Forres Heritage Trust's Winter Talks series on local subjects at the Tolbooth is selling out
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A SERIES of historical talks is underway, marking the start of a busy year ahead for the organisers.
Forres Heritage Trust (FHT), which works to protect two key landmarks in the town, has already staged one of its winter talks, with another to take place in a few weeks.
FHT trustee and volunteer co-coordinator Peter Haworth said: “The Winter Talks series is very popular. The first, presented by fellow trustee Michael Ellison, featured ‘The Lighthouse Stevensons’. Our next on Sueno’s Stone has sold out.
“Tickets for the March presentation by Tim Negus on ‘Bangers and Bothies’ - salmon fishing on the River Findhorn - are also selling well.”
He added: “We’re delighted to be able to add a fourth talk this year: by Yvonne Findlay on her film about the controversial life and career of James Ramsay MacDonald, Lossiemouth’s most famous son. It’s been touring the UK, so to secure it for the Tolbooth is a coup. The talk has been funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.”
Yvonne’s film was produced in Moray as a tribute to Britain’s first Labour Prime Minister and friend of Sir Alexander Grant of Forres. Following the UK tour to commemorate the centennial of his election, it will be shown in the Tolbooth on April 18.
FHT is made up of volunteers. Their roles include meeting and greeting visitors to, and looking after, Nelson’s Tower and the Tolbooth. A small team also works in the Tolbooth archive, creating two photographic exhibitions a year. Another team focuses on carrying out maintenance works at the Tolbooth.
As well as the Winter Talks, the trust is working with 2nd Forres Boys Brigade to support their baton relay handover this weekend to mark the national organisation’s 140th anniversary. Then in early June, a talk on Sir Alexander Grant will take place in conjunction with the Friends of Falconer Museum.
“The trust is adding more and more to its event schedule,” explained Peter. “Locals and visitors alike can look forward to some interesting spectacles.”
He added: “We’’e working closely with the team staging ‘Grant Park 100’ in August. All these events are in addition to the photographic exhibitions, Doors Open Day, as well as the Nelson’s Tower and Tolbooth tours.”
For more information visit https://forresheritage.co.uk/
