JCI Aberdeen
Horizons
January 2015
Picture provided courtesy of Ulf Pieconka Photography.
Scotland leading the way at World Congress
Harbour Board Visit
World Congress, Leipzig
Pages 3
Pages 6 & 7
1
Christmas Party
Page 9
www.jciaberdeen.org.uk
President’s message
In this issue…
2
President’s message
3
Harbour Board welcomes JCI
4
Fundraising quiz night
5
Inspire PTL Our year
together.
Promoting Granite City
Cook Off.
6/7
World Congress in Leipzig
8
100 years of impact
National conference 2015
9
EGM and Christmas Part
10
Seven Trades open their
doors to JCI
11
Introduction to Debating
Get your GI on
Nothing but Nets
Welcome to this edition of our award winning
Horizons magazine. I am Euan Gillies and it is my
pleasure to write this as your Local President for JCI
Aberdeen in 2014.
Welcome to another edition
of Horizons magazine. With
the 2014 JCI Aberdeen
board’s ‘year-to-lead’ at an
end, this is the last time you
will be hearing from me in
this role. I would like to thank
the members, the 2014
board,
senators,
pastmembers and of course our
patrons for your continued
support and encouragement
over the course of this year.
As this is Horizons magazine, I
would like to especially thank
the communications team –
Mary Miller and Elaine Cleary
as well as Compass Print for
their hard work in regularly
producing this very fine
publication. Even though this
is the end of year edition,
things
certainly
haven’t
slowed down, as I hope you
can see in the following, jampacked, pages.
Find us on
Euan Gillies - JCI Aberdeen President 2014
president@jciaberdeen.org.uk
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Perhaps one of the most
significant things to have
happened recently was our
2011
President,
Steven
Wilson, getting elected as
2015 Executive Vice President
for Europe at World Congress
in Leipzig, Germany. This is a
fantastic achievement, and
has only been possible thanks
to Steven’s hard-work, as well
as the support of many people
on a local, national and
international basis. On behalf
of the local chamber, I would
like to congratulate Steven
and thank all those who have
helped with this over the
years.
We celebrated yet another
fantastic achievement in
Leipzig was Aberdeen member
Mary winning the JCI World
Debating Championship, as
part of the JCI Scotland team.
I’m sure you will join me in
congratulating her on a
sterling effort!
Overall, 2014 has been a
strong year for JCI Aberdeen,
and I am confident that our
chamber will continue to
prosper during the 100th year
of celebrating the Junior
Chamber movement under
2015 President; Kimmy John.
www.jciaberdeen.org.uk
Everywhere I have turned this
year, I have seen the need for
welcomes JCI Aberdeen Board
Aberdeen Harbour Board was thanked for hosting JCI with a named
donation to JCI charity project “Nothing but Nets” on their behalf.
Top right: Kimmy John, Stan Yao and Captain Ray Shaw, Operations
Director & Harbour Master
Bottom right: Danielle Grieve, David Derbyshire, Calum Lawrie,
Kimmy John, Euan Gillies, James Reid, Christina Schiavione, Stanley
Yao, Mary Miller, Elaine Cleary, Colin Parker, (Chief Executive
at Aberdeen Harbour Board) and Captain Ray Shaw (Operations
Director & Harbour Master)
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www.jciaberdeen.org.uk
Quizzical Fundraising – Quiz Night for Inspire
In a little break from tradition the annual JCI Aberdeen fundraiser for our nominated charity was held in October as
a Quiz Night. With a venue booked at the RUA Social Club in Aberdeen and our evenings’ prize donated by our first
sponsor; our fundraiser was off to a flying start! The project team was; myself, Christina Schiavone and helped by
Richard Tong. Each round was to include two bonus questions; one provided by the company kindly sponsoring the
round to promote their business as a thank you and the second to be related to our nominated charity, Inspire PTL,
about the work they do to support those with learning disabilities in the North East.
The sign of a good event is a busy venue and thankfully the project team were optimistic in bringing spare question
sheets as we were soon adding tables and finally got the event underway with fourteen teams. There was certainly
friendly competition in the air when we had to add elimination questions at the end to decide between a two-way
tie for winning team and a three way tie for third place. Never have a bag of fun-size mars bars for third place been
so hotly competed for.
The winning team was eventually announced as; The Inspirers, including not surprisingly those working for Inspire.
The kindly re-donated their prize, donated by Aberdeen Performing Arts, of HMT Pantomime tickets to the raffle at
Sparkles Disco the next night. Sparkles Disco is an event for those who benefit from the support of Inspire PTL as
well as their carers; a fun night out and the prize was won again by a carer who very much enjoyed the pantomime.
Second prize fell to; Senators Skol, our JCI Aberdeen Senators and their guest the European Senate Chair, then in
third; Boobs, Boots and Aaron!
Mary Miller – JCI Communications Director
We raised over £1,200 from our Quiz Night!
Quiz Round Sponsors and Quiz Prize Sponsor
(Top Row). Raffle Prize Sponsors (Bottom Row).
Right – Winning Quiz Team, The Inspirers
Below – Prize table attracting raffle sales
Bottom – Packed venue of quiz teams
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www.jciaberdeen.org.uk
Inspire PTL & JCI Aberdeen – Our year together
JCI Aberdeen (JCIA) has been delighted to support local charity Inspire (Partnership Through Life) as the
organisation’s 2014/2015 nominated charity, and what a year it has been! The community partnership started in
March 2014 at The Grampian Industrialist of the Year Award Dinner where we helped to raise over £2,000 from
the black tie dinner’s Heads and Tails. Throughout the remainder of the year JCIA has continued to take an active
role in supporting the charity through attendance at the Baker Hughes 10K passing out medals to the worthy
competitors (including our very own Mary Miller and Christina Schiavone) together with raffle money collecting at
the CAMRA Beer Festival who were also supporting Inspire throughout 2014.
Christina led a fantastic Granite Garden project team who were tasked with reinvigorating the rock garden at
Seaton Park. The team were helped by volunteers from Inspire who rolled up their sleeves and got stuck in to
create a beautiful area which, we have no doubt, helped Aberdeen win the Royal Horticultural Society’s Britain in
Bloom competition for the 11th time!
Our support for the charity will continue into 2015 with Kim John and Euan Gillies taking on mentorship roles
through Project SEARCH, a scheme which seeks to help young people with learning disabilities gain employment
and lead independent lives. Further information on their local activities & programs can be found
http://www.inspireptl.org.uk/index.php/home/aboutus/types-of-support/project-search.
Our final charity project for Inspire will take place on Thursday 12th February 2015 at Norwood Hall Hotel. The
Great Granite Cook-Off will see Eat on the Green’s Craig Wilson pit himself against Cocoa Ooze’s Jamie Hutcheon
where chef will become foe in a bid to win the cook-off. A fantastically entertaining night awaits all foodies out
there so please contact project manager Rebecca Borresen at events@jciaberdeen.org.uk to get your tickets
today!
We have been honoured to support such an amazing charity over the last year and have no doubt that support
will continue to be offered whenever and wherever needed!
Kim John - Business & Community Affairs Director 2014
Tickets are £25 pp. Email events@jciaberdeen.org.uk
Above – Jamie Hutcheon, Cocoa Ooze
Below – Craig Wilson, Eat on the Green
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www.jciaberdeen.org.uk
JCI World Congress – Scotland welcomed in Leipzig
My first experience of the JCI World Congress 2014 in Leipzig, Germany
was the welcome ceremony and its outstanding spectacle of over 100
nationalities grouped in the hall to cheer their national presidents onto the
stage. Our wee band of Scots, while significantly smaller that the
members attending for some countries, were still clearly heard cheering
for National President, Lesley Fowler.
After the formal ceremony the attendees dissolved into the conference centre for the largest networking
and pin swapping icebreaker event I have ever seen. Pin swapping is a lovely idea for congresses where
you exchange your national lanyard pins with those from members of other nationalities. The successful
icebreaker beings sponsored by Budvar was probably just a happy coincidence!
As it was my first international congress however I was keen to experience as much as possible so on
only a couple hours sleep was back the next day with fellow JCI Aberdeen delegate Elaine Cleary at the
impressive Messe Centre for a training session on JCI Achieve. As well as an improved understanding of
what can be achieved with JCI, my notebook quickly filled up with ideas for our chamber from
brainstorming during the break-out sessions.
My big congress day however was Wednesday, JCI World Debating
Championships. While exciting to be invited to join the Scotland team
alongside European champions, Leanne Bradley and Patrick Hughes; I’ve
never been so nervous! Getting into my stride however after our first
debate, the semi and finals were actually good fun; against Belgium
campaigning for the removal of the age restriction on JCI members and
then Singapore declaring that economic development is more important
than environmental development.
We were though kept on tender-hooks for a couple of days until Scotland
was declared World Champions at the awards ceremony on Friday night.
Being presented with a celebratory Quaich by the JCI World President was
my highlight!
I was impressed with training sessions on Team Dynamics as well as
Online Communication & Branding and the key note speakers were an
unqualified success. They included the manager of the conference
sponsor, Budvar, about the importance of brand originality as well as the
Founder of Plant for the Planet, a youth-based environmental lobbying
group, on the importance of planting trees to combat environmental
change.
Top: JCI Scotland World Debate
Champions
2014.
Middle
three:
Leeanne Bradley, Patrick Hughes &
Mary Miller.
Bottom: Celebrating Scotland at Global
Fair event. L to R: Mary Miller, Steven
Wilson and Elaine Cleary
MyDirector
Congress - Steven Wilson, candidate for Executive Vice President
Mary Miller – Communications
With my Vice President ‘hat’ on, it was a busy week, with three sessions of the General Assembly, the main decision
making body of the organisation, to attend. I also had to attend a full Board of Directors meeting and also the
European Presidents Meeting and had the honour of chairing the Public Speaking Competition; with four impressive
entrants from each of the four JCI global regions.
As a candidate for JCI Executive Vice President, I went from a busy schedule to a crazy schedule it candidacy
required two days of training during which I was interviewed by the Nominations Committee for a grueling 30
minutes. I also had to deliver a prepared speech and deal with three impromptu questions at a Caucus packed with
nearly 1000 members. The full election took place and I was delighted to be duly elected and assigned to Europe for
2015. It will be a privilege to serve this organisation in this role which forms part of the Executive Committee.
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www.jciaberdeen.org.uk
Berlin - Pre World Congress Weekend
Starting the world congress early, we travelled to Germany’s capital for a quick whistle-stop tour of Berlin
which didn’t disappoint. The first lesson we all learned was that queuing for the airport bus was nonexistent and it was every man and woman for themselves. Once we were settled, it was great to get
together and enjoy a few cocktails before dinner. On Saturday we all were up early to get out and about
and see what Berlin had to offer, with the first stop being the Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie.
After an educating and interesting day we found our way to a fantastic traditional German restaurant and it
didn’t disappoint, the venue and food were fantastic and we managed to eat them out of apple strudel. We
all survived Berlin, ready to join the 5,000 JCI’ers from all around the world at World Congress.
Elaine Cleary – Communications Director
L-R: Grace Burns, Euan
Gillies, Stan Yao, Lesley
Fowler, Jasmine Kiebe,
Amanda Taylor, Elaine Cleary.
L-R: Neil Jordan, Mary Miller,
Marie-Charlotte Vanhaverbeke,
Elaine Cleary (Picture courtesy
of Michael Vermeersch)
JCI Scotland members and senators at the Farewell Ball
L-R: Elaine Cleary, Tobias Maas,
Amanda Taylor, Mary Miller
L-R: Mary Miller, Elaine Cleary,
Amanda Taylor
World Congress - All work and no play…
Alongside the formal and business aspects of the world congress, was the chance to meet other JCI’ers
and world congress is a fantastic place for JCI members from all over the world to get together. The first
welcome night was an excellent way for us to break the ice and start meeting others in the conference
centre. We used this as an opportunity to stray outside of our comfort zone and away from familiar faces.
Party nights throughout the week were hosted by JCI Netherlands, JCI Japan, JCI Canada and JCI
Germany, brilliant fun nights that left the even the hard-core party goers were a bit tired after the week. We
took part in the Global Village, with stalls from around the world set up to promote each country and the
Scotland stall proved to be very popular, especially with our seemingly never ending source of whisky and
teacakes. Friday night was the awards ceremony and the announcement that Scotland has risen to glory to
claim the winning spot at the International Debating Championship, we were screaming our support so loud
I think they heard us in Aberdeen.
Saturday, the last day and the Farewell Ball was in the beautiful setting under the glass dome in the
conference centre and the perfect place to watch the fireworks overhead. There were little in the way of
goodbyes and more ‘see you soon’ to both old and new friends that were made throughout the week. Mary
and I had to fly back straight after the ball so we grabbed our suitcases and made our way to the airport,
dresses and all. An excellent week and I am looking forward to getting the opportunity to attend another
World Congress again.
Elaine Cleary - Communications Director
Twinning Lunch with JCI Lier
JCI Aberdeen members and senators were joined for lunch in Leipzig,
Germany at JCI 2014 World Congress, by our twin chamber - JCI Lier
from Belgium. 2014 marked the 20th year of this relationship. We are
also hoping to receive a delegation of Lier members at National
Conference 2015 in Aberdeen and aim to send members across to Lier
for their Annual Dinner on 7th March 2015 – get in touch with Euan Gillies.
Members and senators from
JCI Aberdeen and JCI Lier
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www.jciaberdeen.org.uk
JCI 100 Years of Impact.
1915:
The Mission Inn, formerly located at the corner of Grand and Magnolia, in St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A. was the
birthplace of the Junior Chamber Movement. The Mission Inn was the first place where JCI founder Henry
Giessenbier Jr. was able to put his dream to reality of forming an organization to study civic and business problems
and provide opportunity to participate in civic community activities.
As President of the Federation of Dance Clubs, he led an important meeting on October 13, 1915, at the Mission Inn
in St. Louis, Missouri. It was at this gathering that 32 young men agreed to form the Young Men’s Progressive Civic
Association (YMPCA), developing their skills as leaders by tackling difficult civic problems.
1944:
The historic first meeting held in Mexico City, Mexico, was where Junior Chamber International was formed. The
first National Organizations forming JCI were Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, El Salvador, Honduras,
Nicaragua and the United States.
1946:
In February 1946, 44 delegates from 16 different countries attended the first JCI World Congress held in Panama
City, Panama. Those nations represented at this first congress included Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, Chile,
Ecuador, the United States, Guatemala, El Salvador, Hawaii, Honduras, New Zealand, Mexico, Panama, Peru and
Uruguay.
Since 1915 JCI has grown and developed into an organisation that has been creating positive change in over 5,000
local organisations. At the World Congress in Leipzig in 2014 there was representation from nearly 5,000 members
from over 100 countries around the world. This is a true testament to the values and mission of JCI and look
forward to what the next centenary of active citizenship and positive change can bring to our communities and
indeed our members.
JCI Scotland
National Conference
Tickets on sale now
www.jciscotland100.com
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www.jciaberdeen.org.uk
Festive Celebrations – Christmas Dinner and EGM
On 5th December JCI Aberdeen held their annual EGM, Christmas meal and awards ceremony at The Palm Court
Hotel to celebrate another fantastic year of impact in the local community. After catching up with friends over
welcome drinks, attendees took their seats so we could get down to business! An EEGM was held to discuss and
approve a change to the JCIA Constitution which was approved unanimously, as was the voting in of the 2015
board at the EGM, of which I am delighted to be the President of. Now that the business of the day had been
completed it was time to sit back and enjoy a lovely meal and a couple of glasses of vino with fellow members.
During the meal JCI Aberdeen President Euan Gillies took up the mantle of Master of Ceremonies for the annual
awards ceremony which saw various members presented with trophies which have been bestowed on much loved
predecessors.
Euan had also prepared a wonderful video to showcase the efforts of the chamber over the last 12 months, full of
laughs and memories. Another great year for JCI Aberdeen and I very much look forward to leading a strong Board
and Chapter in 2015 whereby the next Christmas meal will be a chance to reflect on further achievements.
Kim John - Business & Community Affairs Director 2014. Vice-President 2014
Awards presented by JCI Aberdeen President, Euan Gillies.
(Pictures of awards recipients from the left)
Bon Accord Skean Dhu (Best Event) David Derbyshire for the JCA Reunited.
JCI Barnsley Friendship Award Elaine Cleary.
Sillerton Quaich (Best New Member) Christina Schiavone.
Communications Award Mary Miller and Elaine Cleary.
The Aberdeen Award (Most outstanding member) Kim John.
Membership Award Danielle Grieve (not pictured)
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www.jciaberdeen.org.uk
JCI & the Seven Trades - visit to Trinity Hall.
On an otherwise drizzly September evening a dozen JCI Aberdeen members and I were fortunate enough to be
treated to a tour of Trinity Hall; the hub from which the daily life of the Seven Incorporated Trades of Aberdeen
revolves and operates.
From the outside this building (built in 1966) may not look that imposing or grand, it may even look rather out of
place to some, but after a 2 hour guided tour from the Deacon Convener David Parkinson (from the Tailors
trade) we soon realised the importance and splendour of this building due to what is contained within its walls.
Home to the Seven Incorporated Trades of Aberdeen, Hammerman, Bakers, Wrights & Coopers, Tailors,
Shoemakers, Weavers, Fleshers, this massive building is jam packed with fascinating historical items. Some of
these items date back hundreds of years such as the furniture in the main room, regularly used for functions,
which has been traced back to 1875. The entire building is full of amazing pieces showcasing the history of the 7
Trades including what are known as “essay pieces”. Aberdeen is the last remaining group which still requires
these in order to gain entry into the Incorporated Trades. The essay piece entails the proposed member creating
something which is directly linked to their trade. The quality of the workmanship and the detail in them is
staggering and has to be seen to be believed; that they have been done by hand makes them more impressive.
We were even fortunate enough to be taken into the vault room where all the old records are stored and kept
for reference purposes, one of the books we had the opportunity to view dated back to 1673! These records
gave an insight into how the various trades made their money all those years ago. For example, the Bakers used
to own the land for the cemeteries in Aberdeen which may seem a bit morbid but each time you wanted to bury
someone, you had to pay the Bakers. The Fleshers used to charge anyone brining a beast into the city for
slaughter, and would then charge for the slaughter and the dressing of the meat for sale along with taking a
commission from the final sale. It’s fascinating to hear the stories from years gone by of how these Seven Trades
ran the city and were (and still are to this day) very powerful. Deacon Convener David Parkinson also regaled us
with many amazing stories of the past of the Seven Trades of Aberdeen and even more amusing anecdotes of
their history in our great granite city.
James Reid - 2014 PPD Director
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www.jciaberdeen.org.uk
Debate, don’t waffle – Introduction to debating
“Debate is contention in argument, a discussion of questions of public
interest in Parliament or in any assembly.”
As a first timer to debating, I was somehow nervous
and apprehensive about going to the Introduction to
Debating. Every time I have those feelings, I always
think to myself - try it and then decide if you want to
continue with it, and that’s what I did! Guess what, I
really liked it too!
The experience was great and what I took most from
debating is that:
 Do as much research as possible and work in
a team; you will be surprised with the
knowledge of the people sitting next to you
JCI is one of the few arenas where members can
practice and acquire skills in the art of public speaking
and debating. JCIA has a long tradition of success in this
field and has enjoyed considerable success at national
and international levels. Some members have excelled
at this skill despite not initially recognising it in
themselves, especially in the Aberdeen chapter where
we have had a lot of success internationally.
 Be bold with your statements and have
coherent arguments
During our introduction to debating, we were
familiarising with Burnside debating and were
spectators of a live demonstration before we started
ourselves. We all enjoyed a full practice debate on the
merits of felines or canines as the best pets!
 Have strong arguments and be assertive!
 Don’t just throw statistics as your arguments,
they can always be outscored by a strong
argument. Use them as a support, not as a
weapon
 Be flexible; depending on how the debate will
go, you don’t need to use all of your
arguments from your research
 Take notes when others speak, as they might
give you more ideas
 You only have limited time to speak, but don’t
rush and speak slowly! A calm presentation is
always much stronger
 Enjoy yourself, its great fun!
Picture from L to R: Euan gillies, Duncan MacMillan, James Reid,
Mary Miller, Danielle Grieve and Marta Kotonska
Debating: is great fun, helps you think on your feet,
organise your arguments and points, and put them
concisely, powerfully and respectfully. Don’t wait until
the next time you get caught waffling in a meeting
and wish you'd expressed your point better… start
debating now, it really helps!
Marta Kotonska – JCI Member
Challenge yourself in 2015!
With our JCI Scotland National Conference in Aberdeen, 17 - 19th April 2015, we are looking for JCI
Aberdeen members to participate in the Public Speaking and Debating competitions. Training sessions will
be organised shortly so keep an eye on Facebook. Members, newbies and otherwise, are encouraged to
join in the competitions by emailing; ppd@jciaberdeen.org.uk
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www.jciaberdeen.org.uk
JCI Aberdeen is
Events for your Diary
January ’15 – April ‘15
17th Jan – JCI Aberdeen Annual General Meeting
[Royal Northern & University Club]
12th Feb – Great Granite Cook Off – fundraiser
[Norwood Hall Hotel]
kindly sponsored by our patrons:
Aberdeen Asset Management
Aker Qserv
Balmoral Group
Burness Paull LLP
6th Mar – Grampian Industrialist Award & Dinner - fundraiser
[Ardoe House Hotel]
Compass Print
17th to 19th Apr – JCI Scotland National Conference
Craig Group Ltd
[Aberdeen
PPD activities and Social events will be organised in the
coming months so please review the Facebook page for when
there are confirmed nearer the time.
Full details of all our events can be found on our Facebook
page at www.facebook.com/jciaberdeen
• Social • Business & Community • Official Events • PPD
First Group Plc
Iain Smith Solicitors LLP
Knight Property Group
Langstane Press Ltd
Meston Reid & Co
The Robert Gordon University
Stewart Milne Group
STV Group Plc
SunDog Services Limited
Wilsone & Duffus
Wood Group PSN
XiC
Horizons was compiled and designed by the JCI
Aberdeen Communications Team. Horizons
printing was kindly donated by Compass Print.
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