Posts for October, 2024

Within the Scottish Episcopal Church, time is made available for people to remember friends and family that have died, and what they meant to us. St Columba’s are inviting anyone who has lost a loved one to join them in a special service on November 1st at 7pm. This will be a quiet contemplative service to help in our reflection.

There is a special tree to which names will be added for inclusion in our prayers. We invite people to email missionpriestmrc@gmail.com with names of people they would like to remember, and to come to the service so they can light a candle to help their reflection.

Come & welcome in the New Year at the best Hogmanay party there is!

Music, fireworks, food & drinks.

Go to our facebook page for updates.

Ring in 2025 with a spectacular Hogmanay celebration in the Osprey Arena at Aviemore Resort, featuring legendary music, exquisite dining, and incredible festivities.

Kick off the evening with a welcoming drink with champagne and canapés, setting the perfect tone for the night’s celebrations. Indulge in a sumptuous four-course gourmet feast while enjoying live performances from talented supporting acts, including the dynamic VH5 band. These warm-up acts will set the stage for the evening’s headliner: a live performance by the iconic Red Hot Chilli Pipers. Experience the exhilaration of the world’s most renowned bagpipe band, culminating in a stunning fireworks display to ring in the New Year—all set against the serene and majestic backdrop of Aviemore, nestled in the heart of Cairngorm National Park.

Event Details
Venue: Macdonald Aviemore Resort (Osprey Arena)

Date: 31 December 2024 (6.30pm to 2:00am)

Price: £125 per person

Hogmanay Dinner & Entertainment Package:

Welcome drink with glass of Champagne and Canapés on arrival
4-Course Gourmet Feast
Live Entertainment featuring talented supporting acts including VH5 band to warm up the stage, followed by the sensational headliner Red Hot Chilli Pipers to ring in 2025 with a spectacular fireworks display!

Go to our website to see our Hogmanay Mini Breaks.

Chris Carter recounts his unforgettable cycling journey through Vietnam and Cambodia. From the lively streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the tranquil temples of Angkor Wat, this talk covers rich cultural experiences, historical insights, and personal adventures. Discover the beauty of these two fascinating countries through the eyes of a seasoned traveler.

Jess Tomes and Jeremy Roberts recount the revival of the Osprey in Scotland and the rise of the Cairngorms Connect project. From early conservation efforts to the UK’s largest habitat restoration initiative, this talk highlights the stunning landscapes, wildlife, and rewilding projects that continue to shape the future of the Scottish Highlands.

David Balharry celebrates the John Muir Trust’s 40 years of conservation work, from Ben Nevis to Sandwood Bay. Named after the Scots-born founder of the modern conservation movement, the Trust preserves wild landscapes while advocating for sustainable conservation. Discover their achievements and the exciting future plans to protect the UK’s most iconic wild spaces.

The Magic of Christmas: Ballater Festive Musical Celebration

Get ready for the most magical evening of Christmas Music at The Ballater Golf Club for an unforgettable night of festive cheer and spectacular performances, all for great causes!

Featuring
The Vintage Girls: Ballater’s Favourite Trio
Drew Robertson: Ballater’s New Favourite
Music4U – Lewis & Friends
Sing along to festive classics and holiday hits from Bublé-Sinatra-Wham
Expect a night of Joy, Sparkle and Christmas Magic
Proceeds benefit: The Enhancement Group, OAP’s Christmas Lunch, Music 4U
Tickets £20 Online or at the Ballater Community HUB

Come onto our farm for a magical Christmas experience.

Santa is visiting us on the 14th and 15th of December, he has lost his reindeer and needs to find some animal replacements before Christmas Eve.

Our Alpacas think they are Reindeer, the Donkeys have visted Bethlehem, our Goats have escaped into Candy Lane and the Highland Cows are getting in the festive spirit.

•Santa’a Grotto and gift.

•Hot drinks and Baking stand.

•Kids Crafts.

•Animal Interactions.

•Photo opportunities.

•Toilet and hand washing.

•On-site parking.

Entry is by booking only, so please make sure you have purchased the correct tickets. We are open in time slots, you can arrived anytime within your chosen time slot, but please make sure to leave at the session end time, we need to make the next session as magical as the previous for our next visitors.

There will be opportunities to purchased some carrots and small bags of food for the animals if you wish.

Hot drinks and baked goods will also be available, with the profits from these going to local community groups.

Come and join us at Newtownmore Golf Club for an evening for Bonfire Night Fun.

Bonfire and fireworks at 7pm, and bar and food available at the Club House from 5pm.

Everyone welcome!

Proudly sponsored by Newtonmore Winter Lights Association.

Digging in the archive of the mostly absurd – choosing songs and other items by Joyce Grenfell, Flanders and Swann, and some others. We’re delighted to have the hugely talented Robin Versteeg joining us.