Rothes Primary School & Nursery Centenary Edition

THE ROTHESIAN

Sept 2016 Rothes Primary School & Nursery Centenary Edition Issue No 75

.A Celebration of 100 years of this school building

Our beautiful building has been serving the children of Rothes one hundred years. Built during the first world war, this building replaced an earlier school that burnt beyond salvation in 1915, due to an accidental fire in a classroom one fateful night.

Today, we care for and cherish our lovely environment, and the history it holds. We hold regular “Community Assemblies” to which anyone in our school fami- lies is welcome, and indeed our wider community friends around and about town. In November we will be holding our annual Harvest Festival for the senior citizens of Rothes, a musical extravaganza, showing the best of our talented pupils. Please take advantage of this celebratory year to visit us, to see the bright and modern interior that serves today’s learning approach so well, and of course to learn about how much school has changed in the last hundred years. Dates are available from Mrs Duncan, administrator, by calling in or telephoning 831269.

You may contact The Rothesian by e-mail, using the following address: [email protected] DROP IN SESSION BALL GROUP

Are you aged 16 to 25 years old? Are you aware that The group started the new session at the beginning of there is a Drop-In Session every Wednesday in the September so we are just getting into our programme Grant Hall coffee bar from 1 – 2.30pm? It is planned to for the term. Hopefully this includes talks and activities run until the end of the year depending on the success. of interest to appeal to most members. It does seem It is intended to help this age group move forward. strange to be checking dates for shopping trips and Christmas on what was a very hot September day. As there is now a ‘sister’ group in Archiestown, it is hoped that we can arrange a ‘get together’ at some point SPEYSIDE HIGH SCHOOL - 40 YEARS this term so we have that to look forward to in the not YOUNG! too distant future. We finished last year with a trip to Buckie and Portsoy. The Rothes Primary is not the only school in the area Although a good part of the day, was dull, we certainly with an anniversary this year as Speyside High School fared better than Rothes which had pretty heavy rain. is celebrating its Ruby Year. It is forty years since the first intake into the High School, It is hoped that you may have some memorabilia of the school years at home either parents or former pupils of MORAY WALKERS – ROTHES the school. Things like photos of school trips and shows, programmes of shows – there have been quite a After a short break over the summer we are back to few with a large proportion of the school involved, are meeting every Thursday morning at 10am in the all required for a display later in the year. The ones in Square. So far we have managed short walks around the the early years of the school are particularly requested. park, along the burnie bank, and up Glen Grant Gardens Of course, former staff members are also requested to as well as down the line to get to Irenes for coffee! We see if they have some things of interest. have one or two new walkers who are very welcome Can anyone help? Please contact the school librarian, and are slotting in well. Ann hopes to join us for coffee Jaime Fernandez. when her treatment permits which is really lovely. We are grateful to Eastbank for tea/coffee many Thursdays. Hopefully, the weather will continue to be reasonable SENIOR CITIZENS on Thursday mornings – remember we do not go stren- uous walks but set a pace and distance where the not so Our AGM is on 21st September in the Church Hall at active feel comfortable. 2.30pm. The club will have its first meeting of the season on 12th October, 2016 at the usual time and the same venue. A good attendance is hoped for and some SPEYSIDE STRENGTH AND BALANCE new members. The club requires a new President!!! Please come for- As the name implies this class meeting on Friday morn- ward and keep it going. ings at 9.45am in the Kirk Hall, covers the area not just Jim Bartlet Rothes. It was amazing just how with a few weeks Pres break over the summer, that a certain creakiness had crept in! Designed to get moving, many of the exercis- es are seated but even when standing there is always a STREET CLEAN-UPS chair nearby for support if needed. The class is really popular as everyone really enjoys the fun and laughter Irene Low, Land Street Rothes has lately been con- and banter on a Friday morning. cerned at the untidy state of the town’s streets. Irene is keen to know if anyone else in the town is prepared to help with tidy-ups. Irene’s phone number is 01340 LINDA’S KEEP FIT 831652. She, herself, has recently removed stones and weeds from around her housing area. Feel free to give As class members know, Linda had to stop the class in her a ring so that she can work with you to improve the June because of an injury. It is fine to hear that she is town. mending slowly. We wish her well and look forward to seeing her again before too long we hope.

This issue sponsored by the Windfarm Fund. 2 ROTHES TENNIS CLUB At Elgin Aydin Gencer won the 8s and Michelle Ness & Peter Scott reached the final of the Mixed. The following The Floodlights are making a great difference to our Au- week saw the focus shift to Strathspey. Aydin made it a tumn playing. No longer must we begin matches earlier double by winning the 8s and Fraser Scott took the 10s. and earlier in the evening to ensure they can be complet- A new event at Grantown, the Quorn Parent-Child comed before darkness sets in. petition culminated in an all Rothes final with the Andy The official switching on will be on 30th September at & Aaron Anderson duo overcoming Peter & Bradley 7pm. There will be a BBQ, homemade soup and home- Scott. bakes. An adult and youngsters Doubles Tournament Coaching courtesy of the Inverness Tennis Academy is will also be played, starting at 5pm, to compete for the ongoing and we are looking at the possibility of carrying Kenny Mackie Trophy. All welcome. on over the winter, under floodlight, with the older The courts have been cleaned and repainted and are groups while the 8s & 9s looking as good as new. Since the last issue we received move into the Grant Hall. a further donation towards the cost of this project from On Wednesday 8th Sep- the Forsyth Foundation. tember the club had a The leagues finished with the Mixed team achieving visit from the Judy Mur- their goal of staying in Division 1. It came right down to ray initiative, “Tennis On the wire though. Aberlour finished on the same number The Road”. Unfortunately of points but our loons & quines had a better sets won to Judy was unable attend sets played percentage. but the parent/child ses- The Men did not do as well and remain in Division 3. sion was single-handedly Success came the club’s way when the 12s team won carried out by top coach Division 2. This trophy was added to when a combined Kris Soutar. The hour and 12s & 14s side won the Grant Cup in the End of League a half was enjoyable, en- season event on Grantown’s blaize courts. tertaining, informative and instructive. Kris was presented with some mementos of Rothes. Fund Raising continues. The Race night was a success with over £2000 profit. Paul Meldrum has applied to the Robertson Trust/Edrington for match funding. Thanks to all our sponsors: The Rothes Butcher, Paul Westmacott Builder, Hendersons, Stuart Paul, Speyside Car Sales, The Rothes Garage, Fairways Bistro, Speyside Garden Services and Strathdee Properties. We have a Coffee Morning on the 22nd of October; A Quiz Night on the 29th of October and our Presentation evening on 26th November. A Babolat racket, bag and balls were donated to the club by Sheena Craig from Dufftown. Sheena’s maiden name was Mackintosh and the family lived for a time at the Speyburn Cottages. The prize was won by Gordon Bremner. £130 was raised. Our 10s proved too strong for the other teams in the age group. First of all the A team won the District competition at Gordonstoun, taking section A over Inverness A & B and Elgin A. Meanwhile the B team won the Plate event defeating Aberlour House, Nairn & Tain. The A squad went on to win the Aegon North of Scot- land Division 2 title (the 1st Division consisted of clubs in the Dundee/Angus area). The youngsters who took part were: Fraser Scott, Keil Laing, Liam Anderson, Jack McConnachie, Thomas Bremner, Reece Davies, Conaire Bowie, Charlie Anderson and Archie Scott. The 8s & 9s did not do so well but both had some close encounters with the 8s gaining a win at Inverness. Several members also did well in the local Tournaments.

3 This issue sponsored by the Windfarm Fund. Letter (Williamson) Ann Hepburn (Nicholl) Alan McDonald Jimmy Logan, Billy Coull, Hamish Cumming, Bob CLASS OF 41-51 Marshall, and Davey McBain. Dougie Milne, Hannah McDonald, Christine Logan and Doreen Scott were also Many, many congratulations on the 100th birthday of there as “back up support.” Not to be left out Ronnie Rothes School. The class of 41-51 have so many happy Johnston rang from Australia and spoke to each one. memories of their schooldays there. Many of the ex It was generally agreed that it had been a lovely time pupils still live in or locally to Rothes but others are and that it should be repeated again which it was in spread far and wide – Ronnie Johnston in Australia, 2011. Helen Stewart and Joan Chalmers in Canada to mention The second one was held in September 2011 at the just a few. Eastbank where Maureen Humphreys looked after the You may remember an article in the December 2009 group as only Maureen can. Unfortunately since the issue of the Rothesian which told of the class reunion, first reunion we had lost Billy Coull and a glass was held on the Homecoming weekend. What an excellent raided in his memory. A few more members of the class weekend that was. Joan travelled all the way from Van- had been contacted and along with those who had been couver just in time to get ready for the gathering at at the first one we also had Stanley Harrower who came Glen Grant along with Marion Tawse, Gordon Scott from Banff, Rita Stewart from Archiestown and Mary (Scottie),Doreen his wife and Rosa Newlands (who had Robertson from Miltonduff and Ronnie Johnston made broken her journey from Stourport to stay with Gordon from Australia. Heads were together, cameras flashing, and Doreen in Sedgefield Co Durham). Saturday morn- happy and sad times remembered and quite a few were ing saw us having morning coffee in the old church hall still there at 10 o’clock. before visiting the school. Such a lovely old school It was suggested that another reunion should be held which stirred happy memories. Hamish Cumming well when everyone would be 80. Happy to say this will be st remembered Miss Dunn who would sing the words of held at the Station Hotel on the 1 of October. Unfortu- Onward Christian Soldiers whilst emphasising every nately Mrs McVean will be unable to be there and we word with a thump of his arm and Marion remembered all send her our love and good wishes. Sadly we have how the teacher would read a chapter of The Wind in lost Jimmy Logan and Rena Rabson but they will be the Willows but only if they had been good. Marion well remembered and I’m sure glasses will be raised to must have always been good because we saw her name their memory. up on the board as Dux. The morning culminated in Doreen Scott hearing the children singing so beautifully and there was many a person with a tear in the eye. Farewell Address

Farewell our dear old school farewell For there such happy memories dwell Of mirth and work and jollity Of worries, frowns and frivolity

No more at maths results we’ll quell Or quake at the voice of Hamilton Bell Or at exams we’ll stare aghast For now these days are of the past.

No more with brains of cotton wool We’ll nibble our pens and play the fool But in the future you will see’s The class reunion was held later in the day at The All brainy owls and sage MPs

Seafield where Chris and Barbara looked after us all so th well. 15 pupils (who would at that time be around 75 June 27 1929 years old) and also Miss Newlands (Mrs McVean who had been their teacher) were there . Along with Marion, Margaret Meldrum, Lizzie Tawse Gordon, Joan and Rosa were Patsy Paterson (Laing), Janet Marnoch, Annie Joiner Margaret McLean, Rena Rabson(Ross) Isabel Milne Louise Sim, Mary Joiner Margaret J Smith, Ernest J Stuart

4 This issue sponsored by the Windfarm Fund. ROTHES GOLF CLUB Under 8's best girl - Beth McCulloch

On the 12th of August, Rothes Junior section held the Longest drive - Charlie Kennedy Oakwood Under 12's, 10's and 8's BBQ and competition night. This is the third year now that Karen and Best putter - Justyn Campbell Bob Clark of the Oakwood Cookery School have sponsored this event for the kids at Rothes Golf Club. The Our older Juniors have competed in the Moray and weather on the night was typical of this summer, being Nairn League this year, and have done very well. The damp with midgies out in force! However the children boys have played matches away to Moray, Nairn and attended the event in good numbers and were not put Elgin, with home fixtures against Forres and Hopeman. off. A total of 22 kids over the three age groups partici- The team recorded 4 wins and 1 loss, and will finish in pated playing and having fun. Bob and Karen not only one of the top two places, we still await the official re- supply the trophies for the winners of each category, sult as this edition is published? but also provide a goodie bag for all the children. The Below is a picture of the team who won their match at kids look forward to this night every year now, and Moray. Some of you may recognise the Rothes gentle- thanks go to Karen and Bob for their support and gener- man who photo bombed the team on the day? osity. The junior section would also like to thank Hugh and Caroline Tawse, our local butchers, for again do- nating all the meat for the BBQ, and Rosie Allan and her team for cooking the lovely food and making everyone feel so welcome in our club house.

GRADUATION

Prize winners are as follows: Anna MacLeod, a former pupil of Under 12's winner - Aaron Cruickshank Rothes Primary 2nd - Archie Scott School and Spey- 3rd - Liam Anderson side High School, recently graduated Under 12's best girl - Isla McCulloch from The Univer- sity of Edinburgh st Under 10's winner - Ellis Gain with a 1 Class 2nd - Charlie Kennedy Honours Degree in 3rd - Justyn Campbell Social Work.

Under 10's best girl - Romilly Cruickshank

Under 8's winner - Riley Stewart 2nd - Ian Kennedy 3rd - Hamish Scott

This issue sponsored by the Windfarm Fund. 5 THE GRANT HALL IN10CITY DANCE CHALLENGE

It’s been a wee bit quieter for us over the summer with On Sunday 28th Aug 11 girls from Rothes & Lossie- groups taking their annual breaks. However, we’ve still mouth Dance Fusion travelled to Paisley for their first managed to squeeze in several private functions, the ever competition- In10city Dance Challenge.Caitlin Tennis Club Race Night, the Annual R.H.I.S. Flower Leslie,Kirsten Henderson, Mia Anderson, Megan Wat- Show, a couple of weddings and a Charity Dance. Not son, Ariella McAuslan , Rachael Kelman, Kiana Arnott, bad for our quiet time. Hannah Leslie, Nea Davies, Harley Fairbairn & Ashlyn You may remember from the June issue that we got Diamond made up our fabulous team. The competition £5000 of funding from the Scottish Government to up- was judged by Jan Archer, Debbie Barras (well known grade our theatre lighting and to purchase an HD pro- from Lifetime TVs Dance Mums UK) along side Mat- jector and giant screen. thew Greif, Jason Lund & Ryan Wilson (ANTICS & Unfortunately Brexit happened and with the massive ROUGH DIAMOND dance crews SKY1 Got to Dance) fall in the value of the pound, the £5000 effectively be- The girls entered 3 dances in HipHop & Contemporary came £4000, which means that this particular project dance and had a very successful trip , coming home has had to be put on hold. Hopefully it won’t be too with 3 TROPHIES! long before it is back on track. WELL DONE GIRLS! Dance Fusion offers classes in Street, Contemporary We’ll be playing host to the Scottish Opera on 24th Oc- Jazz & Ballet. Classes continue in Rothes & Lossie- tober when they are doing a workshop with Rothes Pri- mouth as well as after school clubs across mary School followed by a performance. Moray. Classes start from age 2 with our baby ballet classes. October is a very busy month, with a wee lull in No- Make sure to LIKE us on Facebook to keep up to date vember and then a full on December with a Xmas with classes & view our full timetable or Fayre, School Concerts, Senior Citizens’ Christmas Contact: Sheryl 07715274844 Lunches, parties and a dance. [email protected] It is also coming to that time of year again when we have our A.G.M. We currently have a committee of 12 and we meet around 4 or 5 times a year. We are, however, always keen to increase the size of our committee THANK YOU and new faces would be made most welcome. So this is an open invite to all Rothesians to come along on I would like to thank my extended family and friends th Thursday, 27 October at 7p.m. for the presents and cards to celebrate my 90th Birth- Join us for a coffee and help us discuss 2017. We don’t day. I had a lovely day. like to get stale and love to hear people’s ideas. Thank You Jean Gordon

ROTHES FC SOCIAL CLUB

Rothes FC Social Club is pleased to announce the return of their Hogmanay Dance on Saturday 31st De- cember, from 9.00pm to 1.00am in the club. Bamboo will be playing and children will be welcome as long as they are accompanied by an adult family member. Tickets cost £10 and will be available from the club from the end of August. Come and join in the fun and celebrate the New Year in style.

6 This issue sponsored by the Windfarm Fund. ROTHES ROVERS @ 30!

It has been a good season for the Rovers. The P3 & unders were playing in tournaments & friendly matches, winning quite a few games, and got the fair play award at the Fochabers tournament. There are only 3 players moving up to the P4/5 team so should be good for the P3 & unders for next season. The P4/5 team were runners-up at the Speymouth tournament & runners-up in the Trocadero trophy. They got off to a good start in the league, but struggled near the end. They finished 3rd at the Dufftown tournament. The P6/7 squad had a great season, starting off with the fair play award at the ROTHES FC Speymouth tournament, winning the Fochabers tournament, the Fair play award at Dufftown tournament, Rothes Football Club has made an improved start to this winning the Aberlour tournament, and also winning season’s league campaign with 2 wins and 2 draws so Forsyth league cup. They missed out of the Graeme far, to leave the club in fifth bottom place. Mckenzie memorial cup after being 2-0 up at half time It is hoped that new signings Grant Johnston and James in the semi-final against Aberlour who eventually won McLaren will help the club to climb further up the 3-2. We are still waiting to play Dufftown in the league league. decider to see who will be champions. We only lose 3 th players going up to high school. We have entered a 29 October – Grant Hall Rothes P6/7 team in the Moray Primary League again as it Halloween disco – primary + S1 & S2 6.30 – 8.30pm keeps them match fit instead of just training over the Halloween Trocadero disco auld eens 9 -12pm winter months. A big thank you to all who have rd helped / donated during the season. We are always on 23 December - Social Club – Grand Christmas Draw the look out for primary school children to come along to training. Just give me a call. Have you thought about entering our Rothes FC Lotto ? Willie Younie The jackpot currently stands at over £1800 and it could 01340 831732 be you ! Please contact any committee member for more info. Thank you.

This year marks 30 years of the Rothes Rovers, Upcoming Fixtures with Willie Younie running them for the last 17 years. Many congratulations go to Willie, and undoubted- 05/10 - Rothes vs Fortwilliam ly the appreciation of many parents and children. 08/10 - Nairn vs Rothes Best wishes, and good luck for the next 30! 15/10 - Rothes vs Forres 22/10 - Scottish Cup 29/10 - Cove Rangers vs Rothes (at Keith) SANTA’S GROTTO 05/11 - Rothes vs Wick Rothes Gala are holding their Santa’s Grotto again, for 12/11 - Rothes vs Turriff a fourth year. 19/11 - Lossiemouth vs Rothes It will be held on Saturday and Sunday, the 3rd and 4th of December, in Linnburn. 26/11 - Rothes vs Huntly There will be home-bakes, teas and coffees, craft stalls 03/12 - Inverurie vs Rothes and a colouring competition. Please contact Michelle on 07765 353585 to book 10/12 - Rothes vs Brora your slot. 17/12 - Deveronvale vs Rothes 23/12 - Rothes vs Fraserburgh

This issue sponsored by the Windfarm Fund. 7 NURSERY NEWS! LINNBURN

Now that the summer holidays are over, we are back at Hello everyone nursery planning another busy term. From all at Linnburn we would sincerely like to thank We have welcomed 4 new girls to our afternoon ses- all who contributed to our recent Strawberry Cream Tea sion. We have 7 children altogether in the afternoon fundraising event. Grateful thanks goes to our volun- and 8 in the morning session. The children have all teers, staff and service users for all their hard work on settled well into the nursery routine and we are looking the day. Thanks to the generosity of all who contribut- forward to having lots of fun. ed and the continued community support, we were able This term we are going to be very busy. We will be to raise £118 from the event. learning all about Peter Rabbit and what he grows in his Our 9-letter word square quiz is still available from the garden. We will be making our own garden on a plate centre and a prize of £5 will be given to the first correct and entering it into the Rothes Flower Show. entry drawn after 30th September. We are also going to find out where water comes from, We would also like to thank Marlene for her kind dona- and where it goes to after we use it? Along with our tion of scones and pancakes on the day. water topic we will be learning about Noah and his Marlene is a regular at Linnburn every Wednesday Ark. morning from 10.30-12pm where she has a lovely se- lection of fresh fruit and veg as well as delicious home bakes for sale, all welcome. The service users at Linnburn have been on 2 outings COMPETITION this summer, one to the walled garden at Fochabers and the other one was lunch at the Station Hotel. The winner of Ian Anderson’s choir photo competition We have two further outings planned for October, one was Mrs Elizabeth Fowler (nee Duncan) from Huntly. to Glenfiddich Distillery, and the second outing for A bottle of Glen Grant whisky will be delivered to her afternoon tea at the Station Hotel, Rothes. shortly. Our garden is looking lovely just now and we’ve also A list of the correct names will appear in the December had our garden furniture repainted, the birds come regu- edition. larly to our feeders and we’ve seen a few butterflies as well. We had a few items entered into the Rothes show and nd rd got a 2 and 3 for our glasses cases. Letter Regards all at Linnburn Day Centre. Oh! Happy days. The picture of the choir in your June edition brought back many memories. Even though I say so myself - we were good!! That was my last school outing as we left Rothes to AEROBIC CLASSES move to ‘another distillery’ in Peterhead. Burnside Street (Rosebank) was my birthplace. Twelve happy Fun Aerobic classes continue as always in the Grant years - picnics up the Dounie, climbing the chessy Hall on Wednesday mornings (school term time), at the trees. Even school was good! Best wishes to past new time of 9.30am. Classes are friendly and welcom- friends. Keep up the good work, ing with the best music EVER and are suitable for all ages and abilities. Classes cost £5.00. PS. Could the second song we sung be ‘The Piper o’ Why not come join us for some heart-pumping fun to Dundee’ or ‘The Three Marys?’ boost your fitness level, energy level and self confi- A former Rothes Quine’ dence. You’ll feel so good you’ll wonder why you nev- Elizabeth Fowler (nee Duncan) er came before! Call Vivienne for details 07526 120417 or see Freedom Fitness on Facebook.

8 This issue sponsored by the Windfarm Fund. ROTHES PRIMARY SCHOOL AND NURSERY

Today’s pupils learn in a very active curriculum. Yes they do learn to read, write and count, but lessons are meaningful and active and learning is more embedded into a context of understanding than the rote way that many of us were taught in the past

Teachers appreciate that fresh air, natural light and moving bodies help children to learn, and therefore a strong emphasis lies around getting outside and being physical in lessons.

Learning about mesolithic man, our P7 class have been down at the River Spey and over near the castle, building shelters, scouting for food and preparing for storms and flash floods. Their literacy reading is a book, Wolf Brother, by Michelle Parven, and their context for learning is historic Rothes!

From the earliest age our pupils take responsibility for themselves, their school and the community. Nursery children are as much a part of the school as their older brothers and sis- ters and share in everyday life. Mrs Wilson takes their contribution to the community seriously. By primary 7, pupils emerge as confident and highly effective young men and young wom- en of our society.

This issue sponsored by the Windfarm Fund. 9 Literacy today!

When we write, we begin with a purpose. Some of us created tourist information booklets on Rothes to help visitors to appreciate our town. Frequently we have to present a research project on a study of interest. Here is Amy’s report on John Muir, she used the iPad and laptop for research and then typed up her report in Microsoft Word

We sometimes use jotters for writing. We also have golden books, so that from time to time we create a special piece of work for our headteacher, Mrs McPherson, to enjoy. She likes our imaginative stories, great science investigations and our colourful research projects. She really loves our poetry!

10 This issue sponsored by the Windfarm Fund. PRACTICAL LESSONS!

We say, at Rothes, that ALL our lessons are practical! You’ll find us outside learning to measure, finding the area, making sense of money or planning a competition. You’ll see us not- ing our ideas for writing, performing a play or investigating some scientific phenomenon. You’ll also find that we’re active indoors too, and some of the traditional lessons are still en- joyed, like music and creating role-play corners to learn empathy and language.

We like to bring books to life, and our teachers are very good sto- rytellers, using voices, actions and props to make it all very inter- active. We also have other activities to link all our learning together.

Every day is exciting in Rothes Primary School and Nursery, and our teachers and helpers make sure we are cared for and enjoying the adventure that is school! Sometimes we use computer programmes to help our learning. One of our favourites is Lexia which helps our phonics and reading. Another is SumDog which is for maths and we can log in at home too.

Often our teachers take us elsewhere for learning. We have been to the library to research the history of Rothes, and also to a science laboratory in Aberdeen. Recently we went to a workshop where we learned about our food journey and made a large intestine, full of Perfect Poo!

This issue sponsored by the Windfarm Fund. 11

Our teachers also love learning and can often be found out and about sharing new ideas, and finding new learning adventures for us.

Pupils at Rothes love to showcase their learning. During our centenary party we had 100 MINUTES OF MUSIC. Everyone took part in singing some of our favourite songs, and many children performed with instruments.

12 This issue sponsored by the Windfarm Fund. th Rothes Diary 12 November Coffee Morning in Kirk Hall – Senior Citizens th Please note that the diary displayed in the Notice 12 November Bonfire, behind MacKessack Park th Board is updated every few weeks or so and takes in 13 November Remembrance Sunday Service changes which occur during the time between the 11.30am th th Rothesian quarterly editions,. Please keep Sandra 14 /!5 November Schools In-Service Days. th informed of events and meetings as fundraising 19 November Coffee Morning in Kirk Hall – Rothes works best with no competition! Kirk th Please note the special email address for the diary: 19 November Tombola in Rothes FC Social Club th [email protected] 26 November Coffee Morning in Kirk Hall, Speyside If you would like the diary emailed to you, please Air Cadets th contact this address. You can also make contact via 26 November Rothes Tennis Club Trophy Presenta- facebook. tion Night in Rothes FC Social Club 7.30pm (Junior Disco 6 – 7.15pm) th 2016 30 November St Andrews Day September 30th September Floodlights switch on at Tennis December rd Courts 7pm 3 December Coffee Morning in Rothes FC Social Club rd th October 3 & 4 December Santa’s Grotto at Linnburn th 1st October Coffee Morning in Rothes FC Social Club 4 December Dance Fusion workshop th 7th October Schools close for Autumn Holidays 9 December MOBILE LIBRARY IN SQUARE 13.00 8th October Coffee Morning in Kirk Hall – Speyside -16.00 th Sing for Life 10 December Coffee Morning in Kirk Hall Moray 15th October Coffee Morning in Kirk Hall – Rothes Health th Council 11 December Dance Fusion Christmas Fayre in 15th October Tombola in Rothes FC Social Club Grant Hall th 22nd October Coffee Morning in Kirk Hall Rothes 11 December Sing for Life Christmas Concert. th Tennis Club 13 December BALL Group Christmas Meal tbc th 24th October Schools reopen for Winter Term 17 December Coffee Morning in Kirk Hall Rothes 24th October United Nations Day Rovers th 26th Vegetable Stall returns to Linnburn 17 December Tombola in Rothes FC Social Club nd 28th October MOBILE LIBRARY IN SQUARE 22 December Schools close for Christmas Holi- 29th October Coffee Morning in Kirk Hall – Stable days rd and Able 23 December Grand Christmas Draw at Social Club st 29th October Rothes Tennis Club Quiz in Rothes FC 31 December Hogmanay Dance at Social Club Social Club Max 5 per team £2.50pp 29th October Rothes FC Discos at Grant Hall 2017 th 29th October End of British Summer Time – clocks 9 January Schools reopen for Spring Term back one hour 31st October Hallow’een

November CHILDMINDING

5th November Coffee Morning in Rothes FC Social I'm fully registered with full and part time places Club th Donna's Childminding Services is based in Archie- 8 November Remembrance Planters in place by War stown. Memorial Email on [email protected] or text or call on 11th November Armistice Day 11th hour of 11th 07747307519 day of 11th month the guns fell silent in 1918 Please pause.

This issue sponsored by the Windfarm Fund. 13 ‘Onyway they winna ca’ us Harper’s Duds across the whole front. This meant, in our case, 5th Sea- th th noo’ (Oct – Dec 1916). forths & 8 Argyles up front with 6 Seaforths to follow through. At 5.45am the Hawthorne mine detonated in front of The end of September saw the Somme battles grinding th on and the French starting to improve the situation at the 5 ,(often shown in films), and the advance took Verdun. Our local battalion was still in training, receiv- place. Thick mist and snow showers accompanied them, ing reinforcements of 5 Officers & 132 others, parading with minimal artillery fire as creeping barrage in sup- for decorations to be awarded for their earlier ‘Trench port. The divisional MGs fired, from higher ground, a Raid’ and having a Sports Day, before heading off on a protective barrage on enemy rear positions hampering series of marches to spend only one day in the line near enemy reinforcements. The advance was through quite Hebuterne. Relieved by the 19th Division they were muddy ground at places but enemy front lines taken and again ‘nomadic’ until 8th Oct when they settled into bil- the second wave of our local lads moved through, tak- lets, some in houses, near Gouvencourt. Earlier Officers ing the second line against stiff resistance and held on were involved in reconnaissance of enemy position to it. Time was then needed to clear out dugouts, build- near Hebuterne, and practiced assault techniques in ings and caves in the village, capturing the enemy HQ preparation for attacks on Serre & Beaumont Hamel, staff in process. During the evening an enemy counter both of which failed t capture on 1st July as expected. attack was repulsed. Captured also were large amounts of ammo, bombs, flares, a complete armourers work- 13th Oct saw them on the move again, with the division, shop, food, cigarettes and most welcome bottles of wa- moving into the line just north of Beaumont Hamel, ter. Unfortunately it was of the Seltzer type which pro- th duced ‘interesting’ effects. enduring heavy artillery fire on 19 but avoiding many th casualties until relieved by the 5th Seaforths. They biv- A detailed account of the 6 Seaforths battle can be rd found in Derek Birds battalion history ‘The Spirit of the ouacked near Mailly-Maillet on 23 expecting to attack th on 24th. The onset of several days of very heavy rainfall troops is Excellent’. The 13 was costly the battalion reduced the countryside to a quagmire of glue like mud. suffering 14 officers and 263 others not answering the (Sandra & I can vouch for its consistency having visited roll call, and the division over 2000. It was acknowl- there after rain and walked through the fields to the edged, however, that this day laid the ‘foundation cemetery). Artillery fire was also hampered as fall of stone’ of the division’s reputation leading one private to utter the statement used as this article’s title. The units shot and targets could not be seen by planes of the Roy- th th al Flying Corps. Early November saw an improvement held on till the 18 before relief. On the 19 Field Mar- in the weather to allow repairs to tracks, huts and spot- shall Haig officially called an end to the Somme Cam- paign and the 1916 Offensives. ting, plus building up vast stores of ammunition, gre- th nades and stokes mortars. More rain came on the 7th/8th November 20 saw the battalion at the grim task of re- before turning fair enough for the attack to go ahead on covering 51 bodies of their comrades, to be buried in the 13th November. Mailly Wood, others in Beaumont Hamel B cemeteries, plus over 200 others over the next 2 days. They then st The Division was to attack along quite a wide front and had to collect those of the 1 July attacks, who still lay moved into position on the 12th, the 6th Seaforths at on the field after 4 months, including many Newfound- 9.30pm after dinner with A,B & H companies to Mailly landers. These were all put into large shell holes as the -Mallet and C, D companies to Auchenvilliers. All re- task was completed under enemy shellfire. Relieved at ceived rest and hot drinks prior to moving into the as- last they returned to Bouzincourt where a firing range sault line at 4.30am on 13th. The German forces did not was constructed. seem to be aware of the movement, so no enemy artillery fire was targeted on the forward trenches full of December saw a return to trench duties, alternating with men. One reason for this could have been that the Brit- rest periods, training and reinforcements. Bad weather ish artillery did not alter its normal routine so there was brought many cases of trench foot, despite the issue of gumboots & trews. Further moves under fire led to cas- no advance warning bombardment. rd th ualties on 23 /24 , including the CO, and having to The assault was to go over the same ground as that of spend a cold, damp, miserable unfestive Christmas, fol- th st lowed by time on the line until the last day of the month the 29 Division on 1 July with 5200 casualties. The th plan, devised by the 51st division supported on the left when the 6 Gordons took over. by the 63rd RN division, was for 152nd brigade on left in Thus ended 1916, a busy year, with highs and lows, front of Beaumont Hamel and 153rd brigade on right hostile spells, quiet spells but always work parties, and towards Hawthorne ridge. In each case 2 battalions in a a major ‘over the top’ assault. The cost had been 10 first wave of 4 ranks and 1 in rear in 2 ranks stretched officers and 200 others killed plus many more wound-

14 This issue sponsored by the Windfarm Fund. ed. So 1917 dawned with training at Bouzincourt. An- FREE SMOKE ALARM other big spring campaign was coming. Get your free 10-year smoke alarm fitted by your local Casualties during this period were not all on the Fire-fighters. Somme: You can request a free Home Fire Safety Visit, this is Rothes: where the local fire-fighters come to your home and 11 Oct: Charles Grant, 50th Canadian Machine give you some Fire Safety advice and can fit a smoke Gun, age 26. 8 North St., interred Contay Cem- alarms for free, if you need any. Our alarms have a 10- etery year battery too, so you don’t have to spend any- 12 Oct: James Younie (Yonnie), 7th Seaforth thing. Don’t wait, request your free Home Fire Safety Highlanders, age 32. 17 High St., Thiepval Me- Visit by texting text "FIRE" to 80800 from your mobile morial or call 0800 0731 999 or contact Andy Cameron on 13 Nov: Duncan George Allan, 6th Seaforth 07771872285 or [email protected] Highlanders, age 20. Rowan Cottage, Inchber- ry, interred Mailly Wood. 13 Nov: John Davidson, 6th Seaforth High- landers, age 23, St. Mary’s Cottage, Orton, DONATE YOUR UNWANTED CLOTHES interred Beaumont Hamel th 13 Nov: George Grant, 6 Seaforth Highland- Donate your unwanted Clothes and help us support in- ers, age 22, interred Mailly Wood. jured Fire-fighters by putting your unwanted clothes, th 13 Nov: Alexander Reid, 6 Seaforth High- pairs of shoes, linen and handbags in the clothes bank landers, age 19, born Rothes, interred Beau- located at the front of the Rothes Fire Station. mont Hamel th 13 Nov: John F Strachan, 4 Seaforth High- landers, age 22, 22 Breich St., interred Mailly CPR Wood th 13 Nov: Robert Mutch Taylor, 6 Gordon The personnel at the Rothes fire station are offering Highlanders, age 28, interred Mailly Wood th CPR training to anyone or group that would like to 13 Nov: William Wilson, 6 Seaforth High- learn about CPR and get some training on it. landers, age 21, Distillry cottages, interred Contact Andy Cameron on 07771872285 or Mailly Wood. nd [email protected] 26 Nov: Alexander Gilbert, 2 Seaforth High- landers, age 23, Delvue Cttge, wounded Beau- mont Hamel, interred Boulogne East rd 09 Dec: Charles W Flaws, 3 Seaforth High- SANDPIPER TRUST landers (Lab Coy), age 20, Dandeleith Cot- tages, interred Calais South Sandpiper Wildcat Project is looking for volunteers in 29 Dec: Robert Paul, RNR, age 19, 6 Green Rothes to be part of a team of people going to Out of St., interred Shotley Churchyard. Hospital cardiac arrests. They are looking at putting defibrillators into the Town and for them to be looked Knockando: st after by the volunteers on a rota. Even if you can give a 06 Nov: James Gordon McKenzie, 1 Scots few hours a day this is all their asking for. All training Guards, age 27, Blacksboat, interred Ab- will be given and continual training and assistance will beyville Com. th be give. To find out more contact Andy Cameron by 13 Nov: James William McConnachie, 6 email [email protected] or by phone Seaforth Highlanders, age 24, Blackholes, 07771872285 or go to Elchies, Thiepval Mem. WWW.SANDPIPERTRUST.ORG 13 Nov: Robert James Smith, 4th Gordons & 6th Seaforths, age 27, East Mains, interred Mailly Wood 21 Dec: William Swires Allardyce, RNVR, age 19, HMS ‘Negro’, Chatham Naval Memo- rial. Resident at Viewmount.

This issue sponsored by the Windfarm Fund. 15 POPPY SCOTLAND ROTHES COUNCIL

In the last edition of the Rothesian, Jimmy Anderson On the 5th September, chair, Jean Grimshaw wel- announced his intention to retire from the Poppy Scot- comed the members to the first meeting of the new land’s area Organiser for Archiestown and Rothes. Jim- session of the Rothes Council. The members ex- my has done the poppies for so long that he is Mr Pop- pressed their appreciation of the floral displays and py Scotland, but he is ‘training’ his successor Sandra wished to pass on their thanks to all who helped in any Ross for which she is very grateful!. Hopefully, the rest way with the displays, with a special mention to Peter of Jimmy’s team will also contribute and keep Sandra and Heather for planting and watering throughout the right. It will not be too long now before we have to get summer. The members agreed to provide hanging bas- tins and so on organised for November. kets for the High Street which is extremely bare. The number required will be checked before next year as we will have to provide new brackets as well. REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY We will also be costing Christmas Tree lights for the amenities area next to the toilets as an electric connec- th Remembrance Sunday falls on 13 November this year tion was left there by the Moray Flood Team for fu- which one hundred years ago, was a very black day for ture use. this town with seven casualties. Are you related to any of the lads named in Glen’s article, if so please make Andy Cherry, secretary and treasurer of the Wind contact? Farm Fund has redesigned the application forms Every year a plea is issued to please park elsewhere on which will eventually be available on-line. However, Remembrance Sunday so that the service at the War in the meantime forms will be available from the Cot- Memorial can take place without having to dodge round tage, the Monday morning coffee mornings in the vehicles. The service is at 11.30am. Kirk hall and from Andy’s home at 79 New Street, The planter for tokens of Remembrance for anyone lost Rothes. You can also e-mail him on: th in any conflict will be in place by the Memorial on 8 [email protected] November and will be clearly marked. Many people in the area are aware of relatives and friends lost who like to pay their respects, but do not hail from here. This is for you. ROTHES PHARMACY The 1916 planter will be used only for Rothes casualties for one hundred years ago. (Is there an interest for a Kevin and the staff at Rothes Pharmacy would like to planter for casualties from other areas from 100 years thank everyone for their continued support and custom ago? I know many people have discovered connections over the past year. Kevin has new been here for over a recently. If so please speak to Glen or Sandra to see year, and has been overwhelmed by the support of the what can be done.) th local community. Please keep the area clear on 13 November and also We now offers NHS services such as the minor ail- be respectful of the service. ments service, smoking cessation service, chronic medication service and emergency contraception. We can dispense NHS and Private prescriptions, and can help with emergency prescriptions is available My Mum when you run out of medication. We are now open all day on a Wednesday, and no longer close at Best mum in the world lunchtime. Spoke to everyone The Pharmacy now also offers a free prescription col- Baked a lot on a Sunday lection and delivery service to Rothes, Aberlour and I liked helping her all surrounding communities. We can also deliver toi- Was laid back letries and all your healthcare essentials along with Had brown eyes your prescription. Was helpful Please contact Kevin on 01340 831233 form further Liked Elvis details Liked runny fried eggs A good mum Carol McLeod

16 This issue sponsored by the Windfarm Fund. ROTHES FLOWER SHOW WEST HIGHLAND WALK FOR SCHOOL

Despite the poor weather this Summer, it was In the Autumn of 2015, four Loons decided that they amazing to see such a good turnout of high quality would take up the challenge of doing the famous West exhibits at the Rothes Flower Show last Saturday. Highland Way as a way of raising funds for Rothes Prima- Organizers were heartened to see a significant ry school as the school would be celebrating its centenary number of high quality exhibits in the floral art the following year. section. Last year, there had been none. It was The walk from Milngavie to Fort William is just shy of 100 great too to see so many children competing from miles and takes the walker through some of the most pic- Rothes Primary School. Rothes Senior Citizens turesque landscapes in the country. The walk is usually were also to the fore and entries held up in other completed in five or more days but these adventurous sections. Loons decided that they could do it in just four. A lot of hard work and planning goes into the So, after much organising, buying of equipment and bang- show, not just on the day, but over the preceding ing on doors to raise funds, they set out on the last week of year. April in order to give their legs a good stretch and raise President, Dena Cruickshank explains;-“We get some funds for the school. exceptional support, both from local residents and The walk was completed in the intended four days but not competitors outwith the town. It was very gratify- without blisters, falls, aches, pains...and marching though ing to see we attracted lots of new entrants as well snow!!! (this is Scotland remember) as our regular supporters”. Once they had recovered from their adventure and collect- “Our judges gave lots of complimentary and con- ed in the donations, they were able to hand over a cheque structive feedback which will give us food for for £2000 pounds. (The money will go towards a proposed thought for next year’s show. This will be dis- out door education area in the school yard.) They also had cussed at our next committee meeting–we’ll look a few bottles of "The Good Stuff" donated, which were at changes and improvements to the layout of the raffled off and helped raise a further £125. The Loons de- show which should afford more space to the well cided to donated this money towards the p7 fun day out as supported classes, without compromising our tra- they thought that a wee helping hand would make sure that ditional flower, fruit and vegetable exhibits”. they finished their final year at the school with big smiles “As usual, our committee members all worked on their faces. tirelessly. We are also indebted to non-society So, in the end it was agreed by all that this little excursion volunteers who helped out. It is fair to say that the was worth every step and that they would all do it again in committee could not have managed without their a... Well, let's just leave it there, shall we. invaluable help. Many thanks to all our exhibitors, Peter Bowie, Andy Hay, Kevin Kilgour and Martin and to anyone who helped in any way”. McAuslan would like to give a huge big thank you to all Headmistress of Rothes Primary School, Mrs B the family, friends, local businesses and Guid Rothes Folk McPherson presented the Forsyth Shield for the that donated towards their fund raising event... and, of Best Exhibit in Show to Jean MacDonald, course, a big thank you to all the staff at Rothes Primary Dufftown for her floral art entry in class 73 School for doing a grand job of running a great wee school. “Harvest Festival”.. The Jake Daniel Trophy for the runner up prize was presented to Dena Cruickshank, Rothes for her vase of mixed sweet peas, class 37.

For more information, contact the secretary, Mrs S MacDonald, 67 Land Street, Rothes, telephone 01340 831449 or e-mail [email protected]

This issue sponsored by the Windfarm Fund. 17 WINDFARM FUND LONG SERVICE AND GOOD CONDUCT AWARD The following Groups were recipients of the March Wind Farm Fund monies. Rothes Council for flowers – Crew Manager Rob Nicol was delighted to accept his The Horticultural Society for trophies – Rothes A FC 20 year service award at a Civic Reception at Aberdeen for equipment – Rothes Tennis Club for court repairs - Town House on 24th May 2016 . The presentation was Senior Citizens for cost of bus - Grant Hall for clean- made by Chief ing equipment - Rothes Football Club for water lifting Fire Officer of equipment - ATC423 DFLT for equipment - Social Scotland Fire Club for roof insulation and Ball Group for materials. and Rescue Ser- vice, Alasdair Hay. Rob was accompanied with his wife Jennifer and his two daughters Lesley & Kerry. Rob joined on 9th January 1996, and has been delighted to serve Rothes and surrounding community.

SPEYSIDE HIGH SCHOOL DUX. GENERATION GAME!

Rothes pupil Lesley Nicol received the Neish & Irene Low sent in this photograph of 5 generations of Strathdee Dux Prize for Academic Excellence for S5. It her family. was presented by local We have Jeannie Cruickshank, her daughter Irene, loon Steve Bremner, grandson Michael Low, great grand-daughter Zoe Low, who was the Guest and Reece Durno, her great great grandson. Speaker at Speyside High School's Prizegiv- ing. Lesley was also awarded the Elizabeth Jack prize for Music, and the John Falconer Prize for Mathemat- ics. Lesley has since left High School after attaining A passes for 4 Highers and 1 Ad- vanced Higher and is now studying HNC Ap- plied Sciences at Moray College UHI.

18 This issue sponsored by the Windfarm Fund. NEWS FROM THE COTTAGE THE CAR SHARE SCHEME

There has recently been quite a bit of activity in the September already? They say that the older you get the Cottage and the Speyside/Glenlivet calendars are now quicker time passes, well if that’s true then I reckon I’m ready to purchase. The Rothes versions will follow very at least 160! shortly. Thanks to the Wind Farm Fund, the new bind- All through the ‘summer’ The Car Share Scheme has ing machine is certainly making the calendars easier to been happily trundling along getting our members to produce. Jimmy Logan’s ‘Tales of a Rothes Loon’, wherever they need to go and increasing our member- which is nicely bound, and both volumes of the Poetry ship along the way. Driver numbers are also up, which Book are also going well is good, although Tomintoul and Rothes can still be a We have recently started to produce coasters with pic- bit short at times. tures of local views inserted, fridge magnets with Doric We have recently welcomed a new telephonist onto the sayings and Doric note packs containing 2 notebooks, 1 team, which is great news as occasionally we have had notecard, 1 bookmark, and a fridge magnet. to rely on the answer phone to take our messages. This All of our printed goods are being very well received isn’t ideal and I don’t know how you feel about them especially the coasters, so much so that in a short space but I personally hate those machines and would much of time we’ve been fortunate to gain serious orders rather discuss my needs with a friendly person. from both the Rothes Football Club and the Rothes Our phone lines are now fully covered again but we Tennis Club. could still do with someone who would be prepared to If you, personally have a favourite view or photograph step in for holiday cover and days off so if you regular- that you would like mounting in this way then speak ly spend time at home and would like more information with Pearl who will undoubtedly try to produce some- about what is involved then please get in touch. There is thing suitable for your requirements. no equipment needed other than your home phone and a Due to voluntary assistance from a local resident the pen. We provide you with a bookings diary and we just new computers are now almost fully operational and transfer our line to you for the time when you have ready to replace the old outdated systems. Once mas- agreed to take our calls. Our line is an ‘add on’ and tered this new technology should be a huge asset and doesn’t interfere with your own facilities at all. time saver. If you aren’t able to volunteer yourself but you know New bought in items include an additional tea towel someone who might enjoy the opportunity to chat with with the ‘When it’s Broon it’s Cooked’ popular saying people and help them with their transport difficulties printed on it. There are also updated editions of both the then please pass on any of our contact details. Distillery Book and the Moray Book which sell for £5.00 each and contain some local information. Tea in the Park was very good to us again this year and We now have a new, more accurate, way of monitoring our thanks go to all the volunteers who work so hard the number of people who visit the Cottage for whatev- giving everyone such a pleasant event to look forward er reason and this will give us a better understanding of to and attend on a ‘summer’s day actual usage and footfall. If you live in Rothes, Aberlour, Dufftown, Glenlivet, Tea in the Park gives us a great boost for our funds and Archiestown, Tomintoul, or the surrounding areas and it was very successful again this year. Once again we you have difficulty getting around to certain things be- have all the volunteers, from around Glenlivet, who run cause of age, disability or infirmity then we might be it and work so hard to thank for that. able to help. Telephone 01340 831 748. The lines are open between 9.00am- 5.00pm (Mon.-Fri.) and speak to one of our volunteer telephonists who will give you ROTHES INDOOR BOWLING CLUB. all the information about eligibility for becoming a member. Indoor bowling will commence on Monday 26th Sep- tember in the Rothes FC Social Club, with a hat night at If you would like any other information about the 6.15pm and 7.30 pm and every Monday thereafter. scheme or how you could get involved then please tele- There will be bowling on Tuesday evenings from 6.15 phone Irene on 01340 832 350 or email ire- pm when new members will be welcome to give bowl- [email protected] ing a try. Bowls are available, however flat shoes will be required.

This issue sponsored by the Windfarm Fund. 19 EXTRA CURRICULAR AT ROTHES. PRIMARY SCHOOL

Each year we visit Gordonstoun to take part in various activities. This photo was taken in April when our P7 team took part in the Highland Games. We miss our P7s from last year and wish them well at Speyside High School. This year we also took part in the orienteering festival.

Our children attend swimming lessons in the High School pool and by the time they leave primary school they have all learned to stay safe and enjoy responsible times in the water.

As part of our CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS we held a special Burns’ Supper night with a ceilidh. The aim was 100 MINUTES OF DANCING and 100 guest suppers, but we exceeded our ticket sales and the teachers, unable to secure a caterer, spent their evening peel- ing, mashing and serving 160 suppers! A huge thank you must go to them, and also to Hugh and Caroline Tawse, the Rothes butchers, who cooked our haggis to perfection and delivered it right on time to serve!

20 This issue sponsored by the Windfarm Fund.