Poultry lectures at Kinloss School

The 'Royal' red carpet which was purchased for the Queen's visit to Forres during the summer of 1961 is the subject of our 'Echoes from 50 years ago' this week, covering the news of the time, that a decision had been made to sell the carpet which had cost £68 11s, which was a lot of money at the time. In this picture the carpet is flanked at either side by two halberdiers thought to be Albert Hay and George McDonough, wearing ceremonial dress of distinctive red jackets and white gloves. The assembled party seated at the right of the dais in Grant Park included the provost of the time, Michie Anderson, and local police inspector W.J. Guthrie. Can anyone provide further information about the fate of the carpet? Contact newsdesk@forres-gazette.co.uk

100 YEARS AGO

From the files of 'The Forres Gazette' of Wednesday, December 13, 1911.

Kinloss School - The use of Kinloss School has now been granted for a course of lectures on poultry management under the auspices of the Aberdeen and North of Scotland College of Agriculture.

Football - On Saturday Forres Thistle were defeated at Roysvale Park here by Bishopmill by 3 goals to 2.

J. Munro, Forres Mechanics, has been suspended for a fortnight and W. Gray and Watt, Inverness Thistle, for four and six weeks respectively.

Altyre-presentation - On Thursday last, Miss Persse, mistress of Altyre School, was waited upon and presented by the pupils with a gold bangle on the occasion of her leaving. The gift was handed over by Master Alfred Reader, Miss Persse suitably acknowledging the handsome gift.

50 YEARS AGO

From the files of 'The Forres Gazette' of Wednesday, December 13, 1961.

Garages to be built - Twenty garages for the use of municipal tenants are to be built by Forres Town Council. This was decided at the council's monthly meeting on Monday evening, and the total cost will be about £3,400.

Moving acceptance of the Housing Committee's recommendation, Provost R.B.S. Braid said that many people in the housing schemes had cars, but at most of the houses it was not possible to have garages erected. The committee considered it would be a good thing to erect a number of garages together and let them at an economic rent.

Balie Sam Anderson seconded the motion, which was adopted.

The 'Royal' carpet will be sold - The red carpet purchased for the visit by the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh to Forres in August is to be sold. This was decided at a meeting of the Town Council's Finance Committee on Thursday.

The question was raised by Treasurer Pat McKenzie, finance convener, who presided. What was to be done about the carpet? he asked. It cost £68 11s, and he invited suggestions by members.

Councillor W. S. Liddell - I do not suppose we could put it up for sale? There might be a demand for some sentimental persons who would like the carpet the Queen walked on.

On a motion by Councillor Liddell, seconded by Balie Mackintosh, the meeting agreed that the carpet, measuring 39 square yards, be advertised for sale, either in whole or in parts.

25 YEARS AGO

From the files of 'The Forres Gazette' of Wednesday, December 10, 1986.

Beware of rustlers - Nearly 50 sheep with a market value of over £3,000 have been stolen from a farm at Cawdor.

The breeding ewes disappeared in two batches, each of 24, from an area of upland grazing near Dulsie Bridge of Mains of Clunas Farm.

The 20,000-acre spread is owned by Cawdor Estates and tenanted by Mr John Mathieson.

The ewes are all distinctly marked with red paint on their right horns. A 'black bit' or notch has been taken out of each ear and the letter 'M' embossed on the left horn.

The farm had a stock of 150 breeding ewes before the thefts.

Offices ransacked - Moray Estates farm produce centre at Greshop Industrial Estate was ransacked by raiders last week.

And police at Forres have appealed for information about the incident which took place between 6pm on December 3 and 1am on December 4.

Entry was gained using the window in a toilet at the rear of the large building.

Two offices were ransacked, with locked desks and cabinets being forced open.