School reunion

from Lochaber Life #349 November 2022

Football legends raffl e

50 years of high school memories

Iain Ferguson It is often said ‘schooldays are the best days of your lives’. Some may disagree, but amongst former Lochaber High School pupils who started in S1 52 years ago, most were in agreement.

The ‘girls and boys’ had intended meeting up on the 50th anniversary but, as with many events, this was postponed as a result of covid. Two years older, they decided to meet up and re-live old school memories.

A reunion and dance to music of the era attracted a full hall at the Railway Club in Inverlochy, with many travelling from across the country.

International visitors were still a bit restricted in number due to regulations in other parts of the world.

Other than meeting old friends and dancing the night away, photographs were on display showing school events, sporting and theatrical performances from yesteryear, complete with beautifully made costumes and scenery around the young performers. In those days, almost every show was a Gilbert and Sullivan operetta, a tradition long gone in most places.

One of the organisers, Margaret Horner, said: ‘What a great laugh to see pictures of our younger selves, sometimes with amazing hair. It was also great to see so many well-known faces again. We are glad we managed to re-organise it as we were disappointed we had to cancel before, but we had no choice.’

ORR – ELIZABETH 1947 – 2022 (Corpach) Peacefully, in the care of the Belford Hospital, Fort William, on Monday 29th August 2022, after a short battle with cancer, Elizabeth Orr, known to all as Betty, aged 75 years, Hillview Drive, Corpach, Fort William. A loving wife to the late James, a loving mum to Kevin and Sharon, a much-loved granny, relative, neighbour and a good friend to many. Sadly missed.

CAMPBELL – JAMES 1941 – 2022 (Corpach) Sadly, but peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones, on 26th August 2022, James Campbell (Jimmy), aged 80 years, Drumfada Terrace, Corpach, Fort William. A loving dad to Caroline, a wonderful grandfather to his grandchildren, a caring relative, neighbour and a good friend to many. Sadly missed. MARSHALL – NORMA 1932 – 2022 (Fort William) Sadly, but peacefully, in the care of the Belford Hospital, Fort William, after a long illness, on Wednesday 7th September 2022, Norma Marshall, aged 90 years, Victoria Court, Fort William, retired School Teacher at Lochaber High School. A loving wife to the late John, a much-loved mum to Iain and Anne and mother-in-law to Margaret and Graeme, a wonderful nana to Peter and Ross and a caring auntie, neighbour and friend. Rest In Peace.

DUCKWORTH – DAVID 1934 – 2022 (Caol) Peacefully, in the care of Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, on 8th September 2022, David Kayley Duckworth, aged 87 years, formerly of Kennedy Court, Caol, latterly of The Telford Centre, Fort Augustus. A loving husband to the late Marjorie, dad to Linda and the late Susan, and grandfather to Wayne, Philip, Penny, Jordan, Elizabeth and Oscar, a caring neighbour and friend. Rest In Peace.

GARDINER – MICHAEL 1931 – 2022 (Fort William) Peacefully, in the loving care of Abbeyfield Nursing Home, Ballachulish, on Friday 9th September 2022, after a long illness, Michael George Tyler Gardiner, aged 91 years. A loving husband to Margaret, father to Karin, William and families. Sadly missed. WALTON - JOYCE 1925 – 2022 (Kinlochleven) The family announces the death of Joyce Doreen Walton, aged 96 years, on Sunday 28th August 2022, in the Belford Hospital, Fort William. It was a peaceful passing and the family thank the staff of the Belford for their care and loving attention. Rest In Peace.

WILSON – JOAN 1944 – 2022 (Whitebridge, formerly Fort William) Suddenly but peacefully, in the care of Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, on Saturday 10th September 2022, Joan Wilson, aged 76 years, Whitebridge, Easter Drummond, formerly of Roaring Mill, Glen Nevis, Fort William. A loving wife to Willie, a much-loved mum to Sheila and Billy, a wonderful granny to Rachael, Michael, Alice Ann, John, Holly, Eva and Leo, a caring sister to Edith and a good friend to many. Greatly missed. MACKIN – ALEX 1931 – 2022 (Inverlochy) Peacefully, in the care of the Belford Hospital, Fort William, on Wednesday 14th September 2022, Alexander William Mackin (Alex), aged 91 years, Locheil Road, Inverlochy, Fort William, former Community Councillor for Caol and Inverlochy spanning 20 years. A loving dad to Frances, Teresa and Sandra, a wonderful grandfather to Ann-Marie, Michael, Mark, Sheree, Michaela, Melissa, Darren and Lewis and a proud great grandfather to his 10 great grandchildren, a much-loved relative and a good friend to many. RIP.

FRASER – NORMAN 1946 – 2022 (Claggan) Sadly, but peacefully, in the loving care of Moss Park Care Home, on Sunday 18th September 2022, Norman Fraser (Norrie), aged 76 years, Polmona, Claggan, Fort William, former bricklayer and thereafter with BSW Kilmallie until retirement. A loving husband to Maureen for over 50 years, a much-loved relative and a good friend to many. Greatly missed. DAVIS – BRIAN 1940 – 2022 (Ballachulish) Peacefully in his sleep, on Monday 19th September 2022, Brian Davis, aged 82 years, Inverwallace, Albert Road, Ballachulish. A loving husband to Margaret, a treasured dad to Sheri and the late Gavin and father-in-law to Martin, a wonderful papa to Tyler, a much-loved brother, brother-in-law, uncle and a good friend to many. Sadly missed.

MANSON & MACBEATH FUNERAL DIRECTORS

10 Ba� lefi eld Crescent, Inverlochy, Fort William PH33 6NB Tel (24 Hour): 01397 701110 www.mansonandmacbeath.co.uk

MACIVOR – DONNA 1967 – 2022 (Fort William) Sadly, but peacefully, in the care of the Belford Hospital, Fort William, on Wednesday 21st September 2022, Donna Douglas MacIvor, known to many as ‘Maha’, aged 54 years, Alma Road, Fort William, former long serving cook with Nevisport (Cobbs), High Street, Fort William. A loving sister to Patty, Ian, Isabel and the late Richard and Jimmy, a much-loved auntie to Gillian, Lyndsay and Frankie, a caring relative, neighbour and a special friend to many. RIP.

ROBERTSON – ROSEMARY 1954 – 2022 (Torlundy) Sadly, but peacefully, after a short illness, at the Belford Hospital, Fort William, with her loved ones by her side, on Friday 23rd September 2022, Rosemary Adam Robertson, aged 68 years, Torlundy, Fort William. A loving wife to Iain, a much-loved mother to Robert, a caring relative and a good friend to many. So greatly missed. MITCHELL – JAMES 1922 – 2022 (Ballachulish) Sadly, but peacefully, after a short illness, in the loving care of the Ballachulish Abbeyfield Care Home, on Friday 23rd September 2022, James Robert Campbell Mitchell, aged 99 years, formerly of Cleigh, Oban and Leys Drive, Inverness, former RAF Airman, Motor Mechanic, Chauffeur and latterly Estate Worker. A loving uncle to the late Kath Johnston, uncle-in-law to Ken and much-loved neighbour and a friend to many. Greatly missed.

MORRISON – ROSEMARY (MO) 1951 – 2022 (Lochyside) Suddenly but peacefully, in the care of the Belford Hospital, Fort William, on Friday 23rd September 2022, Rosemary Ann Morrison, known to all as Mo, aged 71 years, Mossfield Drive, Lochyside, Fort William, former manager of the Argyll Bar (Crofter Bar). A loving partner to Malcolm, a caring sister to Marion and Robert, a much-loved auntie, great auntie and a good friend to many. Greatly missed.

BRINDLEY - MARION 1937 – 2022 (Fort William) Sadly, but peacefully surrounded by love in Invernevis House, on Wednesday 21st September 2022, Marion Brindley, aged 84 years, formerly Montrose Square, Inverlochy. A loving daughter to the late Arthur and Jessie, muchloved sister to the late Tommy and sister-in-law to Theresa a devoted aunt to Carolanne, Stephen, Theresa Marie and a much-loved great-aunt. Sadly missed.

MACPHAIL – JOHN 1954 – 2022 (Caol) Peacefully, in the loving care of Meallmore Care Home, Daviot, Inverness, on Thursday 29th September 2022, John Malcolm MacPhail (John Boy), aged 68 years, well known local folk singer throughout Lochaber. A loving dad to Eilidh and Calum, a much-loved brother to Catherine, Hughie, Kathleen (Baba) and Andrew, a caring uncle, relative and a good friend to many. Sadly missed. MACDOUGALL – ROBERT 1952 – 2022 (Kinlochleven) Suddenly and unexpectedly, on Monday 26th September 2022, Robert MacDougall (Bob), known to many as Poodle, aged 69 years, Morrison Crescent, Kinlochleven, former Gardener with British Alcan and Road Sweeper with Highland Council. A loving brother to the late Colin, a muchloved brother-in-law to Lesley, a loving uncle to David, Donny, Holly and Kimberley and a great uncle to Cheyenne, Ori, Phoenix, Thorin and Keanu, a caring neighbour and friend. RIP.

DALE – JUNE 1936 – 2022 (Acharacle) Sadly, but peacefully, in the care of the Belford Hospital, Fort William, on Thursday 29th September 2022, June Rosemary Dale (née Watson), aged 86 years, Dalnabreac, Acharacle, former Police Officer in Middleborough. A devoted wife to Peter, a treasured mum to Andrew and Paula and mother-in-law to Pamela and Ewan, a wonderful nana to Nicola and Eilidh, a much-loved relative, neighbour and a good friend to many. So greatly missed.

CAMPBELL – JANET 1933 – 2022 (Fort William, formerly Wishaw) Sadly, in the loving care of Invernevis House, Fort William, on Monday 3rd October 2022, Janet Campbell, aged 89 years, formerly of Wishaw and latterly of Kennedy Court, Caol. A loving mum to Jim and mother-in-law to Carole, a muchloved relative and a caring resident and friend at Invernevis House. Rest In Peace. MCKENNA – PATRICK (ERIC) 1943 – 2022 (Fort William, formerly Glenfinnan) Peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, on Saturday 24th September 2022, Patrick Eric McKenna, known to all as Eric, aged 79 years, MacBrayne Apartments, Fort William (formerly of Glenfinnan). A loving and much-loved husband to Maureen, a loving brother and uncle, neighbour and friend. Rest In Peace.

MANSON & MACBEATH FUNERAL DIRECTORS

10 Ba� lefi eld Crescent, Inverlochy, Fort William PH33 6NB Tel (24 Hour): 01397 701110 www.mansonandmacbeath.co.uk

LOCHABER ROTARY ANNUAL CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 26 THE NEVIS CENTRE, CAMERON SQUARE, FORT WILLIAM

After two years of enforced cancellations, Lochaber’s biggest annual Christmas Festival will be back at the Nevis Centre on November 26. With more than 70 craft and food stalls, the event will open its doors at 9.30am to showcase and celebrate Lochaber’s best arts, crafts, music, food and drink.

Meanwhile, events at Cameron Square kick off at 10.30am with Santa and his Cairngorm reindeer - kindly funded by Ferguson Transport & Shipping - arriving at their pen to meet children for lasting memories and photograph opportunities. Then, around 11.15am, led by junior cheerleaders the Ben Nevis All Stars and Lochaber Pipe Band, Santa and his sleigh with his Little Elves, pulled by the Cairngorm reindeer, will make their way along High Street, over the Parade Green, arriving at the Nevis Centre just before midday.

Santa and his Little Elves will then make their way through the stalls to his Grotto which opens at midday. The reindeer will have a well-earned rest in their pen just outside the Nevis Centre – offering more photograph opportunities.

Once again, the festival will offer live music, Santa’s Grotto, a bouncy castle and a range of quality products, most of which come from Lochaber crafters. The Nevis Centre Café will also be open.

Rotary president Simon Hardiman said: ‘This is the perfect indoor marketplace for crafters and foodies and the best in children’s entertainment.’

Mindful of the spin-off benefits to the town and Lochaber, Simon added: ‘After two years of lockdown, Lochaber Rotary is delighted to welcome you to our annual festival – an exciting event for the whole family.

‘This year will see an even bigger range of unique stalls laden with local crafts, gifts and food products. We hope to see you there.’

FORT WILLIAM WAR MEMORIAL HONOURED IN NATIONAL AWARDS

Iain Ferguson Being the month when many people will gather at memorials across the country to honour the fallen and remember those who have lost their lives and continue to lose their lives as a result of war, it seems appropriate Fort William War Memorial has received an honour.

As the focal point of Remembrance Sunday ceremonies in the town, the memorial and its surroundings have been awarded the Scottish Best Kept Small War Memorial without gardens. The award was given after a judging panel appointed by Legion Scotland visited earlier in the year.

Local Legion branch volunteers, with help from Fort William Town Team and The Highland Council with plants from Garden Stop, spent time cleaning, tidying, painting, laying out and planting in the immediate area around the memorial, not just for the judges, but for the benefit of everyone who visits.

A few members of the local branch made their way to the new Earl Haig Poppy Factory in Edinburgh where the awards were presented by Right Honourable Robert Aldridge, Lord Provost of Edinburgh, and David Paton, national vice chairman of Legion Scotland.

In Fort William, the stone statue of a soldier on a pedestal, outside Duncansburgh Kilmallie Parish Church, was dedicated 100 years ago. It commemorates local men who died in the first and second world wars, as well as other 20th century conflicts. Hundreds of entries were received from memorials of all shapes and sizes in the nationwide competition, so to receive such a major award is quite an accolade.

A total of four Highland me-

morials won awards, with Nairn named ‘Champion of Champions’. Dingwall won the award for Best Large Community Memorial without Gardens, while Rogart Memorial, in Sutherland, was the Best New Entry.

Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said: ‘War memorials provide an important place for reflection and the continued interest in the ‘Best Kept War Memorial in Scotland’ competition underlines the importance of remembering those of our fellow citizens, alongside those from elsewhere, who made the ultimate sacrifice in serving our country.

‘It is truly impressive that, against the backdrop of the long period of Covid mitigations, the competition this year was as passionate and of such a high standard as always. As the Capital’s Veteran Champion, and on behalf of the citizens of Edinburgh, I thank everyone who took the time to enter during these difficult times and to those who organised the competition.’

The competition was established in 1982 following concerns many Scottish war memorials had fallen into a poor state. Horticulturalist Bill Tait, who worked on Scotland in Bloom as well as at Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Garden, set up the contest to encourage groups to improve the condition and appearance of memorials.

Mr Tait, who now leads the judging panel, said: ‘War memorials are an important part of Scottish communities, commemorating the sacrifices made by local people from the First World War to more recent conflicts. Thanks to the efforts of volunteers, councils and Legion Scotland members, we’ve seen many improve over the years, with some that were in the poorest condition now regular winners.

‘The competition is always popular and this year saw an exceptionally high standard of entries. It’s inspiring to travel round Scotland and see the pride communities take in looking after their memorial and ensuring it looks its best. ‘We look for well-maintained stonework or metalwork and lettering that is clear and legible. Pathways and seating need to be safe and accessible, while gardens should in excellent condition with well-kept lawns and flowerbeds.’ Jeannette Lane, Fort William and District branch secretary, said: ‘This is our first national award, so we’re over the moon about it. ‘Fort William’s War Memorial is important to our community because it is a part of their history and culture. We feel it is our duty to maintain the war memorial and we do it with pride to honour our fallen heroes.’

COUNTDOWN TO MALLAIG

Iain Ferguson ‘Halo, agus Failte gu Cunnt Sios, Toisichidh sinne.’ Not the usual opening line to a popular quiz show, watched by millions on Channel 4, but Mallaig Gaelic Medium teacher Dawn MacPhie couldn’t resist the off er to open the show with Gaeldom’s equivalent of ‘Hello and welcome to Countdown. Let’s begin’.

Dawn travelled to Manchester during the school holidays to record the show, but was sworn to secrecy about the outcome until after it was broadcast on September 20.

A long-term fan of the show, answering all the questions from her couch, she decided to have a go herself and was delighted to be accepted to fi nd out how she would do, live in the studio under the watchful eye of host Colin Murray.

On the day itself, she found herself pitched against fellow Scot Alan Young from Paisley, the reigning champion, now taking his seat with four wins in a row.

For those not in the know, each of the daily half-hour programmes are recorded in a block on the same day, competitors and presenters taking a change of clothes for each diff erent edition.

In the fi rst task of composing as big as word as possible from nine randomly chosen letters, Dawn and her opponent scored the maximum points, much to the surprise of the host who said they must have made history by both using all the letters in the fi rst round. Dawn took the most points for the second word, followed by another good score for the number challenge in which a series of numbers have to be added, subtracted, multiplied or divided to get as close as possible to the randomly chosen total.

Dawn kept ahead of her competitor for much of the show, but lost ground when one of her words was not allowed. She submitted the word ‘crawlies’ from her letters, as in ‘creepy-crawlies’, but on reference to the Oxford English Dictionary, it could not be found as a stand-alone word so was discounted.

She ended with a score of 82 against 117. Dawn said: ‘Unfortunately I didn’t win and even Colin said my score would normally have have been a winner, but I was unlucky to be up against one of the strongest competitors they have ever had, winning his fi fth show in a row.

‘When I was leaving and asked for a photograph to show the children at school, Rachel Riley asked how to spell the place I was from, looked out the letters and put them up on the board for me. That was a really nice gesture.’

There was brief time away from lessons for pupils as they watched the programme with their teacher in class to show what she had been up to, with Dawn challenging some of the older ones to play along and see if they could beat her score - which they had fun doing, but didn’t manage to better.

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