Spring Edition 2015

WhereTHE SEATON there’s SEWING always BEE a buzz! RareTHE HARLEQUIN duck spotted DUCK on the Don

Friends of Seaton Park AIYF Summer Reading Challenge Seaton Backies Cruickshank Botanic Garden Cakefest 2 Spring Edition 2015

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Contents Editorial

3 AIYF Welcome to your Spring edition of Seaton Scene. 4 Mrs Murray’s Cat and Dog Home We hope you enjoy reading this magazine. Inside we have an update from the Seaton Backies Project and the 5 Connect Art and Textile Project Woodlands Community Ranger. Friends of Seaton Park 6 Seaton Sewing Bee and Cruickshank Botanic Garden both have news which 7 Summer Reading Challenge they have shared with the Seaton Scene team. We also have news about the Harlequin Duck, which was spotted 8 Woodlands Community Ranger on the Don at the start of the year. 9 Seaton Backies Project If you would like to get involved in the next edition of 10 Cakefest 2 Seaton Scene then you can phone SHMU on 01224 515013 or email [email protected]. 12 Seaton Park Meetings are held at Seaton Community Project at 1pm 13 The Harlequin Duck on the following dates: 14 shmu First meeting - 26th of June 15 Cruickshank Botanic Garden Second meeting - 10th of July Content deadline - 24th of July Page plan - 31st of July First proof - 7th of August Cover image of Harlequin Duck on the River Don by Andy Coventry

Supported by Supported by Noye’s Fludde International A Community Opera Youth Festival

Based on the story of Noah’s Ark, Benjamin communities together to take part in this exciting Britten’s community opera, Noye’s Fludde, production. If you would like to find out more will see children, amateur and professional about opportunities to take part please email singers and musicians take the stage together [email protected]. in an eagerly anticipated addition to the AIYF The opera will be staged at Queen’s Cross programme this July. Church on Friday 24 July at 8pm, and Saturday With rehearsals getting underway in May, 25 July at 4pm and 8pm. Keep an eye on our the project aims to bring children, families website: www.aiyf.org, or Facebook page, for and individuals from and Seaton project updates and ticket booking details. Mrs Murray’s Cat and Dog Home

Mrs Murray’s was founded in 1889 to serve as a You can find out more about Mrs Murray’s or place of refuge for stray dogs and cats in the City rehoming any animals you can look up and Shire of Aberdeen. www.mrsmurrays.co.uk. The Home has since expanded to take in animals from their owners who, for a variety of reasons, can no longer keep them and find new homes for them. Each year over 1000 animals pass through our doors - most abandoned and unwanted. We receive a lot of support from the local community, through donations, fundraisers, bake sales etc which we are extremely grateful for. Recently one of our supporters John Sim, ran the Inverness Half Marathon in March and donated all his sponsor money to our animals, it came to the grand total of £1235! It is with the support of people like John and all the people who sponsored him that helps us to continue looking after the animals in our care. We have also recently been nominated for the Petplan Animal Charity Team of the Year 2015 award by our John Sim and supporters. We are delighted that people continue Sisco, who to support the work we do here for the animals at is still waiting for his forever home. Mrs Murray’s.

Recipe for Success Family Learning 1 teaspoon of ideas The Family Learning Worker for Seaton is Lorraine Young. We provide opportunities for mum/dads/carers to become more ½ cup of goodwill involved in their children’s learning. 1 pinch of positivity This term we are offering: • Whose Money Is It Anyway? ¾ cup of imagination A three week budgeting course in 1lb of leadership Seaton Community Centre • Family Storytime 2 spoonfuls of teamwork A three week course where we read stories to our children and 1 cup of market vision then do a craft activity in Seaton 2 tablespoons of challenge Primary School You can also look out for: 1 bag of hope • I’m A Parent…Get Me Out Of Here! • Maths & Language For Parents • Confidence and Assertiveness • Challenge Dad & Challenge Mum For more information please contact Lorraine on 01224 764700, 07801 129494 or [email protected] 4 Seaton Scene

‘Connect’ by Alex Stuart Art and Textile Project, Seaton At the beginning of the year, the animal which was created to Saturday 7th March at the I visited Seaton Community honour the fox which residents Music Hall. Project where I was greeted by a at spotted regularly at the bus The ‘Lift’ Arts and Wellbeing handful of smiling faces. stop next to Seaton Place East. Project took place in all the Linsay concluded that through These were the members of regeneration areas from the project, individuals were the ‘Connect’ art and textile September 2014 to February ‘exploring different mediums project, headed by artist Linsay 2015 and the exhibition and art techniques’ and were MacDonald and they were in featured work from all the endeavouring to communicate the midst of a weekly creative communities involved. stories through their artwork. splurge. Both Linsay’s and The purpose of such a group the participants’ enthusiasm it seemed to me, lay not only shone strongly, as might thaw in the improvement of artistic the remaining snow on the abilities but arguably and windowsills outside, as they more importantly, in the sense launched into an explanation of of community it evokes and their on-going work. strengthens. Included in the array of talents As member, Sol Mogollones, were lino-printing, embroidery threaded her intricate woven and paper mache. The design she commented that individuality of members was ‘Connect’ has allowed her to clearly expressed through their meet people, increase her creations as, after all, it was hard self-esteem and feel ‘that you to forget we were in Aberdeen are creative and can create when a rather large seagull something beautiful.’ mask protruded its orange beak upwards amidst the surrounding After several sessions of works of art. However, it was a imagination and remarkable canny fox mask that took pride effort, the group project of place in this room. With its culminated in a bright colours and cunning celebration of all the features, the artist caught both work produced in the beauty and playfulness of an exhibition on The ladies of the Seaton Sewing Bee have been These donations were gratefully received and have very busy bees recently. The ladies, guided by been upcycled in to all manner of garments including Sewing Teacher Saji Poole, have been creating lots tops, dresses and pyjamas. The ladies at class of fabulous garments. Some of the ladies who come have now gained enough skills to be able to do their along to class had hardly used a sewing machine own alterations with trousers being hemmed, tops since they had left school and were very nervous at being shortened and even curtains and blinds being the prospect of attempting to sew again. With Saji’s altered. Some very lucky grandchildren have had the friendly manner and patient guidance they have cutest pyjamas, shorts and dresses made for them. been helped and supported through the different The ladies all work hard at class but always have stages of garment making. They have gone from time to fit in a wee cup of tea and a biscuit while they the first tentative steps at threading the machines, catch up with blether. to pinning and pattern cutting, their skills and Over 60s who live in Seaton are eligible to come and confidence have grown immensely along the way. join the class. The class runs on a Monday afternoon The sewing class is free to the over 60s as it is between 2 and 4pm at the S.T.A.R. Flat. If you fancy funded by a Changes Fund Grant and the class has sharpening your sewing machine skills, you would be also benefited from donations of sewing machines more than welcome to come along and the only thing and materials from local organisations and individuals. you need to bring is yourself!

For further information phone Gillian at the S.T.A.R. Flat on 01224 524209

6 Get ready for the 2015 Library Summer Reading Challenge! The Tesco Bank Summer Reading Challenge Scotland takes place in all City Libraries again this year with the exciting new theme of Record Breakers and runs from Friday 3 July until Saturday 22 August. The Challenge encourages children to read up to six books from their local library over the summer holidays. Any library book can be read - from picture books to audio books – and children will receive stickers and rewards throughout the Challenge.The Challenge is aimed at children aged 4 to 12.

Bookbug Story & Rhyme Sessions Tillydrone Library Tuesday 30 June 10.30 – 11:00am Tillydrone Library Tuesday 28 July 10:30 – 11:00am Central Children’s Library Tuesday 30 June 10:30 – 11:00am Central Children’s Library Tuesday 14 July 10:30 – 11:00am Central Children’s Library Tuesday 28 July 10:30 – 11:00am Central Children’s Library Tuesday 11 August 10:30 – 11:00am Summer Reading Challenge – Record Breakers Event Tillydrone Library Thursday 9 July 2:00 – 3:00pm Central Children’s Library Thursday 9 July 2:15 – 3:45pm Contact details Tillydrone Library 01224276975 or [email protected] Central Children’s Library 01224652546 or [email protected] Or visit our website www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/Library

What’s happening at the Seaton Rehab/Recovery Project?

It’s been couple of hectic months here at the Seaton Commonwealth Games and Recovery project. We’ve been painting & decorating received a ‘Game On’ plaque for the office, also getting new office furniture. It’s now our participation. The feedback looking rather smart & welcoming. we had from participants was really positive. This summer The project has now managed to secure funding we are planning more activities from Fairer Aberdeen Fund to pay for our second that help our clients (and staff) part-time Development Worker. Elena Aspe has increase their physical fitness. been welcomed into our small team at the Project Between now and summer we by staff and clients. are planning to do some local With summer soon to be approaching, we are in the ‘health walks’ to get us out and about process of organising our Fa’s Fit 2 Programme of and ready for bigger challenges! outdoor activities. Last year we were linked to the Nick McKenzie Development Worker 7 Seaton Scene A welcome return!

Hello from your Woodlands focussing on planting, watering We’re always happy to help Derek Community Ranger. I am glad to and tool work. What can I say? I and the team. say I have been busy in Seaton thoroughly enjoyed my time with If you have any project you feel over the past few months. staff and children and we planted we may be able to help or if you approximately 25 plants in the sun The recycled tyres we placed are looking for natural materials and wind. around the totem pole and big or small then please do get filled with top soil last winter In another visit after school in contact on 01224 897 400 or have now been planted up with finished, the Volunteer Ranger [email protected]. surplus plants from a project in Team also put in a robust “story/ Also, if you would like to volunteer Torry. These plants will promote chill out circle” on the slabs in with myself on a Tuesday then biodiversity and make the place the outdoor learning space for please do use the contact more colourful for a nice sunny both children and staff to use details provided and mark it for seat! Thanks to Volunteer for sitting, climbing or jumping! the attention of The Woodlands Rangers Josh, Jules and While we were there we cut up Community Ranger. Jonathan for this one. some recycled timber to be used Of course, you can listen to my as a construction kit or musical Another set of these surplus show on SHMU every Wednesday instruments (they work, I tried plants were gifted to the Seaton at 11am to catch up on the latest it!) or anything else the children ASN group based in the goings on within the Ranger wanted to use them for. Hope they community hub. I had carried Service. Check us out on 99.8fm or have some use out of them! out some work there a while ago at shmu.org.uk. Also, our Facebook with the chaps from Community Finally, I am pleased to say I Page at Aberdeen City Council Service so it was good to be managed to pass on some of the Countryside Ranger Service. back helping again. I worked with surplus plants to the hard working Tara for now. Sheila and her excellent staff gardening team and they have in 2 sessions with the children, already been planted. Stephen

8 The Seaton Backies Project Some of you may be aware of local community and are looking environmental matters in Seaton. the hard work and dedication at ways to engage with the local Pupils from Seaton Primary School shown by the volunteers of community further. We plan to who live in Seaton, created a 3D Seaton Backies to improve hold a series of workshops over map of the area which allowed the the play spaces for the local the coming months and plan to be local people to put in pins with their children over the last 5 years. chapping on doors to try to speak thoughts and concerns on it. to as many people we can who A range of issues were brought The Backies Plan has now taken may be affected. up from the need of wind breakers a step forward and the volunteers to the speed people drive down are working closely with Aberdeen Planning for Real School Road at. These issues City Council to discuss how they The Seaton Backies held a are now being looked at by the can improve the Backies more. Planning for Real event on the 7th Backies group and they are The Council has made drawings of February with the aim to engage working towards how best to based on suggestions from the with the local community about resolve them.

Primary 4, 5, 6 and 7 worked with Seaton Backies The Play Park beside Aulton court is getting Project for 4 Friday mornings in January. some new landscaping put around it to help shelter it from the North Sea winds. In the 1st week we painted maps of Seaton. In the 2nd week we cut The Architects will be in the Aulton Court out different house types in the area and coloured them, glued the common room Wednesday 24th June from 6pm- 3D models together and glued onto the maps. In the 3rd week we 7.30pm to show the plans and to gather opinions. put the maps together. On the 4th week we discussed things that would be good in certain areas, and were given flags to write our ideas on. We were working with Jeni and Casey from Aberdeen City If you would like to be part of these Council who were leading the consultation process. It was great to groups taking the plans forward or are interested in looking at other have the chance to get involved in improving our local area. environmental issues By Julia Twardowska, P7 for Seaton please contact Emma on 01224 611168 or email [email protected] Cakefest Cakefest 1 was held in March Robbie has also co-hosted 2014 and was such a success the BBC Beechgrove Garden 2 that we decided to do it all over show when it went on the road. again so Cakefest 2 happened Like most folks, Robbie also on Saturday 28th March 2015. likes cake, so with all these qualifications, who better to open Cakefest 2 was opened by the proceedings? We also had a raffle and craft Robbie Shepherd who is well stall. We would like to thank known to many in the North East We had the same format as last everyone who baked cakes, of Scotland for his work as an year which was a £3 ticket bought made things for the stall and entertainer, comedian, MC and you a coffee/tea and let you try provided raffle prizes. broadcaster. Robbie is also a three slices of cake, which had We made nearly £1,000 which keen gardener. His speciality is all been baked by volunteers. was a magnificent achievement. sweet peas. One year ago he For a small fee, you could sample A good time seems to have been took the supreme award for sweet more cakes. The cakes (which had by all. Cakefest 3 has been peas at the prestigious Aberdeen were all affa fine) were scored out requested so we have booked Royal Horticulture Society of 10 and a magic formula in the Dunbar Street hall for Saturday summer show at the Duthie spreadsheet, devised by Annette 19th March 2016. We hope this Park – winning the Shirras Laing and Mike, worked out who had is enough notice so you can start Trophy for a set of six vases each won. The winners in each of the planning which cake you will bake. with differing blooms. four categories were awarded a uniquely decorated wooden spoon All entries will be very welcome. to commemorate their success. Sheila Gordon

10 Robbie Shepherd and his wife, Esma Seaton Scene - photo by Mary Middleton Mary Mackay - photo by Mary Middleton

A big thank you to Stephen Bennett for his ice cream cake - photo Linda Robertson and the hamper by Murdo she won - photo by Mary Middleton

Photo by Dewi Morgan

11 Shortly after Christmas, volunteers invited to give as Andy Kinghorn, abandoned Derek Mackay, the Seaton much time as they were able to. their desks for a while and Park gardener, asked the joined in. As the date approached, Friends of Seaton Park if we we had some weather worries. The work began with the central would help to put down bark We would not be able to do the section of the garden, which in the Walled Garden. job if the ground was hard with is planted with azaleas and The gardeners had pruned the frost, because that would mean camellias, and then we moved shrubs and removed perennial the bark would lock in the frost. on to the western section with weeds the previous autumn, and If the weather was rainy, folk its small monkey puzzle, wall- putting down bark was the next would be reluctant to turn out. trained shrubs, and bulbs, some stage in preparing the beds for In the event, we were quite planted by our group two years the growing season. The Friends lucky, for it was dry, though ago. The bark we put down will of Seaton Park had helped with pretty cold and windy. suppress annual weeds and set this task two years ago, and off the plants. A system was established: knew from experience how Derek brought tractor-loads of We can now really look forward little ground is covered by a bark up to the Walled Garden, to the magnificent display in barrowful of bark! and some of the group took April/May of the azaleas in It would take Derek and his barrow loads to the flower beds their striking colours - magenta, assistant, Sam King, forever where others were waiting to violet, yellow and orange. to do it on their own so we spread it out with rakes. People Some people would go so far were happy to help. The dates gave up their time generously as to say that the azaleas in Monday, 23rd and Tuesday, and several came back the flower in the central section 24th February were agreed for a second day. We were pleased of the Walled Garden are one ‘Mega Barkathon’, and the event that two officials from Aberdeen of the main sights of was advertised as ‘drop in’, with City Council, Steven Shaw and .

Dynamic Duo: Herb Nicoll and Graham Trengove take a well deserved breather as they toil away during the Barkathon. Both volunteers are members of the Friends of Seaton Park, and Herb is a familiar figure in the park on his constant self- imposed mission to gather up litter. New Face at Seaton Park There is a new gardener at Seaton Park. Her name is Katerina but she prefers Kat. She’ll be helping out Derek with all the hard work which is taking place in the park so make sure and say hello if you see her.

While the Friends of Seaton Park aims to lend a hand practically from time to time, the group is also active in encouraging other improvements in the park. We also fundraise. If you are interested in joining the group, please visit the Friends of Seaton Park website - www.seatonpark.oldaberdeen.org.uk Margaret Sleeman

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7 The Harlequin Duck

Photo of Harlequin Duck on the River Don by Andy Coventry

Rare duck makes a splash on the Don

The rare Harlequin Duck, which although they sometimes spend Chris Packham said, “Typically this has only been seen in the UK a winters in the warmer climates of bird would probably be wintering handful of times, has been spotted California and North America. somewhere between here and on the River Don in January. Iceland. These males disappear Andy said, “His stunning plumage out to sea as soon as the females is starting to show in this This photograph, which lay down on their eggs so what’s photographer Andy Coventry photograph, well worth a look in weird is that it’s in a habitat where kindly shared with the Seaton the coming weeks ahead.” it would normally be breeding in Scene team, shows a young male Bird watchers flocked from all spring time during winter.” in winter plumage. The duck was over the country to see the duck. The River Don is a hub for other spotted again in February. The last two mainland records wildlife, including a family of otters The local RSPB group said this for Harlequin sightings were for who have settled in the area, so was the first time a harlequin duck Ayrshire in 1996 and Wick in 1991. grab your camera and your binoculars! had been seen in the North East The duck was even the feature and there had probably only been of BBC 2’s Winter Watch. Chris If you would like any of the wildlife around 12 sightings in total Packham and Martin Hughes- you spot to be featured in the in Scotland. Games made the trip to the River Seaton Scene, email The bird is normally only resident Don to film the bird as part of your pictures to in Iceland and North America, the programme. [email protected]

13 The Seaton Scene magazine is now on Facebook. Keep up to date with what’s happening by searching “Seaton Scene” on Facebook. We’re always looking for more people to get involved in the magazine so hit that ‘like’ button!

Positive Transitions is a 12 week employability The next Positive Transitions course will begin at & skills development course which incorporates the start of July and SHMU are currently inviting community media training to increase core skills young people to come along for a visit. and support young people (16-19) into education, To date shmuTRAIN has worked with 296 young employment or training. This course is run in people and gained 253 positive destinations partnership with the SDS Employability fund. giving shmuTRAIN a 85% success rate. Radio, video and digital music production Once we meet the young person and we think are used to engage and motivate young the course would benefit them we will refer them people, as well as help to develop confidence, onto Skills Development Scotland who are the communication and team work skills. referral agency. Employability sessions cover job search skills, CV’s, industry sectors, body language and interview If you work with any young people aged 16-19, skills with the aim of securing a positive destination. not in education, employment or training, who would benefit from an employability & skills Young people on the course are supported development training course please contact Brian financially with a training allowance of £55 per Webb: week plus travelling expenses. The opportunity is available to young people living throughout [email protected], 01224 515013 Aberdeen City. for more details

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, Tillydrone, Torry, Northfield and Cummings Park.

14 t 01224 515013 e [email protected] www.shmu.org.uk olunteers from and undertaking tasks that the University of simply wouldn’t have been done Aberdeen and Lend otherwise. We were delighted VLease contractor on the to work alongside Lend Lease University’s new Rowett building who undertook this as part at Foresterhill revived three of a national commitment to neglected outdoor spaces at community events on major Cordyce School in . capital projects. Work on a warm 18th March included major weeding, extensive painting, and general tidying of three neglected courtyard areas. Cordyce provides secondary education and support to young people with a range of educational and behavioural needs; the school now aims to use the spaces as calm areas in which to work with the children. After the early morning fog cleared the volunteers were delighted that the sun came out. The three teams got stuck in and were rewarded with home-bakes Luke Nicol, Principal Teacher from the school children. By the at Cordyce School said: “The late afternoon the areas were volunteers have done an weed and clutter free, freshly excellent job in transforming painted and ready to be put to cluttered, overgrown areas into use by staff and pupils. spaces that we’ll now be able Fraser Lovie, a Policy Adviser to use more regularly with our at the University said “this type young people. The time and of volunteering is a great way effort of the University and Lend of supporting the community, Lease is greatly appreciated by encouraging team-building, all at the school.”

Floral pic credits clockwise from top left: Graeme Strachan; Mark Paterson (2); Graeme Strachan 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 FRANK – National Helpline 0800 776 600 Samaritans Dentist Need to talk 01224 574 488 Emergency - G-Dens 01224 558 140 Social Work Doctors Social Work Duty Team 01224 765 220 NHS 24 Emergency 08454 242 424 Emergency Out-Of-Hours 01224 693 936 Electricity Young Carers If you have a Power-Cut 0800 300 999 Support & Information Service 01224 625 009 Family Planning Water Square 13, Support & Advice 01224 642 711 Scottish Water Emergency 0845 600 8855

Include 01224 Dialling Code When Calling from a Landline. Since 1 October 2014, people in Aberdeen have to include the area code whenever they dial a local number from a landline – in the same way people do when calling from mobile phones.