Maggie Fair 2023

There can be few village fairs which can match the boast of being held annually since 1587 and this alone makes Maggie Fair very unique. Not even the war years could deter the community of Garmouth & Kingston from tradition but frustratingly they were denied their fair for two years during the Covid pandemic. However, last year saw the most welcome return of the annual event and this year it is most definitely on track again.

Whilst retaining its respectful nod to history and tradition Maggie Fair has adapted, grown and moved with the times from a one-day event to a week-long programme of activities and fund raising events which are organized by a small but dedicated committee. All proceeds are reinvested into local amenities for the benefit of the community and particularly help towards the upkeep of parks, open spaces, village hall and the iconic Water Tower. Fair week events this year include Junior Discos; Open Gardens; Quiz Night; Cookery Evening; Tea & Competitions with Fair Day itself on Saturday 24th June. Family fun down in the

Garmouth Playing Field (with no admission charge) always draws a huge crowd offering something for all ages and a chance to catch up with friends and family.

So, what’s on? As well as traditional stalls, attractions include children’s fancy dress and activities, classic cars, obstacle challenge, Land Train, BBQ, beer tent, live music, Rex’s Reptiles, visiting crafters, local and visiting exhibitors Speyside Falconry, grand raffle and Village Hall teas. Maggie Fair Day is rounded off handsomely with evening fun and live music at the Golf Club by The Forty Elephants and catering by the Big Orange.

It’s quite a week – not only a great opportunity for the community to come together and show its support but a welcoming celebration to all who are looking for fun, entertainment and chance to pick up a bargain or that unique purchase.

Further details and information can be found on web page https:themaggiefair.co.uk or Facebook page Maggie Fair Garmouth or by contacting Barbara Walker, Secretary on 01343 870264

Nestled in the heart of Speyside, with a long and varied history, Dufftown is home to six working distilleries, a range of speciality shops, surrounded by beautiful walks and on the second Saturday of every month is host to our local Farmers’ Market. Dufftown is only an hour from either Aberdeen or Inver ness and even less from the beautiful Moray Firth coast.

The monthly Dufftown Farmers’ Market brings together local businesses offering a variety of goods. At the market offering fresh produce (meat, seafood, eggs, bread, cakes, honey) as well as different crafts and gifts. We have stalls from local charities and over the summer months we have plants for sale too.

The dates for summer markets are 10th June and 12th August from 10am to 1pm.

On 8th July we are planning something a bit different, we out more about our group at www.dmdt.org.uk and contact us at hello@dmdt.org.uk.

Fayre from 3pm to 7pm. There will be the usual wide range of stalls plus many different food and drink vendors, a mini food festival you could say You can come along and enjoy a drink in the sun (we hope!) as you look around the market and meet people. The August Market will have extra activities laid on for the younger visitors as this will be just before the end of their school holidays.

The Far mers’ Market is situated at the Royal British Legion in the town and it’s a short walk to the other shops and businesses in Dufftown. We have a range of specialist businesses in Dufftown and other places to eat and drink. If you want to make a day of it, why not follow the Heritage Trail around Dufftown that is both an introduction to our varied history and a beautiful walk. You can also walk to Aberlour and Craigellachie, two of our Speyside neighbours, along the Speyside Way that used to be an old railway line.

If walking is not for you, you could go on a train journey, courtesy of the Keith Dufftown Heritage Railway, on what is left of the railway line. The train ride takes you through some of the lovely Speyside countryside to Keith. Whether walking or riding through the countryside don’t forget to stop by the beautiful 12th century Balvenie Castle too.

If you want to stay longer (who wouldn’t?) there are a range of lovely places offering accommodation in Dufftown, whether you’d like to stay in a B&B or self-catering from cottages to campsites and other things in between.

The monthly Farmers’ Market is run by the Dufftown and Mortlach Development Trust who seek to develop Dufftown as an attractive place to live, work and visit.

Regular updates on Facebook on the run up market and promote who will be joining us that month. So, if you are looking for something to do on the second Saturday of the month why not come along to our Farmers’ Market at the Royal British Legion (50 Balvenie St, Dufftown, AB55 4AS) and while you are here take some time to enjoy everything else that Dufftown has to offer

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new venue, and the date for both events remained the same.

Moray Business Women's conference is an opportunity for local business owners to come together and learn new skills and strategies to grow their businesses.

Moray Business

Women Announce Conference and Charity Dinner Featuring Keynote Speakers Dr Poonam Gupta OBE and Janet Murray, host of top ranking podcast ‘Courageous Content’.

Moray Business Women, has announced their annual conference, Action Stations, and this year for the first time ever, they are also hosting a charity dinner & silent auction the evening before to raise funds for SurfABLE Scotland, the group's chosen charity for the year.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, Moray Business Women had to change their conference venue at the last minute.

President Ailsa Stinson from B is for Brand said: “Moray Business Women is an organisation focussed on connecting and supporting women in their business lives and we think our events this summer are a fabulous opportunity for others to join us.

We can guarantee you’ll be ‘In good company!’” w. www.mbwc.org/uk i. @moraybusinesswomen f. /moraybusinesswomen

The events will take place on June 27th and 28th at The Seafield Arms in Cullen.

Tickets for both the charity dinner and conference are now available on Eventbrite.

However, with the community spirit and determination from the committee, they secured The Seafield Arms in Cullen as the SurfABLE Scotland e. presiident@mbwc.org.uk

Charity Dinner

All welcome to join us for dinner, networking & a silent auction to raise funds for our 2023 charity SurfABLE Scotland

TUES 27TH JUNE DRESS: SMART