Web kcn issue 15 mid oct mid dec 2015

Kingswells Community News

successfully introducing local people to local businesses Issue 15 : Mid Oct - Mid Dec 2015 Free bi-monthly magazine

Introductory Offer for Landlords ‌

‌Management Fee! Why not try our Personal and Reliable Service!

01224 611606 info@parkhillproperties.co.uk Terms and Condition Apply

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stablished in 2005, Parkhill Property Leasing has grown from a single property landlord to a highly successful property leasing & management company. Ten years on and celebrating a successful year in the new office, the Parkhill Team guarantee the personal and reliable service that their clients deserve!

As property owners themselves they became frustrated by the lack of personal service provided by some leasing agents. Parkhill Property Leasing decided that the key to success was to provide every landlord with a personal and professional service. Their company ethos is to treat every property as if it was their own. It is this ethos that the Parkhill Property Leasing success to date has been founded on and what will continue to drive their business forward.

As Landlords, the Parkhill Team know how important your property is, and they keep you updated every step of the way, by tailoring their services to meet each individual landlord’s needs. Whether you have 1 property or 50 properties you will receive the personal and reliable service you deserve…Guaranteed!

The Parkhill Property Leasing Manager, Chloe Baxter, oversees the team of leasing agents and ensures that each landlord has a direct contact within the Parkhill Team. This ensures the personal relationship between the landlord and Parkhill Property Leasing is maintained throughout the property leasing process.

‘2015 has been our best year yet! We have had an influx of new clients joining Parkhill Property Leasing on recommendations from existing clients. We are delighted that our 1st class service has resulted in the continued growth of our business. Both our existing, and new clients have given some great feedback helping us build a strong working relationship. The Parkhill Team are looking forward to a busy and exciting future.’ (Chloe Baxter)

81 Rosemount Place Aberdeen AB25 2YE 01224 611606 www.gazettemagazines.com t : 01224 949085

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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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A note from Sue ...

Goodness what a plethora of new advertisers I have for you this issue.

Welcome to the new florist in the village Vonpetal, Parkhill Properties are here to help if you have some investments in the buy-to-let market. Why not park and ride using the special offer. Hoping for better grades then there is English tutoring or maybe your Spanish and French could be improved. For the daredevils amongst us there is the opportunity to take flight and learn to fly, fab gift idea. Those that are needing some last minute diy then welcome to Westwood joinery and get the ironing taken care of by Ruby Irons, The delights of Christmas past are being brought to us at Delgatie Castle at the end of November well worth a trip. Closer to hand is Craigiebuckler Church and Airyhall Community Hall for Aberdeen Craft Bazaar. If you’d like something closer then support Jean’s Just Dance fundraising Christmas Fair right here in the village.

We are down a few delivery people and in particular are seeking people to cover Huxterstone, Concraig Park & Walk, Wellside Circle, Rd, End, Pl, Close and Gardens. Anyone wishing to swap routes then do get in touch!

The next magazine is our Christmas/New Year issue so I’d welcome any events you have organised or concerts etc before 20 November deadline.

Enjoy this latest issue, there is certainly plenty to read.

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

Sue x

KCN - A5 bi-monthly magazine Issue

16 17 18 19

Deadline

20 Nov 27 Jan 27 Mar 27 May

Deliver

08 Dec 14 Feb 14 Apr 14 Jun

Mag date

Dec-Jan Feb-Mar Apr-May Jun-July

Contact: Sue Simpson - 01224 949085 email - kingswells@gazettemagazines.com

West End - Deeside - Kingswells

A huge thank you to our delivery team ...

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

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Connecting Kingswells to Union Square

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Zone 1 tickets are valid for travel within Aberdeen City centre and as far as Kingswells ** promotional fare. Usual zone 1 dayrider fare: £3.60. Usual zone 1 megarider fare: £14.25

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Latest News Wellness Centre During September, consultation sessions were held to get people’s views regarding the building of a small private hospital within Prime Four. Hopefully, some of you managed to attend and learn about the plans. At this stage, it is a proposal only and there is no formal planning application yet. It appears that a main function of the wellness centre will be to carry out health checks and give vaccinations to workers going offshore or abroad. We will keep you posted as we learn more about it.

KCC supports the wellness centre in principle but we have real concerns about where it could be situated. One suggestion is to build it close to the AWPR on a new green belt site that is not yet part of Prime Four. We think this site would be completely inappropriate, not least because of the road noise and air pollution. KCC supports the alternative location within the existing Prime Four site.

Broadband Speed We note with interest the following statement from Digital Scotland: “Openreach engineers are hard at work exploring the best options and we are all focused on finding the best solutions as soon as possible. Already more than 10,000

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homes and businesses with ‘exchange only’ lines are able to benefit from highspeed fibre broadband. So, if you have an ‘exchange only’ line and you are finding the delay in being able to get fibre broadband frustrating, we can only ask for your patience and assure you we are on the case.

MSP Mark McDonald is continuing to pursue the matter in relation to those with TPON and exchange-only phone lines. TPON is an early form of optical fibre connection dating from the 1980s. BT says that modifying TPON to deliver fast broadband would be too expensive to be done within the existing budget. New technologies that could solve the TPON problem might not be available within the existing timeframe, ie. before March 2018.

Benches It is still being decided where to locate the new benches mentioned in the last edition. We would like to put one of them at a viewpoint on Gillahill that gives great views over the city. This is on the popular core path that goes from behind Cromar Gardens towards Dobbies. Unfortunately, we have been unable to find out who owns the path in order to seek their permission.

If you think you know, please phone Kenneth McAlpine at 01224-746658 or email kcc@kwells.org

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Fish Van We are sorry to hear that our fish van, Pes Volada, will no longer be visiting Kingswells due to insufficient business. A sad farewell to a source of healthy, fresh food in our area.

Den Burn Valley We were appalled to learn that Stewart Milne Homes may be building an additional access road into their construction site at West Huxterstone. The road would go through a field to the east of the site they are already developing. This is an unjustified incursion into the green valley of the Den

planning reporters have rejected building in the Den Burn valley due to its landscape value. KCC will continue to defend the valley against any further development, not just for its conservation value but because it helps to give Kingswells a special sense of place in the local area.

Another concern we have about West Huxterstone is that the biodiversity of the area beside the Den Burn is not being protected as required. The marshy area beside the burn and its variety of plant life needs to be maintained. To quote Dr Bochel (formerly Senior Planner at Aberdeen City Council): “No development shall take place unless the mitigation measures as identified in the Northern Ecological Services report (2013) have been implemented in their entirety in the interests of safeguarding the fauna and habitats on-site.”

We are not convinced that the conditions listed in the NES report are being met in practice by the developers. For example, this photo shows that the marshy area beside the burn is actually being drained.

Burn between Kingswells and the Green Hedges roundabout on the A944. There is no permission for development in the field in question in either the current Aberdeen Local Development Plan or on the draft plan for 2016.

KCC has contacted the Council’s planning department to voice its concerns about what is happening at West Huxterstone.

We’ll keep you posted.

The rolling valley of the Den Burn is not just an attractive bit of landscape as you approach Kingswells, it is also an interesting geological feature - a meltwater channel left behind after the Ice Age. Lower down, at Den of Maidencraig, you can see where the stream (then probably a raging torrent) cut through the bedrock.

In previous years, Scottish Government www.gazettemagazines.com t : 01224 949085

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Road Repairs At long last we are pleased to report that Broaddykes Avenue has been completely resurfaced. This is after a number of years of pressurising, cajoling and sheer persistence from both KCC and our councillors.

It has taken an almighty effort to get the Council to acknowledge that this road surface was not only the worst in Kingswells but probably one of the worst in Aberdeen.

The near “off road” experience driving over the sunken surfaces around mid-road drains was something to behold.

We understand that budgets are tight for such projects but couldn’t accept that there was a more deserving case anywhere in the Aberdeen and thankfully our persistence has paid off.

On saying that, we think it only fair to thank Aberdeen City Council, on behalf of the residents of the Broaddykes and Huxterstone areas, for finally accepting our position and for the exceptionally high standard of work carried out. We also thank local residents for their patience whilst we have battled to push these repairs through the system.

The Bucks Burn At the time of writing, we are pleased to report that Stewart Milne Homes have begun clearing excess vegetation along the Bucks Burn from the doctors’ surgery along Kingswells Crescent. This clearance work is being carried out after considerable agitation by members of KCC. It should help to open up the burn so more of it can be seen. Hopefully, residents will be happy with the results.

George Cormack Painter & Decorator T: 01224 827081 M: 07840 650 853

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

e:

gcormack10@hotmail.co.uk

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Compu-Care

Call Neil 07539-462-064 Laptop & PC upgrades/ repairs/internet Collect & return service New computers available Laptop and PC training available £20 per hour

YOGA m-07527 801575 or e-mail brittastahlmann@googlemail.com

Mondays at Kingswells Church Hall, 19:30-21:00 Suitable for all abilities. Please contact Britta for further information, see contact details above.

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Fairley Road Field

The development of the Fairley Road Field in order to bring it into use again for the community and to enhance the area has been very protracted and seems to have been ongoing since I was elected as a Councillor for the Ward in May 2012. I have personally attended several meetings aimed at progressing development of the field. Ideas have been tossed around and discussions with residents and Adventure Aberdeen have trickled on apparently showing little progress. However, there now seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel.

You will have noticed in recent weeks that the field has a considerable amount of grass and weeds growing, by the time you read this Steven Shaw’s team from Aberdeen City Council should have cut the area which will make it more useable. Even in its current state I understand the field has been used by Adventure Aberdeen and Rosemary Pirie’s dog handling class.

A meeting which took place at Marischal College on 11th September 2015 triggered the start of the planning permission process for the development of the field which will involve consultation with the community. A promotional fold out leaflet has been commissioned with a concept plan, rational and images of adventure play Reflexology by Gordon T: 07769 519 761 W: www.reflexologybygordon.co.uk

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equipment from other projects. This leaflet will be the principle communication for the fundraising and informing the community.

The next main part of the process is to set up the “Friends of Fairley Rd Adventure Park”, a cross community group who will be involved in taking the plan forward and being directly involved in its delivery and management. The Community Council will be represented on this group and I would encourage anyone in Kingswells who is interested to consider joining this group.

The Fairley Road Field has been underutilised for too long and now real progress seems to be about to commence.

It is a valuable asset to Kingswells and the proposed development which will inevitably assist Adventure Aberdeen will result in the field remaining a community facility to be enjoyed by everyone. I would urge you to become involved, make the “Friends” group a powerful voice and ensure this recreational space evolves in a manner which will be to the benefit of the residents of Kingswells.

Contact email addresses are: Ian Cox, Kingswells Community Council (ian@kwells.org) ; Jonathon Kitching, Adventure Aberdeen (JKITCHING@aberdeencity.org.uk)

Peacehaven Complementary Therapies Kingswells Contact Ruth : 07835 309 999 Email : ruth.peace@sky.com

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News from Councillor Delaney...

As summer draws to a close we’ll soon be able to forget about the grass cuttings strewn across footways and turn our attention towards autumn leaves and the slip hazard they present instead. Overgrown bushes will of course be cut back between October and March, but they never seem to be cut back far enough, so overgrowth always prevails at this time of year. It sometimes seems that no matter how hard you press these issues, they go full circle and you find yourself re-visiting them year after year. Just don’t mention snow or ice, at least not yet!

Talking of recurring themes takes me on to the Fairley Road field which was restored as promised but was not tended to afterwards.

As a result the grass wasn’t cut, there were unseeded areas and in some parts there’s now more weeds than grass. Pretty shocking that it’s been out of use for two summers now.

Neeedlessly so, in my opinion. There’s certainly great plans for the field in the longer term, but we need it to be open and available for community use now. Thankfully the grass has now been cut and some re-seeding will be undertaken soon. It’s progress, but it’s not fast!

Still in the Fairley Road area we saw a re-hash

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of the previous issues with developers working outwith permitted construction hours on phase two after I already had to address this with the phase one developers. Once again it’s resolved but surely it shouldn’t need to be like this. Needless to say, if there’s any recurrence, please let me know.

Another bone of contention is the Council’s decision to fill gaps in lock block with black tar, rather than replace individual blocks. This is unsightly to say the least and it also seems to take forever to carry out the work, leading back to the question of why they would wish to do this. I’ve made the views of residents known on several occasions. The Council is currently looking at other approaches used elsewhere, but this may take time.

A source of annoyance over the summer was low flying aircraft over Kingswells. This is something I had previously raised in respect of helicopters only to find that aircraft noise is not classed as a statutory nuisance. I was also surprised to hear that Kingswells is a “holding area” for Aberdeen Airport, something else over which there is no redress, but it’s not at all pleasant when you’re out in the garden on a summer’s day.

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Tel Kingswells : 279459 Mob: 07940 012679

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Rather than helicopters, this time there were reports of private light aircraft causing the disturbance. After checking with Aberdeen Airport, it appeared they had no knowledge of this. I would therefore ask anyone seeing these aircraft to take note of time, date and any distinguishing markings and report them to Aberdeen Airport for further investigation. It may or may not be possible to take action, but nothing can be done without further evidence.

On a completely different subject, the next phase of the Superfast Broadband is due to run between October and April. As yet there’s no confirmation of what’s going to be done when, but lines connected to cabinets 19, 20, 21 & 22 are now accepting orders. These serve the Wellside, Concraig and Derbeth areas. Contact your preferred Internet Service Provider for details. Unfortunately there remains no news on when or indeed if the lines which are not connected to street cabinets (Kingswood Avenue area, part of Derbeth Grange, Fairley Road, Edmond Gardens and Whiterashes) will be upgraded.

Another concern related to the children’s play area at Derbeth Park. This resulted in the facility being closed for several months due to safety concerns during Spring into early summer. Getting the necessary repairs carried

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out was something of a challenge but I’m delighted it’s now back in use.

Last issue I mentioned the new X18 service, which has been broadly welcomed, despite a few teething problems. Unfortunately the X17 coming through the Park & Ride site has been further delayed, so this is now unlikely to happen until early next year.

Finally, motorists who are not respecting the one way system leading into the Park & Ride from the Newhills Road have caused a few near misses recently. Police Scotland have been made aware.

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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Kingswells SWI August Spanish and French Members enjoyed a visit to Greenridge Classes House Cults for a conducted tour of the beautiful gardens Conversational Spanish at all Advanced French. and enjoyed a lovely levels tea &and cakes Offered by experienced teacher afterwards. in small groups.

Prizes were handed out to last session Airyhall Community Centre competition winners Contact John on 01224 582491 email: jymcl11@gmail.com

September President Kathleen Hendry welcomed members & introduced Allan Brownie & the B A Dousing Team who gave a very interesting & informative talk on Dousing. Aileen Nicol thanked the team & the tea hostess’s

Spanish and French Classes French Advanced: Mon Oct 26 - Mon 14 Dec Spanish Intermediate: Tues 27 Oct - Tues 15 Dec Spanish Beginners: starts Thurs Jan 14.

Classes in small groups with experienced teacher. Contact John: e-mail : jymcl11@gmail.com or tel : 01224 582491

Airyhall Community Centre

Competition winners Brownies 1st A Nicol 2nd M Farquhar 3rd M Bruce Vintage Item 1st A Nicol 2nd P Stuart 3rd M Robinson Meetings are held in the Kingswells Church hall on the second Tuesday of the month - new members welcome

Alison McLeod

Afterschool Football

Kingswells Community Centre Monday 2.00-2.30 3.30-4.15

Pre School

Tuesday 3.30-4.15

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Pre School

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

Friday 9.30-10.00 10.00-10.30 2.00-2.45

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For more info contact Alison McLeod on 07824 631 221

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BucksburnAcademy news Bucksburn News Sept 2015 Welcome back It was great to welcome all of our students and staff back after the holidays. The students were immaculate in school dress code including some new additions such as a redesigned senior jumper. Our new S1 pupils have settled in quickly and during the first week were ably supported by our team of buddies who did a great job of making sure the students found their way to their new classes and had someone on hand to answer any questions. We were able to congratulate our senior phase students on their record breaking success in national exams. With over 50% of S4 students gaining 5 or more awards at National 5, our best year ever for Higher success, and the significant achievements of our students in the ASN Wing, we are very proud of all they achieved.

ACC Children and Young Peoples Services Awards We have recently found out that we have been nominated and shortlisted in two categories for these prestigious awards. In the Business Links category we have been nominated for our partnership work with Aker Solutions which had led to an internship programme integrated into the curriculum of senior students considering a career in engineering. And our Parent Council has been nominated in the Parent/Carer Involvement Award category for the incredible work they do in organising our annual careers fair and their fundraising work for the school. The awards ceremony will take place at the Beach Ballroom in October.

ASN Wing Allotment Did you know the school keeps an allotment at the Auchmill Road allotments? This is part of an ASN wing project that is run by Mr Davidson (who you may have seen recently in the press receiving an award at Pittordrie for his work in promoting football for young people with additional support needs).

Recently they met Jim McColl from the BBC’s Beechgrove Garden who was filming at the allotments and we featured on a recent episode. Check out the 17th September episode on iplayer if you missed it. www.gazettemagazines.com t : 01224 949085

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U

nfortunately there are still a small number of crimes being reported in the Kingswell area that involve offenders gaining access to buildings and vehicles that have been left insecure overnight.

A number of relatively simple, yet well know measures can be taken including the use of timer switches to activate lights and sound producing equipment at appropriate times of the day that continue to work well in deterring any opportunist criminal.

Break-ins to garden sheds have been occurring at various locations across Aberdeen where the main target is bicycles and in particular high value cycles. It is strongly recommended that checks be made of the securing methods of sheds as by taking a short amount of time to repair or renew existing inadequate locks may prevent you becoming the latest victim of this type of crime.

Should anyone require advice on security related matters then visit the Police Scotland website at www. scotland.police.uk and look under the ‘keep safe’ tab as there is a wide variety of guidance provided to assist you.

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Not only is consideration to be given to home and vehicle security as reduced daylight is experienced but all vehicle owners should now begin to start examining the state of their vehicles to ensure they remain fully ‘fit for purpose’ in respect of daily usage.

By carrying out a few basic checks early on will ensure you are all well prepared for changing weather conditions and replacing worn tyres in advance of icy road conditions is an invaluable precautionary measure to take. Checks of all lights, windscreens including washer equipment , tyre pressures amongst a number of other issues will prepare you well in advance.

As with previous articles I can reassure you that all officers within your local Community Policing Team remain fully aware of those ‘local’ issues that some of you have taken time to report to us that understandably cause some concerns from time to time. These range from antisocial behaviour along with general anxiety regarding crime and road safety issues.

We thank you for taking time to inform us of any issues as this allows us to actively patrol the areas concerned and take steps to tackle the problems in the most appropriate manner.

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Home-Start is a voluntary organisation that offers support, friendship and practical help to local parents in their own homes.

We believe that children need a happy and secure childhood and that parents play the key role in giving their children a good start in life and helping them to achieve their full potential.

Contact us on 01224 693545 or email admin@homestartaberdeen.org.uk if you would like to volunteer.

Home-Start Aberdeen is all about families.

Can you help?

As a home visiting volunteer you will:

Make a statement with your f lowers this holiday season!

● Offer support to a local family in their own home ● Receive training and ongoing support ● Help others develop their parenting skills ● Encourage families to engage with their communities ● Provide practical guidance on budgeting and household management ● Connect families with other relevant organisations and services.

Home visiting volunteers need only commit to providing support for as little as 2–3 hours per week.

Our charity shop at 101 George Street Aberdeen always welcomes donations.

Telephone 01224 622390 We can uplift your donations for you.

www.homestartaberdeen.org.uk

Yvonne Gibson - Floral Designer Tel: 07917 174477 or 01224 741060 Email: info@vonpetal.co.uk www.vonpetal.co.uk 5 Callum Crescent, Kingswells AB15 8XQ

1A Alford Place Aberdeen AB10 1YD T 01224 693545 E admin@homestartaberdeen.org.uk

Indoor Carpet Bowling -

actively seeking new members!

Are you free on a Monday at 10?

Come along and give carpet bowls a try... indoor carpet bowling held at the Community Centre.

The group is needing to swell it’s numbers so they can have a decent game every week. No experience required just come and give it a go.. they do have spare bowls and nothing in the way of special clothing or equipment is required.

In the first instance to gain more info and words of encouragement contact : Ian Sim Tel: 01224 741178 Mob: 07535221718 www.gazettemagazines.com t : 01224 949085

e : kingswells@gazettemagazines.com

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A

t the time of writing, Adventure Aberdeen has just undergone its busiest month ever (Sept).

The work has been with a wide range of groups, which are mostly located (but not exclusively) within the city.

The activities have been in and around Aberdeen for the most part but also at the council’s residential base in Cromdale, Speyside. Our normal busiest time is May, however we have put this in the shade this Sept.

Adventure Aberdeen is part of the Professional Learning Team within Aberdeen City Council’s Education & Children's Services, and, delivers adventurous activities in an educational context.

All activities are delivered in the themes of Teamwork, Responsibility and Challenge and are outcome focused.

These activities help and encourage some of the targeted young people we work with to engage better with mainstream education.

The activities, delivered with an emphasis on learning, have many advantages to young people especially building confidence, developing peer and professional relationships

NESTRANS roadshow visiting schools and public events. The Bikeability programme (what used to be cycle proficiency) has been busy with the primary schools and training school staff to run their own Bikeability programmes. There has been a lot of intensive support work with the inclusion team providing the conditions for young people to keep engaged in mainstream education. We've also worked with, amongst others:

and helping to engage in an active healthy lifestyle.

• Kincorth Academy - full year group residential week at Cromdale,

An example of the sorts of work this month includes getting involved with national cycle week through the

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• Riverbank Primary • Banchory Academy’s senior leadership programme; • Various ACC community and independent community groups.

• Beaver groups, private and corporate groups.

The Kingswells Brownies have had a site visit to use the onsite adventure equipment.

• Sea and River canoeing & kayaking in locations including River Dee and Don and Loch of Skene • Gorge Walking at Maryculter and Upper Deeside, • Coasteering in the Cove area • Rock climbing and abseiling also in the cove area • Hillwalking in summer and winter

forests and in Mid and Upper Deeside • Train council staff to be hill walking leaders; •

Delivering & co-ordinating the Bikeability, Go Mountain Bike and other Cycling Scotland programmes

• Cycle friendly employer training; • Cycle maintenance skills

We are often asked what activities we do. The following

• Surfing at Aberdeen and Balmedie Wilderness skills in

• Train staff and members of the public to be bike activity

list is a fair representation but there will be other things that we get involved with on request:

the local forests

leaders

• Ski and snowboarding

• We manage the Duke of Edinburgh Award for all ACC schools and centres

• Gorge walking in the Lui Burn, Linn of Dee

• Team challenges

aberdeen area tree services removed, cut, pruned

• Orienteering

• Mountain Biking in local

aberdeen area fencing supply, install, repair or replace

• Oversee all School Visits and adventurous activities local,

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home and abroad, and hire out equipment, mini buses, and accommodation Some of you will have seen in the press that the Fairley Road field development was given the green light by the council with a plan to be an Adventure Park. Planning permission is currently being applied for and this will engage the local community in discussions

to ensure that the plans will work for everybody. Progress on this project is steady as an additional project to our normal day to day work.

Plans for the Adventure Park are on display on the notice board in the entrance hall of Adventure Aberdeen if you would like to see them. These

A

plans will be displayed during the week of 26 – 30th October if you want to call in for a chat, and one of our team will be more than happy to talk you through them. The project will be pulling together a "Friends of Fairly Road Adventure Park Group" in the near future who will be involved in fundraising and how the park will be managed. There is a wonderful opportunity here to invest in the community and in the young (and not so young) people of the area. If you would like to be involved in any way please let me know and I’ll be in touch when the Friends Group starts to come together

Remember that the Adventure Aberdeen building has a public meeting room with a kitchen, disability access / toilets, public wifi and a large screen and projector, (the latter would be a good facility for a film club if anybody in the community wanted to create such a thing). The room seats about 25 comfortably.

Jonathan Kitching; Adventure Aberdeen Team Leader jkitching@ aberdeencity.gov.uk

The Field is now in a better state after drainage work and new grass has taken hold. This is a public space and will continue to be used 24/7 by both the public and Adventure Aberdeen like any other public park space. If you have any questions on this

berdeen Orpheus Choir under their Conductor Jane Murray with Erika Fairhead as Accompanist will hold their Carol Concert at Craigiebuckler Church on Friday, 11th December at 7.30 p.m. A varied selection of Christmas Music will be performed with audience participation in the singing of some well known carols. Tickets priced £10:00 and £8:00 for concessions (over 60's and under 16's) to include refreshments will be available from Top Note Music Shop 123 Crown Street, Aberdeen, from Choir Members or at the door of the Church.

18

project please let me know - I or a member of the team are always happy to talk about the plans.

Woodburn Walkers Enjoy the countryside, meet new friends, keep fit - join the Woodburn Walkers.

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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19

Cake and Bake Halloween Macaroons For the ultimate Halloween sweet treat why not have a go at making a batch of French Macaroons?

Ingredients: • 230g icing sugar, sifted • 75g ground almonds • 2 large egg whites • 50g caster sugar • Orange and black food colouring gel • 55g unsalted butter, softened • � tsp vanilla extract

Makes 16 Ready in 1 hour, plus cooling

TIP The filled macaroons will keep in an airtight box in the fridge for 2-3 days. Stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

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1. Place half the icing sugar and all the ground almonds in a food processor and process for 30 seconds, or until fine and powdery.

Sift the mixture into a mixing bowl, discarding any tiny pieces of almonds left in the sieve. Set aside.

2. Whisk the egg whites in a large bowl until softly peaking. Gradually whisk in the caster sugar, to make a firm and glossy meringue.

Whisk in enough of the orange food colouring gel to colour the meringue deep orange.

3. Fold one third of the icing sugar mixture into the meringue using a spatula. Repeat with another third of the mixture. Finally add the last third and continue to cut and fold the mixture until it forms a shiny and thick batter that falls in a slow ribbon when the spatula is lifted.

4. Line 2 large baking sheets with baking paper. Spoon the mixture into a large piping bag fitted with a 1cm plain piping nozzle. Pipe 32 discs of the mixture onto the baking sheets, each with a diameter of 3cm. Lift the nozzle at the top of half the piped discs to create a small point. Leave for 30 minutes to allow the macaroons to dry and form a slight crust. Preheat the oven to 160°C / Fan 140°C / Gas Mark 3.

5. Bake, one sheet at a time for 10-15 minutes, or until the macaroons have a crisp shell and the frilly bases don’t stick when gently lifted from the paper. Leave on the baking sheets for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

6. To decorate, dip the tip of a fine paintbrush into the black food colouring gel and paint pumpkin faces on the 16 pointed macaroons.

7. To make the filling, beat the butter, remaining icing sugar and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Place all the undecorated macaroon shells flat-side up on a board. Pipe a small mound of the buttercream onto each shell then gently sandwich together with a decorated shell, pressing down gently.

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21

Studio Allure Japanese Embroidery Studio Allure is based in the vibrant city area of Aberdeen and run

by Bea Farkas a Master Educator qualified professional with over 20 years’ experience.

Today, with over two decades as a master nail technician, Bea specialises in Japanese Embroidery a semi-permanent make up technique also known as micro blading this technique is becoming an incredibly popular treatment as more people are discovering the outstanding results that it can offer.

This amazing Eyebrow treatment suits people who may have the wrong brow shape, hair loss or patchy areas due to over plucking, or medical reasons such as Alopecia or chemotherapy.

Japanese Embroidery or Micro blading gently enhances the clients’ natural features, giving them more confidence in their overall appearance, during the procedure the pigment is implanted in the basal membrane which divides the epidermis from the Dermis layer of the skin. This technique is therefore more superficial than tattooing and not permanent allowing the client to over time adjust the appearance and perfect their desired end result.

Most clients report that there is very little if any discomfort with the procedure, many liken the sensation to a “light scratch” if required a cream containing a local anaesthetic can be applied to eliminate any mild sensations.

This two stage treatment will provide exceptional results, eyebrows can look so natural and beautiful, our clients will after the first treatment return for a touch up treatment which is included in the cost of the package, approximately 4-6 weeks after the initial treatment. After the second session the full benefits of this outstanding technique are achieved. It is important to understand that this is a two part process and the second, touch up treatment 22

“

Coming from a s artistic backgrou semi-permanen industry that m to my clients an agree their need able to advise o be the most sui my aim is for my after treatment assured and bea

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will complete the procedure and, after healing, you will see the final result.

Studio Allure will provide advice and where required products to assist in the important time between the two sessions during which the healing progresses, the application of special oil over the brow area 3-4 times a day for the first few days greatly assists in achieving the desired end result.

About Bea Bea was trained by highly respected and leading educators within the industry and over time has developed her skills and individual style leading her to the position of Master Educator herself and a leading position in the nail technician sector, coupled with her strong passion for the newly introduced semi-permanent makeup business, ensures her clients get unparalleled support. Bea is a perfectionist and will only accept first class results, her clients become long term returning year after year based on the exceptional service, quality of work and friendly professional attitude.

To book a consultation Contact Bea at Studio Allure 85 Leadside Road, Aberdeen Tel /Text : 07412 547 529

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23

Beauty Time for Some TLC

by Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk The kids are running you ragged, your boss seems to think you’re on 24 hour call and your other half has commandeered the TV. It’s time to pour yourself a glass of wine, turn the music up and lock yourself away for a much needed pampering session.

First off, a decent face mask is a must.

Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask, £23, is a good choice.

Rose clay penetrates your pores for a really deep clean, while Canadian willowherb helps to give you your ‘glow’ back.

When you wash the mask off, jojoba beads gently exfoliate your skin. Other ingredients include Persian silk tree (an anti-irritant), along with several essential oils. It’s a real treat for your senses as well as your skin, as it smells divine.

Special event coming up? If your skin is really in need of an instant pick-me up, try Roloxin Lift Instant Smoothing Masque instead. Combining

24

hydrophilic and hydrophobic silica particles, the mask smoothes skin and gives a brighter appearance in minutes, with results lasting up to 24 hours. In a clinical trial, 95% of users reported a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles. I certainly noticed a difference after using it – my skin felt softer, tighter and less puffy. A box of 10 applications costs £79, so it isn’t cheap, but it’s worth having on hand for special occasions.

I do love a good multi-tasker, and cocoa butter certainly meets that job description.

You can use it for everything from smoothing split ends to soothing eczema; it’s particularly good as a body butter. Not all cocoa body butters are equally as effective however; some are heavily diluted with water and packed with preservatives, colours, artificial perfumes and so on. If you’re looking for a body butter that really delivers results, I recommend Mixtress Jamaican Cocoa Body Butter – a blend of organic cocoa butter, coconut oil and sweet almond oil, which smells

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wonderfully chocolatey and really helps to nourish your skin. A 150ml tub costs £9.95, and a little goes a long way, so it offers great value for money.

When it comes to your hair, try a hair mask by Italian brand Green Energy Organics. There are several different masks available, all priced at £15.50 and available from www.millabaci.com. La Recolte des Fleur D’Orange, for example, is a powerful blend of fatty acids and fruit extracts, including orange flower, pomegranate, rose, chamomile and grape.

It’s specially formulated to give a real boost to coloured, damaged or lacklustre hair.

You only need to leave

the mask on for 10 minutes, but for best results sit back and relax for at least an hour.

In need of a restful night’s sleep? Lavender has been used to help people to drift off for centuries. Add it to Epsom salts and you have a combination that eases aches and pains, exfoliates your skin and improves sleep. (I did mention that I love a good multi-tasker didn’t I?) Dr Teal’s Soothe and Sleep could well become your all-time favourite bath product, and as it’s available from George Home at ASDA, you can pick it up with your grocery shopping.

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27

GERMAN FOR BEGINNERS IN CULTS

Planning a holiday or business trip to Germany or Austria? Why not learn a little of the language to get to know the country and the people better? German for Beginners is a new evening class starting in the Cults Learning Centre on Thursday 17th September from 7 – 9pm.

It will be based on the BBC Active course, and no prior knowledge is necessary. The cost for eight weeks is £50. Cults Learning Centre is an annexe to Cults Academy next to the swimming pool. For further information contact the tutor Erik Stien on erik@estien.co.uk, or by telephone 01224 734149, mobile 07774 896421, or to book the class contact Giuseppina Caligiuri at Gcaligiuri@aberdeencity.gov. uk or 01224 866286

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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 pop-up library or to any other library in the city.

Kingswells Library Service dates 2015 October: Friday 16 and 30 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.

Craigiebuckler Craft Fair

Once again Craigiebuckler Church on Springfield Road is holding a Christmas Craft Fair on Saturday 24th October between 10am and 4pm.

A chance to browse and do some early Christmas Shopping. Entry is free.

Enjoy morning coffee and a rowie or meet up with friends for a quiet chat over a cup of afternoon tea with scones and tray bakes. Further details at www.craigiebuckler.org.uk.

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Aberdeen’s Sports & Country Club

Kippie Lodge

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29

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.

Dog Coats: Necessity, Not a Fashion Statement.

When it comes to fashion for dogs, you may scoff at the thought of your pet wearing the latest designer polo neck or woolly jumper. Traditional dog coats have been around for a long time, however, and are an essential item in a dog’s wardrobe.

When your dog gets wet, although its

coat has some waterrepellent qualities,

30

PETS

it still takes a long time to dry, which makes the dog susceptible to colds and chills and puts a strain on its immune system.

The right choice of dog coat will depend on a number of factors, including: • The size of your dog • Your budget • Whether you want a single waterproof coat or one with a separate fleece • Whether the dog jumps into water, or if it is a hunting dog Measuring from the base of the dog’s neck to the base

of its tail will help you decide on the right size, although most coats of this type are adjustable. Fleece linings will keep your dog cosy, with some having a ‘hood’ or a collar that is lifted over the dog’s head and neck, offering extra protection from the elements.

As far as material goes, microfibre has become a popular choice for dog owners as it offers their pet warmth, water-resistance and windproofing. Quilted and padded coats are often bulky, and although they are warm, may be restrictive to wear.

By Ann Haldon

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A little bit of Italy... ...in Little Belmont Street

A

wee reminder from Adventure Aberdeen 5 minutes walk from His Majesty’s Theatre and Music Hall aboutmenus. its Community – special lunch and pre-theatre Freshly baked homemeeting mode home maderoom. pizzas with lashings of toppings.

This is Tender pasta dishes full of tasty ingredients and luscious cream sauces. Seafood, prime steaks, chicken dishes, all with that extra touch of genius which is true Italian cooking! within the main body of the building and is hireable 7 Little Belmont Street | Aberdeen | AB10 1JG by community groups at www.poldinos.co.uk a very competitive rate.

The room is the old gym ... in Little Belmont Street hall of the school and We have been serving fine italian cuisine since 1977. can accommodate up to Extensive à la carte menu for lunch and dinner.

25 people comfortably.

The room has a mixture We Hall have been serving fine italian c 5 minutes walk from His Majesty’s Theatre and Music Extensive à la carte menu for lunch been serving fine italian cuisine since - special lunch and 1977. pre-theatre menus. of formalWe andhave informal à la carte lunch and dinner. seating, Extensive a large screen and menu forFreshly minutes walk from His Majesty’s T baked home-made pizzas with lashings of 5 toppings.

– special lunch digital projector, public Tender pasta dishes full of tasty ingredients and luscious creamand pre-theatre men 5 minutes walk from His Majesty’s Theatre and Music Hall sauces. Seafood, prime steaks, chicken dishes, all with that extra wifi, a kitchenette with urn, – special lunch and pre-theatre menus.

Freshly baked home mode home m touch of genius which is true italian cooking! microwave, dish washer, Tender pasta dishes full of tasty ingr steaks, chicken dishes, all with that e crockery,Freshly there are twohome mode home Open made Monday to Saturday 12 noon 2.30pm and 5.30pm to 10.15pm baked pizzas with lashings of to toppings.

Tender dishes full of tasty ingredients and luscious cream sauces. Seafood, primeGift toilets, one withpasta disability Open Monday to Saturday: 12 n Littleextra Belmont Street | Aberdeen | AB10 1JGcooking! steaks, chicken dishes, all with7 that touch of genius which is true Italian and baby changing Vouchers Available facilities. The room has 7 Little Belmont Street | A Monday to Saturday: 12 noon to 2.30pm & 5.30pm to 10.15pm disabilityOpen access.

It can be booked at any time but is Littleavailable Belmont generally7 more in Street | Aberdeen | AB10 1JG the evenings.

We have been serving fine italian cuisine since 1977.

Extensive à la carte menu for lunch and dinner.

Open Monday to Saturday: 12 noon to 2.30pm & 5.30pm to 10.15pm

of Italy...

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31

Home & Interiors Eco Homes

By Katherine Sorrell Step Two – What are its weak points?

How can you update your property to keep you snug and cosy – without paying huge energy bills? Is it even possible? Well, yes.

A few simple measures – we are not talking wind turbines and solar panels – can make an enormous difference, says Katherine Sorrell.

Step One – Get to know your home

What is your home made from?

How was it originally built, and what changes, if any, have been made to it over the years?

Getting to know what is going on inside and outside your four walls will make it easier to work out how you can eco-improve the property.

32

It may already be obvious what problems need solving. Rattling, draughty windows, gaps around the edges of the front door, heat escaping through the roof, perhaps. For more specifics, however, it could be helpful to commission a professional test for air tightness and heat loss. Best done on a cold, clear winter’s night (so try to plan ahead), it is non-invasive and shouldn’t cost a great deal more than around £300.

The results will demonstrate exactly where you have the most serious problems, helping you to target improvements where they are most needed.

Step Three – The loft

Although there is no one-sizefits-all solution, your loft will often be the top priority for ecoimprovement. Marianne Suhr, historic buildings surveyor and co-author of Old House Eco Handbook (Frances Lincoln, £30), recommends laying 300mm of quilt insulation – but points out that it is important to retain some form of ventilation in the space in order to avoid condensation. There is a range of insulation materials on offer at varying prices, but she says that if you can afford natural materials, such as sheep’s wool or hemp, they tend to be better

for older properties, as they have the ability to absorb water vapour and release it. And, she adds, check your loft regularly for signs of condensation, mould and small animals.

Step Four - Windows

Your windows can leak out a lot of heat, especially if they are old and single glazed. Short of double glazing, good draught proofing is the answer. Those DIY self-adhesive strips are only a temporary measure; for a longer-term solution you will need to cut in a rebate and fit either compression seals (hinged windows) or wipers (sashes). Alternatively, if you don’t open your windows often, secondary glazing will dramatically improve both air tightness and heat loss through the glass. There are plenty of different options, including clear panels that simply fix to the window frame with a slim magnetic strip, which are unobtrusive and easy to remove. Or there are two oldfashioned methods: thick, lined curtains, hung close to the wall so draughts can’t creep around the edges; or timber shutters, which have been demonstrated to be even more effective than double glazing.

Step Five: Doors

Do your external doors fit well in their frames? If not, it can have a negative impact on your home’s energy efficiency.

To make them airtight, adjust as necessary for a good fit, add draught proofing (as for windows) and cover keyholes, letter slots and cat flaps. You might even want to pop a good old ‘sausage dog’ along the bottom edge, or hang a long, thick curtain from a hinged rod.

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Step Seven: Walls

It is usually pretty straightforward to insulate modern cavity walls; older, solid walls, however, are more of a problem, and experts don’t always agree on the best way to go about it. Modern systems may trap moisture and cause damp, but one good option is to add timber panelling inside, leaving an air gap behind. If you are planning major works, it may be possible to add external or internal insulation at the same time, but be sure to get impartial advice.

Quick Tips

• Consider installing shutters. A test by Glasgow Caledonian University found that wellfitted timber shutters reduced heat loss by 60% (they are good for sound insulation and security too). To work most efficiently, they should meet with a rebated edge and include a brush strip or rubber seal.

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WINDOW BLINDS

Main Image - Adding a portiere rod is a great way to insulate a draughty exterior door. Hang heavy, floor-length curtains, ensuring that there is enough stackback space for the door to be opened easily. If possible, use an insulating lining and heavy fleece interlining – bearing in mind that the pole will need to be able to support the weight. 12mm self-closing button portiere in beeswax, from £44.10, Jim Lawrence, 01473 826685; www.jim-lawrence.co.uk.

nt

THISTLE

• A thick rug will help to reduce draughts through gaps in floorboards.

• Adding a pelmet to a window treatment can help to reduce draughts and stop warm air disappearing down the back of your curtains or blind.

• When radiators are placed below windows, their heat can disappear more easily, especially when there is a curtain hanging over them – as it simply directs heat up and behind, rather than into the room. Consider moving radiators to internal walls.

een Carpe rd

e

Surprisingly, it’s actually a good thing to have wind whistling below your suspended timber floor, the reason being that it will evaporate moisture from the timber and supporting structures and keep your home nice and dry. So don’t block up the air grilles on the outside walls. Instead, to make the floor itself as airtight as possible, a fitted carpet with a thermal underlay is perfect, or – if you prefer timber boards – seal gaps around the skirting boards with foam strips, a bead of silicon mastic or slivers of matching timber. If the boards have gaps, experts recommend fillets of balsa wood or lengths of string, which you can stain, glue and push into place relatively easily. And, if you can get below the boards (via a cellar or crawl space), or are planning to lift them, it’s a great idea to add insulation underneath.

Ab

Step Six: Floors

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Motoring McLaren 650S Spider

Things are moving quickly.

Probably a bit too quickly.

Like the four fighter pilots dog fighting above our heads, my brain is processing information faster than it should be, and as I watch the Mercedes GT S fall away into the distance behind me with snatched glimpses in the mirror, it’s clear there’s not much that’s going to catch this thing any time soon.

At full throttle and with Track mode selected on the McLaren’s prominent dash dials, the 650S and I are moving at internal organrearranging speeds across the Welsh moors as it rifles through its ratios. The induction noise is furious, the sucking of the twin turbos gulping down air like a free diver coming up for air. The roof is down and we’re open to the elements; the small, leather and carbon clad cabin is filled with a rush of oxygen and the heady smell of the outdoors. I’m happy.

At least I am now, thinking back to that adrenaline rush of speed. In the driver’s seat the 650S demands chess player levels of concentration but my word it is good. McLaren’s supercar offerings have played second fiddle to the drama from Maranello since they arrived – somewhat overlooked by

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By James Baggott

supercar buyers who deemed them ‘too clinical’ and ‘numb’.

That’s a shame, because what the British firm has achieved in such a short space of time is to be applauded. The 650S is without doubt a match for any offering from Ferrari, but over four days with the car I can sort of see what they mean about the numbness.

It’s hard to criticize a car for being too good, but this 650S really is. The stomach churning acceleration – which will see it hit 124mph in just 8.6 seconds – is incredible, but it’s laid down in such a perfect manner that it feels like a computer game, not a heart tugging machine.

That said, it’s an absolute stunning car to look at. This is the MSO version of the 650S Spider, which means it’s even more exclusive than its brothers. The flippy paint, that shimmers beautifully from black to purple, is an £8,632 option, while it’s adorned with carbon fibre extras like mirror arms (£3,505), diffuser (£7,463) and even yellow seatbelts that you will be charged £2,247 for the pleasure of changing the colour of. It’s amazing what customers will pay when presented with an extensive options list, isn’t it?

What they’re paying for really, of course, is the exclusivity that MSO offers. And supercar buyers like nothing more than exclusivity. That and how a car makes them feel. Fortunately it ticks both boxes very well indeed. I spent a lot of time in

the 650S and although over long distances found it a little uncomfortable – the seats don’t recline enough for my giraffelike limbs – it was easy to ignore thanks to its astonishing performance and the glow it gives you every time you climb in through those dramatic doors.

The steering has a crispness to it and feedback I’ve not experienced in a very long time, while it’s hard to imagine how anything could ever feel any quicker than this 641bhp supercar. Goodness knows how a P1 could offer an experience any more intense than this – even now I can’t fathom anything being any quicker.

But to the ultimate question, one I was asked many times during our test: would I buy one? As much as I love it, as good as it is and as beautiful as it looks, I’m afraid I just couldn’t. It doesn’t float my boat like a Ferrari 488 and I can’t help looking at the figures and thinking you could have the Mercedes, Civic Type R and Mazda from this test and some change for fuel for the same price. The McLaren is good, but not three cars good.

The Knowledge

Model: McLaren 650S Spider MSO Price: £215,250 Engine: 3.8-litre V8 twin turbo Power: 641bhp, 678Nm Max speed: 204mph 0-60mph: 3.0s MPG: 24.2 Emissions: 275g/km

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One for all. The astonishingly versatile new Vito.

Ready for action at Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles Aberdeen.

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Choice of front and rear wheel drive, a range of fuel efficient engines and a choice of versatile body styles. Plus with 3 years’ unlimited mileage warranty and roadside assistance package, the new Vito is everything you’d expect from Mercedes-Benz.

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CODEWORD

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Each letter in this puzzle is represented by a number between 1 and 26. The codes for three letters are shown. As you find the letters enter them in the box below.

19

3

15

3

10 25

7

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9

21 7

3

20

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24 10

Airyhall Community Centre Saturday, 21 November 2015 11am - 4pm Photography, cards, textiles, jewellery, glass and more

Cafe serving drinks & snacks

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5

15

Craft Fair

Free Entry

24

22

Christmas

Buy directly from the crafter

24

24

11

12

7

19

4

14 2

8

21

22

8

6

4 11

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16

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20

ana launches exciting new home care service Are you looking for care at home where you come first? Where your care is not rushed or time restricted? Then maybe ana’s new care @ home is the service you’ve been searching for all this time!

Founded in 1996, ana recruitment is now recognised as Aberdeen’s no.1 healthcare agency, receiving outstanding Care Inspectorate grades, over and above that of any other City based care agency.

After talking extensively to clients and carers, ana has listened carefully to all the feedback and have created a local Aberdeen service which ticks all your boxes.

No more 15 minute care visits, you’re wanting more than this, so ana will offer you a minimum of 4 hour care appointments.

All our carers are trained to a very high and competent level – it’s what you’ve asked for Our carers provide personal and domiciliary care ranging from regular social or medical appointments, respite care to 24/7 care packages All ana’s core management team are healthcare professionals, giving you exceptional peace of mind There are no marketing gimmicks to our service, we simply offer solid, professional and personal care packages -all in the comfort of your own home.

ana is committed to delivering professional, personalised care in the comfort of your own home. ana has been supplying highly trained healthcare staff for over 18 years. Our

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wealth of experience and excellent grades with the Care Inspectorate makes ana one of Aberdeen’s most respected care providers.

With 4 hour blocks of care offered as minimum, ana is dedicated to providing a personalised service to each and every client.

– to find out more about our services and bespoke care packages.

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Local Support for “Stoptober” Campaign Sam Luxford has now retrained as a Solution Focused Clinical Hypnotherapist and pyschotherapist. Sam started her career as a RGN and RMN and worked within the NHS in Mental Health and Addictions for over 20 years.

Sam is currently studying for a Masters Degree in Clinical Hypnotherapy - Evidence based practice at RGU. Many people use hypnotherapy to provide extra help when giving up smoking. The Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) is the UK regulator for complementary therapists that was set up with government funding and support.

Hypnotherapy is often used to help clients achieve the behavioural change needed to stop smoking but it’s so important the public use someone who knows what they are doing.

Using neuroscience and independent science research and evidence, Sam has helped many people understand how and why the brain encourages

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such a dangerous habit as smoking and how they can take back intellectual control (get into the part of the brain that doesnt smoke) and achieve success becoming smoke free.

The session has been formally researched over a 2 year period at the Clifton Practice, Bristol and over 90% of people taking part in the study stopped and stayed after a single session.

One happy Customer wrote: Who would of thought it. After 1 session with you on the 16th April 2014. I am now 1 year cigarette free, after 27 years of nicotine addiction...I cannot begin to describe the change it has made to me and my lifestyle...I have joined a local triathlon club and will compete in my first triathlon at Bryne, Rogaland, Norway on the 6th of June 2015...

Using modern Neuroscience research and evidence, I will explain why your brain is encouraging you to experience the upsetting symptoms and what can be done using Solution Focused Hypnotherapy to help you turn this around and take back control.

For further information, please contact: Sam Luxford DHP HPD GQHP SFBT Sup (Hyp) MNCH(Reg) CNHC Solution Focused Clinical Hypnotherapist and Psychotherapist 01224 966854 07867936505 Sam@aberdeenhypnotherapy.com Www.aberdeenhypnotherapy.com

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39

What’s On in November at His Majesty’s Theatre, Music Hall and Lemon Tree, Aberdeen Sunday, November 1: Imagine someone who could look at you and see everything, like an open book, and that’s what Colin Cloud: Forensic Mind Reader sets out to do in The Lemon Tree Studio, West North Street, Aberdeen, at 7pm Monday, November 2: Beginning his fourth decade as a stand-up this year, Radio 4 star and The News Quiz and I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue guest Jeremy Hardy, in The Lemon Tree Lounge (seated), West North Street, Aberdeen, at 8pm.

Monday, November 2: Rapture Theatre Company presents The Last Yankee, to celebrate the centenary of legendary writer Arthur Miller’s last great play, in The Lemon Tree Studio, West North Street, Aberdeen, at 7pm.

Tuesday, November 3: Relive the swinging sixties in the All Star 60s Show with Gerry and the Pacemakers, Brian Poole and the Tremeloes, The Troggs, Badfinger featuring Bob Jackson and The Ivy League, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm.

Tuesday to Saturday, November 3 to 7: To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Agatha Christie Theatre Company, And Then There Were None returns to the stage with Paul Nicholas, Colin Buchanan, Deborah Grant and Mark Wynter, in His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm, with 2pm Thursday and 2.30pm Saturday matinees.

Tuesday, November 3: All set to rock the house are the six-piece band Dean Owens and the Whisky Hearts, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7.30pm.

Wednesday, November 4: As part of Aberdeen Performing Arts Culture Café lunchtime series, and in association with sound, violinist Krysia Osotowicz and pianist Daniel Tong present Beethoven Plus One, Jonathan Dove’s Ludwig Games and Huw Watkins’ Spring - two new companion pieces to Beethoven’s Violin Sonata No1 in D Major and Violin Sonata No5 in F Major respectively, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 1pm.

Friday, November 6: Accomplished AC/DC tribute band Hells Bells have performed all over the UK as well as Portugal, Austria, Russia, Belgium, Czech Republic and the Middle East, in The Lemon Tree Lounge (standing), West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7.30pm.

Wednesday, November 4: The first unsigned band to sell-out two consecutive nights in Glasgow’s famous King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, Vigo Thieves up-close-andpersonal, in The Lemon Tree Lounge (standing), West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7.30pm.

Saturday, November 7: Terra Incognita Arts presents, Abracadabra! a brand new show for ages five to eight featuring a rabbit who never misses a trick and a magician who sometimes forgets to say the magic word, in The Lemon Tree Studio, West North Street, Aberdeen, at 11am.

Thursday, November 5: Fun-loving celebrity chef Gino D’Acampo takes his audience on a journey through Italy in Gino’s Italian Escape, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 8pm.

Thursday, November 5: Under APA’s Freshly Squeezed banner, a triple bill of rising bands: Glasgow’s past post-modern bug-eyed beatnik group Pronto Mama, the Northeast’s own Alphas, celebrating their debut album A New Fire and their Best Newcomer nomination in the Scottish Alternative Music Awards and an acoustic session from Peterhead band The Harmonica Movement, in The Lemon Tree Lounge (standing), West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7.30pm.

Friday, November 6: Under the baton of Markus Stenz and with pianist Ronald Brautigam, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra perform Schumann’s Symphony No2 plus Mozart’s Symphony No29 K201 and Haydn’s Piano Concerto in D, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm.

Saturday, November 7: Ninetyminute behind-the-scenes tour at Aberdeen’s iconic Edwardian landmark, His Majesty’s Theatre, in HMT at 10.30am.

Saturday, November 7: One of the UK’s best-loved and popular comedians Paddy McGuinness returns for another hotly anticipated live show, Daddy McGuinness, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, doors at 7pm.

Saturday, November 7: Renowned for an endless string of soulful yet socially aware hits, The Christians, in The Lemon Tree Lounge (standing), West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7.30pm.

Saturday, November 7: A staged work for improvising singer and sound art collective, The Last Siren, with Lauren Kinsella and The Quiet Club, is a combination of myth, opera and happening, in The Lemon Tree Studio, West North Street, Aberdeen, at 8pm.

Sunday, November 8: British songwriter, broadcaster, musician and champion of independent musicians Tom Robinson, in The Lemon Tree Lounge (seated), West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7.30pm.

Monday, November 9: Freewheeling rock and roll with a southern soul edge with The Waterboys, plus special guests, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, doors at 7pm.

Monday, November 9: On his most intimate tour yet, DF Concerts presents Ricky Ross: The Lyric Book Live, 30 Years of songs from Deacon Blue and beyond, in The Lemon Tree Lounge (seated), West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7.30pm.

Tuesday, November 10: In his 60 years on this planet, comedy writer and performer Andy Hamilton has experienced many changes and takes his new show Change Management to The Lemon Tree Lounge (seated), West North Street, Aberdeen, at 8pm.

Tuesday, November 10: DF Concerts presents English indie rock band Foals, who released their debut album, Antidotes, in 2008, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, doors at 7pm.

Tuesday to Saturday, November 10 to 14: The Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber rock opera which changed the face of musical theatre forever when it first burst onto the stage in 1971, Jesus Christ Superstar is as compelling today as it was then, in His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm with 2pm Thursday and 2.30pm matinees.

Wednesday, November 11: Everyone’s favourite irreverent drunk-folk singer, Beans on Toast, returns from his most successful year to date to The Lemon Tree Lounge (standing), West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7.30pm.

Thursday, November 12: An inspired performance by Matt Monro Jr makes The Matt Munro Story an unforgettable evening of music, warmth and love, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm.

Thursday, November 12: With a contemporary sound that springs from traditional Scottish dance music, Shooglenifty, in The Lemon Tree Lounge (seated), West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 8pm.

Thursday, November 12: Best known as Don Danbury from BBC3’s cult hit sitcom How Not to Live Your Life and Johnny Two Hats from The Mighty Boosh, Dan Clark and Me, My Selfie and I in The Lemon Tree Studio, West North Street, Aberdeen, at 7pm.

Friday, November 13: Critically acclaimed stand-up, Celebrity Juice regular, and star of BBC2’s Hebburn, Chris Ramsey with his new 2015 show All Growed Up, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 8pm.

Friday, November 13: Fiercely working class in stance and attitude, in defiance of the art school punk of the late 70s when they formed,

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Cockney Rejects, in The Lemon Tree Lounge (standing), West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7.30pm.

Saturday, November 14: On a nationwide tour with an all-new, all-star show, Magic of Motown celebrates its 12th year with more chart toppers than ever before, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm.

Saturday, November 14: Standup comedy from clever boy Nish Kumar: Long Word . . . Long Word . . . Blah, Blah,Blah . . . I’m So Clever in The Lemon Tree Studio, West North Street, Aberdeen, at 7pm.

Saturday, November 14: Under APA’s Freshly Squeezed banner, a fourband line-up including North-east guitar-led three-piece Min Diesel, Hjearts, Wendell Borton and Fawn Spots, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 8.30pm.

Sunday, November 15: Acclaimed Edinburgh-based pianist Simon Smith is the soloist for Aberdeen Sinfonietta’s performance of Chopin’s richly poetic Piano Concerto No2 in F Minor in a programme which also includes Mendelssohn’s Overture Calm Sea and Properous Voyage and Reformation Symphony and Richard Strauss’ Serenade for Wind op 7, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm.

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Monday, November 16: Star of The Mighty Boosh, Never Mind the Buzzcocks and Luxury Comedy, Noel Fielding embarks on his first live tour in five years with An Evening with Noel Fielding, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 8pm.

Tuesday, November 17: After touring with Bruce Springsteen as a long-time member of the E Street Band, Nils Lofgren is back to perform his own legendary live show, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 8pm.

Tuesday to Saturday, November 17 to 21: Aberdeen Performing Arts and Òran Mór present, as part of the A Play, A Pie and A Pint series, The Course of True Love by David Leddy, an everyday tale of caution, courage and Cleo Laine, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, Tuesday to Friday at 6pm and Thursday and Saturday at 1pm.

Wednesday, November 18: After 12 years and over a million tickets sold, Steve Steinman returns as Barron Von Rockula, in the all-new Vampires Rock saga, The Ghost Train, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm.

Wednesday, November 18: Scottish group Admiral Fallow, formed in 2007 by singer-songwriter Louis Abbott and based in Glasgow, in The Lemon Tree Studio, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7.30pm.

Wednesday to Saturday, November 18 to 21: The Lyric presents Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, the heartwarming story of two famous songand-dance men who find that the nearly-bankrupt lodge they were to perform at is owned by their former commanding officer, in His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm, with 2.30pm Saturday matinee.

Thursday, November 19: In the first of two startling versions of the glorious Goldberg Variations,

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Andersson Dance and Scottish Ensemble present Ternary Patterns for Insomnia, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm.

Friday, November 20: Back as the Man in Black, Clive John in The Johnny Cash Roadshow, covering from his first hits in the 50s right up to the 90s American Recordings revival, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm.

Saturday, November 21: One of the mesmerizing musicians of the age, Canadian pianist Angela Hewitt OC OBE performs one of the most well-known and most interpreted of Bach’s works, the Goldberg Variations, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm.

Sunday, November 22: DF concerts presents Scottish synthpop band Prides, formed in Glasgow in 2013 with a three-strong line-up - Stewart Brock, Callum Wiseman and Lewis Gardiner, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7.30pm.

Monday, November 23: With four sell-out tours, three DVD releases and a special for Comedy Central under his belt, Andy Parsons is back on the road and takes Live and Unleashed – But Naturally Cautious to The Lemon Tree Lounge (seated), West North Street, Aberdeen, at 8pm.

Monday, November 23: DF Concerts presents Scots electronic band Chvrches who came fifth on the BBC’s Sound of 2013 list of the most promising new music talent, plus support, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, doors at 7pm.

Tuesday, November 24: Unique story-teller and comedian Andy Kirkpatrick has climbed in some of the most inhospitable places on the earth and in Cold Mountain takes up the adventure in Antarctica, Alaska, Norway and Patagonia, in

The Lemon Tree Lounge (seated), West North Street, Aberdeen, at 8pm.

Wednesday, November 25: Support by the Common Good Fund, Aberdeen’s Singing Chorus – the largest community choir in Scotland with 300 singers - Sing it With Flowers, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm.

Wednesday, November 25: Living up to their reputation at a phenomenal live band, The High Kings serve up laughter, good times and even the odd sing along, in The Lemon Tree Lounge (seated), West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7pm.

Thursday, November 26: Running his mouth off about a bunch of stuff nobody cares about is James Acaster: Represent in The Lemon Tree Lounge (seated), West North Street, Aberdeen, at 8pm.

Thursday, November 26: DF concert presents Idlewild, Scottish alt-rockers led by Roddy Woomble, plus support, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, doors at 7pm.

Friday, November 27: Turning up the heat on a cold winter night for an evening of traditional Scottish dancing is Shindig, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen at 8pm.

Friday, November 27: The smashhit new show from Scotland’s internationally acclaimed and award-winning comedy half-manhalf-Xbox Daniel Sloss: Dark, in The Lemon Tree Lounge (seated), West North Street, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm.

Saturday, November 28: The UK-based band performing the ultimate tribute to the sights and sounds of the world’s greatest group, Magic of the Beatles, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm.

Saturday, November 28: Pop, punk rock, blues and country techno situationist crypto-Marxist-Lennist

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electro band Alabama 3 return to The Lemon Tree Lounge (standing), West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7.30pm.

Saturday, November 28 to January 3: HMT’s legendary

January 1, at 1pm and 5.30pm on Sundays, at 2.30pm and 7pm on Saturdays, at 1.45pm and 7pm on weekdays until Thursday, December 17, and at 2.30pm and 7pm on weekdays thereafter.

Sunday, November 29: The chance to see controversial and outspoken Scots comedian Frankie Boyle and his new live show Hurt Like You’ve Never Been Loved, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 8pm.

and record-breaking trio Elaine C Smith, Alan McHugh and Jordan Young return in the spectacular swashbuckling 3D family panto Peter Pan, in His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen, twice daily except for Mondays Nov 30, December 7 and December 14 and Fridays, December 18, December 25 and

Sunday, November 29: Regular Music presents political singersongwriter, orator, entertainer, rabble-rouser, negotiator, pamphleteer and the fabled ‘bignosed bard from Barking’, Billy Bragg, with guest Duke Special, in the The Lemon Tree Lounge,, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7pm.

Monday, November 30: The Wonder Stuff frontman Miles Hunt and violinist Erica Nockalls one of the most travelled duo in indie rock, in The Lemon Tree Lounge,, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7.30pm.

Beer of the Month October and it’s Trafalgar Day again. Woodforde’s Brewery in Nelson’s home county of Norfolk commemorates the occasion with its 4.5% abv best bitter, Nelson’s Revenge.

Odd cove, Nelson, and like many of our best-loved military heroes something of a maverick. Sixth child (of 11!) of a moderately well-connected Norfolk vicar, Horatio was born in Burnham Thorpe in 1758 and joined the navy at the age of 13�. As a young officer he was distinguished by extraordinary energy and reckless courage which was matched by his intellectual restlessness – he was a promising watercolourist as well as a student of military tactics.

Nelson’s Revenge has one of the most complex and absorbing noses of any beer I know. It comes on all rich and biscuity, as if someone was making butter-candy in the next room; then suddenly you get a darker note of vine fruit, then a brown-sugary hint of pineapple, and finally a citric sharpness. Glorious! The palate is one-dimensional by comparison – light, fairly acid, with a hint of green fruit – while the finish, though long and dry, is more sour than bitter.

Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA has absolutely nothing in common with Nelson except the naval connotation in the name. This beer is as contradictory in nature as the Hero of Trafalgar: its nose is estery-sharp like a Belgian blonde beer, yet at the same time oily, sweetish, and resinous. The flavour is both sharp yet sweet – or rather bittersweet, like a crème brûlée that was perhaps rather too brûlée. The finish is short and sharp but, all in all, a beer the Admiral himself might have admired.

By Ted Bruning

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Bonfire Safety Tips

Advice from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is to attend a safely organised bonfire and firework display. However if you must have a bonfire at home make sure it is well away from buildings, vehicles, trees, hedges, fences, power lines, telecommunications equipment and sheds - and you must ensure that smoke does not cause a nuisance to neighbours or flying embers endanger neighbouring property.

Never drink alcohol if you are tending a bonfire or setting off fireworks – remember it is an offence to consume alcohol in a public place.

To reduce the emission of harmful smoke and combustion products bonfires should comprise of untreated wood and paper based materials only.

There is a danger of explosion from pressurised containers or sealed vessels amongst bonfire material or irresponsibly thrown on burning bonfires.

Never throw fireworks on bonfires.

Never use flammable liquids to ignite bonfires – use proprietary fire lighters.

Smoke from bonfires must not pose a public nuisance, affect visibility on roads or otherwise inconvenience vehicles.

Sparks, flying embers or burning debris must not endanger nearby property.

Never leave a burning/smouldering bonfire unsupervised – make sure it is completely extinguished.

Any bonfire failing to satisfy safety conditions or where people are behaving irresponsibly may be deemed dangerous and as such, subject to being either removed, extinguished or otherwise made safe.

as to endanger any other person or give them reasonable cause for alarm or annoyance or so as to endanger any property.

It is illegal for anyone under 18 years of age to possess fireworks.

Throwing fireworks or setting them off in a public place (anywhere other than your own garden) is illegal.

You are not permitted to use fireworks between the hours of 11pm and 7am on any day except on 5 November when the curfew extends to midnight.

If you know anything about fires that have been started deliberately in your area, you can call the Crimestoppers Scotland hotline on 0800 555 111. All calls are completely anonymous and do not require names or personal details and you will not be asked to give evidence in court.

Fly tipping during the Bonfire and Fireworks season is a major cause of fire and it is also a criminal offence. If you see fly tipping or know of an area where there is a build-up of refuse or combustible material, contact your local authority cleansing or environmental department to arrange uplift.

You can also contact the Dumb Dumpers Stop Line on 0845 2 30 40 90 or visit www. dumbdumpers.org for more information.

Organising a fireworks and bonfire display If you are organising a display visit ww.hse.gov. uk/explosives/fireworks/using.htm for guidance and practical advice.

John Coutts Community Firefighter Community Action Team

Bonfires and the Law It is an offence under Section 56 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 for any person to lay or light a fire in a public place so

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Nov 28th/29th and Dec 5th/6th 10am – 4pm Delgatie Castle’s Victorian Christmas weekends have become a legend in Aberdeenshire since they began 21 years ago. It is the original, biggest and best Victorian Event in the area.

We offer a filled visit that is very good value for money. Enjoy an authentic Victorian atmosphere in the decorated castle with staff dressed in Victorian clothing. You will find crafters in the rooms as you explore the castle and children can enjoy a visit to see Santa, who will have a present for every child.

After a walk round the castle come down to the award winning ‘Laird’s Kitchen’ to enjoy delicious food and the very best in home baking.

Admission: £5 per head per person Tel: 01888 563479 Email: joan@delgatiecastle.com www.delgatiecastle.com

You can find us off the A947 Aberdeen to Banff Road

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45

Vision On The best tech for watching TV

It’s hard to imagine now, but a twelve-inch TV with four channels was pretty hot stuff not so long ago. Today, of course, we have TVs as big as some houses’ walls, and more things to watch on them than ever before. But what tech actually makes your viewing better?

There are two kinds of technology to think about here.

There’s the technology in the screen and the speakers, and there’s the technology that you can connect to a TV to add more options.

Despite the hype it seems that 3D TV is dead: the technology never took off, probably because nobody wanted to wear daft glasses all the time.

Manufacturers still want to sell us stuff, though, so their latest wheeze is 4K TV, also known as Ultra HD. 4K TVs can display four times more pixels than HD TVs, and the result should be a dramatically improved picture.

That’s the theory, but what the manufacturers don’t tell you is that in a typical home, you won’t get the benefit: on screens smaller than about 55 inches, unless you sit with your nose on the screen you’ll be hard pushed to see any difference.

There’s also precious little 4K

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content available just now: none of the UK broadcasters offer 4K programming.

Manufacturers are also experimenting with shapes, and some firms are now offering curved TVs. The intention is to deliver a more involving experience - like IMAX does compared to normal cinemas but curved screens need you to sit right in the middle to get the full effect, which means they aren’t ideal for family viewing unless you’ll all sit in each other’s laps.

The best TVs around just now are LED HD TVs. The LED bit refers to the way they’re lit: by using ultra-low power LED lights, LED TVs use much less energy than other flat screens.

If you’re in the market for a new TV, don’t forget about sound.

Modern TVs’ ultra-slim cases don’t have enough room for good speakers, so most flatscreen TVs sound awfully tinny: many of them sound like you’re watching TV on a laptop. It’s worth investing in a soundbar - a long speaker bar that’s designed to sit under the TV and add oomph - or an audiovisual amplifier and speakers if you like your programmes loud.

You’ll find that many TVs today are “smart TVs”, which means

they can connect to the internet and access services such as Netflix or Amazon Prime Instant Video (at a cost: Netflix and Amazon are subscription services) plus YouTube and catch-up services such as BBC iPlayer.

If you’d like to have the same services on an existing TV there are several inexpensive ways to do it, provided your TV has a spare HDMI socket (most relatively recent ones should do) and you have a Wi-Fi network to connect to. Google’s £30 Chromecast and Amazon’s £35 Fire TV Stick both deliver catch-up TV and Netflix over the internet (Amazon’s box also offers Amazon video), while Sky’s Now TV (£20) doesn’t have Netflix but does deliver catch-up services such as iPlayer. And if you’re an Apple fan, the £57 Apple TV adds Netflix, YouTube, Apple Music and iTunes videos and video rentals - although be careful if you’re considering buying one, as we’re expecting a brand new version to be released any day now.

Images left to right: Samsung curved Smart TV; Hitachi soundbar; Google Chromecast TV adaptor; Amazon Fire TV Stick

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