Monthly Archives: May 2022

Adventure awaits at Chapelton’s Patey Park

This month, we unveiled our brand new natural playground, Patey Park. Offering a new space for Chapelton residents and visitors to explore, the playground has been specifically designed to offer fun, creative and unstructured play for children. 

Patey-Park-Opening-May-2022-12-1024x683 Adventure awaits at Chapelton's Patey Park

Patey Park can be found on the top of Cairnhill in the heart of our bustling town and is named after renowned local Aberdeen climber, Tom Patey, whose natural flair for outdoor adventure inspired the design. 

A series of winding paths takes young adventurers on a journey over mounds and slopes, rocks and boulders, logs, tree stumps, and balance beams. As children make their way across these natural elements, the movement and explorative play links to Tom’s impressive climbing career. 

While children will learn physical skills throughout their adventures at Patey Park, there are also spaces nestled throughout which are ideal for rest and making new friends with others in the playground. These den-like areas are a great way to encourage conversation between peers, benefitting their communication skills. 

The Duchess of Fife and Director of Elsick Development Company which leads the build of Chapelton said: “The entire ethos behind the playground is to encourage nature-based group play, which helps to encourage the development of motor, sensory and social skills. 

“The design of the playground differs from other play areas since the topography is challenging, making it fun and natural. We are planning to add more equipment at a later date, and it is hoped that we will also have a zip line. 

“There are areas that have been made into bases with flags that can be used in group games, and there are little natural areas where the youngsters can sit and have a natter.”

Celebrating what the new space will offer the Chapelton community, Tom’s son Ian, along with his wife Jennifer and their daughter Megan, unveiled the new playground to local school children and Scout groups, offering youngsters the chance to put their adventure hat on and try out the park. 

The Duchess of Fife added: “It means a lot to us that Tom’s family have been able to be here today. Tom was a brilliant and inspiring mountaineer from the local area, and he was an advocate for children embracing outdoor adventures and testing their limits through exploration and play. We hope this play area will be a fitting legacy to his feats.” 

Patey-Park-Opening-May-2022-1-1024x683 Adventure awaits at Chapelton's Patey Park

We can’t wait to see how our residents and town visitors benefit from this unique playground! 

A Q&A with Chapelton’s running group

Running is one of the simplest and most effective forms of exercise, not only does it benefit your physical health but also your mental health too, helping to release endorphins and improve your cardiovascular fitness. 

Joining a running club is a great way to socialise with like-minded people who share a common interest. Getting outside and running alongside others can be a great mood lifter and give you a much needed energy boost.

In this blog post we caught up with the founder of Chapelton Running Group, Ann Gallon to find out more about the group, her motivation behind starting it and how you can get involved…

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Can you tell us a bit about the Chapelton Running Group?

“We meet every Wednesday at 6.30pm at Hume Square in Chapelton. I like to think we are inclusive for all abilities and each session or group run is tailored to suit most. We are a friendly bunch and always looking to welcome new members to come along and join. 

“Some weeks we do sessions focusing on targeted areas such as speed, hill or pyramids and during the warm summer evenings we often go for group runs. There are some beautiful routes around Chapelton with nice trails and the odd hill. It is a really lovely way to discover Chapelton and gives you a great feel for the surrounding area. 

“In the past our group has been involved in a number of events including treasure hunts and 5K races.” 

How long has the running group been going for?

“The group was created in July 2018, as this was when I created the Facebook Page, it’s amazing to see how much it has grown since day one.”

What was the motivation behind starting the running group and how did it get started?

“When I started running in the area I met so many other runners and after seeing the turn out for the first Chapelton 10K and the overall success of the event, I decided to start a local group.

“It’s a fantastic way for those from the local community to socialise while doing something they love. Particularly if you are having a stressful day, there is no better feeling than being able to go outdoors and take your mind off things.”

How can others from the community or outside Chapelton get involved?

“If you are interested in coming along to one of our sessions or would like to find out more, you can private message me on Facebook or join the Chapelton Running Group Facebook page.

“I usually post on the Facebook page prior to the meet up, indicating what type of session it will be. If it seems like something you would like to get involved in you can turn up at 6:30pm on Wednesday.

“We love to welcome new runners, so come along and join in!” 

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Is the running group open to all abilities, ages, gender etc?

“Definitely, everyone is welcome! Our sessions can be adapted to suit all and there is also no pressure to complete a full session.”

What do you love most about the running group?

“I have made great friends over the last 4 years. We have a fantastic group of people of all different abilities and coming together each week has created an amazing sense of community. We all enjoy a good social run with plenty of chat.”

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Do you have specific goals that you work towards as a group or is it on an individual level?

“Everyone has their own goal that they would like to achieve, it is all down to personal preference. Some of our members are racing fanatics who enjoy competing in races while others don’t race at all. There is never any pressure on anyone to reach a certain level.

“For those that enter races of similar lengths, it is nice to have the opportunity to run at the weekends. It can help people to stay motivated towards achieving their goal and preparing for any of their upcoming races.”

CHR-5-1-1024x768 A Q&A with Chapelton's running group

Do you have any exciting upcoming events or projects?

“The Chapelton 10k is not too far away on Sunday 17th July! There is still plenty of time to train so if anyone wants to join us with the intention of doing the race, I am always happy to assist as much as I can.”

If you are interested in getting involved in the Chapelton Running Group, please click here and why not try out our 10-week training plan for the Chapelton 10K?

Chapelton of Elsick 10K running tips – 10 weeks to go!

The Chapelton of Elsick 10K returns to the town on 17 July, 2022. The race follows an undulating multi terrain trail through the picturesque Elsick House estate, setting off and finishing in the charming village of Chapelton, near Stonehaven.

Whether you’re an avid runner looking to hit a new PB or a complete novice, we’ve put together some top tips for those looking to take up the 10K challenge this summer.

10k_044-1024x683 Chapelton of Elsick 10K running tips - 10 weeks to go!

10 weeks to go…

If you are new to running or haven’t completed a longer distance run before, ease yourself in with a couple of shorter runs (around 2km) or aim to run at a comfortable pace for around 20 minutes. Try to run for a minute longer on each run in the first week to challenge yourself.

For those that are more comfortable with running and just need some motivation to get going, aim to run 2-3 times a week at a comfortable pace for 30 minutes or roughly 2.5-3km.

7 weeks to go…

At this point, it’s a good idea to introduce a strength workout to supplement your three weekly runs. Aim to run for a minimum of 35 minutes and where possible try to include some small inclines into your practice.

5 weeks to go…

Now is the time to up your training schedule and aim to add an additional running day, taking you to four runs per week and running for 40-50 minutes (around 7km) each time. Include one or two strength training sessions per week and a lunch or evening walk a few times each week too.

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2 weeks to go…

This is the final week to up your distance before the race, aim to set out for two to three 6K runs and one longer 9K run on top of your strength sessions and walking.

1 week to go…

Take it easy this week as you don’t want to sap all your energy! Aim to complete two shorter (3-4km) runs on Monday and Thursday, a stretch session on Tuesday and Thursday and completely rest on Friday and Saturday before the race on Sunday.

 The day before/on the day…

Fuel up on carbohydrates and drink plenty of water the night before and the morning of the race. Whatever you do, don’t stress, take it easy and try to stick to a comfortable even pace throughout.   

Other important things to consider:

  • Hydration, hydration, hydration – with your increase in activity, make sure you’re drinking enough water to keep your body hydrated
  • Walk and take the stairs wherever and whenever you can to keep your body moving in the weeks leading up to the race
  • Think about your nutrition, adding more protein to your diet and limiting alcohol
  • Stretch – a simple stretch before you set off is recommended to warm up your body and factoring in time to properly stretch off post-run will not only ease your muscles, it can prevent injury and release stress and tension
  • Make sure you include one full rest day each week where you do no exercise and instead focus on recovery
10k_081-1024x683 Chapelton of Elsick 10K running tips - 10 weeks to go!

Why not try out one of the free 5K Park Runs in the lead-up to the race? Find your nearest Park Run here.

There’s still time to sign up to take part in the Chapelton of Elsick 10K on 17 July, register here. 

How to host the perfect street party

There’s nothing like a street party to get to know your neighbours and instil a sense of community spirit on your own doorstep, all while enjoying the best of the summer weather. Since the official end of The First World War in 1919, street parties have become a uniquely British tradition to mark national days of celebration, with bunting, tea parties and neighbourly banquets becoming key features over the years.

With the Platinum Jubilee coming up on the 5th of June, there’s no better time to organise a street party. To help you get started and inspire the residents of Chapelton, we’ve shared our top tips on how to organise and host the perfect street party for you and your neighbours…

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How to get started with planning your street party

Once you’ve made the decision to host a street party, there are a few important things to consider before you can get the bunting hung up…

  • Ask a few other neighbours if they would like to be involved and agree on a date early on.
  • There should be one or two main coordinators who can make sure everyone is assigned a role in bringing the party together and given something to bring along.
  • Arrange 2-3 informal meetings with other residents on your street to get the planning underway. Make sure that everyone has a part to play in bringing the event together.
  • If any roads require closed off, apply to hold a street party through your local council 4 – 12 weeks in advance. Gov.uk provide useful information on what you need to provide your local council with when organising a street party.

Social media seems like the most obvious way to spread the word but it’s also important to opt for good old fashioned paper invitations when it comes to planning a street party. Not only does this ensure that everyone on your street is included, it may also be required when applying to host your street party through your local council, as promotion through social media may classify this as a public event.

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Getting everyone involved

A memorable street party wouldn’t be possible without everyone coming together for a good time. Giving neighbours and people of all ages a chance to get to know each other is fantastic, especially in a new community like Chapelton.

From the organising and planning, to the cooking and decorations, there are plenty of tasks for everyone to get involved with. A great street party is a collaborative effort, no matter what everyone’s age, skills or interests are. Here are some tips and ideas for making sure everyone on your street can be part of the big day…

  • Get the local children involved with making some simple bunting or paper string decorations.
  • Make sure plenty of seats are set out on the day so elderly residents have a place to sit and enjoy the celebrations.
  • Arrange a baking, crafts competition or a quiz to get people of all ages involved on the day.
  • Host a wheelie bin decoration competition and race.
  • Create a cycle/scooter course, or a mini football game.
  • A competition for the best front garden or decorated front of house.
  • Allow everyone to participate in a way that they will enjoy – perhaps you have a neighbour who is a fantastic baker, or has a family recipe they would love to share with the community? Others may have time to help with setting up on the day.
  • Make sure there is plenty of food and music that will suit everyone on the street.
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How can the residents of Chapelton organise their own street party?

Chapelton’s pedestrianised streets, open garages and green spaces are perfect for holding outdoor parties in the community.

Speak to your neighbours to see if there is an appetite for a street party and find out who can help in bringing the party together.