Lamplight winter 2019

ISSUE 10

Winter 2019

LampLIGHT LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR MORAY & NAIRN

I N S I D E

Amy Muthven FEATURED ARTIST

Scotland’s Rural Heritage

BY HEIDI SANDS

For Auld Lang Syne

BY ELEANOR WEBSTER

Mountain Minister

BY JON MACKENZIE

e r u t a e F g n Weddi

u know to plan yo to d e e n u o y g Ever ythin

r wedding

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PLUS much more inside...

WHO WE ARE DON’T BELIEVE US?

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tiling and even chimney sweeping. We

business with years of experience in

use the best of materials and flue

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ourselves on our ability to turn an old

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At our showroom in Elgin we have a

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We love what we do and believe that

plenty of brochures if you need more

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years with a lot of challenges and this

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Looking for a HOME away from HOME? A pet friendly motorhome coming to the fleet from March 2019 07825 172891 U info@saltiremotorhomes.co.uk Strathlene House, Elgin, Moray, IV30 8NB

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2019 SEASON Full Membership................. £285 Senior Membership ............. £235 Country Membership ............ £235 Ladies Membership ............. £185 Junior Membership................£60 Couple Joining Together.........£430

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Welcome to the Winter Issue of our quarterly lifestyle magazine, Lamplight.

This issue has an attractive feature on weddings and our normal mountaineering and gardening articles but probably my favourite is the article on Scotland’s Woman’s Land Army which describes the impact these women and girls had during the two world wars.

Look out also for our regular artist feature this issue highlighting Amy Methven, a local artist focused on cartoon art. Continuing our series on locally written stories there is an article on Hogmanay memories written by Eleanor Webster which also makes an interesting read.

LampLIGHT

It seems an age since we voted on Brexit and it often appears that we are no closer to finding out what that will mean for us all. I hope and pray that the leaders and members of the various parties will find some way to come to a consensus so that we poor folk can get on with our living. In the meantime I do hope that our little offering brings some enjoyment to you!

LAMPLIGHT IS PUBLISHED BY: Winterburn Media LTD Unit 15, Horizon Scotland, Enterprise Park, Forres, Moray, IV36 2AB Tel: 01309 690063 EDITOR: David Nelmes - David@winterburnmedia.co.uk PRODUCTION and ART & DESIGN: Flo Skinner - Flo@winterburnmedia.co.uk SALES: Susan Innes - Susan@winterburnmedia.co.uk Heather Ward - Heather@winterburnmedia.co.uk

Nairn - Sainsburys, Co-op Forres - Tesco, Co-op, Mackenzie & Cruickshank, Logie Steading, Brodie Countryfare Elgin - Johnstons, Marks & Spencer, Tesco, Aldi, Lidl, Asda Buckie - Tesco, Lidl, Co-op Keith - Tesco, Various other shops Aberlour - Spey Larder, Co-op Grantown - Co-op, Scotmid Lossiemouth - Co-op - Queen St, Co-op - Faroes St

&RQWHQWV Wedding Feature

- Page 8

Scotland’s Rural Heritage

- Page 19

Book Review

- Page 24

Mountain Minister

- Page 26

For Auld Lang Syne

- Page 33

Accessorising Guide

- Page 38

Featured Artist

- Page 40

Green Thumb

- Page 46

Tom Angel - Gardening Advice

- Page 49

ACCOUNTS: Alan Radley - Alan@winterburnmedia.co.uk ůů ŵĂƚĞƌŝĂů ĐŽŶƚĂŝŶĞĚ ǁŝƚŚŝŶ ƚŚĞ >ĂŵƉůŝŐŚƚ ŵĂŐĂnjŝŶĞ ŝƐ ƐƵďũĞĐƚ ƚŽ ĨŽƌŵĂů ĐŽƉLJƌŝŐŚƚ ƌĞƐƚƌŝĐƟŽŶƐ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞƌĞĨŽƌĞ lmaplight black logo.pdf ƚŚĞ ƌĞƉƌŽĚƵĐƟŽŶ ŽĨ ĂŶLJ ůŝƐƟŶŐƐ͕ ĞĚŝƚŽƌŝĂů͕ ĂĚǀĞƌƟƐĞƌ ĂƌƚǁŽƌŬ Žƌ ĂŶLJ ŽƚŚĞƌ ĐŽŶƚĞŶƚ͕ ǁŝƚŚŽƵƚ ƚŚĞ ƉƵďůŝƐŚĞƌƐ ƉƌŝŽƌ consent, will be considered a breach of copyright.

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with

Slimming FREE World

membership* *when you buy a 12-week Countdown 23rd Dec 2018 to 19th Jan 2019

plus

all-new

gold

anniversary

pack MONDAY CULLEN 5.30pm, 7.30pm Cullen Bowling & Tennis Club, Reidhaven Place,Cullen, Buckie, AB56 4RN Call Dawn 07763 032849

ELGIN 5.30pm and 7.30pm Elgin City Football Club Ltd Borough Briggs Road, Elgin, IV30 1AP Call Shirley on 07434 164091

ELGIN 3.30pm, 5.30pm, 7.30pm The Eight Acres Hotel, Morriston Road, Elgin, IV30 6UL Call Lenore on 07795 364354

HOPEMAN 5.30pm and 7.30pm Hopeman Memorial Hall, Farquhar Street, IV30 5SL Call June on 07730 924178

KINLOSS 6.30pm Kinloss & Findhorn Church Hall, Findhorn Road, Kinloss, IV36 3TX Call Kay on 07768 131676

WEDNESDAY

TUESDAY BUCKIE 3.30pm, 5.30pm, 7.30pm Buckpool Golf Club, Barhill Road, Buckie, AB56 1DU Call Dawn on 07763 032849 CULLEN 8am, 10am Cullen Bowling & Tennis Club, Reidhaven Place,Cullen, Buckie, AB56 4RN Call Dawn 07763 032849 DUFFTOWN 5.30pm, 7.30pm Commercial Hotel, Church Street, Dufftown, AB55 4AR Call Janice on 01340 820796 ELGIN 9.30am The Eight Acres Hotel, Morriston Road, Elgin, IV30 6UL Call Lenore on 07795 364354

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THURSDAY ELGIN 3.30pm, 5.30pm, 7.30pm Harvest Centre Elgin, 10 Greyfriars Street, Elgin, IV30 1LF Call Kirsty on 07595 882258

ELGIN 9.30am Elgin City Football Club Ltd Borough Briggs Road, Elgin, IV30 1AP Call Shirley on 07434 164091

KEITH 3.30pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm Legion Scotland Keith & District, 63A Balloch Road, Keit, AB55 5EN Call Dawn on 07763 032849

ELGIN 5.45pm and 7.30pm New Elgin & Ashgrove Public Hall, Land Street, New Elgin, Elgin, IV30 6BN Call Janice on 01340 820796

LOSSIEMOUTH 5.30pm, 7.30pm Lossiemouth Community Centre, Coulardbank Road, Lossiemouth, IV31 6JW Call Joyce on 07813 559850

FOCHABERS 9.30am, 11.30am, 5.30pm, 7.30pm The Scout Hall, Christie Place, Fochabers, IV32 7HN Call Sarah on 07872 474544

FRIDAY

FORRES 7.30am, 9.30am,11.30am, 5.30pm, 7.30pm Scout Hall, Bank Lane, Forres, IV36 1NU Call Kay on 07768 131676 NAIRN 8am, 10am, 5.30pm, 7.30pm St Ninian Church, 6 Queens St, Nairn, IV12 4AA Call Dawn on 07712 051678

slimmingworld.co.uk 0344 897 8000

LOSSIEMOUTH 7.30am, 9.30am Lossiemouth Community Centre, Coulardbank Road, Lossiemouth, IV31 6JW Call Joyce on 07813 559850

SATURDAY ELGIN 7.30am, 9.30am New Elgin & Ashgrove Public Hall, Land Street, New Elgin, Elgin, IV30 6BN Call Kirsty on 07595 882258

Bishopmill LAMP jan 19.pdf

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BISHOPMILL P H A R M A C Y For all your health, beauty & pharmaceutical needs Services Include:

Flu Immunisation Blood Pressure Testing Cholesterol Testing Diabetes Testing Disposal of Medicines Smoking Cessation Travel Vaccination Clinic To start the consultation customers can fill in the details of their trip / holiday before contacting the pharmacy at etraveltool.com

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Tel: 01343 547 374 AK Cleaning Lamp Jan 19.pdf

Available In Store

Address:20 North Street, Bishopmill, Elgin, Moray,IV30 4EF www.bishopmillpharmacy.co.uk 1

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A K Cleaning Elgin ‘For all your cleaning requirements in Moray’ 01343 552177 / 07789 811418

LAUNDRY & IRONING SERVICE Other Services:

Domestic Cleaning One-off Cleans Rental Properties Holiday Homes Carpet Cleaning Community Halls

Offices Laundry Ovens Ironing

akcleaningelgin@yahoo.com lamplight logo.pdf 4 19/12/2017 09:45 lmaplight black logo.pdf 3 19/12/2017

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Choosing a wedding dress?

1.

Not sure where to start?

Choose a style . . .

Traditional

2.

Choose the coverage . . .

Casual Romantic

Strapless

Choose your details . . .

3.

Lace Soft Color 3D Flowers

Vintage

Tank or Sleeveless

Modern

Short or Cap Sleeves

Low Back

Rustic

3/4 or Long Sleeves

Off the Shoulder

Plunging Neckline

Glamorous

Dramatic Skirt Beading

4.

Choose a silhouette . . .

Ba ll G o w n A fitted bodice paired with a dramatic full skirt. Good for: defining your waistline.

S h ea th A slim cut follows the body’s natural shape. Good for: tall and petite brides.

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S h ort / T e a - L e ngt h Hemlines tea-length and higher. Good for: casual events or a second dress.

M er ma id / Tru mpet Slim through the bodice and hips before flaring out.

Good for: enhancing curves.

A- L in e Trim on the top with a skirt that widens gradually.

Good for: flattering all figures.

A lter nat i ve Jumpsuits, rompers, and separates. Good for: a unique look.

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Easy Wedding Crafts

Simple ideas to make your wedding special

Jar Vases Wrap burlap, lace, ribbon or fabric around a jar or bottle and a beautiful table decoration is created

Paper Flowers Use a second hand book and cut into

Noughts and Crosses

spirals. Glue together for pretty and

Easy, cheap and fun wedding favour

elegant decorations

Get Your Punch Out!

Card Keepsake

Leaf Confetti

Map Garland

Punch out a shape in each of

Great for an autumn wedding,

If you love to travel, drape these

your wedding cards and arrange

and free!

hearts around the venue for

in a frame to create an eye catching work of art lmaplight black logo.pdf

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simple but effective decor

Granite Pride of Scotland

,1 *IN (E/ LG OH SaDle LUeH 6 +ir (E[x -H th 2QnGd - 9WK FKh !

MDaUrc 0

www.mccalls.co.uk

For information and prices contact

McCalls of Elgin 54 South Street 01343 540590 or elgin@mccalls.co.uk

Recognised by the Guild of Master Craftsmen lmaplight black logo.pdf

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Wedding Checklist: Finances

Flowers

Work out what’s most important. Have you always dreamt of having a big chocolate fountain or arriving at the church in a horse and carriage?

Or maybe you can’t stand the thought of a party without live music? When it comes to handling your wedding budget, it’s better to be selective and invest more in the things that really matter to you, rather than involving too many elements and then having to compromise on everything. Get your must-haves sorted straight away and make cuts on the less important details.

Start with the seasons. While you can have flowers flown in from far flung corners of the world, we recommend working with the blooms that are naturally flowering when you get married. They’ll be fresh, vibrant, and naturally marry with the landscape around you in the photographs. You should also save money because you won’t be paying for any air miles. Once you’ve had your fill of flower inspiration from Wedding Ideas, Pinterest and Instagram (we all do it!), go forth and find the florist to make those ideas reality.

They’ll need to be in budget and available for your wedding date. The real key to success here, though, is to match your florist to the flowers you want.

Venue Some couples instinctively know they want to head for their hometown to get married. Others prefer to tie the knot where they live currently, where they first met, where they love to go on holiday. It’s easy to forget that you have all of these options. Begin by deciding where in the world you actually want to get married. It’ll make short-listing and visiting venues much simpler.

Marrying at home can make things easier because you don’t have to transport lots of things abroad, but destination weddings can often save you money. Which will be right for you?

Favours Another great wedding icon – the humble favour has become central to the decoration of your wedding reception, as well as giving your wedding guests a lovely reminder of your big day that they can take home with them.

Be as creative and as inventive as you like, or play it safe with a lottery ticket for each of your guests – there are so many options that finding the right one for your big day can seem daunting

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Dress Gone are the days where wedding dresses meant only ball gowns. Fit and flare, Mermaid, A-line, slim-fitting, separates. There are lots of different shapes available, both for the gown itself, the neckline and the train. Spend some time flicking through Wedding Ideas’ dress and fashion features and check out the beautiful collections online to get a feel for what’s out there, then go forth and try on!

Lots of brides tell us that they chose the dress shape they never ever thought they would, so be brave and try things that you don’t think you’ll like. You might be surprised!

Most wedding dresses are made to measure, just for you, so they need to be ordered well in advance of your wedding day. You should usually allow 6-8 months for this, so start looking for your dress as soon as you feel ready. Try on as many as possible to make sure you know what you don’t want as much as what you do.

Photographer Remember that your photographer is the pro, so—while it’s helpful—you shouldn’t spend too much time putting together a detailed shot list for them. Instead, pass along your day-of timeline, give them an idea of what images you’d like captured (like a shot with each of your bridesmaids in addition to wedding party portraits) and let them do their thing. In order to get the best photos, go with a pro who has a firm grasp of social graces but is bold enough to go out hunting for great images and who, above all, puts you at ease and doesn't irritate you in any way.

Remember: They'll be shadowing your every move, and the more comfortable both of you are with the photographer, the better the photos will turn out.

Cake Traditional wedding cakes are often three tiers, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have two, four, five or just the one (we’ve got some single tier show-stoppers to whet your appetite). The tiers should reflect the number of guests you would like to feed, as well as personal preference. This is another of the often overlooked hidden costs attached to a bigger guest list – expect to pay more not just for your venue hire and wedding breakfast themselves, but also for larger cakes, more table centres and additional bottles of wine too.

The Perfect Wedding Venue The Muthu Newton Hotel W

NAIRN

W

Wedding Fayre - Sunday 10th February 2019, 12 noon - 3 pm

The Chapel

The Wedding

Call our wedding planner who will be delighted to help you with arrangements for your special day The Muthu Newton Hotel offers the perfect Wedding Venue We are licensed to host civil ceremonies & partnerships with receptions up to 250 guests.

For further information call: 01667 453144 email: nwt.sales@muthuhotel.com

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WEDDINGS ON THE WEB wix.com Wix isn't just for wedding websites.

Free, easy and with a seriously slick and professional edge, this is the techy couple's website builder of choice.

www.timelesswhite.co.uk Timeless white are luxury wedding planners based in Scotland, offering tailored wedding planning packages to suit luxury Scottish weddings and beautiful, romantic destination weddings in Scotland.

Wedding Top Tips Buy a new perfume.

It’s a great way to be reminded of your special day.

Take advantage of the high cost of weddings and sign up for a credit card with a rewards program.

On your RSVP cards, ask guests to request a song.

Create a hashtag for guests to use at the wedding to upload and tag you in all the photos.

weddingplanner.co.uk Functionalities include a wedding planning checklist plus a budget and guest list tracker. This site will save both time and stress.

gettingmarried.co.uk Create a beautifully designed, mobile-friendly website to share your wedding plans with family and friends. Manage your guests, wedding gift list, and RSVPs all in one place.

bridebook.co.uk More of a digital planner for you, rather than your guests, Bridebook is a handy website and app in one that allows you to plan every aspect of your wedding, from finding and contacting suppliers to keeping an eye on your budget and managing your guest list. lmaplight black logo.pdf

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Don’t sweat the small stuff.

Things may go wrong on the day, but chances are, you’re the only one that will notice.

When getting your wedding dress altered, make sure you can sit down before they make your dress smaller!

Clan Lamplight Jan 19.pdf

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Boda flowers Jan 19.pdf

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www.clanhouse.org #Livingwithcancer

Unique and chic flowers that are individually tailored for you and every occasion.

CLAN in the community Providing emotional and practical support to people affected by cancer, their family, friends and carers.

UÊ7i `` }

Wellbeing and support services are freely available to all, from pre-diagnosis and diagnosis through treatment and beyond at support centres across Moray, located in Elgin, Buckie, Forres and Lossiemouth.

UÊ À« À> Ìi UÊ Õ i À> UÊ*i ÀÃ > Telephone: 01343 544132 elgin@clanhouse.org

Cancer support for all Deveron HP Lamp Jan 19.pdf

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BODA FLOWERS T 01542 834137 | M 07875 597357 5 West Cathcart Street | Buckie | AB56 1PN

16:52

Deveron Coaches Ltd For all your private and business transport requirements please consider our familyrun business.

We will provide luxury 8-67 seater buses & coaches for weddings, tours, sports, corporate and social events or any other requirements, we take great pride in customer service and competitive pricing to deliver what we believe is a high quality reliable coach hire service.

Buckie - 01542 836363 Macduff - 01261 832912 enquiries@deveroncoaches.com

INNES HOUSE

Weddings and Corporate Entertainment A Unique place for any Occasion

Innes House is a 17th century Scottish country house set in the Moray countryside.

Surrounded by a beautiful landscaped walled garden and a marquee that encloses the memorial garden, this venue is not only stunning, but unique. Family owned, lived in and run, we take pride in helping you to create the wedding of your dreams. Our close knit staff will welcome you & your guests, and help you to plan a day that you will never forget.

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You can opt to get married in our gardens where we have 3 areas that you can choose from, or inside in one of our ballrooms.

The marquee is attached to the house and creates a dining area, whilst the ballroom next to it becomes your dance floor in the evening. You and your guests can dine in the marquee around the fountain and enjoy the delights of dining outdoors whilst under cover. The summer house turns into a fully functioning bar, also inside the marquee. After a good night's sleep in one of our en-suite bedrooms, you can have a relaxing breakfast in the Red ballroom, with views across the gardens and rolling countryside.

Innes House, Elgin, Moray IV30 8NG Tel. 01343 842410 enquiries@inneshouse.co.uk www.inneshouse.co.uk lmaplight black logo.pdf

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wedding ideas HP jan 19.pdf

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To give your guests something sweet to read, display a relationship timeline chalkboard.

wedding ideas

Have your guests write their guestbook wishes on the back of jigsaw pieces.

Candles in lanterns create a super romantic lighting effect for your ceremony.

Hand out heart-shaped sparklers for your ceremony exit.

Get a photo of you holding your parents' wedding photos.

Lochness LAMP Jan 19.pdf

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F U R NIT U R E We sell high quality upholstered (to order if required) items, including, sofas, chairs, dining chairs, fabrics, furniture, lighting, clocks and a great selection of one off and quirky giftware. We always try to offer something alternative to the norm. The shop is also a great place for people to drop in, have a chat and enquire about having something reupholstered and browse our large range of fabrics.

U P HO LS T ERY The workshop staff have a great eye for detail and specialiase in modern, antique and traditional horse hair, commercial, car, camper and caravan, marine and plane reupholstery, as well as the the manufacture of bespoke sofas, cushions, chairs, headboards, stools and more, all in high quality fabrics and materials from leading brands.

106 Hi gh S tr e e t, NAIRN t : 0 1 6 6 7 7 0 8497 • e : sh op@l ochnessfurniture.co.uk

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estled in a corner of the countryside at Clochan, not far from the villages of Drybridge and Aultmore, sits one of Scotland’s more surprising nods to rural heritage.

Dedicated to the many women and girls who gave their all to keeping Scotland’s farming industry running through two world wars, the Women’s Land Army Memorial is dedicated to remembering and acknowledging these remarkable women and their work.

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Overlooking open farmland with

life many of these girls had been

Many had never been away from

If all this sounds like hard work,

the Moray Firth in view, this

used to.

home, never mind on a farm and

then indeed it was, but along with

striking

for some the existence was cold,

the hard graft and extremes of

working past. Flanked by grazing

memorial

One thing is for certain; without the

spartan and lonely. For others it

weather came a camaraderie the

sheep

the

efforts of the Land Army Girls

was the greatest time of their lives;

like of which many of these young

rich

Scotland would have been a poorer

making lifelong friends, learning

girls had never experienced before.

tapestry of rural life and although

and hungrier place. When times

new skills and in some cases

They helped each other through the

the memorial lies on fertile land,

were hard and male farm workers

meeting

future

cold, dark winters and together

such may not have been the case for

had, by and large, joined the forces

spouses. Some were billeted on

learned to milk cows, feed pigs,

the many thousands of farms, on

and gone overseas to fight for King

farms with a caring farmer’s wife to

collect eggs from hens and drive

which

and

memorial

echoes

arable

land

symbolises

Land

Army

a

look after and feed them, others

tractors and horses. For most being

them

urban

were expected to toil in the farm or

in close daily contact with animals

country, arrived. Toiling on farms,

backgrounds,

their

croft house as well as out on the

was a new experience one which

and not forgetting their sisters the

headscarves, thick socks and heavy

land, and in some cases these

gave them new found confidence in

‘Lumberjills’

boots and took to the land for the

young lasses were no more than

their own ability.

first time in their lives.

seventeen years old.

in

forestry, these girls worked across

with

town pulled

and on

the length and breadth of Scotland and it was certainly different to the

Welcome to the memorial sign

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20

marrying

and Country, these lasses, many of

worked

who

and

answered the call to serve their

who

Girls

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Formed in 1917 the Women’s Land

estimated

Army in Britain came under the

women worked at some time or

guiding hand of the then Minister

another within the perimeters of

Many girls learned to make butter,

memorial at Clochan not only

of Agriculture, Roland Prothero.

the

Army

cheese or bread, others watched

celebrates their working lives in a

Over its lifetime 80,000 women

movement. Learning the ropes of

over flocks of sheep or experienced

unique way, it also reminds us of

joined

thus

any new industry is difficult but

cattle giving birth for the first time.

the sacrifice that many of these

maintaining food production until

when that industry is largely

Some wrestled turnips from frozen

ladies once made for us all. The

it was disbanded in 1950. Forging

dependant on the changing seasons

ground or assisted with harnessing

monument, unveiled in October

strong links in the countryside in

and weather fluctuations, then the

heavy horses for a day’s work out in

2012 by HRH Prince Charles, The

which they worked many of these

learning experience becomes so

the fields. Undaunted by this kind

Duke of Rothesay was crafted and

women simply never returned

much more difficult. Having youth

of work most girls got stuck in and

built by Peter W. Naylor, who was

home. Many took up posts and

on their side helped these girls,

took over these tasks freeing up the

also

positions in villages and small

however, and being flexible in their

farmer’s time or enabling him to do

Bomber Command’ memorial. The

communities workers

the

after

movement

devoid the

that

Women’s

around

Land

8,500

such is the diversity of rural living.

Today many of these land army girls

are

senior

responsible

citizens.

for

the

The

‘158

of

male

approach assisted even more. Girls

more intricate or skilled tasks such

Clochan memorial is quite unlike

war.

Some

who began life on one farm and

as fencing, ploughing or walling. By

anything else you’ve perhaps seen

married local men, raising families

were moved to another often found

the end of their time on the farm

for it takes the form of a farm gate

and the next generation of rural

that what they had learned on one

many of these girls could assist

upon which a raft of smiling lassies

dwellers.

farm simply didn’t fit on another;

with most jobs put before them.

stand waving at passers by.

Within

Scotland

it’s

The memorial site

Commemorative stone

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LampLIGHT 21 LampLIGHT

09

the most remarkable features of

between which it is erected, a metal

this board is a collection of stones,

chain holds the gate shut and the

all different in hue, size and

I can only hope so, for in our hour

lasses parade themselves in open

makeup. These are stones from

of need Scotland’s towns and cities

necked dungarees of the day, one

individual farms in each of the

emptied itself of urban females and

even holds a hat in triumph above

regions of Scotland in which Land

alongside those who joined the call

her head and a discarded hoe leans

Army Girls worked. Ranging from

for assistance in factories and other

against the gate as if ready to be

Argyll to the Isles and Galloway to

occupations,

taken

Orkney

been

landscape that was alien to them.

Unpainted, the rusty appearance

forgotten by those seeking to

Their combined efforts and power

only adds to the ambience of the

commemorate this unique group of

knew few bounds; we have a lot to

scene.

women in Scotland. Perhaps even

be grateful for, without them

up

again

for

work.

no-where

has

triumphed

in

a

more remarkable is the fact that

modern farming may have been so

and

Moray was chosen to host this

very different.

alongside it sits a commemorative

memorial, we have certainly been

stone

fortunate in more ways than one.

It’s

a

joyous

monument

complete

with

plaque

The

Women’s

Memorial

informing visitors of the work done

is

a

Land free

Army to

visit

by the Land Army in its heyday.

2017 marked 100 years since the

memorial, open every day of the

Nearby the plaque an information

inception of the Women’s Land

year situated at Clochan on Crown

board

contribution

Army, by 1918 this group of women

Estate Land near Fochabers.

made to the farming industry by

were 20,000 strong. Would such a

the Women’s Land Army. One of

call to arms by young British

marks

the

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22

women take place today?

The metal gate has two gateposts

LampLIGHT

09:44

Waving Land Girls

The Gun Exchange Lamp Jan 19.pdf

1

12/12/2018

09:46

THE GUN EXCHANGE FOR ALL YOUR SHOOTING NEEDS RETAILERS OF SHOTGUNS, RIFLES, AMMUNITION AND A GOOD RANGE OF COUNTRY CLOTHING

J hind Woodside Farm LAMP dec 18.pdf

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Family Run, Working Farm with a Farm Shop, Coffee Shop and Indoor Play Area

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ŸåųƴĜÏåŸØ ±ĹƼ ĵåÚĜϱƋĜŅĹ ŞųåŸÏųĜÆåÚ Ņų ŞųŅÚƚÏƋŸ ŞƚųÏʱŸåÚ ƵĘĜÏĘ ±ųå Ïʱųčå±ÆĬå ±ĹÚ ĵƚŸƋ Æå Ş±ĜÚ ĜĹ üƚĬĬţ Ęå Ņýåų ʱŸ ĹŅ ŅƋĘåų ĵŅĹåƋ±ųƼ ƴ±Ĭƚåţ cŅ ϱŸĘ ±ĬƋåųűƋĜƴåţ ĘĜŸ Ņýåų ϱĹĹŅƋ Æå ƚŸåÚ ĜĹ ÏŅĹģƚĹÏƋĜŅĹ ƵĜƋĘ ±ĹƼ ŅƋĘåų Ņýåų Ņų ŸÏĘåĵåØ ĜĹÏĬƚÚĜĹč Ęå Bå±ĬƋĘƼ {åƋ ĬƚÆţ

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09

BOOK CLUB Adult Non-Fiction

Dynasties

Adult Non-Fiction

By Stephen Moss

Becoming

By Michelle Obama In her memoir, a work of deep reflection and mesmerizing storytelling, Michelle Obama invites readers into her world, chronicling the experiences that have shaped her-from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years as an executive balancing the demands of motherhood and work, to her time spent at the world's most famous address. Warm, wise, and revelatory, Becoming is the deeply personal reckoning of a woman of soul and substance who has steadily defied expectations-and whose story inspires us to do the same.

Family isn't just important. It's everything. From lions hunting as a pride to penguins huddling together to keep from freezing in the bitter Antarctic winter, many animals are dependent on complex social relationships for their survival. With over 200 stunning photographs and insights MYVT [OL JYL^ VM [OL ))* ZLYPLZ +`UHZ[PLZ°YL]LHSZ PU astonishing detail the intricate social lives of our planet's most fascinating animals.

Adult Fiction

My Brilliant Friend

By Elena Ferrante The story begins in the 1950s, in a poor neighborhood on the outskirts of Naples. Growing up on these tough streets the two girls learn to rely on each other ahead of anyone or anything else. As they grow, as their paths repeatedly diverge and converge, Elena and Lila remain best friends whose respective destinies are reflected and refracted in the other.

Adul Fiction

Fox 8

By George Saunders Fox 8 has always been curious, and a bit of a daydreamer. And, by hiding outside houses at dusk and listening to children's bedtime stories, he has learned to speak `Yuman'. The power of words and the stories built from them is intoxicating for a fox with a poetic soul, but there is `danjur' on the horizon: a new shopping mall is being built, cutting off his pack's food supply. To save himself and his fellow foxes, Fox 8 will have to set out on a harrowing quest from the wilds of nature deep into the dark heart of suburbia.

Junior Non-Fiction

Fantastically Great Women Who Made History

Teenage Fiction

The Boneless Mercies

By April Genevieve Tucholke

Junior Fiction

Frey, Ovie, Juniper, and Runa are Boneless Mercies - death-traders, hired to kill quickly, quietly and mercifully. It is a job for women, and women only.

Men will not do this sad, dark work.

Frey has no family, no home, no fortune, and yet her blood sings a song of glory.

So when she hears of a monster slaughtering men, women, and children in a northern jarldom, she decides this is the Mercies' one chance to change their fate.

By Andrew Zurcher

By Kate Pankhurst Travel through the Underground Railroad with the brave and courageous Harriet Tubman, turn the pages of the hauntingly brilliant Frankenstein with the incredibly talented Mary Shelley and prepare yourself for an unforgettable journey through history with these and many other remarkable women.

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19/12/2017

09:44

Twelve Nights

Kay's father is working late- as usual. Fed up, her mother bundles Kay and her sister into the car, and drives to his Cambridge college to collect him.

But, the staff say nobody by his name has ever worked there. When they return home, Kay discovers a card left on her pillow: Will O. de Wisp, Gent. F.H.S.P. and Phillip R. T. Gibbet, Gent. F.H.S.P. K.Bith.

REMOVALS. That night, Kay is woken by voices at her window: the voices of Will and Phillip, the Removers. But they are not human. And Kay shouldn't be able to see them. Except she can...

Young Adult Sci-Fi

Satellite

By Nick Lake Leo has never set foot on Earth. Born and raised with twins Orion and Libra on the Moon 2 Space Station, they have grown up together in the most extraordinary of ways.

Now, they are preparing to make their first trip home - their first journey to Earth. But Leo, Orion and Libra cannot possibly imagine the irreversible consequences that their return will set into motion...

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The mpg figures quoted, sourced from official EU-regulated test results (EU Directive and regulation 692/2008), are provided for comparability purposes and may not reflect your actual driving experience. *Finance subject to status. Guarantees may be required. Freepost Ford Credit. Further charges may be made subject to mileagee and a condition if the vehicle is returned at the end of the agreement. If you select a Personal Contract Purchase agreement you have the option at the end of the agreement to: (1) return the vehicle and not pay the Final Payyment. (2) pay the Final Payment to own the vehicle or (3) part exchange the vehicle.. Y Yoou will not own the vehicle until all payments have been made. Model is shown with optional Deep Impact Blue paint at £495 (RRP). ^Discount offer applies to members of HM Forces (UK and Overseas). HM Forces membership identity must be shown at point of purchase - not available in conjunction with any other current offers. 18% discount figure is ba sed on a Ford S-Max model, discount percentage varies on a model-to-model basis. Park’s of Hamilton (Townhead Garage) Limited is an Appointed Representative of Park’s of Hamilton (Holdings) Limited, FRN 308476 of 14 4 Bothwell B Road, Hamilton, ML3 0AY AY, which w is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Park’s of Hamilton (Holdings) Limited permitted business is Insurance Mediation and to act as a Credit Broker. We cann introduce i you to a limited number of finance providers to assist with your purchase, who may remunerate us for introducing you to them.

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T HE

MOUNTAIN

MINISTER

O ve rco m i n g

fears

By Rev. Dr Jon Mackenzie

Having spoken with a lot of Munro baggers, I have learned there is a certain level of fear that arises before an excursion out into the hills. Not a paralyzing fear or dreadful terror: if hill walking did that to people hardly anyone would venture out. No, what I am talking about is the vague anxiety that is concerned with two things. Firstly, will I get to the top and reach/find the summit? Secondly, will I manage the former safely?

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Aonach Eagach is not for the faint hearted

If hill walking was completely easy and every trip was guaranteed to be dry, successful and safe, the challenge of ZRUNLQJ \RXU ZD\ DFURVV DOO RI 6FRWODQG·V 0XQURV ZRXOG EH PLVVLQJ VRPHWKLQJ 7KH DFKLHYHPHQW RI ¶EDJJLQJ· WKH Munros lies partly in the danger and unpredictability that JRHV ZLWK WKH OLWHUDO ¶XSV DQG GRZQV· RI ZDONLQJ LQ WKH KLOOV It is widely agreed there are some hills which are more dangerous than others, much in the same way that it is much safer to travel to some countries than others. Equally true, is that no matter what foreign country you decide to travel to, there is always a danger which is the same on the hill. A person can twist an ankle as easily on a narrow rocky ridge as a wide grassy knoll. Generally, however, it is the hills with the jagged and exposed ridges which are considered to be more fear-inducing. Liathach in the Torridon hill range is known for its long twisting ridge, as is ¶7KH 6DGGOH· ZLWK LWV )RUFDQ 5LGJH 1HLWKHU RI ZKLFK UHTXLUH ropes, just a careful placing of your feet and a head for heights. Outwith the Cuillin Ridge on Skye – a sinuous and extensive ridge, some 12km long and includes 30 summits of which 11 are Munros – the most feared ridge on the British mainland is the Aonach Eagach in Glencoe. It is a hill with two Munro summits and a lot of ridge.

Aonach Eagach is not for the faint-hearted. Due to the large sheer drops at both ends of the ridge (and many points in-between), once you are on it, there is no real way off!

Well, no way off without dicing with death … and losing. The ascent up to the summit from either end of the ridge is not too bad. Either route is steep and both offer stunning views the length of Glencoe and beyond, providing you get a day in Glencoe that is not cloudy, misty or raining, which is quite a feat in itself. The scare stories from Aonach Eagach are plentiful, and the advice from most (what shall we say, survivors?) people who have climbed it, is to pick a dry day with good visibility. The dryness stops the potential of slipping down smooth-faced rocks and the clearness helps you enjoy the views. Although, we met another two people on the hill that day who told us their friend had once traversed the ridge on a day with minimal visibility and thought it was excellent. When he returned on a clear day for a second shot, he was almost scared to death because he could now see the drops which were previously shrouded in cloud! Photos of the ridge do not add any sense of comfort or safety.

Aonach Eagach

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Stunning Views from Aonach Eagach

Sheer drop on Aonach Eagach

Glencoe from Aonach Eagach

I loved it.

The views, the adrenaline, the achievement

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09:44

All things considered, I put off climbing Aonach Eagach for a number of years. I wanted to go on a clear, dry day, with at least one other person who was not a novice on the hills. It was not until very recently that all three of these conditions merged into a potential opportunity. So a friend and I drove out late one night to *OHQFRH DQG œFDPSHG¡ XQGHU D WDUS DWWDFKHG to the car in a layby, before heading off in the morning. We chose to tackle the ridge from East to West, as the road at the Eastern end is much higher and so less walking is required, and the road at the Western end has a lovely pub: double bonus. Once the walker reaches the ridge proper, the first obstacle immediately confronts them: a large outcrop of steep, polished rock which stands roughly 50ft high and is unhelpfully right along the path of the ridge. Getting down this geological giant is widely thought of as the worst part of the walk. I had feared it for many years. It turns out, it was not too bad at all really.

Perhaps not something someone on their first Munro should attempt, but nothing that should put off the experienced hill walker.

After the relieved and safe passage down this initial challenge, you get to enjoy the rest of the ridge with its castellated crests, H[SRVHGDUrWHV DQG WRZHULQJ FKLPQH\V  :KRHYHU QDPHG WKH ODVW VHFWLRQ WKH œ&UD]\ 3LQQDFOHV¡ KDV SHUKDSV LQDGYHUWHQWO\ SXW people off from enjoying a fantastic high-ridge experience. I loved it. The views, the adrenaline, the achievement; these all added to a memorable (mainly) dry day, on ZKDW KDV WR EH RQH RI 6FRWODQG¡V PRXQWDLQ gems. If, like me, you have been put off for some time from giving it a go, I would heartily encourage you to overcome your fears.

The Gallery Studio LAMP Jan 19.pdf

1

04/01/2019

14:44

%HDXWLIXO SLFWXUHV ‡ *RUJHRXV KDWV VFDUYHV SRWWHU\ FDUHIXOO\ FKRVHQ JLIWV FDUGV ‡ (VVHQWLDO ILVKLQJ DQG VKRRWLQJ VXSSOLHV

W I N T ER

SA LE

Bespoke Picture Framing Service with 25 years experience ) JH I 4U "CFS M P V S " # 2# t 5 0 1 3 4 0 8 7 1 4 5 7 M : 077667049 1 0 o r 0 7 9 9 0 5 5 1 2 2 1 The Gathern LAMP Jan 19.pdf

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IT’S ALWAYS THE RIGHT TIME

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We do Allday Breakfasts with Vegetarian Options and various Plant Milk Porridges.

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Serving daily lunchtime specials.

Check our Facebook page for updates and your inbox for our newsletter

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Weekends 9am-4pm

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09

in confronting Aonach Eagach, I have gone from fearing it, to admiring it.

The Saddle

Fear is a common experience which shows little sign of abating – especially if the rise of anxiety related issues is anything to go by. Fear is, however, often highly LUUDWLRQDO 7KLV LV ZK\ ¶FRQIURQWLQJ RXU IHDUV· KDV EHFRPH D FRPPRQ DQWLGRWH LQ general parlance. It is certainly true that in confronting Aonach Eagach, I have gone from fearing it, to admiring it.

It may surprise some people to know that the most often repeated command in the %LEOH LV ¶do not fear.· :K\ LV WKDW" %HFDXVH WKHUH LV QRWKLQJ VR IHDUIXO LQ WKLV ZRUOG that God cannot rescue us from, or overcome in our lives. As Jesus taught on more WKDQ RQH RFFDVLRQ ¶all things are possible for God· 0DUN 7KH $SRVWOH 3DXO ZRXOG ODWHU ZULWH WKDW LI *RG LV ¶IRU XV· ZKR RU ZKDW FDQ EH DJDLQVW XV" 7KHUH LV really only one thing mankind has to fear in this life, and that is being unprepared to meet God at the end of our mortal lives. To face the wrath of God for our sins rather than accept the forgiveness of God in Christ, really is something to fear. But if we WUXVW LQ &KULVW DV RXU 6DYLRXU DQG H[SHULHQFH *RG·V WRWDO DQG FRPSOHWH IRUJLYHQHVV then there is nothing left to fear, neither in life or death.

Having now climbed Aonach Eagach, I no longer fear it. Similarly, having died with Christ and risen to newness of life, I no longer fear death either, which is certainly KHOSIXO ZKHQ FOLPELQJ VRPH RI 6FRWODQG·V PRXQWDLQ ULGJHV

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Me on Aonach Eagach

K McGregor Jan 19.pdf

1

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The Red Lion FP Jan 19.pdf

1

28/12/2018

11:35

THE RED LION

K McGregor

CARPENTER & JOINER

F O R R E S

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p u b

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uPVC Doors Windows

Served 12pm-9pm £14.95 for 3 courses

Cladding Commercial Work

(Includes Sunday roast)

All trades supplied Free Estimates

BURGER AND PINT DEAL

No Job Too Small

Wednesday 5pm-9pm Only £9.95 Open seven days a week 12pm - 9pm for food

07799 414872 s 01343 818220 kmcgregorjoinery@gmail.com scottish building society LAMP jan 19.pdf 1 28/11/2018

01309 672716 ª72/%227+ 675((7 )255(6 09:48

YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE. Scottish Building Society is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority (Register No. 206034). Member of the Building Societies Association and UK Finance.

Scottish Building Society, SBS House, 193 Dalry Rd, Edinburgh EH11 2EF.

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GS E IN BL EW LA VI AI AV

Making care mean more in Nairn

Offering high quality, personalised nursing care in a homely environment

St Olaf Room Suit e

St Olaf Care Home

Meaningful Activities St Olaf Care Home offers luxury suites along with a range of services, including: s 24-hour nursing care for the elderly and those living with Dementia s Fine Cuisines - Nutritious meals catering for all dietary needs s Large, dual aspect deluxe rooms

s Event and activities programme s Hairdressing and beauty salon s Easily accessible and landscaped gardens s Private resident transport

Contact home manager Liz to arrange a visit on 01667 454 544

Liz MacRae

St Olaf Care Home Manager

Email: stolaf@meallmore.co.uk Web: www.meallmore.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/meallmore

St Olaf Care Home, Cawdor Road, Nairn IV12 5EF lmaplight black logo.pdf

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For Auld Lang Syne Memories of Hogmanay in Days Gone By B y E l e a n o r We b s t e r

Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And never brought to mind?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And auld lang syne.

For auld lang syne, my jo, For auld lang syne.

We ' l l t a k a c u p o ' k i n d n e s s y e t , For auld lang syne.

And surely ye'll be your pint-stowp!

And surely I'll be mine!

And we'll tak a cup o' kindness yet, For auld lang syne.

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JOHN GAMMIE ‘YOUR FORRES FENCER’

ALL TYPES OF GARDEN FENCES ERECTED AND REPAIRED NO MONEY EXCHANGED UNTIL 100% HAPPY WITH WORK

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I was but a wee quine of six when my father ‘went for a sodger’ with the British Expeditionary Force to France on Friday, 1st September 1939; and I have little recollection of Hogmanay celebrations pre-war. However, my mother was always happy to tell us bairns of how every house in our village, New Elgin, would have an ‘open door’; from midnight on 31st December, and how any friend, neighbour – or, on occasion, complete stranger – out ‘first footing’ with his bottle, a lump of coal for the fire and perhaps a slice of black bun, would be welcomed into the house and offered a dram and some repast: home-made shortbread, clootie dumpling, or maybe a bowl of steaming hot Scotch broth.

T h e au l d year wo u ld b e to aste d out a nd the Ne w Ye a r we lcome d i n w i t h mu ch co n viviality. The re would be singing, da ncing a nd s t o ry - t e llin g , everyo n e exp ecte d to ‘do a tur n’. Re ve lle rs would co me a n d g o a ll th ro u g h th e n ig h t, a nd those la st to le a ve , pe rha ps a bou t 5 o r 6 a m , wo u ld b e sen t o n the ir w a y, ha ving bre a kfa ste d on wha te v er th e wif e o ’ th e h ouse could find in he r ‘pre ss’.

There was little celebration of Hogmanay during the war years, with most of the men and single women away serving in various theatres of war (my dad, after Dunkirk, spending three and a half years in the Middle East before coming home on embarkation leave prior to heading for the Normandy beaches); but Mam always did her best to mark the event. Without fail she would ‘wash the auld year out’, which meant cleaning the house from top to bottom and finish by scrubbing right out, and on to, the back door-step. On New Year’s Day she would endeavour to produce something special for dinner; but with everything rationed and money short, this would be no easy task. If she had helped to pluck chickens at the croft down the road she would be ‘recompensed’ with an old hen, which she would first boil to produce stock for broth; and then roast. I have no idea how she managed, but she could always find the ingredients for a clootie dumpling. I can see her now mixing ‘a handful of this and a handful of that’ in an old enamel basin, tying it up in a scalded ‘cloot’, and steaming it in a pan on the gas stove. Not only can I see it; I can smell it.

In the lean years of the late forties and early fifties, Hogmanay was observed, as far as possible, in the old way. Every housewife ’worth her salt’ would proudly display sausage rolls, sandwiches, shortbread, black bun and other home-baking.

There was keen competition for the ‘best Ne’erday spread.

After midnight all first-footers were made welcome, especially if the first one over the threshold was tall, dark and handsome – with special accent on the dark which was – and still is – considered to be a sign of good fortune for the household throughout the coming year. Every visitor would, as before, proffer a lump of coal, a piece of shortbread and, of course, a dram from his bottle; and would be urged to “give us a song then” before being invited to help himself from the table and to wash it down with ‘a drappie o’ the craitur’.

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On Hogmanay 1954, my new husband, my mother and I, leaving my dad to ‘look efter the hoose’ and entertain any visitors, walked over to the town to first-foot my parents-in-law, and then proceed around their neighbours. Armed with the obligatory offering – a lump of coal, black bun and a bottle of whisky, we set out. It was a very cold, frosty morning and treacherous underfoot. We all linked arms for support – well, with the exception of my father-in-law who, concerned only for the safety of his precious bottle of single malt, which was clasped tightly to his chest, declined any help.

Down he went on the icy pavement. He lost his grip on the bottle which went skittering down the path, shattered against a wall and decanted its amber liquid into a flower bed. I had never before seen a grown man weep.

BLACK BUN RECIPE For the filling: 200g plain flour, plus extra for dusting 200g raisins 400g currants 1 tsp ground mixed spice 1 tsp ground ginger 75g dark muscovado sugar 25g molasses sugar 100g chopped mixed peel ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda 1 tbsp brandy or whisky

1 egg, lightly beaten 3 tbsp milk A generous pinch of freshly ground black pepper For the pastry: 200g plain flour ½ tsp baking powder 50g butter, chilled and cubed 50g vegetable shortenin or lard, chilled and cubed

Method: 1. Make the pastry. Put the flour, baking powder and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. Add the butter and shortening and rub in until it resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in 4 tablespoons of cold water and mix to a soft dough. Cover with cling film and chill while you make the filling.

2. Preheat the oven to 180°C/ fan160°C/gas 4. Mix all the filling ingredients together in a large bowl, with enough milk to just moisten it.

3. Dust a clean work surface with flour. Roll out three-quarters of the dough to a rectangle large enough to line the base and sides of a 900g loaf tin. Drape into the tin and press up against sides, smoothing out any creases. Tightly pack in the filling and press down well. Roll out the remaining pastry to a rectangle large enough to fit the top.

4. Dampen the edge of the pastry in the tin with water, press the pastry lid on top to seal and trim off the edges.

Bake for 2 hours. Allow to cool for 1 hour.

5. Remove the black bun from the tin, then cut into slices to serve.

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In April 1956, my husband became a policeman and we moved south to Oxford, which might just as well have been to the Sahara Desert. Everything was different, the language, the food (“What’s a ‘pan’ loaf”? and “Who sells ‘bacon without rind’”? the work, the traffic and most of all the customs. At Hogmanay (“What’s Hogmanay”?) of our first year we found no one, but no one, actually ‘celebrated’ the end of one year and the beginning of another. (“What’s to celebrate? It’s just another day”). On 1st January everyone went to work as usual. It was ‘just another day’. It took us a wee while to recover from this particular culture shock.

We became used to celebrating Hogmanay in our own way, usually with a quiet meal with a few friends and my husband leaving the house just before the end of the year in order to be first through the front door on the stroke of midnight.

(Well, although he was not necessarily always the tallest person present, Ian was certainly the most handsome – and very, very dark).

Some time in the Seventies, when we had moved to High Wycombe and were living in an old police house on a very busy main road; and Ian had left the house to do his usual ‘party-piece’; there was a slight delay in our first-footer ringing the bell’.

When he turned up, some twenty or thirty minutes later, he was accompanied by a very jolly family of four, apparently spattered in blood, but eagerly shaking hands and offering drinks from various bottles; with much shouting of, “gia mas”, “gia mas”, “gia mas”.

But here I must offer an explanation for the tardiness of our first-footer; the unexpected guests; the strange language; the very different bottles of wine and the blood. As my husband explained: “Well there I was, standing on the front door-step, minding my own business and preparing to first-foot with my bottle already uncorked; when, suddenly, just before midnight all hell broke loose. The

noise of shattering glass accompanied by shouting and screaming could have been heard from miles away; but it came from just across the road. The copper in me was immediately alerted. I dropped my bottle and rushed over the road hoping to interrupt whatever crime was being committed ‘on my patch’. The ‘offenders’ very quickly explained that the traditional way of celebrating New Year in Greece was to collect all the old plates in the house, throw them into the air and watch them smash to the ground. No crime. And so, I invited them all over to our house to celebrate with us. What else could I do?”

This was the start of a great friendship which is retained to this day. (By the way “gia mas” simply means “Cheers!” in Greek. The plate smashing is a sign that the members of the household were so prosperous that they could afford to smash their crockery, - and the ‘blood’?

Well apparently, just on the stroke of midnight the person considered to be the most likely to bring good fortune to the household in the coming year - usually an innocent young child – is invited to ‘step into the house’; retrieve a pomegranate an ancient sign of fertility and longevity which has previously been blessed in church - and smash it against the front door to release the ‘bloody’ red seeds, which splash over the revellers, apparently showering them with good fortune).

Sounds great fun!

When we returned to live in Elgin in 1981 we were fortunate enough to find a house in a quiet cul-de-sac where the neighbours were very friendly and hospitable. For several years we celebrated Hogmanay in the traditional manner. Every door was open. We were greeted with hugs, kisses and, “Happy New Year. Come in, you’re welcome here” and we provided our own entertainment.

Many a good story was told.

We also renewed ‘auld acquaintance’ with friends who had moved to Dingwall while we were ‘down South’; and spent a few great New Years with them and their friendly neighbours.

Those Heilanders certainly know how to celebrate Hogmanay – right enough.

But that was many years ago. Today it would appear that most people celebrate Hogmanay in their own homes, with the doors locked, the curtains drawn and television providing the only entertainment. The arrival of the New Year is greeted, not by the ringing of church bells, but by the thundering noise of exploding fireworks. Sorry, have I got the date wrong? Is this actually 5th November? Am I at the wrong festival?

I believe, however, that in the High Street of Elgin, as in most towns, cities and villages, many revellers still gather around the church listening for the bells to herald the New Year. But that’s no place for an old widow-woman. I think I’ll just have a wee drink – of cocoa – and away to bed; perhaps to dream o’ auld lang syne.

Slainte Mhath!

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Amy Methven Digital Illustrator

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Staying creative is an integral part of everyday life.

Regardless of whether you create art on canvas or on screen, the process behind it usually remains the same. The only difference is that one is quicker...and cuts out all the mess!

Digital art is everywhere nowadays. Whether it be video game concept art, comic art or original, it is just as competative as traditional art, if not even more so. I vend a lot at comic conventions and the atmosphere between artists can be quite electric. Comic conventions are perfect places to showcase your work to the general public as well as celebrate various franchises we are fans of. I love shows from the 80s and movies from the 90s. I make a lot of fan art based on those, and feel that my work is heavily influenced by 90s’ animation, especially Disney stuff. I have come across people that don’t fully comprehend how art that is created on a computer could be considered real, or just as valuable as traditional. I believe it is important to have a balance of both. An artist should be curious about technology and how it can help advance the creative process. A common misconception is that digital art should be clean and pristine. When I do digital or traditional work the style is no different. My line work is messy and feathery, and I have a terrible habit of oversaturating my colours. But what I try to convey is a feeling. I don't try to be photorealistic, nor do I go for a total cartoony look. I try to be somewhere in the middle. It can make my work rather inconsistent, but I think that’s all part of the fun.

My background started out in surrealism. In fact I have a Bachelor Honours Degree in Contemporary Fine Art and a second degree in illustration. I wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted to be, all I knew was that I wanted to create.

Now, 8 years after graduating and working for various independent video game companies, I am now a self employed freelance concept artist and illustrator, doing anything from pet portraits, character concepts to full illustrative stories.

‘Jumping Shark' created in Photoshop CS6 with a UGEE 2150 Drawing Tablet

What is digital Illustration?

Computer illustration or digital illustration is the use of digital tools to produce images under the direct manipulation of the artist, usually through a pointing device such as a tablet or a mouse. It is distinguished from computer-generated art, which is produced by a computer using mathematical models created by the artist. It is also distinct from digital manipulation of photographs, in that it is an original construction "from scratch".

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Salvador Dali is one of the most celebrated artists of all time. His fiercely technical yet highly unusual paintings, sculptures and visionary explorations in film and life-size interactive art ushered in a new generation of imaginative expression. From his personal life to his professional endeavours, he always took great risks and proved how rich the world can be when you dare to embrace pure, boundless creativity.

My biggest inspirations are Salvador Dali and the Surrealists, though that is more in personality rather than his actual work. I feel that my style is influenced by caricaturists like Al Hirschfeld, the production designer behind the Disney film; ‘Aladdin’, or Gerald Scarfe, the production designer behind Disney’s ‘Hercules’. Though my biggest influence is probably Don Bluth and his movies, ‘All Dogs go to Heaven’ or even Disney’s ‘101 Dalmations’.

Don Bluth is one of the most prestigious animators in the industry, admired by peers all over the world for his creative talent, as well as his versatility in bringing memorable characters to life.

While working on his films, Bluth wears many hats. He designs all the characters, serves as key storyboard artist, and when the mood strikes him, he has also been known to write some clever songs to accompany his lively and amusing characters. As if these duties don't keep him busy enough, he also writes and/or collaborates on most of the scripts for his projects.

‘German Shepherd head shot sketch’

Animated movies are a huge inspiration. I think you can tell that by how I draw my dogs. Dogs are so expressive and fun to draw. I don’t own a dog, but I love to draw them. If I can capture how the dog is feeling, and their personality, I feel I have done a decent job.

Below: 'Black Lab' head shot coloured sketch drawin in Photoshop using a UGEE 2150 Drawing Tablet, Right: Original pencil sketch

'Basset Hound' sketch

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'Fan Art of a Star Wars Storm Trooper'

My vision mostly lies in chance. I take every day as it comes. Freelancers sort of have to live this way really. But I have many outlets for my work, and I also have a successful Youtube channel where I analyse animated movies and shows, and discuss various issues within the art industry. Mad Munchkin Art and Illustration may seem like an odd name to use for a company and Youtube channel, but it’s memorable, and is symbolic of my childhood where I was called Mad or Munchkin a lot because of my height and short temper. I used art as an escape, a place where I could forget about the world around me and focus on something fantastical. I feel that being creative on a daily basis isn’t just about painting or drawing, but is rather in how we think.

Stay Creative x

‘Wonderwoman'

‘Tuppence, tortoiseshell cat'

Above: ‘Mad Munchkin and Mary Sue hugging’ Right: 'Mad Munchkin, Talk to me AFTER Coffee' Below Left: 'Daybreaker fan art, My Little Pony' Below Right: 'Tempest' fan art piece from 'My Little Pony'

Amy Methven T: 07795248182 E: amy.methven.art@hotmail.co.uk Room 5, MC3 Creative Spaces, 250-258 High Street, ELGIN OR find her on Facebook, DeviantArt and YouTube as ‘Mad Munchkin’

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Brought to you by:

Our small team of 4 based here in the Moray Firth, will no doubt have a busy year ahead.as usual. I should also give a mention to Susie, the springer spaniel, who I don’t

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Spring Months

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Summer Months Mowing; best practice is never cut shorter than 1”. Mowing too close is the most destructive thing you can do to a lawn (usually a man-thing) and in particular encourages moss to flourish ! June is when we will likely see the first signs of Red Thread fungal disease damage (wet summers are the worst).

Although we don’t know exactly what the weather will throw at us this season, we have a fair idea what we will be asked to tackle. Highlights will likely include:

Winter Months NOW Moss and thatch; we will be aerating and scarifying all hours of the day to get through everybody before the Spring Weed and Feed Treatments start. Also look out for leatherjackets

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The Garden TOM ANGEL IS A GARDEN DESIGNER, CHARTERED HORTICULTURIST AND INVASIVE WEEDS SPECIALIST BASED IN AVIEMORE. TOM PROVIDES DESIGN AND CONSULTANCY SERVICES AS ANGEL HORTICULTURE LTD, HAVING WORKED IN VARIOUS PARTS OF THE INDUSTRY FOR MANY YEARS.

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Weeds - the good, the bad and the really bad!

A weed that can survive in volcanic soils, evolved to send root-like rhizomes plunging deep into the ground to reach cooler conditions. A plant that can retain nearly all its nitrogen in its rootstock over the winter, compared to most plants being able to retain about 10%. A vigorous thug of a plant that can grow 10cm per day.... What are we talking about? Japanese Knotweed of course!

Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica) has rightly built up something of a bad reputation in Britain, where the presence of the plant can put house sales in jeopardy, and can cost property developers millions of pounds. One of the difficulties with knotweed is that, unlike most other plants, not only is it very difficult to kill, it lives a very long time.

The more you know about the management of Japanese Knotweed, however, the more it will make you think about your relationship with other weeds in your garden. One of my favourite quotes, from the ecologist Robert M Pyle, goes like this - “...make no mistake, the weeds will win; nature bats last”.

What I take from this is the need to be pragmatic. A property developer may need a site declared free of knotweed and so may pay an awful lot of money to make this so. If you are in the process of selling your house then again, you may need a quick fix. However the ‘dig and dump’ method of eradication, policed by strict and onerous legislation, is but one choice. Amongst a plethora of other choices, the use of off-the-shelf weedkillers is one. They may take many years to eradicate the weed, but for me here is the crux of the gardener’s relationship with any number of weeds - the difference between eradication and control.

If you try to remove every dandelion tap root, or every trace of horsetail from your garden, you will never have time for anything else. Your aim with weeds like these is to get them on the back foot, and thereafter weed out any re-growth when you’re doing your usual rounds.

One garden that I help oversee the maintenance schedule for has an infestation of horsetail, but you would never know it.

Previous efforts have included removing shrubs to clean traces of horsetail rhizome from their roots, an excellent choice as part of an overall programme, but not if you’re then neglecting the rest of the garden as a consequence. My approach was to leave the ornamental plants where they were, remove as much of each horsetail plant as was practical (chasing the rhizomes as far into the soil as possible), until the bed was clear on the surface of this weed. Every time it re-appears the same process is followed, and this now involves a couple of minutes work per week. The horsetail is still there but it is weakened, and if no-one is seeing it, then who cares?! And as Mr Pyle pointed out, the weeds are going to win one day anyway, so I’m not going to lose any sleep over it right now.

A more serious infestation of horsetail or ground elder may indeed entail removing ornamental plants, weedkilling the baddies with a glyphosate-based product, maybe several times, and then re-planting the area after the treatment programme is complete. But chances are your weed will return, and ‘little but often’ maintenance is the key at that point.

Creeping Buttercup is another villain that can be extremely stubborn, and it is often tucked under ornamental plants making spraying difficult, and fully removing every plant can again not be a realistic solution. But if you keep slashing the roots with a hoe, week after week after week, you will eventually tire it out. Again, the weed will not be gone, but it will have become a managed pest in your garden.

So pragmatism, stubbornness and probably a sense of humour are your main allies in the war against weeds. For the real baddies get the specialists in, and for the rest accept that controlling them is likely to be as good as it gets, and accept them as part of the ecosystem of your garden...

I must point out here that with Japanese Knotweed your ultimate aim should always be to eradicate, and this will nearly always involve getting specialists in - but many other weeds you can learn to ‘control’, and then live with. Weeds more commonly encountered by gardeners are the likes of Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) and Ground Elder (Aegopodium podagraria), both really nasty weeds that can drive you potty if you let them. And so, here is the key, learn to live with them and accept them as part of the biodiversity of your garden. Bear with me here, and I’ll explain...

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