June 2004 Sponsored by Jenny Paterson Issue No 26

THE ROTHESIAN

Jenny Paterson of TV fame. She was in her element, with Buck’s Fizz, lovely food, the best wines, and meeting Jenny was born on the 23rd October, 1950, the people, so many lovely people. youngest of seven bairns born to the late Dod and It was unfortunate that because of failing health Etta Paterson, but Jen- and eyesight, Jenny had to give up work at Walk- ny was special; a spe- ers Shortbread, where she had spent eleven happy cial sister, and person, years. Her colleagues (especially Iris) were the to everyone in her life. best; really kind and helpful. What a send-off they Jenny went to Rothes gave her on her retirement. School for four years, Jenny has had many friends in her life, but none until Hamilton Drive more special than Jock Sherret. Even after he Centre opened, where married Anne, they have never forgotten her on she attended the junior Valentine’s Day. It makes her so happy to get a and senior centre. She was welcomed into the Sunday school and the Brownies. The play park was opposite 5 Green Street, and Jenny spent so many happy days there, and her mum always knew where she was. Because Jenny had her own football and baseball bat, she had lots of friends. Another hob- by was tennis; her favourite partner was Hamish McBain. Jenny was Rothes FC’s best supporter (home games). Auntie Maggie bought her season tickets, card from them, signed in kisses. and her hot pie was delivered to the stand at half- As we are writing this, Jenny is once more in sun- time. She often came home frozen, but her mum ny Florida, having a wonderful holiday with Rho- always had a sherry waiting! na and Bryan. If anything didn’t please her at home, she would After ten days at home, Jenny will fulfil one of wander up to the square and tell Auntie Jessie all her life’s ambitions by going to Wimbledon to see about it, often getting sympathy, sometimes not. the tennis. In fact she has only one ambition left, Jennie is well travelled. Up until last year, she and that is to see her favourite football team, flew to Jersey, London and Florida on her own, to Glasgow Rangers play, and to meet the players. visit family, and she loved every minute. When Her family has found this impossible to arrange, on the odd occasion family was with her, she but if anyone out there has more clout than them, could be sound asleep one minute, but whenever Jenny would be eternally grateful. the food and booze trolley appeared, she would be Jenny is Rangers daft! wide awake! It was one of many proud days for her family when in June 1994, Jenny was invited to the Café Royal in London to receive a Down’s Syndrome Achievement Award, presented by Peter Davison

You may contact The Rothesian by e-mail, using the following address: [email protected] ROTHES TENNIS CLUB THE SPEY

The club has yet to lose a match in any of the league The Spey Catchment Management Plan was launched competitions. in June 2003. The Catchment Steering Group with The ladies team has completed the first half of the sea- representatives from the Spey Fishery Board, SNH, son, recording five victories. It is hoped that the fine SEPA and the Highland and Moray Councils imple- run can be continued, so as to add the Division 2 title mented a study on the economic value of water-based to last year’s Division 3 triumph. One possible stum- recreation, principally angling and water sports, to the bling block however, is that four of the five remaining area and their impacts on the ecology of the Spey. fixtures are away from home, but even so, confidence We thought our readers would be interested in a num- is high that the Championship can be achieved. The ber of findings taken from the report. team has beaten Forres B 5-2, Grantown A 7-1, Aber- * On average salmon and sea trout anglers spent £228 lour 8-0, Inverness B 8-0 and Elgin A 6-2. The squad per day is Irene Low (captain), Michelle Malcolm, Kelly New- * Salmon and sea trout angling directly employed 65 lands, Laura Allan, Maureen Grant and Irene Allan. full-time and 22 seasonal jobs, largely ghillies and The men’s team is on course to win the Men’s Divi- estate workers. sion 2 title. Success so far, has come against Grantown * If salmon and sea trout fisheries had ceased to exist, B 7-1, Findhorn 7-1 and Tain 8-0, whilst RAF Lossie- £9.4 million would have been lost from the catchment mouth conceded due to team difficulties. The squad is area in 2003. Peter Scott (captain), Chris Grant, Kevin * 35% of Spey anglers originate from Scotland, but McConnachie, Andrew Anderson, Paul Meldrum and the majority came from England and Wales. Hugh Tawse. * 42% of anglers were 46-60 years old and 40% were The big question is whether the club can repeat the 60+ years old. 1998 season treble. It is a possibility, as the mixed * 91% of anglers were men. team is also unbeaten. The idea of a joint team with * Based on the 2003 rod catch each rod-caught salmon Aberlour, as suggested at the beginning of the season, generated £1,700 of angler expenditure. was cast aside, with the two clubs entering separately. The results so far are 12-0 v Aberlour, 13-4 v Keith, The study has clearly identified the great value of an- 18-0 v Forres B and 12-6 v Gordonstoun. Those who gling to the economy of the Spey catchment, and have played are: Laura Allan, Maureen Grant, Irene salmon and sea trout fishing in particular. The catch- Low, Michelle Malcolm, Kelly Newlands, Chris ment Steering Group is now considering how to take Grant, Gary Logan, Kevin McConnachie, Hugh the study's conclusions forward. Tawse, Richard Thomson and Paul Meldrum (captain). The club entered the Men’s Scottish Cup competition for the first time in quite some years. We came up DOUNIE UPDATE against Elgin, the strongest team in the area. The final score of 8-1 for Elgin did not do justice to our team’s The Speyside Footpath Network Group are pleased to efforts on the day. Chances to win sets were there for report that a positive response has been received the taking, but most of the crucial points were lost to through myself, the secretary, from those who have our more experienced opponents. The one win that did walked the Dounie. go our way, preventing a complete whitewash, was Further work has been carried out by Community Ser- achieved by Chris Grant and Kevin McConnachie. vice, Moray Council Access Project and myself. This Hamish McBain work has now included the erection of signs, which now give the community and visitors proper directions to follow. MOBILE BUS We are now in the process of producing the information map for the map board situated at the floral The Mobile Information Bus will be coming to Rothes garden next to the Clydesdale Bank, also the produc- and available in the evenings from 7-9pm. It will be tion of information leaflets, which give historic, flora staffed by a youth worker and a health promotions and fauna information. This work is being undertaken worker. All teenagers welcome. by John Tasker Computer Design. For further information please contact Ray Brumby, Secretary, SFNG on 01340831588.

2 This issue sponsored by Jenny Paterson DOUNIE CIRCULAR WALK ROTHES ROVERS FOOTBALL CLUB.

While visiting Rothes one afternoon at the end of Our season is well under way, with both age groups May, Albert, a Rothes loon, and I decided to have a playing very well. Back in March we went to Aberlour look at the Dounie walk. The walk was officially for the Indoor Tournament. We had a team in both age opened on Sunday 18th April but unfortunately we groups. The P6/7s came home with the trophy after couldn’t take part on that day. not losing a match. The final went to extra time when Parking at the Highland Distillery we set off along the Arron Lee scored the golden goal winner, just as he footpath, accompanied by our two dogs Hector and did two years ago in the P5 & Under team. Arron Lee Misty. We were soon engrossed in the beauty of the also won the player of the tournament award. area – the patches of wildflowers, the yellow broom, In May the P6/7s went to Garmouth for the Caley the different shades of green, the blossom on the trees Thistle Tournament. We went through the whole day on the opposite bank, the birdsong. The call of the without losing a game and came home with the Tro- cuckoo heralding the onset of summer could clearly be phy. The P6/7 squad have a cup final still to play for, heard. Before we knew it we had walked further than and are top of the league. Back to the P5 & Unders, we had planned, not being equipped for a 6km walk, they lost out on a final place in the indoor tournament and had passed the Fairies Well and the Giant’s Kitch- by the width of the crossbar. They also have a cup fi- en. From there we followed the path through the trees nal to look forward to, and are sitting third in the on a slight incline to the top of the hill where we league. turned left heading back towards Rothes. Coming out Both our squads have been kitted out with new strips. of the trees the view towards the Golf Course, Ben The P6/7s have been again sponsored by I. Fraser & Aigen, Rothes and the Spey Valley is breathtaking. Sons. The P5 & Unders have been sponsored by the By this time I was desperately in need of some fluid so called in past the Clubhouse for a refreshing drink. One could easily be tempted to partake of tea and Ire- ne’s lovely homebakes, but as time was limited that will be for another day. Tired and footsore -I must confess to being a bit out of condition - but delighted at having accomplished this walk, we thoroughly recommend it to locals and visitors alike. Take a picnic, stop awhile and enjoy the scenery, the stillness, the ripple of the water in the burn, and the buzzards soaring high above. You are very fortunate in Rothes at having such a lovely walk in the centre of your town – not many places in Scotland can lay claim to this. Ruby McWilliam

Rothes Book Group. Many thanks to Pearl, Ruby & LEADERSHIP COURSE Jean of the Book Group, and Mark Fraser of I. Fraser & Sons. We have now got our rain jackets with the If you would like to develop your leadership, commu- tombola money. Many thanks to Mrs Thomson for the nication, confidence or organisational skills then the idea of the tombola & rain jackets. Mrs Thomson is Community Sports Leader Award course is the course talking about another fund raiser/tombola/bottle stall. for you. If interested please contact Kim Paterson, This would go towards the P1,2&3s for new strips or Youth Sports Development Officer on 01343 548040. jackets, or maybe there is someone out there willing to sponsor the wee team!!!! We are training outdoors on a Friday night 6.30- 8.00pm. Willie Younie 01340831732..

This issue sponsored by Jenny Paterson 3 GRANT HALL NEWS ROTHES TODDLER GROUP

Good news and bad news this issue. First Session Free! First, the good news. Both the upstairs and downstairs halls continue to be busy, with an increase in bookings The Rothes Toddler Group meets on Tuesdays and from near and far. The furthest being from Aberfeldy; Thursdays from 9.15 until 11.15, upstairs in the Grant The Gogoozler Theatre Company, who put on a full Hall. Circus Show. The Group took the decision to form a proper commit- We were also fortunate to be one of the 18 groups who tee, and to have regular meetings to let parents and benefited from donations from the Rothes Book carers have an equal say on how the Group is run. Group. We received £500 for the purchase of an Inter- At the last meeting, concern was raised that the Tod- national Standard Table Tennis Table. dlers Group had a reputation of being unwelcoming, and full of ‘cliques’. We would like to think that this is The winners of our last two competitions were: no longer the case, so we would like to take this op- Louise and Nicole Christie of Rothes and Mr Allan portunity to invite new parents, expectant mums and Duncan of Fochabers. newcomers to the village along, and assure them of a Look out for our new Booklet of Puzzles coming to a warm welcome, where we will introduce them to other shop near you soon. members of the group, and explain how we work. It is an informal atmosphere, and the newly refur- The bad news is the Hall was burgled AGAIN! The bished room is a pleasant place for the little ones to thieves managed to damage or destroy most of the play in. We have introduced a more structured snack doors and locks in the building (despite first gaining time for the children, with toast and a drink supplied, access to our Key Cupboard.) There was actually no and the little ones seem to like sitting down at their need for the damage. The Pool Table in the Coffee Bar own table for a little while, before going back to creat- was also forced open and is sadly missed by the Youth ing havoc! Adults can have a cup of tea or coffee, and Club. if they are good, they might even be allowed a slice of toast! More good news. We are determined that this is not We usually have a summer trip, and a Christmas party going to stop us improving and maintaining the facili- for the Toddlers, and we try to organise 2 or 3 social ty for you, the people of Rothes. After all, the Hall is outings for the adults. Our last one was a trip to Bowl YOURS. Really, we have all been robbed! 2000 for bowling and a meal, which was very success- If it happens again the intruders are in for a noisy sur- ful. prise, and maybe even a colourful, lasting impression So if you have had a bad experience of the Group in will be left on them. the past, or have been having doubts about joining, why not come along and see for yourselves if we have Martin Housden has now come on board as Secretary changed for the better. It will cost nothing to find out. and is busy working his way through the ‘minefield’ If you are worried about walking into the Group on that is Grant Application Forms. Welcome and good your own, contact Liz on 831940, and we will arrange luck, Martin. for someone to meet you beforehand.

The Gala Dance was a major success and hopefully, Easily Led will enjoy a good crowd on the 19th.

The 24th of July sees the welcome return to Rothes of Big Bob’s Blues Band. Last time they played in APPEAL TO DOG OWNERS

Rothes the local Hotel trade benefited from some of A number of notices have appeared around Rothes, their travelling fans staying over. A very experienced asking dog owners to ‘clean up after their dogs’. and talented band too good to miss!! Please note that it is an offence in Scotland now, to not clean up after your pet. This brings us into line with That’s it folks. If you want to get in touch it’s: many other countries. There are plenty of bins in [email protected] which to dispose of the donation. Louise 01340 831482 Raymond 01340 831466

4 This issue sponsored by Jenny Paterson ROTHES BROWNIES ROTHES PLAYGROUP

The 1st Rothes Brownie Pack have been very busy Following a successful initial meeting, it was agreed since our last report, we have all completed our there was enough support to reform a Playgroup in Brownie Traditions Badge and our Cook's Badge. The Rothes to benefit the children of the community. The parents have fairly enjoyed this badge as the girls had group will be formed to cater for children from age 2, to make breakfast for all their family, they also had to until a funded nursery place is available, usually the wash up and clear away. There are no excuses now! term after the child’s 3rd birthday. We have looked into all aspects of healthy eating; we There will be a further meeting on Wednesday, 25th had a breakfast night, a fruit, vegetable and salad August, in the Grant Hall to formalise a committee, night, and a night with all aspects of kitchen safety. and all interested parties are invited to attend. Refresh- The Brownie Association is officially 90 years old in ments will be provided. 2004, so we have celebrated this achievement with a In the meantime, working groups are being set up to birthday party. look into funding, risk assessments, and to draw up We have helped the Gala this year by working on the business plans. All parents unable to attend the initial Treasure Map stall. meeting, but who would like to be involved should We are all looking forward to taking part in the Big G, contact: on the 5th June, we will be walking from Aberlour to Liz Masson, Parent Contact 01340 831940 Craigellachie alongside 200 - 300 rainbows, brownies Dawn Russell, Childcare Development Asst. and guides from all over Moray. 01343 545368 We are starting to wind down for the summer and we Margaret Morris, Rural Project Worker are hoping for a few bonny nights to have fun and 01343 549557 games in our own little park. We will be saddened to lose Natasha and Isla in June, Margaret is also available in The Cottage on Tuesdays they have both reached their 11th birthday and it is and Thursdays (831122) if you want to have a chat time for them to move onto pastures new. We wish about what we are trying to achieve. them both every happiness. A few spaces will therefore become available in Au- gust. If your little girl will be 7 over the summer months and would like to join our pack, please give me a call on 831201 or call Bev on 831137. We would ROTHES JUNIOR YOUTH CLUB be delighted to have her. Hope you all have a happy summer. Firstly, on behalf of all Rothes Junior Youth Club, we would like to thank the Rothes Book Group for their Yours in guiding generous donation, which helped us to buy new equip- Jennifer Nicol. Brown Owl. ment. The Youth Club has been running successfully for the past two years. We meet on a Tuesday evening at the

Grant Hall, from 6.00pm until 8.00pm, for all Primary TARA-LA-LA-LA School children. th Tara French, High Street has been successful with her The last night for the Youth Club is Tuesday 29 June. We will then be closed for the summer holidays, and audition for the National Youth Choir of Scotland th Training Choir, 2004. There will be a Training Choir will re-open on Tuesday 24 August. Induction Day in June. We urgently require helpers, as there are only three of The course, where all members will receive individual us (Joanne, Richard and myself). If you can help even lessons from a member of the Vocal Coaching Staff, one evening a month, it would be greatly appreciated. will be held at Strathallan School, Perthshire in Ju- Many thanks go to Gwen, for helping out at very short ly. During the week long course they will sing at Stir- notice on several occasions. If it wasn’t for her help, ling Castle in the Chapel Royal and finish with a con- we would have had to cancel the Youth Club on those cert in Strathallan Chapel. nights – thank you! For any further information regarding the Youth Club, In addition, the choir has been invited to sing at the first ever Choral Festival in both Edinburgh and Glas- please contact Elaine on 831845 gow in August. WELL DONE TARA!!

This issue sponsored by Jenny Paterson 5 Dear Pearl - ways part of the county of Morayshire, and is in the I am requesting some information about the Galloway present day Moray local authority area. family of Rothes. The confusion on this matter, I believe, stems from the I just received information about my gg-grandmother's Post office’s decision to use Postal Towns. The organ- husband's family and her daughters who apparently isation informed us that Aberlour was to be ours, told were born in Rothes. us our address was to be Rothes, Aberlour, Banffshire, Her husband's name was John Watson Montague Gal- and our Post Code was to change from an Inverness loway and her two daughters born in Rothes were one (IV33) to an Aberdeen one. The whole thing was Elizabeth Galloway and Maria Galloway. complete rubbish at the time, and remains so. Can you tell me anything about the family? Or who to I can understand new people to the town being una- contact for the information? ware of the situation, but as someone who has been Thank you, here since 1964, I would have thought that “scunnert” Layna Jan Wilson, would have been aware of all this! Vancouver, Canada. Yours Faithfully Hamish McBain

Dear Pearl, I was delighted to receive your e-mail. Yes, I remember Jean Allan and her lovely ballroom THE AULD PAIR O' TAWSE dancing with Basil. That takes us all back a few dec- ades!! I spent lots of happy times with all the Taylors Well dae I remember when I was a bit bairn, as with the Johnsons and Camerons up that end of The lickens that I used to git when I did ony hairm, Land Street making a fair amount of din - the 'old bid- My mither she wis very strict, tho' loving, kind an' dies' chasing us away and now that I am one of those I good, can appreciate why!!. More recently, I spent many She aye made me behave mysel' as a' good bairnies many lovely hours in Lily (Taylor) McGregor's home should both when my cousin Ian was alive and afterwards. But sometimes I forgot mysel' an' maybe broke her laws Sadly I have lost some dear friends - my cousin Ian, Then I wis gled to see my mither lift the auld pair o' his brother Bill, my uncle Jock McGregor, Doris Mil- tawse. lar and my very young friend Kim Smith to name but a For sometimes she'd tak the buckle, sometimes she'd few. The war did me a great favour - I was more or tak the cane, less 'evacuated to Rothes as my father was working in Sometimes she'd pit me ben the hoose an' mak me Vickers-Armstrongs and the children round there were bide my lane being mostly sent to Wales, etc. My mother brought Sometimes She'd tak her open hand an' clash me me to Rothes and there I started school, coming home roun the jaws, to Woking for the school holidays and as I grew older But I'd rather hae a licken wi' the auld pair o'tawse. I found I didn't like the 'red brick' buildings and The pair o'tawse my mither hid were nice an' soft and missed the hills. I persuaded my parents that it would thin be too disruptive for my schooling to be switched to The puir auld budy clipped them frae a piece o' auld Woking and so I stayed. I haven't been back for a few sheep's skin. They were jist as licht 's a feather an' sae little strength years but my sister, Margaret, who was born in hid she, Rothes, are planning to visit Speyside hopefully soon- Altho' she tried wi' a' her miccht, she couldna hurt a er rather than later. It was a really great day when a flea, friend forwarded two of last year's Rothesian. I wid roar an' greet an' stamp ma feet as if it wis afa My address is:- (surprise, surprise!!) Ben Aigen, Arun- sair, del Close, FLEET, Hants, GU51 3PB. Then lauch jist like tae crack ma sides when I got By the way are you related to the Pauls who, 'in my doon the stair. day' lived at the top of the High Street practically next door the Macfarlanes - also in my 'happy memories'. Looking forward to receiving my 'Rothesian'. Regards, Betty Parkinson.

Dear Rothesian, Your “scunnert” Rothesian in issue 25 is wrong on one point. Midway through her piece it is stated that “we belong in Banffshire”. This claim is untrue. Rothes was al-

6 This issue sponsored by Jenny Paterson th th Rothes Diary Dates 11 October to 29 October ‘Good as New’ in Kirk Hall June 23rd October Rothes FC Social Club Tombola 26th June Church Fund Coffee Morning th th 25 October Schools reopen after October 26 June Rothes PTA Ladies Day Grant Hall Break July 30th October Halloween Disco/Dance at Grant 1st July Schools close for Summer Break. rd 3 July Rothes FC Social Club Coffee Morning Hall 3rd July Rothes FC Social Club Line dancers Dance All welcome Visit Rothes Community Website th 9 July Recycling facilities at end of Land Street http;//www.speyside.moray.org/Rothes-on-Spey/ 10th July Sport Relief! Run a Mile! th Rothes Diary is ©Copyright (Sandra Ross) and may not be repro- 10 July Forres Highland Games th duced without permission 11 July Sponsored Walk Aberlour/Carron in aid of The Diary is displayed in the library window where it is updated Rothes FC Social Club Transport from Social Club every two weeks. This is more up to date with changes than can 11.30. Start Aberlour 12noon. Refreshments provid- be published in the quarterly Rothesian. The PCD Notice Board will also have a copy. ed. th 17 July Coffee Morning in aid of CHAS in Kirk

Hall 17th July Elgin Highland Games

23rd July Re-cycling facilities at end of Land Street RED CROSS COLLECTION 24th July Rothes FC Social Club Tombola 31st July Church Fund Coffee Morning Rothes surpassed itself this year! The house-to-house 31st July Dufftown Highland Games team collected £303.73p from the town for the Red August Cross in early May. This is an excellent total from a 1st/2nd August Turriff Show small community. Thank you for your generosity. A 5th August Black Isle Show letter of thanks and a Certificate have been received th 6 August Re-cycling facilities at end of Land from the Red Cross. Street th Thanks are also due to this year’s team, Moira Ewan, 7 August Rothes FC Social Club Coffee Morning Nan Fraser, Joan Kelman, Betty Johnston, Rosie 7th August Aberlour Strathspey Highland Games th Laing, Chrissie Percival, Dorothy Tawse and Sandra 8 August Keith Show 14th August Rothes FC Social Club Tombola Ross. 17th August Schools reopen to pupils after Summer Break 20th August Re-cycling facilities at end of Land Street 28th August Church Fund Coffee Morning September 3rd September Re-cycling facilities at end of Land Street 4th September Rothes FC Social Club Coffee Morn- ing 4th September Rothes Horticultural and Industrial Society Flower Show, Grant Hall 11th September Rothes Bowling Club Coffee Morn- ing Church Hall 17th September Re-cycling facilities at end of Land Street 18th September Coffee Morning in Kirk Hall. Parent and Toddler 18th September Rothes FC Social Club Tombola 24th /27th September Speyside Whisky Festival 25th September Church Fund Coffee Morning October 1st October Re-cycling facilities at end of Land Street 2nd October Rothes FC Social Club Coffee Morning 9th October Opening of the new Scots Parlia- ment in Edinburgh 8th October Schools close for October Break

This issue sponsored by Jenny Paterson 7 LOCH INSH ROTHES PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPIL EN- RICHMENT FUND On Tuesday the 13th of April a group of children from Rothes Primary School went to Loch Insh Watersports A raffle was held recently, for funds for the Rothes Centre. There were lots of activities to do. There was Primary School. The winner of the main prize was Canadian canoeing, archery, sailing, kayaking, cy- Marie Laing and she is pictured outside the Delnas- cling, nature walking, a disco and dry-slope-skiing. haugh Hotel next to the model T Ford with her twin sister, after enjoying a superb lunch. The raffle raised £790 for the pupil enrichment fund. Many thanks to those who donated prizes and of course, bought the tickets! Raymond MacDonald

Some were really tiring like cycling up a hill and your arms got a bit sore if you paddled too hard. At night you could sit in the comfy chairs or the tables. There was a T.V and at 6:00pm there was a tuck shop with juice, crisps, and sweets. When it was time for an activity you had to go to the Boathouse. There was a restaurant above the Boathouse where you got your breakfast, and you made your packed-lunch at the tables, and had dinner at the restaurant too. There was an outside balcony at the restaurant and you could see all the people down at the shore. On Thursday night there was a disco with the other VISITOR RESOURCE CENTRE school. The other school was called Cawdor. On Fri- The Visitor/Resource Centre has had an increased number of visitors from abroad, from Scotland and from Moray and the resources have also been well used by the community over the last three months. The members have been involved in setting up a new initiative in the shape of a book exchange facility where you are welcome to take in your own books and exchange them for those in the Cottage. The Group were successful in gaining a MAC Leader+ grant of £4,836 to finance computer training at the Cottage. The first class started on the morning of Fri- day 11th June and was enjoyed by all present. An evening training session is also being organised. If you are interested in being involved in further classes please feel free to contact us. We hope to accommo- date all who have previously shown an interest and a day morning there was dry-slope-skiing and after- number of new applicants. wards we packed up and waited for the buses. It was a We are also looking for further volunteers to man the good journey home. Everybody was glad to see their Cottage over the summer months. Anyone interested mums and dads. Everybody enjoyed Loch Insh and we please contact Sheila or Pearl or phone 831474. all had a good time. Emma Reid

8 This issue sponsored by Jenny Paterson ROTHES CHURCH GUILD THE SKIRL OF THE PIPES...... Can often be Rothes Church Guild finished their winter season with heard in Ben Aigen View. "Oh no, not again!" the a Coffee Morning in April raising £319. We are now in process of making up our winter syllabus. Our out- neighbours say. Craig and his dad Gary can often be ing to Joseph and his Technicoloured Dreamcoat was heard practising their tunes! It has all been pretty greatly enjoyed by all as was our high tea at the Laich- worth while for Craig, as he entered the Moray Music moray Hotel. Festival and won a prize in every competition he en- The Guild would like to thank all those who donated tered. He was first in the Under 12 March, first in the to our appeal for Malawi. The response was over- whelming, sincere thanks to all. Thirty two boxes were Under 15 March, third in the Under 15 Strathspey and dispatched from Moray West, this included the Rothes Reel and second in the Under 19 Jig!!!!!!! Pretty good contribution of pens, pencils, rubbers, sharpeners, as he is only 11 years old. crayons, jotters, note books, colouring books, knitted teddies, soft toys, blankets (knitted and bought) and children's clothing. Do keep knitting as another con- signment goes off in October. The Guild will resume on the first Tuesday (5th) of October. All are welcome. God bless you all. Nan McPherson (President)

CHARITY SHOP OPENING

Now that the long light nights are here, the Charity Shop is back in operation. It will be open on Tuesday and Friday afternoons and Saturday. Dorothy and Bet- ty and helpers look forward to seeing you.

SENIOR CITIZENS

The Senior Citizens finished their winter season on Wednesday 21st April when they were entertained by twenty members of the Strathspey and Reel Socie- ty. To round off the season they had a bus trip to He has a busy time ahead as the Games season is Dingwall with lunch at the Dows Diner in Inver- just round the corner and so are the competitions. He ness. The day was enjoyed by all. Thanks must go to the Rothes Book Group who donated £200 to- has an important job in a few weeks when he plays at wards the cost of the buses. The Seniors will resume a wedding reception in Duffus Castle. The first event on Wednesday 6th October. Old and new members to take place in the grounds for over 320 years. He is will be welcome. also off to The Piping School in Glasgow for a week to Jean Allan, Secretary get some tuition. So keep a look out for him in the summer when you see the Mass Pipes and Drums. He keeps up with them all and even outplays his dad at times. Sorry Gary, but he is pretty good!

(Craig Wilson is the grandson of Ab and Anne Scott, Land Street)

This issue sponsored by Jenny Paterson 9 ROTHES BOOK CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

The sale of the Rothes Book, Rothes 2001 raised over Rothes Christmas lights will be shining brighter this £5,500 for community distribution. Local groups, who winter, with likely emphasis on the Square. This is due were invited to send in requests for funding from the to a substantial boost in our bank balance of over proceeds, requested donations for a wide variety of £1,800. needs. Those included equipment, project development, coaching, football strips, transport, sponsorship, events and activity costs.

Billy Newlands, an employee at Glenrothes Distillery presented a cheque for £500 to the Rothes Council at a At the Cottage on Sunday the 28th March the Group recent meeting. Billy had applied to his employers presented cheques to the following organisations:- (The Edrington Group) for the monies to help enhance Grant Hall Visitor/Resource Centre the display. Rothes Primary School Children's Playtrail Linnburn Day Centre Rothes Rovers Rothes Football Club Junior Youth Club Rothes Council Gala Rothes Golf Club Rothes Church Senior Citizens Indoor Bowling Club Brownies Horticultural Society Tennis Club Mother and Toddlers Outdoor Bowling Club The Book is still on sale at a reduced price of £5.00. All future proceeds will again go to local community groups.

BEST KEPT VILLAGE

Although the plants and hanging baskets are now in place the Rothes Council were unable to enter the Best Keith Ross, who erects the lights along with his team Kept Village Competition this year. each year, organised a very successful sponsored walk This is unfortunate but lack of on-going community support for the work needed to care for the plants and round the new Dounie footpath. The walk has realised the overall display made any other decision impossi- over £800 and Chivas Brothers, Keith’s employers, ble. This years hanging baskets could only be erected have donated £483, doubling up Keith’s contribution. as we now have help from the Speyside Garden Ser- vices. Rothes Council wish to thank Keith and all who took The Rothes Council have added to the displays in the part (over 20), all who offered sponsorship and Billy last few years and have other improvements they wish for his on-going support. to put in place, but more displays mean more work and more commitment from the community. If more help is offered we can look at the situation again for next year.

10 This issue sponsored by Jenny Paterson THE GALA

This years Rothes Gala events, which were sponsored by the Rothes Book Group, kicked off with a very successful Prize Bingo in the Grant Hall.

Cockinch by 4 goals to 3. The raffle was also drawn Gala Day on the 30th May, a lovely sunny Sunday on the Challenge afternoon with prizes going to afternoon, was opened by Angus Robertson MP. As a Rothes, Elgin, Archiestown, Dufftown, Aberlour and token of thanks he was presented with a Rothes paper- Keith. weight by Jean Grimshaw, treasurer and organiser for Rothes Council wish to thank all who donated to the the day. The Gala was attended by a substantial crowd event. They were overwhelmed by the generosity of who enjoyed the varied entertainment including the the people of Rothes, the local businesses and also the spectacular Belly Dancers. offers of help from local groups and individuals who There were also a record number of static displays and all made this Gala a magnificent community effort. Over £3,000 has been banked so far with more to come, however, this does not as yet take account of the costs of staging the event. The total raised will be reported in the next edition of the Rothesian

SPEYSIDE HIGH SCHOOL

The school holidays are rapidly approaching and the end of another busy school year. The SQA examina- tions finished at the beginning of June, with the results expected in the post on 10th August. As May drew to a close, most of the school were involved in the ‘Activities’ Day when pupils were involved in a wide range of pursuits not normally available at school or in the normal stalls. after-school activities. A cycling group have had a The Challenge Day on the following Saturday also three-day mountain bike trail riding break in the re- benefited from glorious sunshine. The afternoon pro- gion of Loch Morlich. A group of pupils and staff gramme of rounders and football was enjoyed by all. from Frankfurt, have been visiting Speyside. They This years football winners were Henbog who beat have been staying at the homes of Speyside pupils and staff. Later in the year, the Speyside youngsters will visit Germany. The School Awards ceremony takes place on Friday 11th June when endeavours throughout the year are recognised. These are due to be presented by Angus Robertson MP, always a popular visitor. Mr Eoin Scott, one of the long-serving staff members retires this summer too, while his wife Lesley retires from Rothes. They are to make their home in France.

This issue sponsored by Jenny Paterson 11 ROTHES F.C. SOCIAL CLUB SPEYSIDE COUNCIL

The club has continued its programme of improve- The Speyside Council met for its Annual General ments, with the installation of double glazing, new Meeting in Dufftown as has been the practice for carpeting, wide screen TV, new heating in the hall and many years but unfortunately, on this occasion, there a complete make over of the kitchen. The monthly was not a very large attendance - even from those coffee mornings and Tombolas are established regular members elected by their Community associations to events, with quiz nights at intervals throughout the serve on the Executive Committee of the Speyside year. The AGM is scheduled for 18th June. Council. In fact, so poor was the representation, that If you would like something different to do on Sunday the meeting of the EC which is usually held at the 11th July, there is the sponsored walk along part of the close of business to elect the Officers for the coming Speyside Way from Aberlour to Carron. It is intended year (Convenor, Vice-Convenor, Secretary and Treas- to leave the Social Club at 11.30am, with transport to urer), was postponed until the next scheduled meeting Aberlour, to commence the walk at noon approximate- which is due to take place at the Speyside High School ly. The half-way point at Carron will have a short re- on Thursday 17th June. freshment break, before the return leg. Last year the The AGM did re-elect Jim Anderson to be President walk took about two and a half hours, including the and John Tilley to be Vice-President, but the Conven- break. Transport back to Rothes Club is provided or for the past two years, Rev. Sven Bjarnsson, felt where there is a complimentary drink on offer. Spon- that he was unable to represent Tomintoul on the sor sheets are available from the club or committee Council any longer, and therefore could not continue members with all proceeds going towards the upkeep as Convenor so there was no Convenor's Report. The of the social club Treasurer was also unable to attend the meeting but a To keep up with the club news, visit the website at detailed Financial Report was circulated and the fi- http://rothesfcsocialclub.mysite.freeserve.com nances of the Council were found to be reasonably

sound.

The guest speaker at the AGM this year was Roy An-

derson, the recently appointed Community Planning Officer for the Moray Council, who gave a talk on the TUCKERED OUT! Moray Community Planning Partnership and what it is aiming to achieve through the partnership of the We are indebted to Russell Anderson for sending the "service providers", of which there are currently thir- above picture from Orkney, of a couple of Rothes teen, and the local communities. He explained that the vision of the new partnership is "to increase the quali- ty of life for all sections of the community and develop the well-being of the communities in Moray". We await further progress with interest. The meeting also received copies of a draft of the information leaflet prepared by Dr Tim Dolan on the purposes of the Speyside Council. It is hoped to con- sider further details at the next meeting of the Council, after which it should be available for circulation to interested parties. John Tilley, Vice-President

‘loons’ resting after an exhausting night. BROADBAND IS COMING! Too much fresh air no doubt!

Broadband is finally coming to Rothes! BT have set the 24th November as the activation date, so you can start looking around for the best deal. There are lots of packages on offer, so shop around.

12 This issue sponsored by Jenny Paterson