Spotlight On Elgin, Lossie & District December 2011

Page 1

December 2011

ELGIN, LOSSIE & DISTRICT THE

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Where’s Santa? See page 24

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Stagecoach Elgin is now taking bookings for Spring Term 2012. ‘LAMDA’ Examinations (The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art). ★★ NEW FOR 2012 ★★ London Trip Famous Pineapple Dance Studios Workshops with Westend Performers 2 West End Shows!

For further information please contact: Amy Mullen on 01463 710015 Email: elgin@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk/elgin

See us on Facebook ...‘Stagecoach Inverness (Sing dance Act)’

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Nurturing and developing young peoples potential through dance, drama and singing. For 4-18 year olds, after school, at weekends and holiday workshops.

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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.

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SpotLight Clubs and Societies

4TH LOSSIE BOYS BRIGADE Every Wednesday at Hythehill Primary School. Anchor boys (Primary 1,2 & 3) 5.30pm6.30pm; Junior Section (Primary 4,5 & 6) 6.30pm-8pm; Company Section (Primary 7 and high school) 8pm-9.30pm. Contact James Allan tel: 542305 BANFF, MORAY & NAIRN CANINE CLUB Classes are held in Obedience and Ringcraft every Monday evening during school terms from 1800 hrs in Spynie Hall, Elgin. Call Joanne on 01542 810293 or Mary on 01542 850262 CREATIVE WRITING GROUP Meets fortnightly on a Thursday, 1.30pm, Blythswood Charity Shop, Lossie Wynd, Elgin. Contact Kirsty Morgan 547494 CRAFT GROUP Have you a craft you are passionate about? Do you want to learn a new craft? Do you want to meet new people with similar interests and share ideas to develop old and new skills? I am keen to start an evening group, so if you are interested - please give me a call! Jean Boardman, Elgin 01343 208435 DYNAMIC TAEKWONDO SCOTLAND We practice WTF Olympic Taekwondo, our classes are in the Lhanbryde community centre on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 6-7pm. All ages and abilities are welcome, head instructor is Kimberley Clarke who is a 3rd dan and is also a member of the Scottish and GB

Poomsae teams Contact Kimberley on - 01343 543493 or 07917 331487 dynamic_tkd@btinternet.com 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

MORAY ACCESS PANEL The aims of the panel is to help improve access to buildings or any other access problems throughout Moray. It is an advisory body made up of disabled and Moray Council reprentatives. The panel meets every month at The Moray Resource Centre, Elgin and would be pleased to offer advice to anyone. New members are always welcome. E-mail: wheelsgalore100@googlemail.com

ELGIN AND DISTRICT CANCER SUPPORT GROUP DROP IN CENTRE We meet in the old Doctor's Surgery on Victoria Road, Elgin. We are open Tuesdays and Fridays 10am to 4pm. A listening ear, confidentiality, signposting and a cup of tea of coffee - or even just a chat are on offer. All welcome

MORAY SENSORY SERVICE Provides services for people with sight loss, hearing loss and the Deaf Community in Moray. 0845 271 2345 or write to Elizabeth House, 10 Victoria Crescent, Elgin IV30 1RQ

ELGIN AMATEUR DRAMATIC SOCIETY Providing quality drama productions for Elgin and District, and comprehensive theatrical experiences for interested adults and young people, Kingsmills Studio. Contact Jenna Ward 552457 or 07873 497487 www.elgindrama.co.uk ELGIN FILM CLUB Now a part of the Moray Arts Club. New program of films coming soon, dates and venue to be confirmed. Screening alternative and classic films in a

Spotlight on elgin & lossie is published by Winterburn media ltd, Comraich, Woodside Farm, Kinloss Iv36 3Ua all material contained within the Spotlight magazines is subject to formal copyright restrictions and therefore the reproduction of any listings, editorial, advertiser artwork or any other content, without the publishers prior consent, will be considered a breach of copyright. all rates are per month plus vat and based on a Black & White 12 month series. Call 01309 690063 for more details. page 4 December 2011

friendly atmosphere, with a brief talk about the film. Contact Emma Cooper 07894 144021 or email emmaucooper@ btinternet.com or visit www.morayartsclub.com

MORAY TRIBAL BELLY DANCE Thursdays from 6.30pm - 7.30pm at Elgin Community Centre, Trinity Road, Elgin. Weekly tribal belly dance class suitable for all fitness levels, ages, shapes & sizes. For more info tel: Mel on 07791 863 613, mel@moraytribaldance.co.uk or www.moraytribaldance.co.uk. HIGHLAND GLIDING CLUB Enjoy gliding and soaring at all levels, from complete beginner upwards, Saturday & Sunday all year round and Wednesday evening May - October at Easterton Airfield, Birnie. Contact

Sample advert rateS Box £38 Big Box £71 ¼ page £129 ½ page £244 Business profile £416 Full page £461 enhanced listings in What’s On pages from £41

tel: 01309 690063

Anne Burgess 820834 www.highglide.co.uk MORAY BUSINESS WOMEN An informal club for women within the Moray area who have an interest in business, networking, sharing information and general socialising. Meetings are held on the first Thursday of every month. For more information, tel: Michelle on 07887 730708 or e-mail us at tina.mason52@yahoo.com MILTONDUFF MINIS TODDLER GROUP For 0-3 years, meets at Miltonduff Hall on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am till 11.30am. Come along and enjoy our toys, games and activities. Contact Claudette tel: 548984 or email miltonduffplaygroup @gmail.com ST SYLVESTER'S NURSERY Provides nursery education for children aged 2-5 following a curriculum for 3-5's adhering to care standards. Contact Susan Hunt 0797 713 9614 or 551471 or via email stsylv.nursery@btinternet.com 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.

If you would like details of your club or society included in this section please let us know. All club listings are free. Not all clubs will be listed every issue.

SpotLight on Elgin, Lossie 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 School Term Dates..........................6 Council News ................................10 Useful Numbers ............................14 Local Holidays...............................14 Tide Times.....................................14 Church Details...............................18 Parliament Blog.............................18 What’s On ................................21-26 Cinema Listings.............................23 Advertisers Index ..........................47

Chef

Youth

Spiced Sea Trout ......................28

Travel

Elgin Youth Café .......................40

Science & Nature

A Caribbean Break....................30

The Northern Lights...........42 - 43

Art

Leisure Drinks, Tales & Crackers...........34

The Gallery Trail .......................44

January Issue Deadlines Editorial - Friday 02/12/11 Advertising - Wednesday 07/12/11

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Pastoral letter and School Term Dates As we turn our thoughts to Christmas doubtless the same old questions that the media love to raise will come up again and again. Questions of the virgin birth. Questions about the truth of the Gospels. Questions about the Church. The media will also doubtless tell us how no-one goes to church anymore or believes the Christian truths. Neither claim is true. If anything most Churches report rising or at the very least static numbers of attendance but that does not fit a secularist world view. But all that is to miss the point. At this time it is right to remember something once said by a famous author G K Chesterton. ‘When someone ceases to believe in God he (or she) does not believe in nothing but they believe in anything’. This is never truer that today and it is a bad place for a society to be. What better thing is there to believe in, and hold as an example, than a God who cared so much about every single individual person no matter how high or lowly, that he came to share our life and in the end to die for us. Now that is something far more inspiring and worth celebrating this Christmas than

getting bogged down in the sort of questions the media set up. Laughter is - or should be - an important part of our lives and Jesus certainly had a fine sense of humour look who God appoints to be clergy! The ability to laugh at ourselves is probably the most difficult part of being fully human; and God really does want his children to be happy. In fact evidence suggests that the services of the Early Church had more in common with a party than with modern perceptions of worship. So much so in fact that St Paul had to rein them in – see his letter to the Corinthians. The joy of living is important. This is why I like writing things in my articles that make you laugh as well as think. For those of you who wanted something solid I hope I have given you pause for thought. For those who find it all irrelevant thank you for reading this far. For those who laughed along with me perhaps a glimpse of the joy of God has touched your soul. Happy Christmas Tony Gilbert Sen ior ch ap lain RA F Lossiem out h an d RA F Kinlos s

School Term Dates for 2011/2012 (all dates inclusive) Winter Term Ends Wed. 21st December 2011 Spring Term Starts Thursday 5th January 2012 Elgin High & Feeders Thurs. 9th Feb. 2012 Elgin Academy & Feeders Thurs. 9th Feb. 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 Lossie High & Feeders Friday 4th May 2012 page 6 December 2011

SpotLight

tel: 01309 690063

The following was heard in a Nativity play when the actual script was forgotten: Mary and Joseph approach the innkeeper who tells them there is no room in the inn: Jo sep h : But my wife is pregnant. I nnk eeper: Well it's not my fault. Jo sep h: It's not my fault either!

Mary and Joseph approached the innkeeper: Jo sep h: My wife and I are in need of a room for the night for as you see my wife is expecting her first child. I nnk ee p er: Yes we've got loads of space come on in…………. The play stopped in confusion. Some graffiti follows all added to Church notices. The original notice is in italics the addition in normal print. Trespassers will be forgiven. scrawled on a Church car park wall. Jesus Saves....With the Woolwich. Jesus Saves....But Moses headed it in off the post. Jesus Saves....Save yourself Jesus is tired. Jesus Saves....At today's prices that's a miracle. Love your Enemies.... And they'll wonder what kind of scam you're trying to pull. Where will you be on Judgement Day?.... Still waiting for the number 83 bus. Tired of Sin, The World and The Devil? Come and join us....If not Phone xxxxxx and ask for Sally.

May Day Holiday Monday 7th May 2012 In-service Closure Thursday 17th May 2012 In-service Closure Friday 18th May 2012 Summer Term Ends Thursday 28th 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 Fri. 21st December 2012 SpotLight on Elgin, Lossie and District

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Shona would like to wish all her clients a Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for 2012 and look forward to seeing you all in the New Year.

Late night Thursday’s Vouchers available

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Come in and see what’s new. NOW OPEN

The refurbishment of our Elgin kitchen and bedroom showroom is now complete. It’s quite a transformation and we hope that you will agree that it was well worth any inconvenience caused while it was closed. The finished result is stunning with classic and contemporary new styles, fantastic design ideas and amazing storage solutions. On show alongside our award winning Metris displays we are also showing our new Fusion range and our Classic Painted collection. All our kitchens and bedrooms are manufactured at our Highland factory with fantastic build quality which we have continued to update over the past 25 years. Our skilled manufacturers, designers and installers will continue to offer unrivalled quality and service and we look forward to welcoming you to our stunning new refurbished Elgin showroom.

ELGIN: 27 Tyock Ind Est 01343 545155 Also at: INVERNESS: 18 Carsegate Rd 01463 711548

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SpotLight Community Council News

ExTRACTS FROM THE MINuTES OF THE MEETING OF 13TH OF SEPTEMBER 2011 OF THE CITy & ROyAL BuRGH OF ELGIN COMMuNITy COuNCIL Police Update – Insp. Colin Mowat Drunk driving – The Roads unit carried out three early morning drunk-driving checks, stopping over 100 drivers and breathalysing one third. All were negative. Speeding Vehicles – Morriston Road was monitored following complaints of drivers ignoring 20mph speed limits at school times. No drivers were caught breaking the limit. Cllr Barry Jarvis described reports of speeding and dangerous driving on Pinefield Crescent, allegedly related to showroom cars being testdriven and asked if this could be looked into. Insp. Mowat will pass this information onto the Roads Policing unit. Investigation into Elgin Cemetery Vandalism - seven youths were arrested and charged with malicious mischief. They will be dealt with by the procurator fiscal, through the courts. Credit was due to members of the public, schools and elected officials for their contribution. Operation Moravia – a number of drug search warrants were executed and drugs and other proceeds of crime were seized. This is an ongoing operation in Moray to deal with antisocial behaviour in as wide as possible an arena. Litter - this topic was covered during interaction with 30 ‘town circuit’ drivers, in Marks and Spencer car park. Also, joint litter patrols are being arranged with staff at Elgin High School, with the support of the Head Teacher. The Police would welcome and back a Community Council and forum led litter group or plan. Taxis parking outwith rank - Police would treat the taxis as they would any other car. It was suggested perhaps Moray Council would have a view on this with regards to taxi licensing terms. Bishopmill Fire – Gordon Methven asked if there had been any further developments. Insp. Mowat did not have up-todate information on the enquiry to hand but said that all Community Impact Assessment responses were appreciated. Springfield Retail Park – Bryan Watson had received a number of complaints regarding Moray Council’s recent decision to allow retail park units to sell anything but food. There has been a lot of negative comment about the retail park generally. Bryan Watson has defended the decision, saying if retail parks are not available

in Elgin, consumers will go elsewhere to shop. The decline of Elgin City centre is multi-factorial and retail parks should be considered to compliment, not compete with city centre businesses. Recreation, Leisure and Environment Proposed art projects – the committee met with Emma Penman, Events Coordinator at ASDA. She was enthusiastic about supporting a local history art project and involving schools. Approx. £200 could be made available without her contacting Head Office, although another project is currently being undertaken. She is interested in the Community Council, and offered use of a stand at Asda for promotional use if desired. The committee asked for and received the Community Council’s support in pursuing this project. It was planned to write to schools to invite them to compete, and to meet again with Emma Penman. Roads & Transportation - Flowerbeds at Ladyhill – The Roads and Transport Committee feel strongly that the floral beds at the bottom of Ladyhill should be reinstated as soon as possible. This is considered to be a matter of significant importance. Disabled parking bays - The committee was satisfied with the relocation of disabled bays and the number of spaces provided. It was felt that the number complaints from some disabled badge holders would reduce, if they were to read the information provided to them by Moray Council. Taxi rank – the original concept of a 4-cab rank on High St West has changed to a 10+ rank in order to balance Disabled Parking with taxi ranks. Roof cab signs - The committee wishes to pursue non-uniform signs on taxis in time, either directly with taxi owners or in cooperation with Moray Council. Overspill of taxis from High St West rank R&T committee feel strongly that no taxi shall park in public parking spaces if the rank is full and should move on. Moray Council intend to monitor this situation and Gordon Holland is to investigate the taxi drivers’ terms with Moray Council to establish the legality of this issue. Elgin South Area Forum Elgin High School Improvements - ESAF agreed to send a letter of support for Elgin High School Parent Council in their efforts to secure

Scottish Government funding. Letters to Mike Russell MSP and John Swinney MSP with copies to the leader of the opposition. Promoting the Community Council Northern Scot – the Chair spoke to Mike Collins and Hazel Lawson regarding reporting the Community Council’s activities in one area. Mike Collins suggested the Community Council report on any current issues between monthly meetings and if possible, the newspaper will report on them. Spotlight – The Community Council is very appreciative of Spotlight’s ongoing coverage of the Community Council. The fact it reaches every household is of great benefit to the Community Council. Website/Social media – Bryan Watson said the website with generic email address will provide a way for people to write to Community Council. A discussion was held on the pros and cons of Facebook. It was agreed to get the website up and running first then re-visit the matter. Correspondence Network Rail – plans to erect at 20 metre high monopole and equipment cabin on waste ground to East of New Elgin Road railway bridge. It is unlikely to cause problems sited away from residences and near such a high bridge. Planning committee to look at. AOCB Community Warden – the Chair advised there is currently no Community Warden in Elgin. Stagecoach – Pat Paterson spoke to Mr Leslie, Operations Manager regarding the broken-down bus in Huntly. He advised a fleet of approx. 10 new buses are due to arrive in October. She questioned him on fare increases and the condition of the bus station. He was open to coming to Community Council meeting to give a presentation. The Chair proposed 11th October for a presentation and Q&A session. Batchen Street pedestrianisation – Bryan Watson was pleased to see this underway. He has continued to defend this decision, as it will improve safety. The Chair commented that Michael Dawson the butcher would be interested in sponsoring hanging baskets. Next Meeting 11th October 2011 Moray Council Chambers

OTHER COMMUNITy COUNCIL CONTACTS Heldon Community Council Meetings - 7.30pm at Mosstowie Primary School. Contact: Angela Hyland (Secretary) tel: 545360

page 10 December 2011

Burghead & Cummingston Community Council Meets first Thursday of every month (excluding July) 7.30pm at Burghead Harbour Masters Office. Contact: Chris Tuke (Secretary) tel: 835537

tel: 01309 690063

SpotLight on Elgin, Lossie and District

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Seasonal Events at Baxters Highland Village Breakfast with Santa Every Saturday & Sunday in December including Christmas Eve 9am–10am

Baxters Highland Village in Fochabers is the perfect place to stock up your larder for the Festive season. The store is stacked with Christmas treats from speciality foods, wines and spirits to cookware and tableware. Baxters famous Christmas shop is back featuring a fantastic range of Christmas gifts and decorations and there is a host of family events planned to help you to get in the Christmas Spirit including Santa’s arrival on November 28th.

Delight the kids with the chance to enjoy breakfast with Santa himself. Children can choose breakfast treats and also get a gift from Baxters. ÂŁ8.99, pre-booking required call the store to book.

Santa’s Grotto Every Weekend 28th November then every Saturday & Sunday in December including Christmas Eve 11am-4pm

For a Festive Flavour of Scotland Baxters Highland Village, Fochabers. Open 7 days Tel: 01343 820866 www.baxters.com

Visit Santa in his special Baxters Grotto. Gift for every child, ÂŁ5.00

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Local Holidays, Tide Times & Useful Numbers

SpotLight

Local Holidays St Andrews Day Christmas Day Holiday * Boxing Day Holiday * New Years Day Holiday* 2nd January Holiday* Lossiemouth Holiday ‡ Good Friday Elgin Holiday § May Day Bank Holiday Spring Bank Holiday Lossiemouth Holiday ‡ Queens Diamond Jubilee

LOW TIDE TIMES FOR LOSSIE IN DECEMBER Walking on the beach should be possible 2 hours either side of these times

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

TH F SA SU M TU W

Elgin Holiday § Summer Bank Holiday Lossiemouth Holiday ‡ Elgin Holiday § Lossiemouth Holiday ‡ Elgin Holiday § St Andrews Day Christmas 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 Fri. 6th April 2012 Mon. 9th April 2012 Mon. 7th May 2012 Mon. 4th June 2012 Mon. 4th June 2012 Tues. 5th June 2012

AM

PM

09.48 10.47 11.53 00.43 01.49 02.44 03.29

22.37 23.38 13.04 14.10 15.06 15.50

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 Hopeman & Burghead § includes Lhanbryde, Fochabers, Garmouth, Kingston, Mosstodloch, Spey Bay and Urquhart

AM 04.08 04.43 05.18 05.52 06.28 07.04 07.40 08.20 09.04 09.55 10.58 12.12

Useful Numbers Police Station ................................................0845 600 5700 Bus Station, Elgin .......................................(01343) 544222 Citizens Advice Bureau ...............................(01343) 550088 Dalcross Airport ...........................................(01667) 464000 SCHOOLS Alves Primary School ..................................(01343) 850247 Bishopmill Primary School ..........................(01343) 547841 Burghead Primary School ..........................(01343) 835529 East End Primary School ............................(01343) 542381 Greenwards Primary School ......................(01343) 541661 Hopeman Primary School ..........................(01343) 830281 Lhanbryde Primary School..........................(01343) 842649 Mosstowie Primary School..........................(01343) 547119 New Elgin Primary School ..........................(01343) 547587 Seafield Primary School ..............................(01343) 547792 St Sylvesters R.C. Primary School ..............(01343) 541453 West End Primary School............................(01343) 543161 Elgin Academy ............................................(01343) 543485 page 14 December 2011

Mon. 25th June 2012 Mon. 6th Aug. 2012 Mon. 13th Aug. 2012 Mon. 3rd Sept. 2012 Mon. 17th Sept. 2012 Mon. 15th Oct. 2012 Fri. 30th Nov. 2012 Tues. 25th Dec. 2012

tel: 01309 690063

PM 16.30 17.06 17.42 18.17 18.55 19.33 20.13 20.56 21.46 22.43 23.49

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 01.00 02.09 03.13 04.08 04.58 05.45 06.28 07.10 07.50 08.30 09.10 09.54

PM 13.27 14.38 15.41 16.36 17.26 18.13 18.59 19.43 20.25 21.06 21.49 22.36

Elgin High School........................................(01343) 545181 Hythehill Primary School ............................(01343) 812014 St Gerardine Primary School ......................(01343) 812251 Lossiemouth High School ..........................(01343) 812047 vIllaGe HallS & COmmUNItY CeNtreS Dallas Village Hall .......................................(01343) 890243 Elgin Town Hall ................(01343) 547767/562600-To Book Lossie Town Hall ............................(01343) 813327/815309 Moray Council .............................................(01343) 543451 National Rail Enquiries ..................................08457 484950 Elgin Library ................................................(01343) 562600 Lossie Library ..............................................(01343) 813334 Elgin Community Council............................(01343) 544091 Moray Leisure Centre .................................(01343) 550033 Lossie Swimming Pool ................................(01343) 815299 Other Useful Numbers including Doctors, Dentists and Parmacies are rotated on a regular basis and will appear in subsequent issues.

SpotLight on Elgin, Lossie and District

9,1</ 35,17,1* (0%52,'(5< %$'*(6 7523+,(6

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Tyock Industrial Estate, Elgin IV30 1XY 9,1</ 35,17,1* (0%52,'(5< %$'*(6 7523+,(6

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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

Legal – Ease Once your mortgage has been repaid.

CHP

You may pay your final mortgage instalment to your lender either at the end of the term of your mortgage, when it has been redeemed following the sale of your property over which it is secured or following a windfall. What lenders often do not make clear is that although you may no longer owe the Bank any money the Standard Security in their favour remains secured over your property until a formal ‘Discharge’ has been recorded by Registers of Scotland. In these days of Banks amalgamating it is more important than ever to keep on top of your dealings with lenders. If a Discharge is left unrecorded there is more chance of Title Deeds being lost or destroyed and records of mortgage accounts that have been cleared being lost in the system. This can add to delay when selling your property if you have to prove that the previous mortgage has indeed been redeemed but the lender can find no trace of it.

CHRISTIE

HEATING & PLUMBING for all enquiries please contact

Gordon Christie on

01343 862832 07733 228702

Hence, once your mortgage has been paid off you should instruct your Solicitor to call up your Title Deeds from your lender and prepare the appropriate style of Discharge to send to them to execute. Once your Solicitor has received the executed Discharge it is submitted to Registers of Scotland along with the application forms and fee (currently £60). Registers of Scotland will then register the Discharge and remove the legal Charge from over your property’s title. You are then free to either hold your Title Deeds yourself or leave them with your Solicitor for safekeeping. If you have recently paid off your mortgage or are contemplating either purchasing or selling a property and you would like further advice and/or legal representation please call:-

gordchrist@btinternet.com

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SpotLight Church Meetings Alves Church 1st Sunday of each month at 11.30am. 01309 690931 Birnie - Pluscarden Church Sunday Service Pluscarden 10am ; Birnie 11.30am and Elgin High Church Sunday Service 11am. Contact Parish Asst. Paula Baker tel: 01542 832662 Burghead Church Every Sunday at 11.30am. Contact 01309 690931 Elgin & Forres Free Church of Scotland Sunday Sevice 11am including Sunday School & Creche; Evening Service 6pm, Midweek Meeting Wednesday 7.30pm. Contact Colin Morrison 542196 Elgin City Church Every Sunday 10.30am at Elgin Community Centre - Childrens church & creche available. Contact 543624 Elgin Community Church Sunday Morning Service 10.30am; Evening Fellowship & Youth Group at 6pm. Contact 54665 Hopeman Baptist Church meets every Sunday 11am & 6pm. Everyone welcome. Contact Rev. S.J. Macdonald 831175 or visit the website www.hopemanbaptist.org.uk Living Waters Fellowship, Bishopmill Hall, Bishopmill, Elgin. Family service - Sundays at 1.00pm with Tea, Coffee & food after service. Kids Church. Tel: 07730 256543 or visit www.livingwatersfellowship.co.uk Lossiemouth Baptist Church meets every Sunday 9.30am, 11.30am and 6pm. Junior

“

Church Sunday 11.30am and Kids Church (P4-P7) Thursdays 6.15pm-8pm. Contact Rev. Rae Mackenzie 812062 www.lossiebaptist.org Lossiemouth Gospel Hall meets every Sunday for Sunday Club at 9.30am, Gospel Meeting at 6.30pm. Further details 812987 or visit www.lossiemouthgospelhall.org.uk Lossiemouth United Free Church of Scotland meets Sunday 11am and 6pm, including Sunday School. Contact Rev. Alexander Ritchie 810262 www.ufcos.org.uk/lossie Moray Grace Fellowship Meets Sunday mornings 10.30am in The Warehouse Theatre, Lossie. Contact Vic Cameron for more details tel. 850142, email vic.cameron2803@btinternet.com or www.moraygrace.wordpress.com Scottish Episcopal Church Holy Trinity, Elgin Sunday Services - 8am Holy Communion; 11am Family Eucharist; 6.30pm Evensong, tel: 547505 St Andrews-Lhanbryd & Urquhart Parish Church, Morning Worship, including Young Church and Créche every Sunday at 11am. Evening Services on last Sunday of month at St Margaret's Hall, Urquhart at 7pm. Tel: Andrew Robertson 843765 St Gerardines High Church Lossiemouth, Family Worship Sunday 11am;

If you are a member of a church not listed here please email us the details and we may print this in future issues.

Parliament Blog ”

I 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 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 page 18 December 2011

Evening Service 6pm last Sunday in Month. Contact 813146 St Giles & St Columba’s South, Elgin Sunday 9.30am at St Columba’s South & 11am at St Giles Church, Wednesday 7.30pm & Thursday 12.30pm at St. Giles Church. Contact the Church Office tel: 551501 or visit www.elginstgiles.org St James Church of Scotland, Lossiemouth Family Worship 11am including creche and Sunday School; Evening Service 6pm; Swordfish Youth Group 7pm. Contact Rev. Graham Crawford 07817 504042 St Margaret’s Church, Lossiemouth Family Eucharist 9.30am; Holy Communion 10am Thursdays; Evening Prayer 5pm Thursdays St Sylvester's Catholic Church, Elgin Vigil Mass Saturday 7pm; Sunday Mass 11.45am. Contact 542280 www.stsylvesters.net Parish of Duffus, Spynie and Hopeman First Sunday of each month, one service (10.30 a.m.) in Hopeman if five Sundays in the month, all other Sundays Hopeman 10am, Duffus or Spynie 11.30am. Contact Rev. Bruce Lawrie 830276 or email: blawrie@zetnet.co.uk

tel: 01309 690063

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 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!

Richard Lochhead MSP

SpotLight on Elgin, Lossie and District

IN DECEMBER

HAVE REEL FUN at

01463 234 234 www.eden-court.co.uk

r NEY Jn T DOW S E ROBER M O OCK H ’ ‘SHERL adows h S f o e m a AG

NEY’S E CLOO G R O E G S

‘IDE RCH’ OF MA

(15) TBC Fri 09 to Thu 15 Dec

(12A) TBC Fri 16 to Thu 29 Dec

George Clooney directs Ryan Gosling and Philip Seymour Hoffman in this tense political thriller. In the frantic days leading up to a heavily contested presidential primary election, an up-and-coming campaign press secretary finds himself involved in a political scandal which threatens to upend his candidates shot at the Presidency.

Guy Ritchie’s second Sherlock outing sees Robert Downey Jr’s deliciously different Sherlock pit his wits against arch enemy, Professor Moriarty. Our top tip is to expect the unexpected... Did you ever imagine you might see Sherlock Holmes in drag? Also starring no-nonsense Noomi Rapace (the original Girl with the Dragon Tattoo)

Please mention you saw this advert in ‘SpotLight’

H RL WIT THE GI AGON THE DR OO TATT (18) TBC Mon 26 Dec to Thu 12 Jan Stieg Larsson’s bestseller, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is given the Hollywood treatment by acclaimed director, David Fincher (The Social Network). Daniel Craig stars as Mikael Blomkvist, with Rooney Mara in the title role. This is an absolute MUST for anyone who has even been in the vicinity of a Stieg Larsson book!

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

SpotLight Whats On

DECEMBER Rolling Events ‘cabinet of curiosities’ - falconer museum, forres. 10am-2pm tuesday to saturday. an exhibition from all over the world designed to incite wonder, fascination, curiosity and perhaps even repulsion. free admission. tel: 01309 673701.

NAIRN

1 thursday

Nairn Community & Arts Centre

the undertones, 7.30pm, £16 under 16s must be accompanied by an adult, ironworks,inverness tel: 0871 789 4173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com east beach bridge of lossiemouth, heritage discover the fascinating history of lossiemouth's east beach bridge at this illustrated talk by jim dartnall. 8 pm - 9 pm, lossiemouth library, town hall lane lossiemouth 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

PARTY LITE CANDLES & ACCESSORIES Hosting a PartyLite Show is fun and rewarding you can select your choice of product at 25% discount

Y Your our local venue for films, shows,concerts and parties. Wide range of activities for all ages.

DECEMBER EVENTS 33rd rd D ec A lzheimer Scotland Scot land C hr ist mas C raf t Fair Fair Dec Alzheimer Christmas Craft 3rd D ec Fun Fun F ill ed Q ui z N ight & S upp er - Teams Teams of of 4 3rd Dec Filled Quiz Night Supper 10th Dec Dec Music M u si c N airn .................Geoffrey ................. Geof frey S abre Piano Pi a n o 10th Nairn Sabre 114th 4th Dec Dec Y e l l ow D og Theatre Theat re Group G roup p resent s Yellow Dog presents ““A AS pook y Christmas” Christ mas” performed per for med bbyy yyoung oung llocal oc al ttalent! a l e nt ! Spooky 116th 6th Dec Dec Cinema Cinema Nairn...“Miracle Nair n...“Miracle on on 334th 4th S t ” 11947 9 47 ((U) U) St” 117th 7t h D ec Showstopperz Showstopp er z ................ .............. ““Xmas Xmas Number Numb er 1’s” 1’s” Dec S ome ooff the the bbest est yyoung oung pperformers er for mers iinn tthe he H ighlands Some Highlands ppresent resent aann eevening vening ooff C har t ttopping opping C hr ist mas H i t s! 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 www.nairncommunitycentre.co.uk at www .nairncommunitycentre.co.uk 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

contact Kayleigh on 07788208272 / kayannmarie55@sky.com SpotLight on Elgin, Lossie and District

www.spotlighton.co.uk

December 2011 - page 21

DECEMBER 2011 continued

THE BIRNIE INN

3 saturday

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Fully Licensed Restaurant OPEN 7 DAYS

Monday to Wednesday bookings only.

Function Room Outside Catering Service Licensed for Civil Weddings Ample Parking Function Room

HOGMANAY DINNER DANCE Outside Catering

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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 holy trinity church christmas coffee morning - with the usual popular stalls. 10am-12, £2 per head. jo caulfield “cruel to be kind”, 8pm, £12/ £10 concessions, universal hall, findhorn, visit www.universalhall.co.uk bring a christmas party to a party, 3 course festive meal entertainment neil diamond & billy joel tribute act, followed by disco,£30.00 per person, mosset tavern, forres 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 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 russian winter crafts - free family drop-in at the falconer museum, forres. 11am-1pm. contact tel: 01309 673701 for more information. bishopmill primary school christmas fayre - 10am12pm. santa arrives in the playground at 9:45am!

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Book NOW to avoid disapointment!

eptions and danc g rec es n i d wed

The Birnie Inn, Birnie, Elgin IV30 8SP Tel/Fax: 01343 862 951 entrance via main morriston road reception. entrance fee for adults of £1.50 which includes ‘tea ticket’. two cafes running throughout the morning providing snacks & drinks for the children. tickets for this cost £1 per child. an array of stalls will be available with the usual displays of cakes, crafts and gifts as well as raffles and jam jar stall. let the children visit santa in his grotto and receive a wee gift. tickets for this cost £3. tel: 01343 547841. all welcome!

4 sunday tasty ness new interactive food exhibition,11am4pm.entrance is £3 with children under 12 free, there will be cookery demonstrations, mini masterclasses, high quality gifts & food items to buy for christmas, as well as samples to taste and dining out offers, ironworks venue in Inverness. treebadour theatre comes to rose abbey school 3pm. "crocodile prepares for christmas" £4 per person, for all of the family, rose abbey school, kinloss. for info visit www.treebadour.co.uk or call elisabeth julian 01309 691225 cd and record fair bishopmill hall, elgin. 11am-4pm. massive selections of cds and vinyl film & music dvds. but sell and exchange. tel:01360 440546

/) tel: 01309 690063

SpotLight on Elgin, Lossie 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 Elgin, Lossie and District

www.spotlighton.co.uk

December 2011 - page 23

DECEMBER 2011 continued

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 new elgin WRI meeting - 7pm at cedarwood, edgar road, elgin 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

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

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.

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

10 saturday

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

culbin singers christmas concert 7pm. adult £12, concession £10, child (under 12) £5, st laurence church,forres tickets from members;gazette office, forres; r&r urquhart llp solicitors in forres, nairn and inverness; sound and vision, elgin; bookmark, grantown-on-spey. erol alkan, £15.00, first 100 tickets will be £12,10.30pm, ironworks venue in Inverness.tel:0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com bring a christmas party to a party, 3 course festive meal entertainment comedian & meatloaf tribute act, followed by disco, £30:00 per person, mosset tavern, forres the moray farmers market (with spencers funfair). offering a wide and varied range of locally produced fruit and vegetables, cheeses and meats, breads and homebakes. there are also a range of craft stalls for that extra special last minute christmas gift. elgin and district pipe band, will be playing from 12noon – 2pm in and around elgin city centre. 3M carol singers, 10am-4pm will be making a welcome return from their performance in 2010 where they entertained shoppers around elgin city centre. the group will be once again singing a range page 24 December 2011

tel: 01309 690063

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

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 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. 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 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 Elgin, Lossie and District

14 wednesday - 23 friday

DECEMBER 2011 continued of well - known and not so well know carols in many premises in the city centre. anderson’s mince pie & mingle afternoon, from 2.30pm – 4pm at anderson’s care home, institution road, elgin 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 quiz night in roseisle village hall 7pm for 7:30pm. £2.50 per person. BYOB and nibbles. tel: 01343 830427. all welcome. festive fun - get creative with cotton wool and pipe cleaners. free family drop-in at the falconer museum, forres. 11am-1pm. contact tel: 01309 673701 for more information. 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. soup and crusty bread lunch 12-2pm in the new room, st giles’ church, elgin - cost £3. in aid of elgin youth cafe & church funds - all welcome!

10 saturday - 11 sunday moray craft fair christmas cracker - bishopmill hall, elgin. 10am-3pm both days. over 55 different stalls with locally made cakes, gifts, cards, jewellery, home decor, christmas products (and more) for sale. admission is free on both days. art exhibition at the findhorn village centre. for further information please call karin on tel: 01309 692339

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

16 friday christmas carols at brodie countryfare - from 10:30am-11:30am dyke primary school will be singing carols in the restaurant.

17 saturday orienteering at lossiemouth moravian orienteers look forward to welcoming you to oakenhead forest for the last event in the moray saturday league and schools competiton. no previous experience necessary - everyone welcome. 10:15am-11:15am and full details are on www.moravianorienteering.org treebadour theatre 3pm, treebadour puppet theatre, kasper show,"crocodile prepares for christmas" £4 per person, for all of the family, james milne institute, findhorn at the pier, visit www.treebadour.co.uk or call elisabeth julian 01309 691225 soup and crusty bread lunch 12-2pm in the new room, st giles’ church, elgin - cost £3. in aid of elgin youth cafe & church funds all welcome! jumping jacks - make a traditional moving toy. free family drop-in at the falconer museum, forres. 11am1pm. contact tel: 01309 673701 for more information. 3M carol singers will be making a welcome return from their 2010 performance. the group will be

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

12 monday elgin and district cancer support group christmas bizarre, 10am -12noon stalls, tombola, lossiemouth town hall

13 tuesday christmas lunch club special at the findhorn village centre. sit down for 1pm. please contact karin on tel: 01309 692339 for further information or if you are able to volunteer serving dinners for the afternoon lying 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

page 25 December 2011

singing a range of well known and not so well known carols in many premises in the city centre.

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. 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. christmas carols at brodie countryfare - 2pm-4pm dyke parish church will be singing christmas carols in the entrance to the store. tel 01309 641555 or visit www.brodiecountryfare.com

tel: 01309 690063

SpotLight on Elgin, Lossie and District

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20 tuesday flying starts xmas flea circus & side show 7:30pm. entry ÂŁ5/ÂŁ4 - 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

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Professional Mobile Professional Hairdressing

ELGIN AND SURROUNDING AREA

‘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

Family

Group bookings

Ladies, Gents, Children

077702 65395

Mhairi Donald

B OOKKEEPING & PAYROLL SERVICES

23 friday christingle service in inchberry hall 6:30pm - 7:45pm. the rev bob anderson conducts this delightful candlelit nativity. transport from rothes, seafield square is planned to depart at 6pm and return after the service. tel: 01340 831381 all welcome!

TEL :

07872 012 468 mdbookkeeping@btinternet.com

the complete stone roses at the ironworks, 7.30pm, ÂŁ12.50, tel: 0871 789 4173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

Licensed Practice No: 11115

EMAIL :

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

29 thursday fourth thursdays mac film night - the warehouse theatre, lossiemouth. doors open 6:45pm, film starts at 7pm. admission: free for moray arts club members (new members accepted at the door). to book contact emma cooper tel: 01343 548475

torridon’s hogmanay bash + niteworks @ ironworks - 9pm. over 18s. for tickets or more information tel: 0871 789 4173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

JANUARY 2012 in brief 19 thursday

28 wednesday - 29 thursday

27 tuesday

info@ forrestreeservices.com

TREE SURGERY AND FIREWOOD

Domestic and Commercial

Fully insured and qualified

01309 673233

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• All Types & Sizes Of Interior Blinds Made To Measure • Conservatory Blind Specialists

the Est. 1986

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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 26 December 2011

21 wednesday

31 saturday

tel: 01309 690063

01343 549939 All types & sizes of interior blinds made to measure options available Child safety control

23 Castlehill Street • New Elgin Moray • IV30 6HB

Fax : 01343 555223 E-mail : blindspotinelgin@btinternet.com SpotLight on Elgin, Lossie and District

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

as 5 A Hogmanay Hoolie at tm u 6.9 s i n ÂŁ1 r the Knockomie Hotel e h s C M e rs Knockomie is the perfect setting for a Hogmanay House u Party. At 7.00pm the festivities begin with CanapĂŠs and Co 3

Champagne served in the Lounges and Malt Whisky Bar. Dinner is served at 8.00pm where our Chef will prepare a fantastic gourmet meal. After Dinner, until Midnight we have a Ceilidh with Traditional Scottish Dancing which is great fun and involves everyone of all ages. At the stroke of twelve our very own Fireworks display will set the heavens alight and say goodbye to 2011 and ™‡Ž…‘Â?‡ ʹͲͳʹǤ ˆ–‡” –Š‡ Ď?‹”‡™‘”Â?• ”‡–—”Â? –‘ –Š‡ ™ƒ”Â?–Š ‘ˆ the hotel with a Dram in your hand and let the party continue with the sound of Disco.

Knockomie Hotel is licensed to hold Civil Weddings At Knockomie will help make your wedding day, a perfect day. It's why we have come up with our new Weddings Wrapped Up product. It's here to give you the peace of mind that you will have the professional service you deserve at a price you can afford. Our highly personal approach will create a perfect and –”—Ž› Â?‡Â?‘”ƒ„Ž‡ Â†ÂƒÂ›ÇĄ †‡•‹‰Â?‡† –‘ Â?ƒ–…Š ›‘—” •’‡…‹Ď?‹… requirements for you and up to 40 guests.

knockomie HOTEL

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Do you know what Rose Abbey Nursery School offers? ‡ GOVERNMENT FUNDED NURSERY both mornings and afternoons (aged 3 – 5 years) ‡ ² \HDU ROG 5RVHEXGV *URXS ‡ )UHQFK *HUPDQ 0XVLF *\PQDVWLFV DQG Dance classes ‡ )OH[LEOH FKLOG FDUH IURP DP ² SP five days a week ‡ $ JUHDW HQYLURQPHQW IRU FKLOGUHQ ERWK LQ and outdoors :H KDYH VSDFHV DYDLODEOH IRU DOO DJH JURXSV Call us today to find out more:

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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

30

2-6 South Street, Elgin 01343 548844 ‡ +LJK Street, FRUUHV

www.beavtrav.com

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

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.

01309 676807

Ryburn Office Whenever weǯre needed

Book-keeping Final Accounts Preparation Documentation Credit Control Managed Payroll Services Proof reading Admin systems Bulk Mailings

single- or double-entry special rates for charities experts in Word & Excel we love the job you hate professional & secure it will make a difference managed efficiency hours to minutes

30+ LJĞĂƌƐ͛ ďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ŽŶ ŚĂŶĚ ĨŽƌ ŽĨĨŝĐĞƐ ůĂƌŐĞ Žƌ ƐŵĂůů Contact 01343 835403, view our website www.ryburnoffice.co.uk or e-mail info@ryburnoffice.co.uk

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. £19.99 Four Course Dinner, Glass of Bubbly, Live Band & DJ. Christmas Party Lunches - £9.95 Four Course Lunch or Dinner, Booking Essential any Lunch or Evening in December. (24th & 25th December excluded) New Year Eve £19.99 Five Course Gala Dinner Followed by Live Ceilidh Band New Years Day Carvery £9.95 Per Head - Book Now, Places Selling Fast!

01667 453108 Email: windsorres@btconnect.com

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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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Mansion House Christmas at the

HOTEL & COUNTRY CLUB

Christmas Party Nights & Dining Our ever popular "Bring a Party to a Party" nights are available on Saturday 3rd December, Friday 9th December, Saturday 10th December, Friday 16th December and Saturday 17th December with a 3 course festive menu and table novelties, then dance the night away with a popular local band. Priced at only

ÂŁ30.50 per person

Alternatively enjoy a Pre-Christmas Lunch or Dinner in the elegant surroundings of our restaurant. We have the ‘Still Room� for private dining which can accommodate up to 30 people.

Reduced accommodation rates are available so why not make a break out of it and stay the night. You won't have to worry about driving or going out in the cold!

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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.

38

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

motoring

FREE

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DIAGNOSTIC CHECK G A R A G E S E R V I C E S WITH EVERY 3 Shore Street Lossiemouth WINTER SERVICE Morayshire IV31 6PB ON PRESENTATION OF Tel: 01343 815977 THIS VOUCHER

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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 Courses, events and projects during the school holidays, including film making and life skills.

40

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

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nature

Dancing Lights By Stan Barber With long winter nights approaching there’s a chance to see one of the most exhilarating sights in the night sky, the Northern Lights, particularly if you know when, where and what to look for. Our ancestors marvelled at these strange lights that danced in the northern sky and there were many ideas on their cause, some extremely fanciful. Vikings believed they were reflections from the shields and armour of Valkyries, mythical mounted warriors. Another was that the lights were a bridge from Earth to Heaven called Bifrost (the Quivering Roadway) leading fallen warriors to the Great Hall of Valhalla. In the Middle Ages many believed that the lights were signs from God. It was not until the early 20th century that the causes of aurora were better understood, and the essential driving forces determined. The main driver of aurora is the Sun and in particular the solar wind, a stream of charged particles ejected from its upper atmosphere. Streaming out in all directions, some of these highly charged particles interact with the

42

Earth’s magnetic field and are funnelled down along the lines of magnetic flux towards the magnetic poles. In the northern hemisphere the phenomenon is called the Aurora Borealis while in the southern hemisphere it is referred to as the Aurora Australis. Solar wind particles collide with atoms and molecules in our upper atmosphere with green or brownish-red light resulting from collisions with oxygen molecules, and blue or red light from nitrogen. The intensity and activity of

aurora vary mainly as a result of the

computer then there’s a number of sites

intensity of the solar wind, which can be

that offer free aurora warnings by email

augmented by solar eruptions associated

such as the Department of Physics at

with sunspots and even larger events such

Lancaster University.

as Coronal Mass Ejections. Aurora are

www.dcs.lancs.ac.uk/iono/aurorawatch.

normally seen only in higher latitudes, between about 60-70 degrees north and

The Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis

south. However, major eruptions of

can often be seen in winter time in the

particles from the Sun can cause aurora to

north of Scotland - sometimes further

be seen at much lower latitudes as far

south too. But as a result of this song they

south as Spain.

seem to be associated more with Aberdeen than anywhere else! When I was a lad, a tiny wee lad My mother said to me Come see the Northern Lights my boy They' re bright as they can be She called them the heavenly dancers Merry dancers in the sky I'll never forget, that wonderful sight They made the heavens bright

Photo: Alan Tough

As there’s a link between aurora and sunspot activity, the phase of the Sun’s 11-year sunspot cycle has an effect. Solar activity, has picked up recently with the next maximum predicted anywhere between autumn 2011 and autumn 2012. Local astronomer and astro-imager Alan Tough captured this image from Elgin in March this year. So next time it’s clear and dark, why not spend some time outside, especially in places where there’s a clear, dark horizon. Any location with a clear northern horizon is good but it’s much

Chorus The Northern Lights of old Aberdeen Mean home sweet home to me The Northern Lights of old Aberdeen Are what I long to see I’ve been a wanderer all of my life Any many a sight I've seen God speed the day when l'm on my way To my home in Aberdeen I've wandered in many far-off lands And travelled many a mile I've missed the folk I cherished most The joy of a friendly smile It warms up the heart of a wand'rer The clasp of a welcoming hand To greet me when I return, Home to my native land Chorus

better if you can get away from street light pollution and there’s a dark northern

For further information try out the Highland

horizon. A number of places along the

Astronomical Society at :

Moray Firth coast will fit this bill, with Spey

www.spacegazer.com or SIGMA at:

Bay a particularly good spot. If you have a

www.sigma-astro.co.uk

43

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.

7

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.

8 6 4

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.

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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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