Deeside Issue 2

Issue 2

Inside this issue

The Boxroom celebrate 15 years Scottesque at Rosehip & Tutu Travel : Cape of Good Hope Delgatie Castle Laird’s Kitchen

June 2011 Deeside Edition Your Personal Copy

gazette

Hello again, Thanks for taking the time to pick up this the second issue of the Deeside gazette.

McEwen restaurant in Aberdeen also boasts a large selection of loose leaf teas. I do recommend popping in for afternoon tea and sampling a few.

The Boxroom in Banchory is celebrating 15 years of business. Jane Robinson popped along to find out a little bit more about this little treasure.

Fred has been out and about discovering some local history facts about Drum Castle which you might find useful.

If you are looking for some unique, stylish clothes then read about the Scottesque brand which is available online and also at the Rosehip & Tutu boutique in Rosemount, Aberdeen.

As I go about the deliveries it is lovely to see the wonderful gardens on display, for those that wish to be inspired by other people’s gardens then there is an article about gardens to visit whilst you are on holiday in England, Scotland and Wales!

Delgatie Castle near Turriff is also another treasure. It has just won an award for it’s amazing home bakes - so definitely worth a visit if you are out and about. The Paula

I have managed to find a few things for you to do locally on the What’s On page but please do tell us about up and coming events.

delivered to : Homes and businesses from Cults to Ballater deadlines : May - 15 Apr June - 16 May Jul/Aug - 14 June September - 19 Aug

The next copy deadline is 20 June for the joint July/August issue. If you are a publisher : business and have some exciting the granite city gazette summer stock then why not get in touch and be on our summer products owner : Sue Simpson page. I will require high resolution tel : 01224 - 318561 pictures with prices and brief details. mob : 07813 964 875 Until next time, go grab a refill and email : enjoy the June magazine.

gazette@fsmail.net w : thegranitecitygazette.co.uk

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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Delgatie Castle wins national award for its homebaking Having recently been awarded a national award for its home baking after it was nominated by customers who love its cakes and scones, Delgatie is a place where the quality is always maintained.

Melanie Andrews,the Helensburgh caterer who launched the award, was determined to showcase tearooms that bake on the premises from scratch! Melanie described the Lairds Kitchen at Delgatie...

“This is a fabulous ancient castle in Turriff just off the A947 Aberdeen to Banff Road. You arrive in the grounds and take a step back in time- old world rustic charm and not commercialised to the hilt –completely charming. But the story to be told is even more charming. Joan, the baker, chief cook, housemaid and manager of the whole shebang is quite a woman and a true loyal scot to the Castles predecessor. Joan is the true spirit of what Scots people are and she practically runs the castle single handed with the help of her trusted companion Donna.

You absolutely must try this castle and the Laird’s Kitchen if in this neck

of the woods- not only for the experience but for the chance of eating excellent home baking in the kitchen of this ancient castle. The baking is just the way my Gran taught me many moons ago and is truly fantastic. We were generously handed a full dark gingerbread to take away which did not last long on the journey home. An Absolute must for Joan’s storytelling and baking alone. Keep the spirit alive Delgatie!”

Joan Johnson, Trustee of the Delgatie Castle Trust was delighted that so many of her customers had made nominations to the Scottish Home Baking Awards. She has always strived to provide cakes and scones which always leave you wanting more. Joan commented ‘to receive such an award following nominations from the public is wonderful. We have always taken pride in being able to offer fresh home baking every day at the castle since the Laird’s kitchen opened almost 20 years ago and to have this recognition is a real honour.’

Delgatie Castle is open to the public every day from 10 am - 5pm until the 20th December.

Visitors do not need to tour the castle to visit the “Laird’s Kitchen”

Delgatie Castle Delgatie Castle, best visitor experience award winner is a unique Delgatie Castle, is a best visitor and interesting castle with the ambiance of a lived in home.

experience award winner. A unique

The ‘Lairds Kitchen’, voted the 17th best place to have afternoon andoffers interesting castle withonthe tea in Britain, a lunch menu building its already excellent ambiance of a lived in home. reputation for scones and home-made delicious cakes.

Delgatie Castle, Delgatie, Turriff, Aberdeenshire AB53 5TD The ‘Lairds Kitchen’, Scottish Tel: 01888 563479 www.delgatiecastle.com

Home Baking Award winner, offers a lunch menu, building on its already excellent reputation for scones and home-made delicious cakes.

Delgatie Castle

Why notDelgatie pay usCastle, a best visitor experience award winner is a unique visit today!and interesting castle with the ambiance of a lived in home.

The ‘Lairds Kitchen’, voted the 17th best place to have afternoon teaOpen in Britain, offers a lunch menu building on its already excellent reputation 10am - 5pm for scones and home-made delicious cakes.

Delgatie Castle, Delgatie, Turriff, Aberdeenshire AB53 5TD Tel: 01888 563479 www.delgatiecastle.com

Delgatie Castle contact the gazette : 01224 - 318561

Castle, best visitor experience award winner is a unique teresting castle with the ambiance of a lived in home.

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opened their new dental practice in Cults on Tuesday 3rd May. Chris Pumford BDS a long standing partner of Queens Road Dental Practice and his team have moved.

Dr Pumford said, “After many years of working in the City Centre, I am delighted to be setting up my new practice in Cults, and be part of the community of which I will endeavour to provide the highest quality dentistry in a relaxed and caring environment�. The practice ethos is all about preventative dentistry, listening to their patients needs and helping them achieve their ultimate desire.

A beautiful smile creates confidence and gives us a sense of wellbeing and improves our general health. We work in partnership with our patients to inspire them to achieve their aspirations. State of the art techniques are used from white fillings, crowns, bridges, veneers, tooth whitening, invisible braces and dental implants.

At dental inspirations we are committed to preventative dentistry. All our plans are designed to help you reach optimum dental health, helping you understand how to look after the health of your mouth and keep it free from tooth decay and gum disease.

Over time, patients who participate in a preventative programme of regular examination and hygiene visits are shown to have a much reduced need for treatment.

We also have a range of plans to suit individual needs. Our plans will benefit you with no registration fee; a welcome bag of dental sundries; comprehensive dental health assessment; preventative care for long term dental health; hygiene therapy tailored to your needs; oral cancer screening; affordable monthly payments (starting from ÂŁ7) and worldwide dental accident and emergency cover.

We have a range of exciting new opening offers for a limited period only including 1/2 price New Patient Consultation, free Smile Consultation with no obligation and Free Implant Consultation with no obligation. Please contact us for further details.

We welcome you and your family to our practice.

395 North Deeside Road, Cults, Aberdeen AB15 9SX Tel : 01224 860220 Fax: 01224 860229 Email: info@dentalinspirations.co.uk

www.dentalinspirations.co.uk

A Range of Dental Inspirations Plans for every member of the family

Dining Out Discover Loose Leaf Tea at Paula McEwen Restaurant...

Blooming Marvellous Tea In our Blooming Marvellous tea, flavoured Sencha green leaf is expertly coupled with bright mallow and sunflower petals, exquisite rosebuds, vanilla and fresh, tangy

fruit. This lively blend will be sure to put a smile on your face and a spring in your step.

To Enjoy: Use 1-2 tsp per cup, add hot water that hasn’t yet begun to bubble (around 80°C) and brew for 2-3 mins. Serve immediately or remove leaves so you don’t ruin all your hard work.

You don’t have to go far to find the biggest and best selection of hot drinks in the North East. Enjoy yourself in our luxurious surroundings or enjoy the view al fresco.

12 loose leaf teas 10 herbal infusions 6 coffees made with one unique traditional Boquete coffee bean Served daily 11.30am - 4.00pm

239 Great Western Road, Aberdeen AB10 6PS Tel: 587002 • Email: info@paulamcewen.com

www.paulamcewen.com

Health and Beauty Bites and Stings When an insect bites or stings you, it makes a small hole in your skin, usually in order to feed on your blood. The sting will contain chemicals which are an irritant and will trigger a very mild through to a very severe reaction.

Most stings are unnoticed at the time except those of bees and wasps, but the swelling and itchiness that follows brings it to your notice.

If you can still see the sting in the wound you should remove it as soon as possible. It is better to scrape it out than to use tweezers as pinching it can cause the venom sac to further deposit its contents into your skin. There is one important exception to this though, and that is if you have a tick which has latched itself onto any part of your body. This will look rather like a dark, swollen tag mole and it must be completely removed otherwise

Kippie Lodge North Deeside road milltimber, ABERDEEN

you risk developing Lyme disease. You can use tweezers to remove a tick ensuring you pull straight up rather than twisting the tick out. If you are unsure how to do this consult your GP. If your skin becomes particularly itchy as a result of being bitten, a flannel soaked in cold water and taking paracetamol or ibuprofren can relieve the discomfort. Over the counter preparations may also help, or if you are really suffering, your GP will prescribe crotamiton cream. Antihistamines may be recommended to help reduce the reaction.

Finally, despite the temptation, try to avoid scratching the area as this increases the risk that the bite will become infected, especially if your hands are dirty.

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Facial Delight I was thrilled when I opened my Christmas Card and out popped a voucher to see Jenny at Kumiko. It did take me a while to arrange the said facial but last Wednesday was the big day!

As a lot of you know I don’t often treat myself to pampering sessions but as I get older I realise that these pampering sessions are well worth the money! And as I don’t drink or smoke - why not the odd treat.

I had had a particularly busy day and it was lovely to hop onto the massage table and be cosy under the covers while Jenny prepared my face for all the potions.

Each step of the process was explained and there was even a mapping of my face to see where the damage/dryness/greasiness is.

All extremely interesting.

You’ll be glad to know that we didn’t chat all the way through - just at the appropriate bits. I was definitely cleansed, toned and moisturised. All lovely smells and soothing music.

Whilst the final mask was doing wonders to my face Jenny gave me a wonderful neck and shoulder massage. There were quite

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For more information/to book an appointment please contact Jenny at 89 Gray Street,Aberdeen AB10 6JD t : 01224 594777 e: jenny@kumikobeauty.co.uk

www.kumikobeauty.co.uk

a few knots and maybe that will be my next treat!

Jenny advised me that with a good skincare regime, obviously a healthy diet and exercise regime helps too, you can have beautiful skin without going under the knife, or being injected.

As you can see there is a special offer on all dermalogica products this month. It involves you buying three for the price of two and you must include an spf product. Not hard to do with all this lovely warm weather we’ve been having. You can get burnt here too you know!

Thank you Jenny. It was a lovely treat and I will definitely have to book in for another very soon.

SS

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Garden View : This month - Take a Holiday

I love looking at my garden for sure. When I see the results of all my labours I get a nice warm glow. But as much as I like looking at my own garden there is a part of me which is insatiably curious about other people’s gardens too. It’s always a pleasure to see the product of another’s horticultural vision and it can be inspiring to see how someone has tackled a particular problem, from damp shade to impoverished soil.

A few years ago I came across a delightful book in the Alastair Sawday range of guides, called Special Places to Stay - British Bed and Breakfast for Garden Lovers. It’s packed full of quirky, eccentric and downright beautiful places to stay in England, Scotland and Wales. There are Bed and Breakfasts, small hotels and holiday cottages. Some are on organic farms and a couple are even on islands.

Each property has been selected for its warm welcome and hospitality as well as for its beautiful grounds. Some even offer gardening courses.

If you don’t want to commit to a holiday but you enjoy looking at other people’s gardens then the National Garden Scheme (NGS) was tailor-made for you. Every year hundreds of private gardens are opened to the public on certain days and the entrance fees charged go to charity.

The gardens range from tiny to several acres but all are inspiring. The NGS publish their informative Yellow Book annually but they also have an easy-to-navigate website at www.ngs.org.uk. Oddly, although it’s called the National Garden Scheme Scotland doesn’t get a mention. But thankfully I did discover that the wonderful Scotland’s Garden Scheme (SGS) plugs the gap nicely.

Find them at www.gardensofscotland.org.

Whether you want to get away from it all or simply fancy a day away from your own plot garnering some inspiration I hope I’ve given you some ideas.

Have a happy gardening holiday

The book has recently been republished in its sixth incarnation. The photographs alone are worth the cover price and there are handy gardening hints scattered throughout.

If you fancy a weekend away with a horticultural twist, look no further than this little book.

Find their website at www.sawdays.co.uk If you enjoy visiting National Trust properties did you know that the organisation owns more than 60 holiday cottages located in or right next to its many spectacular gardens?

They offer short and longer breaks so check them out at www.nationaltrustcottages.co.uk

Garden & Landscaping Service Lawns & Garden Maintenance & Patios, Fences, Hedges & Decking

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Property for Sale

Wardhead Cottage off Countesswells Road, Bieldside, Aberdeen AB15 9BX 3/4 bedroom detached cottage in a rural setting, yet minutes from Aberdeen City Centre

Viewing : tel 01224 861779 or

07960 773603

We are delighted to offer for sale this extended cottage property, occupying a peaceful rural location yet within easy access of all the amenities of Aberdeen and its westerly suburbs.

• Oil central heating • UPVc double glazing • Mains water; private drainage • Excellent storage including 3 lofts, 1 floored & lined and used

The present owners of over 20 years have extended and upgraded the property to provide nicely proportioned family accommodation comprising.

• Front and rear gardens and granite chip side drive

• Entrance Porch • Main Hallway with access to all rooms • Lounge with patio doors to rear garden • Sittingroom/Diningroom/4th Bedroom • Dining Kitchen with integrated appliances • Master Bedroom with range of fitted furniture • 2 further Double Bedrooms • Shower Room • Study/Utility Room • Carpets and other floor coverings, curtains, blinds and light fittings throughout included

as a play area/ hobby room

[Price around £325,000] Directions: From the traffic lights at the junction of Springfield Road and Countesswells Road, travel westwards on Countesswells Road for approximately 2 miles. After passing part of Hazlehead’s 2nd 18 golf course on the right, turn right into a private road and Wardhead Cottage is some 800 yards or so further on.

Have you got someone you can talk to about anything?

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Early Pregnancy Scans start at £25.

See our website for full details of preferential offers.

For a 20 minute FREE consultation to discuss how I could help you with this or any other aspect of your life please call Amanda on 0845 226 2816 www.WiseLifeCoaching.com Amanda@wiselifecoaching.com

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No-cook Strawberry Cheescake

Try this delicious summery tea time treat contact the gazette : 01224 - 318561

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No-cook Strawberry Cheescake Serves 8-12 Prep 30 mins plus one hour chilling time for base and overnight chilling for the cheesecake Ingredients Base 250g digestive biscuits 100g unsalted butter, melted Filling 1 vanilla pod 600g soft cheese (Quark or Philadelphia work well) 100g icing sugar 284ml pot double cream Topping 400g punnet strawberries 25g icing sugar 1 tsp water For the base: Butter and line a 9 inch / 23cm loose-bottomed tin with greaseproof paper.

Put the biscuits in a plastic food bag and crush to crumbs using a rolling pin.

Transfer the crumbs to a bowl, and then pour over the melted butter. Mix thoroughly until the crumbs are coated thoroughly. Tip them into the prepared tin and press firmly down into the base to create an even layer. Chill in the fridge for 1 hr to set firmly. This is important – if the base isn’t set properly it will break up and become mixed with the filling later.

For the filling: Slice the vanilla pod in half lengthways and scrape out the seeds using the back of a kitchen knife.

Place the soft cheese, icing sugar and vanilla seeds into a bowl, then beat with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the cream and continue beating on a slow-medium speed until the mixture is completely combined.

Spoon this cream mixture on to the biscuit base, working from the edges inwards. Smooth the top of the cheesecake down with the back of a dessert spoon. Leave to set in the fridge overnight.

To serve: Bring the cheesecake to room temperature, about 30 mins before serving. To un-mould, place the base on top of a can, run a round-bladed knife around the edge of the cheesecake first then carefully pull the sides of the tin down. Slip the cake onto a serving plate, removing the lining paper and the base of the tin.

For the topping: Purée half the strawberries in a blender or food processor with 25g icing sugar and 1 tsp water, then sieve to remove the seeds. Pour the puree over the cheesecake and top with the remaining strawberries and more puree.

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History of the FSB

committee. In addition, there is a national committee which includes representatives from each regional committee.

The FSB (Federation of Small Businesses) was originally known as the National Federation of Self-Employed (NFSE).

It was founded in 1974 by Norman Small in response to the introduction of Class 4 National Insurance contributions, which represented an additional tax burden on the selfemployed and the owners of small businesses.

An annual national conference is staged in a different city each year and the three day event features a full business programme with a number of guest speakers, in addition to a number of social and business networking events.

Mr. Small invited anyone affected by the new tax to attend a meeting in his home town of Lytham St.Annes. At that meeting he put forward the idea of an organisation designed to promote the voice of the self-employed.

Similar meetings in other parts of the country followed and within nine months the NFSE had a membership of 25,000 with 200 new members joining every day.

The current name for the organisation was adopted in 1991 and continues to go from strength to strength with a current membership of over 205,000 members across the UK. Grouped into 33 regions, it has 194 branches around the country. Each branch and in turn, each region has its own

The organisation’s mission statement is:

“To be and remain the largest and most effective organisation promoting and protecting the interest of the self employed and small business owners within the UK.” For more details visit www.fsb.org.uk

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

Membership Benefits

...Free 24/7 Legal Advice ...Free Tax Investigation Insurance ...Free Business Banking ...And so much more

For more details visit

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The Boxroom Celebrates 15 Years Of Success Words and Photos

By Jane Robinson

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Home and Garden Is there anything better than a good de-cluttering session?

Answer, yes...a good decluttering session that is not only environmentally sound but can benefit our local community too.

The Boxroom is just such a place, and as it celebrates its 15th anniversary this month, it continues to expand and flourish. A charitable organisation, it allows the people of Deeside to recycle and re-use furniture, bric-a-brac , household goods, prams and bicycles while helping those who might need a little support after difficult times. Based in Banchory, the organisation dramatically reduces the amount of waste going to landfill sites by creating a system whereby used items can be sold or passed on to a good cause. Whether you are replacing your furniture or you are on the look-out for something a little different to buy, The Boxroom could be the place for you.

As The Boxroom’s desire to be as ‘green’ as possible extends beyond recycling, the delivery van is a dual-fuel vehicle which has been designed to minimise pollution.

This van can pick up goods throughout the area, and can also deliver furniture that has been sold on. In 2003 The Boxroom won a ‘Green Butterfly’ Award from the Aberdeenshire Environmental Forum in recognition of its achievements. Over the years, it has continued to find ways of reducing waste... since last year, it has run a container at the local Recycling Depot into which people can

contact the gazette : 01224 - 318561

Brenda Larkin, and Linda Holland place unwanted items that are still in good working order. These items are also sold on.

An important part of the charity’s work is that it can offer practical support to families and individuals who might be in need, and it continues to offer this service right across Deeside and beyond. Many families and individuals have benefitted from the service over the years, and it continues to play a vital role in the community.

However, none of this work could happen without the dedication and hard work of an army of volunteers, around 25 people who willingly give hours of their time and expertise to the organisation. The Boxroom are always looking for volunteers, so if you have a few hours to spare, the office would be delighted to hear from you. You can contact www.cvsa.co.uk to find out more.

Or, if you have any unwanted furniture, beds, domestic appliances or other household goods in an undamaged and serviceable condition that you would be happy to donate to a good cause, you can contact The Boxroom on 01330 823800.

Or, you can drop in yourself and pick up a bargain. Opening hours are 10am -2.30 on weekdays and 9am -1pm on Saturday. You can find it The Boxroom at Unit 5, Tillybrake Industrial Estate, Banchory, AB31 5UN.

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Tartan Chic

Based in the recently refurbished Independent Rosemount boutique Rose Hip & Tutu.

Scottesque is a design house

specialising in tartan designs. Pairing traditional cloth with other high quality fabrics, Scottesque offer a new and feminine way to include tartan in your wardrobe.

The website, www.scottesque.co.uk, launching in early June, will provide the opportunity to view new designs, sign up for the Newsletter, include details of special in-store events and promotions, link to the facebook page and offer online sales for a selection of the ready to wear collection.

Whilst ordering online is convenient, customers visiting the shop can choose fabric pairings for a personal twist on the off-the-peg collection. And, when it comes to special occasions, it’s nice to have something out of the ordinary. Scottesque offer a bespoke design service to ensure that your one-off outfit is perfect for the event. Be it a Summer Ball or a Wedding, whether you’re the bride, graduating or just want to feel a bit special, we can create the perfect gown for you.

So, for the personal touch, call Janet or Sally on 01224 622522 to arrange a design consultation, or just pop in ... we’d love to see you!

197 Rosemount Place Aberdeen AB25 2XP www.scottesque.co.uk

Adding an old piece into a new scheme can introduce gorgeous colour and texture.

The Ostrich wallpaper costs ÂŁ72 per roll, from Garendenny Lane Interiors (00 353 86 1051007; www.garrendennylane.com)

Homes and Interiors

Something Old Something New Words : Katherine Sorrell

Unexpected and individual, unique and environmentally friendly, well-made and timelessly appealing – how does this sound? Whether we’re talking vintage, retro, antique or, erm, just plain old, there are heaps of good reasons why adding a well-chosen selection of ‘mature’ furnishings to any room scheme can be enormously successful. Old pieces make a statement, have a fascinating history and are built to last. The quality of old pine, for example, is vastly superior to that of new pine (and a nicer colour, too), and old mirrors are much more flattering. What’s more, including even just one antique piece in an otherwise-modern room will add texture and subtle individuality.

But just how do you combine old with new, contemporary with classic?

Especially when the aim is to be both good-looking and practical, with a look that won’t go out of fashion in the next five minutes.

332 North Deeside Road, Cults gcg : 19

As with all interior design schemes, it’s best to start by assessing your room. Measure it and draw a plan, marking in such key elements as windows, doors, built-in cupboards, radiators, light fittings, plus sockets and so on. Do you need to make any structural changes? If so, now’s the time. If the structure is fine, consider the room’s size and shape, and whether its architectural style will affect the way in which you decorate. Work out where furniture will go, and whether you have too much or too little of it. Now you have a good idea of what type of things you’ll need to look out for – whether you’re planning a trip to the high street, a charity shop, car boot sale or auction house.

The next important principle is to concentrate on timeless designs. If it’s well designed, whatever era it dates from, it will work with other pieces. Another good rule is to keep floors, walls and woodwork neutral. They won’t date and, more importantly, won’t clash with your one-off furnishings. On a similar note, avoid having more than one, or perhaps two, ‘statement’ pieces in a room. When you have chosen a piece that you really love, you can build a scheme around it. It could be a chaise longue, a lamp or a hand-made vase – try to complement its characteristics with

Design

This witty combination of old and new works well than the colour scheme. All pieces from Graham & Green (0845 1 www.grahamandgreen.co.uk)

Supply

Installation

Competitive Prices We Take Pride In a Quality Finish Showroom By Appointment Only

www.aquaticsoul.co.uk Tel : 01224 733402

Bathrooms Kitchens gcg : 20

www.thegranitecitygazette.co.uk

other key pieces and to provide a pleasant contrast with others. It’s a subtle one, this. Too much contrived matching and the room will look forced; too many contrasting elements and it will lack coherence. It all comes down to a combination of instinct and trial and error – just keep on trying until everything feels right.

Colour can be an excellent ally, drawing together disparate items so that they co-ordinate well. It could be that you re-upholster an old armchair and choose co-ordinating cushions for a new sofa, adding in a picture with elements of the same colour, or a vase in a complementary shade. Bingo!

An appealing room appears as if by magic. And of course, the easiest and cheapest transformation of all is to repaint. Tables, cabinets and sideboards, wardrobes and chests of drawers, and in particular wooden chairs and stools, can all be rescued, restored and transformed quite easily. A selection of cheap wooden chairs, for example, will look fabulous painted the same matt off-white, no matter how disparate their style – a superbly simple way to mix old and new. A paint job is ideal for a junk-shop find or an old Ikea purchase – though obviously not for valuable antiques. Changing knobs and handles can also make a dramatic difference, giving a vintage feel to a cheap, modern piece, or adding a touch of class to something frumpy and old-fashioned. If you’re feeling bold, you can even add or remove mouldings, replace solid doors with glazing, or fit additional hanging rails or hooks.

nks to the simplicity of

130 6622;

The final guideline is perhaps the most important of all: don’t forget function. Old or new, every piece you choose should do its job brilliantly.

Mend that sticking drawer or wobbly chair and then you can be as bold and imaginative as you dare, putting together rooms that are as enjoyable to live in as they are to look at.

Katherine Sorrell’s new book, The Vintage Modern Home, is out now, published by Merrell at £24.95.

ABERDEEN RestoRations

* Authentic French Polishing done by an experienced polisher of 29 years. * Floors sanded and sealed, waxed or polished. * All repairs, new wood blended, hearth removal and repairs to parquet, plank and block floors. * Wall panelling, staircases, doors - all stripped, polished and/or waxed in traditional style. * Insurance work welcome. * All types of furniture old and new repaired and restored.

Contact : Graham Russell www.aberdeenfrenchpolishing.co.uk contact the gazette : 01224 - 318561

before

before

after

after

Tel : 07729 493 445 Email : floorsand@googlemail.com gcg : 21

Calling Deeside Ballerinas

By Jane Robinson Who did a bit of ballet when they were young? Do you still have the photos? And if so, are they just a few ‘happy snappies’ taken from the back of a hall somewhere? Wouldn’t it have been lovely if someone had taken a little time and applied a little expertise to the task of preserving those memories?

That is exactly the thought behind Torphins photographer Suzanne Edge’s latest project.

With two small children of her own, Suzanne has often used her family as models, and is therefore an expert at taking portraits of children. Having discovered that people often relax better when they are involved in an activity, she began to take shots of children as they were dancing. The results are a stunning collection of portraits of young ballerinas.

Having trained as a doctor, Suzanne had always been interested in photography as a hobby. Once she became a mother, she was keen to find a way of working from home and discovered that her love of photography was the answer. Having set up in business on her own, she joined ‘Mumpreneurs’ in Torphins which enabled her to network locally as her business grew.

Having exhibited her children’s portraits with Deeside Camera Club in 2010, part of the North East Open Studios event, she has set up the Ballerina Portrait Award.

She is hoping to find young ballerinas who are happy to take centre stage and to experience portrait photography. The results will be presented at an exhibition later in the year.

If you would like to take part in the award, or would like to find out more, go to www.suzanneedge.co.uk or call 013398 89275.

Violin Maker Ian Greig Banchory

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Fill each cell with a number from 1-6. No number can be repeated in any row or column. The numbers in the heavily outlined set of squares (cages) must combine in any order to produce the target number in the top corner, using only the mathematical operator specified: +, -, x or /. Numbers can be repeated within a cage, but not in the same row or column.

Head for the top of Table Mountain and the Cape Peninsula spreads below you, a dramatic finger of land jutting out 60 km into the ocean, bristling with peaks, fringed with rugged cliffs, coves and bays and pockets of suburbia surprisingly at ease in this stunning National Park, on the very edge of Cape Town.

It’s easy to forget the courage of early explorers as they sailed down the coast to round Africa’s most south-westerly point. Battered, as it was then, by the cool waters of the Atlantic, the western shore is peppered with exclusive villas – think Madonna, Beckham or Elton John - and sandy beaches such as Camp and Hout Bay, renowned for their seafood restaurants and romantic sunsets. Inland, the road climbs over craggy mountains, skirts vineyards and riding stables and, here and there, a thatched cottage straight out of rural England, before reaching the nature reserve. Stretching from the west coast, with its rich ‘forest of kelp’, to the eastern shore and the usually calm waters of False Bay, these wild open lands are covered with fynbos, an ancient scrub with over 1000 indigenous plants, including the bright King Protea and orange Pincushion, making the Western Cape the smallest but richest of the world’s six floral kingdoms. The wild life follows suite. Ramblers might spot antelopes and zebras, ostriches, 250 species of birds and Chacma baboons who have bred here for a million years. Out at sea, Southern Right whales, dolphins and seals frolic in the waves.

Whatever the season, the weather may well take a turn for the worse when you approach the Cape of Storms, so called by the Portuguese explorer Dias who discovered it in 1488. Later Vasco de Gama renamed it the Cape of Good Hope, honouring the new passage to the East and its lucrative trading route. Africa’s most south-westerly point was long thought to be the meeting place of the

Cape Point

Indian and Atlantic oceans, but this is in fact found 150 km or so to the east, depending on prevailing winds. Standing on the legendary Cape of Good Hope is awesome but even more spectacular is its neighbour, Cape Point, on the south-eastern tip of the peninsula. Come gale force winds or driving rain, redwing starlings twitter along the path all the way to the cliff top. Whether you walk up to the lighthouse or take the funicular, Cape Point truly rises like the end of the world, often drifting in low cloud and mist, parting now and then to reveal the last sliver of land edged with vertiginous cliffs. There is nothing ahead of you but vast churning waters melting into an ever changing sky.

After such untamed wilderness, the east coast greets you like a breath of fresh air with warm sheltered waters, sweeping sands and quiet villages with colourful harbours and cobbled streets. There’s Cork Bay, all ceramics and fishing boats, Fish Hoek, framed by mountains or Simon’s Town remembering its illustrious visitors, Nelson and Kipling. Just minutes away, a colony of jackass penguins live on Boulders beach, digging their nests in the sand, basking on the rocks, wobbling in and out of the water, untroubled by noisy Egyptian geese and cormorants. Fluffy babies peep out of the holes, the most endearing residents on the tip of Africa.

By Solange Hando

Above: Sign at Cape of Good Hope Below: Penguins on Boulders Beach

On the Tip of Africa The Cape Peninsula

History on your doorstep There is some confusion as to when the building of Drum Castle first started, but its purpose must have been to protect the crossings over the River Dee. Whoever controlled those crossings and the tracks to them, could control the North -East of Scotland, the Laigh of Moray, and the road to Inverness. One suggestion that a Tower was built between around 1280’s, during the reign of King Alexander III; another possibility would be between the time when Robert the Bruce was crowned at Scone in 1306 and 1323; but the experts have noticed a change in the stonework at second floor level, so it could be that a small tower was there when the Forest of Drum was handed over the care of William de Irewine on 1 February, 1323 by King Robert.

The lower stonework is very similar to that of Brig of Balgownie which was started about 1285.

When you visit Drum Castle, it is the massive early Tower you notice first which would originally have been surrounded by a defensive wall called a ‘barmekin’ enclosing byres, stables, stores and a courtyard. You can see part of a similar structure remaining at Craigevaar Castle. The Tower at Drum is 70 feet high, 50 feet by 35 feet square, and the lower walls are twelve feet thick. It was certainly built to last!

The entrance to the Tower is on the south side, the well was on the east, and there are signs that a roof structure was supported by corbels

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on the north suggesting that the courtyard extended round three sides of the Tower. There was also probably a wooden cap-house at the top, within the present wall-walk to protect the look-outs on the battlements.

The accommodation in the Tower in the 15th century would be rather uncomfortable, and it would appear that some new building was added for the laird’s private quarters to the west of the tower in the late 15th or 16th century. Then again in the 17th century the main house was built, and the same time, at Muchalls, near Stonehaven, and Craigston near Turriff, and it is possible that certain similarities were due to the same designer of Scottish Baronial Architecture of the period. Drum Castle was damaged and neglected during the Civil War years, and Alexander Irvine, the 18th laird was responsible for many changes, such as the present south-facing frontal design, and The Chapel to the West of the Castle dates back at least to the 15th century, and the earliest burial is dated 1761, Alexander the 17th laird.

The chapel has been restored several times, and the existing building is occasionally used for weddings.

The garden to the North-East of the castle was in existence before 1660 when it was ravaged

by Argyle’s troops, but has been redesigned many times, and is now cared for by the National Trust for Scotland.

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Local History It was Norman custom for the king to make grants of land to his faithful followers. In the same year that King Robert made the grant of Drum to William de Irewine he also granted land nearby to the family of Burnett. Over the next century they built a fortress on an island in the middle of the shallow boggy Loch Leys about three kilometres West of the present castle. As a result, the family became known as the Burnetts of Leys. This type of castle is found on many other sites, and was originally called a Crannog . The water of the loch acted as a moat around the fortress.

Both Drum and Crathes Castles are now in the care of the National Trust for Scotland, and are open to the public from April to October.

One story suggests that the tower house of Crathes Castle was built by the sixth laird, Alexander Burnard (1454-1504) and then extensions were started in 1553 but were delayed due to political problems during the reign of Mary Queen of Scots, so that the tower was not completed until 1596 by one of the several heads of the family named Alexander.

The Burnett family were also involved at Muchalls Castle and at Monboddo House near Laurencekirk, and a total of 21 castles throughout Scotland.

The more modern wing of Crathes Castle was added in the 18th century giving its present appearance but this was burned down in 1960’s and then rebuilt. It has been in the care if the National Trust for Scotland since 1951.

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what’s on round and about Sunday 12th June 2011 Kildrummy Vintage Car Rally For the fourth year the Kildrummy Vintage Car Rally is returning to Deeside Activity Park.

The Cars will be on the lawn from around 11 am till 3 pm and you will be able to spot them out on the roads on their road run also. The BBQ will be out and hopefully the sun. More information from www.kildrummy-vintage-rally.org.uk Aboyne

Celebrating Nature - Trees Forests and Us At Burn O Vat Visitor Centre Saturday 4th June 2011, 10:30 - 12:30 A Moment’s Peace Theatre Company: The Chronicles of Irania At MacRobert Memorial Hall, Tarland Friday 10th June 2011, 19:30

Alford

Cushnie Picnic and Games Meet at Milton of Cushnie Saturday 4th June 2011, 13:00 The Chronicles of Irania At Tullynessle & Forbes Village Hall Wednesday 8th June 2011, 19:30 BALLATER Balmoral Castle- Reopens for the season At Balmoral Castle Friday 1st April 2011 - Sunday 31st July 2011 F.O.C.U.S (Festival of Crafts Unique to Scotland) At Victoria Hall Sunday 19th June 2011 Secrets of Strathdon At Ballabeg Park, Strathdon.

Saturday 25th June 2011, 10:30 - 16:00

Banchory

Reeling & Writhing in association with Platform: The Presents At Woodend Barn Arts Centre Wednesday 1st June 2011, 10:30 Poetry Evening @ Sunninghil At Sunninghill Wednesday 1st June 2011, 17:30 Gay Halley, Irene Strachan and Mena Castledine At Woodend Barn Arts Centre Thursday 2nd June 2011, 18:30 - Tuesday 28th June 2011

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Salsa Celtica Acoustic Band: The Small Island Sessions At Woodend Barn Arts Centre Friday 3rd June 2011, 20:00 Singing for Joy At Woodend Barn Arts Centre Tuesday 7th June 2011, 11:00 - 12:30 Film Night: The Social Network At Woodend Barn Arts Centre Tuesday 7th June 2011, 19:30 A Moment’s Peace Theatre Company: The Chronicles of Irania At Woodend Barn Arts Centre Thursday 9th June 2011, 19:30 Saturday Storytime at Banchory Library At Banchory Library Saturday 11th June 2011, 11:00 - 11:30 St Ternans Heritage Fair 2011 In Banchory Saturday 11th June 2011 St Ternans Heritage Fair At Bellfield Park,Banchory Sunday 12th June 2011, 11:00 - 16:30 Macbeth: Live Broadcast from the Royal Opera House, London At Woodend Barn Arts Centre Monday 13th June 2011, 19:30 Singing for Joy At Woodend Barn Arts Centre Tuesday 14th June 2011, 11:00 - 12:30 Café Scientifique in Buchanans Bistro At Woodend Barn Arts Centre Tuesday 14th June 2011, 19:30 Mark Thomas ‘Walking the Wall’ At Woodend Barn Arts Centre Tuesday 14th June 2011, 20:00 Walks with the Gardener At Crathes Castle Wednesday 15th June 2011, 19:00 Deeside Dance Centre Senior Show At Woodend Barn Arts Centre Wednesday 15th June 2011, 19:30 Deeside Dance Centre Senior Show At Woodend Barn Arts Centre Thursday 16th June 2011, 17:30 Deeside Dance Centre Senior Show At Woodend Barn Arts Centre Friday 17th June 2011, 17:30 Mindfulness – An Introduction At Woodend Barn Arts Centre Saturday 18th June 2011, 10:30 - 16:00 Mànran

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At Woodend Barn Arts Centre Saturday 18th June 2011, 20:00 Dancing on Sundays At Woodend Barn Arts Centre Sunday 19th June 2011, 10:30 Deeside Artists Exhibition At Crathes Castle Monday 20th June 2011 - Sunday 3rd July 2011 Folk Session At Crathes Hall Friday 24th June 2011 F.O.C.U.S (Festival of Crafts Unique to Scotland) At Banchory Town Hall Saturday 25th June 2011 Saturday Storytime at Banchory Library At Banchory Library Saturday 25th June 2011, 11:00 - 11:30 Scotland’s Gardens Scheme Day - Workshop & Tours At Crathes Castle Sunday 26th June 2011, 09:00 - 17:00 Scotland’s Garden Scheme Day At Crathes Castle Sunday 26th June 2011, 09:00 - 17:00 Film Night: The Secret in their Eyes At Woodend Barn Arts Centre Tuesday 28th June 2011, 19:30

Braemar

Life on Craig Leek Meet at Keiloch Car Park Saturday 4th June 2011, 10:30 - 15:00

Stonehaven

Swimming Pool opens for the summer season At Stonehaven Pool Saturday 28th May 2011 - Sunday 4th September 2011

CVS Training Initiative - Art of Marketing Training Course At Viewmount, Stonehaven Thursday 2nd June 2011, 09:30 - 16:30 Feein Market In Stonehaven Saturday 4th June 2011 Stonehaven Car Boot Sale In Market Square Sunday 5th June 2011, 09:00 - 13:00 An evening with the Ury Players At Stonehaven Town Hall Thursday 9th June 2011, 19:30 Catterline Cartie Challenge In Catterline Saturday 11th June 2011 - Sunday 12th June 2011 Stonehaven Car Boot Sale In Market Square Sunday 12th June 2011, 09:00 - 13:00 Stonehaven Car Boot Sale In Market Square Sunday 19th June 2011, 09:00 - 13:00 Rockpool Rummage - Stonehaven At Stonehaven Leisure Centre Sunday 19th June 2011, 10:30 - 12:00 A Night of Scottish music with Paul Anderson, Shona Donaldson and Geordie Murison At Stonehaven Town Hall Saturday 25th June 2011, 19:30 Stonehaven Car Boot Sale In Market Square Sunday 26th June 2011, 09:00 - 13:00 Stoney Jazz Cafe At Stonehaven Town Hall Sunday 26th June 2011, 14:00 - 17:00 Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club At Stonehaven Town Hall Sunday 26th June 2011, 19:30

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The Dad Factor!

Why do we have Fathers’ Day? “Where did Fathers’ Day come from?” asked someone in the pub a couple of months ago.

“Ruddy greetings card companies invented it,” came the reply, and this seemed to be the general consensus.

Back at home I wondered whether Fathers’ Day really was just the product of a boardroom

meeting at Hallmark, so I set out to investigate.

While it seems there is evidence of a Babylonian boy named Elmesu, carving some sort of greeting on a clay tablet 4000 years ago wishing his father health and long life, I don’t think we can say Fathers’ Day started there - mostly because that’s pretty much it for the evidence until about 100 years ago.

The most common theory about modern Fathers’ Day is that it originated in the US, and with one particular lady, a Mrs. Sonora Louise Smart Dodd. She felt that just as we dedicate a special day to mothers, so we should do the same for fathers. It meant a lot to her, because she and her siblings were raised in a loving

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manner by her own father after her mother died in childbirth.

So she began a campaign, and the first Fathers’ Day was held on June 19th (her father’s birthday) in 1910. It grew in popularity and in 1966, President Lyndon Johnson signed a proclamation declaring that the third Sunday in June would be Fathers’ Day. Now the waters become murky. How did Fathers’ Day make the leap across the Atlantic? No-one seems to know, but it’s likely that – in the manner of other American traditions - it gradually seeped into the British consciousness. Greetings cards manufacturers definitely played their part though. Never ones to miss a trick, they began producing cards and we bought them. It seems that in the UK, Fathers’ Day really took off in the 1970s but, unlike in the US, it’s never been declared an ‘official’ day.

Still, as traditions go it’s a nice one. Fathers often get bad press, and some of them quite justifiably so, but surely that doesn’t mean the good ones should go unrecognised.

The role of dads has changed a lot in a generation. Most now take on a substantial amount of child care and are much more hands-on than their own dads were. Research shows that dads who are involved in day-to-day childcare are key figures in helping their children develop good self-esteem and self-confidence.

Their rough-play helps children learn a sense of control and independence. Crucially, dads who get involved when their children are young, are much more likely to stay involved and in touch if their marriage breaks down.

Dads are important, so let yours know how much you love him this Fathers’ Day

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