SpotLight on Strathspey

JANUARY 2013

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Travel.................................p12

Health & Beauty.................p14

Kitchens, Windows & Doors.p2 Speysound Radio .................p4 Roof Wizard.......................p13 Words By The Wayside ......p11 Innes House..................p10 Clubs & Societies, Pastoral Letter, Church Details, Council News, Useful Numbers, Local Holidays, What’s On, Parliament Blog and much, much more!

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CLUBS & SOCIETIES DUFFTOWN OVER SIXTIES Meet every Wednesday afternoon 2pm-4pm in Back Hall of Memorial Hall, Dufftown. Varied weekly entertainment: quiz, bingo, live entertainment etc and a cup of tea every week.

Membership £3. Annual summer bus outing. Tel: 01340 820388, 01340 820582, or 01340 820264.

T-EXCHANGE MAKERSPACE Make things, build things and exchange ideas. Third Friday of every month 7:30pm at Findhorn Village Centre. Details on www.t-exchange.net or contact Bill on 07925 551191.

THE ROTARY CLUB OF ABERLOUR AND SPEYSIDE Meets on Tuesday evenings at 7pm in The Craigellachie Hotel, Craigellachie, AB38 9SR. ABERLOUR ANGLING CLUB Visitors Welcome. Day & weekly tickets at reasonable prices.

For booking enquiries calll 01340 871428 or email hamish@munro-of-speyside.com

ABERLOUR TENNIS CLUB New members welcome. Two excellent clay courts. Available for visitors, 7 days a week. For information contact Graham Pook on 01340 871835.

ASHTANGA YOGA AVIEMORE Geranium Cottage, Inverdruie, Aviemore. Yoga centre offering yoga classes. Contact 01479 812511 for times.

LGBT 5K RUNNING GROUP Meets every Wednesday. Email jampa40@yahoo.co.uk or text/call 07941 553620 for info.

GRANTOWN YOUTH GROUP Tues - Girls Night 6-10pm. Fri Youth Drop-in 7-11pm. Sat Youth Drop-in 6-10pm. Sun 26pm. Grantown YMCA Community Centre 80 High Street. Call Jennifer Tiller on 01479 872262 ROTHES BABY & TODDLER GROUP Open year round on Tues & Fri, 9.15am - 11.15am term time & 10.00am - 12pm school holidays

“Parliament Blog” Speaking to people out and about the Highlands this winter, many have resolutions for the coming year which focus on those around them: spend more time with their families and friends, lose weight and cut down on excesses.

And while I applaud - and share - those aims, for me, tackling the issues which face hard working families will remain top of my agenda in the coming 12 months.

As a Liberal Democrat in government, I will continue trying to make people’s lives easier through measures like the tax discount for those on low and average incomes, the fuel duty discount, and new legislation ensuring people get the best deal from their energy provider.

So, as we usher in 2013, I am sure that you will join me in the hope that it is a year filled with the success and achievements you hope for yourselves.

Danny Alexander MP

& in-service days. £2 entrance fee per family, includes snack & drinks for children & parents.

ROTHIEMURCHUS AND AVIEMORE TENNIS CLUB Situated at Inverdruie, on the outskirts of Aviemore. Court Hire: 10am to 5pm. Call 01479 812345 for info or to book a court.

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Tel: (01309) 672432 www.stuartscycles.co.uk MOUNT!). ")+%3 s 2/!$ s %,%#42)# s #(),$2%. ")+%3 It is never too late to make a New Year’s resolution. May I suggest one which would open up many pleasurable days, for yourself and your family.

This year, 2013, is the year of Natural Scotland. We have chosen to brand this year thus - to highlight for visitors and local alike, the enormous and varied attractions Scotland has to offer us all.

Our lochs, bens, glens, castles, gardens, our indigenous birds and wild animals all offer a terrific experience to enjoy. In addition to that, we have many attractions such as museums, art galleries, fine buildings, events and festivals that all celebrate our natural attractions. So, that resolution: why not make this year the year when we no longer take all of what we have for granted? I know that, perhaps through inertia or the lame excuse of being "too busy", the armchair can beckon when it would be perfectly easy to venture out to see the local Grantown museum, to have a trip on the local Strathspey railway, to visit Landmark, or to visit the Highland Wildlife Park.

And there are so many opportunities in this part of the world, in Inverness city and county and in Nairn and shire as well as Badenoch and Strathspey; we are blessed with some of the finest country in the world. Many folk do take full advantage. But perhaps it is true that many more of us do not. Why not put that right in the course of the year? Why not make a resolution to visit some of the local attractions and perhaps take a trip or a short break to another part of Scotland? Why not make this year the year when we discover, or rediscover, our own country? There are a whole series of events planned for ‘Year of Natural’ - and they are outlined on the VisitScotland website: www.visitscotland.com. In addition to that, there are a whole series of local community events that are planned across the country. All of them can be a great experience for yourself and your family.

Fergus Ewing MSP

Wednesday 7-8pm Totally Eighties 8-9pm Folk ’n’ That

107.1fm Monday 7-9pm Pete’s Beat 9-10pm John’s World Tuesday 7-8pm Shirley’s Choice 8-9pm Aimee After Eight

STRATH SUNSHINE CLUB Meets every other Monday at 2pm in the St John’s Church Hall, Rothiemurchus. A social club for the over 50s living in the Strath. Call Angela on 01479 810940 or email kilvingtona@ btinternet.com

Thursday 6-7pm Ceilidh in the Park (bilingual) 7-9pm Classics for Pleasure 9-10pm Speysound Scottish Friday 5-7pm Drive Time 7-8pm Alison’s Eighties 8-9pm Clubbin’ it

Saturday 8-10am Malky & Jason in the Morning 8-9pm Phil Steedman Sunday 8-10am Grant Gallagher Breakfast Show

www.speysound.com to listen live

PASTORAL LETTER & CHURCH MEETINGS I often enjoy those posters that you see on church notice boards; perhaps you’ve seen some of the following ones yourself: • God reigns and the Son shines • God answers kneemail • CH_ _CH (what’s missing?) or how about: • Seven days without prayer makes one weak?

Messages which try bring a different slant to our understanding and which show things up in a new light.

The season of Christmas is behind us and no doubt the tinsel and decorations are back in their battered box up in the loft or in the cupboard under the stairs, along with the Christmas lights. Because one of the things which most defines Christmas for believers and nonbelievers alike, is the presence of light.

Twinkling on the Christmas tree; shining atop the lampposts in the High Street; sparkling in the shop windows; glowing

in the church as the candle flames flicker at the Watchnight service.

Light is the very essence of Christmas and Jesus calls himself “The Light of the World” in John’s Gospel. One of my favourite verses is at the very beginning of this Gospel: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out” (St John 1:5).

But that Christly light is not just for Christmas and it burns ever more brightly for us now, as we make our way on unknown paths, in the early days of a new year. A journey of new places and happenings on which we’ll encounter our share of joy and sorrow, health and illness, acceptance and rejection and many other experiences besides.

St Francis of Assisi said that all the darkness in the world can never extinguish the light of one candle and it is reassuring indeed to know that wherever we go, and whatever circumstances we find ourselves in, Jesus has promised that he will never leave us. No matter how dark the road,

Abernethy Parish Church Nethy Bridge. Sundays 9.30am: family morning service. Followed by refreshments. Traditional service at 12 noon. Tel: 01479 821280.

Aberlour Parish Church The Square, Aberlour. Sunday 11.15am.

Alvie & Insh Church of Scotland Our churches can be found beside Loch Insh for morning worship at 09.30am & Loch Alvie where we meet at 7.00pm. If bad weather is forecast, changes might be made to these venues. Please call 01540 661918 for confirmation of where we will meet.

Badenoch Free Church Ruthven Road, Kingussie. Sundays 11am and evening service 6pm.

Boat of Garten Parish Church, St Columba's Boat of Garten.

Sunday morning service 10am. Evening worship at Kincardine Church, 6pm the second Sunday of most months: please check the weekly press. Contact tel.: 01479 831252.

Craigellachie Church Victoria Street, Craigellachie. Sundays 9.45am.

Dulnain Bridge, Church of Scotland Sunday services 12noon.

Duthil Parish Church Carrbridge. Sunday morning service at 11.30am. Tel: 01479 831252.

Grantown Baptist Church High Street, Grantown-on-Spey.

Sundays 11am and evening service at 6pm. All welcome. Contact Rev. Rick Moeller: 01479 873125.

Inverallan Parish Church Church of Scotland.

Grantown-on-Spey. Sundays 10.30am with crèche.

All welcome. Contact Rev. Morris Smith: 01479 872084.

SpotLight on Strathspey

© Carl Bailey

the light of his love can never be put out.

There are no half-truths or vague promises with Jesus. When he says, “I will be with you always, to the very end of the age” (St Matthew 28:20) then we can take him at his word in the sure and certain knowledge that he will never abandon us. The journey of faith isn’t an easy one, because it involves trusting Someone we can’t see and believing in things which we often can’t understand.

But it’s a journey which can transform our lives.

It is said that God is always whispering to us, but we don’t always hear him because of the noise, hurry and distraction which life causes as it rushes on. God wants to know each one of us, so why not take time to pause for a moment, to listen to his still, small, quiet voice and allow the light of his love to shine more brightly in your own heart?

Sheila Wallace, DCS. Locum Minister at Boat of Garten, Duthil & Kincardine

Kingussie Parish Church Sundays 11am. All welcome. www.kingussieparishchurch.org.uk Knockando, Elchies & Archiestown Parish Church of Scotland Sundays 10am. Tel : 01340 831381.

Mortlach Parish Church Sundays at 10.30am Tel: 01340 820049 (session clerk). All welcome.

Rothes Parish Church Sundays 11.30am. Tel: 01340 831381.

Rothiemurchus & Aviemore Church of Scotland St Andrews Church, Grampian Road, Aviemore. Sundays 11.15am.

Website: www.standrews-aviemore.org.uk St Columba Episcopal Church High Street, Grantown, P26 3LD. Sundays 10.30am: Holy Communion. Ven. Richard Gillings: richard.gillings698@btinternet.com or phone 01479 831365.

St John Episcopal Church Sunday 10.30am: Eucharist.

Followed by refreshments in the church hall. Email: blessings@stjohns-rothiemurchus.co.uk St Michael Episcopal Church St Michael's Episcopal Church, Conval Street, Dufftown. Family Eucharist every Sunday at 11 am. All welcome. Tel: 01343 862808.

St Margaret of Scotland, Episcopal Church High Street, Aberlour, AB38 9QD. Sundays 10am: Eucharist. Tel: 01340 881764. Website: www.stmargaretsaberlour.co.uk If you are a member of a church not listed here, please email us with details and we may print them in future issues.

tel: 01309 690063

January 2013 - page 5

© Alison Gellin

USEFUL INFORMATION

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Local Holidays Christmas Day Boxing Day New Year’s Day Scottish Bank Holiday Burns Night Shrove Tuesday Mother’s Day

Tues 25th Dec 2012 Wed 26th Dec 2012 Tues 1st Jan 2013 Wed 2nd Jan 2013 Fri 25th Jan 2013 Tues 12th Feb 2013 Sun 10th Mar 2013

Good Friday British Summertime Begins Easter Monday Early May Bank Holiday Spring Bank Holiday Father’s Day British Summertime Ends

Fri 29th Mar 2013 Sun 31st Mar 2013 Mon 1st Apr 2013 Mon 6th May 2013 Mon 27th May 2013 Sun 16th Jun 2013 Sun 27th Oct 2013

School Term Dates MORAY COUNCIL SCHOOLS Spring Term Starts Mon 7th Jan 2013 Mid-Term Holiday Fri 15th Feb 2013 Mid-Term Holiday Mon 18th Feb 2013 Spring Term Ends Thurs 28th Mar 2013 Spring Holiday Starts Fri 29th Mar 2013 Spring Holiday Ends Fri 12th Apr 2013 Summer Term Starts Mon 15th Apr 2013 May Day Holiday Mon 6th May 2013

HIGHLAND COUNCIL SCHOOLS Spring Term Starts Mon 7th Jan 2013 Mid-Term Break Mon 11th - Fri 15th Feb 2013 Spring Term Ends Thurs 28th Mar 2013 Good Friday Holiday Fri 29th Mar 2013 Easter Monday Holiday Mon 1st Apr 2013 Summer Term Starts Mon 15th Apr 2013 May Day Holiday Mon 6th May 2013 Summer Term Ends Fri 28th Jun 2013

Useful Telephone Numbers

Interested in living in a brand new, HQHUJ\ HIÀFLHQW DIIRUGDEOH KRPH EHVLGH $YLHPRUH" The homes will be rented, with the opportunity to buy in the future – whichever it will be affordable (rents could be from £404 a month IRU D EHGURRP KRXVH RU ÁDW

Aviemore Local Police . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01479 810222 Regional Police . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 715555 Aviemore Citizens Advice Bureau . . . . . . . . . . 01479 810919 Aviemore Registrar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01479 810694 Aviemore Social Work Services . . . . . . . . . . . 01479 810251 Aviemore Tourist Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01479 810363 National Rail Enquires. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 08457 484950 Aberlour Post Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .01340 871201 Aviemore Post Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01479 811056 Dufftown Post Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01340 820244 Aviemore Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01479 811113 Badenoch Library & Learning Centre . . . . . . . 01540 661596 Aberlour Library. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01340 871693 Dufftown Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .01340 820272 Grantown Library. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01479 873175

To help make these new homes happen we need WR NQRZ KRZ PDQ\ SHRSOH ZDQW WR OLYH LQ WKHP 3OHDVH OHW XV NQRZ LI \RX·G EH LQWHUHVWHG LQ RQH RI WKHVH KRPHV QRZ RU LQ WKH IXWXUH DW

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the fountain by the station. www.kingussie.co.uk/whats-on.html fireworks @ aviemore 12am. contact cairngorm hotel.

01479 810233. reception@cairngorm.com

What’s On DECEMBER 24 monday

torchlight procession @ aviemore 5pm - 9pm. procession through the streets of aviemore. 01479 810363. www.aviemore.co.uk fireworks @ aviemore 6.30pm. contact cairngorm hotel: 01479 810233. reception@cairngorm.com kingussie christmas parade 7pm. mince pies, mulled wine, carol singing and pipe band. contact: the courthouse, kingussie. santa arrives in kingussie 6:30pm-8pm. in the court house. www.kingussie.co.uk/whats-on.html

25 tuesday christmas day lunch @ aviemore 12.30pm. cairngorm hotel. 01479 810233. reception@cairngorm.com

26 wednesday creag meagaidh national nature reserve nature walk 10am - 12noon. refreshments afterwards.

07961632685. wayne.fitter@snh.gov.uk

27 thursday health walk 11am. old bridge, carrbridge (weather-permitting during winter). refreshments afterwards. contact margaret carnegie: 01479 841749. cairngorm ceilidh trailers 8pm. contact: talla nan ros, kingussie.

28 saturday schiehallion (ceilidh/folk band) 9pm til late. the star hotel, kingussie. www.kingussie.co.uk/whats-on.html

29 saturday skimo scotland races 3pm. lecht 2090, tomintoul. entry closing date: 23/12. info@skimoscotland.co.uk www.skimoscotland.co.uk

31 monday

scottish country dancing @ blair castle 11.30am or 1.30pm. free with castle entry. 01796 481207. bookings@blair-castle.co.uk hogmanay ceilidh @ boat of garten 8pm - 1am. contact the community hall: 01479 831506. lormac18@gmail.com hogmanay @ knockando 8pm - 1am. margach hall, knockando. families welcome. raffle drawn on the night and music. contact charlie: 01340 810605. hogmanay @ archiestown 8pm - 1am. archiestown village hall. www.archiestown.com torridon hogmanay party @ ironworks 9pm. 0871 7894173. www.ironworksvenue.com new year’s eve torchlight parade @ newtonmore 11.30pm. glen hotel. free event. hogmanay ceilidh @ dufftown commercial hotel hall, 4 church street. 01340 820313. hogmanay party @ dufftown at the royal british legion, balvenie street, dufftown. 01340 820425. hogmanay parade & fireworks @ kingussie 11.30pm. piped procession, fireworks, refreshments and a dram. contact silverfjord hotel, kingussie. torchlight procession @ kingussie 11.30pm. gather at page 8 - January 2013

JANUARY 2013 1 tuesday kingussie shinty festival: veterans shinty match kingussie football field throw up 1pm. www.kingussieshinty.com

7 thursday - 24 sunday moray school of art: third year exhibition @ eden court, inverness

8 tuesday

grantown on spey u3a: ‘culinary artistry’ a talk and demonstration by the grant arms hotel chef 2pm. the grant arms hotel, grantown on spey. entry £2 the pink castle philosophy club: “what is the meaning of life?” 7:30pm. glen mhor hotel, inverness. fun & friendly ‘thinking lgbt club'. www.pinkcastle.eu

9 wednesday

nadfas fine art lecture: ‘introduction to the wonderful world of gemstones’ 11am. sherwood suite, eight acres hotel, elgin. visitors welcome. “uncle george” - a personal view of george forrest (highland rock garden club) 7.30pm. nairn community centre. john owen: 01320 366246.

10 thursday hypnosis for healing talk by fiona malcolm 5:30pm-8:30pm. riverdale centre for complementary therapies. £30 booking essential. 01463 250 598 or 01343 549 228. www.therapies-inverness.co.uk

19 saturday

skimo scotland 4pm. glenshee ski centre, braemar. info@skimoscotland.co.uk www.skimoscotland.co.uk stuart macbride’s “close to the bone” book signing 4pm-5pm. waterstones, st giles centre, elgin.

01343 547321. www.waterstones.com

26 saturday

crohn's and colitis uk highlands & islands group public meeting 11.15am. centre for health science, inverness. www.groups.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/hi burns night supper at glenrinnes 7pm - 11.30pm. glenrinnes community centre. burns night supper @ dallas 7pm. dallas village hall. an evening of burns music and entertainment. byob. tickets £10 available in advance. 01343 890420.

26 saturday - 27 sunday aviemore sled dog rally 9am. 07990 848898 or 0871 277 6783. www.siberianhuskyclub.com

31 thursday carrbridge & vicinity community council meeting 7.30pm. at the village hall. all welcome.

31 thursday - 3 february food on film festival the badenoch centre, kingussie. www.kingussie.co.uk/whats-on.html

tel: 01309 690063

SpotLight on Strathspey

your first choice for bathrooms sensational offers available in-store bathroom suites • showers & enclosures tiles & accessories • wet rooms fitted furniture • experienced staff

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It is difficult to imagine a more romantic setting for your wedding than a 17th century house set in a sheltered walled garden. However, Innes is not just a stunning venue which you and your guests will never forget, but also offers a wholly flexible programme to enable you to plan your day exactly as you would like.

Every wedding is unique and tailor-made for each couple. You may hold the ceremony here in the garden or in one of the two beautiful reception rooms. After the service your guests can wander around the gardens whilst you have your photographs taken in these tranquil, romantic surroundings.

The reception and dinner may be held in the East Dining Room or larger parties can be held in our marquee extension which covers a walled garden complete with a summer house for the bar and a fountain around which the tables are set. After dinner you may enjoy dancing or other entertainment and then drive away down the tree lined avenue and look back on a magnificent floodlit house.

Alternatively, you and some of your guests may stay the night in one of our splendidly appointed bedrooms and leave after a leisurely breakfast the next morning.

Any couple booking their 2013 Wedding with us during January 2013, will be offered complimentary wedding night accommodation along with a ‘Champagne Toast’ upgrade of their chosen drinks package.

Innes House – Elgin – Moray – IV30 8NG Tel. 01343 842410 enquiries@inneshouse.co.uk – www.inneshouse.co.uk Please quote ‘SpotLight’ when making an enquiry

# !

!

Specially for you!

I may never meet you personally, but there is something I want to tell you.

It is of such importance that I would be unkind if I didn’t let you know: yet it is so simple that you can read it in a few minutes.

It is so vital that it may change your entire future: yet it is available to you at no cost whatever.

It is a message that you may not like: yet you will never be able to forget it.

And whether you believe it or not, it will affect you in life and in death.

First of all let me emphasise that this message is absolutely true, because it is God who said it. When God makes a statement you can afford to accept it, because He cannot lie. When God makes a promise, you can rest upon it, because His promises can never fail. God will not make you believe this message – that is your choice – but He will hold you responsible for having heard it.

Then let me tell you that this is a personal message to you.

You cannot escape it. It brings you to the place of decision.

You must either accept it or reject it. You must either say “I will” or “I will not”. You cannot be neutral.

Here, then, is the message. It is an exact quotation from God’s Word, the Holy Bible:

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John3:16) Now, did you ever hear such wonderful words as these before? Are they not amazing? Just think for a moment what they say! They reveal three marvellous and thrilling facts.

“

First, “GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD!” since you are in the world, it means that He loved you. If that does not startle you, remember that when God loved you, He loved a sinner, because that is what you are.

The bible says that you are a sinner (Romans 3:23), and if you are honest you will agree. Now, although God loves you. He hates your sin. Sins will keep you out of Heaven, because God is holy and He must punish sin.

Thus a holy God must find a holy way of saving sinners.

Otherwise the sinner must pay for his sins, and that would mean spending eternity in Hell.

The second great fact is this: “HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON”. The first statement tells you that God loved you. This statement tells you how much He loved you. He loved you so much He gave His only begotten Son! Do you know what that means? It means that the Lord Jesus Christ suffered on the cross of Calvary so that you might be saved. He shed His blood so that your sins might be put away. He died for you so that you might live in Heaven forever. You see – someone must pay the penalty for sin, either you or a sinless substitute. God gave His Son so that He could be your sinless substitute.

And now for the third tremendous fact: “WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH IN HIM SHOULD NOT PERISH BUT HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE”.

What could be more wonderful? Think of it! God gives eternal life to those who believe in Christ. The Saviour has finished the work. He has died, has risen from the grave and gone back into Heaven.

Now your part is to believe in Him. This simply means that you should confess that you are a sinner, realise that Christ is willing and able to meet your need, and then receive Him as your Lord and Saviour.

This is the message which I had to tell you. Now you must make a decision. Will you accept Him or reject Him? Will you believe on Him or will you refuse Him? Will you bow humbly before Him or will you turn away in pride?

I may never meet you upon earth, but I hope I will meet you in Heaven. If you too will accept the sinner’s Saviour, then you will be surely saved.

The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into His hand. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. (John 3:35,36)

“Neither there other:: ffor or ther there “N either is ther e salvation salvation in any any other e is none other name under hea heaven ven giv given en among men, whereby wher eby we we must be be sa saved” ved” Acts Acts 4:12

”

Published by www.wordsbythewayside.co.uk Registered Scottish Charity SCO41290

travel

Dreaming of...

...a skiing holiday With the first of the snow arriving many will be turning their attention to their winter break skiing or snowboarding.

Apres-ski in Switzerland

More resorts are being made easily accessible from Scotland with direct flights to France, Austria, Switzerland and Bulgaria. One stop connections flights to Japan, America and Canada are available.

For those trying the sport for the first time or looking for value for money head to Bulgaria - a lift pass for the week costs less than ÂŁ100. Nursery slopes in Pamporovo are perfect for improving skills.

Unfortunately the limited kilometres of slopes here make it unsuitable for the more experienced.

They should choose to stay in the resort of Bansko where there is a choice of more challenging slopes.

Not got time for a full week away? Don't worry, many resorts and hotels will offer short breaks either mid week or over a weekend. To make the most of your time away choose a resort with a short transfer.

Les Gets in the Portes du Soleil area is less than one hour from Geneva. With direct flights from Glasgow or Edinburgh you could be on the slopes by lunchtime. From Les Gets you can also go over the border to Switzerland.

If you do have more time to spare why not combine the snow with beach or city! Adding a second centre to your holiday is easy and relatively inexpensive to do. Combine America’s number one city, New York with powder in Aspen or the golden sands or the Caribbean with Whistler in Canada. All Itineraries can be tailor made to suit your individual needs.

For something different why not try up and coming Japan. With huge snowfall and amazing scenery it’s perfect for your next trip. The ski season runs from mid November to mid April but the best conditions are found in January and February.

Niseko is the largest ski resort in western Hokkaido - best known for powder - on average 50 feet of snowfall per season!

Again, many people choose to add a second centre. Its easy to include the Japanese cities of Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka Wherever you choose to ski it is imperative you have the right insurance in place for you and your family. The correct policy can provide cover from everything from no snow coverage to damaged or stolen equipment. All policies are different so check you have adequate cover before hitting the slopes.

Enjoy your ski season!

Information kindly supplied by

12

Whistler, Canada

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

Mediterranean Fly Cruises All Flights are direct from Inverness or Aberdeen GENOA from Aberdeen 08 June 2013 7 nights from .............................................. £959.00 GENOA from Inverness 06 July 2013 7 nights from ............................................ £1099.00 GENOA from Inverness 05 October 2013 7 nights from ............................................... £779.00

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HEATING & PLUMBING for all enquiries please contact

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Beaver Travel, 78 High Street, Forres

Also at: 2-6 South Street, Elgin www.beavtrav.com

01343 862832 07733 228702 gordchrist@btinternet.com

Beaver Travel is also a ticket agent for Eden Court Theatre, Inverness - No booking fee.

LOGIE STEADING

Papercrafts ELGIN & Creative OLDMELDRUM www.sugarnellie.com Regular classes and workshops

BE INSPIRED TO CREATE & LEARN

8

All things paper crafting and beyond.

Both stores closed 23/12-3/01

SALE STARTS 4th January 10am

01343 548864 !

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Remedial Massage Therapy for sports people may aid muscle recovery following intense activity. In addition, it may help reduce muscle spasm ‘knots’ and prevent injury.

Are you confused about nutrition, which foods to eat and are bombarded with conflicting weight loss information?

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The aim is to provide a high quality service with attention to detail, focusing on you. To enable you to receive the best 'treat or treatment', you will receive a consultation prior to bodywork. Added value may be offered in the form of free specific products to suit you such as; Lifestyle, Stress Management or Exercise Advice should you wish that little bit extra for your wellbeing.

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If you want to lose 3lbs or 3 stones Kick Start Fat Loss will give YOU the body of your dreams. Live the life you really want and feel amazing.

GOOD HEALTH & WELL-BEING Now everything is returning to normal after the festivities, lots of us are embarking upon fitness programmes.

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14

LOOKING AFTER FOOTCARE Should your feet be high up your list of priorities?

Absolutely!

We only get one pair of feet so it’s important to take good care of them. During your lifetime, your feet could walk the equivalent of four times around the world! To make sure that your feet stay fit, you need to look after them, keeping them clean, warm and well supported in good fitting shoes.

If you are over 60, foot care becomes even more important. Age takes it’s toll: skin thins, joints begin to stiffen and feet become more vulnerable to the cold. Physically reaching our own feet can become more difficult and failing eyesight doesn’t help. In the elderly long nails can become a significant health issue because, if you can’t walk comfortably you are less likely to get out and about and take part in the social activities or daily exercise that is vital for our health and well being.

Seeking help and advice about foot problems quickly will save you a wealth of discomfort both now and in the future, and will get your feet happy again!

Kirsty Wright Sports and Remedial Massage Therapist Tel: 01479 821184 or 01479 861256 Mobile: 07855 909314 Kinloss HIVE and Glenmore Lodge, Aviemore www.kirstywrightmassage.com Member of SMA (Level 4)

Range of High back chairs Riser/Recliner Chairs & Electric Beds... ...everything to keep you comfortable this winter.

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

Free Hearing Tests Free 30 day Hearing Aid Trial Ear Wax Removal Hearing Protection Tinnitus Advice Hearing Aid Repairs TAYLORS 12 St Andrews Square, Buckie, AB56 1BU 01542 831423 www.morayhearing.co.uk

CLARKS PHARMACY Gifts, candles and cards Luxury hand made bath and shower products Perfumes, aftershaves & fragrances for him and her New York Colour, L’Oreal and Rimmel cosmetics Costume jewellery Extensive skin & body products Hair care... colours & accessories Electrical goods Dufftown Pharmacy, Digital Photo printing 15 Balvenie Street, W O N AT ALSO Dufftown AB55 4AB Keith only...

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Shop Local

n tio 12 ta m 0 ul ro r 2 13 ns n f be 20 Co e m ry op ove rua N eb rd F 23 15 to Drop in Exhibitions all 3pm to 8 pm Monday 14 January 2013 Buckie – Town House West Tuesday 15 January 2013 Fochabers – Fochabers Institute Wednesday 16 January 2013 Lossiemouth – Lossiemouth Town Hall Thursday 17 January 2013 Dufftown – Mortlach Memorial Hall Tuesday 22 January 2013 Forres – Forres Town Hall Wednesday 23 January 2013 Elgin – Elgin Library Gallery Thursday 24 January 2013 Keith – Longmore Hall Tuesday 29 January 2013 Aberlour – Fleming Hall