SummerWinter Edition Edition 2012 2014 mastrick matters

Mastrick Pensioners Zumba Community Council The Fine Peace Café Christmas Party Fun! Come join the party. Annual Report Celebrate Anniversary Mastrick Mastrick Northfield FC Community Walking Parish Church Academy Newly launched Policing Groups Celebrating 60 Years News Community Trust Update

Mastrick_Matters_Winter_2012.indd 1 15/02/2012 10:35:20 7 mastrick matters Summer Edition 2014

CONTENTS 6 3 Grays Inn

4&5 Northfield Academy

6 Policing Update

7 Walking Groups

8&9 Mastrick Parish Church 10 AFC Community Trust Editorial 11 Boys Brigade Welcome to your spring edition of the Mastrick Matters 12 Local News community magazine! In this issue we have articles from Grays Inn, Mastrick 13 CIYPP Parish Church, Northfield Academy and much more. 14 shmu If you would like to get involved and join the editorial team or if you have ideas for the community St Clement’s 15 publication, you can easily get in touch with us. The staff at shmu are able to support and train anyone living in the area who are interested in developing their ideas and skills in either writing, photography or proof reading. So please don’t be shy, this is your magazine written, edited and designed by the good folk of Mastrick. If you live in the Mastrick area and would like to come along to the editorial meetings or submit an article then get in touch with Laura at shmu on 515013 or you can email her on [email protected]. You can also view this magazine alongside previous editions on the shmu website www.shmu.org.uk then click the ‘PRESS’ option. Happy Reading.

Supported By Special Feature: The Grays Inn An Interview by John

Why did you decide to get and we just add them to the list. boards as well to let people know involved in fundraising? You can look us up on Facebook what is going on. or email graysinn@orchidpubs. We have done it in all the pubs What have been from some of co.uk. We never say no to a good we’ve been in. It helps business your best events? and it’s good for the community. cause. We don’t charge anyone for We raised £1000 for Macmillan It makes people aware of who anything, anything they make goes Cancer Support last year by you are. into the bucket for the charity. taking part in the World’s Biggest What kind of things do you do What kind of response do you Coffee Morning. We’ve also had to fundraise? get from people? a Rock ‘n’ Roll Bingo Night to We put the fundraising in place We have all kinds of events fundraise for The Big Walk in but it’s the people in the pub including bingo, rock ‘n’ roll bingo, Peterhead. There have been so who make it happen and we Grays’ Games, race nights and many really fun nights we’ve had never have to push it or chase much more. We raised £200 for over the years though. people. There are just really the Mastrick Mothers and Toddlers generous people in Mastrick and How much money have group quite recently. Aberdeen. People are really good you raised? How long has the fundraising for donating prizes for the raffle Last year we raised a total of £14, been going on? as well. The groups we fundraise 347 for various different charities. We’ve been in Grays for 19 years for are really grateful as well and and have been doing fundraising some of them are really good at from the start. getting back to you and letting you know what is happening with the How can people get involved? money and how they are getting People just get in touch with us on. I always put it on the notice

3

Northfield Academy

Celebration of Success Trophies, medals, certificates Sports day and other awards were presented For the second year running, Tuesday 10th June witnessed to our students for demonstrating Northfield Academy had a very our school community gathering excellence in their achievements, successful Sports Day. This year in the Music Hall for our ninth effort, attendance, sport, music, the competitions took place over annual awards ceremony art and drama. Another highlight the whole day, and every single to recognise the success of of this year’s ceremony was the pupil who took part tried their almost 300 students. Students, presentation of our new ‘House hardest and was a huge credit Championship Cup’ sponsored parents, staff, school partners, to their house. Even though the by Aberdeen Football Club. Ally local politicians and guests sun did not shine for us this year, Proctor, from AFC, presented the gathered together to give well everyone was in high spirits and new trophy to the House Captains deserved public recognition to all cheering on their house to win. of Stewart House. It was very our students for their excellence In the S1 group, the results were pleasing to see so many of our in a variety of different ways. 3rd Wallace, 2nd Stewart and students receiving awards. This 1st MacBeth. In the S2 group, culture of success is crucial for We were delighted to welcome the results were 3rd Wallace, empowering all our students to Norman Drummond, a celebrated 2nd Stewart and 1st MacBeth, be confident with the language of international speaker and and in the S3 group the results success and to be successful in all founder of Columba 1400, an were 3rd Stewart, 2nd Wallace that they do. international leadership centre and 1st MacBeth. Therefore, this for young people on the Isle of Next year we look forward year’s Sports Day champions Skye. Mr Drummond gave a to hosting our tenth awards were MacBeth. Well done to all very inspirational speech and ceremony on Wednesday 17th participants who took part and encouraged all our students to June 2015 and encourage you congratulations to all participants aspire to be outstanding in all to put this date in your diary of MacBeth House who did for what promises to be our their House proud by winning that they do. best Celebration of Success the trophy. Ceremony yet!

London Trip 2014 a relaxing lunch on The South coach for their visit to Warner Bank. Next they experienced Bros Studios, home to The Harry This year 45 pupils and 4 staff the sights and sounds of Potter Experience. This was members took their first school London on foot and stopped by magical to say the least and trip to London. The group after hours of flying broomsticks travelled by coach and arrived Downing Street before ending and searching for snitches they in London hot and tired but full up at Buckingham Palace. After hit the streets of the city again of spirit and expectation. A walk visiting Trafalgar Square and for some last minute shopping around leafy Hampstead and Leicester Square for more photo on Oxford Street. The trip was then back to the hotel to rest and opportunities, the group had a a huge success and the pupils get ready for the following day fantastic meal together at The are already planning what sights was all that they needed. Spaghetti House before travelling in style to The West End to see to see next year in Northfield The next day was action packed Wicked. Academy goes to London: Part II. and included a trip to The London Dungeon via Baker Street, a The following day the group spin on The London Eye and rose early to pack and board the

4 School Fair

Northfield Academy had another Further down the rabbit hole, This was a great opportunity, extraordinary school fair, open for people in the community got a especially Aberdeen fans. the whole community to attend. The taste of Culture Cafe run by the school’s senior pupils. Outside, The event would not have been turnout was huge. The barbecue children pleaded with their parents possible without the staff, senior was in full swing with the smell of for a go on the bouncy castle. For pupils and Parent Council who burgers and hot dogs, attracting the adventurous people there were helped run the activities and stalls. everyone for seconds or thirds. more physical activities, such as Special thanks must go to the St Upon entering the hall you were rock climbing, beat the goalie, the Nicholas Rotary Club for their stalls greeted by the friendly faces of bungee run and, to keep things and for being a massive help on the all the volunteers that helped out under control, a Guess the Teddy’s day. The day turned out to be a huge Name competition. waiting patiently at their stalls. success and it helped raise a lot of Along the corridor and down the Our head teacher and Aberdeen money for our school as well as our stairs took you to a different world… football club supporter Mr Hendry extra-curricular clubs and charities. even went as far as getting the the creative world of tie-dye t-shirts Scottish League Cup to the school Written by Becky Jamison and and henna tattoos. for everyone to take photos with. Sabrina Bremner

7 MASTRICK COMMUNITY POLICING TEAM UPDATE

Welcome to the latest update Road and Mastrick Drive. Other responsible and if appropriate from the Mastrick Community partner agencies have also carried seize their vehicles. Policing Team (CPT). out some work in these areas to Operation RAC continues to make them safer and reduce the We are now well into the last focus on the prominent issues volume and speed of traffic. of the summer months, and of acquisitive crime and in we have carried out many In tandem with Operation Trinity, particular those in relation to high visibility patrols in and officers from the CPT have been housebreaking. This is again around our local schools, where heavily involved in the ongoing a national issue that Mastrick we have been experiencing issue of motor cycles being CPT is committed to. We have some antisocial behaviour and ridden irresponsibly and in an provided our dedicated RAC vandalism. The recent fire at antisocial manner in the CPT. team with support, both with the Burnside Centre really hit This is a massive issue for the staff and logistics, to ensure a home the risks that go hand local residents, and one that we coordinated and tasked approach in hand with mindless and remain committed to. to the crimes under investigation. reckless actions of certain I fully appreciate that those local individuals. If it were not for the If you are experiencing any to Mastrick may get frustrated speedy intervention of the Fire issues, please get in touch with by what appears to be a lack Service, and the interaction with of Police action in relation to us via the various methods of and cooperation of the local this type of offence, particularly communication that we currently community, the outcome of when they are ongoing at the have. In an emergency always this incident could have been time. I can assure you that call 999 in a non-emergency much different. staff from Mastrick CPT and call 101. You can also go online Road safety is very much a priority those dedicated to Operation at www..police.uk, or e of all officers in the CPT. We have Trinity have been approaching mail your local Mastrick CPT at continued to patrol those areas that these offences robustly. We HiltonStockethillCPT@scotland. have been highlighted to us for poor might not catch them in the act, pnn.police.uk. driving and irresponsible parking, but we will follow all available particularly Hilton Drive, Clifton lines of enquiry to report those Inspector Iain McPhail

6 Walking Groups Before I tell you of the walks the In May we intended to go from Amblers & Strollers have done Culter to Newtondee along the I would like to let you know of riverside but half way along it was Mastrick a new Walking Group. We will over grown with gorse and we had Amblers walk every Friday and transport to turn back. by Marion will be supplied.We hope people The Amblers went to Forglen who have never walked as a Douglas Estate at Turiff. This is a beautiful group will give it a try. For more walk; the best part is the small information phone 783627 or We set of on Monday come ponds with rhododendron and email helenandraymond@ rain or shine, azalea all around them. Lunch was hotmail.co.uk. in the walled garden. We’re usually very lucky with the In March the Amblers went to weather being fine. In May the Strollers went to Dunecht Estate, this is a lovely UPDATE Sheeoch Burn which is part of We’re not just a walking group as walk around the loch which was full the Fetteresso Forest which was we’re all good friends, of swans; I also managed to get a a lovely walk. We had our lunch photo of a woodpecker. We then We look out for each other at the bridge over the burn. The had lunch on top of a hill looking especially at the bends. only noise was the birds then, over Garlogie. out of nowhere, six helicopters In the woods, the beach and the The next walk was at Garlogie. in a line at tree top height flew country walks, We went up past the old mill and over the top of us. The noise was As we listen in anticipation for mill houses then the dam. The deafening and then two more Raymond’s information talks. walk was very short and so we and a Chinook appeared. One of went back to the bus. We then these had to make an emergency We enjoy the flowers, the walks went over to the Deeside to Clune landing in Culter. and the wildlife. Wood. We had our lunch then did The Amblers went to the Back On a certain outing Raymond met the walk through the woods. We O’ Bennachie car park. They his future wife. saw a stone circle and a cairn and joined two short walks then came it was a very nice wood walk. It is so therapeutic, back to the picnic area for lunch. healthy and fun, The Strollers went to Ellon in April. After lunch the bus took us to This was a lovely walk along the Bennachie Centre where we did Finding out about it is the best riverside and then along the old another short walk. thing I’ve ever done. railway line. The weather was very A few of the group had never hot that day which made everyone walked in this area and they strip off a bit. all enjoyed it. Raymond

7 Celebrating sixty years as a Church

Mastrick Parish Church The actual Church itself was hearted, open minded and our opened for worship on 5th doors are open to all. We offer a is having a year of February 1956. There were 67 warm, non-judgemental welcome. celebratory events to members in January 1955 which We have morning worship at celebrate the church rose to 556 by August 1956. In 11am every Sunday and hold being in the community December 1959 the Sunday Messy Church for young families School had 58 teachers for over on the last Thursday of every for 60 years. 1000 pupils. Gone are these days! month from 5-7pm. On Wednesday 4th May 1955 The Church has always played an We recognise that not everyone the foundation stone was laid important role in the community, wants their child christened, by the late Professor Henderson. reaching out to those in need, or ‘baptised’ so we also offer Mastrick was a brand new housing those who are grieving and a ‘Blessing Service’ as an estate, giving a good standard of those who are celebrating. Over alternative. The church has housing to its residents. the years ministers have come hosted many weddings down and gone, and all have played a At the time of the laying of the through the years and is still vital role in the life of the church foundation stone for the Church a lovely venue for wedding and community; these include there was no shopping centre, no ceremonies. Anyone, either in or Mr Henderson, Jim Tyrrell, Fred library, no Police Box, no Mastrick out with the local community, can Coutts, Brian Rutherford, Lesley Community Centre, no social be married here. Risby and at present myself security office and no Grays Inn! Elizabeth Youngson. Our purpose as a Church is to It was a time when vans would love God and our neighbour as appear round the streets at all Over the years the church has we seek a fair and just living for hours selling their wares; you had much to celebrate and give everyone and respect all living could buy anything from a bag thanks for. It may also surprise creatures and mother earth. As of coal, a gallon of paraffin, pan some that the church itself is a people of faith we are far from loaves and plain loaves, groceries a registered charity. History perfect but believe in reaching and even fish and chips! was made on 20th September 1970 when four women took on out to others with unconditional Before the church was built the leadership roles when they were respect and positive regard. congregation gathered for worship ordained to the Eldership. We would love you to come along. in what was known as the Hut Hall that now houses the James Tyrrell Today we might not have so A big thank you to all who have Day Centre for older people - many people attending worship supported Mastrick Parish managed by a church committee. but we are striving really hard to Church down through the years When it was the Hut Church it make our church and worship and a big thank you to all who had a large red cross painted on relevant to the 21 century. continue to do so as we move its door. Mastrick Parish Church is open into the future.

8 In December 1959 the Sunday School had 58 teachers for over 1000 pupils

9 Newly launched community trust reflects on 2014 so far...

2014 has been an exciting year led to an improvement in my life skills, and helps them access for Aberdeen FC with great home life. My relationship with my top class facilities in Aberdeen success on and off the pitch. The daughter improved significantly - something they would not main success off the football park especially with physical otherwise be able to do. Some of has been the launch of the new activities.” One female said: “I the young people have serious AFC Community Trust, which have type 2 diabetes and since issues with behaviour, issues is an official charity that stands starting FFIT my nurse has been with family, and a real lack of alongside the football club, and so impressed with my readings. confidence. To see them progress is based at Pittodrie Stadium. Girls, thank you so much for over the 9 month programme is The vision for the Community helping me to feel great!” fantastic. One parent said: “A few Trust is “to provide support and years ago my son would not have opportunity to change lives for “His confidence walked into a room of strangers. the better” and already in the Over the past few months his first half of the year we have confidence and self-belief has been delivering a wide range and self-belief sky rocketed and everyone of programmes to a wide range comments.” of participants. has sky rocketed” Another programme we One programme that AFCCT Along with working with deliver, which is funded by the deliver, funded by the SPFL adults, we also have various SPFL Trust, is the Still Game Trust, and, more recently, NHS programmes working with programme. Still Game is Grampian is Football Fans In youngsters from Aberdeen City. designed for over 65’s to come Training (FFIT). This is a 13 week One of which is the Footy Tea programme designed to help programme, funded by the Tartan and make new friends, remain men aged between 35-65 to lose Army Children’s Charity (TACC). active, learn about what is on weight, gain more knowledge The young people are chosen offer throughout Aberdeen for of healthy eating, and to help from Seaton Primary. The pupils the elderly community and to them sustain their new found get an hour of football coaching, try new activities and gain new healthy lifestyle. A Female Fans and then get taken to Pittodrie for experiences. One Still Gamer in Training programme has just a healthy meal. This encourages stated: “I look forward to every started and both have been a healthy, active lifestyle and Tuesday. By attending Still Game received very well. One male also promotes good manners, we feel that we are still part of said: “I am much happier which educates the young people on a community.”

10 The Adventure John’s Section As hard as it is to believe, it’s Begins Here quite believable? Where you’re watching it, and doing it, the way you used to do New Boys’ Brigade it when you weren’t so aware you could do it as you are, and will be Company set up in Mastrick some other way when you did it while you are?

As part of its ongoing men across the globe. Still doing it sometime? recruitment campaign, The Today they are passionate Boys’ Brigade has called on about building bridges into As it ends this is where all boys and young men, aged local communities and it begins? 5-18 to join the adventure of engaging boys and young the 36th Aberdeen Company. men (aged 5 to 18) by means While we are so far and yet so Company Captain, Malcolm of weekly groups, residential close as it would begin now right Maclennan, said: “ We can weekends, special events, there, and then somewhere close, offer opportunities to boys and community involvement and yet so far away from where it young men that they don’t get and training programmes. ends in the same now? at home or at school. They The Boys’ Brigade offers an As everything else that can’t, learn lots, stay active and experience of life beyond and can appreciate nothing? have so much fun, The Boys’ what is possible in school or Brigade is exciting, energetic, at home. They believe that by makes you happy, and you can engaging in exciting activities, make friends for life.” making new friends, having fun and finding out about The 36th Aberdeen Company faith, boys and young men meets at St. Clement’s can discover and develop Event at the MS Stuart Mastrick, Scottish Episcopal their potential. Their activities Church Hall, Mastrick Drive Resource Centre are all led by thousands of every Tuesday evening, during trained volunteers who have school term time. On the 8th of November the MS undertaken criminal record Stuart Resource Centre are holding It is the only Boys’ Brigade checks and are committed a musical coffee morning between Company serving the to providing a safe and Mastrick, Summerhill and supportive environment. 10am and 12noon. Sheddocksley areas. There are currently over The Silver City Singers are a The Anchor Section, for 75,000 members around the Barbershop Chorus and their boys in Primaries 1 – 3, meets UK and Ireland, but there are songs range from Scottish, pop to between 6.00pm and 7.00pm thousands of boys and young musicals. They also tell a few jokes The Junior Section, for boys men who currently don’t know along the way. Come along and in Primaries 4 – 6, meets about the adventure they are between 7.15pm and 8.45pm. missing out on. If you want enjoy a cuppa, a fine piece to join our Company please and entertainment. The Company Section contact Malcolm Maclennan by for boys and young men in telephone on 07919 106665 or Primary 7 – Secondary 3, by E-mail at maclennan103@ also meet between 7.15pm yahoo.com and 8.45pm. For over 130 years, The Boys’ Brigade has reached out to millions of boys and young

11 Mastrick Matters

CFINE

Community Food Initiatives North East or CFINE is your local outlet for fresh fruit, vegetables, pulses and healthy snack and more! CFINE contributes to Presently regeneration, increases CFINE have employability within designated reduced their prices disadvantaged communities, at community food outlets by a and encourages and supports whopping 10% as from June! volunteering within these areas. So, why not visit your local CFO This then brings a whole range and check out the produce and Wednesday 9.30-12.30 of personal, family and the great low prices? For more information, contact community benefits. Rod McDermid, Development Across the City CFINE have 70 Your nearest local CFOs are at: Worker at CFINE, 4 Poynernook community food outlets (CFOs) Mastrick Cafe (Community Road on 01224 596156 or email operating in various local venues. Centre, Greenfern Road) [email protected] to find out more.

The Proposed Development of the Old Police Box by Eddie McDonald

The proposed development has since September 2013 I have I hope to have the development been held up due to problems been seeking permission to build underway ASAP. Once completed with the Aberdeen City Council a secure 5 car parking space it shall enhance the area and Planning Department. I am garage in the existing building add security to the neighbouring asked daily by passing members with a flat above it. Church of Scotland and ACC of the community when I am I need this to be the first stage of Buildings. going to start the building work the development in order to store and all I can say is that I have materials that are already inside permission to convert the existing the existing building and the blue building into 2 flats. However, 20` container inside the garage.

12 Mastrick Matters Cash In Your Pocket Partnership

Have changes to the welfare • you’re in arrears, or struggling This will highlight a list of issues system affected you, or to pay rent or council tax, that may be affecting you. By someone you know? • you want check your making a selection, you will be entitlement to benefits/ able to obtain information, If so, there may be help tax credits or self refer. available to you. • you need support to find work, Referral leaflets can also Getting the right help is not always • you’re having difficulties be picked up from various easy and it‘s often confusing, or budgeting or paying bills, community outlets including difficult to know who, or where to • you’re struggling with debt community centres, GP surgeries contact for advice. and libraries. Completed forms … Or you would like help with The Cash In your Pocket can be returned using our any other financial matter, then Partnership’s new phone line freepost address. and directory service makes it please get in touch. Cash In Your Pocket also hold easier for anyone looking for By letting us know about the regular information stalls at local advice, or information on matters difficulties you are having, we community events and locations. relating to their finances, to can put you in touch with the As well as being on hand to offer get the help they need. With organisation(s) best placed to advice, anyone visiting a Cash a wide range of partner help you. organisations, Cash In Your In Your Pocket stall can enter Pocket can allow you easy access Contact the Cash In Your Pocket our free prize draw for £100 of to services available. team to make a telephone referral shopping vouchers. Look out for using our new phone line service tan event taking place in your If… on 01224 686077 (Monday- area and come along for your • your benefits have been Friday 10am-4pm). Calls will be chance win. stopped or reduced because charged at local rate, but if you The draw will be made on 1st of sanctions, let us know your number, we will December – just in time to do call you back straightaway. • you’ve been found fit for work your Christmas shopping ! and want help to challenge, or Visit our website at www.ciyp. appeal the decision, co.uk for more information, or to make an online referral.

Get help with: BENEFITS Pension Universal Credit HEATING YOUR HOME? STOP SMOKING LOW COST LOANS FIRE/HOME SAFETY CHECKS SAVING & BUDGETING Too Many Bedrooms Repairs & Adaptation Food Parcels 13 Over the past four years I have worked with the Mastrick Matters team, and it has been an utter privilege working with such a passionate group of people. Everyone who is involved in the editorial process is extremely dedicated to producing a magazine that their community can be proud of, and I feel very privileged to have been involved in it. I wish the editorial team every success with future issues, as I have no doubt that their magazines will continue to thrive. (I will, however, be checking the magazines online during my lunch break!) All the best for the future guys, Mary Clare

Station House Media Unit (shmu) will launch a cross-cultural music and film project this summer with the Aberdeen Multicultural Centre and The shmuTV team have been commissioned to Aberdeen’s Ethnic Minority Forum. Collective make a community safety film about auto theft Compositions, which will be the first of its kind in and the dangers of it, in association with the Aberdeen, was funded by Creative Scotland and will Northfield Youth Action Group (YAG). bring together musicians from a diverse range of minority ethnic backgrounds to record and perform Our shmuTV crew have been very busy indeed, a range of unique pieces of music. shmuSOUND setting up production for the piece and are supports the local music scene and focuses on looking for young actors and actresses to supporting artists and bands to record, promote audition for various roles within the film. and broadcast new music. The filmmakers are looking to cast the following roles: The project will be filmed by a team of volunteers Young people to be extras (12-18) and turned into a ‘making of’ documentary 2 male actors / Offenders (aged 15 - 20) which will be premiered later this year. Collective Compositions aims to raise of the profile of the Female actress / Mother (aged 32-40) city’s minority ethnic musicians while creating a Paramedic (male) (25 - 35) space where people from different cultures can 2 School girls (15-17) learn through music. This project is in association with Simon Gall, shmuSOUND Development Worker and the Northfield Youth Action group, and is said: “It’s important that cultural organisations in kindly sponsored by MAERSK drilling. To apply the city start to properly reflect the changes which for an audition, get in touch with Sara Stroud and have taken place over the last 10 to 15 years in the email [email protected] demography of Aberdeen. This is a valuable project The crew are also looking for people to help which represents and celebrates the true cultural out with the film, so if you fancy being an landscape of the city.” extra, or help out as a runner please just drop us a message.

Station House Media Unit (shmu) is situated just off Great Northern Road in the old Station House Community Centre, Woodside. We offer free access to, and training in video and radio production, and magazine and online publications to residents of all ages living in Seaton, Woodside, Middlefield, , , Northfield and Cummings Park.

14 t 01224 515013 e [email protected] www.shmu.org.uk Mastrick Matters

St Clement’s - what’s that? Tucked in neatly behind a hedge its presence would continue to Angels & Co is a well-run and and somewhat disguised by a demonstrate the Church’s care for respected Nursery facility, on the few large trees is a building that the local community. site since 2008 and offering local has been on a corner of Mastrick parents professional child-care The cost of restoration and Drive since the 1950s. Then, as at very competitive rates. It has re-development vastly exceeded a brand new housing development its own purpose-built modular the value of insurance pay-outs, and rapidly-growing community, building and a small garden area. at no small sacrifice, the Diocese Mastrick required facilities and The children also use the Church bore the additional costs. The resources. Hall in rainy weather and as a internal re-ordering meant that the run-around space. By next year, St Clement’s Church had long worship area was much reduced the nursery will have adapted been meeting similar needs in the in size, yet retaining its attractive and occupied the large hall area very different fishing community ambience and benefitting from within the church building as of Torry. Then St Clement’s-on- good natural light. A large hall their Phase 2, thus strengthening the-Quay, this Scottish Episcopal area was also created with the already warm relationship Church was established in the various options in mind for its with the church. It will enable 24 early 1880s. The visionary Rev. use. An additional side area was more children to be enrolled and John Comper, then Rector of St turned into a new facility for the several more qualified staff and Margaret’s Episcopal Church in Diocesan Library and Archives. ‘apprentices’ (aged 16-19) to the Gallowgate, set up a Mission But, St Clement’s is not just a be recruited. Angels & Co has a in Prince Regent Street and church. A range of other facilities link with Jobcentre Plus, helping funded it himself for its first sixteen exist on the site and various people back to work, and can also years, his wife having purchased activities take place regularly. provide information on available the site in 1880. The spacious Church Hall is benefits to help with nursery fees. Fast-forward to 1959 and the home to a Mums & Tots Group, Another relationship the church foundation stone of St Clement’s a Dancing Class, Line Dancing, has is with local immigrants from Church, Mastrick was laid in the a recently-formed Boys’ Brigade India, whose Syrian Orthodox presence of many dignitaries and Company, a monthly Prize Bingo Church worships regularly in the a large crowd of local people. Club, ‘Car Boot’ Sales, private building and with whom social and For many years, the church family functions, etc. Plans are religious interchange is a welcome was a hive of activity and the afoot to set up a debt counselling development. congregation grew significantly. service through ‘Christians against Poverty’ and a Men’s Today once again the place called In recent years, it has had Club, especially for elderly and “St Clement’s” is buzzing - a hive many ups-and-downs. In 2008 others who may be experiencing of activity for the glory of God the building was struck by a loneliness as a result of their and in the service of the Lord freak ‘tornado’ and the roof was unemployment or disability. Jesus Christ. completely blown off. Internal damage was considerable and it The Office of the Diocese of Ken Gordon | Priest-in-Charge was some time before restoration Aberdeen & Orkney is currently Phone 07715 169548 work could be carried out. housed on the St Clement’s site, However, the Bishop had given providing administrative facilities an immediate assurance that for churches in the north-east. the church would be rebuilt and

15 COMMUNITY CONTACTS

Alcohol Gas Alcoholics Anonymous 0845 769 7555 Gas Emergency 0800 111 999 Drinkline 0800 917 8282 Gas Emergency with a Meter 0845 606 6766 Benefits Housing Benefits Agency Advice Line 0800 587 9135 Emergency Repairs 01224 480 281 Crime Call Centre Emergency 0845 608 0929 Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 Police Drugs Non-Emergency 101 DA 01224 594700 Samaritans Dentist Need to talk 01224 574 488 Emergency - G-Dens 01224 558 140 Social Work Doctors Social Work Duty Team 01224 522055 NHS 24 Emergency 111 Emergency Out-Of-Hours 01224 693 936 Dementia Helpline 0808 808 3000 Young Carers Support & Information Service 01224 625 009 Electricity If you have a Power-Cut 0800 300 999 Water Scottish Water Emergency 0845 600 8855 Family Planning Health Centre 0845 337 9900