Winter 2019 Summer Edition 2019

EditorialHow we get it all together

3 Seaton Community Network Seaton Scene is YOUR quarterly full-colour community Contents magazine produced by Station House Media Unit (shmu), 4 Community Cafe and is one of seven community magazines produced 5 Sikh Community for Aberdeen’s seven regeneration areas with the printing costs being met by the Fairer Aberdeen Fund. 6&7 Local Update In this edition we have news from the Seaton Linksfield 8&9 Aberdeen Heat and Power Community Network, Aberdeen Sikh Gurdwara, Seaton Early Learners and Seaton Community Church. 10 Seaton Snippets 11 New Community Facility If you would like to get involved and join the editorial team or if you have ideas for articles, you can easily 12 Seaton Early Learners get in touch with us. Please phone shmu at 01224 13 Pets Food Bank 515013 or email our editorial co-ordinator Laura Young: [email protected] The staff at shmu are able 14 shmu to support and train anyone living in Seaton who are 15 FOSP interested in developing their ideas and skills in either writing, photography or proof reading.

Editorial team: Hamish Mackay, Wendy Laing, Murdoch MacLeod and Alan Parker. Front cover image: Lesley Davidson Meetings are held at Seaton Community Centre on Tuesdays at 11.30am and you are very welcome to attend in what is a very informal setting.

Seaton Community Centre Key Contact Information Tel: 01224 277927 Graham Donald| Community Development Officer Seaton Community Centre Tillydrone Community Campus Hayton Road Aberdeen AB24 2UY [email protected] Direct Dial: 01224 2191 Mobile: 07917 305803 STAR Flat, 14A Seaton Drive. Administrator: Gillian Urquhart 01224 524209

Seaton Community Centre is located next to the primary school on Seaton Place East and is open for residents to use. Get in touch with the staff team for more information about the activities they have on offer.

Supported by Coniston flyer bound for seaton fayre

Plans for the Seaton Fayre on the have gained Level One in It’s Your Keep an eye on our website or 11th April 2020 are moving forward Neighbourhood, a scheme run by Facebook page for the latest news. fast, and we already have several Keep Beautiful. Quite an We recently took stock of our activities confirmed. It’s going to be a achievement in the short space activities and were quite surprised great day of entertainment and fun, of time since we started. Activities at the amount of that we have with something to do for all ages. to improve our communities are achieved. We would like to say a I’m pleased to announced that the currently being planned for next big thank you to everybody that has Coniston Flyer (famous land train) year, so keep an ear out for news on helped us, every effort is appreciated. will be in Seaton for rides around the Seaton Speaks, Mondays at 10am We’re always happy to welcome area. The Flyer tours the country, and and 7pm on shmuFM. 99.8FM, or new people, the door is always this will be a rare visit to Aberdeen our website www.seatonlinksfield. open to people who want to help us for the Fayre. The Coniston Flyer is co.uk For more information about improve life in Seaton. Get in touch always popular with all ages so make ‘Its Your Neighbourhood’ go to [email protected] or drop sure you don’t miss out. Seaton page 15. a note marked for the attention of Fayre, Saturday 11th April 2020, at We were hoping to have news SLCN and let’s get together. Seaton Primary School. about the School Road petition, Seaton Linksfield Community unfortunately the committee meeting Network (SLCN) are proud to date is after the magazine’s deadline.

3 Tillydrone Community Cafe Javier, Cafe Chef

Tillydrone café is part of the We try to keep an eye on everything the campus. It is a diverse group Tillydrone Community Campus that is happening in the campus and, of people, intergenerational, from and opened on the 19th of in the area, because we want to be different places, with different goals: August 2019. Our mission is to part of the daily life of the community help develop Tillydrone, develop be a point of socialisation for and grow with them trying to help to their skills and get accreditation to the community, a place of improve our neighborhood as much improve their employability, meet relaxation for families, offering as we can by: people and share their time and affordable, healthy and diverse knowledge… In our kitchen there • Helping with the dissemination of food and beverages. are at least five languages and in the information of local groups future we want to make the most of We are open between 8am and activities this diversity by trying to introduce 2pm Monday to Friday at the • Supporting initiatives that build a in the menu occasional dishes from moment but this may increase over better place to live their home countries. time. Occasionally we are open on Saturdays when there is a special • We have catered for the meetings There are two areas of volunteering: activity on in the community – keep of the ALNES, the Association of the front, learning about the an eye on our Facebook page for Lithuanians in North East Scotland expresso machine, customer service more information. and the till and the kitchen, cooking • In the October holidays, we served and helping with a perhaps not so We serve breakfast, lunch and lunch for the children participating glamorous task, but completely hot beverages in the Food and Fun programme essential one is the kitchen porter • Breakfast: 8.30 -11.30am, with • At the end of October, we one and cleaning. The plan is that cooked options. collaborated with a new the volunteers get PVG and in the association of families - Lunch: 11.30am-1.30pm. We future are able to do some course • Tillykidzevents who were have a menu with sandwiches, related with their tasks. We are fundraising for a Halloween party paninis and toasties and three also preparing a session of English for the little ones specials that change every day: for hospitality. a soup with homemade bread All of this is possible thanks to our Looking at the future … and butter, a main dish and a wonderful team of volunteers! We We have a lot of plans to work in pudding of the day can maintain these prices and level of activity thanks to a wonderful areas such as promoting zero waste, Everything is made freshly • team of committed volunteers. healthy food promotion, highlight from scratch, we cook every day, We have a team of 12 volunteers, the richness of diversity… and, of and make it as healthy and mainly residents in Tillydrone and course, have fun! balanced as possible. Seaton, but also coming from other Come along, see what’s happening • We offer a vegetarian option for areas of the city. Some of them are and get involved, we would love to breakfast and for lunch every day also involved in other activities in see you in our lovely café!

4 Sikh community have new base for worship (Gurdwara) in former nursery in St Ninians Place, Seaton

The small North-east of Scotland Gurdwara. Suki, a process engineer, volunteers. An open day will be held Sikh community, whom, for decades, and his family moved from Leeds once the renovation is complete. The have held worship meetings in to Aberdeen in 2011. He spoke Sikhs plan to plant trees and shrubs, each other’s houses, have finally to Seaton Scene on the principles and landscape the immediate found a new permanent home in of Sikhism, explaining: ‘Sikhism surroundings of the Gurdwara but Seaton. The Aberdeen Sikh Sangat is a religion which worships God with the necessary permissions from (congregation) has paid £138,000 by being kind to one and other - as required. to buy the former Timber Kinder everyone having the freedom to There are approximately 30-40 Sikh Garden Nursery in St Ninian’s Place, believe, and offering charity to the Seaton, as its place of worship needy and fundamentally promoting families in the North-east. They have (Gurdwara). The substantial building equality for all humanity. been fundraising over the past 10 is directly opposite Balgownie Court years towards buying a permanent multi-storey. ‘Performing Sewa (selfless service) is Gurdwara, and have also received a fundamental tenet of the Sikh faith, financial donations on a global scale The nursery was owned by Seaton and. with a new base, there can now from Sikh communities. Community Enterprise Ltd and be greater efforts from the Aberdeen closed at the end of January 2018 Sangat to engage and help with Suki told Seaton Scene: ‘Now after being unable to pay its way. community projects.’ we have our first place of worship The Aberdeen Sikh Sangat took in North-east Scotland - a very The major renovation, which will possession of the building in early significant step forward for the Sikh cost around £50,000, includes November. It will pay an annual community. We very much want to developing a prayer hall, a large ground rent of approximately become valuable members of the langar hall (community kitchen), an £7000 to Aberdeen City Council. Seaton and Linksfield community. Although the Sikhs plan a six-month activity room for youngsters, and a major renovation of the Aberdeen residential facility for a priest once ‘Sikh communities throughout the Gurdwara in the New Year, they one is engaged. All the volunteers UK, and worldwide, are renowned held a small event in mid-November and families involved are working for establishing, integrating to mark the 550th anniversary of really hard to make the Aberdeen and sharing their vibrant rich the birth of the religion’s founder Gurdwara a major success. religious, cultural and harmonious communities wherever they settle, - Guru Nanak Dev, and have also The Sikhs are very keen to develop and certainly Seaton and Aberdeen began holding small-scale weekly strong links with the local community congregations. and hope to stage community will be no different. The Sikh community stand ready to share, Suki Singh Pooni, one of the trustees integration activities within the love and serve and be a force for of the Aberdeen Sikh charity set Gurdwara. Free food for all (langar)is up in 2012, has been involved in a core principle of Gurdwaras., sitting good for the Seaton and Linksfield the negotiations for the Aberdeen as equals to eat food prepared by community, and Aberdeen beyond.’

5

Boxing Sessions for older adults off to a great start

Boxing fitness sessions for older adults which started in the Sports Village in August have seen great attendance and enthusiasm from attendees looking to try Seaton Soup something new. Kevin Kerr, who runs Byron Boxing with his dad, is leading and Sannies the sessions as a follow up to a successful trial during the Golden A lunch club aimed at over 55’s opportunity to enjoy the day. continues to enjoy great success Games earlier in the year. The cost of the day is a minimum with monthly attendance averaging donation of £1. The sessions are running on at around 28. Seaton Soup and Tuesdays at 10am in the Sports Sannies was set up by Community Seaton Soup and Sannies runs the Village and are enjoyed by a mix Food Initiatives North East first Tuesday of every month in the of women and men looking to (CFINE), Aberdeen City Council’s café of Seaton Community Centre improve strength, balance and Wellbeing Team and four local and doors open at 11.30am. It’s coordination. The sessions are volunteers, Marion Duncan, Lois open to anyone over 55 living in non-contact fitness sessions Frew, Craig Brock and Javier the area. which include some work with Alvarez with the aim of providing Feedback following a recent the boxing gloves and bags, some freshly made simple food in survey was very positive with but also a mix of other boxing a local setting to give older people people rating the food 9 out of 10 fitness activities. an opportunity to get out of the house and mix with others. and most of the feedback was Kevin from Byron Boxing around how much people enjoy the is enjoying the challenge of Soup and a mixture of sandwiches social aspect of attending. teaching to an older age group are prepared in Seaton Community who are very motivated and Centre on the day by the “It gives you an outing and the enjoying the sessions. All the volunteers and this, along with a chance to meet a few people”. exercises done in boxing can be cuppa and a biscuit, is served to a “Its nice, I enjoy it. I would come adapted to suit different needs busy café of people who enjoy the every Tuesday” and abilities and these sessions trip out and company of others. are showing that boxing fitness “The food is lovely and the people A minibus with a tail lift is provided can be an activity for everyone. who help and very nice and to pick people up at Lord Hays’ friendly. They make you feel Court and Seaton House (to pick If you are interested in giving this at home” a go. places can be booked by up residents from Seaton, Donview The volunteers have planned a phoning the Sports Village on and Aulton) and to take them to special Christmas lunch to be held 01224 438900. the community centre. This allows people who otherwise would find on the 3rd of December for locals it difficult to get out and about the to enjoy. 6 WOODLANDS SCHOOL IS TO BECOME A NURSERY Hamish Mackay Work was due to start in November despite lying empty for so long. Council has been building a raft on transforming the former of new nurseries and expanding Community groups in the Seaton Woodlands School in Linksfield into a and Linksfield area, including Seaton existing facilities. Work is expected nursery for eligible two-year-olds and Community Church and Seaton to start shortly on building a new all three and four-year-olds. From Linksfield Community Network, nursery in Tillydrone - on a site at the August 2020, these children will be were invited to inspect the potentially junction of Montgomery Road and annually entitled to 1140 hours of redundant wing to see if it could be Gort Road. free early learning and childcare - transformed into a community asset, compared with the current quota Work is expected to start on building but, as there were no takers, the of 600 hours. The estimated a new nursery on the site of the decision was taken to demolish it. completion date of the construction former Cummings Park Primary work at Woodlands is July 2020. Woodlands, which is in a very in December and a new nursery attractive secluded area, with good is planned at Kingsford School in Woodlands School, off Regent Walk, parking facilities, has a splendid hall/ has lain empty since 2017 when its the existing school grounds. Other gymnasium but regulations will not small number of pupils were moved schools which will undergo internal allow it to be used by community to the new £18.5million Orchard refurbishment work are Quarryhill Seaton Soup groups when the two, three and Brae facility in Northfield. Woodlands School and School. Work will four-year-olds are on the premises. School was one of the first MOVE also begin on refurbishing existing However, it could possibly be regional Centres of Excellence - a nurseries at Westpark School and and Sannies rented by community groups in the designation celebrating schools Woodside School. evenings and at the weekend if there using the MOVE programme to help was a proven demand for such an A report to committee said: disabled children and young adults attractive facility. “This project forms part of the gain independence. The construction ELC Delivery Plan that will help work will include demolishing the Construction work is due to begin west wing of the school - that is on the creation and expansion of Aberdeen City Council manage the wing nearest to King Street and eight nursery buildings across the the transformational change refurbishing the remaining building city. Ahead of the sweeping changes necessary to deliver expanded which is in very good condition in nursery provision, Aberdeen City services by 2020.”

Ashley is acting head teacher at Seaton School Hamish Mackay

Seaton School is still without a head at Seaton School since March, teacher at Heathryburn Primary teacher after two candidates - one 2018. Ashley is a former pupil School. She taught at Heathryburn internal and one external - were of Albyn School, Aberdeen, and for just over a year before earning a interviewed for the post some weeks graduated with an MA Management significant promotion by moving to ago but Aberdeen City Council’s and Marketing Studies degree from Seaton School in March, 2018 as education department decided not to Aberdeen University in 2002. depute head teacher. make an appointment, and the post Since then, more recently, she has The job description for the head has now been re-advertised. been a teacher at Crombie Primary teacher post runs to some three A4 In the interim, Ashley Verling has School, Banchory Primary School pages and, to the layperson, appears been the acting head teacher since and Woodside Primary School, extremely demanding - requiring October, having been depute head before being appointed principal much multi-skilling attributes.

7 Aberdeen Heat and Power Lesley Davidson

Have you ever wondered centre followed in 2013 and projects facilities into its district heating about that inconspicuous grey in Tillydrone and Cairncry in 2015. networks. These level out the heat building near Mrs Murray’s Cat AH&P board member and former demand and ensure the CHP & Dog Home? Aberdeen City Council energy generators run as efficiently Not everyone knows that it’s actually manager Janice Lyon has been as possible. one of the nerve centres of district involved since councillors first began AH&P turned over £4 million identifying the type of property most heating company Aberdeen Heat & and made a post-tax profit of susceptible to fuel poverty. Power (AH&P) and supplies many of £290,000 in 2018. It sets aside Seaton’s residents as well as high- She said: ‘Multi-storey blocks most of its annual surpluses to profile buildings such as Aberdeen emerged as the key issue. They all replace equipment and maintain an Sports Village, the Beach Leisure had electric storage heating and hot emergency reserve, with the balance Centre, and the Town House. water fuelled by electricity, which was ring-fenced for future expansion. AH&P was launched in 2002 after inefficient and costly, and 70% of Aberdeen councillors voted to occupants were in fuel poverty.’ The board is now looking beyond its original remit to move the company tackle fuel poverty by setting up a The solution chosen was gas-fuelled forward. Ian Davidson joined as CEO standalone not-for-profit enterprise to combined heat and power district in 2018 after 11 years at Scottish supply heating across the city. heating, using technology already and Southern Energy and is drawing And to this day alleviating fuel tried and tested in Scandinavia, with on his sector and wider leadership poverty remains a prime driver for its development, management, and experience to develop AH&P’s brief. AH&P which now runs five local service delivery made through an combined heat and power (CHP) independent not-for-profit company. He said: ‘There is a commitment energy centres — including Seaton ‘AH&P was one of the first such within Aberdeen City Council — — and has recently celebrated its organisations in the UK to deliver particularly through their Powering 3,000 connection. CHP,’ said Janice. ‘Other regions Aberdeen strategy — to support More than 2,600 of those had blended approaches with private the continued growth of CHP, and companies running CHP ventures in connections are in 33 multi-storey we are committed to working in partnership with the council. blocks built by Aberdeen City partnership to make that happen.’ Council and now occupied by a mix ‘But Aberdeen’s approach — with Mr Davidson is also looking of tenants and homeowners. They its focus on delivering affordable at ways to attract commercial receive as much heat and hot water warmth to those in fuel poverty — clients — a sector AH&P has yet as they need for a competitively- was unique at the time.’ to fully involve — and is exploring priced monthly payment. CHP works best in areas of high green technologies to reduce the First on the AH&P grid were concentration for heat demand, company’s reliance on gas. residents in Stockethill and which is why it is so well suited to , with the initial Seaton multi-storey blocks. Over the years, ‘There is much more we can do to project completed in 2007 and an AH&P has also brought municipal make AH&P a truly integral part of extension in 2012. A link to the city buildings, schools, and sports Aberdeen’s future infrastructure.’

8 The picture above is multi-storeys on Regent Walk which are supplied by Aberdeen Heat and Power

9 Seaton Snippets Kudos for Steven in city council’s Star Awards

Aberdeen City Council’s in Aberdeen. We have an amazing a Kirk manse in King Street. Elsie, environmental manager, Steven city - we are spoiled. I do work at who is an indefatigable worker in the Shaw, has finished runner-up in the weekends and evenings to make parish, is also secretary of the STAR “People’s Champion” category in the sure community groups have that Community Flat and a chaplain to council’s 2019 internal Star Awards. support. We work with them but we Seaton School. cannot do it for them. We encourage Steven, 50, who lives in , St Mary’s has a very splendid main and support and I would say that is has been working for the city council building and a large church hall and what I enjoy the most. for the past 20 years. He is very stands in a relatively large glebe off well-known, liked and respected in “I believe if I am going to be King Street and Regent Walk. the Seaton and Linksfield area for his encouraging people to plant things; The report stresses that while major leadership role in the success to improve green space; tidy up the churches will be disposed of, four of and development environment; and to litter-pick, then new ones will be built, and others of other local green space I need to be leading by example renovated. It states: “This plan is improvements, Known for “leading and that is what I do. I do enjoy not about decline, although it is by example”, he was nominated litter-picking in my spare time. It is an shaped by that reality, and that of an by colleague Lorna Graham, a odd hobby. It is amazing how much ever more secular environment. We Performance and Development you can pick up in an hour. I have believe the future can be bright for Officer for Operations and twin boys and they come with me the Kirk and this plan is not in any Protective Services. and they love litter-picking. It is really way presented despondently. We do encouraging that I don’t have to drag Lorna told Seaton Scene: “I not underestimate the challenge it them. I will keep going. It is not easy nominated Steven because he contains nor doubt the opportunity because we all have busy lifestyles champions the communities at it presents.” and people sometimes just don’t any opportunity. He works with have the time”. Rev Scott Rennie, of Queens Cross communities to get the best out Church, planning convener for of them and works in partnership St Mary’s Church could be Aberdeen Presbytery, said: “We with them as much as possible. He set for closure are trying to build an estate that always looks for the positives and to A story in the Press and Journal matches our needs. What has also resolve any issues they may have”. that St Mary’s Church is among the changed is the way people worship And Lorna especially praised his nearly half of Aberdeen’s Church - some people prefer more informal voluntary work in litter-picking of Scotland buildings which could community-style buildings or throughout the city, explaining: “He close or be sold off was initially worship on their lunch break. It puts into the community in terms greeted with disbelief in Seaton and is not just about the traditional style of litter-picking which is one of his Linksfield. Evidently, an Aberdeen of buildings”. passions. He is a great supporter of Presbytery report, on a “once-in- There is speculation that should our 24-hour litter-pick, and for the a-generation” review of the Kirk’s St Mary’s close, the church last two years he has started at 4am estate in the city, also named buildings and site could be and did not finish until 11pm” , Ruthrieston West, redeveloped for housing. Woodside and Holborn among Steven said: “I was very surprised the 15 churches rated “C” in a CFINE Sessions at STAR to be nominated. I am a big fan of 10-year plan which means they are community and staff recognition for Community Food Initiatives North “expected to be disposed of as soon those who have done amazing work East (CFINE) have launched a as possible”. Another 15 churches across the city, and, to be nominated financial support service called SAFE. will continue to operate while the myself, was totally unexpected. I am SAFE stands for support, advice, future of Stockethill, St Nicholas very lucky with the job I do. I have finance and education and aims to United and is still unclear. a great team - not just council staff, support those who need it with any communities across the city and the The minister of St Mary’s is the Rev. financial issues from budgeting and schools we now work with. There Elsie J. Fortune who lives along debt to benefits advice to cooking on are always great things going on with her husband and daughter in a budget.

10 Emma from the SAFE Team is in should thank our lucky stars that outperforming each of the English the STAR Flat every Wednesday we have Seaton Park and the Kings regions. Scotland provides more between 10am and 12pm to provide Links virtually on our doorsteps. New green space per person than any support and guidance to anyone research by Fields in Trust charity other part of Great Britain - 45.86 who needs it. shows that more than 300,000 square metres per person, against a people across Scotland live more For more information about SAFE UK average of just over 35 than a 10-minute walk from a park or contact them on 01224 531386 or square metres. It also has the most green space. Despite this, Scotland email [email protected]. performs better than all other nations legally protected green space - Our side of the grass is greener in the UK in terms of parks and 2,143 hectares. We folk in Seaton and Linksfield green space provision, as well as

Building work forges ahead on new community facility just off School Road Hamish Mackay

Building work is forging ahead on and the church has already broken The really incredible bit of news is phase-one of a twin-phase new through its £500,000 fund-raising that we have hit the £500,000 barrier church-led community facility just off barrier in a remarkably short time. in fundraising. appeal target.” School Road but is so unheralded Seaton Community Church, a The city council’s co-leader, that many local folk are unsure just Scottish Charitable Incorporated Councillor Douglas Lumsden, who what is being created. Organisation, currently runs its was standing for the Conservative The timber-frame building is going up burgeoning activities from the Party in Aberdeen South adjacent to the site of the redundant “Huttie, Seaton School (for Sunday constituency at the 12 December and now demolished former church services) and Seaton general election, explained when Aberdeen City Council building Community Centre. giving the go-ahead to the CAT: works depot which sat alongside The site stretches deceptively deep “The Seaton Community Church is Seaton’s eponymous and ancient off School Road so the timber-built already working closely with the city “Huttie” wooden-built community first new building cannot be seen council to improve the quality of life facility which is still in use but will be that clearly by passers-by. Pastor for residents in Seaton and Linksfield. demolished in due course. Barry Douglas, who leads the A number of its current projects and those that are planned meet Both sites and both buildings were SCC, told Seaton Scene in early the objectives of the Local Outome recently transferred to Seaton November: “Our first building is Improvement Plan - a shared vision Community Church by Aberdeen now starting to take shape. of Aberdeen as a place where City Council after it agreed a The groundworks were completed everyone can prosper”. Community Asset Transfer (CAT) as within three weeks and the group the core element in ACC’s plans for have now begun to erect the The SCC’s current activities include two new purpose-built buildings to building itself. tackling loneliness, promoting parenting and life skills, and facilitate a major expansion of “It is our hope to have it wind and encouraging children to exercise, its activities. watertight by Christmas as this will as well as helping run a hot meals allow us to work internally throughout The new buildings will provide service during school holidays. fit-for-purpose community facilities the winter and well into next year.

11 Seaton Early Learners

Seaton Early learners is run by at Seaton Community Centre. The a home corner with real cutlery, Aberdeen City Council, and we staff are all qualified and registered pans, kettle etc. take children aged 2-3 years. We with the Scottish Social Services We are always on the lookout for take in any child who is eligible Council (SSSC). resources such as kitchen utensils, for “Me2” funding. For more We have spaces for up to 20 old toasters, kettles, pots and information on this go to the children in both the morning and pans, cushions, fabric etc so if following link: afternoon sessions. you have any feel free to drop www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/ them in to us. The children have free access to services/education-and- the outdoor area where there are The children love making their childcare/family-information- lots of resources for them to build, own playdough, playing outside in service/find-me-2-childcare- dig, climb and space to run about. the rain and love all sorts of water places The children also enjoy looking play from washing the windows to We also provide low cost places for beasties and taking care of watering the plants. for children who are not eligible the plants. The children get a healthy snack for funding. We have a good relationship with during their session: usually milk The sessions run between the school nursery and a couple of or water, a selection of fruit and Monday to Friday 9am-12am months before the children are due cheese and crackers, breadsticks or 1pm-4pm. to move on, we visit the nursery or toast. The children help to once or twice a week. This helps prepare snack and they pour their We are registered with the the children with their transitions own drink and serve themselves regulatory body The Care and helps them get to know the from a plate. This encourages the Inspectorate and at our recent staff and the other children. children’s independence. Inspection we received 5 (very good) for care and support of Our indoor environment is set If you want any more children and 5 for our environment. up to promote curiosity and information, please phone Our report can be viewed on the enquiry. We have lots of natural 01224 277932 and leave Care Inspectorate website or here and authentic resources such as a message. 12 Foodbank for Pets in Seaton

A foodbank for pets has been Marie Simpson, manager of Mrs out to people mainly based in the set up in Seaton to support Murray’s rehoming centre, said: Seaton area but anyone in need can go along to the Star Flat to get Aberdeen pet owners who are “The pet foodbank has been a a voucher. facing financial difficulties. great success for those in need of it and now other centres are “Sometimes just a little assistance The project was set up this year setting up similar schemes which with feeding costs can be the by the STAR Community Flat and shows how much it is needed. It difference between keeping your Mrs Murray’s Cat and Dog Home. does help those who really need it. much-loved pet and companion or having to rehome them.” Emergency food packs are given “We have worked alongside the to people who are struggling Star Community Flat in Seaton to Anyone in need of a parcel can financially and could potentially issue vouchers and those collect a food voucher from the face giving up their pets because who collect the food are always STAR Community Flat at 14A they cannot afford to feed them. so grateful. Seaton Drive in Aberdeen.

So far 30 packs for dogs and two “It helps people who are struggling Vouchers can then be handed emergency supplies for cats have and ensures those who need a over to staff at Mrs Murray’s been handed out. little help to tide them over have Home for Stray Dogs and Cats in somewhere to turn to. exchange for food. Now dog and cat homes are “We have had people hand in setting up similar schemes in other The home depends largely on donations specifically for the parts of the country with a leading donations so if you can help foodbank. Seaton Early Learners pet charity in Edinburgh launching at all please visit mrsmurrays. a similar initiative. “The parcels have been handed co.uk/donate.

St Machar Credit Union

Dorothy is a regular St Machar We are at the Seaton STAR Flat Credit Union saver (14A Seaton Drive) on Fridays 10 am to 11 am (not on bank “I found out about the credit union holidays) Open an account, pay through one of my friends and into your account, complete all was surprised how easy it was to paperwork for your savings and open and start my account. All the low-cost loans at our weekly volunteers and staff, I’ve met are collection point friendly and willing to help. ST MACHAR CREDIT UNION “I think the credit union can benefit 433 Great Northern Road people who find it difficult to save – it’s good to use for putting Woodside money away. You can plan for Aberdeen holidays with the grandchildren (01224) 276994 or for driving lessons. It’s also an opportunity to regularly save in case you have an emergency.”

13 In Conversation With

shmu are launching a new so we wanted to take away that Seaton, Tillydrone, Northfield, project called In Conversation barrier and have people go to Middlefield, Cummings Park, With. We are looking to them to ensure they can be and but we are recruit volunteers to go into included properly. The residents looking for volunteers from all nursing homes and sheltered can decide the themes of the over to get involved and help. accommodation, facilitating conversations so it could be There is also room for this conversations with people general reminiscence or it could to expand depending on the which will be recorded. These be about a local issue to get interest we get from people! recordings will be edited to go their perspectives on it and that If you can spare some time to be out on the relevant community would be up to them. involved with sessions, edit or shows on shmuFM. They can Sessions will start off on a transcribe audio then please get also be transcribed and put monthly basis but there is in touch with Laura. We would together as articles in the obviously room for this to grow love to hear from you! community magazine. We as much as the volunteers and know that quite often older Email: [email protected]. participants would like it too. people are unable to make uk Initially we will be focusing on it along to shmuFM or to nursing homes and sheltered Phone: 01224 515013 community magazine meetings accommodation in our target to participate which is unfair communities of Woodside,

Recovery on Air on shmuFM

Aberdeen in Recovery (AiR) reduce the stigma associated work of Aberdeen in Recovery are back on shmuFM’s with substance dependence get in touch by contacting airwaves after a short break and recovery. them on 01224 638342, earlier this year. 07936 800808 or email info@ Volunteers from AiR present aberdeeninrecovery.org. AiR are a recovery support a live show every Thursday group made up of members who on shmu 99.8FM at 2pm and For more information about are recovering from substance they cover a range of topics, getting involved with shmu dependence. from local to national news, get in touch by emailing info@ interviews and lived shmu.org.uk or give us a call on In partnership with shmu, they experience stories. 01224 515013. are working hard to promote recovery in the city and try to For more information about the

14 Dons new stadium may not be completed before at least the summer of 2023 Aberdeen FC supporters appear by selling the existing Pittodrie a hybrid pitch, which the English to be more than a little surprised stadium for housing in an area Premier League teams use, at a that the club’s proposed new of the city which has seen a cost of £750,000 on its own but stadium at Kingsford, near considerable number off new it will be really durable in Westhill, may not be built and housing developments. However, the winter”. ready for matches before at least the downturn in the Aberdeen The Cormack Foundation the summer of 2023. housing market could see that regularly supports charitable The club has just spent nearly figure drop to £10- £12million, and projects and, having given £13million on its futuristic new I understand that a new stadium £1million to the AFC Community training complex at Kingsford, at Kingsford will cost at least Trust, Cormack is delighted that near Westhill, named Cormack £50million which would leave a the Trust will also have a home Park, after the club’s vice- funding shortfall of perhaps as at the new facility at Kingsford. chairman and financial backer, much as £40million. He said: “We want to be part of Dave Cormack, and which Dave Cormack, a former chief the fabric of the community and was officially opened by the executive at Pittodrie, insists that the Community Trust has done Dons former manager, Sir Alex a fabulous job. We are delighted the near £13million investment Ferguson, on 31 October. The that it will also be for use by t in Cormack Park is money well training ground is the first phase he community”. spent. He pointed out: “It is a of a two-phase development. quality environment. We have In our Spring issue, Seaton The club’s fundraising effort for spent closer to £13million than Scene will take an in-depth the new stadium is dependent the £10million budgeted when look at the success of the AFC on getting at least £15million we started. We have invested in Community Trust.

Three top Scottish green space awards come to Seaton groups Hamish Mackay

Wonderful, wonderful Seaton Park group earned recognition for its Residents Association. You has once again been recognised horticultural prowess - principally can read the complete list of as one of the UK’s leading parks for the splendid display at the participants on the KSB website at a top national awards ceremony. frontage and lawn area of their and photographs of the award ceremony on the KSB After retaining its prestigious multi-storey building. Their next Facebook page. Green Flag Award status earlier challenge is going to be creating in the year, Keep Scotland a sensory garden for which they IYN is a non-competitive initiative Beautiful (KSB) again scored the already have been awarded a that places particular emphasis on contribution of Friends of Seaton £2800 grant by Aberdeen community involvement, and it is Park (FOSP) as “outstanding” in its City Council. run by KSB in partnership with the annual “It’s Your Neighbourhood” Altogether 28 gardening Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). (IYN) campaign, announced at organisations and groups in Two of the four RHS Britain in its annual awards ceremony and Aberdeen featured among more Bloom discretionary awards went seminar in Stirling. than 160 groups taking part in to Dundee City and the remaining two to East Dunbartonshire and Two other Seaton-based voluntary the “It’s Your Neighbourhood” North Ayrshire. organisations - the fledgling but initiative. Seaton and Linksfield’s ultra-keen Lord Hay’s Court near-neighbours on the awards And news of Friends of Seaton Gardeners group and Seaton list included Fittie Community Park’s very, very popular annual Linksfield Community Network Development Trust, Friends of CakeFest event. This year’s - were also recognised in the Sunnybank Park, Oldmachar cake jamboree, CakeFest 6, on IYN awards list. This was the Academy Parent Council, Saturday, 28 March, is moving to second year in succession that Nursery and a new venue - The Mission, in St the Lord Hay’s Court Gardner’s Denburn Court Tenants and Machar Drive. 15 Community Contacts

Alcohol Community Information in Seaton Alcoholics Anonymous 0800 9177 650 STAR Community Flat Drinkline 0300 123 1110 10am – 2pm Crime Contact: 01224 524209 Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 Seaton Learning Centre Drugs 9am – 5pm Alcohol and Drugs Action Helpline 01224 594700 Contact: 01224 277 930 Aberdeen in Recovery 07936 008808 Narcotics Anonymous 0300 999 1212 Friends of Seaton Park Contact: [email protected] Dentist Emergency - G-Dens 111 St Machar Credit Union Doctors 9:30am - 4:30pm NHS 24 Emergency 111 except Wednesdays – 09:30am to 12:30pm Police Contact: 01224 276994 Non-Emergency 101 St Machar Parent Support Project Electricity Contact: 01224 487813 If you have a power-cut 105 YOUR LOCAL MP Gas Kirsty Blackman, Gas Emergency 0800 111 999 46 John Street Water Aberdeen AB25 1LL Scottish Water Emergency 0800 0778 778 Tel: 01224 633285 Housing Text:07464606650 Emergency Repairs 03000 200 292 Email: [email protected] Family Planning YOUR LOCAL MSPs Aberdeen Community Health 0345 337 9900 Lewis Macdonald, and Care Village 70 Rosemount Place Family Information Service 01224 346034 Aberdeen AB25 2XJ Samaritans Tel: 01224 646333 Need to talk 01224 574 488 or 116 123 Email: [email protected] Social Work Kevin Stewart, Social Work Duty Team 0800 7315520 Third Floor and Emergency Out of Hours 27 John Street Young Carers Aberdeen AB25 1BT Tel: 01224 624719 VSA 01224 212021 Email: [email protected] CFINE 01224 596156 Pathways 01224 682 939 YOUR LOCAL SNP COUNCILLORS SURGERY DATE Financial Advice at CFINE 0800 953 4330 Councillors Alexander McLellan and Jim Noble hold a joint surgery on the first Friday of the month at Seaton Citizens Advice 0808 800 9060 Community Centre at 12noon. If you cannot attend Aberdeen City Youth Council their surgery you can call them on 01224 346633 and www.facebook.com/aberdeencityyouthcouncil 01224 522051 respectively, or email them at amclellan@ Terrence Higgins Trust 0808 802 1221 aberdeencity.gov.uk and [email protected] PDSA 01224 632042 Councillor Ross Grant does not hold a surgery in Seaton School 01224 277920 Seaton but can be contacted on 01224 346621, and by St Machar Academy 01224 492855 email at [email protected]