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Charles Kennedy MP for Ross, Skye & Lochaber was interviewed at the GWC (Great Wilderness Challenge 2010) and during the presentation stated that he was not going to be defecting to Labour.

Note to media companies – please call or email to request usage and relevant permissions.

Against some of the most beautiful and rugged scenic landscape on offer in the United Kingdom, the Challenge consists of a number of physically demanding walks and runs over a variety of distances and terrains.

In early 1986, plans were afoot to provide hospice care in the Highlands for the first time. The Highland Hospice Appeal was set in motion to raise funds for the project, and a Highland-wide campaign was launched in support of this initiative.

A small group of friends in Poolewe and Aultbea, some of whom had recently lost relatives to cancer, decided to do something to help. A sponsored walk was the vehicle chosen to raise funds, and arrangements were quickly made to organise what would become known as the Great Wilderness Challenge.

A DVD of the event including interviews with key personnel and runners is in the process of being produced.

To reserve your copy please contact the secretary of Great Wilderness Challenge,  Pat Ross at patgwc@onetel.com – www.greatwildernesschallenge.info (photo courtesy of Colin Robertson, official photographer of the GWC)

All funds raised from the sale of the DVD will be going straight to Charity.

All those months of hard work have paid off as members of the Forres in Bloom committee learned on Friday that Forres has been awarded a prestigious gold award by the Entente Florale Europe competition judges. The announcement was made at a ceremony in Cardiff City Hall. The Chair of the International Jury, Monika Hetsch, gave out the awards.  As Monika introduced Forres she had this to say:

“Forres lies within the temperate climate of the Moray Firth in Scotland. It is a traditional market town with a rich cultural and environmental history and a wealth of architectural buildings both on the High Street and around the town. Central to the town are Grant Park and Cluny Hill, with lovely woodland, well maintained open spaces for informal activity, and high quality seasonal planting schemes providing wonderful colour throughout the year. Led by the Forres in Bloom group, the whole population is fully committed to enhancing the quality of life for visitors and residents through environmental improvement schemes and keeping the town spotlessly clean at all times. The development of footpaths and the management of the Muiry and Sanquhar Woods and Ponds have also created sustainable natural areas of biodiversity close to the centre of the town.
The magnificent floral displays together with the beautiful Grant Park contribute to the Jury’s decision to award Forres a Gold medal”.

Thistle Channel was privileged to be asked to produce a DVD showcasing the town of Forres to the Entente Floral Europe Judges.  The initial request was for a 12minute piece to be used as part of the presentation to the Judges on the morning prior to their tour of Forres.   This led to further work commissioned by the Forres in Bloom committee to produce a 30minute DVD including interviews with key committee members involved in the preparatory work for Entente Floral Europe and in showing more of this remarkable little town.

The DVD is available from most outlets in Forres at a cost of £6, all funds generated will go towards assisting the community in future projects .

To obtain a copy or find out more information on Forres please email ian.maclennan3@btinternet.com

Visit  Forres and be blown away by the  work and stunning displays created when a community combines their skills together as one !

AWARDS

Beautiful Scotland in Bloom

Medium Town Trophy Winner

2004, 2005, 2006, 2007

RHS Britain in Bloom

RHS Britain in Bloom Silver Award 2003

RHS Britain in Bloom Silver Gilt Award

2005, 2006, 2007

RHS Britain in Bloom Gold Award 2008

Entente Florale Europe

Gold Medal Award 2009

Beautiful Scotland in Bloom

The Rosebowl – Overall Winner

1983, 1985, 1987

Bruce Trophy – Small Town Winner

1979, 1980. 1982, 1983, 1985, 1986,

1987, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1996

Town Trophy Winner

2004, 2005, 2006

Jim Murdie Trophy for Sustainability

Linton Trophy 1981, 1990

Other Awards

Applegrove Primary School

Greenfingers Winner 1993,1997

Runner Up 1999

RHS Special Award 1998

Bob Hare Award 2001

David Welch Memorial Award for Something Special 2004

Beechgrove Potting Shed Budding Gardeners Award 2006

RHS Britain in Bloom

UK Winners 1982, 1986, 1989, 1999

RHS Britain in Bloom Silver Award

2003

RHS Britain in Bloom Silver Gilt Award

2005

RHS Britain in Bloom Silver Gilt Award 2006

UK Keep Britain Tidy Trophy 1979

UK Landscape Trophy 1984

ECO School Awards

Bronze Anderson‟s Primary 2006

Silver Pilmuir Primary 2009

Green Flag

Applegrove Primary 2006, 2008

Forres Academy 2006,2009

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BUY THE BOOK NOW FOR £5 before the Publishers put the price up !

facebook page – “A Spiritual Quest” – click here to purchase Laura’s book

“A Spiritual Quest. The front cover states it is based on true events and to that extent it deserves inclusion on the shelves of Christian bookshops. It also presents a clear and rather chilling warning of the dangers of becoming drawn into Spiritualist meetings and activity. The whole topic is one which has to be treated very warily and I have never felt I had any insight into it. However, I found the book easy to read and indeed something of an eye opener into what goes on in Spiritualist circles. Laura Maxwell deserves to be congratulated on her achievement.”

‘Book Review’ by W. Burns Shearar, WordWise, Autumn issue 2009, p11, The Scottish Fellowship of Christian Writers.

“Laura Maxwell’s very moving testimony can be found on www.reachouttrust.org and click under Testimonies. Laura told WordWise that she wrote the novella as an evangelistic tool to reach New Agers and Spiritualists. The front cover is such as would attract them to the book and she has heard of people being saved through reading it. It has also been of help to Christians in understanding and witnessing to them. Laura is called on to speak at Churches and on radio and TV. Please pray for Laura in her witness for the Lord.”

‘About Laura Maxwell’ by Diana Lynch, WordWise, Autumn issue 2009, p12, The Scottish Fellowship of Christian Writers.

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“I am absolutely honoured to write an endorsement for your book. This is a very powerful story of the reality of the existence of the Devil. If anyone has any doubts about the dangers of involvement in Occult practices, you must read this. Having my own involvement with demonic influences before my conversion, I can testify to the truth in what is being said. The author bears witness to our Lord Jesus Christ being our only hope and Saviour from the snares of Satan. A fantastic read.”

Tina Storey, Former Tarot Card Reader, UK.

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“As the daughter of a witch mother and stage hypnotist father, I know from personal experience the difficulties of dealing with the occult. Laura Maxwell’s excellent partially autobiographical ‘A Spiritual Quest’ will bring hope to many with its Christian message.”

Pamela Strange, Author of ‘Daddy’s Little Spy : Isabella Rose,’ UK

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I read Laura’s book and found some similarities to my own story. I’m thankful to GOD for delivering her from evil. It’s very easy to be deceived by satan and his demons, this is why It’s so important to know the Word of GOD. Laura’s book is very well written, but very disturbing and tragic as well. I’m so happy for her that she is being used by GOD to help free others who are caught in this web of deception. I’m honored to call Laura Maxwell my friend and my sister in Jesus Christ.

Bill Bean,  Author of ‘Dark Force’ and ‘Delivered.’ USA

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“A compelling and startling semi-autobiographical account of life as a Spiritualist’s daughter, revealing the true nature of the psychic realm.”
Joyce Kirkup, Author of ‘Waylaid by God,’ UK

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“I only put the book down yesterday to eat, drink and go shopping. I was most especially happy to discover that your mother had called on Jesus and is in heaven. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the book. It’s a gift to the Christian world because too often Western Christians discount the reality of the unseen. It’s encouraged me again to appreciate the reality of the unseen realm and most importantly, to understand the faithfulness and the Supremacy of our Lord Jesus.”

Deborah Shah, Former user of  Transcendental Meditation, UK.

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“I feel so honoured to have received one of the first copies of your book. It is a truly wonderful and moving piece of literature. It is just wonderful, insightful, thought provoking, heart-wrenching, and thoroughly genuine. As I was reading it, it was as if I could see the actual things happening – as if I was a part of your story – taking me on a journey into the realness not just of hell but of heaven. And seeing the power of God working through His children, and standing by “Lisa” as she spoke to the youth who wanted her death, still sharing the love of Christ. I know this will help the ones who are imprisoned and also the ones sitting on the fence, not wanting to make a decision either way. I pray God opens doors for you, bringing sight to the blind, releasing the captives, breaking the ties that bind, also, thank you for being so open and vulnerable, allowing the Holy Spirit to move so mightily through you. We are over-comers by the Blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. Christ’s Light will always shine brightly in any darkness.”

Pastor Debra Lawrence, USA.

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Chuck Cohen is an American-born Jew who has lived with his wife and family in Jerusalem since 1989 and was one of the pastors at King of Kings Community in Jerusalem.  He is a published author, speaks and teaches internationally and is a Director of Intercessors for Israel. He co-leads a week of prayer for Israel at Ellel Scotland’s Blairmore House during June each year and is a regular writer for Sword Magazine.

Chuck has been in ministry for over 25 years and has a burden for the church to understand its Hebraic roots along with God’s plans and purposes for His people Israel.

As part of a visit to Scotland in 2010 he spoke to a gathering in Inverness and also gave an interview to Christians Together a few days later.

The DVD features the conference in its entirety, approx 1hr, 20mins including questions from the audience.  Included is an interview lasting approx 30mins, a frank, open and honest discussion by Chuck – possibly controversial? – you decide !

The DVD is being supplied along with a free complimentary copy of an address given by David David entitled ‘Britain’s Last Mandate’.  The Israel-based church leader speaks of Britain’s spiritual heritage and delivers a powerful message to today’s church in the UK.

After you click the “BUY NOW” button, please proceed to the SHOP and your order will update.

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Based in the “bluegrass country” region around Nashville, Tennessee, Craig Duncan & Friends present an entertaining program of traditional Tennessee and authentic bluegrass music for audiences of all ages.  The group, which features Duncan on fiddle and mandolin, Billy Smith and Kris Ballinger on guitars, Mark Barnett on banjo and Dale Ballinger on bass, is based on years of friendship and making music together in a variety of overlapping configurations.

Bandleader Craig Duncan, a member of the North American Fiddler’s Hall of Fame and Who’s Who in Music & Musicians, has been the featured instrumentalist on more than 70 albums with sales in excess of $5 million. His music has been heard on television shows like Malcolm in the Middle and The Oprah Winfrey Show, as well as on A&E, Biography, BET, PBS, History and other cable networks.  Recognized internationally as the author of instructional books for Mel Bay Publications, Craig has produced numerous recordings for the gift shop market in various musical styles.

Duncan’s credits are impressive, but you really need to experience him in a live performance to get to know the real Craig Duncan. This high-energy lead vocalist and fiddler is an Entertainer with a capital “E.”  Craig doesn’t just play a song; he energetically delivers the heart and soul of bluegrass music in all its hard-driving glory to spellbound audiences with unique flair and pizzazz.

Originally from Burlington, North Carolina with a Masters Degree in Music Education, Craig moved Nashville in 1976 where he performed at Opryland and with Grand Ole Opry star Wilma Lee Cooper’s band.  In addition to the books and a successful series of hammer dulcimer-based instrumental recordings, Craig now fronts bluegrass, country, jazz, Celtic and classical ensembles for a variety of events—locally and abroad.

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Kris and Dale Ballinger are a husband and wife team well known in the Nashville music community as members of The Cluster Pluckers, a band formed by chance in 1980 at a local picking party.  They soon joined forces with world champion old-time fiddler, Frazier Moss, who taught them the spirit in which traditional music should be played and enjoyed.  Kris and Dale’s years with the legendary fiddler, now deceased, have made them one of the tightest rhythm sections in bluegrass music.  They are fine singers (they could probably sing harmony to a fence post!), and they also carry Frazier’s fiddle tune repertoire in their collective memory, passing the music down to future generations.

The Cluster Pluckers’ credits include gigs at the 1982 World’s Fair in Knoxville, Tennessee; the American Folk Roots Concert Series at Carnegie Hall; television appearances with fiddler/hillbilly jazz king Vassar Clements and appearances with legendary guitar stylist Chet Atkins, in addition to a string of critically acclaimed albums.  The band played a 10-day, eight city tour in Japan—selling out every show, and they also shared their music with fans in The Netherlands and Norway during a 2001 tour.

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Singer/guitarist Billy Smith carries the repertoire of most of the first generation bluegrass music pioneers around in his head and heart—the natural result of growing up onstage and performing with artists like the Father of Bluegrass Bill Monroe, Earl Scruggs, Lester Flatt and Jimmy Martin.  Billy’s mother, Hazel Smith is a well-known country music journalist and television cooking show host and his brother, Terry plays bass in the IBMA Entertainer of the Year band, The Grascals, but Billy himself is most known as an award-winning songwriter.

Smith’s compositions have been recorded by Bill Monroe, The Del McCoury Band, Dan Tyminski, The Osborne Brothers, The Lonesome River Band, IIIrd Tyme Out and The Lewis Family, among others—more than 80 cuts so far.  The hit song, “Hobo Blues,” recorded by The Lonesome River Band on their Carrying the Tradition album (named Bluegrass Album of the Year in 2001), was Smith’s first major cut.

Billy grew up near Reidsville, North Carolina, playing music with his dad, Pat Smith, a popular old-time fiddler.  When he sings, Billy brings to mind soulful classic vocalists like Bill Monroe, Ralph Stanley and Del McCoury with a twist uniquely his own.  Like Craig, he has a natural ability to connect with an audience and a free-wheeling sense of humor that translates well at different venues—everywhere from large concert halls and social events to clubs, musical programs at a local shelter for the homeless and special music at his church, where he is a deacon.

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Banjo player Mark Barnett has been a regular part of the Nashville music scene since 1974, and he’s been performing in various bands with Billy Smith and Craig Duncan for nearly as long.  Mark played 23 seasons at Opryland USA—most of the time leading his own show.  He has recorded a number of albums and is currently featured on two recordings on the Benson label.

Another seasoned musician who seems to innately know how to deliver a song and entertain a crowd, Mark has played music all over the United States, including a performance at the White House in Washington, D.C.  Overseas tours have taken Barnett’s music to fans in Canada, Europe and the Soviet Union.

Most fans will agree that a hard-driving five string banjo is the heartbeat of bluegrass music, and Mark Barnett knows how to deliver the complexly syncopated, breath-taking instrumental sound that epitomizes the genre.  You’ve got to have a banjo to play traditional bluegrass, and Mark Barnett is one of the best. He’s also a gifted singer.

A 1minute sample containing a variety of work filmed.

Contact us on +(0) 1667 459 163 or email at info@thistlechannel.tv for more information.