deeside - issue 18

Successfully introducing local people to local businesses

gazettemagazine

Issue 18Feb - Mid Mar 2013

Deeside EditionFree Publication

2 www.thegranitecitygazette.co.uk 01224 - 318561 email : [email protected]

Disclaimer : Whilst we’d be flattered if you would like to borrow something from the gazette be polite and ask first! Thank you. We try our hardest to ensure accuracy of editorial content but no responsibility can be taken for any errors and/or omissions. The views expressed within the gazette are not necessarily those of the publisher or advertisers. When replying to offers, competitions and other correspondence, we would strongly recommend that you check published information with each organisation beforehand. We thank you for taking the time to read the small print. All artwork is accepted on strict condition that permission has been given for use in this publication.

Ad-hoc contributions from :Sarah Davey - Debbie Singh-Bhatti - Carol Brown - Lee Bestall - Bill KirtonAdvertising Sales :Sue Simpson : 01224 - 318561

Distribution - thanks to : Sue - Liz - Valerie - Lewis - Stuart - Ross - Allie - Ben - Sean

Distributor wanted for Corse Road Area (Banchory)Torphins - whole of village!

Deeside gazettethru the door :now exclusive to Banchory & Drumoak

deadline :01 March to be in theMid March-April Issuecontact : Sue Simpsontel : 01224 - 318561mob : 07813 964 875email : [email protected] : thegranitecitygazette.co.uk

A note from Sue…I just seemed to blink and already we are in February - it definitely must by my age! Well the festivities are long gone. Time with the family was precious and just generally catching up with old friends and also indulging in some long lies and the old movies on the telly.

So what does February bring at the gazette. Hopefully some blue skies and sunshine! There are a few offers I would like to tell you about. Sue Leftwich is offering a free trial class at any of her fitness classes held throughout Banchory, Crathes and Aboyne. Go Health and Beauty have 50% off a full body massage or if you want some face pampering then 50% off an aromatherapy facial. Those wishing to dine out can take advantage of the Four Mile House Restaurant 20% off a lunch or dinner whichi s valid until 01 March Monday-Thursday. They are local businesses so why not take advantage of the offers to try them out. W.A.G.S is holding a pet portrait day; there are limited spaces so book now.

The Rowett Institute in Aberdeen is looking for some volunteers - 45 actually! If you have had a cold, sore throat in the last few weeks then get in touch.

There are a few amendments to the clubs and classes pages and they are highlighted in red in case it is one that you use regularly. New classes added are also in red for the first entry.

I’ve had some lovely feedback from readers - thank you for taking the time to get in touch it really is appreciated and hopefully the gazette on Deeside will grow and improve in 2013.

Well I’ve come to the end of my column. I do hope that February will bring some “love” and we’ll catch you again in mid-March.

So fill up your cuppa and enjoy this issue of the gazette.

Until next time. Sue

Our next copy deadline is 01 March.https://www.facebook.com/gazettemagazines

gazettemagazine

Issue 18Feb - Mid Mar 2013

Deeside EditionFree Publication

3please do mention the deeside gazette when responding to adverts

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For the first time in May 2012, Marie Curie Cancer Care threw down the gauntlet and challenged 100 people to climb up waterfalls, scramble through mud and test their endurance by taking part in the Marie Curie Whole Hog Challenge.

Designed by an ex-marine, the Whole Hog Challenge combines an adventure assault course with a cross country run through the wild terrain of Aberdeenshire. On the day of the 2012 event runners passed through the grounds of the beautiful Crathes Castle, experiencing the best of Scotland’s heritage. The unusually hot weather truly tested the mettle of participants, who were thankful for

iced water and a well-deserved hog roast on crossing the finish line.

On Sunday 26th May 2013 the event is back for its second year. Having raised an amazing £14,000 in 2012, we’re hoping to reach £27,000 this year to fund our Marie Curie nursing service in the Aberdeenshire area. That’s the equivalent of 1350 hours of nursing to patients with terminal cancer and other illnesses, in the comfort of their own homes.

The charity is calling on everyone looking for an adventure to sign up. The Marie Curie Whole Hog Challenge is sure to test stamina and appeal to thrill seekers, fitness fans, or those looking for a fun and unusual challenge to work towards in 2013.

The registration fee is £35 per individual, or £105 per team of three, and a minimum sponsorship of £100 per person. For more information about the Whole Hog Challenge, call 0845 052 4184 or visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/wholehogaberdeenshire

The Marie Curie Whole Hog Challenge 2013 – Banchory, Aberdeenshire


Let’s Talk Wine...K is for Kalecik Karasi

Turkey is thought to be one of the oldest producing wine countries in the world yet its only recently that the wines have started to hit our shelves. At a recent seminar, I was really impressed with the quality and diversity of the wines

shown. Kalecik Karasi is one of a large number of indigenous Turkish grapes and produces red berry scented wines with fresh acidity and soft tannins.Other varieties include Okuzgozu with it’s medium bodied, fresh, fruity and floral wines and the thick skinned Bogazkere which gives full bodied reds with structured tannins.A white grape to look out for is Narince (which translates as delicate). Grown mainly in the Mid-eastern Anatolia region, the resulting wines have notes of citrus and peach with a fresh acidity. Turkish wines are available in the Uk through M &S, Laithwaites, The Wine Society, Berkmann and Thierrys.One to try…Anfora Trio 2010 from the Pamukkale region is a blend of Kalecik Karasi, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.

With intense aromas of dark fruit coulis and spice, it’s full bodied, structured, ripe and juicy M&S £7.49www.winesofturkey.org has lots of information on the grapes and regions

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and the Circle of Wine WritersT: 01224 312076 M: 07751 520987

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Health wise I consider myself to be very lucky. So when hitting my milestone birthday last year I decided, prompted by an advert, that maybe I should have a Body MOT. No, not my car – but me!

In our family we have a history of heart disease so that was one of my main concerns. So I took the opportunity to go and visit the Biomedical Clinic at Banchory. Yes, it did cost money, it did cost my time, it didn’t hurt, I got my results there and then and I didn’t trouble my overstretched GP who could usually only afford 8 minutes.

There are a couple of things that you need to do before you go. Fast and provide a mid-stream sample! Now, fasting whilst you sleep is the easiest way so appointments are recommended for first thing in the morning, unless you have good willpower and don’t need your caffeine fix. A mid-stream sample is definitely easier for some than others.

You have to be available for three to four hours (obviously I like to chat so mine was a little longer). It is best to be open and honest to get the best results. There is no pain involved and most of the tests are performed fully clothed. In fact the very

worst test was standing on the scales and that was the first test!

Gitta performs most of the tests and to be fair Phillippe and Gitta both make you feel very comfortable and explain absolutely EVERYTHING that is going to happen in great detail. The hardest thing to do was staying completely still for the full body scan, because as soon as somebody says you can’t move, you of course immediately want too!

The BODY MOT provides an overall assessment of your health. Along with an in-depth consultation, the following tests were conducted; blood pressure, blood glucose and full cholesterol profile, haemoglobin, spirometry (lung function), ECG, audiology, body composition, heart rate variability (the gold standard for stress testing), CASP (central aortic systolic pressure), arterial age, body scan, reflex assessment to name a few. These tests will give you an indication if you are within the acceptable parameters for your age group. Despite following a very unhealthy diet I found I had good lungs! Excellent hearing (my children will deny this!), and an inner age

of 8 years younger than my actual age. So I was urged to follow a healthier diet (which I already know that I should be doing and am now trying to do – well cut down the chocolate bars but not completely!) The good bit was finding out that my heart was ‘currently sound’. Phillippe could even tell me that I had never suffered any hidden heart attacks. Of course if there were abnormalities found during ANY of the tests you would be referred to your own doctor but Gitta and Phillippe can advise you on natural, side effect free biomedical preparations and lifestyle changes to help you attain your health goals.

If you have private medical insurance then you can maybe even claim the cost of the Body MOT back – you would need to check with your own insurers.

I now have peace of mind that currently I have no health problems to worry about and with a healthier diet I can bring my inner age down even further as well as having more energy, sleep better and have a healthy glow.

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A Garden View A frosty receptionAs we progress through the year our thoughts are drawn to spring. The days are gradually getting longer, though it’s hardly noticeable because the temperatures are still very cold. People think of February as ‘nearly spring’ but in fact it can be a much colder month than December or January at times.

That said, the cold weather is just the stimulus some bulbs need in order for them to burst into bloom. Take the snowdrop for example: this tiny flower with its delicate head looks its best this month, especially when planted in large drifts. Galanthus (snowdrops) naturalise and spread quite rapidly when happy, and over 5-10 years will form the most beautiful carpet of white.

Try and visit an open garden this month and you’ll see what I mean. Choose a clear day when the sky is an intense blue. Take a waterproof rug to lie down on and see the world from the woodland floor, just like a snowdrop would. It’s a beautiful place to be (and to take photographs from). If it’s

not frozen solid, the earthy smell of the humus rich soil is wonderful and there will often be a layer of crunchy leaves still remaining from autumn, partially decomposed which add to the aroma. When you get up close and personal with plants in this way it really gives you a chance to appreciate their beauty. Lift up the little nodding head and see the loveliness within.

If you are inspired by these wonderful scenes, now is the perfect time to buy and plant snowdrops, so why not add some to a tub, or plant a swathe by the front door? That way even when it’s icy outside you’ll be welcoming guests with a less frosty reception.

Other jobs to do this month include:

Cutting down – I’m not talking about the post Christmas calorie intake, but about the herbaceous perennials. Chop them down now, as far as you can go so that the new shoots will be free to grow next month.

Hedge your bets – overgrown evergreen hedges can be cut at the end of the month. Do one side this year and one in a couple of years time. It will look pretty awful until it re grows (in about 2 years) but it will be worth the wait.

Compost all the waste you create in the garden, but remember to chop it up well. Consider investing in a shredder if you create a lot of bulky waste. You’ll be impressed with the quality of compost you can produce.

Use last year’s compost to lay on the top of the soil around shrubs and roses (known as mulch)

Until next time,

Happy gardening,

Lee


The food of loveThey say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, so why not experiment with some tempting titbits this Valentine’s Day?

In Japan feeling flirty can become – quite literally – a matter of life or death! Puffer fish is considered to be a great delicacy and an aphrodisiac, but it contains a poisonous gland that is deadly and must be removed before eating!

A safer seafood option is the oyster. A favourite with the Romans some oysters are able to change sex repeatedly and so are said to give you the ability to experience the male and female sides of

love.

For a sophisticated saucy snack you can’t go wrong with asparagus. Served with hollandaise sauce and washed

down with champagne it’s sure to pep things up.

And do you know where the term ‘honeymoon’ comes from? In Medieval times newlyweds drank mead – a fermented drink made with honey – to sweeten their marriage.

But I reckon the ultimate palate pleaser has got to be chocolate. Described by the Aztecs as ‘nourishment of the Gods’, it contains both a relaxing sedative that lowers inhibitions and a stimulant to perk you up. Even better is the news that it is

more effective when combined with that other antioxidant, red wine – but don’t have too much, or your suitor may become a snorer!

By Alex Brown


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Most couples meet in mundane ways that allow them to get to know each other over time - through school, friends, work or hobbies for example - but if none of these methods is working for you, have you considered modern technology to help you find Mr or Miss Right?!

The internet offers dating sites (sometimes free of charge, but often with a monthly subscription) where your profile, containing a photo and other biographical details, as well as a description of the kind of person you are hoping to meet, is made available for others to see. If someone is interested in you, they can contact you by email and start a conversation to find out if you would both like to take the relationship further.

There are risks involved in this type of dating – so don’t give out personal identifying information and never fall for sob stories from poor men in far-away places who need you to give them money. When meeting, make it somewhere public and busy and consider taking a friend along, and use a cheap pay-as-you-go phone to make it easier to get rid of unwelcome admirers!

Speed dating involves an even number of single men and women meeting in a room set out with tables. Each person is given a numbered badge and a card containing the names of all the people they will date

that night. The ‘couple’ numbered 1 sits at table 1 and spends around 5 minutes chatting, with the man moving on to the next table at the sound of a bell. At the end of the evening, every woman will have met every man and all will have marked their cards with the names of people they would like to meet again. If there is a match (i.e. woman A likes man B and vice versa), the dating service will provide them with contact information. A speed dating session takes around two hours and you can expect to meet between ten and fifteen people. The cost is around £20, normally paid in advance through a speed dating website.

The dinner date is a variation on the speed date, where 4-8 men and women meet at a restaurant to chat over dinner and get to know one another better. These smaller, more intimate, groups often work better than speed dates as there are others present to help keep the conversation flowing, so it feels less pressurised. At the end of the meal, if you have connected with someone at the table, the host will help you exchange contact information.

Modern dating methods may not be the ideal way to meet a new partner, but they do at least open up a world of possibilities!

By Debbie Singh-Bhatti

Love in the 21st Century

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Let’s face it!Non-surgical facelifts can roll back

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They come to us all – wrinkles, laughter lines, crow’s feet. Whatever you call them, as we age, our faces age with us. But as 50 becomes the new 40 – or it is 30? Some of us don’t want to look the age we are, we want to look the age we feel! Until recently, the only option for a younger-looking face was a facelift. This meant

expense, pain, a long recovery time and many potential side effects. Now, however, there is a non-surgical option that is gaining in popularity.

A non-surgical facelift reduces wrinkles and tightens loose skin. It is a minimally invasive procedure that works by heating the deeper layers of skin – the dermis – using either infrared (laser) or radiofrequency energy to promote what is called a ‘healing response’. This stimulates production of new collagen and remodels the existing collagen. The effect is to contract the layers of skin above and make the face appear plumper and smoother. The treatment can also be used on the jaw line, neck, abdomen, bottom, upper arms and thighs.

Some procedures use local anaesthetics or over-the-counter pain relief, but others need nothing at all. You will be given something to cool your skin during the procedure and you may experience some temporary swelling, redness or skin blanching. Unlike chemical peel and microdermabrasion techniques, no skin is removed and so non-surgical facelifts are generally more suitable for people with darker skin. More serious side effects such as bumps, blisters, pigmentation changes or skin depressions are very rare. Because the treatment is non-invasive, there is normally no need to take time off work.

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An advantage of the non-surgical facelift is that it is significantly cheaper than a surgical procedure. Sometimes only one treatment is required, but often two or three treatments are given a month apart. The full results may not be seen until six months later.

You should bear in mind though, that the effect will not be as dramatic as with a surgical facelift because the non-surgical procedure doesn’t actually remove excess skin or fat. Results will vary according to differences in skin thickness and texture, in healing response and in the person’s lifestyle. Non-surgical facelifts are most suited to younger people who are beginning to notice that their skin is ageing, but wish to delay more invasive procedures for a few years. They are also good for people who are unable to have surgery.

If you decide to go ahead with a non-surgical facelift, make sure you research the experience and training of the person who will perform the procedure. Always ask for references and follow them up. Then lie back and watch the years melt away.

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Aberdeen University Boat Club (AUBC) team president, Ingibjorg Thomsen, met her counterpart Rachel Joyce at Robert Gordon University Boat Club (RGUBC) head on for the launch of the 2013 event. Ingibjorg is originally from the Faroe Islands and is currently studying a master’s in International Relations. Rachel who was born in Cleveland, Ohio, but whose home town is Kildare in Ireland, is continuing her studies in Diagnostic Radiography.

The race, which is approaching its 18th year, is made possible by the continued support of global investment group, Aberdeen Asset Management.

In the 17 years of the Aberdeen Boat Race, AUBC lead RGUBC by 14 wins to 3, however since RGUBC’s first win in 2006 the score is 4 : 3 to AUBC, with RGUBC winning the most recent one in March last year. The race takes place over a 3.5km stretch of the River Dee in Aberdeen between the Bridge of Dee and the Aberdeen Boat Club. In 2012, RGUBC won the race by four and a half lengths in a time of 8 minutes, 13.9 seconds.

Organisers of the race expect the turn-out of spectators on the day to be the most colourful ever as the universities have adopted the theme of ‘show your true colours’ for the 2013 head to head – blue and yellow for Aberdeen University and purple and black for Robert Gordon University.

“We’re asking supporters to come out on the day wearing the colours of their favourite team,” comments Ingibjørg Thomsen. “Both crews train

Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race 2013 ChallengeThe north east’s equivalent of the annual Oxford v Cambridge Boat Race will take place on Saturday 2 March. In time honoured tradition, the losers of the 2012 race Aberdeen University challenged Robert Gordon University to race in the 2013 event.

hard for months ahead of race day and to see the banks of the river awash with our team colours will give us a huge boost.

Rachel Joyce agrees, “In the run up to the race we’re hoping that our supporters will show their true colours and register their team allegiance through social media too.”

2012 was one of the most fiercely contested races in the history of the event, and the organisers expect that 2013 will be no different. Both crews have already been training for months in preparation for the March race. Each of the 18 rowers

will take just under 300 strokes in the course of the 3.5km race and along with the crew coxes, will push their physical and mental endurance to the limit.

Martin Gilbert, chief executive of Aberdeen, comments:

“The race is a major event on the city’s sporting calendar and showcases the area’s young athletic talent. Each year local support for the event grows and I am confident that 2013 will see the biggest turn out of supporters ‘showing their true colours’ than ever before.”

Follow the 2013 Aberdeen Asset Universities’ Boat Race and show your true colours at

www.facebook.com/AAMBoatRace and at https://twitter.com/2013BoatRace.

Picture to the Left : Left to Right Ingibjørg Thomsen and Rachel Joyce ‘face off’ inside the Boat House at the launch of the 2013

Aberdeen Asset Universities’ Boat Race


A Good Read

Daughter of Smoke and Bone – Laini TaylorOnce upon a time, an angel and a devil fell in love.

It did not end well.

So begins this novel which really falls into the category young adult (YA) fantasy fiction yet manages to elevate itself through the sheer inventiveness of the plot. It begins in Prague and is the story of teenage art student Karou. She’s in college and has issues with her boyfriend. So far so YA. But this novel quickly develops into something strange and beautiful. Where does Karou go when she disappears from the city without warning, on strange ‘errands’? How can she speak so many languages? Why does her long, bright blue hair never seem to need dyeing? Karou is a girl who transcends two worlds; the real world, and the place she calls ‘Elsewhere’,

where she was raised by chimaeras – strange hybrid creatures. But her secret world and all it contains is now threatened by deceptively beautiful interlopers. And Karou’s peculiar fate is to fall in love with one of them.

There is a saying that there are no really new ideas in literature and Taylor’s novel bears similarities to Romeo and Juliet, not unlike the Twilight series, but it’s so much richer, more inventive and colourful. It will appeal to fans of Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy. Karou is certainly as spirited as Lyra - and with an equally confused heritage. To whom should she remain loyal – her adoptive father or her murderous soul mate?

Daughter of Smoke And Bone starts small and grows, taking you on an imaginative journey of forbidden love, intrigue and divided loyalty. Sometimes it’s worth taking a break from your regular genres and dipping into something new. With Valentine’s Day approaching this may just be one of those times…and it certainly makes a change from a clichéd ‘They sailed off into the sunset and lived happily ever after…’

Skellig – David AlmondPublished in 1998, this unforgettable book achieved instant cult status and is now rightly recognised as a children’s classic. It is often taught in junior and secondary schools, but if you

really want your child to live out the magic it offers, catch them early so they can read uninterrupted and absorbed.

The story itself is simple. Shortly after the birth of his baby sister, and while her health hangs in the balance, Michael finds Skellig in the garage of the ramshackle old house that he and his parents have just moved into. But who – or what – is he? Slowly Michael begins to find out: with gifts of aspirin, beer, cod liver oil and Chinese takeaway, he discovers a friend.

Almond’s prose is beautifully understated, and straightforward enough to capture the interest of the reader before leading into passages of lyrical and emotional intensity. Death is ever present, and dealt with sensitively enough for young readers to understand and relate to, whilst the message is all about life, and love, and hope. If you haven’t read it, buy it now.

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Chinese New Year is the biggest celebration of the year for Chinese people around the world. Chinese people prepare for the New Year celebrations by cleaning their houses from top to bottom. The idea is to clear away any bad luck and make way for good luck in the year ahead. People also buy new clothes and have their hair cut. They decorate their homes with red and gold paper decorations and lights. Red is a lucky colour in China, while gold represents wealth. Debts must be paid off before the end of the year, otherwise it is said that you will be short of money in the following year. People also bring plants and fruit trees into their homes, especially kumquat plants and peach blossom.On New Year’s Eve, families gather together for a celebratory feast. They eat

sticky rice dumplings to bring good luck and happiness. It is a time to be thankful for the year that is ending and to remember family members who have died. At midnight, the doors and windows of the house are opened to let the old year out and firecrackers are set off. The next day, friends and families exchange gifts of food, flowers and sweets. Children are given money in red paper envelopes. There are fireworks and elaborate lion and dragon dances featuring beautifully coloured costumes and puppets. People try to forget grudges and wish peace and happiness to everyone.The date of the New Year is calculated using the lunar calendar and can fall any time between late January and the middle of February. A complete cycle of the lunar

calendar lasts 60 years and consists of five cycles of 12 years. Each of the 12 years is named after a different animal – rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, ram, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. Legend has it that Buddha asked all the animals on earth to join him for a party. Only 12 turned up, and as a reward, he named a year after each one in the order they arrived. Each animal has certain characteristics which people born in that year are said to share. 2013 will be the Year of the Snake. People born in this year are said to be romantic, wise and charming. They are good at making and saving money, but can be stingy. Famous snakes include Audrey Hepburn, Bob Dylan and Brad Pitt!By Alex Brown

Gung Hei Fat Choi!Celebrate the Chinese New Year on 10 February 2013


Film: The Descendants (Payne 2011)Film, Woodend BarnTuesday 12 Feb 2013 7:30pmFrom Alexander Payne, the creator of the Oscar-winning SIDEWAYS, set in Hawaii, THE DESCENDANTS is a sometimes humorous, sometimes tragic journey for Matt King (George Clooney) an indifferent husband and father of two girls, who is forced to re-examine his past and embrace his future when his wife suffers a boating accident off of Waikiki. The event leads to a rapprochement with his young daughters while Matt wrestles with a decision to sell the family’s land handed down from Hawaiian royalty and missionaries. £5.50, £4.50 conc. + bf

Smallpetitklein: CUTTheatre, Woodend BarnWednesday 13 Feb 2013 7:00pmCUT is an interactive promenade performance around various spaces in Woodend Barn, fusing dance, text, design, animation, new music and comedy, in a quirky, melodramatic reimagining of the story of Bizet’s opera Carmen.

Scottish Opera: Opera HighlightsMusic, Woodend BarnThursday 14 Feb 2013 7:30pm Scottish Opera is hitting the road once more, travelling the length and breadth of Scotland with a selection of opera highlights, and bringing the 50th anniversary celebrations to a venue near you!

Scottish Opera HighlightsTheatre, Woodend BarnThursday 14 Feb 2013 7:30pmScottish Opera bring their 50th anniversary celebrations to Woodend Barn. The show will feature musical highlights from their favourite productions over the years, and includes stories and anecdotes from the Company’s history. Full of energy, versatility and plenty of humour, a cast of four young singers and a pianist perform a line-up of excerpts from favourites including Bizet’s Carmen, Puccini’s La Bohème, and Mozart’s Don Giovanni, as well as music by Handel, Rossini, Britten and Bernstein, and some surprises from lesser-known works.

WMS: Gildas QuartetMusic, Woodend BarnSunday 17 Feb 2013 7:00pmRecent winners of a 2013 Tunnell Trust Concert Award this outstanding young quartet, formed in 2010 by Masters students at the Royal Northern College of Music, has performed widely in the UK and across Europe. They have accumulated numerous prizes between them, most recently being awarded the prestigious Barbirolli Prize for String Quartet. This concert is sponsored by the Tunnell Trust. Haydn: String Quartet Op. 54 No. 2 Britten: String Quartet No. 1 Brahms: String Quartet Op. 51 No. 2

Eugene Onegin – Live from the Royal Opera HouseTheatre, Woodend BarnWednesday 20 Feb 2013 7:15pmAn opera full of poignancy and sensitivity to the nuances of growing up and wrestling to understand your emotions. Eugene Onegin is Tchaikovsky’s tender exploration of a young girl’s awakening passion, her rejection by the aloof Onegin and her ultimate choice of honour over true love. Working with the Danish set designer Mia Stensgaard, whose design hallmark is clean, strong images ripe with emotion, and fielding a brilliant cast, director Kasper Holten will provide a fresh reading of this classic opera.

Whatever Gets You Through The NightFilm, Woodend BarnFriday 22 Feb 2013 8:00pm

A stellar line-up of Scottish musicians including Emma Pollock, Withered Hand and Rachel Sermanni feature in this beautiful collection of stories told in song, shot during the night in locations across the country. Come and meet lost souls, party animals and dreamers in a snapshot of an entire nation between the hours of midnight and 4am.

WMS: Stephen OsborneMusic, Woodend BarnSunday 24 Feb 2013 3:00pmPianist Steven Osborne is one of Britain’s foremost musicians, renowned for his idiomatic approach to a wide variety of repertoire. His numerous awards and prizes includes the 2009 Gramophone Award for his recording of Britten’s works for piano and orchestra.

My Name is

RachelC orr ie

�� Scotsman�� Guardian�� The List

Fri 8 March, 7.30pmCrathes Hall

Tickets £9/£7 (£10/£8 on door)01330 844523


Music Theatre Live EntertainmentTickets from boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel : 01224 641122

What’s On in February at His Majesty’s Theatre, Music Hall and Lemon Tree, Aberdeen

Friday to Sunday, February 8 to 10: Overflowing with audience participation, non-stop favourite songs and amazing costumes, The Singing Kettle: Fairytale Castle, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 10am and 1.30pm on Friday and at noon and 3pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday, February 9: Seventy-five minute behind-the-scenes tour at Aberdeen’s iconic Edwardian landmark, His Majesty’s Theatre, in HMT at 10.30am.

Saturday, February 9: Live at the Apollo star and Satnd Up For The Week regular Andrew Lawrence, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7pm. Tickets rom boxofficeaberdeen.com or tel 01224 641122

Monday, February 11: Celebrating the iconic The Dark Side of the Moon album with a new format and set list, Australian Pink Floyd 2013 Eclipsed by the

Moon European tour, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, doors at 7pm.

Monday to Saturday, February 11 to 16: A jukebox musical which takes its audience back through the music and magic of the 60s, Save The Last Dance For Me, in His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm, with 2pm Thursday and 2.30pm Saturday matinees.

Tuesday, February 12: Legendary Sheffield-born singer, songwriter and former frontman of Ace, Squeeze and Mike and the Mechanics, Paul Carrack: Good Feelin’ Tour, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm.

Thursday, February 14: Alan Greig Dance Theatre and Grant Smeaton present a dynamic new production by award-winning director Grant Smeaton and seminal Scottish choreographer Alan Greig, Do You Nomi?, in The Lemon Tree Studio, West North Street, Aberdeen, at 7pm.

Friday, February 15: Star of Mock and Week and Live at the Apollo, surreal stand-up

Milton Jones: On the Road, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 8pm.

Friday, February 15: Local bands including Amy Sawyers, Dear John, Marionettes, Sensational Swampsnakes and Craig Davidson perform in a Macmillan Cancer Care Charity Concert, in The Lemon Tree Lounge, West North Street, Aberdeen, doors at 7pm.

Saturday, February 16: Seventy-five minute behind-the-scenes tour at Aberdeen’s iconic Edwardian landmark, His Majesty’s Theatre, in HMT at 10.30am.

Sunday, February 17: Following the sudden death of founding member Banjo Barney McKenna, Sean Cannon, Eamonn Campbell, Patry Watchorn and Gerry O’Connor, formerly of The Dubliners, continue the legacy, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm.

Monday, February 18: Scottish Ensemble present La Follia, performing Geminiani’s Concerto Grosso La Follia, Górecki’s


Music Theatre Live EntertainmentHarpsichord Concerto and Three Pieces in Old Style, Vaughan Williams’ Violin Concerto in D, Holst’s St Paul’s Suite, Vivaldi’s Concerto Grosso op3 and Britten’s Simple Symphony, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm.

Friday, February 22: An evening of traditional Scottish dancing with one of the North-east’s top ceilidh bands in Ceilidh with Shindig, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 8pm.

Friday, February 22: The brand new sing along screening of the classic film starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, Sing-a-Longa Grease, in His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm.

Friday and Saturday, February 22 and 23: Vox Motus presents the hilarious dark comedy Slick, winner of Scotsman Fringe First (2008) and a Critic’s Award for Theatre in Scotland (2008/9), in The Lemon Tree Studio, West North Street, Aberdeen, at 7pm.

Saturday, February 23: Scottish Chamber Orchestra present Anderszewski plays Mozart, with pianist/director Piotr Anderszewski and violinist/director Alexander Janiczek, performing Mozart’s Piano Concertos

No23 and No25, Schubert’s Overture in D In The Italian Style, and Beethoven’s Grosse Fuge, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm.

Sunday, February 24: Music for Scotland – Bands Showcase for Weddings, when six of the agency’s best wedding bands will perform four songs each, giving prospective customers the chance to see the bands in action in a cosy atmosphere, in The Lemon Tree Studio, West North Street, Aberdeen, at 1.45pm. Free.

Sunday, February 24: Organised by Westhill and District Rotary Club, the fifth annual musical journey Around the World, featuring over 300 talent performers from local schools, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 2.30pm.

Monday, February 25: One of Strictly Come Dancing’s most charismatic choreographers and performers, Brendan Cole in Licence to Thrill, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm.

Monday, February 25 to Saturday, March 2: The longest running show in the history of British theatre on its first ever UK tour, Agatha Christie’s legendary murder mystery The Mousetrap, in His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm, with 2pm Thursday and 2.30pm Saturday matinees.

Tuesday, February 26: Seafarers UK present The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Scotland, under the direction of Captain Andy Gregory RM, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 7pm.

Wednesday, February 27: DF Concerts present Frightened Rabbit, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, doors at 7pm.

Thursday, February 28: Showcasing the best that Scotland has to offer, Pride of Scotland, in the Music Hall, Aberdeen, at 7.30pm.

Into the future...Birds of a Feather with Pauline Quirke, Linda Robson and Lesley Joseph (April 2-6 2013)The 39 Steps (June 3-8 2013) The Woman in Black (June 10 -15 2013)

For younger audience ...Dora the Explorer (April 12 -14)Horrible Histories (April 23-27)Spot’s Birthday Party (June 13-15)


clubs and classes... 2367 (Banchory) Squadron - Air Training CorpsThe Air Training corps is a uniformed youth organisation supported by the Royal Air Force. For young people aged 13 and 17. www.2367sqn.org.uk Mon & Thur 7pm - 9.30pm McCombie Cadet Centre, Woodside Road, BanchoryAwanaA free childrens club (Nursery to P7) www.bcfchurch.org.uk Wed, 6.00 - 7.30pm Banchory Christian Fellowship Church, Burn of Ben-nie, Banchory Banchory & District Bridge ClubFor new people coming into the district, we can help with a bridge partner Tuesday, 6.50pm for 7pm start Burnett Arms Hotel, BanchoryBanchory & District Round TableFor men aged 18 - 45 years www.bad-rt.org Thursday, 7pm for 7.30pm Every 1st and 3rd Thursday, Banchory Lodge Hotel, BanchoryBanchory Boys Football Clubwww.banchoryboysclub.co.uk Last Sunday of the month, 7pm Caters for children from last year in nursery to P7 for Saturday training sessions from 10 - 11.30am at KGV Park Banchory and then for development and competitive teams from U8 to U19 levels Banchory British LegionBanchory Community Badminton ClubAll abilities and ages welcome, Friday, 10-11.30am, Banchory Sports Centre Banchory Cricket ClubCricket available from 8 years of age through to seniors Burnett Park, BanchoryBanchory East Badminton ClubFor age 14 years and upwards. Mon, 8-10pm, Banchory Academy Games HallBanchory Gymnastics ClubGirls from Primary 2 upwards. Waiting list in operation Tuesday , 3.30pm - 5pm Banchory Sports Centre Banchory Singers are a mixed voice Community Choir. Meet at the community centre at Banchory Academy Raemoir Road Banchory AB31 5TQ each Wednesday evening during school term time. 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm. Further info about the choir can be found on www.banchorysingers.co.ukBanchory Senior Citizens ClubMeet during school term times. All ages welcome. The choir is always interested in new members; if you are a Bass, Tenor, Alto or Soprano and would like to join the choir then the easiest way is to turn-up at the Banchory Academy PRF room (near the Sports Hall) on Wednesdays at 7:30pm. Practice lasts for about 2 hours. www.banchorysingers.co.uk 01330 - 822977 or 825495Banchory Sports Centre Banchory, AB315XP Phone: 01330 825269E: [email protected]

Banchory St Ternan Football Clubwww.eteamz.com/banchorystternan Tuesday, Thursday , 7 - 9pm Games on Saturday 1pm Milton Park, Crathes Banchory Stonehaven Athletic ClubFor ages: 9 years to adult www.banchorystonehavenac.co.ukMonday Mackie Academy, Slug Road, Stonehaven, AB39 3DF

Banchory Trampoline Club. We teach from Pre-School to youth, from beginner to excellence. Ses-sions most days at Banchory Sports Centre. Contact; John Wills at [email protected] Community TrustExists to promote the common good of the inhabitants of Birse Parish and deliver wider public benefits. www.birsecommunitytrust.org.ukThe Old Schoolhouse, Finzean Birse Community TrustExists to promote the common good of the inhabitants of Birse Parish and deliver wider public benefits. www.birsecommunitytrust.org.uk The Old Schoolhouse, Finzean Campfield & Glassel WRI1st Tuesday of each month. September - April, 7.30pm , Glassel Hall, Glassel City of Roses (Sweet Adelines International)Ladies singing group. Being able to read music an advantage but not necessary cityofroseschorus.co.uk Mon, 7.15-10.00pm Drumoak Church Hall, DrumoakCorse SWRITuesday, Evening , 3rd Tuesday of the month Corse Hall, Corse, LumphananDeeside Childrens Music GroupFrom 9 - 15 years, Thursday, 4pm - 5.30pm In term time only, Aboyne Academy, AboyneDeeside Community TransportTwo community minibuses for hire by community groups and non-profit groups. Both 17 seats and wheelchair adaptable. Charges are £1.00 per mile (as at July 2012), with a minimum invoice of £20.00.Deeside Gliding ClubInstruction available to all ages groups (subject to a minimum weight / height) in flying gliders. New members welcome www.deesideglidingclub.co.ukDeeside Heritage SocietyDisabled access. Members and guests welcome. Tea and Coffee available. Third Wednesday of month, September to March, Bowling Club PavilionDeeside Musical SocietyWe cater for ages 16 years onwards, but depending on productions we also cater for children e.g. if we are performing a pantomime. Fees £40 per session, concessions £30. Monday, 7.30pm Aboyne Academy Community Centre Deeside OrchestraAny age from 16 years and upwards. http://www.deeside-orchestra.co.uk Tuesday, 7.30-9.45pm Victory Hall. Ballater Road AboyneDeeside Hillwalking ClubAn informal but active group, based around Banchory who focus on climbing munros and corbetts around Scotland. Minimum age 18 years We have a programme of events throughout the year, meeting approximately every 3rd weekend


DAWGS finds loving new homes for abandoned and unwanted dogs, and for those whose owners due to frailty or ill- health find they can no longer take care of them. We have given thousands of dogs a second chance over the last 15 years. We receive no statutory funding and rely on donations and legacies to fund our caring work. Recent legacies have helped fund emergency vet bills, emergency kennel care and animal behaviourists and trainers in special situations. Please help us give more dogs the chance to live out their lives in a safe and loving home through a donation or legacy. For more information contact:

6 Small HoldingsLang StrachtAberdeenTel 01224 208989 email: [email protected]

Scottish Charity Number: SCO22666

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clubs and classes... Deeside Rugby Football Club Membership is open to all abilities and ages. Games and training at Woodend Playing Fields, Banchory. For Matches and Training Times www.deeside-rfc.co.ukDeeside School of DanceAll types of class and singing and drama from 3yrs to adult Rdsd.co.uk Mon-Sat, Hill of Banchory South Banchory Deeside Youth Musical TheatreAge range 10 - 17 years. Theatre and musicals group performing one show per year usually in March Thurs, 6.30 - 8.00pm Deeside Community CentreDeeside Steam & Vintage ClubPromotes the collection of steam and vintage machinery. Various events in the summer months from tractor runs to our annual rallyThe Deeside Village Hopper serviceis open to everyone! A scheduled service running Mon-Friday.Please call for details 013398 85222, or see: www.mid-deeside.org.uk.Deeside WritersFirst meeting free. £2 per meeting thereafter. Annual membership £10www.deesidewriters.co.uk Tuesday, 7.30pm 3rd Tuesday of the month Woodend Barn, BanchoryDrumoak & Durris Playgroupbeehive.thisisnorthscotland.co.uk/default.asp?WCI=SiteHome&ID=5230Tuesday-Friday mornings, 9.15am-11.15am Crossroads Nursery, Slug Road, BanchoryDrumoak Durris Crathes Bowling ClubFees: Outdoor £50. Indoor £10, Juniors £12, Young Bowlers £25, Hats £1.50 Hat nights / Afternoons Tues & Frid 7pm or Wed & Sat 2pm. All ages welcome. Bowling Pavilion, Off North Deeside Road, Drumoak Durris Junior Agricultural ClubFees - depends on the age. Ages 14-26 to compete in competitions Varies, Usually 7.30pm Kirkton Hall, Durris Durris SWRIDisabled access. Fees £12 per year. Monday , 7.30pm 2nd Monday of the month Kirkton Hall, DurrisFinzean : The Jolly SingersFinzean Hall Weds. 7.30 – 8.30 Bach to Berlin, via Berlioz and Burns. Small group (mostly a capella) welcomes non readers. Louise 01330 850323Finzean SWRIThursday, 7.30pm 3rd Thur of every month from Sept until April Finzean Hall, Finzean Fitness for the Over 50sMonday, 11am - 12.30pm Weekly, Sept to June, Victory Hall, AboyneFootstarsA fun football and fitness activity for boys and girls aged 2-6 years. Currently running sessions 7 days a week in Banchory, Stonehaven and Westhill www.footstars.co.ukFriends of Durris ForestsWe work closely with Forestry Commission Scotland to monitor the use, accessibility and state of Durris Forest and its outliers. www.friendsofdurrisforests.co.uk

Girlguiding - Banchory3 Rainbow Units aged 5-7, 4 Brownie Units aged 7-10 and 3 Guide Units aged 10-14 but due to Waiting Lists we would like to open further Units when we can get the Volunteer Leaders www.girlguiding.org.uk

Banchory Morris Men Telephone 01330 822320 Lively dancing with stick, bells, etc. (and not just English, we also do Scottish dances at Crathes Village Hall - 815pm on a Tuesday.Noahs ArkFrom Bumps to 3 years of age. Mums have opportunity for a coffee and a blether! Friday, 10am-12 West Church Hall, BanchoryRaemoir WRIFor any age, Tuesday, 7pm, Third Tuesday of the month, Dalvenie Gardens Resource Centre, Raemoir Lane, BanchoryRotary Club of Banchory TernanOpen to all rotarians. www.banchory-ternan-rotary.com Wednesday, 6.15pm for 6.30pm The Burnett Arms Hotel, BanchoryRoyal Deeside 41 ClubFriday - First Friday each month Burnett Arms Hotel, BanchoryRoyal Deeside Railway Preservation SocietyRailway restoration & working railway. All welcome www.deeside-railway.co.ukMon,Tues, Fri, Sat, Sun, Daytime Light and heavy volunteer work available Milton of Crathes Visitor Centre, CrathesSaltire Tae Kwon-do AcademiesAge specific programmes. Ninja Kidz (4-6 yrs), Dragon Warriors (7-9 yrs), Juniors (10 - 12 yrs), Youth/Seniors (13+yrs) and Korean Kickboxing www.saltiretkd.com/Scottish Accordion Music GroupSunday, 2nd Sunday of month Kirkton Hall, DurrisSplat 0-5 s Music GroupChildren aged 0 - 5 years invited with carers. Fee: 50p per family. Disabled access and facilities Wednesday, 2pm - 3.15pm Term time only Drumoak Church HallTai Chi AberdeenshireFor information about classes, tuition for groups or individuals, view the website. Instructor member of Tai Chi Union for Great Britain www.taichiaberdeenshire.co.ukTake a SeatAdapted seated classes of Tai Chi (Tai Ji) and Chi Gung (Qi Gong) for people who are unable to stand to exercise www.takeaseat.org.ukTarland Film ClubMonthly films chosen by you. BYO snacks/refreshments. Open to those aged over 18 years in the Tarland area. Held in the upstairs room at the MacRobert Hall. Email: [email protected], or telephone 07880 935803. Facebook under ‘Tarland film-group’.Tom-TomsSinging group for Mums and carers with little ones from birth to 4 years. Fees £2 per family per week. We run 2 sessions ; 10 - 10.30, then 10.30 - 11 am. After each session refreshments are available. This is a busy group and you are advised to call first. Banchory Ternan East Church Halls, Station Road, Banchory Details from www.banchoryeastchurch.org


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TootersMusic classes for young children in 3 age groups, Tooter Tots 0 - 2, Tooters 2 - 5 & Toots P1 & P2. Activities include singing, games, movement and instrument activities. tootersonline.co.ukUpper Deeside Art SocietyAnnual fee of £18.00, individual workshop fee of £20.00. Talks cover a range of arts related subjects, while the workshops cater for a variety of mediums and subjects. www.udas.org.uk Friday, 2pm Monthly, also monthly Saturday workshops Aboyne Bowling ClubWhite Crane Tai ChiClasses in Tai Chi (Tai Ji) and Chi Gung (Qi Gong). Established 2000 www.takeaseat.org.uk 7pm Banchory classes held on a Monday,Woodside PlaygroupFor children aged 2years 10 months to 4 years Daily, 9.30am-12 noon 12.45-3.15pm Burnett Park Pavilion, Banchory

Script to Screen & Stage Drama & Film classes for children of 7-12 years of age. Aboyne Class held in Victory Hall Thursday 4pm-6.30pm Banchory Classes held in Banchory Guide Hut 4pm -6pm & 6.15pm - 8.15pm Tel:01339 886265 email: [email protected] www.script2screenandstage.co.ukStrachan SWRILadies Over 50+ £16 annual fee. Meet every third Thursday of the month. 7.30pm at Strachan Village Hall - Sept to May Tel : 01330 850442 for info.Aberdeen Patchwork & Quilting 01224 310379 The group meet monthly. Consisting of both beginners and more experienced quilters. We have speakers, demonstrations, workshops etc and would welcome new members. usually every third Wednesday in the month at Rubislaw Church Centre - 19.30-21.00 Facebook at aberdeenquilters or e: [email protected]

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IngredientsFor the chicken

450g boneless chicken breasts, skinned1 egg white1 tsp salt2 tsp corn flour310ml groundnut (or peanut) oil or water2 tsp groundnut (or peanut) oil55g cashew nuts1 tbsp shaoxing rice wine or dry sherry1 tbsp light soy sauce1 tbsp spring onions, finely chopped, for garnish

For the vegetables225g bean sprouts1 red pepper1 green pepperRed or green chilli225g water chestnuts, peeled if fresh, rinsed if canned2 tbsp groundnut oil1½ tbsp garlic, finely chopped2 tsp fresh ginger, finely chopped6 spring onions, shredded1 tsp salt½ tsp freshly ground white pepper2 tbsp light soy sauce1 tbsp dark soy sauce2 tsp whole yellow bean sauce2 tbsp shaoxing rice wine or dry sherry5 tbsp chicken stock or water

MethodCut the chicken into 1cm cubes. Mix with the egg white, salt and corn flour in a small bowl and chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.

Heat a wok or large frying pan until very hot. Add the oil and when it is very hot and slightly smoking remove the wok from the heat. Immediately add the chicken, stirring vigorously to prevent it from sticking. The chicken will turn white after a couple of minutes. Drain off the excess oil and reserve the chicken on a plate

Wipe the wok or pan clean with kitchen roll. Heat it until it is very hot, add 2 tbsp oil and the cashew nuts and stir-fry them for 1 minute. Add the rest of the ingredients. Return the chicken to the wok and stir-fry the mixture for another 2 minutes. Reserve the chicken to a plate again.

Make the vegetables: trim the bean sprouts at both ends. Chop the peppers into bit-size pieces and finely shred the chillies and the water chestnuts.

Heat a wok or large frying pan until it is very hot. Add the oil and when it is very hot and slightly smoking, add the garlic, ginger and spring onions and stir fry for 15 seconds. Then add the bean sprouts, shredded chilli, peppers and shredded water chestnuts and stir fry for about 1 minute. Then add the rest of the ingredients and stir-fry for about 3 minutes until it is well mixed and heated through. Return the chicken to the pan for a final stir. Serve at once with some steamed rice, garnished with spring onions.

Cashew ChickenCelebrate Chinese New Year in style with this tasty dish.


Zola has a fantastic temperament which is paramount and Apollo (the stud) is an ideal partner as he too has an excellent nature, living with a family of four small children.

Both parents have been Hip Scored and are well below the breed average which is currently 11. They are KC registered and vet checked and had their first vaccination on 16th January. The price is £650. Contact Kenny and Dorothy on 07711 120 217 or 01224-316898 thanks.

My name is Zola, I am a Rhodesian Ridgeback

and these are my beautiful pups

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Happy Valentine’s Daywishes you a ...

deeside - issue 18

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