The Forres Focus Your Free Community Magazine - Winter 16
Dear Friends, Welcome to the Winter edition of your Forres Focus community magazine. It was delivered by members of DKMA Martial Arts Club - a big thank you to all volunteers. Advertising proceeds from the magazine have enabled a £400 donation to their funds. Ron Murdoch kindly gave permission for his photo to go on the front cover. Isn’t it stunning, and very timely too considering that by the time you’re reading this we should be in the midst of Colours of Cluny. If you’ve somehow missed the publicity so far turn over the page and don’t delay any further in getting your tickets. There’s lots more community information and articles too, so enjoy the read ... As 2016 comes to a close very best wishes for the Christmas season. At the time of writing I’m not entirely certain how or if the magazine will continue into 2017. It needs the support of a few more advertisers to make it sustainable and worthwhile, otherwise it’s a lot of work if I’m totally honest. There’s always that dilemma of not wanting to look too far out of Forres for new advertisers, but having been going just about two years now I feel I’ve just about exhausted most options. Your thoughts and feedback would be gladly received. And if I’m not the one to carry the magazine forward perhaps someone else would like the opportunity to try? Particularly someone who knows Forres and its businesses well, able to persuade potential advertisers what a great, affordable and community spirited magazine this is! It would be perfect for say a stay-athome mum wanting the flexibility of working from home during school hours. So please spread the word - I’d be more than happy to chat.
IAN FRASER
LOCAL PROFESSIONAL
DECORATOR For all your Interior & Exterior work including Ames Taping
FORRES
01309 675191 Contents
Archie’s Appeal .................................27 Cairngorm to Coast ...........................32 Colours of Cluny .................................5 Devotions in Grace ...........................26 FACT ...............................................30 Forres Area Forum ............................28 Forres Community Clean-Up ..............20 Forres Heritage Film .........................16 Finally a heartfelt thank you to all our advertisers who have made this issue possible - without your backing it Forres Library ...................................10 really wouldn’t have been possible, nor the £150 Forres Mechanics ..............................35 charity donation either. Forres Skate Park Initiative ...............23 Index of Advertisers .........................38 With love (and don’t forget your feedback and suggestions for the magazine for 2017!), Naturally Useful .................................7 Samantha’s Blog ...............................39 Nicky Slater Simon’s Run Around Britain ...............13 Striding Through the Glens ...............18 Tennis Club ......................................17 What’s On .........................................9 While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of material published, The Forres Focus takes no responsibility for the acc uracy of statements made by contributors or advertisers or for loss arising from non publication of any advert. This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form in whole or part without the express written permission of the publisher.
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Colours of Cluny, an interactive family show and the first of its kind in Morayshire, has been developed by the same creative team who are behind the multi-award-winning Pitlochry sound and light show, The Enchanted Forest. Set to enhance the natural landscape in a dramatic and mesmerising mixture of sound and light, bringing awe to children and igniting a playful sense in adults, Colours of Cluny follows a route that begins close to the town centre with an illuminated walk through Grant Park, up Cluny Hill, before culminating in a show-stopping finale at the historic Nelson’s Tower. If you haven’t already got your tickets yet, make sure you don’t miss out! Kate Bonney, Creative Director of Colours of Cluny, commented: “We are incredibly excited to introduce Colours of Cluny, a vibrant light and sound experience; a truly spectacular show that will show off the natural beauty of the area. We expect it will be a spectacle that will prove to be a must-see both for the local community and visitors whom we hope will venture to Northern Scotland to see the skies light up around Cluny Hill. Many of the talented creative team behind The Enchanted Forest in Pitlochry have brought their considerable experience to Colours of
Cluny and we look forward to developing a show that will drive visitor numbers to the area and, as a community-based event, one that will engage with the people of Forres also.” Graham Murdoch, Chair of Forres Features Community Interest Company which initiated the venture, also commented: “We are delighted that this project has come to fruition. With a very talented creative team in place we’re truly excited about the potential for this event and the region.”
Colours of Cluny has received £35,000 in local funding in its inaugural year. Two philanthropists and a charitable fund with links to the region have given the event their backing. The Budge Foundation, set up by Bill and Lorraine Budge, has donated £25,000 to
but is originally from Forres. The couple set up the Foundation to support cultural and education-related projects in Scotland and worldwide. Other Budge Foundation beneficiaries include Forres Pipe Band, Forres Highland Games, Brodie Castle Playpark, CLAN Cancer Support and Action Medical Research. In Uganda, the Foundation has an ongoing programme of supporting health and education of young people being actively involved with the rebuilding of five schools, one specifically focused on street kids. Bill Budge commented: “My wife Lorraine and I never cease to be impressed with what the many volunteers within Forres achieve. We are delighted to assist with this fantastic project, which offers so much for all age groups. We believe it has the potential to add another event on the annual calendar, along with Forres Highland Games and Piping in Forres, to promote the town and deliver a very positive reason to be in Forres.”
Community Fund include Grantown Nursery and Forres Golf Course. Other donations have been received from Highland and Islands Enterprise (£17,500), Forres Events Ltd (the organisers of Piping in Forres), Forres Area Local Forum and the Forres Common Good Fund. In addition BAM Nuttall, in conjunction with Network Rail, have agreed to meet the cost of the generators which power the event. Graham Murdoch said: “We’re extremely grateful to all our supporters for their donations. Without them, we could not have moved this project forward. Colours of Cluny really is a community effort.” The show will run on Wednesdays to Sundays from 9 - 20 November and tickets are available by visiting the website at:
www.coloursofcluny.com
The Berry Burn Community Fund has awarded Colours of Cluny £10,000. The Fund, set up by the owners of the Berry Burn wind farm, Statkraft UK, supports cultural and educationrelated projects in Scotland and worldwide. Other beneficiaries of The Berry Burn
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Naturally Useful is a local willow weaving company based at Marcassie Farm in Rafford. We make strong products that are both fit for purpose and pleasing to the eye. Each piece that we make is robust, beautiful and of the highest quality using locally sourced materials. Beautiful Baskets and More All of our baskets are handmade from a variety of coloured local willow using traditional basket weaving methods. They come in all sizes, from small shopping baskets to large log baskets, or we can make you a basket to suit any space or purpose.
scheduled courses throughout the year, as well as offering tailor made courses to suit you. We can teach you to make pretty much everything we sell in our shop or that you can see on our website! All of our on-site courses are held at Naturally Useful’s home, The Pole Barn, at Marcassie Farm, and we can also come to you. Our ‘Open Studio’ day is every Thursday 10am to 4pm, if you want to have a look, or phone to make an appointment.
Autumn/Winter Course List Learn the Traditional Craft of Willow Weaving
Large Log Basket (Prepare for winter and make space by the fire) Sat 12 November 9.30am to 4.30pm & Sun 13 November 10am to 2pm - £95
Bird Feeders and Houses (Bring the kids and make a home for the birds) Sat 28 January Drop-in between 10am and 4pm - £20
Plant Supports (Re-awaken those green fingers in time for Spring) Saturday 25 February 10am to 2pm - £30
Coffins and Urns
We make beautiful, natural, alternative coffins and urns, created with love and care here in Moray, handmade using local willow and following long lost traditions. Family and friends are welcome to join in the making process, perhaps incorporating particular treasures or flowers into the weave to add significance to the casket.
Courses
Our Ethos Naturally useful is a small rural Scottish business. We are a Community Interest Company serving and supporting local individuals and groups in employment and skills training through the making process. Our focus will always be on teaching and selling locally; nurturing local cultural and economic regeneration. For more details about any of our products or courses please get in touch.
Web: www.naturallyuseful.co.uk
By coming on one of our courses Email: karen@naturallyuseful.co.uk you’ll learn a traditional craft, go home with a Facebook: Naturally Useful creation of your own and become part of the Telephone: 07926 809521 lineage of traditional craft makers. We have Please mention THE FORRES FOCUS when responding to ads 7
THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION SCOTLAND FORRES BRANCH
Tel: 01309 672131 Email: secrblsforres@gmail.com Web: rblsforres.com
Sanquhar Road, Forres, Moray, IV36 1DG
Opening times: Monday to Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
1900hrs to 2359hrs 1100hrs to 2359hrs 1100hrs to 0059hrs 1200hrs to 2300hrs
Hogmanay - tickets available from December
MEMBERSHIPS NOW DUE! £19 Ordinary Member, £18 OAPs Membership Types: Ordinary and Ordinary OAP: Serving, TA, Ex-serving, Merchant Navy, Emergency Services Family and Family OAP: Persons who have serving and ex-serving family. Associate and Associate OAP: All others wishing to join. The club has 2 full size snooker tables available during opening times for members and their guests. Bingo every Friday night starting 1930hrs. Hall available for booking: phone for rates and availability.
Memberships Due 1 November (runs from 1 Nov - 31 Oct regardless of when you pay) The Royal British Legion Scotland (Forres Branch) - Membership Form Surname: .............................................................................................................................................................. Forenames: .................................................................................................... Title: ........................................... Address: ............................................................................................................................................................... …............................................................................................................. Post Code: .......................................... Tel: ............................................................................................ DOB: ............................................................... E-Mail: .................................................................................................................................................................. Service Details (Full Members Only) Service: ........................................................................... Number: ..................................................................... Date of Enlistment: ......................................................... Discharge: .................................................................. Rank: .................................................................................................................................................................... Ordinary Member (Serving, TA, Ex-serving, Merchant Navy, Emergency Services). Associate Member (this category is for those who support the policy and objectives of the Legion but do not qualify for Ordinary Membership). Family Member (for those who have a member of the family who qualifies for Ordinary Membership). OAP in each Category. Signed: .................................................................
What’s On?
It’s free to place a listing on these pages, so make sure your community event/info isn’t missed out in future issues. For details of the next edition keep an eye on the website or call/email for an update (nicky@thelossielocal.co.uk)
* listings taken from the ‘What’s On’ pages of ForresWeb.net. Be sure to check on ForresWeb too. COLOURS OF CLUNY 9 - 20 November. See page 5 for full details. LIGHTHOUSE CHURCH ‘Once An Addict’ author Barry Woodward is sharing his life’s story on Thursday 17 November, 7.30pm at Clovenside Chapel. Free event and all welcome. Forres Lighthouse Baptist Church meets every Sunday at 10.30am and 6.30pm at Clovenside Chapel, Clovenside Road, Forres. Call 01309 676974 to find out more or check out the website www.thelighthousechurch.wix.com. A warm welcome extended to all. READY, STEADY CHRISTMAS 2016 In aid of Macmillan Cancer Support Forres Fundraising Group at The Mosset Tavern on Friday 18 November, 7pm for 7.30pm start. Tickets £5 from committee members, Mosset Tavern and Little Flower. Craft tables, demonstrations, mince pies & shortbread, raffles. Start your Christmas countdown while helping to support a great cause! OLD LOSSIEMOUTH PHOTO EXHIBITION Photos by Alexander MacKilligan (born Lossiemouth 1855) and memorabilia of J. Ramsay MacDonald (born Lossiemouth 1866). Tuesday 22 November, 10am - 8pm & Wednesday 23 November, 10am - 5pm. Entrance and refreshments £4 for Lossiemouth Heritage Association.
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DRUMDUAN SCHOOL CHRISTMAS FAIR The school is hosting a Christmas Market at its woodland campus on Saturday 26 November, between 11am and 3.30pm. There will be children’s activities, craft stalls and a cafe serving homemade refreshments. All are welcome. FORRES CRAFTERS DICKENSIAN CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR* Saturday 26 November, 12 noon - 5.30pm, The Tolbooth. All items handcrafted in the Forres area by a member of Forres Crafters. Come along and find that perfect Christmas gift. FORRES TENNIS CLUB AGM Wednesday 30 November, 7.30pm, at the Clubhouse. ANDERSON’S PRIMARY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS FAYRE Come along to see Santa and do some Christmas shopping. Outside stallholders, bouncy castle and lots of other interesting things. Friday 2 December, 4.30pm 6.30pm. High Street, Forres. STARS CHARITY CHRISTMAS FAYRE Celebrate Christmas and find your perfect gifts at this Charity Christmas Craft Fayre in aid of STARS (the Syncope Trust), complete with delicious home bakes and refreshments! Saturday 3 December, 10am - 1pm, St John’s Lodge, Forres. THE ROYAL BURGH OF FORRES PREMIER FILM SCREENING* Film of The Royal Burgh of Forres, starring the people of Forres. A Forres community Christmas celebration. Ronnie Thain and Friends perform live, and an exhibition of old photos from the Forres Heritage Trust. Refreshments. Saturday 3 December, 7.30pm at Forres Town Hall. Adults £10, Concessions £6. See page 16. ST ANDREW’S CEILIDH* St Andrew’s Ceilidh with the Dunphail Dance Band. Saturday 3 December, 8pm, at Rafford Village Hall. Adults £8, U16s £4. Includes refreshments. Everybody is welcome
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ST LEONARD’S BREAKFAST CHURCH On the 2nd & 4th Sundays each month, 8.30am at St Leonard’s Church Hall, Forres. For more details contact Rev. Anne on 01343 552330.
CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAYRE AND COFFEE MORNING* Beautiful locally made gifts for that special present. Forresian Firs selling local Christmas trees, Rafford Rose Window sun catchers, jewellery, textiles, woven baskets, DVDs and lots more. Saturday 10 December, 10am 12noon, at Rafford Village Hall.
MORAY JAZZ CLUB Meets every Thursday evening at Elgin City Football Club Social Club, Borough Briggs Road, Elgin. Doors open 7.30pm, with live music between 8pm and 10.30pm. Visitors are very welcome. Fully licensed bar, coffee, teas and chocolate also served. £4 members, £6 non-members. Contact Tom McPherson at morayjazz@gmail.com.
Christmas Opening Sat 24 December open 10am - 12noon. Mon 26 and Tue 27 December - Closed. Wed 28 December open 10am - 6pm. Thurs 29 Dec open 10am - 8pm 30 & 31 Dec and 2 & 3 Jan - Closed Re-open Wed 4 Jan.
CAROL CONCERT On Saturday 17 December, 6pm at Forres Town Hall. ‘Out of the Box’ Puppet Company will also be performing. Free entry. Organised Job Club runs every Monday from 2pm – by Forres Youth and Family Outreach Project. 4pm. Just drop in if you need assistance in FORRES AREA FORUM looking for work, completing application forms Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of or constructing a CV. the month at 7pm in the Community Centre. The Get DigITal Club runs on a Thursday All welcome to attend. afternoon from 2pm – 4pm. Do you have DIGITAL HELP DROP-IN SESSIONS problems starting and using Apps, or are Forres Online free drop-in sessions for digital Skype, Facetime or Google Hangouts a help and advice. Tuesdays and Thursdays mystery? Then take your device along and 2pm - 4pm & Fridays 10am - 12noon. FACT allow volunteers with the knowledge to show Office, 1 Leask Road. you how it’s done. FORRES STEPPING OUT ICT Courses A range of ICT courses are also Walking group for all. Meet every Monday, available e.g. free taster sessions, short 1.30pm at Forres House Community Centre. beginners’ courses and PC Passport. ILA funding available (conditions apply). MORAY THRESHOLD SINGERS Women’s choir offers to sing to people who are We also offer Scottish Family History courses seriously ill and those approaching the end of and workshops. Forres Library has free WiFi their life, in their own home, care home or and free Internet Access. hospital to bring comfort and ease. To request For all events please contact Forres our service or to join us phone Chloe Library on 01309 672834 or see Greenwood on 07769 796672. www.thresholdchoir.org/moray. forres.library@moray.gov.uk for details
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THE FILLING STATION
Lossiem outh We have something special for you in December:
Andy Kind a wonderful Kingdom comedian who loves to have a light hearted and encouraging look at the nuances of our Christian lifestyles and hopes! Grab some friends and make it a date:
Saturday 10 December Lossiemouth Town Hall 7pm for 7.30pm Join us for a unique evening of Worship, Word and Ministry. We look forward to welcoming you. The Filling Station Lossiemouth
coffee - cake - lunch - gifts - crafts “What an excellent place to visit and eat. Food and service 5 star, plus very helpful in the craft shop. A perfect place to stop for lunch - thoroughly recommended” Elaine A “If I thought I could have got away with licking the plate I would have. It was sooo good. I think we may have found our new favourite cafe!” Rachel C “Lovely wee place, very helpful and friendly staff and the most amazing strawberry tart to go with a lovely cup of coffee. Be prepared to spend a long time browsing the wonderful craft shop and then enjoying the delights of the coffee shop. Well worth a visit” Lisa W
Main Road, Alves 01343 850401 Facebook: Green Gables
For all ages from 0 to 99 Drumduan School
Christmas Market Christmas Market Saturday 26 November 11am - 3.30pm
Every Third Saturday in St Leonard’s Church Hall 2pm - 4pm Bible Story, Worship, Crafts & Fellowship, followed by Afternoon Tea Next Dates: Sat 19 November & Sat 19 December Please Contact: Judith Watts Mob: 07399 425276 judithwatts.outreach@gmail.com
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AUTO ENROLMENT Are you ready? ‘Failure to comply could result in Daily Fines of £50 per day’
Time to plan? Call today to see how our Payroll and Auto Enrolment solutions can help you Mobile: 07833 774 650 Email: info@apbookkeepingservices.co.uk Web: www.apbookkeepingservices.co.uk Park House Business Centre, South Street, Elgin, IV30 1JB
MOUNTAIN BIKES • ROAD • HYBRID CHILDREN’S BIKES
Just a little run around Britain ... Earlier this year, 57 year-old Simon Clark stopped by one of Forres’ local charities, Ecologia Youth Trust, to announce he had decided to run anticlockwise round mainland Britain's coast to raise at least £10,000 in aid of their work. Apparently, our wee island has an exceedingly crinkly coastline, which means that its total length clocks in at a jaw-dropping 5,000 miles! Running AND working part-time on his lap-top, Simon aims to complete his challenge within one year. Simon set off from Findhorn on Easter Sunday, after a 5km fun run with well-wishers. The first months were particularly hard, with unseasonably cold weather and boggy, remote paths to cover, but on 7 October he passed the 2,500-mile mark at Swansea Bay. With no support team and still another 2,500 miles to run, we were curious to find out what keeps
Simon going and what have been the most memorable moments of his journey so far. Here’s what we discovered!
Days on the road: 164 Days off road: 25 (usually for work, occasionally because of rain) Pure rest days: 3 Nights spent wild camping: 66 (in a bivvy bag) Nights slept indoors, courtesy of others: 46 (from hotels to sofas, barns, a campsite laundry
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room, and vans) Nights in paid accommodation: 52 Total spend on accommodation: £1,431 Total spend on food: £3,190 (about £20/day) (All expenses are paid for by Simon out of his own earnings, so that 100% of the money you donate goes to support Ecologia and the children at its projects)
What keeps you going when you feel like giving up? “…the determination to raise at least £10,000 for Ecologia to help support the children who benefit from their work; keeping my commitment to those children, to what I set out to do, and to all those who have supported me and donated so far.” To help an extraordinary local man achieve his goal, please visit:
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ Items lost: 1 i-phone (lost falling down a cliff); 3 fund/justaLittleRun Pairs of trainers worn out: 3
waterproof rucksack covers (all blown off); 1 woollen shirt (dropped en route) Most amazing encounters with non-humans: “… waking up to find Coco the tame deer next to me, having my feet tickled by a fox in the night, and the horse asleep on my shoulder.”
You can also use the links below to follow his progress, or to contact Ecologia if you know of anyone who might like to run with Simon or offer him a bed. Live map: www.ecologia.org.uk/run-around-britain Simon’s blog: www.facebook.com/remembersimon Contact: info@ecologia.org.uk / 01309 690995
Best moments so far: “…the exhilaration of falling down a wooded cliff-side having lost my footing and being out of control. A fallen tree caught me (it was also the costliest moment, I lost my uninsured i-phone!); an extraordinary sunrise at 4am on the Crinan Canal; a horse laying his head upon my shoulder, us cheek to cheek, on the Gower Peninsular; the staggering beauty of the Summer Isles across the estuary on a bright summer’s evening; feeling magnificent running to Carlisle after crossing the border into England on my 100th day; running in the rain and wind in Pembrokeshire, knowing a hot shower was waiting; sleeping on loch shores in warm June sunshine south of Skye; boating with a fisherman from Ullapool early one morning; any moment when the sun shines…”
Ecologia Youth Trust Our vision is a world where all young people can thrive within their own communities. With local partners, we strive to enable disadvantaged youngsters in Russia, Kenya, Uganda and Myanmar to realise their own individual potential and create sustainable, resilient communities. In 2017, Ecologia will launch a new Scotland-based project. Growing2gether supports disengaged Scottish young people to develop confidence and self-belief by mentoring small children, nurturing their potential and developing trust in their community. Find out more at www.ecologia.org.uk.
Worst moments: “…returning to the road after a break – everything hurt and I felt I’d lost my purpose; the night camping after I’d completed 2000 miles, soaking, miserable and sleepdeprived.”
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Restaurant Opening Times Monday to Thursday 12 - 2pm & 5 - 9pm Friday and Saturday 12 - 9pm Sunday 12 - 8pm
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20% Pensioners Discount (Mon to Fri between 12 & 2pm)
2 Classic Mains for £15.95 (Mon to Fri between 12 & 2pm)
Christmas at The Clifton Book your festive lunch or dinner with us at The Clifton before the end of November to receive a 10% discount *
Tel: 01343 812100 Email: info@cliftonhotel.net Clifton Road, Lossiemouth, IV31 6DP Please mention THE FORRES FOCUS when responding to ads
* Excluding drinks. £10 deposit per person required at time of booking.
Freshly Prepared Food Using Locally Sourced Ingredients Extensive Gin Menu Afternoon Teas Recently Refurbished Accommodation Stunning Sea Views over Lossiemouth’s East Beach
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‘Creative Visions Moray’ has produced a Forres Heritage film in collaboration with Filmcraft Moray entitled The Royal Burgh of Forres, which will premiere at Forres Town Hall on 3 December 2016. Ronnie Thain, whose music features in the film, will also perform live at this event along with an exhibition of old photos from Forres Heritage Trust and refreshments. The film contains old photographs & cine film courtesy of The Forres Heritage Trust and the Falconer Museum. Dr John R. Barrett presents the history of the Royal Burgh of Forres. Workshops in film-making, communication skills, music drama and animation were held with young people on location and at Forres Academy and Andersons Primary School. The film is the end product of an intergenerational project which has run throughout 2016, where a great deal of fun was enjoyed in the process. The people of The Royal Burgh of Forres are the stars of the film; highlights of several events in the town have been recorded, along with the hard work gone on behind the scenes by the town’s many volunteers which make these events possible. The film has attempted to capture the unique community spirit which exists in Forres, making the town such a lovely place to live in and to visit. Producer Yvonne M. Findlay said: “I am very grateful for the contribution to the cost of this social enterprise made by the Berryburn Community Fund. Profits from this project go to charity.” Tickets for all these events are available from The Hub, Tolbooth Street and from Buckley’s Newsagent, Queen Street, Lossiemouth.
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RH Counselling Helping you to explore and manage whatever is happening in your life.
Relationship Counselling Marriage or Couple Counselling Same Sex Couple Counselling Addiction Counselling Abuse and Trauma Counselling Bereavement Counselling Depression and Stress For further details contact Ramona at RH Counselling on:
Elgin 07523 857957 ramona@rhcounselling.co.uk rhcounselling.co.uk played outside of the club before. All the juniors have regularly attended club coaching and also the club summer camps and their dedication and efforts are starting to pay off. Well done!
JUNIORS TRIUMPH AT TEAM TENNIS CHALLENGE Forres juniors have been on a roll this last few months. The young Juniors represented Forres at the tennis Team Challenge held at Elgin Tennis Club. Teams from Elgin, Lossiemouth, Rothes and Inverness played in two events. Sunday 25 September saw the 9 and under team of Angus Robertson, Angus Sheldon, Sophia Aykroyd and Sophie Howard win their event against some very strong opposition, whilst Sunday 2 October was the girls only event for ages 10-13. The Forres team of Dayna MacFarlane and Ella Robertson came second in their event, a fantastic result for the girls who haven't Please mention THE FORRES FOCUS when responding to ads
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It’s the same length as the iconic West Highland Way, but that’s probably where the similarities end. The Moray Way circular walk is made up of three of Scotland’s Great Trails in the North East, namely the Speyside Way, the Dava Way and the Moray Coastal Trail. Ok, it’s not as It’s been a very good first mountainous as the WHW, but it is a lot drier, year for the new North relatively midge free and has a great variety of West Grampian local group wildlife and landscapes on its way through of the Long Distance Moray and Speyside. There’s even the chance Walking Association of popping into a distillery or two on your way (LDWA) and we already around! have a healthy number of active members. Let’s hope that we can keep the momentum going for our second year. For those that may not have heard of the LDWA, it is a national organization with over 7000 members from all over the UK and is made up of 44 local For those interested in the Moray Walking groups, three of which Festival, it takes place from 16 - 26 June and is are in Scotland. the perfect time to do the 5-Day Challenge, or if We had two big events that’s not your cup of tea, our members are also this year, the first being involved in the overnight 24 mile Ghost Train an Easter outing on the Walk on the Dava Way, and the Navigation Moray Coastal Trail and training walk in the Cromdales. the second being the We are an ambitious new group, and hope to Moray Way 5-Day develop a 50 mile qualifying challenge and Challenge! The latter perhaps hosting the annual 100 mile LDWA was also part of the local Walking Festival. challenge some day, so why not join our Facebook has been a great tool for attracting new and regular walkers to our events and was evolving local group. Most of our walks are in the main driver to our amazing numbers for the the Moray area and more information on these can be found on the LDWA web site at Four Harbours Walk on Easter Sunday, at which we had over 100 walkers.
Striding through the Glens
The main event of the year was the Moray Way 5-Day Challenge, which also had over 100 walker days spread over the five days. This event has been running for a few years, but is now really starting to take off. I suspect most local walkers have heard of it by now through our efforts to publicise it on Facebook and elsewhere.
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www.ldwa.org.uk
Peter Mitchell Secretary, NW Grampian LDWA Local Group
To advertise in THE FORRES FOCUS please call 01343 815328
Luxury Boarding Cattery Granary Cottage, Rafford, Forres
01309 672970 www.granarycatlodge.co.uk info@granarycatlodge.co.uk
Sandra and her team offer a warm welcome and a professional walk-in service at competitive prices. Gents, ladies, children and pensioners all welcome. Colours & Updos
Hot Towel Shaves
Opening Hours: Mon to Thurs: 10am - 6pm Friday: 10am - 7pm Saturday: 9am - 5pm Sunday: Closed 12 Tolbooth Street, Forres 07590 408196 ~ info@sbarbers.co.uk
www.sbarbers.co.uk
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Covesea Links Golf Course 9 Hole Pay and Play
Links Golf - £10 per round Club Hire Available Golf Outings Catered For Open Over Winter
01343 810012
Covesea Links
www.covesealinks.com • info@covesealinks.com
Get Involved With
Forres Community Clean Up Forres Community Clean Up was started in 2011 when I noticed that the local burn was full of rubbish. The council told me that they did not have the staff nor funds to keep it free of litter. It soon became apparent that a team of people was required to keep it clean and so I was joined by a number of volunteers.
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In 2013 our group joined up with a team run by Joe Pirnie. Joe was involved in keeping Forres streets and green spaces free of litter.
We now meet twice a month (second Saturday of the month at 10am and third Sunday of the month at 2pm). On the Saturday we clean the Mosset Burn and on the Sunday we clean the streets that the Moray Council are not able to reach. We normally work for an hour and aim to have fun. It’s great to be out in nature. Over the years we have collected a wide range of items from laptops, televisions and money to antique ceramics. To date we have cleared more than 500 bags of litter from Forres, which equates to about 2.5 tons of rubbish. We have a team of about 10 people that are regular volunteers but the more people we have the more can be done. We provide all the equipment. If you would like to join in, please email us on fccu123@outlook.com or see us on Facebook as “Forres Community Clean Up”
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THE LOCK DOCTOR We SOLVE your lock problems
www.elginlocksmiths.co.uk Contact Gordon on 07815 921558 7 Hebenton Road, Elgin
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Metafit BootCamp Pump
Kettlebells Boxercise TRX
Tulloch Park, Forres, IV36 1AX
07734 859946
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01309 611761 07984 902590 came to try. Bikes, scooters and skateboards were all accommodated.
A dream has been fulfilled for Michael Robertson after it has been more than a decade since the Forres Skatepark was demolished. With the support of local businesses and volunteers he was able to initiate a project as part of the Findhorn Bay Festival Culture Day activities to stimulate a renewed interest in the project. He set forth on planning the design of a half pipe that was agreed to be located in Grant Park, and with BAM Nuttall’s experience of construction he was delighted to have the help to bring the day to fruition ... and what a day it was! Keen former skaters of that era flocked to the park, along with parents with younger families who
Positive feedback came prior to the day as dog walkers and visitors to the park passed by, as Mike ‘guarded’ the newly created structure that BAM Nuttall had made and erected. On the day folks asked if it was to be a permanent fixture, extending their excitement that something was being done. Well over 12,000 messages of support on facebook and twitter were received in the weeks leading up to the day, although some doubted that it could be delivered in such a short timescale! Weekly meetings were held to encourage Mike to submit a drawing, hold meetings with others to make the links with businesses and community activists, interviews with the Gazette, phone calls, insurance, risk
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management and first aid procedures all had to be in place as more and more messages came forward.
sparked an enthusiasm amongst youngsters. We next plan to hold a fundraiser and to recruit new members to the project group as we’ve been told the ramp is in safe keeping for the time being. An APPEAL is going out to YOU to come forward to help make this all happen ... watch out for details coming your way soon.
Thanks go to the following: AJ Engineering, Bam Nuttall and Keith Builders for all their contributions of materials, time and expertise, along with physical handling and building and advice, without which the day could not have happened; Forres Community Sports Hub helped with the promotion of the event, recognising that it is a sport that has become more popular; Debbie Herron has acted as our secretary; Councillor Lorna Creswell made connections and introductions; Maggie Bell provided support and expertise being part of the previous committee; Vicky Flood the interim It is always essential, in any development, to Chair with previous skate park and youth work ensure communication between those who experience; Ruth and Oliver MacFarlane with need to have the information, and this will be Max and younger Oliver designed the posters one of the lessons learnt. Working alongside and flyers; Daniel Rose helped liaising with others and working as a team will always be the BAM; Young Bands who played throughout and answer as the resources each bring can make Gary Simpson … WELL DONE TEAM!! the difference in succeeding. FACT (Forres Area Community Trust) provided meeting room space and will continue to support the project so that a permanent site can be identified. Mike and fellow skaters have already linked with the ‘Planning for Real’ community consultation exercise being conducted to give their views on where it could be built. FACT has been gathering evidence for such a facility since their original development plan was established in 2012, so this has given the impetus to forge ahead. Known for building confidence, keeping fit and meeting new people, skate parks have a major role to play in the choices we offer youngsters within recreation facilities, and have become commonplace in many communities. Having fun and exercising reduces stress and helps obesity levels as well as maintaining wellbeing. One parent sent a message to the core group that said “Michael, thanks for giving confidence and joy,” with a picture of her son on the ramp as he tentatively embarked with his scooter. The ‘Forres Skatepark Initiative’ has certainly
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Forres Chiropractic Clinic Are you in pain?
Chiropractic - so often the answer ... Low-Back Pain Aches & Pains Sacro-Iliac ‘Hip’ Pain Muscular Tension Extremity Pains Doctors of Chiropractic are highly trained & Statutory Regulated.
Neck & Arm Pain Headaches (Migraine) Shoulder/Rib Pain Mid-Back Pain Postural Advice David Morgan, DC has over 15 years’ Clinical Experience.
65 High Street (Ground Floor), Forres, IV36 1PB Tel: (01309) 696381 Consultation by Appointment. Private X-Ray Referral. Open 5 Days, 2 Late Nights & Saturday Morning www.forres-chiropractic.co.uk Email: davopractic@yahoo.co.uk Please mention THE FORRES FOCUS when responding to ads
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MORAY GRACE FELLOWSHIP Preaching New Covenant Grace Everyone is welcome at MGF A church family from all walks of life Jesus makes life worth living Taste and see for yourself Be the best version of you that you can be Stay for lunch and a chat Call Pastor Vic on 07738 260 550 for info vic.cameron2803@btinternet.com
Come and hear the true Gospel The Warehouse Theatre, Sundays at 10:30am DEVOTIONS IN GRACE The Real Treasure Was Inside (1 Peter 1 v 25) In Lichfield Cathedral I recently saw what is thought to be the second oldest book in existence in the UK, a hand written copy of the gospels of Matthew and Mark and the first three chapters of Luke.
abundance, and had kept the ‘valuable’ stuff that would eventually be used up. They had thrown away what would endure for ever, they kept what would quickly be gone. The Word of God is everlasting and is far more valuable than jewels, gold, silver and money.
This surprisingly had a real emotional effect on me, and I had to fight hard to stop my tears!
Money will not see you set free into a life of abundance, you may think it will but it cannot.
It just looked wonderful, even though I could not understand what it said (it was written in Latin).
Only the Word of God can do that!
We were told that the other half of the book (the rest of Luke and the gospel of John) was lost, probably during a Viking raid. It is thought that the book cover, which was covered in jewels and therefore worth a lot of money, was ripped off and the book thrown away; and at this point the other half was lost. The Vikings only took what was of value to them i.e. the jewels, but I knew they had left the real treasure behind. They had thrown away the key to life and life in
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Speak this out today ... ‘thank you Lord for your Word and thank you that it is the agent for change in my life”. 1 Peter 1 v 25 ... ‘But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.’
For Daily Devotions in Grace (DIGs) from Pastor Vic visit Helian Word Ministries at www.heilanword.org
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Trevor Lilley 07519 321577 ntelectrical@yahoo.co.uk
Can you help Archie? Moray youngster Archie Salter has just recently been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, a devastating blow to his mum Kim and her partner Andy. He was admitted to Aberdeen Children’s Hospital on the Sunday, then on Monday the results of his biopsy were completed and the oncologist gave his mum the worst news ever. Archie has a type of cancer called Rhabdomyosarcoma, which develops in the supporting tissues of the body such as bone, muscle and cartilage. Fewer than 60 children are diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma in the UK each year. Most of them are younger than 10 years old, and it’s more common in boys than girls.
Archie is a loving young boy, full of life, with everything in front of him. He needs specialist radiotherapy, which is only available in the USA. Fortunately the treatment is funded, however Kim and Andy will need as much assistance as possible with travel, accommodation and sustenance whilst they are there for Archie. Would you please consider if you could help in any way possible, either financially or with your time anything would be greatly appreciated. We need everyone’s help to support Kim and Andy during Archie’s treatment in America. Many thanks to you all and please keep Archie in your thoughts, hearts and prayers.
www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ helpforarchie
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There are four area forums in Moray based in Lossiemouth, Buckie, Keith and Forres; designed to help formulate an Action Plan to influence the way in which Moray reflects the needs of its communities. Area forums are constituted groups which provide a platform for local people and community organisations to come together to influence the planning and delivery of services in six key sectors, namely to achieve - A diverse and sustainable economy with improved employability. - Healthier citizens. - Ambitious and confident young people. - Enhanced public protection measures. - Measures to reduce the effect of climate change. - Improved housing provision. Process. Forums listen to the views of local people to identify any issues of concern, and also work with the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) to produce local action plans. The forums also invest money in local projects from a fund provided by Moray Towns Partnership which was established to promote economic benefit in each town where Forums are active. Forres has supported numerous schemes in the past with beneficiaries being as diverse as ‘Welcome to Forres’ road signs, street maps, Forres tourist guides, Forres Pipe Band, Forres in Bloom, Forres Credit Union, Sanquhar Loch Renovation Group, Nelson Tower, Piping Forres and Colours of Cluny amongst several other projects over the years. We are currently supporting a tourist promotion (Expo17) in Glasgow next year following the success of the 2016 event held in Edinburgh. Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of every month in the Community Centre at 7pm Anyone who has an interest in the wellbeing of our community are welcome to attend.
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If you feel inspired by the work of FACT, or have a project idea you would like help with, then please visit us weekdays 10am to 1pm. Keep up-to-date with our news and local activities via social media and show your support by becoming a member. It has been a season of change and development at Forres Area Community Trust (FACT) with a new Board of Directors elected and projects coming to fruition. Key highlights over the past few months include: • The Forres Online project securing funding for 2 years. • Fabio Villani, Steve Skidmore, Sandra Maclennan and Rachel Philp joining the Board at our 4th Annual AGM. • FACT supporting young people to hold a skate and music event in Grant Park for Culture Day Forres. • Forres gaining ‘Walkers are Welcome’ status. • Working in partnership to deliver a very successful Wellbeing Vintage Tea with NHS Grampian.
Working together to create a better place to live, work and visit. For more information and a membership form contact: Forres Area Community Trust 1 Leask Road Forres, IV36 6DS Tel: 01309 674388 Email: info@forresarea.org Web: www.forresarea.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/forresarea Twitter: @Forres_Area Forres Area Community Trust is a Charity Registered in Scotland No: SCO44953
• Investigating the possibility of a Social Enterprise Centre opening in Forres Town Centre. Local Development Officer Frances Powell moved on to pastures new recently, and we also said a farewell to long standing Chair Brian McDonald since our last Forres Focus update. Both continue to be active supporters of FACT projects and we would like to take this opportunity to thank them both for their valued contribution over the years and wish them well with future endeavours.
Skate Ramp on Culture Day Forres Photo Credit Paul Campbell, Findhorn Bay Festival 2016
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Furniture Bought & Sold Single Items to Complete House Clearances 01309 676222 01309 696844 07858 135182 5 Orchard Road, Forres, IV36 1PJ
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Spey and local community news provider insideMoray.
House Clearance
This week representatives from several of the businesses and groups who supported Cairngorm to Coast gathered at Outfit Moray to hear the final total.
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(01309) 611761 (07984) 902590 Business groups and individuals have ensured that the second year of a gruelling 100km walking and cycling challenge from the Cairngorms to the Moray coast was a major success. The second year of the Cairngorm to Coast challenge drew 43 competitors who undertook all or part of the 30k hike followed immediately by a 70k cycle run back in May. A team of four from the 39 Engineer Regiment at Kinloss Barracks finished ahead of the field – but the real winners are the RAF Benevolent Fund, who will receive at least £9024 from the event. Organised by Team RAFBF Lossiemouth in association with outdoor activities group Outfit Moray/Bike Revolution, the challenge was supported by a variety of local businesses including Dallas Designs, Arnold Clark, Windswept Brewing Co and Thales UK. Further support for the event came from the Force Development Training Centre in Grantown-on-
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Team RAFBF Lossiemouth chair Karen Cox said: “Support came from a very long list of individuals and businesses and that underlined the importance of the RAFBF to people from throughout Moray and beyond. We learned a great deal from our inaugural event in 2015 – and that resulted in everyone finishing the challenge – including the Army team who managed to win despite taking an unplanned detour along the way! “While the Kinloss Barracks team won the day they would have been pipped at the post by the amazing Kelvin Hirst, who was well in the lead – but lost his way and took an even bigger detour than the Army guys. We are, above all, thrilled at the final total raised with notable contributions coming from Kathryn Evans and Sandra O’May who raised £495 while Anthony Carmichael raised a very healthy £400 from his efforts.” As well as the main supporters, the organisers are grateful for the help of individuals who acted as marshals on the day, plus support from Tesco Elgin, Beach Bar in Lossiemouth, Moray Trophies, Capricorn Fitness, Andrew Jones Physiotherapy, Forres Sports Massage Therapy, Roy Hunte, Booker Wholesale in Elgin, RAF Lossiemouth Childcare Centre, Historic Scotland, Alison J Read Photography, Liam McBride Photography and the Dava Way Association. The event will be held for a third consecutive year on 20 May 2017, details of which can be found on Team RAFBF Lossiemouth's website teamrafbflossiemouth.org.uk/c2c17.
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saved by Grant Pennet. Forres were at home again the following week and were looking to build on the Vale win against Fraserburgh. An early strike from the visitor’s Dean Cowie was added to by Marc Lawrence on the half hour mark as he strolled through to convert. Forres huffed and puffed in the second half but the Broch stood firm. Forres visited high flying, free scoring Buckie Thistle on 27 August 2016 and were unable to contain the runaway leaders’ potent strike force of John McLeod and Sam Urquhart. McLeod Forres Mechanics kicked off the 2016/17 opened the scoring from the penalty spot on the season against Inverurie Locos Works at stroke of half time before doubling the Mosset Park on 30 July. New signings Scott advantage on the hour mark. Urquhart ended Graham, Martin Groat and John Cameron made the game as a contest with less than twenty their competitive debuts and just after the half minutes remaining. hour mark, Graham marked his debut with a goal as he curled in a 25 yard free kick into the Forres hosted Keith on the last day of August top corner. A makeshift Forres defence were looking to avoid a third straight defeat. Scott looking to contain a team who had put nine past Whelan curled a 22 yard free kick round the wall them last term and in a game devoid of many and into the net on 36 minutes. Former Canchances, Locos’ Michael Selfridge grabbed an Can Kris Duncan saw his effort cleared off of equaliser for the visitors with less than half an the line by Graeme Grant after 56 minutes and hour remaining. Lee Fraser had a chance to this proved pivotal as two minutes later John grab all three points at the death but Forres’ Cameron levelled matters as Daniel Bell could talismanic striker fired over from close range. only parry a Scott Graham header. Lee Fraser came off the bench with quarter of an hour to go A trip to Brora is one of the toughest games on and finished off a Dachi Khutsishvili cross from the calendar, even more so after the Cattach’s a tight angle. Adam Clark drilled into his own had relinquished their league title to Cove net in stoppage time but there was still time for Rangers last season. After an even opening a 30 yard free kick from Scott Graham. forty-five, ex Can-Can Craig Campbell opened the scoring early in the second half. The pace of Paul Brindle caused the Forres defence all sorts of problems and when he was felled inside the penalty area, Dale Gillespie sent Stuart Knight the wrong way with a quarter of an hour to go. Brindle added a late third to send Mechanics back down the A9 pointless. Mosset Park welcomed back Steven Fraser on 13 August along with his new Deveronvale teammates. Looking for their first win at Mosset Park in twelve years, Vale opened the scoring after nineteen minutes when Gary Harris finished off a well worked move. Lee Fraser opened his account for the season two minutes later with a deflected strike from eighteen yards. Lee nodded in what proved to be the winner on the hour mark and when Craig McGovern was scythed down inside the penalty area in stoppage time, the big man saw his weak effort
Scott Moore v Lossie Buoyed by the 4-1 demolition of Keith, the Cans travelled to North Lodge Park on 3 September to take on one of the pre-season title favourites. Scott Graham picked up from where he left off 3 days earlier and curled a free kick past Andy Reid on 14 minutes and Martin Groat fired in his first goal for Forres just before the half hour
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mark. Scott Barbour reduced the deficit after the restart before Graeme Rodger salvaged a point for Formartine.
competition. Forres got off to a dream start after nine minutes when a Simon Allan corner was headed down by Graham Fraser for his brother Lee to fire into the roof of the net from six yards. Graham himself struck the bar from eighteen yards out after quarter of an hour. Lossie started the second half livelier than Mechanics and former Can-Can was adjudged to have been brought down by Graeme Grant ten minutes after the re-start. The Forres captain was shown a second yellow card before Scott Miller sent Knight the wrong way. Lossie looked to make their man advantage count and with thirteen minutes remaining, Shawn Scott cut in from the left hand touchline and Simon Allan v Cove unleashed a twenty-five yard curler into the top corner. With five minutes remaining, Miller Clach came to town on 10 September having kick started their own season in midweek, and it squandered the opportunity to seal the win for Lossie as he clipped the outside of the post. In was perhaps against the run of play when the fourth minute of stoppage time, an Allan Stuart Soane’s diving header broke the corner was met by the glancing forehead of deadlock ten minutes before half time. Blair Lawrie capitalised on a mix up in Cans defence Mechanics keeper, Stuart Knight, to keep Forres in the Cup and secure a replay. to draw the Lilywhites level on the hour mark. Ian Penwright put Clach ahead when he appeared to head the ball out of Stuart Knight’s hands after 71 minutes, but six minutes later the head of Soane rescued a point for Forres. The travelling Forres fans were delighted to see Kyle Scott in the starting line-up in Grantown on Wednesday 14 September. Lee Fraser deservedly put Forres in front after half an hour as he swivelled inside the penalty area to fire past David Aitchison. Just before the interval, a deep Simon Allan corner was headed back across the goal by Kyle for Soane to nod in. Dominick Edwards caught the Mechanics rearguard cold 33 seconds into the second half before a looping header from Soane restored Forres’ two goal advantage with forty minutes remaining and that’s how it finished. Mechanics despatched Fort William at Mosset Park with relative ease on 17 September as Kyle Scott, Lee Fraser and John Cameron (2) eased Forres to a 4-0 victory and with it the first clean sheet of the season. For the second successive year, Forres Mechanics faced Lossiemouth in the First Round of the William Hill Scottish Cup. The Coasters arrived at Mosset Park on 24 September knowing that it has been fifteen years since they knocked Forres out of a cup
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Kyle Scott v Lossie Forres travelled to Grant Park on 1 October for the replay and in truth controlled the match from start to finish. Graham Fraser rose highest to nod into an empty net after twenty-three minutes from a deep Simon Allan free kick before Lee made it 2-0 on half time converting a cross from Dachi Khutsishvili. Scott Graham made it 3-0 before the hour mark as he rounded off a well worked move from the edge of the penalty area. Darren McConnachie saved Graham’s penalty a few minutes later before Lee Fraser scored his second and Forres’ fourth on sixty-two minutes heading in unmarked from six yards. Wick Academy made the long trek south to Mosset Park on Wednesday 5 October and found themselves 3-0 down after twenty
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Anderson rounded Knight to put Wick ahead and Richard Macadie sealed a 5-3 win with a crisp finish with five minutes remaining.
Forthcoming fixtures ... 05/11/2016 – Lossiemouth v Forres Mechanics 12/11/2016 – Forres Mechanics v Huntly 19/11/2016 – Inverurie Loco Works v Forres Mechanics 26/11/2016 – Forres Mechanics v Brora Rangers Graham Fraser & Dachi v Lossie 03/12/2016 – Deveronvale v Forres Mechanics 10/12/2016 – Fraserburgh v Forres Mechanics minutes. Picking up where they left off against 17/12/2016 – Forres Mechanics v Buckie Thistle Lossiemouth, Forres made a strong start as 24/12/2016 – Keith v Forres Mechanics Stuart Soane slid in at the back post after ten 31/12/2016 – Forres Mechanics v Formartine minutes and headed in a second seven minutes United later. Lee Fraser’s looping header from the Fixtures are subject to change - please check edge of the penalty area put Forres in dreamland and it remained 3-0 until the sixty-fifth min- www.forresmechanics.net for the latest match details or follow @themightycans on Twitter. ute when Gary Weir took advantage of some sloppy defending to reduce Wick’s deficit. Words Douglas Delaney David Allan pulled another back for the Scorries Photos Jimmy Souter on seventy-two minutes before Marc Macgregor’s strike levelled matters four minutes later. The unthinkable happened for Forres as Steven
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Index of Advertisers All codes 01309 unless otherwise stated. Some businesses may have more than one number - please check the ad. Architects
Cleaning Services
Opticians
C M Design 01343 540020 …....…........2
A Clean Getaway 07887 365029 ........22
M J Housden 673801 .........................39 McClintock Home Eyecare 673635 ...37
Barber
Computers & Mobiles
Beauty
Craft Shop
S Barbers 07590 408196 ....................19
IT Central 01343 233110 ...................31
Oven Cleaning Oven Rescue 01542 780135 ................34
Beauty Secrets 358070 …….....…..…..31 Mory Lipo 07968 777643 ...................27
Green Gables 01343 850401 ..............11
Counselling
Bicycles
RH Counselling 07523 857957 ...........17
Bikespokes 07801 365710 ...................17 Stuart’s Cycles 672432 .......................13
Bookkeeping AP Bookkeeping 07833 774650 ..…....13
Bowen Technique
Dentist Lossie Dental 01343 208088 ..............23
Dog Walking & Pet Care
Ready Meals
W’shire Farm Foods 01466 799620 ...27
Renewables
Carpet Cleaners
Electrician
Carpenter & Joiner
Fitness & Exercise
Alan Green 675036 …………..............34
KB’s Fitness Barn 07734 859946 .......22
Cattery
Flooring
Granary Cat Lodge 672970 ….............19
George Hall 673469 ...........................40
Charities/Community Groups
Garage
British Legion Forres 672131 ..............8 Cairngorm to Coast .............................32 Creative Visions ...................................16 Ecologia Youth Trust 690995 .............13 FACT 674388 .....................................30 Forres Area Forum ..............................28 Forres Library 672834 .......................10 Forres Tennis Club ..............................17 Forres Writing Group ..........................10 LDWA ..................................................18 Messy Church ......................................11 Newbold House 672659 ........................4 The Filling Station ...............................11
Forres Auto Centre 672828 ................29 Kinloss Garage 690539 .......................37
Forres Chiropractic 696381 ...............25
Dave Philp 611761 .............................23
Eco Products
Green Gables 01343 850401 ..............11
Chiropractor
Property Maintenance
Removals & Storage
Naturally Useful 07926 809521 ...........7 Wikaniko 01343 209364 .......................6
AM Cleaners 01343 835383 ...............29
Dave Philp 611761 .............................23 Ian Fraser 675191 ......................…..….3
DubDog 07468 595710 ......................29 Skipdhu 07826 283089 ......................21
Sara Brockbank 358043 .....................19
Cafe
Painter & Decorator
NT Electrical 07519 321577 ...............27
Golf Covesea Links 01343 810012 .............20 Moray Golf Club 01343 812018 ..........12
Hairdresser S Barbers 07590 408196 ....................19
House Clearance Dave Philp 611761 .............................32 Masson’s 676222 ................................31
Anderson’s 01542 839151 ……….…...34
Sustainable Technologies 675611 ......33
Restaurants
The Clifton Hotel 01343 812100 ........15
Roofers
Lossie Tilers 01343 815107 ................21
Schools Drumduan 676300 ...............................28
Second Hand Shop Masson’s 676222 ................................31
Utilities Morscot 01343 544444 .......................29
VHS Tape Conversion
Flying Mirrors 358043 .......................22
Whisky
Benromach 675968 .............................25
Woodburning Stoves GLSC 675611 ………...........…..….…..33
Locksmith
The Lock Doctor 07815 921558 …......21
Churches MGF 07738 260550 ............................26
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This is me! Hello and welcome to my winter blog in the Forres Focus community magazine! What a fantastic few months it’s been in the town with Forres in Bloom winning Gold in the Beautiful Scotland Competition and Findhorn Bay Festival drawing thousands of visitors to the Forres Area. Now as the leaves turn golden I’m looking forward to volunteering at the Bonfire & Fireworks display and Colours of Cluny. We all have ideas and aspirations about what we’d like to see in Forres, and now every one of us has the opportunity for our suggestions to be heard. Use the opportunity during November to participate in Forres 2020 Vision to help shape what Forres will be like in the years to come. I recently discovered fresh pressed apple juice from Newbold House - highly recommended you get a bottle or two! Ponder this …
Growing older is a privilege denied to many. Live in the now. Health & Wellbeing are hot topics at the moment with many organisations promoting healthy and happy living through community inclusion and active lifestyles. It got me thinking that I should hop on board this trend too. Along with walking I now aim to take up a craft to increase my learning and as a means to unwind. Find out what I’ve crafted in my next blog!
Until next time … you are most likely to see me keeping warm in a cosy scarf.
Samantha If you want to feature in or comment on my blog please email forresblog@gmail.com #Forres #Community
Music is for Everyone Learn to sing, sing in pitch, play the flute or recorder, sight read, play and sing duets
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Venue My house near Alves or I will travel to a group setting Price Individuals: £12 per half hour Groups: £5 per person for ¾ hour Kindergarten Groups: £5 per child Contact Abi: 01343 850179 rooleytowle@btinternet.com
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All Your Flooring Needs Domestic, Contract and Commercial • Carpets • Vinyls • Luxury Vinyl Tiles and Wood Planks • Safety Flooring • Wet Rooms and Screeding View samples in the comfort of you own home
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