10 10 155 https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/1/211/GlenkensGazette65.pdf 0768ed5f156527778f70b0b999e111f8 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette 65 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Description An account of the resource <p>Find out more about the Gazette: <a href="https://glenkens.scot/gazette-home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Glenkens Gazette home page</a> If you would like to submit an article or take out an advert, please email the editor Sarah Ade: <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="mailto:glenkensgazette@hotmail.com">glenkensgazette@hotmail.com</a></p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is a member of, and regulated by <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.impressorg.com/">Impress</a>.</p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is an initiative of Glenkens Community &amp; Arts Trust (SC032050) and represents the voice of the community (not necessarily the views of GCAT).</p> Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document GLENKENS GAZETTE news from Balmaclellan, Carsphairn, Mossdale, New Galloway and St John’s Town of Dalry August/September 2011 ISSUE 65 FREE CLOSE CALL FOR CLUBHOUSE New Galloway Golf Club’s Clubhouse nearly got flattened by a tree in recent winds. In these pictures taken by the Greenkeeper, you can see that a section of tree nearly hit the clubhouse. It fell onto the first tee box causing severe damage to it and to the Captain’s van parked underneath...with a slightly different trajectory, it would have hit the Clubhouse. A very lucky escape... Puddle Jumping Dalry Nursery and Primary has held their annual Sports Day and, even though the weather was against them, the children still enjoyed their activities. for their house teams. The winning house this year was Kenbank and the girl sports champion was Sabrina in P6 and the boys sports champions was Michael in P7. The school would like to thank Newton’s shop in Dalry, Tesco and the Co-op for providing fruit and water for refreshments and parents, friends and members of the community that came along to support the school despite the weather. Pictured: winners - Kenbank. The morning included a variety of sporting activities including throwing, jumping and agility. The Nursery held their sports during this time too. This had been organised by the Active Schools Co-ordinator and was a great success. The afternoon session included traditional races. All the activities added up to earn points Turn to page 4 for the new ... sponsored by A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) ini�a�ve www.glenkensgaze�e.com Glenkens Gazette page 2 A Big Welcome to Sean Paul The Glenkens Community and Arts Trust (GCAT) are delighted to announce the appointment of a new General Manager, Sean Paul O’Hare. Everyone involved with GCAT would like to give Sean Paul a big welcome, and we hope that he enjoys his time here in the Glenkens. Sean Paul has a background in community arts and social development with a wealth of experience in festivals and events in both Belfast and Edinburgh where he has recently produced the Beltane Fire Festival. Sean Paul has overall responsibility for the management and development of GCAT projects which include The CatStrand, GTI, Glenkens Gazette, Watson Bird Centre and the Glenkens Community Garden. Sean Paul says: “Having previously worked in the community sector for over 15 years, in subjects ranging from drug-awareness campaigns right through to community arts projects, I am a strong advocate of community and art organisations. It’s really great to be here and I hope I can help sustain and advance the brilliant programmes, work and projects within GCAT and thus throughout the Glenkens area. I think the work that goes on in this area across the arts and community sector needs further recognition and support from both local and regional government bodies, and I hope to see that achieved.” Dalry Community Council: A main issue Our skilled head chef uses the best local produce including Galloway beef, Craigadam lamb and venison, cheese from Rowan Glen and fish from the Galloway Smokehouse. With a warm and friendly atmosphere, outstanding food and lovely locals, it’s no wonder The Clachan Inn is fast becoming the place to be in the Glenkens. currently facing all our local CC’s is windfarm revenues - who’s going to manage them on our behalf, and will we get a fair deal for our community. Dalry CC will be holding a by-election due to a shortfall in our numbers to one below the minimum of six. Next meetings: 7pm, Dalry Town Hall provisional dates are Mon 8 Aug & Mon 5 Sept, but these may have to change due to the by-election rules. New Galloway & Kells Community Council: At the Extraordinary Meeting Mrs Maybelle Thomson (formerly Vice-Chairman) was elected chair, and Mrs Barbara Kergon was co-opted on as a new member of the community council. Next meetings: Mon 8 Aug & 12 Sept, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall. Balmaclellan Community Council: Next meetings: Mon 29 Aug & 26 Sept, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall. Carsphairn Community Council: Community Questionnaire: The Community Learning and Development team carried out a survey in the village on 8 June. The survey is confidential, and the Community Council will only see a summary of the results, not the individual questionnaires. Next meetings: Mon 29 Aug & 26 Sept, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall. Tel: 01644 430 241 Email: mail@theclachaninn.co.uk www.theclachaninn.co.uk Full minutes of local Community Council meetings can be viewed at Dalry Library. GTI WEDNESDAY BUS SERVICE (registered route) Outward Journey: 19:00 Dept. Dalry (Underhill) 19:10 New Galloway 19:25 Mossdale 19:35 Laurieston 19:40 Townhead of Greenlaw 19:47 Castle Douglas (Market St) 19:50 Castle Douglas (Tesco) Return journey: 20:45 Dept. Castle Douglas (Tesco) 20:47 Castle Douglas (Market St) 20:52 Townhead of Greenlaw 21:00 Laurieston 21:10 Mossdale 21:25 New Galloway 21:35 Dalry To book a GTI bus or for more information please contact keith cooper, GTI Administrator, on 01644 420374. FORREST ESTATE FIREWOOD Local suppliers of firewood logs, kindling and chiminea wood. Hardwood and so�wood produced from sustainable, FSC cer�ficated woodland. Various quan��es available for collec�on or bulk delivery. Call for details 01644 430 230 office@forrestestate.com Glenkens Gazette The Programme for Glenkens Day of the Region is coming together nicely for a full celebration of life in the Glenkens in October. There is still that chance for you to get involved so don’t worry if you haven’t already been in touch. Dragon Boat Teams Have you seen the new Dragon Boats on Loch Ken? Are you inching to have a go? Paddlers for Life are looking for teams of Paddlers to join them on Sunday 2 October for a Day of the Region Dragon Boat Race Day at the Galloway Activity Centre. Teams can be made up of members from any community group or perhaps you just want to represent your page 3 Glenkens community for a Dalry vs New Galloway race...? No experience or prior training is necessary as teams will be joined by experienced paddlers. Team members can be of either sex and must be at least 12 years old. Teams should be made up of 8-10 people but smaller groups or individuals are urged to get in touch too. Contact jodie@catstrand.com or 01644 420 374 for more info or to take part. Craft Exhibition The Dalry Craft Group will be holding an exhibition in Dalry Community Centre on Sunday 2 & Monday 3 October and are looking for Craft makers to join them. If you are a maker and have any items that you would like to exhibit please get in touch with jodie@catstrand.com or 01644 420 374 for more info or to take part. Remember there will be lots going on over the weekend of 2nd / 3rd October so please look out for the Day of the Region Programmes which will be in circulation soon and join up for a jam-packed weekend of activities celebrating rural life and our community. You can also find out what’s happening by reading it here in the Glenkens Gazette! Look out for the Day of the Region logo on the following pages for features and info on upcoming events and activities - the logo may be for one article or for the whole page. Tell us about your events to be included in the next issue – contact Ros Hill on 01644 420632/ros.hill@rathanhou se.co.uk, or David Whyte on 01644 460296/david.whyte@ btinternet.com. The Clachan Inn, St John’s Town of Dalry, is the Day of the Region Glenkens Location Sponsor. Organisers are delighted to have this local business on board! Glenkens Day of the Region Winner As part of the Day of the Region celebration in The Glenkens, a community survey was run to encourage people to give their views on how they feel about living in their community. There was a prize draw among people in the Glenkens who submitted their views...and Sarah Ade, Gazette co-ordinator, was the winner of the £50 prize! Winner Sarah Ade and daughter Laya with Day of the Region Glenkens organiser Jodie Noble. Communities participating W BONE WHB JEEPS THE GARAGE, DALRY PETROL & DIESEL SALES SERVICE & REPAIRS MOTs, TYRES, BATTERIES ALL AT COMPETITIVE PRICES OPEN 8.30AM - 6.00PM (SIX DAYS) 10AM - 6PM SUNDAYS SHOP • SANDWICH BAR • LOTTERY Tel: 01644 430208 Fax: 01644 430669 email: jeeps@whbjeeps.co.uk www.whbjeeps.co.uk in the first ever Day of the Region celebrations in the UK are Castle Douglas, Creetown, Crocketford, Gatehouse of Fleet and The Glenkens. Keep-upto-date by checking out the newly launched website www.dayoftheregion.co.uk or text your name and community to 07797 80 40 30 to receive text updates direct to your handset. FHB Fencing Dalry Domestic and Agricultural Fencing 01644 430 495 (Peter) or 07767 795 498 (Jonathan) New Galloway Golf Club Founded 1902 www.nggc.co.uk v 01644 420737 v Buggies now available for hire VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME Glenkens Gazette page 4 sponsored by EVERYTHING listed on the Glenkens Freecycle page is FREE - you just need to contact the owner and go and pick it up! Anyone can list an item they no longer want, and hopefully someone else in the area is looking for just that thing and will come and collect it. You can also list items you are looking for, in the hope that someone else is getting rid of something similar and will get in touch with you. If you would like to list something on this page, please get in touch with Sarah on 07727 127 997 or email glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk. Furniture Sealy divan single bed, without drawers. Solid pine headboard. Good condition. No mattress. Contact: Emma on 07885 611 360 Adult bed with mid/dark brown wooden headboards. Can deliver if necessary. Contact: 430 380 Double futon with hard wood base and a very high quality green mattress; folds into a small sofa. Contact: Morag on 430 004 Two-eater sofa bed, deep pink, velvet. Contact: Helga on 460 253 big central area. Eurocamp. Three years old, good condition. Free to a good home. Available for collection from:Wilderness, High Street, New Galloway. Contact: 420 221 Sony Colour TV, 22 inch Trinitron. Contact: 460 516 Scanner, Epson. Contact: Sarah on 430 138 Electric radiator. Contact: 07769 696116 Scanner, Packard Bell. Contact: Sarah on 430 138 Demijohns. Contact: 430 281 Little cupboard or side table, black. Contact: Helga on 460 253 5 x 15kg butane cylinders (the blue ones). Contact: Morag on 430 004 Hardwood standing lamp with shade. Contact: Helga on 460 253 10 BBC Good Food magazine back issues. Contact: Morag on 430 004 2 Ikea rocker type armchairs with beech frames and black ( faded ) covers. Contact: Alan on 07769 680938 3 (probably a lot more) mountain bike magazine back issues. Contact: Morag on 430 004 many years and so will need to be renovated if you want a classy item for your bathroom. On the other hand it could be an up-market cattle trough. If you want it you will need some very strong friends to help! Contact: 430 387 Wooden fire surround and mantle with cast iron insert. Recently removed and in excellent condition. Contact: Alan on 07769 680938 Large number of radiators of various sizes suitable for either gas or oil central heating systems. Recently removed , flushed and some in `as new` condition. Contact: Alan on 07769 680938 Worcester Danesmoor 26/32 floor standing oil central heating boiler. Working perfectly when removed. Contact: Alan on 07769 680938 Chrome towel rail suitable for plumbing into wet central heating system. Contact: Alan on 07769 680938 Clothing Apprx 10 photography magazine back issues (outdoor photographer/ advanced photographer). Contact: Morag on 430 004 Pair Jigsaw boots brown suede sz 6. Contact: Morag on 430 004 1 Indian cloth bound notebook. Contact: Morag on 430 004 1 pair cloth gardening gloves. Contact: Morag on 430 004 Childrens’ Car dog guard. Contact: Jean on 07917 683 089 For childrens’ clothing see ‘Clothing’ section. Seasoned hardwood. Contact: Emma on 07885 611 360 Light blue wooden cot. Can deliver if necessary. Contact: 430 380 Fabric - any. Contact: Emma on 07885 611 360 CHILD’S wooden single bed. Good condition. Would require a new mattress. Available for collection from:Wilderness, High Street, New Galloway. Contact: 420 221 Wardrobe. Contact: Emma on 07885 611 360 Child seat for adult bike; suitable 6mths to 3 years. Contact: 07500 554 751 Toddler balance bike. Contact: Emma on 07885 611 360 Round dining table, hardwood. Contact: Helga on 460 253 5 white M & S girl’s school shirts, age 13. Contact: 430 218 1 Dalry Secondary blue sweatshirt, small. Contact: 430 2181 Dalry Secondary blue cardigan (girls), 34”. Contact: 430 218 1 Girl Guide navy hoodie, size 32”. Contact: 430 218 1 black boy’s rain jacket with detachable black fleece, John Lewis, age 11/12. Contact: 430 218 Various Round mirror with a white painted wooden ornate frame. Contact: 430 212 LARGE family tent - sleeps six in three side compartments, with Antique wooden child’s bed with removable retaining sides. Contact: 430 380 WANTED Air Compressor. Ccontact: Emma on 07885 611 360 Anything related to fabric printing and block printing. Contact: Emma on 07885 611 360 Any house plants looking for a new home. Contact: Emma on 07885 611 360 DIY/Home Fittings Multifuel stove. Contact: Emma on 07885 611 360 Victorian cast iron bath. Roll top, claw foot. This very heavy bath has been sitting in my back garden for Garden tools. Contact: Emma on 07885 611 360 Glenkens Gazette page 5 sponsored by Feed In Tarrifs Thanks to the sponsorship from Natural Power the Glenkens Gazette will include an Eco Feature in each issue. This can be anything from energy efficiency to environmental shopping, from water quality to the benefits of buying locally produced food and responsible trade. We are open to any ideas that any of you may have so if you wish to either contribute an article or have an idea as to what you would like to see as an article then let us know and we will try to include it in a future issue. Simply contact Gazette co-ordinator Sarah on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk FITS As I’m sure many of you may have noticed in recent months there has been in huge increase in the number of solar panels being put on peoples’ roofs, or the odd domestic wind turbine being located in the Glen. You may have even heard rumour of individuals putting a small-scale hydro electric scheme on their property. The reason for much of this activity is due to the Government initiative know as Feed In Tarrifs or FITS. Under the, scheme the Government is seeking to: “…encourage the deployment of small THE STEWARTRY VETERINARY CENTRE CASTLE DOUGLAS SURGERY HOURS Mon-Fri 2.00-2.30 pm & 5-6 pm Sat 2-2.30 pm DALBEATTIE SURGERY HOURS Mon, Wed, Fri 3-3.30 pm Tues & Thurs 6-6.30 pm FOR APPOINTMENTS AT BOTH SURGERIES OR IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY  01556 502263  VETERINARY SURGERY OAKWELL ROAD CASTLE DOUGLAS scale (less that 5MW) low carbon electricity generation, particularly by organisations, businesses, communities and individuals who have not traditionally engaged in the electricity market.” Basically what happens is that, rather than give grants for the installation of such systems as was the case in the past, the Government pays the individual a premium rate for the electricity produced from the installation whether the electricity is exported to the national grid or consumed by the property itself. The amount you get paid varies depending on the type and size of the installation, e.g. a 30kW hydro or 3kW of photovoltaic (electricity producing) solar panels. The payback on such systems can vary depending on your location (eg how windy the location is where you have installed your wind turbine) but typically range from 5-12 years. The other advantage is that every unit of electricity you produce is one less unit that you have to pay for as part of your electricity bill, so if you produce enough to meet your own domestic requirements you may not need to pay an electricity bill again during the life of the kit. After you have paid off any loan used, you could even get a small income from your installation. There are many specialist companies GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL  01644 420234  that can help advise you on what installation is best for you and the potential pay back periods for the kit. There are an increasing number of financial organisations that are will to offer loans to help pay for the capital costs of the equipment and its installation. If this has inspired you in any way and you are interested in FITS and generating your own electricity then you should do some research on the internet to gain a better understanding of the scheme. Tap in FITS to Google and look at the Government’s DECC website for this. If you think you want to take this further then approach an approved company (be sure to ask them about their proven track record in the area) which you can again find on site or look in the Farmers Weekly. These companies can also advise more generally on the scheme and the best options for you and whether or not you need planning permission for the installation. If it all still looks good and you think you can afford the up front payments then ‘go for it’. And then you can just watch as you have taken responsibility for your own electricity generation from a clean and renewable resource. A further scheme is due to be announced by the Government by the end of the year to help you heat your house from renewable sources, eg a wood boiler or solar panels instead of more conventional sources, eg oil, gas. A future article will keep you posted as this concept develops. Ted Leeming Glenkens Gazette page 6 CatStrand Highlights August/ September Highlights The new season has been a great success so far, and things just get more and more exciting! Our new Events Programme has been released and is jam-packed full of fun activities and events for all the family to enjoy! Join The CatStrand on the 7th August for the Scottish Alternative Games where Surreal McCoy will be presenting Big Rory & Ochie: A giant Scotsman and his endearing giant dog! Both visually and characteristically enormous, Ochie has a tendency to woo his audience, but beware he can be a rascal too! Join us on Friday 19th August for a musical evening from the sounds of South America. Music from South America will be performed by students of the International Scottish Cello Festival .and will include a wide variety of South American music including Tangos by Piazzolla and the famous Villa Lobos Concerto for Cellos and Soprano. On Thursday 25th August we will be showing the film Submarine directed by Richard Ayoade (The IT Crowd). The film captures the flavour of youth with eloquence, heartwarming sincerity and some splendid comic performances. Lend us you ears for the fantastic Pokey LaFarge & The South City Three who are playing the CatStrand on Thursday 8th September. 2011 has been one of the busiest for the St Louis-based band, with main stage appearances at big summer festivals in America and Europe. The Riverboat Soul album carried off the ‘Best Americana Album’ category in the prestigious US Independent Music Awards, and Jack White of The White Stripes has declared himself a fan: “I love his voice”. With their ever-growing publicity it is clear to see that they will become a great success! (Emily Watson), a social worker from Nottingham, who uncovered one of the most significant social scandals in recent times: the forced migration of children from the United Kingdom. We are also proud to support the UK’s first ever Day Of The Region. It’s happening right here in D&G with a weekend of special events taking place on the first weekend in October. Here at the CatStrand we will be exhibiting a collection of Glenkens images by local photographers Phil McMenemy, Morag Paterson, Ted Leeming and Allan Wright. We will also be host to a special CatStrand Youth Players performance and showing local film. Written by Caitlin Gilligan For more Information & tickets please call the CatStrand on 01644 420 374 or visit www.catstrand.com Are you a musician, poet, singer or performer? You are? Oh excellent, then why not Webshop Success: Great news! Our join us for our second new CatStrand fundraising webshop has got off Open Stage evening of to a fantastic start with sales of over £1000 acoustic performance already, raising much needed cash for our projects. for the beginner and the seasoned performer. No When shopping online, you can access over 150 matter what your ability leading retailers using CatStrand webshop. Every time you use our webshop to go to a retailer‛s web you will be welcome to site and subsequently buy something, you are autom play! This Open Stage atically supporting CatStrand with our fundraising night will be hosted by efforts. Nicola Black. You don‛t pay anything extra by using our webshop, We are delighted to so please continue to use it whenever you can present yet another and please keep spreading the word. It really does fantastic film: Oranges make a difference, thank you! and Sunshine, directed Find our webshop at buy.at/CatStrand. Happy by Jim Loach ( Ken’s shopping and thank you for your continued support! son). It tells the story of Margaret Humphreys Allotment Update These are exciting times for the Glenkens Community Garden & Allotment Project, offering everyone the chance to grow their own, or join in the fun in the community garden, whatever their experience and ability. Following the Climate Challenge Fund grant award and employment of Project Development Officer Wendy Fenton, an exciting opportunity has opened up for Glenkens residents to get together and create a unique garden. Wendy has a range of relevant experience and enthusiasm for her work in the Glenkens, and will be there to guide those who wish to participate through various gardening activities. With draft designs well under way following a meeting at the CatStrand, the preferred site chosen by those who attended the meeting is the field off the Old Edinburgh Road, by Carson’s Knowe in New Galloway. We are now finalising the tenancy agreement with the landowner of the site and will soon start work on the site and will need plenty of willing volunteers! - Please call Wendy to get more details. There are still allotment spaces available so please call Wendy to reserve a plot. And remember - the Allotments & Community Garden is for everyone in the Glenkens, young and not so young, experienced gardeners and beginners - we will all be working together to create the gardens and have fun! Wendy can be contacted on mobile no. 07979 535 746, by email at wendy.fenton@catstrand.com, or at the Catstrand (01644 420 374). Glenkens Gazette page 7 Primary 2011 TALENT Kickaboot Dalry School Football On the 1st June, the combined forces of Dalry Primary and Secondary Schools along with parents, friends and staff packed into Dalry School Hall for ‘You’ve got Talent’ 2011. team were the runners up in the Paul Jones A League Football Tournament final on Saturday 25 June. This took the form of a familiar TV talent show with three specially chosen judges - Mrs Nurse English, Mrs Biggar – Biology and Mr Jackson - Physics. The show had been organised by an extremely talented and hardworking S1 and S2 committee who had put in many hours organising every detail of the event. There were fifteen different acts, ranging from singing to street dancing and telling jokes to magic tricks and all the children were TOTALLY FANTASTIC! There were also two numbers which invited audience participation – YMCA and the Cha–Cha Slide - and most people attempted ‘Charlie Browns’ and cha –chas. The decision on winners was left to the audience who all voted for their top favourite act. While the votes were being counted, there was a catwalk to music - with the S1 and S2 classes doing a catwalk to display their amazing hats which they had recently created as part of a Curriculum for Excellence multi– subject ‘HATS’ event. In the end and the winners were Eoghain Curran and Owen Glasby from S1 who were rappers for the day. In second place came Sabrina Smith with ‘Hallelujah’ then Charlotte Green took third with a mesmerising display of dancing. The boys played well and worked as a team. Staff, parents and friends were there to cheer them on - they were a credit to the school and showed great sportsmanship. Drumlanrig Day Out Carsphairn Primary School went on a year ending trip to Drumlanrig Castle. The trip was funded by the PTC and caps an excellent year at Carsphairn. This year, parents have volunteered a lot of their time to help out the school in many different ways. Parents have volunteered in the classroom doing ActiveLearning, along with the pupils they have raised money and awareness for the charity Headway, we had a cycle safety course led by volunteers and parents for pupils and an after school gardening club has the school vegetable garden bursting with food. Once you include the stalls at the Carphairn Show and the Happy Campers float at the Clachan Festival parade, you can see that 2011 has already been a very busy year for our wee school. On behalf of all the staff and pupils at Carsphairn, we’d like to thank the parents and PTC for all their help this year, including our trip to Drumlanrig Castle. A Few Wonderful Artworks from the Glenkens Art Show Pictures from left to right: Bill Wiseman - The Hunt, Sylvia Robertson - Cottage Garden Flowers, Olivia Wise - winner of 1st prize in the Seniors section of the Schools Art Competition. Glenkens Gazette page 8 NEWS FOM THE WATSON BIRD CENTRE and refurbishment of Barone, the former family home of Donald Watson. David is an experienced businessman who has worked recently on community projects in the Glenkens. I am delighted to report that we are making progress with the project in Dalry. With grants totalling £65,000, we have appointed two Project Officers to take various activities forward. David Whyte will be responsible for the business plan and fund raising strategy for the purchase Gazette reader Louise McClure from Dalmellington has sent in this picture. She says: “Jeannie delivers a monster! Can any Gazette readers top this?” So, can anyone rise to the challenge and beat this egg? (no pun intended...) Sarah Keast will be responsible for the events programme, including the major Dalry Bird Festival from 30 September to 2 October 2011, and for developing the volunteer network. Sarah has extensive experience of working with communities, raising money and running training programmes. They will work two days a week each for the next two years from the Session House of Dalry Kirk. Please contact David or Sarah with any ideas you have - David can be contacted on 07767 401 084 and Sarah on 07716 179 871. We are developing an exciting programme for the events in the autumn as part of the Glenkens contribution to the Day of the Region. Come and join one of our guided walks and talks from the RSPB and an opportunity to visit the Red Kite Feeding Station. We are hoping to have an evening Concert with Peter Cowdrey’s ‘Bird Swing’ and Poetry and Music with Kenneth Stevens and the Rhona MacKay trio. Look out for Dalry’s first Bird Race and the award of the Donald and Jeff Watson Raptor Science prize. We have initiated a design competition asking a select group of local architects to give us their ideas for refurbishing Barone as the Watson Bird Centre that should be a magnet for locals, visitors and bird enthusiasts alike. Roger Crofts 07803 595267 roger@dodin.idps.co.uk Camera Club The Stewartry Camera Club returns to The Tolbooth after the summer break at 7.30 pm on Wed 14 Sept. The competition judges this year are Allan Wright, Dave Symonds FRPS, Kim Ayres, Keith Kirk, Alwyn Howes, Pauline Saul and Vivienne Dania. The full programme can be found at www.stewartryca meraclub.wordpress.com ‘The Hidden Road in June’ by Mary McIlvenna The club caters for all levels of photographer - if you have an interest in photography, do come along. For further information contact Mary McIlvenna 01644 420613 or John Smith 01557 332043) Bus Diversification It’s amazing the different uses there are for a Community Mini Bus, and I am sure you can all think of many more. Having a second vehicle gives us so much more flexibility and in recent months Dalry School have used a bus for educational trips involving overnight camping, whilst a local user group organised transport for a wedding – the larger bus was beautifully decorated and appreciated by all – a further booking involving a wedding has already been made! Please remember the vehicles are NOT available for public hire and reward but if you register a ‘user group’ you can use a vehicle when you wish in line with the conditions of use – for further details please speak to Keith, and if you do wish to book a vehicle please book early to avoid disappointment – we are getting very busy! DRIVER TRAINING: Another ‘nice’ problem of being busy is the number of volunteers waiting to be trained. Following a grant from Tesco, Jon Nimmo is going on a four day course in Edinburgh in September to qualify as a ‘trainer’. This will allow us to arrange training at Jon’s convenience locally and will be a lot easier and quicker than the present situation. Please be patient but don’t stop volunteering! There are a number of trips in the pipeline including another visit to Cumbrae Island where we all had a wonderful day out a few weeks ago. It is in school holidays so perhaps some of our youngsters will take the opportunity to cycle round the island... I am sure by the time you read this some people will be thinking of Xmas and the Festive Season - remember to book a bus early if you want to guarantee being able to use one during that period. Glenkens Gazette The Green Green Grass of Carsphairn The end is now in sight for Carsphairn’s project of creating its own Community Garden. In the last week of June the laying of turf at the east end of the Garden was completed, so now with some seasonal planting and a few finishing touches it will be effectively complete – well apart from litter bins which are due in August. David Richmond of the Garden Sub-Group commented: “It’s extremely rewarding to see the culmination of the efforts of our group of volunteers. We also greatly appreciate the generosity of those who donated both money and gifts in kind to enable the project to progress.” Matt Hickman, Chair of Carsphairn Community Council explained: “The Garden will be officially opened on Saturday 24 September by Alex Fergusson MSP. We are delighted that he has agreed to this for us given his busy schedule. Everyone is welcome to come along – refreshments and entertainment are available for all. Let’s hope for an Indian summer!” Carsphairn Community Garden is supported by the Dumfies & Galloway LEADER Programme, Stewartry Area Committee and Carsphairn Windfarm Community Fund. Contact: David Whyte on 07767 401084 or 01644 460296 or david. whyte@btinternet.com Generous Funds for RnR South West Scotland RnR is a small charity that helps wounded servicemen recover from injuries. They bring injured combatants to their lovely accommodation on the shores of the Solway and give them good home-cooked food, comfort and entertainment. After two fires earlier in the year the charity had much work to do to ensure the living quarters were repaired. The Ladies Guild of St Margaret’s Episcopal Church in New Galloway donated £600 from their plant and bake sale, on top of £700 donated last year and a further £190 from one of their Lent Lunches. President Christine Rankin said: “After we heard about RnR we all wanted to support this worthwhile cause and we are delighted to have been able to help them over the last nine months”. Anyone who would like to find out more about South West Scotland RnR or support the charity in any way should go to www.southwestscotlandrnr.org.uk St Margaret’s Ladies Guild organise fundraising events throughout the year, the money from which is donated to a variety of charities, often local organisations. Guild KENBRIDGE HOTEL New Galloway Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents  01556 503744  www.ggblaw.co.uk Open 7 Days : Beauti Beautiful Riverside Location TRADITIONAL LOG FIRE M E A L S S E RV E D 12.00 - 2.00pm, 5.30 - 8.30pm CASTLE DOUGLAS, DALBEATTIE bed and breakfast en suite accommodation KIRKCUDBRIGHT & DUMFRIES mail@kenbridgehotel.co.uk OFFICES IN :  01644 420 211  www.kenbridgehotel.co.uk page 9 CAITLIN’S COLUMN There are times, like today, where the sun is shining and the birds are singing and all I want to do is grab a book and lie in the sun and develop the tan I will never have. It’s times like these that I can really appreciate where I am in the world - Galloway is an incredible and inspiring place to live. Growing up in Galloway has been magical, but being a teenager here can be challenging! I used to love the leafy forests and the beautiful green landscapes. As a child it was great…I was free to roam the fields and explore the endless expanse of countryside. We would go on walks and picnics or take trip up to the Otter Pool where we could dip our toes into the icy water. As I grew older, however, the more practical elements of living in the middle of nowhere come to light. My main problem with living so deeply in the countryside is the public transport. It’s very hard, if you can’t drive, to get anywhere. I can’t go out anywhere far on a Saturday night because there are no buses back on a Sunday. I rely a lot on my parents for lifts, but obviously it’s unfair on them to take me places all the time. If I could change one thing it would be the bus service! Galloway may be breathtakingly beautiful, but there is a serious lack of things for young people to do. In the summer we can get together for camp-outs and make music around a bonfire, but in winter that isn’t an option. We do have local music festivals such as Wickerman, Eden or Knockengorroch to look forward to and the Varanasi Nights in Castle Douglas, which raise money for Eden Festival, are a great way for young people to socialise. Teenagers from all parts of Galloway can meet and see young talent showcased - if more events like this happened I think us younger folks would appreciate it. I am about to leave Galloway to go to university and I plan to make good use of city life, culture and fun. And public transport of course! I wont forget Galloway and I will definitely come back as often as I can. Glenkens Gazette page 10 Dalry CARSPHAIRN IN ACTION Anglers We have an exciting website which has been recently updated - have a look at www.dalryanglingassociation.co.uk. The annual Junior Competition was held on Saturday 2 July in glorious weather. The winner this year was Annabelle McAdam and her sister, Kimberly was second. The Senior Competition will be held on Carsfad from noon until 4pm on Saturday 14 August. The Association is having problems finding Office Bearers. We have not had a Treasurer since the last AGM and despite asking members and putting a notice in Dalry no-one has volunteered. There is an Honorarium, and a Treasurer doesn’t even need to be a member of the Association. If anyone could give a little time to help out, it would be much appreciated. Please contact the Secretary on 01644 430271. The President has also intimated that he will retire at the next AGM which will be held on Friday 18 November in Dalry Town Hall at 7.30pm. Should there be no interest this year, there is a danger that the Association will become defunct. Elizabeth McFegan starting off on her sponsored walk in aid of Dalry Church, accompanied by Isabel McBeth and Mabel Young. Elizabeth was later joined by Mary Dougan and Betty Goodwin. The sum raised was £300. Action for Brain Injury (ABI) Week ran from Mon 9 to Sun 15 May. Carsphairn really got involved in this worthwhile cause as a member of the community had a brain injury last year, and Headway have been a great support to the family. John Phillips had an epileptic seizure last summer and ended up with a fractured skull and a penetrating brain injury. The whole family have had support from Headway since he came out of hospital. The family have two children who attend Carsphairn Primary, and wanted to raise awareness of Headway. As the first event of the week John went into the school to talk about his brain injury. The kids really listened well and asked many questions. A Primary 1 pupil said: “John was in school today. He was fantastic - no he was better than that, he was cool!”. Makes it all worthwhile! Carsphairn had now raised about £50 for Headway Dumfries and the main fundraiser hadn’t even happen yet! The second of the week’s activities Does Your Dog Ken The Glenkens? Come along and appreciate three walks in this lovely area with your pet! Dumfries & Galloway Canine Rescue Centre is a registered charity which rescues and rehomes mistreated, abandoned and unwanted dogs from all over the region. Three of the charity’s Glenkens supporters have volunteered to lead walks in this lovely area of Dumfries & Galloway as part of the Day of the Region. Walk 1: 2pm, Sun 11 Sept. Led by Gerry Cinderby, this walk starts in the New Galloway car park, is around three miles long and goes over the open land around New Galloway across the flood plain to the river. Walk 2: 11am, Sun 25 Sept. Led by Janette Dickson, this walk leaves from the Thistle Inn in Crossmichael. The walk is around two miles long, along quiet country lanes and enables owners to enjoy views over Loch Ken. The Fleet Fish van is in the Glenkens on Tuesdays & Wednesdays every week. Anyone wishing me to call, please phone Mary on above mobile no. was held on the Wednesday. Karen from Headway visited the school. The kids really enjoyed it all, although they were a little disappointed at not being able to eat the jelly brain! The last of the week’s events was Wear a Hat for Headway. The school had a non-uniform day and raised £27 with everyone wearing a hat all day. Carrick’s of Carsphairn also took part in the day - all the staff wore hats, and they had a selection of hats for customers to wear while in the shop and tearoom. Thanks go to Thistle Products in Dalbeattie who donated hats for the occasion. £120 was raised in Carrick’s Shop, and donations have still been coming in. Thanks also go to all who supported Hats for Headway, the children at the school rose to the challenge and looked wonderful in their costumes, and customers in the village shop, both familiar faces and complete strangers, who all entered into the spirit of the day. It was a great day, lots of fun and lots of lovely lolly for Headway! Maggie Phillips (Mrs) Walk 3: Sun 2 Oct. This is the Day of the Region, and this walk begins with Reverend David Bartholomew leading a service of blessing for pets and their owners in the field alongside the parish church in Dalry. The collection will go to help the unfortunate dogs that are seeking new homes at D&G Canine Rescue Centre. The walk which follows is led by Vorna Gilkes and will explore Dundeugh Island, a beautiful forested island set in Loch Ken. The walk is around four miles along forest tracks. Parking is very limited so it is best to use the car park about 100m south and opposite at Polmaddy. You can enjoy these walks – all three or only one – either with or without a dog. It will help the Rescue Centre care for the dogs that are at the kennels waiting for new homes if you could find sponsors for your walks or give a donation. Sponsor forms can be downloaded from www.caninerescue.co.uk using the ‘support us’ button. A leaflet giving further details of the Glenkens trio of walks and a sponsor form will be available from the Rescue Centre (01387 770210, info@caninerescue.co.uk), The Cat Strand, the Clachan Inn and the Thistle Inn from the beginning of August. Diana Lord, Chairman D&G Canine Rescue Centre Glenkens Gazette page 11 GCAT to the Rescue The Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT), with support from Dumfries & Galloway Council, has rescued this year’s Doors Open Days. The popular weekend event in September is coordinated nationally by the Scottish Civic Trust and is now in its 21st year in Scotland. Doors Open Days has been ongoing in Dumfries and Galloway since 1993, but this year’s event was threatened following the closure of Solway Heritage. Doors Open Days provides free access to buildings, cultural and archaeological sites that members of the public would not normally gain entry to, or where a charge is usually made. The event has opened everything from thatched cottages to castles, from a farm using working horses to the jail cells under the Sherriff’s Court. GCAT Chairman Cathy Agnew said; “I am so glad that between us we have been able to put together a rescue package to save this important event. Put the date in your diaries now Doors Open Days will take place in Dumfries and Galloway on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 September.” The theme of this year’s Doors Open Days is ‘The Key of the Door’, reflecting both the fact that in Scotland Doors Open Days celebrates its 21st birthday this year and GCAT’s aspiration to increase the involvement of young people. For more information about participating venues and special events throughout the region, pick up a Doors Open Days brochure at local venues including CatStrand, or visit www.catstrand.com Image courtesy of the Galloway News CARSPHAIRN SHOW 2011 Saturday 4 June saw the sun shining for the 120th annual Carsphairn Show at The Crofts, Carsphairn. Again, there was an excellent show of sheep on display, with a good turnout of spectators. During the day, the Hall, which accommodated the industrial and horticultural sections, was filled with visitors and admirers. Show Day was rounded off by the Childrens’s Sports in the afternoon, and a well attended dance in the Lagwyne Hall in the evening. The Committee would like to take this opportunity to thank all the exhibitors and sponsors for making the day the success it was. carricks of carsphairn Convenience Store and Tea Room/Garden A warm welcome awaits customers old and new! Enjoy a browse around the shop, which stocks all your daily requirements. Post Office open 11am to 1pm Monday to Saturday. Locally made woollens, gifts and cards available. Enjoy a light meal in the Tea Room, which is open all year round (except Christmas Day). Our menu has something for most tastes including home-made pies, scones and soups. Our garden has the most wonderful views all year round... We are open: Mon to Fri 7am - 6pm Saturdays 8am - 6pm Sundays 9am - 5pm UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP AND NOW RE-OPENED FOLLOWING REFURBISHMENT Stag’s Head: traditional pub offering bar snacks, hot and cold beverages DG’s Bistro: serving bistro and bar food in a relaxed se�ing St. John’s Restaurant: Elegant dining with a tempting a la carte menu Food served all day Sunday Lunch served 12-8pm We cater for functions and parties St. John’s town of Dalry Tel: 01644430107 www.lochinvarhotel.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 12 NATURE & WILDLIFE On a long drive recently I set myself the considerable mental task of listening to the drum beat all the way through the Rolling Stones’ classic, Tumbling Dice. Not that I particularly like or dislike drums, and I really do like this track, but rather I was attempting to unravel the mystique of its attraction. For me the experience was quite remarkable and reminded me of sitting in the sun outside Peebles Hydro Hotel with a medical professor friend a few years ago. We were joint co-ordinators of a conference seminar and were enjoying a brief interval in the clear air of a golden autumn day. He said: “Just listen to all the bird song, isn’t it wonderful?” In agreeing I observed that they were all robins, at least six of them, at various distances. Perfectly personified by Burns in his Brigs of Ayr as “whistling glee”, the metallic autumn song of the robin is so evocative of the season and all its splendour. My friend was astonished and still recalls the incident occasionally when we meet. He’d probably heard the robins’ symphony every year, as these incoming migrants set up their winter territories or simply sang to each other on their annual way south. However, that day he certainly assumed that the orchestra had many instruments, when in fact they were all the same. Bird song is one of the most uplifting natural experiences for most people and For me there is no mystique in the attraction of bird song to our ears, it is a glorious manifestation of the cycle of life that we are all part of, and by enjoying it we are somehow reconnecting with this source of wellbeing. However, to identify the individual parts that go to make up the wondrous whole, we must adopt the Tumbling Dice technique and fix on individual songs in the way I followed Charlie Watts’s drumming in the Stones’ track to appreciate the part he played in holding it all together and driving it along. Discerning individual bird song is also a considerable mental task at times, and sometimes complicated by species like the skylark, which has its own backbeat theme, but brings in a randomly repeating series of other birds’ songs in its own style – like cover versions. Thus skylark song, while instantly recognisable across its world range, has slight variations between areas according to the prevailing neighbouring songsters of various kinds. However, with practice this separation is possible and indeed considerable skill is soon developed. The Clog & Shoe Workshop unique handmade footwear open 10am - 5pm weekdays Easter Mon to 31st October please ring to arrange a visit at other times Tel: 01644 420 465 visit our new online shop at www.clogandshoe.co.uk Greenfinch: RSPB photograph Tumbling Dice my friend’s observation on its beauty was really quite unremarkable. “Oh, listen to the birds singing” is a common enough expression after all and certainly not the preserve of socalled birdwatchers like myself. Many people do also appreciate the variety of bird songs that combine to give us our magnificent dawn and dusk choruses. My evening walk down the Water of Ken at Dalry provides an impressive cast of birds to unravel, and for some reason this spring brought unusually high numbers of migrant songbirds, including garden warblers, whitethroats, sedge warblers, blackcaps, willow warblers and chiffchaffs. Resident blackies (blackbirds), mavis (song thrush), shelfies (chaffinches), blue dykies (dunnocks), linties (linnets), green linties (Greenfinches), goldies (goldfinches) and others complete the throng. What colour and what sounds! Sadly, the weather of May and June was simply awful, but it at least served to heighten the pleasure of those evenings when the birds moved and sang, reminding me of how important they are in the great scheme of things. Now summer has brought the tumbling, wheeling, wheezing swifts that so characterize the Glenkens and indeed Castle Douglas. Up on a clear day, they are simply stunningly beautiful and I just love watching them, and the visitors who stop in their tracks on the main street to marvel at the spectacle. Who needs dice? Chris Rollie Glenkens Gazette page 13 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN The Spoiling of Glenkens The issue of wind turbines is currently, to say the least, highly controversial throughout Scotland. Back in the 1930s when the Galloway Hydro-Electric Scheme was built at a cost of £3 million many folk were deeply concerned about the environmental impact. An editorial by Dorothy McBurnie in The Gallovidian 1931 regretted the assault on the beauty of Galloway, an event that was greeted by the wider community with ‘apathy, slackness and worse’. The Glenkens scheme had been ‘conceived and launched and had gone through Parliament almost before the greater portion of the people of Galloway had heard about it’. Late in the day the Association for the Preservation of Rural Scotland had become involved. To cite one example, the original plan included closing off the flow of the Dee to Loch Ken at Clatteringshaws; Glenlee was the intended ‘new junction’. This was approved by a consultant, Professor Bailly, who, however, considered the construction of other dams from Allangibbon Bridge north, as well as the Doon Tunnel, unnecessary. The matter was appealed all the way to the privy council without success. Ms McBurnie feared the whole landscape would be defaced and she lamented the loss of historic sites and beauty spots as well as the erection of pylons and other structures. ‘Let us pray for a miracle’, she proclaimed; ‘and in the meantime let us do all in our power to help those already working in the cause of beauty. Let us keep some ideals, at least, from the welter of modern materialism and ugliness that is making itself so evident in the literature, the cities, the general atmosphere of today’. She ended by quoting a recent lecture by Prof Macneile Dixon: ‘Despite all her victories, science stands today bewildered before her own conclusions, and reason is ill at ease upon her imperial throne’. And “private legislation”: The company promoter’s pen Will dam the Deugh and dam the Ken And dam the Dee, - oh, damn the men Who plan such desecration! However the general editors of the Third Statistical Account (1965) pronounced the scheme ‘an unqualified success. It was constructed at the cost estimated; it Another article in 1939 deplored has done everything that was expected commercialism’s ability to ride roughof it and, as regards units generated, has shod over all opposition. Forests and produced more than was expected’. lochs were blasted in the name of progress. A national heritage was at stake; Furthermore the County Council of the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright; ‘had the ‘unless all classes unite in a unique distinction of being the first local authority in the UK to undertake the determined effort to give nature a fair deal, and compel those in official distribution of electricity over the whole county area and this despite the fact positions to do the same, the little that population density at 30 to the square remains of Scotland’s most priceless mile was lower than in any other similarly developed area’. possession will be lost for all time’. There is much like-minded commentary in the contemporary press. The promoters thought they had done a very fine job and predicted that within a few years the new Hydro structures would blend in with the landscape and would indeed enhance it. Of course this most ambitious scheme was situated right in the heart of Galloway, in what until then was regarded as the most unspoiled part of the province, recently romanticised by S R Crockett. The idyll, ironically, was becoming industrialised... The question is who was right? Have we taken the dams and surge towers to our hearts? Has the scheme turned out to be an eyesore or do we recognize its structures as some of our finest examples of Modernist design (Sir Alexander Gibb)? What is the message for our present debate? W G Dobie produced a poem entitled ‘The Modern Raiders’ inspired by Crockett’s novel. It shows that he had no doubts about the issue. One verse reads: A raider comes today who kills The glories of our glens and hills With unheroic Acts and Bills Such ambition had provoked outbursts of outrage from English MPs in the House of Commons, scandalized that remote areas in Scotland would have electricity before some of England’s major cities!’ How unthinkable right enough! For further reading consult George Hill, Tunnel and Dam: The Story of the Galloway Hydros (1984). Ted Cowan Glenkens Gazette page 14 GLENKENS DIARY AUGUST Mon 1 – Fri 5, RSAMD Drama Works Front Page, 10am – 4pm, £35, CatStrand Fri 5, New Galloway Ceilidh with Robert Menzies Ceilidh Band, 8.30pm, NG Town Hall Sun 7, Scottish Alternative Games, 2pm, NG Park Sun 7, Big Rory & Ochie, 2pm, FREE, New Galloway Park Mon 8, Dalry Community Council meeting, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall provisional date Mon 8, Kells Community Council meeting, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hal Sat 13, Glenkens Show, Mains of Kenmure, New Galloway 13 Aug – 18 Sept, From Woods and Gardens Paintings and Prints by Pamela Grace, CatStrand Sat 14, Dalry Anglers Senior Competition, from noon to 4pm, Carsfad Mon 15 – Thurs 18, Collage & Textiles with Mary Pugh, £160, CatStrand Fri 19, Music from South America, 7.30pm, £10/£8, CatStrand Sat 20, Circus Dance Fantastique with Margaret Morris Movement, 11am12noon: Ages 3-4, 12.15-1.45pm: Ages 5-7, 2.30-4pm: Ages 8-15, FREE, CatStrand Sat 20 Aug, Glenkens Horticultural Show, Dalry Town Hall, doors open for exhibitors at 8am to 9.30am on Sat, and the Hall will be open to the public at 2pm, trophy presentation at Real Dog Training “Is your dog ruining your life?” REAL solutions for REAL problems in REAL situations to make a REAL difference. 3.30pm Sunshine, 7.30pm, £5/£4, CatStrand Thurs 25, Film: Submarine, 7.30pm, £5/£4, CatStrand Fri 23, Swishing Party, 7.00pm, £2.50, CatStrand Mon 29, Balmaclellan Community Council meeting, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall Mon 29, Carsphairn Community Council meeting, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall Thurs 30, Stay in touch: Skype Talk, 4.30pm-5.15pm, FREE, CatStrand 4 weeks starting Tues 30, Digital Photography, 5.30-7.30pm, £80 or free with ILA, CatStrand SEPTEMBER Thurs 1, Waste Management and Home Composting Talk, 1.30pm3.00pm, £2, CatStrand Fri 2, Dalry Church Guild Sale of Work, 7 pm, Dalry Town Hall, £2 incl teas Mon 5, Dalry Community Council meeting, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall provisional date Tues 6, Stay in touch: Skype Workshop, 3.00pm-5.00pm, FREE, CatStrand Thurs 8, Pokey LaFarge & The South City Three, 7.30pm, £10/£8, CatStrand Sun 11, Day of the Region Walk, starts from New Galloway Car Park, 2pm, see p10 Mon 12, Kells Community Council meeting, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall Wed 14, Stewartry Camera Club, 7.30 pm, The Tolbooth, Kirkcudbright, see p8 Thurs 15, Open Stage, 7.30pm, £3/ £2 (performers), CatStrand Wed 21- Wed 28, CASTLES SWSDFA Young Art Competition, CatStrand Thurs 22, Film: Oranges and T. H. CARSON BUTCHERS See us at Dalry Farmers Market on 2nd Sat each month. Eric Broadhurst (NDOA Advanced Instructor) We can deliver to your door call us any time up to the Friday before the Farmers Market, and we will deliver on the Saturday, afternoon. 35 years dog trainer to the TV and film industry 01556 610384 CALL ERIC NOW Home: 01644 460670 Mobile: 07831 590822 Sat 24, Jewellery Workshop, 10.00am-4.00pm, £40, CatStrand Sat 24, Carsphairn Community Garden official opening Sat 24 & Sun 25, Doors Open Day, all over Dumfries & Galloway, see p11 Sun 25, Jimmie Macgregor – John Muir: Wilderness Guardian, 3pm, £8, CatStrand Sun 25, Day of the Region Walk, starts from the Thistle Inn, Crossmichael, 11am, see p10 Mon 26, Balmaclellan Community Council meeting, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall Mon 26, Carsphairn Community Council meeting, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall Fri 30 Sept to Sun 2 Oct, Dalry Bird Festival, various venues around the Glenkens Fri 30, Glenkens 73 Club & CatStrand Youth Players, 7.30pm, £5/£3, CatStrand OCTOBER Sat 1st & Sun 2, Day of the Region, CatStrand Sat 1 – Thurs 13, Photographers of the Glenkens, CatStrand Sun 2, Day of the Region Dragon Boat Race Day, Galloway Activity Centre, see p3 Sun 2 & Mon 3, Dalry Craft Group Exhibition, Dalry Community Centre, see p3 Sun 2, Day of the Region Walk, starts in field alongside Dalry Church, see p10 ������������������� ����������������������� ������������������������ ��������������������� ������������������������������ ������������������������ ������������������������� THE CROSS, MILL ST, DALBEATTIE ������������������������������������������������������������ ����������������������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������������������������� Glenkens Gazette page 15 WHAT’S GOING ON IN AUGUST & SEPTEMBER ...BE PART OF IT REGULAR EVENTS: Glenkens Ramblers: Mon, 1.30pm, outside the Bank, Dalry Scouts: Mon, 7–8.30pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Mother & Toddlers: Tues, 9.45-11.15am, New Galloway Town Hall Beavers: Tues, 6.30–7.45pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Glenkens Walking Group: Wed, 1.30pm, outside the Bank, Dalry Stewartry Camera Club: Wed, 7.30pm, The Tolbooth, Kirkcudbright Mossdale Painters: Wed, 9.30am, Mossdale Village Hall Cub Scouts: Wed, 6.45–8pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Thursday Lunch Club: 12.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall, fortnightly starting 6 Jan, £3, contact - Raymond Vincent, 01644 420451. Lions Club monthly quiz: alternating between The CatStrand & Lochinvar Hotel, contact - Andrew Frew, 01644 420 323 The CatStrand, New CHURCH OF SCOTLAND Sundays: Balmaclellan: 12noon 1st, Carsphairn: 10.30am 1st 2nd(Aug) 3rd 4th Dalry: 9am 1st 2nd(Aug) 3rd 4th(Aug) Dalry: 12noon 4th(Sept) Kells: 10.30am 2nd 3rd 4th Special Services/ Events: 12 Sept, 10.30am: United Family Service, Kells Church, followed by barbecue and children’s games at Kells House. 25 Sept, 10.30am: Harvest Thanksgiving, Kells Church, followed by Harvest Lunch in New Galloway Town Hall. 12 Galloway (01644 420 374) : Exercise to Music: Mon, 1011am Play it by Ear: Mon during term time, 1.30-2.30pm Children’s Dance Classes with Margaret Morris Movement: Mon during term time, 3.15-4pm (pre-school), 45pm (ages 8-12) Carers Coffee & Chat: Tues, 10am-12noon Teen Spirit: Tues during term time, 7.30-9.30pm Taking the First Step in Computing: Wed, 5.30-7.30pm Boxercise: Wed, 7-8pm, £4, New Galloway Town Hall Zumba: Wed: 8-9pm, New Galloway Town Hall, £4 Gentle Yoga & Relaxation: Thurs, 10-11.15am Sing it Out: Singing Workshop: Thurs, 11.30am-12.30pm Afternoon Tea Club: 2nd Fri each month, 2pm Saturday Art Club: 2nd Sat each month, 10am–12noon Circus Skills Swapping Share: 3rd Sun of the month, 1-3pm noon, Harvest Thanksgiving, Dalry Church, followed by Harvest Lunch in Dalry Town Hall. Communion Service: 28 Aug, 10.30am Kells Church SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH (C of E): St Margaret’s, New Galloway: Holy Communion - 10.30am every Sun & Wed. CATHOLIC CHURCH SERVICES: Gatehouse of Fleet: Sat, 6pm. Kirkcudbright: Sun, 9.30am. Dalbeattie: Sun, 11am. St Ninian’s, Castle Douglas: Rev McFadden - 01557 330687. Dalry Library Tue: 2 - 4.30pm then 5.30 - 7.30pm Fri: 11:15am - 1:15pm then 2 - 4.30pm 23 mobile library stops - to find out where and when call 430 234 Catstrand Youth Players: Sun during term time from 2pm CatStrand Playstation Tournaments: contact The CatStrand for info. Dalry Community Centre (contact - Sarah on 01644 430 393) : Glenkens Playgroup: Mon-Fri, 9.15-11.45am (contact - Julie Moore 01644 460 687) Paint & Art: Mon, 1.30-4.30pm & Wed, 7-9pm Ballroom & Latin Dance dropin class: Mon, 7.30-9pm, £5 Ballroom & Latin Dance course: Mon, 9-10pm, for more info tel Sam Hood on 01644 420672 Good Neighbours Club: Tues, 2pm Kickback Martial Arts: Tues & Thurs, 7-9pm, both adults & children welcome Glenkens Mother & Toddlers: Wed, 1.30-3pm Craft Class: Thurs, 2-4pm Brownies: Wed, 5.30-6.45pm Guides: Wed, 5.30-7pm USEFUL NUMBERS: ● Pot-hole Hotline: 0845 276 0000 ● Local Police: 0845 600 5701 ● Doctors: 01644 420 234 ● NHS 24: 08454 24 24 24 ● D&G Council: 030 33 33 3000 Gaze�e Adver�sing Rates 6cm x 6cm - £31.50 per issue (10% series discount) 1/4 page (9cm w x 13cm h) - £68.25 (25% series discount) 1/2 page (18cm w x 13cm h) - £126 (25% series discount) Full Page (18cm w x 27cm h) - £210 (25% series discount) Glenkens Gazette page 16 Image courtesy of the Galloway News Clachan Flair Dalry’s Clachan Fair week was an ambitious program of events, in fact so many that we lost count, but over fifteen for sure! Events during the week included a Pet Show, Songs of Praise, Treasure Hunt, Quiz Night, Scottish Night and Junior and Senior Discos to name but a few. The Grand Finale was, of course, the Saturday which began with a car boot sale and stalls followed by the fancy dress competion and a parade led by the Dalry Lad and Lass in a carriage. Later there was a range of activities on the school sports field for the young (and young at heart). The Mulloch Race was also run (or walked) in near perfect conditions and Mrs Wood was presented with the prize for the best dressed house competion, no mean feat for Dalry’s oldest resident who will celebrate her 100th birthday in September. A big thank you goes out to all the people who have helped to put the Fair together this year – it is through their generosity, in time, through donations (and through the lack of claiming of personal expenses) we were able to raise the funds we did. The AGM of the Clachn Fair will be on Wednesday 14 September at 7pm in Dalry Town Hall - please come along and support us. VACANCY Property Factor/Manager The Pamela Young Trust are seeking the services of a selfemployed Property Factor/Manager in relation to their residential properties in the Dalry area. The position may suit a party with previous experience as a surveyor or builder. In the first instance Applicants should contact: P Matthews, AB & A Matthews LLP, Bank of Scotland Buildings, 37 Albert Street, Newton Stewart, DG8 6EG 01671 404 100 enquiries@abamatthews.com WRITE FOR THE GAZETTE! Submit events, activities, news stories, cartoons, reviews, tips & techniques, fiction, photos, ads or ideas... Contact Sarah Ade on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk OCT/NOV COPY DEADLINE: Mon 5 Sept Sunday 7th August 2011 New Galloway Town Park from 2pm Featuring: The World Gird n’ Cleek Championships Surreal McCoy: Big Rory and Ochie The Buccleuch & Queensberry Caledonia Pipe Band Snail Racing Classic Car Show Archery Tossin’ the Sheaf Balmaclellan Skittles Hurlin’ the Curlin’ Stane Tractor Pull Tug o’ War Craft Stalls, Sideshows, Teas, Barbecue, Beer Tent Admission : Adults £4.00, Children £1.00 Free Parking A day out with a difference in Scotland’s smallest Royal Burgh! Profits support local charities and good causes. The Alternative Games are hosted by The Royal Burgh of New Galloway & Kells Parish Community Council. Design & co-ordination: Sarah Ade (sarah_ ade@tiscali.co.uk) Printing:Stranraer & Wigtownshire Free Press (www.stranraerfreepress.co.uk) The Glenkens Gaze�e is an ini�a�ve of the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust, a Registered Sco�sh Charity No. SC032050  Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette 65 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GG_065 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource GCAT Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2011 Description An account of the resource Editor: Sarah Ade https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/1/210/GlenkensGazette64.pdf 1c6383f43cc45754d58a7599f4ba4234 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette 64 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Description An account of the resource <p>Find out more about the Gazette: <a href="https://glenkens.scot/gazette-home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Glenkens Gazette home page</a> If you would like to submit an article or take out an advert, please email the editor Sarah Ade: <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="mailto:glenkensgazette@hotmail.com">glenkensgazette@hotmail.com</a></p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is a member of, and regulated by <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.impressorg.com/">Impress</a>.</p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is an initiative of Glenkens Community &amp; Arts Trust (SC032050) and represents the voice of the community (not necessarily the views of GCAT).</p> Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document GLENKENS GAZETTE news from Balmaclellan, Carsphairn, Mossdale, New Galloway and St John’s Town of Dalry June/July 2011 ISSUE 64 FREE NEW BIGGER GAZETTE As of the next issue, the Glenkens Gazette will be even bigger and better. Thanks to a generous ongoing sponsorship from the Glenkens’ largest employer, Natural Power Consultants, the Gazette will now include an additional four pages in every issue! The new format will include a new FREECYCLE page, an environmental feature, further features and more room for organisations and companies to advertise. The FREECYCLE page is designed to allow people to get rid of items they no longer want, knowing they will be appreciated by someone else. You basically give them away instead of just taking them to the tip or putting them in the bin. It could be anything from a bed or sofa to spare vegetable plants, pots of jam or an old computer. You would be amazed at what other people want... But for it to work WE NEED YOUR HELP! If you have any item you wish to include on the FREECYCLE page simply contact Gazette editor, Sarah Ade (07727 127 997 or glenkensgaz ette@hotmail.co.uk) identifying the item and giving a brief description along with contact details, and she will include your items in the Gazette. The environment feature will be different every month but each will be relevant to you and the Glenkens, and could include items such as energy efficiency, wildlife, local initiatives, etc. The new look will also allow for additional features to be included, so if you have any ideas for inclusion simply let us know. And don’t forget the additional advertising space - local people really do read the Gazette and it is a useful way to be seen in the local area. We need the support of local companies to make the Gazette a success so please put in an advert. Once again, a big thank you to Natural Power. We are very grateful for your support and commitment to the local community and look forward to the new expanded Gazette for future issues. A Natural Winner The winning photograph Phil says; “As I hope you can imagine I am chuffed to bits and so proud. It continues to be an amazing journey I am having with my photography (and my life!).” “The image (below) is one of those which I’ve had in my head for a few years and I was fortunate on this occasion for everything to come together to create the final image – it was one of those drooling moments, which as an artist don’t come along too often.” “Seeing the competition my image was up against in this Award makes me feel humble, grateful and gives me a real sense of acknowledgement for my endeavours – things like this make my work so worthwhile.” To see more of Phil’s work visit The Gallery at Laurieston, open Sundays and most Saturdays during the summer (01644 450 235) or visit www.pmc photography.co.uk. A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) ini�a�ve Phil McMenemy Local photographer Phil McMenemy has been awarded the Scottish Nature Photography Award 2010 Natural Abstract Prize. IN THIS ISSUE - Day of the Region - CatStrand Highlights - Local History with Ted Cowan - Dragon Boats - Afghan Schools Trust ...and much more... www.glenkensgaze�e.com Glenkens Gazette page 2 the Glenkens communities, and we are using the Day of the Region to promote them to everyone living within the Glenkens, as well as those further afield around Dumfries & Galloway. Day of the Region Glenkens is gathering momentum and many groups and organisations based in the Glenkens are already involved. This is your chance to find out more about what’s happening where you live, get involved and have a go! There are numerous activities already happening throughout From Scroggie Hall Organic Farm Open Day to micro chipping for dogs, The Sound of Brass in Carsphairn to paddling in Dragon Boats, it’s all happening in the Glenkens! Posters and flyers are on display in the usual places around the communities of the Glenkens, telling you about what’s going on each month, all in the lead up to the main Day of the Region weekend on Saturday 1 & Sunday 2 October. You can also find out what’s happening by reading it here in the Glenkens Gazette! Look out for the Day of the Region logo on the following pages for features and info on upcoming events and activities - the logo may be for one article or for the whole page. Tell us about your events to be included in the next issue – contact Ros Hill on 01644 420632/ros.hill@rathanhou se.co.uk, or David Whyte on 01644 460296/david.whyte@ btinternet.com. something for their age group Skate Park Nears Completion had and seeing the site in use will be a The Glenkens Youth Group have raised £4,200 for the Park over the last 18 months. This has been through a series of fundraising activities, and has been hard work for all those involved, but also very rewarding. have had Jimmy McKenna on our team. His expertise and dedication has meant this project has come to fruition. There is a real sense of excitement and anticipation in the air and the kids are eager to get going. We have been extremely lucky to It’s high time the young people Keep your eyes peeled for a new Cravendale milk ad filmed in various locations around the New Galloway area. polystyrene! They have also built a Saxon barn from an old barn by Waterside... great reward for all of us involved. We would like to thank Kate and Marcus Maxwell for storing the equipment for such a long time, Natural Power, St Margaret’s Ladies Guild and 2014 Communities Fund for their financial support. SPOT THE GLENKENS Apparently the ironage roundhouse at Clatteringshaws was the landmark that caught the company’s eye originally, although they have actually ended up building their own roundhouse in nearby woods out of The ad will be the one after the ‘Cats with Thumbs’ ad currently running, and the storyline is of a man sitting in his kitchen with a cup of tea when he starts to think about who the first person to milk a cow may have been, and a comical story ensues, involving an ironage fort and Saxon barn… so keep a look out! GTI WEDNESDAY BUS SERVICE (registered route) Outward Journey: 19:00 Dept. Dalry (Underhill) 19:10 New Galloway 19:25 Mossdale 19:35 Laurieston 19:40 Townhead of Greenlaw 19:47 Castle Douglas (Market St) 19:50 Castle Douglas (Tesco) Return journey: 20:45 Dept. Castle Douglas (Tesco) 20:47 Castle Douglas (Market St) 20:52 Townhead of Greenlaw 21:00 Laurieston 21:10 Mossdale 21:25 New Galloway 21:35 Dalry To book a GTI bus or for more information please contact keith cooper, GTI Administrator, on 01644 420374. The Ironage roundhouse at Clatteringshaws. FORREST ESTATE FIREWOOD Local suppliers of firewood logs, kindling and chiminea wood. Hardwood and so�wood produced from sustainable, FSC cer�ficated woodland. Various quan��es available for collec�on or bulk delivery. Call for details 01644 430 230 office@forrestestate.com Glenkens Gazette page 3 SCOTLAND’S FIRST DRAGON On Thursday 21 April, Loch Ken saw the arrival of the first Dragon Boat in Scotland. The eagerly awaited boat arrived to glorious sunshine, and members of the Paddlers for Life charity took the chance to take the boat on her maiden voyage. “We are very excited to have the first permanent Dragon Boat and team anywhere in Scotland,” said charity secretary and spokesperson Raewyn Thomson. and it is hoped that Paddlers for Life will be able to offer an opportunity for locals to keep fit whilst having fun. Chairperson for the charity, Lucy Carlow, said “We are extremely grateful to Macmillan, LEADER, Awards for All and the Robertson Trust for the funding we received to purchase our first boat and get the project off the ground.” “In addition,” said Lucy, “we would like to thank Richard Herman from the Galloway Activity Centre at Loch Paddlers for Life Scotland South West is a newly established charity set up by local people to offer an accessible and beneficial sport to those recovering from cancer as well as other members of the local community. Dragon Boat racing has become increasingly popular as a sport in recent years Dalry Community Council: Members discussed the proposed donation in respect of the Covenanters Memorial Stone, and it was agreed to donate £500. It was noted that the Blackcraig windfarm application had been approved. There has been no further news received in relation to the proposed application by Kindbuild [on the site by the school]. With regard to Whinneymuir [the site at the top of the village] it was noted that the Construction Group that DGHP use have gone into liquidation, which could mean a delay in the implementation of their building proposals. A member of the CC attended a meeting dealing with the ‘Local Development Plan’ for D&G. This is a 20 year Local Development Plan. Essentially there are 8 main plan issues – 6 of which affect Dalry. The aim is to find ways on how to grow the economy in a sustainable manner. Details/further information can be obtained by going online to: www.dumgal.gov.uk/LDP. The CC have prepared a response. Next meeting: no meetings in June or July. Ken who has very kindly offered us the use of its excellent facilities. The gentle exercise of paddling, coupled with beautiful surroundings and good company have been evidenced worldwide to be of particular benefit to anyone recovering from breast cancer and the related effects of its treatment. To celebrate the arrival of the boat at Loch Ken, Paddlers for Life Scotland South West will be holding an official launch day later this summer to allow local people the opportunity to come and see the boats in action and try paddling for themselves. In the meantime, Paddlers for Life will be holding weekly paddling sessions on Sundays at the Galloway Activity Centre (see p11). To find out more, please visit paddlersforlifescotlandsw.co. uk or email lindsay@paddlers forlifescotlandsw.co.uk discuss the extraction of timber using the Hidden Road. Next meeting: Mon 1 June, 7pm, & Mon 27 June, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall. Carsphairn Community Council: Representatives from Eon and Ayrnet Mark attended to discuss the proposed Quantans Hill Windfarm. Applications have been submitted for two 80 metre test masts; these represent the proposed hub height of the estimated 20 – 30 turbines. Eon plans to fund, develop and operate the windfarm, and will liaise with D&G Council, but the final say is with Scottish Ministers as the development will be over 50 MW capacity. The Scoping Report is due in June 2011, after which there will be formal public consultation, and then a Planning Application in early 2012. Letters were presented outlining the benefits of a village pub. It was agreed to approach the existing owner to determine his current plans, and then assess possible options. New Galloway & Kells Community Council: The possibility of completing a community survey The AGM was held on Mon 9 May - Margaret Sainsbury supported/funded by the Council is being investigated. retired as Chairman and there were no nominations for Its objective would be to determine and prioritise wider a new Chairman. In the absence of a Chair, Vice Chair community need and future projects, and to meet Maybelle Thomson will take on these duties for two evidence requirements of LEADER for the Community months. An extraordinary general meeting (EGM) will Garden. An initial meeting will be arranged. be held on Mon 11 July in order to resolve this situation. The planning application on Carminnows Plot 3 is going Next meeting: Mon 13 June, 7.30pm, New Galloway through due process and should be put before one of Town Hall. the May Planning Applications Committee meetings. The Balmaclellan Community Council: The AGM Environmental Standards Department have dropped the Dangerous Wild Animals licence condition to identify the was held on Wednesday 27 April. Clive Brayshaw was animals, and are now proposing a monthly head count elected Chairman, Alan Pallister Vice-Chairman, Gillian by the owner attended quarterly by the Department. Smith Secretary and Jane Brayshaw Treasurer. The CC considered this an inadequate way of monitoring At our regular meeting it was agreed that we would potential escapees. Next meeting: Mon 27 June, 7pm, invite Keith Brown, from D&G Council’s Roads Lagwyne Hall. Department, to our next meeting (Mon 1 June) to Full minutes of local Community Council meetings can be viewed at Dalry Library. Glenkens Gazette page 4 Wednesday Afternoons with a Twist 11 Dalry pupils chose a camp craft activity for their Wednesday afternoon activity this term. The school has a programme of activities through out the year that pupils choose to follow for a term – from flower arranging, sugar craft, and weaving to tennis, rounders, and orienteering to name just a few. The pupils on the camp craft course had to commit just a bit extra than is usual however. A lovely walk up Waterside discussing the equipment list we would need for camping, an afternoon of using stoves and cooking up lots of different one-potmeals in the school playing fields, then lots of preparation at home to collect together all that was needed for an overnight trip. Taliesan Camp was our home for the night. The pupils hiked up Screel Hill before tea, then cooked up a meal followed by marshmallows around the campfire. Thanks to PC Bradley, our community policeman. He has helped us with our plans and guarded camp for us too! The pupils commented: “The toilet wasn’t as bad as we thought”; “...the hill was hard but the views at the top made it worthwhile”;“..soggy”; “...yes we’d do it again”. The purpose of the sessions was to challenge the pupils organisational skills, make do without home comforts for a night and to cook a nutritious meal. All in all every body achieved the goal. Our next challenge is to do the same again but to carry all our stuff to camp! RED NOSES Music Festival Success Dalry School raised £330 pounds with their Red Nose Week activities. Staff and pupils joined in the fun with competitions and dressing up. The finale was the ‘Bomb the Teacher’ event when pupils launched over 600 water bombs at their ‘favourite’ teachers! Animal Magic Dalry School had a visit recently from Laura Rennie from Animal Magic. The work shop was called Fur, Feathers, Skin & Scales and pupils learned about the differences between the five vertebrate groups using the four B’s – Body Covering, Breathing, Blood & Babies - learning about classification with real animals! Laura ran two workshops, one for Dalry Primary had a very successful Kimberly McAdam took 2nd place week at the Galloway Music festival. for her clarinet solo and Joseph Taylor took 4th place in the other In the Group Music Making category instrument solos on drums. P4/5/6 took 1st place with their composition of Alice the Camel and All of the children performed well Sayenu. In the same category P7 and were a credit to the school. took 2nd place with their composition of Interplanetary Craft. There were six groups in this category and the standard was very high. The P1/2/3 class took part in the singing game and action song categories and were commended for the rhythmical singing and interesting use of actions. 1st place for P4,5 & 6 in the Group Music Making In the soloists section category. the P4 – 7’s and another for the S1 pupils. The pupils learned about the four B’s for each of the groups of animals whilst getting to know and handle the animals Laura had brought along namely Sui the Galah cockatoo, Kizzy an African pygmy hedgehog, Tilly a European green toad, Huffy a hognose snake, and Bob a bearded dragon. Here’s what a selection of the S1’s thought of the workshop; “the workshop was my favourite science class ever and it was amazing”; “great fun whilst learning” and “it was really interesting and I learnt about the difference between toads and frogs”. Starting Them Early Primary 6 and 7 pupils from Kells School have enjoyed a series of coaching sessions during May and June at the bowling club in Dalry. The sessions were led by club member Hamish Sinclair. Glenkens Gazette page 5 Busy Calendar for Carsphairn the church, as two of its members are involved on a personal level. Carsphairn Church social group are holding An Evening of Brass with Dunaskin Band on Sunday 19 June at 6.30pm in Carsphairn Church. A similar event was held last year and was very successful. This year donations will be split between Altzheimers Scotland and Headway Dumfries. Both charities are very close to the hearts of Then on Friday 1 July (date to be confirmed) there will be an Alternative Burns’ Supper in Lagwyn Hall at 6pm. This is for all the children in the village; think Burns night - then think Burns’ night with a twist! This is the time of year Burns died, not the time of year when he was born, and for this event children are welcome and adults have to be accompanied! Haggis neeps and Welfare Rights Benefit Surgeries Are you getting what you are entitled to? Unsure which benefits you should be receiving? If so we may be able to help - come along to The CatStrand and get advice from the Benefit Maximisation team who will be having a series of surgeries. Please phone The CatStrand on 01644 420 374 to book your individual appointment (each session lasts 30 mins). Surgeries will be held on Friday 3 June from 9.30am - 1pm. tatties are on the menu but so are pizza and chips! There will be fun Burns’ activities, including Hunt the Haggis featuring a ‘Golden Haggis’. Carsphairn PTC are holding their annual stall, tombola and raffle at Carsphairn Show. Donations of prizes, cakes, plants and other homemade goodies for the stall would be gratefully accepted, and can be left at the school before Thursday 2 June. Bird Centre is Taking Off Dalry’s Watson Bird Centre has now raised £65,000 for the next stage of the project. They are currently recruiting for a project officer for a two year period to be based in Dalry. Remember to make a note in your diary that Dalry Bird Festival will run from Friday 30 September to Sunday 2 October. GLENKENS HORTICULTURAL SHOW Now that winter is behind us (or so I hope) it’s time to sow our seeds, polish up our trowels and get planting. This year the show is on Saturday 20 August in Dalry Town Hall. Doors open for exhibitors from Saturday 8am until 9.30am. After this judging will take place. The Hall will be open at 2pm to the general public and at 3.30pm the presentation of trophies will take place. There are classes especially for THE STEWARTRY VETERINARY CENTRE CASTLE DOUGLAS SURGERY HOURS Mon-Fri 2.00-2.30 pm & 5-6 pm Sat 2-2.30 pm DALBEATTIE SURGERY HOURS Mon, Wed, Fri 3-3.30 pm Tues & Thurs 6-6.30 pm FOR APPOINTMENTS AT BOTH SURGERIES OR IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY  01556 502263  VETERINARY SURGERY OAKWELL ROAD CASTLE DOUGLAS Young People, but ‘children’ of any age can enter in the open classes. The children’s classes are open to ALL young people aged 4 to 11 even if they are not resident in the Glenkens. There is a wide range of craft, decorative and produce sections not to mention the popularity of the homemade wine class. The ever increasing entries in the photographic section makes it one of the fastest growing classes and this year the subject is ‘Building or Buildings’. GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL  01644 420234  Schedules, which are free, will be available in your local Post Offices and General Stores from May onwards. Although the number of entries was higher last year, the attendance was slightly lower on the door than in previous years. As ever, come along and bring a friend (or two) to enjoy the day - and if anyone wishes to donate a small amount of time to support the show we would be very happy to see you. Joan Berkley, on behalf of the Glenkens Society Glenkens Gazette page 6 CatStrand Highlights June/July Highlights It’s been a very busy few months here at CatStrand and we are hoping to round off our season with a laugh. Join us on Wednesday 8 June for an evening of top Scottish stand up comedy compared by BBC Radio regular Susan Morrison & headlined by Vladimir McTavish (“Painfully Funny” - The Scotsman) and supported by John Gavin (2009 Scottish Comedian of the Year). On Thursday 30 June, make sure you catch Never Let Me Go, a film adapted from Kazuo Ishiguro’s bestselling Booker Prize short listed novel of the same name. The film stars Keira Knightly, Carey Mulligan and Andrew Garfield. Our new season kicks off on Saturday 2 July when we welcome The Shee; ...an exceptional all female band with an adventurous brew of Folk, Gaelic, Scots & Bluegrass that has earned them considerable recognition. Be sure to look out for our new Events Guide when it comes out. Join us on Wednesday 20 July for The Wood and the Water, an evening of poetry and music as artists find creative ways to respond to aspects of rivers, seas and forests. There is an opportunity to see writer-director Peter Mullan’s award winning third feature film, NEDS (18) on Thursday 21 July. This is a hard-hitting coming of age tale set in 1970’s Glasgow. We’re thrilled that the Salsa Celtica Acoustic Band will be paying us a visit with the Small Island Sessions on Friday 29 July. Audiences can expect an evening of exciting border-crossing World Music that weaves together the melodies & rhythms of Scots and Irish Gaelic Song with that of Afro–Latin Folkloric Music. Artist Carol Taylor will be exhibiting work in the Pyramid Gallery until Thursday 30 June. Having grown up in St John’s Town of Dalry before going on to study at Edinburgh College of art, Carol believes that life as a child and teenager in Dalry had a profound impact on her as an artist. We are delighted to be working alongside The Smithy Tea Rooms, New Galloway, who will continue to offer a delicious pre-event suppers for selected events (including Vladimir McTavish, The Shee and Salsa Celtica) For more Information & tickets please call the CatStrand on 01644 420 374 or visit www.catstrand.com SUPPORT CATSTRAND Farewell & Good Luck! WHILE YOU SHOP The Catstrand has launched a new online fundraising webshop. CatStrand is asking its supporters to shop online at www.buy.at/ CatStrand; any items bought through the site means money will be donated to the CatStrand - at no extra cost to themselves! Over 150 retailers are accessible through the webshop, including BT, Marks & Spencer, Waterstones and Next. Many retailers provide exclusive offers to CatStrand webshop, such as discounts or offering free delivery, providing more reasons for supporters to buy products through CatStrand webshop. Rachel Thompson, General Manager at CatStrand says: “The webshop facility is such a simple but effective idea. We receive a commission on each purchase you make. Donating to our organisation couldn’t be easier!” Rachel Thompson, who has been General Manager at The CatStrand for the past 3 1⁄2 years, is moving on to pastures new. She will be taking up a Business Development post with Natural Power Consultants at the end of June. The whole GCAT organisation has developed greatly under Rachel’s leadership, not least the establishment of The CatStrand as one of the leading Arts & Visitor Centres in Scotland. Everyone involved with GCAT thanks Rachel for her diligence and dedication since she joined us and we all wish her well in her new job. Brian Edgar, Chairman of the CatStrand Management Group Glenkens Gazette page 7 NEW PROJECTS FOR AFGHAN two female teachers. SCHOOLS TRUST While visiting Kabul they met The photograph to the right shows Godfrey Smith and Robin Ade of Glenkens-based charity Afghan Schools Trust with Khadija, the coordinator of its new women’s literacy & health programme in Lal. Lal is a 9000ft high district in Afghanistan’s central Hazarajat mountains. Khadija started in early April, and by the end of April she had organised and started literacy and health classes for 42 women aged 15-28. Funds raised in Galloway are paying for Khadija and for up with members of the Ahmad Shab sufi musicians who performed with such success at The CatStrand in 2009. visit www.afghanschools.org The Trust has given many successful talks about their work - if you would like a talk for your organisation please ring Godfrey on 01644 420 465 (daytime). On the same visit, the Trust also initiated the building of a school for 300 children in Bagh e Bostan in the far Northwest of Afghanistan. The expanding Trust programme relies on new donations to pay for teachers - for more information please contact info@afghanschools.org or Youth Players Rise to the Challenge The group’s first productions of 2011 were staged at Lochside Theatre during the Stewartry Drama Festival and again to a packed house at The CatStrand. ‘The Dust of the Street’ by Harry Glass was a challenging play for young people to perform and without a doubt the cast rose to the challenge. They were praised by the adjudicator for portraying the intense emotion of the piece and holding the audience throughout, particularly in the very moving final scene. The cast was: Dylan Blore, Lowena Lindsay, Cameron Lindsay, Kirstin Stalker, Jordan Pears and Josie Oliver. ‘Round the World with Class Six’ by Nick Warburton is a festival favourite which is great fun to perform and rehearse. However, it sets it’s own challenges, demanding excellent timing and teamwork. The cast had the audience enthralled as they changed their classroom scene into a sailing ship and ‘sailed around Round the World with Class Six the world’. The adjudicator praised the production for the excellent movement, comedy timing and voice projection throughout and genuinely believed that the cast were enjoying themselves just as much as the audience obviously were! The cast was: Eilidh Stalker, Hannah Daly, Eilidh Thomson, Zoe Kirkpatrick, Liza-Beth Brannock, Emily Jones & Téa Oliver. Unfortunately neither of the teams progressed to the Western Finals this time around. However, everyone thoroughly enjoyed taking part and judging by the reaction of the audiences at each performance, they greatly appreciated both plays. The Youth Players will close the current season at the CatStrand on Friday 3 June with an evening of three one act plays. The evening opens with ‘Five Green Bottles’ by Ray Jenkins, a comedy set in a seemingly ordinary household caught up in the early morning rush of breakfast and getting out to work and school. ‘Fireflies’ by Harry Glass was written just after the Chernobyl disaster in 1986 and it somehow seemed appropriate to perform it again to mark the 25th anniversary. The recent events in Japan, of course, have made the subject matter very relevant again. The play looks at the after effects of the nuclear disaster, through the eyes of the children involved, with that unique mixture of pathos and humour that only Harry Glass can achieve. The evening ends with ‘Sweet F A’ by Mark Wheeller. This is based on the true story of Southampton girl, Sarah Stanbury, and her struggle to gain recognition as a football player in the 1980’s. It is in documentary theatre style which re-enacts various significant episodes in the development of Sarah’s football career and the hurdles, natural and man-made, which she had to overcome on the way to the top. We hope that the contrasting styles of each play will make for a very enjoyable evening of theatre with something to suit everyone. The Youth Players will not be meeting in June, July and August and will start again for the new season on Sunday 4 September. Dust of the Street Glenkens Gazette page 8 DOUBLE TRAVEL Monday 28 March was another important day for GTI – the first trip with the new bus and with every seat taken! We visited Callender House, near Falkirk, in lovely spring sunshine – a very interesting house with everyone enjoying a perfect day (photo on right). Friday 8 April saw the GTI Committee celebrate two birthdays by abandoning the usual form of transport and walking round the lead mines at Carsphairn (photo on left). Snippets of local information from Bob Peace added to an interesting afternoon – the two birthday cakes and other refreshments that followed being well deserved! increasingly popular and we are trying to fix dates further in advance – other trips will be added but you might like to make a note of these dates already fixed; Sunday 10 July – Highland Games in Stirling; Sunday 5 Sept – Portpatrick Folk Festival; Tuesday 20 Sept – Farmers Market, Penrith. Bookings are only allowed from the date given on the poster but please book early to avoid disappointment. We have also added an extra clause to the fees covering Hire Charges which allows users to use a vehicle for £10 for the first six hours and thereafter £3 an hour up to a maximum of £40 per 24 hour period – this will no doubt help those thinking of using a vehicle for a week-end away. School Bus Driver Needed – Term Time Mornings Only: From the beginning of the new term in August, we need someone to drive our mini bus to provide transport for children from the Mossdale area to Kells Primary School. This takes just over one hour each day for which the driver is paid – if you are not already one of our drivers training will be given. If you are interested, please contact either Keith Cooper or Roy Hooker on 01644 420 374. Future Trips and Use of Buses: Trips are becoming SCARECROW WORKSHOP SUCCESS The Scarecrow workshop is the first in a series of garden themed activities that aim to encourage more people/ families to think about growing their own fruit and vegetables. It was a damp and miserable day so the session was held at New Galloway Town Hall instead of the allotment site and, under the excellent supervision of Julie Aitkin, 10 quirky characters were created. It was a lovely day and every one present had a great time. Thanks to all the ladies that helped the little ones with the tricky sewing bits! Also a big thanks to Laurence Oliver for being our judge. The Clog & Shoe Workshop unique handmade footwear open 10am - 5pm weekdays Easter Mon to 31st October please ring to arrange a visit at other times Tel: 01644 420 465 visit our new online shop at www.clogandshoe.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 9 Community CARSPHAIRN COMMUNITY GARDEN Carsphairn Garden is supported by the Dumfies & Galloway CONTINUES TO GROW LEADER Programme, Stewartry After a break for the winter weather, activity in Carsphairn Community Garden got underway again in late March. More trees and shrubs have been planted, plinths for a notice board and a viewing point have been built by Knockengorroch dyker Bill Holmes, and a solar panel and mini wind turbine have been installed to power the garden’s lighting David Richmond of the Garden SubGroup explained: “We’re just about to install three park benches and two picnic tables made by local craftsman Kevin Johnston, so even though there’s still more planting and laying of turf to be completed, people can now start to visit and enjoy the garden.” The original official opening for the end of June has now been postponed to the end of September, but the Garden will be available for locals and visitors alike to walk around and appreciate throughout the summer months. Area Committee and Carsphairn Windfarm Community Fund. Mums and children from Carsphairn Church Sunday School egg rolling in the Garden at Easter. CATSTRAND: COMMUNITY ENTERPRISE The CatStrand was the location for the fourth in a series of project visits run by the Scottish National Rural Network, who aim to connect rural Scotland and promoting rural growth. The visit focussed on community enterprise and brought together a group of people involved in similar activities from around rural Scotland to share experiences and ideas. Rural Network Coordinator Matt Tyrer said: “The CatStrand is a really inspiring place. Not only does it provide a fantastic venue for a whole range of activities, but with the community bus and newsletters also being managed by GCAT they can ensure people know about what is happening and can get to the venue from around the surrounding area.” Presentations were given on the background, funding and development of GCAT and the CatStrand, and what is happening at the CatStrand now, as well as future plans. Plenty of time was given for the visiting group to wander around the venue and investigate the facilities, as well as there being lots of opportunity to ask questions and discuss some of the issues and ideas coming out of the presentations. Then, for an insight into what the team at GCAT are taking on next, the group took a trip on the community bus to see the Watson Bird Centre in Dalry. This looks set to be another significant redevelopment and future project which will undoubtedly benefit hugely from the expertise and experience gained in the development of the CatStrand. The visit finished over a lovely lunch in the CatStrand’s Pyramid Gallery and café, another informal opportunity to carry on the conversations and exchange contact details before setting off home. KENBRIDGE HOTEL New Galloway W BONE WHB JEEPS THE GARAGE, DALRY PETROL & DIESEL SALES SERVICE & REPAIRS MOTs, TYRES, BATTERIES Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents  01556 503744  www.ggblaw.co.uk OFFICES IN : CASTLE DOUGLAS, DALBEATTIE KIRKCUDBRIGHT & DUMFRIES Open 7 Days : Beauti Beautiful Riverside Location TRADITIONAL LOG FIRE M E A L S S E RV E D 12.00 - 2.00pm, 5.30 - 8.30pm bed and breakfast en suite accommodation ALL AT COMPETITIVE PRICES OPEN 8.30AM - 6.00PM (SIX DAYS) 10AM - 6PM SUNDAYS SHOP • SANDWICH BAR • LOTTERY  01644 420 211  Tel: 01644 430208 Fax: 01644 430669 www.kenbridgehotel.co.uk email: jeeps@whbjeeps.co.uk www.whbjeeps.co.uk mail@kenbridgehotel.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 10 DALRY ILLUMINATIONS After nearly 18 months of planning and design, Dalry Town Hall has just completed the installation of a new eco-efficient heating system and new and upgraded state of the art interior and exterior lighting. Chairman Mark Stoves explains: “The Hall’s previous heating system was over 20 years old and was inefficient, particularly in the winter months, and relatively expensive to use. We needed to install a better system, and grants were available from Community Energy Scotland.” The hall, originally built in 1859, features a beautiful wood panelled, vaulted ceiling which makes the hall a fabulous acoustic space for concerts and recitals, but also causes a lot of wasted heat. The Hall now features eight new wall-mounted radiators, together with two ceiling-mounted fans for distributing warm air back into the hall. During this period the committee also secured funding to improve and upgrade the hall lighting. Mr Stoves explains further: “The hall is a beautiful building set back from the main road on a large plot of land in the centre of the village, but it has not been illuminated at night and the existing interior lighting consisted of six old flourescent battens and two floodlights, which did not help to create a welcoming or creative atmosphere. “With the added benefit of the recently installed double glazing, new padded seating, flexible portable staging system and the newly refurbished kitchen, the Hall is now even more comfortable to members of the public and is a great venue for all kinds of events - old and new!” The outside lights on the Hall will run on a timer until after the Clachan Fair week, after which the Hall will only by lit up when there is an event on - so when you see that the Hall is illuminated, pop down and see what’s going on! Anyone wishing to book the Hall should contact Mr Stoves on 07850 193807, mark.stoves@btinternet.c om or visit www.st-john’s-town-ofdalry-town-hall.co.uk. and to date have Helping You Go Greener recycling, generated over £6 million for The CatStrand is going even greener and helping you go greener too! The venue has recently joined two recycling programmes, becoming a collection point for used batteries, old mobile phones and used print cartridges. Through the collection of these items, waste and pollution can be reduced, as well as funds being raised for charity. The organisation that recycles the mobile phones and print cartridges is Recycling Appeal, based in Falkirk (www.recyclingappeal). Recycling Appeal collects mobile phones and printer cartridges for reuse and charities and good causes. The battery recycling is through an organisation called Battery Back (www.batteryback.org) who allow people to easily recycle their batteries for free. The growing number of BatteryBack collection points will help Britain to meet its recycling targets (we need to increase our battery recycling from the current 2.8% to over 25% by 2012 and over 45% by 2016 to meet targets). So come along with your old and unwanted batteries, mobiles and cartridges, and feel good about helping the environment and raising money for charity at the same time! Glenkens Gazette page 11 Dalry Clachan Fair Sunday 5 June to Saturday 11 June Some great events are planned for this year’s Clachan Fair and there should be something for everyone! Sunday: Donkey Open Day & BBQ, Songs of Praise Monday: Treasure Hunt Tuesday: Quiz Night Wednesday: Scottish Night Thursday: Pet Show Friday: Domino Night, Junior Disco Saturday: Parade Day, Stalls, Games, Best Dressed House and lots more fun. but depends solely on fundraising and donations. The new heating and lighting show how well any extra funds can be used. There’s also a tennis competition planned and team games. For details of how to join in the individual events, watch out for posters around the village and the Fair Programme. These dates are pretty definite but might be subject to change. All the proceeds go to maintain the Town Hall, which gets no money from the local council Paddlers for Life Events ALTERNATIVE You don’t have to have paddled before to come along - just come and meet us and have some fun! confirm by email with lindsay @paddlersforlifescotlandsw.c o.uk at the beginning of each week if you plan to attend the paddling session, so we know how many to expect. Wear trainers/crocs, water-proof jacket and comfortable trousers (not jeans), and bring a change of clothes. You don’t have to be a good swimmer either – buoyancy aids, paddles and safety boat cover provided. Sunday 5 June, 10am paddling. IMPORTANT – Please SPALDING BOWLING CLUB The Club opened on Thursday 16 June. Marie Davie, the President’s wife, threw the Silver Jack and delivered the first two bowls. She then declared the green open for play, and wished everyone an enjoyable and sucessful season. Further dates will be confirmed at a later stage or by checking for updates on paddlersforli fescotlandsw.co.uk or email lindsay@paddlersforlifescotland sw.co.uk. Glenkens Walking Groups The Glenkens Ramblers meet on Mondays for a moderate walk taking around two hours. There was a good turnout of members and friends and, after a cup of tea, 24 people had a game. The Glenkens Walkers meet on Wednesdays for an easier walk taking around 90 minutes. Anybody who would like to come and have a go is most welcome - there is a sweep game on Mondays & Saturdays starting at 7pm. Liz Peacock Both groups meet at 1.30pm outside the Bank of Scotland in Dalry. Lists of walks are displayed in shops in Dalry and New Galloway. Contacts: John & Isobel on 430 539, Gerry on 420 852,Peter on 420 419 and Elizabeth on 430 581. GAMES 2011 Line-up: New Galloway Ceilidh, Fri 5 Aug, 8.30pm, £6/4. Kick off the Alternative Games weekend and enjoy the best of Scots Hospitality with a ceilidh in the Town Hall. Scottish Alternative Games, Sun 7 Aug, Games start at 2pm, £4/1 - pay at the gate. New Galloway’s quirky annual summer event returns for its 11th year in the town. A fun day out for all the family with all of the usual favourites including the official Gird n’ Cleek World Championship, Hurlin’ the Curlin’ Stane, Balmaclellan Skittles, Tractor Pull, Tug ‘o War, Archery and Snail Racing! Surreal McCoy: Big Rory & Ochie, Sun 7 Aug. As part of the Alternative Games, Catstrand are delighted to bring you Big Rory and his dog Ochie - guaranteed to entertain! Glenkens Gazette page 12 Glenkens Allotment Awarded Grant The Glenkens Community Garden and Allotment, a GCAT project, has been lucky enough to secure a grant from The Climate Challenge Fund. A site in New Galloway will be transformed into productive plots to enable more people to grow their own. The community garden will have a number of small beds for anyone interested in getting into growing vegetables but daunted by the idea of having a plot. Over the year the group will be running a series of sessions, from teaching the basics of how to grow from seed, to making a composter, pruning fruit trees, and jam and chutney talk and taster. If anyone would like to come along and share their knowledge and skills or would be interested in taking on an allotment, please get in touch. The site is open to anyone in the Glenkens. So far we have had interest from Carsphain, Dalry and New Galloway. We are very excited by this development - growing your own vegetables is not only good for your pocket, but increases your physical activity and general health and wellbeing, as well as being good for the environment. reducing food waste, recycling, composting and being more aware of our behaviour and consumption levels. Simply by being more aware and conscious of our patterns of behaviour, we can start to plan menus, shopping journeys, etc, and reduce waste, reduce petrol consumption and save money - and at the same time reduce our carbon footprint. We would like to welcome the new Community Garden & Allotment Project Development Officer, Wendy Fenton. Wendy lives in Corsock and brings with her experience of smallholding We have a number of CO2 reducing targets to meet which involve eating more local seasonal food, Raising Awareness KEEPING ENERGY IN THE COMMUNITY of Brain Injury With more windfarms going up around the area, the role of communities in relation to the production of power is something frequently under discussion. It really boils down to the question of: ...if there are going to be turbines, shouldn’t the community they are situated in see maximum benefit rather than a large corporation from outwith the area? There are many ways communities may benefit from the production of power in their area. Roland Chaplin, member of the Glenkens Sustainable Development Steering Group (GSDSG), says: “There area models giving members of the community individual share stakes in one or more turbines...Another option which a growing number of communities are exploring is outright ownership of one or more turbines, or even of the whole project, with the local community borrowing the initial capital. “This last option means that once the initial borrowing has been paid off, the rest is a straight profit for the community.” There are many ideas out there, and various new options for communities arising all the time. If you would like to find out more about how your community can become more involved, contact Roland on 01644 420 361 or roland@glenkensbb.co.uk. A Carsphairn villager sustained a brain injury last July, and his family want to raise awareness of Brain Injury. From Monday 9 to Sunday 15 May is Brain Injury Week, which includes Hats for Headway Day on Friday 13 May. While Action for Brain Injury Week is a great opportunity to raise awareness of brain injury and its effects, there’s still plenty of time to have fun - and what better way than with Hats for Headway Day! The school in carsphairn took part in Brain Injury week, which included a session with the schools outreach worker from Headway Dumfries, and taking part in a non-uniform day while wearing a hat. Carrick’s of Carsphairn shop also took part in the fun. They provided customers with hats to raise money, and those who didn’t have a hat had to pay a forfeit! Photos and more information will be in the next issue of the Glenkens Gazette. Glenkens Gazette page 13 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN Robert Burns in the Glenkens Burns was keen to visit Airds to see the views the bard, who was “a friendly that had Summer is a time to welcome inspired Lowe. Kenmure suggested they looking body”, wearing kneevisitors to our glen. all take his barge, named Glenkens, down breeches and peculiar long At the end of July 1793 Robert Burns the loch. A man named Carson reported boots. and his good friend John Syme spent a that the party comprised himself, The water was too low for a dry landing few days here. Kenmure, Syme, Burns and Rev John and so while others jumped, Burns Gillespie the aged minister of Kells. stumped through the mud with his Leaving Dumfries they called on the reverend cargo. Syme again joked at his Glendonwyns (Glendinnings) at Parton, Unfortunately before they friend’s expense. This time Rab was in viewing Airds across the Ken in homage reached their destination the better fettle. Gazing upon the beauty of to John Lowe, the tragic poet who vessel grounded. his surroundings he proclaimed: “This composed the highly popular song, place would make a blockhead into a ‘Mary’s Dream’. By nightfall they reached Everyone else used oars to vault ashore; only Burns and Gillespie poet!”. Mr Murdoch later built a house in Kenmure Castle staying for three days. remained. According to Joseph Train’s Balmaclellan. He died in 1882 aged 96. Their host was John Gordon whose rather elaborate version of the story grandfather was executed for his role Both Carson and Murdoch doubtless Burns, “...his eyes beaming, and his in the Jacobite rebellion of 1715 and believed their own stories yet they recall face suffused, sprang at once over the hence his title was in abeyance, though different versions of the same event. boat’s gunwhale, knee-deep in mud, he was still known locally as Kenmure. The choice, dear Reader, is yours! Each and grasping the old gentleman with They then took the hill road from echoes the other, which is appropriate Lauriston (Clachanpluck) to Gatehouse, outstretched arms, he half dragged him because the one poem to come out on to his back and bore him ashore’. in torrential rain. of the Glenkens visit was an epitaph Syme exclaimed in jocular mode that “On the Death of Echo, a lap-dog” A major preoccupation of the Burns was the last man he expected to requested by Mrs Gordon on behalf of trip was the issue of Burns’ see “priest-ridden” but the poet did not her deceased pet. As Syme related, Burns boots... join in the mirth, grimly plodding on disliked the subject, “but to please the through the reeds with his godly burden. lady he would try”. He did, but not very The poet, who was something of a dandy, had purchased a new pair at a A different version, set on the other hard: cost of 22 shillings, an enormous sum at bank of the Ken, was told to Captain a time when a day labourer earned one Cunningham Graham of Dalarran, in “In wood and wild, ye warbling throng, shilling a day (less in winter). According his house, by Murdoch of Drumwhirn to Syme, Burns was in a mood as foul as (on the Corsack-Moniaive road) who Your heavy loss deplore; the weather all the way to Kirkcudbright, was, at the time, the ferryboat boy. after leaving Kenmure, because his fine Murdoch recalled that he was summoned Now half extinct your powers of song, top-boots were ruined through being to ferry over the river, Kenmure, Syme, Sweet Echo is no more.” soaked and subsequently shrunk while Gillespie and Rev Thomson, minister of drying. However there are at least three Balmaclellan, all of whom were intent Have a great summer! other versions, all related, of what upon paying a visit to the Holm. Ted Cowan happened to the booted bard. He particularly remembered FHB Fencing Dalry Domestic and Agricultural Fencing 01644 430 495 (Peter) or 07767 795 498 (Jonathan) New Galloway Golf Club Founded 1902 www.nggc.co.uk v 01644 420737 v Buggies now available for hire VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME Glenkens Gazette page 14 GLENKENS DIARY Sat 11, Willow Weaving, 104pm, £50, CatStrand, New Galloway JUNE Sat 14 May to Thurs 30 June, Exhibition: Carol Taylor, CatStrand, New Galloway Mon 1, Balmaclellan CC Meeting, 7pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall Thurs 2, Golf: Belhaven Senior Mens Open, New Galloway Golf Club Fri 3, Benefit Advice Surgeries – phone to book, 9.30am-1pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Fri 3, Youth Players Performance, CatStrand, New Galloway Sat 4, Carsphairn Show, 8am sheepdog trials, 10am sheep judging, 2pm pet show, Carsphairn Sun 5, Paddlers for Life, 10am – paddling, Galloway Activity Centre, see p11 Sun 5, Clachan Fair Donkey Open Day & BBQ, Songs of Praise Sat 11, Clachan Fair Parade Day - stalls, games, Best Dressed House and lots more fun (see p11) Mon 13, Kells CC Meeting, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall Sun 19, An Evening of Brass with Dunaskin Band, 6.30pm, Carsphairn Church Mon 27, Balmaclellan CC Meeting, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall Thurs 30, Film: Never Let Me Go, 7.30pm, £5/4, CatStrand, New Galloway JULY Friday 1 (date to be confirmed), Alternative Burns Supper: Burns Night with a Twist for Kids, 6pm, Lagwyn Hall Sat 9, Build a Garden Composter, 10.30am- 1pm, FREE, CatStrand/ Community Garden Tues 7, Clachan Fair Quiz Night Sat 2 July to Thurs 11 August, Exhibition: Gwendol Gains, CatStrand, New Galloway Wed 8, Clachan Fair Scottish Night Sat 2, The Shee, 7.30pm, £10/8, CatStrand, New Galloway Wed 8, Susan Morrison & Vladimir McTavish, 7.30pm, £10/8, CatStrand, New Galloway Sat 9, Cafe Connect, 7pm, FREE, CatStrand, New Galloway Mon 6, Clachan Fair Treasure Hunt Thurs 9, Clachan Fair Pet Show Mon 11, Kells CC EGM, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall Fri 10, Clachan Fair Domino Night, Junior Disco Tues 12, Puppet Making & Movement, 10am-3pm, £12, Real Dog Training “Is your dog ruining your life?” REAL solutions for REAL problems in REAL situations to make a REAL difference. T. H. CARSON BUTCHERS See us at Dalry Farmers Market on 2nd Sat each month. Eric Broadhurst (NDOA Advanced Instructor) We can deliver to your door call us any time up to the Friday before the Farmers Market, and we will deliver on the Saturday, afternoon. 35 years dog trainer to the TV and film industry 01556 610384 CALL ERIC NOW Home: 01644 460670 Mobile: 07831 590822 CatStrand, New Galloway Sat 16, Jams & Chutney Talk, 10.30am-12pm, £2.50, CatStrand, New Galloway Sat 16, Pruning Workshop, 1.30-4pm, £5, CatStrand, New Galloway Wed 20, The Wood and The Water, 7.30pm, £8/6, CatStrand, New Galloway Thurs 21, Film: NEDS, 7.30pm, £5/4, CatStrand, New Galloway Fri 29, Salsa Celtica, 7.30pm, £12/10, CatStrand, New Galloway AUGUST Fri 5, New Galloway Ceilidh with Robert Menzies Ceilidh Band, 8.30pm, NG Town Hall Sun 7, Scottish Alternative Games, 2pm, NG Park Sat 13, Glenkens Show, Mains of Kenmure, New Galloway Sat 20 Aug, Glenkens Horticultural Show, Dalry Town Hall, doors open for exhibitors at 8am to 9.30am on Sat, and the Hall will be open to the public at 2pm, trophy presentation at 3.30pm. SEPTEMBER Fri 30 Sep to Sun 2 Oct, Dalry Bird Festival – a date for your diaries! ������������������� ����������������������� ������������������������ ��������������������� ������������������������������ ������������������������ ������������������������� THE CROSS, MILL ST, DALBEATTIE ������������������������������������������������������������ ����������������������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������������������������� Glenkens Gazette page 15 WHAT’S GOING ON IN JUNE & JULY ...BE PART OF IT REGULAR EVENTS: Glenkens Ramblers: Mon, 1.30pm, outside the Bank, Dalry Scouts: Mon, 7–8.30pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Mother & Toddlers: Tues, 9.45-11.15am, New Galloway Town Hall Beavers: Tues, 6.30–7.45pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Glenkens Walking Group: Wed, 1.30pm, outside the Bank, Dalry Stewartry Camera Club: Wed, 7.30pm, The Tolbooth, Kirkcudbright Mossdale Painters: Wed, 9.30am, Mossdale Village Hall Cub Scouts: Wed, 6.45–8pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Thursday Lunch Club: 12.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall, fortnightly starting 6 Jan, £3, contact - Raymond Vincent, 01644 420451. Lions Club monthly quiz: alternating between The CatStrand & Lochinvar Hotel, contact - Andrew Frew, 01644 420 323 The CatStrand, New Galloway (01644 420 374) : Exercise to Music: Mon, 1011am Play it by Ear: Mon during term time, 1.30-2.30pm Children’s Dance Classes with Margaret Morris Movement: Mon during term time, 3.15-4pm (pre-school), 45pm (ages 8-12) CatStrand Playstation Tournaments: contact The CatStrand for info. Dalry Community Centre (contact - Sarah on 01644 430 393) : Glenkens Playgroup: Mon-Fri, 9.15-11.45am (contact - Julie Moore 01644 460 687) Carers Coffee & Chat: Tues, 10am-12noon Paint & Art: Mon, 1.30-4.30pm & Wed, 7-9pm Teen Spirit: Tues during term time, 7.30-9.30pm Ballroom & Latin Dance dropin class: Mon, 7.30-9pm, £5 Taking the First Step in Computing: Wed, 5.30-7.30pm Ballroom & Latin Dance course: Mon, 9-10pm, for more info tel Sam Hood on 01644 420672 Zumba: Wed: 7.30-8.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall, £4 Gentle Yoga & Relaxation: Thurs, 10-11.15am Sing it Out: Singing Workshop: Thurs, 11.30am-12.30pm Afternoon Tea Club: 2nd Fri each month, 2pm Saturday Art Club: 2nd Sat each month, 10am–12noon Circus Skills Swapping Share: 3rd Sun of the month, 1-3pm CHURCH OF SCOTLAND 3pm: Conventicle in Dalry Churchyard. Special Services/ Events: 2 June, 6.30pm: Ascension Day service, Dalry Church. 5 June, 6.30pm: Clachan Fair Songs of Praise with Sanquhar & District Silver Band on Newfield Green outside Dalry Church. 19 June, 6.30pm: Concert with Dunaskin Brass Band, Carsphairn Church. 26 June , SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH (C of E): St Margaret’s, New Galloway: Holy Communion - 10.30am every Sun & Wed. CATHOLIC CHURCH SERVICES: Gatehouse of Fleet: Sat, 6pm. Kirkcudbright: Sun, 9.30am. Dalbeattie: Sun, 11am. St Ninian’s, Castle Douglas: Rev McFadden 01557 330687. Sundays: Balmaclellan: 12noon 1st, Carsphairn: 10.30am 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th(Jul), Dalry: 9am 1st 2nd 3rd 4th, Kells: 10.30am 2nd 3rd 4th Catstrand Youth Players: Sun during term time from 3-5pm Communion Service: 3 July, 10.15am Carsphairn Church (using central table). Dalry Library Tue: 2 - 4.30pm then 5.30 - 7.30pm Fri: 11:15am - 1:15pm then 2 - 4.30pm 23 mobile library stops - to find out where and when call 430 234 Good Neighbours Club: Tues, 2pm Kickback Martial Arts: Tues & Thurs, 7-9pm, both adults & children welcome Glenkens Mother & Toddlers: Wed, 1.30-3pm Craft Class: Thurs, 2-4pm Brownies: Wed, 5.30-6.45pm Guides: Wed, 5.30-7pm USEFUL NUMBERS: ● Pot-hole Hotline: 0845 276 0000 ● Local Police: 0845 600 5701 ● Doctors: 01644 420 234 ● NHS 24: 08454 24 24 24 ● D&G Council: 030 33 33 3000 Gaze�e Adver�sing Rates 6cm x 6cm - £31.50 per issue (10% series discount) 1/4 page (9cm w x 13cm h) - £68.25 (25% series discount) 1/2 page (18cm w x 13cm h) - £126 (25% series discount) Full Page (18cm w x 27cm h) - £210 (25% series discount) Glenkens Gazette page 16 LORNA WILLOCK’S 5 TIPS FOR BETTER HEALTH With diabetes on the increase here are a few ideas for balancing blood sugar levels: 1 - Watch the amount of sugar in foods. Many foods not even regarded as sweet may contain sugar, e.g. soup, salad dressings, ready meals. Many cereals are also very high in sugar - take a look at the labels. 2 - Don’t skip breakfast or you may end up snacking on something fatty and/or sugary later, e.g. biscuits, cake. 3 - Have lots of little meals – this will maintain stability with blood sugar levels and not overtax digestion 4 - Try omitting sugar from tea and coffee – try cutting down gradually. Generally we take sugar if we were given it in the first place, and may actually prefer our drinks without. 5 - Cut back on sweet snacks – sugar is highly addictive and sweet foods give us a buzz, and we feel low and tired afterwards. It is an illusion that sugar gives us energy, as these foods deplete energy in the long-term. Lorna is a qualified nutritionist & dietician. For more info see www.foods4life.co.uk or call Lorna on 01644 470218. carricks of carsphairn Convenience Store and Tea Room/Garden A warm welcome awaits customers old and new! Enjoy a browse around the shop, which stocks all your daily requirements. Post Office open 11am to 1pm Monday to Saturday. Locally made woollens, gifts and cards available. Enjoy a light meal in the Tea Room, which is open all year round (except Christmas Day). Our menu has something for most tastes including home-made pies, scones and soups. Our garden has the most wonderful views all year round... We are open: Mon to Fri 7am - 6pm UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP AND NOW RE-OPENED FOLLOWING REFURBISHMENT Stag’s Head: traditional pub offering bar snacks, hot and cold beverages DG’s Bistro: serving bistro and bar food in a relaxed se�ing St. John’s Restaurant: Elegant dining with a tempting a la carte menu Food served all day Sunday Lunch served 12-8pm We cater for functions and parties Saturdays 8am - 6pm Sundays 9am - 5pm St. John’s town of Dalry Tel: 01644430107 www.lochinvarhotel.co.uk Glenkens Agricultural Society 4th Annual Show Saturday 13th August Mains of Kenmure, New Galloway Cattle, Sheep, Goats, Poultry, Horses, Gymkhana, Fancy Dress Pony, Pets & Dogs, Stalls, Refreshments, Free Bouncy Castle & Entertainment. For entry form or more info. contact Andrea Ramsay on 01644 430509 The Fleet Fish van is in the Glenkens on Tuesdays & Wednesdays every week. Anyone wishing me to call, please phone Mary on above mobile no. WRITE FOR THE GAZETTE! Submit events, activities, news stories, cartoons, re- views, tips & techniques, fiction, photos, ads or ideas... If you have a submission, contact Sarah Ade on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk . AUG/SEPT COPY DEADLINE: Mon 4 July This publication is designed & co-ordinated by Sarah Ade (sarah_ ade@tiscali.co.uk) and printed by the Stranraer & Wigtownshire Free Press (www.stranraerfreepress.co.uk). The Glenkens Gaze�e is an ini�a�ve of the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust, a Registered Sco�sh Charity No. SC032050  Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. 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Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Description An account of the resource <p>Find out more about the Gazette: <a href="https://glenkens.scot/gazette-home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Glenkens Gazette home page</a> If you would like to submit an article or take out an advert, please email the editor Sarah Ade: <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="mailto:glenkensgazette@hotmail.com">glenkensgazette@hotmail.com</a></p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is a member of, and regulated by <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.impressorg.com/">Impress</a>.</p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is an initiative of Glenkens Community &amp; Arts Trust (SC032050) and represents the voice of the community (not necessarily the views of GCAT).</p> Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document GLENKENS GAZETTE news from Balmaclellan, Carsphairn, Mossdale, New Galloway and St John’s Town of Dalry April/May 2011 ISSUE 63 BRAND NEW BUS! FREE GTI Bus user, says: The Glenkens Transport Initiative (GTI) are delighted to announce that they have a new community bus. As a result of the generosity of a London-based family Trust Fund, GTI have been able to purchase a brand new VW 17-seater wheelchair accessible minibus. The Trust Fund had heard about the activities of GTI through a local resident who is a member of their Board and realised that because of our success, we were in need of a second vehicle. The Bus is a lifeline for many within the Glenkens, and is so popular that often trips are booked up before they’re even advertised! George Colbenson, Dalry resident and regular “The Bus makes a lot of difference to me and to a lot of older people in the Glenkens who can’t drive anymore. There is a great social side to the Bus - my wife Barbara and I see a lot of people we otherwise wouldn’t get to see. A lot of trips get fully booked, but with two Regular Bus user George Colbenson trying out the new bus. buses, everyone who wants to go should the demand for its services has be able to, and we can have a great steadily increased. Working with party on the way!” Dumfries & Galloway Council to provide transport in a rural area is Information is available from The CatStrand on how to become a driver, an important role GTI play as well as being involved with many other how to form a ‘user group’ and the aspects of life in the Glenkens. role of Community Transport in the area at a time when public services If you have queries about the GTI are under threat. please do not hesitate to contact Keith Cooper at The CatStrand The present minibus was purchased (01644 420 374) or email in 2002 and in the last few years k.cooper121@btinternet.com SUPPORT FOR LOCAL LIBRARY Earlier this year, the regional Council was considering closing a number of libraries across the region due to budget cuts. Dalry Library was one of the libraries on the list. In light of this, Glenkens residents got together to show their support. The Council decision was made not to close any libraries this year, much to the relief of residents, and a Friends of Dalry Library group has been formed to discuss various ways in which the library can be used more. As a result of an appeal for support by local childrens’ author Cathy Cassidy, the Library recieved letters, posters, pictures and even books signed by a variety of well known childrens’ authors. Some authors who responded were Darren Shan, Michelle Harrison, Debbi Gliori and Andy Briggs, along with many others. Local library lovers would like to thank everyone for their wonderful support! If you would like to find out what’s on, call the Library on 430 234, or to show your support and become involved visit Friends of Dalry Library on Facebook. IN THIS ISSUE - Bird Town Update - Dalry Housing - Day of the Region - CatStrand Highlights - Local History - Star Wars ...and much more Local Playgroup children; regular library users. A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) ini�a�ve www.glenkensgaze�e.com Glenkens Gazette page 2 DALRY HOUSING Reports suggest that Dalry is about to experience a house-building boom. Quite how many houses will eventually be built is impossible to say but there are currently three projects, one planned by a public body - Dumfries & Galloway Housing Partnership (DGHP) - and two by private developers. As far as can be ascertained this is the situation as it stands... The proposal by an Ayrshire firm to quarry 40,000 tonnes of rock and build 10 houses on a site between the school and the Manse was given provisional approval by the Council in November 2009. This resulted in a wave of protest and a well-supported petition that was presented to the Council. The Council’s Operations Manager has now indicated that no agreement has yet been reached with the developer over the conditions attached to the provisional approval of the plans. Until that happens; “there is no planning permission for the development”. Local protesters are awaiting further news but, if permission were to be eventually granted, are determined to mount a legal challenge. In February Dumfries & Galloway Council gave approval by 9 votes to 6 to a proposal by DGHP to build 29 houses on a marshy site on the Moniaive road next to Whinnymuir. This is in addition to an earlier planning application and means that provisional permission has now been given for 35 houses to be crammed onto this very small site. It is difficult to find information about the plans of the private developer who had previously advertised houses for sale on the same land but it seems that DGHP now owns about half of the site. The private developer (whom I am told is now using the name Dalry Properties) apparently still owns some of the land, including that needed for a flood prevention scheme, and could also build more houses next to Wayside. There were many objections to the DGHP proposal as it stood but it is most important to say that the objectors were very much in favour of affordable family houses being built on the site. However, they believed that the DGHP plan was for housing at too high a density and of the wrong type. A settlement has existed at Dalry for the best part of a thousand years. In that time the village has grown slowly to have a population today of around 400. Buildings have been added, a few at a time, in response to local need for housing and services. This demand for new buildings varied as employment opportunities in agriculture, forestry, hydro-electric power and service industries waxed Get Your Skates On New Galloway Skate Park has got the go-ahead and is nearly ready to start rolling... The Glenkens Youth Project (GYP) group have recently been granted planning permission for the park, and are now raising money for fencing and hedging around the site so that it is in keeping with the rest of the park. In order to raise funds, GYP have been holding fundriasing events. A Zumba session was held in Kirkcudbright where £280 was raised. £400 was also raised through a ceilidh/ disco in New Galloway - these may become a regular event, with money raised going towards GYP trips. summer, culminating in a weekend of special events on the first weekend in October. The first ever Day of the Region to take place in the UK is happening right here in Dumfries and Galloway with the Glenkens as one of five locations in the Stewartry taking part. This is your chance to find out more about what’s happening where you live, get involved, have a go and maybe even try something new! Activities will be happening in the Glenkens throughout the spring and and waned. In recent years a gradual reduction in the size of families has meant that the building of additional houses has not led to any significant rise in the population. Many of the existing houses in Dalry were built at a time when overcrowding was the norm. It was not unusual for large families to be raised in one or two-bedroom houses, but nowadays most such dwellings have just one or two occupants. If we want to encourage the development of a lively, mixed community it is obvious that more houses suitable for families are needed. DGHP seems intent on pushing through its plan of building the maximum number of small houses on the Whinnymuir site, rather than engaging with the Community and coming back with a modified plan. I think we have a right to expect better of such a publicly funded body. However, now that the decision to build the DGHP development has been taken, it is most important that the community comes together to welcome the fact that some of the houses at least will be suitable for families and to press for them to be allocated to those families in the area who are in desperate need of suitable housing. Above all, I hope that whoever occupies these houses they will (as my family was many years ago) be welcomed into the community, and encouraged to take a full part in it. Andrew Mellor Whether you are interested in sports, arts, crafts, music, drama, cooking or the outdoors, this is your opportunity to share your skills or learn new ones from others in our community. Three workshops took place in February encouraging local individuals, groups and organisations to get involved. So far there has been a great response from people around the Glenkens who are keen to take part. We hope that many more will get involved. WIN £50! There is a £50 prize up for grabs for someone in the Glenkens! Register your details now by emailing dayoftheregion@dum gal.gov.uk or call 01387 850228 and you will be asked to complete a short survey about our community for a chance to win in the Day of the Region prize draw. If you have an event or activity that you would like to include under the banner of Day of the Region please contact Rachel, Ros or David. Programmes of activities will be developing throughout the year so look out for the Day of the Region logo on posters and flyers to find out what’s going on. We hope you’ll join in! To find out more contact: Rachel Thompson on 01644 420374, Ros Hill on 01644 420632 or David Whyte on 01644 460296. Glenkens Gazette page 3 BIRD TOWN UPDATE We have good news to report on the planned Dalry Bird Town project. In addition to the £10,000 already received from the Big Lottery for a Project Development Officer, a grant of £9,000 has been awarded by Scottish Natural Heritage. We are also awaiting the final outcome of an application to Rural Dumfries & Galloway LEADER for over £40,000 as this would complete the funding package for the next stage. We are actively seeking office space in the village. We want to concentrate on two key elements; first and foremost, we will be putting together the funding package for the purchase and refurbishment of Barone, the former Watson family home. This will take time to come to fruition, which is why we have a second element; a series of events to keep the pot boiling so to speak. A date for your Diaries: Friday 30 September to Sunday 2 October will be the dates of the first Dalry Bird Festival. We have lots of ideas to appeal to all of the family, all ages, all abilities and all interests. Among the ideas for indoor events being developed are a children’s fancy dress parade, talks about the birds of The Glenkens, demonstrations on how to make bird feeders and bird boxes, a chance to see Donald Watson’s original studio, art exhibitions by children as well as Dalry Community Council: The CC was informed that two officers have been appointed for the Biosphere project, one from Dumfries & Galloway and the other from East/South Aryshire. It was confirmed that the library will remain open for the time being, any decision being deferred until at least next year. Next meeting: Mon 4 Apr, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. New Galloway & Kells Community Council: It was agreed that a donation of £25 be made to the childrens’ party arranged by Balmaclellan Community Council. Discussion took place regarding the painting by DR Pelly, currently in store, which is intended to be on permanent display in the Town Hall; the necessary permission to be sought from the Council. Next meeting: Mon 11 Apr, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall. Balmaclellan Community Council: The A712 is in a terrible state, and repairs are being done. Because it’s so narrow, it is being closed (7am-7pm) for repairs. This follows an earlier closure – in December – and more to follow. It was asked whether there any way weight restrictions could be introduced to cut down on the heavy traffic. Cllr Peter Duncan said probably not but he would raise this with the traffic department. Next meeting: Mon 25 Apr, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall. Carsphairn Community Council: Cllr Peter Duncan indicated that upgrading of the B729 would be professional artists, a book stall, and a chance to buy cards, calendars and posters all created by local children. Outdoor activities being considered are guided walks to bird locations, visits to Donald Watson’s favourite painting sites and how many birds can you spot in the village. In the evening we are considering concerts around bird song and bird related music. So if you have ideas please let me know. More information will be available over the coming months. The Steering Group set up to lead the project comprises: Cathy Agnew, Chris Rollie, Louise Watson, Andrew Mellor, Gill Khosla, Steve Davie and Roger Crofts. If you have ideas, free time to help or wish to know anything please contact me on roger@dodin.idps.co.uk or 07803 595267. Roger Crofts, Steering Group Chair paid for from the Strategic Road budget, although the Council were negotiating a contribution from Timber Transport. A meeting will be requested with the Roads Department to consult and to clarify what would be included in the upgrade. The Roads Department agree in principle to there being signs warning of heavy transport vehicles. A SEPA representative discussed the additional flow to through the Galloway Hydro Scheme. Under the new EU Water Framework Directive the river flows from Loch Doon are classified as ‘good’, but at Tongland are classified as ‘bad’ and need to be upgraded to ‘good’. The preferred solution indicates 0.45% extra flow throughout the length of the Scheme. In theory this should not increase banks erosion, flood risk and sewage disposal. The CC queried this, particularly when water was released from Drumjohn. It was suggested that although the official objection deadline has passed, letters from the CC and individuals could be submitted to SEPA East Kilbride where they would not be formally recognised in SEPA’s determination of the application but, as it was likely to go to appeal to the Scottish Executive, they would probably be considered at that time. It was agreed that a letter be sent from the CC detailing concerns about banks erosion – particularly at Woodhead Bridge - flood risk and sewage disposal. Next meeting: Mon 25 Apr, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall. Full minutes of local Community Council meetings can be viewed at Dalry Library. The Clog & Shoe Workshop unique handmade footwear open 10am - 5pm weekdays Easter Mon to 31st October please ring to arrange a visit at other times Tel: 01644 420 465 visit our new online shop at www.clogandshoe.co.uk FORREST ESTATE FIREWOOD Local suppliers of firewood logs, kindling and chiminea wood. Hardwood and so�wood produced from sustainable, FSC cer�ficated woodland. Various quan��es available for collec�on or bulk delivery. Call for details 01644 430 230 office@forrestestate.com Glenkens Gazette page 4 celebration of World Book Day, Dalry Library WORLD Inextended its opening hours to welcome visits from Talented Dalry Primary classes and author Cathy Cassidy. BOOK Teens DAY Cathy shared heartfelt and humourous stories with the children about her own passionate relationship with books and In February a second exhibition libraries. Speaking affectionately of her local library she told them: of artwork from Dalry School “It’s small and friendly and every book can open up a new world of was held - another celebration imagination”. of the wealth of talent within Jane Banner, school librarian, and Angela our school community. Miller, librarian at Dalry Library, are The exhibition was built around working together to encourage local the expressive and design children to join and use Dalry Library, units produced by the 10 pupils which was recently threatened with entered for the SQA art and closure. design examinations in the With this in mind, back at school, Primary summer of 2010. and Secondary pupils took up the call Alongside this was fabric design of ‘Friends of Dalry Library’ and chose work produced by S2 pupils an author each to write to, asking for which was a collaboration Cathy’s talk keeps children enthralled. a message of support for the Library. between art and HE. As part of their topic on ‘Space’, Primary We are always proud of the 7 from Dalry Primary and Primary 6/7 pupils at Dalry School, but the from Kells Primary visited the Glasgow CatStrand exhibition offers us Science Centre. It the opportunity to share their was a great day, wonderful work with the whole which was enjoyed community. by both classes, it complimented the work that the children S1 at Dalry Secondary have a had been learning new and exciting opportunity; about well and followed on from their to learn Spanish. The Modern Languages talk from Dr Bellerby Department was given support from the Galloway by the Languages Fund, and Forest Astronomical pupils started their lessons Society. after Christmas. Pupils were surprised by how On the 3 March, sixteen secondary pupils from Dalry School travelled to many words they already Bladnoch Park, Wigtown, to compete in the annual regional cross country knew, but have added to their championships. The sixteen S1 to S3 pupils put on their running shoes to repertoire with greetings, compete amongst the large number of competitors on the day. numbers up to 20 and some The testing course put all runners under pressure, but this was no challenge for basic grammar. Olé! the Dalry runners who all finished strong. A finishing official reported that Dalry pupils were the happiest and wore the biggest grins when they crossed the finishing line. A huge “well done” to everyone who took part! P4/5 pupils at Kells Primary Six brave S2’s - Amelia, Kirsty, Sarah, participated in a skipping Alexander, Fraser and Oliver - set off challenge to raise money for for Italy, Aprica, along with Mr McKenna Britain’s heart charity. and Mrs Biggar for an extremely busy week of skiing. The children spent six weeks They had each been following an exercise plan for 6 weeks before setting off as in training to build up stamina well as attending a few meetings about the trip organised by the trip leaders, Mr and skipping skills for the big Findlater and Mr Sloan from Dumfries Academy. day. The skipathon morning Each day they were out skiing or snowboarding for five hours, glad for the was spent in stamina skipping, exercises now! The weather was perfect – clear blue skies and loads of fluffy obstacle and relay races, white snow over the slopes. The progress the pupils made was impressive with paired and fancy free skipping Paulo’s group soon leaving the nursery slopes behind and cruising down the activities. Panoramica piste. The other groups including the beginner boarders were quick to follow. Apres ski ranged from an evening at the indoor bowling to a night out at the pizzeria with some karaoke to follow. A great chance for our pupils to make many new friends from the other participating schools. Kells school children supporting the skipathon. Seeing Stars SPANISH CLASSES Regional Cross Country Championships Skipathon Ski Trip 2011 Glenkens Gazette page 5 Clachan Fair Wednesday 8: Pet Show and BBQ – Newfield Green, 7pm Plans are progressing well for this year’s Dalry Clachan Fair. The dates Thursday 9: Scottish Night are 5 to 11 June. Events so far are: – Town Hall Friday 10: Treasure Hunt Sunday 5: Donkey Day & BBQ – Venue to be confirmed Domino – Carminnows Lodge Songs of Praise – Kirk or Newfield Green, Night – Clachan Inn Saturday 11: Clachan Fair 6.30pm (parade, stalls in the street, Monday 6: Bingo Supper – Mulloch Race, games and lots Community Centre more fun). Dance. Tuesday 7: Quiz Night – Town Note: There is also a Farmer’s Hall, 7.30pm Market on Sat Things could still change so watch out for further information and confirmation of times and venues. If you’d like more details, to enter a float or offer to help during the week please contact Mike Kaye on 01644 430162 or clachanfair@1 stforweb.co.uk Diabetes Support People in the Glenkens who have been diagnosed with diabetes are being encouraged to join a local support group. This region has the highest proportion of diabetics in Scotland and there are fears the numbers could continue to spiral. The Diabetes UK Stewartry Support Group offers diabetics the opportunity to learn more about the condition and how to live with it at a series of talks held between March and December. The next meeting takes place on Monday 28 March when the guest speaker will be Imran Arain from Castle Douglas Health Centre who will talk about public health programmes currently available in the Stewartry. Duncan Ferguson, chairman of the group, said: “We would like to see more people from the Glenkens coming to our monthly meetings. The meetings are open to people diagnosed with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes as well as members of their families and their carers.” Currently, Scotland is said to be on the verge of a diabetes epidemic and, according to the latest NHS statistics, Dumfries & Galloway has some of the highest figures. At the start of 2010, a total of 7,348 people in the region were registered with the condition, representing five per cent of the population; the highest rate of any health board area in the country. The next meeting of the group takes place on Monday 28 March in the Gordon Memorial Hall (adjacent to St Ninian‘s Church), Whitepark Road, Castle Douglas at 7pm. Admission is £1 and refreshments are provided. There is also a fundraising raffle. Any money raised by the group is donated to Dumfries & Galloway Royal Infirmary’s Endowment Fund to be spent specifically on diabetes care in this region. GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL  01644 420234  Glenkens Business Association (GBA) The long awaited Glenkens Business & Community Directory has been hand delivered to the majority of homes within the Glenkens, and is available from local shops and other outlets for those in outlying parts of the area. With over 40 businesses and 50 commuinity organisations featured, we are receiving really good feedback and enquiries from people and groups not currently included. We were amazed at the number of organisations within the area, many of whom told us they would be pleased to have new members. So if there is something there that you think you might like to join just contact them - especially, of course, the GBA! As you will read elsewhere in the Gazette, the GBA is linking with GCAT to facilitate the Day of the Region. This will be a really good opportunity to show off your business or organisation in a practical way. The GBA AGM will be on 4 May. To join the GBA contact David Whyte on 01644 460 296 or email davidwhyte@btinternet.com Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING) In December we submitted a proposal to the Stewartry Area Comittee to take over the management of the Town Hall. We were told that there would be a further look at the works needed to ensure the building is wind and watertight and that there are no outstanding health and safety issues. At going to press we are awaiting this report. Before we sign any agreement with the Council we will hold another open meeting to make certain we have both the ongoing support of the local community and the volunteers to manage the project. Ros Hill, LING Chairman Glenkens Gazette page 6 CatStrand Highlights The wait is over and by now you should have got your hands on our new season March – June Events Guide. As the days start to get longer there is plenty going on at CatStrand during April and May to keep you busy and entertained. On 14 April Edinburgh based Plutôt la Vie visit with their brand new show By The Seat Of Your Pants; a fast, visual, funny show in a clown style for ages 7/8+ and their families. After the performance there will be the opportunity to explore your own inner clown with a performance skills workshop for 9-15 year olds! Join storyteller Anne Errington on Thursday 21 April for an evening of love stories with a twist. Tickets include a glass of wine/beer or soft drink so you can sit back, relax and hear how the stories unfold. This year’s Easter Puppet Theatre performance will be Cloud Man, presented by Ailie Cohen which tells the story of cloud expert Cloudia and her search to see a rarely sighted Cloud Man. A blend of puppetry, storytelling and sumptuous visuals, this is an Easter Monday treat not to be missed. One of the hottest bands on the Americana circuit is North Carolina based Woody Pines who pay us a visit on 27 April with their “rollicking, engagingly idiosyncratic amalgam of American old-time, blues and jug band sensibilities”. We are extremely excited by a visit on 30 April by ThickSkin with their production of Blackout by Davey Anderson. This hardhitting and highly visual production enjoyed sell-out success at the 2010 Edinburgh Festival Fringe and wowed critics, receiving five star reviews. his new album ‘My Gypsy Waltz’, together with music from his acclaimed 30 year career. We are also delighted to be hosting Dick Gaughan & Annapurna Dance Theatre as part of the Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival. For more information or tickets please call the CatStrand box office on 01644 420 374 or visit www.catstrand.com 4 May is ‘Star Wars Day’ and to celebrate, the Dumfries & Galloway Science Festival will offering a fascinating lecture demonstration exploring the Science of Star Wars with Dr Martin Hendry – May the Fourth be With You! (see article on back page.) A special event in association with the Dumfries Film Festival and dg Arts will take place on 5 May with the opportunity to see Speaking the Land, a”lens and story- based work” by international artists Dalziel & Scullion who have created three short films looking at the landscape of Dumfries & Galloway. The film will be introduced by dgArts Public Art Officer Jan Hogarth and tickets include a glass of wine/ soft drink. Formidable Flamenco – Jazz Virtuoso Eduardo Niebla visits on 11 May presenting music from THE BUS : GLENKENS TRANSPORT INITIATIVE SATURDAY 14 MAY – GTI Trip to the Isle of Arran. MONDAY 23 MAY – GTI Trip to Dawyck Gardens, near Peebles. WEDNESDAY BUS SERVICE (REGD. ROUTE): CONCESSIONARY BUS PASSES ARE ACCEPTED ON THIS ROUTE, SO PLEASE MAKE USE OF THIS EXTRA SERVICE Timings are as follows: The return journey : 1900 Dept Dalry (Underhill) 2045 Departs Castle Douglas (Tesco) 1910 New Galloway 2047 Castle Douglas (Market Street) 1925 Mossdale 2052 Townhead of Greenlaw 1935 Laurieston 2100 Laurieston 1940 Townhead of Greenlaw 2110 Mossdale 1947 Castle Douglas (Market Street) 2125 New Galloway 1950 Arrive Castle Douglas (Tesco) 2135 Arrive Dalry IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BOOK THE COMMUNITY-BUS OR IF YOU WANT ANY MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT KEITH COOPER, GTI ADMINISTRATOR ON 01644 420374. Random Aspekts On 19 January, break dancers from Random Aspekts visited Dalry Primary and Secondary schools to lead students in dance workshops, showing them some moves including Break Dance & Body Popping. Random Aspekts & Cypher Dance went on perform their shows Rock-a-Bye Bboy and Box Fresh at The CatStrand on 20 January. Glenkens Gazette page 7 Double Decker Dreams Anyone who has gone though Dalry on a Friday night will have seen all the young people congregating at the park in all weathers. If the group manage to raise the money With little provision for young people needed, in the area, the group are hoping to Friday raise enough money to buy a double nights will decker bus that they can turn into never be a mobile youth cafe (complete with the same. juke box and table football!). The The mobile bus would then be able to turn cafe bus up and provide a space for young would be people to meet up with friends. able to STOP PRESS! GYP received its first bus donation; £250 from Scottish Power. GYP would like to take this opportunity to thank them for being the first to support the bus-cafe project: “The Youth Cafe will be amazing when it gets going and give the young people of this area something fun, funky and fabulous!” New Galloway Golf Club Open Competitions for 2011: Thurs 28 April - Glenkens Cup 15 hole mixed foursomes Mon 2 May - May Day Greensomes - gents Thurs 19 May Glenkens Trophy Mixed Greensomes - over 55 Sun 29 May - Natural Power Mens Open Thurs 2 June - Belhave Senior Mens Open Sun 31 July - Tilhill Open Fourball If you are interested in any of the above opens please contact the Match Secretary 01644 450265 or jeffsutcliffe@btinternet.com NOTICE TO LOCAL VILLAINS There has been yet another break in at the clubhouse. It is now becoming a similar pattern by local villains who smash the window and gain entry stealing bottles of cider. Luckily this time it is understood that the culprit was arrested by police. For the attention of the villains, the club house is fully alarmed and is shortly to get its own closed circuit cameras, so if you want a drink without spending time in jail, please go to one of the pubs in the High Street! Jeff, Vice Captain & Match Secretary If anyone is interested in donating, or would like to sponser/advertise on the bus please get in touch on 420327 or gyp2@btinternet.com and help us make this happen! This is a fantastic project for young people to be involved with - it will make hanging out with friends easier, more relaxed and fun, and will also help to develop skills and volunteering opportunities. Children of all ages will love it! are new to this area NEW GALLOWAY SWRI Ifandyouwant to meet people, or At New Galloway Rural we are looking for new members to come and enjoy our yearly programme of speakers and social events. The Rural is a registered charity with no religious affiliation and is a non-political organisation. Its members are interested in a wide range of subjects including crafts and cookery, gardening, the environment, health, exercise and sports. The latter can be pursued through events organised by the Stewartry Federation. Our speakers cover a wide range of topics to reflect members’ wishes. newly retired and need new interests, we would be very happy for you to come to a meeting or two with no obligation to join. If you’ve moved up from England and belonged to the WI, you’ll feel at home - and its cheaper! Our fundraising lunch on 20 April would be a good opportunity to meet us (look out for posters). Otherwise we will be meeting on the 3rd Wednesday every month from 2-4pm (except July and August) usually in New Galloway Lower Town Hall. Please ring Jenny Repath on 01644 420 235 for more information. FUNDRAISER FOR SW SCOTLAND RnR St Margaret’s Ladies’ Guild are holding a plant and cake sale at the church on Kenbridge Road on Saturday 30 April from 11am - 3pm in aid of SW Scotland RnR. This local charity provides holidays for wounded personnel as part of their rehabilitation. Please come and buy our plants and cakes and help us support this worthwhile cause. Donations of produce for us to sell will be gratefully received beforehand or on the day. For further information ring Jenny Repath on 01644 420 235. best Stewartry Camera Club The ‘Handicap Score’ The Club’s latest competition ‘Movement’ was judged by local photographer Phil McMenemy, who has a gallery in Laurieston. Phil said many of the prints made him think, and one or two got him laughing out loud, so he thoroughly enjoyed looking at the competition entries. The star of the evening was John Smith who had the best overall score with his two prints. The ‘Best Monochrome’ was by Mary McIlvenna, the ‘New Member Best Print’ was shared by Jenny Armstrong, Pete Middleton and John Repath. The ‘Best Landscape’ was shared by Alec Blackadder, Alwyn Howes and Mary McIlvenna. was shared by Hazel Groome and Mary McIlvenna. For further information contact Mary McIlvenna 01644 420613 or George Wishart 01557 870090. ‘We’re Only Playing’ by John Repath With project number one, the skatepark, well under way, the Glenkens Youth Project (GYP) are looking into future developments that will benefit the young people of the Glenkens. turn up and provide shelter and somewhere for a hot chocolate and hot snack. The group are looking to raise around £8000 to buy and convert the bus. Glenkens Gazette page 8 LOCAL HISTORY T he Glenkens King Cairn Edward, smothered as it is in forest, when viewed from the east, looms like a great pudding across Loch Ken or above New Galloway. Balliol, grandson of Dervorguilla, Lady of Galloway and great grandson of Alan Lord of Galloway, was recognised by the English and not a few Scots as King Edward from 1332-56, albeit his title was much disputed. The true king was The hill’s name is of Gaelic formulation David II, son of Robert Bruce. Balliol since in English or Scots it would was king only with English support and be ‘Edward’s Cairn’. The question so can be seen as the ‘Young Pretender’ is – who was Edward? It has been of the fourteenth century. Local hero unconvincingly attributed to Edward I he undoubtedly was, but he lived a of England but a less likely individual for somewhat futile and pathetic life. Scottish commemoration is difficult to There was a failed conspiracy to place imagine since it was he whose invasion him on the Scottish throne in 1320 in of Scotland in 1296 led directly to opposition to Robert I who had insisted the Scottish Wars of Independence. that landholders possessing estates in Venerated as a great king in England, he England must surrender them or face is characterised in Scottish historiography banishment, and must decide whether as a cruel and bloody tyrant who was they were Scots or English. He thus responsible for the English occupation created a seriously dissident group known of the country and the vicious execution as ‘The Disinherited’ who continued to of William Wallace. support Balliol for a generation. After his John Gordon Barbour of Bogue House father’s deposition young Edward was near Dalry asserts that in his day (1824) subjected to rather luxurious detention in the locals pronounced Edward, Ethart, England. He was godson of Edward I, a possibly influenced by Gaelic Eideard. sometime playmate of Edward II and the He relates the tale of how Edward pawn of Edward III. Bruce, brother of King Robert, victor In 1332 he was invited back at Bannockburn, climbed the hill and, admiring the magnificent view over Ken to Scotland by a man whose name looks like a Galloway and Dee, exclaimed that he must one spoof – Twynam Laurison! day take possession of such a beautiful vista. Accordingly a cairn was erected He began well, winning the battle of on the summit and Edward Bruce, in Dupplin Moor in which he “displayed due course, became Lord of Galloway. a bold spirit of enterprise, and a However he was a hot-headed warrior courage superior to all difficulties”; he who is depicted as something of a also inspired a revolt in Galloway. He maverick and folk do not usually name was crowned King of Scots at Scone, places for their enemies. celebrated in English propaganda as, Glenkens was Balliol territory ‘the very and true king of Scotland, as by heritage and right line’. David II and the Bruces were their was eight years old and so, as a minor, sworn foes. deemed by some unfit to occupy the The families fought one another on kingship. By year’s end the Bruce party several occasions and the Bruces, when had driven Balliol out of Annan Castle, they gained the upper hand, wreaked uncomfortably straddling a saddleless havoc on the glen. horse “with one leg booted and the other Balliols and Bruces were competitors for bare”. However, he recovered, to win further victories at Berwick and Halidon the Scottish kingship in the 1280s and ‘90s. Edward I, having been asked by the Hill, only to face defeat at Culblean in 1335. Scots to decide the case, selected John Balliol as the man with best title in 1292, ruling until deposed three years later. It is the latter’s son who is most likely to be remembered in Cairn Edward. Edward Once David II began his personal rule Balliol was little more than an English pensioner. For the rest of his life he was a spent force whom English commentators dismissed as a pseudo-king, manipulated at the whim of Edward III for his own nefarious purposes. Balliol based himself at Hestan Island in Fleet Bay and at Burnt Isle in Loch Ken. His ‘kingdom’ amounted to little more than an extended Glenkens, specifically Buittle, Kenmure and Kirkandrews. The last-named included Balmaghie, Parton and Crossmichael while he also controlled Kenmure Castle and the Earlston estates. Eventually, in 1356, he was forced to alienate the whole of the south of Scotland to Edward III, as well as, unforgivably, his own kingship, “roaring like a lion, almost beside himself with anger [he] burst out in words more bitter than any conceivable death”, lambasting “the Scottish people, that most unsympathetic of nations who have rejected me as their ruler”. So saying he handed over his crown and a handful of Scottish earth and stones. Thus the ambitions of the last of the line of the Lords of Galloway ended in dust. He lived for a further eight miserable years. Glenkens should memorialise its one king for History’s victims deserve to be remembered alongside her heroes even if, as the chronicler wrote, “On this matter it should be noted that he gave away nothing for his part, because he had no right in the beginning”. For more information see Amanda Beam, The Balliol Dynasty 1210-1364 (Edinburgh 2008). Ted Cowan ������������������� ����������������������� ������������������������ ��������������������� ������������������������������ ������������������������ ������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������ ����������������������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������������������������� Glenkens Gazette Alexander Gordon of Earlstoun The local Church of Scotland congregations are planning to set up a Covenanter trail around the Glenkens. Curious to know where the noted Covenanter Alexander Gordon of Earlstoun was buried, I was browsing through the Gordon family papers in the Ewart library, Dumfries, when I came across the following lines: “He died at Airds (Parton parish) 1726 and was buried in Dalry Churchyard, south side near the dyke, on which spot his grandson Sir John Gordon intends raising a monument to his Memory with the following inscription: ‘To the Memory of the very worthy Pillar of the Church of Scotland, Sir Alexander Gordon of Earlstoun, Bart. who, after many years sufferings, died 1726 aged 76’.” He at times hid in the Earlstoun oak, which is still there, just hanging on to life; and he had a hideout nearby in the woods where he often slept. In the end he was arrested on board ship while on a mission to Holland for the Covenanting Societies and spent six years in jail in the Edinburgh area, including time on the Bass Rock. It seemed very appropriate to me that there should be a memorial to Alexander in Dalry churchyard, perhaps as one of the central focal points of the proposed Covenanter trail. So I approached the Scottish Covenanter Memorials Association to see if they would take on the project. They have been very helpful and have offered a grant of £1200 to the project, but that will still leave us short of what is required. There are two possible ways of taking the project forward; the more ambitious There then followed a lengthy epitaph one would be to erect a memorial stone composed by his grandson. His grandson like the one pictured. This contains a arranged for the erection of a stone with good portion of the epitaph, though a similar epitaph over the grave of his with twelve lines missing from the centre great-grandfather William Gordon of of the poem. The owner of Ayrshire Earlstoun, who was buried in Glasford Memorials, who is a member of SCMA, churchyard, Lanarkshire after being killed has quoted £3345 for the preparation at the Battle of Bothwell Bridge; but the and erection of such a stone. Normal family were going through hard times cost for such a stone would be over financially after the years of persecution £5000. The other option would be to and it would seem that he never managed leave the poem off the stone, which to erect the stone in Dalry churchyard. would reduce the cost considerably After the Battle of Bothwell Bridge but would leave us with a far less eyeAlexander was outlawed. For a time catching stone without these inspiring troops were billeted in Earlstoun Castle words which bring it to life. and when they were absent he sometimes It is proposed to erect the stone just to returned to sleep in his own bed, only the left of Dalry Session House, as you quick actions enabling him to elude face it from the front. It is also hoped capture on a number of occasions. to prepare an information board on the KENBRIDGE HOTEL New Galloway page 9 Gordons of Earlstoun which could be attached to the Session House itself. There could be possibilities of having the poem on the information board; but that would be a far less enduring memorial and subject to vandalism. I would value feedback on what you think we should do. I would also be grateful of any pledges from people willing to help us reach the amount required for the more expensive stone. There are 32 lines of text and, alongside grant support, you could perhaps think in terms of sponsoring, say, a line for £50 to help us reach the total. If there is support for it I would certainly favour the first option. There will be a Conventicle in Dalry churchyard on Sunday 26 June at 3pm. This could conceivably be for the dedication of the new stone if the project comes together quickly. Otherwise it will be a milestone on the road towards the erection of that stone, and will highlight the connections which the churchyard has with Covenanting times. David Bartholomew T. H. CARSON BUTCHERS See us at Dalry Farmers Market on 2nd Sat each month. We can deliver to your door call us any time up to the Friday before the Farmers Market, and we will deliver on the Saturday, afternoon. THE CROSS, MILL ST, DALBEATTIE 01556 610384 W BONE WHB JEEPS THE GARAGE, DALRY PETROL & DIESEL SALES SERVICE & REPAIRS MOTs, TYRES, BATTERIES Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents  01556 503744  www.ggblaw.co.uk Open 7 Days : Beauti Beautiful Riverside Location TRADITIONAL LOG FIRE M E A L S S E RV E D 12.00 - 2.00pm, 5.30 - 8.30pm CASTLE DOUGLAS, DALBEATTIE bed and breakfast en suite accommodation KIRKCUDBRIGHT & DUMFRIES mail@kenbridgehotel.co.uk OFFICES IN : ALL AT COMPETITIVE PRICES OPEN 8.30AM - 6.00PM (SIX DAYS) 10AM - 6PM SUNDAYS SHOP • SANDWICH BAR • LOTTERY  01644 420 211  Tel: 01644 430208 Fax: 01644 430669 www.kenbridgehotel.co.uk email: jeeps@whbjeeps.co.uk www.whbjeeps.co.uk Glenkens Gazette Burns Returns A memorable evening toasting the Bard was enjoyed by all those who attended the first Burns Supper to be held in Balmaclellan village hall for 31 years. The tradition was re-kindled by the recently formed Hall Commitee and their hard work was clear for all to see. New Curtains and table cloths made by Sandra Dempster and beautiful flowers by Lee Cawthorne along with new crockery and tables financed by the Stewartry Area Committee led many locals to say they had never seen the hall look so well as they were welcomed at the door by Jim Kirkpatrick and a glass of fizz. Chairman Neil Cawthorne welcomed everyone to the hall and the evening was started with the Selkirk Grace by Reverend David Bartholemew. page 10 given by Robert Mcturk. Professor Ted Cowan gave the immortal memory, bringing a Glenkens theme to his words. Amazing renditions of Tam o Shanter and Holy Willie’s Prayer were provided by Stewart Park from Sanquhar. Brian Edgar gave the toast to the Lassies with Maybelle Thompson replying on their behalf. The toast to agriculture was given by Alex Ferguson MSP. Between the speeches all present were entertained by Eileen Cawthorne and Robert Lind who gave a beautiful recital of some of Burns’ most popular songs. All agreed that it was a night to remember and look forward to it becoming an annual event once again in the village. Tartan Day Pupils in Primary 7 at Dalry School organised a ‘Tartan Day’ to celebrate the life of Robert Burns. The children came into school dressed in tartan and each class took part in Scottish related activities. Primary 7 organised an assembly about Roberts Burns, which included Scottish songs and performances of Tam O’Shanter and Address to a Haggis. Primary 7 then went on to cook their own Burns Lunch of haggis, neeps and tatties, with shortbread for pudding. The children worked well together to cook a fantastic lunch, which everyone enjoyed. The Haggis was piped in by John Hilsley and a rousing address was Community singing followed, with Margaret Sloan at the piano and this led in to David Gibbon giving the Vote Andy McCartney piped in the Haggis, with Irene McCreath of Thanks to the artists. David prefaced this by asking Anna Campbell acting as Poosy Nancy, Darrel Wilson addressed the to present Andy Haggis very ably and Dr Bartholomew gave the Selkirk McCartney with Grace. an engraved The meal was prepared by Committee Members and glass bowl in as usual in Carsphairn, the men of the Hall Committee recognition served the tables. of piping at Robert McTurk was Chairman for the evening and Carsphairn introduced Grierson Dunlop who proposed the Toast to Burns Supper Robert Burns. more years than most people Laura Luke from Kilmarnock sang two Burns’ songs could remember beautifully and unaccompanied, and Andy Campbell - at least 40! gave a scary and lively rendition of Tam o’ Shanter. This FHB Fencing THE STEWARTRY VETERINARY CENTRE Dalry Domestic and Agricultural Fencing 01644 430 495 (Peter) or 07767 795 498 (Jonathan) CASTLE DOUGLAS SURGERY HOURS New Galloway Mon-Fri 2.00-2.30 pm & 5-6 pm Sat 2-2.30 pm DALBEATTIE SURGERY HOURS Golf Club Mon, Wed, Fri 3-3.30 pm Tues & Thurs 6-6.30 pm Founded 1902 FOR APPOINTMENTS AT BOTH SURGERIES OR IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY www.nggc.co.uk v 01644 420737 v Buggies now available for hire VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME  01556 502263  VETERINARY SURGERY OAKWELL ROAD CASTLE DOUGLAS The top table. The Best of Burns A packed Lagwyne Hall at Carsphairn enjoyed what was termed “One of the Best Burns Suppers Ever” on the Thursday before Burns Night. And this was the 43rd of these annual events! was followed by David Finlay proposing a toast to “The Lassies” which had his audience in stitches (and David too) and Cathy Agnew suitably replied on behalf of the lassies, closing with a toast to “The Laddies”. Glenkens Gazette G L E N K E N S D I A RY MARCH Mon 28, Diabetes Support meeting, Gordon Memorial Hall (adjacent to St Ninian‘s Church), Whitepark Road, Castle Douglas, 7pm, see p5 APRIL Sat 2 April – Thurs 12 May, Exhibition: Anthea & Derek Summers, The CatStrand Wed 6, Make a Scarecrow Workshop,10am-1pm, The CatStrand Thurs 7, Film: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1, 2.30pm, The CatStrand Wed 13, Spring Fling: Bunting Making Workshop,10.30-12.30, The CatStrand Thurs 14, Plutôt La Vie: By the Seat of Your Pants, 2.30pm, The CatStrand Thurs 21, Storytelling with Anne Errington, 7.30pm, The CatStrand Mon 25, Ailie Cohen: Cloud Man, 57+, 3pm, The CatStrand Wed 27, Woody Pines , 7.30pm, The CatStrand Thurs 28, Golf: Glenkens Cup - 15 hole mixed foursomes Sat 30, St Margaret’s Ladies’ Guild plant & cake sale, 11am - 3pm, the church on Kenbridge Road, see p7 Sat 30, ThickSkin: Blackout by Davey Anderson, 8pm, The CatStrand MAY Mon 2, Golf: May Day Greensomes - gents Wed 4, GBA AGM, 7pm, The Ken Bridge Wed 4, May the Fourth – The Science of Star Wars, 7.30pm, The CatStrand Thurs 5, Film: Speaking the Land, 8pm, The CatStrand Sat 7, Kells Primary School PTA Spring Family Fun Day, 11am-2pm Wed 11, Eduardo Niebla, 7.30pm, The CatStrand Sat 14 May – 30 June, Exhibition: Carol Taylor, The CatStrand Sat 14, GTI Bus Trip, Isle of Arran, see p6 Thurs 19, Golf: Glenkens Trophy CHURCH OF SCOTLAND Sundays: Balmaclellan: 12noon 1st, Carsphairn: 10.30am 1st 2nd 3rd 4th, Dalry (April): 12noon 1st 2nd 3rd 4th, Dalry (May): 9am 1st 2nd 3rd 4th, Kells: 10.30am 2nd 3rd 4th Special Services/Events: 17 Apr, 6.30pm: Glenkens Church Choir with Stainer’s Crucifixion, Balmaclellan Church. 22 Apr, 7.30pm: Good Friday Service, St Margaret’s Church, New Galloway. 24 Apr, 7am: Easter Dawn Service at Carsphairn War Memorial, followed by breakfast in Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn. 6 May , 7.30pm: Mixed Greensomes - over 55 Thurs 19, Glenkens RNLI Fundraising Group, ‘Hats at Sea’, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall Fri 20, Dick Gaughan,7.30pm, The CatStrand, New Galloway Mon 23, GTI Bus Trip, Dawyck Gardens, near Peebles, see p6 Fri 27, Annapurna Dance Theatre, 7.30pm, The CatStrand Sat 28, THE Fun Dog Event of The Year, Barstobrick equestrian centre, Ringford, see p12 Sun 29, Golf: Natural Power Mens Open JUNE Thurs 2, Golf: Belhave Senior Mens Open Fri 3, Welfare Rights Benefit Surgeries – phone to book, 9.30am1pm, The CatStrand Sun 5 to Sat 11, Clachan Fair, Dalry REGULAR EVENTS: Glenkens Ramblers: Mon, 1.30pm, outside the Bank, Dalry Scouts: Mon, 7–8.30pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Mother & Toddlers: Tues, 9.4511.15am, New Galloway Town Hall Beavers: Tues, 6.30–7.45pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Glenkens Walking Group: Wed, 1.30pm, outside the Bank, Dalry Stewartry Camera Club: Wed, 7.30pm, The Tolbooth, Kirkcudbright Mossdale Painters: Wed, 9.30am, Mossdale Village Hall Cub Scouts: Wed, 6.45–8pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Thursday Lunch Club: 12.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall, fortnightly starting 6 Jan, £3, contact - Raymond Vincent, 01644 420451. Lions Club monthly quiz: alternating between The CatStrand & Lochinvar Hotel, contact - Andrew Frew, 420 323 The CatStrand, New Galloway (for info call 420 374) Exercise to Music: Mon, 10-11am Play it by Ear: Mon during term time, 1.30-2.30pm Quiz Night, Dalry Town Hall. 29 May: 10.30am: United Service with Choir in Dalry Church. Communion Services: 1 May, 12noon: Balmaclellan Church. SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH (C of E): St Margaret’s, New Galloway: Holy Communion - 10.30am every Sun & Wed. CATHOLIC CHURCH SERVICES: Gatehouse of Fleet: Sat, 6pm. Kirkcudbright: Sun, 9.30am. Dalbeattie: Sun, 11am. St Ninian’s, Castle Douglas: Rev McFadden - 01557 330687. Dalry Library Tue: 2 - 4.30pm then 5.30 - 7.30pm Fri: 11:15am 1:15pm then 2 - 4.30pm 23 mobile library stops - to find out where and when call 430 234 page 11 Children’s Dance Classes with Margaret Morris Movement: Mon during term time, 3.15-4pm (preschool), 4-5pm (ages 8-12) Carers Coffee & Chat: Tues, 10am12noon Teen Spirit: Tues during term time, 7.30-9.30pm Taking the First Step in Computing: Wed, 5.30-7.30pm Boxercise: Wed: 7-8, New Galloway Town Hall, £4 Zumba: Wed: 8-9pm, New Galloway Town Hall, £4 - £6 combined price for Boxercise & Zumba Gentle Yoga & Relaxation: Thurs, 1011.15am Sing it Out: Singing Workshop: Thurs, 11.30am-12.30pm Afternoon Tea Club: 2nd Fri each month, 2pm Saturday Art Club: 2nd Sat each month, 10am–12noon Circus skills swapping share: 3rd Sun of the month, 1-3pm Catstrand Youth Players: Sun during term time from 3-5pm CatStrand Playstation Tournaments: contact The CatStrand for info. Dalry Community Centre (for info contact Sarah on 430 393) Glenkens Playgroup: Mon-Fri, 9.1511.45am (contact - Julie Moore 01644 460 687) Paint & Art: Mon, 1.30-4.30pm Ballroom & Latin Dance drop-in class: Mon, 7.30-9pm, £5 Ballroom & Latin Dance course: Mon, 9-10pm, for more info tel Sam Hood on 01644 420672 Good Neighbours Club: Tues, 2pm Kickback Martial Arts: Tues & Thurs, 79pm, both adults & children welcome Glenkens Mother & Toddlers: Wed, 1.30-3pm Craft Class: Thurs, 2-4pm Brownies: Wed, 5.30-6.45pm Guides:Wed, 5.30-7pm USEFUL NUMBERS: ● Pot-hole Hotline: 0845 276 0000 ● Local Police: 0845 600 5701 ● Doctors: 01644 420 234 Gaze�e Adver�sing Rates 6cm x 6cm - £31.50 per issue (10% series discount) 1/4 page (9cm x 13cm) - £68.25 (25% series discount) 1/2 page (13cm x 13cm) - £126 (25% series discount) Full Page (18cm x 27cm) - £210 (25% series discount) Glenkens Gazette page 12 THE Fun Dog Event of The Year In aid of Dumfries & Galloway Canine Rescue Centre Sat May 28, Barstobrick equestrian centre, Ringford Pedigree and novelty show classes; Dog agility and dog dancing; Dog obedience competitions; Celebrity Judge STV presenter Stephen Jardine Come and join us! Further info: 01387 770210, www.caninerescue.co.uk and local vets and pet shops. carricks of carsphairn Convenience Store and Tea Room/Garden A warm welcome awaits customers old and new! Enjoy a browse around the shop, which stocks all your daily requirements. Post Office open 11am to 1pm Monday to Saturday. Locally made woollens, gifts and cards available. Enjoy a light meal in the Tea Room, which is open all year round (except Christmas Day). Our menu has something for most tastes including home-made pies, scones and soups. Our garden has the most wonderful views all year round... We are open: Mon to Fri 7am - 6pm Saturdays 8am - 6pm Sundays 9am - 5pm STAR WARS Over the past few years, 4 May has come to be known worldwide as ‘Star Wars’ day; an affectionate pun on the iconic greeting which is spoken in hushed tones by the likes of Luke Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi in the Star Wars films. It is perhaps a sign of how strongly the Star Wars saga has impinged on popular culture over the past 30 years that the phrase “May the Fourth be With You” immediately evokes thoughts of Jedi kinghts and lightsabre battles! But just how much science is there behind the science fiction of Star Wars? Could we ever travel to other planets, traversing the vast distances between star systems using shortcuts through hyperspace? What kinds of alien worlds might exist elsewhere in our Universe, and could they bear lifeforms that resemble the exotic creatures found in the Star Wars cantina? Could a Jedi Knight really use a lightsabre to fend off blasters and energy weapons? Could the Death Star really blow up another planet? On May the Fourth 2011 Dr Martin Hendry, an Astrophysicist from the University of Glasgow, will give a talk on the ‘Science of Star Wars’ at The CatStrand as part of the Dumfries & Galloway Science Festival. As a lifelong Star Wars fan, Martin has always been fascinated with the exotic worlds, spaceships and alien life depicted in science fiction - and how they might relate to what science tells us about the real Universe. He currently holds a Science in Society fellowship from the UK Science and Technology Facilities Council, the aim of which is to lead an international programme of science outreach on the theme of ‘Exploring the Dark Side of the Universe’. The aim of this project is to engage schools and the wider public with some of the biggest questions in science: How did the Universe begin? What will be its eventual fate? Is there life on other planets? Why are we here..? Perhaps above all what he has learned from 25 years as a scientific researcher is that the real Universe is even weirder than anything science fiction has dreamed up. Come along to The CatStrand on 4 May to find out more... Real Dog Training “Is your dog ruining your life?” REAL solutions for REAL problems in REAL situations to make a REAL difference. CALL ERIC NOW Home: 01644 460670 Mobile: 07831 590822 Eric Broadhurst (NDOA Advanced Instructor) 35 years dog trainer to the TV and film industry WRITE FOR THE GAZETTE! Submit events, activities, news stories, cartoons, reviews, tips & techniques, fiction, photos, ads or ideas... If you have a submission, contact Sarah Ade on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk JUNE/JULY COPY DEADLINE: Fri 6 May Printing the Glenkens Gazette for the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust is just one way of expressing our commitment to the communities we work in. www.standardlife.com The Glenkens Gaze�e is an ini�a�ve of the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust, a Registered Sco�sh Charity No. SC032050  Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. 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For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Description An account of the resource <p>Find out more about the Gazette: <a href="https://glenkens.scot/gazette-home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Glenkens Gazette home page</a> If you would like to submit an article or take out an advert, please email the editor Sarah Ade: <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="mailto:glenkensgazette@hotmail.com">glenkensgazette@hotmail.com</a></p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is a member of, and regulated by <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.impressorg.com/">Impress</a>.</p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is an initiative of Glenkens Community &amp; Arts Trust (SC032050) and represents the voice of the community (not necessarily the views of GCAT).</p> Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document GLENKENS GAZETTE news from Balmaclellan, Carsphairn, Mossdale, New Galloway and St John’s Town of Dalry February/March 2011 ISSUE 62 CHAMPIONS! FREE The CatStrand has won the Culture Champion award at the Dumfries & Galloway Life People of the Year 2010 awards. adaptability; its ability to be so many things at once, from conference venue to theatre, sports hall to cinema makes it a hub of activity in a rural area where other similar resources are so limited. This is the first year of these awards which have been set up to recognise people and places around the region that play a vital role in making our area such a wonderful place both to live in and to visit. The CatStrand has also proved itself in the area of environmental sustainability by achieving Gold Award status in the Green Tourism Business Scheme. Validated by Visit Britain, businesses Photo: Mark Jardine, from award opting to join Green Tourism sponsors Roucan Loch Crematorium, presenting the award to Cathy Agnew, GCAT chairman. are assessed against a rigorous set of criteria conception, was also nominated covering a range of areas such as for two awards in 2010 - the first energy and water efficiency, waste was Leader’s Rural Community management, biodiversity and more. Champion, for which there was no This award makes the Catstrand one overall winner but four champions of only three venues in Dumfries were recognised, and the second & Galloway to achieve the Gold was Dumfries & Galloway Life’s standard. People of the Year 2010 awards under the title of Community Brian Edgar, who has been involved Champion. Well done Brian! with The CatStrand since its The award highlighted the vision, purpose and hard work that has gone into making the The CatStrand a reality. The CatStrand’s success is down to a number of key elements, among which are the hard work of the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) in getting the project up and running, the continuing input of a dedicated team of tireless staff and volunteers, and the venue’s Curling at Mossroddick by Liz Peacock TWICE THE ICE For the second time in 2010 Mossroddick loch, outside Dalry, has been host to local curlers. Ice at the High Bridge of Ken by Steve McCallie Up until January of last year the loch had not had ice thick enough to curl on for 24 years. Then, at the end of December, the ice was once again ready to be polished into a curling rink where young and old alike could enjoy a foray out onto the ice. Are our winters getting colder? The ice this year which built up at the High Bridge of Ken would suggest that might be the case... Perhaps curling will become a regular event on our local lochs once more! IN THIS ISSUE - Dalry Quarry Update - GCAT Restructure - School News - CatStrand Highlights - Local History - Winter Wildlife ...and much more A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) ini�a�ve www.glenkensgaze�e.com Glenkens Gazette page 2 ANOTHER FEATHER IN THE CAP Our quest for funds for the next phase of Dalry Bird Town has been given a major boost by an award from the Big Lottery’s Awards for All scheme. The award of £10,000 will kick start the next steps of the initative. We are now applying for funds to employ a Project Development Officer for two years, hopefully from April 2013. This will allow development of the project for the purchase and refurbishment of Barone and its grounds and to establish the Dalry Bird Festival as an annual event. We hope to know the results of our applications sometime in March. We are planning the first Dalry Bird Festival for the autumn of 2011. We hope to have guided bird walks, talks from bird and arts experts, demonstrations of arts and birdrelated activities and art exhibitions. If you have ideas please let me know. Roger Crofts, roger@dodin.idps.co.uk QUARRY QUERY Dalry Community Council’s petition against the proposed quarrying operation was handed over to Patsy Gilroy, who is Chair of the Stewartry Area Committee, by a group of Dalry residents at the last full Council meeting in December. The petition asks Dumfries & Galloway Council to re-examine its provisional decision to allow the quarry and to ensure that any such decisions are only taken after lawful consultation procedures have been carried out. The petition was signed by 301 people, 207 of whom are Dalry residents. This represents the majority of the adult population of the village. In addition 39 people indicated their support for the petition on the Facebook website. Members of the delegation from Dalry told Ms Gilroy that they found the Council’s decision in principle to allow a housing company to extract and remove 40,000 tonnes of rock from a prominent site next to the School and the childrens’ playpark to be inexplicable. Mention of this quarrying operation was only added to the planning application to build houses after public consultation had taken place. This was a material change to the application about which the community had a lawful right to be consulted. Patsy Gilroy said in her letter of acknowledgement that the Community Council would receive a substantive reply in due course. She confirmed that the petition and the Council’s response to it would be circulated to all members of the Council. The Community Council hopes that at least one of the local Councillors will have the courage to ask for this to be discussed by the full Council. After all, it is not every day that 300 people from a small community put their names to a petition questioning the legality of the Council’s actions. NOTICEBOARD March 12 - Glenkens and District Music Club: Quintet Zambra (wind quintet), 8pm, Dalry Town Hall. Committee, which was then matched by Balmaclellan Community Council. Abbas Rest Orphanage Coffee Morning - On October 30th a very successful coffee morning was held in Dalry Town Hall in aid of Abbas Rest orphans. The money was used to equip the hall with full sets of crockery, cutlery and utensils (120 of each), as well as new tables, making it a more attractive venue for hire. If you would like to hire the hall, please get in touch with either Jim Kirkpatrick (420 604) or Neil Cawthorne (420 603). We would like to thank all the people who supported us with their presence, as well as donations of money, raffle prizes, baking and the sales tables, and all the willing helpers who served refreshments and helped on the stalls. £760 was raised which will help towards buying the maize required which will be more expensive this year. As they need over 1,000 bags weighing 50 kilos each to keep the children fed all year, the money raised is badly needed. Thank you once again for your support, it is greatly appreciated - Jean, Avril & Barbara. Balmaclellan Village Hall Committee has been awarded a grant of £1000 from the Stewartry Area The Senior Citizens of Kells Parish enjoyed an excellent Christmas Lunch at the Ken Bridge Hotel on Saturday 11th December as guests of New Galloway Community Council. Entertainment was provided by Tommy Edgar and the festive raffle prizes were largely provided from the proceeds of the donations collected in Hopkins Shop throughout the year. Glenkens Gazette page 3 GCAT - A FRESH NEW FACE In 2010, the Board and staff at GCAT had a ‘light bulb’ moment. This re-think was prompted by some excellent work with an external consultant which encouraged the board of GCAT, collectively, to realise that we are GCAT – the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust – rather than any one of the projects supported. The organisations supported at present are: - Glenkens Transport Initiative (GTI) – the invaluable ‘Bus’. - The CatStrand – our wonderful Arts, Community & Visitor Centre. - Glenkens Gazette – the community news publication you are currently reading. - Dalry Bird Town - the newest project, currently attracting a lot of attention. In GCAT’s 10th anniversary year, we can look back on a decade of experience and learning which has provided us with a network of good contacts; and an even more important network of enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteers. the community who have ideas for projects in the Glenkens. Contact us via email – gcatnip@catstrand.com Gillian Khosla, Glenkens Community & Arts Trust New Ideas & Projects (GCATNIP) We are an appropriately registered company and have charitable status. We are registered for VAT and are experienced in corporate governance. And we have an appetite to continue working towards our aim; to unite the communities of the Glenkens. We have, therefore, restructured the organisation - see the flow chart to get an idea of the structure. We look forward to hearing from all and any members of Dalry Community Council Balmaclellan Community Council A McKay tendered his resignation as both chairperson and as a councilor due to personal reasons; a vote of thanks was recorded for all his work. Another great Christmas lunch was held at The Ken Bridge Hotel for Balmaclellan senior citizens. Many thanks to Jane Brayshaw of the CC and Dave and Sue Paterson and staff for all their hard work. The Glenkens childrens’ Christmas party was a great success and could not have taken place without the involvement of Chris and Kay Bird, presents funded by Balmaclellan CC, food by Dave and Sue Paterson and Jane McQueen, and the support local families. Regarding recent work at Allangibbon Bridge, it was agreed to request that improved signage be erected indicating the severity of the bend from the north. Next meeting: Mon 7 Feb, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. New Galloway & Kells Community Council It was reported that Scottish Power had closed the footbridges between Dundeugh and Kendoon due to ‘accelerated levels’ of corrosion that made them unsafe for public use. However, following national media coverage, Scottish Power announced that they hoped that repair work could start early in 2011. Next meeting: Mon 28 Feb, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall. Carsphairn Community Council Kathryn Thacker resigned as administrative secretary due to changes in personal circumstances. Concerns were raised over Scottish Power’s proposal to increase the water flow from Loch Doon via the Water of Ken into Loch Ken, etc. This point was also raised by Carsphairn CC and further information is being sought. Right to Buy legislation has been extended to buildings as well as land. A house in the Salutation is up for sale as well as one of the flats. Discussion outlined that a community can register a right to buy if land or buildings have gone on the market if good reason is given for public interest. Next meeting: Mon 14 Feb, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall. Next meeting: Mon 31 Jan, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall. Full minutes of local Community Council meetings can be viewed at Dalry Library. CatStrand Cafe LUNCHES: Mon to Fri, 11am-2pm The Clog & Shoe Workshop Balmaclellan Open 10am - 5pm weekdays In winter please ring to arrange a visit. Tel: 01644 420465 NEW ONLINE SHOP! www.clogandshoe.co.uk FORREST ESTATE FIREWOOD Local suppliers of firewood logs, kindling and chiminea wood. Hardwood and so�wood produced from sustainable, FSC cer�ficated woodland. Various quan��es available for collec�on or bulk delivery. Call for details 01644 430 230 office@forrestestate.com Glenkens Gazette page 4 GLENKENS SCHOOLS REPORT Glenkens Schools – All Change! The start of the new term in January has seen a number of changes in the management team in the Glenkens Schools. At Kells Primary, Mrs Kelly Devine, who was due to start her maternity leave at Christmas, was promoted to the post of Head Teacher at Wigtown Primary School with immediate effect. Mr Zane Gray, Principal Teacher at Moffat Academy primary department, recently acting Headteacher at Beattock Primary, was appointed to cover Mrs Devine’s maternity leave. Mr Gray started on 5th January 2011 and it is anticipated that he will be in post until a permanent appointment is made. The School Council at Kells will be closely involved in the process of appointing a new Depute Head Teacher (DHT). Carsphairn’s Circus Skills... At Carsphairn Primary the children performed a Christmas Concert about Ffinlo the Clown. The performance was enjoyed by parents and friends in the Lagwyne Hall. Mrs Margaret Heuchan, who has been appointed to the post of Head Teacher at Kirkbean Primary School, will be replaced as Principal Teacher at Carsphairn by Mr Walker McKenna, with Mrs Jean Adams covering the 1.5 days support. Mr McKenna’s 3.5 days at Dalry will be covered by Mrs Turner, who is currently in Dalry covering for Miss Lamont. Both support posts were advertised on a permanent basis in January. Mrs Annette Craig, previously acting Depute Head Teacher at Castle Douglas Primary School, will take up the role of acting DHT at Dalry for the duration of Miss Lamont’s maternity leave. Miss Lamont had the best possible Christmas present when Molly Rose Newman arrived on Christmas Day weighing in at 6lb 11oz; I am sure her many friends in this area would like to pass on their congratulations. Farewell then and best wishes to our leavers and a warm welcome to the Glenkens to Mr Gray and Mrs Craig. Once again Dalry S1 pupils and Wilkinsons Store in Castle Douglas teamed up to send a Happy Christmas around the globe for overseas children who would otherwise have nothing. With contributions from pupils, staff and Wilkinsons, twenty eight brightly wrapped shoeboxes left Dalry School filled with gifts to bring cheer to children from two to fifteen years old. The children entertained the audience with their singing, percussion playing and various circus skills which linked in with the Circus topic running from October to Christmas. The evening was thoroughly entertaining and everyone agreed it was a lovely performance by the ten children. REWARDING ROWING The children at Carsphairn Primary have been running a Rowing Challenge over the past few months, inviting adults into the school to challenge them to row 500 metres on the rowing machine in the fastest time possible. Shoebox Sharing The winner of the Challenge was PC Bruton, our Community Policeman, who completed the challenge in 1 minute 48 seconds. The children then interviewed each participant, asking questions about their hobbies and favourite sports, and about their occupations past and present. The children found out that PC Bruton trained as a welder before becoming a policeman, Angus Leigh (school photographer) drove a pony and trap for a living before taking over the family photography business, Mrs Heuchan worked for a football club before becoming a teacher and Mr Grant (Director of School Services) washed dishes to earn money when he was at University. Some comments from the students were; William said he enjoyed taking the photographs of the people who took part in the challenge, and Caitlin and Rachel enjoyed hearing about their jobs. The children thoroughly enjoyed welcoming people into the school and would like to thank everyone who participated in the challenge. Photos: right - winner PC Bruton, left - Director of School Services, Mr Colin Grant. Glenkens Gazette page 5 GLENKENS SCHOOLS REPORT Primary pupils from Carsphairn, Kells and Dalry schools visited Mr Murray, Dalry Secondary’s Technology teacher, who showed them how to make stilts. students get to use the equipment in Mr Murray’s room to make some fantastic pieces of work. It also helps with later transition as the children all know Mr Murray and are already aware of all the very important safety rules that must be followed in his room. As you can see from the pictures, the children concentrated thoroughly during their lesson to produce excellent pairs of stilts. Many are now excellent stilt walkers! In the past primary students have made football rattles and trucks to go with ‘World Cup’ and ‘Transport’ topics. This year the topic was ‘Travelling with the Circus’. Mr Murray and Mr Harvie kindly gave their time to make stilts with children from all three schools. These lessons are a highlight of each year as Y O U T H U P D A T E group of orphaned children as they story follows the antics of Class Youth Players struggle to survive in impossible Six as they carry out a task set for circumstances. ‘Round the World by their new supply teacher & Drama News with Class Six’ was presented at the them - to sail around the world without CatStrand in 2009 and as everyone leaving the classroom…… and be The ‘house full’ signs were up on enjoyed it so much at that time back in time for school dinners! December 3rd at The CatStrand as it was decided to enter it for this the Youth Players presented Alan Everyone is hoping to follow up last year’s festival. As the number of Ayckbourn’s famous play ‘Ernie’s year’s success when ‘The Willow cast is flexible, it can involve all of Incredible Illucinations’ along with and the Pomegranate’ won the the remaining club members. The two different but very enjoyable Stewartry Youth Festival and went shorter pieces, ‘Kennel Club’ on to represent the District at by David Muncaster and ‘The the West of Scotland Finals. Funeral’ by Laurie Allen. The plays will be performed The members are now at The CatStrand on Friday working on their Scottish 4th March, along with the Community Drama Association adult festival entry from the (SCDA) Festival entries to be Glenkens ’73 Club, ‘Outdoor staged at Lochside Theatre Pleasures’ by Jean McConnell. at the end of February. They This is a comedy from will be performing ‘Dust of another festival favourite the Street’ by Harry Glass and playwright which finds longalso ‘Round the World with suffering Deirdre waiting for Class Six’ by Nick Warburton. an outdoor production of a ‘Dust of the Street’ is set in Shakespeare play to begin, the Jewish ghetto in Warsaw reluctantly accompanied by during the Second World War her rather awkward and far The cast of ‘Kennel Club’ from left to right - Hannah and follows the plight of a Daly, Lowena Lindsay, Eleanor Jones & Kirstin Stalker. from enthusiastic Aunt Tottie. GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services Fresh turkeys, copas free range turkeys, geese, ducks, etc. The Surgery High Street New Galloway See us at Dalry Farmers Market on the 2nd Sat of each month. FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL T H CARSON, THE CROSS, MILL ST, DALBEATTIE  01644 420234  01556 610384 Glenkens Gazette page 6 CatStrand Highlights February and March are exciting months at The CatStrand as our winter programme draws to a close and we herald in the spring with the brand new March – June programme. We are very excited about launching our packed new programme which features theatre, comedy, music and film - plenty for all the family. So make sure to get your hands on a copy and book up for your favourite events to avoid disappointment. On 4 February we are delighted to welcome Janice Galloway, one of Scotland’s best known and most versatile authors. This will be an opportunity to hear this entertaining writer speak and read from her work, including her latest novel ‘This is Not About Me,’ with opportunities for book signings on the night. The final live event of the winter season is an evening of Chamber music with award winning violinist Sijie (Susie) Chen on her first visit to Scotland. Sijie will be joined by international artists Cherry Tsang and Matthew Huber for a programme that includes pieces by Prokofiev, Fauré and Smetana. The new season continues on Wednesday 10 March with a visit by the immensely talented Dáimh (pronounced Dive), who offer a fresh, up to date approach to traditional music, fusing bagpipes, fiddle, banjo, guitar and mandola. Their gigs have been described as “an overwhelming and exuberant experience”. Scottish cast including Dave Anderson and Jimmy Chisholm. Are you a musician, poet or singer? Whether you are a seasoned performer looking to try out new material with a friendly audience or just starting out and thinking about performing for the first time, The Catstrand’s Acoustic Open Stage on 21 March will be the perfect opportunity. Come along to perform or just to watch and support the performers. If you are interested in a performing slot please email jodie@catstrand.com. For more information or tickets please call the CatStrand box office on 01644 420 374 or visit www.catstrand.com On Friday 18 March we are delighted to welcome back Rapture Theatre to CatStrand, who celebrate their 10th anniversary with a performance of Gagarin Way by Gregory Burke. This blisteringly funny black comedy by the writer of the tremendously successful Black Watch features an all star THE BUS : GLENKENS TRANSPORT INITIATIVE £25,000 XMAS PRESENT FOR GTI: Just before Xmas GTI received the excellent news that a Family Trust Fund based in London had decided to donate £25,000 to be used for the purchase of a new bus. One of the Board members is a resident of Glenlochar and for a long time she has been very impressed with the work done by GTI and its mini bus. She was aware that we are in need of a second vehicle and accordingly asked the Board in London for a donation towards it. Even she was delighted at their response and we are all very grateful for this good news. NEW MINI BUS: The GTI Committee are now busy researching the different vehicles available and it is hoped to have it on the road by March 2011. It is important the best use possible is made of BOTH vehicles therefore if you have any ideas please contact Keith Cooper. Having a second vehicle will obviously give us more flexibility in that commitments such as the School Run and the Registered Route will not prevent the other mini bus being used, possibly even travelling away from the Glenkens for an overnight stop! WINTER TRAVEL: Throughout the recent cold spell we have managed to keep the School Run and the Registered Route operating. Numbers using the Wednesday evening service into Castle Douglas show how important a service this is, but please remember all our drivers are volunteers and it is their decision as to whether it is safe to travel. Responsibility for this decision is WEDNESDAY BUS SERVICE (REGD. ROUTE): solely that of the driver and not the Council. CONCESSIONARY BUS PASSES ARE ACCEPTED ON THIS ROUTE, SO PLEASE MAKE We are allowed to use the A713 via Parton USE OF THIS EXTRA SERVICE if it is felt this is safer than using the normal Timings are as follows: The return journey : 1900 Dept Dalry (Underhill) 2045 Departs Castle Douglas (Tesco) route via Mossdale. TRIPS: We always have a short break from 1910 New Galloway 2047 Castle Douglas (Market Street) running trips at this time of the year but 1925 Mossdale 2052 Townhead of Greenlaw they will resume in March. On Sunday 13 1935 Laurieston 2100 Laurieston March 2011 there will be trip to the Farmers 1940 Townhead of Greenlaw 2110 Mossdale Market in Moffat whilst on Monday 28 March 1947 Castle Douglas (Market Street) 2125 New Galloway 2011 we will visit Callender House in Falkirk. 1950 Arrive Castle Douglas (Tesco) 2135 Arrive Dalry Details will be advertised locally and tickets IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BOOK THE COMMUNITY-BUS OR IF YOU WANT can be purchased from The Catstrand after 1 ANY MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT KEITH COOPER, GTI February 2011. ADMINISTRATOR ON 01644 420374. Keith Cooper, GTI Administrator Glenkens Gazette page 7 C L U B C O R N E R Walking Groups The Glenkens Ramblers meet on Mondays Thursday for a moderate walk taking around two hours. The Glenkens Walkers meet Lunch Club on Wednesdays for an easier walk taking around 90 minutes. Both groups We meet fortnightly in New Galloway Town Hall, ground floor, entrance from Duke Street, at 12.30pm for a lunch of soup and filled rolls, cheese and biscuits and tea or coffee for a charge of £3.00. Our first meeting of the New Year is Thursday 6 January, and thereafter at fortnightly intervals. Contact phone numbers are: Raymond Vincent – 01644 420451, Dot Struthers – 01644 420312, Louise Knight – 01644 450655. Golf Update Highlights of the year were: Dick Tulloch set a new course record - 64-5-59; Sandy Harvie won the Gents Club Championship and Anne McQueen the Ladies Club Championship; the Gents Team won the Kirkcudbrightshire Team Championship and is the only team meet at 1.30pm outside the Bank of Scotland in Dalry. Lists of walks are displayed in shops in Dalry and New Galloway. Contacts: John & Isobel on 430 539, Gerry on 420 852, Peter on 420 419 and Elizabeth on 430 581. Spalding Bowling Club The Club held their annual Social and prizegiving on the 1st Friday in November at the Ken Bridge Hotel. This year the Gents champion was Steve Davie (not in the photo as he was on holiday) and the Ladies champion was Mabel Young. to win it twice; and the Ladies Team made it through to the 7th round of the Mail on Sunday Classic Tournament. Limited Memberships are now available for the coming season and anyone who is interested should contact Ian Brown, Club Secretary, on 01556 670 579. The Open dates for 2011 are: 23rd April - Ladies - Glenkens Salver Greensomes 28th April - Mixed Foursomes - Glenkens Cup (over 15 holes) 2nd May - Gents May Day Greensomes Prize winners at the Annual Dinner of the Golf Club. Stewartry Camera Club The club’s latest competition, ‘Music Titles’, was judged by Geoff Keating, probably better known for his local involvement in music. Geoff used to be a member of The Stewartry Camera Club and was well qualified to judge the 30 entries from 15 members. Geoff was hugely impressed with the much higher standard of technical proficiency than when he was a member. He made helpful comments on how he saw individual images being improved. His advice for members was to scratch on the camera LCD screen; 19th May - Over 55 Mixed Greensomes Glenkens Trophy (over “What am I taking a photograph of?”, “shun the cliche” and “escape the tyranny of the familiar”. His helpful advice was much appreciated by the club members. The star of the evening was Alwyn Howes who had the best overall score with his two prints. His image ‘Morning’ was judged ‘Best Landscape’ and ‘Best Print’. ‘Pictures of Lily’ by Mary McIlvenna was the ‘Best Monochrome Print’. Peter Middleton with ‘Snake Oil Blues’ had the ‘Most Innovative’ and the ‘Best New Member’ print. Pete’s image was taken whilst on a camera club photography course with Ted and Morag 15 holes) 29th May - Natural Power Men’s Open 2nd June - Senior (over 50) Men’s Open 31st July - Tilhill Gents Four Ball Better Ball 13th August - Ladies Muirhead Rosebowl - Singles The Club draws people to New Galloway and businesses in the village benefit from having the Golf Club. Why not put something back into your Community and sponsor a competition or advertise in the Fixture Book? If you would like to participate in any way please contact Jeff Sutcliffe on 01644 450265. Jeff, Vice Captain/Match Secretary New Galloway Golf Club Leeming. The ‘Best Handicap Score’ was gained by Hazel Groome with ‘Salt Peanuts’. For further information contact Mary McIlvenna 01644 420613 or George Wishart 01557 870090. ‘Pictures of Lily’ by Mary McIlvenna The Club welcomes new members from the over fifties. Glenkens Gazette page 8 LOCAL HISTORY The Militar y Occupation of the Glenkens Contemplating Glenkens today it is difficult to imagine the dread and horror which pervaded these peaceful surroundings back in the 1660s, a period which generated atrocities in the name of government such as to impact indelibly upon the character and attitudes of the glen’s inhabitants. When Charles II was restored to the throne, following the Covenanting Revolution and the Cromwellian Occupation, he immediately set about the transformation of Scotland’s presbyterian church, re-introducing bishops and episcopalian government. In 1663 ministers who refused to conform were ordered to remove themselves forthwith with their “wives, bairns, servants, goods and gear” from their churches and manses. Most in Galloway were in this category, among them James Buglos of Crossmichael, Thomas Warner of Balmaclellan, John Cant of Kells, Adam Alison of Balmaghie, Thomas Thomson of Parton and John M’Michan of Dalry. They were replaced by inexperienced and allegedly under-qualified, curates. All legislation supporting the covenants was rescinded and parishioners who refused to attend the local church were fined. Those who adhered to the covenants and the principle of the separation of Church and State sought spiritual solace in conventicles - illegal meetings for worship conducted by the displaced ministers in houses, barns or the open air. In order to collect the fines, to monitor non-attendance, to enforce laws proclaiming the covenants treasonous and to create general terror and mayhem, troops were sent into the region. Thus the Scottish Government, at the bidding of the king, declared war upon its own subjects. To make matters worse the soldiers were quartered upon the local population. An un-named ‘gentleman of Galloway’ reported the inevitable consequences to his friend in Edinburgh. He declared that per family); Balmaghie, 9 families, £426 (£47 per family); Parton, 24 families, £2838 (£118 per family); Crossmichael, he was no fanatic but he found himself number of families unknown, £1667; becoming radicalised by the sufferings Kells, number of families unknown, of his fellow countrymen and women, £467; Stewartry, an additional 91 as a result of the soldiers’ “inhuman individuals, £7,860 (£526 per person). and atheistical deportment”, as they These figures are in pounds Scots, 12 arbitrarily preyed upon “a desolate of which equated to one pound sterling. people for their own private gain”. They would be paid by the head of the household. Although we do not know Quartering was hated as profoundly as the total number of families in any parish it was dreaded. The troops seemed to luxuriate in needless waste, feeding whole since there was no Scottish census until sheep to their dogs and destroying crops, 1755, Dalry is clearly the stand-out on this reckoning, a veritable hotbed of to cries of; resistance. “We came to destroy, and we shall The sums may seem misleadingly paltry. destroy you”. When converted from pounds Scots, for Having consumed the resources of the example, the 47 families in Balmaclellan landlord they then descended on the owed, on average, £5 sterling each but tenants. Men were attacked and tortured, according to the National Archives women and children assaulted. Property Currency Converter website, that is was wilfully damaged, informants were equivalent in today’s money to £384. rewarded, complaints and grievances The Carsphairn average is a hefty £614 ignored by the authorities. and Dalry a staggering £1459. For the In addition to the levying of cess individuals of the Stewartry the average (assessment or taxation) and the works out at some £3378. considerable cost of quartering, fines These are colossal sums by 17th century for non-attendance at the kirk were standards. Little wonder that the imposed, though sometimes they could Galloway letter-writer opined that the be avoided by bribing the soldiers. consequence of these Allegedly there was no distinction between those who conformed and those “grievous and intolerant impositions” would be the “utter ruin” of a who refused, producing “an universal majority of Galloway families. outcry in this country”. Even worse, many loyal subjects were fined for the Furthermore, these sums were demanded non-obedience of their wives. This was from a society that had little experience particularly alarming, of cess or taxation, let alone of fines for not attending church, and these were “for there are many wives who will not be commanded by their husbands the first of a series that would be levied relentlessly for a generation through to in lesser things than this”, 1688. Of course most fines were never occasioning much contention and paid, leading to the seizure of property strife in families to the point that some and imprisonment. Government women fled their husbands to seek intention was apparently the total shelter elsewhere, and so, horror of destruction of a dissident civilian horrors, the poor goodman was “doubly population. And the killing of ‘The punished despite his conformity”! The Killing Times’ had not yet commenced! independence of Galloway women is a How could the hapless population recurring theme in this period. defend itself ? The unexpected and The total amount of fines for some unlikely response was to appear in the parishes have survived. Thus (rounded to guise of the ill-fated Glenkens Rebellion nearest pound): Carsphairn, 49 families of 1666, better known, inaccurately, as paid £4865 (av. £99 per family); Dalry, ‘The Pentland Rising’. 43 families, £9576 (£223 per family); Ted Cowan Balmaclellan, 49 families, £6431 (£131 Glenkens Gazette page 9 NATURE & WILDLIFE Diamonds on the Soles of My Shoes In a roundabout sort of way, after all the mild winters of the past two decades, these past two frozen years lead to a hope that we might sometime see a decent summer through July and August – even one would do, for now! Meantime, we have to find positives in the bitter conditions, and there are many for those of us lucky enough to get around and stay warm. With all of the local lochs and most of the rivers ice-locked, waterfowl had a real challenge not only to find food by day, but open water for safe roosting by night, too - not only here, but across Scotland. For several weeks through December all flight lines led to Dumfries & Galloway, including the Glenkens, because here and there tracts of open water remained on the Ken and lower down on the Dee. One Sunday evening George and I watched 2-3,000 pink-footed geese join Icelandic greylags and Greenland whitefronted geese to roost on the River Dee near Threave Castle. More than content with seeing them, we then sat spellbound in the nice new hide overlooking Blackpark Marsh, as the grey gloaming gave way to near dark, and watched 101 whooper swans come past in groups of a dozen or so from the east on their way to the river. Pure white apart from their black legs and distinctive yellow and black bills, in the silvery halflight of that frosty evening they appeared ghostlike as they flew silently past, before characteristically honking evocatively in circling down to find some water of their own for the night. Like the geese, these travellers from Iceland are regulars here in winter, often feeding between Castle Douglas and Haugh of Urr. However, the numbers of pinkfeet were certainly swollen by incomers from elsewhere, and there were reports of thousands more right along the Solway to Luce Bay, and even a few bean geese, which used to be such a feature of this part of Galloway. They are now better known from the Slamannan plateau near Falkirk, and it was no surprise when I was contacted by Angus, their principal watcher, wondering if they were here. However, of all the natural phenomena around the area this winter, my wonder was most stimulated again by a half hour’s afternoon walk down the Water of Ken from Dalry. from the alder trees alongside the burn, punctuated now and then by the soosh of another batch of ice slipping into the water from the warming banks. All natural and timeless sounds that will have been heard countless times before in the Glenkens over the millennia I’m sure, but not by me; not like I heard that day anyway. These thoughts were running through my mind as I made my way back upstream along the flood bank. Just fornent the screens at the foot of the Garroch Burn, I glanced to my right over the bottom holm towards Kirkland. With each succeeding step a new set of sparkling stars lit up the ground as myriad ice crystals momentarily caught the strong, low sun rays and reflected them towards me. This I had often seen before, but never was I so struck by their number and brilliance. The ground was literally The ground was encrusted with twinkling as I strode along. hoarfrost after many days of sub-zero temperatures, but now Instinctively, I stopped. So did they. is, the stars stood still. I stepped the sun was shining and a thaw That on a yard and they all disappeared as was coming. quickly as a whole new set opened up Suddenly I became aware of a fairly continuous crackling sound coming to view. On stepping back the new ones disappeared and all the old ones came back, while a further backward step brought yet another set of ground stars out. I stood in the fascinating realisation that at any given point all of the twinkling stars were at just the proper angle to catch the light and divert it to my eyes, and as I moved on so the effect was of twinkling starlight, or even of walking on sunshine. Winter was never less dull! Chris Rollie KENBRIDGE HOTEL New Galloway Pensions – Savings – Investments Retirement & Inheritance Tax Planning Life Assurance – Protection – Mortgages For advice on any of the above, or to review your existing arrangements, contact your local adviser: Brian J. Edgar DipPFS Area Office: Tannoch, Newton Stewart Road, New Galloway DG7 3RT Open 7 Days : Beauti Beautiful Riverside Location Central Office, 61 Victoria Street, Newton Stewart DG8 6NL M E A L S S E RV E D 12.00 - 2.00pm, 5.30 - 8.30pm Tel. 01644 420288 Tel 01671 403080 Fax 01671 402549 e-mail - brian.edgar@marrfinancial.co.uk web - www.marrfinancial.co.uk Marr Financial Services is an Appointed Representative of Sesame Ltd YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE New Galloway Golf Club TRADITIONAL LOG FIRE Founded 1902 bed and breakfast en suite accommodation v 01644 420737 v  01644 420 211  mail@kenbridgehotel.co.uk www.kenbridgehotel.co.uk www.nggc.co.uk Buggies now available for hire VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME Glenkens Gazette page 10 Local Author: Chris Rollie Chris Rollie may be more familliar to many of you in his role as Area Manager for RSPB Scotland in Dumfries & Galloway. Chris on 13 January at the Caledonian Club, Belgravia, with the President of the Caledonian Society of London, where he was the principal speaker at their Burns Supper. With the RSPB, Chris has managed projects such as the re-introduction of red kites to Galloway and the subsequent creation of the Galloway Kite Trail. Before employment with RSPB, Chris was a biology teacher in Ayrshire for 10 years, but was always heavily involved in voluntary ornithological surveying and monitoring, which led to his first full-time post with RSPB as Conservation Officer in 1991, the year and stimulus for his move to the Glenkens. “My reasons for choosing Dalry were various”, says Chris. “I absolutely loved the place from my annual visits to monitor peregrines and eagles in the 1980s – it gave easy access to the hills, Dumfries, Ayr and back to New Cumnock where my parents lived, and where I was born and grew up. I was also very good friends with the late Donald Watson and great admirer of his paintings, particularly of birds in the Glenkens. Also, it was a great place to bring up my then two young daughters, with shops and two vibrant pubs! “Although things have changed a bit over the 20 years since coming, I am still in love with the area – the hills, lochs, woods and remaining bird life are breathtaking at times, and there to enjoy in a light and tranquility that I treasure”. Chris goes on to talk about his work as an author: “Some of my writing involves short articles or papers for publication in ornithological journals and newsletters, but I am also keenly interested in Robert Burns, not only his works, but also his life and times. “I have published various articles and papers on Burns and delivered several of these at conferences and seminars. Having been born overlooking the Afton Water, I guess it was inevitable that one day I would write a book on Robert Burns and New Cumnock, and this was published to mark the bi-centenary year of the poet’s death in 1996. “My second book, ‘Robert Burns in England’, was published in 2009 to mark the 250th anniversary of the poet’s birth.” Chris has also been asked to write a book on Burns and Birds, and has been considering writing about Burns in Galloway. At present he is writing up a recent sabbatical to Syria and working on a long term Definitive Chronology of Burns... whew! Watch this space for more from Chris. Chris’ books are available from The CatStrand, New Galloway, or for further information contact Chris on 01644 430 103 or chrisrollie@moorglen.fsnet.co.uk ������������������� ����������������������� ������������������������ ��������������������� ������������������������������ ������������������������ ������������������������� Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents  01556 503744  www.ggblaw.co.uk OFFICES IN : ������������������������������������������������������������ ����������������������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������������������������� FHB Fencing Dalry Domestic and Agricultural Fencing 01644 430 495 (Peter) or 07767 795 498 (Jonathan) W BONE WHB JEEPS THE GARAGE, DALRY PETROL & DIESEL SALES SERVICE & REPAIRS MOTs, TYRES, BATTERIES ALL AT COMPETITIVE PRICES OPEN 8.30AM - 6.00PM (SIX DAYS) 10AM - 6PM SUNDAYS SHOP • SANDWICH BAR • LOTTERY Tel: 01644 430208 Fax: 01644 430669 email: jeeps@whbjeeps.co.uk www.whbjeeps.co.uk CASTLE DOUGLAS, DALBEATTIE KIRKCUDBRIGHT & DUMFRIES THE STEWARTRY VETERINARY CENTRE CASTLE DOUGLAS SURGERY HOURS Mon-Fri 2.00-2.30 pm & 5-6 pm Sat 2-2.30 pm DALBEATTIE SURGERY HOURS Mon, Wed, Fri 3-3.30 pm Tues & Thurs 6-6.30 pm FOR APPOINTMENTS AT BOTH SURGERIES OR IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY  01556 502263  VETERINARY SURGERY OAKWELL ROAD CASTLE DOUGLAS Glenkens Gazette GLENKENS DIARY FEBRUARY REGULAR EVENTS: page 11 1st Dec, 10am-12noon Sat 5, ’73 Drama Burns Supper, 7.30pm, The CatStrand Glenkens Ramblers, Mondays, 1.30pm, outside the Bank, Dalry Teen Spirit: every Tues during term time, 7.30-9.30pm Fri 4, Janice Galloway, 7:30pm, £8/£6 Scouts: Mon, 7–8.30pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Taking the First Step in Computing: Wed, 5.30-7.30pm Mon 7, Dalry CC Meeting, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall Mother & Toddlers Group: Tues 9.45-11.15am, New Galloway Town Hall Boxercise, Wed 7-8, NG Town Hall, £4 Sat 12, An Evening of Chamber Music with Susie Chen and Friends Saturday, 7:30pm, £10/£8 Beavers: Tues, 6.30–7.45pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Zumba, Wed 8-9pm, NG Town Hall, £4 - £6 combined Boxercise & Zumba Gentle Yoga & Relaxation, Thurs, 10-11.15am Mon 14, New Galloway & Kells CC Meeting, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall Glenkens Walking Group, Wednesdays, 1.30pm, outside the Bank, Dalry Tues 22, Film: Despicable Me (U), 2pm, £4.50/£3.50 Stewartry Camera Club: Wed, 7.30pm, The Tolbooth, Kirkcudbright Wed 23, Film: Tamara Drewe, 7.30pm, £4.50/£3.50 Mossdale Painters, Wed, 9.30am, Mossdale Village Hall Mon 7 to Fri 18, Exhibition: Dalry School, Catstrand opening hours Cub Scouts: Wed, 6.45–8pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Mon 28, Carsphairn CC Meeting, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall New Galloway Thursday Lunch Club, 12.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall, fortnightly on Thursdays starting 6 Jan, the Club welcomes new members from the over fifties, £3. Contact Raymond Vincent, 01644 420451. CatStrand Playstation Tournaments: contact The CatStrand for info. Lions Club monthly quiz, alternating between The CatStrand & Lochinvar Hotel. For further info contact Andrew Frew on 420 323. Paint & Art: Mon 1.30-4.30pm Mon 28, Balmaclellan CC Meeting, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall MARCH Fri 4, Glenkens 73 Club & CatStrand Youth Players, 7.30pm, £5/£3 Thurs 10, Stewartry Bird Watchers Talk, for info contact Joan Howie, 01644 430 226 Sat 12, Glenkens and District Music Club: Quintet Zambra (wind quintet), 8pm, Dalry Town Hall Wed 16, Dàimh, 7.30pm, £10/£8 Fri 18, Rapture Theatre presents Gagarin Way by Gregory Burke, 7.30pm, £10/£8, Age 14+ Thurs 24, Acoustic Night, 7.30pm, £6 (Ticket includes glass of wine/ beer or soft drink) Thurs 31, Stewartry Bird Watchers AGM & talks by members, see entry on 10 March for contact info. Saturday Art Club, 2nd Sat each month, 10am–12noon Catstrand Youth Players, every Sun during term time from 3-5pm Glenkens Youth Choir, Sun, 5-6pm Dalry Community Centre (for info contact Sarah on 430 393) Glenkens Playgroup: Mon-Fri, 9.1511.45am Ballroom & Latin Dance drop-in class: Mon 7.30-9pm, £5 The CatStrand, New Galloway (see p6&7) Ballroom & Latin Dance course: Mon 9-10pm, for more info tel Sam Hood on 01644 420672 Exercise to Music: Mon, 10-11am Good Neighbours Club: Tues 2pm Play it by Ear: every Mon during term time, 1.30-2.30pm Kickback Martial Arts: Tues & Thurs 7-9pm, both adults & children welcome Children’s Dance Classes with Margaret Morris Movement: every Mon during term time, 4-5pm (ages 8-12) Taking the Next Step in Computing: Mon, 5.30–7.30pm Carers Coffee & Chat, starts Tues TIMES OF WORSHIP IN THE GLENKENS CHURCH OF SCOTLAND 20th March 12 noon, Dalry Church Sundays: Balmaclellan 12noon 1st; Carsphairn - 10.30am 1st 2nd 3rd 4th; Dalry - 12noon 1st 2nd 3rd 4th; Kells - 10.30am 2nd 3rd 4th SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH (C of E) St Margaret’s, New Galloway: Holy Communion - 10.30am every Sun & Wed Special Services & Events: 25 Feb, 7pm: Beetle Drive, Dalry Town Hall. 4 Mar, 7pm: World Day of Prayer Service, Carsphairn Church. CATHOLIC CHURCH SERVICES Gatehouse of Fleet: Sat, 6pm. Kirkcudbright: Sun, 9.30am. Dalbeattie: Sun, 11am. St Ninian’s Episcopal Church, Castle Douglas: Rev McFadden - 01557 330687 Communion Services: 27 Feb, 10.30am, Kells Church; 20 Mar, 10.15am, Carsphairn Church. Afternoon Tea Club: 2nd Fri each month, 2pm Dalry Library Tue: 2 - 4.30pm then 5.30 - 7.30pm Fri: 11:15am - 1: 15pm then 2 4.30pm 23 mobile library stops - to find out where and when call 430 234 Glenkens Mother & Toddlers: Wed 1.30-3pm Craft Class: Thurs 2-4pm Brownies: Wed 5.30-6.45pm Guides:Wed 5.30-7pm USEFUL NUMBERS: ● Pot-hole Hotline: 0845 276 0000 ● Local Police: 0845 600 5701 ● Crimestoppers: 0845 555 111 Glenkens Gaze�e Adver�sing Rates 6cm x 6cm - £31.50 per issue (10% series discount) 1/4 page (9cm x 13cm) - £68.25 (25% series discount) 1/2 page (13cm x 13cm) - £126 (25% series discount) Full Page (18cm x 27cm) - £210 (25% series discount) Glenkens Gazette page 12 A TALENT FOR FUNDRAISING A Christmas concert in Carsphairn, staged by the villagers themselves, has raised almost £450 for the local Sunday school and the village hall. Following on from the inaugural event entitled ‘Carsphairn’s Got Talent’ last year, this year’s show, on 4 December, was called ‘Carsphairn’s Got Even More Talent’ and featured a variety of acts ranging from solo and group vocal and instrumental items to humorous sketches, monologues and recitals. The event played to a packed Lagwyne Hall and was brought to a close with a karaoke that went on into the wee small hours. The concert was organised by the Carsphairn Church Social Committee and members and helpers laid on tea, coffee and mince pies during the interval. As the event was purely for the enjoyment of the villagers, donations were requested instead of an admission charge. Added to the proceeds of a raffle, these amounted to more than £450 in aid of the Sunday School and the Lagwyne Hall. “The main aim of the show was to provide some pre-Christmas entertainment in the village, put on by ourselves for our own enjoyment. The bonus was that we also raised money for a couple of local worthy causes. “We are grateful to everyone who took part in and supported our show, especially those who donated raffle prizes and made donations,” commented Nigel Martin, one of the concert organisers. Pics left to right: Carsphairn members of the Glenkens Choir entertain the villagers, Colin Feierabend bursts into song with the backing of Julie McKay, Maggie Phillips and his wife Maureen and Sue Wiseman relates one of her own poems entitled ‘A Holiday Romance’. ALEX FERGUSSON MSP FOR GALLOWAY AND UPPER NITHSDALE Holds regular advice surgeries at: 2 St ANDREW STREET, CASTLE DOUGLAS on the second Friday of every month from 5pm Telephone free on 0800 028 7260 for an appointment or to make any alternative arrangement’ You can visit Alex’s website at www.alexfergusson.org.uk or contact him by e-mail at alex.fergusson.msp@scottish.parliament.uk WRITE FOR THE GAZETTE! Submit events, activities, news stories, cartoons, reviews, tips & techniques, fiction, photos, ads or ideas... If you have a submission, contact Sarah Ade on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk APRIL / MAY COPY DEADLINE: Mon 4 March Printing the Glenkens Gazette for the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust is just one way of expressing our commitment to the communities we work in. www.standardlife.com The Glenkens Gaze�e is an ini�a�ve of the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust, a Registered Sco�sh Charity No. SC032050  Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette 62 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GG_062 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource GCAT Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2011 Description An account of the resource Editor: Sarah Ade https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/1/207/GlenkensGazette61.pdf e336e90819e5a1f45505143a23f857f8 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette 61 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Description An account of the resource <p>Find out more about the Gazette: <a href="https://glenkens.scot/gazette-home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Glenkens Gazette home page</a> If you would like to submit an article or take out an advert, please email the editor Sarah Ade: <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="mailto:glenkensgazette@hotmail.com">glenkensgazette@hotmail.com</a></p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is a member of, and regulated by <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.impressorg.com/">Impress</a>.</p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is an initiative of Glenkens Community &amp; Arts Trust (SC032050) and represents the voice of the community (not necessarily the views of GCAT).</p> Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document December/January 2010 ISSUE 61 GOING FOR GOLD States for the first time and will also be showing her unique glass vessels at a select few galleries in Dumfries and Galloway and around the UK this winter. The award gives Corsock-based artist To find out more visit Amanda the opportunity to explore a www.amandajsimmons.co.uk chosen overseas market. Amanda has chosen America as her target market because of the longstanding tradition of glass making and collecting, and the fact that it is the birth place of her particular medium of kiln formed glass. Amanda Simmons received a Gold Award for her unique kiln formed glass vessels at the prestigious Origin Craft Council fair in London. Amanda will use the award money to visit New York in Spring 2011. She says: “I’m very excited about my research trip to the States as I haven’t visited for over 15 years and it will be interesting to see the changes and experience the applied arts market on a larger scale. I hope I will be able to export a little part of Dumfries and Galloway to America.” Amanda is currently exhibiting in the www.glenkensgazette.com A DECADE IN PRINT Matthew Newton, creator of the Glenkens Gazette, says: “My original idea of a small local magazine has certainly blossomed since GCAT took over. “There are so many activities and groups, and the area is home to such a wide range of talented individuals. I think the Gazette is a mirror for the Glenkens and will continue to reflect the growth and energy of its folk and their community spirit for many years to come. “And one last thing… a word of thanks to the present editor - I know what a great amount of time and effort you must put into each edition!” Photo shows Amanda receiving her award in London with representatives from UK Trade and Investment and Crafts Council (photo by Gary Plahe) Thank you Matthew, and well done for creating such a thriving local publication! DALRY SPREADS ITS WINGS A series of environmental workshops in October was the launching event for Dalry Bird Town, celebrating the life and work of renowned bird artist Donald Watson and his son, golden eagle expert Jeff Watson. During the week 14 young people braved the chilly October weather to make art works and explore the outdoors around Dalry. (See p5 for more on the Creative Explorer workshops...) At the heart of the concept of Dalry Bird Town is the Watson Bird Centre, which it is hoped will provide opportunities for new writers, artists and all interested in any aspect of birds, arts and landscape, which was the core of Donald’s work. Roger Crofts, who is at the forefront of the project, outlined current thinking on the conversion of the Watson family home at Barone on Main Street; Donald’s original studio, archive and library, offices for bird organisations, exhibition space, accommodation and work space for artist in residence and caretaker. In addition, the garden would provide space for sculptures, trails and an open air studio. The initiative is being taken forward by a steering group including Dalry residents, the Watson family, bird, arts and science interests and it has been agreed that the Glenkens Community and Arts Trust will provide the charitable home for the initiative. (See p3 for more on Dalry Bird Town...) IN THIS ISSUE - Halloween - Bonfire Night - Birds - Red Kites, Birdwatchers, Bird Town, Bird Book - CatStrand Awards - Local History - Clubs - Much More... Creative Explorers Glenkens Gazette page 2 Local Author: Cathy Cassidy photo by Chris Watt Glenkens-based author Cathy Cassidy gives us a taste of life as a successful childrens’ book writer: “I write children’s books, most aimed at the 9-14 age group, and 2010 was a busy year for me… but a good one! Back in the days before I was published, I imagined an author’s life to be pretty idyllic… lots of daydreaming mixed in with the occasional bit of writing. I didn’t factor in the whole book tour/book festival thing, or deadlines, or website upkeep… urghh! It turns out that writing is a more than full-time job, but the fab reader feedback makes all the hard work worthwhile. Book festivals, school visits and bookshop signings took me from Beijing to Brighton to Belfast in 2010, and just about everywhere in between… and in the middle of all that, I was writing books! Love, Peace & Chocolate was published in April; Daizy Star & The Pink Guitar in June; and Cherry Crush, the first of my new Chocolate Box Girls series, in September. I was also voted ‘Queen of Teen’ at a national book awards ceremony in September, which was very scary – and yes, there was an actual crown involved. Nobody has been in touch yet to outline my queenly duties, but I have a few ideas up my sleeve… surely I can swing a few perks like free chocolate for all and daydreaming on the school timetable? Well, maybe! Winter is one of my favourite times of year, though, especially here in Galloway… it means peace and quiet, time to write, curled up with my laptop beside a roaring wood fire. If writer’s block strikes, I take my dog, Kelpie, out for a long tramp through the hills… the still, quiet beauty of the countryside never fails to work its usual magic! I am very lucky to live in such an unspoilt part of Scotland – after 20 years, I still find it endlessly inspiring. Travelling the country and beyond on book tours is fun, but nothing will ever be better than coming back home to Galloway, to my cottage, my family. Red kites soaring overhead, deer picking their way gently through the shadows… and space to dream. What could be better?” Cathy’s newest book, Cherry Crush, is out now and available to buy at The CatStrand and in all good bookstores. Find out more about Cathy and her books on www.cathycassidy.com NOTICEBOARD Carsphairn‛s Got (Even More) Talent takes place on Saturday, 4th December, in Carsphairn‛s Lagwyne Hall, at 7.30pm. The Dalry quarry petition closes at the end of the month. Anyone wanting to add their name can do so at Matthew Newton‛s shop. The Community Council is planning to present the petition to D&G Council in Dumfries on 16th December. We would like as many people as possible to come along to demonstrate the community‛s opposition. The pupils of Kells Primary School would like to invite senior citizens of our community, to attend the dress rehearsal of our play on Tuesday the 14th of December from 1.30pm-2.30pm. We would like to offer transport to those of you who would find it difficult to get to the school. Please call the office on 01644 420 340 before the 7th of December to arrange this. The evening performance is reserved for parents and family only. beginning of December, please contact Jane Brayshaw (Douglas) on 01644 420686. On the Sundays on either side of Christmas (19th and 26th December) Dalry Church will be holding a retiring collection for the Bethany Drop-in centre for homeless and vulnerable people in Dumfries, to help them cover a shortfall in funding for the salary of the Drop-in Coordinator. Call for Volunteers! Dalry School and the NHS have initiated a health and well-being project which hopes to raise awareness of emotional well-being and self esteem in an integrated way involving not only the school and pupils but parents and the wider community. If you are not able to attend these services and would like to contribute to this need at Christmas time you are welcome to pass a donation to the Rev David Bartholomew or a Dalry elder. They are currently looking for volunteers from the community who might have a skill to offer to run a taster session or a series of sessions during lunchtimes or after school. The skills could be anything that addresses or contributes to emotional well-being and self esteem, eg: yoga, drama, storytelling groups, sleep workshops, walking groups - these are just some examples. Please contact Morag Paterson on either 01644 430 004 or moragleeming@me.com Balmaclellan Community Council will be holding their annual Senior Citizens‛ Christmas Lunch in December. If you are entitled to attend (eg resident in Balmaclellan and of an age), and have not received your invitation by the Glenkens Gazette page 3 DOUBLE LAUNCH IN DALRY Thompson, who led production of the second edition, introduced it. We were delighted that Vanessa Halhead, Jeff’s widow, was with us. long-standing Dalry resident and one of its members, spoke of the need for new vitality in the village and his enthusiasm for this project. The Dalry Bird Town Initiative was introduced by Roger Crofts and is being taken forward by a steering Chris Rollie gave a marvellous group including Dalry residents, the evocation of Donald’s work as bird Watson family and bird, arts and observer, writer and artist and science interests. Andrew Mellor, a Louise Watson, one of Donald’s daughters, gave us a wonderful insight into her father and quoted some key passages from the book. GCAT is supporting the project and says it is ready to take on new initiatives beyond the transport project, the Glenkens Gazette and The Catstrand. Continued from front page... Around a hundred people gathered in Dalry Town Hall on Saturday 16th October for a double launch; the inauguration of the Dalry Bird Town Initiative and the launch of Donald Watson’s last book ‘In Search of the Harrier’. It is a singular occasion when books by father and son are published, albeit posthumously. The second edition of Jeff Watson’s seminal work ‘The Golden Eagle’ also being available for the first time in Scotland. Des Dalry Community Council Repairs between the Police station and Allangibbon bridge were successful, but side verges weren’t tidied up and work not carried out on the corner, thereby it’s foreseeable another accident could happen fairly soon. It was confirmed that the petition against the quarry is in circulation and suggested that a group of members should go to D&G council to present it once signatures have been collected. Next meeting: Mon 6 Dec, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. New Galloway & Kells Community Council Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING) chairman Ros Hill reported on a meeting with D&G Council; it seems unlikely that they would cover the annual expense of the Town Hall’s upkeep. The Treasurer report showed that after deductions, the total (so far) for the Alternative Games (August 2010) is £3696.45. Further monies are yet to come in. Next meetings: Mon 13 Dec & Mon 10 Jan, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall. Balmaclellan Community Council Appreciation was expressed for Chris Bird, former chair of the CC, who has resigned. A vacancy now exists on the CC and various options are being considered. There is a great deal to be done and lots of funds to be raised. All of this will take time. We have already applied for funds to employ a Project Development Officer and to set up base in Dalry; the first job to result from the initiative. We hope for others in the future. Photo: Left to right - Vanessa Halhead, Roger Crofts, Pam Richardson, Cathy Agnew, Louise Watson and Des Thompson Repairs to ‘Old Mortality’ are likely to be delayed due to sensitivity of materials to temperature and moisture. However, the prospect of further damage due to winter weather was noted. The village hall committee reported on a busy programme of events planned for participation and fun. In the New Year, a Burns’ supper will be held on January 22nd and you are all welcome! Next meeting: Mon 29 Nov, 7pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall. Carsphairn Community Council There are to be massive cuts in the council’s budget next year, in line with national budget cuts. Cllr Duncan advised that people will really start to see changes. The volume and speed of timber lorries on the B729 was found to be “shocking”, and very frightening when lorries don’t move out of the centre of the road. When drivers have been questioned, they say the verges are too soft. It was agreed that the chair would pursue this issue. The chair contacted D&G and Ayrshire roads dept. regarding closure of the A713 for resurfacing and the lack of prior notification to businesses and residents effected. It was confirmed that Carsphairn will be consulted next time the road is to be closed. There will be no meeting Dec. The next meeting will be Mon 31 Jan, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall. Full minutes of local Community Council meetings can be viewed at Dalry Library. Red Kites Take Flight Louise McClure from Dalmellington says: “My husband Archie and I had a most enjoyable time at the red kite open day at Bellymack Hill. To be so close to those beautiful birds was a day to remember.” Many thanks to Louise for submitting this wonderful photo of the day. Glenkens Gazette page 4 GLENKENS SCHOOLS REPORT Day Out at Carlingwark James Rees, P5, Carsphairn Primary: On Tuesday, 28 September I got picked up in Carsphairn at 8 o’clock in the morning to go to Carlingwark. I got on the coach and I could not wait to meet new friends and do the activities. I did sailing first and that was the best thing I did on the whole trip except my partner Cara kept screaming. She thought I was not driving properly. When we swapped boats we had a race and I won the race with Kyle from Dalry and that proved I was driving properly! After that we put our sails in for lunch so we took our life jackets and waterproofs off and went into the dining room for lunch. When we had finished lunch we went back into our groups. Rona Johnston, P5, Dalry Primary: My group did sailing in the morning so we went canoeing in the afternoon. The canoes could fit 3 people in it, Harvest Assembly On Monday 27 September Dalry Nursery and Primary held their annual Harvest Assembly. P4/5/6 led the assembly, and entertained family and friends, along with the Nursery children. Everybody donated harvest produce for our Harvest table which later got split into bags and delivered to members of the community. Parents, staff and pupils did this in the afternoon so a big thank you to everyone for their help and support. We have had a lot of kind thank you letters from people who received bags… All in all, a very worth while, rewarding and enjoyable event. Indoor Athletics On Wednesday 27th October Dalry P4 Pupils took part in the Indoor Athletics Event at Castle Douglas High School. Schools from all over the region took part. The children where split into 10 groups and had to cover 10 different stations, ranging from throwing, running, balancing and jumping. Everyone had a fantastic time! my partners were Mia and Emily. My group just couldn’t turn! We tried to turn but we kept going backwards! Eventually we did manage to turn, but it was still pretty hard. Our instructor, a man called Ed tied all our canoes together and we sailed to an island and Fred was called Captain Fred! A man named Paul showed us Splash Fu moves, and he got a paddle and splashed us all with freezing water. One of the moves he did splashed my head and I was soaked! After that we all went inside and unpacked. We all had rooms and there were two boys and two for the girls. I was sharing with Emily, Cara, Kelsie, Amber-Lee, Poppy and Mia so it was a pretty big room. Next we went to a restaurant called the Scottish Pantry and I had lasagne and a lovely dessert. Raphael Langford, P5, Kells Primary: The next day we were doing orienteering in Dalbeattie Forest. It was great fun! My partner was Poppy. She and I worked great as partners, but I did get stuck in the mud a few times but in the end I got out because Poppy came to the rescue. We did get lost a few times too and it was tough in the pouring rain. When we were finished the men announced the winners and it was time to go home. Fat Lamb Fundraiser A group of children representing Kells, Dalry and Carsphairn Primary Schools, attended Wallets Mart in Castle Douglas on Tuesday 2 November to sell the fat lambs that had been donated to the Glenkens schools. This was part of a cluster fundraising event whereby local farmers were asked to donate a lamb for the pupils to sell, with all proceeds going towards outdoor learning projects for the three schools. The staff were thrilled that this project supports our aim to encourage learning through real life, hands on experiences and the children have been so enthused by the project that they have barely noticed the research, writing and collaborative skills they have developed along the way! The pupils are now all keen advocates for eating fresh, local produce and they loved the experience of getting into the ring and hearing the price they got for their lamb! Now they have got the taste for bartering we may have some future entrepreneurs in our midst! Kells, Dalry and Carsphairn would like to say a huge thank you to all those who made this exciting fundraiser possible: Wallets Mart for accommodating us and the canteen staff for supplying the snacks. Robin Anderson coordinated the lambs being sold on our behalf and looked after us on the day. Andrew Gold who gave a pupil the opportunity to introduce our lambs for auction and then he showed us all how it was done! Derek Thomson who collected and delivered all our lambs to market and Kate and Marcus Maxwell, whose powers of persuasion encouraged everyone to support the project!! Finally, a huge vote of thanks to all the farmers who donated lambs and made this possible, even though some of them no longer have pupils in the Glenkens schools anymore. On the day we raised an amazing £1150 from selling 15 lambs and with a donation from Wallets Mart! This figure is set to rise as several farmers are still to take their lambs to market on our behalf. Thanks to the wonderful support from the whole Glenkens community this project has been a huge success both educationally and financially and is one that the children and staff were excited and proud to be part of. Kelly Devine, Depute Head Kells Primary Glenkens Gazette page 5 Y O U T H Creative Explorers The Creative Explorer art workshops were delivered by Room 13 by lead artist Emma Conder. They were able to take place thanks to funding from Scottish Natural Heritage, the Royal Society of Edinburgh and Gaelforce, with support from GCAT, Dumfries and Galloway Council and Sarah Keast. As well as drawing and painting we undertook a variety of exercises and games exploring the environment and spent time alone on ‘solos’ thinking about wild places and whether they matter. The group worked with found material on our sites including willow, colourful autumn leaves, forest floor materials, sheep wool, mud and even cow pats to create a variety of art works. It is hoped that there will be an opportunity to exhibit pictures of the art works soon. Having had a taster of this style of art workshop, there is an opportunity now for the Glenkens schools to consider future involvement with Creative Explorer and Room 13 art events. Emma Conder YOUTH PLAYERS The Youth Players are looking forward to taking to the CatStrand stage again on Friday 3 December. Their first productions of the new season have been in rehearsal since September. Most of the members are involved in ‘Ernie’s Incredible Illucinations’ by Alan Ayckbourn, and some of the older members will also perform two shorter pieces ‘Kennel Club’ by David Muncaster and ‘The Funeral’ by Laurie Allen. All of the plays are comedies and the evening promises to be great entertainment for the audience and, judging by the rehearsals, the cast too! To get ready for the Festive Season, coffee and mince pies will be served in the CatStrand cafe at the end of the show. Tickets are available from The CatStrand please book early to avoid disappointment. The Youth Players will then meet once more before Christmas on Sunday 5th December at 3pm to make final plans for the 2011 Drama Festival. It is planned to enter two plays for the festival this time around and rehearsals will commence in earnest on Sunday 9th January. U P D AT E Teenspirit Around 30 young people meet weekly at The Catstrand to hang out with their mates, play the wii, PS3 or watch movies or go on trips. We have had some spectacular trips to Loch Ken water ski school– where Roddy took over 20 kids out banana boating followed by a BBQ. The group are always up for trying new activities, next week we are trying a youth nightclub in Ayr, and soon we’ll be away to catch the latest Harry Potter blockbuster. After a year’s gap, Dalry once again hosted a Halloween party for Glenkens children at the Community Centre. Generous support from Balmaclellan, Carsphairn, Dalry and New Galloway community councils ensured a great evening of scary fun and games for all. Friends of Dalry School (FODS), who had organised the evening, did an amazing job of decorating the community centre and this, plus music provided by Robbie Struthers, made a great backdrop to the evening. The Fancy Dress Competition was judged by Rhoda Rugg who had a very difficult task choosing winners from such an inventive parade. FODS are already planning next year’s party having snapped up cut-price decorations the following week. Save the sate – 31st October 2011! Teenspirit meet every Tuesday night from 7.30 to 9.30. If you are interested in coming along or would like more information call 01644 420374. Halloween Hilarity A ROARINGweatherSUCCESS there was a good turn-out. Carsphairn Kirk Social Committee organised their village bonfire, where many traditional games were played in the Village Hall. The children then made their way through the Village collecting money for Children In Need. Finally they arrived at the Stag Tea Garden where the Guys, dressed as Goldilocks’ three Bears, ended up in the Bonfire while the children enjoyed pudding and sparklers. Thanks go to Carsphairn Community Garden Steering group, who donated the sparklers for the evening. Balmaclellan provided its usual wonderful fireworks display as well as a great bonfire, soup, sandwiches and even mulled wine. Despite the wet The New Galloway bonfire night, organised by John Thom, was a great success. John orchestrated and funded the event through his own endeavours, and funds raised on the night were donated to the Combat Stress charity in Hollybush. A good turn-out for Carsphairn bonfire night Breathe Easy Stewartry Thursday 7th October in Castle Douglas saw the launch of the Stewartry branch of the British Lung Foundation’s ‘Breathe Easy’ local support network. The network supports those with lung disease, especially respiratory, (ie. Asthma, Emphysema, COPD, bronchiectasis, etc). The group is supported by the Respiratory Managed Clinical Network of Dumfries & Galloway NHS and by the Public Health Office. Posters are displayed throughout the Glenkens, and meetings are held on the first Thursday of the month in St Ninians Church Hall, Castle Douglas, 2–4pm. Membership and entry are free. We encourage partners, carers and family to come along. For more details call David on 01556 660093. David Dearing, Secretary Glenkens Gazette page 6 The CatStrand: News & Events Christmas Shopping Night, Wed 24 Nov, 5-8pm. Calling all Santas! Choose from an exclusive seasonal collection of locally made arts & crafts, gifts and cards, while enjoying a glass of mulled wine and live musical entertainment. Exhibition: Threads in Fashion by the Exploring Embroidery Group, runs to Thurs 9 Dec, CatStrand opening hours. Some of the work produced from this wide-ranging topic includes wallhangings, bags, dolls and textile jewellery. The Pines, Thurs 2 Dec, 7.30pm, £10/£8. A powerful young force in American roots music. Exhilarating music from one of the finest US bands to emerge in the last 10 years. CatStrand Youth Players Show - Winter Season Productions, Fri 3 Dec 7.30pm, £5/£3. The award winning CatStrand Youth Players present ‘Ernie’s Incred ible Illucinations’ along with another two peices, and the evening includes coffee & mince pies after the show. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens told by Mike Maran, Thurs 9 Dec, 7pm, £10/£8 (£6 under 16), ages 6+. Marvellous entertainment and a fabulous treat for the whole family! Film: Toy Story 3, Wed 29 Dec, 2pm, £5/£4. Toy Story 3 welcomes Woody, Buzz and the whole gang back to the big screen as Andy prepares to depart for college and his loyal toys find themselves in daycare! Exhibition: Anne Butler & Urpu Sellar, Sat 11 Dec to Fri 28 Jan, CatStrand opening hours. Shivers Down the Spine - Storytelling Showcase, Sat 15 Jan, 7.30pm, £7/£5. Tales to warm your heart and tales to chill your soul; the Galloway Storytelling Collective bring the best of the regions storytellers keeping the traditional stories of Galloway alive. Breakdance Double Bill: Rock-a-byeBboy and Box Fresh, Thurs 20 Jan, 7pm, £8/£5 Ages 7+. Random Aspekts and Cypher Dance: “Four extremely talented and impossibly acrobatic young men...” Film: Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky, Thurs 27 Jan, 7.30pm, £5/ £4. Paris 1913; Coco Chanel is infatuated with the rich and handsome Boy Capel, but she is also compelled by her work. The Clog & Shoe Workshop Balmaclellan Open 10am - 5pm weekdays In winter please ring to arrange a visit. Tel: 01644 420465 NEW ONLINE SHOP! www.clogandshoe.co.uk Regular events: Exercise to Music, Mon, 10-11am, £4/£3. Play it by Ear, every Monday during term time, 1.30–2.30pm, £2 per adult/child + 50p for each additional child. A weekly song, music and storytelling session for pre-school children and their parents or carers which now takes place every Monday afternoon. Juice and biscuits included in the price. Children’s Dance Classes with Margaret Morris Movement, every Monday during term time, 3.15-4pm pre school, 4-5pm 8-12 years, free. Dance exercises are created to develop agility, balance, co-ordination, elevation, flexibility and posture. Taking the Next Step in Computing, Mon, 5.30– 7.30pm. Carers, Coffee & Chat, 1st Tue each month, 10am-12 noon, free. Transport may be available if required, please phone 01644 420374. Teen Spirit, every Tues, 7.30pm-9.30pm. A weekly club for young people to hang out, chill, listen to music, eat munchies, play console games on a big screen, watch films and plan trips and activities. If you are interested in coming along contact Catherine on 01644 420374. Taking the First Step in Computing, Wed 5.30pm7.30pm. Gentle Yoga & Relaxation, Thurs, 10-11.15am, £30 per 6 week block. Tone and Stretch, Fri 10am, £4/£3. A workout to tone muscle and improve body shape followed by a stretch out to ease those tired/ aching muscles; a great way to start the day! Afternoon Tea Club, 2nd Fri each month, 2pm, annual membership £2. Minibus pick up from Balmaclellan & Dalry by prior arrangement - call 01644 420374. Saturday Art Club, 2nd Sat of every month, 10am–12noon, £4. Two-hour workshops run by professional artists and teachers, offering expert tuition and hands-on experience across a range of fun filled visual arts and crafts activities (age 5-12). CatStrand Youth Players, every Sun during term time, 3–5pm. The Youth division of the Glenkens 73 Club. If you are interested in acting, directing, costumes, sound, lighting, stage management or any other aspect of drama or theatre, then come along and have some fun (age 10-18). FORREST ESTATE FIREWOOD Local suppliers of firewood logs, kindling and chiminea wood. Hardwood and so�wood produced from sustainable, FSC cer�ficated woodland. Various quan��es available for collec�on or bulk delivery. Call for details 01644 430 230 office@forrestestate.com Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents  01556 503744  www.ggblaw.co.uk OFFICES IN : CASTLE DOUGLAS, DALBEATTIE KIRKCUDBRIGHT & DUMFRIES Glenkens Gazette page 7 The CatStrand: News & Events CHRISTMAS SHOPPING Why not shop locally this Christmas... The CatStrand has a selection of local arts, crafts, gifts and cards - perfect for that personal touch at Christmas. From locally crafted handmade soaps to delicious gourmet chocolates; beautiful, practical glassworks to a variety of jewellery, books and fine art by local artists and authors. Come along and have a look, and support your local economy this Christmas! Allotment Update If anyone is interested in being involved in a community garden or would like an allotment please get in touch. So far we have had demand for 12 allotments and have space for more. We have been given the use of a fantastic field with spectacular views over New Galloway and more importantly very fertile soil. Please call 420374 or email catherinep@catstrand.com CatStrand Cafe LUNCHES Mon - Fri 11am-2pm NEW WINTER MENU take-away food available CatStrand Wins Awards The CatStrand has scooped up two prestigious awards this season.Both are wonderful achievements illustrating that the venue is operating to its greatest potential in a variety of areas. a Bronze, Silver or Gold award based on their level of achievement. (To find out more visit www.green-business.co.uk) The CatStrand is the winner of the Culture Champion Award in the Arts & Leisure Category of the first Dumfries & Galloway Life People of the Year Awards. (To find out more visit www.dgblife.co.uk) The venue joined the Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTSB) last year in support of sustainability and green issues and has been awarded Gold in its first grading! The GTBS is the national sustainable tourism certification scheme for the UK. Originally developed in partnership with Visit Scotland, it is now the only certification scheme validated by Visit Britain, through the International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT). Businesses opting to join Green Tourism are assessed against a rigorous set of criteria covering a range of areas such as energy and water efficiency, waste mmanagement, biodiversity and more. Those businesses that meet the required standard receive THE BUS : GLENKENS TRANSPORT INITIATIVE UPDATE ON CONDITIONS OF USE: We have recently updated the terms and conditions of use for the mini bus. If you are a user group it is still £10 to hire it for the first six hours and then £3 per hour after that. The fuel charge remains at 40p per mile for the time being. So why not use the bus for a Xmas or New Year outing? To register as a user group costs a one-off payment of £20 – anyone wanting a copy of the latest conditions of use or who is thinking of setting up a user group please contact Keith. Another bus is now the only item on GTI’s WEDNESDAY BUS SERVICE (REGD. ROUTE): Xmas list – we would obviously like a new CONCESSIONARY BUS PASSES ARE ACCEPTED ON THIS ROUTE, SO PLEASE MAKE one but that depends on how much money USE OF THIS EXTRA SERVICE we can raise. If you know a pot of gold that Timings are as follows: The return journey : can be explored please don’t keep the idea to 1900 Dept Dalry (Underhill) 2045 Departs Castle Douglas (Tesco) yourself! 1910 New Galloway 2047 Castle Douglas (Market Street) A BIG THANK YOU AND HAPPY XMAS to all 1925 Mossdale 2052 Townhead of Greenlaw those people who have contributed in any way 1935 Laurieston 2100 Laurieston to making 2010 another good year for GTI. Over 3,000 passengers carried, 800 voluntary hours 1940 Townhead of Greenlaw 2110 Mossdale driven, and 14,000 miles travelled means we 1947 Castle Douglas (Market Street) 2125 New Galloway are one of the best transport initiatives in SW 1950 Arrive Castle Douglas (Tesco) 2135 Arrive Dalry Wcotland – thank IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BOOK THE COMMUNITY-BUS OR IF YOU WANT For further info & you! ANY MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT KEITH COOPER, GTI Keith Cooper, to buy tickets visit ADMINISTRATOR ON 01644 420374. GTI Administrator www.catstrand.com or call 01644 420 374 Glenkens Gazette page 8 LOCAL HISTORY William Macmath, Ballad Collector of Glenkens As the Festive Season approaches it is sobering to reflect that while Hogmanay was well celebrated in the Glenkens, Christmas was not. Since there was no scriptural authority for the date of Christ’s birth, presbyterians gave it a body-swerve. However, irrespective of how folk marked the passing of the winter solstice and the return of the light, there would be an accompaniment of story-telling and ballad-singing in the home, the ‘big hooses’ and the hostelries of the glen. Galloway had the reputation of being a musical place and one man who devoted much of his life to the preservation of ballad heritage in particular was William Macmath (1844-1922). Born in Brighton to Scottish parents he spent much of his childhood at Airds of Kells, home of his maternal grandparents and his beloved Auntie Jeanie, aka Miss Jane Webster. Jeanie ended her days in Crossmichael. Of Airds, where the Dee meets the Ken, it was said that “the hand of Nature has shut it out from almost all communication with the world: it seems intended as the nursery or dwelling of a poet”, as indeed, it had been, for Robert Burns visited to pay homage to the memory of Glenkens poet, John Lowe. Macmath always referred to himself as “a Stewartry man”, visiting almost annually until a few months before he died. He will be known to some as the agent of Kirkcudbright artist E A Hornel, purchasing books, notably on Burns, for the splendid library at Broughton House. He had a day job as an Edinburgh lawyer but ballads were his passion and these he collected and sent to the American scholar Francis James Child who, based at Harvard, was compiling his ambitious The English and Scottish Popular Ballads, the first volume of which appeared at Christmas 1882; four more followed. William was well placed to perform this (often laborious) service. His mother, his aunt and four surviving younger sisters were all ballad singers, as well as collectors of tales and riddles. He, apparently, did not sing, but he was known ������������������� ����������������������� ������������������������ ��������������������� ������������������������������ ������������������������ ������������������������� to recite a ballad as a party piece. Though undoubtedly interested in the oral tradition, much of his work was on ballad manuscript collections, some of which he secured for Harvard. In truth, despite their mutual interest in the rambunctious, evocative, emotional and violent world of balladry, both he and Child often appear like a couple of dry sticks in severe need of combustion. But it is now largely due to William that we know anything at all about a Glenkens tradition, a precious legacy well worth acknowledgement. He was very interested in the historical origins of individual ballads, more so than Child. Believing the latter to be overly concerned with questions of arrangement and classification, he once, rightly, threw Child’s words back at him: “Strictness is offensive as well as useless. Perhaps it is impossible. Ballads are not like plants or insects, to be classified to a hair’s breadth”. He understood that ballads arose from the folk themselves and thus were as elusive, magical and mysterious as their creators, that ballads on a printed page were dead things, whereas in performance they were exhilarating and entertaining, familiar yet unpredictable, often offering essential cultural and social reinforcement. He was emphatic that the ballad’s integrity must be respected; he totally opposed the ‘improvement’ favoured by Walter Scott and others, not to mention deliberate fakery and modern intrusions. From Jeannie Webster he acquired an excellent version of the haunting Lord Randall which she had learned 50 years earlier from Mary Williamson, a nursemaid at Airds; another was a variant of Johnie Scot which she had heard from Miss Jane Hannay, Newton Stewart. In all, through her brother, she contributed sixteen ballads to Child’s collection. William’s sister, Minnie, supplied eight of the scarce ‘ballad airs from manuscript’. By the late nineteenth century the tradition was dying and the tunes had often been forgotten. From the recitation of Mary Cochrane, Abbeyyard, Crossmichael, he secured a lively version of The Broom of Cowdenknowes. In 1883 Macmath obtained a copy of The Lochmaben Harper from the Rev. George Murray of Greenock who had it from his father, George Murray of Troquhain, minister of Balmaclellan 1838 to 1881, who had taken it down from the singing of a sad woman in his parish named Sarah Rae. A true find came from Robert Trotter of the Glenkens literary family who communicated two verses of a Galloway ballad that had several different titles but was the inspiration for Scott’s Lochinvar who “came out of the west”: They askéd him and speiréd him, And unto him did say, ‘O, saw ye ocht o’ an arméd band, As ye cam on your way?’ He jested them and jeeréd them, And thus to them did say, ‘O, I saw nocht but a fairy troop, As I rode on my way’. The ‘ocht’, the ‘nocht’ and the humour are convincingly Galloway. It is a pity that not more of it has survived. There is no doubt that Macmath was a prickly character. When some of his favourite trees were cut down at Airds he never returned. A lawyer colleague reported that when his company placed William in charge of such activities as rent collections, roups or sales, he was not prepared to suffer fools gladly, nor was he “so popular as some of us with those of the company assembled who set at least as much store on the attendant refreshments as on the business of the day”. He died a bachelor; a cousin reporte that the Macmaths were not a marrying family. A John Macmath may have compensated by producing a largish family at the Woodhead lead mines at Carsphairn, but the Galloway Macmaths were otherwise on the decline; there are now more in the USA than in Scotland. William’s labours in balladry undoubtedly made many people happy but not as many as a distant relation, the most famous of the family, who will almost certainly appear on our TV screens this Christmas. Ginger Rogers was born Virginia Katherine Macmath! Happy Holidays! Ted Cowan GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL ������������������������������������������������������������ ����������������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������������������������  01644 420234  Glenkens Gazette page 9 C L U B C O R N E R NEWS FROM THE STEWARTRY CAMERA CLUB Morag Paterson was judge for the ‘Open’ competition, the first competition of the new session. The variety and quality of the 40 entries provided her with a difficult task. Her approach was greatly appreciated as she discussed each of the prints in detail suggesting what she considered would improve the pictures and recommending what members should watch out for in future images. She commented on framing and mounting and how this might help an image. Morag was obviously impressed with the entries as her favourite comment of the night was: “I really, really like this!” The Best Landscape was ‘Winter’ by Glenkens resident John Houfe. The Best Monochrome was ‘The Morning Washing’ by John Smith. The Most Innovative Print was shared by Alec Blackadder with ‘Plaited Mane’ and George Wishart with ‘Bow Blur’. George had a great night and also won The Best Print with ‘Dead-eyes at Rest’ and the best handicap score. Both these pictures, taken at Bristol Docks, Morag described as inspiring. Morag and her husband, Ted Leeming, are running a special photography course in November for 10 members of the club. It is to be hoped that this will raise the club standards even further. Keep watching! For further information contact Mary McIlvenna 01644 420613 or George Wishart 01557 870090. Morag Paterson with the Best Print ‘Dead-eyes at Rest’ - photograph courtesy of John Smith S t e wa r t r y B i r d Wa t c h e r s Stewartry Birdwatchers tarted their winter lecture season ‘with a bang’ when Keith Kirk, one of our Countryside Rangers, spoke so about the wildlife of Dumfries & Galloway, illustrating his talk with his excellent photographs. A short video of the ‘Burnie Baker’ dipping and feeding in a local burn began the evening’s entertainment. But how many in the audience knew beforehand that this was a local name for the Dipper? Presumably called this because its white front looks like a baker’s apron and because the bird nests and feeds around burns. Surely the most attractive of winter waders is the Sanderling, with its pure white underparts and bright pearly grey back and wings, which scurries along the shoreline on its short black legs like a little clockwork toy dodging the waves. During his talk Keith mentioned and showed photographs of two other waders. First he told of the decline of that summer migrant, the Common Sandpiper, around Loch Ken, and then he said that the numbers of Whimbrels passing through Galloway every spring and autumn on the way to and from their northern tundra breeding grounds had greatly increased. Memorable images shown by Keith included the Greenland White-fronted Geese in flight, which winter in the Loch Ken area, clearly showing the distinctive black markings on their bellies; the Black Guillemot flying across Portpatrick harbour with its feet splayed out to show off their brilliant and unique shade of red; the white Buzzard which has nested in the Loch Ken area for several years now and has so often been mistaken for a Snowy Owl when perched on a fence post close to the A713 road near Parton; the colourful Waxwings feeding on equally colourful yellow rowan berries; and the close-up of the Nuthatch, a bird which was first noted on many local birdtables only in the early 1990’s, and now nests throughout the region – a real success story when so many other species are in decline. Of course birds of prey also featured in Keith’s talk including some superb photographs of the Ospreys which nested at Threave this year and successfully reared three young, as did the Ospreys which nested near Wigtown and near Caerlaverock. The viewing platform at Threave is probably the nearest members of the public can get legally to any osprey nest in Britain. Keith also had several clever shots taken at the feeding station near Laurieston showing how acrobatic Red Kites are and, in addition, one of another Red Kite elsewhere in the area carrying off a Mallard duckling showing, unfortunately, that they do not only feed on carrion. At the next meeting on Thursday 9th December in New Galloway School at 7.30p.m. the speaker will be Brian Morrell, who works at the Wildlife and Wetlands Trust at Caerlaverock, and his talk is entitled “Wild geese in the realm of the ice bear”. All are welcome. Next year starts on January 13th with another excellent and prize-winning photographer, retired Dumfries GP Edmund Fellowes, on ‘Some Northern Birds’. Contacts: Geoff Packard; 01556 670466, Peter Swan; 01556 502144, oan Howie; 01644 430 226. Walking Groups The Glenkens Ramblers meet on Mondays for a moderate walk taking around two hours. The Glenkens Walkers meet on Wednesdays for an easier walk taking around 90 minutes. Both groups meet at 1.30pm outside the Bank of Scotland in Dalry. Lists of walks are displayed in shops in Dalry and New Galloway. Contacts: John & Isobel on 430 539, Gerry on 420 852, Peter on 420 419 and Elizabeth on 430 581. Ramblers at the Bruce Stone above Loch Trool, which commemorates the victory by Bruce and his army over the English on the banks of the Loch. We had a great day walking the 7 miles around the Loch and had our picnic lunch at this spot. Glenkens Hair Studio Duke Street, New Galloway Eileen thanks all her customers for their support throughout the year and wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Christmas and New Year Opening Hours: THURS 16 Dec, 9am – 6.30pm (Gent’s Barber Shop 5 - 6.30pm) FRI 17 Dec, 9am – 5pm SAT 18 Dec, 9am – 1pm THURS 23 Dec, 9am – 6pm (Gent’s Barber Shop 5 - 6pm) FRI 24 Dec, 9am – 5pm THURS 30 Dec, 9am – 6pm (Gent’s Barber Shop 5 - 6pm) FRI 31 Dec, 9am – 5pm CLOSED first week of 2011. Open as normal from Thursday 13th January 2011. PLEASE BOOK EARLY FOR CHRISTMAS APPOINTMENTS Tel: (01644) 420616 Glenkens Gazette page 10 ALEX FERGUSSON MSP FOR GALLOWAY AND UPPER NITHSDALE Holds regular advice surgeries at: 2 St ANDREW STREET, CASTLE DOUGLAS on the second Friday of every month from 5pm Telephone free on 0800 028 7260 for an appointment or to make any alternative arrangement’ You can visit Alex’s website at www.alexfergusson.org.uk or contact him by e-mail at alex.fergusson.msp@scottish.parliament.uk Glenkens Gazette page 11 Coping with Christmas A few tips from Dietician & Nutritionist Lorna Willock 1 - Try not to feel as stuffed as the turkey! Our stomach works in a similar way to a cement mixer. If we overfill, it will not mix the contents properly leading to the misery of indigestion. Stop, let the food settle and then carry on if you’re still hungry. 2 - Try to avoid the in-between heavy snacks like nuts and sweets. If you do feel like a snack have some fresh fruit, eg satsumas. 3 - Watch the alcohol intake. It’s easy to overindulge in the holidays, especially if ‘family measures’ are around! To combat the dehydrating effects of alcohol have a glass of water along with the wine or spirits 4 - A walk in the earlier part of the day, while the light is good, will lift one’s mood and get body metabolism into action. 5 - Ensure you still have your ‘5 a day’ though it may be turkey broth, brussel sprouts and mandarin oranges! 6 - If eating out and no space left for the mince pies or mints then take them home for another day. Merry Christmas! Pensions – Savings – Investments Retirement & Inheritance Tax Planning Life Assurance – Protection – Mortgages For advice on any of the above, or to review your existing arrangements, contact your local adviser: Brian J. Edgar DipPFS Area Office: Tannoch, Newton Stewart Road, New Galloway DG7 3RT Tel. 01644 420288 Central Office, 61 Victoria Street, Newton Stewart DG8 6NL Tel 01671 403080 Fax 01671 402549 e-mail - brian.edgar@marrfinancial.co.uk web - www.marrfinancial.co.uk Marr Financial Services is an Appointed Representative of Sesame Ltd YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE Glenkens Gazette Advertising Rates 6cm x 6cm - £31.50 per issue (10% series discount) 1/4 page (9cm x 13cm) £68.25 (25% series discount) 1/2 page (13cm x 13cm) £126 (25% series discount) Full Page (18cm x 27cm) £210 (25% series discount) KENBRIDGE HOTEL New Galloway New Galloway Open 7 Days : Beauti Beautiful Riverside Location Golf Club M E A L S S E RV E D 12.00 - 2.00pm, 5.30 - 8.30pm www.nggc.co.uk TRADITIONAL LOG FIRE bed and breakfast en suite accommodation  01644 420 211  Dalry Domestic and Agricultural Fencing 01644 430 495 (Peter) or 07767 795 498 (Jonathan) v 01644 420737 v mail@kenbridgehotel.co.uk Buggies now available for hire VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS W BONE THE STEWARTRY VETERINARY CENTRE www.kenbridgehotel.co.uk FHB Fencing Founded 1902 WHB JEEPS THE GARAGE, DALRY PETROL & DIESEL SALES SERVICE & REPAIRS MOTs, TYRES, BATTERIES ALL AT COMPETITIVE PRICES OPEN 8.30AM - 6.00PM (SIX DAYS) 10AM - 6PM SUNDAYS SHOP • SANDWICH BAR • LOTTERY Tel: 01644 430208 Fax: 01644 430669 email: jeeps@whbjeeps.co.uk www.whbjeeps.co.uk CASTLE DOUGLAS SURGERY HOURS Mon-Fri 2.00-2.30 pm & 5-6 pm Sat 2-2.30 pm DALBEATTIE SURGERY HOURS Mon, Wed, Fri 3-3.30 pm Tues & Thurs 6-6.30 pm FOR APPOINTMENTS AT BOTH SURGERIES OR IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY  01556 502263  VETERINARY SURGERY OAKWELL ROAD CASTLE DOUGLAS Glenkens Gazette USEFUL NUMBERS: ● Pot-hole Hotline: 0845 276 0000 ● Local Police: 0845 600 5701 ● Crimestoppers: 0845 555 111 Dalry Library Opening Times Tue: 2 - 4.30pm then 5.30 - 7.30pm Fri: 11:15am - 1:15pm then 2 - 4.30pm 23 mobile library stops - to find out where and when call 430 234 TIMES OF WORSHIP IN THE GLENKENS CHURCH OF SCOTLAND Sundays: Balmaclellan - 12noon 1st; Carsphairn 10.30am 1st 2nd 3rd 4th (Jan); Dalry - 12noon 1st 2nd 3rd 4th (Jan); Kells - 10.30am 2nd 3rd 4th (Jan) Special Services & Events 3 Dec, 7.30pm: Quiz Night, Balmaclellan, Village Hall. 4 Dec, 7.30pm: Carsphairn’s Got Talent, Lagwyne Hall. 12 Dec, 6.30pm: Carols by Candlelight with Glenkens Church Choir, Kells Church. 22 Dec, 5pm: Carsphairn Church Community Christmas Service & Childrens’ Party. 24 Dec, 10.30am: Watchnight Service, Carsphairn Church. 25 Dec, 10.30am: Christmas Day Family Service, Kells Church. 26 Dec, 10.30am: United Service with Choir, Dalry Church SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH (C of E) St Margaret’s, New Galloway: Holy Communion - 10.30am every Sun & Wed CATHOLIC CHURCH SERVICES Gatehouse of Fleet: Sat, 6pm Kirkcudbright: Sun, 9.30am Dalbeattie: Sun, 11am St Ninian’s Episcopal Church, Castle Douglas: Rev McFadden - 01557 330687 CARSPHAIRN 42ND ANNUAL BURNS SUPPER Thursday 20th January 7.30 for 8pm Immortal Memory Proposer: Grierson Dunlop To Book Your Tickets tel. Jean Gibbon (Sec) 01644 460244 Fresh turkeys, copas free range turkeys, geese, ducks, etc. Now taking orders for Christmas! Don’t forget to order your New Year roasts & steak pies... See us at Dalry Farmers Market on the 2nd Sat each month. T H CARSON, THE CROSS, MILL ST, DALBEATTIE 01556 610384 page 12 GLENKENS DIARY FOR ALL EVENTS NOVEMBER Wed 24, Galloway Gatherings Lecture Series, 2-4pm, The CatStrand, see p8 Wed 24, Christmas Shopping Night, 5-8pm, The CatStrand Thu 25, Film: A Single Man, 7:30pm, The CatStrand Sat 27, The Sofa Show featuring Fred MacAulay & Parrot, 8.30pm, The CatStrand Mon 29, Discovery Film Festival – Shorts for Wee Ones, 1.30pm, The CatStrand Mon 29, Balmaclellan CC, Balmaclellan Village Hall DECEMBER Wed 1, Galloway Gatherings Lecture Series: speaker Stuart McCulloch, 2-4pm, The CatStrand Wed 1, GTI bus trip to Ayr – xmas shopping or the Races, see p9 Thurs 2, The Pines, 7.30pm, The CatStrand Fri 3, CatStrand Youth Players, The CatStrand Sat 4, Carsphairn’s Got (Even More) Talent, 7.30pm, Lagwyne Hall Sun 5, CatStrand Youth Players final prexmas meeting, 3pm, see p5 Mon 6, Dalry CC, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall Wed 8, Galloway Gatherings Lecture Series: speaker Ted Cowan, 2-4pm, see p8, The CatStrand runs until Thurs 9, Exhibition: Threads in Fashion, CatStrand opening hours, The CatStrand Thurs 9, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, 7pm, The CatStrand Thu 9, SOC Talk with Brian Morrell, see p9 Sat 11 Dec to Fri 28 Jan, Exhibition: Anne Butler & Urpu Sellar, CatStrand opening hours, The CatStrand Mon 13, Kells CC, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall Tue 14, Kells Primary School Play, 1.302.30pm, see p2 Wed 29, Film: Toy Story 3, 2pm, The CatStrand JANUARY Mon 10, Kells CC, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall Thu 13, SOC Talk with Edmund Fellowes, see p9 Sat 15, Shivers Down the Spine Storytelling Showcase, 7.30pm, The CatStrand Thurs 20, Breakdance Double Bill, 7pm, The CatStrand Thu 20, Carsphairn Burns Supper, 7.30pm, see ad below Sat 22, Balmaclellan Burns Supper Thurs 27, Film: Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky, 7.30pm, The CatStrand Mon 31, Carsphairn CC, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall FEBRUARY Sat 5, ’73 Drama Burns Supper, 7.30pm, The CatStrand REGULAR EVENTS: Glenkens Ramblers, 1.30pm, outside the Bank, Dalry Scouts: Mon, 7–8.30pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Mother & Toddlers Group: Tues 9.4511.15am, New Galloway Town Hall Beavers: Tues, 6.30–7.45pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Glenkens Walking Group, 1.30pm, outside the Bank, Dalry Stewartry Camera Club: Wed, 7.30pm, The Tolbooth, Kirkcudbright Mossdale Painters, Wed, 9.30am, Mossdale Village Hall Cub Scouts: Wed, 6.45–8pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Lions Club monthly quiz, alternating between The CatStrand & Lochinvar Hotel. For further info contact Andrew Frew on 420 323. The CatStrand, New Galloway (see p6&7) Exercise to Music: Mon, 10-11am Play it by Ear: every Mon during term time, 1.30-2.30pm Children’s Dance Classes with Margaret Morris Movement: every Mon during term time, 4-5pm (ages 8-12) Taking the Next Step in Computing: Mon, 5.30–7.30pm Carers Coffee & Chat, starts Tues 1st Dec, 10am-12noon Teen Spirit: every Tues during term time, 7.30-9.30pm Taking the First Step in Computing: Wed, 5.30-7.30pm Gentle Yoga & Relaxation, Thurs, 1011.15am Afternoon Tea Club: 2nd Fri each month, 2pm Baby Reflexology, drop-in last Fri each month 10am-12noon Saturday Art Club, 2nd Sat each month, 10am–12noon Tone & Stretch, Fri 10am, £4/£3 Catstrand Youth Players, every Sun during term time from 3-5pm, see p5 Glenkens Youth Choir, Sun, 5-6pm CatStrand Playstation Tournaments: contact The CatStrand for info. Dalry Community Centre (for info contact Sarah on 430 393) Glenkens Playgroup: Mon-Fri, 9.15-11.45am Paint & Art: Mon 1.30-4.30pm Ballroom & Latin Dance drop-in class: Mon 7.30-9pm, £5 Ballroom & Latin Dance course: Mon 910pm, for more info tel Sam Hood on 01644 420672 Good Neighbours Club: Tues 2pm Kickback Martial Arts: Tues & Thurs 7-9pm, both adults & children welcome Glenkens Mother & Toddlers: Wed 1.30-3pm Craft Class: Thurs 2-4pm Brownies: Wed 5.30-6.45pm Guides:Wed 5.30-7pm WRITE FOR THE GAZETTE! Submit events, activities, news stories, cartoons, reviews, tips & techniques, fiction, photos, ads or ideas... If you have a submission, contact Sarah Ade on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk FEB/MAR COPY DEADLINE: Mon 3 January Printing the Glenkens Gazette for the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust is just one way of expressing our commitment to the communities we work in. www.standardlife.com  Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. 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Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Description An account of the resource <p>Find out more about the Gazette: <a href="https://glenkens.scot/gazette-home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Glenkens Gazette home page</a> If you would like to submit an article or take out an advert, please email the editor Sarah Ade: <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="mailto:glenkensgazette@hotmail.com">glenkensgazette@hotmail.com</a></p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is a member of, and regulated by <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.impressorg.com/">Impress</a>.</p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is an initiative of Glenkens Community &amp; Arts Trust (SC032050) and represents the voice of the community (not necessarily the views of GCAT).</p> Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document October/November 2010 ISSUE 60 www.glenkensgazette.com A Gallery With a Difference This August has seen the opening of a new visitor attraction on the outskirts of the Glenkens. Allan Wright and partner Lorna Willock have created a lovely space to visit at their converted old stables on Parton Estate. And as well as browsing beautiful images from around Scotland in a lovely setting, you can also enjoy healthy homemade cakes served in the spacious café area, along with a nice relaxing cuppa. Just off the A713, the gallery is very accessible both for locals who fancy a break on their way up the road, and tourists wishing to enjoy the area. It is the perfect place to stop and indulge in a little luxury; but with a clear conscience as Lorna’s cakes are as healthy as they come (and as a dietician and nutritionist, she really knows what she’s talking about). Allan has been a professional landscape photographer for the past 25 years and has acquired a national profile through the Lyrical Scotland brand of cards, calendars and books. Creating a comprehensive and public showcase for his work has long been a dream of his, so when Allan merged his publishing business with a larger company in Edinburgh earlier this year and the opportunity arose to realise his dream, he grabbed it with both hands. Lorna is in private practice as a nutritionist and allergy therapist and also has a background in catering - so between the two of them they hope to make a go of things with this appealing double whammy! Carsphairn Community Garden Grows Following the award of over £13,000 to Carsphairn Community Garden, Nicola Hill of Dumfries and Galloway LEADER Programme visited the village to present the cheque to Community Council Chair, Matt Hickman – surrounded by a group of Community Councillors and Garden volunteers David Richmond, who leads the Community Council’s Garden Sub-Group, explained: “Over the last two months, the Garden volunteers have been busy working on constructing paths and borders, all in preparation for the next phase of planting this autumn.” Matt Hickman commented that: “Now the project has all its funding in place, we are also working to source suitable garden furniture and renewable power sources for lighting and a Christmas tree installation. All being well, the village should have a very special seasonal display for Christmas this year.” Carsphairn Community Garden is also supported by the Stewartry Area Committee and Carsphairn Windfarm Community Fund. Photo: Nicola Hill from LEADER with Carsphairn Community Councillors and Garden volunteers. IN THIS ISSUE... 2 - Local Author: Linda Watson, Noticeboard 3 - Community Councils 4 - Schools Report 5 - Glenkens Summer Events 6 - Dalry Library, GBA, LING, Have You Got Talent?, Readers’ Word Search 7 - Club Corner 8 - CatStrand Events 9 - CatStrand Community News, RSAMD, Youth Players, Allotments, The Bus 10- Dalry Bird Town, Birdwatchers Calendar 11- Youth Update, First Responders 12 - Local History: Connecting the Glenkens 13 - Bells of the Glenkens, Polmaddy Village Walk 14 - Advertising 15 - Health Tips 16- Church Times, Dalry Library Times, Useful Numbers, Glenkens Diary of Events Glenkens Gazette page 2 Local Author: Linda Watson Linda and Richard came to Corsock in 2002 after their three year search for a farm was successful with the purchase of Low Arvie. The farm was a sadly neglected 120 acres because the previous farmer had died several years earlier and nothing had been done to the land in the intervening years. Richard had spent all of his working life in one form of agriculture or another - farm worker, University degree in Agriculture, Research student at Wye College, two years as a crop storage adviser in Ecuador and then a career in Lecturing in Agricultural Colleges, and Linda had been a primary school teacher. “We came to Low Arvie with no equipment and no experience of suckler cows”, says Linda. “Helped in the early days by very kind neighbours who made our silage, lent us equipment and gave us good advice, we set about creating a business. We bought a herd of pedigree Galloways from Cairnsmore Estate at Carsphairn and they have become quite famous as ‘The Ladies of Low Arvie’, through my books and our television appearance on ‘The Dales Diary’”. (You can view the TV footage on Youtube by typing ‘Ladies of Low Arvie’ into the search box at youtube.com). “We have just had our 112th calf and have lost only two, who were the products of difficult births,” says Linda. “We have worked hard to improve the land to make it a fitting home for the Ladies and we built an extension to the Galloway cottage farmhouse to make a comfortable home for ourselves.” “In 2005 I published my first book, entitled ‘The Ladies of Low Arvie’, detailing all the trials and tribulations that we faced during the first twenty months of our occupation as we settled into our new life. The book begins on the day we first saw Low Arvie and ends with the successful birth of our first batch of home-bred calves.” Many people who read the book requested a sequel so that they could see how life continued, so Linda wrote a second book to answer these requests which was published in August this year; ‘Life with the Ladies of Low Arvie’. “During these later years, the Ladies have given birth to 80 more calves, I have completed an Open University honours degree and we have survived several calamities, aided in no small part by our new friends and farming neighbours”, says Linda. In conclusion, Linda says: “I am working hard to market my two books about Low Arvie through the internet and I blog regularly on my author page at www.authorsden.com.” Linda’s books are available at The CatStrand, New Galloway, or can be previewed at www.amazon.co.uk - for further information visit www.low-arvie.co.uk. Bed and Breakfast guests are also welcomed to Low Arvie, where they can stay in the private suite of rooms in the old part of the house. Craft Group 21st October 2-4pm Dalry Community Centre For info contact Jean Maltman on 430 497 Noticeboard Music & Songs of the 30‛s & 40‛s with Terri Farley, Jim McPhee & Colin Feierabend Sat 23rd Oct, 7.30pm Mossdale Hall Tel: 01644 450666 Balmaghie Community Council Awaits Word on Civic Pride Funding Bid If successful, everyone living in the three Clachans of Bridge of Dee, Glenlochar and Laurieston will get the opportunity to help plan/join in three public events called ‘The Spirit of Balmaghie‛ - one in each area. It‛s also hoped that funding will be provided to recruit/train young detectives (just like they did in Palnackie) and activists of all ages to research, consult and develop community learning/resilience. Denise Fyfe Coffee Morning in Aid of Abbas Rest Orphans A coffee morning will be held to raise funds for Abbas Rest Orphans in Malawi on Saturday 30th October from 10am to 12 noon in Dalry Town Hall. So many children are in desperate need of not only food and medicines, but also help and advice. In February one family of nine children without parents was discovered, with only the 15 year old girl to look after them all. They are now all being given the food and help they require. We would gratefully accept donations towards the raffle, baking, sales tables or money. If you need any more information, please contact Jean Maltman on 430 497, Avril Brown on 430 526 or Barbara Colbenson on 430 090. Thank you Glenkens Gazette page 3 Balmaclellan Community Council Extract from minutes of meeting held 23 August. Progress has been made towards getting Balmaclellan Village Hall more business, bookings and entertainment for the community. A proposal for a new constitution is to be discussed. Bonfire Night and Remembrance Sunday arrangements were raised at the latest community council meeting and plans considered for the childrens’ Christmas party and the senior citizens’ Christmas lunch. A representative was to attend the Outdoor Access Strategy Stakeholders meeting (Stewartry) and a full report from the four districts will be available to us all in due course. In the meantime, deliberations continue re Barscobe - Corriedoo proposed corepath and the ‘Right of Way’ enquiry is still available until end of September. Next meeting: Friday 29 October, 7.30pm , Balmaclellan Village Hall. Carsphairn Community Council Extract from minutes of meeting held 28 June. A presentation was given by 2020 Renewables on the proposed windfarm at Loch Hill. Alasdair Macleod introduced the company and explained they have reduced the number of turbines to 11 after consultation with the MoD and are currently undertaking consultation with local Community Councils. Mr Macleod then outlined the schedule of activity, beginning with planning application submission at the end of September. A discussion took place about the different options for traffic management. It was pointed out that the upgrade of the roads that Mr Macleod had been advised had taken place had never happened and that Mr Macleod should check the logistics. The road is used by timber traffic and there are no passing places. There have been ongoing discussions about this with D&G Council so perhaps he should consult with the roads department there. Power would be taken from the turbines substation at Duchrae and then overhead power cables to the grid. Our Community had a good community model and so perhaps lessons can be learnt both ways. The legal implications for a core path running on a person’s land have been obtained and are available for anyone to read. Bidwells have made objections to proposed core paths with the exception of Kings Cairn. They have stated that routes are not safe due to traffic management. Residents have approved and compromised routes into Knockengorroch and it was felt a letter should be sent to Roderick Leslie Melville. A local landowner pointed out that Mr Melville only works for Bidwells who represent ESN and should not be making objections on behalf of Scottish Power. It was also felt that his arguments were a little weak. A consultation is to be taking place with the community regarding future plans for felling and replanting of forests in the area. Only some of the residents have received information and a letter which itself is ambiguous. A face to face meeting should be arranged and Historic Scotland involved as there a lot of historic features as shown on the Ordnance Survey map. The Ordnance Survey notebook of 1848 shows many of these historic features. Residents do not want further planting, particularly in the Knockengorroch area. It was suggested that a letter be sent telling them that a face to face meeting is required but also pointing out that grant money is available for self seeding projects instead of manual planting A letter has been received by the CC regarding the closure of the Shiel of Castlemaddy Bothy and a request that the community council maintain the bothies to keep them open. The Mountain Bothy Association (MBA) has had enough of trying to maintain the bothies as quad bikers are going to them and destroying the paths. How can we stop them? MBA to be contacted and find out where things are at the moment. Next meeting: Monday 25 October, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall. Dalry Community Council Extract from minutes of meeting held 5 July. Regarding the Kindbuild project, Mr Haswell has not responded to any correspondence, particularly in relation to providing an opinion on the original procedure for planning permission dealing with the quarrying aspect of the build. A freedom of information request has been put in twice, and the last letter to go should be replied to by next week. If this is not responded to then further action may be necessary. It was suggested that a petition be raised as to the issue of reconsideration. It was suggested the petition be distributed to the shops for a couple of months. 2020 renewables provided the CC with an update from their recent Public meeting on the subject of Turbines at Loch Hill. They outlined the current programme. The current layout is for 11 Turbines, not 21 as originally planned, due to an objection by the MOD. The height of turbines are also being changed from 115m to 100m with the turbines to be situated to the east of the site. A question and answer session ensued: (1) Q - There are two applications for the same site (a) Forestry (b) Turbines. A -They do not like their Turbines too close to forestry (i.e. 200m) as this would have an effect on their efficiency. (2) Q - Is it still a viable project for just 11 turbines? A - Yes (3) Q - Community Benefits? A - 28 people turned out for the public information day – it appears people are not yet taking enough interest in the plan and believes it is important to get through issues of Community Benefit before the application goes through. They suggested that they attend further council meetings e.g. October. Discussions have been ongoing regarding the Donald Watson Trust, and it is understood that GCAT are keen to support projects in Dalry as we form part of the Glenkens - they don’t only support projects in New Galloway as perceived. At the Trust meeting in August two projects were suggested - (1) a Centre around Barone and other smaller projects to be linked to it and then look to have Dalry recognised as ‘Bird Town’, and (2) a Bird Shop/Cafe. A member of the CC recently sat in on a Stewartry Area Committee meeting and learned that there are grants available to groups for improving communities/villages. Concerns were raised over the state of the Dalry Library building – the property is owned by the Council but needs repairs to it e.g. guttering, painting, cleaning. Next meeting: Monday 4 October, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. New Galloway & Kells Community Council Extract from minutes of meeting held 9 August. The Chair welcomed David Williams (DGFirst Maintenance Team Leader) to the meeting. He reported to the Committee that DGFirst intend to resurface the High Street (A762) in New Galloway between New Galloway Golf Course (just south of car park) to the junction of the A712 & A762 (Coat of Arms sign) during the period 27th September to 8th October 2010: it is hoped the actual works will take five days to complete. In order to undertake the works the road will be closed to traffic during the working day (08:45 to 17:00). A Traffic Regulation Order will be promoted and this Order will cover a period of two weeks to allow for delays due to weather and breakdowns. A discussion took place and it was agreed that if possible the work would be carried out in four stages: (a) Golf Club to Pomona Terrace, (b) Pomona Terrace to the Town Hall, (c) Town Hall to Wylie’s Brae, and (d) Wylie’s Brae to A712. This will allow a level of street parking and keep the number of properties affected at any one time to a minimum. It was reported that income so far from the Scottish Alternative Games (Sunday 8th August) is £4163.78; after deductions the net total (so far) being £3265.78. The Alternative Games Weekend Ceilidh raised approximately £450 after all costs were met. The weekend was the most successful since the games were moved from Parton to New Galloway 10 years ago, with over 1000 visitors to the Alternatives Games on Sunday that included a number of overseas visitors from various countries including Australia, Chile, Kyrgyzstan and the USA. It was regretted that yet again no photographer/reporter was available from the Galloway News to cover the Alternative Games. A member of the CC has arranged a meeting with the News regarding their lack of coverage. It was reported that there was an increase in the number of adder bites this summer; four dogs are reported to have died after being bitten by adders in the Mossdale/Raiders Road/Slogarie area. Next meeting: Monday 11 October, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Full minutes of local Community Council meetings are available to view at Dalry Library. Glenkens Gazette page 4 GLENKENS SCHOOLS REPORT Dalry Primary Big Green Adventure: On Wednesday 9th June P4-7 put on a performance called the Big Green Adventure. It delivered all sorts of messages about being eco friendly and had lots of funny parts as well! We would like to thank everyone who was able to attend and support this event. Sports Day: Mon 14th June was a perfect day for Dalry Primary and Nursery 2010 Sports Day! The weather was great, the competition stiff and everyone had a great time. For the third year in a row, Kenbank won the day but all three teams performed extremely well. The individual Awards went to Jake Macmillan as our Boys Sports Champion and Lily Langford who was our Girls Sports Champion. We would also like to thank all the parents that showed up to support us and all the staff, Dalry and Kells buddies, and secondary pupils that helped out on the day! Netball Tournament: Here are the girls from Primary Six and Seven that came third at our recent Netball Tournament on Tuesday 22nd June at Castle Douglas High School. They competed against a number of teams, playing well as a team and displaying excellent sportsmanship – well done! Leavers’ Assembly: On Wednesday 30th June 2010 we held our annual P7 Leavers’ Assembly. The pupils each got a book to mark the end of a successful year. There were various other presentations and performances from all classes as well. The final part of the Assembly was when the P7 pupils were given their leaving gifts, a calculator and CD of all their special moments at Dalry School…it was a very emotional but enjoyable afternoon for everybody. The awards for each class were as follows: Citizenship – Olivia Wise, Taylor Kershaw and Cameron Wilkie. Best Prepared – Drife Finlay, Amy McMurray and Annabelle McAdam. Perfect Attendance – Kimberly McAdam and Euan Bielinski. Carsphairn Primary Children at Carsphairn Primary have enjoyed growing vegetables and flowers in the school garden during their after school Garden Club. Green fingered mum Irene McCreath has been leading the club and advising the children on what to grow, how to look after the plants and helping the children to harvest their vegetables. A bumper crop of First Year pupils joined Dalry Secondary School this year. This is the largest group in the past ten years. Kells School Christmas Fayre Sat 20th Nov, 10am to 12noon Come along and join in the fun at our school! There will be a Santa‛s grotto, cake stall, chocolate fountain, lucky dip, tea and cakes and much, much more... W BONE WHB JEEPS Pensions – Savings – Investments Retirement & Inheritance Tax Planning Life Assurance – Protection – Mortgages For advice on any of the above, or to review your existing arrangements, contact your local adviser: Brian J. Edgar DipPFS Area Office: Tannoch, Newton Stewart Road, New Galloway DG7 3RT Tel. 01644 420288 Central Office, 61 Victoria Street, Newton Stewart DG8 6NL Tel 01671 403080 Fax 01671 402549 e-mail - brian.edgar@marrfinancial.co.uk web - www.marrfinancial.co.uk Marr Financial Services is an Appointed Representative of Sesame Ltd YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE THE GARAGE, DALRY PETROL & DIESEL SALES SERVICE & REPAIRS MOTs, TYRES, BATTERIES ALL AT COMPETITIVE PRICES OPEN 8.30AM - 6.00PM (SIX DAYS) 10AM - 6PM SUNDAYS SHOP • SANDWICH BAR • LOTTERY Tel: 01644 430208 Fax: 01644 430669 email: jeeps@whbjeeps.co.uk www.whbjeeps.co.uk Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents ( 01556 503744 ( www.ggblaw.co.uk OFFICES IN : CASTLE DOUGLAS, DALBEATTIE KIRKCUDBRIGHT & DUMFRIES Glenkens Gazette page 5 Glenkens Summer Events The Scottish Alternative Games: A record crowd gathered for the 2010 Games, the tenth year in New Galloway. The Gird n’ Cleek World Championship was regained by Neil Armstrong from Kirkcudbright who previously held the title in 2006. In one of the most exciting finals for years he was made to work hard before getting his hands on the World Championship Trophy again, being pushed all the way by former champions Jayde Devlin in second place and Hannah McKenna in third (see picture). People from all over the world took part in the various events throughout the afternoon with many experiencing the unique day for the first time, but also many returning to the Games for their eagerly awaited annual visit. Under a perfect blue sky, all the events were keenly contested in the true family spirit of the Alternative Games. The established events such as the Gird n’ Cleek, Tossin’ the Sheaf, Hurlin’ the Curlin’ Stane, Tractor Pull, Tug o’ War, Balmaclellan Skittles and Snail Racing were all as popular as ever, with the newer events such as Archery, Circus Skills and Laser Quest adding to the choice of activities available. The Classic Car Show attracted a good turnout and added greatly to the day. The Games of course would not be complete without the bagpipes and the day was opened in fine style by The Buccleuch & Queensberry Pipe Band marching in to the main arena at two o’clock. All in all, another great day, many said; “the best ever”! Roll on 2011 - with many of the first time visitors vowing to return again, next year’s event promises to be another cracker! The Community Council would like to thank everyone who came along to support this year’s event and a special thanks to all who helped in any way with the organisation and running of the day. Glenkens Agricultural Show This year’s show held on Saturday 14th August was a great success. Entries for the show were higher than previous years, with increased entries for livestock, the relatively new poultry section and for the horse section. The warm and sunny weather contributed to a bumper show attendance with lots to do for all. There were a variety of stands in attendance selling cards, soaps, jewellery, wood crafts and wicker items, delicious ice-cream and refreshments, and lots to see and do including vintage tractors, stockjudging, raffle, and for the kids a bouncy castle, face painting and childrens’ races. All in all, a great day out! Picture: Champion of Champions - Galloway Heifer, J & A Finlay, Blackcraig and Reserve Champion - Limousin Bull, T B Hansell, Nether Barr GLENKENS HORTICULTURAL SHOW Well I know I say it every year but, once again, it was our highest number of entries with over 750 in total, including 75 for the photographic class. Penny Bryson opened the prize giving section of the show. Prior to that Penny walked around the entries and was very impressed with the quality of all the exhibits and I overheard her asking questions and looking for tips on growing some of the vegetables. The standards again were very high in all the sections with some new exhibitors showing excellent results. We had junior exhibitors taking part and achieving prizes in some of the adult classes, which shows it is not all down to age and experience. We hope more will enter next time ensuring the continuation of the show. We still need more volunteers to help with the organisation and set up of the show. It would be only two meetings per year and a few hours with the set up. A big thank you to everyone who took part or visited the show - we hope to see you again next year. Oh - and don’t forget to bring a friend! Joan Berkley, on behalf of the Glenkens Horticultural Society. PS Next years’ subject for the photographic section will be ‘Building’. Glenkens Gazette page 6 What’s On Offer at Dalry Library...? The Dalry Library building was donated to the village by the Gourley Memorial Trust in 1948, after serving as the Studio for the artist HJ Dobson and has served the village as a library ever since. Dalry has become quite a modern little library and that means there is more to it than just our varied selection of books. We have a growing stock of DVD’s, including some of the latest films. There’s free internet access which can be booked with a library card. We also carry a selection of Talking Books on CD. These days you can also renew your books online from home and even make requests on the web via http://library.dumgal.gov.uk/vs/ on the Council website. Because Dalry Library is a small library with a lot of keen readers I take a lot of requests over the counter, which is always an interesting experience for me because of the diversity of books that people request. I now have a list longer than my arm of books I have to read! Users can also request Talking Books and DVD’s from anywhere in the region. Other handy little facilities you can access at the library include faxing, printing and photocopying. Local planning applications are on display at the library as well as Glenkens Community Councils minutes and a lot of local information Angela is always on hand to help you find what pamphlets, booklets and posters. you’re looking for. Our selection of books contains Adult Fiction and Non-Fiction, Children’s Fiction and Non-Fiction, Teen Fiction, Large Print, Romantic Fiction, Mystery Fiction, Local Interest, Reference and Local Reference. We also have a selection of Local Interest and Quick Reads which can be loaned. Of course to help pay for all of this there are a few charges. DVD loans are £1.50 per DVD for a number of nights. Requests are 75p and 35p for Children’s requests. Photocopying and printing also carries a small charge. A full list of charges can be found in the library. If you live a bit far out to get to Dalry regularly there are 23 stops in the Glenkens for the Mobile Library service. It visits Parton and Balmaclellan on every 3rd Wednesday and Carsphairn, New Galloway and Dalry on every 3rd Tuesday. To find out more about the Mobile Library and Dalry Library, you can phone me here on 01644 430234. Angela Miller, Librarian Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING) At last the Council has given us information about the Town Hall condition survey which was done last year as well as income and expenditure figures. This will enable the committee to put together a plan for options for the future to present to an open meeting. We will need the support of the community for the next stage. The stall at the Alternative Games raised our first deposit into the bank account - £181. Children pinned the tail on the donkey – courtesy of Tom & Janet Carlyle. Janet had made a brand new colourful tail for Tom’s elderly painted donkey! Children also risked their pocket money on the children’s tombola and adults supported the adult tombola, and bought plants, garden and home produce and bric-a-brac. The information stand displayed in pride of place a new painting of the Town Hall produced for the occasion by Tom Carlyle. Thanks to all for their contributions and support. Rosalind Hill, LING Chairman Gazette reader Louise McClure has created this great puzzle for you to puzzle out...Using the clues, add a letter to each of the four letter words below to make a five letter word. Place the extra letter in the box on the right. Read down the grid to find a Glenkens event. Points gained SORE Baking ingredient FOUR Produced by boiling water STEM _ _ _ _ _ and tatties MINE Disgrace SAME Shore line COST Extent RAGE Abnormally high body temperature EVER animal BEST Demand what is due CLAM Tears apart ENDS Glenkens Business Association We’re nearly there – yes really! Keep a lookout for the publication of the new Glenkens Business and Community Directory. As well as all our business members we have been amazed to find between 40 and 50 community organisations within the Genkens – things to do, groups to join – active or quiet, something to suit all tastes. We have also been working with GCAT who have put in a submission for funding for taking part in ‘The Day of the Regions’ next October. By the time you read this you will know if the Glenkens is one of the chosen five. Ros Hill, Chairman HAVE YOU GOT THE TALENT? The search is on in Carsphairn once again for local talent to perform in a second pre-Christmas stage show extravaganza after last year’s overwhelming success. This year’s event, entitled Carsphairn’s Got (Even More) Talent, takes place on Saturday, 4th December, in the village’s Lagwyne Hall, commencing at 7.30pm. As last year, the show will feature acts by members of the community, purely for entertainment. So if you can sing, dance, play a musical instrument, tell a joke, recite poetry, juggle or have other talents, you’re just the kind of talent the organisers are looking for. Please let Nigel Martin (tel: 01644 460545, email: Nigel@ProsperCommunications.co.uk) know if you are interested in joining in so that a full evening’s programme of entertainment can be drawn up. “This is purely for fun; there will be no judging and no prizes,” says Nigel. “There are also no age limits for performers, so the more people who sign up to take part, the better the show will be.” “People are still talking about last year’s show, so it is returning by popular request under the auspices of the Carsphairn Church Social Committee. And, once again, all monies raised will be going to a worthy cause.” Answer: Clachan Fair Glenkens Gazette page 7 C L U B C O R N E R DALRY ANGLING ASSOCIATION It seems to have been an active year on the Associations waters, but until the returns are in, we won’t know how successful. We have had very varied weather conditions, often unseasonal, with a dry warm spell in late spring, a decidedly cool and damp midsummer and a glorious hot early autumn. Throughout it all, fish have been caught. This year we were required to register with the fish health inspectorate and also get permission to stock either with a block or single application. It doesn’t cost anything to do so, but the response time from the authorities means it has been a frustrating business. Despite this, both Carsfad and the River Ken have been stocked, the river twice and the Loch once, so that members have been able to enjoy good fishing most of the year. Sadly there were no competitors for the Junior Competition, though conditions were perfect. It was a bright, warm day for the Seniors, not ideal - the winner was Mr J Comrie. This year we have introduced Temporary Resident’s Permits. Many keen fishers work in the area during the week, going home for weekends. Anyone who can provide evidence of accommodation in Dalry or Balmaclellan on this basis, can apply. Sadly, there are people who have been seen fishing our waters without a day ticket. They have not paid their membership subscription which is £10 per annum. The cost of stocking increases annually, and it is unfair to paid-up members of our small Association when stock is taken illegally. Members, as well as the Committee, must be prepared to challenge people they do not know and ask for evidence that they are able to fish, and report anyone suspicious to a member of the Committee so that action can be taken. The closing date for fishing is 31st October. The date for our AGM is 19th November at 7.30pm in the Lochinvar Hotel, Dalry, and all members are encouraged to attend to express their views. Only subscribing members will receive the Agenda, but any lapsed member is perfectly entitled to attend. Information can be obtained from our website: www.dalryanglingassociation.co.uk or contact Secretary Mrs B Johnson on 430 271. ‘Northern Marsh Orchid’ by Mary McIlvenna NEWS FROM THE STEWARTRY CAMERA CLUB This summer, as a new venture, members of the Stewartry Camera Club have had the opportunity to enjoy the challenge of some themed evening photography at various photogenic locations around the Stewartry. In addition to expeditions further afield, visits were made to the Glenkens to photograph orchids and bog asphodel, the Lowran Burn and Waterfall and Kenmure Castle. The resulting photographs were presented to members in a slideshow at the end of September . Amongst the competition judges this year are Morag Paterson, Ed Baxter, Geoff Keating and Phil McMenemy. Ian Biggar will provide a talk ‘My Life in Photography’ and another of the speakers is photographer Simon Robinson. Glenkens club member, John Houfe, will give a talk ‘Landscape: A Personal View’ and Mary McIlvenna an audio visual slideshow ‘Flora Glenkens’. The full programme can be found at www.stewartrycameraclub.wordpress.com The club will be holding an exhibition of prints in the Tolbooth from 7th - 23rd October 2010. The club meets in The Tolbooth, Kirkcudbright, at 7.30pm most Wednesdays during the winter months. It caters for all photographers from beginners through to professional. If you have an interest in photography, do come along. You will be made most welcome. For further information contact Mary McIlvenna 01644 420613 or George Wishart 01557 870090. Walking in the Glenkens The Glenkens Ramblers meet on Mondays for a moderate walk taking around two hours. The Glenkens Walkers meet on Wednesdays for an easier walk taking around 90 minutes. Both groups meet at 1.30pm outside the Bank of Scotland in Dalry. Lists of walks are displayed in shops in Dalry and New Galloway. Walk Leader’s contact numbers are: John & Isobel on 430 539, Gerry on 420 852, Peter on 420 419 and Elizabeth on 430 581. The Glenkens Ramblers sheltering from a chilly wind at the top of Cairnsmore of Fleet on 4th Sept. New Galloway Golf Club: The Tilhill Sponsored Four Ball Better Ball Open 2010 was played over the New Galloway course on Sunday 1st August. The weather was fine and dry and the course was in superb condition. The pin placings were not the easiest to play to but it didn’t prevent good scores. In fact 16 two’s were scored on the day. The Open was well attended with 62 players contesting for the trophy. The winners were K. Morrison & A.A. McGowan (Kbt) 651-64; 2nd - R. McWilliam & R.Barber-Fleming (CD) 66-1-65; 3rd - I.Brown & R. Ritchie (NG) 71-6-65. The scratch prize was won by S. Bendall & B. Kirkpatrick (S) 65-0-65. The photograph shows Bill Stalker of Tilhill, the winners and R Tulloch, Club Captain. Applications are now being accepted for membership for the 2010-11 season. There are also special concessions i.e. 4 ball for the price of a 3 ball. For further information please contact the Club Secretary, Ian Brown on 01644 420737 or visit the club’s web site www.nggc.co.uk All the competition scores throughout the season can be found on www. masterscoreboard.co.uk The Club is looking for sponsors for a number of projects for the 2010/2011 season. If you think you could help please contact the Club Secretary. Jeff, Vice Captain/Match Secretary, New Galloway Golf Club Glenkens Gazette page 8 The CatStrand: News & Events Theatre Objektiv – A Promised Land, Sat 2 Oct, birdsong and birdhouses, it gleams and dazzles and shines 7.30pm, £7/£5. The story revolves around the true story of in the night. Dumfriesshire born Jane Haining, ‘the Scottish Schindler’, who saved many Jewish children from the fate she was to Film: A Single Man, Thu 25 Nov, 7:30pm, £4.50/£3.50. Set in Los Angeles in 1962, at the height of the Cuban suffer herself in the gas chambers of Auschwitz. missile crisis, it is the story of a British college professor Storytelling Café - Renita Boyle (Colin Firth) who is struggling to find meaning to his life presents Truly Goulie, Thurs 7 Oct, 7.30 after the death of his long time partner. – 9.30pm, free but donations for tea and coffee welcome. An informal and relaxing Christmas Shopping Evening, Wed 24 Nov, 5-8pm. Take away the stress of Christmas shopping and buy all your evening. presents at the CatStrand! Choose from an exclusive seasonal collection of locally made arts and crafts, gifts and cards while Film: Alice in Wonderland, Wed 13 Oct, 2pm, enjoying a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie. £4.50/£3.50. 19-year-old Alice returns to the magical world from her childhood adventure. The Sofa Show featuring Fred MacAulay & Parrot, Magic Spaghetti by Virginia Radcliffe - Sat 27 Nov, 8pm, £12/£10. Fred MacAuley and Parrot Licketyspit Theatre Company & Brunton combine forces in another New Innovative Comedy Event. Theatre, Thurs 14 Oct, Workshop: 12pm, £2. Show: 2:30pm, £3.50. A comedy for children and Galloway Gatherings Lecture Series, all lectures 24pm, £8 per lecture or £30 for all four . To book tickets families from 3-93 with music and cooking. contact the CatStrand or Phillipa McNeill at phillipa.mc neill@glasgow.ac.uk or 01387 702131. ‘Gaelic place-names’ Andy White, Fri 22 Oct, 8pm, £8/£6. with Professor Michael Ansell, Wed 17th Nov. ‘Researching Andy White, one of the great Irish singerlocal history: the Covenanters’ with Alison Burgess, Wed 24 songwriters, tours the world with his 12 string Nov. ‘Galloway at the Centre: South West Scotland and the guitar in one hand and a book of poetry in the wider world in the middle ages’ with Stuart McCulloch, Wed other. 1 Dec. ‘Cultural Landscapes: the Glenkens’ with Professor Storytelling Festival On Tour - Eastern Routes: Ted Cowan, Wed 8 Dec. Authentic Voices, Sat 23 Oct, 7:30pm, £6/£5. Experience firsthand the wonder, mystery and richness of eastern Discovery Film Festival – Shorts for Wee Ones, Mon 22 Nov, 1.30pm, free but ticketed so please book in advance. storytelling traditions. Join us this year as we sail across the sea with a moustached Storytelling Masterclass, Sun 24 Oct, 10am-1pm, £12/ apple, fly through space on board a very unusual ship, and £10. Join our special international guest storyteller for an untangle mysteries with sometimes strange and always interactive and inspiring workshop aimed at developing loveable characters. and honing your natural oral storytelling skills. Film: Departures directed by Yojiro Regular events: Takita, Wed 27 Oct, 7.30pm, £4.50/£3.50. Play it by Ear, every Monday during term Academy Award® Winner for Best Foreign time, 1.30–2.30pm, £2 per adult/child + 50p Language Film of the year, “Departures” is for each additional child. A weekly song, music a delightful and sensitive journey into the and storytelling session for pre-school children heartland of Japan and an astonishingly beautiful look at a and their parents or carers which now takes sacred part of Japan’s cultural heritage. place every Monday afternoon. Juice and biscuits included in the price. Madame Bibelots House of Otherworldly Delights, Sat 30 Oct, 5 -9pm, £3/£2/under Children’s Dance Classes with Margaret 3’s free, wnder 12’s must be accompanied by Morris Movement, every Monday during term an adult. Roll up roll up, come and join your time, 3.15-4pm pre school, 4-5pm 8-12 years, free. hostess Madame Bibelot as she presents a Dance exercises are created to develop agility, spectacular Halloween event suitable for all the family. balance, co-ordination, elevation, flexibility and Come dressed for the occasion! posture. Stillmotion with Starcatchers present We Teen Spirit, every Tues, 7.30pm-9.30pm. A Dance, Wee Groove - A Dance Event for weekly club for young people to hang out, chill, Pre-School Children, Mon 1 Nov, 1:30pm, listen to music, eat munchies, play console £3.50. A unique experience to watch, listen, play games on a big screen, watch films and plan and explore the four corners of the dance floor trips and activities. If you are interested in coming along with the best dance partner there is, your wee contact Catherine on 01644 420374. groover. Saturday Art Club, 2nd Sat of every month, Gerry and Donal O’Connor, Wed 10 10am–12noon, £4. Two-hour workshops run Nov, 7.30pm, £10/£8. Fiddle playing has by professional artists and teachers, offering been in the family for 5 generations of the expert tuition and hands-on experience across O’Connor family. This father son duo are able a range of fun filled visual arts and crafts to draw on this wealth of music learned from activities (age 5-12). Rose O’Connor and also from hand-written manuscripts CatStrand Youth Players, every Sun during passed down through the family. term time, 3–5pm. The Youth division of the White: Catherine Wheels Theatre Glenkens 73 Club. If you are interested in Company with Brunton Theatre, Sat 20 acting, directing, costumes, sound, lighting, Nov, 2pm, £3.50, ages 2-4. Welcome to the stage management or any other aspect of drama or theatre, beautifully strange world of White. Full of then come along and have some fun (age 10-18). Glenkens Gazette page 9 The CatStrand: News & Events COMMUNITY EVENTS / CLASSES Regular Classes: Exercise to Music, Mon, 10-11am, £4/£3. Teen Spirit, Tues during term time, 7.30-9.30pm. Gentle Yoga & Relaxation, Thurs, 1011.15am, £30 per 6 week block. Taking the First Step in Computing, Wed 5.30pm- 7.30pm. Taking the Next Step in Computing, Mon, 5.30– 7.30pm. Carers, Coffee & Chat, 1st Tue each month, 10am12 noon, free. Transport may be available if required, please phone 01644 420374. NEW! Tone and Stretch, Fri 10am, £4/£3. A workout to tone muscle and improve body shape followed by a stretch out to ease those tired/ aching muscles; a great way to start the day! Afternoon Tea Club, 2nd Fri each month, 2pm, annual membership £2. Minibus pick up from Balmaclellan & Dalry by prior arrangement - call 01644 420374. CatStrand Cafe LUNCHES: Mon to Fri, 11am-2pm RSAMD Summer Drama Workshop Starting on the 2nd August, we attended a Royal Scottish Academy of Music & Drama course at the world renowned CatStrand. The theme was ‘Beg, Borrow & Steal’ and we were asked to bring along newspaper and other things that we would normally throw away. The week was going to be brought to an end with a performance made entirely out of rubbish! The play at the end of the week was entirely written by the course members and was a real treat for the audience of family and friends as it featured the one and only Lady Garbage and his troupe of prima donna backing dancers. His costume was made from the finest rubbish that we had accumulated, including two water bottles on either side of his head! We were also asked to bring an item of sentimental value but no monetary value. These items were also used in the show as part of a moving photo album and game show based on ‘Rock, Paper & Scissors’. It was a great week of fun, games and learning new acting techniques which will be invaluable to the CatStrand Youth Players. All seventeen of us thoroughly enjoyed the experience and can’t wait for the next visit from the RSAMD Drama tutors! By Kirstin Stalker & Lowena Lindsay The CatStrand Youth Players: The group started meeting again for the new season on 5th September. They are currently working towards their first performances of the season in The CatStrand on 3rd December, when they will be performing ‘Ernie’s Incredible Illucinations’ by Alan Ayckbourn along with another piece yet to be decided. Glenkens ’73 Club will also be staging a play on the same evening. Glenken‛s Community Garden and Allotment Group If anyone is interested in getting involved or would like an allotment contact Catherine Phillips at The CatStrand on 01644 420374. THE BUS : GLENKENS TRANSPORT INITIATIVE ACTIVITY SCHEME FOR DISABLED CHILDREN: During the School holidays the mini bus helped with transport for disabled children attending an activity scheme in Castle Douglas – 179 children, some with wheelchairs, were taken around the Stewartry, and we hope we get the chance to help with this again next year. Many thanks to Bob Peace, Jon Nimmo and Tom Plummer for the part they played in the success of this scheme. TRIPS: The trip arranged to Kelvingrove Museum on 18th July had to be rearranged because of industrial action – the new date in August was fully booked very quickly and everyone enjoyed the Glasgow Boys exhibition as well as sunbathing on the lawns ! THURSDAY 21st OCTOBER – a visit to Summerlee Ind. Museum for families – full details from Fiona at The CatStrand. WEDNESDAY 1st DECEMBER – AYR – Xmas shopping or cheap tickets are available for the Races on this date. (Nat Hunt) WATCH OUT FOR POSTERS FOR OTHER XMAS SHOPPING TRIPS, ETC. SWIMMING TRIP; After a few problems, the GTI trip to Newton Stewart on Tuesdays has resumed. People can either go swimming or shopping. The bus will leave Dalry at 11.15am and this trip will be operated only during school terms i.e. NOT IN SCHOOL HOLIDAYS. Further enquiries please ring Ann WEDNESDAY BUS SERVICE (REGD. ROUTE): McLaughlin 01644-460518 CONCESSIONARY BUS PASSES ARE ACCEPTED ON THIS ROUTE, SO PLEASE MAKE USE OF THIS EXTRA SERVICE THE BUS: The Bus is now 8 years old, during Timings are as follows: The return journey : 1900 Dept Dalry (Underhill) 2045 Departs Castle Douglas (Tesco) which time GTI has just grown and grown – we are looking into the possibility of getting another one and 1910 New Galloway 2047 Castle Douglas (Market Street) perhaps running two – anyone with any good ideas 1925 Mossdale 2052 Townhead of Greenlaw or knowledge of any good sources of funding please 1935 Laurieston 2100 Laurieston speak to Keith – we would also welcome new members 1940 Townhead of Greenlaw 2110 Mossdale on our GTI Committee, which only meets three or four 1947 Castle Douglas (Market Street) 2125 New Galloway times a year for two 1950 Arrive Castle Douglas (Tesco) 2135 Arrive Dalry For further info & hours each time! IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BOOK THE COMMUNITY-BUS OR IF YOU WANT ANY to buy tickets visit MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT KEITH COOPER, Keith Cooper, GTI ADMINISTRATOR ON 01644 420374. GTI Administrator www.catstrand.com or call 01644 420 374 Glenkens Gazette page 10 LAUNCH OF A GREAT BOOK AND DALRY BIRD TOWN Many folk in The Glenkens are proud owners of a Donald Watson painting. Some of you had your painting photographed some years ago by Ian Langford as a contribution to a book on the hen harrier, Donald Watson’s specialist bird species. I am delighted to say that the book, ‘In Search of Harriers’, is being launched at a special event in Dalry Town Hall on Saturday 16th October. Please join us for this special occasion to celebrate the work of one of Dalry’s famous residents. Chris Rollie and Louise Watson will lead off and you will be able to purchase copies to see how your painting looks in the published volume. In addition, the second edition of Donald’s son Jeff’s world renowned book on the ‘Golden Eagle’ will be available. You will also be given an update on the Watson project and will be able to volunteer to help us develop the project. Many Glenkens folk attended the special event on 6th March at The CatStrand and no doubt viewed the accompanying exhibition of Donald’s superb paintings, and a few of Jeff’s special photos. We have made some progress since then. An arts and landscape class for school children will be held in Dalry in the following week; a one-day taster and a four-day special indoors and outdoors class. Sarah Keast has done a wonderful job getting this off the ground and raising the funding. A separate article about this can be found in the ‘Youth Update’ section of the page opposite. To pursue the Watson project of developing the old family home at Barone in Main Street, Dalry, and a range of celebratory events, we have decided to develop the project further as Dalry Bird Town. This will be a sister project to Kirkcudbright Artists Town, Wigtown Book Town and Castle Douglas Food Town. We hope that we shall be as successful as the other projects in due time and give Dalry added momentum and make it a must-visit destination for all bird and arts lovers. We have set up a steering group; its members represent the Dalry community, bird interests and the Watson family. In addition to developing funding applications for Barone, we are also ascertaining the possibility of purchasing the Mace Shop in Main Street as a visitor and orientation centre, coffee shop and retail outlet for bird-related items. We are pleased to have the support of the present owners for this option. Do join us at Dalry Town Hall at 10am for 10.30am on Saturday 16th October. For further information, contact: Roger Crofts, 07803 595267, roger@dodin.idps.co.uk. Threave ospreys nesting by Keith Kirk STEWARTRY BIRDWATCHERS 2010-11 PROGRAMME Interested in birds and birdwatching? If ‘yes’, why not come along to the Stewartry Birdwatchers’ indoor meetings and excursions? Officially we are called the Stewartry Branch of the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club, (always shortened to SOC), but do not be put off by the scientific-sounding name! The word CLUB is the important one. This session started with a bang. You may have read Keith Kirk’s column ‘Nature Notes’ in the Galloway News. On 23rd September, Keith gave a talk for SOC at New Galloway School. Keith is an all round naturalist employed as a Countryside Ranger by the local council who spends most of his evenings and weekends observing and photographing plants, insects, mammals, birds and scenery in the Stewartry. He has some splendid shots of our own local Ospreys who nested and raised three young at Threave this summer (see photograph). On October 14th the speaker, Mike Betts, will talk about the much more exotic species to be found in Ethiopia, that very special destination quite unlike any other country in Africa. A topic which gets much attention these days is the subject on November 11th when Norman Elkins, a birdwatcher who is a retired meteorologist, speaks on ‘Climate Change and Wildlife’. On 9th December Richard Hesketh, the manager of the Wildfowl and Wetlands Reserve at Caerlaverock, will talk about those species which he is passionate about, namely ducks, geese and swans all of which can be seen so easily at this reserve. Next year starts on January 13th with another excellent and prizewinning photographer, retired Dumfries GP Edmund Fellowes, on ‘Some Northern Birds’. His photographs are quite stunning and, together with his amusing and knowledgeable commentary, should make for a very enjoyable evening. By popular demand, Gordon Yates returns on February 10th with his annual Film Show which this year is once more about that superb island for wintering flocks of geese...’Islay: Queen of the Hebrides’. Gordon’s racy and knowledgeable commentary always keeps his audience enthralled throughout the evening. Russell Nisbet, another popular speaker, returns on 10th March to talk about a country to which he has led many birdwatching tours, The Gambia. This tiny country is less than a six hour flight from the UK and has an array of coastal reserves , excellent birdwatching upriver and over two hundred species of tropical birds and other wildlife which can be seen easily in a week. The session ends with the AGM and short illustrated talks by members on 31st March. If birds and all aspects of the countryside interest you please come along to our meetings - and bring your friends along too! Contacts: Chairman - Geoff Packard; 01556 670466, Vicechairman - Peter Swan; 01556 502144, Secretaiy - Joan Howie; Glenkens Gazette page 11 Y O U T H U P D A T E Environmental Workshops in the October Holidays During the school holidays in October, GCAT will present two inspirational art workshops in Dalry as the first Dalry Bird Town events. These workshops, the first of a series of Dalry Bird Town events to celebrate the work of renowned bird artist and writer Donald Watson, who lived in Dalry for over 50 years, is planned for the October school holidays. The workshops are free thanks to the generosity of various organisations such as Scottish Natural Heritage, Room 13, the Royal Society of Edinburgh, and Gaelforce. Workshop 1: Environmental Art Taster Day, Monday 18 October, 10am-4pm, Dalry School, (suitable for young people aged 10-16) - booking essential as places are limited. This one day event will be run by the Room 13 community arts project in association with the Royal Society of Edinburgh. The workshop will provide a taste of different techniques for creating environmental art. You will be working in Dalry School and outdoors in the nearby countryside to produce your own works which will be photographed. Please make sure to bring a pack lunch, warm and weatherproof clothing, and suitable footwear. Workshop 2: Creative Explorer, Tuesday 19 – Friday 22 October, 10am – 4 pm each day, Dalry School, (suitable for young people aged 10-16) - booking is essential as places are limited. This is an exciting four day workshop for participants to explore the connection between art making, the local environment in Dalry and themselves. The workshop will be run by the community arts project Room 13, and will take place in Dalry school and outdoors on the hillsides and in the woods. Creative Explorer is about looking at and thinking about the world in different ways, about having freedom to experiment creatively and having fun. During workshops we will engage with our environment and nature. Creative Explorers start to gain a heightened awareness and an appreciation of their surroundings, of their own resourcefulness and creative potential. Participants will be supplied with sketchbooks and materials, but will also use objects from the environment. Creative Explorer hopes to inspire an open curiosity and excitement about the world. Please make sure to bring a pack lunch, warm and weatherproof clothing, and suitable footwear. These workshops have been funded by Scottish Natural Heritage, Gaelforce and the Royal Society of Edinburgh. To book your place contact The CatStrand on 01644 420374. GCAT is an acronym for The Glenkens Community & Arts Trust Ltd, a Registered Scottish Charity, No. SC032050. CARSPHAIRN FIRST RESPONDERS GO LIVE! The new Carsphairn First Responders group went live on 1 September 2010. When 999 is dialled ambulances are dispatched from the nearest ambulance station - as long as they are available - and precious minutes can be lost waiting for an ambulance to travel 20 miles or so from Castle Douglas. Because of this the Scottish Ambulance Service has encouraged the formation of First Responder groups in rural areas to provide vital aid to people who are perhaps suffering a heart attack or are unconscious. The group, all volunteers from the community, have been trained by Scottish Ambulance Service in the use of defibrillators and oxygen therapy. Funding for the group was obtained through the Stewartry Safety Forum who obtained a grant from the Stewartry Area Council for the purchase of life saving equipment for First Responders and further funds were raised by Carsphairn Parish Church Social Committee from their show, Carsphairn’s Got Talent which asked for donations rather than ticket sales. Photo: Responders Margaret Richmond and Ruth Williams make the call to log into the ambulance service watched by other volunteers (from left) Jackie Locke, Anne Rutherford, Zarah Groves, Ken Williams and David Richmond. Glenkens Gazette page 12 LOCAL HISTORY Connecting Glenkens to the Rest of the World At one time it was proposed that there should be a canal linking Ayr and Kirkcudbright. That was at the height of the canal mania when, throughout Britain, these waterways seemed to provide a solution to the problem of wretched roads and poor communications. John Loudon MacAdam, born in 1756 at Waterhead, Carsphairn, would turn his attention to roads and the surfacing thereof, but earlier, in 1802, the scheme for the Glenkens Canal was given royal assent. The haemorrhaging of population was already perceived as a problem, particularly from inland parishes with no access to the sea. Between the censuses of 1755 and 1801 Carsphairn, Dalry and Kells all lost population. In 1803 work started on the Caledonian Canal, linking the Atlantic and the North Sea by way of the Great Glen, designed and managed by Thomas Telford from Westerkirk near Langholm. The basic idea was to extend the coast line by providing canal routes into the interior. It was believed, just as with railways later on, that investors, entrepreneurs, builders, industries and even towns would be encouraged to develop along the banks of the waterways so boosting the economy and supplying local employment. As the protocol for the Glenkens Canal stated: ‘The object of this navigation is to give facilities for the conveyance of coal, lime, manure and general merchandize, into the interior of the stewartry or county of Kirkcudbright, and for the improvement of the estates which border upon it’. The route was surveyed by the prominent engineer John Rennie. The canal started in the tideway of the Dee at Kirkcudbright running along the east bank of the river to Kelton and on to Loch Ken. The ten-mile stretch was to require 14 locks. From the north end of the loch it was an estimated three miles to the Boat Pool of Dalry where the project ended. The entire cost was calculated at £33,382. ‘The Company of Proprietors of the Glenkens Canal Navigation’, comprising 28 individuals who were mostly local landowners, was created to raise the necessary funds. The erection of warehouses and the construction of wharfs along the route was positively encouraged. ������������������� ����������������������� ������������������������ ��������������������� ������������������������������ ������������������������ ������������������������� Such a canal had actually been mooted at least 30 years earlier by Gordon of Greenlaw, Sheriff of Kirkcudbright, who had suggested the Tarff or the Urr as alternatives to the Dee. New Galloway’s native son, Robert Heron, was a keen supporter of the idea but, knowing the Glenkens folk as he did, he suspected they would have no stomach for such a project which, though modest in conception, appeared to them highly ambitious. They did not realise, quite yet, that good communications were the key to future prosperity. Heron, however, remained optimistic. When the canal was built it would open up a district that has ‘too long remained in a stationary condition’. Of course it never was built but when John Rennie, builder of the Lancaster Canal, London Bridge and the Lune Aquaduct, constructed the Ken Bridge in1820-21, at a cost of £10,960 (approximately £466,000 today), he left spaces for the ‘flat boats’ or barges that might yet pass under its arches. There may be a message here for us today, namely that we can talk about the economic potential of new technologies until they become redundant, with no benefit whatsoever to the community. A final thought - Rennie’s splendid granite bridge over the Ken joined that other fine specimen at Tongland designed by Thomas Telford (1808). Bridge of Dee, downriver from Threave Castle, was built in the early 1700s; High Bridge of Ken, above College Linn, must have been built around the same time. Our own bridge is almost 200 years old, the others even older. Are we building any bridges today that will last that long? Are we treating Rennie’s magnificent creation with appropriate respect, pounded daily as it is by timber trucks, agricultural traffic and private cars in the middle of the road, fearful of the proximity of the bridge’s balustrades? The bridge symbolises the triumph of roads over rivers, an important icon of Glenkens heritage which must be preserved for posterity. Ted Cowan FORREST ESTATE Local suppliers of firewood logs, kindling and chiminea wood. Hardwood and so�wood produced from sustainable, FSC cer�ficated woodland. Various quan��es available for collec�on or bulk delivery. ������������������������������������������������������������ ����������������������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������������������������� Call for details 01644 430 230 office@forrestestate.com GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL ( 01644 420234 ( Glenkens Gazette page 13 The Bells of the Glenkens The earliest bell from the Glenkens is quite different from any of the others. It is the bronze covering of an early Celtic bell which was found in a moss at Monybuie at the east end of Balmaclellan parish, and is believed to date from around the fifth century. It is on display in the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. The other bells all hang in the churches or Town Halls. The oldest of these is the fine bell in Kells Church, which is inscribed ‘Ex Dono Gullielmi Gordon. Quirin De Visser Me Fecit. Rotterdami 1722.’ This may be translated as ‘Donated by William Gordon. Quirin De Visser made me. Rotterdam 1722.’ Tradition has it that the well-known Covenanter Roger Gordon of Largmore presented the bell to Kells Church after the times of persecution. It is not fully clear whether he also went by the name of William Gordon or whether a related member of the family gave the bell. The old bell from Carsphairn Church may be viewed inside the church (see also photo). It was badly cracked after it fell to the ground. It was made by Robert Maxwell of Edinburgh in 1723 and donated to the church by Rev John Reid, who was minister from 1694 until 1737. The current bell hanging in the belfry was presented to the church by the heritors in 1886 and made by John C. Wilson & Co of Glasgow. Dalry Church’s bell is simply inscribed ‘Dalry: 1754’. It is believed to have been made by Ralph Ashton of Wigan. The birdcage belfry of Balmaclellan Church has a bell inscribed ‘1633 / Recast 1886 / JBA McKinnel.’ McKinnel’s had a foundry in Dumfries. It is unfortunate that the original bell had to be recast. New Galloway Town Hall has two bells. The Treble bell is inscribed, ‘Ex Dono Magistri Gulielmi Cochran, Kilmarnock / R.M. Fecit. Edr 1711. S. Miller & Co, Glasgow, April 1812 / I. Watt Fecet.’ The Tenor bell is inscribed, ‘For Willeam Viscount of Kenmur. R.M. Fecit. Edin: 1711 / For the Hon. Mrs Louisa Bellamy Gordon. Recast A.D. 1872 / (on the waist the Arms of the Burgh and the Arms of Kenmure.) So Robert Maxwell of Edinburgh cast two bells for the steeple in 1711 and both subsequently have been recast. The larger bell was recast when the present clock, by Gillett and Bland of Croydon, was installed and the latter strikes on it. There is no founder’s name but the style is of John C. Wilson of Glasgow. Dalry Town Hall has an uninscribed bell which was presented to the village in 1890 with the clock by James Alexander of Mackilston. So all of these bells have tolled out across our parishes for over a hundred years and some for nearly three centuries. The information in this article came from a paper on ‘The Church and Other Bells of the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright’ by F.C. Eeles and R.W.M. Clouston, published in the Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland of 1966-67, which is available on the internet. David Bartholomew Community Afternoon at Polmaddy Village The second annual community walk organised by Carsphairn Parish Church Social Committee took place at Polmaddy Medieval Village. Following last year’s successful walk and picnic at the lead mines the group organised a tour of the Polmaddy Medieval village and Robin Ade was on hand to lead the walk. Robin delighted the members of the community with tales of community spirit and the importance of the village with its inn to the drovers that used the trail – once the main route through the south west of Scotland. After the walk the group enjoyed coffee and cakes provided by the ladies of the social committee and Mrs Ade. Nigel Martin offered a vote of thanks to Robin for his enlightening guided tour. The ruins of Polmaddy are accessible to everyone and there are illustrated signs –drawn by Robin – outlining the sites. The ruins are situated along the forest road opposite Dundeugh village on the A713. Glenkens Gazette page 14 ALEX FERGUSSON MSP FOR GALLOWAY AND UPPER NITHSDALE Holds regular advice surgeries at: 2 St ANDREW STREET, CASTLE DOUGLAS on the second Friday of every month from 5pm Telephone free on 0800 028 7260 for an appointment or to make any alternative arrangement’ You can visit Alex’s website at www.alexfergusson.org.uk or contact him by e-mail at alex.fergusson.msp@scottish.parliament.uk ��������� Hotel �������� ���������������� ������������������������������� ��������������������������������������� ������������ �������������������������������� ������������������������ �������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������ ���������������������� �������������������������� ���������������������� ���������� ��������������������� ������������������������������� �������������� ������������������������� ����������������� ���������������������� � � ������������������������ Glenkens Gazette page 15 Health Tips: TIPS FOR HEALTHY CHILDREN by Nutritionist, Dietician & Allergy Specialist Lorna Willock 1) Make sure they eat a breakfast low in sugar and containing plenty of fibre such as porridge or weetabix. A lot of boxed breakfast cereals calling themselves ‘wholegrain’ are loaded with sugar. 2) Give them plenty of fruit snacks rather than sweets during the day. Dried fruit such as little boxes of raisins are great for carrying in the car, handbag or schoolbag. 3) Make sure they are having plenty of protein for growth and cut back on pasta and pizza for tea – these are loaded with carbohydrates and fat with very little protein. 4) Make the bread wholemeal from the start. We all get to like what we are used to so start with wholemeal bread which is full of fibre. 5) Give plenty of water to drink or dilute some fresh fruit juice. Cans of fizzy juice are loaded with sugar and a lot of diluting drinks contain colourings and aspartame. 6) Try to do as much home cooking as possible e.g. soups, stews and avoid ‘ready meals’. 7) If the kids are hungry then peanut butter and wholemeal toast makes a nutritious snack rather than crisps or biscuits. 8) The food industry advertises a lot of foods unhealthy for children. If they have a good, nutritious start in life this builds powerful immune systems and keeps childhood obesity at bay. For further info contact Lorna: Fresh turkeys, copas free range turkeys, geese, ducks, etc. Now taking orders for Christmas! Don’t forget to order your New Year roasts & steak pies... See us at Dalry Farmers Market on the 2nd Sat each month. T H CARSON, THE CROSS, MILL ST, DALBEATTIE 01556 610384 01644 470218 www.foods4life.co.uk lorna@foods4life.co.uk Glenkens Gazette : Advertising Rates 2010 Advert Format Basic Small Quarter page Half page Full page Colour Colour Colour Colour Size Price per Discount for issue Block of 3 ads 6cm x 6cm £31.50 10% 9cm x 13cm £68.25 25% 13cm x 18cm £126.00 25% 18cm x 27cm £210.00 25% (Prices exclude VAT @ 17.5%) To place an advert please contact the Glenkens Gazette on 01644 420374 KENBRIDGE HOTEL New Galloway New Galloway Open 7 Days : Beautiful Riverside Location Golf Club M E A L S S E RV E D 12.00 - 2.00pm, 5.30 - 8.30pm www.nggc.co.uk TRADITIONAL LOG FIRE bed and breakfast en suite accommodation Dalry Domestic and Agricultural Fencing 01644 430 495 (Peter) or 07767 795 498 (Jonathan) v 01644 420737 v ( 01644 420 211 ( Buggies now available for hire www.kenbridgehotel.co.uk VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME mail@kenbridgehotel.co.uk FHB Fencing Founded 1902 The Clog & Shoe Workshop Balmaclellan Open 10am - 5pm weekdays In winter please ring to arrange a visit. Tel: 01644 420465 NEW ONLINE SHOP! www.clogandshoe.co.uk THE STEWARTRY VETERINARY CENTRE CASTLE DOUGLAS SURGERY HOURS Mon-Fri 2.00-2.30 pm & 5-6 pm Sat 2-2.30 pm DALBEATTIE SURGERY HOURS Mon, Wed, Fri 3-3.30 pm Tues & Thurs 6-6.30 pm FOR APPOINTMENTS AT BOTH SURGERIES OR IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY ( 01556 502263 ( VETERINARY SURGERY OAKWELL ROAD CASTLE DOUGLAS Glenkens Gazette USEFUL NUMBERS: ● Pot-hole Hotline: 0845 276 0000 ● Local Police: 0845 600 5701 ● Crimestoppers: 0845 555 111 Dalry Library Opening Times Tue: 2 - 4.30pm then 5.30 - 7.30pm Fri: 11:15am - 1:15pm then 2 - 4.30pm 23 mobile library stops - to find out where and when call 430 234 TIMES OF WORSHIP IN THE GLENKENS CHURCH OF SCOTLAND Sundays Balmaclellan 12noon 1st Carsphairn 10.30am 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th(Oct) Dalry 12noon 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Kells 10.30am 2nd (Oct) 3rd 4th Special Services and Events 3rd Oct, 10.30am: Harvest Thanksgiving Service in Carsphairn Church, followed by Harvest Lunch in Lagwyne Hall 3rd Oct, 12noon: Harvest Thanksgiving Service in Balmaclellan Church, followed by Harvest Lunch in Balmaclellan Village Hall 3rd Oct, 6.30pm: Harvest Songs of Praise in Carsphairn Church 11th Oct, 7.30pm: Fellowship Dinner at Ken Bridge Hotel with Gavin and Desiree Campbell from South Africa 30th Oct, 10am-12noon: Abbas Rest Coffee Morning, Dalry Town Hall 31st Oct, 10.30am: United Service with Glenkens Curch Choir in Carsphairn Church 14th Nov, 11am: Ceremonies at New Galloway and Balmaclellan War Memorials, followed by Remembrance Service in Kells Church 19th Nov, 7.30pm: Quiz Night in Balmaclellan Village Hall 26th Nov, 7.30pm: Scottish Night with John Douglas and friends in Dalry Town Hall Communion Service: 24th Oct, 12noon: Dalry Church 7th Nov, 12noon: Balmaclellan Church 21st Nov, 10.15am: Carsphairn Church SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH (C of E) St Margaret’s, New Galloway: Holy Communion - 10.30am every Sun & Wed CATHOLIC CHURCH SERVICES Gatehouse of Fleet: Sat, 6pm Kirkcudbright: Sun, 9.30am Dalbeattie: Sun, 11am St Ninian’s Episcopal Church, Castle Douglas, contact Rev McFadden for info on 01557 330687. page 16 GLENKENS DIARY FOR ALL EVENTS OCTOBER Sat 2, Theatre Objektiv – A Promised Land, 7.30pm, The CatStrand Mon 4, Dalry CC Meeting, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall Thu 7 – Sat 23, Stewartry Camera Club Exhibition,The Tolbooth, Kirkcudbright Thu 7, Storytelling Café - Renita Boyle presents Truly Goulie, 7.30–9.30pm, The CatStrand, New Galloway Mon 11, Kells CC Meeting, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall Wed 13, Film: Alice in Wonderland, 2pm, The CatStrand Thu 14, Magic Spaghetti by Virginia Radcliffe - Licketyspit Theatre Company & Brunton Theatre, Workshop: 12pm, Show: 2:30pm Thu 14, SOC Talk with Mike Betts, see p10 Sat 16, Book Launch & Dalry Bird Town Event, 10am, Dalry Town Hall Mon 18, Workshop 1: Environmental Art Taster Day, 10am -4pm, Dalry School, see p11 Tue 19 – Fri 22, Creative Explorer Workshop, 10am–4 pm each day, Dalry School, see p11 Thu 21, Craft Group, 2-4pm, Dalry Community Centre, see p2 Thu 21, GTI bus trip to Summerlee Ind. Museum, see p9 Fri 22, Andy White, 8pm, The CatStrand Sat 23, Storytelling Festival On Tour - Eastern Routes: Authentic Voices, 7:30pm, The CatStrand Sat 23, Music & Songs of the 30’s & 40’s with Terri Farley, Jim McPhee & Colin Feierabend, 7.30pm , Mossdale Hall, see p2 Sun 24, Storytelling Masterclass, 10am-1pm, The CatStrand, New Galloway Mon 25, Carsphairn CC Meeting, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall Wed 27, Film: Departures directed by Yojiro Takita, 7.30pmThe CatStrand Fri 29, Balmaclellan CC Meeting, 7.30pm , Balmaclellan Village Hall Sat 30, Abbas Rest Coffee Morning, 10am12noon, Dalry Town Hall, see p2 Sat 30, Madame Bibelots House of Otherworldly Delights, 5 -9pm, The CatStrand, New Galloway DECEMBER Wed 1, Galloway Gatherings Lecture Series, 2-4pm, The CatStrand, see p8 Wed 1, GTI bus trip to Ayr – xmas shopping or the Races, see p9 Fri 3, CatStrand Youth Players, The CatStrand Sat 4, Carsphairn’s Got (Even More) Talent, 7.30pm, Lagwyne Hall REGULAR EVENTS: Glenkens Ramblers, meet Mon 2pm in summer, 1.30pm in winter, outside Bank of Scotland, Dalry Scouts: Mon, 7–8.30pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Mother & Toddlers Group: Tues 9.45-11.15am, New Galloway Town Hall Beavers: Tues, 6.30–7.45pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Glenkens Walking Group, meet Wed 2pm in summer, 1.30 in winter, outside Bank of Scotland, Dalry Stewartry Camera Club: most Wednesdays throughout the winter at 7.30 pm in The Tolbooth, Kirkcudbright Mossdale Painters, starts again Wed 29 Sept, Mossdale Village Hall, 9.30am each Wed for 10 sessions, see p12 Cub Scouts: Wed, 6.45–8pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Lions Club monthly quiz, alternating between The CatStrand & Lochinvar Hotel. For further info contact Andrew Frew on 420 323. The CatStrand, New Galloway (see p6&7) Exercise to Music: Mon, 10-11am Play it by Ear: every Mon during term time, 1.302.30pm Children’s Dance Classes with Margaret Morris Movement: every Mon during term time, 4-5pm (ages 8-12) Taking the Next Step in Computing: Mon, 5.30– 7.30pm Carers Coffee & Chat, starts Tues 1st Dec, 10am12noon Teen Spirit: every Tues during term time, 7.309.30pm Taking the First Step in Computing: Wed, 5.307.30pm Gentle Yoga & Relaxation, Thurs, 10-11.15am Afternoon Tea Club: 2nd Fri each month, 2pm Baby Reflexology, drop-in last Fri each month 10amNOVEMBER 12noon Mon 1, Stillmotion with Starcatchers present We Art Club, 2nd Sat each month, 10am– Dance, Wee Groove - A Dance Event for Pre-School Saturday 12noon Children, 1:30pm, The CatStrand Tone & Stretch, Fri 10am, £4/£3 Thu 11, SOC Talk with Norman Elkins, see p10 Youth Players, will start again on 5 Sept Wed 10, Gerry and Donal O’Connor, 7.30pm, The Catstrand and run every Sun during term time from 3-5pm CatStrand Glenkens Youth Choir, Sun, 5-6pm Wed 17, Galloway Gatherings Lecture Series, 2CatStrand Playstation Tournaments: contact The 4pm, The CatStrand, see p8 CatStrand for info. Fri 19, Dalry Angling Association AGM, 7.30pm, Lochinvar Hotel, Dalry Dalry Community Centre (for info or to book contact Sarah on 430 393) Sat 20, White: Catherine Wheels Theatre Company with Brunton Theatre, 2pm, The CatStrand, New Glenkens Playgroup: Mon-Fri, 9.15-11.45am Galloway Paint & Art: Mon 1.30-4.30pm Sat 20, Kells School Christmas Fayre, 10am-12noon, Ballroom & Latin Dance drop-in class: Mon 7.30-9pm, Kells School £5 Wed 24, Galloway Gatherings Lecture Series, 2Ballroom & Latin Dance course: Mon 9-10pm, for 4pm, The CatStrand, see p8 more info tel Sam Hood on 01644 420672 Wed 24, Film: A Single Man, 7:30pm, The Good Neighbours Club: Tues 2pm CatStrand Kickback Martial Arts: Tues & Thurs 7-9pm, Thu 25, Christmas Shopping Evening, 5-8pm, The both adults & children welcome CatStrand, New Galloway Wed 27, The Sofa Show featuring Fred MacAulay & Glenkens Mother & Toddlers: Wed 1.30-3pm Craft Class: Thurs 2-4pm Parrot, 8pm, The CatStrand Brownies: Wed 5.30-6.45pm Mon 29, Discovery Film Festival – Shorts for Wee Ones, 1.30pm, The CatStrand Guides:Wed 5.30-7pm the Glenkens Gazette WRITE FOR THE GAZETTE! 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Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document August/September 2010 ISSUE 59 www.glenkensgazette.com Jayde to Run for World Champion Jayde Devlin, Sombo Champion for Great Britain, grew up in the Glenkens. After moving to Dumfries a few years ago, Jayde joined Closeburn Judo/Sombo Club. “I moved to Carsphairn when I was three years old and then to Balmaclellan when I was seven years old, where I stayed there until I was 21,” says Jayde. “Judo/ Sombo is a great way to meet new people and it as a good way to keep physically fit. I have found it beneficial as I can do it in my spare time, it’s a lot of fun but also serious when it comes to competitions. I have met people from all around the world and will be travelling to lots of new destinations. It is possible for anyone of any age to join and I would thoroughly recommend it to everyone!” Coach Robin Hyslop of the Closeburn club where Jayde trains says: “Since Jayde has been training at Closeburn Judo/Sombo Club he has become an inspiration to many of the students due to the extreme amount of hard work he puts into his training. In the short time that Jayde has been with the club, his dedication has paid off as earlier on this year he became Great Britain 100+ Kilo Sombo Champion”. Robin explains that Sombo Wrestling, or Sambo to use the correct name, is short for ‘SAMozashchit aBezOruzhiya’ which, translated, means ‘self defense without weapons’. This martial art was designed primarily for the Russian army, using many of the folk wrestling styles of Russia and martial arts from Japan. There are two sides to Sombo; the sport wrestling style, and the combat military style. Both styles are evenly effective and over the last 20 years Sombo has become more and more popular in the western world with many worldwide tournaments taking place. “Since Jayde has become the number one heavyweight for the British Team, he has been selected to fight in the World Sombo Championships which will be taking place in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, in November,” says Robin. “Jayde will also be competing in the Scottish Open Judo and Sombo Championships at DG1 in Dumfries on the 24th July 2010 - a prestigious event which attracts players from all over the world. After this event there will be hard training for Jayde leading up to the World Championships, and all the members from Closeburn Judo/Sombo Club are backing him all the way. Jayde has the right attitude to become a world champion – he’s physically fit and very strong, a very popular player in the club and he has a brilliant sense of humor.” Jayde is currently looking for sponsorship to help him on his way to the top, so if any local business or individual is interested please get in touch with coach Robin Hyslop on 07803129973 or robinhyslop@angelfifteen.fsnet.co.uk. Glenkens Schools Working Together Health Week was a cluster event for pupils of Dalry, Carsphairn and Kells primary schools. It introduced the children to different ways of keeping fit and healthy, showing them we can all find something we enjoy doing that is good for our health! It was also part of our ongoing project to work collaboratively as a cluster, meaning we can offer more experiences to the children as we are sharing resources and transport, etc. Also they are developing relationships across the schools, which build on friendships established in Nursery, strengthening these links throughout primary and making their transition to Dalry Secondary much easier. The P7s visited the Galloway Sailing Centre, P6 went Mountain Biking with Outdoor Education to Dalbeattie forest, P4/5 visited Laggan Outdoor Centre and Mossyard beach and P1-3 went orienteering to Kirroughtree which was led by the Forestry Commission team. We celebrated the end of the week with a musical performance from Kim Wheeler, who had prepared songs and materials to support our message. All three schools would like to say a big thank you to all the parents, specialists and centres who helped to make the week such a huge success! All the children (and staff!) had great fun and learned a lot through this practical approach. See p5 for more... IN THIS ISSUE... 2 - Local Author: Margaret Elphinstone, Noticeboard, Carsphairn Community Garden Success 3 - Community Councils 4 - Schools Report 5 - Schools Report: Health Week 6 - CatStrand Events 7 - CatStrand Community News, The Bus (GTI) 8 - Local History: S R Crockett 9 - SR Crockett cont, Alternative Games 10- Local History: Gordons of Largmore 11- Largmore Conventicle 2010 12 - Organ & Harp Recital, Walking Groups, Ruby’s 80th, Mossdale Painters, New Galloway Golf Club 13 - Mulloch Race, Carsphairn First Responders, 3 Peaks Challenge, Meerkats 14 - Brass Concert for Combat Stress 15 - Carsphairn Show, Youth Update 16- Church Times, Dalry Library Times, Useful Numbers, Glenkens Diary of Events Glenkens Gazette page 2 Local Author: Margaret Elphinstone Historical novelist Margaret Elphinstone moved to the Glenkens just under two years ago; this is the second time she has set up home in Galloway, where her writing career began in the 1980s. “Galloway is the place which shaped me as a writer,” says Margaret. “It is a setting which inspires me. I can relate to a landscape like this. I walk a lot and that’s good thinking time for a writer. And I find the places where I walk inspiring - sky, hills, woods, rivers – water is very important.” Her writing is characterised by people on journeys to places on the edge - islands, frontiers - where cultures and ideas meet. Her first novel, The Incomer (also known as Clachanpluck), is set in Galloway but subsequently her novels have varied widely in time and place – from Greenland and North America in the 10th century to the Isle of Man in the 19th. Her most recent book, The Gathering Night, is set 8000 years ago among the Mesolithic hunter-gatherers on what is now the west coast of Scotland. “I grew up in the country,” explains Margaret. “I’ve never set a book in an urban setting. I find it hard to explore character when people are detached from the land they live on.” When she lived in a city, she says, she was always travelling somewhere else in order to write. “I need a degree of solitude to write. I need some people around me – but not too many.” A new edition of The Gathering Night was published by Canongate in August 2010. For more about Margaret’s writing visit www.margaretelphinstone.co.uk Above - Margaret Elphinstone on one of the many sea trips she has undertaken while writing. Right - Margaret on Woodhall Loch in the coracle she built while researching ‘The Gathering Night’. Noticeboard Glenkens Agricultural Show Saturday 14th August in the standing stone field, the Grennan, New Galloway. Judging commences 9.30am, admission on gate. Glenkens Society Annual Flower & Veg Show Sat 28 Aug, Dalry Town Hall, doors open at 2pm, entries as to be returned to Hilda McAdam before 6pm on the Mon prior to the show. Alternative Games 2010 Sun 8 August, New Galloway Park, 2pm Christina Lawrie - Piano Soloist Sat September 18, Dalry Town Hall, 8pm, Tickets £9 Barscobe to Corriedoo - Have You Walked This Way? The official definition of a right of way is that it must run from one public place (such as a road) to another public place; follow a more or less defined route; must have been used openly and peaceably by members of the public otherwise than with permission, express or implied of the landowner, and must have been so used without substantial and effective interruption for a period of 20 years or more. Use of such a route, in such a way and for such a period constitutes the right of way as a matter of fact, and it is not necessary that the right of way be declared by the court or be entered onto a register or map. Rights of way are created and preserved by members of the public using such routes ‘as of right‛. A questionnaire is being circulated, the purpose of which is to obtain evidence from past and current users as to the nature, amount and period of use of the route, to allow a view to be taken on whether the route meets these criteria or not, without relying on anecdotal evidence. If there is evidence that the route is a right of way, the route may be used by the public, whether the route is included in the adopted Core Paths Plan or not. The questionnaires have recently been sent to June Hay, secretary of Balmaclellan Community Council, for distribution - if you would like a questionnaire, contact June on 420 361 or email junehay@glenkensbb.co.uk or pick one up from Balmaclellan Village Shop. CARSHAIRN COMMUNITY GARDEN WINS FINANCIAL SUPPORT Carsphairn Community Council has been awarded a £13,000 grant by Dumfries and Galloway LEADER Programme to complete the Carsphairn Community Garden. The Council’s Garden Sub-Group, lead by David Richmond and with the help of a dedicated group of volunteers from the community, have been working diligently for several years to create an attractive outdoor amenity in the village. This will benefit not only the Carsphairn community but also those visitors who stop off in the village to visit the Heritage Centre or Carrick’s tearoom. Community Council Chair, Matt Hickman, comments: “This generous support from LEADER, together with £4,000 we have received from the Stewartry Area Committee and private local funds, mean that we can plan to finish the project by next summer. It will turn what was a derelict piece of ground opposite the Church and the School into a bright and attractive facility of which the village can be truly proud.” Right: Artist’s impression of finished garden by Robin Ade. Glenkens Gazette page 3 Balmaclellan Community Council Extract from minutes of meeting held 28 June Andrew Bielinski gave a presentation on the Biosphere which provided a great deal of information. It was emphasised that this is a project to which communities can contribute. More information can be obtained from Andrew Bielinski S.N.H. Loch Hill wind-farm project was discussed, with an outline of the idea, then a Q & A session, the ‘formal’ consultation only beginning when the planning application is submitted. Some issues under consideration are: The ‘Civic Pride’ presentation; could be a useful source of funds to assist with planned repairs of ‘Old Mortality’ and other possibilities to be explored at next meeting. Funds may be available from July. D&G C ‘village tidy -up scheme’; all villages contacted in rotation in Stewartry for assistance. Feedback from convention of CC’s, the main item of which was presentation by Miriam Owen, development worker with D&G Small Communities Housing Trust (D&GSCHT). Clarification was provided on an important difference between housing associations and this Trust; that it is not required to accommodate homeless tenants, but was formed to enable local people in small communities to remain there and to provide housing for essential workers. The idea of a collective Glenkens website was discussed but doesn’t seem a popular notion. The possibility of a joint presentation for Glenkens CC’s through Planning Aid charity was discussed. It was reported that Glenkens Sustainable Development Steering Group will reconvene when the planning decision regarding Black Craig Windfarm is known, to consider forming a ‘Trust’. The planning application for eight static caravans to be sited at the KenBrig Hotel was discussed, with various views expressed and some reservation regarding parking for cars. Next meeting: Friday 27 August, 7.30pm , Balmaclellan Village Hall Carsphairn Community Council Extract from minutes of meeting held 30 May As the community council is not yet up to full membership, a voting member can be co-opted onto the council. David Whyte has expressed an interest and was asked if he was prepared to be a voting member until the next election of members to which he agreed. The issue of road closure of the A713 through Carsphairn is ongoing, and the CC is working to arrange dialogue with East Ayrshire council. Cllr Duncan made the point that the lack of advance notice was also part fault of Dumfries and Galloway. A discussion took place with him about the lack of signage and the lack of information about the length of diversion. It was reported to him that some of the few diversion signs are still in situ and that members of the community have in fact been round to turn them over to stop confusion. There are various planning applications in the parish: Plot 2 Marbrack - approval of matters specified in conditions of outline planning consent. Dalshangan Woods – temporary siting of two caravans. Yellowcraig, Moniaive – amended proposal for house extension. Corlae – application for extension to property. A member of the CC will inspect plans at the Planning Office and report back to the CC. Regarding the Community Garden, please see opposite page regarding successful grant funding. A vote of thanks was given to David Whyte for the huge effort he put in on the application and also to David Richmond for his help with this. There has been a request from Kelton Community Council for advice and attendance at their meeting regarding Mayfield Community windfarm - a representative from CCC will attend. A request from 2020 Renewables was received by email for dialogue with Carsphairn Community Council regarding the proposed Loch Hill windfarm. They had been advised that it was not practical to attend our meeting and so it was arranged that members of the CC would attend the Public Information Day in Dalry Town Hall on Wednesday 9 June. On the issue of Core Paths, some landowners in the area have not been contacted regarding the proposed core paths despite the access officer maintaining they have been. Impositions have been made without consultation. Some landowners are not happy with the situation. Discussion took place regarding placing a footpath from the top of the village to Bridgend. This is no further forward and is to be put on the agenda for the next meeting. Next meeting: Monday 30 August at 7pm, Lagwyne Hall Dalry Community Council Extract from minutes of meeting held 13 June AGM - Election of Officers: Chairman – Angus, Vice Chairman - A Holmes, Treasurer - G Bell, Secretary - M Jones. It was confirmed that Loreburn do not own the Whinneymuir site - DGHP do. It is said that a response has been received to a recent letter to the Planning department, in respect of the development by Kindbuild, by Alex Ferguson, but this is not yet confirmed. A member of the CC has been in touch with Planning Aid, and assistance will be given by someone not linked to the village and as far as they can tell, the steps the CC have taken in respect of the query over the Kindbuild development have been sensible. An opinion is awaited as to whether the Council’s actions were lawful. There had been some damage to the Church Roof and this has been addressed. PC Bruton also confirmed that the airgun incident by the School had been looked into and dealt with. Regarding pavements, roads and verges, it was reported that there were a number of potholes in Kirkland Street and also in Throughgate. It was advised that there was a rut appearing in the middle section of the road about 1⁄2 mile from Barmurrie as you head towards Corsock. Cllr. Prentice informed members that concerns over the accident black spot at Alan Gibbon Bridge will be addressed as it had been confirmed to him that it was on the Councils list of items to be dealt with. A couple of meetings ago the question was raised about having a speed restriction installed at the entrance of the village – cars are still abusing the speed limits. G Prentice & PC Bruton suggested that we contact C Clemmy (Cllr Prentice said he would approach him) and PC Bruton will speak with the Camera Unit and see if they will bring the mobile unit to the village a couple of times. The Biosphere scheme was discussed - it is part of Unesco and a Biosphere already exists in D&G – leaflets are freely available from the local shops or library. Andrew Belinski is willing to give a presentation at the Town Hall, specifically to discuss the project. It was agreed that this presentation will be held at our September meeting. Next meeting: Monday 6 September, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall The Royal Burgh of New Galloway & Kells Community Council Extract from minutes of meeting held 12 July The Chair welcomed Alistair Campbell and Alasdair MacLeod (2020 Renewables) to the meeting. They gave a presentation to the Community Council of the proposed Loch Hill windfarm to the north of Borgue and Knockman Hill. LING Chairman Ros Hill reported that she had not received any further updates regarding the Town Hall repairs/upgrading as Anne Sweetin (Dumfries & Galloway Council) had been on sick leave. As Ms Sweetin is now back at work there is a possibility of arranging a short meeting. It was noted that Kells School have been told by Dumfries & Galloway Council that any alterations to the off-road car parking at the school would be acceptable. Action to be taken regarding the loose disused electric wires at Achie Bridge bus stop, which are still awaiting removal; also the problem of the lack of street cleaning and hedge/tree maintenance in New Galloway. The final information board (Kenmure Holms SSSI) is now installed in the Galloway Kite Information Shelter in the car park. Three complaints have been received from members of the public regarding the ‘invisibility’ of the information shelter on occasions, due to the practice of overnight and weekend parking of large vehicles directly in front of the notice boards, rendering them ineffective. The dangerous practice of young people skateboarding down Wylie’s Brae and having no apparent regard to any person or vehicle in the vicinity of High Street or at Achie Bridge was discussed. Next meeting: Monday 9 August, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall Full minutes of local Community Council meetings are available to view at Dalry Library. Glenkens Gazette page 4 GLENKENS SCHOOLS REPORT Carsphairn Primary: The children at Carsphairn Primary have all been learning through the World Cup theme. They made flags for the competing countries, P1-3 designed new football tops and learned about the importance of a healthy body, while the upper primary made powerpoint presentations in a bid for France and Spain to host the next World Cup. As well as footballers, the children all learned about other famous sports people. P1-3 learned about Ellen McArthur’s achievements, while P4-7 chose a famous sportsperson and wrote a short biography about their life. Dalry Primary Show Dalry Primary 4-7 Pupils put on a production of ‘The Big Green Adventure’ on Wednesday 9th June. Everyone had great fun taking part in, and watching, the play. The theme of the play was how everyone can be more eco - friendly whether it’s by recycling or reducing the energy we use. The children learned skills in technology, using wood and cardboard and tools such as hand saws, drills and scalp knives (very safely) to make Victory Vehicles for the winning team. The children impressed their parents at the end of year assembly by displaying their artwork and performing songs which continued the South African theme. Glenkens Speed Shearing Global Enterprise for Dalry: On 15th June Dalry School welcomed A Glenkens Speed Shearing competition, organised by Marcus and Kate Maxwell, which raised £2000 for Carsphairn, Dalry and Kells schools. We hope to use this towards a cluster project and would like to thank Marcus and Kate for organising the event and everyone who supported it! the new S1 pupils for four transition days starting with a one day “Globalocal Enterprise” event. Pupils had to come up with an idea for a local business in order to support an overseas good cause. The winning team decided on ‘Jolly Jam’. They proposed collecting surplus and wild fruit locally, recycling jam jars and selling on your doorstep. The “Jolly Jam” company made a very good presentation to the judges giving them the edge on the competition. All teams had to produce a Business Plan and a Cashflow Statement, quite a challenge considering the one day timescale! Some very amusing video adverts were also produced. Some of the photos and videos of the event can be seen soon at www.dalryschool.dumgal.sch.uk. Our picture shows the winning team enjoying another part of Dalry transition; a fantastic couple of days at Stronord Outdoor Centre where the D&G Outdoor Education team provided a “never to forget” experience. In fantastic weather the pupils did mountainbiking, rock climbing, orienteering and a ‘Tyrolean Traverse’ (scary wires across a gorge). Group leader Paul Bannister of Dalry School said: “You know you have a good group when the teachers enjoy it as much as the pupils.” Dalry School Goes for Capital Punishment! After three weeks of research and preparation in Religious and Moral Education classes the third and fourth year pupils of Dalry School entered the debating chamber on Wednesday 23rd June to decide: “Should capital punishment be brought back?” Miss Winchester, chairperson, then set out the rules for the debate and introduced the first adult speakers. Mr Bannister (Maths) opened for the boys ‘pro’ side and based his impassioned argument on speaking on behalf of the countless dead victims of crime who are now without a voice. Mr Carmichael (PE), supporting the girls ‘con’ side, highlighted many moral and religious reasons why the death sentence should never be reinstated. Every pupil in the chamber stood and made a contribution, drawing on historical, financial, religious and ethical sources, and many case histories. Paul Goodwin (IT Technician) took an international view: “Sentencing criminal despots to death would help to stabilise warring areas”. Mrs Mackinnon (Art) also supported the motion, taking the viewpoint of the mothers of victims of crime. Guest speaker Mr Andrew Mellor recalled how his view changed over the years from pro to con since his father, a policeman, had been involved in the ‘Moors Murders’ enquiry. Although the sides were chosen by gender everyone was then allowed a free vote resulting in a 22 to 15 majority for the reintroduction of the death penalty. More debates will follow next session... Fun & games at Dalry School As the final event preparing Glenkens P7 pupils for Secondary, a Transition Barbecue was held at Dalry School on Monday 28th June, blessed with the only rain we have had in recent weeks! Spirits were not dampened however as FODS (Friends of Dalry School) got the locally produced bangers and burgers sizzling and P7 teacher Mr McKenna got the 35 primary and secondary pupils burning calories with team games in the gym. Now in its second year, this event has proved highly popular with the pupils and staff alike. As term draws to a close, the secondary pupils at Dalry will be doing a sponsored walk in support of local charity shop Debra. Our picture below shows Mr McKenna demonstrating his ‘breakdancing’ to pupils. Glenkens Gazette page 5 GLENKENS SCHOOLS REPORT Glenkens Schools Gets Active! On 31st of May 2010 the p7 kids from the Kells and Dalry primary schools stopped in at the Galloway Activity Centre for a day of kayaking, sailing, laser quest and archery. The day had a strong focus on team-building and fun with the classes having to work closely together when setting up their boats, sailing around the loch and also from stopping the kayaks/funboats capsizing! It wasn’t all wet and cold though with lots of relay races and rafting games to keep the spirits high. “My favourite part was sailing, it was so fun! When we did the first race our team won and the second race our boat was the wrong way around so we lost!” Said Kara Hamilton, P7 The kids got to relax a little more when it came to showing off their precision and accuracy skills at the archery and their tactical shooting skills at laserquest – not to mention how fun it was. “Thank you for a really fun morning. I really liked the laserquest with Dan. My favourite bit was when me and four others chased instructor Stu around the laserquest forest!” James Bosworth, P7. “I thought archery was quite hard to get a hang of, but I soon got it!” Eve Langford, P7 Laser Quest: P7 had a really fun day out during Health Week. We did various activities, my favourite being Laser Quest! First of all we all got guns with a coloured strip and we were in teams. One team would get the higher ground and one team got the low ground. The reds beat the blues in all of their games (I was in the blue team for the first two games and the red team for the last two). I am very appreciative that we have a Health Week and I think it does benefit us going out and doing these activities to get fresh air and meet new people, as well as being active. This was the highlight of my Health Week! By Owen LAGGAN OUTDOOR CENTRE: On Thursday the 3rd of June 2010, P4/5 from Kells, Dalry and Carsphairn Primay schools went to visit Laggan Outdoor Center and Mossyard Beach. When we arrived at Laggan we were split into two groups. One group stayed at Laggan and the other group got on the coach and went to the beach. At Laggan we were met by three people who took us to the archery shed. We all had to put on a wrist guard and stand behind a blue line so we didn’t get hit. We got called out two at a time to have a practice at archery, we all got four arrows and we tried to hit the target. After the practice we played a points round. On the target there were different coloured circles worth different points. To finish off the archery we had balloons pinned to the target which we had to try and burst. Whilst this was all happening different groups were called out to go grass sledging. We got a red sledge that had tracks on it. Each sledge had one lever at each side. If you pulled a lever you turned to that side. If you pulled both of the levers you stopped. There was a steep hill that we had to pull our sledge up. We got in our sledge and went zooming down the hill. It was hard work but lots of fun. At the beach we saw some boats. When we went paddling the sea was cold. There was a massive clump of muscle shells all over the bottom of the rocks and they were sharp on our feet. We had our lunch at the beach. By the time we had to go home we were all exhausted. We all loved it, it was awesome! By Emma Jordan & Jack Patterson, P5 Orienteering: On Thursday P1, 2 and 3 went to Kirroughtree Forest. First we went into the class room and a lady called Lucy talked to us about maps and orienteering. Kells went orienteering first. Lucy said we could go for a walk in the forest. We got to go to the play park afterwards. It was fun. Then we went back to the class room to have lunch and at one a clock we went orienteering. First we split in three groups then Lucy told us about the map. Then we had to find number fourteen stamp and then we went different ways to find the other stamps and my group was called Dalry Eagles. We came second and our time was forty minutes. By Cameron & Annabelle, P3 Glenkens Gazette page 6 The CatStrand: News & Events Storytelling Café, Thurs 5 Aug, 7.30 – 9.30pm, free but donations for tea and coffee welcome. An informal and relaxing evening - this month’s café will be hosted by Tony Bonning. David Hughes Dance Company: ‘SOLO WORKS’, Sat 18 Sept, 7:30pm, £10/£8. David Hughes Dance Productions presents a quadruple bill performance of dance with original commissions by Christopher Bruce, Cesc Gelabert, Siobhan Davies and Javier de Frutos. Exhibition: Joan Eardley and Lady Audrey Walker, runs until Thurs 2 Sept, CatStrand Sportinghouse Strings, Sat 25 Sept, opening hours. This exhibition offers a fantastic 7:30pm, £10/£8. Sporting House Strings, opportunity to see and enjoy works by the originally Tommy Burton’s rhythm section (and renowned Scottish artist Joan Eardley and her much more), has established a big following on friend and photographer, Audrey Walker. It has the British jazz scene over the years. been drawn from the Gracefield Arts Centre permanent collection, Dumfries, and the private collection of the Young NADFAS Arts Exhibition: Fairies and Walker family. Pirates, Mermaids and Crocodiles, Dreams of Flying, Magic, Beauty and Stars, Sat 25 Rachel Hair Trio, Sat 7 Aug, 8pm, £10/ Sept – Thurs 30 Sept, CatStrand opening hours. £6. With her eclectic mix of traditional and Over the summer there will be a competition for contemporary Scottish and Irish music, as well young people (under 18) throughout Dumfries & as original music, celtic harpist Rachel Hair has Galloway to produce a piece of art inspired by the been described as “one of the most innovative story of Peter Pan – a selection of pieces will be chosen for young musicians to have emerged over the last this exhibition. For information please call 01557 500256. few years” (The Irish Music Review). Film: Shutter Island (2010), Wed 29 Sept, 7.30pm, £4.50/ Mischief La Bas: The Laird of £3.50. Drama is set in 1954, U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels is Callybrew and The Cowboys Last investigating the disappearance of a murderess who escaped Round up, part of The Scottish Alternative from a hospital for the criminally insane and is presumed to Games, New Galloway Town Park, Sun 8 be hiding on the remote Shutter Island.(Cert.15). Aug, 1.30 - 6pm. Scotland’s leading street theatre company present The Laird of Callybrew - “The Laird of Callybrew has taken leave of his Estate to award Regular events: Play it by Ear, every Monday during term medals, rosettes and ribbons to anything that catches his time, 1.30–2.30pm, £2 per adult/child + 50p eye. Just try and stop him!” and The Cowboys Last Roundfor each additional child. A weekly song, music up - “These Wild West ranch-hands - rounding up the last of and storytelling session for pre-school children the Urban Buffalo can be a tough job for any cowboy.” and their parents or carers which now takes Film: The Last Station (2009), Wed 25 Aug, place every Monday afternoon. Juice and biscuits included 7.30pm, £4.50/£3.50. A historical drama that in the price. illustrates Russian author Leo Tolstoy’s Children’s Dance Classes with Margaret struggle to balance fame and wealth with his commitment to a life devoid of material things. Nominated Morris Movement, every Monday during term time, 3.15-4pm pre school, 4-5pm age 8-12 years, for 2 Oscars. (Cert.15). free.Dance exercises are created to develop agility, Storytelling Café, Thurs 2 Sept, 7.30–9.30pm, free but balance, co-ordination, elevation, flexibility and donations for tea and coffee welcome. An informal and posture. Please wear loose clothing. relaxing evening - this month’s café will be hosted by John Teen Spirit, every Tues, 7.30pm-9.30pm. Wheeler. A weekly club for young people to hang Jubovski, Sat 4 Sept, 7:30pm, £8/ out, chill, listen to music, eat munchies, £6. Three friends Jub, Peter and Liz play console games on a big screen, watch Cowdrey - having performed both films and plan trips and activities. If you classical and gypsy music together for many years - created are interested in coming along just turn up and see what this unique ensemble to share with their audiences their happens. Special projects in the coming months that you passion for the music of the Eastern European Gypsies. can choose to participate in include the Log onto More Music Exhibition: Phil Howard, Sun 5 Sept - Thurs Bus, songwriting workshops and Guitar Hero Playstation 23 Sept, CatStrand opening hours. An exhibition tournaments on the big cinema screen. of objects created using a woodturning lathe as Saturday Art Club, 2nd Sat of every month, the principal tool. The show will explore and 10am–12noon, £4. Two-hour workshops run demonstrate the range of items that can be by professional artists and teachers, offering produced – some you will expect, some you may not! Phil expert tuition and hands-on experience across Howard from Dalbeattie has been wood turning for many a range of fun filled visual arts and crafts years, he is now semi-professional. activities. Please wear old clothes as things can get messy (ages 5-12). Moishe’s Bagel, Sun12 Sept, 7:30pm, £10/ £8. Rip-roaring, foot-stomping, jazz-inflected CatStrand Youth Players, starts again Sun klezmer and Balkan music from some of 5 Sept and will run every Sun during term time Scotland’s finest musicians. An intoxicating, 3–5pm. The Youth division of the Glenkens 73 life-affirming mix of Eastern European dance Club. If you are interested in acting, directing, music, Middle Eastern rhythms and virtuoso performances. costumes, sound, lighting, stage management or any other an eclectic band made up of accordion, harmonica, bass, aspect of drama or theatre, then come along and have some guitar, violin, mandolin and piano. fun. All welcome (Age 10-18). Glenkens Gazette page 7 The CatStrand: News & Events COMMUNITY EVENTS / CLASSES NEW! Long-Term Conditions Programme Self-Help & Social Group, first monthly meeting Mon 16 Aug, 5–7pm, then every 3rd Mon of the month. Baby Reflexology, drop-in, last Fri of each month, 10am-12noon. Regular Classes: Exercise to Music, Mon, 10-11am, £4/£3. Teen Spirit, Tues during term time, 7.30-9.30pm. Gentle Yoga & Relaxation, Thurs, 10-11.15am, £30 per 6 week block. Taking the First Step in Computing, Wed 5.30pm-7.30pm. Taking the Next Step in Computing, Mon, 5.30–7.30pm. Carers, Coffee & Chat, 1st Tue each month, 10am-12 noon, free. Transport may be available if required, please Great Workshops in August & September Business Gateway are offering a series of three free business start-up courses which will run on consecutive Wednesdays starting 11th August. These consist of Personal & Business Planning, Marketing & Market Research, and Resource Planning & Management. The sessions will be from 9.30am-12.30pm - if you are interested contact The CatStrand to book your place. There are also lots of other workshops on in August and September such as Digital Photography, Reiki, Benefit Advice, Internet, Alzheimer’s Scotland Support and much more – contact Catherine at The CatStrand for further info. Eat @ CatStrand LUNCHES: Mon to Fri, 11am-2pm phone 01644 420374. NEW! Tone and Stretch, Fri 10am, £4/£3. A workout to tone muscle and improve body shape followed by a stretch out to ease those tired/ aching muscles; a great way to start the day! Afternoon Tea Club, 2nd Fri each month, 2pm, annual membership £2. Minibus pick up from Balmaclellan & Dalry by prior arrangement - call 01644 420374. New Galloway Self-Help & Social Group The Stewartry Holistic Self-Help Long-Term Conditions Programme are encompassed within the framework of NHS Building Healthy Communities in Dumfries & Galloway. The plan is to initiate monthly self help/social groups not only in New Galloway but also Castle Douglas Kirkcudbright and Dalbeattie. Activities that can be available include mindfulness, relaxation techniques, massage, reiki, healthy eating/ exercise, positive thinking and communication skills to name but a few. Dumfries & Galloway Arts Association are also offering a wide range of activities from African drumming, painting/drawing, many different crafts, photography, film making, dancing and singing the list goes on... This social group is open to anyone with any long term condition, come and let us know what you would like in your social group. In August we are offering head/scalp or hand massage, armchair exercises and breathing exercises to induce relaxation. Call in for a coffee & chat - see the above listing for dates/times. THE BUS : GLENKENS TRANSPORT INITIATIVE COUNCIL SUPPORT FOR MINI BUS: The Glenkens Transport Initiative (GTI) has recently been successful in securing funding for this year from the Stewartry Area Committee of Dumfries and Galloway Council. GTI were one of the few Transport Initiatives to be awarded funding in South West Scotland and were praised for their work and involvement with the local community and also the quality of the application submitted. The support of our local Councillors is much appreciated and they will be interested to learn that because of the success of GTI, Brian Juffs, who is head of the Transport Directorate of the Scottish Government, has recently requested details of our Initiative as a good example for other such schemes. ACTIVITY SCHEME FOR DISABLED CHILDREN: During the School holidays the mini bus will be helping with transport for disabled children attending an activity scheme in Castle Douglas – this scheme last four weeks, and we are delighted to get involved in yet another aspect of community life. TRIPS: The trip arranged to Kelvingrove Museum on 18th July was fully booked very quickly and another trip will be arranged in September before the Glasgow Boys exhibition closes. Trips during August will mainly be to local events before going further afield to the opening day of the Viking Festival in Largs on Saturday 28th August 2010 and the Victorian Fayre in Lanark on Sunday 5th September 2010. The photographs show a recent visit to Summerlee Heritage Park near Coatbridge – an excellent place to visit and the chance to ride on Scotland’s only electric tram! Another visit for this venue is planned for our younger travellers on Thursday 12th August 2010. Keith Cooper, GTI Administrator WEDNESDAY BUS SERVICE (REGD. ROUTE): CONCESSIONARY BUS PASSES ARE ACCEPTED ON THIS ROUTE, SO PLEASE MAKE USE OF THIS EXTRA SERVICE Timings are as follows: 1900 Dept Dalry (Underhill) 1910 New Galloway 1925 Mossdale 1935 Laurieston 1940 Townhead of Greenlaw 1947 Castle Douglas (Market Street) 1950 Arrive Castle Douglas (Tesco) The return journey : 2045 Departs Castle Douglas (Tesco) 2047 Castle Douglas (Market Street) 2052 Townhead of Greenlaw 2100 Laurieston 2110 Mossdale 2125 New Galloway 2135 Arrive Dalry IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BOOK THE COMMUNITY-BUS OR IF YOU WANT ANY MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT KEITH COOPER, GTI ADMINISTRATOR ON 01644 420374. For further info & to buy tickets visit www.catstrand.com or call 01644 420 374 Glenkens Gazette page 8 LOCAL HISTORY Samuel Rutherford Crockett According to the Crockett Memorial at Lauriston, Galloway’s bestknown novelist was born 150 years ago on 24 September 1860, yet the anniversary will pass with a minimum of notice; there will be no celebrations or festivals in honour of the man who, above all others, attempted to place Galloway on the literary map. In fact he was born a year earlier, the natural son of dairymaid Annie Crockett, at the farm of Little Duchrae on the Hensol estate. For Galloway, wrote Crockett, the Glenkens represented “the heart of the matter”, asserting that every traveller’s road in the province led her or him “at long and last to the Glenkens”. That such is no longer true is certainly no fault of Crockett, who brilliantly evoked the Ken “flowing silver-clear between the greenest and floweriest banks in the world”. The very names of the hills in the Kells range created “a storm of music – Millyea, Milldown, Millfire, Corscrine and the haunted fastnesses of the Meaull of Garryhorn in the head end of Carsphairn”. He wrote of Kenmure Castle, New Galloway, the clachan of St John’s Town of Dalry, “the wide moorland expanse of Lochinvar Loch”, and the Gordon stronghold of Earlstoun. He made good use the local topography in his stories but, as we shall see, his artistic creativity inspired the invention of part of the heritage that we in the Glenkens now enjoy. His Cameronian grandparents ensured that his childhood was glorious as they filled his head with the heroic exploits of the Covenanters and indulged his love of nature and the countryside. Samuel was educated at Lauriston (Clachanpluck), Castle Douglas and Edinburgh University where he supplemented his bursary by occasional journalism. He found employment as a travelling tutor for a while, meeting none other than Bismarck while climbing in the Tyrol. He eventually studied divinity and in 1886 became Free Church minister in Penicuik, naming himself Samuel Rutherford Crockett after the great covenanting minister of Anwoth and author of Lex Rex, regarded as one of the most seditious and subversive treatises of the 17th century. As a student, Sam volunteered for pastoral work in the slums of Edinburgh. His radicalism became overt following the Mauricewood Pit Disaster of 1889 which killed 63 men and boys in his parish. While other ministers explained the tragedy as an act of God, Crockett preached managerial indifference. The men were left to die “with no chance of safety, without even a man’s poor consolation of a fight for life and wife and little ones”. There was no escape because due to a previous accident (ignored by the owners) there was no other exit except that which was blocked by fire and deadly vapour. In a story based on Mauricewood, Crockett has a new minister argue that Jesus Christ was a working man and his followers socialists. Furthermore “the fatherhood of God meant the brotherhood of man”. In his story the outspoken minister goes further than Crockett did in 1889 by explicitly apportioning blame and vowing that those responsible will have to answer for murder before God himself. Such sentiments were regarded as revolutionary in the 1890s. He would return to the theme of the mining disaster to great effect in Vida, or the Iron Lord of Kirktown (1907). He struck up a correspondence with Robert Louis Stevenson through their shared interest in the Pentlands and literature. Stevenson, who was clearly an important influence on his writing, once observed that writers never tackled the subject of rain; both Kidnapped and The Raiders are full of weather. Stevenson’s ultimate tribute to Crockett is moving, indeed haunting, as it encapsulates the very essence of Galloway: “Blows the wind today, and the sun and the rain are flying…”. Ever since his calling to Penicuik Crockett had written short stories for Christian readers, collected as The Stickit Minister in 1893 , the title indicating a clergyman not quite qualified and a degree of authorial self-mockery. It was swiftly followed by The Raiders, the weirdly gothic Mad Sir Uchtred of the Hills, and The Play-Actress, a story of redemption but shocking to Crockett’s parishioners because of his familiarity with theatre; much more acceptable was the phenomenally successful The Lilac Sunbonnet. In 1895 he resigned his charge pleading that God had given him his literary talent with the obvious intention that he should use it. He did so having satirised the Penicuik establishment and members of his own congregation in a series of magazine articles later published as Seven Wise Men. From then on he was a fulltime writer, a sin for which some of the devout were never to forgive him. Is S.R. Crockett worthy of celebration after a century and a half? In twenty years he produced 63 books, some written for children including the two Sweetheart collections which contain much Galloway material. He has often been dismissed, alongside J.M.Barrie of Peter Pan fame and Ian McLaren (Beside the Bonnie Brier Bush [1894]), among others, as ‘kailyard’, which is code for parochial, sentimental, rustic tales set in a Scottish Neverland. Though he could churn out the saccharine with the best of them the charge against Crockett is unfair. His Galloway novels include, in addition to those already mentioned,The Men of the Moss Hags, which tracks the covenanters from the battle of Bothwell Brig (1679) to the Wigtown Martyrs (1685); Lochinvar is a dull sequel. The Standard Bearer is set in the Balmaghie of the Rev. John MacMillan. Silver Sand is a prequel to The Raiders while Dark o’ the Moon is intended as a sequel. The Grey Man, thought by some, but not by me, to be his best, is set mostly in the Ayrshire of James VI. Maid Margaret and The Black Douglas are about medieval Galloway. The latter novel, published in 1899 two years after Dracula, features Gilles de Retz who captures children whose blood he drinks in search of eternal youth. Galloway also features in Lads’ Love and Strong Mac. The melodramatic Kit Kennedy is mainly of interest for its semiautobiographical content. Some stories are set in Europe but Glenkens Gazette page 9 LOCAL HISTORY industrial (and impoverished) Scotland features in Cleg Kelly and Kid McGhie, both of which explore the evil city/rural paradise theme. Cleg opens with the startling statement; “It’s all a dumb lie...God’s dead”, and he goes on to relate that prayer is rubbish. Here Crockett returns to his post-Mauricewood period of doubt and despair while attacking Christian hypocrisy and the injustice of capitalism, though the inconsequential ending may reflect something of his inability to live according to his own ideals. At a banquet held in Dalbeattie in his honour in 1906, Crockett said that he was often asked why he did not write another Raiders or Stickit Minister, helpfully explaining to his local and largely agrarian audience that “You cannot go on producing the same kind of crop. After each book is finished the brain becomes something like cold boiled turnips. To recover its elasticity, to strike fresh that unexhausted soil, one must try a new crop... something as different as possible from the old”. He deliberately experimented with different types of fiction and plot. He confided that his ambition was to write “a real Galloway book, in the full dialect, to be understood only by those to the manner born”. Sadly the promise was never fulfilled before his death on 16 April 1914. Crockett once wrote that if he had not been born upon Loch Grenoch (Little Duchrae) he “would have desired to be born on Loch Ken-side – in some herd’s house up towards the Tinkler’s Loup, past Mossdale, and looking across to the Shirmers”. His Galloway extended far beyond Glenkens, though he wrote much about the glen and he left his mark upon it. Without him there would be no ‘Raiders’ Bridge’ over the Dee at Mossdale and no ‘Raiders’ Road’. There would be no ‘Murder Hole’ at Loch Neldricken either, because this item was borrowed from Nicholson’s Historical and Traditional Tales in which it was set at an indeterminate spot on the borders of Galloway and Ayrshire. In assembling Raiderland all about grey Galloway and its stories, traditions, characters and humours, he The Scottish sought to create a legendary landscape in which he blatantly spliced his own stories with the traditions, history and heritage of Galloway. Before long his success was reflected in postcards and advertisements celebrating ‘Raiders Country’. S.R.Crockett was a literary phenomenon is his own day with impressive sales worldwide. He wrote of heroes and troubled men, gutsy women and precocious children, with sympathy, humour and respect. In our imaginations they inhabited the same alluring landscape as us. Their spirits still hover over the “grey recumbent tombs of the dead in desert places”. Crockett conspicuously put Glenkens on the map like no-one before him. He is our greatest writer who never forgot Galloway and who uniquely understood her people. Galloway should not forget him. To find out more read the novels. See also Islay Murray Donaldson; The Life and Work of Samuel Rutherford Crockett (Aberdeen 1989). Ted Cowan Alternative Games w e e k e n d 2 0 1 0 Friday 6th to Sunday 8th August The Scottish Alternative Games, first held in Parton in 1977 to celebrate the Queen’s Silver Jubilee, moved a few miles north to New Galloway in 2001 and proudly celebrates ten years in Scotland’s smallest Royal Burgh this year. To help mark the occasion we are delighted to welcome back most of our regular events and performers together with the hilarious theatre group ‘Mischief La Bas’ who are appearing at the Games as part of The CatStrand’s regular events programme. They will definitely add to the alternative nature of the day with their impromptu performances of ‘The Laird of Callybrew’ and ‘The Cowboys Last Round Up’ throughout the afternoon. Other new events for 2010 include Laser Quest and Unicycling! Thousands of people from all over the world have enjoyed the enduring family atmosphere of the Alternative Games in the past, whether as spectator or competitor, and although one year we counted 21 different nationalities taking part, The Gird ‘n’ Cleek World Championship has still only been taken out of Scotland on one occasion back in 1987. The edible ‘medals’ awarded to the prize winners of each event are typically Scottish and unique in the world of sport! But there are real trophies too, with the Loch Ken Holiday Centre Trophy awarded to the World Gird ‘n’ Cleek Champion, the Mungo Bryson Memorial Trophy going to the Tossin’ the Sheaf Champion and The Commentator’s Quaich presented to the best overall competitor – in the opinion of the commentators. All events can be entered on the day and all necessary equipment is provided - just bring your sense of humour and be prepared to experience a day out with a difference at this unique family event. You could even end up as a World Champion and win your Sunday dinner along the way! Friday 6th August: The Alternative Games Weekend Ceilidh with The Robert Menzies Ceilidh Band’, New Galloway Town Hall, 8.30pm – 12.30am, adults £6, children £4 (supper included), licensed bar - all welcome! Tickets from Community Council Members or The CatStrand (01644 420374). Saturday 7th August: Rachel Hair Trio, The CatStrand, New Galloway, 8pm, £10/£6. Sunday 8th August: The Scottish Alternative Games 2010, New Galloway Town Park from 2pm, games, craft stalls, sideshows, teas, barbecue, beer tent - admission; adults £4, children £1, free parking. Glenkens Gazette page 10 LOCAL HISTORY THE GORDONS OF LARGMORE The Pentland Rising in late 1666, led by men from the Glenkens area, and in particular men from Dalry, ended in a crushing defeat at Rullion Green. The Covenanters were met by 3,000 well-armed Government troops, and many lost their lives. The survivors, many of them wounded in the battle, admitted defeat and headed for home. John Gordon, of Largmore in Kells parish, was seriously wounded but managed to reach home. Sir William Bannatyne was sent to Galloway with a regiment of 400 foot soldiers and 80 horsemen soon after the Pentland Rising, and most were stationed in the Glenkens. They set about persecuting any local people whom they suspected were sympathising with the Covenanters. Fines were imposed, and goods and stock seized where fines could not be met. Women and children were molested, houses were burned down and many were made homeless. Bannatyne was notorious for the atrocities he and his men committed. When Bannatyne heard that John Gordon was home at Largmore, he ordered that he should be brought to him, dead or alive. A cart was taken as the soldiers knew John Gordon would not be fit to ride or walk. When they came to Largmore with their message from Bannatyne, John painfully raised himself up on his bed. He said he defied Sir William Bannatyne and all his persecutors, but he forgave them, adding that he would soon be in better company. He lay back in his bed and shortly afterwards he breathed his last. He was buried in Kells Kirkyard beside his grandfather who had died five years earlier, aged 72 years. Roger Gordon, who seems to have followed John as laird of Largmore, was also a well-known Covenanter. He may have been a son of John, but it is possible that he was a nephew, being descended from an elder brother. Roger Gordon was at the battle of Bothwell Bridge in 1679, when the Covenanters were again defeated. He fled south with some friends and eventually they reached Moniaive where they spent some time with friends. At nightfall they set out to resume their journey and as they made their way up Castlefairn Water they suddenly saw a company of troopers who had been sent to Craggy Mains to disperse a conventicle. Roger and his friends fled to the home of a friend at Knockaughley on Craigdarroch Water and were soon sitting down to a hearty meal by a roaring fire, and sharing all the latest sad news. Suddenly the sound of horses’ hooves was heard outside the cottage. The lady of the house quickly led Roger and his friends to a small dairy room at the back of the house, hidden behind furniture, and ushered them through a hidden trapdoor in the floor which led to a concealed cellar. She pulled a mat over the trapdoor while her husband went to meet the soldiers. They searched the house and although they found the hidden dairy room they did not find the trapdoor. Roger Gordon and his friends were saved and the next evening they made their way back home to the Glenkens. Some time later Roger and his wife were walking with friends across the moors to a conventicle near Minnigaff when they suddenly came ������������������� ����������������������� ������������������������ ��������������������� ������������������������������ ������������������������ ������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������ ����������������������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������������������������� upon a company of foot soldiers. There were similar numbers of men on each side and a conflict ensued. The soldiers had their swords, while the Covenanters had only sticks and clubs with which to fight, but they defended themselves well and bravely. Roger was a very strong man and he attacked the leader of the soldiers with such energy that everyone else stopped to watch the fight. Roger broke his opponent’s sword then struck him a heavy blow with his club which rendered the man’s arm useless. He then threw him to the ground with great force where the soldier lay motionless. Roger’s friends shouted triumphantly and they all continued their way across the moors to the conventicle, leaving the soldiers to gather round their disabled commander! Roger’s house was frequently visited and searched by the troopers after this event, and Roger only rarely ventured home under cover of darkness. On one of his rare visits to Largmore he had barely arrived when a company of dragoons rode up to the door. Roger quickly donned some coarse and tattered clothes of a farm servant and went to meet the soldiers. He held their horses while they dismounted and led the animals to the stable. He helped one of the dragoons to fodder the horses, and the soldiers, assuming he was a servant, went off to search the house. In the darkness and confusion Roger took a pitcher and under the pretence of fetching water for the horses he headed quickly to his favourite hiding place up on the side of Meikle Millyea, a fine mountain in the Rhinns of Kells. The soldiers were furious when they realised he had tricked them, but they had no idea where to search for him. Some time later Roger and a friend were lying low in the wild moorlands when an informer discovered them and led a party of dragoons to their hide-out. Fortunately they saw the horsemen coming and had time to conceal themselves in a deep ravine where there was a cavern in which they hid. They had just arrived in the cavern when the leading horseman, quite unaware of the deep ravine which was only visible from a few yards distance, came charging down the slope. Re was too late to rein in his horse, and they both crashed down the steep side of the ravine to be dashed to pieces on the rocks below, close to where Roger and his friend were hiding. All thoughts of the chase abandoned, the troopers retrieved the body of their comrade and the harness from his horse, and returned home saddened by the accident. Roger was caught on another occasion while visiting his family. As the troops entered the farmyard by one gate, he was disappearingout at the other end. They apprehended him, suspecting that he was the man they were seeking. One soldier asked if he was the laird of Largmore, to which he replied he was the laird of Shinmount. His answer confused them and they let him go, unaware that Shinmount was the name of a prominent hill to the north of Largmore and in those days it was on his estate! Through his quick thinking and possibly a fair share of luck, Roger Gordon survived the persecutions and lived on at Largmore for many years to enjoy a peaceful life with his family. The Cross Keys Hotel New Galloway © Helen Bolton, July 2010 GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services 10 En-suite Bedrooms, Traditional Bar Excellent Restaurant Quiz Night - every Wed 8.30pm Tel: 01644 420 494 enquiries@thecrosskeys-newgalloway.co.uk www.thecrosskeys-newgalloway.co.uk The Surgery High Street New Galloway FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL ( 01644 420234 ( Glenkens Gazette page 11 THE 2010 CONVENTICLE AT LARGMORE In a field not far from the farmhouse of Largmore on Sunday 30th May, around thirty brave souls assembled as a chilly breeze blew down the Garroch Glen from the wild hills where, during the covenanting times, Roger Gordon had spent so much time trying to keep himself hidden from the dragoons who continually searched the area for fugitives. Reverend Dr David Bartholomew welcomed the gathered congregation and the service opened with the Psalm “The Lord of Heaven Confess”, followed by the opening prayer. As is traditional at the conventicles, the old Psalms, so well-known to the Covenanters, are always sung, and Psalm 46 “God is our refuge and our strength” followed the prayer. Dr Bartholomew then spoke of the Covenanting cause, and of the terrible hardships endured by those who were determined to follow the Presbyterian form of worship in Scotland. Following the singing of Psalm 121 “I to the hills will lift mine eyes”, and the reading of Psalms 94 and 124, Dr Bartholomew then told of the death of John Gordon of Largmore, following the Covenanters defeat at Bullion Green, and the subsequent persecution of Roger Gordon of Largmore in the years that followed. Through his great knowledge of the wild terrain, and his ingenious dodges when confronted by the troops, Roger managed to survive those dreadful times. It is said in Simpson’s book ‘Traditions of the Covenanters’ that Roger Gordon, in 1714, presented to Kells Church a fine new bell, a pair of communion cups, and also a stone plaque was set into the gable end of the church in his memory. However, Dr Bartholomew has been up the tower and has found a splendid old bell, but here is a mystery! The inscription on the bell reads “Donated by William Gordon. Quirin de Visser made me. Rotterdam 1722”. Below the bell, on the outside of the tower there is a square stone inscribed with similar words, rather worn and difficult to read. Dr Bartholomew is inclined to think the bell was presented by a son of Roger Gordon in memory of his father soon after his death - or was Roger’s full name William Roger, and did he donate the bell himself? We will probably never know the answer! The communion cups are also a mystery as there are none presented by Roger Gordon. There are two cups presented in 1721, one by Andrew Ewart, minister at Kells from 1691 to 1739, and the other presented by William Newall of Barskeoch, who was a neighbour of Roger’s up the Garroch Glen and a fellow covenanting sympathiser. All these are interesting links with those years following the persecutions, given by people thanking God for the return to a peaceful life. Dr Bartholomew’s talk was followed by the psalm “As pants the hart for cooling streams”, then the offering was collected, as is traditional, in a blanket, made more difficult than usual due to the wind tugging at the loose end of the blanket. The Conventicle closed with the Lord’s Prayer, the paraphrase “0 God of Bethel” sung to the tune “Salzburg”, and the Benediction. Very welcome cups of hot tea and coffee were then dispensed by Dr Bartholomew and his willing helpers, and tasty biscuits and other refreshments were handed round. As it was cold and rather dull few, if any, of the gathering accepted the invitation of Mr and Mrs Trevor Biggins to have a closer look at the house at Largmore, but their kind offer was appreciated by all. Once again our thanks go to Dr Bartholomew for a most interesting and enjoyable Conventicle, held in a well-chosen location. We look forward to the 2011 Conventicle with pleasant anticipation, where ever it may be held. © Helen Bolton, July 2010 Rev Dr David Bartholomew leading the prayers at the 2010 Conventicle. The farmhouse of Largmore is in the background, and the wild country of the Garroch Glen. A McQuaker Landscapes - est. 1992 garden groundwork, paving, gravel & turf, fencing, drainage, rotovating, treework & all associated tasks 01644 440 627 07790 426762 Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents ( 01556 503744 ( www.ggblaw.co.uk OFFICES IN : CASTLE DOUGLAS, DALBEATTIE KIRKCUDBRIGHT & DUMFRIES Glenkens Gazette page 12 ORGAN AND HARP RECITAL RAISES £130 FOR CHURCH FUNDS An organ and harp recital in Carsphairn Church by Zarah Groves and Margaret Sloan has raised £130 for church funds. Playing a range of popular music from Baroque and Bach to the Beatles and Bacharach, the duo – both regular organists for church services – entertained an appreciative audience for just over an hour. PICTURE CAPTION: In harmony…Margaret Sloan (left) and Zarah Groves. C L U B C Walking Groups O R N E R HAPPY BIRTHDAY RUBY! Would you like to explore some of our marvellous countryside? All are welcome to join walks suited to all abilities; we even accommodate persons with powered wheelchairs on some walks by prior arrangement. The Glenkens Ramblers meet on Mondays for a moderate walk taking around two hours. The Glenkens Walkers meet on Wednesdays for an easier walk taking around 90 minutes. Both groups meet at 2pm during the summer (1.30 in winter) outside the Bank of Scotland in Dalry and participants share transport when needed. Lists of walks are displayed in shops in Dalry and New Galloway. Walk Leader’s contact phone no’s are: John & Isobel on 430 539, Gerry on 420 852, Peter on 420 419 and Elizabeth on 430 581. Few of the paths walked have an even surface, so it is advisable to wear stout footwear and to bring a waterproof jacket. If very wet, please check with the Leader that the walk will proceed. Mossdale Painters Now in their fourth year, the group will begin again on Wed 29 Sept in Mossdale Village Hall at 9.30 am for 10 sessions. Due to members moving out of the district we now have a few spaces for people to join us. Anyone from the Glenkens (tel. code 01644) is very welcome. Whether you have painted before or haven’t picked up a brush since leaving school, except to do some DIY, do give it a try! It is a relaxed group made up of both beginners, who can always get whatever help they need, and of painters who have a bit more experience. It is definitely self-help, working to a weekly theme in whatever medium you want to use. In addition there are occasional workshops lead by a professional artist which are invaluable and great fun. If you have a free Wednesday morning this autumn and would like to paint contact Wendy Davis on 420 225, Beryl Hamilton on 420 200, or Isobel Ellis on 450606 to find out more. If anyone would have difficulty in getting to Mossdale for 9.30 am a lift could be arranged. Ruby Kirk celebrated her 80th birthday by walking up Waterside Hill, Dalry, with fellow members of the Glenkens Ramblers. Afterwards, instead of the usual tea and biscuits, the Group celebrated with champagne and birthday cake! New Galloway Golf Club The end of May and the beginning of June was a busy time at New Galloway Golf Club. The Natural Power sponsored Open Competition was held on 30th May, attracting a field of over 60 from around the area. The weather contributed to a testing time for the players, with a strong wind making scoring difficult. The course was in excellent condition, although the greens were not as good as in previous years due to the cold and dry weather, and the scores reflected the difficulty. The winner was Peter Evans (Kirby Lonsdale) with a score of 79-15-64, second Brian McGinily (NG) 82-17-65 and 3rd Robert Wilson (NG) 84-17-67. The scratch winner was M.Watley (S/ness) with a gross 72. (Bottom pic - winner Peter Evans being presented with the trophy.) Thursday 3rd June saw the Belhaven sponsored Seniors Open. It was a beautiful summers days with plenty of sunshine and ideal for golf, and a field of 52 played in the competition. Scores were good and the winner of the John H. Kirk Cup with 41 points was Jeff Sutcliffe. The J.E.Yates Senior Open Quaich for the best scratch score went to Ian Brotherston with a 67 gross. (Top pic - winner Jeff Sutcliffe being presented with the trophy by Joyce Harvey, Lady Captain.) The Club competitions are now in full swing and there are a few vacancies for new members. Anyone interested should contact the Secretary, Ian Brown, at the Club or view the website at www.nggc.co.uk Jeff, Vice Captain/Match Secretary, New Galloway Golf Club Glenkens Gazette page 13 The Mulloch Race Dalry’s Mulloch Hill Race was run last year after a gap of a number of years and was a popular event. This year’s race will take place on Saturday 4th September starting at Dalry school at 3pm and is one of the shortest runs available at around 1.6 miles in total. The entrance fee for this year’s race is just £1 towards prizes with any balance going to Friends of Dalry School. Registration is on the day from 2:40 - 2:55pm. Apart from the competitive runners, fun runners and walkers are welcome and all finishers will receive a certificate. In 2009, the Crozier cup for overall winner was won by Angus Hilsley in the impressive time of 13 minutes and 2 seconds. Drife Finlay was first Primary age finisher and second overall! Joe Paterson beat Edmund Wise by the narrowest of margins to be the first Secondary age finisher and Andy Reid (the Fleein’ Haggis) won the prize for the best costume. For further information contact Paul Goodwin at mulloch@paulgoodwin.me.uk Carsphairn First Responders Local Success in the Three Peaks Challenge Carsphairn First Responders are all set to go live! The volunteers are trained to carry out emergency treatment respond on a collapsed or unconscious patient with a suspected heart attack until an ambulance arrives - each minute saved is vital for improving the chances of recovery. Carsphairn Parish Church social committee put on a show entitled Carsphairn’s Got Talent and instead of ticket sales, a collection was made for the First Responders to purchase necessary equipment. The First Responders are pictured below in their new jackets with South West Ambulance trainer Vicky Moyes. They are Ken and Ruth Williams, David Richmond, Anne Rutherford, Margaret Richmond and Zarah Groves. After successfully completing the Rotary International Three Peaks Challenge on 12/13 June in a creditable time of 21 hours and 40 minutes, easily beating the competition and taking first place, Bob Peace and the Rotary Club of Newton Stewart would like to thank the people of the Glenkens for there support in helping the team to raise much needed funds for Sightsavers International. The effort put in by the team and their supporters to reach the summits of Ben Nevis, Helvellyn and Snowdon has all been worthwhile with a cheque for over £4000 being sent to Sightsavers. The picture below shows team members descending Ben Nevis. Anyone who has not already heard may like to know that there are baby Meerkats (or should that be Meerkits?) at Kircudbright Wildlife Park. Aren‛t they cute? Regards, Rhoda FORREST ESTATE Local suppliers of firewood logs, kindling and chiminea wood. Hardwood and so�wood produced from sustainable, FSC cer�ficated woodland. Various quan��es available for collec�on or bulk delivery. Call for details 01644 430 230 office@forrestestate.com Glenkens Gazette page 14 ALEX FERGUSSON MSP FOR GALLOWAY AND UPPER NITHSDALE Brass Concert Raises Funds for Combat Stress Charity Carsphairn Church resonated to the sound of brass on Saturday evening, 17th July, when Dunaskin Doon Band performed a summer concert to raise funds for Combat Stress, the UK’s leading military charity specialising in the psychological wellbeing of ex-service personnel. The event drew a sizeable audience from way beyond the boundaries of Carsphairn to hear the band play such favourites as Memory (from the Cats musical), the Can Can, the theme from Star Wars and a selection from the Pirates of the Caribbean soundtrack. Holds regular advice surgeries at: The concert, which was organised by the church social committee, raised £595 for the local branch of Combat Stress which is located at Hollybush House on the A713 to the south of Ayr. 2 St ANDREW STREET, CASTLE DOUGLAS on the second Friday of every month from 5pm Committee member Nigel Martin, who plays flugel horn with the band, commented: “This was a simply fantastic evening for the church, for the community, for the band and for Combat Stress. It looks as though a summer band concert will now become an annual event in the village.” Telephone free on 0800 028 7260 for an appointment or to make any alternative arrangement’ You can visit Alex’s website at www.alexfergusson.org.uk or contact him by e-mail at alex.fergusson.msp@scottish.parliament.uk ��������� Hotel �������� ���������������� ������������������������������� ��������������������������������������� ������������ �������������������������������� ������������������������ �������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������ ���������������������� �������������������������� ���������������������� ���������� ��������������������� ������������������������������� �������������� ������������������������� ����������������� ���������������������� � � ������������������������ Glenkens Gazette page 15 YOUTH UPDATE The CatStrand Youth Players: The first meeting of the new season will be held in The CatStrand on Sunday 5th September at 3pm. There are a limited number of places available for new members aged 10 -17 years old and anyone interested in joining should come along to the first meeting. During the season it is planned to stage a production for performance at The CatStrand prior to Christmas and then to enter the Stewartry One Act Play Festival in Lochside Theatre at the end of February and finally to finish the year off with another CatStrand production probably in May. Rehearsing for the plays will be interspersed with occasional drama workshops etc. Most of the current members are taking the opportunity to hone their skills at the RSAMD Drama Summer School being held at the CatStrand during the first week in August. The 2009/10 season brought unprecedented success with the Youth Players winning the Stewartry District Youth Festival. They then went on to represent the District at the West of Scotland Final where they narrowly missed out on winning through to the Scottish Final with their charming production of ‘The Willow & The Pomegranate’. The Christmas production of the hilarious ‘Cinderella, The Sequel’ was also very well received and the themed evening which included ‘Spud Ferret & The Case of The Stolen Diamonds’ at the end of April was great entertainment and brought the curtain down on a very enjoyable and rewarding second season. CARSPHAIRN SHOW 2010 THE 119th annual Carsphairn Show at Crofts field on Saturday 6th June was a success, with numbers of spectators up, and extra entries in some of the classes. The Ramsays of Knockreoch took the Interbreed Championship, after winning the Confined Section and the Supreme Blackface title. A Paton from Craig, Straiton was the Reserve Blackface Champion and the Champion Mule Title was awarded to RJ Shennan and Sons, Farden, Dailly. R McTurk, Glenhowl, took the Bluefaced Leicester Championship Cup for the second year running and the Any Other Breed Champion was a Ryeland ewe from Messrs McCornick, Barquhill, Kirkcowan. The childrens’ pet class was won by Sabrina Smith with Tap, and the dog show winner was a black Labrador - Mac - belonging to Alistair Russell. The Hill Race Shield was won by Henry Sainsbury in a time of 17 minutes. He has competed many times before, with a best finish of second, so he was delighted to take victory. Drife Finlay was second and David McTurk was third. RSAMD Residency: Beg, Borrow & Steal Mon 2- Fri 6 Aug The CatStrand New Galloway A project designed for young people aged 9–14 years old who are interested in making original theatre, and who care about the environment. To book a place contact the CatStrand on 01644 420 374. Glenkens Gazette Advertising Rates 6cm x 6cm - £31.50 per issue (10% series discount) 1/4 page (9cm x 13cm) - £68.25 (25% series discount) 1/2 page (13cm x 13cm) - £126 (25% series discount) Full Page (18cm x 27cm) - £210 (25% series discount) KENBRIDGE HOTEL New Galloway New Galloway Open 7 Days : Beautiful Riverside Location Golf Club M E A L S S E RV E D 12.00 - 2.00pm, 5.30 - 8.30pm www.nggc.co.uk TRADITIONAL LOG FIRE bed and breakfast en suite accommodation Dalry Domestic and Agricultural Fencing 01644 430 495 (Peter) or 07767 795 498 (Jonathan) v 01644 420737 v ( 01644 420 211 ( Buggies now available for hire www.kenbridgehotel.co.uk VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME mail@kenbridgehotel.co.uk FHB Fencing Founded 1902 The Clog & Shoe Workshop Balmaclellan Open 10am - 5pm weekdays in THE STEWARTRY VETERINARY CENTRE CASTLE DOUGLAS SURGERY HOURS Mon-Fri 2.00-2.30 pm & 5-6 pm Sat 2-2.30 pm DALBEATTIE SURGERY HOURS Mon, Wed, Fri 3-3.30 pm Tues & Thurs 6-6.30 pm winter please ring to arrange a visit. FOR APPOINTMENTS AT BOTH SURGERIES OR IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY Tel: 01644 420465 www.clogandshoe.co.uk VETERINARY SURGERY OAKWELL ROAD CASTLE DOUGLAS ( 01556 502263 ( Glenkens Gazette USEFUL NUMBERS: ● Pot-hole Hotline: 0845 276 0000 ● Local Police: 0845 600 5701 ● Crimestoppers: 0845 555 111 Dalry Library Opening Times Tue: 2 - 4.30pm then 5.30 - 7.30pm Fri: 11:15am - 1:15pm then 2 - 4.30pm 23 mobile library stops - to find out where and when call 430 234 TIMES OF WORSHIP IN THE GLENKENS CHURCH OF SCOTLAND Sundays Balmaclellan 12noon 1st Carsphairn 10.30am 1st 2nd(Aug) 3rd 4th Dalry 9am 1st 2nd(Aug) 3rd 4th(Aug) Dalry 12noon 4th(Sept) Kells 10.30am 2nd 3rd 4th Special Services and Events 29th Aug, 10.30am: United Service with Choir, Dalry Church 6th Sept, 7pm: Whist Drive, Dalry Town Hall 12th Sept, 10.30am: United Family Service, Kells Church, followed by barbecue at Kells House 26th Sept, 12noon: Harvest Thanksgiving, Dalry Church, followed by Harvest Lunch in Dalry Town Hall Communion Service: 22nd Aug, 10.30am, Kells Church SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH (C of E) St Margaret’s, New Galloway: Holy Communion - 10.30am every Sun & Wed CATHOLIC CHURCH SERVICES Gatehouse of Fleet: Sat, 6pm Kirkcudbright: Sun, 9.30am Dalbeattie: Sun, 11am St Ninian’s Episcopal Church, Castle Douglas, contact Rev McFadden for info on 01557 330687. W BONE WHB JEEPS THE GARAGE, DALRY PETROL & DIESEL SALES SERVICE & REPAIRS MOTs, TYRES, BATTERIES ALL AT COMPETITIVE PRICES OPEN 8.30AM - 6.00PM (SIX DAYS) 10AM - 6PM SUNDAYS SHOP • SANDWICH BAR • LOTTERY Tel: 01644 430208 Fax: 01644 430669 email: jeeps@whbjeeps.co.uk www.whbjeeps.co.uk Pensions – Savings – Investments Retirement & Inheritance Tax Planning Life Assurance – Protection – Mortgages For advice on any of the above, or to review your existing arrangements, contact your local adviser: Brian J. Edgar DipPFS Area Office: Tannoch, Newton Stewart Road, New Galloway DG7 3RT Tel. 01644 420288 or 07808 322421 Central Office, 61 Victoria Street, Newton Stewart DG8 6NL Tel 01671 403080 Fax 01671 402549 e-mail - advice@marrfinancial.co.uk web - www.marrfinancial.co.uk Marr Financial Services is an Appointed Representative of Sesame Ltd YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE GLENKENS DIARY FOR ALL EVENTS page 16 AUGUST REGULAR EVENTS: Glenkens Ramblers, meet Mon 2pm in runs until Thurs 2 Sept, Exhibition: Joan summer, 1.30pm in winter, outside Bank of Eardley and Lady Audrey Walker, The Scotland, Dalry CatStrand, New Galloway Scouts: Mon, 7–8.30pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Sun 1, Tilhill Open Four Ball Competition, New Galloway Golf Club Mother & Toddlers Group: Tues 9.4511.15am, New Galloway Town Hall Mon 2 - Fri 6, RSAMD workshop, The CatStrand, New Galloway, see p15 Beavers: Tues, 6.30–7.45pm, New Mon 2, Dalry CC Meeting, 7pm, Dalry Town Galloway Scout Hut Hall Glenkens Walking Group, meet Wed 2pm in summer, 1.30 in winter, outside Bank of Thurs 5, Storytelling Café, 7.30–9.30pm, Scotland, Dalry The CatStrand, New Galloway Stewartry Camera Club: most Wednesdays Fri 6, Alternative Games Ceilidh, New throughout the winter at 7.30 pm in The Galloway Town Hall, 8.30pm, see p9 Tolbooth, Kirkcudbright Sat 7, Rachel Hair Trio, 8pm, The CatStrand, Mossdale Painters, starts again Wed 29 New Galloway Sept, Mossdale Village Hall, 9.30am each Wed for 10 sessions, see p12 Sun 8, Scottish Alternative Games 2010, New Galloway Town Park from 2pm, see p9 Cub Scouts: Wed, 6.45–8pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Sun 8, Mischief La Bas: The Laird of Callybrew and The Cowboys Last Round up, Lions Club monthly quiz, alternating between part of The Scottish Alternative Games, New The CatStrand & Lochinvar Hotel. For further Galloway Town Park, 1.30- 6pm, see p6 info contact Andrew Frew on 420 323. Thu 12, Family Bus Trip, see p7 The CatStrand, New Galloway (see p6&7) Sat 14, Glenkens Agricultural Show, standing Exercise to Music: Mon, 10-11am stone field, the Grennan, New Galloway, Play it by Ear: every Mon during term time, starts 9.30am 1.30-2.30pm Mon 16, Long-Term Conditions Programme Children’s Dance Classes with Margaret Self-Help & Social Group, 1st meeting, 5– Morris Movement: every Mon during term 7pm, then every 3rd Mon of the month. time, 4-5pm (ages 8-12) Wed 25, Film: The Last Station, 7.30pm, The Taking the Next Step in Computing: Mon, 5.30–7.30pm CatStrand, New Galloway Carers Coffee & Chat, starts Tues 1st Dec, Fri 27, Balmaclellan CC Meeting, 7.30pm, 10am-12noon Balmaclellan Village Hall Teen Spirit: every Tues during term time, Sat 28, Glenkens Society Annual Flower and 7.30-9.30pm Veg Show, Dalry Town Hall, starts 2pm Taking the First Step in Computing: Wed, Sat 28, GTI Bus Trip, Viking Festival, Largs, 5.30-7.30pm see p7 Gentle Yoga & Relaxation, Thurs, 1011.15am Mon 30, Carsphairn CC Meeting, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn Afternoon Tea Club: 2nd Fri each month, 2pm Baby Reflexology, drop-in last Fri each month SEPTEMBER 10am-12noon Thurs 2, Storytelling Café, 7.30pm, The Saturday Art Club, 2nd Sat each month, CatStrand, New Galloway 10am–12noon Sat 4, Dalry’s Mulloch Hill Race, 3pm, Dalry Tone & Stretch, Fri 10am, £4/£3 school, see p13 Catstrand Youth Players, will start again on Sat 4, Jubovski, 7:30pm, The CatStrand, New 5 Sept and run every Sun during term time from 3-5pm Galloway Sun 5, GTI Bust Trip, Victorian Fayre, Lanark, Glenkens Youth Choir, Sun, 5-6pm see p7 CatStrand Playstation Tournaments: contact Sun 5, CatStrand Youth Players: 1st meeting The CatStrand for info. of the new season, 3pm, The CatStrand, New Dalry Community Centre Galloway (for info or to book contact Sarah on 430 393) Glenkens Playgroup: Mon-Fri, 9.15-11.45am Sun 5 - Thurs 23, Exhibition: Phil Howard, The CatStrand, New Galloway Paint & Art: Mon 1.30-4.30pm Sun12, Moishe’s Bagel, 7:30pm, The Ballroom & Latin Dance drop-in class: Mon CatStrand, New Galloway 7.30-9pm, £5 Sat 18, Christina Lawrie: Piano Soloist, 8pm, Ballroom & Latin Dance course: Mon 910pm, for more info tel Sam Hood on 01644 Dalry Town Hall 420672 Sat 18, David Hughes Dance Company: Good Neighbours Club: Tues 2pm ‘SOLO WORKS’, 7:30pm, The CatStrand, Kickback Martial Arts: Tues & Thurs 7-9pm, New Galloway both adults & children welcome Sat 25,Sportinghouse Strings, 7:30pm, The Glenkens Mother & Toddlers: Wed 1.30-3pm CatStrand, New Galloway Craft Class: Thurs 2-4pm Sat 25 – Thurs 30, Young NADFAS Arts Exhibition: Fairies and Pirates, Mermaids and Brownies: Wed 5.30-6.45pm Crocodiles, Dreams of Flying, Magic, Beauty Guides:Wed 5.30-7pm and Stars, The CatStrand, New Galloway Drama Club: for further info contact Brian Edgar on 420 288 Wed 29, Film: Shutter Island, 7.30pm, The CatStrand, New Galloway WRITE FOR THE GAZETTE! Submit events, activities, news stories, cartoons, reviews, tips & techniques, fiction, photos, ads or ideas... If you have a submission, contact Sarah Ade on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk. OCTOBER/NOVEMBER COPY DEADLINE: Friday 10 September PROJECT PART-FINANCED BY THE EUROPEAN UNION Europe and Scotland Making it work together  Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. 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Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Description An account of the resource <p>Find out more about the Gazette: <a href="https://glenkens.scot/gazette-home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Glenkens Gazette home page</a> If you would like to submit an article or take out an advert, please email the editor Sarah Ade: <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="mailto:glenkensgazette@hotmail.com">glenkensgazette@hotmail.com</a></p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is a member of, and regulated by <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.impressorg.com/">Impress</a>.</p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is an initiative of Glenkens Community &amp; Arts Trust (SC032050) and represents the voice of the community (not necessarily the views of GCAT).</p> Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document June/July 2010 ISSUE 58 www.glenkensgazette.com Scotland’s Garden Scheme in the Glenkens The aim of Scotland’s Gardens Scheme is to raise funds for charities by opening what are usually private gardens to the public on specific days of the year. 40% of funds raised at the garden openings goes to charities of the garden owners’ choice, whilst the remaining 60% is shared between Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres, The Queen’s Nursing Institute Scotland, The Gardens Fund of The National Trust for Scotland, Perennial (The Gardeners’ Royal Benevolent Fund) and The Royal Fund for Gardeners’ Children. There are many gardens around Dumfries & Galloway open to the public during the course of the summer. Specifically in the Glenkens we have Arndarroch which has a large and varied garden. Until Annikki Lindsay moved to Arndarroch in 1991, what is now the garden was just a windswept grassy hillside overlooking Kendoon Loch. Now there are a great variety of trees, roses, shrubs and herbaceous plants, as well as collections of bamboos and of oriental and medicinal plants. In addition there is a small kitchen garden, a bog garden and a young woodland containing ‘A Walk on the Wild Side’ which is great fun for children and adults alike. The aim has been to create a semi-natural, wildlife friendly environment - or, as Annikki terms it, “a wildlife garden”. Arndarroch is situated on the B7000 between Dalry and Carsphairn, and will be open from 2-5pm on Sunday 13 June and Sunday 5 September. The Garden Scheme is also hosting an event that looks like it will be a great evening out for avid gardeners - on Friday 11 June Threave Garden will host a Gardeners’ Question Time. For more information about Scotland’s Garden Scheme, and Threave Gardeners’ Question Time, you can call 0131 226 3714 or visit www.gardensofscotland.org New Season off with a Swing The new season at New Galloway Golf Club started with the incoming Captain, Dick Tulloch, driving off. The first competition of the season which was The Captain’s Team verses The Vice Captain’s Team, was very well supported. Before the competition started the Captain, Dick Tulloch, thanked all those members who had worked so hard for the club. He then presented the outgoing Captain, Sandy Harvie, and outgoing Match Secretary, Ron Ritchie, with a life membership of the Scottish Golf Union. The course at New Galloway although only nine holes is one of the most picturesque in Scotland and poses a real challenge to golfers no matter what handicap. Throughout the season there is a full fixture list of competitions together with social evenings. It is a very friendly club and new members are always welcome, as are visitors. For more information log in to the club’s website at www.nggc.co.uk or contact Ian Brown, the Secretary at the club. Jeff Sutcliffe (Vice Captain), Elena Rogers (Vice Captain), Dick Tulloch (Captain), Joyce Harvey (Captain) IN THIS ISSUE... 2 - Local Author: Catriona McPherson, Noticeboard: Flower & Veg Show, Clachan Fair, Agic. Show, Library, Readers’ Photographs 3 - Community Councils 4 - Schools Report 5 - Youth Update: RSAMD, Youth Players, Club Corner: ‘73 Club, Walking Groups, Dalry Housing Group 6 - CatStrand Events 7 - CatStrand Community News, The Bus (GTI) 8 - Local History: John MacClure 9 - Nature & Wildlife: ‘ye wee songsters o’ the woods’ 10- Ads 11- GBA Update, Alternative Games, LING Update, On the Beat: Crime Prevention Doorstep Crime 12- Church Times, Dalry Library Times, Useful Numbers, Glenkens Diary of Events Glenkens Gazette page 2 Local Author: Catriona McPherson A Farewell: I always wanted to be a writer but it wasn’t until I moved to the Glenkens ten years ago, at the age of 35, that I got stuck in. I’ve written ten books now (if you count the first one that’s in a drawer, where it belongs), sitting at this desk facing out to the hills and trees, sun and rain, lambs and ewes and, of course, the midges. That’s part of the reason this place is so precious to me. But it’s not just that and it’s not even just me; friends come from Edinburgh for the weekend and go home saying they feel as if they’ve had a fortnight’s holiday. Then there’s the people. Just after I moved here, I was walking up New Galloway High Street when a man came down a ladder propped against a house wall. I asked if he was a window cleaner. He said no – he was doing a bit of pointing – but if I told him where I lived he’d drop off his long steps for a couple of days and then come and pick them up again. He didn’t know me and I didn’t know him, but I got the chance to clean my upstairs windows and realised that life here was going to be very different from in the city. I’d like to thank that man – I still don’t know who he was – and everyone else in the villages around the Glenkens for being such wonderful neighbours and friends; and – since a publication deal came along – such loyal readers and enthusiastic supporters of my books. And if this is beginning to sound like farewell, that’s because, very sadly, it is. I’m only just squeaking into this column as a ‘local author’ before moving slightly too far away to walk up Waterside on a frosty morning or jump in the pool under the Holy Linn on a a hot afternoon. My husband, Neil McRoberts, is about to start work at the University of California and after a lot of swithering about Kitty’s Tearoom and Sandgreen beach, I’m going with him. We didn’t really expect to be here for ten years when we came and California is going to be an adventure, but if you hear a ripping sound and a howl of anguish around the middle of June, that’ll be me leaving this valley. I hope I I can still write, looking out at grapevines and orange trees instead Galloway coos... Catriona’s website it www.dandygilver.co.uk and her books are published by Hodder and Stoughton (Catriona McPherson crime novels) and Orion (Catriona McCloud comedies). Noticeboard Glenkens Society Annual Flower & Vegetable Show 2010 Dalry Library Opening Times & Info The growing season is upon us again (and some of us may say at long last). Tue: 2 to 4.30pm & 5.30 to 7.30pm This year‛s show will be held in the Town Hall at Dalry on Saturday 28th August 2010 and schedules are now in your local Post Offices and shops. Entries as detailed on the schedule should be returned to Hilda McAdam before 6pm on the Monday prior to the show. We have expanded the junior section and have sectioned it into age groups. This does not mean that juniors cannot enter into the full schedule if they wish to do so. Fri: 11:15am to 1:15pm & 2 to 4.30 pm As always please join in or visit the show in the Town Hall doors open at 14.00 hours (2pm in old money). We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible. Joan Berkley, on behalf of the Glenkens Society Glenkens Agricultural Show Saturday 14th August in the standing stone field , the Grennan, New Galloway. Sheep, cattle, goats, poultry, stock judging, horses and horse jumping, refreshments, entertainment. Judging commences 9.30am, admission on gate. Contact - Secretary Andrea Ramsay 01644430509. Some of the services available include free internet access, photcopying & printing, dvd hire, audio books, local reference and archives and, of course, books. We have a general selection of books, but if we don‛t have what you want at Dalry, it can be requested from another library and delivered here. Lost and found – Dalry Clachan Fair The last Clachan fair was in 2008 and tradition says we should be looking forward to a fair this year. But several committee members decided on a well-earned retirement and it looked for a time as if the Clachan Fair might be lost. However, a last ditch open meeting at the Town Hall showed there was enthusiasm to carry on and a new committee was formed of remaining old members and several new members. Keen though they are, it was decided that it was too late to arrange anything for this year but Clachan Fair Week next year will be from the 5th to the 11th June inclusive. Incidentally, the Mulloch Race would have been part of this year‛s fair week but will now be held on 4th September 2010, further details to follow. Sally Hooker Re a d e r s ’ P h o t o g r a p h s Left: Louise McClure from Dalmellington would like to share with Gazette readers “Daryll and Afton enjoying day out with Grand and Papa” Right: Fiona Norbury has submitted this photo, and says: “The picture was taken by my son when he visited. He’s taking up wildlife photography. It was a sunny afternoon, spring must have been in the air although it was still only February 14th, a bit early for an adder to be out sunbathing. Not the sort of thing you expect to get on Valentines Day!” The photo was taken at Blackwater near Dalry. Glenkens Gazette page 3 Carsphairn Community Council Extract from minutes of meeting held 29 March On the issue of removal of recycling points from Carsphairn it was explained by Councillor Prentice that the council intends to utilise the Eco Deco plant in Dumfries for all waste. Dumfries & Galloway are way ahead of the rest of the UK in terms of recycling through the plant and the reduction of landfill. The school had asked regarding a textile bank to be positioned in the village as a possible fundraiser for the school. This was discussed and concluded that positioning would be difficult and could encourage fly tipping – it was agreed that feedback would be made to the PTC. Notification has been received of the intended closure of the Shiel of Castlemaddy Bothy – the CC will obtain further information on this matter. Regarding the creation of the Welcome leaflet, contact has been made with all relevant contributors and final editing by a steering group is to take place, then the information forwarded for the leaflet to be completed. A grant application is being made for the Community Garden. It was agreed to proceed with the application as this would help with future costs and upkeep of the garden. Environmental Impact Assessment of Duchrae Farm; members reported disappointment at the outcome of report and level of objections reported. Further discussions have taken place with the Access Officer who has outlined that a new factor/owner has some issues with open access. A discussion took place regarding the relevance of core paths and how much involvement the council should have directly with landowners. It was agreed that Carsphairn Community Council would consult with other community councils to find out their position and also to request that the Access Officer enquires that all affected landowners have been fully consulted and that they are aware of the legislation that accompanies core paths. It was agreed that a copy of the legislation and associated implications would be obtained for local landowners to read. Core Paths – Roddrie Melville from Bidwells attended the meeting to inform members of the reasons why his client had made objections to the core path development on his land. His client welcomes responsible access but identifies a risk of conflict between leisure and recreation and workforces in the forest. The Access Officer has identified a number of points to support the development of core paths in the forest but the landowner can only agree with one point namely that it will provide a health walk. The landowner has given seven points for his objections which include car parking and the various workforces that utilise the area and the traffic that goes through the forest – which may in the future double. Next meeting: Monday 28 June, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall. Dalry Community Council Extract from minutes of meeting held 8 April closure and they themselves had only found out the day before it was known to the rest of the communities. It was further noted that the repairs themselves were inadequate and that there are still road closure signs around the area. It was suggested that it may be possible for D&G Council, together with DCC, could take issue about such major road closures with the Scottish parliament. It was suggested the CC contact A Ferguson on this point. The Forestry Commission have approved the application for the forestation at Duchrae. If the CC wish to appeal against the decision then application had to be made to the Court of sessions before 30th April. It has been suggested that Dalry CC circulate a copy of minutes to Balmaclellan and New Galloway CCs, and vice versa. This was agreed. Finally, it was confirmed by Cllr. Prentice that the re-cycling bins outside the village will be removed during the course of this month. Next meeting: Monday 26 July at 7pm in Dalry Town Hall. This will include the AGM. Please note that there will be no meeting in the month of June. The Royal Burgh of New Galloway & Kells Community Council The Annual General Meeting was held in New Galloway Town Hall on Monday 10th May. Provost Margaret Sainsbury welcomed the members present along with Councillor Prentice, PC Bruton and two members of the public and proceeded to give her report on the activities of the Community Council over the past year. The audited accounts were then presented and approved. Councillor Prentice then took the chair and invited nominations for the office bearers for the coming year. Margaret Sainsbury was re-elected as Chairman and Provost with Maybelle Thomson as Vice Chairman. Chris Newman is continuing as Secretary and the current Treasurer John McGaw was not present at the meeting but was nominated to remain in the post subject to his agreement. Vic McIntosh would continue to be the main contact for all maintenance issues. The main meeting was addressed by Mrs Ros Hill and Mr Tom Carlyle giving an update on the Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING) Group’s progress in their negotiations with Dumfries & Galloway Council officials regarding the future of the Town Hall. The Council had provided a copy of the condition survey that had been carried out and although it was useful to some extent, there was a lack of detail and costings in some areas. After discussion it was agreed that Dumfries & Galloway Council still seemed to be stalling on any commitment to install suitable disabled access and carry out the necessary maintenance and improvements to make the hall fit for purpose. As a new management committee could not and would not take over the running of the hall until it was made fit for purpose it was felt that a meeting needed to be arranged with the appropriate council officials who would be in a position to make decisions about the way forward. Councillor Prentice agreed to arrange a meeting as soon as possible with Stewartry Area Manager Derek Crichton to be attended by members of LING and the Community Council to establish a way forward and secure the future of the Town Hall. Some arrangements were confirmed for the Alternative Games Weekend with a reminder that this year the Games will be held on Sunday 8th August with a Ceilidh in the Town Hall on Friday 6th August. The band for the Ceilidh was confirmed as ‘Reel Rhythm’, the popular young band from Thornhill led by Robert Menzies. It was reported that the overhanging branches on the B7075 had not yet been cut back and that there had been complaints about grit still covering sections of pavement in Dalry. With regard to the overhanging branches, Cllr Prentice said it was the responsibility of the owner of the land. It was asked if Cllr Prentice would take issue with the appropriate department regarding the closure of the A713. Cllr Prentice informed members that East Ayrshire had been responsible for the Full minutes of local Community Council meetings are available to view at Dalry Library. The Cross Keys Hotel ������������������� ����������������������� ������������������������ ��������������������� ������������������������������ ������������������������ ������������������������� New Galloway Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents ( 01556 503744 ( www.ggblaw.co.uk OFFICES IN : CASTLE DOUGLAS, DALBEATTIE ������������������������������������������������������������ ����������������������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������������������������� KIRKCUDBRIGHT & DUMFRIES 10 En-suite Bedrooms, Traditional Bar Excellent Restaurant Quiz Night - every Wed 8.30pm Tel: 01644 420 494 enquiries@thecrosskeys-newgalloway.co.uk www.thecrosskeys-newgalloway.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 4 GLENKENS SCHOOLS REPORT Olivia Wise Wins! Young Art Scotland’s third annual competition was open to all children in Dumfries and Galloway. The theme for this year was ‘Postcard from Galloway’ and all entries included a donation to Cancer Research. Olivia Wise, from Dalry School, won the 10-12 year old section with a prize of a voucher to be spent at the Galloway Craft Centre in Castle Douglas. Carsphairn School Birdwatch Children at Carsphairn Primary recently took part in the Big Schools’ Birdwatch, a nationwide survey run by the RSPB. Children learned how to recognise some of the most commonly seen birds and took part in a birdwatch in February. The children prepared for the Birdwatch by making very sticky and messy fat balls and plastic bird feeders. The results were collated and Ian Houston of RSPB recently returned to the school to discuss the results as well as teaching the children more about bird adaptations. The most commonly seen bird seen in the Carsphairn playground was the chaffinch, while it was the 10th most commonly seen bird in the national results. Dalry Primary at the Galloway Music Festival Somehow Dalry Primary got left out of last issue’s write-up of the Galloway Music Festival - so here is the update on how they did. Popular Music Vocal Solos: Mackenzie Lawrie & Amber Brett – 3rd, Hannah Mills & Jake McMillan – 2nd, Faye Green – 1st. Instrumental Solos: Clarinet; Kimberly McAdam – 1st, Cello; Olivia Wise – 3rd, Saxophone; Lily Langford. Group Music Making: P6-7 Class (‘Rainforest Song’) – 1st, 1 – 3 Teacher Primary Schools, Choir - P4 – 7 Choir (‘Hakuna Matata’ and ‘True Colours’) – 1st. The following classes also took part in the non-competitive sections and received very positive feedback from the adjudicators: Singing Game & Action Song; P1 – 3 Class (‘Toes A-Twinklin’ and ‘Having Fun in Space’), Creative Music Making - P4 – 6 Class (‘Disaster’). They have also started an after school Garden Club and have planted potatoes, beans and peas. The children have thoroughly enjoyed digging, planting and finding lots of juicy worms! Pics - Top: the children making very messy fat balls for the birds. Bottom: Ian Houston of RSPB pictured with the children. FORREST ESTATE Pensions – Savings – Investments Retirement & Inheritance Tax Planning Life Assurance – Protection – Mortgages For advice on any of the above, or to review your existing arrangements, contact your local adviser: Brian J. Edgar DipPFS Area Office: Tannoch, Newton Stewart Road, New Galloway DG7 3RT Tel. 01644 420288 or 07808 322421 Central Office, 61 Victoria Street, Newton Stewart DG8 6NL Tel 01671 403080 Fax 01671 402549 e-mail - advice@marrfinancial.co.uk web - www.marrfinancial.co.uk Marr Financial Services is an Appointed Representative of Sesame Ltd YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE ● Great opportunity to get some tasty venison from the local hills ● Whole roe deer, jointed and packed in separate bags; ready for cooking ● Price: £35 - 60 for whole carcase ● Strahanna Farm ● Water of Ken off the B729 between Moniaive and Carsphairn ● Telephone: 01644 460 660 A McQuaker Landscapes - est. 1992 garden groundwork, paving, gravel & turf, fencing, drainage, rotovating, treework & all associated tasks 01644 440 627 07790 426762 Local suppliers of firewood logs, kindling and chiminea wood. Hardwood and so�wood produced from sustainable, FSC cer�ficated woodland. Various quan��es available for collec�on or bulk delivery. Call for details 01644 430 230 office@forrestestate.com GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL ( 01644 420234 ( Glenkens Gazette YOUTH page 5 UPDATE RSAMD Residency: Beg, Borrow and Steal This one-week project, Mon 2 - Fri 6 Aug, is designed for young people aged 9–14 years old who are interested in making original theatre, and who care about the environment and the impact we are having on it. By the end of this project participants should have gained an insight into using performance as a way of communicating important ideas to others, used drama to explore how the waste created by people is affecting the planet, developed performance skills including voice and movement and worked as part of a team to create an inspiring and meaningful performance. This course will finish with a performance for family and friends on Friday 6 August at 3pm. No previous drama experience is required for this project but enthusiasm, energy and an interest in creating new theatre is essential. Participants should dress appropriately in comfortable clothing and bring water as activities in this week will be physical. Contact the CatStrand on 01644 420 374 for further information. C L U B C O R N E R Walking Groups Glenkens Walking Group: 1.30pm every Wednesday outside the Bank of Scotland in Dalry. Glenkens Strollers: 2pm on Fridays at the top bus stop in Dalry for a slow walk on good roads and tracks, followed by tea and biscuits. For further info contact John or Isobel on 430 539. Glenkens Ramblers: 1.30pm every Monday outside the Bank of Scotland in Dalry. If very wet, please phone a Walk Leader to confirm that the walk will proceed. For further info on either activity contact John & Isobel on 430539, Peter on 420219 or Gerry on 420852. The Glenkens ’73 Club would welcome new members whether you would like to act or help behind the scenes. Play reading evenings will be held over the next few months in preparation for next season. If you are interested in coming along please leave your details at The CatStrand or contact Marie Davie for further details (Tel. 430293). CatStrand Youth Players: Spud Ferret Investigates The CatStrand Youth Players’ latest production ‘Spud Ferret and the Case of the Stolen Diamonds’ by Jeff Gallacher transformed the whole of the CatStrand into Blip Mansion as the audience became guests at Lady Blip’s (Eve Francis) weekend house party. PC Rob Banks (Bethany Butler) kept a watchful eye on proceedings as everyone arrived to the sound of Lady Blip’s resident pianist Emily Jones playing the baby grand piano. Guests were officially welcomed by Grimace the Butler (Zoe Kirkpatrick) and the three maids Chivers, Crosse and Blackwell (Téa Oliver, Liza Beth Brannock & Hannah Daly) who handed out canapés to the guests. Fortunately nobody ate one of the poisoned sausage rolls which was a fate reserved for Sir Egbert Knowe-Bacon (Jordan Pears), however he made a valiant attempt throughout the evening to settle his stomach with copious amounts of brandy. Eventually everyone was summoned to the Drawing Room to see if Detective Spud Ferret (Eilidh Stalker) could solve the mysterious case of Lady Blip’s missing diamonds. The chief suspects were the regular house guests Davinia Flimsy (Josie Oliver) a crime novelist; her rather simple friend Sebastian Crumb (Kirstin Stalker); Lindsay Lovegrove (Dylan Blore) a deluded American who thinks that he is a famous film star; Lady Cynthia Sludge (Lowena Lindsay) a rather elderly 103 year old relative and the aforementioned Sir Egbert Knowe-Bacon a world authority on wine (mostly on how to drink it!). The staff too were not without their motives, the limping butler Grimace, the long suffering maids Chivers, Crosse and Blackwell and not forgetting Compost the Gardener (Cameron Lindsay) who continually tested his shotgun in the kitchen, blowing off various bits of the poor cook in the process! Lady Blip was furious at the apparent loss of her valuable diamonds but the unexpected arrival of Spud Ferret, who bore an uncanny resemblance to the famous Inspector Clouseau, would surely solve the mystery. However, after his unusual investigation and rather questionable logic he concluded that the only person who could have stolen the diamonds was himself! As he made arrangements to arrest himself, famous crime writer Davinia Flimsy stepped in and declared that Lady Blip had actually ‘stolen’ her own diamonds. Her motive was to put everyone else under suspicion and give her an excuse to stop them all coming to her weekend house parties as she was thoroughly fed up of them all and just wanted some peace and quiet for a change. As she waited on the police to arrest her she decided to make a run for freedom but Davinia pointed out that stealing her own diamonds was not actually a crime and as Spud Ferret was a private detective, she hadn’t even wasted police time – no crime had been committed! Facing the prospect of no more house parties at Blip Mansion, Lady Blip was pursued by all of her staff and guests throughout the grounds! Did they ever catch her? Would there be any more house parties? Where exactly did Spud Ferret appear from? Was there really a poisoned sausage roll..?! Or was it all simply a figment of Davinia Flimsy’s rather vivid imagination? The evening was summed up by a ‘Congratulations’ card received a few days later from two visitors from Buckinghamshire – “An excellent evening’s entertainment, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Keep up the good work!” Director – Brian Edgar; Prompter – Sue Lindsay; Costumes, Make-up & Props – Helen Kirkpatrick, Sue Lindsay & Nancy Plummer; Catering – Eileen Edgar. The Youth Players regular meetings will start again for the new season on Sunday 5th September at 3pm in The CatStrand. So What is the Dalry Housing Group? It takes a lot to get a bunch of oldies like us away from the comfortable complacency our armchairs, but the prospect of having a giant quarry dug in the middle of our village did the trick. Just look at this photograph and imagine 40,000 tonnes of rock being removed from beneath the unsuspecting hooves of those gently grazing sheep in the background. Then ask yourself what effect the resulting noise, dust and vibrations will have on toddlers in the playpark, children studying in the school or on people who just want to sit on a bench quietly contemplating the bravery and sacrifice of the covenanter martyrs and their memorial. Finally ask yourself, as we did, is it not possible to build houses on this site without despoiling it? It was questions like that that brought us together. We are simply six people who are committed to the Glenkens. We have no power, no funding and represent no one but ourselves. Some of us have lived here since childhood, some of us came here for work or to retire, all of us want to live in a lively, tolerant prosperous community. To achieve that aim there must be sustainable development and growth which enhances, rather than destroys, the natural and built environment. We have called ourselves the Dalry Housing Group, but this is not an accurate description of our interests. After all, it is not possible to consider housing developments without also thinking about employment and local services. We hope that our friends and neighbours will engage in a positive conversation about what our community should be in the twenty first century. Change is inevitable but it doesn’t have to destroy. Group Members: Professor Roger Breakwell; Mr Steve Davie; Mr Andrew Mellor; Mr Tom Scott; Lady Sinclair; Mrs Pat Woodley Glenkens Gazette page 6 The CatStrand: News & Events Storytelling Café, Thurs 3 June, 7.30– 9.30pm, free but donations for tea and coffee welcome. An informal and relaxing evening - this month’s café will be hosted by Tony Bonning. and then must help his community survive the farmers’ retaliation. Exhibition: Joan Eardley and Lady Audrey Walker, Sun 25 July - Thurs 2 Sept, CatStrand opening hours. This exhibition offers a fantastic opportunity to see and enjoy works by the A Guid Nicht In; Gatehouse of Fleet Festival renowned Scottish artist Joan Eardley and Committee, Sat 5 June, 7.30pm, £5/£4. On Thursday her friend and photographer, Audrey Walker. nights, the Masonic Arms in Gatehouse of Fleet has hosted It has been drawn from the Gracefield Arts a session where local musicians, singers and writers congregate. This weekly alchemy has produced two active Centre permanent art collection, Dumfries and the private bands and other steadfastly solo performers. Having collection of the Walker family. branched out to perform at the Wickerman and Eden Festivals as well as local galas, an evening of doonhame Film: An Education, Wed 28 July, 7.30pm, entertainment has emerged. A Guid Nicht In features Susi £4.50/£3.50. A coming-of-age story about a Woodmass, The Geese, Gallifran and incomparable compere teenage girl in 1960s suburban London, and Ted Percy, presenting mainly original songs, tunes, poems how her life changes with the arrival of a and badinage. playboy nearly twice her age. Nominated for 3 Oscars. Scottish Flute Trio, Fri 18 June, 7.30pm, Storytelling Café, Thurs 5 Aug, 7.30–9.30pm, free but £10/£8. Laura Bailie, Janet Larsson donations for tea and coffee welcome. This month’s café will and Ruth Morley have performed at be hosted by Tony Bonning. major festivals including the Edinburgh Rachel Hair Trio, Sat 7 Aug, 8pm, £10/ International Festival and Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival. *Pre-event fixed menu £6. With her eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary Scottish and Irish music, as well supper available. Book at least 7 days in advance. as original music, celtic harpist Rachel Hair has AL Kennedy: Stand Up, Sat 26 June , 7.30pm, been described as “one of the most innovative £7/£5. AL Kennedy is the author of 11 books: 5 young musicians to have emerged over the last novels, 4 books of short stories and two books of few years” (The Irish Music Review). non-fiction. She also writes for the stage, radio, film and TV and a number of national and Regular events: international newspapers. Play it by Ear, every Monday during term time, 1.30–2.30pm, £2 per adult/child + 50p for each Exhibition: Mary Pugh, Sun 27 June - Thurs additional child. A weekly song, music and 22 July, CatStrand opening hours. Mary’s storytelling session for pre-school children work is about experimenting and enjoying the and their parents or carers which now takes experience. Mary uses brightly coloured wools place every Monday afternoon. Juice and biscuits included and threads which come together to form a in the price. combination of colour and texture. Painting is her first learnt skill but has now become the creative design Children’s Dance Classes with Margaret base for her work in other materials. Morris Movement, every Monday during term Film : Up in the Air , Wed 30 June, time, 3.15-4pm pre school, 4-5pm age 8-12 years, 7.30pm, £4.50/£3.50. Juno’s Jason free.Dance exercises are created to develop agility, Reitman heads into corporate America balance, co-ordination, elevation, flexibility and territory once again with this adaptation posture. Please wear loose clothing. of Walter Kirn’s novel Up in the Air. The plot surrounds a human resource administrator, Ryan Bingham, (George Clooney) whose life up in the friendly skies becomes his only world as he works to reach his onemillionth frequent flyer mile. Teen Spirit, every Tues, 7.30pm-9.30pm. A weekly club for young people to hang out, chill, listen to music, eat munchies, play console games on a big screen, watch films and plan trips and activities. If you are interested in coming along just turn up and see what Storytelling Café, Thurs 1 July, 7.30–9.30pm, free but donations for tea and coffee welcome. This month’s café will happens. Special projects in the coming months that you can choose to participate in include the Log onto More Music be hosted by Stripy Dog. Bus, songwriting workshops and Guitar Hero Playstation Spiers & Boden & Saltfishforty, Tue 6 July, tournaments on the big cinema screen. 7:30pm, £8/£6. Two irrepressible traditional music duos - in a high octane blend of Celtic and Saturday Art Club, 2nd Sat of every month, English folk music cultures, Spiers & Boden 10am–12noon, £4. Two-hour workshops run by and Saltfishforty come to the CatStrand, aided professional artists and teachers, offering expert by the Scottish Arts Council’s Tune Up scheme. tuition and hands-on experience across a range of fun filled visual arts and crafts activities. Please wear old Under Milk Wood by Dylan Thomas clothes as things can get messy (ages 5-12). performed by Guy Masterson, Sat 17 July, 7: CatStrand Youth Players, starts again Sun 30pm, £7/£5. Dylan Thomas’ timeless masterwork 5 Sept and will run every Sun during term time is brought vividly to life in an astonishingly 3–5pm. The Youth division of the Glenkens 73 brilliant solo performance. Club. If you are interested in acting, directing, Film: Fantastic Mr Fox, Wed 21 July, costumes, sound, lighting, stage management or any other 2pm, £4.50/£3.50. An urbane fox cannot aspect of drama or theatre, then come along and have some resist returning to his farm-raiding ways fun. All welcome (Age 10-18). Glenkens Gazette page 7 The CatStrand: News & Events Glenkens Community & Arts Trust COMMUNITY EVENTS / CLASSES seeks a Baby Reflexology, dropin, last Fri of each month, 10am-12noon. at The CatStrand, New Galloway Closing date: 07/06/10 for further info contact: www.catstrand.com 01644 420374 rachel@catstrand.com Reiki 2, Sat 17 & Sun 18 July, 10am – 4pm, £80/£65. Completion of Reiki 2 will qualify you to be a Reiki practitioner. The training involves a deeper exploration of the Reiki form, the ethics and practicalities of working with the public. Places are limited so booking is essential. Part-time VOLUNTEER CO-ORDINATOR The CatStrand is an operating name of Glenkens Community & Arts Trust Ltd, A registered Scottish Charity No SC032050 Regular Classes: Exercise to Music, Mon, Calling All Film Buffs! Are you interested in helping to run the CatStrand films each month? We need someone to: - show the film - be a steward have input into the film programme - Become a film volunteer! Contact the CatStrand on 01644 420374 or email rachel@catstrand.com Eat @ CatStrand LUNCHES Mon to Fri 11am-2pm 10-11am, £4/£3. Teen Spirit, Tues during term time, 7.30-9.30pm. Gentle Yoga & Relaxation, Thurs, 1011.15am, £30 per 6 week block. Taking the First Step in Computing, Wed 5.30pm7.30pm. Taking the Next Step in Computing, Mon, 5.30– 7.30pm. Carers, Coffee & Chat, 1st Tue each month, 10am12 noon, free. Transport may be available if required, please phone 01644 420374. NEW! Tone and Stretch, Fri 10am, £4/£3. A workout to tone muscle and improve body shape followed by a stretch out to ease those tired/ aching muscles; a great way to start the day! Afternoon Tea Club, 2nd Fri each month, 2pm, annual membership £2. Minibus pick up from Balmaclellan & Dalry by prior arrangement - call 01644 420374. The Perfect Venue The wonderful facilities at the CatStrand are available for hire. The CatStrand is perfectly suited for a wide range of activities - everything from a band night to business conferencing, from parties to workshops and training. We have a variety of adaptable multipurpose rooms. We can provide catering and a licensed bar. We can also offer technical and marketing support for your event. Prices are very reasonable with a community discount available. For more info contact Rachel on 01644 420 374. Peter Renwick, Marketing Officer THE BUS : GLENKENS TRANSPORT INITIATIVE A BUSY BUS! The popularity of our Community Mini Bus continues to grow with new user groups being formed such as the Galloway RSPB who recently had a successful visit to Loch Garnoch, the Glenkens Schools Cluster Group using it for joint activities and a recent request from the Council for it to be used in connection with an activity scheme for disabled children during the summer holidays. Add to this the regular school run, the weekly swimming trip (Tuesdays), the registered route on Wednesdays, and the ever increasing popularity of our trips for both young and old, and you can see that our little bus is certainly clocking up the mileage! Many thanks to all the volunteer drivers who keep the wheels turning. FAMILY DAYS OUT: During the Easter holidays a very successful trip to Kirroughtree was organised for children and their parents (see pic) - a great day out was had by all and further trips are being arranged during the summer holidays, on 8th and 22nd July and 12th August 2010. The trip on 22nd July will be to Summerlee Heritage Park (a 20 acre site near Coatbridge which looks at Scottish Industrial life) but other trips will be nearer home. DATES FOR YOU DIARY: Mon 5th July - ‘Ewe to You’ and The Whithorn Peninsular; Sat 28th Aug 2010 - The Viking Festival, Largs; Sat 5th Sept 2010 - The Victorian Fayre, Lanark; Mon 4th Oct 2010 - Dawyck Botanical Gds and Peebles. Other trips will be arranged including a visit to Kelvingrove Museum whilst ‘The Glasgow Boys’ exhibition is there, and trip to Craigieburn Gardens near Moffat - see local posters for further details. (Photos show the family day out to Kirroughtree and wild ponies on a recent trip to the Lake District) Keith Cooper, GTI Administrator WEDNESDAY BUS SERVICE (REGD. ROUTE): CONCESSIONARY BUS PASSES ARE ACCEPTED ON THIS ROUTE, SO PLEASE MAKE USE OF THIS EXTRA SERVICE Timings are as follows: 1900 Dept Dalry (Underhill) 1910 New Galloway 1925 Mossdale 1935 Laurieston 1940 Townhead of Greenlaw 1947 Castle Douglas (Market Street) 1950 Arrive Castle Douglas (Tesco) The return journey : 2045 Departs Castle Douglas (Tesco) 2047 Castle Douglas (Market Street) 2052 Townhead of Greenlaw 2100 Laurieston 2110 Mossdale 2125 New Galloway 2135 Arrive Dalry IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BOOK THE COMMUNITY-BUS OR IF YOU WANT ANY MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT KEITH COOPER, GTI ADMINISTRATOR ON 01644 420374. For further info & to buy tickets visit www.catstrand.com or call 01644 420 374 Glenkens Gazette page 8 LOCAL HISTORY Maister John Makluire, of the Glenkens, Doctor in Physick (c.1600-1652) MacClure is an old Galloway name. One of the family luminaries was Dr John MacClure who in 1630 authored the petition addressed to Charles I requesting that he establish a Royal College of Physicians in Scotland’s capital city. Though the college was not created until 1681 MacClure is now claimed as a pioneer of British midwifery and pediatrics. He is renowned as the author of ‘the earliest extant (Scottish) graduation thesis for the doctorate in medicine to have achieved publication’, and of The Buckler of Bodilie Health, an early popular treatment of the subject based in his personal professional experience, ‘buckler’ meaning shield. Quaintly the Latin title is Sanitatis Semita, ‘Health’s Semmit’, the ubiquitous flannel or woollen vest which so many Scotsmen were traditionally reluctant to relinquish even in summer. He also wrote The Generall Practise of Medecine (1634) and there is a strong probability that he was personally acquainted with William Harvey, discoverer of the circulation of the blood, whose ideas about childbirth he may have anticipated, though in matters scientific arguments about primacy are often as pointless as they are contentious. Certain it is that he was celebrated in his own day as a man whose name ‘flies splendid, above the stars’. He represented at least the third generation of John MacClures, while naming three of his own sons, John, as one after another died. His parents were John MacClure of Nether Carmonoch and Alison Denholm; grandfather John resided at Castlemaddy. Carmonoch is today, Carminnows, just west of the Kendoon Bridge. In 1622 MacClure’s parents went through a trial in Edinburgh for premarital adultery. Their appearance followed that of another couple on the same charge, James Finlay in Garrary and Mareon Schaw at Craigenbay, neighbouring farms north of what is now Clatteringshaws Loch. Those called to testify in this case were John Inglis in Craigshinnie, further east, John and Quintin MacMillan in Craigneill (now Craignell on the loch’s west shore), Andrew and John Finlay of Gait, preserved in Gate Flow, east of the loch, and John Ahannay of Garroch. For John and Alison, three men were summoned from ‘St John’s Clauchane’ – John Newall, Robert McDowell and John Edger, as well as Robert Scott of Grennan. Thus were the sins of the Glenkens paraded before the great and the good of Edinburgh! Both couples received remissions. There is circumstantial evidence that Dr John MacClure may have been born at Blawquhairn on the high Carsphairn road. The family became involved in the Plantation of Ulster, settling at Newtonards as part of the Sir Hugh Montgomery contingent. Thus the future doctor became acquainted with his landlord’s second son, James, both attending St Andrews University at the same time. James’ nephew, Hugh, third Viscount Montgomery, became a cause célébre through sustaining an accident as a child which left a hole in his rib-cage exposing his visibly-beating and tangible heart, examined by William Harvey at the royal court in Edinburgh, in 1641, in the presence of MacClure, who was probably the go-between. MacClure’s writings are full of interest. His doctoral thesis investigates pestilential fever, possibly typhus. Among causes, he distinguishes melancholia, starvation, water pollution and food-poisoning, without completely ruling out the influence of the stars. He makes a number of recommendations concerning public health, including adequate ventilation, avoidance and dispersal of stagnant water, the burial of corpses, cleaning of streets and closes, fumigation of bedrooms and hand-washing with vinegar. In The Buckler, correct and moderate use of air, food, drink, sleeping, waking, motion, rest, bodily excretions and the passions of the mind are prescribed for prolongation of life and prevention of sickness. He complains of the scarcity of doctors and the poor pay they receive. He is in favour of annual bloodletting and purging. He includes a diatribe about alcoholic women. He condemns marriage between people of different classes. The main point of exercise is to excrete sweat. However, in his view football often does more good for surgeons than evil to physicians. Golf and archery make folk hungry while tennis and catch-ball are highly commended. He advocates running between Castlehill and Arthur’s Seat as a cure for obesity. The encouragement of laughter and mirth will revive the spirit and aid digestion. Uniquely in Scotland he defines five stages of life: Infancy, up to 14; Bairnley, 14-25; Youth, 25-35; Middle Age, 35-49; Old Age, 49 onwards! He writes eloquently of childbirth and speculates on the part played by the foetus in the process. He was, indeed, another Glenkens Lad o Pairts! For more on him see James F. McHarg, In Search of Dr John Makluire: Pioneer Edinburgh Physician, Forgotten for over Three Hundred Years, Wellcome Institute for the History of Medicine, University of Glasgow 1997. Ted Cowan Glenkens Gazette : Advertising Rates 2010 Advert Format Jayne Grimwood Basic Small Quarter page Half page Full page Colour Colour Colour Colour Your Local Mobile Hairdresser Size Price per Discount for issue Block of 3 ads 6cm x 6cm £31.50 10% 9cm x 13cm £68.25 25% 13cm x 18cm £126.00 25% 18cm x 27cm £210.00 25% (Prices exclude VAT @ 17.5%) To place an advert please contact the Glenkens Gazette on 01644 420374 member of freelance hair & beauty 01644 430079 07554828009 hairbyjayne@btinternet.com Glenkens Gazette page 9 NATURE & WILDLIFE “ye wee songsters o’ the woods” (Burns) nuthatch, Angus Hogg Like sparkling sand on a wet shore, the yearly wave of spring bird migration has arrived to bring us myriad songsters from their African wintering grounds. Whilst some are less colourful than others, the musical variety in their songs is quite breathtaking. Of course, we have cracking singers amongst our resident birds – skylark and shelfie (chaffinch) come to mind – but it is the largely invisible arrival of our migrant warblers that is so striking on the ear and so wonderful when it happens. The repetitive chiff-chaff, chiff-chaff, chiff-chaff of the eponymous warbler is often the herald of these wanderers; this year on the first Saturday of April, near Earlstoun power station. A day or two later I heard the willow warbler, which is by far our most common warbler these days and heard in many gardens and virtually every bit of rough ground with scrub. It’s delightful descending cadence – weet, weet, weet, weet, weet, weet, weet - gives rise to its local name (in Ayrshire at least) of `weety’. Up Garroch Glen, amongst the splendid oak woods, the high pitched trill of wood warblers always reminds me of spinning coins coming to rest, and there too are the dapper pied flycatchers with their more delicate jingles. Enough, this is turning into a litany of bird songs, which is all very well if one knows them I suppose, but becomes rather monotonous if not. However, my main purpose on setting off down this road was to reflect on the following remarkable change in our birdsong in recent years that is literally harking back to olden times. Many birds are mimics and incorporate the songs of other birds in their own. Starlings are masters at this and often include the evocative wheepling of the whaup (curlew) in their own song medley. Less well know perhaps is the fact that mavis (song thrush) and blackbird also do this. The former is my own favourite and I often have great fun with them, whistling an invitation to them to repeat my suggestions, usually a tri-syllabic `cat-call’ or `enquiry’ (the spiral whistle to attract someone’s attention). Initially, this causes them to cease their singing, but almost invariably they start up again within a few seconds and my own call is soon built in to their threesome repertoires. Now, in recent years two notable new birdcalls have been heard regularly in the Glenkens, namely red kite and nuthatch, the latter rather incessantly at times. However, all is not always as it seems, because local mavis and blackbirds are mimicking the calls of these relative newcomers, and it’s not just here, but throughout the new ranges of these birds. There are no historic records of nuthatch being here before the recent colonisation, but I wonder when our thrushes last mimicked the distinctive calls of the red kite? I cannot end this piece without mentioning the strange spring weather patterns we have seen these past three years. Cool, drying northerly and easterly winds have again made for a very dry countryside that I’m sure is bringing difficulties for a range of wildlife, and probably farm stock too to some extent. The prolonged winter frosts and snow cover, exacerbated by these drying winds, have left the hills and moors bleached and quite bare-looking. Many small birds like stonechats, wrens, goldcrests and tits perished through the cold, and some like the former may take years to recover in numbers. However, larger birds also suffered, particularly herons and buzzards, which reached their natural population limits in recent years. Such deaths are of course quite natural and simply nature’s way of reducing their populations to the carrying capacity at the time. Numbers will recover as things get back to `normal’, but such dry conditions don’t suit buzzards, which feed extensively on worms, and neither do they suit thrushes and waders. On recent evenings I have even watched whaups coming down to the Water of Ken for invertebrates, so dry is the surrounding countryside. I’m not greatly in favour of rain, but a wee drop at night would be welcome right now; though I fear the regular summer deluge will make me eat my words. In spite of everything, the patterns and resilience of nature are remarkable. The migrant birds arrive virtually on the same day each year, and within a few weeks, the skies are alive with swallows, martins and swifts. I feel very fortunate to live in Dalry, which has an abundance of all three, though sadly in recent years swifts have been prevented from nesting in the town hall tower, where they caused no trouble for close on a hundred years previously; perhaps we can have them back some day. And finally, bees! The other evening, I daunnered down the boat weil past Dalry moat, untangling the web of work in my head, when I became aware of a loud and persistent buzzing of bees feeding overhead on the honeydew nectar of a flowering sycamore. The big, soft, fresh maple-like leaves of this tree enclosed the activity and created its own climate for these grateful insects, the whole acting like some huge, living parabolic reflector that bathed me in this spring buzz that contrasted so positively with the cool evening. In truth, I’m not even that keen on bees, for all the good they undoubtedly do, but this was lovely. I’ve always loved nature, but I seem to enjoy it and appreciate even more with each passing year, even in such a cold spring. If you’re young and enjoy nature, then just you wait! Chris Rollie KENBRIDGE HOTEL New Galloway New Galloway Open 7 Days : Beautiful Riverside Location Golf Club M E A L S S E RV E D 12.00 - 2.00pm, 5.30 - 8.30pm www.nggc.co.uk ( 01644 420 211 ( Buggies now available for hire www.kenbridgehotel.co.uk VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME TRADITIONAL LOG FIRE bed and breakfast en suite accommodation mail@kenbridgehotel.co.uk Founded 1902 v 01644 420737 v Glenkens Gazette page 10 ALEX FERGUSSON MSP FOR GALLOWAY AND UPPER NITHSDALE Alex Fergusson MSP for Galloway and Upper Nithsdale is holding Advice Surgeries on THURSDAY 22nd JULY 2010 10.00am Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry Holds regular advice surgeries at: 10.40am New Galloway Town Hall 2 St ANDREW STREET, CASTLE DOUGLAS on the second Friday of every month from 5pm 12.15pm Gatehouse of Fleet Community Centre Telephone free on 0800 028 7260 for an appointment or to make any alternative arrangement’ 4.15pm Memorial Hall, Crossmichael You can visit Alex’s website at www.alexfergusson.org.uk or contact him by e-mail at alex.fergusson.msp@scottish.parliament.uk ��������� Hotel �������� ���������������� ������������������������������� ��������������������������������������� ������������ �������������������������������� ������������������������ �������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������ �� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �������������������������� �� � � � � � � �� � � � � � � � � � � � � ���������� ��������������������� ������������������������������� �������������� ������������������������� ����������������� ���������������������� � � �� � � � � � ��� � � � �� �� ��� � ��� 11.30am Waverley Hall, Creetown 2.45pm Auchencairn Hall 3.30pm Palnackie Hall NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY You can contact Alex via e-mail at alex.fergusson.msp@scottish.par liament.uk or through his website at www.alexfergusson.org.uk or freephone 0800 028 7260 Glenkens Gazette page 11 Glenkens Business Association At the AGM members of the GBA agreed that the focus for the following year would be ‘Putting the Glenkens on the Map’ with various ideas being put forward to promote the area not just for visiting but as a great place for living and working. Linking to the promotion of the Dark Skies and Biosphere projects are a couple of the ideas which are being followed up. If you didn’t manage to get to the meeting but have some ideas you would like to share please get in touch*. In the autumn the committee will be putting together a series of meetings to provide local businesses with opportunities to gain ideas to market and promote their own individual businesses. Even if you have missed an entry in the in the new printed directory this year GBA Membership at only £20 for businesses and free for community groups and organisations gives you immediate free entry in the online directory. Look out in shops and other local venues for the new application forms for joining or renewing membership. *contact Alan Rumble on 01644 420250 email alanrumble@gmail.com Ros Hill, Chairman Alternative Games 2010 This year’s Games will be held on Sunday 8th August, in New Galloway Park, at 2pm. Come along and try your hand at the Gird ‘n’ Cleek, Tossin’ the Sheef, Hurlin’ the Curlin’ Stane, Snail Racing and more! Usually they are on the first Sunday in August but this year that clashes with other local events, so it’s on the second Sunday. Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING) Town Hall: At last we have had some information from the Stewartry Area officers following requests made last year! This was shared with the Community Council at their May meeting when George Prentice offered to follow up other queries and set up a meeting with senior officers (see Kells CC entry on p3). Rosalind Hill, LING Chairman ON THE BEAT Crime Prevention: Doorstep Crime Having missed writing my police column for a few issues I am taking the opportunity to provide the first of several Crime Prevention articles. This issue I am concentrating on Doorstep Crime. What is Doorstep Crime? Doorstep Crime is the name given to crimes carried out by bogus callers and rogue traders who call uninvited at people’s homes pretending to be a legitimate business or trader. Bogus Callers: Some criminals make their living by preying on older and vulnerable adults. They may say they are from water and gas companies or pretend to be from the council. The main aim of these bogus callers is to distract the occupier, get into the home and steal from them. They may work alone or in pairs and could be male, female or even children. Rogue Traders: Many doorstep crime incidents are committed under the guise of legitimate businesses, usually property maintenance or repair. These traders knock at the door uninvited and tell the occupier that urgent work is required on the property. Examples of this work are roofing repairs, gutters, fascias, tarmac work, garden services including tree and hedge cutting. The work is often unnecessary and to a low standard. A low price is normally quoted and often escalates to an extortionate figure once the work has commenced. These workmen target the most vulnerable, especially older adults who live alone. They put a lot of pressure on the person to pay up, usually in cash and having established that the person keeps the cash in the house will return to offer to undertake further work or, in some cases simply break in and steal what is often the victim’s life savings. It is not unknown for rogue traders to take the victim to their bank to withdraw cash. Stay Safe: Always be sure of who you let into your home or agree to allow to carry out work on your home. Use local trustworthy tradesmen known to you or such as those aligned with the Stewartry Community Safety Forum/Age Concern ‘workrate’ scheme or the ‘handyvan’ service. If you are in any doubt about an individual who is touting for business contact your local police office on 08456005701 or email bryan.bruton@dg.pnn.police.uk FHB Fencing Dalry Domestic and Agricultural Fencing 01644 430 495 (Peter) or 07767 795 498 (Jonathan) W BONE WHB JEEPS THE GARAGE, DALRY PETROL & DIESEL SALES SERVICE & REPAIRS MOTs, TYRES, BATTERIES ALL AT COMPETITIVE PRICES OPEN 8.30AM - 6.00PM (SIX DAYS) 10AM - 6PM SUNDAYS SHOP • SANDWICH BAR • LOTTERY Tel: 01644 430208 Fax: 01644 430669 email: jeeps@whbjeeps.co.uk www.whbjeeps.co.uk THE STEWARTRY VETERINARY CENTRE CASTLE DOUGLAS SURGERY HOURS Mon-Fri 2.00-2.30 pm & 5-6 pm Sat 2-2.30 pm DALBEATTIE SURGERY HOURS Mon, Wed, Fri 3-3.30 pm Tues & Thurs 6-6.30 pm FOR APPOINTMENTS AT BOTH SURGERIES OR IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY ( 01556 502263 ( VETERINARY SURGERY OAKWELL ROAD CASTLE DOUGLAS Glenkens Gazette USEFUL NUMBERS: ● Pot-hole Hotline: 0845 276 0000 ● Local Police: 0845 600 5701 ● Crimestoppers: 0845 555 111 Dalry Library Opening Times Tue: 2 - 4.30pm then 5.30 - 7.30pm Fri: 11:15am - 1:15 pm then 2 - 4.30pm TIMES OF WORSHIP IN THE GLENKENS CHURCH OF SCOTLAND Sundays Balmaclellan 12noon 1st Carsphairn 10.30am 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Dalry 9am 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Kells 10.30am 2nd 3rd 4th Special Services and Events 20th June, 6.30pm: Songs of Praise with Sanquhar and District Silver Band on Newfield Green outside Dalry Church Communion Service: 4th July, 10.15am, Carsphairn Church (using central table) SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH (C of E) St Margaret’s, New Galloway: Holy Communion - 10.30am every Sun & Wed CATHOLIC CHURCH SERVICES Gatehouse of Fleet: Sat, 6pm Kirkcudbright: Sun, 9.30am Dalbeattie: Sun, 11am St Ninian’s Episcopal Church, Castle Douglas, contact Rev McFadden for info on 01557 330687. The Clog & Shoe Workshop Balmaclellan Open 10am - 5pm weekdays in winter please ring to arrange a visit. Tel: 01644 420465 www.clogandshoe.co.uk PROJECT PART-FINANCED BY THE EUROPEAN UNION Europe and Scotland Making it work together page 12 GLENKENS DIARY FOR ALL EVENTS JUNE Thurs 3, Storytelling Café, 7.30–9.30pm, The CatStrand, New Galloway Thurs 3, Seniors Open Competition, New Galloway Golf Club Sat 5, Carsphairn Show, opens 8am, see p8 Sat 5, A Guid Nicht In; Gatehouse of Fleet Festival Committee, 7.30pm. The CatStrand, New Galloway Mon 7, GTI Bus Trip to Wanlockhead Head Mining Museum, see p7 Sun 13, 2-5 pm, Arndarroch Open Garden, see front page Fri 18, Scottish Flute Trio, 7.30pm, The CatStrand, New Galloway Sat 26, AL Kennedy: Stand Up, 7.30pm, The CatStrand, New Galloway Sat 26, GTI Bus Trip to the British Pipe Band Champs – Annan, see p7 Mon 28, Carsphairn CC meeting, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn Wed 30, Film: Up in the Air , 7.30pm, The CatStrand, New Galloway REGULAR EVENTS: Glenkens Ramblers, Mondays 1.30pm, Bank of Scotland, Dalry Scouts: Mon, 7–8.30pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Mother & Toddlers Group: Tues 9.4511.15am, New Galloway Town Hall Beavers: Tues, 6.30–7.45pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Stewartry Camera Club: most Wednesdays throughout the winter at 7.30 pm in The Tolbooth, Kirkcudbright Cub Scouts: Wed, 6.45–8pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Glenkens Walking Group, meet Wed 1.30pm outside Bank of Scotland, Dalry Glenkens Strollers, meet at 2pm each Friday at the top bus stop in Dalry for a slow walk Lions Club monthly quiz, alternating between The CatStrand & Lochinvar Hotel. For further info contact Andrew Frew on 420 323. The CatStrand, New Galloway (see p6 & p7) Exercise to Music: Mon, 10-11am Play it by Ear: every Mon during term time, Thurs 1, Storytelling Café, 7.30–9.30pm, 1.30-2.30pm The CatStrand, New Galloway Children’s Dance Classes with Margaret Mon 5, Bus Trip; ‘Ewe to You’ and The Morris Movement: every Mon during term Whithorn Peninsular, see p7 time, 4-5pm (ages 8-12) Tue 6, Spiers & Boden & Saltfishforty, 7: Taking the Next Step in Computing: Mon, 30pm, The CatStrand, New Galloway 5.30–7.30pm Thu 8, Family Bus Trip, see p7 Carers Coffee & Chat, starts Tues 1st Dec, Sat 17, Under Milk Wood by Dylan Thomas 10am-12noon performed by Guy Masterson, 7:30pm, The Teen Spirit: every Tues during term time, CatStrand, New Galloway 7.30-9.30pm Sat 17 & Sun 18, Reiki 2 workshop, 10am– Taking the First Step in Computing: Wed, 4pm, see p7 5.30-7.30pm Wed 21, Film: Fantastic Mr Fox, 2pm, The Gentle Yoga & Relaxation, Thurs, 10CatStrand, New Galloway 11.15am Thu 22, Family Bus Trip; Summerlee Heritage Afternoon Tea Club: 2nd Fri each month, 2pm Park, see p7 Baby Reflexology, drop-in last Fri each month Thu 22, Alex Fergusson Advice Surgeries, 10am-12noon 10am in Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry & 10.40am in New Galloway Town Hall, see Saturday Art Club, 2nd Sat each month, 10am–12noon p10 Tone & Stretch, Fri 10am, £4/£3 Sun 25 July - Thurs 2 Sept, Exhibition: Catstrand Youth Players, will start again on Joan Eardley and Lady Audrey Walker, 5 Sept and run every Sun during term time CatStrand opening hours, The CatStrand, from 3-5pm New Galloway Glenkens Youth Choir, Sun, 5-6pm Wed 28, Film: An Education, 7.30pm, The CatStrand, New Galloway CatStrand Playstation Tournaments: contact The CatStrand for info. AUGUST Dalry Community Centre Sun 1, Tilhill Open Four Ball Competition (for info or to book contact Sarah Mon 2 - Fri 6, RSAMD workshop, The on 430 393) CatStrand, New Galloway, see p5 Glenkens Playgroup: Mon-Fri, 9.15-11.45am Thurs 5, Storytelling Café, 7.30–9.30pm, Paint & Art: Mon 1.30-4.30pm The CatStrand, New Galloway Ballroom & Latin Dance drop-in class: Mon Fri 6, Ceilidh with ‘Reel Rhythm’, 8.30pm– 7.30-9pm, £5 12.30am, New Galloway Town Hall Ballroom & Latin Dance course: Mon 9Sat 7, Rachel Hair Trio, 8pm, £10/£6, The 10pm, for more info tel Sam Hood on 01644 CatStrand, New Galloway Sun 8, Scottish Alternative Games, 2pm, £4/ 420672 Good Neighbours Club: Tues 2pm £1, New Galloway Park, see p11 Kickback Martial Arts: Tues & Thurs 7-9pm, Thu 12, Family Bus Trip, see p7 Sat 14, Glenkens Agricultural Show, 9.30am, both adults & children welcome Glenkens Mother & Toddlers: Wed 1.30-3pm standing stone field, the Grennan, New Galloway, see p2 Craft Class: Thurs 2-4pm Sat 28, Glenkens Society Annual Flower & Brownies: Wed 5.30-6.45pm Vegetable Show, 2pm, Dalry Town Hall, see Guides:Wed 5.30-7pm p2 Drama Club: for further info contact Brian Sat 28, Bus Trip; The Viking Festival, Largs, Edgar on 420 288 see p7 JULY WRITE FOR THE GAZETTE! Submit events, activities, news stories, cartoons, reviews, tips & techniques, fiction, photos, ads or ideas... If you have a submission, contact Sarah Ade on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@ho tmail.co.uk. AUGUST/SEPTEMBER COPY DEADLINE: Friday 9 July  Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. 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Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document April/May 2010 ISSUE 57 www.glenkensgazette.com Youth Drama Success The CatStrand Youth Players stole the show at the Scottish Community Drama Association (SCDA) Drama Festival with their production of ‘The Willow and The Pomegranate’ by Derrick Brown and as the winners of the youth section will now go forward to represent the Stewartry District at the West of Scotland Finals. This is the first time that a youth team from the Glenkens has reached this stage of the SCDA’s national competition. The Youth Players, appearing in only their second festival, also retained the coveted ‘Audience Choice’ trophy, which they won on their debut appearance in 2009. The adjudicator summed the production up by saying: “This was a beautifully presented piece ideally suited to the young cast and a worthy representative at divisional level.” He also praised the cast and the direction during his adjudication as “superbly delivered by a talented director, marshalling a young and very talented cast supported by excellent lighting, sound, costuming and stage set. The cast contained some very young actors with considerable potential and tremendous stage presence.” The cast of fifteen youngsters ranging in age from 9 up to 14 years were absolutely delighted to lift the trophies and the noise in the dressing room when the winner was announced was deafening! The audience reaction was fantastic and very pleasing for the cast and crew; everyone is now looking forward to the honour of representing the Stewartry District which is hosting the Western Finals this year in Lochside Theatre. They will compete against the youth winners from the other five Western SCDA Districts; Newton Stewart Junior Players, Abbey Youth Drama Group (Kilwinning), Greenock Youth Players, Kirkintilloch Youth Players and Peninver Junior Players. The Glenkens in a Biosphere? The Glenkens is poised for international recognition if Biosphere status is granted to this part of South West Scotland. The area, which would include other parts of Dumfries and Galloway as well as South and East Ayrshire, would become known as a place of world class environment and sustainable development. Local councils, together with Scottish Natural Heritage and the Forestry Commission Scotland, have for some time been discussing the possibility of applying to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) for Biosphere status for the area. Biospheres are locations recognised under UNESCO’s ‘Man and the Biosphere Programme’, which innovate and demonstrate approaches to conservation and sustainable development. They remain under national sovereign jurisdiction, yet share their experience and ideas nationally, regionally and internationally within the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Biosphere status does not impose any new regulatory or legislative controls on an area or on the activities within it. Studies have shown the concept would generate significant economic opportunities and broad community support for the concept, which in turn has won local political support. Dumfries & Galloway Councillor Graham Nicol said: “A Biosphere for South West Scotland would be a great asset. We have a wonderful environment that is often overlooked in national tourism promotion and a whole range of quality small businesses linked both to tourism and the use of the land. A Biosphere could become a powerful brand for marketing the whole area on the world stage.” “There are two existing Biospheres within the UK, one in North Devon the other in the Dyfi Valley in Wales. If the SW Scotland project goes forward it could be the third in the UK and the only one in Scotland…There is already strong interest in some local communities within the potential Biosphere and there are proposals for biosphere-type projects linked to local marketing or promotion initiatives.” For further information please contact Pip Tabor at The Southern Uplands Partnership on 01750 725154 or piptabor@sup.org.uk IN THIS ISSUE... 2 - Local Artist: Morag Paterson, Noticeboard: Walking Festival, Heritage Centre, GTI Funding, GBA Update 3 - Community Councils 4&5- Schools Report 6 - CatStrand Events 7 - CatStrand Community News, The Bus (GTI) 8 - Local History: King Arthur in the Glenkens 9 - Club Corner: ‘73 Club, Walking Groups, Stewartry Camera Club, Youth Update: Girls on the Move! 10 - Carsphairn Heritage Centre Exhibition, Health Tips 11 - Mountain Challenge, Do You Have Problems Sleeping? 12- Church Times, Useful Numbers, Glenkens Diary of Events www.leemingpaterson.com info@leemingpaterson.com Glenkens Gazette page 2 Local Artist: Morag Paterson You may have seen Morag’s unusual photographs about – they are beautiful and often abstract, with the feel of a painting rather than a photographic image. Morag works with her husband Ted to create a wide variety of fine art prints, from landscapes to abstracts. “I first came to the Glenkens when I was 19 and have lived here (on and off) since then”, says Morag. “ I love the feeling of uncrowded wilderness here and the constantly changing skies. After such a beautiful winter I can’t imagine living anywhere else, but ask me again after another wet summer and I’ll probably be feeling very differently…” she says wryly. “I met my husband, Ted, here, and it was he who inspired me to start taking photographs, which has since developed into a full time occupation. I enjoy experimenting with photography – having no formal training, I don’t feel constrained by some of the ‘rules’ that usually apply to the art-form. Having said that, after a long spell of only creating abstract images, I’m now working on a project of much more traditional images. Working together with Ted, we spend a lot of time exploring boundaries and now jointly sign all of our images in recognition of the shared creative process.” Morag Paterson and Ted Leeming will be exhibiting in the studios building of Gracefield Arts Centre from 29th – 31st May as part of this year’s Spring Fling event. You can see more of their work at www.leemingpaterson.com or contact them on info@leemingpaterson.com Noticeboard Newton Stewart Walking Festival: 7-13 May There are many beautiful walks, both within and outwith the Glenkens area. The walks which take in the Glenkens are Walk 2-1: The Rotary Corbett Challenge (8 May), Walk 2-3: Rhinns of Kells (8 May), and walk 3-1: The Three Cairnsmores (9 May). Visit the website to book onto a walk, and to check up to date times/dates: www.newtonstewartwalkfest.com, or call 01671 404500, or brochures can be found at local shops or at The CatStrand. The Carsphairn Heritage Group Annual Exhibition, ‘Carsphairn Captured on Camera; 1885 – 2010‛, opens on April 2nd. For more info see p10. GTI Bus Funding Update The decision on whether the bus receives any funding has now been passed from Dumfries & Galloway Council to the Area Councils. The Stewartry Area Council (made up of your local councillors) will meet in April/May to decide whether to support our bus – watch this space. See p7 for more GTI info. Glenkens Business Association Make sure of your entry: GBA Membership at only £20 gives you a free entry in the online directory and in the new printed directory due to be published in late spring. A grant from the Stewartry Area Committee has provided the opportunity to offer free membership and directory entries for community groups and organisations. Look out in shops and other local venues for the new application forms for joining or renewing membership. The GBA is continually looking for ways in which local businesses can take advantage of new opportunities and initiatives, especially at this time of recession. The committee has been putting together a programme of useful talks but will be pleased to hear further suggestions for what the GBA can do for business and the community. The Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday 28th April at 7.30pm at the Kenbridge Hotel. Come along to talk about putting the Glenkens on the map and share your ideas for the future to make the Glenkens a great place for living, working and visiting. For further info contact Alan Rumble on 01644 420250 email alanrumble@gmail.com Ros Hill, Chairman and email: Glenkens Gazette page 3 Dalry Community Council Extract from minutes of meeting held 1 February 2010 Regarding co-option of young members, it was reported that a new form has been created which, after viewing by the CC, will be circulated amongst pupils. Discussion was had on the topic of pavements, roads and verges - it was noted that the gullies in Main Street have been cleared and hedges trimmed. There is still the problem of overhanging branches on the A702. It was also noted that Main Street is severely cracked along a lengthy section of the road. There is also a very large pothole on Ayr Road opposite the garage by the entrance to the bowling club. Members were advised that there has been an application for change of use on the former doctors surgery. Regarding Duchrae, representatives from 2020 Renewables addressed the committee on the proposed windfarm project at Duchrae. They confirmed that a Scoping report had been submitted and copies of the proposals and report have been left with the Community Council (if anyone wishes to look at these then please contact Dalry CC). It is unlikely that the work, if approved, will commence before 2014, and it is anticipated that there will be 21 turbines with each turbine approximately 115 meters in height. Discussion ensued and concerns were raised about the number of windfarms being proposed for the area and their eventual impact on the surrounding villages. One of the 2020 Renewables representatives informed the committee that public exhibitions will be held. The committee was addressed the committee regarding the Donald Watson Bird Studio, informing them that sponsors and family members had received the reports that had been made and he was currently awaiting their response. It was clear from the reports that no other site other than Barone would be suitable and it was understood that the family want the project to go ahead and would be willing to support the proposal financially. A Trust will have to be set up. Annual competitions, celebration events, exhibitions and a Raptor/Science prize are proposed. The recent report in the Galloway News relating to the recent school inspection was referred to; a copy of the report is available if anyone wishes to see it - the school did exceptionally well and pupils and staff alike should be congratulated. It was suggested that we should encourage people to continue to write to the Galloway News over any concerns they may have, for example housing/planning matters. Next meeting : Monday 5th April, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. Carsphairn Community Council Extract from minutes of meeting held 25 January 2010 Kathryn Thacker has been appointed on a trial basis to take on the role for this and future meetings under the title of secretary. Winter maintenance of the public highways wad discussed with Cllr Peter Duncan - a full review by the council of its gritting policy is to take place. The council commits to keeping primary routes open and if successful will move on to secondary routes. The budget for doing this has already been overspent by £500,000. There was also a national shortage of salt due to the adverse weather event in December and January which has in turn caused widespread damage to roads. The council feels its policy was implemented and the meeting was directed to the D&G website for definitions of which routes are primary and which secondary. The community council is to convey its thanks on behalf of the residents on the way the council maintained the primary routes and the help that was given to people in the community in difficult circumstances. It was agreed that a letter will be sent to the council conveying these feelings. PC Bryan Bruton reported that it had been very quiet over the past month due to the adverse weather and people not moving around. He was pleased to report that all the communities have pulled together and looked after their vulnerable people. There were a few minor ‘bumps’ but this was again due to the adverse weather conditions. Regarding the welcome leaflet, no further progress has been made with this as yet. The website remains ongoing. The CC has been in contact with Charles Clemie regarding the trees on the A713, and clarified that it is the responsibility of the landowner to remove trees overhanging the carriageway. The council is able to compel the landowner to maintain them. It was asked who is responsible for trees actually on the highway verges - at the moment the lorries are ‘trimming’ the trees as they pass. It was agreed to check if trees are overhanging the carriageway and to ask Charles Clemie to clarify re trees on council highway. Clarification was sought as to who is able to use the salt in the bins in the village. An email was received from D&G council that stated grit in the bins was for council workmen for use on the public roads and pavements – however, in extreme circumstances, the public may apply the grit but on council roads and pavements only. It may not be used for salting private paths, roads, access or driveways and that salt/grit for private use should be purchased by the individual. A vote of thanks was received from Linda Szafran of Carricks Shop to all in the community who helped to keep the paths in the village cleared. A suggestion was made that when it snows each home owner could be asked to clear the pavement outside their home and even help with more general clearing in the village. David McMath from the D&G Operations Team for Scottish Water was contacted about the leaking water pipes after some houses in the village had no water supply and others had reduced pressure. The explanation given was that following burst pipe(s) in properties, the main storage tank was low. One burst was identified on the first day and water turned off, but despite their best efforts over two more days, no more bursts could be found. The problem was solved by someone unknown repairing a burst pipe or turning off water to premises. There are 13 empty properties in the village and only the police have right of access to them. Advice given is that owners of empty properties should leave a key with someone and/or leave a contact number with the police. It was discussed how best to make this known, and agreed that Scottish Water would be asked if they can provide a leaflet giving advice to owners of empty properties. Regarding timber transport on the B729, there has not been any feedback on the improvements along this road. It was noted that a new contractor is working in the Carsphairn forest with inappropriate slogans on its vehicles given the sensitive nature of wood wagons in the area. The loads had been seen not securely fastened and some of the vehicles driven more aggressively than it is liked. PC Bruton agreed that he would make routine roadside enquiries in order to ensure the vehicles, drivers and the loads are legal. On the issue of forestry expansion, there doesn’t appear to be any immediate threat to Carsphairn from this. Following the Kyoto summit, Scotland has agreed to expand the forestry by 1 million acres. On the Forestry Commission website there is a link to rural development contracts. On the regional priorities there is a link to D & G. A discussion took place that the community council will be proactive in getting our voice put forward that the parish of Carsphairn does not require anymore forestation as 50% of the parish is already planted. It was agreed that a meeting with the Scottish Forestry Commission would be arranged and a letter sent to D&G council outlining the views of the community. A consultation is to take place between the community and developers proposing a development of four houses at Cumnock Knowes. There is an existing house but there are plans to build an additional four large dwellings on the area. Because of the size of the development the company are required to hold a 12 week consultation - a decision whether the community council is for or against the proposed plans will be made after that date. There has been little activity in the community garden due to adverse weather conditions. Currently we are waiting for feedback regarding a grant application. It was decided that in order to ensure the whole community feel part of the project, a fundraising social event should take place when money for specific items could be raised i.e. picnic benches, and agreed that ideas for fundraising to be put forward at the next meeting. Cllr Duncan was asked for clarification regarding data protection and the registration of the community council with Data Protection and the policy for disclosing personal information. Cllr Duncan agreed that the community council is to register and that anyone wanting personal information should be signposted to the D&G website or their number passed on to relevant person for them to contact them. Next meeting: Monday 26 April, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall. Full minutes of local Community Council meetings are available to view at Dalry Library. Glenkens Gazette page 4 GLENKENS SCHOOLS REPORT Glenkens Schools Visit Edinburgh February was an exciting month for the children of the Glenkens cluster of schools. All 51 pupils from Carsphairn, Dalry and Kells Primaries went to Edinburgh for a very busy and exciting residential trip for three days. Below is a write-up for each day, written by pupils from each school. Wednesday: Lucy and Daisy from Carsphairn: We left Carsphairn at seven o’ clock and drove to Kells Primary to meet all the other children. We got on the coach and drove through the snow to Edinburgh. We first went to Murrayfield Stadium, where we got a guided tour of all the hospitality suites and changing rooms. We next went to Scottish Parliament where we met Alex Fergusson and watched the start of a debate with Nicola Sturgeon saying sorry for writing a letter to a judge. Next we went to Dynamic Earth where we discovered what happened on earth in the past and the present. The best part of the day for both of us was visiting Dynamic Earth! by Lucy Blackett and Daisy Hickman, Carsphairn Thursday: The second day of our trip was packed with fun as we had over five fun places to go to! At first we got up to a lovely breakfast at our B&B, followed by an exciting view up Arthur’s Seat. Everybody enjoyed the thrill of being so high up! Next we were off to the famous Edinburgh Castle for a great tour. Nearly everyone came back with a souvenir! After that we went to Camera Obscura to have a very exciting experience. We got to spy on the people outside using a mirror and a lens! Next we went to a sadder, but very touching visit to Greyfriars Bobby’s Gravestone, in Greyfriars Graveyard. Then we went off to an educational hour of fun at the National Museum of Scotland. We soon returned to our B&B and had a short supper, followed by a trip to the local Fire Brigade Station and Museum. There we saw many different and historical exhibits including the setting of the great Edinburgh fire! Finally, after a long and tiring day, we headed back to our B&B to have a DISCO!!! It was sooo fun and everybody got a chance to shine on the Dance floor! Yes Miss Lamont and Mr McKenna, we do remember when you danced to Robbie Williams ‘Angels’ together! by Sorcha Wolffe , Kells Friday: Friday was the last and possibly best day of our trip to Edinburgh. First was the Museum of Childhood where we saw little cars that children use to play in - it also had a rocking horse that was so cool. My favourite floor was the top floor, where we saw what clothes children used to wear. We got to try on all these old fashion styled clothes ourselves too. When we were at the Dungeons we started with nervous pupils shivering in the church pews and they jumped as the Dead Judge shouted loudly. There was darkness and you could hear voices all around echoing in the room and feel cobwebs on you head. A brief boat ride ended suddenly with a cannibal saying: “Ah, smell them daddy, ah, smell them!” as yet another scream punctured the air. To finish we had to escape a room of mirrors. Our bus drive home was a last chance to talk about all our experiences with our new friends and look forward to seeing our parents after three busy days! by Eilidh Stalker and Faye Green, Dalry Kells Burns Supper 2010 Primary 7 pupils at Kells Primary School hosted their annual Burns Supper for the local community. The 100 guests who attended were entertained by humorous speeches, poetry (some written by Burns, and also some written by the children) and even a slideshow of pictures! The pupils would like to thank the special guests who attended as they all support the school throughout the year and also the PTA for their hard work preparing the hall and the meal. Finally, congratulations to the P7s who gave up their free time to organise this successful event. A McQuaker Landscapes - est. 1992 garden groundwork, paving, gravel & turf, fencing, drainage, rotovating, treework & all associated tasks 01644 440 627 07790 426762 GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL ( 01644 420234 ( Glenkens Gazette page 5 GLENKENS SCHOOLS REPORT GALLOWAY MUSIC FESTIVAL 2010 CARSPHAIRN PRIMARY: On March 3rd, for the first time, the 11 children in Primary 1 - 7 travelled to Newton Stewart to take part in the Galloway Music Festival. The children had rehearsed songs for the groups entitled: Singing Games, Action Song and the Group Music Making. With an audience of around 200 adults and children, the children performed Jim-A-Long, Red Riding Rap and On My Pond. Being a non-competitive class, the children received comments from the adjudicators and proudly travelled home with comments such as “very good” and “outstanding”. KELLS PRIMARY: We were very proud of their achievements as a team and individually. The children performed superbly in the choir, therefore were proud of coming second and would like to say a big well done to Dalry on their deserved first place. DALRY SECONDARY: Pupils at Dalry Secondary School returned from the Festival bearing numerous medals and silverware. Lowena Lindsay, S2, won her class playing clarinet; Dylan Blore, S2, won a trophy, a Silver Quaich and four medals for both speech and fiddle classes and Kirsty McMath, S1, won a silver medal in her cello class. In S4, Ruth Moslin won the Gold medal for her guitar playing, and her combination with Ryan McCall won a Silver medal for the Popular Music Class. Congratulations must go to all the other participants from Dalry - Fraser Cameron, Calum Wilkie and Darrel Wilson who worked so hard practising and improving their performances and being prepared to perform in competitive events. Cluster Success ● Great opportunity to get some tasty venison from the local hills ● Whole roe deer, jointed and packed in separate bags; ready for cooking ● Price: £35 - 60 for whole carcase For the schools of the Glenkens, working as a cluster is proving very successful, with everyone benefitting from shared resources, joint trips which are bringing the cost down, and children are developing social skills through interacting with the other schools. ● Strahanna Farm ● Water of Ken off the B729 between Moniaive and Carsphairn ● Telephone: 01644 460 660 Pensions – Savings – Investments Retirement & Inheritance Tax Planning Life Assurance – Protection – Mortgages For advice on any of the above, or to review your existing arrangements, contact your local adviser: Brian J. Edgar DipPFS Area Office: Tannoch, Newton Stewart Road, New Galloway DG7 3RT Tel. 01644 420288 or 07808 322421 Central Office, 61 Victoria Street, Newton Stewart DG8 6NL Tel 01671 403080 Fax 01671 402549 e-mail - advice@marrfinancial.co.uk web - www.marrfinancial.co.uk Marr Financial Services is an Appointed Representative of Sesame Ltd YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE Dalry P4/5/6 and Kells P4 5 visited Vindolanda and Hadrian’s wall to bring their Romans topic to life. Glenkens Gazette page 6 The CatStrand: News & Events Exhibition: Lisa Hooper, Sun 28 Mar – Thurs demonstration by Catherine Braid, who will be conjuring 22 Apr, CatStrand opening hours. Lisa uses a up some great dishes from recipes from the film. wide variety of print techniques including lino and woodcut, collagraph and etching to produce Storytelling Café, Thurs 6 May, 7.30–9.30pm, free, but donations for tea and coffee welcome. An informal and images inspired by the natural world. relaxing evening - this month’s café will be hosted by Anne Errington with the theme, “Saints, Selkies and Witches”. Storytelling Café, Thurs 1 April, 7.30– 9.30pm, free, but donations for tea and coffee Breabach, Sun 16 May, 8pm, £8/£7. Scottish welcome. An informal and relaxing evening firebrands Their innovative Celtic style, - this month’s café will be hosted by Renita blending double bagpipes, flute, fiddle, song Boyle with the theme, “Beginnings, Middles and Ends”. and Scottish stepdance, brings to the stage, flare, excitement and diversity rarely seen Laurel and Hardy by Tom McGrath - A Mull Theatre production, Fri 2 April. from such a young group. 7.30pm, £7/£5. Two instantly recognisable characters: Stan’s crying face and his Exhibition: Flower and Field… a explosive hair...Ollie’s long-suffering camera Celebration by Lorna Graham and look and his tie-twiddle ...and, of course, the iconic bowler Barbara Kelly, from Sat 22 May - Thurs 24 hats. *Pre-event fixed menu supper available. Book at least June, CatStrand opening hours. Local artists, Lorna Graham and Barbara Kelly in their 7 days in advance first joint exhibition for many years will show a selection of recent work in watercolour, gouache and oils. Lempen Puppet Theatre Company: The amA-zing Thing, Mon 5 April, 3pm, £3.50. A truly Brute Farce Theatre Company: Around the World in original story told with puppets, acting and live 80 Days, Mon 24 May, 7.30pm, £10/£8. Brute Farce’s new music. Suitable for children aged 5+ and their re-working of Jules Verne’s classic tale whisks the audience families. This event is part of the Puppet Animation from rainy station platforms in nineteenth century London Festival. to a technicolour Bollywood visions of the tropics and the James Grant, Sat 10 April, 8pm, £10/£8. Widely frozen wastes of North America. regarded as one of the finest singer-songwriters and performers around, James Grant plays Film: A Serious Man, Wed 26 May, 7.30pm, material from all his critically acclaimed solo £4.50/£3.50. Period black comedy set in 1967 concerning a Midwestern physics professor albums and a smattering of the old favourites. whose staid and stable life slowly begins to unravel after his wife announces that she’s leaving him. The Middle Eastern Film Festival: Eye of the Sun, Sat 17 April, 7.30pm, £4.50/ Tony McManus, Thurs 27 May, 7.30pm, £8/£6. In little £3.50. Through the eyes of Shams, a playful, over ten years as a professional musician Tony inquisitive, 11-year-old girl, the poignant and McManus has come to be recognised throughout charming Eye of the Sun journeys through the world as the leading guitarist in Celtic Music. modern day Egypt. Mimika Theatre: Small Worlds, Sat 29 May, Exhibition: Vanishing Scotland, from Sun 25 10.30am & 2pm, £3.50. What could a small green April - Thurs 20 May, CatStrand opening hours. A wriggly thing, a bug, a goose, a cat, and a sixnew exhibition that seeks to preserve the memories and insights into rural Dumfries and Galloway. year-old girl have in common? A 50 minute A fascinating journey back to the working and non verbal performance for children aged 5 - 11 cultural past of the region, this exhibition of portrait and and their families. photography, oral history and craft, records ways of living Regular events: that are fast disappearing. Vanishing Scotland is based on the work of folklorist Alyne Jones and the Galloway Tryst Saturday Art Club, Saturdays, 10am–12noon, £4. Twohour workshops run by professional artists and teachers, Archive. offering expert tuition and hands-on experience across a Film: District 9, Wed 28 April, 7.30pm, range of fun filled visual arts and crafts activities. Please £4.50/£3.50. In 1982, a massive star ship wear old clothes as things can get messy (ages 5-12). bearing a bedraggled alien population, CatStrand Youth Players, every Sunday during term nicknamed ‘The Prawns’, appeared over Johannesburg, South Africa. Twenty-eight years later, the time, 2pm. The Youth division of the Glenkens 73 Club. If you are interested in acting, directing, costumes, sound, initial welcome by the human population has faded... lighting, stage management or any other aspect of drama or CatStrand Youth Players: Spud Ferrett and the Case theatre, then come along and have some fun. All welcome of the Stolen Diamonds by Jeff Gallagher, Fri 30 April, (Age 10-18). 7.30pm, £3/£1. A comedy whodunnit, almost like a game of Cluedo on stage - a light-hearted spoof on all the worst Play it by Ear, every Monday during term time, 1.30–2.30pm, £2 per adult/child + 50p for each additional child. A weekly excesses of detective stories! song, music and storytelling session for pre-school children Dumfries Film Festival: Julie and Julia, and their parents or carers which now takes place every plus Cookery Demonstration with Catherine Monday afternoon. Juice and biscuits included in the price. Braid, Sat 1 May, 2pm, £4.50/£3.50. The film Children’s Dance Classes with Margaret Morris follows Julie Powell, a government employee who Movement, every Monday during term time, 4-5pm, free. decides to cook her way through legendary cook Dance exercises are created to develop agility, balance, coJulia Child’s classic cookbook, ‘Mastering the Art of French Cooking’ in one years time out of her small ordination, elevation, flexibility and posture. Please wear Queens kitchen. The film will be followed by a cookery loose clothing (age 8-12 years). Glenkens Gazette page 7 The CatStrand: News & Events COMMUNITY EVENTS / CLASSES Baby Reflexology, drop-in starting last Fri of each month 10am-12noon. COMING SOON - boxercise classes with Sam Hood; times tbc but looking at end of April / early May. Sleeping Disorder workshop, Sat 17th April 2-4pm, free, (see p11 for further info.) Fundraising Training with SCVS , Tues 11th May. Rag rug making, Sat/Sun 15/16 May, £33. Regular Classes: Exercise to Music, Mon, 10-11am, £4/£3. Teen Spirit, Tues during term time, 7.30-9.30pm. Gentle Yoga & Relaxation, Thurs, Becoming a Friend of The CatStrand The success of The CatStrand so far has only been possible thanks to the support and contribution of a wide range of people and organisations, and this will continue to be true over the coming years. 10-11.15am, £30 per 6 week block. Taking the First Step in Computing, Wed 5.30pm-7.30pm. Taking the Next Step in Computing, Mon, 5.30–7.30pm. Afternoon Tea Club, 2nd Fri each month, 2pm, annual membership £2. Minibus pick up from Balmaclellan & Dalry by prior arrangement - call 01644 420374. Glenkens Community & Arts Trust seeks a Weekend Cleaner Part time, flexible hours As a Registered Scottish Charity we encourage all our supporters to give Contact: The CatStrand, High Street, New Galloway, DG7 3RN, 01644 420374, www.catstrand.com, as much as they can, whether monthly, annually or in a one off payment. info@catstrand.com As a Friend you will be kept up to date with The CatStrand and other local news, you will benefit from special offers and promotions and be involved in opportunities to contribute ideas and provide feedback. In addition to these direct benefits you will know that your contribution has genuinely helped to ensure the future success of The CatStrand. To become a Friend you can pick up a form at The CatStrand or please contact us and we will be happy to send you a copy. Thank you. Eat @ CatStrand LUNCHES Mon to Fri 11am-2pm Glenkens Gazette Online - New Social Media for the Glenkens! The Gazette has launched a new interactive web site - www.glenkens .ning.com. It includes all the articles and local information you would expect to see find in the Glenkens Gazette. There is a local events calendar, information on local activities and business articles about what’s going on in your area. In addition, become a member and you can start adding your events, advertise your business, upload photos and videos or write about issues that concern you. There is even a chat room. It’s also a great way to keep in touch with the Glenkens community. This is an excellent way of letting locals and visitors know about your group, business, or simply to keep in touch and show of your best photos. It’s easy to use - and perhaps best of all, it’[s free! Peter Renwick, Marketing Officer, The CatStrand THE BUS : GLENKENS TRANSPORT INITIATIVE NEW SEASON OF BUS TRIPS FOR YOUNG AND OLD You may have noticed that now that spring is upon us, trips in April have already been advertised and, in the case of the Lake District trip, fully booked within five days of tickets going on sale! Future dates for your diary are: Monday 10th May – Castle Kennedy Gardens, Monday 24th May – Falkirk Wheel, Monday 7th June - Wanlockhead Head Mining Museum, Saturday 26th June – British Pipe Band Champs – Annan. EASTER TRIPS FOR OUR YOUNGER TRAVELLERS: WEDNESDAY BUS SERVICE (REGD. ROUTE): CONCESSIONARY BUS PASSES ARE ACCEPTED ON THIS ROUTE, SO PLEASE MAKE USE OF THIS EXTRA SERVICE Friday 2nd April – a day at RSPB at Southwick (nr New Abbey) pond dipping, mini beast hunting etc. Thursday Timings are as follows: The return journey : 1900 Dept Dalry (Underhill) 2045 Departs Castle Douglas (Tesco) 8th April – Kirroughtree Visitor Centre – a day of events and things to do organised by the Forestry Commission. 1910 New Galloway 2047 Castle Douglas (Market Street) For full details of the Easter trips please contact Fiona 1925 Mossdale 2052 Townhead of Greenlaw at The Catstrand – for all other trips see local posters 1935 Laurieston 2100 Laurieston advising you of the price and the date from when places 1940 Townhead of Greenlaw 2110 Mossdale can be booked. 1947 Castle Douglas (Market Street) 2125 New Galloway For an update on future 1950 Arrive Castle Douglas (Tesco) 2135 Arrive Dalry funding for the GTI Bus, IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BOOK THE COMMUNITY-BUS OR IF YOU WANT ANY For further info & see the Noticeboard on p2. MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT KEITH COOPER, GTI ADMINISTRATOR ON 01644 420374. Keith Cooper, GTI Administrator to buy tickets visit www.catstrand.com or call 01644 420 374 Glenkens Gazette page 8 LOCAL HISTORY Can we imagine King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table paying a visit to the Glenkens? Not very likely you may think, but if we recall that in medieval times the Glen was part of a huge Forest or Hunting Park, extending westwards beyond Glen Trool, it may be a different story. Like the sport or not, the Glenkens has been attracting hunters for hundreds of years, as it still does. As it happens we have a description of a fabulous hunt by Arthur and his men in a composition, in French, known as the Romance of Fergus of Galloway. It is named for the historical, but heavily fictionalised Fergus, Lord of Galloway, aka King of the Gallovidians, founder of a new cathedral at Whithorn and Dundrennan Abbey, who died in 1161. He had to sell, or pawn, various pieces of land to pay for these expensive building projects. Among those receiving them were the Knights Templars and the Hospitallers, so originating a number of oft-repeated, but unfounded, legends, from that day to this, about associations between Templars and St John’s Town of Dalry. However, the fictitious hunt took place around the Feast of John the Baptist, 24 June, Midsummers Day, a time of revelry, inversion, fun, festival and foolery, still celebrated in the village’s St John’s Fair. That sense of celebration and irreverent humour seems to lie at the heart of the romance, in which Fergus, reincarnated as a chivalric anti-hero, is depicted as a brash and rustic simpleton from a remote part of the world, populated by barbarians like himself. It is not history but it does contain historical information and it was composed, around 1200, by someone who knew something about the region and the Scottish Borders. The story opens at Arthur’s court where the king announces that he wishes to hunt a white stag in a forest near Carlisle. There follows an exhilarating wild hunt as the stag leads its pursuers all over the south of Scotland through the Borders to Jedburgh, and the Lammermuirs, doubling back to the Forest of Glasgow and Ayr, “the home of fair women of whom none are more beautiful in all he world”, eventually fetching up in Galloway, “a richly endowed land. But the folk who live there are very ignorant, for they will never enter a church: they are so stupid and bestial that they are not concerned with praying to God”. Such comments are mild compared to some of the vituperation directed towards Galloway, by English commentators especially, in the twelfth-century. Galwegians were accused of rape, plunder, killing children, selling women into slavery as well as other acts, “violent, lewd and execrable”. All of this seem to become about because Galloway nurtured fierce warriors and folk of independent mind who did not take kindly to the imposition of external authority, Scottish or English. The historical Fergus saw himself as ruler of a separate kingdom or province. Arthur’s entourage comes upon a motte and bailey castle owned by a wealthy peasant named Somerled, the father of three sons, two of whom are shepherding in the mountains while the eldest, Fergus, is ploughing, “dressed in a short, shaggy jerkin roughly made from lambskins, and with a pair of rawhide shoes on his feet. Such was the work they were engaged in every day”. He carries a club for such was the Galloway custom when working. There and then Fergus decides he wants to join the Round Table. Unhitching the horses and oxen – which suggests a joint draft team – he picks up the ploughshare and coulter (the plough irons)– and runs with them to the castle, sweating so profusely as to almost collapse. It is of interest that this may be the earliest Scottish written description of a plough. After a bit of blustering: “Where did he get such ideas? His job is in the fields”, his Old Man hands over some rusty armour, weapons and a fine plump horse, one of the Galloway breed noted for their ability to move more swiftly over boggy ground than any man could travel on foot. And so his quest begins. He has many knightly adventures, subduing robbers, conquering the Black Knight, wandering in the wilderness, acquiring a shining shield, defeating an evil king in combat and participating in a tournament, all in a recognisable Scottish landscape. Most importantly of all he meets the love of his life, the smitten, assertive Galiene, a beauty with a mind of her own and certainly possessed of more gumption than Fergus, who initially turns her down to concentrate on deeds of derring-do, muttering, “I’m stupid to dabble in love. My father never in all his living days indulged in that sort of thing”. A true romantic Scot and son of Galloway if ever there was one! The translation is now rather hard to find but it is available in libraries: Guillaume Le Clerc, Fergus of Galloway Knight of King Arthur, translated by D. D. R. Owen, Everyman’s Library, 1991. Read and Enjoy! Ted Cowan Glenkens Gazette : Advertising Rates 2010 Advert Basic Small Quarter page Half page Full page Format Colour Colour Colour Colour Size Price per Discount for issue Block of 3 ads 6cm x 6cm £31.50 10% 9cm x 13cm £68.25 25% 13cm x 18cm £126.00 25% 18cm x 27cm £210.00 25% (Prices exclude VAT @ 17.5%) To place an advert please contact the Glenkens Gazette on 01644 420374 ������������������� ����������������������� ������������������������ ��������������������� ������������������������������ ������������������������ ������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������ ����������������������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������������������������� Glenkens Gazette page 9 C L U B C O R N E R Walking Groups The Glenkens ’73 Club The adult and the youth thespians from the Glenkens broke a few records at the Stewartry round of the SCDA Drama Festival, bringing home an unprecedented four trophies between them. (For an update of the Youth Players, see the front page feature.) The Glenkens ’73 Club’s production of ‘Chips with Vinegar’ by Harry Glass was very well received by the audience winning the ‘Best Scottish Play’ and finishing third in the open festival, just missing out by one place on another appearance at the Western Finals. The adjudicator commented, “The play requires thoroughly convincing naturalistic playing and setting plus sensitive direction, it got this from a director and cast very much in tune with the author’s wishes.”He summed the performance up as: “Good teamwork throughout a quietly compelling script delivered with relaxed sensitivity in a performance that was clearly appreciated by the audience.” Both adult and youth plays were also performed at The CatStrand on March 6th to a full house. Glenkens Walking Group: 1.30pm every Wednesday outside the Bank of Scotland in Dalry. Glenkens Strollers: 2pm on Fridays at the top bus stop in Dalry for a slow walk on good roads and tracks, followed by tea and biscuits. For further info contact John or Isobel on 430 539. Glenkens Ramblers: 1.30pm every Monday outside the Bank of Scotland in Dalry. If very wet, please phone a Walk Leader to confirm that the walk will proceed. For further info on either activity contact John & Isobel on 430539, Peter on 420219 or Gerry on 420852. Stewartry Camera Club: The judge for the latest Stewartry Camera Club Competition, ‘Trees’, was Brian Corr. Being the Head Gardener at Threave Gardens, Brian understands trees, and he was able to use this knowledge and his interest in photography to judge the high quality images submitted by members. ‘Big Feet’ by Mary McIlvenna The Best Print was ‘Big Feet’ by Mary McIlvenna. Mary says: “I have had this image in my mind for several years. I was on a photographic holiday in The Lakes last May. Taking shelter under the canopy of the trees to gain some protection from the rain, I saw the image. My camera had on its waterproof, just as I had. Wearing waterproof trousers, I was able to get down on the ground and catch the shot from a low viewpoint. Afterwards, a well earned coffee and scone – and a good photo in the bag!” Another Glenkens resident, John Houfe, won the Most Innovative Print with ‘Winter Mist’. The club will start its new session at 7.30pm on Wed 15 Sept in The Tolbooth, Kirkcudbright, and will run on most Wednesdays throughout the winter months. For further information contact Mary McIlvenna 01644 420613 or George Wishart 01557 870090. Y O U T H FIRE CADETS The New Galloway Cadets have been active again with on station activities. The group have one session left before their break, and will start up again later in the spring. The cadets cover the core subjects that fire fighters are involved with on a regular basis, which include working with ladders, pumps, breathing apparatus and road traffic management and equipment use. It is hoped that more interest will be generated before the start of the next session and any potential ‘recruits’ are encouraged to come along. For further information, please contact Crew Manager McKenna at New Galloway Fire Station. U P D A T E Girls on the Move! Teenspirit has just received £2,000 from Girls on the Move, which aims to get girls more active. Girls 12-18 will get the chance to attend some new boxercise classes on a regular weekly basis as well as several weekend dance workshops in Glasgow. It’s fantastic to receive this money, and to be given the opportunity to try new things for free or at very little cost. Dates need to be confirmed. We are looking at Dance Jam, Funk Workshop and my favourite Zumba which sounds great fun- ‘latin and international music are fused to create an explosive, booty shakin’ party of a workout that burns 4001000 calories an hour and leaves you on a high!’ Any girls interested check out www.dancehouse.org Catherine Phillips Glenkens Gazette page 10 ALEX FERGUSSON Carsphairn Heritage Group Annual Exhibition FOR GALLOWAY AND UPPER NITHSDALE The exhibition this year is drawn mainly from the Heritage Group’s own collection of photographs. Much of the material has been donated by families who lived in the village and records everyday life and events. Holds regular advice surgeries at: The exhibition provides a precious visual archive of life in the isolated upland Glenkens community of Carsphairn covering a period from 1885 through to the present day. 2 St ANDREW STREET, CASTLE DOUGLAS on the second Friday of every month from 5pm Social change has swept away the lifestyle of our forebears. Fortunately, much of their lives have been captured by the camera and displayed here and just as importantly, there is a record of our present day lives in Carsphairn –for within a generation, given the pace of change, this too may seem to be a piece of distant history. MSP Telephone free on 0800 028 7260 for an appointment or to make any alternative arrangement’ You can visit Alex’s website at www.alexfergusson.org.uk or contact him by e-mail at alex.fergusson.msp@scottish.parliament.uk ‘Carsphairn Captured on Camera; 1885 – 2010’ The exhibition opens on 2nd April and until the beginning of June is open on weekends and Bank Holidays only. From June until 26th September it is open daily, except Wednesdays. Health Tips: by Nutritionist, Dietician & Allergy Specialist Lorna Willock TIPS TO LOWER SUGAR INTAKES With obesity and diabetes reaching epidemic proportions we need to watch our sugar intakes. Here are a few tips; 1) Use high fruit percentage jams or ones found in health shops which contain 100% fruit e.g. meridian pear and apple spread. ��������� Hotel 2) Cut shop bought biscuits out of your diet (I hear gasps here!!) �������� ���������������� 3) Check how much sugar your cereal actually contains – do not sprinkle sugar on top – use fresh or stewed fruit (stewed in fructose – fruit sugar) instead. 4) Sweeties give us no nutrition e.g.pandrops. Chocolate, on the other hand, does have nutritional value - the dark 70% variety is best. Also, you can buy pure fruit strips and real liquorice. 5) Do children a favour and give them small bags of natural apricots, raisins, currants, dates etc. They are sweet, delicious and full of vitamins and minerals. ������������������������������� ��������������������������������������� 6) Make old fashioned puddings like apple sponge, crumbles, etc, using wholemeal flour, adding seeds/nuts and cutting back on sugar (or use fructose). This makes a really healthy option and is much better than creamy, sugar-laden options. ������������ �������������������������������� ������������������������ �������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������ ���������������������� �������������������������� ���������������������� 7) If needing a between-meal-snack (especially relevant for hungry children) have wholemeal scones, pancakes or drop scones as snacks, using honey or fructose to sweeten them. Scones can be sweetened with dried fruit and pancakes are delicious with stewed fruit or maple syrup. 8) The Scottish tablet and fudge industry - full of sugar and fat (heart attack treat!) is mainly good for rotting teeth... 9) Instead of cans of juice e.g. coke, iron bru, etc, have fizzy water and a natural cordial. ���������� ��������������������� ������������������������������� �������������� ������������������������� ����������������� ���������������������� � � ������������������������ 10) Make a natural jelly using pure fruit juice and thickening with arrowroot. You could also add fresh fruit to the jelly. For further information contact Lorna: 01644 470218 www.foods4life.co.uk lorna@foods4life.co.uk Glenkens Gazette Do you, or your partner, have a problem sleeping? Unable to get to sleep or have a problem staying asleep? Waking up too early or waking up feeling un-refreshed and tired in the morning? Sleep is essential to good health, yet nearly a third of the population experience some form of sleep disorder which can result in fatigue, depression, poor concentration, illness and injury. It can also be the cause of relationships breaking down, unemployment and many more problems. Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder and is often caused by stress and anxiety, the inability to ‘switch off’ before we go to bed resulting in fragmented sleep patterns. Other factors that can disrupt sleep are ill health, depression, pain, some prescription drugs, life changes, your environment and even sleeping pills! If you long to be able to sleep for 8 hours and wake up feeling refreshed and ready to face the day, we may be able to help you. The Sleep Disorder Workshop aims to explain the different types and causes of sleep disorders and offers self-help guidance, in addition to information on the natural therapies and lifestyle changes that can restore you to the world of regular, deep, refreshing sleep. Sleep Disorder Workshop Sat17 April, 2-4pm admission free please book as numbers limited call The CatStrand on 01644 420374 Mountain Challenge Local man Bob Peace, along with seven men from the Newton Stewart area, mostly Rotarians, are taking part in the Sightsavers International 3rd Rotary Mountain Challenge - an exhilarating and very satisfying adventure - in an effort to raise valuable funds in support of Sightsavers. Sighsavers is an International charity which works to combat blindness in developing countries by restoring sight through specialist treatment and eye care. It also supports people who are irreversibly blind by providing education, counselling and training. Last year 3.7 million people were treated for potentially blinding conditions. On Saturday 12 June, the team will start by climbing Ben Nevis (4409ft); move to Thirlmere in the Lake District where they will climb Helvellyn (3116ft) and descend to Glenridding, before driving into Wales where they will ascend Snowdon (3506ft) by the Llanberis path. With a final descent back to Llanberis they hope to finish in less than 24 hours! Whatever struggles they face along the way they will know that their efforts are going towards providing much needed funds for a very worthwhile cause. If you wish to support the team then you can do so by contacting Bob Peace on bobpeace@btinternet.com The Cross Keys Hotel New Galloway Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents ( 01556 503744 ( www.ggblaw.co.uk OFFICES IN : CASTLE DOUGLAS, DALBEATTIE KIRKCUDBRIGHT & DUMFRIES 10 En-suite Bedrooms, Traditional Bar Excellent Restaurant Quiz Night - every Wed 8.30pm Tel: 01644 420 494 enquiries@thecrosskeys-newgalloway.co.uk www.thecrosskeys-newgalloway.co.uk KENBRIDGE HOTEL New Galloway New Galloway Open 7 Days : Beautiful Riverside Location Golf Club M E A L S S E RV E D 12.00 - 2.00pm, 5.30 - 8.30pm www.nggc.co.uk TRADITIONAL LOG FIRE bed and breakfast en suite accommodation ( 01644 420 211 ( mail@kenbridgehotel.co.uk www.kenbridgehotel.co.uk FHB Fencing Dalry Domestic and Agricultural Fencing 01644 430 495 (Peter) or 07767 795 498 (Jonathan) W BONE WHB JEEPS THE GARAGE, DALRY PETROL & DIESEL SALES SERVICE & REPAIRS MOTs, TYRES, BATTERIES ALL AT COMPETITIVE PRICES OPEN 8.30AM - 6.00PM (SIX DAYS) 10AM - 6PM SUNDAYS SHOP • SANDWICH BAR • LOTTERY Tel: 01644 430208 Fax: 01644 430669 email: jeeps@whbjeeps.co.uk www.whbjeeps.co.uk Founded 1902 v 01644 420737 v Buggies now available for hire VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME THE STEWARTRY VETERINARY CENTRE CASTLE DOUGLAS SURGERY HOURS Mon-Fri 2.00-2.30 pm & 5-6 pm Sat 2-2.30 pm DALBEATTIE SURGERY HOURS Mon, Wed, Fri 3-3.30 pm Tues & Thurs 6-6.30 pm FOR APPOINTMENTS AT BOTH SURGERIES OR IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY ( 01556 502263 ( VETERINARY SURGERY OAKWELL ROAD CASTLE DOUGLAS Team members reach the summit of Ben Lomond on a training walk. Do You Have a Problem Sleeping? page 11 Glenkens Gazette USEFUL NUMBERS: ● Pot-hole Hotline: 0845 276 0000 ● Local Police: 0845 600 5701 ● Crimestoppers: 0845 555 111 TIMES OF WORSHIP IN THE GLENKENS CHURCH OF SCOTLAND Sundays Balmaclellan 12noon 1st Carsphairn 10.30am 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th(May) Dalry (April) 12noon 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Dalry (May) 9am 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Kells 10.30am 2nd 3rd 4th Special Services and Events 2nd April, 7.30pm: Good Friday Service, Balmaclellan Church 4th April, 7am: Easter Dawn Service in New Galloway Park, followed by breakfast in New Galloway Town Hall 19th April, 7.30pm: ‘James Clerk Maxwell, Scientist and Christian’ - Dinner with speaker Robert McQuistan, Ken Bridge Hotel 23rd April, 7.30pm: Quiz Night, Dalry Town Hall 30th May, 10.30am: United Service with Choir in Carsphairn Church Communion Services: 2nd May, 12 noon, Balmaclellan Church SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH (C of E) St Margaret’s, New Galloway: Holy Communion - 10.30am every Sun & Wed CATHOLIC CHURCH SERVICES Gatehouse of Fleet: Sat, 6pm Kirkcudbright: Sun, 9.30am Dalbeattie: Sun, 11am St Ninian’s Episcopal Church, Castle Douglas, contact Rev McFadden for info on 01557 330687. The Clog & Shoe Workshop Balmaclellan Open 10am - 5pm weekdays in winter please ring to arrange a visit. Tel: 01644 420465 www.clogandshoe.co.uk PROJECT PART-FINANCED BY THE EUROPEAN UNION Europe and Scotland Making it work together page 12 GLENKENS DIARY FOR ALL EVENTS APRIL and Ted Leeming, studios building of Gracefield Arts Centre, see p2 runs until Thurs 22 Apr, Exhibition: Lisa Hooper, CatStrand opening hours, The JUNE CatStrand, New Galloway Mon 7, GTI Bus Trip to Wanlockhead Head Thurs 1, Storytelling Café, 7.30–9.30pm, The Mining Museum, see p7 CatStrand, New Galloway Sat 26, GTI Bus Trip to the British Pipe Band Fri 2, GTI Bus Trip – a day at RSPB at Champs – Annan, see p7 Southwick (nr New Abbey) pond dipping, mini beast hunting etc, see p7 REGULAR EVENTS: Fri 2, Laurel and Hardy by Tom McGrath Glenkens Ramblers, Mondays 1.30pm, Bank of - A Mull Theatre production, 7.30pm, The Scotland, Dalry CatStrand, New Galloway Scouts: Mon, 7–8.30pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Mon 5, Dalry CC meeting, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall Mother & Toddlers Group: Tues 9.45-11.15am, Mon 5, Lempen Puppet Theatre Company: The New Galloway Town Hall am-A-zing Thing, 3pm, The CatStrand, New Beavers: Tues, 6.30–7.45pm, New Galloway Galloway Scout Hut Thurs 8, GTI Bus Trip to Kirroughtree Visitor Stewartry Camera Club: most Wednesdays Centre – a day of events and things to do throughout the winter at 7.30 pm in The organised by the Forestry Commission, see p7 Tolbooth, Kirkcudbright Sat 10, James Grant, 8pm, The CatStrand, Cub Scouts: Wed, 6.45–8pm, New Galloway New Galloway Scout Hut Sat 17, Sleep Disorder Workshop, 2-4pm, The Glenkens Walking Group, meet Wed 1.30pm CatStrand, New Galloway, see p11 outside Bank of Scotland, Dalry Sat 17, The Middle Eastern Film Festival: Eye Glenkens Strollers, meet at 2pm each Friday at of the Sun, 7.30pm, The CatStrand, New the top bus stop in Dalry for a slow walk Galloway Lions Club monthly quiz, alternating between from Sun 25 April - Thurs 20 May, The CatStrand & Lochinvar Hotel. For further Exhibition: Vanishing Scotland, CatStrand info contact Andrew Frew on 420 323. opening hours, The CatStrand, New Galloway The CatStrand, New Galloway (see p6 & p7) Mon 26, Carsphairn CC meeting, 7pm, Exercise to Music: Mon, 10-11am Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn Play it by Ear: every Mon during term time, Carsphairn Heritage Group Annual 1.30-2.30pm Exhibition; opens 2 April and until start June Children’s Dance Classes with Margaret Morris is open on weekends and bank holidays only. From June until 26 Sept, it is open daily except Movement: every Mon during term time, 4-5pm (ages 8-12) Wednesdays, see p10 Taking the Next Step in Computing: Mon, Wed 28, Film: District 9, 7.30pm, The 5.30–7.30pm CatStrand, New Galloway Carers Coffee & Chat, starts Tues 1st Dec, Fri 30, CatStrand Youth Players: Spud Ferrett and the Case of the Stolen Diamonds, 7.30pm, 10am-12noon, The CatStrand, New Galloway The CatStrand, New Galloway Wednesdays, Glenkens Walking Group, 2pm, outside Bank of Scotland, Dalry MAY Taking the First Step in Computing: Wed, 5.30Sat 1, Dumfries Film Festival: Julie and Julia, 7.30pm plus Cookery Demonstration with Catherine Braid, 2pm, The CatStrand, New Galloway Gentle Yoga & Relaxation, Thurs, 10-11.15am Thurs 6, Storytelling Café, 7.30–9.30pm, The Afternoon Tea Club: 2nd Fri each month, 2pm CatStrand, New Galloway Baby Reflexology, drop-in starting last Fri of Fri 7 - Thurs 13, Newton Stewart Walking each month 10am-12noon Festival, see p2 Saturday Art Club, 2nd Sat each month, 10am– Mon 10, GTI Bus Trip to Castle Kennedy 12noon Gardens, see p7 Catstrand Youth Players, every Sun during term Tues 11, Fundraising Training with SCVS, The time, 2pm CatStrand, New Galloway Glenkens Youth Choir, Sun, 5-6pm Sat/Sun 15/16, Rag Rug Making, The CatStrand Playstation Tournaments: contact The CatStrand, New Galloway CatStrand for info. Sun 16, Breabach, 8pm, The CatStrand, New Dalry Community Centre Galloway (for info or to book contact Sarah on 430 393) from Sat 22 May - Thurs 24 June, Exhibition: Glenkens Playgroup: Mon-Fri, 9.15-11.45am Flower and Field… a Celebration by Lorna Graham and Barbara Kelly, CatStrand Paint & Art: Mon 1.30-4.30pm opening hours. The CatStrand, New Galloway Ballroom & Latin Dance drop-in class: Mon Mon 24, GTI Bus Trip to the Falkirk Wheel, see 7.30-9pm, £5 p7 Ballroom & Latin Dance course: Mon 9-10pm, Mon 24, Brute Farce Theatre Company: Around for more info tel Sam Hood on 01644 420672 the World in 80 Days, 7.30pm, The CatStrand, Good Neighbours Club: Tues 2pm New Galloway Kickback Martial Arts: Tues & Thurs 7-9pm, Wed 26, Film: A Serious Man, 7.30pm, The adults welcome CatStrand, New Galloway Glenkens Mother & Toddlers: Wed 1.30-3pm Thurs 27, Tony McManus, 7.30pm, The Craft Class: Thurs 2-4pm CatStrand, New Galloway Brownies: Wed 5.30-6.45pm Sat 29, Mimika Theatre: Small Worlds, 10.30am & 2pm, The CatStrand, New Guides:Wed 5.30-7pm Galloway Drama Club: for further info contact Brian Sat 29 – Mon 31, Exhibition by Morag Paterson Edgar on 420 288 WRITE FOR THE GAZETTE! Submit events, activities, news stories, cartoons, reviews, tips & techniques, fiction, photos, ads or ideas... If you have a submission, contact Sarah Ade on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk. JUNE/JULY COPY DEADLINE: Wed12 May  Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. 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Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document February/March 2010 ISSUE 56 www.glenkensgazette.com Curling Again After 24 Years! Mossroddick is a small loch just above Dalry which used to be used regularly for curling, the last time being in 1986. This year, on the 9th and 10th of January, the loch once again had a curling rink polished onto its surface and for the two days locals ventured up to try their hand at the sport. John Peacock, who owns the land where the loch is situated, says: “There used to be eight Dalry ice rinks in the mid 1800‘s, and each village in the Glenkens had a curling pond. My grandfather used to curl, and I started curling before I left the school. When I was at the school, on any weekend in winter there could be 20 or 30 of us playing ice hockey up at Mossroddick.” The ice was measured at 10 inches; a good thickness as six inches is apparently considered thick enough to walk on. People brought along curling stones, some of which had been handed down from father to son for generations. Everyone had a go, from young to old, with the youngsters being encouraged to try as this might be their only opportunity. John said: “It’s not very often it happens so we thought we’d make the most of it!” Stranded in the Snow The snow was really fun at first but after a while it began to get a bit worrying. Me and my parents have been stuck at home for over 2 weeks. The last time we were able to get out as a family was the 21st December. The snow looks really magical and if I forget we are stranded I can enjoy myself. Sadly I missed spending Christmas with my Grandparents but we had a great Christmas at home instead. We are having some coal delivered and my Dad and our horse will have to go and collect it with a sleigh from the main road. Every morning a female Roe deer comes and eats our blackberry leaves. We are putting hay out for her and hoping she will eat it because she must be hungry. I have been having a great time sledging because the track we use is almost a sheet of ice! My dad made me a sledge out of a car bonnet and got one of our ponies to pull it along. If I can’t get out for a while I would like to wish all my friends a Happy New Year. By Daisy Hickman P6 IN THIS ISSUE... 2 - Local Artist: Dianne Chopping, Noticeboard, Carsphairn Burns Supper 3 - Community Council News, Kells Senior Citizens Christmas Dinner 4 - Schools Report 5 - Readers Pictures: Snow & Ice in the Glenkes 6 - CatStrand Events 7 - CatStrand Community News, The Bus (GTI) 8 - Local History, Carsphairn’s Got Talent 9 - Nature & Wildlife: Wolves, Foxes & Fireworks, Youth Update: Skatepark Consultation, Battle of the Bands, Youth Players 11- Health Tips, Club Corner: ‘73 Club, Walking Groups 12- Church Times, Useful Numbers, Glenkens Diary of Events Glenkens Gazette page 2 Local Artist: Dianne Chopping In 2003 Dianne and her husband Barry moved from the Peak District in Derbyshire, where she had taught mathematics for many years, to their present home in Dumfries & Galloway. Now living in St John’s Town of Dalry, Dianne has found time to develop her interest in jewellery. This was inspired by a visit to friends in America in 2000, and has led to the work she now produces. All the pieces of jewellery are produced by Dianne herself, ensuring individuality and a consistent standard of work. Specialising in pieces which incorporate Sterling silver with semi-precious beads, such as garnet, amethyst, lapis lazuli, together with fresh water pearls, her necklaces, bracelets and earrings often have a delicate appearance with colours reflecting the hues of the Scottish countryside. Dianne sources her materials from all over the world and, for some of her work , she uses more dramatic and eye-catching stones whose texture is a delight to touch. All the jewellery can be made in a variety of stones to meet the individual requirements of customers. Dianne has been a member of the Galloway Craft Guild since 2004 and was Chairman of the Guild for two years. Her work is available in the Guild Shop in Castle Douglas. Other outlets in the Galloway area include The CatStrand, New Galloway, Gracefield Arts Centre and Tarff Town & Country in Dumfries, and the Post Office in Dalry. Her work is also proving popular in several well known tourist attractions throughout Scotland. At present, a web site, www.larochwear.co.uk, is being developed in conjunction with another local crafter and friend, Angela Smith of Castle Douglas, who specialises in capes, hats and bags. If you would like to contact Dianne, her email address is dianne@moidart.org Noticeboard Carsphairn Burns Supper Due to lack of support it has been decided to postpone this year‛s Clachan Fair so that energy can be devoted to a 2011 Fair. A Public Meeting will take place in Dalry Town Hall at 7 pm on 15th March 2010 to discuss the 2011 Fair. The winner of The CatStrand hamper on the Christmas shopping night was Cliff Bartlett. Many thanks to Gazette reader Louise McClure from Dalmellington for the above photo, Reflections at Loch Ken. Louise regularly passes through the Glenkens and enjoys the beautiful scenery - we look forward to seeing more of her pictures. If you have a picture you think Gazette readers would enjoy, please get in touch (see back page for contact details). Concern over holding the 41st Annual Carsphairn Burns Supper - with regards to the weather - seemed to be over, as the welcome thaw set in. However the Lagwyne Village Hall Committee were dealt a completely different blow when the power supply went off just over an hour before the Supper was due to commence. Fortunately the food was already prepared by that time and the oven held its temperature. Candles were sent for and in true village hall spirit, the meal commenced on time – by candle light. “The Haggis” was ceremoniously piped in by Andy McCartney and the Chairman, David Gibbon, then introduced Darrel Wilson from New Galloway to ‘Address the Haggis’ which he did with enthusiasm and amazing competence for such a young man. After Rev. D Bartholomew had given the Selkirk Grace, the meal of haggis, neeps and tatties was served, and, power was restored in time to supply an after supper cup of tea. An audience of about 85 people enjoyed listening to Councillor Peter Duncan propose the toast to ‘The Immortal Memory’ of Robert Burns. His speech was both informative and humorous. This was followed by Brian Edgar proposing an entertaining ‘Toast to the Lassies’, with several relevant examples quoted of men’s non-understanding of the female species. However, he had his come-uppance when the Toast was replied to, on behalf of ‘The Lassies’, by Maybelle Thomson. Maybelle’s reply was given with style and wit and was much appreciated by all present. Truly performing in the spirit of the night was Donald Shamash from Kirkcudbright, who gave the audience an enthralling rendition of a lesser know Burns Poem, ‘Dr Hornbook’ - a story of the Schoolmaster of Tarbolton School which Burns attended. The addition of some scary props all added to the creation of the atmosphere of the poem. Further excellent entertainment was provided with two Burns Songs sung by a group from the Glenkens Churches Choir, and community singing led by Margaret Sloan. David Finlay rounded off the evening with an excellent Vote of Thanks to all concerned. Thanks must go to electrician, Mr McCrone who rushed to Carsphairn during the evening to solve the electrical problem (and wouldn’t stay for his supper!) and to Carricks Stores of Carsphairn for supplying candles after hours…… Glenkens Gazette page 3 The Royal Burgh of New Galloway & Kells Community Council The annual Senior Citizens Christmas Dinner was held in New Galloway Town Hall on Sunday 13th December. Forty people attended and enjoyed an excellent three course Christmas Dinner prepared by Dave and Marion from The Smithy and served by the Community Council members. Entertainment after dinner was by the new Glenkens Youth Choir under the able leadership of Nancy Plummer. This was the choir’s debut public performance and was very well received with many of the audience joining in with the well known seasonal repertoire. The Community Council’s regular meetings are held in New Galloway Town Hall on the second Monday of every month at 7.30pm. Balmaclellan Community Council General discussion was held regarding the impact of recent reforms to planning legislation. Councillor Prentice advised that CC’s do have influence and that planning can be refused if local support through the CC is not evident. A suggestion was made that the CC might arrange an information session on planning, either with input from ‘Planning Aid’ or from the Council’s own planning department in 2010. No date has yet been set for this. Bonfire Night raised £277, with all acknowledging it to have been a “good evening”. Assistance in a variety of forms was very much appreciated and thanks expressed to all concerned with marshalling, refreshments, firewood, fireworks, etc. Meetings are usually the last Monday of the month. Next meeting - Tuesday 2 Feb, 7pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall Carsphairn Community Council onerous for both Chairperson and Secretary. Delegation could be difficult as there are few people to delegate to. Members need to be prepared to volunteer to ease the workload. The job of Secretary could be divided into two posts - minutes and administrative secretary. There are a range of skills required to do the job of Secretary competently. It was agreed that the Secretary should be paid. He/she does not need to be a Community Councillor. It was confirmed that there will be ten meetings per year as previously, on the last Monday of every month save July and December. The start time will remain at 7pm with the aim of finishing meetings by 9.30pm at the latest. A letter will be sent to every organisation in the Community Council area inviting them to send someone to represent their views on the Community Council and, although there are currently two ‘vacancies’ regarding co-opted voting members, it is not essential to fill them. Concerns were expressed at possible health issues regarding magnetic fields related to the location of pylons. The Community Council will need to be aware of the routes of new pylons. A reply has been received from letting agent for the Salutation flats, who is also the owner, reporting that currently flats 1, 2 and 4 are empty and that 3,5 and 6 are tenanted. Consideration of person to lay wreath on Remembrance Sunday was taken forward - a volunteer has been found to play ‘The Last Post’ on his cornet at the service. A parent of someone currently serving in the armed forces in Afghanistan could lay the wreath. Graham Cartner of the mobile library reported that this facility is being little used. A poster will be produced providing the dates the library will be in Carsphairn. The library could also stop at the school as it used to. A draft of the Community Council welcome/useful info leaflet for Carsphairn has been produced. A copy is to be shown to the Community Council for approval, suggestions etc. The power has been switched off to the TV relay mast. The shed housing the equipment needs to be dismantled and taken away. Concerns have been expressed about the unsightliness of waste ground sites either end of the village. As both are privately owned there is little the Community Council can do. Minute of first meeting following the Community Council Elections of 8 October 2009 in Lagwyne Hall. Elected members: Anne Rutherford, Margaret Richmond, Matt Hickman, Liz Holmes, Maggie Phillips Stuart Marshall, Returning Officer, welcomed all to the meeting. Matt Hickman was elected as Chairperson. Appointment of Vice Chair was deferred to the next meeting. Anne Rutherford was appointed as Treasurer. Regarding the appointment of a Secretary, discussion took place on how to find a suitable candidate for this Next meeting – Monday 22 February, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall post. The workload on a voluntary basis has become extremely Full minutes of local Community Council meetings are available to view at Dalry Library. Kells Senior Citizens Christmas Dinner Glenkens Gazette : Advertising Rates 2010 Advert Format Basic Small Quarter page Half page Full page Colour Colour Colour Colour Size Price per Discount for issue Block of 3 ads 6cm x 6cm £31.50 10% 9cm x 13cm £68.25 25% 13cm x 18cm £126.00 25% 18cm x 27cm £210.00 25% (Prices exclude VAT @ 17.5%) To place an advert please contact the Glenkens Gazette on 01644 420374 Glenkens Gazette page 4 GLENKENS SCHOOLS REPORT Dalry School News Christmas Concert: On Tuesday 15th December Dalry School held their annual Christmas concert. P1-3 presented the Nativity and all the other classes, from Primary through to Secondary, did various Christmas songs. A good night was had by all! Good Neighbours Concert: On Tuesday 8th December the Primary children at Dalry entertained the local Good Neighbours group. The pupils sang various Christmas songs accompanied by different percussion. The Good Neighbours group then provided refreshments and treats to thank the children for all of their hard work. Sikh Amrit Ceremony: On Thursday 17th December P6/7 at Dalry school took part in a role play and held an Amrit ceremony to mark the end of their Sikhism topic. They wore four of the Five Ks they had previously prepared, stated the rules they would follow and drank sugared water called amrit. One group also sang a chant they had created at the beginning and end of the ceremony. It was a fun way of learning about Sikhism! Photos: right; Christmas Concert, below left; Good Neighbours Concert, below right; Sikh Amrit Ceremony. Writer Lari Don Visits Carsphairn School I really enjoyed it when Lari Don came to visit the school twice in November. The first time Lari came, she told us some stories. The one I liked the best was about a wolf. It didn’t pay attention in school so he didn’t get any lunch! She talked to us about writing stories and brought a bag of surprises to help us think of ideas for stories. She helped us make up first lines of stories and when she left she left the bag for ideas and we had to make up a story before she came back. The second time she helped us to edit our stories and to improve them. She also helped us to make our stories more interesting. I chose a glass salt shaker and a shell from her bag of surprises. This is the beginning of my story: One day I was in the attic sorting it out when I found a salt shaker. The salt shaker had some beads in it. I decided to give them to my granddaughter, Helen. Before I had the chance to give it to her, my friend came round for dinner and then she saw it sitting on the shelf. She said “Do you know what, when I was little my granny had one of those and we used to pretend that every time you took a blue bead out it took you wherever you wanted and when you took a green bead out it took you back where you came from...” Can you guess how my story continues? by Lucy Blackett GLENKENS SAWMILL Forrest Estate, Dalry - we have taken over the sawmill from Forrest Estate - FENCING SUPPLIES STRAINERS, POSTS, STOBS SAWN TIMBER ALL SIZES BARK FOR ANIMAL BEDDING SOFT WOOD FIRE WOOD * all at good prices * TEL: 01644430121 MOB:07787416460 GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL ( 01644 420234 ( Glenkens Gazette page 5 SNOW & ICE IN THE GLENKENS Thank you to readers for submitting these lovely pictures - we are always thrilled to receive photographs, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you think you have a picture that people would like to see (see back page for contact details). DAVID CLARKE R.H.A.D. Pensions – Savings – Investments Retirement & Inheritance Tax Planning Life Assurance – Protection – Mortgages For advice on any of the above, or to review your existing arrangements, contact your local adviser: Brian J. Edgar DipPFS Area Office: Tannoch, Newton Stewart Road, New Galloway DG7 3RT Tel. 01644 420288 or 07808 322421 Central Office, 61 Victoria Street, Newton Stewart DG8 6NL Tel 01671 403080 Fax 01671 402549 e-mail - advice@marrfinancial.co.uk web - www.marrfinancial.co.uk Marr Financial Services is an Appointed Representative of Sesame Ltd YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE Local Registered Hearing Aid Dispenser Sales and service of all leading makes of hearing aids. Over 15 Years of Experience in Dumfries and Galloway Supplier of Sporting Ear Defenders Tel: 01228 530780 Mob: 07946 062451 ● Great opportunity to get some tasty venison from the local hills ● Whole roe deer, jointed and packed in separate bags; ready for cooking ● Price: £35 - 60 for whole carcase ● Strahanna Farm ● Water of Ken off the B729 between Moniaive and Carsphairn ● Telephone: 01644 460 660 Glenkens Gazette page 6 The CatStrand: News & Events Exhibition: Dalry School, from Mon 1 to Fri 12 Feb, and people, music, mice and friends. Mouse’s world is CatStrand opening hours. This is the first exhibition brought to life with more than a whisker of fairy tale of artwork from Dalry School and it is a celebration of magic. Suitable for 3–6 year olds and their families. the wealth of talent within our school community. The The Glenkens ’73 Club presents ‘Chips With Vinegar’ exhibition will include art, fabric, 3D and photography. by Harry Glass and The CatStrand Youth Players Session A9, Tues 2 Feb, 7.30pm, £10/£8. Folk present ‘The Willow and the Pomegranate’ by Derrick band, Session A9, have been described as a Brown, Fri 12 Mar, 7.30pm, £5/ £3. The Glenkens ’73 Club “Scottish super group”, “The best band to have adult group is presenting their latest entry to the Stewartry come out of Scotland in 100 years”, “Tighter Drama Festival. The youth division will be presenting a light-hearted short play by Derrick Brown. than James Brown” and an “Amazing Festival band.” Lorna Reid, Sat 13 Mar, 8pm, £8/£6. Described Storytelling Café, Thursdays 4 Feb and as “cool and classy” by The List magazine, 4 Mar, 7.30–9.30pm, free, but donations Edinburgh-born jazz vocalist Lorna Reid will for tea and coffee welcome. The CatStrand be presenting a collection of jazz and blues Storytelling Café is run by a team of standards with influences from Anita O’Day to Peggy Lee. professional storytellers and is an informal and relaxing evening where you can sit back with a coffee Birds of Paradise Theatre Company presents and cake and listen to stories or take part and tell some Clutter Keeps Company by Davey Anderson, stories of your own if you want to. Fri 19 Mar, 7.30pm, £7/£5. Birds of Paradise return with a bittersweet comedy thriller about Duo X, Fri 12 Feb, 7.30pm, £8/£6. Duo X is a running away from an unholy mess and plunging flute and marimba duo with two of Scotland’s into utter chaos! leading chamber musicians, Ruth Morley and Rhian Macleod. Their programme will feature works by Makoto Shimohara, Michael Colquhoun, Exhibition: Lisa Hooper, Sun 28 Mar – Thurs Geir Rafnnson, Ian Clarke and Ricardo Lorenz. 22 Apr, CatStrand opening hours. Lisa is first *Pre-event fixed menu supper available. Please book in and foremost a printmaker, using a wide variety of print techniques including lino and woodcut, advance. collagraph and etching to produce images inspired by the natural world. Saturday Art Club, Saturdays 13 Feb and 13 Mar, 10am–12noon, £4. These two-hour workshops Film: Up, Wed 31 Mar, 2pm, £4.50/£3.50. Disney and are run by professional artists and teachers, and Pixar’s latest animated feature film, Up features a feisty offer expert tuition and hands-on experience septuagenarian who teams with a fearless wilderness across a range of fun filled visual arts and crafts activities. Please wear old clothes as things can get messy ranger to do battle with a vicious band of beasts and villains on a once-in-a-lifetime journey. (ages 5-12). Film: Nowhere Boy, Wed 31 Mar, 7.30pm, Gilmore Productions presents One Up One £4.50/£3.50. The movie chronicles the Down, Sat 20 Feb, 7.30pm, £5/£4. From the adolescent years of John Lennon. Cert 15. same company who brought The Blank Album; One Up One Down features comic dance theatre, Regular events: poetry and song. CatStrand Youth Players, every Sunday during term Film: The Soloist, Wed 24 Feb, 7.30pm, time, 2pm. The Youth division of the Glenkens 73 Club. £4.50/£3.50. From the Director of the If you are interested in acting, directing, costumes, sound, Academy Award nominated Atonement, Joe lighting, stage management or any other aspect of drama or Wright, and starring Jamie Foxx and Robert theatre, then come along and have some fun. All welcome Downey Jr, comes this poignant tale about the redemptive (Age 10-18). power of music. Cert 12. Play it by Ear, every Monday during term time, 1.30–2.30pm, Exhibition: Celebrating the Watsons, Sat 27 Feb £2 per adult/child + 50p for each additional child. A weekly – Thurs 25 March, CatStrand opening hours. An exhibition song, music and storytelling session for pre-school children to celebrate the work of local bird artist Donald Watson and and their parents or carers which now takes place every photographer Jeff Watson. Monday afternoon. Juice and biscuits included in the price. Michael Marra, Fri 5 Mar, 8pm, £10/£8. * Children’s Dance Classes with Margaret Morris Michael Marra is one of Scotland’s most Movement, every Monday during term time, 4-5pm, free. prolific singer-songwriters, and a much loved Dance exercises are created to develop agility, balance, and respected figure in the entertainment co-ordination, elevation, flexibility and posture. Explore business. your creative dance and improvisation skills and develop Celebrating the Watsons: The Glenkens Star an understanding of rhythm. With dance teacher Sara Bird Men, Sat 6 Mar. Highlighting the extraordinary Lockwood. Please wear loose clothing (age 8-12 years). contribution of Donald and Jeff Watson to bird study, art The Reading Cure, monthly meeting, please call to and literature to accompany the exhibition of Donald’s confirm dates, 11.15am – 1.15pm, free. Come and connect paintings and Jeff’s photographs. The project team will set with yourself and others through the shared reading of out the proposals for a Watson Bird Centre in Dalry and some of the best books and poems ever written. annual celebration events in the Glenkens. * Thanks to funding support from D&G Council, Reeling & Writhing Theatre Company presents If I Were A Mouse, Tues 9 Mar, Margaret Morris dance classes are now free of charge. 1.30pm, £3.50. If I was a Mouse is an intimate This is every Monday for primary aged children (see adventure made of tricks and tales, puppets above). Glenkens Gazette page 7 The CatStrand: News & Events COMMUNITY EVENTS / CLASSES The Benefit Maximisation Team will be at The CatStrand on Tuesday 9 February from 9am - 1pm. Please call 01644 420374 for a confidential appointment; transport available if required. Arthritis Care will be delivering a course on Challenging Pain on Tuesdays 16 and 23 February from 1.30-3.30pm Big Screen Gaming, Wii Olympics, Rock Guitar Hero. Come along and try your gaming skills against others in your area. Prizes to be won and the winners will go through to the Stewartry Final. Date to be confirmed. ‘A Wii Night in the Glenkens’; REIKI TRAINING If your New Year’s Resolutions include healthier living, learning a new skill and bringing calm into your life then this course is for you! Anyone can learn Reiki. One of the benefits of Reiki as a therapy is that you are able to treat yourself as well as others. It is helpful in situations of stress, depression, ME and breaking cycles of addiction. Courses run on 6 & 7 Feb from 10am-4pm, with a charge of £65/ £50 (concession) for the course. Stewartry Wii Champtionships, February - Date to be confirmed, age11-17 years, Individuals and team competitions. Carers Coffee and Chat, Tues 2 Mar, 10-12noon, free Web Builder 1, Mon 1 Mar, 9.30am - 12.30noon, free Web Builder 2, Mon 8 Mar, 9.30am - 4.30pm, free Rag Rug Making Workshop, Mons 15, 22 & 29 Mar, 2 - 4pm, £33 Bike Maintenance Workshop, Sun 21 Mar, 9.30am - 12.00noon, free Regular Classes: Exercise to Music, Mon, 10-11am, £4/£3. Teen Spirit, Tues during term time, 7.30-9.30pm. Gentle Yoga & Relaxation, Thurs, 10-11.15am, £30 per 6 week block. Taking the First Step in Computing, Wed 5.30pm-7.30pm. Taking the Next Step in Computing, Mon, 5.30–7.30pm. Afternoon Tea Club, 2nd Fri each month, 2pm, annual membership £2. Minibus pick up from Balmaclellan & Dalry by prior arrangement - call 01644 420374. Get Involved at The CatStrand Volunteering - Learn new skills, meet new people and have fun! Now well into its third year the CatStrand continues to be a successful, exciting venue, delivering fantastic events, activities and facilities to our communities. In order to continue this success we are hugely reliant on the time and support of our enthusiastic team of volunteers, and we are always on the look out for new people to get involved. There are many opportunities available, from stewarding at events to welcoming visitors at weekends, from bar work to distributing brochures and leaflets. For more information about volunteering please get in touch; call us on 01644 420374, email info@catstrand.com or visit our website www.catstrand.com. Thank you! FUTURE JOBS FUND The CatStrand has a job opportunity for an 18-24 year old. This will be a six month post for an admin and events assistant. The post is 25 hours per week, at a rate of pay of £6 per hour. Applicants must have been unemployed and in receipt of job seekers allowance for at least six months. If you are interested, please contact the Job Centre in Dumfries on 01387 223 200. Eat @ CatStrand LUNCHES - Mon to Fri, 11am-2pm NEW! - ‘Soup & Sweet’ lunches only £4.95, Wednesday & Friday (includes a cup of tea or coffee) Glenkens Community & Arts Trust seeks a Weekend Cleaner Part time, flexible hours Contact: The CatStrand, High Street, New Galloway, DG7 3RN, 01644 420374, www.catstrand.com, info@catstrand.com WEDNESDAY BUS SERVICE (REGD. ROUTE): CONCESSIONARY BUS PASSES ARE ACCEPTED ON THIS ROUTE, SO PLEASE MAKE USE OF THIS EXTRA SERVICE Timings are as follows: 1900 Dept Dalry (Underhill) 1910 New Galloway 1925 Mossdale 1935 Laurieston 1940 Townhead of Greenlaw 1947 Castle Douglas (Market Street) 1950 Arrive Castle Douglas (Tesco) The return journey : 2045 Departs Castle Douglas (Tesco) 2047 Castle Douglas (Market Street) 2052 Townhead of Greenlaw 2100 Laurieston 2110 Mossdale 2125 New Galloway 2135 Arrive Dalry IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BOOK THE COMMUNITY-BUS OR IF YOU WANT ANY MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT KEITH COOPER, GTI ADMINISTRATOR ON 01644 420374. Forthcoming GTI trips will be from Easter onwards. Please keep an eye out in your local shops from March onwards. Keith Cooper For further info & to buy tickets visit www.catstrand.com or call 01644 420 374 Glenkens Gazette page 8 LOCAL HISTORY The Glenkens Society Twenty years ago Carsphairn residents Jean Gibson and Anna Campbell researched the history of the remarkable Glenkens Society, publishing their findings in the Carsphairn Heritage Group Newsletters. Founded in 1830 by William Grierson of Garroch the organisation’s full title was ‘The Glenkens Society For Improving The Condition of the Working Classes’. Grierson Yorstoun, as he was known following his marriage, would, in time, hold the joint offices of Perpetual Honorary Director and Perpetual Honorary Secretary. In 2006 the society’s papers were deposited in the Stewartry Museum, Kirkcudbright, where they were kindly brought to my attention by the curator, David Devereux. The society was at first concerned only with Dalry and Kells, Balmaclellan being added in 1832 and Carsphairn a year later. Grierson described Glenkens as “a retired district of the Stewartry… neither among the best cultivated, nor the most neglected portions of the kingdom”. His aim was to encourage the locals to cultivate the necessary skills for maximising both work and the enjoyment of leisure, rendering them more industrious and productive, not only of and for themselves but as an example to other parts of the country. Ayrshire and the Isle of Lewis were both mentioned as places that might benefit from the Glenkens model. Grierson’s big idea was competition. Improvement and efficiency were to be fostered by encouraging men (and later women) to compete “with others of their own standing at any kind of work whatever”. The idea was not exactly original since premiums had previously been awarded for various activities, such as the cultivation of various crops, but the overall ambition was breathtaking since all sorts of folk from schoolchildren to apprentices, tradesmen and farmers, were targeted. Such activities were unusual for a rural community and were more often associated with such institutions as Mechanics’ Institutes in cities and towns. Very little is known about Grierson but it is tempting to speculate that he was influenced in some way by his neighbour John Kennedy who grew up as a poor boy at Knocknalling and returned from Manchester to buy the whole estate when he made his pile as one Britain’s biggest cotton magnates. Key to all was education, schooling in winter and the acquisition of practical, on-the-job skills in summer. Reading writing and arithmetic were essential and might hopefully benefit parents by educating the children though most Glenkens adults at this period were in fact literate. Accounting and book-keeping were also desirable, as was a knowledge of drawing, mathematics and Scripture History. In some schools grammar, geography, Latin and Greek, as well as, bizarrely, English History, were also offered with prizes established to encourage excellence in same. Competitive awards were also made available for apprentice joiners and blacksmiths. An annual ploughing match attracted over thirty entries. Dyking was similarly promoted but a spadework competition had to be dropped, allegedly due to Irish (competitively!) undercutting thus making it uneconomic. Prizes were offered for the best kept dunghills, one parish (sadly unnamed) producing eleven entries, so promoting hygiene as well as the efficient management of manure. So too for the most attractive cottage exteriors and the best kept gardens. From gardens it was an obvious step to a Vegetables Show mounted in 1848, with flowers added in 1863. Shows of poultry and dairy produce followed. The Glenkens Cattle Association was mainly concerned with the prevention of disease. Today the last remnant of Glenkens Society activity is the annual Horticultural Show. Can it still be said as it was in 1908 that “perhaps in no district is there greater skill shown in growing vegetables in cottage gardens than in the Glenkens”? Grierson was not the most modest of individuals. He drew upon ideas developed in Prussia and the Netherlands but he saw his own efforts offering models of other parts of Scotland and the UK, not to mention beyond. His fascinating schemes were not to be restricted to the Glenkens, “nor do we see reason to apprehend that it will be found inapplicable to any other portion of the human race”! Ted Cowan CARSPHAIRN’S REALLY GOT CHRISTMAS TALENT! A Christmas concert for the villagers of Carsphairn, staged by the residents themselves, raised over £300 towards the set-up costs for a Community First Responders group for the village. Entitled ‘Carsphairn’s Got Talent’, the show featured a variety of acts ranging from solo and group vocal and instrumental items to humorous sketches, monologues and recitals. The event played to a packed village hall and ended with a karaoke that went on into the early hours of the next morning. The concert was organised by the Carsphairn Church Social Committee and members laid on tea, coffee and mince pies during the interval. As the event was purely for the enjoyment of the villagers, donations were requested instead of an admission charge. Added to the proceeds of a raffle, these amounted to more than £300 in aid of the First Responders. “We are grateful to everyone who supported our show, especially those who donated raffle prizes and made a donation towards a very worthwhile cause,” commented Nigel Martin, one of the organisers. Glenkens Gazette page 9 NATURE & WILDLIFE Photograph by Malene Thysson Wolves, Foxes and Fireworks On Guy Fawkes’ night a friend and I flew to Madrid and next day met up with other friends near Salamanca on the Spanish border with Portugal. This was my first visit to northwest Spain and our main purpose was to look for wolves. Until recently, I thought they were restricted to the Pyrenees, but in fact they are also found in the Picos uplands and indeed well south of there. Luckily, we saw one in the gloaming of our first full day! What a sight it was, scraping up earth and pouncing on something small before sloping off as only wolves can. Another was seen in full daylight later in the week, as were hundreds of great bustards and cranes on the dry plains to the east, with golden eagles, griffon and black vultures too in various places. Naturally, such wildlife riches are very important to the local tourism economy. Wolves have been extinct in Britain since the end of the 17th century, though there is an oft-repeated tale of the last one being killed in 1743 by one MacQueen in Morayshire. They were killed by a variety of methods, but all of these made easier by the progressive clearance of our native woodlands, which was virtually complete in many areas by that time. In the Galloway and Carrick Hills there are several references to wolves, including the wolf stone on the Eglin Lane near Loch Doon, and the nearby wolf slock on Hoodens Hill. The former is a large glacial erratic and tradition says that it was near this `stone’ that the last wolf in southern Scotland was killed. Slock is the old Scots word for hole and is very apt for the wolf slock, which is an impressive cavity set in a neuk of the Hoodens just south of Gordon’s Loup. Some years ago I stood in the slock and gazed up at the remnants of vain attempts by ravens to fix their nests in its highest recesses, whilst also imagining the place to have once been a refuge for native Scottish wolves. I must say the wild border terrain north of Salamanca has many similarities with that of the wilder places of Galloway, and indeed even with some less wild places. We saw very many deer, both red and roe, and a single wild boar; all of them wolf prey presumably. However, we didn’t see any foxes, which would have been in abundance on any similar dawn/dusk vigils here. They must have been there, of course, but perhaps their numbers and habits are suppressed by the presence of their more powerful cousins. Deer stalking was apparent, and licences are issued to shoot a certain number of wolves each year, with some Germans reportedly paying large sums of money for the `privilege’ of killing a wolf. This suggests to me that more will be killed than are accounted for, but that’s another story. Animal husbandry must be affected to some extent by the presence of wolves, though the animals we saw were in heavily wooded areas and stock were mostly close to habitation. In Spain, there hasn’t been a reported wolf attack on humans in living memory, whilst numbers of wolves are now increasing elsewhere in Europe as human resistance to them wanes. They have been reintroduced to various places in the USA, including Yellowstone National Park, in an effort to restore a more natural balance to the ecosystem, and various high profile people have called for their reintroduction to Scotland. One suspects that current attitudes, prejudices and the practicalities and economics of stock rearing will combine to thwart this in many areas, but who knows what the future may hold? Chris Rollie Y O U T H The Battle of the Bands Due to adverse weather only four of the nine bands were able to make it. However, the bands who did turn up were of a very high standard with winners Super Colour Play (pictured) being a huge hit with the audience. U P D A T E CatStrand Youth Players The Youth Players are staging ‘The Willow & The Pomegranate’ by Derrick Brown at the Stewartry Drama Festival. The play will close the Festival as the last performance on Saturday 27th February and will also be presented at The CatStrand along with ‘Chips with Vinegar’ by the ‘73 Club on 12th March. The play is adapted from a traditional Chinese Folk Tale and the cast are hoping that they can follow up last year’s success when their production of ‘We’ll be Home Tomorrow’ by Wayne Denfhy won the Audience Choice Trophy. The Christmas presentation of ‘Cinderella, the Sequel’ was also a great success with the young cast providing great entertainment to the appreciative audience. As the entire membership are involved in the festival production, the planned production of ‘Spud Ferret and the Case of the Stolen Diamonds’ by Jeff Gallacher will now be staged at The CatStrand on Friday 30th April at 7.30pm. The Glenken’s Youth Skateboard Project will be having a Public Consultation on Tuesday 9th February from 6-7pm at The CatStrand to discuss proposals for the skateboard ramps to be situated in the New Galloway Park. ������������������� ����������������������� ������������������������ ��������������������� ������������������������������ ������������������������ ������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������ ����������������������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������������������������� Glenkens Gazette page 10 ALEX FERGUSSON MSP FOR GALLOWAY AND UPPER NITHSDALE Holds regular advice surgeries at: 2 St ANDREW STREET, CASTLE DOUGLAS on the second Friday of every month from 5pm Telephone free on 0800 028 7260 for an appointment or to make any alternative arrangement’ You can visit Alex’s website at www.alexfergusson.org.uk or contact him by e-mail at alex.fergusson.msp@scottish.parliament.uk ��������� Hotel A PUBLIC CONSULTATION is to be held at Lagwyne Hall (The Village Hall) Carsphairn, Castle Douglas DG7 3TQ on Saturday, 13th February 2010 between, 10.00am & 4.00pm. Observations are invited on the proposal to apply for Planning Permission in Principle to construct four new detached dwellings on land at Cumnock Knowes, Carsphairn, Castle Douglas DG7 3TG. Outline details will be available to view and there will be an opportunity to make representations to the prospective applicant. Any comments made will not be representations to the Planning Authority. If the prospective applicant submits an application there will be an opportunity to make representations to the Planning Authority. For further information please contact Colin Millward, Managing Director, Sentium Ltd on 07803 285761 or email colin.millward@sentium.co.uk Health is True Wealth �������� ���������������� You could be suffering from a condition that may be improved by a nutritional consultation. Often a change in diet works well alongside your doctor’s health advice. Lorna has been working with patients for over 15 years now and has seen some great health improvements due to changing what we eat. “You have transformed my life - ill for 42 years, better in three days - thank you!” says Hilary Hawkins, Gatehouse of Fleet ������������������������������� Some of the problems Lorna has seen responding well to dietary changes include: ��������������������������������������� ������������ �������������������������������� ������������������������ �������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������ ���������������������� �������������������������� ���������������������� ���������� ��������������������� ������������������������������� �������������� ������������������������� ����������������� ���������������������� � � ������������������������ Digestive problems including bloating, cramps, acid reflux, constipation, diarrhoea etc; arthritis; skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and rashes; tiredness and anxiety; weight issues; hormonal and menopausal problems; men’s health problems; childrens’ health issues, eg. hyperactivity, frequent coughs and colds Consultations from £35 (minimum one hour) If you feel that a nutritional consultation could help you, please contact Lorna to discuss your issues on 01644 470218 or lorna@foods4life.co.uk To find out more visit www.foods4life.co.uk Glenkens Gazette Health Tips: by Nutritionist & Dietician Lorna Willock NUTRITIONAL TIPS FOR WEIGHT LOSS Another year – back to the dieting after many of us put on weight over Christmas and New Year. All those lovely mince pies, Christmas pudding and cake…need I say more? Well here are a few tips to help you get back into shape: - Drink water before every meal (approx 1⁄2 an hour) as it helps fill us up. page 11 C L U B Glenkens Walking Group: 1.30pm every Wednesday outside the Bank of Scotland in Dalry. Glenkens Strollers: 2pm on Fridays at the top bus stop in Dalry for a slow walk on good roads and tracks, followed by tea and biscuits. For further info contact John or Isobel on 430 539. Glenkens Ramblers: 1.30pm every Monday outside the Bank of Scotland in Dalry. If very wet, please phone a Walk Leader to confirm that the walk will proceed. For further info on either activity contact John & Isobel on 430539, Peter on 420219 or Gerry on 420852. The Glenkens ’73 Club: ‘Chips with Vinegar’ by Harry Glass will once again be the club’s entry in the Stewartry District SCDA Drama Festival, hopefully this year it will finally make it on to the stage! Unfortunately it had to be withdrawn at the last minute in 2009 due to illness but rehearsals are now well underway to be ready for the Festival at the end of February in Lochside Theatre. This year there are ten one act plays entered, five from youth teams and five adult teams. The top two adult teams will go forward to represent the Stewartry District at the Western Divisional Finals in Greenock at the end of March. The winning youth team will represent the Stewartry at the Western Youth Finals in Lochside Theatre on 20th March. The Stewartry Festival will run over four nights from Wednesday 24th – Saturday 27th February, ‘Chips with Vinegar’ will be on stage on Friday 26th February. The play will be performed again along with the Youth Players’ production at The CatStrand on Friday 12th March at 7.30pm. - Eat lots of fibre – fruits, veggies and plenty of whole grains. Build up slowly; these quality foods fill us up. - Don’t skip meals as this can mean you end up grabbing something less nutritious - Try protein at breakfast as this keeps us fuller for longer e.g. free-range eggs. - Bake fish or lean meat in tasty tomato sauces. - Cut back on carbohydrates (bread, potatoes, cake, etc) unless you’re doing something energetic. - Keep an emergency supply of fruit in the car, office, etc. - When you really want something ‘naughty’, e.g. chocolate, have a little; cravings need to be reduced gradually, unless you have the willpower to go ‘cold-turkey’! The Cross Keys Hotel New Galloway Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents ( 01556 503744 ( www.ggblaw.co.uk OFFICES IN : CASTLE DOUGLAS, DALBEATTIE KIRKCUDBRIGHT & DUMFRIES Dalry Domestic and Agricultural Fencing 01644 430 495 (Peter) or 07767 795 498 (Jonathan) Tel: 01644 420 494 enquiries@thecrosskeys-newgalloway.co.uk www.thecrosskeys-newgalloway.co.uk New Galloway New Galloway Open 7 Days : Beautiful Riverside Location Golf Club M E A L S S E RV E D 12.00 - 2.00pm, 5.30 - 8.30pm www.nggc.co.uk bed and breakfast en suite accommodation ( 01644 420 211 ( mail@kenbridgehotel.co.uk www.kenbridgehotel.co.uk FHB Fencing 10 en suite bedrooms, traditional bar, excellent restaurant, quiz nights, antique and collectibles markets KENBRIDGE HOTEL TRADITIONAL LOG FIRE For further information visit www.foods4life.co.uk or email lorna@foods4life.co.uk C O R N E R W BONE WHB JEEPS THE GARAGE, DALRY PETROL & DIESEL SALES SERVICE & REPAIRS MOTs, TYRES, BATTERIES ALL AT COMPETITIVE PRICES OPEN 8.30AM - 6.00PM (SIX DAYS) 10AM - 6PM SUNDAYS SHOP • SANDWICH BAR • LOTTERY Tel: 01644 430208 Fax: 01644 430669 email: jeeps@whbjeeps.co.uk www.whbjeeps.co.uk Founded 1902 v 01644 420737 v Buggies now available for hire VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME THE STEWARTRY VETERINARY CENTRE CASTLE DOUGLAS SURGERY HOURS Mon-Fri 2.00-2.30 pm & 5-6 pm Sat 2-2.30 pm DALBEATTIE SURGERY HOURS Mon, Wed, Fri 3-3.30 pm Tues & Thurs 6-6.30 pm FOR APPOINTMENTS AT BOTH SURGERIES OR IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY ( 01556 502263 ( VETERINARY SURGERY OAKWELL ROAD CASTLE DOUGLAS Glenkens Gazette USEFUL NUMBERS: ● Pot-hole Hotline: 0845 276 0000 ● Local Police: 0845 600 5701 ● Crimestoppers: 0845 555 111 TIMES OF WORSHIP IN THE GLENKENS CHURCH OF SCOTLAND Sundays Balmaclellan 12noon 1st Carsphairn 10.30am 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Dalry 12noon 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Kells 10.30am 2nd 3rd 4th Special Services and Events 26th Feb, 7pm: Beetle Drive, Dalry Town Hall 5th March, 7pm: World Day of Prayer Service, Dalry Church 29th March, 10.30am: United Service with Choir in Carsphairn Church Communion Services: 28th Feb, 10.30am, Kells Church 21st March, 10.15am, Carsphairn Church 21st March, 12 noon, Dalry Church SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH (C of E) St Margaret’s, New Galloway: Holy Communion - 10.30am every Sun & Wed CATHOLIC CHURCH SERVICES Gatehouse of Fleet: Sat, 6pm Kirkcudbright: Sun, 9.30am Dalbeattie: Sun, 11am St Ninian’s Episcopal Church, Castle Douglas, contact Rev McFadden for info on 01557 330687. PROJECT PART-FINANCED BY THE EUROPEAN UNION Europe and Scotland Making it work together page 12 GLENKENS DIARY FOR ALL EVENTS FEBRUARY - 12.00noon, The CatStrand, New Galloway Mon 1 to Fri 12, Exhibition: Dalry School, Sun 28 Mar – Thurs 22 Apr, Exhibition: CatStrand opening hours, The CatStrand, New Lisa Hooper, CatStrand opening hours, The Galloway CatStrand, New Galloway Tue 2, Balmaclellan CC Meeting, 7pm, Mon 29, Carsphairn CC, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall, Balmaclellan Village Hall Carsphairn Tues 2, Session A9, 7.30pm, The CatStrand, Wed 31, Film: Nowhere Boy, 7.30pm, The New Galloway CatStrand, New Galloway Thurs 4, Storytelling Café, 7.30–9.30pm, The REGULAR EVENTS: CatStrand, New Galloway Glenkens Ramblers, Mondays 1.30pm, Bank of Sat 6 & Sun 7, Reiki Training Course, 10amScotland, Dalry 4pm, The CatStrand, New Galloway Scouts: Mon, 7–8.30pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Tues 9, Glenken’s Youth Sateboard Project Mother & Toddlers Group: Tues 9.45-11.15am, Public Consultation, 6-7pm, The CatStrand, New Galloway Town Hall New Galloway Beavers: Tues, 6.30–7.45pm, New Mon 8, Kells CC Meeting, 7.30pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Galloway Town Hall Tue 9, Benefit Maximisation Team, 9am - 1pm, Stewartry Camera Club: most Wednesdays throughout the winter at 7.30 pm in The The CatStrand, New Galloway, please call 01644 420374 for a confidential appointment Tolbooth, Kirkcudbright Cub Scouts: Wed, 6.45–8pm, New Galloway Fri 12, Duo X, 7.30pm, The CatStrand, New Scout Hut Galloway Glenkens Walking Group, meet Wed 1.30pm Sat 13, Public Consultation for Planning outside Bank of Scotland, Dalry Permission; Cumnock Knowes, 10am & 4pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn Glenkens Strollers, meet at 2pm each Friday at Sat 13, Saturday Art Club, 10am–12noon, The the top bus stop in Dalry for a slow walk CatStrand, New Galloway Lions Club monthly quiz, alternating between Tues 16 & 23, Arthritis Care; Challenging Pain, The CatStrand & Lochinvar Hotel. For further info contact Andrew Frew on 420 323. 1.30-3.30pm, The CatStrand, New Galloway The CatStrand, New Galloway (see p7) Sat 20, One Up One Down, 7.30pm, The Exercise to Music: Mon, 10-11am CatStrand, New Galloway Play it by Ear: every Mon during term time, Mon 22, Carsphairn CC, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall, 1.30-2.30pm Carsphairn Children’s Dance Classes with Margaret Morris Wed 24, Film: The Soloist, 7.30pm, The Movement: every Mon during term time, 4-5pm CatStrand, New Galloway (ages 8-12) Fri 26, Beetle Drive, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall Taking the Next Step in Computing: Mon, Sat 27 Feb – Thurs 25 Mar, Exhibition: 5.30–7.30pm Celebrating the Watsons, CatStrand opening Carers Coffee & Chat, starts Tues 1st Dec, hours, The CatStrand, New Galloway February - Date to be confirmed, ‘A Wii Night 10am-12noon, The CatStrand, New Galloway in the Glenkens’; Stewartry Wii Champtionships, The Reading Cure, Tuesdays, 11.15am–1.15pm The CatStrand, New Galloway Teen Spirit: Tues, 7.30-9.30pm MARCH Wednesdays, Glenkens Walking Group, 2pm, outside Bank of Scotland, Dalry Mon 1, Web Builder 1,9.30am - 12.30noon, The CatStrand, New Galloway Taking the First Step in Computing: Wed, 5.307.30pm Tues 2, Carers Coffee and Chat, 10-12noon, The CatStrand, New Galloway Gentle Yoga & Relaxation, Thurs, 10-11.15am Thurs 4, Storytelling Café, 7.30–9.30pm, The Catstrand Youth Players, every Sun during term CatStrand, New Galloway time, 2pm Fri 5, Michael Marra, 8pm, The CatStrand, Afternoon Tea Club: 2nd Fri each month, 2pm New Galloway Saturday Art Club, 2nd Sat each month, 10am– Sat 6, Celebrating the Watsons: The Glenkens 12noon Star Bird Men, The CatStrand, New Galloway Glenkens Youth Choir, Sun, 5-6pm Mon 8, Kells CC Meeting, 7.30pm, New CatStrand Playstation Tournaments: contact The Galloway Town Hall CatStrand for info. Mon 8 Mar, Web Builder 2, 9.30am - 4.30pm, Dalry Community Centre The CatStrand, New Galloway (for info or to book contact Sarah on 430 393) Tues 9, If I Were A Mouse, 1.30pm, The Glenkens Playgroup: Mon-Fri, 9.15-11.45am CatStrand, New Galloway Paint & Art: Mon 1.30-4.30pm Fri 12, Glenkens ’73 Group & Youth Players Productions, 7.30pm, The CatStrand, New Ballroom & Latin Dance drop-in class: Mon Galloway 7.30-9pm, £5 Sat 13, Saturday Art Club, 10am–12noon, The Ballroom & Latin Dance course: Mon 9-10pm, CatStrand, New Galloway for more info tel Sam Hood on 01644 420672 Sat 13, Lorna Reid, 8pm, The CatStrand, New Good Neighbours Club: Tues 2pm Galloway Kickback Martial Arts: Tues & Thurs 7-9pm, Mon 15, 2011 Clachan Fair Public Meeting, adults welcome 7pm, Dalry Town Hall Glenkens Mother & Toddlers: Wed 1.30-3pm Mons 15, 22 & 29, Rag Rug Making Workshop, Craft Class: Thurs 2-4pm 2 - 4pm, £33, The CatStrand, New Galloway Brownies: Wed 5.30-6.45pm Fri 19, Clutter Keeps Company, 7.30pm, The Guides:Wed 5.30-7pm CatStrand, New Galloway Sun 21, Bike Maintenance Workshop, 9.30am Drama Club: for further info contact Brian Edgar on 420 288 WRITE FOR THE GAZETTE! Submit events, activities, news stories, cartoons, reviews, tips & techniques, fiction, photos, ads or ideas... If you have a submission, contact Sarah Ade on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk. APRIL/MAY COPY DEADLINE: Fri 12 March  Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette 56 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GG_056 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource GCAT Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2010 Description An account of the resource Editor: Sarah Ade