LOOKING BACK: Reflections from Ross-shire Journal's archive 100, 50 and 25 years ago; Lochbroom Parish Council office-bearers elected; Attadale House entertains the staff; Sad death in Laide; Black Isle Theatre Club warms up for carols; Skills shared at Alness WRI
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25 Years Ago
Carol singing on Black Isle
From the edition of December 20, 1996
Once again the Black Isle Theatre Club will be holding their annual community carol singing in Fortrose Cathedral on Christmas Eve.
The collection this year is in aid of Abbeyfield House and as usual there will be soup on sale at the interval.
Rehearsals are going well for the forthcoming production of Oliver but it has been decided to put the show back a week so as not to clash with the music festival in Inverness and this enable orchestra members to appear.
The watercolour especially painted by Fred Cross for the East Ross branch of the Save the Children Fund was won by Alison Fraser, Cromarty View, Invergordon. The sum realised was £91.25.
Judith Cameron, Saltburn, won the jar containing 309 sweeties and the place names quiz had two winners from 30 entries – Mrs E.A. Chisholm, Sutor View, Barbaraville and and Alison Fraser, who both won a £5 prize.
50 Years Ago
Skills shared at the rural
From the edition of December 17, 1971
The December meeting of Alness WRI took the form of a craft evening in which four of the members demonstrated their skills.
Mrs Macaskill showed how to make rugs from leftover materials; Mrs Macphee demonstrated both English and Italian quilting; Miss Fay Munro explained the art of making Christmas table decorations and Mrs A.U. Mackenzie talked about china decorating.
Mrs Boak showed her skills in the competitions winning the mince pies and pin cushion categories. She was pipped to shortbread honours by Mrs Mackenzie.
Distribution of coal to the old the needy in the Alness area was amongst the items discussed by Easter Ross Round Table, at the Royal Hotel in Tain. Arrangements were also made for carol services in Alness and Tain.
Parents and children were put on notice that Santa would be in Tain on December 18 “so come along and receive a present”.
100 Years Ago
Notes from Wester Ross
From the edition of December 16, 1921
At the statutory meeting of Lochbroom Parish Council, Ken Cameron was unanimously re-elected chairman and Sir Montague Fowler of Braemore was re-appointed the council’s representative on the Mid Ross District Committee. Hugh Mackenzie of Dundonnell was elected a parish councillor for that ward in place of John Finlayson who resigned.
The servants, employees and many friends in the surrounding district were treated to a most enjoyable function at Attadale House the other day.
Lively dancing was followed by a tasty repast and then it was energetically back to the dance floor into the sma’ hours.
The death of Mrs Donald Maciver, Laide, cast a gloom over the district.
It was reported she had never fully recovered from the shock she received of the death in France of her two promising, brave sons, the late Capt. Kenneth Maciver and the late Lieutenant Duncan Maciver.
Picture from days gone by you would like to share? Email hector.mackenzie@hnmedia.co.uk
