2010 - Stonehaven Guide Blog

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Friday 31 December 2010

Stonehaven Open Air in the Square and Fireballs

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The first Open Air in the Square was organised by Doug Paton and Stonehaven and District Community Council to celebrate the new millenium. The event was a huge success and has continued every year since - weather permitting. It is now organised by a committee of volunteers, who are grateful for the support shown by local businesses and sponsers who make the night possible.
Although the event almost didn't take place last year due to lack of volunteers, it did go ahead and now  the hard working committe with support and sponsorship from Training company imorph have changed the format a little and this is expected to be the best year yet.
Stonehaven Market Square will be empty of cars. In their place will be a huge stage flanked with video screens and bedecked with lights, music stands and speakers. There are fair ground rides, food and drink stalls, and an eager and excited crowd of all ages. All this surrounding one of Scotlands biggest, free, annual outdoor parties.

Using the technical wizardry of the modern era, the organisers are able to present stunning live footage of the Fireballs Festival in the High Street at midnight, on stage via the video screens. If you can't find a space in the High Street, you can still stay in the Market Square and not miss the procession. So whether you are a teenager by age or at heart, local or visitor, go along, enjoy the evening and have fun by joining in with dancing, singing and cheering.
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Wednesday 22 December 2010

Monday 6 December 2010

New Found Fame for Louis Walsh Look Alike

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My mate Peter Stewart from Aberdeen has joined a Look Alike Agency as Louis Walsh and recently rehearsed with The Chippendoubles for Britain's Got Talent.

Just recently he was involved in the video for The Chippendoubles Charity Christmas Song, Simon Carol
You can view this on You Tube

You will see Pete with a  Simon Cowell look alike and other stars you will recognise.

Pete has appeared in Stonehaven with his Singing gigs at Stonehaven Bowling Club and the British Legion.

If you like the track, the Christmas Charity Song will be available for download from itunes on the 13th of December from
I Tunes

All sales will go to CLIC Sargent charity for children suffering with cancer.

The video is entertaining and the song is good. Worth a look on You Tube.

Pete said "It was great fun and I hope people will support this good cause".

George McGillivray
http://www.stonehavenguide.net/
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Thursday 25 November 2010

Business Association Christmas Fair

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Stonehaven Town Hall is the place to be on Sunday 28th Nov.The local Business Association is holding their Annual Christmas Fair from 11am to 4pm.
Bring the kids along to Santa's Grotto organised by Michies.
Some interesting new businesses this year include a Colour Consultant and The Chef's Bean offering hand knitted wooly hats (beans)
Wattie McDonald will be in attendance providing information on his successful husky dogs race in Alaska this year and his plans for next year

Mearns FM will be providing music
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Bowmore 26 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) Review

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Again after being out in the snow at the switch on of Stonehaven's Christmas Tree lights. it was a pleasant task to sample a nice malt whisky and write a review
Here's my reviewFirst reaction -a bit rough - got better and better with each taste - full of smokey, peaty flavour. Score 8 out of ten. Check out Bowmore 26 Year Old - Single Cask
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Wednesday 24 November 2010

Review of Edradour 1998 Sassicaia Malt Whisky

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I received an email request last week to see if I was interested in reviewing some malt whiskies for a new website called Master of Malt and publishing the reviews on some of the websites I run and I certainly welcomed the challenge.
Here's what I thought of the first sample

Edradour 1998 Sassicaia - Straight from the Cask(50cl, 56.90%)

I tried this malt whisky at home while it was snowing heavily outside and I  soon had a nice warm glow.

I have visited the Edradour distillery in the past but I had never tasted this whisky

I first tried this malt straight and felt a nice little kick. I like my malts with a lump of ice and once I added this it was very smooth and easy to drink.I would give it 8 out of 10.
Learn more about this Edradour 1998 Sassicaia Malt Whisky
Sample drams are available to buy
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Wednesday 3 November 2010

Hogmanay Ceilidh Tickets now on sale

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Tickets for this year's Hogmanay Ceilidh, held in Stonehaven Town Hall, are now on sale. All money raised will go towards supporting next year's Stonehaven Folk Festival. The ceilidh will be licensed and doors open at 8:30 'till late, tickets will be £22.50 and local band “Cabrach” will be providing the music.

*** Please note this event sells out so no tickets on the door ***

For more information or if you want to buy tickets please contact Fiona Kasprowicz on 01569-766151 or write to her at 8 Slug Road, Stonehaven, AB39 2 EX.
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Monday 25 October 2010

Stonehaven Bonfire and Fireworks Display

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Stonehaven Round Tablers have been working very hard this year organising the Bonfire and Fireworks Display in th Minerallwell Park on Sunday 7th November 2010. Gates open at 18:00hrs, fire lit at 18:30hrs and Fireworks Display starting at 19:00hrs. There will be a BBQ and the opportunity to buy flashing novelties to help the night go off with a bang. Admission charges Adults £3, Children £1.
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Thursday 21 October 2010

The Spirit of Glenury

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The Spirit of Glenury bitter is a a new drink that has been brewed to commemorate a distillery at the forthcoming Stonehaven Real Ale Festival at Stonehaven Town Hall from 4th to 6th November 2010.
Matured in Glenury Royal whisky casks, the ale is expected to be very popular.
Last year's inaugural festival was hailed a great success in the town.
Organiser Robert Lindsay said: "The Glenury distillery still has a special place in the hearts of many people in Stonehaven, and there's a few bottles of Glenury Royal whisky tucked away in cupboards around the town.
"All that is left of the distillery now, 25 years after it was closed, are the remains of the lower part of the chimney and a commemorative plaque.
"We thought it would be a nice idea to pay tribute to that part of Stonehaven's heritage at this year's real ale festival to help keep its memory alive."
This year is second festival and offers the opportunity to sample ale from dozens of breweries.
Last year's festival raised about £3,500 for a local Maritime Rescue Institute (MRI)  that helped during the serious flooding that hit the town on 1st Nov 2010.

Organiser Robert Lindsay said: "The Glenury distillery still has a special place in the hearts of many people in Stonehaven, and there's a few bottles of Glenury Royal whisky tucked away in cupboards around the town.
"All that is left of the distillery now, 25 years after it was closed, are the remains of the lower part of the chimney and a commemorative plaque.
"We thought it would be a nice idea to pay tribute to that part of Stonehaven's heritage at this year's real ale festival to help keep its memory alive."
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Saturday 16 October 2010

Who Wants To Enjoy a Festival of Real Ale

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Thursday 4th, Friday 5th, Saturday 6th November 2010  is the dates to note in your diary if you are a real ale lover.
Stonehaven Town Hall is the venue for the 2nd Festival and due to last years success an extra day has been added this year.
The organisers, Robert Lyndsay from the Marine Hotel and Sandy Kenneway from Dunnottar Wines and Spirits have been working hard to ensure that this year's event raises even more money for the locally based MRI.
There will be ale from every working brewery in Scotland for you to sample and enjoy  –  more than 50 in all plus the best real ales from Ireland, Wales, Cornwall and even the Isle of Man. All this, plus the return of the hugely popular world beer bar. Mind you, you’re not just here for the beer.  This year will see the welcome return of the heady mix of singers and musicians that helped make our first Stonehaven Real Ale Festival a success. The big screen will be back in action too, plus good eats, all adding to the special atmosphere of this special event. See http://www.stonehavenrealalefestival.co.uk/
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Monday 11 October 2010

Stonehaven Allottment Association Auction

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Great news for Stonehaven Allotment Associaton who were worried they were not going to sell enough tables for the Auction planned for the Town Hall on Saturday 23rd October.

A supporter has come forward and paid for all the tables which means that anyone wanting to go along can now save £20 and get in for free,

Organiser Frieda Burns is absolutely delighted.
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Monday 4 October 2010

New Modern Choir Starting in Stonehaven

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Stonehaven business owner Chris Stirk of Ma Simpsons Music Shop has started a modern choir doing popular songs although they may also perform some numbers from famous musicals.
The idea cam when a customer asked if there was anything in the area apart from singing in a church choir.

The first meeting was organised for Friday 1st October in the Town Hall and is aimed at those aged 14 and over. The idea is to have fun in a relaxed atmosphere.

Anyone interested in more details should contact Chris Stirk on 01569 766264
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Sunday 3 October 2010

Famous People Born In Stonehaven

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ROBERT WILLIAM THOMSON the Inventor of the Pneumatic TyreThomson was born in Stonehaven and  left school at the age of 14 . He was sent to stay with an uncle in South Carolina in order to learn the trade of a merchant, but returned home two years later.

He taught himself chemistry, electricity and astronomy, and after his father built a workshop for him, set about redesigning his mother's washing mangle and then built a ribbon saw. He pursued a career in engineering in London before patenting the pneumatic rubber tyre at the age of 23
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Saturday 2 October 2010

Farmers Market

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The Farmers Market is held on the first Saturday of every month in Margaret Street next to the Market Square in Stonehaven. Sun is shining to-day Sat 2nd October.
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Monday 27 September 2010

New Shop opening soon in Robert Street Stonehaven

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Former butcher's premises in Robert Street will soon be opening as a Showroom for Woodburning Stoves and Fireplaces by local man Alan G Fenton who is already well known as a Chimney Sweep in Stonehaven. He hopes to open on 1st November 2010.
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Tuesday 24 August 2010

Forthcoming Events

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Curry & Ceilidh at Stonehaven Town Hall on Saturday 5th September. Meal at 7.30pm Music by Shindig.

Tickets £20 - Tel Cheryle on 07887 841019

Organised by Stonehaven Town Hall Trust.

Have fun and support the Town Hall.
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Thursday 19 August 2010

Congratulations to Stonehaven swimmer

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Stonehaven swimmer, 16 yr old Sara Hamilton is to represent Scotland at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi in October 2010. She competed in the 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games in Pune, India, where she won the bronze medal in the 50 metres freestyle.
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Wednesday 18 August 2010

Stonehaven Business Association Social Night

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Member Businesses and non members are invited to a Social Evening at The Heugh Hotel on Tuesday 24th August 2010 at 7.30pm

Guest speaker will be Jim Davidson

Jim has had 25 years experience in the retail trade both in the UK and America. He has been section manager of John Lewis (Edinburgh) and Assistant General Manager at BHS plc (number 2 in a store with 25 departments and 320 employees) as well as an independent trader - owning 4 convenience stores and a petrol station (all at the same time!) for 8 years. Jim regularly speaks to audiences over 1000, his largest being 6000 in New Orleans.

In this current climate, customer service is one area where independent businesses, can seek to achieve an advantage over competitors. Jim will give evertyone  valuable food for thought.

SBA Members: Free   Non Members: £5.00 includes a glass of wine, teas, coffee

Anyone interested in attending please notify Niall Menzies info@fpootprintshoes.co.uk by Friday 20th August 2010
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Monday 16 August 2010

Watch out for new Stonehaven Guide website

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The Stonehaven Guide will be updated over the next few weeks and moved to one of the fastest servers in the UK.
Interested to hear any comments on what people would like to see on the site
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Great news that Stonehaven was voted the best seaside town in Scotland. Good to see the considerable efforts of various local groups being acknowledged
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