstrations by both Rachel Knox Cordiner, the proprietor of HD Beauty and HD Beauty Clinic and Penny Thomas of Fresh Aesthetics. Including a demonstration of a BotoxŠ treatment and Rachel showed a semi-permanent brow treatment concluded by microdermabrasion performed by Penny.

The clinic itself is furnished with bespoke chairs and furniture in the reception, waiting area and two calming treatment rooms. Penny is a fully qualified dentist of 14 years experience and also specialising in head and neck anatomy.

Rachel has an artistic eye and has had extensive experience in her field.

The clinic operates an appointment only system, but can accommodate some walk-ins, as long as clients call first.

The range of treatments offered are wrinkle softening, volumising treatments, excessive sweating, skin peels and microdermabrasion as well as Rachel's treatments of HD Brows, Semi-permanent make-up, LVL and lash extensions.

Penny at Fresh Aesthetics 07840 322710 Rachel at HD Beauty 07801 307555. gcg : 4

eauty Clinic and it was opened by Sarah-Jane Milne the fund Anchor who officially cut the ribbon at the door. nds of Anchor and we raised ÂŁ150 for the charity.

For a fresh approach to a youthful new you ... * * * * *

Agera Skin Peels Dermal Fillers Derma Rollers Injectable Beauty Treatments Microdermabrasion

For a free initial consultation contact ...

HD Beauty Clinic, Scott Skinner Square, Banchory

Mob : 07840 322 710 www.fresh-aesthetics.co.uk

[

Penny graduated from Glasgow Dental School as a dentist in 1998 and has since had considerable experience in both NHS and private practice. She has a proven ability in guiding clients to the right choice of treatment and an eye for perfection.

]

It’s all going to be fine J Last week I had the honour of being invited into a large Deeside primary school to run an afternoon workshop with the entire P7 yeargroup as they prepare for their transition to secondary education over the next few months. What a privilege for a simple mum like me, not a teacher, to have the chance to give these young people some thoughts and ideas that might well stay with them for life!

I share this with you because I was so delighted to experience such a bright, eager, enthusiastic group of children positively fizzing with ideas and contributions that I was left with a joyful feeling that we will be very safe leaving our future in their hands as they grow up and take over running the country, our services, businesses... the world!

Aberdeenshire is full of Very Bright SparksJ The nature of my work with these children had a serious side of course, it was all about helping them realise the huge myriad of talents, skills and qualities they have which they can harness and enjoy in life whether or not during their early school years these have already become clear to them. And about how even the most obviously successful adults in the public eye have had struggles of various types and have overcome these difficulties to achieve great things.

Sadly, way beyond the classroom years, adults too frequently struggle to acknowledge their successes, qualities and contributions in life which can lead to loss of confidence and self esteem and feelings of negativity and sadness even in those of us, especially women although by no means exclusively so, who are giving a huge amount to the world as we live our lives.

If you struggle with such feelings it’s important to resolve these as they can damage our health, our work, our relationships and affect just about every facet of our lives if we don’t.

Here are 3 things you could ask yourself, that can start to turn things around: What would those people who truly love and respect me say about me?

What do others admire in me?

What am I good at?

Write them down and keep the list safe.

One caveat... you really mustn’t reply “nothing” to any of the above! J Once you have your list, don’t leave it there, keep adding to it as the days and weeks go by... notice when people pay you compliments, whatever facet of your life they relate to. If you’re a person who really struggles with self belief you might like to keep these things in a journal and add to it over many years... or all your life.

And allow your mind to enjoy these happy thoughts and ideas, ignoring that little Gremlin at the back of your mind that says things like “ah but you’re rubbish at ___ “ or “you’ll get big headed talking yourself up like that” . Thank him, ask him to be quiet and have a chuckle at yourself for ever having listened to him before!

There’s so much more I could say to help with this but space precludes... but if any Gazette reader would like to book a 20 minute complimentary chat with me about how I could help you with this or other areas where you seek change in your life please contact me through my website www.WiseLifeCoaching.com or email me on Amanda@WiseLifeCoaching.com.

Meantime, enjoy the summer... how thrilled are we to have seen it so early this year – hurray!

Even if it snows now surely we have all benefited from this boost of sunshine so early in 2012 J

www.thegranitecitygazette.co.uk

Banchory Youngsters Meet Golf Star

Members from Banchory Golf Club's Junior Section attended an enthralling audience with Scottish golf legend Sam Torrance .

Also present were Banchory's own Ryder Cup star, Harry Bannerman and his wife Hazel. Facilities for the function were kindly prvovided by the Banchory Lodge Hotel.

Inspiring Creativity

The Power of Chocolate!

Taster Sessions to be held on: Wed 2nd May 10am – 12noon and Mon 11th June 7 – 9pm £20 The Labyrinth A One-Day Workshop Sat 9th June 10am – 5pm £80 inc. lunch & refreshments

www.reflexionwriting.co.uk

These workshops are aimed at enabling you to explore your creativity in a relaxed and encouraging way, therefore no previous writing experience is necessary.

For more information please contact Janis Louden at Corse House, Nr Lumphanan, AB31 4SB. Tel: 013398 83411 Email: janislouden@btinternet.com

Spotlight on Electrolysis Electrolysis: the use of an electric current applied through a needle to remove body hair for cosmetic purposes.

Unwanted facial and body hair is a common problem affecting as many as 80% of ladies in varying degrees. Most areas can be permanently cleared of unwanted hairs with electrolysis including hair on the upper/ lower lip, chin, cheeks, neck, chest, abdomen, underarms, bikini line and the eyebrows.

The majority of clients will be happy, well balanced people, with hair growth concerns that are purely ‘cosmetic’; others may be selfconscious or even quite distressed when they make their first consultation for electrolysis.

I frequently encounter the perceived problem of hirsutism (male pattern hair growth on females) and can offer helpful and objective advice and information to the client. In some cases, where I feel there may be some abnormal systemic condition, I will refer the client to their GP, who in turn, may make a referral to a specialist. But, in the vast majority of cases, if there is no underlying medical pathology treatment at my centre is the usual outcome.

The advice and treatment offered should be sufficient to resolve any normal problem, and the result is usually a restored sense of confidence and wellbeing in the client.

Causes of hair growth: •

•

•

Mechanical Stimulation: Plucking, (including waxing, threading, sugaring), abrasion.

Normal Systemic: Puberty, pregnancy, menopause, i.e. times of normal hormonal changes in the body.

Abnormal Systemic: Hormone influencing medication i.e. steroids, contraceptive pill and hormone replacement therapy (HRT), fertility drugs.

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•

• •

Disease eg endocrine disorders affecting hormonal secretions from the glands of the body.

Operations eg hysterectomy, removal of ovaries.

Stress (may only stimulate hair growth when severe and subsequently triggers hormonal imbalance eg anorexia.

Electrolysis is the only proven method of permanent hair removal of unwanted hair, having been around since 1875.

About Jenny: Jenny is a former nurse and has been an Electrolysis specialist for over ten years. Jenny is now trained in Advanced Electrolysis/ Advanced Cosmetic Procedures.

Jenny uses the Apilus computerised system to offer differing treatment methods to best suit your hair growth and skin type. Unlike laser or IPL, electrolysis is ideal for sensitive skins, dark, light and grey hairs and any colour of skin as it is not affected by pigment in the hair or skin!

Electrolysis targets only the unwanted, individual hair and so the skin remains unaffected. It is a progressive treatment resulting in permanent removal of the hair and not just hair reduction!

A very fine needle (equal diameter to the hair to be treated) is inserted down the side of the follicle and a mild current is applied.

This causes localised destruction at the root of the hair allowing the hair to be lifted out of the follicle. A mild tingling sensation is felt but soon passes with the application of a soothing gel!

To find out more contact Jenny at Kumiko beauty and skin care centre 89 Gray Street, Aberdeen Tel: 01224 594777

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

Unwanted Facial and Body Hair - solution below Unwanted facial and body hair is a common problem affecting as many as 80% of ladies in varying degrees Electrolysis is the only proven method for permanent removal of unwanted hair.

Hair can be permanently removed from : • • • • • • • • •

upper/lower lip chin cheeks neck chest abdomen underarms bikini eyebrows

Bring along this voucher and receive £10 off your 1st Electrolysis treatment Valid until 31 May 2012. May not be combined with any other promotions. One voucher per client.

As a former nurse and an electrolysis specialist, with over 10 years experience, using a fully computerised system why not ...

Book a FREE consultation with Jenny and get started on your hair free programme TODAY! For further info/to book an appointment call : 01224 594777 (quote voucher SP12)

Kumiko beauty and skin care centre 89 Gray Street Aberdeen AB10 6JD

please do mention the deeside gazette when responding to adverts

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Reiki Healing Reiki is amazing! It can be used for first aid, healing cuts, bumps and burns, as well as deeper longer lasting emotional and physical problems. Imagine being able to put your hand on a cut finger to help it heal more quickly. The exception is broken bones, which must be set first, though once applied, the plaster cast is no barrier to the healing energy.

Parents naturally comfort their children by placing their hands on the hurt or giving them a hug. Training in Reiki enhances this natural process, allowing more energy to be passed on.

Reiki (pronounced ray-key) is a Japanese word meaning universal (Rei) life energy (Ki). It is an ancient system of energy transmission through the hands, rediscovered in the 19th century by Dr Mikao Usui, an expert in comparative religions and head of a Christian College in Japan. He decided to leave his teaching to research healing. His studies took him as far as America, India and Tibet, until he finally discovered a system of healing in ancient Sanskrit texts, which he used to develop the Reiki we know today. Before his death, he passed on the Reiki knowledge that eventually spread to America, Australia and Europe. Today it continues to be taught by Reiki Masters, who can trace their lineage back to Dr Usui and who follow his five spiritual principals: to let go of anger, not to worry, be grateful, do work honestly, and be kind to every living creature.

Reiki practitioners channel the energy drawn through them by the need, or imbalance of recipients, who then use it to heal themselves. It can enhance other healing methods and enable people to recover from surgery, chemotherapy, stress and emotional upsets. It is also used successfully with animals.

A treatment involves lying fully clothed on a couch while the practitioner lightly places their hands in a sequence of positions on the abdomen, head and back for about 5 minutes, or when the energy ceases to flow. During a treatment people usually feel a sensation of warmth and deep relaxation. It is usually followed by a good night’s sleep, often experiencing more benefits on awakening.

Reiki Training Centre - Elizabeth Harley KRM, Millwood, Pitcaple, Aberdeen AB51 5DX Tel: 01467 681259

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elizabeth@reikitraining.org.uk

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

As its popularity spreads, more people are receiving Reiki treatments and more are being trained, so benefitting from regular self treatments, as well as helping family and friends, and often becoming practitioners themselves. There is no belief system attached to it, so anyone can receive or learn to give a Reiki treatment. It is not difficult to learn and it simply uses the hands to heal.

By Sue Blain (Naturopath)

Look and feel wonderful www.gohealthandbeauty.co.uk

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

Looking for a

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We bring a professional and friendly beauty service to your home, hotel or special event.

Special offer of the month -

Ayurvedic facial- ÂŁ19 Seated back, neck & shoulders massage-ÂŁ25 (both end 9th May)

Contact : 07796 170022

Affordable & professional beauty therapies carried out in the comfort of your own home by a fully qualified and insured beauty therapist. Offering late week night and weekend appointments.

Loyalty Discounts Discounts for block bookings To make your appointment

call: 07767 639477

email: hushabybeauty@btinternet.com

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The Play’s the Thing April sees us celebrating Shakespeare’s birthday. He’s our most celebrated playwright but who else believed ‘all the world’s a stage’?

Alan Bennett Fame came knocking overnight for Bennett after the Oxford university lecturer teamed up with Dudley Moore, Jonathan Miller and Peter Cook to write and perform in the satirical revue Beyond the Fringe. One of his most-loved series is Talking Heads which was originally written as a series of hilarious character monologues for the BBC. Bennett enjoyed further acclaim with his play The History Boys. Set in a fictitious boys’ grammar school it follows a group of students preparing for the Oxbridge exams. It won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Play in 2005 and scooped Best Play at the Tonys the following year.

Harold Pinter The best thing about seeing a Pinter play is hearing everyone in the interval trying to work out what it all means. He won the Nobel Prize for Literature so you know it’s good stuff, you just may not know whether you actually like it or not. Although Pinter didn’t win critical acclaim until The Caretaker, it’s worth reading his earlier

work, The Room, which he wrote in three days. The Dumb Waiter produces a lot of laughs with an excellent twist at the end and A Slight Ache might leave you examining your own relationships.

Alan Ayckbourn Playwrights don’t come more prolific than Alan Ayckbourn who’s written more than seventy plays.

In Absurd Person Singular, three married couples take it in turns to host a dinner party on three consecutive Christmas Eves. It was adapted into a television drama with Geoffrey Palmer, Maureen Lipman, Michael Gambon and Prunella Scales among the cast. Sisterly Feelings is a challenging Ayckbourn play following the lives of siblings Abigail and Dorcas. The first and last scenes always remain the same, whilst the decision to go with either Dorcas’s story or Abigail’s is made on a coin toss at the end of the first.

Some companies rehearse just one version but others learn both.

Sir Tom Stoppard Stoppard began his career as a journalist before becoming a drama critic and then a playwright.

His works often centre on themes of human rights, politics and freedom of expression. His

first great success, Enter a Free Man follows the story of George who has unrealistic dreams about a reusable envelope empire he’s planning on building. In his Tony awardwinning play Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead his two main protagonists are the actors playing the parts of the messengers in Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Most of the action takes place in the wings during Hamlet and great confusion and ambiguity ensues.

Sir Noel Coward There’s still time to catch Noel Coward’s Hay Fever which is currently enjoying a successful run in the West End. Hay Fever is a lesson in the importance of paying attention to your house guests. Set in the 1920s it deals with the four eccentric members of the Bliss family and the farce that ensues when they all invite a guest to stay for the weekend.

Coward’s Blithe Spirit is also a theatrical mainstay. This time the socialite Charles Condomine is tormented by the ghost of his first wife who is hell-bent on ruining his second marriage.

Chanel 2012 Ophthalmic and Sunglass range now in stock.

All eye examinations covered by NHS Optical Coherence Tomography for early diagnosis of Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration and Retinal Conditions.

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

Home Visits Free Car parking Open Late night Tuesday - 7pm & Saturday - 4pm Scott Gilmour BSc (Hons) MCOptom

5 The Courtyard, Cults, Aberdeen AB15 9SD

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

We tend to take air for granted, but the air around us isn’t always on our side: it can contain airborne allergens that make our eyes red or our noses run, or it can be too hot, too cold, too dry or not dry enough - but technology can help.

The gadgets that can help everything from hay fever to humidity

Something in the air For many people hay fever is a particular pain at this time of year, and there are a number of gadgets that promise to reduce its effects or prevent it from affecting you altogether. Both the Lumie Haylight (£49.95) and the Lloyds Pharmacy Hayfever Reliever (£39.99) are careful to avoid making specific health claims but there’s certainly anecdotal evidence that light therapy devices such as these can make hay fever more bearable.

It’s also a good idea to know in advance what the pollen count will be like and there are plenty of smartphone apps that can help. We particularly like Clarityn’s two apps: the Allergy Pollen Forecast tells you when hay fever is likely to strike, while the Clarityn Sneeze Alarm is an alarm clock app that uses different sneezing sounds to tell you what kind of day you’re likely to have.

Another option for allergy sufferers of all kinds is an air purifier or ioniser. The former removes irritants - pollen, for example, or dust mites, or pet dander - from the air using ultraviolet light or a filter, while ionisers use electrical charges to attract and trap contaminants. Air purifiers can cost anything

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from £40 to several hundred pounds - but they can be very effective, although if your allergy is to your pets the combination of a decent vacuum cleaner and a device such as the Furminator pet groomer (£16) may be a cheaper option.

Another way to change the air around you is to use a humidifier or a dehumidifier. The former is designed to make your home more humid, which can help reduce the symptoms of dry coughs, dry skin and other irritations, and options range from steam humidifiers devices that boil water to create steam - to ultrasonic humidifiers, which create a cool fog of water droplets.

For many British homes, however, the problem isn’t that the air is too dry: it’s that it’s too wet. Overly humid houses can cause health problems and irritate existing ones.

Dehumidifiers address this by filtering the water out of the air into a water tank or permanent pipe, and prices range

from about £49 for a small device suitable for flats to £199 for a high capacity model such as DeLonghi’s DNC65. Even if your house doesn’t suffer from damp, a dehumidifier might be worth considering if you have to dry your clothes indoors: dehumidifiers can dry your washing much more quickly, and unlike tumble dryers they’re not hugely expensive to run and they don’t crease your clothes.

Sometimes all you want is to move the air around a bit, and there are plenty of fan heaters and cooling fans to choose from. Among the most interesting - and most expensive - options are two devices from Britain’s favourite inventor James Dyson: the Dyson Air Multiplier (£299) blows air without the buffeting you get from traditional blade fans, while the Dyson Hot (£269) uses the same technology to beam hot air. If you like the idea but not the price tag, a halogen heater (from around £15) offers directional heating on a much smaller budget.

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

Way back in January I went along to a workshop at the Tornacoille Hotel. It was run by Bridget Mary-Clare. It was about setting resolutions and sticking with them.

There were approximately 20 of us on the workshop. It was held in the ballroom which is a nice bright space. None of the attendees really knew what to expect, but all were hoping for some guidance and the way forward in 2012. We had been asked to bring along an object (I won’t say what, just in case you embark on a workshop yourself). We went around the circle each describing the significance of our object to our current lives and how we can see it helping us move forward in the future.

Everything discussed within the room, remained in the room, so I can’t really tell you any stories, other than some people were very open and sharing of their experiences and that in itself was rewarding and encouraging. There is always somebody out there going through something worse than you are experiencing and it just kept it very real.

The workshop involved interaction with different styles of communication, thru talking, thru colour, thru listening and thru dance. It was a long day and a very tiring day, and I did feel quite enlightened at the end of it. Bridget Mary-Clare was a very encouraging person, who brought out wonderful things in the people in the room. She went onto explain some other aspects of her work and one was the Spiritual Response Therapy.

At the beginning of March I went along to visit Bridget and have the experience of the Spiritual Response Therapy. It is about replacing negative thought energies with positive thought energies, by ridding yourself of subconscious blocks and negative soul programming.

I did have the feeling that I was self-sabotaging some aspects of my life and this is what we concentrated on. Firstly, you do not have to be present whilst Bridget performs these clearances, it can be done by a telephone consultation and then an email. I really just sat and watched the research taking place.

Quite fascinating to find out a little bit about your past from centuries ago!

Yes, really - centuries... I did discover that I had been a writer before and had been beheaded for writing a controversial piece about the church! I had also been a teacher in a few of my past lives. I did also find out that I was a good listener, caring and compassionate! So not all doom and gloom.

The research is done by dowsing and specialised charts of mind, body and spirit. Bridget connects with your Higher Self (Wisdom) to clear discordant energies of the physical body. It can help you in lots of different aspects of your life from bereavement, death and dying, resolution of health issues, space clearing for homes and various other things.

To try a therapy session yourself or to find out more contact Bridget on Tel : 07867 801 129 www.thespiritualmidwife.co.uk e:bridget@thespiritualmidwife.co.uk

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Lunch at Buchanans Mum and I broke with tradition and celebrated Mother’s Day with a lunch on the Tuesday after!

We chose to make the drive to Buchanans Bistro by Woodend Barn in Banchory.

It was a beautiful day but a little bit windy for sitting outside!

We arrived shortly after 1230 and the restaurant was buzzing. People were coming and going. Two large tables reserved for 16 and 10.

We had a nice table for two overlooking the beautiful countryside. The restaurant itself is spacious, large windows and full of wonderful art, books, magazines and just a generally relaxed atmosphere.

The waiters were friendly and attentive and everything seemed to work like a well-oiled chain - especially when the two big tables arrived quite close together.

The menu: A little bit different from the norm. It offers two homemade soups with a selection of handcrafted, organic bread.

There was a choice of salads, a fish pie. There were also savouries to add to your salad or to have on their own; nibble’s of nuts and seeds, dipping oils, hummus - and the list goes on.

We decided to try a Board!

We picked two - a fish board which consisted of Loch Fyne smoked salmon, Bradan Rost salmon, 5 spice gravlax, salmon salsa, smoked mussels, cornichon mayo and langoustine. The other, a Sheep cheese board with Roquefort, Berkswell and

Manchego served with Buchanans’ marinated Greek olives, chutney, pickled kumquat, biscuits and Stockans oatcakes. We also decided to try the red lentil and sweet potato pate with crackers.

Our meal arrived on two beautifully presented boards, a basket of bread and our pate and crackers.

It was lovely to just pick away at the boards in a relaxed, non-rushed way.

It was great to try some different things. I loved the pate and the crackers were a delight. Mum enjoyed the salmon and the marinated olives - well she ate them all - so I think that was a success.

The bread was delicious; light and very easy to eat, with the pate, fish and cheese.

Lunch wouldn’t be lunch without pudding! So we indulged in crème brulee and a meringue.

The intention was to share! Easy to half a meringue, but when the crème brulee is so good, hard to give up the other half!

Our lunch came to £32 and that included two ginger beer and lime. The service was excellent, the food was good and we would definitely come again and would love to try an evening with some music. But you can just come and enjoy a delicious homebake and a pot of tea or coffee!

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

National Pet Month

I have a lovely photo of my mum from the 1960’s, hugging tight her pet mongrel, Sally.

She loved that dog, treated her like one of the family and was devastated when she finally had to be put to sleep due to the effects of old age. Now suffering from old age herself, mum can no longer care for a dog but still enjoys the companionship of her pet budgie Bernard, who gets to hear about her day and always chirrups back in reply.

Pets can play a key role in a person’s life, providing companionship, affection and even protection. Children who keep a pet get the opportunity to learn how to love, care about and be responsible for another living creature.

Caring for their pet helps in the development of self discipline.

They say that a dog is a man’s best friend and never is this truer than in the case of working and assistance companion animals. Chosen for their social nature, dogs work closely with people in a variety of roles including law enforcement, search and rescue, and farming.

As assistance animals, dogs provide help for the visually and hearing impaired, serve as an alert system for impending seizures, and offer additional strength and mobility for the physically disabled. Dogs also provide comfort for some people suffering emotional difficulties.

As a child I remember the Blue Peter team showing me and thousands of others how to prepare my tortoise for hibernation during the winter months. Nowadays there are a myriad of professional services available to help us care for our precious pets. From pet sitting to microchipping, there is somebody out there who can do it all!

Starting 7th April is National Pet Month, an annual event that brings together pet lovers,

animal welfare charities, professional bodies and pet businesses. Throughout the UK until 7th May fun-filled events are being held to help improve the welfare of pets. If you’d like to take part, visit www.nationalpetmonth.org.uk for further details.

Top Ten Tips for Responsible Pet Ownership • Think carefully before getting a pet and learn about its special requirements.

• Ensure your pet is socialised and well trained.

• Provide a nutritious and well balanced diet.

• Provide suitable housing and bedding.

• Clean up after your pet and worm it regularly.

• Protect against diseases. Your vet can provide you with advice.

• Prevent unwanted litters and neuter your pet when appropriate.

• Groom your pet regularly.

• Control your pet and ensure it is properly identified.

• Take out pet insurance for dogs, cats, rabbits and horses to cover unexpected veterinary fees and third-party liability

By Debbie Singh-Bhatti

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.

We receive no statutory funding and rely on donations and legacies to fund our caring work.

Recent legacies have helped fund emergency vet bills, emergency kennel care and animal behaviourists and trainers in special situations.

Please help us give more dogs the chance to live out their lives in a safe and loving home through a donation or legacy.

For more information contact:

6 Small Holdings Lang Stracht Aberdeen Tel 01224 208989 email: dawgs@dawgs.co.uk Scottish Charity Number: SCO22666

www.dawgs.co.uk

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19

A Pressing Issue

Get the best from your iron Ironing is one of those tasks that we’re never really taught, we’re just kind of expected to pick up an iron and get on with it. But there’s actually a skill to getting it right so I embarked on a spot of research to help us get the best results from our exertions.

There are some ironing basics that most experts agree on. First, it’s easier to iron most items if they are still damp. Second, some dark-coloured, synthetic or wool garments should be ironed inside out to avoid creating ‘shine’ marks. Third, always check the label to select the best temperature for the fabric and iron items that require a cooler setting first.

When ironing a shirt, begin with the collar, followed by the yoke, then the cuffs, sleeves and finally the front and back. Iron between the buttons rather than over them, and use the seam as a guide on the sleeves to ensure a nice crisp finish.

With trousers, iron the inside of the pockets flat before laying out the trousers with both legs on top of each other and all four seams lined up. Iron one leg at a time starting from the pockets by flipping the top leg back and ironing the inside of the bottom leg in small circular motions to avoid stretching the fabric. Then fold the top leg down and iron it on the outside.

Next, turn the trousers over and repeat. To create a crease, spray the trousers through a thin cloth with a solution of water and white vinegar in equal parts, then press until the cloth is dry. For best results on wool trousers, always use a damp cloth to avoid shine marks.

A workman is only as good as his tools, and ironing is no exception. It’s easier to achieve great results with the best equipment. When choosing an iron, one with a good quality sole plate made of Durilium, sapphire or Anodilium, will glide better over clothes than cheaper versions made of aluminium or stainless steel, which have a tendency to scratch.

Consider also the steam-flow rate, which is measured in grams per minute. Steam generators offer the most powerful, and produce professional results by eliminating creases more efficiently. These irons are great for large households but tend to be more bulky and therefore harder to store.

Other features to consider in an iron are the size of the water tank, heating times and whether or not the iron has a vertical steaming function.

If the thought of tackling your own ironing pile fills you with dread, even with the best technology on offer, there are companies around that will actually do it for you! Oh the joy…for a small fee someone will iron out your laundry problems when you’re feeling hard-pressed to do it yourself (all puns intended)! Now where did I put their number?

By Debbie Singh-Bhatti

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Garden View The Perfect Plant!

As a plantsman I often get asked to recommend the perfect plant. Now I know the conversation is going to be interesting when I am approached with the phrase ‘do you know anything about plants?’ This phrase is usually accompanied with a quizzical scowl, and completed with raised eyebrows.

“Now, we want it to flower for 12 months of the year, produce scent in winter (but not too heavy), be available in purple, blue and White, with a splash of pink around mother’s day. It must be evergreen, fast growing, tall enough to block out the view of the neighbour’s garage, but not large enough to block out light. It should be able to grow in our heavy clay soil, not require feeding and will never need pruning. It should absolutely not shed leaves onto my husband’s impeccably manicured lawn, and must be able to withstand rabbits, provide a home for birds and ladybirds, but not be susceptible to diseases or pests. The flowers should be self-deadheading, and should provide sweet nectar for bees, but not wasps. Oh, and it must be 2 metres tall when planted, and not be expensive. Can you recommend a few?’

This could be an April fool, but it’s not: it’s a common request. They want me to give them a long Latin name (the plant, not the enquirer!) but it doesn’t exist, and I’m rather glad. Plants are like friends, they all have different personalities, different requirements and different strengths and weaknesses, but it’s that very variety which makes gardening (and friendship) so rewarding.

April is a very busy month for most people in the garden, and one of my favourites. The clocks have changed, the days are longer and warmer and plant growth is rapid. There are still some major tasks which can be completed at this time of year, such as cutting back evergreens. Cut back hard, feed and the plant will regenerate over the next few years.

If you didn’t feed your plants last month, now is the time to do it. If you are an organic gardener, a handful of chicken manure pellets or blood, fish and bone, are great tonics for your plants. It’s also the time when potatoes can be planted.

Some years ago, a very helpful guy at our local garden centre demystified the whole potato planting schedule for me and in essence all potatoes are planted right now- traditionally Easter Sunday I think. The first earlies, second earlies and main crop tubers are planted together, it’s just that they are harvested at different times. The instructions on the packs are usually pretty clear.

Other jobs to do this month include: Deadhead faded flowers from bulbs After flowering, prune back forsythia shrubs Prune Buddleia and Lavatera and hardy Fuchsias Happy Gardening Lee please do mention the deeside gazette when responding to adverts

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Fleeman Productions

by Charles Barron

Fleeman Productions is an Aberdeen-based theatre company whose aims in life are easily defined: to produce plays in the Doric language (or dialect. I’m not getting into that argument here!) and to tour them to rural venues throughout the North East.

The company began in 2004 with a play celebrating theatrically the life of David Toulmin, the writer. But why should David Toulmin merit a celebratory play? Born John Reid on a farm at Rathen in Aberdeenshire in 1913, David Toulmin was a farm labourer from the age of 14 and throughout his adult life. He would write short stories and character sketches in the local Buchan dialect, and his stories were later featured in local newspapers. His stories and articles eventually appeared in ten books, but the first of these was not published until he was 59 years old. In addition, he wrote one novel - Blown Seed, a huge work, following a North East family through several generations.

I was asked to write the play, called simply Toulmin, which would partly tell his remarkable life story, and partly feature dramatisations from his writings. It was put on by Studio Theatre Group of Aberdeen, with Roddy Begg directing. We opened at the Lemon Tree and amongst the special guests were John Reid’s widow, his sister, his three sons and 22

several of his grandchildren. I found it an anxious but very moving experience, watching his widow and his sister as actors portrayed their younger selves on stage. The play then went on a short tour to small rural venues.

The following year, Toulmin’s son, Graham who acts as his literary executor, agreed that I could adapt one of the short stories as a oneact play – Bertie – which Studio Theatre entered with some success in the 2005 SCDA Festival.

We now reach a crucial point in the story. We felt that we had proved that there was a market for Doric plays out in the small country venues. However, though they had been happy to take it on as a oneoff experience, STG didn’t see either Doric or rural touring as part of their normal function and so it was decided that a separate company should be formed to take on these two roles.

The founders were Roddy, of course, Ken McRae who had played major roles in both Toulmin and Bertie, and Liz Loggie, an experienced Doric actor, director and administrator. Their first production was Jamie Fleeman, a one-man play, written by - and starring - Ken. The company took its name from the play.

first of these consisted of three one-act plays, including a revival of Bertie together with two others (Bryce and Harry) that I adapted from Toulmin short stories.

2013 will be John Reid’s centenary year and we will be marking the occasion by touring Blown Seed a new adaptation of Toulmin’s only novel and reviving three of the one-act versions of his stories. I expect that these will form part of a much wider recognition by the Scottish literary community of the part Toulmin played in helping to keep Doric alive.

In eight years Fleeman Productions has given 95 performances in 27 venues to large, appreciative audiences throughout the North East of Scotland. Plans are in hand for another 36 performances over the next two years.

In May, Skirlie will be at Midmar (18th), Lossiemouth (19th), New Deer (22nd), Kemnay (23rd), Arbuthnott (24th) and Aberdeen (25th & 26th). In June, it goes to Tullynessle (27th), Peterculter (28th) and Inverurie (29th & 30th).

Details on www.CharlesBarron.co.uk.

Join our mailing list by emailing FleemanCompany@aol.co.uk.

[The photograph shows Sheila Reid, Jill Hay and Liz Loggie in a scene from Skirlie.]

That tour thoroughly tested the market, playing in a host of halls all over the North East. The audience response was enthusiastic. The venues were eager for more. Since then, Fleeman Productions has mounted another ten tours. The

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what’s on round and about

Aboyne :

Friday 13th April 2012, 10:30 12:00 Pandamonium at Aboyne Library Aboyne Library are hosting an Easter storytime, the theme will be a Panda Storytime Suitable for 0-10 year olds Please phone 013398 86004 to book a place to avoid disappointment. Cost: Free

E: aboyne.library@aberdeenshire. gov.uk

Thursday 19th April 2012, 19:00 The Philosophy Cafe / Controversial conversations Criminal Law Controversial Conversations are a series of events, organised by the Philosophy Cafe in Aberdeenshire, designed to bring people together in a venue in their own local area, to share their thoughts, openly explore and discuss ideas and encourage philosophical debate and critical thinking about society’s challenges in a relaxed and convivial atmosphere. They are open to anyone interested in continuing learning or stimulating discussion. No prior knowledge or expertise is required.

Cost: £3 and £2 concession Contact: Rhona Robertson E: philosophy.cafe@yahoo.co.uk Saturday 21st April 2012, 19:30 Sax Ecosse At Victory Hall Tuesday 8th May 2012, 19:30 Wee Jamp WEE JAMP tells stories of extraordinary meetings on an ordinary street. A simple bench and a bus stop become a meeting point, a playpark, a hiding place or a battleground. WEE JAMP is new circus-theatre for Scotland mischievous, playful, tough and fearless.

Scottish performing arts company Bright Night International and Glasgow Parkour Coaching created a dynamic new performance style suitable for all the family, drawing on parkour, acrobatics, dance, stunts, gymnastics, breakdance and physical theatre.

WEE JAMP is about exploration and spectacle using just the body and normal surroundings.

Encounters, chases, jumps and games weave together into one story. We’ve JAMPed East Kilbride, St Andrews, even Amsterdam and now we are coming to you!

Phone: 013398 86222

Deeside Community Theatre Bridgeview Road Aboyne AB34 5JN Monday 2nd July 2012, 09:15 11:00 Summer Kart Racing League At Deeside Activity Park Monday 13th August 2012, 09:15 - 11:00 Summer Kart Racing League At Deeside Activity Park

Ballater : Sunday 15th April 2012, 16:30 Upper Deeside Music Concert, Darroch Learg In Darroch Learg Connections Saturday 21st April 2012, 19:30 Braemar Village Hall Dannsa steps into its second decade with as much passion for Scottish traditional dance and music as ever and will be touring all over Scotland in 2012, starting with North Scotland in April, as part of the North by North East Touring Scottish Talent.

Be prepared for energy and innovation from both sides of the Atlantic, as Scotland’s favourite dance group joins forces with one of Cape Breton’s very special dancer and musician, Mac Morin to produce a breathtaking programme of tuition and performance in traditional music and dance.

Dancers, Caroline Reagh and Sandra Robertson, and piper and stepdancer Fin Moore are joined by a stellar line up - Frank McConnell (dancer, Plan B and co-founder of Dannsa), Mac Morin (dancer and pianist with Beòlach and Natalie McMaster), guitarist Matheu Watson (great

young multi-instrumentalist and a brilliant debut album) and the beautiful voice of Catriona Watt (MOD Gold Medallist). Blending together dance, with music on fiddle, guitar, pipes, keyboard, and Gaelic song these engaging performers bring you an evening of wonderful rhythms and finely crafted traditional dance. Dannsa’s contagious enjoyment of Scotland’s traditions is infectious, leaving you wanting more. Dannsa has thrilled audiences with their dynamic arrangements of their favourite tunes, energetic performances and their sheer versatility as step dancers. Dannsa’s new and innovative approach to traditional dance draws from the many rich and varied traditions throughout Scotland. From Highland to Step Dance, Ceilidh and Old Scotch Reels, they always bring something fresh to their dances. The tour is inspired by connections between dance, music, people and places. From exploring the rhythms of puirt-a-beul, to using a different‘style’and quality of step-dancing from Cape Breton, Dannsa is stretching itself creatively to bring new work to share with its audiences. This tour promises to leave audiences with smiles on their faces and a jig in their feet. Visit www.dannsa.com for more information.

Violin Maker Ian Greig Banchory

Violin, Viola and Cello Commissions Repairs & Restorations Sound Adjustments, Bow Re-hairs Student Violins 01330 820596 07816 089 501

www.iangreigviolins.com Member British Violin Makers Association

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what’s on round and about

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 : Ranger Guided Children’s Walk: Busy Birds At Crathes Castle Tuesday 10th April 2012, 10:30 - 12:00 Ranger Guided Children’s Walk: Bat Bonanza At Drum Castle Sunday 15th April 2012, 14:00 - 15:30 Exhibition: A Celebration in Colour At Woodend Barn Arts Centre Sunday 25th March 2012, 14:00 - Sunday 6th May 2012 Ranger Event: Easter Holiday Children’s Wildlife Quiz At Crathes Castle Saturday 31st March 2012 - Sunday 15th April 2012 Curious Creatures At Drum Castle Thursday 12th April 2012, 11:00 - 16:00 Bookbug Rhymetime for Toddlers at Banchory Library At Banchory Library Friday 13th April 2012, 10:00 Curious Creatures At Drum Castle Friday 13th April 2012, 11:00 - 16:00 F.O.C.U.S (Festival of Crafts Unique to Scotland) At Banchory Town Hall Saturday 14th April 2012 Saturday Storytimes At Banchory Library Saturday 14th April 2012, 11:00 - 11:30

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Curious Creatures At Drum Castle Saturday 14th April 2012, 11:00 - 16:00 Ranger Guided Children’s Walk: Bat Bonanza At Drum Castle Sunday 15th April 2012, 14:00 - 15:30 Curious Creatures At Drum Castle Sunday 15th April 2012, 11:00 - 16:00 Working Holiday At Woodend Barn Arts Centre Wednesday 18th April 2012, 19:30 Bookbug Rhymetime for Babies at At Banchory Library Thursday 19th April 2012, 10:30 Willie the Wicked Wolf At Finzean Hall, Finzean Thursday 19th April 2012, 18:00 Stick Granny on the Roof Rack At Crathes Hall Thursday 19th April 2012, 19:30

Workshops at Crathes: Herbaceous Plants At Crathes Castle Saturday 21st April 2012, 13:00 - 16:00 Kinker to Banchory At Bellfield Park,Banchory Saturday 21st April 2012, 09:30 - 16:00 Bookbug Rhymetime for Toddlers at Banchory Library Monday 23rd April 2012, 14:30 All in an April Evening Concert At Drum Castle Thursday 26th April 2012, 19:30 - 20:40 Bookbug Rhymetime for Toddlers at At Banchory Library Friday 27th April 2012, 10:00 Saturday Storytimes At Banchory Library Saturday 28th April 2012, 11:00 - 11:30

Henry V At Drum Castle Saturday 9th June 2012, 18:30 - 21:30 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 Ranger Guided Pre-School Walk: Minibeast Magic At Crathes Castle Wednesday 25th July 2012, 14:00 - 15:15 Banchory Show In King George V Park Saturday 28th July 2012, 09:00 - 17:30 Ranger Guided Children’s Events: Autumn Crafts At Crathes Castle Tuesday 23rd October 2012, 10:30 - 12:00

Bookbug Rhymetime for Babies at At Banchory Library Thursday 3rd May 2012, 10:30 Mad Hatter’s May Day Tea Party At Drum Castle Sunday 6th May 2012, 13:00 - 16:00 Bookbug Rhymetime for Toddlers at Banchory Library Friday 11th May 2012, 10:00 Workshop at Crathes: Propagation At Crathes Castle Saturday 26th May 2012, 10:00 - 15:00

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Herb of the Month - Parsley You might think that the only use for parsley is as a green garnish served on fish or a steak at a restaurant. It’s the herb that you pick off and put to one side before starting your meal. But whilst it does make an attractive garnish it is a valuable flavour in cooked food.

When a recipe just calls for one teaspoon of chopped parsley though, can that really make a difference? Yes it can. Just as a teaspoon of lemon juice or salt will add a sour or salty ‘note’, so parsley adds one of the key tastes that we are able to detect in food, that of bitterness.

There are two types commonly used as an herb, curly leaf and flat leaf. Flat leaf is often referred to as Italian parsley and is said to be better for adding to food as it is cooking.

Growing parsley however isn’t as easy as some. Many herbs thrive on poor dry soil but put parsley won’t and needs more care. Put it in a good soil and it will grow even in partial shade, although its preference is full sun. For best results keep the soil reasonably moist and water from time to time with a liquid plant food. It is slower to germinate than many herbs and therefore is less invasive, but is still best grown in pots.

Finally parsley is a natural breath freshener. When the fresh herb is chewed it reduces the smell of garlic on your breath. This is due to parsley’s high chlorophyll levels.

Prize Sudoku Entry Form Win £25 Cash Complete the Sudoku by filling out the grid on page 25 then fill in your details below, cut out this section and send to: Sudoku Competition, Gazette Magazines, 4 Kenfield Crescent, Aberdeen AB15 7UQ

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Fashion in Motion Grampian Transport Museums 30th Season.

The glamorous worlds of fashion and cars have long been closely intertwined, with the motor industry often paying tribute to fashion through collaborations with big brand fashion houses. From the earliest appearance of the motor car, Burberry has produced menswear and womenswear for motoring with a luxury range of duster tweed motoring coats.

Fashion designers have traditionally assisted automobile manufacturers in making their cars more appealing and stylish to both couture-loving and working-class drivers. Cartier chronometers were a standard feature on instrument panels in Mark III editions of Lincoln Continental sedans. Ford Motor Company introduced a car-couture collaboration with luxury fashion design houses including Cartier & Givenchy with the launch of its Lincoln-Mercury Mark V Designer Series in 1979. Whilst the popular working mans brand Levi helped American Motors Corporation design their sporty Javelins.

More recently, fashion brands such as Gucci have been designing versions of the Fiat 500 and fashion designer Victoria Beckham has collaborated with Range Rover on their new Evoque model.

In recognition of these close ties, final year Fashion Management students from RGU’s Aberdeen Business School have joined forces with Grampian Transport Museum in Alford, which opens for its 30th season in April, to stage an exhibition to celebrate fashion through a styling project displaying trends ranging from the 1930s to 1970s fashion.

In preparation of the exhibition, students visited the museum to adopt a vehicle which they then used as styling inspiration. The students researched the era, names, colours, textures and stories behind their chosen cars and motorbikes to come up with unique and stylish outfits.

In contrast to Henry Fords famous quote from his 1923 autobiography: �You can have any color as long as it's black", the exhibition boasts an array of colorful outfits sourced from leading fashion brand outlets at the Bon Accord & St Nicholas shopping centre.

The bikes and student work will be on show at Grampian Transport Museum at Alford opening on 1 April 2012 for a new season with new exhibits.

For further information about the Fashion Management course contact Karen Cross, Course Leader on +44(0)1224 263853 or email k.a.cross@rgu.ac.uk. please do mention the deeside gazette when responding to adverts

27

Let’s talk wine...

D is for Douro The Douro Valley in northern Portugal is the home of Port wine. The grapes are grown on steep terraced vineyards above the winding Douro River. Sweet and fortified, there is a style to suit many occasions. As an alternative to G&T, try a Portonic –white port, ice and lemon topped up with tonic water, it is delicious.

To serve stilton and Port together is automatic, it works because of the sweet and savoury contrast. My favourite style to serve with stilton is Tawny with its slightly savoury side. Try an LBV (late bottled vintage) style alongside a dark chocolate tort.

Savour a vintage port and always decant to leave any sediment from its slumbering behind.

There are more than 60, mainly local, authorised grape varieties in the Douro and a number appear time after time, each giving its own personality to the final blend.

Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz (the Tempranillo of Rioja), Tinta Cao, Touriga Franca and Tinta Barroca make frequent appearances.

The same grapes are also behind the light wines of the region, they may be either single varietal wines or blends and are well worth a try.

Wines to try:

Crasto Douro Red 2009 £9.99 Majestic Nierpoort Dry White Port £13.95 (Wine Raks, Aberdeen) Carol can be contacted on 01224 312076 or via her web site www.wineuncorkededucation.co.uk Carols next Wine Education Service Introductory evening class is scheduled to start Wednesday 18th April, 7-9pm at the Atholl Hotel. Info and bookings via www.wine-education-service.co.uk Carol Brown

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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.

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

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For the glaze 50 g sugar 50 ml water

For the crosses 75g plain flour Water to make a paste.

Ingredients For the buns 500 g strong bread flour, plus extra for dusting 1 1/2 tsp salt 75 g caster sugar 7 g sachet dried yeast 300 ml mixed milk and water 50 g sultanas 100 g raisins zest of 2 oranges 80 g mixed peel 2 tsp ground cinnamon 75 g plain flour

NB Many people don’t like mixed peel. In this case try substituting finely chopped dried apricot, or add more sultanas instead.

Bake the buns for 25 minutes until golden brown.

Combine the sugar and water together to make a syrup and brush this liberally all over the buns.

Serve immediately.

To make the crosses for the buns, mix the plain flour with enough water to make a smooth, thick paste. You can either make a piping bag out of parchment paper or use a piping bag with a plain nozzle to pipe the paste onto the buns in a crossshape.

Put the yeast and sugar into a bowl. Sieve the flour and salt into the same bowl. Slowly add enough of the milk and water mix to achieve pliable dough.

Tip out onto a lightly floured surface and knead well for 5 minutes, then put the dough back into the bowl and leave to rise for 1 hour.

Incorporate the sultanas, mixed peel (or substituted fruit), orange zest and cinnamon into the dough and leave to rise for 1 hour.

Lightly grease a baking sheet. Divide the dough into 15-20 pieces and roll each into a ball. Put them on a baking tray and leave to rest for 1 hour.

Set the oven to 220°C/gas 8.

Method

Wonderful Easter fare and homemade are so much nicer!

Hot Cross Buns



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29

Easter Elsewhere!

Fed up with chocolate and bunnies? Check out these cool Easter traditions from our European neighbours.

In Finland children blacken their faces and go begging in the streets, rather like our Halloween.

On Easter Monday the villagers of Haux, in France, cook up a giant omelette using over 4500 eggs. The omelette feeds over 1000 people and is served in the village square for lunch.

In some parts of Germany people save their Christmas trees and burn them in a ceremonial bonfire, which symbolises the victory of spring over the dark days of winter.

Latvian children hold egg fights, using decorated eggs. The fights are similar to our conker fights and the egg which cracks first loses.

Possibly the strangest tradition comes from Hungary, The Czech Republic and Slovakia. Here women are spanked on Easter Monday. It is said that spanking ensures a woman’s beauty will be preserved during the following year!

Me? I’m sticking to the chocolate!

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the one stop business shop ...

Computing for beginners Digital Unite Tel Carol Clark: 01224-591841 www.digitalunite.com

Patient, experienced and friendly tutor offers affordable one to one or small group tuition on your own computer.

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Largest UK Pressure Group 20,000 Members in Scotland 3,000 Members in Aberdeen City & Shire

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M.G. Decorating Tel : 013398 87445

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Your feet are a map of the entire body. By applying pressure/ massage all organs can benefit,relax and rejuvenate GIVE IT A TRY!!!

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

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Name of class, Time - Day Cost Brief description Email to :gazette@fsmail.net tel : 01224 318561 (mark it deeside)

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