Category Archives: News

Sunday Bulletin for 16 June 2013

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Worship Next Week
Sunday 23 June
10.00am Morning Worship at St Stephen’s
11.15am Morning Worship at the Old High

SUNDAY BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS should be sent to Joy Cossar The deadline for all items is Wednesday at noon.

NEWS FROM OUR CONGREGATION

CAMERON HIGHLANDERS MEMORIAL Please visit this page for information about the proposed Memorial Area.

LUNCH CLUB The Lunch Club will meet at 12.30pm at the Craigmonie Hotel on Thursday 20 June. All welcome. For further information please contact Val Cantlay.
GOLF OUTING is proposed for Tuesday 16 July at Cameron Course, Nairn West Golf Course. Tee off time 5.15pm. Price which includes golf and high tea £17.00–high tea only £14.00. Everyone welcome and all golfers are invited irrespective of handicap. Details from John Clarkson.
UPCOMING OLD HIGH EVENING SERVICES:
KENNETH STEVEN 30 June 2013, 7.30pm: Kenneth Steven, writer, author and poet, is published by St Andrew’s Press, and his poetry regularly appears in Life and Work, the magazine of the Church of Scotland. Over the past 20 years, Kenneth Steven has become one of the country’s most popular poets. Drawing on a quiet Celtic spirituality and a love of wild Scotland, his engaging poetry offers us something beautiful, evocative, moving and captivating. He is also a highly successful broadcaster, featuring regularly on national radio. His BBC Radio 4 documentary on the island of St Kilda won him a prestigious Sony Award. More details from Iain Todd or here.
21 July 2013: Rev John L. Bell, Iona Community member, hymnwriter, lecturer, broadcaster on ‘the strange silence of Biblical women’.
11 August 2013: Rev Martin Johnstone, Priority Areas Secretary of the Church of Scotland and Chief Executive of Faith in Community Scotland
More details from Peter.
UPCOMING MUSIC AT THE OLD HIGH One of the conditions of the grants from The Heritage Lottery Fund and The Common Good Fund was to set up recitals and concerts in the Old High following the restoration of the organ. After a quiet year in 2012 a short programme of recitals has been arranged for this year. It is hoped that over the winter a full programme will be organised and published for 2014.
Saturday 22 June: Aurora String Quartet
Saturday 21 September: Merlewood Ensemble
Saturday 12 October: Richard Steele: Organ Recital
All recitals at 12 noon, and will last one hour. Donations for The Highland Hospice and The Archie Foundation Raigmore Childrens Ward Appeal. Details- Jim Monro or here.

SUMMER OPENING OF THE OLD HIGH CHURCH Once again the time has come to open the Old High to visitors during the summer months. We propose to open between June and September and are looking for members of the congregation or friends to assist with this. It is necessary for two people to be on duty at any one time for a minimum of 2 hours There is a lot of information on the history of the Church available to assist with any questions raised by visitors, and meeting people from all over the world is very interesting and satisfying. If you can help please contact Margaret Sutherland.
KIRK SESSION OF INVERNESS will meet at the offices of Frame Kennedy Chartered Accountants, on Thursday 20 June at 4pm. More details from Margaret Sutherland.
THE OLIVE GROVE We have a vacancy for a volunteer who could help as a waitress (or waiter!) on Friday afternoons. (1-4.30pm). This could be weekly or fortnightly.(Days off no problem –we have supply staff) Also, for a baker –either tray bakes to be made at home (cost of ingredients refunded), or someone who is willing to come in and bake in the Olive Grove. Please come in and speak to the duty manager any day.
SILENT AUCTION/CRAFT FAIR It is proposed to hold the above event, in aid of church funds, in early December. For the event to take place it would need to be well supported, so if you can donate any of the following: Knitted or sewn items; Floral arrangements; Paintings; Woodcraft; Home made cards; Christmas decorations; Any goods in unused condition; Unwanted gifts; Your services for a few hours or day i.e. handyman, gardener, joiner etc. If you are able to help please contact Christina Cameron or Mary Home.

OTHER NEWS

INTERFAITH PICNIC Inverness Interfaith group’s annual picnic will be in Whin Park on Saturday 29 June, 11.30am- 3pm. We welcome people of all ages, cultures and faiths, or none (!), to meet and share in our Picnic- in the vicinity of the boating pond. Friendly and informal, from Elgin to Skye, to enjoy the good company of diverse cultures and faiths, to exchange our stories and to sample some nourishing treats and soft drinks. More details from Tom Mackenzie.
2 CHRISTIAN SUMMER FESTIVALS:
ALIVE FESTIVAL is a series of events in Inverness from 20- 26 June. Details on their website .
SOLAS FESTIVAL takes place near Perth 21 – 23 June 2013. Art, music and discussion for all the family. Details here.
WOMEN’S INTERFAITH EVENT Interfaith Scotland is organising dialogue afternoons for women in locations across Scotland, looking at our ‘Values and Visions for the future of Scotland’ in the light of the referendum in September 2014. In Inverness on Monday 24th June from 2 – 4pm. The venue will be announced shortly. A buffet will be provided and the event is free. Any women who are interested contact Frances Hume
CLASSICAL GUITAR CONCERT a Classical Guitar Concert by Martin Aelred will be held in St Mary’s RC Church on Wednesday 19th June at 7.30 pm. All welcome

‘Are you the king or aren’t you?’- a sermon about Naboth’s Vineyard- 16 June 2013

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Old High St Stephen’s, Inverness
Sunday 16 June 2013: Year C, Proper 6- Father’s Day
SERMON
Texts: Galatians 2.15-16 and 20-21
1 Kings 21.1-21a
‘Are you the king or aren’t you?’
In the name of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Amen.

What a great and terrible story is today’s Old Testament tale. King Ahab covets a nice property near his palace- he wants a vegetable garden (perhaps a vegetable garden was a status symbol for kings back then). Naboth has a vineyard on the site, and Ahab offers him good money for it, or even a swap to another vineyard. But these are not the best of times in Israel. Continue reading →

Proposed Cameron Highlanders Memorial Area

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Memorial area illustration

The Old High Church was the regimental church of the former Cameron Highlanders Regiment. The Church houses their colours, various memorials, and rolls of honour (memorial books).

We are planning to bring together various memorials of the Cameron Highlanders into a new space within the Church. This Memorial Area will be located along the wall nearest the river.

The centrepiece will be the Martinpuich Cross, which will be relocated from the west stairwell. The Cameron Highlanders’ roll of honour books, war memorial plaques and other historic artefacts from around the church will also be moved to the area.

The memorial area will be created by removing some pews below the balcony, near the pulpit. It will be separated from the main body of the church by a wooden partition topped by a frosted glass screen featuring a striking design by Gordon Harvey.

As well as a space for remembering, we hope the memorial area will also become an exhibition space and an informal gathering place within the church.

Plans are now on display within the Old High (currently open 10am to 12 noon most weekdays), and in the transept of St Stephen’s.

It is hoped that the work can be completed by 18 August, when the Cameron Highlanders Association- who have raised funds for the memorials space- will join us at Sunday worship during the weekend of their annual gathering. 2013 marks  the 220th Anniversary  of the raising of the 79th Regiment or Cameron Volunteers by Major Allan Cameron of Erracht.

You can also see the plans online by clicking the graphic above.

You can make comments or ask questions using the comments box below.

The following information has been provided by Angus Fairrie of the Cameron Highlanders Association, whose members have raised the funds for this project.

THE REGIMENTAL CHURCH OF THE QUEEN’S OWN CAMERON HIGHLANDERS

Under the Army Reforms of 1881 the County of Inverness formed the major part of the Regimental District of The Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders, while the Regimental Depot and Headquarters were established at Cameron Barracks. There was no church in the barracks, and so the Old High Church in Inverness became the Regimental Church of the Cameron Highlanders.

During World War I the Cameron Highlanders expanded to fourteen battalions. At the end of the Great War the Service battalions of the New Army were each presented with a King’s Colour to mark their war service. When these battalions were disbanded, the King’s Colours of the 6th and 7th Service Battalions of the Cameron Highlanders were laid up in the Old High Church. After the Depot of the Cameron Highlanders closed in 1960, the Colours of the 3rd Militia Battalion of the Cameron Highlanders, which had been used by the Depot, were also laid up in the Old High Church. They have recently been restored and re-hung.

Other interesting items relating to the Cameron Highlanders include the Celtic Cross erected by the 6th Service Battalion during the Battle of the Somme when it had played a distinguished part in the attack on the village of Martinpuich. The Cross, to which the names of those killed were attached on metal tags, was recovered at the end of the war and brought back to the Old High Church.

The Rolls of Honour of the Cameron Highlanders, which are copies of those in the Scottish National War Memorial in Edinburgh Castle, are also displayed. Other memorial plaques from the Depot were presented after the amalgamation of the Cameron Highlanders with the Seaforth Highlanders in 1961 to form the Queen’s Own Highlanders (Seaforth and Camerons).

The present Minister and congregation of Old High St Stephen’s have decided that the Colours of the Cameron Highlanders, and the other items, should be brought together to form a fitting memorial to those who have given their lives in the service of their country and their Regiment in both World Wars, and in other conflicts.

Angus Fairrie
Convener of The Cameron Highlanders Association

Lunchtime concerts at the Old High Church, summer 2013

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Accordion, strings, woodwind and the historic Old High Willis Organ feature in a series of lunchtime concerts at the Old High Church, beginning on Saturday 15 June

One of the conditions of the grants from The Heritage Lottery Fund and The Common Good Fund was to set up recitals and concerts in the Old High following the restoration of the organ.

After a quiet year in 2012 a short programme of recitals has been arranged for this year. It is hoped that over the winter a full programme will be organised and published for 2014.

This summer’s recitals are:

Saturday 15 June at 12.30pm: James Ross and Robert Wallace – Clarinet and Button Accordion

 

 

 

Saturday 22 June: Aurora String Quartet

Aurora Strings was formed in 1997 at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne. Consisting of four extremely dedicated professional string players, the quartet is now one of the most established in the North of England. Aurora Strings is Jo Montgomery (violin 1), Kirsten Gibson (violin 2), Gayle Hutchinson (viola) and Ed Pendrous (cello)

Saturday 21 September: Merlewood Ensemble

Catherine O’Rourke (flute), Margot Cruft (oboe), Isabel Paterson (violin), Alistair Nelson (viola), Imke Henderson (‘cello),  Gordon Tocher (keyboard)

Having been established for over 10 years, performing successful concerts throughout the Scottish Highlands, from Skye to Banff, the Merlewood Ensemble play  chamber music concerts by classically trained musicians who live in the Highlands. A versatile 6 – piece chamber group, performing a varied repertoire of music for strings, woodwind, voice  and keyboard including solos, duets, trios, quartets and full ensemble.

Richard SteeleSaturday 12 October: Recital on the historic Willis Organ with Richard Steele MA BMus FRCO FRAM GRSM HonRCM.

Richard Steele studied organ at the Royal Academy of Music, took a London University BMus and then gained a PGCE at Cambridge University. He is the son-in-law of one of our elders, Diana Fraser.

All recitals at 12 noon, except for the first (at 12.30) and will last one hour.

Donations welcome for The Highland Hospice and The Archie Foundation Raigmore Childrens Ward Appeal.

Sunday Bulletin for 9 June 2013

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Worship Next Week

Sunday 16 June
10.00am Morning Worship at St Stephen’s
11.15am Morning Worship at the Old High

SUNDAY BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS should be sent to Joy Cossar. The deadline for all items is Wednesday at noon.

NEWS FROM OUR CONGREGATION

OLD HIGH EVENING SERVICES Following the talk by James M Fraser MA MEd FRSA, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Highlands and Islands on 9 June, the other guest speakers at the Old High this summer are:
30 June 2013: Kenneth Steven, writer, author and poet
21 July 2013: Rev John L. Bell, Iona Community member, hymnwriter, lecturer, broadcaster on ‘the strange silence of Biblical women’.
11 August 2013: Rev Martin Johnstone, Priority Areas Secretary of the Church of Scotland and Chief Executive of Faith in Community Scotland
All at 7.30pm at the Old High Church. More details from Peter.
MUSIC AT THE OLD HIGH One of the conditions of the grants from The Heritage Lottery Fund and The Common Good Fund was to set up recitals and concerts in the Old High following the restoration of the organ. After a quiet year in 2012 a short programme of recitals has been arranged for this year. It is hoped that over the winter a full programme will be organised and published for 2014. This year’s recitals are:
Saturday 15 June at 12.30pm: James Ross and Robert Wallace – Clarinet and Button Accordion
Saturday 22 June: Aurora String Quartet
Saturday 21 September: Merlewood Ensemble
Saturday 12 October: Richard Steele: Organ Recital
All recitals are to be at 12.00 except the first one noted and are expected to last one hour. The Minister has agreed with the committee and Musicians that the proceeds will be donated to The Highland Hospice and The Archie Foundation Raigmore Childrens Ward Appeal. Jim Monro
SUMMER OPENING OF THE OLD HIGH CHURCH Once again the time has come to open the Old High to visitors during the summer months. We propose to open between June and September and are looking for members of the congregation or friends to assist with this. It is necessary for two people to be on duty at any one time for a minimum of 2 hours There is a lot of information on the history of the Church available to assist with any questions raised by visitors, and meeting people from all over the world is very interesting and satisfying. If you can help please contact Margaret Sutherland.
SILENT AUCTION/CRAFT FAIR It is proposed to hold the above event, in aid of church funds, in early December. For the event to take place it would need to be well supported, so if you can donate any of the following: Knitted or sewn items; Floral arrangements; Paintings; Woodcraft; Home made cards; Christmas decorations; Any goods in unused condition; Unwanted gifts; Your services for a few hours or day i.e. handyman, gardener, joiner etc. If you are able to help please contact Christina Cameron or Mary Home
GOLF OUTING Subject to support it is proposed to hold a golf outing on Tues 16th July at Cameron Course, Nairn West Golf Course. Tee off time 5.15pm. Price which includes golf and high tea £17.00–high tea only £14.00. Everyone welcome and all golfers are invited irrespective of handicap. Details from John Clarkson.
MIDWEEK QUIET TIME will resume after the summer. More information from Iain Todd
KIRK SESSION OF INVERNESS will meet at the offices of Frame Kennedy Chartered Accountants, Metropolitan House, 31-33 High Street, Inverness on Thursday 20 June at 4pm. More details from Margaret Sutherland.
THE OLIVE GROVE We have a vacancy for a volunteer who could help as a waitress (or waiter!) on Friday afternoons. (1-4.30pm). This could be weekly or fortnightly.(Days off no problem –we have supply staff) Also, for a baker –either tray bakes to be made at home (cost of ingredients refunded), or someone who is willing to come in and bake in the Olive Grove. Please come in and speak to the duty manager any day.

OTHER NEWS

INTERFAITH PICNIC Inverness Interfaith group’s annual picnic will be in Whin Park on Saturday 29 June, 11.30am- 3pm. More details from Tom Mackenzie.
2 CHRISTIAN SUMMER FESTIVALS:
ALIVE FESTIVAL is a series of events in Inverness from 20- 26 June. Details on their website http://aliveministry.co.uk/ .
SOLAS FESTIVAL takes place near Perth 21 – 23 June 2013. Art, music and discussion for all the family. Details from http://www.solasfestival.co.uk .
WOMEN’S INTERFAITH EVENT Interfaith Scotland is organising dialogue afternoons for women in locations across Scotland, looking at our ‘Values and Visions for the future of Scotland’ in the light of the referendum in September 2014. In Inverness on Monday 24th June from 2 – 4pm. The venue will be announced shortly. A buffet will be provided and the event is free. Any women who are interested contact Frances Hume by Tuesday 11th June.

Sunday Bulletin for 2 June 2013

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Worship Next Week
Sunday 9 June:
10.00am Morning Worship at St Stephen’s
11.15am Morning Worship at the Old High
7.30pm Old High Summer Evening Service-
St Columba’s Day- James Fraser, Principal of UHI

SUNDAY BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS should be sent to Joy Cossar of The deadline for all items is Wednesday at noon. Continue reading →

Sunday Bulletin for 26 May 2013

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Worship Next Week
Wednesday 29 May
12.30pm Midweek Quiet Time at St Stephen’s
Sunday 2 June: Sundae Sunday
10.00am All-age Congregational Service at St Stephen’s
(No Service at the Old High) Continue reading →

Sunday Bulletin for 19 May 2013

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Worship Next Week
Wednesday 22 May
12.30pm Midweek Quiet Time at St Stephen’s
Sunday 26 May: Trinity
10.00am Morning Worship at St Stephen’s
11.15am Communion Service at the Old High Continue reading →

Sunday Bulletin for 12 May 2013

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Worship Next Week
This Sunday
7.00pm Worship and discussion at St Stephen’s
Wednesday 15 May
12.30pm Midweek Quiet Time at St Stephen’s
Sunday 19 May: Pentecost
10.00am Morning Worship at St Stephen’s
11.15am Morning Worship at the Old High Continue reading →