SpotLight on Buckie and Keith

Page 1

OCTOBER 2012

BUCKIE, KEITH & DISTRICT THE

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Grampian Furnishers - Sale ..p7 The Loft - Xmas Party.........p12 Choctober Festival .............p12 Moray Feelgood Festival ....p16 Property...................p24-26 Clubs & Societies, Pastoral, Church Details, Council News, Useful Numbers, Local Holidays, What’s On, Parliament Blog, Tide Times and much, much more!

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CLUBS & SOCIETIES

AL-ANON FAMILY GROUPS Free, confidential help & support to the relatives & friends of problem drinkers. Local weekly groups in Buckie & Keith. Visit www.hexnet.co.uk/alanon/, email alanonuk@aol.com or call 020 7403 0888 for more information. BANFF, MORAY & NAIRN CANINE CLUB Classes are held in obedience and ringcraft every Monday evening during school terms from 6.30pm in Spynie hall, Elgin. Call Joanne on 07715 557395. BANFFSHIRE FIELD CLUB Meets monthly at St Rufus Church Hall, Turner Street, Keith to explore the district, its botany, geology, natural history, archaeology, etc. Contact Mrs K M Hawkes 840718 or visit www.banffshirefieldclub.org.uk KEITH SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE CLASS Every Thurs 7.30pm - 9.30pm, Royal British Legion Hall, Keith

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page 4 - october 2012

BUCKIE AND DISTRICT PIPE BAND We meet in the Royal British Legion hall, Buckie, on Thursday evenings 6.30pm-9pm. Learners & experienced players welcome. www.buckiepipeband.co.uk

FAITH AND LIGHT GROUP BUCKIE To provide an evening of respite care to the parents or carers of club members. 1st and 3rd Tuesday evening at 7pm. Contact Anne Gerrard 831124.

BUCKIE AMATEUR SWIMMING CLUB Classes spanning all levels and coaching available. Ages 5-16. Contact David Eckersley 832078

FINDOCHTY BOWLING CLUB Our carpet bowling group meets Fridays, Nov - March, 6:30pm 9pm at Findochty Primary School. New members & beginners welcome! Call Ian Miller 832708.

BUCKIE ARCHERS If you are over 21 and interested in forming an Archery Club based in Buckie, please email buckiearchers@yahoo.co.uk We have 2 targets, 2 recurve and 1 field bow for trial.

FOCHABERS HILL WALKING & RAMBLING CLUB Meets the last Sunday each month for hill walking outings. £15 annual sub and £10-£20 bus fare. Contact Wilma Forsyth for more details 01343 821101.

BUCKIE BE ACTIVE LIFE LONG (B.A.L.L.) Gentle exercise for body and mind. Over 60s welcome. Meet in the Guide Hall, Newlands Lane. Tuesdays 10am - 12.15pm. Tel: 839200 / 832952.

ISLA VOLLEYBALL CLUB Wednesdays, September - April. 7.30pm - 9pm Intermediate & Seniors; 9pm -10pm Seniors. Keith Community Centre. Contact Mhorag Mitchell 888310.

BUILDING BLOCKS NURSERY Spaces available for children aged 2 - 5 years. Also provide funded pre-school places. Open all year, including school holidays, 8am - 6pm. 37 St Peters Terrace, Buckie.Tel: 07771360880.

JOG SCOTLAND BUCKIE Tuesdays 6.45pm, Swimming Pool car park. Juniors, Monday 4.30pm, BHS Games Hall. Suitable for beginners. Email: jsbuckie@walkjogrunmoray.org.uk or call 842847.

BUCKIE CHORAL UNION Mixed choir. Rehearsals are on Thursdays 7:30-9:30pm in the Buckie North Church Hall, Buckie. For more information (including map), visit www.buckiechoral.org.uk

KEITH CRICKET CLUB Desperate for new players. All ages & abilities welcome. Practice on Thursdays - 5pm Juniors & 6pm Seniors at Fife Park, Keith. Contact N Green on 01542 887105 for more details.

CULBIN SINGERS Regular Thursday evening practice sessions take place in St Laurence Church, Forres. New members welcome. Email: alasdair@manachie.eclipse.co.uk

KEITH SPORTS AND COMMUNITY CENTRE Contact 01542 882222

DIABETES UK MORAY VOLUNTARY GROUP AGM. and Understanding Diabetes presentation. 7pm. in Elgin Youth Cafe, Francis Place, Elgin, IV30 1LQ. All welcome, young and old, come along and learn more about diabetes and the activities of our local group.

MORAY ADVANCE MOTORISTS & MOTORCYCLISTS Reg. Scottish Charity SC 033561 visit www.morayiam.org.uk or call 01309 673954

MORTLACH ART GROUP Meets in the Memorial Hall, Albert Place, Dufftown every Thursday 1pm-5pm. £2 per meeting. Tuition available. Some materials are available. MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS MORAY By people with multiple sclerosis for people with multiple sclerosis A website with info & support for people with MS, their friends, family & carers. www.MSMoray.net NIKKI’S AEROBICS Exercise class at Longmore Hall, Keith on Tuesdays 7pm to 8pm ‘NO STRINGS ATTACHED’ CONFIDENTIAL HELPLINE Caring for someone affected by drugs, alcohol or mental health issues and feel that it’s having an impact on you and the rest of your family? Call 01343 555031 Anonymity if required. SPEY BAY COMMUNITY HALL Mon Peak Physique 7 - 7.45pm and 8 - 8.45pm (07973149855). Tues Indoor Bowls 7 - 8.30pm (821947) Wed morning BALL (821713). Thurs Mums & Toddlers 1 - 2.30pm (821162) Badminton 7 9pm. Fri Peak Physique 10 - 11am. Indoor Bowls 7 - 7.30pm. Call Willie Pirie on 01343 823995 for general enquiries. WALK BUCKIE Wednesdays 7pm. 30-45 min walks at various paces from Buckie Swimming Pool car park. www.walkjogrunmoray.org.uk

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 in every issue.

MORAY DISABILITY FORUM We welcome everyone interested, or working in the area of disability to become a member of the group. Call Mike McKenzie, c/o Moray resource Centre, Elgin. tel: 07967 440164

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SpotLight on buckie and District

As we go to press with this issue, the Paralympics being held in London are drawing to a close. Whilst athletics in general may not be everybody’s “cup of tea” as a spectator sport, one cannot deny the sheer scale of the competitors’ personal achievements. What better place from which to draw inspiration for our own lives?

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PASTORAL LETTER AND CHURCH MEETINGS

I would like to start today with my favourite passage of Scripture, and that is John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life”. Some people, maybe you are one, thinks that if God exists, then there would be no bad things in the world, and everything would be wonderful. Because that obviously isn’t the case, their conclusion is, then, that God does not exist. But this doesn’t take into account mankind’s propensity to do bad things to each other. If a deranged person decides to walk into a school with a gun, or goes to a remote island where a young group are holding their annual camp, and start shooting and killing people, why is God blamed for that? Or why is His existence questioned? No, the fact is, God does exist, and

He loves the people of the world so much, that He sacrificed His Son for each and every one of us. Could any of us give up our son or daughter for somebody else? I doubt it. But there is a condition to receiving the eternal life spoken about in the verse above. We are to believe in Him (Jesus) so as not to perish. The word ‘believe’ means so much more than just to acknowledge that Jesus lived on earth as a man 2000 years ago; it means to exercise belief in; to credit upon the authority or testimony of another; to be persuaded of the truth of, upon evidence furnished by reasons, arguments, and deductions of the mind, or by circumstances other than personal knowledge; to regard or accept as true; to place confidence in; to think; to consider; as, to believe a person, a statement, or a doctrine. In plain language, it means to hand over our very lives to Him. To let Him

Keith, Church of Scotland - North, Newmill, Boharm and Rothiemay. North Church: Sundays 11am. Boharm Church: Mulben village Hall. First Sunday of the month 9.30am. Rothiemay Church: Sundays 9.30am, except the first Sunday in each month. Contact Rev. Hutton Steel on 01542 882559 / 01542 886390. Email: knnbrchurch@btconnect.com Keith, Church of Scotland - St Rufus, Botriphnie, and Grange. St Rufus Church: Sundays 10.15am. Botriphnie Church: Sundays 11.45am (alternate Sundays). Grange Church: Sundays 11.45am (alternate Sundays). Contact Rev. Ranald S.R. Gauld: 01542 882799 or email: kay_gauld@btinternet.com Keith, St. Thomas’ Church RC Sunday Masses: Vigil Mass 9.30am and 6.30pm. Saturday 10am: confessions (on request). Tel: 01542 882352. Portessie Assembly Hall Ogilvie Street. Sunday 6:15pm: gospel meetings. Wednesdays 7:30pm: prayer and Bible study. Tel: 01343 820532. Portessie Methodist Church Portessie, Buckie. Sundays 11am and 6pm (alternately here and at Buckie). Portgordon Methodist Church Sundays 11am. Bible study page 6 - october 2012

govern our thoughts and deeds, and to agree to abide by His rules, and not our own. The Bible calls that ‘faith’. If everybody did that, then there would be no bad in the world, but that is an impossible dream. God loves even those who commit these heinous crimes, but He will hold them accountable for what they have done, as He will hold us all accountable for what we do as individuals. My prayer is that everybody who reads this article would turn to God and trust Him and to ask Him to come into their lives and to live for Him. I could not consider going back to the life I lived before I became a Christian 25 years ago. God is good, and only good.

Pastor John Coppard. Riverside Christian Church, Buckie.

meeting on alternate Mondays with the Church of Scotland congregation at 2pm. Craft group meets on Wednesdays at 2pm. 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 7pm. Wednesdays 8am: prayer breakfast. Leader Mr Stewart Gray: 01542 836007. Portknockie Church of Scotland Sundays 11.15am. All welcome. Contact Morag Ritchie: 01542 840951 or Heather Reid: 01542 840921. Rathven Church of Scotland Sunday 9.45am led by a minister or an authorised local preacher. Contact Moira: 01542 833956 or Ann 01542 831607. Riverside Christian Church Buckie. Sundays 10.30am. Tel: 01542 833923. Website: www.riversidebuckie.org St Peters Church RC St Andrews Square, Buckie. Saturday Vigil 6.30pm. Sunday Mass 10am. Resident priest: Rev Tad Turski. Tel: 01542 832196. This is listed alphabetically from K to S and will regularly be rotated. If you are a member of a church not listed here, please contact us with the details and we may print them in future issues.

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COMMUNITY COUNCIL NEWS ExtraCtS FroM thE MinutES oF thE MEEting oF 2nD JuLy 2012 oF KEith CoMMunity CounCiL POLICE MATTERS Since the last meeting there have been 42 recorded crimes:9 dishonesty crimes including theft of diesel, 7 road traffic offences, 1 drink driver was detected. The others resulted from anti social driving patrols by traffic officers. The Royal Hotel is to receive a visit from PC Ray Walker and the Licensing Standards Officer to address ongoing concerns. Reports of youngsters who think it’s funny to lie on the A96. People from other areas are coming to the Boom – Box sessions. There have been reports of increased vandalism when these events are being held. Constable Ian Ralston has secured funding of £250 to develop a football tournament. This year`s event has already taken place – money will go towards next year`s tournament. Keith Music Festival and Tractor Pulling events went without incident. A CC has received a complaint from a member of the public regarding the recent event held at the Longmore Hall. The complaint was that the event was late in finishing and the food operator being allowed to serve food. Sergeant Black is looking into this. GC replied that the Longmore Hall would have had the appropriate license to run the event. Patrols have been made on the school car park – no offences have been detected. Residents living adjacent to the golf club praised the police for showing an increased presence after complaints of vehicles driving too fast in the road from golf club. JM received complaints from residents on Land Street about the speed and volume of traffic. There have been a few minor accidents and near misses, and there are concerns that a child may get hurt. Speed bumps, traffic counting, speed strips and smiley face signs were all suggestions to calm the traffic. GC thought the best measure was to reintroduce the Smiley face sign – when you approach the sign it tells you the speed you are doing. JM also said it was a worry that there was no crossing patrol at St Thomas primary school. ACTION –TR contact roads.

page 8 - october 2012

4. PRESENTATION Tracey Rae the Community Council Liaison Officer gave a presentation as follows:Consistent membership has been retained throughout the term of office – 6 members and 4 vacancies. The term started in October 2009 and runs until October 2013. Meetings have been held regularly and have been well attended. There have been a number of good initiatives from Keith Community Council and sub-groups formed including the Xmas Lights group. There is no doubt that ‘Community’ is at the heart of Keith Community Council with the Christmas Extravaganza a very successful event and the more recent huge success of ‘Haud ER Gaun’. Being a quine with Keith roots I’ve had to translate this title to many a person! Successful partnership working with other Groups and Organisations in the Community leads to the success of your group and you can’t underestimate the work you are doing and the successes you are achieving, not only with The Moray Council, but with other organisations e.g. Bear Scotland. There has been excellent self promotion of Keith Community Council and an integral part of this has been the relationship with The Banffshire Herald – you are very lucky to have the regular attendance and input of Esther. A regular stream of operational issues are being raised and dealt with and it’s very easy to write off the amount you do because you all do it automatically! Meetings are also regularly attended by the local Police and the dedicated Elected members you have in this ward. I regularly flag up the good practice in Keith CC of individual portfolio’s – it allows each Community Council to have responsibility in an area of interest and allows their skills and confidence levels to develop – an excellent piece of best practice that I may well showcase for future promotional material. There has been a recent concern regarding the style of Minutes – I must stress the Minutes have always been produced to a more than acceptable standard. However, the concerns have been sympathetically considered by Office Bearers

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and a new style is being introduced. I hope you all lend your support to your Minute Secretary during this period of transition. There is no question that a successful Community Council requires a strong and motivating person at the helm and I am delighted that Jane has taken on the Chair of Keith CC – her friendly and inclusive manner makes visitors and Community Councillors feel at ease at the meetings. Keith Community Council are doing really well, believe me you are! But you can always do better. If there is any desire for training, either collectively or as an individual, please let me know and I can liaise with my colleague in the Community Support Unit to see what we can do. Also if there are any projects or initiatives you want to get involved with in the area but are concerned it may just be ‘too big’, or don’t know where to start, please speak to me and again I can see what resources we have to assist you. JM thanked Tracey for her presentation. 5. MATTERS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MINUTES CL has tried to contact Ralph at BEAR – he has been unsuccessful. The entrance to Keith at Brig O’Haughs is still very overgrown and grass needs cutting. The Huntly side of Keith has been kept much tidier. JM suggested that there be nice plants that are easily maintained be planted at the Brig O’Haughs side and that KCC could fund these as running costs. A plaque could be put in to say that KCC were funding this project; a decision will be made at the next meeting. GC said that the signs on entering Keith that were very dirty were cleaned by BEAR. Den car park was reported by JM, and Caravan Park and Tartan Museum were still displayed on A96. ACTIONS – JM to report again. Change of minutes – SH and JM liased at a meeting with Linda Adams with regard to the new format of the minutes. Dog mess – Donna Jamieson has been consulted.

SpotLight on buckie and District

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PARLIAMENT BLOG & TIDE TIMES

“

Parliament Blog

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it has been a busy summer period and it seems to have flown in! having two growing boys full of energy certainly fills up the time and it was great to get some time away with the family. We spent a few days in Wales this year and while the weather, like pretty much everywhere else this year, was a bit changeable the Welsh welcome for neighbours from the north more than made up for it! nearer to home i recently had the pleasure of being at the opening of northern oils new headquarters at Lintmill, near Cullen. While many businesses are still under pressure there is some confidence coming back in and northern oils are really going from strength to strength.

as many of you will probably have spotted i have, in my role as the SnP’s Defence Spokesperson, recently put forward new defence policy proposals, which are set to be debated later this month at the SnP’s annual national Conference. it has been interesting seeing the reaction from some parts of the media who have talked about rebellion and deep splits. if we didn’t debate challenging issues there would of course be headlines saying we weren’t prepared to face up to those challenges! at the end of the day we will have a robust debate, agree a position with a vote and move on. We will still speak to each other - indeed we haven’t stopped speaking to each other and there will be other challenging issues to deal with. a good number of constituents in Moray have contacted me on this issue and i am grateful for the many considered responses covering both sides of the debate.

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october 2012 - page 9

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LOCAL HOLIDAYS, SCHOOL TERM DATES & USEFUL NUMBERS

Local Holidays Keith Holiday Buckie Holiday § Fochabers Holiday ‡ British Summertime Ends St Andrews Day Christmas Day Boxing Day New Year’s Day

Mon 15th Oct 2012 Mon 15th Oct 2012 Mon 15th Oct 2012 Sun 28th Oct 2012 Fri 30th Nov 2012 Tues 25th Dec 2012 Wed 26th Dec 2012 Tues 1st Jan 2013

Burns Night Shrove Tuesday Mother’s Day Good Friday

Fri 25th Jan 2013 Tues 12th Feb 2013 Sun 10th Mar 2013 Fri 29th Mar 2013

§ includes Cullen, Findochty & Portknockie ‡ includes Garmouth, Kingston, Mosstodloch, Spey Bay & Urquhart

School Term Dates Autumn Term Ends Winter Term Starts In-service Closure In-service Closure Winter Term Ends Spring Term Starts

Fri 12th Oct 2012 Mon 29th Oct 2012 Mon 19th Nov 2012 Tues 20th Nov 2012 Fri 21st Dec 2012 Mon 7th Jan 2013

Mid-term Holiday Mid-term Holiday Spring Term Ends Good Friday Holiday Summer Term Starts Milne’s High & Feeders

Fri 15th Feb 2013 Mon 18th Feb 2013 Thurs 28th Mar 2013 Fri 29th Mar 2013 Mon 15th Apr 2013 Fri 3rd May 2013

Useful Telephone Numbers 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 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 DOCTORS Ardach Health Centre ....................................01542 831555 Seafield Medical Centre ................................01542 835577 Seafield & Cullen Medical Group...................01542 835577 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 Cullen Pharmacy............................................01542 840220 Listermac Pharmacy, Union St ......................01542 840268 Listermac Pharmacy, W. Church St ..............01542 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 882222 Keith Swimming Pool ....................................01542 882222 Keith Resource Centre ..................................01542 886174 Keith Library ..................................................01542 882223 Keith Sports & Com. Ctr ................................01542 882222 Moray Council Access Point, Keith................01542 885500 Registrar ........................................................01542 885525 Keith Tourist Info. Ctr......................................01542 888423 Keith Community Bus ....................................01542 882222 Babs Dial A Bus ............................................01542 835800 Dial ‘M’ For Moray Buses ..............................01343 562533 National Rail Enquiries ..................................08457 484950

If you have any suggestions for additional numbers, please contact us and we may include them in the magazine. page 10 - october 2012

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Transport can be arranged

VENUE

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3 COURSE MEAL PLUS disco Saturday 1st, 8th, 15th, and 22nd December

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OUR PRICE MATCH PROMISE If you see any of our spectacles cheaper at another opticians, please let us know and we’ll be happy to Price Match*. We also accept prescriptions from other opticians. Buckie. T. 01542 832 239 E. buckie@yourlocalopticians.co.uk

www.yourlocalopticians.co.uk *Terms and conditions apply. Please ask for details.

What’s On &),-3 s 3(/73 s %6%.43 s #/.#%243 s %4#

Please send us details of Your events log on to www.spotlighton.co.uk email michelle@spotlighton.co.uk or call 01309 690063. What’s on listings deadline for the november issue is friday 5/10/12.

SEPTEMBER 26 september - 31 october “impressions of an untamed country� exhibition by keith tilley elgin museum. call 01343543675 or email curator@elginmuseum.org.uk

28 friday ‘the boys are back in town’ pro night @ ironworks 7pm. 14+. professional boxing night. tickets or info call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

29 saturday ‘handmade in scotland’ autumn craft fair 10am 1pm, lossiemouth high school. find us on facebook or email tara at sales@islaandesme.com dame emma kirkby & jakob lindberg in concert 7pm - 8:30pm, old high church, inverness. for tickets and info visit www.moraysteinerschool.org

30 sunday

project to inspire those with an eating disorder to fight & recover. call 01542 886630 for opening times and info.

1 monday - 24 wednesday moray feelgood festival 2012 : 'the feelgood mural' 51 south street, the old junners building, elgin. promoting messages of mental health & wellbeing. visit www.morayfeelgoodfestival.co.uk for details or call 01343 550652 moray feelgood festival 2012 : 'knitting your way to good health' mon - sat 8am - 5:30pm sun 11am 4pm. st giles shopping centre and start to knit shop, elgin. promoting everything good about knitting. free, no booking required. for info call 01343 551512

2 tuesday moray feelgood festival 2012 : 'a creative & caring moray' 3:15pm - 7pm, registration 2:30pm, moray college, elgin. aimed at community members and professionals from the arts, health and social sectors. free, limited spaces, booking required. email fiona.mcpherson@moray.gov.uk

3 wednesday mark steel’s in town - comedy @ the loft 7:30pm, east grange farm, forres. call 01343 850111 or visit www.eastgrange.co.uk

last day of opening for castle & gardens for the year. enquiries & ticket info call 01667 404401 or visit www.cawdorcastle.com harvest tea 2pm - 4pm, boharm public hall, mulben. call 07825 794882 / email keithcomrie@hotmail.com

OCTOBER 1 monday moray feelgood festival 2012 : 'in my shoes' 11am 1pm / 2:30pm - 4:30pm, the gallery, elgin library, elgin. join art practitioner kate craik on a journey of self discovery, creativity and fun. free / limited spaces, booking required. call 01343 567188. visit www.morayfeelgoodfestival.co.uk for more info.

1 monday - 6 saturday moray feelgood festival 2012 : 'recapture' exhibition the loft youth project, keith. youth led photography SpotLight on buckie and District

Comedy

Mark Steel’s In Town

Wednesday, October 3rd, 7.30pm @ The Loft, East Grange Farm, Forres, IV36 2UD Tel: 01343 850111

4 thursday newton faulkner @ ironworks 7:30pm. 14+. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com “bridging the gap� lecture by lt. col. andy sturrock, 39 engineer regiment, kinloss 2pm - 4pm, elgin museum. call 01343543675 or email curator@ elginmuseum.org.uk moray feelgood festival 2012 : 'feelgood bookbug' 10am - 10:45am children's area, elgin library. stories & rhymes for babies & toddlers. great way to meet

tel: 01309 690063

october 2012 - page 13

other parents and children in the area. free session, no booking required. for info call 01343 562602

5 friday jason porter as michael buble doors open 6:45pm, longmore hall, keith. tickets £10. call 01542 882537 / 01542 886422. tickets from peterkins solicitors, 145 mid street, keith. moray feelgood festival 2012 : 'feelgood bookbug lite' 11am - 11:30am children's area, elgin library. smaller, shorter & more intimate. free session, no booking required. moray feelgood festival 2012 : 'healthmatters launch' 12:30pm - 3pm, the gallery, elgin library. publications and materials on display. free health info and resources to take away. free event. call 01343 562602 for details.

5 friday - 6 saturday affordable art fair nairn community & arts centre. for info call 01667 453476 or email info@nairncc.co.uk

6 saturday concert with 'music for a while' at brodie castle. adult £8 / £5 concs. call 0844 493 2156 or visit www.nts.org.uk harvest craft fayre 10am - 4pm. at fisherman’s hall. refreshments available. lots of crafts to see and buy. lhanbryde community challenge quiz night 7pm for 7:30pm, lhanbryde community centre. £2 per person with teams of four. BYOB and nibbles.

9 tuesday moray feelgood festival 2012 : an audience with christopher brookmyre 7pm - 8:30pm, the gallery, elgin library, elgin. free, booking required. visit www.morayfeelgoodfestival.co.uk or call 01343 562602

10 wednesday Music

Myshkins Ruby Warblers Wednesday, October 10th, 8pm @ The Loft, East Grange Farm, Forres, IV36 2UD Tel: 01343 850111

myshkins ruby warblers @ the loft 8pm, east grange farm, forres. 01343 850111. www.eastgrange.co.uk ‘the ballad of pond life mcguirk’ 7:30pm, deskford community centre. tickets £9 / £7. call 07779 336971 for more information. moray feelgood festival 2012 : moray 'random act of kindness' day 24 hrs, throughout moray. doing good does you good. take a moment to do something nice for others. visit morayfeelgoodfestival.co.uk moray feelgood festival 2012 : 'pay it forward' 10am 12:30pm, moray playhouse cinema, elgin. free, booking required. call 01343 567108 page 14 - october 2012

12 friday “background to burghead - the recent excavations at clarkly hill, roseisle” (lecture) 7:30pm - 9:30pm, elgin museum. call 01343 543675 or email curator@ elginmuseum.org.uk beyond presents: benjamin francis leftwich @ ironworks 7.30pm. 14+. £12. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com sharon king and the wreckless angels @ the loft 8pm, east grange farm, forres. £8, booking required. call 01343 850111or visit www.eastgrange.co.uk moray feelgood festival 2012 : 'the happy movie' 8pm - 10pm, universal hall, findhorn foundation. free, no booking required. call 01309 691170.

13 saturday this is nirvana - nirvana tribute @ ironworks 7:30pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com ‘choctober’ - morays chocolate festival 12pm - 4pm, elgin academy. with chef's demos, a chocolate craft market and a mad hatters restaurant. free entry. see www.facebook.com/choctober for more details.

14 sunday kingston community litter pick 10am - 11am. to help out please call the ranger for info on 01343 820339. hue and cry @ ironworks 7pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

15 monday - 24 wednesday moray feelgood festival 2012 : 'walk in my shoes’ exhibition during opening hours, the gallery, elgin library. expressing mental health issues through art & creativity. for info call 01343 562602. free entry.

16 tuesday moray feelgood festival 2012 : the flying starts flea circus 6:30pm - 7:30pm, the gallery, elgin library. a fundraising event presented by the house of automata. suggested donation £2/£4. limited places, booking required. call 01309 691212

17 wednesday wildlife warriors 2pm - 4pm at the scottish dolphin centre, spey bay, fochabers. call 01343 820 339 or email dolphincentre@wdcs.org. western north american alpines (highland rock garden club) 7:30pm. lesser town hall, forres. illustrated talk by drs liam and joan mccaughey. call john owen 01320 366246 moray feelgood festival 2012 : ‘walk in my shoes’ poetry writing sessions with colin will 11am 12:30pm or 2:30pm - 4pm, the gallery, elgin library. free, limited places, booking required. call 01343 567188 or visit www.morayfeelgoodfestival.co.uk

18 thursday bat for lashes + sylver tongue @ ironworks 7.30pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com group open evening 7pm - 10pm. bi-weekly men’s group in forres, invites men to come & see how we

tel: 01309 690063

SpotLight on buckie and District

Feel Good On The Farm Part of Moray’s “Feel Good Festival” The Loft, East Grange Farm, Forres, IV36 2UD Tel: 01343 850111

Sunday, October 21st

NAIRN

Raising funds for local mental health charities Family fun and taster sessions on activities and therapies •

Nairn Community & Arts Centre

Bouncy Castle • Facepainting • Chocolate demonstration with Olive Tree Chocolate • Craft Sessions • Pottery painting • Yoga • Music • Family Storytime with The Scottish Youth Theatre... all the things that make you feel good!

Your Y our local venue for films, shows, concerts, and parties. W ide range of activities for all ages. Wide

OCTOBER OCT OBER EVENTS

25 thursday

Fri 5th & Sat 6th ................................................. ................................................. Affo Affordable rdable Art Fair: a showcase of local local arts to see, enjoy enjoy,, and buy buy... ... Fri Fri 26th ................................Cinema ................................Cinema Nairn: “Oranges & Sunshine” 2010. Certificate 15 Sat 27th ................................................ Scottish Opera: La TTraviata raviata

For further details, telephone 01667 453476, e-mail info@nairncc.co.uk or check out our website at www.nairncommunitycentre.co.uk www.nairncommunitycentre.co.uk

support men to work on things that are difficult in their lives. call ashley 07557282563 www.mkp.org.uk

20 saturday turin brakes + iain mclaughlin & the outsiders + anderson + anderson, mcginty, webs @ ironworks 7:30pm. 0871 7894173 or www.ironworksvenue.com

21 sunday there was an old lady who swallowed a fly 4pm, universal hall, findhorn. £7 / £6 (concs) /£5 u16s call 01309 690311 or visit www.findhorn.org moray feelgood festival 2012 : ‘feel good on the farm’ family day out 10am til late at the loft, eastgrange farm, forres. a full day of taster sessions and activities. free entry & discounted activities. for info call 01343 850111 or visit www.eastgrange.co.uk

24 wednesday wildlife warriors 2pm - 4pm at the scottish dolphin centre, spey bay, fochabers. call 01343 820 339 or email dolphincentre@wdcs.org moray feelgood festival 2012 : ‘bully’ kutting edge youth theatre 7pm - 8:30pm, lossiemouth highschool, lossiemouth. free, no booking required. for info call 01343 557148

SpotLight on buckie and District

See updates on Facebook for further details and timetable of events.

bike doctor (bike revolution) 10am - 3pm. tesco car park, keith. performing free bike safety checks. call 01343 549 571or email info@bike-revolution.co.uk

26 friday ironworks unplugged @ ironworks call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com arradoul wri quiz night 7pm for 7.30pm, arradoul hall, arradoul, near buckie. £3.50 per person (max. of 6 people per team). call 01542 850284. ‘help whip cancer’ fundraiser 7:30pm - 9:30pm, oakwood cookery school, forres road, elgin. gorgeous recipes, live cooking demos and raffles. help us ‘stand up to cancer’. cinema nairn presents ‘oranges and sunshine’ (15) 2010. 7:30pm, nairn community & arts centre. for info call 01667 453476 or email info@nairncc.co.uk

27 saturday alzheimer scotland’s elgin branch coffee morning 10am - 12noon, the supper room, elgin town hall. home baking & usual stalls. £2 entrance fee. halloween horrors at spey bay 6pm - 7:30pm. booking essential. call 01343 820 339 or email dolphincentre@wdcs.org. ironworks unplugged - acoustic cabaret night 7pm. 14+. 0871 7894173 or www.ironworksvenue.com slam’s halloween party @ ironworks 10pm. 18+. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com halloween fancy dress disco 8pm - 12:30 pm, deskford community centre. tickets £6. call 07779336971 for more information. hocus pocus halloween haunt 6:30pm - 8:30pm. brodie castle. tickets £4/ family £10. call 0844 4932156 or visit www.nts.org/events verdi’s “la traviata” 7:30pm, nairn community & arts centre. for info call 01667 453476 or email info@nairncc.co.uk. visit www.musicnairn.org.uk elgin bid ‘halloween family fun day’ 10am - 4pm, the plainstones, elgin. fun for all ages.

tel: 01309 690063

october 2012 - page 15

28 sunday lofty arts: halloween craft! 11am - 1pm. the loft, east grange farm, kinloss.

LOFTY ARTS

Arts at @ East Grange Farm, Kinloss tel: 01343 850111

Come along and make Lanterns, Spiders, Snakes and Mice! Bobbing for apples and facepainting too! " " !

NOVEMBER in brief 1 thursday lau @ ironworks 7.30pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com 3 saturday the wolfe tones @ ironworks 7.30pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com 3 saturday - 4 sunday elgin model fair (organised by the elgin model railway club) 10am - 5pm, elgin town hall. disabled

Come and enjoy‌

access. email exhibition coordinator duncan macrae: enquiries@elginmodelrailwayclub.co.uk 6 tuesday lostprophets @ ironworks 7.30pm. 14+. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com 9 friday the usa and trilliums (highland garden rock club) 7.30pm, nairn community centre. illustrated talk by robert unwin. call john owen 01320 366246. 11 sunday ‘pinocchio’ 3pm, deskford community centre. tickets ÂŁ9 / ÂŁ7. call 07779 336 971 for tickets & information. 17 saturday rhythmnreel @ ironworks 7pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com 20 tuesday bellowhead @ ironworks 7:30pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com 24 saturday christmas lights switch on 11am - 5pm, the plainstones

‘Feel Good on the Farm’ family day at The Loft. Our Feel Good on the Farm on the 21st October, will include everything that makes you feel good!

)LOP ‡ &UHDWLYH :ULWLQJ &RPHG\ ‡ 0XVLF ‡ $UW ‡ :RUGV 7KHDWUH ‡ ([KLELWLRQ V (YHQWV DUH RSHQ WR DOO DQG PRVW DUH )5(( www.morayfeelgoodfestival.co.uk Facebook: Moray Feelgood Festival 2012 Twitter: @morayfeelgood / @randommoray info@morayfeelgoodfestival.co.uk

Taster sessions on therapies such as Indian Head Massage, Body Alignment, Herbalism, Homeopathy, Swedish Massage, Thai massage, Hopi Candles, Access Conciousness..... Taster sessions on The Loft activities- Zip Wire, Quads, Archery, Water Walkerz & Laser Tag. Scottish Youth Theatre presenting "African Tales". Chocolate Making Demonstration from Olive Tree Chocolate- Seratonin makes you happy and is present in chocolate, so eat up! "OUNCY #ASTLE WITH "ABY #HOONS s &ACE PAINTING WITH "ABY #HOONS s #RAFT 3ESSIONS WITH ,OFTY !RTS s 0OTTERY 0AINTING WITH ,OFTY 0OTS s 9OGA TASTER SESSIONS WITH 6ALERIE 2ITCHIE s -USIC s &ARM WALKS s -ENTAL (EATH )NFORMATION BY .(3 s "ELLY DANCING TASTER SESSIONS and demonstrations...

...and much, much more!!!! The ethos of the day, as part of the Feelgood Festival is to raise money for charity & promote things that make you feel good! Therapy, exersise, fun, laughter, relaxation.... it is a FREE entry event with charges/ donations for activities/ taster sessions. All those attending are doing so on a volountary basis with no fee charged for attendance. The 01343 850111 therapists will charge for therapies/activities and at the end of the day will donate a proportion of takings to local www.eastgrange.co.uk mental health charities.

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recipe

Chef’s Confidential Crab Fritters and Sweet Chilli Sauce. A simple starter that often goes on our specials board this month as local crab is available.

100g butter 150ml water 150g plain flour (sifted) A pinch of sea salt 1 egg and 1 yolk (beaten) 150g crab meat 1 tspn chopped chives or parsley

Method 1) Bring water to boil in a saucepan. Add butter and salt. When butter has melted, beat in flour to form smooth paste. Beat for 2/3 minutes over a low heat. 2) Chill pastry in a bowl for 20/30 minutes. 3) When cool, beat in egg. Mix well. 4) Fold in crab meat and chives. Season with black pepper to taste. 5) Using a teaspoon, drop crab mix into hot oil. Cook for 2/3 minutes.

Serve fritters with dressed salad, lemon, and sweet chilli sauce.

Enjoy!

18

Kris McKie, The Royal Hotel, Elgin

The Royal Hotel E L G I N

A warm welcome awaits you at Elgin’s newest eatery. New lunch menu now being served. Monday - Saturday /XQFK SP ‡ª'LQQHU SP SP Sunday Roasts 12 - 2pm & 5 - 7pm Follow us on Facebook www.theroyalhotelelgin.co.uk

For reservations telephone 01343 542320

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travel

Dreaming of... a Relaxing Cruise

One of the most rapidly expanding sectors of the Travel Industry is taking a cruise. It can be described as living in a luxury hotel which moves from destination to destination and there is no need to pack or unpack your suitcases more than once!

Cruising the Med’

The cruise market has seen steady growth, driven by innovation and the quality of the experience. There are large capacity increases being launched all the time, so what might have seemed like a very exclusive mode of transport historically has become much more available to the seasoned holidaymakers. There is a perception that going on a cruise is very formal and only for the older generation, but that is changing. The average age of people going on a cruise comes down each year and ships are coming into service to cater for different needs. Some prefer to do a Fly Cruise, where you join the ship in an already exotic or interesting destination. Some prefer a Fly and Stay, where they join the ship and before or after their cruise they spend some time in that country. Some prefer to depart and return to a home port, negating the need to fly at all. Pricing might sometimes seem high but remember that covers all your meals, entertainment and soft drinks – the only extras you are likely to run up are for alcoholic drinks and flutters on the gaming tables, if that is what takes your fancy. Imagine spending a day in an interesting European city, retiring to the ship for dinner and a good night's sleep, then waking up in the morning in another fascinating destination. Wonderful!

20

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outdoor

A few months ago I was sitting at my desk in the room at the front of the house I use as an office, when my concentration was broken by a barely audible little song. I looked around the room, there was a Robin sitting on the back of a chair a metre away. The song was repeated and I was looked at very directly. I opened the window but the robin refused to move, let alone fly out. As I went out of my office across the hall into the sitting room, the Robin followed, cocked its head on one side and repeated the song, this time sitting on the television. I knew what the Robin wanted. To get to my office you come in the back door, through the kitchen, along the front hall and turn left. This is a route the Robin knows well and uses when the back door is open and I need “training”. Like many people, we have bird feeders in the garden and during the late Spring and early Summer they seem to be the main source of food for the local breeding House sparrows who consume nearly a kilo of food a day. Last Winter we started to feed mealworms, the Black birds and Robins really seemed to appreciate this. A couple of Robins started to watch for signs of us coming out of the house. They would make it very clear that they wanted more meal worms, and as time went on they became quite happy to eat these from the hand.

All photograps are Copyright Mike Rae

This Spring two pairs of Robins nested in the garden and our “training” was stepped up a gear, I guess by the male birds who were feeding their mates sitting on eggs. If there were no meal worms out the Robins would look directly through the window into the house, and continue to watch us until we put out more mealworms. Back in May we spent a couple of weeks in the Cairngorms, and while we were away our neighbour checked the garden and filled the bird feeders. On returning I noticed a small pile of bird droppings on the door step. I thought this was a little odd until I surmised that a Robin had spent a lot of time sitting on the back door handle waiting for someone to come out and feed him. Over the past months the demand from the Robins has reduced, the young have left the hedge and I assume they are looking after themselves. However, the male birds seem to be feeding the females again, perhaps they have laid more eggs. I am looking forward to my work being interrupted again in a couple of weeks and for my “training” to be resumed. In the meantime, the local starlings have discovered the mealworms and the Blackbirds nesting in the clematis on top of our oil tank are feeding them to their young. No chance of stopping our regular mealworm order! Briefly, and on more serious note, wild birds eat all year round and feeding them in the Winter can really help them through difficult cold spells.

22

Mike Rae web: www.mikerae.com

email: mike.rae@btconnect.com

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on

Property

VALUE MATT£RS At Home Construction “Extending” Their Business… Local firm marks 5th year in business by employing three new apprentices in joinery, bricklaying and roughcasting & plastering. At Home Construction Ltd, a family run firm, headed up by Mr Leigh Ritchie, Operation Director offers one point of contact for all trades to their customers, project managing works from conception to completion. According to current market research, homeowners who have made a significant home improvement stated the single most challenging element of their project was managing the array of different contractors required. “This is reflected in our own customers feedback who have praised our one-stop-shop approach” states Mr Ritchie. “In response to this we have just further expanded our workforce and can now offer plumbing, heating and slating services to complement our current portfolio of trades.”

The team at At Home Construction Ltd, based in Buckie, are well equipped to help generate ideas or move your own home improvement ideas forward. “We have seen a definite shift in what our customers want in the last 18 months” says Eve Ritchie, Office Manager, “New builds have tailed off and extensions, loft conversions, garage conversions and internal alterations are how are customers in the North East are choosing to improve their family living experience.” In fact improving your home, by extending for example, will save on the costs of buying, selling and moving – money that can help fund your new project To find out more about At Home Constructions range of services visit www.athomecontruction.co.uk t: 01542 832000, e: info@athomeconstruction.co.uk

Elgin Marble Company

Tel: 01343 547289 Fax: 01343 556226 Email: info@elgin-marble.co.uk www.elgin-marble.co.uk Visit our Showroom at New Elgin Road, Elgin IV30 6BA

Craftsmen in Marble, Granite and Slate since 1919

Traditional and Contemporary Designs to suit your specific requirements Wood and Multi-Fuel Stoves - Supplied and Fitted

Granite, Marble, Quartz and Silestone Kitchen Worktops - Supplied and Installed

In-House Design Team available to turn your Dream Kitchen/Bathroom/Fireplace into Reality

Property section

Property section

Property section

More than just a construction company Family business that has been setting standards for the last 25 years. MRLQHU\ ‡ EXLOGLQJ ‡ excavation ‡ GUDLQDJH ‡ VLWH FOHDUDQFH ‡ FUXVKHU IRU DJJUHJDWH ‡ WHOHKDQGOHU ZLWK DFFHVV SODWIRUP Wood Kraft Moray, a division of Russell Construction Moray for any bespoke timber items, DUFKHG WUXVVHV, windows, doors, specialised stairs designs, all manufactured by our highly skilled craftsmen. &RPLQJ VRRQ – certified timber windows to cover the regulations for all new builds and extensions.

"9 ," /ĂŠUĂŠ ĂŠ Telephone (01343) 549759 www.rcm-ltd.co.uk

We can take on the responsibility for the maintenance of areas under common ownership on residential and commercial developments. Our Commitment - we will: Čˆ ƒ‹Â?–ƒ‹Â? ›‘—” †‡˜‡Ž‘’Â?‡Â?– –‘ ›‘—” satisfaction Čˆ ˆˆ‡” ƒ …‘•– ‡ˆˆ‡…–‹˜‡ •‡”˜‹…‡ Čˆ ‹•–‡Â? –‘ …—•–‘Â?‡”• Čˆ ‡•‘Ž˜‡ ’”‘„Ž‡Â?• We currently maintain 20 developments serving nearly 1000 customers. Contact: Lynne Hadden for a quote Š‘Â?‡ǣ 01343 555441 ÇŚÂ?ÂƒÂ‹ÂŽÇŁ lynne@screenautumn.co.uk

Â? ’‡”•‘Â?Ȁ™”‹–‹Â?‰ǣ Alexander Fleming House, Íş ‘—–ŠĎ?‹‡Ž† Â”Â‹Â˜Â‡ÇĄ Ž‰‹Â?ÇĄ ;Ͳ ͸

Index of Advertisers Anderson Removals ................................................3 Ashley Ann ............................................Inside Back At Home Construction ............................................5 Beaver Travel........................................................ 21 Castle Stuart ..........................................................23 Elgin Marble Company ........................................24 Excel Scotland Ltd ..................................................5 Fast Fix ..................................................5, 19, 21, 23 Grampian Furnishers ..............................................7 Johnstons of Elgin ..............................Outside Back Legal Willwriters of Moray ......................................9 Mackenzie & Cruickshank ....................................23 McLachlan & Dawson Opticians ..........................12 Moray Feelgood Festival ......................................16 Moray Locksmith ..................................................23 Moray Office Supplies ..........................................21 Nairn Community & Arts Centre ..........................15 Olive Tree Chocolate ............................................12 Open University of Scotland ................................11 Planet BBK Ltd ......................................Inside Front Planwell ................................................................17

R McGregor Monumental Engraver........................9 Roof Wizard ..........................................................19 Royal Hotel - Elgin ................................................19 Russell Construction Moray Ltd ..........................26 Scotengineering ....................................................21 Screenautumn Ltd ................................................26 Sixpins Gift Shop ..................................................26 Sol y Playa Spanish Lessons ..............................23 Springfield Properties............................................25 The Loft Bistro ..................................................12-16 The Royal Hotel, Keith ..........................................17 The Wood Centre Ltd ..........................................19 Unique Beauty ....................................Front Cover, 3 W. Thomson Saw Service ....................................19 Well-Fit Carpets ......................................................3 Wheelchair Care......................................................5

SIXPINS GIFT SHOP 46-48 SEAFIELD ST. CULLEN AB56 4SW

LE DOWN SA CLOSING S N E REDUCTIO MASSIV

01542 841612

.

German build quality Italian design flair Superbly made in Scotland OVER Est.1986

YEARS

IN BUSINESS

K I T C H E N S Beautiful, design-led kitchens of exceptional quality, and made by us in Scotland, which we only sell direct through our own showrooms to ensure outstanding value.

Tyock Industrial Estate. Estate . T: T: 01343 545155 ELGIN:: 27 Tyock ABERDEEN: 1166 Murcar Commercial Park. Park. T: T: 01224 703274 INVERNESS: 18 Carsegate Road. R oad. T: T: 01463 711548

ashleyann.co.uk

1HZPLOO (OJLQ 0RUD\ ,9 $)

0DGH ,Q 6FRWODQG ZZZ MRKQVWRQVFDVKPHUH FRP

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