Web kcn issue 10 dec 14 jan 15

Kingswells

Community News Issue 1

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A huge thank you to our delivery team ...

Bruce, Carol, Gillian, Catherine, Zander & Nicola, Alex, Barrie, Meg, Ian & Pat, Marie, Helen, Wendy, Colleen, Karen, Gillian, Tom, Agnes, Fiona and Rosemary

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Let the festivities begin...

So how was 2014 for you? For me it was action packed! It didn’t start so well when I had the flu bug but boy did it propel into a great year.

January saw us booking our flights for our holiday to Australia.

February I went to my first West Coast Swing Championships in Scotland – I’ll just quickly add I was spectating not competing!

It was so inspiring! March saw a weight gain! April saw the start of a weight loss! May there was another dance weekend in Skipton, brilliant fun. June more weight loss! July: my sister’s graduation and the start of our trip to Australia. August headed to Melbourne and Sydney then back to Brisbane then home.

September my car died. October launched the Ellon magazine.

November more dancing! And here we are in December. This is my last magazine for 2014 and the first one of 2015.

I’d like to thank my delivery team in Kingswells. They truly are brilliant. Getting the magazines out to everyone in a timely fashion and always so cheery and friendly. I still have a few streets needing a delivery person if you’d like to be part of the team?

I’d also like to thank my wonderful advertisers; especially those that just repeat business with me without thinking. The new ones for giving us a try and those that are still thinking about it, maybe we’ll get you in for 2015.

The readers! You are fab. You are friendly, have given me great feedback about the magazine, you have spent the vouchers, supported the shops and businesses and that is exactly what I wanted.

I will be re-introducing the Prize Sudoku/crossword puzzle next year and maybe try and get a few other competitions on the go too. It was suggested that I try and get more localised front covers… so if you have a truly amazing picture of Kingswells that you can see on the cover then get in touch. In the meantime, have a fabulous Christmas, stay healthy and a prosperous 2015.

Until next year,

Sue x

West End - Deeside - Kingswells

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Kingswells Community Council Changes to bus service We hear that waiting times for the X40 are to be extended in the future from 20 to 30 minutes at off-peak times. Peak waiting times will stay at 15 minutes. Better news is that the X17 from Aberdeen to Westhill will re-route next year through the Kingswells park-and-ride. This will provide an additional 10 minute service (both ways) for Kingswells residents.

Modifications are planned for the parkand-ride to enable this to happen. KCC has submitted comments on the plans which we hope will be implemented to ensure the safety and security of all users of the car-park.

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De Vere Village Urban Resort

The Council has approved plans for a fast food outlet within Prime Four, near to the hotel.

this behaviour and it may be only a matter of time before there is a serious accident. KCC questioned police and councillors about the timing of the traffic lights at Kingswells roundabout. We were concerned that they were being turned off at 6pm when the roads are still very busy. However, Council officers investigated the situation and concluded that the 6pm shut-off is actually the best solution to minimising delays at the roundabout.

Christmas tree

Countesswells

KCC would like to thank Aberdeen Volks Centre (Kingswells) and Derek Rattray Building Services for their kind sponsorship of this year’s Christmas tree.

Two housing developments have already been approved and more will follow.

How this will impact on traffic on the Cults road remains to be seen. Suffice to say that there are already long tail-backs on this road at peak times.

The new hotel at Prime Four should already be open by the time you read this. The hotel, which includes a health and fitness club, spa, 20 metre swimming pool and a Starbucks, should prove to be a real asset to the local community.

Traffic and parking issues KCC welcomes the attention that Aberdeen City Council and Police Scotland are giving to the issues of speeding and inconsiderate parking in and around Kingswells. The police have issued over 400 tickets to drivers for illegal use of the bus-only section of the Lang Stracht between Huxterstone and Maidencraig. KCC has notified the police about instances of drivers jumping red lights in Kingswells. We deplore

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Originally, the main access into Countesswells from the A944 was planned to be from the Green Hedges roundabout at Jessiefield. This roundabout will be re-designed and probably incorporate a flyover that will connect Countesswells with the Lang Stracht. The existing road to Cults was to become a bus-only route. However, the consortium involved in developing Countesswells has now put forward a revised plan for access roads. This would create a second major access into Countesswells from the Kingswells roundabout. To achieve this, the Cults road would be re-aligned across fields above the Kingswells roundabout. This second access would be open to all traffic, not just buses. The potential for generating even more traffic at the Kingswells roundabout is obvious. There is talk of changing the roundabout into a large junction controlled by traffic lights in order to cope with the increased traffic from Countesswells and Prime Four. The Council’s Roads Department have real concerns about feeding even more traffic into the Kingswells roundabout. We cannot tell at this stage whether the Council will approve these plans. Members of KCC will be meeting with the Countesswells consortium to voice our concerns.

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AWPR

Dog bins

Those of you who get out and about in Kingswells will have noticed the large amount of tree felling that’s taken place at Cloghill and above Fairley House.

Similar felling is going on along the entire route of the AWPR and the Fast Link to Stonehaven. For many people, this will be a painful time as they see the countryside damaged and some homes demolished. Hopefully, when the bypass opens in 2018 we will see real benefits in terms of reduced journey times and quieter rural roads. Eventually, we should see the countryside begin to recover.

Dog owners have not requested any additional bins in Kingswells. However, many of them, like us, are disgusted by the actions of a few irresponsible dog owners/walkers who throw faeces-filled bags into the undergrowth in the belief that they will miraculously disappear.

Plastic bags, even thin ones, can take longer than a human lifetime to break down.

and contracting due to the encroaching vegetation. This is a pity as the pond has been there for 25 years and attracts a variety of wildlife. It also forms an attractive backdrop for residents in the home. KCC is working with Councillor David Cameron to try to ensure the pond’s long-term future.

Playing field

KCC will liaise with the contractors and try to keep you informed through our website (http://www.kwells.org) and notice board about any potential disruption on local roads as the bypass is constructed.

Drainage work on the playing field at Fairley Road is finally nearing completion. However, there are still large puddles visible and we wonder if the work has actually been carried out effectively.

Community Council Membership Last, but by no means least, we are delighted to welcome two new members to KCC - Kenneth McAlpine and Trevor Rosbrook

Pond The pond on the Bucks Burn behind Kingsmead Nursing Home is silting up

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The Last Present “I’ll lock up while you get the first round in”, Trevor told Barry, scratching his beard.

“Aren’t we changing out of our work clothes?” Barry said.

“Not tonight”. This was his Christmas Eve ritual, the pub regulars expected it. Once Santa and his elf arrived at the bar everyone knew Christmas had finally arrived.

Trevor had been the Santa at the precinct grotto for years. The kids he’d once bounced on his knee now brought their own kids to tell Santa what a good little boy or girl they’d been.

“Busy year”, Trevor said, “there’s only one present left, we were cutting that a bit fine”.

“What’ll happen to it?” Barry asked. He was new to the elf game, slightly scatterbrained, but good with crowd management Trevor thought.

“It’ll go in storage until next year”. The grotto was no more than a shed decorated with tinsel, but for the last ten days overexcited kids had been queuing out the door.

“Off you trot now, mine’s a pint”, Trevor said switching off the lights.

Left to himself, Trevor locked the door and dropped the key in his coat pocket. A job well done he thought. As he turned to go he felt something pulling on coat.

“Excuse me Santa is the grotto still open?” a young lad said. He was just a scrap of a

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By Jackie Brewster.

thing, Trevor nearly tripped over him.

“Sorry lad, we’ve shut up shop”. The boy’s bottom lip began to wobble.

the regulars as he walked in. Barry was standing at the crowded bar looking sheepish.

“Where’s my pint?” Trevor said.

“But I wanted to see Santa”. The boy whimpered. Just what I need, thought Trevor, a blubberer on Christmas Eve.

“I left my wallet at the grotto”, Barry said.

“There’s no pockets in these tights”.

“Well, you’re seeing me now aren’t you?”.

Trevor said and ruffled the boy’s hair.

“We’d better nip back for it”, Trevor sighed, “I’ve got the key here”.

“And get a present”, the boy added.

He dug his hand into his pocket, and knew straight away what he’d done. The pocket was empty.

“Well you should’ve come earlier”, Trevor said gruffly. It was more than his job’s worth to let the lad into the grotto without his elf present; health and safety and all that.

“I did, but your elf said I had to pay and I didn’t have any money”, the boy said rubbing his eyes. Trevor softened. Poor kid.

“Listen lad, don’t cry”. He crouched down, “tell me, have you been a good boy this year?”

The boy nodded uncertainly. Trevor chuckled. He put his hand in his pocket and pulled out all his loose change.

“Here, find yourself something nice with this”. The boy held out his hand and grinned, “Thanks Santa”.

Trevor stood up slowly, his old knees ached.

“I’ve dropped a real clanger”. He groaned and bundled Barry out of the pub. The boss would have his guts for garters for this.

“Oh no!” Barry gasped as they reached the grotto. Trevor was afraid to look.

“You’ve left the key in the door”. Barry panted.

“Did I?” Trevor could breathe again, “Must have been distracted by that kid.” He scanned inside the shed as Barry retrieved his wallet from behind the inflatable Rudolph.

“No harm done”. He smiled, putting the key safely back in his pocket.

He was ready for that pint. It was lucky, he thought, that his elf hadn’t noticed the pile of small change where the last present used to be.

“Happy Christmas”. He waved, and headed towards the pub. There was a cheer from

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BucksburnAcademy news with a total of 13 Gold Medals, 5 Silver Medals and 3 Bronze Medals. Some of the pupils qualified for the national event in Glasgow and returned with 2 gold and 2 bronze medals.

The ASN Wing football team also returned victorious from the Deveronvale and Banff football tournament.

Bucksburn Academy Celebrates Fifth Anniversary This month marks the fifth anniversary of the school. It is hard to believe that the school has now been open for five years. In order to commemorate this date the student senior leader team organised a whole school photo. They liaised with a specialist company and on one day during the first week of the new term the whole of the school (over 800 people)congregated in the school car park for the photo to be taken. If you want to see what such a logistical feat looks like check out the short film on the school website at www. bucksburnacademy.org.uk

Bucksburn Academy Christmas Fayre – Saturday 6th December 2014 Don’t forget that the Bucksburn Academy Christmas Fayre takes place on Saturday 6th December from 10:00am. Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to stock up on Christmas presents, cards, decorations and support the school’s main annual fundraiser.

Last year saw a great turn out and we hope as many of you as possible will come along again this year.

Dress Down Day for Autism Awareness On the last day of term a small group of pupils organised a dress down day to raise money for the Grampian Autistic Society. Using the last day of each term to raise money and awareness of local charities has now become a tradition at the school and this time pupils raised over £400 for a charity that is close to the heart of many of our pupils.

Bucksburn Academy Remembers On 11th November Bucksburn Academy marked the 100 year anniversary of the start of WW1. Pupils had been researching family members who have been involved in war and conflict and marked their contributions at the Bucksburn War memorial by creating a field of remembrance. A piper and trumpeter playing the Last Post supported this moment of reflection before pupils and some members of the local community wereinvited into the school to view displays of pupil work created in the run up to this commemoration.

Follow us on Twitter Finally, to find out up to date information about what pupils from the school have been involved in follow us on Twitter – BucksburnAcademy@BucksburnAcad or check out our recently revamped website at www.bucksburnacademy.org.uk

Session 2014 – 2015 Term 2: 27 Oct 2014 - 19 Dec 2014 · ·

Term 3: 6 Jan2015 - 2 April 2015 · · ·

Term Starts – Monday 5 Jan 2015 Mid Term – Monday 16 Feb 2015 Term Ends – Thursday 2 April 2015

·

Easter Holiday – Fri 3 to Fri 17 April 2015 ](Good Friday 3 April 2015)

Term 4: 20 April 2015 - 3 July 2015 · · ·

ASN Wing Sporting Successes Pupils from the ASN Wing have built up a very positive reputation in swimming through success at local and national swimming galas. Recently they returned from a gala

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Term Ends – Friday 19 Dec 2014 Christmas Holiday – Mon 22 Dec 2014 to Fri 2 Jan 2015

Term Starts – Mon 20 April 2015 May Day Holiday – Mon 4 May 2015 Term Ends – Friday 3 July 2015

Bucksburn Academy T: 01224 710700 Kepplehills Rd, Aberdeen AB21 9DG

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Kingswellies Nursery to Open in March 2015

KingsWellies Nursery, the new childcare facility at Prime Four Business Park, has announced its new Director, Kerry Robertson.

Kerry is an experienced Teacher, Depute Head, Education Network Manager (QIO) and Head Teacher of 20 years, with extensive knowledge of all aspects of nursery and primary child care. Kerry left her role as Head Teacher of Dunnottar School & Nursery in July, to prepare the new nursery at Prime Four for opening in March 2015.

The Nursery will offer private early learning and childcare on a part or fulltime basis for up to 120 children from 0-5 years old.

The facility will be located conveniently beside the Village Urban Hotel complex and will offer a high quality learning environment in a unique purpose-built position that links the indoors to the outdoors through extensive ‘fresh-air’ play.

KingsWellies held a series of open days for prospective parent from 22nd-27th November and will be holding a recruitment weekend for interested staff on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th December from 10am-4pm at Prime Four Business Park.

Kerry Robertson said: "I am extremely excited, privileged and proud to be opening KingsWellies Nursery within the Prime Four Business Park. Currently there is a huge demand for high quality child care provision within Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire, and I truly believe that children and parents deserve only the very best! KingsWellies will provide an exceptional learning environment where we put our children first, and our parents at the heart of their children's learning.“ “I am really looking forward to meeting with interested staff at our recruitment weekend in December and to continue to meet with prospective parents over the coming months.”

Graeme Bone, Managing Director of Prime Four developers Drum Property Group commented, “We are delighted the KingsWellies Nursery construction is on schedule, and particularly pleased that the facility will be run by such a respected and experienced education and child care expert in Kerry.

“Provision of high quality child-care is integral to the service provision ethos we have established at Prime Four, and KingsWellies joins the full service Village hotel, restaurant, bar, Starbucks and health club complex which opens on 1st December, alongside the Fresh Deli Café at the Fourcourt.

Despite a very high level of interest in the nursery, there are still spaces for children available. Parents and prospective staff can register their interest, and find out more information about KingsWellies and the recruitment weekend by visiting www.kingswelliesnursery.com or by emailing enquiries@kingswelliesnursery.com

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Say ‘Bah! Humbug!’ to winter market myths Traditionally, it has always been considered that certain times of the year, such as spring, are better for selling properties than others.

But here at Aberdein Considine we are noticing that the traditional seasonal uplifts in the property market are not as marked as they once were – and that winter can in fact be a very good time to sell your property.

Buyers do not stop looking for homes just because it is winter. Would you turn down the chance to buy your ideal home just because it was November, December or even January? No, and there are not many prospective purchasers who would.

Even if the number of transactions does decline at this time of year, prices generally do not. The market does not go to sleep over the winter.

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As the nights close in, when lights go on earlier and thermostats are turned up, towns and cities seem warm and welcoming, your home will too. Lights shining from windows and a roaring fire will give a homely feel and a reassuring impression that your home is warm and cozy.

However, when selling over Christmas, you must avoid one common mistake - do not have photographs of your home taken with the decorations up. They look out of date the moment you get to January. If you are thinking of selling, get the photos taken before decorating.

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Steal the march on the competition and look to market your property now.

To arrange a valuation, and get your property on the market this winter, call us on 01224 749444 or email wl@acandco.com

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News from Councillor Delaney

I was however able to persuade councillors to look at the possibility of funding both locations from developer contributions in respect of future phases of Prime Four. In short, there is now a committee decision that officers should seek to negotiate suitable contributions to fund these necessary infrastructure improvements.

As we approach the end of 2014 it’s the time we tend to reminisce, and that will take everyone down a different route.

Funny how a year seemed to last a lifetime when you were a kid, but the older you get, the faster their passing accelerates!

I’m sure that resonates for all of us.

This latest decision does not guarantee that these crossings and bus stops will definitely be delivered, nor will it happen any time soon, but it is certainly reason to be more hopeful than had previously been the case.

For many Kingswells residents they started 2015 looking forward to high speed broadband. For some that has become a reality but for most people, they are still looking forward to high speed broadband … but when?

It has proved almost impossible to get anything resembling useful information about the rollout and, despite various promises, the Digital Scotland website is not being updated with the latest information.

All I’ve been able to confirm locally is that connection to Cabinet 12 ran into problems and it is now expected to go live by the end of December. This is of course unless they encounter further difficulties. However, neither BT nor Digital Scotland appears able to tell me which properties are connected to Cabinet 12!

Another concern is that some lines are connected directly to the exchange rather than through street cabinets. These offer the slowest speeds but it now looks like they are further down the priority list for upgrading than had been realised, merely adding insult to injury. But of course trying to find out which areas are likely to face these delays is not information that anyone will part with!

I am assured as I type that an interactive map is about to go live online. This will give useful information (including whether or not the line is exchange only) and might address some of the inadequacies in information being made available to the public, but I’m not holding my breath. If this interactive map ever appears, I’ll post details on my website.

Now turning to something completely different. You will be aware that my proposal for a bus stop, lay by and pedestrian crossing opposite Kingswells Church was thrown out a few months ago.

A report came back a few weeks ago on the same proposal but only in respect of the Five Mile Garage and was not to be progressed due to the costs involved.

On a different note, I’ve been fortunate enough over the past few weeks to have had some involvement with the Smith Commission on Devolution following the Referendum. My input has been as a representative of the social housing sector in Scotland through the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations. This is one of several organisations I’m involved with which are outwith politics, interests which I hope help to keep me well grounded.

The process has genuinely been fully inclusive and not just confined to hearing the views of opinionated politicians.

Written and oral evidence has been submitted by over 380 businesses, charities and other representative organisations as well as from over 14,000 individuals representing an enormous dedication by all concerned, given the very tight timescales.

I have high hopes the Smith Commission will come up with a workable way forward which both the former “yes” and former “no” camps are able to embrace and take forward in the interests of building a better Scotland. Never before have the stakes for politicians of all parties to set aside their differences and make this work. Of course the proof of the pudding will be in the eating and we’ll have a better idea how it’s starting to pan out by the time you read this, followed by the draft Scotland Bill published in January.

In the meantime I’m looking forward to the Christmas break and then on to the challenges a New Year brings.

Here’s wishing everyone good health and happiness over Christmas and on into 2015.

Regards Steve Delaney Home Tel: 01224 694469 Work Tel: 01224 346614 Email: sdelaney@aberdeencity.gov.uk Web: www.delaney.org.uk Facebook: CllrDelaney Twitter: CllrDelaney

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Nicola Bonner – Small oil paintings on ceramic tiles, individually boxed £30 each (Junction Arts)

Alison McLeod

Afterschool Football

Kingswells Community Centre Monday 2.00-2.30 3.30-4.15

Pre School

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Tuesday *2.00-2.30 3.30-4.15

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Westdyke Leisure Centre

Friday

1.00-1.30pm Pre School

For more info contact Alison McLeod on 07824 631 221

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How can we :Get more Sleep? Stop our baby crying in the Supermarket? Ease Colic? Reduce Teething Pain? Baby Reflex may be the answer.

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17

Does the Ghost of Christmas Past have a future?

By Kate McLelland As you stand with your overloaded trolley in a seemingly endless supermarket queue, listening to Slade’s “Merry Christmas Everybody” on a loop, it may feel as though the simple, traditional Christmases enjoyed by our ancestors have vanished completely.

Times are changing and its seems that many of the festive customs that British people have enjoyed for hundreds - if not thousands – of years may not be around for much longer. Here are some Christmas traditions that have either died out or evolved to suit our 21st century tastes: The holly and the ivy The practice of bringing fresh evergreen branches into our homes dates back to pre-Christian times and the belief that evergreen trees had magical qualities because they didn’t die away in winter.

For pagans, holly, ivy and mistletoe represented eternal life, rebirth, the coming spring and fertility. Christians later focused on the plants’ natural qualities, believing that the holly’s prickly leaves represented Christ’s crown of thorns and the red berries his spilt blood.

The greenery may be gone from many houses, but it is not forgotten: modern decorations hark back to the shiny leaves and berries that once caught the firelight in our ancestors’ homes.

Carols on your doorstep Those children who bawl out two lines of “Away in a Manger” before thrusting a collection tin in your face are just a pale reflection of the bands of carol singers who would go door-to-door at Christmas time, asking for food, drink or money.

In the pre-Christian era carols were simply boisterous folk songs sung at the midwinter festival. They became popular in medieval times but the Puritans imposed a total ban on carol singing in the 1640s. Forbidden to perform in church, strolling musicians and singers would knock on doors hoping for some festive generosity.

The Christmas feast In past times people mainly ate beef and goose at Christmas.

Turkey was introduced in the 19th century when well off, middle class families realised this large bird was the perfect size to feed a family gathering.

By the beginning of the 20th century turkey had become the festive meat of choice, but the dwindling size of 21st century family gatherings may lead us back to eating smaller cuts of meat once more.

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Christmas pudding Although the traditional Christmas pudding is still popular, our tastes are changing so there may come a time when chocolate bombes, profiteroles and trifles shoulder out the humble pud.

It’s hard to believe, but this rich, spicy and fruity pudding originally began in the 14th century as a pre-Christmas fasting meal made out of porridge, meat and raisins, with the consistency of soup. Ingredients such as flour and eggs were added over the years until the recipe evolved into the dessert we know today.

The pudding was traditionally made on or after “Stir up Sunday” which fell in the week before Advent (four to five weeks before Christmas), when everyone in the household was encouraged to stir the mixture and make a wish.

Small silver “charms” were then added: a silver coin to bring wealth to the recipient, a silver thimble for thrift, a wishbone for good luck and an anchor to symbolise “safe harbour”.

The tradition of pouring brandy or rum over the pudding and setting light to it is another ancient custom, believed to date back to the midwinter fire festivals celebrated by our pagan ancestors.

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Packing the presents Once upon a time all that children could expect when Father Christmas called was a stocking filled with nuts, fruit, sweets and handmade trinkets, but our desire for bigger and better gifts eventually led us to use pillowcases rather than stockings.

We now spend an average of around £30 on each present and our generosity means that we must either buy large, purposemade sacks for gifts or put them under the tree.

Boxing Day On the day after Christmas tradesmen and servants would once receive money, known as a “Christmas Box”, in recognition of their services throughout the year. It’s believed that the custom originated in medieval times, when a box was provided so church congregations could donate to the poor.

Even as late as the 1950s and ‘60s milkmen, dustmen and other tradesmen would knock on a householder’s door and wish them “Happy Christmas” in expectation of a tip to supplement their wages.

While historical records show that over the past 100 years our festive traditions have changed more rapidly than ever before, this doesn’t signify the end of Christmas as we know it: it’s simply an acceleration of an evolutionary process that first began in ancient times.

Historians may mourn the loss of our old traditions but it’s clear that, even though some of the customs and rituals have changed, our love of Christmas itself remains just as strong as ever.

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19

Kingswells Community Centre

The Heart of the Village

Kingswells Community Centre MONDAY

NEW ACTIVITY We have a new Whist group started that meets on Thursdays from 2-4. If you are interested pop along and see Helen at the main centre who organises it.

TUESDAY

INDOOR BOWLS We still have spaces for the bowling group who meet on a Monday 10-12 and Thursdays 1-3. Also spaces for Badminton who meet on a Tuesday evening from 7-9 Everyone welcome

WEDNESDAY

DOMESTIC ASSISTANT REQUIRED THURSDAY

We have a vacancy for a part time Domestic Assistant for Webster Park. Hours flexible. To apply contact Caren or Mike at the main centre on 01224 741806

Carpet Bowls School gym Coffee & Conversation Club Alison - Football Gentle Exercise Alison - Football Girl Guiding Girl Guiding (hall, coffee shop & upstairs) Badminton (71 club) Toddlers School gym

10.00 12.00 10.30 2.00 2.30 3.30 5.30 6.30 8.00 9.30 11.15-12.45

12.00 12.45 12.00 2.30 3.30 4.15 6.30 7.45 10.00 11.00 2.30-3.15

Alison - Football Beavers Tang Soo Do (Hall) Tang Soo Do (upstairs) Badminton (Adult - Hall) Maintenance (closed to public) School P4-P5 Danscentre (hall) Bible Club (upstairs)(aug-march) Circuit Training Toddlers School Gym Carpet Bowls Girl Guiding Tang Soo Do

3.30 5.00 6.00 7.00 7.00 9.00 12.00 3.45 6.15 8.00 9.30 11.45 1.00 7.00 6.00

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FRIDAY

LIKE OUR FACE BOOK PAGE TO KEEP UP TO DATE ON WHAT'S GOING ON IN THE COMMUNITY CENTRE

SATURDAY

WEBSTER PARK Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

tennybeats just dance

HALL 9.45

HALL 10.45

7.15

8.30

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6.00

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8.00

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9.30 1.00

11.30 4.00

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all BOLD activity users MUST join the Centre

Fire your imagination

Travel - The Gambia Glancing at the map of Africa, it’s easy to miss the Gambia. Tucked on the bulge of the western coast, it is the smallest country on the mainland, barely 30 miles across at its widest point, stretching along the lower section of the Gambia river. This mere ribbon of land is surrounded by Senegal on three sides but claims a fine coastal strip where the river meets the Atlantic ocean.

Next year will mark the 50th anniversary of independence for one of Africa’s most stable states, no longer part of the Commonwealth but still using English as its official language, at least for the time being.

Add the promise of winter sun, just six hours away and no jetlag, and it’s no wonder the Gambia has proved popular with British tourists.

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Imagine soft tingling sands, swaying palms, warm waters, a cool sea breeze sweeping the shore, the perfect picture postcard whether one opts for quiet beaches or the popular Senegambia strip with its fruit stalls, thatched restaurants and savvy ‘bumsters’ selling African beads, wood carvings, sea shells and cashew nuts. It’s friendly, colourful and most exciting when a small fleet of dug-out canoes appears on the horizon, riding the crest of the waves, and everyone rushes down to the beach to help pull in the fishing nets. There’s much bargaining and sorting out on the sand, red snapper, bonga, cat fish, calamari and more, before the men head for home with whatever is left for the family’s supper.

Broad sands cover much of the shore, secluded coves hide here and there, framed by rocks and cliffs, and when the sun sets all red and gold over the ocean, myriad tropical birds twitter in the trees. It’s a magical moment.

But there is more to the Gambia than sand and sea. Banjul, the capital, has a lively market brimming with fancy footwear, frilly clothes, batik, knobbly tomatoes and bags of ice cold water. Tailors compete for business, babies bob on their mother’s back and tourists climb up to the balcony for a bird’s eye view of the nearby streets. Meanwhile, others seek out the Gambia’s UNESCO heritage, from Kunta Kinteh island and related sites, highlighting European encounters and the slave trade, to the stone circles of Senegambia, a vast cross-border area with a sacred landscape dating back 1500 years.

As for nature lovers, the Gambia is a dream. You may not find the ‘Big Five’ of eastern or southern Africa but this tiny country manages seven nature reserves and national parks, home to monitors and crocodiles, endangered monkeys, pretty butterflies such as the dark blue pansy or citrus swallowtail, and 576 species of birds, in wetlands, forest and along the shore. Highlights include watching the sun rise over the mangrove when nothing disturbs the peace but the gentle paddle of traditional canoes. A bird calls, a kingfisher dives in a flash of colour and soon the dawn chorus rises all around, parakeets, sunbirds, sanderlings, drongos, black egrets and many more. A golden light spreads across the creek, oyster shells glisten on the mangrove roots and the canoes drift in silence in this quiet country basking on the banks of its namesake river. According to legend, Gambia means ‘place of the king’, a glorious name for the smallest nation on the African mainland.

Solange Hando

Are you aware there is a community sports hub on your doorstep?

Hubs Development Manager on 01224 522027 or email mapain@ aberdeencity.gov.uk.

Community Sports Hubs (CSHs) are a key part of sportscotland’s contribution to the Commonwealth Games Legacy 2014, with the aim being to establish at least 150 hubs operating across Scotland by 2015. They are designed to increase the number of people participating in sport within local communities by improving access to sport for local people and by supporting local sports clubs to work together.

Over the last year, representatives from Bucksburn Academy, local sports clubs and other local partners have been working hard to establish a sports hub which addresses the following five principles: • • • • •

Growth in participation Understanding community need Supporting community leadership Offer a range of sports Ensure all the appropriate groups are working together

We now have representation from the following sports – football, basketball, netball, volleyball, cricket and gymnastics, have supported a number of local events, delivered training courses and are currently looking to develop new squash and jogging programmes based at the Beacon Centre (further details can be found below). We are looking for new participants to take part in activities, new clubs and sports to become part of the hub, and even local business who might see an opportunity to support local sport!

Squash & Racketball – Grampian Squash are working in partnership with the Hub to help promote squash & Racketball at the Beacon.

Racketball lines have been put up on one wall in the Beacon, and a new youth coaching session (S1-6) will be starting on Tues nights between 4-5pm in the Beacon Games Hall. To register your interest please contact Wendy at Active Schools on 01224 710721 or email wcarrick@sportaberdeen.co.uk .

An adult session will also be running. Dates and times are are still to be confirmed, but to register your interest for this please email communitysportshubs@aberdeencity.gov.uk Jogscotland – Looking to get into shape after the excesses of the Christmas period? The hub are also looking to start a jogscotland group (all adult ages welcome!), which will be running once a week on a Wed evening starting in January. The group will meet at the Beacon Centre, and no previous running experience is required!

If you would interested in joining the group or would be interested in helping lead the group and would like to attend leader training, please email address below or phone 01224 522027. Training normally costs £75, but will be offered FREE of charge for anyone keen to work with the Bucksburn group. More information on the jogscotland programme can be found here: http://www.jogscotland.org.uk .

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Christmas activities at Kingswells Church Saturday 13 December

Sunday 20 December - Service of Lessons and Carols 11am Wednesday 24 December - Family Christingle Service, 6pm

Messy Church Christmas 2.30pm Wednesday 24 December Watchnight Service 11.30pm

Sunday 14 December Nativity 11am Saturday 20 December Community Carol Singing at the Community Centre 11am

A busy time for everyone!

Rev. Alisa McDonald.

Kingswells Parish Church Minister Lang Stracht Manse. Lang Stracht Kingswells AB15 8PN 01224 740229

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23

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Iced Cranachan Parfait Method Line a terrine dish or mould with Clingfilm and set aside.

Puree raspberries with 100g sugar using a liquidiser or stick blender, then pass through a sieve until smooth and no pips. If you have used frozen raspberries, drain most of the liquid off after defrosting before you make the puree.

Whisk eggs yolks and 200g sugar in a bowl over a bowl of boiling water until light in colour and thick enough to leave a trail.

This is a great desert at any time of year which you can pre-prepare and keep in the freezer till you need it. It works well with any type of berries, but for the best texture, use fresh fruit.

Ingredients 300g Caster Sugar 8 Egg Yolks 4 Small Punnets (Preferably Fresh) Raspberries 75g Toasted Oatmeal Half Litre of Double Cream (Lightly Whipped) 3 Tbsp. Clear Honey Whisky to Taste

Add raspberry puree, oatmeal, honey, and whisky to egg mixture and mix well.

Fold in the lightly whipped cream. It is important now to taste the mixture to see if it needs more sugar, whisky or honey to suit your own tastes.

Pour mixture into the mould or terrine dish and freeze overnight.

Remove the parfait from the freezer around 5 minutes before serving. Turn the parfait out of the dish, peel off the cling film and slice with a knife which has been run under hot water.

Serve garnished with raspberries and mint.

Makes: 8-10 Portions (approx) Picture Above Chef Owen with his dessert

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

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25

Aberdeen Mountain Rescue Team celebrates its 50th year with a Ceilidh at the Hilton Treetops in Aberdeen It’s been a busy year for Aberdeen Mountain Rescue Team who have been celebrating their 50th anniversary year with a number of events culminating in a ceilidh at the Hilton Tree Tops hotel on 1st November. Former and current Team and Association members and their friends and families gathered together to mark the Team’s 50th Anniversary.

Dancing continued into the small hours to the excellent sounds of Ceolmohr. What better way to end a busy and extraordinary year for the Team than with a few drinks and a good ‘knees up’.

Scott Stevens, the Teams Operations Manager thanked the Team, the Association and all the people involved behind the scenes who enable AMRT to continue being fully operational 24/7, 365 days a year, especially partners and family members of the Team.

During the evening a very special presentation was made to Mario DiMaio, who has been a member of AMRT for 44 years, of which 19 of these was as Team Leader. Mario received the Mountain Rescue Committee of Scotland’s Distinguished Service Award. This award is presented to nominated team members who have made a significant contribution to mountain rescue in Scotland either at Team or National level. Amongst other things, Mario was instrumental in encouraging the Order of St John to help finance mountain rescue teams in Scotland and Aberdeen was the first team to have a purpose built headquarters, paid for by the Order. Mario remains an important member of AMRT, both for support to the members that have been in the Team for a number of years and also for encouragement and guidance for the younger members, coming into the Team.

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Dawn MacKinnon, Chairman of the AMRA said: “The Team and Association are grateful to all those that support us and help the Team to remain operational. We would like to thank the Hilton Tree Tops for their hospitality and tasty stovies on Saturday evening. We would like to thank Ceolmohr for providing an excellent set which got everyone up on the dance floor from the first tune. Also a big thank you to those businesses that provided raffle prizes for us, of which there are too many to mention here. Finally we would like to thank everyone that attended the event, without your support we would not be here”.

Check out our website www.amrt.org. uk or follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more details.

Alternatively contact us by email at association@amrt.org.uk

NINTH PAGE ADVERT Single Issue £24 Three Issue £68 Six Issues £115 01224 -949085

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26

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