If you are visiting the Farmers’ Market or in Westhill early for the gala this Saturday, 1st June – pop in to my surgery in the Library 10-11am. No appointment necessary. See you there!

6th April, 2013 from 10-11 am in the Westhill Library. No appointment necessary. Look forward to seeing you there.

and hope that Spring follows!

That’s what their website says and I certainly got a warm welcome when I dropped by recently to see what really goes on in the Men Shed. The Men Shed is a fantastic success story of local volunteers working together with Aberdeenshire Council to transform a disused building in to an exciting community asset. You can read all about the Men Shed at http://www.westhillmensshed.co.uk/

The photos below show some of the fun to be had at the Men Shed!

There was an abundance of talent on display yesterday at the annual Echt Show. From canines strutting their stuff and the Blazing Saddles stunt team entertaining the crowd to the array of expertly crafted shepherds’ crooks in the competition tent and the Alba Mix cappella singers, the Echt Show had the usual mix of all the great stuff agricultural shows are made of and some more. The sun shone and everyone seemed to be having a great time. Well done to all the organisers for making it such a success!

For more pictures follow the link:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/westhill_and_elrick/sets/72157630588361390/

Aberdeenshire Council are offering a new fun activity for the “summer” holidays!

Body Zorbing lets you bounce around, crash into your friends and even land on your head, all while safely cocooned in a giant, transparent inflatable ball.

The sessions, which cost £4, will take place at venues across Aberdeenshire from July 16 to August 19. There is no need to book, just turn up and have a go.

The activity is suitable for children aged 3 to 16, and adults, subject to sizing restrictions. Council staff will supervise the sessions, but children need to be supervised by a parent or guardian.

Body Zorbing is being offered as part of the Active Aberdeenshire campaign, aimed at encouraging people to take part in and enjoy regular sport and exercise.

The Body Zorbing balls are also available to hire for a party, group or event. Contact sports.events@aberdeenshire.gov.uk or phone 01467 625088 to book.

Body Zorbing comes to Westhill on Tuesday 16th July 2012 at Westhill Primary School from 10.30-12.30.

I want to have a go; pity I have to go to work – it looks like great fun!

In between torrential rain, the sun shone for Skene Gala and a great day was had by all. Innovative homemade carties were on display before the annual cartie race. Jousting took place alongside the scarecrow competition, highland dancing and homebake stalls. A “Wishing Line” showcased visitors’ aspirations – I hope they all come true! A fun afternoon despite the weather!

Relaxing with "Liberal Larry"

I spent most of the day at the Westhill gala today. Despite the rainy start, loads of local groups set up camp behind the Ashdale Hall for the annual event. There were many colourful stalls set up to showcase all the good things the various groups do in the community. Bucksburn Pipe Band officially opened the proceedings. As well as a wild west show, football and table tennis finals were taking place along with dancing displays, games and a BBQ. After five weeks of intensive council induction training, it was great to be back in the community again and I even picked up some new case work!

The Aberdeenshire West Liberal Democrat team manned a successful stall with whisky, champagne and giant teddy bears attracting a stream of visitors throughout the day.

I cannot believe it is only a week since the election count! And what a week it has been!

As well as council inductions where I had the chance to meet fellow councillors, staff and directors and generally get my bearings, I have been busy with local meetings.

At the Leisure Chairs meeting on Tuesday night, we spoke about how to take forward the feedback from the event held in March (see my previous post). There was lots of discussion about how to market the various leisure groups and how to get more volunteers involved as well to maximise funding opportunities.

Last night was the monthly meeting of Westhill & Elrick Community Council where a representative of the shopping centre owners talked about potential plans for improving the area. The W&ECC agendas are always packed with items of local interest and after being a member of this group for the last four years, I was reluctant to be leaving my post of Press & Communications Officer but look forward to helping in any way I can in my new role. I know whoever takes on the role will do a grand job. I was delighted to hear that four new volunteers agreed to join the group last night!

New casework hit my inbox pretty early on in the week so that has kept me busy too.

The best news of the week was that the Aberdeenshire Alliance has agreed in principle to form an administration in Aberdeenshire Council composed of Conservative, Liberal Democrat and Independent councillors. Martin Kitts-Hayes, Leader of the Lib Dem group said “Our purpose will be to maintain continuity and build on previous successes which have resulted in a well-run, progressive administration over the past five years”.

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