SpotLight on Strathspey & District December 2016 by david nelmes

DECEMBER 2016

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The Free Community Information website - Free to view and Free to upload your listings. View our entire database of Clubs and Societies, Trades Listings, What’s On Diary, Restaurants, Reviews and articles, Schools, Holidays Tides, Useful Numbers and more... CLUBS & SOCIETIES AL-ANON FAMILY GROUPS Free, confidential help & support to the relatives & friends of problem drinkers. Local weekly groups in Highland area. Call 020 7403 0888 for a local contact number for your area or visit www.al-anonuk.org.uk ART IN STRATHDEARN Every Thursday from 2pm - 4pm in Tomatin Village Hall during term time. Guest tutors and annual exhibition. BALL - OVER 60S CLUB Wednesdays 10am - 12.15pm at Memorial Hall, Tomintoul. CAIRNGORM BRIDGE CLUB Meets most Tuesday evenings, arrive by 6:45pm for a prompt start, at St John's Church Hall, Rothiemurchus (opposite tennis courts, on the ski road). All welcome. It would be helpful if visitors could contact Carol on 01479 810882 to let us know. CARRBRIDGE HEALTH WALK GROUP Meets every Thursday by the Old Bridge @ 11 am. Contact Margaret 01479 841749 for info.

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page 4 - December 2016

CARRBRIDGE OUTDOOR CURLING CLUB Contact: Patrick Blease on 01479 841359 CARRON CREATES CRAFT GROUP General interest group. Mondays 2pm-4pm. £2 per session. Guest instructors. Meets at Carron Village Hall. Contact Jenny: 01340 810506. DUFFTOWN BOWLING CLUB Monday & Thursday evenings at the Memorial Hall. For details call Mr A Wright on 01340 820071 FITNESS CLASSES AT BADENOCH CENTRE Spey Street, Kingussie. Variety of aerobic classes including aerobics, body blast, piyo, turbo kick, boxercise, circuits. Call Donna Reilly on 01540 662485 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.gayness.org.uk or e-mail jampa40@yahoo.co.uk. 423 (SPEYSIDE) DETACHED FLIGHT AIR TRAINING CORPS Meet every Monday & Thursday, 18:30 - 21:00 in the Grant Hall, Rothes. Age group: 13 - 18yrs. Enquiries can be made to Officer Commanding at 423df@ aircadets.org or call 01340 831115. GLENLIVET HEALTH WALK GROUP Meets every Tuesday at Glenlivet Public Hall@9.45am. Contact Amanda on 01807 590689 (evenings) for info. GRANTOWN 1ST RAINBOWS We meet once a week for fun, crafts and friendship. Ages 5-7 Contact Jaci for information or to put a girl on the waiting list. Tel: 01479 873728 GRANTOWN HEALTH WALK GROUP Meets every Tuesday at the Curling Rink Car Park, Anagach Wood @10.30 am. Contact

Contact Anne 01540 661878 for more information.

Isabell 01479 872142 for info. GRANTOWN PARENT, BABY AND TODDLER GROUP Twice weekly at Inverallan church hall for fun & play for children & parents/carers alike. All welcome to pop in for a chat and a coffee. Call Simone on 01479 873922 for information.

KINGUSSIE PARENT, BABY & TODDLER GROUP Thursdays 9.15am - 11.30am, Badenoch Centre, Spey Centre, Kingussie. Call 01540 662485 for more information.

GRANTOWN YMCA COMMUNITY CENTRE Community Café every Friday from 10am - 2pm , with homemade soup, bread and cakes. Pancake Brunch first Saturday of the month 10:30am 12:30pm. For information call 01479 872262. GRANTOWN YOUTH GROUP Tues - Girls Night 6-10pm. Fri Youth Drop-in 7-11pm. Sat Youth Drop-in 6-10pm. Sun 26pm. Grantown YMCA/ Community Centre 80 High Street. Call Jennifer Tiller on HARMONY MUSIC THERAPY SCOTLAND Individual and Group Music Therapy sessions to encourage, enable and empower all ages and abilities through interactive music experiences. Will travel to private homes, facilities and schools. Call Kristen Macleod on 07770427396.

KINGUSSIE HEALTH WALK GROUP Meets every Thursday at the Badenoch Centre @ 10.30 am.

tel: 01309 690063

MORAY THRESHOLD SINGERS Women's choir offers to sing to people who are seriously ill and those approaching the end of life, in their own home, care home or hospital to bring comfort and ease. To request this service or to join call Chloe Greenwood on 07769 796672 www.thresholdchoir.org/moray ROYAL BRITISH LEGION DUFFTOWN Every 3rd Saturday of the month is cinema day. Children in the afternoon and adults in the evening. 50 Balvenie Street, Dufftown. On Mondays, 7:30pm Stramash - Traditional Scottish Music. Call 01340 820711

HEAVENLY PIECES Wednesdays 2pm - 4pm, June to September at Knockando Church. Afternoon teas, home bakes and Tradecraft stall. All welcome. www.moraykirk.co.uk HIGHLAND DECORATIVE & FINE ARTS SOCIETY (HDFAS) 2nd Thursday of the month, 2pm, at Smithton Free Church, Inverness. Want to learn more about art? Encourage Young Artists? Volunteer to record Churches for posterity? £8 per monthly lecture. Contact 07595 219308 • hdfas.org.uk • averillbrodie@ymail.com or davidmartin30@hotmail.com

ROTHES BABY & TODDLER GROUP Open year round on Tues & Fri, 9.15am - 11.15am term time & 10.00am - 12pm school holidays & in-service days. £2 entrance fee per family, includes snack & drinks for children & parents.

TREES FOR LIFE CONSERVATION DAYS … Spend a day out in the Highlands working to restore the fabulous Caledonian forest. Transport, tools and training provided. Pick up from Forres for volunteers over 18. Usually every second Wednesday. Booking is essential. Call the office on 01309 691292 or email volunteer@treesforlife.org.uk to join the email list. PLEASE NOTE Details of Clubs & Societies are published on a rotational basis. If you would like your details to be included in this section please email linda@winterburnmedia.co.uk

admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

COUNSELLING

We live in uncertain times” - I seem to have heard that refrain quite a lot recently but I do wonder whether there is a temptation to often fear the worst before it has actually happened. History does of course remind us that times do change and some regimes are worse than others so we can be forgiven for thinking the worst but fortunately this is most often not the norm! How we deal with the fear of the unknown affects us daily. A healthy degree of caution is always recommended but also is keeping a sense of perspective. A wise writer once said - “whosover will add a day to his life by worrying?” Probably right!

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PUBLISHER ..............David Nelmes ADVERTISING ..............Susan Innes ACCOUNTS ...................Wendy Day DESIGN ........................................... PRODUCTION .........Linda J Donald

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been made to the lives of many has been enormous, those who sing and those who enjoy the choir’s performances with their message of peace and hope in God.

Contrast this attitude with that of some people who have been brought to my attention and who have given out so much to others and enhanced their lives.

This reminds me of the words written thousands of years ago, “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation.” Isaiah 52: 7.

1. Wayne Ellington, the director of The Manchester Inspirational Voices, a choir that has just, as I write, won a prestigious gospel singing award. Wayne was interviewed on TV and was asked how the choir began. He said that when he arrived in Manchester some 10 years ago he was told of some of the problems in the city and of the challenges that many faced. He immediately began to think about what he could do to improve the situation and the lives of people there. Using his passion for music and musical abilities he formed the choir from very small beginnings and helped the members develop their singing skills. Under his direction the choir has learnt to connect mind, heart and voice, and so they have been inspired to sing with confidence, freedom and joy. Unquestionably there has been much sacrifice, but the difference that has

2. The second person is Phil Green. He has written a small, gem of a book “40/40” with the sub-title “40 days to renew your mind, transform your life”, produced by Scripture Union. Over 50 people in one of the congregations that I serve, Abernethy Parish Church, committed themselves a few weeks ago to undergo the challenge of reading this and seeing what they would learn. For every morning there’s a short Bible passage, a comment, a ponder, a prayer, an action, and at the end of the day a short reflection just before sleep. In addition there is a brief run through of the Bible story from Genesis to Revelation. It’s been making a big impact on people with little faith and on people with strong faith. What a treasure this is proving to help people open up to God and “live

Kingussie Parish Church Sundays 11am. All welcome. www.kingussieparishchurch.org.uk Knockando, Elchies & Archiestown Parish Church of Scotland Sundays 10am. Tel : 01340 831381. Mortlach & Cabrach Church Dufftown. Sundays at 10.30am Tea & Coffee after. 01340 820049 (session clerk). All welcome. Rothes Parish Church Sundays 11.30am. Tel: 01340 831381. Rothiemurchus & Aviemore Church of Scotland St Andrews Church, Grampian Road, Aviemore. Sundays 11.15am. Website: www.standrews-aviemore.org.uk Sacred Heart RC Church Chapel Terrace, Aberlour, AB38 9LL Vigil Mass alternate Saturdays at 5pm. Tel 01340 810442 St Columba Episcopal Church High Street, Grantown. Sundays 10.30am: Holy Communion. Ven. Richard Gillings: richard.gillings698@btinternet.com or phone 01479 831365. St John Episcopal Church Sunday 10.30am: Eucharist. page 6 - December 2016

life to the full” with Jesus. 3. And....., there is Jesus, whose birth millions will be celebrating soon all around the world, the coming to us of God in the person of his Son. The gospel message is that there in Bethlehem he became one with us in our humanity, lived a life of love, taught, healed, went to the cross to die for every man, woman and child, and rose again triumphantly to new life. What an impact Jesus makes on all who believe in him and trust his promises. A deep and lasting relationship is formed. There’s a real sense of peace, joy and fulfillment, and the desire to share this with others. I am encouraging you to go along to your local church wherever that is, this Christmas, and to join others in singing and praising God for his amazing love, forgiveness, and transforming power. John, one of the disciples of Jesus, said of him, “In him was life, and that life was the light of men.” John 1: 4. I wish you a wonderful Christmas and a good New Year. Donald Walker Aberneth y, Boat of Garten, Du thil (Carrbridge) an d Kin cardin e

Followed by refreshments in the church hall. Email: blessings@stjohns-rothiemurchus.co.uk St Mary’s RC Church Fife Street, Dufftown, AB55 4AP Vigil Mass alternate Saturdays at 5pm. Tel 01340 810442 St Michael Episcopal Church St Michael's Episcopal Church, Conval Street, Dufftown. Family Eucharist every Sunday at 11 am. All welcome. Tel: 01466 793841. St Margaret of Scotland, Episcopal Church High Street, Aberlour, AB38 9QD. Sundays 10am: Eucharist. Website: www.stmargaretsaberlour.co.uk Tomintoul Church of Scotland Sunday morning service 11.15am All welcome. Listed from K - T & regularly rotated. If you are a member of a church not listed here or if there are any amendments to existing details, please email linda@winterburn.co.uk

tel: 01309 690063

admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

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Promote your events in the SpotLight ‘What’s On’ You can now go online at www.spotlighton.co.uk Register an account and put your event online and in the magazine - both for free Any events uploaded to the website by the closing date will be automatically printed in the magazine.

living in refugee camps this winter. collection points at the sorting centre, chanonry estate, elgin (near blind spot) thursdays 2pm - 4.30pm & fridays 11.30pm - 2pm; babalou,high street,forres; reboot, greshop road, forres; the drop off caravan, pineridge, findhorn foundation & wastebusters (camping equipment only), waterford, forres.

NOVEMBER 2016 28 monday rachel sermanni@the drouthy cobbler, elgin 8pm. www.thedrouthycobbler.co.uk

Now there’s clever!! *January Issue Deadline: Friday 2nd December* Alternatively, you can still Email: linda@winterburnmedia.co.uk or 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.

Rolling Events until 30 november art exhibition - shona cammack 10am - 5pm, mon sat., still life gallery, aberlour. free. all welcome. visit www.still-life-studio.co.uk.

29 tuesday adam sutherland & marc clement@the drouthy cobbler, elgin 8pm. www.thedrouthycobbler.co.uk. earthtime xmas crackers 3.30pm - 4.30pm, tomintoul library. free. all children welcome to make xmas crackers using recycled material with earthtime. need to book. contact: 01807 580755.

30 wednesday the drouthy cobbler comedy club 7.30pm. visit www.thedrouthycobbler.co.uk alzheimer scotland - musical memories 1.30pm 3pm at new elgin & ashgrove hall, land street, elgin £1 (incl teas & coffees). an opportunity for anyone with dementia & their carers to meet & in the enjoyment of music, singing & memories. for info contact: shirley mackenzie on 01343 552080/07584 408209. st andrew's night 6pm, cairngorm hotel. themed special menu, followed by davy holt with some scottish classics.

until 4 December pop-up craft shop in aid of marie curie cancer care (back for 4th year) every thurs, fri, sat & sun 11am 3pm at the wee cabin, firwood, nethybridge. free. for info contact janet taylor on 01479 821601 or email janet.taylor77@btinternet.com

until 31 December Moray supports refugees: appeal for warm clothing, tents & equipment for adults, children & babies

admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

DECEMBER 2016 1 thursday earthtime xmas crackers 4pm - 5pm, aberlour library. free. all children welcome to make xmas crackers from recycled material with earthtime.. need to book a place. contact: 01340 871693. bullet for my valentine@ironworks, inverness. tbc www.ironworksvenue.com.

tel: 01309 690063

December 2016 - page 11

www.spotlighton.co.uk

Local & Bank Holidays and Special Days Valentine’s Day British Summertime Ends Halloween Bonfire Night Rememberance Sunday St Andrew’s Day Shortest Day Christmas Day Boxing Day

Tues 14th Feb 2017 Sun 30th Oct 2016 Mon 31st Oct 2016 Sat 5th Nov 2016 Sun 13th Nov 2016 Wed 30th Nov 2016 Wed 21st Dec 2016 Sun 25th Dec 2016 Mon 26th Dec 2016

Boxing Day (substitute day) Tues 27th Dec 2016 New Year’s Eve Sat 31st Dec 2016 New Year’s Day Sun 1st Jan 2017 New Year’s Day (substitute) Mon 2nd Jan 2017 Burns Night Wed 25th Jan 2017 Valentine’s Day Tues 14th Feb 2017 § includes Aberlour, Craigellachie, Knockando, Tomintoul, Dufftown & Rothes * excludes Dufftown

School Term Dates MORAY COUNCIL SCHOOLS for 2016/2017 (all dates inclusive) Winter Term Starts Mon 24th Oct 2016 In-Service Day Mon 14th Nov 2016 In-Service Day Tues 15th Nov 2016 Winter Term Ends Thurs 22nd Dec 2016 Christmas Holiday Starts Fri 23rd Dec 2016 Christmas Holiday Ends Fri 6th Jan 2017 HIGHLAND COUNCIL SCHOOLS for 2016/2017 (all dates inclusive) Autumn Term Ends Fri 7th Oct 2016 Autumn Holiday Starts Mon 10th Oct 2016

Autumn Holiday Ends Winter Term Starts Winter Term Ends Christmas Holiday Starts Christmas Holiday Ends Spring Term Starts Mid Term Holiday Mid Term Holiday Spring Term Ends Spring Holiday Starts Spring Holiday Ends Summer Term Starts

Fri 21st Oct 2016 Mon 24th Oct 2016 Fri 23rd Dec 2016 Mon 26th Dec 2016 Fri 6th Jan 2017 Mon 9th Jan 2017 Fri 10th Feb 2017 Mon 13th Feb 2017 Fri 31st Mar 2017 Mon 3rd Apr 2017 Fri 14th Apr 2017 Mon 17th Apr 2017

Useful Contacts Police . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 Aberlour Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01340 871693 Aviemore Citizens Advice Bureau. . . . . . . . 01479 810919 Aviemore Library. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01479 813141 Aviemore Post Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01479 811056 Aviemore Registrar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01479 813146 Aviemore Social Work Services . . . . . . . . . 01479 810251 Aviemore Tourist Information . . . . . . . . . . . 01479 810930 Badenoch Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01540 661596 Badenoch Learning & Resource Centre . . . 01540 662420 Dufftown Post Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01340 820244 Dufftown Library. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .01340 820272 Grantown Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01479 873175 National Rail Enquires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 08457 484950 Moray Cats Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07837 342646 Railway Mission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 078419 85768 SCHOOLS Aberlour Primary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01340 871255 Abernethy Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01479 821274 Alvie Primary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01540 651238 Aviemore Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01479 810343 Carrbridge Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01479 841249 Craigellachie Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01340 881271 Dalwhinnie Primary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01528 522228 Deshar Primary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01479 831226 page 12 - December 2016

Gergask Primary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01528 544272 Glenlivet Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01807 590216 Grantown Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01479 872525 Grantown Grammar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01479 872649 Inveravon Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01807 500217 Kingussie Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01540 661354 Kingussie High . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01540 661475 Knockando Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01340 810257 Mortlach Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01340 820268 Newtonmore Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01540 673252 Rothes Primary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01340 831269 Speyside High . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01340 871522 Tomintoul Primary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01807 580271 DENTISTS Aviemore & Kingussie Dental Practice. . . . 01479 810301 Inspire Dental, Kingussie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01540 661280 NHS Highland Dental Clinic . . . . . . . . . . . . 01479 811019 Speyside Dental Clinic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01340 871738 Your Perfect Smile Dental Clinic . . . . . . . . 01479 812846 (Aviemore) Your Perfect Smile Dental Clinic . . . . . . . . 01479 872107 (Grantown) Rotated on a regular basis. To add a contact or to amend existing details, email linda@winterburnmedia.co.uk

tel: 01309 690063

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New website a boost to the community!

The new Spotlight website is now up and running and it is aleady proving a great source of information and fellowship for the Moray and Highland community. Our aim is to bring the great knowledge and support we gather from the public for our magazines to a web-based forum that can be accessed any time and from anywhere. Most of the website is free to use and you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to register. If you do want to register, it is free and will provide you with a localised search function, as well as the ability to post your own information! Clubs and Societies have their own page and people can register and claim their own listing or post a new one for free. Then it will go into our next magazine issue automatically. We have this same resource for Trades, Places to Eat and people wanting to post Events and Articles. Check today to see if your listing is already online. There are many types of Articles which we encourage the public to submit for publication to the website. Subjects range from Weddings to Gardening to Parliament Blogs. We have tonnes of local information such as Restaurant Reviews, Useful Contacts and Dates and an aspect we are particularly proud of - our Diary of Events which is updated daily. In addition we have a new Jobs page specially dedicated to the Moray and Highland area which can be used by recruiters and jobseekers alike. Recruiters

can have single or recurring job space or even banners to grab extra attention. Jobseekers are welcome to search the job list or even upload their CV free of charge. We offer limited advertising space on the website to stay true to our goals but if you do want to advertise we would love for you to contact us to see what is available. The website has already had thousands of visitors and is growing on a daily basis so go to www.spotlighton.co.uk today and see what is happening in your community!

christmas concert! hosted by moray music lessons 6pm - 8pm, miltonduff village hall. £4. first christmas concert by students of moray music lesons bullet for my valentine@ironworks, inverness. tbc, www.ironworksvenue.com. "come for a christmas waltz, but you won't need your dancing shoes!" 11am - 1pm, harvest centre (next door to yeadon's bookshop. harvest centre mah jong club (american rules). come along & give it a try. beginners welcome. contact: hce.roombookings@gmail.com www.spanglefish.com/harvestcentremahjongclub.

1 thursday - 31 saturday still life studio art sale tbc, still life studio, aberlour all welcome.

2 friday sigma christmas quiz & prize draw 7pm for 7.30pm, birnie village hall, thornhill, elgin. contact: stan barber at stan@sigma-astro.co.uk. visit sigma-astro.co.uk. earthtime xmas crackers 4pm - 5pm, aberlour library free. all children welcome to make xmas crackers from recycled material with earthtime.. need to book a place. contact: 01340 871693. christmas bingo 7.30pm, craigellachie village hall. all welcome. st andrew's night celebration tbc, boat of garten community hall, craigie avenue, boat of garten £10, £5, under 5s free. whisky tasting. an evening for all the family. indoor highland games, live music, dancing & a licensed bar. adults only whisky tasting. aberlour traditional christmas market hosted by aberlour & strathspey rotary 4pm - 9pm., the old station tearoom & in the square. free entry. local crafts. food & drink available. late night shopping in the high street shops. pictures with santa and more.

3 saturday for saint george: the zeebrugge raid 2.30pm, elgin library. free, but collection for branch funds western front association - speaker: derek bird, branch chairman. contact: derek bird on 01343 870562 or email chairman.wfasnb@virgin.net. visit wfascotlandnorth.org.uk. annual fireworks display & festive market 3pm - for market, 6pm - fireworks, the dowans hotel, aberlour. adults £5, children free (incl mulled wine) in aid of the aberlour child care trust. special guests, the military wives choir. contact: 01340 871488 or enquiries@dowanshotel.com. tombola night hosted by elgin youth cafe. 7pm 10pm, elgin youth cafe, francis place, elgin. christmas fayre & festive pancake brunch 10.30am, grantown ymca. lots of great christmas ideas grandmaster flash@ironworks, inverness 7.30pm. visit www.ironworksvenue.com annual fireworks display & festive market in aid of page 14 - December 2016

aberlour child care trust 3pm - 9pm, the dowans hotel, aberlour. special guests - the military wives choir. join in the festive fun. moray conservative & unionist association christmas coffee morning 10am - 12pm, new hall, st giles church, elgin. adults £3, children free. festive stalls. raffle. all welcome. knockando primary school christmas fayre 4pm 6pm, archiestown village hall. adults £1, children 50p (with prize draw). craft tables, children's crafts, raffle, game stalls. christmas lights switch on in the village square afterwards. carrbridge christmas fayre 1.30pm - 5pm, carrbridge hotel. hosted by gillian gordon. lots of fantastic local crafters & produce.

3 saturday - 4 sunday brodie castle christmas craft & food fair 10am - 4pm, brodie castle. £4. exclusively highlands return to brodie castle with over 40 stalls of wonderful wares and fabulous foods. contact: rebecca harrison on 01309 641371 or email raharrison@nts.org.uk. visit www.nts.org.uk.

4 sunday christingle service in inchberry hall 6.30pm 7.45pm, inchberry hall. delightful candlelit nativity, community kirk evenng service with appeal for children & adults alike. www.wherecanwego.com.

7 wednesday friends of grant lodge, agm. 7pm, elgin museum hall speaker, rona walker, historic environment scotland, will talk about the new exhibition in elgin cathedral. "abernethy nature reserve - across the landscape and through a microscope" - talk by jeremy roberts 7.30pm, the cairngorms christian centre, kincraig. donations in aid of kiwoko hospital, uganda. moray, banff & badenoch decorative & fine arts society (mbbdfas): 'the brilliant british humour in the forgotten art of the picture postcard' - lecture by dr james taylor. 11am, st columba's church, duff avenue, elgin.new members welcome. contact: membership@nadfas-in-elgin.org.uk or visit www.nadfas-in-elgin.org.uk.

7 wednesday - 10 saturday elgin amateur dramatic society: cinderella 7.30pm each evening; sat 10th matinee at 2pm, elgin town hall. £11 adult or £9 child/concession, 10% discount for parties of 10 people or more. for info visit www.elgindrama.co.uk.

8 thursday highland decorative & fine arts society:'the brilliant british humour in the forgotten art of the picture postcard, 1909 -39' - lecture by dr james taylor. 2.15pm, free church hall, smithton, inverness non-members £8. new members welcome. contact: david martin on 07595 219308 or email at davidmartin30@hotmail.com. www.hdfas.org.uk.

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9 friday 2manydjs@ironworks, inverness. tbc. visit www.ironworksvenue.com. martha reeves & the vandellas@ironworks, inverness. 7pm. visit www.ironworksvenue.com.

10 saturday we were giants@mad hatters, inverness. tbc, free let's go back to the 80's@ironworks, inverness. tbc, visit www.ironworksvenue.com. winterslam@ironworks, inverness. 7pm, ironworks, inverness.visit www.ironworksvenue.com. inchberry hall folk music christmas concert (idca): emily smith, multi award winning scottish folk singer - folk music band doors open at 7pm for 7.30pm 10pm, inchberry hall. tickets - see website. www.wherecanwego.com. the osprey music society: scottish wind sextet tbc, boat of garten community hall, craigie avenue, boat of garten. members ÂŁ14, non-members ÂŁ16. featuring music by mozart, poulenc, selber & beethoven. contact: ann napier on 01479 831213 or at ann.nap@btinternet.com.

with dementia & their carers to meet & share in the enjoyment of music, singing & memories. contact: shirley mackenzie on 01343 552080/07584 408209. frightened rabbit@ironworks, inverness 7pm. visit www.ironworksvenue.com. elgin writers: christmas pot luck buffet with quiz 7.30pm - 9.30pm, elgin library choice of hearing ian rankin first in the library gallery at 7pm. ticketed. all over 16s welcome. visit www.elgin-writers.moonfruit.com.

15 thursday "come for a christmas waltz, but you won't need your dancing shoes!" 11am - 1pm, harvest centre (next door to yeadon's bookshop). harvest centre mah jong club (american rules). come along & give it a try. beginners welcome. for info email hce.roombookings@gmail.com. visit www.spanglefish.com/harvestcentremahjongclub. seated singing & moving christmas exercises 11am12pm, dufftown library. free. join kath todd for a christmas themed all seated gentle exercise & singing session. contact: 01340 820272.

16 friday

10 saturday - 11 sunday christmas market at logie steading 10am - 3.30pm, logie steading, south of forres off the a940. free, free parking. two day market: over 30 stalls including jewellery, christmas trees, wreaths, gifts, festive produce. bbq. hot drinks. for info contact: panny@logie.co.uk. visit www.logie.co.uk.

mad ferret band@hootananny, inverness 9.30pm, root system/fighting caravanshootananny, inverness 9.30pm, all welcome. gary beck@ ironworks, inverness 10pm. visit www.ironworksvenue.com.

11 sunday

caman@hootananny, inverness 9.30pm winters winding walk & festive lunch hosted by nw grampian ldwa 9.30am, fochabers square. ÂŁ20 (lunch). 12 mile walk along part of the speyside way. gordon castle cafe for festive lunch. booking essential. contact: tracy davidson at tracydavidson@hotmail.com. visit www.ldwa.org.uk/northwestgrampian.

christmas at the castle: the marvel of peru 3pm & 5pm, brodie castle. ÂŁ15. a festive ensemble of baroque music & your favourite carols to join in with by the marvel of peru. booking advised. contact: rebecca harrison on 01309641371 or email raharrison@nts.org.uk. visit www.nts.org.uk/events.

12 monday light & life 7pm - 9pm, costa coffee, high street. elgin free. spiritual readings & art, personality styles, dream interpretation, massage, healing for body, soul & mind. contact: alyson sim on 07733 127539. the biodiversity of mull - a talk by ewan miles 8.30pm, grant arms hotel, grantown on spey observations & wildlife encounters during six years of working in eco-tourism on mull.

14 wednesday annual clic sargent charity carol concert with nhs grampian choir & friends 7.30pm, elgin town hall adults ÂŁ10, concession ÂŁ8, u16s ÂŁ5. tickets from sound & vision, elgin or from choir members. the drouthy cobbler comedy club 8pm. visit www.thedrouthycobbler.co.uk. alzheimer scotland - musical memories 1.30pm 3pm, new elgin & ashgrove hall, land street, elgin ÂŁ! (incl teas & coffees). an opportunity for anyone

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17 saturday

17 saturday - 18 sunday

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rebecca harrison 01309 641371 or email raharrison@nts.org.uk. visit www.nts.org.uk/events.

18 sunday

andrew mill & four fingered fre@hootananny, inverness. 9.30pm celebrate christmas with cantare 7pm, elgin town hall. £8 adults. £4 children. "cantare" - elgin ladies choir - sing songs and carols to celebrate christmas. tickets from cathedral windows

19 monday - 20 tuesday

jack & the beanstalk - out of the darkness theatre company 7.30pm - 9.30pm, st giles' church, elgin. adults £8, concessions £6 (for tickets call the box office on 01343 559653.

22 thursday

amy henderson & brian o headrha@hootananny, inverness 9.30pm.

23 friday

elephant sessions@ironworks, inverness tbc. visit www.ironworksvenue.com ho-ro@hootananny, inverness 9.30pm.

24 saturday

an arctic adventure- a talk by dr graham lenton 8.30pm, grant arms hotel, grantown on spey fauna of spitzbergen & greenland

26 monday

a history of birding in north norfolk - a tslk by moss taylor 8.30pm, grant arms hotel, grantown on spey

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27 tuesday

red hot chilli pipers@ironworks, inverness 7.30pm. visit www.ironworksvenue.com ragin ceilidh band@hootananny, inverness 9.30pm. birds & wildlife of namibia - a talk by dr graham lenton 8.30pm, grant arms hotel, grantown on spey the game & birds of the etosha pan national park.

28 wednesday

through the eye of the lens & the click of the shutter - talk by steve magennis 8.30pm, grant arms hotel, grantown on spey.

29 thursday

cruising around the caribbean & south america - a talk by moss taylor 8.30pm, grant arms hotel, grantown on spey.

30 friday

amazing wildlife moments - a talk by steve lovell 8.30pm, grant arms hotel, grantown on spey.

31 saturday the red hot highland fling 8pm, northern meeting park, inverness. free. legendary family friendly (no tickets required) hogmanay concert. hogmanay dance 9pm - 1am at rothes fc social club. £10. visit rothesfcsocialclub.co.uk. hogmanay in the square 11pm onwards, grantownon-spey. entry by donation. music, dancing, fireworks, bar, refreshments etc.

the actual wheel brakes. Soon we were testing its range, finding out the most economical way of driving it and finding out how to I’ve been watching the development recharge the batteries away from of electric cars for quite a few years home. now, always wanting to be able join Although Nissan claim that it will do this silent revolution, but not wanting up to 124 mile on a single charge, to buy into something that was not yet we’ve found that 85 miles isa more cost effective and practical to do. At realistic range, especially if you want last, that time has come and we are to go at a decent speed. now the proud owners of a Nissan Often, it’s only by trying things out Leaf car. that you learn the best way to do It was less than 2 years old and only things, so we set off on a 330mile had 14,500 miles on the clock, so was round trip to Edinburgh. It was a long still looking and feelingpretty new to 6 hour journey down there, but we me, but cost less than £9,000, whereas reduced this to 5 hours coming back new ones are about £18,000. Since the by improving our rechargeing regime. launch of the 3rd generation Leaf, the Most people are not aware that the second hand market for the older EV rapid chargers get the batteries up ones has really taken off, which I to 80% within about 20 minutes assume is down to Leaf owners before going into trickle mode for the upgrading to the latest model with last 20%. This means that it can take extended range! over an hour to fully charge the It was a joy to drive for the first time, batteries, which is not ideal, so we effortlessly gliding around the country ended up only recharging to 90% on roads at the touch of a single pedal, our way back to Forres, which barely needing the brake due to the dramatically reduce our trip time. generative braking technology as the We’ve now had it for 6 months and foot comes of the accelerator. Even have clocked up over 9000 miles, when the brake is needed, it does mainly on short commutes towork and more regeneration before applying ferrying the kids around. In fuel terms

Is The Electric Car Revolution Coming to the North Of Scotland?

this would have cost us over £900 in our 65mpgSkoda, but has instead it has cost us about £350 in electricity, a saving of over 60%! We are alsoexpecting to make big savings in maintenance because EVs have about 18 moving parts, whereas a typical diesel or petrol car has over 2000. In terms of savings, we think it will pay for itself within 8 years. The economics of owning an EV really starting to add up, and I hope that continuing improvements will help to make this a “No brainer” for most of us. Interestingly, it is predicted that most new vehicles will be electric within the next 10 years and other countries such as Japan and Norway are already well ahead of the UK in this respect. So come on Forres, lets not get left behind, start embracing the electric revolution and save yourself a fortune, as well as the planet! There is a great deal of information on the web, but I would definitely recommend the ‘FullyCharged’ YouTube channel is one of the best places to catch up on all the latest electric cartechnology. Peter Mitchell, EV owner Dallas, Forres

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The Free Community Information website - Free to view and Free to upload your listings. View our entire database of Clubs and Societies, Trades Listings, Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On Diary, Restaurants, Reviews and articles, Schools, Holidays Tides, Useful Numbers and more... PARLIAMENT BLOG With the colder winter nights now upon us itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time keep an eye out for our elderly and more vulnerable neighbours. With over 13000 households in Moray living in fuel poverty it is important that home owners explore all avenues to upgrade their home heating or insulation, with free advice being available from the Energy Saving Trust (www.energysavingtrust. org.uk/scotland or by calling 0808 808 2282, calls are free and they are available Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm, and on Saturday from 9am to 5pm. The festive time is one best shared with family, friends and loved ones so let us take a moment to remember those who are away from home at this time, perhaps working offshore or protecting us serving in the armed forces or indeed those who are in hospital, along with the doctors and nurses caring for them. Our health and wellbeing is something often taken for granted but if we take the time to look out for others we can all make the coming new year a happy and prosperous one. May I extend my warmest greetings for a Merry Christmas and wish everyone a very Happy New Year when it comes.

This month most farmers have received four fifths of their CAP basic payment. This is in part to make amends for some late payment last year. Many farmers make their financial investment decisions about this time of year, so having some money in the bank may help stimulate the rural economy - a good thing! Last month I held summit meetings on salmon farming, forestry shellfish and hope to see all of these and many other parts of the rural economy grow - despite the uncertainties about what the future may hold. A merry Christmas and happy new year to all from Fergus, Norman, Rosie and Danielle!

Douglas Ross MSP

Fergus Ewing MSP

This space could have been promoting your business! SpotLight covers six areas along the Moray Firth Coastline from Buckie & Keith across to Inverness and then down to Aviemore - and all the places in between!

Recently, in parliament, I reminded the UK Government, that it has the opportunity to put rural areas at the front of the queue for rolling out new technology, by adding a condition into 5G licences that prioritises rural areas. This "outside in" policy works well in Scandinavia and Germany and it is about time it happened here. Until then though, we had better keep a few of those familiar red boxes and I'm pleased that BT have agreed to retain our red box at the base of the Cairngorms ski slope - the highest phone box in the UK. With over 450 miles of road in the Highlands without -any- mobile phone signal we still have a long way to go before we can safely move on from the reliance on landlines for rural areas. That said, the announcement by the Scottish Government that the A9 dualling will enable 4G connectivity along the length of that road, is very good news indeed.

Drew Hendry MP

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