June 2015 Sponsored by the Family of the Late Jean Allan Issue No 70

THE ROTHESIAN

June 2015 Sponsored by the Family of the late Jean Allan Issue No 70

Jean Allan

In January this year the Allan family said goodbye to its oldest member Jean. She was mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and cousin to the extended family. Her loss was indeed heavily felt by us all and we would like to thank the community of Rothes for the acts of kindness and the ex- pressions of sympathy received since she passed away. She was born in Cummingston, or the “Collach” as it is locally known, in 1925. There she stayed for the first 4 years of her life until the family moved to Rothes. She was educated at Rothes primary school where she showed promise in many areas, especially in Arithmetic and English. From her schooling she developed a great pleasure from reading and was an avid reader throughout her life. After marriage, children then separation, life took her to nu- merous locations throughout the area; Garmouth and Urquhart being the most significant. She returned to Rothes following the death of her mother in the late 1980’s and remained here until she died this year. She truly loved Rothes and the community that is ‘Rothes’. One of her dying requests was for the family to sponsor this edition of the Rothesian and she left a note to make sure her views were known to us. In her note she praised to people of Rothes and their commitment to their community. A commitment she herself shared with so many. She had enormous respect for those who work on and publish the Rothesian, but made a plea for more people to take up an interest in their work, and for more community articles and information to be published. “The success of a community is a reflection of the members of that community” she said. “In a successful community everyone is important and everyone can contribute.” She also remarked on the declining number of people who support our local clubs and hoped that this article might encourage, if not inspire, some more of us to either join in or support the clubs we currently have. As her returning son, I wholeheartedly agree. I guess what she was saying was: This is your community and it needs your help. Be a part of it……

You may contact The Rothesian by e-mail, using the following address: [email protected] ROTHES TENNIS CLUB sticky start, where penalty points were given for fail- ing to fulfil a fixture at Inverness, has been overcome Our young members have been involved in several and the team is now in the mix to lift the trophy. The competitions since the last issue of the Rothesian. Ladies and Men’s teams are not faring so well. Our Courtney Ness, Reece Davies and Fraser Scott trav- 14s A team should finish in second place and our 12s elled to Inverness to take part in the Highland Spring A’s are sitting in mid table. The two age groups B Junior events. The high spot for the children was hav- teams were not so successful but the 12s second string, ing a coaching session, and being photographed with which was a very inexperienced side did well in all of Andy Murray’s mum, Judy. their matches: the group of 9 & 10 year olds who took Our 8 & Under part thoroughly enjoyed themselves. tournament held at Spey- Our coaching programme for the season started in the side High Easter Holidays with Jana Brady from the Inverness School was Tennis Academy teaching the children. During term won by Reece time Alistair McLeod, from Grantown, returned to his Davies who position as the club’s main coach and during the sum- defeated Con- mer holidays the popular Jamie Verhaere will be at the aire Bowie in a courts for six sessions. As well as coaching the young- very closely sters, Jamie will be holding adult sessions . Anyone contested final. interested contact Michelle or Hamish The consolation The club is very grateful to the Windfarm committee event was won for their support of this programme. by Shane Fox. A Wimbledon ballot of members who are part of the The following British Tennis scheme was held to decide the recipi- day the club ents of the four pairs of tickets given to the club. The held a girl’s lucky people were: Johanne Dunn (Centre Court), singles compe- Leigh Anderson (No 1 Court), Lindsay Moule (No 2 tition, which Court) and Christine Newlands (No 1 Court). was won by The Floodlighting project is now with the Planning Grace Hendry Department for approval and an application for a from Inverness. Grant from Sport Scotland has been sent in. The Club The 10 & Un- has been lucky in receiving Grants from three other der Boys sin- sources, The gles was won Windfarm, The by Liam Stuart of the Elgin club. Moray Council Bethany Anderson won an 8 & Under girls competi- Developers Fund, tion at the Duff Avenue Courts in Elgin. and the Gordon A further 8 and under competition was held in the and Ena Baxter drizzle on Saturday 13th June. 11 young members Foundation. The competed valiantly in the conditions and the winner aim is for all three was Charlie Kennedy with Harley Fairbairn just pip- courts to be flood- ping Alfie McConnachie, by one point, for second lit but, if our ap- place. The 5&6 year olds winner was Ben Ross with proach to Sport Hamish Scott runner up. The 9 and unders took centre Scotland is unsuc- stage in the afternoon with Fraser Scott defeating Jack cessful we intend McConnachie in the final. Fraser had a very successful reverting to the weekend as he went on to win his age group event at original two court Elgin on the Sunday (14th). plan. We are A contingent of members travelled to the Westburn hopeful that the Indoor Tennis Centre on Sunday 12th April for an early lights will be in 9am start to play for the Kenny Mackie Trophy. The place to enable us winner was 12 year old Cole Mclachlan. to lengthen this At the time of writing Michelle and her team are chal- season. lenging for promotion from Mixed Division 2. A Hamish McBain

2 This issue is sponsored by the Family of the late Jean Allan GRANT HALL UPDATE LINNBURN DAY SERVICE

Well, a lot has happened since the last edition. Rothes day service have been busy planning their In the last three months, the Ladies and Gents Toi- summer outings over the next few months, so lets have been totally refurbished, as has the Back hopefully the weather will be on our side, and Stage Dressing Room and Toilets. happy memories will be treasured. We’ve played host to lots of private parties, a It is with sad regret that one of our Service User great night of dancing and music with Davy Cow- who celebrated her 100th Birthday last year sadly an and the Stormchasers, an evening of Jazz, a passed away on the 1st June 2015 – Lena McDon- Craft Fair, Parliamentary Election, Coffee Morn- ald was a character and had lots of sayings that ing and Plant Sale, 2 ladies Fitness/Pamper nights will always be remembered by us all. and a Sing For Life Choir Concert. Some of our Service Users are hoping to attend Coming up over the next quarter we have the Pri- the Rothes War Memorial on Thursday 25th June. mary School Awards Ceremony, the Fun Box In July we are celebrating Independence Day with Theatre Group, a wedding, Rothes FC Sports- a party at Linnburn where we will be inviting an- man’s Dinner, RHIS Annual Show, Tennis Club other day service to come and join us in this cele- Race Night, more private parties and, of course, bration. th on 25 July we have the Legendary Trocadero Disco featuring Willie Younie for a One Off Spe- From all service users and Staff. cial. Tickets are available from the Victoria Bar, Rothes Butcher and Raymond Johnston. Julie O'Hare On top of all that we have our Regular User Support Worker Group Rents and we received a £2000 donation Gurness Day Service - Tues/Thurs/Fri from the Wind Farm Fund and Pauline and Ste- Tel: 01343 550617 phen Younie got match funding of £1000 and Linnburn Day Service - Mon & Wed £500 respectively from the Robertson Trust and Tel: 01340 831794 Chivas. For the foreseeable future, bookings will be taken via our Facebook page: Facebook/Grant Hall Rothes or by e-mail [email protected] ROTHES BOWLING CLUB. Finally, we have just taken delivery of another 100 chairs. We can now have full capacity concert Bowling has commenced for the summer, howev- seating for 300. er to date the number of members has reduced. Looking forward to seeing you here. The work done on the green has improved the playing conditions. It has been decided to cancel the Open Pairs Competion, due to lack of members willing to assist in the running of the competion. Bowling will continue to the end of the sea- RUSTY RACKETS LADIES EVENING son when a decision considering the work involved in maintaining the green and surrounds FRIDAY 24th JULY – 6pm – 8pm and the cost of insurance will be taken to whether the club continues. Calling all Ladies. Interested in Tennis? Played Before? Never played but would like to? Michelle invites you all to a special evening of Ladies tennis. Learn how to play or brush up on your skills. However ‘rusty’ you are, come along to the courts and have a go!

This issue is sponsored by the Family of the late Jean Allan 3 LIVE LOCAL, WORK LOCAL? WE NEED located at the front of the Rothes Fire Station. YOUR HELP Fireworks and Bonfire Rothes Fire Station are reaching out to the community and local businesses in the bid to recruit more retained There has been some items dumped near to where the fire fighters following a drop in their crew numbers. Bonfire is built for the Rothes Community Fireworks The minimum crewing levels for getting the appliance Display. Nothing has to be dumped there unless you turned out is 4. talk to myself. If this persists I will not organise the Retained Duty System (RDS) Fire-fighters are invalu- fireworks and bonfire this year. able to their communities, providing a fire and rescue Andy Cameron service on an 'on call' basis. We are currently looking 07771872285 for men and women from all backgrounds who can work in a team, attending a range of incidents including fires and road traffic accidents. Most incidents are over with-in 45 minutes. You will also, from time-to- ROTHES BALL GROUP time, be involved in local community education in the area you live in. With generally improving health, the BALL group You must be able to respond safely to your preferred seemed to be reinvigorated after Easter with a talk on station within 7 minutes of being alerted, and you will Waste Management, which was well timed, as it coin- be expected to undertake training one evening a week, cided with the green bin/brown bin exchange! We are and carry out further training on an occasional basis. well versed in what can and cannot be binned in each In return, you will receive an annual retaining fee of colour. The light relief from the Buckie Blethers was up to £2,848, in addition to an hourly rate of up to greatly enjoyed – even by those without the ‘mither £13.00 when called out and for performing other role tongue’. Chocolate truffles, learning about managing related duties. arthritis and the Red Cross were interspersed with Applicants must be 18 or over and in good health. knitting/crocheting squares and Board Games. Forres We are taking on contracted hour availability now Museum puzzled us with mystery objects including a whereby someone who only works in Rothes through curling stone basket, while the Street pastors amazed the day or someone that can give as little as 4 hours a us at their work. We are now looking forward to paint- day either in morning or afternoon. ing by numbers, a visit to Glen Grant Gardens, and Those wishing to apply to become a retained fire fight- concluding with our day outing to Banchory. It is like- er can do so by coming along to the Rothes Fire Sta- ly the next session will start on 8th September tion on a Thursday between 1900-2130, or contact Watch Manager Andy Cameron by phoning or texting on 07771872285. MORAY WALKERS – ROTHES

Free smoke alarm The mixed weather has kept the walkers to ‘fair Get your free 10-year smoke alarm fitted by your local weather’ routes – those which not get muddy. We had Fire-fighters. hoped to get in some trips once the ‘better weather’ You can request a free Home Fire Safety Visit, this is arrived, especially to Aberlour, but the road works where the local fire-fighters come to your home and there have made that a complicated exercise. It is give you some Fire Safety advice and can fit a smoke hoped that Elgin, Craigellachie and Heavenly Pieces alarms for free, if you need any. Our alarms have a 10- will feature soon. We were sorry to learn that Gareth, year battery too, so you don’t have to spend anything. our co-ordinator has moved on to pastures new, but Don’t wait, request your free Home Fire Safety Visit wish him all the best in his new post. Recently we re- by texting text "FIRE" to 80800 from your mobile or ceived pedometers, which count steps and have had a call 0800 0731 999 or contact Andy Cameron on bit of a job activating them, but we’ll get there. Do 07771872285 come along on Thursday mornings at 10am in the vi- cinity of the Square Post Box & please bring the sun Donate Your Unwanted Clothes with you!. Remember we do not tackle the bens – we Donate your unwanted Clothes and help us support are gentle walkers. injured Fire-fighters by putting your unwanted clothes, pairs of shoes, linen and handbags in the clothes bank

4 This issue is sponsored by the Family of the late Jean Allan SENIOR CITIZENS

NEUTER YOUR We have had a wonderful season again. Since Christ- CAT FOR £5 mas our regular meetings commenced 7 January 2015. We had a very successful coffee morning on 18 April a big thank you to all who gave assistance and who

donated. Our season ended on 13 May with a nice outing to the Happy Plant Garden Centre, Mintlaw, where we had lunch. We then a had a short visit to Fraser- burgh and arrived home around 6.15pm. I think eve- Are you on income based benefits or low income? ryone enjoyed the day. We had 43 people on board. Are you a full-time student? Our A.G.M. is on the 9th September. There will be Are you in receipt of a state pension or pension credit? bills to confirm Anyone wishing to join our club

Moray Cats Protection may be able to help you with the please come along and enjoy. Meetings will com- cost of neutering your cat mence again on 7th October. Live entertainment with tea and a blether. Neutering is good for your cat: It stops unwanted kitten & costly vet bills if the pregnancy Jim Bartlet goes wrong President Your cat is less likely to fight, reducing the risk of catching life-threatening diseases Neutered cats are less likely to wander and get run over Neutered male cats are less likely to display territorial be- haviour such as spraying LADIES GROUP

Let us help you and your cat Many thanks to Rothes Ladies Group members for their support throughout the last session. Please contact us for more information We had a very enjoyable day out to Drum, which Tel: 07837 342646, or email moraycp @hotmail.com brought it all to an end. Visit our Facebook page: Moray Cats Protection Looking forward to 8th September, and an evening of entertainment. See you all there. Morag

DANCE FUSION

Following on from a very successful first term, classes will continue on Thursdays in the Grant Hall. Due to SPEYSIDE STRENGTH AND BALANCE increasing numbers we will be running additional senior classes. Classes Resume Thursday 20th August. This group, as its name implies, covers a wider area Juniors (4-7 years) - 3pm-3.45pm than just Rothes. Meeting on Friday mornings in the Inters (8-10 years) - 3.45pm-4.45pm Kirk Hall at 9.45am, the number of members is grow- Seniors (11-16 years) - 4.45pm - 5.45pm ing steadily. Many of the exercises are seated – in fact all can be seated and those standing ones can always have support from a chair. For £3.00, you get fun, ex- SUMMER DANCE CLUB ercise to keep you supple and a cuppa. The last class of the session is 26th June and resumes on 21st August. 22nd/23rd/24th July in the Grant Hall. Juniors 10am- 11.15. Inters 11.30-3pm Like us on Facebook or contact Sheryl Murphy on 07715 274844 for more information, or to book a space.

5 This issue is sponsored by the Family of the late Jean Allan WINNIE

I read the March issue of the Rothesian with interest and wanted to respond to the story about Win- nie and the request for any interesting stories.

Colin (my husband) used to play in the Red Shoes, Elgin back in the 60's when still at Elgin We have another article from Beverley Kirk, who Academy. Wednesday was "over 25's Night" and found the Rothes Higher Grade Public School he often got a lift home from Winnie and her Magazine, dated September 1926 - April 1933 friend Penelope - also Watson (were they relat- among the school archives. ed?) On a cauld night, Winnie would light up a In our next issue, we will have another story from paraffin heater in her car, before going in to the the School Magazine, this one by Ian Durno. Dance Hall, to keep it fine and toastie for the jour- If you have any stories about Hugh Ross, please ney hame. No Health and Safety issues then! contact the Rothesian, or Beverley at Rothes Pri- mary School. A’ the best, Kate (Henderson) - a Rothes quine

FAREWELL ADDRESS TO AN OLD PAIR OF BOOTS LETTER TO ROTHES PRIMARY SCHOOL from Margaret Legge nee Wares Ye comrades of my diverse wanderings, Alas! At last the time has come for us to part, It was lovely to see Winnie Watson’s letter in the Remember ye the glorious summer days, Rothesian. I attended Rothes School in the 1950s, When we, light hearted, wandered o’er the moors Aglow with brilliant purple? Or perhaps but left Rothes in July 1958 when I married a Through woodland aisles lit by the barred sun, Fochabers boy, Robert Legge. Which scarce could penetrate the lofty pines? I come home every year, but sad to say I lost my There clustered pinks and wood anemones dear friend Jenny Widgery a year ago, she always Amidst the moss – a mass of riotous hues. sent me the Rothesian but I still get it sent to me But now, no more will ye accompany me, by Pearl Paul. And lead my footsteps as your fancy wist. Your days are done, ye staunch and faithful friends. My story comes from when I was very small and Full well remember I th’ eventful day- cleaning with my mother Agnes Wares nee That day – long past – since that ye were new How stout and strong and serviceable ye seemed Riach) She said I needed some elbow grease so Fir for a prince and not for human boy! she sent me to Watsons’ shop. Winnie served me But now hard service have ye seen, and well so everyone had a good laugh. I of course had a Endured as your condition shows. Alas! red face. Your proud position ye must now give up To some newcomer, who, though shining bright I much appreciate getting my Rothesian. Many To me will never be the same as you thanks. Old friends. A long and last farewell I take Of ye. Adieu, adieu, for evermore. Regards Hugh M Ross (14years) 23/2/27 Margaret Legge (nee Wares)

6 This issue is sponsored by the Family of the late Jean Allan THE MARYHILL GROUP PRACTICE The out of hours cover is as before and remains the responsibility of GMED and again by phoning the sur- Dr Johnston gave six months notice of his intention to gery number out of hours you will be connected to the retire at the end of March 2014 and attempts by NHS GMED service for assistance. Grampian to ensure a continuing GP Practice in We met with the Rothes Patient Participation Group Rothes were unsuccessful, so in February 2014 we prior to the merge with Maryhill Practice in March were approached by George McLean, Business Man- 2014 and were encouraged by them to proceed with ager of the Moray Health & Social Care Partnership. the merge to ensure GP services could still continue He explained that Rothes Medical Centre was to close for those residents and registered at Rothes. as no replacement was available to continue providing At the end of our first year we met again with the Pa- GP services. tient Participation Group in March 2015 and received Maryhill Practice agreed to provide GP services for very positive feed back of how the first year had pro- Rothes surgery, and despite having only six weeks to gressed for patients. We were pleased to receive some arrange the transfer of Rothes Medical Centre to suggestions from patients, which we will look at in the Maryhill Practice, we were able to ensure the continu- year ahead. ing provision of GP services for Rothes. Patients are able to receive telephone assistance from The Maryhill Practice is a semi rural Practice based in 8.00am to 6.00pm Monday to Friday by phoning their Elgin, Moray. The registered list size as of 31 March surgery number. If the Rothes Medical Centre is 2015 is 16834. Of this total 18% are aged 65 and closed then the call will be answered at Maryhill and over. At the time of merging in April 2014 the Rothes assistance can be given from there. Medical Centre had a list size of 1635. The Maryhill Group Practice, including Rothes, cur- If a patient requires an appointment, then the appoint- rently have 6 full time GP partners and 6 salaried GP ment booking line is open from 8.30am to 6.00pm. assistants, five assistants are part-time and one assis- Patients have the choice to be seen at Rothes or Elgin. tant provides 8 sessions per week. The Practice has a The reception team at Rothes Medical Centre are team of 18 Practice employed nurses, 15 part-time and available Monday & Tuesday 8.30am - 5.30pm and 3 full-time. There is a large administration team which Wednesday to Friday 8.30am - 2.00pm, for face to includes reception, IT and scanning staff. We have a face discussions or by telephone. pharmacy administration team. We also have two The Maryhill Group Practice has a web site Practice employed full time emergency care practi- www.elginhealthcentre.co.uk which includes a section tioners (ECP) who assist with the management of un- for Rothes. The Maryhill Group Practice also produc- planned care work. es a newsletter each quarter which is available on re- We were pleased to retain the services of Dr Packham quest at reception and on the web site. Practice Infor- who had been working at Rothes as a locum GP and mation Leaflets are available on request from recep- Maryhill Practice have employed Dr Packham as a tion at Rothes or Elgin. permanent GP assistant. We also retained other staff The GPs and staff are delighted that Rothes has be- who were working at Rothes Medical Centre, these come such an important part of The Maryhill Group being Sue Gordon the Practice Nurse and Shona Scott Practice. We are encouraged by the progress made in and Louise Kelman the medical receptionists along the first year, and value the positive feedback from the with Linda Smith, Health Visitor. Rothes Patient Participation Group. We look forward Dr Packham works part-time, so we have provided to continuing to work with and for all the patients reg- Maryhill-based GPs to cover clinics at Rothes. istered with The Maryhill Group Practice. Some of the 1635 patients originally registered at Rothes actually live out with the immediate Rothes area. The majority of the Maryhill Practice population are in the Elgin locality, so Rothes Medical Centre is now organised and staffed as a Branch surgery of Maryhill Group Practice. As a Branch surgery the building is closed three afternoons a week at the mo- ment, but medical services are still available. Patients who require assistance when the Rothes building is closed can still phone their surgery number and they will be connected to the Maryhill site and someone will be able to assist them.

This issue is sponsored by the Family of the late Jean Allan 7 FREEDOM FITNESS CLASSES Hi Everyone,

Classes resume in the Grant Hall after the summer I would just like to thank everyone for all the sup- break: port I have received in my fundraising for Chil- Party Aerobics: Tuesday 6.00-7.00pm dreach International! Aerobics: Wednesday 9.15-10.15am I have so far raised a total of £3231.26 and hope- Circuits: Wednesday 10.30-11.30am fully will manage to raise a bit more before I go Bootcamp: Thursday 6.00-7.00pm on the 18th August. I have already smashed my Party Aerobics and Bootcamp classes run as pre- target fundraising goal of £2750 and I couldn't paid blocks. have done it without all the help I have had from For additional information please see the Freedom people within the Rothes community coming to Fitness Facebook page or contact Vivienne on my fundraisers, donating raffle prizes and donat- 07526 120417. ing to my online fundraising page. Free your Body, Mind & Spirit! I would particularly like to thank Chris and Barba- ra at the Seafield for hosting my quiz and helping me with it and Eugene for doing the quiz itself, the boys at the fire station for doing a car wash to help HEALTH AND FITNESS FAIR me fundraise and also the Rothes Wind Farm for the money I received to go towards my fundrais- Saturday 8th August, 10am – 1pm ing! Grant Hall, Rothes The winner of the China Quiz I was selling to Local dance and fitness instructors Vivienne Ad- raise money was Mrs Strathdee from Huntly. dison of Freedom Fitness, and Sun Fyre of World Thanks again for all the support! I am looking for- Fusion Dance Party will be showcasing the range ward to the amazing experience that trekking of classes they have on offer in Speyside. across the Great Wall of China will be and also Come along and find out more and enjoy the op- very happy to have spread the word about an portunity to try the wide range of fitness and amazing charity. dance options available in your area. Entry to the fair is only £1. Natalie Steele

Move into your Power

For details contact Vivienne on 07526 120417 or NEPAL DISASTER [email protected] or contact Sun Fyre on 07870 687616 or sun- Stephanie Allsop would like to thank all who do- [email protected] nated, supported, helped and attended her soup We look forward to seeing you there! and sweet, which she organised for the Nepal dis- Vivienne & Sun Fyre aster. You helped raised £350.

90th BIRTHDAY BUBBLE FOOTBALL The Family of Charlie McPherson would like to There will be a bubble football contest on Saturday wish him a very happy 90th birthday on 28th July. 15th August 2015. Please see local outlets for posters Charlie now lives in Elgin but will always be a soon, and Facebook for information, or contact Michelle Ness. Rothesian at heart.

8 This issue is sponsored by the Family of the late Jean Allan Rothes Diary 8th September Rothes BALL Group resumes 10am Kirk Hall

12th September Coffee Morning in Rothes Kirk Hall Please note that the diary displayed in the Simp- – Rothes Bowling Club son’s Side Window is updated every few weeks or 12th September Tennis Club Race Night in Grant so and takes in changes which occur during the time Hall between the Rothesian quarterly editions,. Please 19th September Coffee Morning in Rothes Kirk Hall keep Sandra informed of events and meetings as – Rothes Kirk fundraising works best with no competition! 19th September Tombola in Rothes FC Social Club Please note the special email address for the diary: 26th September Coffee Morning in Kirk Hall Spey- [email protected] side Sing for Life Choir If you would like the diary emailed to you, please contact this address

July 2nd July Schools Close for the Summer Holiday close 2.30pm 3rd July Fun Box at Grant Hall 5pm ROTHES “A” 4th July Coffee Morning in Rothes FC Social Club 11th July Coffee Morning in Rothes Kirk Hall – Sta- Another season has started, and it hasn’t been a ble & Able (Elgin) good start, but we will try and make up lost 18th July Coffee Morning in Rothes Kirk Hall – points. Speyside Leg Club We held our annual “Lucky Squares”, which was 18th July Tombola in Rothes FC Social Club drawn in the second week of April. A big thanks 25th July Coffee Morning in Kirk Hall – Rothes to all who donated prizes and bought squares. We Football Club raised £1180 which will go a long way in paying 25th July Trocadero Disco Grant Hall 8.30pm our running costs for the season, which come to (Special) about £2800. We are having a Darts tournament in the Rothes th August FC Social Club on 4 July to raise more funds. 1st August Coffee morning in Rothes FC Social Club The prize money for the tournament has been do- 15th August Tombola in Rothes FC Social Club nated by two local loons; Chris Henderson from 15th August Coffee morning in Rothes Kirk Hall Hendersons Decorators, and Stuart Paul, from Speyside Air Cadets Stuart Paul Decorators. 18th August Schools Re-open after Summer Holi- We also had great sponsorship from Gary Laing, days from Stonecraft, another local loon. st A massive thanks to the three lads for helping 21 August Speyside Strength and Balance resumes Rothes “A” out with this cash injection. 9.45am in Kirk Hall nd We also have a Coffee Morning in the Church 22 August Coffee Morning in Rothes Kirk Hall- Hall on the 22nd August, which should be the end Rothes A Football of our fund-raising for this season. 28th August Rothes FC Sportsman Dinner in Grant Once again, a big thanks for everyone who has Hall supported us. 29thAugust Coffee Morning in Rothes Kirk Hall –

Rothes Gala Rothes “A” Committee

September 5th September Coffee Morning in Rothes FC Social Club 5th September Flower Show in Grant Hall

This issue is sponsored by the Family of the late Jean Allan 9 ROTHES WIND FARM FUND ROTHES COUNCIL

The latest round of applications has been ap- Now that we have the Rothes Council account proved by Rothes Wind Ltd and cheques were signatories sorted out, we can proceed with the presented to the following recipients at the Rothes Town defibrillator and the new notice board. We Council meeting on Monday 6th June. hope to get both organised over the summer months. Grant Hall: £2,000 As you will see, a huge amount of work has been Senior Citizens Group: £500 done by volunteers to the floral displays, and the Tennis Club: £750 hanging baskets are now up. The big planters are Horticultural Society: £320 now emptied and ready for filling for the summer. Car Share Scheme: £1,000 As Moray Council now only do Anvil Gardens Sing For Life Choir: £700 and the memorial, a lot of community involve- Natalie Steele( Adventure Trek): £250 ment is required. This includes watering and Air Cadets: £820 planting. The Rothes Council will be looking at Rothes Community Ltd: £500 an overview of the entire floral needs after the Primary School: £950 summer break, so if anyone can put their names Rothes Council: £1960 forward to help in any way this will allow us to Golf Club: £2,000 form a new floral strategy. More hanging baskets Rothes FC: £1,500 have been mooted, and also taking on some bar- Rothes A FC: £450 ren areas, but this can only be done with more local support. If you can help attend to any areas or wish to sug- gest new ideas please pop your name or suggestions into the cottage or e -mail [email protected] Some Moray communities have formed floral groups with the sole purpose of improving their towns, perhaps this could be a way forward for Rothes. Over the summer we hope to map the town dog poo bins to see how well placed or otherwise they The next round will be in the autumn and applica- are and to consider any blank spots there may be. tions for aid then will be called for around Sep- If you can help please pick up a town map from tember/October. Please keep a lookout for post- the cottage for marking the present bins and re- ers in the shops calling for applications at that turn to the cottage with the marked areas and any time. new suggestions. Free dog poo bags are available from a number of shops in Rothes. JIM ANDERSON We will be taking a break over July and August Secretary/Treasurer unless any important issues arise. The next meet- Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund ing is scheduled for Monday 7th September at the Cottage, start time 7pm.

10 This issue is sponsored by the Family of the late Jean Allan SING FOR LIFE SPEYSIDE ROTHES ROVERS

The choir have recently rounded off their Summer Our season is well under way. The P3 & Unders term with a concert of medleys which took place have played a few friendly matches and two tour- in the Grant Hall on Sunday 7th of June. The con- naments so far. At the Fochabers tournament they cert was very well attended and we raised over finished 3rd, and at the Aberlour one we went one £500 for our choir funds. Many thanks to all better and took runners up spot after a playoff be- those who came along to support the concert. tween 3 teams who all had the same points. The P6/7s finished 3rd equal at Fochabers, and fourth The choir are now on Summer break and will re- at Aberlour. They also had a League Cup final turn at the end of August, date to be confirmed. which they lost 4 - 1 against league champions As always, new members are welcome for both Dufftown. All through the season we have to use choirs (adults and youth) so watch out for posters P4/5 players in the P6/7 team, as we were short of and feel free to come along when we start back to players in this age group. The P4/5 team won give it a try. the Fochabers tournament after a playoff against the host club, which went to a sudden death pen- We are pleased to announce some very exciting alty shoot out. They also won the Aberlour Tour- news that the choir have been invited to Glasgow nament. They are unbeaten in the league so far, on Friday 23rd of October to perform at the Scot- with just a couple of games to go. They lost to tish Music and Health Network event (http:// Fochabers in the semi-final of the Trocadero Tro- www.smhn.hss.ed.ac.uk). The choir performed in phy. We are always on the look out for players to Glasgow in 2012 at the Magnus Magnusson join our teams. If interested, give me a call, even Awards ceremony so it is very exciting for us to if it is only for training. be returning to Glasgow to perform at the same Willie Younie venue. We are very grateful to the Windfarm 01340831732 Community Benefit Fund who have awarded the choir funding to attend the event. Thank You Willie As always we are extremely grateful to everyone who continues to support the choir and we look I would like to take this opportunity to say a big forward to starting back and welcoming new thank you to Willie Younie. My son has been a members next term. keen member of the Rothes Rovers for 8 years, since he was 4. Shaun embraced football from Sing for Life Speyside day one and won many trophies and medals over the years due to the dedication from Willie, and his team of helpers. Shaun will now move on to train with Huntly, and is very sad to be leaving Rothes Rovers. GOLF CLUB CATERING Willie does so much work with Rothes Rovers, including organising games, incorporating differ- Clifford and Rosemary Allan now will be doing ent training methods, and of course out lining the the catering at Rothes Golf Club, from Friday 3rd pitch for matches, in all weathers! Willie deserves July. the recognition for all that he does for our football enthusiastic kids. Thank you very much Willie for all your hard work. We all appreciate everything you do.

Hilary Cameron

This issue is sponsored by the Family of the late Jean Allan 11 NEWS FROM THE CAR SHARE SCHEME NEWS FROM ‘THE COTTAGE’

Once again I have to thank local communities for I would like to thank everyone who helped to make their very kind support. We really do appreciate the whisky festival Craft Market a success. The stall the help we get especially when everyone is look- holders brought some really lovely items for sale and ing for funds for their own projects. The Inde- the refreshments were very much appreciated by all. It pendent Glenlivet and Inveravon news group, the was very disappointing that our media advertising did- Tomnabat Hill committee and Rothes Windfarm n’t match up to our expectations but the help we re- Fund committee have all supported us recently. ceived with our poster campaign was very good and considering we had never staged such an event, most The Canny wi’ Cash events resulted in the Car comments were very positive and supportive of our Share Scheme receiving a donation of £1,500. efforts. Obviously there were things that we learned Thank you to everyone who went along to the and would do differently but on the whole I think most presentations and voted for us. I would also like people who came along enjoyed the event. to thank everyone who came along and supported The ‘Tattie Bogle’ competition ran at the same time us at the Rothes Community Craft Market held in and although there were fewer entries this year the the Grant Hall during the whisky festival. The standard was excellent and gave the judges a very dif- wooden items, made and donated to us, to raise ficult job because every year the entries are becoming funds, sold very well. The next big event will be more and more professional looking. Thank you to all ‘Tea in the Park’ in Glenlivet Hall during the who took part, well done to all of the entries and con- whole of August. Come along and see for yourself gratulations to all the winners. the lovely wooden items all made from old whisky barrels and other recycled woods by Keith and Alan (2 of our volunteer drivers). Our AGM will be held on Friday 3rd July in the Cottage at 2.00pm. If you are interested to know anything regarding the scheme or feel you might like to get involved then please come along and you will be made very welcome If you live in Rothes, Aberlour, Archiestown, Once again the pupils from the school have given us Dufftown, Glenlivet, Tomintoul, or the surround- the opportunity to show case some of their paintings, ing areas and you have difficulty getting around which are all very good, and I hope you will take a to certain things because of age, disability or infir- few minutes to pop into the Cottage to have a look. mity then we might be able to help. Telephone With the season starting in earnest now it would be 01340 831 748 between 9.00am- 5.00pm (Mon.- good to have a few more volunteers to help out in the Fri.) and speak to one of our volunteer telepho- Cottage so if you can spare a couple of hours a week nists who will give you all the information about and would like to get involved with all that goes on eligibility for becoming a member. there then please get in touch. The new printer is proving to be quite an asset and we If you have some spare time to share with others have recently used it to print this year’s flower show and you have your own car, like driving and schedule. The RHIS committee were very pleased with the finished product so we hope to be able to meeting new people then you might like to volun- build on this success. teer to be considered as a driver with the scheme. Long before the next edition of the Rothesian is due It’s not a huge commitment so if you would like out we will have been working away on producing our more information then contact Irene Shaw on Speyside/Glenlivet calendar for 2016. These will be 01340 832 350 or Email i r e - on sale as usual from August at ‘Tea in the Park’ [email protected]

12 This issue is sponsored by the Family of the late Jean Allan ROTHES GOLF CLUB CHALLENGE DAY

Rothes Golf Club is celebrating its 25th Anniversary this I would like to thank Skinner and Conk for help- year and to mark the occasion an outing has been organised ing to organise and sort out the football teams for for the 11th July at Spey Bay. All members, past and pre- our annual Henbog v Cockinch match. Henbog sent are invited to attend. were victorious but Cockinch put up a good fight. The cost of the day is £35.00 per person, this includes The weather was not kind to us so I do thank eve- transport from Rothes to Spey Bay and back, a drink and roll ryone who came out to watch and support both on arrival at Spey Bay before the golf and a buffet on return sides. Also thanks to Stuart Arms, Dufftown for to Rothes Golf Club. running the beer tent and thanks to Hamish and If you would like to attend you can add your name to the list Rab for feeding us on the burger stall. displayed on the notice board at the clubhouse, where you will find further information regarding the day. After the golf, players will return to Rothes to continue the celebrations. Former office bearers, sponsors and members will be joining the group back at Rothes, where a buffet will be served. Anyone with links to the club who would like to participate is asked to contact Neal Anderson to reserve a place. We hope that the weather will be kind to us and that a great day will be had to mark the occasion as we look forward to another 25 years of Rothes Golf Club!!

Sweaters with a special birthday logo are also available for sale and anyone interested in purchasing one should contact secretary David Leach for further information, The Pub challenge was on in the evening and it New greenkeeper David Rumbles continues to do a fine job was a very close battle with The Victoria Bar and for the club and the course is starting to show improvements the Rothes FC Social Club ending on a tie it was a in spite of a cold spring and even colder summer! Bunkers darts match between them that settled the score on the course have had new sand and the fairways are being th and the Rothes FC Social Club won the trophy this cut to show off the contours. Coming up the road the 9 fair- year. way looks very impressive. On Saturday 4th July Rothes Golf Club is hosting the Macal- lan Open. Further information is available at the golf club and tee times are available.

Rothes Junior Golfers The junior section of the golf club continues to thrive, with a good number of children coming along for club golf lessons on a Monday evening. Our older juniors are now playing their competitions on a Wednesday to leave the course free for the club golf on Mondays. Our Pennant League team have enjoyed mixed success so far with a resounding victory against Buckpool on home soil and a narrow defeat away to Spey Bay. They are now preparing for a crunch tie away to Keith which will determine whether or not the boys advance Well Done to all who took part, and all who came to the final. We wish them good luck. out to support their teams. The junior section are holding a coffee morning to raise Michelle Ness funds on the 27th June in the Kirk Hall so come along for a cuppa and a scone! Weekly coaching will continue throughout the school holidays. Our annual Oakwood Cookery School competition will also be held during the holidays. In its third year now, it has proven to be a great night for everyone involved so look out for posters around the town once dates have been confirmed. .

This issue is sponsored by the Family of the late Jean Allan 13 ROTHES GREAT WAR SPRING 1915. 23, both Rothes and Cpl. James Cumming DCM, age 24. from Knockando. The spring of 1915 saw the BEF in France preparing for offensives. Trenches were being strengthened, April 1915 saw the initial landings on Gallipoli Pen- improved, deepened & extended into ever more insula where British and Anzac forces were to suffer complex arrangements. Casualties continued of badly in a campaign that was riddled from the start course due to sniping, random shellfire and clashes with mistakes. The fighting there lasted till January in ‘No Man’s Land’ between wiring parties, infor- 1916 before the forces were evacuated in a very mation gathering patrols , cold & disease. The BEF skillful operation under the noses of the enemy. The was also being increased as new Divisions , includ- Anzacs were, however, to establish their reputation ing the first of the territorial ones, arrived and as a as fighting troops there. result they now took over some of the line held by the French who were also consolidating from the May 1st saw the 6th Seaforths saying farewell to the one million casualties already suffered by them. people of Bedford and heading south to Folkstone. There at 8.30 pm they embarked for the overnight At home the demands of war were being noticed. trip to Boulogne landing in the early morning of the Horses had been taken over by army suppliers under 2nd to March to their billets at Robecq. During this arranged means but of course this had the effect on march they found out the great amount of damage delivery services and farming. The large enthusiastic that cobbled French roads inflicted on feet. All the recruitment that had taken place meant a shortage of BEF units learnt to hate marching along these roads. men in industry, on the farms at the time that home As they moved North they thought that they might food production as well as coal and timber require- be heading to Ypres where the Germans had ments were soaring to feed the insatiable war de- launched an attack on 22nd April using poison gas mand. In addition there had to be a vast expansion in which drifted over allied trenches causing panic, as the manufacture of munitions/weapons of all sorts. no masks available. The allies abandoned the trench- The result, women were now recruited to take over es at first, gasping for air. The Germans were able these jobs in all areas such as transport, shell manu- with minimal casualties to capture the trenches and facture, forestry, heavy industry and in the expan- by evening a 4 mile gap had been opened up. The sion of the medical facilities, including convalescent rear areas were combed for reserves and these al- homes. There was still a bar on volunteer nurses be- lowed the gap to be plugged on the 23rd Feb. The ing sent to the front but even that restriction was re- Germans were unable to exploit the gain made as laxed as the scale of the casualties became apparent. they had not assembled sufficient backup forces to burst through. It would not be the first time that the Our local battalions were still undergoing training, use of technological advances in weaponry would be the Morayshire battalion, 6th Seaforth Highlanders, wasted. The battle continued until 24th /25th May. were still at Bedford with the 51st Highland Division Knockando lost one lad at the end; and, as mentioned in last edition, had lost, along Pte. John Mac Donald, age 30, serving with the with many other units, men to measles/meningitis 2nd Seaforth Highlanders in the 4th Division. etc. The 6th Gordon Highlanders were embedded In June the 51st Division was in the line at Ypres and with the 7th Division in France, which was recover- Rothes lost; ing from earlier fighting. Cpl.George Gauld Gordon, age 26, serving with The two Rothes casualties in January, mentioned last the 4th Gordon Highlanders. time have been commemorated by centennial crosses in the planter at the rear of the War Memorial, The French launched a major offensive in Artois on and the WFA also placed a memorial cross on the 9th May and in support of this the BEF attacked Au- grave of Pte. James Wilson in Rothes Old Cemetery. bers Ridge. This involved the 6th Gordons as part of the 7th Division. It was during this time, and all 10th – 12th March saw the BEF attack at Neuve through the year, that the inexperienced Territorial Chappelle, previously mentioned, with the loss of units had considerable trouble adapting to the de- Rothes & Knockando boys serving with the 6th Gor- mands of warfare. One was the severe lack of shells dons, namely; which seriously limited preliminary barrages and Pte. John MacBeath, age 17, Pte John Grant, age supporting counter fire. Many of the shells were Duds or of the wrong type so unable to cut wire.

14 This issue is sponsored by the Family of the late Jean Allan This battle cost the BEF 11000 casualties. Mile for ROTHES’S WAR PLUS 100YEARS. Mile & Division for Division one of the highest loss rates in the whole war. It has been decided that it would be best to have sepa- The second phase of this series of attacks in support rate planters for each year of the Great War to place of the French was at Festubert in an offensive that the crosses as the 100th anniversary of the death pass- lasted from 15th-25th May. The local battalions were es. This year so far has been relatively quiet these last both involved at different times. During the first few weeks in terms of casualties, which can be ex- assault on the first day the artillery fired 101000 plained that the volunteers were still in training in shells, many duds, and suffered 433 casualties, com- England and only started crossing the Channel in May. pared to the French 102000. Later fighting in the Before that most of those in the trenches were regulars area during June at Le Touret saw further casualties. or had been regulars who returned to their regiments. The 51st Division faced its severest test so far during Charles Wilson 6th Seaforths and George Gordon 4th th there support of the allies on the northern edge of Gordons were both killed on 14 June – one near Ypres and the other in Northern France. Their crosses the attack. Very fierce fighting took place as the bri- th gades forced the way towards the enemy through are in the planter for 2015. The next casualty is on 13 July (Alfred McWilliam 1st Gordons) with another flooded tranches. Knockando lost two that day, th th both commemorated on the Le Touret Memorial to following on 19 August (William Jamieson 7 Sea- forths). the missing; Pte. William Dawson, age 16, and Pte James Gordon, age 21. A further casualty from Knockando on 19th June was; Pte. James Stewart, age 21, interred at Lillers Cemetery. There was also one Rothes casualty on14th June; Pte. Charles Wilson, age 24, commemorated on the LeTouret Memorial. More information on these events can be read in the excellent series of articles in ‘The Northern Scot’ by Derek Bird of the WFA and Jill Stewart from Moray Council. During the summer the units went up to Ypres and the next major assault would be in September at Loos, the first ‘Scottish Battle’ At present the planters are situated at the rear of the War memorial, but it is hoped that after the VC Flag- stone Parade on 25th June, that they may be moved forward. Do you think you are connected to these lads? If so please get in touch with Sandra and Glen. ADMIRAL DUNBAR NAISMITH

On Thursday 25th June at the Rothes War Memorial, the plaque commemorating the First World War Victoria Cross of Admiral Dunbar Naismith was laid. We have an article on the history of the Admirals Victoria Cross which we will be putting in the Sep- tember Rothesian, along with the story of the day and photos of the event, and hopefully a bit from our school pupils who did so well on the day.

This issue is sponsored by the Family of the late Jean Allan 15 TATTIE BOGLE WINNERS 2015.

Well done to everyone who took part and congratulation to:-

Overall winner – The Shand Family, Burnside Street Under 16s - Skye and Charles Towns, High Street - Rachael Kelman, Land Street Childrens Group – Rothes Nursary – Rothes Pri- mary School Business Indoors – The Rothes Butchers – The Eastbank Hotel Adult Outdoors – Kate Malcolm, North Street – D Burgess, by the bridge

16 This issue is sponsored by the Family of the late Jean Allan