100 YEARS AGO

From the files of 'The Forres Gazette' of Wednesday, December 27, 1911.

Dyke Parish Council - Brodie of Brodie has been re-elected chairman of Dyke Parish Council and the Rev John MacEwen has been re-appointed vice-chairman.

Important appointment - Miss Jessie Grant, Wester Alves, has received an appointment as dairy instructress at the Horticultural College for Women, Studley Castle, Warwickshire.

Presentation to teacher - On Thursday, Miss Waters, a popular teacher at the Academy here, whose resignation was recently announced, was presented by the teaching staff with a handsome dress case on the occasion of her forthcoming marriage.

50 YEARS AGO

From the files of 'The Forres Gazette' of Wednesday, December 27, 1961.

Less than expected - The cost of repairing the Town Hall since a further outbreak of dry rot was discovered there some weeks ago was £155, which is considerably less than the estimated expenditure (£200). This was reported to the Finance Committee on Thursday.

Skaters warning - Once again the Laird of Altyre, Sir Wm Gordon Cumming, has given permission to the residents of Forres to skate on The Loch of the Blairs. Intimating this at the monthly meeting of the Town Council, Provost R. B. S. Braid once again reminded all who might make use of this facility to respect the laird's property and cause no damage to the premises.

25 YEARS AGO

From the files of 'The Forres Gazette' of Wednesday, December 24, 1986.

Parent saves party treat - Sixty Forres Primary School pupils were sent home last week to explain to parents, with the help of a letter, that their Christmas party had been cancelled because their teachers had refused to become involved.

The group of six to seven-year-olds at Anderson's Primary would have been the only two classes in the school left out of the planned festive celebrations - but for the thoughtfulness of one parent who took it upon herself to arrange an alternative party.

The original plans had to be scrapped because the two teachers had been advised by their union, the EIS, not to become involved in extra-curricular activities.

But Mrs Joy Eldon, 23 Bogton Road, stepped in by staging a party on Friday afternoon in the Town Hall, complete with Santa Claus and his sackful of presents.

Free bus run - A Forres public service transport operator has offered his own Christmas gift to local people - a free hospital bus run for four days over the festive season.

On Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day and January 2, Forres Taxis will run a free service to Leanchoil Hospital from the town centre.

Owner Mr Jack Dingwall (58) will drive the yellow 14-seat Ford Transit himself, and plans to start his run daily from the Cross on High Street at 2pm. The return journey from Leanchoil will leave the hospital at 3pm.