West End Issue 71

Issue 71

Nov-Dec 2012

West End Edition Free Magazine Est : Oct 2005

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Ad-hoc contributions from : Helen Taylor; James Baggott; Pippa Greenwood; Jane Robinson and Amanda Wise Advertising Sales : Sue Simpson : 01224 - 318561 Distribution - thanks to : Mark; Sue; Carol; Caroline; Gregor; Jodi; Cameron; Kate; Sarah; Fraser; Laura; Freya; David; Maureen & Raymond; Vanessa; Lauren; Sophie; Sharon; Mary; Rebecca; Benjamin; Adam; Glenn; Kate; Alix; Andrew; Connor and Carter

West End gazette deadlines : 30 November for Dec/Jan joint magazine

publisher/owner : Sue Simpson

All enquiries :

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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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12000 West End Homes

going thru the letterbox in Airyhall, Ashley, Bieldside, Braeside, Broomhill, Countesswells, Craigiebuckler, Cults, Holburn, Kepplestone Houses, Mannofield, Morningside, Queens Cross, Rubislaw, Seafield, Viewfield, Woodland at Pitfodels, Woodend

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A note from Sue...

End of October brought me my first cold/ flu. It lasted four weeks and I am only now just starting to feel better and have a little more energy. Which is great as the build-up to the all-important party season is happening!

We’ve taken a wee look at shopping in Hoburn Street. Parking – tick. Great shops – tick. For those looking for a cheeky new outfit try it’s Darling. Then pop into Pink Lily and get your hair and nails done. Grab a Christmas bouquet from the new flower shop on the block Kim Dalglish. Cross at the crossing and pick up some Christmas gifts at Junction Arts and then over to Holburn Crafts to get some finishing touches for your homemade gift tags and cards. Perfect.

There is loads of choice to shop locally this Christmas – just open your eyes and see for yourself. If you can manage one Christmas gift from an independent store it will make their year.

To help get you cooking we have a couple of recipes but first things first what about the turkey? Didn’t Emma Davidson Photography do well with our cover this month? It was a challenge which she rose too. As well as the quirky, Emma does more “traditional” photography check out her website www.emmadavidsonphotography.co.uk

Did you know about Bus Route No 5? Eleanor kindly drew our attention to this service which

is shared with Frist Bus and Stagecoach. We’ve taken the liberty of printing the timetable and route in the local shop section towards the back of the book.

There is plenty of ideas to decorate that Christmas Tree, prepare the festive food, new ways to watch and record television along with a great What’s On page.

Enjoy this issue of the gazette and catch you again just before Christmas.

The joint December/January issue copy deadline for adverts, event listing and articles is Thursday, 6 December 2012.

In the meantime go grab that cuppa and read on...

PS: Any last minute events, local news, what’s on etc I will try and put onto our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/gazettemagazines

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Letters Two friends, Lyle Smith Business Analyst; Andrew Stephen,Tax Consultant and myself Lindsey Macdearmid, Accountant got back earlier this month from completing the Inca Trail Trek for MND Scotland. We were part of a party of 17 from all over Scotland who travelled out from Glasgow. The group has raised over £41k with money still coming in to help people and families affected by Motor Neurone Disease.

All of our families have been affected by this debilitating disease hence we decided to take on the trek and then met through it. The trek is very challenging at altitudes of up to 4200m and took four days to complete.

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 Emergency Eye Appointments 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 4

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The photo above is the three of us at the top of Dead Womans Pass at 4200 metres, the highest point on the Inca Trail.

My name is Aaron McIntosh (16), Chief Fundraiser for a local Charity Future Choices (Sc040085). The Charity helps the disabled community gain much needed social inclusion and recreational activities. We are always Fundraising as much as possible.

Several months ago we launched an Appeal called Cash For Cans, with the main purpose being to obtain a disabled friendly mini – bus in which we were successful, however we have had to terminate the appeal due to the value of steel/aluminium dropping.

My job as Chief Fundraiser for the Charity is too raise as much money as possible, which is why we're putting on a Charity Race Night, the event will be held in The New Greentrees pub, Dyce on Friday 23rd November from 19.30-00.00 with tickets being £7 per person with Stovies a raffle and disco. You can contact Aaron directly on 07591598480 to buy ticket(s) I feel it very important that young people, like me, can help others in need out within the community and gain great skills in the process.

I would be so grateful if you could cover this story as I am hoping to inspire other youngsters of my age to get more involved in their

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Letters The Aristocats in association with Bellhaven Pubs present

CHRISTMAS PARTY

HOLBURN BAR Upstairs Function Room

Saturday 8th December 2012, Doors Open 7.30pm - Midnight

Tickets only £10.00 per person

including a delicious buffet from 8.00pm, all proceeds raised donated to Street Child of Sierra Leone charity.

Enjoy a covers set-list of live Christmas classics and music from great acts such as

Supported by

Stevie Wonder, The Eagles, Michael Buble, Tom Jones, Earth, Wind & Fire, Amy Winehouse and many more.

Tickets available from the Holburn Bar or reserve by emailing thearistocats@hotmail.co.uk 'Like Us' on Facebook to be kept up to date with our latest gigs and news.

ALL WE WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS TO HELP.

East Mannofield Industries

Hi Sue, Since you advertised the Aristoplast gig last year and promoted Lindsay's projects, lots of cash has been raised - Street Child has opened senior schools, has hundreds of kids in education, teachers trained, a string of bars and shops including the flagship Clubhouse Bar - all of the profits from these have gone to the benefit of the street kids - not to mention offering much needed employment to local people

Early pregnancy scans available from 6 weeks • Gender scans available from 18 weeks • 3D/4D scans available from 24 weeks

GP/Sonographer led service with full medical back-up as part of the Baby Scanning Group

I went there in June to see my younger daughter Stacey run in Sierra Leone's first ever marathon - organised by Street Child. It was a huge success and the proudest day of my life.

Once again Sue - if you were able to help out I'd very much appreciate it.

Kind regards Grant Please do mention the gazette when responding to advertisers - thank you

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L-R support worker Helen Dunn and service user Richard Whyte

Which Aberdeen workforce boasts staff with past lives as diverse as oil and gas, financial services, art and design, agriculture, teaching and even the army?

In its November recruitment drive, VSA, the UK’s largest city social care charity, is creating a new generation of care work careers. Unlike jobs that demand a degree or training, VSA looks at personal experience first, creating a collection with wonderfully varied staff backgrounds.

VSA, which supports a massive 5,000 people every year in Aberdeen city and shire, wants to show the local public that there are exciting, progression-focused jobs in social care, right on their doorstep. But the charity has noted a massive misconception that, for a rewarding, uplifting job in care, prior experience or training is needed.

That’s not how it’s done at VSA. It looks at the overall potential of a candidate to care for their community instead of judging them on previous jobs – or lack of. VSA wants people from all backgrounds, whether youngsters fresh from school, proud parents

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returning to work or someone seeking a complete career makeover.

Obviously, qualified support workers are very welcome. But the recruitment team wants to explore a new generation of workers too. People who are naturally compassionate and can use personal experience or attributes to get ahead professionally. They want to hear from people who have brought up children, spent time caring for a disabled family member or even just been there for a friend when they are unwell. These life skills all form an important package and everything else, from basic qualifications to intensive training, is provided by VSA to turn what could be ‘just a job’ into a fully-fledged career.

VSA’s Mo Lutton is experiencing just that.

She got into social care after a three-year spell in Aberdeen’s booming oil and gas industry. Although the powerful prospects of the energy sector were exciting, she realised social care offered something really similar. All she arrived with was a basic understanding of care and bags of enthusiasm but three months later, she

knows VSA’s in-house training already has her on the career ladder.

For Mo, care isn’t a nine to five, deskbased, suited and booted role. There haven’t been two days the same since she started. And, although there are challenges, she finds her job uplifting and incredibly satisfying. She says: “The service users make it all worthwhile. I really look forward to coming to work. How many people can say that?”

For support worker Helen Dunn, her last job, teaching English as a foreign language, had skills that, merged with her natural people skills, were ideal for VSA. All Nicola Lindsay’s care-related training has been on the job. She secured the role by leveraging her personal experience of caring for someone.

In Aberdeen city centre VSA’s mental health services Arrdier House, Millbank House, Northfield Lodge, Richmondhill House, St Aubins and Westerton Crescent are on the hunt for happy, hardworking heroes. Likewise with older peoples’ services at Broomhill Park, Cloverfield Grove, Crosby House and Ruthrieston House. Further positions are available at Peterculter-based Craigton Grove, Easter Anguston Farm and Linn Moor School.

A VSA recruitment day will be held on 29 November 2012 at Union Square (upper atrium) between 9am and 6pm and at 38 Castle Street between 10am and 4pm.

For more information or to apply for a position, visit

www.vsa.org.uk/jobs e-mail HR@vsa.org.uk or call 01224 358589 Please do mention the gazette when responding to advertisers - thank you

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November Bit of a nothing month, November. After all the flash-bang-wallop of Guy Fawkes Night and the various other feasts of light and feasts of the dead at the beginning of the month, it all goes rather quiet until Christmas.

November is the last month of autumn rather than the first month of winter, but while everything is dank and gloomy it isn’t necessarily all that cold.

So it’s an in-between month, really, and neither fish nor fowl: just drab. The poet Thomas Hood (1789-1845) pretty much summed it up:

No sun– no moon!

No morn– no noon– No dawn– no dusk– no proper time of day.

No warmth, no cheerfulness, no healthful ease.

No comfortable feel in any member– No shade, no shine, no butterflies, no bees, No fruits, no flowers, no leaves, no birds– November!

And believe it or not, Hood was best known in his day as a humourist.

There are no bank holidays and no big national events except Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday, which – despite their importance - aren’t generally looked forward to. Even the really bigtime saints have opted not to have their feast days in November, so instead we’re left with a long list of second-string saints. St Floribert, for instance. St Austremonius. St Papulus. St Acepsimas. November 7th is devoted to St Blinlivet, who sounds like a malt whisky; on November 8th we have St Wiomad, who sounds like a world music festival; while on November 9th it’s the turn of St Aedh MacBricc – probably Irish, I’d guess.

November 13th is the feast day of St Homobonus, or “good bloke”, and November 20th belongs to St Benignus, or “nice guy”. No more than you’d expect from a saint, I suppose.

Although these are by no means front-line saints, some of them are pretty interesting. St Richard Whiting, for instance, whose feast day is

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November 15th, was the last Abbot of Glastonbury, hanged on Glastonbury Tor in 1539 for refusing to hand over the abbey to Henry VIII. St Nerses the Great (November 19th) was an Armenian bishop who in 373 was in trouble with the king – King Pap, would you believe – for denouncing his licentious, lascivious, and generally lustful ways.

Pap had him poisoned. And St Nikon (November 26th) was neither Japanese nor a photographer but was in fact another Armenian. An Orthodox monk, Nikon followed the Byzantine army which reconquered Crete from the Arabs. His job was to reconvert the Greek peasants who had lapsed from the church or converted to Islam.

Finally, Saints Pinnock and Winoc. They were the same person: a Breton, or possibly Welsh, or possibly Cornish missionary in the late 7th-early 8th century who converted the heathen Flemish.

He has a town named after him near Dunkirk (Bergues or Sint Winoksbergen) and two hamlets in Cornwall, St Pinnock and St Winnow.

Anyway, an interesting bunch of saints, but not really a corrective to November’s gloom. And November really is gloomy: the UK’s average hours of sunlight falls from 101 in October (74 in Scotland) to a mere 65 (43 in Scotland) in November, and we all get Seasonal Affective Disorder. My answer to this perennial bout of the blues is to proclaim a festival of light for the modern age: National SAD Day, when we as a nation all exchange vouchers for sun-lamp treatment. This will expose us to a plentiful dose of the sunshine vitamin and make us all joyous and frisky despite the weather.

It will probably be on November 31st.

Picture – humourist and poet Thomas Hood, National Gallery.

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SATURDAY 8 DECEMBER 10am - 6pm

Cowdray Hall Schoolhill Aberdeen AB10 1SQ info@wearesmartconsultants.co.uk tiny.cc/teacosy 01224 561977

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Party Perfect Make-Up

By Helen Taylor

We all know that it’s the most wonderful time of the year, so don’t hold back this Christmas: find a glamorous party look that’s guaranteed to make you the belle of the ball.

Gorgeous hair and makeup is essential for whatever social gathering you’re attending and it’s the finishing touches that make you look really special.

December’s party season is the one month in the calendar where you can really embrace a strong make-up look - so make the most of it.

We’ve found one that will look great with whichever little black dress you’ll be wearing: it’s classic, sophisticated and perfect for Christmas, and here’s how to achieve it.

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Health, Fitness and Beauty

Sophisticated Christmas Glamour: Get the look Porcelain skin, flushed cheeks, berry stained lips and defined eyes make fabulous make-up at this time of year. Embracing your natural complexion and choosing a foundation shade that’s close to it can give incredible results and a really classy finish.

If you’re used to applying bronzer though, leaving it off - even in the winter - will take a little getting used to, but it’s always good to step out of your cosmetic comfort zone and try something new.

Skin really has to be flawless for this look. Use a primer first, then apply a covering foundation using a foundation brush.

Choose a light-reflecting loose powder to apply on top of your foundation for a radiant glow that helps to set your base.

Although glittery cosmetics are everywhere at this time of year, it really is best to stay away from them, because shimmer and glitter show up every line and wrinkle and aren’t flattering unless you’re a teenager. If you do fancy some sparkle, opt for a dazzling nail varnish instead.

Sculpt cheekbones by applying a blusher in a dusky pink hue. Remember not to place the colour too close to the centre of your face - smile as you apply it, to see the apples of your cheeks, and sweep upwards and outwards.

Next, lightly define your eyes. Use a neutral eyeshadow across the lids and brow bone, then apply a light brown shade in the socket, and a deeper brown in the far corner.

Brush your brows into shape using a brow brush, pluck away any stray hairs and emphasise them with a hint of colour. Use a brow powder to add definition and shape - it’s worth doing this even if you don’t usually, as strong make-up calls for more defined brows - and finish with a slick of gel to set them.

Choose a liquid liner in black and line your top lid. Extend the line out to create a small flick if you want to. Wait for it to dry fully before curling your eyelashes and apply lashings of mascara. For extra definition use false eyelashes, but make sure that they are natural looking.

Use a soft black eye-pencil under your eye, and on the inner rim choose black liner for a smoky look or white for a wide-eyed look. Finish with a touch of mascara.

Use a lip liner in a shade that compliments your lipstick and create a great shape. Using a lip brush, apply your lipstick. Choose a berry-red hue for instant glamour and finish with a dab of lip gloss in the centre of your lips for a really full look.

Remember, Christmas comes but once a year - so enjoy every minute.

Gift Ideas for Christmas at Kumiko

Offers valid until 30 December 2012. Conditions apply.

gelcolor by OPI Book gelcolor nails for the upcoming party season and get £10 off an express dermalogica mini facial (30 mins)!

Nails that will last for weeks!

Kumiko Wish List Create your wish list and we’ll let your nearest and dearest know about it. Ask in the shop for more details.

Gift Vouchers An extra 10% added to any gift voucher bought over £50

Dermalogica Products Kumiko will match internet prices on ALL dermalogica products Dermalogica Gift Sets in stock now

89 Gray Street, Aberdeen AB10 6JD T: 01224 594777 E: jenny@kumikobeauty.co.uk

Acupuncture Acupuncture uses the insertion of fine needles into particular points in the skin.

Where the needles are placed will depend on your condition.

Acupuncturists believe that stimulating these points can correct imbalances in the flow of Qi or energy (see also Traditional Chinese Medicine below).

Good for: pain relief (it is sometimes used post-surgery), menstrual and menopausal problems, tendonitis, urinary problems, sports injuries Chiropractic

Choosing the right therapy There are a wide range of complementary therapies available, but which one might be best for your condition?

With such an array of complementary therapies on offer, it can be difficult to know which one might best suit your particular ailment or condition. Here’s a low-down on some of the most popular therapies and the kinds of conditions they can help:

Chiropractors work to correct dysfunction in the joints and muscles and work particularly on the spinal column, where problems such as neck and back pain can originate. Through manual treatments, such as spinal manipulation and adjustment, it can treat and help to prevent mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

Good for: headaches, lower back pain, neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, Scoliosis, stress Homeopathy Homeopathy uses highly diluted substances - usually given in tablet form which help to trigger the body’s own natural system of healing.

Based on the principle of treating ‘like with like’, the tablets contain minute amounts of substances, which in large doses would trigger a reaction, but in minute doses actually help to alleviate the condition.

Good for: allergies, upper respiratory tract infections, bronchitis, hay fever, premenstrual syndrome, sinusitis

Naturopathy Naturopathy uses a combination of natural therapies to help the body to heal itself. Therapies include diet, hydrotherapy, osteopathy, herbalism, homeopathy and exercise, which can all help the body to cleanse itself of toxins and alleviate stress.

an imbalance of the flow of Qi or energy. Qi is made up of two forces, yin and yang and when one of these forces dominates, then illness occurs. A combination of Chinese herbs and acupuncture is usually used.

Good for: chronic and acute conditions, such as digestive problems, chronic fatigue, hormonal problems, anxiety

What to expect from a consultation During the first consultation with your therapist you will be asked a lot of questions about your overall health, not just about your particular condition. This is because complementary therapists look at the body as a whole, not just one part of it. Expect to answer questions about your habits, diet, medical background and family health, as your therapist will need a full picture before they can decide on how to treat you.

Good for: asthma and chest conditions, skin conditions such as eczema and rosacea

Osteopathy Osteopathy is almost considered mainstream these days and you can often be treated on the NHS. Working on the bones, joints and muscles, osteopathy uses manipulation, massage and light movements to holistically re-balance physical, mental and emotional problems.

Good for: back pain, pregnancy-related problems, sports injuries Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) TCM works on the belief that illness is caused by disharmony (or dis-ease) in the body due to

Remember to always consult your GP about your condition and don’t stop taking any prescribed medicine without discussing it with your GP first.

Acupuncture Treatment without Needles!

Tanja Oliver, a cosmic energy healer, is now using the Konstantin appliance to diagnose and treat patients of their ailments/conditions via the 12 ‘Meridians’.

Experience the healing energy of acupuncture without the needles. A ground-breaking technique new to the West.

Some of the conditions treated include cellulite, chronic muscle pain, bronchitis, indigestion, asthma, diseases of the ear, nose and throat, and many more.

Contact Tanja for an initial appointment.

Phone: Aberdeen (01224) 906956 e-mail: Tanjaom@yahoo.com Visit website: www.cosmic-energy-healing.com

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Across 1. Felt top Woody dropped (6) 4. Two drugs for an eccentric! (8) 10. Senorita’s bust statement (9) 11. A seer somehow to rub out (5) 12. Thoughts of Sadie, perhaps (5) 13. Soils seen around female animals (9) 14. Girls after initially good spectacles (7) 16. Denial by a hot shipbuilder (4) 19. Man made from a staple crop (4) 21. I encode a type of drug (7) 24. Agreed on a fizzy drink (9) 25. Girl in Ephesus? I envy her! (5) 26. Ineffectual way to arrange a pet in (5) 27. Alien gent rendered clumsy (9) 28. Coy tales about attendants (8) 29. Null we arranged poorly (6) ©Puzzlepress.co.uk

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Down 1. Burning hoop for a bird (8) 2. Crazy gal saves a city (3,5) 3. Deserves after disentangling snare (5) 5. Word nun somehow disparaged (3,4) 6. Celled van leads to city in Ohio (9) 7. Quiet lift gaining approval (6) 8. Belief in meths I produced (6) 9. Fliers turn to shooters (6)

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15. First small page before properly becoming agile (9) 17. Unusual aids used to deter (8) 18. Leap about Ted’s broken stand! (8) 20. Cup, perhaps of tea first left next to frost (7) 21. Force after first crusade, smart (6) 22. Cut log ignited by a girl (6) 23. Dame OK to come to terms with (4,2) 25. Severe form of rents (5) e : gazette@fsmail.net

The words Strength Training conjure many different images for people with one of Body Builders being the most common of these images. But muscle strength simply means the power to resist force. That force may be a shopping bag or branches off a bush when gardening. We all need strength to complete daily tasks, such as standing from a chair, picking up keys off the floor, lifting a package from the car, or walking along the street.

To maintain muscle strength we need to do regular strength training. However, it does not mean we have to visit the gym each week. The government guidelines on strength training recommend two sessions a week working all the major muscles of the body. The legs, front and back; arms, front and back; the tummy and back.

When strength or resistance training is undertaken not only do we build muscle strength but also bone density. The more pull there is on the muscle the more the bone will resist and become stronger. Toning the muscles will help us to look health and lean. When following a weight loss programme, strength training will help to keep the muscles and skin toned.

It is possible to visit the gym twice a week, if that is what you like to do. The machines and weights are all there. However, swimming twice a week will also provide resistance for the body as you pull the body through the water. It will also be a cardiovascular workout and strengthen the heart at the same time.

Here are some simple exercises which may be completed in the house to help with muscle strength. It is important to know, before starting, to warm up before the exercises and cool down at the end of the exercise and finish off with some stretches. Complete the exercises 8 at a time, then rest, completing no more that a total of 24. If you start to get dizzy the movement is too fast, it’s time to rest, recover.

Sittin in the middle of the seat Legs: Sit to Stand: be seated, tall, in the middle of a dining chair.

Knees over the ankles and looking straight ahead. Press down through the heels, keeping the head above the heart, squeeze the bottom muscles and lift up from the chair.

Stand to sit: feel the chair on the back of the legs when standing. Keep your gaze on the horizon, bend the knees and aim the bottom towards the back of the seat, to sit down, keeping the head above the heart. If support is needed with either of these two exercise place another chair in front to hold.

Arms Biceps curl (Elbow bend): using a tin of vegetables or a small bottle of water, one in each hand, sit/stand tall keeping elbows by the waistline. Bend the elbow and bring the tin to the shoulders keeping elbows pointing to the floor.

Triceps push down: using the same tin/bottle, one in each hand, straighten the arm and take the elbow behind Tummy Sit in the middle of the chair, creating length in the spine.

Hold onto the chair with one hand and bend sideways reaching the opposite hand to the floor, if possible with the tin/bottle.(The tin/bottle may be too challenging to start with.) Repeat 4 times on each side.

Staying seated in the middle of the chair, lift onto the toes.

Engage the tummy muscles and walk the toes forward and back.

Back Sitting in the middle of a dining chair keep the back long, engage the tummy muscles. Lean back so as the shoulders touch the back of the seat then move forward to the start position again, keeping the back straight.

Chest Sitting or standing tall, hold your tin/bottle, one in each hand, and reach both arms out in front and cross over at chest level alternating the arm on top of the cross.

Strength training will only work if...

You do it You do it regularly You do it progressively –

increase the resistance as time goes by.

Enjoy everything you do.

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By Laura Walker Ltd

Strength training

Venison Casserole Venison is a lean and flavoursome red meat which is in season from October through to February. For the best quality, buy from a trusted butcher or farmers’ market. This warming casserole is perfect for a weekend supper served with creamy mashed potato and a glass of fullbodied red wine.

Serves 6 Ready in 2 ½ hours, plus marinating Ingredients 1.3 kg diced venison 425ml red wine 1 tsp juniper berries 2 fresh bay leaves 2 tbsp olive oil 25g butter 350g shallots or button onions, peeled 2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed 2 tbsp seasoned flour 300ml hot beef or vegetable stock 2 large parsnips, peeled and cut into chunks 4 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks 3tbsp redcurrant jelly few sprigs fresh thyme salt and freshly ground black pepper creamy mashed potato, to serve.

Method Place the venison in a bowl and pour over the wine. Add the juniper berries and bay leaves, cover and marinate in the fridge for 4-5 hours or overnight.

Remove from the fridge 1 hour before starting to cook the casserole.

Preheat the oven to 150ºC/300ºF/Gas Mark 2. Strain the venison from the red wine (reserving the wine). Heat half the oil and butter in a large flameproof casserole dish and fry the venison in 2-3 batches until browned all over, adding the rest of the oil and butter when necessary. Remove the venison with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Add the onions to the casserole and fry for 6-7 minutes until golden, adding the garlic after 3 minutes. Sprinkle over the seasoned flour and fry for a further 1-2 minutes.

Gradually stir in the wine and stock and bring to the boil, scraping any sediment from the base of the casserole.

Add the venison, parsnips, carrots and half the thyme sprigs to the casserole and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cover and cook in the preheated oven for 1½ – 2 hours until the venison and vegetables are tender.

Remove from the oven and stir in the redcurrant jelly. Return the casserole, uncovered, to the oven for a further 20-30 minutes. Serve garnished with the rest of the thyme sprigs and with creamy mashed potato, if liked.

WELL HUNG MEATY FIND for an Aberdeen Butchery and Fine Food Business Innovation, Gluten Free & Healthy, Lean Eating choices are part of everyday business Andrew Gordon’s but Andrew has uncovered a very special cut of Aberdeen Angus Beef by going back to his roots of continental style butchery.

The NEW STEAK on the block, only available at Andrew Gordon Butchery & Fine Foods, is called the Gordonian Best Steak. This steak has a fantastic deep beefy natural flavour and is at its best cooked medium rare and being cooked after coming to room temperature, lightly oiled & seasoned with ground salt & pepper corns. Phone calls and tweets via Andrew’s twitter account which is @ AberdeenButcher have been coming in from Australia and London to name but a few, asking how its done and where it has come from but Andrew is keeping this find exclusive to his retail shop on Aberdeen’s Chattan Place and then to be served in his restaurant when it gets off the ground in the near future.

“The Gordonian Best Steak has local, UK and International appeal” The story doesn’t stop there, for additional uniqueness and part of Andrew Gordon’s Trusted Food Project, Andrew is investing in the start of his own herd of Aberdeen Angus cattle in 2013.

For more information go to www.andrewgordonbutchery.com or follow on twitter @AberdeenButcher Andrew Gordon Butchery & Fine Foods 35-37 Chattan Place Aberdeen AB10 6RB Tel – 01224 587553

TRUSTED FOOD

by Andrew Robert Gordon Exclusive Gordonian Best Steak Aberdeen Angus Steaks & Roasts Kelly Bronze Free Range Turkeys Stornoway Black Puddings Gluten Free Range & Events International Cheese Counter Festive, Wedding & Event Cheeses Subscribe to my FREE newsletter online for FREE entry into my £200 Christmas Meat Hamper Draw.

Find out more about new product launches by following @AberdeenButcher on Twitter & ‘Like’ Andrew Gordon Award Winning Butchery & Fine Foods on Facebook.

CALL 01224 587553 www.andrewgordonbutchery.com

Let’s talk wine...

J is for Jaen Jaen is just one of many indigenous Portuguese grape varieties that makes Portugal an ideal country to explore new wine tastes.

This early ripening red grape is found mainly in the Dao region. It’s soft berry flavours also blend well with the structure and complexity of Touriga Nacional and the blackberry and spice of Alfrocheiro Preto.

The dark berry, spicy Touriga Nacional is also at home in the Douro Valley where it is a component of both Port and still red wines. If you are a fan of Rioja, then look for Portuguese bottles bearing the names of either Tinta Roriz (in Douro and Dao) and Aragonez in the Alentejo region. Both are local names for Tempranillo, the key player in many a Rioja.

The Baga grape is found mainly in Bairrada. Its tannins and acidity require TLC both in the vineyard and winery but it is capable of producing intense wines capable of aging.

Producers to try: Dao: Sogrape, Quinta Das Maias, Quinta Dos Roques, Douro: Quinta Do Crasto, Quinta De La Rosa Alentejo: Esporao, Joao Portugal Ramos Bairrada: Luis Pato Gift vouchers/places are available for Carols next WES Introductory evening class and 1 day workshop from www.wine-education-service.co.uk For more information on wine tastings, courses and events in Aberdeen go to www.wineuncorkededucation.co.uk or call Carol on 01224 312076 Carol Brown carol@wineuncorkededucation.co.uk

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Carol is an Aberdeen based member of the Association of Wine Educators and the Circle of Wine Writers. e : gazette@fsmail.net

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23

Mini Christmas Cakes These delightful mini fruit and nut topped cakes are perfect for giving as a festive foodie present. Simply wrap in clear cellophane and tie with gold ribbon or place in small gift boxes.

Makes 9 Ready in 4 hours, plus cooling For the cake 250g butter, softened 250g dark muscovado sugar 4 medium eggs, beaten 350g plain flour 2 tsp ground mixed spice ½ tsp ground cinnamon ½ tsp ground cloves Finely grated zest of 1 lemon 800g mixed dried fruit 100g glace cherries, rinsed, dried and chopped 100g chopped mixed nuts For the decoration 750g marzipan Icing sugar, for dusting 4 tbsp apricot jam, warmed and sieved Mixed coloured glace cherries, walnut halves, Brazil nuts and chopped dried apricots Method Preheat the oven to 150C/300F/gas 2. Grease and line the base and sides of a 20cm square cake tin with a double thickness of greased, greaseproof paper.

Place the butter and sugar in a large bowl and cream together until pale and fluffy.

Gradually beat in the eggs. Sift together the flour and spices then fold into the creamed mixture. Fold in the lemon zest, dried fruit, glace cherries and nuts and mix thoroughly.

Spoon the mixture into the prepared cake tin and smooth the surface. Use the back of a metal spoon to make a slight dip in the centre (this will help to give an even rise). Bake in the preheated oven for 3¼ - 3 ½ hours or until firm to the touch and a skewer inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean. Leave to cool in the tin.

When the cake is completely cold, use a sharp knife to cut it into 9 smaller square cakes. Brush the sides of each cake with a little apricot jam. Divide the marzipan into 9 pieces. Dust a surface lightly with icing sugar and roll each piece out to a strip long enough to go around each cake. Wrap the strips around the cakes pinching the ends together to seal. Top each cake with a selection of cherries, nuts and apricots. Tie a ribbon around each cake if liked.

A very vintage Christmas

By Claudia Leaf

It’s mid December and your newly-bought Christmas tree is standing naked in the corner of your living room. So it’s to the loft, garage or shed to dig out that battered old box of decorations.

If your box is anything like mine, you’ll probably find a past-its-best fairy with drooping wings, some purple and silver baubles from the Millennium and two crushed crackers from last year’s Christmas lunch (couldn’t bear to throw them away) tangled together with swathes of tinsel, garlands, non-functioning fairy lights and springs of plastic holly.

Most of my hoard is cheap, garish and ultimately disposable. But there’s one very special part of the collection that I will never throw away. It’s a treasured set of old-style, hand painted tree decorations, made out of wafer thin glass.

Vintage tree ornaments are an evocative sight for those of us who were children in the 1950s and 60s: each year when I unwrap my collection it takes me back to a time when Christmas seemed truly magical and exciting. Although I understand the reasons why hanging delicate glass baubles on the Christmas tree – within grabbing distance of little hands - is no longer a good idea, it’s sad to think that such beautiful items are no longer readily available.

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The tradition of making glass tree decorations dates back to 17th century Bohemia (the modern day Czech Republic) and Germany. Today’s familiar ball shapes had their origins at a place called Lauscha in Germany, where legend has it they were first created when glass blowers competed to see who could blow the largest sphere before the molten glass popped.

Those that survived were kept by the glassmakers’ wives, swirled with silver nitrate and sold at local markets as magic talismans, offering protection and blessing during the holy season.

In 1848 a picture of the young Queen Victoria’s Christmas tree, hung with decorations brought from her husband Prince Albert’s native Germany, was published in the Illustrated London News.

This sparked a copycat craze throughout Europe and soon whole families in the town of Lauscha were employed to mass-produce decorations – the menfolk blowing the glass and the women and children painting and finishing the ornaments.

Later that century, German immigrants brought the same passion for glass decorations to America. Thanks to entrepreneur Frank Woolworth - who bought millions for his popular chain stores - what began as a cottage industry in Lauscha became an international phenomenon.

By the mid-20th century new molding techniques had sped up mass production and reduced the cost of manufacture. In addition to the more conventional round and oval shapes, there were decorations shaped like musical instruments, stars, lanterns, mushrooms, snowflakes, snowy cottages and little figures of Santa Claus. My favourite ones were the exotic birds with silky fibre glass tails that clipped onto your tree and trembled like real birds every time the branches moved.

Nowadays most Christmas tree ornaments are made out of plastic, but if you do happen to find a Lauschan treasure lurking at the bottom of your decorations box, take good care of it. Vintage tree ornaments are becoming highly collectable and you can find sets on Ebay and other online auction sites for between £15 and £30.

Short of time? Too busy?

Need an extra pair of hands? Overwhelmed?

Christmas is round the corner and we can help you purchase, set up and decorate your tree and home as well as gift buying.

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Housekeeping Services, Cleaning including fridges and ovens, Laundry & Ironing; Fridge clear outs; Kitchen organisation; Grocery Shopping and Meal preparation; Closet and Attic Arrangement; Decluttering; Holiday suitcase packing and unpacking; Baby sitting, Pet and House sitting, Gardening services etc Whatever your needs, we have a solution

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Door to door transportation to your hospital, GP and other appointments; Escort service to GP/hospital appointments/ shopping trips for elderly relatives; Collection and dropping of children at school and extracurricular activities; Prescription collection; Receiving home deliveries; Key holding service to admit and supervise workmen; Dropping off/ picking up post and dry-cleaning; Gift buying

Contact us on: Tel: 01224 732471 Mobile: 07775675703 www.goshenhealth.co.uk/lifestyle

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27

Top tips for Christmas decorations Have your festive decorations lost their sparkle? Are they gaudy rather than gorgeous, tacky instead of terrific?

Katherine Sorrell has some ideas to bring back your home’s Christmas cheer with wreaths, baubles and garlands galore

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Choose a theme Rather than assembling any old cacophony of decorations, choosing a theme brings unity to the overall look. It should suit the style of your house and the way your family celebrates the festive season, whether laid-back and relaxed, sophisticated or formal. For some, that might mean a traditional, living fir tree and a colour theme of red, green and gold. For others, a kitsch fake tree with fluorescent ornaments; or perhaps a minimal, modern style with pure silver and glass. A Scandinavian theme would involve simple decorations in red and white, while a colourful, contemporary theme would be based around one or two bright colours.

Dress the tree Start by winding it with lights – making sure they’re evenly distributed by occasionally switching them on and standing back for an overall impression. Use a small stepladder if necessary to reach the top. Next, drape your garlands, again aiming for evenness and an impression of generosity without overloading the tree. On small or slim trees, use slender garlands; on larger trees you can afford to go for heavier, fancier garlands. Last, hang your ornaments, with the largest first, filling in around them with smaller ones. Don’t hang all the ornaments on the tips of branches – placing some nearer the trunk creates a sense of depth and interest.

Hang a wreath For some, the making of a family wreath using foraged leaves, flowers, seeds, nuts and fruit is a significant part of the holiday season; for others, creating a decorative wreath offers the chance to experiment with exciting new materials, from tinsel to feathers, pearls to buttons.

Alternatively, ready-made examples are available in any style imaginable, from classic to contemporary, heart-shaped or circular, small or large, utterly simple or lavish and complex.

Whatever its style, a Christmas wreath always provides a wonderful sense of festive welcome.

Make some decorations Home-made Christmas decorations can be as elaborate or simple as you wish, be they charmingly childish or ultra-sophisticated. Multi-coloured paper chains are the ultimate in family favourites, as are cutwork paper stars and clove-studded oranges. How about pom pom snowmen, peg-doll angels or glitter-covered pine cones? Or mini stocking shapes cut out of felt and ginger biscuits to hang from the tree? It’s all great fun and will create happy memories for years to come.

Wrap your presents Transform present-wrapping from a chore to a pleasure by taking a little extra time and trouble.

When they’re piled under the tree they will look so much better if they’re colour-coordinated and criss-crossed with ribbons and bows. Inexpensive paper – even brown paper or newsprint – looks lovely if adorned with a home-made label, while sequins, feathers, glitter, stamped designs and wired beads can all provide additional allure. For a frivolous finishing touch add a tiny pine cone, iced biscuit or small bauble.

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Sort out your cards An abundance of cards can soon appear to cover every available surface, so it pays to establish a system as soon as they start arriving. The most straightforward option is to clear a shelf or two, and arrange them close together, large at the back and small at the front, in neat rows. Smaller cards can be tucked around a mirror or picture frame. An alternative is to staple them to ribbons (weighted by a bauble or pine cone) to hang in rows from a mantelpiece or along the side of the staircase.

Create displays Nothing says Christmas like poinsettias in pots, scented candles on the mantelpiece and ivy, holly and mistletoe draped over every available surface. Bowls of clementines or nuts are both ornamental as well as edible, while baubles or fairy lights (the latter placed near a handy socket) can also be bundled into a glass bowl or vase for a glittery effect. Now’s the time to dig out that special table runner and your best crockery, glassware and cutlery for an eye-catching table display, finished off with a dish, tray or platter filled with greenery, candles and other festive decorations.

BOX: Looking after your tree Buy a tree that’s as fresh as possible; bright green and, ideally, displayed in water, out of direct sunlight. As soon as possible, cut half an inch off the bottom of the trunk, to help the tree absorb water. Trim away low-down or interior branches that you don’t need. Put the tree in a stand that can hold plenty of water, and never let it run out. Try not to stand the tree in a sunny window or near a radiator. If you wish, you could add a couple of cups of corn syrup to the water to provide the tree with extra nourishment.

Shop locally in the first instance - amazing selection of bits and bobs to make your own decorations or pick up an unusual hand-crafted one.

Graphite Christmas tree, paper decorations, stockings and cotton string lights, all Living in Store, 01628 478767 www.livinginstore.com.

White bells wreath, £8.95, homehomehome, 01252 758 703; www.homehomehome.co.uk.

Big Star & Little Star hanging zinc lanterns, £2.49 each, The Contemporary Home, 02392 469400; www.tch.net.

Silver Sleigh Bells, set of 12, £9.99 (large) and £6.99 (small), The Contemporary Home, 02392 469400; www.tch.net.

Stephen O'Neil Kings College - Stephen is a photographer and graphic designer based in Glasgow, here he has done a series of Aberdeen iconic images, sized either 5" x 5" or 5" x 12". This one is kings college and is a 5"x 5" image and comes ready mounted and wrapped, the prefect small gift and priced at £20. The large ones are £40. @ Junction

Xmas Cards 2012 - Junction have a range of individual and packed Christmas cards with unique and quirky designs priced from £2.50 - £4.95.

Xiao Chang Ornate Jewellery Jewellery by Xiao Chang made from laser etched metals, various earring, necklace and brooch designs prices ranging from £8 - £16 @ Junction

Christmas in Holburn Street TBA Lena Dress £250 @ It’s Darling

Bolongaro Trevor MiH Longwood Knit £125 @ It’s Darling Smithfield Vest £120 @ It’s Darling

Craft papers, ribbon, glitter, bits and bobs to make the perfect homemade Christmas @ Holburn Crafts

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Shellac nails and Nova-lash lashes available @ Pink Lily

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33

Leaves Are you surrounded, engulfed and swamped with huge quantities of fallen leaves?

The deluge that falls at this time of year is often enough to make even the most level headed, tree-loving gardener eye up a chainsaw.

So what can you do? Turn them in to gardeners’ gold: leafmould. If you want an environmentally friendly and very effective soil conditioner or mulching material, leafmould is the answer.

If you have the space, make yourself a leafmould cage.

Simply drive four treated softwood stakes into the ground, each stake marking out one corner of the ‘cage’.

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The stakes need to be about 1.5m (5ft) long so that they can be driven in really well, to a depth of 1-2ft, leaving 3-4ft above ground. Then attach some galvanized chicken wire to the stakes to create the sides of the cage and cram the cage full of leaves. If they aren’t moist, add a watering can of water to the heap of leaves, pouring some in after each six inches of leaves.

You can also speed up the process by using a leafmould activator (available from garden centres, mail order catalogues and websites).

Most deciduous leaves rot down well, especially oak and beech trees. Leaves from fruit trees, garden shrubs and climbers work well too. Try to avoid including too many twigs or evergreen leaves as these take much longer to rot,

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as do tough, leathery leaves such as those from sycamore, horse chestnut and plane.

Most of us collect leaves using a spring-tined rake and although slower, it helps you avoid some materials more easily. A leaf sucker or a leaf blower is quicker but will often mean you end up with more twigs and stones.

If your leaves are a wideranging assortment, then a good idea is to use the lawn mower – just mow the lawn with the leaves on it. The collection bag on the mower will then be full of a brilliant mix of chopped leaves and even the slower-to-rot-down types will rot speedily as they have been chopped up quite finely. Mixed with the lush, high-nitrogen grass clippings, the whole process is sped up. e : gazette@fsmail.net

If space, time or money are short then you can also make leafmould in a bin liner or bin bag. Choose a good quality bin liner and cram it full of leaves, again adding water and/or activator if you wish.

Then stab a few holes in the bag with a garden fork, loosely fold over the top of

the bag and weigh it down with a brick.

You should have a useable product in 12-18 months, but the longer you leave it the better. Leafmould will help to improve the moistureretaining capacity of a light, sandy soil and increase the aeration and drainage of a

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heavy clay soil. It also makes wonderful mulch that can be used on flower beds and borders, the vegetable plot, around trees and shrubs and on your fruit as well. It’s not often you get something for nothing, is it? So take advantage of all those leaves while you can.

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

Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com for some great gift ideas and items for your garden including: signed copies of Pippa’s books, hand-made terracotta herb planters and wall plaques, cloches, pop-up plant cloches, raised bed kits, ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ Gift Cards, heated propagators, Nemaslug and other natural pest controls and lots more.

You can also sign up for Pippa’s newsletter and receive a free ebook on organic gardening.

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Y EXP EARS ERIE NCE

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Chevrolet Cruze SW Chevy has sold more than 1.3 million Cruzes worldwide - now they’ve added an estate model to the range.

1.4-litre petrol and 2.0-litre diesel at launch, but there are no current plans to introduce these to the UK yet.

What is it?

This is the Cruze that dealers have been waiting for. Last year Chevy dealers received the much needed fivedoor hatch, but they have been unable to provide a competitive offering in the popular C-segment estate sector - until now. It’s practical with 1,478 litres of boot space with the seats down, and it also brings in a facelift for the Cruze range, new technology and the death knell for the Cruze four-door saloon - it’s been discontinued.

What’s the spec like?

Just like the five-door hatchback, Chevrolet is generous with the list of standard equipment. The range kicks off at £15,375 for the 1.6-litre LS which comes with air con, MP3 connectivity and electric mirrors and prices top out at £19,785 for the 1.7-litre LTZ Nav model. This is very reasonably priced and boasts alloy wheels, climate control, sat nav, cruise control and rear parking sensors.

What’s under the bonnet?

Quite simply the choice is limited to two petrols and a diesel. The petrols come in the flavour of a 128bhp 1.6 and a 139bhp 1.8. The majority of buyers will opt for the 128bhp 1.7-litre diesel as it’s the best all-rounder. We also tried a

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What’s it like to drive?

When it comes to the test drive, we would advise customers to try different versions. Why? Petrol versions are soft, wallowy and aren’t involving to drive. However, the 1.7-litre diesel version – thanks to more weight over the front wheels – is far more pleasurable to drive. The six-

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speed auto (1.8-litre LT) is not the best.

What do the press think of it?

The Independent said: ‘Most parts of the world like it and buy it in big numbers. Now that the Station Wagon has arrived, more UK buyers can be expected to join in.’ Auto Express, however, concluded: ‘The Cruze SW makes plenty of sense as a family choice, thanks to its spacious, clever boot and refined, comfortable drive, but the Ford Focus estate is sharper and much more fun to drive.’

What do we think of it?

We’ve never been huge fans of the Cruze range, deeming it to be the Astra’s poorer cousin and not that attractive. But the SW changes that – yes, a Focus may be more fun to drive, but few rivals match the SW’s package of attractive styling and great value for money.

The Cruze is no longer a leftfield choice. e : gazette@fsmail.net

Model: Chevy Cruze SW LTZ Price: £19,785 (as tested) Engine: 1.7-litre, diesel Power: 128bhp Max speed: 124mph 0-60mph: 10.4s MPG (comb’d): 62.8 Emissions: 119g/km Residual values (three years): TBC

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Be Kind to Your Boiler Boilers, like cars, can run for years without being serviced, but if they aren’t checked regularly it could be costly in the long run. Boilers are subject to gradual wear and tear and if minor problems are left unchecked they could lead to major damage, hefty repair bills and even boiler replacement.

An annual service takes about an hour and should be carried out by a fully qualified Gas Safe engineer, who will calibrate the boiler and check for leaks and soot build ups.

The result will be a boiler that is operating efficiently and safely – and saving you money because it is using less energy!

Along with the financial benefits, annual boiler servicing is essential to the terms of some warranties and is a legal requirement if you are a landlord. It could also be a matter of life and death should a leak be discovered. Carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to serious illness and even death if it is not detected. Known as the silent killer, there are no obvious signs, so a safety test could literally be a life saver.

Images iplayer.jpg 4oD.jpg tivo.jpg humax.jpeg

BBC iPlayer Channel 4 4oD service Virgin Media Tivo Humax YouView recorder

Getting your boiler serviced may seem like a waste of money – especially if you’ve had it done in the past and all was well – but is it really worth taking that risk?

By Debbie Singh-Bhatti

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Ones to watch How tech can stop you missing your favourite shows

With very few exceptions - major sporting events, the X Factor and so on - the days when we all watched the same programmes at the same time are long gone: increasingly TV is something we record and watch later on. But what happens if you forget to record something, or something went wrong with the recording? Don’t despair, because it’s never been easier to turn back time.

We’re talking, of course, about catch-up TV: the sites and services that enable you to watch programmes that have already been broadcast.

The best-known service is the BBC’s excellent iPlayer (www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer), which you can use to ensure you never miss an episode of Newsnight or EastEnders, and which is available not just for computers but for games consoles too. There’s also an app to watch iPlayer programmes on an iPhone or iPad. One of the great things about iPlayer is that it doesn’t just cover BBC One: there’s also the entertainment channel BBC 3, the arts channel BBC 4 and the children’s channels cBBC and cBeebies - which is really handy if the only thing that’ll calm the kids is a quick blast of In The Night Garden. Programmes are usually available immediately after broadcast, and they remain online for a week.

The BBC isn’t the only major broadcaster offering catch-up TV. ITV has the ITV player (www.itv.com/itvplayer), Channel 4 has 4oD (www.channel4.com/programmes/4oD) and Channel Five has Demand Five (www. channel5.com/demand5). Like the BBC’s iPlayer they enable you to watch the last week of programming and they’re also available as apps for mobile phones and tablets, although unlike BBC iPlayer they include advertising as well as programming. For an easy way to search across

all the broadcasters’ catch-up services, check out www.timefortelly.co.uk, a search engine for British catch-up TV. Sky’s catch-up services are subscriber-only: if you’re a Sky customer you can access Sky Go at go.sky.com.

Catching up via computers, phones or tablets is very handy, but what about using your TV? If you’re with Virgin Media or Sky you can access catch-up TV via your cable or satellite box, although you need a specific kind of box: with Virgin you need a Virgin Media TiVo, which gives you the BBC iPlayer, 4oD and ITV’s Net Player, and with Sky you need a broadbandconnected Sky+ box to access its Sky Anytime+ service. It’s a similar story with BT Vision: customers with a Vision+ box can access catchup TV as part of their package.

Freeview can do catch-up TV too: most Freeview HD TVs are Smart TVs, which means they can access BBC’s iPlayer if they’re connected to the internet, and many Freeview+ HD recorders can do the same. If you don’t have the hardware, however, you might want to buy something newer and more interesting: the new digital TV service YouView (www.youview. com) offers all the broadcasters, not just the BBC. For example, the Humax DTR-T1000 digital TV recorder gives you Freeview+ HD and YouView for a subscription-free of £279.95. Its 500GB hard disk gives you up to 300 hours of recording time.

YouView’s on-demand and catch-up services make it one to watch, but if you’re considering it, it’s important to ensure your internet service is up to the job: YouView uses your internet connection to download programmes, so make sure your ISP account doesn’t have a small monthly data transfer limit.

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Muriel’s Puzzle Pages

Calcudoku

x12

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Pictograms

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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.

4 words

IREEDI 2 words

IDAHOHIO 2 words HELLO ÂŁ1

CODEWORD Each letter in this puzzle is represented by a different number between 1 and 26.

The codes for three letters are shown. Once you have filled these throughout the grid you can start guessing words and reveal other letters. As you find the letters enter them in the box below.

23 11 23

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9

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Muriel’s Puzzle Pages NUMBER CRUNCHER

Easy Sudoku

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Harder Sudoku

©Puzzlepress.co.uk

Hard Looking for a

Relaxed Atmosphere Personal Attention Wedding Speciality

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

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Across 1. One eleventh of 17 Across (3) 4. 11 Across minus 87 (3) 6. 205 squared plus seven (5) 9. 4 Down plus one sixth of 12 Across (2) 11. 8 Down multiplied by six (3) 12. 7 Down plus eight (2) 13. 12 Across plus nine (2) 15. 18 Across plus 8 Down minus one (2) 16. 8 Down plus 19 Down plus 12 Across plus 18 Across (4) 17. 16 Across plus 24 Across minus 292 (4) 18. 4 Down plus 22 Down plus two (2) 20. 15 Across plus one (2) 21. Months in four years (2) 22. 11 Across plus 21 Across (3) 24. One eighth of 28 Across (2) 26. 311 squared plus half of 28 Across (5) 28. 2 Down multiplied by four (3) 29. 1 Across minus two (3) Down 1. 29 Across plus 22 Down plus one (3) 2. Four cubed (2) 3. Ounces in nine stone (4) 4. Feet in four yards (2) 5. 12 Across multiplied by 24 Across (3) 7. One twelfth of 22 Across (2) 8. Six squared (2) 10. 21 Down multiplied by 179 (5) 12. 188 squared minus 81 (5) 14. 5 Down plus 7 Down minus two (3) 15. 1 Down minus 134 (3) 19. Fathoms in 11 miles (4) 21. 21 Across plus 22 Across plus 2 Down plus 8 Down (3) 22. One ninth of 25 Down (2) 23. 7 Down multiplied by two (2) 25. 13 Across multiplied by six (3) 26. Months in eight years (2) 27. One tenth of 14 Down (2)

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How to read between the lines

Everyone wants to be a writer these days, especially on the internet. But don’t be fooled by the advertising - things aren’t always what they seem.

1.

Increase your portfolio. Yes, increase it with unpaid work, showing a prospective employer how much you love to write for free.

2. This project is just for fun. Just as long as your idea of fun is unpaid labour.

3.

I’ll pass. But I do have some cold realities for sale.

6.

Future potential. That’s all well and good, but meantime I have a current hunger. Build that time machine and let me know how it all works out.

7. What’s your lowest rate? What’s your lowest standard for content? Maybe they could go on a blind date together.

We hope to have a budget in a few months’ time. And I hope to regrow a full head of hair. Meanwhile, back on planet Earth...

8. Competitive rate. So competitive that it’s only cost-effective if you live in Asia.

4. This won’t take much of your time. Or much of our money.

9. Rewriter wanted. Plagiarists wanted.

5. I can only pay you in warm fuzzies. Unless I can re-sell them, earn interest on them or melt them on toast,

10. Thousands of writers can’t be wrong.

Thousands of writers can’t be fed.

Muriel’s Puzzle Solutions

Number Cruncher

HARD

EASY

Calcudoku Answer

SOLUTION

Cryptic Crossword

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Christmas Postal Dates LAST RECOMMENDED POSTING DATES UK

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nspcc.org.uk/santa 0845 839 9304 ChildLine is a service provided by the NSPCC. Registered charity numbers 216401 and SC037717. ©2012 Illustration by Jason Chapman. 0829/12

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43

The Great Wall of China Did you know that in 2012 the Great Wall of China more than doubled its length? After a five year survey by state archaeologists, it is now estimated to be over 20,000 km, and rising. Only 8% is reasonably well preserved but it is still considered the largest man-made structure on earth.

So, can you really see it from space? Unlikely, since even the first Chinese astronaut could not confirm it. Yet, steeped in 2000 years of history and a UNESCO heritage site, the Great Wall fires up the imagination with images of invading hordes and brave soldiers fighting for emperor and country.

It all started with disjointed earth defences built by warlords. When the first emperor unified China around 200 BC, all he had to do to protect his borders was connect the existing sections.

Extended over time, eroded, destroyed and strengthened, much of what we see today dates back to the Ming dynasty who came to power in the 14th century, conscripting a huge labour force to build and rebuild with stone and brick. Their successors, the Manchus, did not need to breach the wall. By 1644, the peasants were starving and the gates opened by rebels.

As discontinuous today as it was in the past, the wall includes natural defences such as deep gorges and cliffs alongside man-made fortifications, over 800 of them, though not all visible or accessible, in the Beijing province alone.

Most visitors head for the Badaling section but north east of the capital, Mutianyu is quieter and just as spectacular, at the end of a scenic 70km drive through lush countryside sprinkled with farmhouses, meadows and orchards. Wild flowers

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line the road, all purple and gold, and weeping willows dip their roots in natural springs. When the mountains begin to rise, higher, closer, excitement grows with every bend of the road. In the grand scheme of things, Mutianyu is merely a dot but beautifully restored; snaking up and down on a vertiginous ridge, it takes your breath away.

Here the wall is rather special, reaching nearly eight metres in places, up to five metres across the top, with unusual perpendicular extensions, 22 towers, spaced every 100 metres or so, a tripletowered gate and crenulations on the inner and outer parapets so arrows could be shot in both directions. Arrow’s nock, bull’s horn ring, eagle flying belly up, the names of defences send shivers down your spine.

Only the brave attempt the long climb to access the wall - most visitors take the cable car and save their energy for the top. A wise move, for up there it’s a rollercoaster of a trek, all steep steps and slippery slopes. Yet gazing up to the pass and the highest tower, etched into a pure blue sky, you feel on top of the world. The sun beats down, the shade is scarce but the views are fabulous; rugged mountains bristling like a dragon’s back, shadows creeping across the slopes, precipitous cliffs and spring blossom on the trees. Now and then, a gust of wind sweeps over the ancient stones and you can almost hear the clicking of armour and voices from a distant past.

Far below, the tourist stalls beckon with cool drinks, pottery and Great Wall souvenirs, but on the ridge, there are no distractions, just an unforgettable panorama and 2000 years of Chinese history.

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L A C L Now you have 18 pages of local businesses...

Local events, theatre listing, clubs and classes, notices.

Keep trade local and start using and supporting local businesses today.

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45

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LEARN ITALIAN Why not join an Italian Class in Cults Aberdeen? You can choose day or evening classes: Beginner to Advanced level.

The following classes are scheduled at present: Tuesday 9.30 – 11.30 am Advanced Tuesday 2.00 – 4.00 pm Post- Beginners Tuesday 7.30 – 9.30 pm Post - Intermediate Thursday 9.30 – 11.30 am Intermediate Thursday 7.30 – 9.30 pm Beginners Friday 9.30 – 11.30 am Intermediate Friday 2.00 – 4.00 pm Beginners Individual lessons are also available.

For further information, please contact Enrica Conti:

Tel: 07786 827714

Email: enrica.conti@tiscali.co.uk

the Oven Valet Oven Cleaners

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Bringing the sparkle back to your oven using non toxic, non caustic products in your home.

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Tickets from boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel : 01224 641122

Friday, November 23: Steve Steinman’s cult rock show Vampires Rock, blasting their way through some of the greatest rock anthems ever in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm.

Friday, November 23: Transformed into an overnight success with the release of their first single, the infectious cover of Smokey Robinson’s Tears of a Clown, The Beat, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7.30pm.

Saturday, November 24: Seventy-five minute behind the scenes tour at Aberdeen’s iconic Edwardian landmark, His Majesty’s Theatre, in HMT at 10.30am.

Saturday, November 24: Celebrating the release of her new album Traces, Scottish singer-songwriter Karine Polwart, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7.30pm.

Sunday, November 25: Scotland’s award-winning comedian and internationallyacclaimed half-man-half-box, Daniel Sloss, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7.30pm.

Monday, November 26: With support from Adrian Crawley, the incomparable Aidan Moffat and Bill Wells return to The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7.30pm. Usual age restrictions apply: over 14s only and U16s with an adult.

Tuesday, November 27: Frontman and creator of Hayseed Dixie, the inimitable John Wheeler, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7pm.

Wednesday, November 28: The largest community choir in Scotland, with 300 singers, Aberdeen Singing Chorus, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm.

Thursday, November 29: Featuring hits of the 60s by the stars of the 60s Sixties Gold, with Gerry and the Pacemakers, The Animals, PJ Proby and Chip Hawkes, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm.

Thursday, November 29: In association with Jazz at the Blue Lamp, The Lemon Tree Lounge presents Konrad Wizniewski Octet - the celebrated jazz musician who has been part of the renowned Scottish jazz outfit Brass Jaw since 2006, receiving the Parliamentary Jazz Award for Ensemble of the year 2011 and Best Group and Best Album at the Scottish Jazz Awards - in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7.30pm.

Friday, November 30: Rizzle Kicks, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, doors at 7pm. SOLD OUT Friday, November 30 and Saturday, December 1: St Katherine’s Club at the Lemon Tree, doors at 7.30pm. SOLD OUT Saturday, December 1 to Sunday, January 6: Aberdeen Performing Arts and Qdos Entertainment present the truly wicked panto, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, starring Elaine C Smith, Alan McHugh and Jordan Young, at His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen, with matinees at 1.45pm or 2.30pm and evening performances at 7pm daily except for Mondays Dec 3, 10 and 17, Friday Dec 21, Tuesday, Dec 25 and Tuesday Jan 1.

Saturday, December 1: Bagpipes with attitude and drums with a Scottish accent with The Red Hot Chilli Pipers - voted Scotland’s Live Act of the Year in

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2007 and 2010 at the Scots Trad Music Awards - in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm.

Sunday, December 2: London Handel Players, with renowned Scottish fiddler Alasdair Fraser and cellist Natalie Haas, with a programme which includes James Oswald’s Airs for the Season’s and Vivaldi’s Four Seasons ad well as folk inspired music by Rameua, Leclair, Corrette and Lully, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm.

Monday to Monday, December 3 to 24: SYT Productions and Aberdeen Performing Arts present, It Wasn’t Me, It Was Goldilocks, Baby Bear’s story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, a festive show for audiences aged from three to seven and their families, in The Lemon Tree Studio, West North Street, Aberdeen, Mondays to Thursdays at 10.30am and 1.30pm (including Christmas Eve) and Saturdays and Sundays at 10.30am, 1.30pm and 4pm, with additional 4pm performances Monday to Thursday, Dec 17 to 20.

Tuesday, December 4: After an 18-month sabbatical Runrig are back on the road refreshed and re-invigorated with a revamped show and set, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 7pm.

Wednesday, December 5: The hugely popular annual Evening Express Carol Concert with music performed by Aberdeen schools, raising money for local charities, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm.

Music Theatre Live Entertainment

Monday to Saturday, November 19 to 24: West End star and multi-platinum selling artist Marti Pellow, alongside Niki Evans, heads the cast of Blood Brothers, in His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm, with 2pm Thursday and 2.30pm Saturday matinees.

Tuesday, November 20: The UK’s hottest vocal harmony group, The Overtones, live in concert, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, doors at 7pm.

Wednesday, December 5: DF Concerts present Glasgow heavy rock band Gun, who have previously toured with The Rolling Stones, Def Leppard and Bon Jovi and performed at this years Download Festival, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7.30pm.

Friday, December 7: Hepburn star and familiar face on Celebrity Juice, Never Mind

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Tickets from boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel : 01224 641122 the Buzzcocks, 8 out of 10 Cats, Russell Howard’s Good News and Argumental, Chris Ramsey: Feeling Lucky, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7pm.

Saturday, December 8: Seventy-five minute behind the scenes tour at Aberdeen’s iconic Edwardian landmark, His Majesty’s Theatre, in HMT at 10.30am. Tickets from boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 01224 641122 Saturday, December 8: The Scottish Chamber Orchestra, with conductor John Storgards, is joined by the great keyboard player Artur Pizarro for Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No2 in a programme which also includes Rautavaara’s Into the Heart of Light and Mendelssohn’s Symphony No5 Reformation, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm.

Sunday, December 9: In aid of CLICSargent, supporting children and adolescents with cancer, Grampian Hospitals Christmas Carol Concert, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 2.30pm.

Tuesday, December 11: An evening of musical delights from a variety of Aberdeen’s leading talent including Phoenix Youth Theatre, Aberdeen City Youth and Big Band and Portlethen Skip Hop, in aid of the Monty’s Maggies Appeal, a campaign to raise £100,000 & help build a cancer caring centre here in Aberdeen, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 7pm.

Wednesday, December 12: English folk/punk singersongwriter Frank Turner, formerly the vocalist of posthardcore band Million Dead but who has forged an acousticbased solo career following the band’s split in 2005, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7.30pm.

Thursday, December 13: A double header featuring two chart-topping 70s glam rockers, Slade and Sweet, performing

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together on one stage, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, doors at 7pm.

Friday, December 14: A true Scottish celebration in a Christmas Ceilidh with Clachan Yell, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 8pm.

Friday, December 14: Multiaward winning horn section mavericks Brass Jaw Christmas Tour, in a lively and adventurous set at The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7.30pm.

Saturday, December 15: Seventy-five minute behind the scenes tours at Aberdeen’s iconic Edwardian landmark, His Majesty’s Theatre, in HMT at 10.30am and 11.30.

Saturday, December 15: Featuring some of Aberdeen’s finest young musicians in two concerts of festive music by bands, orchestras and choirs, Aberdeen Music Centre’s Christmas Concerts, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 1pm and 7.30pm.

Saturday, December 15: Loud, proud and in-your-face Aberdeen-based heavy-frockers and 90s cult sensation The Bloody Marys’ Christmas Stocking, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7.30pm.

Sunday, December 16: Phil Cunningham Christmas Concert, where Phil is joined by pals Eddi Reader, Karen Matheson, John McCusker, Kris Drever, Ian Carr and Kevin McGuire for a special Christmas songbook, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm.

Tuesday, December 18: Aberdeen Choral Society present Handel’s Messiah, with musical director Alistair Macdonald, with the chorus’s 120 voices backed by Grampian Sinfonia, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 7.15pm.

Wednesday, December 19: The Royal Scottish National Orchestra’s traditional

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Christmas Concert is Howard Blake’s The Snowman, conducted by Christopher Bell and narrated by actress Maureen Beattie, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm.

Friday, December 21: With presenter Jamie MacDougall and conductor Stephen Bell, the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra present a programme of Christmas Classics, featuring well-loved carols and music, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm.

Friday, December 21: The Fat Hippy Christmas Party with The Ruckus, GutterGodz and more, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at .7.30pm.

Saturday, December 22: Seventy-five minute behind the scenes tours at Aberdeen’s iconic Edwardian landmark, His Majesty’s Theatre, in HMT at 10.30am and 11.30.

Saturday, December 22: Performed by Gary Mullen and The Works, One Night of Queen is a spectacular live concert recreating the look, sound, pomp and showmanship of arguably the greatest rock band of all time, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm.

Sunday, December 23: Take a trip back in time to the glamorous, glitzy nights of Las Vegas with Christmas with the Rat Pack, recreating the performances of Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr and Dean Martin at the Sands Hotel, in the Music Hall, 7.5 Into the future...

Birds of a Feather with Pauline Quirke, Linda Robson and Lesley Joseph April 2-6 2013 The 39 Steps (June 3-8 2013) The Woman in Black (June 10 -15 2013) For younger audience ...

Dora the Explorer (April 12 -14) Horrible Histories (April 23-27) Spot’s Birthday Party (June 13-15)

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Local Events Diary Book space with the gazette today Thursday 6 December 2012 is the deadline for the joint Xmas/New Year Issue

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OUR KIDS TOO...

Charity Art Auction Sunday the 25th of November 2-4 at The Bridge View Gallery, 1 North Esplanade West, Aberdeen

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The Christmas Season is almost here, why not include the Aberdeen Orpheus Choir’s Christmas Concert in your Festive Season programme?

The Concert conducted by Jane Murray with Pianist Erika Fairhead and Organist Allan Bicket plus Special Guests, Musicians from St. Margaret’s School for Girls will take place in Craigiebuckler Church, Springfield Road, Aberdeen on Friday, 14th December at 7.30 p.m.

A wide variety of seasonal music will be performed – traditional Christmas music as well as arrangements by modern composers, John Rutter, Mark Wilberg and David Willcocks. The audience will be encouraged to join in the singing of well-known carols.

Tickets costing £8:00 and £6:00 concessions to include a glass of wine or a soft drink may be purchased from Choir Members, Top Note Music Shop, 123 Crown Street, Aberdeen or at the door of the Church.

Alpha Course

Starting on Monday 21/1/13, 7pm at Mannofield Church The Alpha Course is an opportunity for everyone to explore the Christian faith.

It is relaxed, low key, friendly, and free.

Please contact Anne or Alan [681384] or the Church office for more details office@mannofieldchurch.org.uk Please do mention the gazette when responding to advertisers - thank you

49

Laura Walker’s Fitness for Health

March Hare Craft & Vintage Market

1personal training session and 1seated exercise dvd

£50

Suitable for the Older Adult

Boys Brigade HQ, Crimon Place Aberdeen AB10 1RX

Pilates class: 10.00am Mannofield Church - Monday Zumba class: 11.00am Mannofield Church - Monday Exercise class: 10.00am WRI Hall Cults - Thursday

11am-4pm Free Entry 24 November 15 December 300+ attendance at the Launch of the March Hare Market

Details of offers and classes www.laurawalkerltd.co.uk

marchharemarket@gmail.com

Laura Walker: 0777 302 1851 laura@laurawalkerltd.co.uk

Facebook.com/March Hare Market

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Luxury Penthouse to rent: www.AphroditeHillsPenthouse.com e: Amanda@AphroditeHillsPenthouse.com

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Fantastic holiday home in Aphrodite Hills, award-winning Golf and Leisure Resort in unspoilt coastal area near Paphos, Cyprus.

Easy walk to golf, tennis, Spa, supermarket and restaurants.

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community clubs & groups

adult groups Granite City WRI Ruthrieston Community Centre, 536 Holburn Street, Meets 4th Wed of the month, Sept to Jun. 7pm – 9pm. All welcome: Tel 571131 or 316266 University of Third Age (U3A): tel 702836 Marion. Informal learning for the retired & semi-retired.

Monday Club : tel : 01224-322946 Queen’s Cross Church Hall - Mon’s 2-4pm. Friendly games of bridge & scrabble - beginners welcome - All Ages Royal Horticultural Society Abdn tel : 781171 1st Tues in Mar @ 7.30pm Girl’s Brigade Hall, 19a Victoria St The Learig Orchestra Tel : 322617 Brian Priestley Welcomes string, brass & woodwind players of all standards to its rehearsals at Woodend Hospital on Tues at 7.30pm Old Time Dance Classes Dunbar St Hall, Old Aberdeen - 7.45pm - 10pm 1st & 3rd Tues each month £4.00 per night Tel : James Watson : 314953 Scottish Country Dancing Scottish Country Dancing Classes for Adults (and children) at all levels - Introductory to Advanced and General Dancing. Please contact 01224 636128 for more information Aberdeen Chorus - Sweet Adelines Int’ Britannia Hotel, Bucksburn, Mon 7.30 10pm Tel: Debbie 07967629272 Silver City Blues - Masters Swimming Club Hazlehead Pool Mon 8:30-10pm, Cults Academy Tues 8:15-9:45pm, Robert Gordon University Weds 7-9pm, Cults Academy Thurs 8:30-10:00pm. Contact: Head Coach Hilary Stewart on 07815824057 Senior Citizens Group Tues (2-4pm) Airyhall Community Centre.

New members always welcome Interested, contact 318698 (sec) The City of Aberdeen Probus A Club for retired businessmen & professionals. Meet on Wed am’s twice monthly (Sept - Jun), (Aberdeenshire Cricket Club) A wide range of talks on many topics fm interesting speakers. Other activities incl occasional lunches, trips, bowling & golf competitions. New members welcome. Chris Blunt, Tel. 317298

Airyhall Community Centre Bowling Section Meets Mon/Wed/Fri 10-12 – Fri pm 2-4 £6 for session £4 to join community centre Limited spare bowls if you don’t have your own.

Tel : 318103 (Bill Setter) Granite City Speakers Club Meet every two weeks on Friday nights at 8.0pm in Aberdeen Arts Centre, Secretary: Fred Stewart, tel 723937 Our club offers a warm friendly atmosphere, advice and support. New members & visitors welcome.

Aberdeen Kilt Kickers American Square Dance Club, Meets at WRI Hall, Cults, Beginners from September 7.30 - 9.00pm £2.50 per night Fred Gibb, Tel 486665 Woodend Bowling Club 285 King’s Gate, A. McCulloch Secretary Tel. 317317 Friendly and relaxing outdoor activity: new members welcome.

Aberdeen Gaelic Club Brings together Gaelic speakers and individuals interested in Gaelic language and culture. Gaelic language evening classes & weekend courses plus social activities. tel 0777 939 8289, e clubgaidhlig@googlemail.com or http://aberdeengaelic.wordpress.com.

Holburn West Church Tennis 12a Ashley Park South Open Apr - Oct Annual Subs & Family Membership at Bargain Prices New members always welcome Small friendly Club Sally Davis (sec) Tel. 326111 Aberdeen Bowling Club Come and join us for a game of bowls at 50 Carlton Place. Tel.643233 Woodburn Walkers Enjoy the countryside, meet new friends, keep fit – join the Woodburn Walkers. Age: 55+. Transport: Hire Bus. Fortnightly: Tues Start Point: Hazlehead Park. Time: 9am for 9.15am. Average Distance: 7 miles Tel: 318313 & 821753 Yoga Teacher : Florence Wed 1030-1130, Broomhill Activity Centre 050 t : 316278 £2 per class It’s wonderful!

Bon Accord branch – Sugarcraft Guild Meets at Rubislaw Park Care Home - Last Mon of month, 7-9pm Learn lots through demos and workshops £5 per meeting

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(incl refreshments) – friendly & informal group, enjoyable at all skill levels. Call Fiona Mackie on 07748 845 141 or e-mail Fionamackie118@btinternet.com Viking Hiking (Nordic Walking) One hour sessions each Thurs, Fri, Sat and Sun at 10am, Meet at Hazlehead main car park (behind the Park Restaurant). Info fm John Greig Tel. 321088 Aberdeen Humanist Group Skene House Hotel, 6 Union Grove Monthly meetings for those with a secular lifestance. Interesting speakers and topics for discussion.

Tel : M Richardson - 01888-562237 Northern Arts Club 8 Bon Accord Square, Aberdeen Come along to draw and paint on Wednesdays 10-12.30pm.

Tutor session 1st Wed. of every month.

Contact Jacqueline 586928 Life Drawing Class 8 Bon Accord Square, Aberdeen Saturday morning 10-1pm Please contact Ian 484040 Bridge Tuition Beginner and intermediate Thursday evening, call Margaret 868230 Room/s for hire 8 Bon Accord Square, Aberdeen Do you need a new venue for your book club/ chess club/choir/art & craft club, then contact Jacqueline 586928 Aberdeen Tai Chi Chuan ‘88 Authentic tai chi, thorough tuition with Don Wells.

Cults Church Hall, 6.30pm Wed £3.50. First class free.

Rotary Club of Aberdeen Deeside Weekly on a Wed. at 6.15pm for 6.45pm in Cults Hotel. Rotary is a Service Organisation for community and international needs putting “Service before Self”. Take a look at www. aberdeewndeesiderotary.org.uk to see our range of activities and speakers, or come along and see what we get up to. Contact secretary Quentin Tweedie 868218 Iyengar Yoga Classes ; Tues 12 - 1pm & 1pm - 2pm at citymoves Tues 7.30 - 9.30 pm & Wed 7.15 - 9.15 at South Holburn Parish Church. All classes run by Fiona Bochel, Cost is £5 an hour, tel 861347 Monday Badminton Ruthrieston West Church Hall Monday’s @ 7.30pm

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community clubs & groups

adult groups Granite City WRI Ruthrieston Community Centre, 536 Holburn Street, Meets 4th Wed of the month, Sept to Jun. 7pm – 9pm. All welcome: Tel 571131 or 316266 University of Third Age (U3A): tel 702836 Marion. Informal learning for the retired & semi-retired.

Monday Club : tel : 01224-322946 Queen’s Cross Church Hall - Mon’s 2-4pm. Friendly games of bridge & scrabble - beginners welcome - All Ages Royal Horticultural Society Abdn tel : 781171 1st Tues in Mar @ 7.30pm Girl’s Brigade Hall, 19a Victoria St The Learig Orchestra Tel : 322617 Brian Priestley Welcomes string, brass & woodwind players of all standards to its rehearsals at Woodend Hospital on Tues at 7.30pm Old Time Dance Classes Dunbar St Hall, Old Aberdeen - 7.45pm - 10pm 1st & 3rd Tues each month £4.00 per night Tel : James Watson : 314953 Scottish Country Dancing Scottish Country Dancing Classes for Adults (and children) at all levels - Introductory to Advanced and General Dancing. Please contact 01224 636128 for more information Aberdeen Chorus - Sweet Adelines Int’ Britannia Hotel, Bucksburn, Mon 7.30 - 10pm Tel: Debbie 07967629272 Silver City Blues - Masters Swimming Club Hazlehead Pool Mon 8:30-10pm, Cults Academy Tues 8:15-9:45pm, Robert Gordon University Weds 7-9pm, Cults Academy Thurs 8:30-10:00pm. Contact: Head Coach Hilary Stewart on 07815824057 Senior Citizens Group Tues (2-4pm) Airyhall Community Centre.

New members always welcome Interested, contact 318698 (sec) The City of Aberdeen Probus A Club for retired businessmen & professionals. Meet on Wed am’s twice monthly (Sept - Jun), (Aberdeenshire Cricket Club) A wide range of talks on many topics fm interesting speakers. Other activities incl occasional lunches, trips, bowling & golf competitions. New members welcome. Chris Blunt, Tel. 317298

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Airyhall Community Centre Bowling Section Meets Mon/Wed/Fri 10-12 – Fri pm 2-4 £6 for session £4 to join community centre Limited spare bowls if you don’t have your own. Tel : 318103 (Bill Setter) Granite City Speakers Club Meet every two weeks on Friday nights at 8.0pm in Aberdeen Arts Centre, Secretary: Fred Stewart, tel 723937 Our club offers a warm friendly atmosphere, advice and support. New members & visitors welcome.

Aberdeen Kilt Kickers American Square Dance Club, Meets at WRI Hall, Cults, Beginners from September 7.30 - 9.00pm £2.50 per night Fred Gibb, Tel 486665 Woodend Bowling Club 285 King’s Gate, A. McCulloch Secretary Tel. 317317 Friendly and relaxing outdoor activity: new members welcome.

Aberdeen Gaelic Club Brings together Gaelic speakers and individuals interested in Gaelic language and culture. Gaelic language evening classes & weekend courses plus social activities. tel 0777 939 8289, e clubgaidhlig@googlemail.com or http://aberdeengaelic.wordpress.com.

Holburn West Church Tennis 12a Ashley Park South Open Apr - Oct Annual Subs & Family Membership at Bargain Prices New members always welcome Small friendly Club Sally Davis (sec) Tel. 326111 Aberdeen Bowling Club Come and join us for a game of bowls at 50 Carlton Place. Tel.643233 Woodburn Walkers Enjoy the countryside, meet new friends, keep fit – join the Woodburn Walkers. Age: 55+. Transport: Hire Bus. Fortnightly: Tues Start Point: Hazlehead Park. Time: 9am for 9.15am. Average Distance: 7 miles Tel: 323925 and 821753 Yoga Teacher : Florence Wed 1030-1130, Broomhill Activity Centre 050 t : 316278 £2 per class It’s wonderful!

Bon Accord branch – Sugarcraft Guild Meets at Rubislaw Park Care Home - Last Mon of month, 7-9pm Learn lots through demos and workshops £5 per meeting (incl refreshments) – friendly & informal group, enjoyable at all skill levels. Call Fiona Mackie on 07748 845 141 or e-mail Fionamackie118@btinternet.com

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Viking Hiking (Nordic Walking) One hour sessions each Thurs, Fri, Sat and Sun at 10am, Meet at Hazlehead main car park (behind the Park Restaurant). Info fm John Greig Tel. 321088 Aberdeen Humanist Group Skene House Hotel, 6 Union Grove Monthly meetings for those with a secular life-stance.

Interesting speakers and topics for discussion.

Tel : M Richardson - 01888-562237 Northern Arts Club 8 Bon Accord Square, Aberdeen Come along to draw and paint on Wednesdays 10-12.30pm. Tutor session 1st Wed. of every month.

Contact Jacqueline 586928 Life Drawing Class 8 Bon Accord Square, Aberdeen Saturday morning 10-1pm Please contact Ian 484040 Bridge Tuition Beginner and intermediate Thursday evening, call Margaret 868230 Room/s for hire 8 Bon Accord Square, Aberdeen Do you need a new venue for your book club/chess club/choir/ art & craft club, then contact Jacqueline 586928 Aberdeen Tai Chi Chuan ‘88 Authentic tai chi, thorough tuition with Don Wells.

Cults Church Hall, 6.30pm Wed £3.50. First class free.

Rotary Club of Aberdeen Deeside Weekly on a Wed. at 6.15pm for 6.45pm in Cults Hotel. Rotary is a Service Organisation for community and international needs putting “Service before Self”. Take a look at www. aberdeewndeesiderotary.org.uk to see our range of activities and speakers, or come along and see what we get up to. Contact secretary Quentin Tweedie 868218 Iyengar Yoga Classes ; Tues 12 - 1pm & 1pm - 2pm at citymoves Tues 7.30 - 9.30 pm & Wed 7.15 - 9.15 at South Holburn Parish Church. All classes run by Fiona Bochel, Cost is £5 an hour, tel 861347 Like walking?

Then why not join the “Seafield Walking Group”.

It’s a great way of keeping fit, socialising and getting out into the countryside! For further information contact Elinor Tel. 314609.

Tango Aberdeen Argentine tango dance classes Wed & Sun evenings fm 7.30pm £6 (Conc £4) Discover the passion & elegance of Argentine Tango www.tangoaberdeen.com e : gazette@fsmail.net

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53

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community clubs & groups

adult groups Keep Fit Class, the Swedish Way! With Friskis and Svettis Medium jympa class, Mondays 5.30pm at Queens Cross Church hall Fitness, flexibility and strength- an all round workout to great music! No need to book, just turn up and have fun while exercising For more info contact Kirsty on 07711825614 or visit fsaberdeen.co.u Mannofield Church Hill Walking Club Monthly trips to the Cairngorms. New members welcome. Contact Peter Stewart for a programme.

313721 or p.stewart1@btinternet.com .

Rubislaw Church Centre Fountainhall Road/Beaconsfield Place Open Monday - Friday morning for teas, coffees etc Full access and facilities for those with disabilities Rooms available for hire - contact 645477 www.rubislawchurch.org.uk Jog Scotland Meets at RGU Sport Garthdee Road Wed 6pm Contact Mandy 322158 Jog Scotland - Airyhall Meets outside Airyhall Community Centre Tuesday 7pm. Contact Julie 325 830 or www.jogscotland-airyhall.co.uk Rotary club of Aberdeen St. Nicholas At present we are canvassing for new members,we are a very friendly club who meet for lunch,friendship and business every Monday 12.45 for1.00 pm at the Northern Hotel.If you are interested you are welcome to join us any Monday lunch time. If you would like to find out more click on to rotary 1010.co.uk select clubs and go to Aberdeen St. Nicholas or telephone Ernie on 641299/312493.

Airyhall Badminton Group Meets weekly at Airyhall Community Centre on Mondays 8pm to 10pm. All welcome.

Annual Fee £7.00 and nightly fee £1.00.

Contact David 01224 321301 e mail david@david143.wanadoo.co.uk or pop along on the night.

Hatha Yoga Tues 17.45-19.15, AYC, 8 Bon Accord Sq Thurs 10.00-11.30/Fri 10.15-11.45, Fri 12.00-1250, Queens Cross Church, Tel 648475 or moira.chicometrics@gmail.com Registered Yoga Scotland teacher www.moirayogaaberdeen.co.uk Craigiebuckler Seniors Club Criagiebuckler Church Hall, 1st Wed of every month 2-4pm speakers/entertainment/teas/ coffees £2 per person, all‘seniors’welcome Woodend Bridge Club

Woodend Bowling Club Bridge on Mon evening, Tue evening and Friday afternoons. Ample free parking. Contact Chris Blunt 317298 Craigiebuckler & Seafield Community Council craigden10@live.com We will discuss issues affecting our community and decide on strategies for resolving them. 7.30pm in Craigiebuckler Parish Church hall Friskiis & Svettis Exercise Class Senior Basic : Monday 9.50 Friday 10am £2.50 per class. Drop in - come as often as you like.

Cairncry Community Centre Tel : Gunilla - 319377 Adult Italian Classes: Hillview Community Church - Cults Email enrica.conti@tiscali.co.uk Tel 07786 827714 Morven Singers We are a 4 part Choir singing a wide variety of music. We meet in Ruthrieston Church Hall, Broomhill Road on Wed 7.30p.m. to 9.30p.m.

Interested, contact Tel 07519 749 258.

Airyhall Ramblers: Over 50s Walking Group Walks fortnightly on Wednesdays, average distance 6/7 miles. Transport provided, meeting near Airyhall School at 9.15. Friendly folk, good exercise. Interested? Contact Anne Ross 314524 Exercise the fun way, the Swedish way!

Fun & effective all over body workout to lively music! Hilton Community Centre, Hilton Road. No need to book, just turn up & enjoy.

Tuesday 6.30pm-7.30pm faye53@btopenworld.com No fancy keep fit gear required, just comfortable clothing & trainers, maybe a bottle of water! For further info, contact Faye 07738 786926 Westburn Lawn Tennis Club Come and play tennis on REAL GRASS courts at Westburn Park. Westburn is a small, friendly club offering both social and competitive tennis at very reasonable rates. Come and join us (free for your first visit). Membership info: Barbara Miller, 635556 Russian evening & daytime classes beginning late September 2012 in North Deeside area for all interests and ages.

Register interest at easyrussian4u@ gmail.com or ring Vilena 07778 781030 Italian Classes for Beginners & Intermediate Starting in August at Kaimhill Community Learning Italian Classes

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for Beginners and Intermediate PLUS Italian Cookery - All welcome - for more information 01224 209622 OR email: giuseppinaca@fsmail.net March Hare Market marchharemarket@gmail.com 07725 591 866 Boys Brigade HQ, Crimon Place, AB10 1RX. 11am - 4pm FREE EVENT Adult Spanish and French classes Airyhall Community Centre Experienced language teacher E-mail John at jymcl11@gmail.com or Tel: 01224 582491 Concordia String Orchestra Welcomes string players of grade VII or above. Rehearsals at Ferryhill Church every Tuesday, starting at 7.30. Please contact Dave Southwood for more details (01467 642408) Banchory Morris Men Telephone 01330 822320 Lively dancing with stick, bells, etc. (and not just English, we also do Scottish dances at Crathes Village Hall - 815pm on a Tuesday.

All round body workout to lively music!

Tel: 07738 786926 Come along for a fun & effective workout - no need to book, just turn up. Wednesday 6pm-7pm Inchgarth Community Centre, Garthdee No fancy keep fit gear required, just comfortable clothing & trainers - maybe just bring a bottle of water! For more info contact Faye 07738 786926 Learn Italian at Pasta Plus Wednesday evenings : an informal italian language class at Pasta Plus 119 Rosemount Place, Aberdeen, Scotland Tel: 07950603477- 01224 624030 (Please call to book a space and learn of the start date) Aberdeen Gaelic Choir Enjoy harmony singing in Scotland’s traditional language. New members welcome. Knowledge of Gaelic not required.

Meet every Tuesday at 7.30pm in Holburn West Church, corner of Great Western Road and Ashley Park Drive. Contact Mike on 632354/mclintockm@aol.com or e mail to aberdeengaelichoir@gmail.com

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the one stop business shop ...

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Kingswells Community Centre Tuesday 3.30-4.15 Airyhall Community Centre Thursday 3.30-4.15 4.15-5.00

To book places contact Alison McLeod on 314669 www.aberdeenfootballfun.co.uk

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57

Microwave Ovens

community clubs & groups

Working on the Radar project with the Raytheon Corporation, American Marvin Bock stood in front of a prototype scanner dish and was amazed to find that a chocolate bar in his pocket completely melted in seconds. Intrigued, Marvin began years of private experimentation at home, building a huge microwave machine and attempting to cook hotdogs.

Girls Brigade : Meet Tues in Queens Cross Church Hall Explorers P1-3 : 5pm-6.30pm Juniors P4-7 : 6pm-7.30pm Brigaders S1-6 : 6pm-8pm Morag Pirie - 01358-742621 Girls Brigade : Are you in P1-P3? Looking for some fun?

Then come and join us we meet every Thurs @ South Holburn Church, Holburn St. Tel : Lesley Bills - 01224-596596 Rainbows, Brownies, Guides tel : 01224 638685 for your nearest group Beavers, Cubs, Scouts : tel : 01224 208426 for your nearest group Boys Brigade HQ : tel : 01224 644400 for your nearest group 17th Aberdeen Cub Scouts : Thurs @ 1800h Scout Hall, Ruthrie Terr Tel Jacqui Duncan : 07703 435 251 or email : jacqui4bs@hotmail.co.uk Choi Kwang Do : Inchgarth Community Centre Garthdee Mond 4.45-5.45 Thurs 6-7pm Tel Claire - 746778 After School Bridge classes :

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Spencer continued experimenting, building a metal box into which he fed microwave power. The energy was unable to escape through metal, thereby creating a higher density electromagnetic field. When food was placed inside, the microwaves caused the water molecules in the item to vibrate and become heated. Engineers quickly went to work on developing and refining Spencer’s prototype. In October 1946 the Raytheon Corp filed a patent proposing microwaves be used to cook food.

Wed at The Bridge Club 14 Rubislaw Terrace P6-7 - Anytime fm 3.00-4.30.

S1-6 - Anytime fm 3.00-5.30 , Sally Reid : 01224 - 322719 ATC 107 Squadron Open to new members, male & female aged 13 – 16. Also looking for enthusiastic adult staff, male & female to join the team., Prince Charles Cadet Centre, Albury Road, Ferryhill, Aberdeen Mon & Weds 19.00 - 21.30. Tel. 01224 590679 www.107aircadets.org.

Highland Dancing Classes Is your child interested in starting a new hobby, Highland Classes are available at Craigiebuckler Church and Danscentre through Carolanne Sinclair . Open to all levels of experience, with beginners classes starting at aged 5 & over. Contact Carolanne directly on 07972104774 or by email at sinclair_carolanne@yahoo.com New class after the summer at Mannofield Church on Wed afternoons.

Fun Kids Yoga Airyhall Community Centre Tues 4-4.30pm (4-7 yrs) & 4.30-5pm (8-13 yrs) Call 07967

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In 1947 the first commercial microwave oven entered the market. The initial units were enormous, standing 5½ft. tall, weighing 750lbs and costing $5000 each. The magnetron tube had to be water-cooled, so an extensive plumbing installation was also required.

Constant improvements and refinements soon produced a reliable lightweight oven that was air-cooled and much less expensive. By 1975 the sales of microwave ovens exceeded the sales of gas cookers. Style, size, shape, colour and price are now tailored to fit any family kitchen. In less than 70 years an accidental discovery has become a global phenomenon. ©Leon F. Jones. 2011.

647 220 or go to www.louisayoga.co.uk Youth Hockey Coaching Tuesday evenings 5.45pm-7.00pm from September to March for or children from P4 to S4. Coaching provided by Gordonians Hockey Club at RGC astroturf pitches on Countesswells Road. Children from all schools are welcome. More details are available at www.gordonianshockey.com GCW Hockey Club Fun sessions for all At Rubislaw Astroturf Thurs 6.30 – 7.30 pm Youth for age 10+ 7.15 – 9pm Adults Contact coach@gcwhc.co.uk 32nd Aberdeen Anchor Boys If you’re in P1, 2 or 3 and want to take part in lots of fun activities, come and join us in Craigiebuckler Church Hall on Thursday evenings 6-7.15pm. Please contact me for further info & start date. Tel: Sarah 317827 Airyhall Choral Ensemble ACE Juniors and ACE Seniors. Both groups meet at the Airyhall Community Centre on Fridays, Juniors meet at 3.30pm & Seniors at 4.30pm. Cost: £28 per pupil for a term of eight classes. http://tutorsalliance.co.uk/Music-Lessons.php e : gazette@fsmail.net

kids groups

Like many important inventions, the microwave oven was a by-product of another technology. During the research and development of aircraft detecting Radar projects in the 1930’s, the amazing properties of microwaves were identified.

Unfortunately for Marvin, a senior scientist on the Radar project, Dr Percy Spencer, began experimenting himself, first with popcorn and then eggs.

December 4th will see Cristina Vettese and Keith Douglas’s wonderful private collection of modern art made public in a one off Collector’s show at St. James’s Place Wealth Management. With a collection consisting of over 100 pieces boasting classics by Picasso, Hollywood sign pieces by the amazing Bill Mack and a very large and wonderful Andy Warhol, the selected exhibition promises to give the public an up close and personal introduction to the couple’s life long collection. An exhibition like no other, The Collector will be a Night Time Gallery event, open 6 - 9pm inviting you to make an evening out of this rare viewing opportunity.

On December 5th Cristina and Keith will share their vast collection by turning The Collector into a buyer’s event, providing you with the chance to invest in a unique piece of modern art.

Night Time Gallery Event

buyer’s event

Tuesday 4 December 6 - 9pm

Wednesday 5 December 6 - 9pm

Hosted by Alastair Buchan & Gregor Howitt of St. James’s Place Wealth Management

Hosted by Cristina Vettese & Keith Douglas

St. James’s Place House 3 Queen’s Gate Aberdeen AB15 5YL All welcome!

St. James’s Place House 3 Queen’s Gate Aberdeen AB15 5YL If you would like to be included on the invite list and receive more information for this event, please email: info@wearesmartconsultants.co.uk

After these events there will be an opportunity during December to view the full collection within the exclusive setting of Cristina and Keith’s home - by appointment only.

Please email Keith Douglas ksdougl@aol.com or call SMART Consultants on 01224 561977

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59

community clubs & groups

parent and toddler groups Mannofield Mother & Toddlers 10-1130am Mon for children aged 0-3.

10- 130am Wed for children aged 0-3.

10-11.30am Fris for children aged 0-3.

Mannofield Church, Gt Western Rd All welcome - friendly, sociable groups Holburn West Mothers & Toddlers Meet on a Wed fm 0930 & Fri fm 9.45am Parent and Toddler Group Wed (not school hols) fm 9.45 - 11.15 Rubislaw church centre, beaconsfield pl NCT Bumps and Babies Queens Cross Church,Thurs fm 2 - 4pm ‘Toots’ Playgroup Airyhall Community centre 2’s Group 1 ½ to 2 ½ - Tues & Thurs 9.30 to 11.30 Playgroup 2 ½ onwards – Mon, Wed & Fri 9.30 – 11.30am Holburn West Playgroup Meet on a Wed fm 930am Babies andToddlers Mon 0945-1200 Crown Terr Methodist Church Friendly group for parents/carers of children aged 0-3 Cost £1 incl refreshments.

861209/733276 or 01330 823480 e-mail: babiesand toddlers@aberdeenmethodist.org.uk

Midstocket Playgroup, Midstocket Parish Church, Harcourt Rd. 2.5 - 5 year olds. Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 09.15 - 11.45, Mon,Tues,Thurs 13.00- 15.30. Funded places available. Tel. 07542 256703 www. midstocketplaygroup.co.uk Rubislaw Playgroup Playgroup: Rubislaw Church Centre. Mon to Fri 9:15-11:45; from 30 mths to school age. Funded places available. Call 07747 830386 b/n 9:30 & 12:15 or email rubislawplaygroup@hotmail.co.uk Toddlers and 2s: Rubislaw Church Centre. Enjoy play, craft, singing and snack.

Toddlers: Up to 2 yrs; Wed 9:30-11:30 2s Group: 2 to 3 yrs; Tues 9:30-11:30. Call 07747 830386 b/n 9:30 & 12:15 or email rubislawplaygroup@hotmail.co.uk/ Messy Play Rubislaw Church Centre. Enjoy messy play for ages 2 to 5. Wed & Fri 1:15-3pm. Call 07747 830386 b/n 9:30 & 12:15 or email rubislawplaygroup@hotmail.co.uk/ Kids Crew Playgroup.2yrs 8mnths. Mon, Wed, Fri mornings 9.30am12pm. Funded Places available.

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+ Two’s Group.Wed, Thurs 9.30-11am. Both groups at Ferryhill Community Centre, Albury Road, Ferryhill. Tel : 584118.

Playgroup @ Ruthrieston Comm Centre ‘Playshed’, Holburn St Mon-Thurs 9.15-11.15. fm 2 yrs 6 mnths. £3.50 per session - includes healthy snack. Call 572211 Children’s Football Tel Alison - 314669 Football for children fm age 21/2 up to P3. Held at Kingswells and Airyhall. www.aberdeenfootballfun.co.uk NCT Waddling - Toddling Mon @ St Francis of Assisi Church, Deeside Dr, Mannofield 10-11.30, drop in group for mums to be, parents & carers of babies & toddlers birth - preschool www.nct.org.uk/

in-your-area/aberdeen/W2T

Queen’s Cross Parent & Toddler Group Queens Cross Church Mon 9.30-11.30 Children 0-4 & their grown-ups are very welcome. £1.50 Gaelic Parent & Child Group Gilcomstoun Primary School Mon, Wed & Fri 9.15-11.30. You don’t have to speak Gaelic to attend. Mairi Morley 07900 337122, e : gaelic@aberdeencity.gov.uk.

Singing Tots 6mths - 3 yrs Mon 945-1015 & 1045 -1115 Rubislaw Church Centre phone or text : 07745 924449 info@singingtots.org /www.singingtots.org Toddler Time : Wed 09:15–11:15 term time. Friendly, welcoming group for parents & children aged 0-4. Cost 50 pence, inc snacks & refreshments New Life International Church, Leadside Road, AB25 1TW Michelle - 07808 932 907 Ruthrieston West Church Twos Group Fri 9.45 - 11.00 ( During term time) Age 1year 10 months + £2.50 per child per session. For more information phone Lynne on 01224 314692 Teeny Beats Fun singalong with musical instruments.

Meets on a Wednesday 2pm - 3pm during term time at Rubislaw Church Centre.

For children aged 0 to 5 years. £2 per session discounted rate for additional children. For further information contact Jenni Dalziel 07835852389, jennidalziel@live.co.uk

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The 123 Group, Craigiebuckler Church Hall, Every Thurs 2-4pm, Adult and Child group; children fm babies up to the age of 3 are all welcome. Costs £8 per month, with lots of fun activities, crafts and healthy snacks provided for the children. For more information, please email the123group@yahoo. com, or call Pamela Morrison 07762481757 Aberdeen Dolphin Swimming Club Swim School for children fm 4 years old. Lessons at Hazlehead & Hazlewood Pools. Coaching for children who would like to train and swim competitively.

Contact Louise Lindsay (membership secretary) on 596709 for more info.

South Holburn Church Parent and Toddler Group E-mail: fmdfindon@aol.com Parents with babies and toddlers aged 0 - 3 are invited to join us to meet other parents ove a cup of tea or coffee and play with your child in a welcoming, child-friendly setting.

Thursday mornings 9.15 - 11.15am. during school terms.

Grampian Twins club A voluntary group for parents of multiples, get together on the last Friday of every month at St Francis of Assisi church, 213 Deeside Gardens AB15 7PR. There for you during pregnancy and beyond for advice, support and a great way to meet other multiple mums in the city and shire area. www.grampiantwinsclub.co.uk Jo Jingles Music and Movement leanne.jojingles@tiscali.co.uk 07595452621 Fun and educational music classes monday/tuesday/thursday @ city centre and Wynford farm www.jojingles.com/aberdeen

e : gazette@fsmail.net

D.A.W.G.S Dog Action Working Group Scotland

If you can no longer take care of your dog, we can help!

D.A.W.G.S finds loving homes for dogs whose owners can no longer take care of them

Gorgeous Gift Ideas ♥

accessories ♥ cards ♥ gifts ♥ ♥ jewellery ♥ toys ♥

162 Union Grove Tel : 467372 https://www.facebook.com/flourish.aberdeen

For further information contact:DAWGS on 01224 208989 or visit www.dawgs.co.uk 6 Whitemyres Holdings, Lang Stracht, Aberdeen.

Braeside and Mannofield

Community Council have disbanded.

Meetings will be at 7pm on the second Tuesday of the month in St Joseph’s School

ALL WELCOME !

You can still have your say by attending the Queens Cross & Harlaw or Cults, Bieldside and Milltimber Community Council Meetings Thank you for your support.

Please do mention the gazette when responding to advertisers - thank you

61

Day service is operated by First Aberdeen and the evening service is operated by Stagecoach Bluebird

Craigiebuckler  City Centre Balnagask

5

MONDAYS TO FRIDAYS

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ice is operated by Stagecoach Bluebird

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until

route number

*Calls cost 1 charges from

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— — — — — — — — 0615 0620 0632

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then at these minutes past each hour

Thanks to our reader Eleanor for bringing this to our attention.

Craigiebuckler Union Grove East St Nicholas Kirk Victoria Bridge Balnagask Circle Balnagask Circle Victoria Bridge Market Street St Nicholas Kirk Holburn Junction Craigiebuckler

5

then at these minutes past each hour

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customer services Stagecoach Stagecoach Bluebird Union Square bus station Guild Street Aberdeen AB11 6NA

e : gazette@fsmail.net





The No 5 Bus will take you home from the “Ball” before midnight!

Well hello,

have I caught you peeking!

I’m Flat 3, 17 Jackson Terrace, Aberdeen.

I’m the whole of the top floor of a 3 flatted property.

I have a lounge, eat-in kitchen, bathroom and one bedroom.

I’m situated in a quiet street which has “free parking” (but we’ll whisper that so the council doesn’t hear). I am easy access to the beach and all the amenities it has to offer. Two large supermarkets. The University of Aberdeen. King Street which is great if you work at Bridge of Don or Aberdeen City and a fantastic bus service.

So what makes me so special...

Like I said, I’m the top floor of a 3-flatted property and my neighbours are all friendly. I have nice double-glazed windows and gas central heating to keep you toastie and a security entry system to keep you safe.

My present owner bought me six year’s ago as her first flat. At the time she had to pick social space over bedroom space and guess what - I won - as I had the social space she craved as a first time buyer and entertainer of friends! My bedroom maybe compromised but it still takes a double bed, a triple pine wardrobe and a chest of drawers and I can still get access to the bed!

My kitchen will take a table and chairs and comfortably sits four. I have shared outside space within a walled garden. I have ample storage space for all your extra bits and bobs and access to the loft space too!

I would be an ideal purchase for a first time buyer. A nice mummy and daddy looking for an investment whilst their children are at University. A buy-to-let opportunity for the would be entrepreneur.

So why not pick up your phone and book a viewing right now ... telephone 07746 669234. If I can get you through the door i don’t think you will be disappointed. I’m a snip at offers over £98,000 My full particulars and home report can be viewed at ASPC Reference: 294195 URL For This Property: http://www.aspc.co.uk/cgi-bin/public/SINGLE?ID=294195 I look forward to welcoming you as my new owner.

Please do mention the gazette when responding to advertisers - thank you

63

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4/9/12

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