LOCAL NEWS DEDICATED TO YOUR COMMUNITY
Autumn Edition 2010
In this Issue: Acting Up - Drama Group Poets’ Corner Gala Day Vandalism - Shattering Lives The Big Question
Autumn Edition 2010
Contents 1
Riverbank School
2
Vandalism Report
3
Community News Neighbourhood Watch
4
St Machar Learning Partnership
5
Drama Club
Editorial
6&7 TYP 8
Community Success Stories
9
Woodlands Community Ranger
10 Halloween or Bonfire Night? 11 Police Update 12 Over 50’s Walking Group 13 Community News 14 SHMU Update
Back left to right: Anton, Yvette, Sofia, Elise, Alina, Denise, Helen, Front: Karen, Erica, Christine
Welcome to your Winter edition of Tilly Tattle. None of us on the editorial team can believe that we have already completed the Winter issue!! Where has this year gone! So much stuff has happened this year and this issue is jam packed with news on what’s been happening in Tillydrone, also in this issue keep an eye out for Aline’s article on Halloween vs. Guy Fawkes night, she has been busy asking local people their thoughts on the burning issues! We also have news about up and coming new groups and our regular stories and articles as well. Remember if you would like to join the editorial team or have any ideas for your community publication, you can easily get in touch with us. The staff at shmu are able to support and train anyone living in the area who is interested to develop their ideas and skills, whether it is design or content based. So please, don’t be shy, this is your magazine written, edited and designed by the good folk of Tillydrone! We would like to give a huge welcome to our new additions to the team - Sonny Ogg and welcome back to Peter Robertson.
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If you have any articles or ideas for the Winter/Spring edition please get in touch with either the Tillydrone Community Flat on 01224 486641 or Station House Media Unit (SHMU) 01224 515013 Happy Reading Supported by
School News
Riverbank School September Update All the children have settled well in to school and visiting teachers to the school have commented on the positive atmosphere. We are delighted to welcome our new P1s and nursery children and their families! As always the staff are thinking up new and exciting ideas to engage the children – there are various topics throughout the school from Fairtrade to the Seashore, and the classrooms are lively and buzzing.
All classes are taking it in turns to host a monthly ‘café’ for parents to come along to, and we have our first Open Evening for parents on the 21st September. We are also being visited by Children’s Commissioner, Tam Bailie that day – he will be talking to the children about their rights and responsibilities, and finding out about what matters to them. Finally, a big well done for the Nursery, who were inspected by the Care Commission in April.
The report has now been published and we were graded ‘very good’ in all areas.
Fairtrade Community Cafe at Riverbank School One wet and windy Friday of September, all the groups from Primary 6 and 7 invited their parents to take part in the project they had been preparing since the beginning of the school year along with their teacher Miss Martin. It was not just any project, it was their very own community cafe based on the theme they had been learning about: Fairtrade. Both Primary 7 Katie and Emma were keen to explain that the cakes were made by the P7 pupils at school and the P6 made marshmallows with chocolate. Other pupils made the posters, banners and mats, all beautifully designed and inspired with Fairtrade in mind. The cafe was a great success and a lot of P6 and P7 parents were able to spend the afternoon with their children and get a glimpse of their hard work. It is hoped that other primary classes in the school will follow suit and host more cafe events for the community.
Emma: I liked the cooking the most Katie: I liked working with everyone Ryan: I liked making things with chocolate the best! Caroline: I liked that heaps of people came in and had a great time. Cheryl: I liked to serve tea and coffee even though it got really busy!
discovered new talents and skills and embraced their new roles of hosts, designers, entertainers, etc wholeheartedly. It was a great success and a great opportunity for all pupils to work together. Well done P6 and P7, you are making your school and your parents proud!
Klaudia: it was fun to work as a team and make all the Fairtrade signs and posters. Ethan: I was a bit sad because my parents could not come but I loved eating cookies and chocolate! Aidan: it was a fun day because I was with all my mates! Kallum: We got to meet all our friends from the other classes and learnt loads about Fairtrade. Josh: I liked the bingo the best, even thought I did not win the chocolate bars! Sebastian: I liked making the mats on the tables and eating the chocolates! Pupils learnt a lot that day. Not just about Fairtrade. They all 1
Spree of vandalism Shattering our community 23 windows were broken at Riverbank Primary school from mid August to mid September. Needless to say that such damage costs money. If you think about the average price of a double glazed window and you multiply it by 23, you easily reach a 4 figure number. If you had that money, I bet you would have a few ideas about how best to spend it in the community. In the meantime, Aberdeen City Council is writing up another cheque to pay for new windows, fix a picnic bench and clean up the graffiti that disfigured the premises. I contacted Maxine Jolly, Headteacher at Riverbank Primary School, who talked about angered and upset pupils. Michael from Primary 7 said, “What did we ever do to them? We don’t vandalise other schools!”. Michael is right. You and I don’t go and trash things! Even when we’re not happy or bored or whatever. There is no excuse for breaking or stealing other people’s property. None. So the little group at the centre of these crimes does not have any of my sympathy. I felt comforted when I met with Sergeant Gary Winter from Tillydrone Police Station. He told me that they’ve already had ‘positive lines of enquiry that are being progressed’ and that he was very grateful for the support from the public. He further explained that vandalism is a ‘priority crime’ and this is why the Vandalism Proactive Unit was set up. This special unit collates all
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report crimes relating to vandalism and investigate on them. It is very clear that vandals all seem to be young, roughly ranging from 12 to 20 years old. Young, yet old enough to know better.
Young, yet old enough to know better. The Sergeant and all at Tillydrone Police Station are very concerned about these crimes and wanted to reassure all Tillydrone residents that patrols at the weekends around the school premises as well as in the community are undertaken by the Community Wardens. Sergeant Winter also highlighted that while there was more police staff on the beat than ever, it was important that the local community and the Police forged close links and neighbourhood watch groups were certainly a great idea. CCTV, while costly, are useful because they are good at reducing and detecting crimes. Finally, it is essential to remind all about parental responsibility. Because these crimes are originating from young people, parents ought to ask their offspring where they go and what they are up to in the evenings.
In a nutshell: What can we do as a Community? Set up Neighbourhood Watch groups: Sergeant Gary Winter is very keen to help with the initial set up of such groups. He and his team can be contacted by calling in at the Tillydrone Police Station or by ringing 0845 600 5 700. If you have a child at the school, contact the parent council and see if more CCTV can be installed. If you have older children, ask them where they are at night. What if you see or hear something? Sergeant Gary Winter’s advice is to ring 999 and as well as explaining what you are / have witnessed, ensure that you also indicate that the school has been the target of vandalism a number of times recently. You can also ring Crimestoppers (0800 555 111) or the Grampian Police Switchboard (0845 600 5 700). Not much difference except that Crimestoppers is anonymous and is a free phone number. However, ringing the Grampian Police will mean that the local Police station will hear about it quicker. The Police Station at Tillydrone is committed to tackle vandalism as well as all the other issues affecting our community. We will update you in the next edition on this. Watch this space.
Community news
Community Animators We would just like to say ‘Hello’ and introduce ourselves to the readers of the Tillytattle, as you may have seen our posters up, met us in a community centre or had us knocking on your door.
offer assistance with financial assessments, counselling and childcare options. We can also provide help with confidence building, literacy issues, writing a CV and flexible learning.
We are the Community Animators and are a part of the voluntary sector. Our aim is to help people access local services tailored to their specific training and employment needs. Our advice and support is free and we can
We are committed to engaging with local people to discuss their needs, develop their skills, find the right training and take steps into employment that suits you. We are a friendly bunch so please do not hesitate to stop
and chat, or give us a call. Contact us on: Tel: 01224 686058 Community Animators are: Luthien Lark, Alexis Craig or Andrea McDougall Email: communityanimator@ acvo.org.uk Website: www. communityanimators.org.uk ACVO, Greyfriars House, East Wing, Gallowgate, Aberdeen, AB10 1LU
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
Neighbourhood watch Hello to all you who live in the Alexander Terrace pleas take a few minutes to read over this article. I am sure that like me you are all fed up with the amount of anti-social behaviour that happens around our street. Things like windows being broken, bottles being smashed in the street, lights being damaged and car’s being vandalised... like mine! This costs us all a lot of money. Not to mention irresponsible dog owners who don’t clean up their dog mess!!!! And doors being kicked in until the security systems stop working. We at the Tilly Tattle are looking into starting a neighbourhood watch group. If, like me, you want a safer neighbourhood please contact Helen at Tillydrone Community Flat on 01224 486641. Thank you for your time and we look forward to hearing from you. Article by Peter Robertson
My Final Decision by Sonny Ogg Sitting all alone in this empty shell Since losing you all – my life’s been hell Friends all thinking I’ve become a recluse And not meeting up with them I always give an excuse Since the fire took everything we had away I come to this fire-stricken house of ours every day Remembering you and the children waiting at the door Happy, I’ve returned safely from working off-shore Well, I did return safely and tried to give you a phone But there was no answer and thought no-one’s home When the taxi came round the corner Seeing the smoke filled sky Our house ablaze, I started to cry Watching the destruction fire can do Not realising I’d lost the children and you I’m now sitting on what once was a chair Cursing God for what happened here But I can’t really blame anyone The blame is all mine For not wiring the smoke alarms When I got home from off-shore last time. I’ll wire them later” was what I replied If I did it there and then, you may not have died So I’ve left a note for friends Telling what I’ve had to go through Now I’m taking my own life I’m coming to meet the children and you. 3
LOCAL NEWS
St Machar
Learning Partnership
The Mystic Moon
Aberdeen City Council is establishing a network of Learning Partnerships across the City with one learning partnership for each secondary school. The aim of these partnerships is to ensure that all learning services work together for improved outcomes, stronger communities and more engaged citizens.
I stood alone by the loch looking out over the slightly rippling waters there was a mist slowly creeping over the distant hills.
Aberdeen City Council is establishing a network of Learning Partnerships across the City with one learning partnership for each secondary school. The aim of these partnerships is To ensure that all learning services work together for improved outcomes, stronger communities and more engaged citizens Each learning partnership is being supported by a Principle Community Learning Worker and for the St Machar Learning Partnership this development role is being filled by Alona Murray who is based in Seaton Community Project. Alona explained “Each learning partnership will be focusing on their local priorities for learning. In the St Machar area we have already identified key transistions as one of the priorities. “Transitions are key moments such as when a child moves from Crèche to nursery, or from Primary School to Secondary 4
School or for an adult moving from claiming benefits into employment or education“ The partnership will consist of a core group representing Aberdeen City Council learning services including schools and Community Learning & Development, local projects, Aberdeen University and local communities. This core group will develop an action plan this Autumn which will run to Spring 2012.. From this, different groups of local people and agencies will form task groups to develop work. While the core group will be small it is important that the partnership draws on the wider community and it is intended to provide regular updates to those that are interested in being involved through a mailing list. If you would like to be on this mailing list then please contact Alona Murray on almurray@ aberdeencity.gov.uk or call 01224 494093.
By Peter Robertson
The moon was high in the midnight sky, its silvery glow shimmering over the water making the ripples sparkle. The reflected light dancing across the quiet waters bringing magical life to the quiet peace. Now I know that I am at peace, my heart is here in blissful contentment, for here I belong in the glorious presence of the mystic moon. In the distance I hear a wolf howling his lonely song to the world, he is not alone. For I to am living in solitude An owl hoots his cry bringing me back from my hypnotic trance. And once more I look out over the beauty of the moonlit loch and it makes me proud to be Scottish!
DRAMA CLUB
Tillydrone Children’s
Drama Club! Hi everyone! For those of you who don’t know me already my names Helen Guy and I’m the Parish Assistant at St George’s Church. I’m employed mainly to work with the children in the area. I’ve been here for a little over a year now and I’m loving working with the children and being involved with the many different community groups Tillydrone has to offer. Due to the successful and well attended Sunday morning Breakfast Club ‘Jumping 4 Jesus’, which runs between 10.30am and 12.15pm every week at St George’s, it became apparent when speaking to the children who attend (not to mention their parents and other people in the area I come into contact with on a weekly basis) that there was a need for a new and exciting project in the area. Something that the children could attend for free, that would raise their self esteem show off there skills work on there team spirit and encourage them to be more confident in who they are and where they come from. I myself Studied Drama at College and have been involved in many productions
over the years both from an acting and singing perspective but also in choreographing and directing. When doing my research I realised that our area offers nothing of a performance arts nature for children and so began the idea of a local children’s drama group, a drama club where every child would be welcome, a place where we could give them the chance to express themselves using their skills to create an exciting new show!. The finished production would then be open to the public to attend as our audience. We held several meetings to get the ball rolling and I was astounded by the support we were shown from the various community projects who were keen to support us and get involved. We applied to Fairer Scotland Fund and were awarded the sum of two thousand pounds to help get us up and running. Shmu radio were also kind enough to offer their support in providing sound equipment which
will help to make the shows much more professional and exciting for the children. The Drama Club is open to all children from P4 upwards no audition will be necessary to join and the children can be involved as much as they feel comfortable. The club is absolutely free and we plan to run on a Tuesday night in the Church hall from 6.30pm to 8pm. The Project has no name as such so far as I would like the children themselves to chose their own name. Our club promises to be lots of fun and will include drama games, new and old favourite songs, dance routine’s and most importantly will be working toward the children putting on there very own show using their talents, skills and ideas. We plan to start this exciting new project mid October for further details visit www.saint-georges-tillydrone.co.uk I hope to see many of you there. God bless, Helen x
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Tilly Youth Project
TYP Update Tilly Youth Worker Story I have been studying psychology in Warsaw for 5 years. During my last year of study I was working in ‘Polish Children and Youth Foundation’. I have never thought I would move to Scotland but my partner got offered a job in Aberdeen so I decided to follow the voice of my heart.
Many times I passed a long white building with a “TYP” on it and I was wondering what was inside. ‘Tilly Youth Project is for young people age 11 to 19 who live and go to school in Tillydrone. It is a fantastic venue with informal drops-ins as well as structured session such as the Music Night, Boys Group, Girls Group and so on.’ I found this information on TYP website. I needed to know more. One of TYP employees agreed to speak with me about her work, life, passion and how she became TYP worker. Her name is Magda and here is her story: Where are you from? I am from an old Polish city Kwidzyn, one with a rich and interesting history. The city was originally founded in 1232 by the Teutonic Knights when they constructed Ordensburg castle. Although remnants of its long and ancient history still dot the landscape, the Kwidzyn today is a modern industrial centre. What you had been doing before you moved to Scotland?
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there and offered my work. My first manager- Herman told me that I could start work with the ‘girls group’, and following the initial period of work as a volunteer he offered me part-time work.
At that time I didn’t know where Aberdeen was and what I could do here and whether it was worth to change my plans (I was pretty sure then that I was going to work as a psychologist in the Polish foundation). But I did not want to live my life with pity because I was scared to take a risk. And I do not regret it. How did your life change after the arrival to Aberdeen? The first three weeks in Aberdeen were very difficult for me; I’m not the person who accepts changes easily. I had neither friends nor family here. But after this period, I believed that the best way to get to know people and life here could be through work. Tell me about your first job here? I worked as a waitress for several months. What you were doing afterward? With my strong need for helping people I couldn’t wait to put my qualification into practise. Therefore I began to inquire what I could do here. Someone told me that TYP needed volunteers so I decided to try. I didn’t have any idea what TYP was, I just went
So how long have you been working here? About 3.5 years. After some time I started to have more responsibilities, I started to deal with other groups. What do you mean by saying that you have to deal with groups. What are your duties? We are trying to expand opportunities for young people living in this area, give them the chance to discover their passions, by organising different activities. It is not us, but them organising it, planning it, and we just help them to find out what they want to do. We build relationships; help them to enhance their social skills through conversations and sharing problems.
Tilly Youth Project
Your most interesting event? Residential trip to Cromdale, which lasted for three days. It was an interesting experience for me personally because helped me to deepen relations with those guys. There were organized different activities like paintball, forest walk, etc. We had an opportunity to see ourselves in more extreme situations. That was exciting, challenging and we had great fun.
Do you sometimes have moments of doubt here?
be very active, I enjoy riding a bicycle, sailing, jogging.
There are such moments, sometimes when you put your heart in order to help young people and what you can see from their behaviour is very disappointing.
Your future plans?
What do you do when you are not in TYP?
I am still studying postgraduate Community Learning and Development and I am going to look for some new career opportunities. In the future I would like to provide one-to-one counselling service.
I can’t live without sport. When I was in Poland I was training handball professionally for 8 years. So I am still trying to
I wish for you, that your plans crystalize. Thank you for interview. By Alina.
More TYP News.. What’s new?
Management Committee
We have a new full-time Community Learning Worker called Eleanor Hepburn. We are all really pleased she has joined the team and look forward to doing even more at TYP in future as a result.
We are starting a new committee so would like some keen young representatives from the area to get involved and have a say in how the project runs and to make sure we meet the needs of the young people in the area. Training will be given if needed and it can be fun and very rewarding – honest.
Girl’s Group We had a great Feeling Great night recently and things are building up on Tuesday nights but there is space for more girls. We offer all sorts of things to do and are always up for new ideas. Come along and get involved!
Boy’s Group The younger boys have been busy over the past few months going on residentials and taking part in Activity Mix and other events. Well done guys. The older boys have been a bit thin on the ground recently. Come on! Get in there!!
Music The music group is still going strong on Thursday nights. We also took part in some joint work with the Aberdeen International Youth Festival, Shmu and Whitespace in the summer where some of our young people played with a young band from France at TYP. It was ace. Tillydrone Youth Project (TYP) Formartine Road, Tillydrone 01224 495588
SUCCESS STORIES
Community Success Stories Hi, my name is Sonny Ogg and I would like to take you on a journey with me. After attending an Adult Literacy class, which I initially thought, to myself was only for computing, I improved in literacy, numeracy, healthy eating and cooking.
I was producing vast amounts of short stories and poems, mostly in Doric.
It was amazing how much I had forgotten. Now that my confidence had returned I joined a Creative Writing Group at Portal Community Centre.
Next, was contributing work for Portal Community Centre’s second book called “Stories from a Postcode” which is still available for sale at the Centre.
My name is Wendy Stewart and I have recently finished my SVQ level 3 in Children’s Care Learning and Development . This is my journey to date.
long years and no support from anyone but I did achieve this qualification. When I decided to go for my level 3, my assessor thought that I would not cope with this as there would be more writing in this level. I went ahead and applied for level 3 and also found out about getting help from Adult Learning.
I started my SVQ level 2 in 2001. I found this very hard because I had learning difficulties. It took 2
I found that things were moving fast, the class produced written work for the 500 years of Word Exhibition which was being held at Aberdeen Art Gallery. What would my school teacher have thought - me having poetry hanging in the Art Gallery!
On March 5th and 6th this year, I attended the North Connections Learners Conference at Nairn and delivered a Creative Writing Workshop. I was also observed and assessed for an SQA Communication module at level 4. I was nominated for a Learner of the year Award and was a finalist winner. I was ecstatic at this achievement. This was held in Dumfries on the 20th May this year. The next leg of my journey is to try and get a book of my own work published.
adult learning tutor and provided a piece of written work to my CSTAC assessor. She was very impressed with this piece of work so I started my SVQ 3. As I had two jobs and two children to bring up, this course took 4 years to complete, but I did it! Now I am looking for a job where I can use this qualification.
I spent a year getting help with my reading and writing with an
Tillydrone Vision
60’s Fun 8
On Saturday the 28th August the Tillydrone Vision had a 60’s night at the Tillydrone Community Centre a good night had by all and there was £800 raised for Uganda
Local News
Woodlands Community Rangers
Drugs Action • Do you use drugs?
Hey there, how you doing? It’s your friendly Woodlands Community Ranger here hoping you are having a fine winter season, looking forward to Santa paying a visit if you have been good, of course!!!)
For those that haven’t heard about what I do, let me quickly recap. My work is client driven in order to deliver the services you provide to your clients and to those in your community. My services range from curriculum based straightforward educational sessions to working with the client to develop wild life gardens to delivering sessions in line with whatever topic is covered at that time by community projects. I am qualified to deliver Forest School and the John Muir Award as a single Project or deliver outdoor learning sessions on our woodland sites, which can incorporate both. So, what have I been up to in your community? My main work in Tillydrone has been with the M26 Group based at the Tillydrone Community Flat (at time of writing), helping them drive forward the garden project at the area of grass which has been dug over for community involvement to the back of the flats. Over the summer and into autumn, the guys have put in a huge amount of work to bring it up to the standard required for
planting in the New Year. With the invaluable help from SAMH, they now have 3 planting beds for ongoing use and a grassed area for meetings, etc and a lovely defined woodchip path. All this required commitment, focus, energy, enthusiasm and a willingness to put up with my banter (those who know me will all agree!!) Here are 2 pics of the guys, one putting down the woodchip and one after the work has been completed. Well done everyone involved!!!!
• Are you worried about your drug use and like some advice?
Last time I had a wee bitty from Rose who works with Aberdeen Greenspace but haven’t managed this time. I am informed, having won an award (and money!), Greenspace are working with staff and children to further develop the area next to the building. Well done everyone involved there!!!
If you are worried about your own or someone else’s drug use then you can speak to me for free and confidential information and advice
• Do you need someone to talk to? • Are you worried about a family member or friend’s drug use? • Would you like to speak to someone for some advice and information? My name is Graeme and I am a drugs worker from Drugs Action
You can find me at: Tillydrone Community Flat, 3b Alexander Terrace - Mondays 11am-1pm St Machar Parent Support Project - Tuesdays 2pm-4pm Or you can call or text me on: 07894513711
M26 Group update Apologies to Helen for not working with the PEEP Group. I was meeting with Kenny MacCaskill, discussing the work I am involved in developing outdoor spaces for learning/ free play. Next time. That will do for just now, please feel free to contact me on 01224 897400 to discuss any activities you are thinking of organising. Hope to hear from you soon! Stephen
The M26 group has engaged in many fun filled activities over the summer months, including: - Paintballing - Fishing - Cinema - Bowling And continue to develop the M26 community garden with the help of Stephen Bly. The group continues to grow with exercise and healthy eating firmly on the agenda for winter 2010!! 9
COMMUNITY QUESTIONS
Do you like Bonfire Night or Halloween better? Kim MacWilliams 30 I prefer Halloween because the kids can trick or treat and decorate their houses and their pumpkins. Bonfire Night is sometimes seen as a menace. Kids gets scared as well as animals and older people. Anne MacWilliams, 59 I prefer Halloween because of the build-up to it and its preparation. I like the dressing up and the making of costumes. Marion Jenocchio 62 1/2 I don’t believe in Halloween, It is not Christian. I quite enjoy the fireworks from Bonfire Night when it is an organised display. When I was younger, I enjoyed doing baked potatoes in the fire and chestnuts. Helen McPherson, 53 I like them both because of the kids. They’re getting sweeties for Halloween, soup and hotdogs for Bonfire Night. It’s that time of the year that I like.
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Brenda Cordiner & Anae Merson Bonfire definitely. It’s more fun: there are the firewords, the marshmallows, the Bonfire. As long as it safe and well organised, it is great! I’m from Denmark and they don’t have Halloween or Bonfire Night, but when I was a kid, we used to dress up and have some kind of ‘pinata’ full of sweeties around February time. Mandy Lawson, 34 I like Halloween because I like to see the kids dressed up and do ducking for apples with them. Heather Polson, 10 I like Halloween because you get lots of sweeties. I don’t like Bonfire Night because it’s too noisy. Lukas 6 I like the fireworks but I don’t like the noise. Leon 7 I like Halloween because I like scaring people!
Estelle Zarzoso, 10 I like Halloween because it’s my cousin’s birthday on that day. Last year, we went to his house for a party and then went trick and treating. Tegan 6 I like both. I like Halloween, I was a skeleton last year. I scared everyone with my skeleton costume. Kenneth Smith, 63 Bonfire Night because it is something to see. I don’t like Halloween because there are too many kids knocking on the door. George Brown, 62 Both because you can have lots of good parties with the kids and go trick and treating. I like Guy Faulkes’ Night because of the fireworks and the noise. I like to see kids having fun. I like the Bonfire Nights and the displays.
COMMUNITY QUESTIONS
Ronnie Wood, 58 I prefer Bonfire Night because it can be more of a community event. I don’t like Halloween which has now become more of an American type commercial event. It’s not traditional and there is no relationship to the original Scottish meaning of Halloween. Fraser Hodgson, 29 I like Bonfire Night because I like all the fireworks. I like Halloween too, especially the dressing up.
A bit of history! Guy Faulkes Day / Bonfire Night: this day, held in Britain on November 5, commemorates the foiling of the Gunpowder Plot in 1605 (an attempt by Guy Faulkes and some fellow Catholics to blow up Kings James 1 and the Parliament). Halloween: the first city to officially celebrate Halloween was Annoka, Minnesota in 1921. However, the origins of Halloween date back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced sow-in). The Celts, who lived 2000 years ago, celebrated their new year on November 1. This day marked the end of summer and the harvest and the beginning of the dark, cold winter, a time of year that was often associated with human death.
Tillydrone Gala City Warden’s Gail and Neil enjoyed the fun at the Gala Day...Neil was coerced into getting to the top of the climbing wall whilst Gail provided the support to the children racing him to the top. It was noted that Spider Man was on the loose in Tillydrone...then another...and another - what a joy to see the children queuing to have their faces painted. A lovely day was had with the sun bringing out lots of families. Well done Tillydrone. Gail Johnston Senior City Warden
Police Update
Realising the Potential Local Policing Closer to You In Partnership With The Third Sector Every day hundreds of people are quietly engaged in a range of valuable work, delivering vital services across our City. Much of the work carried out in Aberdeen is dependant upon the time and skill of the third sector, providing a valuable contribution to the needs of the City and its citizens. The current financial climate has focused the minds of all organisations on the contribution of the third sector and the need to ensure that all agencies look for opportunities for greater partnership working across all communities. In association with the Aberdeen Council of Voluntary Organisations
(ACVO), Grampian Police is to host a seminar at the Beach Ballroom, Aberdeen on Tuesday 9th November 2010. The purpose of the conference is to discuss the re-structure of policing services across Aberdeen and explore how Grampian Police and ACVO can create stronger links with our partners across the third sector in responding to the challenges facing local communities. By the time this edition of Tilly Tattle hits the streets the “Realising the Potential” seminar will be fully booked, however, local organisations can still get involved in improving linkages with the local police service.
The local area Inspector is Ed Fitzgibbon and he, and his officers, regularly attend the Tillydrone Local Network and Tillydrone Community Council meetings which are both open to the public. You can contact your local police team on 0845 600 5 700 or mylocalpolicingteam@ grampian.pnn.police.uk. For more information about the ACVO, and their activities, then phone 01224 686058, email admin@acvo.org.uk or visit www. acvo.org.uk.
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OVER 50’s
Over 50s Walking Group
Haddo House & Castle Gight This walk was near a replica of our previous walk to Haddo House. The only difference being, that it was a different time of the year and we had the additional walk to Castle Gight. The day started out being bright and sunny. That was to remain for the whole day, giving us a pleasant day outing. It also showed tile agricultural countryside that we travelled through, at its best. At Haddo House the group split up into a number of smaller individual groups thereby allowing people to choose the distance that they were happy to walk. There was no fear of getting lost, as all the paths are well sign-posted. It must be stated that when one mixed group of ladies and gentlemen (no names disclosed) divided in to separate genders the gentlemen directed the ladies onto a longer walk that they chose for themselves and told the ladies that the one, which they themselves had chosen was the longer. Ladies beware! It was also observed that one walker went away to do some filming. (Next stop Hollywood!) Then all parties met at the picnic table for lunch, after walking round Haddo Estate Ground.. All agreed that they had thoroughly enjoyed their walk that morning and were looking forward to the Castle Gight walk Alter lunch we all got into the minibus and Dave drove us the point where we were to start the walk to Gight Castle. Not only did he find the fight track but drove 12
us up part of it as nobody had checked out this walk before and we were only going on a small item about the walk. (That was found out not to be quite accurate.) Dave the driver gets the “Gold Star” for his judgement. While walking along the track, we met in with an elderly couple who were coming back from the castle and confirmed that we were on the right track. Later on we came to a junction. There we made the choice to take the path upwards. We met in with a family of three from Peterhead coming down it. Who it turned out were well acquainted with the castle and its history and who were glad to share their personal knowledge of it to us. During further conversation, it turned out that the father was an Ex-Gordon Highlander and as we had an Ex Gordon Highlander in our party. They had plenty to speak about other than castles. After seeing all round the ruins and taking photographs, it was now time to return to the minibus, leaving our temporary friends to continue their research as we walked back. It had been a great day for everybody. The history of the area had been covered thoroughly in the previous walk about Haddo House and is freely available at Portal Community Centre. The walks arranged by the Portal Walking Group take you by Minibus through the splendid diversity of scenic countryside
and the variable coastlines of the North East of Scotland in a friendly social group. The actual walking allows the group to get closer to the land. (Wild moorland, agricultural and through the lower level glens of the mountains.) The history and especially the myths are discussed The type and lengths of the walk is take into consideration with the weather of the walking day and is mutually agreed if required, to be changed accordingly. Local walks in and around Aberdeen are also carried out. If you think that you would like to join and get further information about the group contact Sarah at Portal Community Centre. Tel. No: 492528
Elizabeth
by Elsie Rennie
You come beside me And I place you back in bed Lay down please and rest your weary head But not to be, I go back to the nurse’s station And turn around and Elizabeth Has returned again to me With patience’s knowing you need your rest Your feet are large and your mind it gives you little rest. Where am I you say And I on returning you to bed Turn around and find you returning the same way.
Community News
Walkabouts This year’s Environment Walkabouts are well underway and Aberdeen City Council’s Environment Services invites you to come along and take part in the Tillydrone Environment Walkabout on the 28th of October. Environment Services leads the walkabouts, which will cover each of Aberdeen’s 37 Neighbourhoods this year. The team initially identifies ‘quick fixes’ such as litter, graffiti, flytipping, flyposting, street signs, pot holes and so on. But they will tackle any issue that may have a negative impact on the area, including those outwith the responsibility of the Council.
of the public, local school pupils, Councillors, Community Councillors, City Wardens, Police and the Fire and Rescue service have joined staff from Environment Services on a number of these walkabouts. This meeting and cooperation has created valuable links between the community and the council, which will help to resolve any future issues quickly.
The scheme has already made a significant difference to neighbourhoods with an average of 63 environmental issues raised on each walkabout and 85% of them resolved. Members
As well as highlighting issues for attention and action, we also feature the positive aspects of an area. This year these included enthusiastic proactive community groups, litter and graffiti free areas
and praise from the community for the local street sweeper. Please come along and join us on the Tillydrone Environment Walkabout on Thursday the 28th October. We are meeting at the Housing Office on Formartine Road at 10am. If you cannot join us on the Walkabout you can still let us know about any environmental concerns or issues you may have about your neighbourhood by calling Environment Services on 0845 6080919 or e-mail cleanaberdeen@aberdeencity.gov.uk
new housing
Hayton Road Housing Work is progressing well on the new housing development at Hayton Road and is on course for completion for March 2011. The Contractor, Stewart Milne Construction (SMC) is currently erecting the timber frame and roofs of the first six houses and over the next twelve weeks the timber frame for all houses will be completed. Once the houses are wind and weather proof, work will commence on the plumbing and electrical systems before wall boarding and finishing. The
houses will include a variety of sustainable elements which will ensure that fuel costs are kept to a minimum and there is no loss of heat. Reducing energy costs and cutting down harmful CO2 emissions are both key aspects of this project. While work is progressing inside, the block work outer walls will be built and work will start on preparing roads, footpaths etc outside. The SMC team have worked with the Riverbank School to inform the pupils about the dangers associated with building
sites. As part of their involvement a site safety poster competition was held and the winning entries have been displayed on the site fencing. The SMC team will continue to work with the Council Project Manager and Robinson Low Francis to ensure that the homes at Hayton Road are completed to the highest standards and that safety is at the top of the agenda. For any queries or information, Please contact Paula Mann (Project Manager – Phase 1) on telephone 523155.
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Station House Media Unit (shmu) is situated just off Great Nothern Road in the old Station House Community Centre, Woodside. We offer free access to, and training in video and radio production, and magazine and online publications to residents of all ages living in Seaton, Woodside, Middlefield, Tillydrone, Torry, Northfield and Cummings Park.
t 01224 515013
e info@shmu.org.uk
www.shmu.org.uk
Thank you Yvette! The time has come for Yvette Zarzoso to move on from presenting Tilly Talks. She has presented the Tilly Talks Community Show on shmuFM for nearly 3 years now. She is taking up her role again as Trainee Community Worker at SHMU. We would like to thank Yvette for her dedication to the show and wish her luck in her job at SHMU. If you would like to become a member of the Tilly Talks team please phone Hayleigh on 01224 515013, or email training@shmu.org. uk. You can also text us on 60300 - start your message with training, leave a space and then leave your name. Whatever way you get in touch, someone will be in contact with you ASAP.
Beginners Training (6 weeks) Beginners Mon 1st Nov - 6th Dec 7pm - 9pm
Intermediate Tue 2nd Nov - 7th Dec 7pm - 9pm
Fri 5th Nov - 10th Dec 2pm - 4pm
Thu 4th Nov - 9th Dec 2pm - 4pm
shmuFM is offering training opportunities to anyone who lives or works within Tillydrone. The training will run in blocks of 6 weeks. As well as learning new exciting skills in radio production, presenting and broadcasting you will meet new people, build your confidence and self-esteem. If this sounds like something you fancy getting involved in, please phone 01224 515 013, or email training@shmu.org.uk.
shmuTRAIN shmuTRAIN: Are you 16-19 years old, not in work, training or at school/college? Do you want to earn ÂŁ55 per week whilst you learn new skills through radio, video & music to help you get into work or college? If so, contact Chrissie to find out more about an exciting opportunity at SHMU: 01224 515013 chrissie@shmu.org.uk