Referendum debate comes to Millbank

Union JackMillbank Hall Committee are to host a referendum debate on Monday 8th September at 7.30pm. Speakers are: for Better Together, Mr Ian Lakin and for the Yes campaign, Mr Kenny Anderson. A mock ballot will be held before and after the debate/question and answer session. Light refreshments too!

The ten-day countdown to polling day will have begun by then, so don’t miss it!

Meet Alison McInnes, MSP

logo-scottish-parliament1

SP Alison McInnes MSP

 

Alison is holding supermarket surgeries in the North East. Each session will last an hour. No appointment needed. Just show up to raise any issues or problems.

I am delighted to be joining Alison on Monday 28th July 2014 at Tesco Westhill at 1.30pm. Hope to see you there!

Other surgery times/dates:

Monday 28 July                                     

11am – Banchory Tesco

1.30pm – Westhill Tesco

3pm – Bridge of Dee Asda

Thursday 31 July

10.30am – Ellon Tesco

1pm – Dyce Asda

2.15pm – Danestone Tesco

3.30pm – Bridge of Don Asda

Friday 1 August

11am – Turriff Tesco

1.30pm – Huntly Asda

3pm – Inverurie Tesco

 

 

 

 

 

Lifetime Volunteer Awards for three Westhill residents

 
Ritchie 1 (2) (640x480)Morrison (2) (640x431)

Three Westhill residents were recognised for their services to the community during National Volunteers Week. The Aberdeenshire Volunteer Award which is sponsored by Aberdeenshire Council and supported by Volunteer Centre Aberdeenshire was presented to husband and wife team, George and Ann Morrison and also David Ritchie. All three achieved a lifetime award for over 20 years each of volunteering. Mr Morrrison has been involved in many local groups including the Rotary, Residents Association and most notably was involved in the “Don’t move Westhill” campaign in the 1980s. His wife also was involved in the campaign as well as Mother & Toddler, Playgroup, Brownie groups and the golf club. David Ritchie has been a key member of Westhill & Elrick Community Council and is manager/editor of the highly sucessful Westhill Bulletin. He is also fund raises for the Lions Club and co-ordinates the community minibus.

The trio were presented with their awards at the Westhill Gala by local Councillor, Iris Walker. Cllr Walker said “I am absolutely delighted to present the awards today in what is National Volunteers Week. It is apt that this recognition takes place at a local event where volunteering is key to its success. The work done by all three over many years is fantastic and the awards are very well deserved”.

Pictures attached show

1. James Harley, Gala co-ordinator, Cllr Iris Walker, David Ritchie

2. Ann Morrison (with certificate in hand), George Morrison, Cllr Iris Walker and members of Morrison family to the left

For more information on National Volunteer week http://volunteersweek.org/

and on Aberdeenshire Volunteer Centre http://www.vcaberdeenshire.org.uk/

 

Night of Inspiration at Haddo House

Susan Strachan and Susan Kay of SensationALL were runners-up in the "Best of Garioch" category.

Susan Strachan and Susan Kay of SensationALL were runners-up in the “Best of Garioch” category.

An awards ceremony to celebrate the achievements, hard work and successes of young people, communities and staff was held by Aberdeenshire Council on Friday, June 7, 2013.

Led by the Education, Learning and Leisure (EL&L) service, Inspiring Aberdeenshire saw a civic reception hosted in Aboyne with a number of awards presented to people from across the area.

There were 11 categories, including ‘Best of’ awards for Banff and Buchan; Buchan; Formartine; Garioch; Kincardine and Mearns; and Marr. These were presented to individuals living or working in the above areas and who have made an outstanding contribution to education, learning or leisure.

The other categories consisted of the Extra Mile Award for a Staff Member Award, Aberdeenshire’s STAR Award, Outstanding Leader of the Year Award, Aberdeenshire is a Creative Place Art Competition and the Provost’s Award.

The evening also featured a variety of performances from Aberdeenshire pupils, including Aboyne Academy Pipe Band, Alford Academy Choir and Fraserburgh Rock Challenge Group.

Chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Education, Learning and Leisure Committee, Councillor Isobel Davidson, said: “It was a fantastic evening which highlighted the level of creative, dedicated and talented staff and youngsters we have in Aberdeenshire.

“Inspiring Aberdeenshire is a great way for the council to acknowledge the hard work of those in education, learning and leisure and I would like to congratulate all the winners and nominees for the awards once again.”

Vice-chair of the committee, Councillor Ron McKail, added: “This event was about sharing and celebrating all those examples of people who go above and beyond in terms of what they give to education, leisure and learning.

“It was a truly memorable evening and I think everyone who attended left feeling extremely proud of the staff and young people we have here in Aberdeenshire.”

The event was sponsored by Findel Educational Resources, Shell, Ace Winches, DWF Biggart Baillie and Stir Fresh.

We are also grateful for the support of Lochter Activity Centre, The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa, Ardoe House Hotel, The Carron Restaurant, Berry Scrumptious, Dean’s of Huntly, Aberdeen Performing Arts, Tesco, Flash Photography, Inspire Photography, Hilltrek, Codonas and Synergy Kite Sports, Go Ape and House of Mulben.

The SensationALL Susans pick up Provost Award

Provost Award

It was a pleasure to nominate Susan Strachan and Susan Kay, both of SensationALL for the Provost’s Volunteer Award. The Awards recognise the huge contribution of volunteers to the community. Susan Strachan is a registered Occupational Therapist and had worked in the NHS in paediatrics and special needs for 20 years. She has been involved and helped rejuvenises the local branch since joining and volunteering for Dyslexia Scotland charity in 2009. She set up and continues to run what was the first and is only one of two dyslexia youth clubs in Scotland, XdysleX. She co-founded and is now employed by the unique special needs charity SensationALL. She has worked tirelessly for this charity since acquiring the Raeden Centre equipment in May 2011 when Raeden closed its doors.

Susan Kay works extensively for SensationALL and as well as a co-founder of the charity, is also the Chairperson of SensationALL putting in endless hours and commitment to ensure that their vision becomes more of a possibility. Susan also does voluntary work for the dyslexia youth group. She also volunteered for the Citizens Advice Bureau in their formative years.

Both Susans run volunteer weekend access to specialist activities and peer support has been made possible for families with young people who have additional or multiple support needs since November 2012. They have both been involved in numerous profile and fund raising events.

Their awards are very well-deserved. If you can provide financial help or would like to support SensationALL in any way, please get in touch via their website.