Spotlight Buckie Dec 18

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DECEMBER 2018

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SpotLIGHT BUCKIE, KEITH & DISTRICT

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What’s on, Clubs, Eating out, Trades Listings and much more...

Clubs and Societies ARRADOUL SWRI 3rd Tues of month, 7.30pm, Arradoul SWRI Hall, near Buckie.

For information email pennyshepherd@tiscali.co.uk ART GROUP 2nd Mon of month, 2pm - 4pm, Clochan Community Centre. £2 per session. Call Alan on 01542 850493 BANFFSHIRE BEADERS 3rd Thurs of month, 1.30pm 4.30pm, Arradoul. Call Janet Winterbourne on 01542 850420 BUCKIE ARTS & CRAFTS CLUB Wed, 2pm - 5pm, Upper Hall, Buckie Town House. Drop in learn a craft, share a skill. Call Fiona on 07875 624046 BUCKIE LADIES FC Open training sessions Mon & Fri @ Buckie Astro, 6pm 7.30pm (£2 per player). Any age: born before 31st Dec 2002. All welcome. Call Stuart Plant on 07951 319970 or email at buckieladies@hotmail.com

Sample one-off advertising rates (colour advert)

Box Big box ¼ page ½ page Business profile Full page

£46 £74 £120 £209 £175 £399

Discounts available for series bookings and for black and white

Publisher:

Winterburn Media Ltd Unit 14, Horizon Scotland, Enterprise Park, Forres, Moray, IV36 2AB (01309) 690063

All material 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 publisherʼs prior consent, will be considered a breach of copyright.

page 4 - December 2018

CULLEN BOWLING & TENNIS CLUB Provides a service to anyone who is interested in bowling & tennis. Bowls, tennis rackets, balls & shoes all available.

Call Sandra Douglas on 01542 840118 CULLEN YOUTH CAFÉ Thurs, 7pm - 9pm (Sept - Jun). £1 entry.

CULLEN, DESKFORD, & PORTKNOCKIE HERITAGE GROUP 1st Mon of month, 2pm, Hall Church, Cullen. Call John Aitken on 01542 840476 FOCHABERS HILL WALKING & RAMBLING CLUB Last Sun of month. Hill walking outings. Visitors welcome, £10 £20 bus fare. Call Veronica Gunn on 01343 209001 FOCHABERS WRVS LUNCH CLUB Thurs, 12pm - 1pm, Bellie Church Hall, Fochabers. Freshly cooked 2 course lunch for £4. All welcome. Volunteer drivers wanted FRISKIS & SVETTIS (BUCKIE) Mon, 6pm-7pm, the Baptist Church Hall, Buckie. Originating in Sweden, aiming to get people healthy. Exercise to music, open to all. Call Joan Thain on 01542 832749 or 07970 118647. www.fsaberdeen.co.uk GRANGE BOWLING CLUB Wed, 7pm, King Memorial Hall (until end of March). Outdoor in Keith after that. Call Jimmy Mowat 01542 882274 KEITH B.A.L.L. GROUP Wed, 10.30am - 1pm, St Rufus Hall, Keith. Call Evalyne or Moira on 01542 886913 or 860218 KEITH SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE CLASS Thurs, 7.30pm - 9.30pm, St Rufus Church Hall, Turner Street, Keith KEITH SPORTS & COMMUNITY CENTRE Please contact us for information

about our programme of activities. Call 01542 882222 or email at keith.cc@moray.gov.uk

Basics gardening workshops sow - plant - eat! Worried about rising fuel bills? Are you getting the benefits you are entitled to?

Call 01542 888070

MILNE'S RUGBY Mon (P1 - P7/S1 - S2/S3 -S6), 6.30pm, Milne's High School Playing Fields, Fochabers. Learn about rugby in a friendly & safe environment with sessions supervised by qualified coaches under the auspices of Active Schools. Call Lorna Young on 07966 120514 or email at lorna.young@moray.gov.uk

SPEY VALLEY DOG TRAINING CLUB Ringcraft training, pet obedience, etc. Call Mrs F Gray on 01343 870674 or email at fgray674@aol.com. www.speyvalleydtc.blogspot.com THE LOFT YOUTH PROJECT Fri, 7pm - 10pm. Drop-in sessions for S1 - S6. Call Sharon Duncan on 01542 886630

MORAY SCHOOL BANK Run by a group of volunteers who offer new school uniform & warm winter clothing to children living in financial hardship in Moray. Their aim is to help all children to be equals, to reach their full potential in school, etc.

Call 07884 036803 or email at info@morayschoolbank.org. www.morayschoolbank.org

THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND (BANFF & MORAY) Promoting the NTS & fundraising to support local properties, Brodie Castle & Leith Hall. Varied annual programme of events.

NTS members residing in the area & wishing to join the Centre are most welcome. Call the Secretary on 01343 835258 or secretary2.bmnts@btinternet.com

NAROTICS ANONYMOUS UK The Helpline operates 10am 12am. Call 0300 999 1212. www.ukna.org/contacts NEWMILL TODDLER GROUP Wed (term time only), 9.30am 11.30am, Newmill Hall, Keith. For all children up to the age of 5 along with their parents. £2 per family. Call Sally or Ashley on 07444 406054 or 07855 051279 POLICE SCOTLAND YOUTH VOLUNTEERS (PSYV) Each PSYV group consists of 24 young people aged between 13 & 17 who each give up their own time to volunteer in their communities. You will be expected to complete the PSYV Initial Training Programme. Email northeastpsyv@ scotland.pnn.police.uk www.scotland.police.uk

TINY STARZ DANCE/ACTIVITY CLASS Mon, 10am - 11am, Portessie Hall. Fun dances & games, dances scarves, bubbles & parachute games for ages 2+, followed by a snack. £5. Booking essential. See Facebook Dance Starz. Call Diane Allan on 07828 404165 WALKMORAY BUCKIE Wed, 6.30pm, Buckie Leisure Centre. All welcome. www.walkjogrunmoray.org.uk ZUMBA WITH SHARON Mon, 9.30am, St Rufus Hall, Keith & Thurs, 6pm, Newmill Village Hall. £3.50 per class. All welcome. www.facebook.com/zumbawithsharonhenderson

PORTKNOCKIE IN-STITCHES KNITTING GROUP Tues, 10am - 12pm, the McBoyle Hall, Portknockie. All welcome.

REAP - FREE GARDENING WORKSHOPS AND ENERGY ADVICE FOR OLDER PEOPLE Local food project in the Keith area running regular free Back to

tel: 01309 690063

PLEASE NOTE: Details of Clubs & Societies are published on a rotational basis.

admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

As I write this we haven’t yet had much snow and I know that the reindeers will be looking forward to colder weather and extra feed when they start deliveries with Santa.

I wonder if they look forward to Christmas as much as we humans do?

All I know is our family will be getting into the spirit of things over the next few weeks and something we always look forward to is carol concerts. Check out our website www.spotlighton.co.uk to find local carol concerts in your area and exercise those vocal chords. The benefit with lots of people singing together is that the worst voices all seem to sound better!

Enjoy the festive season!!

PUBLISHER ..............David Nelmes ADVERTISING ..............Susan Innes PRODUCTION .........Linda J Donald ART & DESIGN ..............Flo Skinner ACCOUNTS ..................Alan Radley Editorial - Thursday 29/11/18 1 Tuesday 04/12/18

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We also supply briquettes in 10kg bags, ideal for wood burners, patio fires etc. At £3 per bag including VAT.

Larger briquettes also available.

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09:02

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Pastoral Le er & Church Meetings Speaking with someone in Tesco the other day we joked that it must be Christmas because the Easter Eggs are being put out.

Don’t worry, this wasn’t actually true, but you get the point.

It did remind me that many years ago I wrote a musical for a local church called “What’s Christmas got to do with Eggs Anyway”, inspired by a similar conversation in another supermarket at the time.

One of the things I love about God is that sense of God being with us. At Christmas time we often use the word “Immanuel”. The advent hymn, “O Come O Come Immanuel” will be sung across the world in December, and the word Immanuel means ‘God With Us’ . The Prophet Isaiah was the first to use the word in the Bible in a prophecy written over 700 years before the birth of Jesus: The Lord himself will give you a sign: a young woman who is pregnant will have a son and will name him 'Immanuel.'

(Isa 7:14) Jesus was to be the greatest gift of all.

Quite literally, God coming down to be amongst us in the form of Jesus, born as a baby, living a life just like you and me. Immanuel, God with us.

I’ve received some very dodgy presents

over the years, from bad jumpers to singing socks…but the gift of Jesus to the world is a gift that is for everybody, for all eternity.

The fact that Jesus knows what it is like to be fully human brings such comfort to me. When I cry out to God with pain sometimes or when I celebrate the joys of life, I know that God both hears and understands what it is to be human.

Because Jesus lived a real life.

The new life of the baby born to restore the whole of creation was given reality at Easter when that same Jesus, 30 years or so later, died on the cross and then was raised to life again. Jesus calls us to believe and follow him, not in order to get something for ourselves but to become disciples and to engage in serving others, fighting injustice, reflecting the love of God to everyone we come into contact with.

Jesus spoke much about this and it is perhaps best highlighted in what has become know as the parable of the sheep and the goats when he says: I was hungry and you fed me, thirsty and you gave me a drink; I was a stranger and you received me in your homes, naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you took care of me, in prison and you visited me.' (Matthew 25:35-36)

Holy Trinity Scottish Episcopal Church Seafield Avenue, Keith. Sunday, Family Eucharist at 11.30am & Wednesday Morning Prayer at 9:30am.

Last Thursday of each month a Service of Prayer & Reflection at 7pm.

Tel: 01542 882782. Email rev.last@lastrose.uk Keith, Church of Scotland - North, Newmill, Boharm & Rothiemay.

North Church: Sundays 11am. Boharm Church: Mulben Village Hall.

First Sunday of the month at 9.30am. Rothiemay Church: Last Sunday of the month at 9:30am. Rev Alastair H Gray. Call 01542 886390 or visit keithnorthchurches.org Keith, Church of Scotland - St Rufus, Botriphnie, and Grange.

St Rufus Church: Sundays 10.15am. Botriphnie Church: Alternate Sundays 11.45am. Grange Church: Alternate Sundays 11.45am.

Keith, St. Thomas’ Church RC Vigil Mass: Sat 6:30pm. Sunday Mass: 10:30am. Confessions on request. Tel: 01542 882352.

Moray Coast Baptist Church Fochabers Public Institute, 15 High Street, Fochabers, IV32 7EP. Sunday services at 5pm & 6pm..

Thursday night Bible study at 7pm. Crèche available for each service.

Pastor Donald Clough. Call 07862 898939 for more information, or visit www.moraycoastbc.com Portessie Methodist Church Portessie, Buckie. Sunday services at 11am & 6pm. Rev. Chris Jackson. Tel: 01542 833765.

page 6 - December 2018

Christmas for many people can be a lonely time, a time not of presents or family, but of loneliness, poverty and regret. In some ways, just another day that reminds them of their daily struggle.

It is a time when we can make a difference in someone’s life. Just by being there for them, just by caring and valuing them. This should be as much a part of Christmas as the presents, the trees and the parties.

Over the years that I have been preaching and sharing the Good News of Jesus I have become starkly aware that my faith is less about promoting a belief system and more about following the example of Jesus Christ. When it comes to this time of Christmas I can safely say that the message of Christmas and the message of Easter cannot and must not be separated as they tell the Good News of Jesus in its completeness. Both speak of new life and both speak of the one to whom we follow, Jesus Christ.

The gift of the baby Jesus is the most precious gift given to humanity… definitely better than my singing socks.

Rev Chris Jackson Buckie & Cullen Methodist Churches

chris.jackson7@gmail.com Portgordon Community Church Sunday Morning Worship - 11am in the Portgordon Community Centre. Contact Pastor Willie Aitken on 01542 835007 or visit www.portgrdoncommunitychurch.com Portknockie Church of Christ Sunday 11am: breaking of bread.

6pm: gospel service. Friday 7pm: prayer meeting and Bible study.

Ladies fellowship (September - March) every second Monday 2pm.

Wednesdays 8.30am: prayer breakfast. Contact the leader Mr Stewart Gray on 01542 836007.

Portknockie Church of Scotland Sundays 11.15am. All welcome.

Call Morag Ritchie: 01542 840951 or Heather Reid: 01542 840921.

Rathven Church of Scotland Sunday 9.45am led by the minister Rev Isabel Buchan or an authorised local preacher. Contact Rev Isabel Buchan on 01542 832118 or Ann Grant on 01542 831607.

Riverside Christian Church Buckie. Sundays 10.30am. Tel: 01542 833923. Website: www.riversidechristianchurch.co.uk St Peters Church RC St Andrews Square, Buckie. Saturday Vigil 6.30pm. Sunday Mass 10am. Resident priest: Rev Tad Turski. Tel: 01542 832196.

Listed H - S and regularly rotated. If you are a member of a church not listed or to amend existing details, email linda@winterburnmedia.co.uk

tel: 01309 690063

admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

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10:21

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13:45

SpotLIGHT Garden

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What can we possibly be usefully doing in December?

With nothing much growing, and the ground sometimes pretty solid, often frosty. It’s when we take our heavy American golf course aerators out and about to aerate lawns. We do hollow-core tining, where the machine removes thousands of plugs from the ground. Golf courses are doing this too at this time not surprisingly. Aerating the ground is multi-beneficial as it allows air into the ground, helps with drainage, and thins-out the root zone which becomes compacted and choked over time.

This is mainly about moss control in this part of the world ! You can do this with a garden fork too, but not as effectively obviously as with a machine which actually removes a core of material. I’ve included a picture of our aerator, a formidable piece of kit, and not available in B&Q or at your local garden centre !

Just a reminder; the leaves are all off now, and if they are still in drifts on your grass, it’s a very good idea to lift them. Several weeks without light and air under a pile of leaves is likely to kill/seriously damage a patch of grass.

For more information about our annual lawncare plans from just £11.25 per month, plus useful downloads and photos, go to www.greenthumb.co.uk. Although GreenThumb is a multi-award winning national franchise, and is the runaway leader in the sector with one million lawns being treated, we are the family-run local franchise covering the wider Moray Firth area. Contact Alastair or Dave for a FREE LAWN ANALYSIS on 01463 229786 or email us at: inverness@greenthumb.co.uk

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Parliament Blog & Tide Times The festive season is creeping up on us and the excitement has begun to build as the main event gets closer. Hopefully, the tills are ringing in Moray as local businesses profit from the boost in extra trade. If you can shop locally then it makes a big difference to our High Streets. But with Christmas comes some online shopping and one of the issues that has been keeping my postbag bulging this year has been the imposition of unfair delivery charges. Hopefully, the amount of work that politicians and campaigners have done this year will reduce the instances of rip-off charges, as retailers and couriers finally get the message that Moray is part of mainland UK! And as we celebrate Christmas with friends and family it’s also worth remembering that there are those for whom it is not a joyous time of year. They may be alone, homeless, needy or ill. You may be able to make things a little better. If you have the opportunity to help someone or support a local toy or food appeal, then it is certainly something I would recommend. Spare a thought as well for our medical staff, the emergency services, farmers, council workers, care teams and military personnel – to name just a few - who will be working throughout the holidays. We owe them a debt of gratitude.

Can I also take this opportunity to wish you all a happy Christmas and best wishes for 2019.

Recent images of an American so called ‘huntress’ posing with the carcasses of feral goats and domestic sheep which have been ‘hunted’ on Islay have rightly caused outrage. I have been contacted by a large number of constituents and non-constituents alike appalled that such behaviour is legal in Scotland and calling for change.

I was therefore pleased to see Cabinet Secretary Mike Russell, who is the constituency MSP covering Islay, will engage with his Cabinet colleagues on this issue.

Culling of wild deer and goats can be a vital part of maintaining both the health of the environment and the populations of wild animals.

But it is something which must be done in a humane manner and not as an entertainment product for so called trophy hunters.

John Finnie MSP

Douglas Ross MP

LOW TIDE TIMES FOR BUCKIE IN DECEMBER

Walking on the beach should be possible 2 hours either side of these times 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

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01:00 02:06 03:00

tel: 01309 690063

As we approach Christmas many Moray residents will have felt the frustration of unfair and excessive delivery charges slapped onto their orders.

At the time of writing I’m pleased to confirm that the UK Government’s Minister for Small Business, Consumers and Corporate Responsibility, Kelly Tolhurst MP, has agreed to meet me to discuss my campaign to end rip-off parcel delivery surcharges.

The cases brought to me by constituents in Moray led to what has become a national campaign to tackle online retailers that apply rip-off surcharges costing rural communities across Scotland an extra £36 million a year, and Moray over £2m annually.

I’ve tried for the last year or two to secure this meeting given that regulation of both consumer protection and parcel deliveries lies with the UK Government. I hope that this will be the last Christmas where my constituents are fleeced by companies because of their postcodes.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all of my constituents. I look forward to continuing my hard work for the people of Moray in 2019.

Richard Lochhead MSP

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Useful Information

Local & Bank Holidays and Special Days 1st Sunday in Advent Hanukkah (J) 2nd Sunday in Advent 3rd Sunday in Advent Shortest Day Christmas Day Boxing Day Hogmanay

Sun 2nd Dec 2018 Sun 2nd Dec 2018 Sun 9th Dec 2018 Sun 16th Dec 2018 Fri 21st Dec 2018 Tues 25th Dec 2018 Wed 26th Dec 2018 Mon 31st Dec 2018

New Year’s Day Tues 1st Jan 2019 New Year’s Day (substitute) Wed 2nd Jan 2019 Birthday of Guru Gobind (S) Sat 5th Jan 2019 Epiphany Sun 6th Jan 2019 § Buckie, Cullen, Findochty & Portknockie ‡ includes Fochabers, Garmouth, Kingston, Mosstodloch & Spey Bay * Keith (H - Hindu; J - Jewish; M - Muslim; S - Sikh)

School Term Dates

for 2018/2019 (all dates inclusive) Winter Term Ends Fri 21st Dec 2018 Christmas Holiday Starts Mon 24th Dec 2018 Christmas Holiday Ends Fri 4th Jan 2019 Spring Term Starts Mon 7th Jan 2019 Mid Term Holiday Fri 8th Feb 2019 Mid Term Holiday Mon 11th Feb 2019

Spring Term Ends Spring Holiday Starts Spring Holiday Ends Summer Term Starts Good Friday Holiday May Day Holiday In-Service Day

Buckie Leisure Centre ........................................01542 832841 Dial ‘M’ For Moray Buses ..................................03001 234565 Keith Community Bus ........................................01542 882222 Keith Community Centre ....................................01542 882222 Keith Library........................................................01542 882223 Keith Resource Centre ......................................01542 886174 Keith Sports & Com. Ctr ....................................01542 882222 Keith Swimming Pool ........................................01542 882222 Keith Tourist Info. Ctr ..........................................01542 888423 Men in Recovery ............................info@meninrecovery.org Moray Council Access Point, Keith ....................01542 885500 Moray Families Information Service.......................................... www.facebook.com/ MorayFamiliesInformationService National Domestic Abuse & Forced Marriage Helpline ..........................................................................0800 027 1234 National Rail Enquiries ......................................03457 484950 Police Station ......................................................................101 Registrar ............................................................01542 885525

Rothiemay Primary School ................................ 01466 711220 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

Useful Contacts

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

SCHOOLS

page 12 - December 2018

Fri 29th Mar 2019 Mon 1st Apr 2019 Fri 12th Apr 2019 Mon 15th Apr 2019 Fri 19th Apr 2019 Mon 7th May 2019 Thurs 16th May 2019

DOCTORS ARI ......................................................................0345 456 6000 NHS 24 ................................................................................111 Dr Grays Hospital, Elgin ......................................0345 4566000 Ardach Health Centre ........................................0345 099 7200 Keith Medical Centre ..........................................0345 3379944 NHS 24 ................................................................................111 Seafield & Cullen Medical Group........................01542 835577 Seafield Medical Centre ......................................01542 835577

DENTISTS Buckie Dental Practice ......................................01542 831163 8 to 8 Dental ......................................................01542 833087 8 to 8 Dental Keith ..............................................01542 882507 The Keith Dental Practice ..................................01542 886251

PHARMACIES Bairds Pharmacy, Keith ......................................01542 882512 Clarks Pharmacy, Fife-Keith ..............................01542 882533 Cullen Pharmacy ................................................01542 840220 Listermac Pharmacy, Union St ..........................01542 840268 Listermac Pharmacy, W. Church St....................01542 833321 Normac Pharmacy, Buckie ................................01542 831147 W.S. Taylor, Buckie ............................................01542 831116 To add a contact or for amendments to existing details, please email linda@winterburnmedia.co.uk or call 01309 690063

tel: 01309 690063

admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

Rosemount Hotel Fine Dining & Quality Accomodation

Seafood is our Speciality... ...Ask for daily availability Lunches, Afternoon Teas & Suppers Served Daily BOOKING ESSENTIAL

Tel: 01542 833434 62 East Church Street, Buckie AB56 1ER Email: rosemount.hotel@yahoo.com Highland Fuels Jan 17.pdf 1 14/12/2016

www.Rosemount-hotel-buckie.co.uk

12:00

SUPPORTING YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY FROM OUR INVERNESS AND HUNTLY DEPOTS

Home Heating Oil Marine Gas Oil Tractor Diesel Commercial Fuels Oil Storage Tanks Call us for a free quote on 0800 224224 www.highlandfuels.co.uk

SpotLIGHTon FREE Listings, FREE to View, FREE to upload Promote your events in this section by going online at www.spotlighton.co.uk Register, key in details which will then automatically be printed in the magazine.

*January Issue Deadline: 29th November*.

Inclusion of events is free. We do not accept submissions for classes, courses or workshops.Contact venues & organisers first as there may be changes.

November 2018

warren elsmore fort george, ardersier. included in normal admission price. call john gibbon on 01667 460233 or email john.gibbon@hes.scot

2 sunday elgin city band annual christmas carol concert with special guests - bishopmill primary school choir doors open 6.30pm for 7pm prompt, st giles church, elgin. adults £5. refreshments available. big fish little fish: intergalactic planetary theme party @the ironworks, inverness, 2pm. rescheduled from 9th sept. www.ironworksvenue.com soup & sweet & book swap 12pm - 2pm, clochan community centre. adults £5 with tea/coffee; children £3. choose from 3 soups & 3 sweets, enjoy the company & browse though the books

5 wednesday

until 31 monday the highlands supports refugees (formerly moray supports refugees) for collection points see facebook page, appeal for warm clothing, toiletries, camping equipment & toys. volunteers, transport & cash donations welcome. www.en-gb.facebook.com/moraycalaid

christmas tombola raising funds for portessie public hall 6.30 pm, portessie public hall. £1.50. star prize £100 grocery vouchers. doors open 6.30 pm, eyes down 7.15 pm. please bring a cup. call rosella smith on 01542 833969 or email at portessiepublichall@hotmail.co.uk

7 friday

1 saturday

stella maris exhibition by local artists 2pm to 4pm, church gallery, 22 gordon road, portgordon. free. call matthew o'connor on 01542 836023 or email at matthewoconnor@gmail.com

the aberlour & speyside rotary club's christmas market 4pm - 8pm, aberlour. stalls in church & square, hot food, drinks, entertainment & dozens of stalls full of locally made items. santa's grotto. for booking info check facebook page sigma: christmas quiz; members & families doors open 7pm for 7.30pm start, birnie village hall, nr elgin. a night of fun, questions & mince pies to end the year. xmas raffle & update on planned future events. www.sigma-astro.co.uk skerryvore@ the ironworks, inverness, 7.30pm,all welcome. www.ironworksvenue.com

1 saturday - 8 saturday

7 friday - 9 sunday

quiz night in aid of the lhanbryde community centre roof repairs 7.30pm, lhanbryde community centre £2 per person. teams of up to four. byob. raffle. call 01343 842269 or email enquiries@lhanbrydecc.org abbamania@the ironworks, inverness, 7.30pm www.ironworksvenue.com

1 saturday - 2 sunday

royal mail letter to santa last day to post a letter to santa is 8th dec: father christmas, santa's grotto, reindeerland, xm4 5hq. don't forget the stamp!!

1 saturday - 4 january lego exhibition - brick history 1000-1515, by artist admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

christmas tree festival in aid of alzheimer scotland (moray branch): over 20 beautiful decorated trees and music friday 7th 11.am - 6pm saturday 8th 11am, south & west church buckie . admission £3. concession £2.50 children. refreshments included served in adjacent hall. call iris may smith on

tel: 01309 690063

December 2018 - page 15

Making Whole Family Recovery Possible Arrows is a holistic service for individuals both Adults experiencing drug and alcohol problems, and children and families The range of supports available in Arrows are both individual and group centred and can be used as part of a whole family approach to recovery or one to one support personally tailored and unique to each familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s circumstances.

program. Arrows work to improve coping strategies and parenting approaches through supporting activities, play and positive experiences.

Arrows can support parents to recognise the needs of their children throughout their recovery journey, how to support them through the changes involved and in hearing their views within the familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s support.

Worried about a loved one and their substance use?

Friends, family or others connected to an individual

nature of treatment and support with Arrows is upmost and we support individuals to understand the boundaries of sharing information, as well as making informed choices when involving loved ones within our whole family approach.

Worried about your substance use and its impact on your family and relationships?

Individuals experiencing drug and alcohol issues may feel isolated from loved ones, unable to seek support from those closest to them or pressurised into establishing positive changes which can lead to deterioration within relationships, and creating further challenges for recovery.

Arrows can support you to involve loved ones in your recovery at a pace and level that suits you. We can guide you to have conversations with loved ones inviting their involvement within your recovery plan. Many of our activities, groups and events are family inclusive; we provide focused support through couples and family counselling.

Arrows work with parents experiencing substance issues to support their role as a parent within their recovery treatment

a close relationship with someone struggling with an addiction can be frustrating, painful and sometimes a lonely journey.

We can work with you using a range of CBT based tools, helping you cope and support your loved one.

Many of these skills are valuable for the family even if your loved one does not enter treatment or has already begun the treatment process.

Arrows can support friends and family to understand and discuss problematic substance use with their loved one to help prevent situations escalating.

Linking with Carers Support Family members often donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t recognise themselves as unpaid carers even though they are entitled to the carer supports available. Arrows and Quarriers Carers Support Service (Moray) can work with you on a joint register to ensure access to the training, short breaks and group supports available through their Service.

Talk to us Arrows - A Quarriers Service, 23 High St, Elgin, IV301EE CBMM t Text 07812 228547 arrows@quarriers.org.uk

Opening hours Monday - Friday 9am-6pm, Thursday 9am-9pm Saturday 10am - 5pm SMART recovery Thursdays 6.30-7.30pm

Concerned about your own or someone else’s alcohol or drug use?

You’re not alone. Talk to us.

Call 01343 610500 Text 07812 228547 Email arrows@quarriers.org.uk 6XSSRUWLQJ )DPLOLHV WR

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+447816512378 or email at imsmith44@talktalk.net eden 2: christmas arts, crafts & food fair in aid of the highland hospice tbc, eden court, inverness. free. over 70 exhibitors - alcoholic beverages, cakes & patisseries, crafted chocolates, unusual cheeses

7 friday - 28 friday durn house: friday steak nights 6pm onwards, durn house, portsoy. booking essential. call 01261 843424 or email at events@durnhouse.co.uk

8 saturday banffshire field club: moray birds; a century of change. speaker - martin cook 2.15pm - 3.45pm (refreshments), st rufus church hall, turner street, keith. £3 members; £4 non-members. call dr alistair mason on 01261 812941 or bfc.1880@gmail.com. www.banffshirefieldclub.org.uk moravian orienteering: saturday & moray & nairn schools league tbc, cooper park, elgin www.moravianorienteering.org lewis capaldi@the ironworks, inverness tbc.

Clan Sept 18 .pdf 1 09/08/2018 09:38 www.ironworksvenue.com

www.clanhouse.org #Livingwithcancer

9 sunday christmas craft fair in aid of community centre funds. grab some fabulous gifts. teas & refreshments 11am-3pm, cullen community centre. free. call cullen community centre on 01542 840701 or email at info@cullencrc.org.uk buckie choral union christmas concert 7.30pm, st peter's church, buckie. £5. join us in singing traditional carols & listen to some different christmas songs from buckie choral union. call angela brooks on 07808 738757 or a.brooks1623@btinternet.com moray ramblers: rafford to burgie (christmas walk) 9am, forres. grade: easy/moderate; distance: 6 miles. call christine copsey on 07932 819557. www.morayramblers.org.uk keith royal british legion tea dance with d morrison 2pm - 4.30pm, the royal british legion, keith. tea & home bakes (3pm)

11 tuesday the elgin flower club: three steps to christmas 7.30pm, elgin high church hall, guildry street, elgin elgin community council monthly meeting 7pm 9pm, council chamber, council hq, high street, elgin call patsy gowans on 07497 111510 or email at patsy.gowans1@btinternet.com coffee morning (last of season) 10am - 12pm, clochan community centre. christmas hamper draw about 11am. coffee mornings will resume on 8th jan

12 wednesday clic sargent nhs grampian carol concert in aid of children’s cancer charity 7.30pm, elgin town hall £10, £8, £5. tickets from sound & vision, south st, elgin & choir members

13 thursday - 15 saturday cinderella: out the darkness theatre company doors open 6.30pm for 7pm prompt; matineeat 1pm on 15th , out the darkness theatre company, the wards, elgin. adults £10; child £6.50; students & conc £8.50. call 01343 544911 or email at social@odtheatre.org.uk

CLAN in the community Providing emotional and practical support to people affected by cancer, their family, friends and carers.

Wellbeing and support services are freely available to all, from pre-diagnosis and diagnosis through treatment and beyond at support centres across Moray, located in Elgin, Buckie, Forres and Lossiemouth.

14 friday the dolly parton story@the ironworks, inverness, 7.30pm. www.ironworksvenue.com rumours: fleetwood mac playback@ the ironworks

15 saturday Telephone: 01343 544132 elgin@clanhouse.org

Cancer support for all

page 18 - December 2018

mark knight@the ironworks, inverness, 10.30pm. www.ironworksvenue.com cantare ladies’ choir christmas concert with guest musicians in aid of raf benevolent fund 7pm, elgin town hall. £10, £5. tickets from cathedral windows, high street, elgin & choir members hipsway@the ironworks, inverness. 7pm. www.ironworksvenue.com

tel: 01309 690063

admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

19 wednesday

call dave & margaret spalding on 01309 671724 www.morayramblers.org.uk

moravian orienteering: northern night cup round 3 tbc, roseisle north. www.moravianorienteering.org

27 thursday

20 thursday

red hot chilli pipers@ the ironworks, inverness, 7.30pm. www.ironworksvenue.com

clan coffee morning 10.30am - 12pm, the clan cancer support centre, 227 high street, elgin. open to anyone affected by cancer with information & support available. guest speakers. all welcome. call 01343 544132

29 saturday moray ramblers: tyrebagger& elrick hill via brimmond 8am, keith. grade: moderate; distance: 8 miles. call diane simpson on 01542 832049 www.morayramblers.org.uk

21 friday - 22 saturday let it snow in aid of lucy's fight 7.30pm, st giles, elgin the old fountain jazz orchestra's fourth christmas concert. all welcome

jersey notes: jersey boys tribute show 8pm, the deveronside, banff. £8.48. all welcome

22 saturday - 24 monday

31 monday

28 friday

a disney christmas by lossie entertainment academy 22nd & 23rd - 2.30pm & 7.30pm; 24th - 2., elgin town hall. £10; conc £8 from www.tickettailor.com/e come & meet the disney characters. prizes for the best dressed disney children. call 01343 813111 www.lossieentertainmentacademy.co.uk

new year's eve party 6pm onwards, durn house, portsoy. booking essential. includes transport to & from the fireworks display at the links, portsoy call 01261 843424. www.durnhouse.co.uk hogmanay bash with rythmnreel@the ironworks, inverness, tbc. www.ironworksvenue.com

26 wednesday moray ramblers: winding walks (fochabers); boxing day walk 10am, fochabers public institute car park

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tel: 01309 690063

December 2018 - page 19

Fergusson Coal is now under new local management and will trade as

SPEYSIDE COAL Salesperson Jeff Ransford for the last 16 years will continue to be your regular contact The main changes will be more competitive prices, better service and more choice

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Pure Columbian Coal Doubles £16 per 50kgs Smartheat Smokeless Ovals £17 per 50kgs Scottish Coal Doubles £15 per 50kgs Orders @ www.speysidecoal.com e Fre ery 14:25

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Tel 01343 547509

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Best Buys

T: 01343 542218

Decora, Lossiebank Mills, Elgin, IV30 4DE

24th - 25th November Every weekend until Christmas.

Book early to avoid Disappointment Sat 9.30am - 5.00pm and Sun 10.00am - 4.00pm

Santa Arrives

E: www.diydecora.com

Mon - Fri 9.00am - 7.00pm Saturday 9.00am - 6.00pm Sunday 10.00am - 5.00pm

Opening times of Store:

Adult Non Fiction

Blowing the Bloody Doors Off

By Michael Caine With over 100 movies to his credit over six decades, Hollywood legend and British national treasure Michael Caine shares the wisdom, stories, insight and skills that life has taught him in his remarkable career - and now his 85th year. A brilliant new insight into his life and work and with his wonderful gift for story, this is Caine at his wise and entertaining best.

Adult Fiction

Macbeth

By Jo Nesbo When a drug bust turns into a bloodbath it's up to Inspector Macbeth and his team to clean up the mess.

He's also an ex-drug addict with a troubled past. He's rewarded for his success. Power. Money. Respect.

Plagued by hallucinations and paranoia, Macbeth starts to unravel. He's convinced he won't get what is rightfully his. Unless he kills for it.

Adult Non Fiction Adult Fiction

The Tattooist of Auschwitz

By Heather Morris When Lale Sokolov arrived in Auschwitz-Birkenau he was given the job of tattooing the prisoners marked for survival - scratching numbers into his fellow victims' arms in indelible ink.

Waiting in line to be tattooed, terrified and shaking, was a young girl. For Lale - a dandy, a jack-the-lad, a bit of a chancer - it was love at first sight. And he was determined not only to survive himself, but to ensure this woman, Gita, did, too. So begins the love story of the tattooist of Auschwitz.

Junior Fiction

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a Yeti in the Playground!

By Pamela Butchart Izzy and friends are excited! The snow is falling fast and they're hoping they'll all be sent home early. But then they hear weird noises in the playground, and find a big footprint in the snow... And that's when they know!

There's a YETI in the playground and it's HUNGRY!

Have you Eaten Grandma?

By Gyles Brandreth A definitive (and hilarious) guide to punctuation, spelling, and good English for the twenty-first century. Without hesitation or repetition (and just a touch of deviation) Gyles skewers the linguistic horrors of our time, tells us where we've been going wrong (and why), and reveals his tips and tricks to ensure that, in future, we make fewer (rather than 'less') mistakes.

Junior Fiction

The Tales of Beedle the Bard

By JK Rowling A favourite bedtime read in wizarding households for generations. Full of magic and trickery, these classic tales both entertain and instruct, and remain as captivating to young wizards today as they were when Beedle first put quill to parchment in the fifteenth century. Translated by Hermione Granger the collection includes: 'The Tale of the Three Brothers' â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which Harry Potter fans will know from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - 'The Fountain of Fair Fortune' and 'The Warlock's Hairy Heart' amongst others. Published in aid of the Lumos, a charity dedicated to ending the institutionalisation of children.

THIS SPACE COULD HAVE BEEN PROMOTING YOUR BUSINESS!

COLIN BOWIE MOT AND GARAGE SERVICES

AUTO CENTRE cmbowiegarage@gmail.com www.cbautocentre.co

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R McGregor

Contact us for details of rates and sizes: Portsoy Ice Cream Dec 18.pdf

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M O N U M E N TA L E N G R AV E R

07/11/2018

XÌ YkÌ ÀkA ÌHÌ/ OkÎÌÌ XÌ ÎÌ À ÄÌ XÌ k AckÌ ØOO kÌ:Ay|kÌ kÄ XÌ YkcÌ AÎÎkÄ`Ì/ Ï kÄÌA cÌ/ A kÄÌ XÌ k AckÌ k A Ì:Ay|kÄ CHECK FACEBOOK OR CALL FOR WINTER AND FESTIVE OPENING TIMES

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13:50

1.

Put your Christmas tree in an old duvet cover when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re transporting it home and keep it on when you carry it into your house no needles in your car or on the path from the front door. Do the same thing when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re removing the tree after Christmas and you can get it out of the house with the minimum of mess.

2.

Make mulled wine or mulled cider in the slow cooker. That way, you are greeted by the most welcoming and festive aromas on walking through the door after work. An instant cure for any chilly or busy commute home and gets you straight back into the festive spirit.

3.

Do the 'squint test' on the lights on the Christmas tree. Once you have the lights on the tree, turn the rest of the lights in the room off, stand back and squint at the tree. You can then see any bare spaces so you can rearrange the lights for maximum coverage before you add the decorations.

4.

6.

8.

9.

Put the roll of wrapping paper on the top of a double radiator - it's the perfect dispenser.

To easily remove sticky price labels off gift bags without breaking your nails or destroying the gift, use a hairdryer to heat up the glue and peel the labels off easily.

Always win at Christmas crackers.

If you never get your hands on that covetable key ring bottle opener, here’s what to do. Hold your end of the cracker lower, so it tilts towards you, and go for a slow, controlled pull, with minimum twisting.

5.

7.

Homemade mincemeat is much tastier than shop-bought, but not everybody has time. Buy the best supermarket jar, then add extra brandy and a handful of luxurious fruits, such as dried cherries or figs.

Accept compliments graciously.

If your tree is looking thin, there is no need to splash out on a new one.

Simply buy some dark-green tinsel (as close to the colour of the needles as you can find) and twist it around the tree to give the impression of fuller branches. Or for the ultimate DIY decoration use a cream feather boa instead of tinsel - it looks like snow!

Many a parent has tried to “post” their child’s letter to Father Christmas up the chimney, only to find the missive refuses to budge – to the distress of the little ones. Crack open a door or window to create a draught and the missive should fly up with no trouble. And if you haven’t got a chimney? Post the letter to Santa’s Grotto, Reindeerland, XM4 5HQ by December 6, and the Royal Mail will send your child back a personalised reply, free of charge.

P u zz l e P a g e

Medium Easy

Answers will be printed in the next issue of Spotlight

t to hear n a w e W U! from YO

2018

READER SURVEY

Spotlight is conducting a survey into what you feel about your monthly magazine.

We want to know:

t What you like t What you don’t like t What you would like to see included which isn’t already.

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Alternatively, if you prefer to just send us an email then please forward your WML Sign up HP.pdf 1 12/11/2018 14:11 comments to admin@winterburnmedia.com

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The Garden TOM ANGEL IS A LANDSCAPE CONSULTANT AND GARDEN

AVIEMORE. HIS ANGEL HORTICULTURE

DESIGNER BASED IN BUSINESS

LTD OFFERS CONSULTANCY AND DESIGN SERVICES TO CLIENTS ALL

SCOTLAND. TOM ALSO ‘THE MOUNTAIN GARDENER’ WHICH YOU WILL FIND AT WWW.ANGELHORT.COM OVER

WRITES A BLOG AS

S

itting next to the fire as I write this, with a steaming cup of coffee on the table and the dog curled up next to me, I am reminded about why I ended up living in the highlands.

A day out enjoying the autumnal colours, followed by cosy evenings spent indoors make for a pretty unbeatable mix.

The beautiful autumn display this year was never going to last too long, the trees and plants have had a stressful summer with the lack of rain, so will have been keen to shrug off their leaves at the first sign of frost. The Birch trees that I can see beyond my garden fence are looking increasingly sparse, and are starting to take on that magical monochromatic sheen unique to Birch woodlands in the winter.

There are jobs to do in the garden, not only to put the garden to bed for the winter, but to keep it looking interesting from the warmth of the house. Once the remainder of the leaves are down, I will use my lawnmower to collect them from the lawn before putting them in bin bags to create a nice leaf mulch for next year. If you put too many leaves in your compost it will make it too carbon-heavy, but a good well-rotted leaf mulch creates a reliable soil conditioner for use next year.

28

In the flowerbeds I will be raking the leaves out, and paying special attention to clearing the leaves from the base of plants where they can cause fungal infections to build up.

There are plants to divide, plants to mulch, and some lawn repairs to do too. My shed’s green roof which has been looking very sorry this year will get some running repairs as well. Plants with spent seed-heads will be cut back if they are looking messy, and others I will leave to catch morning frosts and add some interest to the garden.

I have some great projects on the go at the moment too.

One that has recently come to completion was a tricky planting plan for a boggy bed that is both exposed and shaded – a perfect storm of difficulties! Careful selection of plants will reward us with a long-lasting and robust display next year and for years to come.

Autumn and winter are the best time of year for planning and undertaking garden projects, and the absolute best time for planting bare root hedges and trees. Keep thinking about your garden through the winter and you can reward yourself with some magical results come spring time!

To find out more about what I am up to you will find me as The Mountain Gardener™ on Instagram or on my blog which you will find at www.angelhort.com.

THE CARPET DEPOT

ONE OF THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FULL ROLL CARPETS IN THE NORTH EAST!

NO NEED TO WAIT UNTIL THE JA NUARY SALES WE HAVE BIG DISCOUNTS NOW ON ALL CARPETS AND VINYLS! 100s of room sized remnants to clear at stupid prices The more you buy, the bigger the discount

Looking for a HOME away from HOME?

MOTORHOMES FOR HIRE Pet friendly motorhome coming to the fleet from March 2019 07825 172891 U info@saltiremotorhomes.co.uk Strathlene House, Elgin, Moray, IV30 8NB

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Words by the Wayside “...for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.”

(Acts 27:25)

Reader, all religions in the world say “work your way to Heaven”. But the Lord Jesus says “I am the way”. God’s Word says that all have sinned, all have need of salvation; and all can only have salvation through Jesus Christ and His death on the Cross at Calvary for them. But You must receive Him as Your Saviour. God’s Word says it is as many as receive Him, to them gives He the power to be sons of God and enter God’s Family.

Those who do not believe are condemned already.

W W

www.wordsbythewayside.co.uk Registered Scottish charity SC041290

We take all major credit cards Discounts on Full Rolls with over 500 Rolls in stock there’s something to suit EVERYONE! THE CARPET DEPOT THE DEPOT BOYNDIE, BANFF AB45 2AA The Old Council YardQP Tel: 01261 843 921 Timber Buildings March 18.pdf 1 Open: Thur – Sun 10.30am – 4.00pm

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A History of

Festive Traditions Why Mince Pies?

Mince Pies, like Christmas Puddings, were originally filled with meat, such as lamb, rather than the dried fruits and spices mix as they are today. They were also first made in an oval shape to represent the manger that Jesus slept in as a baby, with the top representing his swaddling clothes. Sometimes they even had a 'pastry baby Jesus' on the top!

During the Stuart and Georgian times, in the UK, mince pies were a status symbol at Christmas.

Very rich people liked to show off at their Christmas parties by having pies made is different shapes (like stars, crescents, hearts, tears, & flowers); the fancy shaped pies could often fit together a bit like a jigsaw! They also looked like the 'knot gardens' that were popular during those periods. Having pies like this meant you were rich and could afford to employ the best and most expensive, pastry cooks.

Now they are normally made in a round shape and are eaten hot or cold.

Why Christmas Trees?

Germany is credited with starting the Christmas tree tradition (as we now recognise it) in the 16th Century, when devout Christians brought decorated trees into their homes.

When did it start in the UK? German-born Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria, is usually credited with popularising the Christmas tree in Britain in the 1840s and 1850s. A drawing of the Royal Family celebrating around a decorated Christmas tree in Windsor was published in 1848 by the Illustrated London News and the custom was eventually taken up by the masses.

Why Christmas Crackers?

Christmas crackers are a traditional Christmas favourite in the UK. They were first made in about 1845-1850 by a London sweet maker called Tom Smith. He had seen the French 'bon bon' sweets (almonds wrapped in pretty paper). He came back to London and tried selling sweets like that in England and also included a small motto or riddle in with the sweet. But they didn't sell very well.

Legend says that, one night, while he was sitting in front of his log fire, he became very interested by the sparks and cracks coming from the fire. Suddenly, he thought what a fun idea it would be, if his sweets and toys could be opened with a crack when their fancy wrappers were pulled in half.

Crackers were originally called 'cosaques' and were thought to be named after the 'Cossack' soldiers who had a reputation for riding on their horses and firing guns into the air!

When Tom died, his expanding cracker business was taken over by his three sons, Tom, Walter and Henry. Walter introduced the hats into crackers and he also traveled around the world looking for new ideas for gifts to put in the crackers.

The company built up a big range of 'themed' crackers. There were ones for bachelors and spinsters (single men and women), where the gifts were things like false teeth and wedding rings! There were also crackers for Suffragettes (women who campaigned to get women the vote), war heroes and even Charlie Chaplain! Crackers were also made for special occasions like Coronations. The British Royal Family still has special crackers made for them today!

Very expensive crackers were made such as the 'Millionaire's Crackers' which contained a solid silver box with a piece of gold and silver jewerly inside it!

Cracker manufacturers also made large displays, such as horse drawn carriages and sleighs, for the big shops in London.

The world's longest Christmas cracker measured 63.1m (207ft) long and 4m (13ft) in diameter and was made by the parents of children at Ley Hill School and Pre-School, Chesham, Buckinghamshire, UK on 20 December 2001. Now that would be one big bang!

The biggest Christmas cracker pull was done by 1,478 people at an event organised by Honda Japan at Tochigi Proving Ground, Tochigi, Japan, on 18 October 2009. Now that would be a lot of bangs!

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