Web kcn issue 24 feb mar 2017

Kings wells

Issue 24 Apr-May 2017 Free bi-monthly magazine

Community News a gazette magazine

gazette magazines has been introducing local people to local businesses since 2005!

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.

2

Chocolate...

Well it is April! Apart from seeing the wee lambs in the field there is a large proportion of supermarkets/ shops full of easter goodies! I love it...but trying to be good - before my brother’s wedding this week and my impending holiday - I will regret not eating healthier, but c’est la vie.

Congratulations to the Godini Family who have been allowing us to dine in their fabulous establishment for 40 years this June! Take a look at the lovely photos and article. I’ve started a Question and Answer session and to kickstart it we asked Allan Dalgarno all about West with Style in Westhill. Hot topic - the bus route - is again gaining space in this edition and hope you will take the time to complete the survey.

Too late to publish the big litter pick up but sure that a few of you donned your high viz vests and went out to help make Kingswells look beautiful again. If only people would be less careless and just take their litter to the nearest bin or take it home, events like this wouldn’t need to happen.

With many people dreading retirement and how they will survive on their pension is there any advise from those that have done it and got the tshirt! Care to share? Send us an email - address top left.

Go grab that cuppa and flick through this issue of KCN! Next few deadlines listed below if you have anything you wish to share.

Until the next time,

Sue x

KCN - A5 bi-monthly magazine Issue

25 26 27 28 29 30

Deadline

20 May 20 July 20 Sept 20 Nov 20 Jan 20 Mar

Deliver

13 Jun 13 July 13 Oct 10 Dec 13 Feb 13 Apr

Mag da

Jun-July Aug-Sept Oct-Nov Dec-Jan Feb-Mar Apr-May

Contact: Sue Simpson - 07813 964 875 email - kingswells@gazettemagazines.com

West End 1 + 2 + 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, Fiona, Rosemary, Aimee, Chelsea, Suzanne, Peter, Jim and Val

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

www.gazettemagazines.com t : 07813 964 875

e : kingswells@gazettemagazines.com

3

BucksburnAcademy news P7 Transition Visit On 28th February we were delighted to welcome all the P7 pupils from our feeder primary schools for their first transition day. During a very busy day the pupils were involved in activities to support the development of skills they will need for successful learning at Bucksburn Academy in S1. It was a chance for them to meet their fellow future peers, staff at the school and current Bucksburn pupils.

The day was followed by a very successful P7 parents’ event including a pupil led tour of the school and visit to a number of subject classrooms

Stavanger Visit Also in February a group of 16 pupils and 2 staff took part in a 4 day study visit to a partner school in Stavanger. During

4

a packed programme they were able to find out more about how Science is delivered at the school, ways and methods which enable people to live in a more sustainable way and to share Scottish and Norwegian culture and lifestyles

Now That’s What I Call Careers Advice 17 The Parent Council recently organised a very successful Careers Event which saw over 200 pupils and parents find out more about a number of careers and further education related areas. Partners such as NesCOl, RGU, Aker Solutions, John Clark, ACC and others delivered a series of talks on future opportunities, and getting ready to success in the world of work and further education.

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

Minibus Fund Create Aberdeen is an Aberdeen based registered charity which supports adults with learning disabilities to lead active and fulfilling lives. We run community based, supported activities 5 days per week, within local community centres. Our activities include art, drama, music, photography, sports, and cooking. They are tailored to meet the varying needs of the people attending, and promote independence, skills and confidence. Above all our groups help people make and maintain social relationships and support networks and have fun.

One of the major problems facing people with learning disabilities is access to transport to get them to and from activities. They are often unable to use public transport independently, and rely on expensive taxis. Without access to transport they are at risk of loneliness, isolation and have a poor quality of life.

Create currently provide a minibus service to take people to and from activities and social events. The minibus has served us well, but is old, needs frequent repairs and is not wheelchair accessible, which means wheelchair users cannot access our service.

We are fundraising for a new, wheelchair accessible minibus to ensure we can continue and expand this vital service. Approximate cost of bus plus 1 year’s running costs - £42,000. Our first fund-raiser an Elvis night raised £900! We have a team doing the Kiltwalk on 4th June 2017 and a coffee morning and bake sale in Newmachar on 6th May 2017.

If you can help in anyway please get in touch.

www.createaberdeen.org

MD GARDEN SERVICES GardenDesign Design Garden

TreatedWood Wood Fencing Fencing Treated

Grass Cutting Cutting Border Border Edging Grass Edging ShrubPruning Pruning/Trimming Shrub / Trimming HedgeCutting Cutting Hedge TreeWork Work Tree

Turfing Turfing

Landscaping Landscaping Planting Planting Bark/Chips Bark / ChipsLaid/Supplied Laid /Supplied Garden Clearance/Tidy Garden Clearance /TidyUps Ups.

Liability Insured Competitive Rates Reliable Liability Insured & Friendly Free Estimates Competitive Rates Private &&Friendly Reliable Commercial

Free Estimates Private & Commercial

Mike Duffus Tel: 01224 732872 Mobile: 07742 761 763

Mike Duffus Tel: 01224 732872 Mobile: 07742 761 763 E-mail: mdgardenserv@btinternet.com E-mail: mdgardenserv@btinternet.com

www.gazettemagazines.com t : 07813 964 875

e : kingswells@gazettemagazines.com

5

Kingswells Primary News Digital Schools Award Kingswells School were the first school in Aberdeen and one of only 20 in Scotland to achieve their Digital Schools Award. We found this process to be very friendly and a positive experience. The day Mrs Jelly, the assessor came to school she saw everyday practice and was delighted with the pupils skills and the way technology is embedded within our curriculum. See more about this experience, http://kingswellsprimary. co.uk/2017/02/24/digital-schools-award-winners/ We were fortunate to get picked as members of Kingswells Tech Team to go down to Dundee for the Digital Leader Awards. Some people from other schools did speeches then after that we had cake, shortbread and tablet. The Minister of Technology talked to us about how we need to understand technology when we are older to help us with jobs. We were presented with the plaque and then the Head Teacher showed us around the school. Finally we got filmed by STV.

By Oscar P6 and Georgia P7

Outdoor Learning Sue Thomson, the children’s worker for St Columba’s Church has been delivering sessions on David and Goliath through outdoor learning. Outdoor learning has been a fantastic experience this term. We’ve been learning about the David and Goliath story from the Bible. Our class worked in the woods. We got into groups to put pictures that we found in the woods in the correct order to tell the story. We made Goliath out of things that we found outside like leaves, twigs etc. We paired up and searched around a certain area for cards that had numbers and letters on it and the numbers and letters made the chorus of a song. Next we made our own little song like David did in the Bible. Everyone enjoyed it and hopes that Sue Thomson will come back soon.

By Chiamaka Ekekwe and Lois Argo P5

6

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

Playground Improvements We are always looking for ways to improve our playground and one of our aims was to get better access for the slides in the embankment. We wanted this to be safe and accessible for all but also to be fun to use. This development is now underway and after the Easter holidays pupils will be able to use the new steps and ramp combination. We are very grateful to our PTA for raising the funds for this development.

Eco Pond Cleaning On Thursday 9th of March 2017 the ECO Team went to the Pond. Our aim was to clean it up so that it was a safe environment for us to use again. The pond was very dirty and there was litter scattered around the place. We were given litter pickers and big bags.

I used the litter picker to get the litter that was in the pond. We found a ball which the P7s had been playing with and Alfie had fun trying to get it out of a bush. We saw around ten frogs and lots of frog spawn.

Everyone worked really hard and had a great time cleaning up the pond to get it back to being a safe environment that other pupils can use. I think we did a great job!

By Euan P7SH Kingswells Primary Science Award Kingswells School have been lucky enough to have some of our parents lead a great science club in school with P6 pupils for the past two years. On Friday 24th March they went to Aberdeen Science Centre for the North East Celebration of Engineering and Science. Their fantastic creations included a hydraulic hand, claw and Jack in the Box, an app to support pupils with learning difficulties and a river bed experiment. They did incredibly well and won the title of “Regional Science Club of the Year 2017� We are so proud of our pupils and very grateful to Mrs Murray, Mrs Seethalakshmi and Mrs Kanu for their continued hard work.

Intergenerational Celebration Four of our Primary Six pupils; Sam Gerrie, Sam Cummings, Eve Boyd and Ellie Robb were invited to the Tenth Anniversary Celebration of the Intergenerational Committee at the Town House to give a presentation about the work they have done with Kingsmead. Their talk and movie about how they painted a mural to cheer up the Special Needs ward of Kingsmead was well received. The Lord Provost and many others congratulated them on their work and their positive attitude to helping others. We are very proud of them.

www.gazettemagazines.com t : 07813 964 875

e : kingswells@gazettemagazines.com

7

8

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

We provide an experienced wealth management service and offer specialist advice in a wide range of areas including:

• Investing • Saving • Retirement planning • Pensions • Inheritance Tax planning • Trusts • Mortgages

01224 202443 Email: martin.welsh@sjpp.co.uk Website: www.martinwelsh.co.uk Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage

e

nt ry

Ab

Claire Miller 07734 874 782 thedoghouseaberdeen@hotmail.com www.thedoghouseaberdeen.co.uk

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

Our promise: To provide our customers with the highest standards of quality, efficiency and professionalism

*DOMESTIC*COMMERCIAL* • • • • • •

From boarding in the comfort of my own home to dog sitting in your home, I offer a number of services to care for your beloved dog when you are away.

Fully licenced and insured dog boarder located 1 mile from city centre

Arrange your no-obligation review now

een Carpe rd

Luxury Dog Home Boarding

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

• Custom Made Summer Houses & Sheds • Property Maintenance • Office Refurbishments • Partitions & Suspended Ceilings Cei eilililing ngs ng

Aberdeen Carpentry WORKING TOGETHER

FOR A NO OBLIGATION QUOTE OR ENQUIRIES CONTACT: T: 01224 248247 Les: (M) 07961 557 430 Doug: (M) 07983 744 727 www.aberdeencarpentry.com

50

Y EXP EARS ERIE NC

E

www.gazettemagazines.com t : 07813 964 875

Domestic, Commercial & Industrial Installations ¾Lighting Design & Installation ¾ Additional Sockets, TV & Phone Points ¾Fuse Board Upgrades ¾ Inspection, Testing & Certification ¾ All Aspects of Electrical Maintenance & Repairs

No Job too small! t : 01224 791914 e : info@electro-tek.org.uk www.electro-tek.uk.com

e : kingswells@gazettemagazines.com

9

10

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

The first 40 years ...

From the Tuscan hills, at the tender age of 14, Leo packed his bags and headed down to the coast to study hospitality at the Scuola Alberghiera in Marina di Massa. Following his studies and national service Leo worked his way round Europe. Finding himself in Scotland, he worked for the famous Nardini’s of Largs. It was in Largs that he met Linda and many a romantic tale later, they decided to migrate north in pursuit of a business of their own.

Off they went to Braemar where they kept a little tea room for the summer season. Then onto Aberdeen where they both worked at the Amatola hotel, before Leo moved to Luigi’s. In 1977 they bought it and changed the name to Poldino’s. Leo was just 25! Over the years, as Aberdeen grew, Poldino’s has grown with it; there was the extension of the kitchen in the early 80’s and then the expansion to the second floor, after acquiring the jewellers which sat above the restaurant in the late 80’s.

Throughout all this Leo and Linda found time to raise their family, all of whom have served the restaurant. Leo and Linda feel the reason of their staying power has been the willingness to always try and look after our customers, to continuously try to improve our offerings without reinventing the wheel or following short term trends.

Poldino’s try to source as much foodstuff locally, meat, fish veg etc. but the Italian produce in the early days had to be sourced from London and delivered weekly by courier, hard luck if you forgot something! These days the imported Italian produce is now delivered three times a week - to the door!

They always take their time when employing staff and luckily some have been loyal enough to stay with them for a long time.

Poldino’s doesn’t particularly look for Italian staff (although at present they have six!) just someone willing to follow their ways, will fit in and will do their best for the them.

The customers come from a good cross section of Aberdonians and visitors to the city; they feel this is the reason why they have been able to fare well during the few Oil recessions over the past years. Sadly too many of their original customers are no longer here, but their children and grandchildren continue to frequent the restaurant which is invaluable. The best resource for Poldino’s has been the vicinity to His Majesty’s theatre and the Music Hall, getting good trade from both. In the old days after performances but more recently customers prefer to dine before the shows.

Their son Lee, having served his apprenticeship, now promises to continue their legacy. Lee believes the restaurant has stood the test of time and whatever the future brings and whatever changes are made, the principles laid down in 1977 should always remain at the heart of his work.

The Godinis’ are proud of their time here in Little Belmont Street serving Aberdeen and sharing memories with guests. With the second generation, the next 40 years appear to be taken care of...

Poldino’s 7 Little Belmont Street Aberdeen AB10 1JG t: 01224 647777 www.poldinos.co.uk www.gazettemagazines.com t : 07813 964 875

e : kingswells@gazettemagazines.com

11

12

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

The Kingswells Kindness Challenge Did you know that kindness makes us happier, is good for the heart, slows aging, improves relationships and is contagious?

The practice of being kind creates physical changes in the brain, boosts our self esteem, reduces social anxiety, increases optimism, boosts the production of oxytocin (the “love hormone” which has powerful effects on the heart and arteries), reduces oxidative stress and inflammation. These are the findings of much research and are detailed by Dr David Hamilton PhD in his latest book ‘The Five side Effects of Kindness’.

Our challenge So I want to set the residents of Kingswells a challenge around kindness – Let’s pick a day of the week, say a Monday (isn’t that your favourite day of the week?!), and start your day with the intention to do 3 to 5 random acts of kindness that day. Or of course try it every day! These kind acts can be to your friends and family, total strangers, an animal or indeed for the planet and be anything you like such as making someone a cup of tea, paying for a stranger’s shopping, picking up litter, donating to charity, offering to cut your neighbour’s grass etc. Actively look for opportunities to be kind. The gratitude the recipient feels will then spur them on to do likewise. The only stipulation is that you expect nothing in return. Indeed you can ask any person to whom you’ve been kind to ‘Pay it forward’ and do something helpful or compassionate to another for even more of a ripple effect.

Zumba

Dance fitness for all Only £5 a class Kingswells Public Hall

11 am Sat : Kerry Davidson 07960 454889 7.50pm Wed : Gillian Low 07808 160728 Drop us a text and come join the fun!

Westhill Health & Therapies Practice caring for you from top to toe

At the end of the day, notice how you feel. Are you happier than you normally are on that day of the week? If so, why not keep it going for 6 weeks or more as practice increases the health benefits. Perhaps set this challenge for your kids too? Email Kingswells News to let us know how you get on (kingswells@ gazettemagazines.com).

Gillian Low is a local holistic health enthusiast, qualified Zumba instructor and Reiki practitioner contact: 07808 160728 WW -ad 60x42 no2.pdf 1 21/07/2016

C

M

Y

Podiatrist & Chiropodist (Home Visits Available) Chiropractor; Massage Therapist; Dietitian; Counsellor

07715 612821 info@westwoodjoiners.com

CM

MY

CY

CMY

Westhill Shopping Centre 01224 740885

K www.westhillhealththerapies.co.uk westhillpodiatry@gmail.com

www.gazettemagazines.com t : 07813 964 875

• Kitchens and bathrooms supplied and fitted • Domestic joinery and property maintenance • Reliable, local craftsmen; prompt attention assured • All trades arranged, all work guaranteed

e : kingswells@gazettemagazines.com

13

15:48

CODEWORD 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.

2 10

3

26 7

7 1

16

N

19

24

10 17

6 23

21

14

17

7

4

12

23

6

3 10

3 20

23

21

25

16

11

8

21 12

16

3

16

14

13 8

14

17

&

6

14

8

6

16

6

8

16 16

7

17 21

7

25

15

16

1

21 8

1

22 3

26

D

1

23 21

17

15

12

3

1

15

16

14

1

16 17

10 14

16

16

18

west with style H A I R

19

23 14

9

26

1

21

21 14

21

7

16 16

A

12

16 8

14

12

5 14

23

25 16

4 16

6

15

16

FREE

B E A U T Y

Book your free consultation & receive a Blush Cream to compliment your new look! as part of our New Colour Service Menu

Follow the Salon on Facebook & Instagram for all the latest trends & Salon News

L UNIT 6 ASHDALE DRIVE WESTHILL ABERDEENSHIRE AB32 6LP www.westwithstyle.co.uk

14

TEL 01224 741313/744927

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

Q &A

What inspired you to get into the art of hairdressing?

I started in the hairdressing industry when I was 13, as a Saturday junior, working in the salon my mum used to manage. I loved being around people watching the stylists and decided that this was the career for me. You get to make people look and feel better and are meeting people all the time. It was a chance to be creative with opportunities to advance in the job and keep learning.

Why should my readers come to you instead of “anybody” else?

The staff are trained to an extremely high standard by us and by Wella Professional. We are a Wella concept salon which means all our products and training come from the best in the industry. The salon price ranges with levels of stylist experience so there is an option for everyone to enjoy and experience west.

We use Wella system professional products which are tailored specifically to each individual person by creating a unique energy code.

What can you offer the reader that is unique to you and your salon?

will helps to rejuvenate the scalp, encourage new hair growth and fuller looking hair.

What is the hot tip for hairstyles in 2017?

For 2017 the 80’s seem to be making a bit of a comeback but keeping things a bit looser. Soft undone waves or loose ponytails will be a big hit this year. Braiding will be less formal by teasing them out to give more of a slept-in look and adding in some smaller braids with larger ones for more texture. For gents, keeping the sides in tighter and shorter with the focus being on the fringe area either keeping it short and blunt or more of a longer messy texture.

What celebrity gives you inspiration?

We love watching trends and keeping the salon on trend. We use lots of tools in the salon including Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest, so we can follow the celebrities looks. We take some inspiration from Victoria Beckham’s sleek sharp styles and also Katy Perry’s choice of colours can be inspiring. You can follow us through Facebook and Instagram to keep up-to-date with salon news and the latest trends.

What’s the new hair colour?

I would say that 2016 was all about colour and creating grey ash tones in the hair but for this year although the greys will still be in they will be more focused on enhancing natural grey, the next look will be more smokey colours darker, less washed out and definitely more rose gold tones.

We have a city centre feel to the salon but with the convenience of parking at the door with fantastic shops and cafes nearby. We offer free consultations with the stylists so you can discuss your visit without eating into your appointment time. We also have Marie Souter beauty therapy within the salon specialising in gel nails, waxing and elemis therapies.

So everything is under one roof. We specialise in Nioxin which is specifically designed for people who have concerns with fine or thinning hair.

We use the nioscope camera to take a closer look at the scalp and hair follicles to see which nioxin system

What has the salon got plans for the 12 months?

www.gazettemagazines.com t : 07813 964 875

e : kingswells@gazettemagazines.com

We hope to have more of the stylists entering into competition work and setting their own trends. We will be focusing on training to encourage the new talent coming through. Maybe start doing some photo shoots so we can build our own portfolio of styles to showcase to clients. We have always been focused on helping client’s events, in aid of charity, so we will hopefully be involved with a few again this year.

Questions answered

by Allan Dalgarno west | with | style t: 01224 741313/744927 www.westwithstyle.co.uk

15

Latest News Proposed Football Stadium KCC kept an open mind about Aberdeen Football Club’s proposals until members had waded through the detail of the planning application. We attended many meetings and listened to a wide range of views. In the end, it was clear that the negative impact on our area would be just too great and we formally objected to AFC’s plans. Here is a summary of KCC’s objections: The development plans for Kingsford are a serious breach of planning policy and create a legal precedent for other future departures from the agreed regional and local development plans. The Green Belt land involved is particularly important to the communities of Kingswells and Westhill because it is the last piece of Green Belt that can prevent the coalescence of the two communities and the creation of a development corridor along the A944.

The gaudy external appearance of the stadium is completely unsuited to a semirural area.

The site selection process is flawed and does not adopt an acceptable sequential approach to the

16

Readers are reminded that a full account of Community Council business and other local and Aberdeen news is available on our website at http://www.kwells.org

evaluation of other sites. The need to have all facilities on one site is not an essential requirement – it has been used to minimize costs and manipulate the selection process.

Other sites identified in the regional and local plans have been downplayed.

The perceived economic and community benefits are not unique to the Kingsford site. They would be the same, or even greater, if the development was located on a more central site nearer to the communities and businesses that would benefit most. Moving the facilities to an out-of-town location goes against the principles of the City Centre Masterplan.

The Traffic Assessment provided by Aberdeen Football Club makes quite sweeping assumptions intended to favour the development. It describes modes of travel identified by a survey in which the validity and independence of the source are in question. Even then, it can only show that traffic flows will be noworse than at peak times. The success of the traffic plan depends on commandeering most of thepark-and-ride facilities in the City and Shire, and a supply of buses that exceeds the capacity that is locally available. The vast majority of fans can only get to Kingsford by car or bus. Transport options are less sustainable than for Pittodrie and

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

the carbon footprint will be higher. The Traffic Assessment underestimates the number of cars and buses involved and their impact on other road users. We would request that Aberdeen City Council roads specialists look in detail at the issues we have raised.

KCC accepts that the majority of fans will be well behaved. However, due to the lack of CCTV, it will be much more difficult to monitor crowd behaviour in the Westhill/ Kingswells area than it is in the city centre.

The safety of fans on the busy A944 is a real issue.

The main beneficiary of this development is Aberdeen Football Club, and there is no justification for the detrimental impact it will have on a semi-rural area and the local communities involved. Kingsford is the wrong location for this development, and a suitable alternative should be found using a more rigorous and approved site selection process.

For the above reasons, this planning application should be refused.

KCC reserves the right to comment on any modifications to this planning application.

In total, over 9500 comments were submitted to Aberdeen City Council about the development. This included some 4900 objections, which is unprecedented. Not surprisingly, most of the objections came from Westhill residents and most of the supporting comments from Dons fans. 89% of respondents from Westhill and 78% from Kingswells opposed the plans.

Aberdeenshire Council has objected to the plans. Along with KCC, Westhill & Elrick Community Council has also objected. www.gazettemagazines.com t : 07813 964 875

However, the final decision rests with Aberdeen City Council. it will make the decision some time after the council elections in May. We hope that councillors will be able to cut through all the media hype about the stadium, look at the hard evidence, and consider very carefully the real implications of their decision.

Proposed Retail Park at the Five Mile KCC supported the development of “Prime West” in principle, provided that the scale and layout were appropriate to the area. Next, Boots, Superdrug, JD Sports and Cotswold Outdoor have all expressed interest in the site. However, many of the big retail outlets in Aberdeen have objected to the plans on the grounds that it would take business away from the city centre. In March, councillors were advised by the city planners to refuse the plans on these grounds. Subsequently, Drum Property Group asked the council to defer its decision on the development until a later date.

Images recently published in the Evening Express show a very large car park to the front, poorly screened from the main road.

This excessive visual impact does not meet the conditions that KCC set for approving the development. Prime Four is a high-quality business park. KCC does not want to see the proposed retail extension amount to a collection of large “sheds” unsuited to the surroundings.

Kingswells Bus Service By the time you read this, the X40 and 11 bus services will have gone. Aberdeen City Council intends to provide a partial replacement by extending the 94 service to Kingswells. It currently runs between ARI and the crematorium at Hazlehead. It is not clear when the service will start, but hopefully e : kingswells@gazettemagazines.com

17

it will be on 3rd April to prevent a break in service. The new X94 and 94 service will be temporary until ACC can find a better solution.

A copy of the timetable is included on kwells. org . The X94 will loop the village and the P&R every 15 minutes at peak times and the 94 will loop the village, P&R, Crematorium and ARI every 60-75 minutes off-peak. There will be no evening or weekend services.

KCC welcomes any measure to provide public transport in Kingswells but this cannot be more than a stop-gap. It is unlikely to meet the needs of many existing users who depend on a convenient, reliable and frequent service. With that in mind, KCC wants to conduct a proper survey of existing bus usage in Kingswells.

Where are people travelling to and when?

KCC will share this information with ACC to strengthen the case for a better service.”

It is very important that everyone completes this survey as the existing statistics provided by First Group are questionable. KCC will share the results with Aberdeen City Council.

If you don’t use the bus service, please complete the last question to explain what would need to change to make you use the service.

If you use the bus service into or out of Kingswells please complete the questionnaire on page 17 or the questionnaire is available on the web at http://kwells.org/bus-surveymarch-2017 . Scroll to Pages > Bus Service Use March 2017. Please use the online version if you can as it will save time processing. If you use the paper version please post it in the post box between the notice boards at the community centre, or send it to 3 Corse Avenue, Kingswells, AB15 8TL.

Community Gardening Idea Kingswells Community Council would like to establish a community garden in Kingswells, and is looking for as many people as possible to get involved…. Are you interested in: ● ● ● ● ●

Growing a range of edible and wildlife-attracting plants ?

Meeting like-minded people ?

Learning and sharing new gardening skills ?

Increasing ecological diversity in the area ?

Making Kingswells a more environmentally sustainable place to live ?

If so, please get in touch with Pippa via the contact details below and, once we have an idea of how many people are interested, we can take things forward from there... No previous gardening experience required !

Call/voicemail or text: 07419983142 Email: pmrobertson42@gmail.com Or find us on Facebook: KingswellsCommunityGardening

Service No. ARI Woodend Crematorium X94 X94 X94 X94 X94 X94 X94 X94 X94 94 09:00 (A) 09:10 09:17 94 09:50 10:00 10:07 94 11:02 11:12 11:19 94 12:16 12:26 12:33 94 13:30 13:40 13:47 94 14:42 14:52 14:59 94 16:00 (A) 16:10 16:17 X94 X94 X94 X94 X94 X94 X94 X94 X94 A - Journey will terminate at Kingswells Park and Ride

P&R 06:25 06:40 06:55 07:10 07:25 07:40 07:55 08:10 08:25 09:25 10:15 11:27 12:41 13:55 15:07 16:25 16:41 16:56 17:11 17:26 17:41 17:56 18:10 18:25 18:46

Derbeth Grange 06:31 06:46 07:01 07:16 07:31 07:46 08:01 08:16 08:31 09:31 10:21 11:33 12:47 14:01 15:13 16:31 16:48 17:03 17:18 17:33 17:48 18:03 18:17 18:32 18:53

TIMETABLE

P&R 06:38 06:53 07:08 07:23 07:38 07:53 08:08 08:23 08:38 09:38 10:28 11:40 12:54 14:08 15:20 16:38 16:54 17:09 17:24 17:39 17:54 18:09 18:23 18:38 18:59

Crematorium 10:40 11:52 13:06 14:20 15:32 -

X94 Kingswells Shuttle Service | 94 Crematorium Service (ARI – Kingswells P&R)

ARI 10:59 12:13 13:25 14:39 15:51 -

X17 Connections: Outbound – journeys arriving from Aberdeen City Inbound – journeys departing towards Aberdeen City

Woodend 10:49 12:03 13:15 14:29 15:41 -

X17 Connections @ Kingswells P&R X17 X17 (Outbound) (Inbound) 06:19 06:43 06:58 06:42 07:13 06:57 07:28 07:12 07:43 07:27 07:56 07:42 08:13 07:57 08:28 08:12 08:43 09:12 09:38/09:51 10:01 10:36 11:16 11:51 12:31 13:06 13:46 14:21 15:01 15:21 16:24 16:52 16:39 17:07 16:54 17:22 17:09 17:37 17:24 17:52 17:39 18:07 17:54 18:22 18:05 18:37 18:20 18:52 18:44 19:16

Service X94 - Kingswells Shuttle Service Service 94 - ARI to Kingswells P&R (via Woodend Terminus, Aberdeen Crematorium and Kingswells Village)

Adult Single: £0.70 Child Single: Adult Return: £1.00 Child Return: National Entitlement Card Holders: Free

All other journeys will be charged as follows: £0.35 £0.50

Passengers travelling between Kingswells Village and Kingswells P&R will travel free of charge.

FARES

Service 94 – ARI to Kingswells P&R ARI Bus Port – Foresterhill Road – Westburn Road – Anderson Drive – Kings Gate – Queens Road – Skene Road – Aberdeen Crematorium – Skene Road – A944 – C89C – Kingswells P&R - Kingswood Drive – Kingswells Crescent – C89C – Kingswood Drive – Kingswells P&R. *Stopping Points: ARI Bus Port, Woodend Terminus, Skene Road (at Aberdeen Crematorium), Crematorium Road (Hail & Ride), Kingswells P&R, all bus stops on Kingswood Drive and Kingswells Crescent.

Service X94 – Kingswells Shuttle Service Kingswells P&R – Kingswood Drive – Kingswells Crescent – C89C – Kingswood Drive – Kingswells P&R All bus stops on route recognised

ROUTE

Service X94 - Kingswells Shuttle Service Service 94 - ARI to Kingswells P&R (via Woodend Terminus, Aberdeen Crematorium and Kingswells Village)



Garden View Blooming Baskets!

It’s hanging basket season! They can be a source of delight but also a source of stress.

It’s easy for a hanging basket to fail badly. Too sparsely filled and they look bedraggled. Too little water and death is swift!

The secret to growing a successful basket lays both in the way it’s planted but also in sensible aftercare.

Plant the basket with bedding plants at the beginning of May but don’t plant them out for a couple of weeks, especially if you live in a more exposed area. Instead give them some shelter in a porch, or unheated greenhouse, or even under polythene at the side of the house. This allows the new plants to grow and toughen up a little before they are hung in their final position.

Check that your bracket and chains for signs of rust and also check that the bracket is securely fixed to the wall. Hanging baskets are extremely heavy, especially when they are wet and you really don’t want your lovingly-planted orb of flowers to be deposited unceremoniously all over the floor!

Planting is easiest if you balance the basket on a large flowerpot or bucket. Fibrous liners help to retain water and look nicer than polythene. For extra moisture retention place a circle of polythene in the base of the basket before filling with soil.

The best planting medium is soilless multi-purpose compost, mixed with water-retaining granules. Place a layer of compost in the base of the basket and push the first layer of plants through. Trailing plants such as lobelia, bidens and ivy-leafed pelargoniums look lovely but you can be as creative as you like. Water the plants in their containers before planting them and squeeze the rootball firmly to make it small enough to push though the mesh from the outside. Plant quite densely and gradually build up layers of plants and soil. When it’s full to within 3 cm of the rim you can plant up the top with more upright, compact bushy plants like begonias, petunias and pelargoniums.

Make sure your basket never dries out. It will be reliant on you for all water and nutrition. If you water it at least once a day and feed with dilute tomato fertilizer once a week I promise it will be blooming basket in the best possible way.

Happy gardening

By Rachael Leverton

22

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

aberdeen area tree services landscaping garden design, fencing: supply, install, repair decking + construction removed, cut, pruned or replace demolition & removal of sheds/garages | pest control - wasps, rabbits, pigeons + roe deer | all services available for commercial + domestic

call george williams for excellent service and rates in aberdeen area :

m-07803 697 580 | t-01224 312611 |184 broomhill road, aberdeen (est 1988)

VANS 2 U @ DRUMOAK GARAGE VAN & TIPPER HIRE GARAGE NOW OPEN FOR CAR & VAN REPAIRS & SERVICING

Mark Crawford: 07738 857412/01330 811012

NINTH PAGE ADVERT

the oven valet oven cleaners

service with a sparkle*

Single Issue £29 Three Issue £81 Six Issues £126

07813964875 mail@

gazettemagazines.com

• Plastering • Taping • Tiling • Artexing • Cornice Work

• Contract and Private

Abby Birnie:

01330 823079 07920 483 233

www.theovenvalet.com info@theovenvalet.com

www.gazettemagazines.com t : 07813 964 875

34 Clova Park Kingswells T: 01224 744174 M: 07950 736734 E: abbybirnie@yahoo.co.uk

e : kingswells@gazettemagazines.com

23

Kingswells Parish Church It might be said that we are living in troubled and unsettling times: this might be true.

Attacks on our democratic ideals, unending conflict in the Middle East, disagreement about Scotland’s future constitutional position, Brexit and what it will mean for all our futures, poverty and famine in north east Africa – all of these issues bear down heavily on peoples’ day to day life, their hopes, their expectations and their fears. Yet we observe that there is also much good in the world; there are heroic responses to appalling acts of violence, devoted service and caring in the NHS, the protection of our safety by the police, security services and firemen, neighbourly acts of kindness and caring in our community and immense generosity expressed through charitable giving. Our lives are part of all of this and because there are so few ways that we can make a difference we so often feel impotent because we cannot make the changes for the better that we wish for and know are needed.

As Christians, reflections of this nature are a natural and important focus of our thoughts during Lent when we take time to face up to the realities of life, our shortcomings and how we might change things for the better not only in our own lives but also for others.

We remember how Jesus spent time in the wilderness contemplating his future and how he would have to face up to the ‘cross’ and what God expected of him; how he spoke with God and sought his strength and love to uphold him during his agony and despair. It is the same for us but with also a difference. Jesus died for us that our wrongdoings and our misdeeds would

24

be forgiven, and he rose from the dead that we might see a way to do things differently, that through love and compassion for one another we have the means of creating a better life for all human kind. Easter is a celebration of the resurrection and life of Jesus and an opportunity for us to renew our faith in him. As Christians we believe that through faith and prayer and sacrifice we can make a difference.

We wish all in the community a very happy Easter! Come and join us on Easter Sunday at 11.00am to celebrate Easter! Our Locum Minister, Rev Norry McIver will be leaving us on that day. We have much appreciated his care of our members and congregation during his time with us. We wish him and his wife Irene all the best for the future.

On Sunday 7 May our Minister, Rev Alisa MacDonald will return from maternity leave. We look forward very much to welcoming her back As always we welcome all to our services of worship and praise. Our services continue each Sunday at 11.00am For further information visit our Web Site http://www.kingswellschurch.com The following services will take place over the coming months.

Easter Sunday 16 April with Celebration of Holy Communion at 11.00am Sunday 23 April with our Interim Moderator Rev Ewen Gilchrist at 11.00am Sunday 23 April Short Service at Kingsmead Nursing Home at 2.30pm Sunday 30 April An Elder Led Service at 11.00am Sunday 7 May With our Minister Rev Alisa MacDonald at 11.00am

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

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 ...in Little Belmont Street generally more available in We have been serving fine italian cuisine since 1977.

Extensive à la cartethe menu for lunch and dinner. evenings.

CUMMING FIRE & SECURITY Ltd

07817-749943

Tel: Email cfs.ltd@dial.pipex.com FREE ADVICE & QUOTATIONS EVENING SURVEYS AVAILABLE Intruder Alarm Systems, Wired or Wireless Fire Alarm Systems, Wired or Wireless Fire Extinguishers & Blankets Electrical Work - All Types Smoke & Heat Alarms Portable Appliance Testing CCTV & Door Entry Systems Window & Door Lock Replacement.

Safes and Cabinets Safety Signs & Equipment

For Peace of Mind At Work or Home - Call Us Now

A little bit of Italy...

5 minutes walk from His Majesty’s Theatre and Music Hall – special lunch and pre-theatre menus.

Please call Adventure Aberdeen if you wish to have a look at the room and establish exact costs 7 Little Belmont Street | Aberdeen | AB10 1JG 01224 270990

Freshly baked home mode home made pizzas with lashings of toppings.

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!

Gift Vouchers Available

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

of Italy...

A little bi A little Abitlittle of bit Italy...

www.poldinos.co.uk

...

in Little Belmont Street

...in Little Belmon

We have been serving fine Italian cuisine since 1977.

...in Little Belmont Street

Extensive à la carte menu for lunch and dinner.

5 minutes walk from His Majesty’s Theatre and Music Hall been serving fine italian cu We have

- special lunch and1977. pre-theatre menus.

Extensive à la carte menu for lunch We have been serving fine italian cuisine since baked home-made pizzas with lashings of toppings.

Extensive à la carte menu forFreshly lunch and dinner.

5 minutes walk from His Majesty’s T Tender pasta dishes full of tasty ingredients and luscious cream – special lunch and pre-theatre men

sauces.

Seafood, 5 minutes walk from His Majesty’s Theatre andprime Musicsteaks, Hall chicken dishes, all with that extra touch of genius which is true Italian cooking!

– special lunch and pre-theatre menus.

Freshly baked home mode home m

Open Monday to Saturday 12 noon to 2.30pm and 5.30pm to 10.15pm Tender pasta dishes full of tasty ingr

steaks, chicken dishes, all with that e Freshly baked home mode home made pizzas with lashings of toppings.

01224 647777 Tender pasta dishes full of tasty ingredients and luscious cream sauces. Seafood, prime 7 Little Belmont Street | Aberdeen | AB10 1JG Open Monday to Saturday: 12 n steaks, chicken dishes, all with that extra touch of genius which is true Italian cooking!

40

www.poldinos.co.uk 7 Little Belmont Street 1977 - celebrating 40 years - 2017

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

www.gazettemagazines.com t : 07813 964 875

25 www.poldinos

e : kingswells@gazettemagazines.com

7 Little Belmont Street | Aberdeen | AB10 1JG

| A

Community Centre Program: Monday Kids Yoga (Upstairs) 9.30-10.00 Indoor Bowling 10.00-12.00 Coffee & Conversation 10.30-11.30 Private Hire 12.00-12.45 Alison Football: Pre-School 2.00-2.30 Gentle Exercise 2.30-3.30 Alison Football: P1-2 3.30-4.15 Girl Guiding Assoc 5.30-6.30 Girl Guiding Assoc 6.30-7.45 Badminton (71 club) 8.00-10.00

Tuesday Kingswells Parent & Toddlers 9.30-11.30 Buggy Fitness (Upstairs) 10.30-11.30 Private Hire 11.30-12.45

Kids Rock (Upstairs) 1.30-2.30 Private Hire 2.30-3.15 Alison Football: P1-2 3.30-4.15 Beavers 5.00-6.00 Tang So Doo -Hall 6.00-7.00 Badminton (Adults) 7.00-9.00

Wednesday **OPENS AT 12.45pm (due to Maintenance)** Private Hire 1.30-3.15 Zumba Gold 3.15-4.00 Dancentre: Ballet 4.30-5.10 Dancentre: Teens Hip Hop 5.20-6.10 Marie Law Pilates: Beginners 5.30-6.30 Marie Law Pilates: Improvers 6.30-7.30 Dancentre: Adults Dance Workout 6.30-7.30

Westhill Fencing and Decking Decorative /security garden fencing; Lap panel fencing; Storm damage repairs and replacement; Wooden gates, steps, handrails and trellising; Bespoke garden decking designed and built.

Over 15 years experience. Quality workmanship, reliable service, competitive pricing

Contact Roger Benton on 01224 791646 or 07711 501 795 thehandymancan@hotmail.co.uk 26

Thursday Kingswells Parent & Toddlers 9.30-11.30 Walking Group 10.30-11.30 Private Hire 11.45-12.45 Whist Club (Upstairs) 1.50-3.50 Bible Club (Upstairs) 6.15-7.15 Girl Guiding Assoc 6.00-7.00 Girl Guiding Assoc 7.00-9.00

Friday Alison Football: Pre-School 9.30-10.00 Community ART GROUP: 10.00-12noon Private Hire 10.45-12.45 Alison Football: Pre-School Plus 2.002.45 Library (every second week) 2.50-3.50

Ian Wilson Football P3-P4 4.00-5.00 Ian Wilson Football P1-P2 5.00-6.00 Girl Guiding Assoc 6.00-7.15 Cubs 7.30-9.00

Saturday Dancentre: Preschool Ballet 9.00-9.30 Dancentre: Preschool Ballet 9.30-10.00 Dancentre: P1 Ballet 10.00-10.40 Dancentre: Grade 1 Jazz 10.40-11.20 Dancentre: P2 Ballet 11.20-12.00 Dancentre: P3 Ballet 11.20-12.00

Sunday City Church Kingswells 11.00-12.30 Nerf Wars (2nd Sunday each Month) 2.30-4.30

Local business.

Fully insured.

All trades available.

Timed appointments.

Free estimates.

Ltd

Prompt emergency repairs.

Property maintenance & development

Tel. 01224 315558 or 07789 555296 or email umax@live.co.uk www.gazettemagazines.com t : 07813 964 875

e : kingswells@gazettemagazines.com

27

Webster Park Program Monday Teenybeats 9.45-10.45 Just Dance: Hip Hop Boys 3.30-4.00 Just Dance: Jazz Lv1 4.00-5.45 Just Dance: Tap Adult Intermediate 7.30-8.45

Tuesday Baby Sensory 9.00-4.30 Marie Law Pilates - Intermediate 5.30-6.30 Highland Dance - Senior 8.00-9.00

Wednesday Just Dance: Mini Mover 3-4 yrs 9.30-10.15 Just Dance: Mini Mover 22mths-2yrs 10.20-11.00 Just Dance: Pre-school 3.30-4.25 Just Dance: Tap Beginners 4.40-5.30 Just Dance: Hip Hop Boys 5.40-6.30 Just Dance: Jazz Adults 7.30-9.00

Thursday Buggy Fitness - Claire Flett 10.00-11.00

Just Dance: Jazz & Tap Lv1 3.30-5.15 Just Dance: Jazz & Tap Lv3 5.15-7.00 Just Dance: Tap Adult Advanced 7.45-9.00

Friday Gillians' Pilates 9.30-10.30 Gillians' Pilates 10.30-11.30 Just Dance: Jazz Beginners 3.30-4.15 Just Dance: Jazz & Tap Lv2 4.15-6.00 Just Dance: Tap & Jazz Lv5 6.00-8.00

Saturday Highland Dance - Junior Intermediate 10.15-11.15 Highland Dance - Junior Beginners 10.30-11.15 Outdoor Football - School (CHANGING ROOMS) 9.30-11.30 Outdoor Football - Continental/Postal (CHANGING ROOMS) 1.00-4.00

Ann Perrott is participating in the Edinburgh 'Ride the Night' challenge to raise funds for CLAN. If you'd like to read her story & donate please visit: http://www.justgiving.com/Ann-Perrott

Hello, have I got your attention?

This space could be working for YOU and YOUR company.

As little as £52 for one issue As little as £150 for three issues As little as £234 for six issues

Call or email 07813 964 875

kingswells@gazettemagazines.com 28

Let Me Bring the Spa to You! Depilation, Eye Treatments, Tanning, Make-up, Manicure/Pedicure, Facial Therapy, Body Treatments + Group Pampering

No parking hassles + No time restraints = Just time for you!

Be You Allie Gregory-Blackett (tiful) Msc, BSc (Hons), PgDip, NVQ2 & GCMT

By Allie. For you.

Mobile Beauty Therapist

t: 07813 091 752

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

Chocolate

Fondant Tart

Preparation time: 45 mins (plus chilling time) Cooking time: 30 mins Serves: 6-8 Ingredients Pastry 100g/3½oz plain flour 50g/1¾oz icing sugar 50g/1¾oz chilled butter, diced Yolk from 1 large egg 1 tbsp water Filling 100g/3½oz butter 150g/5½oz dark chocolate (70%) 150g/5½oz golden caster sugar 75g/3oz plain flour 6 medium eggs To serve Icing sugar Strawberries or raspberries Cream

tin with the pastry. Pop it into the fridge to chill for a further 15 minutes.

You now need to blind-bake the pastry. To do this prick the base of the pastry with a fork then line the pastry case with a circle of greaseproof paper and fill with baking beans (these are ceramic beads, but you can use lentils or dried beans if you don’t have any). Bake the pastry for 10 minutes, or until just lightly golden-brown, then remove the paper and the beans and return the tart to the oven to cook for a further 5-7 minutes, or until golden-brown and dried out.

For the filling

Method For the pastry Place the flour and icing sugar in a large bowl. Rub in the butter with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.

Add the egg yolk and water and mix quickly so that it comes together to form a firm dough. Wrap in cling film and leave to rest in the fridge for about 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 200C/ Gas 6 (180C fan).

Dust the work surface with flour and then roll out the pastry to form a circle about 5cm/2in larger than your flan tin. Line the www.gazettemagazines.com t : 07813 964 875

Melt the butter in a medium pan over a low heat, then add the chocolate and stir until melted, smooth and glossy. Remove from the heat and beat in the sugar and flour, then beat in the eggs, one at a time.

Place the pastry case on a baking tray. Pour the chocolate mixture into the pastry case, filling it almost to the top then place in the oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until just set around the edges and still slightly wobbly in the centre.

Remove from the oven. You can serve it warm with raspberries or strawberries, or allow it to cool and dust with icing sugar.

e : kingswells@gazettemagazines.com

29

Collections About a third of people in the UK own a collection.

From water colour miniatures to novelty pens, people like to collect things - but why? Well there isn’t one reason. For some, like football fans who collect club memorabilia, it is a way to express their loyalty; for others, like a coin collector who is proud of a rare find, it can become an obsession. You don’t even have to collect something physical: train spotters collect engine numbers and information.

Humans are unique in the way we collect items purely for the satisfaction of seeking out and owning them. It’s thought that we started to collect things as early as 12,000 years ago, when our ancestors ceased their nomadic lifestyles and settled in one location. There is much speculation about why we collect, yet little agreement between scientists.

It’s true some people collect items like fine art or wine as investments, but the vast majority of collections are not actually worth a lot. There are a couple of interesting theories. One is a phenomenon called the endowment effect, which describes our tendency to value things more once we own them. The other is the concept of contagion, and this applies particularly to celebrity items because some collectors see such objects as being infused with the essence of the person who owned them.

Collecting can be an absorbing and fun hobby, and can be a good way to make likeminded friends. There are online communities for chatting about your collection. There are also be meet-ups where you can swap or buy additions.

To start a collection choose something that is meaningful to you and works with your budget. I have one friend who collects silly limericks, which cost her nothing, and another who collects aesthetically pleasing glass objects, which can set her back several hundred pounds. Both get great pleasure from their hobby. The choice of things to collect is limitless…so what are you waiting for?

By Sarah Davey

30

QUARTER PAGE ADVERT

1 Issue £60 3 Issues £171 6 Issues £264 Why not spread the cost over 12 months - 6 issues of the magazine for only £29 a month...

Kick start your new business in the Kingswells Community News

07813 964 875

kingswells@gazettemagazines.com

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

Pensions vs ISAs – what is the best long-term saving route?

Pensions are considered to be an effective way of saving money nowadays.

As there is immediate unlimited access to pension funds from the age of 55, many people may now be thinking about choosing their pension over more traditional saving options, such as ISAs. Another reason people may be inclined towards transferring their existing

ISA savings into a pension plan is that they are, unlike ISAs, free of inheritance tax should a death occur.

ISAs are still a valuable saving option for many, especially those that may need access before age 55.

Despite this, pensions are still likely to outperform ISAs in most situations, as 25% of the fund is taxfree and they also benefit from tax relief on member contributions.

It is worth noting that investments can go up or down at any time and may end up being worth less than what was initially paid

www.gazettemagazines.com t : 07813 964 875

in. Speak to your financial advisor to discuss the best options for investing your savings.

For independent financial advice on pensions and ISAs, contact Phil Anderson Financial Services at one of our local offices.

Aberdeen - 01224 900879 Ellon - 01358 268166 Aboyne - 013398 85685

e : kingswells@gazettemagazines.com

31

News from Councillor Delaney...

Well Spring has sprung, the daffodils are out and the clocks have jumped forward.

The longer days are upon us, the lambs are in the fields and it’s absolutely freezing today…… Well, you can’t have everything!

Dare I mention the buses? Well, it’s going to be really challenging for many people to get to and from work. Many people will need to leave earlier in order to make connections at either the P&R or ARI. For others, especially shift workers, the buses just don’t start early enough or run late enough.

There’s also the fact that residents can’t easily get into the city centre for a meal, a night out or a theatre show. Meeting friends for a catch up, going to medical appointments, getting to school (other than the zoned schools) and university, these are all things we used to take for granted. And of course the roads will be much busier as anyone who has a car and can park at work will do so out of necessity.

It’s vital that this No 94 service does not become the accepted norm and we get a more usable service up and running as soon as possible. In my view this needs to start earlier in the morning and run 7 days a week including evenings and that will be the position I will continue to pursue.

Kingswells Community Council are to carry out a survey to gather information about how many people use the buses, at what times of day, to which destinations. The results of this will provide an evidence base to feed into further discussions with Aberdeen City Council on the longer term solution. Can I please ask everyone to complete the survey to assist your

32

Community Council in this task?

Another recurrent theme is of course the poor broadband speeds in the Wellside, Concraig and Derbeth areas. However, not everything in the garden is rosy outwith this area. I was recently contacted by a resident of the new Dandara houses off Fairley Road, an area which has fibre, allegedly! He could not get connected as Openreach had failed to cater for any increase in demand in the area. Right next to a site with approval for 130 new homes!

Can you credit this?

In my ultimate wisdom I decided to upgrade to fibre a couple of months ago. As a result I was left without a landline twice in one week and had no broadband for a week, so I know what it’s like to be cut off, if only for a short time. Please rest assured I have had ongoing dialogue with both Aberdeen City Council and the Scottish Government in recent months on how best to progress fibre upgrades in the Wellside, Concraig and Derbeth areas. This remains work in progress at this point in time.

On a completely different note, the layout of the Kingswells roundabout continues to raise safety concerns. The hatched area has once again been raised as an issue but also the use of three narrow lanes within the roundabout, making it impossible for large vehicles to stay in lane whilst negotiating the roundabout. Several people have reported near misses but thankfully there have been no collisions as far as I am aware.

The whole operation of the roundabout has been a cause for concern since it first opened. At that time I persuaded council officers to improve signage and

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

road markings but I’m not convinced this has gone far enough, especially for anyone unfamiliar with the roundabout.

As a result, the approaches to the roundabout were monitored with video cameras a few months ago. Many hours of footage are currently being assessed and this will no doubt take some time.

Hopefully it will shed some light on the operation of the road layout and its impact on driver behaviour, leading to some recommendations on how it can be improved.

Finally, concerns have been raised with me regarding the design of the “part pedestrianised” section of Broad Street from the point of view of access for disabled people. There are very few disabled parking spaces, no pedestrian crossings and the area makes use of

shared surfaces. In addition, the materials intended to delineate the different sections do not work for partially sighted people.

Needless to say I have raised these matters with the council’s Chief Executive.

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

- 48 hour turn around - Collecting Mon / Weds / Fri 7pm to 8:30pm - Items returned on hangers and poly wrapped - Gents items £1.05 Ladies £0.85 all laundered textiles ironed ( for full price list please visit my web site or visit me on Facebook 'Milltimber Ironing Service') - Invoices emailed and payment by bank transfer or cheque

Call Jill on 07888680951 www.milltimberironingserviceaberdeen.co.uk

www.gazettemagazines.com t : 07813 964 875

e : kingswells@gazettemagazines.com

33

Kingswells Community Art Group Come along to our recently formed community art group and enjoy creating art in a media of your choice.

You will find a warm welcome whatever your level of ability in art. All you need to bring along are the materials you wish to work with, or just come along if you are a beginner and we will get you started.

We meet on Friday mornings from 10 am12 noon in the upper room of the Kingswells Community Centre.

For more information email Valerie at hudvalj@btinternet.com

Indoor Carpet Bowling 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

Whist at Kingswells

Do you enjoy a game of cards? Then come along to the Kingswells Community Centre on Thursday afternoons from 2 to 4 pm for a friendly game of Whist. Any queries to Helen: 01224 744429

Aberdeen City Libraries @ Kingswells Community Centre Aberdeen City Libraries deliver a fortnightly service to the Kingswells community on Fridays from 2.50 pm to 3.50 pm in the hall at Kingswells Community Centre on Kingswells Avenue.

A selection of books and DVDs, suitable for all ages, are available for loan and library staff are on hand to answer enquiries and assist with reading choices. Reservations may be placed for stock that is not on display. Theme events will take place at libraries throughout the holidays; further details are available at www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/Library For further info : Home Service Library tel. 01224 498930 34

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

Mark McDonald MSP for Aberdeen Donside Spring has been a busy time in my office with a lot of work being done to try and resolve ongoing issues in my constituency, including the problem of bus services in and out of Kingswells. Over the past few months I have met with the heads of First Bus and Stagecoach to ensure all options are being discussed and explored before any transport provisions are taken from the area. I was disappointed when Stagecoach announced they would not take over axed Firstbus service routes in Kingswells and met with the company soon after that announcement. It has become clear to me that Aberdeen City Council must recognise that if commercial bus companies will not provide services to the community, then a council-run option must be seriously considered for a long term solution, particularly when other areas of the city have seen supported bus routes put in place at the request of Labour/Tory administration councillors over the past five years.

Another ongoing issue which I was delighted to see progress on is that of incredibly slow internet speeds in Kingswells. I was delighted to welcome the news that funding from the Aberdeen City Deal with the Scottish and UK Government will go toward infrastructure improvements specifically to bring ultra-fast internet connections to residents in this community. My office has been very active in addressing this issue, having previously carried

out a mass survey across the community on the matter as well as having held a public meeting about it in the village. I will continue to ensure residents are kept informed of developments.

We previously discovered that super-fast fibre broadband was “not viable” in some areas of Kingswells due to insufficient infrastructure to support it which led to BT insisting the move to upgrade connectivity would not be commercially viable. I urged the City Council to invest funds from the Scottish Government, earmarked for digital transformation, in advanced technologies to support the implementation of fibre connections and has since been assured that “gap analysis” undertaken has revealed Kingswells will be earmarked for broadband infrastructure improvements. Only around 5% of homes in Scotland present a difficult challenge to the SNP’s ambition to install super-fast broadband across the country, but with progress like this being made it is clear that we are on the right track to getting everyone up to speed.

As well as all of the exciting developments across the constituency, I am pleased to say my office has moved to our premises at Unit 12, Mastrick Shopping Centre, Greenfern Place, Aberdeen and our telephone number has stayed the same at 01224 789 457. Our new office has much better parking facilities than our previous home by the Haudagain, and we are open between 9:30am and 4:30pm Monday to Friday. Please pop in and say hello, and don’t hesitate to get in touch with anything you need our help with.

Wake up to make-up on?

» Fed up having to pencil in your brows? » Are you suffering from hair loss (ie alopecia or any other condition)? » Or would you simply like to cover an old discoloured brow tattoo?

Phibrows Microblading is the solution

Phone and book with Jelena 07512 762 431 or 01224 594 777 Beautex Micropigmentation PMU & Beauty Studio 89 Gray Street, Aberdeen www.gazettemagazines.com t : 07813 964 875

e : kingswells@gazettemagazines.com

35

Internationally Acclaimed Artist Tom Hammick Revealed as the Artist behind the Front Cover of North-East Literary Magazine North-East Scotland’s literary magazine and Scottish charity, Pushing Out the Boat, has been gifted the use of a prize-winning image for the front cover of its 14th edition, which will be launched on 30th April.

Internationally acclaimed and 2016 V&A winner Tom Hammick has donated the use of his print, ‘Violetta and Alfredo’s Escape’, which was inspired by his time as artist in residence at English National Opera (ENO).

Tom Hammick is a British artist based in East Sussex; in 2016, he completed an Artist Residency at Peacock Visual Arts, Aberdeen, where he is currently printing new editions. A senior lecturer in Fine Art, Painting and Printmaking at the University of Brighton, Visiting Lecturer Fine Art at University of Ulster, and at NSCAD University, his work can be found amongst many of the world’s major public and corporate collections.

Kingswells SWI February - Hazel Irvine Fortesque from Maryculter gave a talk and demonstration on basket making using willow. She explained the process of conditioning the willow to be used for weaving and demonstrated how to weave a basket.

Hazel brought along a selection of her lovely finished work.

Competition winners February A Wrapped Box : 1st M Hamilton 2nd M Sheran 3rd C Shand Valentine Shortbreads : 1st M Anderson 2nd M Farquhar 3rd H Grinstead March - President Kathleen Hendry introduced Joan Anderson who gave a talk on the history of Balmoral Castle, the

36

estate, Ballater and the surrounding area.

Joan also told members some local stories and recited a poem and presented her talk in period costume. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the evening.

Competition winners March Painted stone 1st equal H Grinstead & A Mitchell 3rd N Campbell.

Rocky Roads 1st H Grinstead 2nd A Mitchell 3rd M Bruce.

Meetings are held in the Kingswells Church Hall on the second Tuesday of the month.

New Members welcome.

We are having an open night on Tuesday 9th May 2017 @ 730pm McGowans Jewellery Through the Ages Tickets £5 each including tea & homebakes.

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

Pushing Out the Boat is a journal of new writing and visual art, run by volunteers, and features work from both established and first-time published writers, local and international.

Recognising the importance of the many forms of Scots language to local culture and heritage, the magazine includes short stories and poems in Scots and, importantly, in Doric.

The Team at Pushing Out the Boat is excited about the upcoming edition, which is the fourteenth since 2000. They take pride in being a home for new writing and art and providing North-East Scotland with a literary and art journal to be proud of. The voluntary team are honoured to have been gifted use of the image by Tom Hammick for this edition, not least as an acknowledgment of the quality of the publication.

Of the print, Tom said: “Violetta and Alfredo’s Escape was inspired by a residency I had as artist in residence at ENO. This woodcut came from listening and watching their production of Traviata many times. I wanted to give Violetta a break, and somehow enable her and Alfredo to at least attempt to escape from the cruelty and stringent morals of the bourgeois society that separated them. Here they are in suburban bliss, somewhere I imagine upstream on the Thames!”

The team is extremely proud of the magazine and its place in local society. Its distinctive ‘blind selection’ process for choosing from submissions ensures a lack of favouritism – work is selected on merit alone. The magazine’s supporters and contributors say that, from its earliest days, it has welcomed a unique blend of artistic approaches and inspirations. Pushing Out the Boat is a tribute to the North East.

www.pushingouttheboat.co.uk

LOW WINTER SUN? PRESCRIPTION SUNGLASSES FROM ONLY £109 COMPLETE 5 The Courtyard, Cults, Aberdeen ab15 9sd

www.scottgilmouroptometrists.co.uk

info@sgoptom.co.uk 01224 863344 www.gazettemagazines.com t : 07813 964 875

e : kingswells@gazettemagazines.com

37

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

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

Rotary International Would you like to be part of an organisation which supports the needs of communities locally, nationally and internationally?

If so, becoming a member of Westhill & District Rotary Club could be the thing for you.

We are involved with organising Young Musician and Young Speaker competitions, Youth Leadership camps, Senior Citizens Christmas dinner as well as other activities.

We are also involved in various local galas and assist at some Highland Games. Wherever there is a disaster (eg earthquakes overseas, flooding at home) the Rotary family supplies aid.

Membership of our Club is open to any person regardless of age, sex or creed. The only requirement is a desire to be of service in the community. Whilst most of our members come from Westhill a number come from the wider District. Look at our Website and Facebook pages to find out more.

If what we do is of interest then get in touch, you would be made most welcome. Service, Fellowship and Fun are the bywords.

We meet every week, 6.15pm on a Thursday, at the Broadstraik Inn in Westhill.

Contact person is Colin Currie – currie811@ btinternet.com, 01224 741546, 07712 531649

38

Orlando Villa Haven T: 01224 747855 Luxury 4 bedroom villa with pool and spa 15 mins from Disney World Take a virtual tour at: orlandovillahaven.com 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.

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 contact numbers are 01224 323925 and 01224 318075.

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

HOSTING A SPECIAL OCCASION? We now have a dedicated private room that has been refurbished to the highest of standards and is perfect for hosting your celebratory meals, business gatherings or private events.

Our experience team will work closely with you to ensure your events runs exactly as you wish whilst providing you with the best Scottish hospitality.

TO ENQUIRE ABOUT THE SMIDDY PRIVATE ROOM PLEASE CALL US ON 01224 740 318 OR EMAIL INFO@FOURMILE.CO.UK

www.gazettemagazines.com t : 07813 964 875

e : kingswells@gazettemagazines.com

39

Are you concerned with ageing skin; hyperpigmentation or acne?

Find out how our advanced treatments can accelerate and intensify your results...

ÂŁ10 OFF

until 31 May 2017

BOOK YOUR TREATMENT TODAY!

(Free consultation must be done first to assess suitability.)

Call Jenny : 01224 594777 or text : 07843 054 393 89 Gray Street, Aberdeen www.kumikobeauty.co.uk Please do mention Kingswells Community News when responding to advertisers - thank you