Salad And Jacket Potatoes Kiosk Fundraising

Salad And Jacket Potatoes Kiosk

A local business man has been putting himself through the paces this month, and will continue to do so for the next few weeks, as he prepares for the London Marathon on the 23rd April.

Gary Moyse

Gary Moyse, 44, who is the manager of the salad and jacket potatoes kiosk in the Bon Accord St. Nicholas Shopping Centre, will be taking on a different role in the shopping centre this weekend (1st and 2nd April) as he holds a collection in the lower mall of the central atrium, to raise money for his efforts, which will be donated to the National Autistic Society and also to St. Andrews School in Inverurie.

Raise Money For The National Autistic Society

In choosing to raise money for the National Autistic Society, Gary will be helping the charity to support the rights and interests of all individuals and families that live with autism, including his own five-year-old daughter, Zoe. Having secured a placing in the marathon through the charity, Gary now plans to raise £1500 for them, in addition to a further £1000 for his daughter’s school.

“The National Autistic Society is an important charity to me because of my daughter,” explains Gary. “But it is also important to me that we raise money for St Andrews School in Inverurie, where the staff have worked wonders for Zoe.”

Gary, who first ran the London marathon two years ago, but has since had time out to contend with an ankle injury, is now back to fighting fit and ready to take on the challenge of meeting his target time of less than four hours.

“I do both running and cycling training,” says Gary. “It’s been going really well so far, and I’m managing to do a total of about forty miles a week. During the last few weeks before the race however, I’ll have to up the pace and fit in a couple of 19 miles runs.”

Manager for the Bon Accord St. Nicholas Shopping Centre, Frank Sutherland, says: “It’s great that Gary is running the marathon for a charity that can make a difference to his daughter’s life and many others, and I hope that our shoppers give generously to this worthy cause. On behalf of the Bon Accord St. Nicholas Shopping Centre, we wish him all the best in meeting his targets for both the fundraising and the marathon itself.”

Free Days Out In Aberdeen

This weekend (the 1st and 2nd April 2006) Historic Scotland will be allowing free entry to many of their Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire attractions and places of interest. This includes Huntly Castle and
Kinnaird Head Castle Lighthouse two of my favourite places. The later has an excellent café with some delicious home bakes.

The free days out are extended across all their Scottish properties. For further details see the Historic Scotland Free Entry page.

Temptation Ellon

Temptation Shop Ellon

One of the many nice things about going to Ellon, apart from popping in for a delicious meal at the Casa Salvatore Italian Restaurant, is browsing round the temptations shop. It’s a classy wee shop and I’m always guaranteed to find the perfect gift. I’m a last minute shopper and when the loon said he hadn’t found a present for Mother’s Day there was no panic on. We just visited the temptation shop and then enjoyed a pizza, garlic bread, and tagliattelle!

Jack Vettriano Prints

Temptation sells a wide range of greeting, birthday, anniversary and cards for all occasions and some delightful wrapping paper. Wander around the shop for gift inspiration from art prints, pictures, including many reproductions by Scottish modern artist Jack Vettriano, ornaments and jewellery. There’s also a wide range of leather products like wallets, handbags and purses always in stock.

Sleeping Flat-Coated Retriever Dog

I’ve got my eye on a sleeping flatcoat dog ornament which looks just like
Lucy and I’ve dropped no end of hints to the missus. It’s so real looking you feel like stroking the dog. Other ornamaments include many farmyard scenes of collies, farmers and tractors.

Gifts Under £5

Temptation in Ellon has many gifts at pocket money range which is ideal for presents from the children. We found a magnet peg with a tortoise picture for only £2 and an elephant plaster of Paris kit which mum gets to paint herself. There was also some Eeyore and Winnie the Pooh kits.

Gifts With Scottish Words Printed on Them

Temptation have a wide range of Scottish Gifts which includes a naughty mug of a rear view of a Scotsman raising his kilt! They stock the range of gifts which have Scot’s words such as Crabbit and Sleekit printed on them. This includes mugs, trays, aprons and tea towels.

Contact Details For Temptation Shop Ellon

Address

Temptation
15 Bridge Street
Ellon
Aberdeenshire
AB41 9AA

Telephone: (01358) 720257

Website – can’t find one but please leave a message in the comments box below if you know of one.

Ben Nevis Haircut Challenge

Ben Nevis Haircut Challenge

Haircuts With Altitude

It will be a mountaineering first as the staff of Aberdeen hair salon Biyoni undertake the UK’s highest haircut. Not content with marching all the way to the summit of Ben Nevis (Britain’s highest mountain) the team at Biyoni Creative Hairdressing are going to create a ‘haircut with altitude’ in gale force winds for charity. The challenge will take place on Wednesday 12 April 2006 on the summit of Ben Nevis, near Fort William. Biyoni hope to collect £1 for every vertical foot they travel, making a target total of £4,406 and raise awareness for Sue Ryder Care. The Biyoni staff hope that customers and suppliers will support them in their record breaking attempt.

UK Hairdressing World Record

Andrew Gray, director and expert stylist of Biyoni says, “We think that these could be the most extreme conditions under which a professional haircut has ever been attempted, and at the height of 4,406ft will make it a UK record! The Biyoni team are prepared to climb out of their comfort zone to raise money for charity and we are hugely grateful to all the companies and individuals that are already sponsoring our challenge.”

South West ascent of Ben Nevis

The Biyoni team plan to set off at first light on Wednesday 12 April on the South West ascent of Ben Nevis. The climb to the summit is estimated to take five hours, where they will set up base, tool up and create a hairstyle with attitude at real altitude. Andrew continues, “We obviously need to hone our mountaineering skills, but the real challenge will be creating a hairstyle that will stand up to the weather. We’re delighted that the stock of new cordless straighteners has arrived in time for the challenge! The recent harsh weather conditions have given us a taster of what’s to come, but this has only made us more determined to take the challenge to the highest levels.”

Sue Ryder Care

Sue Ryder Care is a leading healthcare charity dedicated to helping people get the best from life. Specialising in palliative care, neurological care and homecare, they provide expertise where people need it. Andrew says, “We are dedicated to helping Sue Ryder Care’s Neurological Centre, Dee View Court in Kincorth, which needs to raise £120,000 each year. The fundraising will tie in with MS Awareness week (beginning 24 April) which makes the challenge all the more appropriate.”

Biyoni is at the leading edge of 21st Century hair styling. For more information on the challenge and the sponsors check out the website at www.biyoni.com (including a hiking blog and online sponsor form!) or to book an appointment at Biyoni call the salon on 01224 626602
‘Haircuts with Altitude’ is supported by: Hall Morrice Accountants, Globe Elite Ltd, John Clark Motor Group, Millets, Debenhams, Royal Bank of Scotland, Matrix, Synergy Salon Supplies, Globally Sweet, Ki:lau, Art Machine and Oceandive.

Sue Ryder Care - Aberdeen is the first purpose built neurological care centre of its kind in Europe, providing long term care for people living with neurological conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis and Huntington's Disease.

Sue Ryder Care - Aberdeen's innovative features include:
self-contained independent accommodation for all residents
therapeutic facilities including a hydrotherapy pool and multi-sensory room
tailored leisure facilities such as a specially adapted internet and cafe area and landscaped gardens

Sue Ryder Care:
Is a leading provider of palliative care, neurological care and homecare.
Provides expert care where people need it, maximising and supporting their choices and independence.
Is dedicated to helping the people it cares for to get the best from life
Our care concept - We care for the whole of an individual’s needs be they social, psychological, physical or spiritual. We also offer support to their families.
During 2005 Sue Ryder Care provided:
Over 2,400 in-patient stays in our hospices
Over 7,500 hospice day care attendances
Long term neurological care for over 400 people in our Care Centres.
Cared for 120 people through our neurological day services
An average of 9,600 hours of home care each week, equating to over 1,000,000 homecare visits during 2005.

Biyoni will also be pampering the staff of Debenhams Aberdeen in preparation for their ‘haircuts with altitude’ attempt and fundraising on 3 April 2006.

Become A Member Of The SWRI

A Momentous Mother’s Day Membership

Scottish Women's Rural Institutes

With Mother’s Day (Sunday 26 March 2006) fast approaching and the usual gifts all too easily given and then forgotten, why not give the special woman in your life a really significant gift that shows you really care. The Scottish Women's Rural Institutes (SWRI) have 1,000 local institutes spread across Scotland and in the region of 24,000 members of all ages. Becoming a member with your mother to any one of these institutes could mean a really special gift - a gift that doesn't wilt or perish, but gives the most precious reward of all - time and memories.

Mothers Day Gift

Today women make up 48% (2005) of the labour market in Scotland, which means that time is a luxury that most can ill afford. By giving up some of your most precious commodity it would be the most thoughtful Mothers Day gift of all. There are events and classes to suit almost anyone, from craft classes and cookery demonstrations to summer schools and even singing in a choir.



Civil servant Jacqueline Malone aged 33, member of the of the West Lothian based Kirkliston SWRI for 16 years, shares her thoughts on being a member and what it means to her relationship with her mother:



"I have been going to the SWRI with my mother since I was 17 and with a job and a family to hold down, our monthly meetings at the SWRI mean that we get to spend special mother and daughter time together. There is always something new happening and it is great to be able to share new experiences with my mother."



Jacqueline's mother Dorothy Benoy continues," Although I see Jacqueline on a regular basis the monthly SWRI meeting is our special night out. I am not as able bodied as I used to be and if Jacqueline didn’t come along I might not always be able to make it. Although we have a very close family, Jacqueline taking the time to come to the meetings really means a lot to me and we have a great time, whether we are attending a class or meeting up for meals with other SWRI members - it all adds to the bond between us."

Home Skills

The SWRI encourages home skills, considers family welfare and citizenship, preserves the traditions of rural Scotland, enhances awareness of Scotland's rural heritage, works for international co-operation and understanding amongst women and encourages home and local small industries, both individual and co-operative. SWRI members can attend classes, events or simply enjoy the friendship of fellow members at monthly meetings.



So for the most thoughtful Mother’s Day gift that lasts all year round why not find out more about becoming a member of the SWRI or about an institute in your area? Call the National Headquarters in Edinburgh on 0131 225 1724

Aberdeen Great Daffodil Appeal

For 10th Year Running

Daffodil Collectors

The Bon Accord St. Nicholas Shopping Centre is to lend its support to the Aberdeen branch of Marie Curie Cancer Care for the tenth year running this weekend, as the centre plays host to the “Daffodil Collectors”, who will be selling the traditional silk daffodil pins as part of the charity’s annual Great Daffodil Appeal, from 9 am till 5 pm on Saturday (25 March 2006).

Daffodil Pins

A team of twelve volunteers from the charity will take turns selling pins throughout the day, in the lower and upper malls of the shopping centre’s central atrium.

Fundraising Manager for Marie Curie Cancer Care

Michael Jamieson, Community Fundraising Manager for Marie Curie Cancer Care, says: “Each and every daffodil sold will help Marie Curie Nurses across the north east of Scotland provide vital one-to-one nursing care to people terminally ill with cancer in their own homes.”

“We are very grateful to the Bon Accord St. Nicholas Shopping Centre for their support through the years,” he continues, “and hope that this year we can raise even more money than last year. We are also delighted that all seven of the centre’s food outlets have agreed to provide another avenue of support for the charity throughout March by hosting boxes of daffodil pins on their counters.”

Centre manager, Frank Sutherland, says: “I am very happy to be hosting the Great Daffodil Appeal in the Bon Accord St. Nicholas shopping centre, and to be supporting such an important cause. I hope that our shoppers give generously and help the charity to continue their invaluable work in the north east of Scotland.”



Chris
www.aboutaberdeen.com
www.borntoloaf.co.uk

National Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination

National Day for
Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Aberdeen Exhibition Of Displays

The
Bon Accord
St. Nicholas Shopping Centre will help to commemorate International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination this Tuesday (21 March) by hosting an exhibition of displays to outline Aberdeen’s initiatives to combat racism in the city.

European Coalition of Cities Against Racism

As one of thirty cities to have joined the European Coalition of Cities Against Racism, Aberdeen is set to promote intercultural understanding and human rights, by means of a ten point action plan, which includes initiatives such as better informing city dwellers and providing support for victims of racism and discrimination.

Aberdeen Photos

Ken MacLennan, Principal Development Officer with the Office of the Chief Executive at Aberdeen City Council, says: “A great deal of work has been going on in Aberdeen since the Lord Provost signed the Act of Accession to the Coalition, and this exhibition in the shopping centre will take the form of a photographic and informative display, reflecting the various initiatives currently taking place in the city.”

He continues: “The participating organisations include Grampian Police, Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeenshire Council and the Grampian Racial Equality Council. Together their aim is to encourage residents, businesses and visitors in the region to attend the exhibition and respond positively to the messages given, and support its aims.”

Centre manager, Frank Sutherland says: “On behalf of the Bon Accord St. Nicholas Shopping Centre, I am very pleased to be hosting this exhibition, and hope it serves to promote good relations between the many different cultures that make up the citizens of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.”

Aberdeen Scotland Hand Made Gifts for Mother’s Day - Oberon Crafts

Aberdeen Scotland Hand Made Gifts for Mother’s Day

If you’re looking for something different to give Mum this Mother’s Day, look no further than Oberon Crafts in the
Bon Accord St. Nicholas Shopping Centre, who will be manning a stall of exclusive hand made gifts, from leather handbags to animal pictures, in the lower mall of the central atrium, all week from Monday (20 March 2006) until Saturday (25 March), with a late night opening on Thursday (23 March).

Oberon Crafts Aberdeen

A selection of message bears especially for Mother’s Day makes up the latest addition to the Oberon Crafts collection, making it the ideal place to pick up an original and personal Mother’s Day gift. Other hand made gift ideas include made to measure leather belts, purses and cuddly wheaties.

Message Bears Aberdeen

Shirley Hutchinson of Oberon Crafts says: “With our unique range of hand made gifts, from message bears to leather goods, we are offering shoppers the chance to choose something different for Mums across Aberdeen, this Mother’s Day.”

Unusual Gifts For Mother’s Day Aberdeen

Frank Sutherland, centre manager for the Bon Accord Shopping Centre, says, “On behalf of the Bon Accord St. Nicholas shopping centre, I am pleased to be offering our shoppers the opportunity to pick up some unusual gifts for Mother’s Day, and feel sure that Oberon Crafts will provide a great choice to suit all tastes and budgets.”

Chris
www.aboutaberdeen.com
www.borntoloaf.co.uk

Grampian Police Crime Reduction Unit

Grampian Police Set to Stamp Out Crime with Presence in Local Shopping Centre

The Crime Reduction Unit of the Grampian Police will be on hand to deliver safety advice and information on security measures to shoppers in the
Bon Accord Centre St. Nicholas shopping centre this Saturday (11 March) in a bid to tackle crime rates across the city.

Grampian Police Crime Reduction Officers

Grampian Police Crime Reduction Officers, Constables Gordon Macdonald and Jim Watson, will be manning a stall in the lower mall of the central atrium, from 9 am to 3 pm, giving advice and handing out leaflets on personal safety, mobile phone safety and bicycle security.

Bike Thefts Aberdeen

“Following the rising numbers of bicycle theft in the city, we are giving out Bicycle Passports to the public, which allow bicycle owners to keep a note of their bicycle’s description, frame number and also store a photograph of the bicycle, in a safe place,” explains Constable Gordon Macdonald of the Crime Reduction Unit. “This information can then be passed to the Police if a bike is stolen, and gives them a better chance of tracing it back to its true owner.”

“We will also be offering shoppers the opportunity to have their mobile phones security-marked, with a tamper proof security label,” he adds.

Centre manager Frank Sutherland says: “On behalf of the Bon Accord St. Nicholas shopping centre, I am very happy to be hosting this event, in an attempt to help Grampian Police reduce crime rates in the city. Figures for bicycle thefts in the city are high and I hope that by providing shoppers with this sort of information we can change that.”

Biyoni Aberdeen

Oscar Winning Hair Styles

‘Old Hollywood’ – or as Oscar host, comedian Jon Stewart called it, a “return to glamour” - made a sweeping comeback at the Oscars last night (05/03/06)… and it was reflected in the stars’ hairstyles.

Keira Knightley Centre Parting and Ponytail

Andrew Gray, director and expert stylist of Biyoni, talks us through the hottest red carpet styles, as sported by Hollywood’s finest, “nothing overly constructed or complicated made an appearance, the overall look was natural. There was also the occasional throwback to the sixties, like Keira Knightley’s centre parting and ponytail, which will be a definite feature of the upcoming seasons.

Reese Witherspoon Christian Dior Dress

Top of the list, Reese Witherspoon was very proud of her original Christian Dior dress, and she scored a hit with her simple and uncomplicated centre parting and chignon at the back, with the length at the back padding into more of a croissant than a bun. “Natural texture was left in and pinned back above the ear. Reese maintained slight volume at the sides, not too tight, so as to complement angular features” explains Andrew.

Naomi Watts Curl

“King Kong star Naomi Watts was eye-catching with a sweeping put-up with no special trickery involved. Her side parting led to a soft sweep across the forehead, balanced at the rear by some elegant detail curl. The look was asymmetric and simple, balancing a fussy dress.”

Rachel Weisz Victorian Period Drama Look

According to Andrew, Rachel Weisz wore a look that would have been at home in a Victorian period drama. “Her hair took on a natural texture loosely pinned back, showing graceful movement and accentuating her very gentle face. She looked stunning in a simple plait with the tail tucked in and backcombing at the bottom. However, it’s a tricky look to achieve without some qualified assistance.”

Nicole Kidman Strapless Outfit

Nicole Kidman one of the presenters at the awards, went for simple straightening, perfectly framing her face and neck to make the most of a strapless outfit. “Simple to do at home for everyday elegance with your styling irons.” Says Andrew.



Keira Knightley British Oscar hope chose a long ponytail with full length coil, which Andrew is certain, will be a key look this season. “Achieved with large barrel tongs or wide styling irons, tied back with a back-combed top section. An inch-wide section from her front hairline was left hanging down loose to frame her slightly angular features.”

Hilary Swank Coiffeur

“Hilary Swank paying tribute to 1970s was stunning with side parting and big swooping coils Left to hang on her shoulders, reminiscent of Farah Fawcett or Cheryl Ladd, but without the colossal volume. Her coiffeur used the same technique for coils as Keira Knightley.”



Who Looked A Bit More Freak Than Chic

Andrew Gray Biyoni

Andrew Gray, director and expert stylist of Biyoni says, “Most of the guys didn’t really bother; George Clooney was looking suave as usual, Matt Dillon styled the same haircut he’s had for fifteen years. Heath Ledger at least had a shave, unlike his Bafta attendance, and a simple gelled up quiff done in less than a minute. Philip Seymour Hoffman obviously couldn’t care less, but he won Best Actor, so it probably doesn’t matter much!”



“Charlize Theron complicated, constructed dress didn’t match the enormous yet trendy 60s-vintage bouffant. Not a hit, but a bold mis-match of a statement.”



Andrew continues, “The Oscars has to be one of, if not, the most important night out for the stars. It is essential that they make the best possible impression. Not only is the right outfit crucial, a hairstyle that complements is vital to creating the right look. If you get it wrong it is going to haunt you for years!”



Biyoni is at the leading edge of 21st Century hair styling. For more information or to book an appointment at Biyoni visit www.biyoni.com or call the salon on 01224 626602.

Scotland On Film BBC1 – Aberdeen

Scotland On Film BBC1

On Sunday 5 March 2006 the Scotland On Film programme will feature Aberdeen and Grampian. Aberdonians will give an interesting insight into their memories of Aberdeen Beach and the fishing and oil industry. This will include the history of Aberdeen harbour and the North Sea oil boom. It starts at 6:15pm.

Scotland On Film Website

There is more information and clips from the series, including Aberdeenshire videos you can watch on your computer at www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/history/scotlandonfilm

Banff Photo Competition

Banffshire Coast Photographic Competition

Better start snapping, as the entries deadline for the Banffshire Coast national photographic competition approaches on the 24 April 2006. Organised by the Banffshire Coast Tourism Partnership the competition has already attracted entrants from all over the UK and it is hoped that the ‘Essence of Banffshire Coast’ competition will attract even more entrants with a view to showing the UK the rugged beauty of the area and attract more visitors.

Banffshirecoast

Town co-ordinator for Banff and Macduff, Michael Roy says, “We have been happy with the interest in the competition so far, receiving entries from as far afield as Malmesbury in Wiltshire, England. The competition is open to everyone, and a visit to www.banffshirecoast.com
will enable you to see the list of competition rules and you can download an entry form from the site.

Banffshire Photographers And Artists

Michael continues, “Historically the Banffshire area has been popular with photographers and artists due to the exceptional natural light and abundance of subject matter. We expect that many entries will fall into the categories of landscapes and seascapes, but it is also hoped that entrants will explore the affects of weather, the diverse wildlife, the distinct architecture and the local people. The subject of entered photography is open, but must be taken in the Banffshire area and reflect the ‘Essence of Banffshire Coast’.”

Photo Competition Prizes

Judged in two categories, open to all and a specific category for under 16’s, the winning entries from both categories to the competition will be judged on 1 May 2006, with the winner of the open category receiving £400, £200 going to second place and £150 for third. The winner of the under 16’s will win a Fuji camera to the value of £250.

Essence of Banffshire Coast

Those wishing to take part in the ‘Essence of Banffshire Coast’ photographic competition will be required to fill out an entry form, pay a £5 entry fee (for up to a maximum of 5 images) and adhere to the competition rules. The deadline for entries is 24 April 2006 and no entries will be accepted after this date, with the winning entries for both categories being drawn and announced on 1 May 2006.

Full details about the competition can be found on www.banffshirecoast.com or by calling 01261 843234 or 01261 882006