THE ROTHESIAN

March 2005 Sponsored by Hairdressers Issue No 29

Rothes Hairdressers - 01340 831836

This edition of the Rothesian is sponsored by The Rothes Hairdressers to celebrate their silver jubilee this year. Proprietress Ena Shepherd first leased her present shop at 33 New Street, Rothes in 1980. Her first customer was Jeannie Newlands who has continued her custom on a regular ba- sis over the ensuing twenty-five years. Unfortunately, after a few years Ena suf- fered from ill health, having three back op- erations in 1982, 1987 and in 1989. How- ever, the business kept going as Ena had ly do they get their hair done, but very of- great help and support from Shirley Innes, ten they enjoy the only relaxing couple of who came to work for three weeks in 1982 hours they have in the lead up to the and stayed for seventeen years. Ena also events. That welcome cup of tea or coffee had loyal support from a number of train- and buttery is appreciated by all. Also ap- ees who learned their skills at the Rothes preciated is the service provided by Ena Hairdressers and from many young girls and her staff. This service for many also who benefited from work experience. extends to being picked up in the car by Like Jeannie, the local clientele remained Ena, and driven to and from the shop when faithful over the difficult years as well as customers find it difficult to make their the good years, with many coming back to own way . Rothes for their 'hairdos' after moving Ena's daughter, Karen, now works in the from the town. Ena's customers come shop, where they offer the usual large from Rothes, Elgin, Garmouth, , range of services such as perms, colours, Speyside and the surrounding area. high lights, foils, sets, blow dries and Ena has been hairdresser to several genera- trims. tions of the same families, with grannies, Ena wishes to thank her loyal clientele, granddads, mums, dads, sons and daugh- Shirley for her much valued work of sev- ters and is now giving that first haircut to enteen years, and her trainees and girls for the offspring of the sons and daughters all of their support over the years. who sat for their first haircut in the chairs at Rothes Hairdressers.

That same chairs have many times been a haven for the people of Rothes during big family occasions and social events, not on-

You may contact The Rothesian by e-mail, using the following address: [email protected] FLOOD ALLEVIATION WORKS IN KERBSIDE RECYCLING SERVICE IN ROTHES - PROGRESS ROTHES

The recommended flood alleviation strategy for Rothes residents may have recently seen the new Rothes was approved by the Council Environ- Kerbside Recycling service promoted in the local mental Services Committee in September 2004. press or at council recycling events and information In taking the strategy forward further detailed apprais- stalls. The Moray Council had intended to start the al of options has been necessary to determine the com- Blue and Orange Box Kerbside Recycling service in bination of work and management practices that best Rothes in February 2005, but due to operational rea- balances the community needs in Rothes, scheme sons the introduction of the service to Rothes has been costs in terms of both capital and revenue investment postponed until August 2005. and environmental interests. To make the service more convenient for residents to This work is shortly due for completion with the rec- use, the Council intends that all households served by ommendation of a Preferred Flood Alleviation Scheme the scheme will have boxes and bins collected on the for Rothes to the Moray Council Environmental Ser- same day of the week. Unfortunately, due to opera- vices Committee in mid May 2005. tional reasons this is not currently possible. However, The work is progressing well and before details of the houses in Rothes will be provided with the service in scheme are finalised, members of the public will be August, when it will be possible to collect boxes and able to view and discuss the latest findings at an exhi- bins on the same day. bition to be held in the Kirk Hall, Rothes towards the Ian Bruce, Environmental Protection Manager at The end of April 2005. Moray Council said: 'It is a great shame that we have People will have the opportunity to meet the members had to postpone the introduction of Kerbside Recy- of Moray Flood Alleviation involved in the scheme, cling to Rothes. It is not a decision we took lightly and including representatives from the Moray Council En- I would like to apologise for any inconvenience vironmental Services Department, Consultants Hask- caused to residents. However, I would like to reassure oning UK Ltd and Contractors Morrisson. householders in Rothes that the service will be in Au- The next phase of the Flood Alleviation Process, De- gust, when residents will be issued with a blue box for sign Stage 1, will commence immediately following paper-based materials, an orange box for cans & glass the approval of the Preferred Scheme and work re- and a brown bin for garden waste'. mains on target for construction to begin on site in There are two Recycling Points in Rothes, located in Summer 2006. Land Street and at the playing field, off Green Street. If you would like to find out more about the Moray Residents wishing to recycle before the kerbside Flood Alleviation Group have a look at their web site scheme is implemented in August can take their food www.morayflooding.org & drink cans and glass bottles & jars to both of these sites. Additionally, a fortnightly paper collection takes place on Fridays from 4pm to 7pm at the Land Street site. For further details contact Matt Davis on 01343 HEALTH FAYRE 557060

Speyside Community Nursing team are holding a Health Fayre "Getting Healthy for Summer" in the Grant Hall on 28th April, 2005 from 10am - 12 noon CHURCH BARBECUE/DISCO and 1pm - 3pm. Information and advice will be availa- ble on exercise, weight management, smoking, alco- There will be a Barbecue and Junior Disco in the hol, skincare and healthy eating etc. There will also be Church Hall on 11th June. The Barbecue will be from representatives from various organisations displaying 3pm - 9m and the Disco from 6pm.- 9pm. All pro- their wares. Taster sessions and refreshments available ceeds to go to Church Funds. (possibly with a small charge).

2 This issue sponsored by Rothes Hairdressers 1ST ROTHES BROWNIE REPORT. 31st March No Brownies 7th April No Brownies Well we have started back after Christmas with a full 14th April Rainbows start pack of 24 girls, we have been concentrating on World Brownies re-start Guiding. We have looked at our four World Centres in 19th May No Rainbows Mexico, London, India and Switzerland. The girls No Brownies have learned all about our World Badge and World 30th June Last night of Rainbows and Brownies Flag, and we have all made a Freindship Bracelet to give to another brownie. We finished off with a themed evening celebrating International Thinking Day, February 22nd. As a pack we have all completed our Home Skills Badge, many mums and dads have been greatful for this badge! Hopefully the girls will remain busy bees. We also have had many girls who have attained per- sonal interest badges - Leah, Lauren and Emma gained their Swimmer's Badge and Emily has be awarded her Freinds to Animals Badge. Well done girls!. ROTHES LIBRARY We had a very successful Coffee Morning and raised £375 (after expenses). Our Guess the Teddy's Birthday Since sponsoring the last edition of The Rothesian, will be doing the rounds and will be drawn at a later Rothes Library has had a bit of a ‘facelift’ in the shape date. Many thanks go to the Friends of Guiding of competition entries from pupils of Rothes Primary Rothes, parents and brownies who helped on the day adorning the walls. Please feel free to drop in and see and all who came and suppported us. if you agree with the judges. Pupils from all classes We are starting to look ahead to the Spring, our first contributed, including the Nursery and the standard is event is to be an Easter Tea Party Revels to be held in very high, and fairly brightens up the place. Craigellachie, on the 19th March. We are looking for- To make sure the grown-ups don’t feel left out, Susan ward to seeing our Brownie Friends from Butts, Senior Librarian for Keith Area has written to and . The girls will hopefully be all band- groups and clubs in Rothes inviting them along for a aged up when we start our First Aid Badge in April. visit, we eagerly await your response. Watch this We have a few girls who will be turning 10 throughout space for further celebrations planned this year. the year, therefore we will have a few available spac- Another new feature in the Library is a Comments es, if you wish your daughter's name to be placed on book, where you are invited to comment on anything the list, please contact either Jennifer (831201) or Bev to do with the Library. Recent comments have includ- (831137). ed asking for different opening hours & more regular change of books. If you have a suggestion or comment Finally we would like to thank all our parents for their to make, please come along and do so. continued support throughout each session, we are Finally, in line with other Council Offices, Rothes Li- truly indebted to you all. brary will be closed on Good Friday, 25 March 2005. Have a Happy Easter. Yours in Guiding Jennifer Nicol & Beverley MacLeod. GRAMPIAN FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE

The crew of Rothes Fire Station would like to thank 1ST ROTHES RAINBOWS everyone who gave so generously to our Annual Christmas collection, £605 was raised for The Nation- Our first meeting is fast approaching, we are to open al Fire Service Benevolent Fund. the Unit on Thursday 14th April, upstairs in the Grant Hall from 5.15pm - 6.15pm. Rainbows will enjoy fun, games, crafts and trips and we will have a varied pro- gramme of guiding activities. We have a joining list for new rainbows, for girls aged 4, 5 and 6. Any girl who is to 7 this year can be placed on the Brownie list. For further details contact Jennifer (831201) or Bever- ley (831137).

Dates for your Diary

This issue sponsored by Rothes Hairdressers 3 MOIRA JOINS DISASTER TEAM ROTHES TENNIS CLUB

Stirling social worker The long running saga of the Highlands Under 13 Moira MacLennan League was finally concluded when the final tables daughter of Nellie and were produced at the end of the year. Our team fin- Bob Blain is set to join ished creditable runners-up, amassing the same points Tracy Cosgrove in tally (14) as Keith. Nothing could separate the sides, Ban Wan, Thailand in both finishing with the same sets score of 43 for and June. The village has 29 against. The champions however, were Grantown, 10,000 homeless and who ended up one point ahead. It was indeed a closely 500 orphans. Moira is contested competition. a trained nurse and One of our promising juniors, 11 year old Michael will be working with Siford, represented Moray in an under 12s competition the sick and needy. held at Aberdeen's Westburn indoor centre, in Decem- With money donated ber. Moray did not fare too well against their more they have bought cots experienced opponents, but Michael thoroughly en- and equipment for the joyed the event. orphanage which is in The Christmas Disco, run in conjunction with the the process of being built. A free shipment has been Grant Hall committee, raised the princely sum of offered to take the goods out, which is a great help £730.92 for each organisation. also. Grateful thanks for all donations received. In the upcoming season, the club will be entering teams in the Men's and Ladies Doubles leagues, and will field two teams in the Mixed competition. We will also be making a reappearance in the Under 16s Boys League, after a gap of several years. The deci- LINDA'S NEWS sion has also been taken to enter both Scottish Cup events (Men's and Ladies doubles). Linda Walker (Hendry) registered as a childminder on Any former member who wants to take up the sport Thursday 10th February. In her working life Linda has again, and who may be able to help out in matches, worked with the elderly, children and the disabled and please contact Irene Low (831652), Hugh Tawse has a level 2 in direct care. She is looking forward to (831572), or Hamish McBain (831432). starting in her new career. Anyone interested in using Senior club nights are held throughout the season, her services can phone her on 01340831885. starting at the beginning of April, on Sunday evenings from 6pm. If you do fancy a shot at tennis, you will be made extremely welcome, so why not give it a go? Further information can be gained from any of the ROTHES LADIES GROUP above mentioned people.

The group has been busy! In January, the ladies had a ‘Scots Night’ with music and stovies greatly enjoyed by all. February saw a speaker from ‘The Oaks’ in SENIOR CITIZENS Elgin who gave us an insight into how this important facility is operated. We are coming to the end of our fortnightly meetings. In the future for the March meeting, Tenpin Bowling We have enjoyed some great entertainment over the is on the agenda and in April ‘The Flower Basket’ season. Our last meeting is on April the 20th, the Cof- from Aberlour will be along to inspire. The meeting in fee Morning on the 23rd April and of course our annu- May is the AGM with fun and games, which is fol- al outing to Duthie Park in Aberdeen is on the 3rd lowed by the outing in June. This great group will al- May. ways welcome new members. Margaret Mathews (President)

4 This issue sponsored by Rothes Hairdressers ROTHES GOLF CLUB ROTHES OUTDOOR BOWLING CLUB

Although the winter has been generally mild, the re- The club will open for the new seasons play on Tues- cent cold snap has prevented people from playing the day 26th April, 2005 - weather permitting. The annual course. Hopefully, the weather will improve soon and subscriptions will remain the same as last year. New work can commence on the course for the start of the members will be made most welcome and can come new season. The opening competition takes place on along for an introductory free trial where bowls and Saturday 2nd April at 1.30. Ladies, Gents and Juniors some coaching will be made available. If sufficient are welcome to come along and play in the event interest is shown a number of coaching sessions will sponsored by Irene's Fayre. The Ladies section compe- be held on dates to be arranged at the time. We will titions get underway on Sunday 3rd with the Spring once again be holding our popular annual open pairs Meeting. tournament which will commence on 23rd July, 2005 - Ian Bruce has taken over from Mike Thomson for his with the final being played on 31st July, 2005. second term as club captain. As yet, no vice-captain Bruce Gordon (Secretary) has been elected. Jock Eddie continues in his role as treasurer and Kenny MacPhee as secretary. Irene Al- lan continues in her second year of office with Sandra Bruce as vice-captain. Roy Coutts takes over as junior ROTHES INDOOR BOWLING CLUB captain for this year. This year fees have been increased to £110 per adult We have not had the best of seasons, finishing third in member but this still represents good value for money. our section, however, we have enjoyed taking part. We New members will be welcome at the club. Further have organised two friendlies against Keith British information is available from any council member. Legion and which will be played before the This year the Ladies section coffee morning is sched- end of the season in April. The Annual Triples for the uled for Saturday 12th March in the Kirk Hall from 10 Richard Forsyth Cup finished on the 13th February. until 12 o'clock. Donations from members for sales The games were played in the Social Club over two table, raffle and cards tray will be most welcome and weekends. We had an entry of forty triples, with the can be handed to any committee members. ultimate winners coming from Drummuir and the run- The ladies social evening this year will be held on Fri- ners up from Keith. Our club are indebted to Richard day 25th March and takes the form of an Arty Party Forsyth for his sponsorship. The Bowling Club are with cheese and wine to follow. Tickets, priced £5, are still on the look out for new members. The club nights available from committee members. are Monday and Tuesday each week. The Council would like to take this opportunity to en- Billy Masson, President courage parents of young club members to remind them of the need for safety on the road. Last year, there were reports of a number of 'near misses', with drivers narrowly avoiding collision with cyclists com- PLAYTRAIL ing down the road at speed. Please take care on the road for everyone's sake. As you will have seen a number of trees have been Sandra Bruce blown down in the proposed playtrail. The trees in the area have been assessed by a tree surgeon and it seems the elm trees are not very healthy. We have obtained a Land Fill Tax Grant to help pay for the work needed SPONSORS and also to help with drainage problems as the water gathering seems to have increased since the floods of The Rothesian is grateful to the many sponsors who 2002. have helped keep "The Rothesian" going over the last The school has all the preparation work done for the seven years. As the paper has grown and improved information boards on the flora and fauna. We are over the years the sponsorship is now £200. If you awaiting conformation of a grant to cover the costs. wish to be a future sponsor please write to Jean Allan, 44 Land Street, Rothes or e-mail Pearl on [email protected] or Chris on [email protected]

This issue sponsored by Rothes Hairdressers 5 Dear Sir or Madam: Hi Rothesian

The card handed in by John Brian which appeared in I wonder if you can help me. I am interested in your the last issue of the Rothesian is a gem from the Glory issue number 27 which has a picture on page 8 of the Glory History making days of Rothes FC, when in the big gun up the castle. I played up there as a child and season of 1958/59 they won the North of Cup cannot recall a gun there so wondered if you had any and for the first and only time The Highland League. information on it, I would be very keen to know when This was achieved mainly by the signing of key play- it was put there and when it was removed. Thanking ers from the Stirling area which Tam Fergusson, boss you and wishing you all a happy New Year. man of Stirling Albion and benefactor of the club en- June Perry. sured a steady flow of quality players. The best remembered are Tommy Martin, Captain and Editor: Anyone with information please let us know so coach and Willie Grant. Among others were Tom Red- die, John Peddie and Alex Marshall. that we can pass the information on to June and print This created a heavy strain on the financial resources it in the next Rothesian. of the club, which could not be covered by gate re- ceipts. A committee was therefore formed outwith the main committee, with the sole objective of raising suf- ficient funds to cover the weekly deficit in particular Rothes During The War the cost of travel to away matches and the weekly wages and expenses of the players from the South. I remember the Royal Artillery being stationed at The proof that this hard working committee achieved Speyburn. The officers were billeted at Auchinroath its objective is that the club survived. I can only recall and the batmen were in the Lodge. I used to go up to two other members viz. Charlie Christie and John Bri- the mess during the holidays to help clean the Offic- an, but there were many more helpers press ganged ers’ boots and belts and polish their buttons. I also into helping with numerous moneymaking schemes went out sometimes with the soldiers who were shoot- we dreamt up. ing rabbits and pigeons for their dinner. The Sale of Work in the Drill Hall was our main mon- The RAMC and RASC were in Glenspey Distillery ey earner that year. The parcel post stall was the idea and the six Nissan huts at the bottom of Teenie's Lane of Jenny Widgery who worked in the office of SCWS and three in Bouncer's Lane. The Sergeant's Mess was and the wording on the card was a joint effort. The at Cherry Cottage, now owned by David Henderson. cards were delivered to more or less every house in Rothes and district and the response was overwhelm- The DUKWs (they were amphibian, operating on land ing. You could get a lot for two bob (10p) in those or in water) were lined up along Land Street. They days. Some of the other activities that added to our ended up in Africa. The Station Hotel was the hospital. coffers were regular dances in Craigellachie Hall, Quite a few of the soldiers were from Aberdeen and weekly whist drives in Church Hall, treasure hunts on surrounding area and after the war some kept contact foot and by car and a week long gala in Mackessach with Rothes folk. Park. Dances were held in the Drill Hall and the school. At A watch was fully wound up, sealed in an envelope the Drill Hall you paid 3 pennies to get up onto the and deposited in the Bank Safe. When every minute of balcony to watch the dancing. A van used to come to the 12 hours was sold the envelope was opened by the the Free Church with film shows for the soldiers. We bank and the time the watch stopped checked and veri- could get in if invited by the soldiers. fied. The winner with the exact time received a ladies One time a troop of Indian soldiers with turbans came Gold wristwatch. This was the late Mrs P Ross of through the town. The troop with their horses and Burnside St whose husband Peter was a hard working mules were on their way from Aviemore to Fochabers. long serving member of the Rothes committee. Was Teenie Brown, who had a shop, gave the kids biscuits all this hard work justified? to hand out to the Indians. They accepted them but Of course it was. The euphoria in Speyside during the gave them away further down the road as they were last two weeks of the season was fever pitch such as fasting at the time. has never been witnessed again. But oh it all went so nearly wrong. We had to play six games in two weeks It was quite an exciting time in Rothes during that pe- and win them all. On Wednesday evening of the first riod. There were also disasters as three planes came week we were at and losing with time running down near Rothes. One allied plane came down on out. Tommy Martin complained to the referee about Ben Aigan with no survivors, one allied plane crashed the poor light and asked for the game to be abandoned. up the Drumbain Burn with one survivor (the tail gun- The ref agreed and we replayed the following Monday ner), and a German plane with no survivors on the hill evening winning 4-0. The rest you know is history. above the Burn of Rothes. John Hodge D Grant

6 This issue sponsored by Rothes Hairdressers Rothes Diary all who keep Sandra informed of events and meet- ings. March 17th March ‘Watching Bluebottles’ production at Fleming Hall Aberlour 18th March Recycling facilities at end of Land Street Dear Rothesian 19th March Rotary Coffee Morning in Rothes Kirk Hall, 10 am -12 noon Bert Forsyth's letter in the December issue certainly 19th March Social Club Tombola brought back memories of wartime in Rothes. I was 24th March Schools Close for Easter Break born on 3 September 1939 and before we moved to 25th March Good Friday Rothes about 1041/42 our father was staying at Cherry Library Closed Cottage (Capt. Bill Cox, RAMC). We then rented 7 26th March Church Coffee Morning in Church Hall th Burnside Street, which had a space under the stairs to 27 March Easter Day be used during air raids though I fail to see how 6 or 7 BST Begins (Clocks Forward 1 hour) of us could have squeezed in if necessary. We used to sit on the back doorstep and listen to the sirens though April 1st April Re-cycling facilities at end of Land Street I don't suppose we realised what it meant. My first 2nd April Social Club Coffee Morning sight of a DUKW was when one of them had a prob- 9th April Church Guild Coffee Morning lem negotiating the bend off the bridge on to High 11th April Schools reopen after Easter Break Street. 15th April Re-cycling facilities at end of Land I remember my first day at school - new school bag, Street 33/6 to start my war savings account and the dreaded 15th April Update Exhibition on Flood Prevention in Gas Mask at the ready. Being a large family (6) we Church Hall never seemed to be short of Ration Coupons - not that 16th April Social Club Tombola th there was a lot to buy. I remember when it was a treat 19 April Rothes Ladies Group speaker from ‘The to get Corned Beef from the butcher and extra sugar to Flower Basket’ make jam. Isn't it funny how old age brings back the 23rd April Senior Citizens Coffee Morning th old memories. I love getting The Rothesian from Jen- 28 April Health Fayre, Grant Hall 29th April Re-cycling facilities at end of Land ny Widgery, so keep up the good work. It makes it Street special when an old school friend gets a mention.

May Lily Innes (Cox) 2nd May Schools closed May Day Holiday Aberdeen 13th May Re-cycling facilities at end of Land Street 14th May Church Coffee Morning Christian Aid 17th May Rothes Ladies Group AGM 19th/20th May Schools closed for in-service 21st May Coffee Morning for Rothes 2+ Group/ Toddler Group 21st May Social Club Tombola 27th May Re-cycling facilities at end of Land Street 28th May Rothes Horticultural Society Plant Sale and Coffee Morning in Grant Hall 31st May Parents Evening at Speyside High School

June 4th June Social Club Coffee Morning 6th June Holiday Schools closed 10th June Re-cycling facilities at end of Land Street 11th June Rothes Ladies Group Outing 18th June Social Club Tombola 24th June Re-cycling facilities at end of June

July 1st July Schools close for summer

Please note that the diary displayed in the Rothes Library window, is updated every two weeks, and takes in changes which occur during the time be- tween the Rothesian quarterly editions. Thanks to

This issue sponsored by Rothes Hairdressers 7 VALERIE JOHNSTON Dear Rothesians

Rothesian, Valerie Johnston (nee MacMillan) died in I thought you might like to see a picture of the only Australia in October, 2004. surviving piece of Valerie married local lad Ronald Johnston, and lived furniture known in the High Street, with Valerie's granny, Mrs. Mac- to have been at Millan, before emigrating to Australia and beginning a Rothes Castle. new life down under with young son Colin, in 1962. The chair, dated They set up home in Freemantle, Western Australia, 1675, is decorated and over the years they made frequent trips back to with carved tulips Rothes to visit family and friends, but their home was and with the ini- very much Australia. tials 'MM' for Ron is planning a visit at the end of May this year, Margaret, 8th when he hopes to catch up with some old acquaintanc- Countess of es. Rothes in her own Valerie is pictured here (back row, 2nd from left), as right, elder daughter of the Duke of Rothes. (The chair is the property of the Clan Leslie Char- itable Trust.) Graham Burgess.

SPEYSIDE HIGH SCHOOL

This has been a busy term with the senior part of the school involved in their prelim examinations for the SQA Examination diet which starts in May. Once again the school has shone in the performance tables with Speyside being the best performing school in Moray, according to a national newspaper report. On Standard Grade, the school is 19th=, while in the High- part of the school hockey team in 1948. Perhaps you th can identify a few more faces. er grade bracket, the place is 44 = in the whole of Scotland. The youngsters and staff are to be congratu- lated on this achievement! Of course a school should not be judged on its aca- demic performance alone, but on the many activities RED CROSS WEEK taking place within the school community. Once again the school is rehearsing for a play’s first night in June, This is scheduled for the first week in May when the with another piece by Donald Paterson, PT English. focus is on local needs. The Red Cross, of course, has This time the setting is based on the cotton mills of had a prominent role in the recent tsunami appeal, fol- industrialising Scotland. Music continues to play an lowing the disaster on Boxing Day, but all those funds important role as does sport. are ‘ring-fenced’ for that use. Now the emphasis must be on local needs which have not gone away in the meantime. The collectors will be contacted shortly. Please have your money set aside for the ‘tins’ coming around the doors.

8 This issue sponsored by Rothes Hairdressers As a footnote, Rothes 2+ Group would not be here if it weren’t for Margaret Morris, The NCH Speyside Rural ROTHES +2 GROUP Worker. Her contract is up at the end of March, and we might lose her. You can see already the difference she has made to the village, as well as getting the 2+

Group off the ground, she ran a very successful Chil- Wednesday 16 February 2005 saw dren’s Activities week during the Tattie Holidays & is the official opening of the Rothes 2+ Group. Mums, a hoping to do something similar in the Easter Break. Dad and invited guests were there to see Margaret She has been involved in other projects as well. Morris ‘cut the ribbon’ and wish us well for the fu- ture. In keeping with our healthy eating policy, par- ents and guests were served fruit juice and a fruit So, if you would like the position of Speyside Rural platter, and enjoyed seeing the children in the Group Worker to be retained please contact NCH, 1 Winches- environment. We had a very positive feedback from ter House, King Street, Elgin, IV30 1EU or phone 01343 those that attended. 549557 to voice your support.

Shirley and Jan have done a wonderful job in the short time we have been open, and already parents on the rota have noticed a difference in the children. (Could you imagine coping with 10 two & three year olds that hadn’t been to playgroup before?) So they ****Toddlers Urgently Required**** deserve a big pat on the back, for getting the children so settled and into a routine already. Over the past year the Toddler Group numbers have been slowly dwindling, and we have had to The children are given a wide range of activities and cut our sessions down to just one a week, but toys to play with to keep them stimulated, including: - no-one new has joined us for a while now, and painting, water play, playdoh, glue fun, jigsaws, build- we know there are lots of babies and toddlers out there. We meet on a Tuesday upstairs in the Grant Hall from 9.15am to 11.15am, and it is an ideal opportunity to meet other mums and carers for a coffee and a natter, whilst your little one is letting off steam in a safe environment. As well as the usual trikes and buggies and toys, we recently bought an ‘airflow tunnel’ with the money donated to us by the Rothes Book Group, and it is taken out as a treat, eve- ry so often. We are a friendly bunch really, and would wel- come new people into our group, like everything else, if it is not used, it might have to fold; though thankfully we are not near that stage yet. So, if you have been thinking about it, ing blocks and singing games. please come and join us. As an added incentive to come along the first session is free!! Unfortunately we will be losing some of the older ones to the nursery after the Easter Holidays, so if you have a child who is 2 or is approaching his/her 2nd birthday, there are spaces available. You can get reg- istration forms from Linda Smith, The Health Visitor or Louise Reid, Secretary on 01340 831851.

This issue sponsored by Rothes Hairdressers 9 SPEYSIDE COUNCIL THE COTTAGE

In an effort to resolve the problems of the Speyside The Visitor and Resource Centre at The Cottage has Council and in the hope of increasing the attendance at been quite busy over the winter months. its meetings, some of the longer serving members of Computer Classes: Three classes have taken place the council met in January and resolved that we would and we are now about to start new classes. A number keep going until at least the AGM in 2006. If it ap- of students are going on to a certificate classes on pears by that time that the local Community Associa- Wednesday evenings and Friday mornings and two tions do not wish to have periodic meetings at which new classes for beginners will be set up for Monday matters of common interest can be discussed, then a mornings and Tuesday afternoons. If you are inter- motion to dissolve the Speyside Council will put to a ested just pop a note into The Cottage and we will Special General Meeting. The next meeting of the Ex- get back to you. ecutive Committee is due to be held on 31st March Printing: The printing service provided at The Cot- with the Annual General Meeting some time in early tage is becoming well recognised. With the Rothesian May (depending on the date of the anticipated General and other local newspapers within Speyside we are Election). Rothes still has a vacancy for one member now printing over 15,000 local newspapers per year. to represent the Rothes Council, but the AGM is open We are also doing print work for other groups. to all residents of the constituent parishes of Speyside, Cotton Bags: We received an environmental grant and anyone from Rothes will be welcome. John Tilley, Vice President

ROTHES CHURCH GUILD

The Guild has had a very enjoyable winter session with a number of excellent speakers including, Patricia Rigby, James Bartlett, Bob Anderson and our Febru- ary speaker Rosemary Richards, Elgin. The sing-a- long at Christmas was again a great success as was our Coffee Morning in October. We are looking forward to a talk on the Life Boat ser- vice which will take place at our March meeting, our Coffee Morning in April and our annual outing to St Giles Theatre Group's West Side Story on Thursday 21st April. This also includes high tea in the Laich- moray Hotel before the show. Anyone interested in going please contact Nan or any of the Guild mem- bers. You do not have to be a member of the Guild to from Moray Council to purchase cotton bags to dis- go. courage the use of polythene bags. The bags, which The Malawi appeal will be late this year. Could I ask have the centre information printed on them, are on anyone who has been busy knitting or would like to sale for one pound each. donate to contact myself and I will get back to them Goods for Sale: Over the last summer we were asked with the new arrangements. Thank you all for your by visitors for Scotland and Rothes items for sale. We loyal support. now have a number of items for sale including tea Nan McPherson, Convenor. towels, T-Shirts, fridge magnets, and hats. Boys, please note, we have ROTHES TARTAN ARMY T- shirts on sale. Other items will be investigated. ROTHES GALA Workshops: We had a blackwork workshop which followed the success of the three held in November. If The Rothes Gala will be held on Sunday 29th May and you have any special interest and would like us to or- the Challenge Day on Saturday 4th June. The date for ganise a workshop please let us know and we will see the Prize Bingo will be finalised at a meeting on Mon- what we can do. day 14th March. Representatives from all groups in the town will be invited along to this meeting so that we can discuss new ideas for this years Gala.

10 This issue sponsored by Rothes Hairdressers ROTHES HORTICULTURAL ROTHES MEDICAL CENTRE PATIENT & INDUSTRIAL SOCIETY GROUP

The Annual General Meeting was held in the Grant The Patient group was formed in December 2004 and Hall on Monday 17th January. There was a good at- it is intended that it should be a forum for patient con- tendance but we still need new members. The Annual cerns about the Health Service. It would also provide a Flower Show will be held on Saturday 3rd September support for Rothes Medical Centre and act as a bridge in the Grant Hall, schedules will be available soon. between the Health Service and the Community. The details for industrial section have already been Members of the group are:- Mr James Anderson, Rev distributed. Robert Anderson, Mr Stuart Bell, Mrs Heather Ewen, We are having our Annual Plant Sale and Coffee Mrs Elizabeth Masson, Mrs Margaret Matthews, Mrs Morning in the Grant Hall on Saturday 21st May from Linda Meldrum, Mr John Tilley, Mrs A Johnston 10am until 12 noon. The Group met on Wednesday 2nd February 2005 at The Annual Sale of compost will be at the Garages in 8pm in Rothes Surgery with Dr Johnston and Dr Den- Land Street on Saturday 12th March from 10am until nis. Dr Johnston informed the group that it was an im- 12 noon. portant part of the practice to have members of the Our next meeting will be held in the Grant Hall on group in touch with local concerns about the NHS Monday 18th April at 7pm. Anyone interested will be which can be then discussed at a meeting of all con- made very welcome. cerned. It was envisaged that the group would meet twice or three times per year unless a particular prob- lem arose. Dr Johnston gave an overview of the history of the ROTHES COUNCIL practice in Rothes from its early beginnings to the pre- sent day. Dr Dennis who has worked in the Out of At their last meeting the Rothes Council had a wel- Hours service gave an overview of the service. The come visit from two police officers. This enabled us to results of the Patient Questionnaire previously dis- discuss vandalism and roads safety issues. One of the cussed at a Practice Staff meeting was circulated for main problems is the recurring damage to the lamp discussion. It was noted that the average time patients standards and lights at the Park Pathway. We are in attended the surgery during the year was above the danger of losing the lights if it happens too often in the national average and that this may be due to open sur- future. This would be a shame, so if you see anything gery and lack of an appointment system. All questions please report it - it could be dangerous to those in- were answered in a positive tone and it was considered volved. that the practice would continue as at present. New speed signs are going up at the Elgin end of the town, some disabled adaptations to pavements have been done, the speed signs at Rothes Primary are im- minent, and work is ongoing in North Street to find the SUBMISSIONS TO THE ROTHESIAN street drains. The work in Spey Street has been held up by BT who have to underground the telephone cables. We continue to receive submissions to the Rothesian The Rothes Council are to write to Moray Council on in a variety of formats, some more friendly than oth- a number of roads, parking and cemetery issues ers. brought up by members and the public. If you intend to submit an article by email, please use If you wish us to highlight any problems please either Wordpad to create the article, and save it as a plain contact a member, put a letter into the Cottage or come text file (.txt). Then just email it as an attachment. along to a meeting. The meetings are held every first Picture files from digital cameras should be sent “as Monday of the month. is”, which then allows us to resize it as necessary. Scanned documents and images should be scanned at a minimum 200dpi, (more for small images), and sent as .jpg files.

This issue sponsored by Rothes Hairdressers 11 MEMORIES loch, (Goalie on referee's left), Andy Clark, George (Lairdie) Keil. In response to Bert Forsyth's letter in the last issue Middle: - , John (Jock) Sherret, George Clark (28) of the Rothesian, I well remember the troops be- Front: Jim Hodge, George Spence, - , Ian (Jacko) ing stationed in and around Rothes, and I think they McDonald. also occupied Orton House. The un-named players were from the Orton area. The Military Police (MP's) were billeted in the Drill Andy and George Clark were brothers of Ian Clark Hall (now the Grant Hall) for a while. They were who had the shop in High Street next to the Clydes- called 'Red Caps' as they wore a red cover to their dale Bank. peaked caps when on duty and also wore a black arm Best wishes to all Rothesians. band with the letters MP in red on their left arm. Their Jock Sherret motor bikes were always in spotless condition. The army 'took over' two petrol pumps which George Rhynas, the grocer (now McKerron's) had at the back of his premises on Station Street. They were hand op- erated and only dispensed one gallon at a time. All the FOOTBALL REUNION DVD army vehicles used to queue up on Station Street to be filled up. I was a message boy/apprentice with Rhynas' Readers of the Rothesian will recall an article last year at the time. regarding a reunion of the Rothes Football Club I don't know what the letters DUKW stood for, but the 1978/78 North of Scotland Cup winning team. Most of soldiers called them 'Ducks' as they could be driven the team, management and committee members at- either on land or water. They were really a boat on tended the reunion in Rothes in the Rothes FC Social wheels and about the size of a bus, and were used in Club in May 2004. the 'Normandy Landings'. Jock Sherret, a favourite Rothes loon, took some film Quite a few military vehicles were parked in the Mar- of the match along with footage before the game. ket Green (now Forsyth Avenue), Green Street. Many Rothesians can be seen in Jock's film. The film Every now and again a mobile film unit would come was converted onto video, and was shown on several round to give a film show in the large Church Hall. occasions during the reunion. This show was for soldiers only, but civilians would Former player Irvine Allan took along his video cam- get in if accompanied by a soldier. I got in quite often era and shot a number of scenes during the evening - as I got to know the lads who worked at the petrol including short interviews with all the players and pumps quite well. A film show was a real treat in management. those days. Now a DVD has been produced. The DVD contains a My father was a signalman at Rothes Station, and he menu at the start, which allows one to watch all of would tell us when a 'troop train' was due to pass Jock's film on its own, with an option to watch the through, mainly on a Sunday when no other trains reunion version which has the film intercut with inter- were running, and we would go down and wave to views of the team and management. those on board on their way to war - sadly for some The DVD is now available for purchase. Anyone inter- never to return. ested in obtaining a copy can do so by sending a I have enclosed a photo of a Rothes X1 (in stripes) cheque or postal order for £30 to:- which played a team of Italian POW's from the camp Mr Alex Moreau, Flat1F2, 75 Morningside Road, Ed- at Sandyhillock near in August, 1944. inburgh, EH10 4AY

The game was at McKessack Park. As far as I can re- member the Rothes team in stripes were:- Back Row: L to R - Jonathon Chalmers, Jim McCul-

12 This issue sponsored by Rothes Hairdressers