The First Women’s Institute

Women, War and the Way Forward for the SWRI

Established in 1897 in Canada, the First Women’s Institute was a group formed to combat isolation in rural areas, to give women mutual support and to be equivalent to the men’s Farmers Institute.
Scotland’s first group began in Longniddry, East Lothian, in 1917. Women suffered tremendous isolation in Scotland in the early years of the 20th century and the Scottish Women’s Rural Institutes (SWRI) strove to tackle this and to encourage and support education and social co-operation amongst Scotland’s rural women. The organisation now encourages home skills, 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.

Now in its 90th year, the SWRI has moved with the times and includes art and aerobics amongst its activities. With about 25,000 members throughout Scotland, who make up over 900 local institutes, the SWRI is enjoying a surge of younger women including new mothers, women who have re-located for work purposes and business women.

SWRI Chairman Alison Bayley says, “Scottish Women’s Rural Institutes was started during the First World War and provided invaluable support and teachings. As there were few street lights in rural areas, monthly meetings often had to be arranged to coincide with moonlight nights. In the Second World War some meetings had to be abandoned, but this did not stop the groups gathering together. Women helped teach crafts in isolated camps and hospitals, and SWRI vans toured remote areas to give cooking and food preserving demonstrations. When the war ended the women continued to be involved in community work and local affairs.”

Alison continues, “We now consider our meetings as a chance to catch up with friends and to learn something new. We encourage members to further their education in the widest possible sense and to learn new and exciting skills.”

The SWRI currently supports small industries and businesses and enables women to go on study tours at home or abroad, debate local issues, organise events or simply enjoy the friendship of fellow members at the monthly meetings.

To find out more about the work of the SWRI in your area or to set up your own organisation log onto www.swri.org.uk or call SWRI headquarters in Edinburgh on 0131 225 1724

borntoloaf website borntoloaf.co.uk

I'm often asked from regular aboutaberdeen and warbee pigbapes visitors what
Borntoloaf is and why I run it. I'll answer this here.

Mystery Shopping

I started the www.borntoloaf.co.uk website several years ago to help people learn how to make money at home, using the internet or becoming self employed through a range of work such as
Mystery Shopping where you get paid a fee for visiting a shop, bank or Post Office and testing a transaction. I did this full time for a few years and supplemented this income by doing Surveys and writing articles for magazines and newspapers.

This lead to me writing my own website articles and I now do this full time and love nothing better than writing about the great City of Aberdeen and the Shire. For example yesterday I had an enjoyable day researching the first
Aberdonian magicians who were Walford Bodie and John Henry Anderson, who was the first magician to pull a rabbit for a hat! I'm glad to say that their traditions and acts live on in talented people like Garry Seagraves who can be seen, with his rabbit in a hat, at
Chiquito Mexican Restaurant and Bar at the Aberdeen Beach Boulevard each Sunday.

The borntoloaf url came about by my family teasing me that I should get a proper job. Though I had the last laugh - I was working my own hours, choosing my work and earning more than my previous proper job!

Freebies

Borntoloaf was extended to include a free section. For example you can claim a free £5 bingo where you can win cash prizes. Other freebies I've received over the years include books, magazines, DVDs, CDs, food samples and handy cleaning products.

Competitions

Then I hit upon the idea that you can get more free things from entering competitions. I now list competition advice and where they can be entered at the borntoloaf website. My own winnings include cash prizes, games consoles, bikes, a BBQ, book tokens, shopping vouchers, DVDs, computer games, toys, games and much more, All handy to pass on as gifts to family, or to keep as treats. Some wins have been really enjoyable like a Harrods luxury hamper and a weekend break.

If you were born to loaf then visit the homepage of Borntoloaf at
www.borntoloaf.co.uk and learn home to make cash for free.

www.borntoloaf.co.uk

Football Competitions Aberdeen

Foot‘mall’ Crazy - Young Aberdonians Invited to Shopping Centre’s Annual Keepie Up Competition


Youngsters across Aberdeen are being invited to ‘kick off’ the second annual ‘Keepie Up Competition’ in the
Bon Accord
St. Nicholas Shopping Centre. Local children will hope that they are ‘on the ball’ for the free event which takes place next weekend (Saturday 29 April) from 12 noon to 3pm.

Aberdeen’s Children’s Sports School

The event is being organised by the University of Aberdeen’s Children’s Sports School which specialises in sports activities, with an emphasis on the importance of keeping fit, in conjunction with the Bon Accord St. Nicholas Shopping Centre.

Jackie Davidson, Children’s Sports School Co-ordinator at the University of Aberdeen says, “We hope that the children of Aberdeen will jump at this chance to show off their fancy footwork and impress their friends, while having fun and keeping fit and healthy.”

Keepie Up World Record

Jackie continues, “Each entrant will be timed on how long they can keep a ball in the air using a combination of their feet, knees, legs, chest, shoulders and head without the ball touching the floor. The number of keepie uppies in a given time will also be recorded. The overall winner will receive a free place for themselves and a friend at the Children’s Summer Sports School. The next best scorers in both the girls’ and boys’ categories will each receive an Aberdeen Football Club football, signed by the whole team. Girls are encouraged to attend the event just as much as boys - the world record for keepie uppies is held by a woman after all, at 55,187 touches in nine hours and six minutes, by Brazilian Milene Domingues, former wife of football superstar Ronaldo.”

Frank Sutherland, centre manager of the Bon Accord St. Nicholas Shopping Centre, says, “We want as many children as possible to come along to this fun day out and look forward to beholding Aberdeen’s up and coming football stars. The competition is open to children of all abilities under the age of 14, and I am sure we won’t have to blow the whistle on any ‘foul play’.”

Entrants must be 14 years and under. Both boys and girls are welcome.

The University of Aberdeen has been running children’s sport programmes for nearly 20 years and continues to develop its services to give children the best sporting experience. For further information on the children’s sports courses contact 01224 272318 or log onto www.abdn.ac.uk

Ambassador For Aberdeen City and Shire

I’m delighted to hear that Aberdonian model and singer Amanda-Jane Taylor has been given the honour of being the first ambassador to Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire.

Provosts of Aberdeen City and Shire

Amanda was the top choice of our Provosts the Lord Provost of Aberdeen, John Reynold and the Lord Provost of Aberdeenshire, Raymond Bisset.

They recognised her unique contributions to Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Scotland through her many charity works and awards such as Miss Commonwealth Scotland and Miss Aberdeen.

Various Aberdeen charities have benefited from the selfless work of Amanda-Jane. These include Childline, Children 1st, The Cyrenians homeless charity, Clan, Cash for Kids and the Scottish Childrens Hospice charity, CHAS. Working in her spare time she has raised thousands of pounds for these worthwhile causes and well as raising their profiles.

Amanda- Jane never forgets her Aberdeen roots, though her modelling and singing career takes her throughout the UK and the World. At Christmas she helps switches on the Christmas Lights in Union Street. Last year she was the Christmas fairy and braved the chilly weather in the open topped bus.

In the spring she brings Festival4Stars to Aberdeen to help launch the singing careers of many Aberdonian children.

During the summer she is involved in the Emmerdale Extravaganza in Banchory which raises funds for the Anthony Nolan Trust.

I can’t think of anyone more deserving for the role of Ambassador to our City and County – Amanda is bonnie, forward thinking, confident, fun to be with and radiant - all the qualities we promote about Aberdeen and the shire of Aberdeenshire. Amanda-Jane will announce to the World that Aberdeen is a vibrant, cheery, sunny fun place to visit.

Read more about Amanda-Jane Taylor
and see her photograph.

The Hip Bumpers

Ladies From SWRI Limber Up For Their ‘Hip Bumping’ Performance

A Scottish Women’s Rural Institute dance troupe ‘The Hip Bumpers’ are set to perform their preview performance tomorrow [18 April 2006], which sees them perform a fusion of Egyptian sand dancing and Scottish country dancing.
Performed by ten members of SWRI’s Banffshire Federation, the ladies will showcase their act for the first time outside of their own organisation to entertain local Senior Citizens.

Sand Dance to Scottish country dancing music

Dot Bremner, Press Secretary for the Botriphnie SWRI says, “The group has only performed twice before, entertaining our neighbouring WRIs. We attempted to perform the Egyptian Sand Dance to Scottish country dancing music which gave rise to much hilarity and was such good fun that the team decided to carry on and have called ourselves ‘The Hip Bumpers’”.

Dot goes on to explain that the audience are taught the routine and invited to join in, which guarantees a lot of laughter as well as being a great way of keeping fit.

Wheelchair Dances

“The group has devised a number of dances, many of which can be done by wheelchair users or people with limited mobility. We make sure that the audience, as well as us, are warmed up properly before we dance, starting with a performance of the ‘The Botriphnie Boogie’, continues Dot, “The audience then get a rest while ‘The Hip Bumpers’ perform their exhibition dance ‘The Cock of the North’”.

‘The Hip Bumpers’ will be entertaining The Senior Citizen’s Club at Seafield Hall, Portknockie, Banffshire on 18 April at 7pm, where all are welcome to join in the fun.

The SWRI has in the region of 25,000 members of all ages across Scotland, who make up around 1,000 local institutes. 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.

More about the work of the SWRI can be found at
www.swri.org.uk or by calling SWRI headquarters in Edinburgh on 0131 225 1724.

Bookworld Aberdeen

Shoppers in the
Bon Accord
St. Nicholas shopping centre are in for a treat this Easter weekend (Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 April 2006) as Bookworld host their first book fair of the year, in the lower mall of the central atrium, from 9am till 6pm on Saturday and 10am till 5pm on Sunday.

Scottish Books

The fair, which will offer many books and products at cut prices, will have a largely Scottish flavour, with the promotion of Scottish products, from guidebooks to souvenirs. A wide selection of activity packs for kids, in the 99p range, will also be available, including colouring books, picture books and painting sets. Easter eggs and cards will also be on sale, at competitive prices.

The Bear Factory Big Ted

Children will also have the opportunity to meet The Bear Factory’s ‘Big Ted’, who will be making an appearance at the book fair at 11.30am and 2.30pm on Saturday and may even make a surprise visit on the Sunday as well.

Paula Gibson, Manager of Bookworld, says: “The Easter book fair will provide shoppers with the opportunity to pick up a range of quality books and gifts at very reasonable prices. This weekend especially, the focus will be on value for money, as well as ‘service with a smile’, our company motto! With Scottish and Easter themes to many of our products, there really will be something for everyone - tourists and locals, children and adults.”

Centre manager Frank Sutherland, says: “We are very pleased to be hosting the book fair in the central mall, and offer our shoppers the chance to pick up goodies at competitive prices over the Easter weekend. Hopefully the range of products on sale, from colouring books to Scottish souvenirs, should keep both kids and tourists entertained throughout the Easter holiday!

Bon Accord St. Nicholas Shopping Centre Mascots MacHappy and MacHuggy

MacHappy and MacHuggy Pay An Easter Visit To Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital

Bon Accord St. Nicholas Shopping Centre mascots MacHappy and MacHuggy will pay a visit to Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital on Good Friday (14 April 2006).

Free Thorntons Easter Eggs

Thorntons have generously donated sumptuous Easter eggs to be handed out to all the children as a thoughtful Easter treat at 10:30am at the Downstairs Reception, Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital, Westburn Road, Aberdeen.


Frank Sutherland, centre manager for the Bon Accord St. Nicholas Shopping Centre, says, “We are grateful to Thorntons for the kind donation which will allow each child to receive an Easter egg courtesy of The Bon Accord St. Nicholas Shopping Centre. Easter is a family time and for some children in the hospital it is not possible to go home to be with their family. The centre mascots are visiting the hospital to spread some Easter cheer and we hope the children will be delighted with the visit from their furry friends.”

The Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital

The Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital was opened on 4th October 2005. The aim of the hospital is to provide optimal care for children in a dedicated child and family environment, acknowledging the role of parents as partners in the care of their child.

Yearly Choir Competition

SWRI Members Hold a Tune or Two For Yearly Choir Competition

final of the Scottish Women’s Rural Institutes yearly national choir competition

The final of the Scottish Women’s Rural Institutes yearly national choir competition will take place tomorrow (Saturday 8 April 2006). The grand finale will see competitors from Heiton & Morebattle WRI’s (Roxburghshire), Cumbrae WRI (Ayrshire), West Lothian WRI’s, Langbank WRI (Renfrewshire) and Dalrymple WRI (Ayrshire) all competing for pole position at 2:00pm in Troon Concert Hall, where the competition will be hosted by the Ayrshire Federation.

Jean Graham

Seasoned adjudicator Jean Graham of musical acclaim will be judging the choir competition, casting a fine musical eye over the finalists. Jean Graham has recently been awarded an MBE, with both the BBC and STV recording programmes on her life in music.

SWRI Senior Vice Chairman, Alison Argo who is Chairing the event says, “We are very grateful to Jean Graham taking time out of her busy schedule to adjudicate the choirs competition. It is especially exciting for the members who are taking part to be judged by someone with such expertise in the field and really adds to the importance occasion.”

Each WRI competing must perform one set piece from a choice of three, plus their own choice piece. The set pieces are ‘All about the Blues’ – Carl Strommen, ‘Dreams of Africa – A Song for Elephants’ – Douglas Coombes and ‘When I Sing’ – Bill Henderson – Arranged by David J. Elliot.

“By having set pieces we can judge the contestants consistently and the choice piece shows the WRI’s originality and the chance to pick a song that fits their strengths,” Continues Alison. “Having two songs also shows that the choirs can be diverse and gives them two opportunities to prove themselves in the competition.”

National Chairman of the SWRI

Alison Bayley, National Chairman of the SWRI, who will be presenting the winners and runners trophies as a token of their achievements, says, “We really appreciate all the efforts that have gone into the organisation of the choir competition and would like to congratulate the finalists on getting this far in the competition. One of the main aims of creating competitions within the SWRI is to provide a place for members to hone skills and to create enjoyable performances for all to enjoy.”

To find out more about SWRI Competitions, becoming a member of the SWRI or about an institute in your area, call the National Headquarters in Edinburgh on 0131 225 1724.

Chocolate Fountain Aberdeen

Chocolate Indulgence Aberdeen

A four-tiered chocolate fountain courtesy of Chocolate Indulgence will tempt shoppers to a range of tasty chocolate-coated sweet kebabs in the Bon Accord
St. Nicholas shopping centre this weekend (Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 April 2006), to help raise money for local charity Kids Action’s ‘Orphans’ Project’.
In an ongoing bid to help Kids Action, whose mission is to help orphaned children in Malawi and Sierra Leone, the Bon Accord St. Nicholas Shopping Centre is hosting the chocolate fountain in the central mall of the lower atrium this weekend, to try to tempt shoppers to indulge while giving money to a worthy cause.

Orphans Project

The Bon Accord St. Nicholas shopping centre is also set to play a further generous role in supporting the ‘Orphans’ Project’ in a few weeks’ time, when two teenage girls from the Kids Action orphanage in Sierra Leone will come to Aberdeen under the financial support of Rotary Club of Aberdeen St Fittick, and be treated to two days of pampering in the shopping centre.

Mariama and Rosemarie’s visit to Aberdeen, organised by Kids Action in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Aberdeen St. Fittick, will last two weeks. During this time they will attend several schools in the area, as well as being pampered at the shopping centre, to give them a taste of teenage life in Aberdeen.

Free Make Over Boots

On Monday 17th April, the first day of the Orphans Visit, Mariama (15) and Rosemarie (11), will be given the opportunity to select free outfits from Dorothy Perkins, New Look and Logo, shoes from Barratts and jewellery from Angelic Orchids, with lunch provided by the centre’s café, The Food Court. On the second day, Thursday 27th April they will each be treated to a free make-over in Boots and a hair styling session in Espiro, before being escorted to the centre management suite at the end of the day, to meet the shopping centre staff, enjoy refreshments and collect all their gifts.

Kids Action

Director of Kids Action, Alastair Brodie, explains: “The visit to Scotland will be very exciting for the girls from Sierra Leone as they will have the opportunity to meet, exchange ideas and socialise with Aberdonian children. In addition to this, to be able to offer them a shopping trip, complete with gifts of clothing, jewellery, make-overs and styling sessions, is really more than we could ever have hoped for, and for this, we are extremely grateful to all the 17 shops taking part from the Bon Accord St. Nicholas Shopping centre.”

Centre manager Frank Sutherland says: “We are very happy to be hosting the chocolate fountain this weekend to raise money for this important cause, and delighted to be able to offer Rosemarie and Mariama the opportunity to select free outfits from Dorothy Perkins, New Look and Logo, shoes from Barratts, free make-over in Boots, a hair styling session in Espiro and much more. On behalf of the Bon Accord St. Nicholas shopping centre, we wish Kids Action the very best with their ‘Orphans’ Project’ and we look forward to seeing the girls in the centre on the 17th and 27th of April.”

Keepie Up Competition

Keepie Up Competition Aberdeen

Youngsters across Aberdeenshire are being invited to ‘kick off’ the second annual Keepie Up Competition in the
Bon Accord St. Nicholas Shopping Centre.

Local children will hope they are not given the red card at the free event which takes place in the central atrium on Saturday 29 April from 12 noon to 3pm.

The event is being organized by Aberdeen University Children’s Sports School which specialises in sports activities, with an emphasis on the importance of keeping fit, in conjunction with the Bon Accord St. Nicholas Shopping Centre.