SpotLight on Elgin and Lossie

OCTOBER 2012

ELGIN, LOSSIE & DISTRICT THE

NORTH’S

FAV O U R I T E

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This Month Life Through A Lens ...........p26

Travel.................................p28

Chef’s Confidential ............p30

Findhorn Marina ................p16 The Loft Xmas Party...........p18 Moray Feelgood Festival ....p24 Choctober..........................p25 Property...................p32-37 Clubs & Societies, Pastoral, Church Details, Council News, Useful Numbers, Local Holidays, What’s On, Parliament Blog, Tide Times and much, much more!

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Moving to a new area is a challenging process for your family, your pet will be stressed by the process as well. At Moray Coast Vet Group we want you to know that we are here to help you and your pets settle into the area.

Why would you use us? Well it’s simple really, we have been vets in this area for a very long time and can offer your pet the following 3 critical benefits: to a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Accredited Practice, Access meaning your pet will be treated to the highest standards. convenient surgery locations making it easy to get to us Four day and night. and well equipped surgeries meaning we can treat all routine Modern conditions without the need to refer your pet.

So all you need to do now, for peace of mind for you and your pet, is call us to say ‘hello’ and we will do all that is necessary to register your pet with our practice. Oh, and we will call your old vet to request your pet’s existing notes, so we can be familiar with everything we need to know.

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Forres Surgery (main branch) 01309 672243 Nairn Surgery 01667 453161 Lossiemouth Surgery 01343 815335 Balloch Surgery 01463 794224 24 HOUR EMERGENCY NUMBER 01309 672243 www.moraycoastvetgroup.co.uk

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CLUBS & SOCIETIES

CRAFT GROUP Passionate about a craft? Do you want to learn a new craft and meet new people with similar interests to share ideas to develop old and new skills? i am keen to start an evening group, if you are interested - please give me a call! Jean boardman, Elgin 01343 208435 CREATIVE WRITING GROUP Meets fortnightly on a Thursday, 1.30pm, Blythswood Charity Shop, Lossie Wynd, Elgin. Contact Kirsty Morgan 547494 CULBIN SINGERS Regular Thursday evening practice sessions take place in St Laurence Church, Forres. New members welcome. Email: alasdair@manachie.eclipse.co.uk LOSSIEMOUTH BOWLING CLUB St Gerardine’s road, Lossie. Call 813766 for more information ELGIN CITY COMMUNITY FOOTBALL Football activities for boys & girls of all ages. Call robbie hope

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page 4 - october 2012

01343 551114 or visit www.elgincommunityfootball.co.uk ELGIN CYCLING CLUB Promoting cycling in the local area. Sundays 8.30am, Grant Lodge, Cooper Park. Call Kevin Thomson tel: 01542 834972 or visit www.elgincyclingclub.com ELGIN YOUTH CAFE Elgin Youth Cafe is launching a new Saturday night project and is calling for new volunteers to join in the fun! Do you have a spare hour or so a week or fortnight and want to give something back to your community? Contact Kate on kate@elginyouthcafe.org or 01343 548300.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETY (MORAY BANFF AND BADENOCH BRANCH) Meets 2nd Wednesday of the month at 11am in the Sherwood Suite at the Eight Acres Hotel, Elgin. Monthly lectures on a variety of arts related subjects are delivered by experts from across the UK. New members always welcome. Contact Sarah Fennings-Mills: 01343 831002 or www.nadfas-in-elgin.org.uk FREE SOCIAL GROUP Last Thursday every month 7pm Muckle Cross, Elgin. For over 21s in Moray. Walking group, weekends away, attending music, theatre & cinema events.

New members always welcome.

We would be delighted to hear from anyone interested in joining us to help secure our future.

Contact 01343 814618 or visit www.theladybirdgroup.co.uk LAICH OF MORAY TRUST Providing transport for elderly, infirm and disabled within Moray.

Mainly within Moray, but sometimes further. Contact Rob Tyson 545531 ME MORAY SUPPORT GROUP 2nd Tuesday each month 7pm, Moray Resource Centre, Maisondeu Road, Elgin. Meet with other ME sufferers for support and information. Meetings are free with refreshments provided. www.memoray.org.uk/forum MILTONDUFF MINIS TODDLER GROUP tues & thurs 10 - 11.30am for 0-3 years, miltonduff hall. toys, games and activities. Contact Claudette on 548984 or email miltonduffplaygroup@gmail.com MILTONDUFF VILLAGE HALL available for regular meetings or one-off occasions. Community events are badminton, bowling, Gardening Club, toddler Group on tues & thurs and Playgroup mon - Fri. Contact Jeff hyland 545360 or email jeff.hyland@virgin.net MONDAY DANCE CLUB mondays 1.30pm - 4pm, Supper room, Elgin town hall. Sequence, set, latin & ballroom dancing. £1.50. tea & cakes available

GARMOUTH & KINGSTON PRE-SCHOOL GROUPS Playgroup, 2-3 Club and tots Group. Call Jessica myers on 870262(am)/870620(pm) or visit www.garmouthplaygroups.co.uk

MORAY DISABILITY FORUM We welcome everyone interested, or working in the area of disability to become a member of the group. Call mike mcKenzie, c/o moray resource Centre, Elgin. tel: 07967 440164

HIGHLAND GLIDING CLUB Gliding and soaring at all levels, beginner upwards, Sat & Sun all year and Wednesday evening May - Oct at Easterton Airfield, Birnie. Contact Anne Burgess 820834. www.highglide.co.uk

MORAY FIELD CLUB Nature walks, birdwatching and ancient buildings with experts of all aspects giving their time and sharing their knowledge. Call Chrissie Suttie 01309 673431

LADYBIRD DEVELOPMENTAL GROUP Caring for pre-school children with additional support needs.

MORAY RETIRED PERSONS FRIENDSHIP CLUB To improve the quality of life by friendship, talks and activity for

tel: 01309 690063

retired people over 60. Contact Michael Crossland on 01343 543962 or Anne McDonald on 01343 547527 MORAY TREFOIL GUILD Sundays, 2.30pm, Sept - april at moray resource Centre. Former members of the Guide movement and anyone intrested in guiding very welcome. Call mrs Lilian milne on 01343 549108 MORAY TRIBAL BELLY DANCE Weekly tribal belly dance classes for all levels. Thursdays 6.307.30pm at Elgin Community Centre. Contact Mel: 07791 863613. www.moraytribaldance.co.uk NATIONAL CHILDBIRTH TRUST Antenatal classes and breastfeeding support. Meetings and outings in Forres and Elgin area.

Email: nct_moray@yahoo.co.uk THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND BANFF & MORAY Promoting the NTS and fundraising to support local properties, Brodie Castle and Leith Hall. Varied annual programme of events.

Ring the secretary on 01343 835258 or email secretary2.bmnts@btinternet.com PARKINSON'S SUPPORT GROUP ELGIN AND DISTRICT Resource Centre 7.30pm, 2nd Monday of the month, Sept - May, giving and sharing information, support, fun, friendship and food! Contact Gillian Gibson (Secretary) tel: 541056 or visit www.parkinsons.org.uk

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 in every issue.

SpotLight on Elgin and District

As we go to press with this issue, the Paralympics being held in London are drawing to a close.

Whilst athletics in general may not be everybody’s “cup of tea� as a spectator sport, one cannot deny the sheer scale of the competitors’ personal achievements. What better place from which to draw inspiration for our own lives?

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PASTORAL LETTER AND CHURCH MEETINGS Have you ever felt that your prayer life was dull and lifeless? One day a church member approached me. He was considering dropping out of our prayer group because he felt overwhelmed by the prayer requests. It seemed to him as though everyone's problems were insurmountable, and although we'd been praying for the same things for months, it didn't seem as though anyone's life was getting any better.

Does that sound familiar? Ephesians 1: 16 – 23 says this: “I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his

feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”

Now that is a prayer! He does not pray for his specific needs but instead transforms them by putting them into the bigger context of what God wants to do in his life. We can still make the prayer requests, but consider praying for them in the following ways.

Make Them God-Centred When you pray, remember who you are talking to. You have been given the privilege of coming before the creator of the universe.

This is the God who made everything that lives or has its being, and he has given you the honour of bringing requests before him.

When we tell God how great, powerful, and magnificent he is, it is to remind ourselves. It gives us a sense of awe and expectancy that something great could come out of this conversation we are having with the one who can do anything.

Make Them Praise-Filled Paul started his prayer by saying, "I have not stopped giving thanks … ". He'd learned that the key to praying is not to focus on a list of troubles, but to praise God for what he has

Alves Church First Sunday every month 11.30am. Tel: 01309 690931.

Birnie - Pluscarden Church Sunday service: Pluscarden at 10am and Birnie at 11.30am Burghead Church Sundays 11.30am. Tel: 01309 690931.

Elgin and Forres Free Church of Scotland Sunday Service, Sunday school, and crèche 11am. Evening service 6pm. Midweek meeting Wednesday 7.30pm. Contact Colin Morrison: 01343 542196.

Elgin Baptist Sunday worship 11am includes crèche, pre-Sunday school, Sunday school, and Bible class. Evenings 6pm. Tel: 01343 548309.

Elgin City Church Elgin Community Centre. Sundays 10.30am.

Childrens’ church and crèche available. Tel: 01343 543624.

Elgin Community Church Sunday morning service 10.30am.

Evening fellowship and youth group 6pm. Tel: 01343 546654.

Elgin High Church Sunday service 11am. Contact Parish Asst. Paula Baker: 01542 832662 or Rev Jim Thomson: 01343 547664.

Hopeman Baptist Church Sundays 11am and 6pm. Contact Rev.S.J. Macdonald: 01343 831175.

Living Waters Fellowship Wednesdays 7pm with free refreshments: Road to Recovery - for alcholics, addicts and the homeless. Sundays 12.30pm: preachin’, prayin’, and singin’ followed by lunch. Sundays 12.30pm and Wednesdays 7pm: Truck Stop Ministries - for truck drivers & bikers. New Elgin & Ashgrove Hall, King Street, Elgin, IV30 6BN. Tel: 07730 256543. Website: www.livingwatersfellowship.co.uk Lossiemouth Baptist Church Sundays 9.30am, 11.30am (and junior church) and 6pm. Thursdays 6.15pm - 8pm: kids church (P4-P7).

Contact Rev. Rae Mackenzie: 01343 812062. Website: www.lossiebaptist.org Lossiemouth Gospel Hall Sunday club 9.30am. Gospel meeting 6.30pm.Tel: 01343 812987. Website:www.lossiemouthgospelhall.org.uk Lossiemouth United Free Church of Scotland Sundays 11am and 6pm including Sunday school. Contact Rev. Alexander Ritchie: 01343 810262. Website: www.ufcos.org.uk/lossie Moray Grace Fellowship The Warehouse Theatre, Lossie. Sundays

done. How can we give thanks in everything?

Well, one suggestion is to study the names for God in the Old Testament, for they often reveal what God has done.

Make Them Life-Changing People get frustrated with their prayer time because it seemed nothing ever changed.

Maybe that's because they weren't praying for the right change. I've noticed that the vast majority of prayers are for God to change our circumstances. But maybe instead of God changing our circumstances, he wants to change us. That doesn't mean he won't ever change our circumstances. I have seen God supply needs, open up opportunities, and heal people in incredible ways. But I've also spent years praying for something to change that never did. That should have been my first clue that I may not be praying for the right thing.

So, if instead of treating prayer as a complaint session, you instead use it is an incredible opportunity to gain the wisdom, direction, and power of God, prayer meetings become a very different experience. They become life-affirming, and joy-bringing.

Graham Crawford St James Church, Lossiemouth

10.30am. Contact Vic Cameron: 01343 850142. Email: vic.cameron2803@btinternet.com.

Website: www.moraygrace.wordpress.com Holy Trinity Elgin. Sundays 8am: Holy Communion. 11am: family Eucharist. 6.30pm: evensong. Tel: 01343 547505.

Parish of Duffus, Spynie, and Hopeman First Sunday of each month in Hopeman 10am. One service in Hopeman at 10.30am if five Sundays in a month. Duffus or Spynie 11.30am. Contact Rev. Bruce Lawrie: 01343 830276. Email: blawrie@zetnet.co.uk St Andrews-Lhanbryd and Urquhart Parish Church Sundays 11am including young church and crèche. Evening services 7pm on last Sunday of month at St Margaret's Hall, Urquhart. Contact Andrew Robertson: 01343 843765.

St Gerardine’s High Church Lossiemouth. Sunday family worship 11am. Evening service 6pm last Sunday of month. Contact: 01343 813635.

St Giles and St Columba’s South Elgin. Sunday services 10.30am in January, March, May, July, September, and November in St Giles’ Church. February, April, June, August, October, and December in St Columba’s South Church. Wednesdays 7.30pm and Thursdays 12.30pm at St. Giles Church. Contact the church office: 551501.

Website: www.elginstgiles.org St James Church of Scotland Lossiemouth. Sunday family worship 11am including crèche and Sunday school. 6pm: evening service .

7pm: Swordfish youth group. Contact Rev. Graham Crawford: 07817 504042.

St Margaret’s Church Lossiemouth. 9.30am: family Eucharist .

10am: Holy Communion. Thursdays 5pm: evening prayer.

St Sylvester's Catholic Church Elgin. Vigil Mass Saturday 7pm.

Sunday Mass 11.45am.Tel: 01343 542280. Website: www.stsylvesters.net If you are a member of a church not listed here, please email us the details and we may print them in future issues.

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COMMUNITY COUNCIL NEWS ExtraCtS From thE minutES oF thE mEEtinG oF 10th JuLy 2012 oF ELGin Community CounCiL Police Update – Including National Security Mosstodloch bypass road design – Insp.

Scott Mann is writing to the Community Council directly to update on this matter.

Lorries parking in disabled bays – Reports of this abuse are rare. Any offending drivers are educated.

Traffic wardens have requested a loading bay for Thunderton Place/Batchen Lane as one car parked there can prevent loading or block the road if loading goes ahead, which could prevent emergency vehicle access.

Parking on pavements – There has only been one report in New Elgin. A unit attended and the matter was resolved amicably. It is illegal to park on pavements.

HGVs speeding Hay Street late night/early morning – Traffic is not aware of too many issues in this area.

Eighty minutes of speed checks were carried out on Hay Street and 140 minutes on Reiket Lane. Some speeding drivers were educated and one was reported.

Cllr Leadbitter appreciated the speed checks being carried out but commented the HGV drivers will inform each other of locations of speed checks.

Cllr Divers said that Thornhill Road and Main Street, New Elgin were also mentioned as areas of concern. PC Stuart Sim will report back on these two areas.

Crossing South Lesmurdie and Kingsmills – installing a pedestrian crossing is a matter for The Moray Council.

The quarterly police update had been circulated electronically and was felt to be a generally positive report.

Stagecoach Update Service changes – there are minor changes to address some timing problems, starting in August, including re-routing away from the High Street and departing earlier from Garmouth.

Loading at Elgin Bus Station – Stagecoach are looking at ways to speed up passenger loading for services 10 and 305.

Service reliability - is up a little overall, partly as there are no severe roadworks disrupting service.

There are a few older buses in service at the moment as newer ones are in London servicing the Olympics.

page 8 - october 2012

Bus-stop improvements – carried out, with The Moray Council, over the last two months. There are still some improvements to be made.

Extension of bus station/new bus station – nothing new to report.

It is planned to install free Wi-Fi in the waiting area and outside at the bus station.

Free Wi-Fi is also available on all number 10 coaches and is being installed on 305s.

Destination signs 328/329 – As a concession, buses from Lossie to Pinefield will now show “via Elgin” at all times and not scroll.

Real time information updates – should be running shortly.

For interest, Stagecoach is running shuttle buses for the Scottish Golf Open and Aberdeen has launched the first fleet of single-decker hybrid buses in the UK. Service 10 coaches used on 331 service – The Chair mentioned that use of coaches on this route make wheelchair access difficult. Graeme Leslie replied coaches have to substitute when a low floor bus is off the road. Also, for logistical reasons, the morning service in Bishopmill approx. 8.30am is always a coach.

Standing on buses – Pat Paterson asked what the policy on standing was.

Buses of 05/55 plates or later cannot legally have standees. The driver would be subject to a fine and points for allowing it. Stagecoach has not been able to change the terms of the MOT to accommodate standing.

In Inverurie, a lot of the overcrowding problems are from passengers from Aberdeen, particularly the Infirmary. From October 2012, the 305 will go to Aberdeen half hourly, which should help take pressure off this route.

331 Burghead Sunday Service –was taken off due to lack of passengers and withdrawal of Moray Council funding. There are no plans to reinstate it.

Recreation, Leisure and Environment Ladyhill flowerbed – Approx. 14 volunteers worked hard on the day. A lot of positive feedback has been received on the results.

It is estimated that Cove Bay nursery donated well over £100 worth of plants and planted out one of the beds.

Anne Glover has sent letters of thanks on

tel: 01309 690063

behalf of the Community Council to Cove Bay nursery, the volunteers from Moray College and their lecturer. It’s hoped college students may be interested in helping out in future.

She has also put up signs saying who volunteered and donated plants.

She thanked those present who helped out.

The plan is to set up a group to continue with this work. Membership fees may be charged to cover the cost of future plants.

The Chair had received a letter of thanks and expression of interest from a member of the public, to pass to Anne Glover.

Gillian Bailey, Community Support Unit is able to provide support to form a group.

Steven Christie reported there had been a lot of positive comments about the work done on Facebook and wished to pass on thanks of behalf of those commenting.

It is planned to ask the local press to cover the next piece of work.

All of the grounds have been weeded and Anne Glover will put in a request that the grass be mown.

Elgin Fair Trade Group – Met 4th July.

Thanks to Pat Paterson for her hard work surveying shops to provide evidence towards Elgin becoming a Fair Trade City. A bank account is to be set up.

Fair Trade Zone - Mary Wall thanked Cllr Leadbitter for his guidance on this. This is a separate initiative and will be Moray Council lead, under Alan Macbeth. Scotland is well on its way to becoming a Fair Trade country and Moray will be one of the last few local authority areas to become a Fair Trade Zone.

African Kitchen – 5th July, Elgin Town Hall.

This was an excellent and informative evening. The £190 made from the sale of Fair Trade items was donated to Elgin Fair Trade Group, along with some goods to raffle/fundraise. Mary Wall will write to thank the Co-operative.

Elgin Allotment Association – Mary Wall reported Gardenshare is doing well and the bank leading to the plots has been cleared and planted with fruit bushes, comfrey and a wildflower meadow.

SpotLight on Elgin and District

Maria Snuggle Sofa and Chair

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was £1198

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Studio 3+2

149 9

was £1068

Reclining Sofa

was £1799

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Strathmore

679

Double 4’6’’ Mattress

ON LY

Oak Dining Set Table & 6 Chairs

was £1293

was £349

879

Round Dining Set Drop Leaf - Table & 4 Chairs

Dining Set Table & 6 Chairs

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Florence

Visco 3’ Memory Foam Mattress

was £144

Swivel Recliner Chair & Stool

Brooklyn

179

4’6’’ Faux Leather Bed Frame

£

999

£

Akita King Size

Elegance 3+1

Recliner Suite was £2399

4’6” Bed Frame was £449

Corner Group was £1109

299

was £349

799

£ Natalia 2+2 Corner Group

was £899

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£

319

was £848

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£

189 9 Triesta 3+R+R £

699

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Valuepack

£ Roscrea

Valencia 3+2 Suite

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£

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269

Hanover

299

£ Dual Season

was £743

£

109 9

£

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Dining Set Table & 6 Chairs

Ardmore

£

Monzano Corner

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£ Hebden

219

Recliner Chair was £279

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LOCAL HOLIDAYS, SCHOOL TERM DATES & USEFUL NUMBERS

Local Holidays Elgin Holiday § British Summertime Ends St Andrews Day Christmas Day Boxing Day New Year’s Day Scottish Bank Holiday Burns Night

Mon 15th Oct 2012 Sun 28th Oct 2012 Fri 30th Nov 2012 Tues 25th Dec 2012 Wed 26th Dec 2012 Tues 1st Jan 2013 Wed 2nd Jan 2013 Fri 25th Jan 2013

Shrove Tuesday Tues 12th Feb 2013 Mother’s Day Sun 10th Mar 2013 Good Friday Fri 29th Mar 2013 British Summertime Begins Sun 31st Mar 2013 Easter Monday Mon 1st Apr 2013

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

School Term Dates Autumn Term Ends Winter Term Starts In-service Closure In-service Closure Winter Term Ends Spring Term Starts

Fri 12th Oct 2012 Mon 29th Oct 2012 Mon 19th Nov 2012 Tues 20th Nov 2012 Fri 21st Dec 2012 Mon 7th Jan 2013

Elgin Academy & Feeders Elgin High & Feeders Mid-term Holiday Mid-term Holiday Spring Term Ends Good Friday Holiday

Thurs 14th Feb 2013 Thurs 14th Feb 2013 Fri 15th Feb 2013 Mon 18th Feb 2013 Thurs 28th Mar 2013 Fri 29th Mar 2013

Useful Telephone Numbers 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 Elgin High School........................................(01343) 545181 Hythehill Primary School ............................(01343) 812014 St Gerardine Primary School ......................(01343) 812251 Lossiemouth High School ..........................(01343) 812047 Police Station ................................................0845 600 5700 Bus Station, Elgin .......................................(01343) 544222 Citizens Advice Bureau ...............................(01343) 550088 Dalcross Airport ...........................................(01667) 464000 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)540615 Moray Leisure Centre .................................(01343) 550033 Lossie Swimming Pool ................................(01343) 815299

DOCTORS Dr Gray's Hospital, Elgin ...............................0845 456 6000 Moray Coast Medical Practice - Hopeman (01343) 830269 Moray Coast Medical Practice - Burghead (01343) 835780 Moray Coast Medical Practice - Lossie ........0845 337 1190 Elgin Community Surgery ..........................(01343) 542234 Linkwood Medical Centre ............................0845 337 6350 Maryhill Health Centre ..................................0845 337 0610 DENTISTS South Street Dental Practice ......................(01343) 542729 Trinity Dental Practice ..................................(01343) 542697 Apex Dental Studio......................................(01343) 556606 Pure Spa Dental ..........................................(01343) 541164 Laich Dental Practice ..................................(01343) 816316 PHARMACIES alliance Pharmacy ......................................(01343) 542186 bishopmill Pharmacy ..................(01343) 547374 / 547393 boots the Chemist ......................................(01343) 543311 G.F Duthie Phramacy, burghead ................(01343) 835370 G.F Duthie Phramacy, hopeman ................(01343) 830249 Lhanbryde Pharmacy ..................................(01343) 842531 Lloyds Pharmacy, 48 high St ......................(01343) 547065 Lloyds Pharmacy, 176 high St ....................(01343) 542571 Lloyds Pharmacy, Lossie ............................(01343) 812818 Lossiemouth Pharmacy ..............................(01343) 813095 VETS Allen and Matthews ....................................(01343) 544811 Miller and Swann ........................................(01343) 542255 Moray Coast Vets, Lossie ............................(01343) 815335

If you have any suggestions for additional useful numbers, please contact us and we may include them in the magazine. page 10 - october 2012

tel: 01309 690063

SpotLight on Elgin and District

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Photo by roG

Er

Carr

PARLIAMENT BLOG & TIDE TIMES

“

Parliament Blog

”

it has been a busy summer period and it seems to have flown in! having two growing boys full of energy certainly fills up the time and it was great to get some time away with the family.

We spent a few days in Wales this year and while the weather, like pretty much everywhere else this year, was a bit changeable the Welsh welcome for neighbours from the north more than made up for it! nearer to home i recently had the pleasure of being at the opening of northern oils new headquarters at Lintmill, near Cullen. While many businesses are still under pressure there is some confidence coming back in and northern oils are really going from strength to strength.

as many of you will probably have spotted i have, in my role as the SnP’s Defence Spokesperson, recently put forward new defence policy proposals, which are set to be debated later this month at the SnP’s annual national Conference. it has been interesting seeing the reaction from some parts of the media who have talked about rebellion and deep splits. if we didn’t debate challenging issues there would of course be headlines saying we weren’t prepared to face up to those challenges! at the end of the day we will have a robust debate, agree a position with a vote and move on. We will still speak to each other - indeed we haven’t stopped speaking to each other and there will be other challenging issues to deal with. a good number of constituents in moray have contacted me on this issue and i am grateful for the many considered responses covering both sides of the debate.

Angus Robertson MP

Richard Lochhead MSP

LOW TIDE TIMES FOR LOSSIEMOUTH IN OCTOBER Walking on the beach should be possible 2 hours either side of these times 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

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AM 09:50 10:49 01:01 02:25 03:36 04:29 05:12 04:46 05:18 05:48 06:17

PM 22:20 23:34 12:06 13:31 14:51 15:55 16:43 17:23 16:59 17:32 18:03 18:35

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page 12 - october 2012

07912 07912 424512 424512 OR OR 01343 01343 559594 559594 tel: 01309 690063

SpotLight on Elgin and District

‘SOL Y PLAYA’

SPANISH LESSONS FOR CHILDREN & ADULTS ELGIN, LOSSIEMOUTH & KEITH COMMUNITY CENTRES

NATIVE TEACHER &RQWDFW &ULVWLQD )HUQDQGH] ‡ 7HO VRO\SOD\DVSDQLVKOHVVRQV#JPDLO FRP

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lterations

by Jean 01309 676807

Clothes alterations, specialising in Wedding attire, Christenings & Communion.

Also on sale, Baby products, Pram Sets, Cot Sets, & Crib Sets.

7 Wards Road, Elgin (within Robert

07790249015

Pozzi Upholstery)

Don’t miss our late-night opening on Friday 19th October - there’s a whopping

10% OFF ALL CHRISTMAS & GIFT ITEMS together with a few star-buys!

It’s for one night only, but to give you plenty of time to browse around, we’ve extended our opening hours from 6pm until 9pm. Go on, make a night of it - and

nal Seaso rtment a p e Toy D pens O st ber 1 Octo

remember the bargains begin at 6pm.

Check-out our website for more details www.mackenzie-cruikshank.com Bringing life to your home and garden...

M&C

MACKENZIE & CRUICKSHANK

Open-Evening Friday 19th October 6pm to 9pm

1 West Road, Forres IV36 2GW 01309 696940

Legal – Ease

Lenders Separate Legal Representation As a result of the financial services market coming under closer scrutiny, lenders are now more and more often instructing their own solicitors to act for them in relation to the grant of a mortgage to avoid the situation where a conflict of interest may arise between their needs and those of the borrower.

Traditionally, an exception was made to the Solicitors Practice Rules to enable the same solicitor to act for both their client, the purchaser/borrower, and the chosen lender. It has become clear, though, through the downturn in the market and an increase in repossessions that the interests of the borrower and the lender are different and that a sea change is on the way.

So, do not be surprised if, when arranging your mortgage, your lender appoints their own solicitor to act solely for them, leaving you free to instruct your own solicitor to act for you in the conveyancing. The two solicitors will liaise together regarding the release of the loan funds in time for settlement and you are unlikely to notice any practical difference in the progress of your purchase.

MOBILITY DEALS

Wheelchairs

Scooters Riser/Recliners Electric Beds Hours of Business MON - FRI 9am - 5pm

01309 676677 sales@wheelchaircare.co.uk 21 West Road, Greshop Industrial Estate, Forres IV36 2GW (Behind Lidl) Easy Parking & Disabled Toilet Facilities

If you are considering selling or purchasing a property and you would like further advice and/or legal representation, please call:

Cherry Fairley, Solicitor & Notary Public of Fairleys Solicitors, 7 Mayne Road, Elgin IV30 1NY Tel: 01343 551126

OUR PRICE MATCH PROMISE 7 Mayne Road Elgin IV30 1NY tel: 01343 551126 e-mail: property@moraylegal.co.uk

FREE INITIAL 1/2 HOUR CONSULTATION t &45"5& "(&/$: t $0/7&:"/$*/( t -&55*/( t t .035("(&4 t 8*--4 t &9&$653*&4 t t 108&34 0' "5503/&: t /05"3*4*/( %0$6.&/54 t

www.moraylegal.co.uk

If you see any of our spectacles cheaper at another opticians, please let us know and we’ll be happy to Price Match*. We also accept prescriptions from other opticians.

Elgin. T. 01343 548 826 E. elgin@yourlocalopticians.co.uk

www.yourlocalopticians.co.uk *Terms and conditions apply. Please ask for details.

Legal Will Writers of Moray We offer a friendly professional and inexpensive service for Wills, Powers of Attorney and Estate Management.

Free Information Pack - Home Visits

01343 319509 www.legalwillwriters.co.uk

s !LL 4YPES 3IZES /F )NTERIOR "LINDS -ADE 4O -EASURE s #ONSERVATORY "LIND 3PECIALISTS s -EMBER OF the "RITISH "LIND 3HUTTER !SSOCIATION ""3! s 'UARANTEED !FTER 3ALES 3ERVICE

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23 Castlehill Street, New Elgin, Moray IV30 6HB &AX s %MAIL BLINDSPOTINELGIN BTINTERNET COM

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Thrilling New Fun in Findhorn

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Rib Experience Trips Exhilarating trips out to the Moray Firth and along the Moray Coast line departing from both Findhorn and Inverness Marina.

Depending on customer requirements the duration of these trips would range from 30 mins to 2 Hours.

Moray Firth Days Out For Thrills

Half day trips to picturesque spots around the Moray Firth including; Burghead, Lossiemouth, Inverness, and Cromarty.

Incorporating the Rib experience, scenic tour of the coastline and a meal at one of the local providers.

Picnic Trips to some of the more rural spots around the Moray Firth including The Old Bar. Again, this would incorporate the Rib Experience as well as a delicious picnic.

Wildlife Explorer Trips These trips would explore Moray Firth’s amazing and abundant For Wildlife

wildlife. Giving interesting and informative local knowledge on both the area and its wildlife, as well as promoting Marine conservation and the sustainability of the Marine environment.

Duration: 2 hours.

For details on all trips or information on day hire and party bookings please give us a call on:

01309 690099 or check out our website at: www.findhornmarina.com

FI

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/PSUI 4FB "EWFOUVSF 'JOEIPSO t Tel: 01309 690099 Fax: 01309 690165 Email: info@findhornmarina.com

covesea cafe eciality!

Shellfish our sp

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We are open daily from 9am for Breakfasts, Lunches and Home Bakes

Our own locally caught Lobsters, Crabs & Langoustine, plus our Coleslaw, Cullen Skink & Home Cooked meals are available to order from the Deli Counter.

Cleaning Formulas /iÂ?\Êä£Î{ĂŽĂŠxxĂˆÂŁÂŁÂ™ĂŠU抂nĂ¤ÂŁĂŠĂˆĂŽnäÓ{ www.cleaningformulas.co.uk

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Please send us details of Your events log on to www.spotlighton.co.uk email michelle@spotlighton.co.uk or call 01309 690063.

What’s on listings deadline for the november issue is friday 5/10/12.

elgin. join art practitioner kate craik on a journey of self discovery, creativity and fun. free / limited spaces, booking required. call 01343 567188. visit www.morayfeelgoodfestival.co.uk for more info.

1 monday - 6 saturday

SEPTEMBER 24 monday - 30 sunday

moray feelgood festival 2012 : 'recapture' exhibition elgin youth cafe, francis place, elgin. youth led photography project to inspire those with an eating disorder to fight & recover. call 01343 584 300 for opening times and info.

threads of history (exhibition) falconer museum, forres. call 01309 673701 for details.

1 monday - 24 wednesday

jacqui dankworth and her band (jazz) 7.30pm. st christopher’s chapel, gordonstoun school, near elgin. visit www.thegcs.org.uk for more details.

moray feelgood festival 2012 : 'the feelgood mural' 51 south street, the old junners building, elgin. promoting messages of mental health & wellbeing. visit www.morayfeelgoodfestival.co.uk for details or call 01343 550652 moray feelgood festival 2012 : 'knitting your way to good health' mon - sat 8am - 5:30pm sun 11am 4pm. st giles shopping centre and start to knit shop, elgin. promoting everything good about knitting. free, no booking required. for info call 01343 551512

28 friday

2 tuesday

26 wednesday - 31 wednesday october “impressions of an untamed country� by keith tilley (exhibition) contact elgin museum 01343543675. email: curator@elginmuseum.org.uk

27 thursday

‘the boys are back in town’ pro night @ ironworks 7pm. 14+. professional boxing night. tickets or info call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

29 saturday handmade in scotland autumn craft fair 10am - 1pm. at lossiemouth high school. free entry. find us on facebook and tara at: sales@islaandesme.com dame emma kirkby & jakob lindberg in concert 7pm - 8:30pm, old high church, church street, inverness. suggested donations for tickets start at ÂŁ25, available at www.moraysteinerschool.org

moray feelgood festival 2012 : 'a creative & caring moray' 3:15pm - 7pm, registration 2:30pm, moray college, elgin. aimed at community members and professionals from the arts, health and social sectors. free, limited spaces, booking required. email fiona.mcpherson@moray.gov.uk

3 wednesday Comedy

Mark Steel’s In Town

Wednesday, October 3rd, 7.30pm @ The Loft, East Grange Farm, Forres, IV36 2UD Tel: 01343 850111

30 sunday last day of opening for castle & gardens for the year. enquiries & ticket info call 01667 404401 or visit www.cawdorcastle.com

mark steel’s in town - comedy @ the loft 7:30pm, east grange farm, forres. call 01343 850111 or visit www.eastgrange.co.uk

OCTOBER 1 monday moray feelgood festival 2012 : 'in my shoes' 11am 1pm / 2:30pm - 4:30pm, the gallery, elgin library, SpotLight on Elgin and District

4 tuesday newton faulkner @ ironworks 7:30pm. 14+. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

tel: 01309 690063

october 2012 - page 19

Volunteers Needed for Exciting New Youth Project Elgin Youth Cafe is launching a new ‘Saturday Night Project’ and is calling for volunteers to join in the fun!

The Cafe has been open since 2001 and offers a range of personal development opportunities for young people Contact Kate on 01343 548 300 to find out more! www.elginyouthcafe.org

‘bridging the gap’ lecture by lt. col. andy sturrock, 39 engineer regiment, kinloss 2pm - 4pm, elgin museum. call 01343 543675 or email curator@elginmuseum.org.uk moray feelgood festival 2012 : 'feelgood bookbug' 10am - 10:45am children's area, elgin library. stories & rhymes for babies & toddlers. great way to meet other parents and children in the area. free session, no booking required. for info call 01343 562602

5 friday

Fall into Winter

5 friday - 6 saturday affordable art fair nairn community & arts centre. for info call 01667 453476 or email info@nairncc.co.uk

6 saturday concert with 'music for a while' at brodie castle. adult £8, concessions £5. call 0844 493 2156 or visit www.nts.org.uk lhanbryde community challenge quiz night 7pm for 7:30pm, lhanbryde community centre. £2 per person with teams of four. BYOB and nibbles. lossiemouth churches together present the african children's choir 7:30p, st james church, prospect terrace, lossiemouth. tickets from lossiemouth post office or contact 01343 813258.

8 monday westfield annual fair 5pm - 8pm. early christmas shopping all in aid of children 1st. call 01343 547308 or email veronica.maclean@yahoo.co.uk.

*Max’ table of 6

bike doctor (bike revolution) 10am - 3pm. asda car park, elgin. performing free bike safety checks. call 01343 549 571 or email info@bike-revolution.co.uk quiz in aid of unicef’s work in syria (moray branch) 7pm for 7:30pm, johnston's of elgin. tickets and

more info from irene easton: 544600. moray feelgood festival 2012 : 'feelgood bookbug lite' 11am - 11:30am children's area, elgin library. smaller, shorter & more intimate. free session, no booking required. moray feelgood festival 2012 : 'healthmatters launch' 12:30pm - 3pm, the gallery, elgin library. publications and materials on display. free health info and resources to take away. free event. call 01343 562602 for details.

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HOTEL

9 tuesday westfield annual fair 10pm - 3:30pm. early christmas shopping all in aid of children 1st. call 01343 547308 or email veronica.maclean@yahoo.co.uk. elgin lunch club 12:30pm. £10 for a main meal at sunninghill restaurant. arrive 12:15pm to decide who you want to sit next to. call sandy on 01343 850087 or visit www.sand-ease.co.uk macs (moray area cancer support) meeting 2pm 4pm, moray coast medical practise, muirton road, lossiemouth. supporting people of all ages affected by cancer. moray feelgood festival 2012 : an audience with christopher brookmyre 7pm - 8:30pm, the gallery, elgin library, elgin. free, booking required. visit www.morayfeelgoodfestival.co.uk or call 01343 562602

10 wednesday Music

Myshkins Ruby Warblers Wednesday, October 10th, 8pm @ The Loft, East Grange Farm, Forres, IV36 2UD Tel: 01343 850111

myshkins ruby warblers @ the loft 8pm, east grange farm, forres. call 01343 850111or visit www.eastgrange.co.uk moray feelgood festival 2012 : moray 'random act of kindness' day 24 hrs, throughout moray. doing good does you good. take a moment to do something nice for others. visit morayfeelgoodfestival.co.uk moray feelgood festival 2012 : 'pay it forward' 10am 12:30pm, moray playhouse cinema, elgin. free, booking required. call 01343 567108

11 thursday bike doctor (bike revolution) 10am - 3pm. tesco car park, elgin. performing free bike safety checks. call 01343 549 571 or email info@bike-revolution.co.uk

12 friday ‘background to burghead - the recent excavations at clarkly hill, roseisle’ lecture by dr fraser hunter 7:30pm - 9:30pm, elgin museum. call 01343543675 or email curator@elginmuseum.org.uk benjamin francis leftwich @ ironworks 7:30pm. 14+. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com harry the piano 7:30pm. ogstoun theatre, gordonstoun school, near elgin. £12 / £6. tickets & details visit www.hubtickets.co.uk and www.thegcs.org.uk sharon king and the wreckless angels @ the loft 8pm, east grange farm, forres. £8, booking required. call 01343 850111or visit www.eastgrange.co.uk moray feelgood festival 2012 : 'the happy movie' 8pm - 10pm, universal hall, findhorn foundation. free, no booking required. call 01309 691170.

SpotLight on Elgin and District

Halloween Day Camps Mon 22nd - Fri 26th October 2012 Bushcraft, adventure and fun for 8 – 12 year olds Different activities each day

£20 per child per day (if booked by 12th Oct)

Call 01309 690450 www.wild-things.org.uk

13 saturday this is nirvana - nirvana tribute @ ironworks 7:30pm.

0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com indoor & outdoor car boot 11am - 2pm. roseisle village hall & grounds. set up from 9am. call 01343 835958 or 07968841495. ‘choctober’ - moray’s chocolate festival 12pm - 4pm, elgin academy. with chef's demos, a chocolate craft market and a mad hatters restaurant. free entry. see www.facebook.com/choctober for more details.

14 sunday kingston community litter pick 10am - 11am. to help out please call the ranger on 01343 820339. hue and cry @ ironworks 7pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

15 monday - 24 wednesday moray feelgood festival 2012 : 'walk in my shoes’ exhibition during opening hours, the gallery, elgin library. expressing mental health issues through art & creativity. for info call 01343 562602. free entry.

16 tuesday moray feelgood festival 2012 : the flying starts flea circus 6:30pm - 7:30pm, the gallery, elgin library. a fundraising event presented by the house of automata. suggested donation £2/£4. limited places, booking required. call 01309 691212

17 wednesday wildlife warriors 2pm - 4pm at the scottish dolphin centre, spey bay, fochabers. for children aged 6-10, £2 per child, to be accompanied by an adult. booking essential. 01343 820339. dolphincentre@wdcs.org. western north american alpines 7:30pm. lesser town hall, forres. illustrated talk by drs liam and joan mccaughey. call john owen 01320 366246. moray feelgood festival 2012 : ‘walk in my shoes’ poetry writing sessions with colin will 11am 12:30pm or 2:30pm - 4pm, the gallery, elgin library. free, limited places, booking required. call 01343 567188 or visit www.morayfeelgoodfestival.co.uk

tel: 01309 690063

october 2012 - page 21

18 thursday group open evening 7pm - 10pm. bi-weekly men’s group in forres, invites men to come & see how we support men to work on things that are difficult in their lives. call ashley 07557282563 www.mkp.org.uk

19 friday bike doctor (bike revolution) 10am - 3pm, cooper park, elgin. performing free bike safety checks. call 01343 549 571. email: info@bike-revolution.co.uk the shee 8pm, universal hall, findhorn. £10 / £8 concs / £6 u16s. call 01309 691170 or visit www.universalhall.co.uk

20 saturday the western front association meeting 2:30pm, ‘the gallery’ elgin library. there will be a collection for branch funds. call derek bird 01343 870562 or visit www.wfascotlandnorth.org.uk doug allen - life behind the lens 7:30pm, universal hall, findhorn. 01309 691170. turin brakes + iain mclaughlin & the outsiders + anderson + anderson, mcginty, webs @ ironworks 7.30pm. 0871 7894173 / www.ironworksvenue.com rainbow fair fleming hall, aberlour. for mind, body & spirit. various stalls including readers, healers, crystals. free entry. call ann miller on 07547 467646.

3:30pm. 8 - 12yrs. booking essential - cost £20 (if booked by 12th october). call 01309 690450 or visit www.wild-things.org.uk

23 tuesday squirreling away (family activity) 1pm - 3pm, falconer museum. make a squirrel or hedgehog & gather your food for winter. free family drop-in. call 01309 673701. ‘woodland bushcraft’ with wild things! 9:30am 3:30pm. 8 - 12yrs. booking essential - cost £20 (if booked by 12th october). call 01309 690450. visit www.wild-things.org.uk

24 wednesday wildlife warriors 2pm - 4pm at the scottish dolphin centre, spey bay, fochabers. wildlife kids’ club for children aged 6-10, £2 per child. children to be accompanied by an adult. booking is essential. call 01343 820 339 or email dolphincentre@wdcs.org. moray feelgood festival 2012 : ‘bully’ kutting edge youth theatre 7pm - 8:30pm, lossiemouth highschool, lossiemouth. free, no booking required. for info call 01343 557148

Feel Good On The Farm Part of Moray’s “Feel Good Festival” The Loft, East Grange Farm, Forres, IV36 2UD Tel: 01343 850111

Sunday, October 21st Raising funds for local mental health charities Family fun and taster sessions on activities and therapies •

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See updates on Facebook for further details and timetable of events.

"coastal explorers" with wild things! 9:30am 3:30pm. 8 - 12yrs. booking essential - cost £20 (if booked by 12th october) Call 01309 690450. visit www.wild-things.org.uk

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25 thursday 21 sunday there was an old lady who swallowed a fly 4pm, universal hall, findhorn. £7 / £6 concs / £5 u16s. call 01309 691170 or visit www.universalhall.co.uk moray feelgood festival 2012 : ‘feel good on the farm’ family day out 10am til late at the loft, eastgrange farm, forres. a full day of taster sessions and activities. free entry & discounted activities. for info call 01343 850111 or visit www.eastgrange.co.uk

22 monday "bushcraft on the beach" with wild things! 9:30am page 22 - october 2012

invent an insect (family activity) 1pm - 3pm, falconer museum. use the museum’s collections of spiders and insects to invent a new species. free family drop-in. call 01309 673701. "make it wild for halloween" with wild things! 9:30am - 3:30pm. 8 - 12yrs. booking essential - cost £20 (if booked by 12th october). call 01309 690450 or visit www.wild-things.org.uk

26 friday critical mass bike ride (bike revolution) 5pm - 6pm, elgin community centre. regain the roads by bike.

tel: 01309 690063

SpotLight on Elgin and District

dolphincentre@wdcs.org ironworks unplugged - acoustic cabaret night 7pm.

14+. 0871 7894173 or www.ironworksvenue.com

Recycling Recycling g Maintenance

classes classe es

Bike Bik e sales

Next Ne xt Sale: 27t 27th Oct 9 30 12 9.30-12.30 9.3 2 30 2.3 15 Shor Shore Street, e Str eet, Lossiemouth Moray, Moray y, IV31 6PB 01343 549 571 bike-revolution.co.uk bike-revolution.co.uk aactively ctiively developing develop piing potential potential

The European Agricultural Fund Th for Rural Development: lopment: Europe investing in rural areas

call 01343 549 571 or email info@bike-revolution. co.uk ironworks unplugged @ ironworks call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com david hughes dance - the chinaski sessions 8pm, universal hall, findhorn. £10 / £8 concs / £6 u16s.

01309 691170. www.universalhall.co.uk ‘help whip cancer’ fundraiser 7:30pm - 9:30pm, oakwood cookery school, forres road, elgin. gorgeous recipes, live cooking demos and raffles. help us ‘stand up to cancer’. cinema nairn presents ‘oranges and sunshine’ (15) 2010. 7:30pm, nairn community & arts centre. for info call 01667 453476. info@nairncc.co.uk ‘hunter gatherer’ 9:30am - 3:30pm. 8-12yrs. find out what lives in the woods? learn to creep, crawl, listen, stalk & identify animal tracks and signs. booking essential - cost £20 (if booked by 12th october) call 01309 690450 or visit www.wild-things.org.uk

T THIS PRO PROJECT IS BEING EING PART PAR PART FINANCED NAN BY Y THE T SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT AND D THE T EUROPEAN AN COMMUNITY MOR M RAY LEADER 2007-2013 PROGRAMME MORAY

sale of refurbished bikes (bike revolution) 9:30am 12:30pm. 15 shore street, lossiemouth. call 01343 549 571 or email info@bike-revolution.co.uk come and try curling 9am - 11am, moray leisure centre, elgin. for details & to book call les morgan 01309 676716 or email morgan.les@btinternet.com

THE MORAY PROVINCE CURLING DEVELOPMENT GROUP AND THE RCCC invite you to

TRY CURLING Moray Leisure Centre, Elgin Saturday 27 Oct 12 9am to 11am

27 saturday alzheimer scotland’s elgin branch coffee morning 10am - 12noon, the supper room, elgin town hall. home baking & usual stalls. £2 entrance fee. elgin bid ‘halloween family fun day’ 10am - 4pm, the plainstones, elgin. fun for all ages. halloween horrors at spey bay 6pm - 7:30pm. £2 per child, to be accompanied by an adult. booking essential. call: 01343 820 339 or email: SpotLight on Elgin and District

For details and to book a place contact Les Morgan 01309 676716 morgan.les@btinternet.com

slam’s halloween party @ ironworks 10pm. 18+. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

tel: 01309 690063

october 2012 - page 23

hocus pocus halloween haunt 6:30pm - 8:30pm, brodie castle. tickets ÂŁ4 / family ÂŁ10. call 0844 4932156 or visit www.nts.org/events verdi’s “la traviataâ€? 7:30pm, nairn community & arts centre. for info call 01667 453476 or email info@nairncc.co.uk. visit www.musicnairn.org.uk

28 sunday lofty arts: halloween crafts! 11am -1pm. the loft, east grange farm, kinloss.

LOFTY ARTS

Arts at @ East Grange Farm, Kinloss tel: 01343 850111

Come along and make Lanterns, Spiders, Snakes and Mice! Bobbing for apples and facepainting too! " " !

What’s On Events if you would like to advertise your event in SpotLight, please get in touch with us!

Come and enjoy‌

NAIRN Nairn Community & Arts Centre Your Y our local venue for films, shows, concerts, and parties.

Wide W ide range of activities for all ages.

OCTOBER OCT OBER EVENTS Fri 5th & Sat 6th ..................................... .................................................

Affordable ............ Affo rdable Art Fair: locall arts to see, enjoy enjoy,, and buy buy... a showcase of loca ...

Fri Fri 26th ................................Cinema ................................Cinema Nairn: “Oranges & Sunshine�

2010. Certificate 15 Sat 27th ................................................ Scottish Opera: La TTraviata raviata

For further details, telephone 01667 453476, e-mail info@nairncc.co.uk or check out our website at www.nairncommunitycentre.co.uk www.nairncommunitycentre.co.uk

‘Feel Good on the Farm’ family day at The Loft.

Our Feel Good on the Farm on the 21st October, will include everything that makes you feel good!

)LOP ‡ &UHDWLYH :ULWLQJ &RPHG\ ‡ 0XVLF ‡ $UW ‡ :RUGV 7KHDWUH ‡ ([KLELWLRQ V (YHQWV DUH RSHQ WR DOO DQG PRVW DUH )5(( www.morayfeelgoodfestival.co.uk Facebook: Moray Feelgood Festival 2012 Twitter: @morayfeelgood / @randommoray info@morayfeelgoodfestival.co.uk

Taster sessions on therapies such as Indian Head Massage, Body Alignment, Herbalism, Homeopathy, Swedish Massage, Thai massage, Hopi Candles, Access Conciousness.....

Taster sessions on The Loft activities- Zip Wire, Quads, Archery, Water Walkerz & Laser Tag. Scottish Youth Theatre presenting "African Tales".

Chocolate Making Demonstration from Olive Tree Chocolate- Seratonin makes you happy and is present in chocolate, so eat up!

"OUNCY #ASTLE WITH "ABY #HOONS s &ACE PAINTING WITH "ABY #HOONS s #RAFT 3ESSIONS WITH ,OFTY !RTS s 0OTTERY 0AINTING WITH ,OFTY 0OTS s 9OGA TASTER SESSIONS WITH 6ALERIE 2ITCHIE s -USIC s &ARM WALKS s -ENTAL (EATH )NFORMATION BY .(3 s "ELLY DANCING TASTER SESSIONS and demonstrations...

...and much, much more!!!!

The ethos of the day, as part of the Feelgood Festival is to raise money for charity & promote things that make you feel good! Therapy, exersise, fun, laughter, relaxation.... it is a FREE entry event with charges/ donations for activities/ taster sessions. All those attending are doing so on a volountary basis with no fee charged for attendance. The 01343 850111 therapists will charge for therapies/activities and at the end of the day will donate a proportion of takings to local www.eastgrange.co.uk mental health charities.

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hobby

Life Through a Lens

by Nicky Mack, Lossiemouth “The Autumn mourns her rip'ning corn By early Winter's ravage torn; Across her placid, azure sky, She sees the scowling tempest fly;…”

Burns, R.

The Sky’s the Limit One of my very favourite quotes during my time here in Lossiemouth relates to the weather and its ever changing nature … “just wait a minute and it’ll change”.

Autumn skies here on the Moray Firth are particularly beautiful in my experience. Sky and cloud photography is one of my most pleasurable pastimes firstly because there are never two sunsets the same and it does change, very quickly and gives you a fresh canvass to capture.

Photographing skies during daylight is relatively simple because you have the light available to you.

Remember the definition of photography is drawing with light. Photographing at dusk is very different. You don’t have as much light available to you.

You can be anywhere to see and capture the perfect sunset. Now is the time of year to keep your eyes peeled. One tip I’ve learnt for capturing sunset and sky shots is always look behind you. You can look ahead trying to find your shot but don’t forget what’s going on elsewhere.

as a point of reference or if you live closer into town, you can use silhouettes of buildings to give your shot a point of focus.

If you don’t feel you are experienced enough with your camera yet to set it up for this specific type of shot, most digitals will have a Sunset setting or the like. This will automatically set light levels, depth of field etc. What is important to remember for dusk time/sunset photography is capturing the level of light available to you. One blink and the shot is lost. Therefore, you need to set your shutter speed higher. This will in turn capture the movement of the sky inhabitants against the light available to you by sucking in the light to the shot. There is a term in photography called ‘noise’. This is prevalent in dark or low light photography. This is when your shot has fuzziness which may distort your shot.

This can be overcome by adjusting settings. Get comfortable with your camera. Know both of your capabilities so far and snap, snap and snap some more. You will find your own way.

Before long you’ll be shifting and twiddling and clicking without thinking about it.

You can achieve some wonderful photographs through watching the sky. No painting can compare to the wonderful dramatic presence the clouds can offer in real time but a well shot photograph can come close. The camera is not as clever as the human eye. We are very fortunate to have this gift. But get intimate with your camera and keep at it and you’ll surprise yourself how close to a perfect capture you’ll come.

From my own personal experience try not to take your dusk sunset shot when it’s too windy. It will cause reverberation through the camera causing movement and thus blur. All modern digitals have a function where you can adjust the effects of wind but it’s not always brilliant.

I love the natural warmth and depth of a good Moray sunset. There are many layers of cloud, air and light which all contribute to your composition. You may live on the coast where you’ll have the sea and mountains

My own work can be found at www.vianne.co.uk, any comments would be greatly appreciated. My inspiration is merely what surrounds me, you can share that too.

travel

Dreaming of... a Relaxing Cruise

One of the most rapidly expanding sectors of the Travel Industry is taking a cruise. It can be described as living in a luxury hotel which moves from destination to destination and there is no need to pack or unpack your suitcases more than once!

Cruising the Med’

The cruise market has seen steady growth, driven by innovation and the quality of the experience. There are large capacity increases being launched all the time, so what might have seemed like a very exclusive mode of transport historically has become much more available to the seasoned holidaymakers.

There is a perception that going on a cruise is very formal and only for the older generation, but that is changing. The average age of people going on a cruise comes down each year and ships are coming into service to cater for different needs. Some prefer to do a Fly Cruise, where you join the ship in an already exotic or interesting destination. Some prefer a Fly and Stay, where they join the ship and before or after their cruise they spend some time in that country. Some prefer to depart and return to a home port, negating the need to fly at all.

Pricing might sometimes seem high but remember that covers all your meals, entertainment and soft drinks – the only extras you are likely to run up are for alcoholic drinks and flutters on the gaming tables, if that is what takes your fancy.

Imagine spending a day in an interesting European city, retiring to the ship for dinner and a good night's sleep, then waking up in the morning in another fascinating destination. Wonderful!

28

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DH Fitness Little Black Dress Club DH Fitness

. . . invites you . . . to join the 4 week Little Black Dress Club so you can wear your party dress with confidence this year.

Starts 1st November at Focus Fitness Centre Limited spaces available.

For more details call Dawn on 07825 087 326 or email: dawn.dhfitness@googlemail.com

recipe

Chef’s Confidential Crab Fritters and Sweet Chilli Sauce.

A simple starter that often goes on our specials board this month as local crab is available.

100g butter 150ml water 150g plain flour (sifted) A pinch of sea salt 1 egg and 1 yolk (beaten) 150g crab meat 1 tspn chopped chives or parsley

Method 1) Bring water to boil in a saucepan. Add butter and salt.

When butter has melted, beat in flour to form smooth paste.

Beat for 2/3 minutes over a low heat.

2) Chill pastry in a bowl for 20/30 minutes.

3) When cool, beat in egg. Mix well.

4) Fold in crab meat and chives. Season with black pepper to taste.

5) Using a teaspoon, drop crab mix into hot oil. Cook for 2/3 minutes.

Serve fritters with dressed salad, lemon, and sweet chilli sauce.

Enjoy!

30

Kris McKie, The Royal Hotel, Elgin

egistered Susan Townsend Townsend HCPC rregistered

The Royal Hotel E L G I N

Podiatrist/Chir Podiatrist/Chiropodist opodist Mobile Ser vice Service Home visit tr eatment ÂŁ25 treatment 01343 831365 or 07951872872

A warm welcome awaits you at Elgin’s newest eatery.

New lunch menu now being served.

Monday - Saturday /XQFK SP ‡ª'LQQHU SP SP Sunday Roasts 12 - 2pm & 5 - 7pm Follow us on Facebook www.theroyalhotelelgin.co.uk

For reservations telephone 01343 542320

Station Rd, Elgin IV30 1QW Allan & Gwen McGregor

Photo by Karen barclay

&LOOR s 7ALLs )NTERIOR s %XTERIOR s !CCESSORIES s 4RIMS s 'ROUTS AND ADHESIVES

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Property section

Unbelievable Unbelievable as it sounds, sounds, no now w when yyou ou buy a new home ia R io 1.1 CRDi Eco Eco fr om Kylaur Kylauren, yyou’ll ou’ll get a new K from Kylauren, Kia Rio .* Dynamics absolutely FREE.* D ynamics absolut ely FREE anced, en vironmentally-friendly cars in One of the most adv advanced, environmentally-friendly the w orld, the K ia R io w on the Red Red Hot D esign Award Award 2012. world, Kia Rio won Design A nd it ’s the per feect ma tch ffor or o a br and new K yylauren Home.

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Property section

on on

Property

VALUE MATTÂŁRS At Home Construction “Extendingâ€? Their Business‌ Local firm marks 5th year in business by employing three new apprentices in joinery, bricklaying and roughcasting & plastering.

At Home Construction Ltd, a family run firm, headed up by Mr Leigh Ritchie, Operation Director offers one point of contact for all trades to their customers, project managing works from conception to completion.

According to current market research, homeowners who have made a significant home improvement stated the single most challenging element of their project was managing the array of different contractors required. “This is reflected in our own customers feedback who have praised our one-stop-shop approach� states Mr Ritchie. “In response to this we have just further expanded our workforce and can now offer plumbing, heating and slating services to complement our current portfolio of trades.�

The team at At Home Construction Ltd, based in Buckie, are well equipped to help generate ideas or move your own home improvement ideas forward. “We have seen a definite shift in what our customers want in the last 18 months� says Eve Ritchie, Office Manager, “New builds have tailed off and extensions, loft conversions, garage conversions and internal alterations are how are customers in the North East are choosing to improve their family living experience.�

In fact improving your home, by extending for example, will save on the costs of buying, selling and moving – money that can help fund your new project To find out more about At Home Constructions range of services visit www.athomecontruction.co.uk t: 01542 832000, e: info@athomeconstruction.co.uk

We can take on the responsibility for the maintenance of areas under common ownership on residential and commercial developments.

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Property section

A quality, affordable and spacious new development in Auldearn, why live anywhere else?

Completely re-built, and re-developed into 10 stunning, high quality, two bedroom flats, with private, own access. The Lion Apartments at Auldearn by Nairn are distinuished by the beautiful finishes and tasteful fixtures and fittings.

With apartments starting from only £125,000, it’s the perfect time to buy your new home.

And for a limited period only there are huge additional savings to be made. Please ask for details.

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For more information please call

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LE U RE

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Property section

Property section

W. THOMSON SAW SERVICES LTD Lawnmowers & Garden Machinery 3AW 3HARPENING 3ALES s -ACHINERY (IRE Waterford Industrial Estate, Forres, Moray IV36 3EE 7HO ‡ )D[

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Elgin Marble Company

Tel: 01343 547289 Fax: 01343 556226 Email: info@elgin-marble.co.uk www.elgin-marble.co.uk Visit our Showroom at New Elgin Road, Elgin IV30 6BA

Craftsmen in Marble, Granite and Slate since 1919

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Property section

Property section

THE

Wa t e r f r o n t

DEVELOPMENT L O S S I E M O U T H

Beautiful affordable Homes with Beautiful Finishes in a Beautiful part of Town.

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The Waterfront Apartments off Stotfield Road, Lossiemouth, offers the best of beautiful locations and affordable living. All the 2 bedroom flats are fully carpeted throughout, with integrated appliances and tiled bathrooms.

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For more details and information Tel: 0800 0281294 or 07557433875 Or contact Grampian Property Centre on: 01343 549 944 or email: info@gpc-elgin.co.uk Property section

Property section

Property section

This month, most gardeners will be doing their last cut of the year and putting away their mowers for the season - a pretty disappointing season in the garden too. Hopeless optimists that we are though, we will be planning a better season next year, hopefully without the damage caused by late spring snows and without the terribly wet conditions that made even getting the grass cut a struggle. We’ve had a very disrupted season, having to rearrange and redo many lawn treatments because of the poor weather.

You may wonder what a lawn treatment business does all winter; I did when I first made enquiries about buying the Green Thumb Moray Firth franchise. In fact, the off-season is our busiest time of the year as we have to pack in all the machinery jobs customers have asked us to do for them, principally aeration and scarifying. Aeration we do with a big hollow-core tining machine which, at ÂŁ4,000 per machine, is not a piece of kit most weekend gardeners have in the back of the shed for occasional use. Good aeration is one of the best things you can do for a lawn. It eases compacted ground, opens up drainage and ventilation and is a major benefit in the control of moss and lichen.

Forking is all very well, but some jobs are not really hand-tool jobs! We use our machines all day every day in the winter preparing the lawns for a good start next year and however you do it, it is a huge benefit.

Scarifying a lawn, on the other hand, is a job many

38

gardeners do themselves to remove old thatch and moss from the lawn surface at the end of the year. This is typically done either before Xmas or maybe in March, at the end of the winter (keen types might do it twice). Many folk have small electric scarifiers or rakes that work very well at removing annual moss from the surface of the lawn. A blade scarifier though, removes the thatch, which provides the habitat for moss to flourish again. We use them (obviously) for lawns with thatch, or some customers hire them and do it themselves.

Either way, any gardening book or TV programme will suggest you scarify in the off-season, particularly if you are prone to moss. Both tasks are pretty dirty and physically demanding however, so best to pick a nice day! Enjoy!

For more information about seasonal lawn improvements from just ÂŁ15 per qtr, plus useful downloads and photos, go to www.greenthumb.co.uk. Although GreenThumb is a national franchise with over 200 branches across the UK, we are locally based in Cawdor and cover the whole Moray Firth area. Contact Alastair or Fiona for a FREE LAWN ANALYSIS on 01667 404774, or email us at: inverness@greenthumb.co.uk

.

German build quality Italian design flair Superbly made in Scotland OVER Est.1986

YEARS

IN BUSINESS

K I T C H E N S Beautiful, design-led kitchens of exceptional quality, and made by us in Scotland, which we only sell direct through our own showrooms to ensure outstanding value.

Tyock Industrial Estate.. T: T: 01343 545155 ELGIN:: 27 Tyock ABERDEEN: 1166 Murcar Commercial Park.

Park. T: T: 01224 703274 INVERNESS: 18 Carsegate R oad. T: T: 01463 711548 Road.

ashleyann.co.uk

1HZPLOO (OJLQ 0RUD\ ,9 $)

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