F
Specialists in sandstone carving, bespoke work, lime work, building and monument restoration and general stonemasonry
Speyvilla, 51 High Street, Rothes, Morayshire AB38 7AY gl@glaingstonecraft.com www.glaingstonecraft.com
Tel/Fax 01340 831482 Mobile 07789 693446
FEATURES
HELLO SPRING Advertisers 12 - 38
2
A note from Lifestyle Current times
4
Cullen Skink 7th annual championships
8
Recipes Grantis Gee’s Cabin Fever cooking show
10
75th Anniversary VE Day
24 Fashion With Fashionista
36 Moray Wellbeing HUB Resources 40 Moray Rape Crisis Sexual abuse and trauma services
44 Feel-good fitness 28 Poetry With Petra Two very different romantic poets 47 Fergus 30 Music Covid-19 Be Like Pablo and the virtual world of music THIS MONTH’S COMPETITIONS 33 COVID-19 Bringing the community together
48 WIN, WIN, WIN... •
2x £20 vouchers from A.M McPherson.
Editor Rhona Patterson Creatives Eve Russell Adam McNab
A.M. McPherson Ltd •
A linen throw from Sylvan Designs.
•
£25 voucher from Spey Larder.
Advertising Rhona Patterson Distribution Gordon Duncan Ltd
154 Mid Street, Keith, AB55 | 01542 • Single5BJ vision sunglasses from 882736
SPRING DEALS McClintock’s.
•
A beautiful cashmere lavender bag from Ava Innes.
All material within this magazine is subject to formal copyright restrictions and therefore the reproduction of any listings, editorial, advertising artwork or any other content, without the publisher’s prior consent, will be considered a breach of copyright. Intellectual copyright: Lifestyle Magazine. To advertise in Lifestyle Tel: 07900 954134 and speak to Rhona Patterson or email: rhona@lifestylemoray.scot
OUR LOCAL ELECTRICAL EXPERT IS HERE TO HELP!
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Expert Knowledge | Super Service till working behind closed doors, phone or check Facebook for our latest update Price Match Guarantee | Professional Installation
1
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE APRIL/MAY 2020
2
Showroom Open Now in Tyock!
The you want Turn yourkitchen dream kitchen intoREALLY a real kitchen at JNK wroom Open Now in Tyock! Showroom Open Now in Tyock! our dream kitchen into a real kitchen at JNK Turn dream kitchen intoEVER a real kitchen at JNK foryour less than you thought
For inspiration and design ideas call us today on
01343 542777
Kitchen, bedroom and bathroom furniture and Kitchen, bedroom and bathroom rniture fu designed designed and Kitchen, bedroom bathroom furniture and manufactured byus usand especially you suitdesigned all budgets. manufactured by especially for for you. Visit ourtoshowroom toda y.and Kitchen, bedroom and bathroom furniture designed manufactured by us especially for you to suit all budgets. Kitchen, bedroom and bathroom rniture fu designed and Visit ourfurniture showroom todayand Kitchen, bedroom and bathroom designed and Kitchen, bedroom and bathroom rniture fu designed manufactured byus ustoday. especially you suit all budgets. Visit our showroom manufactured by for for you. Visit ourto showroom toda y. manufactured byus usespecially especially you suit allespecially budgets. manufactured by for for you. Visit ourtoshowroom toda y. 25 Tyock Industrial Estate, Elgin, Moray T: 01343 542777 Visit our showroom today Visit our showroom today TyockElgin, Industrial Estate, Elgin, T: 01343 542358 25 Tyock Industrial26/27 Estate, Moray - Tel:Moray 01343 542777 25 Tyock Industrial Estate, Elgin, Moray T: 01343 542777 E: sales@jnkkitchens.nadsl.net 26/27 Tyock Industrial Estate, - Tel: 01343 542358 25 Tyock Industrial Estate, Elgin, Moray T: 01 343Elgin, 542777Moray 26/27 Tyock Industrial Estate, Elgin, Moray T: 01343 542358 26/27 Tyock Industrial Estate, Elgin, Moray T: 01343 542358 E: sales@jnkkitchens.nadsl.net Email: sales@jnkkitchens.nadsl.net E: sales@jnkkitchens.nadsl.net
Bathrooms, Bedrooms Showroom Open Now in Tyock! Turn yourand dream kitchen into a real kitchen at JNK Tiles NOW at JNK
Visit our Showroom Today or call Matthew/Elaine on
01343 542358
Kitchen, bedroom and bathroom furniture designed and Kitchen, bedroom and bathroom furniture and manufactured us especially for you suit all budgets. Kitchen,by bedroom and bathroom rniture futodesigned designed and manufactured byus usespecially especially you suit all budgets. Visit our showroom today. manufactured by for for you. Visit ourto showroom toda y. Visit our showroom today 25 Tyock Industrial Estate, Elgin, Moray - Tel: 01343 542777 25 Tyock Industrial Estate, Elgin, Moray T: 01343 542777 26/27 Tyock Industrial26/27 Estate, - Tel: 01343 542358 TyockElgin, IndustrialMoray Estate, Elgin, Moray T: 01343 542358 E: sales@jnkkitchens.nadsl.net Email: bathsandbedrooms@jnkkitchenstudios.co.uk / sales@jnkkitchens.nadsl.net
Images by Ceamara Photography
WITH A TWIST
T
he 7th Annual Cullen Skink Championships, previously held in the month of November, was held this time in the Cullen Bay Hotel on Sunday 7th March. Considering the increased number of both contestants and spectators, this has been seen as a positive move. This year eight contestants battled for the title of Champion in the traditional Cullen Skink Competition; two less than expected due to one late withdrawal and one no-show. The Cullen Skink with a Twist had five contestants after one late withdrawal due to an unfortunate injury. For those who are new to this event, the championship is open to anyone and entries come from people of different backgrounds. For some, this is what they do for a living, one being Lynne Watson of Lily’s Kitchen who was back to defend her title. Others make Cullen Skink for a hobby, where family and friends have deemed their efforts worthy of being entered into the competition.
4
Some were entering for the first time, others were on their third attempt. Margaret Macrae of the Fisherman’s Kitchen (formerly Buth Bheag) at Kyle of Lochalsh was here for the third time. Margaret won the Skink with a Twist in 2017 but sadly had no success in 2018. There is a lot of truth in
‘third time lucky’ and on her third visit won not only the Traditional Championship but also picked up the double with her wonderful Skink with a Twist recipe, using langoustines and mussels for added sweetness. Margaret is the first in seven competitions to win both titles. That begs the question of whether she will go out on a high, as she had originally planned, or will she come back next year to defend her title? The contestants have three quarters of an hour to prepare and serve their soup. They are all given two identical soup bowls to serve up in and then are asked which bowl they wish to be taken to the judges, who are not present when the plating
up occurs. Each bowl is given a number and the judges have absolutely no idea whose soup they are tasting. They score according to presentation as well as taste. Martyn Woodward was the only chef amongst the judges and the others welcomed his professional advice but each judge knew what they liked – as one put it ‘the only qualification I need is that I have a tongue’. 5
no means least, the beautiful langoustines and mussels (added for flavour and removed before plating) from Margaret at the Fisherman’s Kitchen. Again, the judges only had numbered dishes, although they had seen the dishes being cooked and therefore had an inkling as to which was which. But as they had no knowledge of the winner of the traditional competition from the morning session, they were not influenced in their decision in the afternoon. Imagine their surprise and delight when Margaret won both aspects of the competition. But will she come back to defend her title – we’ll have to wait and see!
After much deliberation the results were given to Graham, the secretary, who kept the results under his hat and announced the winners at the 3.30pm presentation. The second competition – the Twist – produced a fantastic mix of creative inventions, some of which will no doubt appear in the near future on the menus of the participating restaurants. There was everything from a Caribbean flavour of spices and rum from Robert of Buckie; a smoked haddock and scotch quails egg served in soup from Hugh at Lossiemouth House; a blagiss skink from Andrea at The Aberlour Hotel; a smoked coley skink with ham and air bag pasta from Drew at The Tufted Duck at St Combs and, last but by
6
Contestants Traditional Cullen Skink • Lorraine Duncan - Peterhead • Caroline Ronald - The Royal Oak Hotel, Cullen • David Smith - Lossiemouth • Lynne Watson - Lily’s Kitchen, Cullen • Ian Watson - Cullen Bay Hotel, Cullen • Tony Young - Hearth at the Old Mill Inn, Forres • Pauline Isaacs - Lossiemouth • Margaret Macrae - Fisherman’s Kitchen, Kyle of Lochalsh
The Judges • Patricia Seligman – Vice Lord Lieutenant Banffshire • Jimmy Buchan who was also MC for the day - Amity Fish Company Ltd/BBC Trawlermen Series • Louie Paterson – Cluny Fish Buckie • Peter Cook – Opportunity NE Head of Food and Drink • Martyn Woodward – Chef/Lecturer Moray College
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RECIPES
8
Lifestyle MAG
9
75TH ANNIVERSARY
been lifted, people across Moray joined in celebrations. Streets were lined with bunting and people poured out of homes and workplaces in a celebration of peace and hope for the future. Throughout the country, crowds gathered, pubs opened late and celebrations continued for several days.
T
he 8th May 1945 saw the first day of peace in Europe, after nearly six years of war. This year marks the 75th Anniversary of that historic day. Moray, in common with counties right across Scotland, lost many people during the war with many young men in their 20s making up that number. In the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s database nearly 300 Scots who died in World War II are identified as coming from ‘Morayshire’ with the total likely to be more than double that, as many on the roll of honour did not have their county identified. In total it is estimated that some 57,000 Scots lost their lives between 1939 and 1945. Following Hitler’s suicide in his Berlin bunker, his successor Grand Admiral Karl Dönitz moved swiftly to offer an unconditional surrender, which was accepted by the allied forces. Victory was announced by wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill in a radio broadcast in which he said “We may allow ourselves a brief period of rejoicing, but let us not forget for a moment the toils and efforts that lie ahead” Later in London, following his historical announcement, Churchill made impromptu speeches to crowds in which he said ‘It is the victory of the cause of freedom in every land.’ Crowds gathered in Piccadilly and outside Buckingham Palace sharing their celebrations with the Royal Family. With victory being declared and the pressure of living with total war for 6 years having
10
Scenes like this were replicated in Paris, New York, cities in Canada and Australia and elsewhere in the world. While it would be many years before wartime restrictions were completely lifted, VE Day marked the beginning of that recovery and the end of the horror that had devastated Europe. VE day, whilst a cause for celebration, was also a day that was also tinged with enormous sadness for those who did not return home to their families and communities but whose bravery had contributed to the peace. For some in Moray, with loved ones continuing to fight in the Pacific, there was still a great deal of worry to come with the war against Japanese forces not ending until three months later on 15th August. The 75th Anniversary of Victory against Japan or VJ Day will also be marked this year. The plan to mark VE Day, at 3pm on Friday 8th May, the time that Winston Churchill officially announced the end of the war, was originally for pipers will play Battle’s O’er on mountain tops, at war memorials and in work places the length and breadth of the country. Sunday 10th May would have seen churches holding Services of Celebration and Commemoration as a tribute to the millions lost during the war. Unfortunately the Covid19 virus outbreak and restrictions on day-to-day life as a result of that means that the marking of 75th Anniversary of VE Day will now be much more subdued with people unable to gather together, however it is hoped that it can be marked more fully later in the year. By Graham Leadbitter
SPR
Showroom O
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SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES
I
n these unprecedented times many of Lifestyle’s clients have been unable to continue trading or have had to change dramatically the way they deliver their services. We will certainly do all we can to assist them once this crisis is over. We certainly look forward to the days when we will again be able to visit the iconic Strathisla Distillery in Keith. Their wonderful visitor experience, if you haven’t been, then this should be added to your to do list soon after our release from lockdown, you won’t be disappointed. Obviously none of us are able to visit any of Lifestyle’s hotel and restaurant clients at the moment. I know that I for one can’t wait to go for lunch and indulge in my favourite cheesecake as soon as possible. Let’s hope it’s not too long. Unfortunately our fabulous new clients at Fashionista in Oldmeldrum have, like so many others, closed their doors to the public for now, but you must make a visit to this amazing boutique as soon as Covid allows. Prior to lockdown we had a wonderful morning out at Fashionista with Morag Martin of Ceamara Photography who was our photographer for the day. Morag, who in February won the Scottish Wedding Photographer of the Year Award, took some amazing pictures for our fashion feature which you can enjoy further on in the magazine.
12
YOUR LOCAL
Expert K
I am delighted that Ann and Elaine agreed to let the feature go ahead and I hope that you will For inspiration be tempted by the lovely outfits you see and ideas maybe give them aand call. design If you must wait till later to go along and visitcall youus willtoday be wellon looked 01343 542777 after.
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Also a wide range of accessories and jewellery. Marie can’t wait to welcome
you as soon as it is safe to do so.
69 Litres Main F 36 Litres Conven 4 Zone Radidlite Dimensions; H90
Meantime check out their 1 Year Warranty A Energy Rating website and facebook page Visit our Showroom and purchase a gift voucher Today or call O n ly Only ideal gift for someone to Matthew/Elaine on look forward to in the not too 01343 542358 distant future.
£ 379.99 £399.
Visit: www.myclothesline.co.uk Email: mymarie.bond@gmail.com
ENJOY OUR RAN
Kitchen, bedroo Lifestyle appreciates all our clients continued Kitchen, bedroom manufactured Kitchenb support which has allowed this issue of Lifestyle manufactured b Visit our showroo manufactured by Visit our showroom to be produced.
Tel: 01542 882736 Email: mcpherson 2 For the businesses continuing to stay open and www.ammcpherso *Termsbathsandbed and Condit Email: serving you the community much has had to change for them also.
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store for full det *Terms and Conditions apply. Sol stocks last. Delivery & Installation to change. See in store for full de
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P L E A S E D R I N K O U R B R A N D S R E S P O N S I B LY
13
RING DEALS Open Now in want Tyock! you REALLY w in Now Tyock! Open in Tyock! A.M MCPHERSON
AVA INNES
youreal can’t gokitchen into the store inat MidJNK St henAlthough into a Keith as they are closed eal kitchen at JNK hen intoEVER a real kitchen at JNK you for now but never fear. thought
Ava Innes a new business based in Elgin focusing on Sleep, Cashmere and Sustainability. The Ava Innes cashmere guard hair duvets and wool pillows, all encased in organic cotton, have been found by many customers to improve their sleep. At this current time of national crisis, in which the coronavirus pandemic has significantly altered all our lives, quality sleep has become increasingly important.
Whatever your electrical appliance requirement from a toaster to a tumble dryer A M McPherson are still working hard behind the scenes and will ensure you get your item delivered safely to your door. They may even have some small fridge freezers in stock if you are still looking?
ELECTRICAL EXPERT IS HERE TO HELP!
Knowledge. Competitive prices.
Expert Knowledge | Super Service closed 01542 doors, phone or check Facebook for our latest update 882736 or message on facebook. atchCall Guarantee | Professional Installation
Whilst Ava Innes are unable to continue their
JNK
m Double Oven tric Cooker
633K
1200 Spin 8Kg campaigns in person, their products Washing Mamarketing chine
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are available for delivery across the UK. Further details of all products including locally sourced cashmere throws and cashmere cushions can be found at www.avainnes.com. 10% discount is available to all Lifestyle readers quoting LFS20.
emails below or visit the website.
A special discount is offered to NHS workers on all Ava Innes products.
Kitchen enquiries (Ronald) 07920479766
ms, Bedrooms Open Now in Tyock! hen into a real kitchen at JNK s NOW at JNK Bathroom enquiries (Matthew) 07811762226
Please contact info@avainnes.com for more information.
sales@jnkkitchenstudios.co.uk
bathsandbedrooms@jnkkitchenstudios.co.uk 15 Programmes Inc: Fast 6kg Wash in 28 Minutes Fan Oven Time Delay ntionaVisit: l Top O ven /Grill www.jnkkitchenstudio.co.uk THE RE:STORE Child Lock e Ceramic Hob Dimensions: H84xW60xD5The 4cmfabulous Re:Store in 0xW60xD60cm Lossiemouth - Moray’s 1 Year Warranty
99 99
S&D HARPER
AVAILABLE WHEN waste refill shop is still open YOU NEED US MOST!
A+++ Energy Rating
S&D Harper’s Edgar Rd depot is O n ly Only open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 12pm.
•
99 £ 229.99 £229.
For sale of Calor Gas or call 01343 FOR547522 OUR CURRENTfor OPENING TIMES PLEASE FOLLOW US free delivery. ON FACEBOOK
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but with safety restrictions
Prompt gas delivery service to your door
in place. do not areas require Covering MorayYou and surrounding Range of Portable heaters in stock and to go with your empty available for free home delivery
containers except for liquids but you will receive your goods in paper bags for now and Alison will do the filling. Please ensure your liquid containers are pristine clean and fit for purpose.
.M.M cPorhfor erdeliveries sonAPPLIANCES LSt&e-mail dD HARPER NGEOutOF TOP BRAND AT LOW PRICES withA those times
154 Mid Street, Keith, AB55 5BJ 6 01542 882736 www.ammcpherRe:Store son.co.does uk have all the necessities like flour, FREE DELIVERY WITHIN yourself to a quality to 542777 your 25 Tyock Industrial Estate, BBQ Elgin, delivered Moray - Tel:right 01343 ns@btconnect.com sugar, pasta and lots of fresh fruit and veg. Check 40 MILES OF KEITH LARGE RANGE 26/27 Tyock Industrial Estate, Elgin, Moray - Tel: 01343 542358 garden by S&D Harper fully assembled for free her out on facebook for full product list. Tel: 01343 546295 / 547522
Fax: 01343 540604 om andsales@sdharper.co.uk. bathroom furniture designed and Email: sales@sdharper.co.uk and bathroom furniture and by us especially for you suit all budgets. n,m bedroom and bathroom rniture futodesigned designed and Visit: www.sdharper.co.uk by usespecially especially for you suit all budgets. today. Nowforthat the weather is why notIV30 treat yom us you. Visit ourto showroom toda y. improving, Edgar Rd, Elgin, 6YQ om today
son.co.uk tions apply. Sold as an agent of Euronics Limited. All rights reserved. All offers are subject edrooms@jnkkitchenstudios.co.uk / sales@jnkkitchens.nadsl.net to Moray and the surrounding area. View the full 25 Tyock Industrial Estate, Elgin, Moray T: 01343 542777 26/27 Tyock Industrial Estate, Elgin, Moray T: 01343 542358 E: sales@jnkkitchens.nadsl.net OF QUALITY
BROIL KING AND e stocks last. Delivery & Installation charges may apply. Exclusions and4 Radius SeeLossiemouth, in QueenApply. Street, IV31 6NU. rangeforat www.sdharper.co.uk. CADACEuronics BBQ’S tails. only. Copyright 2020.are E&OE March 2020. ld as Images an agent ofillustration Euronics purposes Limited. All rights reserved. All offers subject to availability while
14 may apply. Exclusions and Radius Apply. AVAILABLE FROM n charges Prices correct at time of print but can be subject STOCK. FULLY etails. Images for illustration purposes only. Copyright Euronics 2017. E&OE October 2017. Saving
THERE:STORE RE:STORE THE
zero waste shopping
MORAY'S ZERO WASTE REFILL SHOP
All store cupboard essentials INCLUDING flour, sugar, pasta, rice, lentils, dried fruit ALSO fresh fruit and veg daily, milk and local eggs.
See full product list under “Notes” on Facebook
All updates on pinned Facebook post - Larger orders welcome via FB messenger for collection
OPEN DURING LOCKDOWN BUT WITH SAFETY RESTRICTIONS IN PLACE Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 4pm • Closed Sunday & Monday
4 Queen Street • Lossiemouth • IV31 6NU
THE SPEY LARDER
David and his staff are still open to serve you their amazing soup and sandwiches. David has installed a screen at the deli counter to protect his staff and customers. The Spey Larder with their many great suppliers has maintained supplies of all your store cupboard essentials and quality wholefoods including flour, pasta, pulses and much more. As always you will find an extensive selection of cheeses, spices, oils and the world’s finest teas & coffees not forgetting that little chocolate treat. Of course they also have a fine selection of fine wines, beers and whiskies. If you are self-isolating and live locally, please call to arrange a delivery, they will be only too happy to help. Tel: 01340 871243. Email: info@speylarder.com. 96-98 High Street, Aberlour, AB38 9QA.
MCCLINTOCK’S
If you break or lose your glasses, contact Amanda at McClintock’s in Lossiemoth. Amanda is able to offer an emergency service to key workers especially but anyone who cannot do without their glasses and breaks them or loses them then Amanda is available to help. Amanda can offer a virtual consultation following all the General optical council guidelines. “I’m so impressed with Amanda and the service she provides. Up until last year, I’d been in the optical industry for 23+ years and I’ve never seen or heard of an Optician that goes above and beyond as much as Amanda did for me. I will definitely be recommending her to everyone I know.” - Robin McShane. Amanda said “the best part, beside diagnosing her condition over the phone consultation and with photos she sent, was being able to reassure her”.
96-98 High Street - Aberlour - AB38 9QA
At The Spey Larder you will find Store Cupboard Essentials and Quality Wholefoods plus the World’s Finest Teas & Coffees, Spices, Oils, Cheeses & Wines, and of course a Little Chocolate Treat!
Tel: 01340 871243 | Email: info@speylarder.com Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri & Sat 9am to 4pm closed Wed & Sun
Visit our charming Victorian Shop in the heart of Whisky Country...
17 speylarder.com
Unique naturally weighted, temperature regulating DUVETS layered with cashmere guard hair and wool. Natural wool filled PILLOWS, encased in ORGANIC COTTON. Comforting CASHMERE accessories, made in Scotland and Yorkshire. Helping you SLEEP better.
As a new local business, we wanted to say THANK YOU to those who have supported us from the beginning and through this very difficult time. Our thoughts are with all those adversely affected and to the amazing people on the front line, keeping us safe. Please continue to support LOCAL businesses. As a COMMUNITY working together, we are stronger.
Special discount for Lifestyle readers, use LFS20 for 10% off www.avainnes.com Please follow us #avainnescashmerebedding
www.avainnes.com
HEALTH CARE
In order to assist them there are a few simple, obvious, pointers to help them cope with a dramatically increased workload:
For all your health, beauty and pharmaceutical needs
TRAVEL & IMMUNISATIONS No-one hasVACCINES to be reminded that we are living Booked your Holidays yet? Make sure you know what vaccines you through a very hazardous time; daily reports need before you go. If travelling abroad come in and ask for details. in newspapers and on the television serve to highlight the pressures that everyone under Health Care andisAdvice O FRAMES VISIT YOUR –PHOT pressures that are alien to us LOCAL as theyPHARMACY have not RIES SUND andto had be endured prior to this time. ALL REDUCED TO
•
Order only what you need. Please, please do not stockpile.
For all your travel•needs, Phone in plenty of time to place complete the form atyour order. etraveltool.com
• the Phone for Then contact shop with the advice code to arrange an appointment.
instead of going in to the pharmacy.
CLEAR
• As above, only visit the pharmacy The country is rallying round, implementing the if it is absolutely necessary. measures that have been put in place for our Come along to Bishopmill TheINSTANTLY!! pharmacy offers a free delivery DIGITAL PICTURES • AVAILABLE safety and, with some unfortunate exceptions, Pharmacy’s digital photolab service to existing patients and also for all yourmeasures photographic are being adhered to. But these Check out the Kodak Moments app requirements. to the local area. please continue to spare a thought for those 20 North St, Bishopmill, ElginIV30 IV304EF 4EF•• 01 01343 547374 // 547393 547393 • bishopmillpharmacy.co.uk 20key North St, Bishopmill, Elgin, 343 547374 bishopmillpharmacy.co.uk workers who are keeping the wheels turning • If you can, please arrange for family as best they can. We all know who they are or friends to collect. and without them we would be in a far worse situation. Adhering to the above will greatly assist Bishopmill Pharmacy is doing its utmost to help. the pharmacy’s staff and will be very much The management and staff are there to help appreciated. On behalf of the management and you with your needs, irrespective of what those staff we thank you all for your understanding and needs are, and they desperately need you to co-operation. help them help you. Please remember that they are under extreme pressure but still will serve you with a smile.
20 NORTH STREET BISHOPMILL ELGIN • IV30 4EF CALL: 01343 547374 /547393
HOME INTERIOR
Interior Inspirations
U
nfortunately the lovely new showroom in Cornhill, only open a matter of months ago is now closed temporarily due to Covid-19. Never fear Sadie and her team are still available and working hard behind the scenes. So if you have been spending this unexpected free time decorating and now need some new curtains or accessories? Give Sadie a call or e-mail her and you will receive the best advice available.
Call us on: 07791 441 865 Email: scranna18@hotmail.co.uk
We specialise in made to measure curtains, blinds, soft furnishings, apex/bay windows and remote controls. EST. 2007 SORRY, BUT OUR SHOWROOM IS CLOSED DUE TO COVID-19. REACH US ON FACEBOOK, EMAIL OR PHONE. FACEBOOK
‘Interior Ispirations Cornhill Banff’
For all your health, beauty and pharmaceutical needs
FLU
FLU JABS ARE STILL AVAILABLE
Health Care and Advice
Flu is still about! It is not too late to get a Flu jab, call in or request a home visit if necessary.
CONTACT YOUR LOCAL PHARMACY
TRAVEL
TRAVEL VACCINES AND IMMUNISATIONS
Booked your Holidays yet? Make sure you know what vaccines you need before you go. If travelling abroad come in and ask for details.
Delivery available for your prescriptions and all other Check out the Kodak needs Moments app health and pharmaceuticals
Come along to
Bishopmill Pharmacy’s
digitalalong photolab for all Come to Bishopmill your photographic Pharmacy’s digital photolab for all your photographic requirements. requirements.
DIGITAL PICTURES AVAILABLE INSTANTLY!!
20 North Bishopmill, ElginIV30 IV304EF 4EF•• 01 01343 547374 // 547393 547393 • bishopmillpharmacy.co.uk 20 North St, St, Bishopmill, Elgin, 343 547374 bishopmillpharmacy.co.uk
01542 888457
www.advancedelectrics.com info@advancedelectrics.com Unit Q1, Isla Bank Mills, Station Road, Keith, AB55 5DD
Celebrating 31 years in business Advanced Electrics are proud to serve the largest names in the distilling industry. Advanced Electrics offer a design, build and installation service. • Established in 1986 now employs 26 people locally • Recognised expertise • Reputation of Excellence • CompEx trained technicians for hazardous area installation and inspection • Control panel design and manufacture for various production process controls • Thermal imaging, power analysing and power factor correction surveys, reports and supply Also specialise in break-down, routine maintenance and new plant installations
carkare
carkare carkare carkare
Service & MOT Centre stuart roberts
& MOT Centre 33 TyockService Ind Est Service & MOT Centre Elgin Moray stuart roberts stuart roberts Phone 01343 545523 STUARTstuart IS CLOSED robert FORInd EMERGENCIES. 33AVAILABLE Tyock Est Est 33 Tyock Ind www.carkare-elgin.co.ukBUT carkareelgin@hotmail.com Elgin
Service & MOT Centr
33 Tyock Elgin Ind Es
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545523 MOT’s may01343 have545523 an extension butMora PhonePhone 01343 www.carkare-elgin.co.uk you still need to be legal. 545523 Phone 01343 www.carkare-elgin.co.uk carkareelgin@hotmail.com 33 Tyock Ind Est • Elgin • Moray www.carkare-elgin.co.u carkareelgin@hotmail.com Tel: 01343 545523 Email: carkareelgin@hotmail.com carkareelgin@hotmail.com www.carkare-elgin.co.uk
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FOR THE WOMAN WHO
FASHION Images by: Ceamara Photography
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O
n the 1st of April ten years ago two friends, Anne and Elaine, got together to launch what has to be the most delightful boutique. With their differing, yet complementary, tastes in fashion they have created a boutique that caters for all women. Their boutique, Fashionista, is set in the heart of Oldmeldrum. It has a big cosmopolitan theme with fashion houses from both Europe and the UK well represented. From casual to tailored, romantic to quirky, it is all here – and their eclectic range of scarves, jewellery and handbags can transform any outfit. Both ladies know their customers and are experts in taking a simple accessory to create that wow factor. Spending time in their boutique is a truly wonderful fashion experience. They will take time to discuss every customer’s requirements, offering advice and suggestions on how to put an outfit together to suit any occasion. And it is all peppered with a wonderful sprinkling of humour. Fashionista is a joyful experience, not to be missed.
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POETRY
D
o you remember any poems you studied at school? Did you like any of them in particular? Do you recall being told about the Romantic Poets? Did you think their material would be full of lovey-dovey schmaltz? And if you did, were you disappointed when you found out what Wordsworth and Coleridge and Keats were really writing about? Beginning in the last quarter of the Eighteenth Century and expiring when Victoria had been on the throne for a mere ten years or so, The Romantic Movement proved to be a watershed development across Europe in how thinking people received and responded to their surroundings and their neighbours’ feelings and attitudes. It was a marked reaction to the Enlightenment which over the previous century and a half had dominated the exploration of man’s feelings about the true nature of reality. Romanticism produced a new emphasis on Self, the importance of individual experience, and spawned by the American Revolution (1765-83), revolution in France (beginning in 1789) and a handful of European wars of independence it promoted progressive causes. Its bywords were “Intensity” “Imagination” and “Introspection”. By the time it had run its full course it had not only produced new styles of poetry but had also permeated other forms of artistic expression, notably music and painting. William Wordsworth
By Jeff Dugdale
(1770-1850) for one is particularly in the news just now because he was born in the first week of April 250 years ago (and died in April seventy years later). Here’s a quote from one of his most famous poems. For oft, when on my couch I lie In vacant or in pensive mood, They flash upon that inward eye Which is the bliss of solitude; And then my heart with pleasure fills, And dances with the daffodils. So Wordsworth is the first of the true Romantics, though it can be argued that Robert Burns (1759-96) before him was also a Romantic poet. One of his favourite places was Grasmere in the heart of the Lake District. Wordsworth was born in Cockermouth, Cumberland and spent his early childhood exploring the woods, fields and streams of the Lake District which attracts tourists today as “Wordsworth Country”. Much of Wordsworth’s finest work is permeated with a sense of man’s deeply felt connection to nature, in which Wordsworth saw God everywhere. He described Grasmere in particular as “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found” and his body lies in the village churchyard.
As a young man of 20, Wordsworth undertook a walking tour of France and Switzerland, continuing his accustomed practice in his homeland of looking for places of scenic beauty. In 1798 along with his sister Dorothy and fellow poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge he visited Germany after which he began his magnum opus The Prelude (a poem longer than many novels) in which he describes in considerable detail his own psychological development and his relationship with God and nature. At the turn of the century Wordsworth and Dorothy set up home in Grasmere where they lived for fourteen years and, along with neighbours Coleridge and Robert Southey, became known as The Lake Poets. However the poet continued to travel within continental Europe from time to time and in 1822 published Memorials of a Tour of the Continent. His visit in the company of Robert Southey to the Staubbach Falls at Lauterbrunnen, in the Bernese Oberland of Switzerland inspired In Approaching the Staub-bach, Canto XII of Memorials A generation later, a very different character was George Byron (1788-1824) who became a Lord at the age of ten when his granduncle Lord William Byron died. Byron was born in London the son of Captain John “Mad Jack” Byron and his second wife, the former Catherine Gordon heiress of the Gight estate in Aberdeenshire. Byron spent much of his first ten years in Aberdeen or Aberdeenshire, spoke with a North East accent and pronounced his name as something like “Bur-ren”. His subsequent inheritances permitted a life of licence and luxury which resulted in his becoming a celebrated enfant terrible, to say the least. When barely 20 Byron both took his seat in the House of Lords and began to travel in Europe. His experiences inspired his “Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage” (1812-18), whose protagonist gave us the term “Byronic hero”, a character
Lifestyle MAG
who appears in various guises in his later works. Having left England under a considerable shadow on account of his outrageous behaviour Byron settled in Villa Diodati close to Lake Geneva with a group of close friends including the poet Percy Shelley and Mary Godwin who would become Shelley’s wife. The weather was so unpleasant for long periods that unable to enjoy travelling to see various sights the whole group began to compose fantastic stories in order to amuse the company, some of which would make it into print, notably Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Then having travelled around Italy for two years he settled in Pisa in 1821, where wrote the mock epic “Don Juan” (pronounced Jew-ann), a satire on English society from which he was by now totally ostracised. On learning of the Greek revolt in the cause of independence from the Ottoman Empire Byron rushed to join the insurgents at Missolonghi, where he managed to put together a new regiment and supported the cause with a lot of his own money. He became commander of one of the factions of the Greek forces and regularly wore rebel Souliot costume but, suffering from deteriorating health died at the age of 36 three months later, possibly from sepsis, following blood-letting. Two hundred years on Byron remains uncelebrated because of his disgrace concerning his rumoured incestuous relationship with his halfsister, doubts about his sanity which promoted a great deal of outrageous behaviour and his anarchic views.
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MUSIC
"We were really e Forres. It would h had performed at was an eve Grant Park is a we couldn't hav homecoming show Forres again for q our 10th Anniversa put a lot of work wait until 2021
B
e Like Pablo is an indie powerpop band from Forres that was founded in 2010 by brothers Ewen and Ross Watson along with their friend Jamie Murphy. In 2012, they were joined by Andrew Stepien and Karen McLauchlan to complete the current lineup. Over the past 10 years, the band have released an album (2012’s The New Adventures) and released a series of singles with high quality music videos (such as recent songs Call You Back and Do You Wanna Go Surfin’?). They have performed live on STV television various BBC radio shows and played
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They had also planned to perform as much as possible, starting with Forres Live. This would have been the band’s first time playing in their hometown in 6 years and they were looking forward to celebrate by performing a set comprising every single they’ve released over the past decade. It will now have to be delivered somewhat differently. Be Like Pablo’s music is available at all major online platforms including Spotify, iTunes and Amazon Music. All of Be Like Pablo’s music videos are available at www.youtube.com/belikepablo
Social Media facebook.com/belikepablo twitter.com/belikepablo
excited about playing in our hometown of have been the first time that Be Like Pablo home in about 6 years and the fact that it nt like Forres Live was just fantastic. fantastic venue for a music festival and e asked for a better place to play for our w. We have been speaking about playing in uite a while and an all-day music event on ary was perfect timing. The organisers have k into this show. It’s such a shame it has to but I think it’s going to be sensational." - Ewen Watson
instagram.com/belikepablomusic
at many of Scotland’s major festivals including T in the Park, Rockness, Wickerman and on the main stage at the Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival. Their music has received airplay from notable DJs such as Dermot O’Leary and Steve Lamacq and they have been covered in national publications like the NME, Clash Magazine and Drowned in Sound. Now in their tenth year, Be Like Pablo are planning to record and release new music. 31
MUSIC
RUNRIG CHRIS GRANT
A
s you all know by now, Forres Live was one of the many casualties of Covid-19 and Be Like Pablo was just one of the many bands who were scheduled to appear. Bearing this in mind, Lifestyle decided to go ahead as planned and feature Be Like Pablo and to say that, although many events are postponed for 2020, music is most definitely still going on. Over the last few weeks, thanks to modern technology, people have been able to watch many musicians who, being forced to stay at home, are taking to their home studios or even their bedrooms and creating live streams for us to enjoy. Family choirs have popped up with amusing and topical takes on the current situation; talented cellists and violinists have enchanted us with their beautiful music; Italians on their balconies have filled the air with glorious operatic arias and even the youngest of the young have been doing their bit to help keep our spirits up. It is all so heart warming and testimony to the fact that, when the chips are down, we can all pull together. On Sat 11th April Runrig broadcast a special, one-off, free live stream of The Last Dance. The emotional farewell performance at Stirling Castle on 18th August 2018. Obviously it is not quite the same as going to the gigs but you can still interact, ask for requests and nobody has to worry about driving home (a plus point in anyone’s book, surely!) Please support all these local artists, and there are many of them from all genres, that are, like you just trying to keep it together until we get through this thing.
DANNY MORTIMER
GRAHAM LEADBITTER
COMMUNITY
normal few groceries and essential toiletries and medicines they find empty shelves. They may only be able to get to the shops that one day and if the shelves are empty, it is not easy for them to nip back the next day.
T
his is an unprecedented situation and it is bringing out the best and the worst in people.
It is understandable that with the uncertainty many felt it necessary to stock up for the worst case scenario, but who really needs all those toilet rolls???
The supermarkets have assured us the supplies are coming in as normal and there is no need to panic buy so please have some consideration when you do your shopping and make sure there’s enough for everyone. Moray Food Plus are having to adapt the same as everyone else. They cannot accept any self-referrals at this time. It is more difficult for them to receive donations with a number of donation points closed. I would like to make a plea that you consider, do you really need all those additional tins of beans and packs of pasta could you think about those that don’t have the luxury of stockpiling and don’t maybe know where their next meal is coming from. Please give anything you can every donation is gratefully received. You can also give financial donations via Paypal using admin@morayfoodplus.org.uk
The thing is those that are stockpiling are making it more difficult for those in our society that are unable to do so and when they go along for their
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Many volunteer groups have been formed in response to Covid-19 and Moray Food Plus have been providing food to each of these local hubs to allow them to make up care packages to deliver to vulnerable/isolated members of our communities. Each area has their own band of volunteers, if you or someone you know is in need of some support
Grampian Assistance Hub phoneline and website now live. Use the phoneline to let someone know if YOU need help.
Phone or go online to tell us that SOMEONE ELSE needs help.
Use the site to register the ways that you can help in your community. freephone 8.00am - 8.00pm 7 days
0808 196 3384 www.gcah.org.uk
then contact the central hub at Grampian Covid Assistance Hub www.gcah.org.uk Tel: 0808 196 3384 and they will direct you to your nearest group. Nobody should be left with nowhere to turn, please ask for help if you need it, the help is there. If you need it there is the Moray Emergency Relief Fund which was launched by Andrew Simpson Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire and Major General Seymour Monro Lord Lieutenant of Moray, to support people facing financial hardship due to Coronavirus. Applications can be found on the Moray Council website ‘Moray Emergency Relief Fund’. If you are in a position to donate to this fund please send to: Royal Bank of Scotland 83-20-06 Account No: 16104382 please ref MERF.
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Other useful contact numbers for free and confidential support if you have financial difficulties: • Scottish Welfare Fund – can help with money, food and household items in a crisis. T: 01343 563456 www.moray.gov.uk/scottishwelfarefund • Money Advice Moray – can help with managing and repaying debts, help with claiming benefits, budgeting and benefit appeals. T: 0300 123 4563 • Benefit Services – entitlement to free school meals, clothing grants, Educational Maintenance Allowance, housing benefit, Council Tax Reduction. T: 01343 563456 • Discretionary Housing Payments can help if you require financial assistance to meet your rent costs. T: 01343 563456 www.moray.gov.uk/discretionary.housing. payment.
Hospital scrubs are being made across the North East, this is another wonderful volunteer effort that has sprung up in the last few weeks. I spoke to Moray Scrubs organiser Sylvia Jamieson who told me that there are now over Memory Bespoke Creations 250 stitchers stretching from Aberdeen to the Black Isle sewing much needed scrubs. This is a fantastic community effort delivering much needed scrubs. Wash bags and also masks are being made by others adding to this amazing volunteer effort. Shona Woods of Memory Bespoke Creations is one volunteer who is helping this great project. Moray Business Women members are also doing their bit to help. Jane Williams from The Sewing Shop at Number 29 in Fochabers is not only making
masks but has assisted others too. Jane provided an over locker on loan to Lisa Miele of Sylvan Designs, Forres. Lisa was first aware of the group More Scrubs and Lisa started by raising funds to allow her to buy the material needed. Lisa is now supplying scrubs to health professionals who have contacted her direct. Andrea Chappell of Acme Atelier also in Forres is sewing scrubs and bags from duvet covers and pillow cases donated by the public. Joan Johnston of Ava Innes has offered natural organic cotton fabric to those who want to make nonsurgical facemasks for essential workers. Ava Innes also gave away 30 luxury cashmere lavender bags through social media to nominated lockdown heroes and have given one to Lifestyle for you to win and give to your own hero. See page 48. If you have material that could be suitable for scrubs, bags or masks, they would be very grateful for your donation. Maybe you have a fabric shop and have suitable fabric or individuals can donate sheets or duvets. The material must be able to be washed at 90degrees and not be see through or brushed cotton. If you think you could have a go at making scrubs, the sizes in most demand are the Large then XL then Medium. If you can help either e-mail morayscrubs@gmail. com or in Forres contact FACT and for Keith please contact InKeith on facebook or mail@inkeith.com If you require the patterns or are looking for drop off points then contact details are the same.
L
isa Miele of Sylvan Designs is one of the many volunteers who is making scrubs for the medical professionals. Lisa is also one of many of the self employed sole traders who work from home and can actually continue to work to a certain extent. Lisa established her own business, Sylvan Designs: made to measure curtains & blinds just over a year ago. Lisa specialises in quality curtains and blinds that are hand sewn in her workroom in Forres. Lisa told me that although some of the larger suppliers are closed, this has been an opportunity to look at some of the smaller producers of fabrics as they are still able to supply. Lisa obviously cannot come and visit your home at the moment to give you that personal service she would normally provide but there is nothing stopping you having a look on the website, giving Lisa a call or an email and providing you can give accurate measurements, which I am sure you could with Lisa’s guidance, then you would be good to go. But Sylvan Designs has much more to offer it may be just a few cushion covers or a nice throw. Check out our competition prize. No job is too small. Check out the website or facebook I’m sure you will find something to brighten up your room. www.sylvandesigns.co.uk
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WELLBEING
G n i e b l l e W y a Mor s e c r u o s e R b u H M oray Wellbeing Hub continues to be an active resource throughout Moray. We need your ideas on what works for you and those you care about, to live life to the full. We create community and virtual spaces in which everyone feels welcome and inspired to live mentally healthy lives, as well as supporting existing groups to connect and grow, reaching out across Moray to diverse communities and groups. On our Website we would encourage people to access our Mental Health Pathways in Moray if you are not sure of your options or how to support others in their mental health? Try this new online and printable tool. It has been designed in partnership with Moray community members and health professionals. Another useful tool is our 36
Mental Health Pathways in Moray for Children and Young people to learn what’s out there to support their mental health? With tips and information on feeling better and where to go. Designed by young people, community members and professionals. Through our LEADER Wellbeing Connected Moray Project we continue to support the community in four localities: Speyside, Forres & Kinloss, Elgin & Lossiemouth and Buckie & Cullen supported by our Co-ordination Team. The first port of call would be to contact our admin team hello@moraywellbeinghub.org. uk or Tel: 01343576219 (answer machine which is checked regularly. Please leave a message, contact details and someone will respond).
explore this with the wider community in the next few weeks.
During these challenging times we are encouraging Champions to join together on safe, supportive and very friendly chat channels on our Slack space. With our faces beside our names, it’s a great ‘second-best’ to meeting in real life at the moment. Drop us an email at hello@ moraywellbeinghub.org.uk or visit our website to sign up as a Champion – to acknowledge that you have lived experience of mental health challenges, or have lived with someone who has had these challenges (let’s face it, that’s practically all of us!) and that you want to move towards a mentally healthier Moray. Do this by clicking ‘Get Involved’ through the website: www.moraywellbeinghub.org.uk Champions can connect through Virtual Lunches using Zoom, where we use the wonderful CHIME tool (Connection, Hope, Identity, Meaning, Empowerment) to make sure these spaces are safe, supportive and uplifting for anyone who may feel isolated at this time. We are hoping to
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Community Connector Project continues to be an instrumental connection for people such as peer-mentoring. Chatting to a person via phone or zoom who is feeling less empowered, for an informal recovery-focused chat; over a cuppa in the comfort of your own home whilst sharing peer experiences, increasing hope and connection. Supports self-management and increases wellbeing. Instilling a sense of meaning and purpose to progress in life. This is a new style of volunteer role it can be confused with other roles. Community Connectors focus on a mutual exchange of human resource – one human supporting another to engage and connect in their local community. In return they are also helped to connect.
CELEBRATION Our celebration event went fantastically well, we are so grateful to all that attended virtually. A wonderful opportunity to showcase the hard work and contribution of Champions and Projects within Moray Wellbeing Hub. Some activities that have taken place throughout the year we have been supporting and hosting activities throughout Moray such as: Random Act of Kindness Day, Champion Gatherings, Games Night, Peace of Mind Event, Employment Breakfast Briefing, etc. Also working with a variety of partners including: Active Schools, Circles Advocacy, Making
Recovery Real, Speyside High School, Moray College UHI, Third Sector Interface, Moray nhs. uk, Moray Mental Health Support Group, Health and Social Care Moray, Mental Health Foundation, Making Moray Matter, What’s On In Moray, Moray LEADER, See Me Scotland, Scottish Recovery Network. We also took a moment out to thank our NHS staff and carers to join in with the clapping, along with the Nation. A special moment as we applaud them for the hard work they do. Thank you to all!
EVENTS COMING UP A virtual event we have coming up is the Job Seekers Survival Strategies. For 3 weeks we will have 2-hour gatherings that will provide you with a toolbox of strategies to help you cope with the stresses of the job searching process and managing your wellbeing in the meanwhile. During these sessions we will address themes such as self-awareness, self-confidence and dealing with rejections and expectations. The tools and exercises will be based on cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness. Job Seekers Survival Strategies will take place on: Tuesday the 5th, 12th and 19th of May via Zoom. Please sign up via Eventbrite or contact: hello@ moraywellbeinghub.org.uk for more information. In March we kicked off a series of events around the topic of neurodiversity. We are about to launch a campaign in Moray to invite everyone
interested to join us in having a conversation about how we would like to make a positive change to the current perspective on people who are living with nonneurotypical brains, including labels such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, tourettes, OCD, etc. Please keep an eye out for our campaign and share it. Because only together we are able to create a positive change! During the virtual event on Friday the 15th of May from either 10:0011:30am or 19:00-20:30pm we will have a chance to come together to discuss our experiences and what we need to do for a more positive future. Please sign up via Eventbrite or contact us via our e-mail address: hello@moraywellbeinghub.org.uk for more information. We had our virtual ‘For Enjoyment’ sessions online, where the focus was either art or movement. Visual arts or creative time, 11th & 18th April 2-4pm, free two hour sessions were open to absolutely ALL - from the comfort of your own home. No experience was necessary. We also have inspiring and uplifting mini projects such as #aminuteofmindfulness on our Facebook pages and our Slack channel, where we can share sixty seconds of peaceful film, filming simply on your phone, at special locations when out doing daily exercise FOR OTHERS TO ENJOY a minute of mindfulness too.
w w w.m o ray w
e ll b e in g h u b .o
rg .u k
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CHARITY
S
exual violence is totally unacceptable and, in a civilised society, this should not happen. But sadly it does. For whatever reasons, a lot of people do not turn to help, possibly fearing that they will not be sympathetically heard. Thankfully, this is not the case in Moray. There is a new service now available in Moray. It is situated on Elgin’s High Street and is a welcoming space with comfortable sofas, a nice cup of tea and – most importantly – friendly staff who will put you at your ease. In short, Moray Rape Crisis is a charity that exists to ensure that nobody who experiences sexual violence in Moray has to learn how to cope on their own. In Scotland, sexual crimes are at the highest level seen since 1971. While figures for many crimes are going down, figures for sexual offences
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MRC room.
continue to rise. In 2018/19, 2,293 rapes and 133 attempted rapes were reported to the police in Scotland. In the same period, 13,547 sexual offences were reported. This was an increase of 8% on the previous year. Sexual violence is what happens when someone does not consent to a sexual act. There are many different kinds of sexual violence from flashing and voyeurism to sexual assault and rape. It can happen to anyone – any gender, any age. Nobody is ever to blame for experiencing sexual violence. No one ever deserves or asks for it to happen. People are affected differently by sexual violence, but impacts can commonly include feelings of low self-worth, difficulty trusting self and others, loss of confidence, problems sleeping, forms of
self-harm and sometimes suicidal thoughts. Coping with the effects of sexual violence can be very difficult, but it is extremely possible to learn ways of coping that allow people to go on to live full lives. Moray Rape Crisis provides free, confidential information and support to anyone (age 11 and over) affected by any form of sexual violence. They support people who have experienced rape or sexual violence in the past, recently or years ago, as an adult or as a child. Sometimes the effects of rape and sexual violence only emerge in later life. They can also support people whether or not the incident has been reported to the police. They offer advocacy support to people who have experienced a recent rape, attempted rape or sexual assault or who feel as if they are in crisis and need to see or speak to someone as soon as possible. They help people access other services, speak to the police or criminal justice agencies; and to plan for safety so that they are not at further risk. They offer one-to-one support as well as group sessions around creative activities such as cooking, singing and walking. They also work to prevent sexual violence by increasing public awareness and understanding of sexual violence (for instance, through campaigns such as #ijustfroze).
Moray Rape Crisis don’t judge. They provide a space for people to talk about how things are for them. They listen, believe and work out how they can best help. Moray Rape Crisis is part of the Rape Crisis Scotland network. The local centre was launched
Image by: Chris Thomson
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in September 2018. To date, they have had 142 referrals from people aged 11 into the 60s. Funding is limited and a waiting list is sadly in place, but the team are working hard to increase capacity to respond to the massive local need. Many of these referrals have been people looking for support with childhood sexual abuse. Some are people who have been raped at some point as an adult in the past but have never got support. Some are people who have been recently raped. It is almost impossible to imagine what being in such a situation might feel like; but those who have experienced any sexual violence and have been helped by trained and sympathetic professionals can attest to the help they have received.
“I feel I am ready to stand on my own two feet and face whatever comes at me and I am prepared and hopeful for the future” “I have learned a lot about myself and others” “I no longer feel I have to deal with things on my own”
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Moray Business Women have chosen Moray Rape Crisis as their Charity of the Year and a few of the hardiest members joined the International Women’s Day Sunrise Swim on Sunday 8th March at Lossiemouth West Beach. The organiser of the Lossiemouth swim was Alison Read, one of the Lossie Cod Heids, an informal group of outdoor swimmers who meet every Sunday morning to dip in the sea off Lossiemouth’s West Beach. Alison said ‘As well as being a keen outdoor swimmer, I’m also a member of the Moray Business Women. This year, our charity is Moray Rape Crisis, so I saw the IWD swimrise as an opportunity to raise funds for this vital resource.’ Alison roped in fellow swimmer, Laura Thomson, and Bethea Robertson, of Moray Rape Crisis, who had also just started swimming with Cod Heids. The event was shared far and wide and really captured people’s imaginations. What was originally envisioned as a few friends wading into the sea at dawn, became 110 people, both women and men, some coming from as far as
Sandi, Bethea and Jill at Sunrise Swim.
Aberdeen, gathering together on Lossiemouth’s West Beach, to be piped into the sea at exactly 6.47am, sunrise. A huge thank you to SurfABLE Scotland for providing lifeguard support on the day. Thank you also to Moray Food Plus who have supported Moray Rape Crisis from the start and provided pastries and baked goods for the swimmers. The Lossie event also inspired groups in Nairn and Findhorn to dip for International Women’s Day and contribute to the fundraising total.
Obviously due to Covid -19 this will not be happening but the charity still needs your support and Tom Hunter is still kindly giving a 50% top up to all donations so that is making your money go so much further. If you can spare anything at all we believe the funds will be distributed soon so give what you can to https://aberdeenkiltwalk2020. everydayhero.com/uk/moray-business-women
To donate, please go to https:// www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ bethea-robertson The next major fundraising event for the Moray Business Women to help raise funds for their Charity of the Year was supposed to be the annual Kilt Walk in Aberdeen.
Image by: Nathan Mansfield
Lifestyle MAG
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FEELGOOD FITNESS FEELGOOD FITNESS WITH PETRA PENNINGTON
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FERGUS EWING MSP Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy and Connectivity
COVID-19
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n recent weeks, we have been asked to make changes to our lives that would have been unimaginable a few months ago.
There is now only one matter occupying my time and that is the work necessary to try to tackle consequences of the Covid 19 virus. The Scottish Government have had to take difficult decisions to protect the most vulnerable people in our communities from the full impact of Coronavirus. These decisions will always be taken in light of the best scientific and clinical evidence available. In Scotland these key decisions are taken by your Scottish Government. My colleague Kate Forbes, the Scottish Government Finance Secretary has announced various packages of measures in Scotland that will provide some relief for businesses in Scotland. She is working non-stop on this, and indeed in one of several calls, we each agreed that all other work is of necessity being put on the back burner.
consequences for many individuals and businesses are severe. Some tourism businesses such as hotels including those locally have reported mass cancellations of bookings, and are now concerned about survival. I have spent several hours in conference calls with leaders of the sectors, and it is clear that tourism, dependent as it is upon travel is closest to the eye of the storm. The Scottish Government has confirmed a £350m package of welfare and wellbeing support for anyone impacted economically or through reduced social contact, this will include increased support to the Scottish Welfare Fund, support of councils, tax reduction and £70 million food fund to support families who would otherwise be unable to access food during this crisis. This is a serious situation and we are taking it very seriously. I know it is worrying and the weeks ahead will not be easy but if we support and protect family members, neighbours and friends who are most vulnerable to this virus we will be able to work through it.
UKG package for wages is welcome but many in business and self-employed remain extremely worried at the prospect of ceasing work with little support The key is people’s health and welfare, and, in the most vulnerable groups, seeking to prevent the worst consequences. Jeanne Freeman, our Cabinet Secretary for Health has given leadership with the Scottish Governments policy based on the evidence furnished by the Chief Medical Officer. For my part, with responsibility for the rural economy and tourism, it is clear that the
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Closing dates: 25th May 2020 • Email: competitions@lifestylemoray.scot
I drew the last competition early to allow prizes to be distributed before Mother’s Day, which seems like a lifetime ago so much has happened. I am delighted that even in these very challenging times my lovely clients still offered some amazing competition prizes for you, my loyal readers, to win. Much as I love receiving all your amazing postcards, and a lot of them are really wonderful, please remember one postcard with all the codes is sufficient.
from the Spey Larder. Full of many mouthwatering delights you will be spoilt for choice. If you wear glasses whether you need for reading or distance McClintock’s has offered a wonderful pair of single vision sunglasses. Just in time for summer. Finally Ava Innes, who gave away 30 luxury cashmere lavender bags to local heroes have given one to Lifestyle for you to win and give to your own local hero. I’m sure we all know someone who has stepped up at this most difficult time. Good Luck to you all!
A.M. McPherson Ltd The fantastic prizes on offer this issue are: Two £20 vouchers from A M McPherson in Keith, I’m sure you can put them to good use with so much to choose from. Sylvan designs have offered a beautiful Voyage Heather Moors linen throw valued at £90. What about a £25 voucher
Email competitions@lifestylemoray.scot with your name, address and contact number or send a postcard to: Lifestyle Magazine, 5 Green Lane, Newmill, Keith AB55 6NX - Remember your competition codes and please send multiple entries on one card.
Mid Street, Keith, AB55 5BJ | 01542 882736
SPRING DEALS COMPETITION CODES MCPHERSON
2x £20 vouchers towards any purchase.
R LOCAL ELECTRICAL EXPERT HERE TO SYLVANDESIGN A linen throw made from Voyage IS Heather Moors pure linenHELP! fabric and trimmed with 8cm bullion fringe. 138cm wide x 194cm long. RRP £90. Expert Knowledge. Competitive prices. SPEYLARDER £25 voucher to spend on any product of your choice.
MCCLINTOCK’S Single vision sunglasses for reading or distance, your choice. Includes a UV inhibitor coating Expert Knowledge | Super Service orking behind closed doors, phone or check Facebook for our latest update to protect your eyes. From a range of Installation sunglasses to value of £55. Price Match Guarantee | Professional AVAINNES
A beautiful cashmere lavender bag for you to give to a Local Hero of your choice.
60cm Double Oven Electric Cooker EDC633K
48
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1200 Spin 8Kg Washing Machine
WTG821B2W
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A.M. McPherson Ltd
154 Mid Street, Keith, AB55 5BJ | 01542 882736
SPRING DEALS
YOUR LOCAL ELECTRICAL EXPERT IS HERE TO HELP!
Expert Knowledge. Competitive prices.
Expert Knowledge | Super Service Still working behind closed doors, phone or check Facebook for our latest update Price Match Guarantee | Professional Installation 60cm Double Oven Electric Cooker
1200 Spin 8Kg Washing Machine
EDC633K
WTG821B2W
69 Litres Main Fan Oven 36 Litres Conventional Top Oven /Grill 4 Zone Radidlite Ceramic Hob Dimensions; H90xW60xD60cm 1 Year Warranty A Energy Rating
O n ly Only
£ 379. £399.
99 99
15 Programmes Inc: Fast 6kg Wash in 28 Minutes Time Delay Child Lock Dimensions: H84xW60xD54cm 1 Year Warranty A+++ Energy Rating
O n ly Only
99 £ 229.99 £229.
.M.MBRAND cPhersonAPPLIANCES Ltd ENJOY OUR RANGE OFATOP AT LOW PRICES
154 Mid Street, Keith, AB55 5BJ
Tel: 01542 882736 01542 882736 www.ammcpherson.co.uk FREE DELIVERY WITHIN Email: mcphersons@btconnect.com 40 MILES OF KEITH www.ammcpherson.co.uk *Terms and Conditions apply. Sold as an agent of Euronics Limited. All rights reserved. All offers are subject to availability while stocks last. Delivery & Installation charges may apply. Exclusions and Radius Apply. See in
store for full details. forofillustration only. Copyright Euronics 2020.are E&OE March 2020. *Terms and Conditions apply. Sold as Images an agent Euronics purposes Limited. All rights reserved. All offers subject to availability while stocks last. Delivery & Installation charges may apply. Exclusions and Radius Apply. Prices correct at time of print but can be subject to change. See in store for full details. Images for illustration purposes only. Copyright Euronics 2017. E&OE October 2017. Saving compared to a higher price charged for 28 days in the last six months unless otherwise stated.
BLACK BAY CHRONO S&G
219-223 George Street, Aberdeen AB25 1HY Tel: 01224 636632 www.finnies.com WATCH FEATURED SUBJECT TO STOCK AVAILABILITY