SpotLight on Elgin & Lossie February 2011

FEBRUARY 2011

FREE

®

SpotLight

Picture by Karen Barclay, Copyright

on Elgin, Lossie and district

The North’s Favourite FREE wee mag’!

In this issue......

Clubs & Societies 3 What’s On 16/18 Biodiversity 4 Cinema Listings 17 Pastoral Letter 6 Wedding Exhibition 20 Tide Times 6 Chef’s Confidential 24 Church Details 8 School Term Dates 26 Council News 10/22 Useful Contacts 28 Parliament Blog 10 Local Holidays 28 Loch Na Bo Walk 14 Advertisers Index 30 MARCH ISSUE Editorial Deadline - Friday 28th January Advertising Deadline - Wednesday 2nd February

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SpotLight Clubs and Societies

Picture by Roger Carr, Copyright

I.T. Blog A scam or two!

It’s amazing how inventive the bad guys can be when it comes to conning you out of either your cash or personal details. Scams tend to target the weakest of us and recently we’ve had customers who have been preyed on by very friendly and approachable conmen, who are exploiting their lack of technical know-how and worst fears about their own personal computer. It all starts with your phone ringing and when you pick it up a friendly, and very persuasive, voice advises you that they have detected issues with your computer over the internet.

Now, at this stage they don’t even know if you have a computer, although obviously most of us do, and they probably get rebuffed more often than not. However, it’s frightening how many people then log on to their computer and, by visiting a website, give this unknown person full access to their system.

So now they have access to everything on your computer, but that isn’t enough, so next they will explain that to fix the problem you need to download some software, but there is a cost, so you give them your name, address and credit card details. Once you’ve downloaded the software things generally start to go wrong, at which point the voice on the other end of the phone leaves you to your own devices, never to be heard from again.

Now a lot of you are probably thinking that you would never fall for this, as within this context it sounds very obvious, however these conmen can be incredibly persuasive and a reassuring voice can get away with quite a lot under the right circumstances. All we can really stress is that if somebody calls you, or you get an email you are unsure of, whatever you do don’t go to any websites or give out any personal details without getting further advice from someone that you trust. Visit our online blog for further advice.

IT support and enhancements for your business

Tel: 01309 676151

www.fireflyits.com Email: info@fireflyits.com Contact us today and talk to Ian or Richard

ELGIN AND DISTRICT PARKINSON'S SUPPORT GROUP Meets in the Resource Centre at 7.30pm, second Monday of the month, September to May, excluding April, for information giving and sharing, support, fun, friendship and food! Contact Gillian Gibson (Secretary) 01343 541056 or visit www.parkinsons.org.uk HOPEMAN LUNCHEON CLUB Serving meals to pensioners at Hopeman Memorial Hall, Tuesdays 12.30pm - 1.30pm, £3 per meal. Contact Violet McPherson 830444 LAICH OF MORAY TRUST The bus provides transport for elderly, infirm and disabled within Moray e.g. Day care, Lunch Club, Sports Club, Church etc. Mainly within Moray, but sometimes further. Contact Rosie Burnett 544987 LOSSIE FOLK CLUB meets every Tuesday at 8.30pm in the Beach Bar, Lossiemouth MORAY ADVANCE MOTORISTS & MOTORCYCLISTS Reg. Scottish Charity (SC 033561) visit www.morayiam.org.uk or 01309 673954 MORAY GROUP OF THE RIDING FOR THE DISABLED are looking for volunteers to help at our riding sessions by leading the ponies or acting as

side-helpers for our riders.

Monday afternoons and/or Wednesdays. We are based at Cranloch Riding Centre near Elgin. No experience? No worries - training provided. For more info contact Denise 01343 850310 or Liz 01343 556167

MORAY VOLUNTARY SERVICES ORGANISATION Exists to encourage and support voluntary activity, assist local groups and to identify needs which require development.

Contact 01343 541713 or www.mvso.org.uk

MORAY FLY FISHERS CLUB Promote trout fly fishing by offering discounted access and competitions.

MORAY WHEELCHAIR CURLING CLUB Meets every Monday and Wednesday afternoon 2pm 4pm from September to March at Moray Leisure Centre.

MORAY JAZZ CLUB Meets at the Red Shoes Theatre, Elgin every Thursday from 8pm to 10.30pm, doors open at 7.30pm. Admission is £5 for non-members and everyone is welcome. Visit our website www.morayjazzclub.co.uk or email us at mjc@morayjazzclub.co.uk for more information.

MOTHERS’ UNION Attached to the Anglican Church, meets every third Wednesday, Holy Trinity Church, Elgin, 2pm. We have a variety of speakers etc. Men also welcome, meetings are open to everyone. Contact Frances Garrety 814149 or Lynne Taylor 835861 MORAY RETIRED PERSONS FRIENDSHIP CLUB (ARPO 50) To improve the quality of life by friendship, talks and activity for retired people over 50, contact Michael Crossland 543962

NATIONAL CHILDBIRTH TRUST Antenatal classes and breastfeeding support. Regular meetings and outings in Forres and Elgin area. For information email nct_moray@yahoo.co.uk NEW ELGIN & ASHGROVE PUBLIC HALL Available for community events, private parties and regular meetings. Contact Myra Sim 552450 to book NEW ELGIN LADIES INDOOR BOWLING CLUB Meets every Thursday at 7pm from September to March, New Elgin Hall. Contact Susan Grant 541867 SENIOR CITIZENS AFTERNOON BOWLING Meets in Elgin Community Centre on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays 1pm-3pm. Commencing Monday 13th September & running until midApril. Contact 541471

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

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

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SpotLight on Elgin, Lossie and District

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SAMPLE ADvERT RATES Box £38 Big Box £71 ¼ Page £129 ½ Page £244 Business Profile £416 Full Page £461 Enhanced Listings in What’s On pages from £41 February 2011 - page 3

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SpotLight Local Interest

Biodiversity What’s it all about?

Biodiversity is a word that was coined in 1985 to describe the variety of all life on earth and the places that it lives.

Biodiversity is everything from butterflies to bluebells, whelks to whales, ponds to mountain plateaux. It is the backdrop to our daily lives and it is everywhere, even in the busiest of cities; though it is seldom noticed.

For most people the place where we first encounter biodiversity is on our doorsteps. During our childhood explorations we will pick Daisies and some of us will make Daisy chains or we will guess the time with a Dandelion clock or watch helicopter seeds fall from a Sycamore tree and definitely find out that Nettles and Wasps are best avoided.

Aside from giving us memories of childhood exploration and discovery, on a larger scale our economy is very much built on biodiversity; be it clean water for drinking or the whisky industry, the grass that the cattle and sheep eat or the landscapes that the tourists marvel at. It is also a major tourism income for our area, the success of Springwatch and Autumnwatch have showcased the area and brought more tourists here. Biodiversity and our health and wealth are inseparable.

In Highland and Moray we are very fortunate to have so much of interest on our doorstep. I would like to mention a few of the special species that we have up here.

round and can breed on tidal sandbanks as the pups can swim almost immediately after birth. The Grey Seal pups will be 3 weeks old before they can swim so their breeding is restricted to remote islands or isolated coves where the pups can grow in safety. 40% of the world’s Grey Seal population is found in the UK and most of that is in Scotland. www.smru.st-andrews.ac.uk/documents/IdentifyingSeals.pdf Red Squ irrel This species is a huge favourite for its tufty ears and acrobatic antics. If you want to see it then head to your nearest conifer woodland and see if you can spot any nibbled cones. If you are lucky they may come to the peanut feeder in your garden. It is amazing to think that this species may have been extinct in the mid-1800’s and, after some re-introductions, its population sky-rocketed so much that in the late 1800s and early 1900s there were squirrel hunting clubs all over the Highlands to control their numbers! The North of Scotland is the last stronghold of this species where it does not face competition from that American import the Grey Squirrel. www.redsquirrelsofthehighlands.co.uk Helpin g B iodiversity Public awareness of the decline of biodiversity worldwide is increasing; as is the feeling that this is not inevitable and individuals can have a positive impact on global biodiversity by taking local action. Local biodiversity action such as green volunteering, wildlife surveying or doing some wildlife friendly gardening can have a big positive impact and if lots of people do this then it will have a huge positive impact.

If you would like to find out about what you can do for biodiversity locally then get in touch with your local Biodiversity Officer. www.nesbiodiversity.org.uk • www.highlandbiodiversity.com jonath an.willet @high lan d.gov.u k

Bott len ose D olph ins A population of around 130 live in the Moray Firth and range all the way down to the Firth of Forth. They are a major draw for tourists and an unforgettable sight if you get a good look at them. They are very big, which is something you might not expect. They can be upbto 4m or 12ft long, the reason they are so big is to keep warm in our cold waters. They are the most northerly resident population of Bottlenose Dolphins in the world. www.scottishdolphins.info Seals These animals can be taken for granted as they are in most of the harbours in our area. There are two species, the Grey and Common. The Common stays in our waters all year page 4 - February 2011

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SpotLight on Elgin, Lossie and District

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SpotLight Pastoral letter and Tide Times

Picture by Bethea Robertson, Copyright

Many years ago I worked with someone whose attitude to life was, in some respects, enviable.

She would breeze into work, laugh her way through the problems of the day and excuse mistakes (many of them her own) with a rueful chuckle. With a cheerful “that’s me off then”, she would disappear to attend to her own family needs. One of her favourite lines was a phrase she spotted on a bookmark - don’t worry and don’t hurry and don’t forget to smell the flowers.

nature are of a gloomier cast of mind; we struggle to lift ourselves after a setback and may often be in sore need of a comforting arm rather than a cheery word.

Those who are able to go through life with such a cheerful and carefree spirit are blessed although I confess it can sometimes be a bit wearing on others around them - particularly if they sometimes have the task of clearing up after the happy-golucky individual.

He said “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

Neither are we all naturally endowed with the same ability to simply carry on. Some of us by

It is surely of great help to us not only to know that God understands our situation - but also that

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

TU W TH F SA SU

04.38 05.17 05.52 06.25 06.55 07.25

page 6 - February 2011

17.09 17.47 18.21 18.52 19.22 19.50

Frequently it is those who themselves have experienced trauma and disappointment who are able to sympathize and help others in similar circumstances. That is the way the apostle Paul viewed both his experiences and God’s experience - as an aid to understanding and helping others.

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

AM 07.55 08.26 09.01 09.40 10.32 11.45 00.26 02.02 03.13 04.05 04.49

PM 20.20 20.52 21.27 22.09 23.04 13.23 14.46 15.43 16.31 17.16

he has gone to the trouble of showing us he understands us by sending his Son to live like us.

Having been shown and having received that comfort from God we are then encouraged to use that experience to benefit others.

So then to comfort others is not just about expressing our sympathies - but to show by our actions that we genuinely care enough about their situation to do something for them.

It is by the action of God that we see his words are real; likewise it will be by active involvement in the needs of others that they will see our expressions of cheerfulness are not just lines borrowed from a book but the overflow of a loving heart.

Colin Morrison Elgin & Forres Free Church of Scotland

18 F 19 SA 20 SU 21 M 22 TU 23 W 24 TH 25 F 26 SA 27 SU 28 M

AM 05.31 06.12 06.52 07.33 08.14 08.59 09.51 10.58 01.13 02.40

PM 17.59 18.42 19.24 20.06 20.49 21.37 22.31 23.43 12.28 14.09 15.21

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SpotLight Church Meetings

Picture by Brian J Smith, Copyright

Lossiemouth Baptist Church meets every Sunday 9.30am, 11.30am and 6pm. Junior Church Sunday 11.30am and Kids Church (P4-P7) Thursdays 6.15pm-8pm. Contact Rev. Rae Mackenzie 812062 www.lossiebaptist.org Lossiemouth United Free Church of Scotland meets Sunday 11am and 6pm, including Sunday School. Contact Rev. Alexander Ritchie 810262 www.ufcos.org.uk/lossie St James Church of Scotland, Lossiemouth Family Worship 11am including creche and Sunday School; Evening Service 6pm; Swordfish Youth Group 7pm. Contact Rev. Graham Crawford 07817 504042 St Margaret’s Church, Lossiemouth Family Eucharist 9.30am; Holy Communion 10am Thursdays; Evening Prayer 5pm Thursdays St Gerardines High Church Lossiemouth, Contact 813146 St Sylvester's Catholic Church, Elgin Vigil Mass Saturday 7pm; Sunday Mass 11.45am. Contact 542280 www.stsylvesters.net Lossiemouth Gospel Hall meets every Sunday for Sunday Club at 9.30am, Gospel Meeting at 6.30pm. Further details 812987 or visit the website at www.lossiemouthgospelhall.org.uk Burghead Church Every Sunday at 11.30am. Contact 01309 690931 Hopeman Baptist Church meets every

Sunday 11am & 6pm. Everyone welcome. Contact Rev. S.J. Macdonald 831175 or visit the website www.hopemanbaptist.org.uk Parish of Duffus, Spynie and Hopeman First Sunday of each month, one service (10.30 a.m.) in Hopeman if five Sundays in the month, all other Sundays Hopeman 10am, Duffus or Spynie 11.30am. Contact Rev. Bruce Lawrie 830276 or email: blawrie@zetnet.co.uk Birnie - Pluscarden Church Sunday Service Pluscarden 10am and Evening Service 6.30pm 3rd Sunday each month; Birnie 11.30am and Evening Service 6.30pm 1st Sunday each month Scottish Episcopal Church Holy Trinity, Elgin Sunday Services - 8am Holy Communion; 11am Family Eucharist; 6.30pm Evensong, tel: 547505 Elgin & Forres Free Church of Scotland Sunday Sevice 11am including Sunday School & Creche; Evening Service 6pm, Midweek Meeting Wednesday 7.30pm.

Contact Colin Morrison 542196 Elgin Community Church Sunday Morning Service 10.30am; Evening Fellowship & Youth Group at 6pm.

Contact 546654 Elgin City Church Every Sunday 10.30am at Elgin Community Centre childrens church & creche available.

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Elgin High Church Sunday 11am; Evening Service 2nd Sunday each month 6.30pm. Contact Rev. Julie Woods 542449 or email missjulie@btinternet.com Alves Church 1st Sunday of each month at 11.30am. Contact 01309 690931 St Giles & St Columba’s South, Elgin Sunday 9.30am at St Columba’s South & 11am at St Giles Church, Wednesday 7.30pm & Thursday 12.30pm at St. Giles Church. Rev. George Rollo 547208 www.elginstgiles.org Elgin Baptist Church Family Morning Worship (including creche), Sunday School and Bible Class 11am (1st Sunday each month at Seafield Primary); Evening Service 6pm; Youth Fellowship 7.30pm. Rev. Graham Swanson 547743 Moray Grace Fellowship Meets Sunday mornings 10.30am in Alves Village Hall. Contact Vic Cameron for more details tel. 850142 email vic.cameron2803@btinternet.com or at www.moraygrace.wordpress.com St Andrews-Lhanbryd & Urquhart Parish Church Morning Worship, including Young Church and CrÊche every Sunday at 11am. Evening Services on last Sunday of month at St Margaret's Hall, Urquhart at 7pm. Tel: Andrew Robertson 843765 If you are a member of a church not listed here please email us the details and we may print this in future issues.

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SpotLight Council News

Picture by Karen Barclay , Copyright

exTRaCTS fRom The DRafT minuTeS of The meeTing of 14Th DeCemBeR 2010 of The CiTy & RoyaL BuRgh of eLgin CommuniTy CounCiL

Guest Speaker Rae Cameron, grampian fire & Rescue Service gave a detailed presentation on the Draft integrated Risk management Plan, followed by members questions.

Q. The home Safety visits offered to the elderly are a very good service. how will the budget cuts affect this service? a. We have managed to achieve the 4% reduction this year without any reduction in service, although it will get tougher in future years.

Q. how do we pass information on requesting home Safety visits? a. These can be arranged through the local fire Station or submitted on-line via the grampian fire and Rescue Service Website.

Q. i have concerns regarding the possibility of not attending an automatic fire alarm event during the day in industrial premises that are thought to be occupied. if one of those automatic fire alarms goes off and you think is occupied but in fact is not it would worry me if there was no attendance and therefore think the minimum requirement should be a response vehicle to check. a. This is a concern for the fire service also and will be addressed.

Q. has there ever been any discussion regarding charging companies for false alarm call-outs? a. There has never been a charge for any emergency call-outs and i would not like to see that happen as it may deter people from calling.

Q. What equipment is available at the elgin fire Station? a. 2 x fire engines; Swift water rescue team - including one boat; high volume pump; instant support vehicle; forestry unit; 5 x full time fire fighters on duty 24/7; Deputies; 4 x other staff in support;

2 x fire Safety officers Q. how useful has the Practice house been for training regarding breathing apparatus etc? a. We are fortunate in moray; we have a 3 bedroomed practice house in Tomintoul that is critical for training purposes.

Police Business and National Security Update PC harris advised that the Standing Complaint regarding skateboarding on the Plainstones is ongoing. he also said that the Police are happy to work alongside the elgin north area forum regarding the litter issue at the academy and reported that ongoing investigations are taking place with regard to anti-social behaviour that has been taking place at the Doocot Park over the past month. PC harris also advised that high visibility policing is taking place in the Town Centre to target shoplifting, which has been a problem.

Committee Reports • Planning - Bryan Watson advised that the Sainsbury’s proposal is ongoing and asked members to look at the new defined proposals which are available on the moray Council website and let him know of any concerns. Cllr Divers advised that there had been some objections from immediate neighbours that can be found on the web page.

• Concerns were raised regarding parking on moss Street should the new islamic Centre open. The Chairman agreed to liaise with Bryan Watson regarding the possibility of putting in an objection on the grounds of inadequate parking provision.

• Recreation & Leisure - anne glover reported that Denise gormley has drafted letters to Primary Schools regarding Continued on Page 22

Parliament

“Blog ”

Spring is slowly creeping up on us, which I am sure we are all fairly glad about around Moray after some horrendous winter weather over a good number of weeks.

With it of course comes lighter nights and, hopefully, some milder temperatures, which means I will have absolutely no excuse not to be exercising after the winter nights. My MSP colleague in Moray will no doubt be ensuring that is the case by handing me large quantities of leaflets to deliver for the May election.

Politics aside, an election certainly helps shift some excess pounds that might have been gained!

A ngus Robertson MP The recent winter weather reminded us all of Moray’s strong community spirit.

Folk were helping each other throughout all our local communities, clearing snow and checking on the welfare of neighbours. We owe a big thanks to all the council workers and others who went that extra mile to keep society ticking over. Every cloud has a silver lining - even snow clouds - and many people I have spoken to have said that the winter weather has meant that they have spent more time at home with their families. Perhaps it makes us all realise that our usual hectic lives don’t leave enough time with our families and as every family knows, before we know it, our young kids are all grown up and we wonder where the time went.

Richard L och head MS P

otheR CommUNity CoUNCil CoNtaCtS heldon Community Council: meetings 2/11/10; 21/12/10; 1/2/11; 15/3/11; 26/4/11; 7/6/11; 19/7/11; 30/8/11 and 18/10/11 - 7.30pm at mosstowie Primary School.

Contact: angela hyland Secretary) 545360. page 10 - February 2011

Burghead & Cummingston Community Council: meets first Thursday of every month (excluding July), 7.30pm at Burghead harbour masters office. Contact: Chris Tuke (Secretary) 835537.

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SpotLight on Elgin, Lossie and District

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Treasures of Tuscany 4th June HB... from £649

Sorrento 25th June B&B ................. from £549 Venetian Riviera 3rd July B&B .. from £579 Lake Garda 3rd July and 16th October B&B ................. from £469

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

Sorrento 4th June B&B ................. from £549 Sicily 11th Jun HB ... from £599 Lake Garda 19th June B&B ................. from £548 Dubrovnik 27th June, 12th Sept HB.. from £609

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

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

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Loch Na Bo Walk Lhanbryde INTRODUCTION: Located just a few miles east of Elgin, the woodland and countryside around the village of Lhanbryde provide a great opportunity for outdoor access.

Starting at the map board in centre of the old village (on St. Andrews Road).

THE ROUTE & FEATURES OF INTEREST: Loch na Bo is a picturesque man made loch to the south of Lhanbryde. It is surrounded by woodland and is full of wildlife, including red squirrels, Daubenton bats, mink and swans.

To reach Loch na Bo follow the Garmouth Road and turn right at the playing field past the Community Centre. Take the second left onto Elsher Road and at the far end,

SpotLight Local Walks

walk down the slope onto the path that runs along the back of the cemetery. Turn right and follow the track to the A96.

Cross this road with care. Follow the private road directly opposite. This leads you to a waymarked path around the Loch.

TERRAIN: Pavements, farm tracks and informal woodland paths (gravel and earth). Some paths can be muddy in places, so stout footwear is recommended.

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

MILEAGE: 4 Miles ESTIMATED WALKING TIME: 2 Hours

Information kindly supplied by

page 14 - February 2011

tel: 01309 690063

SpotLight on Elgin, Lossie and District

SALE Genuine Reductions in all departments...

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Advertise your event here from only £41 plus VAT. Call 01309 690063 or email natalie@spotlighton.co.uk Deadline for March issue is Wednesday 2nd February

SpotLight What’s On

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2011

www.thegcs.org.uk for details or tel: 01343 837917

JANUARY 28 friday

19 saturday

moray society antiques night, 7.30pm, elgin museum hall, bring along your favourite possession - a novelty item or antique -for discussion, valuations not featured, £5, contact gordon milne tel: 890281

FEBRUARY 1-28 tuesday - monday

moray ceilidh club - celilidh with the dandy ceilidh band, 8pm, bishopmill hall, elgin, byob, for more details visit www.moraycc.org cousti, the loft venue, by kinloss, tel: 850111 or vist www.loftgigs.co.uk

Cousti at The Loft Venue

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

5 saturday soup & sweet lunch for christian aid & holy trinity church, 12noon-2pm, jewellery stall, holy trinity church hall, elgin, tel: 541324 for more details bothy ballads - champion of champions, 7pm (doors open 6.15pm), elgin town hall, tickets, £8.50 upstairs, £7.50 downstairs, available elgin library, cooper park, elgin, tel: 562600, judge - joe aitken; compere - raymond wood; guest entertainers - colin campbell and ian cruickshank, organised by rotary club of elgin

12 saturday forres farmers market, 10am-2pm, drill hall, forres tbc, contact anne marie for details tel: 01309 691616 comedy night, the loft venue, by kinloss, tel: 850111 or vist www.loftgigs.co.uk

Saturday 19th February Cousti along with their many fans now look forward to the release of their long awaited debut album ‘String To Tracks’ & are already hard at work with a follow up. www.loftgigs.co.uk tel: 01343 850111

22 tuesday famous people of moray by graeme wilson, 7pm, local heritage centre, institution road, elgin, for more details contact elgin library tel: 562600 or visit www.moray.gov.uk

24 thursday scottish opera, 7.30pm, universal hall, findhorn, £11/£5 concessions, tel: 01309 691170 for details

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Saturday 12th February Welcome to the ‘Definitely Not Valentines’ - an evening of humour from some of Scotland’s outstanding comedians www.loftgigs.co.uk tel: 01343 850111

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fourth annual moray wedding exhibition, 11am-4pm, elgin town hall, tel: 821188 for more details red hot chilli pipers, 7:30pm, ogstoun theatre, gordonstoun school, nr elgin, £12/£6, visit our website page 16 - February 2011

tel: 01309 690063

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

Cinema Listings February 2011 Eden Court Theatre, Inverness Black Swan (15) The Way Back (12a) Lifecycles (8+) plus many others

Vue Cinema, Inverness From 28th January Tangled (PG) From 4th February The Fighter (15) From 11th February Gnomeo & Juliet (U) Yogi Bear (U) From 18th February Paul (tbc) I Am Number 4 (12a)

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

Moray Playhouse, Elgin

KidsAM - Every Saturday & Sunday at 10.15am - 95p per ticket Seniors Club - Every Tuesday at 12.30pm - £3 inc. refreshments NEW Teen Screen Every Thursday & Friday £1.95 2D or £2.95 3D

New Screenings begin on Fridays

Visit www.myvue.com for details

Call 01343 542680 or visit www.morayplayhouse.co.uk

Portessie Public Hall Regular films including Saturday matinees.

For further details email portessiepublichall@hotmail.co.uk

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

SpotLight on Elgin, Lossie and District

www.spotlighton.co.uk

February 2011 - page 17

MARCH 2011 in brief 1-31 tuesday - thursday old elgin in photographs, local heritage centre, institution road, elgin, tel: 569011 or visit www.moray.gov.uk/localheritage 1 tuesday book sale - sale of withdrawn library stock to include books, cd’s, videos, dvd’s all at bargain prices, 12noon-8pm, elgin library, tel: 562619 2 wednesday book sale - sale of withdrawn library stock to include books, cd’s, videos, dvd’s all at bargain prices, 10am-8pm, elgin library, tel: 562619 3 thursday pure brass, 7:30pm, south room, gordonstoun school, nr elgin, £12/£6, visit our website www.thegcs.org.uk for details or tel: 01343 837917 4 friday back to the future - ‘elgin in style’, 7.30pm, elgin town hall, showcasing a number of city centre businesses using drama, dance & live music, brought to you by elgin business improvement district (bid) and the out of the darkness theatre company, £7, visit www.elginbid.co.uk for more details 8 tuesday pancake coffee morning for christian aid, 10am12noon, elgin high church, contact joan cook for details tel: 544461 spring melodies featuring local musicians, 2.30pm, lossiemouth library, for more details contact elgin library tel: 562600 or visit www.moray.gov.uk 9 wednesday alejandro ziegler tango quartet, 7.30pm, universal hall, findhorn, £10/£8/£6, tel: 01309 691170 9 wednesday to 12 saturday elgin musical theatre present disney’s beauty and the beast, 7.30pm (including saturday matinee), elgin town hall, a treat for all ages, tickets on sale at mathieson’s, batchen street, elgin or tel: 547765, for more details visit our website www.elginmusicaltheatre.co.uk 12 saturday slam, the loft venue, by kinloss, £15/£20, tel: 850111 or vist www.loftgigs.co.uk 18 friday a history of the province of moray by bruce bishop, 7pm, elgin library, for more details contact elgin library tel: 562600 or visit www.moray.gov.uk matt andersen, the loft venue, by kinloss, tel: 850111 or vist www.loftgigs.co.uk 19 saturday the wiyos, 8pm, universal hall, findhorn, £13/£11/£8, tel: 01309 691170 for details 20 sunday matt andersen take 2, the loft venue, by kinloss, tel:

page 18 - February 2011

850111 or vist www.loftgigs.co.uk 25 friday she’koyokh klezmer ensemble, 8pm, universal hall, findhorn, £10/£8/£6, tel: 01309 691170 for details 26 saturday elgin high church spring sale, 10am-12noon, high church hall, elgin, all the usual stalls 27 sunday scotland’s census 2011, further details can be found at www.gro-scotland.gov.uk 29 tuesday charity chic : dress well for less by the british red cross, 7pm, elgin library, for more details contact elgin library tel: 562600 or visit www.moray.gov.uk famous buildings of moray by graeme wilson, 7pm, local heritage centre, institution road, elgin, for more details contact elgin library tel: 562600 or visit www.moray.gov.uk

tel: 01309 690063

the

Granary bar and club

Tel 01343 55175 14-18 Thunderton Place, Elgin

Great Food, Great surroundings, Great Night out! email:granary.elgin@belhavenpubs.net

HOW THE “WHAT’S ON” WORKS all line listings are free send us details of any events coming up to natalie@spotlighton.co.uk Permissable events include any event open to the public (whether they have a ticket price or not, charitable or money-making) such as; pub music, entertainment, coffee mornings, fetes, fairs, rallies, walks, runs, sports, theatre, drama, car boots, markets, crafts, equestrian, fundraising etc etc...

If you would like an enhanced listing (white box) this costs from £41 plus vat. Call 01309 690063 for details.

Deadline for March Issue is Wednesday 2nd February

SpotLight on Elgin, Lossie and District

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Told through drama, dance and live music with a focus on the rich history of Elgin (people and place) BACK TO THE FUTURE – ELGIN IN STYLE – will showcase a number of City Centre businesses from the fashion, hair and beauty industry. This spectacular

event brings together a wide range of fashions for all ages, tastes and uses.

Prize draw for all ticket holders, charity raffle and free hospitality.

An evening not to be missed!!

Tickets £7.00 on sale from Monday 7th February. Concessions £5.00.

For more information see www.elginbid.co.uk Brought to you by: Elgin Business Improvement District (BID) and the Out of Darkness Theatre Company

Let’s all EMBRACE ELGIN and put the VIBRANCY back into the CITY CENTRE

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Continued from Page 10 Street name Bank as previously discussed, and asked for approval to purchase gift vouchers as prizes to the value of ÂŁ30/ÂŁ50. approved. â&#x20AC;˘ Roads & Transportation - murray Ross reported that notes on the meeting between moray Council, Transport Scotland and Bear Scotland had been e-mailed to all members. members should pass any comments to murray Ross. murray Ross advised that the C&RBoeCC R&T Committee were keeping these items on their agenda and would be responding to the necessary parties, as they felt the a96 was a disgrace. murray Ross thanked Cllr Russell for highlighting the R&T Committeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s concerns. it was agreed for murray Ross to hand over correspondence regarding the planning application to have a link up of footpath at Boots Chemist, Thornhill Drive to the cycle way on Thornhill Road to the Planning Committee for action. â&#x20AC;˘ murray Ross advised that he had been asked if a dog bin could be situated behind the cemetery by Reiket Lane.

Cllr Divers advised that a bin was in place at Langstone Place. murray Ross agreed to inform the member of public.

Concerns were also raised concerning

01343 543778 further Look no fur ther than us for all your musical requirements

web: soundandvisionelgin.co.uk w eb: soundand visionelgin.co.uk

the bins not being able to open during freezing temperatures. Cllr Divers advised that black and red bins were now dual-purpose bins. â&#x20AC;˘ murray Ross raised concerns regarding communication on refuge collection during the festive period, the following suggestions were made: â&#x20AC;˘ new page for handbook â&#x20AC;˘ note in every door â&#x20AC;˘ Sticker on each bin Cllr Russell advised that it would be too costly to hand deliver notes to every door. Details can be found on the moray Council website and details are advertised in the northern Scot and mfR. â&#x20AC;˘ murray Ross suggested the need for more grit bins to allow members of the public to clear their own streets. Cllr Russell advised that individuals could make a request for a grit bin and this would be considered. â&#x20AC;˘ Cllr Russell advised that the urban freedom Process proposals have now been approved. â&#x20AC;˘ murray Ross stated that the C&RBoeCC R&T Committee was arranging a meeting with Lorna Davidson to discuss the Relief Roads proposed routes consultation and would inform members of the date, time and venue. murray Ross suggested that members feed comments back to the

R&T Committee after viewing these proposed plans. Public consultations are due to take place on 27/28th Jan. 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ murray Ross reported that the speed limit at Duffus Road has now become 40mph and that the C&RBoeCC R&T Committee would review this after six months, as previously agreed. a.o.C.B. â&#x20AC;˘ The Chairman advised that John mcCrank of the ne Scotland Credit union would like to work with the Community Council regarding the Local Plan. Details can be obtained from the Chairman if anyone is interested. â&#x20AC;˘ alex macmillan stated that he has received correspondence from the Scottish fair Trade forum to establish whether elgin has a fair Trade group or if they were interested in establishing one. The environment Committee agreed to look into the possibility of elgin becoming a fair Trade City. â&#x20AC;˘ alex macmillan advised that a member of public had highlighted that there was no bus stop eastbound outside the Railway Station. The C&RBoeCC R&T Committee agreed to investigate the possibility of having a bus stop here.

Next meeting The next meeting of C&RBoeCC will be on Tuesday 8th february 2011 at 7pm.

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SpotLight Chef’s Confidential

Chocolate Mousse with Drambuie Cream

Over the last few months, Peter has given you a professional flavour of what Knockomie does. Over the coming months I would like to share with you some of my recipes, developed from the 24 years we have owned Knockomie, but also dishes that are not necessarily designed for the a restaurant environment.

I use the same principles at home as the hotel does in that I always use local meat, fish and vegetables where possible.

February is the month of romance and chocolate is the food of love. Chocolate will definitely be a feature of Knockomie's Valentines Menu and with complimentary fizz over Valentine's Weekend, romance will be off to a fine start. We look forward to welcoming you.

Shortbread Hearts

Ingredients Serves 2 (can easily be doubled or tripled)

225g Unsalted Butter at room temperature 325g Plain Flour sifted 70g Caster Sugar Pinch of salt Heart shaped cutters

110g 70% cocoa Chocolate 2 Large eggs, separated 100ml Double Cream lightly whipped 25ml Drambuie Method Break the chocolate into small pieces and place in a heatproof bowl over a pan of barely simmering water to melt. When it’s smooth and runny, take it off the heat and beat in the egg yolks whilst the mixture is still hot.

Leave the chocolate and egg mixture to cool for 10-15 minutes.

While you are waiting for the chocolate mixture to cool, whisk the egg whites until they are just peaking too stiffly and they wont fold in easily. Fold the egg whites in to the chocolate mixture and pour in to ramekins, champagne flutes, or espresso cups and chill in the fridge.

Just before you are ready to serve lightly whip the cream and add the Drambuie to it. Top the chocolate mousses with the cream and place the shortbread hearts at the side and serve.

page 24 - February 2011

Pre-heat the oven to 150˚c / 300˚f or gas mark 2 Dice the butter and place in a mixing bowl, add all the other ingredients, rub together gently to form a ball.

The easier way is to place all the ingredients in to a food processor and blitz until it forms a ball. Cover with cling film and place in the fridge to chill for 30 minutes before rolling out.

Lightly flour the work surface and remove the shortbread mix from the fridge. Roll out the shortbread mixture until it is about ½ cm thick, then cut into hearts and place on a greased oven tray, and return to the fridge for 30 minutes.

Lightly dust with some extra caster sugar before placing in the oven for 20 – 30minutess until golden brown. Remove from the oven and leave to cool completely before removing from the tray.

Store in an airtight container.

tel: 01309 690063

Penny Ellis, Owner Knockomie Hotel, Forres tel: 01309 673146 SpotLight on Elgin, Lossie and District

A Special

Valentine Knockomie is ideally located for a Romantic Valentine's Dinner Spoil the one you love with a superb dinner at this beautiful Moray Moray Hotel.

Our V Valentine's Menuu is available alentine's Men available from from Fridayy 11th FFebruary Frida ebruary until Monday Monday 14th inclusive.

FFebruary ebruary 2011 inclusiv e.

Book now now to avoid avoid disapointment. disapointment.

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Tel: T el: 01309 673146 Grantown Granto wn Road, Forres Forres www.knockomie.co.uk

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SpotLight School Term Dates

Picture by Kurt Simon, Copyright

School Term Dates for 2010/2011 (all dates inclusive) Elgin Academy & FeedersThu. 10th February 2011 Elgin High & Feeders Thu. 10th February 2011 Mid-term Holiday Friday 11th February 2011 Mid-term Holiday Monday 14th February 2011 Spring Term Ends Friday 1st April 2011 Summer Term Starts Monday 18th April 2011 Good Friday Holiday Friday 22nd April 2011 May Day Holiday Monday 2nd May 2011 In-service Closure Thursday 19th May 2011 In-service Closure Friday 20th May 2011

Summer Term Ends Friday 1st July 2011 for 2011/2012 (all dates inclusive) Autumn Term Starts Tuesday 16th August 2011 Autumn Term Ends Friday 7th October 2011 Winter Term Starts Monday 24th October 2011 In-service Closure Monday 21st November 2011 In-service Closure Tuesday 22nd November 2011 Winter Term Ends Wed. 21st December 2011 Spring Term Starts Thursday 5th January 2012 Mid-term Holiday Friday 10th February 2012 Mid-term Holiday Monday 13th February 2012

Relax - for sofas, chairs and bedrooms From simple to sublime, with fabrics for everyone, Relax is the stockist in Moray for Fama, the company who produces the most fantastic range of sofas and chairs Venus

Remember - there’s always a bit more to discover with Fama

Lenny

Our range of mattresses are fabulously comfortable and amazingly affordable. The best seller (due to its comfort as a display) is the Cashmere, a sumptuous mattress with a superior layer of memory foam.

Only £345 for a double, £395 kingsize

If you are looking for bedroom furniture, take a look at the beds page on our website, www.relaxinelgin.co.uk and see a great range of frame beds, with furniture to match

Lossie Wynd, Elgin Mon-Sat, 9-5 Tel 01343 547010 www.relaxinelgin.co.uk page 26 - February 2011

tel: 01309 690063

SpotLight on Elgin, Lossie and District

EIGHT E IGHTACRES ACRES ACREHOTEL SH HOTEL OTEL EIGHT &L LEISURE SURE C CLUB, LU B, E ELGIN LGIN &EILEISURE CLUB

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15m pool Sauna Jacuzzi 1 5 m swimming swimming p ool S auna & J acuzzi Fully equipped gym Personalised exercise programme F ully e quipped g ym P ersonalised e xercise p rogramme W i d e rrange ange o lasses S quash c ourt S p a ttherapies herapies a nd Wide off c classes Squash court Spa and beauty treatments in our Sonas Spa * It’s FREE to join in February 2011

W E D D I N G FFA FAY A RE Come and see us at T H MORAY WEDDING EXHIBITION THE on 13th February o n Sunday Sunday 1 3th F ebruary at hall a t Elgin E l g i n Town To w n h all Beauty treatments and therapies are also available in our Sonas Spa

SUNDAY SUNDA Y CAR CARVERY CARVER VERY VER Y every Sunday 12pm - 2.30pm EIGHT ACRES HOTEL CLUB EIGHT ACRES HO HOTEL TEL&&LEISURE LEISURE LEIS URE CLUB Morriston Road, Elgin IV30 6UL

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Email: eightacres@crerarhotels.com 01343 543 077 Email: eightacr eightacres@crerarhotels.com es@crerarhotels.com Telephone: TTelephone: elephone: 01343 543077

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SpotLight SCHOOLS Alves Primary School ..................................(01343) 850247 Bishopmill Primary School ..........................(01343) 547841 Burghead Primary School ..........................(01343) 825529 East End Primary School ............................(01343) 542381 Greenwards Primary School ......................(01343) 541661 Hopeman Primary School ..........................(01343) 830281 Lhanbryde Primary School..........................(01343) 842649 Mosstowie Primary School..........................(01343) 547119 New Elgin Primary School ..........................(01343) 547587 Seafield Primary School ..............................(01343) 547792 St Sylvesters R.C. Primary School ..............(01343) 541453 West End Primary School............................(01343) 543161 Elgin Academy ............................................(01343) 543485 Elgin High School........................................(01343) 545181 Hythehill Primary School ............................(01343) 812014 St Gerardine Primary School ......................(01343) 812251 Lossiemouth High School ..........................(01343) 812047 Police Station ................................................0845 600 5700 Bus Station, Elgin .......................................(01343) 544222 Citizens Advice Bureau ...............................(01343) 550088 Dalcross Airport ...........................................(01667) 464000 Dallas Village Hall .......................................(01343) 890243 Elgin Town Hall ............(01343) 547767 / Bookings-562600 Lossie Town Hall ............................(01343) 813329/815309 Moray Council .............................................(01343) 543451 National Rail Enquiries ..................................08457 484950 Elgin Library ................................................(01343) 562600 Lossie Library ..............................................(01343) 813334 Elgin Community Council............................(01343) 544091 Moray Leisure Centre .................................(01343) 550033 Lossie Swimming Pool ................................(01343) 815299

Burghead Holiday ‡ Elgin Holiday § Good Friday Easter Monday Early May Bank Holiday Spring Bank Holiday Burghead Holiday ‡ Elgin Holiday § Summer Bank Holiday Burghead Holiday ‡ Elgin Holiday § Burghead Holiday Elgin Holiday § page 28 - February 2011

Mon. 4th April 2011 Mon. 11th April 2011 Fri. 22nd April 2011 Mon. 25th April 2011 Mon. 2nd May 2011 Mon. 30th May 2011 Mon. 6th June 2011 Mon. 27th June 2011 Mon. 1st Aug. 2011 Mon. 8th Aug. 2011 Mon. 5th Sept. 2011 Mon. 19th Sept. 2011 Mon. 17th Oct. 2011

Useful Numbers and Local Holidays

DOCTORS Dr Gray's Hospital, Elgin ...............................0845 456 6000 Moray Coast Medical Practice - Hopeman (01343) 830269 Moray Coast Medical Practice - Burghead (01343) 835780 Moray Coast Medical Practice - Lossie ........0845 337 1190 Elgin Community Surgery ..........................(01343) 542234 Linkwood Medical Centre ............................0845 337 6350 Maryhill Health Centre ..................................0845 337 0610 DENTISTS South Street Dental Practice ......................(01343) 542729 Trinity Dental Practice ..................................(01343) 542697 Apex Dental Studio......................................(01343) 556606 Pure Spa Dental ..........................................(01343) 541164 Holly Tree Dental Practice, Lossie ..............(01343) 814625 Rivermouth Dental Practice, Lossie ............(01343) 813325

PHARMACIES alliance Pharmacy ......................................(01343) 542186 Bishopmill Pharmacy ..................(01343) 547374 / 547393 Boots The Chemist ......................................(01343) 543311 g.f Duthie Phramacy, Burghead ................(01343) 835370 g.f Duthie Phramacy,hopeman ................(01343) 830249 Lhanbryde Pharmacy ..................................(01343) 842531 Lloyds Pharmacy, 48 high St ......................(01343) 547065 Lloyds Pharmacy, 176 high St ....................(01343) 542571 Lloyds Pharmacy, Lossie ............................(01343) 812818 Lossiemouth Pharmacie ............................(01343) 813095 VETS Allen and Matthews ....................................(01343) 544811 Miller and Swann ........................................(01343) 542255 Moray Coast Vets, Lossie ............................(01343) 815335

St Andrews Day Wed. 30th Nov. 2011 Christmas Day * Mon. 26th Dec. 2011 Boxing Day * Tues. 27th Dec. 2011 Mon. 2nd Jan. 2012 New Years Day * 2nd January Tues. 3rd Jan. 2012 Good Friday Fri. 6th April 2012 Early May Bank Holiday Mon. 7th May 2012 * substitute, as this holiday falls on a weekend or other bank holiday § includes Lhanbryde ‡ includes Hopeman & Lossiemouth

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