We can all play a part in the future

“ASK not what Forres can do for you but what you can do for Forres” could be the message that’s coming from our front page this week.

First up, help is needed after a spate of break-ins that have happened in the south-east of the town over the last fortnight. The fear that you could return home to find your property has been stolen is a horrible thing to live with and nobody in Forres should have to put up with it. It is imperative that anyone who knows anything about this gets in contact with the police to help them with their enquiries

People are also being asked to get involved in a consultation on maternity services provided by NHS Grampian. It is vital that people are aware of what is going on, and if they have any concerns to make their voices heard. Everyone, at some point in their lives, has needed the care of a midwife and we should all make clear how much we value the work they do.

In other pages we showcase the way RAF Kinloss has been used to help troops from the nearby air base at Lossiemouth prepare for service in Afghanistan. Whatever anyone’s feelings on the campaign in that country, everybody will want them to come home safely and it is great to see that they can prepare locally for what will undoubtedly be an extremely tough assignment.

We also report on the important and quite varied work firefighters in Forres have carried out over the last 10 days. Though, fortunately, none of the events they were called out to were too serious, it is clear that the fire service in Forres is ready and willing to tackle anything, a great reassurance to all of the town’s residents.

Another thing that builds reassurance in the community is the knowledge that old traditions are continuing. And this week, we saw one of our local customs continue for another year when the Forres Angling Association returned to the River Findhorn. Since 1933 they have cast their flys into a stretch of the riverand it is great to see them once again enjoying one of our area’s most impressive natural landmarks.