June 2006 Sponsored by Optometrist, Martin J Housden Issue No 34

THE ROTHESIAN

This edition of the Rothesian is sponsored by be as comprehensive as an eye examination in Domiciliary Optometrist, Martin J Housden. practice. Until that point it had often been a less detailed exam as portable equipment was more Martin studied Optical Management at Anglia basic. The changes also gave everyone entitle- Ruskin University in Cambridge, qualified as a ment to an NHS eye examination. A domiciliary dispensing optician at Moorfield Eye Hospital in eye examination is no exception and is paid for by London and studied optometry at City University the NHS. Entitlement to our service is for anyone in London before finishing his training in private who for reasons of health is unable to attend their practice in North London. local optician unaccompanied, we will come to Martin moved to Rothes to be with his partner, them instead. On booking an appointment we will Jayne Clyne. During confirm entitlement as valid reasons for a home his working life in visit have to be stated on the appropriate NHS Elgin and now In- form. verness he became aware of a clear need When it comes to dispensing spectacles, we have to provide a domicil- a wide variety of frames, ranging from the most iary service for el- basic plastic through to more fashionable frames. derly and disabled Patients on certain benefits are still entitled to an patients who found it NHS voucher, whether in full or at reduced costs, difficult to leave towards the cost of their spectacles. their own homes. A recent RNIB report Contact telephone number:- 01340 831 059 confirmed this – of 1 e-mail - [email protected] million people na- tionwide who require this service only about 300,000 actually receive it. In response to this need Martin bought a full range of equipment and made contact with local GP surgeries and nursing homes to help promote his service.

We have been offering this service for little over a year now and have a growing patient base, both in private houses and nursing homes. We also have a growing number of referrals from local Optometrists. We generally work through the weekends, as I also work in a busy practice in In- verness. Jayne comes with me on each visit to help with the paperwork. Jayne attends to all ad- ministrative work which leaves me free to concen- trate exclusively on eye examinations.

A recent change in Scottish eye examination regu- lations laid down stricter guidelines as to what should be included in an eye examination and now means that eye examinations at home should

You may contact The Rothesian by e-mail, using the following address: [email protected] THANKS FROM BILLY

I would like to thank friends and neighbours for their cards and kind thoughts when I was in hospital recently, also the Church for the lovely flowers I received when I came home.

Special thanks must go to Mrs Roberta Dickson for getting my paper and groceries. Thank you very much Roberta for doing those jobs for me.

Billy Masson, 46 Green Street.

Do you need advice or information about pension credit, state pension or other entitlements? Call HELLO and see someone from The Pension Service at: Just thought I’d respond to your notice – I stop in the ROTHES MEDICAL CENTRE Rothesian site quite often. My father was born in HIGH STREET Rothes, and I have an aunt and an uncle still living ROTHES there. I’ve been to visit several times, and feel like it is my second “home town”. Am always glad to hear On Thursday 27 July from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. the Rothes news. Although you don’t need an appointment, we can arrange one if you wish. We will see you in pri- Glenda MacFarlane, Toronto, Canada. vate. To arrange an appointment, ring 01343 528034.

LOOKING FOR A CHILDMINDER?

I am a newly registered childminder with vacancies available from the end of July for children aged from AN APPRECIATION birth to 12 years. I went to Moray College in 1996 to study for my HNC To all Rothesians at home and abroad - a tribute to my in childcare and education and qualified in 1998. I mother, Chrissie Percival, who died the 10th Decem- have worked with all ages of children since then. ber 2005. For further information phone Tracy Thomson on 07896 855679. My mum loved reminiscing of her childhood, of playing up the castle, the Breemie at the Boat hole, or at the Head of the Toon with the McFarlane’s, Paul’s and Cameron’s. Hi She loved Rothes and over the years she was involved in many local groups and clubs, including the Grant My name is William Gordon. My ancestors came from Hall, the flower show, amateur dramatics, senior citi- Rothes. Peter Gordon was his name and he was born zens and Jockie’s concert group? I’m sure many of in 1835. Unfortunately all I know is that his fathers you will remember her as wee Jimmy Crankie or sing- name was William Gordon and that he married a ing her favourite song – The wee cock sparrow. woman called Jane Grant. Would there be a record of She had a fount of knowledge about Rothes and peo- the names in the parish church, or would anyone in ples ancestries, and possibly a photo of their child- Rothes recognise the names as part of their family his- hood. tory? To many she was known as Percy or the Sweetie lady, William Gordon or just wee Chrissie Gordon. We will all have a life- time of happy memories of this cheerful wee woman, and I miss her sense of fun and good company. Regards Kathleen Lawrence (nee Percival)

2 This issue is sponsored by Optometrist, Martin J Housden

ROTHES JUNIOR YOUTH CLUB

The 1st Rothes Rainbows have had a busy Spring/ Rothes Junior Youth Club is an independently run Summer season, we have been making cards, sweets club. We will be meeting on a MONDAY evening and completing a new roundabout badge. We painted now during the school terms instead of a Tuesday; it is feet, painted with fingers and we made blindfold sand- run by volunteers of whom no one gets paid, we give wiches. I think there was more jam on the table than up our own free time to run and organize the Youth on the bread!. We are looking forward to the end of Club for primary school age children who live in term with a games night and hopefully a barbeque. Rothes and surrounding areas. Our joining list for girls aged 4 is now open, rainbows If anyone wants to voice their opinion as to how the is open to girls aged 5-7, if you would any further in- Youth Club is run, they can do so by becoming a vol- formation, please contact either Jennifer Nicol 831201 unteer and help with the organizing and running of the or Bev. MacLeod 831137. Youth Club on a weekly base. Anyone else who has a free hour or so and is wanting just to help out whether it’s on a weekly or fortnightly basis please let us know which session you can help with. On Tuesday 20th June we took the children to RAF Lossiemouth for their tea and bowling, everyone really enjoyed themselves. On our return to Rothes there were a few things that spoilt it for all of us, one of The 1st Rothes Brown- them been it was our last evening until we return after ies have had an interesting term, we have had a tropi- the summer holidays. cal night, all girls came dressed up, made cocktails and Many thanks go to Pamie and Leigh-Ann for helping had a limbo competition. We have had many games with transport and to all the other parents who offered nights and have had a Village Quiz. We helped out at their help, we wouldn't have been able to take the chil- the Rothes Gala selling crisps and juice and are now dren without their help and support. Thank you winding down for the end of the term. We reopen on MONDAY 28th August 2006 in the We have a few spaces at the moment, if your daughter Grant Hall would like any information on Brownies please con- Primary 1-3 5:30pm - 6:30pm, tact either Jennifer Nicol 831201 or Bev. MacLeod Primary 4-7; 6:30pm - 8pm 831137. £1.00 per session

Trainers or flat sensible footwear are to be worn.

ROTHES TODDLER GROUP We have a Tuck Shop prices ranging from 5p - 40p. Can all children bring their money in a purse/wallet so

it doesn't get lost when they are running about We would like to say thank you to all those who have given us their support after our appeal for more fami- Also NO MOBILE PHONES or CHEWING GUM are lies to attend. Our numbers have increased enough to allowed during Youth club keep the group running but we would still welcome If you require anymore information or you wish to new additions to the group. From 4th July to 17th Au- help please ring myself Elaine on 831845 gust we will be changing our hours to 10am-12noon We hope you have a great summer holiday and look Tuesdays and Thursdays to suit the more leisurely forward to seeing you again when we return on the pace of the summer school holidays. After the holi- 28th August days we will go back to 9.15am-11.15am Tuesdays Elaine, Joanne, Charlene and Moira and Thursdays.

Thanks, Jo

This issue is sponsored by Optometrist, Martin J Housden 3 ROTHES GOLF CLUB by Jim Fraser, chairman. In attendance were Brian Cameron - Rothes Football Club, Juli Grant – Rothes Back in March the Golf Club held a successful cof- Primary School, Cllr Pearl Paul, Dave Gowans – fee morning. The proceeds from that event were Moray Council Flood Team, Robin Patterson – Moray just under £400. The club would like to thank any- Council Healthy Living Officer, Rosalind Adie – Lo- one who supported the event – by donating prizes, cal Neighbourhood Forum Officer and Bob Bryce – by giving of their time to work at the event and also Royal Haskoning. to those who came from all around to enjoy their Due to the flooding in 2002 the use of the surrounding coffee. The proceeds from fungraising go towards ground at the Mackessack Park is no longer viable for maintaining equipment and enhancing the facilities an all weather pitch and the flood alleviation measures at the golf club. planned for Rothes will encroach on the pitch in the recreation Park. A way forward which will benefit all in Rothes was discussed and questionnaires were The Ladies Section also held a successful Cheese handed out. The returns have now been collated and and Wine at the end of March. This involved a will be relayed to the group at their next meeting. cookery demonstration by Alison of Pampered As a result of the meeting a number of individuals Chef, followed by the opportunity to buy from their with an interest in the future of sport in the town have extensive range of kitchen equipment. The buffet expressed a willingness to join the Speyside Sports finished off a very sociable evening which was en- Trust. joyed by those who attended. Golf fixtures got underway at the beginning of April when the Banffshire Plus senior ladies played Rothes on a bitterly cold day, with 27 entries. ROTHES TENNIS CLUB Those who finished were commended for their per- severance in such conditions. Several of our younger members took part in the Elgin The open day was sponsored by Irene,s Fayre and Rotary Club Primary Schools Competition, with great 28 gents, ladies and juniors played. Again the con- success. ditions were very cold. Winners on the day were - - Sophie Stewart and Lauren Watt won the Girls event, S McKenzie with 41 points; ladies – S Bruce with managing to remain unbeaten the whole day. 34 points and juniors – C Coutts with 33 points. Rothes also took the runners-up spot, through Johanne The Ladies section competition got underway on Dunn (not a Rothes pupil, but was given a chance by 9th April again in very cold conditions. An Easter the organisers to participate), and Ellie Sommerville. Bonnet competition resulted in 4 winners for very In the Boys event, Grant Johnston and Michael Siford elaborate designs. came a very creditable third. The new greenkeeper, John Urquhart, started at the The Club is at present taking part in the various leagues run by the Highlands District, fielding Ladies, end of April, and in spite of the very cold condi- Mens and Mixed Doubles teams, and a joint team with tions, is making a positive impact on how the course Aberlour in the Under-16 Boys competition. In addi- looks. John is an accomplished golfer himself and tion, the Men’s team has reached the Final of the we hope his time in Rothes will be happy. Knockout competition, where we face the long jour- ney to meet Tain on their courts. Green fees have been increased this year, but still The Club will also be playing in the Mixed Knockout, represent good value for money. 9 holes cost £10; a and the Under-13 League, both of which are held in day ticket (Monday to Friday) costs £15 and a day the autumn. ticket for weekends cost £20. The Clubhouse still Fund raising goes on, with the latest enterprise being a continues to be in demand for private functions and sponsored Tennathon, with both Junior and Senior catering is available if required. members taking part.

S Bruce

SPEYSIDE SPORTS TRUST

The Speyside Sports Trust held a well attended meeting in the Grant Hall to discuss a way forward for an all weather pitch in Rothes. The meeting was chaired

4 This issue is sponsored by Optometrist, Martin J Housden CADETS MAKE THEIR MARK FOR ents, civilian committee and staff but also to cele- SPEYSIDE brate it’s 2nd birthday and the fact that we are going from strength to strength. Since our last correspondence in the Rothesian and We are going gliding very shortly and with summer our debut at our first Remembrance Parade, we have just around the corner we should be able to get some been very busy. flying and quite a few cadets from 423(Aberlour) The month of December brought us our Christmas squadron will get the opportunity to go on an annual night out at Elgin Kartway and involved quite a bit camp whether it is to RAF Waddington or Machri- of skidding and some potential F1 rally drivers!!! hanish all of which are good. A friendly quiz night between ourselves and our neighbouring squadron in Aviemore, unfortunately If you like what you have read so far and are be- we did not win but the cadets met up with friends tween 13 and 18 and would be interested in joining that they had not seen in a while. the air cadets then please feel free to come along on The start of 2006 saw us with a full academic calen- either a Monday night or Thursday night from 1830 dar ahead of us with Drill practise and aircraft mod- – 2100 at the Aberlour parish hall, it is open to all elling thrown in too. Even though it was only the that are in the Speyside area. And if you are an start of the year all our hard work paid off as not adult that is looking for something challenging and only did we enter the inter squadron drill competi- like to work with teenagers and could pursue a vol- tion for the first time, we also won it for the de- unteering career with in the Air Cadets then please tached flight section. I have to say that to see all the call Sarah or Jason on 01340 831108 cadets (male and female) grin from ear to ear know- ing that all their hard work paid off was a very proud moment for me as their Commanding Officer and I will never forget it. Now we just have to maintain the title. That same weekend we also had our modelling competition and again we did really well, some of COUNCIL TENANTS our cadets from Rothes did the squadron proud and came 2nd and 3rd in their respective classes, so well The Rothes Housing forum is looking for new mem- done to them. bers to keep the forum going. If no one comes for- We also took part in the inter squadron athletics and ward to join the old members the Rothes tenants and here we did really well and got a gold, several sil- houses will miss out on the monies made available to the forums for repairs, maintenance and improve- vers and quite a few bronzes. Overall, all had an ments. excellent day. If you are a council tenant and interested in joining the We also held our first fundraising prize bingo, forum please contact Pam Fiske, Rothes Housing Of- which was a great experience and raised £400 for ficer, at the Grant Hall on Wednesday mornings or by squadron funds which is such a boost, and the com- contacting her at Moray Council housing department ments from the community of Speyside was also on 01343 543451. encouraging too. Alternatively you can pop your name into the Cottage Although this does not sound a lot, we have also and we will pass it on. been attending shooting weekends held at RAF Kinloss where one our cadets accomplished his wing shooting badge and even some of the newer cadets got a go and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

As May comes to a close and what I class as “silly season” is just about to start we have just completed community work on a local farm in Daluaine but clearing away old trees, building paths and tidying up streams and we even had a scarecrow building competition, this brought much hilarity.

As June opens it’s doors we start it with a squadron BBQ not only as a social event for all cadets, par-

This issue is sponsored by Optometrist, Martin J Housden 5 took on the printing of the newspaper. This has THE ROTHESIAN worked well, and means ‘The Rothesian’ is a commu-

nity publication in all respects. The History of the Group The “Rothesian”, the local newspaper for Rothes was Content first printed in April, 1998, with the help of Leader 11. Over the years we have relied heavily on contributors. The original ‘Rothesian’ group were Anne Appleford Before each issue deadline we display posters around (head teacher at Rothes primary), Jean Allan, Hamish the town, deliver reminders to all local groups and put Taylor and Pearl Paul, all members of Rothes Council, an article in the ‘Rothes News’ of the Northern Scot. and Community Agent Sandra Ross. The “Rothesian” We have been fortunate in getting a good response Group became a sub-group of the Rothes Council with from local groups and individuals, from Moray statu- help from the treasurer on monetary matters. The tory and voluntary organisations and from Rothesians group has its own bank account. The aims of the group far and wide. Articles come in letter form, by phone were to bring together the people of Rothes, young calls, on disc and more and more by e-mail. Every edi- and old, past and present. tion has a copy of the community diary, group news From the outset, the group agreed on the tasks of each and sponsor article, other articles like the poems de- member. Anne was newspaper compiler, Pearl was pend on submissions. editor and article compiler, Sandra was diary and article compiler, and Jean and Hamish were group con- Achievements tacts and were responsible for distribution. Our distri- One surprising element has been the success of the bution team are seven local volunteers, both male and ‘Rothesian’ in helping to re-unite families, old friends female, who have remained with us over the past eight and school mates. We have also assisted in bringing years. Jean and Pearl have also been responsible for together the ‘missing’ for local re-unions. attracting sponsors for the newspaper. We have had two changes to the group. We were joined by Chris Future Hamilton, as newspaper compiler when Anne moved A time may come when we have to look again at our on, and we also lost a valued member with the death decision on sponsorship/advertising, however, interest of Hamish Taylor. in sponsorship is still keen with many former sponsors

talking of further sponsorship. Sponsorship As The Cottage now has a colour printer we will be It was agreed by the Rothesian Group that the newspa- looking at possible colour editions or supplements. per be printed quarterly and delivered free to the six From June 2007 we will be in our tenth year and have hundred houses in Rothes, and that we would only had offers of fundraising from a number of our readers allow advertising in the shape of an article from the to enable us to do a special coloured edition on ‘Ten ‘sponsor’ of each issue. We have now had thirty three Years of the Rothesian’. A decision on whether this sponsors, and have agreement with the sponsors for be a free or subsidised special edition will depend on the June, the September and December issues of 2006. fundraising and cost of production.

Make-up and Distribution

Our first newspaper was four pages in all. Over the years, due to an abundance of articles and photos, this The above is a copy of the submission given to the has increased to the present twelve pages. We original- 2006 Moray Awards Project for Community Newslet- ly printed five hundred copies. This has increased to ters and Websites, where The Rothesian was runner- eight hundred and fifty. Copies are delivered to all up in the Moray Community Newsletter category. homes in Rothes, distributed through eight local ven- ues in Aberlour, Rothes and Elgin, and are sent all See the back page for full details! over the world by the group for a small charge and by local people to friends and relatives. The ‘Rothesian’ also appears on the Rothes website.

Printing The printing of the newspaper was done in the early days by the local sponsors, but this was found to be awkward for some sponsors, so we formed an arrange- ment to have the printing done by Moray Council

Printing Department. In 2003 Rothes Community Ltd opened The Cottage visitor and resource centre who

6 This issue is sponsored by Optometrist, Martin J Housden KEEP FIT CHANGE! THE LAYMANS’ MEDICAL DICTIONARY!

The popular evening Keep Fit class, which has been held on Thursday evenings from 6pm to 7pm in the Artery – The study of painting Kirk Hall, is moving to another night. The last Thurs- Bacteria – The back door of a cafeteria day class will take place on 15th June and then there is a short break, because Linda is on holiday, followed Barium – What doctors do when a patient dies by the ‘Good as New’ in the first two weeks of July. Bowel – A letter like a,e,i,o and u The class reconvenes on MONDAY evening at 6pm on 17th July and the good news is that it will only cost Caesarean Section – A neighbourhood in Rome £2 for the hour. It is hoped that as many of the former Cat Scan – Searching for kitty as well as present participants will be along on that evening to keep fit. Cauterise – Made eye contact Coma – A punctuation mark

D & C – Where Washington is COMPUTER SUCCESS Dilate – To live longer

A good while ago and through the library and IT in the Enema – Not a friend Community, quite a number of Rothes folk found that Fester – Quicker computers are not really as scary as all that with Heather and Karen. These classes were held in The Fibula – A small lie Cottage, but at the end of the basic course a number Impotent – Distinguished/well known were keen to develop their new found skills even further. From this, a class was established at Aberlour Labour Pain – Getting hurt at work library, aiming to obtain the European Computer Driv- Medical Staff – A doctor’s walking stick ing License an internationally recognised qualification at the end of the day. Heather Shiels is to be com- Nitrate – Cheaper than day rate mended for her patience, as she encouraged and ca- Node – Was aware of joled a bunch of novices through to the levels required to pass the various modules of the course. The main Out Patient – A person who fainted elements were Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access, Pap Smear – A fatherhood test along with file management, IT concepts and commu- nications, which was held in Elgin, to give us all Inter- Pelvis – A cousin of Elvis net access for email and surfing skills. Little, by little Recovery Room – A place to do upholstery the final assessment was completed and log books signed for sending off for the Certificates to prove that Secretion – Hiding something the goal had really been achieved. When these come to Seizure – A Roman emperor hand, the class hopes to re-unite for a celebration meal. Of the Speyside group, the Rothesians to Tablet – A small label achieve the ECDL are Jayne Clyne, Gwen Ingram, Terminal Illness – Gets ill at the airport Helen Mackie, Sandra Ross, Frances Shaw and Ann Wardlaw from Orton. It is to be hoped that the Library Tumour – More than one can extend the range of computer classes, as new skills Urine – Opposite of you’re out developed within easy range of home are really satis- fying. Varicose – Nearby Vein – Conceited

This issue is sponsored by Optometrist, Martin J Housden 7 Dear Editor and stuck in the ground. They never failed and pro- duced good crops of eating apples. I wonder if the Issue no 32 original tree is still at the Bulwark. I’m sure there must be many gardens in Rothes with one. The photograph and history of the Rothes Social Club John Hodge was of special interest to me, especially when in the Sutton Coldfield early thirties I attended Sunday School on its opening as a Church with Canon (later Dean) Wolfe of Aber- Note from the Editor lour Orphanage as the Vicar. No offence was intended as regards Mr Gray. However before that it was a house and the home of I myself have an apple tree from the “mother source”. the Moroney family. On 19th July 1924, the greatest We will try to ascertain if the original tree is still tragedy in the history of Rothes occurred when the standing at the bulwark. house caught fire and was completely gutted. The wife and family of Patrick Moroney all perished in the flames. They were: Mary his wife aged 48 and his children Demot 9, Mary 6 and Dennis 2. Patrick the father who was a Customs and Excise Of- TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN ficer in Rothes was not in the house at the time. He died two years later on 27th June 1926 aged 48. They My name is Charles Anderson and I am a descendant are all buried in the same grave in Rothes Cemetery of a fellow Rothes citizen. My great great grandfather with a beautiful headstone to their sacred memory. was Robert Anderson. He left Rothes to pursue a ca- The gaunt walls, which were all that were left of the reer in Law in Edinburgh. His father, Alexander An- house, stood for a number of years as a grim reminder derson owned the family Blacksmiths shop. This of that tragic night, until Saint Drostan Church was blacksmiths shop was later ran by his son John and built, using the walls of the house, and opened for was turned into a bicycle repair shop and later into a worship in 1931. taxi service. I am putting together a book of family John Hodge stories to be passed down in our family and would like Sutton Coldfield to include anyone from our old home town. I have tried to contact a few members of my distant family and would like to contact any further family members Dear Editor of which I do not have e-mail addresses. I am worried that if these stories are not shared that they will soon Rothes Nicknames be lost forever. Please feel free to contact me at [email protected] or With reference to the answers of Rothes nicknames go to my family web site at competition, I would like to comment on two. First www.scottishandersons.com. The web site will in- Alaistair MacQueen was never known as “Gully”, this clude other family members that you might remember. was the nickname of Willie Cameron who lived in Thank you again and I look forward to hearing from Land Street and worked at Rothes Railway Station, in you. the squad that maintained the railtrack between Dan- Charles Anderson daleith and Coleburn. St Louis MO USA The Foreman of this squad was Sandy Gray who lived in the railway cottage at the Bulwark, and I was ex- tremely disappointed to see his name appear on the list as “Sinny Halflug”. This was not a nickname but a derogatory term shouted at him by the youth of the day when, for their own safety, he chased them off the railway line. He received his wound while serving his country in France in World War 1, and had the bullet been a frac- tion closer, he would have been another name on the war memorial. No-one in Rothes would ever have addressed him in such a manner. He is remembered by many Rothes exiles who have apple trees in their garden propagated from branches taken from the unique tree that grew in his garden at the Bulwark. He called the tree “the mother apple tree”. All that was required was a small branch with a knot on it which had borne fruit, cut off at the knot,

8 This issue is sponsored by Optometrist, Martin J Housden Rothes Diary know where they are now. Let’s find them and bring them to the fore.

3rd/14th July ‘Good as New’ in Kirk Hall 12noon to All information can be sent to the Cottage, 86 New 4pm. Street, Rothes, AB38 7BJ 1st July Rothes FC Social Club Coffee morning 9th July Rothes FC Social Club Sponsored Walk 15th July Rothes FC Social Club Tombola 15th July Tomintoul Highland Games 17th July ‘Linda’s Keep Fit’ Resumes 6pm to 7pm at Kirk Hall £2 (On Monday from now on!) 1950/60’s PHOTO’S 22nd July Coffee Morning in Kirk Hall in aid of CHAS Dear Madam th 27 July The Pension Service at Rothes Medical Centre 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Phone 01343 528034 I am looking for pictures/photographs of Rothes in the 29th July Dufftown Highland Games th st 1950’s or 60’s or even earlier. I was born in Rothes at 30 /31 July Turriff Show what was then 16 Breich Street and then moved to 60

AUGUST Green Street, attending Rothes School as did all my 3rd to 6th August Speyfest at Fochabers brothers and sisters, and then my family moved away 6th/7th August Keith Country Show to different parts of Britain and further afield. 5th August Rothes FC Social Club Coffee morning We are setting up a pictorial family tree and are inter- 5th August Aberlour Highland Games ested in pictures where most, in fact where all our 9th August SQA (Standard, Intermediate, Higher, family were born and where indeed some of us are Adv Higher) Results buried. If possible I would like some pictures of 10th August Grantown Agricultural Show Breich Street, Green Street, the school and one of the 19th August Rothes FC Social Club Tombola nd Rothes Coat of Arms which if I remember correctly is 22 August Schools re-open after Summer a belt and buckle. Break My phone number is 01377 255403. I would appreci- ate any help you can give. I am willing to cover any 2nd September Rothes FC Social Club Coffee morn- costs and postage involved. ing 2nd September Rothes Horticultural Society Flower A Williamson Show in the Grant Hall Driffield 16th September Rothes FC Social Club Tombola East Yorkshire. 19th September Ladies Group New Session Starts (Full address can be got from the Cottage.) Kirk Hall 7.30pm

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 between the Rothesian quarterly editions. Please keep Sandra informed of events and meetings as fundraising works best with no competition! Please note the new email address for the diary: [email protected] If you would like the diary emailed to you, please contact this address! WHERE ARE THEY NOW/

Where are they now? In June 1952 Rothes Junior sec- ondary School held their Coronation Sports champion- ship at Mackessack Park. The junior, intermediate and senior girl and boy champions received their silver medals. Are they still living in the Rothes area? Were they champions in earlier or later years? Did they still compete after leaving school? What line of work did they pursue?

It would be nostalgic to bring them all together again for a memorable photo. Friends and relations must

This issue is sponsored by Optometrist, Martin J Housden 9 PICTURES FROM THE PAST POST OFFICE PETITION

The following two photos were handed in by Hannah Over the last weeks, Rothes Post Office as well as and Allan McDonald. We thought they would be of many other rural post offices, have been collecting interest to many of our readers. signatures in protest at the threat they are under from Jimmy McDonald was station master at Dandaleith the ‘re-organisation’ of the network. As Rothes lost its bank, earlier this year, and the post office does provide limited banking facilities, to lose another utility would be a tragedy. Many who opted for a card account seem to have been duped about this means of receiving payments, which now appears to have been a temporary measure, although the application forms gave no indication of this whatsoever. The Post Office offers a vital service to a community, something which appears to have been forgotten in this increasingly commercialised age. Remember Post Offices offer much more than stamps! If you have not already signed the petition, do please pop into the shop and do so, as the town can ill-afford to lose another essential.

Station for five years before leaving to go to Eng- land. The two ladies in the photo are Flora Keil and ARLENE BROUGHT TO BOOK! Marlyn Keil (Dunlop). Like a great number of other stations, Dandaleith closed in the early 1960's. After several months of being covered by various personnel from the area, Arlene McLean became the In February, 1984 local butcher, Mackie Tawse and permanent librarian in Rothes just over ten weeks his apprentice, Caroline McDonald presented every ago. Although Arlene hails from Cummingston, she senior citizen with a meat pack. This was in recogni- has several connections to Rothes, probably the most tion of his twenty years as a butcher in the town. At notable being that her father, Isaac, played for that time there were 90 senior citizens, I'm sure you Rothes Football Club a while ago, but she has cous- will recognise many of them in the picture. ins in Speyside too. Arlene has settled in quickly and Caroline, now Mrs Hugh Tawse, has been a master is enjoying meeting her reading public in Rothes. butcher for over 20 years. As you will see by the Hopefully she will have a long and happy associa- tion with Rothes.

CURLING

Aberlour CC is looking for anyone interested in playing curling over the winter months. The club already has several Rothes members and would welcome anyone who has already played the game or is interested in learning the sport. Coaching can be provided. The season runs from September till the end of March and all matches take place at the Moray Leisure Centre ice rink. Competitive curling can be available to those interested. Please contact dates Mackie has served the public for 42 years. Keith Ross on 01340 831565 for further details.

Keith Ross

10 This issue is sponsored by Optometrist, Martin J Housden ROTHES FLOOD PREVENTION SCHEME

Since our last article, progress on the flood scheme has been good and we are now close to completing the detailed plans of the work that needs to be carried out. Once we have these, our consultation teams will be contacting everyone who requested follow up meetings after the Jan- uary exhibition to discuss the plans in more detail. One of the major concerns expressed at the exhibition was what would happen when the main bridge over the Burn of Rothes was replaced? It was a good question and as we said in March, we’ve been working on an answer. We have looked at a number of solutions and the best seems to be to construct a temporary bridge across the burn just upstream of the old present bridge. We are also pro- posing to construct a new bridge for pedes- trians and light vehicles just downstream of the old railway bridge to relieve the pressure on local traffic. The location of the temporary bridge has been modelled using computer software and the results show that there is enough room for heavy goods vehicles to get through. However just to be sure, we are going to mark out the route at a disused airfield and test it by driving a lorry through it! We will be producing a newsletter explaining the traffic plan ready for the next edition of the Rothesian. In the meantime please have a look at the new website which should be up and running in the next few weeks. In the next few months you may see diggers and other machines around, these will be carrying out further ground investigation work to finalise the design. Also we are hoping to install a gauging system to monitor water levels in the burns to provide flood warning for now and during the con- struction works.

If anyone has any queries regarding the scheme they should telephone Peter Haslam at Moray Flood Alleviation on 01343 559055 or visit the website at www.morayflooding.org

STEVE VERNON PROJECT MANAGER

This issue is sponsored by Optometrist, Martin J Housden 11 SPEYSIDE NEIGHBOURHOOD FORUM FIVE STILL DINNER

The first meeting of The Speyside Neighbourhood During this years Speyside Whisky Festival Tessie Forum took place at the Fleming Hall Aberlour on Rose, ([email protected]) hosted a Five Thursday 22nd July. Star Dinner in the Seafield Arms Hotel, Rothes which Due to lack of attendance at this meeting, the members was greatly appreciated by the Scottish and interna- present have defer moving the group forward until a tional guests. The Hotel provided a five course meal more reflective representation of the Speyside commu- of Scotch Broth, Spey Salmon, Haggis, Neeps and nity can be encouraged. Tatties, Clootie Dumpling and Scotch Coffee, all The next meeting will take place at the Church Hall, served with a taste of whisky provided by five local Church of Scotland, Rothes on Wednesday 13th Sep- distilleries. The drams gave the diners an insight into tember 2006. the different flavour and textures of the local malts, In the mean time, Rosalind Adie, Speyside Neighbour- Throughout the evening the guests were taken on a hood Forum Support Worker has offered to attend groups active in the area to inform them of the Com- munity Planning Process and the Speyside Neighbour- hood Forum. Rosalind’s role is to assist the forum by facilitating meetings and action groups as required, gather information and source training that will respond to the needs of this forum and their community.

ROTHES HORTICULTURAL AND INDUSTRIAL SOCIETY.

The Committee would like to thank everybody who supported their Annual Plant Sale and Coffee Morn- ing. Our next event will be our Annual Show on Saturday 2nd September, schedules are available in the usual outlets and at The Cottage, New Street. If you were awarded a trophy last year will you please return it to Mrs Shepherd, 80 Land Street, Rothes by 31st July. musical tour of Speyside and Scotland by Robbie and We will shortly be judging our Village Vegetable and Kenny Laing, Kinloss. The evening was greatly en- Flower Gardens for the Annual Trophies, if you would joyed by all. not like your garden to be judged please contact Mrs Molly Scott 831673.

SPONSORED WALK

Congratulations to Shona Brown, Sally Meldrum, Louise Nicoll and Suzanne Wight, for raising approxi- mately £1000 for the Prince & Princess of Wales Hos- pital in Glasgow. The girls took part in a sponsored walk along the length of the Speyside way, from Boat of Garten to Spey bay, a distance of over 50 miles. Louise and Suzanne were presented with Gold Med- als, while Shona and Sally got Bronze.

Grant Sutherland, High Street, Rothes, receiving his British Citizenship Certificate and Scroll, from Coun- cillor Pearl Paul

12 This issue is sponsored by Optometrist, Martin J Housden ROTHES GUILD NEWS “GIN THE BUCKLE BIDE”

Our last meeting of 2006 was on 14th March and We have been asked on a number of occasions to re- our speaker for the evening was Mrs Ann Bowie late the history of the Rothes Coat of Arms and the from Moray West Presbyterial Council. Mrs significance of “Grip Fast” and “Gin the buckle bide”. Bowie gave us an interesting talk on her work for the Guild and also an update on the six projects BURGH OF ROTHES supported by the Guild over the past 3 years. It is Azure, on a bend Argent three buckles Gules amazing to think that the Guild raised a stagger- (Above the Shield is placed a Burghal coronet.) ing £559,962.79 for these charities. Six new pro- (Lyon Register, xxix, 62: 2 February 1931) jects have been chosen for 2006 to 2009. Please check our display next time you are in the Kirk Bartholomew or Hall to find out more about them and about the Bartof, a noble Hun- Guild. garian, the founder of Our Coffee Morning on Saturday 8th April raised the family of Leslie, £370. A big thank you to everyone who support- came to Scotland in ed us. 1067 in the train of Our Guild Summer Outing was on Thursday 27th Margaret, afterwards April. After a lovely high tea at the Ugie Hotel the Queen of Mal- we made our way to see the production of “Puss colm Canmore. Bar- in Wellies” by the St. Rufus, Botriphnie and tholomew held the Grange Youth Group. Everyone really enjoyed office of Lord Cham- the evening. berlain to the Queen, The Committee is at the moment busy preparing and had the honour, the syllabus for the coming session. Our first according to the meeting will be on Tuesday 10th October 2006 at primitive fashion of 7:15 PM in the Kirk Hall. Please come and join those times, of carry- us (and bring a friend). ing the Queen on his Celine McDuff-Jones horse when she travelled. For ease a pad behind the Joint Secretary Chamberlain was provided for the Queen, and, for

safety, a belt buckled round his waist, supplied her

with a stay in case of danger or uneasy motion. On one MEMORIAL SEAT occasion when both thus mounted were crossing a riv-

Babs, the sister of Sir John Herbecq died recently er, the Queen nearly fell from the horse. On this the at the age of 90. Sir John is a regular visitor to Chamberlain in great anxiety, called, “Grip fast” to Rothes and a subscriber to the Rothesian. which the Queen replied, “Gin the Buckle Bide.” To Sir John and his three sisters are natives of obviate the danger of the buckle giving way in the fu- Rothes having been born at Benewe, Elgin Road, ture two more buckles were added to the belt. Hence- Rothes. forth the three buckles and “Grip Fast” became part of A bench dedicated to the memory of Babs the Leslie family Coat of Arms. (Myrtle) has recently been placed by the family Rothes, whose Castle was the stronghold of the Leslie on the bank of the Spey. Earls of Rothes until they moved to Fife in 1620, became a Police Burgh in 1884. The Coat of Arms are based on the Burgh seal and GOOD AS NEW have been made a different version of those of Leslie, Earl of Rothes. The blue and silver colours of the field The annual Good as New will take place in the have been interchanged and buckles made red – a Church Hall on the following dates: Grant and Ogilvie colour – since most of the lands in 3rd -7th July the district passed first into Grant hands and then to 10th - 14th July the Earls of Findlater, during the eighteenth century. Monday to Friday from 12 noon - 4pm The cost of matriculation was met from the Newlands Donations will be gratefully received from Sun- Legacy. day 2nd July at 3pm.

This issue is sponsored by Optometrist, Martin J Housden 13 SPEYSIDE COUNCIL ROTHES COUNCIL

The Speyside Council held its Annual General Meet- On Sunday 30th April Rothes Council members and ing in the Library, Speyside High School, on Thursday guests enjoyed an excellent presentation by the Moray 11th May 2006. Jim Anderson and John Tilley were Burial Ground Research Group. Bruce, Helen and re-elected as President and Vice-President respectively Keith talked on their work within the Group. Their and representatives from the local communities were work entails eight steps viz:- confirmed as forming the Executive Committee. Once Inventory again no-one was prepared to let their names go for- Survey of Burial Grounds ward for nomination as Convenor so it was agreed that Search of Archives future meeting should be chaired by the President. Preparation of site plan Jane Tweedie was elected Treasurer as a successor to Uncovering and recording of buried tombstones Robin McLennan and Brenda Cooper was re-elected Photographing, transcribing and interpreting memorial Secretary. inscriptions In keeping with the usual practice of having a guest Survey of Carved stones speaker, the meeting had a presentation from Ian Todd Sharing information and liaison with other groups 9eg and Rosalind Adie on a Neighbour Forum an Local Historic Scotland) Community Action Plan for the Speyside Area – yet There are 145 Burial grounds in Moray (many of them another attempt to involve local residents in determin- long forgotten and difficult to find) e.g. the old Draine ing “the issues that are important to you and your Churchyard in the middle of Lossiemouth Airfield not community”. This is more or less what the Speyside far from the main runway. Council has been trying to do for the last twenty odd The Group hoped to begin work on Dundurcas/Rothes years! Churchyards later in 2007. Group website The Speyside area Neighbourhood Forum has been set www.MBGRG.org. Application forms for member- up under the Moray Community Planning Partnership, ship of the group are available from the Cottage. and will be holding a public meeting at Speyside High School on Thursday 22nd June while the next meeting As the Rothes Council members were fully engaged in of the Speyside Council will be held at the same venue the Gala at the beginning of June there was no Council the following Thursday, 29th June when the success or Meeting. The next meeting will be on Monday 3rd otherwise of the Forum meeting will be discussed. July. Foremost on the Agenda will be an OPEN John Tilley, Vice-President DAY to be held at the Cottage over the summer months. We will be looking for local feedback on all our activities:- THE COTTAGE Rothes Council – Floral and Christmas Light displays The Cottage – Goods and activities The Cottage is running with a full compliment of vol- The Gala – Changes to future dates and activities. unteers. Unfortunately the visitor numbers seem to The Rothesian – 10 year celebratory edition have dropped this year so far. The visitors we have The Windfarm Fund – information on make up of fund had come from far and wide – Australia, New York, will be available. Poland, Germany, The Netherlands, Greece, Sweden, Details will be advertised when available. Canada, Japan and England. This year we have increased our range of ‘crest’ goods to include travel clocks, glassware, calculator/pen sets and caps. We have also got ‘Rothes’ pens and a FLORAL THANK YOU Rothes Tea Towel which was devised with the help of Stuart Harris and John Kelly. Tea towels are by far The Rothes Council wish to thank Jim Anderson and our best selling goods and we hope to further extend his team for once again attending to the tubs and hang- our range by creating a distillery tea towel featuring ing baskets around the town. local distilleries and associated industries. Also the Rothes Brownies for filling the window boxes at the Cottage. The girls have done a lovely job. The Cottage is open weekdays from 10am – 4pm and Saturdays 10am – 12noon.

14 This issue is sponsored by Optometrist, Martin J Housden 2006 GALA Bottle of William Lawson –J Hendry, Forsyth Avenue Bottle of Grouse – Ian Masson, Spey Street This year’s Gala, sponsored by Springfield Properties, Bottle of Rum – Jean Allan, Land Street was held on Sunday 28th May on what was a chilly, Bottle of Port – Susan Butt, Elgin windy day with one brief downpour right in the middle Bottle of Grouse – M Southwell, Green Street of the afternoon. Apart from that it was quite a suc- Bottle of Liqueur – H Connelly, Ben Aigen View cessful day thoroughly enjoyed by all those who Walker’s Hamper – Adam Reid, Land Street turned up. Medieval Queen, Jean Grimshaw (Rothes Wine – Fiona McTavish, Aberlour Community Ltd), ably assisted by Disco Princess Zoe Wine - Jane Ann McDonald, Land Street Lowe (Rothes Youth Club), opened the proceedings. Wine - Jean Grimshaw, Green Street The events in the ring included a Fire Eater, Agility Box of Chocolates – K Stuart High Street Dogs, Belly Dancers, kids’ races, welly throwing, etc. The girls beat the boys 32-4 in the welly throwing The total banked from the 3 events and raffle was just competition. The usual array of stalls surrounded the short of £3,000 but some expenses still have to be park and were well patronised. paid. Nevertheless, the amount raised shows a measure of the generosity of the people who attended the Gala. Sincere thanks to all the willing helpers who gave of their time to make sure that the day was a success.

POPCORN MACHINE

This years Gala saw a new piece of equipment in the striking red popcorn machine and cart which was manned on the day by Hilda Thomson and Ray Brum- by. The cart created a lot of interest especially for the children. The Rothes Council Gala wish to thank Diageo, for their donation of £500 towards the machine. The cheque from Diageo was presented by Mr Innes Shaw on Gala Day. The machine will be available for the use of other On Thursday 1st June the Gala Bingo was held in the groups in the town with a small charge to cover the Grant Hall and, again, attracted a large turnout, many costs of the maize and boxes. of whom had travelled to get here. A large selection of attractive prizes was up for grabs all of which, with one exception, were donated by local businesses and local people. Our grateful thanks are extended to all those who gave so freely.

The Annual Challenge Day took place on the afternoon of Saturday 3rd June. The weather, although not brilliant, was much kinder to us than on Gala Day, at least it stayed dry for the afternoon. The crowd were entertained by Rothes Rovers, and the annual Henbog- Cockinch Challenge was organised by Rothes “A” football team. Several of the previous week’s stalls were in business again, and managed to make enough profit to have made their efforts worthwhile. There was also a mini bingo session held in the large gazebo and this too proved a popular attraction for a fair number of people. The draw for the Gala Raffle took place in the gazebo following the football and was drawn by 8 year old Aaron Ewan. The winners were as follows; £100 – Mrs Matthews, Ashville Court £ 50 - A Scott, Provost Christie Drive £ 25 - Jane Ann McDonald, Land Street Bottle of Chivas Regal – Joyce Stewart, Lossiemouth

This issue is sponsored by Optometrist, Martin J Housden 15 ROTHESIAN AWARD

At the 2006 Moray Awards Project for Community Newsletters and Websites the “ROTHESIAN” was awarded the ‘Northern Scot’ Shield, a framed Highly Commended certificate and a Bottle of Glen Moray whisky as runner up in the Moray Community Newsletter category. The shield was presented to the group representatives, Pearl and Jean, by Dr Winnie Ewing. The winner was The Fochaberian.

Pauline Taylor, editor of the ‘Northern Scot’ said of the ‘Rothesian’ –

“Bright, newsy and packed with information. A variety of contributors and lots of feedback shows that the newspaper is well appreciated and well read. A good record of sponsorship. A homely little newspaper but one which fulfils its purpose and shows what a small community can do. Congratulations on maintaining a consistent standard and providing a real service to Rothes.”

This was the first year of the awards and the organisers – the Local Action Group of the Moray Action for Communities were amazed by the number of entries which more than doubled their original expecta- tions. Serious thought is being given to making this an annual event.

16 This issue is sponsored by Optometrist, Martin J Housden