THE ROTHESIAN

Sept 2007 Sponsored by G. Laing, Stonecraft Issue No 39

Garry Laing was brought up in . He left school in 1979, and started a four year appren- tice with Stone Cutters soon after. Later he went to Edinburgh to work for Watson Stonecraft, where he was taught the different skills involved in hand carving over the 2 and a half years he was there. Garry then returned to Moray Stone Cutters, and remained there for 12 years until starting his own business in 1998. It has now been 9 years since Garry started up G.Laing, Stonecraft, and they now have a string of successful projects under their belt, including restoration work at St Giles Church in Elgin, Kings College and Marischal College in Aberdeen, Stonehaven Town Hall and Bishops Palace in Inverness. G.Laing, stonecraft is currently located behind the Borough Chambers building in Rothes, but due to the flood alleviation scheme is being relocated, and is still looking for new premises.

Picture below is of the plaque made and donated to Rothes Primary school by Garry.

THIS ISSUE

Group News on various pages Sports group news on pages 3, 4 & 11 Flower Show, page 2 Letters and Poem on page 6 & 7 Diary, with events up to December, on page 7 Flood Prevention progress on page 5 Council News, from Speyside and Rothes Councils, on page 10 Rothes Gala on page 11 Graduation Picture, page 12

HOUSE HUNTING

Are you fed up waiting for a’coonsil hoose’ or are you scunnart trying to find something to buy? A wee birdie gave us some pointers. See page 12

You may contact The Rothesian by e-mail, using the following address: [email protected] ROTHES FLOWER SHOW

We had a wonderful show. with a total of 724 entries. Many catago- ries saw an increase in exhibits, and as expected we saw a drop in the Fruit & Vegetable Sections. Poor weather and no sunshire was the cause. We saw increases in the Pot Plants, Childrens's Baking, Decorative, Jams & jellies, Confectionery, Wine, Handicrafts, & Senior Citizen section. We were on par on other sections such as cut flowers, which was very surprising, Baking, Vegetable Box and Moray Energy Efficiency Advice Rothes Vase. Project We were indebted to Rothes Primary School, Rothes Rainbows & (M.E.E.A.P) Brownies for all of their outstanding entries, which was very hard to judge. We were also delighted to see all the entries from the MEEAP is an initiative that aims to Linnburn Day Care Centre. promote energy efficiency, tackle The Society was encouraged by all the new competitors who had fuel poverty and improves people liv- entered for the first time and with all competirors who came from ing environment in Moray. The pro- ject is part funded by The Moray the surrounding area this insures that the Show will continue to grow Council. and flourish. The project, based in , Major Prizes, and Rothes Winners provides free, confidential impartial advice And information. The Presentation of Trophies was made by Mrs Rosemary Garritty, Head- The Energy Advisor is available to mistress of Rothes Primary School. help anyone who wants advice and Trophy Winner as follows;- information regarding Eagle Star Cup (most Points Cut Flowers & Veghetables) - W.Clarihew, Knockando *USE OF HEATING SYSTEMS Forsyth Shield (Best Exhibit in Show) - C. Devine, (cross-stitch *FUEL BILL PROBLEMS-factsheets picture) available Jake Daniel Trophy (runner-up Best in Show) - J. MacDonald, Dufftown *GRANTS FOR HEATING AND (Floral Art). INSULATION Famous Grouse Trophy (best overall Vegetables) - T Grant, Dufftown (box of Potatoes) *DAMPNESS AND CONDENSA- Rothes Football Club Cup (most points Pot Plants) - A.Rugg, Rothes TION John Newlands Shield (most points Pot Plants Window grown) - A. Rugg, *RENEWABLE SOURCES OF EN- Rothes. ERGY Rothes Pharmacy Cup(best exhibit Sweet Peas) - D.A.Cruikshank, Rothes. AND ANY OTHER GENERAL EN- Chambers Cup(most points School Children classes 50/55) - Lesley Nicol, ERGY EFFICIENCY MATTERS Rothes. E & B Johnston Trophy (class 57,painted pebble) - Sam Jackson, Rothes. For more information contact: E. Wardlaw Trophy(class 51,Hama Bead Coaster) - Lesley Nicol, Rothes. SCARF ON R.H.I.S. Trophy (class 54, Floral Decoration ) - Hannah Kelman, Rothes. 0800 512 012 Blain Trophy ( class55, Fruit & Veg Character) - Flynn Howard, Rothes. A. Cruikshank Cup( Most points classas 50/60) - Lesley Nicol, Rothes. Albyn Designs Trophy( class 58, CD cover) - Robert Paul, Rothes. D Bremner Shield (class 61, my hobby) - Robert Paul, Rothes. Brownie Shield( class 49, decorated wooden spoon) - Megan Gordon, Rothes. Rainbow Trophy (class 53, Coloured picture) - Jasmin Campbell, Rothes. Bob Johnston Shield ( most points Children's Baking) - Keiran Johnston, Rothes. A Henderson Shield(most poinys Fruit).- D.Cruikshank, Rothes. David Henderson Cup ( Box of Vegetables) - S. Paul, Rothes. John Milne Cup (most points Vegetables) - D. Cruikshank, Rothes. McDonald Trophy( most points carrots) - D Cruilshank, Rothes Shield (best group containers, tubs & baskets) - Pearl Paul Trophy (most points Baking & Confectionery Rothes Resident) - J & B. Tilley, New Street. N.McPherson, Rothes. R.H.I.S.Cup (most points handicraft classes164/167 ) - A.Howie, Rothes. Rothes Vegetable Box - Gold D. Cruikshank, Rothes, Silver - A. Rugg McKenzie Challenge Cup ( best kept garden) - E. McWilliam, Provost Christie Drive. R.H.I.S. Cup (runner-up garden) - A Dean, Green Street. Rothes Pharmacy Cup (best vegetable garden) - A. Rugg, Burnside Street. Rotary Club Shield ( best Hanging basket) & The Mary & Andy Sherret

2 This issue sponsored by G. Laing, Stonecraft ROTHES LIBRARY NEWS

Hi, I hope you all had a good summer, pity about the weather. It was good news to hear that Rothes will still have a Library even though it will mean a move to the Well the summer is behind us and we are looking school. I’m still not sure exactly when that will happen. forward to the Autumn and Winter session.We had We had a busy summer with “The Big Wild Read”. We great success at the Annual Flower Show with Jas- had 37 children signed up and held 7 Activity mornings min Campbell winning the trophy and 2nd and 3rd with a total of 74 children attending. They enjoyed the going to Hannah Kelman and Debbie Baillie. Well Activity sheets, the Leaf a Message Tree, Talking about done girls!. the books they borrowed, Accessing the Big Wild Read We currently have 7 Rainbows with 4 joining in Website and making pebble pets, which we displayed in September, we will be welcoming Lucy, Pollyanna, the Library window. Overall it was a huge success – Kerry and Bethany, this will make the unit full. Well done to all who took part. This term we will be doing our Red roundabout and September was a busy month for us. On Thur 13th Sep are hoping to continue with our Right to be series 2pm-4pm, Mairi with us doing the Right to live in Peace badge. McCallum of We were sorry to say goodbye to Charlene and are Volunteer Scot- looking for an 18+ adult to help us on a regular ba- land was at the sis,this will enable us to accomodate up to 15 girls. library to meet No requirements required, just a sense of fun and anybody who an enjoyment with children. For further details was interested in please contact either Jennifer 01340 831201 or Bev volunteering 01340 831137. work, and to assist with fill- ing out volunteer registration forms, providing all the necessary information re- quired. If you didn’t make it

We have recom- on the day, just menced back after the summer holidays with 20 get in touch with girls attending regularly. the Library for further details. We too have done well at the Flower Show, this th year's theme was to decorate a wooden spoon, 1st On Sat 15 Sep we had a “Library Open Day” be- prize and the trophy went to Megan Gordon, 2nd tween 10am and 3pm. You had the chance to explore Emily Masson and 3rd Michaela Allsop. the Moray Council and Libraries’ websites including the We are just settling back in with fun nights with Online Reference Databases, sign up for basic computer popcorn and bingo and we have started our Speak- courses and see what’s good to read. We also held 2 er's Interest Badge. I am sure they will all pass !!!. storytimes for the children at 11am and 2pm and re- We are looking forward to many fun nights this freshments were be available throughout the day. term and on the agenda is Brownies have Talent, Rothes Nursery will also visit us in September. It is Theme nights, and craft evenings. great to see them back at the Library on a regular basis. If your daughter is interested in joining please con- I’ve enjoyed reading them stories as much as they have tact Jennifer 01340 831201 or Bev 01340 831137 enjoyed hearing them. On their last visit they had col- for further details. oured in some pictures, which are now on display inside the Library.

Arlene McLean (Library & Information Assistant) Rothes Library

This issue sponsored by G. Laing, Stonecraft 3 ROTHES ROVERS ROTHES INDOOR BOWLING CLUB

It has been a good season for all at Rothes Rovers. The At the AGM of the Club the following office bearers P6/7 squad won the very first John Cooper League were appointed:- Trophy, our own Rothes Rovers Cup, and the Speymouth Trophy. In the league we only lost 1 President - Innes Shaw match. That was against closest challengers Dufftown. Vice President - Bob Murray The P5 & Under squad are second in the league with 5 Secretary - Anne Smith games and a tournament to go. Treasurer - Scott Cameron The P3 & Unders were runners up in the Speymouth Match secretary - Sandy Cameron Tournament. The tournament was for p3/p2 before Committee - Jimmy Munro and Charlie summer hols. Most of our team was made up of P1 & Christie nursery, so the team did better than expected. As you can see from the P6/7 team photo, there are not The new season starts on Monday 10th September and a lot of Rothes children in it. This is due to not a lot of continues weekly on Mondays them being interested in coming to training. We had a and Tuesdays from 6pm in Rothes FC Social club. lot of interest from Craigellachie children. We are always on the look-out for new members, so A big thank you to Sally, Dave and all at the Vic Bar come along and give it a try. The Club will again be playing in the Asso- ciation League and Association Ties. Charlie Christie

ROTHES TENNIS CLUB

The club had varied success in the three leagues we took part in. The Mixed team went unbeaten in winning the 2nd Division title. Victories were recorded over sides from , , Gordonstoun, Gran- town, Inverness, Keith, Rothiemurchus and Tain. The Men’s team held on to its position in the top league, but our Ladies were relegated although the decision came down to a sets countback. A team representing the club is participating in for their kind donation of 181 pounds which will be the Under 13 League, and we will have a Mixed used to buy some training equipment. team in the Autumn Kuock-Out event. The latter Also a big thank you to all parents who helped during is being played in a new format with fixtures the season with setting up the goals and transport to comprising 2 Mixed Doubles, 1 Ladies, and 1 away games. Men’s Doubles. If any primary school child is keen on football, we train on a Friday night from 6.30pm till 8.00pm. Willie Younie 01340 831732.

WILLIE GRANT

The Rothes community was sad to hear of the death of Willie Grant, a football legend in the North East of . Willie started his career in the North East as a Rothes player, and was part of the 1958/59 team which won the North of Scotland Cup and the Highland League Championship.

4 This issue sponsored by G. Laing, Stonecraft ROTHES BOWLING CLUB ROTHES FLOOD ALLEVIATION SCHEME

The club has had another successful season de- Over the past few months, the good progress on the flood spite the awful summer weather. We enjoyed scheme has continued. As a result of the work we have being some friendly matches with several neighbour- doing with SEPA, they have now withdrawn their objection ing clubs, and members took part in quite a few to the Planning Application. This enabled The Moray Council competitions in the Moray area. to grant Planning Consent, subject to a number of conditions, Once again the Open Pairs Tournament was a at a special Environmental Services Committee meeting on 30 tremendous success, a total of 54 pairs from all August . parts entering. The eventual were A Willox and Work continues to resolve the remaining objections to the G Proud (Aberlour) with runners-up being F Flood Prevention Order and if this is successful, it will allow McPherson and I Kelman (). Scottish Ministers to release the funding for construction We would like to thank the sponsors of the tour- work to commence on site. nament – Rothes Garage and Bells Scotch Whis- The team has been exploring opportunities for starting con- ky. struction work as early as possible and this culminated in a Winners of the various club competitions were:- recommendation to ‘phase’ the works being approved in prin- ciple by the Council’s Flood Alleviation Sub-Committee on Club Champion and Davidson Cup: 22 August. Sandy Cameron If this recommendation is subsequently ratified by the Envi- ronmental Services Committee, it means that the design and Runner-up: Scott Cameron construction of the scheme can be carried out in three separate

stages, commencing with work on the Back Burn followed by Forsyth Cup Charles Newlands the Black Burn and finally the Burn of Rothes. Runner-up Sandy Cameron Work on the detailed drawings and contract documents for the works on the Back Burn is now well advanced, and sub- Rennie Cup Sandy Cameron ject to SEPA granting the CAR licence within the normal stat- Runner-up Charles Newlands utory 4 month period, work should be able to start on site in April 2008. Pairs Champion and Bartlett Shield Other work that will be carried out in the coming months will Scott Cameron and George Jamieson be consultation with utilities companies in order to implement Runners-up the diversion works required, negotiation of the required land Sandy Cameron and Greta Horne acquisition, wayleaves and agreements and further discus- sions with SEPA to obtain the CAR licence for the scheme. Gala Triples Hugh McPhee, Once again, the flood team would like to thank you all for Sandy Cameron, and continuing support, co-operation and understanding during George Jamieson the development of the scheme. If anyone has any queries Runners-up Colin Munro, Bill Gayton they should telephone Peter Haslam at Moray Flood Allevia- and Scott Cameron tion on 01343 559055 or visit the website at www.morayflooding.org Pharmacy two Bowl Pairs Steve Vernon, Scheme Manager Innes Shaw and Charles Newlands Runners-up Colin Munro and Hugh McPhee

Senior Shield Charlie Christie Runner-up Geordie Taylor

Special thanks are due to Bob and Bert for the upkeep of the green and to Greta and her ladies for catering arrangements. Charlie Christie

Above, Morrison personnel undertaking services investiga- tion around the Back Burn

This issue sponsored by G. Laing, Stonecraft 5 1st COMPANY BOYS BRIGADE WHERE ARE THEY NOW

We went to the annual Inspection on Friday 16th I am a Rothes ‘loon’ living with my wife, Anne, in March at Buckie to see the boys do their entertain- Huntly. ment, gymnastics and receive their badges and awards. When I left school I was taken on as a message boy/ We were especially delighted to see our grandson apprentice grocer with George Rhynas who had a Scott Riddoch again receive awards. A Sportsman baker and grocery shops in New Street. Shield for sport activities, Best Boy 6th year Shield and Deliveries on the message bike often took me to his Queens Badge. He is also part of a Master Team Conrock Farm, the Craig Cottages, Speyburn, Small- that got to the Scottish Finals of Boys Brigades. In- burn and sometimes Delfur Lodge. spection of the company was made by The Very Rev- Soon after my 18th birthday I was ‘called up’ to do two erend Professor A. Main TD,MA. Brigade’s President and a half years National Service in the RAF and re- whose wife presented the awards. turned to work for the Co-op who had taken over Scott was one of nine in the Buckie company who re- Rhynas’s business. After a few years in Rothes I was ceived Queens Badges and we were very proud again transferred to their branch in which I did as I don’t think we have missed an inspection since not like so I moved on to Gordon & MacPhail in El- Scott started at the age of nine. Scott is now sixteen, gin, then to Greens in Rothes and the Rothes Social has left school and had to return to the Buckie High FC Social Club. School Prize-giving on 3rd July where we watched him I left the Social Club and spent fourteen years with the receive the ‘James Stuart Scott ‘ Trophy. Well done Forestry Commission as a storeman/clerk at Balnacoul Scott. Repair Depot near and retired from there in Jim and Doreen Riddoch 1992. On my retiral I served part time in the Huntly Golf Club Shop and played a lot of golf which I had to give up recently owing to a drop in my fitness level. Nowadays I watch TV quite a lot especially quiz and antique shows and sport. I like listening to music from my collection of tapes and CD’s and weather permit-

ting I go for walks. We have a small garden which I like to keep tidy and I do a bit of DIY. I am a Founder Member of Rothes Golf club and in my “twenties” played football for Rothes ‘A’ FC in the Speyside Welfare League. John (Jock) Sherret

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA

My great-great-great grandfather was a William Leslie who was a farmer at Rothes in the 18th century. I un- derstand that the castle ruin was a Leslie stronghold. Can anyone provide any more history on this and also could any Leslie currently living there e-mail me. Stan Leslie [email protected]

6 This issue sponsored by G. Laing, Stonecraft Rothes Diary

2007 October 4th October Tennis Club Prize Bingo in Grant Hall 6th October Rothes FC Social Club Coffee Morning 9th October Rothes Guild Rev. Bob Anderson 12th October Schools Close for Autumn Holiday 13th October Coffee Morning in Kirk Hall Air Train- ing Core 13th October Rothes FC Quiz Night 16th October Ladies Group 20th October Coffee Morning in Kirk Hall Car Shar- ing Scheme 20th October Rothes FC Social Club Tombola 25th October The Pension Service at Rothes Medi- cal Centre 1.30 to 3.30pm. 27th October Coffee Morning in Kirk Hall Rothes Tennis Club 29th October Schools Reopen After Autumn Break

November 3rd November Rothes FC Social Club Coffee Morn- ing 10th November Coffee Morning in Kirk Hall Rothes Kirk 11th November Remembrance Sunday 13th November Rothes Guild – Mrs Edna Smith on Ceramics 17th November Coffee Morning in Kirk Hall Rothes P School 17th November Rothes FC Social Club Tombola 18th November Rededication of Rothes Guild during Sunday Service 18th November Proposed Songs of Praise to mark 120 years of start of Guild at 6’30pm in Rothes Kirk with tea/coffee after. SHIACH 19th/20th November Schools Closed for In-service 24th November Coffee Morning in Kirk Hall. Rothes I am researching my family history and am looking for Senior Citizens some information on the churches and cemeteries in Rothes. My Grandmother's maiden name was Shiach, December and from researching online records I have found that 1st December Rothes FC Social Club Coffee Morning my Shiach family came from Elgin. I have managed to 8th December Coffee Morning in Kirk Hall Rothes obtain some information on my Great Great Great Council th Grandfather, William Shiach, who was born about 13 December Rothes Guild Christmas Sing-along 1826 in Rothes and married Mary Kelly/Kellie on 21 7.30pm in Kirk Hall October 1843 in Forres. He died on 4th March 1890 in 15th December Rothes FC Social Club Tombola st Inchberry, Rothes, and I am trying to find out if he 21 December Schools Closed for Christmas Recently, I had a visit from Mrs Pat McCulloch, wid- was buried there. ow of Jim (Rothes loon), who died in January this I wonder if you would be able to tell me (or point me year. Jim’s son accompanied his mother up to Rothes in the right direction!) what churches/cemetaries are in from Anstruther, to scatter his ashes on the banks of Inchberry (and the overall Rothes area) that I could the Spey quite near to the Targets, as it was his wish to possibly visit to try and obtain some further infor- be brought home. mation? Any help at all would be greatly appreciated They later sent me this paper cutting from August as I seem to have now come to a dead-end with the 1944, showing a Rothes Select playing an Italian POW online records!! team at MacKessack Park. Many thanks in anticipation! The Rothes team was: J. Chalmers, Jim (goalie), Kind regards, A.Clark, G. Keil, Young, J. Sherrett, G. Clark, J. Laura Smith Hodge, Spence, Sutty, I. MacDonald. [email protected] Jenny Widgery

This issue sponsored by G. Laing, Stonecraft 7 'TRY IT NOW!' ROTHES LADIES’ GROUP New Opportunities for Women in Speyside The Group had their summer outing to Turriff in June Do you feel and were blessed with a lovely sunny day which was enjoyed by all the ladies. • Isolated and stuck in a rut? The highlight of the summer was that some of the la- dies were invited by the Keith “Hip Bumpers” to join • That you have potential but don’t know where to them in their trip to Edinburgh to take part in the start? Fringe Festival Cavalcade. We travelled from Keith on • That you have always wanted to try something Saturday 4th August to Heriot-Watt University where new but did not have the confidence? we lodged for the weekend. On Saturday afternoon we • You have no one to watch the children while you did some dance training with a Chinese dance teacher learn which was great fun. Sunday was the big day. After an • The lack of transport is a barrier when you want to excellent breakfast at the university we set out for our learn starting point. There we changed into our colourful • If the answer to any of the above is ‘yes’, then you costumes and did some final rehearsing before being are just the type of person that we are looking for. let loose in Princess Street (much to the amusement of the crowd). We didn’t realize just how long Prin- Why? cess Street was and by the end of the day the dancing feet were very tired indeed. Despite this it was a won- • Because…………. We work in Adult Learning derful experience thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. and this is what we are about ……… Mixing with all the other participants was a lovely • We like to see people grow in confidence experience in itself and even the rain didn’t spoil our day. The “Bumpers” are already planning next year’s • We want to see people fulfil their potential trip! On Sunday 20th August, 3 of our ladies joined • And ……..we will even pay your childcare and the “Bumpers” at a charity fundraising “fun day” at transport costs! Newmill which was blessed by fine weather making it another enjoyable event. Try it Now! - New Opportunities for Women, is com- ing to Speyside. Held on one morning/afternoon a SENIOR CITIZENS week over 10 weeks, the course is designed specifical- ly for women who would like to try new learning ac- tivities but who either do not have the confidence to go it alone or who would not know where to start. The course will consist of a range of activities that could include some of the following:

Crafts and textiles First Aid for pre 5’s Dance Jewellery making Ceramics Healthy eating The Great Outdoors

Experienced staff will support you all the way as you build up your confidence and become aware of other learning opportunities that are available to you.

For further information, please contact: Our new session starts on Wednesday 3rd October. Heather Shaw, Community Learning and Develop- Meetings are held every fortnight in the Church Hall at ment Worker for Speyside, Adult Team: 01309 2.30pm. The committee hopes that along with the old 694055 / 07800 670 695 or members we will have some new ones. Mind and [email protected] bring your mug for tea. Our Coffee morning will be Debbie Jones, Community Based Adult Learning Co- on the Saturday 24th November. ordinator: 01343 829026 Jean Allan Secretary

8 This issue sponsored by G. Laing, Stonecraft SPEYSIDE LEG CLUB THE GRANT HALL UPDATE

Speyside Leg Club members attended the Dufftown Well, the toilets in the Main Hall have now been com- Ceilidh on 2nd August. The Raffle in aid of the Leg pletely renovated, the upstairs rooms have been refur- Club raised over £170. We all enjoyed such a nice bished, the backstage dressing rooms redecorated and social event. Please come along to our next fundrais- a section of flat roof has been replaced, all for a total er, a Tombola on the 4th of October 2007 at the British cost of £11,888. Legion in Dufftown. All this, of course is due to the fact that the whole We hope that plenty of our members will be able to place is in constant use and very welcome donations come and that the weather will be kind to us. It will from various sources. We recently received a cash give us a chance to meet socially, which is an im- boost of £400 from the Walkers Shortbread 5 a side portant part of Leg Clubs. Tournament. A big thank you goes to John Hogg and Please hand in more recipes for our Leg Club Cookery his team. Book. I would like to get going with this project. It We also recently received a £1,500 donation from the was planned for September, but there will be another Wind Farm Fund. For those on the panel you can be chance to sell the book. assured that it has been well spent. I am pleased to tell you that we have now 117 mem- Our biggest overhead seems to be the bills from Scot- bers. We will soon be through a second successful tish Hydro Electric; £4,500 last year and £3,600 so far year and the AGM will come up at the end of October. this year. You will see The ATC have taken over one of the upstairs rooms, Posters about this and the other events nearer the time. meeting on Mondays and Thursdays, and the other one If you need advice and help with any leg problems is now available for meetings, etc. such as varicose ulcers, swollen legs etc. please come The Music Workshop (in conjunction with Moray along to our Leg Club which meets every Tuesday council) every second Wednesday has now taken off, from 1.30 to 3.30pm at the Parklands Residential and with £1120 from S.A.Y.I. we have been able to Home in Aberlour. purchase a full stage ‘rig’, complete with drum kit. Yours This means, in effect, that a band could walk in, plug Anke Grant in and play. Up to thirty teenagers have been coming (Secretary) along, and are very enthusiastic about the whole thing. A big thank you has to go to A.J. (Alan Jamieson). Without his input of time, effort and knowledge it would be a non-starter. NEW SERVICE AT THE COTTAGE The next phase of renovation will be starting shortly. This will take in the Coffee Bar and Kitchen. With the ever increasing incidences of identity fraud As usual you can contact us on the destruction of personal papers is now of paramount [email protected] importance. With this in mind The Cottage will carry For bookings contact Suzanne on 831284. out the destruction of all your redundant personal pa- We would like to thank all the groups for their contin- pers. All you have to do is bring them to The Cottage ued support. on a Thursday afternoon and they can be destroyed in your presence. There is no actual charge for this service but it is hoped that anyone using it will make a donation to- wards the running costs of The Cottage. In due course GALLON OF WHISKY COMPETITION it is intended to extend the service to other days of the week. The Rothes Branch of the SNP would like to thank all who took part in the Numbers Competition for a Gal- SWEETIE CLASSES lon of Whisky. The winning number was 468 and the winner was Stewart Ross, Coronado, Spey Street, There will be 2 Sweetie Making Classes at the Cottage Rothes. The Branch would also like to thank the do- in November. nors and Rosie and Caroline for organising the fund- Marzipan sweets on 7th November, and Fondant raiser. sweets on 14th November. Names to the Cottage, or Jan or Pearl Paul.

This issue sponsored by G. Laing, Stonecraft 9 SPEYSIDE COUNCIL SENSELESS ACT OF VANDALISM

The last meeting of the Speyside Council was the What is the sense of this? People, most of them senior AGM on 24th May which was reported in the last edi- citizens, work hard to try and brighten up the town and tion of The Rothesian so there is no report from the this is the thanks they get. What enjoyment do the per- Executive Committee. However the Council still runs petrators of this type of act get out of it? If they do get the weekly Dial-a-Bus service from Dufftown to El- fun out of it then it is a sad reflection on them. To gin, and we have been busy recruiting new drivers to those responsible for turning over this tub, in the fu- replace the two drivers who have now retired. We ture please refrain from such idiocy and use your ener- enlisted the co-operation of both the P&J and Northern gies to do something constructive for the good of the Scot and currently have two qualified drivers with an- town. other waiting to go through the Moray Council driver assessment for minibus driving. All now bodes well for the future.

ROTHES COUNCIL

The Rothes council met on the first Monday of Sep- tember after a summer break. The members thanked John Tilley for his submission to Moray council on the draft Transport Policy. John kindly offered to formu- late the submission after discussion with the members at our June meeting. At our September meeting nu- merous road, pavement and environmental problems were highlighted which will be reported to the relevant bodies. Once again the Rothes Council is grateful to Jim Anderson and his floral team for the hanging bas- kets and barrels throughout the town and to the Spey- side Gardeners for watering them over the summer months. Mr Steve Scott from Scottish Water will be in attend- ance at the October meeting to talk on the role of Scot- THE COTTAGE tish Water and to answer questions on queries put to The drop in tourism in the north east of Scotland has been noticeable although we have had some reasona- bly busy days. Thanks go to all the volunteers who have helped over the summer.

Calendars This year we will be doing two Rothes Calendars and one Speyside Glenlivet Calendar.

Cards This year we will be doing a mixture of photo cards and printed cards. Again mostly of Rothes but with some printed cards of places in the Speyside and Glen- livet areas. Both the cards and calendars should be available by the end of September. We have had the Rothes tea-towel printed in more col- him by the community. The meeting will be held on ours. This is proving popular. the first Monday of October at 7pm. All welcome We are still looking for volunteers to help over the The November meeting will be the Annual General next three months. If you could manage please see Meeting. Once again to be held on the first Monday at Pearl Paul, or pop into the Cottage. 7pm. All Welcome

10 This issue sponsored by G. Laing, Stonecraft ROTHES GALA ROTHES GOLF CLUB

A completely new format was tried for this years gala, some was This year’s ‘summer’ weather has proved to successful and some not. The consensus of opinion was that we be a real challenge for golfers and for the work again with other organisations on a week long programme green keeper. The persistent rain left the but go back to a separate Gala Day and Challenge Day. course in very heavy condition with abso- The Step into the Past photo exhibition in the Grant Hall had a lutely no run on the ball at all. Credit must steady turnout. The Tennis Tournament and Worship at the River go to the green keeper, John Urquhart, for were changed due to heavy rain. The Family History in Moray maintaining the course throughout the sea- and Family Tree events went down well thanks to Graham Wil- son as it was difficult to move equipment son of Moray Council Archives. The Quiz Night had a fantastic around the course. Improvements on the response and was enjoyed by all. The Library Fun Time was ex- course have been noted by visitors and tremely busy and proved to be a great success and once again we home players alike. The council has been had a very successful Prize Bingo. relieved of their summer watering of the Rothes Gala Day started well with the Junior Football and the greens – enough has fallen from the sky instead. A new tee has been created at the third significantly increasing the distance and the difficulty of the hole. As part of the ongoing assessment of Scottish courses, the SGU has been out to measure the course and the club should know the results in No- vember. This year’s Champions are Irene Allan in the Ladies Section, Mike Mitchell in the Gents, and Colin Coutts in the Junior Sec- tion. The Club has been undertaking a range of Fundraising events throughout the season and would like to extend thanks to those who support the events by attending and donating. There have been two successful prize bingos with another to follow on Thursday 27th September at 7.30pm. Once Henbog-Cockinch Challenge. Unfortunately the heavens opened again, any senior citizen requiring a lift to and the programme was delayed. The Dufftown Pipe Band, de- the club should contact S Bruce on 831317 spite the rain, opened the programme to be followed by the Chil- nearer the time. The grand raffle was dren’s Fancy dress. We had around forty entrants in the Fancy drawn on September 15th, which was an dress, more than we have had for many, many years. The winners Italian Theme night at the club. There will were chosen by members of the Dufftown Pipe Band. also be a Sportpersons’ dinner on Novem- Girls: 1 Megan Watson 2 Eilidh Watson 3 Lesley Nicol ber 30th in the Grant Hall with after dinner Boys: 1 Scott Anderson 2 Robert Paul 3 Ewen Simpson speakers Harry Bannerman and Patrice and Novelty: Laura Ingram, Ellie Ewen and Leah Christie 2 Cameron Master of Ceremonies, Davy Edwards. Walker 3 Morgan Younie, The annual prize giving will be held on No- Comical: 1 Penny Laing 2 Michaela Allsop 3 Michael Watson. vember 3rd in the Clubhouse. Despite the heavy rain the Fire-eater went on to entertain the Rothes Ladies Section was asked to repre- crowd who stood spellbound by his performance. He was fol- sent Sport Moray in the annual golf compe- lowed by Gary Johnston who gave an excellent display of barrel tion for Sports Councils. The event was making. All other events had to be cancelled as the continuing held at Carluke Golf Club with Moray com- heavy rain made the surface of the park dangerous. ing first in the team event. The club was The Rothes Gala Group wish to thank Des Johnston who was represented by Sandra Bruce, Anna compere on gala day, all the groups who helped with the gala, the McPhee, Gillian Mearns and Maureen local businesses and individuals who donated to the event and all Walker. Maureen also won the Bronze sec- who bought raffles. A special thanks go to all who attended de- tion of the competition. spite the heavy rain, the attendance was remarkable on such an atrocious day. All of this contributed to a successful Gala week which may have been slightly down on previous years, but was never the less a successful Gala.

This issue sponsored by G. Laing, Stonecraft 11 GRADUATIONS SCHOOLDAYS DURING THE 1940’s

I started school in the summer of 1941, where one of Jolene Moore (Harris) who my first memories was the air-raid warnings siren. We previously gained a BSc hon- had to go to our allocated places, under the teachers ours in Physiology has now table, under the window shelf, in the cupboard etc. One graduated from Aberdeen day after the all clear went we were back in our seats University, Bachelor of Med- for about half an hour when the teacher, Miss Peterkin, icine and Bachelor of Sur- asked what all the giggling was about. Up pipes Rosa gery. Jolene, a former pupil Newlands ‘please Miss, Ernie Grugg is still in the cup- of Rothes Primary School board’, she rushes over and finds Ernie sitting under the and Speyside High School, is shelf grinning like a Cheshire Cat, she hugged him and now working as a doctor in said she was sorry for forgetting about him. Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. Another day we were taken to the girls cookery room to test our gas masks, there they let off tear gas and we were told to take off our masks and then file out. Out- side the tears were running down our cheeks so we knew our masks were working. Former Speyside High school To-day you hear scientists talk about climate change, I pupil Gary Fines has graduat- don’t believe a word of it. During the summer it was so ed from The Robert Gordon hot that we went to school barefoot. I remember going University, Aberdeen with a down Green street sticking my big toe in the tar bub- masters degree in business bles as I went, what a row we got from the ‘Jannie; for administration. Before going marking the nice clean floors. During the holidays we to university Gary lived in just wore short trousers. I don’t see much of that these Rothes. days. Jimmy Logan

Editors footnote:- Lyndsay N. S. Ross, daughter Thanks again for the memories Jimmy. The toes in the of bubbling tar was a great game. The tar had to be re- Glen and Sandra, Spey Street, moved by rubbing with butter. In the days of rationing graduated as a veterinary sur- our mothers must have been tolerant indeed. geon from Glasgow Universi- ty. She is following in the footsteps of her grandfather and great uncle, who were ROTHES HOUSING FORUM both veterinary surgeons, alt- hough both were deceased The recent work done through the Rothes Housing long before Lyndsay's birth. Forum includes fencing in Provost Christie Drive and New Street and the placing of benches in the town. HOUSE HUNTER Perhaps you have seen the one in the grass area at the Seafield Square end of Land Street? Work in hand This wee birdie got a snug home to bring up this years includes flower barrels in place of the concrete holders brood. She found it at Eunice and Jimmy Munro’s in at the south end of High Street. the statue at the front door of 58 High Street in Rothes. The forum is always looking for council tenants to join She certainly kept their group. her eyes open Just remember - You are the tenant looking for a novel - You have rights opportunity. - If you do not speak up then how will your landlord know how to improve their services. If you are a Moray council tenant, please telephone Audrey Murray on 831 703 or 07920249096 for more information.

12 This issue sponsored by G. Laing, Stonecraft