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Mid Mar - April 2013 Issue 74 - Free magazine

A Look Inside...

Motoring: Jaguar XJ AWD + Porsche Cayenne Travel: Hidden Algarve Interiors: True Cost of a Kitchen Beauty: Brows Technology: Top 5 Money Saving Apps

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Bling Fling 5 - book your place for 19 May now

A note from Sue... Well the year is certainly marching on. Already half-way through March, but we are coming up to chocolate heaven with the arrival of Easter! Easter also brings school holidays; religious ceremonies; exam preparations and new cars! I have two beautiful cars to tell you about, expensive and impressive. Definitely pick one if I win the lottery can you guess which one? I have some wonderful new advertisers for you this issue. A chiropodist; a driving school; Cyprus holiday villas; keep fit; property letting; a handyman; vintage clothing; make-up artist; art workshops at Crathes and the return of the March Hare vintage market, plus all our lovely regular customers. The Fourmile had a great success with their 20% off coupon and have very kindly allowed you, the reader, to enjoy a further 20% off until the end of April. Kumiko also have a great offer of a free head massage if you try their new smart age products or book any facial/face treatment. I have to say that I have two recipes for you this issue too, so do let me know if you try them out and how successful they were. There is a lot on

at the usual venues and for all you doggie people DAWGS are holding a great event at the end of March see opposite page! Marese Vintage Clothing is holding a sale at Airyhall community centre, again at the end of March. With the help of my mystery house team I was able to give the charity Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline an opportunity to let you know what they are about and maybe some of you might like to get involved? Also it is time to dig out those sparkly trainers and feather boas as Bling Fling 5 is happening on 19 May! This year I’m doing it! Anybody fancy keeping me company? Our next copy deadline for articles and advertisers is 12 April – articles and adverts relevant for May thru to mid-June. I think I’ve told you enough ,so why not go and re-fill your cuppa and enjoy the rest of the magazine. Until the next issue,

Sue

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www.emmadavidsonphotography.co.uk 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; Benjamin; Glenn; Kate; Alix; Connor; Carter; Laura, Molly + Stephanie

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. www.thegranitecitygazette.co.uk

deadline : 12 April for May - mid-June 2013 issue

publisher/owner : Sue Simpson

All enquiries :

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Mid Mar - April 2013 Issue 74 - Free magazine

A Look Inside...

Motoring: Jaguar XJ AWD + Porsche Cayenne Travel: Hidden Algarve Interiors: True Cost of a Kitchen Beauty: Brows Technology: Top 5 Money

Saving Apps

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Bling Fling 5 - book your place for 19 May now

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Full4Health Exclusive Ladies Only Fitness Class

BUST THAT BODYFAT LOVE YOUR BODY ROCK YOUR LBD! Summerhill Church (Outdoors Weather Permitting)

Wed: 6.30-7.30pm Fri: 6.00-7.00pm Contact Lee: 07510054788 Lee Donald-Elite www.leedonaldpersonaltraining.com

Full4Health brings together researchers from across Europe with Rowett scientists taking a leading role. It is hoped that this project it will further our understanding of obesity, chronic disease and undernutrition. This study will be looking at the impact of what we consume for breakfast has on our motivation to eat. Volunteers will consume four different breakfast drinks on four separate mornings and appetite will be measured for the duration of each visit (approximately 3 and a half hours). Volunteers will receive feedback about their body weight, BMI, body fat, waist circumference, typical feeding habits and habitual physical activity.

Want to know more about your body composition, eating habits and physical activity?

Then, the Full4Health study is for you! We are looking to enrol children, teenagers, lean & overweight adults in the following age groups: · 8-10 years old · 13-17 years old · 25-45 years old · 65-75 years old The study involves 4 Breakfast Visits (3.5 hrs) at the Rowett Institute during which you will get a free breakfast and a selection of mid-morning snacks. Harnessing new insights into food, gut and brain interactions will lead to better understanding of our feelings of hunger or satiety.

www.full4health.eu

The study is funded by the European Union Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013) under grant agreement n° 266408

For more information or to volunteer, please contact us on (01224) 438691 William Buosi, william.buosi@abdn.ac.uk Dr Daniel Crabtree, d.r.crabtree@abdn.ac.uk 4

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An eggs-cellent idea! Whatever the weather, children of all ages will love an Easter egg hunt. Try one of these ideas and have a cracking good time! • For a simple hunt, put plastic eggs around the house or garden that children have to collect to win a prize, or hide small chocolate eggs for them to collect in a basket. • Add clues to make the search a bit harder. Alternatively, create a treasure map and mark each egg with an X. • Young children will enjoy following a trail of paper bunny footprints, or a long piece of string to reach their prize. • Add a fun educational twist using numbered cardboard egg shapes – children can collect odd or even numbers, or get the highest total to win a prize. You could also put the letters of an Easter-themed word on the shapes and challenge them to solve the anagram.

• Set up an ‘obstacle’ hunt. To win each egg, children have to complete a challenge, such as doing ten star jumps, singing a nursery rhyme, or completing a craft activity. • If you have a mixed group of children, prepare individual checklists so they each find only what is on their list and no more – for example, two chocolate bunnies, three silver eggs and four fluffy chicks. By Alex Brown

For rent 2 luxury villas located in the tranquil Coral Bay area of Paphos They are set in a particularly quiet area of the town and yet only 5 minutes walk away from the many shops, restaurants, snack/sports bars, pubs, supermarkets, 150 metres from the beach and still only 20km from Paphos International Airport. They are not based on the steep mountainside like some villas but instead have an easy walk along pavements to the main strip. If you prefer to take public transport, they are also on the main bus-route for the harbour, beach and market, where there are many excellent restaurants and pubs. The villas boast beautiful views of the Mediterranean and have a private pool and luxurious hot-tub at each. They are both fully equipped with all mod-cons including flat-screen TVs with SKY Freeview TV, DVD, Wi-Fi, dishwasher, air conditioning and lots more. Direct flights are available from Glasgow, Edinburgh and most other airports.

Phone - 07770 664410

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LEMON CHICKEN WITH TABBOULEH This is a great way to turn simple and very economical chicken portions into a delicious Mediterranean-style supper. If you have time, make the tabbouleh a few hours in advance to let the flavours fully develop. Serves 4 Ready in 45 minutes Ingredients 1 lemon, thinly sliced 4 large chicken thigh portions (or 8 small thigh portions) 4 tbsp olive oil 3 tbsp lemon juice 2 tbsp clear honey, warmed 225g bulgar wheat (see tip) Â˝ cucumber, finely diced 4 spring onions, trimmed and finely chopped 2 tbsp fresh chopped mint 2 tbsp fresh chopped coriander Salt and freshly ground black pepper Method 1 Preheat the oven to 190C, 375F, Gas 5. Push a lemon slice under the skin of each chicken thigh. Heat 1 tbsp of the oil in a frying pan and fry the chicken over a medium-high heat until golden brown all over. Transfer to a shallow roasting tin and arrange the rest of the lemon slices around the chicken. 2 Mix together 1 tbsp of the lemon juice with the honey and pour over the chicken. Roast for 20-25 minutes until cooked through. 3 Meanwhile, place the bulgar wheat into a bowl and pour over enough boiling water to cover. Leave for 30 minutes until grains are soft. Stir well and drain off any excess water. 4 Stir in the rest of the olive oil and lemon juice and season with plenty of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add the cucumber, spring onions, mint and coriander and mix well. Serve the hot roast chicken on the tabbouleh with any juices from the roasting tin poured over. TIP : Bulgar wheat is a type of wheat grain that has been parboiled, dried then finely crushed. It is similar to couscous but has more texture and bite. Youâ€™ll find it in most large supermarkets or health food shops.

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MYSTERY HOUSE?

12000 copies of the magazine are delivered across the West End of Aberdeen predominantly in AB10, AB15 and AB11 and we need mystery houses within the distribution routes to ensure each delivery is carried out thoroughly. All you have to do is register as a mystery house and report to us by phone, text or email each month when you receive your magazine. In return, as a thank you, for each confirmation, the gazette will donate £5 worth of advertising to a selected local charity nominated by yourselves. We’ll let your know each month which charity and how much advertising has been raised.

To register call : 01224 318561 or email: gazette@fsmail.net include your name, address and phone number + a charity you’d like to support. Please do mention the gazette when responding to advertisers - thank you

SPICED RACK OF LAMB WITH FRAGRANT RICE Perfect for a spring Sunday lunch or stylish supper this quick and easy lamb dish is full of flavor. Choose a couple of meaty racks of lamb from a good butcher and score the layers of fat before spreading with the harissa paste. Serve with a cooling garlic and mint yoghurt sauce. Serves 4 Ready in 1 hour Ingredients 1 tbsp harissa paste (see Tip) 2 trimmed racks of lamb, each with 6 bones 2 red onions, peeled and cut into slim wedges 50g butter 225g basmati rice, rinsed and drained 1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed 750ml vegetable stock Generous pinch saffron strands 50g sultanas 40g flaked almonds, lightly toasted 2 tbsp pomegranate seeds Method 1 Preheat the oven to 200C, 400F, Gas 6. Spread the harissa paste over the lamb racks. Place the racks in an oiled roasting tin and add the onion wedges. 2 Roast in the preheated oven for 25-35 minutes depending on how pink you like your lamb. Remove from the oven. Cover with foil and leave to rest for 10 minutes – the lamb will be juicier and easier to carve. 3 Meanwhile, heat the butter in a heavy-based pan until melted and foaming. Add the rice and garlic. Fry gently for 1-2 minutes, stirring until the rice is translucent. Pour in the stock. Add the saffron and bring to the boil, stirring. 4 Cover the pan with a tight fitting lid. Reduce the heat to the lowest setting and cook for 15-20 minutes without removing the lid until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed. Remove from the heat. Fork through to separate the grains. Add the sultanas, flaked almonds and pomegranate seeds. 5 Carve the lamb racks into individual cutlets and serve immediately with the fragrant rice and roast onion wedges. TIP : Harissa paste is a fiery hot North African blend of red chilli peppers and spices – just a little goes a long way so use sparingly. You’ll find it in small jars near the dried herb and spice sections in most large supermarkets.

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Old Skene Road, Kingswells, Aberdeen, AB15 8QA Tel. 01224 740318 Email. info@fourmile.co.uk

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Your lunch or dinner bill Monday to Thursday during March and April 2013

Voucher can be used once only and only one voucher per table. 9 Voucher cannot be exchanged for cash. Valid until 30 April 2013 CODE -AG

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Creature Comforts ‘Hang spring –cleaning!’ cries Mole in Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows. The critters are emerging from hibernation, and so are we. We’ve picked a selection of the best novels where animals are calling the shots. What better way to welcome in the warmer weather, than with some tales from the riverbank… and beyond? Watership Down Richard Adams Fiver can sense impending doom. Something very bad is coming to the rabbit warren and fleeing is the only way to save the clan. He and his brother Hazel embark on the journey of a lifetime to find sanctuary at Watership Down. Crammed full of amazing rabbit folklore, myths, legends and even their own language of ‘Lapine’, we become totally immersed in Fiver and Hazel’s world, carried along on this amazing and perilous journey across southern England.

War Horse Michael Morpurgo Based on the true story of a horse named ‘Warrior’, War Horse follows the tale of Joey, a young mount who is sold to the cavalry for

service in the First World War and the attempts of his previous owner Albert to bring him home safely. It’s an amazing story of bravery and friendship, set against the bloodiest of backdrops and you can’t help but gallop alongside the intrepid pair.

Charlotte’s Web E.B. White Bashful and whimsical Wilbur the Pig is horrified to learn that he’s facing the chop. His human protector, Fern, might not be able to save him all on her own and it looks like it’s up to the barn’s resident arachnid to save his bacon. Can Charlotte convince the farmer that Wilbur really is worth hanging onto? Ok, so the clue is in the title but this is a thoroughly charming tale that will have you laying off the sausages, and letting the cobwebs hang around a bit longer, way after you’ve put the book down.

Animal Farm George Orwell Originally subtitled ‘A Fairy Story’, this was Orwell’s allegory for events leading up to the Russian Revolution. Rebellion is in the air at Manor Farm when the drunken layabout of a farmer, Mr Jones, forgets to feed his animals. Pigs Napoleon and Snowball lead the revolt and bring power to all those on four legs. But in time, the uprising takes an unexpected downturn. Remember: ‘All animals are

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equal. But some animals are more equal than others’.

White Fang Jack London Set in Canada during the gold rush at the end of the 1800s, White Fang is the story of a half dog-half wolf hybrid puppy and his attempts to find his place in the world. It’s an epic story of survival, with White Fang struggling against the violent backdrop of the Yukon Territory before he’s adopted by American Indian Grey Beaver and attempts to live as a domesticated canine. White Fang’s new life is just as brutal, as he fails to be accepted by other young dogs and so reverts to being the ‘lone wolf’, detached and isolated in the frozen wastelands.

The Art of Racing in the Rain Garth Stein Another dog has his day now and this time it’s Enzo who wants to be reincarnated as a human. Enzo already feels human - he watches television and listens carefully to everything his master tells him. Through watching and listening, Enzo has gleaned that his human family is in trouble and he must do everything in his power to fix them. ‘Heartwarming’ doesn’t come close.

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The true cost of a kitchen So you’re planning to fit a new kitchen. But how do you ensure value for money? Here’s the lowdown on where to start, what to look for and all the questions to ask. By Katherine Sorrell 12

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Ikea’s RUBRIK APPLÅD doors and drawer fronts are now available in light turquoise and light blue, to match the new NUMERÄR worktops. tdesigned : 01224 - 318561 e : gazette@fsmail.net

Designing your kitchen Using an architect or interior designer is the most expensive option. Check whether they price per hour or for the job, and what’s included – from simple outline sketches, to detailed drawings, assistance with planning applications, specifying suppliers, appointing contractors and supervising the entire process. At the other end of the scale, you could design it yourself for free, as well as source all components such as units, worktops and appliances. Remember that this will mean managing the project every step of the way. Many people go for the middle option of using their kitchen supplier’s design and installation service. If you’re asked to take your own measurements, be careful: even in a new-build, walls are not always true and the surfaces flat. Take at

Design

least three measurements at floor, work-surface and wall unit height, and work to the smallest width. Alternatively, if you are using a mid-range or luxury kitchen supplier, you may be asked to pay a few hundred pounds for them to measure up and produce a set of drawings specific to your room. Comparing prices What’s included when you buy a kitchen? It varies widely, from a basic delivery of flat-packed cupboards to an all-encompassing service. When comparing prices, ensure that you know exactly what you’re buying – a cheap option can cost considerably more if you end up paying for extra work. Ask the right questions. Will they dispose of existing fittings? Prepare plumbing and electrical work? Carry out associated building work? Fit floor and wall finishes?

Supply

What about final decorating, electrical work and other carpentry such as shelving? Who will fit worktops, sinks, taps, appliances and extras such as plate racks and knife holders? Is there a guarantee and after-sales service? Checking for quality The main difference between buying an off-theshelf kitchen from one of the budget suppliers and a pricier kitchen from a midprice or luxury supplier is that the former will give you machine-made units that come off a factory line, whereas the latter offer hand-built cupboards by cabinet-makers. Machinemade units are not necessarily poor quality, though they will have “plant-on” doors that sit in front of the frame, rather than “in-frame” doors, which are individually made to fit perfectly inside their frames.

Installation

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

www.aquaticsoul.co.uk Tel : 01224 733402

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Cooke & Lewis high gloss walnut veneer kitchen, from B&Q. DoorsÂ Solid-wood doors with traditional mortise and tenon joints are often considered the highest quality. In-frame doors may expand and contract with the humidity (though the thicker they are, the less chance there is of this). A good supplier will offer an aftersales service to check their fitting after a few months. Veneered doors are usually cheaper, and are considered easier to maintain. Check

whether painted doors are machine-sprayed, or painted by hand with a brush. Carcasses Top-of-the-range carcasses are made of solid wood. Next-level-down ones are usually made from plywood or MDF veneer, while cheaper ones are made from chipboard, sometimes with just hardboard backs. Check the thickness of the chipboard â€“ 18-20mm is a good guide.

The true cost of a kitchen Hinges Poor hinges are usually made from thin metal and will wear so thin that the doors hang unevenly. While many people are happy with good quality Blum or Blumstyle hinges (concealed, adjustable and available in a variety of specifications), solid brass butts are better. Check whether hinges open through a complete 180 degree angle. Worktops At the budget end of the market, very cheap laminate worktops can burn, scratch and wear out quickly. High-pressure laminates are more durable than lowpressure ones; check that the underside is sealed to

G-DEC - George Crichton

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Handyman Services Everything from dripping taps and general garden tidy‐ups to fence building, patio laying, home repairs……. all at very reasonable rates.

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prevent water damage from appliances beneath. In a more luxurious kitchen package, you’ll be offered solid wood (at least 4cm thick is best), granite (3cm), man-made solid surfaces (such as Corian) or even glass or concrete. They’re more expensive, but they will last longer and look better.

Painted Ivory is a new colourway for John Lewis’s popular Vermont kitchen, from its Core Collection.

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A last word: installation A good fitter can make an average kitchen appear fantastic, whereas poor fitting will make the most luxurious kitchen look terrible. Bear this in mind if you’re planning on doing it yourself. If you’re using a fitter, ask to see a kitchen they’ve installed previously. When buying an expensive, bespoke kitchen, it’s wise to use the company’s own fitters (you may not have an option to do otherwise). Otherwise, finding a good fitter is, as always, a question of recommendation.

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

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

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Y EXP EARS ERIE NC

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Fitness and Health Fitness is an integral part of good health. When a health condition or injury occurs, it is common for us to turn to a physiotherapist and an exercise programme in order to help us back to good health. Following release from the physiotherapy, advice is to continuing exercising, on a regular basis. Depending on the health condition or injury, when the situation has improved the urgency to continue exercising can be diminished. Fitness is an integral part of health and doing what you can is important. Following a health incident or injury, confidence drops and belief in your own abilities is confusing. This where an exercise class can help you to understand how your body moves and the limitations it has. From here, you are then able to learn the right way to move in a safe environment. Challenging the way you do things with support around you, in a safe environment is very important. When you understand how you currently move it you are in a better position to improve on it and build confidence in your own abilities. To illustrate this I would like to use two examples. Surviving any kind of cardiac event is remarkable. Following a period of exercise at the hospital clients are released from hospital into the community to carry on with life. It’s at this point that confidence can be low and a feeling of not knowing where the support is coming from. Attending an aerobic or circuit training exercise class, with a qualified instructor, will help to build confidence and improve the function of the heart. The health of the heart will improve when it is elevated and challenged during aerobic activity. Following this challenge, at rest, the heart will pump more efficiently, and blood pressure will reduce to a normal level. But most importantly because exercise makes you feel good, strength in your own abilities soon increases.

By attending a community exercise class not only do you improve the function of the heart, making you fitter, will also improve the way you think of your own limitations, increase your social circle and support base. This in turn reduces fear and anxiety, emotions which may have induced the initial event.

and stand tall. Working on muscle strength will also, indirectly, bring bone density, which will reduce the risks of breaking bones. Remembering that exercise makes you feel good, the mental health benefits along with physical health benefits are also apparent. Self efficacy is greatly improved. Health and fitness are more closely linked than first thought. The more fitness we aim to complete the more health benefits we will gain.

The second illustration is that of an injury, such as a fall, causing a broken bone, or reducing the movement in a joint from an accident. When an injury occurs we start to compensate in our Fitness is relevant to individual’s movements for the injury. When the lifestyle. We want to be fit enough to injury heals we very often maintain the do the things we do on a daily basis, compensation movement which in turns which is all relevant and functional to brings other complications in relation us as individuals. That may simply mean to posture. Rebalancing the body’s building sufficient strength to have the movements again can be achieved in an ability to get in and out of a seat using exercise class. An injury following a fall only the legs, or it may be the ability to can also reduce confidence in walking walk several miles into town and back. and standing tall. This leads to a more Whatever your challenge there is an sedentary lifestyle, reducing movement exercise class somewhere that will not further, which perpetuates the only be of benefit to you but support weakness and increases the chances of you through the challenges ahead. falling once again. The fear of falling Laura Walker will on occasions Fitness for Health Classes induce the risk and the occurrence of Monday falling. Attending a relevant seated exercise class enables the participant to gain strategies and tools to practice outside of class to build muscle strength and good posture. Getting up and down from a seat without using hands for support is the kind of practice undertaken at a seated exercise class. This will also build the confidence to walk

Pilates 10:00am - £7 Mannofield Church Zumba 11:00am—£4.20

Tuesday

Fitness Yoga 12:30pm £7 Woodbank

Wednesday

Seated Exercise 12:00pm £4 Mannofield Church

Thursday

Exercise Class 10:00am £4 WRI Hall Cults

Friday

Pilates 10:00am £5 Inchgarth CC

Laura Walker: 07773021851 laura@laurawalkerlimited.co.uk www.laurawalkerlimited.co.uk

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Aberdeen’s Sparkliest Charity Event Aims To Raise Even More For Local Causes Just By having Fun! The pinkest and sparkliest event in Aberdeen’s fundraising calendar - The Bling Fling Tiaras and Trainers Walk -

making a difference to breast cancer research and services at ARI and supporting those who face the life long difficulties that raising a child with learning disabilities can bring.”

is happening again on 19th May - and organisers hope that even more people will sign up to take part in its 5th Anniversary event.

She continued

The event combines a 5 or a 10k walk along the Old Deeside Railway Line in trainers, tiaras and as much bling as entrants can muster with a celebratory pamper party after in the Winter Gardens where entrants really get a chance to enjoy themselves with entertainments, therapies food and of course pink fizz!

This year Bling Fling 5 will take place at the Duthie Park on Sunday 19th May.

Since 2009 the event has attracted hundreds of women -and a few brave men every year who have walked, talked and partied their way to raising over £250 000 for breast cancer services at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary Aberdeen, equipment and services at the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital and Archway, a local charity supporting almost 200 children, young people and adults with learning disabilities. Bling Fling was started by Aberdeen journalist Sonja and a group of friends after she was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2008 and she explained why she wanted to do something: “The aim was to give friends and those affected by breast cancer or learning disabilities or both the chance to celebrate life and friendship and have fun while raising money for vital services. The money raised over the last 5 years is already

The great thing about Bling Fling is you don’t have to be super fit to do something amazing - just by coming along and having fun with friends you are doing something special. “

For those thrill seekers looking for something a bit more exciting this year there is also a Bling Fling Highland Fling bungee jump at Killiecrankie. Details of how to register for either events can be found on the event website www. blingfling.org, email enquiries@blingfling.org or telephone 01224 643327. For Further Information Contact: Janine Davies - Tel 01224 317060 Email: janinedaviespr@hotmail.com enquiries@blingfling.org Sonja Rasmussen - Tel 07718140269

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Want to get fit and have fun? We all know we should exercise more, but there always seems to be a good reason to start next week… Whatever your excuse is, Friskis&Svettis is the answer!  The Friskis&Svettis mission is to provide fun and effective classes to everyone, regardless of age or ability.  Our exercise to music classes incorporate stamina, strength, balance, flexibility and relaxation to create an all-round work out.  We have classes all over Aberdeen and the surrounding areas at different levels of intensity to suit your abilities.  There is no booking, just come along and pay as you go.  Our classes are an hour long and range from just £3-4.

So come along and try something new, get fit and have fun too! For more information, class lists and videos visit :

www.fsaberdeen.co.uk or www.facebook.com/fsaberdeen

11am - 4pm Boys Brigade HQ, Crimon Place, Aberdeen.

2013 market dates: 27th April 25th May 29th June

27th July 26th October 31st August 30th November 28th September 14th December

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• Day to day activities such as riding

a motorcycle (wind noise – not the engine noise as you might think) or even driving in a car with the window down (some truck and taxi drivers have more pronounced hearing loss in their right ear, nearest the open window)

• Recreational activities such as shooting So first off, be aware when there may be damaging levels of noise present and if there is, protect your ears. Inexpensive foam earplugs can be purchased from DIY stores and some high street chemists. Most concert venues have free earplugs available, and whilst they rarely offer them to you on arrival, there’s usually a good supply behind the bar. Keep a few pairs in a drawer for use around the house when tackling your latest DIY project too.

Don’t suffer in silence Being able to hear is fundamental to our ability to communicate. If we can’t hear, we can’t respond to others nor speak clearly or judge our pitch – try talking to someone with headphones and they’ll shout back at you. But like most of our senses we take our hearing for-granted and only notice it if it starts failing.

What if you already have hearing loss? It’s not usually that you can’t hear at all but just that it’s not clear. Often it’s the high frequency sounds that fade first, such as bleeps and bells. Then it becomes difficult to hear what people are saying when there is background noise such as in crowds or when the television is on.

Most age related hearing loss is not noticeable until later life, but deterioration begins much earlier. You start to lose some of your range as early as in your twenties. Age related hearing loss is much the same as other types of “wear and tear” on the body. Just as hips and knees wear out so does our hearing. Constant exposure to the noisy world we live in gradually wears away at the “nerves” in our ears, reducing their number and the range of sounds that can be picked up.

If left undiagnosed or treated, a hearing loss can lead to other problems. Because it’s unclear what has been said, socialising in groups becomes awkward. Sufferers find themselves pretending to laugh at jokes when they didn’t hear the punch-line, or just nodding and smiling and then being embarrassed because the person talking is awaiting an answer. This in turn leads to loss of confidence and feelings of social exclusion.

What can you do to protect yourself?

What can be done?

Even if you already have some loss, looking after what’s left is imperative. Be aware of situations and environments that can damage your hearing such as:

It’s really not necessary to – literally – suffer in silence. A simple trip to your GP to arrange a hearing test or to a specialist hearing centre or audiologist will mean your hearing is tested and assessed, usually free of charge.

• Playing loud music through headphones and earphones

• Attending loud live music concerts - even some classical concerts

• Using simple DIY equipment such as hammers and power tools

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Discrete and almost invisible the latest aids can make such a difference and vastly improve your hearing. You’ll never regain what has gone, but you can make the best of what you have left.

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23 Rubislaw Den North, Aberdeen, AB154AL M: 07867 936 505 T: 01224-329089 sam@aberdeenhypnotherapy.com www.aberdeenhypnotherapy.com

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How to Holiday for Less in 2013 As winter draws to a close, conversations about where to go for summer holidays are on the increase and the difference between what we can afford and what we would ideally like often represents something of a discrepancy. However, there are steps which can be taken to bridge the gap and help us afford a summer holiday which may otherwise be financially out of reach.

low-cost airlines and advance bookings for accommodation or snag a last-minute bargain from a package holiday company, either of these approaches can work wonders for your budget. The key is to decide which suits you best and to plan your holiday around that. Indecisiveness will cost you money, so take the time to make a clean decision on your strategy.

Book Early or Book Late

For advance accommodation bookings, websites such as holidaylettings. co.uk are fantastic and when booking flights, try skyscanner.net or travel.

As far as saving money is concerned, there are two choices on the table and they are booking either late or early. Whether you book far ahead using

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kelkoo.co.uk to track down the cheapest ones. If youâ€™re flexible about both when and where to go and are just looking to find a great deal, then companies such as markwarner.co.uk, kuoni. co.uk and wandotravel.com all offer fantastic higherend packages for less money when you book at the last minute. Plan Your Budget While itâ€™s a nice idea to lounge around in the luxury of a five-star hotel, your accommodation is really only a place to sleep and store your luggage. This is a good example of how stripping some aspects down to the bare e : gazette@fsmail.net

necessities can save you money. Do some research into the restaurants and other holiday expenditures in the area you’re visiting to track down ways to eat, sleep, drink and sightsee for less money rather than just turning up and paying for what you find. You really will save a fortune. Travel Light Airlines these days charge a great deal for excess baggage. This is especially true for the low-cost airlines and this represents another area where some advance planning can save you cash. Take some time to

put together a packing list which will make the most efficient and effective use of space so you don’t have to take any extra or unnecessary items that will bump up your budget. Be Prepared to Travel Out Of Season While summer may be a mere figment of our imagination here in the UK, other countries do see sunny weather in May and June as well as into September and October. July and August are peak seasons for UK holidaymakers so if you’re not bound by school holidays, travel either

Margaret Waite Tel no: 07764 168 873 margaret@mwaitemortgages.com

earlier or later in the year to avoid peak season and its associated costs. Consider a House Exchange A house exchange is a great way to get some decent accommodation at a very minimal cost. This is especially true if you have a family as exchanging a nice home in the UK can go a long way when travelling to countries where things are a bit more affordable. Websites such as homeexchange.com are trusted, reputable and have been running for a great deal of time.

June Hodge Tel no 07715 454 165 junehodge@btinternet.com

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Our main aim is to provide a flexible and personal service with evening and weekend appointments if required. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up the repayments on your mortgage We usually charge £250 for arranging a mortgage, the actual amount payable will depend upon your circumstances. Please call or email to arrange a mutually convenient time to meet.

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Hidden Algarve Long ago in the Algarve, says the legend, a Nordic princess pined for her frozen homeland until her husband, the King of the Moors, planted thousands of almond trees. The snow-white blossom soon brought a smile to her lips and to this day almost every house in the Algarve looks out to an almond tree. In the lush rolling hills of the interior, the trees herald the first days of spring, flowering among vineyards, orange groves, fig and carob trees. Just a stoneâ€™s throw away from the coast, itâ€™s a quiet land of orchards and meadows, meandering lanes and forests and red-roofed villages tucked in the greenery, their whitewashed houses topped by filigree chimney pots, in Moorish style, and rooftop terraces where laundry and fruit dry side by side. Goats wander across the road and sometimes a donkey and cart rattle along the cobbled streets.

Up there, the cool wooded slopes of the Serra de Monchique are dotted with rivers and lakes, moors and dark forests where rosemary and oleander splash colour in the clearings. The fragrance of eucalyptus and pine follows you along the trails but you find swathes of chestnut and oak and ‘strawberry trees’ whose innocent-looking berries are eagerly collected to make the local firewater. It’s a paradise for ramblers and birdwatchers hoping to spot goshawks and royal eagles. With a subtropical micro-climate, mountain and sea all in one, the Serra claims over 1000 species of plants but now and then a church bell chiming in the distance betrays the presence of an isolated village, perched on a terraced slope where vegetables and fruit compete for space. The road to the top winds past the spa resort of Caldas de Monchique, once the

site of Roman baths and the place where King Joao II came to take the waters in search of a cure, in the late 15th century. Now the emphasis is on beauty and well being, pampering and relaxation. In a deep wooded glen, quaint buildings gather around a shaded square and you are welcome to stroll in the park, quench your thirst and best of all, make a wish at the Fountain of Youth. Beyond this charming watering place, you reach the rustic hill town of Monchique, once a prosperous weaving centre for wool and cloth, still famous today for a wide range of craft, linen, wicker baskets, tree sculptures, wooden spoons, dried flowers and scissor chairs, invented, some say, by the Romans and so-named because of the way they fold up. All sorts of goods spill out on the pavements

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but step inside and you may find the shopkeeper quietly nursing her baby while grandma is shelling peas for the family’s supper. Then follow the lanes climbing up to the square and the whole town is at your feet, tumbling down the hillside among camellias, hydrangeas and fruit trees. The panorama is superb but anyone with a head for heights and twisty roads will also enjoy the drive up to Foia, just five miles away and the highest point at nearly 3,000 feet. Standing on the summit, battling with the wind, you feel like the knights of yore surveying the wild rolling lands of the Algarve, from the verdant slopes of the Serra to the coastal plain and the Atlantic glistening like silver on the horizon. Solange Hando e : gazette@fsmail.net

Let’s Talk Wine... M is for Minerality

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Minerality and why wines can express mineral characteristics is hard to define both from a wine pro and also a scientific point of view and yet the phrase minerality finds its way into my tasting notes time after time. To me, it comes across as firstly as scent – rocks and stones and then as a taste, I suppose similar to that you find in some mineral waters and almost a sensation. It’s not fruity and can be hidden by oak and I do tend to find it in wines that express their origins and the soils that the vines are grown in. If you would like to go on the trail of minerality then a starting point would be Chablis in Northern Burgundy, the Chardonnay vines are grown on Kimmeridgian limestone. Riesling grown on the steep slate soils of the Mosel Valley in Germany can also give you the character or try a Gruner Veltliner from Austria or a Sancerre from the Loire. The flavour/sensation adds to the complexity and the length of flavour of the wine as well as the overall balance. It’s hard to put your finger on it but you know it’s there! Carol Brown http://www.wineuncorkededucation.co.uk T: 01224 312076 M: 07751 520987 Carol Brown is an Aberdeen based Member of the Association of Wine Educators and the Circle of Wine Writers and hosts a range of courses, workshops, dinners and corporate events. She will be hosting sessions at the Style Academy at the Glenmuick Estate in Ballater over the next few weeks. http://the-style-academy.com/index.html

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Mystery House Sponsored Page

CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFELINE Can you help ?

My name is David Henderson and I have recently been appointed as the Chairman of the Aberdeen City & Shire Link of the above charity.

Can you or your organisation support the charity by : · · · ·

The charity was founded in 1991 following the Chernobyl nuclear explosion which occurred in 1986. The main aim of the charity is to relieve the need and sickness of children affected by radiation – the innocent victims of the world’s worst nuclear disaster – the children of Belarus and Ukraine.

We are continually striving to raise awareness of the local Link and raise funds and recruit Host families in order that we can take a party of children to the Aberdeen area every summer.

There are approximately 150 Links spread throughout the United Kingdom – from the Channel Islands to the Highlands of Scotland . Each Link carries the same responsibilities, namely:

Our visit this year is due to run from 24 July until 14 Aug (dates provisional meantime and are dependent on flight times) and hope to arrange a full range of events and activities for the children, which last year ranged from gorge walking with Adventure Aberdeen, barbecue, visits to Police and Fire Station, an adventure day at Lochter Fishery and many more.

Creating awareness in their area of the issues which the charity addresses Raising sufficient funds to bring a group of children from affected areas to the Link’s area for a respite holiday and to cover incidental expenses whilst in the UK Finding Host Families to provide accommodation for the children and Leader Finding Support families to help the Hosts during the visit Running a schedule of events for the children during their visit to the UK

If you would like to know more about the valuable work of the charity or feel that you can help in any way – please contact me.

Imagine: Living the rest of your life in a radioactive polluted environment. There is no escape. Money cannot buy protection. Imagine: Eating food that may harm you – but what else can you do ? Imagine: Coming to the UK , eating fresh food and breathing fresh air and going home with your immune system recharged. Imagine: Knowing that people DO care.

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Sponsoring a child’s visit Assist by fund raising Become a Host or Support family Assist in any other way

David Henderson Tel: 01224 319498 Mob: 07808169873 E-mail: david.k.henderson@btopenworld.com

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new V8 e h t t ok a Cayenne o l a M s che take s r e t o t P e d az The g XJ AWD an r Please do mention the gazette when 29 Jaguaresponding to advertisers - thank you

oto

You want a 911, but need more space and would the commanding view of the road a 4x4 offers.

Is the Porsche Cayenne the answer?

d rather have

What is it? It’s a Cayenne – Porsche’s roughty toughty off-roader – but one that’s had a dose of steroids and some glitter liberally applied to its bodywork. Slotting into the range between the V8 S and the Turbo, the GTS comes with more focus and power and some distinctive styling options. What’s under the bonnet? A rather raucous 4.8-litre V8 that’s been uprated from 394bhp to 414bhp and boasts 515Nm of torque. Performance is far from the Turbo’s though; the GTS will hit 60mph in 5.7s and go on to 162mph. It sounds pretty special getting there though! Everything else has been on the sharpening block – the steering is crisper, the eight-speed gearbox shifts quicker, and the lowered ride height gives it an added edge on the road. What’s the kit like?

GAZ ETTE

Pretty impressive, but like all Porsches you’ll soon rack up Ford Fiesta-sized bills on the options. A communications pack costs £2,157, 21-inch black alloys are £1,513 and even the red paint will set you back £1,619. Our test car had a total of £13,760 worth of goodies…ouch. Any rivals?

We find out…

The ageing Range Rover Sport puts up a pretty good fight, but we’ve never tried a Rangie that sounds as good as this GTS.

Audi will soon be at the party with its SQ models, but that’s yet to be applied to its Q7. For a left field there’s always the Infiniti Vettel Edition, but that’s very expensive in comparison. So, not much choice out there at the moment.

out at times. By that we mean it feels on edge, twitchy even – perhaps the added sharpness has given it a little too much bite. However, there’s no doubting it has real presence on the road – it’s just the styling might not suit all tastes.

Is it any good?

The verdict

Although it’s incredibly quick and sounds tremendous, it can feel a little bit stressed

We like the GTS treatment given to most Porsches. The 997 911 really benefitted

GAZ ETTE

from the work over, and the Panamera GTS we tried after this Cayenne worked fantastically well too. However, the offroader doesn’t feel quite right in this guise. It’s quick and sounds incredible, but feels like it’s pretending to be something that it’s not.

The knowledge Model: Porsche Cayenne GTS Price: From £67,147 Engine: 4.8-litre, petrol Power: 414bhp, 515Nm Max speed: 162mph 0-60mph: 5.7s MPG (comb’d): 26.4 Emissions: 251g/km

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Jaguar has introduced a clever all-wheel drive set-up for its luxury XJ - we head to Canada to try it out Jaguarâ€™s star is rising fast. Sales across the world are booming, especially in growth markets like China where sales are up a staggering 84 per cent this year. Itâ€™s a similar pretty picture in the US and even in the troubled European markets the prestige brand is still up 20 per cent. Jaguar Land Roverâ€™s global brand director John Edwards attributes the success to the Indian company Tata taking over the company in 2008.

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“I look back to the days of BMW and Ford ownership and think of them as foster parents,” he said. “They had their own parameters of what we could and couldn’t do and we had to live by those rules.” But since Tata took over, the manufacturer has been able to set its own rules once again – and Edwards thinks it’s this that has helped the Jaguar and Land Rover brands flourish. “When Tata took over it was like we became 18 – we could make up our own rules. We have a careful guardian watching over us but we can come up with our own plans and go our own way. That’s liberating. It’s opened our eyes to the long term.” What is the AWD XJ? It’s an all-wheel drive version of Jaguar’s luxury limo, the XJ. Using a part mechanical, part electric

set-up Jaguar’s engineers have created a clever four-wheel drive system for markets where cold weather is the norm, like the car’s launch location, Canada. The system allows 100 per cent of the power to go to the front or rear wheels, depending on where the grip is needed. The good news is that no driving characteristics are lost during normal conditions as

just five per cent of the power is sent to the front wheels. What’s under the bonnet? The highlight is the new 3.0-litre supercharged petrol V6. Producing 335bhp and 450Nm of torque it hits 60mph in 6.1 seconds, achieves a top speed of 155mph and returns 28.8mpg. It’s a corker of a unit and mated to the eight-seed automatic it’s incredibly smooth. What’s the kit like? It’s plentiful. Leather upholstery, a frankly sensational Meridian sound system, Bluetooth, cruise control; in fact pretty much everything you’d want and more comes as standard. Any rivals?

it’s worth noting that these AWD Jaguars aren’t due to come to the UK. Sales of four wheel drive saloons are small, says the manufacturer, and it doesn’t warrant the development costs, but a spokesman did tell AOL Cars that it hasn’t been ruled out completely. The verdict It’s a shame they aren’t coming to the UK as they are very accomplished and with the weather we’ve been having recently, they’d make wise buys. However, there is a slim chance we’ll see the technology here and it’s always nice to see a success story for British car manufacturing elsewhere around the globe.

The biggest rivals come with fourringed badges on the bonnet. Audi has always made a big deal

about its Quattro models, as the firm’s four-wheel drive system is one of their biggest selling points. With that in mind the Audi S8 would be the Jag’s biggest rival. Is it any good? It’s brilliant. Jaguar took us to Canada to test the system in the snow and I’ve never felt as safe on the slippery stuff. However,

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The knowledge Model: Jaguar XJ AWD Price: £68,000 (est) Engine: 3.0-litre, petrol supercharged Power: 335bhp, 450Nm Max speed: 155mph 0-60mph: 6.1s MPG (comb’d): 28.8 Emissions: 229g/km

Your Top 5 Mon everybody you know to download Skype on their mobile device and you have suddenly significantly reduced the chances of ever using up all of your free minutes. For those of you who find yourselves with £10-£50 (or more) in excess fees, this simple app could save you hundreds in the long run. Voucher Cloud | http://www.vouchercloud.com | Free

The mobile application market represents a cultural shift for the human race. Smartphones are now the ultimate universal digital Swiss Army Knife for every possible facet of our lives and a broad cross section of money-saving utility is now in your pocket. We’re going to take a look at some of the best money-saving apps available for both Apple and Android devices. Skype | www.skype.com | Free These days, Skype is practically a household name but many overlook the mobile version of this brilliant Internet telephony software as a supremely useful money-saving tool. Encourage

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Most people are familiar with the idea that we’re now in a digital era of cutting coupons. Voucher Cloud is an app for all of the best digital offers. Firing it up will find you everything from free five-day passes to your local gym to discounts on driving lessons and reduced prices in restaurants. It’s worth taking the time to sit down and check the T&Cs so you know exactly what it is you’re signing up for. Spending a little time being thorough on the small print however will save you hundreds of pounds per year. RedLaser Barcode Scanner | http://redlaser.com | Free Ever found yourself in a shop whereby the little voice in your head is asking you whether you might find the item cheaper on the Internet or just round the corner? All that’s needed to answer the question is your smartphone device and a Wi-Fi or mobile Internet connection. Photograph the barcode using the on-board camera and it will recognise the item and then cross reference prices with department

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ney Saving Apps stores, a vast array of websites, including Ebay, and even local stores. It’s worth noting that the latter feature works best in larger towns and cities. It’s practically impossible to scan a barcode which is not recognised by this incredible app so scout for bargains and save money. Direct Debit Control Centre | http://www.directdebit.co.uk | Free There’s nothing worse than trying to stay on top of your finances, thinking you’re almost there and subsequently getting stung with excess overdraft fees for an unexpected direct debit. The Direct Debit Control Centre helps you keep on top of when your direct debits are leaving your account via its early warning system. It will save you money and give you peace of mind. iXpenseIt | http://www.fyimobileware.com | £2.99 So, what will you do with all this money saved? One small but wise investment would be to buy an app that helps you stay on top of your expenditure and few are better than iXpenseIt. There’s a lite version which can be downloaded for free so you can try before you buy. This is as good as mobile money management software gets and the app has won several awards including one from CNN Money Magazine. You’ll receive pocket-sized help with managing all the different budgets in your life whether business or personal and all that’s required is a little patience adding incomes and expenditures as they occur.

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Cryptic Crossword

Across 1. Race on a vehicle (8) 5. Herb to fuss about (6) 9. Men can’t bear them! (8) 10. Man sinned about (6) 12. Opponent of Yemen (5) 13. Such rattlings may be surprising (9) 14. Creature with support (6) 16. New ski and more annoying (7) 19. Still an awful fit (7) 21. Sour card in some way (6) 23. Cad angry about a city (9) 25. Elegance of first Greek speed contest (5) 26. Prophet in jail he used (6) 27. Hen dance which became improved (8) 28. Popular act, as expected (6) 29. Ass hared about, being pestered (8) 38

10 11

18 19

21 22

Down 1. Loud and disturbing sports implement? (6) 2. Quiet lionesses adrift (9) 3. First book 20 Down edited poorly (5) 4. Implement nuts lie about! (7) 6. Passed a Korean vet somehow (9) 7. Animal with one Indian language (5) 8. Set genre Di’s accepting (8) 11. Dial round for a painter (4)

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15. Impasse of an old friend (9) 17. Goals arranged with rich leaders (9) 18. Prime minister? He’s ideal, sir! (8) 20. Female; boyish, perhaps (4) 21. A minor riot by a country (7) 22. Dented but somehow looked after (6) 24. Muck-up about a group of three (5) 25. Fruit in Antigua vatfuls! (5) ©Puzzlepress.co.uk

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All About Brows -

How To Pluck Like a Professional by Helen Taylor

You might be surprised to read that there is a quick, simple and easy way to look years younger and all you’ll need is a pair of tweezers.

place. Your eyebrows should already be looking much better.

Well-groomed eyebrows are essential for creating a youthful look, but it’s easy to forget them. Many women spend a great deal of time - and money - on trying to improve their skin, hiding lines and wrinkles and emphasising their best features, without giving their brows a second thought.

Tweezing can be a little painful at first, so it’s a good idea to open up your pores before you start by holding a warm facecloth over your brows.

Eyebrows serve as a frame for your eyes and by creating the right shape you can instantly lift your face, draw attention to your eyes and look altogether more beautiful.

It’s important to think before you pluck so here’s our guide to making sure you have beautiful brows: Work With What You Have The key is to work with your natural brow shape - whatever that may be. Some people are lucky enough to have brows that naturally sweep up to an arch, whereas others are born with much straighter eyebrows and need to do a little more work to create the desired look. Trimming You might not think it, but eyebrow hair is often quite long. A little trimming is essential for allowing the hair to lie nicely and fall into shape easily. Remove any hair that grows beyond your upper brow line - do this by brushing your eyebrows up - with a brow brush - and snipping off the long ends. Next, brush the hair downwards in the opposite direction and cut the hairs that extend past the lower brow line. To finish, brush the hair into www.thegranitecitygazette.co.uk

Ensure that you’re working in good natural light and determine where to begin. It’s good to start by holding a pencil vertically against the side of your nose and observe where it meets the brow - this gives a guide to where your eyebrows should begin. Pluck any hair away that grows before this point. Take a few hairs at a time and do the same on your other brow.

It is crucial to do it correctly however, because the wrong shape, size or even colour eyebrows can have a dramatically different effect and leave you looking permanently surprised, confused or angry.

Time To Tweeze

Looking straight ahead, hold the pencil against your nostril and move it diagonally across the outer half of the iris of your eye - the point at which the pencil is lying is where the arch of your brow should peak. To create the best shape for your brow, gradually tweeze a line that tapers when you reach the peak of your arch. Again, take a little at a time from each brow and keep them both looking even. To finish the shape, place your pencil back against your nostril and this time extend it diagonally to the outer corner of your eye. This is where your brow should be at its thinnest. Pluck from the arch to this point, tapering the line gradually, so that it is at its thinnest at the far corner. Don’t be tempted to pluck away too much hair - remember that the fuller your brows are, the more youthful you’ll look. Work slowly and steadily, tweezing one hair at a time and be sure to keep standing back from the mirror to check how the shape is progressing.

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Define Your New Shape When you’re finished you can enhance your new shape by applying a little colour to make your eyebrows really stand out. If your hair is fair, choose either a brow powder or pencil that’s a shade lighter than your hair colour. For dark hair, choose one that’s a shade darker. Gently sweep the product over the brow hair and set using a clear eyebrow gel.

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Clean and Fresh Clear the clutter, sort your stuff and make everything in your home spick and span – your home will feel revitalised, and so will you, says Katherine Sorrell Are you closer to being the goddess of grime than the queen of clean? Spring sunshine means that it’s the ideal time to don your apron, snap on your Marigolds and refresh your home from top to bottom. If you really can’t bear the thought of tackling every room at once, you could spend perhaps an hour a week or else tackle one room at a time until your home feels truly transformed. So, where should you begin? The obvious place is with a good, old-fashioned tidy up, paying attention to all your tables, shelves, floors and other surfaces, inside kitchen and bathroom cupboards, bedroom wardrobes and chests of drawers. Once you have cleared the space, you are almost ready to begin. But not quite. Make a list of what needs doing (this may be rather time-consuming, but will be worth it in the end) and allocate some time for each chore. Then dig out appropriate clothing. What to wear will depend on the task at hand, but should include an old shirt and trousers, and could also mean rubber gloves, sturdy shoes, an apron and a dust mask or safety goggles. Next, assemble your equipment – from brooms and scrubbing brushes to buckets

and cloths. Having it ready beforehand will save time and effort later. Lastly, find the cleaning products you’ll require, including an all-purpose household cleaner, washingup liquid, furniture polish, non-chlorine bleach, anti-mildew tile and bath cleaner and window cleaner. Store them in a heavy-duty caddy with a handle. At last you’re ready, so refer back to your list of what needs doing – you’ll see it divides into five main areas: vacuuming, dusting, mopping/scrubbing, washing and wiping, and polishing as well as room specific tasks, such as turning mattresses, spot-cleaning upholstery, cleaning the oven, defrosting the fridge, descaling the shower head and beating rugs. You could also sort out those less frequently required jobs such as steamcleaning the carpets or having the chimney swept. Before you embark, bear in mind the basic principles of cleaning: work from top to bottom (dust the light fitting before polishing the table beneath) and tackle dry before wet (vacuum before mopping, obviously). Try to be organised, whether you work one room at a time or one task at a time. With a little forethought, preparation and organisation, spring cleaning can be a rewarding activity that will restore your home to its rightful place as a peaceful haven that is well-kept, tidy and gleamingly, squeaky clean.

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3. De-grease a vinyl floor (under the oven, for example) by rubbing with a halved lemon, then mop with an all-purpose cleaner. 4.

Spot-clean upholstery by gently rubbing in a little foamy shaving cream and removing with a clean, damp cloth.

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Preparing for that difficult time By Claudia Leaf

When Jeanette Palfry visited her local Registrar’s Office to register the death of her mother, she thought she was well prepared. As required by law, she had made an appointment within five days of her mum’s passing and had brought a copy of the doctor’s death certificate. However, she found that when the Registrar asked basic questions about her mother’s life, grief made her mind go blank.

cremation together with a certificate of registration of death. You will need to purchase copies of this certificate (costing £4 each) in order to inform the relevant organisations, but it may be several weeks before each document is returned. You should therefore buy as many copies as you can afford: the cost increases from £4 to £7 if you have to return to buy more, aside from the inconvenience of having to make another trip.

“When mum finally died after a long illness, it felt like the end of a journey,” explains Jeanette. “I was totally unprepared for the new challenges that lay ahead.”

The visit was the first of many practical arrangements that would be required, including notifying others of her death. Most people inform friends and family as soon as possible, but they must also consider the deceased person’s official contacts, such as banks, building societies, the Inland Revenue and utilities. Some areas offer a “Tell Us Once” scheme which allows the Local Authority to notify other government departments and authorities about a death, but otherwise it will require individual notifications. The Registrar will issue a certificate for burial or

While you are dealing with the practicalities of registration and notification, you will also need to think about the funeral arrangements. If your loved one did not leave clear instructions, you may be confronted by a number of bewildering choices. Cremation or burial? Flowers or donations? Hymns or classical anthems? Making decisions can be difficult at a time when the family is in mourning, but the funeral

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director will be on hand to offer guidance and advice. If there is a funeral plan in place then the scale of the ceremony will be established in advance. Without prepayment the funeral plans will inevitably be dictated by the budget available. In their ninth annual report on the expenses associated with dying, leading insurers Sun Life Direct say that the cost of a basic funeral in 2012 was £3,284. Jeanette Palfry believes that a visit to the funeral director when death is expected but not imminent can help relatives get the best out of a limited budget and alleviate distress when the time comes. “I didn’t want to see the funeral director before mum passed away because it felt as though we were being mercenary,” says Jeanette.“ On reflection it would have helped us to find out what we needed to do at a time when our minds weren’t preoccupied by her loss.”

While Jeanette acknowledges that it is difficult to make preparations that anticipate a person’s death, she feels it is important to have key information to hand in the event of a bereavement. This includes a detailed note of the individual’s funeral wishes. “I’ve learned from experience that information and forward planning can make all the difference at a time when a family is coping with grief”. e : gazette@fsmail.net

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Music Theatre Live Entertainment Tickets from boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel : 01224 641122 What’s On from Mid MarchApril at His Majesty’s Theatre, Music Hall and Lemon Tree, Aberdeen Tuesday to Saturday, March 19 to 23: Based on the 1997 BAFTA Award winning film about six out-of-work steelworkers who dropped everything to earn some cash and some self-respect, Simon Beaufoy’s The Full Monty, in His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm, with 2pm Thursday and 2.30pm Saturday matinees. Wednesday, March 20: Showcasing their talented young performers, Aberdeenshire Music Centre Spring Concert, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm. Wednesday, March 20: Award-winning comedian and science enthusiast Robin Ince: The Importance of Being Interested, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7pm.

Thursday, March 21: Multi award-winning and critically acclaimed Charlie Landsborough with his own brand of country/spiritual music, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm. Thursday, March 21: Micro-indie music label Fence Collective presents an evening with James Yorkston, The Pictish Trail and Seamus Fogarty, sharing songs, a laugh and some blether, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7.30pm. Saturday, March 23: Drawing on a 35 year plus career in music, Midge Ure, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7.30pm. Sunday, March 24: Aberdeen Sinfonietta in Gala Concert with conductor Garry Walker, soprano Judith Howarth and the Haddo House Choral and Operatic Society and a programme which includes Tchaikovsky, Borodin, Rossini,

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Mascagni, Puccini, and Verdi, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm. . Sunday, March 24: Direct from his smash-hit run at the Edinburgh Festival, the very cool stand-up comedian Tom Stade, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7pm. Tuesday, March 26: Celebrating the 200th anniversary of the birth of one of Italy’s greatest composers, Giuseppe Verdi, Aberdeen Choral Society present a programme which includes a number of exhilarating choruses, operatic arias, duets and ensembles, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm. Tuesday, March 26: Two-time Grammy nominee Tommy Emmanuel and Martin Taylor: The Colonel and The Governor Tour, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7pm.

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Tuesday to Saturday, March 26 to 30: Starring Keith Jack. Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rise’s sparkling family musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, in His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm. Wednesday, March 27: Fresh from BBC1’s The Magicians, with his own trademark blend of comedy and jaw-dropping magic, Pete Firman, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7.30pm. Thursday, March 28: One of the leading violinists of her generation, Nicola Benedetti with The Silver Violin Tour, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm. Thursday, March 28: Former Runrig frontman, solo artist and writer Donnie Munro, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7.30pm. Thursday, March 28: Bgroup presents Just As We Are Me, Us, All of Us, a brand new show by choreographer Ben Wright, in The Lemon Tree Studio, West North Street, Aberdeen, at 7pm.

Friday, March 29: Tony Mills and Jack Webb present Squish/Glittergrid, an extraordinary dance performance which explores themes of physical and emotional transformation, in The Lemon Tree Studio, West North Street, Aberdeen, at 7pm. Friday, March 29: A traditional Scottish Ceilidh with Clachan Yell, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 8pm. Saturday and Sunday, March 30 and 31: A selection of new dance work by Citymoves performance groups and special guests in Citymoves Spring Show, in The Lemon Tree Studio, West North Street, Aberdeen, at 7pm on Saturday and 4pm on Sunday. What’s On in April at His Majesty’s Theatre, Music Hall and Lemon Tree, Aberdeen Monday, April 1: Simple Minds Greatest Hits UK Tour, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm. SOLD OUT Monday, April 1: One of Britain’s finest comedians and broadcasters, Marcus

Alison McLeod Airyhall Community Centre

Brigstocke with his hotly anticipated new show The Brig Society, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7pm. Tuesday, April 2: As part of the Puppet Animation Festival, Lempen Puppet Theatre Company presents The Fisherman and the Pearl, a production featuring puppetry, masks, story-telling and animation for five-yearolds upwards, in The Lemon Tree Studio, West North Street, Aberdeen, at 2pm. Tuesday to Saturday, April 2 to 6: On of BBC TV’s most popular and fondlyremembered sitcoms comes to the stage in Birds of a Feather, with Pauline Quirke, Lesley Joseph and Linda Robson, in His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm, with 2pm Thursday and 2.30pm Saturday matinees. Wednesday, April 3: Bill Kenwright Ltd presents Wet Wet Wet frontman and solo artist and actor Marti Pellow, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm.

After School Football Kingswells Community Centre

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Thursday Friday Monday Friday 9.30-10.00 Tiny Tots 4.15-5.00 Girls 1.30-2.00 Pre School 9.30-10.00 1.30-2.00 Pre School 3.30-4.15 P1/2 10.00-10.30 2.00-2.30 Pre School Tuesday 2.00-2.45 3.30-4.15 P1/2 3.30-4.15 P1/2 4.15-5.00 P1/2 5.00-5.45 P3/4 For more info contact Alison McLeod on 07824631221 www.Aberdeenfootballfun.co.uk Please do mention the gazette when responding to advertisers - thank you

Pre School

Tiny tots Pre School Plus

Music Theatre Live Entertainment Thursday, April 4: As part of the Puppet Animation Festival, Garlic Theatre presents There’s a Monster in my Piano, an offbeat jazzy tale for families (aged four years upwards) starring puppets, clowning, animation and a very highly-strung monster, in The Lemon Tree Studio, West North Street, Aberdeen, at 2pm. Thursday, April 4: As seen on BBC1’s Have I got News for You and BBC2’s Never Mind the Buzzcocks, Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Show nominee Tony Law: Maximum Nonsense, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7pm.

Friday, April 5: Long established as Europe’s most successful-ever exponents of retro-inspired rock & roll, Showwaddywaddy prove their music still rocks after 38 years, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7pm. Friday, April 5: All tease and no sleaze, with corsets, killer heels, stockings aplenty in An Evening of Burlesque, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 8pm. Saturday, April 6: Seventyfive minute behind-thescenes tour at Aberdeen’s iconic Edwardian landmark, His Majesty’s Theatre, in HMT at 10.30am. Saturday, April 6: As part of the Puppet Animation Festival, Thalian Kompagnons

presents The Steadfast Tin Soldier, a fairy tale for families (four years old upwards) about a faithful soldier and his adventures, in The Lemon Tree Studio, West North Street, Aberdeen, at 2pm. Saturday, April 6: Returning with his bluest show yet, Roy ‘Chubby’ Brown, still rude, crude and turning headlines into punchlines, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm. Saturday, April 6: Under The Noose EP Launch, plus support from Black Heart Beats, FaR and Robbie Flanagan, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7.30pm.

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Music Theatre Live Entertainment Sunday, April 7: Comedian Micky Flanagan, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 8pm. SOLD OUT Monday and Tuesday, April 8 and 9: Bribes, mis-directed contracts, mis-allocation of public money, fiddled expenses, and panic in a hilarious and vicious expose of the corruption of petty power, The Government Inspector, in His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm. Tuesday, April 9: As part of the Puppet Animation Festival, Puppet Theatre Maribor presents When Shlemiel Went to Warsaw, the story (for four-year-olds upwards) of lazybones and reamer Shlemiel who sets out for the city of his dreams to discover that sometimes home is best, in The Lemon Tree Studio, West North Street, Aberdeen, at 2pm. Tuesday, April 9: Star of Sky Living’s Psychic Sally on the Road, Sally Morgan, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm. Wednesday, April 10: Boasting Ex-Scorpions stars Herman Rarebell and

Francis Buchholz, MSG stalwart Wayne Findlay and ex Rainbow/Yingwee Malmsteen’s Doogie White in Michael Shenker’s Temple of Rock, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7.30pm. Wednesday, April 10: Delivering all the classic hits – Hotel California, Tequila Sunrise, The Last Resort – The Illegal Eagles: Heaven Heats Up Tour, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, doors at 7pm. Wednesday and Thursday, April 10 and 11: Produced and directed by Ellen Kent, Bizet’s Carmen, starring international mezzo soprano Nadia Stolianova, in His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm. Thursday, April 11: As part of the Puppet Animation Festival, Tortoise in a Nutshell presents The Last Miner, an immersive and original tale (for four year olds upwards) remembering an amazing life among the coal dust, using puppetry, light and shadow and an innovative soundscape, in The Lemon Tree Studio, West North

Street, Aberdeen, at 2pm. Thursday, April 11: Royal Scottish National Orchestra present Concieto de Aranjuez, with conductor Gilbert Varga and guitarist Miloš Karadaglićs and a programme which includes Respighi, Rodrigo, and Martucci, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm. Friday, April 12: Relive the 60s with original artists singing their greatest hits, in The Solid Silver 60s Show, with the original voice of the Searchers Mike Pender, Dave Berry and Wayne Fontana, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm. Friday, April 12: BRIT Awards Best Female Artist 2008 and chart-topper Kate Nash, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7.30pm. Friday to Sunday, April 12 to 14: Nickelodeon’s Dora the Explorer LIVE! takes to the stage and with the help of the audience and some courageous friends, she uses her map-reading, counting, musical and language skills in the Search for the City of Lost

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2013/2014

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Music Theatre Live Entertainment Toys, in His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen, at 4pm on Friday, 10am, 1pm and 4pm on Saturday and 10am and 1pm on Sunday.

also wrote for other artists, 10CC’s Graham Gouldman & Friends, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7pm.

Saturday, April 13: As part of the Puppet Animation Festival, Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre presents Rapunzel, a tale for four-year-olds upwards, with specially recorded music, beautifullymade rod puppets and Steve Smart’s masterly puppetry skills, in The Lemon Tree Studio, West North Street, Aberdeen, at 2pm.

Monday, April 15: Ivor Novello award winning songwriter, former singer in Orange Juice and successful solo artists Edwyn Collins, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7.30pm.

Saturday, April 13: An evening of song, laughter and legendary stories in the Patsy Cline 50th Anniversary Tour, featuring Sandy Kelly and George Hamilton lV, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm. Saturday, April 13: Back with a series of gigs in the UK, to coincide with the release of the band’s highly anticipated ninth studio album, Big Country, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7.30pm. Saturday, April 13: With Blitz Entertainment, Aberdeen Performing Arts presents a HOT murder mystery dinner. . . set in the stifling heat of Egypt’s Valley of the Kings amid an expedition searching for the tomb of Rhamalot III, at 1906 restaurant in His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen, at 8pm. Sunday, April 14: Featuring 10CC classics and some of the hits the band co-founder

Wednesday, April 17: An Evening with Stars from Strictly Come Dancing, starring Pasha Kovalev and Katya Virshilas plus their stunning dancers in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm. Wednesday to Saturday, April 17 to 20: Aberdeen Students’ Charities Campaign presents Spital Shop of Horrors, when plant genetics create a brand new breed of plant at Duthie Park’s Winter Gardens, the cute little shrub proves troublesome when it comes to her voracious appetite, in His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday and at 5pm and 8.30pm on Friday, with a 2.30pm Saturday matinee. Friday, April 19: Scottish superstar Emeli Sande’s homecoming gigs , in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, doors at 4.30pm and 8pm. BOTH SOLD OUT Friday, April 19: Famed AC/ DC cover band Hell’s Bells, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7.30pm.

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Saturday, April 20: Visible Fictions presents The Mark of Zorro, in a thrilling escapade of swash-buckling fun, in The Lemon Tree Studio, West North Street, Aberdeen, at 7pm. Saturday April 20: Singers, Dancers and the ever – popular Bucksburn and District Novice Juvenile Pipe Band deliver a feast of Scottish traditional culture with the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm. Saturday, April 20: Penning songs which have been responsible for the sale of over 360 million records worldwide including over 30 chart-topping hits such as The Air That I Breathe and When I Need You, singer and songwriter Albert Hammond, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7.30pm. Sunday, April 21: On what would have been his 80th birthday, Steve Robertson’s family and friends present a programme of musical and comic entertainment which meant a lot to him in, A Wonderful Guy, in His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm. Tuesday, April 23: Singersongwriter King Charles, whose sound has been described as everything from psychedelic rock to folk-pop, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7.30pm.

Murielâ€™s Puzzle Pages HIDATO Starting at 1 and finishing at 34, track your way from one hexagon to another (touching) hexagon, placing consecutive numbers into the empty shapes as you go. Some numbers are already given.

Easy Sudoku

Easy Harder Sudoku

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

3 letters: 11 4 letters: 8 5 letters: 1 6 letters: 1

Music Theatre Live Entertainment Tuesday to Saturday April 23 to 27: The chance to meet dead people from the history books with Horrible Histories, presenting The Terrible Tudors at 7pm on Tuesday, 10.30am on Wednesday, 10.30am on Friday, 1.30pm on Thursday and 2.30pm on Saturday, and The Vile Victorians at 1.30pm on Wednesday, 10.30am on Thursday and 7pm on Friday and Saturday, in His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen. Wednesday, April 24: Tumult in the Cloud present as double bill of plays about young lads at crucial points in their lives, inspired by the Iliad and Glasgow’s knife culture, Fleeto & Wee Andy,

in The Lemon Tree Studio, West North Street, Aberdeen, at 7pm.

Bucksburn and District Pipe Band, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm.

Thursday, April 25: Scottish indie-rock trio, The Twilight Sad, take their anthemic rock music to The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7.30pm.

Saturday, April 27: Jamco Events present ANCHOROCK, a charity event to raise money, encourage donations, and raise awareness of local charity, Friends of ANCHOR, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7pm.

Friday, April 26: Not an exercise in nostalgia but a revolt against time and a faithful recreation of the sights and sounds of Led Zeppelin at their awesome best, Letz Zep, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7.30pm.

Saturday, April 27: With the top grade 1 pipe band St Laurence O’Toole Pipe Band, a concert of Scottish Founder and Director music of Arting Around at by the

Crathes Castle would like to welcome you to The Wishing Tree - a new and inspiring local Health and Well-being magazine for families in the North East of Scotland - Due out in JUNE 2013. Visit our NEW facebook page - The Wishing Tree and be part of a growing family of followers.

If you would like to advertise with us please contact a member of the The Wishing Tree team on 07912 616623.

Arting Around now back open every Saturday and Sunday for drop in craft sessions 1 - 5pm. Birthday Party bookings available Monday through to Sunday -

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Sunday, April 28: A Grammy Award winning musician and by common consent one of the world’s finest guitarplays Albert Lee & Hogan’s Heroes, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7.30pm. Tuesday, April 30: National Dance Company of Wales nts a spellbinding triple bill of exhilarating dance - The acclaimed Dream, Noces and Eleesha Drennan’s latest work - in His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm.

Marese Vintage Clothing vintage and vintage style clothing and accessories sale for ladies Airyhall Community Centre, Saturday 30th March, 10am – 4pm Cash transactions only accepted Follow us in Facebook Email: maresevintageclothing@yahoo.co.uk

Murielâ€™s Puzzle Pages

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.

26 22

25 13

25 3

9 22

17 24 9

14 4

Word Ladder

Change one letter at a time (but not the position of any letter) to make a new word - and move from the word at the top of the ladder to the word at the bottom, using the exact number of rungs provided.

12 11

Song Title Pictograms 3 words

JOANB

THE P

ÂŠPuzzlepress.co.uk

4 words

www.thegranitecitygazette.co.uk

3 words

G O L D

D U S T

17 25

25 23

3 22

11 22

12 12

10 21

12 21

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Muriel’s Puzzle Solutions ANT ATE EAT NET NUT TAN TAT TEA TEN TUN TUT

ANTE AUNT NEAT TAUT TEAT TENT TUNA TUNE TAUNT ATTUNE

Cryptic Crossword

SOLUTION

2. Easter Egg Hunt 4. Lamb 5. Chocolate 6. Bonnet 7. Spring 8. Henry

Here is one possible solution (others may exist) GOLD gild gilt gist gust DUST

Easy Hard

KID’s PAGE ACROSS 3. Daffodils 5. Chicks 6. Butterfly 9. Easter 10. Eggs 11. Bunny

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DOWN 1. Basket

Identical Eggs: 2 pairs

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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.uk 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 hurs 10.00-11.30/Fri 10.15-11.45, Fri 12.001250, 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 Italian Classes for Beginners to Advanced in Cults at Hillview Community Church and Cults Academy Tuesday, Thursday and Friday – day and evening email enrica.conti@tiscali.co.uk Tel 07786827714 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 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 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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community clubs & groups

adult groups 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 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 Social evenings commence Wedn 1st May & continue every Wed til 28th Aug. 7:30 - 9:45 at Curl Aberdeen, Eday Road, Aberdeen. Some experience of Scottish Country Dancing recommended. 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. Ian Struthers, Tel 314957 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.

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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 Dru Yoga A soft, gentle style of exercise, Dru Yoga is suitable for all. Tues 7.00 - 8.00 pm, Jubilee Hall, South Holburn Church. Wed 10.30 - 11.30 pm, Broomhill Activity Centre. Thurs 10.00 - 11.30 am, Girlguiding 45 Victoria Street. Telephone: Pauline 643447 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 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 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.

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community clubs & groups

adult groups 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 Ceilidh Classes! Do you have a wedding or a “do” coming up in 2013? We are holding ceildih classes on the following dates - just turn up for an evening of fun tuition! Venue: South St Nicholas Church Hall Kincorth Circle, Kincorth AB12 5AX Dates16th April Times: 7:30 - 9:00 Cost £5.00 per person per session. Contact: 01224 636128 for more information

Ever fancied trying a different kind of church? Here is your chance.

At‐ Holburn West Church at Holburn West Church rd th nd Sunday, 5 May and 2nd June May and 2 June ‐ Sun 3 Mar, 5 ‐ contact Gill Redman (316531) for more information Contact Gill Redman (316531) for more information

Hi, I wish to say that our walking group appreciate having an advert in the Gazette and that several new members have come as a result of it. Joyce - Woodburn Walkers

Family weekend tickets First Aberdeen reduces cost First Bus Aberdeen has halved the cost of its ‘First Family’ ticket at weekends extended until the end of March Up to two adults + three children can travel anywhere on the network for £4 in total.

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

ALL WELCOME !

www.qxcc.weebly.com

Robert Gordon University won the 2013 Aberdeen Asset Management Boat Race for the second consecutive year. They won in a time of 8 minutes 18 seconds, beating rival Aberdeen University team by two and a half lengths. Aberdeen University’s time was 8 minutes 27 seconds. The 2013 challenge was the most vibrant boat race yet, as students and supporters lined the banks of the River Dee in university colours. Please do mention the gazette when responding to advertisers - thank you

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 9.30am-12pm. Funded Places available. + 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.

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. 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. Further info contact Jenni Dalziel 07835852389, jennidalziel@live.co.uk 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. £8 per month, with lots of fun activities, crafts and healthy snacks provided for the children. 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 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 Rhythm Time Tel: 07716593828 Discover the magic of music! Multi-sensory music classes for newborn - 3 years. Classes in Cults and Ruthrie Terrace, Aberdeen. Thurs pm (Cults) Fri am, Inchgarth Community Centre. www.rhythmtime.net

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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 : 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 :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 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 Mannofield Church on Wed afternoons.

Animal Blessing Service Craigiebuckler Church Hall

Aberdeen Sunday 9th June 2013 3pm All animals with their human companions welcome For more information please contact me at: forrester.m1@sky.com

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

Holiday Let

community clubs & groups

kids groups

Holiday property to rent? Book a holiday let advert... Cost? £24 + vat for Deeside for one off £100 + vat for five OR £35 + vat for West End for one off £140 + vat for five OR Both Magazines : £50 + vat one off £200 + vat for five

Call Sue on 01224 318561

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Easter Revision Classes in Aberdeen City Centre.

Higher, Intermediate and Standard Grades covered. Two Day Intensive Recap, Exam Techniques and Study help. Application Form Discount Code Gaz10. Call Marie 07400107756 or

www.grampiantutoring.co.uk

the one stop business shop ... George Cormack Painter & Decorator T: 01224 827081 M: 07840 650 853

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

gcormack@talktalk.net

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

• Royal Scottish Academy of Music & Drama

Beginners : all ages and stages welcome. Why not refresh your bygone skills. • Exams optional : Associated Board, Piano and Theory Grades 1-8

Reasonable rates Aberdeen City

Guitar Tuition M: 07745 953 963 Electric/Acoustic Lessons. 6 String + Bass Guitars. Pop/Rock/Finger pick methods. One 2 one tuition. Graham Hendry Guitar Tuition, 6 Forest Road.

Compu-Care

Call Neil 07539-462-064 PC Repairs and Upgrades Aberdeen based. Collect and return service. New systems available. £15 ph standard pc repairs. £25ph networking/ internet.

Keep Fit, the Fun Way, the Swedish Way Contact Faye: 07738 786 926

Wednesday: 6pm-7pm Inchgarth Community Centre, Garthdee All round body workout to lively music – just turn up! Magical Entertainment M: 07774 641230 E: dwgoulding@gmail.com Add some magic to all of your events. • Magic • Thought Reading • Escapology Contact: Dave Goulding www.thinkingofit.co.uk

Excellent CVs T: 324962

Professional resume development service. We write persuasive, effective, clear and concise cvs, tailored to reflect your skills, experience and career achievements. Maximise your chances of winning that dream job. competitive rates. West End Location.

Christie Wood Joinery

H : 311342

M : 07850 086241 All types of joinery work undertaken, Bathroom and Kitchen installation, Windows, doors, flooring and property maintenance. All trades supplied.

Magician and Balloonist M: 07879331130 E: mrraemagic@aol.com For all your magic needs Available for: · Birthday parties · Weddings · Galas and Fayres · Ballooning · Restaurants · School Events · Charity and Fundraisers

www.mysterymagicaberdeen.webs.com

Want to attract local customers for your local business

This space for as little as £20 plus vat ... Whole year £180 plus vat gazette magazines Tel : 01224 - 318561 gazette@fsmail.net

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handspresso

marshallfridge

iphonemount

ipotty

No April Fools: odd gadgets that really exist Every year, technology firms join in the April Fools fun - so for example in recent years Google announced self-driving racing cars, Toshiba pretended to make a 3D monocle and video site Animoto offered bark recognition for dogs. Not all odd-sounding technology items are fakes, though: there are some truly strange items and accessories out there. Some of the oddest items are related to smartphones and tablets, such as the iStuck mobile phone stand (£3) that looks like chewed bubblegum, the Knuckles iPhone case designed to look like a knuckle duster - and the just-announced iPotty (£39), a child’s potty with a built-in iPad stand. The idea, apparently, is that letting children use iPads while on the potty will make toilet training a fun game. Other gadgets are more sensible, but rather odd looking - such as the iPhone SLR mount, which enables you to attach enormous SLR camera lenses to your phone. It might look like a novelty item, but the price says otherwise: at the current US exchange rate, it’s £156 plus shipping and tax, and of course that doesn’t include the lenses. The mount is available for both Nikon and Canon lenses and

promises to bring SLR effects such as variable depth of field to “the camera you carry with you every day”. Another odd-looking but fairly sensible gadget is the Handspresso Auto ESE, a portable espresso coffee maker designed for in-car use. It uses the Easy Serving Espresso pods you might have seen for ordinary domestic coffee makers, and it’s particularly handy for road warriors who’d rather not pay inflated prices for motorway service station coffees. At around £130 it isn’t cheap, but if you use it regularly it’ll soon pay for itself. You can buy odd things for your house too, and if you’re a musician or a fan of rock music you’ll appreciate the Marshall Fridge. From the outside it looks like the iconic Marshall amplifier stack, and it even uses authentic Marshall parts including the famous logo, fret cloth and brass-finished faceplate with knobs that go up to eleven, but inside it’s - yes! - a fridge. The manufacturer says it’s “the ultimate combination of rock and refrigeration”. Yours for £405. Have you ever wished your fork could nag you about your eating? Good news if you have: the Hapifork (around £70) may

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look like an ordinary fork, but it’s stuffed with sensors that monitor how quickly you’re eating. It measures the number of times you put the fork in your mouth, the time between each serving and the total time you’ve spent eating, and vibrates and flashes if you’re eating too quickly. The data is then sent to your smartphone. For now the line-up doesn’t extend to other cutlery, but manufacturer HAPIlabs says a spoon is in development. The HAPIfork was one of several odd gadgets shown at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, but it wasn’t the oddest: we saw GPS-enabled gadgets such as the TrakDot luggage locator (around £30 plus a £10 annual subscription), Nano Nails, which turn long fingernails into styluses for touchscreens (price tbc); the iMusic BodyRhythm, a musicpowered massager that makes you look like you’re wearing a toilet seat around your neck (currently accepting pre-orders for $69, around £44), and the thoroughly odd Minime, which can create a phone case or a cuddly toy that includes a 3D rendering of your child’s face (or anybody else’s face). Expect to see Minime kiosks in shopping malls later this year.

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Claudia before treatment

Claudia Lost 4st 3lbs in 4.5 months

Weight Reduction Skin Retraction & Contour Shaping

WITHOUT SURGERY www.templeaesthetics.co.uk tel: 01224 869997 The Courtyard, Cults,Aberdeen AB15 9SD.