SpotLight on Inverness & District - December 2015

DECEMBER 2015

INVERNESS in store | online | mobile

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CLUBS & SOCIETIES AL-ANON FAMILY GROUPS Self help group for families and friends of people with a drink problem, with meetings held locally throughout the Highland area. local number in your area or visit www.al-anonuk.org.uk BEAULY ANGLING CLUB Established around 1960, the club provides sea trout and salmon fishing to residents of Beauly as well as to visitors. Visit www.beauly-angling-club.co.uk CHILDREN’S HIGHLAND DANCE Thursdays at Merkinch Community Centre. Beginners 4pm - 5pm. Fridays at Kirkhill Community Centre. Beginners 3:30pm - 4:30pm. Call Elizabeth Fraser on 01463 729477 CLACHNACUDDIN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT FC Tel: 791458. drew@tesco.net or visit www.clach-youth.info FORUM FOR MEN Wednesdays, 8pm at Macnabs Bar, Columba Hotel. For gay and bi men. Look for the small red post box on our table. Text 07941 553620, www.gay-ness.org.uk or e-mail jampa40@yahoo.co.uk

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page 4 - December 2015

HIGHLAND DECORATIVE & FINE ARTS SOCIETY (HDFAS) 2nd Thursday, 2pm, at Smithton Free Church, Inverness. Want to learn more about art? Encourage Young Artists? Volunteer to record Churches for posterity? £6 per monthly lecture. Contact 07595 219308 • hdfas.org.uk averillbrodie@ymail.com or davidmartin30@hotmail.com HIGHLAND HISTORICAL SEARCH SOCIETY Inverness based metal detecting club. Free equipment loan, tuition and regular places to detect. New members welcome. Contact Len tel: 01808 521340 anytime HIGHLAND RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB Coaching & competitive opportunities in Rugby Football for the whole community. Call Andrew Russell on 243972 or 07786 256891 HIGHLAND SPIRITUAL CINEMA A small, independent film group screening films that uplift and inspire, that entertain and inform.

Monthly film nights at The Little Theatre in Nairn. For more information go to: www.highlandspiritualcinema.net or telephone 01463 237452.

HIGHLAND WHEELCHAIR CURLING CLUB Tues 1.30 - 3.30pm,Inverness Ice Rink. If you use a wheelchair or have mobility problems come and see what we do. Equipment provided. Call Mo Simpson 01463 716227 or 07798 710404 email: wheel77uk@yahoo.co.uk INVERNESS HOSPITAL RADIO Email requests to be played for someone in Raigmore Hospital, Inverness to: requests@inver nesshospitalradio.co.uk. We are looking for ward visitors and technical team members.

Email: enquiry@invernesshospitalradio .co.uk Contact Mr Atholl Menzies tel: 704500/704501 INVERNESS NETBALL CLUB Mondays, 6pm - 8pm, Millburn Academy. For ladies aged 16+ All abilities welcome. For info call Heather on 07891 025950, invernessnetball@gmail.com, visit www.invernessnetball.co.uk Facebook Inverness Netball Club

INVERNESS TENNIS & SQUASH CLUB Call 230751 or email: info@ invernesstennisandsquash.org alternately you can visit us at www.invernesstennisandsquash.org INVERNESS TOUCH RUGBY Mondays 6:15pm-8pm, Bught Pitches (by Ice Rink). Fast & fun for men and women, all abilities & fitness levels welcome. Email invernesstouch@gmail.com or "Inverness Touch" on Facebook INVERNESS WINE APPRECIATION SOCIETY Bringing together people with an interest in wine and to develop their interest by holding tastings, usually led by a member of the wine trade and accompanied by suitable food, tel: 221535 KILTARLITY CAMERA CLUB Meets on two Tuesdays of the month at Brockies Lodge, Kiltarlity at 7:30pm. Contact the secretary: 714330. Welcomes all ages and abilities.

MERKINCH MOUNTAIN BIKE CLUB Regular monthly trips, ages 12 to adult. Call 07879 443979 or email: ewanharper@yahoo.co.uk

SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF INVERNESS AND NAIRN 2nd and 4th Monday evenings in Lochardil House Hotel. Call Mrs Janet Home (Secretary) on 01463 221185 STRATH ART CLUB Relaxing setting for informal drop in sessions for budding artists.

7pm - 9pm at Strathpeffer Community Centre. £2 per session with the kitchen available for making of refreshments. Call 01997 421989 or visit www.strathpeffer communitycentre.org.uk THE HIGHLAND CHILDREN'S TRUST Tel: 243872 www.hctrust.co.uk VILLAGE VOICES IN GOOD TUNE Every Wednesday 7pm - 9pm in the Gordon Memorial Hall, Rosemarkie. No need to read music as all songs are taught by ear and harmonies develop easily.

If you ever wanted to be part of a group & just haven't had the chance, come and join us!' For info call Maureen Weir at 01381 620559 or email maureen.weir@talktalk.net

PINK CASTLE PHILOSOPHY CLUB 2nd Tuesday of the month. Fun & sociable chat with meaning for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender community and all their friends. tel: 07745 930383 or visit www.pinkcastle.eu

WATERLOO BOWLING CLUB Season starts 18th April til last Sat in Sept. Open all week.

Riverside Street, Inverness. New members and visitors welcome.

Membership enquiries to Angus Shearer on 01463 710375

PLANEFIELD BOWLING CLUB Open to visitors Mon - Sat from 2pm - 5pm. Members can play from 11am onwards most days of the week. Contact Mrs Gillian Farquhar 07752 300367

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

ROYAL MARINES ASSOCIATION HIGHLAND BRANCH Last Friday of the month at Royal British Legion, Huntly Street, Inverness. For information call 07702 819751, email: secretary @rma-highlands.org.uk or visit www.rma-highlands.org.uk

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

SCOTTISH ORNITHOLGISTS’ CLUB - HIGHLAND BRANCH Call 01463 221661 or 01808 511740.

tel: 01309 690063

admin@spotlighton.co.uk

The Editor

Everyone at SpotLight would like to wish all our readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year for 2016.

Whilst this is a time of the year when we think of family we should also perhaps spare a thought for our neigbours. If you have space at your table why not invite someone to eat with you this Christmas and make their day!

Let’s hope we get some snow!

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PUBLISHER ..............David Nelmes ADVERTISING ..............Susan Innes ADVERTISING ..........Lisa McDonald ACCOUNTS ...................Wendy Day DESIGN .................Alistair Davidson LAYOUT .................Tamsyn Dickson

January Issue Deadlines

78 Academy Street, Inverness Tel: 01463 248600

Editorial - Friday 04/12/15 Advertising - Wednesday 09/12/15

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PASTORAL LETTER & CHURCH MEETINGS THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS People often say that Christmas is especially for children. I remember as a child, one Christmas Eve when I was convinced I heard the sound of tinkling bells in the early hours, certain it was Father Christmas. There is a kind of 'magic' about Christmas - something that affects many people. Is it 'the spirit of Christmas' - a phrase often used in American Christmas films? Or is it something more? What is it that seems to make people more generous at this time of year (even with the worst excesses of indulgence and over-spending!)?

There are usuall a few releases of Christmas films. Last year saw Nativity 3: Dude, Where's My Donkey? which has all the fun and the pull of heart-strings, and Get Santa, with Jim Broadbent, another "Will they save Christmas in time?" movie. All these Christmas movies have the appeal to the fantasy of Santa Claus (even if we don't really believe it) which all adds to the 'magic' of the season. The fact is that fantasy is a way in which we work out hopes and dreams - a mechanism we use to make life more bearable to different degrees.

But the commercial offerings generally have one thing in common - the Christ of Christmas has no part to play, except in the carols we sing. The Christ-less ‘Xmas’ is often a great disappointment when it is all

over, but the Christian celebration offers more. One problem we face is that many myths have grown up around the Christmas story that may even prevent people from actually listening to the truth it celebrates.

The biblical events are rolled into one romantic tale, with the wise men (or kings) visiting the stable just after the shepherds, when the Bible tells us it happened some time later. School nativity plays may not help, either, as they seek to have an acting role for every child, and so children grow up believing there were cats, dogs, rabbits, fairies and everything else in the stable where Jesus was born!

The truth is that the early church was not really concerned with the birth of Jesus. It was his death and his resurrection that really mattered. Jesus was probably born in September, around the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles, rather than in December.

Here, in the northern hemisphere, as part of the Christianisation of Europe, the midwinter pagan festival was adapted to help people think about Christ. It was an excuse to think about light entering our (spiritually, as well as physically) dark world. The romance of the birth in a stable, when we are aware of snow and cold suited the purpose of the early Christian missionaries.

It is so strange then, to perpetuate these images in the southern hemisphere, when

Inshes, Church of Scotland Insches Retail Park, Inverness. Rev. David Scott. Tel: 01463 226727. Website: www.insheschurch.org Inverness Baptist Church 69 Castle Street. Rev. Tom Urquhart. Tel: 01463 223506. Email: tajurquhart@btinernet.com Inverness Bible Fellowship Wyvis Place, Inverness, IV3 8DR. Sundays @ 11:15am, Wed @ 7:30pm, drug and alcohol dependency & addiction support Tues @ 12pm incl. lunch. 01463 226776 • leojrose@me.com Inverness Christian Fellowship at Merkinch Community Centre.

Sundays 10.30am. Website: www.icfchurch.co.uk Inverness Church of God Friars Lane. Sunday 10.30am and 6.30pm.

Tel: 01463 241318.

Inverness Crown Church, Church of Scotland 3 Midmills Road. Tel: 01463 230537.

Inverness East Church, Church of Scotland Academy Street.

Contact Rev. Professor ATB McGowan: 01463 236695.

Website: www.invernesseast.com Inverness Greyfriars Stratherrick Free Church Greyfriars at Balloan Road, Inverness, and Stratherrick at Errogie, Stratherrick. Tel: 01463 714085. Website: www.greyfriarschurch.org Inverness Methodist Church Huntly Street, Inverness. Tel: 01463 239784. Website: www.invernessmethodist.org.uk Kiltarlity Church of Scotland Kiltarlity, Inverness-shire. Sundays: 11:15am. Website: www.kiltarlityandkirkhill.org.uk Kiltarlity Free Church of Scotland Kiltarlity, Inverness-shire. Tel: 01463

page 6 - December 2015

“In the Bleak Midwinter” is actually “In the Hot Mid-summer”!!

But the ‘magic’ is there all the same - and I love it. The Reason for the Season is truly awesome. The fact is that the first people to understand that something very special was happening were some shepherds - the Highlanders of their region. The Bible tells us, "An angel of the Lord stood before them. The glory of the Lord was shining around them, and they became very frightened. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I am bringing you good news that will be a great joy to all the people. Today your Saviour was born in the town of David.

He is Christ, the Lord. ...Then a very large group of angels from heaven joined the first angel, praising God and saying: “Give glory to God in heaven, and on earth let there be peace among the people who please God.” When the shepherds went to Bethlehem, they found the new parents and their amazing baby, Jesus. "they told what the angels had said about this child. Everyone was amazed at what the shepherds said to them." [Luke 2:8 -20 NCV] Look for the Christ of Christmas yourself - he's no longer a baby - and have a magical Christmas!

Rev Alan Price St Mary-in-the-Fields, Culloden

741729. Email: jfraser@gmail.com Kings Fellowship Meets at Smithton Industrial Estate, Culloden. Tel: 01463 792700. Email: info@thekingsfactory.com Kingsview Christian Centre Balnafettack Road, Inverness, IV3 8TF. Sundays 11.30am and 6pm. Wednesdays 7.30pm. Tel: 01463 716843.

Kinmylies Church of Scotland Kinmylies Way, Inverness. Sundays 10.30am. Tel: 01463 714035. Website: www.kinmylies.co.uk Kirkhill (Wardlaw) Church of Scotland Sundays 10am.

Website: www.kiltarlityandkirkhill.org.uk Knockbain Free Church Ferry Brae, North Kessock. Sunday Services at 12 noon and 6pm. Website: www.knockbainfreechurch.org Maryburgh & Killearnan Free Church Sunday service 11am & 6pm.

Seaforth Place, Maryburgh. 01349 863367 • cswan@ctlconnect.co.uk Ness Bank Church of Scotland Inverness. Sundays 11am. Tel: 01463 238409. Email: nessbankchurch@gmail.com • www.nessbank.net New Hope Inverness Church Sundays @ 11am at The IRONWORKS 122B Academy Street Inverness. For info call 07547 955567 or visit www.newhopeinv.org.uk North Kessock, Church of Scotland Main Street, North Kessock. Tel: 01463 731712. Website: www.churchofscotland.org.uk Listed I to N and regularly rotated. If you are a member of a church not listed here and would like to be considered for inclusion or for any amendments to existing details, email tamsyn@spotlighton.co.uk

tel: 01309 690063

admin@spotlighton.co.uk

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PARLIAMENT BLOG & TIDE TIMES As autumn nights get darker and the heating is turned on and runs for longer my work on getting fairer electricity charges continues. My colleagues and I will continue to press for a fairer deal on electricity charges for the Highlands despite stubborn resistance to changing the rules from the UK government's energy minister. Many people and families are finding heating their homes a real challenge, given stretched domestic budgets and that's why I was pleased to be asked to highlight the work of Home Heat Helpline recently at Parliament. If you, or someone you know, is struggling with energy bills please contact the helpline for free advice on how to reduce energy costs and make a home warmer. You can contact them on 0800 33 66 99. Christmas is approaching and I'd like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and, when it comes, a Guid New Year. I look forward to updating you all again then.

In our household we have, for our 7 year old daughter, Natasha's benefit, a "Santa Chute". This is a narrow circular space leading to a kitchen skylight, through which, on 24th December, Santa enters our abode bearing gifts as ordered, earlier in the year from his Lapland depot. Natasha has asked though, how Santa, being very fat, can squeeze through to which we explain that he has been on a diet. The age of innocence in children is a universal joy! What a shame it must end. May all your Christmas shopping gifts for the wee ones delight or amuse them - and please do this year use our local small shops to the maximum. Those such as in Grantown-on-Spey, Nairn or in the Inverness Victorian Market often offer quirky, interesting or unusual gifts for all the family. They deserve our custom and support.

A very merry Christmas to all Spotlight readers.

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

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AM 08:25 09:00 09:54 00:37 01:53 02:44 03:16

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Fergus Ewing MSP AM 03:37 04:15 04:59 05:44 06:25 07:06 07:44 08:22 08:58 09:45 10:43 11:47

PM 16:29 17:02 17:40 18:18 18:57 19:36 20:17 20:59 21:47 22:40 23:39

tel: 01309 690063

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SU M TU W TH F SA SU M TU W TH

AM 00:49 02:13 03:23 04:23 05:14 05:58 06:39 07:15 07:46 08:10 08:05 08:32

PM 13:04 14:51 15:55 16:51 17:41 18:25 19:07 19:49 20:29 21:09 21:47 22:20

admin@spotlighton.co.uk

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“...light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.”

(John 3:19)

Reader, The Lord Jesus Christ is the Light of the world, He came to save sinners but men and women reject Him, because they love darkness and their sins more than Christ and their soul’s salvation. You cannot have both your sins and the Saviour, you are either with Him or against Him, no man or woman comes unto God the Father but by Him. What thinkest thou?

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Let Us Know ‘What’s On’ In Your Area *January Issue Deadline: Friday, 4th December* Email: tamsyn@spotlighton.co.uk Telephone: 01309 690063 Inclusion of events in What’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.

christmas arts & crafts fair preview evening @ the bike shed 6pm - 8pm, 33 grant street, inverness. shop local and support small businesses while bagging a unique gift. for info call the clay studio on 01463 719712

27 friday - 28 saturday creative moray firth christmas craft & gift fair 10am 3:30pm at the national hotel, dingwall. for unique, handmade highland gifts. free entry. enquiries to jacqi on 01463 237059

28 saturday

Rolling Event until 19 march the mixed "winter exhibition" at inchmore gallery open open tuesday to saturday 10am - 5pm and by appointment. many new works by artists new to the gallery and those who exhibit regularly. for more info visit www.inchmoregallery.co.uk

28 november - 6 december christmas arts & crafts fair @ the bike shed 12pm 4pm daily except mon 30th, 10am - 12pm and thurs, 6:30pm - 8pm. 33 grant street, inverness. shop local and support small businesses while bagging a unique gift. free entry to the exhibition. for info call the clay studio on 01463 719712

jazz nairn presents - nova scotia jazz band 8pm at nairn community & arts centre. tickets from the box office or on the door. visit www.jazznairn.org saltire society of inverness st andrew's day lunch 12.30pm for 1pm at craigmonie hotel, annfield road, inverness. with guest speaker. all welcome. for more information call jim miller on 01463 713552 christmas craft session @ the bike shed 1.30pm 4:30pm, 33 grant street, inverness. make wreaths, cards and other ‘christmassy’ things. for info call the clay studio on 01463 719712 great glen walking club slochd circular. 7 miles. depart time 9am. call 01463 236204 for more info. ironworks & let it bleed present jackmaster @ ironworks 10pm. visit www.ironworksvenue.com

28 saturday - 29 sunday NOVEMBER 2015 24 tuesday highland literary salon 7.30pm at glen mhor hotel inverness. guest speaker: doug johnstone for further info see www.highlandlitsalon.com

25 wednesday social diners - why eat alone? 7:30pm. for dining venue information and to book call gill on 01349 877061 df concerts presents : idlewild @ ironworks 7pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

27 friday inverness gaelic society talk: gaelic poetry of the great war by annela macleod & jo macdonald 7.30pm at inverness gaelic school • www.gsi.org.uk waterstones present : an evening with paula hawkins @ ironworks 7:30pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com admin@spotlighton.co.uk

christmas craft & food fair presented by exclusively highlands @ brodie castle £4 adult entry includes a glass of non-alcoholic mulled punch and mince pie. tickets at www.nts.org.uk/events or on the day.

29 sunday inverness ramblers walk 1 - sgairneach mhor and beinn udlamain. 10 miles. meet 8am. walk 2 mystery walk. meet 10am at highland council car park. call 01463 236204 for further information.

DECEMBER 2015 1 tuesday world aids day 2015 community event from 1.30pm 6.30pm at eden court inverness. to raise awareness about hiv, challenge stigma, show support for those living with hiv and commemorate those who have died. information stalls, talks and an opportunity for reflection. for information call 01463 711585 or email highland@waverleycare.org.

tel: 01309 690063

December 2015 - page 11

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st andrew’s cathedral christmas coffee morning and fayre 10am - 12pm in the old boys school. tombola, baking, handicrafts and bishop eden’s primary school stalls. efreshments available. £2 entry. inverness ramblers canal, craig phadrig, clachnaharry etc. 7 miles. meet 9:30am at highland council car park. call 01463 236204 for further information. clan donald society of the highlands & islands ceilidh 7.30pm - 11.30pm at munlochy village hall. entertainment includes piper sandy macdonell, the kiltearn fiddlers, singers sunndach, heilan toe stepdancers and more. music for dancing by hamish polson. raffle and light refreshments. byob. entrance £10 and £6 for members. contact 01349 863489 christmas bazaar 11am - 2:30pm at charleston community complex. christmas goodies, pipe band, highland, ballet & tap dancing, powerhoop, carol singing, santa in his grotto and much more. for more info call carol on 01463 220128

6 sunday

through the gates

great glen walking club cloddymoss circular via hill 99. 10 miles. depart time 9am. call 01463 236204 for further information. christmas carol big sing @ strathpeffer pavillion 4pm - 6pm. adults £7.50 / children £3.50. for info call 01997 420124 or visit www.strathpefferpavilion.org

and into a Magical

Wonderland of Unusual

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infifa ‘samsara’ 7:15pm at eden court cinema and followed by informal post film discussion. for more info visit www.invernessfilmfans.org scottish ornithologists' club : “update on golden eagle survey" by stuart benn and “presentation on submitting records” by peter gordon 7.30pm at culloden library. call 01463 221661 or 01808 511740

3 thursday highland decorative & fine arts society (hdfas) lecture - ‘art of cuisine : cuisine of art’ - lecturer ghislaine howard ba (hons) 2pm - 3.30pm. lecture at smithton free church, murray road, inverness. non members £6. new members welcome. for info email averillbrodie@ymail.com or davidmartin30@ hotmail.com (07595 219308) • www.hdfas.org.uk ntm promotions present : fat suit @ ironworks 7pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

4 friday - 5 saturday bandeoke christmas nights featuring midas touch @ ironworks 7pm. visit www.ironworksvenue.com

4 friday - 6 sunday christmas arts, crafts & food fair fri; 12pm - 8pm, sat & sun 10am - 5pm at eden court, inverness. exquisite arts, lovely crafts and glorious foods all brought together by exclusively highlands. free entry.

page 12 - December 2015

5 saturday

7 monday ‘light up the highlands’ christmas carol service for highland hospice 7pm at st. ninian's church. the whole community is warmly invited to join in carol singing. refreshments served in the hall. royal scottish geographical society lecture - alistair carr: tales of rebellion, lost civilisations and explorers: travels in the sahel region of north africa 7.30pm at highland council chamber, glenurquhart road, inverness. adults £8; members, u18 and students free.

9 wednesday highland rock garden club - altai adventure : a talk by elspeth mackintosh (royal botanic gardens edinburgh) 7.30pm at nairn community & arts centre. £2.50 incl. refreshments. all welcome. call john owen on 01320 366246

10 thursday ranger events - winter wander, belladrum 11am 2pm, meet at the canadian road car park, belladrum estate. adults £4, conc. £3, family £11. for info email jenny rangers.inverness@highland.gov.uk or call 01463 255291 rspb talk - the applecross peninsula 7.30pm at culduthel christian centre, inverness. for more info call 01997 433283

tel: 01309 690063

admin@spotlighton.co.uk

11 friday rock n wrestle winter slam @ ironworks 7pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

12 saturday great glen walking club auchlean to ruigh aiteachain bothy & return. 8 miles. depart time 8:30am. call 01463 236204 for info. rspb christmas birding am and lunch coach at 9am at fortrose & rosemarkie golf club car park. booking essential. call 01997 433283 chimes international present abbamania – christmas special @ ironworks 7pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

emergent Meeting the future

Drumduan Upper School leads the way in a new approach to secondary school level education with a sustainable, holistic and practical curriculum for adolescents.

13 sunday inverness ramblers croy to cawdor woods. 10 miles. meet 9:30am at highland council car park. call 01463 236204 for further information. christmas at the castle with james ross and the marvel of peru @ brodie castle performances at 3pm and 5pm. performing a variety of christmas carols. £14 incl. non alcoholic mulled wine and mince pie served 30 mins before performance. www.nts.org.uk/events or call 01309 641371.

15 tuesday infifa ‘the graduate’ 7:15pm at eden court cinema and followed by informal post film discussion. for more info visit www.invernessfilmfans.org

To arrange a tour of the school, please contact Rachel Phillips.

Drumduan Upper School, Clovenside Road, Forres IV36 2RD

T: 01309 671973 E: reception@drumduan.org W: www.drumduan.org

16 wednesday social diners - why eat alone? 12:30pm dining at the coul house hotel, contin. for information and to book call gill on 01349 877061

18 friday netsounds presents guilty pleasures with dr wook + the little mill of happiness + searching for donkeys @ ironworks 8pm. visit www.ironworksvenue.com

19 saturday inverness ramblers dunain hill – bunchrew circular. 7 miles. meet 10am at highland council car park. call 01463 236204 for further information. carolthon 11am - 4pm, eastgate shopping centre, inverness. inverness choral society's annual nonstop marathon of carol singing near the upstairs entrance of m&s. raising funds for the society and a chosen charity. see www.invernesschoral.org.uk and www.chas.org.uk

20 sunday great glen walking club tracks above glen glass. 7 miles. depart time 9am. call 01463 236204 for info.

26 saturday great glen walking club fortrose - kincurdie rosemarkie circular, boxing day walk. 6 miles. walk starts at 10.30am from 22b academy street, fortrose. contact 01463 236204 for further information. admin@spotlighton.co.uk

Lessons covering the sciences and humanities are taught by specialist teachers. Academic study is enhanced and balanced by movement, music and artistic work, with crafts, environmental and outdoor activities part of the weekly timetable.

27 sunday inverness ramblers gleean mor waterfall abhainn cuileig. 6 miles. meet 9am at highland council car park. call 01463 236204 for further information. back for good fundraiser @ ironworks 7:30pm. with jetstar • lymerick smith • the lush rollers • findo gask • the mystic shoes and netsounds djs. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

29 tuesday inverness ramblers mystery walk. meet 11:30am at highland council car park. call 01463 236204 for further information. red hot chilli pipers @ ironworks 7pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

31 thursday rhythmnreel hogmanay bash @ ironworks 9pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com the red hot highland fling 8pm - 12:30am, northern meeting park, ardross street inverness. scotland's biggest free hogmanay concert. children welcome! hogmanay ceilidh @ strathpeffer pavillion 8pm 1am. £18 / family £65. for info call 01997 420124 or visit www.strathpefferpavilion.org

tel: 01309 690063

December 2015 - page 13

© Funkydoos

USEFUL INFORMATION Local & Bank Holidays and Special Days St Andrew’s Day Mon 30th Nov 2015 Shortest Day Tues 22nd Dec 2015 Christmas Day Fri 25th Dec 2015 Boxing Day Sat 26th Dec 2015 Boxing Day (substitute day) Mon 28th Dec 2015 New Year’s Eve Thurs 31st Dec 2015 New Year’s Day Fri 1st Jan 2016 Scottish Bank Holiday Sat 2nd Jan 2016

2nd Jan (substitute day) Burns Night Local Holiday ‡ Shrove Tuesday Ash Wednesday Valentine’s Day Mothering Sunday ‡ Inverness

Mon 4th Jan 2016 Mon 25th Jan 2016 Mon 1st Feb 2016 Tues 9th Feb 2016 Wed 10th Feb 2016 Sun 14th Feb 2016 Sun 6th Mar 2016

School Term Dates for 2015/2016 (all dates inclusive) Winter Term Ends Tues 22nd Dec 2015 Christmas Holiday Starts Wed 23rd Dec 2015 Christmas Holiday Ends Wed 6th Jan 2016 Spring Term Starts Thurs 7th Jan 2016 Mid Term Holiday Mon 15th Feb 2016 Mid Term Holiday Tues 16th Feb 2016 In-Service Day Wed 17th Feb 2016 Spring Term Ends Thurs 24th Mar 2016 Spring Holiday Starts Fri 25th Mar 2016

Spring Holiday Ends Fri 8th Apr 2016 Summer Term Starts Mon 11th Apr 2016 May Day Holiday Mon 2nd May 2016 In-Service Day Mon 6th Jun 2016 Summer Term Ends Fri 1st Jul 2016 for 2016/2017 (all dates inclusive) Autumn Term Starts Tues 16th Aug 2016 Autumn Term Ends Fri 7th Oct 2016 Autumn Holiday Starts Mon 10th Oct 2016 Autumn Holiday Ends Fri 21st Oct 2016

Useful Contacts Ardersier Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01667 462658 Beauly Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 782930 Black Isle Leisure Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01381 621252 Bus Station, Inverness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 239292 Citizens Advice Bureau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 08444 994111 Cromarty Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01381 600318 Culloden Academy Community Complex . . . . . 01463 792794 Culloden Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 792531 Dalcross Airport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01667 464000 Fortrose Community Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01381 622235 Highland Council. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01349 886606 Inshes Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 725928 Inverness Leisure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 667500 Inverness Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 236463 National Rail Enquires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 03457 484950 Police Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 NHS 24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 DOCTORS Beauly Surgery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 782794 Burnfield Medical Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 220077 Cairn Medical Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 712233 Cromarty Medical Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01381 600224 Culloden Surgery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 793400 Crown Medical Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 08445 769977 Drumnadrochit, Surgery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01456 450577 Dunedin Medical Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 712157 Fairfield Medical Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 713939 Fortrose Medical Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 08444 772497 Foyers Medical Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01456 486224 Kingsmills Medical Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 235245

page 14 - December 2015

New Craigs Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 704000 Riverside Medical Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 715999 Raigmore Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 704000 RNI Community Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 706966 Strathlene Surgery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 870843 The Aird Medical Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 782214 The Surgery, Munlochy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 811200 Southside Road Surgery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 710222 DENTISTS 21 Kingsmills Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 233416 Abban Street Dental Clinic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 718140 Academy Dental Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 232423 Burnfield Dental Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 241515 Black Isle Dental Studio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01349 877082 Castle House Dental Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 234598 Dalneigh Dental Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 243767 Dental Clinic, New Craigs Hospital . . . . . . . . . . 01463 704000 Fraser Street Dental Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 242344 High School Dental Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 235468 Inshes Dental Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 794949 Inverness Dental Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 255866 Ness Bank Dental Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 236295 Riverside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 226358 Southside Surgical Dentistry Centre . . . . . . . . . 01463 710760 Southside Dental Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 710760 Torwood Dental Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 712772 Rotated on a regular basis. To add a contact or amend existing details, email tamsyn@spotlighton.co.uk

tel: 01309 690063

admin@spotlighton.co.uk

Words by the Wayside “who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ. He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.” (1st John 2:22)

Reader, God made you for Himself, for His Glory and enjoyment, and at His Right Hand there are pleasures for evermore for you. But your sins have separated you from God and His original purpose for you. Jesus Christ died and paid the penalty for your sin and He is the way back to God. Repent of your sin and receive Him for yourself. In rejecting Christ you are antichrist and denying God His own property – yourself. www.wordsbythewayside.co.uk Registered Scottish charity SC041290

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5th Dec (A) Stirling Albion

12th Dec (A) Berwick Rangers

19th Dec (H) Queens Park

26th Dec (H) Montrose

Inverness CT

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12th Dec (H) Kilmarnock

19th Dec (H) Dundee Utd

26th Dec (A) Aberdeen

30th Dec (A) Hamilton Academical

Ross County

5th Dec (H) St Johnstone

12th Dec (A) Hamilton Academical

19th Dec (A) Partick Thistle

26th Dec (H) Dundee

30th Dec (H) Kilmarnock

Buckie Thistle

5th Dec (H) Fraserburgh FC

12th Dec (A) Clachnacuddin

19th Dec (H) Nairn County

26th Dec (A) Formartine United

Clachnacuddin

5th Dec (A) Rothes FC

12th Dec (H) Buckie Thistle

19th Dec (A) Keith FC

26th Dec (H) Brora Rangers

Forres Mechanics

5th Dec (A) Huntly FC

12th Dec (H) Starthspey Thistle

19th Dec (A) Cove Rangers

26th Dec (A) Inverurie Loco Works

5th Dec (H) Brora Rangers

12th Dec (A) Fraserburgh FC

19th Dec (H) Clachnacuddin

26th Dec (A) Nairn County

Lossiemouth FC

5th Dec (H) Nairn County FC

12th Dec (A) Formartine United

19th Dec (A) Fort William

26th Dec (H) Turriff United

Nairn County FC

5th Dec (A) Lossiemouth FC

12th Dec (H) Rothes FC

19th Dec (A) Buckie Thistle

26th Dec (H) Keith FC

Rothes FC

5th Dec (H) Clachnacuddin

12th Dec (A) Nairn County

19th Dec (H) Formartine United

26th Dec (A) Fort William

Strathspey Thistle

5th Dec (A) Cove Rangers

12th Dec (A) Forres Mechanics

19th Dec (H) Inverurie Loco Works

26th Dec (A) Wick Academy

Elgin City

Keith FC

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GGG G G

Dinner Menu

GGG G G

STARTER

STARTERS

’Ž‹– ’‡ƒ ƒ�† Šƒ� •‘—’, handmade bread and butter. ‡‰‡–ƒ”‹ƒ� Šƒ‰‰‹• ǎ„‘� „‘�•’, roast beets, chutney and H.P. dressing (v) Žƒ••‹… ’”ƒ™� …‘…�–ƒ‹Ž, seafood sauce, shredded iceberg and lemon. ‘�‡ •�‘�‡† …Š‹…�‡� ”‹•‘––‘, heritage tomatoes, basil and parmesan.

Cream of Â…ÂƒÂ—ÂŽÂ‹ĆŞÂ‘Â™Â‡Â” •‘—’, smoked Applewood cheese, handmade bread and butter (v) Home •Â?‘Â?‡† •ƒŽÂ?‘Â? ÇŽ ‘…Â?Â‡ÂˆÂ‡ÂŽÂŽÂ‡Â”ÇŻ, textures of apple, malted sourdough toasts.

Terrine ‘ˆ …‘Â?Ƥ– †—…Â?, mulled pear, parsnip puree and sherry caramel. ƒŽƒ† ‘ˆ ”‘ƒ•–‡† ƒÂ?† ’‹…Â?Ž‡† „‡‡–•, Galloway goats cheese, toasted pistachios and house dressing (v)

MAINS ‡ƒ”‡† Ž‘‹Â? ‘ˆ …‘†ǥ „”ƒ‹•‡† ‘š–ƒ‹Ž, lentils, button onions and creamed potato. ‘ƒ•– –—”Â?‡›ǥ ’‘”Â? ƒÂ?† ƒ’”‹…‘– •–—ƼÂ?‰ǥ Â?‹Ž–‡† sausages, duck fat roasters and gravy.

MAINS

‹Ž‘ Â’ÂƒÂ•Â–Â”Â›ÇĄ ˆ‡–ƒ ƒÂ?† •’‹Â?ƒ…Š –ƒ”–, olive tapenade, aubergine puree (v)

‘Â?Ƥ– ƤŽŽ‡– ‘ˆ „‡‡ˆ, oxtail croquette, honey roast parsnips, smoked garlic mash. ‘ƒ•– –—”Â?‡›, Granny Fraser’s skirlie, kilted sausages, duck fat roasters and gravy.

Žƒœ‡† Â…ÂƒÂ”Â”Â‘Â–ÇĄ wild mushroom and chestnut tart, pecorino cheese, carrot top pesto (v) ‡ƒ”‡† ƤŽŽ‡– ‘ˆ •‡ƒ„ƒ•• ǎ•ƒÂ?†™‹…Šǯ, crab and chilli, Tom’s korma sauce, rice pilau.

DESSERTS

DESSERTS

AND TO FINISH

AND TO FINISH

Ž‘™ ”‘ƒ•– ÇŽ Žƒ•‰‘™ ƤŽŽ‡–ǯǥ Â…ÂƒÂ—ÂŽÂ‹ĆŞÂ‘Â™Â‡Â” …Š‡‡•‡ and crispy shallots.

Š‘…‘Žƒ–‡ ƒÂ?† ’‡ƒÂ?—– „—––‡” …Š‡‡•‡…ƒÂ?‡ ‡Â?‘Â? ’‘••‡– ’ƒ”ˆƒ‹– Ž† ‹ŽŽ …Ž‘—–‹‡ †—Â?’Ž‹Â?‰ ‡Ž‡…–‹‘Â? ‘ˆ Ž‘…ƒŽ …Š‡‡•‡• ‡ƒ ‘” …‘ƥ‡‡ ĆŹ Š‘Â?‡Â?ƒ†‡ Â?‹Â?…‡ ’‹‡ Í– ‘—”•‡ ǤǤǤǤǤ ͇͕͚ǤÍ?Í™ ȋ’”‡nj‘”†‡” ͇͕͘Ǥ͙͔) ͘ ‘—”•‡ ǤǤǤǤ ͇͖͔ǤÍ?Í™ ȋ’”‡nj‘”†‡” ͇͕͜Ǥ͙͔)

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Lair of the

Wolf

Elgin Cathedral

Dunkeld Cathedral

Lochindorb

Early autumn, the heather is out, cloaking stark hills in a mantle of mauve. From a winding road across the high Dava ‘‘” „‡–™‡‡Â? ‘””‡• ƒÂ?† ”ƒÂ?–‘™Â?nj‘Â?ÇŚ ’‡›ǥ ƒ •‘Ž‹–ƒ”› ƤÂ?‰‡” sign points down a single track road with passing places. It says Lochindorb. No sign of human habitation accompanies the narrow track. Then, without warning, the vista of ‘…Š‹Â?†‘”„ ‘’‡Â?• —’ Č‚ Â?ƒ‰Â?‹Ƥ…‡Â?– ƒÂ?† „”‘‘†‹Â?‰ǥ ƒ Â?‹””‘”‡† arena nestled in an amphitheatre of surrounding hills.

The track drops down until level with the shores of the loch.

The atmosphere is tangibly eerie, the eye inescapably drawn to the ruins of a desolate castle on an isolated island in the centre of the loch.

Although undoubtedly a safe location for a fortress it is not †‹Ƽ…—Ž– –‘ ‹Â?ƒ‰‹Â?‡ –Š‡ ’”ƒ…–‹…ƒŽ †‹Ƽ…—Ž–‹‡• ‹Â? ‘……—’›‹Â?‰ •—…Š ƒ place. Was there a docking point with an armada of rowing boats ferrying people, food and fuel to the island stronghold?

Could there have been a stout rope to haul laden rafts across the loch’s murky waters; or a secret stone causeway hiding just beneath the loch’s surface? And what about animals? Were they housed on the tiny island or beside the loch’s shores?

What happened when the loch iced over in the winter?

Perhaps no-one will ever know. Experts believe the island to be manmade with speculation that it was originally the site of a crannog. But there is no doubt who made it infamous, for it was the lair of the wolf – The Wolf of Badenoch, whose evil notoriety has survived for over 650 years.

Although the legitimised son of King Robert II, born in 1343, Alexander, Lord of Badenoch and Earl of Buchan, is pronounced by history and legend as a malicious monster. He ‹• †‡•…”‹„‡† Šƒ• Šƒ˜‹Â?‰ ƒ ƪ‘”‹† Â˜Â‹Â•ÂƒÂ‰Â‡ÇĄ …‘Ž‘••ƒŽ •–ƒ–—”‡ ƒÂ?† enormous black beard. From his stronghold lair at Lochindorb he launched a reign of terror; murder, rape, burning, robbery, imprisonment and torture. In an age when brutality was commonplace, his black reputation stands unrivalled down the centuries.

He had no legitimate children with his wife, Euphemia, Countess of Ross who he married for her vast wealth and lands when he was aged thirty nine. However, he reputedly fathered

The burning of Elgin Cathedral over forty children, several belonging to his mistress, Mairead of Eachann. Several of his sons inherited their fathers’ legacy of violence, three eventually ending up imprisoned in Stirling Castle.

The Wolf’s most infamous escapade occurred in 1390, the result of several factors over time, particularly associated with Bishop Bur of Moray.

The Wolf’s anger had been left brooding, seething, fuelling a black rage. At the end of May, heading up his ceatharn army, he sallied forth from his fastness at Lochindorb bent on violence and mayhem. He brutally ransacked Forres and Pluscarden Abbey before arriving at Elgin on 17 June. There, he destroyed much of the town, •‡Â?†‹Â?‰ ‹–• ‹Â?Šƒ„‹–ƒÂ?–• ƪ‡‡‹Â?‰ ‹Â? –‡””‘”ǥ concentrating particularly on the demolition of ecclesiastic establishments: amongst others he torched St Giles parish church, the Hospital and Greyfriars monastery. The remains of Elgin’s once Â?ƒ‰Â?‹Ƥ…‡Â?– …ƒ–Š‡†”ƒŽ ƒ”‡ •–‹ŽŽ –Š‡”‡ ˆ‘” —• ƒŽŽ –‘ Â?ƒ”˜‡Ž ƒ– ƒÂ?† ‡Â?Œ‘›Ǥ ‘™ƒ†ƒ›• ‹–ǯ• †‹Ƽ…—Ž– –‘ imagine the terror, havoc and destruction reeked ™‹–Š‹Â? –Š‘•‡ “—‹‡– ™ƒŽŽ•Ǥ –ǯ• Â?‘– †‹Ƽ…—Ž– –‘ imagine errant children being warned, “The Wolf will come!â€?

The Wolf of Badencoh died a few years later. A recumbent armour clad statue tops his tomb at Dunkeld Cathedral in Perthshire, one of the few Scottish royal monuments to have survived from medieval times. The survival of the Wolf’s heinous ”‡’—–ƒ–‹‘Â? ‹• Â?‘ Ž‡•• •‹‰Â?Â‹Ć¤Â…ÂƒÂ?–Ǥ

By Glynis Stainton

Bridal Boutique Opens to Raise Funds for Highland Hospice Highland Hospice has opened a beautiful bridal boutique in Inverness, offering brand new and pre-loved wedding dresses as well as other wedding related accessories.

The pop up shop, located on the city’s Church Street, opened on Wednesday 4th November and is run by shop supervisor Nicola patients and families who require Highland Hospice’s specialist care. This fantastic opportunity is simply unmissable for any bride to be.”

Highland Hospice would love to hear from anyone who wishes to donate their own wedding dress to help the hospice’s care.

They are also looking for volunteers to join Nicola and her team in delivering friendly, professional bridal advice. If you can gift a few hours a week to help Highland Hospice with MacKiggan-Bisset. Nicola said, “Highland Hospice Boutique has a beautiful selection of brand new wedding dresses which were kindly donated by Inverness’s Exclusively Bridal shop when they closed down earlier this year. These gowns make up our stock, along with other pre-loved wedding dresses, bridesmaid and evening gowns, mother-of-the-bride outfits, hats, shoes, bags and hair accessories.”

Recently-married Nicola added, “It is so exciting to be able to offer wedding dresses at such affordable prices. Our shop allows everyone,

this exciting new venture, please get in touch

regardless of budget, to feel like a princess on

with Maria or Louise on 01463 227902 or

their special day – with the added bonus of

apply online:

knowing that buying their dress will help the

www.highlandhospice.org/get-involved

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DISCOUNT AVAILABLE 10% DISCOUNT WHEN YOU AND A FRIEND BOOK ON THE SAME DAY SAME TOWN

If you are looking for a purely functional storage shed, or an ornate summer house - we stock the lot!

10% OAP DISCOUNT ON OVENS & CARPET CLEANING 10% DISCOUNT REBOOKING WITHIN 6 MTHS OF LAST VISIT

FULL DOUBLE OVEN & 3 CARPETS CLEANED... ÂŁ125 (double ovens & Ovens and Grill section) FULL RANGE CLEANED & 3 CARPETS CLEANED... ÂŁ150 (grill & 2 oven sections) extra ÂŁ10 for gas topped ranges

BOOK 2 CARPETS GET 3RD FREE

FREEPHONE 0800 0352498

For bookings or further information

Waterford Road, Forres IV36 3ED 4EL s &AX www.noblestimberbuildings.co.uk

T&c's prices may be subject to a travel fee and are not in conjuction with any other discounts on our page extractors are seperate to this offer

07779 080830

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Circular Saws Guillotine Blades Chipper Blades Bandsaws

WANTED OLD, UNUSED AND BROKEN MACHINERY FOR RECYCLING

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The Room

Christmas Menu Three courses £20.95 STARTER Honey Roasted Parsnip Soup served with Parsnip Crisps and Crusty Bread.

Scottish Smoked Salmon with Pickled Cauliflower and Capers.

Ham Hock Ballotine, served with Celeriac Remoulade and Wholegrain Toast.

Crispy Pressed Turkey, with Burnt Onion Puree, Wild Mushrooms and Crispy Onions.

MAIN Roast Turkey with Apricot and Sage Stuffing, all the Trimmings and Turkey Jus. Pan Fried Halibut, served with Sweet Potatoes, Pea and Broad Bean Fricassée and a Mussel Sauce.

Assiette of Beets with Grilled Goats Cheese and Creamy Pearl Barley.

Seared Venison served with Braised Red Cabbage, Braised Shank Croquette, Butternut Squash Puree and a Blackberry Jus. Grilled Pork Belly with Mustard Mash, Savoy Cabbage, Caramelised Apple and a Cider Jus. SWEET Chocolate Mousse with Hazelnut Crumble and Condensed Milk Sorbet.

BANDS NOVEMBER 28th..... Flashmob DECEMBER 4th............... Ezra 5th...... The Shire 11th............. Rant 12th..............Biro 18th.Kinky Karma 19th.... The Shire 26th............ TBC 31st ............. Rant

Caramelised Pear with Frangipane Oats and Crème Fraîche Ice Cream.

Traditional Christmas Pudding with Brandy Crème Anglaise.

A Selection of Local Cheeses served with Oatcakes (£1.50 supplement).

For bookings call: 01463 233077