Poems by local bard

This week's old picture of some family members was sent in by William Campbell, who now lives in Edinburgh but was brought up in Forres. Far left is his aunt Ina, behind her is his father, William MacDonald Stuart, and second left is his grandfather, William Campbell, who is adjacent to the daughter and granddaughter of the lady at the far right of the picture whom the family called Granny Wink. William is bouncing on the knee of his mother, Margaret Ann Stuart (1929), and second right is his grandmother, Jessie Campbell, who ran a shop - W.M. Campbell - at 32 High Street, Forres. The shop was later run by Mr Campbell's mother.

100 YEARS AGO

From the files of 'The Forres Gazette' of Wednesday, October 18, 1911.

"Lays of Findhornshire" - This is the title of the new coronation edition of the poems of our local bard, Mr James M'Queen. The reception of the two previous issues of his effusions was very cordial and we are glad to see that the encouragement given has resulted in the publication of the handsome octaro before us. The contents, some of which first saw the light in our columns, include a varied selection of poems, small and great. Many of them are excellent examples of northern Doric verse and show that the muse of the author mellows with age. "The Adventure of a Pawky Pair" and "Merry Jane or The Boathill Inn," are admirable examples of pure and unadulterated Scotch versified humour.

Sale of property - Yesterday the warerooms in Tytler Street, along with the dwelling house, workshop, offices and garden, recently occupied by the late Mr Alexander Cowie, cabinetmaker, were exposed for sale in the office of John Leask, solicitor here, at the reduced upset price of £600. There being no offers the sale was adjourned.

50 YEARS AGO

From the files of 'The Forres Gazette' of Wednesday, October 18, 1961.

Increased 'sub' - Badminton is to cost more in the Brodie area. At the annual general meeting of Brodie Badminton Club, held in Dyke Parish Hall, the subscription was raised to 25s per year. School members will be admitted at 10s (but they must leave the hall at 9pm). The question of whether or not the club should take part in Forres and District Badminton Association's league competition was deferred, as it was considered that many of the players were young and lacking in experience for league play.

Dunphail badminton - Were it not for their share (£30) of the proceeds of successful marquee dances held at Dunphail during the summer, Dunphail Badminton Club would be showing a loss on the year's working. At the annual general meeting in Edinkillie Public Hall last week, it was reported that, in fact, there was a credit balance of over £17. Mr W.M. Reid, president, presided. It was decided that the subscription remain at 15s and that a Christmas draw be organised for funds.

25 YEARS AGO

From the files of 'The Forres Gazette' of Wednesday, October 15, 1986.

Menace of 'magic mushrooms' - The guest speaker at Forres Round Table on Wednesday was Detective Inspector Sandy McMorran, of Grampian Police, who gave a talk on drugs.

Insp McMorran showed samples of various drugs, including heroin and cannabis. He expressed concern at the number of young people now picking "magic mushrooms" in the local parks, a practice police are keeping a close eye on.

Tabler Chris Stephen proposed a vote of thanks.

Spot-on - A local part-time worker and his fiancée have won a national 'spot the ball' competition and with it a six-figure bounty.

The couple, who wish to remain anonymous, are thought to have collected in the region of £100,000.

Superstore has jobs galore - Up to 90 full and part-time jobs could be created in Forres if a detailed planning application for a William Low supermarket is given the go-ahead by Moray planning committee on November 5.

That's the date when the much-vaunted supermarket plan will be discussed.

It has taken nearly two years to bring the proposal to the detailed planning stage, and there are high hopes that the project will get the green light.

Developer Mr Malcolm Warrack, of Malcolm Gray Ltd of Edinburgh, told the "Gazette" this week: "We already have the outline planning permission, so I have every confidence that we are on the last lap."