Spotlight Turriff Apr 19

THE NORTH’S FAVOURITE FREE WEE MAG

APRIL 2019

SpotLIGHT

Spring

TURRIFF, HUNTLY & DISTRICT

WAS £299 NOW £260

Bedframes from £299

50% off selected blinds

*SEE ADVERT INSIDE

don valley flash APR 19.pdf

AGDP NHS Dental Group Apr 19.pdf

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11/03/2019

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SEE PAGE 9

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45-49 West Church Street, Buckie, AB56 1BP Telephone 06/03/2019

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(01542) 832653

www.buckiefurniture.co.uk

01466 792 787 – Join Our Award-Winning Practice Dentistry Scotland Awards’ ‘Best NHS Dental Practice’ 2017 is now registering new patients.

Email: huntly@agdp.co.uk

41 Duke Street, www.huntlydentalpractice.co.uk Huntly AB54 8DT

STEP INTO SPRING AS WE LOOK FORWARD TO WARMER WEATHER IT IS THE TIME OF YEAR TO BE THINKING ABOUT GARDEN MACHINERY. Range of products suitable for gardens of any shape or size including: 3HWURO /DZQPRZHUV 5LGH RQ /DZQPRZHUV 6WULPPHUV 6FDULÀHUV

DON’T FORGET...

We can also service and repair any make or model of lawn mower.

PLUS we offer blade sharpening and cylinder grinding services.

Shop local and visit us at: ABERDEEN 01224 772577

DINGWALL 01349 863555

ELGIN 01343 541121

MAUD 01771 613246

TURRIFF 01888 563561

www.ravenhill.co.uk

TICK TOCK TOCK PLAY PLA We Can Organise & Host Parties, Group Bookings, Private Hires.

We Supply Party Bags, Sweetie Cones and Personalised Birthday Cakes.

Cafe Open To All

Our play area is suitable for 0-10 yrs.

Open Tues - Sun: 10am - 5pm Closed Monday but available for private hire

Gift Vouchers Watchmakers Lane, Alford, AB33 8EW Available turriff window cleaning mar 19.pdf

Tel: 01975 564146

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www.ticktockplay.co.uk

TURRIFF Window Cleaning Purified Water Fed Pole System Commercial and Domestic Free Quotes Fast Service Monthly Cleaning Reasonable Rates Friendly Service Insured We Won't Be Beaten On Quality Of Service & Price More than Kitchen Nov 17.pdf 1 05/10/2017 t XXX UVSSJĂŞXJOEPXDMFBOJOH DPN

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More Than Kitchens

From made-to-measure kitchens to door replacements, bedroom design & fitting, flooring and more...

Full service, from planning and advice to fitting & installation of Kitchens, Bathrooms and Bedrooms. Wooden and Laminate Flooring, Granite Worktops, Kitchen Cabinets, Kitchen Replacement Doors & Worktops

More Than Kitchens, Rothienorman Telephone: 01651 821 562 email: morethankitchens@aol.com web: www.morethankitchens.co.uk

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Clubs and Societies ALZHEIMER SCOTLAND: HUNTLY ACTIVITY GROUP 2nd Thurs of month, 1.30pm 3pm, Hanover Sheltered Housing, Granary Street, Huntly.

Community groups are there to be enjoyed by anyone living with dementia, experiencing difficulty with their memory (plus family & friends). Call Sharon Findlay on 07584 408209 or email at sfinlay@alzscot.org CAFE PHILOSOPHIQUE ABERDEENSHIRE Designed to bring people together in a venue in their own local area, to share their thoughts, openly explore & discuss ideas & encourage philosophical debate & critical thinking about society's challenges in a relaxed & convivial atmosphere. Email at converse@thephilosophycafe.org www.thephilosophycafe.org

CUMINESTOWN MOTORCYCLE CLUB Last Sun of month, 4pm, The Commercial, Cuminestown. A bike club in the North East of Scotland in the Cuminestown & Turriff area, catering for singles, couples & families alike. New members welcome. Membership single £15; Family £25. Email at cuminestownmcc@hotmail.co.uk www.facebook.com/ cuminestownmcc HUNTLY & DISTRICT SWIFT GROUP Addressing the rapid decline of the Common Swift in all areas of Scotland. Raising awareness: talks, fundraising stall, Walk n Talk events. Working with Councils, developers, builders, schools, to provide homes for this fantastic bird. Call Cally Smith on 07411 808573 or email huntlyswiftgroup@gmail.com.

Facebook/huntlyswiftgroup

Ad CRAFTY rates - WEDNESDAYS Turriff & Huntly.qxp 03/12/2018 12:00 Page 1 Wed, 1.30pm - 3.30pm, The Royal Oak, Turriff. £2. Call Mary Martin on 01888 563954 or email marymartin1953@btinternet.com

Sample one-off advertising rates (colour advert)

Box Big box ¼ page ½ page Full page

£46 £74 £120 £209 £399

Discounts available for series bookings and for black and white

Publisher:

Winterburn Media Ltd Unit 15, Horizon Scotland, Enterprise Park, Forres, Moray, IV36 2AB (01309) 690063

All material within the SpotLight magazines is subject to formal copyright restrictions and therefore the reproduction of any listings, editorial, advertiser artwork or any other content, without the publisherʼs prior consent, will be considered a breach of copyright.

page 4 - April 2019

HUNTLY ASDITUDE Support, events & activities for Parents, Carers & Children affected by Autism, AD(H)D & other related conditions, in & around the Huntly area. 21 Main Street, Huntly. Call 07903 304384 or email at huntly_asditude@outlook.com. www.huntlyasditude.btck.co.uk HUNTLY BIKE SHED Tues, Wed, Thurs, 10am - 3pm, Clashmach Centre, Huntly, Bike service & repairs.

Call 01466 793732 HUNTLY BOWLING CLUB Visitors Welcome! Call 01466 792312 HUNTLY CHEST HEART & STROKE CLUB Tues, 9.30am - 11.45am, Huntly Health Centre. Call Isabel McGregor or Kathleen McPherson on 01466 792949 or 01466 794971 HUNTLY FILM CLUB 3rd Thurs of month, the ExServicemen’s Club, Gordon Street, Huntly. Free film screenings (check noticeboard for screenings) 7.30pm - 10pm Call 07825 518375

tel: 01309 690063

What’s on, Clubs, Eating out, Trades Listings and much more...

HUNTLY FOOTBALL CLUB Christie Park, Huntly. Call 07776 398837 or email at huntlyfc@highlandleague.com HUNTLY NETBALL CLUB Wed, 8pm - 9pm, the Gordon Schools Sports Hall. Email at huntlynetballclub@gmail.com NETWORKS OF WELLBEING Mon - Fri. The Clashmach Centre, Steven Road, Huntly.

Support for people with mental health issues. A variety of groups, social, recreational & work based including a horticultural project. Call Fiona Alderson (Services Manager) on 01466 793732 or email at fiona@networksofwellbeing.org PEER SUPPORT GROUP Mon, 10.30am - 12pm, The Clashmach Centre, Steven Road, Huntly. Call 01466 793732 SLIMMING WORLD TURRIFF Wed, 3.30pm, 5.30pm & 7.30pm & Thurs, 9.30am, Baden Powell Centre, Turriff. Be inspired with Slimming World! Lose weight & feel amazing, with our friendly group in Turriff. Call Lindsay Jackson on07815 995968 or at lindsay.marie.jackson07@ aberdeen.ac.uk www.slimmingworld.co.uk STITCHIN TIME Thurs, 1pm - 3.30pm, Linden Centre (basement). Drop in craft group. Call 01466 793732 TABLE TOP SALES 1st Sun of month (excl Turriff Show), 12.30pm - 4pm, The Royal Oak, Turriff in association with Butterfly Bargains 'Booter Babes.' Refreshments available at Scon & Yon Cafe. Tables £6.

Call Jackie on 07977 447416.

Facebook@booterbabes TURRIFF & DISTRICT ACCORDION CLUNB Encouraging the playing & appreciation of traditional Scottish music particulary accordion & fiddle playing. All welcome! Call Pat Steele on 01888 562486 or email at penelopefield@aol.com

TURRIFF & DISTRICT JUNIOR AGRICULTURAL CLUB A great way to make life long friends, gain experiences & make memories. Come along, give it a go & learn to live & party like a young farmer! Call Mark (Chairman) on 07502 588257 or email turriffjac@hotmail.com TURRIFF BABY, PARENT & TODDLER GROUP Tues & Thurs, 10am - 11.30am, the Turriff Baden Powell Centre.

Everyone welcome up to 5 years. Email at alieeestrath@hotmail.co.uk TURRIFF TENNIS CLUB Courts may be hired for games by members & non-members alike. The club runs competitive leagues & also tennis coaching sessions for children & adults.

Call 01888 563800 WEE TOOTS Mon, 9.30am - 11.30am & Wed, 1pm - 3pm (Babies & Toddlers), £1.50 & 50p for siblings; Tues & Thurs, 9.30am - 11.25am (Creche) & Wed & Fri, 9.30am 11.25am (Messy Play), £5.50 (incl snack), booking essential.

The Linden Centre, Huntly. Call Vicky Keith on 07766 144825 YTHANWELLS BOWLING CLUB Tues, 7pm - 10pm, Ythanwells Hall. Old & new members very welcome. Call M Urquhart on 01464 871366 YVONNE MILNE DANCE SCHOOL Boggieshalloch, Turriff Call 01888 563563 or 07711 526043. Email at yvonne.milne@btinternet.com

PLEASE NOTE: Details of Clubs & Societies are published on a rotational basis.

admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

A ‘Spring’ Poem Daisy Time

By Marjorie Pickthall

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Buttercups have honeyed hearts, Bees they love the clover, But I love the daisies' dance All the meadow over.

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May Issue Deadlines

Editorial - Thursday 28/03/19 04/03/2019 Advertising - Tuesday102/04/19

mccalls apr 19.pdf

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ŕ Ž ŕ Ž :HTL KH` KLSP]LY` H]HPSHISL ŕ Ž ŕ Ž We take all major credit cards

‘‘Â? ͡ Š‹”‡ ‘—–Ď?‹–• ƒÂ?† ™‡ ™‹ŽŽ ‰‹˜‡ ›‘— –Š‡ ‰”‘‘Â?• ‘—–Ď?‹– ȋ–Š‡ Í¸Â–ÂŠČŒ –‡”Â?• ĆŹ …‘Â?†‹–‹‘Â?• ƒ’’Ž›Ǥ Â?‘– ƒ˜ƒ‹Žƒ„Ž‡ ‹Â? …‘Â?Œ—Â?…–‹‘Â? ™‹–Š ƒÂ?› ‘–Š‡” ‘ˆˆ‡”Ǥ

͜͡ ‘—–Š –”‡‡–ǥ Ž‰‹Â? Ͳͳ;͜; ͜͡Ͳ͡͝Ͳ ™™™ǤÂ?……ƒŽŽ•Ǥ…‘Ǥ—Â?

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Pastoral Le er & Church Meetings I suppose looking back can be an occupational hazard of advancing years.The past can become much more attractive than the present.There is a real danger that we can romanticise the past and create a world that actually never existed. In one highly deprived community in which I worked, some looked back on the 1930s’ as a wonderful time. They forgot the grinding poverty and many children even went without shoes!!

When I get into my looking back mode, after over 40 years as an Episcopal(Anglican) priest, there’s one thing that’s quite clear to me ... GOD HAS AN ENORMOUS SENSE OF HUMOUR. In the New Testament one of Jesus’ first acts is to assemble a motley assortment of individuals who he calls to follow Him. It’s probable none of them would be on a headhunter’s leadership list today.

They were ordinary, sometimes dysfunctional, human beings. Yet they were his first choice and after his Ascension they displayed massive courage and extraordinary determination in sharing the good news of the gospel in a society that

What’s on, Clubs, Eating out, Trades Listings and much more...

makes today’s secularising environment seem pretty tame.

St Paul confirms God’s strategy when he writes ... God purposefully chose what the world considers nonsense in order to shame the wise and he chooses what the world considers weak in order to shame the powerful(1 Corinthians Ch1v27). His strategy is one with a twinkle in the eye! How often do things turn out as we would expect them to do?

When I was in my early days of ministry(reminiscing again!!) I knew I was due to be offered a parish of my own (well mine and God’s!!!). I spent a Saturday snooping around at churches which I knew had no minister. There was one in particular in the centre of Stockport, a vast classical building in a high rise area, which I came away from saying to myself … ’anywhere but there’. Four days later the Bishop rang “ I want you to go to St ‘X’’s”.. The “I want” offered no real choice. There began one of the most challenging, but stimulating times in my ministry.

I knew what I wanted but God had different ideas.When I was at college I

Gordon Presbytery Email gordoncoscotland.org.uk. www.presbyteryofgordon.org.uk All Saints Episcopal Church, Woodhead of Fyvie 2nd Sunday of the month: Holy Communion 10.15am (unless notified locally).

Rev Alastair MacDonald Tel: 01464 820477. Email macinsch@gmail.com. www.allsaintswoodhead.aodiocese.org.uk Auchterless Church Rev Stephen J Potts Tel: 01888 511058.

Christ Church, Provost Street, Huntly. Rev. Michael Last.

Sundays 10:30am Fyvie & Rothienorman Parish Church Sunday 11.30am. Teas & coffees from 11am. Interim Moderator: Rev Steve Potts Tel: 01888 511058. www.fyviechurch.org.uk Huntly Christian Fellowship, 10.30am at the Linden Centre, Tim Gordon-Roberts Tel: 01466 794539. Email admin@huntlychristianfellowship.com Huntly Parish Church Rev. Thomas Calder Tel: 01466 792630 Marnoch New Church, Aberchirder Tel: 01466 781143. Email amacgregor@churchofscotland.org.uk Mintlaw & Pitsligo Community Church Sunday 10.30am, St John’s Centre, High Street, New Pitsligo. 2pm Mintlaw Academy.

Refreshments after both services. www.mintlawchurch.co.uk Monquhitter & New Byth Tel: 01888 560304. Email jcook@churchofscotland.org.uk.

St Andrew’s Church, Turriff. Sunday 11.15am. Tel: 01888 560304.

Email jcook@churcchofscotland.org.uk

discovered that a call to be a minister or priest was hardly pre-planned ... and usually came as a complete surprise.

This truth is, not just about ministers and priests, but about all of us. God has a purpose for our lives. Often it will be discerned by the gifts and talents we have. One of the great things about humanity is that we’re all different. It’s not just our fingerprints or our DNA ... we’re completely unique. In all cases our talents need to be nurtured and developed, not buried or forgotten. We all matter and one of the crucial ways we can contribute to society is in ENCOURAGING OTHERS to develop and use their gifts. There’s no hierarchy of talents. They all are special. They will offer a clue as to how our lives may be best used. But be ready for a surprise. God’s sense of humour may be heading your way.

Richard Gillings, St Columba’s Grantown on Spey

St Congan’s Church, Turriff. First & second Sunday of month: Holy Communion, 10.30am; third Sunday of month: Morning Prayer/Family Service, 10.30am; fourth & fifth Sundays of month: Holy Communion, 10.30am. Mary Murray Tel: 01888 568800 or David Henson 01888 563202.

St Kanes Church, New Deer Sunday service 11.30am. Currently seeking new minister. Tel: 01771 644097. Email web@stkanes.org.uk St Margaret's Catholic Church, Huntly. Sunday Mass 9am St Marnan, Aberchirder. Rev Michael Last St Ninian’s & Forglen Church, Turriff. Rev Kevin Gruer Tel: 01888 563850 or email minister@stniniansandforglen.org.uk Strathbogie Drumblade, Huntly Tel: 01466 792702 St Peter’s Church, Fyvie - See Fyvie & Rothienorman Parish Church The Way: Home Church Network Sundays (fortnightly), 4pm 6pm, Tesco’s Community Room, Huntly. Pastor Rolf Karstaedt. Tel: 01466 794978 (Answering machine). www.theway-uk.org Turriff Baptist Church. Meetings vary time and venue.

Deacon Neil Mclean Tel: 01888 560241 If you are a member of a church not listed here or if there are any amendments to existing details, please email linda@winterburnmedia.co.uk

Call out to MP's and MSP's Are you an MP or MSP? If so, we invite you to present a regular “parliamentary blog" which will be printed in the monthly SpotLight.

We would like to include all Parliamentary Representatives.

Please phone: 01309 690063 or email: linda@winterburnmedia.co.uk to obtain more details call to Ministers.pdf

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Call out to Church Ministers Are you a church minister or leader of a local church?

If so, we invite you to present a regular pastoral letter which will be printed in SpotLight.

We aim to have a rota of at least six ministers meaning that the contribution would only be required twice a year.

Please phone: 01309 690063 or email: linda@winterburnmedia.co.uk to obtain more details

Bunnies are cuddly The large and the small but I like the chocolate ones the best of them all.

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28/02/2019

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What’s on, Clubs, Eating out, Trades Listings and much more...

Useful Information

Local & Bank Holidays and Special Days British Summertime Starts Sun 31st Mar 2019 Mothering Sunday Sun 31st Mar 2019 April Fool’s Day Mon 1st Apr 2019 Wed 3rd Apr 2019 Isra & Mir’aj (M) Palm Sunday Sun 14th Apr 2019 Baisakhi - New Year (S) Sun 14th Apr 2019 Maundy Thursday Thurs 18th Apr 2019 Good Friday Fri 19th Apr 2019

First Day Of Passover (J) Easter Sunday Easter Monday St George’s Day Anzac Day Last Day of Passover (J)

Fri 19th Apr 2019 Sun 21st Apr 2019 Mon 22nd Apr 2019 Tues 23rd Apr 2019 Thurs 25th Apr 2019 Sat 27th Apr 2019

(H - Hindu; J - Jewish; M - Muslim; S - Sikh)

School Term Dates for 2018/2019 (all dates inclusive) Spring Term Ends Fri 29th Mar 2019 Spring Holiday Starts Mon 1st Apr 2019 Spring Holiday Ends Fri 12th Apr 2019 Summer Term Starts Mon 15th Apr 2019 Good Friday Fri 19th Apr 2019 May Day Holiday Mon 6th May 2019 Mon 3rd Jun 2019 Occasional Day § Summer Term Ends Fri 5th Jul 2019

Summer Holiday Starts Mon 8th Jul 2019 for 2019/2020 (all dates inclusive) Summer Holiday Ends Fri 16th Aug 2019 In-Service Day Mon 19th Aug 2019 Autumn Term Starts Tues 20th Aug 2019 Autumn Term Ends Fri 11th Oct 2019 Autumn Holiday Starts Mon 14th Oct 2019 § - Turriff

Useful Contacts

Police . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 Aberdeenshire Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0345 608 1208 Aberdeenshire Libraries HQ . . . . . . . . . . . . 01467 532929 Child Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0800 11 11 Family Information Service Aberdeenshire Council (AFIS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0800 298 3330 Gordon Rural Action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01466 793676 Grampian Caredata . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01651 267392.

Grampian Women’s Aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01224 593381 Huntly Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01466 405950 Huntly Advice Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01466 793676 Huntly, Keith & Turriff Cats Protection. . . . . 01466 760311 Huntly Post Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01466 793448 Huntly Registrar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01466 793448 Huntly Social Work Services. . . . . . . . . . . . 03456 081206 Huntly Swimming Pool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01466 792397 Men in Recovery ............................info@meninrecovery.org National Domestic Abuse & Forced Marriage Helpline ..........................................................................0800 027 1234

National Rail Enquires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 08457 484950 Samaritans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116 123 Shelter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0808 800 4444 Turriff Citizens Advice Bureau. . . . . . . . . . . 01888 562495 Turriff Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01888 562539 Turriff Registrar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01888 562427 Turriff Swimming Pool & Sports Centre. . . . 01888 562528 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . & 01888 563800 Women’s Aid ..............................................0800 027 1234 page 10 - April 2019

tel: 01309 690063

SCHOOLS Auchterless Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01888 511221 Cairney Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01466 760202 Clatt Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01464 635140 Crudie Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01888 511221 Drumblade Primary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01466 740228 Easterfield Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01466 405970 Fisherford Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01464 841243 Fintry Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01888 551242 Forgue Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01466 730232 Fyvie Primary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01651 267400 Gartly Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01466 405980 Glass Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01466 700210 Gordon Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01479 872649 Insch Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01464 820252 Kennethmont Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01464 83122 King Edward Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01261 821254 Largue Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01464 871225 Monquhitter Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01888 544238 New Deer Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01771 644265 Premnay Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01464 820201 Rhynie Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01464 861257 The Gordon Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01466 792181 Turriff Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01888 563216 Turriff Primary School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01888 530855

Rotated on a regular basis. To add a contact or to amend existing details, email linda@winterburnmedia.co.uk

admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

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Every island has its own individual character and charm.

Irrespective of whether it’s a trip to the islands off the Clyde Coast, the Inner and Outer Hebrides, or Skye and the nearby Small Isles, all count amongst some of Scotland’s finest and most dramatic natural landscapes.

While you are on board While you are on board why not take advantage of our wide range of hot and cold snacks and meals - all prepared freshly on board and using locally sourced produce.

Don’t forget to buy a few souvenirs too in our onboard shops.

CalMac Adventures A selection of day trips and mini cruises.

Departing from Oban, Mallaig, Uig/Skye, and Ullapool as well as Wemyss Bay (for Bute) Kennacraig (for Islay) and Ardossan (for Kintyre and Arran) Take your pick from a short trip of a couple of hours, or a make a full day of it.

Further information Our website at www.calmac.co.uk offers a wealth of information about the routes and islands we serve – including detailed information on timetables, fares, day trips as well as updates on service status.

Thainstone Business Park,

Markethill Industrial Estate

INVERURIE, AB51 5GT T: 01467 621493 info@balgownieltd.co.uk

TURRIFF, AB53 5PJ www.balgownieltd.co.uk

T: 01888 530800 mharper@balgownieltd.co.uk

Horticultural & Garden Machinery Competitive Rates - Experienced Friendly Service Pick up & Delivery Service Available

SALES - SERVICE - SPARES - HIRE

SAVE UP TO £400 ON THE HONDA MOWER RANGE. ASK FOR DETAILS

* Ifor Williams Trailers * Full range available BOX VAN, GENERAL PURPOSE, TRANSPORTERS, FLATBEDS, TIPPERS, HORSEBOXES, LIVESTOCK, PLANT, CANOPIES, TILTBED & DOMESTIC

SpotLIGHTon FREE Listings, FREE to View, FREE to upload Promote your events in this section by going online at www.spotlighton.co.uk Register, key in details which will then automatically be printed in the magazine.

*May Issue Deadline: 28th March*.

Inclusion of events is free. We do not accept submissions for classes, courses or workshops.Contact venues & organisers first as there may be changes.

28 thursday swifts in the urban environment 7pm, ex rbs building, huntly square, huntly ab54 8ad. free of charge but donations welcome. a summer visitor. a master of the sky. uks fastest bird. endangered species. do you know a swift? come and find out! call cally smith on 07411 808573 or email at huntlyswiftgroup@gmail.com tin hut acoustic music sessions 8pm - 11pm, the tin hut, gartly community hall, huntly. opportunity for musicians to play in an informal setting. folk, blues & traditional music. call fraser wilson on 01466720247 or chas ford on 01466720234. or email at f.wilson@bosinternet.com

Rolling Events

29 friday

25 march - 12 may

30 saturday

insch farmers’ market 9am - 1pm, insch parish church hall

laurence stephen lowry's "canal & factories" 11am, duff house, banff

25 march - 30 october banff & moray members centre nts: photography competition. 3 age categories. entries online. call janice oakes on 01309 675224 or email at janiceoakes51@gmail.com

5 april - 26 april insch farmers' market (fridays) 9am - 1pm, insch parish church hall. all welcome

swede dreamz: aba tribute 7pm - 11pm, stewarts hall, gordon street, huntly. tables of 5 & 10 can be booked as well as single seats. call 01467 537753 or email at info@centeral.co.uk

30 saturday easter fair & coffee morning: fundraising event for cullen & deskford church 10am - noon, hall church, york place, cullen. ÂŁ3. call isobel addison on 01542 840610 or email at ianaddison43@hotmail.com www.cullen-deskford-church.org.uk

April 2019 March 2019 1 monday

26 tuesday

turriff & district community council 7pm - 9pm, turriff academy. all welcome

alzheimers scotland hae a news 2pm - 3.30pm, turriff library. come along for a cuppa & a blether

2 tuesday

27 wednesday bookbug rhymetime 10am - 10.30am, huntly library. free. song, rhyme & story session for babies, toddlers & pre-school children & their parents or carers. no need to book admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

turriff & district u3a: creative writing group 10.15am 11.45am, turriff library. for further details, please contact turriff library alzheimers scotland: hae a news 2pm - 3.30pm, turriff library. open group so come along for a cuppa & a blether

tel: 01309 690063

April 2019 - page 15

Green Travel Hub

With climate change at the forefront nowadays, coupled with the financial pressures of everyday life, the Green Travel Hub offers a greener, healthier and more cost effective mode of travel in Huntly, the surrounding area and beyond.

The Green Travel Hub is an important part of Huntly & District Development Trust. It is a one stop shop for all your active travel needs.

We have a car club with 2 brand new hybrid vehicles, available on a pay as you go rental scheme.

There are 10 E-Bikes ranging from hardy mountain bikes fit for tough, hilly terrain, to the more sleek touring bike built for use on roads. The bikes are to be situated in smart lockers around Huntly and can be accessed 24/7.

Furthermore, we are working to develop the path network in the area to

allow for a more scenic, enjoyable and safe cycle or walk.

Our community asset at Greenmyres consists of 63 acres of farmland to be developed for community use, as well as a wind turbine and a beautiful new path leading into Gartly Moor. There is still a bit of work to go, but the end goal is to be able to grab an e-bike in Huntly and cycle off road to Greenmyres, on to Insch and beyond for those looking for a longer adventure.

Join the revolution

Green Travel Hub According to Transportation Advisor Paul Barter, cars are parked 95% of the time. That’s a lot of money tied up 95% of the time in insurance, tax, MOTs, general maintenance, not to mention the cost of purchasing or leasing a vehicle, and depreciation.

By joining the Huntly Car Club for a one off fee of £25, you can avoid all that, have access to brand new Toyota Hybrid vehicles, and reduce our carbon footprint at the same time. Then all you do is book the cars online, by app or by telephone and pay an hourly rate between £5.50 and £6.25 per hour depending on the vehicle and 18p per mile travelled.

Your personal smart card will provide you access to the vehicle for your booked time slot and away you go.

If you’d like to find out more, please contact:

stuart.masson@huntly.net or 01466 799416

u3a turriff branch general meeting: cystic fibrosis; speaker - miranda lovey of the eve rose foundation 2pm, st. ninians & forglen church, turriff

11 thursday

3 wednesday - 12 friday

banff & moray members' centre (national trust scotland): spring lunch & agm; speaker -stuart brooke's, head of conservation & policy 12.30pm for 1pm - 3pm the mansefield hotel, elgin. £24. call janice oakes (vice chairman) on 01309 675224 or email janiceoakes51@gmail.com for further info fatsb goes to the pub!: traditional, contemporary, songs, stories, poems, tunes 7pm - 10.30pm, the seafield arms, chapel street, whitehills. free. all welcome. call 01261 861209 or email at info@seafieldarms.co.uk

heroes 7.30pm, bennachie centre, chapel of garioch £6. all welcome

12 friday

3 wednesday bushcraft skills at fyvie castle 10.30am - 12.30pm, fyvie castle. children £5 (booking essential). learn different fire lighting techniques & other skills that will be useful in the natural world. we will also make a hot drink so don't forget your snacks! call 01330 844810 or 01651 891266. www.nts.org.uk

4 thursday converstion cafe 9.30am - 12pm, maud resource centre, deer road, maud. come by for a free cuppa & a cake & a good blether! call 01771 613962 www.maudvillagetrust.org/resource

5 friday turriff & district u3a: current affairs 2.45pm - 4.15pm, turriff library. for further details, please contact turriff library

6 saturday barry kirwan & his band 7.30pm, the drouthy laird, victoria buildings, inverurie. £15 the murphys! 7.30pm, thainstone centre, inverurie £23.71. all welcome huntly farmers' market 9am - 1pm, the square, huntly. all welcome

7 sunday car boot sale: fundraiser for the longmore hall, keith 9am - 3pm, longmore hall, banff road, keith www.inkeith.com keith royal british legion tea dance with colin donaldson 2pm - 4.30pm, the royal british legion, balloch road, keith. www.inkeith.com

13 saturday banffshire field club: agm with a preview of the new field club website 2.15pm, st rufus church hall, turner street, keith. £3 members; £4 non-members visitors welcome. email at bfc.1880@gmail.com alecia kerr: the official tribute to pink 7pm 11.30pm£12.50 per seat, stewart's hall, gordon street, huntly. call 01467 537753 or email at info@centeral.co.uk the dolly parton experience deveronside community social club, duncan street, banff. for further details, please contact the venue at 01261 812769 a night in with nathan grisdale (x factor contestant) plus jack rose 6pm (m&g); 7pm - doors open; 7.30pm - 8., macbi community hub, newlands road, mintlaw. £15 (incl m&g); £10

14 sunday curtis & clementine presents spring vintage fair 10am - 4pm, banff castle, castle street, banff. free entry. for details, please call curtiss & clementine on 07905 792479 or email at curtiss.clementine@yahoo.co.uk

15 monday

9 tuesday little explorers’ holiday club: easter themed day. suitable for ages 2 - 6 years 10.30am - 12.15pm, holiday club, kynoch park, balloch road, keith. £6.50 per child, discount for siblings. booking essential. call 07772 206298. www.inkeith.com alzheimers' scotland: hae a news 2pm - 3.30pm, turriff library. open group so come along for a cuppa & a blether

10 wednesday bookbug rhymetime 10am - 10.30am, huntly library free. song, rhyme & storyies for babies, toddlers & pre-school children & their parents or carers cafe philosophique aberdeenshire: gender segregation in football; speaker - dr dan well 7pm, turriff library. £3 (booking essential). to reserve a place email converse@thephilosophycafe.org page 18 - April 2019

fyvie folk club 8pm, the vale hotel, fyvie. free. call 01651 891797. for further information please email mike@flobbets.freeserve.co.uk

tel: 01309 690063

nescol open day find out about nescol provision, including full-time, part-time, apprenticeships, distance learning & get a free lunch for further details, please visit the website, deveron community & sport centre. free. call 01261 455777 or email at deveron.centre@aberdeenshire.gov.uk www.nescol.ac.uk team turriff reading group 6.30pm - 7.30pm, turriff library. free. new members always welcome. for further details, please contact turriff library

16 tuesday turriff & district u3a: creative writing group 10.15am 11.45am, turriff library. for further details, please contact turriff library alzheimers scotland: hae a news 2pm - 3.30pm, turriff library. open group so come along for a cuppa admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

& a blether

17 wednesday - 18 thursday nescol open day find out about nescol provision, including full-time, part-time, apprenticeships, distance learning & get a free lunch for further details, please visit the website, deveron community & sport centre. free. call 01261 455777 or email at deveron.centre@aberdeenshire.gov.uk www.nescol.ac.uk

17 wednesday - 20 saturday the glaikit showman: student show 2019 various timings, his majesty's theatre, aberdeen. charity fundraiser for ne charities. all welcome

18 thursday unbelievable featuring smith & burns 7.30pm, aden country park, farm square, mintlaw. ÂŁ6. an evening of magic, wonder, fun & laughter. call 01261 833819. huntly film club 7.30pm - 10pm, ex-servicemen's club, huntly. free. email huntlyfilms@hotmail.com for details of the film conversation cafe 9.30am - 12pm, maud resource centre, deer road, maud. come by for a free cuppa & a cake & a good blether! call 01771 613962 www.maudvillagetrust.org/resource

19 friday - 21 sunday true originsGrampian scottishTransport gin festival 2019 fri:Half 5.30pm Editorial Page.pdf 12am: sat: 12pm - 5.30pm &, lochter activity centre, oldmeldrum. tickets from website. drink, eat, listen &

1

08/03/2019

09:49

NEW FOR 2019 Electric cars 1839 - 2039

Probing the Future A new exhibition at the Grampian Transport Museum Last year we told the stop - start story of the electric car from its origins in Aberdeen in 1839 to the present day with a sectioned Nissan Leaf EV. This proved to be topical and popular so for 2019 we are going a step further and probing the future!

Its clear now that the electric car will take over from oil burning cars within a much shorter time frame than first thought. Change is accelerating. In the same time frame we will see the introduction of driverless or autonomous cars. A couple of years ago these were firmly in the field of Sci Fi‌..now they are a reality. With help from key stakeholders in the ‘Mobility Revolution’ we have set out the likely time

frame for the adoption of Autonomous cars and who is leading on this, firstly with ‘Robo-Taxis’ by Uber and others in the big cities and eventually filtering out to rural areas.

The likely effects on car ownership and looming associated massive social change are outlined in an effort make our visitors aware that we are perhaps witnessing the start of the end of the motoring era. ‘Probing the Future’ will be refreshed every three months, such is the rate of change, to keep it absolutely accurate and topical. These are seriously interesting times for transportation; we are witnessing an historic technological disruption.

Open every day 10am to 5pm From 30th March to 27th October 2019 `mf'hk`'nd )*20. ./++2+ :e_hk]% :[^k]^^glabk^ :;,, 1:>

smell. live music. (18+ only) www.mfgfevents.ticketco.events

19 friday - 22 monday keith & dufftown railway: easter bunny challenge normal timetable, keith & dufftown railway, church road, keith. every child wins an easter egg. no need to book. see www.keith-dufftown-railway.co.uk for details cadbury easter egg hunt 11am - 4pm, fyvie castle £3 (trail sheet) plus property entry. follow bunny's clues & complete your adventure to win a delicious chocolatey prize. www.nts.cloudvenue.co.uk

20 saturday unspotted snow: musical based on the ill-fated 1845 sir john franklin expedition to discover the northwest passage from the atlantic to the pacific 7.30pm, bennachie centre, chapel of garioch. £6 active schools fun runz 2018/19: mintlaw; races for p1 - p3; p4 - p5 & p6 - p7 10am - 2pm, aden counry park, mintlaw. £3 per race. please book online. email at tracy.siwek@aberdeenshire.gov.uk. www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/request/active-schools

20 saturday - 21 sunday

route inspired by a local poem. it is a circle of beautiful & varied terrain - including woodland, farmland, hills, & the banks of the river deveron starting & finishing in huntly. call robyn wolsey on 01466 794494 or email info@deveron-projects.com www.deveron-projects.com

21 sunday spring round up 2019 1.30pm - 4.30pm, tranquility wild west town, drumblair, forgue ab54 6ee donations gratefully accepted. western round-ups horseshoe pitching, knife throwing, lassoing , target shooting, buffalo hunt etc. tours of the town & live music from brendan moir. gunfights (2pm & 3pm). raffle. email at tranquility_town@hotmail.co.uk

23 tuesday alzheimers' scotland: hae a news 2pm - 3.30pm, turriff library. open group so come along for a cuppa & a blether

23 wednesday bookbug rhymetime 10am - 10.30am, huntly library free. song, rhyme & stories for babies, toddlers & pre-school children & their parents or carers

deveron projects: slow marathon 2019 (42km) North East Boilers Apr 19.pdf 1 05/03/2019 tbc, the square, huntly. see website. following a

page 20 - April 2019

tel: 01309 690063

10:19

admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

SUPPORTING YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY FROM OUR INVERNESS AND HUNTLY DEPOTS

Home Heating Oil Marine Gas Oil Tractor Diesel Commercial Fuels Oil Storage Tanks Call us for a free quote on 0800 224224 www.highlandfuels.co.uk

25 thursday tin hut accoustic music session 8pm - 11pm, the tin hut, gartly community hall. opportunity for musicians to play in an informal setting. folk, blues & traditional music. call fraser wilson or chas ford on 01466 720247 or 01466 720234. email at f.wilson@bosinternet.com

26 friday betamax bandits: a night of the 80s 7pm - 11pm, stewart's hall, gordon street, huntly. fancy dress is optional but we will award a prize for the best outfit. call 01467 537753 or email at info@centeral.co.uk www.centeral.co.uk doorways in drumorty 7.30pm, new deer public hall, fordyce terrace, new deer. adults £10; conc £9 (the pharmacy & food for thought, new deer or at the door). based on the work of strichen, author lorna moon. booking advisable. call 01771 644217 or 01771 644366

27 saturday turriff & upper ythan walking group: coffee morning 10am - 12pm, turriff british legion. £2.50. all welcome. call irene dall on 01888 563043 or email at irened48@hotmail.co.uk doorways in drumorty 7.30 pm, alvah parish hall, alvah, banff. adults £10; conc £9;s u16 £6; family admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

£30. based on the work of strichen author, lorna moon. email at alvahandforglenarts@gmail.com. www.neatshows.org.uk/events the sorries 7.30pm, bennachie centre, chapel of garioch. £6. all welcome macduff market: fresh meats & vegetables, oils, homemade preserves 9am - 12pm, macduff fish market, the harbour, macduff. call 01261 832571

27 saturday - 28 sunday etape loch ness: 66 miles on traffic free roads, starting & finishing in inverness. general entry full but still places available by joining team macmillan 6.15am (start). registration on 27th 10am, loch ness, inverness. 18+. spectator info at www.etapelochness.com

29 monday huntly tea dance 2pm - 4pm, stewart's hall, gordon street, huntly. 1pm - 2pm (free dance lesson). all welcome. call 01466 793732

30 tuesday turriff & district u3a: creative writing group 10.15am 11.45am, turriff library. for further details, please contact turriff library

tel: 01309 690063

April 2019 - page 21

Adult Fiction

Cari Mora

Fantasy

The Priory of the Orange Tree

By Samantha Shannon A world divided. A queendom without an heir. An ancient enemy awakens. Queen Sabran the Ninth must conceive a daughter to protect her realm from destruction - but assassins are getting closer to her door. An epic high fantasy about a world on the brink of war with dragons - and the women who must lead the fight to save it.

By Thomas Harris Somewhere, buried beneath the Miami Beach waterfront, lies millions of dollars in cartel gold.

On its trail is the ruthless, twisted Hans-Peter Schneider. Standing in his way is a woman born to survive - Cari Mora.

Adult Non-Fiction

Mother

Adult Non-Fiction

By Sarah Knott

By Anna Pasternak

What was mothering like in the past? Drawing on a disparate collection of fascinating material - interrupted letters, hastily written diary entries, a line from a court record or a figure in a painting - Mother vividly brings to life the lost stories of ordinary women.

Untitled

Who was the real Wallis: an opportunistic American social climber, a master manipulator or the true love of Edward's life? Anna Pasternak seeks to understand an unusual, deeply misunderstood woman, and the untenable situation she became embroiled in. Using testimony from their inner circle of friends, she presents a very different Wallis Simpson. With empathy, intimacy and thorough research, this book will make readers view her story as it has never been told before.

Junior Non-Fiction

The Careers Handbook

Junior Fiction

Fing

By David Walliams Librarians Mr and Mrs Meek will do anything to keep their darling daughter, Myrtle Meek, happy. But it's not enough for Myrtle, who always wants more, more, more! When Myrtle declares that she wants a FING, there's only one problem...WHAT IS A FING? Mr and Mrs Meek's hilarious quest to find a Fing takes them from the forbidden vaults of the library, through the pages of a mysterious book called The Monsterpedia, and to the furthest corners of the jungle!

But will they ever find a Fing...?

By DK This practical careers handbook helps you get to grips with the job market packed with job inspiration and advice for career development. Answering all the difficult questions you don't want to ask careers advisers or recruiters The Careers Handbook is your ultimate guide for a successful job search and career development. Choose from 400 exciting careers and find out what qualifications you need, how much you could earn and how to get ahead in your chosen career!

The Lavender Martini

By Anastasia Mourgela, The 158 Club Lounge at Hutchesons City Grill, Glasgow, UK. "Garnished with a lavender flower, this is a really delicate twist on a Martini."

INGREDIENTS: 50ml Isle of Harris Gin 7.5ml Briottet Creme de Violette Liqueur 15ml Dolin Vermouth de Chambéry (Dry) Dried Lavender flowers

ME THODOLOGY: 1. Chill a Martini glass with crushed ice.

2. Pour the dry vermouth over the crushed ice.

3. In a chilled mixing glass, add 3 lavender flowers, Isle of Harris Gin and the Creme de Violette.

4. Add cubed ice to the mixing glass and stir with a bar spoon for precisely 45 seconds to achieve the desirable dilution.

5. Discard crushed ice and vermouth from the Martini glass.

6. Double strain contents of the mixing glass into the vermouth washed Martini glass.

7. Garnish with a dried lavender flower.

In the heart of the Merchant City, Hutchesons City Grill is set within the sumptuous reincarnation of one of Scotland’s most iconic Grade-A listed buildings. Its 158 Club Lounge is homage to old-school Glasgow glamour, serving spectacular shellfish alongside cocktails from their carefully curated bar.

"As the Isle of Harris Gin is a very smooth spirit which leaves a very subtle aftertaste, it is perfect to work with more delicate flavours such as lavender, which is a personal favourite. As the drink was created at Hutchesons, the home of the Parma Violet cocktail, adding Violette liqueur was a must. The dose allows for a perfect lavender colour to be achieved. Garnished with a lavender flower, this is a really delicate twist on a Martini. Not too wet, not too dry, and created in a way to simply compliment rather than overbear the flavour of the Isle of Harris Gin."

The Royal Fortification of Auldearn

by Highland Historian When you think of Royal Castles, you’d be excused for imagining anywhere but a quiet Highland village, particularly one that doesn’t have a castle, or even a ruin!

But don’t let the lack of visible evidence confuse you.

Auldearn was once a place of powerful authority. The township was developed around an earth and wood motte, but the origins of it are mysterious. The Highland Council’s Historic Environment Record dates it as c.561 (AD/CE) which was the period from which Pictish settlement begins to develop in Morayshire.

the 6th century, and the possibility that Auldearn was a western front for the Picts of the time, the current presumed Gaelic name ‘Allt Èireann’ (stream of the Irish) may signify that the Fort was the limit of the Scots-Gaels’ north-eastern advance.

when the army of Covenanters passed through before meeting Highland levies and doubling back to face the Royalist army in battle in 1645 and both the armies of Charles Edward Stuart and William Augustus of Hanover passed through in 1746.

The development of Pictish fortifications in the Moray area, which in later centuries led to the building of numerous castles locally, goes further to prove the tactical importance of Auldearn. Despite some historians claiming that the site is not strategically important, nothing could be further from the truth.

Some believe that a Norman developed the castle on the motte site during the reign of David I (1124-53), but the consensus is that Auldearn was re-fortified under William I (1165-1214) when revolt threatened Morayshire. It’s possible that the esplanade, now the Green on Doocot Road, would have been added then. In 1180, William I signed a charter at “Eren”, as it was known, confirming Inverness as a Royal Burgh.

Was Auldearn Castle actually a Pictish Fort? That would be difficult to prove, but stonework in the region is a strong indicator that Picts developing territory against Alt Clut, the Anglo Saxons and the Scots from the 4th-8th century are likely to have also developed fortified strongholds there. With higher sea levels, Auldearn may have been a coastal stronghold.

At the crossing point of the geographical Highland line, the south is protected by high moorland, difficult to cross with a fully laden army. To the north the sea would offer protection and tactical opportunity. For an attacking or defensive army, it would provide a well-supplied on-land route, east to west, due to natural harbours and agriculturally productive land.

There are many valid theories on the meaning of “Auldearn”.

But with the progression of Christian Scots-Gaels coming northwards from Dunadd from

This may have happened during the unknown battle that appears on the Pictish 7th/9th century Sueno’s Stone in Forres. This also happened

Despite having been partially destroyed by Donald McWilliam after 1180, in 1308 William, Earl of Ross submitted to Robert the Bruce at Auldearn. The Castle was held by the Dunbars of Cumnock from 1511 and the family developed Boath House (1830s) on the site of another older tower. The motte site became the Dunbars’ 17th century doocot.

I f y ou h a ve a t opic y o u ’d lik e to f in d o u t mor e about, or have l oc a l t ra d i tio n s a n d sto r ie s to s h a r e , pleas e e-m ail: a n d re w @ h ig h la n d h is to r ia n . c o m o r visit hi gh l a n d h i s t or ia n . c o m to b o o k y o u r b e spoke guided tour !

Surveyin g I have been a bird watcher all my days but developed a keen interest in raptors (birds of prey) about 20 years ago. I monitor several raptor species each year on a voluntary basis although I have also conducted bird surveys as a contract worker.

The Scottish golden eagle population currently stands at a little over 500 breeding pairs. Birds are usually counted in numbers of breeding pairs because it suits survey methods and results can be compared year on year. Birds are well-known indicators of the health of the environment.

They can reveal the effects of things like poisons and climate change.

Therefore monitoring birds is important for our own well-being.

Volunteers like me monitor a sample of golden eagle sites each year.

Methodology has been developed and made uniform across the board to estimate population size as well as breeding success and productivity and comprises four visits in the year.

F i rst v is it I start my golden eagle work any time after New Year. The eagles occupy their territories all year round so there is no need to wait for them to appear in spring. I visit about 4 territories, which I know hold a breeding pair.

The purpose of the first visit is to establish if the site is occupied by a pair of birds. For this job I need a good pair of binoculars, warm clothes and plenty of time. I am prepared to wait for six hours if necessary to see the pair (or not). I find somewhere to sit at the edge of the range near the bottom of the glen so that I have a good view of the sky where birds are easier to detect than against the

ground (although a background of snow is really helpful when it comes to spotting them).

sex soaring birds and make notes of what I observe. Adult birds will usually be brown all over whereas Loch Duich and five sisters

The reward of seeing a pair of golden eagles soaring above their territory is immense. Patience usually pays off but of course there are days which draw a complete blank. The weather can make it impossible to see anything at all and all that effort is wasted. On the other hand sometimes I am lucky enough to see the birds displaying, which involves a series of steep climbs followed by stoops. Usually the positive interaction, such as by circling together, is enough to confirm that they are a breeding pair. The pair will almost always have two or three alternative nest sites (not very far apart) to choose from and I try and position myself so that I can see at least the most frequently used eyrie. I might be able to predict which nest the pair are going to put to use by watching where they alight or, even better, I sometimes see sticks being carried to the nest.

juveniles and sub-adults will show a white base of the tail and patches on its wings. I can only sex birds with confidence when I see the pair together where the female will appear to be slightly larger than the male (regardless of age). I never guess the sex of a single bird.

With a telescope I try and age and

Jon Brain

This first visit is considered to be really important and the best time to see the pair. On 13 March 2018 I kept a watch on two different sites, one in Wester Ross and one in Easter Ross. I saw that incubation was already taking place at both locations and witnessed the ‘changeover’ where the male relieves the female of her duties while she leaves the nest for a while to stretch her wings and find something to eat.

Potentially half the breeding population will be laid low on the nest after the eggs are laid which makes it important to have made first visits by the beginning of March.

The Garden TOM ANGEL IS A GARDEN DESIGNER, LANDSCAPE

some well-rotted horse manure down on your beds too.

CONSULTANT AND

Grass and weeds have started growing already too, and once overnight temperatures are regularly over 6C, growth really starts in earnest.

So, mow your lawns if they need it, but do not go too short for the first cut. Realistically, it will probably a while before most of us need to get our mowers out in the highlands, even though a little growth has definitely already begun. Your beds, however, will definitely benefit from a light hoeing. Weeds that aren’t visible yet may well have started germinating underneath the soil and you can check their progress by hoeing or raking regularly from now on.

CHARTERED HORTICULTURIST BASED IN

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Across Speyside and beyond, people have been scratching their heads at the high temperatures that we received in February and March, and wondering what is going to become of the enthusiastic buds and shoots that have been appearing all over the place. As I write this, temperatures have started dipping, and are forecast to get colder again soon, but by any measure this has been an exceptionally mild winter. It is amazing what plants can put up with however, and even new young growth is often simply checked by a return to seasonal temperatures.

Once the temperatures are mild again, we have a lot of jobs to do in the garden. Buddleja, and varieties of Dogwood grown for their winter stems, need to be pruned hard. Hydrangeas can be deadheaded (but be careful not to take much other than the old flower off, as this year’s flower buds are not far below). Herbaceous perennials can be divided up to maintain their vigour, and supply you with some free new plants. Plants, such as Crocosmia, where last year’s leaves have been left lying in order to protect the crown can be cut back and tidied.

Your planters will appreciate a top-dressing of new compost, and you can start thinking about getting

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Summer bulbs can be planted, and now is also pruning time for shrub and climbing roses. Shrub roses should be pruned back hard, and it’s hard to go too far wrong, though the most common mistake is not pruning hard enough. If you are not sure whether your rose is a climber or rambler, the general rule is that ramblers flower once, around June, whereas climbers repeat flower well into the autumn. Cut back old flowering stems by a third, and tie new growth into whatever structure you’re growing the climbing rose on. Rambling roses are dealt with in the autumn.

Before spring gets going in earnest, it is a good idea to check and service all your tools and machines too. I find this time of year really exciting, and already my diary is filling up with an exciting array of jobs. Bring on the sunshine! To find out more about what I do, check my website at www.angelhort.com

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(BTUÐ (HH 5PÈJOH In the United Kingdom the tradition of rolling decorated eggs down grassy hills goes back hundreds of years and is known as "pace-egging", from the Old English Pasch meaning Pesach or Passover.

The eggs traditionally were wrapped in onion skins and boiled to give them a mottled gold appearance (although today they usually are painted) and the children competed to see who could roll their egg the farthest. There is an old Lancashire legend that says the broken egg shells should be crushed carefully afterward or, they would be stolen and used as boats by witches. The eggs were eaten on Easter Sunday or given out to pace-eggers –

easter HP 4 Apr 19.pdf

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11/03/2019

fantastically dressed characters who processed through the streets singing traditional pace-egging songs and collecting money as a tribute before performing traditional mumming plays. At the Wordsworth museum in Grasmere there is a collection of highly-decorated eggs made for the poet’s children.

In Scotland, pace-eggin is traditional from Shetland to the Borders although the day varied with location, pace-egg day variously the prior Saturday, Easter Sunday, or Easter Monday. Paiss-braes, hills, were used or other grassy slopes or areas such as seaside links. There is some variation in the spelling and pronunciation of the term pace, including also pash and peace.

13:27

(BTUÐ )BDUT (BTUÐ )BDUT

0. The tallest Easter egg chocolate was

made in Italy in 2011. It stood at 10.39 metres and weighed an astounding 7,200 kg.

1. The art of painting eggs is called

pysanka, which originated in Ukraine. It involves using wax and dyes to colour the egg.

2. The term Easter gets its name from Easter, the Anglo-Saxon goddess who symbolises the hare and the egg.

3. The exchange or giving of Easter eggs

actually dates back to before Easter and the giving of eggs is actually considered a symbol of rebirth in many cultures.

4. Cadbury Creme Egg, produce more than 1.5 million egg delights a year.

Orienteering the family friendly sport We are lucky in this part of the world to have some of the finest orienteering terrain you could hope for. Coastal forests like Culbin and Roseisle have wonderful wide tracks but are also packed with little hidden pockets of beauty. Finding these hidden wonders is just one of the joys of orienteering and the best thing is, you can keep your map to go back and enjoy it another time too.

But back to the family aspect of orienteering. At Moravian Orienteering Club, our membership is predominantly families. We have children who started out toddling around white course (the very easiest courses) now zooming around courses that challenge adults with considerably more experience. We also have adults who were dragged along by their children, acting merely as a taxi service originally, but now compete all over Scotland. It truly is a sport that everyone can enjoy, regardless of your age or current fitness level.

What it most curious about this sport though is the bragging rights. At any event you very rarely hear talk of fastest legs or personal bests. No, it’s the epic failures that orienteers like to discuss most. The longer it takes you to find a control, the bigger your bragging rights. If you’ve been wandering around in circles for 30 minutes, almost lost your shoe in a marsh, fell in the mud, realised you were holding your map the wrong way around but persevered until you found the finish, then you’re an orienteering hero. It’s humorous tales of woe you hear shared most often, and we’re very proud of the fact that we like to get value for money from our entry fees! The longer we’re out the better.

So if you’d like to enjoy some beautiful local forests, meet some lovely families and have a good sense of humour, you’d be very welcome at an orienteering event. Just bring your sense of humour (and a flask of tea and a slab of cake for when you finish).

The next Moravian Orienteering event: Saturday, 27th April at Millbuies while Inverness Orienteering Club can be found at Belivat on Sunday 7th April.

More details at www.moravianorienteering.org/ and www.invoc.org.uk.

Want to get involved? Search online for other orienteering events near you!

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Live your Best Life…

Welcome to the Fashion page, where I share my top clothing style tips with you all.

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Step i nto S p r i n g…

As we Step into Spring it can be a challenge to find transitional pieces that are lighter yet will still bridge the gap between our ever changing weather! I always advise that the one wardrobe staple you need is a lightweight Trench/Mac coat. You can always layer it up (wearing a gilet under or over is very on-trend at the moment!) but it will give you the structure you need for a more polished look. Very often the first thing people

will see is is the last thing you’ve put on and so as a rule “outerwear should never be an afterthought”. Choosing a statement coat can give you that much needed armour to walk into a room (and keep you stylishly warm of course) to create that important chance to make the right impression. Since they are one of the most hard working pieces in your wardrobe, it’s always best if you LOVE the one you buy.

On the subject of wardrobe staples below are my top ten of what you should have in your wardrobe – just adapt to fit round your lifestyle and personal taste.

Women:

Men:

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•

• • • • • • • • •

Tren ch / M a c Co at e it he r in Ca m el or stateme nt co lour.

B l azer that you ca n mix a n d m atc h wit h .

St atem ent Neck la ce.

A S car f A C l utc h Sm ar t Tro users/ Jea n s A Dress t hat ca n be dre ssed u p o r d own Train ers o r Flat shoes t h at a re d ressy yet co mfor table B as ic to ps/tees to layer u n d er b la zers etc.

Dress y top to we a r wit h t ro u sers/ j ea n s

• • • • • • • • •

O n e O ve r Co at/J a c k e t yo u c a n we a r d ress e d u p o r d ow n O n e S ma r t/Ca s u a l bl a ze r S m a r t ( pr i nte d ) s h i r t S ma r t Te e s S m a r t J e a n s i n a D a r k wa s h Dres s s h o e s S ma r t / Ca s u a l s h o e s O n e N e u tra l ti e Dres s Tro u s e r s State m e nt watc h

E: a m a n d a @de fi ne s t y l e co ns ul t anc y. co. uk W: w w w.d e fi ne s t y l e co ns ul t anc y. co. uk T: 07749 45 6 2 4 3

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