SpotLight on Buckie & Keith January 2011

JANUARY 2011

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SpotLight

on Buckie, Keith and district

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The North’s Favourite FREE wee mag’!

In this issue......

Clubs & Societies The Clavie Pastoral Letter Church Details Clarkly Hill Walk What’s On Cinema Listings Chef’s Confidential

3 4 6 6 8 10 11 12

Council News 14 & 15 Parliament Blog 15 School Term Dates 16 Local Holidays 16 Tide Times 16 Useful Contacts 18 Advertisers Index 18

FEBRUARY ISSUE Editorial Deadline - Friday 31st December Advertising Deadline - Wednesday 5th January

...information on your community

(mobile service also available) For A More Relaxing Experience & Less Stress For Your Pet

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SpotLight Clubs and Societies

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1ST BUCKIE BOYS BRIGADE Mon. Anchor Boys 6pm; Tues. B and Club 6pm; Wed. Gymnastics 6.30pm; Fri. Juniors 6pm; Fri. Company 7.20pm; Sunday Bibleclass 10am. Contact Alan McIntosh 832999 AL-ANON FAMILY GROUPSBUCKIE & KEITH Al-Anon Family Groups offer free, confidential help & support to the relatives & friends of problem drinkers. Local weekly groups in Buckie & Keith. For further information call 020 7403 0888, visit www.hexnet.co.uk/alanon/ or email alanonuk@aol.com BANFF, MORAY & NAIRN CANINE CLUB Classes are held in Obedience and Ringcraft every Monday evening during school terms from 1800 hrs in Spynie Hall, Elgin.

Call Joanne on 810293 or Mary on 850262 BUCKIE AMATEUR SWIMMING CLUB Classes spanning all levels and coaching available. Age 5-16 years. Contact David Eckersley 832078 BUCKIE BRIDGE CLUB Weekly, on Wednesday at 7pm, September to April. Buckie Community High School.

Contact Mr B.G. Smith 832731 BUCKIE CRICKET CLUB Junior coaching on Wednesday evenings. Linzee Gordon Park, Buckie. Contact William G Flett 832082

If you would like details of your club or society included in this section please let us know. All club listings are free. Not all clubs will be listed every issue.

BUCKIE ROVERS JUNIOR FOOTBALL CLUB Training Monday & Wednesday, 7pm-9pm July - May. Contact Mr D G Roberts 840861 BUCKIE RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB Meets Saturdays 10am-12noon for training, Linzee Gordon Park.

FOCHABERS HILL WALKING & RAMBLING CLUB Meets the last Sunday each month for hill walking outings. £10 annual sub and £10-£15 bus fare. Contact Wilma Forsyth for more details 01343 821101 FOCHABERS PETANQUE CLUB To play and promote the game of Pentanque, Fochabers Cricket Club, Fochabers. Contact MIke Watt 832591 HIPBUMPERS Meets Mondays 7.30pm to 9pm for social dancing at Longmore Hall, Keith ISLA VOLLEYBALL CLUB Wednesday evenings from September to April, Keith Community Centre. 7.30pm-9pm Intermediate & Seniors; 9pm10pm Seniors. Contact Mhorag Mitchell 888310 JOG SCOTLAND BUCKIE Meets on Tuesday 6.30pm at Swimming Pool car park, juniors meet on Monday 4.30pm at BHS Games Hall. Suitable for beginners. Tel: 842847 or email jsbuckie@walkjogrunmoray.org.uk

JOG SCOTLAND KEITH Meets on Monday 6.30pm at Keith Community Centre, juniors meet at 6pm. Suitable for beginners. Tel: 870609 or email jskeith@walkjogrunmoray.org.uk KEITH AND DISTRICT AMATEUR ATHLETIC CLUB Meets Wednesdays, 7pm, Keith Community Centre Car Park, Annual subscription £15, Contact Club Secretary, Steven Taylor: Tel 832898, 07808 687036 www.walkjogrunmoray.org.uk KEITH & HUNTLY TANG SOO DO Korean martial arts, teaching mental & physical training. £3.

Thursdays, Royal British Legion, Keith. Juniors:5.15pm-6pm; Adults:6pm-7pm, contact Master Wilma McGregor tel: 0797 607 4694

MULBEN MUMS AND TODDLERS Meets every Wednesday morning from 10am at Boharm Hall, Mulben. Contact Lorraine on 860338 MULBEN SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING Meets the 1st & 3rd Wednesday each month, 7.30pm-9.30pm, Mulben Hall. All welcome.

Contact Margaret Rhynas tel: 01542 860208 NIKKI’S AEROBICS Exercise class at Longmore Hall, Keith on Tuesdays 7pm to 8pm

KEITH SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE CLASS Meets weekly from Thursday 9th September, 2010 in the Royal British Legion Hall, Balloch Road, Keith 7.30pm-9.30pm

OAP CLUB Club for the over 50’s, meets 2nd Tuesday each month, 1.45pm to 4pm, Longmore Hall, Keith

KEITH SENIOR YOUTH CLUB & SEVEN 2 ONE CLUB Monday, Tuesday, and Friday evenings. 12-25 - Senior Youth Club. 11-12 Seven 2 One Club (P7 & S1). Contact Sharon Duncan or Shona Goodall 882222

QUARRIERS CARER SUPPORT SERVICE MORAY Providing practical and emotional support to the unpaid Carers of Moray. If you look after a family member, friend or neighbour and could use some help or just want to find out more about what we do, call us on 01343 556031

KEITH SPORTS AND COMMUNITY CENTRE Contact June Simpson 882222

SpotLight on Buckie & Keith is published by Winterburn media Ltd, Comraich, Woodside Farm, Kinloss Iv36 3UA All material contained within the SpotLight magazines is subject to formal copyright restrictions and therefore the reproduction of any listings, editorial, advertiser artwork or any other content, without the publishers prior consent, will be considered a breach of copyright. All rates are per month plus vAT and based on a Black & White 12 month series.

Call 01309 690063 for more details.

SpotLight on Buckie, Keith and District

MORAY ADVANCE MOTORISTS AND MOTORCYCLISTS Reg. Scottish Charity (SC 033561) visit www.morayiam.org.uk or 01309 673954

www.spotlighton.co.uk

SLIMMING WORLD FOCHABERS Wednesdays at 5.30pm & 7.30pm in the Scout Hall, Fochabers, contact Christine tel: 01542 835096 for more details.

SAmPLE ADvERT RATES Box £30 Big Box £57 ¼ Page £104 ½ Page £195 Business Profile £333 Full Page £369 Enhanced Listings in What’s On pages from £33 January 2011 - page 3

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The Clavie 11th January Why 11th January? This is the date of the Burning of the Clavie, a fire festival unique to Burghead, which greets the New Year, first recorded in records of the Presbytery of Elgin 1655. Banned by the Church in the 17th18th centuries as idolatrous, the earlier history behind this fire festival is unrecorded. Such ceremonies may have pagan origins, and at Burghead could date back to the pre-Christian Pictish occupation.

The significance of the 11th January dates back to the 1750’s, when the Julian calendar was reformed in Britain and the new Gregorian calendar was introduced.

People rioted demanding back their 11 days but not in Burghead. Brochers decided to have the best of both worlds, by celebrating New Year twice on 1st January and 11th January.

Now every 11th January the flaming Clavie (a barrel full of staves) is carried round the town by the Clavie Crew followed by a large crowd. Certain favoured residents along the route have a lucky burning ember delivered to their door. The final destination of the Clavie is the Doorie Hill on the ramparts of the ancient fort, where it is firmly wedged. After refueling several times, it is allowed to burn out and fall down the hill, when still smoldering embers are eagerly gathered.

Possession of a piece of the Clavie is said to bring good luck for the coming year and pieces are sent round the world to exiled ‘Brochers’.

The Burning of the Clavie dates much further back

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SpotLight Local Interest

than the 1750’s, of course. Before the coming of Christianity, the priests of the day were the Druids, the men of wisdom and learning. The common people held them in

superstitious reverence. Many were the strange rites performed at their hands, many the sacrifices they demanded. Their chief instrument of ceremonial was fire.

It was the great purifier.

Shaw, the 18th century historian of the Province of Moray recounts a Druid rite, which was enacted when a disease broke out amongst the cattle. The fires in the houses around were extinguished. Sparks were ‘forced’ by rubbing pieces of wood together, and from these, bunches of juniper were lit, to be burned in the stalls of the cattle. The smoldering branches were carried in a basket (Gaelic word ‘cliabh’ pronounced cleeav) among the cattle in order to combat infection. When this had been done, the flaming juniper was carried round the houses in the vicinity, to rekindle the fires on their hearths.

From such a custom is surely derived the Burning of the Clavie. On that anniversary night of pagan ceremonial, Burghead reverts to the mood of primitive times, reenacting some form of fire worship many centuries have not forgotten.

SpotLight on Buckie, Keith and District

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Electrical Engineers & Contractors

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Local Departures for 2011 FROM INVERNESS

FROM ABERDEEN

Portugal 16th May 4 star all-inclusive ....................... from ÂŁ689

AMALFI COAST 4th June HB................... from ÂŁ809

Sorrento 25th June B&B ................. from ÂŁ549 Venetian Riviera 3rd July B&B .. from ÂŁ579 Lake Garda 3rd July and 16th October B&B ................. from ÂŁ539

ELGIN 01343 548844 FORRES 01309 672203 All prices are per person for 7 nights

Sorrento 4th June B&B ................. from ÂŁ549 Sicily 11th Jun HB ... from ÂŁ599 Lake Garda 19th June B&B ................. from ÂŁ548 Dubrovnik 27th June HB.................... from ÂŁ649

Beaver Travel, 2-6 South Street, Elgin Beaver Travel, 78 High Street, Forres

Beaver Travel in Forres is also a ticket agent for Eden Court Theatre, Inverness - at Box Office Prices

MORAY BASED ROOFING SPECIALIST

Slating Tiling Fascias Guttering Single Ply & GRP Flat Roof Systems G

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Chartered surveyor ref on request

OF RO O F WIIZARD Z ARD 01343 850063 07765 947025

email: enquiries@roof-wizard.co.uk

FAMILY RUN FOR 21 YEARS

Moray Dance ELGIN FOCHABERS

HOPEMAN t LOSSIEMOUTH All at Moray Dance School want to wish p pupils and parents a H Happy Ha ap ppy py New New Year Ye Y ear ea arr

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SpotLight

So it’s back to normality after the Christmas and New Year celebrations!

How are you feeling now that the festive hype has passed? For some people it’s a welcome return to the usual routine of life.

Maybe that’s your experience; you’re quite glad to take down the cards, pack away the decorations and put them in the loft until next year. However for others, if Christmas and New Year is a real time of joy and happiness, it can be a struggle to say goodbye to the holiday period and hello to the regular pattern of life again.

Maybe some of you are struggling to get back into the normal routine because you know that you have to face up to your difficult financial position. Perhaps in the last year you’ve lost your job or have struggled to cover your regular outgoings.

The Christmas break has maybe taken the focus temporarily away from your problems. But as January comes and normality resumes again, the reality of your situation remains the same. For a lot of people, the Christmas spending begins to bite as the bank statements or credit card bills come tumbling through your letterbox.

You might even have taken out an extra loan to cover the cost of the festive season, potentially adding to existing debts. And so

Pastoral Letter and Church Meetings

a tight financial position becomes even tougher. If this is you & you’re really struggling to meet the costs of everyday life or have debt which is spiralling out of control then what can you do? Firstly, don’t think you are alone! One effect of being in debt is that you can feel very isolated. However, a recent survey by Credit Action found that during December Citizens Advice dealt with 9,389 new debt problems every working day.

Secondly, be assured that there is help at hand! There are a range of services available to help those struggling to make ends meet or repay personal debt. It is often hard to take that first step and admit your need of help. But as hard as it is, this step is crucial to begin getting your finances back on the right track. One such resource is CAP. This initiative has come about through local churches partnering with award winning charity Christians Against Poverty (CAP) to offer a comprehensive solution to those struggling in debt. Through a combination of budgeting advice, creditor liaison and personal support, CAP can empower people to work themselves out of debt and transform their finances. You might ask, why would churches want to get involved in helping

people in the whole area of finance?

Simply because we believe that God cares for everyone and that each aspect of our lives is important to him. A common description of God is found in Psalm 86: But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. So this love is reflected by providing a very practical resource to those struggling with debt.

CAP’s services are completely free of charge and are available to everyone regardless of your belief or background.

So hopefully, whatever your situation is as we begin this New Year, you will be able to look ahead to the coming year with confidence. For those facing financial issues, may you know that help is at hand, and through resources such as CAP that you need not feel alone or isolated. Instead be assured that there are people who care about your situation. Above all, be encouraged that the Lord is indeed a compassionate and gracious God who cares deeply for you.

Gordy Mackay Culduthel Christian Centre For further details visit www.capuk.org

Buckie Baptist Church meets Sundays 11am & 5.45pm. Contact Rev. 2pm on Thurs. Contact Revd Alan Macgregor 833775 V MacDougall Email bydand52@aol.com - Children are welcome to or email enziekirk@btconnect.com Findochty Methodist Church welcomes you to fellowship every join us on Sunday morning at Rainbow Kids (0-5yrs) and Junior Sunday morning at 11am. We also meet weekly every Wednesday Church (5yrs upwards) Contact Irene 01542 840821 Buckie North, C of S, Cluny Square, contact Rev Gordon Mathew from 2pm-3.30pm for fellowship and fun.

Keith, Holy Trinity Episcopal, Family Eucharist 11.30am.

831328 email jg.mathew@btinternet.com or Mr Graeme Gerrard (Session Clerk) 01542 831124 email graeme_gerrard@hotmail.com Keith, C of S - North, Newmill, Boharm and Rothiemay Buckie South & West, C of S, High Street meets for Sunday worship North Church : Sunday 11am; Boharm Church : Sunday 9.30am (first at 11.30 am, Sunday School, Guild weekly on Mon, Bible Studies Sunday of the month at Mulben village hall); Rothiemay Church : (alternate Tues at 2pm or Weds at 7.30pm), Men’s Club monthly on Sunday 9.30am, except the first Sunday in each month. Contact: Rev Thurs. Contact Revd Alan Macgregor 833775 G Hutton Steel or email: knnbrchurch@btconnect.com Keith, C of S - St Rufus, Botriphnie and Grange or email buckiesouwester@btconnect.com Buckie, Riverside Christian Church, Sundays 10.30am, contact St Rufus Church : Sunday 10.15am; Botriphnie Church : Sunday 01542 833923 or visit www.riversidebuckie.org 11.45am (alternate Sundays); Grange Church : Sunday 11.45am Buckie, St Peters Church RC contact 832196 (alternate Sundays), contact: Rev Ranald S.R. Gauld or email: Buckie Methodist Church Sundays 11am & 6pm, alternative Sundays kay_gauld@strufus.fsnet.co.uk at Portessie. Sunday School, Bible Studies, Prayer meetings, Study Keith, St. Thomas’ Church RC, Vigil-Mass 9.30am and 6.30pm groups, Women's Guild, Men's Prayer Breakfast and House Groups Confessions Saturday 10am on request.

Cullen & Deskford C of S every Sunday at 10.30am. First Sunday of Portessie Methodist Church, Portessie, Buckie Sunday worship at Month in the Hall Church, every other Sunday in the Auld Kirk, 2nd and 11am (with Sunday school) and at 6pm (alternately here & at Buckie).

4th Sundays in Jubilee Hall Deskford at 12noon, contact 01542 840193 Portgordon Methodist Church, Portgordon, Buckie meets for or email:gordonmcneillg@btinternet.com Sunday worship at 11am, bible study meeting on alternate Mondays Cullen Methodist Church, Seatown, Cullen, Buckie Sunday morning with the Church of Scotland congregation at 2pm, craft group meets worship at 11am led by a Minister or an authorised Local Preacher; on Wednesdays at 2pm Rathven Church of Scotland Sunday morning worship at 9.45am led Coffee Morning Wednesdays 10am-11.30am; Guild Meeting Wednesby a Minister or an authorised Local Preacher. Sunday School outwith days 2pm; Activities for children are available as required.

Enzie Parish Church, Portgordon, Buckie meets for Sunday worship the local school holidays. Wee ones also very welcome. Contact Moira at 10 am, Sunday School, Guild meets monthly on Mon, Bible Study 01542 833956 or Ann 01542 831607 If you are a member of a church not listed here, please email the details to natalie@spotlighton.co.uk and we may print this in future issues.

page 6 - January 2011

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SpotLight on Buckie, Keith and District

Quarriers Carer Support Service (Moray)

www.quarriers.org.uk • Do you look after a relative, neighbour or friend because they are frail, elderly, ill, disabled, or misuse alcohol or drugs ?

• Are you unpaid?

• You may be a young person • You may be older YOU are a CARER • Are you tired, stressed or struggling?

• Do you feel isolated?

• Could you use some support?

Call us today for a confidential chat

01343 556031 25 Batchen Street, Elgin, IV30 1BH carersmoray@quarriers.org.uk

Clarkly Hill Circular

SpotLight

Burghead INTRODUCTION: A circular walk starting in the Pictish Fort town of Burghead and passing through farmland and rocky shores, with stunning views of the Moray Firth along the ridge of Clarkly Hill.

THE ROUTE & FEATURES OF INTEREST: Start: Burghead Harbour car park.

The Route: A circular route in either direction, following the signs featuring the yellow bull logo.

The route explores a variety of landscapes, including raised farmland and coastal scenery. The view from the top of Clarkly Hill is a spectacular vista over the Moray Firth, where on a clear day you can see distant Caithness.

Part of the route links Cummingston to Burghead along the old railway.

BARRIERS: none TERRAIN: Tarred pavements & roads, gravel paths, and earth paths along the Clarkly Hill sections.

Note: the earth paths are rough and uneven in places and can be muddy.

SIGNAGE: Fully Signed WALK GRADE: Moderate An undulating path of between one and four miles, which may have a few short steep sections and/or varying surfaces.

MILEAGE: 3.5 Miles ESTIMATED WALKING TIME: 1 Hour 45 Minute

Information kindly supplied by

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tel: 01309 690063

SpotLight on Buckie, Keith and District

BIG BRANDS

BIG SHOP SALE STARTSR

E B M E C E D h 29t

DISCOUNTS Nobody knows furniture like the specialists 160/162 Mid Steet, Keith Tel: 01542 882872 Open Mon - Sat 9am - 5pm www.thirdsfurniture.webs.com The complete house furnishers

FREE delivery delivery up to to 50 miles radius radius

®

SpotLight What’s On

DECEMBER 2010 / JANUARY 2011

DECEMBER 31 friday

FEBRUARY 1-28 tuesday - monday

gourmet dinner & ceilidh dancing to skirley beat, dinner at 6.30pm - ceilidh 9.30pm-1am, the loft venue, by kinloss, families welcome, tel: 01343 850111 to book or email info@eastgrange.co.uk

exhibition on the people of moray, local heritage centre, institution road, elgin, tel: 01343 569011 or visit www.moray.gov.uk/localheritage

JANUARY 1 saturday new years day live music double bill, from 5pm till late, the royal hotel, church road, keith, music from chris grant and lee rodgers, tel: 886978

Live Music Double Bill The Royal Hotel, Keith

bothy ballads - champion of champions, 7pm (doors open 6.15pm), elgin town hall, tickets, £8.50 upstairs, £7.50 downstairs, available elgin library, cooper park, elgin, tel: 01343 562600, judge - joe aitken; compere - raymond wood; guest entertainers - colin campbell and ian cruickshank, organised by rotary club of elgin

10 thursday

‘Keep the rev’s up into the New Year’ Chris Grant from 5pm - 8.30pm Lee Rodgers from 9pm till late Tel: 886978 www.theroyalhotelandrestaurant.co.uk

keith support group parkinsons uk - indigo with pam & norrie wilson, 7pm-9pm, keith resource centre, for more details contact alan gray tel: 887258

13 sunday

11 tuesday burning o’ the clavie, 6pm, granary street, burghead

19 wednesday antiques roadshow with graham whatman, 2.30pm, keith library, for more details contact elgin library tel: 01343 562600 or visit www.moray.gov.uk

20 thursday voces 8, 7:30pm, st christopher’s chapel, gordonstoun school, nr elgin, £12/£6, visit our website www.thegcs.org.uk for details or tel: 01343 837917

22 saturday deskford & district community association burns supper, 7.30pm, deskford community centre, tickets at the door adults £7/children £4 HOW THE “WHAT’S ON” WORKS all line listings are free send us details of any events coming up to natalie@spotlighton.co.uk Permissable events include any event open to the public (whether they have a ticket price or not, charitable or money-making) such as; pub music, entertainment, coffee mornings, fetes, fairs, rallies, walks, runs, sports, theatre, drama, car boots, markets, crafts, equestrian, fundraising etc etc...

If you would like an enhanced listing (white box) this costs from £33 plus vat. Call 01309 690063 for details.

Deadline for February Issue is Wednesday 5th January

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5 saturday

tel: 01309 690063

fourth annual moray wedding exhibition, 11am-4pm, elgin town hall, tel: 01343 821188 for more details

16 wednesday riding the rails by ian mckenzie, 7.30pm, keith library, for more details contact elgin library tel: 01343 562600 or visit www.moray.gov.uk

18 friday red hot chilli pipers, 7:30pm, ogstoun theatre, gordonstoun school, nr elgin, £12/£6, visit our website www.thegcs.org.uk for details or tel: 01343 837917

The

R HARBOUBar

Chris & Lesley

would uld like to wish all their cust customers very best for the very

2011

and thank them for their continued support! suppor SpotLight on Buckie, Keith and District

Cinema Nairn Visit cinemanairn.blogspot.com or contact Nairn Community Centre on 01667 453476 for details

Cinema Listings January 2011 Vue Cinema, Inverness From 7th January 127 Hours (12a) Season of the Witch (12a tbc) From 14th January The Green Hornet (12a TBC) From 21st January Never Let me go (TBC) From 28th January Tangled (PG) KidsAM - Every Saturday & Sunday at 10.15am - 95p per ticket Seniors Club - Every Tuesday at 12.30pm - £3 inc. refreshments NEW Teen Screen Every Thursday & Friday £1.95 2D or £2.95 3D

Eden Court Theatre, Inverness Mary and Max (12a) Somewhere (15) Of Gods and Men (15) The King’s Speech (12a) 127 Hours (15) Legend Of The Guardian (PG) Mr Nice (18) Chico & Rita (15) Adrift (12a) The Tourist (12a) plus many others

Visit www.eden-court.co.uk or call 01463 234234 for details

Visit www.myvue.com for details

Moray Playhouse, Elgin New Screenings begin on Fridays Call 01343 542680 or visit www.morayplayhouse.co.uk

Portessie Public Hall

Regular films including Saturday matinees.

For further details email portessiepublichall@hotmail.co.uk

Universal Hall, Findhorn Showing films throughout the year. Visit www.findhorn.org/uhall or call 01309 691170 for details.

SpotLight on Buckie, Keith and District

www.spotlighton.co.uk

January 2011 - page 11

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SpotLight Chef’s Confidential

Apple and Pear Crumble with Fresh Egg Custard

As I predicted the long winter has certainly started early, the snow has come upon us with her friend cold, cold nights, so to counter these long nights I think we have come to one of the most loved winter desserts Crumble. There are many varieties and a combination of this classic but this is the one we serve at Knockomie and is very simple and tasty.

The basic crumble mix is half fat to flour and the same amount of sugar as fat (or a little more if you want it sweeter). So in general to make enough of the crumble mixture if you want a deeper crumble topping you can just half it again For the custard (Crème Anglaise) 75 ml milk 75 ml double cream 1 vanilla pod split open length ways 4 egg yolks 50g caster sugar

For the crumble 100g/4oz Flour 50g/2oz Butter or Margarine Zest of Lemon, Orange and Lime 50 g/2oz Medium Oatmeal (Optional) 50g/2oz Sugar Rub the butter into the flour until they come together and are of a Sand texture, add the zest, Oatmeal if adding and sugar.

For the Apple and Pear Mix 4 Cooking Apples Cored and Skinned 4 Pears Cored and Skinned 1 table spoon Mixed Spice (to taste, or none) 100g/4oz Caster Sugar 50g/2oz Unsalted Butter 100 ml Apple Juice 100 ml Water Cut Apples And Pears Into roughly about 8 pieces each, put into a pan with the Mixed Spice, sugar, butter and liquid, cook on a medium heat until they are just tender still with a little bite to them they should take roughly about 8 to 10 minutes. Tip the fruit into a sieve and leave to cool slightly.

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Place the milk and cream in a sauce pan, scrape out the vanilla seeds with a tea spoon and add to the liquid, bring slowly to the boil. Place the egg yolks in a heat proof bowl, add the sugar, and whisk to combine.

Place the heat proof bowl over a simmering pan of water and whisk constantly until the egg yolk double in quantity, gradually add the boiled milk to the yolks, it will thicken to a custard when it reaches 83°c. Preheat the oven to 200°c/Gas mark 6.

Share the Apples and Pears into Ramekins, a small oven proof tray or metal cutters, top with the crumble topping and bake till golden brown. Serve with your custard for a lovely warming dessert.

February is the most romantic month of the year, and our Valentines menu is on our website, remember to book early 01309 673146 or email stay@knockomie.co.uk.

tel: 01309 690063

Peter Norrie, Head Chef Knockomie Hotel, Forres tel: 01309 673146 SpotLight on Buckie, Keith and District

A GREAT OFFER THIS NEW YEAR. Right now, you can reserve a new home in Elgin for just £100 (until 31st January 2011). To make it an even happier new year, we’ll also pay your mortgage for 12 months*, give you £1,000 cash back and, on selected plots, include all the floor coverings.

Hamilton Gardens 0845 504 9900 Sat Nav: IV30 5PA

DON MISS’T OUT

Westfields 0844 247 2160 Sat Nav: IV30 6BB

Hamilton Gardens open Thursday to Monday, 10.30am to 5.30pm.

Westfields open Friday to Sunday, 10.30am to 5.30pm.

Christmas opening times: Closed from 5.30pm on 20th Dec and re-opening at 10.30am on 3rd Jan 2011.

robertsonhomes.co.uk *£700-£1000 mortgage subsidy for 1 year, for reservations taken prior to 31st January 2011, and legal completion no later than 31st March 2011. Offer advertised is available on selected plots and developments, not available in conjunction with any other offer, and is subject to Robertson Homes terms and conditions. Images used are typical of a Robertson Home and may not be representative of the particular developments advertised.

®

SpotLight Council News

Picture by Kurt Simon, Copyright

ExTRACTS FROM THE RATIFIED MINuTES OF THE MEETING OF 1ST NOVEMBER 2010 OF KEITH COMMuNITY COuNCIL

POLICE MATTERS There was no police in attendance at tonight’s meeting.

• There have been reports of bins being set alight and rubbish being strewn around the play area at Seafield Park.

MATTERS ARISING • SC has a meeting with Bear in the near future. He will bring up the matter of double yellow lines which were discussed at the previous meeting.

•The bollard at the entrance to Station Road off of Regent Street was discussed. Cars are pulling away from the verge and not realizing how close they are and running into the bollard. Can anything be done?

• There are reports of youngsters climbing to the top of Milton Tower and swinging on ropes from this height.

• The annual snow clearing meeting will take place on Tuesday 9th November, GC, SC and JM are to meet with them • Skate park - Youngsters in Keith are keen to take on the responsibility of the skate park. The youngsters are to have a meeting with Douggie McPhee to change the constitution.

CORRESPONDENCE • DH had various leaflets including ones from NHS. • The Annual national Ballot papers from the ASCC have been received. KCC agreed to vote for the representative from the Moray Council.

• The campaign to save RAF Lossiemouth - correspondence has been received.

• The budget consultation meeting will be held in Longmore Hall on 2nd November at 7 p.m, JM to chair the meeting.

• Community Sports Hub meeting Nobody will be able to attend.

• Grampian Fire Brigade - A questionnaire to be filled out online.

• The remainder of the CC grant will be forwarded to us soon.

COMMUNITY COUNCILLORS UPDATES • IC - Environment - Tubs in Reidhaven square have not been repaired or removed, there have been various comments received from members of the community, they are an eyesore.

• CL - Roads and Rights of Way CL expressed that every street in Keith has a light which is not working. SC said that they must be reported as the council does not carry out routine checks now because of lack of funding. There is a phone number which is 01343 557300 • Christmas Lights - The trees arrive on Tuesday. Volunteers have been asked to help at Strathmill Distillery to put on the lights on Saturday 6th November.

• There is a meeting on Thursday 4th November for updates on the extravaganza.

• Collection boxes were counted tonight where the sum of £204 was collected • Letters to stall holders will be compiled informing of prices/times.

COMMUNITY COUNCIL CONTACTS Keith Community Council: meets first Monday of each month (excluding January and August) 7pm at Keith Community Centre. Contact: Diane Halley (Secretary) on 886640. page 14 - January 2011

• MC - Furniture and signs - JM said that the youths at KGS are still ongoing with benches being painted.

• SC - There is an enforcement process ongoing for Keith Caravan Park.

• JM informed the group that the Viewfield Playpark has no equipment there now. Equipment has never been replaced when old equipment was taken down.

ExTERNAL GROUPS UPDATES • Regeneration Partnership - Flags with Doric words need to come down.

• PPP - JM attended an update meeting this week. The materials for the exterior of the school were discussed. The building work is running to schedule, there was a small delay due to additional asbestos being found, this has now been resolved.

• The lane from School Road to Drum Road was also discussed, and how it is unsafe for pedestrians, particularly children. JM explained to them the CC’s concerns for the A95/A96 junction.

A.O.C.B. • There was a discussion about the Budger Consultation Meeting to be held on 2nd November where all Community Councillors have been asked to attend.

NExT MEETING The next meeting of Keith Community Council will be on 7th February 2010 at 7pm in Keith Sports and Community Centre.

Buckie Community Council: meets third Tuesday each month (excluding July) 7pm Town House West.

Contact: Gordon Cowie (Secretary) 831956

tel: 01309 690063

SpotLight on Buckie, Keith and District

Parliament

“Blog ”

recent In weeks it has, unsurprisingly, been non-stop campaigning, questioning and challenging on the impact of the Defence Review on Moray. In some lighter moments I have, however, got along to see some of our local football teams in action.

A particular note of congratulations to both Elgin City and Buckie Thistle who have both progressed to the fourth round of the Scottish Cup, with Buckie travelling to Third Division Team East Stirling and Elgin off to play old rivals Inverness Caledonian Thistle. It will certainly be an interesting New Year for these two Moray teams.

Good luck to both of them in their games.

Angu s Robert son MP

Like many of my constituents my work means that I am away from home for several days at a time, making the balance of work and family quite a challenge. One interesting side effect that became apparent recently is that the time at home has become a crash course (with my son as teacher)

in the workings of WWE wrestling, which my eldest son became an expert in after only a week of watching!

His new fascination did remind of the days of rivalry between Big Daddy (the hero) and Giant Haystacks (the villain) I used to watch on the TV at weekends - a far cry from the tanned body builders that are the wrestling stars of today.

Richard L ochh ead MS P

ALL TIMBER FRAMED B BUILDS UILDS * *DUDJHV 6WDEOHV HWF DUDJHV 6WDEOHV HWF %XLOW LQ :DUGUREHV

.LWFKHQV )HQFLQJ

All Joinery Undertaken

Michael Sharp Joinery FOR A FREE QUOTE

TEL: 07834 760212 Advertise in SpotLight on Buckie & Keith and reach nearly 35,000 readers every month. Prices start from only £30 plus VAT per month.

Call 01309 690063 or email david@spotlighton.co.uk Deadline for February issue is Wednesday 5th January www.spotlighton.co.uk

®

Advertise here from only £30 per month plus VAT. Call 01309 690063 or email david@spotlighton.co.uk.

SpotLight

School Term Dates Holidays and Tide Times

School Term Dates

for 2010/2011 (all dates inclusive) Spring Term Starts Thursday 6th January 2011 Mid-term Holiday Friday 11th February 2011 Mid-term Holiday Monday 14th February 2011 Spring Term Ends Friday 1st April 2011 Summer Term Starts Monday 18th April 2011 Good Friday Holiday Friday 22nd April 2011 Milne’s High & Feeders Friday 29th April 2011 May Day Holiday Monday 2nd May 2011 In-service Closure Thursday 19th May 2011 In-service Closure Friday 20th May 2011 Buckie High & Feeders Mon. 6th June 2011

Keith Grammar & Feeders Mon. 6th June 2011 Speyside High & Feeders Mon. 6th June 2011 Summer Term Ends Friday 1st July 2011 for 2011/2012 (all dates inclusive) Autumn Term Starts Tuesday 16th August 2011 Autumn Term Ends Friday 7th October 2011 Winter Term Starts Monday 24th October 2011 In-service Closure Monday 21st November 2011 In-service Closure Tuesday 22nd November 2011 Winter Term Ends Wed. 21st December 2011 Spring Term Starts Thursday 5th January 2012 Mid-term Holiday Friday 10th February 2012

Local Holidays Christmas Day Holiday * Boxing Day Holiday * New Years Day Holiday * 2nd January Holiday * Buckie Holiday § Keith Holiday

Mon. 27th Dec. 2010 Tues. 28th Dec. 2010 Mon. 3rd Jan. 2011 Tues. 4th Jan. 2011 Mon. 4th April 2011 Monday 4th April 2011

LOW TIDE TIMES FOR BUCKIE IN JANUARY Walking on the beach should be possible 2 hours either side of these times AM PM 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

SA SU M TU W TH F

03.09 04.02 04.46 05.24 06.01 06.34 07.08

15.37 16.29 17.12 17.52 18.29 19.04 19.38

8 SA 9 SU 10 M 11 TU 12 W 13 TH 14 F 15 SA 16 SU 17 M 18 TU 19 W

Fochabers Holiday ‡ Mon. 11th April 2011 * substitute, as this holiday falls on a weekend or other bank holiday § includes Cullen, Findochty & Portknockie ‡ includes Garmouth, Kingston, Mosstodloch, Spey Bay & Urquhart

AM 07.41 08.16 08.52 09.32 10.23 11.28 00.11 01.31 02.44 03.39 04.24 05.04

PM 20.13 20.46 21.25 22.09 23.03 12.52 14.15 15.18 16.07 16.49 17.29

20 TH 21 F 22 SA 23 SU 24 M 25 TU 26 W 27 TH 28 F 29 SA 30 SU 31 M

AM 05.43 06.22 07.02 07.43 08.26 09.13 10.10 11.21 00.13 01.38 02.57 03.54

PM 18.10 18.51 19.35 20.20 21.07 21.58 23.01 12.48 14.22 15.35 16.25

Deadline for February issue is Wednesday 5th January Call 01309 690063 to book advertising or email david@spotlighton.co.uk page 16 - January 2011

tel: 01309 690063

SpotLight on Buckie, Keith and District

Cashmere Heritage Centre, Clothing, Coee Shop, Food Hall and Free Guided Mill Tours

®

SpotLight Useful Numbers and Advertisers Index

Picture by Natalie Hunt, Copyright

SCHOOLS Botriphnie Primary School........01542 810207 Cluny Primary School ..............01542 831417 Crossroads Primary School......01542 870221 Cullen Primary School..............01542 840279 Findochty Primary School ........01542 832287 Keith Primary School ................01542 882802 Millbank Primary School ..........01542 831113 Milne’s Primary School ............01343 820977 Mosstodloch Primary School....01343 820476 Newmill Primary School............01542 882788 Portessie Primary School..........01542 832288 Portgordon Primary School ......01542 831198 Portknockie Primary School ....01542 840244 St Peters RC Primary School ....01542 831339 St Thomas RC Primary School 01542 882256 Buckie High School ..................01542 832605 Keith Grammar School ............01542 882461 Milne’s High School..................01343 820611 DOCTORS Ardach Health Centre ..............01542 831555 Seafield Medical Centre............01542 835577 Cullen Medical Centre ..............01542 840272 Keith Medical Centre ................01542 882244 Dr Grays Hospital, Elgin ..........0845 456 6000

DENTISTS The Keith Dental Practice ......(01542) 886251 Buckie Dental Practice ..........(01542) 831163

PHARMACIES Bairds Pharmacy, Keith ............01542 882512 Clarks Pharmacy, Fife-Keith......01542 882533 Listermac Pharmacy, Union St 01542 840268 Listermac Pharmacy, W. Church St01542 833321 W.S. Taylor, Buckie....................01542 831116 Normac Pharmacy, Buckie ......01542 831147 Buckie Leisure Centre ..............01542 832841 Police Station ..........................0845 600 5700 Keith Community Centre ..........01542 882028 Keith Swimming Pool................01542 882222 Keith Resource Centre..............01542 886174 Keith Library ..............................01542 882223 Keith Sports & Com. Ctr ..........01542 882222 Moray Council Access Point ....01542 885500 Registrar....................................01542 885525 Keith Tourist Info. Ctr ................01542 888423 Keith Community Bus ..............01542 882222 Babs Dial A Bus ........................01542 835800 National Rail Enquiries..............08457 484950

If you have any suggestions for additional useful numbers please call us on 01309 690063 or email these to us on natalie@spotlighton.co.uk Baxters ....................................................................7 Beaver Travel ..........................................................5 Bowl 2000 ................................Outside Back Cover Dallas Designs ......................................................13 East Grange Activity Centre ..................................13 Harbour Bar ..........................................................10 Johnstons..............................................................17 Kairos Moments ......................................................5 Linda Marlow Dog Grooming ................Front Cover Mackenzie & Cruickshank ....................................15 McDonald & Munro ................................................5 Michael Sharp Joinery ..........................................15 page 18 - January 2011

Moray Dance School ..............................................5 Quarriers..................................................................7 Robertson Homes ................................................13 Roof Wizard ............................................................5 Springfield ............................................................19 Spotty Bag Shop ....................................................2 The Loft Venue ......................................Front Cover The Royal Hotel & Restaurant ..............................19 Third Brothers..........................................................9 Unique Beauty........................................Front Cover Wheelchair Care......................................................7

tel: 01309 690063

SpotLight on Buckie, Keith and District

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The Royal

) 05 & - t 3 & 4 5"6 3 " / 5 t # " 3 The Restaurant is fast becoming known as one of the best places to eat in the area. Our menu caters for

M Medallions edallions of P Prime rime B Beef eef FFillet illet with M Mushrooms, ushrooms, #BDPO -BSEPOT 5BSSBHPO 3FE 8JOF +VT #BDPO -BSEPOT 5BSSBHPO 3FE 8JOF +VT

both the hearty eater and the

Corn FFed Corn ed Chicken Br Breast, east, wr wrapped apped in Bac Bacon on รถOJTIFE XJUI B 8IJTLZ 8JME .VTISPPN 4BVDF รถ OJTIFE XJUI B 8IJTLZ 8JME .VTISPPN 4BVDF

more refined diner. Bar lunch

3PBTU SBDL PG -BNC XJUI /FX Potatoes, 3 PBTU SBDL PG -BNC XJUI /FX Potatoes, "TQBSBHVT 1FBT #SPBE #FBOT .JOU 4BMTB 7FSEF "TQBSBHVT 1FBT #SPBE #FBOT .JOU 4BMTB 7FSEF

value offers are often

Poached Poached Pear Pear with Butterscotch Butterscotch 44BVDF 'VEHF BVDF 'VEHF Ice Ic eC Cream ream . .FSJOHVF /FTU รถMMFE XJUI Mango FSJOHVF /FTU รถMMFE XJUI Mango 8IJUF 3VN 8IJUF 3VN Syllabub Syllabub Drizzled Drizzled with P Passion assion FFruit ruit Syrup Syrup # #SFBE #VUUFS 1VEEJOH MBDFE XJUI #BJMFZT SFBE #VUUFS 1VEEJOH MBDFE XJUI #BJMFZT

L LUNCHES UNCHES

2M Main ain C Courses ourses ffor or only ยฃ10

featured as well as Chef's ever changing Specials menu in the Restaurant.

Prime Roasts are served every Sunday.

Church Road, Keith, Moray AB55 5BR. 4EL s &AX

email: info@theroyalhotelandrestaurant.co.uk

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x FACTOR

Lanes

is back

State of the Art de machines Arcade

in Febr uary

Restaurant with d ‘Eat Scotland’ Awar Lunar Land up to 12yrs Soft play area for barr open until Fully licensed ba 3 in the morning!

PARTY PACKAGES

LUNAR LUN AR LAND LLAN AN AND

1 hour Play, Balloons, Party Invites, Juice, Hot kids Meal, Dessert ONLY £8.25 per person

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per person per visit Mon-Fri 12-5.....ONLY 12-5.....ONLY

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BOWLING BOWLIN

1 hour Bowling, Balloons, Party Invites, Juice, Hot kids Meal, Dessert ONLY £8.25 per person

3B’s

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£6.50

The Directors, Management, and Staff Staff at Bowl2000 would like to year,, and look forward to thank everyone for their custom in the last year seeing them again in the New Year All offers offers are subject to availability and at the discretion of the management and are only available at of offf peak times.

Moycroft Industrial Estate, Elgin Tel (01343) 541444