FG Pages 22-03

18/4/06

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Page 22 – Wednesday, April 19, 2006

The Forres Gazette

Editorial/Advertising: (01309) 672615

1 Hugh tees off a new era

Editorial/Advertising: (01309) 672615

The Forres Gazette

Wednesday, April 19, 2006 – Page 3

SPORT

GOLF

FORMER Scottish Amateur Champion Hugh Stuart returned to his native Forres on Monday to unveil new practice facilities which will give Forres golfers better opportunities than ever to develop their skills. Mr Stuart was a Forres Golf Club junior member in the 1950s. He turned professional at 18 before returning to the amateur ranks two years later. In 1971 he helped the Great Britain and Ireland team release the USA’s Walker Cup stranglehold. The home team beat America 13-11 at St Andrews. A year later he captured the Scottish Amateur title. Half a century on from Mr Stuart’s own junior days, a new generation of young golfers in

Forres has never had it better. “We have put a lot of work over the winter into developing the new facilities,” said Forres professional Sandy Aird. “We now have an eight bay driving range, we are preparing five short par 3 holes for the junior development, and we have an Arena Green where you can practice your bunker play and pitching. “Except for the five short holes everything is ready to be used. They will probably need another year so the turf can knit in, or we may be able to use them later this summer.” The club has an impressive record for attracting and retaining junior members. The club boasts 120 juniors and offers free membership to the under 12s. The completion of the

■ THIRTY ladies took part in the ladies’ section Extra Medal Day at Forres on a sunny but blustery day with the odd shower. Overall winner Rhona Cameron also wins the SLGA Brooch for the best net score. CSS was 73, making this the first competition this year which has counted for handicap. Division 1 – Rhona Cameron 78 (89) 70, Mrs. Isobel Taylor 83 (12) 71, Mrs Ann Kinlin 95 (20) 75. Division 2 – Catherine Urquhart 105 (31) 74, Nichola Dalby 103 (27) 76, Carmel O’Brien 113 (35) 78. ■ THERE was a good entry of 38 players when Forres golf club Wednesday Seniors played the first round of the Jim Macleod Trophy. Results – Div 1: G Jenkins (6) 33 points; T R Fleetham (9) 30 points. Div 2: B Thomas (13) 35 points; E P Lamsdell (14) 34 points. Div 3: R Walker (21) 32 points (BIH); I P McKenzie (22) 32 points.

new facilities comes at the point when Forres is preparing to open its doors to the community’s children. The club was the first in Scotland to pilot the national junior golf strategy, clubgolf’s Level 3 Development course, and 16 local children are involved. Next year, the club will cast its net wider and take

in children who are experiencing clubgolf’s introductory game, firstclubgolf, at school. Launched last year by former Open Champion Paul Lawrie, firstclubgolf is played with multi-coloured modified clubs, rubberised balls and Velcro targets, and taught by teachers. The age of nine has been

BOWLING

identified as the best stage for children to learn and become involved with the sport. Children who enjoy the experience can learn the basics of the game – including the fundamentals of putting, chipping, full swing, rules and etiquette – over a 20-week period on clubgolf’s Stage 1 course. It is hosted by golf clubs, led by clubgolf Level 1 volunteer coaches and uses real equipment. The new practice facilities at Forres Golf Club will provide the perfect setting for the clubgolf trainees to make their first swings. “The new facilities are there for all the club members but promoting the game to juniors is our priority,” said club captain James Duncan. “The young children which clubgolf is introduc-

ing from primary schools, who are just starting and aren’t ready to go onto the course straight away will benefit the most. “Hugh was a junior member at Forres about 50 years ago and as a great favourite at Forres. We felt he would be the perfect person to open the new practice area. “He is very keen on helping juniors and we are very grateful that he came over to help us today.” Monday’s opening of the new Forres practice facilities coincided with clubgolf ’s inclusion in the Forres Pro-Am. Six teams of three talented junior players from Grampian and Highland were invited to compete in the event. A club assistant professional, who provided guidance and mentoring, accompanied each team.

MARTIAL ARTS

CYCLING A STRONG northerly wind blowing straight across the Kinloss to College of Roseisle road, chilling race officials, spectators and competitors to the very bone in the Bill Stuart 10mile time trial. Thirty-three riders braved the conditions to compete in the Forres Club’s first promotion of the year. Six were from the promoting club with Peter Ettles snr the most likely to succeed after a great start to the season winning over the same distance the previous Sunday. But with Carlos Riise on a weekend foray from his home in Shetland, and the form rider of the field, only the most loyal would have put money on Ettles. He had an early start at number 20 and, making light of the conditions, passed the finish timekeeper in a superfast time of 22 minutes 43 seconds. Riise was last man off at number 40 and for nearly 20 minutes hopes were raised of a local victory. Ettles’ time should have been enough and it was a startling time given the bitter conditions. But hopes were dashed as Riise streaked over the line 50 seconds faster leaving a bemused Ettles in second place. Third was Vince Maclennan of Clachnacuddin CC in 23m 21s. Other Forres finishers were new member David Harter winning third handicap prize in 25m 30s; Kevin Lackie next in 25m 44s; Gordon Lawrie 26m 37s; Billy Gunn 26m 49s; and his schoolboy son David 29m 1s.

REDUCED

Prizewinners from the Victoria Indoor Bowing Club. Sitting, centre, are Jean McIntosh, ladies champion with George Marr – gents and overall club champion. From left are the other prizewinners: Ian Stewart, Anne McIntosh, Sheena Allan, Willie D MacPherson, Barry Dinnes, Ann Cockburn, Gordon Gray and Mrs Margaret Litttlejohn, who also presented the prizes. MEMBERS of the Forres Victoria Indoor Bowling club held their annual prizegiving dinner at the Carlton Hotel in when more than 30 members enjoyed a meal and social gathering with trophies being presented by Mrs Margaret Littlejohn. Receiving the Anderson Triples Trophy were the team of Margaret Littlejohn, Sheena Alan and Willie D

MacPherson (skip). Prizes for the rinks were given to Margaret Littlejohn, Ann Cockburn, Ian Stewart and Anne McIntosh (captain) Triples winners were Shena Allan, Jean McIntosh, W D MacPherson (captain) and pairs – Barry Dinnes and W D MacPherson (captain). Ladies champion was Jean McIntosh and gents Champion and overall club champion was George Marr.

(Fornighty) 13; B. and H. Paxton (RBL Nairn) 11 R. Wilkinson and A. Brown (Nairn) 10; J. Convery and F. Milne (RBL Nairn) 9 A. and J. McInotsh (Forres Victoria) 11. Semi-finals – C. and S. Black 8 C. Grigor and S. MacLean 12; B. and H. Paxton 12 A. and J. McIntosh 9. Final – Chrissie Grigor and Scott MacLean 10 Heather and Brian Paxton 8.

lost his chance when he hit a mark. Meanwhile, Stuart Urquhart had sorted out his navigational problems and was now working his way through the fleet and seemed bound to retake the lead if the race went on for long enough. In the event it was not quite long enough and George Morris won by 10 seconds. The previous evening saw the clubhouse packed for a games evening, one of a series of social events scheduled for the coming season. Sunday’s racing was cancelled due to strong winds and low temperatures, although two boats did briefly put to sea. There is no racing next weekend due to the lack of a suitable tide.

YOUNGSTERS from all over Moray are taking part in a badminton tournament on Friday hoping to be selected to represent their area in the national Badminton Sportshall Challenge being held in Perth during June. The tournament will see eight teams of primary schoolchildren who have been part of cluster events involving more than 300 children from schools in Buckie, Elgin, Forres, Lossiemouth and Mosstodloch. Devised by Badmintonscotland. The format of the Badminton Sportshall Challenge differs from a badminton tournament in that there is no match-play involved. Instead, the teams must complete a number of challenges such as obstacle courses and target hitting, all which involve the use of badminton equipment or skills. The event is being organised by Moray Active Schools and will have Scottish international

success at a karate and kickboxing held in Elgin are members of the DeMartial Arts Academy are Dominique (14), from Forres Academy and instructor Warren De-Vry.

TWO competitors from the De-Vry Korean Martial Arts Academy twon medals in the 2006 World Karate/kickboxing Association Scottish national championships which were held in Elgin. There was a great turnout of competitors, representing many different styles of the martial arts, all competing for national titles and Scottish team selection for the world championships that will take place in Spain later on this year. Instructor Warren De-Vry won gold in the men’s over 80kg semi contact division and a bronze in the over 35 years semi contact division. Dominique Sutherland (14), won silver for junior forms and a bronze in the girls’ semi contact plus 165cm division.

POOL

BADMINTON

SAILING UNDER a grey sky accompanied by a cool wind which occasionally reached 20 knots, 10 boats came to the starting line for the Fitting Out Burgee – the Findhorn Yacht Club’s first race of the season. It looked like Laser weather and Stuart Urquhart was indeed first round the windward mark and looked set to win by a considerable margin. There are dangers in leading, however, and with no-one to follow he started the second leg in the wrong direction allowing George Morris in a Phantom to plane past lan Underwood’s National 18 to take the lead. lan Ellis, sailing his new Musto Skiff, took the lead from time to time but capsized at each of the three marks while Bill Soudan in a Blaze

■ THE Fornighty pairing of Chrissie Grigor and Scott MacLean beat Heather and Brian Paxton of Nairn Royal British Legion in the final of the McKenna Cup charity pairs competition held at the Nairn Legion at the weekend. Results: Quarter finals – C.J. McKay and G. Stephen (RBL Nairn) 10 C. and S. Black (Nairn) 13; C. Stephen and A. McInnes (RBL Nairn) 5 C. Grigor and S. MacLean

Celebrating competition Vry Korean Sutherland

Jamie Neill overseeing the events in conjunction with SportScotland’s Sporting Champions scheme, which uses sports stars and emerging talent to inspire and motivate young people to become and remain involved in sport. John McMulkin, Moray Active Schools manager, said, “It is hoped that by giving children this early introduction to badminton they will be encouraged to continue with the sport perhaps joining a club and participating in further competitions. “Having Jamie here will prove inspirational and show the children just how far they can go.” Anyone interested in volunteering to help with future physical activity based events and activities can contact John McMulkin on 01343 557145 or e-mail: [email protected]. uk

THE Forres and District Pool Leagues have finished and there were exciting climaxes to both the A and B Leagues, with each going down to the final game and game difference. The Newmarket had led the A League for the last four games but an unexpected loss to the Vic A handed the league title to the Mosset C. In the B League, a similar story was told. Mosset B only had to seal a win against the Red Lion B to win outright, but again the leaders faltered and went down 6-3. With wins for the Riverslea and the Stables on the night, leaving all three teams on 36 points, it went to games difference, with the Riverslea taking the title by a single game. League president Ali Calder said: “A well fought title race took place in both leagues and the standard of play this year has been by far the best I have seen in some time.” This week sees the first of the competitions. The speed,

shoot and killer events will be held at the Castle tomorrow night (Thursday) at 7.30pm. Registration at 7.30pm for 8pm start. The Forres Singles, due to be played on Sunday, have been postponed until Sunday, May 14, in the Mosset Tavern at 12.30pm. A LEAGUE . . . . . . . . . . . . . P W L Pt Mosset C . . . . . 30 25 5 50 Newmarket . . . 30 25 5 50 Carisbrooke A . 30 20 10 40 Carlton A . . . . . 30 20 10 40 Abbey A. . . . . . 30 18 12 38 Vic A . . . . . . . . 30 16 14 32 Red Lion A . . . 30 13 17 26 Carlton B . . . . . 50 8 22 16 B LEAGUE P W Riverslea . . . . . 30 18 Stables . . . . . . . 30 18 Mosset B . . . . . 30 18 Red Lion B . . . 30 14 Castle. . . . . . . . 40 10 Vic B . . . . . . . . 30 7 Abbey B. . . . . . 30 6 Cyber cafe . . . . 30 11

L 12 12 12 16 20 23 24 19

Pt 36 36 36 26 20 14 12 10

THE Moray Community Planning Partnership, which has 13 members, such as Grampian Fire and Rescue Service, Grampian Police, HIE Moray, Joint Community Councils, NHS Grampian, the RAF and Moray Council, has identified seven themes to be addressed by Neighbourhood Forums. These themes are achieving a safer community; improving travel facilities, choices and safety; investing in children and young people; achieving a healthy and caring community;

The next day’s competition weather conditions were worse. The temperature hovered around zero and a blizzard reduced visibility to just a few feet. Ettles powered away from the line wasting precious little time establishing a powerful rhythm. Off at three and four were the two Forres CC schoolboys Ryan Kilmer (12), in only his second race, and David Gunn, a pupil at Forres Academy. In between the boys and last man off Riise was a cross section of some of the best in Scotland including five more riders from Forres. In the final analysis, the result was very similar to Saturday’s event except that Peter Ettles had reduced the gap between himself and Riise to a mere two seconds; 1 C Riise 22m 43s; 2 P Ettles 22m 45s. Harter won the first handicap prize. Other Forres riders were Billy Gunn 25m 54s, Gordon Lawrie 27m 28s, David Gunn 28m 59s and Ryan Kilmer 34m 35s. ■ Forres Academy pupil Graeme Laughton left Forres CC over the winter period and now rides for Tri Changing Gear, although still locally based. Graeme’s training over the winter has been punctuated by periods of illness but now he returning to form. He has been training with the Scottish squad in Dundee and with the recovery powers only possessed by a 16-year-old competed in a senior road race in Arbroath. This is a big step up in both distance and quality of opposition as traditionally the jump from youth to junior is a difficult transition, and he finished in touch with the bunch.

planning and working for increased prosperity; building stronger communities; protecting and enhancing the environment. Five local people were trained to work with Community Learning and Development and Neighbourhood Forum support workers, to carry out a consultation on the themes and establish the feeling of the people in the Forres area. The forum will cover Forres, Rafford, Dallas, Kinloss, Findhorn, Dyke, Kintessack, Brodie, Logie, Alves and Darnaway.

Supporters and members of the local EarthShare organic farming group reinforce the Say no to GM Foods message during their annual spring festival. Far left is Pam Bochel, a director of the scheme.

Festival presses home the GM foods message A GROUP of local organic farmers gathBy TANYA McLAREN ered near Forres to enjoy a special spring around the country, from festival and celebra- the EarthShare farmer. During the afternoon Dorset to Moray. A tion of their successful boxed vegetable EarthShare subscribers also Highland beacon was also enjoyed a bit of spring fun lit at Laikenbuie outside scheme. The event at Wester Lawrenceton Farm also saw the local organic EarthShare group lighting a beacon as part of a national GM-free chain of beacons being lit around the country aimed at reinforcing the Say no to Genetically Modified Foods message. Local EarthShare spokesperson Pam Bochel said that despite the unseasonal weather, EarthShare subscribers who pay to receive a box of organic vegetables every month, enjoyed the picnic. The group then took part in a short tattie howking demonstration done in the traditional way by using Tommy and Morgan, who are two Clydesdale horses belonging to Nick Molnar,

by helping to make scarecrows which are aimed at acting as a deterrent for the hungry Moray pigeons who enjoy nibbling the organic vegetables. “At 4pm we joined together with other groups around the UK to light a beacon as part of a Global Day of Action against GM crops,” said Ms Bochel. “The beacon was both a celebration that no GM crops are currently being grown in Britain, and also a reminder to the Scottish Executive, Westminster government and biotech corporations around the world that the British public do not want GM crops and food.” She explained that more than 30 beacons were lit

Nairn. Ms Bochel, who is also a director of EarthShare, said they were pleased with how the event went and delighted with the success of the scheme. EarthShare is a Moraybased community supported agriculture scheme which was established in 1994. It supplies organic soft fruit and vegetables for up to 200 local families. “We have been growing organic vegetables for local people for over 12 years now,” she said. Subscribers make a commitment to the scheme for a year at a time and during that year they receive an equal share of everything that is harvested. They are encouraged to

come to the field to help out with workshifts and to take part in social events. The scheme works hand in hand with the Soil Association who describe it as a partnership between farmers and consumers where the responsibilities and rewards of farming are shared. “If GM crops are grown commercially in this country we will lose our right to choose to eat organic food – contamination will become inevitable, and this will affect conventional crops, not just organic crops,” said Ms Bochel. “There has been no independent research carried out into the safety of food derived from these crops. So, to consider growing them in the open seems nothing short of ludicrous. “EarthShare is proof that small-scale local growing schemes are viable, and the corporate take-over and industrialisation of farming is not the way forward.”

New group to defend the dunes A MEETING which was held to discuss the future of the dunes and the woodland near Findhorn has resulted in the formation of new community group. The group came about following a packed and lively public meeting held at the James Milne Institute, at which feelings ran high about the future of woodland and duneland belonging to Duneland Ltd. A small committee was formed from members of the wider community who have a shared goal to become involved in the future of land to the east of the village. The group represent a broad spectrum of interests in the area and have already met three times since January. At the last meeting of the Findhorn and Kinloss Community Council, member Rob Shand said that things seemed to be progressing well with all members of the community from around Findhorn, Kinloss and the Findhorn Foundation working well together. The group who have been named The Findhorn Hinterland Group are working with landowners, including Duneland Ltd, in the management of holdings in the area. Spokesman Ray Taylor said the name Hinterland was chosen to emphasis the widening of the group’s focus to include the larger area that could be affected by any changes in land use in the locality. This would include the village, the Findhorn Foundation, the MOD boundary and the Moray Firth shoreline which roughly bound the area of varied landscape. “The land includes various different zones,” he said,

“including the pine plantation known as Wilkie’s Wood, other landowners’ interests and designated conservation areas.” He explained that the basis of the group’s objectives, as stated in their constitution are for “ongoing liaison and cooperation with the area’s landowners, notably in matters relating to conservation, woodland management, enhancement of the area’s environmental and bio-diversity values, recreation and heritage.” A number of goals have already been identified. These include the expert assessment of the flora and fauna of the whole hinterland area, the gradual transformation of the Wilkie’s Wood plantation into more mixed and informal woodland and the development of educational opportunities and materials. “It is hoped to encourage the involvement of local groups and individuals in the practical work of management and conservation for the mutual benefit of the wider community and the landowners,” Mr Taylor said. “Local membership of the group will be encouraged and publicised at some point in the future.” Meanwhile, the group has formed a working committee that will report to the wider community including local residents at regular intervals to ensure that they are kept in touch with plans for the management of this special environmental resource. Anyone interested in finding out more can sign up to receive e-mails by e-mailing hint-subscribe@ lists.riseup.net or call Ray Taylor on 0845 058 0537.

New Opening Hours Tuesday-Friday 9.30 am-5.30 pm Saturday/Sunday 10.00 am-6.00 pm Closed Mondays (Open every day during school holidays)

Parent and Toddler Group (Held during term time)

Tuesday-Friday 9.30-11.30 am £2 including juice and biscuits Babies under 1 year old play free

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