Warbee Pigbapes

Whack A Haggis

2007-01-12T15:06:00.000Z

Whack A Haggis Game

Whack A Haggis is a new game at
About Aberdeen where you use your computer mouse to move a wooden mallet to splat the popping up haggis. As each haggis pops up from their hole you need to splat the bad haggis and avoid hitting the good haggis. You get points for each bad haggis that you whack and points taken from your score for each good haggis that you whack. The good haggis are the friendly smiling haggis with the tartan bonnet whilst the bad haggis are the red scary looking haggis with the brown cap.

I'm looking for some testers of the new game and in return you can claim a main borntoloaf item from
www.borntoloaf.co.uk
such as a mug, rucksack, fleece jacket, flask, hoodie, ski hat etc. In addition I will also send smaller items that you request such as car stickers, notelets, pens, an aboutaberdeen rollerball pen in presentation case, badge, wallet, pencil case, frisbee, etc. Quite a lot of stuff in fact. It's my way of saying thank you for helping.

What I'd need you to do is visit whack a haggis game page and play the game. Don't worry about what score you get, you just need to play the whack a haggis game for the minute. Then enter your name or nickname. You will stay on the same aboutaberdeen page but the graphics will change to a score league table. Don't worry if you don't get on it. Use the arrow key to the right and scroll down to some coding. This is where I need help testing the whack a haggis game. Copy the coding, either the first html code or the bottom url code with optional image. There is an example below:

Now I need you to copy and paste this code onto your own website, a forum such as a competition forum, chat forum or webspace like myspace. If you are using the text link url then please add this to a signature you use or under any postings or profile to newsgroups, discussion boards, forums, etc.

This enables me to test that this coding is working and that other people can access the game and play it. I would need your code to stay in place for about 48 hours so that I can trace and tweak any bugs or problems. The site should also have natural visitors and not have been set up just to get freebies! No traffic - no borntoloaf freebies! The freebies will only be sent out to people who send traffic to the whack the haggis game so that testing can take place. I need at least 10 unique visitors from each link, so really describe the game to get people playing whack a haggis and you'll get the born to loaf freebies. I need this minimum level of traffic from each link to fully test the game coding.

So do the above and
contact me using Aboutaberdeen game tester in the subject line and tell me where you placed the link, your name and address and a list of the items you'd like to receive. The items are subject to availability and are kept up to date at http://www.borntoloaf.co.uk/competitionpage.htm

Thank you for your help.
Chris
www.findextrawork.co.uk
www.borntoloaf.co.uk

Aberdeen Inspire Raffle

2006-11-16T12:35:00.000Z

Cash Prizes and Holiday Vouchers to be Won in Shopping Centre

Great cash prizes and holiday vouchers are just some of the treats shoppers in the Aberdeen Bon Accord St. Nicholas shopping centre could win this weekend (Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 November 2006), courtesy of North East charity Inspire’s raffle, which is being held to raise money for their annual ‘Sparkles’ party at the Beach Ballroom on the 25 November.

“Inspire offers opportunities to improve the quality of life for people living with learning disabilities in the North East of Scotland,” explains marketing officer for Aberdeen Inspire, Debbie Rennie. “We provide a range of services from residential and rural support to independent travel training and holiday schemes. The Sparkles annual party gives service users the opportunity to meet in a fun and relaxed environment.”

Inspire Aberdeen Raffle tickets cost £1 and will be on sale in the central mall of the shopping centre’s lower atrium all day Saturday and Sunday. By buying a ticket, shoppers will help fund the organisation of the party, as well as giving themselves the chance to win £100 in cash, John Lewis vouchers or holiday vouchers from Thomas Cook.

Centre manager Frank Sutherland says: “I am very pleased, on behalf of the shopping centre, to be able to host Inspire for their raffle and hope that shoppers will appreciate this worthy cause and buy plenty of raffle tickets to ensure that this year’s Sparkles party is one to remember.”

Chris
www.findextrawork.co.uk
www.aboutaberdeen.com

Aberdeen Scarf

2006-10-19T15:12:00.000Z

Shopping Centre Supports Energy Saving Week

Shoppers in the Aberdeen Bon Accord St. Nicholas Shopping Centre can find out how to lead more environmentally friendly lives and save money at the same time during Energy Saving week, (Monday 23 – Saturday 28 October) as the Aberdeen-based Save Cash And Reduce Fuel organisation (Aberdeen SCARF) offers tips and advice on the small lifestyle changes that make less of an impact on natural resources and ultimately help to combat climate change. The free event will take place in the central atrium of the Bon Accord St. Nicholas Shopping Centre from 9am till 5pm.

Aberdeen SCARF Chief Executive Jean Morrison says: “SCARF provides householders, businesses and organisations with independent, free and impartial advice on sustainable use of energy that will not only reduce the amount of energy they use or save them money on fuel bills, and provide a warm, dry environment that puts less strain on natural resources and combats climate change.”

“In the Bon Accord St Nicholas Shopping Centre we will be handing out information to the public about the kinds of measures they can take in their own home to save on both energy and bills,” continues Jean. “We will also provide information on the kinds of grants available for insulation and central heating. To encourage people to start saving energy we will be giving away free low energy light bulbs to every householder that commits to saving energy in their homes.”

Centre manager Frank Sutherland says, “We are fully behind SCARF advising the public on how to lead more energy efficient lives, which will go some way towards helping to save the planet. As winter approaches it is especially important that as many people as possible are fully aware of the simple actions they can take to keep their energy footprint to a minimum and subsequently avoid high heating bills at the same time. Such actions can be as simple as wearing a warm jersey indoors instead of a t-shirt, in the middle of December!”
For further information call Jean Morrison (Aberdeen Scarf) on 01224 253900 or visit www.scarf.org.uk

Chris
www.findextrawork.co.uk
www.aboutaberdeen.com

£5 Off Dorothy Perkins Voucher

2006-10-18T16:31:00.000Z

Pampering Paradise ‘in store’ at the Bon Accord St Nicholas Shopping Centre

For the ultimate in pampering paradise this week, ladies should look no further than the Bon Accord St. Nicholas Shopping Centre, where Dorothy Perkins will be hosting a Girls Night In, from 4-8pm this Thursday (19 October).

Dorothy Perkins Discount

As well as a 20% discount on all stock, lucky customers will be treated to free hair styling from the team at Toni and Guy, as well as free makeovers from Virgin Vie.

Free Goodie Bags

“We will treat customers to a free glass of wine and also invite them to indulge themselves with one of our goodie bags worth £30 but selling at the bargain price of £2,” says Deputy Manager, Vicki Fraser. “The goodie bags contain a range of tantalising items including lip gloss, scented candles and a £5 off voucher to spend in the store.”

Centre manager Frank Sutherland says: “With the host of treats on offer, Dorothy Perkins’ Girls Night In looks set to be a real hit for those with a passion for pampering and discount retail therapy! Ladies should be sure to get there early to bag the best bargains and enjoy a free glass of wine before the crowds begin.”

Chris
www.findextrawork.co.uk
www.aboutaberdeen.com

Aberdeen Calendar

2006-10-17T13:33:00.000Z

Calendars Galore in Local Shopping Centre
Shoppers in the Aberdeen Bon Accord St Nicholas Shopping Centre won’t be stuck for ideas when it comes to gift buying between now and Christmas, as the Calendar Club makes its annual appearance in the shopping centre, on the first floor of the central atrium, outside Laura Ashley. The Aberdeen Calendar Club will be in the centre until 7 January 2007.

With a range encompassing everything from John Wayne and Johnny Depp to Winnie the Pooh and The Far Side, and with 700 different titles to choose from, the Calendar Club certainly has something for every taste. The stall offers diaries at £2.99, long, slim calendars at £4.99 and large square calendars at £9.99.

“We’ve got some really quirky ones this year, including a Sudoku-a-day one and a Chess-challenge-a-day one, as well as some classics in the humour range, such as extreme ironing and crap cars,” explains stall operator Lorna McLachlan. “Many of our calendars would make ideal gifts for those difficult-to-buy-for Dads; we’ve got everything from golf to cars.”

Now in its seventh year of business, the Aberdeen Calendar Club was officially ranked the UK’s number one retailer of calendars recently. The stall in the Bon Accord St Nicholas shopping centre is one of 200 stalls throughout the UK this year.

Centre manager Frank Sutherland says: “This year’s range of themes from the Calendar Club includes everything from travel to entertainment and looks set to offer something for every taste and budget. Those after a quirky calendar for 2007 should make a bee-line to the stall soon however, to avoid disappointment.”

Chris
www.findextrawork.co.uk
www.aboutaberdeen.com

Woolworths Aberdeen Big Red Book

2006-10-09T09:58:00.000Z

Woolworths to Launch Big Red Book

Woolworths in the Bon Accord St Nicholas Shopping Centre, Aberdeen will be scanning new horizons this Thursday (12 October 2006) with the launch of their brand new ‘Big Red Book’, a store catalogue comprising more than 500 pages’ worth of Woolworths products, many of which are unavailable in local stores such as Peterhead and Aberdeen.

“With over 5,000 products, the Big Red Book offers customers a chance to choose from the whole range of Woolworths products, then order in store either for store collection or home delivery,” explains store manager for the Bon Accord St Nicholas branch of Woolworths, James Murray. “The range of product categories in the catalogue includes Toys, Kids, Entertainment, Electricals, Home & DIY, Gifts and of course Christmas, just in time for the festive period which is fast approaching.”

Customers can pick up their free copy of The Big Red Book in Woolworths in the Bon accord St Nicholas Shopping Centre and also browse and buy from the catalogue online or over the phone.

Centre manager Frank Sutherland says: “The Big Red Book looks set to be a real boost for Woolworths in terms of increasing their already extensive range of products offered to customers. On behalf of the Bon Accord St Nicholas Shopping Centre, I wish Woolworths all the best with the launch this Thursday.”

Chris
www.findextrawork
www.aboutaberdeen.com

Annual Jobs Fair Aberdeen

2006-09-26T15:38:00.000Z

The Bon Accord St Nicholas Shopping Centre’s annual jobs fair will get underway today (Wednesday 27 September 2006), in the lower atrium of the Bon Accord centre, in a one day recruitment drive to secure seasonal staff to keep up with the annual stampede of Christmas shoppers who will descend upon the shopping centre from November onwards this year.

The third annual Bon Accord St Nicholas Centre Christmas job fair, which will run from 1 pm – 5pm, will see various staff from the centre’s units on hand distributing application forms and answering queries on skills and experience required for various jobs, as well as carrying out interviews.

Frank Sutherland, centre manager of the Bon Accord St Nicholas Shopping Centre, says, “The last two job fairs have been a great success so we’re hoping for a good turnout this year as usual. We are inviting the public into the centre for interviews for various positions during the Christmas period and are looking for applicants for replenishment duties, customer service, greeters, till operators, stock room duties and sales assistants.

“By holding the festive recruitment drive, we are providing an ideal opportunity for potential employees to meet with several potential employers under the same roof,” continues Frank. “During last year’s one day fair our retailers saw over 500 applicants - and employed a good proportion of those who attended. The one day approach seems to make life easier for the candidates, providing them with a number of retailers to visit under one roof. It also provides a fast track approach to recruitment, since candidates move from the initial meeting to interview all in the space of a day, thus avoiding the need to schedule future interviews around other commitments.”

To make the one day recruitment fair as effective as possible for potential applicants, staff at The Bon Accord St Nicholas Shopping Centre have come up with the following pointers for those seeking seasonal work:

Bring your C.V. The first page should contain personal details for an employer if they need to contact you and make sure that the format of your C.V. is in key headings e.g.
a. Key skills
b. Key achievements etc
Your employment history should commence with your current or most recent position and work backwards and you should provide information that demonstrates your ability to do the job – such as previous retail experience.

Dress for success – Remember to dress smartly. Even though you are in informal surroundings remember that this is a formal interview. Applicants should have a smart appearance as many of the jobs will be customer facing.
Job description – Be specific about which type of job you are looking for and stress your key skills. If you are a good communicator and enjoy dealing with the public then you would be most suited for a sales assistant position. If you feel you are more suited to a manual job then try for a position which deals with stock room and delivery duties.

Temporary to permanent? – Remember that even though the majority of the Christmas positions will be temporary this will stand you in good stead for future employment within the same stores.

Enthusiasm – Be enthusiastic and show how much you want the job! There will be lots of people looking for Christmas employment and last year saw many applicants.

Chris
www.findextrawork
www.aboutaberdeen.com

World Vision Aberdeen

2006-09-19T09:42:00.000Z

The Bon Accord St. Nicholas Shopping Centre is backing international relief and development agency World Vision’s current ‘3,000 Sponsors Appeal’, that was launched this month by Miss Scotland Nicola McLean. All this week until September 23 the centre will be joining celebrities such as Clare Grogan, Sian Lloyd and Noel Edmonds in supporting the current search for 3,000 new Scottish child sponsors before the end of September.

Representatives from World Vision will be chatting to Bon Accord St. Nicholas Shopping Centre shoppers and locals about child sponsorship and encouraging people to sign up to help change the lives of children living in extreme poverty.

Matt Marlow, World Vision’s Marketing Manager for Child Sponsorship said: “We’ve already had a fantastic response from the people of Scotland and we are look forward to heading to Aberdeen’s Bon Accord St. Nicholas Shopping Centre to help gain the support of the people of the north of Scotland.”

“Last years ‘Big Month’ Child Sponsorship campaign in Scotland successfully recruited thousands of new sponsors, people who are now helping to provide the life-saving basics, like clean drinking water and immunisation for children in the developing world, so we are hopeful that we can beat the target again this time round,” continued Matt.

Bon Accord St. Nicholas Shopping Centre Manager, Frank Sutherland said: “World Vision currently help thousands of children in developing countries through Child Sponsorship. When the staff at the centre heard that for as little as 60p a day – probably less than the price of a cup of coffee - a child in the developing world can be given the basics like clean drinking water we felt we had to get on board and offer our support.”

World Vision representatives will be rallying support and offering further information on their ‘3,000 Sponsors Appeal’ in the Bon Accord St. Nicholas Shopping Centre until September 23. Alternatively, to sponsor a child with World Vision log onto www.sponsor.org or call 0800 50 10 10.

About World Vision

● World Vision is one of the world’s leading relief and development agencies. It is a Christian charity currently helping people in nearly 100 countries in their struggle against poverty, hunger and injustice, irrespective of their religious beliefs.

Children in the developing world - Key Facts

● As parents and other family members become ill, children take on responsibility for income generation, food production, and care of family members.
● Children often face inadequate nutrition, basic health care, housing and clothing.
● Few families can afford to send their children to school, particularly young girls.
● Many orphans are struggling to survive on their own in child-headed households, or forced to live on the streets.
● Children impacted by HIV/AIDS are also at serious risk of exploitation, including physical and sexual abuse.
● After the death of a parent children often suffer from fears about the future; economic circumstances, discrimination and isolation, all affect orphans.

● World Vision is a member of several major agency groups including the Disasters and Emergency Committee (DEC), British Overseas NGOs for Development (BOND) and the Consortium for Street Children (CSC).

Chris
www.findextrawork
www.aboutaberdeen.com

Millie’s Cookies Aberdeen

2006-09-15T11:54:00.000Z

Free Cookies

Shoppers in the Bon Accord St. Nicholas shopping centre will be treated to frer cookies this weekend (afternoon of Friday 15 and all day Saturday 16 September 2006) as Millie’s Cookies celebrates 21 years of business, with National Cookie Week.

Cookie Vouchers

Representatives from the cookie counter will be wandering the Bon Accord St. Nicholas shopping centre handing out vouchers to shoppers entitling them to a free cookie from a range of their famous 13 flavours, including white chocolate, milk chocolate and double chocolate. Cookie fans should hurry to the shopping centre however, as the cookie company has only 1,000 free cookies to give away.

21st Birthday Cookies

“We are encouraging shoppers to share in the celebrations as we reach this milestone, by offering them vouchers for free cookies,” explains Elaine Mitchell, Assistant Manager at the Aberdeen branch of Millie’s Cookies. “Cookie fans can also pick up a voucher for free Millie’s cookies in this Sunday’s News of the World. Also, if customers can prove that it is their 21st birthday or 21st anniversary, they will also be entitled to a free limited edition pack of 21 cookies.

“We have been in the Bon Accord St. Nicholas shopping centre for over ten years now and are grateful to the people of Aberdeen for their continued custom and support, and are really looking forward to inviting them to share in the celebrations.”

Centre manager Frank Sutherland says: “Biscuit fans across the city should get themselves along to the St. Nicholas centre as soon as possible, to make sure they don’t miss out on the chance of a few tasty – and free – cookie creations. On behalf of the Bon Accord St. Nicholas shopping centre I’d like to congratulate Millie’s Cookies on their 21 years in business and wish them all the best for the future.”

Aberdeenshire and Banffshire Fishing History

2006-08-14T09:13:00.000Z

Maritime Exhibition Pays Tribute To Banffshire’s Own Local Heroes

The coastal area of Banffshire is not only home to the red phone box, which features in the film Local Hero, but also to its own local heroes. Famed for its fishing heritage and history, the area has its own real-life characters who relish in relaying tall stories to locals and visitors about their journeys and times at sea. This summers Banffshire maritime heritage exhibition pays homage to these men and women of a by-gone era.

John Sellar, who along with his brother used to manage the salmon fishing operation in the area, says, Going into the salmon fishing business was our family tradition, my great-grandfather started the company J Sellar and Son in 1871, and when my grandfather and his brothers passed away, my father and his brothers took over the business. So when I left school in the early 50s I went to work in the family business. Our company then was based in Boddam, Aberdeenshire, but fished for salmon from Macduff west to Portessie, so over the years I have seen many different types of fishing. At that time we used cotton nets to catch the fish. These were called bag nets. The bag net was a form of trap; the top rope was buoyed with corks and then submerged on the bottom rope to a depth of ten to sixteen feet. The bag or trap was held in position with rope, wires, which were usually buoyed, and chains which were sometimes shackled to the rocks or held in shore with anchors. The head of the bag was again held off the shore with wire and a length of chain attached to a heavy anchor. The bag was left in the same position for the entire season but was changed with a clean net weekly to save the netting getting covered with marine growth.

We encountered many storms over the length of a fishing season and one that springs to mind was the Queen Elizabeth Coronation storm in June 1953. Most of our nets were destroyed along the length of the coast. After the storm it took us two or three days to get the nets replaced and put into fishing order again. The wrecked nets were dried and stored with a label stating the extent of damage to be repaired at a later date, as we had to keep up with the daily work of the season. When we did have a spare hour or two we used to mend the nets on the green through the summer. By June we were going to sea at 5am and often I used to fall asleep in the late afternoon summer sun still holding the net, as my father was giving me instructions on how to repair them. Many salmon fishers still use the bag net method to catch fish, however nylon nets with synthetic ropes and buoys are now used, which has made them a lot lighter yet stronger than the cotton ones we had.

The salmon cobles we used ranged from 25 feet to 28 feet and were built by my father and his brothers in our net factory at Boddam, Aberdeenshire. During the late 1970s we built a 30 foot coble, as with the modern marine engine, we were covering more coastline with our nets and also carrying more gear. Once that coble was completed we took a fibre glass mould of the hull which allowed us to build in glass reinforced plastic from then on. We did this for many salmon-fishing companies throughout Scotland.

For many people living on the Banffshire coast, fishing was in their blood, often following in the footsteps of their father and their fathers father, so this exhibition will really be a journey back in time for these people, celebrating their memories of their time at sea. Although I am no longer involved in the salmon fishing today, I still live in Macduff which means I can keep up to date with whats going on within the fishing industry in the area.

Stanley Bruce, chairman of the Banffshire Maritime Heritage Association, says, The Banffshire Maritime Heritage Association was established because there is a significant interest locally in maritime heritage. During the summer season there will be a continually changing variety of slideshows, videos and films available to view. These will generally be of the local fishing heritage, but will also show local attractions such as the beautiful Banffshire coast.

Also on display will be maritime artefacts such as paintings, photographs, boats and oil-rig models, stories and poems. A childrens corner will also feature with fishing boats to colour-in as well as a boat and lighthouse to draw and add to the exhibitions collage.

The Banffshire Heritage Maritime Exhibition is open from July to October 2006. Entrance times are Mon Sun 1.00pm to 5.00pm, closed on Tuesday. Thursday - 7.00pm to 9.00pm. Entrance fee to the exhibition is Adult: £1.50, Child/ Concession: £1.00, Children 5 years or under: Free, Family ticket: £4.00. Further information on fishing and the history and heritage of the area can be found at www.banffshirecoats.com or by calling 08708 030251.

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

Family Day Out Balmedie Aberdeen

2006-08-10T16:33:00.000Z

Local Biodiversity Action Plan to Promote Marine Life Awareness
with Family Fun Day

To coincide with Sea Watch Foundation's ‘National Whale and Dolphin Watch Week’, which kicks off this weekend throughout the UK (12-20 August 2006), there will be a celebration of the sea and sealife in the north east at the North East Local Biodiversity Action Plan’s (LBAP) Marine Life Awareness day, “Discover the Sea”, to be held in Balmedie Country Park on Saturday 19 August 2006, from 11am to 5pm.

The fun-packed day aims to promote the marine environment in the North East of Scotland, and raise awareness of the variety of animals which depend on it. Based at the Macaulay Institute in Aberdeen, LBAP is organising the event in association with the East Grampian Coastal Partnership, Aberdeenshire Council and Aberdeen City Council,

Jennifer Lamb, LBAP Biodiversity officer, says: “The Marine Life Awareness day will be a fun event aimed at engaging the general public in issues surrounding the marine life in the north east and promoting the importance of the protection of the range of habitats in the region.

“There will be talks and information stands on marine-related topics from a number of organisations including the RSPB, Sea Search and the Aberdeenshire Rangers. A host of activities will also keep kids entertained, such as a life-size inflatable blue whale, courtesy of the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, quizzes, face painting, crafts, nature walks, beach activities and even a whale rescue demonstration by the British Divers Marine Life Rescue team.”

Many of the key messages being promoted at the fun day will be taken from the findings of the LBAP’s recent marine habitat action plan, which involved a collaboration of local and national organisations, and aims to help protect and enhance marine habitats in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray. The LBAP has also completed three other marine-related plans recently, on coastal sand dunes and shingle areas, estuarine and intertidal areas and coastal cliff and heath areas.

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

Cheap School Uniforms Aberdeen

2006-08-08T16:07:00.000Z

Back To School – Adams Offers Cool Clothes For Kids

Term time is almost upon us and parents can be seen scouring the high street for new uniforms, school bags, shoes and accessories. The staff at Adam’s Kids, situated in the lower mall of the Bon Accord St. Nicholas Shopping Centre, are on hand to offer advice and a full range of ‘Back To School’ basics.

Lisa Reid, store manager of Adams Kids in the Bon Accord St. Nicholas Shopping Centre, says, “Most parents want their children to look traditional and smart for their return to school but obviously children still want to have a fashionable edge. Our current stock of girl’s blouses with floral patterns down the side is very popular this year and we are also seeing an increase in the sales of skirts which I would imagine is down to the good weather.”

Lisa continues, “This year’s collection sees trousers with an adjustable waist which come in standard and long length. They are also Teflon coated so easily wiped clean which is an essential with kid’s clothes! All of the range is easy care, machine washable and suitable for tumble drying.”

All ‘Back To School’ mix and match basics are buy one get one half price all year round, this includes school bags, shoes and accessories. Prices from the clothing range start at £3.49.

For further information on the ‘Back To School’ collection visit Adams Kids, Unit 20, Lower Mall, Bon Accord St. Nicholas Shopping Centre or call 01224 625919.

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

Castle Care A Lot Aberdeen

2006-07-26T15:04:00.000Z

Local Children Invited To Make Music At ‘Crechefest’

Local Aberdeen youngsters are invited to make their own music this weekend (29 & 30 July) at Castle Care A Lot in the Bon Accord St Nicholas Shopping Centre. Children aged between 2 and 7 years will be able to sing-along to the latest pop tunes letting them join in on forthcoming music festival fun.

Annette Buchan, manager of Castle Care A Lot in the Bon Accord St Nicholas Shopping Centre, Aberdeen, says, “July and August are definitely the music festival months with forthcoming local events and the recent T In The Park. We wanted to give the youngsters a chance to join in with the fun of the festivals, even if they are a little too young to attend.”

Annette continues, “Our playgroup nursery and creche child day care service gives parents time to stock up on suncream, flip flops and additions to their summer wardrobe whilst having the peace of mind that their child is in safe surroundings and having a lot of musical fun.”

Additional activities include painting, story telling, play stations, games, toys, adventure play structure and ball pit.

Castle Care A Lot is run by a team of fully qualified nursery assistants and costs £3.75 per hour per child. Refreshments are available for an additional 35p per child. Opening hours 9am – 5:45pm (Saturday) and 12 noon – 4:45pm (Sunday)

For further information on Castle Care A Lot, Aberdeen call 01224 626260.

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

Busking Fiddlers Aberdeen

2006-07-25T15:20:00.000Z

Bon Accord St Nicholas Shopping Centre to Host Fiddlers Busking Trail

Shoppers in the Bon Accord St. Nicholas Shopping Centre will have their feet set a-tapping by a fiddlers busking trail this week (Thursday 27 to Sunday 30 July inclusive), which will take in the shopping centre as part of the North Atlantic Fiddle Convention (NAFCo) 2006, a five day long celebration of fiddle and dance from around the North Atlantic, set to take Aberdeen by musical storm from the 26 to the 30 July.

“The fiddlers come from all over the world and will perform at venues throughout the city over the course of the four days, including the Bon Accord St. Nicholas shopping centre, where performances will be held over lunch time,” explains NAFCo convention assistant Carley Williams, from Aberdeen University’s Ephinstone Institute. “They will play traditional music from a range of countries including Canada, Norway, Scotland, Denmark and the USA.

“As well as the busking trail, there are a number of other events happening across the city, such as workshops, concerts and ceilidhs,” she continues. “The next event is scheduled for Newfoundland in 2008, and it won’t return to Aberdeen until 2010, so locals and visitors should be sure to come along this time so as not to miss out on this fiddling extravaganza!”

Bon Accord St Nicholas Shopping Centre manager Frank Sutherland says: “I’m really looking forward to hosting the fiddlers busking trail in the shopping centre and hope that our shoppers enjoy this experience of music-on-the-move, as they pick up the latest summer bargains.”

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

Banffshire Coast

2006-07-24T16:09:00.000Z

The Banffshire Coast: Where Sunshine Is Guaranteed

It’s official – as well as being the UK hot spot for storm watching, Banffshire is one of the sunniest and driest parts of the country! While many Brits have long since given up on waiting for a good summer, and opt instead for cheap holidays abroad for that fleeting, but nonetheless essential week or two of guaranteed sunshine, some will take comfort in the knowledge that the Banffshire coast is one of a few corners of the country where the chance of sunshine is higher than elsewhere.

Official figures from the Met Office reveal that the area basked in a greater number of hours of sunshine than Scotland as a whole last summer, a statistic that is thanks directly to the area’s unique microclimate, which creates a weather that is milder, drier and sunnier than that of the area’s surrounding regions.

The Banffshire coast’s microclimate, a term used to describe the climate of a small area, results from its position relative to the surrounding land and sea. Nestling in the lee of the scenic Grampian Mountains and perched on the edge of the North Atlantic, Banffshire’s weather is influenced by both the effect of the warming North Atlantic Drift on the area’s coastal waters, and the fact that it is sheltered from the prevailing south westerly winds. In short, the two factors combine to produce a mellowing effect that guarantees the area a more agreeable climate than the rest of the country.

The summer months in particular are the perfect time to visit the area if it’s warm weather you’re after. Joyfully free of the midgies for which the west coast is famed, moderate temperatures are de rigeur on this corner of the east coast, and provide the perfect opportunity to sample one or two of the many outdoor activities the area has to offer. Whether it’s cycling, walking, golfing or fishing, there really is something to suit all tastes and pockets.

“Total hours of sunshine in Banffshire last summer amounted to 436, while Scotland as a whole had only 422,” explains John Hammond of the Met Office. “Banffshire’s microclimate places it firmly as one of the driest regions in Scotland.”
Karen Crowe of the Banffshire Coastal Tourism Partnership says, “Having lived here for more than 20 years, I can certainly vouch for warm, dry summers. It has to be said that the microclimate does much to enhance the area’s natural beauty and also provides great conditions in which to sample the huge variety of outdoor activities the region has to offer.
See a picture of the Banffshire Coast around Cullen at
www.scottishrecipes.co.uk

More information about the Banffshire Coast, from events to what to see or do in the area, is available by visiting the new
www.banffshirecoast.com or calling 0870 803 0251

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

Minke Whales Sightings Scotland

2006-07-10T13:45:00.000Z

Minke Whale Sightings on the Rise on Banffshire Coast

The recent rise in the number of Minke whale sightings off the Banffshire coast is doing much to support the area’s reputation as a haven for a myriad of marine life. With sightings reported as early as May this year, 2006 looks set to rival the record number of sightings reported last year, before the whale watching season has even begun.

“There have been a number of great sightings of Minke whales in the last month,” says Karen Crowe, of Banffshire Coastal Tourism Partnership. “The inner Moray Firth has been a fantastic spot to see them, and along the Banff to Fraserburgh coast, Minkes have been seen in groups of more than four. There were even some juveniles spotted at Pennan on Saturday.”

Dean Southall, director and skipper of local wildlife tour operator North 58 comments: “The Minke whales are definitely appearing earlier in the year, and there are also more of them. Although the most common months to see them are July and August, when they calve, my first sighting this year was in early May just off Portsoy.

“Last year I was really lucky and saw eight at a time, all coming to the surface together; it was a really special moment. They average about ten metres in length and so when you’re in a 8.5 metre long ferry, you really know about it when these creatures pull up alongside!”

Dean attributes the rise in the number of Minke whales off the Banffshire coast to the abundance of food in the area. “The area is currently full of sprat and mackerel, so the Minke whales are having a great time gorging themselves.”

“Around here the whales are typically found about two nautical miles offshore, but often come in quite close to shore, to water depths of about six metres,” continues Dean. “Sometimes you can even smell their presence; they have a really fishy breath that is so potent it can be carried inland on the right wind direction!”

For further information on the Banffshire Coast and all that it offers visit
www.banffshirecoast.com or call 0870 8030251. North 58 (01542 832560) and Puffin Cruises (01261 819900) offer daily sightseeing trips which depart from various harbours along the Banffshire coast. Contact the companies directly for ferry information.

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

Sea Shanties Aberdeenshire

2006-07-07T15:25:00.000Z

Will The Sound of ‘Greedy Seagulls’ Attract Hollywood’s Finest to Portsoy?

Johnny Depp Invited to Portsoy Festival

Norwegian sea shanty singers Slogmakaane (The Greedy Seagulls) will greet the traditional boats as they arrive for this year’s festival. Boats include a reproduction Neolithic boat, used some 6,000 years ago to bring the first settlers from Europe; arguably the first North Sea Ferry

Organisers of the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival in Portsoy are hoping the lure of a Norwegian sea shanty singing group - whose name translates as ‘The Greedy Seagulls’ - will attract Johnny Depp to the north east town this weekend (Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 July 2006). Organisers are inviting Johnny Depp to this year’s festival to hear original Norwegian and Scottish sea shanties, as an album of sea shanties which he has produced will hit the shops on the same day as the festival launches. Stars appearing on the album include Bono, Sting, Nick Cave, Tom Waits and Andrea Corr. Scandinavian sea shanty singers Slogmakaane (The Greedy Seagulls) will be serenading land lubbers at the 13th Scottish Traditional Boat Festival.

“When we arranged for Slogmaakane to be a lead act at the festival, we were unaware that sea shanties would be as high profile as they are,” says festival organiser Roger Goodyear. “The release of Johnny Depp’s album and the premiere of Pirates of the Caribbean have certainly raised the profile of maritime heritage. The superb singers of Slogmakaane will bring their magical mix of traditional Norwegian and English language shanties to what is a great musical programme over the weekend at Portsoy. This is just the second time they have performed outside Norway. Their participation marks this year’s theme of North Sea neighbours.”

Sea shanties are songs which were sung by sailors in rhythm with their work. The word may derive from the French words chanter meaning "to sing" or chantez meaning "sing!", which gives rise to the spelling variations "chanty", "chantey", "chanties", and "chanteys. Johnny Depp’s new album is called Rogue’s Gallery; Pirate Ballads, Sea Songs and Chanteys. Shanties were sung to ease the burden of physical labor. A true sea shanty was sung in rhythm to work on the ship and not during leisure time. Different types of shanties were sung to accompany the various tasks on the ship, for example halyard shanties were sung during the raising and lowering the sails and capstain shanties were sung during the raising or lowering of the anchor. Sea shanties will be sung by Slogmakaane as boats are kedged into the harbour at Portsoy.

The 2006 Scottish Traditional Boat Festival has one of the largest collections of traditional boats in Scotland, with a boat dating from 1895 taking part in the races this year.

It’s not the ‘oldest’ boat however, as there will be the launch and maiden voyage of a reproduction Neolithic boat, used some 6,000 years ago to bring the first settlers from Europe; arguably the first North Sea Ferry!. Made from cowhide it’s not for the faint-hearted nostril.

In a packed programme for all ages visitors can participate in maritime activities, craft demonstrations, a non stop programme of music, dance and drama, a food fayre, a road run and much, much more including the new Adventure Land, packed with a mass of things for kids from 9 to 90 to do.

“If Johnny Depp fancies immersing himself in true maritime history rather than swashbuckling Hollywood,” says Roger, “He’ll be more than welcome at Portsoy this weekend!”

The 2006 Scottish Traditional Boat Festival takes place throughout Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 July in and around the harbour at Portsoy on the Banffshire Coast. Entry to the harbour area is £4 for adults, £2 for children and access to all other areas including the food fair is free

More information can be found at www.scottishtraditionalboatfestival.co.uk or call 01261 842894.

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

Aberdeen Disney Shop

2006-07-05T10:56:00.000Z

Ahoy Pirates Of The Caribbean Fans – Go Directly To Disney

To coincide with the first cinema viewings of the second Pirates of the Caribbean epic, the Disney Store is flying the skull and cross flag in the hope of attracting aspiring Captain Jack Sparrow’s and Elizabeth Swan’s to the Bon Accord St Nicholas Shopping Centre on Thursday 6th July. Daily until stocks run out, wannabe pirates should be set to plunder the Disney store between 2 – 3pm in search of hidden golden riches and authentic pirates treasure maps.

Gaye Dench, Store Manager of the Disney Store says, “With the summer holidays in swing, we really wanted put on a free treat for the children that would coincide with the opening of Pirates of the Caribbean at the cinema.”

Pirates of the Caribbean Competition

“We have set up treasure hunts with pretend golden coins and each child will receive an authentic looking treasure map that also doubles as a certificate. Whilst certificates last, every holder will be automatically entered into a prize draw which will entitle them to become a possible winner of a Pirates of the Caribbean goodie bag, with four winners from every store!”

Other ‘pirates’ can go ‘overboard’ entering into a free prize draw encompassing the UK, which will entitle one lucky family of four, to an all expenses paid trip to Disney Land Florida to meet Captain Jack Sparrow.

Gaye continues, “We hope that the children who come down will have a really good time and we look forward to searching for treasure with them. To see who the real pirates are, the first ten certificate holders to come back once stocks have run out will receive there very own pirates hat!”

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

SWRI Annual Summer School

2006-06-29T14:51:00.000Z

Join The SWRI Where Schools Not Out For Summer

If learning new skills and meeting new people sounds like something you wouldn’t mind doing over the summer, joining the Scottish Women’s Rural Institutes (SWRI) may be the perfect solution. One of the popular events that the SWRI runs is the annual Summer School, this year being held at the St. Leonard’s School in St. Andrews from 17 – 21 July with 127 delegates already registered.

The courses are educational, fun and a great place for like minded members to meet and participate on subjects that are of interest. Each Summer School is held in a different area in Scotland every year and they not only aim to be accessible to a majority of members, but also offer members the chance for extensive travel throughout Scotland.

The Summer School offers classes such as, Digital Photography at two levels – one for those with computer experience and one for novices - Singing for Pleasure, History of St. Andrews & District, Gardens, Drama for Fun, Silk Shading, Tatting and Scrapbooking. Each year there is a diverse selection of classes catering to all different tastes and abilities of members.

Alison Bayley, National Chairman of the SWRI, says, “The Summer Schools that we offer are hugely popular with members, this year several classes were full within a couple of months of its organisation. The courses prove to be so popular because we offer such a broad range of activities, catering to the different interests of our members. The Summer Schools also offer members the chance to get away with other women with similar interests which in many cases can end up in long lasting friendships being struck.”

“We feel that it is our attention to detail on trips and other courses or classes that we have on offer, which has resulted in our 25,000 strong memberships that the SWRI has throughout Scotland today.”

The SWRI encourages members to participate in many different activities such as attending classes, events or simply to enjoy the friendship of fellow members at monthly meetings. If you feel that the SWRI may have something to offer you in the way of classes, activities, courses or friendships or to find out more about what’s available to SWRI members, call the National Headquarters in Edinburgh on 0131 225 1724.

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

Austalian Pipe Band Aberdeen Scotland

2006-06-21T14:40:00.000Z

Male Pipeband From ‘Down Under’ To Perform Scottish Classics For Aberdeen Shoppers

Knox Grammar School Pipe Band from Wharoonga, New South Wales, Australia will treat shoppers to two half hour sets of Scottish musical interludes such as Auld Lang Syne, Flower of Scotland and the Skye Boat Song as part of their music tour of the UK. The 37 strong all male band of pipers and drummers, dressed in Red Macpherson tartan, will perform the free open air concert on the St. Nicholas bandstand of the Bon Accord St. Nicholas shopping centre on Tuesday 27 June 2006 from 12.30 pm to 2pm.

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

Father’s Day Presents Aberdeen

2006-06-15T14:59:00.000Z

Fathers’ Day Finds to be Had in The Bon Accord Shopping Centre

Shoppers in search of a special fathers’ day present need look no further than the Bon Accord St. Nicholas shopping Centre this week, as leather accessories specialists ‘Koral Accessories’ sets up shop in the lower mall of the central atrium, from Monday 12 June until close of business on Saturday 17 June.

Selling a range of leather items from wallets to customised belts, Koral Accessories is the ideal shopping stop-off for those looking for a high quality, practical gift for Dads.

Koral Graham of Koral Accessories, says: “As well as items well suited to Fathers’ Day, we have a whole host of products including handbags and purses, in an array of colours from fuscia to lilac, along with the traditional blacks and browns, and various products in the Saddler range. With prices ranging from £1.99 to £12.99 on purses, and from £4.99 to £59.99 on handbags, there is something to suit all budgets.”

Centre manager Frank Sutherland says: “I am pleased to be hosting Koral Accessories in the shopping centre and offering our shoppers the chance to pick up some last minute Fathers’ Day gifts. If past experience is anything to go by, these leather goods normally go like hot cakes, so shoppers should get in quick to see the full range!”

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

Swamp Soccer Scotland

2006-06-12T08:31:00.000Z

Brits Invited to Get Down and Dirty in Alternative World Cup

Wayne Rooney wannabes, footballers’ wives, business men and women… anyone over 17 who likes football, fun and …getting down and dirty, can now sign up for the first ever British ‘Swamp Soccer’ event. Registration for this unique two-day tournament, which makes its UK debut on 1 and 2 July 2006, is now open.

An extreme sport that requires no training, Swamp Soccer originates from the swamps of Finland and is fast becoming an alternative sport phenomenon globally – tournaments already take place annually in Russia, the Netherlands, Brazil, Sweden, Iceland and now in the UK.

Stewart Miller, Swamp Soccer Event Organiser says, “We are really excited to bring Swamp Soccer to the UK for the first time. I’ve taken part in tournaments in other parts of the world and it really is great fun, whether you are entering as a group of friends or as part of a corporate team building exercise.

“Team registration opens today and we are expecting a large number of teams taking part on the 1 and 2 July. Thousands compete in the tournaments elsewhere in the world and in terms of popularity, Swamp Soccer is considered one of the fastest growing alternative sporting events in the world.”

Taking place at the Hunter’s Quay holiday village, Dunoon, Scotland – a unique campus that is made up of a variety of two and three bedroom lodges and caravans – the action packed weekend costs just £20 to enter a team, including free ferry travel, free entertainment, live music, discos and ceilidhs. World Cup fans can also watch the matches on a huge television screen.

The Swamp Soccer rules are similar to regular football with a few exceptions - there is no offside rule, each team consists of six players - one goalie and five field players, unlimited substitutions can be made, the game lasts 24 minutes, players in the same team must wear the same colours but fancy dress is also encouraged and, as the name suggests, players should expect to get more than a little dirty.

Swamp Soccer is open to everyone over the age of 17 years and teams can be all male, all female or mixed. Whether you want to enter as a group of friends, get a team of work colleagues together or just come and watch the fun, this is guaranteed to be a great weekend in a beautiful west coast of Scotland location and much more fun than celebrating the World Cup down the pub.

To enter a team and for further information visit www.swampsoccer.co.uk or call 01369 830000.

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

Seventh Annual Grampian Awards for Business Enterprise

2006-06-10T10:07:00.000Z

Five Aberdeen Companies Win Coveted Enterprise Awards

Five Aberdeen based companies are today celebrating their success at the seventh annual Grampian Awards for Business Enterprise that was held on Thursday 8 June 2006).

Capture Imaging of Aberdeen won the New Business Award. A document management copy and scan solutions service company, Capture Imaging, was launched in October 2005 by Colin Yule and Robbie Cheyne. The business aims to provide a local, personal service in the field of document management and in the first quarter of trading secured contracts worth more than £400,000.

The Young Business Award was presented to TSMarine (Contracting) Ltd, a specialist marine and subsea operations support services provider exclusively supporting subsea operations to the offshore oil and gas industry. The company primarily focuses on the decommissioning of redundant subsea production facilities but also supports a diverse cross section of offshore projects when required.

The oil and gas industry is represented for a second time by the winner of the Business Growth Award, C&M Group Ltd. In order to provide a wider range of engineering services to their clients, C&M Group Ltd split their organisation into separate divisions. Two years on, the company has grown beyond recognition with an increase in turnover approaching 500%.

The Sir Ian Wood Award for Innovation was last night picked up by Aberdeen life-science company, NovaBiotics Limited. The design and development of anti-infective technologies is undertaken by NovaBiotics Limited in order to meet an increasing need for safer, more effective antifungal and antibacterial drugs. NovaBiotics Limited concentrates on developing truly original therapies and has an innovative approach to delivering the technology to market which has allowed them to discover more effective antibacterial compounds.

Winner of the New Business Award at the Grampian Awards for Business Enterprise in 2003, Richard McLaughlin of attic was last night awarded the Ian Davidson award for Entrepreneurship. Richard took over the family wholesale business nine years ago and now owns two successful shops - one in Aberdeen and one in Inverurie. Richard has also set up a website, one of the first branded clothing websites through which the company serves customers across the world.

Winners of the six awards were announced in front of an audience of 400 north east business people. Rachel Elnaugh, one of Britain’s highest profile female entrepreneurs was the key note speaker at the event.

The Awards commend business achievement in companies of all sizes and enterprising individuals, are organised by Enterprise North East Trust (Enterprise) and sponsored by The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) and Business Gateway (in association with Scottish Enterprise Grampian).

Chris Travis, chief executive of Enterprise says, “There was a record number of entries for the Grampian Awards for Business Enterprise this year, entry numbers were up by 27% on last year. The awards act as a showcase for businesses from across the north east and highlight the wide variety of industry sectors which are represented in the area. Judging the entries was not an easy task as all of the entries were of a consistently high standard with many demonstrating dynamism, ingenuity, business flair and other entrepreneurial skills.”

Stuart Heslop, director of commercial banking in Aberdeen for RBS, delivered the second key note address to those at the awards ceremony. He comments, “RBS has sponsored this prestigious event for five years now and we are proud to be associated with what has come to be recognised as a key event on the north east business calendar. The finalists and ultimate winners last night reflected the enterprising nature of the north east and this bodes well for the economic prospects of the region.”

All finalists received a certificate and category winners picked up a coveted enterprise award and a cheque for up to £5,000.

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

Forecourt Art Group Open Air Exhibition

2006-06-09T09:46:00.000Z

The annual Forecourt Art Group Open Air Exhibition returns to Aberdeen again from Monday 19 June until Saturday 1 July. It will be held each day from 10am to 5pm at The St Nicholas House Underpass in Broad Street, Aberdeen.

The Forecourt Art Group Open Air Exhibition is the North East os Scotland’s longest established open air art exhibition. It was previously held in the forecourt of Langstane Kirk and returns with a new venue under St Nicholas House between Broad Street and the rear entrance to Marks and Spencer.

There will be more than 100 original works of art in oil, pastel, watercolour and mixed media on display each day. Prices of the artwork are from £30 to £150.

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

Grampian Transport Museum Time Travel Exhibition

2006-06-08T13:23:00.000Z

Time Travelling Experience in Store for Aberdeen Shoppers

Shoppers in the Bon Accord St. Nicholas shopping centre will be treated to a taste of both the past and future next week, as the
Grampian Transport Museum Time Travel Exhibition makes a road show appearance in the lower mall of the central atrium for one week from Monday 12 June.

The mini exhibition will feature a Ford Thames light commercial van dating from 1950, as well as a Manx Norton racing motorcycle from 1952, thought to be the most valuable of its kind, and certainly the ultimate treat for the motorcycling connoisseur. A CD station aimed at youngsters will also form part of the exhibition, and allow budding time travellers to virtually navigate the Alford based transport museum, through the use of 360 degree panoramic photography.

Mike Ward, curator at the Grampian Transport Museum, explains: “This is an opportunity for the people of Aberdeen to get a taster of the time travel exhibition that is currently on display at our museum in Alford. The vehicles from the 1950s are in great condition, and we will be encouraging the public to interact with the exhibits as well as ask questions of our team, who are experts on time travel and have a good knowledge of local travel and transport history as well.”

Centre Manager Frank Sutherland says: “With the current popularity of shows such as Dr Who, the Grampian Transport Museum’s time travel exhibition is a must-see for fans, as well as a source of interesting facts and figures on the local history of travel and transport. I am very pleased to be hosting the exhibition in the Bon Accord St. Nicholas shopping centre, and helping to provide an unusual way for our shoppers to ‘pass the time’ between shops.”

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

Ascot Hat Competition

2006-06-06T08:48:00.000Z

Shopping Centre Says ‘Last Call’ for Hat Design Competition Entries

Local students and school children have less than a week remaining to get their designs in for the Bon Accord St. Nicholas Shopping Centre’s ‘Hat’s Off for Ascot’ competition, if they are to be in with a chance of winning one of the fantastic prizes courtesy of Marks & Spencer and John Lewis, as the closing date is this Friday 9 June.

The hat design competition, which is being organised and judged by shopping centre staff and is open to all local children from nursery to secondary age, as well as to college and university students in the area.

Entrants are asked to think of a hat they would like to wear to a day at the races, and put down their design ideas on paper, in the form of a sketch, painting or graphic design, and send their entries, complete with name, age and daytime contact details to Hat Design Competition, Tricker PR, 9 Victoria St, Aberdeen AB10 1XB, by 5pm on Friday 9June 2006. There will be separate categories for the various age groups and the winners in each category will receive a prize donated by Marks & Spencer and John Lewis.

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

Grade Athon Aberdeen

2006-06-02T19:52:00.000Z

Photoshoot Opportunity with Miss Commonwealth Scotland on Friday 2nd June @ 10.15am at the North East of Scotland Music School, 21 Huntly Street, Aberdeen

Grade-♪-Athon Comes to Aberdeen

Gifted musicians from the north east of Scotland will hopefully be making sweet music throughout the winter, to raise funds for two Scottish organisations. CHILDREN 1ST and the North East of Scotland Music School Ltd (NESMS) will benefit from music scholars battling their wits against instruments unknown to them.

The Grade-♪-Athon Aberdeen will see individuals who are at least Grade 7 in any instrument undertake a Grade 1 exam in an instrument in which they have little or no experience. Participants will have one group lesson in the new instrument (proposed date – Saturday 9th September) and then be given 8 weeks to practice before culminating in a one day Grade 1 examination (proposed date – Sunday 19th November).

Miss Commonwealth Scotland, Amanda-Jane Taylor
will be launching the event on Friday 2nd June at the North East of Scotland Music School. Amanda-Jane Taylor said “I’m delighted to have been asked to launch this musical challenge. Learning a new instrument is a challenge in itself but completing a Grade 1 in only 10 weeks is inspirational! I wish all those participating in the Grade-♪-Athon Aberdeen the very best of luck and I hope that everybody succeeds in passing their Grade 1 exam.”

Nicola Bradford, Board Member of CHILDREN 1ST and Council of Management at the NESMS, added “as a music teacher I understand fully the challenge of taking up a new instrument but we are sure that many gifted musicians throughout the north east will rise to it. I’m delighted that sponsorship raised through this event will raise funds for two such worthwhile causes and I look forward to hearing music resonating throughout Aberdeen.”

Anybody interested in taking part should contact the North East of Scotland Music School on 01224 649685.

CHILDREN 1ST is one of Scotland’s leading child welfare charities, helping children and families in the North and across Scotland while its sister organisation, the NSPCC, supports children in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Every one of us can play a part in keeping children safe. Find out what YOUR part could be. View their TV and cinema advert and meet Mairi, the mascot of the CHILDREN 1ST Public Awareness Campaign at
www.children1st.org.uk

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

Banffshire Coast Photography Competition Winners

2006-05-31T14:29:00.000Z

Banffshire Coast Photography Prizes Have Been Snapped Up

Banffshire Coast Photography Competition Winners

The Banffshire Coast Photography Competition has recently been snapped up by keen amateur photographers from throughout Scotland, capturing the natural beauty of the area on film. The competition was expertly judged by the Scottish Professional Photographic Association and the prize giving will take place at 3pm on Thursday 8 June at Duff House in Banffshire.

The competition was judged in two categories, open to all and a specific category for under 16’s. Top snapper Graeme McHardy of Keith managed to capture the essence of the area and has won the £400 first prize for the open to all category. Runner up Ian Flory of Edinburgh will receive the second prize of £200, and Morton Gillespie of Nairn receives £150 for third.

The under 16’s prize was snapped up by Erin Wesmorland of Stirling who will become the proud owner of a state of the art Fuji camera to the value of £250.

Town co-ordinator for Banff and Macduff, Michael Roy says, “We were very happy with the response to the competition, receiving entries for as far afield as Malmesbury in Wiltshire, England and from entrants of all ages. The success was not only in the fine photographic art that we have received, but also the number of visitors the competition has brought to the Banffshire area.”

“Entries came in many different forms and everyone who entered the competition managed to capture some of the ‘essence of the Banffshire Coast’. The winners should be very proud of their achievements, as there was stiff competition, but they truly managed to capture the rugged beauty of the area.”

The Banffshire coast has a lot to offer and more details on the area can be found at www.banffshirecoast.com or by calling 08708030251.

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

Local Biodiversity Action Plan

2006-05-28T10:47:00.000Z

Local Biodiversity Action Plan Moves to New Premises

Local Biodiversity Action Plan

The team responsible for the North East of Scotland Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) has moved to its new base at The Macaulay Institute in Aberdeen. Formerly managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust and based at the Scottish Agricultural College in Craibstone, the move to The Macaulay Institute comes at the start of a three year plan focused on developing an increased number of new projects in partnership with the Institute. The move looks set to benefit local wildlife by establishing closer links between local conservationists and scientists.

Justin Prigmore, Biodiversity Co-ordinator at LBAP said the move aims to make use of the wealth of expertise and knowledge available at the Institute. He said: This is an exciting opportunity for the LBAP to work with relevant experts in the scientific field to enhance the work carried out by the partnership. I am confident that the LBAP will greatly benefit from the research carried out at the Institute, which will help to guide the work of the LBAP and provide a solid scientific base for the targets and actions of each plan.

The LBAP has been involved in various successful projects in the north east for the last nine years. One such project surveyed rivers to look at the decline of the water vole. This small aquatic rodent is the UK's fastest disappearing mammal, and in a bid to counter the loss of voles, the team employed a full time conservation officer to raise local awareness of its plight, and the threat of predation by the American mink, and to also advise land owners on how to help. Since the inception of the project the long term decline of the water vole in identified key areas has stopped.

Current projects are underway in a number of different habitats, including river banks and surrounding woodland, marine areas and wetland sites, many of which will be supplemented by research from The Macaulay Institute.

Wildlife and Landscape Ecologist at the Macaulay, Dr Pete Dennis said: "We feel that this relocation will increase dialogue with researchers at the Institute who offer a breadth of expertise in ecological, social and geographical sciences. This should generate exciting opportunities to adapt future Scottish Executive-sponsored research to deliver essential ecological information about the habitats and wildlife species of greatest conservation concern to the LBAP Partnership".

The Macaulay Institute is the premier land use research institute in the UK. Two hundred and seventy staff are based at The Macaulay Institute at Craigiebuckler in Aberdeen. The Macaulay Institute aims to be an international leader in research on the use of rural land resources for the benefit of people and the environment and is involved in research across the globe - from Scotland to Chile and China. More about the Macaulay Institute can be found at www.macaulay.ac.uk

The North East LBAP was created as part of the UK's response to the United Nations Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, 1992. The UK committed to the Convention on Biological Diversity along with more than 150 other countries worldwide. The purpose of the North East LBAP is to implement UK biodiversity directives and highlight locally important issues through a partnership with related environmental organisations.

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

The Deveron Music Festival

2006-05-27T22:16:00.000Z

What’s On - Banff, Scotland

The Deveron Music Festival

On Thursday 8 June until Sunday 11 June 2006 The Deveron Music Festival will take place at Duff House, Banff, Scotland and Macduff Arts Centre, Banff, Scotland and Banff Academy, Banff, Scotland.

Enjoy a fantastic weekend of music in the beautiful surroundings of Duff House and the surrounding countryside of the River Deveron estuary with its superb sunsets that distinguish this part of the Moray Firth coastline. The North-east’s 11th annual classical music festival, whose theme is ‘… into the light’, will play homage to the 250th anniversary of Mozart with various musicians such as Emma Johnson MBE (clarinet) and the Hill/Wiltschinsky Guitar Duo. The child-friendly Deveron Festival Orchestra concert also offers a zone for children with a free pack of crayons and paper

Cost is £8 for adults and £2 for children or a Festival Pass to all concerts can be purchased for £24.

For further information or to book tickets log onto www.deveronfestival.org.uk or contact Duff House on 01261 818181.

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

Grampian Hospital Radio

2006-05-25T14:39:00.000Z

Become A Star Courtesy Of Grampian Hospital Radio

Grampian Hospital Radio

Grampian Hospital Radio will be attending the Bon Accord St. Nicholas Shopping Centre this weekend (27-28 May 2006), selling raffle tickets to raise funds for the station. For one lucky winner it will mean the chance to become a star for the day, as one of the many amazing prizes includes taking to the mic and presenting their own show.

The raffle includes many prizes kindly donated by local and national sponsors. Top prizes include a DAB Radio donated by Stewart Milne, silver jewellery from Finnies The Jeweller and £100 worth of shopping vouchers donated by Marks & Spencers of the Bon Accord St. Nicholas Shopping Centre.

Frank Sutherland, centre manager for the Bon Accord Shopping & St. Nicholas Shopping Centre, says, “We really hope that the people of Aberdeen become involved in this fundraiser. Not only are the prizes worth buying a raffle ticket for, the money raised is going towards a really worthwhile cause. We hope that Grampian Hospital Radio raises a substantial amount of funds for the station, because of all the good work that it does raising the spirits of its patients.”

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

Thorntons Aberdeen

2006-05-24T19:27:00.000Z

Thorntons Gives Kind Donation to Orphanage in Sierra Leone

Thorntons Aberdeen

Following the recent visit to Aberdeen by two orphans from Sierra Leone, during which two young girls were treated to various pampering and shopping sprees in the Bon Accord St. Nicholas shopping centre, the centre’s Thorntons outlet has donated £142 to their orphanage in Sierra Leone.

Mariama (15) and Rosemarie (12) came to visit Aberdeen from their orphanage in Sierra Leone which was founded during the Civil War, during which both girls were orphaned.

A great number of the shopping centre’s outlets, as well as the shopping centre’s management, Land Securities, came on board to treat the girls in April, including Primark, Dorothy Perkins, Boots, Espiro, Woolworths, The Bear Factory, Superdrug, the Early Learning Centre and Bookworld. The shops provided free products and sent the girls home with bags of goodies, containing new outfits, towels, face cloths and school books, in addition to a £510 donation raised by a collaboration between the shopping centre and local chocolate fountain supplier, Chocolate Indulgence.

Jackie Rumbles, Manager of Thorntons, met the girls during their time in the shopping centre. She says: “Meeting the girls was an eye-opener for all us. They were incredibly grateful for all the treats and their humble nature was remarkable, given the difficulties they must have faced in their childhood. I hope this donation from Thorntons can help contribute to a happy future for them both, not only for their remaining time in the orphanage but also when they are old enough to be making their own way in the world.”

Centre manager Frank Sutherland said: “It was a great honour to meet Mariama and Rosemarie, who have had to come to terms with so much in their young lives. Their compassion and unassuming nature was quite remarkable; the shopping centre management got to know them quite well in a short space of time and were all sad to see them go! However, we are happy in the knowledge that we helped to provide a memorable trip to Aberdeen for the two girls, and I know that this generous donation from Thorntons will help to bring more happy times to Mariama and Rosemarie, and the other orphans in Sierra Leone.”

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

Doris Davidson Book Signing

2006-05-23T11:25:00.000Z

Jam and Jeopardy

Doris Davidson Book Signing

Local Aberdeen author
Doris Davidson will be signing copies of her latest book, Jam and Jeopardy at Bookworld, Upper Mall,
Bon Accord St. Nicholas Shopping Centre on Saturday 27 May 2006 from 1:30 – 3:00pm. Admission and free and this is a rare opportunity to chat to one of Aberdeen’s highly respected and popular authors.

Jam and Jeopardy

Jam and Jeopardy is a change from Doris Davidson’s usual writings of romantic novels set in Aberdeenshire – this is a detective novel with a Scottish twist and a book I’m eager to read. It tells the tale of spinster Janet Stouter who wishes to test her nephews with the temptation of poisoning her with arsenic to see which one wishes to inherit her fortune. Unfortunately others in the village are open to temptation!

Over the years I’ve enjoyed reading her novels and been given a real taste of how life in rural Aberdeenshire and the City of Aberdeen was throughout the 18th, 19th and early 20th Century. Her characters spring to life and you just can’t help falling in love with them and reading their life stories.

Is Doris Davidson about to become a modern day Agatha Christie?

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

Bandstand Bon Accord St Nicholas Shopping Centers Aberdeen

2006-05-22T09:55:00.000Z

Jazzy Re-opening of Summer Season on the St. Nicholas Deck Will Ensure Swinging Time for City Shoppers

Bandstand Bon Accord St Nicholas Shopping Centers Aberdeen

Bon Accord St. Nicholas shopping centre will kick-start the busy summer shopping period with the re-opening of the St. Nicholas bandstand this weekend (Sunday 28 May 2006). The centre hopes to attract local acts to perform a series of roof-top concerts at the venue, spearheaded this Sunday by the acclaimed Harlaw Academy Jazz Band, with a free open air performance of some of their finest numbers in Jazz, Swing, Funk and Blues, from 3-4.30pm.

Built in 1985 to create a pleasant open space for city centre pedestrians, the St. Nicholas Deck and Bandstand was a key focus for shoppers in summer months, where they could relax on the benches and enjoy the various entertainments such as band performances and children's entertainers.

The members of Harlaw Jazz Band, who will launch the Summer revival of the bandstand this Sunday, are regulars to the jazz scene both at home and abroad, having been invited to perform in Denmark in June 2005, and made several appearances at the Aberdeen
Jazz Festival, performing at the Lemon Tree in 2005 and 2006.

Harlaw Academy Jazz Band

The Harlaw Academy Jazz Band has 15 members, consisting mostly of school pupils aged 15 to 18, but with an art teacher and school technician thrown in!

Head of Music at Harlaw Academy and conductor of the jazz band Mrs Pauline Wallace, who also performs with the band on occasions, says: “We love to perform in Aberdeen so are looking forward to doing an open air concert on the St. Nicholas bandstand. On top of our weekly rehearsals the pupils put in so many hours rehearsing and gigging at various events, which they always give 110% to, and several of our members are also in the National Youth Jazz Orchestra of Scotland.”

The band is made up of trumpets, trombones, saxophones, a piano, a bass, a guitar and drums and has a repertoire which includes traditional jazz numbers, but also extends to swing, funk and blues pieces. Pauline continues: “This weekend we’ll hope to revive the St. Nicholas bandstand with some seasonal tunes like Summertime, as well as the old classics such as The Chicken, It Don’t Mean a Thing if it Ain’t Got That Swing, Trumpet Blues and Tuxedo Junction.”

Bon Accord St. Nicholas Centre manager, Frank Sutherland says: “The centre is constantly striving to provide the optimum environment for shoppers. As we enter the busy summer months the Bon Accord St. Nicholas Shopping Centre hopes to provide a lively and entertaining atmosphere, by allowing acts to perform on the bandstand. Throughout the summer months we have an extensive programme of events which aim to nurture local talent.”

The St. Nicholas bandstand of the Bon Accord St. Nicholas shopping centre is available as a free venue for musical performances on weekends throughout the summer; those interested in booking the space should contact Nikki Stewart at Tricker PR on 01224 646491

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

Scottish Women’s Rural Institutes Courses and Classes

2006-05-19T11:49:00.000Z

Scottish Women’s Rural Institutes Courses and Classes

SWRI Study Tours - A Home From Home

The Scottish Women’s Rural Institutes (SWRI) offer many different courses and classes. SWRI study tours are a great way to meet new people, travel as part of a group and to have an adventure with friends. They operate on an annual basis, both abroad and to other parts of the UK and are open to any of the 25,000 SWRI members throughout Scotland.

Many SWRI members of all ages and circumstances attend the Study groups every year such as avid study tour enthusiast Molly Fleming who is a member of the Berwickshire Federation and has attended every Study Tour since 1997 visiting places such as Vienna, Scandinavia, Finland, Belgium, Netherlands and York.

SWRI Study Tours

Molly says, “SWRI Study tours offer me the opportunity to constantly meet new people and catch up with old acquaintances. Unusually this year I am the only member from Berwickshire attending the tour, this isn’t a problem as I know more than half the participants anyway. Once you have tried a study tour you are likely to repeat the experience.”

“Study tours offer the opportunity for me to go on holiday outwith my family and meet enthusiastic people like myself. The tours are very well organised and offer good value for money, I would recommend going on a study tour to anyone with a little time and a sense of adventure; they will have a thoroughly enjoyable experience whilst meeting many different characters with one common purpose, the enjoyment of an interesting holiday.”

May Addison a widow from Ayrshire and member of the SWRI for 20 years shares her thoughts on the study tours, “As I live on my own the study tours offer me the perfect opportunity to get away on holiday. Every detail of the trips organisation has been taken into account, you couldn’t ask for a better holiday.”

“Study tours offer me the chance to get away and meet like minded people in similar circumstances to myself, whether they are newcomers to the trip or regulars that I have previously met, it is a great opportunity to make new friends and visit new places.”

May continues, “The trips are interesting, entertaining and well organised, featuring outings to many places of local interest. The beauty of a study tour is that there is always something on to keep one occupied and new people to share the experiences with.”

The 2006 Study Tour commences on Sunday 21 May where 48 SWRI members will set off for Ireland visiting both the North and the South, taking in both local and historical sites and the opportunity to meet up with members of sister organisations such as the Irish Countrywomen's Association, also a member society of Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW).

The SWRI encourages members to participate in many different activities such as attending classes, events or simply to enjoy the friendship of fellow members at monthly meetings. If you are interested in finding out more study tours and all of the activities available to SWRI members call the National Headquarters in Edinburgh on 0131 225 1724

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

Dorothy Perkins Aberdeen

2006-05-11T11:57:00.000Z

Dorothy Perkins Aberdeen

Dixie Chicks Launch
Maybe it was Jessica Simpson looking sensational in the Dukes of Hazard as Daisy Duke or just the world’s love affair with the image of a sizzling southern belle, but fashion is going decidedly Dixie this summer. With gingham and faded denim the key to this look, Bon Accord St. Nicholas Shopping Centre’s Dorothy Perkins store manager, Janet Rowley talks us through this trend that is launching in the Aberdeen store this Saturday 13 May 2006.

Dixie Chick Range Dorothy Perkins

“We are about to launch the Dixie Chick range within Dorothy Perkins in Aberdeen and judging by the coverage the range has already received in fashion magazines, it looks like it will be one of our top sellers”, says Janet.

This year’s London fashion week, which previewed the couture trends for spring/summer 2006 back in February, was awash with gingham and many incarnations of denim.

“Dungarees and cropped denim trousers are a really versatile element of this look, particularly the cropped denim, which can be dressed up or down and worn by women of all ages.”

Janet of Aberdeen Dorothy Perkins continues, “My trend prediction is that the denim pieces of the Dixie Chick collection will be big sellers, but my fashion favourite and top trend prediction is definitely the gingham cowgirl style shirts.”

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

Dorothy Perkins Aberdeen

2006-05-11T11:53:00.000Z

Dorothy Perkins Aberdeen

Dixie Chick Range Dorothy Perkins“We are about to launch the Dixie Chick range within Dorothy Perkins in Aberdeen and judging by the coverage the range has already received in fashion magazines, it looks like it will be one of our top sellers”, says Janet.

This year’s London fashion week, which previewed the couture trends for spring/summer 2006 back in February, was awash with gingham and many incarnations of denim.

“Dungarees and cropped denim trousers are a really versatile element of this look, particularly the cropped denim, which can be dressed up or down and worn by women of all ages.”

Janet of Aberdeen Dorothy Perkins continues, “My trend prediction is that the denim pieces of the Dixie Chick collection will be big sellers, but my fashion favourite and top trend prediction is definitely the gingham cowgirl style shirts.”

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

Aberdeen Beach Chinese Restaurant Jimmy Chung’s

2006-05-03T17:23:00.000Z

Aberdeen Beach Chinese Restaurant Jimmy Chung’s

I was at the beach this lunchtime enjoying a buffet at the pizza hut (still feeling stuffed!) when I saw a huge banner with some great news – Jimmy Chung’s is opening a restaurant at the beach! How wonderful is that!

The new Jimmy Chung restaurant and take away is located at the former site of the Café Continental and the Willie Miller Harry Ramsden Fish and Chip Shop right in the heart of the Beach Boulevard in Aberdeen.

The director of the Jimmy Chung’s restaurant and take away chain has always wanted to open a branch at the beach – and he’s finally got his wish. Well done Mr Chung Wong – my family love your restaurants and the food is always first class. We particularly like going to the
Dyce Jimmy Chung restaurant where we always get a warm welcome and the smiling faces of all the waiters and waitresses always brightens up my day. We’re looking forward to the day we can book a table at the Aberdeen Beach Jimmy Chung’s and sample your menu.

We do have one request – could you please put the honey coated chicken wings back on the menu please!

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

May Flowers

2006-05-03T15:11:00.000Z

May Flowers

Floral Trends For Spring/Summer 06

Since ancient times, the month of May has been celebrated as a spring festival all over Europe. It marks the end of the harsh winter months and welcomes the beginning of summer. May is also association with spring, youth and rebirth and that this is traditionally celebrated with flowers. In the past the symbolic flower was a carnation in Austria or Italy, a paper rose in Germany or a poppy in France and the flower was always red.
Amanda Jennings, of Angelic Orchids in the Bon Accord
St. Nicholas Shopping Centre, says, “Traditionally at this time of year many children would parade with garlands of flowers, sometimes fastened to sticks or in the shape of a cross, or fixed to hoops. This was done in the hope of collecting money.”

May Superstitions

Amanda continues, “There are also many superstitions that surround the month of May. In the past young girls used to rush out into the garden to wash their faces in the May dew, this was due to an old wives tale that May dew had magic properties and that anyone who washed their face in it would have a beautiful complexion all year round!”
Floral expert Amanda Jennings gives her top floral trends for spring/summer 2006:

• May is a fabulous time for buying flowers. There is high availability with the onset of spring and a wide variety to choose from. One of the best buys is the large anthurium of the choco variety

• Gerberas are also a firm favourite with my customers as they come in an array of bright colours and the large open heads give a modern feel. This flower is wonderful to accessorise or brighten up any room. A single gerbera in a slim vase is very effective in a minimalist, contemporary environment

• For a more traditional approach a gentle May bouquet of apple blossom, forget-me-knot and other early summer flowers has a gentle beauty and natural simplicity

• Tones of the beautiful spring lilac flowers contrasted with the cool elegance of silver add a more sophisticated style

• For seasonal availability the peony has a short season, usually mid April to mid June. The Sarah Bernhardt variety, named after the famous American actress, is a large showy pink bloom which I would recommend.

To order your spring/summer floral bouquet or for expert advice visit Amanda Jennings at Angelic Orchids, Bon Accord St. Nicholas Shopping Centre, George Street, Aberdeen or call 01224 637711.

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

The First Women’s Institute

2006-04-28T19:34:00.000Z

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

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

borntoloaf website borntoloaf.co.uk

2006-04-27T10:33:00.000Z

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.

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

Football Competitions Aberdeen

2006-04-24T10:11:00.000Z

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

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

Ambassador For Aberdeen City and Shire

2006-04-20T11:15:00.000Z

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.

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

The Hip Bumpers

2006-04-17T14:05:00.000Z

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.

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

Bookworld Aberdeen

2006-04-13T14:48:00.000Z

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!

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

Bon Accord St. Nicholas Shopping Centre Mascots MacHappy and MacHuggy

2006-04-12T19:46:00.000Z

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.

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

Yearly Choir Competition

2006-04-07T14:36:00.000Z

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.

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

Chocolate Fountain Aberdeen

2006-04-06T12:08:00.000Z

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.”

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

Keepie Up Competition

2006-04-04T20:39:00.000Z

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.

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

Salad And Jacket Potatoes Kiosk Fundraising

2006-03-29T11:26:00.000Z

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.”

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

Free Days Out In Aberdeen

2006-03-28T09:46:00.000Z

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.

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

Temptation Ellon

2006-03-26T21:49:00.000Z

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.

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

Ben Nevis Haircut Challenge

2006-03-26T00:00:00.000Z

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.

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

Become A Member Of The SWRI

2006-03-23T16:13:00.000Z

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

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

Aberdeen Great Daffodil Appeal

2006-03-22T10:11:00.000Z

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

2006-03-19T11:07:00.000Z

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.”

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

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

2006-03-16T15:43:00.000Z

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

2006-03-09T16:11:00.000Z

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

Biyoni Aberdeen

2006-03-06T15:06:00.000Z

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

Scotland On Film BBC1 – Aberdeen

2006-03-02T16:08:00.000Z

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

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

Banff Photo Competition

2006-03-01T20:41:00.000Z

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
Chris
www.aboutaberdeen.com

Jazz Aberdeen

2006-02-28T12:07:00.000Z

Jazz Aberdeen

Jazz Aberdeen to Warm Up City with Preview Public Performance

In recent years, new names in Jazz from Jamie Cullum to Norah Jones have stripped jazz of its reputation for being more the music of choice for the older generation, and left all the nation’s generations tuning into the latest in jazzy refrains, from Dixieland to Blues.

Jazz Aberdeen will be tapping into the nation’s newfound love for jazz on Saturday 4th March 2006 as they warm up Aberdeen shoppers with a quartet performance in the Bon Accord Centre
St. Nicholas shopping centre, prior to the opening of the Aberdeen Jazz Festival on Wednesday 8 March. Four musicians from Jazz Aberdeen will treat shoppers to two hours of jazzy numbers, from 12 noon till 2 pm, in the lower mall of the shopping centre’s central atrium.

Director Of Jazz Aberdeen Neil Gibbons

Co-director of Jazz Aberdeen, Neil Gibbons, says: “We are very happy to be making an appearance in the Bon Accord St. Nicholas shopping centre on Saturday 4th March, to help mark the start of the Aberdeen Jazz Festival. The festival will run from the 8th - 12th March at venues throughout the city, including the Lemon Tree, The Blue Lamp, The Tunnels and the
Music Hall. In the shopping centre this weekend we’ll have a piano, saxophone, guitar, bass and possibly some drums too – so we may even have a jazz quintet!”

Aberdeen Jazz Festival Brochures

In addition to the musicians, there will also be representatives from the jazz festival in the shopping centre this weekend, displaying posters and brochures to advertise the festival.

“By performing in the shopping centre, we hope to make people aware of the breadth and quality of jazz in Aberdeen,” continues Neil.

Manager of the Bon Accord St. Nicholas Shopping Centre

Frank Sutherland, manager of the Bon Accord St. Nicholas shopping centre, says: “The Bon Accord St. Nicholas shopping centre is always happy to support local companies and I’m really looking forward to this performance by Aberdeen Jazz in the shopping centre. This preview performance should be a great way to get Aberdeen in the mood for the forthcoming jazz festival!”

Chris

Kidney Research UK Aberdeen Collection

2006-02-27T09:59:00.000Z

From No Hair to Grey Hair: Kidney Research UK
Knows No Boundaries

The Aberdeen branch of Kidney Research UK will be asking local shoppers in the Bon Accord St. Nicholas shopping centre to join them in their commitment to their unofficial adage, “From No Hair to Grey Hair”, as they hold a collection, which will go towards helping those of all ages suffering with kidney problems, this Saturday (4 March) in the lower mall of the central atrium of the shopping centre.

Local Kidney Research UK volunteer Alistair Reid, will be collecting for the charity in the shopping centre this weekend. Having retired from work through ill health himself in 1992, he took up charity work in his spare time. He now deals with the bookings and collections aspect of the Aberdeen branch of Kidney Research UK and explains his reasons for getting involved:

“Kidney problems affect people of all ages, young and old. According to a recent UK survey, roughly one in five babies are born with malformed kidneys, and one in ten people have chronic kidney disease. Only by raising money for Kidney Research UK, can we hope to reduce the numbers affected.”

The money raised will be split between Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and the University of Aberdeen, and fund a range of activities, including research into treatment, home dialysis and post treatment care.

“Last year the Aberdeen group raised just shy of £8,000, and this year we really want to beat that target. Hopefully the people of Aberdeen can live up to their generous nature of last year and donate as much as they can afford to Kidney Research UK once again in the shopping centre this weekend,” adds Alistair.

Centre manager, Frank Sutherland, says: “For as little or as much as they can afford, shoppers in the centre can make a donation to this very worthwhile cause. Alistair Reid is doing a fantastic job for the Aberdeen group of Kidney Research UK and on behalf of the Bon Accord St. Nicholas shopping centre, I am very happy to be hosting this collection in the centre.”

Chris

Boddam Chipper Fish and Chip Shop

2006-01-06T15:02:00.000Z

Boddam Chipper Fish and Chip Shop

I was delighted to read that the Boddam village fish and chip shop is to reopen on Sunday the 8th January 2006. It’s a super wee chipper with really friendly staff. I think it’s run by the people who own the nearby Buchanness Bar and Restaurant Hotel which is also worthy of a visit.

The chipper does a nice haggis super and I love their spare ribs. In fact I can happily work my way down their menu.

Do buy a bag of their home made tablet – Scottish toffee at its best.

In the summer months we love to get some fish and chips and take them down to the harbour to eat. There’s a nice pavilion type covered bench seated area with great views of the Buchan coast and Boddam lighthouse. The chipper also sells ice creams and cones so if we’re still hungry on the walk back we treat ourselves to an ice cream or icicle. There are some benches in the shape of boats just round the corner to sit and enjoy a closer view of the Boddam lighthouse. These seats are known locally as boaties.

The opening hours are from 4: 30 pm Monday to Sunday and the Boddam chippers address is 4 Russell Street, Boddam, Peterhead. Their telephone number is 01779 481148.

Chris

B&Q Peterhead Invernettie

2006-01-04T15:55:00.000Z

B&Q Peterhead Invernettie

The Peterhead DIY store opened several months ago and Mrs B has gone into overdrive doing up the house and decorating. Today she who must be obeyed for she is awfa scary decided to install a new shower. So muggings here found himself knee deep in water trying to sort out her mistakes. Course if I’d started the job I’d have done the preparation first – like turning off the water supply!

One turn of the stop cock soon saw the water disappear and a quick trip to the new shop behind McDonalds saw us asking a knowledgeable chap called Stan all about the correct fittings we need. The great thing about B and Q is that all their employees either know athing aboot athing when it comes to DIY, or know exactly which employee on duty kens a aboot the right tool for the right job and what to do about it. Especially handy when you buy a different make of shower and all the fittings aren’t the same.

So now back at home I’d no sooner had a cup of tea, read the paper and walked the dog than the missus had fitted the shower. Nothing to it this DIY lark!

Chris

TV Programme Happy Birthday Broons on BBC Television

2006-01-02T13:38:00.000Z

It was a delight to watch Happy Birthday Broons on Friday 30th December 2005. Pure dead brilliant in fact! Like many Scots I’ve grown up reading The Broons and Oor Wullie annuals and getting my weekly read of their adventures in The Sunday Post.

It was interesting to see the behind the scenes of how the cartoon strips are put together from idea, words, pictures and the unique black and white illustrations. Isn’t it great that the words can be typed out on The Shetland Islands and drawn in Dundee.

The behind the scenes look of the offices of The Sunday Post was a privilege, especially seeing the vaulted room where all the original artwork and annuals are stored. I’d love to be able to read the first Broons and Oor Wullie annual.

Each Sunday night I sit down to unwind reading them. Wouldn’t it be great if the cartoon strips came alive onto the telly – Elaine C Smith voicing The Bairn was just how I would have imagined her to sound. Ewan McGregor could continue his role as the narrator and Ford Kiernan would make a great Paw Broon.

The programme celebrated the 70th anniversary of The Broons cartoon strip and I’m sure we will be reading them in another 70 years.

Chris

Liberty X and The Proclaimers at the Castlegate Hogmanay Party New Years Eve Aberdeen

2005-11-18T20:02:00.000Z

It’s great to see some top pop acts coming to see in the New Year in Aberdeen town centre on the 31st December 2005. Liberty X and The Proclaimers will be memorable company to see in 2006. Well done to Northsound Radio for enticing these fabulous musical groups to the Granite City for Hogmanay.

We usually pop up to see the fireball ceremony at Stonehaven followed by the fireworks display before making our way to the Town Centre to watch the fire jugglers and dancers. But this year it’ll have to be the shindig at Aberdeen Town Centre.

See http://www.aboutaberdeen.com/hogmanayaberdeen.php for ticket, safety and facilities advice along with times of the event and timings of entry.

Chris

Space Cadets Channel 4 Programme

2005-11-17T21:14:00.000Z

Space Cadets Channel 4

I was all excited last night whilst watching Lost on Channel 4 – not because it was nearing bedtime and Mrs B was looking alluring – but because there was one of those teaser one second flash adverts for a forthcoming TV programme called Space Cadets. I thought it was for the excellent comedy science fiction programme that was on in the late 1990’s which was written by Still Game and Chewin The Fat stars Greg Hemphill and Ford Kiernan which starred such great Scots like Sylvester McCoy and Fred Macaulay along with some of the UK’s leading comics Craig Charles (Red Dwarf) and Bill Bailey (Black Books).

But no this is a fantastically original reality TV programme that takes volunteers and trains them to be astronauts and blasts them out to outer space – or so they think! They’ve been transported to Russia to train – which is in fact a helicopter flight around the UK! Off the helicopter they hop and enter a UK based training camp which is a former American Airbase.

Their cosmonaut training using the latest NASA and Soviet technology is really film sets from Space Cowboys which starred Clint Eastwood, Tommy Lee Jones and James Garner and also from the film Deep Impact which starred Robert Duvall, Elijah Wood and Morgan Freeman.

This joke hoax is going to be such fun to watch – I can’t believe how gullible people are – mind you I firmly believe the Clangers are real!

One of the contestants is an actor who is there to make sure the pretence is kept up.

The Space Cadet programme starts on Channel 4 on Wednesday December 7 at 9pm and if none of the 100 contestants (only 4 go to outer space) twig the farce then it’ll be on for 10 days.

Digital viewers can see more live TV on E4 hosted by Johnny Vaughan and Alex Zane.
Cannae wait to see this – in between watching I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here.

But don’t tell the missus if I find this more alluring than her!!

Chris

Karate In Aberdeen Peterhead and Fraserburgh

2005-11-06T21:05:00.000Z

I’m really proud of my two children who attained another grade of karate belt last week. They are taught by karate Sensei Mark (5th Dan) and Libby (4th Dan) Donaghy who teach at Aberdeen, Peterhead and Fraserburgh.

The two karate kids have only been doing it for about 18 months and have sailed through several belts. It’s given them great fun, discipline and more muscles – gonnae have to watch myself - the wee lass already wacks a big punch if I annoy her! It’s costly too – I have to pay them a tenner award each time they pass a grading! Fortunately it’s a really cheap sport – only £3 a lesson.

Mark is such a great tutor – he makes each class such fun for the children whilst teaching them the disciplines and moves of Shi-Gaku-Kan Shotogun Karate. They play games such as having to run from one end of the hall to the other without being caught by the instructors – if caught they get to beat up the instructor using karate moves – the kids love it. I love it because it burns off all their energy, giving them a real skill and they’ve made loads of friends.

To learn more about karate classes in your area see http://www.aboutaberdeen.com/karate.php

Chris

AECC Aberdeen Wedding Show

2005-11-04T10:25:00.000Z

I’m so lucky to have wed my bonnie lass – or so the missus tells me! Tomorrow sees the Aberdeen Exhibition Conference Centre Annual Wedding Show.

Miss Commonwealth Scotland is to guest model at areas biggest wedding show.

Miss Commonwealth Scotland, Amanda-Jane Taylor was recently chosen as the ‘The Official Face of La’Orr Boutique’ and will guest model for La’Orr Boutique from 1p.m. – 3.30p.m. at the AECC Wedding Exhibition on Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th November.

Since November 2004 when she was crowned Miss Commonwealth Scotland and went on to win 1st runner up in Miss Commonwealth International from 54 countries worldwide, Amanda-Jane has been wearing & promoting both La’Orr Boutique’s own bespoke dress label and their wide range of exclusive designer dresses.

Most recently she has appeared on the front cover of Dedicated 2 Weddings magazine wearing a stunning wedding gown adorned in Swarovski crystals supplied by La’Orr Boutique and will wear a similarly stunning dress at the areas largest wedding show.

Starting only in July 2004 La’Orr Boutique has gone from strength to strength now stocking over 250 gowns, many of which are exclusive to La’Orr Boutique in Scotland. With wedding dress prices ranging at only £109 to over £5600 La’Orr Boutique has something to suit everyone’s budget. They also stock a wide range of evening & prom dresses for other special occasions. In addition to the extensive dress range La’Orr Boutique also stock a massive range of over 800 accessories including shoes, tiaras, bags, veils and gloves to name but a few.

Amanda-Jane has recently heard she is to be crowned Miss Commonwealth Scotland for the 2nd year at the star studded Miss Commonwealth International at the London Palladium on November 27th where she has also been requested to sing.

La’Orr Boutique will design an exclusive tartan and purple silk evening dress for the glitzy event which Miss Commonwealth Scotland will wear at this year’s finale. Set to wow the judges and audience alike, the slinky number has been designed to promote all things Scottish, the tartan train will be joined by a contrasting Celtic clasp.

Not only one of the most successful beauty queen’s in Scotland, Amanda-Jane’s modelling and singing success has become known throughout the country ; now signed to 7 model agencies, not only the Face of La’Orr Boutique, she was also chosen as Mattel’s Face of Barbie. Hardly out of the papers since, she has in addition fronted magazines and many charity campaigns, appeared in television and press advertisements, models almost weekly at fashion shows and now sings at many varied events.

In under the first year as reigning Miss Commonwealth Scotland she has also helped raise almost half a million pounds for charities locally, nationally and internationally.

For more information about the AECC see http://www.aboutaberdeen.com/aberdeenexhibitioncentre.php for more information about Amanda Jane Taylor see http://www.aboutaberdeen.com/amandajanetaylor.php

Chris

TV Programme Rome on BBC2 starring Kevin McKidd

2005-11-02T14:37:00.000Z

Elgin loon Kevin McKidd is on the television tonight on BBC 2 at 9pm in the TV series Rome.

If his face looks familiar then you may recognise him from the films Trainspotting or Dog Soldiers – how chuffed am I that a sequel is being made! This was a great werewolf film – they should use Mrs B as an extra – she’s much scarier than any werewolf and doesnae need nae makeup!

It’s great to see North East people doing so well and we’ve produced some fine actors and actresses, such as Mark Wood (Aberdeen) and Peter Mullan (Peterhead). There are also up and coming actresses Ashley Rae from Banchory and Natalia Gomes from Ellon. Read about them and more famous Aberdeenshire TV and film stars and celebrities at http://www.aboutaberdeen.com/tvcelebrities.php

Read more about Kevin McKidd at http://www.aboutaberdeen.com/kevinmckidd.php

Chris

Fireworks and Bonfires Displays In Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire

2005-11-02T11:09:00.000Z

Hope you all had a great Halloween night and are looking forward to bonfire night on Saturday the 5th November.

There are many organised bonfire and firework events and throughout the City and County. Most displays are professionally run and so much safer than setting off a few rockets, Catherine wheels and bangers in the back garden or in public areas than parks. Some events are free or are run to help raise funds for charity. As well as helping you and your children and family being safe on Guy Fawkes Night you get the added attraction of entertainment, stalls, hot dog and BBQ stands and more.

I’ve added a list of each event and firework display that I know about at http://www.aboutaberdeen.com/bonfirenight.php which includes details about the Aberdeen City Council annual display at the beach boulevard, Queens Links.

Have fun and be safe.

Chris

Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire Ghosts

2005-10-31T10:38:00.000Z

A Happy Halloween – watch out for the ghosties who will be out and about tonight! Aberdeenshire has had many ghost sightings and haunted places from Castles, old barracks, hotels, houses, pubs, restaurants and even hills.

Aberdeen’s most famous ghost is the friendly stagehand Jake at His Majesty’s Theatre who is kept company by a grey lady and an old fashioned gentleman in a top hat.

There’s a military ghost of a Gordon Highlander in their old barracks in King Street which is now used as a depot by the bus company First Group.

Our favourite Castle ghost is the Green Lady of Fyvie Castle whose carving can still be seen on the window sill.

Mrs B won’t let me stay on my own at Pannanich Wells because the ghost there only appears to men and wears a saucy maid’s costume!

Read all about these ghosts and many more at http://www.aboutaberdeen.com/aberdeenghoststories.php and have a great night.

Chris

National Toffee Week

2005-10-30T20:49:00.000Z

Give your wallies some exercise this week – National Toffee Week starts tomorrow! Make mine a Highland Toffee chewie bar, McCowans make the best toffee in the World.

Anyone remember the huge teeth breaking bars they used to do for a few pennies. I deny that these were the cause of my teeth looking like Jaws from James Bond! My mouth full of fillings were caused by not brushing my teeth properly.

Their Wham bars come a close second. I still can't wall past the sweeties section in the supermarket without putting a couple af whams and toffee bars in the trolley when Mrs B is nae looking.

For a toffee apple recipe see http://www.uttertrivia.com/toffeeapples.php and for my Granny’s toffee shortcake recipe see http://www.scottishrecipes.co.uk/toffeeshortcake.htm

Chris

Aberdeen Art Gallery Leonardo da Vinci Exhibition

2005-10-29T11:40:00.000Z

How wonderful to hear that Aberdeen Art Gallery has been awarded the honour of hosting the Exhibition of Leonardo da Vinci Drawings. This important historical collection is normally kept at the Royal library in Windsor Castle and as part of Her Majesty The Queen’s 80th Birthday celebrations she has allowed 4 City’s in the UK to show the artwork to the public. This is another major coup for our great City and should bring some extra visitors to our wonderful Art Gallery. It is the only Scottish venue to show the artwork.

The collection includes anatomical drawings and illustrations. Leonardo was one of the first illustrators to dissect corpses himself to learn how the human body works.

For more information and the dates see http://www.aboutaberdeen.com/leonardodavinci.php

Buckie Farm Aberdeen Carvery Meal

2005-10-27T14:43:00.000Z

It’s great to see The Buckie Farm Pub and Restaurant open again. They do a fantastic carvery meal for only under £3 at lunch times and for under £4 at dinner.

They’ve been completely refurbished and the restaurant and the bar looks stunning. It’s so spacious looking and lovely and clean. I’m glad they kept the farming ornaments and pictures and olden tools. I’m especially pleased that the food is as good as it was before they closed for the refurbishment. Their cauliflower cheese is so creamy and light. I stuff my plate full of this and their crispy roast potatoes.

There is still the choice of three meats, beef, ham and turkey and you can still mix and match or take a portion of all three. An addition to the meal is Yorkshire pudding and a stuffing ball. The gravy is still lovely and thick. MMmmmm!!! More visits to nearby Tesco for the missus and lunch for us both on the way back!

Other menus include a huge range of starters and main meals freshly prepared and extensive sweets and puddings menus with prices starting at under £2 – oh my expanding waistline! Though I think the walk around the aisles of Tesco supermarket should burn off these extra calories.

See http://www.aboutaberdeen.com/buckiefarm.php for more information and their address and telephone number – get booking!!

Chris

Slains Castle Cruden Bay and Dracula

2005-10-26T14:41:00.000Z

BBC Radio 7 listeners are in for a real treat – Dracula is being broadcast each evening at 6pm. It’s in 7 parts and closely follows the novel by Bram Stoker. If you’ve missed an episode or want to listen to it on your computer see http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbc7/listenagain/tuesday/ - do listen to The Men From The Ministry whilst there – it a real gem of a radio classic with an appearance by Corporal Jones from Dad’s Army this week.

Bram Stoker stayed at The Kilmarnock Arms in Cruden Bay, Aberdeenshire whilst writing his book. It is thought that he was inspired by the local Slains Castle, though Yorkshire folk lay this claim to Whitby Castle which features in his book as being the place where Dracula’s boat landed in England, UK. Locals still call the ruins of Slains Castle Dracula Castle. It’s a great walk and you can pop in an out of the ruins, though do keep an eye on children as there are steep drops. Do try the high tea at The Kilmarnock Arms – very tasty. Sunday lunch is even tastier.

To read about the history of Slains Castle see http://www.aboutaberdeen.com/slainscastle.php

Chris

Women Wanted!

2005-10-24T19:47:00.000Z

Are you at a loose end this Thursday? Forget a hot date with me - go to the ChildLine Scotland Business Women’s Network evening at Aberdeen Art Gallery 6 – 9pm on the 27th October.

The evening event celebrates the influence of women on the business community, giving you a perfect opportunity to mix with colleagues, clients and contacts, seek out that unusual Christmas gift, admire the latest in fashion and indulge in champagne, canapés, and pampering.

The event includes a talk by Isla Traquair (presenter/reporter Grampian Television) and Alison Todd (Support Services Manager, ChildLine Scotland) and a fashion show by Indigo featuring guest model Miss Commonwealth Scotland, Amanda-Jane Taylor. There will be wine tasting by Woodhouse Wines, Benefits cosmetics and skincare products will be doing makeovers, Faux Fun the unique designer jewellery will be selling their products, Therapy Parlour - Hatstand Nelly will offer hand and Indian head massages, FrouFrou Lingerie will be selling their products, Purdies Ltd will be selling a unique range of exceptional gifts and there will be beauty treatments by Hatstand Nelly.

The businesses will be donating raffle draw prizes and/or donating a percentage of their profits to to ChildLine Scotland North and North East.

Tickets are £20 and are available from Shirley Millar on Tel: 0870 3362901.

See http://www.aboutaberdeen.com/childline.php to read about Childline, http://www.aboutaberdeen.com/amandajanetaylor.php to read about Amanda-Jane Taylor.

ChildLine is the free helpline for children and young people in danger and distress. Every day 725 children and young people call ChildLine Scotland but currently only around 400 are able to get through to their counselors for comfort, advice and protection. In 2004 the Aberdeen counseling centre was opened and in its first year volunteer counselors offered a service to over 5000 children and young people.

The number for children to call is 0800 1111. Lack of funds means that lines can be busy, so children may have to dial several times before they get through.

Please attend the event if you can or consider donating to this needy local charity and important service for vulnerable children.

Chris

Mozart by Candlelight

2005-10-21T12:25:00.000Z

We had a lovely night out at the Aberdeen Music Hall where we watched conductor James Lowe conduct the RSNO (Royal Scottish National Orchestra) with an assortment of music by Mozart in a candlelight performance.

The Music Hall stage lit up by candles is such a bonnie sight and the music was most moving and such a pleasure just to sit and listen and watch the talent of the musicians.

We were treated to listening and watching Tanya Gabrielian on the piano who recently won the Scottish international Piano Competition.

Music included the marriage of Figaro Overture, Don Giovanni Overture and Piano Concerto No 21.

If you get the opportunity to attend a candlelit concert at the Music Hall then you’ll enjoy a musical feast which is most relaxing and entertaining. There is another performance tonight and on November 13th Raymond Gubbay with be presenting the Four Seasons By Candlelight. This has the added attraction of the performers being dressed in full period costume. Book you tickets at the Box Office – see http://www.aboutaberdeen.com/boxoffice.php

Chris

Ghosts of His Majesty's Theatre

2005-10-18T14:19:00.000Z

Mrs B and her friends went to see Rebecca at HMT Aberdeen last night and didn’t take me –gggrrrrr! She knows how much I love Daphne Du Maurier. Still serves them right – her friend got the shock of her life when she saw one of the ghosts of His Majesty’s Theatre – twice! Hope she had two changes of undies in her handbag! Though I think she’d had a tipple or two before the performance. It doesn’t mix well with her medication!

I knew about Jake and The Grey Lady, but the lass saw an old gentleman in a top hat up in the Royal Box enclosure. Then whilst Nigel Havers was performing, the ghost walked onto the stage. No-one else saw the ghostie but the lassie jumped out of her seat to everyone’s concern. Next week she’s booked a kidnapping by aliens!

Oh all right I belief her – aye right! Let me know if you’ve seen any of the ghosties or the man in the top hat and I’ll add them to http://www.aboutaberdeen.com/hismajestystheatre.php and I’ll take everything back to the lass and eat my top hat!

Still Game Christmas Special

2005-10-18T09:21:00.000Z

Had some great news today, no not that Mrs B is finally going to catering school or stopping cooking, but that Still Game are doing an Xmas special! How great is that! I love the antics of Jack and Victor and their chums. Navid is just pure class and hilarious, especially the way he talks to his missus.

See http://www.aboutaberdeen.com/stillgame.php for more information about this great comedy set in the fictitious town of Craiglang near Glasgow. It’s so much more funnier than many other so called comedies and it was great to hear that it finally got broadcasted in England this year. It’s definitely the best comedy programme on the BBC. It’s just a pity there’s only 6 episodes a year.

The same team are in Chewin The Fat which is equally funny and I hope they also do their traditional Hogmanay special to see the New Year in with a laugh.

The belly laughs these guys give me should help me overcome Mrs B’s cooking induced indigestion!

Chris

People Against Litter - Help Clean Up Aberdeenshire

2005-10-16T15:31:00.000Z

Been reading about a wonderful idea in The Sunday Post today. It’s called People Against Litter – the idea is that you pick up one piece of litter a week and ask someone to do the same. Hopefully as more people do this we can rid our streets and countryside of unsightly rubbish. See the peopleagainstlitter website at http://www.peopleagainstlitter.org/

Aberdeenshire is such a bonnie County and Scotland such a wonderful Country and it would be great if we all did our bit to help it look at its bonniest. By picking up just one crisp packet or chocolate wrapper you really can make a difference. Though the biggest difference would be in educating people to not drop litter in the first place…

The Wee Book Of Aberdeen

2005-10-15T21:21:00.000Z

I’ve been reading Norman Adams Wee Book of Aberdeen this week. It’s been fascinating reading about Aberdeen through the years and looking at old photographs. I’d recommend this book to anyone with an interest in our glorious Granite City. I’ve written a review at http://www.aboutaberdeen.com/bookreviews.php

I’m now reading his latest book, Hangman’s Brae which is about crime and punishment throughout Aberdeenshire and will write a review soon.

2005-10-10T16:25:00.000Z

Warbee Pigbapes Explained

Have you seen our Grampian TV advert yet? It went live today and is next on during Emmerdale and Coronation Street tonight. Hope you like it. Feel free to click on comments underneath today’s blog post and leave your thoughts. But please don’t mention what Warbee Pigbapes means because I’m running a competition at About Aberdeen for those who tell me the hidden message in the ad. Use the link to the left to find the competition. I’ll post the answer next week. There’s 100 prizes up for grabs.

If you’ve missed the ad and wonder what it’s all about then let me know what day you’re watching telly this week and I’ll let you know which programme it’ll be on.

My thanks to Andrew, Mark and Stephen at SMG for creating and getting together the ad, we all love it! Now let me know what you think…

Chris

2005-10-09T21:03:00.000Z

The wind is really getting up tonight in Aberdeenshire - nothing to do with the weather - Mrs B made we some of her famous farty stew tonight! It's such an easy recipe - even Mrs B cannae burn it! Though she does try! See http://www.scottishrecipes.co.uk/stew.htm for the recipe and don't forget the dumplings.

Chris

2005-10-07T11:35:00.000Z

It's a hard old life running About Aberdeen. Take yesterday for example - had to go to Cinnamon Restaurant in Aberdeen for a superb lunch so that I could review the restaurant for the website -oh how I suffer for my art! Read the review at http://www.aboutaberdeen.com/cinnamonrestaurant.php

Next week I'm being dragged to go laser gun fighting! Oh the pressure!

Chris