Sponsored by Rothes Fire Station Issue No 55

THE ROTHESIAN

Sept 2011 Sponsored by Rothes Fire Station Issue No 55

Rothes Fire Station has recently celebrated its centenary of 100 years of fire fighting in Rothes. Back in 1911 on the 15th of April, a motion from Provost Ross was seconded by Mr Anderson. The Rothes Town Council had resolved that a Fire Brigade would be formed.

Grampian Fire Brigade changed its name to Grampian Fire and Rescue in 2005 when the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 came in to force. At present Rothes Fire Station have a total of 6 personnel of which there is a Watch Manager, Andy Cameron; Two Crew Managers Rob Nicol and Willie Sheed and three Fire Fighters Guy Innes, Kevin Ness and John Bond. Personnel With this Mr Robb the Burgh Surveyor was levels at Rothes are suffering shortages at present. appointed Firemaster. It was agreed to form a A full complement of personnel at the station brigade by enrolling nine men in addition to the should be 10; as such we have 4 places available three Burgh employees. A payment of 2s 6d for new recruits at this present time. (£9.44) to each man specifically employed for quarterly practice and 4s 6d (£17.00) for the first Becoming a retained fire fighter in Rothes would hour of a fire call and then 2s 6d (£9.44) for each give you the opportunity to learn new skills, succeeding hour thereafter. (Money in brackets contributing to the local community and working has been converted to present day value. ) in a close knit team. Anyone over the age of 18, The personnel at the fire station celebrated the with a reasonable level of fitness, is welcome. centenary with an open day on the 14th of Retained fire fighters must be able to respond to August. On show was a Vintage Rolls Royce the Fire Station within five to seven minutes of powered fire engine with some other attractions. being alerted by pager. In 1941 the National Fire Service was founded of It's impossible to predict the amount of incidents which there were 11 regions. Over the next 60 that the station will attend each year; however years the service changed three times. Rothes attended 53 incidents during 2010/11. Of these, only 10 occurred between 8am and 5pm all 1941-1948 National Fire Service being resolved within 90 minutes of alert. Full 1948-1975 North Eastern Fire Brigade training is given as well as an annual retaining 1975-2005 Grampian Fire Brigade fee, weekly training nights are on a Thursday, firefighters also receive a number of additional benefits.

You may contact The Rothesian by e-mail, using the following address: [email protected] Rothes BALL Group The Group ended their session with a Midsummer Day visit to Turriff where although really dull, it stayed mostly dry for the day, followed by a ‘last day’ picnic at the hall, which was a great success. One of the activities was a competition based on our ‘baby’ photos which was won by Lily McGregor. We started back a week earlier than anticipated because we were ‘on duty’ at the Flower Show doing the teas, but are now into the session with a full programme of events up to Christmas organised, with talks on telecare, Wiltshire Farm Foods as well as var- ied craft activities like fabric painting, painting, glass painting, beads and card making and decorations organised, as well as Tai chi, circle dancing and a ‘sing- along’. We are also intending to visit Johnsons Mill in th Anyone wishing further information, including Elgin after our fund raising coffee morning on 15 October in the Kirk Hall, where we are hoping for as businesses willing to release staff, can contact good support as our ‘afternoon tea’ last year. Watch Manager Cameron at Rothes Fire Station on a Thursday evening from 7pm or on 07771 872285. Speyside Strength and Balance Group The experimental class has now evolved into a group, Find Enclosed in your Rothesian. A "Don't fry meeting on Friday mornings in the Kirk Hall at and die" Home Fire Safety message from 10.00am. This locally based class for all in Speyside Grampian Fire and Rescue. There are also details area, is a ‘gentle exercise’ session where you can do on it about "Free Home Fire Safety Visits" all the exercises sitting down if you wish, but you al- If you would like one please call 01224788758 or ways have a chair for support if you feel you need it. Text GRAMPIAN to 61611 or Email Led by physiotherapist Louise McLennan, it is de- [email protected] signed to improve your health and balance through exercises you can easily do at home too and to help prevent falls which can be so devastating. New members of the group are very welcome so why not come along and give it a try? Kirk Hall 10.00 to 11.30am, the class is £3.00 per week which includes a cuppa and a blether afterwards.

Walk Moray This group is growing as more folk realise that the walks are well within their capabilities. We have been fortunate to have sometimes gone farther afield for our walks, like on the bus to Aberlour for Alice Littler Park with cuppa at the tea rooms, Knockando Kirk one Wednesday for wee walk and ‘heavenly pieces’ as well as a return visit to the Biblical Gardens in Elgin. We meet weekly outside the PO/old library at 10,00am, go for walk, at a pace to suit everyone, then to ‘Drop on Bye’ for a cuppa. You will be made very welcome. The group ‘officially’ opened the new bridge in mid- June. Thanks to Peter Taylor for ‘snapping us’.

2 This issue sponsored by Rothes Fire Station

We have started the term by welcoming new girls Melissa, Aimee and Eilidh. We have been working on collage pictures of Olivia (our mascot) for the Flower Show and have finished our last Round The coffee morning we had in June was a fantastic About Badge. The girls have picked a new project success. We would like to thank the Rothes communi- towards our next badge, which is making a Swan ty for continuing to support us and all of our helpers paper chain! on the day. If you have a daughter aged between 5 and 7 years We would also like to take this opportunity to thank old and would like to join us please contact Bev the Edrington Group who very kindly donated £600 (831137) or Claire (831147) for more details. to Rothes Baby & Toddler Group. The money will di- rectly benefit all the children who attend the group as we plan on spending it on upgrading and replacing the toys. The group is continuing to grow with families and childminders attending not only from Rothes but the wider community of Dufftown, Craigellachie and Aberlour. We continue to meet on a Friday morning 9.15am – 11.15am during term time. During the school holidays we meet from 10am – 12noon in the Grant Hall. If anybody would like any further information about the This term we have been joined by new girls Cody and Faith and have said goodbye to Charlotte and Tamara and wish them all the best in the future. The girls have been working on decorating jam jars for their entries for the Flower Show. We have also decided to work on our Artist badge together but the girls are being encouraged to earn badges they are interested in on their own too. As you can see we have a busy term ahead of us! If you have a daughter aged between 7 and 10 years old and would like to join us please contact Bev (831137) or Claire (831147) for more details. We would like to thank all parents for their continuing support.

Bev, Claire, Natasha and Lauren.

group please don’t hesitate to contact Angela Hay Tel: 831131 SENIOR CITIZENS

The new session of the Senior Citizens starts on Wednesday 5th October, from 2.30pm to 4.15pm. Old and new members are welcome. Hope you all had a nice break although the weather was not too kind to us. Please remember to take your own cup. Jean Allan

This issue sponsored by Rothes Fire Station 3 NEWS FROM THE LIBRARY! SPEYSIDE LEG CLUB

Well, CONGRATULATIONS everyone who joined in Speyside Leg Club raised over £700 at their recent with the fun and activities of the summer book chal- Coffee Morning. A big Thank You to the members lenge. I hope you all enjoyed your books and our fun and companies for the donation of prizes and to the and games on Friday mornings. The skills of the mag- helpers for their work on the day. We were very busy. ic trick folk were very clever and it was great to see It must be the good pancakes we serve that make the such amazement in the audience. We were juggling day so popular. and tightrope walking and even lion taming too. I There is a Concert with Jimmy Forbes and Friends, think you had great delight in asking me to read ex- 28th of October at the Masonic Hall in Aberlour. tremely naughty but funny books aswell in our sto- All Welcome rytimes. The under fives did very well too, at their The money we raise at our social events is used to buy tightrope walking and clown games and colouring. I the most up to date equipment for treatment and to look forward to seeing you all again in the new term. make the Hall more suitable for the nurses work. I am still hoping you will all find some wee photo of With 285 members Speyside Leg Club has proved that yourself as a little girl or boy / teens to be able to have its work is very necessary. The nurses, who help so a fascinating “Guess Who of Rothes “in the coming untiringly, do not only treat leg ulcers and skin prob- months. Just pop it in to the library or phone the li- lems, they also help to prevent these. So please come brary and I’ll pick it up 01340 831281. All photos will to us before you break your skin and develop an ulcer. be well looked after!! It can be avoided by using compression hosiery and The teachers here are taking part so it looks as though moisturising creams. The nurses check your blood they are to have some fun too. sugar, circulation and blood pressure and refer you to Just to say we are hoping to run more beginners clas- your doctor if any alarm bells ring. They al- ses at Rothes for computing and on that note Internet so advise expectant mothers to prevent leg problems access is FREE at the library! We also have some new which often develop during pregnancy. All treatment DVD’s in to hire, come and choose one for those rainy is free. evenings we seem to have had just too many of this If you have no transport ring Speyside Car Share. And last while!!! last not least you will make a new set of friends with Welcome to any one who would like to have a wee similar problems. tour of the library and see what we have on offer here. Don't sit at home and mope. All problems are easier The invitation goes out to any community group as solved if you have friends and you do not have to well and if you would like we can give you a talk and face your problems alone. tell you of all sorts of things you can find through websites too, like family history etc. Library Tel No: Anke Grant (Secretary) 01340 831281 Fill up those calendars with a date on your itinerary. The Moray Book Festival starts 21st September, so there will be a lot of great authors all over Moray do- A DANDER UP THE DOUNIE ing fabulous talks. The programmes are available at the Library and the Cottage, Café and Post Office. Ronnie Johnstone, who now lives in Australia, popped in to the Cottage when he was home on holiday re- Lastly just to make all you parents amazed (sorry kids) cently. He asked why the Rothesian had never printed the children helped me clear up after every ses- the song /poem, “A Dander Up The Dounie”. sion!!!!!!!! Does that mean no excuse for an untidy The simple answer is that it has never been handed in. bedroom?????? Ha! We have been doing a bit of research, and now have Look forward to seeing you all. the first verse, given to us by Jane Whitlock, and an- Lyn Luck other verse given to us by Mary Burgess. Rothes Library Anyone out there who remembers more, please get in touch with the Rothesian, so that hopefully we can print it someday.

4 This issue sponsored by Rothes Fire Station Rothes Bowling Club ROTHES TENNIS CLUB

This year 35 pairs took part in the Open Pairs Compe- The league season finished at the end of June. Our tion which was won by Sandra McKandie and Bobby Men’s B team had problems and managed to fulfil Shaw from Grant Park, Forres. Runners up were Amy only two of the six scheduled matches. The A team Roy and Peem Cobban, Grant Park. The losing semi- retained their position in Division 2 but only managed finalists, were Helen Ramsay and Aileen McCombie two wins – at home to Findhorn and Grantown B. The from Dufftown, and John Whitton and George Smith Mixed team stays in Division 2 coming third but could from Grant Park. have finished at least one place higher were it not for The Bowling Club members, appreciates the sponsor- the forced cancellation of matches at Tain and Avie- ship received from Speyside Car Sales, the family of more, resulting in the deduction of four points. The the late Charlie Christie, Bells whisky and Edrington. Ladies team remains in Division 3 of their competition Club members Colin Munro and George Jamieson - only managing two draws, both against Kingussie – sponsored the prizes for the losing quarter finalists. due to Gordonstoun receiving penalty points for can- Thanks to the sponsors and those who provided teas celling two matches. and raffles the club funds benifited by £567. Several of our members competed in the Elgin & The family of the late Charlie Christie presented a seat Grantown tournaments. At the former Michelle Ness to the bowling Club in his memory and Mrs Christie is entered the Ladies Singles and Mixed Doubles (with photographed sitting on the seat with the Open Pairs Ricky Thomson). At the latter she played in both winners. events again plus the Ladies doubles (partnered by Maureen Turner). In addition Johanne Dunn and Han- nah Slessor participated in the Ladies Doubles Handi- Rothes Indoor Bowling Club. cap at Grantown. Unfortunately there were no success- es although the young girls came through a marathon Indoor bowling will commence for the Autumn and two and a half hour first round match, completed un- Winter in the Rothes FC Social Club on Monday 26th. der floodlight, against an Aberlour couple, but lost to September, with a hat night at 6.15pm and home opposition in round 2. 7.30pm.There will be bowling on Tuesday evenings Following a quiet spell during the summer holidays, from 6.15pm. Members and anyone interested in in- members are now involved in the club tournament. door bowling will be welcome. This year there are over thirty events ranging from competitions for Under 8s to over 50s Innes Shaw Fund Raising has been going on apace: a sponsored Tennis afternoon made £350, the recent coffee morn- BACK: Runners Up Amy Roy, President Arthur Rogers, ing made a profit of £400 and our second 60s-70s mu- Peem Cobban sic quiz took in £120 - If you would like a copy of the answers contact Hamish McBain. There were only three all correct replies and the winner of the quiz was Fiona Slessor. The club would like to take this opportunity to thank the Windfarm Fund for the donation of £2000 towards the cost of the work done to the pavilion and to Yvonne McConnachie for the donation of two benches in memory of her late partner Philip Stevens.

FRONT: Winners Bobby Shaw, Mrs Grace Christie, Sandra McKandie

This issue sponsored by Rothes Fire Station 5 We would like to congratulate our mum, Irene Allan, ROTHES ROVERS on winning her 11th Ladies Golf title at the Rothes Golf Club, and for taking part in a charity golf match The season is now over for another year. The P6/7s with the top 25 lady golfers in Scotland, we’re so finished fourth equal with Fochabers. They had strug- proud of you mum. gled sometimes to get a team on the pitch, so had to use some of the P4/5 team. The P4/5 Rothes Rovers team won the Rothes F.C. League title for the first time, having won all their league games. They also won the Walkers Tourna- ment, and never let in a goal. They then went to Speymouth and won that tournament, and again never let in a goal. Well done guys! The only blip to their season was Aberlour who beat them in both cup semi- finals. The Rothes Decimals on the other hand never won a league or cup match all season, but gave the Rovers a scare in a league match as it was still 0-0 at half time, Rovers winning 3-0 at the end of the game. The Deci- mals did win the fair play trophy at the Walkers Tour- nament, and at the Speymouth Tournament we won our first match. They also drew a game and did not end up bottom of that league. The P3& Under team never won a match, but won the fair play trophys at Love from Karyn, Laura, Jan and Lyn and the rest of the Walkers and Speymouth Tournaments. This team the family. only lose two players for next season, and they also had a number of nursery children playing this year. If any primary school child is interested in joining the club give me a call. Finally well done to Rothes ’A’ for winning the Moray Dear Editor Welfare Premier League. Well done Sandy and his I had an e-mail from a friend asking if I could find out squad. Willie Younie 01340 831732. anything about the mysterious death of a Wm Mar- gach, a merchant grocer who lived in Green Street in 1859. My friend’s 42nd cousin now living in Abu Dhabi had been doing some family research and could not decipher what was the cause of death in the death certificate. I read ‘Jocky’s’ story with great interest – but I think The Heritage Centre at East End School in Elgin found she left out a very important part (well to my age this story in the Forres Gazette:- group it was). HER CONCERTS. How she managed to whip us all into shape I don’t Melancholy Accident know – but I remember we’d always a full audience and everyone loved them. Well done Jocky – great In the middle of the night of Monday last, Mr Wm. memories. Margach, Merchant, Rothes was seized with something like British Cholera. His wife went downstairs Marion Tawse (Betchley) to his shop, in the dark, and brought up what she took to be the brandy bottle, and gave her husband a glass- ful. In a short time he died, when it was ascertained that laudanum had been, by mistake, the fatal draught administered. Such cases as the above may serve as a warning of caution. They likewise call for such legis- lative interference as to prevent any but qualified druggists from dealing in poisons.

6 This issue sponsored by Rothes Fire Station BEEN THERE, DONE THAT, AND GOT on famous Rothesians. Two of them ,Scotty Allan and THE ROTHES LOON TEE SHIRT!! Brigadier General James Robb were members of our SEPTEMBER 2009. family. I was able to forward what information I had on them both as I have been researching our Scottish roots I wrote this story after our return from the Rothes for many years. Well, it got me to thinking how great it Homecoming Celebrations, but it missed the publica- would be if Dad could get back to his home for the cel- tion date and did not get printed, so hopefully if it ebrations, so the plans began. We decided to let the makes it this time it will remind folk of what a lovely train take the strain. Mum and Dad purchased their senior rail cards (I had 2 years more to wait for mine!) certainly a great saving on train fares. I got in touch with the National Express disabled persons helpline 0800282878, the service they offered was a godsend on our 600 hundred mile journey to Elgin. Six changes of train and a tight schedule! Dads knees play him up these days, so gone are the times that he can sprint from one platform to another, Mum was also incapacitated with a badly broken shoulder, so without the help of several wonderful staff members’ our journey with wheelchair, 2 cases and my laptop in a rucksack would have been impossible .We enjoyed our journey by train munching on rolls and watching the scenery change like a kaleidoscope in front of us. Such a relaxing way to travel . It brought back memories of our past jour- neys to Rothes by steam train. The fun of going to bed in the sleeper coaches, that then had 4 bunks, and wak- weekend it was two years ago. ing up in the morning to hillsides and the peaty waters Mum, Dad and I left Manningtree railway station in of the burns, the flat countryside had disappeared over- Essex ( which has the reputation of being the coldest night. Then at last crossing over the resin coloured Riv- station in Britain) at 9.20 am on Wednesday 23rd Sep- er Spey at Boat o’ Brig. Such joy as we stepped off the tember 2009 in bright sunshine. Sadly my brother and train at Rothes station, my Grandad with his snow sister could not join us because of work commitments , white hair smiling as we ran towards him on the plat- also my sister was due to be a Granny for the first time form. When Dad finally got a car a new independent at any moment. Young Daisy Elizabeth Torres was mode of travel excited us . born on the 2nd of October 2009 to very proud parents I don’t know if you have travelled by train lately, but Emily and Carlos Torres. And Emily and Carlos have the new type of loo can be a bit tricky. With a press of a since had another addition to their family on 24thMarch button a curved door closes and you are cocooned in- 2011, a little boy Callum Robb Torres , life moves side. You then panic because you cannot see a button to apace! release the door. Dad was entombed in the bowels I also became a Gran again on 29th July 2010, my (excuse the pun) of the loo and could not get out. I youngest daughter Katie and her partner John had shouted instructions to him to the amusement of other young Oliver Robb English, the Robb name continues!! passengers. Suddenly the door slowly opened to see Lovely to have babies in the family again . Dad standing there like a startled rabbit. I thought he Back to the story, I digress! I received an email from had been beamed up, like in Star trek . Pearl Paul telling me about the Rothes Homecoming, We arrived at Elgin station at 21.30, it was raining, no and that the Rothes school children were doing projects taxis, we were tired. We had previously missed two connections owing to the late arrival of trains. A lady taxi driver kindly rang for another taxi to pick us up. Hurrah! at 22.00 we arrived at “Ardvorlich Guest House” in South Street Elgin, our b/b for the next 6 nights. And what lovely people the “Fyvies” were. I got into a snugly warm bed that night still feeling the motion of the train but thrilled to be back in Morayshire . After a hearty Scottish breakfast we picked up our hire car at Arnold Clarkes’ , we were on a mission to fit as much as we could into our 5 day break. First stop Asdas’ for essential supplies .We visited dads cousin Herbert Smith who lives in new Elgin, Uncle Herbert has the Allan family bible in which our ancestors docu- mented their families birth , deaths and marriages. A wonderful source of family history information . After

This issue sponsored by Rothes Fire Station 7 a wee blether we set forth to the Allan Clans favourite thoughts. We went and inspected Mum and Dads lair, pit stop, Baxters of Fochabers. We usually have a little thankfully still vacant ! browse around the shops then round it off with a visit to On to brighter things, Charlie Grubb had invited us to their restaurant. I usually indulge myself in a pancake Rothes Golf Club for a meal, so our spirits lifted as we and a latte (milky coffee). Mum and Dad are more sen- made our way past the Castle Wall. We looked forward to a blether with Charlie, and a tasty meal for good measure. I indulged myself in taking a few photographs of the marvellous views, such beauty, breathtaking. Gosh it felt so good to be back. My goodness I wish I could have recorded Dad and Charlies’ conversation, it was a joy to listen to them , they say women can talk! It did Dad the world of good, it was better than any tonic , names were being mentioned I had never heard of before. Thank you Charlie, a lovely start to Dads Home- coming. On Friday we called to see Uncle Donald Mas- son, dad’s cousin Nan’s husband, he is in his nineties and as fit as a fiddle. Due to the porridge he has every day. When Auntie Nan was alive they lived at the Sta- tion House at Orton, where we spent some super holidays. Again nostalgic conversation. Next we headed to Spey Bay where mum and I did a spot of bird watching, sible and have a bowl of soup and a cuppie of tea. The so relaxing watching the dark peaty Spey heading for calories were mounting up! We headed off towards the sea, liquid amber. We enjoyed the bracing air and Rothes via the Burn of Aldarg, such a pretty drive and looking at the cobbles on the shore, a natural relaxant . always on our holiday schedule. We were like school- And a little coffee at the cafe to revive us ! children on an outing , the car inside was charged with Back in Rothes I caught sight of an old friend in his adrenalin. We crawled along the narrow road feasting garden, and the years just fell off. I was 15 again and our eyes on the beautiful birch trees, the banks were down at Meldrums’ farm in Green Street, laughing, covered in damp emerald green moss that almost cried carefree, no worries, how simple and uncomplicated out to us to “come and sit here”. The sun shone, wow life was then, Summer days never seemed to end. I was we felt so lucky to be there, the hillsides looked amaz- even allowed a shot at driving the tractor. Dods cheery ing. And at last...a view of Ben Aigen and the Spey, we face watching me was priceless.But all too soon lifes all shouted “we’re back”. Burnside Cottage at Orton clock ticks on the future although unmapped brings where my Grandad Lewis Allan was born looked awk- about change. Friendship can bridge the gap between ward and forlorn in its bulldozed, desecrated garden. youth and adulthood, and as a family we have been Gone were the box edged flower borders and bee hives, blessed with marvellous constancy in our Rothesian its character and charm pushed into heaps of soil. friends, Bless you all .On Friday evening we attended Words failed us as we walked over to inspect its de- the BBQ at the Glen Grant Victorian Gardens , spon- mise. John Allan my G Grandfather had built it over a sored by Campari . Dad met up with Johnnie Hodge hundred years ago using local river stones, clay and straw from the fields, it was originally thatched. Now it crumbles back to the earth from whence it came, life has turned full circle. Our hearts were heavy as we headed for our beloved Rothes. We called in at “The Cottage”, and paid for our tickets for the Homecoming events. It was lovely to meet up with Pearl and Jean, up until now just names in the Rothesian. What a hive of industry. Mum and I bought a few gifts and thanked those present for organising the events .Our hire car took us up to the wind swept cemetery. Ghosts from the past welcomed us back. We looked at so many head- stones of people Dad had known, he recalled anecdotes with ease, people he hadn’t thought about for years were retrieved effortlessly from his memory. So many stories , so many lives. Emotions were raw as we stood and paid our respects at my Dads parents’ grave. I nev- ( they were neighbours as children) and they travelled er knew my Grandma as she had died when Dad was in true Sparticus style in a buggy up to the top of the just 11, and was buried on Dads birthday. Dad found gardens, their path was lit by the oil lamps. A magical the pent up emotion almost too hard to bear. We laid evening. Venue extrodinaire. Whisky cocktails, scrum- red silk flowers ( rabbit proof) each lost in our own my burgers, sausages and stirring entertainment.

8 This issue sponsored by Rothes Fire Station Friendships were rekindled with Mima and her family. mealie pudding and chips from the fish shop in Rothes , I asked the Pipe Band if they could play “ Highland very nice too , again it is always on our agenda. We sat Cathedral”, in memory of Winnie Watson a life long on a grass bank overlooking the park, the sun still friend of my parents. We followed the Pipe band back shone as we drank our Moray Cup...cradled in the lap to the carpark, a wonderful finale. It was dark and chil- of beauty. As a child I loved to play on the witches ly as we left the gardens but what warmth was in our hat...long since gone .We went to the Scottish Night in hearts. How the gardens have changed over the years. the Grant hall sponsored by Henderson decorators. We Many thanks to the organisers, we were sorry Dennis managed to eat stovies and oatcakes!! Dad was tapping Malcolm was away on business . his feet to the music .Again thank you to the organisers On Saturday we went to dads old school in Rothes to and musicians . see the exhibition the children had put so much work Our remaining time was spent touring around much into . My parents met up with a few people they knew, loved haunts. We visited the coffee shop at Glen Grant, and to mark the occasion a newspaper photographer where we enjoyed listening to ( Bruce, I think) telling captured the scene. Dads education at this super school us tales about my granddad when he was a carpenter at prepared him well for his life. He can still recall his Glen Grant. So lovely that he is still fondly remem- teachers names, schoolfriends and alot of the things bered .Betty Johnston joined us for a coffee and a bleth- they got up to. We had hoped to meet up with Alan er, and we looked through an old photo album I had of Stewart at the school ,he runs the Cairngorm Sled dog Rothes. How blessed we had been over those few days. centre at Aviemore WWW.SLEDDOGSCO, but sadly Dad really enjoyed his Homecoming, bringing the Past he had already left. He has followed with great interest and the Present together again. We felt melancholy us the life of dads step uncle Scotty Allan, and is writing a our hire car took us down North Street stopping for a book about him. We have since been to meet him and moment outside what was “Coleena”, granddads house, his wife at the centre in 2010, well worth a visit. And our memories locked forever in a time warp. I could what a lovely couple. visualise myself creeping out of the front door early in We made our way to the Grand Photo Exhibition in the the morning to meet up with a friend, whilst the rest of Grant Hall. Betty Johnston and Graham Jefferson had the world slept. Overhead two Oyster catchers could be again worked so hard to set it all up. A wonderful so- heard calling as they headed towards the sanctuary of cial history collection for the townsfolk of Rothes to the Drumbain Falls...... have. We have always wanted to attend one but the tim- ing was never right. Gosh, we could not believe the And as they say, “BEEN THERE, DONE THAT AND amount of photographs. Dad was so absorbed in them, GOT THE ROTHES LOON TEESHIRT”. he was transported back to the Rothes of yester year. We will be back!! Jenni Whitmarsh, Lewis , Hazel and Clan Allan. Ps We hope Betty Johnston is recovering well after her recent operation. If we lived closer we would take you out for a coffee Betty. Get well soon.

Lots of people recognised dad as being “old Lewie Al- lans son”. I too met a few people I recognised and was pleased to meet Grahams brother Eric for the first time, and to see Laurence Meldrum again. And of course to Betty and Graham a big thank you, we appreciate all your labour of love to get it all set up, then taking it all back down again, it was absolutely fabulous. Graham was not too well over the weekend , but we were grateful he made the effort to come and see us . Thanks also to Raymond Johnston who keeps me up to date with the emailed Rothesian . On leaving the exhibition we indulged ourselves in

This issue sponsored by Rothes Fire Station 9 RESPECTED MEMBERS OF THE COMMU- SCOTTISH AUTHOR QUIZ NITY Match the Book with the Author: I was at a christening recently and it brought back memories of a christening in the house many years ago 1. Fergus Lamont ______where the minister conducted the ceremony. After the 2. The Antiquary ______ceremony the father of the baby said ‘minister will you 3. Day ______take a dram?’ The minister accepted and the father 4. Imagined Corners ______went to the kitchen to fetch it but came back saying 5. And The Cock Crew ______‘Sorry minister I’ve nothing but clearic’ ‘That’s fine 6. Beggars Banquet ______thank you’ was the reply. He downed his glass of 7. Butcher’s Broom ______clearic like everyone else, licked his lips and stated 8. The Trick is to Keep Breathing______‘that was very nice, thank you’. 9. Johnny Gibb of Gushetneuk ______In the house in Green Street we had a room which was 10. Ringan Gilhaize ______referred to as ‘ben the hoose’, This room contained a 11. The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie______box bed and the fire in the room was always set to 12. The Acid House ______light quickly if we saw the minister coming to visit. 13. Auld Licht Idylls ______Granny had a great respect for the minister. We, our- 14. Consider The Lillies ______selves, lived in the kitchen which had another box bed 15. A Disaffection ______and when we got up in the morning the curtain was 16. Gillespie ______always drawn across the bed. 17. Cloud Howe ______Another well respected member of the community was 18. The Wallace ______Dr Caithness who lived in Green Street, she would 19. Cold Granite ______visit granny every week because of her diabetes, she 20. Witch Wood ______would be paid with a salmon, hare or rabbit depending 21. The Quarry Wood ______on what my uncle Jimmy had acquired that week!! 22. Lanark ______During the war Dr Caithness and her daughter would 23. Catriona ______take granny to the basket whist drives held in the 24. The Bull Calves ______church hall. Granny would always take home a fancy 25. The Big Man ______piece, a rare treat in those days. Whatever the GPs or hospital doctors told you then you believed to be right and wouldn’t dare question them as you can today. Authors: I also remember the local bobby, PC Foulton who one day saw about seven or eight of us boys and girls play- A.L. Kennedy William Alexander ing in the street. ‘Come with me you lot’ he said and Stuart MacBride Robert Louis Stevenson we followed him to the Police Station where he locked Alasdair Gray Nigel Tranter us up in a cell. After a few minutes he let us out say- Naomi Mitchison Iain Crichton Smith ing ‘that’s where you’ll end up if you don’t behave Walter Scott Nan Shepherd yourselves’. We certainly learned a lesson that day Willa Muir Lewis Grassick Gibbon and didn’t cause any trouble, well very little!. No Hu- Robin Jenkins Neil Gunn man Rights in those days! Janice Galloway William McIlvaney If we met any of our teachers in the street the boys had Fionn Macolla Muriel Spark to salute and the girls lower their heads. Teachers John Galt John MacDougall Hay were also treated with great respect and I don’t think James Kelman Ian Rankin any of us came to any harm, only good. J.M. Barrie John Buchan Irvine Welsh Jimmy Logan

We have to thank Hamish McBain for sending in the first quiz we have had for many years. Please pop your answers in to the Cottage before 30th No- vember. Prizes will be awarded to the first three correct entries drawn on St. Andrews Day. Don’t forget your name and address!

10 This issue sponsored by Rothes Fire Station Rothes Diary 21st December Schools close for Christmas Break

2012 Please note that the diary displayed in the Rothes 5th January Schools Reopen Post Office, is updated every two weeks or so and takes in changes which occur during the time between the Rothesian quarterly editions,. Please keep Sandra informed of events and meetings as fundraising works best with no competition! Please note the special email address for the diary: [email protected] CONGRATULATIONS If you would like the diary emailed to you, please contact this address Congratulations to Rothes A on winning the 2011

2011 Moray Welfare Premier Division League Tro- phy. Well done to you all. We would also like to October wish you luck for the Cup games coming up later this 1st October Coffee Morning in Rothes FC Social month. Club 7th October Schools close for October Break 8th October Coffee Morning in Kirk Hall Bowlers 15th October Coffee Morning in Kirk Hall BALL UNCLAIMED RAFFLE Group th 15 October Rothes AFC Quiz Night in Rothes FC Could Margaret MacInnes who won a raffle prize at Social Club 22nd October Coffee Morning in Kirk Hall FALLS the Family Fun Day in August please contact the Cot- Prevention tage, 86 New Street, Rothes or telephone Jean Grim- 22nd October Tombola in Rothes FC Social Club shaw on 01340831808 so that we can pass on her 24th October Schools reopen for winter term prize. 24th October United Nations Day 27th October Pension Service in Rothes Medical Centre 1.30 to 3.30pm 29th October Coffee Morning in the Kirk Hall – Rothes Council 30th October Summer Time ends Clocks Back one hour 31st October Halloween Watch out for ‘guisers’.

November 5th November Coffee Morning in Rothes FC Social Club 6th/7th Remembrance Planters in place by the War Memorial 11th November Armistice Day At the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918 (and on 11th year of 21st century remember 1918) 12th November Coffee Morning in the Kirk Hall Rothes Primary School 13th November Remembrance Sunday 18th November ‘Children in Need’ Night 19th November Coffee Morning in the Kirk Hall Sen- ior Citizens 19th November Tombola in Rothes FC Social Club 26th November Coffee Morning in the Kirk Hall Rothes Parish Church 30th November St Andrew’s Day

December 3rd December Coffee Morning in Rothes FC Social Club 10th December Coffee Morning in Kirk Hall Toddler Group 17th December Tombola in Rothes FC Social Club

This issue sponsored by Rothes Fire Station 11 FAMILY REUNION LINNBURN

Two years ago seven cousins met up near Milton We had a very successful car boot/ strawberry tea in Keynes for a reunion and an idea was born. As a result July where over £300 was raised for the service users of that, on 21st August this year nine first cousins, all comfort fund. The children and adults alike were en- grandchildren of (Puree) John and Jeanie Robertson, tertained by the magician Brian Jay. Thanks to all who met together in Rothes. Five of us travelled from vari- supported this event. ous parts of England, while four live locally. Some of We are planning a Myth and Magic social evening in us had never met each other before, so there was a October. This will be a family event and tickets will be great deal to catch up on. Eighteen people, including on sale soon. Please look out for posters for more de- husbands, daughters and grandsons, sat down to an tails. excellent three course meal at Rothes Golf Club. Old Finally we will be having a sale of works Christmas photos and memories were shared and there was a fair on Wednesday 23rd November. Please come great deal of laughter. The members of staff were very along to support this event and buy a wee gift or two understanding and did not pressure us to leave, even and have afternoon tea with us. See posters for more well into the afternoon. details. Following the meal some of us walked back to the Kindest regards village by way of The Dounie, where we enjoyed Laura, Tina and all at Linnburn

CUB SCOUTS

The 11th June saw both Aberlour and Knockando Beavers and Cubs come together, at Glenlivet hall, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Beavers Scouts. A great time was had by all with the children gaining their Healthy Eating and Chef badges by catering for each other throughout the event. The highlight of the day being learning acrobatics and circus skills in the hall due to the rain. The Beavers slept in tents in the hall and the Cubs stayed on the campsite. Thanks to all at Glenlivet for allowing us to use their facillities. We look forward to going back again

many picnics as children. Somehow it seemed wrong to be going ‘doon the Dounie’ when we were used to going ‘up the Dounie’! An oft repeated story involved me losing my dental brace up the Dounie and my uncle had to walk back with me later in the day to look for it! We found it! The following morning we walked through the village to have a look at 83, New Street, as that was Grand- pa’s house. That’s how we ended up in the Visitor Centre, which we had known as Miss Reid’s shop when we were young, and received a very warm welcome from the staff, who suggested we wrote this piece. Our couple of days in Rothes were very memorable in more ways than one! someday soon. Beavers and Cubs take place in Aberlour and Knocakando on Tuesday evenings throughout the school term and are open for Boys and Girls from 6-10 1/2 years old. Information can be obtained from the Moray Scout website. Phyllis Ferguson 1st Aberlour Cub Scout Leader

12 This issue sponsored by Rothes Fire Station ROTHES FLOWER SHOW CYCLING CHALLENGE

Despite the extremely changeable, not to say misera- I would like to thank everyone who sponsored me on ble weather experienced this year, exhibitors turned up my recent challenge of cycling from Lands End to trumps with their willingness to support the Show. John O’Groats from 22nd – 30th May. In total I have All the judges commented on the high standard of en- raised approx £4,500 due to the Robertson Trust dou- tries and excellent quality of items on display. Tro- bling the money I raised and I am most grateful to phies and cups were well distributed, with many them for doing this. Rothes people gaining first prizes. We also had good I have also now achieved a life long ambition of mine support from surrounding areas as usual, friends from other shows who help to keep numbers up. The children's sections were as usual extremely col- ourful, well thought out and very entertaining. Teas on the afternoon were provided by the BALL group and were deservedly well attended, in fact they seemed to be "going like a fair" most of the afternoon. The Society is very fortunate in that although our committee is currently small in having good friends who help out when we need them. All the men who attended on Thursday to help setting up the staging and moving it from our lock did sterling work. On the Sat- urday itself we were very lucky to have many extra hands to help out with the stewarding, both in the and will never forget the experience especially cycling morning and also later on. Everyone on the committee through Glen Coe being battered by the wind and driv- wishes to extend our grateful thanks to all those who ing rain – that would have to be one of the highlights! assisted in this way, I only don't name them for fear of missing someone out!! Despite the aches and pains and bad weather at times, If anyone wishes to join us they will be more than wel- I would do it all again as it was for a very worthy come as it would be a pity if the Show ended up not cause – Action Medical Research for Children. taking place like Mosstodloch. This was due to lack of people to assist in running the Show. Rothes people, I Richard Johnson am sure would not let this happen to something which has become a local institution over the last 28 years. I'm sure you'd miss it if it wasn't there. So once again, lots of good things have come from the Show. We will have our greetin' meeting on 10th Oc- Community Food Moray tober and if there are any comments or complaints to www.communityfoodmoray.co.uk be aired then this is the time for it. Fruit and 'Local' Vegetables for sale Every Wednesday morning Dena Cruickshank 09.30 - 10.15

@ Linnburn

SPONSOR THE ROTHESIAN! All money stays in Moray to support Health, well-being and community regeneration We will soon be looking for more Sponsors of the Local seasonal produce available - supporting Moray Rothesian. The cost of sponsorship is £200, which Farmers covers all the printing costs. If you are interested, for more information contact Jo 01343 820261 (9- please contact Jean Allan or Pearl Paul. 12am)

This issue sponsored by Rothes Fire Station 13 THE COTTAGE ROTHES COUNCIL REPORT

The Cottage has been quite well used as a venue for By the time you read this the new session will have meetings of late and quite a few tourists are stopping started. The flood alleviation team have left and the to ask for directions or information. town is back to normal, also the new flower planters The Speyside/Glenlivet calendars have done well and hanging baskets are in place. again this year and the new notelets have proved very During the flood works, the base for the Rothes Foun- popular at Tea in the Park. Pearl had to quickly come tain which was situated in the square, was unearthed. up with a Glenlivet set to add to the variety on offer as Master Mason Garry Laing has made suggestions as to a lot of people had asked if such a set was available. how it could be incorporated into a town feature. The Luckily she had a wealth of photographs from all members agreed that we should investigate funding for around Glenlivet to utilise, so now there are seven sets this. available to choose from. These are Rothes, Dufftown, The committee has lost a couple of members and are Aberlour, Craigellachie, Speyside, Glenlivet & Upper desperately seeking new people. The job is not oner- Speyside, and Archiestown & Knockando. ous, one meeting a month to take the minutes and to Another new venture for the Visitor Centre is the take on the secretaries position. I am sure someone printing of the first volume of Rothesian Poems. There out there can perform these tasks and keep the com- are 32 poems in all, and the book costs £6. We are mittee going. If some of you younger people do not now working on Volume 2, as we have had so may come forward there will soon be no Rothes Council to poems sent in to the Rothesian over the years. fight for the town. So come on and volunteer. It won’t be long before all of the 2012 editions of the Jean Grimshaw calendar are ready for sale and of course the Christmas 01340831808 Cards will follow soon after. These items together with the notelets and pictures will also be available at ROTHES GALA the Coffee Morning which is to be held on the 29th October in the Kirk Hall. The Fun Day held on the 14th August was quite suc- People are always looking to buy something a bit dif- cessful even though we could not do some of the ferent especially at this time of the year when they are things we were meant to do. We raised over £700. starting to shop in earnest for gifts so if you have any We will know the exact figure after all bills have been items which you have hand crafted and you would like paid. We will also be holding a Bingo evening some- an opportunity to try and sell them through the Cottage time in October. On another note that will be the last in time for Christmas please do not hesitate to get in event this committee will be holding, so again, if you touch. want a Gala next year please come up with a new The opening hours are;- committee. There will be money available for a new Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from committee to start up. 10.00am – 2.00pm Thursday 11.00am – 3.00pm Jean Grimshaw As the Cottage is manned solely by only a handful of volunteers you might like to phone 831474 to check that someone is there before walking up. Remembrance Planters Remembrance Sunday this year is 13th November. It is hoped to have the planters in position by the War Me- morial in the Square on 6th/7th November so that anyone can place a tribute cross in memory of a casualty. ROTHES LADIES GROUP This is our equivalent of the ‘Gardens of Remem- brance’ seen in many places. Tributes are not confined Our new session starts on 20th September with John to those named on the War Memorial, but for anyone Cockburn and friends. October is serious business, who wishes to make use of this facility, nor is it con- and November is sweet making. December will be fined to the two World Wars. Sadly only one year our Christmas Party. We are a friendly group and new since the end of World War II has recorded no fatali- members would be made most welcome. ties from service personnel – a sobering thought. M Matthews, President

14 This issue sponsored by Rothes Fire Station Kate Johnston M.B.Ch.B. CALLUM TWEEDIE

Kate graduated as a doctor from Aberdeen University The family of Callum Tweedie would like to extend Medical School in heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported them in July. She is a former their recent fundraising in memory of Callum. Callum pupil of Rothes Pri- died, just 12 days after his 18th birthday, following a mary and Speyside long and brave battle against Crohn's Disease and a Secondary Schools. very rare form of lymphoma. Prior to his death, Callum She is now working as and his family raised over £5000 for The Archie Foun- a Foundation Year 1 dation in recognition of the support provided to them junior doctor at Forth while Callum was a patient in Aberdeen. Valley Royal Hospital Alexander (Callum's dad), Gordon and Colin Tweedie until July 2012. From (Callum's uncles) plus Callum's brother-in-law Scott August 2012 she will Shearer took on a Golf Challenge Marathon on 17th work as a Foundation June 2011 in an effort to raise funds for Crohn's in Year 2 doctor at a Childhood Research (CICRA) and Leukaemia & Lym- Glasgow Hospital. phoma Research (LLR). The support the family re- On completion of ceived was overwhelming and the total raised exceeded these years she will £21,500, which included a donation from The Robert- carry out a four year son Trust through Alexander & Gordon's employment training programme in with The Edrington Group. her chosen field. Callum's Auntie, Linda Duguid, Rothes, organised an Afternoon Tea, Raffle & Sales Table for Callum's Charities on 11 June, and thanks to the generosity of family and friends the sum of £630 was raised for dis- tribution between CICRA, LLR and The Archie Foun- dation. EDUCATIONAL GRANTS Callum's Uncle David Duguid, along with Charlie Mathieson and Dode Rhind were planning to undertake I am writing with details about the Educational Trusts a Cycle Marathon from Speybay to Grantown, approxi- that may be of interest to your readers. Please find mately 43 miles, on 3 September 2011. below details of the Educational Trusts that are All funds raised by the Cycle Marathon will be donated available to residents of the former counties of Moray, to Callum's Charities: CICRA, LLR & The Archie Nairnshire and Banffshire. The closing date for Foundation. If you would like to support the Cycle applications is 30 September 2011. Marathon please contact David or Linda Duguid (01340 831867) Moray & Nairn Educational Trust Sincere and grateful thanks to you, from all of Callum's Grants for college, university and school trips, for resi- family, for your continued compassion, encouragement dents of old counties of Moray & Nairnshire, includ- and generosity. ing Grantown-on-Spey Linda Duguid www.moray.gov.uk/moray_standard/page_43905.html

Do not hesitate to contact me should you want further information.

Many thanks, Jean-Anne

Jean-Anne Goodbrand Admin Officer, Education and Social Care The Moray Council, High Street, Elgin IV30 1BX Tel. 01343 551374 Fax 01343 563478 [email protected] Jor- dan

Harrold, Linda Duguid & Libby Rhind at the Sales Table

This issue sponsored by Rothes Fire Station 15 ROTHES LINK TO BRITISH CELEBRATIONS IN FLOOD SCHEME OPENING UZBEKISTAN

On 2nd May a joint performance between visiting London Scottish Regiment Bandsmen and the “Sogdiana” musicians of the Chamber Orchestra of National Instruments of Uzbeki- stan captivated an audience at the State Conservatory of Uz- bekistan. Gary Anderson and Stephen Hill, piper and drummer of the London Scottish Regiment were visiting Tashkent for a series of performances including playing at the Queen’s Birthday Party reception which took place on 29th April in celebration of the royal wedding of Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton. This took the form of a garden party in the grounds of the British Embassy which was attended by ambassadors of other nations resident in Tashkent together with dignitaries from the Uzbekistan Government. They were “piped in” on arrival and treated to several short recitals of traditional Scottish music during the party before being “piped out” at the end of the evening. Gary and Steven were delighted to be invited to play alongside Uzbek national musicians at the State Conservatory. Both groups of musicians played samples of their national music and also played together in an improvised jamming session which led to a fascinating blend of both musical tradi- tions. After the performance the Rector of the Conservatory, Professor Muradova Dilora thanked both sets of musicians for their wonderful entertainment. Gifts, including CDs of national music were exchanged. The London Scottish Regiment Band was formed in 1860 and holds the distinction of being the oldest volunteer Pipe Band in the world, the oldest pipe band in the world still wearing The Rothes Flood Alleviation Scheme was official- the uniform of its inception, and the oldest pipe band in the ly opened by local councillor Pearl Paul on the 27th June, 2011. The heavy rains of the last month world outside of the regular British Army. 2010 marked the th have thoroughly tested the scheme. It is great to 150 anniversary of the Pipes and Drums of the London Scot- see the various parts of the scheme doing the job tish Regiment one of the five oldest pipe bands in the world. they were designed to do. The community wish to Gary is the eldest son of Jim and Mary Anderson living at 9 thank Moray Council for their support and all who Land Street Rothes and has been a regular member of the worked at bringing the scheme to fruition. London Scottish Pipe Band since retiring from the Metropoli- tan Police in 2004. Gary learned his piping, and Steven his drumming, at the Queen Victoria School, Dunblane. Two gradu- ates of one of the finest young pipe bands in the country, albeit in differ- ent generations.

16 This issue sponsored by Rothes Fire Station