SpotLight On Forres & District December 2011 by david nelmes

December 2011

FORRES AND DISTRICT THE

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Where’s Santa? See page 20

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See the Fat Elf Controller and take a journey through the garden on your own Santa Express Pedal Car Train Meet Mrs Claus in her kitchen and decorate your own gingerbread man Design your own crown in Santa’s toy factory and meet Santa and see his elves at work Dress up in costumes and play with the giant stuffed polar bear family Have a ride on Stuart Little’s car Meet the rabbits, ponies, pigs, ducks and doves that live at the castle Open Thursdays – Sundays from 1st December through till 23rd December 2011 Weekdays open 12 noon – 6pm and weekends open 10am – 6pm. Last admission 5pm. ADMISSION £5 per person (each child receives a small gift) No advance bookings taken, first come first served. Come early in the season to avoid queues and delays. Remember to bring your camera, and dress warmly. Please note there is no wheelchair access at the Castle, it is a 17th century tower house with a steep stone staircase. 7HO ZZZ FDVWOHVWXDUW FRP FDVWOHVWXDUW #EWLQWHUQHW FRP Situated on the Airport Road at the B9039 cut off for Ardersier and Fort George, 10mins from Inverness.

ALVES CHURCH GUILD Contact Mrs Butler 01343 850209 COFFEE CLUB

Every Wednesday 10.30am till 11.30am. All Welcome. Join us at the Findhorn Village Centre for homebakes and Chat! Call Karin on 01309 692339. CULBIN SINGERS Singing and performing 4-part choral music. Age 16+. August May. Thursdays, 7.30pm 9.30pm at St. Leonard's Church Hall, Forres. Contact Ishbel Hardie 673110 DYKE GARDEN CLUB Meets Dyke Village Hall every second Friday of the month September - May. Contact the Secretary tel: 641342 or email ian.maclennan3 @btinternet.com for details FINDHORN TENNIS CLUB Now open for membership adults and juniors. Friendly club, 2 full size courts, 1 short court, low subscription rates. Adults £50 and Juniors £20 per annum for unlimited play. Family and

young juniors rate too. Contact Ros Wright, Membership Secretary tel. 691173 or email roswright@tiscali.co.uk For more info. see ‘Find a Court’ at the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA website) www.lta.org.uk and enter ‘Findhorn’ into the search box FINDHORN WRI Meets 1st Tuesday each month, James Milne Institute. Contact Joan Tomkinson tel: 01309 673847 EAGLES BASKETBALL CLUB Developing Basketball in Moray. U12, U14, U16s in Buckie, Elgin & Forres, Adults mixed (Tuesdays 7.30-10pm Elgin Academy) & Adults Women (7-8pm Wednesdays Elgin Academy). If interested in any of the above contact Graham Stewart on 07972 178 790 or elgin.eagles@yahoo.com FORRES & DISTRICT SOCIAL DANCE CLUB Ballroom, Latin American, Sequence & Social Dance Club, every Wednesday, Mosset Tavern, Forres. Beginners 7pm;

SpotLight Clubs & Societies

Improvers 8pm-9.30pm. All welcome. Enquiries to Jenny tel: 01463 233151 or Jacqui tel: 672019

week and is open to anyone age 60 and over. For more details contact Joan Lobbett on 01309 671150.

FORRES ACCORDION & FIDDLE CLUB Meets second Wednesday each month from September - May, Victoria Hotel, Forres. All levels & ages welcome. Contact Ann Sharp 672672

FORRES ST LAWRENCE CRICKET CLUB April to September - Senior competitive cricket (weekends), coaching Tuesday and Thursday, 6pm - 8pm. Junior (over 9 years old) coaching Monday and Wednesday, 6pm - 7.30pm. All coaching in Grant Park. New players welcome. Contact Gus Farr 672206 or Steve Hogley 672913

FORRES CAMERA CLUB Meets Thursdays, SeptemberApril in Town Hall. All levels and ages welcome. Contact George Taylor 01667 454732 FORRES OVER 60S LUNCH GROUP The lunch group meets every Friday in the St Leonards Chuch Hall at 12 00 for a 3 course meal. The cost of the meal is £3.75 per

GIRLGUIDING MORAY Two Rainbow units, four Brownie units, four Guide units and a Senior Section Unit in Forres and Kinloss. Contact Maxine Chappell 675501 or email moraymax@tiscali.co.uk

Christmas is all wrapped up with the National Trust for Scotland From enchanting events to perfect presents, celebrate the festive season with us H H H H H H

Get into the Christmas spirit with our festive events programme Visit our Christmas shops filled with great gifts for friends and family Come and stay at one of our self-catering holiday properties Spoil yourself with some seasonal treats in our cafés and restaurants Enjoy spotting winter wildlife at our outdoor properties Give the gift of membership – the present that lasts all year

Visit our website for more information and your chance to

WIN £200 to spend in our online shop! www.nts.org.uk/christmas The National Trust for Scotland for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty is a charity registered in Scotland, Charity Number SC 007410

The Editor

Ho ho ho - here we go again - it only seems five minutes since Christmas last year and the “time of peace and joy” is upon us again. At this time it is always good to think of others less fortunate than ourselves and an invitation to join a family for a Christmas meal from a neighbour can be just the thing to cheer up a person living on their own. When was the last time that we did this I wonder do you have a spare place at your table?

PUBLISHER ...............David Nelmes SALES ......................Eilidh Conners ACCOUNTS ...................Lynn Wood LAYOUT ...............Megan Woodman DESIGN .................Alistair Davidson LISTINGS................Tamsyn Dickson Clubs & Societies ............................4 Pastoral Letter.................................6 Church Details.................................6 Council News ..................................8 Useful Numbers ............................10 Local Holidays...............................10 Tide Times.....................................10 Parliament Blog.............................14 School Term Dates........................14 What’s On ................................19-25 Cinema Listings.............................21 Advertisers Index ..........................39

Leisure Drinks, Tales & Crackers ..12 & 13

Travel A Caribbean Break....................30

Leisure Where’s Santa ..........................20

Art The Gallery Trail .......................34

Chef Spiced Sea Trout ......................26

Community Winter Driving Safety ................36

January Issue Deadlines Editorial - Friday 02/12/11 Advertising - Wednesday 07/12/11

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Pastoral letter and Church Meetings The gift of gifts Gloves for auntie, a scarf for granda, order the turkey, write the cards, make sure the lights still work, decorate the tree and so the list goes on and on. STOP! You’re too pre-occupied; so busy thinking of all the incidentals and missing the wonder of God’s gift. Preoccupied; that was the problem at the inn all those centuries ago, no room for the indescribable gift of God. An old hymn asks the searching question – “Have YOU any room for Jesus?” All these other matters will be attended to, but pause for a moment to take another look at Christmas. Many of the items that will find a place in your home in the coming weeks have a message for you, a message that could change your life and make this the most memorable Christmas season ever. It is fairly certain that some of the cards that will drop through your letterbox will portray the image of an angel. Forget about the turkey for a moment and consider the message that the angel brought to the shepherds that night so long ago. “Unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour which is Christ the Lord”. That baby that was born, the One who is all but forgotten amid all the tinsel, came to be your Saviour. In fact that is why another angel told Joseph to call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins.

SpotLight

He came into the world that He might save you from your sins. In a wide variety of shapes and sizes, some even being turned upside down, many trees will be dragged from their natural environment and found in unfamiliar surroundings. They will then undergo the annual ritual of being decorated with all kinds of tinsel, baubles, lights etc. As you stand back and admire your handiwork – stop – imagine that tree stripped of all its decor and all of its branches. There was nothing attractive about the tree where they nailed the Lord Jesus. The baby of Bethlehem was the man who thirty-three years or so later was crucified outside Jerusalem. He died there that He might save you from your sins. Careful thought and m e t i c u l o u s searching for the perfect gift; it’s worth it all when you see that look of delight to the face of the recipient. Think for a moment, if after all that time and effort not to mention cost, your gift was just ignored; how would you feel? Disap-

“The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” Romans 6:2 Ains lie Paterson Evangelist Caroline Street Gos pel Hall

CAROLINE STREET GOSPEL HALL FORRES Gospel Meeting every Sunday 6.30pm Prayer & Bible Study every Tuesday 7pm Monday 19th December Christmas Carol Service 7pm And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. 1 John 4:14

Dyke Church - Church of Scotland meets every Sunday at 10am for a family service. On the last Sunday in the month we enjoy fellowship over a cup of tea, email: john_macg@hotmail.com Lighthouse Church meets every Sunday at Clovenside Chapel. Service starts at 10am, refreshments served afterwards. Tel: 676434 or email info@lighthousechurch.co.uk www.lighthousechurch.co.uk Edinkillie Parish - Church of Scotland Sunday Worship 12noon. Contact Mrs A. Young (Session Clerk) tel: 611271 St. Leonards Church meets every Sunday at 10.30am for Family Service.Tel: 672380, email: donald.prentice@tesco.net www.stleonardschurchforres.com St. Margaret’s Catholic Church mass on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday at 10am. Contact Father Barnett tel: 01667 453323 Caroline Street Gospel Hall Gospel Meeting every Sunday at 6.30pm. For more details tel: 674375, email: glcinfo@tiscali.co.uk St. Laurence Church meets every Sunday at 10am for Family Service, tel: 672260, email: barryj.boydstlaurence@btinternet.com

page 6 December 2011

pointed, hurt, angry; perhaps a bit of all three. Yet another year has almost gone and still you ignore the gift that God has been offering to you – eternal life through Jesus Christ. You can receive this gift right now, admit to God that you have sinned and through faith accept Jesus Christ as your Saviour. The new clothes will soon end up in a charity shop, the latest gadget will become obsolete, but salvation is forever.

Rafford Church meets every Sunday at 9.30am for Family Service, our praise is from CH3 and Mission Praise. After the service we enjoy fellowship over a cup of tea and a biscuit. Contact Anne Garrow (Session Clerk) tel: 672930 St. John the Evangelist Scottish Episcopal Church meets every Sunday at 8am for Communion and 10am for Family Communion Service, tel: 672856, email stjohnsforres@btinternet.com or visit www.stjohnsforres.wordpress.com Kinloss, Findhorn & Alves Church of Scotland Alternating weekly, Kinloss and Findhorn, at 10am, and Alves 1st Sunday of each month 11.30 am. Contact 690931 or 690349 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 www.moraygrace.wordpress.com If you are a member of a church not listed here please email us the details and we will print this in future issues.

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SpotLight Community Council News

extracts from the minutes of the meeting of 15th of september 2011 of forres community council

Public Session inspector mccruden told the meeting that since the last meeting one person had been charged and issued with a fixed penalty notice for consuming alcohol in a public place and another had been reported for theft by housebreaking with intent to steal. three separate instances have been reported to the procurator fiscal of persons being found in possession of a controlled drug, one of cultivation of a drug, and another case is under investigation to reduce and disrupt the supply in the moray community. the inspector also told us that following a serious assault in the town centre on the 8th of september a male had been reported. operation avon, focusing on underage drinking and anti-social behaviour, had been in forres in august and the police were pleased that on that occasion no youths had been found in possession of alcohol. the inspector was asked by cllr hellyer about the effect on the community about the proposed transfer of community Wardens from grampian police control to the local authority following many comments to cllrs about the change. the inspector told the meeting that while the decision was made above his level he could assure the community council that the community Wardens would continue to get police support wherever possible. cllr mackenzie asked if this would signal a change back to local authority vehicles advertising crimebusters on them once more. following last month’s meeting officers of the community council together with cllr mckenzie had consulted standing orders & come to the conclusion that there was no reason preventing mr b mcDonald from trying to encourage comm cllrs to become involved in the proposed forres area community trust. to this end mr mcDonald had been invited back to enlighten members on the trust and what it proposes to do. its

purpose is to promote the re-generation of the area by identifying and developing projects that will create social, environmental and economic benefits for the area. the election of a board of Directors, to oversee the work of two Development officers, who in turn will research, analyse, develop, promote and arrange finance for projects proposed by individuals, community groups or associations in a community consultation will take place at the end of the month. mr mcDonald told members that he felt strongly that members of the community council should be involved in the governance of this trust and of the importance to this town of its operation. he encouraged as many as possible to attend the open meeting on the 28th of sept in forres academy and become members of the trust. mr mcDonald also briefed members on his enquiries into the silting up of sanquhar loch, both with environmental officers of moray council & of sepa and the clearance of the himalayan balsam. both departments are looking further into the problems caused by the amenity degradation which has occurred over a period of time. Secretary’s Report the secretary said that he had attended meetings, together with members, with msp richard lochhead, hie, & moray council to discuss the moray economic strategy on monday 29th aug he also met with the first minister & members of the scottish cabinet on tuesday 6th sept. the secretary attended an open meeting of the forres heritage trust to discuss the future of the tolbooth. members met with paul barron to decide priority pavement repairs in forres high street during the week beginning 5th sept. and subsequent to that mr barron approached us over a damaged tree, adjacent to burdshaugh, as to its removal and replacement. members welcome the renewed consultation into changes and our opinions on

those changes a letter from network rail notifies the community council of the need to install a communications mast, adjacent to the forres railway station, for the purpose of providing direct communications between drivers and signallers. stagecoach bluebird advise that from oct 1st a fleet of brand new luxury coaches will operate on the no 10 service between aberdeen and inverness, with reclining seats, on board toilets and free wi-fi. Chair’s Report the chair said that the moray forum had organised a seminar, the moray transport seminar, to enable representatives to meet with guest speakers from moray council, stagecoach bluebird & scottish community transport association. the seminar, to be held in lhanbryde community centre, on sat 24th sept is concerned with the problems facing the elderly and their mode of transport requirements. cllrs Duncan & hayward expressed a wish to attend. External Groups Report cllr hayward said she was still concerned over no movement with the planning department over the castle inn and asked if the planning officers could be invited to attend a meeting. cllr mackenzie said he was annoyed to find that leaDer expected the heritage forres trust to pay their feasibility study bill up front initially before submitting a claim, backed by bank statements, to get the money back. he failed to see how this would encourage volunteers to take over public buildings and their regeneration. A.O.C.B cllr hayward said that she had been making enquiries into costing of trips, from town to leanchoil & back and was alarmed to find it cost £7.00. she felt that a town bus service could serve all outlying parts and suggested that this would rejuvenate the town and businesses if adopted by fact.

OthER COmmunity COunCil COntACtS Dyke landward Community Council Findhorn & Kinloss Community Council meets last thursday of every month (excluding July meets third Wednesday of each month (excluding august and December) 7pm at Dyke Village hall. and December) 7.30pm at alternate venues. contact: Karen hamilton (secretary) tel: 641236 contact: mr tim negus (secretary) tel: 691823 page 8 December 2011

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SpotLight

Local Holidays, Useful Numbers & Tide Times

Local Holidays St Andrews Day Christmas Day Holiday * Boxing Day Holiday * New Years Day Holiday * 2nd January Holiday * Good Friday Forres Holiday May Day Bank Holiday Spring Bank Holiday Forres Holiday

Queens Diamond Jubilee Tues. 5th June 2012 Forres Holiday Mon. 30th July 2012 Summer Bank Holiday Mon. 6th Aug. 2012 Forres Holiday Mon. 17th Sept. 2012 Forres Holiday Mon. 15th Oct. 2012 St Andrews Day Fri. 30th Nov. 2012 Christmas Day Tues. 25th Dec. 2012 * substitute, as this holiday falls on a weekend or other bank holiday

Wed. 30th Nov. 2011 Mon. 26th Dec. 2011 Tues. 27th Dec. 2011 Mon. 2nd Jan. 2012 Tues. 3rd Jan. 2012 Fri. 6th April 2012 Mon. 16th April 2012 Mon. 7th May 2012 Mon. 4th June 2012 Mon. 4th June 2012

Useful Numbers SCHOOLS Andersons Primary School..........................(01309) 672887 Applegrove Primary School ........................(01309) 672367 Dyke Primary School ..................................(01309) 641275 Kinloss Primary School ..............................(01309) 690376 Logie Primary School ..................................(01309) 611258 Moray Steiner School ..................................(01309) 676300 Pilmuir Primary School ................................(01309) 673034 Rose Abbey School ....................................(01309) 691872 Forres Academy ..........................................(01309) 672271 DOCTORS Forres Health Centre ....................................0845 337 1120 Leanchoil Hospital ......................................(01309) 672284 Dr Grays Hospital, Elgin................................0845 456 6000 DENTISTS Orchard Road ..............................................(01309) 675544 Leys ............................................................(01309) 673553 VETS Moray Coast Veterinary Group....................(01309) 672243

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

TH F SA SU M TU W

09.54 10.50 11.53 00.40 02.39 02.39 03.25

22.41 23.38

page 10 December 2011

13.01 15.01 15.01 15.47

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

PHARMACIES lloyds pharmacy ........................................(01309) 672614 rowlands pharmacy ..................................(01309) 672784 boots ..........................................................(01309) 673370 OTHERS Police Station ................................................0845 600 5700 Bus Station, Elgin .......................................(01343) 544222 Citizens Advice Bureau ...............................(01343) 550088 Dalcross Airport ...........................................(01667) 464000 Dallas Village Hall .......................................(01343) 890243 James Milne Institute (Findhorn) ................(01309) 692365 Rafford District Hall......................................(01309) 674583 Forres Town Hall ..........................................(01309) 675140 Moray Council (Forres).................................(01309) 694000 Moray Council (Elgin) .................................(01343) 543451 National Rail Enquiries ..................................08457 484950 Forres Library ..............................................(01309) 672834 Forres House Com Education Centre ........(01309) 672838

AM 04.07 04.44 05.22 05.58 06.36 07.14 07.50 08.30 09.12 10.01 11.01

PM 16.30 17.09 17.48 18.25 19.04 19.43 20.23 21.05 21.52 22.47 23.49 12.11

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

AM 00.57 02.04 03.09 04.07 05.00 05.51 06.36 07.20 08.00 08.39 09.18 10.00

PM 13.23 14.33 15.38 16.37 17.30 18.21 19.09 19.53 20.34 21.14 21.55 22.40

SpotLight on Forres and District

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School Term Dates & Parliament Blog School Term Dates

for 2011/2012 (all dates inclusive) Winter Term Ends Wed. 21st December 2011 Spring Term Starts Thursday 5th January 2012 Forres Academy & Feeders Thurs. 9th Feb. 2012 Mid-term Holiday Friday 10th February 2012 Mid-term Holiday Monday 13th February 2012 Spring Term Ends Friday 30th March 2012 Good Friday Holiday Friday 6th April 2012 Summer Term Starts Monday 16th April 2012 May Day Holiday Monday 7th May 2012

“ Parliament Blog ” When I have time to myself I am working my way through the three published ‘Millenium Series’ novels by the late Swedish author Stieg Larsson. I say ‘working’ but it’s really not work at all given how well written the novels are. One thing that has struck me in the novels are the various characters who have a liking for Speyside malt whiskies! It is always good to see Moray being promoted far and wide by any means but it is particularly nice to find unexpected references to home in novels of the significance of Larsson’s. I can thoroughly recommend the Millennium Series which has got me hooked!

SpotLight In-service Closure Thursday 17th May 2012 In-service Closure Friday 18th May 2012 Summer Term Ends Thursday 28th June 2012 for 2012/2013 (all dates inclusive) Autumn Term Starts Tuesday 21st August 2012 Autumn Term Ends Friday 12th October 2012 Winter Term Starts Monday 29th October 2012 In-service Closure Monday 19th November 2012 In-service Closure Tuesday 20th November 2012 Winter Term Ends Fri. 21st December 2012 Spring Term Starts Monday 7th January 2013

I recently had the great pleasure of joining a group children of RAF service personnel on a visit to London as part of the Airplay support programme for RAF Children, which was set up by the RAF Benevolent Fund It was great to support the kids and Airplay Volunteers on their visit to Westminster and going by the reaction they thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Anyone looking for a good cause to support should give Airplay a thought, as they continue to provide tailored activity programmes and support to RAF children and young people who face particular challenges with regular moves to new schools, having to make new friends more often than normal and often having a parent away from home for extended periods of time. A really excellent charity project.

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page 14 December 2011

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IN DECEMBER

HAVE REEL FUN at

01463 234 234 www.eden-court.co.uk

r NEY Jn T DOW S E ROBER M O OCK H ’ ‘SHERL adows e of Sh m a G A

NEY’S E CLOO GEORG ES

‘ID RCH’ F O MA

(15) TBC Fri 09 to Thu 15 Dec

(12A) TBC Fri 16 to Thu 29 Dec

George Clooney directs Ryan Gosling and Philip Seymour Hoffman in this tense political thriller. In the frantic days leading up to a heavily contested presidential primary election, an up-and-coming campaign press secretary finds himself involved in a political scandal which threatens to upend his candidates shot at the Presidency.

Guy Ritchie’s second Sherlock outing sees Robert Downey Jr’s deliciously different Sherlock pit his wits against arch enemy, Professor Moriarty. Our top tip is to expect the unexpected... Did you ever imagine you might see Sherlock Holmes in drag? Also starring no-nonsense Noomi Rapace (the original Girl with the Dragon Tattoo)

Please mention you saw this advert in ‘SpotLight’

H RL WIT THE GI AGON THE DR OO TATT (18) TBC Mon 26 Dec to Thu 12 Jan Stieg Larsson’s bestseller, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is given the Hollywood treatment by acclaimed director, David Fincher (The Social Network). Daniel Craig stars as Mikael Blomkvist, with Rooney Mara in the title role. This is an absolute MUST for anyone who has even been in the vicinity of a Stieg Larsson book!

SpotLight

Mhairi Donald B OOKKEEPING & PAYROLL SERVICES TEL :

07872 012 468 mdbookkeeping@btinternet.com

EMAIL :

Whats On

Licensed Practice No: 11115

Rolling Events kinloss church coffee morning’s, every thursday morning at 10.30am except for the last thursday each month when there is a soup and sweet starting at 12 noon, kinloss church community hall

DECEMBER

NAIRN

Rolling Events

Nairn Community & Arts Centre

‘cabinet of curiosities’ - falconer museum. 10am2pm tuesday to saturday. an exhibition from all over the world designed to incite wonder, fascination, curiosity and perhaps even repulsion. free admission. tel: 01309 673701.

1 thursday the undertones, 7.30pm,£16 under 16s must be accompanied by an adult, ironworks,inverness tel: 0871 789 4173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com 8th annual advent service of remembrance at moray crematorium, broadley (near buckie) for anyone who has lost a relative or friend.the service focuses on the difficulties facing the bereaved, particularly leading up to the festive period. people can write their memories on a star to be hung on the tree of remembrance. doors open 6pm, service starts at 7pm. light refreshments will be provided after the service in the form of hot mince pies and mulled wine. Please contact the office to let them know numbers for catering tel 01542 850488

2 friday wolfstone : celtic rock band, 7:30pm, st christopher’s chapel, gordonstoun school, nr elgin, £15/£7.50, visit www.thegcs.org.uk for more details, tickets available from www.thebooth.co.uk nairn literary institute – wind, sand and stars – desert travels and the blue men of the sahara by brian stewart, 7.30pm, non-members £3, st ninian’s church hall, queen street, nairn. visit www.nairnliterary.org.uk osprey bus christmas outing to baxters departs 1:30pm from findhorn village centre. to book a space call karin tel: 01309 692339 stock up your seasonal store cupboard at brodie countryfare - enjoy tastings of speciality products in the gourmet foodhall from 11am onwards. tel 01309 641555 or visit www.brodiecountryfare.com SpotLight on Forres and District

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

DECEMBER EVENTS 3rd D ec A lzheimer Scotland Scot land C hr ist mas C raf t Fair Fair 3rd Dec Alzheimer Christmas Craft 3rd D ec F un F ill ed Q ui z N ight & S upp er - Teams Teams of of 4 3rd Dec Fun Filled Quiz Night Supper 110th 0th D ec M u si c N airn ..................Geoffrey ................ Geof frey Sabre Sabre Piano Pi a n o Dec Music Nairn 114th 4th Dec Dec Y e l l ow D og Theatre Theat re Group G roup p resent s Yellow Dog presents ““A AS pook y Christmas” Christ mas” performed per for med bbyy yyoung oung llocal oc al ttalent! a l e nt ! Spooky 116th 6th Dec Dec Cinema Cinema Nairn...“Miracle Nair n...“Miracle o n 334th 4th S t ” 11947 9 47 ((U) U) on St” 117th 7t h D ec S howstopp er z ................ .............. ““Xmas X mas Number Numb er 1’s” 1’s” Dec Showstopperz S ome ooff tthe he bbest est yyoung oung pperformers er for mers iinn tthe he H ighlands Some Highlands present aann eevening vening ooff C har t ttopping opping C hr ist mas H i t s! present Chart Christmas Hits! Wee w W would ould like like ttoo w wish ish yyou ou yyou ou aallll a M Merry er r y C Christmas hr istmas aand nd a H Happy a p py N New ew Y Year ear

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

2 friday - 24 saturday ‘hugo’ film exhibition - props, automata, drawings and photographs from the 3D film by martin scorsese. tuesday to saturday 10am-5pm free entry. the house of automata, seapark, kinloss (next to petrol station) tel: 01309 691212 for more information or visit www.thehouseofautomata.com

3 saturday friends of guiding coffee morning, 10am-12noon, forres town hall, £1.50, for more details contact tina coffey tel: 676936 jo caulfield “cruel to be kind”, 8pm, £12/ £10 concessions, universal hall, findhorn, visit www.universalhall.co.uk applegrove christmas fair, 10am-12 noon, entry: adults £1.50/children £1(ticket price includes

www.spotlighton.co.uk

December 2011 - page 19

DECEMBER 2011 continued

Where’s Santa?

Kinloss Day Care Frost Fayre

Santa’s Grotto At Baxters Highland Village 11am - 4pm. £5 includes a gift. tel: 01343 820666

Saturday 3rd December 10am - 12 noon Face painting, Various stalls including lots of Christmas gifts. Arts and crafts, Tea, coffee and mince pies. Kinloss Day Care Centre Tel: 01309 690744

tea/coffee and mince pie) bring a christmas party to a party, 3 course festive meal entertainment neil diamond & billy joel tribute act, followed by disco, £30.00 per person, mosset tavern, forres christmas ceilidh, 8pm till midnight, £7, BYOB, edinkillie hall in dunphail moray concert brass playng elgin city centre, 1-3pm, moray’s premier youth brass band founded in 1992 has now over 70 members aged 10 – 18, elgin city centre friends of pilmuir primary school christmas fair, 10am - 12 noon, tickets: adults £1.50/children 50p, pilmuir primary school, forres moray sea cadets xmas fayre & coffee morning TA centre, edgar road, elgin (next to asda), 10am-3pm. tea/coffee & plates of mince pies/cakes to refresh xmas shoppers. £2 adults, £1 children. stalls including cake & candy, bottle, book, fun games, xmas stall, raffle etc. tel 01343 543501 all welcome! fairtrade bazaar old high church hall, academy street, inverness. 10:30am-3pm. there is a variety of crafts and food items as well as recycled glassware, cards & wrapping paper. there will be a chance to enjoy a fairly traded cup of coffee too! intro to compassionate communication dao tea house, 65 high street forres. 7-9pm. £5 donation. tel: 01309 671555 for more information www.compassion.org.uk them & us support devlin @ ironworks - 7pm. over 14s. for tickets or more information tel: 0871 789 4173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com scooty & the skyhooks to support craig charles classic funk and soul set announced for xmas soul city live night. 10pm. over 18s. for tickets tel: 0871 789 4173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com russian winter crafts - free family drop-in at the falconer museum. 11am-1pm. contact tel: 01309 673701 for more information. frost fayre at kinloss daycare centre - 10am-12pm. face painting, arts and crafts. various stalls including lots of christmas gifts. ben centre, burghead road, kinloss. tel: 01309 690744 bishopmill primary school christmas fayre - 10am12pm. santa arrives in the playground at 9:45am! entrance via main morriston road reception. entrance fee for adults of £1.50 which includes ‘tea ticket’. two cafes running throughout the morning page 20 December 2011

Breakfast With Santa At Baxters Highland Village, Fochabers. delight kids with the chance to enjoy breakfast with santa himself. £8.99, pre-booking required. tel: 01343 820666 Santa’s Grotto At Brodie Countryfare - 2pm-4pm £6 which includes a wee chat with santa and a gift. the elves will be helping santa meet the children in his sleigh. Brand New Reindeer & Husky Day At Brodie Countryfare visit santa, mrs clause and the elves in santa’s grotto from 11am-2pm. santa’s reindeer will be in their pen from 1pm-3:30pm. siberian huskies will be in their pen from 1pm-3:30pm. then wave santa off at his farewell reindeer parade at 3:30pm. music from dr grays hospital wave radio. Santaland At Castle Stuart - open thursdays - sundays. weekdays open 12 noon - 6pm and weekends open 10am - 6pm. last admission 5pm. £5 per person (each child receives a small gift) no advance bookings, first come, first served. tel: 01463 790745 or visit www.castlestuart.com. (situated on the airport road at the B9039 cut off for ardersier and fort george, 10 mins from inverness) 3rd & 4th/10th & 11th/17th & 18th Santa’s Grotto At Christies - 12pm - 3pm. all primary school children will receive a free gift. donations gratefully received and all monies collected will be sent to childrens’ hospice association scotland. tel: 01343 820 362 Santa’s Grotto At Decora - 10am - 12pm & 1pm - 4pm. £7.50 includes a toy, sweets and card. bookings taken. decora ltd, lossiebank mills, bridge street, elgin. tel: 01343 542218 Santa day at The Findhorn Village Centre - all children and parents are invited to visit santa. pop in your latest christmas wishes and receive a wee gift, take in some refreshments and visit our stalls.£1.50 entry, 10am-4pm. for more information call karin on tel: 01309 692339 Santa’s Grotto At Holm Mills - 12 noon - 4pm. £6 includes a gift, sweets and a drink. holm mills, shopping village, dores road, inverness. tel: 01463 223311 Breakfast With Santa At Holm Mills - 9am-11am. cost £9.95 includes breakfast and a gift. pre booking essential tel: 01463 223311 holm mills shopping village, dores road, inverness Santa’s Grotto At Howdens Garden Centre - 11am - 4pm. £5 per child includes a gift from santa. howdens garden centre, stonefield, inverness. tel: 01463 711134 Santa’s Grotto at Mackenzie & Cruickshank 1pm-3:30pm. £5 entry (including toy & photo) M&C 1 west road, forres. tel: 01309 696940 or visit www.mackenzie-cruickshank.com for more details. Breakfast With Santa At Simpsons Garden Centre - 9am. £10. book early to avoid disappointment. simpsons garden centre, inshes, inverness. tel: 01463 250200 or email: info@simpsonsgardencentre.co.uk Santa’s Grotto At Simpsons Garden Centre from saturday 3rd december - simpsons garden centre, inshes, inverness. tel: 01463 250200 or email: info@simpsonsgardencentre.co.uk Santa’s Grotto At St Giles Centre - saturdays 10am - 4pm and sundays 12pm - 4pm. £5. st giles centre, elgin. tel: 01343 543066 3rd & 4th/10th & 11th/17th & 18th and 24th Santa’s Grotto At Victorian Market, Inverness 1-4pm. wednesday - saturday throughout december. free entry.

tel: 01309 690063

SpotLight on Forres and District

Cinema Nairn

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

Cinema Listings November 2011 Eden Court Theatre, Inverness

Vue Cinema, Inverness

Up to the 8th of December The Help (12a) We Need To Talk About Kevin (15) Warren Miller - Like There’s No Tomorrow

From Friday 2nd December Happy Feet 2 3D (tbc) Puss in Boots 3D (U) Alvin and the Chipmunks 3 (tbc) Sherlock Holmes 2 (tbc) Sleeping Beauty: Live from The Royal Opera House (tbc) Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocal (tbc) The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011) From Tuesday 13th January Shame (tbc) The Descendants (15)

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

Moray Playhouse, Elgin

New Screenings begin on Fridays Call 01343 542680 or visit www.morayplayhouse.co.uk

Highland Spiritual Cinema

KidsAM Every Saturday & Sunday at 10.15am Tickets £1.25 / VIP Tickets £2.75 Senior Screenings Every Tuesday afternoon Tickets £3.05 / VIP Tickets £4.55

Monthly screenings of uplifting and inspiring films that inform, enlighten and entertain. For further details please visit www.highlandspiritualcinema.net or telephone 01463 237452

Includes tea/coffee & biscuits

Visit www.myvue.com for details

Portessie Public Hall

Regular films including Saturday matinees. For further details email portessiepublichall@hotmail.co.uk

Universal Hall, Findhorn

Showing films through the year Visit www.findhorn.org/uhall or call 01309 691170 for details. SpotLight on Forres and District

www.spotlighton.co.uk

December 2011 - page 21

DECEMBER 2011 continued

Going oing reen! for Green! ECO-friendly lowCO2 emissions Early Morning Bookings Airports, Stations or get a quote for customised day outings.

07936 311924 www.macsecotaxi.co.uk www.macsec www .macsecotaxi.co.uk

providing snacks & drinks for the children. tickets for this cost £1 per child. an array of stalls will be available with the usual displays of cakes, crafts and gifts as well as raffles and jam jar stall. let the children visit santa in his grotto and receive a wee gift. tickets for this cost £3. tel: 01343 547841. all welcome! christmas ceilidh @ edinkillie hall - 8pm - midnight. £7, BYOB. buffet supper included. 8 miles south of forres on the A940 to grantown-on-spey. for tickets tel: 01309 611297

4 sunday mundole equestrian christmas unaffiliated dressage pc dengie nov/open qualifier, closing date 25th november, contact 07901 602042 or visit www.mundoleequestrian.com tasty ness new interactive food exhibition,11am-4pm entrance is £3 with children under 12 free, there will be cookery demonstrations, mini masterclasses, high quality gifts & food items to buy for christmas, as well as samples to taste and dining out offers, ironworks venue in Inverness. treebadour theatre comes to rose abbey school 3pm. "crocodile prepares for christmas" £4 per person, for all of the family, rose abbey school, kinloss. for info visit www.treebadour.co.uk or call elisabeth julian 01309 691225 findhorn arts & craft group christmas fair, 12-4pm, unique arts and crafts made locally, refreshments, free entry, moray arts centre, the park, findhorn, tel: 01309 673302

6 tuesday flying starts xmas flea circus & side show 7:30pm. entry £5/£4 - limited availability so booking is essential. ‘flea’ glass of mulled wine. the house of automata, seapark, kinloss (next to petrol station) tel: 01309 691212 for more information or visit www.flea-circus.co.uk

7 wednesday diabetes uk, moray voluntary group fundraising

page 22 December 2011

event, 7pm - 9 pm, as well as whisky tasting, including premium whiskies, there will be olive tree chocolate, and body shop displays, taking place at the glen moray distillery visitor centre and cafe, tickets are £15 available from 01343 860671 or from olive tree, 15 high street, elgin. intro to compassionate communication forres house community centre. 10am-noon. £5 donation. tel: 01309 671555 for more information www.compassion.org.uk NADFAS fine art lecture on ‘the history of stained glass as seen through the christmas story’ delivered by diana lloyd. 11am at the sherwood suite at the eight acres hotel, elgin. visitors welcome.

9 friday friday osprey club - the findhorn village centre is hosting a social for anyone wishing to get out of the house for some light chatter, games and refreshments. 1:30-4pm. if you require assistance in getting to us or you need further information please call karin on tel: 01309 692339. everyone is welcome! graham brown to release ep in ironworks room 2 7:30pm. over 14s. for tickets tel: 0871 789 4173 or go to www.ironworksvenue.com stock up your seasonal store cupboard at brodie countryfare - enjoy tastings of speciality products in the gourmet foodhall from 11am onwards. tel 01309 641555 or visit www.brodiecountryfare.com

10 saturday mundole equestrian m&n pony club dressage & showjumping, contact 07901 602042 or visit www.mundoleequestrian.com

Lofty Arts - Christmas Fun Sunday 18th December,10am - 12 noon £4 per child or three for £10 (must be accompanied by adult) For kids under 10 years, come along and make a range of different Arts and Crafts including free face painting. Tel: 01343 850111 East grange Farm, Kinloss

edinkillie community hall committee christmas ceilidh, 8pm-midnight, £7, BYOB, email margaret@mjarvis9.freeserve.co.uk or tel: 611297 culbin singers christmas concert 7pm. adult £12, concession £10, child (under 12) £5, st laurence church,forres tickets from members;gazette office, forres; r&r urquhart solicitors in forres, nairn and inverness; sound and vision, elgin; bookmark, grantown-on-spey. jolly dancers social dancing, 8pm-12pm, £5 entry music by steven carcary, bishopmill hall. erol alkan, £15.00, first 100 tickets will be £12,10.30pm, ironworks venue in inverness. tel:0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com bring a christmas party to a party, 3 course festive meal entertainment comedian & meatloaf tribute act, followed by disco, £30:00 per person, mosset

tel: 01309 690063

SpotLight on Forres and District

Carisbrooke Hotel Drumduan Rd, Forres IV36 1BS. Tel: 01309 672585

G G G G Christmas Menu G G G G G £12. Lunch

ARTER Roasted red pepp er and vine tomato soup, served with warm cru sty bread Prawn and cham pa gn e sm ok ed salmon roulad served with fresh leaves and toa sted brioche e, Sliced duck brea st served with roc ket and red berry sauce

MAIN Roasted Turkey crown with tradit served with the al stuffin trimmings and ion rich gravy g, Beef Wellington Be wrapped in puff ef fillet with chicken liver pate stry, served th mashed potatpa horserad o and seasonwi al vegetables ish, Mushroom cranb err with potato fonday and Brie wellington, served nt and seasonal ve getables

G G

SWEET se filled ocolate cookie ba erry Ch Pie rry be pb Jingle ras y am cre ge te fud with rich chocolad with a festive mix of winter pe top d an e uss mo berries with as pudding served tm ris Traditional ch am and brandy custard cre ice vanilla savoury ection served withrus chutney Cheeseboard selpe apple and cit s, gra , ery cel biscuits, e Pie Coffee and Minc

se call For bookings plea 85 25 67 9 0130

Dinner

£16.00

G Carisbrooke What’s on 2011/2012

DECEMBER 2011 Sat 10th

Silent Disco 10pm till late

Sat 17th

‘Geeks and ........’ 2’ 10 til late

Sun 18th

Bingo - 8pm

Tues 20th

Christmas Carol Singing from 8pm Xmas Quiz & Draw - 9pm

Fri 23rd

Live Music with ‘Fat King George’’ 8pm Games Night (Bringing ‘LIMBO’ Back) till late

Xmas Eve

Kiddies Party (Featuring Santa Clause) (Ask at bar for details) Adult Fancy Dress Party! (Prizes 1st, 2nd, 3rd) 9pm til late Strictly come Pole Dancing 10pm till late

Tues 27th

A late night Quiz with a Twist! 9pm til late

Wed 28th

Pool Comp - 3pm kick off (£5 Entry – Enter on the day)

Thurs 29th Poker / Mexican Food Night – 5pm til late (Reserve your place at the tables now £10) Fri 30th

Live Music with ‘Zero’ 9pm til late

Sat 31st

A Hogmany ‘Carry On’ 8pm - 3am Prime Function v Johnny Wilson (Bar Switch)

JANUARY 2012 Sun 1st

Karaoke 8 til late

Bar Open 11 - 3 and then 6pm til late

Mon 2nd

Boxing Day Stars In Your Eyes - 8pm til late (Get your ‘act’ together, Apply at bar)

Local DJ Night 9pm - 3am

Tues 3rd

New Year Quiz - 9pm

Xmas Day

We would like to wish you all a very G G G G G Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year G For bookings or details on our events please call 01309 672585

email: carisbrookehotel@btinternet.com

DECEMBER 2011 continued tavern, forres the moray farmers market (with spencers funfair). offering a wide and varied range of locally produced fruit and vegetables, cheeses and meats, breads and homebakes. there are also a range of craft stalls for that extra special last minute christmas gift. elgin and district pipe band, will be playing from 12noon – 2pm in and around elgin city centre. intro to compassionate communication newbold house, forres. 2-4pm. £5 donation. tel: 01309 671555 for more information www.compassion.org.uk the snow queen presented by the folding theatre company at the stables. shows at 11:30am and 2pm. adults £6 children £4. www.nts.org.uk/events quiz night in roseisle village hall 7pm for 7:30pm. £2.50 per person. BYOB and nibbles. tel: 01343 830427. all welcome. festive fun - get creative with cotton wool and pipe cleaners. free family drop-in at the falconer museum. 11am-1pm. contact tel: 01309 673701 for more information. forres farmers christmas market - 10am-2pm, andersons school playground. local foods, products and crafts. big choir sings, piper plays and mother christmas. for more information contact anne marie tel: 01309 691616 achren and filthpact @ flanagans bar, elgin - 8pm. tickets cost £5. achren, from glasgow, return to elgin in the culmination of a great year with an album release along with prestigious slots at metal camp in the czech republic, the wacken festival, germany and the uk’s premier metalfest bloodstock. support comes from aberdeen’s filthpact.

10 saturday - 11 sunday art exhibition at the findhorn village centre. for further information please call karin on tel: 01309 692339

11 sunday mundole equestrian christmas show jumping PC dengie qualifier, contact 07901 602042 or visit www.mundoleequestrian.com

01309 692339 for further information or if you are able to volunteer serving dinners for the afternoon flying starts xmas flea circus & side show 7:30pm. entry £5/£4 - limited availability so booking is essential. ‘flea’ glass of mulled wine. the house of automata, seapark, kinloss (next to petrol station) tel: 01309 691212 for more information or visit www.flea-circus.co.uk the truly terrible orchestra’s charity christmas concert. 7pm. under 16’s accompanied by an adult. tickets by donation (£5 suggested) for more information and to book tel: 0871 789 4173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

14 Wednesday - 23 friday christmas lunches, 12 – 3pm, 2 or 3 course festive menu served in the grand surroundings of the library, why not make up a table? booking essential,brodie castle,tel 0844 493 2156 visit www.nts.org.uk easy from seed, 7.30pm, the highland rock garden club hosts an illustrated talk with practical demonstration of raising alpine and other plants from seed by margaret and henry taylor, nairn community centre, king street, tel: 01320 366246

16 friday shrimps parent & toddlers group - the findhorn village centre would like to invite you all to our christmas party. £2 per family for party food, fabulous fun and a chance to socialise with a great bunch of parents and children before the festive mayhem begins! contact karin on tel: 01309 692339 christmas dance - royal british legion club, forres bucc band. 9pm til late. £7 admission christmas carols at brodie countryfare - from 10:30am-11:30am dyke primary school will be singing carols in the restaurant.

17 saturday orienteering at lossiemouth moravian orienteers look forward to welcoming you to oakenhead forest for the last event in the moray saturday league and schools competiton. no previous experience necessary - everyone welcome. 10:15am-11:15am and full details are on www.moravianorienteering.org treebadour theatre 3pm, treebadour puppet theatre,

Anne Carmichael

12 monday royal scottish geographical society lectures a cave diver 's journey: phil short. 20 years of cave diving from the mendips to the ural mountains, 7.30pm admission: £8 for adults, rsgs members, students and under 18's free, highland council chamber, glenurquhart road, inverness

Mobile Hair Cuts Manicure/Pedicure Fully qualified professional

13 tuesday christmas lunch club special at the findhorn village centre. sit down for 1pm. please contact karin on tel:

page 24 December 2011

Telephone Anne on 07516880796

tel: 01309 690063

SpotLight on Forres and District

kasper show,"crocodile prepares for christmas" £4 per person, for all of the family, james milne institute, findhorn at the pier, visit www.treebadour.co.uk or call elisabeth julian 01309 691225 santa day - all children and parents are invited to visit santa at the findhorn village centre. pop in your latest christmas wishes and receive a wee gift, take in some refreshments and visit our stalls.£1.50 entry, 10am-4pm. for more information call karin on tel: 01309 692339 jumping jacks - make a traditional moving toy. free family drop-in at the falconer museum. 11am-1pm. contact tel: 01309 673701 for more information. 3M carol singers will be making a welcome return from their 2010 performance. the group will be singing a range of well known and not so well known carols in many premises in the city centre

18 sunday lofty arts @ the loft - 10am-12 noon. christmas fun for kids under 10. come along and make christmas crowns, finger puppets, magic spells also free face painting (for all participating children...sorry, no adults!) sessions cost £4 per child or three for £10. booking desirable but not essential. children must be accompanied by an adult. don’t forget your imaginations! the loft @ east grange farm, kinloss. tel: 01343 850111 to book or for more information. christmas carols at brodie countryfare - from 2pm4pm dyke parish church will be singing carols in the entrance to the store. tel 01309 641555 or visit www.brodiecountryfare.com

20 tuesday

christingle service in inchberry hall 6:30pm - 7:45pm. the rev bob anderson conducts this delightful candlelit nativity. transport from rothes, seafield square is planned to depart at 6pm and return after the service. tel: 01340 831381 all welcome!

24 saturday christmas eve club m at the mosset tavern -10pm3am, £6 at the door, tel: 672981 for more details

26 monday boxing day club m at the mosset tavern - 10pm3am, £5 at the door, tel: 672981 for more details

27 tuesday christmas darts competition - singles, registration 8pm, the mosset tavern, tel: 672981 for more details the complete stone roses at the ironworks, 7.30pm, £12.50, tel: 0871 789 4173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

28 wednesday the big quiz of the year - 9pm, the mosset tavern, £2.50 each, £200 cash prize and hot snacks at half time, tel: 672981 for more details

Annie Griffiths

Physiotherapist

01309 676050 annielgriffiths@btinternet.com Cameron Court, Fleurs Place, Forres IV36 1LX

28 wednesday - 29 thursday

flying starts xmas flea circus & side show 7:30pm. entry £5/£4 - limited availability so booking is essential. ‘flea’ glass of mulled wine. the house of automata, seapark, kinloss (next to petrol station) tel: 01309 691212 for more information or visit www.flea-circus.co.uk

winter showcase @ ironworks - 7pm. over 14s. two nights back to back featuring the most exciting emerging talent in the highlands and islands and celebrating the quality and diversity of the current contemporary music scene across the region. for tickets or more information tel: 0871 789 4173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

21 wednesday

31 friday

‘carols at the cathedral’, 6.30pm, elgin cathedral affectionately known as the ‘lantern of the north’ will be brought alive by the beautiful sounds of moray concert brass as they perform their own special repertoire of classic christmas carols. free entry - charity collection coffee club christmas special at the findhorn village centre. 10:30am until midday. everyone welcome. for further information or if you have time to volunteer at the coffee morning please contact karin on tel: 01309 692339 christmas carols at brodie countryfare - 12:30pm1:30pm dyke primary school will be singing christmas carols in the restaurant. tel 01309 641555 or visit www.brodiecountryfare.com

23 friday christmas karaoke, 9pm, the mosset tavern, free entry, tel: 01309 672981 for more details. SpotLight on Forres and District

hogmanay party with freddie mercury and friends, 9pm-1am, the mosset tavern, £15 includes stovies, tel: 672981 for more details torridon’s hogmanay bash + niteworks @ ironworks - 9pm. over 18s. for tickets or more information tel: 0871 789 4173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

JANUARY 2012 in brief 11 wednesday the work of the john muir trust, 7.30pm, the highland rock garden club hosts an illustrated talk by staff member fran lockhart on the work of scotland’s major upland conservation organisation, nairn community centre, king street tel:01320 366246 19 thursday the moray society lecture ‘history of the sheriff court in elgin’ by noel mcpartlin, 2pm, elgin museum 26 thursday saxecose: young, vibrant saxophone quartet, 7:30pm, st christopher’s chapel, gordonstoun school, nr elgin, £12/£6, visit www.thegcs.org.uk for more details, tickets from www.thebooth.co.uk

www.spotlighton.co.uk

December 2011 - page 25

recipe

Chef’s Confidential The festive season is here and whilst Turkey is the traditional choice, the following recipe is a lovely alternative, using ingredients that are readily available and won't break the budget either. Have a wonderful Christmas and Good New Year.

Spiced Sea Trout En Croute Serves 4 people 750 grm Filleted and skinned Sea Trout (Salmon works well also) 380grm Ready made Puff Pastry 3 Balls of Stem Ginger 3 tablespoons Mixed Dried Fruit 1 Star Anise 100grm Soft butter 1 Egg beaten Salt and pepper to taste Method 1.Divide the puff pastry into four and roll out each piece into a 12 cm square. Put in the fridge to chill. 2.Cut the stem ginger balls in to thin shreds. Place the dried fruit along with the star anise into a bowl and cover with boiling water to plump up the fruit, and allow the star anise to add flavour to the fruit. Set aside for 20 minutes. 3.Using a spoon mix the soft butter to a smooth paste and add salt and pepper. Drain the dried fruit and remove the star anise. Add this with the ginger to the butter and mix thoroughly. 4.Take the piece of sea trout or salmon and divide in to four. Spoon ¼ of the butter mixture on to each portion of Salmon. 5.Remove the chilled pastry squares from the fridge and place a piece of salmon butter side down on to the pastry square. Brush the pastry with the beaten egg and fold the edges in to make a parcel. Turnover and place the folded side on to a non stick or greased baking tray. Repeat with the other three pieces of salmon. 6.Brush the parcels with the beaten egg mixture and using a sharp knife, lightly score a criss-cross pattern on the parcels. 7.Place in the oven preheated to 190°C for 20 – 30minutes until golden. 8.Serve with Green Vegetables and either a Lemon Butter Sauce or Hollandaise Sauce.

Penny Ellis, Owner Knockomie Hotel, Forres tel: 01309 673146

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A Hogmanay Hoolie at the Knockomie Hotel Knockomie is the perfect setting for a Hogmanay House Party. At 7.00pm the festivities begin with Canapés and Champagne served in the Lounges and Malt Whisky Bar. Dinner is served at 8.00pm where our Chef will prepare a fantastic gourmet meal. After Dinner, until Midnight we have a Ceilidh with Traditional Scottish Dancing which is great fun Ȃ ǡ ǨǨ At the stroke of twelve our very own Fireworks display will set the heavens alight and say ʹͲͳͳ ʹͲͳʹǤ ϐ Dram in your hand and let the party continue with the sound of Disco.

Knockomie Hotel is licensed to hold Civil Weddings At Knockomie will help make your wedding day, a perfect day. It's why we have come up with our new Weddings Wrapped Up product. It's here to give you the peace of mind that you will have the professional service you deserve at a

price you can afford. Our highly personal approach will create a perfect and truly memorable day, designed ϐ and up to 40 guests.

knockomie Grantown Road, Forres see us on

HOTEL

Telephone

01309 673146

SPECIALISTS IN ALL THINGS BIKE

www.knockomie.co.uk stay@knockomie.co.uk

New s SPARES s REPAIRS s SERVICE

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Delivering fresh local produce to your Door to Inverness, Evanton, Black Isle, Nairn, Forres, Elgin and Lossiemouth

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Scotgro can deliver a box containing a selection of fresh local vegetables from our Nairnshire farm to your doorstep. Subscribing online for a regular weekly or fortnightly box is easy – you can even tell us which vegetables you don’t like so that we know not to put them in your box.

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When the party is over... We see in the Bible that we are all unclean in God’s sight because of our sins. You may not think that you are a hell-deserving sinner, but God is Holy and He hates sin. Sin will keep you from being with God in heaven for eternity and damn you to Hell, unless you receive God’s forgiveness for sin which is found only in His Son Jesus Christ. God’s word reveals that if you die in an unclean & unforgiven state, because of your own choice, you’ll go to hell with all the other people who refused God’s mercy. There are many people, and you may be one of them, who believe that life should be one never ending party; friends to meet, places to go, and things to get and do, seeking constant amusement in the pursuit of happiness, needing non-stop activity to fill the emptiness inside, to fight the boredom that surrounds them.

You may think. “That’s okay - all my party friends will be there too!” Yes, sadly they will be there too if they too reject Christ, but the thick blackness of “outer darkness” will separate you from each other. It is a place of torment, never ending fear and punishment and you’ll be there on your own.

Right now you are without God in this world and have no hope, but in Christ Jesus you, who are far off, can be brought near by the blood of Christ; He Drugs, alcohol, immoral relationships, money can be your peace. You can know that when you and music are some of the most popular die (and you will die) you will be in Heaven, not choices in this party called life. We don’t want Hell. to think about the fact the party will end. However there is an enemy to all this pleasure- Take a moment, please consider and underseeking excitement. It is death. We all have an stand God’s love for you in giving His Son, the Wonderful Lord Jesus Christ to die for your sin on appointment with death and eternity. The Cross of Calvary and then three days later to You have a God-given eternal soul and the rise again from the dead. He can be your Saviour. Bible makes it clear that you will spend You must call upon the name of the Lord, acknowleternity somewhere when the party is over. edging and turning from your sins and trusting Where you will be in eternity may not matter to Him, and only Him, to save you. you right now. The thought of facing a sin-hating, Holy God or talk of His dear Son the For God so loved the world that he gave his only Lord Jesus Christ are subjects you probably begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. He avoid at all costs. that believeth on him is not condemned: but he The Lord is trying to reach you now, because that believeth not is condemned already, because once your “party” is over it will be too late. he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God (John 3:16,18)

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Published by www.wordsbythewayside.co.uk Registered Scottish Charity SCO41290

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We would like to wish all our customers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year We are open daily from 9am for Breakfasts, Lunches and Home Bakes Closed Mondays â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;till Easter for well earned day of rest!" Taking orders for Christmas now Â?Â&#x2DC;Â&#x203A;Čą Â&#x2018;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2022;Ä&#x2122;Â&#x153;Â&#x2018;Čą Â&#x2022;Â&#x160;Ä´Â&#x17D;Â&#x203A;Â&#x153;ÇŻ

Tel: 01309 671990

Located on the Lossie Hopeman Road,

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just west of the Lighthouse

Email: andrewwardley@btinternet.com

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travel

Dreaming of... ...a Caribbean break

The Caribbean as we know it is made up of thousands of little islands in a relatively naturally protected gulf to the east of Central America, and relatively close to the Equator. The main well known islands include Barbados, The Grenadines, Antigua, St Kitts and Nevis, The British Virgin Islands, St Lucia, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Anguilla, St Barths, The Bahamas and The Turks and Caicos Islands. However as we have learned in recent years there are times of year when the local tropical storms and hurricanes can cause chaos. The hotels in Barbados are of a very high standard such as Sandy Lane, Coral Reef Club, Sandpiper and Cobbler's Cove. The west coast of Barbados is called the Platinum coast which hosts the best hotels, restaurants and Championship Golf courses. Antigua is another wonderful island, ideal for couples and families, with an abundance of lovely beaches. Very good for watersports, the island is also an unspoiled paradise for lush palm groves, tropical flowers and exotic birds. Golfers will love the Cedar Valley and Jolly Harbour Championship courses, while for divers and snorkellers coral canyons, wall drops, wrecks and sea caves abound, as do turtles, dolphins, barracudas and reef fish. Grenada, otherwise known as the Spice Island, is one of the most beautiful of the Caribbean Islands â&#x20AC;&#x201C; your senses succumb to a variety of different delicious aromas, panoramic scenery and a warm feeling exuded by the Grenadians. Jamaica, ideal for couples and families, has a very rich cultural heritage and varying landscapes from flat beaches to the Blue Mountains, enabling good holidays combining beach and mountain resorts with Championship Golf courses. Temperatures beside the sea can reach 30-32 degrees maximum, and in May and September rainfall can reach 6 inches in the month, but the climate is fairly even through the year. Due to changing climate conditions the hurricane season can occur between June and November, although it doesn't always happen and not for that long either. The Turks and Caicos Islands are ruggedly beautiful and little has changed since Columbus first set foot on their shores back in 1492. White powder beaches give way to world-class diving, whale watching and horse riding across the 8 islands and 30 cays surrounded by wonderful Coral reefs. St Barths and St Martin, both French islands, are full of immaculate yachts, designer boutiques, superb restaurants and charismatic people, The Bahamas is a collection of over 700 blissfully unspoilt islands, and the British Virgin Islands comprise over 100 islands and cays characterised by infectious laid back sensibility and some of the world's best sailing grounds. St Kitts and Nevis have a wonderful blend of lush rainforest, exotic wildlife and old world charm, the Cayman Islands boast gourmet restaurants, exotic wildlife and endless white sandy beaches, and Anguilla has a string of prestigious resorts, villas and restaurants while still retaining its laid back West Indian character. In short â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the Caribbean would suit most of us.

Information kindly supplied by

2-6 South Street, Elgin 01343 548844 Â&#x2021; +LJK Street, FRUUHV

www.beavtrav.com

CARIBBEAN GETAWAY

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St Lucia – 7nts, staying at St Lucian Hotel ..................... from £1,173pp Antigua – 7nts, staying at Grand Pineapple Beach....... from £1,132pp Grenada – 7nts, staying at The Grenadian.......................from £1,174pp All above are from Gatwick in late Jan/early Feb on ALL-INCLUSIVE basis. WEDDING in St Lucia before 31st December (book by 16/12) ........................... now from £1,639pp including 10nts Luxury in the Sandals Halcyon Beach deluxe room. Antigua - Hawksbill by Rex Resorts – 7nts in Garden Bungalows – 18th and 25th April departures from London....................... from £1,049pp

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FORRES 01309 672203

beaver Travel

ELGIN 01343 548844

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

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Beaver Travel is also a ticket agent for Eden Court Theatre, Inverness - No booking fee.

01309 676807

KINLOSS SWIMMING POOL YOUR Community Swimming Pool situated opposite RAF Kinloss and open to the public! Public & lane swimming

Adults only sessions

Aquafit lessons

Adult 1-1

Children’s learner pool

Sauna included in price

Club training

Children’s lessons

Discounted membership

Private party hire

Christmas Gift tokens available

(Can be purchased over the phone & posted out)

Telephone: 01309 691950 or 617514

www.highlandbeautyclinic.com Tel:01309 675674 153 High Street, Forres

See it, Buy it, Bag it Elgin City Centre Shopping... Outdoor electrical

Music Food & Drink

toys Books Holidays

Hair

Beauty

Mobile Phones

Clothing Shoes

Jewellery Eating out

Gifts

...it's in the bag Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all embrace Elgin and put the Vibrancy back into the City Centre!

Successful treatment for a variety of conditions including: ME/CFS, Depression, Anxiety and more.

FINDHORN FIN DHORN TA T TAXIS AXIS

Kathleen Haden Clinical Director

I look forward to teaching you how to get well and stay well! Call: 07886 234 559

Regular clinics at Natural Balance Health Store, 142 High Street, Forres. For more information or to book an appointment visit www.kathleenhaden.com or email info@kathleenhaden.com

For All your flooring needs Â&#x2021; /X[XU\ 'HVLJQ )ORRULQJ .DUQGHDQ $PWLFR 3RO\IORU Â&#x2021; &DUSHWV DQG &DUSHW 7LOHV Â&#x2021; 9LQ\OV 6DIHW\ )ORRULQJ Â&#x2021; 6ROLG :RRG /DPLQDWHV 5HVLGHQWLDO &RPPHUFLDO 7HO 0RE LQIR#PUGIORRULQJ FR XN Â&#x2021; ZZZ PUGIORRULQJ FR XN

JAYCEEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S COMPUTER CENTRE

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SPECIALISING IN THE DESIGN BUILD and INSTALLATION OF PC SYSTEMS

(Est 1987) G UPGRADES G SOFTWARE G CONSULTANCY G SUPPORT G EPOS SYSTEMS G COMPUTER GAMES

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FORRES 676285, 55 HIGH STREET, FORRES FOR FREE ADVICE TELEPHONE BOB

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CLASSES IN IN NO CLASSES NO DECEMBER DECEMBER

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MON - THURS ............17.00 - 23.59 FRIDAY.......................17.00 - 02.30 SAT ............................06.00 - 02.30 SUN ...........................07.00 - 23.59

Any other times by prior arrangement airport / station runs

07742789700 01309 691995

R McGregor M O N U M E N TA L E N G R AV E R Additional inscriptions, Regilding, Raised lead lettering, Cleaning of headstones also re-fixing done in any cemetery Phone:01309671982 Â&#x2021; Mobile:07740950580 42 Randolph Lane Forres

ART SEVENTH HEAVEN FOR GALLERY TRAIL Scotland’s Gallery Trail, now in its seventh year welcomes a new partner and a new gallery to Grampian - the Airt Gallery based outside Kintore, named after the traditional Scots word, meaning segment of the heavens or direction of the wind. The Airt specialises in Scottish Landscape art. Celebrating the best the Scottish Highlands and Islands has to offer in painting, printmaking and photography; proprietor Jeannie Robinson hosts a regularly changing exhibition of both contemporary landscapes and seascapes. This Grampian Trail is aimed at art lovers who visit, or live in the area, who want to see what this part of the art world has to offer, and take in the spectacular scenery along the route.

Elgin

The trail now consists of 12 galleries, 1. The Milton Art Gallery of Crathes 2. Lang Byre Gallery of Banchory 3. Larks Gallery of Ballater 4. The Braemar Gallery of Braemar 5. The Lost Gallery of Strathdon 6. Tomintoul Art Gallery of Tomintoul 7. Logie Steading Art Gallery of Forres 8. Leap Studio & Gallery of Craigellachie 9. Duff House Gallery of Banff 10. Country Frames Gallery of Insch 11. Touched by Scotland of Oyne 12. The Airt Gallery of Kintore.

8 6 4

Also new to the 2011-2012 trail is Country Frames Gallery of Insch, a warm welcoming gallery set in the heart of the beautiful Aberdeenshire countryside. Yvonne Flett offers a wide range of art and crafts from local, national and international exhibiting artists. A comprehensive picture framing and giclee printing service is also provided. Scotland's Gallery Trail is entirely self-funded by the partners themselves and this year Moray Chamber of Commerce has taken on the role of operating partner, ensuring leaflets are distributed and the www site updated. Rachael Annand, recently graduated from Robert Gordon University in International Tourism Management is the project co-ordinator. Speaking from the Speyside based chamber she said, “I have thoroughly enjoyed collating all the information from the partners and hope to help them raise their profile nationally and internationally with our new marketing strategy. These are unique galleries in the most beautiful countryside in the world and we hope our information entices visitors to plan their way around the trail.” Leaflets will be distributed throughout the region and Moray Chamber’s international partnership with the medieval city of Zwolle in the Netherlands allows the leaflet to be distributed there too. This year sees the chamber also operate Scotland’s Food Trail – Grampian, which will be re-launched shortly. On the food trail you will find hotels and country houses, cafes, visitor attractions and retail outlets as well as internationally renowned food and drink producers-all with a commitment to quality and excellence.

For further information or photo opportunities contact: Rachael Annand by e-mailing info@moraychamber.co.uk or call 01340 881226 Or contact any of the galleries direct – details at www.scotlandsgallerytrail.com

9 10 11

5 3

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Aberdeen

Showhomes at: Meadow Lea, Montgomerie Drive, Nairn IV12 5RW. Open: Thursday to Monday 11.30am to 5pm

Designed for comfort. Built for life.

Tel: 01667 452508 www.kylaurenhomes.co.uk

Winter vehicle safety and maintenance

The last two winters have seen widespread snow and ice for weeks on end with temperatures regularly falling below -10C. You're more likely to break down in a bad winter. There's more risk of delays too but not necessarily in the way you'd expect. If vehicles ahead lose control - a jack-knifed lorry for example - you won't be able to get through no matter how well equipped your car is with winter tyres or chains. You could face a wait of several hours until the blockage and other traffic ahead has been cleared. Here's what you need to do this winter to reduce the risk of a breakdown and make sure that you are equipped to deal with the conditions.

Check your car Antifreeze – check coolant level regularly and, if required, top-up with a mixture of the correct type of antifreeze. Your garage should check concentration to ensure adequate cold temperature protection. Battery - the most common cause of winter breakdowns. A battery more than five years old may struggle in the cold - get it checked and replaced if necessary to avoid the inconvenience of an unplanned failure. Fuel - keep at least a quarter of a tank in case of unexpected delay. Lights - check and clean all lights regularly to make sure you can see and be seen clearly. Carry spare bulbs. Tyres - should have at least 3mm of tread for winter motoring. Consider winter tyres for improved safety. Check pressures at least every fortnight. Windscreen - reduce dazzle from the low sun by keeping the screen clean inside and out. Now is a good time to renew worn wiper blades. Screen wash - use a 50% mix of a good quality screen wash to reduce the chance of freezing in frosty weather. Locks and door seals - stop doors freezing shut with a thin coat of polish or Vaseline on rubber door seals. A squirt of water dispersant (WD-40) in locks will help stop them freezing.

You and your passengers Prepare for the worst and hope for the best. As well as the things you should be carrying on every journey regardless of the weather, you should make up a winter emergency kit to keep in the boot – hopefully you won’t need it but you will be very glad it's there if you do. Year-round essentials Fully-charged mobile phone and in-car charger Sunglasses – to deal with glare from the sun or snow. Personal medication Warning triangle Spare bulbs First aid kit Road atlas – in case of diversions Sat-nav or printed route for unfamiliar journeys Breakdown membership card

Winter emergency kit Blanket, rug or sleeping bag Shovel Bits of carpet or thick cardboard to place under driven wheels to help regain traction on ice or snow Salt, sand or cat litter – to help clear snow and ice Reflective jacket(s) Ice scraper and de-icer Torch and batteries Tow rope Snow chains (if you live in a remote or rural area) Battery jump leads Bottled water Snacks – chocolate or cereal bars Extra screen wash For further information on vehicle winter care, safety and maintenance please call Martin at McAndie Garage, Shore Street, Lossiemouth on:

01343 815977

motoring

FREE

McANDIE

DIAGNOSTIC CHECK G A R A G E S E R V I C E S WITH EVERY 3 Shore Street Lossiemouth WINTER SERVICE Morayshire IV31 6PB ON PRESENTATION OF Tel: 01343 815977 THIS VOUCHER

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Come in and see whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new. NOW OPEN

The refurbishment of our Elgin kitchen and bedroom showroom is now complete. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quite a transformation and we hope that you will agree that it was well worth any inconvenience caused while it was closed. The finished result is stunning with classic and contemporary new styles, fantastic design ideas and amazing storage solutions. On show alongside our award winning Metris displays we are also showing our new Fusion range and our Classic Painted collection. All our kitchens and bedrooms are manufactured at our Highland factory with fantastic build quality which we have continued to update over the past 25 years. Our skilled manufacturers, designers and installers will continue to offer unrivalled quality and service and we look forward to welcoming you to our stunning new refurbished Elgin showroom.

ELGIN: 27 Tyock Ind Est 01343 545155 Also at: INVERNESS: 18 Carsegate Rd 01463 711548

www.ashleyann.co.uk

SpotLight Magazines

To advertise in the next issue of SpotLight on Forres call 01309 690063 or go online for details www.spotlighton.co.uk

Alba Business Services ........................9 Alistair’s School of Motoring ..............15 Anne Carmichael Hairdresser ............24 Ashley Ann ..........................................38 Beaver Travel ......................................31 Brodie Countryfare..............................15 Carisbrooke Hotel ..............................23 Caroline Street Gospel Hall ..................6 Castle Stuart..........................................3 City of Elgin BID Limited ....................32 Covesea Cafe ....................................29 Delta Electrical ....................................27 Eden Court Theatre & Cinema ..........18 Elgin Eagles Basketball Club................4 Excel Scotland Ltd ................................9 Ferrari Horsefeeds ..............................29 Findhorn Taxis ....................................33 Forres Tree Services ..........................17 Forresian Firs ....................................2 Gordon & MacPhail ....................12 & 13 Gordon Scott CA ................................31 Highland Beauty Clinic ......................31 Ian Fraser ..............................................3 Jaycee's Computer Centre ................33

Rafford Cycles

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Advertisers Index

Johnstons of Elgin ............Outside Back Katie Squirrell - Zumba ......................33 Kinloss Country Golf ..........................33 Kinloss Day Care ........................20 & 39 Kinloss Swimming Pool ......................31 Knockomie Hotel ................................31 KTY Properties ....................................17 Kylauren Homes..................................35 Len’s Taxi’s ..........................................17 Little Flower ........................................29 Logie Steading ....................................31 Mac’s Taxi ..................................22 & 39 Mackenzie & Cruickshank ..................11 Marian Warrener....................................3 Mhairi Donald ......................................19 Moray Osteopaths ................................7 Moray Pest Control ............................29 MRD Flooring ......................................33 Nairn Community & Arts Centre ........19 National Trust for Scotland ..................4 Olive Tree Chocolate ..........................15 Physiofirst............................................25 Private - Dining......................................5 R McGregor Monumental Engraver....33

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Ca ttery

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gillian@westwoodcattery.co.uk

Bicycle Sales, Service & Repair Collection / Delivery Open 9am to 6pm service available Wed to Sunday

Rafford Cycles ....................................39 Reverse Therapy Limited ....................33 Roof Wizard ..........................................9 Scotengineering....................................3 ScotGro ..............................................27 SJ Chimney Services ............................7 Smith & Castle Jewellers ....................17 Spotty Bag Shop ................................16 Stevenson & Foster ......................3 & 17 Stuart Allan Plumbing & Heating ........14 Stuarts Cycles ....................................27 The House of Automata ........................7 The Lighthouse Church ......................17 The Loft Bistro ....................................37 Tracey’s Unisex Hair Salon ................14 Unique Beauty ..............Front Cover & 3 Veronique’s ..........................................7 Westwood Cattery ..............................39 Wheelchair Care..................................15 Wilmac Garage ....................................9 Windsor Hotel ......................................9 Words By The Wayside ......................28 Wyvis Tree & Garden Services ............7

www.westwoodcattery.co.uk

raffordcycles@tiscali.co.uk

Feline Advisory Bureau Registered, Listed in Good Cattery Guide

Kinloss Daycare Centre

TAXI TA MAC’S TAXI

Caring for children from 4months-5years Government funded spaces (aged3-5years) Open Monday-Friday 7:30-6:00 Flexible sessions to suit your needs We also have a community crèche if you need a few hours childcare so that you can get your shopping done! Phone for details on: 01309690744 or Email: kinloss@4children.org.uk SpotLight on Forres and District

www.spotlighton.co.uk

...and 8 SEATER SEATER PRIV PRIVA ATE HIRE MINIBUS PRIVATE with Lar Large ge LLuggage uggage TTrailer railer

ideal for for g group roup bookings bookings

MOBILE - 0793631192 07936311924 4 WELCOME EARLY MORNING BOOKINGS WELCOME EARLY AIRPORTS, ST STA ATIONS, W ORK R UNS AIRPORTS, STATIONS, WORK RUNS

December 2011 - page 39

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