deeside - issue 4 sept 2011

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IN CASH - Prize Sudoku, GO LOCAL, Hairst, The 4th RoomIssue 4September 2011Deeside EditionYour Free Personal Copy

Deeside’s only free quality lifestyle magazine!

gcg : 2 www.thegranitecitygazette.co.uk

Welcome back.

Did you have a nice summer break? I did manage to get quite a few things done, especially in the office, but

the garden wasn’t quite so lucky!

I didn’t realise just how busy September is? There’s so much happening in and around the ‘shire’. What with Active Aboyne, Go Local in Banchory, NEOS which is all over the City and Shire, to name a few. Not forgetting the Golf and the Oil Show too!

There is a prize Sudoku competition with this issue and I do hope you can take the time to enter before the 19 September.

If you have an event coming up fill out the form online and we’ll get it listed in the magazine, or email or even telephone.

Now why not grab a cuppa and get reading.

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.

thru the door to :Drumoak, Banchory, Torphins and Aboyne

deadlines :October - 19 SeptemberNovember - 19 OctoberDec-Jan - 18 Novemberpublisher - owner : Sue Simpsontel : 01224 - 318561mob : 07813 964 875email : [email protected] : thegranitecitygazette.co.uk

T : 01224 749170M : 07731 411615E : [email protected]

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Want to get fit and earn some money?Are you available once a month for a a few hours a day for a whole week?Then give us a call...The gazette is looking for delivery people in your area!Call us on : 01224 318561 or fill out the form online at www.thegranitecitygazette.co.uk

Thanks to all who entered the July/Aug competitions. Winner of the Glamping Voucher : Mrs E Smith from Bridge of DonWinners of AIYF Tickets :Mrs H Hayward - Banchory Ms A Hartley -- Countesswells

gcg : 3contact the gazette : 01224 - 318561 email : [email protected]

Wherever we may happen to live, we all aspire to having our local area provide us not only with the basic necessities of life, but something extra too, a touch of inspiration, a sense of creativity and imaginative thinking, something that keeps us interested. In these times of increasing fuel cost, it can save both time and money to be well-aware of what is available on one’s doorstep. But a little variety can make everything more interesting, so new ideas can be at the very heart of a thriving community. And those new ideas can spring from the most surprising places.

A new initiative in the Banchory area is setting out to boost the local economy by bringing different sectors of the community together. ‘Go Local’ is a campaign that

is encouraging local business to work with the culture of the area in ways that will be of mutual benefit to both. With a significant arts base working alongside the strong business sector in the North East of Scotland, this initiative aims to joining forces, thus boosting the local economy and helping to keep the community vibrant in creative ways.

Banchory will be the first place in the NE to become a ‘Go Local’ town, with the launch weekend on 9th/10th September. In addition to the usual goods and services on offer, businesses will be hosting a weekend of live entertainment, music, art, theatre, dance and much more.

For example, the Deeside Drinks Emporium and Woodend Barn will be hosting a music and wine-tasting

event, Taylors of Banchory and RedRag Theatre will stage live drama, Out There Active Wear will be exhibiting photographs by Kelly Compton, Yeadon’s will host poetry reading, and the Library and Museum will organise drop-in activities.

The concept of ‘Go Local’ is not only to encourage the local population to make the most of their town, but so that businesses and cultural organisation can work together in practical ways too. Whether sharing advertising, exchanging, services, lending space, or organising events together, there are numerous ways for groups to offer mutual support while keeping costs down. And all to the benefit of the consumer!

For more information, see www.golocal.me

words by Jane Robinson

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Britain is a nation of bad-back sufferers. Four out of five of us are affected by chronic lower-back pain during our lives, and according to the Brain and Spine foundation it accounts for 5% of sick days.

The term ‘bad back’ describes everything from a torn disc to a compressed spine. Poor posture is the cause of many back problems. It sounds odd, but the sudden pain we might experience when lifting a heavy object is not caused by the act of lifting, but by the 30-odd years of sitting badly that preceded it!

Drivers and office workers are the most susceptible to lower back pain.

When we sit at a work station we tend to hunch, forcing our spine into a C shape. Sitting properly means that your thighs are parallel to the floor and your feet are flat (you may need a thick book to raise your feet slightly to achieve this). Your screen should be just below eye level so you don’t have to stoop or stretch to see it. In this position your spine forms the correct S shape and your weight is distributed correctly.

When driving, our back should be relaxed into the notch of the seat back, which should be angled at 10-15 degrees from vertical. Our elbows should be comfortably bent by 70-80 degrees and our arms should be relaxed.

Anyone who sits for much of the day might want to invest in an orthopaedic lumbar support like the eezzeebak, which can be attached to any chair, including a car seat, and which encourages correct posture, helping to reduce back pain.

Surprisingly, the best treatment for back pain is exercise, not rest. This is because movement increases the blood supply to the spine joints, nerves and surrounding muscles. Improving stomach muscle tone helps to support the spine and so reduce back pain. Gentle exercise such as walking, cycling and swimming is best. Pilates and Yoga are also good as they improve core strength.

Osteopaths can be very helpful if pain is acute. Don’t forget that a regular maintenance check up once every six months or so can keep back-pain at bay. Acupuncture has also been found to be useful for reducing inflammation and relaxing deep tissue muscles in spasm. The good news is that only 1% of back pain cases require surgery, usually for a trapped nerve or a damaged disc.

Problems like tumours or serious nerve damage do occur, but are extremely rare. However, if you suffer with back pain, it is always a good idea to book an examination with your GP prior to making any lifestyle changes.

Back AgainSolving back pain

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www.thegranitecitygazette.co.ukwww.thegranitecitygazette.co.uk

Health and Beauty

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GlamourNow that

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the arrival of autumn, the low maintenance, casual and laidback beauty

styles that have seen us through last season are in much need of updating. The light covering of tinted moisturiser and sweep of mascara that seemed so effortless yet effective when paired with beach tanned skin, becomes totally redundant when competing with a weather-beaten face.

Although the dark nights take a little getting used to, it’s not all doom and gloom, as this time of year provides the perfect opportunity to expand your make-up bag, commit to a skin care regime and experiment with some brand new beauty looks.

And we’ve certainly seen some exciting trends hitting the catwalk for this season.

All of the top designers have showcased clothing collections full of sumptuous, indulgent fabrics that epitomise winter chic. But these collections would not have been half as effective if not combined with styled make-up and hair that, of course, is crucial in completing the look.

Guaranteed

The top make-up trends for this season have been established, so all that’s left is for us to take style inspiration and exchange our usual staid beauty routine for a truly inspired new look.

Sporting ‘swinging sixties’ style, Anna Sui focused all attention on the eyes, with thick black lines of liquid liner and superbly volumised lashes, teamed with nude lips and natural hair.

In contrast, Oscar de la Renta chose striking blusher shades, heavily defined brows and a prominent pink pout, with hair swept off the face in a classic ponytail; whilst Donna Karan used autumnal shades of orange, tangerine and rust to create striking eyeshadow hues.

The nineties were revisited by Vera Wang. Grunge style was re-created with smudgy black liner, roughly applied metallic shadow and frosty pink lips finished with mussed-up hair - in true ‘rock chick’ style.

But the trend that really seems to stand out is classic Hollywood glamour. Adopted by Diane von Furstenberg the look combines ravishing red lips, flawless foundation, a light smoky eye, curled and subtly mascara’d lashes and, of course, immaculately blow dried hair.

It’s a return to full on glamour that pays homage to a bygone era. The vampish style is undeniably sexy and the vintage edge makes it unquestionably chic. It’s sophisticated, classy, refined and totally feminine.

As a high maintenance trend you might think that it’s all a bit too much trouble, but it’s amazing what a difference embracing even just one element can make - it is well worth a try.

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Health and Beauty

For more information/to book an appointment please contact Jenny at 89 Gray Street, Aberdeen AB10 6JD

t : 01224 594777 e: [email protected] www.kumikobeauty.co.uk

Electrical stimulation making it possible to re-educate the facial muscles and perform electrolifting, restoring firmness and tone, re-model the facial oval and re-juvenate the face without scars or bruising from surgery or injecting.

NEW ‘Vitalift’ - Non Invasive Face Lift

Treatment

As I promised to start pampering myself more often I popped along to try out a new technique being offered at Kumiko. Vitalift - a non invasive facit lift treatment.

It started off with a very nice face clean! (Not my usual soap and water!) Then Jenny placed little red and black electrodes on the key areas of my face. Jenny was excellent at explaining exactly what was happening with every step of the way. We then did a test run! No, I didn’t jump off the table; it was a very gentle increase in power to the point of almost not feeling anything at all. At any time I could ask for the pressure to be reduced or increased.

It is a little tingling feeling – I suppose a bit like a massage chair – if you’ve used one of them. Where the pressure starts off small and when it hits the right spot it intensifies. Once I got used to the lighter touch we increased the power and you could feel

it a little more but it wasn’t in any way unpleasant.

I had a lovely hand and arm massage whilst the electrodes were doing their stuff which was equally as good! It was a shame when it finished as I did enjoy it. Of course I had to have a good look in the mirror when all was done. And the two lines that are quite deep on my forehead were remarkably reduced, almost invisible!

Like most things a one off does a temporary fix. If you were looking to have a longer lasting effect then a session of ten with a follow up each month would keep you looking as youthful as ever. I was also pleased to hear that Jenny can also work wonders on the rest of the body.

So if you suffer from the effects of time, sun exposure and stress or you feel your skin is dull, or your cheeks and eyelids are drooping, and a few wrinkles are appearing then this might just be the answer to your prayers!

Beauty Treatments: Uncovered

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marchapril2010 focus

setting up home, the green way...

When Janis Loudenand her family firstbegan renting their

seven bedroom house in theCorse Estate inAberdeenshire, friends askedhow on earth they would fur-nish it. The house is extensive, with over20 rooms and after major renovationsand redecoration, Janis took the initia-tive to furnish it in such a way that wasaffordable, achievable and a greatexample of reuse and recy-cling.

After a few months of therenovations being completed,the 150 year old house hasnow been furnished almostexclusively with second-handfurniture and householdgoods thanks to Freecycle (orFreegle), our very own Boxroom,local Charity Shops and dona-tions from friends. The entirehouse has cost around £1000 tofurnish, and what is most incredi-ble and noticeable when lookingaround the house is the quality ofthe goods Janis has found fromthese outlets. Leather and velvet vin-tage chairs, 3 piece suites, ornatelamp bases, mirrors, curtains,framed pictures and crockery haveall been bought or donated to createa beautiful home - all in excellentcondition.With the imminent pilot of the newly

titled ‘Magpie’ furniture reuse projectat the Boxroom and CrowsNest site, Janis’s projectshould hopefully become evenmore common across theShire, as people become moreaware of the possibilities of

opting for second hand goods -not only for the quality and theprice, but because of theincreased awareness thatmany things can be divertedaway from landfill sites. Wehope that Janis’s story inspires

all our readers to donate their unwantedfurniture and household goods to theseoutlets - and perhaps use them whenlooking to furnish their own homes.

There are so many ways now to divertitems from landfill sites -dumping really is a last resort.We hope to open theBoxroom Magpie Project atthe Crows Nest recycling cen-tre in Banchory this May -where quality furniture that isabout to be dumped, caninstead be donated to The

Boxroom. The Boxroom secondhand furniture outlet is openMonday - Friday 10am - 2.30pmand Saturdays 9am - 1pm andyou can join Freecycle athttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/Aberdeen_Freecycle/If you are interested in becoming

a volunteer for the Magpie project,please contact us on 01330 825027or email [email protected] top to bottom: The outside ofthe estate house at Corse gives anidea of the size; Janis has decoratedmany walls of her house with beauti-fully painted plates from Charityshops; one of the three piece suites

in the livingroom from TheBoxroom; two gorgeous vin-tage velvet chairs fromFreecycle; an old greenleather swivel chair from theBoxroom.

Janis Louden was inspired to share her story of how she furnished her new home after reading about our new Boxroom Magpie furniture reuse project last December...

Three years ago, the future of Corse House near, Lumphanan, lay in question with the laird facing the dilemma of how best to preserve his family home for the generations to come.














The Revival of Corse House














Designed by architect Alexander Ellis and built in 1863 by William Forbes of Craigevar, the Great, Great Grandfather of the current laird, it had fallen into a poor state of repair over the last decade. In it’s time the house has been used, not just as a home for the Forbes family, but also as a hotel and then a nursing home for many years.

The way forward, the laird decided, was to divide the house into two separate properties to be rented out. That is until Janis and Davey Louden approached him with a quite different vision for the house’s future.

Already living on the estate in a cottage half a mile away, Janis knew Corse House would be the perfect setting for her complementary therapy practice and workshops.

Renovation and redecoration inside the house took a year, with Janis and Davey spending their evenings and weekends painting and decorating the entire top floor in a bid to help the estate out. Once completed, they still had the challenge of how to furnish a house the size of Corse. A firm believer in ‘re-use and recycle’, Janis began scouring the many local charity shops in Banchory and Aboyne. She also became a member of the the on-line site Freegle, a community internet group, committed to keeping unwanted goods out of landfill, which proved to be wonderful resource. And once the word spread amongst her friends, and then friends of friend’s, all manner of household items began flooding in. Overwhelmed by the generosity of so many, Janis was turning offers of furniture down by the time they were ready to move in.

Three years on and the Loudens can now call Corse House their home and Janis is busy making her vision a reality. Dubbed affectionately as a Centre for Being by colleagues, Corse House sits serenely in its countryside setting.

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Janis Louden was inspired to share her story of how she furnished her new home after reading about our new Boxroom Magpie furniture reuse project last December...Time seems to slow when you enter its

grounds, making it the perfect sanctuary to nurture mind, body and soul. Enjoying the tranquillity recently were a group of volunteers from Cruse

Bereavement Care. They came to walk a temporary labyrinth laid down in the grounds as part of their Counsellor Development Programme.

A qualified Usui Reiki Master/Teacher for 6 years, Janis also runs weekend workshops for all levels of Reiki. And with guest bedrooms available she can provide accommodation for anyone wishing to stay overnight. Branching out further still, Janis launched writing workshops with fellow writer Elaine Reid, at the house in June 2010. The year-long series of workshops, entitled Searching The Soul, received such positive feedback from course participants, that they have created another series entitled Holding The Heart launching this month.

Reviving the house continues with the exterior paintwork being the next major step in restoring the house to its former glory. Work has also began in the grounds although Janis and Davey know this will be an on-going project. However, they did get a helping hand from Beechgrove Garden earlier this summer when an area outside the drawing room received a ‘Problem Corner’ makeover. Janis applied for this in November last year and was delighted to be

chosen following a subsequent visit from the Beechgrove team.

They came in July for one day and transformed the area, filling the wall and pots with healing herbs such as thyme, rosemary and chamomile.

The feature was aired as part of their July 25th programme on BBC 1. The fruits of all this hard work can be seen this September during the annual NEOS (North East Open Studios) event.

‘Elaine and I were so impressed with the writing that resulted from the workshops that we wanted to do something to celebrate everyone’s achievements.’ As a result, the writing group will be staging an exhibition of poetry alongside some of the photographs that inspired them at Corse House. The exhibition will run on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th September from 2 – 4pm both days.

AromatherapyReflexology and Reiki

Janis Louden MICHTt: 01339 883411 e: [email protected] House, nr Lumphanan, AB31 4SB


“Things Don’t Always turn out the way you plan them” and in my work helping people make major life decisions I am constantly reminded of this. However, the impact of that can bring wonderful surprises!

I spent half of this year trying to feel positive about the prospect of spending a week in Skye

this summer, and it seemed EVERYONE I met told me what a terrible year it was going to be for midgies and laughed at the dire weather we would be having,

expectations I have to say I fully shared after 9 out of 10 of our Scottish holidays being cold and wet So imagine my surprise and delight to find the most stunning Skye weather ever, enough breeze to keep the midgies off, and the best possible blue skies and light to indulge my passion for photography! The pile of books I had accumulated in order to remain cheery no matter what on this holiday went unread. And for all us lovely Gazette readers in Aberdeen and Deeside I needn’t say a WORD about the weather we have had here over the summer, need I? No, I thought not. Let’s just say Skye was an especially joyous escape from particularly dire conditions in our generally drier corner of Scotland.

My point is that there is a danger in going through life with a downcast view on this way that life has of surprising us. Those of us who dreaded the summer holidays on the basis that “it always rains when the kids are off” will have suffered far more and for far longer than those of us who managed to retain a more open mind and perhaps think of strategies

for coping if it did and have probably already found something else to look forward to.

We can choose to look at life with at least a degree of optimism. We can hope for the best and do all within our powers to make it happen. If you also take lots of action designed to achieve that objective, you have the greatest chance of bringing what you do want into your life and not fill your thoughts and consciousness with what might go wrong. Plus if you choose to look forward to something you can enjoy the kick from those endorphins, generating pleasure and happiness, no matter how short-lived the benefits of the actual thing may be! Or we can choose humour, a wry smile... “Life is something that happens whilst you’re planning something else!”

To exercise these choices gives you power over your emotions.

But it serves no-one well, you least of all, if you habitually take the negative view “well it won’t turn out right” or “I’m useless at that so it can’t happen” or “people like me could never make that work”. That’s a sure way of talking yourself out of taking any responsibility for your own happiness, or action towards making your life better, happier, richer, healthier or more joyous and thus becomes as self-fulfilling prophesy.

How much better instead to say “Well this is what (or how, when etc) I would really like it to be, so this is what I am going to do to give it my best shot”?

As individuals our impact on major world events might be limited (and we seem to have missed the usual August “holiday” from major news stories this year, don’t we, on top of the dire weather?) BUT we do have great power over our attitudes in our personal lives and over how much we allow external events to impact our inner lives.

September is here, a major turning point for many of us as summer breaks come to an end and the new academic year begins, bringing


Scott Gilmour BSc (Hons) MCOptom5 The Courtyard, Cults, Aberdeen AB15 9SD

Telephone : 01224 - 863344 info@scottgilmouroptometrists.co.ukwww.scottgilmouroptometrists.co.uk

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challenges from children moving on at school to empty nest syndrome as another batch of young adults heads off into the world and businesses plan for the following year.

What would you like to make of this time? How would you like to approach it to derive the most possible satisfaction, so that when you look back on this year you will be glad you did?

Are things really and truly fine just the way they are and you are truly happy in all respects? Might a change of outlook be helpful, or of attitude, or making some decisions about your career, tackling domestic concerns with

a different energy, delegating more, reviewing your finances or health or a review of your relationships – some or all of these?

So that maybe more of your hopes and plans can come to fruition?

Please email me any time you want to comment on this or any other article in the Gazette, it’s always great to hear your feedback and lovely to know when articles have touched readers in some way. And email me too if you just want to see some amazing photos of Skye!

Really ?For a 20 minute FREE

consultation to discuss how I could help you with this

or any other aspect of your life please call

[email protected]

Have you got someone you can talk to about

anything?

Amanda on 0845 226 2816

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Group ExerciseIt’s September. 9 months since you made that New Year’s resolution to get fit. How’s that going anyway? Just can’t find the time or the motivation? You’re not alone. But rather than criticise ourselves, and set ourselves up for another disappointment in 2012, let’s consider what’s getting in the way. Could it be the extra hours at work, the broken washing machine, the caveman costume you’re asked to produce for school with 48 hours notice, the huge pile of washing? After a hectic day or week, it’s hardly surprising that we simply switch off in front of the TV rather than working on our life goals. There’s only so much gas in the tank.

So what can we do to try to make life easier on ourselves, and make this the year we finally shed those excess pounds or muscle up? One simple step is to reduce the number of decisions you need to make about your fitness routine. It’s hard to motivate yourself

to plan a workout then carry it out by yourself at home or in the gym. Joining a fitness class places the responsibility for planning and motivation with the instructor. Another tactic is to make it a social event. Either get a friend to go with you, or soak up the enthusiasm and enjoyment of others at the class. You are much more likely to keep finding opportunities for activities you enjoy, than those which wear you down.

See you in class!

Join our new fitness and Juniors Martial Arts Classes? Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (Juniors S1-S6)A martial art that teaches how to use leverage and momentum in competition and self defence

Mon&Thurs 1700-1800HIIT Circuits Class High Intensity Interval Training. HIIT training increases your metabolic rate and encourages fat burning, even up to 24 hrs after you’ve stopped!Mon 1800-1900

Abs Class Develops a toned and chiselled midriff

Thurs 1800-1830Kettlebells - For weightloss and conditioning The ultimate in efficient training. Weight loss, strength, stamina and posture. This one has it all!Mon 1900-2000 Thurs 1830-1930

FreeformFMA – Personal Fitness TrainingColin Stewart, REPs Level 3 Certified Trainer

[email protected]

07751 818 602

All classes have limited spaces, contact us for a discount block booking to secure yours!Kettlebell class is a 6 week block (available as 1 or 2 sessions a week)

Classes held at Cults Sports Complex, Cults Academy Community Wing, Quarry Road

North East Open Studios 10 - 18th September, 2011

Open daily : 11am – 6pm

Come and enjoy the beautiful artwork of our children and get an insight into Steiner education. We are also exhibiting the work of our 10 guest artists who offer a wide variety of media such as photography, painting, jewellery, decoupage and textiles. Our exhibition is open for the full 9 days of NEOS. In addition, during the weekends you can relax in our cafe and take in our full programme of live music, story reading by literary group Pushing Out The Boat, art demonstrations and much, much more .....

Aberdeen Waldorf School Craigton Road Cults Aberdeen AB15 9QD Tel: 01224 868366 Aberdeen Waldorf School Ltd Registration No. 62287 Approved Charity No. SC012895

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Steiner Education – an alternative approach

The priority of the Steiner ethos is to provide an unhurried and creative learning environment where children can find the joy in learning and experience the richness of childhood. The curriculum itself is founded on Steiner’s principles which take account of the whole child. It gives equal attention to the physical, emotional, intellectual, cultural and spiritual needs of each pupil and is designed to work in harmony with the different phases of the child’s development. The core subjects of the curriculum are taught in thematic blocks and all lessons include a balance of artistic, practical and intellectual content. Whole class, mixed ability teaching is the norm.

“The Aberdeen Waldorf School delivers the Steiner method of education in a way which really does bring out the strengths of every child. The school currently covers the age 3 -16. As a parent I very much hope that in the next few years the school’s vision to educate up to 18 years comes to fruition.

As Chairperson of Aberdeen Waldorf School Parents & Friends Committee, I am delighted to be able to invite you to join us for North East Open Studios. This event is a great opportunity to find out more about Waldorf education.”

Jane RonieAberdeen Waldorf School

Craigton Road Cults Aberdeen AB15 9QD Tel: 01224 868366


Dine Out Locally with the gazette magazines

Would you like to be part of our dine out locally pages?Whether it be a free lineage, a small display advert or a double page feature, give us a call today and get your restaurant/hotel/cafe noticed by local residents starting October!

Quote : House 3D for £25 discount off any packageTel : 01224 318561 or send us your details

via the website - www.thegranitecitygazette.co.uk

The 4th Room @ The Four Mile House By Jane Robinson

It’s always refreshing to hear of somewhere new, a place to eat where you might not have been before, a different venue to interact with friends or colleagues. I don’t know how many years I have been passing the Fourmile House at Kingswells, knowing it was there, but never seeking it out and paying it a visit. Well, now that I’ve been there and seen the splendid facilities on offer, not only in the restaurant but the excellent new Conference Room and the refurbished bar known as The 4th Room, it’s well established on my radar from now on.

The Fourmile has several strings to its bow, none of which I was aware of until now. Three years ago it was taken over by Julie and George Lyon, who have also owned Aberdeen’s Ferryhill House Hotel for the last decade. This is very much a family business in which a dedicated team of staff have played a part for many years, helping to produce the friendly, personal atmosphere that is so important to the Lyons.

Over the last three years, the restaurant has been upgraded, resulting in a welcoming and relaxing place to eat. Whether you are seeking lunch, dinner, or simply just a coffee, the varied menu offers something for everyone, whatever your age. As a family-orientated restaurant, it is ideal for a casual meal. On the other hand, it often caters for larger parties, birthday meals, specific dinners and other events.

Now however, the latest upgrade has offered more scope. The 4th Room has been carefully and tastefully refurbished to provide a delightful bar, a lovely space to sit and

enjoy a sociable drink. A row of pegs with an assortment of unusual coats and hats adds a quirky note, demonstrating the sense of fun Julie and George have brought to their new room. With a welcoming fireplace, comfortable chairs, classy curtains made from Harris Tweed, and clever decorative details, this is a homely place where anyone can unwind with friends.

However, the new bar is not the only part of the story. A door leads through to a multimedia Conference Room. This smart, light room can accommodate up to 24 delegates in a boardroom or 40 people ‘theatre style’. With a digital projector, wireless internet, conference phones and much more, there are other goodies included in the overall hire charge. Depending on the time of day, delegates can enjoy bacon rolls at breakfast time, cookies and muffins, soup and sandwiches for lunch, and scones, jam and cream for tea.....all of which must surely help to ‘oil the wheels’.

For details, call 01224 740 318 or visit www.fourmile.co.uk

With more than 50,000 visitors expected to attend the upcoming Offshore Europe Exhibition in Aberdeen at the beginning of September, but figuring out where to go for that important lunch/dinner meeting is not necessarily an easy task.

Business lunches and dinners are a classic time tested recipe to charm potential clients. The type of restaurant you choose and the quality it offers can play a very important role in impressing your clients. Many of the best opportunities and business deals are seized over a glass of wine and fabulous plate of food.

Acclaimed Aberdeen Chef and Restaurateur, Paula McEwen, shares her tips to hosting a successful business lunch:

VenueThe setting for your business lunch should be favourable to the nature of the lunch; the choice of dining venues should reflect yourself and the quality of your company. Ensure that precious time isn’t wasted with sought after clients by avoiding restaurants with a noisy or busy atmosphere that detracts from the business discussions.

Aberdeen has a number of business lunch ‘hot spots’ but beware, you don’t want to end up dining in the same venue as your competitors who may end up using up your valuable time talking to your client.

While the city centre has many advantages, car parking can be an issue. When time is precious it can pay of to go to a restaurant that bit further away if it has car parking.

Hosting a Successful Business Lunch

Open for lunch Mon-Sat 12-2.30pmOpen for Dinner Mon-Sat 5.30-10.30pm10 Bon Accord Crescent, AberdeenTel : 01224 213223

Step into the Amalfi Coast with

the fresh taste of Italian cuisine at

Ciao Napoli. Freshly prepared produce

Selection of fine Neapolitan & Italian winesDaily specials

Private/corporate dining facilitiesSpecial Saturday lunch for shoppers

www.ciaonapoli.co.ukgcg : 18

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Hosting a Successful Business LunchServiceIt doesn’t matter how amazing the food is if the people serving are not well practised in the art of excellent service. Most restaurants that are frequented by business clients understand the need for privacy and friendly, yet unobtrusive, service and those business customers having to return to work know that they can eat a tasty lunch and be out the door within an hour.

Waiting staff should be observant and discreet, knowing when to approach and when to leave you alone to discuss business matters.

MenuIf it is the host’s choice, it would be wise to discuss with your guest their preferences and tastes but there is no question that the food should look and taste delicious. Look for a

quality menu that uses local and seasonable ingredients, many restaurants offer great value set menus for business clients who like to lunch.

Set menus are an excellent way of ensuring your lunch doesn’t cost a fortune in these times when companies are increasingly conscious of their costs.

AmbienceA professional but relaxed ambience and beautiful decor can go a long way to enhancing your dining experience. The perfect balance between a buzzing city centre location and a noise free atmosphere can often be found in a unique, little restaurant that’s off the beaten track. You may be introducing your lunch guest to their new favourite restaurant.

gcg : 20 www.thegranitecitygazette.co.ukgcg : 20

Think of daffodils and you’ll probably think of the large yellow variety. They look fabulous while in flower, but can present some problems for small gardens. They are tall, unstable in high winds, heavy rains and snowfall, and they produce masses of green foliage which must be left to die down for six weeks after flowering. Only then can you shear them off to ground level.

Miniature narcissi however were made for small suburban plots. They are under 12 inches / 30cm tall and are much more stable in bad weather, even heavy snow. As a bonus their foliage is neat so not particularly unsightly during the dying-down period.

Just like the big varieties, if you plant them now they will provide pleasure for many years.

All daffs, be they large or dwarf, need a good start. Make a hole roughly four times deeper than the bulb. It will seem like overkill, but the biggest mistake most gardeners make with bulbs is shallow planting. They will still flower well during the first seasons, but because they are too near the surface, they will find it difficult to take in enough nutrients and water to make reserves for the subsequent years. The result will be a show of green leaves and not much else!

So plant them deep and they’ll return year on year, looking more beautiful each time.

Another great way to enjoy miniature narcissi is to plant them in pots. 25cm /10 inch pots are about the right size. Put some drainage material in the bottom then fill with potting compost. Plant the bulbs just below the surface then stand the pot in the shelter of a wall. Water the compost when it looks dry. Come the spring you should enjoy a pot full of colour. Once they’ve finished flowering

Garden ViewThis month - Miniature narcissi

you can plant them more deeply outside and they’ll continue to flower each year.

Miniature Narcissi Suggestions

‘Minnow’ - A profusion of multi-headed lemon-yellow flowers.

‘Jetfire’ - Bright orange trumpet and deep yellow petals.

‘Cotinga’ - Dainty ivory flowers with petals that look like they’re windswept backwards and trumpet flushed with apricot. Very unusual.

‘Golden Bells’ - Free-flowering with a large trumpet.

These are just suggestions. You can’t really go wrong with any miniature narcissi. The only problem you’ll have is deciding where to plant them all!

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Plans are well under way for the first Harvest Folk Festival on Deeside.

Saturday October 22nd will see some of Scotland’s top traditional musicians and storytellers gathering at the Potarch Hotel on the River Dee near Banchory.

The harvest festival will be hosted by broadcaster and musician, Frieda Morrison. ‘What we’re doing here is highlighting the unique culture of this north-east corner

of Scotland,’ she said. ‘It’s a day of music and song which is the first step towards a weekend event next year.

‘This area used to be called the Singing Land. We’re bringing back the songs and the stories that complement the tunes, and the instrumental skills that people associate with this part of Scotland.’

Artists already confirmed include Couper, Spiers and Watson (Tom Spiers and Arthur Watson of The Gaugers fame are joined by Danny Couper), Alison McMorland and Geordie McIntyre, storytellers Lorna and Derek Summers and The Spiers Family.

There’ll be stories in the morning, sessions during the day when all musicians will be welcome to come and play, and an evening concert featuring the principal performers.

Che Mueller, chef and proprietor of the Potarch Hotel says he is excited about the festival which he sees as a showcase of the best the area has to offer.

The Harvest Festival(The First Hairst)

‘This will become a weekend every year, when we celebrate the great cultural traditions – and the great food - of the north east.’For information contact Birseland Media at:[email protected]

what’s on round and about

Violin MakerIan GreigBanchory

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gcg : 21

Active Aboyne Outdoor Activities Festival 2011International Year of the Forest!Active Aboyne 2011 opens on 10th September, with a special evening in the Deeside Community Theatre with Jimmie Macgregor, broadcaster, musician and outdoor enthusiast, talking about "John Muir: Wilderness Guardian". The main festival runs from Saturday 17th September to Monday 26th September 2011. This year, our theme is "The International Year of the Forest 2011" - in Deeside, there are just so many wonderful forests to explore, that it is difficult to know where to begin! We hope to be able to show you some less known treasures.Check out all that’s going on ...http://www.activeaboyne.co.uk/

Aboyne :Films Nights / Shows Tickets now on sale for:Friday 9 SeptemberCars 2 (U) 5.30pmSuper 8 (12A) 7.30pmThursday 22 SeptemberIN AID OF ABOYNE PLAYGROUPBridesmaid (15) 7.30pm Friday 23 SeptemberZookeeper (PG) 5.30pmThe conspirator (12A) 7.30pm Ticket Prices £5 - for afternoon shows/ £6 - evening showsSaturday 15 October Scottish OperaOffenbach - Orpheus in the Underworld - 7.30pmTickets: £14.00 / under 26s £5.00

Storytimes : At Aboyne Library Fri 9th Sept 2011, 11:20Baby Rhymetimes at Aboyne Library Fri 9th Sept 2011, 09:30 - 09:50

NEOS Exhibition At Deeside Activity Park Saturday 10th September 2011, 09:00 - Sunday 18th September 2011Introductory Kart Racing Session At Deeside Activity Park Mon 12th Sept 2011, 16:30 - 17:30Cairnton Aberdeen Angus Steak Celebration EveningsAt Deeside Activity Park Friday 16th Sept 2011, 18:30Storytimes at Aboyne LibraryAt Aboyne Library Fri 23rd Sept 2011, 11:20Cairnton Aberdeen Angus Steak Celebration Evenings At Deeside Activity Park Fri 23rd Sept 2011, 18:30The Tanalonga 2011 In Glen Tanar Estate Sun 25th Sept 2011Deeside Doric Dirl At Deeside Activity Park Thurs 13th Oct 2011, 19:00Storytimes at Aboyne LibraryFri 28th Oct 2011, 11:20Storytimes at Aboyne Library Fri 11th Nov 2011, 11:20Storytimes at Aboyne Library Fri 25th Nov 2011, 11:20Storytimes at Aboyne LibraryFri 9th Dec 2011, 11:20

Banchory :Ross Couper and Tom Oakes At Woodend Barn Arts Centre Fri 9th Sep 2011, 20:00Jumble Sale At Banchory Guide Lodge Sat 10th Sep 2011, 10:00 - 14:00Grampian Woodturners for NEOS Weed At Crathes Castle Sat 10th Sep - Sun 18th Sept 2011Ranger Guided Family Walk: Fungi Fact & Fiction At Crathes Castle Sun 11th Sep 2011, 10:30 - 12:30Rhymetimes for Toddlers at Banchory Library Mon 12th Sep 2011, 14:30Oil Painting with Neal MacDonald At Woodend Barn Arts Centre Monday 12th September 2011, 10:00 - 13:00Cool Singing for Kids with Sandy Miller At Woodend Barn Arts Centre Mon 12th Sep 2011, 16:00 - 17:00Music for Babes with Jill Birch At Woodend Barn Arts Centre Tues 13th Sept 2011, 10:00 - 10:30Cool Art for Kids At Woodend Barn Arts Centre Tues 13th Sep 2011, 16:00 - 17:30Grays School of Art on Location - Drawing At Crathes Castle Tues 13th Sept 2011, 10:00 - 16:00Land Marks with Alison King and Rosemary Campbell. At Woodend Barn Arts Centre Tues 13th Sept 2011, Walks with the Gardener At Crathes Castle Wed 14th Sept 2011, 14:00Ranger Guided Adult Walk: Fungi Fact & Fiction At Crathes Castle Wed 14th Sep 2011, 10:30 - 12:30Third Stage At Woodend Barn Arts Centre Wed 14th Septr 2011, 10:00 - 12:00Barn Art for Teenagers At Woodend Barn Arts Centre Wed 14th Sep 2011, 16:30 - 18:30



Monday1.30-2.00 Pre School2.00-2.30 Tiny Tots3.30-4.15 P1/2

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After School Football - Session 2011-2012

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Thursday9.30-10.00 Pre School1.30-2.00 Pre School2.00-2.30 Pre School3.30-4.15 P1/24.15-5.00 P1/25.00-5.45 P3/4Contact Alison McLeod : 01224 - 314669

Kingswells Community Centre Airyhall Community Centre

Places can now be booked for Session 2011-12 starting in August.

Land Marks with Alison King and Rosemary Campbell. At Woodend Barn Arts Centre Wed 14th Sept 2011, 10:00 - 16:00Bookbug Rhymetime for Toddlers at Banchory Library Fri 16th Sept 2011, 10:00Rod ClementsAt Woodend Barn Arts Centre Friday 16th September 2011, 20:00F.O.C.U.S (Festival of Crafts Unique to Scotland) At Banchory Town Hall Sat 17th Sept 2011Saturday Storytime at Banchory Library Sat 17th Sep 2011, 11:00 - 11:30The Crathes Half Marathon At Crathes Castle Sat 17th Sep 2011, 09:00 - 14:00Slide Guitar and Songwriting Workshop with Rod Clements At Woodend Barn Arts Centre Sat 17th Sept 2011, 10:30 - 12:30The Burning Harpsichord Series: Robert Curgenven At Woodend Barn Arts Centre Sat 17th Sept 2011, 20:00Oil Painting with Neal MacDonald At Woodend Barn Arts Centre Mon 19th Sept 2011, 10:00 - 13:00Cool Singing for Kids with Sandy Miller At Woodend Barn Arts Centre Mon19th Sept 2011, 16:00 - 17:00Music for Babes with Jill Birch At Woodend Barn Arts Centre Tues 20th Sept 2011, 10:00 - 10:30

Cool Art for Kids At Woodend Barn Arts Centre Tues 20th Sept 2011, 16:00 - 17:30Third Stage At Woodend Barn Arts Centre Wed 21st Sept2011, 10:00 - 12:00Barn Art for Teenagers At Woodend Barn Arts Centre Wed 21st Sept 2011, 16:30 - 18:30Bookbug Rhymetime for Babies at Banchory Library Thur 22nd Sept 2011, 10:30Julie Fowlis At Woodend Barn Arts Centre Sun 25th Sept 2011, 20:00Rhymetimes for Toddlers at Banchory Library Mon 26th Sept 2011, 14:30Oil Painting with Neal MacDonaldAt Woodend Barn Arts Centre Mon 26th Sept2011, 10:00 - 13:00Cool Singing for Kids with Sandy Miller At Woodend Barn Arts Centre Mon 26th Sept 2011, 16:00 - 17:00Music for Babes with Jill Birch At Woodend Barn Arts Centre Tues 27th Sept 2011, 10:00 - 10:30Film Night: Submarine (15) At Woodend Barn Arts Centre Tues 27th Sept 2011, 1Third Stage At Woodend Barn Arts Centre Wed 28th Sept 2011, 10:00 - 12:00

Barn Art for Teenagers At Woodend Barn Arts Centre Wed 28th Sept 2011, 16:30 - 18:30Faust Live from the Royal Opera House At Woodend Barn Arts Centre Wed 28th Sept 2011, 19:00Folk Session At Crathes Hall Fri 30th Sept 2011, 20:00Bookbug Rhymetime for Toddlers at Banchory Library Fri 30th Sept 2011, 10:00‘All creatures, Great and Small’ by Paul Barnes. At Woodend Barn Arts Centre Fri 30th Sept 2011 - Wed 2nd Nov 2011Sat Storytime at Banchory LibrarySat 1st Oct 2011, 11:00 - 11:30Cool Singing for Kids with Sandy Miller At Woodend Barn Arts Centre Mon 3rd Oct 2011, 16:00 - 17:00Music for Babes with Jill Birch At Woodend Barn Arts Centre Tues 4th Oct 2011, 10:00 - 10:30Third Stage At Woodend Barn Arts Centre Wed 5th Oct 2011, 10:00 - 12:00Barn Art for Teenagers At Woodend Barn Arts Centre Wed 5th Oct 2011, 16:30 - 18:30Bookbug Rhymetime for Babies at Banchory Library Thurs 6th Oct 2011, 10:30

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Children’s Event: Autumn Quiz At Crathes Castle Sat 8th Oct 2011, 12:00 - Sun 23rd Oct 2011, - 16:00Rhymetimes for Toddlers at Banchory Library Mon 10th Oct 2011, 14:30Bookbug Rhymetime for Toddlers at Banchory Library At Banchory Library Fri 14th Oct 2011, 10:00F.O.C.U.S (Festival of Crafts Unique to Scotland) At Banchory Town Hall Sat 15th Oct 2011Sat Storytime at Banchory Library Sat 15th Oct 2011, 11:00 - 11:30Bookbug Rhymetime for Babies at Banchory Library Thurs 20th Oct 2011, 10:30Rhymetimes for Toddlers at Banchory Library Mon 24th Oct2011, 14:30Folk Session At Crathes Hall Fri 28th Oct 2011, 20:00Bookbug Rhymetime for Toddlers At Banchory Library Fri 28th Oct 2011, 10:00Sat Storytime at Banchory LibrarySat 29th Oct 2011, 11:00 - 11:30Banchory Bonfire and Fireworks In King George V Park Sat 5th Nov 2011, 18:30F.O.C.U.S (Festival of Crafts Unique to Scotland) At Banchory Town Hall Sat 12th Nov 2011Sat Storytime at Banchory Library Sat 12th Nov 2011, 11:00 - 11:30The Enchanted Castle At Crathes Castle Wed 23rd Nov 2011 - Sun 27th Nov 2011

BERI - Dates for your diary ...You can lose a tonne in 6 months! save bills and help the environment too. BERI Pledges campaign will be launched at Banchory Town Hall on Saturday 24th September. BERI's target is for Banchory to save 100 tonnes of CO2 before March. Local M.P. Robert Smith will launch the campaign at 10.30 (to be confirmed) and there will be a number of stalls and information all day from 10 am - 5pm.

BERI will have information to help you choose which pledges are best for you. Liz Corke from New Caledonian Woodlands will run a workshop on how to work out your carbon footprint, so bring your fuel bills. Activities will include the Energy Saving Trust's Eco-driving simulator, interactive stalls and a Thermal Image Camera demonstration. It is also planned to have local home owners who have had renewable energy installed, to be available for a chat over a coffee about how this was for them. Refreshments will be available. MSP Dennis Robertson will be joining the event at 2pm

Also on the weekend of 24-25th September we are having another Green Living Open Weekend (GLOW) where local residents who have renewable energy in their homes, welcome the public to visit to hear about it. Appointments much be booked in advance at [email protected]

1st October The Energy Saving Trust is running an eco driving course for Banchory residents. These must be booked in advance. Bookings will be taken at the Town hall event on 24th Sept or contact [email protected]

5th October Community Energy event at Woodend Barn at 6.30 pm for Community Wind and Hydro Group (Sandwiches will be provided) and 7pm for 7.30pm for BERI and others (tea and biscuits provided) Invited groups will display info on their projects.

8th October Renewable energy event at Thainstone, Inverurie. (Organised by BERI, Aberdeenshire council and The Energy Saving Trust)

Monday 21st November Do you live in a cold house?Do you want to make your stone house warmer ? Maybe you are refurbishing an old house?

Unique opportunity to find out about the latest insulation approaches from Scotland’s experts

Monday 21st November 12 noon – 9.30 pm at Woodend Barn, Banchory

Roger Curtis Head of Technical Research, Historic Scotland

Wilson Shaw from the BCA Group

Historic Scotland have been leading the research on energy efficiency in traditional buildings and BCA are at the forefront of the training and installation of measures in these hard to treat homes.

Exhibitions from 12 noon with an opportunity to find out about the expansion of the insulation industry and training for those interested . Presentations at 7.30 pm

Architects, builders and others in the trade welcome in addition to members of the public. Refreshments and the opportunity for discussion. Free entry


Prize Sudoku Win £40 CashHow To PlayFill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9, with no repetitions!That’s all there is to it.

You solve the puzzle with reasoning and logic. There’s no math involved and no adding up. It’s fun, it’s challenging, it’s addictive.

Once completed, fill in the form on the back and return by 19th September 2011The first name drawn from the ‘hat’ is the winner

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Prize Sudoku Entry Form Win £40 Cash Complete the Sudoku by filling out the grid on page 25 then fill in your details below, cut out this section and send to:Sudoku Competition, Gazette Magazines, 4 Kenfield Crescent, Aberdeen AB15 7UQ

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_____________________________________________________________ Closing date for entries is 19th September 2011

Competition Terms & Conditions: You must be over 18 years old to enter; Only one entry per household; Entrants details will be retained by gazette magazines and may be used to send occasional relevant special offers. We will not pass on your details to other companies; If you do not wish to receive any such communication please tick here □

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The present

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Banchory, Ellon & Inverurie


Of all the seasonal celebrations, the harvest festival is the oldest and most globally widespread. A successful harvest is still critical to people across the world. With so much invested in this ‘life or death’ time of year, various beliefs and rituals have become associated with harvest time. Some of these survive to this day.

Saxon farmers sacrificed a hare, and also made an offering of the first cut sheaf of wheat to their gods. They believed this would ensure a plentiful harvest for the following year. They also believed the ‘spirit of the harvest’ lived in the last of the crop to be reaped. Once this was gone they felt the spirit would die, causing all future crops to fail. To prevent this catastrophe, corn dollies were created by plaiting straw from the last sheaf. Decorated with blue ribbons to represent Mother Earth, these figures were revered as a safe place for the goddess to sleep until spring.

Once the harvest was finished, the landowner thanked all the workers by providing a bountiful

harvest supper. At this merry banquet the corn dolly was given a place of honour. After the festivities, the figure was displayed in the farmhouse until the following spring. It was then ploughed back into the ground to preserve the cycle of life. Smaller dollies were made by the farm workers for their personal good fortune.

In medieval times the harvest celebrations started on 1st August, with Lammas Day, which means ‘loaf mass’. Loaves of bread were made from the freshly harvested first crop of wheat, and donated to the church. These precious loaves were blessed, and then used as Communion bread during a thanksgiving service. On Lammas Day, farmers customarily gave their labourers gifts of new gloves. This was probably as protection against the rough work to be undertaken at harvest time.

Modern Britain relies much less on the success of home-grown crops. The contemporary harvest festival has a different focus. It tends to draws attention to people in other countries, whose crops often fail. The church service is also a motivation to help those less fortunate people in the community. Nowadays, people take gifts of food to the church as donations for the needy.

Harvest festivals are now more usually held towards the end of the harvest. Traditionally they are arranged for the nearest Sunday to the Harvest Moon. This is the full moon closest to the autumn equinox, around 22nd September. Churches are typically decorated with local produce and sheaves of wheat for the service.

With more people than ever growing their own fruit and vegetables, perhaps some of the old rituals will make a comeback? You don’t have to sacrifice a hare though, corn dollies are easy to make, and very attractive!

Harvest TimeSuki North takes a look at some seasonal traditions


the gazetteT: 01224 - 318561 g a ze t t e @ f s m a i l . n e tw w w.thegranitecit ygazette.co.uk

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Step 1: Make your car more efficientYou could see big improvements by making minor tweaks to your vehicle. It’s estimated someone who averages 35 miles per gallon, or mpg (in old money) could reach 40 mpg by driving better, a near 15% saving. Thanks to the RAC for help with the efficiency improvement data. Step 2: Drive more efficientlyIt’s possible to drive the same distance in the same time, yet use considerably less fuel. You can chop up to 60% OFF your fuel costs without cutting your top speed. It’s simply about driving more smoothly to boost your fuel efficiency.Step 3: Accelerate gradually without over-revving. Step 4: Drive in the correct gear. Always drive in the highest gear possible without labouring the engine.

Step 5: Slow naturally. Rather than brake all the time, let your car slow naturally

and use its stored momentum.Step 6: Think about road position. To do all this takes road awareness, so the more alert you are, the better you can plan ahead and move gradually.Step 7: Speed up smoothly; when you press harder on the pedal more fuel flows,

but you could get to the same speed using much less power – a good rule is to stay under

3,000 revs.In many ways this all comes down to one little rule of thumb ...Every time you put your foot on the accelerator, remember the harder you press, the more fuel you spend.Just being conscious of this, and your road position, should massively increase how far you can drive on a tank of petrol.

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A Winter Wonderland at Crathes Castle, Banchory 10/11/12 December • 5pm-10pmExperience an enchanting evening in beautiful Royal Deeside featuring a display of light and sound installations andtrails at one of Scotland’s most popular visitor attractions. Crathes Castle, its award winning walled garden andestate will be transformed for three nights only into a winter wonderland with cutting edge light and soundtechnology creating stunning choreographed effects, moods and backdrops that will appeal to all age groups. This evening walk will be combined with a host of enchanted themed attractions and events.

Tickets can be purchased in advance only from Aberdeen Box Office tel 01224 641122 orwww.aberdeenboxoffice.com

Ticket prices: Adult £9 plus bf Conc. £7 plus bf Child (under 16) £4 plus bf Under 5’s free

The event organisers, GM Events Ltd, recognise and appreciate the support from the following organisations

P.T.O.

ECEF A5DS FLYer 8/10/10 13:24 Page 1

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

23-27th Nov 2011

A Winter Wonderland at Crathes Castle, Banchory 23-27th November 2011 • 5pm-10pm

www.theenchantedcastle. info

deeside - issue 4 sept 2011

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