Sponsored by Rothes Football Club Issue No 74

THE ROTHESIAN

June 2016 Sponsored by Rothes Football Club Issue No 74

Rothes FC are delighted to sponsor this edition of the Rothesian.

It has been ten months now since the new committee was formed and seven months for the new Management Team and everyone is looking forward to kicking off the 2016/17 season against Lossie- mouth FC at Mackessack Park on the 30th of July. For the vast majority of us it’s been a learning curve, a steep one at that, and a real eye-opener to just how much work, commitment and money is now required to just sustain a football club in the Highland League. We have a strong committee however, who offer an extensive breadth and depth of experience, knowledge and skills and none are shy of hard work. That said we are always looking to bring in more talented people with fresh ideas. With our new constitution in place since our last AGM we currently have three vacant positions on our committee which we’d be delighted to fill now or perhaps you’ll consider joining at our AGM in the Social Club at 7pm on the 21st of July. At least come along and see a summary of our 5 year strategy plans, meet our Honorary President, our Club Chaplain, the Manage- ment, the current Committee and share your thoughts and ideas. The passion and determination is clear for everyone to see in the substantial progress that has been made to initially ensure the survival of Rothes FC but we’ve now moved on from there and although we take nothing for granted our ambition is to significantly improve all aspects of our club. There will be many new faces pulling on the tangerine tops this season to help bring the required improvement on the field, through exciting and competitive football. We are looking to the future with succession opportunities for our young local talent through the strengthening of our youth development plans with a new 13s and under team added to our recently established 15s and hopefully we will see some of them pull on the Rothes jersey in years to come. Our ambitions on the field will of course need funding and we are very fortunate to have such invaluable sponsors and a generous public who recognise that having a Highland League football team has tremendous social importance and is a great community asset and indeed Rothes FC carries a history to be proud of. We’d argue that Club59 are now established as the best support in the Highland League. If not the biggest then certainly in charisma, enthusiasm and maybe a hint of madness, they would surely win the title. They have a massage for you in- side, sorry a message we mean and would welcome new members for the forthcoming season.

You may contact The Rothesian by e-mail, using the following address: [email protected] SGT ROBERT JAMES HUMPHREYS SPEYSIDE STRENGTH AND BALANCE

Robert joined the British Army in 1998 and after Amazingly this class on Friday mornings has grown to completion of his basic training at Deepcut and over 20 some days with participants from Speyside. It radio operator training at Leconfield, he was post- is astonishing the amount of exercise which can be ed to Germany and served on various bases. Dur- done seated! Laughter is another exercise and there is ing this time he was deployed on active service plenty of that. The class will stop for the summer break on 1st July and peace keeping missions to, Iraq, Bosnia, Ko- and restart on 19th August. Enjoy the break and keep sovo and Afghanistan. Robert was also awarded moving! the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, for 15 years unblemished service, no doubt the people of Rothes who know him well will find this BALL (BE ACTIVE LIFE LONG) GROUP nothing short of miraculous. Now Robert has come full circle and has been posted back to Unfortunately we have been missing our Convener Deepcut as an instructor after achieving promo- Bobbie all this term because she has really hurt her tion to Sargent. back. One or two others have not enjoyed the fittest of spells either, We have soldiered on with a tea dancing In August Robert intends to cycle for charity from class with Alison, hoy bingo, a dvd and a talk about Deepcut to Rothes, a journey of approximately CLAN. We have made cards and continued develop- ing our skill at fabric painting as well as having an 610 miles in 5 days. This is in aid of Rothes Pri- outing to Knockando Wool Mill, where we saw the mary School, and Grove Primary School in Aberlour Tartan being woven for the pipeband. Be- Deepcut, and would really appreciate any spon- fore our outing on the last Tuesday in June along to sors.. Portsoy, we are looking forward to the Elgin Museum visiting and visiting the Glen Grant Gardens for the rhoddies we hope. There is also a Midsummer day planned!. The Spring BALL where all Moray groups get together to share workshops and talks was held on a Friday this year when it is usually midweek. Only three Rothes members were able to make it, but are back with ideas and contacts. Hopefully the new session will start on 6th September,

MORAY WALKS (THURSDAY)

This group has been going from strength to strength with sometimes fifteen folk meeting on Thursday morning at 10 am by the old Post office. Now the better weather is here – well the calendar says it is – we are getting more adventurous with an outing to Knockando Wool Mill completed, Wishing Stones, and the Biblical Gardens and Aberlour planned .We have enjoyed coffee breaks at Eastbank, Irenes and the Station. The leaders ‘uniforms’ are going to be seen in quite a few places with the group. Remember that the walks are of varying length and the pace is variable according to ability. There will be one for you. Robert with this wife and son

2 This issue is sponsored by Rothes Football Club THE WISHING STONES ROTHES BOWLING CLUB.

Intrigued by a query about of a set of stones on The bowling club held an Extra Ordinary General ‘Rothes and Roun Aboot’, which got a lot of online Meeting in March to decide the future of the club due chatter going, the same question was put to folk who to a reduction in members, A number of people at- do not inhabit the online world. (For those of you who tended this meeting who had been at the bowling be- do have the internet, this is a facebook page). There fore. It was decided to have one last attempt at having seemed to be a large number of long term residents a bowling club in Rothes. and indeed some ‘locals’ who knew nothing of these A big effort has been made to improve the green. Hat stones, which were rapidly recognised as the ‘Wishing nights has been changed to Monday evenings at Stanes’. Stories emerged of always stopping and hav- 7.00pm. The membership fee for new members is £10 ing three wishes on the way to Granny, Auntie and so for the season with no additional charge for playing in on, and about past folk who have pruned the vegeta- the seven club competitions. It has been agreed that tion to ensure the wishes could continue. There only new members will play for the Rennie Cup this seemed to be absolutely nothing about why these year. stones acquired this reputation forthcoming. Here lies Anyone who wishes to give bowling a try will be wel- a great piece of Rothes lore surely. come. Recently the Thursday walking group made a point of Members Helen and Peter Taylor are moving to Aber- visiting the stones and those who had been in the dark deen after living in Rothes for 37 years. What they were enlightened. Armed with secateurs in case of have done for the bowling club is much appreciated. need, we were pleased to see there was no need for them this time as all was tidy. Everyone dutifully had their turn at their three wishes – those stones must be on overtime now working on them – but the question DANCE FUSION still remains unanswered – Just how did these stones become wishing stones in the Dance Fusion classes are still going strong in the first place? Grant Hall,Rothes on Thursday & Friday afternoons. Where are they? Well many have probably walked Some of the dancers are working extremely hard at the past them umpteen times without realising what they moment in preparation for performing in ’MUSICALS were! Think of all those wasted wishes! (Path behind ARE MAGIC’, in Elgin Town Hall on 26th June. School Terrace, round the corner on right and that is Classes have expanded and now include a range of all the clue you are getting!) styles including Ballet classes from 2-7 years, Con- temporary/Jazz fusion for ages 10+, Street/ Commercial dance from age 4-18, as well as Street Fit adult dance/fitness classes. TATTIE HOWKERS We also offer private lessons, birthday parties, holiday clubs and more! This picture was handed in by Mary Smith (Fraser) showing girls going Tattie Howking. COMING UP...... SUMMER CLUBS! Limited spac- She thinks the two in the middle are Edna Widgery es!! and Pat Bruce. Can anyone name the other two? LIKE us on Facebook to keep up to date with latest information www.facebook.com/DanceFusion15 or contact [email protected] or phone 07715 274884 for any enquires.

This issue is sponsored by Rothes Football Club 3 BILL BEATTIE -- JUST MY DAD LINNBURN

Settled in the Rothes Toon Hello everyone Eventually became a Cockinch loon From all at Linnburn we would sincerely like to thank Liked to talk and to blether all who contributed to our recent Daffodil Tea fund- About anything and the weather raising event: our volunteers, staff and service users, He was just my dad for all their hard work on the day. Thanks to the gen-

Liked horses and broke in a few erosity of all and the continued community support, Holding on tight from some he flew we were able to raise £800 from the event. Later in life he was often sweating We received some great donations and raffle prizes for Hoping to win big on his small betting the event, and would like to thank everyone who do- He was just my dad nated and bought our raffle squares. We would also like to thank Marlene for her kind do- Liked a song and to sing nation of the lovely home bakes on the day. Danced a bit with a swing Marlene holds a regular stall within Linnburn every Wrote a song and a rhyme Wednesday morning from 10.30-12pm, where she has Didn’t always properly chime a lovely selection of fresh fruit and veg, as well as de- He was just my dad licious home bakes for sale, all welcome. Liked the Spey and to fly fish The service users at Linnburn have decided to put To catch a monster was his wish some of the monies raised towards their chosen out- Never a salmon always a drought ings over the summer months. Told the Gillie always a trout We have also been working hard in our garden, with He was just my dad the addition of some bedding plants in a variety of colours, and also adding some bird feeding posts to He never had any cash encourage more wild life. Mum always kept the stash We are currently working on our items we hope to Chrissie please, he charmed his way enter into the Rothes show this year, with the help and For another round for a longer stay He was just my dad support of our regular volunteer Dorothy Tawse, From idea to finish product, Dorothy supports our efforts Liked a pint liked a dram every week. On his own or with me mam Our next fundraising event will be a Strawberry tea, Across the road from the Nick which we hope to hold on Friday 9th September. We Liked a ‘lock-in’ at the Vic will put posters out within the community nearer the He was just my dad time.

Good pal of Andy Cruikshank Regards all at Linnburn Day Centre. Think its him we need to thank

For many good nights at the Seafield For an extra dram often concealed

He was just my dad SENIOR CITIZENS

Liked a good dram, all was fair The Seniors are going strong. We had a nice enjoyable He even took the Angels share day trip on 11th May, with lunch at the Priory Hotel, Brownic, clearic and billings too Beauly, then on to Holm Mills, where all the beady Its na the first time he got foo eyes picked up bargains and coffee. He was just my dad Our AGM is on 21st September. All welcome.

Jim Bartlet, It is very clear to me President. And everyone can see He wasn’t all that bad He was just my dad

He was just my Dad R.I.P Bill Beattie ( Jnr ) March 2016

4 This issue is sponsored by Rothes Football Club ROTHES TENNIS CLUB coaching is available from 2pm – 3pm. Whether you are a beginner or someone who wants to brush up on At the time of writing the col- your skills, if you are interested, please come along. umns for the Floodlighting We have received a £750 Grant from ‘Comic Relief’ have arrived. Hopefully, by the towards coaching costs. time this edition of the Rothe- The Tennis Clubs 10 & Unders competed at Gor- sian is published they will be donstoun recently. The A team (Fraser Scott, Keil up and the lights working: not Laing, Liam Anderson, Jack McConnachie, Thomas that we need them at this time Bremner) won the Group 1 Trophy. The B team of year. (Thomas, Reece Davies, Conaire Bowie, Charlie An- derson, Archie Scott) were undefeated in winning the The Courts are to be cleaned and repainted during the Group 2 Plate second week of July. They will be out of action for several days. The Club is very grateful to the various organisations which provided Financial Assistance for our projects: On the playing front, the Club’s Mixed team is in a the Gordon and Ena Baxter Foundation, Sport Scot- three way relegation struggle with the Aberlour and land, Moray Council and the Windfarm Fund.who Aviemore clubs. It is touch and go but, hopefully backed the Floodlight scheme. The Weir Charitable Michelle and her troops will retain their 1st Division Trust provided £2,500 and the Windfarm awarded us a status. The Men have won a few matches and lost a further sum to help pay for work on the courts couple. They had to concede the fixture at Inverness, incurring a 2 point penalty which does not help their promotion aspirations.

The Junior teams are faring well. The 12s are leading the way in their competition and although the 14s have dropped some points they are still in the hunt for the trophy. The District 10s event proved fruitful for our youngsters. They won the East section which was played at Grantown. They now move on to the Final stage at Gordonstoun where they will be up against two Inverness sides and one from Elgin. We also have 8s, 9s & 10s age group teams competing in the Aegon sponsored leagues. Windfarm Fund We were unable to field a Ladies team this season and instead started a Ladies ‘Rusty Rackets’ session, on Wednesday evenings, which have proved popular. If you are interested, or know of anyone who would like to join in, just turn up at the courts. The session starts at 6.30pm.

On the fund raising front we had a successful Quiz Night and a lucrative Coffee Morning. Thanks to all who attended either or, in some cases both. We are grateful to Brem & Meldie for their efforts and for securing match funding from their employer, Edring- ton, and the Robertson Trust.

This season, coaching is being carried out by the In- verness Tennis Academy. Scott’s sessions are well attended but spaces are available especially for pre- school children and p1 & 2 children. Contact Hamish 831432 if you would like your child to take part. Adult

5 This issue is sponsored by Rothes Football Club THE GRANT HALL LATEST NEWS FROM THE SCHOOL

So, what’s been happening at the Grant Hall over the Recently our pupils were in the residential at last 3 months? Alltnacriche. They had a great time undertaking a vast Well, very busy again which is always good news. range of outdoor activities, but also had a taste of looking after their own living space and making their We have played host to a Charity Dance organised by own lunch and so on. Ellie Ewen, another Westmacott wedding, Rothes Ga- la Disco, several private parties, Rothes FC Casino Many of our children achieve much more than school Night, the Scottish Parliamentary Elections, RHIS provides and we celebrate a host of other achieve- Coffee Morning and Plant Sale, Moray Council Com- ments in our weekly celebration assemblies. munity Support Group ‘Money For Moray’ open day, Rothes FC Ladies Day and Tara’s Sing For Life Choir During 2016 Miss Hume’s class have been studying Summer Concert. All that plus our usual user group Rothes, the way it has developed over history and how activities. Phew! it might grow in the future. They prepared presenta- tions to one another and also created group models of Coming up over the next few weeks we have the EU their ‘Rothes 100 years from now’. Referendum, another CSG ‘Money For Moray’ Open Day, a return visit of the Fun Box Children’s Theatre They have also been considering how well we are pre- ( get in touch with Michelle Ness for tickets) and a pared for the tourist industry. They have made their night of fantastic music and dancing with the Carlo- own visitor’s guide pamphlets which you can pick up ways. This young band from Perthshire are probably in The Cottage – each one is different and gives a the most popular band we’ve had playing here. They Child’s Eye View of our beautiful town, pointing out proved popular with everyone from teenagers to septu- the attractions to tourists. agenarians. Aches and pains were forgotten that night. Tickets (£10) on sale from the Vic Bar and Rothes Beverley Kirk, Butcher. It is B.Y.O.B. Head Teacher at Rothes Primary School

At the Money for Money Open Day we put in a bid for some Scottish Government funding, along with 25 other Community Groups from Moray. Des Johnston ROTHES ANNUAL CHARITY DUCK RACE presented our case and after everyone voted we were awarded £5000 to add to our theatre lighting and in- St John Operative No 193, the Villages Masonic stall an HD Projector and giant screen. On the day Lodge, would like to thank everyone who took part. £60,000 was distributed. Good work Des.

th The winners of the Race were: - Finally, you may remember on 5 March we had Mr D. Green - Dufftown 1st Place £100 Andy Paterson perform his play ‘3000 Trees’ to an Mr A. Fleming - Rothes 2nd Place £50 enthralled audience. Andy has since been in touch to Mr A. Sheppard - Carron 3rd Place £20 say that he is performing at the Edinburgh Fringe Fes- tival again. This time it is a hilarious comedy. After The Beneficiaries we have donated to are: - the Festival he will be taking the play on tour and he Rothes Nursery - Rothes would like to start the tour in Rothes. He was so im- The Aberlour Trust (Elgin Branch) pressed with his welcome here and the facilities. We The Linnburn Day Center - Rothes will keep you up to date with that via Facebook.com/ Rothes ATC – Rothes Grant Hall Rothes Why not send us a friend request to get all the latest news. We will be able to give an annual Christmas gift to the pensioners we support. Meantime, have a nice Summer and we look forward Again, many thanks to all those who helped & took to seeing you at one or more of our events. part, and to all of those who bought a 'Duck' and made this possible.

6 This issue is sponsored by Rothes Football Club BURNSIDE STREET ROTHES SPUR - SPEYSIDE WAY

Thank you Burnside Street, and 2 friends from Spey You will find a questionnaire on the above in this edi- Drive, for the donation of £58, collected for the Marie tion of the Rothesian. Rothes has long wanted a spur Curie Cancer Fund to the Speyside Way, so please take time to fill in the Anne Smith form and return it to the Cottage or the Rothes Council boxes at Tawse Butchers, Longmores. Kool Kutz, The Seafield Hotel, and Irene’s tearooms. Any questions, or for further information, please con- COMPETITION tact Keith Kingham. Thank you for your support. Closing Date 31st July

Can you name the choir members seen in this photo- BENCH COLLECTION graph of the Rothes School Choir, taken in 1962? There will be a bottle of Glen Grant malt whisky for We have been asked by a number of Rothesians to the winner with the most names right. start a collection for raising money to put in place a The idea for this competition came from Ian Anderson bench /seat in memory of the late Mrs Sheila Patterson who is in the picture. Ian now lives in Plymouth and who had been our chemist for a number of years. Mrs we thought it would be a good idea for you to tell us Patterson was well respected by the community for her “WHERE ARE YOU NOW”. Send your answers to helpful and sympathetic nature. The Rothesian Competition, The Cottage, 86 New We would also like ideas on where the bench/seat Street, Rothes AB38 7BJ could be placed. Rothes Council collecting cans will be placed in Tawse Butchers, Longmores, the Cottage and the Chemists.

The only Moray school to win in two categories at the Moray and Nairn Music Festival. Ian Anderson recollected that one of the songs they sang was the Rowan Tree, but he can not remember the other.

This issue is sponsored by Rothes Football Club 7 KELLY McNAIR TENNIS

Below is a photo from the 10 & Under Team Finals held on Gordonstoun's 12 Astro-turf courts The 'A' team won the Group 1 trophy on games count- back. They drew with Inverness A (3-3), beat Elgin (6- 0) and beat Inverness B (6-0). The 15 games to 3 tally was much better than the 12-6 achieved by Inverness. The 'B' team won their three matches to take the Group 2 Plate. Their opponents were Tain, Nairn & Aberlour House.

Kelly McNair, daughter of Louise and Doug McNair, Benaigen View, who is a former pupil of Speyside Back L-R Jack McConnachie, Fraser Scott, Liam An- High School, is currently studying International Busi- derson. ness Studies at Napier University, Edinburgh. Front L-R Thomas Bremner, Conaire Bowie, Reece Last month, after doubling her fundraising target, she Davies, Charlie Anderson, Archie Scott flew to Bangladesh with the VSO Organisation for (missing from photo: Keil Laing) three months, to help local teenagers who want to study business. She will also be helping with younger children, which will have a big impact on the community where she will be staying. Well done Kelly, and good luck with your endeavours.

MAKING A WISH

Natasha Allsop at the wishing stones. Did her wish come true?

8 This issue is sponsored by Rothes Football Club DENNIS MALCOLM, OBE

Dennis Malcolm was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours, for services to business and the SUCCESS ALL ROUND FOR 423 community in Rothes. (SPEYSIDE) AIR CADETS

Well the success of 423 (Speyside) Air Cadets contin- ues as we go from spring through to summer. Our Cof- fee morning was well supported as always and we raised over £200 for our funds and this will be going towards ongoing training equipment for the cadets.

TATTIE BOGLE PICTURES

Cpl Ashleigh Duncan on one of her excursions in Cyprus

The Easter Holidays saw Cpl Ashleigh Duncan head overseas to Troodos and Akrotiri in Cyprus as a fantastic opportunity offered by the Air cadet organisation but equally well earned too. An amazing time was had and lots of activities socially and cadet related were grabbed.

Cdt Sherwood receiving her bronze medal for the female 4 x 100m relay with the rest of the team behind her.

(continued on page 13)

This issue is sponsored by Rothes Football Club 9 CANCER WALK GLEN BEATON ALLAN

Myself and some family/friends are doing a walk to Born in Rothes, the son of Jessie and Sandy Allan and raise funds for Cancer Research UK. We are planning husband of Maggie Allan walking from Craigellachie to Fochabers and back on Glen retired to Torquay, Devon, and died 27th April Sunday the 3rd July which is about 25 miles. The re- 2016, aged 77 years, after a long illness. cent passing of two of our family members Kriss Low He loved his Rothesian and Ricky Munro to Cancer has motivated us to try Once a Rothes loon, always a Rothes loon. and raise as much money as we can to do our bit to try and overcome this horrible disease which rips apart too many families! Together we CAN beat cancer! The 5 of us doing the walk are Andrew Simpson, An- THANKS drew G Simpson, Euan Simpson, Ryan Donald and Andy Milton. If anyone would like to sponsor us you On behalf of myself and all at Castlecroft Equestrian can go to virginmoneygiving.com and type my name nd Pony Club, I would like to thank everyone who sup- in the search box to find our page, it is the 2 one on ported or fundraising raffle. We were very lucky to the list or see one of us in person. All donations great- have the support from many local businesses who pro- ly appreciated and thank you for all the donations so vided some great prizes, these were very much appre- far! ciated. We raised an amazing £510 and without your Thank you, support this would not have been possible. I would Andrew Simpson also like to thank Frances, Ashley and Claire for all they have done to allow us to become a pony club. We have a few more fundraising events in the future and will keep you updated. TATTIE BOGLES 2016 Thank you all again Kaitlyn Thomas Well done to everyone who took part, and congratula- tions to:-

CHILDREN FIRST- Rothes Nursery LADIES CIRCLE SECOND – Cooper Stewart

Time passes quickly, and that’s another session of our ADULTS FIRST – Kate Malcolm ladies group finished for summer. SECOND – Jim Riddoch We have had Pat Fraser telling us jokes in the Doric,

and she was accompanied by her musical friends. FAMILIES FIRST- The Family Ness Then we had Jill Garrow giving us her usual marvel- SECOND – The McCulloch’s lous flower arrangements, interspersed by her jocular

conversation, and then the AGM, with business fol- BUSINESSES FIRST – Rothes Butcher lowed by an evening of fun SECOND – The Old Cooperage On June 11th we went to Brodie for lunch, and Logie

Steading on the way home for a browse around. OVERALL WINNERS – Rothes Butcher We will hopefully have some very interesting speakers th for our new session, which starts on 20 September, with the Ice Band entertaining us. The band is a superb APPEAL group of youngsters with a variety of instruments, and very foot-tapping music. We would love you to come An ornament (quite a heavy one) has been removed and join us. from a grave in Rothes cemetery, during the month of Look forward to seeing you all in September. April. It has been reported to the police and they have asked if there are any other similar instances. If any- Betty & Morag one knows anything, can they please advise the police or the Rothesian?

10 This issue is sponsored by Rothes Football Club Rothes Diary 19th August Strength and Balance Class resumes in Kirk Hall. 9.45am

20th August Coffee Morning in Kirk Hall Rothes Please note that the diary displayed in the Simp- Junior Golf son’s Side Window is updated every few weeks or 20th August Tombola in Rothes FC Social Club so and takes in changes which occur during the time 27th August Coffee Morning in Kirk Hall Rothes between the Rothesian quarterly editions,. Please Gala keep Sandra informed of events and meetings as 27th August Tennis Club Race Night fundraising works best with no competition!

Please note the special email address for the diary: September [email protected] 3rd September Flower Show in Grant Hall If you would like the diary emailed to you, please 3rd September Coffee Morning in Rothes FC Social contact this address Club

6th September BALL Group resumes tbc 2016 10th September Coffee Morning in Kirk Hall Rothes June rd Bowling Club 23 June EU Referendum th th 17 September Coffee Morning in Kirk Hall Rothes 24 June NO MOBILE LIBRARY (annual service Kirk etc) 17th or 24th September Tombola in Rothes FC Social 25th June Coffee Morning in Kirk Hall Rothes Coun- Club cil 24th September Coffee Morning in Kirk Hall –Ladies 25th June Rothes A Darts in Rothes FC Social Club Golf 28th June Rothes BALL Group Summer Outing

30th June Schools Close for Summer Holidays October onwards

1st October Coffee Morning in Rothes FC Social July st Club 1 July Funbox at Grant Hall. 7th October Schools close for Autumn Holidays 2nd July Coffee Morning in Rothes FC Social Club 8th October Coffee Morning in Kirk Hall – Speyside 9th July Coffee Morning in Kirk Hall Speyside Sing for Life Friendship Group 15th October Coffee Morning in Kirk Hall – Rothes 16th July Coffee Morning in Kirk Hall Stable & Able Council (Elgin) 15th October Tombola in Rothes FC Social Club 16th July Sportsman’s Dinner in Grant Hall 22nd October Coffee Morning in Kirk Hall Rothes 16th July Tombola in Rothes FC Social Club Tennis Club 21st July Rothes FC AGM in Social Club, 7pm 24th October Schools reopen for Winter Term 23rd July Coffee Morning in Kirk Hall Speyside Leg

Club

30th July Coffee Morning in Kirk Hall Castle Croft Upcoming Rothes FC League Fixtures: Pony Club Sat 30 July Rothes FC v Lossiemouth August Sat 6 Aug Huntly v Rothes FC 5th August MOBILE LIBRARY in SQUARE 13.00 - Sat 13 Aug Rothes FC v Inverurie 16.00hrs Sat 20 Aug Brora Rangers v Rothes FC 6th August Coffee Morning in Rothes FC Social Club Sat 27 Aug Rothes FC v Deveronvale 9th August SQA Results due Wed 31 Aug Fraserburgh v Rothes FC 13th August Coffee Morning in Kirk Hall Rothes A Sat 3 Sept Rothes FC v Buckie Thistle Football Club Sat 10 Sept Rothes FC v Keith Wed 14 Sept Formartine United v Rothes FC 16th August Schools Re-open to pupils after Sat 17 Sept Rothes FC v Clachnacuddin summer Break Staff previous day th Sat 24 Sept Scottish Cup 1st Round 18 August Sing for Life Choir resumes in Kirk Hall Sat 1 Oct Strathspey Thistle v Rothes FC

This issue is sponsored by Rothes Football Club 11 ROTHES & THE SOMME. along to Vimy ridge and the only Rothes loss was D. Paul of 2nd Seaforths, serving in 4th division. He had 1st July 1916, the opening assault of the battle of the been a reservist recalled in Aug 1914. Somme, is ingrained into British psyche due to the On 15th July, orders were received to move south to horrendous casualties. An artillery barrage had already the Somme. The urgency of the move emphasized by gone on for a week prior. Originally Haig & Joffre had using motor transport for the first time, then trains, to intended to launch joint attacks on both sides of the arrive by 22nd at Fricourt Wood, 3 miles from High Somme with equal forces, but Verdun had forced the Wood. This allowed 152 bgde, which the local unit French to commit only 8 divisions of their 6th Army on was part of, to meet the new Brigade CO Bge-Gen an 8 mile front South of the river. The British were Pelham-Burn. The billet area unfortunately overlooked now to use 14 divisions, from the 4th Army initially, ‘Happy Valley’ a major artillery position thus receiv- along an 18 mile front on the North, with 3 infantry ing frequent shell fire, causing casualties. On 14th divisions in reserve and 5 cavalry divisions to exploit Rothes suffered 2 losses in other parts of the front. the expected breakthrough. One was the young C. Munro (16), serving with the 7th The huge bombardment was organized to swamp the Seaforth’s in the 9th division, in the attack on Bazentin enemy defence, the greatest number of guns ever as- Ridge, before going on to capture Longueval, on the sembled, though too many light weight 75mm & 18 18th, where today the memorial to all Scots pipers is pdr field pieces. There was still an impressive heavy situated. The other was J. Duff at Salonika serving gun presence of 1 very 60 yards along the British lines with the RFA. and every 20 yards along the French, backed by a The 51st took part in an assault on High Wood during stock of 1.5million shells. 20 - 25th July but with no success. Unlike the reputa- Unfortunately some of the mines were fired too early tion being gained by the 9th & 15th Scottish divisions and in some cases the barrage stopped 10 minutes be- the 51st was having little effect and in some places before the whistles blew giving the Germans, who had ginning to be referred to as ‘Harper’s Duds’ after the been well aware of the impending assault for weeks, HD insignia and the Divisional CO. At the same time time to emerge from their deep well protected dugouts another Rothes loss took place in the 2nd Royal Scots and set up their much superior numbers of machine with 3rd division at Delville Wood. guns before the first waves went ‘over the top’. The Late July saw 6th Seaforth’s moved to nearby Mametz British, expecting the enemy trenches to be flattened, wood under fire and on 30th moved to support 153 were told to advance in waves at a walk, partly be- Bge, taking over the trenches at Bazentin-Le-Grand on cause so many of them were new ‘Kitchener’ & ‘Pals’ the 31st ,where one of the Rothes boys with 5th Gor- battalions, thought, by high ups, needing to be held don’s was killed. under tight control since of unknown quality. They After spending some time during August covering a also were carrying 60 lbs of equipment. corner of High Wood – Delville Wood, suffering Heavy casualties were the result, e.g the 32nd division many casualties due to heavy shell fire, (including my lost almost the complete battalion of the ‘Salford Pals. Great Nephew with the 6th Gordon’s in the same bri- Few achieved anywhere near their objectives but some gade), the units were moved to a new Army area, un- units achieved undying fame such as the 36th Ulster der General Plumer, round Armentieres. They stayed division at Thiepval who used the saps put out by our here, in and out of the front line, till early Sept when local Seaforth battalion during their time there in moved into reserve with the 6th Gordon’s. 1915. The Newfoundland regiment attacking ‘Y’ ra- On 15th September 40 NCO’s and men took part in a vine had to cross open ground from the reserve trench, famous trench raid with an assortment of weapons in- as the others were full of dead/dying men. They lost cluding bayonets, bombs, studded pick handles and 684/752 before reaching the enemy. In all the British knuckle dusters, cutting the wire using Bangalore tor- lost 60000 KIA/MIA or wounded. (20000 of these pedoes. The photo taken after showed a blackboard died). The battles were to go on to mid November with carrying the words that formed the title of the History losses in Aug/Sept of 4000/day. of the 6th Seaforth’s – ‘The Spirit of the Troops is excellent’. Local during July – Sept, Rothes lost few, as our 6th The next two months were to see the Division and the Seaforth’s with 51st Division were little involved in battalion make their undying reputation, but at heavy the early phases. cost for our town.

On 1st July the Highland Division including our local unit were still holding the area of the ‘Labyrinthe’

12 This issue is sponsored by Rothes Football Club Casualties during this period were; AIR CADETS Rothes: (continued from page 9) 1 July; Donald Paul, 2nd Seaforth Highlanders, age 30, interred Sucrerie Military Cemetery. After the holidays we put all our energies into our open evening and it was successful from the interest 14 July, James Duff, Royal Field Artillery, age 24, raised unfortunately we had no control over the Struma Memorial, Salonika. weather but this did not dampen our spirits nor did it for the families that attended. A good night had by 14 July, Charles N Munro, 7th Seaforth Highland- all. ers, age 15/16, Thiepval Memorial. May has been a fast month and this has had many activities of which we also had our annual Wing 23rd July, Richard Kelman, 2nd Royal Scots, age Parade that took place at Queens Park, Inverness. 21, Thiepval Memorial. But our biggest success story was at the inter wing athletics where all the cadets from 423 (Speyside) 31 July, Ronald Cameron, 5th Gordon Highland- came home with medals, equally for the first time in ers, age 23, Thiepval Memorial. many years we had a girl relay team and we came third so smiley faces as they received their bronze Knockando: medals from the Wing Commander and 2 cadets are now going forward to represent highland wing at the 15-18 July, Frank Stewart, 7th Seaforth Highland- inter regional competition, later in June. ers, age 24, Thiepval Memorial. Battle Bazentin Ridge & Longueval. June is just around the corner and we have a day of various competitions ahead of us, this comprises of 27 Aug., Robert Brown, 6th Seaforth Highlanders, drill, aircraft recce, airfix modelling, photographic age 25, interred Cite Bonjean Cemetery. and PR. Hopefully we will be reporting in the next edition on any successes there. We also have greens 25 Sept., Charles Gordon, 2nd Scots Guards, age weekend planned for the end of June where most of 21, Thiepval Memorial. Battle of Morval highland wing will be joining us as we host this. Even though we will be closed for 2 weeks over the summer holidays, we will be opened one night a week through out there after. And again cadet life is not slowing down, cadets attending the Royal Inter- national Tattoo as well as cadets also attending annual summer camp too. In background we are awaiting on confirmation for other activities but un- til then we will just have to wait and see.

Were you a cadet in Speyside many years ago and your squadron number was 1738 squadron? If you were then please get in contact and be part of the Air cadet organisations 75th Anniversary. Contact me on [email protected] Why not follow us on facebook and see what your local aircadets are doing. We parade Mondays and Thursdays 1830 – 2100.

This issue is sponsored by Rothes Football Club 13 BOYHOOD MEMORIES ROTHES NURSERY

Rothes’ own sports journalist, Dave Edwards, passed Another busy term nearly over!! on to us a few of his boyhood football memories. This term we have been very busy, learning all about Dave was a mascot, ballboy, bootboy, assistant money. We all like to spend it so the morning nursery groundsman at Mackessack Park, nae bad for a ten pupils had a little shopping up the street to see what year old!! Eh1 we could buy from the Rothes shops. In the mid sixties at a game between Deveronvale and The afternoon session also went for a look at all the Rothes, the Vale’s keeper Reggie Morrison was hav- shops and we would like to say a big thank you to the ing an excellent game when he was faced by Rothes local shopkeepers for letting us come in and have a Centre Forward Ally McRae, all 6ft 6 of him charging look around and to all the helpers who came along too. into the box. When big Ally leapt for the ball Morri- son grabbed his shorts and the higher big Ally jumped Look who we met on our travels!! the lower down his shorts came. Poor Ally McRae missed the ball and was left standing with his black and white shirt half way up his back and his shorts round his ankles. The crowd erupted, even the referee creased himsel laughin. Rothes secretary for many years, Jimmy Cannon, was a real character. One winter he got a tin of paint and painted the Rothes goalposts tangerine. Jimmy had seen the red goalposts of Raith Rovers and thought he would follow suit. Dave said they looked great during the snowy winter days. Jimmy also had a mishap when he was doing the pre-match rolling of the pitch. He attached the hand roller to the tow bar of his big Vauxhall car but unfortunately the connection broke. The roller shot into the bottom-most upright breaking it a couple of feet from the ground. However, Jimmy came to the rescue by getting a local joiner do a patch up job that lasted to the end of the season. We have been busy planning our Sports Day which is One of the greatest characters among the referees was going to be on the 15th June in the school paddock. our own Tom Shepherd. He was a big man in more We hope it will be a nice day but if not we will have ways than one, a real gentleman. Instead of handing them the following week on the 22nd. out yellow cards willy -nilly Tom had a quiet word in Morning nursery pupils have also been learning anoth- the miscreants ear which did the trick as Tom had the er new language, French; so we might just say respect of the players. Later in his career Tom ran the “Bonjour” to you the next time we meet! line in a European match in Scandinavia. Tom took Dave home a match programme which made a wee As it is nearing the end of term we have also been Rothes lad feel very happy. planning our summer trip for the 23rd June. This year Dave’s weirdest job - picking 3lbs of mushrooms with we are going to the Playbarn and after lunch a visit to the referee off the playing surface at MacKessack an the Fochabers Veterinary Surgery. In nursery we have hour before the match. learnt all about caring for pets; we all chose a pet and The most accurate shot he ever saw at a football match we know what our pets need to keep them safe and – This was at Fraserburgh when a Broch pie was rd healthy. Our visit to the vets surgery will tie in per- hurled from the 3 row of the stand disintegrating on fectly with this topic and we are all excited about get- the bald heid of the linesman. ting to see some real pets.Our morning nursery pupils are off to school after the summer holidays and although we are very pleased for them we will be sad to see them leave nursery. Their graduation ceremony is on Friday, 24th June in the School Hall. We are all hoping for lovely weather during the summer holidays and hope that everyone has a great summer.

14 This issue is sponsored by Rothes Football Club NEWS FROM THE CAR SHARE SCHEME NEWS FROM THE COTTAGE

The Car Share scheme is still growing and we now So far this season the volunteers are managing very have 432 members from all over Speyside/ Glenlivet. well, with some even doing double shifts, to keep the Cottage open at the advertised times for us all We have recently been happy to welcome 6 new vol- (Monday – Friday 11.00am -3.00pm). If you would unteer drivers (giving us 2 extra vehicles in Aberlour like to be sure that we are open before coming along and 1 in Dufftown to call on). This is very good news then you can always phone first to find out. The tele- but, please, if you live in either of these areas and phone number is 01340 831 474. were thinking of volunteering don’t let this news put The Cottage can be booked for meetings, you can put you off in any way. There is always room for more posters in the window telling of events that have been people in the scheme as it means that there are fewer planned or even to ask locals to keep an eye out for calls on our volunteer’s time which as we all know your ‘missing cat’. can appear to be in pretty short supply for all of us on Due to the generosity of the windfarm fund there is a occasion. We could still do with some extra volun- comprehensive range of office type equipment which teers in the Rothes and Tomintoul areas, it’s not a big can be utilised. There is a high quality printer, a bind- commitment as you can always decline any request to ing machine and even a robust shredder but if you just undertake a journey. need an odd document photocopied now and again then we can do that for you too. We also have need of people who could spare the time There are some items of historical interest and old civ- to act as telephonists and take bookings for us. If you ic photos of past dignitaries of the town. A copy of regularly spend time at home and don’t mind chatting every back issue of the Rothesian is here and just re- to people on the phone then this just might be some- cently a second volume of poetry has been produced thing you would enjoy so please get in touch if you which gathers together more of the poems that have would like to know more about what is involved. appeared in it over the years. A nostalgic book has just been compiled containing some of Jimmy Logan’s If you aren’t able to volunteer yourself but you know reminiscences of times gone by. Both of these plus someone who might enjoy the opportunity then please other printed goodies can be purchased at the Cottage. pass on any of our contact details. If you are looking for a small gift then you might think Financial support for the scheme is as generous as of taking a look to see if we have anything you like. ever, Moray Council are supporting us again this year We have some new designs in our range of tea towels and we have recently had a donation from the Tom- this year plus other items which might suit your needs. nabat Hill committee who regularly assist us. If you make things then we can also provide a space to help you to sell them. Our next fundraising event will be our usual stall at If you fancy a walk around the outskirts of one of the ‘Tea in the Park’, held in Glenlivet Hall throughout local towns or villages there are maps available to take the whole of August. Come along and see just what with you (free of charge). There are brochures with has been made and donated to the scheme to help us ideas for days out to local attractions (to help keep the raise funds this year. kids amused) too. Remember that the Cottage is a community asset and If you live in Rothes, Aberlour, Archiestown, it’s not just for tourists and visitors, it is very much for Dufftown, Glenlivet, Tomintoul, or the surrounding you. We would like to know if you have any ideas for areas and you have difficulty getting around to certain things that could be done or provided there so it would things because of age, disability or infirmity then we be good if you could pop in now and again and tell us might be able to help. Telephone 01340 831 748. The what you think please. We look forward to seeing lines are open between 9.00am- 5.00pm (Mon.-Fri.) you. and speak to one of our volunteer telephonists who If you do have any ideas or you think that you would will give you all the information about eligibility for like to volunteer to get involved then you could phone becoming a member. Pearl 01340 831761 or Irene 01340 832350 just for a If you would like any other information about the chat or for more information scheme or how you could get involved then please We will be having a stall at ‘Tea in the Park’ again telephone Irene on 01340 832 350 or email ire- this year and along with other items the 2017 Spey- [email protected] side/Glenlivet calendars will be on sale (it’s scary where the time goes isn’t it?)

This issue is sponsored by Rothes Football Club 15 We also have ambition off field to bring further improvements, expansion and development of our facilities at Mackessack Park. To ensure visitors find the highest standards when they visit Rothes we will continue to promote revenue streams such as the advertising boards, corporate entertainment, varied and engaging social events, Christmas draw and the Lotto. Should anyone be willing to support any of these please contact any committee member for further information. We also have a Sportsman’s Dinner on the 16th of July, Dave Edwards will be the compere introducing the former Scotland Team Manager Craig Brown and raconteur and impressionist Sandy Strang who will be guaranteed to keep us entertained. We also have “ Strictly “ so keep your ball gown and tuxedo at the ready for October 8th. We have had some exceptionally well supported fundraisers, events and incomes. At the time of writing the Lotto stands at £1500, we’ve had a Sportsman’s Dinner, Legends Day, Doric Denner, Casino night, Good as New, and more recently our Ladies Day, which were all great fun and a tremendous success. The Christmas Draw was another healthy money maker and Rothes FC would like to take this opportunity to thank the loyal and dedicated fans, you Rothesians, and the wider Speyside Community for your terrific support.

Rothes FC held their first ever Ladies Day on Saturday 21st May 2016. It was a great success with 136 ladies attending a 3 course lunch in the Grant Hall, including a free bar, followed by a football game at Mackessack Park, played by Rothes Select v Aberdeen Se- lect. We returned to the hall for a buffet, and were entertained by Michael Buble tribute and the famous Willie Younie’s Tro- cadero Disco. All this would not have been possible without the help of the Rothes FC Committee, with a special thank you to our compare for the day, Alan Murphy, who entertained us from start to finish, wearing his tangerine and black dress which was the theme of the day. We would also like to thank our caterers, 1629, who provided us with a fantastic 3 course lunch, afternoon tea and evening buffet. Also the photographers, bar staff, bouncers, Club 59 and Edith, Jo- anne, Irene and Sheena for all their help. Thank you to everyone for their donations and raffle prizes. Rothes was buzzing on the day and exceeded all expectations and I’m sure everyone is looking forward to Ladies Day 2017! Finally, thank you to all the Ladies who attended a successful, wonderful day! We raised £5,519.96 on the day! See you all in 2017

Debby, Pauline, Denise

16 This issue is sponsored by Rothes Football Club