SpotLight on Elgin/Lossie Jan 2017 by david nelmes

JANUARY

2017

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COUNSELLING Relationship & Addiction Ramona Haetzer is accredited by the Professional Standards Authority and a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) – the largest professional body of its kind in the UK. She is also formally registered as a Couple Counsellor with Relationships Scotland and is on the register of relationship counsellors and therefore bound by the codes and ethics of these organisations. For further information and to discuss whatever issues may be troubling you, please contact:

Ramona Haetzer

Would you like to explore and manage emotional difficulties in your life? RH Counselling can offer support with issues within: t Relationships: Relationship breakdown, family problems, , feelings of loneliness, isolation, parenting & adoption challenges. t Addiction: Narcotics, alcoholism, gambling, sex addiction, eating disorders, various behavioural addictive issues. t̓Abuse, trauma: Physical, emotional, sexual abuse, domestic, childhood abuse. t Bereavement: Grief counselling. t Depression, stress: Feelings of loneliness, isolation, anxiety, low self-esteem, redundancy, retirement, emotional issues around weight issues e.g. body dysmorphia, social skills, life changes, aspergers syndrome, autism. Non-judgemental, open discussion with an experienced relationship and addiction counsellor based in Moray, offering a professional service and emotional support through times of difficulty, where discretion and confidentiality are held with the utmost respect.

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The Free Community Information website - Free to view and Free to upload your listings. View our entire database of Clubs and Societies, Trades Listings, What’s On Diary, Restaurants, Reviews and articles, Schools, Holidays Tides, Useful Numbers and more...

CLUBS & SOCIETIES DIABETES UK MORAY Support for people with diabetes and their carers. For details visit moray.diabetesukgroup.org or email moraydiabetesukgroup @yahoo.co.uk

school term times. Integrated Adults and Children Classes. All weapons, masks, protective clothing provided. For more information call Robin Paterson on 01343 541302 after 7pm.

ELGIN CITY BAND Rehearsals from 7pm - 9pm, Wednesdays. Term-time meets in Bishopmill Primary School & the Community Centre outwith. One of the oldest brass bands in Scotland. Self supporting, raising monies from various sources, including indoor & outdoor performances. Members of all ages welcome. For info contact John Marshall on 07969 302628 or email johnmail181@gmail.com

ELGIN-LANDSHUT TWIN TOWN ASSOCIATION Encourages friendship and exchange visits between Elgin and its twin town in Bavaria. Contact Alastair Rossiter 542939 www.landshut-elgin.de

ELGIN CYCLING CLUB Promoting cycling in the local area. Sundays 8.30am, Grant Lodge, Cooper Park. Call Kevin Thomson tel: 01542 834972 or visit www.elgincyclingclub.com ELGIN DUELLIST FENCING CLUB Thursdays, Beginners: 6:30pm 8pm, Advanced: 6:30pm - 9pm at Elgin High School during

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page 4 - January 2017

ELGIN MINIATURE RIFLE CLUB Encourages a responsible attitude towards target shooting in a safe controlled environment. Mondays 7:15pm Sept - March at Indoor Rifle Range, Pinefield. Call Athole Manson 07779 710985 or email atholem@aol.com ELGIN OVER 60 LUNCH CLUB Monday, Wednesday and Friday 12pm - 1pm at Elgin Community Centre. A tasty main meal for only £3. Add a soup starter for £1.50 and a dessert for 75p. Come along and meet up with friends or make new ones! For more info call Nicky on 01343 543736 or email nicky.nash@moray.gov.uk ELGIN ROTARY CLUB Thursdays, 12:15pm for 12:45pm at Eight Acres Hotel, Elgin. Working with the community for the benefit of the community. Contact Margaret Stenton, Secretary 01343 551036 ELGIN SCRABBLE CLUB Every Tuesday 1:30pm - 4:30pm in the Elgin Community Centre. All ages and levels welcome. For more info contact Margaret Armstrong on 01343 545377 FOCHABERS OVER 60S LUNCH CLUB Meets at Bellie Church Hall, Fochabers on Thursdays, 12noon. Enjoy a home-cooked two-course lunch with tea/coffee & biscuits for £3. Contact: 01343 821300 or 01343 542862.

welcome. For info email joyfulnoise@btinternet.com or visit joyfulnoise.uk.com or call 0748 637 4525.

FIBROMYALGIA SUPPORT GROUP LOSSIEMOUTH Last Wednesday of every month. 7.30pm at the Football Club, Lossiemouth. Anyone who suffers from or cares for someone with this debillitating illness is welcome. Call Karen on 07583 834453, Susan 07935 223480 or Fiona on 07484 178787 or find us on Facebook

LGBT MORAY 1st Tuesday each month, 7:30pm at The Mucklecross Pub, Elgin. 18+ only. OR 3rd Saturday at 10:30am at The Mosset Tavern, Forres. Well attended group with mixed ages. For more details visit www.lgbtmoray.co.uk, email lgbtmoray@gmail.com or call 07598 418638

GLEN MORAY MALE VOICE CHOIR Thursdays, 7:30pm in Bishopmill Primary School hall. Sept - Apr. All men welcome to join this community choir. No audition necessary. For info call Alistair Farquhar on 01343 541328 or alistair.farquhar@btinternet.com

LAICH OF MORAY TRUST Providing transport for elderly, infirm and disabled within Moray. Mainly within Moray, but sometimes further. Contact Rob Tyson 545531

GUIDE DOGS FOR THE BLIND Nairn & Moray Branch looking for new branch volunteers. To help call 0845 371 7771 or email volunteer@guidedogs.org.uk HARVEST CENTRE MAH JONG CLUB (AMERICAN RULES) 1st & 3rd Thursday of the month, 11am - 1pm at Harvest Centre, Elgin (next door to Yeadon’s bookshop). Sept - June. Cost £3. For more information email: hce.roombookings@gmail.com Or visit www.spanglefish.com/ harvestcentremahjongclub HELGIN ROLLER DERBY Saturdays, in Elgin Community Centre and Thurs. in Forres House Community Centre. Learn to roller skate with the Elgin Roller Derby team and find out more about how you can get involved. Beginners welcome. Open to males and females 16+. Find us on Facebook for details or email helginrollerderby@gmail.com.. INNER WHEEL OF ELGIN Community service undertaking fundraising for local and overseas charities, meets monthly (excl July and August), Mansion House Hotel. Contact Pam Sutherland 550264 JOYFUL NOISE SINGERS Meets every Thursday, 10am 12pm at St Giles Church, Elgin. Moray’s older people’s choir. All

tel: 01309 690063

LHANBRYDE INDOOR BOWLING CLUB Promotes the game of indoor bowling, sociable and competitive, meets Sept - April on Mondays & Thursdays 7pm10pm. Contact Ella Harley: 843194. MORAY GAELIC GROUP Mondays 12pm - 1pm in the Beechtree Restaurant at Moray College. Wed 6.30pm - 8pm in Room C010 at Moray College. Thurs 11am - 1pm in Costa in Tesco in Forres. Annual Memberships £5, Sessions £3. Call Group Chairperson on 01309 641526 or email the Sec at donnie.macdonald@ hotmail.com MORAY WHEELCHAIR CURLING CLUB Monday & Wednesday, 2 - 4pm Sept - March at Moray Leisure Centre. ST AETHANS BOWLING CLUB To promote Lawn Bowling in Burghead for all ages. PLEASE NOTE Details of Clubs & Societies are published on a rotational basis. If you would like your details to be included in this section please email linda@winterburnmedia.co.uk

admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

The Editor

Every January the USA celebrates Martin Luther King Day. Although most are familiar with him and his "I have a Dream" speech, I doubt many of us know what his dream was or whether it came true. He actually spoke about several dreams in that speech (which I would recommend you watch or listen to) but they were all based around a central theme - that all people are created equal. Is that something that we recognise in modern society? Despite the tireless efforts of thousands of individuals like King who have and continue to work for equality, we still encounter racism, gender bias, and many other 'phobias' and prejudices.

PUBLISHER ..............David Nelmes ADVERTISING ..............Susan Innes ACCOUNTS ...................Wendy Day DESIGN ................Rebekah Hughes PRODUCTION .........Linda J Donald LAYOUT ...................Hamish Hibbert

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Recently a member of the family introduced us to an online quiz – you probably know the kind of thing Imean. Basically you answer questions and the way you answer determines the kind of person you are: decisive, commanding, warm, organised, good at relating to people, etc. One of its practical outcomes is to direct you to the kind of job or vocation that would best suit your personality. It’s all a bit of fun – particularly when you share the online ‘opinion’ of yourself with your nearest and dearest. It may be that their assessment of us is more accurate and, of course, not always complimentary - “you need to sort yourself out”. To which we reply, “Oh well that’s just the way I am, so you’ll have to put up with me!” Now, if we or others see flaws in our make-up and are not willing to modify them, that’s maybe not so helpful or wise. First century writer James puts it like this, “Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.” On the other hand there are those

of us who believe we can not only change, but completely transform ourselves. And we may take encouragement from those who already have. Someone stops drinking alcohol and finds their head is clearer; another stops smoking and finds the air around them is fresher; yet another takes to the road – on foot or bike – and discovers new energy as a result. And we think – if they can do it why can’t I? Chris Gardner – subject of the film ‘The Pursuit of Happiness’ – believed his mum when she said, “Son you can do or be anything you want to do or be.” After a difficult childhood and after spending time in prison and being homeless, he turned his life around and eventually became a multi-millionaire. I’m sure he would encourage any of us to believe in ourselves – whatever our faults. Yet for all the evidence that people can and do change, I believe life’s experience and the Bible’s testimony both challenge that optimism. Paul offers this perspective: “I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot

Moray Coast Baptist Church (Lossiemouth) Sunday services at 10:30am. Thursday night Bible study at 7pm. Crèche available for each service. Call 07862 898939 for more information, or visit www.moraycoastbc.com. Pastor Donald Clough Moray Grace Fellowship The Warehouse Theatre, Lossie. Sundays 10.30am. Call Vic Cameron: 07738 260550 Email: vic.cameron2803@btinternet.com • www.moraygrace.wordpress.com Parish of Duffus, Spynie and Hopeman First Sunday of the month, united service 10.30am. On other Sundays, services are 10am at Hopeman and 11.30am at Duffus or Spynie. Call Rev. Jenny Adams on 01343 830276. www.duffusparish.co.uk St Andrews-Lhanbryd and Urquhart Parish Church Sundays 11am including young church and crèche. Evening services 7pm on last Sunday of month at St Margaret's Hall, Urquhart. St Gerardine’s High Church Lossiemouth. Sunday family worship 11.30am. Contact Rev. G McKee 01343 208852 (manse). St Giles and St Columba’s South Elgin. All Sunday services start at 10.30am and will be held in St Giles, High Street, Elgin during July,

page 6 - January 2017

carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do--this I keep on doing.” (Ro-mans 7:18-19) So then does that mean we are doomed to disappointment? To living our lives but always coming up short, missing our targets? Not according to the same writer, Paul, who has this to say in conclusion, “What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:24-25) He recognized relying on himself was never going to work, but relying on Jesus we can do and be the best, and indeed find true happiness.

Colin Morison Elgin & Forres Free Churches

September and November. Services will also be held in St Columba’s South Church, Duff Avenue, Elgin during August, October and December 2016. For further information please contact the Church Office on 01343 551501 or via e-mail at stgileselgin@gmail.com You can also visit our website at www.elginstgileschurch.co.uk St James Church of Scotland Lossiemouth. Sunday worship 10am including crèche and Sunday school. Contact Rev. Geoff McKee 01343 208852 St Margaret’s Church Lossiemouth. Sunday 9.30am: family Eucharist . Thursdays 10am: Holy Communion. Thursdays 5pm: evening prayer. St Sylvester's Catholic Church Elgin. Vigil Mass Saturday 7pm. Sunday Mass 11.45am. Tel: 01343 542280. Listed from M to S and regularly rotated. If you are a member of a church not listed here and would like to be considered for inclusion or to amend any details please email linda@winterburnmedia.co.uk.co.uk

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Local & Bank Holidays and Special Days St Andrew’s Day Shortest Day Christmas Day Boxing Day Boxing Day (substitute day) New Year’s Eve New Year’s Day New Year’s Day (substitute)

Wed 30th Nov 2016 Wed 21st Dec 2016 Sun 25th Dec 2016 Mon 26th Dec 2016 Tues 27th Dec 2016 Sat 31st Dec 2016 Sun 1st Jan 2017 Mon 2nd Jan 2017

Burns Night Valentine’s Day Shrove Tuesday Ash Wednesday Mothering Sunday British Summertime Starts April Fool’s Day

Wed 25th Jan 2017 Tues 14th Feb 2017 Tues 28th Feb 2017 Wed 29th Feb 2017 Sun 26th Mar 2017 Sun 26th Mar 2017 Sat 1st Apr 2017

School Term Dates for 2016/2017 (all dates inclusive) Winter Term Ends Thurs 22nd Dec 2016 Christmas Holiday Starts Fri 23rd Dec 2016 Christmas Holiday Ends Fri 6th Jan 2017 Spring Term Starts Mon 9th Jan 2017 Occasional Day Elgin Thurs 9th Feb 2017 Mid Term Holiday Fri 10th Feb 2017 Mid Term Holiday Mon 13th Feb 2017

Spring Term Ends Spring Holiday Starts Spring Holiday Ends Summer Term Starts Occasional Day Lossie and Milne’s May Day Holiday In-Service Day

Fri 31st Mar 2017 Mon 3rd Apr 2017 Fri 14th Apr 2017 Mon 17th Apr 2017 Fri 28th Apr 2017 Mon 1st May 2017 Fri 19th May 2017

Useful Contacts Police Station ......................................................................101 Bus Station, Elgin ...............................................01343 544222 Citizens Advice Bureau.......................................01343 550088 Inverness Airport .................................................01667 464000 Dallas Village Hall ...............................................01343 890243 Elgin Town Hall ........................01343 547767/562600-To Book Lossie Town Hall ....................................01343 813327/815309 Pluscarden Village Hall ......................................01343 890412 Moray Council.....................................................01343 543451 National Rail Enquiries........................................03457 484950 Elgin Library ........................................................01343 562600 Lossie Library......................................................01343 813334 Elgin Community Council ..................................01343 540615 Moray Leisure Centre .........................................01343 550033 Lossie Swimming Pool ......................................01343 815299 Moray Cats Protection ........................................07837 342646 Railway Mission ..................................................078419 85768 Dial ‘M’ For Moray Buses ..................................03001 234565 SCHOOLS Alves Primary School ..........................................01343 850247 Bishopmill Primary School ..................................01343 547841 Burghead Primary School ..................................01343 835529 East End Primary School ....................................01343 542381 Greenwards Primary School ..............................01343 541661 Hopeman Primary School ..................................01343 830281 Lhanbryde Primary School..................................01343 842649 Linkwood Primary School ..................................01343 547782 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

page 10 - January 2017

Lossiemouth High School ..................................01343 812047 DOCTORS Dr Gray's Hospital, Elgin .....................................0345 4566000 Moray Coast Medical Practice - Hopeman ........01343 830269 Moray Coast Medical Practice - Burghead ........01343 835780 Moray Coast Medical Practice - Lossie ..............0345 3371190 Elgin Community Surgery ..................................0345 3379988 Linkwood Medical Centre....................................0345 3376350 Maryhill Health Centre ........................................0345 3370610 NHS 24 ................................................................................111 DENTISTS Apex Dental Studio..............................................01343 556606 Glassgreen Dental Practice ................................01343 553131 Laich Dental Practice ..........................................01343 816316 Smiles Dental ......................................................01343 541164 South Street Dental Practice ..............................01343 542729 Trinity Dental Practice..........................................01343 542697 PHARMACIES Alliance Pharmacy..............................................01343 542186 Bishopmill Pharmacy ..........................01343 547374 / 547393 Boots The Chemist ............................................01343 543311 G.F Duthie Pharmacy, Burghead ......................01343 835370 G.F Duthie Pharmacy, 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 Pharmacy ....................................01343 813095 VETS Miller and Swann ................................................01343 542255 Moray Coast Vets, Lossie ..................................01343 815335 Wards Veterinary Centre ....................................01343 544811

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www.spotlighton.co.uk

Thank you for the opportunity to introduce myself in my first blog since becoming an MSP for the Highlands and Islands. I grew up in Ullapool and worked in Inverness as a mental health pharmacist for 20 years before entering politics. I now live in Strathpeffer with my husband and three children. I’m keen for my children to have the opportunity to live and work here in future, so I have a vested interest in the Highlands and Islands flourishing! You can be sure that I will work hard for everyone in the region over the next five years. If I can be of any help, please contact my office in Dingwall on 01349 863888 or email me on maree.todd.msp@parliame nt.scot

'Firstly a very Happy

New Year to everyone and all the very best for 2017. 'Reflecting on 2016 it has been a pretty hectic year both as MP and personally as well. Early in the year I moved house in Moray and in the summer got married! A very exciting and happy year from a personal perspective. 'From a political perspective it has also been incredibly busy, firstly supporting my Moray colleague Richard Lochhead MSP in his reelection in May, followed by the EU Referendum in June and my subsequent election to the post of Depute Leader of the SNP. All of that in addition to all the more normal things that go on day-today! 'Looking ahead to 2017 I would like to wish everyone who may have similar big events in their lives every success - whether it is in a new home, a new job, a wedding or anything else! After a very enjoyable Christmas break and an opportunity to recharge the batteries I am looking forward to getting stuck into the issues that 2017 throws up!'

“Let me start by saying a very Happy New Year to you and yours! I hope you have had an enjoyable festive period and you’ve now recovered. “I’m sure many of you will once again have made New Year’s resolutions… Some which will be kept and many which will be easily broken. However, there is one resolution we can all make quite easily and that is to keep doing our bit to waste less and recycle more. “I’ve no doubt your home, like mine, will have been left with Christmas cards, trees, cardboard boxes, all ready to be disposed of. Every year we are finding better ways to stop waste going to landfill and to be more responsible for the wider environment. “Moray proudly leads the way in Scotland when it comes to recycling and disposing of our waste responsibly. I hope that you’ll keep doing your bit to keep up that fantastic record throughout the year.”

Maree Todd MSP

Angus Robertson MP

Richard Lochhead MSP

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

SU M TU W TH F SA

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tel: 01309 690063

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Our forest school nursery offers your child a unique experience; inspiring outdoor play and learning in a fun, safe, nurturing environment. Spaces available for the new term. Book your visit to see how your child’s curiosity will be brought alive in our outdoor nature base – Registration Week Monday 23 January 2017 We also run a 2-3 group and holiday activities New For 2017 – Suitable for 5 – 12 years Forest School Weekend Club starts on Sunday mornings 10am – 12noon in March (4 week block) After School Club starts last week in Feb Wednesdays from 3.30pm – 5.30pm drop off and pick up from Duffus Village Hall (6 week block) To book places and for further details please see our web site www.earthtime.co.uk enquiries@earthtime.co.uk 01343 541335

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Carer Support Service (Moray) Support for young carers There are many people in Moray who provide unpaid help to someone because of physical or mental ill health, disability, frailty or substance use, and age is no barrier. 1DWLRQDO ÄłJXUHV VXJJHVW WKH equivalent of 1 in 12 secondary school age pupils have a caring role â&#x20AC;&#x201C; that means over 400 young people in Moray providing unpaid care to a family member or friend. 39% of young carers say nobody at school knows about their caring role, and 5% miss school because of it.* Being a young carer can affect a young personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health, social life DQG VHOI FRQÄłGHQFH But it can also mean learning a lot of useful skills.

How we can help

At Quarriers Carer Support Service, we offer information, support and advice to young carers across Moray. You can call, email or visit us, or be referred by a friend, family member, teacher or other professional you trust. Our Support Workers can meet you at school, home or another convenient location, and offer you emotional support, opportunities

*Carers UK statistics

to meet other young carers, workshops to increase caring and life skills and knowledge, FRQGLWLRQ VSHFLÄłF LQIRUPDWLRQ help to ensure the right services are in place at home, and much more, to make sure you have the same opportunities as your peers, at home, at school and in your community.

Young Carers Awareness Day

(YCAD) takes place on 26 January 2017 and will shine a spotlight on how achieving a dream job or career can be challenging when you are also juggling a caring role at home. Young carers across the country have contributed to a survey to identify the challenges they face and provoke discussion amongst decision-makers about how to improve their experiences DQG RSSRUWXQLWLHV 7KH ÄłQGLQJV of this survey will help inform services in Moray and beyond. We want to make sure young FDUHUV LQ 0RUD\ DUH LGHQWLÄłHG supported and able to achieve all they can. If you are a young carer, or know someone who is, get in touch today.

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Call us today for a confidential chat on 01343 556031 Quarriers Carer Support Service (Moray) 44 High Street, Elgin, IV30 1BU Useful websites www.quarriers.org.uk/services/young-carers-supportservice-moray/ babble.carers.org National online forum and chat for young carers

www.quarriers.org.uk Quarriers is a registered Scottish Charity: No. SC001960

recipe

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Vegan Caramel Apple Walnut Cake You know the saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Well, it is true that apples are healthy for us. Apples also make a tasty addition to baked goods like cakes, they’re simple, easy and always taste great. This month’s recipe is supplied by The Peppermill Restaurant in Forres. Ingredients: 6 tbsp brown sugar 4 cooking apples, peeled and sliced 3 cups plain flour 3 tsp ginger 225g vegan marg. 1 1/2 cups brown sugar 2 tbsp golden syrup 1 1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda 1 1/3 cup soya milk 1 1/2 tbsp lemon juice 2 grated apples 1 cup walnuts Method: 1. sprinkle the sugar in the base of a large heavy-based frying pan suitable for the oven, arrange apples on top of the sugar. 2. sift the flour and ginger together then rub in the margarine and sugar. 3. dissolve the bicarbonate of soda in the soya milk. 4. mix all the remaining ingredients with the flour mixture and the soy mixture and tip into the tin and bake in an oven preheated to 180 degrees.

118 High Street, FORRES IV36 1NP ¬

Don’t just learn it. Live it. An independent co-educational school for children aged 3-18

Early Years Childcare Due to an increase in demand, Drumduan School’s Kindergarten is expanding and additional places are now available. We offer children aged 3-6 years a play-focused curriculum in a ‘home from home’ environment. At the end of Kindergarten, children have the option to continue their education at Drumduan by progressing to our Lower School.

Afternoon care

Parents and carers with younger children are also very welcome at our twice weekly Parent & Toddler Group

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We encourage inventiveness and child-led imaginative play. We let children be children.

Council funded places Our morning sessions run from 8.45am to 12.30am. Council funding is available for qualifying children to subsidise the school’s fees.

Seamless afternoon care is also available, including a healthy cooked lunch, arts, crafts, and outdoor play.

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For more information, or to arrange a tour of the Kindergarten, please contact: reception@drumduan.org / 01309 676 300

Domestic activities such as baking, cooking, cleaning, gardening & sewing encourage a wide range of skills.

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With bursaries and funding available, Drumduan School offers every child a healthy, balanced and creative curriculum where knowledge is nurtured, not tested or graded.

DOWNSIZE YOUR HOME UPSIZE YOUR LIFESTYLE Have you considered a residential park home at Grosvenor Park, near Forres?

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Call to let us know you’re coming on 01343 812000 www.RiverviewCountryPark.co.uk Grosvenor Park at Riverview Country Park, Mundole, Forres, IV36 2TA

DECEMBER 2016 26 monday

Promote your events in the SpotLight â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Onâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; You can now go online at www.spotlighton.co.uk Register an account and put your event online and in the magazine - both for free Any events uploaded to the website by the closing date will be automatically printed in the magazine. Now thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clever!!

27 tuesday red hot chilli pipers@ironworks, inverness 7.30pm. visit www.ironworksvenue.com ragin ceilidh band@hootananny, inverness 9.30pm.

28 wednesday festive frolics@mad hatters, inverness 10pm,

31 saturday the red hot highland fling 8pm, northern meeting park, inverness. free. legendary family friendly (no tickets required) hogmanay concert.

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31 saturday - 1 sunday

Alternatively, you can still Email: linda@winterburnmedia.co.uk or Telephone: 01309 690063 Inclusion of events in Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On is free. We do not accept submissions for classes, courses or workshops. Contact venues & organisers first as there may be changes to events.

Rolling Events until 31 december still life studio art sale tbc, still life studio, aberlour all welcome.

until 30 april moray supports refugees: appeal for warm clothing, tents & equipment for adults, children & babies living in refugee camps this winter. collection points at the sorting centre, chanonry estate, elgin (near blind spot) thursdays 2pm - 4.30pm & fridays 11.30pm - 2pm; babalou,high street,forres; reboot, greshop road, forres; the drop off caravan, pineridge, findhorn foundation & wastebusters (camping equipment only), waterford, forres.

admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

he slept on 57/ pure grief/toastie@mad hatters, inverness 10pm,

rythmnreel: hogmanay bash 2016/2017@ironworks, inverness 9pm. www.ironworksvenue.com. hogmanay party at inchberry hall. doors open 8.30pm - not earlier. bring-in the new year with live music by the talented â&#x20AC;&#x2122;broma ceilidh band.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; byo refreshments. avrilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual hogmanay party 8pm at rafford village hall. all welcome to help bring in the new year! hogmanay dance 9pm - 1am at rothes fc social club. ÂŁ10. visit rothesfcsocialclub.co.uk. hogmanay charity bash 8pm - 1pm, community hall, burghead. ÂŁ10 - all proceeds to local cancer charity byob. please note now extended to families with over 5's! (u18s must be accompanied by an adult)

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January 2017 - page 23

The he rrech ech The Tesla Tesla Powerwall can be installed with new Solar PV systems or can EH UHWUR Â¿WWHG WR H[LVWLQJ H UHWUR Â¿WWHG WR H[LVWLQJ PV systems. : H DUH LQVWDOOLQJ 7HVOD :H DUH LQVWDOOLQJ 7HVOD Powerwall battery systems DOO RYHU 0RUD\ +LJKODQGV and Aberdeenshire. Contact our technical team on 01309 676 911 to learn PRUH DERXW LQVWDOOLQJ your own home battery system. AES Solar are the oldest solar company in Western Europe and have completed solar thermal and PV installations all over the world. Established LQ ZH SURXGO\ PDQXIDFWXUH RXU UDQJH RI VRODU thermal panels in Forres and our aim is to make Scotland the solar capital of the world.

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JANUARY 2017

13 friday tunna tunes@the drouthy cobbler 8pm - 10pm visit www.thedrouthycobbler.co.uk.

8 sunday community service 6.30pm at inchberry hall rev bob anderson will conduct the monthly community kirk sunday evening service. all are welcome

11 wednesday moray banff & badenoch decorative & fine arts society lecture: tea with mackintosh: the glasgow tearoom phenomenon. lecturer evelyn silber 11am, the williamson hall, duff avenue, elgin. new members welcome. contact: membership@nadfasin-elgin.org.uk or visit www.nadfas-in-elgin.org.uk forres-vienenburg twinning association january concert 7.30pm, falconer museum, forres. £8. moray-based performers. proceeds to help fund forres academy pupils going to vienenburg next june. contact: david macfarquhar on 01309 673230 or davidmacfarquhartwinning@yahoo.co.uk. burning of the clavie, burghead 6pm - 9pm. all welcome. visit www.burghead.com/clavie.

12 thursday king creosote 8pm, bogbain farm. for info call 01463 772800. visit www.bogbainfarm.com.

14 saturday - 15 sunday lhanbryde indoor bowling club annual open triples tournament tbc, lhanbryde primary school all welcome. entries close sunday 8th january. contact: 01343 842708

15 sunday orienteering at quarrelwood 10.15am -11.15am. discover quarrelwood like never before at the first of moravian's monthly event series for 2017. £5 adults £4 juniors (£1 off for club members).contact: mike rodgers on 07957836124 or email mikerodgers506@gmail.com. visit www.moravianorienteering.org/events/quarrelwood. st andrew's lhanbryde & urquhart connect breakfast 9.30am - 10.30am (before church service) , st andrews lhanbryde & urquhart church hall. free. emjoy breakfast & an informal time of exploring christian faith through film, discussion & craft activities. creche. visit www.salucofs.wordpress.com

19 thursday mah jong club: chase away the january blues with: a mishmash of chop suey - some razzle dazzle! 11am - 1 pm, harvest centre (next door to yeadon's

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page 26 - January 2017

tel: 01309 690063

admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

Music THE DROUTHY COBBLER Local bar, venue and kitchen, The Drouthy Cobbler was recently in the news having been nominated for “Venue of the Year” at the BBC Alba Trad Music Awards. The star-studded awards ceremony at Dundee’s Caird Hall saw Glasgow’s The Glad Cafe take the trophy - but The Drouthy was a close runner up. The awards are a chance to celebrate in the rich cultural heritage of Scottish music whilst also looking forward to the excitement of what the future holds. With fiery live performances from the likes of The Scott Wood Band, Talisk and Dallahan, and the amazing Breabach winning the double of Best Band and Album of the Year, Scottish music is not only alive and well, but positively thriving. The Drouthy Cobbler nomination was in recognition of the high calibre of events which they have run over the last twelve months including Talisk, Dalahan, Session A9, FARA, Fras, RURA, Adam Holmes and the Embers, Adam Sutherland, Rachel Newton Trio - a veritable who’s who of Scotland’s trad music scene. Of course, it’s not just Trad music where Scotland is flourishing. In the genres of Rock, Electronic and even Hip-Hop, bands all over the country are proving that it’s nae all fiddles and pipes. The Drouthy Cobbler are building on their existing events programmer and starting monthly gigs showcasing the best of the rest with a series of Rock, Indie, Funk, Soul and Electro nights. As residents of Moray and Speyside, it can be difficult to see live music on a regular basis. Factoring in travel and hotels, going to see a small gig can end up costing a small fortune. To have such a variety of high quality live entertainment on our doorstep is something we should all be celebrating. January alone, a traditionally quiet month includes some great acts including a visit from “Tunna Tunes”, a celtic folk rock fusion band who have been producing melodic fiddle tunes, funky bass lines, awesome guitar licks and whopping drum beats since 2008 (13th, 8pm). The alternative rock series kicks off with Aberdeen’s finest “The Little Kicks” supported by “Miss Lucid” (20th, 9pm). And towards the end of the month, an alternative Burns night celebration - details yet to be announced. Stay up to date with all events in Spotlight and by subscribing to the Drouthy news email at www.thedrouthycobbler.co.uk/subscribe

7.30pm, burghead parish church. £5, u12s - free (incl refreshments). all welcome.

21 saturday The UK’s Largest Online Eco-Supermarket! www.MyWikedLittleEcoShop.com

t denise@wikaniko.co.uk bookshop). £3. beginners welcome! contact: karen weller at hce.roombookings@gmail.com. www.spanglefish.com/harvestcentremahjongclub.

19 thursday - 21 saturday alice in wonderland presented by hopeman amateur dramatics society thurs 19th & fri 20th at 7pm, Sat 21st at 1pm & 5.30pm, hopeman memorial hall. adults - £5 children (up to primary 7) £3. tickets available from costcutters in hopeman.

20 friday "an evening of song" with kinloss military wives' choir

REGION

5 DAYS

british ski mountaineering championships 12pm, glenshee ski centre. a 13 km course with over 1200m of ascent & descent will see racers travel all 3 valleys of glenshee ski centre. visit www.skimoscotland.co.uk/races/glenshee. burns' supper 7pm for 7.30pm at glenrinnes community centre. all welcome. for info contact: 01340 820821.

21 saturday - 22 sunday the strathpuffer: 12th annual 24 hour mountain bike endurance event 10am - 11am (sun), strathpeffer. the event is open to solos, pairs, teams of four, teams of eight for schools, &teams of ten. visit www.strathpuffer.co.uk.

25 wednesday orienteering by head torch: how good's your night navigation? find out at this event for all ages by moravian orienteers 5.45pm - 7pm, forres golf club. £7 adults £4 u21s.(£1 less for members). contact: lil lenyon on 07596 867797 or email kenyonp@pobroadband.com. visit

100s OF WHISKY INSPIRED EVENTS

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival 27 April – 1 May 2017 Tickets launch 7 Feb on www.spiritofspeyside.com page 28 - January 2017

01309 690063

27 Apr – 1 May 2017 #dram17 #dram17 adminwinterburnmedia.co.uk

www.moravianorienteering.org. the drouthy cobbler comedy club@the drouthy cobbler 7.30pm. visit www.thedrouthycobbler.co.uk

26 thursday elgin museum fund raiser 7.30pm - 10pm, elgin museum hall. £3 (incl refreshments). volunteers explaining the behind-the-scenes work that is done when the museum closes for the winter. silent auction. visit www.elginmuseum.org.uk. chinese new year crafts for children with earthtime in fochabers library 4pm - 5pm. free but booking is essential. u7s to be accompanied by an adult call 01343 821434.

27 friday torridon@ironworks, inverness. tbc. visit www.ironworksvenue.com

28 saturday moray conservative & unionist association burns supper 7pm at lossiemouth f c. £20. contact: maureen mcleod on 01343 850237 or mcleodmaureen811@gmail.com. visit www.morayconservatives.org.uk. mumbai science@ironworks, inverness 10.30pm, over 18s. visit www.ironworksvenue.com. single by sunday@ironworks, inverness 7pm, over 14s (u§6s with an adult). visit www.ironworksvenue.com. chinese new year crafts for children with earthtime in forres library 10.30am - 11.30am. free but booking is essential. u7s to be accompanied by an adult contact: 01309 672834.

28 saturday - 29 sunday aviemore sled dog rally 9am - 5pm (sun), glenmore, aviemore. the race features teams of between two & eight dogs pulling their musher on a sled around a four to seven mile trail. contact: 0871 277 6783 or enquiry@siberianhuskyclub.org.uk. visit www.siberianhuskyclub.org.uk.

Alvin Kramer

GUITAR & BASS TUITION Creative Lessons for All Ages, with Musicians Institute (USA) Graduate

T: 0 1 3 0 9 6 4 1 5 8 1 E:alvinkramer@btinternet.com

admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

tel: 01309 690063

January 2017 - page 29

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Contact Robert of Lossie Tilers T 01343 815107 M 07837 821761 E info@lossietilers.co.uk www.morayepdm.co.uk The Ultimate Flat Roofing System

Harrison’s Heating

Taking care of all your plumbing requirements

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HARRISON'S WINDOWS 16 Linkwood Place, Elgin – IV30 1HZ

WINTER DEALS Happy New Year to all our customers past & present.

PVC - FRONT AND BACK DOOR SUPPLIED AND FITTED

ONLY £1,000 inc VAT NTEE GUARA

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DECEMBER SPECIAL - 7 WINDOWS AND 2 GLAZED DOORS, FOR

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CALL HARRISON’S TODAY ON

01343 551331 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm Saturdays 10am-2pm

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Visit Carlton Elgin anytime Monday to Friday before 1.10pm for half price paper bingo with this this voucher in January 2017

T D Logie

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Find us at 25/27 South Street, Elgin, IV30 1JZ or give us a call on 01343 542 559 for more information 1 Bridge Street, Forres IV36 1DU (01309) 673258 tdlogie@btconnect.com www.tdlogieforres.co.uk

Tel: 01309

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CAR VALETING DETAILING SERVICE PAINT CORRECTION

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Phone for a free no obligation quote today! EVERYTHING TO KEEP YOU COMFORTABLE THIS WINTER

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Colin Buchan

COMMERCIAL & DOMESTIC Current Disclosure Scotland MORAY LOCKSMITH Certificate Held. ID Produced on request Wood and UPVC door/window locks & gearing repaired or replaced

01309 271158 Emergency service available 07879 265063 FAST, EFFICIENT and Friendly info@moraylocksmith.co.uk www.moraylocksmith.co.uk facebook.com/moraylocksmith

service covering Highlands, Moray and Aberdeen

Over 25 Years Experience %RG\ 5HSDLUV 5HVSUD\V ,QVXUDQFH WRUN %RG\NLWV )UHH (VWLPDWHV &RPSHWLWLYH 5DWHV 4XDOLW\ Assured &RXUWHV\ &DU AYDLODEOH 6SHFLDOLVW LQ 1RQ IDXOW Accident Repairs

(Workshop) 01343 569018 (Mobile) 07737 188990 22 Perimeter Road, Pinefield Estate, Elgin www.allanmurdochautobodyrepairs.co.uk

LOCH NESS upholstery Revamp your favourite old chair, suite or family heirloom for a fraction of the cost of buying new. We also offer hand carved mahogany chair, sofa and chaise longue frames upholstered in Harris Tweed.

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01463 548 479 info@lochnessupholstery.co.uk Dalcross Ind. Est., Inverness IV2 7XB

MAKE YOUR WELLBEING TOP OF THE LIST IN 2017 WITH OUR FREE EVENTS! CREATE CHANGE FOR YOU & YOUR COMMUNITY Learning and Inspiration Events, January - March 2017 25 January, 1.15-3pm, Inkwell ͽ ƋƵĂůůǇ &ŝƚ Ͳ ,ĞĂůƚŚ /ŶĞƋƵĂůŝƟĞƐ Θ DĞŶƚĂů /ůůŶĞƐƐ Hosted for the Equally Fit Project in partnership with Support In Mind. Ϯϴ :ĂŶƵĂƌǇ Θ ĐŽŶƐĞĐƵƟǀĞ ϲ tĞĚ ĞǀĞŶŝŶŐƐ ͽ ^ĞĞ DĞ ŚĂŶŐĞ ŚĂŵƉŝŽŶ dƌĂŝŶŝŶŐ ĞĐŽŵĞ ĂĐƟǀĞ ŝŶ ƐƚŽƉƉŝŶŐ ŵĞŶƚĂů ŚĞĂůƚŚ ƐƟŐŵĂ Θ ĚŝƐĐƌŝŵŝŶĂƟŽŶ ŝŶ DŽƌĂǇ͘ 17 February ͽ >ŝǀŝŶŐ >ŝĨĞ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ &Ƶůů Ͳ dƌĂŝŶŝŶŐ &Žƌ dƌĂŝŶĞƌƐ dƌĂŝŶŝŶŐ ĨŽƌ ƚŚŽƐĞ ƚŚĂƚ ŚĂǀĞ ƵƐĞĚ ƚŚŝƐ d ĐŽƵƌƐĞ Θ ǁŝƐŚ ƚŽ ŚĞůƉ ŽƚŚĞƌƐ ƵƐĞ ŝƚ͘ LIVE ͽ ^ƵƌǀĞǇ͗ ƉƉƐ ĂŶĚ DĂŶĂŐŝŶŐ tĞůůďĞŝŶŐ ǀĂŝůĂďůĞ ŽŶůŝŶĞ ĂŶĚ ƉĂƉĞƌ ďǇ ƌĞƋƵĞƐƚ͘ ĂƚĞƐ d ͽ tĞůůďĞŝŶŐ WŽƉ hƉ ,ƵďƐ >ĞĂƌŶ ĂďŽƵƚ ĂĐƟǀŝƟĞƐ ŝŶ ǇŽƵƌ ĂƌĞĂ͕ ŵĞĞƚ ŽƵƌ ŚĂŵƉŝŽŶƐ͕ ƚĂŬĞ ƉĂƌƚ ŝŶ ŵĞŶƚĂů ŚĞĂůƚŚ ƚƌĂŝŶŝŶŐ͕ ŝŵƉƌŽǀĞ ǇŽƵƌ ǁĞůůďĞŝŶŐ Θ ŐĞƚ ŵŽƌĞ ŽƵƚ ŽĨ ůŝĨĞ͘ ŽŶƚĂĐƚ ƵƐ ƚŽ ŚĞůƉ ĐƌĞĂƚĞ Θ ƐƵƉƉŽƌƚ ƚŚĞƐĞ ĞǀĞŶƚƐ͘ WĞĞƌ ^ƵƉƉŽƌƚ 'ƌŽƵƉƐ ŝŶ zŽƵƌ ƌĞĂ tĞ ĐĂŶ ŚĞůƉ ĐŽŶŶĞĐƚ ǇŽƵ͘ ĞƐƉŽŬĞ dƌĂŝŶŝŶŐ ĨŽƌ ǇŽƵƌ 'ƌŽƵƉ Žƌ tŽƌŬƉůĂĐĞ ŽŶƚĂĐƚ ƵƐ ƚŽ ĚŝƐĐƵƐƐ͘ tĞ ŽīĞƌ ^ĐŽƫƐŚ DĞŶƚĂů ,ĞĂůƚŚ &ŝƌƐƚ ŝĚ͕ tĞůůŶĞƐƐ ZĞĐŽǀĞƌǇ ĐƟŽŶ WůĂŶŶŝŶŐ ĂŶĚ ƐŚŽƌƚ ĐŽƵƌƐĞƐ͘

07989 331651 moraywellbeinghub.org.uk

hŶůĞƐƐ ƐƚĂƚĞĚ͕ ĞǀĞŶƚƐ ĂƌĞ ĨƌĞĞ ĂŶĚ ƚĂŬĞ ƉůĂĐĞ ŝŶ ůŐŝŶ͘

Wedding Open Days

FREE ADMISSION Wednesday 11th January 5pm -8pm Saturday 14th January 12noon - 4pm Sunday 12th February 12noon -4pm

2017 Dates

An opportunity for you to visit the hotel as a potential wedding venue. Our experienced staff will be on hand to answer questions and help with planning your very special day.

The Chapel

The Wedding

The Newton Hotel NAIRN

For further information call: 01667 453144 or email: sales.newton@bespokehotels.com

SUPPORTING YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY FROM OUR INVERNESS AND HUNTLY DEPOTS

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

TANDOORI RESTAURANT ELGIN’S PREMIER At GNF Cleaning (Elgin) Ltd we offer the highest standard of cleaning in the Elgin, Moray, Grampian and Highland areas.

So why choose GNF Cleaning (Elgin) Ltd? s Commercial and contract cleaning s More than 20 years of experience s Office and window cleaning s Reliable and professional service s Builders’ cleans s Property maintenance cleaning s Flood damage cleaning and restoration s Fully insured

Need a flexible, reliable and fast cleaning service? Call GNF Cleaning (Elgin) Ltd today!

01343 551 633 www.gnf-cleaning.co.uk

INDIAN RESTAURANT Est. since 1987 3 COURSE BUSINESS LUNCH From £4.95 - £10.95 Mon - Sat 12pm - 2pm

BUFFET NIGHT EVERY MONDAY Eat as much as you like £14.95

TAKEAWAY SERVICE ALSO AVAILABLE Free Delivery within Elgin on orders over £25 10% Discount on collected meals only Whatever the occasion choose the Qismat Tandoori for freshly cooked food and a personal friendly service. Outside catering also available For bookings telephone: 01343 541461 / 540785 202-204 High St, Elgin IV30 1BA www.qismat.restaurant info@qismat.restaurant FB: qismatelgin TW: @qismatelgin

Recommended on:

smarter energy for homes and business We’re W e’re exper experts ts on a range of renewable technologies that can help you to heat your home more efficiently or save money on your electricity bill.

We We can fit energy saving systems in your home or your business, helping you to help the planet. If you’d like to talk to an expert about lowering your expert

electricity or heating costs call 01309 675595 or send us an email, we’re happy to come and chat about what we can do for you.

AIR SOURCE BIOMASS SOLAR THERMAL SOLAR PV TURBINES CHARGE POINTS UNDERFLOOR

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Sudoku

PUZZLE PAGE Find Spotty!

Hi, my name is Spotty, can you find 10 of me hidden in this issue? Here are last issues answers!

Apologies for the sudoku in the last issue being incorrect

All answers printed in next issue of Spotlight

FOOTBALL CLUB

FIXTURES DEC 2016/JAN 2017 14th Jan (H) Annan Athletic

21st Jan (A) Stirling Albion

Elgin City

2nd Jan (H) Forfar

7th Jan (A) Montrose

Inverness CT

31st Dec (A) Ross County

28th Jan (H) Partick Thistle

Ross County

28th Dec (A) Celtic

Buckie Thistle

31st Dec (H) Rothes

7th Jan (A) Turriff United

14th Jan (H) Lossiemouth

21st Jan (A) Huntlly

28th Jan (H) Inverurie Locos

Clachnacuddin

31st Dec (H) Nairn County

7th Jan (H) Forres Mechanics

14th Jan (A) Cove Rangers

21st Jan (H) Rothes

28th Jan (A) Turriff Utd

Forres Mechanics

31st Dec (H) Formartine Utd

21st Jan (A) Fort William

28th Jan (H) Nairn County

Keith

31st Dec (A) Cove Rangers

7th Jan (H) Rothes

14th Jan (H) Turriff Utd

21st Jan (A Lossiemouth

28th Jan (H) Huntly

Lossiemouth

31st Dec (A) Deveronvale

7th Jan (H) Fraserburgh

14th(A) Buckie Thistle

21st Jan (H) Keith

28th Jan (A) Formartine Utd

14th Jan (H) Fort William

21st Jan (A) Wick Academy

28th Jan (A) Forres Mechanics

Nairn County Rothes Strathspey Thistle

31st Dec (H) Inverness CT

28th Jan (A) Kilmarnock

7th Jan (A) 14th Jan (H) Clachnacuddin Strathspey Thistle

7th Jan (A) 31st Dec (A) Clachnacuddin Strathspey Thistle 31st Dec (A) Buckie Thistle

7th Jan (A) Keith

14th Jan (H) Formartine Utd

31st Dec (A) Fort William

7th Dec (H) Nairn County

14th Jan (A) Forres Mechanics

28th Jan (H) 21st Jan (A) Clachnacuddin Strathspey Thistle 21st Jan (H) Cove Rangers

28th Jan (A) Rothes

Words by the Wayside “...our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world.” (Galatians 1:3,4)

Christian, the world says to believe in ourselves, trust in ourselves, please ourselves, this is the opposite of Christ. We are to deny ourselves and not live for ourselves, but for our Lord Jesus Christ who loved us and gave Himself for us. You’re responsible, keep thyself pure and be not a partaker of other men and women’s sins. This is the will of God. www.wordsbythewayside.co.uk Registered Scottish charity SC041290

BRUMLEY BRAE KENNELS & CATTERY

01343 544411

GOING ON HOLIDAY OR A TRIP AWAY? BOOK YOUR PETS AT BRUMLEY BRAE IT’S THE PLACE TO STAY!

info@brumleybrae.co.uk www.brumleybrae.co.uk

Brumley Brae ELGIN IV30 5PP

Ewan Dow CARPENTE & CARPENTER JOINER ARCHITECTURAL SERVICE AVAILABLE

iÜÊ Õ `ÃÊUÊ ÝÌi Ã Ã ,i Û>Ì ÃÊUÊ, vÃÊUÊ ÌV i Ã uPVC Windows Doors and Cladding Ê ÌiÀ > Êv Ã }Ã "Ì iÀÊÌÀ>`iÃÊ>Û> >L i All joinery work undertaken call or email for a FREE friendly quote

37 Duff Avenue, Elgin T: 07969 909063 E: ewan90@hotmail.co.uk

garden

GreenThumb

UK FRANCHISE OF THE YEAR RUNNER UP

2013

The year ahead! Our small team of 4 based here in the Moray Firth, will no doubt have a busy year ahead.as usual. I should also give a mention to Susie, the springer spaniel, who I don’t think has been properly introduced. Many of you will have met her though, as she goes everywhere with us – mad as a box of frogs !

Summer Months Mowing; best practice is never cut shorter than 1”. Mowing too close is the most destructive thing you can do to a lawn (usually a man-thing) and in particular encourages moss to flourish ! June is when we will likely see the first signs of Red Thread fungal disease damage (wet summers are the worst). Lets hope we get away without a repeat of last summer’s wash out. Autumn Months

Although we don’t know exactly what the weather will throw at us this season, we have a fair idea what we will be asked to tackle. Highlights will likely include: Winter Months Moss and thatch; we will be aerating and scarifying all hours of the day to get through everybody before the Spring Weed and Feed Treatments start. Also look out for leatherjackets emerging (crane fly grubs) and eating lawn roots, can cause devastation.

Moss control treatments and winter feeds; we will want to get all our customers’ lawns ready for next winter, and most will want to think about aerating and scarifying outwith the growing season, either themselves or using us and our machines. For more information about our annual lawncare plans from just £11.25 per mth, plus useful downloads and photos, go to www.greenthumb.co.uk. Although GreenThumb is a multi-award winning national franchise, and is the runaway leader in the sector with half a million customers, we are the family-run local franchise covering the wider Moray Firth area. Contact Alastair or Fiona for a FREE LAWN ANALYSIS

Spring Months

on 01667 460012, or email us at:

Weedkill and Spring fertiliser; we will want some decent weather to get lawns off to a good start. Recently, spring has been very late.

inverness@greenthumb.co.uk Alastair Watt

Prices from just

ÂŁ11.25 per month

ORIENTEERING IN MORAY

Scottish Championship Event comes to Lossie Following hot on the heels of last year's World Orienteering Championships that were staged in Forres and Nairn, local club Moravian Orienteers have been given the honour of staging two Scottish Championship events in one weekend this February. Lossiemouth will host the second of these races on 19th Feb. The town's Community Centre will be the event base for two separate "sprint" races that will decide the championship. The town is no stranger to sprint orienteering, having staged the international Euromeeting event in August 2013 (see photos). Sprint orienteering is an "urban" form of the navigation running sport where the rough complex terrain of forests and hills is replaced by a glorified street map. Because the navigation is so much easier, the running speed goes up, and the pressure on runners to make route choices much more quickly increases. In forest orienteering, a 2-minute mistake can quite easily be recovered from, as other runners are likely to make mistakes too. In sprint orienteering seconds count. Spotting a quicker route between two controls saving you 5 seconds could make all the difference between a place on the podium and missing it entirely. There's no time to stand still while making your mind up. Fast thinking on the run is what it's all about. It's the mental speed that can be more important than the running speed. That's why steadier runners can often do much better than they ever could in a traditional road race. Cutting out mistakes and bad route choices is the key. Local knowledge will be a definite advantage. Even though it's a championship event, the courses will be open to anyone to take part in, so local runners are warmly invited to take part alongside local orienteers, as well some of the superstars from around Scotland. Much of the fun comes after the race when you get to compare routes and sob stories with other runners! Unfortunately the event clashes with the Kinloss to Lossie Half Marathon the same day, but with an expected winning time of 15 minutes for each of the orienteering races, this event could be just the answer to runners who'd rather run 3 miles than 13! Event details will be posted on www.moravianorienteering.org as the event approaches, together with details of how to enter. The previous night (18th Feb) Moravian are holding the Scottish Night Orienteering Championships at Darnaway Forest near Forres. This event is about as extreme as the sport gets the complete opposite to simplicity of sprint orienteering. It's not for the faint hearted, but the event is open to anyone who's up for the ultimate night-running challenge!

all

25% OFF

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Kit che ns Bat hro om s B edr ALL TRADES oom THEPROJECT ONE ON NE FULLY s H FULLY PROJECT MANAGED eat S T OP SHOP STOP ing MANAGED ALL TRADES FULL SERVICE FROM FROM OM ST START TART ART TO FINISH FINISH Happy New Year to all our customers past & present.

FROM START TO FINISH

Providing high range kitchen, bathrooms and heating systems for over 10 years

Come and visit our showroom

FREE Plan and Design FREE Quotations 01343 551 331

H A R R I S O N S

www www.harrisonselgin.co.uk .harrisonselgin.co.uk

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