#JOINTHEFLAG
As mentioned on the Home Page, #JoinTheFlag will be my long term plan towards raising the £20,000 I’ve set. This is more aimed at companies but a donation of £125 gets you or your Company’s Logo on ‘The Flag’ and I shall be carrying this Flag across all my future challenges, ensuring photographs are taken at the end goals of my challenges. These photos will then be sent to everyone who is on the The Flag which can be used as a public keepsake to show your support behind the fundraising efforts. Anyone who does #JoinTheFlag will also have links to their website off this Blog, the Facebook page, Twitter page and JustGiving Page so it’s a great way of getting your name out there as I tackle the various events across the globe.
Of your £125 donation, £100 will go straight onto the JustGiving Page, direct to the charity for everyone to see with the other £25 going to towards the cost of getting the logo onto the flag and general upkeep of it over the next 7 years.
If you wish to #JoinTheFlag then please use the 'Contact' tab as above and I can get this arranged for you! Please also give my Facebook & Twitter page a Like/Follow, after all - your support will be blasted all over these pages!! :).
The companies / individuals 'On The Flag' ahead of the London to Paris Cycle were;
A & G COLLIE'S BUTCHER (KEMNAY)
Based on St Bryde's Road in Kemnay, A & G Collie Butchers has earned a reputation for supplying the finest locally reared meat to the people of Kemnay under the personal supervision of Annie & Graham Collie.
Their various websites and contact information are as follows;
Website - http://aandgcolliebutchers.co.uk/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pages/A-G-Collie-Butchers/201789536537910?fref=ts
Contact Number - 01467 642207
Personally - the family are in here every weekend for various chopped pork / corned beef (or stovies as was the case last week!!) and they are always absolutely ideal.
Of your £125 donation, £100 will go straight onto the JustGiving Page, direct to the charity for everyone to see with the other £25 going to towards the cost of getting the logo onto the flag and general upkeep of it over the next 7 years.
If you wish to #JoinTheFlag then please use the 'Contact' tab as above and I can get this arranged for you! Please also give my Facebook & Twitter page a Like/Follow, after all - your support will be blasted all over these pages!! :).
The companies / individuals 'On The Flag' ahead of the London to Paris Cycle were;
A & G COLLIE'S BUTCHER (KEMNAY)
Based on St Bryde's Road in Kemnay, A & G Collie Butchers has earned a reputation for supplying the finest locally reared meat to the people of Kemnay under the personal supervision of Annie & Graham Collie.
Their various websites and contact information are as follows;
Website - http://aandgcolliebutchers.co.uk/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pages/A-G-Collie-Butchers/201789536537910?fref=ts
Contact Number - 01467 642207
Personally - the family are in here every weekend for various chopped pork / corned beef (or stovies as was the case last week!!) and they are always absolutely ideal.
R&R PLUMBING & HEATING (ABERDEEN)
R & R is the abbreviation for Roy & Richard and I’ve got good relations with the company through my current company and they deal with all aspects of Plumbing & Heating;
Gas Safety Checks,
Boiler Servicing,
Boiler Replacements,
Full Central Heating Systems,
Bathroom Suites,
Burst Pipes – you name it, they can do it (and from experience, I can confirm their prices are affa good!).
They don’t have a website but you can get in touch with them in the following methods;
Richard Cowie – 07790683401
Roy Brady – 07903974578
E-mail – [email protected].
R & R is the abbreviation for Roy & Richard and I’ve got good relations with the company through my current company and they deal with all aspects of Plumbing & Heating;
Gas Safety Checks,
Boiler Servicing,
Boiler Replacements,
Full Central Heating Systems,
Bathroom Suites,
Burst Pipes – you name it, they can do it (and from experience, I can confirm their prices are affa good!).
They don’t have a website but you can get in touch with them in the following methods;
Richard Cowie – 07790683401
Roy Brady – 07903974578
E-mail – [email protected].
SHENZHEN RED SUBSEA TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED (CHINA)
That's right - the World of Social Media has meant that even China has seen what I'm up to over the next few years! (talk about exposure for those who have already 'Joined The Flag'!! ;)..)
2 weeks ago I received a message on the website from Lynne Howitt - a former teacher of mine at Kemnay Academy! - now working in China for her husband's company and I'm delighted to announce that they have become Sponsor Number 3!
RST is a small subsea engineering company that's based in Shenzhen, China. As a preferred provider of Light Well Intervention techniques and subsea service packages we can use our alliance partners within the region to competently perform ‘turn-key’ in-hole, pipeline and ROV/IRM work scopes from monohull vessels.
The company was established in 2011 and have already made headlines by performing the first HXT recovery and installation from a monohull vessel in China and not only that, but at the time (Dec 2012), it was also the deepest HXT recovery and installation operation performed from a monohull vessel in the world!
Their various contact links are as follows;
Website - www.redsubseatechnologies.com
Facebook - www.facebook.com/RedSubseaTechnologies
PARTY BOX ABERDEEN
This week, we come back to Scotland as Party Box Aberdeen 'Join The Flag'. Party Box Aberdeen is a new and unique party planning company with a hands on approach to ensure you get the personal touch on your special event.
They specialise in event entertainment, catering and decorating services and Party Box is the only company in Scotland that offers items such and Pony Cycles, Rainbow Slush & Dinosaur experiences. (yes guys - that actually says Dinosaur!!!). You may recognise the name Party Box as they've been all over our Facebook Newsfeeds and local newspapers with the addition of Tyrant - the mechatronic T-Rex!! (pictures below). This fully mobile giant Dinosaur is 4x meters in length and stands 2x meters tall. Tyrant can walk, stalk and definitely entertain. He can also roar, blink his eyes, swing his tail and snap his jaws.
I've seen Tyrant in 'the flesh' this week and he's as brilliant as the description suggests!!
You can get in touch with Party Box Aberdeen for bookings or more information the following ways;
Shona Krugel (Director) - 07545345352
Email - [email protected]
Facebook - www.facebook.com/partyboxaberdeen
MORNA PETRANO PROPERTY LEASING LIMITED (ABERDEEN)
After a wee holiday, it's time to get back to business and sponsorship announcements!!!
This week, we bring Flag Sponsor Number 5! Meaning the wee flag sponsorship idea has brought in £500 already!!
Morna Petrano Property Leasing are based on Thistle Street in Aberdeen and the Director herself, Morna Petrano, has been in the property leasing business for over 25 years! It's a very busy office, managing around 300 properties with only a handful of staff - setting themselves apart from the larger agencies as they take a personal pride in offering a high level of customer service, treating every landlord and tenant as an individual.
Have a look at the website and Facebook links attached as there are indeed plenty of properties available To Let at the moment!
Website - www.mornapetrano.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Morna-Petrano/586850501326588?fref=ts
Contact Number - 01224 645757.
Thanks again to Morna Petrano Property Leasing Limited for their sponsorship!
HEATHER THOM (MITHER)
So after almost two months of asking to get on The Flag, my mother has become the first 'individual' to Join The Flag!
Affa nice of her to sponsor me and she has been asking for almost 2 months to get on board so now is her time! :).
Her nickname to me is 'Mither' - hence the same name being used on the Flag.
Big thanks to her - as she's an individual, I won't post up any contact details!! lol.
A.S. PEACOCK CLEANING SERVICES
'Back to Business' as they say as we announce another company who has Joined The Flag!
This week, it's Stonehaven-based cleaning company A.S. Peacock Cleaning Services. The company has grown from strength to strength over the years under the wing of Director Annette Peacock and she's always on hand at quick notice to see to your cleaning needs!!
The company doesn't have Facebook (although Annette does!) but here are the contact details should you wish to get in touch with A.S. Peacock regarding any work.
E-mail - [email protected]
Mobile - 07743563111.
Big thanks to Annette & her company for sponsoring the Flag!
G. MULDOON DECORATING & PROPERTY SERVICES
Next up on The Flag is another Stonehaven based company (word must have gotten around after last week!!).
Gary Muldoon is a handyman who has come as a great help over the last few months for the business I work for and his property & decorating services are always up to a top standard! He's always available to get around at short notice to complete jobs and his prices are affa fine aswell!
Again, he doesn't have a dedicated 'Business' Facebook page (although he is on Facebook!) and you can contact him a variety of ways;
Contact Number - 07463800558
E-mail Address - [email protected]
Big thanks to both Gary & Annette over the last 2 weeks for spreading the word out over the Stonehaven area as The Flag sponsorship continues to grow!.
Our next sponsor will be announced next Friday!
SPECSAVERS OPTICIANS INVERURIE
Yes that's right! Specasavers have 'Joined The Flag' - for those unaware of the company, Specsavers is an international firm providing trusted eye care service, affordable glasses and contact lenses to a number of countries in Europe and across the globe. Thier expert opticians carry out professional eye tests using the latest optical equipment. Thier range of glasses features an incredible variety of styles, including the latest designs from some of Europe’s top fashion houses, and all frames come with top quality lenses. They're renowned for offering incredible value for money, including special offers like two for one glasses. Many of the stores also provide a hearing service with fully-trained audiologists offering comprehensive hearing tests and the latest digital hearing aids.
Give thier Facebook Page a 'like' and you can get more information about them off thier Website;
http://www.specsavers.co.uk/
Massive thanks to Specsavers Inverurie for joining The Flag and being the first of 5 new sponsors this week!
Who are the other 4...? I'll announce number 2 tomorrow and here's the updated Flag design as a result!
Yes that's right! Specasavers have 'Joined The Flag' - for those unaware of the company, Specsavers is an international firm providing trusted eye care service, affordable glasses and contact lenses to a number of countries in Europe and across the globe. Thier expert opticians carry out professional eye tests using the latest optical equipment. Thier range of glasses features an incredible variety of styles, including the latest designs from some of Europe’s top fashion houses, and all frames come with top quality lenses. They're renowned for offering incredible value for money, including special offers like two for one glasses. Many of the stores also provide a hearing service with fully-trained audiologists offering comprehensive hearing tests and the latest digital hearing aids.
Give thier Facebook Page a 'like' and you can get more information about them off thier Website;
http://www.specsavers.co.uk/
Massive thanks to Specsavers Inverurie for joining The Flag and being the first of 5 new sponsors this week!
Who are the other 4...? I'll announce number 2 tomorrow and here's the updated Flag design as a result!
PREMIER COACHES & PREMIER GARAGE SERVICES
Premier Coaches & Premier Garage Services are a now well established local company offering all coach hire needs from taxis to 70 seaters, VIP and Executive coaches and have a range of accessible coaches for various size requirements. The garage has a full MOT centre and they offer full service and repair services including tyres, wheel alignment and injector cleaning.You can find out more information about the company on the above Facebook page or have a look on thier website as follows;
http://www.premiercoaches.co.uk/index.php
A massive thanks to Alan and the company for being sponsor number TEN!! This Flag is fairly filling up and tomorrow we will have announce number 11!
CENTRIFUGES UN-LIMITED
In 2002 Centrifuges Un-limited began providing customer specific mechanical process solutions for both the most basic and complex of separation challenges in the North East Oil and Gas Industry.Today,they apply thier knowledge to a more global audience and across all industries and their respective waste streams.
Thier range of products & services include rental equipment, service & repair, spare parts, design & build and training on a range of products including but not limited to:
High Speed Disc Stack Separators, Decanter Centrifuges, Mud Temperature Control Systems and Slop Water Treatment Systems.
Much like Premier Coaches yesterday, you may have seen their name locally as they sponsor Kemnay/Kintore Cricket Club so thanks to the business & MD Jim Shiach in getting involved.
You can read more about the company here;
www.centrifuges-unlimited.co.uk
The next 3 sponsors will be announced next week!
EDWARDS INVERURIE
Yip - 75% of us Garioch folks second home has 'Joined The Flag' and I can't thank them enough!For those who have never seen or heard of Edwards (unlikely but it's possible!!) then here is a small exerpt from thier website;
.,......'Whether you are looking for a drink, a spot of lunch, a good night out, somewhere to dance the night away, or somewhere to hold a function or private party - with our first class reputation for customer service and quality you can be sure that Edwards is the perfect venue.
•Our bar diner seats up to 60 people and is open daily from 10am.
•We have a huge range of drinks including a good selection of real ales.
•Lunch is served from 12 - 2.30pm Monday to Saturday also Sundays from 12-3pm and offers a selection of high quality, freshly cooked food.
•Watch the big game or other sporting event on Sky Sports on Edwards big screen also 3D available.
•The bar also has 'Mediatheme' video software which we use to configure karaoke, music videos, etc. on our large screen TVs. Request your favourite video and we can quickly put it on screen for you.......'
Brilliant - you can obviously get more information off thier Facebook page above or visit said website below;
www.edwardsinverurie.co.uk
They join the every growing list of businesses on The Flag - if you want to see your name or business up there, I will be ordering it on Friday so please get in touch prior to then! £125 is the request, £100 of which will be going straight onto the JustGiving Page and the other £25 goes towards the cost of The Flag.
RJ FURNITURE
Richard Johnston is a designer/maker of contemporary furniture and craft wares and the creator of the Angels Chair - a page you may have seen kicking about on Facebook!
Richard designs and makes all manner of pieces, from small natural wood products, through up-cycled furniture to high end commission pieces to grace your home. Everything he makes has a passion behind it and it gives him great pleasure in knowing that something made by his own hands is appreciated by its new owner, wherever in the world they may be.
Richard was also lucky enough to be selected as one of the participants in the recent Monty Don’s Real Craft series which aired on More4 in April 2014. His new found skills and mind were stressed and flexed to compete to win a commission to make an occasional table for a highly respected furniture company. Richard’s winning design was selected and the ‘The Rowan Table’ is now available to buy from Benchmark Furniture!! (good effort!!)
You can check out his website here and RJ Furniturte's Logo 'Joins The Flag' along with 2 more to be announced this week!!
Thanks Richard!!!
COCO'S HAIR SALON
Formerly Hair Craft in the centre of Kemnay, CoCo's Hair Salon went under a major renovation in September of last year, moving thier Salon to the High Street of Kemnay and implementing a name change to complete the fresh beginnings. Major congratulations on how that move has worked out.
Whether you need a simple trim, a complete restyle, new colour or party hair, CoCo's have the skills to do it. They also retail lots of products and accessories and you can get in touch with them by the Facook Page above or;
Contact Number; 01467 643923
Website; http://www.haircraft-kemnay.co.uk/
Thanks to CoCo's and Connie in particular for the sponsorship - it's very much appreciated!
INVERURIE & DISTRICT ROUND TABLE
It's no surprise that they would take full advantage of me doing this to advertise themselves!! ;)..
As most of you know, I am indeed a member of the Inverurie Round Table and it's a great group - local lads raising money for local causes and having cracking fun in the process of doing it.. Most recently, they've been the focal point for all fundraising regarding the recent floods and i can assure you that there will be a lot of cash being put back into the local area over the next few weeks off the back of that.
The group is for men between the ages of 18-45 from any background and again, if you'd like to get in touch with the group, the Facebook page is above.
ABERDEEN CITY ELECTRICAL
A massive thank you to Nigel Brown at ACE who has ‘Joined The Flag’ – Aberdeen City Electrical are a very reliable firm based in Aberdeen and offer services to the industrial and commercial sector – anything from Electrical Installations, EICRs, Emergency Lighting, PAT Testing etcetc – they’re able to cover it with the greatest of ease and it’s brilliant to have them backing the cause!
More information can be found about them here;
www.aberdeencityelectrical.co.uk
And you can contact them on 01224 920044 / 07922 218552. Thanks again Aberdeen City Electrical!
WAYNE MCGREGOR (ALASKA POKER ASSOCIATION)
So to celebrate the fact that I had a place guaranteed in the 2017 London Marathon, I ran a wee Facebook competition giving away a spot on the Flag to anyone who donated £5 or more..
However, it was brought to my attention that it wasn't really fair on those who had already donated to either a) CLIC Sargent or b) to get on the Flag and as such, every individual and company who had donated from June 19th 2015 to June 19th 2016 would be eligible to get their name on The Flag for free!
19th June was the 1 year anniversary of my announcing my list of global challenges so felt like an apt time to do the draw and the winner was.............
WAYNE MCGREGOR!
So to celebrate the fact that I had a place guaranteed in the 2017 London Marathon, I ran a wee Facebook competition giving away a spot on the Flag to anyone who donated £5 or more..
However, it was brought to my attention that it wasn't really fair on those who had already donated to either a) CLIC Sargent or b) to get on the Flag and as such, every individual and company who had donated from June 19th 2015 to June 19th 2016 would be eligible to get their name on The Flag for free!
19th June was the 1 year anniversary of my announcing my list of global challenges so felt like an apt time to do the draw and the winner was.............
WAYNE MCGREGOR!
THE SILVER DARLING RESTUARANT
In a nice surprise to end the 2016 year, I've received one more donation towards The Flag!
Opened by Chef Didier Dejean in 1986, The Silver Darling is one of a few restaurants to have been recommended in the Good Food Guide for more than 22 years. It is also a regular feature in the Michelin and Egon Ronay Guides. In 2008, The Sunday Times ranked the Silver Darling in the top 10 seafood restaurants in UK.
To book a table with The Silver Darling, give them a call or an e-mail on;
By Phone - 01224 576229
By E-mail - [email protected]
You can also follow them on Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/SilverDarlingResteraunt.co.uk/?fref=ts
In a nice surprise to end the 2016 year, I've received one more donation towards The Flag!
Opened by Chef Didier Dejean in 1986, The Silver Darling is one of a few restaurants to have been recommended in the Good Food Guide for more than 22 years. It is also a regular feature in the Michelin and Egon Ronay Guides. In 2008, The Sunday Times ranked the Silver Darling in the top 10 seafood restaurants in UK.
To book a table with The Silver Darling, give them a call or an e-mail on;
By Phone - 01224 576229
By E-mail - [email protected]
You can also follow them on Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/SilverDarlingResteraunt.co.uk/?fref=ts
ROO'D SIGNS
With over 30 years of sign making excellence. Roo'd Signs specialise in the management and supply of roll-out corporate identity programmes on a fast track or long term basis. No matter what size your business; branding and the image you project is vital to differentiate yourself from the competition, Roo'd Signs can help you create a personality for your company, everything they do is geared towards providing you with the best possible service at the most cost effective price...
For more information click - www.roodsigns.com
Or give them a call on 01467 622657
With over 30 years of sign making excellence. Roo'd Signs specialise in the management and supply of roll-out corporate identity programmes on a fast track or long term basis. No matter what size your business; branding and the image you project is vital to differentiate yourself from the competition, Roo'd Signs can help you create a personality for your company, everything they do is geared towards providing you with the best possible service at the most cost effective price...
For more information click - www.roodsigns.com
Or give them a call on 01467 622657
ROTARY CLUB OF KINTORE, KEMNAY & DISTRICT
The Rotary Club of Kintore was formed in 2007. They are a lively, forward thinking club with an enthusiastic membership of both male and female members drawn from the communities of Kintore, Kemnay and the surrounding area. In 2015 the Club changed its name to the Rotary Club of Kintore Kemnay & District to better reflect the area that they cover.In order to encourage and foster the Rotary idea of service in our local communities the Club undertakes a variety of service responses in vocation, community and international activities for the promotion of goodwill and understanding.
You can find more information about the Rotary Club via thier various social media platforms;
www.kintorerotary.co.uk
The Rotary Club of Kintore, Kemnay & District
https://twitter.com/RCKintoreKemnay
RHEA AT SOUL
A childhood friend of mine, Rhea McDonald has done a great job of establishing herself as a top hair stylist! Based on the High Street in Inverurie, she specializes in cutting, colouring and bridal hair; given the reviews and photos on her above Facebook page, Rhea's definitely good at what she does! Give her below Facebook page a 'like' and keep her in mind should you be needing a change of stylist - local lass also which is always a boost!
You can also give her a call on 07801575689 or 01467 620193!
https://www.facebook.com/Rhea.at.Soul/?fref=ts
KEMNAY AUTOBODY
Another local business getting behind the Flag! Kemnay Autobody have been on the go since 1999 - they're an Insurance Approved Bodyshop who offer;
Car Body Repairs,
Breakdown Service
Free Pick Up And Delivery
Free Courtesy Cars
You can contact them using the above Facebook link or send them an e-mail on;
[email protected]
MIELE'S GELATERIA INVERNESS
Miele's Gelateria is an exciting new Gelato (ice cream) parlour in the heart of Inverness. Based at 92 Church Street, and opened in December 2016.They have 24 exciting flavours of Gelato (freshly made in the premises every day!) at any one time, as well as a Deli Bar and ofcourse, the famous 'Creation Station' - for more on that, give their page a 'like' and have a look at what they do... It's amazing.
Big thanks to Roberto, David & Michael Miele for sponsoring a spot on the Flag and on Monday, I'll be announcing Sponsor 25!!!
https://www.facebook.com/mielesgelato
MASONS ACCOUNTANTS
Masons were established in 1976 and today, continue to build on thier enviable reputation for providing excellent advice and first class service to our business and personal clients alike.They are based in Berkshire however and a nice wee back-story to this Sponsorship as Gary Hook who is a Partner at Masons ran the London Marathon and was my 'starting partner' for the first part of the race before I headed to the lavvy ha... I can't thank him enough for keeping my pace right for the first bag of miles and secondly for getting Masons Accountants on The Flag! It's very much appreciated!
You can check out the company on the below link;
https://www.masons-accountants.com
HOLLY BLUE JEWELLERY
I met Diane Jane Imrie on our Machu Picchu Trek in October and instantly gained a lifetime pal.
Throwing it back a few years, Diane set up Holly Blue Jewellery along with doing Reiki and other Treatments while requesting donations towards her personal fundraising for Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity (formerly Yorkhill) and from that, it progressed to making Jewellery & Gifts in general.
You can find her Facebook page and the website is as follows;
https://www.facebook.com/Holly-Blue-Jewellery-1093008220761463/?fref=mentions
http://www.hollybluehealing.co.uk
I met Diane Jane Imrie on our Machu Picchu Trek in October and instantly gained a lifetime pal.
Throwing it back a few years, Diane set up Holly Blue Jewellery along with doing Reiki and other Treatments while requesting donations towards her personal fundraising for Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity (formerly Yorkhill) and from that, it progressed to making Jewellery & Gifts in general.
You can find her Facebook page and the website is as follows;
https://www.facebook.com/Holly-Blue-Jewellery-1093008220761463/?fref=mentions
http://www.hollybluehealing.co.uk