December 2011
BUCKIE, KEITH & DISTRICT THE
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Life
Where’s Santa? See page 18
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See the Fat Elf Controller and take a journey through the garden on your own Santa Express Pedal Car Train Meet Mrs Claus in her kitchen and decorate your own gingerbread man Design your own crown in Santa’s toy factory and meet Santa and see his elves at work Dress up in costumes and play with the giant stuffed polar bear family Have a ride on Stuart Little’s car Meet the rabbits, ponies, pigs, ducks and doves that live at the castle Open Thursdays – Sundays from 1st December through till 23rd December 2011 Weekdays open 12 noon – 6pm and weekends open 10am – 6pm. Last admission 5pm. ADMISSION £5 per person (each child receives a small gift) No advance bookings taken, first come first served. Come early in the season to avoid queues and delays. Remember to bring your camera, and dress warmly. Please note there is no wheelchair access at the Castle, it is a 17th century tower house with a steep stone staircase. 7HO ZZZ FDVWOHVWXDUW FRP FDVWOHVWXDUW #EWLQWHUQHW FRP Situated on the Airport Road at the B9039 cut off for Ardersier and Fort George, 10mins from Inverness.
Linda’s Dog Grooming (mobile service also available) A little bit of the Countryside in the Town Enjoy delicious coffees, teas, light lunches and farmhouse-style baking made with locally sourced ingredients and free-range organic eggs. Buy local artisan products including our own Steading dressing, Ola Oils and Huntly Herbs organic preserves.
For A More relaxing Experience & Less Stress For Your Pet
Winter Opening Times Coffee Shop Monday - Saturday 10am - 4.30pm Bistro Evening Dinner menu served from 6.30pm on Saturdays.
Christmas menu now available
Open for Bistro Evenings on Saturdays
Over 20 Years Experience Bellevue, 3 High Street, Portnockie
Tel: 07796 872545
SpotLight Clubs and Societies
BANFF AND MORAY MEMBERS’ CENTRE, THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND (NTS) Promoting the work of the NTS and fundraising to support local properties, our local properties are Brodie Castle and Leith Hall. We have a varied annual programme of events, including lunches with speakers, one day coach trips to places of interest, short holidays to NTS and other historic properties further afield, quiz night and theatre outings. If you are a member of the NTS and would like more information, please contact the secretary on tel: 01343 835258 or email secretary2.bmnts@ btinternet.com BANFF, MORAY & NAIRN CANINE CLUB Classes are held in Obedience and Ringcraft every Monday evening during school terms from 1830 hrs in Spynie Hall, Elgin. Call Joanne on 07715 557395 or Mary on 850262 BUCKIE AND DISTRICT PIPE BAND We meet in the Royal British Legion hall, Buckie, on Thursday evenings 6.30pm-9pm. Learners & experienced players welcome. www.buckiepipeband.co.uk BUCKIE ARCHERS Anyone over 21 years of age interested in forming an Archery Club, based in Buckie, please e-mail your details to buckiearchers@yahoo.co.uk We have two targets and 2 recurve & 1 field bow for trial BUCKIE BE ACTIVE LIFE LONG (B.A.L.L.) Gentle exercise for body and mind. Over 60’s welcome. Meets in the Guide Hall, Newlands Lane Tuesday mornings 10am12.15pm. For more information tel: 839200 / 832952 BUCKIE BRIDGE CLUB Weekly, on Wednesday at 7pm, September to April. Buckie
page 4 December 2011
Community High School. Contact Mr B.G. Smith 832731
5.30pm-7pm, 3 Wednesdays out of 4, tel: 01542 886422 evenings
BUCKIE CHORAL SOCIETY Thursday evenings from 7-30 to 9-30 in North Church Hall, Buckie. A warm welcome awaits new members particularly any men who would like to sing with us. No audition is required. An interesting Easter concert is planned.
KEITH COMMUNITY CENTRE BOWLING CLUB Meets Wednesday and Thursday afternoon at Keith Community Centre. Contact Margaret Adam 887921
EAGLES BASKETBALL CLUB Developing Basketball in Moray. U12, U14, U16s in Buckie, Elgin & Forres, Adults mixed (Tuesdays 7.30-10pm Elgin Academy) & Adults Women (7-8pm Wednesdays Elgin Academy). If interested in any of the above contact Graham Stewart on 07972 178 790 or elgin.eagles@yahoo.com BUCKIE ROVERS JUNIOR FOOTBALL CLUB Training Monday & Wednesday, 7pm-9pm excluding June. Contact Mr D G Roberts 840861 BUCKIE VICTORIA BOWLING CLUB West Church Street Buckie, tel 832521 GUIDE DOGS FOR THE BLIND Nairn & Moray Branch are looking for new branch volunteers. If interested, please contact Anna Temple or Anna Roberts tel: 01309 694866 JOG SCOTLAND BUCKIE Meets on Tuesday 6.45pm at Swimming Pool car park, juniors meet on Monday 4.30pm at BHS Games Hall. Suitable for beginners. Tel: 842847 or email jsbuckie@walk jogrunmoray.org.uk KEITH & DISTRICT RANGER GUIDES (GIRLGUIDING MORAY) Senior Section aged 14 years to 24 years, St Rufus Hall, Keith
tel: 01309 690063
MORTLACH ART GROUP Meets in the Memorial Hall, Albert Place, Dufftown every Thursday 1pm-5pm. Charge per meeting is £2. Tuition available if required, some materials are available PET FOSTERING SCOTLAND We aim to support pet owners who are in an emergency situation or becoming temporarily homeless. Our volunteers will care for your pet in their own homes for short periods until you can be reunited. Volunteers always needed. Tel: 0844 811 9909. Reg. charity SCO15672 www.pfss.org.uk RAIN OR SHINE TODDLER GROUP Meets Wednesday’s 10am11.30am and Friday 1.15pm2.45pm, Lady Cathcart Hall, Buckie. Come & make new friends, have a chat & a cuppa. £1.50 per session. Contact Gail tel: 07921 558989 RHYTHYM & RHYME GYM TOTS Fun musical baby and toddler sessions. Movement, music, songs, soft play and healthy snack. Wednesdays from 9.30am-10.15am and 10.20am11.05 am. Contact Wendy tel: 832133 ROYAL BURGH OF CULLEN PENSIONERS CLUB Meets first Tuesday of each month at 7pm, for the welfare of the elderly in Cullen. Contact Bunty Gardiner 840653 SLIMMING WORLD FOCHABERS Wednesdays at 5.30pm &
7.30pm in the Scout Hall, Fochabers, contact Christine tel: 01542 835096 for more details. SPEY BAY COMMUNITY HALL Tues. & Fri. 7.30pm Bowling tel 821947; Weds. morning BALL tel: 821713/820038; Thurs. afternoon Mother and Toddler tel: 820282; Fri. morning Body Conditioning Classes tel: 556370; general enquiries to Willie Pirie tel: 823995 TREES FOR LIFE GREEN DAYS OUT Open to everyone living in Moray and Inverness-shire. Spend a day carrying out a variety of different conservation tasks! Transport, tools and training provided, days are free of charge. Pick ups available. All volunteers must be over 18 with a reasonable level of fitness, running every Wednesday and the last Sunday of the month. Booking essential. Contact Rosie tel: 01309 691444 or rosie@treesforlife.org.uk WALKMORAY (NHS GRAMPIAN) Do YOU want to get more active? WalkMoray offers volunteer-led, short, weekly walks in the following locations Elgin Lossiemouth, Forres, Dufftown, Rothes, Buckie and Portknockie. For more details contact Debbie Barron, Health Walk Co-ordinator on 01343 567172. WEIGHTWATCHERS Every Wednesday from 6.30pm, Longmore Hall, Keith WESTERN FRONT ASSOCIATION We hold 9 meetings per year (on Saturday afternoons) in Elgin Library open to anyone with an interest in the First World War. Contact Derek Bird on 01343 870562 or email at chairman.wfasnb@virgin.net www.wfascotlandnorth.org.uk
SpotLight on Buckie, Keith and District
The Editor
Ho ho ho - here we go again - it only seems five minutes since Christmas last year and the “time of peace and joy” is upon us again. At this time it is always good to think of others less fortunate than ourselves and an invitation to join a family for a Christmas meal from a neighbour can be just the thing to cheer up a person living on their own. When was the last time that we did this I wonder do you have a spare place at your table?
PUBLISHER ...............David Nelmes SALES ......................Eilidh Conners ACCOUNTS ...................Lynn Wood LAYOUT ...............Megan Woodman DESIGN .................Alistair Davidson LISTINGS................Tamsyn Dickson Clubs & Societies ............................4 Pastoral Letter.................................6 Tide Times.....................................10 Church Details.................................6 Council News ..................................8 Parliament Blog.............................29 School Term Dates........................13 What’s On......................................15 Cinema Listings.............................17 Useful Numbers ............................10 Local Holidays...............................10 Advertisers Index ..........................31
Chef
Travel Caribbean Break.......................12
Spiced Sea Trout En Croute .....20
Cinema Films Coming Up ......................17
Nature Our Winter Visitor......................26
Art
Events Where’s Santa ..........................18
Gallery Trail...............................27
January Issue Deadlines Editorial - Friday 02/12/11 Advertising - Wednesday 07/12/11
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Pastoral Letter We had a different meeting a couple of weeks ago, where about 10 of us were gathered and we decided to tell our stories of how we each became Christians. It was amazing to hear how each and every story was different. We were from different backgrounds, we came to know the Lord in completely different ways, and our walk with Him was different again. The only common thing in every one of the stories was that we all had to come to the place of knowing that we were all people who had not lived right according to what the Bible says in Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.”We all had to acknowledge that Jesus Christ was and is the only way to get to Father God, by His sacrifice on Calvary’s cross, believe that He died and rose again from the dead for our sins individually, and that we were to receive Him into our lives and become born again. I have often been asked about the term ‘born again’ and in fact, the term seems to have a bad press over the last few years. Some think it comes from America, and that it is a term made up by T.V. Evangelists, but the truth is it was first spoken by Jesus in John 3:3, “Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
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SpotLight To be born again is another way of saying to become a Christian, or to come to faith, or to be saved, or whatever other phrase we would use, but they all mean the same thing. We all have a story to tell, and everybody’s story is valid, because we are real people and our history is real. It is the same with Jesus’ story, it is just as valid as our own story, because He was a real person and His history is real. We cannot discount Him any more than we can discount everybody else. And His story is one of an amazing person, from His birth by the Virgin Mary, with all the miracles and healings that He did, along with His life-changing teachings on all aspects of life, His outstanding claims that He is the Son of God, actually claiming to be God Himself, to His death on a cross, and eventually, to His resurrection from the dead. This is the month of December, where we traditionally celebrate the birth of Jesus on Christmas Day. It is a real story about a real
person who can still make a difference in all our lives every day. Jesus is not only for Christmas, but He is for every day. As for my story, I didn’t know Him and didn’t have any time for Him or His believers until I was 29 years old, in fact I used to get really angry with these Christians if they tried to speak to me about their faith or their God; but I then accepted Him into my life on November 23rd 1986 and have come to know His love, His peace, His joy, His forgiveness, His mercy and His grace over my life. In this season, I urge you to look past the usual Christmas story and look at the life story of the single most influential person in history, the reality of the God who became a man, who dwelt among us and who wants to come and share life with us each and every day and on into eternity. Merry Christmas and a happy new year to all of you. Pa stor J ohn Coppa rd. Rive rside Christ ian Church, Bu ckie.
Church Meetings
All Saints Episcopal Church, Buckie Sundays:Parish Eucharist 11am, contact Canon Jeremy Paisey tel: 832312 Buckie Baptist Church meets Sundays 11am & 5.45pm. Contact Rev. V MacDougall Email bydand52@aol.com - Children welcome, Contact Irene 840821 Buckie Chruch of Christ Meets Sunday, Bible Study 9:30; morning Worship 11:00. Children Welcome tel: 01542834696 Buckie North, C of S, Cluny Square Contact Mrs Elizabeth Reid c/o tel: 831907 Buckie Salvation Army Sunday Services 10.30am & 6pm, plus others during week. Contact Caroline Buchanan tel: 823790 Buckie South & West, C of S, High Street meets for Sunday worship at 11.30am, including Sunday School, Contact Rev Alan Macgregor 833775 or email buckiesouwester@btconnect.com Buckie, Riverside Christian Church, Sundays 10.30am, contact 01542 833923 or visit www.riversidebuckie.org Buckie, St Peters Church RC 832196 Buckie Methodist Church Sundays 11am & 6pm. Sunday School, Bible Studies, Prayer Meetings, Study & House Groups, Alpha, Women’s Guild, Men’s Prayer Breakfast Cullen & Deskford C of S, 1st Sunday of the month at the Hall Church at 11am (followed by soup & sweet), every other Sunday at the Auld
page 6 December 2011
Kirk at 10.30am, and the 2nd & 4th Sundays at the Jubilee Hall, Deskford at 12noon. Contact Gordon McNeill tel: 840193 or email: gordonmcneillg@btinternet.com Cullen Methodist Church, Seatown, Cullen, Buckie Sunday morning worship at 11am led by a Minister or an authorised Local Preacher; Enzie Parish Church, Portgordon, Buckie meets for Sunday worship at 10 am, Sunday School. Contact Rev’d Alan Macgregor 833775 or email enziekirk@btconnect.com Findochty Church of Scotland meets for Sunday Worship 11.15am. All welocme. Contact David Pirie tel: 834123 Findochty Methodist Church welcomes you to fellowship Sundays at 11am Keith, Holy Trinity Episcopal Family Eucharist 11.30am Keith, C of S - North, Newmill, Boharm and Rothiemay : North Church : Sunday 11am; Boharm Church : Sunday 9.30am (first Sunday of the month at Mulben village hall); Rothiemay Church : Sunday 9.30am, except the first Sunday in each month. Contact Rev G Hutton Steel or email knnbrchurch@btconnect.com Keith, C of S - St Rufus, Botriphnie and Grange : St Rufus Church : Sunday 10.15am; Botriphnie Church : Sunday 11.45am (alternate Sundays); Grange Church : Sunday 11.45am (alternate Sundays),
tel: 01309 690063
contact: Rev Ranald S.R. Gauld or email: kay_gauld@btinternet.com Keith, St. Thomas’ Church RC Vigil-Mass 9.30am and 6.30pm Confessions Saturday 10am on request. Portessie Assembly Hall, Ogilvie Street welcomes you to our Gospel Meeting Sunday 6:15pm and Prayer & Bible Study on Wednesday 7:30 pm Portessie Methodist Church, Portessie, Buckie Sunday worship at 11am and at 6pm (alternately here & at Buckie). Portgordon Methodist Church meets for Sunday worship at 11am, bible study meeting on alternate Mondays with the Church of Scotland congregation at 2pm, craft group meets on Wednesdays at 2pm Portknockie Church of Christ Sunday 11am Breaking of Bread; Sunday 6pm Gospel Service; Friday 7pm Prayer Meeting and Bible Study. Ladies Fellowship (September--March) every second Monday 7pm. Prayer Breakfast 8am Wednesdays. Leader Mr Stewart Gray 836007 Rathven Church of Scotland Sunday morning worship at 9.45am led by a Minister or an authorised Local Preacher. Contact Moira 833956 or Ann 831607 If you are a member of a church not listed here, please email natalie@spotlighton.co.uk and we may print this in future issues.
SpotLight on Buckie, Keith and District
McDonald & Munro Ltd
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CLARKS PHARMACY Christmas gifts, candles and cards Luxury hand made bath and shower products Perfumes, aftershaves & fragrances for him and her New York Colour, L’Oreal and Rimmel cosmetics Costume jewellery Extensive skin & body products Hair care... colours & accessories Electrical goods Digital Photo printing Keith only... FREE prescription delivery, 5 mile radius Free use www.clarkspharmacy.com cash machine Full Colour Photo Copying Clarks Pharmacy 12-16 Regent Street, Keith 01542 882533 (on A96 with free parking at door)
Cullen Pharmacy 28-30 Seafield Street, Cullen 01542 840220
Keeping Christmas Local
SpotCommunity Light Council News
ExTRACTS fROM THE MinuTES Of THE MEETinG Of 5TH 0f SEpTEMbER 2011 Of KEiTH COMMuniTy COunCil
matters arising tesco lights – there seems to be a remarkable improvement – not near as many complaints about the lights. Transport Scotland seems to have resolved the problem. A yellow painted box has been spoken about to be painted at the junction at banff Road but not been done yet. Chevrons at Station Road have been painted. pigeons are getting in at a broken window and making a terrible mess inside the building at the institute GC will send photos to the owners of the post Office making them aware of the mess the weeds are in on the building. it is hoped that one contractor can be employed by Moray Council to clean major buildings in four towns in Moray. correspondence There was various correspondence including a parish and community news leaflet, polling District and place review. councillors want to keep the longmore Hall and the Scout Hall as polling places in Keith. Hill of towie community Fund – members has been invited to attend a meeting to discuss funding that will be available for community groups to apply for. The meetings will take place three times a year. Cl will attend. community councillors ic, Environment – At tree in the square is still unsteady. cl, Roads and Rights of Way – Drain cleaning - it apparently isn’t getting done in Keith. been no response from bear about matters which KCC have spoken to them about.
newmill Road – fire hydrant has sunk. 8 tonne weight limit sign is in need of a good clean. nc - Housing – nC and MR have received complaints about the new kitchens going into Den Crescent council houses. Some properties have to wait six weeks before their kitchen is completed. Householders have been left without water for a weekend. painting round objects i.e. a freezer and not behind was noted as well. long lunch breaks were being taken (2 hours in some cases) also noted. GC will look into this matter. Gc - Keith weren’t able to secure lottery Heritage funding. A report to be produced. leader funding to be applied for. councillors would help to apply for the funding.
no response from anyone wishing to take a table to sell their wares or promote their business. Trees to be ordered. SC to order lights from Annands. An editorial with names of people donating to the xmas trees fund will go into banffie. JM will order toys for the xmas fayre for the santas grotto. a.o.c.B community Payback scheme – A number of ideas were discussed and DH will email Tish Richards with details to see if any of the projects councillors have discussed which can be carried out. the moray Economic - Strategy meeting JM thought members should have another meeting before 22nd September. Meeting arranged for 19th September at 7pm in centre. need to have priorities and be structured. All welcome.
External Groups updates Regeneration Partnership Jane Martin has resigned as a director. PPP - Keith primary School on schedule to open. There will be an opening ceremony led by Moray Council. To rent out rooms you need to contact nick Goodchild. taG - Words in the Windows in Keith shop windows is going well. Waiting on funding for website to promote Keith. Calendar to go sale soon with pictures of Keith. Xmas lights – Meeting at 6.30pm on September 7th in Keith Sports centre. 70 letters were put out to business in Keith and no response was had. letters were regarding the xmas fayre the lights committee is having. There was
Jane Martin Charlie lawson ian Cattanach Diane Halley Carol Cowie Margaret Robson Gary Coull Margruerite Cruickshank nancy Cruickshank Ron Shepherd Stewart Cree
next meeting monday 3rd october 2011 at 7.00pm in Keith sports and community centre.
community council contacts Keith community council: Meets first Monday of each month (excluding January/August) 7pm at Keith Community Centre. Contact: Diane Halley (Secretary) tel: 886640
page 8 December 2011
Buckie community council Meets third Tuesday each month (excluding July) 7pm Town House West. Contact: Gordon Cowie (Secretary) tel: 831956
tel: 01309 690063
JM Cl iC DH CC MR GC MC nC RS SC
strathisla community council Meets first Wednesday of every month (excluding January and August) Keith Community Centre Contact: (Secretary) 01542 870727
SpotLight on Buckie, Keith and District
See it, Buy it, Bag it Elgin City Centre Shopping... Outdoor electrical
Music Food & Drink
toys Books Holidays
Hair
&
Beauty
Mobile Phones
Clothing Shoes
Jewellery Eating out
Gifts
...it's in the bag Let’s all embrace Elgin and put the Vibrancy back into the City Centre!
Local Holidays, Tide Times &Useful Numbers csccdcc
Local Holidays
St Andrews Day Christmas Day Holiday * Boxing Day Holiday * New Years Day Holiday * 2nd January Holiday Buckie Holiday § Keith Holiday Good Friday May Day Bank Holiday Spring Bank Holiday Keith Holiday
TH F SA SU M TU W
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Queens Diamond Jubilee Buckie Holiday § Buckie Holiday § Summer Bank Holiday Keith Holiday Buckie Holiday § Keith Holiday Buckie Holiday § St Andrews Day
Wed. 30th Nov. 2011 Mon. 26th Dec. 2011 Tues. 27th Dec. 2011 Mon. 2nd Jan. 2012 Tues. 3rd Jan. 2012 Mon. 2nd April 2012 Mon. 2nd April 2012 Fri. 6th April 2012 Mon. 7th May 2012 Mon. 4th June 2012 Fri. 30th Nov. 2012
LOW TIDE TIMES FOR BUCKIE IN DECEMBER Walking on the beach should be possible 2 hours either side of these times
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
SpotLight
AM
PM
09.42 10.44 11.53 00.46 01.54 02.49 03.33
22.33 23.38 13.07 14.15 15.11 15.53
8 TH 9 F 10 SA 11 SU 12 M 13 TU 14 W 15 TH 16 F 17 SA 18 SU 19 M
* substitute, as this holiday falls on a weekend or other bank holiday § includes Cullen, Findochty & Portknockie ‡ includes Garmouth, Kingston, Mosstodloch, Spey Bay & Urquhart
AM 04.09 04.42 05.14 05.46 06.20 06.54 07.30 08.10 08.56 09.49 10.55
Useful Numbers
SCHOOLS Botriphnie Primary School ..................................01542 810207 Cluny Primary School ........................................01542 831417 Crossroads Primary School ................................01542 870221 Cullen Primary School ........................................01542 840279 Findochty Primary School ..................................01542 832287 Keith Primary School ..........................................01542 882802 Millbank Primary School......................................01542 831113 Milne’s Primary School ........................................01343 820977 Mosstodloch Primary School ..............................01343 820476 Newmill Primary School ......................................01542 882788 Portessie Primary School ....................................01542 832288 Portgordon Primary School ................................01542 831198 Portknockie Primary School ................................01542 840244 Rothiemay Primary School ................................ 01466 711220 St Peters RC Primary School ..............................01542 831339 St Thomas RC Primary School............................01542 882256 Buckie High School ............................................01542 832605 Keith Grammar School ........................................01542 882461 Milne’s High School ............................................01343 820611 DOCTORS Ardach Health Centre ..........................................01542 831555 Seafield & Cullen Medical Group....................... 01542 835577
page 10 December 2011
Tues. 5th June 2012 Mon.11th June 2012 Mon. 30th July 2012 Mon. 6th Aug. 2012 Mon. 13th Aug. 2012 Mon. 10th Sept. 2012 Mon. 15th Oct. 2012 Mon. 15th Oct. 2012 Fri. 30th Nov. 2012
tel: 01309 690063
PM 16.30 17.03 17.36 18.09 18.46 19.23 20.03 20.47 21.40 22.39 23.49 12.13
20 TU 21 W 22 TH 23 F 24 SA 25 SU 26 M 27 TU 28 W 29 TH 30 F 31 SA
AM 01.03 02.14 03.17 04.09 04.56 05.39 06.20 07.00 07.40 08.21 09.02 09.48
PM 13.31 14.43 15.44 16.35 17.22 18.05 18.49 19.33 20.16 20.58 21.43 22.32
Keith Medical Centre ..........................................01542 882244 Dr Grays Hospital, Elgin....................................0845 456 6000 DENTISTS The Keith Dental Practice ..................................(01542) 886251 Buckie Dental Practice ......................................(01542) 831163 PHARMACIES Bairds Pharmacy, Keith........................................01542 882512 Clarks Pharmacy, Fife-Keith ................................01542 882533 Listermac Pharmacy, Union St ............................01542 840268 Listermac Pharmacy, W. Church St ....................01542 833321 W.S. Taylor, Buckie ..............................................01542 831116 Normac Pharmacy, Buckie ..................................01542 831147 Buckie Leisure Centre ........................................01542 832841 Police Station ......................................................0845 600 5700 Keith Community Centre ....................................01542 882222 Keith Swimming Pool ..........................................01542 882222 Keith Resource Centre ........................................01542 886174 Keith Library ........................................................01542 882223 Keith Sports & Com. Ctr ......................................01542 882222 Moray Council Access Point, Keith......................01542 885500 Registrar ..............................................................01542 885525 Keith Tourist Info. Ctr............................................01542 888423 Keith Community Bus ..........................................01542 882222 Babs Dial A Bus ..................................................01542 835800 National Rail Enquiries ........................................08457 484950
SpotLight on Buckie, Keith and District
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The Windsor Hotel ALBERT STREET, NAIRN IV12 4HP Santas Grotto - If You Come In For A Carvery or Steak Night Meal Then The Kids Get Entrance To The Grotto For Free. Saturday 10th, Sunday 11th, Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th December. 12 noon till 7pm Booking is advised. Christmas Party Nights - Still some availability left Saturday 10th December & Friday 16th December. ÂŁ19.99 Four Course Dinner, Glass of Bubbly, Live Band & DJ. Christmas Party Lunches - ÂŁ9.95 Four Course Lunch or Dinner, Booking Essential any Lunch or Evening in December. (24th & 25th December excluded) New Year Eve ÂŁ19.99 Five Course Gala Dinner Followed by Live Ceilidh Band New Years Day Carvery ÂŁ9.95 Per Head - Book Now, Places Selling Fast!
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travel
Dreaming of... ...a Caribbean break
The Caribbean as we know it is made up of thousands of little islands in a relatively naturally protected gulf to the east of Central America, and relatively close to the Equator. The main well known islands include Barbados, The Grenadines, Antigua, St Kitts and Nevis, The British Virgin Islands, St Lucia, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Anguilla, St Barths, The Bahamas and The Turks and Caicos Islands. However as we have learned in recent years there are times of year when the local tropical storms and hurricanes can cause chaos. The hotels in Barbados are of a very high standard such as Sandy Lane, Coral Reef Club, Sandpiper and Cobbler's Cove. The west coast of Barbados is called the Platinum coast which hosts the best hotels, restaurants and Championship Golf courses. Antigua is another wonderful island, ideal for couples and families, with an abundance of lovely beaches. Very good for watersports, the island is also an unspoiled paradise for lush palm groves, tropical flowers and exotic birds. Golfers will love the Cedar Valley and Jolly Harbour Championship courses, while for divers and snorkellers coral canyons, wall drops, wrecks and sea caves abound, as do turtles, dolphins, barracudas and reef fish. Grenada, otherwise known as the Spice Island, is one of the most beautiful of the Caribbean Islands – your senses succumb to a variety of different delicious aromas, panoramic scenery and a warm feeling exuded by the Grenadians. Jamaica, ideal for couples and families, has a very rich cultural heritage and varying landscapes from flat beaches to the Blue Mountains, enabling good holidays combining beach and mountain resorts with Championship Golf courses. Temperatures beside the sea can reach 30-32 degrees maximum, and in May and September rainfall can reach 6 inches in the month, but the climate is fairly even through the year. Due to changing climate conditions the hurricane season can occur between June and November, although it doesn't always happen and not for that long either. The Turks and Caicos Islands are ruggedly beautiful and little has changed since Columbus first set foot on their shores back in 1492. White powder beaches give way to world-class diving, whale watching and horse riding across the 8 islands and 30 cays surrounded by wonderful Coral reefs. St Barths and St Martin, both French islands, are full of immaculate yachts, designer boutiques, superb restaurants and charismatic people, The Bahamas is a collection of over 700 blissfully unspoilt islands, and the British Virgin Islands comprise over 100 islands and cays characterised by infectious laid back sensibility and some of the world's best sailing grounds. St Kitts and Nevis have a wonderful blend of lush rainforest, exotic wildlife and old world charm, the Cayman Islands boast gourmet restaurants, exotic wildlife and endless white sandy beaches, and Anguilla has a string of prestigious resorts, villas and restaurants while still retaining its laid back West Indian character. In short – the Caribbean would suit most of us.
Information kindly supplied by
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2-6 South Street, Elgin 01343 548844 ‡ +LJK Street, FRUUHV
SpotLight Magazines
To advertise in the next issue of SpotLight on Buckie & Keith call 01309 690063 or go online for details www.spotlighton.co.uk
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School Term Dates for 2011/2012 (all dates inclusive) Winter Term Ends Wed. 21st December 2011 Spring Term Starts Thursday 5th January 2012 Mid-term Holiday Friday 10th February 2012 Mid-term Holiday Monday 13th February 2012 Spring Term Ends Friday 30th March 2012 Good Friday Holiday Friday 6th April 2012 Summer Term Starts Monday 16th April 2012 Milne’s High & Feeders Friday 4th May 2012 May Day Holiday Monday 7th May 2012
School Term Dates In-service Closure Thursday 17th May 2012 In-service Closure Friday 18th May 2012 Keith Grammar & Feeders Monday 4th June 2012 Summer Term Ends Thursday 28th June 2012 Buckie High & Feeders Monday 11th June 2012 for 2012/2013 (all dates inclusive) Autumn Term Starts Tuesday 21st August 2012 Autumn Term Ends Friday 12th October 2012 Winter Term Starts Monday 29th October 2012 In-service Closure Monday 19th November 2012 In-service Closure Tuesday 20th November 2012 Winter Term Ends Friday. 21st December 2012
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CARIBBEAN GETAWAY
St Lucia – 7nts, staying at St Lucian Hotel ..................... from £1,173pp Antigua – 7nts, staying at Grand Pineapple Beach....... from £1,132pp Grenada – 7nts, staying at The Grenadian.......................from £1,174pp All above are from Gatwick in late Jan/early Feb on ALL-INCLUSIVE basis. WEDDING in St Lucia before 31st December (book by 16/12) ........................... now from £1,639pp including 10nts Luxury in the Sandals Halcyon Beach deluxe room. Antigua - Hawksbill by Rex Resorts – 7nts in Garden Bungalows – 18th and 25th April departures from London....................... from £1,049pp
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ELGIN 01343 548844
beaver Travel
FORRES 01309 672203
Beaver Travel, 2-6 South Street, Elgin Also at: 78 High Street, Forres Beaver Travel is also a ticket agent for Eden Court Theatre, Inverness - No booking fee.
SpotLight on Buckie, Keith and District
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December 2011 - page 13
PLeASe Send uS deTAiLS of YouR eVenTS Log on to www.spotlighton.co.uk email tamsyn@spotlighton.co.uk or call 01309 690063 What’s on listings deadline for January issue is friday 02/12/11
NOVEMBER 30 wednesday
What’s On
3 saturday
live music session, 2pm, seafield inn, portknockie
DECEMBER 1 thursday the undertones, 7.30pm, £16 under 16s must be accompanied by an adult, ironworks,inverness tel: 0871 789 4173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com 8th annual advent service of remembrance at moray crematorium, broadley (near buckie) for anyone who has lost a relative or friend. the service focuses on the difficulties facing the bereaved, particularly leading up to the festive period. people can write their memories on a star to be hung on the tree of remembrance. doors open 6pm, service starts at 7pm. light refreshments will be provided after the service in the form of hot mince pies and mulled wine. Please contact the office to let them know numbers for catering tel 01542 850488
2 friday wolfstone: celtic rock band, 7:30pm, st christopher’s chapel, gordonstoun school, nr elgin, £15/£7.50, visit www.thegcs.org.uk for more details, tickets available from www.thebooth.co.uk stock up your seasonal store cupboard at brodie countryfare - enjoy tastings of speciality products in the gourmet foodhall from 11am onwards. tel 01309 641555 or visit www.brodiecountryfare.com lhanbryde PATT indulgence evening - 7pm-9:30pm at lhanbryde primary school. there will be different therapists - hair, make up, nails, reiki, reflexology, massage, clothes consultant. Also an array of stalls including local crafters, bodyshop, partylite, book people, scentsy, olive tree and lots more! tickets £5 each and include a glass of wine and walkers mince pies. tickets need to be purchased from the school prior to the event. tel:01343 842649. all welcome!
2 friday - 24 saturday ‘hugo’ film exhibition - props, automata, drawings and photographs from the 3D film by martin scorsese. tuesday to saturday 10am-5pm free entry. the house of automata, seapark, kinloss (next to petrol station) tel: 01309 691212 for more information or visit www.thehouseofautomata.com SpotLight on Buckie, Keith and District
SpotLight quiz night in lhanbryde community centre with raffle, 7pm for 7.30pm, £2 per person, teams of up to four, BYOB and nibbles, (all proceeds go to community centre funds), registered as a charity in scotland: sc029433 keith christmas lights committee christmas fayre, 1.30pm to 4pm, there will be entertainment from keith united choir, strathspey fiddlers, jessimans school of dance and keith silver band, There will be stalls and teas are being served by the sunshine Playgroup. santa will be there also. moray concert brass playng elgin city centre, 1-3pm moray’s premier youth brass band founded in 1992 has now over 70 members aged 10 – 18, elgin city centre
NAIRN Nairn Community & Arts Centre Your Your local venue for films, shows,concerts and parties. Wide range of activities for all ages.
DECEMBER EVENTS 33rd rd D ec Alzheimer Alzheimer Scotland Scot land C hrist mas Craft Craf t Fair Fair Dec Christmas 3rd Dec Dec Fun Fun Filled Filled Quiz Q uiz Night Night & Supper Supp er - Teams Teams of of 4 3rd 10th Dec Dec Music Music Nairn Nairn .................Geoffrey ................. Geof frey Sabre Sabre Piano Pi a n o 10th 14th Dec Dec Y e l l ow D og T heat re Group G roup p resent s 14th Yellow Dog Theatre presents “A S pook y Christmas” Christ mas” performed per for med by by yyoung oung llocal oc al ttalent! a l e nt ! “A Spooky 16th Dec Dec Cinema Cinema Nairn...“Miracle Nair n...“Miracle on on 334th 4th St” St ” 11947 9 47 ((U) U) 16th 17th Dec Dec Showstopperz Showstopp er z ............... ............... “Xmas “Xmas Number Numb er 1’s” 1’s” 17th Some of of the the best best yyoung oung pperformers er for mers iinn tthe he H ighlands Some Highlands present an an eevening vening ooff C har t ttopping opping C hr ist mas H i t s! present Chart Christmas Hits! We We would would like like ttoo w wish ish yyou ou yyou ou aallll a M Merry er r y C Christmas hr istmas aand nd a H Happy a p py N New ew Y Year ear
For further details T Telephone elephone 01667 453476, e-mail, info@nairncc.co.uk or check out our website at www www.nairncommunitycentre.co.uk .nairncommunitycentre.co.uk
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December 2011 - page 15
DECEMBER 2011 continued moray sea cadets xmas fayre & coffee morning TA centre, edgar road, elgin (next to asda), 10am-3pm. tea/coffee & plates of mince pies/cakes to refresh xmas shoppers. £2 adults, £1 children. stalls including cake & candy, bottle, book, fun games, xmas stall, raffle etc. tel 01343 543501 all welcome! fairtrade bazaar old high church hall, academy street, inverness. 10:30am-3pm. there is a variety of crafts and food items as well as recycled glassware, cards & wrapping paper. there will be a chance to enjoy a fairly traded cup of coffee too! them & us support devlin @ ironworks - 7pm. over 14s. for tickets or more information tel: 0871 789 4173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com scooty & the skyhooks to support craig charles classic funk and soul set announced for xmas soul city live night. 10pm. over 18s. for tickets tel: 0871 789 4173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com
4 sunday buckie choral union christmas carol concert 7:30pm, fisherman’s hall, buckie. adults £8, children £5. tickets available at the door, from choir members and house of hair fashion in buckie
6 tuesday flying starts xmas flea circus & side show 7:30pm. entry £5/£4 - limited availability so booking is essential. ‘flea’ glass of mulled wine. the house of automata, seapark, kinloss (next to petrol station) tel: 01309 691212 for more information or visit www.flea-circus.co.uk
7 wednesday diabetes uk, moray voluntary group fundraising event, 7pm - 9 pm, as well as whisky tasting, including premium whiskies, there will be olive tree chocolate, and body shop displays, taking place at the glen moray distillery visitor centre and cafe, tickets are £15 available from 01343 860671 or from olive tree, 15 high street, elgin. NADFAS fine art lecture on ‘the history of stained glass as seen through the christmas story’ delivered by diana lloyd. 11am at the sherwood suite at the eight acres hotel, elgin. visitors welcome.
9 friday graham brown to release ep in ironworks room 2 7:30pm. over 14s. for tickets tel: 0871 789 4173 or go to www.ironworksvenue.com stock up your seasonal store cupboard at brodie countryfare - enjoy tastings of speciality products in the gourmet foodhall from 11am onwards. tel 01309 641555 or visit www.brodiecountryfare.com
10 saturday the snow queen presented by the folding theatre company at the stables. shows at 11:30am and 2pm. adults £6 children £4. www.nts.org.uk/events page 16 December 2011
tel: 01309 690063
achren and filthpact @ flanagans bar, elgin - 8pm. tickets cost £5. achren, from glasgow, return to elgin in the culmination of a great year with an album release along with prestigious slots at metal camp in the czech republic, the wacken festival, germany and the uk’s premier metalfest bloodstock. support comes from aberdeen’s filthpact.
Lofty Arts - Christmas Fun Sunday 18th December,10am - 12 noon £4 per child or three for £10 (must be accompanied by adult) For kids under 10 years, come along and make a range of different Arts and Crafts including free face painting. Tel: 01343 850111 East grange Farm, Kinloss
13 tuesday flying starts xmas flea circus & side show 7:30pm. entry £5/£4 - limited availability so booking is essential. ‘flea’ glass of mulled wine. the house of automata, seapark, kinloss (next to petrol station) tel: 01309 691212 for more information or visit www.flea-circus.co.uk the truly terrible orchestra’s charity christmas concert. 7pm. under 16’s accompanied by an adult. tickets by donation (£5 suggested) for more information and to book tel: 0871 789 4173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com
14 Wednesday - 23 friday christmas lunches, 12 – 3pm, 2 or 3 course festive menu served in the grand surroundings of the library, why not make up a table? booking essential, brodie castle, tel: 0844 493 2156 visit: www.nts.org.uk
18 sunday lofty arts @ the loft - 10am-12 noon. christmas fun for kids under 10. come along and make christmas crowns, finger puppets, magic spells also free face painting (for all participating children...sorry, no adults!) sessions cost £4 per child or three for £10.
How THE “wHAT’S on” worKS all line listings are free send us details of any events coming up to tamsyn@spotlighton.co.uk Permissable events include any event open to the public (whether they have a ticket price or not, charitable or money-making) such as; pub music, entertainment, coffee mornings, fetes, fairs, rallies, walks, runs, sports, theatre, drama, car boots, markets, crafts, equestrian, fundraising etc etc... If you would like a paid for enhanced listing (white box) the cost is from £33 plus vat. Call 01309 690063 for details. Deadline for January Issue is Friday 02/12/11
SpotLight on Buckie, Keith and District
Cinema Nairn
Visit cinemanairn.blogspot.com or contact Nairn Community Centre on 01667 453476 for details
Cinema Listings november 2011 Eden Court Theatre, Inverness Up to the 8th of December The Help (12a) We Need To Talk About Kevin (15) Warren Miller - Like There’s No Tomorrow
Visit www.eden-court.co.uk or call 01463 234234 for details
Moray Playhouse, Elgin
New Screenings begin on Fridays Call 01343 542680 or visit www.morayplayhouse.co.uk
Highland Spiritual Cinema
Monthly screenings of uplifting and inspiring films that inform, enlighten and entertain. For further details please visit www.highlandspiritualcinema.net or telephone 01463 237452
Vue Cinema, Inverness From Friday 2nd December Happy Feet 2 3D (tbc) Puss in Boots 3D (U) Alvin and the Chipmunks 3 (tbc) Sherlock Holmes 2 (tbc) Sleeping Beauty: Live from The Royal Opera House (tbc) Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol (tbc) The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011) From Tuesday 13th January Shame (tbc) The Descendants(15) KidsAM Every Saturday & Sunday at 10.15am Tickets £1.25 / VIP Tickets £2.75 Senior Screenings Every Tuesday afternoon Tickets £3.05 / VIP Tickets £4.55 Includes tea/coffee & biscuits
Visit www.myvue.com for details
Portessie Public Hall
Regular films including Saturday matinees. For further details email portessiepublichall@hotmail.co.uk
Universal Hall, Findhorn
Showing films through the year Visit www.findhorn.org/uhall or call 01309 691170 for details. SpotLight on Buckie, Keith and District
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December 2011 - page 17
DECEMBER 2011 continued booking desirable but not essential. children must be accompanied by an adult. don’t forget your imaginations! the loft @ east grange farm, kinloss. tel: 01343 850111 to book or for more information.
20 tuesday flying starts xmas flea circus & side show 7:30pm. entry £5/£4 - limited availability so booking is essential. ‘flea’ glass of mulled wine. the house of automata, seapark, kinloss (next to petrol station) tel: 01309 691212 for more information or visit www.fleacircus.co.uk
21 wednesday ‘carols at the cathedral’, 6.30pm, elgin cathedral affectionately known as the ‘lantern of the north’ will be brought alive by the beautiful sounds of moray concert brass as they perform their own special repertoire of classic christmas carols. free entry - charity collection
23 friday christingle service in inchberry hall 6:30pm - 7:45pm. the rev bob anderson conducts this delightful candlelit nativity. tel: 01340 831381 all welcome!
24 saturday carol service 7pm at cullen methodist church
27 tuesday the complete stone roses at the ironworks, 7.30pm, £12.50, tel: 0871 789 4173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com
28 wednesday - 29 thursday winter showcase @ ironworks - 7pm. over 14s. two nights back to back featuring the most exciting emerging talent in the highlands and islands and celebrating the quality and diversity of the current contemporary music scene across the region. for tickets or more information tel: 0871 789 4173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com
Where’s Santa? Santa’s Grotto At Baxters Highland Village 11am - 4pm. £5 includes a gift. tel: 01343 820666 Breakfast With Santa At Baxters Highland Village, Fochabers. delight kids with the chance to enjoy breakfast with santa himself. £8.99, pre-booking required. tel: 01343 820666 Santa’s Grotto At Brodie Countryfare - 2pm-4pm £6 which includes a wee chat with santa and a gift. the elves will be helping santa meet the children in his sleigh. Brand New Reindeer & Husky Day At Brodie Countryfare visit santa, mrs clause and the elves in santa’s grotto from 11am-2pm. santa’s reindeer will be in their pen from 1pm-3:30pm. siberian huskies will be in their pen from 1pm-3:30pm. then wave santa off at his farewell reindeer parade at 3:30pm. music from dr grays hospital wave radio. Santaland At Castle Stuart - open thursdays - sundays. weekdays open 12 noon - 6pm and weekends open 10am - 6pm. last admission 5pm. £5 per person (each child receives a small gift) no advance bookings, first come, first served. tel: 01463 790745 or visit www.castlestuart.com. (situated on the airport road at the B9039 cut off for ardersier and fort george, 10 mins from inverness) 3rd & 4th/10th & 11th/17th & 18th Santa’s Grotto At Christies - 12pm - 3pm. all primary school children will receive a free gift. donations gratefully received and all monies collected will be sent to childrens’ hospice association scotland. tel: 01343 820 362 Santa’s Grotto At Decora - 10am - 12pm & 1pm - 4pm. £7.50 includes a toy, sweets and card. bookings taken. decora ltd, lossiebank mills, bridge street, elgin. tel: 01343 542218 Santa day at The Findhorn Village Centre - all children and parents are invited to visit santa. pop in your latest christmas wishes and receive a wee gift, take in some refreshments and visit our stalls.£1.50 entry, 10am-4pm. for more information call karin on tel: 01309 692339 Santa’s Grotto At Holm Mills - 12 noon - 4pm. £6 includes a gift, sweets and a drink. holm mills, shopping village, dores road, inverness. tel: 01463 223311 Breakfast With Santa At Holm Mills - 9am-11am. cost £9.95 includes breakfast and a gift. pre booking essential tel: 01463 223311 holm mills shopping village, dores road, inverness Santa’s Grotto At Howdens Garden Centre - 11am - 4pm. £5 per child includes a gift from santa. howdens garden centre, stonefield, inverness. tel: 01463 711134
31 saturday
Santa’s Grotto at Mackenzie & Cruickshank 1pm-3:30pm. £5 entry (including toy & photo) M&C 1 west road, forres. tel: 01309 696940 or visit www.mackenzie-cruickshank.com for more details.
torridon’s hogmanay bash + niteworks @ ironworks 9pm. over 18s. for tickets or more information tel: 0871 789 4173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com
Breakfast With Santa At Simpsons Garden Centre - 9am. £10. book early to avoid disappointment. simpsons garden centre, inshes, inverness. tel: 01463 250200 or email: info@simpsonsgardencentre.co.uk Santa’s Grotto At Simpsons Garden Centre from saturday 3rd december - simpsons garden centre, inshes, inverness. tel: 01463 250200 or email: info@simpsonsgardencentre.co.uk
JANUARY 2012 in brief
19 thursday the moray society lecture ‘history of the sheriff court in elgin’ by noel mcpartlin, 2pm, elgin museum
26 thursday saxecose: young, vibrant saxophone quartet, 7:30pm, st christopher’s chapel, gordonstoun school, nr elgin, £12/£6, visit www.thegcs.org.uk for more details, tickets from www.thebooth.co.uk
page 18 December 2011
tel: 01309 690063
Santa’s Grotto At St Giles Centre - saturdays 10am - 4pm and sundays 12pm - 4pm. £5. st giles centre, elgin. tel: 01343 543066 3rd & 4th/10th & 11th/17th & 18th and 24th Santa’s Grotto At Victorian Market, Inverness 1-4pm. wednesday - saturday throughout december. free entry.
SpotLight on Buckie, Keith and District
R DECEMBE .30pm 3 .... 1pm -
...... 3rd & 4th - 3.30pm ...... 1pm th 1 1 & 10th - 3.30pm th ...... 1pm to) 17th & 18 Toy & Pho y (Including tr n E 0 .0 5 £
Yes that’s right, direct from the North Pole, the Big man in Red himself has made his headquarters in Santa’s Grotto at M&C. Get into the Christmas spirit - bring all
Bringing life to your home and garden...
M&C
MACKENZIE & CRUICKSHANK
the kids, do some xmas shopping and make a day of it. Check-out our website for more details: www.mackenzie-cruickshank.com
1 West Road, Forres IV36 2GW 01309 696940
recipe
Chef’s Confidential The festive season is here and whilst Turkey is the traditional choice, the following recipe is a lovely alternative, using ingredients that are readily available and won't break the budget either. Have a wonderful Christmas and Good New Year.
Spiced Sea Trout En Croute Serves 4 people 750 grm Filleted and skinned Sea Trout (Salmon works well also) 380grm Ready made Puff Pastry 3 Balls of Stem Ginger 3 tablespoons Mixed Dried Fruit 1 Star Anise 100grm Soft butter 1 Egg beaten Salt and pepper to taste Method 1.Divide the puff pastry into four and roll out each piece into a 12 cm square. Put in the fridge to chill. 2.Cut the stem ginger balls in to thin shreds. Place the dried fruit along with the star anise into a bowl and cover with boiling water to plump up the fruit, and allow the star anise to add flavour to the fruit. Set aside for 20 minutes. 3.Using a spoon mix the soft butter to a smooth paste and add salt and pepper. Drain the dried fruit and remove the star anise. Add this with the ginger to the butter and mix thoroughly. 4.Take the piece of sea trout or salmon and divide in to four. Spoon ¼ of the butter mixture on to each portion of Salmon. 5.Remove the chilled pastry squares from the fridge and place a piece of salmon butter side down on to the pastry square. Brush the pastry with the beaten egg and fold the edges in to make a parcel. Turnover and place the folded side on to a non stick or greased baking tray. Repeat with the other three pieces of salmon. 6.Brush the parcels with the beaten egg mixture and using a sharp knife, lightly score a criss-cross pattern on the parcels. 7.Place in the oven preheated to 190°C for 20 – 30minutes until golden. 8.Serve with Green Vegetables and either a Lemon Butter Sauce or Hollandaise Sauce.
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Penny Ellis, Owner Knockomie Hotel, Forres tel: 01309 673146
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When the party is over... We see in the Bible that we are all unclean in God’s sight because of our sins. You may not think that you are a hell-deserving sinner, but God is Holy and He hates sin. Sin will keep you from being with God in heaven for eternity and damn you to Hell, unless you receive God’s forgiveness for sin which is found only in His Son Jesus Christ. God’s word reveals that if you die in an unclean & unforgiven state, because of your own choice, you’ll go to hell with all the other people who refused God’s mercy. There are many people, and you may be one of them, who believe that life should be one never ending party; friends to meet, places to go, and things to get and do, seeking constant amusement in the pursuit of happiness, needing non-stop activity to fill the emptiness inside, to fight the boredom that surrounds them.
You may think. “That’s okay - all my party friends will be there too!” Yes, sadly they will be there too if they too reject Christ, but the thick blackness of “outer darkness” will separate you from each other. It is a place of torment, never ending fear and punishment and you’ll be there on your own.
Right now you are without God in this world and have no hope, but in Christ Jesus you, who are far off, can be brought near by the blood of Christ; He Drugs, alcohol, immoral relationships, money can be your peace. You can know that when you and music are some of the most popular die (and you will die) you will be in Heaven, not choices in this party called life. We don’t want Hell. to think about the fact the party will end. However there is an enemy to all this pleasure- Take a moment, please consider and underseeking excitement. It is death. We all have an stand God’s love for you in giving His Son, the Wonderful Lord Jesus Christ to die for your sin on appointment with death and eternity. The Cross of Calvary and then three days later to You have a God-given eternal soul and the rise again from the dead. He can be your Saviour. Bible makes it clear that you will spend You must call upon the name of the Lord, acknowleternity somewhere when the party is over. edging and turning from your sins and trusting Where you will be in eternity may not matter to Him, and only Him, to save you. you right now. The thought of facing a sin-hating, Holy God or talk of His dear Son the For God so loved the world that he gave his only Lord Jesus Christ are subjects you probably begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. He avoid at all costs. that believeth on him is not condemned: but he The Lord is trying to reach you now, because that believeth not is condemned already, because once your “party” is over it will be too late. he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God (John 3:16,18)
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Published by www.wordsbythewayside.co.uk Registered Scottish Charity SCO41290
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outdoor
7KH %LUG 0DQ WINTER VISITORS FROM THE NORTH
King Eider
When the weather is damp and driech, the days are short and summer seems such a long time ago, it is nice to get a splash of colour and a touch of the exotic. Waxwings arrive on our shores, or to be more accurate, in our gardens and supermarket car parks on a sporadic basis. When the berry crop has failed in their normal habitats in Fennoscandia and northern Russia they are forced to migrate south to the UK and central Europe where they can enjoy our relatively mild climate and plentiful food supplies in the shape of cotoneaster and rowan berries. These striking little birds with their pinkish brown plumage, long crests and highwayman black masks can be very approachable making themselves known as something out of the ordinary even to non-birdwatchers. Take a Waxwing
The second visitor that frequents our coastline in most winters, especially in the Burghead and Roseisle area, is the stunning King Eider. Now this is no ordinary Eider, this bird has travelled down from the high arctic to spend the winter feeding in the shallow waters around the Moray coast. Not as easy to see as the above Waxwings, it is still well worth the trouble of scanning through the flocks of Common Eider. Check carefully and soon you will pick up the adult males massive orange bill shield, rose coloured bill and beautiful pale blue head. Slightly smaller than its common cousins it to can be quite approachable and can give excellent views even without a telescope. At the onset of spring these little beauties will once again head north to their breeding grounds leaving our streets and coastline a little duller without their presence.
closer look at the folded wings and you will notice the bright red feather tips looking exactly like drops of red sealing wax, hence the name Waxwing.
Next month, back to basics! Looking at Garden birds. So until next time, good birding!
Information kindly supplied by Birding Ecosse, offering Birdwatching for beginners workshops.
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nature OUR WINTER VISITORS
Many other species, including Whooper swans, brent goose, velvet scoter and great northern diver also choose to winter in Scotland and can be found in the Moray area. The RSPB website is a great resource of information.
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Ian MacLeod, Wild West www.wildwestsafari.co.uk ian@wildwestsafari.co.uk Offering wildlife safaris in the Great Glen and surrounding areas.
December
As our summer migrants, such as swallow and osprey leave for warmer climates and the red deer rut winds down with the animals returning to the winter feeding grounds, the next great spectacle for the wildlife enthusiast is the winter migrations. Hundreds of thousands of birds that have Fieldfare spent the summer in the northern latitudes return to the (relatively) mild shores of Britain. Amongst the first to arrive are fieldfares and redwing, both members of the thrush family. Both species will often flock together and large flocks can often be seen feeding in open fields. Listen for the sound of fieldfares, a noisy crackling sound, often heard overhead at dusk. Look out for both species stripping rowan trees bare of their berries! Last winter saw an eruption of one of our prettiest winter visitors, the waxwing. These eruptions happen in years when the population, usually concentrated in northern Europe is too large for the available food. Visiting numbers can vary greatly, from below 100 birds to around 15,00 in the eruption years. A sociable and gregarious bird, waxwings are easily identified with their prominent crest, black “mask� and colourful wings. They are also relatively tame and it is often possible to get within a few metres of them. A bird that I look forward to seeing each year is the Goldeneye goldeneye duck and we have small populations on Loch Lochy and loch Garry each winter. As the name suggests, they have a bright yellow eye and the males are easily identified by the white patch just below the eye which looks like a large tear-drop. The males head is dark green and body black and white whilst the female has a brown head with mottled grey body. They are diving ducks, feeding on insect larvae, small fish and pond weeds. Possibly the most spectacular of the winter arrivals are the pink footed goose, which arrive from their summer feeding grounds, often as far afield as Greenland and Iceland, in huge numbers. Around 150,000 birds are estimated to overwinter in the UK. To see this winter spectacle locally, the RSPB have excellent reserves at Udale and Nigg bays, where numbers peak at around 10,00 birds during the migrations too and from their breeding grounds. Further details can be found on www.rsp.org.uk.
Next month: The Lek
ART SEVENTH HEAVEN FOR GALLERY TRAIL Scotland’s Gallery Trail, now in its seventh year welcomes a new partner and a new gallery to Grampian - the Airt Gallery based outside Kintore, named after the traditional Scots word, meaning segment of the heavens or direction of the wind. The Airt specialises in Scottish Landscape art. Celebrating the best the Scottish Highlands and Islands has to offer in painting, printmaking and photography; proprietor Jeannie Robinson hosts a regularly changing exhibition of both contemporary landscapes and seascapes. This Grampian Trail is aimed at art lovers who visit, or live in the area, who want to see what this part of the art world has to offer, and take in the spectacular scenery along the route.
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Elgin
The trail now consists of 12 galleries, 1. The Milton Art Gallery of Crathes 2. Lang Byre Gallery of Banchory 3. Larks Gallery of Ballater 4. The Braemar Gallery of Braemar 5. The Lost Gallery of Strathdon 6. Tomintoul Art Gallery of Tomintoul 7. Logie Steading Art Gallery of Forres 8. Leap Studio & Gallery of Craigellachie 9. Duff House Gallery of Banff 10. Country Frames Gallery of Insch 11. Touched by Scotland of Oyne 12. The Airt Gallery of Kintore.
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Also new to the 2011-2012 trail is Country Frames Gallery of Insch, a warm welcoming gallery set in the heart of the beautiful Aberdeenshire countryside. Yvonne Flett offers a wide range of art and crafts from local, national and international exhibiting artists. A comprehensive picture framing and giclee printing service is also provided. Scotland's Gallery Trail is entirely self-funded by the partners themselves and this year Moray Chamber of Commerce has taken on the role of operating partner, ensuring leaflets are distributed and the www site updated. Rachael Annand, recently graduated from Robert Gordon University in International Tourism Management is the project co-ordinator. Speaking from the Speyside based chamber she said, “I have thoroughly enjoyed collating all the information from the partners and hope to help them raise their profile nationally and internationally with our new marketing strategy. These are unique galleries in the most beautiful countryside in the world and we hope our information entices visitors to plan their way around the trail.” Leaflets will be distributed throughout the region and Moray Chamber’s international partnership with the medieval city of Zwolle in the Netherlands allows the leaflet to be distributed there too. This year sees the chamber also operate Scotland’s Food Trail – Grampian, which will be re-launched shortly. On the food trail you will find hotels and country houses, cafes, visitor attractions and retail outlets as well as internationally renowned food and drink producers-all with a commitment to quality and excellence. For further information or photo opportunities contact: Rachael Annand by e-mailing info@moraychamber.co.uk or call 01340 881226 Or contact any of the galleries direct – details at www.scotlandsgallerytrail.com
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Winter vehicle safety and maintenance
The last two winters have seen widespread snow and ice for weeks on end with temperatures regularly falling below -10C. You're more likely to break down in a bad winter. There's more risk of delays too but not necessarily in the way you'd expect. If vehicles ahead lose control - a jack-knifed lorry for example - you won't be able to get through no matter how well equipped your car is with winter tyres or chains. You could face a wait of several hours until the blockage and other traffic ahead has been cleared. Here's what you need to do this winter to reduce the risk of a breakdown and make sure that you are equipped to deal with the conditions.
Check your car Antifreeze – check coolant level regularly and, if required, top-up with a mixture of the correct type of antifreeze. Your garage should check concentration to ensure adequate cold temperature protection. Battery - the most common cause of winter breakdowns. A battery more than five years old may struggle in the cold - get it checked and replaced if necessary to avoid the inconvenience of an unplanned failure. Fuel - keep at least a quarter of a tank in case of unexpected delay. Lights - check and clean all lights regularly to make sure you can see and be seen clearly. Carry spare bulbs. Tyres - should have at least 3mm of tread for winter motoring. Consider winter tyres for improved safety. Check pressures at least every fortnight. Windscreen - reduce dazzle from the low sun by keeping the screen clean inside and out. Now is a good time to renew worn wiper blades. Screen wash - use a 50% mix of a good quality screen wash to reduce the chance of freezing in frosty weather. Locks and door seals - stop doors freezing shut with a thin coat of polish or Vaseline on rubber door seals. A squirt of water dispersant (WD-40) in locks will help stop them freezing.
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You and your passengers Prepare for the worst and hope for the best. As well as the things you should be carrying on every journey regardless of the weather, you should make up a winter emergency kit to keep in the boot – hopefully you won’t need it but you will be very glad it's there if you do. Year-round essentials Fully-charged mobile phone and in-car charger Sunglasses – to deal with glare from the sun or snow. Personal medication Warning triangle Spare bulbs First aid kit Road atlas – in case of diversions Sat-nav or printed route for unfamiliar journeys Breakdown membership card
Winter emergency kit Blanket, rug or sleeping bag Shovel Bits of carpet or thick cardboard to place under driven wheels to help regain traction on ice or snow Salt, sand or cat litter – to help clear snow and ice Reflective jacket(s) Ice scraper and de-icer Torch and batteries Tow rope Snow chains (if you live in a remote or rural area) Battery jump leads Bottled water Snacks – chocolate or cereal bars Extra screen wash For further information on vehicle winter care, safety and maintenance please call Martin at McAndie Garage, Shore Street, Lossiemouth on:
01343 815977
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Parliament Blog ”
recently had the great pleasure of joining a group children of rAF service personnel on a visit to London as part of the Airplay support programme for rAF Children, which was set up by the rAF Benevolent Fund
when I have time to myself I am working my way through the three published ‘Millenium Series’ novels by the late Swedish author Stieg Larsson. I say ‘working’ but it’s really not work at all given how well written
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It was great to support the kids and Airplay Volunteers on their visit to westminster and going by the reaction they thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Anyone looking for a good cause to support should give Airplay a thought, as they continue to provide tailored activity programmes and support to rAF children and young people who face particular challenges with regular moves to new schools, having to make new friends more often than normal and often having a parent away from home for extended periods of time. A really excellent charity project. Angus Robertson MP SpotLight on Buckie, Keith and District
the novels are. one thing that has struck me in the novels are the various characters who have a liking for Speyside malt whiskies! It is always good to see Moray being promoted far and wide by any means but it is particularly nice to find unexpected references to home in novels of the significance of Larsson’s. I can thoroughly recommend the Millennium Series which has got me hooked!
www.spotlighton.co.uk
Richard Lochhead MSP December 2011 - page 29
youth
Elgin Youth Cafe Elgin Youth Cafe celebrated their 10th birthday this year. It provides a safe place for young people between the ages of 12-18 to come and socialise, away from the pressures of modern day living. Activities and projects are provided to encourage young people to be part of their local community, and to build bridges between young and old. They offer the following facilities and activities in the Cafe: Cafe; Computer Suite; Pool Table; Table Tennis; Table Football; Wii; Playstation; X Box; Karaoke; Lounge Area; Games; MTV & Sky; Live Bands and Discos; Theme Nights; Programme of Activities for School Holidays; Fully Functional Bar (Soft Drinks) & Kitchen. There are various activities which young people can join in with at the Cafe: Delta Force – a community based initiative, which encourages young people to carry out projects in their local area. Some examples of this are – graffiti clean ups; bag packing; street clean ups; coffee mornings; garden projects; fund raising events. 1:1 and group work with young people
There is so much going on at the cafe, so please come along and have a great time there. Volunteers are absolutely essential for the Youth Cafe to open in the evenings, and to this end, Elgin Youth Development Group were successful in gaining funding from Voluntary Action Group for a volunteer co-ordinator in July this year. Moira Morrison has now been in post around four months and is recruiting volunteers to work with 6 different groups within the cluster group – Elgin Youth Cafe, Lossie Youth Cafe, The Loft - Keith, Quarriers Young Carers, Step by Step and Enable Scotland. Her goal is to get 40 volunteers during the year to work with the organisations within the cluster group. People have many reasons for volunteering - Gain new skills, personal development and builds confidence to name but a few. We provide training to help volunteers gain new skills and experiences, and this in turn may help them gain new employment. Although it is good to have qualifications, volunteers also need ‘people’ skills such as listening, empathy, communication and team working. Finally, common sense and a good sense of humour are essential.
Regular fundraising events to raise money for the Cafe Outdoor education activities, including canoeing and climbing Arts and crafts activities and events
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Courses, events and projects during the school holidays, including film making and life skills.
If you need any further information, please contact: Moira Morrison - Volunteer Coordinator Elgin Youth Development Group Elgin Youth Cafe, McIntosh Building Francis Place, Elgin IV30 1LQ
SpotLight Magazines
To advertise in the next issue of SpotLight on Buckie & Keith call 01309 690063 or go online for details www.spotlighton.co.uk
SpotLight SpotLight QR Code
Ashley Ann ..............................................................2 Beautylicious ........................................................29 Beaver Travel ........................................................13 Castle Stuart ............................................................3 City of Elgin BID Limited ........................................9 Clark's Pharmacy ....................................................7 Divine Gifts ............................................................29 Doctor Denture......................................................11 Elgin Eagles Basketball Club ..................................4 Gordon & MacPhail..........................................22-23 ilash Theatre ..........................................................13 Indulgence Salon & Spa ......................................11 Johnstons of Elgin ................................................32 Linda Marlow Dog Grooming..................................3 Mackenzie & Cruickshank ....................................19
SpotLight on Buckie, Keith and District
Advertiser Index McDonald & Munro ................................................7 Michael Sharp Joinery ............................................7 Nairn Community & Arts Centre ..........................15 Purity ......................................................................7 REAP Scotland ......................................................25 Roof Wizard ............................................................5 Scotengineering ....................................................13 SJ Chimney Services ............................................29 Spotty Bag Shop ..................................................14 The Steading Cafe ..................................................3 Unique Beauty ....................................Front Cover/3 Wheelchair Care......................................................5 Windsor Hotel........................................................11 Words By The Wayside ........................................21
www.spotlighton.co.uk
December 2011 - page 31
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