Web kcn issue 14 mid aug mid oct 2015

Kingswells Community News successfully introducing local people to local businesses

Issue 14 : Mid-Aug - Mid Oct 2015 Free bi-monthly magazine

landline: 01224 949085 mobile : 07813 964 875 email : kingswells@gazettemagazines.com web : www.gazettemagazines.com

independent publisher All enquiries : Sue Simpson Disclaimer : Whilst we’d be flattered if you would like to borrow something from the gazette be polite and ask first! Thank you.

We try our hardest to ensure accuracy of editorial content but no responsibility can be taken for any errors and/or omissions. The views expressed within the gazette are not necessarily those of the publisher or advertisers. When replying to offers, competitions and other correspondence, we would strongly recommend that you check published information with each organisation beforehand. All artwork is accepted on strict condition that permission has been given for use in this publication. We thank you for taking the time to read the small print.

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Autumn ...

Mothers are rejoicing this month as the school gates open again for a new term and ‘normality’ resumes over households. Alas last term saw my third and final child finish school! After an eighteen year stint, with three children I’m relieved that part is over and let the next challenge begin.

My daughter headed off this summer with her class-mates - she survived her two weeks on holiday and is raving about her time in Cyprus. My oldest son had a nasty accident at work so there began a new worry – all is ok and he is on the mend. The middle son has gone off to Inverness so that leaves me with the dogs. I think I’m going to embrace this part of my life and fill it with new things. I’m already hoping to sign up for the Fitsteps class and Jazzercise looks tempting too. I will continue with my dancing and maybe get a holiday towards the end of the year before my S.A.D. kicks in.

With only two issues now until the dreaded “C” word I hope to bring back the shop local guide again this year – so if you have a favourite shop that doesn’t advertise then let them know about our gift guide as it may tempt them in.

The winner of the Reflexology session with Gordon from Issue 13 will be announced next issue as I put the end date of 10 August which is after I’ve gone to print! But please do take the time to enter this issue’s competition. If you have anything you want included in the next magazine get it to me before 27 September and it will be read in midOctober thru to mid-December.

Go grab that cuppa and enjoy the rest of the magazine.

Until next time, West End - Deeside - Kingswells

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All things Autumn

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Latest News Prime Four Work on the Anderson Anderson & Brown (chartered accountants) building is well advanced and an adjacent site has been approved for the Lloyds Register Energy building. We await further information about the proposed wellness centre.

As a result of pressure from KCC, Aberdeen City Council and Drum Group have now agreed to press ahead with a proper pedestrian access path from the pelican crossing on the Kingswells perimeter road up to the new hotel.

from the A944 coming from Westhill. It will surround the local nature conservation site at West Woods of Hatton and the historic Quakers’ burial ground. KCC has asked for the new site to be removed from the Local Development Plan. The Scottish Government reporter will make the final decision.

Landscaping earthworks are being carried out to form the “northern park” above the consumption dyke. This area has the potential to improve the appearance of Prime Four when viewed from the Kingswells perimeter road.

Speed Limits KCC has discussed at length the new 40mph speed limits on local roads, including the A944. A majority of members agreed that a submission should be sent to Aberdeen City Council asking for a restoration of the 50mph limit on the Westhill road.

Fairley Road resurfacing We are pleased to see that the section of road outside the Dandara development has been resurfaced.

Fairley Road playing field Adventure Aberdeen has proposals to develop the site. KCC has always stressed that continued public access must be part of any arrangement.

Currently, there are just four development phases to Prime Four. Phase 3 is now underway. KCC has formally objected to the inclusion of a new Phase 5 area in the next Aberdeen Local Development Plan.

Drum Group pressed the Council to add this site because, they claim, there are access problems with Phase 4. KCC has argued that Phase 4 could be readily accessed through the existing Prime Four site. Phase 5 would cover a green field hill-top site between the Five Mile and the AWPR. It would be visually intrusive when viewed

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Work on the new access road into Prime Four road is causing much frustration to drivers using the perimeter road. Many are choosing to avoid the hold-ups by diverting through Kingswells.

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Park and Ride KCC is working with our councillors and Aberdeen City Council to try to ensure that suitable access barriers are included in the plans to route the X17 bus service from Westhill through the car park. Current arrangements did not prevent travellers trying to set up camp earlier this summer.

West 1 After nearly two years of agitation by KCC, Stewart Milne Homes have finally seen to the replacement of the many dead trees within the development. Hopefully, the recent summer “watering” will ensure that more survive this time.

contractors to try to ensure that rural core paths around Kingswells are protected, including access to Brimmond Hill.

Derbeth Pond Attempts by local residents to improve the biodiversity of the pond have failed. We suspect that the water may be polluted but can’t find the source. There are also problems with drainage out of the pond.

We are taking these matters up with the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA).

Gillahill Path The core path from Kingswells towards Dobbies has become overgrown. KCC is investigating how some of the excess vegetation on this popular walk can be cut back without spoiling the environment.

AWPR Major works are now obvious along the entire length of the bypass and Fastlink. A concrete flyover is being constructed at the Kingswells South junction on the A944.

The photo shows the care being taken to rebuild drystane dykes beside this junction.

The other photo shows the excavations at Cloghill, looking northwards. The impressive boulder is 3 metres tall. On the skyline, the road will enter a deep cutting above Fairley House. KCC is meeting the www.gazettemagazines.com t : 01224 949085

Broadband Information from BT and Digital Scotland about who will be able to receive fast broadband in Kingswells is still far too vague. There are some 300 homes in Kingswells whose fate is uncertain. They may (or may not) eventually receive better speeds by 2018, depending on the nature of their existing telephone cabling. There is a “digital divide” emerging in Kingswells that many people will see as unfair. The situation is particularly frustrating for residents who run, or would like to run, businesses from home. e : kingswells@gazettemagazines.com

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MSP Mark McDonald is continuing his efforts to try to resolve these difficulties and keep the community informed about progress.

Benches Kingswells is being gifted a number of sturdy outdoor benches which were surplus to requirements at Prime Four. Some possible locations for the benches are shown on KCC’s website http://www.kwells.org/ If you can think of any other good places to site the benches please call Kenneth on 01224-746658 or email kcc@kwells.org Community Council Elections Aberdeen City Council has asked us to pass on this information about the forthcoming elections: Did you know that the elections for all Community Councils across Aberdeen are due to be held this year? Are you interested in what happens in your local community and want to make a difference?

Community Councils need people like you to join and be the voice for the community to ensure it can be the best that it can be. The role involves attending meetings and discussing local issues with the community so that they can be passed on to the relevant council department or other organisation. You have to be on the electoral register for the area and your nomination form

proposed and seconded by two people in the area who are also on the electoral register.

Key Dates: • Monday 31 August at 7.00 – Information Session for Community Councillors (registration from 6.30) at the Town House, Broad Street • Wednesday 2 September - Publication of Notice of Election • Thursday 3 September - Nomination Forms available from Libraries, Marischal College Reception, on the website and from the Community Council Liaison Officer • 4pm on Thursday 1 October - Close of Nominations • 4pm Wednesday 7 October - Close date for the withdrawal of nominations • Monday 12 October - Notice of Poll (or uncontested election) • Thursday 29 October (8am to 8pm) - Polling Day (if one is required for any Community Council areas) For more information contact Karen on 01224 522723 or email communitycouncils@ aberdeencity.gov.uk and she will be able to guide you through the process and provide an insight into the role of a Community Councillor.

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Debt of Gratitude Dinner 26 September 2015 at Ardoe House Hotel, Aberdeen

Event sponsorship is also available to those wishing to make a larger contribution

The Event The dinner will be held on Saturday 26th September 2015 at Ardoe House Hotel, Aberdeen.

Timings for the event are: 7 for 7.30pm until 12.30am. There will be a military presence. The after dinner speaker will be Baroness Annabel Goldie, known for her dry and witty sense of humour and there will also be surprise entertainment.

The tables are priced at £1000 for ten guests, I am able to offer individual tickets at £110 per ticket. The Dinner will consist of a three course meal with wine on the table and a drinks reception.

Sgt Gary Jamieson (Scots Guard) [Gary stood on an IED which took both his legs and an arm, The Soldiers Charity were able to help him adapt his home and help him with adaptions to his car.]

The ABF the Soldiers Charity The ABF is the Army’s National charity founded in 1944 this is the first port of call for those in need. ABF The Soldiers’ Charity are for soldiers, for life. They provide financial assistance to all soldiers and their families when in need. Even when a soldier leaves the Army they are still part of their family and eligible for help. The scope of their work is huge. Half of their money is given direct to individuals to help in areas such as debt relief, mobility assistance, education bursaries, care home fees and respite breaks The other half is given as grants to other Scottish charities, for example Erskine, Combat Stress, Blesma, Poppy Scotland to name a few.

Please contact: Catherine Robertson Ross MBE cylross@aol.com Tel 07879854927 SUPPORT THIS EVENT book a table with friends! e : kingswells@gazettemagazines.com 7

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4/28/2015 10:39:27 AM

News from Councillor Delaney...

Well, summer has arrived. Sun, rain, thunderstorms and all in one day! I haven’t seen hail yet, but there’s still time! Lets hope we’re enjoying some warmth without the unsettled aspects by the time you read this. If there’s two things we can be certain of at this time of year, it’s fast growing weeds and folk moaning about the weather!

One of the biggest bug bears in Kingswells at all times of year, rain or shine, is the punctuality, frequency and journey times on the X40. This is made worse by the fact that Kingswells has only one bus service nowadays. Well, it looks like all that’s about to change!

As mentioned previously, the X17 is set to go into the P&R site later this year, offering a frequent service into town via Queens Road.

There have been some delays with the works needed to allow access through the Park & Ride site so it may be nearer the end of the year before this happens. In addition, the Community Council, myself and others have been working with the Council to try to minimise the likelihood of travelling people gaining unauthorised access to the site and some small changes to the layout

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have been proposed by the Community Council to try to address these concerns.

In the meantime, Stagecoach plans to re-route its X18 (Alford to Aberdeen) service via the P&R from 17th August 2015. This will provide a bus service to Kingswells residents wishing to shop at Westhill as well as offering an express service into the city centre via Lang Stracht, Westburn Road and His Majesty’s Theatre on to Union Square. I don’t yet have details of any intermediate stops on this limited stop service, but the journey is timetabled at just 26 minutes, suggesting there will be few, if any. If they can genuinely get people into the city centre this fast, I reckon it will prove to be a popular service.

The success of this route and Stagecoach’s commitment to it will of course depend upon usage, so it’s over to you to make this work.

The X18 will run approximately every 20 minutes from 7.00 to Westhill or 7.20 to the city centre.

The last buses on this service leave the Park & Ride at about 19.00 in both directions. Weekend timetables were unavailable at time of writing so please check out exact times for all services on the published timetables.

Alison McLeod

Afterschool Football

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Wednesday 9.30-10.00 Pre School 1.30-2.15 Pre School Plus 3.30-4.15 P1/2 4.15-5.00 P1/2

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One of the biggest challenges with public transport in Aberdeen has been the lack of a cross-ticketing option. If you took the X17 into the city centre, you could not use First’s services for onward travel or return on the X40 using the same day pass. That changed on 14th June 2015 with the extension of the Grasshopper Travel Card to include the city zone. A day ticket allowing unlimited travel within the city boundaries on both First and Stagecoach services costs £4.20 or it’s £21 for a weekly pass.

This is definitely worth checking out if you work in Aberdeen and need two buses to get to work.

Another topical issue just now is the capacity of Kingswells Primary School. This is something I’ve raised several times over the past year in the hope the necessary measures could be put in place in advance of the new school term.

An extra classroom has indeed been squeezed in, but there’s no more space for expansion next summer when the school roll is predicted to rise further. The Council has also agreed to install sound proofing measures and these were meant to be completed over the summer holidays.

Unfortunately, though these works will go ahead, they will not be done in advance of the new school term.

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School rolls are predicted to rise for the next three or four years before falling back to pre 2014 levels. During that time it’s difficult to envisage how the additional children will be accommodated. Allowing 146 new homes to be built at West Huxterstone prior to the predicted fall in school rolls has merely compounded the problem.

Clearly we are where we are, but rest assured I will continue to press for a plan to address the 2016 capacity issues at any early date.

That’s about it for now. As always, please get in touch to raise any concerns you may have.

Regards Steve Delaney

Councillor 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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Finance Credit Cards for the Stages of your Life

By Ann Haldon With so many different credit cards to choose from, knowing which one is right for you often depends on the current stage of your life. Whether you’re a young adult just starting work, coping with the financial demands of a young family, or are approaching retirement, here are some of the features and benefits to watch out for.

StudentS and graduateS Most student account ‘packages’ include a credit card for those who qualify, and generally offer an average Annual Percentage Rate (APR) of around 19%. Credit limits are unlikely to be more than £500, but this is often all that is needed to provide a financial cushion. The majority of banks now offer a very useful feature that alerts you when a payment is due.

HSBC student credit card Offered alongside their student current account, you can make payments and view your balance online. Their representative variable APR is 18.9% - average for this type of card, with no annual fee payable.

Graduate cards work in much the same way, often linked to a ‘graduate’ account, and with a similar credit limit and APR. A slight difference is that some banks offer the facility

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to transfer an existing balance over to your new graduate card at 0% interest for a limited time.

Lloyds Bank graduate card Lloyds offer a limit of up to £500 on credit cards if you are a graduate current account holder. A selection of cards is available depending on your income as a new graduate, with some cards offering 0% interest on balance transfers.

Young famiLY rewards cards Parents of young children may prefer to receive rewards and incentives from a credit card.

These could include free travel insurance, commission-free foreign currency, free days out and money-off vouchers for meals at child-friendly restaurants. tesco Clubcard credit card Currently the Tesco Clubcard credit card offers five Clubcard points for every £4 spent with Tesco, including your spend on petrol. You can also earn one point for every £4 spent using the card at other outlets.

Cash back cards Cash back credit cards come in handy if you can pay back the total balance each month.

You need to read the small print carefully, however, as higher penalties often apply for missed or late payments.

Santander 123 credit card Santander is currently offering 1% cash back in the major supermarkets when you use their credit card, 2% in major department stores, and 3% on petrol and transport, including National Rail and Transport for London.

Low interest rate cards Alternatively, you may simply want a card with low interest for the occasions when you don’t pay off the balance in full. You’ll need to have a good credit rating to get one of these cards, but they can help considerably when managing the family’s finances. mBna low rate credit card At the time of writing, this card from MBNA offers a low 6.5% variable rate for balance transfers, purchases and money transfers. You can transfer money from your credit card to a bank account with no handling fee, but the rate offered on the card may vary depending on your circumstances. retireeS A reduced income in retirement often means a narrower choice of credit cards. Banks and other financial institutions prefer to see a regular wage coming in, and some have a policy of refusing anyone over a certain age, regardless of how much

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money they have saved. Even if your savings are with the bank you are applying to, banks have been quite rigid on this policy of late.

Saga Platinum credit card A variable representative APR of 11.9 % makes this credit card from Saga a middle-of-the-road option in terms of interest rate.

Not the lowest, but certainly not the highest, the perks of this card currently include an introductory 0% on balance transfers and purchases for the first nine months, and 0% foreign currency fees on transactions worldwide.

Credit-builder cards You may need to improve your credit rating at any stage of life, but this type of card comes with a high interest rate and a low credit limit. If separation or divorce have left you with no recent credit history, this may be a good option.

Should your credit file include bankruptcy, County Court Judgements, or other formal insolvency procedures, ‘standard’ credit cards will be unavailable to you for some time. Credit-builder cards are a good way to improve your credit rating in these circumstances, as long as repayments are made in full and on time every month.

Vanquish Visa credit card This credit-builder card from Vanquish offers a credit limit of between £150 and £1,000, depending on your circumstances and credit history. The variable representative APR is 39.9%, and the account can be managed online.

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Please do mention Kingswells Community News when responding to advertisers - thank you

Deeside Local Food Festival – Sunday 20th September 2015 The Mixing Bowl Aberdeen is delighted to announce that it is organising the Deeside Local Food Festival on Sunday 20th September from 11am to 3pm at Cults Academy.

At the heart of the festival will be a farmers’ market, where local food producers and sellers will showcase their produce and sell to the public. Alongside the market, there will be talks by the producers, cooking demonstrations and activities to engage children of all ages. There will be hot food to enjoy for lunch including a hog roast by Andrew Gordon, The Lean Butcher, and a variety of refreshments.We are delighted that local celebrity Craig Wilson, The Kilted Chef, will be with us at this fun family event to demonstrate some delicious dishes.

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There are a number of ways the local community can get involved before the day. Further details of the ‘Design your own Mr Potato’ competition and ‘The Colour of Taste’ art competition can be found on the festival website. In addition, we will be creating a Recipe Garden at the festival, where children and adults are invited to bring along their favourite recipe written out on a colourful cardboard flower shape to plant in the garden.

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The event is being funded by the Think Local Community Food Fund and is part of The Year of Food and Drink Scotland 2015 celebrations.

Woodburn Walkers

We look forward to welcoming you to the festival in September. Everyone is welcome and admission is free! www.deesidefoodfestival.btck.co.uk deesidefoodfestival@outlook.com Facebook: /deesidefoodfestival

Age 50+ Transport - Hire Bus, Fortnightly - Tuesday’s Starting point Hazlehead Park Time 9am for 9.15 Average Distance 7 miles Tel 01224 318734 and 01224 821753

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Skene Road Kingswells AB15 8PJ

Westhill Bowling Club

Westhill Bowling Club invite you to come and try bowling, the green is situated in the Denman Park Westhill and will open mid April 2015 for the outdoor season.

If you are interested please contact Isobel McLean on 01224 742745 for further details, all ages are welcome and coaching is available.Look forward to seeing you on the green.

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The Life List Narrowboat No-Nos

- Don’t bother timing your journey. It’s always the same time - slow.

- No racing the ducks. It scares them and you’ll lose anyway.

If you don’t fancy travelling abroad this year and the idea of camping (i.e. sharing a tent with a field of creepy crawlies) leaves you cold, how about a cruise on the canals?

You’ll experience life on the open water without the risk of seasickness, at a relaxing pace, with your trusty Boater’s Handbook at your side. You might even enjoy it so much that you don’t want to leave. Of course, there are certain standards to be observed.

- No speaking in a pirate accent and preferably no wearing a sea captain’s hat. Smoking a pipe, however, is still considered a lifestyle choice.

- Avoid sleepwalking. Space is very restricted inside and it’s very unrestricted and wet outside.

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- Save your flatulence for the outdoors, thank you. Preferably standing at one end of the boat, alone.

- Do not block the way inside the narrowboat.

Learn the gentle art of bending, sliding and proximity avoidance without bodily contact.

- Trying to do a three-point turn in the middle of the canal is frowned upon. If there’s no turning point, you’re heading forward.

- No inflating a dinghy inside the narrowboat just to see how much space it takes up.

- Please refrain from scowling at passing pedestrians.

- Painting the outside in camouflage or stripes is forbidden, especially if you’ve only hired the boat.

- Resist the temptation to add a harpoon gun at the front.

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Kingswells Health Walks

Kingswells Health Walks are short, gentle walks of between one to three miles. They start every Thursday morning at 10.30 from the Community Centre and return after about an hour with the option of a stop for coffee and a chat. The walks are led by local trained volunteers, are low level, safe, accessible, sociable, and are free. We go out every week, whatever the weather, except when icy conditions make it unsafe. Anyone can come along and new faces are very welcome. You don’t need any special equipment, just sensible, comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for the weather. It is an opportunity to make new friends and explore parts of Kingswells and its surrounding that you may not know. We are lucky to live in such an attractive area with a variety of pleasant walks.

Walking has many health benefits. It lowers the risk of heart disease, stroke, and some cancers, helps control diabetes and manages your weight, improves your mood and reduces the risk of depression. Walking helps older folk protect their joints, stay independent and reduces the risk of falls. It also makes you feel a part of your community.

If you have been inactive for some time, don’t worry; you can start slowly and build up gently. As you get fitter you will be able to go a little further and faster. Some folk may already be at a stage where they are reasonably fit and active and will want a longer, brisker walk. If we have 2 leaders, then the faster group may go on ahead or take a different route, but there will always be a leader who is prepared to take slower walkers, or those with sore joints or other problems, which need to go at a gentle pace.

Health walks occur all over Scotland and are supported by Paths for All, Sport Aberdeen and are approved the NHS. There are groups in several areas of Aberdeen. Our Kingswells Group has been going for over a year and we now have four trained leaders and a small group of regular walkers. So please do come and join us and give it a try. Bring along your family, friends, and neighbours too! We do hope to see you soon.

Any further information may be had by phoning: Liz on 01224 744729, Ann on 01224 749521 or Kenneth on 01224 746658

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15

Cake and Bake Caramel Apple Sponge Bake This delicious moist sponge makes a perfect pudding for a special lunch. Serve warm or cold with ice cream or a spoonful of tangy crème fraiche.

Ingredients: • 100g granulated sugar • 4 tbsp cold water • 2 dessert apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced • 200g self-raising flour • � tsp baking powder • 1 tsp ground cinnamon • 200g caster sugar • 200g unsalted butter, softened • 3 large eggs, lightly beaten • 3-5 tbsp milk • Icing sugar, to dust • Scoops of vanilla ice cream and lemon balm sprigs, to serve

Makes 9 squares Ready in 1 hour 10 minutes

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1. Preheat the oven to 180C, fan 160C, Gas 4. Grease a 23cm square shallow cake tin and line the base and two sides with a baking paper.

2. Put the granulated sugar and water in a heavy-based saucepan and heat gently, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Bring the syrup to the boil and continue boiling, without stirring, until the syrup has turned to a golden caramel.

3. Carefully pour the hot caramel into the base of the prepared tin.

Arrange the apples slices over the caramel (don’t worry if the caramel has set).

4. Sift the flour, baking powder and cinnamon into a large bowl and add the caster sugar, butter and eggs. Using a hand-held electric whisk, beat the mixture for 2-3 minutes until smooth and creamy. Whisk in enough of the milk to give a soft dropping consistency.

5. Spoon the mixture over the apples and gently level the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes or until the sponge is golden and springy to the touch and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.

6. Leave the cake to cool in the tin for 10-15 minutes then carefully lift it out of the tin using the baking paper up the two sides of the tin. Cut into 9 squares and serve warm or cold, dusted with icing sugar. Top each square with scoop of ice cream and decorate with a sprig of lemon balm.

TIP

Replace the apple slices with peeled and sliced pears or try peeled and segmented oranges for a lovely citrus flavoured dessert.

Please do mention Kingswells Community News when responding to advertisers - thank you

Kingwells Public Hall Mondays 10 00am - 1 00pm Dog Training 6 30pm - 7 45pm Boxing Class 8 00pm- 9 30pm Pipes & Drums Class Tuesdays 6 15pm - 8 30pm Jazzercise 9 00pm - 10 00pm Fitness & Boxing Class Wednesdays 10 00am - 12 30pm Dog Training 3 40pm - 5 - 50pm Junior Jazzercise 6 30pm - 7 45pm

Boxing Class

8 00pm - 9 00pm

Zumba

Thursdays 9 30am - 10 30am

Jazzercise

6 00pm - 9 30pm Class

Taoist Tai Chi Society

Fridays 10 00am - 1 00pm

Dog Training

6 00pm - 10 00pm Class

Choi Kwang Do

Saturdays

Kingswells Library Service dates 2015 August: Friday 7 and 21 September: Friday 4 and 18 October: Friday 2, 16 and 30

9 30am - 10 30pm

Jazzercise

11 00am - 12noon

Zumba

Sundays 10 00am - 2 00pm

T

he Kingswells ‘pop-up’ library is located in the hall at Kingswells Community Centre, Kingswells Avenue every second Friday from 2.50pm – 3.50pm. A selection of books and DVDs for all ages is available for loan and library staff are on hand to answer enquiries and assist with reading choices.

Reservations can be placed for books or DVDs that are not on display and items can be returned either to the Kingswells popup library or to any other library in the city.

Dog Training

The above are all regular classes but anyone who may be interested in joining in one of them would be best to call at the hall during the class to ascertain if there are places available The hall can also be booked for special occasions out with the regular classes Thank you

www.gazettemagazines.com t : 01224 949085

November: Friday 13 and 27 December: Friday 11

The Home Library Service is available to Aberdeen residents of any age who are unable to leave their home to visit the library. To apply for the service, phone 01224 498930. Our staff will visit you at home to explain the service, find out what you would like to borrow and then deliver a selection of items every four weeks. The service is free however hire charges may apply to items such as DVDs.

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17

YOuR lOcal claSSES: • Sun @ 6.15pm KVH* • Mon @ 10 am Newhills Church (NEW FREE CRECHE!**) • Tue @ 6.15pm KVH • Tue @ 7.30pm KVH • Wed @ 10am Ashdale Hall (NEW FREE CRECHE!**) • Thu @ 9.30am KVH LOW IMPACT

Sat @ 9.30am KVH *Kingswells Village Hall (Old Skene Road)

Sign up during sale Sep 1st – 15th

• 10 classes for £40 ** Valid for non members only • Sign up for unlimited classes in your area and get 1ST MONTH FREE! & NO JOINING FEE** ** Valid for all customers, 6 or 12-month option price reg required.

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Please do mention Kingswells Community News when responding to advertisers - thank you

Maintaining your oven inbetween professional cleans Although one the UK’s most hated household chores, it’s important that you maintain and clean your oven properly to prolong its life and ensure it’s working at its best.

At least twice a year, you need to give your oven a deep clean, one in preparation for food-filled Christmas festivities and one during the annual spring clean. Let someone else roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty, such as an Ovenu trained oven valeting specialist, to get rid of the stubborn burnt on grease and grime, which builds up in the appliance and can create unpleasant smells, impact on its working condition and potentially cause a fire.

In-between thorough Ovenu cleans, it’s important that you follow these simple tips

to maintain the performance of your oven: Make a habit of wiping the exterior surfaces of your oven with a damp cloth every time you wipe down the worktops To help prevent any mess in the oven, place the food you’re cooking on a baking tray and have a foil-covered tray on the bottom shelf of the oven to catch any spills Wipe any spillages immediately (once the oven is cool) to prevent any dirt hardening For the hob, remove any detachable parts and soak them in soap and hot water either overnight, if possible, or for a couple of hours, dry and place back onto the hob Use a toothbrush to clean around gas burners Avoid caustic-based products if cleaning the fan, pilot light or heating element in the oven Following these simple steps should ensure that your oven is clean, safe and ready to cook up a feast.

MBC Festival 2015

three events

Art Exhibition

Phoenix Community Centre, Newton Dee

Drop in to view and purchase work by local artists. Silent Auction for Chair Art. Refreshments provided by Milltimber Playgroup at weekend.

Thurs 20 and Fri 21 Aug (2pm - 5pm) Sat 22 and Sun 23 Aug (10am - 5pm)

Afternoon Tea (Hillview Church) Afternoon Tea Church on Sat 22Hillview nd Aug Drop in and enjoy a Cream Tea. Bring old friends and meet new ones!

Sat 22 Aug (2pm - 5pm)

Music in the Sanctuary

Cults Parish Church

With the Atholl Smith Jazz Band. Refreshments served at the end.

Music in the Sanctuary Sun 23 Aug (7pm - 8pm) (Cults Church) Tennis Open Evening Cults Tennis Club “Come and Try” event - all welcome! Join us for dinner from 8pm – tickets 23XXX. Sunfrom rdBYOB. Aug coston £XX; available Mon 24 Aug (from 6.30pm)

Bowling Open Evening

Cults Bowling Club

Musical Evening (Kirk Centre) Exhibition Cults Parish Church …of calligraphy, flowers and local memorabilia. in! Aug on FriJust28popth

“Come and Try” event, and Pizza Night! Club Bar open. All welcome!

Wed 26 Aug (6.30pm ’til late!)

Thurs 27, Fri 28 and Sat 29 Aug (10am - 4pm)

not to be missed Milltimber – Bieldside – Cults www.cbmcommunity.org.uk

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19

Health Why Breast Is Still Best

By Alison Runham www.alison.runham.co.uk August is World Breastfeeding Month, so let’s bust some myths and look at breastfeeding benefits.

Breastfeeding Myths i can’t breastfeed because: • i need medication for depression. Sometimes the benefits of treatment and breastfeeding outweigh potential risks (very low with some antidepressants).

• I have flat/ inverted nipples.

Breastfeeding is often possible and can even fix this – as can a simple operation.

• i’m unsure about breastfeeding; i’m going back to work, anyway. Even if you feed your baby just a few times, they’ll receive colostrum (initial breastmilk full of your antibodies).

Started bottlefeedng? Usually you can still breastfeed later, although it’s harder as time passes. You can breastfeed at first, then swap to expressed breastmilk, formula or mixed feeding when you return to work; you have a legal right to express milk at work and ask for a change in your working pattern.

• I can’t make enough milk: Despite what many mums are told, it’s extremely rare to be physically incapable of producing enough milk. The process can be hampered after a caesarean, or if you or your baby is poorly. Usually you just need time and correct technique, but if your baby’s suffering or you need to leave them, you can give formula...

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...But mixed feeding will ruin my milk supply: If your baby needs the odd bottle of formula, don’t panic. Ideally, though, wait 6 weeks to try regular mixed feeding, as the ideal production rate is stimulated by demand and takes time to establish. Often, regular mixed feeding early on quickly leads to full formula feeding, the NCT warns, but it’s usually successful after breastfeeding is established.

Breastfed babies wake more at night: Research suggests parents of breastfed babies get more sleep, and there’s no night time bottle preparation.

I can’t breastfeed in public: The Equality Act 2010 says you CAN. Breastfeeding Benefits • Much healthier babies: breastmilk is custom-made for your baby, adapting to their needs. It aids development, increases intelligence and reduces the risk of chest, stomach, ear and urine infections, asthma, diabetes, obesity, leukaemia, meningitis, celiac disease, Sudden Infant Death syndrome, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, some lymphomas and cancers, Crohn’s disease, cardiovascular disease, eczema, allergies, breast and ovarian cancer in girls and necrotizing enterocolitis (a serious bowel condition) in premature babies.

• Healthier mums: Breastfeeding uses 200-

500kcal daily, contracts your uterus to normal size, conserves your iron, and reduces your risk of postpartum haemorrhage, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, osteoporosis and diabetes.

• Convenient, economical and green: Feed your baby anywhere for free, saving £550 a year on formula and reducing waste. decisions, decisions A mini-survey of friends echoed national findings: the main culprits responsible for making breastfeeding difficult or unappealing are poor advice and support (personal and professional). “I was banished to upstairs in my in-laws house!” said one friend, while Liz intended to breastfeed until her midwife advised her bottlefeeding would be easier after her caesarean. Older ‘militant’ breastfeeding advice just caused guilt: “My LaLeche League book was SO awful about bottle feeding that when I finally offered my daughter formula, I felt I was poisoning her,” said Katie.

The NCT found 90% of women whose friends breastfeed, have a plan to breastfeed themselves, compared to 51% of women without breastfeeding friends. So ensuring mums are well-informed and supported, wherever and however they feed their baby, is vital. nct (National Childbirth Trust): Helpline: 0300 330 0700 www.nct.org.uk/

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21

Baby Sensory coming soon to Kingswells and Inverurie Our classes will introduce your baby to a world of sensory delights. Where the two of you can relax, have fun and share some truly special times. For ours is magical world, full of glowing balls, light shows, puppets, bubbles, rainbows, massage, signing and songs, with new activities introduced every week. Imagination is a vital part of childhood. And together we’ll dance in the snow or dive under the waves, trek through a rainforest or sing shanties with pirates.

What makes our multi-award winning programme so special is that every element is carefully designed with your baby’s development in mind. Much of our equipment and many of the songs are unique to us, and there’s decades of research built into the programme. And we feel it’s important that we share our knowledge with you, regularly explaining what we’re doing and

www.babysensory.com

Welcome Sensory WelcometotoBaby Baby Sensory

Our multi-award winning classes for babies from Our multi-award winning classes will introduce you and your baby (or introduce babies) to a world of sensory 0 to 13 months, will you anddelights, your baby where you can relax, spend quality time with each other (orandbabies) to other a world of sensory delights, enjoy meeting new parents.

Specifically fromrelax, birth to aid your child’s where designed you can spend quality time development, the programme is packed with an with eachsmells, other and enjoy incredible variety of sounds, sights, textures, music, dance, signing and massage meeting other new parents.

– and you’ll never experience the same class twice.

ys e n www.bab

sory.com

Monday Classes Held In Inverurie Tuesday Classes Held In Kingswells

Call: 07827448016

aberdeencentral@babysensory.co.uk www.facebook.com/babysensoryaberdeencentral

why. For the first year of your baby’s life is one of the most important. Soon after birth the brain starts creating two million new connections every second! So we love helping you make the most of this amazing time in your baby’s life.

You can join us at any time, and we’d encourage you to begin as soon as you feel able. It’s a lovely way to make new friends, and for you to share tips and experiences at a time when you’ll probably really appreciate the support. Attending weekly classes is also great for getting out of the house; helping add some structure to a life that’s probably very different for you right now.

Whilst every session is unique, they’re structured to follow the natural play-rest-play cycle of babies.

We’ve done the research; so you can enjoy the fun.

To book into classes in Inverurie or Kingswells go to http://www.babysensory.com/en/ClassDetails/ Aberdeencentral

T

he Members of Aberdeen Orpheus Choir and their Conductor, Jane Murray very much look forward to this coming year, being the 60th Anniversary of the formation of the Choir. Practices begin on Wednesday, 26th August at 7.15 p.m. in the Lounge of Crown Terrace Baptist Church, Windmill Lane, Aberdeen firstly for our popular Carol Concert then our 60th Anniversary Summer Concert where a very interesting programme is being planned for the 27th May, 2016. We have managed to secure the services of Bob Chilcott, well known choral Conductor and composer to run a choral workshop on Saturday, 28th May and he will be our guest at our Summer Concert. Both of these events will be held in Queens Cross Church.

There are a few vacancies in all sections of the Choir and if you are interested in choral singing, can read music and wish to join a very friendly Choir, telephone Jane on 07967926758 or email conductor@aoc.org.uk to arrange an audition.

Kippie Lodge

Sports & Country Club North Deeside Road Milltimber. Aberdeen 01224 734747 www.kippielodge.co.uk

Kippie Lodge

Aberdeen’s Sports & Country Club

with Creche facilities, kids classes, lessons, camps and family fun days, Kippie really is a family Club.

Contact us for a tour of our facilities today!

Current members - introduce a friend & receive £50 worth of Kippie Vouchers.

Solution

raring to go advert summer 2015.indd 1

BRAND NEW TEEN CLASS STARTING SOON! Keeping children active during their teenage years is so important.

These informal high energy 45 minute dance based classes are designed to offer your teen something different!

Our first term of classes starts August 26th, with a number of places taken already!

Contact Louise Argo 07708 017287 for further info and to book a place.

First come first served!

WHEN? WHERE? HOW MUCH?

WEDNESDAY’S 5.15pm -6pm KINGSWELLS VILLAGE HALL £5.00 per class, payable by term

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Tech It With You The best gadgets to take travelling

It’s that time of year again: time to jump in trains, planes or aeroplanes to head for some much needed rest and relaxation. Whether it’s keeping the kids entertained, getting a beach party started or helping you catch up on your reading list, tech will be an essential companion.

For most of us, the worst bit of any holiday is all the hanging around - especially if there are children to amuse in the fun-free environs of an airport. We’ve found Apple’s iPad Mini a real godsend in such circumstances, as it can be filled with a mix of games, movies, ebooks and apps to keep children of all ages amused. We’d strongly recommend a set of headphones and a sturdy protective case, though: the only thing louder than some kid’s apps is the noise we make when we see the iPad dropped onto a concrete floor.

If you’re travelling with older children, especially in the UK, a portable Wi-Fi hotspot can be really handy. Three’s MiFi (£29.99) creates a wireless network in your car, on a train, in a caravan or anywhere else the device can get a mobile data signal, and as it’s a pay as you go device you needn’t worry about running up big bills.

You can take the MiFi abroad, too, so for example Three offers support in some 138 countries, but check the prices carefully: mobile data in some countries can be very expensive.

For your own amusement we can’t praise Amazon’s Kindle ebook reader highly enough: over the years it’s got better and sharper while the price has plummeted. The cheapest one is now just £59 and has a battery that’s likely to last longer than your holiday. If magazines are more your thing, a tablet or laptop running the excellent Readly service (£9.99) per month gives you access to stacks of really good magazines that you can download before you travel.

And don’t forget audiobooks, such as the extensive selection available for almost any device at Audible.com.

You’ll find noise cancelling headphones make air travel much more bearable, even if you don’t listen to anything: they get rid of most extraneous noise, and they’re particularly good on anything with a low background hum. For when you do want noise, though, we’d recommend a portable speaker. There are all kinds of powerful Bluetooth speakers for smartphones and tablets, but we’re quite taken with the

www.gazettemagazines.com t : 01224 949085

£12 X-Mini 2: it’s tiny, delivers decent enough sound for a barbecue and runs for ages without needing new batteries.

Pricier speakers may offer better sound, but they weigh and cost a lot more too.

The single best gadget you can take travelling, though, is a smartphone. You don’t need an expensive one to benefit from them: Google’s excellent Translate app breaks down language barriers on the cheapest phones, while Nokia’s HERE maps don’t need a data connection to give you GPS sat-nav when you’re abroad.

When you consider all the various things a phone can do - mapping, online banking, flight checking, emergency calling, researching potential destinations, playing music, taking photos, recording video and much, much more - a good smartphone is a must-have travel accessory. If you’re on a tight budget you can pick up a good Android phone such as a Motorola E or G for less than £100. It’s money well spent.

Just don’t forget to pack the charger!

Images left to right: Three UK MiFi mobile wireless hotspot; Readly mobile magazine app; X-Mini II mobile speaker; Motorola E smartphone

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25

Home & Interiors A Stitch In Time While The Sun Shines By Katherine Sorrell tackle each area, and call in an expert if you lack the necessary equipment and skills.

Roofs

Maintaining the fabric of your house is a bit of a chore - but keep on top of it and you will reap the rewards, says Katherine Sorrell Keeping a regular eye on your property and repairing it when necessary – especially before winter – is an insurance policy against major problems. It will make life easier in the long run, save money and help maintain the value of your home.

As Marianne Suhr, historic buildings surveyor and coauthor of Old House Handbook, says: ‘It really is a stitch in time.

Buildings can quickly decline if they are not maintained properly. A missing roof tile can lead to water ingress, then dry rot, death watch beetle and even structural collapse.’

Start by finding out what your home is made of and how it is built, then identify areas of concern. Work out how to

26

Twice a year, use binoculars to check the condition of your roof and chimney. Look out for general damage, split lead work, loose mortar, missing, slipped or broken tiles or slates and anything else suspicious.

From inside your loft, check for evidence of leaks, and examine supporting timbers for signs of deterioration.

Brush moss growth off roofs, or fit copper growth inhibitors. Be very careful - it is often better to commission a professional to do roof work.

Rainwater goods

Problems with gutters and downpipes cause damp patches, but are often easily remedied. Observe where water is going during heavy rainfall – is it flowing off the roof into the gutters, down the downpipes and into the drains? If not, perhaps leaves, moss or other debris have blocked your rainwater goods, or a joint has come apart, or water is gathering in one area.

Patch or weld metal, replace damaged plastic sections and add extra brackets where there is sagging. Clear gutters, downpipes and drains regularly and redecorate metal rainwater goods when necessary.

Walls

Damp in walls might be caused by the ground level outside being higher than inside. If so,

dig back to the correct level, but if problems persist, dig down further and lay a gravel path to create breathing space for the wall. Remove and replace any damaged render, and re-point mortar if it has weathered or is very loose.

Although they are everyone’s biggest fear, cracks in walls can be caused by many things – but most are nothing to worry about. When you spot a crack, mark the end of it with a pencil or take a photo and note the date, so you can keep track of it. The Building Research Establishment suggests that cracks less than 5mm wide that do not grow any larger, will generally not affect structural integrity and can simply be redecorated. Contact a structural engineer if you have concerns.

Doors and windows

Remove flaking paint from timber doors and windows and redecorate once the wood has dried out. If there is rot, fill carefully or cut out the section and replace. Overhaul sash windows, by re-aligning, replacing cords and adjusting the weights; add brushes so they are soundproof and don’t rattle. Rusty metal windows should be cleaned, repaired and re-squared. Plane and/or sand sticking wooden doors and windows, and check that locks and hinges are doing their job properly. Oil them every now and then to keep them in tip top condition.

Main Image - Bay windows installed in a period property, by The Sash Window Workshop, tel 01344 868668; www.sashwindow.com.

Please do mention Kingswells Community News when responding to advertisers - thank you

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27

Lovely Lawns

by Pippa Greenwood

Almost every garden has a lawn, and even if you have no aspirations to turn yours into a smart bowling green style creation of smooth perfection, there is a lot you can do to keep the typical UK back garden lawn in good condition. With a bit of work, it will be looking healthy and green over the next year too so, rather than waiting until the spring, you should get to work now with some autumn lawn care.

If there are any large weeds present in small lawns, you are probably best off just removing them by hand, perhaps using a sturdy old kitchen knife – perfect for removing dandelions, small clumps of daisies and other weeds which are so easily missed by the mower. You should also take a look at the level of moss in the lawn. When it is green and luxuriant, I have to confess to rather liking moss – it can look quite attractive and certainly feels pleasant underfoot, but once it dies out the lawn will look really

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awful, as it will be gappy and bare. On the whole, moss in lawns is encouraged by compaction, poor drainage of the soil and lawn surface and by excessive shading, perhaps by nearby trees or herbaceous plants in adjacent borders which have been allowed to get too big or flop over. It is certainly worth doing anything you can to alleviate these problems, and for shading you should consider pruning back shrubs which overhang the lawn or having nearby trees professionally crown thinned or lifted, so that more light gets through to the lawn. Herbaceous plants are often easily dealt with using a few bamboo canes and some string to create a barrier and ease them up and away from the grass.

Compaction is a relatively easy problem to deal with, and in small areas where the problem is not too bad, you can use a normal garden fork. Drive this into the lawn every 10 – 15 cm (4 – 6 in) and ease it back and forth

slightly, so that the holes created by the tines of the fork are enlarged slightly. By spiking the area in this way you will have created some drainage channels, which will also improve aeration.

On very heavy sites or if compaction is bad, you are much better off using a special hollow tine aerator.

These are available to buy as attachments for some lawnmowers, or you can buy or hire a dedicated machine or piece of equipment. Each time it is driven into the ground, a hollow tine aerator will remove cylinders of turf and the soil beneath, thus producing a better effect than the simple method of using a garden fork.

Once you have created these longer-term drainage channels, you should then brush a sandy top dressing mixture into all the holes.

Use a mixture of sieved garden soil and horticultural sand, perhaps mixed with a small quantity of sieved leaf mould. Once in the holes, the top dressing ensures that they are kept open to

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allow better drainage and aeration over a much longer period of time.

It may also be necessary to kill off the moss if it is really out of control, and for this you can use a proprietary moss killer. This must be applied exactly according to the manufacturer’s instructions and you should make sure that the moss is killed off completely before you attempt to rake it out. Raking out can be combined with what is known as scarifying, which means that you use a spring tined rake and very

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aggressively rake the surface of the lawn, so that dead moss, thatch (the accumulated bits of dead grass and other lawn debris) and any other surface debris are removed. Once done, you will find that the lawn looks a lot worse than it did when you started (it can be almost scary!), as it will look thinner and more motheaten. However, scarifying helps to ensure that the grasses receive plenty of air and allows for better re-growth; have faith, the situation will improve.

the texture of the soil and checked that there are no drainage problems, you can re-seed or over-seed the area using a suitable grassseed mixture. To ensure that the seeds germinate and grow relatively quickly, pin a piece of horticultural fleece or Enviromesh over the newly sown area. This will not only help to keep it a bit warmer, but will also prevent birds from stealing the grass seed.

If you have any areas that are completely bare, then once you have improved

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Kingswells Community Centre The Heart of the Village

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

As our Annual General Meeting was held in April and we now have a new committee, they are: Chair - Lyndsay Kessack Carole Bosanquet Vice chair - Bob Glegg Anne Carmichael Treasurer - Mike Hutcheon Elaine Cooper Secretary - Jeanette Taylor It was agreed at our last committee meeting to get goal posts put up on the piece of spare grass at Webster Park, to save people playing on the main pitch and destroying the grass.

They are now up and for use of the local youths. Please do not abuse this area as it will just spoil it for everyone else. Hopefully this goal posts will keep people off the two other pitches.

MEMBERSHIP FEES It was also decided by the committee that there will be no charge for memberships for the coming year.

NEW CLASSES We have a couple of new classes starting in August.

Baby Sensory classes are starting on 18th August for age 0-6 months then 7-13 months. For more information on these classes contact Sheryl on 07827448016

Fitstep is also starting on 18th August from 6.45 pm - 7.45 pm. It is a dance fitness program that is a mix of ballroom and Latin dances that can get you fit without even realising. You don't need a partner and no dance experience is required. For more information on this contact Claire on 07729875088 We still have space for our Whist group which meets on a Thursday afternoon. For more info contact us on 01224 741806

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Our Over 55s Coffee and Conversation Club group outing to Kellockbank Garden Centre on 6th July.

Seventeen of them travelled by coach, and enjoyed a good browse in the shop and lunch together. The sun was shining, so we were lucky! This group meets on a Monday morning so why not pop along.

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www.SensationALL.org.uk

Westhill’s LOCAL disability charity

SensationALL Bid for Westhill Old School & School House Needs LOCAL COMMUNITY’S Help to Fill in Survey SensationALL has applied for a Community Asset Transfer (CAT) of Westhill Old School & School House (OSH). SensationALL would like to expand the services we provide for the wider disabled community which make up our client base while also being able to accommodate for the current user groups and the local community. If a suitable use is not found for the OSH then there is every chance that the council will sell the building to be developed for commercial or residential use.

We ask local residents to show support for SensationALL and our plans by filling out our survey which provides evidence to the council that the local community are behind our project. The survey can be found on our website or by using the following link: https://docs.google.com/a/sensationall.org.uk/forms/d/1YtHYLUHzkWmOquSTZYaqvX1W CL95zV01TKcdbx7hgdI/viewform or use your phone to scan the QR code below.

SensationALL Race Night Fundraiser th

29 August, 7:30pm @ Ashdale Hall, Westhill Tickets £15 (including food and welcome drink on arrival) Tickets can be ordered online: https://www.justgiving.com/Sensation-ALL/ Or by contacting SensationALL directly VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Do you have an hour or more to spare, and would like to make a difference in a fun and friendly environment? Then we would love to hear from you! Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, gain or share new skills and get satisfaction from helping others.

Please contact us by email info@sensationall.org.uk or by phone (01224) 746699

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A

wee reminder from Adventure Aberdeen about its Community meeting room. This is within the main body of the building and is hireable by community groups at a very competitive rate. The room is the old gym hall of the school and can accommodate up to 25 people comfortably. The room has a mixture of formal and informal seating, a large screen and digital projector, public wifi, a kitchenette with urn, microwave, dish washer, crockery, there are two toilets, one with disability and baby changing facilities. The room has disability access. It can be booked at any time but is generally more available in the evenings.

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12/09/13 10.48

Tickets from www.aberdeenperformingarts.com or tel 01224 641122 What’s On in September at His Majesty’s Theatre, Music Hall and Lemon Tree, Aberdeen Tuesday to Saturday, September 1 to 5: Winner of seven Olivier Awards and five Tony Awards – including one for Aboyne video designer Finn Ross – the highly-acclaimed National Theatre production, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime on its first nationwide tour, in His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm, with 2pm Thursday and 2.30pm Saturday matinees.

Wednesday, September 2: As part of Aberdeen Performing Arts’ Culture Café, award-winning novelist, poet and short-story writer Jackie Kay, gives a lunchtime talk on her work which has garnered the Guardian Fiction Prize, the Somerset Maugham Award and the Scottish Book of the Year Award, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen at 1pm.

Thursday, September 3: One of the world’s most critically-acclaimed and prolific songwriters and named by Rolling Stone Magazine as one of the Top 20 Guitarists of All Time, Richard Thompson OBE returns with his Electric Trio the Music Hall, Aberdeen at 7.30pm.

Thursday, September 3: Hailing from the Isle of Skye, and the figurehead trailblazers of the Celtic Dance Music renaissance, the Peatbog Faeries, draw upon a dazzling myriad of influences from traditional jigs and reels through jazz, hip hop, reggae and more, in The Lemon Tree, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7.30pm.

Perriss (guitar), Stephen Armstrong (bass) Joe Atkinson (from Flipron, keyboards) and Patrick Pretorius (from The Talks) and Matty Bane (drums), in The Lemon Tree, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7.30pm.

Saturday, September 5: With musicians from a long line of funk, soul and R&B bands, the 10-strong Funk Connection, in The Lemon Tree Lounge (standing), West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 8pm.

Sunday, September 6: Freshly Squeezed presents new local band Alkanes, featuring the drummer Gary Wilson, guitarist and vocalist Dale Sutherland, and bass player Donald Barclay, Emilio Largo, Cold Years and Wendell Borton, in The Lemon Tree, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7pm.

Monday, September 7: In their one-and-only tour of 2015, Scottish supergroup Session A9 play The Lemon Tree, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7.30pm.

Tuesday, September 8 to Saturday, October 3: Following its phenomenal run in 2012, the record breaking sensation, Dirty Dancing, returns to Aberdeen for a four-week run, in His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm Monday to Thursday, 5pm and 8.30pm on Fridays and 2.30pm and 7.30pm on Saturdays.

Thursday and Friday, September 10 and 11: From multi-award winning writing/directing team Peter Arnott and director Cora Bissett, Janis Joplin . . . Full Tilt, featuring Angela Darcy as Joplin, winner of best Female Musical Performance Edinburgh Fringe 2014, in The Lemon Tree Lounge (seated), West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7.30pm.

Aberdeen at 7.30pm.

Sunday, September 13: As part of Aberdeen Performing Arts’ Northern Arc series, multi-award winning Scots singer Julie Fowlis teams up with Canadian band Le Vent du Nord to collaborate and explore Gaelic and Québecois music, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen at 7.30pm.

Sunday, September 13: Live it Out Agency present American musician and singer Piney Gir, now based in London, plus support, in The Lemon Tree, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7.30pm.

Friday, September 18: Heat up a chilly autumn night with an evening of traditional Scottish dancing with Danse McCabre in the Music Hall, Aberdeen at 8pm.

Saturday, September 19: Internationally renowned composer, arranger, lyricist, producer and tenor saxophonist Benny Golson is the special guest of The Scottish National Jazz Orchestra, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen at 7.30pm.

Sunday, September 20: One of the world's most beloved classical violinists, multi-award winner Nicola Benedetti returns to the Music Hall with a dynamic programme Italy and The Four Seasons, which includes two seminal and cherished works from the classical repertoire - Vivaldi's Four Seasons and Tchaikovsky's Souvenir de Florence, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen at 7.30pm.

Monday, September 21: Techfest presents Hollywood Science, doors at 5.30pm and The Science of Breaking Bad, doors at 7pm, both talks exploring the science behind movies and the hit television series, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen.

Friday, September 4: Audio Glasgow presents The Neville Staple Band Friday, September 11: The 50+ featuring former members of the Festival host a ceilidh featuring Iron British ska band Bad Manners with Broo, targeted at those over 50 but Warren Middleton Andy Please(trombone), do mention Kingswells Community when responding to advertisers - thank you open to all ages, inNews the Music Hall,

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Tickets from www.aberdeenperformingarts.com or tel 01224 641122 Thursday, September 24: Globally inspired but distilled in Scotland, Orkestra del Sol’s explosive reinvention of global brass band music has captured imaginations, set pulses racing and left a trail of pummelled dance floors across continents, in The Lemon Tree, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7.30pm.

Friday, September 25: Aberdeen Performing Arts launch True North, Aberdeen’s weekend festival of music and song celebrating the Northeast's singer songwriter tradition and providing a platform for the very best music and song, from ballads to contemporary classics with Glasgowbased band Fatherson, with 101, in The Lemon Tree, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7pm.

Friday, September 25: With conductor Donald Runnicles and violinist James Ehnes, the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra perform Glazunov’s Violin Concerto and Mahler’s Symphony No.10, the reconstructed version by Deryck Cooke, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen at 7.30pm.

Friday, September 25: As part of Aberdeen Performing Arts’ True North weekend festival of music and song, the Late Night Festival Club, hosted by Scottish guitarist and singer Hubby (RM Hubbert) with James Blackshaw, in The Lemon Tree, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 10.45pm.

Saturday, September 26: As part of Aberdeen Performing Arts’ True North weekend festival of music and song, an afternoon of music and chat, led by Edinburgh-based singer, songwriter and performer Wounded Knee, also known as Drew Wright, in The Lemon Tree, West North Street, Aberdeen, at 2pm.

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Saturday, September 26: As part of Aberdeen Performing Arts’ True North weekend festival of music and song, Pop Up performances by The Harmonica Movement (acoustic) from 5.30pm to 6.15pm and Amy Sawers from 6.15pm to 7pm, in Brewdog, Gallowgate, Aberdeen and Ashley Park from 7.30pm to 8.15pm and Cara Mitchell from 8.20pm to 9pm in 6 Degrees North, Littlejohn Street, Aberdeen.

Saturday, September 26: As part of Aberdeen Performing Arts’ True North weekend festival of music and song, award-winning and uniquelytalented singer-songwriter Tom Odell with support from upcoming singersongwriter Siobhan Wilson, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen at 7.30pm.

Saturday, September 26: As part of Aberdeen Performing Arts’ True North weekend festival of music and song, the Late Night Festival Club, hosted

by Scottish guitarist and singer Hubby (RM Hubbert) with Malcom Middleton, in The Lemon Tree, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 10.30pm.

Sunday, September 27: As part of Aberdeen Performing Arts’ True North weekend festival of music and song, Songwriters’ Circle, featuring songwriters from three bands with a strong connection to the North-east and who have also played across the country - Rick Redbeard (The Phantom Band), Jo Anthony (Last Ones Left) and Steven Milne (The Little Kicks). in The Lemon Tree, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at noon.

Sunday, September 27: As part of Aberdeen Performing Arts’ True North weekend festival of music and song, Sunday Chillout with The Unthanks and Rachel Sermani in Queen’s Cross Church, Aberdeen, doors at 4pm.

Sunday, September 27: As part of Aberdeen Performing Arts’ True North weekend festival of music and song, a host of Scottish talent including Eddi Reader, Justin Currie, Louis Abbot and Sarah Hayes from Admiral Fallow, Emma Pollock, Withered Hand, Blue Rose Code, Tommy Reilly and Zervas and Pepper, in Long May You Run, a celebration of Neil Young’s 70th birthday this year, curated and hosted by Roddy Hart & The Lonesome Fire, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, doors at 7pm.

Sunday, September 27: Closing concert of Aberdeen Performing Arts’ True North weekend festival of music and song, featuring Bill Wells and Aidan Moffat, who in 2012 won the inaugural Scottish Album of the Year award, and one of Scotland’s best-kept secrets Kathryn Joseph, in The Lemon Tree, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 9pm.

Tuesday, September 29: Speakers from the Edge present Ben Fogle, who has rowed the Atlantic Ocean, crossed Antarctica on foot, run across the Sahara and crossed the Empty Quarter on camel, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen at 7.30pm.

Tuesday, September 29 to Saturday, October 3: Aberdeen Performing Arts and Glasgow Lunchtime Theatre present, as part of the A Play, A Pie and A Pint series, One in a Million by Cathy Forde, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, Tuesday to Friday at 6pm and Thursday and Saturday at 1pm.

Wednesday, September 30: Back on the road with his brand new standup show for 2015 Destiny Calling is funnyman Justin Moorhouse, fresh from the 15 date Manchester Arena Phoenix Nights LIVE reunion in aid of Comic Relief, in The Lemon Tree, West North Street, Aberdeen, at 8pm.

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Grampian Decorative and Fine Arts Society 2015- 2016 Programme

[Type text]

The new GDFAS season, offers a cornucopia of enthralling and varied lectures with intriguing titles and liberally illustrated with dazzling photographs. We warmly welcome all existing members and would be delighted to see visitors who, having come once, won’t be able to resist coming back for more. Please join us for a glass of wine or a soft drink at 6.45, prior to the lecture, which begins at 7.30. Visitors are requested to make a £5 donation.

2015 September 9 October 14 November 11 December 2

The Art of the Vikings Secret Art in the Passport – how we use it to fox the forger AGM followed by:- Agregation Art in the Great War. How the impact of the Great War has shaped Modern Art. The Cuisine of Art and the Art of Cuisine. The art, anecdotes and recipes of artists who loved their food.

2016 January 13 February 10 March 9 April 13 May 11 June 8

Scotland’s Ruined Castles: rescued, rebuilt and re-occupied Beautiful British Book Binding. The Whole Art of the Book William Hogarth 1697-1764 Easter Island. What really happened?

Fundraiser. Earlier start of 6.30. Followed by:Artistic Therapy. How art projects can be potentially life-changing for offenders.

Constable’s Paintings – Experiments and Innovations

The venue is The Faculty of Health & Social Care, Robert Gordon’s University, Garthdee Road. From the Bridge of Dee, take the first left out of the roundabout along Garthdee Road. At the second set of lights after Sainsbury’s, turn left on to the RGU Campus and bear right at the first junction. There are a number of car parks on the campus, some of which may involve a few minutes walk, so allow time for parking. For more information please ring Alison on 01224 869639 or Thyra on 01224 481278 or check the GDFAS website.

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wordsearch overleaf and find the missing phrase Fill in your details below, cut out this section and send to gazette magazines, KCN-i14 22 St Ronan’s Dv, Peterculter, Aberdeen AB14 0RA - alternatively scan and send to kingswells@gazettemagazines.com Closes 5pm - 27 Sept 2015

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