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Archive of News Stories
Working Lunch for busy people
the place to go for prompt, efficient service with no compromise on quality and flavourThe Foyer Restaurant + Gallery is available for functions and events
Pick up a takeaway cappuccino or latte on your way to work
or just because you love coffee!Children’s Menu
Tasty food for children – great reviews i.e. clean plates!Restaurant opening times: 11 am – 11 pm Tuesday to Saturday inclusive
Last food order at 10 pm
Award Winning Initiative
in FraserburghAt COSLA’s Excellence Awards the Reaching Out Project Aberdeenshire won the Best Team Award as well as a silver award in the Advancing Community and Citizen Wellbeing category.
The Our Space project, run by Fraserburgh Lifeshaper participants in December 2008 and funded by Reaching Out, was highlighted as evidence of the valuable contribution the funding makes to the community in Fraserburgh and Peterhead.
Lifeshaper graduate and Aberdeen Foyer support worker, Joleen Ritchie, represented Our Space at the awards dinner, “I’d like to thank Diane Marshall from Aberdeenshire Council’s Reaching Out Project for inviting me to the awards. It was a great night and I spoke to loads of councillors and posh folk - it was an amazing experience and I felt really proud to be representing Aberdeen Foyer”
Lifeshaper is a twelve week community rehabilitation programme that helps young people who have had substance misuse problems work towards a happier and healthier future.Our Space was a great opportunity for the participants to share new found culinary skills and to develop art work. The team worked hard to organise an art exhibition, a café and art workshops to produce hand made Christmas crafts which were for sale.
Our Space, based at the Fraserburgh Learning House, opened on 5 December when members of the community were welcomed with hot chocolate or alcohol free mulled wine. The Our Space shop remained open and ran daily workshops from 8 to 19 December including card making and glass painting.
The venture was a great success and importantly gave the Lifeshaper participants a chance to show how they had turned their lives around and to give something back to the community.
Prince's Trust Young Achiever Award
Susie Cameron won the Young Achiever of the Year at the Prince’s Trust Celebrate Success Awards in Edinburgh. The award recognises young people who have overcome barriers and transformed their lives.
Susie, a former Prince's Trust Team participant said, “I was very surprised when my name was read out at the awards. I am so happy that I won it although everyone at the awards was a winner. I'd like to thank the staff at Aberdeen Foyer for supporting me.
I joined the Prince's Trust in June. I thought the course sounded good because of the variety of things we would be getting up to. It’s a hard course but I liked it. At the beginning of the course giving a presentation in front of nearly one hundred people seemed impossible but the Team gave me the confidence to do that. Now I am working within the team as a volunteer, I am actually looking forward to the next presentation!”
Jackie Whiting the Prince's Trust Team Leader at Aberdeen Foyer commented, “Susie has worked extremely hard to get her life back on track and thoroughly deserves the award. Since joining the Prince's Trust Team Susie has gained confidence and self-esteem, and now has purpose in her life. Susie is putting her experiences to good use and is a full-time volunteer with the current Prince's Trust team. Susie is an asset to both the team and to Aberdeen Foyer and I am confident that she will continue to develop her confidence and leadership skills.”
Geraldine Gammell, director of the Prince's Trust in Scotland, said: "Susan is a prime example of the great work carried out throughout Scotland."
Aberdeen Foyer delivers the Prince's Trust Team programme in Aberdeen City and Peterhead in association with Aberdeen College.
ABERDEEN FOYER APPOINTS COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR
Leona McDermid Joins Leading Social Enterprise
On behalf of Aberdeen Foyer’s Board of Directors, Chief Executive Ken Milroy announces the appointment of a Commercial Director to this leading local social enterprise.
“I am very happy to welcome Leona McDermid to Aberdeen Foyer as our Commercial Director. Leona’s appointment completes the re-structuring and strengthening of the Foyer’s senior management team. Our team now comprises three Executive Directors with Leona joining existing staff members Mary Annal and Ann Mateo who assumed their new roles from the beginning of April. Leona, the former Chief Executive of Social Firms Scotland, is joining us on Monday 14 July, bringing with her a wealth of experience of social enterprise on a national and international level. With over 10 years’ experience in supporting the development of social firms in Scotland, Leona has demonstrated her strong commitment to supporting the growth of the sector and to creating more jobs for people furthest from the labour market. I very much look forward to working with her to support and develop our businesses.”
Leona McDermid is the first Commercial Director at Aberdeen Foyer, she will manage and widen the business activities of the trading company, Foyer Enterprise, including the Foyer Restaurant +Gallery, the Foyer Restaurant and Café Bar at His Majesty’s Theatre and the graphic design studio, Foyer Graphics. These businesses generate income to support the work of Aberdeen Foyer, provide an interface with the wider community and offer work experience, training and employment opportunities for young people.
Leona McDermid said, “Expanding Foyer Enterprise and the diverse portfolio of dynamic businesses is a tremendous challenge. This is a unique post which will build on my experience of supporting the development of social enterprises across Scotland. Having keenly followed the considerable progress of Aberdeen Foyer over the years, and sharing the ideals and aims of the organisation, I now relish the prospect of joining the team at an exciting time of growth and effecting positive results to achieve quality and value for money for our customers.”
David Lyon, Chairman of Social Firms Scotland Board said,”Leona was a key person in the establishment and scope of Social Firms Scotland and has worked hard over a number of years to make Social Firms Scotland the organisation it is today. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Leona and wish her well in her new employment"
Incoming Chief Executive of Social Firms Scotland Pauline Graham said "I relish the prospect of leading the team and providing positive steps towards growing the number of Social Firms within Scotland".
ABERDEEN FOYER’S LATEST SOCIAL ENTERPRISE RECEIVES £15,000 BOOST
Oil and gas exploration and production company, Oilexco North Sea Limited, has donated £15,000 to Aberdeen Foyer to support the new Foyer Restaurant at His Majesty’s Theatre.
Building on the success of the Foyer Restaurant + Gallery on Crown Street, the new restaurant, the Foyer at HMT, is now open for lunch and dinner, offering a la carte and pre-theatre menus with a strong focus on fresh and simple classic dishes, offering diners good food paired with excellent value and high quality service.
Canadian organisation Oilexco has been based in Aberdeen since 2002 operating exploration, development and production properties located in the UK North Sea.
Dave Marshall, Oilexco’s general manager, said “Aberdeen Foyer and the Foyer Restaurant have an excellent reputation in Aberdeen and beyond. It is tremendously encouraging to see Aberdeen Foyer’s social enterprises continue to flourish generating funds to support of the charity’s core objective of supporting our young people. We had no hesitation in taking up the opportunity to enter into this partnership, a partnership that will allow us to help Aberdeen Foyer have a positive influence on the lives of even more young people.”
Aberdeen Foyer’s, deputy chief executive, Edel Harris said, “Partnership working is very important to the Foyer. We are very happy to welcome Oilexco as a new Investor in the work of Aberdeen Foyer through the generous support of our latest social enterprise; the Foyer at HMT. The theatre is a well loved and beautiful building; it will be a pleasure to welcome customers at our restaurant and café bar in such a vibrant hub at the heart of the city.”
NEW APPOINTMENT FOR DEPUTY CHIEF EXECUTIVE
Aberdeen Foyer’s Deputy Chief Executive, Edel Harris has announced that she will be leaving the organisation in April to take up a new post as Chief Executive of Cornerstone. Nick Baxter, Cornerstone’s present Chief Executive is retiring in June.
Commenting on her appointment Edel said, “I have loved working at the Foyer, it is a great organisation to work for and has given me fantastic opportunities and experiences that I never thought I would have. I am thrilled to be appointed to the Chief Executive’s post of Cornerstone and know that my experience at the Foyer will stand me in good stead for the challenges that lie ahead. I will miss my colleagues at the Foyer and wish them and the organisation continued success.”
Edel has been with Aberdeen Foyer since November 2000 and over the past 7 years, as a member of the SMT, has been responsible for a wide range of innovation and business development. Some of the key areas of work Edel has pioneered were in establishing the Foyer’s Community Health Team, establishing and overseeing the Foyer Drive initiative, the Ben & Jerry's Partnershop and most recently the development of the Restaurant and Cafe at HMT. At a corporate level her contribution has also covered a lead role for HR, fundraising and marketing.
David Paton, Chairman of Aberdeen Foyer commented, “While I am saddened to see Edel leave us she should be very proud of all her achievements at Aberdeen Foyer and we are equally thankful for the lasting contribution she has made to the Foyer's success.”
Ken Milroy, Chief Executive at Aberdeen Foyer added, “I am delighted for Edel; she has been a great and supportive colleague to me over the last 7 years and will remain a close friend. I know Board members and staff join me in wishing her every success in her new role.”
ABERDEEN FOYER AND HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE ANNOUNCE A NEW VENTURE
Social Enterprise Foyer Restaurant and Gallery to operate the restaurant, café bar and private dining facility at HMT
From January 2008 Aberdeen Foyer will operate the restaurant, café bar and hospitality suite at the theatre, providing discerning diners an experience which has become synonymous with the word Foyer in Aberdeen; fine food paired with excellent value and high quality service.
Aberdeen Foyer's, Deputy Chief Executive, Edel Harris said, "Building on 9 years' experience of running the Foyer Restaurant & Gallery on Crown Street, this is an excellent opportunity to fulfil our ambition to expand our successful social enterprise. We look forward to opening the Foyer at HMT and working together with the team at Aberdeen Performing Arts on this exciting venture. The theatre is a well loved and beautiful building; it will be a pleasure to welcome customers at our restaurant and cafe in such a vibrant hub at the heart of the city."
Aberdeen Performing Arts Chief Executive Duncan Hendry commented, "This new partnership is an exciting development for The Foyer and Aberdeen Performing Arts. The Foyer at HMT will provide an excellent dining experience at His Majesty's and we are also delighted to be working with a company which has such a superb record as a social enterprise organisation."
ABERDEEN OILMAN’S GOLF ASSOCIATION (AOGA) SUPPORTS ABERDEEN FOYER
On behalf of AOGA, First Minister Alex Salmond hands over keys for a new van to Edel Harris, deputy chief executive of Aberdeen Foyer, following the Chamber of Commerce OE07 business breakfast at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre. Members of AOGA raised £29,000 at an annual dinner at Gleneagles for two vans, one for use in Aberdeen City and one to serve Aberdeenshire. The vans are an integral part of the Foyer’s Move-On initiative.
At the end of their tenancies with Aberdeen Foyer, the majority of young people are ready and able to move on to independent living. However in a few cases support needs continue beyond the Foyer period. The Move-On initiative provides help with moving in, making a home, adjusting to a new budget, establishing social networks, support and encouragement to continue at college, work or training. In addition the Move-On initiative provides a mentoring/befriending service, to help young people with the practicalities of independent living.
Edel Harris of Aberdeen Foyer said “I would like to thank the members of the Aberdeen Oilman’s Golf Association for providing financial support to enable Aberdeen Foyer to put two 'move-on' vans on the road in Aberdeen City and North Aberdeenshire. The vans will be of immeasurable value in order to carry out various services offered by the Move-On initiative. Often the transition to independent living needs to be a gradual process and some former tenants struggle when they find themselves cut off from all the services and support they had access to at the Foyer.'”
Mike Salter, AOGA chairman, said “AOGA has organised the event at Gleneagles for the last 29 years and about 5 years ago we introduced a charity element to the Friday evening dinner and since then have raised over £200,000 for local charities. At the outset we made it our objective to support charities working with children or young people in northeast Scotland, particularly those who are not 'mainstream' and may be overlooked in the normal course of events. It gives us great pleasure on behalf of the AOGA sponsors and their guests to make this donation to Aberdeen Foyer.
We have also this year been able to make further donations to Marlpool and Hazelwood schools in Aberdeen, as well as to Friends of Anchor. We look forward to being able to do similar things following next year’s event”MBE for Chief Executive of Aberdeen Foyer
Ken Milroy, the Chief Executive and founder of Aberdeen Foyer, has been awarded an MBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours List.
The award has been made for services to disadvantaged people in Scotland. Commenting on his award, Ken Milroy said:
“I am delighted to receive this honour in recognition of the work I have been involved in over the years.
The honour of course reflects on the staff and Board members at Aberdeen Foyer I have been lucky to work with; people who have been of great support, have shown tremendous talent and commitment and whose dedication and hard work have enabled Aberdeen Foyer to become the respected and successful organisation it is today."
Aberdeen Foyer Investors' Dinner
Aberdeen Foyer recently hosted an annual Investors' Dinner, sponsored by Technip Offshore UK Limited, at the Foyer Restaurant and Gallery.
Among the many investors in attendance, activpayroll, Shell U.K. Limited, Petro-Canada, ExxonMobil, Petrofac, Technip, Wood Group and AMEC will received certificates to highlight their involvement through the provision of support services, volunteers, financial and in kind support.
Elish Angiolini QC, Solicitor General for Scotland, was guest speaker. Mrs Angiolini was appointed as Regional Procurator Fiscal for Grampian and the Highlands and Islands in July 2000 based in Aberdeen. In December 2001 she was installed as Solicitor General for Scotland; the first woman, the first Procurator Fiscal and the first solicitor to hold the post and is now involved in taking forward the most wide-ranging programme of modernisation in the department’s history.
Mrs Angiolini said ‘The work of organisations like Aberdeen Foyer is invaluable in giving young people a sense of community, and offering assistance when it is needed most. Aberdeen Foyer has a history of cutting edge and innovative initiatives which can make a real difference to the life of a young person in need of support. Providing such support to young people at challenging times in their lives is vital. Where they come into contact with the criminal justice system as victims or witnesses this is especially important.
Ken Milroy, chief executive Aberdeen Foyer said ' Welcoming our guests for dinner at the Foyer Restaurant + Gallery provides Aberdeen Foyer with a unique manner in which to thank our investors and supporters, be it individuals or organisations, for their involvement in various areas of our work. Financial support, sharing skills and giving time are investments which help us sustain and develop our work. The contribution made by local businesses makes a real difference to local young people and their community.'
Jack McConnell visits Aberdeen Foyer
During a visit to Aberdeen on Monday 12 December 2005, First Minister Jack McConnell spent some time at Aberdeen Foyer's Marywell Centre.
Representatives of various groups in the community gathered at the Marywell Centre to discuss issues relating to antisocial behaviour with the First Minister.
FOYER RECORDS LAUNCHES DEBUT CD
Hot on the heels of their sell out live show 3 local bands feature on the debut CD of the new label Foyer Records launched on Thursday 15 December at One-Up Records, Belmont Street. 'My Downfall' (Westhill Academy), 'Ruinous' (Bridge of Don Academy) and 'The Extract' (Robert Gordon's College) performed live acoustic sets.
Following the success of Foyerlive shows and workshops organised by Foyer Music, the enthusiastic and ambitious members of the Foyer Music Support Group developed the concept of setting up a record label to be run exclusively by young people. The production and release of Foyer Records E.P. 6 track CD was the culmination of 6 months of hard work and a tremendous achievement for full time students from 3 Aberdeen schools. With an average age of only 17 the team successfully assumed responsibility for all aspects of setting up an independent record label tackling the challenges of budget setting, label design, marketing and of course recording.
Jonathan McKenna, chairman of Foyer Music Support Group said "Foyer Records is a great opportunity for young bands to be completely involved and totally in control of their work. They can experience first hand all the elements of an independent record label making them aware of what it takes to work in this aspect of the music industry.'
Christmas Party for Foyer Tenants + Programme Users 2006
Members of The Rotary Club of St Fittick very kindly came along to help at the Christmas Lunch for tenants and programme participants. We are very grateful for their very able assistance in serving, decorating and also clearing up. Acting skills were also very much in evidence as one member donned the red and white suit and gave a convincing performance - much appreciated!
