4 10 155 https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/1/271/GlenkensGazette124.pdf edda99c6849b9b09c7f750b1a5711b0c 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 124 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, Corsock, Crossmichael, Kirkpatrick Durham, Laurieston, Mossdale, New Galloway, Parton and St John’s Town of Dalry June/July 2021 ISSUE 124 FREE MEET THE LOCH KEN RANGER Loch Ken now proudly boasts its very own ranger, a post managed by the Loch Ken Trust Ken Scott, who took on the role in April, explains a bit about what the role entails. Since starting my post as ranger, I have regularly patrolled around the loch introducing myself to locals and visitors alike, as well as responding to people who contacted me directly. On the first Friday I was on duty I was contacted twice about fishermen flying a St George flag, while lockdown rules prevented cross border travel. It turned out to be two local guys - one had family roots in Gibraltar and his friend had brought the flag along on St George’s Day as a bit of a wind-up. We want to encourage visitors to keep coming back to the loch, but to please visit responsibly and leave no trace behind. On several occasions already I’ve cleaned up rubbish and even an abandoned tent from areas around the loch, some of which was a real danger to wildlife. Information regarding this was kindly passed to me by a concerned angler, via the Loch Ken Trust Facebook page. I have been shown around the loch on land as well as viewing it by boat, gaining an appreciation of access and safety issues that I hope to be able to help resolve when out on patrol. Hopefully my presence around the loch will reassure Ranger Ken Scott (left) litter picking with local communities and local volunteers Kate and Andy. responsible visitors that there is someone in place sitting between the loch communities to help directly with any and partners at the D&G council issues or concerns they may have. community safety team and Police Those concerns could be related to Scotland, calling upon and working areas such as antisocial behaviour, alongside those partners as required. irresponsible land access, poaching or littering. I see my part-time role as Continued on p3... you Parton Photo Exhibition Are struggling to find a house in Takes to the Road the Glenkens? Parton community's Glenkens photo exhibition has taken to the road at last. The display of competition entries planned for Christmas was delayed by lockdown but with the lifting of the 'stay at home' order, the exhibition went on display as promised in Parton village hall car park, mounted on a vintage Bedford truck, pictured here. The photos look fantastic. Thanks again to all the participants and to my fellow Partonians Tom Marshall and John Simpson who put in time to make the competition and exhibition happen; to Dumfries & Galloway Council and Parton Community Council for supporting the printing costs; and to Gordy who was press-ganged into making the frame and mounts that made our truck display possible! If your village, hall or school would like to host the truck exhibition for a weekend or similar, we would be absolutely delighted to bring it over and park up - just drop an email to maxwellphoto2020@gmail.com Suzy Mercer Bea enjoying Parton's mobile photo exhibition A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) initiative Do you know someone who is? Whether it's to rent or to buy, we want to hear your story. The Glenkens is currently facing a housing crisis, with not enough homes available for those wishing to settle in the area and local families being forced to leave due to a housing shortage. In the next edition of the Gazette we will take a look at this situation in some depth, hopefully starting an ongoing conversation. www.glenkensgazette.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 2 Formal Objections to Pylon Route Below is an update on the application by Scottish Power Energy Network (SPEN) for the Kendoon to Tongland 132kV Reinforcement Project. SPEN’s applications were submitted to the Scottish Government in September 2020. Dumfries & Galloway Council are a consultee in the process just like the RSPB, Scottish Forestry, Historic Scotland, NatureScot, etc. After much discussion, D&G Council agreed to raise objections "on the grounds that it has not been proven as yet that the proposals would not have an unduly adverse effect on the landscape character due to this proposal running through two Regional Scenic Areas and that underground would be the preferred option to protect these sensitive areas landscape views and visual amenity”. The government has written to SPEN asking them what they want to do either withdraw the applications, modify their applications or ask the government to decide as it stands. If the last is adopted the government will appoint a 'reporter' who will consider the scope of an enquiry which will be one of three options: (a) Written evidence from interested parties (b) A hearing session whereby the reporter asks questions to various stakeholders. (c) Public Local Enquiry (PLI) - the bookie's favourite as this is a thorough and formal procedure. To date there have been 909 objections sent to the government with 564 CLIMATE PANEL TENDER Dumfries and Galloway Council have put out to tender the £50K contract to set up and run a 'climate pane' focused on implementing the Council's 12-point Climate Emergency Declaration Plan. In response to a request through the Dumfries & Galloway Climate Group, several local organisations and individuals have responded and are pulling together a potential tender. Those involved believe it is important that, in the spirit of 'climate assemblies', the agenda for its delivery should be set by as wide a mix of people as possible living in the local community. The challenge of the climate emergency is felt most acutely by young people. So, those facilitating the bid very much want young people to become involved in the tendering process and, if successful, managing the eventual 'climate panel' process. Roland Chaplain is providing the contact point for anyone interested in becoming involved in however small or large a way - get in touch on 01644 420 361 or roland@glenkensbb.co.uk New overhead pylon route outside Carsphairn. from Dumfries & Galloway. I have been informed by SPEN that these are phenomenal numbers so I sincerely hope the volume has an impact. About 60% of the objections have been regarding the Glenlee to Tongland section with only 40% objecting to the whole project. Paul Swift Dear Editor, I just wanted to send my thanks for a great article highlighting the plight of living in Carsphairn at the moment and dealing with the issues these wind farms are causing. It’s not the finished product that causes these difficulties, it’s the constant disruption to our daily lives that becomes difficult to live with. When wind farm operators put in for planning permission, the planning officers don’t look at these things. Jackie Locke, Carsphairn Clarification: The Gazette has been asked to point out that the owners of the “second B&B” in Carsphairn, as referenced in last issue’s front page article, sold their business because they were retiring and not due to the impact of wind farm development in the area. The reference to the B&B being on the market was to illustrate, along with the sale of the only other B&B in the village, the impact on tourist accommodation in Carsphairn. We are happy to make this clarification as there was no intention to mislead. GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL 01644 420234 David Tallontire CHIMNEY SWEEP Covering the Glenkens & further afield 07709 144 299 - wood burners - multi-fuel stoves - open fires - Agas - Rayburns - birds nest removal with CCTV inspection - certificates issued - feel free to call for advice - Find me on Facebook THE STEWARTRY VETERINARY CENTRE CASTLE DOUGLAS SURGERY HOURS Mon-Fri 2.00-2.30 pm & 5-6 pm Mon-Fri 8.30am-6pm 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 page 3 Carsphairn Road Network Ward Event Local residents whose lives have been affected by the increase in traffic associated with wind farm construction and timber felling were able to air their grievances at a ward event, entitled Carsphairn Road Network, on 11 May. Carsphairn Community Council chair Liz Holmes said: "Thanks to councillor Pauline Drysdale and the various bodies involved in this meeting. Feedback from the meeting was largely positive and it is hoped that the Windy Rig messaging service will be improved further to ensure residents and businesses living along the route, who have experienced serious disruption to their activities, are kept up to date with transport and delivery schedules." Councillor Pauline Drysdale said: "I was delighted that we were able to have a ward event during COVID. The follow-up report stated that some of the objectives were achieved, but it still needs some work going forward with regards to the Traffic Management Plan. As a councillor I feel it's my job to ensure that the Following multiple council planning department incidents that have are being as proactive as affected Carsphairn possible in terms of the residents, local councillor processes and procedures to Pauline Drysdale agreed be followed. I will continue to arrange the ward event to strive to act as a voice for with council members and the community regarding interested parties. their rights to use these The event was put on to roads for their daily needs. engage with the Windy It is vital that people's Rig team, council officers, needs are considered as Photograph submitted by Rita Fairgrieve of a wind turbine blade being Smithy House Associates a priority when planning lifted to make it round a corner on the B729 next to her house, Old (who are responsible for strategies and wind farm Burnfoot Cottage. communications during developments are agreed." the Windy Rig construction Going forward, it seems process), councillors, that a discussion needs local councillor or community council if Carsphairn community council, ward to take place within D&G Council with the Traffic Management Plan (TMP) was officers and constituents to discuss the regard to how they regulate wind farm being breached by any vehicles so that infrastructure, the management of the developments. In the ward event, they could follow it up. roads network (in and around the wind Statkraft, developers of Windy Rig wind The TMP can be viewed at www. farms and across the immediate area) farm, repeatedly noted that they were carsphairn.org/CCPlanning – issues and the communications regarding these abiding by the agreement that had been can also be reported by emailing works. set up with Dumfries & Galloway Council. planningenforcementteam@dumgal.gov. The purpose of the event, as explained If this is the case, the agreement uk by a council officer, was to “improve process seems to be lacking significantly It was also noted that if there are the management and communications in prioritising consideration of the significant areas of damage to roads, surrounding the aforementioned impacts of large scale developments on potholes, etc, it can be reported on the work ... Also to facilitate better local residents. dumgal.gov.uk website under the 'Report relationships between the contractors, With so many commercial applications It' function on the home page. the management of Windy Rig and our being submitted accross the region - for It was clarified by Doug Wilson that council and to understand where each both wind farms and forestry plantations Statkraft is required to restore roads tier of responsibility lies." - it seems vital that the council has a to their original condition following the 16 local residents joined the meeting, robust strategy in place going forward; completion of the wind farm. Also, upon which was chaired by Councillor a strategy which ensures the needs the end of use of the laydown area Drysdale, to share their concerns and and rights of local people are given outside Carsphairn village, the site will discuss potential solutions. equal importance to the demands of be landscaped with input from the local The key concerns were the damage corporations. community. to small local roads by heavy vehicles (both timber and wind farm), a lack of communication between Windy Rig management and residents regarding disruption on the roads, and the amount of disruption to local residents from wind farm traffic and road works. With regard to better communication, Doug Wilson, of Smithy House Associates, agreed that they would endeavour to improve their messaging service to ensure residents were kept up to date with changes in times, etc, of component deliveries. D&G Council roads department representatives suggested that residents contact their LOCH KEN RANGER Continued from front page... To raise awareness and visibility I now have stickers on my car, making it far more visible when out on patrol which hopefully will encourage direct local engagement. So don’t be shy - if you see the car parked up, come over and have a chat! That same visibility should also help deter the small minority of visitors whose reasons for visiting Loch Ken may fall outside of ‘responsible’. I am collating any concerns that are raised in order to identify patterns and repeated issues, what the busiest times are and any hotspots that may require more regular or more robust patrolling. I cannot be at the lochside 24 hours a day and I am relying heavily on locals and visitors being my eyes and ears, and getting in touch with any concerns - if I am not told about problems, I can't do anything about them, so I urge anyone with an issue to either phone me, email or leave me a message on the Loch Ken Trust FaceBook page. Get in touch with Ken on 07918 300 889 or lktranger@protonmail.com Glenkens Gazette page 4 SECURING OUR GL More than 100 people attended the Glenkens District Trust’s first summit to debate the issues facing the Glenkens communities (as reported in the last Gazette). For many, the most inspirational part of the evening was contributed by the guest speakers who shared their expertise in social enterprise, community wealth building and community response to the climate emergency. Pictured left to right: Philip Revell is convenor of the Scottish Communities Action Network on Climate Change. Neil McInroy is CEO of the Centre for Local Economic Strategies and advises the Scottish Government on Community Wealth Building. Ailsa Clark is founder and development manager of the social enterprise support organisation, Inspiralba and runs the Rural Social Enterprise Hub. to buy their produce. This has been a focus of the successful Glenkens Food Month and its spin off - the Glenkens food hub. All three stress that having got to this point the Glenkens communities must press ahead. Ailsa Clark advocates pilot projects. “Identify short-term objectives that are do-able, which will get quick wins,” she says. Philip stresses the importance of not ‘overthinking’ and, like Neil, encourages spontaneity rather than spending time and energy on complex integrated planning. The Gazette has followed up by interviewing the speakers, specifically asking how the Glenkens communities should set out to secure their economic future. Their first responses are encouraging. “You have already started!” says Philip Revell. “You have agreed a community plan. Many communities have not got that far.” Neil McInroy adds: “You have already created social enterprises and have instances of community ownership. This is something to build on. It shows what can be done.” Philip cites the importance of supporting local producers by making people aware of what is available and providing opportunities Ailsa has seen too many communities waiting for some outside agency to provide 'the big fix’ with a major development. “Don’t set your heart on it,” she says. “Start with what you can do where you are. Tackle issues in bite-sized chunks. Twenty micro- businesses could be a better prospect. Some might fail but some might grow organically and provide future strength - and keep the wealth in the community.” Neil also is wary of placing too much emphasis on a big investment from outside, which comes with the risk of financial extraction. Community energy is better directed at local small-scale initiatives, “where wealth sticks”. As his mantra has it: “Many a Mickle Maks a Muckle.’ None of the panelists believes securing agreement in a community is easy. “You will never please all of the people all the time” says Ailsa. “The priorities have to be the priorities of the majority. Keep the plan up to date and keep the community with you.” Philip believes consultation requires radical approaches. “The way you reach out to people is crucial,” he says. “There are lots of new approaches which have been shown to work. People are tired of the traditional form of public consultation.” He advocates citizens’ assemblies, not of self-selecting activists but of ordinary members of the community. There are various ways of doing this including ‘sortition’ - a method of getting decisions from randomly selected citizens dating back to early Greek democracy. Glenkens Gazette page 5 LENKENS’ FUTURE Neil believes in monitoring people’s needs, wants and desires - and identifying how policies are addressing these. Ailsa stresses the importance of avoiding confrontation. “There are always going to be egos and personalities to deal with. Better to focus on objectives. We want to create job opportunities for young people? Who is going to be agin that?” Once such a consensus is achieved, people are then discussing the best way to achieve an agreed goal. Ailsa adds that success must be shared and celebrated but warns not everything will go to plan. She believes ‘space for reflection’ must be created for considering what is not working and how to put it right without casting blame. Economic prosperity should not be measured by GDP says Philip. “GDP tells you nothing about wealth or how it is distributed. It measures income not wealth and doesn’t tell you where income goes.” Neil is an exponent of community wealth building which aims to give communities a stake in the economic wealth of their localities. This, he says, is well beyond token consultation, or community development or economic development. It is about economic democracy, growing the wealth of a community organically by sharing resources and linking up local supply chains, employment opportunities, etc. This is a different way of looking at the economy. All three contributors mention community and land. For Ailsa, land ownership is not essential “but it can make things a lot easier”. Neil adds: “Be clear first what community ownership of land can help with. Economic regeneration means attracting and retaining people with skills and this requires affordable housing and this requires land.” The same, says Philip, applies to the desire to create affordable energy-efficient housing. If most people support these goals then there is motivation for the community to acquire land. The panel’s ideas are stimulating but challenging. How can a community of a few thousand people respond? “Scotland,” says Philip, “is the most centralised democracy in Europe. In Finland, an area the size of Dumfries and Galloway would have 10 local authority areas, each with real power and resources.” In many countries small communities can, and do, take major decisions. All three speakers emphasise this is already happening across Scotland. They represent organisations with vast experience and contacts. Numerous agencies can provide support and assistance such as the Scottish Land Commission and local authorities. There is information out there (see panel of sources below). For instance communities could aspire to own wind turbines rather than parley for handouts. “Imaginative partnership working can build up capacity for change,” says Neil. The challenge is to build a local economy which works for the local people. “Keep your eye on the horizon” says Ailsa. “Take time to envision,” says Philip. “What do we want the Glenkens to look like in 2030?” See article on p32 regarding local food production survey... Find Out More There are many examples across Scotland and beyond of local communities working to develop their own economies. Here are the websites of our three interviewees which describe how ordinary people are working to secure their future: • www.ruralsehub.net • www.scottishcommunitiescan.org.uk • www.cles.org.uk For Want of a House... Rory Paterson was among the 100 participants in the Zoom summit on the economic future of the Glenkens. He found the event inspiring and surprising. Inspiring because of the ideas being presented by the speakers and taken up by the participants: surprising because, aged 34, he found himself the youngest person in the audience. “If we are talking about building for the future we must have younger people involved,” says Rory, who grew up in the Glenkens and now wants to return and settle here. He and his partner are expecting a son in the summer and want to make their home here and become involved in local food production. Talk of community farming and partnerships piqued his interest. With his brothers he has inherited some 30 acres of farmland and is keen to play his part in creating a thriving economy. But there is a major obstacle. “I am living in Dumfries at present because I can find nowhere to rent in the Glenkens.” He is currently working as a therapeutic support worker with the organisation Common Thread. He wants to contribute to the community - after living and working in in the US and as a fly fishing guide for Atlantic salmon in Norway and Strathspey, he wants to come home to the Glenkens and put down roots again. However, renting is proving so difficult he is now considering buying and is working hard to gather a deposit. Rory knows of others who want to settle here too but are also stymied by a lack of affordable housing and adequate public transport. If people want to see a thriving Glenkens, then he believes these issues must be addressed. "As soon as I am in the area," he says, "I'll be working hard to get involved with the community. I have some good ideas and being a son of the Glenkens, it's time to get back and get on with it." Do you know of young people who want to work in the Glenkens but can’t find accommodation? The Gazette plans to take a look at the scale of the problem of available local housing. If you have anything to contribute with regard to this topic, please contact us on glenkensgazette@ hotmail.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 6 Community Councils - Why Bother? I arrived in the Parish of Dalry as a curious 'comer-inna' wanting to know more, so I went along to the community council meetings, which happen monthly. All general community council meetings are open and anyone can attend. With open curiosity, I attended every month. I learnt about upcoming applications for wind farms and the wind farm community funding. I observed how members discussed issues and took decisions for actions based on votes. I soon became aware of the good work that the community council does for the community, like the winter emergency shed which contains simple yet necessary items should we need them in times of extreme cold weather and power cuts. Meetings are often quite matter of fact. Issues are discussed and acted upon. Some issues are quite mundane, yet crucial, like checking the salt bins are stocked up in winter; others, more pressing. Dalry Community Council acted swiftly in March 2020 when the country went into lockdown, ensuring that the people of Dalry, especially the elderly, people with disabilities, people living alone, and lower income families had much needed support. In all, community councils attend to ongoing nuts and bolts as well as more complex issues such as dealing with the influx of Sitka spruce planation proposals. Until I attended the meetings, I didn’t know what community councillors got up to. I discovered that they are a bunch of involved and engaged individuals who get stuck in. They do this as volunteers. However, if no one volunteers, we will lose our community councils, which are valuable assets for our rural towns and communities. Our voices are heard and represented through our community councils - community councils do make a difference. I thought I would write this because, even though meetings are open to all, very few people actually attend. where anyone can have their say and – if agreed upon – enable positive things happen for our communities and our environment. During the past 15 months, during a pandemic and lockdowns, restricted movement and social distancing, I’ve experienced important things geting done, things that have made a difference. I am proud to be a part of this hard working group of dedicated individuals. So here’s the crux. Dalry Community Council would love more people to become involved in whatever way suits them best. We would love to see more people attend the monthly meetings. More than that, we would love - and actively and openly encourage - young people to get involved. New members under the age of 40 would inject a youthful vitality and bring to the fore issues of concern for younger citizens and future generations. If you would like to know more about your local community council, visit https://info.dumgal.gov.uk/ CommunityCouncils Dee and Glenkens is Ward 3 - click to open the list of community councils; then click on your town or village to reveal contact emails addresses. If you’re interested in getting involved, or just want to know more, please get in touch. The more voices we hear, the more representative community councils will be. Kerry Morrison, deputy chair, Dalry Community Council Our voices are heard and represented through our community councils - community councils do make a difference. Perhaps it is because they aren’t all that thrilling all of the time. However, they are informative and they are spaces for positive action. In Dalry, we are currently working on a Climate Emergency Declaration, which will hopefully be adopted and inform the future work we do. Our community councils are places FOND FAREWELL TO GLENKENS COMMUNITY SHOP FOUNDER About eight years ago Shirley McNaught had a lightbulb moment – why not use the empty shop space in Dalry’s Main Street for a charity shop. Not just another branch for a national organisation, but one which would serve our local community. So the Glenkens Community Shop was born... Since then, Shirley has worked tirelessly managing the shop, which is no little task. It has become a hub for the community, somewhere to pop into for a chat and somewhere you can always pick up a bargain. It has supported local groups and individual projects to the tune of about £50,000 since its inception, many of which may have struggled without this support. Now Shirley has decided to retire and no-one can really replace her. However, the shop will continue to run with us, the volunteers, trying to cover all that she did! We will miss her dearly, but look forward to her popping in from time to time to say "Hi!". We hope Shirley will enjoy looking back at this incredible achievement and feel truly proud of what she has done - she has left an enduring legacy to the Glenkens she loves so much. Thank you Shirley! Lis Lewis and the Shop Volunteers Shirley McNaught (right) with shop volunteer Avril Brown in 2012. Glenkens Gazette page 7 COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT Local capacity-building company Sleeping Giants ran an online workshop titled How to Win Friends and Influence (The Right!) People. Attended by a few Glenkens residents, the event explored community involvement in decision making and some of the structures in place which allow local people to contribute to the decisions which affect them. Sleeping Giants' Grace Cardozo introduced us to Arnstein's Ladder of Participation (1969) and the Community Empowerment Act (2015).   I felt it would be a good time to share the fundamental principles of both with our local communities, particularly given the level of rural change we can expect to see over the next decade and the amount of (often impenetrable) jargon used to describe it. As we enter the 'Just Transition' to the 'Green Recovery', address 'Land Reform' and develop 'Regional Land Use Partnerships' using 'Nature Based Solutions' to meet 'Net Zero' targets, not to mention 'auditing Natural Capital' and 'public money for public goods'. We need to find a way to wade through the jargon and enable our communities. The Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 legislation, introduced by the Scottish Government, will help people have more say in the decisions that affect them and more power to take care of things themselves. They also help by giving community groups money to make them stronger, and asking public bodies to make sure they listen to what communities want. The eleven key points are: 1 – National Outcomes National Outcomes describe what we want Scotland to be like. The Act says that national outcomes should be published. 2 – Community Planning Community Planning is how public bodies work together and with the community in each council area to make life better for people. 3 – Participation Requests If a community group has an idea to make services better, they can make a participation request to the public body that runs the service. The public body will have to listen to the community group's idea and talk to them about how it might work.   4 – Community Rights to Buy Land The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 gave rural communities and crofting communities special rights to buy land. 5 – Asset Transfer A community group can make an asset transfer request for any land or buildings which a relevant authority owns or rents from someone else. 6 – Delegation of Forestry Commissioners' Functions The Act will allow Scottish Forestry to delegate its responsibilities in connection to land that Arnstein's Ladder of Participation, created by Sherry Arnstein in her book The Citizen's Handbook, first printed in 1969. is leased to community groups. 7 – Football Clubs The Act allows the Scottish Ministers to make new laws to make sure fans have a say in how their club is run. 8 – Common Good 'Common good' is property that local councils have been given to help local people. 9 – Allotments Local councils will have to keep a list of people who want an allotment - people will have a right to have a 250 square metre allotment and rents must be fair. 10 – Participation in Public Decision-making People should be able to have their say in decisions that affect them. 11 – Non-domestic Rates This allows local councils to reduce business rates for different types of business.   Legislation is all well and good but, to put it into practice on the ground, we need consultations that are more than a tick box exercise included grudgingly to get a project over the line.   Arnstein's Ladder of Participation (see illustration above) is a valuable tool to see how much meaningful engagement and participation is really going on. Is it nonparticipation, tokenism and informing? Or genuine empowerment, which incorporates partnership, citizen control and delegated power. "The ladder is a guide to seeing who has power when important decisions are being made. It has survived for so long because people continue to confront processes that refuse to consider anything beyond the bottom rungs." (The Citizen's Handbook) There are many helpful resources about the Community Empowerment Act and the Ladder of Participation available online. We would love to hear your experiences of local instances of good engagement, occasions when it could have been done better and what your hopes and aspirations are for land-use change and social justice in the Glenkens over the coming decades. Please send your thoughts to the Gazette email, which can be found on the back page. Morag Leeming MARBRACK GARDEN SERVICES - mowning - strimming - hedge cutting - pruning All debris removed Contact Rob & Rita 07554843219 Glenkens Gazette page 8 Threave Gardening Show 2021 The National Trust for Scotland’s Threave Gardening Show is back, and this year it's full of surprises. The three-day event takes place from 4 to 6 June with an open-air plant sale as well as other socially-distanced garden activities for all the family over the weekend. Sam Gallacher, operations manager at Threave, said: “Our first Threave Gardening Show in 2019 was a great success and that’s why we took it online last year with the support of our local strategic partners, the Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership Scheme. We're very much looking forward this year to welcoming visitors back to the garden and, having learned from our virtual experiences about how we can communicate our horticultural knowledge in video form, we will be integrating this into the physical space of the garden.” The team will be showcasing a number of specialist nurseries with plants for sale, as well as presenting a flower extravaganza from a group of skilled and dedicated volunteer flower arrangers in Threave House. Attendees will also have the opportunity to gain advice and ideas from expert gardeners and students from the famous National Trust Scotland's Threave walled garden © Sarina G Photography School of Heritage Gardening who have innovated, transformed and developed our outstanding garden for over sixty years. Michelle Robertson, visitor services manager at Threave, says: “Throughout the weekend we’ll have cream teas in the Terrace Café, artisan pulled meat brioche buns and ice-cream specials at the Stables Café and retail offers all weekend. We are even hoping to have craft activities for the under-12s so keep a look-out for updates on our Facebook page." Upon arrival, visitors will receive a special map of the garden identifying the location of the plant market, the flower extravaganza, and each of the QR-codes which link to the video demonstrations. To ensure that all visitors can enjoy a safe and socially distanced visit numbers and the duration of each visit will be limited. Tickets can be booked for the following time slots: 10am-12noon; 12.30-2.30pm and 3-5pm. Booking online is essential - to book visit https://nts.cloudvenue.co.uk/ threavegardeningshow Balmaclellan House Open Garden The gardens at Balmaclellan House were open on Sunday 2 May under Scotland’s Garden Scheme and, despite it being a cold day, there were 114 visitors plus children. There was a really nice atmosphere with a mix of tourists, garden scheme regulars and locals dropping in to meet and catch up on the news. The formal garden at Balmaclellan House is based on the shape of the Balmaclellan mirror, an historic artefact found in Balmaclellan Parish in 1861. The mirror is very early Iron Age, dating to between 110 and 240 AD. Mirrors such as this have been found in southern Britain, but it is unique in Scotland. The mirror is of national significance and is housed in the National Museum of Scotland. The mirror has been on a tour of the UK as part of a collaboration between the National Museum of Scotland and the British Museum but has never been exhibited in the Glenkens. Due to its value, it would be a major problem to get the original for exhibition in this area. However, through funding from the Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership, there are plans for a bronze replica to be on permanent display in Balmaclellan Smiddy. The actual casting will be a public event held at the Men’s Shed in Balmaclellan - this project has been delayed due to COVID but will hopefully progress later in 2021. The Balmaclellan House garden was designed in 2012 by Emma Gibson from Balmaclellan, who was inspired by the mirror, and the planting scheme has since been further developed and maintained by Billy Orr. Prior to the redesign, this area of the garden had been a tennis court. A total of £620 was raised during the open garden, 50% of which is distributed by Scotland's Garden Scheme to national charities and 50% going to a local recipient, which in this instance is the Glenkens Community & Arts Balmaclellan House garden, based on the design of the Trust. iron age local artefact, the Balmaclellan mirror. Glenkens Gazette Arndarroch Open Days Arndarroch, situated on the B7000 five miles north of Dalry, commands fine views of Kendoon Loch and Cairnsmore of Carsphairn. In 1990 the present garden was a bare hillside with thin, rocky soils. This challenge was compounded by rabbits, nettles, docks, thistles and strong winds. The birds were few. Undaunted, owner Annikki Lindsay used the natural features to create a very special garden full of surprises that blend in with the natural surroundings. Today the garden and the predators exist harmoniously. The hostas are no longer at the mercy of slugs as these are controlled naturally by frogs, toads, birds and hedgehogs. Rabbit-proof cultivars have been chosen and the rabbits, still numerous, do not cause the devastation they once did. Many birds choose to make the garden their home or visit it seasonally including barn owls, house martins and swallows. There are natural nesting sites and food as well as nesting boxes. Development of the garden has taken 30 years and has evolved beyond the original plans for it. The owner has learnt that the best outcome can be achieved by working with nature and not against it, resulting in a unique garden to wander around and sit in to contemplate the magnificent views and to focus on individual aspects of the garden. Arndarroch Garden will be open on one day each month over the coming months, giving you a chance to view it as the seasons change. The first Open Days will be on Saturday 19 June and Saturday 17 July, from 10am to 4pm. The garden will be open under the umbrella of the Glenkens Church of Scotland. Entry page 9 View of Kendoon Loch from Arndarroch garden and teas will be by donation, and will support the local Church of Scotland congregations. PORTRAIT OF A COMMUNITY An outdoor photography exhibition is to be held at the Green Well of Scotland, outside Carsphairn. The exhibition, which tells the story of the area’s local community and heritage, will be launched on Sunday 27 June and will be open to the public until the end of September. Documenting images taken at the Green Well of Scotland of locals from Carsphairn parish in May 2021, this exhibition captures the local community as they emerge from the unprecedented experience of a national lockdown. The exhibition, which will be mounted outside the Carsphairn Heritage Centre and the Green Well of Scotland, has been captured by professional photographer Alicia Bruce, whose work is part of the National Galleries of Scotland collections. More than 180 members of the local community were invited to step forward and be photographed at the well. The Green Well of Scotland is a well- The Green Well of Scotland photographed at dawn on Beltane (1 May) 2021 by Matt Hickman Dear Editor, The article about the archaelogical survey of Upper Gairloch (April/May 2021) suggests that a family was evicted from their home to make way for a larger farm. There is no evidence for this. In 1880 the grazing farms of Upper and Lower Gareloch, containing 2,025 acres were advertised to let from Whitsunday 1881. 170 acres were deemed to be meadow. These farms were again advertised to let from Whitsunday 1890. The outgoing tenants were James Gray, Ewanston, Balmaclellan and Major JM Kennedy, Knocknalling. Both were non-resident. William Little, the shepherd, lived in Lower Gareloch. There were probably similar advertisements in previous years, but, known historic site sitting next to the river Deugh (Dee) at the foot of Cairnsmore of Carsphairn. Said to be bottomless, the 30-foot diameter pool is the focus of many local legends. Historical sources suggest it was visited regularly in times gone by as it was believed its water had healing properties and locals believe it is one of the Fons Scotiae mentioned in Saint Columba’s biography. The Green Well of Scotland is situated down-river from Knockengorroch, where the world-renowned greenfield festival takes place each year. Katch Holmes, Knockengorroch’s festival co-producer, is the creative force behind the exhibition. Having grown up in the community of Carsphairn, Katch has first-hand knowledge of the parish and its residents and was delighted to be able to reach out to as many locals as possible to invite them to be a part of the project. Dr Peter Hewitt of Dumfries and Galloway Museums said: “There are few wells that can boast a richer folklore than the Green Well of Scotland. Tucked away in a remote part of Galloway, the well is seemingly ageless and bottomless. Here you will find healing lore, devil lore, stories of witches and avian guardians, lairds, covenanters and a fugitive ‘alchemist’. Above all, the Green Well is a place of beauty, a place where the regions’ cultural memory is stored like a battery." where no aspiring tenants were willing to embark on investing in land with no arable fields for growing oats, the staple food source prior to the introduction of potatoes, the farms were let to farmers on lower ground. Shepherds were hired to manage these upland farms which were known as 'led' farms. No suggestion of 'clearance'. AB Hall, Moniaive Glenkens Gazette page 10 Having Fun at Dalry ELC At Dalry Early Learning & Childcare Centre (formerly the school nursery) the children have settled back in after being away due to COVID restrictions. With rules at present encouraging time outside we have been doing most of our play outdoors, which isn't an issue with us as we love learning in an outdoor environment. This has enabled us to look at our learning environment and introduce planting beds for the children to learn about gardening. Gardening is an interactive playground that stimulates all of their senses - growing plants and nutritional food, tasting the food, noticing and enjoying the different smells: and learning how to take care of living things and the science that is involved through growing. The children will become responsible, looking after the plants, helping them grow and learning about the lifecycle of the plants, starting with a seed. We asked the children what they would like to grow in the nursery and ordered the seeds, which the children have planted ready to go into the beds. The children also helped build up the beds, filling them with soil, filling the wheelbarrows up, and transporting them to the beds. Lots of teamwork, sharing, and turn-taking involved in this procedure, all the time through their play and involvement they were learning. We can never have enough plants at Dalry ELC as the children use the herbs in their mud kitchen play, stimulating their senses. If you have any spare plants that we could use we would be very grateful. Just pass them Children at Dalry ELC engaged in planting and watering their seeds. over the wall into the nursery garden when you are passing. Please label them, just in case we can't recognise the plant. Julie Moore Glenkens Schools Cluster Update Hello from Dalry and Kells Primary Schools. Things are slowly returning to normal at school and with each passing week there seems to be a further relaxation of COVID rules. Long may this continue! All being well we will soon be able to do certain PE games indoors if the weather continues to be so harsh. In Dalry we have been working hard on several fronts but wanted to share news about the library. Our school library has always had a designated space but has never quite achieved the quiet, peaceful atmosphere adults associate with a library. However, thanks to the hard work of several members of staff, led by Mrs Devlin, we have achieved a transformation. A specific space in another room has been designated for our non-fiction collection of books, allowing more space in the library. This extra room has enabled us to create a comfortable seating space which has been designed as a quiet sensory space for children, complete with a fish tank and three friendly goldfish. I would like to take the opportunity to also thank Dalry Community Council for funding new books related to health and wellbeing, and Sharon Currie who organised a fundraiser to add further to these purchases. Meanwhile, at Kells the children have been working on the environment with litter picks and learning how to be more eco-friendly. Children in the younger class have also been busy creating puppet shows. Across the schools this week we have been taking part in activities for Mental Health Week. Coming out of the pandemic it is important for us all to realise the impact the restrictions of the last few months have had on us. Our children are no different - in class the children have talked a lot about feelings, kindness, relationships and experienced ways in which we can support our mental health such as being outdoors, yoga and mindfulness. Paul Scrimshaw, Headteacher, Glenkens Primary Schools Partnership (Carsphairn, Dalry & Kells Primary Schools) Above left: Some of the P3/4/5 children with books funded through Dalry Community Council. Above right: Kells children enjoy a puppet show by fellow pupils. Glenkens Gazette GLENKENS MUSINGS “Life is like a wheel, sometimes you’re at the top, sometimes you’re at the bottom, but remember you always have a chance to turn things around” When I stumbled upon this quote one day while scrolling endlessly on Facebook, I realised how appropriate it was for our current day and age. It also gave me the reassurance that I could change things for the better if I wanted to. Even if that does sound sort of clichéd and corny, it still made me smile and feel a bit more grateful for the life I’d been given. However, speaking out about our own mental health is something us Brits are not accustomed to. Mental health seems to be a very taboo subject. Why is that? Do we see it as a sign of weakness? As a sign of failure? Many people have tried to answer these questions but unfortunately have been page 11 unsuccessful. Everyone's mental health fluctuates - we all go through difficult times and we all go to dark places some point in our lives. It’s a part of life and no one knows why. Seeking help or advice about your own wellbeing is far from being a sign of weakness - it is actually a triumph. It shows that you are strong and have the right mindset to make yourself well again. Always trying to conquer difficult things by yourself can often backfire, just leading to you digging a bigger hole for yourself to escape from - trust me, I know. Reaching out for help at these times takes courage. Everybody deals with their problems differently. The main thing to do is find an activity that you find enjoyable, calming and stress free as it will certainly make things easier. These can be simple things like going for a walk, getting stuck into a good book or pottering about in the garden. Something simple to distract you from your thoughts and worries just for a little while can help immensely. Now I know I am not an expert in this field but, at the risk of sounding pretentious and cocky, I do know bottling your emotions up and putting labels on them will do as much good as skydiving without a parachute. This is why it is so important to make time to do things that give you pleasure and to try open up to people once in a while. Talking to people gives you the opportunity to vent your stresses and thoughts in a healthy way, and will certainly make you feel more at ease. So if you come across an inspirational quote online one day, do take it into consideration - it might just be what turns things around. James Wallace CatStrand Youth Arts Programme Lucy Smith from Moniaive will be taking on the role of youth arts coordinator with the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust. With a background in environmental art and traditional music, as well as time spent working with a circus, Lucy will be able to draw on her wide range of skills and experience to support her role which is based at CatStrand, New Galloway. Lucy has been involved in organising and running projects for the Youth Music Initiative and Feis Rois, and the CatStrand team are excited to have her on board. She'll be getting started on planning the summer programme of activities for 5-18 year olds, as well as coordinating the Youth Spaces project that will be running youthled pop-up youth clubs and hang-out spaces around the Glenkens this summer. Aidan Nicol, CatStrand Could you help support our youth spaces project to get off the ground this summer? We are looking for volunteers 18+ willing to commit to as little as 1 x 2hr support session for pop-up trial youth clubs in New Galloway Town Hall, New Galloway Park and visiting mobile youth spaces in Crossmicheal, Balmaclellan, Dalry and Carsphairn over the summer months. Please get in touch if you'd like to know more the project runs from June to August with weekly sessions, so even helping support one of these in your village would be a big help. To find out more email aidan@catstrand.com or call 01644 420 374 or 07401973019. Young Nature Blogger Young people who love nature and the outdoors are invited to take part in a summer writing challenge. Entrants are asked to write up to 500 words about nature in our Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere. One of the competition judges, Andrew Bielinski, RSPB area manager, said: "We hope Young Nature Blogger 2021 inspires young people to engage with nature, be amazed at the diversity, and learn why it’s so important that we all nurture and care for it so that it remains wonderful for generations to come." The challenge is being run by Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere. Entrants must be under 21 and entries should be sent to info@gsabiosphere.org.uk Winners will receive wildlife goodie bags and their blogs will feature in DG Life magazine and Ayrshire Magazine as well as Biosphere websites in the autumn. Glenkens Gazette page 12 Can Carsphairn Save its School? Carsphairn Primary School is once again under threat of closure. No stranger to this situation, Carsphairn community has on numerous occasions over the years had to fight to save their school. Carsphairn Primary is set in an unusually remote upland location and, if the school closed, a round-trip to and from Dalry Primary (the nearest primary school) would mean a journey of up to 40 miles a day for pupils from the furthest reaches of the parish. On top of the distance, in winter the weather often is more extreme up in the Carsphairn hills - so it's not surprising that the community has always been successful in fighting its corner. This latest instalment of the school saga sees Carsphairn Primary being ‘mothballed’ owing to an absence of primary aged children in the catchment area. Various reasons have caused the low numbers over the past few years including necessary relocation owing to the Carsphairn floods of 2015 and parents changing their employment. As with all remote rural areas, there are fluctuations in population – a family or two moving into or out of the catchment has a huge impact on the school. The mothballing of the school was agreed to by the local community in February 2019 on the basis that there would be an annual review for a minimum of three years - potentially longer due to the 'very remote rural' designation of Carsphairn school. But now D&G Council’s education department wish to start a consultation for closure. One of the key reasons seems to be that there have been no placing requests received for the school over the past two years. However, the community have recently discovered that it is currently not possible to submit a placing request or enrol a child at Carsphairn Primary. At the moment there are at least three preschool children in Carsphairn parish who are entitled to education at ELC (Nursery) level. There is also a child living in the community whose parents relocated to Carsphairn mainly because of the presence of the school, just a minute or so walk from their home; the family is currently home-schooling. Over the years we have seen our rural population decline and with it falling school rolls but, leading up to and since the COVID pandemic, there has been a shift in rural demographics in the Glenkens. Over the past few months houses have been selling within days of going on the market and rental properties are snapped up before they even hit the letting agents. Dalry Primary has received an unprecedented number of registrations of interest – some classes are at capacity already and children are having to be signposted to Kells school as an alternative. These changes do not reflect the falling school roll with which we have become familiar Top: The front cover of the current Carsphairn Primary School over the years. brochure. Above: Carsphairn Primary School pupils around 1920. In two years Will we see the school grow again in the coming decade? Carsphairn Primary School demographics and the extraordinary will have served the community for times we are currently living in, it seems 300 years. Considering Carsphairn imperative that a way is found to enable community's history of resilience and Carsphairn Primary to remain at the determination, as well fluctuating rural heart of the community. Supporting Our Gaelic Heritage Gaelic is a living language and part of a rich cultural tradition which belongs to the whole of Scotland. Spoken in Galloway until around the 17th century, there were still a few Galloway Gaelic speakers as recently as the 20th century. The Scottish Government’s Gaelic Language Plan aims to increase the number of people learning, speaking and using Gaelic to ensure that it has a secure future in Scotland as an official language of Scotland, commanding equal respect to the English language. A few Gaelic schools exist in Scotland, producing fluent bi-lingual children starting from nursery age and sometimes even younger. Despite what may be commonly believed, children are born with the ability to become bilingual and multilingual - there is more than enough room in the brain for two or more languages. A growing body of research confirms that Gaelic education is a success, with pupils involved performing better than their Englishmedium peers in English reading and at least as well in science, maths and English writing. This is a critical time for the future of Gaelic. The position of the language is extremely fragile and the declining numbers of those speaking Gaelic fluently threatens the survival of Gaelic as a living language in Scotland. It is essential that steps are taken to create a sustainable future for Gaelic in Scotland. Carsphairn Comunity Council would like to promote the Gaelic language in support of the heritage of southwest Scotland as there seems to be a dearth of a Gaelic tradition in this area. We are looking into the potential for creating a Gaelic hub in Carsphairn. If you have an interest in Gaelic and would like to be involved in this exciting venture, please email Liz Holmes at lizholmes21@gmail.com Glenkens Gazette Hello - my name is Fiona and I’m Glenkens Community & Arts Trust’s new… [takes a deep breath] … Volunteer, Capacity Building & Community Resilience Officer… Phew, that's a mouthful! I work out of the Smiddy in Balmaclellan, along with Brian and Chris, and we are the Connecting in Communities (CiC) Team. I’m very excited to be getting to know folk in and around the area and discovering what a wealth of talent lies within the communities of the Glenkens. CiC have been very active over the last year in finding novel ways to continue to facilitate some of the groups online, but we are now feeling very optimistic about meeting up in the flesh, so to speak. The Glenkens Community & Arts Trust recognises the huge contribution its volunteers make to the everyday running of the organisation and, as activities and page 13 our buildings start to open up again, the call-out to volunteers echoes through the glens. Our longstanding volunteers are welcomed back with (socially distanced) open arms, but we also welcome new volunteers. Anyone who would like the opportunity to learn new skills or maybe help teach others new skills, or just get out of the house for a few hours and make new friends would be welcome. Many people might have volunteered for the first time out and about in the community as part of the COVID community resilience response and now that - touch wood - the call is less urgent, would like to continue volunteering in some form or other. Please have a look at the Volunteering section of our new website www. gcat.scot for more information about volunteering with us or drop me a line at fiona@catstrand.com. Although many of our groups will be restarting soon, we are always looking for new ideas for meeting. If you have a particular interest or passion that you would like to develop or share but are not quite sure how to get involved or set up a group we would like to hear from you. We can offer guidance, be it governance of the group or marketing your activity. Connecting in Communities aims to facilitate activities throughout the Glenkens and as our name suggests, we are all about getting people together in order to combat social and rural isolation and build confidence in seeing one another again. If you live in one of the Glenkens smaller communities and would like to get involved please get in contact with Brian, Chris or myself for more information. Fiona Limbrey, Volunteer, GCAT Capacity Building & Community Resilience Officer fiona@catstrand.com Stay Up To Date with the Glenkens & District Trust As ever there has been lots going with the Glenkens & District Trust (GDT). We have been busy with the recent Glenkens Summit event (see the interviews with some of the participants on p4-5), the ongoing work relating to the Community Action Plan and our preparations for the next round of decision making. The latest round of the Blackcraig Windfarm Fund closed on 6 April, with another great response from the community, and the Trust will be considering 17 applications in early June. Applicants should hear back on the Trustees’ decision by mid-June at the latest. The intervening weeks in between Fund close and decision making are used for assessing – every application goes through eligibility checks, due diligence and an assessment process delivered by our partners, Foundation Scotland. Decision making sits with GDT, based on the robust assessing process Foundation Scotland uses, which is one of the reasons we like working with them. Trustees bring their local knowledge and expertise to the decision making table, but all awards are made on merit, in accordance with the Fund Strategy, and Trustees are not part of the decision on any applications where there is a conflict of interest. For more information do contact Suzy at Foundation Scotland suzy@foundationscotland.org.uk As well as these activities, the Trustees have recently been working on setting up GDT’s Associate Membership arrangements, which will essentially work along the lines of a ‘Friends of GDT’ group. Associate members are different to GDT’s members - every organisation is different, but in GDTs case its membership is drawn from the community councils (as entities) in its area of operation. Associate Membership is a way of GDT being accountable to the wider community and a way for interested people and groups to be kept up-to-date with what Glenkens & District Trust is doing, but without having responsibility for governing the Trust. Associate members don’t have voting rights but will receive email updates on the work of GDT, invitations to GDT general meetings (associate members are welcome to come along, ask questions and hear more about what is going on), and hear first about opportunities to engage in events like the recent Glenkens & District Summit. Associate members can be individuals, institutions, organisations and bodies who support and want to engage with the work of GDT - you don’t have to be resident in the area. This structure preserves the fundamental role of community councils in the governance of GDT, while making sure GDT is accessible to the wider community without individuals or groups having to be community councillors, trustees or grantees - this reflects GDT's aim to be open and accountable and to support a sense of community ownership of the valuable resource that ‘community benefit’ monies represents. If you would like to become an associate member please contact GDT on our new email address - info@ glenkenstrust.org.uk - and a form will be sent out to you by Suzy or one of the team at Foundation Scotland, which is providing GDT with administrative support for associate membership. Fiona Smith, Chairman, GDT Glenkens Gazette page 14 CatStrand Highlights We're excited to be presenting a diverse and playful programme at CatStrand and around the Glenkens as we return to live events this summer. Wednesday 28 July with a day of outdoor performances and indoor workshops with their Stories Just in Case shows. Performed out of a suitcase on wheels, this pop-up theatre will share classic fables - there will be a performance in the morning and another in the afternoon with workshop sessions in between. Live music and film returns Our On the Water event on to CatStrand with socially 10 June is a collaboration with distanced café style seating the Loch Ken Trust, supported in place for all shows. We're by Galloway Glens Landscape pleased to showcase some Partnership, that will bring music of the region's finest musical to the shores of Loch Ken in a talent with performances from special concert that you can enjoy Zoe Bestel and The Bookshop from the water. Tickets include Band over the summer. hire of a kayak, paddleboard, Films include Exhibition on boat or canoe - it's floating room Screen's Sunflowers - a The Swings presented by All or Nothing theatre only! The Galloway Agreement, unique opportunity to see, as company, coming to CatStrand on 21 and 22 July a collaboration featuring four never before, this series of (photograph by Suzanne Heffron). of D&G’s best known traditional spectacular paintings - and musicians, will play from the a postponed screening of shore at the Galloway Activity with Crossmichael Arts, on 23 July. Icelandic documentary Lobster Soup in Centre, who are hosting the event. An And it's not just for children; come and June that includes a bowl of locally-made event not to be missed. have a go...your swinging will activate a lobster bisque from Kircudbright Cookery As the summer holidays arrive in soundscape full of memories as you feel School to enjoy alongside the screening. Galloway we're hosting a giant swing the rush of air past your face and are For more information on all of the set - All or Nothing theatre company's inspired by the aerialists who show us above events visit www.gcat.scot to five metre high giant swings feature what you can really do with a swing! explore our new Glenkens Community & two performing aerialists and a sound Venue partners Dalry Town Hall Arts Trust website and book tickets. installation where you can play, watch, host Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre on The CatStrand Team and listen. This will all be set up for an interactive performance in New Galloway Park on 21 and 22 July, and in Crossmichael, hosted in partnership Thank You Sam! Sam Rushton moved on from her role as Community Engagement Worker (CEW) for New Galloway Community Enterprises (NGCE) in May to take up a full-time role in education, and will be very much missed by the whole community. Sam joined NGCE in January 2018, shortly after the purchase of New Galloway community shop. Her role was funded by the Big Lottery ‘Growing Community Assets’ fund as part of the award for buying and renovating the shop and flats above, and has been pivotal in bringing the New Galloway and Kells community closer together. The role was part-time, although you would hardly know it from Sam’s boundless enthusiasm and endless creativity. It was also a role in two halves, as so many things are at the moment. In 2018 and 2019 Sam focused on community events that brought people together, from pot-luck suppers to Ladies Give It a Go water-sports to Walking Football in the park. In September 2019, she organised the first Glenkens Food Month, bringing together organisations and businesses from across the Glenkens Sam (right) receiving flowers from NGCE chair Helen Keron. to remind us all just what a wealth of local food we have access Galloway is very grateful for all of to here. Sam’s help, ideas and sheer energy Then, in 2020, everything changed and for getting things over the finish line. Sam shifted immediately to making us From organising the amazing Resilience feel like we were together even though Team volunteers to accessing funding to we had to be apart. From distanced VE support the community, Sam’s work has Day celebrations to Easter Bunny housebenefited all of us in one way or another. visits, from High Street galleries to the Sam will be sadly missed but I, along amazing virtual Glenkens Hogmanay, with all the NGCE board and staff, wish she never flagged. She even snuck in a her all the very best for her exciting new second Glenkens Food Month in between role, and we are very glad we will still see lockdowns! her around New Galloway! A lesser-known area of her role is Funding for the role continues until the incredible amount of work Sam December 2022 and we look forward to does behind the scenes in supporting welcoming Sam’s successor as soon as individuals and in supporting other possible in June. Watch this space! community organisations. In particular, Helen Keron, Chair, NGCE I know that Local Initiatives in New Glenkens Gazette page 15 Considering the Control of Bovine Tuberculosis in Badgers Bovine Tuberculosis (bTB) is a disease which affects both animals and humans.Let us look specifically at badgers and the domestic cow, as this transmission is a focal point due to the potential of TB transmission from infected cattle to humans. It is known that infected badgers can transmit from badger to badger or from badger to cow by contact or, more often, by infecting the food and water the cows may eat and drink. Controlling the population of badgers is considered necessary to reduce the possibility of cross-contamination from badgers to cows. Can bTB be controlled, and if so how should this be done? Controlling Bovine TB by culling badgers reduces the numbers, which in turn reduces the possible contacts with cows; this approach seems to work according to the Department for Environment Food and rural Affairs (DEFRA). Scotland has been officially TB free since 2009 but unfortunately many still believe that badgers are infecting their cows, leading to potentially unnecessary, and illegal, culling of badgers. Regular testing of cattle is carried out and, if the tests are positive, the animals are sent for slaughter. The government awards financial compensation for their slaughtered animals, costing approximately £100 million a year but this does not cover everything - farmers care deeply for their stock and mourn their loss. Another solution is not to kill the badgers but to vaccinate them against the disease, thus halting the spread within the badger population and stopping the contamination of the domestic cow. Vaccinations for cattle are not considered a viable option as it interferes with the current test for bTB. Badgers are a dominant predator in our countryside and the UK hosts 25% of the European badger population. The Welsh assembly released a report which suggested an ecosystem could result in serious damage by removing a major predator such as the badger. Under the Protection of Badgers Act (1992), badgers and their sets across the UK are protected - only licensed individuals are allowed to cull badgers. Badgers are an important part of the ecosystem in the UK. They create habitats for other species in redundant setts and control the population of many predators, which in turn preserves the more vulnerable lower down the food chain. With the dominance of humans, nature can become unbalanced. We live in the UK with an ecosystem not controlled but vastly influenced by us. Consequently, we may have to control some species to maintain a balance. Badger culling appears to work with regard to the spread of TB to cattle, but is it necessary when a vaccine is available? Bovine TB can destroy a herd of cows and destroy a farmer's livelihood. But to cull badgers when there are other ways to manage bTB seems to me a less than sensible thing to do. Andrew Metcalf, Hawkrigg, Dalry CROSSMICHAEL COMPLEMENTARY THERAPY CENTRE Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine The Old School, Crossmichael, DG7 3AP Offering time-tested, personalised acupuncture and traditional Chinese herbal medicine to the Dumfries & Galloway region. Practitioner Matthew Pajo has been studying and practising Chinese medicine for over 25 years and has completed a BHSc in acupuncture and has attained a MAppSc in Chinese Herbal Medicine Contact Matthew on 07786 079 845 We are pleased to welcome chartered psychologist Amber Dunlop-Pajo to the Crossmichael Complementary Therapy Centre. Amber has spent over 20 years working as a psychologist, with a special focus on health psychology. Amber specialises in womens' health as well as depression, stress and anxiety. Contact Amber on 07389 713 106 Glenkens Gazette page 16 A reader sent in this photograph of two old teapots someone has placed on the gateposts down by the river near Dalry. Photo captions anyone? NOW ONLINE! Wright’s Shop & Post Office ORDER ONLINE OR BY PHONE Fleet Fish source a large selection of top quality fish, fruit and vegetables from market place to your door. We also stock chicken, sausages and cold meats plus eggs, milk and cheese. Much more than a fish van! Order before 9pm Sunday for delivery the following Friday 07966 103 912 charliecoid@hotmail.com www.fleet-fish.co.uk Friday grocery delivery and daily paper round now available within Dalry - please phone to enquire. stocking a range of local suppliers • Express Bakery bread • • Irvings biscuits & cakes • • Ballards & Dalmellington Country Butchers meat & pies • • Mitchells fruit & veg • Shop & Post Office open 7 days Monday to Friday 7am–6pm Saturday 8am–6pm Sunday 8.30am–4pm Tel 01644 430 225 Glenkens Gazette page 17 Boswell Book Festival Goes Online Boswell Book Festival is the world's only festival of biography and memoir. Normally held at Dumfries House, near New Cumnock, the festival has become one of the most prestigious cultural events in Scotland and has attracted a host of writers and personalities such as Judi Dench, John Byrne, Ben Macintyre, Maggie O’Farrell, Susan Calman and many more. Along with the main festival there is a hugely popular Children’s Festival featuring some of the best and most popular children’s authors, illustrators and performers, bringing biography and memoir alive. Inspired by the great Ayrshire writer James Boswell of Auchinleck, the unique theme is taken from the genre at which he excelled, namely the telling of people’s life stories. Establishing himself as the father of modern biography with the publication of The Life of Samuel Johnson, 1791, his journals, first published in the 1950s, became best-sellers worldwide. The 2020 Sky Arts series followed his travels in Scotland with Dr Johnson, as recorded in The Journal of a Tour to the Hebrides. This year, the Boswell Book Festival is online for the first time so no need to travel - the event runs from 10-16 June and you can join in wherever you are - and all events are free. At the Children's Festival, children can journey back in time with popular Dundonian writer Chae Strathie as he zips through ancient Egypt, laugh with Adam Murphy as he makes his Corpse Talk Comics come to life, and settle down with some colouring with Eilidh Muldoon on a Hebridean adventure. With the kids happily entertained, why not take time out to enjoy talks from Troon-born Andrew Cotter whose Labradors, Olive and Mabel, have become social media superstars. Or join Janey Godley who kept us laughing through lockdown with her hilarious Nicola Sturgeon voiceovers. Alex Renton digs deep into his Ayrshire family’s history as slave and plantation owners while Yorkshire Shepherdess, Amanda Owen, as seen on Channel 5's Our Yorkshire Farm spills more beans on farming life with nine children. To find out more about any of the talks, including events for schools, visit www.boswellbookfestival.co.uk and follow the instructions to register. The talks will continue to be online until the end of June. Glenkens Gazette page 18 BUSINESS IN THE SPOTLIGHT "Initially I gave out some samples to friends to see what they thought, and they all loved them. Next I got a menu together and created a logo and we've been busy from week one. "What I love about the business is having a massive fridge full of cheese! Also people get really excited about their orders, so that's really nice. I've had loyal customers since the first week, which means we must be doing something right!" The Stockbridge Mac & Cheese Company started life last May in Stockbridge, Edinburgh. Dreamed up one rainy morning by Hannah Gould, the company aims to create one of our comfort food staples - homemade macaroni cheese - delivered to your door. "I can't believe it's our first anniversary already!" says Hannah. visit their Facebook page @ thestockbridgemacandcheeseco From the August/September edition of the Gazette, The Stockbridge Mac & Cheese Co will be sponsoring our Photo of the Issue competition, offering two portions to the lucky winner - so get snapping! Hannah grew up in the Glenkens and moved back in February. "It's lovely being back home in the Glenkens - having so much space and being closer to friends and family," says Hannah. Hannah's plan for the future is to make their mouthwatering mac 'n' cheese available country-wide, and to get it stocked in shops - so watch this space. All options are available vegan and gluten-free - to see a menu or make an order Pictured is 'The Spicy One' - classic mac 'n' cheese with jalapenos and chilli cheese. - Shop online: www.ballardsbutchers.co.uk Email: shop@ballardsbutchers.co.uk Tel: 01556 502 501 Free Local Delivery Tues & Fri (orders over £20) Wide Variety of Local Produce Butcher Meat Fruit & Veg Milk & Bread Available to order 2nd Saturday Monthly Dalry Town Hall, 10am-1pm - 12th June and 10th July - Click & Collect online with the Glenkens Food Hub at https:// openfoodnetwork.org.uk/glenkens-food-hub/shop or just visit us on the day (8 May onwards) - for further details call 07776 034 260 entry by donation on the door (15 miles from Castle Douglas on A713) Glenkens Gazette page 19 Main distributor for Cheval Liberte and Debon in South West Scotland. We specialise in all sizes of horse trailers, tipping and box trailers. Viewings welcome by appointment. www.dgtrailersales.co.uk sales@dgtrailersales.co.uk 01644 717 394 Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents Dumfries & Galloway 01556 503744 www.ggblaw.co.uk All legal advice Offices in Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie Kirkcudbright and Dumfries Glenkens Gazette page 20 Glenkens Gazette page 21 The Optimistic Environmentalist GREEN ROOFS What is a Green Roof? The term 'green roof' may be used to indicate roofs that use some form of green technology but, for this article, it refers to a roof that is partially or completely covered with vegetation in a growing medium, planted over a waterproofing membrane. Green roofs can also be called living roofs, eco-roofs, oikosteges, vegetated roofs and VCPH (Horizontal Vegetated Complex Partitions if you want to impress the neighbours!). Rooftop ponds are a form of green roof which can be used to treat grey water. Green roofs can be put on any size of structure ranging from bin stores, bike racks, sheds, garages right up to larger buildings including houses and industrial sites. Why Would You Want a Green Roof? The most obvious reason for a green roof is to liven up a space and make it a more beautiful or relaxing environment. Green roofs increase the habit for insects, birds and other wildlife including plants. They can create a corridor for birds or butterflies, for instance, to travel through an area. Green roofs use the natural functions of plants to filter water and treat air in urban and suburban landscapes. Rainwater is trapped by the garden substrate, taken up by the plants' roots and through transpiration and evaporation is released into the air in a more controlled manner. A green roof can absorb up to 75" of rainwater, helping reduce stormwater run-off. Green roofs serve as a green wall, filtering pollutants and carbon dioxide out of the air, helping to lower rates of diseases such as asthma. This carbon sequestering helps the plants to grow whilst reducing our carbon footprint. Plants can also filter pollutants and heavy metals out of rainwater. Some of these chemicals for example, nitrogen and phosphorous - can actually help the plants grow. Green roofs help to keep buildings cooler in the summer by reflecting and absorbing solar radiation, stopping it reaching the roof. In winter, plants and the growing system reduces heat loss so increases the natural warmth of the building. Green roofs also help to insulate a building for sound; the soil helps to block lower frequencies and the plants block higher frequencies. In some cases, ULTRASOUND PREGNANCY SCANNING green roofing can extend the lifespan of a roof; by covering the waterproofing membrane with growing medium and vegetation, it shields the roof from UV radiation and physical damage. Things to Think About When Making a Green Roof • What do you want the green roof for? • How much of a green roof do you want; a bin or bike store roof, or your whole house roof? • What time and budget do you have to build and maintain it? • What access will you have to the roof, eg for maintenance? • Does the roof of the structure need reinforcing? Some green roofs can be very heavy depending on the type, its components and how much rainfall and wind it will experience. If you are planning to green roof your house or a large shed/garage, check local planning regulations and find an architect who has experience in this area to help design it. If you're not sure and feel daunted, you could start small and see how it goes how about a green roofed hen house or playhouse for the kids? Good luck and enjoy the effort, the learning and the outcome! Denise MacDonald-Kiernan Dairy & Sucklers; Ageing, Twin & Barren Detection. Trailer system includes triplets, marking and shedding. Pregnancy and number of pups. For bookings and info: Duncan Kennedy 07860 474001 dk@passcan.co.uk www.passcan.co.uk On the A713 just north of Dalry, in the layby near Carsfad, is a new information board about the Glenkens Pilgrims Way. It makes for interesting reading and marks a nearby ancient crossing point of the river Ken - well worth finding time to stop and have a gander! Glenkens Gazette page 22 sponsored by If you would like to list something on this page, please get in touch on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk FREE Horse manure (including some chicken manure), rotted and fresh, no weed killers used. Dig your own from a large heap, bring sacks or trailer. Contact: 07889 229 340 2 gillets, small, not worn; Freeview HD box, unused; Marantz CD player, minor defect; Standard spot lamp. Contact: 01644 420 852 Ceramic electric cooker hob and oven. Both are Creda models; the hob is creda model 42295 (width 770mm x 470mm depth). The oven is Creda Europa Solar Plus (height 890mm, width 600mm depth 570mm). Donation to LING contact raglaister@aol.com Pair of heavy duty aluminium ladders, 4m 23cm (just short of 16 foot each). Contact: 07840 506 516 Glass mirror, 33" x 67"; Wine making kit includes fermentation buckets and demijohns, etc. Contact: 01644 430 062 Wooden hen house, with 3 perches. 132cm wide x 120cm deep x 124cm high. Contact: 01644 430 218. Coal, large pile in garage, free to collect - suitable for open fires. Bring bags or a trailer just off the Lorg Road. Contact: 07946 183538 Metal double bed frame, over 50 yrs old with wooden bed ends (no mattress); 2 chests of drawers perfect for up-cycling - very well made; 2 bathroom cabinets with mirrored doors (mirrors slightly marked); single bed with mattress, very good condition. Contact: 01644 430 373 Dry, clean tree stumps suitable for being made into garden furniture/creations for someone handy with a chainsaw. Timber, ready to be taken away – needs someone with a chainsaw and trailer, etc. Contact: Jim on 07749 087 699 90mm plastic scoops, small square plastic boxes with handles and lids (will stack) roughly 3kg and 1.8kg (good for use as compost caddies). Bottle brush and syphon tube for wine making. Contact: Sue 07563 718 011 Gordon McAdam N ew Galloway Golf Club Founded Foun ded 1902 www.ng www.n g gc.co.uk - 01644 420737 Buggies now available for hire VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME Plumbing & Heating 2x 2metre plastic curtain tracks with hooks and fittings. Contact: 07724 878 796 Oil tank. Contact: 07703 303 805 Any drummers out there? I'm clearing out the shed, drums & bits, 3 drums, some cases, cymbal stand, spare parts - stands, etc. Contact: Blue on 07934 361 526 WANTED LING would welcome any spare paving slabs to help with making muddy sections of walks passable. Please phone David Hardy on 01644 420 422. Fridge-freezer. Contact: 07952 280 902 2-seater leather sofa. Contact: Jennifer on 01644 430 373 Heavy duty strimmer, the kind with handles. Can pay for a decent secondhand one. Contact: Jim on 07749 087 699 Old lawn mowers/ strimmers/other small machinery. Non-runners/ broken welcome. Contact: 07845 562 217 HOUSE REPAIRS JOINERY 22 Kirkland Street St John’s Town of Dalry Semi-retired Furniture Maker & Builder in GLENKENS AREA 01644 430 393 07834 321 789 Call Pete on 07970 462 088 ...special rates for inclusion of tea, cake and friendly banter... Glenkens Gazette page 23 sponsored by Council Recycling Scheme Q&A A Gazette reader has suggested that there are elements of the new council recycling scheme which are a little unclear and asked if we could run a piece giving information on some of the things not included in the leaflet. Below are some points taken from the D&G Council website - to find out more visit www.dumgal.gov.uk/ article/21420/FAQ-s-NewWaste-and-Recycling-Service new Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) on certain drinks containers, including glass. Through this scheme shoppers will pay a deposit of 20p for drinks containers at point of purchase. The deposit is refunded when you return the container to a retailer/collection point - for further information visit www.depositreturn.scot Until this time, please use the glass recycling points in New Galloway (bottom car park, next to the Red Kite info point and industrial units) and Balmaclellan (next to the village shop), or at Tesco in Castle Douglas or other local points • Food waste can either be composted - items such as peelings and cores from recycling (including composting), then recovery (including energy recovery), while waste disposal through landfill should be the very last resort. In most cases, recycling is better for the environment than burning waste to produce energy and certainly better than sending materials to landfill. Zero Waste Scotland's website has lots of useful ideas and advice about reducing and re-using waste https://wasteless. zerowastescotland.org.uk/ Where Does My Recycling Go? Paper, card and cardboard collected from your blue-lidded bin or sack will be baled and sent to reprocessors for recycling into newspapers and packaging. Plastics, metals and cartons from your red-lidded bin or sack will be sorted, baled and sent to reprocessors for recycling into new products. • Communal (shared) bins may be considered where limited space to store bins might be a problem - to discuss this option, contact kerbsiderecycling@dumgal. gov.uk or 030 33 33 3000 • If you are producing more recycling than will fit into the bins, additional recycling bins can be provided free of charge - get in touch on https:// info.dumgal.gov.uk/faultreporting • If you need to downsize or upsize your bins, apply online on the website link above • For those who are partially sighted or blind, the new bins have notches on them to help users distinguish between the different bins. The bin for paper, card and cardboard has one notch on the lip of the lid, and the bin for plastics, metals and cartons has two notches on the lid. • Garden waste will not be collected as part of the new recycling service but there are a number of ways to deal with your garden waste. Home composting is a great solution - it avoids transport and processing costs, reduces CO2 emissions, and gives you free organic matter for your garden. For advice on home composting and offers on home composting bins visit www.dumgal.gov. uk/article/20762/home-composting Garden waste can be taken to your local Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) where you can dispose of it free of charge and it is used to produce compost. If you are unable to home compost or take your garden waste to a HWRC, you can arrange a bulky uplift. For details see www.dumgal.gov.uk/ article/15259/Bulky-waste-collection • With regard to glass, in 2022 the Scottish Government is introducing a fruit and vegetables, egg shells, tea bags and coffee grounds - or alternatively put into your general waste bin. For further information visit www.zerowastescotland. org.uk/reduce-food-waste • I own a holiday home and run it as a business, how will this affect my domestic waste uplifts? If you run a holiday home which you let out for profit, then you should have a trade waste agreement in place to have your waste and recycling materials uplifted and disposed of through a registered waste carrier. A list of fees and charges can be found at www.dumgal. gov.uk/article/15593/Commercial-wastecollection What Are The Benefits of Recycling? • Do I have to recycle? Whilst the council cannot force you to recycle, it is hoped that everyone will play their part. Section 46(4) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 requires householders to use the bins or containers provided by the Council for waste and recycling collections and for the householder to place the correct waste material in the correct bins. • Are there alternatives to recycling? European, UK and Scottish laws all support the principle of a waste hierarchy where waste prevention and re-use are the most preferred options, followed by jars. Glass collected at Recycling Points and Household Waste Recycling Centres will be sorted, crushed and sent to reprocessors for recycling into new glass bottles and • Does my waste end up in landfill? The Ecodeco Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT) facility on the outskirts of Dumfries will continue to receive Dumfries and Galloway's non-recyclable waste. The waste is shredded and dried by heat produced naturally by biological activity. This drying process recovers around 30% of the weight of the waste as moisture which is passed through a biofilter to atmosphere and the natural water cycle. The dried waste is then refined into several 'fractions' via secondary shredding and other mechanical processes. The principal output of the facility is a fuel used in specialist 'energy from waste' plants. The other fractions are all subject to further treatment at third party facilities. The 8-20mm fraction (glass and stone) is separated with the inert portion becoming an aggregate replacement product. The fines (less than 8mm) fraction is composted and used as a restoration material on landfills and old mines, etc. Ferrous metals are recovered, cleaned by a third party, and recycled. If you need storage containers for your recycling, the black council recycling boxes which are no longer in use are being offered to households free of charge at the council's Household Waste Recycling Centres. Advertisement Glenkens Gazette page 24 Glenkens Gazette page 25 ROADS FROM THE DALRY FERRY This is the third and final instalment of the series of articles by David Bartholomew looking at the history of the river crossing at Dalry. In the court case brought by John Newall against the Earl of Galloway in 1781 over the building of an embankment on the River Ken there was some disagreement among witnesses as to the suitability for carts of the road up by the north corner of Dalry churchyard from haven E (a small bay area some 20 metres south of the end of the suspension bridge on the east side of the river). Some witnesses declared that it was too steep and narrow; whereas another witness, John Gordon, a Dalry joiner, said that he had taken a cart loaded with stones by this route, and had had no problem doing so. The cart had been pulled by a small Galloway pony, the ordinary size of local working horses. He had taken up the challenge of attempting this after hearing another witness, William Good, declare that he had taken loaded carts up and down by this route. Various comments were made about local roads. One witness, William Logie, stated that he knew the high road from St John’s Clauchan to Edinburgh went through the village of Minniaive, and that the road to Dumfries branched off that road. He considered the road via Minniaive to be the most direct route for carriages to Dumfries. He said that before the Grennan Bank road was constructed the most direct road to Dumfries went over the Mulloch Hill by Balmaclellan Church and the Water of Urr; but that the road from Balmaclellan Church to the Water of Urr was only a bridle and drove road. John Grierson, aged 30, agreed with William Logie. He declared that he had seen loaded carts driven up and down Mulloch Hill, and some parts of that road Family and friends coming to stay? Short of space? Cosy country cottage available (sleeps 4) Call Fiona on 01644 420 227 www.covenanters-holidaycottagescotland.co.uk were steeper and rougher than any part of the road leading by the north corner of the churchyard. Another witness, Samuel McMillan, aged 29, said that he had once driven a cart over the Mulloch Hill, but on that occasion he didn’t follow the track of the old road as dykes had been constructed Early river ferry boat, probably similar in design to across it. But the one that would have operated at Dalry. he said he remembered the old road before Braxfield, who gave a final judgment in the construction of the dykes. This April 1785. He gave the Earl of Galloway would imply that the dykes on Mulloch and his heirs and successors authority to Hill could not have been built before the complete the embankment as originally 1750s. planned; also to repair any future Robert Ferguson of Millmark stated damage to it. And forbade John Newall that an alternative longer route for and his heirs, successors or tenants carriages to Dumfries was by the from interrupting any future work. Grennan Bank road, which had recently He also declared that if any damage been much improved, and then on to occurred to the land of John Newall Crossmichael. He affirmed that the or his tenants on the west side of the bridle road from Balmaclellan Church to river in the next ten years that could the Water of Urr was very bad. be shown to be the result of the new One curious piece of information was embankment, the Earl of Galloway shared by Robert Dalzell of Raeford and his heirs and successors would be (now Kenside). In 1745 the young men responsible for funding the repairs. He of the parish of Dalry used to gather also required the Earl ‘to make a good for military training and exercises and sufficient road of communication of at Kirkstyle, the Broom Isle and the the breadth of 24 feet both for horses Holm of Dalry below the embankment and wheel carriages from the landing – though at that time there was no place or haven of the ferry boat’ round embankment. He himself was a member by the north corner of the churchyard of that association. to join up with the existing high road. What was the final result of the court However John Newall was clearly still case? The 1781 Commission, under unhappy with some comments the Earl John Bushby, sheriff clerk of Dumfries, had included in his evidence and penned gathered evidence to be brought before some critical observations which were the Lords of Council and Session. It attached to the judgment. came in time before the infamous Lord David Bartholomew 唀瀀栀漀氀猀琀攀爀礀Ⰰ 䰀漀漀猀攀 䌀漀瘀攀爀猀Ⰰ 䘀愀戀爀椀挀猀Ⰰ 䌀甀猀栀椀漀渀猀 刀攀昀椀氀氀攀搀 䘀爀攀攀 䔀猀琀椀洀愀琀攀猀 吀栀攀 圀漀爀欀猀栀漀瀀Ⰰ 䴀漀渀礀戀甀椀攀Ⰰ 䌀漀爀猀漀挀欀⸀ 䐀䜀㜀 ㌀䐀夀 眀眀眀⸀䠀愀爀爀椀猀ⴀ唀瀀栀漀氀猀琀攀爀礀⸀挀漀⸀甀欀 ㄀㘀㐀㐀 㐀㐀 㔀㈀㤀 Glenkens Gazette page 26 GLENKENS PLACE NAMES: PART X Back to our investigation of deserted settlements and their names, continuing up the Forrest Glen. The next settlement as we proceed west along the old track between Knocknalling and Knockreoch is Markland. This was a ruin on the OS map of 1853 and is a Scots place-name, ‘merk’ being a measure of land value. So presumably this farm was valued at one merk. The term merk was borrowed into the version of Gaelic spoken in Galloway and produced place-names locally such as Marg na drochaide ‘merkland of the bridge’ (Muirdrochwood), Cùl Mairg ‘back of the merkland’ (Culmark), Marg Scallach probably ‘bald merkland’ (Marscalloch) and Am Marg Breac ‘the speckled merkland’ (Marbrack). A little further west the old track crosses the Polcairdie Burn. This stream is derived from Poll Cèardaiche, ‘Smithy Burn’. This burn contains the same specific element as Knockcairdie at the top of Dalry. Compare Allt na Cearta ‘burn of the forge’ Culfeightrin, Antrim. A little uphill from the smith’s burn and on the slopes of Knockclune, Cnoc Cluaine, ‘meadow-hill’ are the ruins of Aitkin’s Wa’s, another Scots placename, the ‘waas’ or walls of someone called Aitkin. Again this farm was already ruined by 1853. Continuing west, passing the still occupied Knockreoch farmhouse, nestled with its back to Cnoc Cluaine with the wooded hillock called Drumrearie to its front. This is an interesting hill-name, Gilbert Márkus suggests: "'Hangman’s ridge’ (druim riaghaire) is a possibility. Likewise ‘servitor’s ridge’ (druim riaraich), which might refer to some servant of the royal hunting grounds of Forrest." In respect of the ‘hangman’s ridge’ possibility, is it a coincidence that nearby is the Court Hill of Knocknalling? Upper Knockreoch, Cnoc Riabhach, ‘the brindled hill’ is another former farm site, in ruins already by 1853 and situated across the Polharrow from the Green House, HQ of Natural Power Consultants Ltd. North of the present Forrest Lodge was the holding of Upper Forrest, once more abandoned by 1853. Compare Grey Point, Rinn Riabhach, Bangor County Down. ‘Brindled’ is the primary meaning of riabhach in Scots gaelic and Irish but a secondary meaning is grey or yellow-grey. Still on what is now Forrest Estate but really over the watershed and in the glen of Polmaddy lies the ruined farmstead of Darnaw. When I was a boy, this place was still roofed and in relatively good condition though already buried in Sitka plantation. Now it is a roofless shell. The place-name will be derived from Doire an Àtha, ‘wood of the ford or kiln’. It is perhaps referring to some crossing over the Polmaddy, giving access to Castlemaddy farmstead, Caisteal nam Madadh, ‘fortress of the (hunting) dogs’. The farm of Fore Bush, formerly Buss, Scots for ‘bush, thicket, clump of trees’ seems to have had its farmstead moved a few hundred metres north west compared to its position in 1853 when it was a single story thatched cottage occupied by one John McTurk. Continuing up the Burnhead Burn in the direction of Loch Dungeon, probably Loch Daingean ‘loch of the bulwark, fortification, stronghold’, referring to the colossal cliffs towering above the loch which form the western side of Milldown and Millfire. These hills are derived from am Meall Donn ‘the brown hill’ and Meall Fèoir, ‘grassy hill’ respectively. We next come to the ruins of the farm of Altiebeastie, situated in the middle of a Sitka clearfell area and beside the of Low Pennyturn’s field systems while High Pennyturn is situated across the road from that office. The place-name is puzzling but may represent peighinn nan dorn, ‘pennyland of the fist or fist sized stones’. Compare Dundurn, Loch Earn which WJ Watson (CPNS 488) gives as Dùn Dùirn. The Pennyturn place-names are situated on the edge of Drumgowan Wood which name is from Druim a’ Ghobhainn, ‘the ridge of the blacksmith’. However, in respect of Pennyturn, Alan James has pointed out to me that Sir Herbert Maxwell has, in his book Studies in the Topography of Galloway and repeated in his Place-Names of Galloway, a 'Pennytown' in Kells, without stating anything more than the name, and this may be the same place. Alan thinks that possibly Brittonic 'pen' is the generic term here. This means ‘a head’ but in place-names it may be ‘top, summit’ or ‘end’, perhaps especially the higher end of a long hill or ridge, or the elevated end of a hill-spur which might be seen in the contours of High Pennyturn. He suggests that Brittonic *penn-ï-durn ‘ridge-end of the fist or cobble’ or *penn-i-dron, tron' ridgeend of the throne', used in some Welsh place-names and possibly at Cardrona by Peebles, for stone circles might be in the background to this placename.The lack of early forms here does however make it difficult to say anything definitive about his intriguing place-name. For more on Brittonic place-name elements in the ‘Old North’ see Alan James’s comprehensive online resource hosted by the Scottish PlaceNames Society at https://spns.org.uk/ resources/bliton. Continuing downstream we reach the ruins of Largvey, Learg Bheithe, ‘hillside of birches’. From the aerial photography there are very clear remains of at least one farmstead and outbuildings as well as rig and furrow plough marks surviving. By the time of the first OS survey in 1853 Largvey was in ruins and the farm ground incorporated in Stranfasket, possibly Sron Fasgaidh, ‘promontory of shelter’. Woodhall is shown as still inhabited on the 1853 and 1888 OS maps just north of Stranfasket farm house. What is striking about this journey up and down the Forrest Glen is the sheer number of former farmsteads that line both sides of the valley. There must have been a substantial medieval subsistance farming community living there. No doubt their farms abandonment was part of the rather unsung (compared to he Highlands) Lowland Clearances. Michael Ansell, Cars Fèarna What is striking about this journey up and down the Forrest Glen is the sheer number of former farmsteads... Altiebeastie Burn. This place was a ruin in 1853. I would suggest that this is a burn-name in Allt na Bèiste, ‘burn of the beast, beast of prey, monster, wretch’. Bèist dhubh or bèist dhonn are names for the otter so the place-name might commemorate this animal. There are still traces of the old medieval field system at Altiebeastie visible on the aerial photography, despite forestry planting and harvesting operations, but a relatively new forest road cuts through the southern end of the old field dykes. Returning back down the glen, this time on the south bank of the Polharrow, Dukieston or Duckieston is now reached, the original farm (deserted by 1853) being in a different place from the house bearing the name today. This will be a Scots formation, probably a nickname plus Scots toun, ‘a farm’. Close by are High and Low Pennyturn, described as small hills rather than farms in the OS Name Books. However, there are signs of what looks like farmstead building ruins visible on aerial photography with extensive associated surrounding field systems so it could be that these were earlier farms long forgotten by the time of the first OS mapping. Natural Power’s Green House office complex sits on top Glenkens Gazette page 27 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN The Rogue at the Bogue We have probably all driven the A702 from Dalry to Moniaive without giving a thought to Bogue just at the junction to the Balmaclellan road. known for the promotion of literacy and the establishment of libraries. Alexander Trotter attested that sorners (spongers) and tramps from Ayrshire, like a flock of locusts every summer, were sure to receive shelter and food from the benevolent Barlay, though banned from every other residence. John G Bruce was born at Gordonstone, Dalry, in 1775, at that time ‘the site of a considerable village of crofters and cottars’. He married a daughter of William Wilson in Auchenleck of Minnigaff who was a lineal descendant of the family to which belonged Margaret Wilson, one of the Wigtown Martyrs. John Barbour’s fatherin-law did so much business in the Glenkens that he was made an honorary burgess of New Galloway in 1803. John started to publish in the 1820s. Toryism’. It was important to Barbour that history should portray the rational conduct of our ancestors, connected with the real scenery where they suffered, fought and fell. He then made his plea: ‘In an age in which servility and sycophancy have too much prevailed, let us lift the mirror of manliness from the dust of our forefathers’. This was too much for the At one time it was occupied by a great and the good. He enjoyed an writer named John Gordon Barbour impeccable Galloway pedigree in his (1775-1843) whose nom de plume was Barbour/Bruce connections and in his Cincinnatus Caledonius, which translates respect for the Covenanters, but he as curly-haired Scot. The original betrayed his class as a landowner with Cincinnatus was to become a kind of his radical ideas and his punishment patron saint of farmers. Historically he was to be unfairly ridiculed. Despite was so highly regarded that he was his interesting ideas on History and elected to the position of Consul in the Landscape - some folk wondered early Roman Republic. He was, if some places nurtured an it must be said, a legendary ‘historical atmosphere’, he figure, who seems to have was written off as an eccentric opposed the demands of the and, as sometimes happens, plebs, the common people who he accommodated his actions sought codification of the laws. to his imposed reputation. He He was already an old man used Threave as an example when he was called to deal with of his light and shadows the problem. He left his plough theme. The castle had been a and his farm (traditionally poor bastion of feudalism, and over but since he was an aristocrat powerful subjects, who annually presumably it was rich) winning demanded the lardners, annual over his opponents and then marts of 27 fat cows. When the returning to home to become old guard left, farmers could remembered as a great leader, kill their own cattle and tend and a proponent of the greater their own moors; heritable good praised for his civic jurisdictions were outlawed virtue, modesty and humility, and agricultural improvement Bogue Farm in 1868 from a sketch by James Trotter', like all farmers everywhere! took place. Light drove out the East Galloway Sketches 1901 Ever since, Cincinnatus has shadows. ‘Long flow the Dee, been whoever folk wanted him unpolluted with blood. Long His first book was Lights and Shadows to be but in reality, he was probably a grow the forests unskaithed by burning. of Scottish Character and Scenery wealthy estate owner who realised late A Lagg and a Claverhouse have here in which he introduced himself as in life that the common people actually been withstood. And may tyranny of having explored almost every corner of had rights of a kind. Cincinnati in the US all sorts be here firmly stemmed. And Scotland and most places in the south is, of course, named for him. while the towers of Threave yet mark of the country. ‘A Scotsman by birth--a John Gordon Barbour, Oor Ain what hath been, may the virtues of our Scotsman by nature--a Scotsman by Cincinnatus, allegedly had Roman ancestors give nerve to our souls’. Part education--he delights in every thing connections as well, because the Two of this item will appear in the next Caledonian’. His inspiration was the Barbours claimed to be descended Glenkens Gazette, when we will see how Covenanting experience; he had a warm from a soldier who served in Agricola’s some folk were also outraged by his feeling for those who both suffered and invasive army of Scotland in the first remarks about the Kirk. He was also a bled in defence of civil and religious century AD. John, however, boasted a poet. Meanwhile, let Barbour supply his liberty. Living in the very heart of a surname that was much more famous own benediction: country where hundreds and thousands in Galloway, because Archdeacon John suffered at the hands of Lagg, Turner Barbour was the first biographer of From the source of the Ken to the and Claverhouse. He conversed often Scotland’s famous King Robert Bruce. mouth of the Dee, with the descendants of the sufferers, There are many stories about Bruce’s becoming intimately acquainted with May corruption be stemm’d by the adventures in Galloway which John both the local habitations and their Gordon Barbour was proud to write sons of the free. names. He also claimed to collect oral about. Gilbert Barbour of Barskeoch traditions about the ‘Killing Times’. and Drumbuie in Kells seems to have That is why this article is entitled The However, not all were admiring of his lost his property during the wars of Rogue at the Bogue! Ted Cowan worthy efforts. He had to withhold some the covenant but it seems the family of the materials he collected because survived as crofters since they resurface Part 2 of this feature to follow in the ‘They were not steeped to the lips in August/September issue... in Barlay and Dalshangan. Barlay was Glenkens Gazette page 28 WINDY RIG WIND FARM PROGRESS UPDATE We are now halfway through our blade delivery programme. Advertisement This is the first time a specialist blade transporter is being used in the UK. This allows the blade to be lifted up to a 60 degree angle vertically and rotate 320 degrees to help negotiate the journey from the laydown area along the twisty sections of the B729 to the Windy Rig Site. Statkraft attended the recent Carsphairn Road Network Ward Meeting arranged by Councillor Pauline Drysdale. Statkraft were able to update the local community on progress with component deliveries, the C35 road repairs and timescales for the completion of the project. We appreciate that the delivery phase of the project has been difficult for residents on the B729 and C35, and Statkraft and all the contractors would like to thank them for their patience during this time. As a direct result of the meeting, we are improving how we communicate potential traffic disruption, including how we use the text messaging service to provide delivery updates. In late June, we expect component deliveries to be completed and residents will see a reduction in traffic volumes generally. Remedial works to restore the C35 to its pre-delivery condition will commence in July. These works are covered by a legal agreement and a bond has been lodged with Dumfries & Galloway Council. The works require approval by the Council after completion. A detailed works plan will be shared with residents along the C35 before commencement. On site, work will continue until late summer, with turbine installation expected to be completed in August. We are currently operating a text message service to alert residents to turbine delivery information and minimise potential disruption. Contact Doug Wilson if you would like to be added, doug.wilson@ statkraft.com or call 07542 754642. An elevated blade travelling along the B729 towards to site WINDY STANDARD WIND FARM COMMUNITY UPDATE Advertisement Hello - I am Miles McConville and I would like to introduce myself as the project manager for Windy Standard Wind Farm, located North East of Carsphairn. Fred. Olsen Renewables (FORL) has been involved in Windy Standard Wind Farm since the 1990s. It currently consists of 66 turbines and provides a substantial community benefit fund. Windy Standard 1, the first phase of the wind farm, is approaching the end of its operational life and we are exploring opportunities to repower the development. These plans would reduce the number of turbines on site and increase the amount of power generated. We are speaking to local residents about our plans and will be holding a virtual consultation in June which will be accessible at www. windystandardwindfarm.co.uk I would like to encourage everyone to get in touch should you have any questions - my email is communities@fredolsen.co.uk or you can phone me on 07435 763 900. Alternatively, visit www. fredolsenrenewables.com for further information. Glenkens Gazette page 29 Glenkens Gazette page 30 Photo of the Issue Sponsored by the Ken Bridge Hotel This issue’s winner is Kath Martin with her photograph of Highland pony, Cormack, gazing out over the River Ken. Kath wins an evening meal for two up to the value of £30 at the Ken Bridge Hotel. Competition judges Dave and Sue said: "This time the lovely photo of the Highland pony edges into the winning place as we feel he shows an admirable appreciation of the lovely Glenkens landscape." The Gazette would like to thank Dave and Sue for their support in sponsoring the Photo of the Issue competition over the years as this is the last issue they will be judging. The competition has been a great success, with many happy readers enjoying meals as a result of their generosity. From the August/September edition, The Stockbridge Mac & Cheese Co, based in Balmaclellan, will be be judging the competition and offering two portions of their delicious home-made macaroni cheese to the lucky winner - see the Business in the Spotlight section on p18. For anyone who has a winning voucher for a meal at the Ken Bridge from a previous issue, you are able to redeem vouchers up until May 2022. CURRENT FORESTRY PROPOSALS: DALRY Dalry Community Council would like to hear from people who have opinions or ideas about two forestry proposals that are being consulted on in the next few months. The first is at Duchrae, which is close to Lochinvar. This is a new version of a scheme that was turned down several years ago. The second is Mackilston, five miles north of Dalry and adjacent to the path along the Blackwater to Butterhole Bridge. Both proposals predominantly Sitka spruce schemes with a small percentage of native broadleaves and open land. If you have any thoughts at all, whether they are to do with access, biodiversity, species diversity, soils, habitats, water quality or land use change and cumulative impacts, please drop us a line at sjtdalrycc@ gmail.com or you can use the Dalry CC or Waterside Ways Facebook pages. Feel free to include positive thoughts and suggestions as well as objections as we’d like to gather as much information as possible. We have just moved to the area and have found the Gazette really useful in getting to know what is going on thank you! Lyndsay ADVERTISE IN THE GAZETTE (price per issue incl VAT) SMALL: 6cm x 6cm, £37.80 (+ 10% off with series discount) 1/4 PAGE: 9cm w x 13cm h, £81.90 (+ 25% off with series discount) 1/2 PAGE: 18cm w x 13cm h, £151.20 (+ 25% off with series discount) FULL PAGE: 18cm w x 27cm h, £252 (+ 25% off with series discount) Call 07727 127 997 VAT Reg. No. 882 8361 87 Glenkens Gazette The Community Kindness Cupboard outside Dalry Library has home baking in every Thursday. page 31 WHERE TO LOOK FOR LOCAL JOB LISTINGS Dumfries & Galloway! What's Going on @DGWGO on Facebook; What's Going On Glenkens @WGOGlenkens on Facebook; Glenkens Gazette @GlenkensNews on Facebook – once on the page for any of these, use the search function to look for jobs. The Glenkens' largest employer, Natural Power Consultants Ltd, also have a jobs page - www.naturalpower.com/uk/careers KEY GLENKENS CONTACTS LOCAL DOCTORS’ SURGERY 01556 670 691 Glenkens Medical Practice - 01644 420 234 COMMUNITY CONTACTS • Dalry: Graham West - 01644 430 503 • Balmaclellan: Martin Warnock 07939 261 391 • New Galloway: Sam Rushton 07741 656 601 • Carsphairn: Liz Holmes - 07718 358 160 • Parton: Erica or Brian - 01644 470 277 • Corsock: Julie Garton - 07769 647 702 • Kirkpatrick Durham: Heather 07551 639 629 • Crossmichael: Richard Middleton - • Mossdale: Shop - 01644 450 281 FOOD DELIVERIES • Galloway Foodbank - 07730 788 335 • Ballards Butchers - 01556 502502 (they also deliver groceries) • Grierson’s Butchers: 01556 502 637 • Henderson’s Butchers: 01556 502 654 • Mitchell’s Greengrocers: 01556 502 077 • Fleet Fish: order before 9pm Sunday evening for delivery the following week. Delivery days can be found when ordering at www. fleet-fish.co.uk or call 07966 103 912 • Roan’s Dairy - 01556 620 374 LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUPS Glenkens Community Shop: Contact Shirley McNaught on 07955 743 022 or drop by the charity shop on Main Street, Dalry Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING): Contact Ros Hill on ros.hill@rathanhouse.co.uk Dalry Communities Properties Trust (DCPT): Contact Gary Blissett on garyblissett51@gmail.com or 01644 430 521 Dalry Town Hall: Contact Jim Reid on 07776 034 260 or jamescreid@hotmail.co.uk Glenkens Community Centre: Contact Carylann Williamson on williamsoncarylann@gmail.com New Galloway Community Enterprises (NGCE): Contact Sam Rushton on 07741 656601 or ngce5000@gmail.com or pop into New Galloway Community Shop Balmaclellan Community Trust: Contact Julia Higgins on julia.higgins55@outlook.com CatStrand: Contact Chris Jowsey at chris@catstrand.com 01644 420 374 or pop in to the CatStrand Schools: Visit the school office or call Dalry Primary on 01644 430 105 (for Nursery/ELC too), Dalry Secondary on 01644 430 259 or Kells on 01644 420 340 Carsphairn Heritage Group: carsphairnheritagegroup@ gmail.com Bright Stars - Glenkens Community Nursery: Contact glenkenscommunitynursery@gmail.com Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership (GGLP): Contact McNabb Laurie on mcnabb.laurie@dumgal.gov.uk If you would like to add your community organisation to this list please get in touch with the Gazette - contact details are on the back page. CHURCH TIMES CHURCH OF SCOTLAND: Sunday Services Balmaclellan: 11am - 6 Jun & 4 Jul. Carsphairn: 11am - 13 Jun & 11 Jul. Kells: 11am - 20 Jun & 18 Jul. Dalry: 11am - 27 Jun ^ 25 Jul. Communion will be celebrated in Carsphairn Church on 11 July. The local Church of Scotland congregations are however continuing to prepare weekly prayers and reflections that can be accessed on youtube under ‘Balmaclellan, Kells and Dalry linked with Carsphairn’. The services include hymns and songs and the whole service is accompanied by pictures of the Glenkens. David is also happy to send these directly to people by email if they contact him at DBartholomew@churchofscotland.org. uk - paper copies can also be provided to those who do not have internet access. Contact him at 01644 430 380 if you would like to receive these resources, or simply if you would like to have a chat. SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH: Communal worship at St Margaret's Church New Galloway has now resumed with the Eucharist on Sundays at 10.30am, followed by coffees/teas (with current guidelines in place). Visitors are always welcome - for further information including directions, please see our website www.stmargaretsnewgalloway.org or call 01644 420 259. Dalry Library & Customer Service Centre Tuesdays 10.30am-2pm Fridays 11am-4.30pm For further information contact Castle Douglas library on 01556 502 643 USEFUL NUMBERS: ● Pot-hole Hotline: 0845 276 0000 ● Police, non-emergency: 101 ● Doctor: 01644 420 234 ● NHS 24: 08454 24 24 24 ● D&G Council: 030 33 33 3000 Glenkens Gazette page 32 Growing the Local Food Economy The Glenkens Community Action Plan identified growing the local food economy as a key action. Local company Propagate has been tasked with taking forward a scoping study, looking at local food needs in the Glenkens. We have two surveys open for local people to respond to that will help us build up a picture of: • What locally produced food do people already buy, and how do they buy it? • What locally produced food would people like to be able to buy, and how would they like to buy it? • What stops people from buying locally produced food? • Who is currently producing food locally, and who would like to be a local producer? For the purposes of this survey, by 'locally produced food' we mean food that has been grown, raised or made within 25 miles. The results from this work will be used to identify what is missing locally and what the biggest needs are, along with the potential, aspirations, barriers. We will work with local producers, landowners, community organisations and the council to find solutions to these needs. Veg growing locally at Hidden Veg on the Hidden Road, Balmaclellan. We would like to invite all local people across the Glenkens to complete this online survey which can be found at www. propagate.org.uk/food-systems Hard copies will also be available along with drop-off boxes at key points in our communities, and you will also find our team out and about at local events and locations over the coming months. If you WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! 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 would like to speak to someone about this directly, contact details are included below. All types of food producers and aspiring food producers - farmers, market gardeners, bakers and makers – are invited to complete this survey which can be found at www.propagate.org.uk/foodsystems. You are welcome to complete this whether you informally sell jam at the gate or make a living selling sheep at the market! Please get in touch with us to speak to a member of the team directly if you would like a hard copy of the survey. We will also be contacting local shops, cafes and people involved with food supply chains to understand the aspirations and barriers around using local produce in menus, or stocking it on the shelves. This work will take place between June and August 2021. We will present the results back to the community during an event as part of this year's Glenkens Food Month. If you would like to get in touch, please email hello@propagate.org.uk or phone 07340 531 506. Abi Mordin Design & co-ordination: sarah.ade@gmail.com AUG/SEPT COPY DEADLINE: 5 JULY The Glenkens Gazette is an initiative of the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust, a Registered Scottish 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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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, Corsock, Crossmichael, Kirkpatrick Durham, Laurieston, Mossdale, New Galloway, Parton and St John’s Town of Dalry April/May 2021 ISSUE 123 FREE Councillor Proposes Ward Summit to Discuss Local Road Conditions The surge in construction activity associated with the Windy Rig and South Kyle windfarms over recent months has exposed the woeful inadequacy of the Glenkens roads network to cope with the sheer volume and weight of the exponential increase in HGV traffic. Road surfaces are being pummelled into potholed submission as huge vehicles – from wood wagons clearing timber from the South Kyle site and aggregate lorries to cement trucks and low level transporters carrying heavy plant and machinery – thunder along country lanes that are not designed for such treatment. Council road repair gangs are finding it difficult to keep up with the amount of remedial work needed. a daily basis. In Carsphairn, the owners Matters came to a head a few weeks ago of a successful B&B – which has won when, in separate incidents, two 80-tonne numerous accommodation awards over multi-wheeled cranes heading to Windy the years – have sold up and moved away Rig toppled off the B729 (Carsphairn to because they could see the writing on the Moniaive road) and a temporarily widened wall for tourism in the face of creeping section of the C35s (Lorg Road), creating industrialisation. Now the village’s second badly damaged road surfaces and verges B&B is also on the market. and necessitating extended road closures Continued on p2... for crane recovery and repair work. This latest episode brings into sharp focus the extent to which Glenkens roads cannot deal with the size, weight and relentlessness of windfarm and commercial forestry related vehicles which are a consequence of the current increasing industrial development of our rural environment. But it is not just the roads and the countryside which are suffering. Lives and livelihoods are Tight fit... two HGVs try to pass each other on the narrow B729. being affected on Sustainable Transport in the Glenkens Galloway Community Transport (GCT) has been travelling in new directions and some exciting developments are afoot. The Smiddy in Balmaclellan, which will be available to use for free. Finally, GCT are initiating an ebike hire scheme to allow residents and visitors to try ecycling and, if they enjoy it, to be able to hire bikes as and when they want. Starting out With sustainable local transport a key aim of the recently published Glenkens & District Community Action Plan, now is the perfect time for GCT to move into carbonzero transport. With this in mind, GCT have purchased a brand new ecar, which is available for a variety of community uses. Also, an ecar charging port will be installed at A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) initiative with six bikes the project aims to expand the fleet as demand requires and possibly to encourage people to acquire their own ebikes. Turn to p6 for full article... This Gazette has been delivered thanks to support from CatStrand. See centre-page pull-out guide for CatStrand's new online platform. CatStrand reopening see p2! www.glenkensgazette.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 2 CONCERNS OVER GLENKENS ROADS Continued from front page... Jim and Fiona Clubb have been forced to shut down their hay delivery business because of the disruption caused by stranded HGVs persistently blocking the B729 access to and from their premises at Blackmark. “The situation has come to a head for us personally, and we have made the decision to close our hay delivery business,” says Fiona. “It is now unsustainable because of the chaos on the public road. This is also in light of the disruption continuing for at least the next 10 years.” The severely potholed roads with crumbling verges and very few passing places have created logistical difficulties for local delivery businesses and supermarkets taking groceries to outlying homes. And whenever there are road closures, traffic delays are compounded by the necessity for huge detours. With the prospect of ever more windfarms and commercial forestry schemes throughout the Glenkens in the pipeline, the end is nowhere in sight for local residents who have grown weary and worried about the over development of the area and the day-to-day damage it is causing to their way of life – not to mention their emotional and psychological wellbeing. Things have reached such a state that local D&G councillor Pauline Drysdale is proposing a ward summit with council officers, community councillors, wind farm representatives and constituents to discuss the infrastructure and roads network in and around the windfarms and across the immediate area. The aim of the meeting is to improve management and communications with a focus on winter management as an additional factor. Its objective is also to facilitate better relationships between contractors, windfarm management and D&G Council and to clarify where each tier of responsibility lies. The A713 has the designation of ‘tourist route from Gretna to Ayr’ but currently – in the absence of visitors because of SCOUT GROUP Diana, our Beaver leader, has decided to step down after more than 20 years of service to the Glenkens Scout Group. She has been an inspiration to the other Leaders and youngsters she has served so faithfully. We would also like to thank Jim and Chrissie who gave up their time latterly and ably assisted Diana in making the colony meetings such a happy place to be. Beavers are boys and girls aged 6-8 years and their motto is “Fun and friendship”. We are now looking to recruit new Beaver Leaders. This may suit two parents who have children in the age bracket or someone just interested. As, like everyone else, Scouting has been badly hit by the pandemic we have not been able to hold our AGM. What we do know is we are looking for a new chairman, treasurer and secretary. Again all these posts have been held by Catherine, Heidi and Lynn for many years and we are most grateful to all three for their commitment in their time of office. We are appealing to parents or anyone in the Glenkens who would be interested in filling any of these positions. In line with National Scout Guidelines, we are still on red, which means no face-to-face meetings but hopefully it won't be too long before it moves to green, and we can meet again. Any queries on the vacant positions please ring Heather on 01644 420 375. Thank you, Heather (Cub Scout Leader) coronavirus restrictions – the road has taken on a new mantle of ‘windfarm construction access’. It’s a title that will probably continue for many years to come... Nigel Martin Pictured: Bottom - photos of the crane which toppled off the Lorg Road, and its recovery, taken by Joe Ade (see p29 for more on this). Below - an example of road edges crumbling under the weight of traffic. CatStrand Reopening Further to the government announcement on 16 March, CatStrand is planning to reopen on Monday 26 April at 11am. The café will be open with outdoor and indoor tables and the gift shop will also open again. Numbers and households at tables will be restricted in accordance with government guidance. Some limited indoor activities and classes may be able to start back from 17 May. We are really looking forward to welcoming everyone back on 26 April but please note that this was the planned date at the time of going to press based on the government advice at that time and may be subject to subsequent change. Please see www.catstrand.com for latest updates. Glenkens Gazette page 3 Remembering Simon Winstanley A gentle and kind soul, we remember Simon Winstanley who sadly passed away on Tuesday 9 March 2021. He and his late wife, Annie, made a wonderful life in the Glenkens for themselves and their four children. A widely respected architect, Simon built a successful local career and achieved the highest accolade in his field, an RIBA award, for the house he designed and lived in for the last ten years - The Houl, on the High Carsphairn road. Simon enjoyed his brief period as a grandfather of two and these grandchildren, along with the many more who may come along, will learn about their grandfather through shared memories of his love of and dedication to his family and friends, his passion for architecture and music, and his heartfelt connection to the Scottish countryside which inspired him in so many ways. Simon will be greatly missed but his memory will continue to live on, spreading joy for many years to come through the buildings and living spaces he designed. Simon is pictured with his first grandchild, Maisie Lou Winstanley Gonzalez. LOCAL FOOD KEEPS GROWING Despite the continued lockdown, the work to stimulate a local food economy has not gone away. In February, market organisers started looking at the possibility of a click-andcollect style market using the online hub set up last year for pre-orders. The online hub opened at the beginning of March, giving customers ten days to order, and was advertised via social media and local posters. Shopping to choose from included jams, homegrown veg, The Glenkens Producers Market has plants, tarts, cakes, cheese and liqueurs. found a way to keep going and supply It was very successful and people were good food to local people; and off the obviously keen to support local food with heels of the recent Glenkens Summit many quickly getting on board and taking there will be a project to investigate advantage of the new system. aspirations and barriers around the supply On market day, customers were and demand for local produce. allocated a time slot for collecting their The January and February markets items from Dalry Town Hall and most did not go ahead, lockdown restrictions stayed about for a quick socially distanced creating a bit of rest for producers and outdoor chat. the opportunity to plan ahead for the The market on 10 April will be the same market volunteers. arrangement, so check the hub website from early April to see what’s on offer – new producers will be coming on board with exciting products! (See ad on p19 for details). In May, the market volunteers are planning for a big re-opening. Volunteer Lesley Blisset said: “It’ll be all singing, all dancing, bells and whistles - an event not to be missed!” In addition to the great range of producers, plans also include an outdoor café area, entertainment, community information stalls and more. If you would like a slot on the busking pitch, please contact Anne Chaurand at anne. chaurand@btinternet.com or A customer at March's click-and-collect 07846 252 848. Musicians, Glenkens Producers Market. jugglers, magicians and more all welcome! The event will be on Saturday 8 May from 10am to 1pm. Glenkens Community Transport (GCT) will run a shuttle bus from New Galloway and Balmaclellan to Dalry to help people get to the market. Other stops can also be arranged - please get in touch with GCT manager Glen to 07841 512 449 to arrange a pick-up. Building on the increasing success of the market, local sustainable food enterprise Propagate has the task of digging deeper into the needs, aspirations and barriers facing producers and consumers across the Glenkens. A scoping study will seek to find out what food is currently available locally, how people access it and where the gaps are. This will include looking at existing and potential food production and ways this can reach local markets – from locally grown veg to locally produced dairy and meat products. Propagate will work collaboratively to create to a routemap for a resilient local food system, with elements that can be developed into projects. If you’re a local food producer looking to get your product to local people, if you’re involved in supply chains or food retail, or if you have a great idea that can increase the diversity of available local food, your voice needs to be heard. Please get in touch at the email address below. The scoping study will also talk to people about how and where to access local food including box schemes, shops, cafés and delivery services. Find out more about this work by contacting Abi at abi@propagate.org.uk or 07340 531 506. Glenkens Gazette page 4 sponsored by If you would like to list something on this page, please get in touch on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk FREE Horse manure (including some chicken), rotted and fresh, no weed killers used. Dig your own from a large heap, bring sacks or trailer. Contact: 07889 229 340 90mm plastic scoops, small square plastic boxes with handles and lids (will stack) roughly 3kg and 1.8kg (good for use as compost caddies). Bottle brush and syphon tube for wine making. I would also like to say thank you for all the generous people sending used stamps for the horse charity – keep them coming! Contact: Sue 07563 718 011 FOR SALE 2x 2metre plastic curtain tracks with hooks and fittings. Contact: 07724 878 796 Oil tank. Contact: 07703 303 805 Any drummers out there? I'm clearing out the shed, drums & bits, 3 drums, some cases, cymbal stand, spare parts stands, etc. Contact: Blue on 07934 361 526 Sewing Machine, needs a little maintenance to get it working properly. Contact: 01644 430 380 Bath lift, £50, full working order when last used. Mr Samuel Fisher: 01644 420 843 WANTED LING would welcome any spare paving slabs to help with making muddy sections of walks passable. Please phone David Hardy on 01644 420 422. 2-drawer filing cabinet. Contact: 01644 420 267 Fridge-freezer. Contact: 07952 280 902 Old lawn mowers/strimmers/ other small machinery. Non-runners/broken welcome. Contact: 07845 562 217 Glenkens Gazette page 5 sponsored by SIGNAGE TO SUPPORT LOCH KEN New signage installed on the west bank of Loch Ken is the latest mark of progress by partners around the loch, helping to provide information and encourage responsible behaviour from visitors. Loch Ken is the largest body of freshwater in Southern Scotland, hosting a variety of users and groups. Loch Ken Trust was established to “promote the natural, cultural and recreational assets of the Loch Ken area for the benefit of the public and to support sustainable local communities.” Work is proceeding on several fronts under this aim, both on a strategic level but also – of equal importance – making tangible improvements around the loch itself. This week sees the installation of three new signs on the west bank of the loch which set out guidelines for use of the loch, outlining how to obtain a fishing permit, how to register a motorboat and other information. Loch Ken Trust chairman, Alan Smith, said: "Loch Ken Trust has identified the need for better, coherent signage around the loch. A good first step last year was the installation of a new information board at the public slipway on the east bank and we are now delighted to have worked with New Galloway Angling Association to install three new signs on their stretch of the west bank. A lot of thought has gone into the physical design of these signs as it was important that, whilst providing a lot of important information, they also sit well in their beautiful locations.” If you would like to get in touch with the Loch Ken Trust, or if you would like to join as a member, please contact Barnaby Fryer, Loch Ken Trust Officer at barnaby.fryer@ lochkenalive.co.uk Loch Ken is the largest body of freshwater in Southern Scotland... Gordon McAdam N ew Galloway Golf Club Founded Foun ded 1902 www.ng www.n g gc.co.uk - 01644 420737 Buggies now available for hire VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME Plumbing & Heating HOUSE REPAIRS JOINERY 22 Kirkland Street St John’s Town of Dalry Semi-retired Furniture Maker & Builder in GLENKENS AREA 01644 430 393 07834 321 789 Call Pete on 07970 462 088 ...special rates for inclusion of tea, cake and friendly banter... Glenkens Gazette page 6 New Directions for Galloway Community Transport The COVID-19 lockdown has had a big impact on community transport in the Glenkens/ Stewartry area, mainly restricting services or stopping them altogether. However, while keeping as many existing services running as safely as possible, Galloway Community Transport (GCT) has been travelling in new directions. With sustainable local transport a key aim of the recently published Glenkens & District Community Action Plan and the Glenkens now part of the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere, now is the perfect time for GCT to move into carbon-zero transport. LEADER funding awarded to Glenkens Community & Arts Trust’s Connecting in Communities project has allowed GCT to acquire an electric car that will benefit the community in a variety of ways. With full wheelchair access and four additional passenger seats the ecar is ideal for transporting small groups and people with disabilities. Since mid-January, the car has become a familiar sight around the Stewartry with Castle Douglas Golden Day Club using it for their meal delivery service and GCT drivers taking pupils to school. Economic to run and environmentally friendly, the car looks set to find a range of other uses such as taking people to events, local patient transport and getting young people to employment interviews. The network of e-vehicle charge points across the region is growing all the time and cash from Glenkens & District Trust and the Blackcraig Windfarm Community Fund is paying for the installation of a freeto-use one at The Smiddy in to encourage people to acquire their own ebikes. The plan is for there to be ebikes based at New Galloway (CatStrand), Balmaclellan (The Smiddy), and Dalry (location to be announced) which can be booked online or by telephone for a modest charge. Full details will be available soon on the GCT website (www. gallowaycommunitytransport. org). There will also be bike shelters at The Smiddy and CatStrand with a public bike maintenance station at the latter, for the use of local and visiting cyclists. The launch of GCT Ebikes is scheduled to take place at the CatStrand on Saturday 29 May, with ‘have-ago’ rides, introductory talks, and showings of Motherload, a wonderful, crowdsourced documentary about the history of cycling and "how cargo bikes will save the world". Volunteers are needed to help with checking bikes out and in and with other aspects of the administration of the scheme. If you are based locally and would like to volunteer to help with the GCT ebike scheme please contact GCT Manager, Glen, by email on gct@catstrand. com ...GCT’s ebike hire scheme will allow residents and visitors to try ecycling and, if they enjoy it, to be able to hire bikes as and when they want. GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL 01644 420234 Balmaclellan which will attract visiting electric vehicles and become one of the ecar’s bases. What better way to help keep people fit and reduce air pollution than getting as many people as possible cycling? Ebikes make cycling more accessible to more people than the non-assisted variety and they are a great way to get from place to place for work, socialising or simply for pleasure. With funding from Cycling Scotland and the Transport Scotland Energy Saving Trust, GCT’s ebike hire scheme will allow residents and visitors to try ecycling and, if they enjoy it, to be able to hire bikes as and when they want. Starting out with six bikes the project aims to expand the fleet as demand requires and possibly Pictured is Martin Fortnum of the Castle Douglas Golden Day Club using the new ecar to deliver meals during the pandemic. Glenkens Gazette page 7 Many a Mickle Maks a Muckle The Inaugural Glenkens Community Summit The inaugural Glenkens Summit took place online in March. The summit was the first in what it is hoped will become a series of similar events and was organised by Glenkens & District Trust (GDT) with the support of Community Enterprise. The event provided an opportunity to discuss and debate some of the big issues for the Glenkens communities and think about what these might mean for the review of the five-year Glenkens & District Community Action Plan. While GDT took the lead in organising the event we, as a fund distribution body, have the primary purpose of resourcing and enabling community development rather than carrying out projects. Therefore the natural next steps will be to identify and support, in an open and transparent manner, community organisations that want to get involved in implementing the plan. The summit was open to the whole community and to anyone with an interest in the Glenkens. We were delighted that 102 people attended on the night. During a busy and stimulating two hours, the audience got a brief update from Douglas Westwater, CEO of Community Enterprise, on the early work underway with different community groups around short term priorities as set out in the plan. There was helpful feedback about some areas that needed further consideration, such as work to maintain the biodiversity of the area, the outdoor ‘assets’ and the problems in some areas of poor broadband service. We then heard from three inspiring speakers. Ailsa Clarke, Development Manager of Inspiralba, a social enterprise consultancy based in Argyll and Bute and developer of the digital Rural Social Enterprise Hub, spoke about rurality and community development. Neil McInroy, CEO of the Centre for Local Economic Strategies, spoke about Community Wealth Building and the positive move to create a more local economy in the Glenkens. And finally Phillip Revell, Chair of Scottish Communities Climate Action Network, spoke about community-led action to address the climate emergency. There were questions from the audience on what is needed for effective community involvement in decision making, what practical steps we as a community can take to address the climate emergency, how we should think about the local energy economy and, in developing the plan, how we ensure that benefits flowing from the work remain in the community for the long term. Some messages that really resonated with the audience included the need to have many small things working together to create something good (Neil McInroy reminding of us the good Scots phrase:”Many a Mickle Maks a Muckle”); the need to nurture and support community groups to take risks and try new things; and the imperative to make the climate emergency an essential part of our thinking. All the speakers identified community involvement as key to success and suggested different means to achieve this. an absolutely brilliant summit. The innovation, ambition and passion shines through. Fantastic speakers and really exciting plans.” As one community member attending said later: “Last evening’s event was an excellent interaction, large number of people, lots of energy and ideas.” We will consider the points raised in the meeting, as well as in other discussions, and feed these into on-going development of the plan. An important next step will be to identify how delivery plans for identified projects can be created and what capabilities and organisations are needed to enable this. Underpinning this there is a need to agree how we as a community want to oversee, monitor and evolve the plan. This will include considering the current Steering Group membership, processes and resources. ...the need to have many small things working together to create something good...”Many a Mickle Maks a Muckle”... The thought provoking comments from the floor fed into smaller group discussions where people had the opportunity to get into some detail about the four thematic areas of the Community Action Plan. The event was ably concluded by Jane Morrison-Ross, who has recently taken on the role of Chief Executive of South of Scotland Enterprise and who personally tweeted after the event “What 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 Kindling available  Please feedback any views to Douglas Westwater of Community Enterprise, at douglas@communityenterprise.co.uk or Fiona Smith, chairman of Glenkens & District Trust, at Fiona.Smith1@btinternet. com Fiona Smith, chairman, GDT Glenkens Gazette page 8 Hello from Dalry & Kells Primary Schools Over the last few weeks, I have noticed birds beginning to sing, buds appearing on the trees, new spring lambs and, more recently, frogspawn. Spring is here and a renewed feeling of optimism is in the air. Likewise, our Primary 1-3 children have been back a few weeks and this week were joined by their Primary 4-7 peers. In school, there was a sense of excitement, of happiness to be with friends after such a long time. I could feel the same sense of optimism (a new beginning) as I walked around the playground and put my head around the classroom doors. The children know the drill - hand washing, trying to be distanced and which doors to use, etc. The sun shone, and everything went smoothly as everyone came into school. Staff, having learnt much from two lockdowns and remote learning, are continuing to think about how the different ways of using technology can benefit teaching in the classroom. During lockdown, many children enjoyed family activities such as cooking and shared pictures of their completed dishes on our closed Facebook page. Children also shared pictures of the wide variety of school-based and nonschool-based activities. This continued as children were given opportunities to share things they had done. One child shared with the class that he had been helping with the lambing and talked about a photograph he had sent in. He looked like a real vet in miniature! Some budding writers and journalists from across the two schools worked together using Microsoft Teams during the latest lockdown. They designed, wrote articles for, and published the first edition of The Scribbler. What an amazing, good read! Thank you to all the children and staff who participated to bring this to fruition. This is going to be our schools-based magazine which we hope to extend further to community readership and maybe even rival the Glenkens Gazette! (See page opposite for more on The Scribbler). Similarly, Paul Goodwin, a retired colleague has given up a lot of his valuable time to create a series of videos for us to use for a writers' club across the schools. The videos draw on Paul's experience and studies into writing short stories and other genres of creative writing. Thank you Paul. Members of the community have also worked hard on our behalf during lockdown. I would like to take the opportunity to thank them for their support. Members form the community group Local Initiatives For Dalry (LIFD) have raised money so we can buy books for use in school, a much-appreciated action and we thank them for this. We have seen many acts of kindness and the community coming together to support one another and again, thank you to all concerned. If I have not mentioned you by name, please accept my apologies and know that you are very much appreciated. Moving forwards, like the march of spring as it gains momentum towards summer, we will go forth. Even though there is still dismay and challenges, we have much to look forward to, much to be optimistic about and much to hope for. Happy Easter everyone! Paul Scrimshaw, Glenkens Partnership head teacher Pictured above are pupils out on the playing field for PE, happy to be with thier friends enjoying the spring sunshine. PUPILS COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER Can you help give young people in the Glenkens a boost this summer? Every two years P6 and P7 pupils from Dalry and Kells schools have a residential trip to Edinburgh. It’s an opportunity the children look forward to with huge excitement – a rite of passage as they grow in independence and an opportunity for the young people from both schools to get to know each other better in preparation for High School. Among all the disruption to learning caused by COVID-19, it is looking likely that this year’s P7 cohort will miss out on the trip as well as the usual activities that form part of the transition to High School and celebrations that mark the end of their time at Primary. However, parents and carers are hoping to provide an alternative for this year’s P7s and are planning to offer a local weekend camping trip led by parent and carer volunteers later in the summer term if restrictions allow. With this in mind, Kells and Dalry parent councils have launched a community ‘Go Fund Me’ campaign to help fund this and to give all Glenkens young people a boost at this difficult time. We hope this will be an opportunity for the community to show support, especially as the usual fundraising activities and events the children would be doing are not possible just now. All money raised will help fund camping and activity fees for the P7 trip and the purchase of outdoor equipment for use by young people of all ages, to help make gathering safely outside to socialise and learn easier and more accessible. Everything raised will be divided proportionately between the two parent councils and will help us secure additional funding from other sources. If a lot of us contribute just a small amount, we will soon be on our way to making this happen! You can contribute easily though our Go Fund Me page - visit www. gofundme.com and search for Give Glenkens Young People a Boost. Alternatively you can send cash or a cheque made payable to Kells Parent Council, posted to Kells and Dalry Parent Councils Fundraiser, c/o Kells Primary School, Braeside, New Galloway DG7 3RL. Please include that it is a contribution to the outdoors fund, and your name and address if you would like to receive a ‘thank you’! If you would like more information, please contact maryzair@gmail.com Glenkens Gazette page 9 GLENKENS SCHOOLS MAGAZINE Over lockdown and during another period of remote learning, a dedicated and talented group of P1-7 pupils from Dalry and Kells Primaries have been creating a very special magazine for kids that they call The Scribbler. This writing project, the brain-child of class teacher Jenna Devlin, came about through discussion with pupils and staff and the consensus that there was a need for a project that the pupils could collaborate together on through these tricky times. The Scribbler, a magazine for ‘inquisitive kids,’ has been planned, designed, developed and edited solely by the pupils. This has been a momentous task in its own right as it has all had to be done independently and online at home. The finished first issue is a real testament to the pupils’ grit, determination, talent and resilience as they adapted to new ways of working and sharing online with their peers. Jenna said: “I am extremely proud of every single member of The Scribbler, what they have produced is very special and really showcases the talent that we are so lucky to have in our Primary Schools. The dedication that this group of children have shown has astounded me with the pupils each week turning up to online meetings, meeting set deadlines and producing quality pieces for publishing. I just can’t wait to see what the next issue brings!” If you would like to take a look at The Scribbler, there is a link on the Glenkens Gazette Facebook page through the post on 10 March. If you would like to include anything in our magazine please get in touch with Jenna at gw08devlinjenna@glow.sch.uk - we are always so keen to include articles from members of our community, to share with our school community. Jenna Devlin Glenkens Gazette page 10 Lockdown '21: A Teacher's Perspective Daffodils and spring flowers are beginning to come into bloom; shoots are appearing on trees and leaves are beginning to unfurl. Schools too are beginning to emerge from lockdown hibernation and open up. February saw our youngest pupils back in school, along with some senior pupils studying practical subjects who need to work on completing their practical assignments. For both pupils and staff that has been an exciting step – the small change in routine back to some sort of ‘normality’; meeting up with others than just your nearest and dearest at home! Have we ever all been so excited about the prospect of a return to school?? It has been wonderful to see pupils face-to-face again – albeit at a two metre distance with face masks on, looking as though we’re extras in a Bond movie. It has been wonderful to do some ‘proper’ work again, rather than being tied to a computer. In my case, as a music teacher, actually being able to play music together with others. Singing is proving a challenge for pupils who have voice as their first instrument. We’re not allowed to sing indoors, but we can outdoors. So far, we’ve managed to avoid going out in the rain – we’ve had one sunny day and one dry but windy day; holding on to our music has been the greatest challenge. It’s been a novelty having a small group of pupils in school – we’ve enjoyed and benefited from this focused time. Pupils say they’ve been able to concentrate better being in school without the distractions that home presents and with the structured support of staff, even though not all subject staff are in school. I’ve enjoyed being in school with them but have found that there are more distractions in school than at home. And I’ve missed the flexibility of working from home – not having the drive to work; being able to work early in the morning/ late at night and not having to be tied to the hours of 9am to 3.30pm. In the meantime, online learning and teaching – home school learning and teaching – continues. It has been a challenge for us all – staff, pupils, parents. It has been especially hard for those of us teaching practical subjects and for those trying to learn practical subjects. But we have managed. My creativity has been challenged in coming up with work that can be done online, and trying to retain a practical element in that. It has been fascinating to see how pupils have engaged with the work – sometimes in a way that is expected; sometimes in a way that is completely unique as pupils display their ‘creative’ approach to the tasks set; you never quite know what you’re going to get! It has been interesting to see how pupils have progressed since the lockdown a year ago. How much more skilled they – and we – are at coping with the challenges/work/ requirements. It’s only by experiencing events such as these and learning how to cope with them that we build resilience. Building resilience is a difficult learning experience, but it’s obvious from the contrast between lockdown 2020 and lockdown 2021 that pupils are becoming more resilient. Returning to school on a fuller basis and being able to see everyone face-to-face is something we’re all looking forward to. Will we recognise one another with our lockdown hair styles? We’re looking forward to finding out more about how people are; what’s been going on in their lives; how they’ve been coping. Whilst there is a level of anxiety about how it’s all going to work, it will be good for everyone’s wellbeing to be back together. We’ve been ‘in it together’ in our own little bubble; it will be good to take the next step of being ‘in it together’ in the Dalry bubble. As with everything to do with this pandemic, adapting to the changes has been a challenge. At the end of the Christmas term, the mood was upbeat and optimistic; the prospect of a return to ‘normality’ seemed imminent. Then the world turned upside down with the news of the new variant of COVID and we were back into lockdown. By February, we had just got used to being in lockdown and the prospect of bringing even a limited number of pupils back into school was daunting. But we’ve risen to the challenge and coped! The return of all pupils on a phased basis in March is the next change and challenge – another daunting prospect, but together we’ll cope and make it work. We are resilient! And we’ll hope that the plans for next term will see a return to a more normal way of life – both in school and out of it. Sue St Joseph, music teacher, Dalry Secondary Wednesday Afternoon Activities Part of Dalry Secondary School's music study related to one of a series of challenges set during lockdown 2020 by the Royal Scottish National Opera (RSNO). This challenge concerned breath control and was set by the RSNO’s principal trombonist Dávur Juul Magnussen. The three challenges he set for this exercise were: • Pin the Fiver – how long could you ‘pin a fiver’ to the wall just by blowing on it? (5.18 secs). • Blow a Candle – what’s the furthest distance from which you can blow out a candle? (133cm) • Immerse the Balloon – blow up a balloon and immerse it in a bucket of water. How much water do you displace? (5.5 litres) Izak Entwhistle chose to have a go at these three challenges, with spectacular results, and a little ‘help’! Here are Izak's results... Pin the Fiver - I used a £20 note because we did not have a fiver. It stood up for 5.5 seconds. Blow a Candle - I originally did the candle blowing on a table but our table wasn’t big enough, so I went on to the floor instead. I got up to 4.5 feet. While I was doing the candle challenge my dog decided to interrupt it and lick me... Immerse the Balloon - When I watched the video, I thought that you had to blow up a balloon and dunk it into some water, but I did not realise that you had to measure it until I’d already done it, so I had to do it again. The result is six litres. Pictured is Izak completing the challenges - top left is Immerse the Balloon, top right is Pin the Fiver (or £20), and to the right is Blow the Candle, with help from the dog (see the candle and measuring tape behind Isak's canine helper). Glenkens Gazette page 11 Local Initiatives In New Galloway What's-a-cooking in New Galloway Town Hall? Taking advantage of lockdown, and considerably assisted by grant support and permissions from Dumfries & Galloway Council, we have been able to embark on some major renovations. A spanking new kitchen is being installed, complete with a fabulous ‘community-sized’ range cooker and a long-awaited commercial dishwasher. This means we will comply with health and hygiene requirements and the kitchen will be of value for all kinds of community events, including cooking lessons or group cook-ins. A specially created lower worktop section will provide space suitable for children or wheelchairusers. The photograph gives an inkling of the interim chaos involved, illustrating why lockdown is a good time for getting ahead with this work! We are also in the process of replacing the downstairs gents-only toilets with two unisex toilets. At last ladies will no longer have to face the climb up to the first floor to access a toilet, as for some this is daunting, if not impossible. What is more, one of the new toilets will be a fully compliant disabled toilet, achieving accessibility at least for any events taking place in the Lesser Hall. We are so fortunate to have a retired architect on our board managing this project. Glynne Shackleton joined us a year ago and has been worth his weight in gold. As you can imagine, we are very excited about all this and very much looking forward to the time when we can open our doors and welcome everyone in to see what has been achieved. LING Lockdown Lunches Although LING Lunches in the Town Hall have had to be suspended, we have been able to offer a lockdown lunch delivered to your door once a month. We had an amazing 44 orders for the February lunch, which had Dawn Spernagel of ‘Love to Eat’ rushed off her feet in her kitchen preparing soups, breads and puddings ready to bag up for volunteers to deliver. Unfortunately, we can only include New Galloway and Kells households in this offer as numbers might otherwise overwhelm us. It has been interesting to find that, although people are having to heat up and eat their lunch in their own homes, it nevertheless feels like a bit of community contact. Perhaps just knowing the experience is being shared by others at the same time makes the food taste even better! A Brew and a Blether We have started up a regular online Zoom chat opportunity on Tuesdays at 2pm. Lockdown lunchers, in particular, are invited to drop in to say hello to familiar faces, but anyone can come along. It’s been surprisingly lovely to have a proper chance to chat, rather than just pausing in the street in the cold - and it’s so friendly. We divide up into small groups of around four, rather as you would if you sat at a table in the hall. Talking to a whole roomful of people (or a whole screenful if you’re on Zoom) is not very comfortable, but suddenly finding yourself with just a few smiling faces, for ten minutes or so at a time, is quite a treat. I think we have all been astonished at how nice it feels. If you’d like a Zoom invitation to drop in on a Tuesday, please just email us at newgallowaytownhall@gmail.com - the only downside is that you have to bring your own tea and biscuits. This project is a collaboration with New Galloway Community Enterprises and anyone in New Galloway and Kells who hasn’t tried Zooming and would like some help to get started, please get in touch. Help is at hand (grant-aided) and that includes not only friendly expertise, from the IT Centre in Castle Douglas, but also the possibility of equipment and internet access on loan from New Galloway’s community engagement worker, Sam Rushton. Broadening our Board The Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING) AGM took place on 25 February, by Zoom - a first-time for everyone, but it all seemed to work satisfactorily (sighs of relief all round). We were delighted to be introducing and welcoming our three new trustees, Lynn Gallacher, Mary Smith and Jude Crooks. Between them, they bring a wide range of valuable experience and expertise to the LING board, which is going to be a huge help. They also dramatically reduce the average age of the board – another very welcome benefit. The continuing board members are Ros Hill, David Hardy, Glynne Shackleton, and Ann and Bob Glaister. Walking Our Way to Health We have talked before about the pathway clearances, descriptions of the walks and the Walled Garden, with lots of detail now available on our website newgallowaytownhall.com Recent discussions have been about planning guided walks or outings for families, perhaps for children or young people. Some events offering chances to join in the volunteering to carry out repairs and improvements are also envisaged. As these ideas are firmed up, we will provide details on posters, on our Facebook page and on our website. So much is known now about the health-giving value of walking or even just being outdoors and we have such wonderful places on our doorstep. It has been lovely to know how many people are beginning to try out some of the walks that Gerry Cinderby and David Hardy have cleared and described. It’s not just about physical health either. We’re all going to be struggling a bit as we emerge from this stressful time, and who knows when it will be truly over. Being outdoors, whether striding out, wandering through woodland, or enjoying the gentle peace in the lovely Garroch Estate walled garden – all can offer balm to the soul. A Stitch in Time Finally, a delightful new fund-raising venture. John Johnes has offered to repair antique or vintage sewing machines in return for a donation to LING’s new 'Crafty Group'. The intention is to support opportunities for developing new skills. The machine may be yours to keep for posterity or it may be that you want to sell it on subsequently. Some will also be offered for sale. Enquiries to John at jjohnes@gmx.com or on 07731 548626. The first one for sale in Ros’s window display, sold within a few hours. I remember learning on one just like that as a child! Ann Glaister Pictured are, top, the fitting of the new kitchen in New Galloway Town Hall and, left, the Stitch in Time project sewing machine for sale. Glenkens Gazette page 12 Carsphairn History Goes Global It has been a monumental journey of discovery for Carsphairn Heritage Initiative (CHI) since embarking upon ambitious plans to digitise their vast collection of local historical photographs, documents and artefacts, collected over the last 30-plus years. In 2017 the group set out to collate and scan thousands of items and present them as a digital heritage archive via the Carsphairn community website. The project was designed to make the collection accessible to anyone anywhere in the world; make previously inaccessible material available to visitors, researchers and anyone with an interest in the cultural and social history of Carsphairn and, most importantly, preserve the collection and the wealth of local heritage information it contains by presenting it in an engaging, userfriendly manner. During the three-year programme Carsphairn Heritage Initiative (formerly Carsphairn Heritage Group) has received funding to support the project from Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership (GGLP) ‘Our Heritage' small grants scheme. This huge and ambitious task, now complete, sees over 3000 items of local historical interest available to search and view via the Carsphairn community website. The vast collection of items has been donated by local families with a connection to Carsphairn over the last 30 or so years and now has a secure and dedicated home visible to all by visiting www.carsphairn.org/CarsphairnArchive Karen Hall, CHI chairperson, said: “I am delighted that we have successfully completed this ambitious project. It’s been a huge undertaking, some of it in very challenging circumstances." "The dedication of our small team of volunteers, who have worked tirelessly in their own time at home, has been incredibly humbling," said Karen Hall. "They have never lost sight of our shared goal and they should be extremely proud of this wonderful achievement. "I would like to thank all the wonderful contributors to our collection for their generosity and for entrusting their precious donations to us; our hardworking volunteers for their time, patience and motivation especially over the last twelve months; Carsphairn Community Council for enabling us to display our Heritage Archive via their website; and our funders GGLP and Carsphairn Renewable Energy Fund Ltd for their continued financial support. None of this would have been possible without them all and I feel honoured that so many have shared our vision and together we got the job done, ensuring that this nostalgic and historically important information is preserved for future generations”. The interim trustees of CHI were planning to convene their first Annual General Meeting in May 2020 but, due to COVID-19 restrictions, it was postponed. The group will reschedule the meeting for later this year, as soon as it is deemed safe to do so. A new Board of Trustees will be sought and if anyone is interested in becoming a Trustee or simply volunteering some time to the group's future projects then they would be delighted to hear from you. More details here can be found at www.carsphairn.org/CHI or email carsphairnhi@gmail.com The archive still requires some final enhancements and the group are looking for willing participants to volunteer their time transcribing documents such as hand-written letters and poems, newspaper clippings and event programmes. If you have some free time, a good eye and some patience perhaps you might like to help. Further details of how to get involved can be found at carsphairn.org/archive or email carsphairnhi.archive@gmail.com Helen Keron, GGLP education & community engagement officer, said: "The amount of volunteer work that has gone into this project is quite staggering. It must have seemed insurmountable when they started, and now here it is completed. The Carsphairn Digital Archive will be an invaluable and permanent resource for people both near and far wanting to find out more about the history of Carsphairn and the surrounding areas. Hats off to all involved!" Pictured from the Carsphairn Heritage Archive is a photograph are, below, the Salutation Hotel in 1920 and, above, Mr & Mrs Hyslop outside the Carsphairn village shop, pre-1920; one of the photographs from the CHI collection. Glenkens Gazette page 13 Glenkens Gazette page 14 What's Been Happening in Dalry Dalry’s Community Kindness Cupboard An exciting new project for the village can be found outside the front of Dalry Library. Come along and see our Community Kindness Cupboard. Inside you will find a variety of groceries, toiletries, pet food and washing and cleaning products, as well as an assortment of games and books for all ages. The cupboard is for everyone in our community to use. So, if you run out of or need any of the above products just pop along and have a look to see what’s inside - hopefully our Kindness Cupboard will give you a reasonable choice. You can access the kindness cupboard 24/7. The only thing we ask is - please take only what you need and leave for others… “a little treat from us to you, we hope this makes you smile all day through”. It is important that we always follow COVID-19 guidance, so we ask anyone accessing the Kindness Cupboard to sanitise your hands and any replaced items. Please share and respect hopefully sometimes we'll need to borrow something, and another time we'll have something to give to the cupboard. Thursday will be a special day for our Kindness Cupboard as local bakers will be adding fresh produce for the community to share. If you wish to give a donation for the baking, please use the envelopes provided and post it through the letter box at 75 Main Street (house next to library with the blue door). Thanks go to New Galloway Community Enterprise for sharing the funding from The Princes Countryside Fund and the Barscobe Family for providing the community with cupboards. Telephone Box Hopefully everyone will be aware that our old phone box on the Ayr Road is being restored. We are eternally grateful for Duncan Jordan’s ongoing commitment and patience, spending numerous hours at this task - his hard work and dedication is clear for us all to see. We are lucky to have such a generous and skilled member in our community. The future of the telephone box is yet to be decided, so if anyone has ideas and suggestions for its use, please mention it to a member of Dalry Community Council or put your suggestions on the St John’s Town of Dalry Community Council Facebook page. Special thanks should be given to the Glenkens Community Shop, St John’s Town Services and Dalry Community Council for their financial support with this project. Dalry Eco Flower Group Last year this group was set up to add colour to our village and to support people’s mental health. We wanted to show that we care about the people in our community and the environment which we live in. We planted containers of different shapes and sizes, giving us an array of colours, splashed around our village, making it a lovely, cheerful The Community Kindness Cupboard outside Dalry Library. place to live in during what have been incredibly ‘challenging times’. This was only made possible through the commitment of four volunteers - Jane Trueman, Linda Carter, Fiona Davidson and Angie Bradford - along with funding from a 'micro grant' from Dalry Community Council. Plants were generously donated by Dumfries & Galloway Council. Towards the end of the year, bulbs were added to the containers and these will hopefully be seen blooming in soon. The next stage will be to add new plants and more containers to continue to brighten up our village once more. If anyone is interested in helping out with the group please contact Angie on anji1206@hotmail.co.uk or chat to any of the above named people on the street! Supporting Our Community's Children The past year has been so challenging for everyone, but thankfully now our children are heading back to school and hopefully things will settle into something more normal. To help support our children in these challenging times, Dalry Community Council have donated to Dalry Primary School six packs of books that aim to support children’s mental health, and the school were also able to purchase some more books thanks to funding from Local Initiative for Dalry (LIFD). The LIFD donation came from the successful mental health baking stall which was run by local people in the summer - thanks go to those who ran the stall. Angie Bradford & Fiona Davidson Glenkens Gazette page 15 Glenkens Gazette page 16 Glenkens Gazette page 17 Glenkens Gazette page 18 Glenkens Gazette page 19 THE GARDEN SPOT COVID-19 is receding and spring is advancing at a pace. It’s important to keep on top of things or the weeds and wildlife will just take over. Nature abhors a vacuum, so if you have any open soil you need to cover it by planting, sowing or covering it with a mulch otherwise you will find that you have unwittingly got a garden of native species (weeds to you and me). As I write this, we have no idea when the garden centres might reopen so I am resorting to buying all my plants and seeds either online or at the supermarket. One thing about buying plants at the supermarket is that they tend not to be as well kept as garden centre stock - great when they arrive but not so good after a week or so - so try to buy your plants as soon as they arrive in the shop. The tasks mount up at this time of year; prune the roses (I like to finish that by the beginning of April), clean the glass on the greenhouse, get seeds planted (check the packets – some need to wait a few more weeks), check the tree ties are loose enough for a new season’s growth… the jobs never seem to end. Now is also the time to prune your hardy fuchsias and penstemons – down to around two inches high I suggest. Many health professionals are now using ‘green prescriptions’. That is, they New season's promise... are telling people to get out into green spaces for physical exercise but also for mental health. What better way to do this than by gardening? And there is no right and wrong; if your idea of gardening is to paint stones and arrange them in patterns or grow all ‘native species’ for wildlife or have neat rows of marigolds, then all of that is fine. TV’s Beechgrove Garden and Gardeners World, along with Radio 4’s Gardeners Question Time, have all reported an increase in audience figures over the last year so gardening is certainly in the ascendency. We also need to encourage the next generation to have an interest in growing food crops and ornamentals because I believe there will be increased job opportunities in horticulture in the UK because of import complications caused by Brexit. One important job that we always seem to overlook is to take the time to walk around the garden and look and listen, without being tempted into chores. Sit in peace and wonder at nature, the birds flitting about their business and the buds breaking for a new year. I am going to sign off now. I have written this column for the last two-and-a-half years and I hope you have enjoyed my musings. This is my sixteenth and final submission. If anyone is interested in writing on gardening subjects in the future, please contact the editor and I will enjoy reading what others get up to in their garden! The Intrepid Gardener - Shop online: www.ballardsbutchers.co.uk Email: shop@ballardsbutchers.co.uk Tel: 01556 502 501 Free Local Delivery Tues & Fri (orders over £20) Wide Variety of Local Produce Butcher Meat Fruit & Veg Milk & Bread Available to order 2nd Saturday Monthly Dalry Town Hall, 10am-1pm - 10th April & 8th May - The April market will be Click & Collect only Click & Collect online with the Glenkens Food Hub at https:// openfoodnetwork.org.uk/glenkens-food-hub/shop or just visit us on the day (8 May onwards) - for further details call 07776 034 260 entry by donation on the door (15 miles from Castle Douglas on A713) Glenkens Gazette page 20 ARCHAEOLOGY MEETS POETRY ON THE RAIDERS ROAD Remains of rural life from a remote Raiders Road farmhouse affected by the Lowland Clearances have been brought to life in a new poem for StAnza, Scotland's Poetry Festival. In 2019, archaeologists and volunteers from the Can You Dig It (CYDI) community archaeology programme investigated a deserted farmstead named Upper Gairloch along the Raiders Road which runs through the Galloway Forest Park, beginning near Mossdale. Looking to showcase a fresh perspective on Scotland’s past during the pandemic, Dig It! – a hub for Scottish archaeology – commissioned Mae Diansangu to write a poem inspired by the site. Diansangu is a spoken word artist and performer based in Aberdeen whose work centres on anti-racism, intersectional feminism, and LGBTQ+ rights. They worked online with Claire Williamson, an archaeologist from Rathmell Archaeology and Project Manager for CYDI. In use as a steading since the seventeenth century, the surviving remains of Upper Gairloch consist of a farmhouse rebuilt in the late-eighteenth or early-nineteenth century and a kiln barn of similar date. The CYDI team – who have reworked their programme of talks, workshops and excavations to an online offering during the pandemic - were able to marry up the site’s archaeological record with written sources, such as maps and census records, to piece together the lives of the people who once lived there. A broken slate stylus, for example, was found on the site of the farmhouse and may have been used by the children of Elizabeth McQueen who listed herself as head of the household in the census record of 1851. Following the Lowland Clearances when many land workers were compelled to leave their settlements due to changes in land use, this particular ruined settlement later became part of a larger sheep farm cared for by a shepherd named William Little, who used farm ruins like this one as sheiling huts. Many such steadings, like the Upper Gairloch farmstead, survive today hidden in dense vegetation waiting to be uncovered. Dr Jeff Sanders, Project Manager at the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland’s Dig It! project, said: “Despite the pandemic continuing to postpone community-led archaeological activities, we’re still finding ways to take inspiration from Scotland’s past inhabitants. Diansangu's creativity and empathy helps us reflect on what was important to the these people and ultimately re-examine what is still important to us today.” Helen Keron, Community and Education Officer for the Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership Scheme, which hosts CYDI, said: ”We were delighted that one of our sites was chosen as the inspiration for Mae’s poem. Can You Dig It is all about connecting people with their heritage, and this is such an innovative way to do that – a great idea by Dig It!. Mae’s poem is fantastic and really evokes the hardship of life in Galloway as it was then, but also the connection that archaeology gives us to our predecessors. It’s well worth a listen – in both languages!” Diansangu’s poem, nuhin new unner the sun, has been released in Doric and English to coincide with StAnza 2021 (6 –14 March 2021) and can be read or listened to on the Dig It!, StAnza and CYDI websites. Dig It!, which advertises online and 'in person' archaeology events for members of the public throughout the year, is coordinated by the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland and primarily funded by Historic Environment Scotland. For more information, visit www. DigItScotland. com Pictured are: Top - the start of the poem nuhin new unner the sun, the rest of which can be viewed/listened to online. Far left - a volunteer exposing the floor of the Upper Gairloch farmstead © Galloway Glens. Left - pieces of pottery found at Upper Gairloch. Glenkens Gazette page 21 The Church and the River Crossing One of the fascinating details in the 1781 plan of the river crossing at Dalry, accompanying the court case brought by John Newall of Barskeoch against the Earl of Galloway, is the sketched drawing of Dalry Church that it contains. Admittedly it is only a rough sketch, but it clearly shows the church with roughly the same shape as the current building but without the bell tower. The bell tower has the date 1831 on it, and it has sometimes been assumed wrongly on this basis that the church was built in that year. My transcription of Presbytery of Kirkcudbright minutes has revealed that most of the current church was actually built in 1771, and only the tower was added in 1831. In the 1771 church the bell was housed in a small bell house built onto the west gable end. Kells Church had been rebuilt in 1822 with a fine bell tower and Dalry did not want to be upstaged by New Galloway and contracted the same architect, William McCandlish of New Galloway, to add a tower to the Dalry Church building. Some other improvements were also made, such as enlarging the windows and relocating the stairs, which had been accessed within the sanctuary near to the west and east doors so that they were accessed instead through enclosed stairs at the north end of the church. High on the east gable end there is a square plaque with the date 1771, the name Jo. McNish and mason’s marks (see photo). John McNish of Kirkcudbright was the mason who built the church, and was later given the task of building Dalry manse in 1784 – though the manse was later enlarged in 1828. He used some of the stone from the old manse, which had originally been on the site of the Lochinvar Hotel, in the construction of the new manse. The initial plan for the 1771 church had been for a rectangular building, but the minister, Alexander Dick, had declared that the proposed building was too small. John Newall, one of the principal landowners (heritors) with responsibility for maintaining an adequate church building in the parish, offered to add a north aisle to the church at his own expense provided he was released from being required to contribute to the cost of the rest of the building. His offer was accepted. This was the same John Newall who brought the court case against the Earl of Galloway, the main local landowner, ten years later. Some of the witness statements in the court case make reference to the churchyard. Several of them comment that the churchyard dyke was repaired seven or eight years earlier, soon after the church was built. Robert Ferguson of Millmark mentions that it was a drystone dyke covered with sods. He also comments that twothirds of the dyke resembled a sunk fence with the ground being nearly on a level with the top of the churchyard dyke on the inside. Apparently after the earlier embankment had been breached the churchyard would often get flooded when the river level rose, and the new embankment now protected the part of the churchyard wall where the water had got in. John Gordon of Dalry said that three years before the water had invaded the churchyard on three occasions. The first flood had surrounded the Newall family mausoleum (marked on plan as ‘monument’) and the last flood at harvest 1778 had been even higher. After the creation of the new embankment, however, there had been a problem of cattle getting into the churchyard along its top. They gained access to the embankment at its unfinished sloping west end. David Bartholomew Pictured: Above - 1781 plan of Dalry churchyard, with rough sketch of the church and the Newall mausoleum. Below left - Dalry churchyard, showing current church and mausoleum and the higher ground level within the churchyard. Below right - Mason’s 1771 plaque on east gable of Dalry Church. Glenkens Gazette page 22 GLENKENS PLACE NAMES: PART IX In the last piece I wrote: "It might be interesting to hill walkers who ascend Millyea, Scots Gaelic Am Meall Liath, ‘the grey lump’, from Clenrie that there are remains of a summer shieling much higher up the hill than Clenrie (on Meikle Lump, Scots ‘big lump’). The foundations can still be seen." David Bartholomew kindly got in touch with a response which was so interesting that I include it here in full (with David’s permission). You mention a summer shieling high on Meikle Millyea. I came across it in the summer – or what I assume is the same ruin. I suspect it may actually be a hilltop hideaway dating back to Covenanter times. Simpson in his 1846 book ‘Traditions of the Covenanters’ in his chapter on Roger Gordon of Largmore writes the following on p257, referring to a time Roger escaped from the dragoons one night when the dragoons surprised him at Largmore: 'He then repaired, with all convenient speed, to his accustomed hiding-place in one of the lofty ranges of the Galloway mountains, called the Mill or Meaul ae. A place of greater solitude than this can scarcely be found, and a retreat which, in the night season, it was impossible for the troopers to find.’ His name for the mountain is a bit garbled, but I’m sure he is referring to Meikle Millyea rather than Meaul. Roger had sasine over Clenrie as well so it would make sense that he might have built a refuge on the higher reaches of his own land where he would have been unlikely to have been troubled by soldiers. I only noticed the ruin when I was almost upon it, and he would have likely camouflaged it with heather and have given it a turf roof, so that it would have been even less visible in those days. The Covenanters who were trying to avoid capture must have had a number of refuges where they could gather. I know of the ruin of one in Earlstoun wood used by the Gordons of Earlstoun. I found another ruin that may have a similar origin high up on the western slopes of Meaul hill. John Dempster, who was shot dead by dragoons near the top of Meaul may have been making for that very refuge when the soldiers closed in on him. They could be just summer shielings, as you say; but they are so high up that I think serious consideration must be given to them being Covenanter hideaways. So many were hiding away in the hills in those days, and it would make sense that many of them had places high up on the mountains so that they were well off the normal trails and had a good view of any approaching soldiers. I think on reflection that David is probably right about the Clenrie structure and thanks again to David for this information and the photograph of the structure. Anyhow, now we will continue the journey up the Forrest Glen looking Millyea shieling. for abandoned farms and their placenames. One such close to the mouth of the Polharrow near Knocknalling, is marked on the OS 1st Edition 6’’ map of 1854. This is Garrainie. David B kindly reminded me about this one as well and pointed out the OS Name Books description of the place. The Site of a Small Hamlet on [the estate] of Knocknalling. It formerly [consisted] of 7 or 8 houses, but now nothing [of it] remains only with the exception [of the] ruins of two houses. It is not [known] in this locality how it got the [name]. Tradition says these old houses were [founded] by Earl of Bothwell to accommodate his hunters & Dogs during the period he was residing in Earlston Castle. This is an interesting reference to hunting and it could be that Garrainie was the Forrest Glen equivalent of Castle Maddy in the Polmaddy Glen where tradition also has it that hunting dogs were kept. The Forest of Buchan boundary being probably the so called ‘Deil’s Dyke’ which can be seen crossing the glen roughly north-south near Knockreoch, An Cnoc Riabhach, ‘the brindled hill’. Garrainie itself is a tricky one. The forms recorded in the OS name book and on Ainslie’s Map of 1797 suggest the stress was on the first syllable. My best guess would be Scots Gaelic na gàraidhnean, a plural form of gàradh, normally ‘gardens’ but here perhaps ‘dykes’1. Loss of the final -n in Scots wouldn't be surprising, especially after the syllable-initial n. The Place-Names of the Galloway Glens website perhaps wisely, doesn’t attempt an etymology of this place-name and shows it in the wrong location, south of New Galloway. I think there must have been confusion between Knocknalling and Knocknairling. The 1854 map shows several ruined buildings at Garrainie. It would be interesting to try to establish if some of these buildings were kennels. Between Garrainie and Craig Michael is what the OS described as a ‘cothouse’ called Kingston. It was in ruins as well by 1854. The Name Book states ‘It is not known in the locality how it got the name’. There are a number of probable ‘royal’ place-names in and around the fringes of the former royal hunting forest. One further up the Forrest Glen is King’s Holm, near the ruins of Ringreoch (which I will retrun next edition). At the head of the Polmaddy Glen are the Blaree Burn, perhaps from Scots Gaelic Blàr Righ, ‘king’s field’ which rises near the King’s Well and Stone on the slopes of Meaul (am Meall, ’the lumpy hill’). These placenames may relate to the former royal forest. Local tradition tends to link place-names associated with royalty with King Robert the Bruce and the Wars of Scottish Independence but I think its at least as likely that they reflect the hunting tenure of the land hereabouts. Near Kingston, just north east of Knocknairling House walled garden is Wally Stane, marked on the OS 1st edition 6’’ map. This stone seems to be subsumed within deciduous woodland policies surroundin ‘the big hoose’ but in 1854 it was open ground. It would be interesting to establish if this stone can still be located. This will be a Scots place-name from ‘wallie’ meaning ‘fine, beautiful, excellent’. Michael Ansell, Cars Fèarna * Thanks to Alan James for suggesting this piece. Glenkens Gazette page 23 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN A Gallimaufry o'Bards The editor of the poem to the right, The Battle of Spearford, neatly described it as "descriptive of a traditional fight in Crossmichael between the Gordons of Kenmure and the Glendonwyns of Parton". The word traditional is code for ‘no evidence it ever happened’. The bard was Samuel Wilson who was, according to Alexander Trotter, recognised as one of the "greatest of the numerous poets who sprang into existence in Galloway in the 18th and 19th centuries", no doubt inspired, as were so many, by one of Scotland’s greatest fabricators Walter Scott. He was born at Burnbrae west of Clarebrand, attending school at Ringanwhey (now Riganwhey) and Crossmichael, ending his formal education at Glasgow University. He developed a successful business as a wood merchant but while working in Balmaclellan he was injured by the axe of a companion, necessitating the amputation of a leg. Before the accident he had been fascinated by archaeology and history. In the Highlands he learned to speak and write Gaelic. He was already known for his skill on flute and fiddle to which he added bagpipes. A well-known local character he bawled out children who mocked his wooden leg. During his fifty years as a shop-keeper he advertised that he kept a loaded pistol on the premises. He never married, dying in 1863 aged 78. It is disappointing that so few women in our general area seem to have written verse. Maria Trotter preserved some jingles but is much more valuable as a source of information about life in Galloway in days gone by. She tells us that she persuaded one of her sons to "write down a wheen odds and ends about the old notions of the people, and also a hantle of the bits of anecdotes of curious kinds of craiters, that used to enliven the farmer's fireside when I was young, in the lang winter forenichts, among the drearie muirs and mountains of our native Galloway. The most of the folk they are about are all dead, and their descendants crushed out of the country, to seek the living denied them at home by absentee landlords, big farms, and game laws; but the few aboriginals that are left may like to read of the ways of their ancestors, and even the incomers may have a desire to know something of them that were here before them". I have written before about this lady and I hope to do so again. She was nearly blind but was ‘behauden to naebody’ in describing something of the way of life some sixty years earlier. Her Galloway Gossip was a joint venture with her son Robert De Bruce Trotter who resided for a time at Dalshangan. A more recent writer was Alexander G Hunter who published a slim booklet entitled, Rhymes of the Glenkens, which contains a selection of unpretentious and often humorous verse, straight out of the ‘now’. He adores his ‘Jean’: "I hear her voice in ilka bird/That twitters i’ the tree;/I’ll luve her till the very en’/ Till sense and reason dee". Also appealing is his address to Cairnsmore of Deugh: What feet hae trod your massive braes What een hae scanned your howes What herds hae tramped ye up and doon To seek for their bit yowes What men hae stopped at orra times To drink frae oot your lanes Or cooried doon to licht a pipe In the shelter o’ your stanes? I would be glad to hear from anyone who knows of other verses by this bard. A poet that I only recently discovered is Joan Rudal, originally, I think from London, who was inspired by the Moffat area, publishing Songs of the Grey Country in 1916 and Peatsmoke in 1919 both of which convey the massive disaster of war. From the Land you left behind you, Where the mountains gird our home Stray my errant songs to find you-Will you read them where you roam? Will you read, with eyes a-dreaming Of the windy woods we knew, And the grassy uplands gleaming In the twilight - starred with dew Till you hear the brown burns brawling O’er the grey rocks, and the scream Of the peewit and the calling Of the hill-wind, through your dream. Proudly paraded the hardy Glenkensmen, Their broad tartans wav’d in the wind of the hill; Gordon’s loud pibroch cheers on his bold clansmen, The turrets of Kenmure resound to the peal. Swiftly Maculloch came,Maitland and all his men Stout Craigengillan and haughty Knockgray; Kennedy’s bowmen true Muster’d on Lowran’s brow; Ken’s rocky shore ne’er beheld such array. PROFESSIONAL GARDENER Available for part-time garden maintenance and autumn clearances. Reliable and friendly service with 20 years experience. I suspect he was unable to reply. Ted Cowan Contact Debbie on 07710 771 433 Glenkens Gazette page 24 The Optimistic Environmentalist What do Bank holidays mean to you: deckchairs or decorating? If your house is anything like ours, it will definitely be decorating. There have been huge changes in paint technology over the last 20 or so years, for example – the introduction of water-based gloss, some of which can even be used outside; this in-turn allows tools to be cleaned in water, the reduction of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) given off by paint. If you remember painting with solvent-based gloss paint in the 1990s or before, VOCs are the things that made your whole house stink for weeks – and invariably made our dogs ill. If you're buying paint for your latest project – try to buy low VOC products – both for your nose and the wider environment. So, you've got your paint sorted, what are you going to clean your brushes with when you've finished? If you're using water-based paint then water will do to clean up with. However, you may prefer the finish only outdoors or in a well ventilated area. Wear nitrile or PVC protective gloves. Store locked up. It makes rather sobering reading - if you want the full picture, the safety data sheet for white spirit is freely available on the internet and is possibly even more scary. Do you really want to use a product like this in your home? Probably not, but what's the alternative? Here comes the good news – 'clean spirit'. Clean spirit has been around for over ten years but, judging from the shelves of hardware stores, is still something of a fringe product. It's a mixture of ingredients often including alcohols and bristle softeners that will perform the same brushcleaning function as white spirit. The difference is it's deemed non-toxic, non-flammable, biodegradable, has low VOCs and virtually odourless - and yes, it does work! Some solvent-based paints are harder to remove from brushes than others. We have found the solution for stubborn paints is to have a small amount of white spirit (that you can re-use time and time again) to soak the brush in initially, then do the proper cleaning with clean spirit. Is it a panacea? In our experience, no, but it does drastically reduce the amount of white spirit you need and used with a bit of care, really does work. On top of that, because it's classified as non-hazardous, mail order suppliers are much more amenable to sending it through the post. At least one of the big online DIY suppliers will only sell white spirit to you in person at the store counter but will happily send clean spirit to you in the post. Oh, and if you happen to drip some paint onto your new carpet, you can also use it to remove that too – with less chance of ruining the carpet. Again, it really does work – our 'oatmeal' coloured 80% wool carpet came up as good as new after a mishap with some bright red anti-rust paint. White spirit is a common enough household product but before you automatically reach for it, have a close look at the product label. that solvent-based paints provide and if your project involves external metalwork you haven't got much alternative. You're then faced with the inevitable: 'Clean-up with white spirit'. White spirit is a common enough household product but before you automatically reach for it, have a close look at the product label. I lifted the following information from a bottle we have in the shed: Dairy & Sucklers; DANGER – Ageing, Twin & Barren Detection. Causes damage to the central nervous system Trailer system includes triplets, through repeated or prolonged marking and shedding. exposure if inhaled. May be fatal if Pregnancy and number of pups. swallowed and enters airways. Repeated For bookings and info: exposure may cause Duncan Kennedy skin dryness and cracking. Flammable liquid dk@passcan.co.uk and vapour. Toxic www.passcan.co.uk to aquatic life with long lasting effects. Use ULTRASOUND PREGNANCY SCANNING 07860 474001 Denise MacDonald-Kiernan Glenkens Gazette page 25 Revisiting Detective Classics for Lockdown: Edmund Crispin Edmund Crispin is the creator of the amateur sleuth, Professor Gervase Fen, and prolific writer of crime fiction (as well as being a musician and composer of some distinction). Crispin was the pen name for Bruce Montgomery. The style of the books contains a good deal of humour and the ridiculous, a light touch with human weaknesses, complex plots and quite a lot of fun. They are well written in the classic detective novel fashion. In many ways he did not enjoy the rapid changes brought about by the twentieth century and this comes through in many of the books. Most reviewers mention the high-spiritedness and charm of his novels. The first Crispin novel that I read was The Moving Toyshop and it remains one of my all time favourite novels to this day. I think that if my house was burning down I would grab it to keep it safe! Other favourites include, Holy Disorders and Glimpses of the Moon. Professor Fen is drawn to be insufferably arrogant and pompous, solving the mysteries he is presented with through wild and intuitive thinking with some provocative behaviour. Nevertheless, he is still a very likeable individual and entertaining character. Many of his ten crime novels are still available on Amazon. Interestingly, nearly all of them are also available as audio books with various lengths from five through to nine hours. Bruce Smith Main distributor for Cheval Liberte and Debon in South West Scotland. We specialise in all sizes of horse trailers, tipping and box trailers. Viewings welcome by appointment. www.dgtrailersales.co.uk sales@dgtrailersales.co.uk 01644 717 394 IAIN MCDONALD I am delighted to be selected as the Scottish Liberal Democrat Candidate for the Galloway & West Dumfries Constituency A lifelong local resident, with 35 years experience as a Solicitor We can make a difference - vote positive If you wish to get in touch or support my campaign, please do so – I shall be pleased to hear from you: Iain4GWD@gmail.com Dumfries & Galloway Liberal Democrats @DGLibDems Scottish Liberal Democrats PUT RECOVERY FIRST Glenkens Gazette page 26 Hug in a Mug Cheers Dalry Residents A small group of residents who got together on WhatsApp under the name Friends of Dalry organised a wonderful gift for Dalry's elderly residents. On a cold Wednesday in February over 200 residents of Dalry and surrounding area received a surprise hug in the form of a small gift consisting of a delicious home made mug of soup and cake. The 'Hug in a Mug' gesture was a way of showing anyone who may have been feeling isolated, lonely or a bit fed-up that they were not forgotten and the rest of the village was thinking of them at this strange time. The community came together to produce pots of scrumptious soups and trays of homemade cakes which brought a smile to each and everyone and were accepted with tears of joy and happiness. From all the thank you messages that have been received it can safely be said that it was a resounding success . This whole venture would not have been possible without the help of the residents of Dalry and a huge thank you goes out to all of you - well done Dalry! A dismal day turned bright and sunny by this act of kindness and community spirit - looking ahead to turning virtual hugs into real ones... Lesley Blissett See 'Thanks' on p28... NOW ONLINE! ORDER ONLINE OR BY PHONE Fleet Fish source a large selection of top quality fish, fruit and vegetables from market place to your door. We also stock chicken, sausages and cold meats plus eggs, milk and cheese. Much more than a fish van! Order before 9pm Sunday for delivery the following Friday 07966 103 912 charliecoid@hotmail.com www.fleet-fish.co.uk Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents Dumfries & Galloway 01556 503744 www.ggblaw.co.uk All legal advice Offices in Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie Kirkcudbright and Dumfries Glenkens Gazette page 27 What Do Peatlands Mean To You? Peatland Connections is a new and exciting Crichton Carbon Centre project that will take you on a journey to rediscover our diverse and unique Scottish peatlands in the heart of Dumfries and Galloway. This three-year project, funded by the Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership Scheme and Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, will explore the many connections we have to this sometimes-forgotten landscape. It is widely appreciated that healthy peatlands store carbon, reducing greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere, support unique plants and animals and have a role to play in water quality and regulation. This project will not only explore how we can help support peatland restoration and management in the Galloway Glens area to maximise these benefits, but will also bring alive our peatlands by celebrating their rich history and culture of stories, songs and ancient myths. Jayne Murdoch, Project Officer for Peatland Connections, says: “I aim to connect with as many different people as possible so we can better understand the importance of peatlands and the benefits they have for us all. I want to ask people in the Glenkens area: what do peatlands mean to you? We want Peatland landscape at Clatteringshaws. communities and Come with us on this rediscover of our organisations to beautiful and diverse peatlands. get involved in field trips, research and workshops and share your stories, songs To find out more about our poems and photographs with us. Please plans in the Glenkens visit www. share your thoughts and experiences peatlandconnections.com or contact of peatlands - just type 'peatland Jayne at j.murdoch@carboncentre. connections sharing' into the Facebook org search bar. Wright’s Shop & Post Office Friday grocery delivery and daily paper round now available within Dalry - please phone to enquire. stocking a range of local suppliers • Express Bakery bread • • Irvings biscuits & cakes • • Ballards & Dalmellington Country Butchers meat & pies • • Mitchells fruit & veg • Shop & Post Office open 7 days Monday to Friday 7am–6pm Saturday 8am–6pm Sunday 8.30am–4pm Tel 01644 430 225 Glenkens Gazette page 28 Photo ofSponsored thebyIssue the Ken Bridge Hotel This issue’s winner is Nigel Spencer from Smittons with his photo, Face at the Window, showing a thoughtful-looking baby owl peering out. Nigel wins an evening meal for two up to the value of £30 at the Ken Bridge Hotel, when COVID-19 regulations allow. Competition judges Dave and Sue said: "Again a wonderful selection of photographs, but seeing the wee owl at the window jolted Dave's memory back 50 years to when the Warren family had two young rescue owls. Their sons and Dave had great fun feeding the owls with slivers of meat wrapped in wool until they were successfully released." How to Enter: any photos taken in the Glenkens can be entered - landscapes, wildlife, portraits, action shots... Email them to glenkensgazette@ hotmail.co.uk To the organisation supplied the aged of Dalry with soup and a bun on a cold frosty day in early February - what a lovely surprise! Regards, Ernest If you are a winner, the Gazette will send you out a voucher - please call the Ken Bridge to check opening times in light of current COVID-19 guidelines. See article on p26 ('Hug in a Mug')... Glenkens Gazette page 29 Corsock Village Hall Book Swap This March, the Corsock Book Swap was launched, situated in the village hall. Over recent years the plant swap box outside Corsock village hall had developed beyond its initial remit, including books and publications such as the Glenkens Gazette. Keen to set up a more weatherproof facility, Corsock residents came together to use some of the Community Council’s COVID-19 resilience funding to buy a small bookcase and PPE equipment for the porch of the hall. A range of books have already been donated by the public and the facility is in regular use. Further donations of books are welcomed, to be left in the quarantine box. What a great example of a positive local community response to these odd times... WL WINDY RIG WIND FARM PROGRESS UPDATE There were no injuries at either incident and the relevant authorities were notified. As a robust plan was formed to safely remove the vehicles, appropriate environmental measures and monitoring was put in place. This included redirecting the water course around the cranes and using pumps to move the water away from the vehicles. The fluids were removed from the vehicles and personnel were placed at the incident sites round the clock to monitor for any possible contamination. Preparatory road works were required on both sides of the C35 to allow access for two larger cranes to lift the vehicle out of the verge and onto a transporter to be removed from site. During this period, we communicated with local residents through the Community Council, our website and our text messaging service. Deliveries of turbine components commenced shortly after the crane removal and will continue for several weeks. We would like to thank local residents for their patience and understanding during the difficult few weeks in March. We are currently operating a text message service to alert residents to turbine delivery information and minimise potential disruption. Contact Doug Wilson if you would like to be added, doug.wilson@ statkraft.com or call 07542 754642. For up to date information on construction progress, visit www. statkraft.co.uk/ windyrig Advertisement At the beginning of March there were two incidents involving crane vehicles on their way to the Windy Rig Wind Farm site. Glenkens Gazette David Tallontire CHIMNEY SWEEP Covering the Glenkens & further afield 07709 144 299 - wood burners - multi-fuel stoves - open fires - Agas - Rayburns - birds nest removal with CCTV inspection - certificates issued - feel free to call for advice - Find me on Facebook page 30 Family and friends coming to stay? Short of space? Cosy country cottage available (sleeps 4) Call Fiona on 01644 420 227 www.covenanters-holidaycottagescotland.co.uk 唀瀀栀漀氀猀琀攀爀礀Ⰰ 䰀漀漀猀攀 䌀漀瘀攀爀猀Ⰰ 䘀愀戀爀椀挀猀Ⰰ 䌀甀猀栀椀漀渀猀 刀攀昀椀氀氀攀搀 䘀爀攀攀 䔀猀琀椀洀愀琀攀猀 吀栀攀 圀漀爀欀猀栀漀瀀Ⰰ 䴀漀渀礀戀甀椀攀Ⰰ 䌀漀爀猀漀挀欀⸀ 䐀䜀㜀 ㌀䐀夀 眀眀眀⸀䠀愀爀爀椀猀ⴀ唀瀀栀漀氀猀琀攀爀礀⸀挀漀⸀甀欀 ㄀㘀㐀㐀 㐀㐀 㔀㈀㤀 Glenkens Gazette The Community Kindness Cupboard outside Dalry Library has home baking in every Thursday (see article on p14). ADVERTISE IN THE GAZETTE (price per issue incl VAT) SMALL: 6cm x 6cm, £37.80 (+ 10% off with series discount) 1/4 PAGE: 9cm w x 13cm h, £81.90 (+ 25% off with series discount) 1/2 PAGE: 18cm w x 13cm h, £151.20 (+ 25% off with series discount) FULL PAGE: 18cm w x 27cm h, £252 (+ 25% off with series discount) Call 07727 127 997 VAT Reg. No. 882 8361 87 page 31 KEY GLENKENS CONTACTS LOCAL DOCTORS’ SURGERY Glenkens Medical Practice - 01644 420 234 COMMUNITY CONTACTS • Balmaclellan: Martin Warnock 07939 261 391 • Carsphairn: Liz Holmes - 07718 358 160 • Corsock: Julie Garton - 07769 647 702 • Kirkpatrick Durham: Heather 07551 639 629 • Crossmichael: Richard Middleton 01556 670 691 • Dalry: Graham West - 01644 430 503 • Mossdale: Shop - 01644 450 281 • New Galloway: Sam Rushton 07741 656 601 • Parton: Erica or Brian - 01644 470 277 FOOD DELIVERIES • Galloway Foodbank - 07730 788 335 • Ballards Butchers - 01556 502502 (they also deliver groceries) • Grierson’s Butchers: 01556 502 637 • Henderson’s Butchers: 01556 502 654 • Mitchell’s Greengrocers: 01556 502 077 • Fleet Fish: order before 9pm Sunday evening for delivery the following week. Delivery days can be found when ordering at www. fleet-fish.co.uk or call 07966 103 912 • Roan’s Dairy - 01556 620 374 LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUPS Glenkens Community Shop: Contact Shirley McNaught on 07955 743 022 or drop by the charity shop on Main Street, Dalry Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING): Contact Ros Hill on ros.hill@rathanhouse.co.uk Dalry Communities Properties Trust (DCPT): Contact Gary Blissett on garyblissett51@gmail.com or 01644 430 521 Dalry Town Hall: Contact Jim Reid on 07776 034 260 or jamescreid@hotmail.co.uk Glenkens Community Centre: Contact Carylann Williamson on williamsoncarylann@gmail.com New Galloway Community Enterprises (NGCE): Contact Sam Rushton on 07741 656601 or samCEW@newgallowaycommunity.shop or pop into New Galloway Community Shop Balmaclellan Community Trust: Contact Julia Higgins on julia.higgins55@outlook.com CatStrand: Contact Chris Jowsey at chris@catstrand.com 01644 420 374 or pop in to the CatStrand Schools: Visit the school office or call Dalry Primary on 01644 430 105 (for Nursery/ELC too), Dalry Secondary on 01644 430 259 or Kells on 01644 420 340 Carsphairn Heritage Group: carsphairnheritagegroup@ gmail.com Bright Stars - Glenkens Community Nursery: Contact glenkenscommunitynursery@gmail.com Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership (GGLP): Contact McNabb Laurie on mcnabb.laurie@dumgal.gov.uk If you would like to add your community organisation to this list please get in touch with the Gazette - contact details are on the back page. CHURCH TIMES CHURCH OF SCOTLAND: Sunday Services Balmaclellan: 11am - 4 Apr & 2 May. Carsphairn: 11am - 11 Apr & 9 May. Kells: 11am - 18 Apr & 16 May. Dalry: 11am - 25 Apr, 23 May & 30 May. There will also be an Easter Dawn Service outside Dalry Church at 7am on 4 April. Communion will be celebrated at Balmaclellan on 2 May. The local Church of Scotland congregations are continuing to prepare weekly prayers and reflections on youtube under ‘Balmaclellan, Kells and Dalry linked with Carsphairn’. The services include hymns and songs and the whole service is accompanied by pictures of the Glenkens. David is also happy to send these directly to people by email if they contact him at dbartholomew@churchofscotland.org.uk Paper copies can be provided to those who do not have internet access. Call 01644 430380 if you would like to receive these resources, or simply if you would like to have a chat. SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH: Communal worship at St Margaret's New Galloway resumed on Palm Sunday, albeit with last year's social distancing measures still in place. Sunday services, usually including the Eucharist, are at 10.30am every week. Visitors are always welcome. For further information, please see website https:// stmargaretsnewgalloway.org or call 01644 420259. Dalry Library & Customer Service Centre Tuesdays 10.30am-2pm Fridays 11am-4.30pm For further information contact Castle Douglas library on 01556 502 643 USEFUL NUMBERS: ● Pot-hole Hotline: 0845 276 0000 ● Police, non-emergency: 101 ● Doctor: 01644 420 234 ● NHS 24: 08454 24 24 24 ● D&G Council: 030 33 33 3000 Glenkens Gazette page 32 Concerns Over New Pylon Route This February, a group of local people from Laurieston got together (in a socially-distanced manner) to protest against the proposed Glenlee to Tongland power line. Richard, one of the protest organisers, said: "Our main objections to the project are the destruction of endangered species and habitats, and also the potential effects for local residents who make a living through tourism." Campaigners accept an upgrade is needed but say the new line should be put underground to minimise damage. Richard went on to say: “This is one project out of many that is adding to the ongoing problems facing our world, a world our children will inherit and ask us why we let this sort of thing happen. We would like to see the Scottish Government step up to the mark to ensure that this kind of environmental destruction in the name of ‘green energy’ is not allowed to continue.” SP Energy Networks (SPEN) has published a report for the Kendoon to Tongland 132kV Reinforcement (KTR) "At what point will people stop and see that the costs are, indeed, too high?" Project. The report looks to identify potential underground cable routes as an alternative to overhead lines. The study found that underground cables were technically feasible and would offer environmental benefits, but the additional costs would be too high. Richard asks: "But how can you balance the cost of destruction to our environment, to our livelihood, to our future... At what point will people stop and see that the costs are, indeed, too high?" Pictured above is the small gathering at February's lockdown protest. You're right...you've seen this photo before, in the previous issue - but here it is in full resolution... Poetic lines curated by Ken Words from their Waterside Hill Poetry Walk of 20 September 2020. Contributors, in alphabetical order, are Michael Ansell, Angus Macmillan, Andrew Mellor, John Priestley and John Smith. If you have any queries please contact jane.kenwords@gmail.com WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! 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 Design & co-ordination: sarah.ade@gmail.com JUN/JUL COPY DEADLINE: 5 MAY The Glenkens Gazette is an initiative of the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust, a Registered Scottish 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 123 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GG_123 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 2021 Description An account of the resource Editor: Sarah Ade https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/1/269/GlenkensGazette122.pdf 7d978d2d9608f72f64759c15abdc3e76 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 122 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, Corsock, Crossmichael, Kirkpatrick Durham, Laurieston, Mossdale, New Galloway, Parton and St John’s Town of Dalry February/March 2021 ISSUE 122 FREE Glenkens Community Summit The first ever Glenkens Community Summit will be a highprofile event bringing together visions for the future of the Glenkens from folk across all of our communities. The focus of the summit will be the areas highlighted in the Glenkens & District Community Action Plan (CAP), published last year, which is a roadmap for the whole community over the next five years with the goal that “the Glenkens and district will be a connected, resilient and carbon neutral place, where people will want to live, work and visit, to bring up their families, and to grow old”. You can find a copy of the plan in your local village shop or online by searching for 'Glenkens Community Action Plan'. The event will take place on 2 March at 7pm and, due to COVID-19, will be virtual. The first year of progressing with the CAP - the implementation phase - is well under way, creating the foundation on which future activities will be built. Since the last Gazette update, national organisation Community Enterprise has been appointed to take forward this work with local body Sleeping Giants. Work has been ongoing since September to get things moving in relation to the four thematic areas, and funding for this has been provided through Blackcraig Community Fund. Continued on p10... Our Biosphere Gains Momentum It’s exciting news to hear that the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire (GAS) UNESCO Biosphere has been awarded £1.9 million to deliver a range of objectives throughout the area. Garroch Glen Shepherds' Huts, one of the local businesses under the UNESCO Biosphere Certification Scheme, with business owner Carylann Williamson at the helm. A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) initiative With everyone now familiar with the positive impact funded projects such as the Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership have had in the Glenkens, we can be confident that this will mean positive change in many ways. A key area in which the Biosphere will be focussing is in expanding their team, initially with six employment opportunities, then over time increasing by another six. Also exciting is that the Biosphere team plan to make their base in the Glenkens see article on p9 for more on this. With the fantastic announcement of funding support from the South of Scotland Enterprise agency, along with recognition that the Biosphere has the potential to become a groundbreaking catalyst in bringing together communities, businesses, land owners and individuals to help achieve a significant ‘green recovery’, things are set to gain a lot more momentum. Continued on p7... This Gazette has been delivered door-to-door thanks to support from the Loch Ken Trust www.glenkensgazette.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 2 Fancy Joining the GCAT Board? Most readers of the Gazette will have an idea of the role that the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) plays within our Glenkens communities. Some of the projects under GCAT’s umbrella are: • CatStrand • Balmaclellan Smiddy • Connecting in Communities • CatStrand Youth Arts • Galloway Community Transport • Glenkens Gazette • Watson Birds Within this basic framework there are many subsidiary projects covering myriad aspects of community and arts activities. We have a committed staff, many volunteers and an engaged board of directors who all work hard to ensure we continue to play an important role in many of the things that happen in the Glenkens. GCAT work closely with numerous partners with the aim of advancing wellbeing and sustainability through community engagement, arts and culture. Never has this been more important than in the current crisis. While we have an established track record in delivering projects with assistance from funders on both a local and national scale, we also recognise that we can never be complacent about the future. The nature of our activities means that income is seldom secure for any length of time which provides a constant challenge. Would you be interested in joining us and assisting us in this important work? We are currently looking to refresh our board and if you have Wright’s Shop & Post Office Friday grocery delivery and daily paper round now available within Dalry - please phone to enquire. stocking a range of local suppliers • Express Bakery bread • • Irvings biscuits & cakes • • Ballards & Dalmellington Country Butchers meat & pies • • Mitchells fruit & veg • Shop & Post Office open 7 days Monday to Friday 7am–6pm Saturday 8am–6pm Sunday 8.30am–4pm Tel 01644 430 225 skills and the enthusiasm to play a part in our ongoing and future projects then we would love to hear from you. There is no specific personal specification or employment history necessary to become a board member - we are just looking for someone with energy, enthusiasm, time and skills that will enable GCAT to continue meeting the needs of our communities. If you are interested in discussing this further please contact me at alan.smith12345@btinternet.com or on 07769 680 938. Alan Smith, Chairman, GCAT Glenkens Gazette page 3 Glenkens Gazette page 4 sponsored by If you would like to list something on this page, please get in touch on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk FREE Horse manure (including some chicken), rotted and fresh, no weed killers used. Dig your own from a large heap, bring sacks or trailer. Contact: 07889 229 340 Sewing Machine, needs a little maintenance to get it working properly. Contact: 01644 430 380 FOR SALE Bath lift, £50, full working order when last used. Mr Samuel Fisher: 01644 420 843 WANTED Fridge-freezer. Contact: 07952 280 902 Old lawn mowers/strimmers/ other small machinery. Nonrunners/broken welcome. Contact: 07845 562 217 Photo of the Issue Sponsored by the Ken Bridge Hotel This issue’s winner is Fiona Clubb with this classic setting of a man and his dog up at Troston cairn, enjoying the hills of the Glenkens. Fiona wins an evening meal for two up to the value of £30 at the Ken Bridge Hotel, when COVID-19 regulations allow. Competition judges Dave and Sue said: “This issue we're going with one man and his dog at the cairn. Lovely to see them savouring the wonderful scenery after a good walk." How to Enter: any photos taken in the Glenkens can be entered - landscapes, wildlife, portraits, action shots... Email them to glenkensgazette@ hotmail.co.uk If you are a winner, the Gazette will send you out a voucher - please call the Ken Bridge to check opening times in light of current COVID-19 guidelines. 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  Kindling available 01556 502263 VETERINARY SURGERY OAKWELL ROAD CASTLE DOUGLAS  Glenkens Gazette page 5 sponsored by Salmon in the Upper Dee River System A report published in November details the distribution of Salmon in the Upper Dee river system. The report is based on electrofishing surveys which use a weak electric current to stun the fish, anabling them to be counted. These were undertaken by the Galloway Fisheries Trust through 2019 and outline a series of proposed habitat works that would support the salmon population. The main findings of the report are included summarised below. Wild juvenile salmon were present in five out of twenty electrofishing sites surveyed and production of salmon was concentrated within the Polharrow Burn, where salmon were found as far upstream as an impassable fall within Waukers Linn. The first electrofishing record of salmon production within the Earlstoun Burn was made during the surveys undertaken within this project. Habitat improvement works should be considered, particularly the addition of woody debris. The lower Earlstoun Burn is an area where active bankside erosion was recorded and could be addressed. The Water of Ken between Carsfad Dam and Craigs Linn has a lack of smaller substrates which appears to be limiting fish production. Possible option to increase smaller substrates here should be considered. Further electrofishing surveys should be undertaken within the upper reaches of the Polmaddy Burn to confirm salmon are not utilising the burn in favourable habitat. Water management practices should be discussed to see if there would be any potential to increase river flows between Polmaddy Burn outflow and Kendoon. A drone survey should be undertaken within the gorge section of river downstream of Polmaddie settlement to investigate for the presence of further impassable falls. Smolt (juvenile fish) sampling methods should be investigated surrounding the outflow of Polharrow Burn in order to input to a smolt tracking study planned for the river. The work was undertaken as part of the Galloway Glens Scheme’s aim to better understand and support the fish populations in the Ken/Dee Catchment. The full report is available on the Galloway Glens website at www.gallowayglens.org. Reviewing the completed report, Jamie Ribbens from Galloway Fisheries Trust (GFT) said: “Salmon populations across Scotland are in desperate need of help due to falling stocks. GFT are working closely with key stakeholders on the Kirkcudbrightshire Dee, including land owners, forestry organisations, SEPA, DRAX and the Dee District Salmon Fishery Board, to restore salmon stocks through a range of projects. To ensure these work, it is crucial to understand and identify where key sub-populations are located so that effective actions can take place in the right places. This report has shown the importance of the Polharrow Burn for supporting a juvenile salmon population but it has highlighted that they, and surrounding waters, need to be enhanced and protected. Gordon McAdam N ew Galloway Golf Club Founded Foun ded 1902 www.ng www.n g gc.co.uk - 01644 420737 Buggies now available for hire VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME Plumbing & Heating Salmon parr. GFT appreciate the support we have received from Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership for this work.” The report formed part of the Galloway Glens ‘Fish Loch Ken’ project. Nick Chisholm, Galloway Glens project officer, said: “Salmon are an iconic Scottish species our cold, clean fast flowing rivers on the Atlantic fringe made this species super abundant in the past. Indeed there are apocryphal tales of abundance being so high in the past that farm workers complained about how often they had to eat them. Over the last few decades, the numbers of this noble fish have declined markedly. This report shines a light on their status in Dumfries and Galloway’s largest freshwater system and whilst the picture is grim in many places there is room for optimism. Fish are still present, albeit at alarmingly low numbers. The next stage of the process will be to work out how we can work with this population and support Galloway Fisheries Trust’s activities to boost their numbers.” For more information about Galloway Fisheries Trust’s wider salmon counting work visit www. gallowayfisheriestrust.org HOUSE REPAIRS JOINERY 22 Kirkland Street St John’s Town of Dalry Semi-retired Furniture Maker & Builder in GLENKENS AREA 01644 430 393 07834 321 789 Call Pete on 07970 462 088 ...special rates for inclusion of tea, cake and friendly banter... Glenkens Gazette page 6 Funding Well Spent in Corsock & KPD Each year Corsock & KPD Community Council receives £2,000 from Blackcraig Windfarm. Proposals are sought that benefit the local community, each being assessed by members of the community council. It has been agreed that the 2020/21 award of £2,000 be distributed between the following five initiatives: A contribution towards new doors at Knockvennie Hall; supporting running costs of Kirkpatrick Durham’s Bothy; Kirkpatrick Durham Village Hall; Corsock Vehicle Activated Speed Signs; and Corsock Kids' Club. Corsock & KPD Community Council secretary, McNabb Laurie, reviewing the awards, said: “Our thanks go to Temporis Capital, the operators of Blackcraig Windfarm, for the funding. It is great that the challenges of 2020 have not stopped the work of community groups in our part of the Stewartry. Hopefully these awards, through the micro grant scheme, will be a real help. The community council has adjusted to the ‘new normal’; we are still meeting monthly, albeit KPD Hall dishwasher being loaded by Rae Little who sits on the KPD Hall committee. virtually, and working to represent and support our local community.” “Thank you for another brilliant copy of the Gazette! NOW ONLINE! It is so nice to know what is going on around here.” Ruth ORDER ONLINE OR BY PHONE Fleet Fish source a large selection of top quality fish, fruit and vegetables from market place to your door. We also stock chicken, sausages and cold meats plus eggs, milk and cheese. Much more than a fish van! Order before 9pm Sunday for delivery the following Friday 07966 103 912 charliecoid@hotmail.com www.fleet-fish.co.uk Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents Dumfries & Galloway 01556 503744 www.ggblaw.co.uk All legal advice Offices in Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie Kirkcudbright and Dumfries Glenkens Gazette page 7 CatStrand Highlights During February we’re back online with our CatStrand at Home programme. Although we’ve had to stop in-house recording for the time being we’ll be back with new ‘Evening In’ performances in March from some word class local musicians including Moniaive based Pete Garnett and Gregg Lawson of Moishes Bagel fame and Sarah Jane Scouten, who will also be offering a songwriting masterclass online as part of a tour of songcraft sessions she is delivering around Scotland and Canada - virtually of course! If you missed our previous ‘Evening In’ performances we’ve made these available online again until the end of February – visit www.catstrand.com for links to our CatStrand at Home page to watch Hope London, Ollie Rigg & Michael Muir and Adam Blake performing for us from the CatStrand auditorium. Tickets are £8 or pay what you can. For families we’ve got a make your own rod puppet video specially made by Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre for ages 6-12. Learn how to create a rod puppet using materials you will have lying about the house and then watch these seasoned puppeteers show you how to technically move the finished puppet available from mid-February on CatStrand at Home. We’re glad to support regional theatre producers during this time too and will be presenting Townsend Theatre Company’s new play We Are the Lions Mr Manager on CatStrand at Home from 5 to 7 February. The play relives the extraordinary true story of the Grunwick Strike, a dispute that challenged the way women and immigrants are treated in the workplace. A live Q&A with the company will take place after the premiere showing on 5 February. For tickets and more information visit www. catstrand.com We look forward to welcoming you back to CatStrand for live performances and films when we are able to do so. If you need help accessing our CatStrand at Home programme of events please do get in touch with aidan@catstrand.com The CatStrand Team Changes Afoot for the Biosphere Continued from front page... The UNESCO Biosphere designation offers international recognition of an area as a world class environment for people and nature. It is a reflection of the amazing wildlife, landscapes and culture of south west Scotland, and the commitment of its communities and businesses to live and work more sustainably. The Galloway & Southern Ayrshire (GSA) Biosphere was the first UNESCO Biosphere in Scotland and is part of a family of over 700 Biospheres around the world who offer a network through which to share learning both nationally and internationally. With a strong focus on sustainability, a commitment to facing up to the challenges of the climate emergency and biodiversity loss and the opportunity to play a key role in supporting a post COVID-19 ‘green recovery’, the UNESCO Biosphere designation is very much of its time. Our Biosphere is guided by a partnership board comprising representatives from public agencies, local businesses, land managers, communities and environmental groups. A full list of board members is available www.gsabiosphere.org.uk and currently includes members from all across the catchment, including the Glenkens. Biosphere manager, Ed Forrest Since its inception in 2012 the Biosphere has delivered a significant level of activity, operating with only a minimal budget and the equivalent of just 1.5 staff members. The Biosphere team worked closely with colleagues in D&G Council to initiate the development of the Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership scheme, which has gone on be to a fantastic example of the Biosphere in action. A Biosphere representative also sits on the Galloway Glens Board and we are currently working closely with the new Loch Ken Trust in the delivery of the Climate Ready Ken initiative. Other work has included the development of a natural heritage management plan that identifies high focus species and habitats including red squirrel, golden eagle, black grouse, upland oak woodland, purple moor grass and peat bogs, many of which can been in the local area. The Biosphere have also worked with local businesses, including the first UNESCO Biosphere Certification Scheme in the UK, which recognises the sustainability credentials of local business and has seen Garroch Glen Shepherds Huts (pictured on front page), Loch Ken Eco-Bothies, Galloway Activity Centre, Galloway Cycling Holidays and Galloway Flowers all go through the audit process. For those looking for an easier way to engage, you can sign up online to become a Biosphere Proud Supporter and join a network of 350 local businesses, organisations and individuals, many based in the Glenkens. St John’s Town of Dalry has been recognised as our most recent Biosphere Community. This involved community representatives joining the Biosphere team in using our Sense of Place Toolkit to identify the positive things that are happening in the local area and using that to ‘tell a story’ that promotes the village as a destination in our UNESCO Biosphere. Ed Forrest, GSA Biosphere Manager ed@gsabiosphere.org.uk Glenkens Gazette page 8 BOOKS IN BALMACLELLAN Reading for pleasure is one of the most important things we can do - books inspire, motivate and encourage us. If you are looking for somewhere locally to browse a large selection of books you need look no further than 'Books in Balmaclellan'. Books in Balmaclellan is a communityowned facility which has been developed over the last 12 months by both the Balmaclellan Hall Trust and Balmaclellan Community Trust to provide community access to books which can be borrowed or exchanged. There is also a selection of books for sale. Books in Balmaclellan is situated in the Templeton Room at Balmaclellan Village Hall and, thanks to enthusiastic volunteers, the room has been refurbished and decorated to provide a welcoming and comfortable environment to browse the books on display. It currently offers over 1,000 books donated by members of the community, covering a wide variety of fiction and nonfiction topics. The most recent donation of books was by Annan Academy and our thanks go to Mrs A Nixon, the librarian at the academy, for the books which are primarily aimed at the 12 to 18 age group. Unfortunately, due to current COVID-19 restrictions, we are unable to open at the moment, but once restrictions are lifted books can be borrowed or exchanged on the following days: Saturday - 10.30am to 12.30pm Monday - 6.30pm to 7.30pm Wednesday - 10.30am to 12.30pm We also plan to introduce a book subscription service during 2021. Please visit the Balmaclellan Facebook page for further details of when this will be available. We are always grateful for anyone wishing to donate books, and do get in touch if you can spare some time to help and support us in any way. Please contact either Julia Higgins at julia.higgins55@ outlook.com or 01644 420 297, or Ailsa Malone at ailsmalone@aol.com for further details. Revisiting Detective Classics for Lockdown: Michael Innes Michael Innes was the creator of Inspector Appleby and he wrote a number of detective and crime novels for over 40 years in the mid-20th century. Under his real name, JIM Stewart, he wrote a good deal of serious literature and was a Professor of English at a university. In many ways his crime novels are timeless, complex and wellwritten [what one would expect from an ex-pupil of Edinburgh Academy and Oxford]. Almost all of his crime novels are enjoyable, often with fantastic or bizarre twists to the plot. The reader is guaranteed humour, beautiful and precise language and pleasant heroes and heroines [not always young] striving to foil evil, selfish or unattractive individuals. My personal favourites are Appleby’s End, An Awkward Lie, Death At The President’s Lodging and Hamlet, Revenge! Many of his books are easily, and cheaply, available on Amazon. Appleby’s End was made into an excellent two-hour radio play and is available on YouTube. A small number of his novels are available as audio books on YouTube for those who find small print difficult. Most are between six and eight hours long and should fill some of the tedious lockdown/shielding or winter hours nicely. Bruce Smith Glenkens Gazette page 9 NEW BEGINNINGS IN DALRY The Glenkens Community Centre on Kirkland Street, Dalry, may be on the cusp of a rebirth in partnership with the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere. Constructed in 1878 as the schoolhouse, for many years the community centre has been the beating heart of the village with numerous groups and clubs making use of its facilities and location. OVer the last few years user groups have declined, with lockdown the final blow to the centre. Some months ago the Dalry Community Properties Trust (DCPT), owners of the centre, were approached by the Biosphere group enquiring whether there was any office space available to rent, but at that time there was only a small room available, which wasn’t much use. Fast forward a few months, and we suddenly found ourselves in a position to offer the whole of the building to the Biosphere project who have recently secured funding from South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) to the tune of £1.9 million, and are therefore looking for office space for their growing team (see cover story and p9 for more on the Biosphere). Whilst we are still very much at the beginning of the negotiation process, DCPT has now agreed in principle to lease the building to the Biosphere organisation for an initial period of five years, enabling the project to have its main office in Dalry. Surveys are due to be carried out and plans drawn up to determine the suitability of the building for conversion. Needless to say the relocation of the Biosphere headquarters to the village would be a major coup and boost to the local economy, putting Dalry on the international radar and attracting visitors from all over Scotland, the UK and indeed the whole globe. This in turn will benefit our local shops, pubs, restaurants, hotels and B&Bs, etc, so is very much a win-win scenario. There is also the added bonus of up to 12 new jobs - another boon for the area. It is also worth mentioning that there are a number of other ongoing projects in Dalry. The partial redevelopment of Barone on Main Street, former residence of the well-known bird artist Donald Watson, is continuing at pace with the aim to establish a visitor centre and cafe. DCPT is also looking to purchase the MUGA (Multiple Use Games Area) adjacent to Dalry Secondary School. The facility would be totally refurbished and made available to schools during the day and the general public at other times, catering for five-a-side football, tennis, basketball, netball and other activities. The Town Hall aims to expand its provision of activities to cater for other groups and organisations. Building on its current successful monthly film night and the Glenkens Producers Market, some of the user groups who used to be based in the community centre could make a welcome return. The Town Hall Covenanter Project has reached a significant milestone with the completion of a video for visitors to Dalry. Spalding Bowling Club goes from strength to strength, and there are also plans to refurbish the servicemen’s hut on Throughgate which currently caters for a snooker and carpet bowls club. Gary Blissett, Chairman, DCPT garyblissett51@gmail.com Celebrating James Clerk Maxwell Parton's James Clerk Maxwell photo competition had many great entries. The outdoor exhibition was impacted first by the problems at the Channel Tunnel delaying delivery of the shortlisted prints and now by the latest lockdown. Please keep any eye on the website for a notice of when the outdoor exhibition is up and running. Thanks to everyone who took part - you can take a look at the entries at www. maxwellphoto2020.wixsite.com/ gallery The winners (pictured) are Bonnie White Galloway by Erin Wilson in the under-18s category and Morning Tranquility by Debbie Stevens in the over-18s category. Suzy Mercer Glenkens Gazette page 10 Community Action Plan Continued from front page... Improving the use of community assets and buildings emerged as a key priority in the plan. A meeting took place with representatives of many of the local halls and buildings and there is a plan to map what the community has, so that these assets can work together more easily and effectively. There is a huge amount happening with food, from the local Producer Market and Glenkens Food Month to community-owned shops and a project is being funded to start to develop a better and more affordable food ecosystem locally, linking growers, retailers and users in a better way. Discussions are moving ahead with the design of a Glenkens youth There are various community projects in and around New Galloway under the LING banner. New Galloway Town Hall By the time you are reading this the Town Hall will have been closed for nearly a year, and it is well over a year since our feasibility study was completed with a very positive response from the folk of New Galloway. The next stage was to discuss the possibility of an asset transfer from D&G Council. Here is where we came up against our first problem; we were told that the building was an 'inalienable common good' property, which means it cannot be sold unless it goes through the courts after full consultation. Also it appears it cannot be used for activities other than for the burgh council without the permission of Kenmure Estate, so there was lots of legal work to do. Then along came COVID... With D&G Council understandably currently involved in more pressing matters, this has gone into limbo. Towards the end of the year we thought we might have been able to move on but, with the new lockdown, we have been told that no more work is taking place for the time being. One bright star has been that we got a grant from the Stewarty Area Committe which will enable us to go ahead with revamping the kitchen and downstairs toilet. At the moment we are only allowed to reheat food in the kitchen, but a revamp would provide facilities to enable project, and a piece of research is being commissioned to consider how to develop accessible childcare across the Glenkens. And finally, because communication and information is so vital, the Glenkens Gazette has received a small grant to research what is needed in this area. There will be information locally about the upcoming summit over the coming weeks, but to register now for the event you can go to https:// tinyurl.com/glenkens, get the link from Facebook or Twitter using the handle glenkenstrust or by emailing douglas@ communityenterprise.co.uk or Fiona. smith1@btinternet.com Douglas Westwater, Community Enterprise us to actually cook. An update to the men’s toilet would give us an accessible toilet and a separate unisex toilet. These improvements will necessitate liaising with D&G Council. We are able to hold on to the grants we received for the lift installation, but we cannot actually claim them while until we own the building. More activities are planned for when the hall can open. With some new babies in New Galloway we had just started up a new childrens group with D&G Lifelong Learning, and hopefully this will continue. Martial Arts Self Defence Group have requested to move to New Galloway. Under the auspices of several people who have moved here,it is planned to start up a craft group for various types of activites. We are also aware that there is interest from young people to have access to a space. Another idea which has been suggested is a communityi library/book group. Remember, we still hope to have our LING Lunches, carpet bowls and table A view of Loch Ken taken near the walks in New Galloway Golf Club woodlands. Income Tax Allowance for Working From Home If you have had to work from home because of COVID-19 then you may be eligible to claim a tax allowance, even if you only had to work from home for one day. For further information visit www.which.co.uk/ news/2021/01/governmentmakes-125-working-fromhome-tax-relief-easier-toaccess-can-you-claim tennis, as welll as circuit training, IT sessions & internet cafe and Art Group. Zoom Activities When it became obvious that the town hall wouldn’t be accessible in the near future we decided we needed to move into modern times and held a Zoom cheese and wine evening for our members as well as a general BINGO. Both went well so keep an eye open for other activities. Exploring New Galloway Gardening in the Garroch walled garden has continued under the COVID-19 guidelines and new gardeners have joined in and are looking forward to planting their plots in the spring. If you would like an individual plot, or to join in generally, please contact us. With so many of us confined to local excercise we have appreciated the footpath work done throughought the year by our volunteers both in the golf course woods and the Garroch paths. Again, anyone who would like to join just let us know. In order to enable the long distance Galloway Glens footpath to continue past New Galloway, LING contributed to the bridge across the Knocknairling Burn. This will enable off road walking to continue from the golf course woods through to Mossdale and beyond (see p12). The New Galloway Story Although a bit delayed due to cancellation of the planned meeting at the beginning of lockdown, this is now getting underway. If you misssed this, the idea is to create information boards within the town and also on the LING website, which has been much expanded over the last months. LING Christmas Lunch Thank you to Sam Rushton and her volunteers who stepped into the breach and organised this with local company Love to Eat when I was incapacitated. Annual General Meeting The LING AGM will be on Thursday 25 February at 7pm. This will be held as a virtual meeting by Zoom. Ros Hill Glenkens Gazette page 11 PROTECTING OUR SPECIAL PLACES Curtilage and Courtesy We live in such a peaceful part of the world that we rarely consider the many threats which undermine our health and wellbeing. Looking to history, it is interesting to see how people protected their special places without resorting to war. Civil society was built around the concept of curtilage derived from the word ‘cohors’ which is Latin for an enclosed yard. The words courtesy, curtsy, courtesan, court and cohort all have the same root. Curtilage is a way of legally defining a boundary wherein a homeowner or resident can expect reasonable levels of privacy. In essence, our curtilage is expected to deliver wellbeing and civility. In Britain our fenced garden space developed as a means to keep animals out of the vegetable plot, whereas in America the primary line of defence for curtilage was not a fence but the gun. I believe that the whole concept of curtilage needs to be rediscussed thoroughly so that our modern planning system may operate efficiently. The current Scottish Planning Framework is tremendous for encouraging developers to be courteous but there is no means by which that courtesy can be reflected in the mitigation of curtilage damage. Negatively affected neighbours simply have to accept a reduction in wellbeing or move. The main reason is that very few of us have any idea of what curtilage is really about and how it protects what is most precious to our sustainability. You would expect a courteous developer to ask the whereabouts of a neighbour’s water source. Likewise, you would expect a courteous resident to tell a developer about the location of a septic tank soakaway. With most large historical estates being carved up over the last few centuries, it is very common for our services of basic need to be spread through, under and over multiple ownership titles. Those who live in villages have a certain amount of protection from unscrupulous development, but the rest of us in rural settings are sitting ducks for the modern corporate developer to clear us from the land. It is a well known fact that in past times forestry plantation damaged countless residential water supplies through unregulated power and ignorance. As a society we must learn not to repeat the same mistakes over and over again if our special places are to survive. In 2019 the SNP and the Conservatives joined forces to ensure that the public could not Troson Loch appeal planning determinations. The necessary civility must occur our communal joint curtilage and without in the planning stage. For this reason it protection, our priceless sense of Home, is imperative that we are all courteous The Glenkens, Galloway and Scotland will when it comes to threatening the curtilage be lost. Fiona Clubb of others. We need to understand the collective world of basic need, and how it all fits together. How many of us possess a really sound understanding of where our basic services come from, or go to? If we are to protect our special The Old School, Crossmichael, DG7 3AP places we need to adopt an attitude of courtesy and build Offering time-tested, personalised acupuncture a more joined up and traditional Chinese herbal medicine to the concept of curtilage Dumfries & Galloway region. through which we can negotiate ‘winThe National Institute for Health and Care Excellence all’ development. (NICE) is recommending acupuncture treatment for Not everyone has a chronic pain conditions instead of pharmaceutical pain nice garden enclosed killers, on the premise that opioids and many analgesics by a fence. As a do more harm than good*. So, what better choice is society we need there? Acupuncture is safe, drug-free and effective. to understand that With traditional acupuncture and Chinese medicine from citizens without a qualified and trusted practitioner, you will receive traditional curtilage authentic and researched treatments. still have basic needs, and that * NICE draft clinical guideline published 3rd August 2020 their curtilage will take form, not in Practitioner Matthew Pajo has been studying and ownership, but practising Chinese medicine for over 25 years and in a community has completed a BHSc in acupuncture and has garden or the attained a MAppSc in Chinese Herbal Medicine summit of a wild Scottish mountain. Contact Matthew on 07786 079 845 In essence our community space is CROSSMICHAEL COMPLEMENTARY THERAPY CENTRE Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine Glenkens Gazette page 12 NEW GALLOWAY LINK PATH A new path is being planned to provide an off-road link between New Galloway and the Galloway Forest Park. The new route, referred to as the ‘New Galloway Link Path’, means pedestrians will have off-road access from New Galloway Golf Club woods to the Forest Park’s network of paths. Walkers currently have to negotiate the A762, with limited visibility and fast traffic. The new section of path, running from the Cairn Edward forest road at Strachan to the existing network of paths in the New Galloway Golf Club woods, allows users to avoid the road. The route boasts marvellous views over Loch Ken and into Galloway Forest Park. The need for the project was identified by the local community, particularly Gerry Cinderby and the Local Initiative in New Galloway (LING) volunteers. Over recent years, the idea has been worked up into a detailed proposal by the Galloway Glens Scheme, with the backing of the Council’s Environment Team. Now, with the generous support of the Kenmure Estate landowner and the assistance of the Dumfries & Galloway Outdoor Access Trust, plans are afoot to establish the new route in Spring 2021. The project will cost more than £30,000 in total. This is being funded by the Galloway Glens Scheme’s National Lottery Heritage Funding, matched to contributions from the Council’s Environment Team, the Dumfries & Galloway Region Wide Community Fund and a contribution from LING. Final fundraising for the route is now underway. The path route will complete a missing path link between New Galloway and the path network in the Forest Park to the south. The work undertaken will include creation of new lengths of path, upgrade of existing paths, and a new footbridge over Knocknairling Burn. Gerry Cinderby, New Galloway resident and Local Initiatives in New Galloway volunteer, who identified the opportunity for the project initially, said: “This path will be of great benefit to local walkers and to visitors. It will give safe access to areas of old woodland as well the network of paths in the Forest Park and could form part of an ambition to develop a long-distance path from Carsphairn to Kirkcudbright. Our grateful thanks to all the funders of this project and to the landowner who generously supported this idea”. Further applications for match funding are currently underway, but it is planned that the improvements will be delivered in March 2021. Any queries or comments on the project are welcomed to jonathan.barrett@ dumgal.gov.uk Balmaclellan Community Garden Plans are underway to create a space for the local community to use, at the Balmaclellan Village Hall. Locals will know that there is a substantial area of land around the hall that will benefit from a spruce up, and local people will have opportunities to be involved in the planning, design and creation. A survey has been launched to find out what local people want to see in the space. You can have your say by using the URL at the end of this article – or look out for hard copies available in your favourite usual local outlets. Community gardens are about more than gardening. They are social spaces, places for people to meet and mingle, for events, barbecues and picnics. They can also be educational – a space for local gardening enthusiasts to swap tips and knowledge, or swap seeds and cuttings. Children and young people can learn how to grow, and learn about biodiversity, or just have space to play and picnic. The garden at Balmaclellan will incorporate a heritage display in the village hall to showcase the rich history of Balmaclellan and its people. This will be a social and educational resource for residents and visitors to the village. The Balmaclellan Community Trust received funding for the heritage project from Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership small grants scheme. The Trust are working with local food enterprise Propagate, who will help design and create the space. Abi from Propagate has over 20 years experience working with communities on local food projects, including developing community growing projects. Propagate are also the lucky recipients of a Galloway Glens grant. A series of outdoor skillshare workshops will be happening during 2021 at The Hidden Mill. The first of these is ‘Soil and Soul’, a mulchy journey into soil health and soil building. This will take place on Saturday 17 April, with the others taking place later in the year. The link to the survey for having your say in how the community garden should develop can be found at https://forms. gle/YMPqSozhrvx27W7E7 Find out more about the workshop by searching for Soil and Soul on www. eventbrite.co.uk and more about Propagate can be found at www. propagate.org.uk or by searching Propagate Scotland on Facebook. Glenkens Gazette page 13 The Optimistic Environmentalist It is estimated around 1 billion (yes, billion) Christmas cards are sent each year, 25 million at Valentine’s day, and a further 16 million at Easter – and these figures are just in the UK. Why not use these to create gift tags for next year or, if that’s not for you, try to recycle them. If you’ve received parcels in cardboard boxes, why not use the flattened boxes as mulch under your plants which will help retain moisture in the ground and keep down some of the weeds. If you don’t need it, give it to someone that could use it. As a Braille reader, I supply my husband with Braille paper; it is much thicker than paper for print so that the Braille dots do not get squashed too easily. It has a strange property - ordinary paper gets wet and breaks up; for some reason Braille paper does not so stays on the ground for a long time, wet but intact. If you are not lucky enough to have access to this, make sure you buy Valentine's chocolates or Easter eggs in cardboard or foil, and with as little packaging as possible. The other month I bought six bars of Lindor chocolate over the internet. I was shocked that each bar was wrapped in bubble wrap - whilst chocolate is precious to me, I fail to see why it needed so much packaging when it was all sent in a box! Some companies are now changing to plastic-free or plastic reduced packaging. Next time you order something, why not ask the supplier to leave out the plastic? I love Ferrero Roche but had stopped buying them because they come in that very thick plastic container that you can’t do anything with and which is not recyclable. However, I was given some in a Christmas tree shaped box made of card - I hope this is a good sign, it certainly was for my taste buds! Remember to recycle the aluminium foil around the chocolates too, at the council household waste sites. Finally, I’d like to harp on about toilet paper. Before Christmas, I found a company who were selling recycled paper rolls in brightly decorated paper. According to an article published by National Geographic an astounding 40% of the plastic produced is packaging – used just once and then thrown away. Unfortunately, these toilet rolls are a little more expensive than some other brands, but the cost does include a donation to a charity to improve hygiene and sanitation throughout the world. It made me think though - why do we need to see our toilet rolls through plastic, anyway? I searched the internet. The next best product I could find was from Suma recycled toilet rolls with no chlorine-based processing in potato starch industrially compostable ‘Bioplast’ on certain packs. You cannot put this in your own compost bin as it is does not get hot enough. Some councils do take it in their garden waste. The good news is that Suma Ecoleaf loo rolls, which are available in supermarkets, have emailed me back and are in the process of changing to fully recycled paper wrap. The current rolls are competitively priced so I hope the changes will still keep them like that. I have written to the supermarkets I use regularly to ask them to encourage other producers to change too. It’s amazing how such basic changes will help with lowering our carbon footprint and reducing landfill. Denise MacDonald-Kiernan THE GARDEN SPOT This is the season when I think of the three Ps: Planning, Pruning & Planting. In these uncertain times, we don’t know if we will be able to get into garden centres but the restricted range in supermarkets of seeds and plants is not our only choice. There is much more available on the internet than you might at first think and you are not restricted to Amazon and eBay. You can buy many items online from Dobbies garden centre (and others), seeds from Suttons, etc, and dahlias and chrysanths from Halls – I am sure that you will all have your own favourite suppliers. The internet is also useful for advice and ideas. Some sites I use are Gardeners World, Beechgrove Garden and Gardeners Question Time, but a word of advice – don’t try and follow advice given on websites that are not UK-based. Growing conditions in other countries vary significantly and, if you are looking at GQT or Gardeners World sites, their advice is often focused on England so add a week or two to the advised planting times. There are some good videos on YouTube as well, but do double-check any advice from videos. The time is approaching the last chance to order and plant bare-rooted trees and shrubs (including fruit trees), so don’t hang about. Now is the time for winter pruning. Much is specific to individual plants but wisteria is one that people often get wrong – each of last year’s new growths should now be cut back to two or three buds; don’t cut it right back as those buds are where the flowers come from. For roses, cut out dead/dying wood, remove crossing branches and cut back the rest to an outward-facing bud, I usually cut back to about half the height that it reached last year. Keep your tools clean and sharp to avoid spreading diseases and, if you are using a ladder, move it frequently and don’t overstretch. Clear away dead leaves, etc, from the ground as this is where pests and diseases over-winter. Get slow-growing plants such as chilli started by sowing seeds in a propagator or indoor on a windowsill, and don’t be too keen to plant seeds outdoors if the soil is still cold. If the weeds haven’t started to germinate then there is no Azalea flowering in February snow. point in planting your annual flowers or veg out yet either – better to be a little late, they will soon catch up. Remember to check over any plants that are overwintering in the greenhouse or shed and pick off dead leaves before they attract mould. Make sure they don’t dry out and, if they look dead, don’t give up too soon – I have known apparently-dead plants come back to life as late as mid-June. Finally, a plea for hedgehogs. They are the gardener’s friend, eating slugs and other nasties, so avoid slug pellets and make sure that hedgehogs have a way to get into and out of your garden as they need to roam far and wide. And to brighten the day, a photo from a previous season. The Intrepid Gardener Glenkens Gazette page 14 Glenkens Gazette page 15 Advertisement Glenkens Gazette page 16 Glenkens Gazette page 17 Looking Forward to Seeing You From our perspective at Balmaclellan Village Hall, 2020 was a very frustrating year. With the COVID-19 lockdown closing the hall in late March, all the events which we had planned were postponed and indeed at the time of writing, the Hall remains closed. However, this does not mean that things have not been happening. Work on refurbishing the building has continued and new facilities are ready to be used when lockdown is lifted. Plans are in hand to restart activities in the Hall when community groups are allowed to again use the venue. The Books in Balmaclellan project has successfully rekindled people's interest in books and a substantial collection of books on a wide range of topics are now available. The events programme for 2021 has now been published (see Balmaclellan Facebook page and posters) and includes a range of activities from quiz nights to plant shows, barbecues to talks, a ceilidh or two and not forgetting the pre-Christmas community gathering and Hogmanay “We will do this again!” party. It will feel great to get these events started again. All of this is of course subject to the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, but we believe it is important to think positively and be ready to launch our events when the time comes. Balmaclellan Village Hall has been serving the community since 1924 and we plan to do so in 2021. If anyone would like to help with any of these activities please contact Ailsa Malone at ailsmalone@aol.com Stephen Bullock, Chairman, Balmaclellan Village Hall Trust ULTRASOUND PREGNANCY SCANNING Dairy & Sucklers; Ageing, Twin & Barren Detection. Trailer system includes triplets, marking and shedding. Pregnancy and number of pups. For bookings and info: Duncan Kennedy 07860 474001 dk@passcan.co.uk www.passcan.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 18 Primary Schools Update Just after the schools broke up we received the news that we would be returning to remote learning after Christmas. This was then extended on 4 January. It didn’t feel like the new start/new year we were all hoping for. However, Dalry and Kells Primary staff, children, parents and the local community appear to be coming together again to face the challenge. Although we are only a week into the new remote learning term, we have managed to improve on some of the challenges we faced last time. We have held some successful class ‘Teams’ meetings online, have a new closed Facebook group to share learning and buckets-full of hope, enthusiasm and community spirit. One of the other exciting projects we are planning is a magazine created by the Glenkens Primary Schools. It appears to be quickly evolving into a community effort. Not only have we many children on board, we have contributors to the Glenkens Gazette and other local groups wanting to support us. Thank you to all who have volunteered their time and effort. We look forward to being able to share this with you. Although the data for Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland and UK-wide is worrying at present, we do have the rollout of vaccines and a better understanding of the virus to support us this time. If you have any thoughts or ideas on how the schools could help or interact with the community, especially those who are feeling isolated at this time, please get in touch with us. In the meantime, stay safe and continue to follow the rules. Paul Scrimshaw, Head Teacher, Glenkens Primary Cluster Glenkens WW2 Deaths: Part II This is the second article covering Glenkens deaths in WW2. After the article in the last edition I was sent a photograph of Robert (Bobby) Little who was killed on 14 March 1941 and is buried in Dalry churchyard. If you have any photographs please send copies (not originals) to the Gazette so that I can include them with future articles. Corporal George Verdun Bell Penman served with the RAF Volunteer Reserve and was taken prisoner by the Japanese on Java. He was one of many prisoners taken to the island of Haruku. He died there on 17 May 1943 and was buried at Cape Marakee but was re-interred at Ambon in February 1947. George was born 1917 in Kells Parish, the son of George and Margaret (Bell) Penman of Dalmae, Dalry. He is named on the Kircudbright Academy War Memorial as well as the memorial in Dalry. It was a grim day in New Galloway on 19 June 1943 with two deaths reported - gunner George Maclure and conductor John Robb. George Richard Maclure, served with 148 (Bedfordshire Yeomanry) Field Regiment, Royal Artillery. George was born in 1912 in Ceylon, the son of Richard and Mary Margaret Maclure of New Galloway. He was taken prisoner at the fall of Singapore in 1942 and died at the age of 31 at the Kinsayok Prisoner David Tallontire CHIMNEY SWEEP Covering the Glenkens & further afield 07709 144 299 - wood burners - multi-fuel stoves - open fires - Agas - Rayburns - birds nest removal with CCTV inspection - certificates issued - feel free to call for advice - Find me on Facebook of War camp. He is buried in the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, Thailand. John Robb was a warrant officer class 1 in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps and was appointed to the position of conductor. Born 1914 in New Galloway, John was the son of John and Agnes (Milligan) Robb. He served in the 51st Highland Division and was captured at the surrender at St Valery-en-Caux in June 1940. John died suddenly in the prisoner of war camp hospital at Hildburghausen in central Germany at the age of 29 and was buried there. His body was re-interred in Berlin in August 1950. James Howatson was born in 1920 in Carsphairn, the son of Francis and Elizabeth Howatson of Lowe Cleugh Farm, Dalry. He enlisted into the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in March 1940 and served with 40 Squadron as a Sergeant wireless operator/air gunner. The squadron’s Wellington bombers had been operating from Malta since October 1941 against targets in Italy and North Africa. In May 1942 the surviving aircraft were flown to Egypt, eventually moving West to the airfield at Hani West, Tunisia, flying against targets in Sicily and Italy. James was reported Missing in Action on 8 July 1943 at the age of 23 and is named on the Malta memorial to the missing. It is not clear why James is listed on the Dalry war memorial and not on the one in Carsphairn. Family and friends coming to stay? Short of space? Cosy country cottage available (sleeps 4) Call Fiona on 01644 420 227 www.covenanters-holidaycottagescotland.co.uk Bobby Little. Christopher Martin Bell (known as Martin) was born in 1920 in Kells, the son of Robert and Letitia (Morgan) Bell of Dalry. He served in the 2nd Battalion Scots Guards as a Sergeant and was killed in action on 11 September 1943, being buried in Salerno War Cemetery, Italy. Martin is commemorated on the Kells parish War Memorial in New Galloway. Alan Richard MacDonald was born in 1921 at Eton, Buckinghamshire, the son of William Elder and Grace Eileen (Young) MacDonald of the Schoolhouse, Balmaclellan. He served as a flying officer in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. He was declared missing in action on 29/30 October 1943 at the age of 21 when his aircraft disappeared on a training flight from RAF Long Kesh in Northern Ireland. Alan is listed on the Runnymede Memorial in Surrey and on the Balmaclellan War Memorial. ...to be continued… Paul Goodwin Glenkens Gazette page 19 The River Crossing at Dalry The witness statements in the court case brought by John Newall against the Earl of Galloway in 1781 over the building of an embankment to protect the Holm of Dalry from flooding provide interesting details on how the river was crossed here in those days. ferry and landed at e, about 30 metres downstream from d. Most traffic from the ferry used to follow the path skirting round the south side of the churchyard and then heading up into the village of Dalry. The remains of the earlier embankment gradually got worn down close to the churchyard wall by those on foot and by cattle, allowing continued access to haven e along the traditional path. However, carriages and carts had to skirt around the south end of the old embankment and approach haven e along its inner side until a wider path was made when the churchyard dyke was repaired eight years previously. The new embankment interfered with all such traffic that had followed that wider path. when the river was high it was usual to put cattle in the river a little upstream of the usual ferry point on Mr Newall’s side of the river so that they might land at either Red Scar or d, as it was dangerous for them to land any lower on account of the strong current. He had from time to time seen beasts carried further downstream by the current. The other route into Dalry was the steep one up from rock d by the north corner of the churchyard, which the present-day path follows. Foot passengers sometimes used this and riders would lead their horses up this way, but it was really too steep for carts. Some years previously, Alex McMillan had put a ditch and a stake and ryce hedge (small horizontal branches woven between stakes) across this The ferryman lived at path to stop cattle getting up Boatgreen on the west side of to the crops he had higher the river crossing and, prior up above the motte, but this to the building of Allangibbon had been broken down by Bridge, this crossing was travellers. the main local route to the More recently, with western side of the Ken valley. the building of the new I have found with my metal embankment, the path from detector coins going back to e leading round to the north the reign of Elizabeth I and corner of the churchyard many Georgian halfpennies had been widened and around the site of Boatgreen – strengthened, supported by but notably no Victorian coins, wood, to allow travellers more tying in well with the building easily to use this route. of Allangibbon Bridge in 1816. It was also revealed that The boatman in 1781 was John Newall himself had built 1781 plan of the River Ken and crossing points at Dalry. William Smith, aged 63, who an embankment some twenty had operated the ferry for 18 years earlier on his side of years. He had the ferry in a the river roughly opposite the Haven e was the only point where sublet from William Newall, the brother new embankment, and also one below carriages and carts were loaded onto of the principal tenant John Newall. the Cat Craig. These embankments the ferry or offloaded from it. When There was no machinery on either side consisted of woodwork filled up with the water was very high horses, and to assist the loading and offloading of sand and stone. But the witness sometimes cattle, were landed at carts and ‘trail carrs’. This had to be who mentioned this, John Barber of Clauchanmark burnfoot (b) or at Red done by men. Clauchanmark (where Kenbank House Scar (c). Two witnesses also commented Various places were used for now stands) said that he didn’t think that coffins carried on handspikes were embarking and disembarking. When they stood beyond a year. landed at b and c when the water was the water was low the ferry generally The boatman William Smith spoke of too high at haven e. To access these took foot passengers between m and how in the very high flood of harvest higher landing points the ferry would rock d (see plan), along the line which 1778 the water stood three feet deep creep up the western bank before the suspension bridge now follows. in the Boatgreen houses. This flood launching across the stream. Those on horses would cross a little also threw up the sand bank at the ford When the ford was impassable black downstream at the ford, which is often and deepened the water there, making cattle and sheep were sometimes swum called the ‘horse ford’ in the witness fording there more difficult. across from m to e. One witness, James statements. When the river was higher David Bartholomew Douglas of Kirkstyle, commented that horses were transported across on the Glenkens Placenames Interest I have been following with interest your instalments on Glenkens Placenames, in particular Part VI which dealt with Tydeaverries. My grandfather Walter Maxwell was born at Lagan near Loch Howie on the Corriedoo side of Blackcraig hill. His father, Alexander, was gamekeeper and died there in 1896 of diphtheria. Although Tydeaverries was recorded as a ruin in the 1860s it was occupied in 1901 by my grandfather, his mother Margaret, and four of his nine siblings, following Alexander’s death. They probably ‘flitted’ using the footpath that ran from Loch Howie to Halfmark. This would suggest that either the original Tydeaverries was reinhabited or there was another residence in the vicinity that used the name. Margaret’s aunt was Anne Hannah who was murdered by Mary Timney at Carsphad in 1861. Barbara Barker Glenkens Gazette page 20 GLENKENS PLACE NAMES: PART VIII Let’s continue our look at the meanings of now deserted former Glenkens farms. Continuing up the Ken on the west bank and exploring up the tributary glens like Glenlee, An Gleann Liath or Gleann Laoigh ‘the grey valley or calf valley’ and the Garroch Glen, Gleann Gadharach, possibly ‘hunting hound valley’ or as suggested on the ‘PlaceNames of the Galloway Glens’ website, Gleann Garbhach, ‘rough glen’. Starting up Glenlee then, we pass a significant Glenkens landmark, the somewhat conical shaped hill called Dunveoch. This is most likely derived from Dùn na(m) bhFitheach, fort or hill of the raven(s). This is an interesting hill name as it shows that the Gaelic spoken by Glenkens folk shared some affinities with Irish and Manx Gaelic. The altering of the /f/ to /v/ sound in the genitive (called eclipsis) is characteristic of Irish. Compare the Scottish Gaelic place-name form Creag nam Fitheach, ‘rock of the ravens’ in Knapdale to see the difference. Upstream from Dunveoch and past the recently built hydro scheme on the Glenlee Burn are two abandoned farmsteads towards the upper reaches of the glen, before the hills called Benbrack, A’ Bheinn Bhreac, ‘speckled peak’ and Craigrine, Creag Rinne, ‘pointed rock or cliff’ block progress westwards. These are Drumbuie and Lochspraig. The former was in ruins by the time of the first OS survey around 1850 and no doubt derives from An Druim Buidhe, the yellow back or ridge, referring originally to what is now called the Rig of Drumbuie. Lochspraig is quite a puzzling place-name, there is another Lochspraig near Bargrennan in the Cree Valley. Given that there is no loch in the vicinity and looks like there never has been one there, I think the generic element might be log, a variant of the more familiar lag/lagan, ‘a hollow or declevity’. The specific element may well be sprèidh, cattle, livestock, ie Log Sprèidhe. The Place-Names of the Galloway Glens website (op cit) would dispute this but I have heard sprèidh being pronounced by native speakers in a way that would give rise to the hard terminal ‘g’ sound in Scots. Incidentally there is another potential example of the generic term discussed here in the former farm of Lochmeharb, now engulfed in commerical Sitka just over the Carsphairn parish boundary into East Ayrshire. This is probably Log na h-Earba, ‘hollow of the hind’, compare Craigmaharb for Creag na h-Earba, ‘rock of the hind’ in the Forrest Glen. Proceeding now up the Garroch Glen we come to an abandoned farm on the edge of the wonderful Hannaston Oakwoods called on the OS 1st Edition 6’’ map Greenloop. This may refer to a green loop in the Garroch Burn. It is approximately in the same location as the settlement named Kaen on the Blaeu atlas, surveyed around 1590. Kaen then may have been an earlier name for Greenloop and could be derived from The site of Allwhillam, Aill Choluim on the Garroch Burn ceann, ‘head, point, looking southwest towards A’ Bheinn Bhreac. top, promontory, etc’, probably the same element as occurs in Kenmure are remains of a summer shieling much Castle, earlier forms of which include higher up the hill than Clenrie (on Canmoor 1456, Kennemor, 1471 for Meikle Lump, Scots ‘big lump’). The An Ceann Mòr, the big head. This foundations can still be seen. probably referring to the prominent It is evident from the OS 1st edition natural mound on which the castle was 6’’ map of 1853 and earlier maps constructed. that most of the upper Glenkens Loan Fell is a Scots place-name tributary glens were once much more meaning ‘hill beside a path or track’ densely populated than is the situation and this ruin is situated on the opposite today. Many of the former farms and bank of the Garroch Burn on the edge shepherd’s cottages have been engulfed of Garroch Wood. Not far away, beside in a monoculture of Sitka spruce, the surviving farm house of Hannaston especially so in the Forrest Glen. This is the abandoned settlement called valley seems to have been particularly Cavan, An Cabhan, ‘the hollow’ the heavily settled in the past. same term as found in the Irish County The Crummy Burn is a significant Cavan. tributary stream of the Polharrow, Pol Further up the Garroch Glen we pass na h-airbhe, ‘burn of the boundary’, the continuing farms of Knocksheen, probably referring to the so called Deil’s Cnoc Sìthean, ‘fairy hill’, the former Dyke which most likely was a boundary farmhouse of Largmore, An Learg marker for the eastern perimeter of the Mòr, ‘the big hill slope’ and another hunting Forest of Buchan. The Crummy Drumbuie, see above. On the hill north Burn has generated the nearby of Largmore, at the side of the upper settlement names of Crummypark reaches of the Crummy Burn is the and Crummyfoot, the latter being long abandoned settlement called Broadpark abandoned. The burn name probably on the OS 1st Edition, 1853. This seems comes from Cromadh, ‘the bending, straightforward ‘broad enclosure’ but twisting one’. Near Crummyfoot ‘foot it was Bred House with Upper and of the Crummy Burn’ is the ruin of Nether Bred on an estate plan of 1768 Burnclose which according to the OS by James Gregg. This suggests Am was a former smithy.This will be Scots Bràghad, ‘the slope’ possibly lies behind ‘enclosure by the burn’. the anglicised Broadpark. Just above Knocknalling, probably An Leaving the public road we then climb Cnocan Àlainn, ‘the beautiful hillock’ up the unmetalled road towards the is the former stead called, on the OS remote sheiling of Clenrie, An Claon 1st edition map of 1853, Kingston. Àirigh, ‘the sloping sheiling’, but before The Place-Names of the Galloway reaching there on the left, surrounded Glens website suggests that ‘the name by broken down dykes is the abandoned probably reflects royal rights over the settlement of Allwhillam. This had been land in this part of the parish, being abandoned by 1853 and the derivation part of the hunting forest.’ given in the Place-Names of the A striking landmark on the way up the Galloway Glens website, Aill Choluim, Forrest Glen is the line of cliffs on the ‘Calum or Colum’s rugged bank, rough north bank of the Polharrow called Craig steep, steep river-bank, place or stead’ Michael, Creag Mhìcheil, ‘Michael’s Cliff’. is appropriate. I think the most likely This feature has given its name to an meaning is steep river bank here as abandoned farm at its north-east end, the farmstead is built on a little plateau not far from the Kingston mentioned of better drained ground which slopes above. steeply down to the Garroch Burn. We will continue the journey up the It might be interesting to hill walkers Forrest Glen in the next edition. who ascend Millyea, Am Meall Liath, Michael Ansell, ‘the grey lump’ from Clenrie that there Cars Fèarna Glenkens Gazette page 21 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN The Gaddgedlar Hoard A medieval Icelandic saga conveys the information that Gaddgedlar is the place where Scotland and England meet. In a previous brief discussion of the Vikings in Galloway, based on an article I published in 1991, I pointed out the very slight remains of Viking activity here in the Southwest. This has always seemed something of a puzzle because the Vikings were fairly numerous on the south side of the Solway, as they were in the Isle of Man and of course Ireland. They colonised Shetland and Orkney, Caithness and Sutherland while replacing many Gaelic place-names in the Outer Hebrides with Viking ones. These warriors also moved into the Clyde and on one occasion achieved the remarkable feat of capturing Dumbarton Castle. We are still not sure why their presence in Galloway is so scanty. However, many of you will have seen in the Press that the Vikings, or at least traces of their presence, are set to return to Kirkcudbright this summer. Items from possibly the most important hoard ever discovered in the UK are to be exhibited in Edinburgh in February this year, before moving to Kirkcudbright Galleries. The launch celebrates a three-year project for which £1 million has been awarded to thoroughly investigate the hoard’s contents. Although the site of the find has been an open secret locally, until now it has been vaguely described as having been discovered in Dumfries and Galloway to deter future would-be Hoard Raiders. Now the Scottish Daily Record has revealed that the collection was “found on church land near Balmaghie in 2014 by Derek McLennan”. We in the Glenkens have been fortunate to have heard excellent talks by Revd David Bartholomew and Dumfries and Galloway archaeologist Andrew Nicholson, both of whom were involved in the finding of the treasure trove. It is now possible for us to shout about this glorious discovery from the top of Merrick, which incidentally on a good day is an ideal spot from which to enjoy distant views of some parts of Viking Scotland, England, Man and Ireland. The collection includes gold ingots and artefacts, items in bronze, glass and crystal, and many items made of silver. See the National Museums Scotland website for short films on the find discussed by Dr Martin Goldberg, principal curator. Susanna Harris of Glasgow University, co-investigator, is understandably enthusiastic about some of the organic materials unearthed, such as wood, leather, wool, linen, textiles and silk, some unprecedented in a Scottish context. study of the treasures will hopefully revolutionise our understanding of our surroundings in the tenth century. Who buried the objects and why? In which direction was the person, or persons, who buried them travelling? Were they even Vikings? Why were some items melted down while others were preserved? Why are the objects in four separate parcels? Why do there not appear to be any weapons so far? What do the remains tell us about the burier’s sense of the aesthetic? Why did the buriers not return for their horde? A new book on the Vikings of 570 pages has very few references to Scotland; Neil Price, The Children of Ash and Elm: A History of the Vikings. Although we sometimes may think there are already enough books on the Vikings to sink a thousand ships this one, like the author’s other publications, is excellent. His title is inspired by one of numerous Viking origin legends. It tells of two great lumps of driftwood washed up on the beach which are transformed into the first man and the first woman, Askr, the ash tree and Embla, the elm; ‘from this couple are descended all of humankind, down through the millennia to our own time’. It was to be a close-run matter in the twentieth century when 25 million elms died in the UK alone. It is currently predicted that ash dieback will kill a horrendous 80% of our ash trees. Price just manages to include a quick reference to the ‘spectacular tenth-century hoard of silver, gold and jewellery in Galloway. The ecclesiastical nature of a number of the hoarded items indicates they may well have been plundered from a monastery’. But which one? Inevitably there will continue to be more questions than answers but hopefully some kind of information board will be provided at Balmaghie before too long. Ted Cowan It is up to us to talk up the find at every opportunity and to think about what these objects might actually mean, such as the symbols on the artefacts, or to question how Chinese silk arrived on the banks of the Ken. As more folk view the treasures, new visitors as well as residents will regard their surroundings with fresh eyes. It is up to us to talk up the find at every opportunity and to think about what these objects might actually mean, such as the symbols on the artefacts, or to question how Chinese silk arrived on the banks of the Ken. In time the Galloway hoard artefact. Glenkens Gazette A Hebridean Journey page 22 Behind an unassuming cottage in Moniaive lies a treasure trove. the genteel manner in which she gathers these stories. Whether this is whilst making bannocks with a farmer’s wife at the top of Galloway glen, talking traditional techniques with a shepherd, or knitting This treasure is not gold nor silver nor with a fellow home artisan; they are jewels but something far more valuable – shared moments, in front of the fire or memories. The Vanishing Scotland archive on top of the hill, where knowledge and is a collection of songs, stories, recordings, sentiment are passed on. As a private films and handmade artefacts gathered archive, Vanishing Scotland's contents over 40 years by curator Alyne Jones. are available to researchers through Great care is taken to protect this legacy, collaborative projects and endeavours. not just for the collectors but for those This treasure trove of a collection also who entrusted their memories and work to includes many gems from further afield the archive. stories and songs that come from across Alyne has collected hundreds of stories, Scotland and across time, that have found memories and photographs of the people their way to Alyne. One such artefact is an and landscape of Dumfries & Galloway extremely rare piece of history that has recording ways of life and activities, often finally been brought to life after 100 years. now sadly no longer practised. Early in 1990 Alyne interviewed Miss Many in Glenkens have already been Winifred Shand, the last organiser of the interviewed by her, and will appreciate Highland Home Industries, an organisation set up in 1909 to promote handwork and crafts from the Highlands and Islands. During the course of these interviews Alyne became the book-keeper and Vanishing Scotland the repository for a handwritten journal recounting the birth of the Sketch and photograph from Miss MacKenzie's diary. Highland Home Industries in the travels of the first organiser, Miss Isabell Burton MacKenzie. A hidden diary, a lost world brought to life, the book reads like a feature film. Travelling from a castle on the Black Isle by steam train Miss MacKenzie, an Edwardian lady, moves from her usual high society social circle to journey (with her travelling bath) around the outer Hebrides by pony and boat. After over 100 years hidden away, everyone can share in Isabell’s adventures. A Hebridean Journey is available from Vanishing Yarns, the showcase for the archive website (see details below). Kara Millen An Interview with Alyne Jones... 1) What inspired you to write A Hebridean Journey and what is the book about? During my time studying ethnology at The School of Scottish Studies, Edinburgh University, I was struck time and again by the fact that the lives and the work of remarkable women are rarely recorded. The book is about a journey made to the Hebrides in 1912 by an extremely accomplished young woman artist and photographer, employed as the first organiser of the Highland Home Industries. 2) Some years ago you did an exhibition at the CatStrand. Do you have much research about the Glenkens, and is it accessible to local people? The Vanishing Scotland exhibition, part of Homecoming Scotland, gave people the chance to see my portraits of exceptional people who were well known in Galloway as tradition bearers of indigenous knowledge. I spent many hours and days in the Galloway hills listening to songs, tunes, stories, dances and collecting from the folk memory, recounted as if the events from half a century ago occurred yesterday. I am planning for further access facilities as in the past few years I have had a number of successful research student placements. 3) Where are you from originally and what sparked your interest in history? As a child growing up I was engaged in the life of a small market town on a river. I learned to swim in the Nith, rowed the ferry boat across it and played with frogs on its banks. The countryside was a magical place where my father worked to get extra money for our annual holidays and put me to bed at night with stories from the farms. It was becoming a part of the folk revival, going to the Dumfries Folksong Club every week as a teenager and learning those songs, that imbued in me a lifelong love of people’s history. 4) Do you have another book planned and, if so, what would you like to write about? I have plans for three books; to share my collection of traditional knitting patterns, illustrated with pictures of knitters along with the history of the hill shepherding folk and artists; the story of the last organiser of Highland Home Industries, which will be called Knitting by Bicycle; and Mullwharcar Memories Stories of Galloway Folk. The hills and moors of Nithsdale and Galloway are being changed rapidly into an industrial landscape and the people, the land and the wildlife and plants will soon be just a memory. This saddens me more than I can say. 5) I believe you have an archive of Galloway folk music - is this something which focuses much on the Glenkens? And is it something you plan to make available for local people, or perhaps publish in some way? When this pandemic is over I would love to collaborate with other local projects to produce a piece of legacy work with multimedia that will remind people living now upon whose shoulders they stand. To find out more about Alyne’s work call 01848 200 083, visit www.vanishingyarns. co.uk or contact her by post at Vanishing Scotland, Rosedene, Dunreggan, Moniaive, DG3 4HQ. Glenkens Gazette page 23 GLENKENS MUSINGS Now as the festive season has wound down and we’ve all started to try and better ourselves for a new year, sadly the horrible memories and feelings of 2020 are still very heavily engraved upon all of our minds. The year that triggered so much loss and so much pain will probably remain with us forever. And as I write, still the sinful and malevolent entity that is COVID-19 shows its ugly face and continues to rip apart our world. However, a lot has happened since last I wrote and promising things have started to occur. The exciting news on the vaccine being rolled out was finally a little glimmer of hope for everyone and now gives us a fighting chance of defeating the virus. In spite of this, when the Glenkens will receive this jab is a question I don’t know the answer to. But then again, because we’ve come so far and suffered for so long, being patient is a thing we’ve become quite accustomed too. Overall, the UK is now in a much better state than it has previously been in. The dark clouds that have hovered over us for the past 12 months are now slowly starting to disperse and we can see light at the end of the tunnel. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again but I am still so thankful that the Glenkens community have still stayed strong and helped each other out through these difficult times. We are so nearly out of the woods! Just a little longer to stay strong together; if we all follow the rules and keep up morale, the finishing line is in sight. So, I hope all that you do in 2021 brings you great joy and success and, if you ever have any doubts about the year, please remember that surely it’s going to be better than last year! James Wallace WINDY RIG WIND FARM PROGRESS UPDATE As we move into the next phase of the project component deliveries - RJ McLeod will step back as the construction phase is nearing completion. COMPONENT DELIVERIES TO SITE Moving forward into the component delivery phase we will be working with Collett who will be transporting the components to site and Vestas as the supplier of the turbine components. Vestas will also be constructing the turbines across the site. SUCCESSFUL TRIAL RUNS In December we held two trial runs of components to the site, one run to simulate a blade delivery and one to simulate a tower section. Both runs went very well and gave us vital information on the timings that we will need for the actual deliveries that we expect to start in early February. LAYDOWN AREA AND LOCAL ROAD IMPROVEMENTS The laydown area at Carsphairn is ready for the deliveries of the blades and the road widening along the B729 and C35 is complete. In mid-January we carried out some strengthening work on the C35 to ensure the road surface wouldn’t be impacted by the component deliveries. Across the site all the turbine bases were completed before Christmas and the last of the access roads will be completed in early February. We are currently operating a text message service to alert residents to potential disruption, contact Doug Wilson if you would like to be added, doug.wilson@statkraft. com or call 07542 754642. For up to date information on construction progress, visit www.statkraft.co.uk/windyrig Advertisement Work continued to progress well on the Windy Rig development throughout December and January despite the weather and only one day was lost due to the snow in midDecember. Glenkens Gazette Support for Local Projects The Galloway Glens Small Grants Scheme has just made its fourth round of awards, and a number of Glenkens projects were successful in receiving funding. Some of the Glenkens projects to receive funding are: Carsphairn Community Woodland Ltd: £4,885 awarded. The applicant is in the process of purchasing 49 hectares of woodland at Muirdrochwood forest, near Carsphairn (www.carsphairn.org/CCWL). This award will support the installation of visitor amenities, including picnic benches, noticeboard, compost toilet and hide. Balmaclellan Community Trust: £4,913 awarded. The group are seeking to install a heritage display in the village hall to showcase the rich history of Balmaclellan and its people, acting as a social and educational resource. Propagate CIC: £5,000 awarded. The group, based at Ironmacannie Mill, outside Balmaclellan, will provide courses and training on topics such as agroecological land management, organic food growing and low carbon solutions. Glenkens Community & Arts Trust: £4,015 awarded. The project will cast a bronze replica of the locally found Balmaclellan Mirror, dated from the first century AD, currently on display at the National Museum of Scotland (www.arthistoryproject.com/timeline/ prehistory/iron-age/thebalmaclellan-mirror). Jude Crooks, Galloway Glens Administrator, said: “The Galloway Glens Scheme has now made 22 Small Grant awards, worth more than £75,000 in total. This was our fourth funding round and I’m looking forward to working with the range of community groups that have received an award. We have a £100,000 budget for the Small Grants Scheme page 24 and so will be advertising the next funding round in the near future.” Ted Leeming, the Chairman of the Galloway Glens Partnership Board, said: “The Small Grants Scheme is a small but extremely valuable part of the work being done by the wider Galloway Glens Scheme, and has already supported a varied suite of projects that seek to connect people to their heritage in their own way. "It is great to see such appetite and demand for innovative and forwardthinking projects in these strange times that we live in. My thanks go, as ever, to my fellow partnership board members, the Galloway Glens team, the National Lottery Heritage Fund for the award and all Scheme partners, including the Council’s Environment Team and the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere.” Pictured are the representatives from two of the successful projects, Propagate (left) and Balmaclellan Community Trust (above). Glenkens Gazette page 25 Glenkens Gazette Anyone Fancy a Game of Pétanque? French bowles, or pétanque, is an outdoor game in which players roll their boules/balls towards a target ball. The objective is to score points by having boules closer to the target than the opponent after all boules have been thrown. The game is normally and best played on hard dirt or gravel, and the beauty of the game is you only need a small space and you don’t have to bend down, as with conventional green bowling, which means it’s great for those who are less mobile. John McCulloch of New Galloway wondered if there’s anyone in the area who may fancy getting together for a game now and then? Perhaps in time a local pétanque club could be formed if there was enough interest. If this sounds like something you would be interested in, you can get in touch with John on 07753 367 167. page 26 ADVERTISE IN THE GAZETTE (price per issue incl VAT) SMALL: 6cm x 6cm, £37.80 (+ 10% off with series discount) 1/4 PAGE: 9cm w x 13cm h, £81.90 (+ 25% off with series discount) 1/2 PAGE: 18cm w x 13cm h, £151.20 (+ 25% off with series discount) FULL PAGE: 18cm w x 27cm h, £252 (+ 25% off with series discount) Call 07727 127 997 VAT Reg. No. 882 8361 87 Glenkens Gazette page 27 KEY GLENKENS CONTACTS LOCAL DOCTORS’ SURGERY Glenkens Medical Practice - 01644 420 234 COMMUNITY CONTACTS • Balmaclellan: Martin Warnock 07939 261 391 • Carsphairn: Liz Holmes - 07718 358 160 • Corsock: Julie Garton - 07769 647 702 • Kirkpatrick Durham: Heather 07551 639 629 • Crossmichael: Richard Middleton 01556 670 691 • Dalry: Graham West - 01644 430 503 • Mossdale: Shop - 01644 450 281 • New Galloway: Sam Rushton 07741 656 601 • Parton: Erica or Brian - 01644 470 277 FOOD DELIVERIES • Galloway Foodbank - 07730 788 335 • Ballards Butchers - 01556 502502 (they also deliver groceries) • Grierson’s Butchers: 01556 502 637 • Henderson’s Butchers: 01556 502 654 • Mitchell’s Greengrocers: 01556 502 077 • Fleet Fish: order before 9pm Sunday evening for delivery the following week. Delivery days can be found when ordering at www. fleet-fish.co.uk or call 07966 103 912 • Roan’s Dairy - 01556 620 374 Many events and activities are still on hold at the time of going to print due to COVID-19. Please check government guidelines for up-to-date information on social activities during February and March. GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL 01644 420234 LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUPS Glenkens Community Shop: Contact Shirley McNaught on 07955 743 022 or drop by the charity shop on Main Street, Dalry Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING): Contact Ros Hill on ros.hill@rathanhouse.co.uk Dalry Communities Properties Trust (DCPT): Contact Gary Blissett on garyblissett51@gmail.com or 01644 430 521 Dalry Town Hall: Contact Jim Reid on 07776 034 260 or jamescreid@hotmail.co.uk Glenkens Community Centre: Contact Carylann Williamson on williamsoncarylann@gmail.com New Galloway Community Enterprises (NGCE): Contact Sam Rushton on 07741 656601 or samCEW@newgallowaycommunity.shop or pop into New Galloway Community Shop Balmaclellan Community Trust: Contact Julia Higgins on julia.higgins55@outlook.com CatStrand: Contact Chris Jowsey at chris@catstrand.com 01644 420 374 or pop in to the CatStrand Schools: Visit the school office or call Dalry Primary on 01644 430 105 (for Nursery/ELC too), Dalry Secondary on 01644 430 259 or Kells on 01644 420 340 Carsphairn Heritage Group: carsphairnheritagegroup@ gmail.com Bright Stars - Glenkens Community Nursery: Contact glenkenscommunitynursery@gmail.com Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership (GGLP): Contact McNabb Laurie on mcnabb.laurie@dumgal.gov.uk If you would like to add your community organisation to this list please get in touch with the Gazette - contact details are on the back page. CHURCH TIMES CHURCH OF SCOTLAND: Church services have had to stop again at the time of preparing this piece. When they are able to resume they will be at 11am, and at the following venues: 1st Sunday each month – Balmaclellan; 2nd Sunday each month - Carsphairn; 3rd Sunday each month – Kells; 4th Sunday each month – Dalry. The local Church of Scotland congregations are continuing to prepare weekly prayers and reflections that can be accessed on YouTube under ‘Balmaclellan, Kells and Dalry linked with Carsphairn’. The services include hymns and songs and the whole service is accompanied by pictures of the Glenkens. David is also happy to send these directly to people by e-mail if they contact him at DBartholomew@churchofscotland.org. uk. Paper copies can also be provided to those who do not have internet access. Contact him at 01644 430380 if you would like to receive these resources, or simply if you would like to have a chat. SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH: Services at St Margaret’s, New Galloway, are currently suspended due to COVID-19 restrictions but please see website for up-to-date information as well as weekly reflections, https:// stmargaretsnewgalloway.org or call 01644 420 259. Dalry Library & Customer Service Centre Tuesdays 10.30am-2pm Fridays 11am-4.30pm For further information contact Castle Douglas library on 01556 502 643 USEFUL NUMBERS: ● Pot-hole Hotline: 0845 276 0000 ● Police, non-emergency: 101 ● Doctor: 01644 420 234 ● NHS 24: 08454 24 24 24 ● D&G Council: 030 33 33 3000 Glenkens Gazette page 28 Blackcraig Community Fund Reopens You may already have heard of the Blackcraig Wind Farm Community Fund which got up and running in 2019. The fund is provided through community benefit monies paid annually by the owner of Blackcraig wind farm and is run in partnership between Glenkens and District Trust (GDT) and Foundation Scotland. GDT exists to resource and enable community development and makes the decisions on grant awards, guiding the strategic priorities of the fund. GDT are all drawn from the local community and led by an independent chair, Fiona Smith. If you’re interested in becoming a trustee, please get in touch. Foundation Scotland is a national grantmaking charity whose communities team specialise in supporting community benefit arrangements. On Blackcraig Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund, Foundation Scotland provides development work, grantmaking support and fund administration. Blackcraig’s fund manager is Foundation Scotland’s south of Scotland communities team manager, also a Glenkens resident, Suzy Mercer. Last year, despite lockdown, more than £104,000 was awarded through the Community Fund during 2020, with just under £10,000 also provided in additional COVID-19 Emergency Fund grants. This year the fund has just over £336,000 available for distribution and reopens to applications on 1 February. Fiona Smith, chair of GDT, says: “We recognise this is still a difficult time for many organisations and groups to plan their activities, but we very much encourage people to get their ideas in for consideration if they can – Foundation Scotland are on hand to help with preapplication advice and support”. Online and telephone-based one-to-one information sessions will be available to book in February and March if you want to talk through your ideas before the application deadline of 6 April 2021. For further details on how to book, go to Foundation Scotland’s website or email suzy@foundationscotland.org.uk Applying is straightforward and GDT is keen to see applications that reflect community priorities in the area, particularly those set out in the Glenkens & District Community Action Plan. If you haven’t see this plan yet, there should still be some copies in your nearest village shop or you can view it online at the website below. The Fund is open to constituted groups based in or benefitting the residents of the community council areas of Balmaclellan, Balmaghie, Carsphairn, Corsock & Kirkpatrick Durham, Crossmichael, Dunscore, Glencairn, New Galloway & Kells, Parton and St John’s Town of Dalry. Groups can apply for grants between £500 and £25,000 for projects or activities that will help the communities become more connected, asset rich, economically flourishing or carbon neutral. To find out more visit www. foundationscotland.org.uk/ programmes/blackcraig or email suzy@ foundationscotland.org.uk or visit Twitter and Facebook @glenkenstrust - Shop online: www.ballardsbutchers.co.uk Email: shop@ballardsbutchers.co.uk Tel: 01556 502 501 Free Local Delivery Tues & Fri (orders over £20) Wide Variety of Local Produce Butcher Meat Fruit & Veg Milk & Bread Available to order WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! 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 APR/MAY COPY DEADLINE: 5 MAR Design & co-ordination: Sarah Ade sarah.ade@gmail.com Printing: www.instantprint.co.uk The Glenkens Gazette is an initiative of the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust, a Registered Scottish 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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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, Corsock, Crossmichael, Kirkpatrick Durham, Laurieston, Mossdale, New Galloway, Parton and St John’s Town of Dalry December 2020/January 2021 ISSUE 121 FREE A GLENKENS HOGMANAY First footing and house parties may not be on the cards for this Hogmanay, but plans are underway for an alternative way to celebrate with friends, family and the community. you live in or have connections with the Glenkens, if you want to send a video or audio message to family or friends, do send them in! You can do this by sending a video or recording directly, by requesting a doorstep visit from our fabulous roving reporter or by visiting our pop-up greetings pod that will be touring the Glenkens community on Saturday 12 December. If you would like to send a 30 second greetings video (or even a short party piece – we’d love to see those!), please send Working with local it via WhatsApp to 07741 communities, New Galloway 656 601. Alternatively you Community Enterprises (NGCE) can send it via WeTransfer to and CatStrand are excited glenkenshogmanay@gmail. to announce ‘A Glenkens com. To request a doorstep Hogmanay’. In the run-up to visit or book to come along to the bells, our very own Jools our greetings pod, contact Sam Holland - aka Brian Edgar!on 07741 656 601. We’ll try will be live-hosting a fantastic and fit just as many of them in programme of entertainment as we can. from the amazing Shore Road We don’t want anyone to miss Ceilidh Band, local entertainers Sam Rushton and Brian Edgar look forward to toasting out on watching this fantastic and recorded greetings from the new year in - with you! community event so if you would all in the Glenkens. It can be like some support in getting watched on YouTube or Facebook ready to view it, please don’t celebrate the bells together. in the countdown to midnight on hesitate to get in touch - we can help We want a big part of the programme Thursday 31 December. So settle down in lots of ways! to be your messages to loved ones, in Sam Rushton, on the sofa or roll back the carpet, NGCE Community Engagement Worker the Glenkens or further afield. Whether crack open the bubbles and let’s Growing Our Local Food Network The start of COVID-19 back in March saw an unprecedented increase in demand for locally available food, as supermarket supply chains struggled to keep up. Our local village shops became a lifeline for communities, and deliveries from Fleet Fish, Roan’s Dairy and other food providers increased. Local mutual aid groups popped up all across the region, with interventions such as the Community Cupboards and food collections for people who were selfisolating. September brought us Glenkens Food Month and the launch of the Glenkens Community Action Plan (see article on p17). Food Month aimed to raise the profile of local food and producers through initiatives such as the Shop Local, Eat Local. It also saw the restart of the Glenkens Producer Market – which had shut its doors due to COVID – and supported the birth of the Glenkens Food Hub. Continued on p5... A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) initiative Some of the stallholders at the Glenkens Producers Market. www.glenkensgazette.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 2 AN UPDATE FROM LOCH KEN TRUST Having now gained approval from the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) Loch Ken Trust (LKT) has been on a recruitment drive for new members and we are delighted with the response to date. At the time of writing just over 70 members have joined us, and we are delighted with the breadth of interest groups represented and the number of new faces. There really are a lot of people out there who love the loch, are interested in its future development and are willing to get involved. Recruitment is ongoing, however and it is never too late to join. If interested, please contact us on lktoffice@protonmail.com or phone Barnaby Fryer on 07470 557742. Many of our members have expressed an interest in becoming trustees and the initial Trustee Board is now looking at the skill sets on offer and appointing what will be the first full board. Trustees will require to stand for re-election on an annual basis. As mentioned above, a key aspect will be to make sure that the voices of all interest groups are heard. Whilst the mechanics of governance trundle on, there have been quite a few developments on the ground: • A signage audit has been commissioned with a view to identifying what signage we currently have around the loch and how we can improve on it both in respect of content and visual coherence. • As a first step a new more informative sign is in place at the public slipway at the viaduct and others are in production for the west bank. • Work on development of a new website is progressing satisfactorily. • LKT has been chosen to partner with Adaptation Scotland on a major project called Climate Ready Ken. The project, which is funded by the Scottish Government, allows Adaptation Scotland to provide advice and both management and financial support recognising our real appetite to work to increase the resilience of our community in the face of climate change. We are delighted to have been chosen for this which moves us on to a national stage with only one other community in Scotland taking part. Much of this work will also serve to inform the 10-year plan, production of which is a key focus for the Trust. Regrettably the programme of events we had scheduled for this autumn under the banner ‘Autumn of Endurance’ has had to be postponed for obvious reasons but we are currently working on rescheduling this as a ‘Spring Back to Action’ plus further events next autumn. We continue to plan albeit delivery is dependent on outside factors. There have been many challenges over the summer, reflecting countryside access issues which are playing out on a national scale. We have kept our particular issues in front of our elected representatives and will continue to do so. We are of the opinion that our own challenges could be addressed to a large degree by the appointment of a full time ranger, but funding continues to prove the issue. Our Boat Registration Scheme has worked well over the summer, but we could achieve so much more with a land-based officer to inform, welcome and police the loch for the benefit of all. Alan Smith, Chairman, Loch Ken Trust Glenkens Gazette page 3 Help With a Virtual Christmas The events and circumstances of 2020 have certainly challenged us, not least by having to find alternative and creative ways to connect with family, friends and our local community. “Socially distanced”, “Zoom” and “Microsoft Teams” have had to become common vocabulary for many. Some of us may have managed to sidestep the digital world so far by having socially-distanced catch-ups outside or good old-fashioned phone calls, but as the winter approaches, maybe the outdoor meet-ups don’t seem quite so appealing or maybe you really want to ‘see’ friends and family - or join in the many online events and activities that are on offer. Well – the good news is that our local organisations are on it – on IT! Would you love to video call family and friends at Christmas but just don’t know how to get started? Do you wish you could get photos of loved ones sent to you by email but don’t have a computer? Is it the Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING) Zoom Bingo you’re missing?! Want to join a Connecting in Communities activity or enjoy a CatStrand ‘at home’ event? No worries - help is on hand! Thanks to funding from the Corra Foundation and the Co-op Community Fund, New Galloway & Kells Community Council, New Galloway Community Enterprises and LING are able to provide everything you need to get you started or improve your skills on the internet. If you reside in the Kells and New Galloway & Kells parish then we can, at no cost to you, provide a loan of a Chromebook and dongle (aka a laptop connected to the internet even if you don’t have it in your home) and, with help from the IT Centre in Castle Douglas, can provide you with free training to help you get safely connected and online doing what you want to. Please do not let nerves, age, knowledge or finances be the barriers to getting you connected and venturing into the new ways of socialising. Once you’ve tried them, you’ll be very pleasantly surprised. For more information contact Sam Rushton, Community Engagement Worker for New Galloway& Kells, on 07741 656 601. Pick up the phone and start your journey! Wright’s Shop & Post Office Dalry Licensed convenience store and newsagent stocking a range of local suppliers. - We would like to thank all our customers for their continued support and pass on best wishes for the Festive season Festive Season Opening Times: 2nd Saturday Monthly Dalry Town Hall, 10am-1pm - 12th December & 9th January - Click & Collect online with the Glenkens Food Hub at https:// openfoodnetwork.org.uk/glenkens-food-hub/shop OR just visit us on the day For further details call 07776 034 260 entry by donation on the door (15 miles from Castle Douglas on A713) Christmas Eve: 7am - 5pm Christmas Day: closed Boxing Day: 8am - 2pm Hogmanay: 7am - 5pm 1st January: closed 2nd January: 8am - 2pm Normal Opening Times (both shop & PO): Monday to Friday: 7am – 6pm Saturday: 8am – 6pm Sunday: 8.30am – 4pm Galloway gifts & wreaths in stock Tel: 01644 430 225 Glenkens Gazette page 4 sponsored by If you would like to list something on this page, please get in touch on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk FREE Neff double oven, 13 years old but working fine. Ring 460 516 Free: horse manure (including some chicken), rotted and fresh, no weed killers used. Dig your own from a large heap, bring sacks or trailer. Contact: 07889 229 340 Thule Alpine 900 Large Roofbox (900x2320mm); roofbars for vehicle with roof-rails between 1100 to 1270mm apart; TGA Electrobike - little used and in good order; Nilfisk Alto Click&Clean accessories (power nozzle, drain and pipe cleaner and car brush - all unused); several 1 gallon glass demijohns. Contact: 01644 460 619 WANTED FOR SALE Old lawn mowers/strimmers/ other small machinery. Nonrunners/broken welcome. Contact: 07845 562 217 Bath lift, £50, full working order when last used. Mr Samuel Fisher: 01644 420 843 Old Singer sewing machine, treadle or hand operated. Must be in working order and with shuttles please. Contact: 07889 229 340 Photo of the Issue Sponsored by the Ken Bridge Hotel This issue’s winner is an amazing shot of a blackface gimmer springing up into the air by Eilidh MacPherson. Eilidh wins an evening meal for two up to the value of £30 at the Ken Bridge Hotel. Competition judges Dave and Sue said: “We had another great selection of entries this issue, but chose the photograph of the lamb looking to seal its place as favourite in the first steeple chase in next season’s racing calendar as it made us smile, as well as being so representative of farming in the Glenkens.” How to Enter: any photos taken in the Glenkens can be entered - landscapes, wildlife, portraits, action shots... Email them to glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk If you are a winner, the Gazette will send you out a voucher - please call the Ken Bridge to check opening times in light of current COVID-19 guidelines. 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  Kindling available 01556 502263 VETERINARY SURGERY OAKWELL ROAD CASTLE DOUGLAS  Glenkens Gazette page 5 sponsored by THE GLENKENS FOOD HUB Continued from front page... The Glenkens Food Hub is a work in progress with big ambitions. We’ve started small, setting up an ‘online shop’ on the Open Food Network, making space for local food producers to list their products. New producers such as Hidden Veg, Gill’s Buns and Upper Dullarg Free Range Eggs have joined regulars like Irene McCreath and Solway Smokehouse. Potential customers can browse items and pre-order for collection at the Glenkens Producer Market. Although you don’t have to preorder, we are trying to encourage it. It’s COVID-safer, and helpful for producers so we know how much to make and bring, which reduces food waste. The online Food Hub has brought a boost to the market – customers have a wider choice and this has enabled footfall to grow each month. Having a regular online presence is also helping – the customer base is growing and more people are aware of what’s going on. Jim Reid, long-time organiser of the market said: “The hall committee has worked hard to make the hall COVID-secure for visitors. So we are gratified that the market is so obviously growing and improving month by month. We get favourable comments from our visitors every time.” The Food Hub wants to find and support more local producers to supply good food to local people. We’d love to hear from anyone who wants to bring something different to the Hub that may be missing at the moment. We also want to work as a producer-led cooperative to find solutions to shared problems. This could include a hyper-local distribution and delivery system. We’d also like to introduce a prepayment system for the market, so that customers have the option of collecting a box of pre-ordered produce, instead of going round the stalls. The Glenkens Community Action Plan (see article on p17) has similar aims and objectives, so it seems these ambitions are supported by local people, in addition to increasing local fruit and vegetable production and more farm gate food. We’re looking forward to working together to grow local food systems in the Glenkens. The next Producers Market will be Saturday 12 December from 10am- to 1pm, and you can ‘click & collect’ using the online Glenkens Food Hub shop at https://openfoodnetwork.org. uk/glenkens-food-hub/shop#/ producers. Looking forward to a bumper market with lots of festive treats planned! To get in touch, become a producer or find out more about these projects, email Abi via abi@ propagate.org.uk Abi Mordin Gordon McAdam N ew Galloway Golf Club Founded Foun ded 1902 www.ng www.n g gc.co.uk - 01644 420737 Buggies now available for hire VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME Plumbing & Heating HOUSE REPAIRS JOINERY 22 Kirkland Street St John’s Town of Dalry Semi-retired Furniture Maker & Builder in GLENKENS AREA 01644 430 393 07834 321 789 Call Pete on 07970 462 088 ...special rates for inclusion of tea, cake and friendly banter... Glenkens Gazette page 6 WRITEDOWN RECORDS LOCAL LIFE UNDER LOCKDOWN When the Glenkens Writers could no longer meet in CatStrand because of the lockdown their tutor, Margaret Elphinstone, launched the Writedown initiative. Margaret says: “In times of trouble people want to be together but with lockdown people had to isolate, sometimes living alone. Writing met their need to communicate. Through our writing we entertained and supported each other, sharing fears and unexpected joys and daring to hope for a better future.” Inspired by the Mass Observation project which encouraged ordinary people to keep wartime diaries, she extended an invitation through the Gazette to anyone interested to contribute. Twenty-two writers in the Galloway Glens or with Galloway connections signed up. “As well as bringing people together we have created a fascinating historical record of how a group of people experienced and coped with the onset of a pandemic,” she adds. None of the writers was on the ‘front line’ and most were aware that life in Galloway was better than in many places. But there was mounting anxiety for absent friends and family, and for what would happen to our communities. In contrast, brilliant weather and the natural beauties of Galloway brought solace and inspiration. At the same time, illness and stress created ominous silences among the contributors. One of the writers, Leonie Ewing of Crossmichael says: “We were united by the project - it gave us focus. We brought different life experiences and points of view. It gave us a finger on the pulse of Galloway as the pandemic took hold so we could encourage each other and be uplifted.” Cath Monk of Laurieston recalls that everyone was positive at the start, “but it’s not easy to stay upbeat. We were all missing the contacts and the hugs.” She appreciated the honest sharing of difficult days. “At least we knew, ‘it’s not just me’.” The writers never met as a group, came from diverse backgrounds and many were strangers to each other at the start of the project, but they shared their writing week by week. As Christine Rae of Dalry says: “I shall tell you something, we became a close knit supportive group and it was lovely to be part of it all.” Writedown is proving a popular Christmas present and has already gone to a reprint. The Writedown writers are grateful for the support of Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership, the Galloway Association of Glasgow, Oakleaf Camp, Local Initiatives in New Galloway, New Galloway & Kells Community Council microgrants from Blackcraig Windfarm through Foundation Scotland and to Glenkens Community & Arts Trust for logistical support and administering the project’s finances. Writedown is available from CatStrand and other local outlets, price £7 (£9 including postage & packing). To order phone 01644 420 374 or email info@catstrand.com Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents Dumfries & Galloway 01556 503744 www.ggblaw.co.uk All legal advice Offices in Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie Kirkcudbright and Dumfries Glenkens Gazette page 7 CatStrand Highlights As winter sets in, we are delighted to be able to bring you a mixture of live screening events at CatStrand and more online at CatStrand at Home to keep you entertained over the winter months. find out more). For families, there’s a weekend of puppetry performances in the window from Andy that you won’t want to miss - wrap up and book ahead for shows at 2pm and 4pm from Thursday 17 to Sunday 20 December. Why not make a day of it on Sunday 20 with an afternoon screening of Shaper Caper’s new performance Snow Qween starring Alex McCrossan at CatStrand at 4pm. Or if you are tuckered out you can also watch the An image from the film Honeyland, screening Snow Qween online from Sunday 6 December. CatStrand at Home from 6pm that evening. fishermen and cook behind the Bryggjan We’re delighted to have received a BFI café, a tiny eatery in Iceland’s selfFilm Exhibition Fund award from Filmhub professed dullest town and Arracht, an Scotland to support sustainable, inclusive Irish gaelic thriller filmed entirely on the cultural programming in Scotland, with remote west coast of ireland in Connemara support from ScreenScotland. So are and set at the dawn of The Great Hunger looking forward to bringing you our usual programmed by Tom who saw the film at eclectic mix of independent films over the Glasgow Film Festival this year prethe second weekend in January as part of lockdown. our annual Mid Winter Film Festival. We look forward to seeing you at some Our intern Thomas has been working of our in-person events at CatStrand and away to arrange Q&A’s with directors and bringing you some magical music and producers for the film screenings around theatre events at home if you can’t make the Glenkens as well as online. We’re it out. excited to bring you some international Aidan Nicol, titles including a warm-hearted 01644 420 374 (CatStrand) documentary Lobster Soup about the T R O Y P R A C S U N R O D F L O S H I S H H O S O L E F L E E T A K S T A B D M E S S O R B A D E F G R A Y L I N G U E R R D A C E A O F A N U T N K E F O R A V Y C U S A N O D C A T C M U A A O S T R U T E A M S K R H S M H C R E P R M O H A L A I B U T W O N N I M Enjoy fishing? Why not try to catch the fish hidden in this grid. The fish run up and down, side to side or diagonally. CARP CHAR COD DAB DACE EEL FLOUNDER GRAYLING HADDOCK HALIBUT MACKEREL MINNOW PERCH PIKE RAY SALMON SHARK SKATE SOLE STARFISH TROUT Howewver, there is a fish not on the list which features twice in the grid. The answer to the following clue is an anagram of that word: yellowishbrown fossil resin. Also, unscramble the letters in bold to find a famous monster of the deep. Anwsers:anagram of amber is bream; monster of the deep is Nessie. Our Climate Conversation screenings continue with an afternoon screening on Sunday 6 December of Macedonian film Honeyland (12), nominated for best documentary at the Oscars this year. Empire called it “Stunningly beautiful and quietly powerful” and we’d have to agree. Following the life of a 50-year-old wild beekeeper and the global trends threatening her way of life and much more, this one will make you think. Our Evening In series of locallyrecorded musicians continues with blues guitarist Adam Blake from Auchenchairn broadcasting on Friday 18 December. Settle in for an evening of music and conversation with a wellseasoned musician and music journalist from CatStrand at Home to enjoy from your sofa (visit www.catstrand.com to Glenkens Gazette page 8 Kells Primary School Update Despite COVID-19 restrictions, Halloween was still celebrated at Kells Primary, albeit without the customary whole school party. There were some gruesome sights staggering around the school playground for our morning ‘wake-up’ activity and, in the afternoon, each class took part in Halloween-themed activities in their own classrooms. It has been a busy start to the new term. P1-4 have begun a new topic, learning about outer space. The first thing they wanted find out was “How the sun came up”. The children investigated this in groups, using a head torch to represent the sun and a tennis ball to represent the Earth. Primary 1-4 P1-4 have also been developing their knowledge and understanding of fractions. P2-4 extended their learning by exploring halving an A4 piece of paper in more complex and interesting ways as well as finding fractions of amounts. They have also been calculating change from £10, £20 and £50 through good old chimney sums and playing ice-cream shops in the Café Corner. P1 enjoyed folding different shapes to find how they could be split into equal parts. The Whole School We celebrated International Outdoor Learning Day on 5 November by taking part in bonfire night themed activities. The focus was on developing teambuilding and problem-solving skills. The children wanted to mark Remembrance Sunday, taking inspiration from other communities, colourfully painting pebbles/stones. Kells decided to create a ‘flower bed’ of poppies to display by the war memorial in New Galloway as a lasting symbol of Remembrance. P1-4 also looked at the poem For The Fallen during our writing lessons and had a go at putting down our gratitude in our own poems. Primary 5–7 We had fun during our ‘Day of Angles’, creating ‘angle eaters’ and finding angles in the outdoors. We also learned about food and farming. We learned about dairy farming from Mrs Heuchan and beef and sheep farming from Mrs Welsh. We have learned about democracy, finding out about parliament and the government. We enjoyed learning about tax when we had an activity called ‘The Shoe Trade’. We were in four little businesses and we had to design and sell shoes. We found out about buying and selling and we had to negotiate better prices. Mrs Heuchan & Mrs Turner Halloween was great fun at Dalry Primary School. Pictured are the Primary 3,4,5 class in their scary guises... Glenkens Gazette page 9 CATSTRAND YOUTH ACTIVITIES Our CatStrand youth volunteers did an amazing job setting up a fun Halloween at the park this year. Pizza and hot chocolate were on offer to keep everyone toasty, arts and crafts packs were given out and there were plenty of games and competitions - everyone had a blast! A huge “well done” to all the youth volunteers and a huge thank you to Helen, Toby and Sam who donated their help so generously. We are slowly starting back our regular youth work activities but we don’t have anything bigger planned as of yet. The classes we have currently are: Health, Play & Creative Dance: Mondays, 3:45pm-4:30pm Children’s Grade & Youth Dance: Mondays, 4:30pm-5:30pm Choreoskills: Mondays, 7pm-8:30pm Art Explores (for ages 5-11): Tuesday 24 November, 4.156pm and Tuesday 3 December, 4.156pm We are hoping to start our Sketch and Random Writers clubs back up soon, so watch this space! Jamie Lee Aitken, CatStrand Youth Arts Coordinator Pictured to the right are some of the CatStrand youth volunteer team setting up goodies for the kids to enjoy this Halloween. NOW ONLINE! ORDER ONLINE OR BY PHONE Fleet Fish source a large selection of top quality fish, fruit and vegetables from market place to your door. We also stock chicken, sausages and cold meats plus eggs, milk and cheese. Much more than a fish van! Order before 9pm Sunday for delivery the following Friday 07966 103 912 charliecoid@hotmail.com www.fleet-fish.co.uk Glenkens Gazette Halloween in Dalry page 10 This Halloween was like most things recently- strange and spooky. We felt that there needed to be some normality for the community especially for the kids who have endured a lot since the March lockdown, so we decorated the salon and set up a spooky grotto! Thanks to members of the community who bought sweeties or made cakes and helped decorate. Despite a horrid wet night, we managed to give around 50 bags of goodies to cheer happy socially distanced guisers. Jayne & Blair, Hair by Jayne 1st Stewartry Rangers Re-launch We are re-launching and promoting 1st Stewartry Rangers Girl guides, aged 14-18. We are privileged and proud that Girl Guiding can offer the safe space in these confusing and worrying times for young women to do all the great things Rangers do (albeit in a slightly different current way) when many other youth groups and activities have paused. Please, please, please spread the word: we are recruiting Rangers from the wide Stewartry geography (Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie, Kirkcudbright, Bourge, Gatehouse of Fleet, New Galloway, Dalry, etc). We are welcoming members of Guiding (ex-Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and former Rangers) but also keen for new members who have not been in Guiding. Please contact Jan Crooks on 07708 797 423 (or find her on Messenger), Judy Lane on 07966 706 106 or Kirsty Tomlin on 07799 135 990, or raise your interest at www.girlguiding. org.uk/joinus. Jan & Judy, 1st Stewartry Rangers Pictured below left is Jan Crooks with one of the Stewartry Rangers. Glenkens Gazette page 11 PROTECTING OUR SPECIAL PLACES There’s No Place Like Home Trees, turbines, tourists and pastoralism are the main economic forces in the Glenkens that potentially threaten our special places. Nevertheless, with effective community collaboration we can use these industries to enhance all that is precious to us. Historically, special places were far simpler to understand. These were the places that protected us from the invading forces of all nature. These were the places where we stored our food; that protected us from the weather; provided water; provided fuel, and where we felt secure. Simply, our special places were what we called ‘home’. In the modern world with governments, councils and years of economic endeavour, our homes have evolved to be connected in so many ways that we often lose sight of the essence of what is at stake when invasion is imminent. Trees, turbines, tourists and pasture are all potentially seriously damaging to our homes. The story of the Galloway Levellers is testament to the negative forces of pastoralism, while the turbines of the Galloway hydro dams prompted WGM Dobie to write: A raider comes today who kills, The glories of our glens and hills, With unheroic acts and bills and ‘private legislation’. The company promoters pen, Will dam the Deugh and dam the Ken, and dam the Dee - oh damn the men, Who plan such desecration! Trees are notorious for damaging our special places when planning is done with an empty head. However, it is tourism which is now So many of our beautiful rural homes are now headlining as a major polluter. In just ruins. the Galloway News 17 September, MSP Finlay Carson and MSP Emma expected to be proactive in consultation. Harper agreed that the issue of Our homes and our wider ‘home’ are dirty camping is unacceptable. Stuart very special places and they must be Gillespie writes: “There have been a protected from invading forces - natural number of cases of irresponsible behaviour or industrial. To do that we must help the in the countryside in recent months planning authorities approve “The Right with respect to Loch Ken’s experience Development in the Right Place”, by really particularly problematic.” understanding how our houses, gardens, As a society we no longer live in a world services, networks and shared spaces where our homes stop at the garden all work together to create our sense of gate. When an invader desecrates our place; our sense of home. neighbourhood then they desecrate our When one home is sacrificed without home. As I write, a developer is carrying a duty of care, then it is only one more out a major excavation on ground between step to take out a whole community and Carsphairn and the village water supply. one step further to annihilate the whole How many of us really understand where planet. Let us all learn to protect our most our tap water comes from and the type precious place - our home. Fiona Clubb of development work which constitutes a threat? Yet, as individuals, we are THE GARDEN SPOT This is the time of year when I like to ruminate about the garden, review the season and plot any changes for next year. Yes, I know that I still have the pots to scrub, the windows in the greenhouse to wash (to let in as much winter light as possible) and maintenance of tools, etc to carry out, but you don’t want to hear about all of that. And by the time you read this, the seed catalogues for next year will be starting to arrive – I like to get my seeds and plants ordered before new year. What’s new for next year? Well, in the ornamental garden, I have been making a nuisance of myself with a pickaxe (not a common garden tool I know) but it’s handy for getting out shrubs and perennials that aren’t doing well or that I am just fed up with, and it’s great at making space for new gardening adventures. Next year I fancy new cannas, lilies and I might even give ornamental ginger another try. In the veg garden my garlic was not as good as expected this year so, next season, I will try more fertiliser. Also, I plan to make better use of fleece to keep out all sorts of pests (birds, cabbage white butterflies and carrot root fly, etc). I am also going to try growing marrows - very old-fashioned I know but you can always pick them early and use them as courgettes. Many moons ago, an old uncle used to make a dish called ‘poor man’s goose’ which was a marrow peeled and hollowed out then stuffed with wellseasoned cooked mince before being roasted like a joint (baste well). I think I will only really need one plant so others from the packet of seed might find their way into Dalry charity shop. When I first arrived in the Glenkens it seemed that most people only really had flowers in their garden for six months or so in the year. I have always tried my best to have something in flower in the garden every single day of the year; in the twelve months to the end of October, I actually managed it (I confess that I cheated a bit with Fuchsia ‘Mrs Poppel’ still flowering in Novembe pots from the greenhouse). Obviously, the big challenge is to fill the gap between the last of the roses (usually late October) and the arrival of the snowdrops. If you would like to extend the flowers in your garden, here are a few still in flower in my garden in early November: salvia ‘Amisted’, fuchsia ‘Mrs Poppel’ (sheltered spot by a wall) and fuchsia ‘Microphylla’. If you can find a sheltered spot underneath a hedge that gets good sun, then you should get the earliest snowdrops. To fill in the gap between the last of the fuchsias and the first of the bulbs? I’m off to the garden centre to see if I can get hold of a shrub - Viburnum Bodnantense ‘Dawn’. Wish me luck! The Intrepid Gardener Glenkens Gazette page 12 CLIMATE CONVERSATION Dumfries & Galloway is leading Scotland’s response to the climate and environment crisis, with the Glenkens at its heart. Dumfries & Galloway Council’s target of becoming a carbon neutral region by just 2025, and the 12-point plan that supports it, is among the most ambitious local authority targets in the UK as well as internationally. Dougie Campbell, one of our three local councillors in the Dee and Glenkens catchment, is the council’s ‘Environment Champion’ and has been instrumental in driving the region’s recognition of and response to the climate emergency. Below are Dougie’s answers to a few climate related questions: What motivated you to take a lead in driving the council’s response to climate change? Although I was aware of climate change as something that would require us to make changes to how we lived and worked in the future, it was Greta Thunberg and the mobilisation of local young people that really inspired me to bring the issue to the council. I became aware of the potential of Dumfries & Galloway to be at the forefront of becoming carbon neutral because of our rural makeup, existing forestry and hydro systems, and that, along with the increasing concerns voiced by constituents gave me the impetus to take the motion to the full council. Once the First Minister declared a climate emergency for Scotland I knew that Dumfries & Galloway had the opportunity to lead the way. Why is the council target of carbon net zero by 2025 so important? Aside from the necessity for us all to respond to the climate emergency as quickly and effectively as possible, because of our position and the climate commitments we have made Dumfries & Galloway has a unique opportunity to be a shining light in taking local action to tackle a global problem. Galloway in particular should be proud, as individuals, communities and organisations in our area are enabling us to set the standard for the region and the country, something that can be showcased at a global level at the COP26 summit in Glasgow next year. Projects like Climate Ready Loch Ken, the Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership and the Southern Ayrshire and Galloway Biosphere are all key drivers along with the active participation of local people. Because of our commitments, Dumfries & Galloway is closely watched at a national level and I hope that our reputation as a region at the forefront of climate action helps us to attract funding and investment from the Scottish Government and other bodies, benefiting the region and increasing our capacity to meet and exceed our environmental targets. There is concern that the pursuit of a carbon neutral target might come at the expense of the local environment, biodiversity and community well-being. It also appears that in some cases the profits and interests of big businesses or private individuals are still being put before our collective long-term future in this area and beyond. How do you respond to this? The Council’s 12-point plan includes a commitment to protect the natural environment and biodiversity and the commitment to be carbon neutral currently recognised as a huge draw of shouldn’t compromise this. There is tourism to the region. We need to find an probably nowhere in the region where this acceptable compromise that enables us is more important than in the Glenkens. to transition to a renewable energy future At the present time I’m working with but this can’t be at the expense of what community representatives on the makes the Glenkens such a wonderful Waterside Hill campaign and supporting place to live, work and visit. their objective to influence policy at a You have mentioned many sleepless regional and national level. There’s no nights, what is the vision that keeps doubt that forestry planting is important you going? to our net zero calculations but careful The ultimate goal is to remove reliance thought needs to be given to the on oil or gas as a society. I see Dumfries wider impacts. The Council is currently & Galloway as a shining light and, being reviewing policy and practice which well placed to meet net zero by 2025 but I will include our Forestry and Woodland think we need to keep moving to become Strategy which was written in conjunction carbon negative. with the Forestry Commission as it then In Dee and Glenkens, I would like to see was known, in 2014. It is really important us become a thriving, multi-generational now that we empower communities and community once again where young give them a meaningful say on planting people see meaningful, sustainable schemes, as we currently have with opportunities to live and work here. I planning applications, so that the possible believe we can build on our responses to adverse impacts on communities, the climate and environment to help make natural environment and biodiversity can this happen. be properly taken into account. We need to be concerned, really The current Scottish Power Energy concerned, by the climate and Networks (SPEN) proposals for the environment situation we face – not to Kendoon to Tongland Reinforcement the extent we feel overwhelmed, but gives me real cause for concern. As we so that we are motivated to take action transition from reliance on fossil fuels now. If we all play our we can contribute which currently warm our homes, fuel significantly to the global effort to halt our travel and power workplaces, to global temperature rise. renewable energy sources we’ll require Mary Smith significantly more electricity than we currently use. This makes upgrading essential but I’m very disappointed The council will soon be launching a that, despite citizens’ panel for action on climate change. recognition of the adverse People from all walks of life and perspectives are needed to environmental join the panel to help understand lived experiences across impact of overhead the region in relation to the current reality and changes lines and how that we seek to bring about – please watch this space and this could be consider getting involved. mitigated by undergrounding, Keep raising concerns and issues with your councillors, MPs this option appears and MSPs all of whom can be contacted direct or via www. to have been writetothem.com ruled out on the basis of additional The council have appointed a Climate Emergency Officer, cost to SPEN. The Sarah Farrell, who encourages using carbon footprint Glenkens is the calculators such as the one at www.footprint.wwf.org.uk, beating heart of thinking outside the box and knowing that you are supported Galloway and the when it comes to climate action. Sarah emphasises: “we’re proposed route for all in this together – the more people who are involved, the the overhead lines more confidence is increased and the greater impact we have will run straight on the carbon footprint.” To get in touch email sarah.farrell@ through Galloway dumgal.gov.uk Forest, which is ACTION Glenkens Gazette page 13 The Optimistic Environmentalist In this series, I hope to bring up ideas that we could all do, include a few facts about the environment and probably moan. For instance why do they make kettles with cheap plastic switches so that the kettle fails every 18 months - I’ve just answered myself! If anyone’s got any contributions, please contact the Gazette (details on the back page). In this first article, we’ll take a brief look at Sellotape and some alternatives. Have you heard of paper tape? At this time of year, we are using so much plastic-based Sellotape (other brands are available!) on our Christmas presents. Running out the other day, I thought it was about time I put my money where my mouth is and tried paper tape as an alternative. Unfortunately it’s brown - because it’s unbleached paper - not a problem normally but a few people I know would say something. Thus I also got some ‘washi’ tape to stick over it which is decorated. Washi tapes are made of traditional Japanese paper and are biodegradable. Washi is not strong enough to hold the paper on its own but it makes my present look interesting. I got both my paper tape and washi tape from www.andkeep.com but they are widely available elsewhere. Alternatively, you could decorate the paper tape yourself or simply be proud of what it is! Still not convinced? An article published in 2018 estimated Britons would use 6 million rolls of plastic tape over the festive period. Plastic tape cannot be recycled and makes recycling of the paper to which it’s attached extremely difficult or impossible. Now, rather than spending all of Boxing Day tearing off the Sellotape before recycling the tons of Christmas paper we produce, it can go straight in to the recycling bin while we have an extra mince pie or start those exercises to lose the Christmas weight. Denise MacDonald-Kiernan Mochrum Fell Wind Farm Update A quick update on the Mochrum Fell wind farm application, situated in the parish of Parton and near Corsock. An application was submitted to Dumfries & Galloway planning department for seven wind turbines, each 149.9 metres tall (40m taller than the current Blackcraig turbines). These would be situated on Mochrum Fell, on the skyline of the highest trig point in the area, and visible from the A75, A712, A713 and most of the Loch Ken area. Combined with new applications and proposals, if this proposal goes ahead there would be 84 turbines in the Corsock/Parton area. Members of the community are voicing concerns as they feel the lasting detriment to the area of such a large number of turbines and their necessary infrastructure would be too great. Trevor & Elaine Procter, Mochrum Fell summit trig point © Fife Flyer www.walkhighlands.co.uk Meikle Mochrum Glenkens Gazette page 14 Glenkens Gazette page 15 Glenkens Gazette page 16 Glenkens Gazette page 17 Taking our Community Action Plan to the Next Stage The Glenkens & District Community Action Plan published in September was commissioned by the Glenkens & District Trust and is intended as a road map for the whole community over the next five years and beyond. While the distribution of the Blackcraig wind farm community fund was a key driver to initiating the plan, its reach is wider than projects funded through that source. The overall goal is that ‘the Glenkens and district will be a connected, resilient and carbon neutral place, where people will want to live, work and visit, to bring up their families, and to grow old. It will be somewhere that other places in Scotland will look to for inspiration.’ Four clear themes emerged from the community consultations: • A connected community • An asset-rich community • An economically flourishing community • A carbon neutral community The plan can be accessed at https:// www.foundationscotland.org.uk/ media/1132369/Glenkens-CommunityAction-Plan-2020 We are now pleased to be moving into the implementation phase. With COVID-19 and other factors and variables, we felt David Tallontire CHIMNEY SWEEP Covering the Glenkens & further afield 07709 144 299 - wood burners - multi-fuel stoves - open fires - Agas - Rayburns - birds nest removal with CCTV inspection - certificates issued - feel free to call for advice - Find me on Facebook that there was a need for a planning year and are delighted, following an open tender process, that Community Enterprise have been appointed to take forward this work. They will use the valuable experience they gained from working on the Community Action Plan and from working on community development with other rural communities right across Scotland. They will supplement this experience by engaging Sleeping Giants, a social business rooted in this area with extensive experience in community work, to support them. This process will run until the end of March 2021. This time will be used to prepare early ideas for funding, take time to learn from the local response to COVID-19 and prepare the way for years two to five. Though, due to COVID-19 restrictions, it will be by phone and videoconference, Community Enterprise will be very visible in our community over the coming weeks and months. They will be encouraging and supporting early projects to develop, which may ultimately seek to apply funding. They will be preparing the ground for some of the more ambitious projects in the longer term and will review the impact of COVID-19 on our community. They will manage and host the first Glenkens Summit in February 2021, a gathering of people and agencies across the whole rural area. This will all lead to a review of the action plan before we embark on years two to five. We are delighted to see the next phase of our plan roll out so keep an eye on social media and local press for news of developments, and please make contact if you have any thoughts, comments or Family and friends coming to stay? Short of space? Cosy country cottage available (sleeps 4) Call Fiona on 01644 420 227 www.covenanters-holidaycottagescotland.co.uk ideas you would like to input. We are also looking for three or four volunteers to join the existing working group that will assist with overseeing the consultation, reviewing the plan as it develops and attending some meetings with Community Enterprise. At this stage we’re not looking for a huge commitment – the working group will be in place for around six months until the reviewed plan is published, and expect to have five or six meetings in that time. We would also like to form a long-term steering group to monitor and review the implementation of the plan. Please contact us if you are interested in being involved and we can provide more information. In conclusion, when we published the Glenkens & District Community Action Plan we recognised that our community needed support to deliver on its aspirations, so we are delighted that Community Enterprise are now on board to help us all to make progress. We look forward to working with them and with people from all across our community to push these ambitious projects forward. For further information, please contact Douglas Westwater from Community Enterprise at douglas@ communityenterprise.co.uk or on 07989 306 374 or Fiona Smith, chairman of Glenkens & District Trust, at fiona. smith1@btinternet.com Fiona Smith, GDT Glenkens Gazette page 18 I was really interested to read Paul Goodwin’s article in the October/ November edition of the Gazette, looking at the lives of people who lived in the Glenkens, and died in WW2. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) recently launched its ‘Eyes On, Hands On’ project, and is currently recruiting volunteers in Scotland. I was delighted to be appointed as volunteer co-ordinator in March, for central and south Scotland, but the project was temporarily halted due to COVID-19. To ensure everyone is as safe as possible, we are restricting our activities to Eyes On. Trained volunteers are visiting their local graveyards and cemeteries, across Britain and checking the scattered graves of the casualties of both world wars. That’s over 12,500 sites and over 160,000 graves, with ninety eight of these in Dumfries & Galloway. The condition of headstones is reported, records are checked for accuracy, photos are taken and stories discovered and shared. This will prepare us well for the Hands On part of the project which will involve further training for light maintenance (clearing and cleaning) where necessary. Any headstones needing professional attention are being identified and referred to our regional team of stonemasons and craftsmen. CWGC will be 104 years old next year, and we have recently commemorated the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain and the 75th anniversary of VE Day. It is not very long ago that we commemorated the 100th anniversary of the end of World War One. If any Gazette readers would like to be part of the ‘Eyes On, Hands On’ project, to continue honouring those who made the ultimate sacrifice, please visit www.cwgc.org and follow the link ‘Volunteer for Us’ to find more information, and enrol. Anne Barclay, Commonwealth War Graves Commission - Shop online: www.ballardsbutchers.co.uk Email: shop@ballardsbutchers.co.uk Tel: 01556 502 501 Free Local Delivery Tues & Fri (orders over £20) Wide Variety of Local Produce Butcher Meat Fruit & Veg Milk & Bread Available to order ULTRASOUND PREGNANCY SCANNING Dairy & Sucklers; Ageing, Twin & Barren Detection. Trailer system includes triplets, marking and shedding. Pregnancy and number of pups. For bookings and info: Duncan Kennedy 07860 474001 dk@passcan.co.uk www.passcan.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 19 Dalry’s River Embankment Questions are sometimes asked as to when the river embankments were constructed to protect against flooding in the Glenkens. There is a tradition that some of these embankments were constructed by French prisoners of war during the time of the Napoleonic wars. I have not found any written confirmation of this, though when metal detecting just south of the barrage at Glenlochar, close to the embankment there, I found a bronze imitation of a 1799 Spanish silver dollar with a hole through it. It had been given a silver coating and clearly had been worn as a medallion round the neck, and very likely could have belonged to a French soldier who had fought in the Peninsular war. However the Earlstoun papers held in Callendar House, up near Falkirk, provide evidence that the embankment at Dalry was constructed earlier than this. In July 1779 John Newall of Barskeoch initiated a court case against the Earl of Galloway and his agent, Archibald Douglas, merchant in Dalry, in protest at their construction of an embankment along the Dalry side of the river beside the churchyard. Newall claimed it interfered with his ferry service across the river there, as the passage of carriages was obstructed by the new, high embankment that was being constructed. It led to all further work being halted and to a protracted court case which was only finally settled before the Lords of Council and Session up in Edinburgh in 1785. But before that both parties presented their cases before a Commission in 1781, calling numerous witnesses and resulting in about 50 pages of hand-written minutes which record the submissions for each side in the case. These court minutes provide a fascinating record of life in the Dalry area in the 18th century and introduce us to some of the individuals who played a part in the life of the village in those far-off days. One of the key witnesses was Alexander McMillan, aged 60, late tenant of the Holm of Dalry, who had lived all his life in Dalry until he moved to Auchengibbert at Crocketford in 1779. He had been tenant of the Holm of Dalry for over 20 years and declared that the lands of the Holms of Dalry, Stewarton and Grennan were the Earl of Galloway’s most valuable lands in the Glenkens. However, flooding was a problem and large floods would regularly cover much of the flat valley floor. He said that an earlier embankment had been made around 1751 about 10 yards further from the river than the newly erected one. However it was of a slender construction and had been carried off by the first flood. A couple of years later a slightly more substantial embankment was constructed, but it also was swept away by the floods. A short while after he took up the tenancy of the farm he himself had constructed a more substantial embankment in 1761 where the earlier embankments had been. However about two years later a very high flood breached it and a substantial flow of water eroded a channel through the fields, creating the pool on the plan near the churchyard. He had intended to fill in that pool and repair the breach in the embankment, but John Newall had objected, saying it blocked off the road to the ferry along the side of the churchyard. After that breach had been made his houses on the Holm of Dalry were regularly flooded up to a depth of two feet in his dwelling house, and his stock yards and barn were also flooded causing him considerable loss. The final straw came with the exceptional flood at harvest time 1778, after which he resolved to move to a new place. Another witness, James Douglas, aged 36, Archibald’s brother, living at Kirkstyle, said that the houses on the Holm of Dalry that regularly flooded were demolished by his brother after Alexander McMillan left the farm. My next article will be on the river crossing at Dalry, with information on the operation of the ferry, on the transportation of animals and even coffins across, and on the swimming of stock across the river. Then following that a further article on routes usually followed and the road network around Dalry. Pictured above is the 1781 map of the river crossings at Dalry and of the newly constructed embankment. Also pictured is a photograph I took on 30 December 2015 which shows the embankment being overtopped around the same place it would have been breached in the 1700s when the river found a course down through the fields. David Bartholomew Glenkens Gazette page 20 GLENKENS PLACE NAMES: PART VII I would first like to apologise to my attentive readers for an error in Glenkens Place-Names No 6. The editor has been inundated by folks contacting her to point out that according to the rules of Gaelic grammar, Am Beinne Naoimh ‘the sacred mountain, or Blackcraig should of course have read A’ Bheinn Naoimh, beinn being a feminine noun. It is gratifying to realise so many readers in the Glenkens are tuned in to the niceties of Gaelic Grammar! Today I’d like to consider place-names relating to a few farms and other features that seem to have disappeared from the present day mapping. Maybe some of our attentive readers will be able to provide more information about some of them? There are so many abandoned and lost settlements in the Glenkens that we will need to return to this topic in later Gazettes as well. The first is a settlement, no doubt a farm or croft that features on Blaeu’s Gallovidia map, surveying for which took place around 1590. This place is called Stronmaklock which is clearly Sron Muclaich, ‘piggery nose or promontory’. Sron is the word for nose in Gaelic, one of many words for parts of the body that are used figuratively for landscape features. Herbert Maxwell lists two places (one in Anwoth, the other in Inch parishes) called Drummuckloch, Druim Muclaich, ‘piggery ridge’. In these examples, another body part, druim, ‘back’ is used to denote a ridge. This word was borrowed into Galloway Scots as ‘drum’ with the same meaning. In the Galloway and Carrick former Gàidhealtachd there are still around three hundred current placenames incorporating druim as the generic element. Anyway, where was Sron Muclaich? Its position on the Blaeu map shows it as being on an un-named burn between Park and Glenly. Glenly is not Glenlee House, that location was formerly Park. The valley that was called An Gleann Liath ‘the grey glen’ or possibly Gleann Laoigh ‘calf/fawn glen’ is the one occupied (unsurprisingly) by the Glenlee Burn – the Glenly farm shown on the map must be what is now Glenlee Mains, at the entrance to the Garroch Glen. Sron Muclaich is also shown to be east of Kraginbae - present day Craigenbay from Creag na Beithe ‘rock of the birch’ or perhaps Creagan Beithe, ‘birch rocks’. So it looks very like Sron Muclaich was situated up the Craigshinnie Glen, close to the burn of that name. In fact the position looks very close to the abandoned farmstead of Craigshinnie, Creag Sionnaich, ‘fox rock’, there being a noticable cliff face here, high up the Gatehill Road. Craigshinnie farmhouse was abandoned on afforestation of its former farmland and fell into ruin before being demolished by the Forestry Commission about thirty years ago. The OS 1st edition 6’’ map of around 1850 shows another former farmstead near Craigshinnie, called Craigend (in ruins by that date). This is a Scots place-name, the ‘end of the cliff or rock’ (creag again being borrowed into the local Scots dialect from Gaelic) and is probably the best candidate to the location of Sron Muclaich. Unfortunately all trace of this former farmstead has been obliterated by forestry operations. Not far away from where I believe Sron Muclaich to have been located the settlement of Gaits appears on the Blaeu map. This place appears as Ballingait and Ballengat in charters An Labharan, the wee chatterer. in the sixteenth century. These forms indicate that the place-name was Baile an Geata, ‘farmstead of the gate’. A ruined farm called Upper Gate was shown on the OS 1st edition 6’’ map around 1850. This was roughly on the other side of the Gaithill Road from the Forestry warehouse complex. Gate Flow was also shown as the name of a moss there, nowadays this area has been clearfelled and is rapidly regenerating into a birch wood. Gate Lane is a small burn that flows east from the area where the farm of Baile an Geata must have been, eventually joining the Knocknairling Burn. Another habitation and place-name that has disappeared from modern maps is Lairglauren, shown on the Blaeu map as on the west shore of Loch Ken and between another farmstead deserted by 1850 named Clone, (Klon on Blaeu) probably A’ Chluain, ‘the meadow’ although claon ‘slope’ is also possible (now commemorated in the name Clone Burn) and Bennan. Bennan is derived from beinnean and is a diminutive of beinn, implying a subsidiary mountain. It was also borrowed from Gaelic into local Scots. Lairglauren is shown as Lowran Castle on the OS 1st ed. 6’’ map and is situated beside the Lowran Burn as it tumbles into Loch Ken at the place now known as The Twin Brigs. This place-name is clearly derived from Learg ‘a hillslope’ and the burn name, Lowran, itself from labhar, ‘speaking loudly’ giving us a diminutive in Labharan. I like to think of this meaning ‘the wee noisy chatterer’. The burn certainly makes a lot of noise when in spate. There is another similarly named burn in Kells parish, the Lowring Burn that falls precipitously down between Benbrack (A’ Bheinn Bhreac, ‘the speckled mountain’) and Cairnsmore or Blackcraig of Dee (An Càrnas Mòr, ‘the big cairn shaped hill). This Lowring Burn rises in a corrie on the south-east side of Cairnsmore of Dee called Corluckie which may be A’ Choire Leacach, ‘flagstone corrie’. Yet another Louran Burn tumbles down the north-west slopes of another An Càrnas Mòr ‘Cairnsmore of Fleet’ and into the Pol an Iubhair ‘burn of the yew tree’or Palnure. What all of these burns have in common apart from the similarity of their names is their steepness and noisyness. Michael Ansell, Cars Fèarna Glenkens Gazette page 21 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN How Many Scottish Words for Snaw? If you ever watch TV you will know that Christmas this year started in September, presumably somebody’s misbegotten attempt to cheer us all up while actually achieving the opposite. The winter festival - also known as Yule, Yuletide, Yuletime, Yuleseason or Yulefest - formally ends on 1 January, eleven days after the December solstice. Doubtless Easter will begin the next day... Our much appreciated editor suggested a festive contribution this issue, so I thought I would donate something about the culture of Christmas as reflected mainly in Scots words. I was delighted to discover that Scots actually used the word ‘Merry’ (probably by mistake!), variously miry, meary, moeri, myrry, meaning cheerful, happy, carefree, gay, joyful, jolly and pleased, as far back as the time of Robert Bruce! Everyone has learned at some time that the Inuit – the people of the Arctic, formerly called the Eskimo – have over fifty words for snow. Researchers for the Dictionary of the Scots Language, or as you and I might prefer Dictionar o the Scots Leid, remarkably have found some 421 Scots words for snow. I expected, by way of comparison, that they would also have found 1,000 words for rain but in fact they are much scarcer. That said, snaw-words were often used for rain. For example, smirr might describe fine rain, drizzle, sleet or snow. The dictionary folk very effectively quote Wittgenstein: “The limits of my language are the limits of my world. All I know is what I have words for”. We can learn a lot about people not just from their accents and speech mannerisms but also from the words they use, especially perhaps when these words seem in danger of redundancy. The Historical Thesaurus of Scots (which, like the dictionaries, is now available online) mentions two types of snow: ‘dry drift’ which is a powdery snow, and ‘skalva’ which is a soft, flaky snow. Snow-smoor – suffocation by snow, whether of animals or people, has unfortunately been no stranger to the Glenkens on various occasions. The thesaurus defines at least twenty-two terms used to describe snowflake, such as flaffin, flaucht, flauchin, flauchter, flechin, fleuk, flicht, flok, snaw-flake and snaw-flauchen. Whether or not these terms are understood to refer to snowflakes is contextual, which means they sometimes refer to other objects such as dust. Figgerin and flitcher both refer to a ‘light snow-flake’. Flichter is a small particle, for example, of snow. Spitters refers to small drops or flakes of wind-driven rain or snow. Blett, flag, flagin, flukra, skelf, skovin all refer to a large snowflake. A snowball is sna(w)-ba(w), snawball and snawie-ba. Slete, sneet, flup and sleek are all straightforward synonyms for sleet, as are flush, lapper, sleesh and spleiter for slush. There are at least 21 descriptors of sleet and slush and there are many The wintry west extends his blast, And hail and rain does blaw; Or the stormy north sends driving forth The blinding sleet and snaw: While, tumbling brown, the burn comes down, And roars frae bank to brae; And bird and beast in covert rest, And pass the heartless day. Robert Burns Lizanne Henderson © Padeapix others for light snowfalls and thin snow coverings. This is a very rich field. Those who used these words had an encyclopedic knowledge of their natural surroundings, employing a tight technical language to describe them, as well as to preserve their thoughts and philosophies, as in “The snau is ane congelit rane”. Intimacy is obvious in the utterance, “the winter tyid [time] quhen baith rane, snaw, etc...fell apoun your bair tender heid” and one of the most touching “To grant that man hes vill [will] and say it is not frie . . . is als absurd as . . . saying the snau is blak. For libertie is als inseparable from vill as quhitnes from snau”. Many other examples are close to proverbial: “As the snaw meltis from the sone [sun] away, Sa from his sicht the wickit sall decay”. Robert De Bruce Trotter, who for a while resided at Dalshangan, was very keen on the Scots language. He always looked forward to “wunter” as he called it, the curling season, of channel stanes and bonspeils. All, irrespective of wealth, occupation or position, met together at the “roarin game”. Toddy suppers and sometimes dinners followed the contests, inebriated players assuring their wives that they “wusna ony drunker nor the minister”. Women often curled as well, one of the first sports to actually promote, or at least permit, gender equality. Snaw was annually expected and ice especially welcomed. There were serious problems in 1674 during the “Thirteen Drifty Days” when thousands of sheep in this area were killed in snow storms. There was a similar disastrous event in the “Gonial Blast” when it was said that between Crawfordmuir and the Border seventeen shepherds perished and upwards of thirty were taken home insensible. The total sheep losses were incalculable. The Blast was named for gonial or braxy, which described mutton fit for human consumption although not slaughtered with the knife. Such meat was smoked and dried for storage. SR Crockett combined both of these weather events in The Raiders, though he did not make as much of them as he might have done. Some of you will remember the snows of 1947 and 1963. Even in the present calamitous times it is useful to remember that however bad things are now, they have often been much worse in the past. Merry Yule! Ted Cowan Glenkens Gazette GLENKENS MUSINGS Glenkens Musings is a new section in which James Wallace mulls over elements of life in the Glenkens and beyond. James says: “I’m 18 years old and I come from a farming background. I live on a farm up in the hills past Dalry. I’ve worked at the CatStrand for three years and am very much a people person.” 2020 is not a year I can imagine looking back on with happiness and pleasure. In fact, there are not a lot of things that I can say have gone right within the year, as I’m sure you’ll agree. The year sadly started with the horrendous bushfires in Australia that spread rapidly through the south coast of the country which killed thousands of animals and destroyed many lives. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced that they were stepping down from their duties as senior royals, explaining that they wanted to live a more financially independent life. This causes mixed reactions and opinions towards the couple from the Royal Family and the UK public. We heard about the devastating news of the deaths of the NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gigi, as seven others were killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. And finally, and in no means least, the world was introduced to the life-destroying and global coronavirus pandemic, COVID-19. It is quite fair to say it feels that this year couldn’t get any worse but honestly - at the risk of sounding rather pessimistic - I wouldn’t be in the least surprised if it did. However, to look at the current situation as a whole, I’m extremely happy and thankful to see that the Glenkens has came through this pandemic relatively unscathed and unharmed. I know the challenges haven’t been easy for any one of us and we’ve had to adapt to a new normal extremely quickly, but overall we seem to have made it this far fairly in tact. I think what the majority of people want now out of this year is a nice, ‘normal’ Christmas with all our friends and family. Unfortunately, due to the circumstances, sadly this may well not happen. However, I saw something rather funny recently in which someone said: “I think the only way to do Christmas this year is to kill the turkey, and have 30 people over for the funeral!”. My sister read this and jokingly said: “Quite a dark funeral when we all start eating the body!” page 22 In conclusion, I am a firm believer that there is light at the end of the tunnel and that we will defeat this virus. I am sure that this time next year things will be back to a somewhat normal existence, and that we can all go back to living our regular day-to-day lives, hopefully minus the facemasks. I just want to say that I’m incredibly grateful that the population of the Glenkens has come together to support one another through these hard times. I think we are all stronger because of it, and that now there is nothing we cannot deal and cope with. So finally, I want to be the first to say, I hope you all have a very Happy Christmas and I wish you all the best for the new year, because I’m 100% positive that it will be more enjoyable and clearer than 2020. James Wallace Glenkens Gazette page 23 Local Author’s Twentieth Novel Novelist John Dean has seen his twentieth crime novel break into print. John, whose first novel was published in 2005, is the creator of detective chief inspectors John Blizzard and Jack Harris. He is with London-based The Book Folks, which has published many of his novels including the latest, Kill Shot. His sales with The Book Folks have topped 90,000 ebooks and paperbacks and another 90,000 read in the Kindle library. The writer, 59, who moved to Dumfries & Galloway from Darlington three years ago, retired after 40 years as a journalist in March 2020 in order to concentrate more fully on his writing. Kill Shot plunges Jack Harris into a scenario where the shooting of a birdwatcher on the North Pennines not only challenges his view of an old friendship but also turns out to have national and international ramifications. John, who specialised in crime reporting during his award-winning journalistic career, said: “Like all crime novelists, I am fascinated by the dark side of the human personality and the way that it drives people to step over the line of what is deemed to be acceptable behaviour. “Every time I sit down with a blank screen, wondering what my next novel will be about, something will trigger an idea and the author in me has to follow the story until it has been told.” John, whose novels regularly feature on the Amazon best-seller lists, is also a creative writing tutor and has participated in the CatStrand creative writing workshops as well as running online courses, including crime fiction, throughout COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. For further details, you can visit https://johndean.ning.com Windy Rig Wind Farm Progress Update ONSITE PROGRESS We have been making some great progress onsite despite the weather we have encountered over the past couple of months. The works along the B729 are continuing following the surfacing of the new passing places and we are working on the last stretches of the widening works to allow the delivery of the turbine components to start in the New Year. thousands of delivery waggons off the local road network. OFFSITE PROGRESS Offsite works are progressing on the blade laydown area to the south of Carsphairn. Over the coming weeks we will commence work on the access junction with traffic management installed on the A713 to provide safe access for pedestrians. MESSAGING SERVICE Are you a regular user of the B729 or C35? Receive text messages to be told about any large deliveries or additional activity on the route to our site. Contact Doug Wilson if you would like to be added, doug. wilson@statkraft.com or call 07542 754 642. For up to date information on construction progress, visit www.statkraft.co.uk/windyrig Onsite we have completed the main spine road for the wind farm and the concrete for 8 out of the 12 turbine bases has been poured with the remaining 4 bases due to be completed in the next few weeks. By sourcing stone from within the site and producing concrete onsite with our concrete plant we have taken Advertisement Widening works along the C35 Glenkens Gazette page 24 SOUNDS LIKE KNOCKENGORROCH Knockengorroch Festival has announced the release of a lockdown album, Sounds Like Knockengorroch, featuring 20 tracks from artists who performed at Virtually Knockengorroch – an interactive livestream of the festival held in May 2020. One of Scotland’s longest-running greenfield festivals, Knockengorroch is normally held in the beautifully secluded Carsphairn hills every May, bringing an exciting array of traditional, electronic and world music acts to the Glenkens hills. Due to COVID-19, the event’s 2020 edition was cancelled and organisers put on an online festival in its place. Despite being hosted digitally, Virtually Knockengorroch embodied the authentic, participatory nature of the event, with attendees able to interact with the performances via Zoom. Following its success, organisers decided to pay tribute to the festival’s unique atmosphere, and the feelings of community and connection it evokes, by capturing the sounds of the festival in a specially curated album. The 20-track double CD includes donated recordings from an inspiring mix of folk, world and electronic music acts who were part of the virtual celebration earlier this year including two tracks written in honour of Knockengorroch and another three recorded for the first time for the album. Knockengorroch Festival organiser, Liz Holmes, said: “Virtually Knockengorroch was a way for us to share the sounds and feelings of the event with our loyal audiences and to lift their spirits during lockdown. Our festival is known for its sense of togetherness and solidarity, and this is what this lockdown album also projects. “It was incredible to receive such thoughtful and emotive original songs dedicated to the festival from some of our favourite musicians for this record, and to receive contributions from so many much-loved acts. It’s an joy to be able to combine the work of all of these artists on one album and mark their contribution to Knockengorroch over the years. With acts not able to get out there and play live we wanted to champion their art and lift this up.” 2020 would have been the 34th edition of Knockengorroch which first launched in 1998. The Knockengorroch lockdown album, Sounds Like Knockengorroch, will be released on double CD and available to download and stream from 4 December. Glenkens Gazette page 25 Join the UNESCO Biosphere Board In July 2012 Galloway and Southern Ayrshire was formally recognised as a world class environment for people and nature. The Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific & Cultural Organisation) Biosphere was the first in Scotland to achieve this status, and is part of a family of over 700 Biospheres around the world. This title is the only global accreditation for an area demonstrating excellence in sustainable development. The Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere covers 5,268 square kilometers, recognising the amazing wildlife, landscapes and culture of south west Scotland, and the commitment of its communities and businesses to live and work more sustainably. With a strong focus on sustainability, a commitment to facing up to the challenges of the climate emergency and biodiversity loss, and the opportunity to play a key role in supporting a post-COVID ‘green recovery’, the Biosphere designation is very much of its time. Guided by a partnership board comprising representatives from public agencies, private businesses, local communities and environmental nongovernmental organisations, our Biosphere has delivered a significant level of activity, working towards sustainability outcomes and maximising the use of a minimal budget and only 1.5 full time staff. That team is now set to grow significantly, with the recent announcement of £1.9 million of funding support and recognition by the new South of Scotland Enterprise agency that the Biosphere has the potential to become a ground breaking catalyst, bringing together communities, businesses, land owners and individuals to help achieve a significant ‘green recovery’. The Biosphere’s key priorities for delivery over the next five years are focused on how we can support and integrate the sustainability agenda into all of our lives, benefitting communities, businesses, landowners, land managers and individuals. These key priorities include: • Delivery of practical marketing and branding projects to raise the profile, understanding, physical presence and economic value of the international UNESCO Biosphere brand to both locals and visitors • Expanding and promoting the Biosphere Certification Mark to include new business sectors, offering them specialist advice and support in sustainability best practice. • Creation of a specialist team who can offer guidance and support to land managers in the development and delivery of biodiversity and land management projects to add value through conservation, learning and sustainable land use • Developing the Biosphere Communities Scheme to support community level networking, collaboration, learning, discovery and new community based sustainability projects • Contributing to the Coalfield Communities Landscape Partnership Project. Critical to its success is having an active and engaged Biosphere Partnership Board who can share their knowledge, expertise and networks to help our UNESCO Biosphere grow. So we are keen to expand membership of the board and would actively welcome approaches from potential new members who share the Biosphere ethos and can bring with them skills and expertise in areas such as corporate sponsorship, sustainable forestry, climate change and community development. The partnership board meet quarterly – normally these meetings revolve around locations in East Ayrshire, South Ayrshire and Dumfries & Galloway, although currently due to COVID-19 they are all held online. They normally last for a morning and are occasionally followed by a presentation on a topic relevant to the work of the Biosphere. If you would be interested in joining the board please contact Ed Forrest ed@ gsabiosphere.org.uk For more information on the Biosphere current job vacancies please go to www. gsabiosphere.org.uk Ed Forest CONNECTING OUR COMMUNITIES The new Connecting in Communities Project (CiC) is a month old now and already well up and running. It’s still managed by Brian Jones and Chris Jowsey, but now based at the Smiddy in Balmaclellan and busy recruiting for a third member of the team. There’s a fantastic opportunity for the right person to join us as volunteering, capacity building & community resilience officer to develop a Glenkens-wide volunteering strategy and help roll out the Glenkens Community Action Plan. Thanks to a National Lottery award from The National Lottery Community Fund, Connecting in Communities has now started a new, exciting, twoyear project. Based at The Smiddy in Balmaclellan, we’re still featuring loads of your favourite groups and activities, mainly on Zoom, but we now have some ‘in person’ sessions too, COVID-secure of course! Monday afternoon is the Margaret Morris Movement Adult Dance with Sara Lockwood and the self-led Tai Chi group is socially distancing on a Wednesday afternoon, all made possible thanks to National Lottery players! Lifelong-learning is a key driver for the new project and The Smiddy is a fabulous venue for a whole host of related activities. Check out our giant SmartScreen, pictured with James from Computerfixer in Dumfries and Brian during installation; this is one of the main legacy items made possible by our friends at LEADER, an absolutely stunning piece of kit with huge educational potential. Also, look out in the new year for our CiC liveried electric vehicle, a sevenseat, fully accessible Nissan, which will be managed by Galloway Community Transport and available to support the wider Glenkens communities. We’re always looking for new things and the COVID age has brought a myriad The new SmartScreen, pictured with James from Computerfixer in Dumfries (left) and Brian Jones. of changes to our lives; so instead of the Photography Group’s exhibition gracing the walls at CatStrand, it’s now online, viewable via the CatStrand’s website, www.catstrand.com. Our writing group, Write On, managed by Margaret Elphinstone, have just published a new book, WriteDown, about local experiences during lockdown. Copies are available at CatStrand and it’s well worth a read or even as a Christmas present (see article on p6). We are also delighted to have teamed up with local yoga teacher, Amy Fowler, to bring you Winter Wellbeing a 90-day movement challenge during December, January and February. Exercise and movement are well documented in the relief of stress and helping improve mood and wellbeing, so why not be kind to yourself and join in - it’s easy and it’s free. Check out our Facebook page or CatStrand’s web pages for details. The new project will have more of a focus on helping groups become selfsufficient, and getting new ones started, so if you have an idea, that’ll help enhance our community, please get in touch - Brian and Chris would love to hear from you. To find out more call 01644 420 274 or email brian@catstrand.com or chris@ catstrand.com Chris & Brian Glenkens Gazette Bright Stars Over the last couple of weeks I was among those who cleared the last of the toys, equipment, pictures and paperwork from Bright Stars nursery. I would like to offer thanks to the happy, loving and creative place it clearly was - to all the children who first met, played and explored there together, to all the staff and their dedication, and to those who have given so much of their time and energy over the years to make it happen. May the building always hold the happy memories of children’s play, and may we continue to hear happy childhood laughter across the Glenkens as things change and move on. MS page 26 ADVERTISE IN THE GAZETTE (price per issue incl VAT) SMALL: 6cm x 6cm, £37.80 (+ 10% off with series discount) 1/4 PAGE: 9cm w x 13cm h, £81.90 (+ 25% off with series discount) 1/2 PAGE: 18cm w x 13cm h, £151.20 (+ 25% off with series discount) FULL PAGE: 18cm w x 27cm h, £252 (+ 25% off with series discount) Call 07727 127 997 VAT Reg. No. 882 8361 87 Glenkens Gazette page 27 KEY GLENKENS CONTACTS Local Doctors’ Surgery Food Deliveries Glenkens Medical Practice - 01644 420 234 • Galloway Foodbank - 07730 788 335 Community Contacts • Balmaclellan: Martin Warnock 07939 261 391 • Carsphairn: Liz Holmes - 07718 358 160 • Corsock: Julie Garton - 07769 647 702 • Kirkpatrick Durham: Heather 07551 639 629 • Crossmichael: Richard Middleton 01556 670 691 • Dalry: Will Adam - 01644 430 338 • Mossdale: Shop - 01644 450 281 • New Galloway: Sam Rushton 07741 656 601 • Parton: Erica or Brian - 01644 470 277 • Ballards Butchers - 01556 502502 (they also deliver groceries) • Grierson’s Butchers: 01556 502 637 • Henderson’s Butchers: 01556 502 654 • Mitchell’s Greengrocers: 01556 502 077 • Fleet Fish: order before 9pm Sunday evening for delivery the following week. Delivery days can be found when ordering at www. fleet-fish.co.uk or call 07966 103 912 • Roan’s Dairy - 01556 620 374 Many events and activities are still on hold at the time of going to print due to COVID-19. Please check government guidelines for up-to-date information on social activities during December & January. GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL 01644 420234 LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUPS Glenkens Community Shop: Contact Shirley McNaught on 07955 743 022 or drop by the charity shop on Main Street, Dalry Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING): Contact Ros Hill on ros.hill@rathanhouse.co.uk Dalry Communities Properties Trust (DCPT): Contact Andi Holmes on andiholmes@hotmail.com or 07729 292 126 Dalry Town Hall: Contact Jim Reid on 01644 430231 or jamescreid@hotmail.co.uk Glenkens Community Centre: Contact Carylann Williamson on williamsoncarylann@gmail.com New Galloway Community Enterprises (NGCE): Contact Sam Rushton on 07741 656601 or samCEW@newgallowaycommunity.shop or pop into New Galloway Community Shop Balmaclellan Community Trust: Contact Julia Higgins on julia.higgins55@outlook.com CatStrand: Contact Chris Jowsey at chris@catstrand.com 01644 420 374 or pop in to the CatStrand Schools: Visit the school office or call Dalry Primary on 01644 430 105 (for Nursery/ELC too), Dalry Secondary on 01644 430 259 or Kells on 01644 420 340 Carsphairn Heritage Group: carsphairnheritagegroup@ gmail.com Bright Stars - Glenkens Community Nursery: Contact glenkenscommunitynursery@gmail.com Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership (GGLP): Contact McNabb Laurie on mcnabb.laurie@dumgal.gov.uk If you would like to add your community organisation to this list please get in touch with the Gazette - contact details are on the back page. CHURCH TIMES CHURCH OF SCOTLAND: Apart from Remembrance Sunday, we will be holding just one Church of Scotland service each Sunday. Videos will continue to be posted on youtube, accessed by typing ‘Balmaclellan, Kells and Dalry with Carsphairn’ into the youtube search box. Sunday Services: Balmaclellan 11am: 6 Dec & 3 Jan; Carsphairn 11am: 13 Dec, 10 Jan & 31 Jan; Kells 11am: 20 Dec, 27 Dec & 17 Jan; Dalry 11am: 24 Jan Special Services & Events: Christmas Watchnight Service: 11.30pm, Dalry Church. Christmas Day Family Service: 11am, Carsphairn Church Videos will continue to be posted on YouTube, accessed by typing ‘Balmaclellan, Kells and Dalry with Carsphairn’ into the YouTube search box. For further information call Rev David Bartholomew on 01644 430 380. SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH: St Margaret’s, New Galloway: Sunday Eucharists have re-started, 10.30am. For information call Pam Swift on 01644 420467. Dalry Library & Customer Service Centre Tuesdays 10.30am-2pm Fridays 11am-4.30pm For further information contact Castle Douglas library on 01556 502 643 USEFUL NUMBERS: ● Pot-hole Hotline: 0845 276 0000 ● Police, non-emergency: 101 ● Doctor: 01644 420 234 ● NHS 24: 08454 24 24 24 ● D&G Council: 030 33 33 3000 Glenkens Gazette page 28 Celebrating James Clerk Maxwell Did you know that the father of colour photography is buried at Parton Kirk? James Clerk Maxwell died in 1879 but all around the globe we use modern technologies based on his discoveries. His electromagnetic theory is considered to have paved the way for both quantum mechanics and Einstein’s theory of special relativity. Above is one of the competition entries, Loch Ken Ice Eye by Sarah Donovan. This winter, Parton has been celebrating this local figure and his amazing legacy with a There were two categories - ‘A Glenkens Winter’ for the community photography competition and exhibition. Hop under 18s, and ‘Glenkens: Light & Colour’ for the over online to see the entries in a virtual gallery at https:// 18s. The two winning photographs in each category will be maxwellphoto2020.wixsite.com/gallery or pop down printed in the next edition of the Glenkens Gazette. to Parton Village Hall car park to see the shortlisted For further information please email maxwellphoto2020@ photographs being displayed in an outdoor exhibition gmail.com during the Christmas holidays. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! 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 FEB/MAR COPY DEADLINE: 5 JAN Design & co-ordination: Sarah Ade sarah.ade@gmail.com Printing: www.instantprint.co.uk The Glenkens Gazette is an initiative of the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust, a Registered Scottish 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 121 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GG_121 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 2020 Description An account of the resource Editor: Sarah Ade https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/1/267/GlenkensGazette120.pdf 2dc73c008c15e6bfe7109f4c1afbf0e4 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 120 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, Corsock, Crossmichael, Kirkpatrick Durham, Laurieston, Mossdale, New Galloway, Parton and St John’s Town of Dalry October/November 2020 ISSUE 120 FREE Glenkens Food Month Success At the time of going to press, Glenkens Food Month was only halfway through, but already its mix of online and in-person events has proved very popular, with most sold out and lots of positive feedback received. The theme of ‘Shop Local, Eat Local’ has been very strong this year – always an important message, but it feels even more critical in this time of COVID-19 recovery. Our local food and drink producers and retailers were crucial in supporting us throughout the lockdown, and we all need to keep on supporting them now. The Food Month looked quite different this year from last year, of course, but there have been some real upsides to that, as well as the sadness of not being able to meet as a full community yet. Our online events meant that people with a soft spot for the Glenkens who don’t live here could join in the fun, as well as locals who were able to join in from the comfort of their own home. The online cooking demonstrations with chef Tony Budde were particularly popular – well done to all the local guest chefs! And Glenkens Farmers Market, home of the new Glenkens Food Hub. the distanced in-person events like the Fungi Forage, Farm Tours and Pizza in the Park were very well received by all who attended. It was great to partner with CatStrand for the re-start of their events programme in New Galloway park – so good to see live acts again. There really has been something for everyone, from biscuit-bake-alongs to puppet shows to bingo. We’ve already had some lucky prizewinners who won vouchers for our local shops by shopping and eating locally – but really, we’re all winners when we shop local. Using our purchasing power to keep jobs in our communities makes a massive difference. And eating ultra-low mileage fruit, veg and meat is good for our health and the environment! One legacy from the Glenkens Food Month 2020 will be the ongoing Glenkens Food Hub. This online shop allows you to buy from a whole range of Glenkens producers and pick up your bounty from the Glenkens Farmers Market at Dalry Town Hall on the second Saturday of each month. See the ad on p3 for more details; a fantastic way to combine hyper-local seasonal shopping with top convenience. Continued on p4... ‘The Games’ Featured on Secret Scotland Like many other events this year, The Scottish Alternative Games didn’t take place but the show will still go on – in a fashion! The Games will be featured on Channel 5’s popular show, Secret Scotland, presented by Susan Calman. Susan visited New Galloway with a film crew in July and filmed a piece for the Dumfries & Galloway episode which will air on Friday 9 October at 8pm on Channel 5. Susan Calman gearing up for her first gird ‘n’ cleek lesson from current World Champion, Arthur Harfield. A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) initiative www.glenkensgazette.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 2 REMEMBERING EDDIE YATES Eddie Yates, an active member of the community in Parton, died in August after a short illness. Sad news for our small community, which has lost a number of good neighbours and friends in the last year. Eddie was well known for his drive and his commitment to village life, including an eleven-year stint as the Chair of Parton Community Council, which he helped found after serving for a number of years on the Parton, Corsock & Kirkpatrick Durham Community Council. He also took a great interest in the village hall and played an active role in its management and upkeep, most notably after the significant flood damage caused by Storm Peter in late 2015. Eddie and his wife Gill first met at the ages of 10 and nine at a small school in Cheshire. Their paths crossed again some years later while Gill was nursing in Shropshire and Eddie was doing his national service; they both happened to be on the same train home to visit family and ‘that was that’ says Gill. They married two years later and settled in Sandbach, having their three children there. Fast forward to 1978 and a family friend recommended visiting Kilquhanity School with their daughter Rachel’s secondary education in mind; due to the happy coincidence of Parton Holiday Park being fully booked, they were directed instead to a caravan stay with George and Doreen Prentice, which was the start of a lifelong friendship. Rachel enjoyed school and Eddie and Gill loved the friendliness of the people along with the area’s natural beauty; and so in 1979 they bought ‘Clocktower’, the distinctive former laundry in Parton. While Gill worked as a physiotherapist at Castle Douglas hospital, Eddie commuted for a number of years between Parton and Sandbach, where his business was based. Eddie was a keen sports enthusiast, playing rugby to County standard (captaining Sandbach, where he was commemorated as ‘the original superstar player of his day’) and then later, golf; playing at Colvend and captaining New Galloway. His company specialised in sports grounds maintenance, including golf courses and first division football grounds. After selling the business, Eddie capitalised on another of his great loves, gardening, and propagated rhododendrons for a while; he then managed the development of four houses on the lochside at Parton, one of which went on to become his home; and finally went on to join Scottish Enterprise, providing advice and support to local small businesses which Eddie enjoyed doing until he retired. Eddie with his one and only brown trout caught on Loch Ken In his later years, despite a couple of hip replacements, Eddie’s energy remained undimmed - he could regularly be seen keeping fit on walks around the village, cutting a determined figure with his Leki sticks. He remained active in community life right up until his death and even now, much needed repair work is going on in Parton village hall, originally initiated by him. He has left a legacy in the village – of homes, a well maintained hall, the Community Council and the beautiful Parton Heritage Trail. He will be much missed. Suzy Mercer Wright’s Shop & Post Office ULTRASOUND PREGNANCY SCANNING Dairy & Sucklers; Ageing, Twin & Barren Detection. Friday grocery delivery and daily paper round now available within Dalry - please phone to enquire. Trailer system includes triplets, marking and shedding. stocking a range of local suppliers • Express Bakery bread • • Irvings biscuits & cakes • • Ballards & Dalmellington Country Butchers meat & pies • • Mitchells fruit & veg • Pregnancy and number of pups. For bookings and info: Duncan Kennedy 07860 474001 dk@passcan.co.uk www.passcan.co.uk Shop & Post Office open 7 days Monday to Friday 7am–6pm Saturday 8am–6pm Sunday 8.30am–4pm Tel 01644 430 225 Glenkens Gazette page 3 OUR COMMUNITIES IN LOCKDOWN As we head towards winter, and lockdown measures begin to tighten once again, our Glenkens communities would like to ensure that nobody feels like they are alone at what may for many be a very difficult few months. The future is uncertain. We do not know how we will be affected by Government measures and lockdown rules. If you feel vulnerable or are required to shield, remember our communities have a robust safety net in place to support those in need. If you need help with accessing prescriptions, food shopping or just feel you would like to speak to someone, there is someone in your community you can get in touch with. In the special May edition of the Glenkens Gazette there was a pull-out of community contacts, starting on p7. This is available online at www. glenkensgazette.co.uk (click on the May 2020 edition in the menu bar on the right of the page, then click on the image of the front cover) and has contact details for each of the Glenkens and wider district community councils and other useful contact information. If you don’t have online access, below is a key contact for each community for those who may need it. Stay safe and remember - you are not alone. Winter in Scotland can be tough at the best of times, so if you are feeling the pressure at this difficult time, please don’t be a stranger. The Communities of the Glenkens KEY GLENKENS CONTACTS Local Doctors’ Surgery Food Deliveries Glenkens Medical Practice - 01644 420 234 • Galloway Foodbank - 07730 788 335 Community Contacts • Balmaclellan: Martin Warnock 07939 261 391 • Carsphairn: Liz Holmes - 07718 358 160 • Corsock: Julie Garton - 07769 647 702 • Kirkpatrick Durham: Heather 07551 639 629 • Crossmichael: Richard Middleton 01556 670 691 • Dalry: Will Adam - 01644 430 338 • Mossdale: Shop - 01644 450 281 • New Galloway: Sam Rushton 07741 656 601 • Parton: Erica or Brian - 01644 470 277 • Ballards Butchers - 01556 502502 (they also deliver groceries) • Grierson’s Butchers: 01556 502 637 • Henderson’s Butchers: 01556 502 654 • Mitchell’s Greengrocers: 01556 502 077 • Fleet Fish: order before 9pm Sunday evening for delivery the following week. Delivery days can be found when ordering at www. fleet-fish.co.uk or call 07966 103 912 • Roan’s Dairy - 01556 620 374 STAFF WANTED Café at Clatteringshaws is recruiting! We are open all year round, 7 days a week, from 11am to 4pm in the winter and 10am to 5pm from Easter to September. We are looking for someone either full-time or part-time to complement our existing team To apply email your details to karen@portlogan.scot Glenkens Gazette page 4 Fun With Food in the Glenkens Continued from front page... The Glenkens Food Month is organised and run by New Galloway Community Enterprises (NGCE), and the Board of NGCE would like to say thanks so much to Sam Rushton, our Community Engagement Worker. Each year she goes above and beyond to put these events on for the communities of the Glenkens, and it wouldn’t happen without her. This year, Sam has also been ably supported by Abi Mordin from Propagate and the Hidden Veg market garden in Balmaclellan, who has been the driving force behind the Food Hub and many of the sustainable food events. We’d also like to say thank you to all the community groups, local businesses and individuals who have given up their time to support so many of the events. It was fantastic in particular to see the Make, Bake and Glut tables across all the communities – what a lot of talented growers and chefs we have! The Food Month is a truly Glenkens-wide event, and that makes us stronger. Last but not least, funding for the Food Month was granted from the Blackcraig Wind Farm Community Fund with funding from Blackcraig Wind Farm (Scotland) Limited, administered by Foundation Scotland working in partnership with The Glenkens & District Trust, and the Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership Scheme. Thanks so much to those organisations for their support, it is very much appreciated. Helen Keron, Treasurer, NGCE Photographs (taken by Ian Biggar Photography, Sam Rushton of NGCE and Liz Holmes), anti-clockwise from top: Food Month Bingo - Jenna enjoys a cup of tea whilst playing via Zoom. Carsphairn’s impressive local produce stall. Walkers earning their cake on the new Pilgrims Way path near Carsphairn. Dalry Secondary pupils getting ready to take part in the Food Month Challenge (see p11). ‘A Play and a Piece’ - live theatre with CatStrand. New Scheme Will Cut New Home Heating Costs Galloway A successful coGolf Club operative scheme for buying domestic heating oil at reduced prices is being expanded to serve everyone in the Glenkens. The New Galloway & Kells oilbuying co-operative has been running for two years and has some 70 members. Over the last 12 months the organisers, New Galloway Community Enterprises Ltd (NGCE), have secured an average saving for members of 3.5 pence per litre. That means a saving of £17.50 on a 500 litre order. The scheme also benefits the local environment by reducing the number of tanker deliveries in the area. Now, thanks to funding from Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Region-Wide Communities Fund, NGCE will be expanding this service into the other communities of the Glenkens. Applications are being invited for the post of coordinator, who will set up and run the expanded scheme. This is a two-year part-time post. For further details see the job advert to the left or visit www. newgallowaycommunity.shop/jobvacancies New Galloway Golf Club has fared well throughout the lockdown period and on into the various phases of the present situation. The club was more than happy to see families from the local community using the course for their daily exercise during the lockdown period. Since golf was allowed to be played again the club has been busy and has had several new members from around the local area. Should anyone wish to try the game in order to keep up with their exercise, please contact the club and we will arrange for this. Now that we are able to allow visitors onto the course we are also busy. Hopefully those who have come to play our beautiful course will return over the years and provide some much needed income to businesses in the area. Ian Brown Glenkens Gazette page 5 Publication of Glenkens & District Community Action Plan The Glenkens & District Trust is delighted to announce the publication of the Glenkens and District Research Report and Community Action Plan, which is the culmination of community aspiration, consultation and discussion going back to 2017. The aim of producing the plan was to articulate our shared local priorities and common goals for the future in order to create a clear path for action. The full Research Report and Action Plan as well as a standalone summary of the Community Action Plan can be found on the Foundation Scotland Blackcraig Fund web page. GDT commissioned the Research Report and Community Action Plan from Community Enterprise, who have a great deal of experience in this type of work in urban and rural communities, right across Scotland. They carried out extensive community Death Notice Helen Mary Middleton of Holm Mill, Dalry, peacefully passed away on Friday 31st July 2020 at Castle Douglas Cottage Hospital. Much loved sister, sister-in-law, auntie, great-auntie and friend. Helen was interred at St Cuthbert’s Cemetery, Kirkcudbright, on Wednesday 12th August 2020. Due to present circumstances the funeral was private. engagement and, based on this, the overall goal of the plan is that the Glenkens and district will be a connected, resilient and carbon neutral place, where people will want to live, work and visit, to bring up their families, and to grow old. It will be somewhere that other places in Scotland will look to for inspiration. The Community Action Plan (CAP) outlines proposals that aim to make that goal a reality. Four clear themes emerged from the community consultation: • A clear desire for there to be more effective collaboration and communication across the community and for people and groups to be better connected to enable them to work collaboratively rather than in competition • A recognition that plans should be developed to ensure we have assets and services across the community that meet our needs in the long term • A need to ensure an economically flourishing community • An objective to be a carbon neutral community The CAP sets out proposals to achieve these and we will now move into a ‘set up’ phase to both kickstart delivery of the Action Plan but also incorporate the COVID-19 experience and ‘new normal’ in which we find ourselves. For this set up phase, we are forming a Community Action Plan Steering Group, made up of GDT Trustees and other people drawn from across the wider community; and to support this group we have also gone through an open tendering process for external support, paid for using windfarm monies. This paid-for support will help us get these three key things done over the next six months: an analysis of the CAP community priorities, to identify who and how we might take these forward and where the gaps might be. Where local groups are identified who can deliver well on community priorities in the short term, GDT intends to progress this work directly as funding allows. Secondly, we want to undertake some COVID-19 resilience learning and ensure the Action Plan reflects and incorporates this. Third, we want to hold a Glenkens Summit early next year to have a community conversation about what taking forward the delivery of the Action Plan priorities looks like. At the end of this ‘set up phase’ an updated implementation plan will be published and a clearer path to getting action on priorities will lie before us. After considerable thought and discussion, we decided to pause funding applications and the next round of open applications to the Main Fund will now take place early next year. We decided a cautious approach to allocating funding at this uncertain time was necessary as noone can foresee with any certainty how this current crisis will unfold over the winter months, and we wish to ensure we have monies available if they are needed to respond to urgent community needs. The work we are currently taking forward will enable us to understand this better and to make the most effective use of the monies going forward. However, funds will continue to be available to organisations who need them as set out in our Fund Strategy, which says that ‘there may be cases where an emergency situation arises that affects the community – or parts of it - and which GDT wishes to respond to. This may result in GDT choosing to provide some assistance by way of a grant or donation to a group with urgent and critical needs and/or to intermediaries with the infrastructure to provide the support. Such instances will be dealt with on a case by case basis and where no other provision or immediate support is available.’ If you become aware of organisations in need in your area, please direct them to contact Foundation Scotland in the first instance on office@foundationscotland.org.uk Fiona Smith, Chairman, GDT Glenkens Gazette page 6 sponsored by If you would like to list something on this page, please get in touch on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk FREE Storage Tank, has contained Kerosene and is empty, 120cmH x 130cmW x 230cmL, used up until the beginning of lockdown. Contact: 01644 430 373. Free: horse manure (including some chicken), rotted and fresh, no weed killers used. Dig your own from a large heap, bring sacks or trailer. Contact: 07889 229 340 WANTED Corby Trouser Press, good condition, full working order, collection only. Contact: 07925 914 681. Hi Sarah, Old Singer sewing machine, treadle or hand operated. Must be in working order and with shuttles please. Contact: 07889 229 340 Old lawn mowers/strimmers/ other small machinery. Nonrunners/broken welcome. Contact: 07845 562 217 We sold the bath lift on the day the Gazette was distributed - we had two phone calls straight away! Zanussi Oven with ceramic hob, everything works but facia is tatty, collection only. Contact: 07925 914 681. Many thanks, Jennifer 2400 Titan Oil Central Heating Photo of the Issue Sponsored by the Ken Bridge Hotel This issue’s winner is Neil Blacklock with his shot Magical New Galloway, looking down over the village eerily wreathed in mist. Neil wins an evening meal for two up to the value of £30 at the Ken Bridge Hotel. Competition judges Dave and Sue said: “What a wonderful group of pictures, so difficult to choose a winner for this issue. Because we have never seen the view of the Glen shrouded in mist from the top of the West Port, and we love the way that the Town Hall is framed in the picture, we have chosen Magical New Galloway.” How to Enter: any photos taken in the Glenkens can be entered - landscapes, wildlife, portraits, action shots... Email them to glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk If you are a winner, the Gazette will send you out a voucher - please call the Ken Bridge to check opening times in light of current COVID-19 guidelines. Gordon McAdam N ew Galloway Golf Club Founded Foun ded 1902 www.ng www.n g gc.co.uk - 01644 420737 Buggies now available for hire VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME Plumbing & Heating HOUSE REPAIRS JOINERY 22 Kirkland Street St John’s Town of Dalry Semi-retired Furniture Maker & Builder in GLENKENS AREA 01644 430 393 07834 321 789 Call Pete on 07970 462 088 ...special rates for inclusion of tea, cake and friendly banter... Glenkens Gazette page 7 sponsored by Red Squirrels in the Glenkens Red squirrels seem to be thriving in the Glenkens, which is a wonderful thing to see. Gazette reader Robin Hood sent in a photo of two young squirrels feeding at his bird table. Robin would like to thank people for slowing down now that there are signs up along the road by his house letting people know there are red squirrels in the woods there. He says: “The ‘slow down - squirrels’ signs either side of our home has really had an impact. This really helps this year’s three kits as they cross daily; I have a food station in the woods opposite the house but it’s never enough, and they keep crossing to get the bird nuts on the house side.” Debra Hall has also been lucky enough to have squirrel kits as regulars in her garden. Below, Debra gives readers some tips on how to care for any red squirrel visitors you may have. FEEDING RED SQUIRRELS Although squirrels come to people’s gardens to look for materials such as moss for nest lining or to drink from the garden pond, the biggest attraction is food. What Food Should I Provide? It is best to feed a variety of different foods to squirrels, similar to those that the squirrel might forage for in the wild. The red squirrel will pillage nuts and seeds found naturally in your garden. The most suitable foods for red squirrels are hazelnuts, sunflower seeds, beech (cob) nuts and pine nuts. Sweet chestnuts and walnuts are also suitable. Unsalted peanuts are another favourite, but should be not be given in isolation. Young red squirrels can suffer from calcium deficiency if they feed too often on the wrong sort of food. Therefore, peanuts should not be given exclusively, but as part of a varied diet. To reduce calcium deficiency, provide pieces of apple or carrot; a supplement added to the feed or a dish of drinking water; bone meal added to the dry feed mix; a cuttlefish bone or antler placed Top left: squirrel kits eating from the table in Robin Hood’s garden. Top right: a young kit competing with a woodpecker for nuts in Debra Hall’s garden. Above left: a squirrel ‘nutting’ for hazels in the woods © Phillip Day. Above right: Two young squirrels enjoying peanuts in Debra’s garden in winter. near the feeder. This is particularly valuable during the summer for juvenile and female squirrels. Also provide a source of water if it is not naturally available. Grey squirrels love maize and mixed squirrel food. Therefore, to discourage them, don’t provide these foods. Some squirrels also like oats. Please note that red squirrels don’t usually like maize (sweet corn). Regular feeding every few days is best rather than having food permanently available, as this will encourage the squirrels to forage for natural food too. This way, you are providing a supplementary food source rather than the only source of food and you will not encourage them into bad habits. Feed throughout the year. In the wild, red squirrels feed on shoots and flowers in spring, and nuts and fruits in autumn and winter. The critical period to feed reds is during the summer months before the fruits and nuts are ripe, when their natural food is in short supply. Continued feeding throughout the winter will also provide an additional boost to the squirrels in your area. (This information is summarised from www.northernredsquirrels. org.uk) Glenkens Gazette page 8 CAFE AT CLATTERINGSHAWS CELEBRATES 1ST ANNIVERSARY Little did Karen and Martin Donaldson know when they took on the tenancy of Clatteringshaws café and visitor centre last autumn from Forestry and Land Scotland that they would have it interrupted by a global pandemic! Café managers Karen and Martin opened their doors on 7 October 2019 and what a year it’s been. Martin says: “First of all, I would like to wish all of our wonderful, dedicated team a very happy first anniversary! Without you we wouldn’t have made it here. “We were closed for four months but managed to re-open once it was safe to do so, in mid-July. Karen and I both work in the café alongside eight other full and part-time colleagues. With all the extra legislation and cleaning required to keep staff and customers safe, we had to recruit additional staff and now also need to recruit another full or part-time person to join our team. “Last October when we opened the café we decided to open every day (excluding Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day) and that hasn’t changed. With many cafés in Dumfries & Galloway closing in the winter we decided that this gave us an ideal opportunity to offer an out-of-season facility for locals, visitors and year-round employment for our staff.” Café at Clatteringshaws is in such an amazing location, with stunning views over Clatteringshaws Loch with the forest and hills beyond. This striking location was what inspired Karen and Martin to take on the tenancy of the café last year; having been frequent visitors to the area ROWAN HOLIDAY COTTAGE Café at Clatteringshaws is open all year round, promising a warm welcome whatever the weather. for over 25 years, they had decided that they wanted to relocate to Galloway and so when the opportunity of running the venue presented itself, it was a chance too good to miss. Karen and Martin aren’t strangers to the hospitality industry. Karen and her daughter Carrie run Tootsies Ice Cream and Coffee Shops in Lancashire. Tootsies manufactures its own award-winning ice cream in their dairy in Garstang, Preston. Karen says: “Martin and I own a cute little ice cream and coffee pod which is sited in Port Logan, where we live, and the plan was to purchase a second pod and bring it to the café but, thanks to COVID-19 cutting our first season very short, we couldn’t justify the expense this year. Next season we intend selling our own brand ice cream at the cafe and, subject to planning consent, we will hopefully have a second pod trading from the coach parking area at Clatteringshaws.” So what does Café at Clatteringshaws offer? The good news is that afternoon 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 4 Star Rated - Sleeps Six Dog friendly - Private Parking Secluded Garden An ideal base for exploring Galloway... 07503 958 710 FOR APPOINTMENTS AT BOTH SURGERIES OR IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY  01556 502263 VETERINARY SURGERY OAKWELL ROAD CASTLE DOUGLAS  teas are making a comeback from October. These proved to be a huge hit prior to lockdown, especially with people buying vouchers to give as gifts. Karen says: “We are very lucky to have two exceptional bakers working with us who produce all the homemade scones, cakes, tray bakes and shortbread on site every day.” Also available at the café, especially good to know as the festive season approaches, are local crafts and art work. Café at Clatteringshaws currently stocks the work of over 20 local craftspeople, potters, artists and photographers. “We were hoping to install a book exchange in the café, but had to shelve the idea due to the COVID-19 situation - hopefully this is something we can look at in the coming months.” Whatever happens going forward, Café Clatteringshaws ensures a warm welcome, delicious homemade goodies and a decent cup of coffee. So ‘Haste Ye Back’! Glenkens Gazette page 9 CatStrand Highlights After a successful weekend of live events in the park, CatStrand is gearing up for the return of some small-scale indoor arts programming from October. Our initial programme will be made up of professional artists and performers from within Dumfries & Galloway. Hope London, jazz pianist and singer, and Adam Blake, blues guitarist, are lined up as our first live acts with performances planned during October. However, with the latest guidance from the Scottish Government, we will be reviewing these events in line with the Phase 4 review on 5 October so please check our website www. catstrand.com for the latest information on booking and events. If we’re not able to welcome you to events in person to CatStrand, we do have a confirmed programme of online events planned for October and November including Scottish Dance Theatre’s digital event Introducing… Antigone, Interrupted on Thursday 15 October. This is a unique online event combining footage from the original stage production, scenes reimagined for the digital medium and real time meet-the-artist conversation. The event will give audiences an opportunity to ‘meet the characters’ and hear from choreographer Joan Clevillé and dancer Solène Weinachter. Performance elements will be weaved with discussion and opportunities to delve into various topics such as the creation of Antigone, Interrupted, the relevance of a classic story in our contemporary reality, and the role of the arts in our communities. This event will be accessible from your Scottish Dance Theatre’s Antigone, Interrupted © Maria Falconer home through our online event platform – look out for ticket Campbell, is open until mid-October booking opening up for this shortly on the when our visual arts intern programmed CatStrand website. Unrestricted print exhibition will take For families we have our brand new its place until the 22 November. Both series of interactive online Pocket exhibitions are accessible during our Theatre performances, the first of which building opening hours - currently comes to you from Dundee-based, awardThursday to Sunday- as well as online winning dance theatre company Shaper through our virtual gallery on the website. Caper. Moon Capers by Thomas Small We hope to be able to welcome you to is an interactive online event suitable for CatStrand for some live events over the ages 4+ and their grown-ups and will be next few months - and hope that you’ll online to view from Thursday 22 October enjoy our online and remote access events at 4pm. from home. The CatStrand Team Our latest exhibition in the Pyramid Gallery, Sky Meditations from Edward CatStrand Youth Arts We’re very happy to be gradually reopening our activities at CatStrand Youth and have some great plans for October. There will be a series of free workshops for ages 11+ with artist Rory Laycock looking at how the digital and art can mix. This includes 3D printing, social media filters and projecting images onto objects; all to help us build a youth art installation which explores Gen Z and digital technologies. The installation will run from 18–25 October in our auditorium. We have also put an open call out for printmakers to submit a piece to our upcoming exhibition entitled ‘Unrestricted’ which will run from 18 October to 22 November and will introduce young people to various types of printmaking. As ever, visit our facebook and Instagram pages for the latest updates @catstrandyouth At the time of writing, it is my last week at CatStrand. I’ve absolutely loved my time here and will miss the buzz of the venue, the community and especially the young people I’ve worked with who are so creative, welcoming and enthusiastic. I leave you in the capable hands of our new YAC, Jamie, who is very excited to be joining the team and helping you all continue to create. Katy Billington, Youth Arts Coordinator Hello everyone! My name is Jamie Lee and I’m the new youth arts coordinator for GCAT over at Catstrand. I’m a freelance drama facilitator with experience leading community arts in communities all over Scotland. I hail from Glasgow originally but don’t hold that against me! I’m really looking forward to getting to know everyone! Jamie Lee, new Youth Arts Coordinator Glenkens Gazette page 10 Hello from the Genkens Primary Schools It is so good to be back at school; plans were drawn up for ‘blended learning’ from August but thankfully, in the end, we were able to open fully. We missed seeing the children every day and hearing about what was going on in their lives. They have grown so much... Like everyone else during lockdown, we found the juggling of work, the internet and technology a nightmare. Sharing one device between three or four people is difficult to do when everyone needs it all the time. Anyway, in August we reopened. Following the new rules and ensuring risk assessments were adhered to seemed daunting. However, the children have really helped due to their positive outlook and eagerness to be back in a routine. Using soap and water or hand gel at every turn has become second nature. I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank our wonderful parents who have been very supportive throughout the pandemic. We have challenges ahead. I am hoping the current direction of travel in terms of restricting the spread of the virus does not lead to closing of schools and that mitigation strategies put in place by the government work. On a much smaller scale, we have many calendar challenges to face in the next few months. How do we do Christmas plays, Christmas fayres and such things? Could technology be the key? If anyone has any ideas, we’d love for you to share them with us - drop us an email at gw17officedalryps@ea.dumgal.sch. uk or call 01644 430 105. Paul Scrimshaw, Head Teacher, Glenkens Primary Cluster Reading for Fun at Kells Primary Now that we are back at school, we have all chosen books from the library and are enjoying reading every day. “I like reading because sometimes I find good ideas which I use when I am writing stories!” said Alex. “Reading is fun!” said Rosie. The children have enjoyed reading about real people in history. “The best book I have read recently was about Spartacus!” said Noah, while Rosie Erupting Volcanoes The Dalry P3-5 class wanted to learn about natural disasters this term. We made volcano models from clay, leaving space in the cone for a small container. Once the volcanoes were dry we poured vinegar, washing up liquid and food colouring into the container in the cone. We then carefully added some baking soda. The vinegar, which is an acid, and the baking soda, which is a base, combined and reacted with each other. The result was an erupting volcano. The washing up liquid made extra bubbles. We had great fun making our volcanoes erupt over and over again. Dalry Primary 3,4,5 class is reading a book about Mary, Queen of Scots. “I am enjoying reading a book about Al Capone, a gangster in Chicago,” said Jake. Our new Primary 1 pupils are also enjoying their Buddies in Primary 7 reading stories to them on a Tuesday morning. Elliot says he likes hearing stories and looking at the pictures. Adrian, pictured here with Alex and Sam, can be seen enoying his favourite book, Dinosaurumpus. Margaret Heuchan, Principal Teacher Settling in to School Dalry School’s Primary 1 and 2 pupils have been very busy since the start of term. They have been practising listening and manners and getting used to all the new routines. They have been learning lots through playing with all the toys and activities, including beginning to learn and revise different letter sounds and different ways to use numbers! The class topic is ‘People who help us’ and they have been learning about all the different jobs there are to help others while playing in a vets and a police station. Class teacher Miss Sey would like to tell all of the boys and girls in P1/2, “Well done for working so hard and trying your best!”. Glenkens Gazette page 11 A Brand New Traversing Wall When pupils headed back to Dalry School after lockdown, they were met with lots of fun new things to do in the school playing field. As well as the new climbing frame featured in the last edition of the Gazette there is now also a climbing wall. This excellent piece of equipment is a wall where children can choose a colour of hold and challenge themselves to ‘traverse’ - or move along rather than up - the wall in a circuit, offering both mental and physical stimulation. Funding for this strucutre was organised by Friends of Dalry School, with donations from Natural Power Consultants Ltd and Glenkens Community Shop, to whom we are very grateful. A huge ‘thank you’ also goes to Nick and Gwyn Pugh who designed and built the climbing wall for a fraction of the cost of a commercial installation; Dalry School what an achievement! THE FOOD MONTH CHALLENGE Dalry Secondary’s Food Month Challenge, set by the Glenkens Food Month team, was taken up with gusto by S3 pupils who had a fantastic afternoon whipping up some tremendous culinary creations. Pupils made a wide variety of dishes including spaghetti bolognese (lamb) served with a side salad; crispy lamb noodles; lamb tacos served with a Greek dip and salad; lamb wraps served with potato wedges, salad and a mocktale; lamb macaroni bake served with a side salad. Mrs Acheson and I had the pleasure of sampling these tasty dishes, and I can honestly say that they were all delicious (this is not always the case) so it made it a difficult decision. The students based their votes on the appearance of the food which we took into account along with the taste. The winner of the challenge was Isobel Stevenson who made the lamb tacos. Some comments from pupils about their experience are: “It was a very fun experience and I really enjoyed it. I now understand the pressure that real chefs go through in the kitchen,“ and “I’ve had an insight into my future, so I’m glad I’ve had a go at independent cooking.” Suzy Andrew, Art & HE Teacher Glenkens Gazette page 12 GUIDING IN THE GLENKENS NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT There have been Brownie and Guide Units in the Glenkens since 1920, with many former Brownies, Guides and Rangers still living locally. Sadly, over the past few years numbers have been decreasing and we currently have no girls attending Brownies and only a handful of Guides. To make these units remain viable, and to benefit girls in the Glenkens, we need more Rainbows (age five to seven years), Brownies (age seven to 10 years), Guides (age 10 to 14 years), and Rangers (age 14 to 18 years). We are also desperately in need of new leaders to take Guiding in the Glenkens forward into 2021 and beyond. We would love to hear from anyone interested in any aspect of volunteering, and also from young people who would like to be part of Girlguiding Scotland within the Glenkens. To find out more about volunteering, or about what activities can be enjoyed within Girlguiding, please visit www.girlguidingscotland.org.uk and look for ‘Join Us’ or ‘Volunteering’. You can also contact our County Commissioner, Mrs Kirsty Tomlin, on 07799 135 990 or klgriffiths_4@ hotmail.com. Unfortunately, if we are unable to find more girls interested in joining our Glenkens groups, or we are unable to to find new unit leaders, Guiding in the Glenkens will be closed down at the end of this year. As anyone who has been involved in Guiding will know, it will be a very sad day if this were to happen. We sincerely hope that volunteers will step forward and that girls will be encouraged to join. Guiding has been great in the Glenkens over the past 100 years, please help us to ensure that it goes forward with enthusiasm! Kathryn Peace Can you spot any familiar faces in the Glenkens Guiding Unit? Top photo is from 2018 and above photo around 1990. Out and About Around New Galloway Despite COVID-19 stalwart gardeners have been visiting the Garroch Garden regularly throughought the year with planting of fruit, flowers and vegetables in individual plots, the polytunnel, the greenhouse and common areas. Thanks to Nick Roper-Caldbeck for the opportunity to enjoy this special place and for supporting the upkeep of the grasscutting by his staff. Since the gradual uplifting of the lockdown we have been approached by more people for allotments, flower gardens or just to be kept in touch. If you would like to join, please contact us. As we go to press we are looking forward to being part of the Glenkens Food Month with an apple pressing afternoon. Volunteers on the Golf Course Woods and Garroch Paths have worked hard to keep them well accessible through the prolific growth of the spring and summer to enable many of you to enjoy these lovely walks. You will see some of these featured on the Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING) facebook and website pages. Meanwhile the New Galloway Town Hall has been sitting rather despondently, still in a state of lockdown while everyone else has been having fun. However, it has been dressed up nicely with locally-made bunting and a new tapestry in honour of Betty McQueen, a previous hallkeeper who used to like sitting in the sunshine on the middle windowsill opposite her house and and chatting to passers-by. Other flower troughs have been kept colourfully planted to keep us cheerful even if we couldn’t get in. We’ll let you know as soon as anything changes on this front. We have had a request for a new crafty group and several folk ready to be part of it, so keep a lookout for starting notices. If you are buzzing with ideas of what you would like to do in the hall just let us know on ros.hill@ rathanhouse.me.uk or 01644 420 632. Ros Hill, Chairman, LING Garroch walled garden © Debra Hall. Glenkens Gazette page 13 Corsock & Kirkpatrick Durham Micro Grants Open for Applications A number of community councils around Blackcraig windfarm are now receiving £2,000 per year to be distributed through ‘micro-grants’. The latest round of the Corsock & Kirkpatrick Durham Community Council micro-grant scheme is now open, and awards of up to £500 to organisations and £250 to individuals will be considered for projects for charitable purposes to the general benefit of local residents. The application form is available online at www.corsockhall.wixsite.com with details on how it should be returned. The application deadline is 26 October 2020. Corsock & Kirkpatrick Durham Community Council Chairman, Joe Seed, said: “This is now our second year of funding. Last year we awarded the full £2,000 that we had available, across eight projects of benefit to our local residents. These included hall improvement costs, equipment such as a lawnmower and dishwashers, and community activities. We are keen to get the word out about the next funding round and if you have any queries, please get in touch. Applications are welcomed, from groups or individuals, by 26 October. Our thanks go as always to the Blackcraig Windfarm Fund for the money.” Pictured: Pippin Fitch next to the flower tubs funded by the last round of micro-grants and planted by Corsock Children’s Club. NOW ONLINE! Glenkens Playgroups - memories wanted As Bright Stars Nursery shut its doors for the last time in March – a planned closure in July brought forward by the COVID-19 pandemic – we want to celebrate the long history of playgroups, toddler groups and nurseries that the Glenkens Community Centre in Dalry has hosted over the years. Did you attend any of these groups with your little ones – not so little now! We’d love to take copies of any old photos that you could share, or hear stories of your time there, or even just get dates of when groups started and changed. Email your thoughts to Helen on keronh@me.com and we’ll try and get a really good feature in the next edition of the Gazette. Thank you! Helen Keron ORDER ONLINE OR BY PHONE Fleet Fish source a large selection of top quality fish, fruit and vegetables from market place to your door. We also stock chicken, sausages and cold meats plus eggs, milk and cheese. Much more than a fish van! Order before 9pm Sunday for delivery the following Friday 07966 103 912 charliecoid@hotmail.com www.fleet-fish.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 14 Waterside Hill Plantation Update Kerry Morrison, a member of the Dalry Community Council Subgroup for Waterside Hill, and Alison Wallace from Scottish Woodlands have for some months been in dialogue regarding woodland creation proposals on Waterside Hill. They have been listening to community voices and opinions and discussing how a woodland creation on Waterside Hill could benefit communities and stakeholders, retain key cultural features and views, benefit wildlife and address the climate emergency. As a result, a new proposal is going out to public consultation. The new scheme proposes that Waterside Hill is planted with predominantly native broadleaf species, with some Scots pine and Douglas fir which would be thinned over time and managed so that they would grow into a mature woodland that will retain carbon and support wildlife. This new proposal has been designed to enhance community access and amenity with increased open space, allowing full access to and around the Witches’ Score. An area adjacent to the existing Craigbubble Wood is set aside for the communities of Dalry and New Galloway to develop and utilise as they feel appropriate (more to follow on this aspect later). A more commercial element is proposed behind Waterside Hill to the north consisting of Sitka spruce, Norway spruce and native broadleaf species. As a new proposal (from Scottish Woodlands to Forestry Scotland), this combined scheme will be subject to full consultation, giving local communities the opportunity to ask further questions and comment. The first community consultation for this new proposal will take place at Dalry Town Hall on Thursday 8 October between 1pm and 7pm. Due to COVID-19, it is essential to book so if you would like to meet with Alison and a member of Dalry Community Council Subgroup for Waterside Hill to ask more about the scheme, please call Scottish Woodlands on 01556 502 754 and book a slot. The second public consultation will be in New Galloway, with the date and venue as yet to be confirmed. Due to challenges around consultation processes during the pandemic and with members of the community continuing to shield, it is also possible to send any questions or comments you may have to Alison Wallace directly on alison.wallace@ scottishwoodlands.co.uk or to a member of the Dalry Community Council Subgroup for Waterside Hill on watersidewood@gmail. com For further information about the consultation process and updates, please visit the Waterside Ways Facebook page and keep an eye on local notice boards in Dalry and New Galloway. Kerry Morrison, Dalry Community Council Subgroup for Waterside Hill NB Scottish Woodlands is the agent who was approached by the landowner, Earlstoun Estate, to draw up the woodland creation scheme for Waterside Hill. Scottish Forestry (formerly the Forestry Commission) is the body in charge of government grants for woodland creation and they are also in charge of approving proposals. Woodland creation schemes don’t go to D&G planning department but are dealt with by Scottish Forestry. Pictured below is a map of the proposed planting (© Scottish Forestry). Please note that this is a draft proposal published prior to public and stakeholder consultation and therefore may be subject to further changes. Glenkens Gazette page 15 Some Thoughts on Climate Change Below is a response to articles featured in the last edition of the Gazette from Laurieston resident Geoff Monk. Clearly there is a broadly based depth of feeling at the outset. I very much love being outdoors, and for me that may well involve running along the ridge of the Rhinns of Kells, reaching the top of Cairnsmore of Carsphairn, or the coastal paths on the Solway. I look for solitude and outstanding views – with as little evidence of human habitation as possible. My subsequent comments might give a different tone – so as you read on please hold my ideals in mind. Forestry I don’t want to deal with the pros and cons of particular proposals. However, whatever plans are on offer, we have to be honest that in Galloway, as in many parts of the world, our land has changed beyond recognition from what gradually evolved to be a more or less steady state after the last ice age. Present uninterrupted views would have been largely restricted to higher summits – above the climate dictated tree line. I think most of us would recognize that humanity has far overdone manipulation of the land, certainly to the detriment of biodiversity. That does also mean there might be some species living locally that would not be here in much more forested conditions. One difficulty in understanding the total human impact on the land, is that it mostly occurred so long ago that there is almost nothing in our ‘collective memories’ that senses what unspoilt land really looks like. Our understanding and starting point for debate tends to be what we see out of the window. Encouraging Biodiversity There are two difficult discussions we must have. Firstly, in recognising that without land management, humans would still be living as subsistence farmers or hunter gatherers with a very much lower population, we ask what steps can we, now part of a very full ‘human planet’ take to nudge back – rewild if you like – our little corner of earth toward a more thriving diverse entity. One example is that we have learned that extended unmanaged corridors, often next to canals or railway lines, provide zones of biodiversity – ranges of flora and fauna not found in our broadly rectangular fields or forest enclosures. Forests need to be replanted in a manner that will most encourage plants and animals. Yes, we also need to be alive to humanity’s desire for wood – and thus there will be the likes of Sitka spruce included. But how can our pieced woodland areas be joined up using corridors around our grazed fields, roads and tracks? How many saplings are simply killed at our annual culling of road and field side hedges? Surely the loss in cereal stock production would be low if even a few metres at field boundaries was allowed to return to a much more natural state. Yes, we would lose a lot of now open views. It is vital that humanity as a whole, and each community in particular, takes radical steps to vastly lower our human footprint on the earth. Broadly those of us in the west are using or diminishing the earth’s resources around three times faster than the earth can can naturally replenish what is lost. Climate Change The second discussion is climate change. Quite simply when we burn something, carbon dioxide is emitted into the air – which has little impact at all on incoming heat from the sun but ‘punches far above its weight’ in inhibiting that heat from leaving our atmosphere. The impact is an imperceptibly warming earth – which will continue until a new steady state is reached. The higher the new carbon dioxide level (together with the rise in quantity of other gases that have the example, we have an insatiable desire for travel; on land this requires a certain amount of energy, but this is increased dramatically to get us airborne or across the sea. (How have we moved from where only a tiny minority of people cruised across the oceans to where many of us burn our way across the seas on massive cruise ships?) Thus, our response to climate change now has to be far more radical than had we acted in 1990. Our Response to Environmental Changes Whether you or I like it or not, planting vast numbers of trees to help sequest carbon dioxide is only the starting point. We need to move toward solar panels being fitted to almost every building, across the tropics perhaps solar ovens (instead of wood fired) will need to be universal, and where there is plentiful wind energy, it should be harnessed. Hopefully research into tidal and wave power will bear fruit. Galloway is ideal for wind power. You or I might not like the prospect of wind turbines surrounding Cairnsmore of Carsphairn but if we do not lovingly embrace them, life is going to be very difficult indeed for our children and grand children. Thus as individuals and communities, with our backs very much against the wall, our care for the future of God’s planet must drive us to live very differently: vastly increasing renewable energy use and severely pruning use of earth’s resources, particularly fossil fuels. The Glenkens Our regional council has declared a climate emergency. Our community councils (and appropriate local groups and initiatives) need to follow, working out local strategies. Our decisions in combating climate change and rebalancing our environment should be shaped by listening to those who are currently starting (or soon to start) adult life and those who have already made strides in adapting their lifestyles. Unfortunately, we cannot bury our heads in what we see as our beautiful, peaceful, natural and archeologically rich Glenkens. Geoff Monk has run the Weather Centre in Laurieston for over 20 years and previous to that worked for the Meteorological Office. ...we cannot bury our heads in what we see as our beautiful, peaceful, natural and archeologically rich Glenkens. same heating effect) the warmer and more ‘uncomfortable’ for the present range of flora and fauna (no doubt some species will thrive, but many will not). Presently we are on course for massive loss of species. Warming may please us in terms of our electricity bills, but even small changes in average temperature are taking the earth out of delicate balance. What is more, it so happens small temperature rises allow higher levels of moisture to reside in the air. There is already evidence over time that as this moisture falls out of the air as rain-bearing cloud reaches Galloway directly off the Irish Sea, it is resulting in increased rainfall, in particular more very heavy, even extreme events. Thus more flooding. It is now more than 30 years since atmospheric scientists were able to express anticipated changes to the climate explicitly. Yet since 1990, humanity has conspired to accentuate the changes – by burning more and more fossil fuel. For Glenkens Gazette page 16 PROTECTING OUR SPECIAL PLACES Mochrum Fell Iron Age Fort In times past, amidst great troubles, hill forts offered communities hope and security. In the Glenkens, our twin iron age forts of Mochrum Fell and Stroanfreggan surely deserve to be protected as special iconic places. The troubles we face today are the same troubles our ancestors bore thousands of years ago; that of invasion. The nature of invasion has changed over time but the effects are timeless. COVID-19 is undeniably the major invader of the moment, a viral enemy of the utmost stealth and forcing our homes to become mini fortresses. Beyond the present crisis, controlling invasion is pretty much a day-to-day activity across the world. In Scotland we are lucky enough to have a democracy which allows us, as a community, to consult with planners. Thankfully, the tool of choice for fending off invasive notions has graduated from sword to voice. Yet our democratic institutions now face an invasion of their own and the democratic fortress is under threat. Like COVID-19, the democratic enemy operates with utmost stealth. The invasion is experienced as an insidious cancer which eats into the very core of our hope and security. In truth every single one of us in the Glenkens is an invader; the history of southwest Scotland is defined by waves of invasion. What starts off as a potential rejuvenating colonisation soon develops into a self-destructive invading force which hits a limit to growth. Quite simply, every invading force sucks the life out of its environment. After the ice age, first came the trees; then came the people; then came the peat; then came the cattle droving; then the sheep; then came the tourists; then the hydro dams; then the Sitka plantations; then the turbines. The upland landscape is so complex and natural in the Glenkens that today we are left with an amazing mosaic landscape which has the ability to subsume all manners of peaceful colonisation. It is only through an equitable and democratic planning system that we can manage the worst of invading forces which threaten to damage the Special Places that contribute so much to our well-being. Herding of sheep and cattle is no longer the main economic powerhouse of the Glenkens economy. The demise of the associated rich culture is a sad loss and it is imperative that what is left of the community has a place in our socio-economic strategy. Pastoral herding continues to be a very important contributor to upland resilience. The loss of pasture to Sitka is much lamented and for very good reason. Nowadays, our economy is based around Trees, Tourists and Turbines - the three Ts. Each of these is competing for land resource and each is a potential powerhouse invader. Sitka plantations, uncontrolled, pollute habitat and contribute to flood risk. Tourists, uncontrolled, pollute local interests primarily through litter dumping and irresponsible access. Turbines, uncontrolled, create noise pollution, light pollution and visual disturbance. Just as Stroanfreggan has been invaded by sheep, Mochrum Fell iron age fort has been invaded by trees. Sadly Mochrum Fell itself is to be invaded next by turbines. The developers have attempted to include Tourists by putting a picnic area under the turbines; however, it does seem to be a rather weak attempt to balance the Trees, Tourist and Turbine trio for the planning application. A recent conversation with a friend yielded a fourth T in the Glenkens socialeconomy. That T is Trust. Can we trust in the democratic institutions of this time, that they will deliver an equitable and fair planning outcome? Can we trust that polluting invaders will be sent packing by government officials who seek to improve the lives of those in already polluted cities? Or are we in the Glenkens simply the sacrificial lambs at the feet of our vitrified iron age hill forts. If you have any Special Places which you feel are under threat, please email me through fclubb@ btinternet.com Fiona Clubb, Carsphairn Mochrum Fell Together We Can Make a Difference While the world sits amidst a global pandemic a tsunami of commercial wind farm applications have been put forward which threaten to overwhelm the landscape around Corsock. It is worrying that, whilst lockdown conditions continue and public consultations are not possible, decisions on major issues which will impact our area for generations to come are being made without us. Proposed applications currently are Mochrum Fell (7 of 149.9m), Fell wind farm (7 of 200m, 2 of 180m), Garcrogo (10 of 190m) and Whiteneuk (Loch Urr site 35 of 250m) wind farms. If approved this would mean 84 turbines up to 250m dominating our landscape. At times the grid is already unable to cope with the electricity produced by the existing Blackcraig wind farm, meaning that the turbines have to be shut down. When shut down, ‘constraint payments’ are made to the wind farms - almost £650 million has been paid out to date to Scottish onshore wind farms over the last decade, resulting in 8.7 tera-Watt hours (TWh) of discarded electricity (to put this in perspective, the population of Scotland uses around 33TWh of electricity per year). These payments are paid for by the public through an added charge to our electricity bills. If more wind farms are built, it is likely a new giant pylon line would be needed. Power lines and pylons also have a huge impact on our landscapes. Please ensure you have your say as otherwise proposals like these may well be passed without any local say at all. An appeal has been submitted for Cornharrow (north of the B729 near Stroanfreggan). The Fell wind farm, adjacent to Blackcraig, has also gone to appeal and comments should be sent to DPEA@gov. scot quoting reference PPA-170-2146 (the closing date is officially 25 September but late responses may be accepted). The Mochrum Fell application, Garcrogo and Whiteneuk wind farm applications have not yet been submitted but if you would like to be kept updated, please email trevprocter@aol.co.uk and we will keep you informed - together we can make a difference. Trevor & Elaine Procter, Mochrum Fell Glenkens Gazette page 17 Community Councils Unite on Changing Forestry Planning Policy Forestry applications being proposed now total around 4,500 acres for Dumfries & Galloway, the majority of which are in the Stewartry. It has been an issue for our communities firstly to find out what’s going on and secondly do anything about it if dissatisfied with proposed developments. As a result of this, a document with a list of community concerns was drawn up asking for: • Better community notification and consultation • More planning regulation (as forestry developments are not subject to planning) • Better diversity within new planting plans (many of the new plans are the minimum standard 5% broadleaf) • A cap on the total area of a parish allowed to be forested (to prevent an area being overwhelmed by forestry) • More progressive management plans with nature and visual impact in mind (to protect biodiversity in our region) • A halt on planting until these topics are discussed/resolved with our communities These concerns were submitted to Scottish Forestry who are the government body overseeing new plantations, but all suggestions were rejected. The impact of forestry development is far reaching. The core points were put together by Corsock & Kirkpatrick Durham Community Council with input from other community councils and, in early September, a letter was sent out highlighting the points and asking community councils around the region to support the document. It is hoped that by showing solidarity and a united front on these issues we can effect a positive change for our communities by calling for a forestry policy change. So far 10 community councils, representing approximately 7,440 people, Sunflower Showtime Like a lot of things in 2020 the idea began at the start of lockdown with a WhatsApp group chatting online to find out what each member of the group was doing to fill the void whilst spending more time at home. They realised that gardening was the predominant pastime and the idea of a are supporting the document. If readers have concerns about forestry in our region at present, it seems the best course of action is to contact our MSPs directly, as well as to continue to comment on individual plantations at www.casebook.forestry.scot/w/webpage/ prhome The current policy has to be altered at government level to change the grant structure and diversity standards, although Scottish Forestry is responsible for how community consultations are carried out. Some recent and upcoming forestry proposals are: 700 acres near Laurieston, 200 acres outside Dalbeattie, 700 acres near Langholm, 700 acres near Sanquhar and three applications for Carsphairn totalling 2,738 acres. The majority of these cases are minimum broadleaf standards, but there have been positive discussions with some developers resulting in improvements based on community feedback. Joe Seed, Chairman, Corsock & Kirkpatrick Durham Community Council sunflower-growing competition emerged. As an incentive, they asked everyone to think of it as growing the flowers to “shine a light on our saviours on the front line” and gave free sunflower seeds out to the growers, as it was not easy to get hold of them. Gradually over the following months sunflowers could be seen throughout the the village of Dalry and stretching into other areas of the Glenkens. It was decided to use the ‘Sunflower Showtime’ exercise to raise money for a charity that reflected the work of individuals who work tirelessly as a matter of course 24/7 to save lives whilst putting their own lives at risk. The Scottish Charity Air Ambulance, which relies totally on donations from the people of Scotland, seemed to fit the bill. Fundraising stalls were set up on Dalry’s Main Street, with opportunities to guess the weight of the cake and how many sweets were in a jar, plus a raffle, prizes for which were donated by local residents. Fundraisers also worked in conjunction with Glenkens Food Month to offer a local home produce and baking stall. The residents of Dalry and the Glenkens are nothing if not generous and, thanks to their donations, a total of £426.85 was raised which will be sent to SCAA. Congratulations to everyone, young and old, who took part and a big ‘thank you’ goes to the fundraising team and all the residents who have supported this effort. The winners of the tallest sunflowers are picured: Left - Mrs Margaret Hamilton who wins the title of Dalry Adult Champion Sunflower Grower. Top right - Ben Hudson, age 11, who wins the title of Glenkens & Surrounding Area Junior Champion Sunflower Grower. Above - Lily Comrie, age 4½, who wins the title of Dalry Junior Champion Sunflower Grower. Lesley Blissett Glenkens Gazette page 18 THE GARDEN SPOT With summer barely over, it’s time to prepare for the new season. In fact, by the time you read this, it will already have started. You should have bought your spring bulbs, planted up pots and tubs for the winter/ spring and be thinking about what changes to make for next year. Any plant that hasn’t performed well – have it out. There is no room in the garden for sickly and poor performing specimens – each one removed is a new opportunity. Even my much-loved banana plant has to go due to failing in old age. When you are planting up your bulbs, hold back on the tulips; best to leave them until late October or early November before planting as this makes them less likely to suffer from Tulip Fire disease. Generally, the best advice is to plant what wants to grow and grows well but we all have our favourites that really don’t like growing in the Glenkens; however - we like to try! Classic amongst these is roses. Roses like a rich clay, alkaline or neutral soil – we definitely don’t have that. They also like hot dry sunny weather in the summer, and we usually don’t get that either. But we persevere by adding farmyard manure, garden compost, watering regularly and adding a mulch. My personal oddity is that I like Snake’s Head Fritillaries; you know that odd plant with chequered flowers that likes to grow in boggy alkaline meadows in the south of England? Well I like to grow it on my acid, dry, grassy bank at the bottom of my hedge and it certainly does not like that. In ideal conditions it will naturalise and come back year after year, but not here. I buy new bulbs each year, they flower in the spring as a great curiosity but never come back. Still I persist – I know they won’t come back but we are all allowed one indulgence, even if it means buying fresh bulbs each year. All the tatties will be up now, but why not dig over the patch one more time looking for overlooked tubers? It might cut down the number of ‘volunteer’ potato plants that spring up next year amongst whatever you plant on the spot, and it’s cheaper than going to the gym! And now to correct one of this season’s mistakes. Unusually, I had an awful crop of garlic this year so I am going to put plenty of compost and chicken manure in the new patch for next season and get the garlic planted before midOctober (along with some overwintering onions). And you know those measly little Where the leaf-cutter garlic cloves bees have been. that aren’t worth planting out? Well I cram them all into a ten-inch pot, as close together as you like, and when they come up, I cut them as ‘green tails’ to add to a salad or use as a garnish. Finally, as I look out of the window, I see neat round holes cut into the edges of some leaves. These are carefully made by leaf-cutter bees and do no harm to the plant. Not all holes in leaves are signs of a problem that needs to be dealt with. Rejoice in the insects that choose to live beside you. The Intrepid Gardener Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents Dumfries & Galloway 01556 503744 www.ggblaw.co.uk All legal advice Offices in Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie Kirkcudbright and Dumfries Glenkens Gazette page 19 A New Face for Crossmichael Complementary Therapy Centre After 30 years of caring for patients from all over the world, Jim Chalmers, current proprietor of Crossmichael Complementary Therapy Centre, had been planning to retire for some time. However, he insisted on not leaving until he could find someone who he was certain could provide the best continuing care for his patients; and now he has. Jim would like to bid a very fond farewell to his patients, and to introduce fellow Aussie Matthew Pajo, a highly skilled practitioner whose approach, like Jim’s, is patient-centred and professional. Matthew has been studying and practising Chinese medicine for over 25 years and has completed a BHSc in acupuncture and has attained a MAppSc in Chinese Herbal Medicine, with distinction. Matthew, his wife and On the left is Jim Chalmers, and on the right Matthew Pajo. daughter have Jim said: “Many thanks to all my recently patients who have trusted me over arrived from Australia to live the years. I know you will be in in the Glenkens - and what a good hands with Matt - if you have time to arrive; in the middle of any questions at all, just call.” a global pandemic! Hopefully Matthew’s expertise in his field and enthusiasm for this new role will, To get in touch you can call Jim at this challenging time, be of real Chalmers on 07749 087 699 or benefit to people in and around the Matthew Pajo on 07786 079 845. Glenkens area. CROSSMICHAEL COMPLEMENTARY THERAPY CENTRE Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine The Old School, Crossmichael, DG7 3AP Offering time-tested, personalised acupuncture and traditional Chinese herbal medicine to the Dumfries & Galloway region. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is recommending acupuncture treatment for chronic pain conditions instead of pharmaceutical pain killers, on the premise that opioids and many analgesics do more harm than good*. So, what better choice is there? Acupuncture is safe, drug-free and effective. With traditional acupuncture and Chinese medicine from a qualified and trusted practitioner, you will receive authentic and researched treatments. * NICE draft clinical guideline published 3rd August 2020 Practitioner Matthew Pajo has been studying and practising Chinese medicine for over 25 years and has completed a BHSc in acupuncture and has attained a MAppSc in Chinese Herbal Medicine Contact Matthew on 07786 079 845 Glenkens Gazette page 20 Glenkens Gazette page 21 Curtains Up for Dalry Film Club Dalry Film Club is looking forward to presenting a new season of films to their local audience in Dalry Town Hall. Film club chair, Jim Reid, said: “Television and the internet have been great during the lockdown but, for many of us, the big screen is by far the best way of viewing films - that’s what they were made for. We imagine that our audience has missed our screenings as much as we have, so we’re delighted to once again be able to open the doors to local film-goers.” There are a number of necessary changes to the Town Hall screenings which have had to be made in line with current guidance regarding COVID-19, to make the experience as safe as possible. Please ensure you use the hand sanitisers provided and also viewers will be required to wear face coverings. Also, social distancing requirements have reduced the audience numbers to about fifteen which means that if you turn up on the night you may not find there are spaces - to ensure a seat, please do phone and book via the CatStrand or book online (01644 420 374 or www. catstrand.com). Jim goes on to say: “This limit in numbers has made the economics of film shows very challenging and we could not run without the support we get from the CatStrand and Driftwood Cinema. Nevertheless, we have decided to keep our price to £5 for the moment to ensure it’s affordable for people. Of course, we also recognise that we are at the mercy of circumstances and may need to cancel individual films or the season as a whole if needs arise.” UPCOMING SCREENINGS: Downton Abbey - 7 October Knives Out - 21 October 1917 - 4 November Personal History of David Copperfield - 18 November Emma - 9 December Little Women - 6 January Military Wives - 27 January The Joys of Minor Classics: Anne Bronte and Wilkie Collins As the social restrictions begin to head into the winter months, the joys of finding and [re-]reading books that we might not have found time for become apparent. Two authors seem to fit the bill here: Wilkie Collins and Anne Bronte. My personal favourite Bronte book is The Tenant of Wildfell Hall but cannot choose between Collins’ The Moonstone or The Woman in White. All three books can be supplemented by various Youtube programmes. The Woman in White offers a choice from 1948, 1982, 1997 and 2018, The Moonstone offers 1934 and 1996 and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall offers a 1997 series. In addition, there is plenty of choice through a range of David Tallontire CHIMNEY SWEEP Covering the Glenkens & further afield 07709 144 299 - wood burners - multi-fuel stoves - open fires - Agas - Rayburns - birds nest removal with CCTV inspection - certificates issued - feel free to call for advice - Find me on Facebook audiobooks for all three. The various Book Club analyses and discussion videos are very much a matter of personal taste. The Woman in White and Wildfell Hall are seen as exploring the position and rights of women in the nineteenth century. The former exploring the impact of a controlling male and the latter celebrating the escape from such domination by a very enterprising and determined mother and wife. In fact, Wildfell Hall has been described as the first feminist novel. The Moonstone is a very early example of the mystery and detective book. All three are beautifully written and crafted of course and will provide hours of pleasant reading. Although written back in the nineteenth century, they have kept their charm and interest. A nice fire in the grate or the woodburner will provide the perfect hint of Victorianism to accompany them. Perhaps candlelight might be just a shade too self-indulgent or a step too far in this respect. Bruce Smith Kindling available Family and friends coming to stay? Short of space? Cosy country cottage available (sleeps 4) Call Fiona on 01644 420 227 www.covenanters-holidaycottagescotland.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 22 Glenkens WW2 Deaths: Part I Regular readers of the Gazette will recall that I wrote a series of articles about the men and women of the Glenkens who are listed on our war memorials and who died in the First World War. I thought that it was high time that I paid similar tribute to those from the Second World War. Although more recent, there is much less information available about these people because, unlike for the Great War, we don’t have access to service records and there was no Stewartry Roll of Honour. But, most importantly, newspapers were not permitted to report events, injuries and deaths in the same way as was common in the first World War. In this series of articles, I will include those who are listed on the four civic war memorials of Kells, Dalry, Balmaclellan and Carsphairn. If anyone has any additional information about these men and women above what I have written (especially photographs), please forward it via the editor and I will add it in future articles [please do NOT send original documents or photographs - Ed]. There were no Glenkens deaths in 1939, and the first (and only) death from 1940 was that of Sergeant Robert Bence. Robert was born in 1908 in Bath, Somerset, to parents Fred and Margaret Bence. He was brought up from infancy by his grandfather James McJannet and assisted in the family provisions business in New Galloway; his aunt, Miss Catherine McJannet, lived in High Street, New Galloway. He joined the Kirkcudbright battery of the Royal Artillery pre-war and went to France in March 1940 as part of the British Expeditionary Force. He served in Belgium and was reported missing on 27 May before the Dunkirk evacuation at 31 years of age. With no known grave, he is commemorated on the Dunkirk Memorial in France and is named on the Kells parish war memorial. The next Glenkens man to fall was Lance Corporal John William Smith O’Neill. John was born in Kelton parish in 1917, the son of William and Sophia (Smith) O’Neill of Balmaclellan. He served with the 2nd Battalion of the Queens Own Cameron Highlanders and was reported missing in action in East Africa on 29 January 1941 at the age of 24. With no known grave, he is commemorated on the Khartoum Memorial, Sudan, along with nearly 600 soldiers of the 1940-41 East African campaign who died in the Sudan or in the advance to Eritrea and Northern Ethiopia. He is named on the Balmaclellan war memorial. Robert Little (known as Bobbie) was born in Kirkcudbrightshire (town/village not identified), the son of the late Robert Maxwell Little, a blacksmith, and Margaret (Kilpatrick) Little of Smithy House, Dalry. He joined the Royal Army Service Corps and was serving at Beacon Barracks, Salisbury, Wiltshire when he was killed during an air-raid on 14 March 1941 at the age of 21. His body was brought back to Dalry and he was buried in Dalry Churchyard where he has a private stone SPALDING WINS CUP The winners of the Inter-county Cup for Stewartry vs Dumfriesshire, won by Dalry’s Spalding Bowling Club paired with Auchencairn Bowling Club. on an official Commonwealth War Grave. He is named on the Dalry war memorial. Next to fall was Flight Sergeant Cecil Robertson. Cecil was born in 1921 in New Galloway, the son of Jessie Agnes Robertson and grandson of Mrs Robertson of High Street, New Galloway. He was educated at Kells school and Kirkcudbright Academy. Cecil enlisted into the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in 1940 and served with 235 Squadron flying Bristol Blenheim IVs from RAF Bircham Newton, Norfolk on patrols over Holland, and for convoy protection and reconnaissance over the North Sea. His aircraft was shot down by German ME 110 fighters whilst attacking a German convoy off Borkum on the Danish coast. It was later learnt that he had been picked up by German forces, severely wounded and died of wounds on 5 May 1941 at the age of 19. He was initially buried in Wilhelmshaven Military Cemetery but was re-interred in Sage War Cemetery, Germany in July 1947. He is named on the Kells war memorial and the Kirkcudbright Academy memorial. The final death to be included in this article is that of Elizabeth Mary Wood, known as Elma. Elma was born in Dalbeattie in 1920, the daughter of Adam Wacker Wood and Hannah (Robertson) Wood of Kirkland Street, Dalry. She served in several places as a Canteen Assistant for NAAFI (Navy, Army and Air Force Institute). NAAFI is not strictly part of the Armed Forces but can usually be found in barracks and wherever troops are deployed. Their staff fulfil an important role in welfare of the troops. Elma died of Addison’s Disease in Dumfries Infirmary on 18 November 1941 at the age of 21. She is buried in Dalry Churchyard. Elma is not commemorated by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission because, being a member of a civilian organisation, she would only be commemorated by them if she died as a direct result of enemy action. However, the local war memorial committee saw fit to name her on the Dalry war memorial in recognition of her wartime service. She is also named on the Kirkcudbright Academy memorial. Paul Goodwin Glenkens Gazette page 23 Who is in Your Family History? One thing I returned to during the lockdown was researching my family history. I first researched it over fifteen years ago, but things have changed a bit since then. Much more information is available online nowadays, some of it free but much is only available on paid-for sites such as ScotlandsPeople and Ancestry. My original research had used the traditional methods of checking vital records (births, marriages and deaths) but also the censuses taken every ten years (since 1841). I found out in my initial research that I was from a long line of agricultural labourers, many illiterate and a few illegitimate. I was lucky to be able to get back a little over two hundred years on most lines. Generally, only the great and the good had their lives recorded much earlier than that. During the lockdown I was contacted by someone who shared a great-great grandmother (Mary Elizabeth Dowle) with me. I should point out that siblings share a parent, first cousins share a grandparent, second cousins share a great grandparent and we shared a second great grandparent so we are third cousins. He gave me some info about Mary Elizabeth Dowle’s father and I found that records from Lydd in Kent were online. I managed to trace back a further six generations and then a further five generations via an online family website to Richard Wake who was the Sheriff of Northamptonshire. This was a lucky stroke because he was one of said ‘great and good’ so his lineage was well documented in thepeerage.com. I traced his line back to Thomas Wake ‘The Great Wake’. Going further back, there were Knights, an MP and a couple more Sheriffs of Northamptonshire, until I got back to Sir Hugh Wake MP (born 1240) whose mother was Devorguilla of Galloway (not the famous one - her aunt). Her father was Roland of Galloway, then back to Uchtred of Galloway, Fergus Lord of Galloway and Princess Elizabeth, King Henry I of England and William the Conqueror. So, it turns out that I am the 28th greatgrandson of William the Conqueror. Not to get too excited about it, we are probably all descended from William the Conqueror, it’s just that I was lucky enough to be able to trace it. We all have two grandfathers, four great grandfathers, eight great-great grandfathers so… we have 536,870,912 28th great grandfathers and that means that I had 536,870,911 who were NOT William the Conqueror! The one thing that pleases me though, being born English, is that I have always had a love for Scotland in general and the Stewartry in particular. Now I know that, as the 24th great grandson of Roland of Galloway, it is in my DNA! Now I wonder if I can push any other ancestor lines further back? Paul Goodwin Glenkens Gazette page 24 GLENKENS PLACE NAMES: PART VI In the third instalment of this series I touched on matters supernatural and religious. Specifically I mentioned Blackcraig Hill, the old name for which was Beinn Naoimh, the sacred mountain. To recap, this derivation is supported by the place-name Benniff on the Blaeu Atlas, the survey for which was undertaken by Timothy Pont around 1600. On the hill sky-line there is Cairn Molly today, probably from the Gaelic Càrn Molaidh, eulogising or praising cairn. And then there is the discovery of the bronze casting of a Celtic handbell was found in 1892 near Monybuie (Monadh Buidhe, yellow moor) on the slopes of the hill. In this instalment I want to discuss the importance of local pronunciation in the determining of the meaning of place-names. Without getting the local pronunciation it is easy to get driven down blind alleys and end up with something completely wrong. A good example of this takes us back to Blackcraig or Am Beinn Naoimh, the sacred mountain. On the southern slopes of this hill, halfway up the track towards Halfmark and now buried in commercial forestry is the site of a former farmstead called Tydeaverries. By around 1850 this was already in ruins and the Ordnance Survey Name Book records that it had been merged with the farm of Halfmark. The Name Book also recorded some variant spellings of the place-name, Tidyverries, Tydeaverries and even Tydworish. There was clearly some disagreement amongst the Ordnance Survey’s informants as to how to spell the place-name, the matter was settled as recorded as noted therein ‘Mr Black asserts that his brother in law who is the proprietor of this place spells the house thus Tydeaverrys’. This is then a difficult name to try to establish the possible meaning of. In the Blaeu Atlas published in 1654 and mentioned above, it is Tydauarries. Gilbert Markús in the Place-Names of the Galloway Glens website perhaps wisely does not attempt to interpret it. At first glance it would suggest to me, Gaelic Taigh ‘house’ plus dubh-àirigh ‘black summer shieling’with an English plural ‘s’ as often gets added. However this would require a pronunciation in rough phonetic English, Tie Doovery(s) with the emphasis, or stress on the ‘Doo’ part. I have been trying to assist Professor Roibeard Ó Maolalaigh, Professor of Celtic and Gaelic at Glasgow University to check the local pronunciations of some Galloway place-names which he needs for some research into Galloway Gaelic. One of those chosen by him was Tydeaverrys. It is unfortunately the case that a lot of these minor place-names are being forgotten, especially when they are no longer used and are perhaps inaccessible through afforestation or some other reason. Placename pronunciation also can change under influence of new arrivals. A good case in point is Knockman (wood) near Newton Stewart which is always pronounced Knockmaan by older locals whereas it is increasingly being spoken as Knockman to rhyme with ‘postman’. This stress-shift is something BBC Radio Scotland seems to delight in with place-names. Anyhow I was fortunate to be able to speak to some knowledgable locals[1] who had grown up in that area and knew the place and its place-name as had been pronounced in their families in the past. They were good enough to check with other family members as well. The clear pronunciaton that came back was however not what I expected at all. It was Tidy Verries or Tidy Berries with perhaps a slight stress on the ‘Ver/Ber’ part of the second word (Tidy pronounced as English ‘to tidy up’). This blew the ‘house of the black summer shieling’ idea out of the water right away as that pronunciation would not fit at all. I was stumped. However on relating this to Professor Ó Maolalaigh he tentatively suggested a couple of alternatives. The first was Gaelic Taigh dà Bhairr/Bharra ’house of the two tops/ends’. But for a house half way up the hillside that didn’t seem to make much sense topographically although as Roibeard said that might account for the plural form seen in the current version. He also considered Gaelic Taigh do Bharra, ie house + honorific + saint name - ‘House of thy Bairre’ which also would much more closely fit the modern pronunciation. In making this suggestion Roibeard was unaware of the Beinn Naoimh earlier name for Blackcraig Hill, Cairn Molly or the handbell found very close by (see article 3 in this series). All circumstantial evidence to perhaps support a saintly dedication behind Tydeaverrys. Bairre is a hypocoristic form derived from a Gaelic saint called Fionnbharr, alias Finnian, probably attached to the Co. Down church of Movilla in the Ards peninsula in Ulster and who lived around 600 AD[2]. He may have been a tutor of Colum Cille. He also seems to have had a Brittonic pet name, Uinniau (alias Vinnio and Finnio) and he may have been born in one of the Gaelic settlements in Wales. This also may have led to a wide diffusion of his cult. Professor Ó Maolalaigh has pointed out that there is no evidence of a cult to Bairre in Galloway. However in the form Uinniau, he may be represented in Kirkgunzion with its St Winning’s Well not too far from Blackcraig. In conclusion then, more evidence is needed but we may just be seeing a glimpse that the sacred nature of this hill, Blackcraig or Am Beinn Naoimh was connected to a cult to Saint Finnian of Movilla. If so, this would be one of many Galloway dedications to Gaelic Irish saints of the early medieval period. Michael Ansell, Carsphairn 1 My thanks to Alan Smith and John Finlay 2 See A Dictionary of Irish Saints by Padraig Ó Riain, Dublin, 2011 Glenkens Gazette page 25 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN THE FOLK NEXT DOOR Living as we do in what sometimes seems like a covenanting graveyard we tend to forget that there were plenty of folk in Galloway, and indeed the ‘Glenkennes’, who had no truck with radical presbyterianism and who lived out their lives as best they could with few comforts in a difficult country. The earliest truly useful description of Galloway was written in 1684 by Andrew Symson, curate of Kirkinner, Wigtownshire: In the late Rebellion, that unhappy time When loyalty was look’d on as a crime, And Royalists were hooted at like owles Esteem’d deserving nought but scoffs and scowles... Symson seems to have been a decent individual, but desertion by his congregation forced him to eventually move to Edinburgh where he operated as a publisher. He could not, however, escape the violence of his times, publishing Sir George Mackenzie’s Laws and Customs with “a treatise of Mutilation and Demembration and their Punishments”. His Galloway tract factually defined the parishes and boundaries of the province, with some notes on the region’s economy. Parishes were originally ecclesiastical units of land intended to support a priest and a church, with the support of the local laird. Until the 19th century most folk would not travel very far from their birth parish. Here we explore mainly what Sympson wrote about this district; “Balmaclellan, Dalry, Corsefairne, and the Kells ly eastward of the river Dee; and because the river of Kenn runs through them, therefore they are commonly called the Glenkennes” (Sympson’s spelling of place names is used throughout). Excluded from that privileged little band were Corsemichael and Partan. The author’s technique is to give the distance of each parish from Kirkcudbright by the long and shorter routes. For example, Corsemichael is twelve miles distant from Kirkcudbright, “keeping the way thereto upon the east side of the Dee; but only eight miles the nearest way; but then you must cross the water of Dee twice, viz. at the Boat of Balmaghie (ie ferry) and at the town of Kirkcudbright”. On the east the parish is bounded by the parishes of Kirkpatrick and Orr (Urr), on the south by Bootle and Kelton, on the west Balmaghie and on the north Partan. The latter is fourteen miles from the Stewartry capital but only ten, using two Dee crossings. Three lairds claim the right of patronage, presentation of a minister – Viscount Kenmuir, the Laird of Partan and the Laird of Drumrash. When there was no agreement between them the Bishop of Galloway presented jure devoluto (no nomination). Today it is difficult to comprehend why there should have been so much controversy about such a tiny village where inhabitants are seldom seen! Balmaclellan was reckoned about twenty miles from the metropolitan, but crossing at Boat of Rone, at the merchant who left a large sum of money for a free school in Dalry. Corsefairne is twenty-eight miles from Kirkcudbright but following the same route as the Dalryrians saved about four miles. Carved out of Dalry and Kells in the mid seventeenth century the parish was now bordered by the Polmaddy Bourn. The considerable Water of Deuch loses its name on entering the Kenn. Kells with the pint-sized royal burgh of New Galloway enjoys a weekly market and an annual fair as well as Kenmuir Castle. The parish is “for the most part, muirs and mountains”. The exercise which engaged Sympson was inspired by Sir Robert Sibbald, who became president of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh and first professor of medicine at Edinburgh University, as well as Geographer Royal for Scotland. Among his many interests were mapping and gathering information for what might have become the Statistical Account of Scotland a century before Sir John Sinclair’s famous initiative, which is still extremely valuable for Scottish historians, especially of the local variety. Sympson’s interests were overwhelmingly drawn from Wigtownshire but he also tried to supply Stewartry material. He discusses soils, peat, timber, vermin, sheep, horses, bier (a poorer form of barley) and hemp. A big subject in Galloway was the importation of Irish cattle to be fattened in large parks or enclosures, for the English market and consequently a dependency, sometimes fraught, on drovers. He touches on fishing in rivers, lochs and the sea. Galloway’s ports were small and her roads poor. Folk favoured Tuesdays and Thursdays for weddings. When someone died the event was advertised by burning the bed-straw of the deceased. He was interested in language, proverbs, weights and measures. As a wise man wrote, “haein the richt tae be oorsels disnae mean turnin inwards an only carin aboot oorsels, but in learnin tae respect, tolerate an byde in peace wi oor fella Scots an ither folk, stertin wi oor neebours’”. Tak Tent! Balmaclellan was reckoned about twenty miles from the metropolitan, but crossing at Boat of Rone, at the influx of the Dee into the Loch of Kenn, saved about six miles. influx of the Dee into the Loch of Kenn, saved about six miles. Further north was Dalry but the shorter route involved crossing the Kenn and then Boat of Roan with another crossing at Kirkcudbright. “About a furlong distant from the east end of the kirk, there is a little town commonly called St John’s Clachan, or the Old Clachan, partly belonging to the Earl of Galloway and partly to the Laird of Earlstoun”. Dalry is “bounded” by a record number of neighbours – Balmaclellan, Kells and Corsefairne both separated from the village by the Kenn; and by the parishes of Cumnock, Sanquhair, Pinpont at Polskeoch and Glencairn separated by the Water of Castlefairne. Sympson mentions the endowment of Alexander Bryce, a local and a wealthy Ted Cowan Glenkens Gazette page 26 The Empire Windrush Connection A contribution by Jennifer and Sandy Harvie: We have been going through Sandy’s mum’s [Mrs Rita Harvie] things while emptying out her house and have come across clippings from newspapers about the sinking of the Empire Windrush. William (Billy) Campbell was Rita’s younger brother and eventually lived in Wales with his wife and family and died some years ago. Mrs Rita Harvie, who sadly passed away in October 2019, was well known in the village and around the Glenkens. Here is some information about the Empire Windrush, and then the excerpts from the paper follow: HMT (His Majesty’s Transport) Empire Windrush, originally MV (Motor Vessel) Monte Rosa, was a passenger liner and cruise ship launched in Germany in 1930. She was owned and operated by the German shipping line Hamburg Süd in the 1930s under the name Monte Rosa. During World War II she was operated by the German navy as a troopship. At the end of the war, she was taken by the British Government as a prize of war and renamed the Empire Windrush. In British service, she continued to be used as a troopship until March 1954, when the vessel caught fire and sank in the Mediterranean Sea with the loss of four crew. Empire Windrush brought one of the first large groups of postwar West Indian immigrants to the United Kingdom, carrying 1,027 passengers and two stowaways on a voyage from Jamaica to London in 1948. British Caribbean people who came to the United Kingdom in the period after World War II, including those who came on later ships, are sometimes referred to as the Windrush generation. Glenkens Gazette page 27 YOUR CHANCE TO SHAPE LOCHSIDE LIFE The Loch Ken Trust is a new charity which has been set up to put the community at the heart of decisionmaking on how to make life better around Loch Ken. Gazette, but would love to see even more. The Trust aims to make the future of Loch Ken better and brighter for everyone, and in order to achieve this we need input from as many different people as possible.” If you are interested in joining the Loch Ken Trust, or have any thoughts or ideas which you feel could work for the project, please contact LKToffice@ protonmail.com or visit our Facebook page www.facebook.com/lochkentrust As a new organisation, we are looking to recruit members to help guide the work we do - so why not join the Loch Ken Trust? We would love to have you on board! Membership is completely free and open to anyone who supports our purpose: “To promote the natural, cultural and recreational assets of the Loch Ken area for the benefit of the public and to support sustainable local communities.” Barnaby Fryer, the Loch Ken Trust officer overseeing the project, told us: “We have been thrilled by the stream of membership applications received since our feature in the last Glenkens Progress Report: Windy Rig Wind Farm aggregates and piping. One of the local companies, GTR Contracts based just outside Dumfries, supply us with the heavy machinery required to construct the tracks to the turbine locations. MESSAGING SERVICE Are you a regular user of the B729? Do you receive text messages to be told about any large deliveries or additional activity on the route to our site? Contact Doug Wilson if you would like to be added, doug.wilson@statkraft.com or call 07542 754 642. For up to date information on construction progress, visit www.statkraft.co.uk/windyrig Advertisement ONSITE PROGRESS We have had a busy couple of months onsite with more access tracks being completed and work starting on the turbine foundations. On the public road, installation of the passing places is nearly complete and good progress is being made on the road widening in preparation for the turbine deliveries. Because we have been able to source stone within the site to create the access tracks, we have managed to greatly reduce the traffic along the B729. The addition of the new passing places is helping to ease congestion along the route. LOCAL SUPPLIERS We are pleased to see lots of local suppliers on site. Almost half of our present suppliers come from within a 30-mile radius of the site. We are currently using local suppliers for plant hire, Glenkens Gazette The last three years have been a tremendous success for the Connecting in Communities (CiC) project. Managed by Brian Jones and Chris Jowsey, and based at CatStrand in New Galloway, this project was part funded by LEADER and the Big Lottery and was primarily aimed at helping reduce rural and social isolation in the Glenkens. There are too many groups, activities and events to mention but here’s but a selection of what was delivered: the CatStrand Ukulele Band (who raised thousands of pounds for local charities and good causes), the Glenkens Men’s Shed (first and finest in Dumfries & Galloway), yoga, fitness, tai-chi, film club, intergenerational projects (check out the mural at CatStrand), walking groups, writing and photography groups, page 28 learn the whistle, beginners ukes and some mega rock events and discos. The original CiC project has now ended and we’d like thank each and every person who took part, whether this was as a volunteer, activity lead, participant, audience member or simply took part in one of our surveys - thank you; you’ve really help make the Glenkens a better place to live. But this is not the end! Thanks to a National Lottery award from The National Lottery Community Fund Connecting in Communities are embarking on a new and exciting two-year project. We’ll be based at The Smiddy in Balmaclellan and feature loads of your favourite groups and activities plus loads of new ones, all made possible thanks to National Lottery players! The Smiddy is a fabulous new building with boundless possibilities for allsorts of activities, and its co-existence with the Men’s Shed offers even more opportunities. Learning will feature greatly in the new project and we’re building partnerships to maximise the Smiddy’s potential as a learning hub. Our Skills Club, run in conjunction with the IT Centre, helping people develop their skills for employment, will be one the first activities back in the Smiddy when COVID-19 restrictions end. COVID-19 has put a hold on us getting together just now, but thanks to Zoom, and the wonders of modern technology, many of our events are available online. The new project will have more of a focus on helping groups become self-sufficient, and getting new ones started, so if you have an idea that’ll help enhance our community, please get in touch - Brian and Chris would love to hear from you. Meanwhile, opposite is a list of what’s on offer remotely and who to contact if you would like to join in (please note that times and activities change so always check with the contact for the latest information). For further info call 01644 420 274 or email chris@catstrand.com or brian@catstrand.com Glenkens Gazette page 29 ONLINE CLASSES WITH CiC ADVERTISE IN THE GAZETTE (price per issue incl VAT) SMALL: 6cm x 6cm, £37.80 (+ 10% off with series discount) 1/4 PAGE: 9cm w x 13cm h, £81.90 (+ 25% off with series discount) 1/2 PAGE: 18cm w x 13cm h, £151.20 (+ 25% off with series discount) FULL PAGE: 18cm w x 27cm h, £252 (+ 25% off with series discount) Call 07727 127 997 VAT Reg. No. 882 8361 87 GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL 01644 420234 PROFESSIONAL GARDENER Available for part-time garden maintenance and autumn clearances. Reliable and friendly service with 20 years experience. Contact Debbie on 07710 771 433 Glenkens Gazette page 30 Glenkens Gazette page 31 Many events and activities are still on hold at the time of going to print due to COVID-19. Please check government guidelines for up-to-date information on social activities during October & November. CROSSMICHAEL & PARTON POPPY APPEAL Due to COVID-19 restrictions there will be no door-todoor collection this year. However, donations can be left at Crossmichael village shop or contact Margaret Nelson on 01556 670 595 for postal details. There is also ‘The Crossmichael (virtual) Local’ Facebook page through which JustGiving donations can be made online. LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUPS Glenkens Community Shop: Contact Shirley McNaught on 07955 743 022 or drop by the charity shop on Main Street, Dalry Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING): Contact Ros Hill on ros.hill@rathanhouse.co.uk Dalry Communities Properties Trust (DCPT): Contact Andi Holmes on andiholmes@hotmail.com or 07729 292 126 Dalry Town Hall: Contact Jim Reid on 01644 430231 or jamescreid@hotmail.co.uk Glenkens Community Centre: Contact Carylann Williamson on williamsoncarylann@gmail.com New Galloway Community Enterprises (NGCE): Contact Sam Rushton on 07741 656601 or samCEW@newgallowaycommunity.shop or pop into New Galloway Community Shop Balmaclellan Community Trust: Contact Julia Higgins on julia.higgins55@outlook.com CatStrand: Contact Chris Jowsey at chris@catstrand.com 01644 420 374 or pop in to the CatStrand Schools: Visit the school office or call Dalry Primary on 01644 430 105 (for Nursery/ELC too), Dalry Secondary on 01644 430 259 or Kells on 01644 420 340 Carsphairn Heritage Group: carsphairnheritagegroup@ gmail.com Bright Stars - Glenkens Community Nursery: Contact glenkenscommunitynursery@gmail.com Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership (GGLP): Contact McNabb Laurie on mcnabb.laurie@dumgal.gov.uk If you would like to add your community organisation to this list please get in touch with the Gazette - contact details are on the back page. CHURCH TIMES CHURCH OF SCOTLAND: Apart from Remembrance Sunday, we will be holding just one Church of Scotland service each Sunday. Videos will continue to be posted on youtube, accessed by typing ‘Balmaclellan, Kells and Dalry with Carsphairn’ into the youtube search box. Remembrance Services (8 Nov): 10.30am in Carsphairn Church; 10.55am at New Galloway War Memorial – act of remembrance, followed by short open-air service; 10.55am Balmaclellan War Memorial – short act of remembrance; 12noon Dalry Church SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH: Sunday Services: Balmaclellan 11am: 4 Oct & 1 Nov; Carsphairn 11am: 11 Oct; Kells 11am: 18 Oct, 15 & 29 Nov; St Margaret’s, New Galloway: Sunday Dalry 11am: 25 Oct & 22 Nov. Eucharists have re-started, 10.30am. Communion Service: 25 Oct, For information call Pam Swift on 01644 11am, Dalry Church. 15 Nov, 11am, 420467. Carsphairn Church. Dalry Library & Customer Service Centre Tuesdays 10.30am-2pm Fridays 11am-4.30pm For further information contact Castle Douglas library on 01556 502 643 USEFUL NUMBERS: ● Pot-hole Hotline: 0845 276 0000 ● Police, non-emergency: 101 ● Doctor: 01644 420 234 ● NHS 24: 08454 24 24 24 ● D&G Council: 030 33 33 3000 Glenkens Gazette page 32 Smithy Wins Travellers’ Choice Award The Smithy tearoom in New Galloway have received a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice 2020 Award. Margaret and Andrew have been running the Smithy Café and Gift shop since March 2018 and have recently received this fantastic tripadvisor award. Margaret and Andrew said: “We were delighted to receive the following email from Tripadvisor– “Congratulations to The Smithy on being a Travellers’ Choice winner. Each year, we comb through reviews, ratings, and saves from travellers everywhere, and use that info to award the very best. You’re part of an exclusive group; you’re in the top 10% of restaurants worldwide”. Many thanks to the people who have made this possible. It has been a strange year for us all but the staff at the Smithy and our suppliers have taken the opportunity to shine in these difficult times. “The many messages and best wishes received from our customers and visitors are truly appreciated and we thank you all for your continued support. Stay safe and well.” Well done Margaret and Andrew for creating such an outstanding, well-loved and award-winning little café in the wonderful setting of New Galloway. STOP PRESS: Just as this edition of the Gazette was going to print, The Smithy was nominated in the Sunday Post under the best five ‘Cool Coffee Shops’ in Scotland - what an accolade! Margaret and Andrew with their Tripadvisor award. - Shop online: www.ballardsbutchers.co.uk Email: shop@ballardsbutchers.co.uk Tel: 01556 502 501 Free Local Delivery Tues & Fri (orders over £20) Wide Variety of Local Produce 10th October • 14th November 10am-12.30pm - See Glenkens Food Hub ad on p3 For further information or to book a stall ring 01644 430 454 or visit www.dalrytownhall.co.uk Entrance by donation - proceeds towards Dalry Town Hall Refurbishment Fund North of Castle Douglas, A713 Ayr Road WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! 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 DEC/JAN COPY DEADLINE: 5 NOV Butcher Meat Fruit & Veg Milk & Bread Available to order Design & co-ordination: Sarah Ade sarah.ade@gmail.com Printing: www.instantprint.co.uk The Glenkens Gazette is an initiative of the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust, a Registered Scottish 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 120 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GG_120 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 2020 Description An account of the resource Editor: Sarah Ade https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/1/266/GlenkensGazette119.pdf f8078651fcfb5c59400be8574eec76e9 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 119 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, Corsock, Crossmichael, Kirkpatrick Durham, Laurieston, Mossdale, New Galloway, Parton and St John’s Town of Dalry August/September 2020 ISSUE 119 FREE Woodland Developers Agree Talks Over Waterside Proposal Plans to plant a muchloved Glenkens hill with Sitka spruce and other conifers are being reviewed following local protests. News that Waterside Hill outside Dalry was to be the latest location for a Sitka plantation had provoked widespread local concern over the impact on amenity, wildlife, tourism and local heritage. Following two recent meetings between representatives from Dalry Community Council and Scottish Woodlands, including an extensive site visit, Scottish Woodlands have now agreed that there is potential to review aspects of the current planting scheme application, taking into account the many concerns that have been raised by local people. This review was taking place as the Gazette went to press. Residents of Dalry and neighbouring communities had claimed that the proposal was being rushed through without proper consultation in the midst of the COVID-19 restrictions. They also claimed the developers had failed to publish full survey reports showing how the development would impact on tourism, wildlife and local heritage sites and demanded that the consultation period be extended. The planting proposal was to have been the subject of a public meeting in The view over Dalry from the cairn atop Waterside Hill by Jill Bowes. Dalry last December but the meeting was cancelled by Scottish Woodlands at short notice. No subsequent meeting was held before the COVID-19 lockdown prevented any gathering. The controversial plans were subsequently submitted for grant approval with a consultation deadline of 16 July. The Community Council requested an extension to the public consultation period. This was refused but the Council was told it could comment any time before 10 August. Council member Dr Kerry Morrison pointed out: “The proposals will impact at least four generations but there has until recently been little contact between the Council and the developers about the details. The recent meetings and agreement to review the plans are welcome.” Vice-chair Will Adam adds that Dalry is a member of The Galloway and South Ayrshire Biosphere. “This membership commits us to helping to conserve natural resources. The proposed plantation of trees over virtually all of the hill does nothing to help such commitment to conservation.” Continued on page 13... Forestry and Wind Farms: Have the Glenkens Had Enough? In this edition of the Gazette we report a rising concern among local people over further wind farm and commercial forestry development in the Glenkens. Dumfries & Galloway is already the most afforested region in the whole of the UK as well as being one of the regions with the highest concentration of wind farms, yet still more proposals are being lodged. The Glenkens, being a rural upland area with a low population density, is incredibly popular with developers looking to reap the benefits of wind power and forestry subsidies. Recent developments across the area have prompted numerous articles on the subject from our readers which appear in our special section on pages 14-18: • Time to Rethink Forestry in Our Region? A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) initiative • • • • • • Views from Carsphairn - Liz Holmes and Nigel Martin Waterside Hill’s special significance - Chris Rollie and Roger Croft Protecting Our Special Places Personal memories of Waterside - Amy Winstanley Communities for Sustainable Forestry A personal perspective on forestry and wind farms in the Glenkens - John Wykes www.glenkensgazette.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 2 CROSSMICHAEL VOLUNTEERS Crossmichael community has really pulled together over lockdown, creating a strong and active volunteer support network. “To date we’ve delivered over £10,000 of groceries/takeaways to local residents this lockdown. We are still taking grocery orders and delivering shopping and prescriptions to people and will continue to do so until people no longer require the support,” says Sam, a member of the Crossmichael community volunteers. “We’ve done numerous community meal nights which have been incredibly popular. Our elderly/ shielding residents have really enjoyed receiving a takeaway and sitting in their gardens across from their neighbours when the weather has been good. We’ve been able to support many businesses, getting them orders and delivering their food. Carlo’s Special Father’s Day Takeaway was a great success! Bella the Crossmichael Primary School rock snake with local “Our Bessie the Rock children and the chocolate egg prizes for the treasure hunt. Snake at Crossmichael Primary School has been a huge hit and is which will be completed by Mrs Martin now 210 rocks long. The school have during the school holidays.” decided to celebrate this by making a To find out more, or get involved, you permanent art piece of a rock rainbow can visit the Crossmichael-Covid-19with the snake coiled all around it set support page on Facebook. in concrete within the school grounds, Local Initiatives in New Galloway NEW GALLOWAY TOWN HALL Well here we are tentatively coming out of lockdown but D&G Council is not yet sure when we can be back in the Town Hall. It is difficult to realise it is a year since we were in the middle of our survey and viability studies to see whether it was sensible to acquire the Town Hall by asset transfer from the regional council. It looked like a possibility but ran into legal problems when the council realised the property should have been registered as ‘common good’ when transferred from the burgh back in the seventies. Then with grants received towards a lift from the Blackcraig Windfarm and the Robertson Trust and likely that we could raise match funding for a lift to go ahead this year, it all looked good until - crash! - the cruel COVID-19 came and now the best laid plans...are gang agley (apologies to Burns!). But we’re not giving up and will get going as soon as we can. GARROCH GARDEN Although not genererally open because of the lockdown, some of the gardeners were able to arrange social distancing between themselves to keep their own plots going as well as the common areas. It is now open to visit and plans are being hatched again for apple-pressing in the late summer. GOLF COURSE WOODS As the warm spring came on, followed by the rain, some of our stalwart volunteers came out to clear the paths for those enjoying the walks for their local excercise. Ros Hill, LING Chair Dalry School Clothing Bank The clothing bank will be available outside the primary front door throughout the summer holidays and is available for any of Dalry primary and secondary families to access. If you are able to, and would like to do so, you can leave a small donation for any items you take via PayPal www.paypal. me/pools/c/8qcVDe0tgg - any proceeds will be spilt equally between FoDS and Glenkens Charity Shop. Many thanks to New Galloway Shop and Enterprises Ltd and Community Engagement Activities New Galloway for organising the funding of the storage boxes through the Princes Trust Countryside Fund. We hope this resource will be a well used asset within our school community. Anne McEwan and Jenna Devlin Glenkens Gazette page 3 Glenkens Community Shop Relaunch Our amazing local charity shop is once again open for business! Shirley McNaught, shop manager and inspiration behind our amazing local charity shop, said: “Firstly we sincerely wish to thank the Pamela Young Trust for giving us security in our tenancy and for a marvellous renovation of the building, including a new ramp which now makes us accessible to all. We would also like to thank Alison Davies for her very generous donation towards our shop refurbishment in memory of her husband Richard Davies. “Also we wish to thank Blackcraig Wind Farm Community Fund (with funding from Blackcraig Wind Farm [Scotland] Ltd, administered by Foundation Scotland working in partnership with The Glenkens & District Trust), and the Hugh Fraser Foundation for their donation to the refurbishment, and to Nathan Harnett of NDH Joinery & Design who did a brilliant job on the interior works of the shop. “Last but not least, a huge thank you goes to all of our volunteers and customers who have supported us through our eight years. “We have been closed longer than we expected but hopefully we are on our way now to brighter days. At the moment, due to COVID-19 restrictions, we are only open on a Wednesday and Saturday from 10am till 2pm, and we ask customers to please wear a mask. We provide hand sanitiser at the door, and also ask that no more than four people are in the shop at any one time. We very much look forward to seeing you!” Pictured is the newly refurbished shop interior and wheelchair-accessible entrance (photos by Duncan McNaught). Glenkens & District Trust Update The Glenkens & District Trust (GDT) has adapted over the last few months to deal with all the challenges of the current crisis. Like lots of you, we have had to get to grips with meetings via Zoom to enable work to continue. We set up a COVID-19 Emergency Fund with £20k to provide support the community needed because of the emergency. As part of this we awarded £500 to each of the Community Councils in the fund catchment area to use on COVID related activity. We also awarded funds to Dalry Community Council who commissioned the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust to produce a special edition of the Gazette and have it delivered by the Royal Mail to your door. This Fund is still open for applications although we are keeping its purpose under review to ensure it addresses community need (see p30 for details). We held a number of meetings in May related to the second round of grantmaking and awarded over £99,000 to nine community groups across the wider Glenkens and District area. The new grants support a total of 11 projects. Details of these awards can be found at www.foundationscotland.org.uk/ media/1077196/Blackcraig-Round-2Decisions.pdf Awards include funding for local events such as the Glenkens Food Month, projects carrying out key maintenance on community assets such as Balmaclellan Village Hall and Spalding Bowling Club, and green initiatives such as enabling the Men’s Shed in Balmaclellan to install electric vehicle charging points powered by the solar panels. We were delighted to receive a wide range of applications from across the area during these difficult times and are seeing an increasing number of activities and projects being delivered from this fund. We had nearly completed the Community Action Plan when we went into lockdown but decided that we should delay finalising it until there was more clarity on the implications of the current crisis. What has become apparent is that it will be some time before the full picture emerges of what our communities can learn from this experience and what their ongoing needs may be. Against this we are now working to get the report and a plan published. The report, prepared by Community Enterprise, contains a mass of data and information that will be useful for a number of community groups across the area and we are keen to get this out as soon as we can. The plan will set out community priorities, based on the findings from earlier survey work and the community engagement events. This will, of necessity, need to be flexible to allow it to develop and change as the future becomes clearer. Our focus will be to set out what the community sees as immediate priorities and to put in place what is needed to start delivering on them, investigating which community groups might be ready to deliver these activities, and where there are gaps which might need to be filled and how we address that. This set up phase will allow us to get on with things now whilst we consider the needs for the future and how we ensure ongoing and effective community engagement. While GDT are leading on this work it is crucial that the wider community and community groups are involved; we are committed to ensuring this happens at this early stage and we will put forward specific proposals for mechanisms to achieve this. We have also had a couple of changes of Trustees - Caroline Pridham from Corsock and Kirkpatrick Durham Community Council and Graham West from Dalry Community Council, who have been long standing stalwarts of GDT, have decided to resign for personal reasons. Julie Garton and Andrew Mellor have been appointed by the respective Community Councils to replace them. Fiona Smith, GDT Chairman Glenkens Gazette page 4 sponsored by If you would like to list something on this page, please get in touch on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk FREE FOR SALE ‘Bathmate‘inflatable seat for easy access into and out of the bath. Electrically operates. Used very infrequently and not for some time. Contact: 07889 229 340 Reclining two-seater sofa, brown leather-look, unused. £50 ono. Contact: 01644 430 062 Bass drum, 22” black Yamaha Power V, £20. Contact: Blue on 07934 361 526 Rangemaster Classic 110 gas cooker, good condition for 10 years old, burgundy and black, £200 ono, buyer to uplift from Castle Douglas. Contact: Andi on 07729 292 126 WANTED Old Singer sewing machine, treadle or hand operated. Must be in working order and with shuttles please. Contact: 07889 229 340 Old lawn mowers/strimmers/ other small machinery. Nonrunners/broken welcome. Contact: 07845 562 217 Photo of the Issue Sponsored by the Ken Bridge Hotel This issue’s winner is Steve Wood with his tranquil photograph of Stroan Loch, Mossdale. Steve wins an evening meal for two up to the value of £30 at the Ken Bridge Hotel. Competition judges Dave and Sue said: “This issue we felt that the photograph of Stroan Loch captured the beauty of the Glenkens in summer.” How to Enter: any photos taken in the Glenkens can be entered - landscapes, wildlife, portraits, action shots... Email them to glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk If you are a winner, the Gazette will send you out a voucher - please call the Ken Bridge to check opening times in light of current COVID-19 guidelines. Gordon McAdam N ew Galloway Golf Club Founded Foun ded 1902 www.ng www.n g gc.co.uk - 01644 420737 Buggies now available for hire VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME Plumbing & Heating HOUSE REPAIRS JOINERY 22 Kirkland Street St John’s Town of Dalry Semi-retired Furniture Maker & Builder in GLENKENS AREA 01644 430 393 07834 321 789 Call Pete on 07970 462 088 ...special rates for inclusion of tea, cake and friendly banter... Glenkens Gazette page 5 sponsored by EAT WILD! FORAGING GUIDE The Association of Foragers has produced a wonderful series of seasonal foraging publications, available in hard copy in some local retail outlets or printable/ readable online. A collaboration between some of the best foraging guides in the UK, including Mark Williams of Galloway Wild Foods, Eat Wild is a practical, creative offering during the COVID-19 pandemic, introducing seasonal wild food as part of the solution in these testing times. So far three guides are available June, July and August - in a format which celebrates the A,B,C of foraging for each month. It aims, as the name suggests, to help more of us ‘eat wild’, and is packed full of relevant information including photos, recipes and guidance on where to forage, presented in a very appealing and easily accessible format. The Association of Foragers would like as many people as possible to share and enjoy the free magazine so, whether you’ve picked up a hard copy or have enjoyed it online, please do share with friends and family, or on social media. Fancy learning some foraging from the comfort of your home? Why not join in Orkney’s virtual foraging festival, Foraging Fortnight, from 29 August to 15 September. Visit www.foragingfortnight.co.uk To download your copy now visit www. eatwild.org. uk Pictured are June and July’s Eat Wild! magazines - keep your eyes peeled for the August edition! Above is an excellent guide to some of the summer foragable food available around Dumfries & Galloway created by Mark Williams of Galloway Wild Foods. There is lots more information available on seasonal food, wild food recipes, foraging courses and guided walks at www.gallowaywildfoods.com or look for Galloway Wild Foods on Facebook. Glenkens Gazette page 6 Pizzas All Round for Crossmichael Nikos Apostolakis, originally from Crete, began his career in the hospitality industry at a youthful age of thirteen. As a young adult he trained in Athens as a chef and worked across Greece and Crete for many years. In 2000 Nikos decided upon a new adventure in the UK where he began to share his passion for Greek cuisine. Fast forward to 2013 and Nikos’ Greek Restaurant was opened in Castle Douglas. For many years customers enjoyed a traditional Greek menu at Nikos but with the arrival of COVID-19 the restaurant had to close. Nikos began serving takeaways but soon wanted to offer something more to his fellow neighbours in Crossmichael. There was a selfresilience team of volunteers set up in the village who were supporting the local community with grocery/ prescription deliveries, as well as working with numerous businesses around Dumfries to bring in fresh produce such as bread, cakes, pies, etc. Following a discussion between Nikos and the volunteers ‘Nikos’ Community Pizza Nights’ were created. Volunteers promoted a special discounted menu and ordering/delivery process via Facebook as well as delivering menus to every household in the village. The first community pizza night took David Tallontire CHIMNEY SWEEP Covering the Glenkens & further afield 07709 144 299 - wood burners - multi-fuel stoves - open fires - Agas - Rayburns - birds nest removal with CCTV inspection - certificates issued - feel free to call for advice - Find me on Facebook place on Tuesday 28 April; Nikos and the volunteers were extremely busy all evening baking and delivering pizzas around Crossmichael. Many households enjoyed pizzas in their gardens socialising with neighbours over the garden fence. Throughout lockdown pizza nights have been a firm favourite in the village. Nikos has been keeping himself busy in his vegetable garden during lockdown, planning ahead and growing lots of delicious fresh produce ready for the restaurant reopening. It is with excitement that Nikos is able to announce that Nikos’ Greek Restaurant in Above: Nikos making pizza for the Crossmichael Castle Douglas will be opening community during lockdown at the wood fired its doors again from August. pizza oven beside the Thistle Inn, Crossmichael. The traditional three course Below: Fresh veg ready for Nikos’ restaurant menus have been replaced tables. with new Mediterranean Mezze Menus, and the restaurant on their bill (excluding alcohol), to boasts a fresh new image too. the maximum of £10 per person, Customers can also look forward to a during visits on a Mon/Tues/Wed wider selection of international wines throughout August 2020. For further and dessert favourites. information on special offers and upStaff will be strictly following to-date information visit Nikos’ Greek government guidance when the Restaurant on Facebook. restaurant reopens. Reservations must Nikos would like to thank the local be made by telephone on 01556 504 community for their ongoing support 345. and looks forward to welcoming you Nikos has signed up to the ‘Eat Out back very soon! to Help Out’ scheme where customers Sam Priest, Crossmichael can benefit from a 50% deduction Family and friends coming to stay? Short of space? Cosy country cottage available (sleeps 4) Call Fiona on 01644 420 227 www.covenanters-holidaycottagescotland.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 7 Galloway Mountain Rescue Team Receives Queen’s Award Galloway Mountain Rescue Team (GMRT), a group of volunteers based in Dumfries & Galloway and Southern Ayrshire, have been honoured with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. This is the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK and equivalent to an MBE. The team provide search and rescue services in support of partner emergency services, covering a large area of South West Scotland. They provide assistance in water incidents, urban searches and community resilience - not just events typically associated with mountain rescue. Team leader for GMRT, Stewart Gibson, lives with his wife and daughter at Forrest Estate outside Dalry. Stewart says: “From a personal perspective, it’s great to put something back into the hill walking community. I love the outdoors, and the challenge of operating in some of the harshest conditions that Scotland can throw at you is extremely rewarding, especially when it often involves helping somebody in an extreme time of need. “The team is a close-knit group who train together twice a month. “We really encourage anyone who’s interested in The GMR team enjoying a well-earned rest during joining the winter training in the Cairngorms. team to get in touch. Trainees coveted Red Mount Rescue Jacket worn normally undergo 18 months of training by every team member.” before becoming a fully fledged ‘Call Out’ member. You can expect to be If you would like to find out more tested in navigation, first aid and about joining GMR visit www. personal rope work, to name just a few gallowaymrt.org.uk where an of the subjects covered. Every GMRT application form can be downloaded. member remembers passing their final selection and being awarded the THANK YOU The community of Crossmichael would like to give a bit shoutout to Charlene Saunderson and Sarah Stevenson for their ongoing commitment to keeping the community safe. Charlene and Sarah have made hundreds of face masks for people in the community, of differing sizes and designs to suit individuals, and as a result have raised hundreds of pounds for charity. “Charlene had never actually used a sewing machine before lockdown but she’s done an amazing job! The donations from people for the masks she makes are going to the NHS. Sarah has been working tirelessly too, sewing for locals, family and friends and is supporting charities like Diabetes UK, UNICEF and Castle Douglas Food Bank with any proceeds from donations,” says Crossmichael resident and member of the Crossmichael Self Resilience Team, Sam Priest. Pictured: Sarah (top) and Charlene with daughter Emma (bottom) modelling some of their stylish masks. Glenkens Gazette This Place Called Hame Little did we imagine, when we chose ‘Ma Hame Toon’ as the theme for the Wright’s Shop Poetry Competition, how the significance of ‘home’ in our lives would change these past months. In his winning poem (printed below), Paul Goodwin captures the intimacy of page 8 home’s safe haven and appreciates, not without a touch of wryness, the village of Dalry where he stays – where he feels at home. The Wright’s Shop team would like to congratulate Paul, who wins a £10 voucher to spend in the shop, and thank everyone who has taken the time, and care, to enter their poems for consideration. Unfortunately, in the current circumstances the Poetry Competition will not be continuing, but we wish all budding poets in the villages of the Glenkens the very best inspiration to continue writing! Lyndsay, Susan, Isobel and Jane This Place by Paul Goodwin This place where I sit, this sitooterie This shed with windows on the world It’s a place for reflection And creaks with the wind The begging sounds of young birds filter in And avian feet patter on the roof Logging trucks and tractors Have fallen silent for the day But dams fit to burst Will bring power stations to life And the sound will drone in On the westerly Today I walked around the village Saying hello to people I didn’t recognise And getting friendly replies Past the school where I once imagined Teachers were my honorary children And the pupils honorary grand-children The Clachan looks almost ready For a grand meal with guests When guests are allowed, that is People commiserate with each other The lockdown, potholes, crows At least it’s a change from the weather Spalding Bowling Club Improvements Spalding Bowling Club has received funding to purchase new equipment for green maintenance. Funding was through grant support by Blackcraig Wind Farm Community Fund (with funding from Blackcraig Wind Farm [Scotland] Ltd, administered by Foundation Scotland working in partnership with The Glenkens & District Trust). This equipment will help improve the quality of the green and make maintenance much easier for the greenkeeper and other volunteers. Spalding Bowling Club was founded in 1912 and is situated in St John’s Town of Dalry. The club provides outdoor lawn green bowling membership which is open to anyone and visitors are always welcome. Offering structured bowling ROWAN HOLIDAY COTTAGE games 2-3 times per week during the bowling season (April to September), Spalding also runs a variety of different club competitions open to members as well as annual open competitions. Members can also use the facility at other times to play informal games in small groups. Spectators are very welcome and there are benches provided for people to sit and enjoy watching the sport. The club is registered as a Community Amateur Sport Club and, at present, the club is operating for members only on a limited basis following the guidelines issued by Bowls Scotland in respect of the COVID-19 restrictions. However, once these restrictions are removed the club plans to hold some ‘try bowls’ sessions to allow people to come along and experience the sport. At these sessions the club would welcome anyone of any age to come along and have a game bowls will be provided. 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 4 Star Rated - Sleeps Six Dog friendly - Private Parking Secluded Garden An ideal base for exploring Galloway... 07503 958 710 FOR APPOINTMENTS AT BOTH SURGERIES OR IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY  01556 502263 VETERINARY SURGERY OAKWELL ROAD CASTLE DOUGLAS  Spalding Bowling club president James Hutchison along with Honorary President John McNally with the new equipment. For further information on the club contact club president James Hutchison on 01644 430 639. Glenkens Gazette page 9 CatStrand Highlights OPEN DOORS AT CATSTRAND CatStrand will now have opened its doors as part of a soft reopening from Thursday 16 July, which saw a return to a cafe service for takeaway and seating outside (or inside during bad weather). The Glenkens Community & Arts Trust team have been preparing the arts and visitor centre, having worked through the creation of considered reopening plan documents and procedures in line with government guidance to ensure the communites’ safety as they open up the building once more to the public. The project teams have been setting out their timelines for reintroducing activities including the arts programme’s events, youth arts groups and Connecting in Communities activities - and here’s what you can expect for August and September at the time of going to print... CatStrand’s arts programme will look a little different this year but Aidan (Arts, Culture & Heritage Manager) says; “I hope you’ll be inspired to get involved as we begin to open our doors to our communities and explore new ways of bringing a mix of high quality arts experiences to the Glenkens over the coming months”. From August we’ll be installing exhibitions in the Pyramid Gallery (usually our cafe area), beginning with An Ode to the Sky, an exhibition of Edward C Campbell’s mono-prints in ink around a theme of clouds, atmosphere and the ever changing nature of the sky; a timely meditation of our relationship to what is above us and our place upon the earth. The gallery will also be digitised and made available online through CatStrand’s virtual gallery space at www.catstrand. com During September we are hoping to hold live events in the park in New Galloway including film screenings, theatre and music which are all open to the public, as well as launching a new online programme of events to enjoy at home. Looking ahead to October we’re preparing to launch our Live & Local series of indoor small scale music events at CatStrand, featuring regionally based professional musicians giving intimate performances - this will be subject to funding and government guidance for the events industry. Currently and in line with the Scottish Government COVID-19 guidelines there are no planned attended activities for the Connecting in Communities project, either at the CatStrand in New Galloway or the Smiddy in Balmaclellan. However, there are a number of online activities and events that people can attend digitally, including One-to-one IT & Tech Support Sessions, online or by phone, run in conjunction with the Castle Douglas IT Centre, yoga and fitness classes such as kettle bells and regular group meetings, eg the CatStrand Photography Group. If you are interested in any of the activities or groups online, or have an idea for either an online activity or something that you would find interesting once restrictions are lifted, Chris and Brian would love to hear from you - email chris@catstrand.com Our youth arts programme will be running virtual creative courses during the school summer holidays - stay tuned for more news about these and other activity you can take part in online at www.catstrandyouth.co.uk During September we have some plans for activities in the park, including our usual Movie in the Park screenings. Also, we’re planning to bring back our regular groups in line with guidance from October, but still be keeping some activity online and offering some new options to join in digitally when you can’t make it in person. The above plans for each project are subject to change in line with government guidance, so please keep an eye on our website for the latest updates. We’re looking forward to welcoming our communities back to CatStrand and working towards getting our projects and events up and running again throughout the rest of the year. Hoping to see you soon! For further information call 01644 420 374 or visit www.catstrand.com The CatStrand Team Glenkens Gazette page 10 BUSINESS IN THE SPOTLIGHT This section showcases Dynamic Domestic some of the many wonderful local businesses we have on our doorstep. In this edition we hear from Victoria Birch of Dynamic Domestic, giving us an insight into cleaning in the current lockdown climate. If you would like to feature your business, please email an article of up to 500 words with a photograph to glenkensgazette@ hotmail.co.uk As micro businesses struggle throughout Scotland, I thought it a good time to put pen to paper and reconnect with the community after this long isolation. Establishing the business in 2013, I’m not new to cleaning but we are new to this invisible enemy, COVID-19 - a small name for a big problem. In mid-March, as the threat grew evercloser to our small community, I made the unimaginable but inevitable decision to suspend our services. What a road it’s been since then, with most of us being confined to our homes for the duration. For someone who is We are living in strange times; ‘unprecedented’ is the word most commonly used to describe the situation. The impact on our local Connecting in Communities (CiC) project, which is aimed at improving the lives of those living and working in the Glenkens by combating loneliness and rural isolation through getting people out of their houses and bringing them together, has been absolutely huge. Many of our service providers and volunteers have come up with online and digital solutions. Zoom has been usually out working six days a week interacting with clients it was a huge adjustment. I don’t think I will ever be able to put into words the eeriness of venturing back into the world of work whilst the usually busy village streets were empty and the shops all shut. As we looked to reopen the main focus has been how to work safely during this period of adjustment. The answer has been courageous investment in new specialist equipment and training to meet the ever-changing guidelines. We have used our time wisely reinforcing our knowledge, undertaking necessary courses in infection control and updating our risk assessments to meet current guidelines. As a small business a lot of the changes I have had to undertake have seemed daunting. I imagine it to be the same for many others. In saying that, the team’s resilience, patience, kindness and willingness to learn has meant that although the learning curve has been steep it has been met head-on from all of us. This positivity has made my job so much easier, allowing us to efficiently evolve, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff for their ongoing support. Having grown steadily over the years I remain really proud to be able to offer other local employment and we are now a team of four. It was a huge relief being able to retain the staff by utilising the Government’s furlough scheme, which provided us with some security and breathing space for restarting when the time was right. Whilst embracing these new practices throughout the last few trying months a godsend for the exercise world. Whether it’s dance, yoga, kettlebells or circuit training, Zoom is there to connect instructors to classes without anyone having to leave the safety of their home. John, from JP Fitness, has increased his offering to five days a week now, plus one-to-one personal training on demand, Sam is running her Zumba classes and Amy’s Tuesday Night Yoga is going strong. The Photography Group are nearing completion of a virtual exhibition using CatStrand’s online gallery, and there’s a really well attended quiz every Wednesday and the CatStrand singers are Zooming together weekly. We all love to boogie on a Saturday night so CiC has hosted some excellent music nights too - Rock, Disco and Tamla have all had people bopping away in their kitchen’s and conservatories. Our friends at Castle Douglas IT centre have been doing their bit too - they are at the end of the phone or available online so if you, or someone you know, is struggling with tech then give us a call and we’ll try and help. Victoria with the array of products and equipment now necessary to meet government guidelines for professional cleaning services. we have kept to our ethos of quality service, and I’m so pleased to see our regular clients welcoming us back. It is heart-warming to have that support and understanding from our clients as we strive to forge ahead. Looking to the future, I hope we can continue some of the plans we had at the beginning of the year by bringing further employment to the Glenkens and supporting more clients within the community. It is important, now more than ever, to face these new challenges and embrace the ‘new normal’. Victoria Birch, Dynamic Domestic To get in touch with the team or for further information please visit www.dynamicdomestic.co.uk Our Men’s Shed is still closed, but we’ve not been idle. Blackcraig Community Fund have awarded us a grant to have external cladding fitted and new heating installed. Resource Efficient Scotland have helped with design and procurement advice and as a boost to the local economy the contract has been awarded to Jayde Devlin from Dalry. A great result all round; safe efficient heating, improved insulation, local workmanship all combined. With the recent new roof and solar panels, the Glenkens Men’s Shed will be one of the most ecofriendly sheds in Scotland; brilliant! Connecting in Communities is a LEADER and Big Lottery funded project, now also supported by the Scottish Government’s Wellbeing Fund. The project was due to end in May, but thanks to some understanding funders we can gratefully carry on for a few months more. For further information contact Brian or Chris on 01644 420 374 or email chris@catstrand.com or brian@catstrand.com Chris Jowsey Glenkens Gazette page 11 Glenkens Food Month is Back Following the success of the inaugural Glenkens Food Month last year, New Galloway Community Enterprises (NGCE) is excited to announce a second Glenkens Food Month, coming this September. “We are extremely grateful for funding awarded from both the Blackcraig Wind Farm Community Fund and the Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership Scheme that has allowed this event to go ahead again,” says NGCE’s community engagement worker, Sam Rushton, who is overseeing the project. The Food Month team is looking forward to coordinating and promoting another full programme of events and activities that will celebrate our seasonal local food and drink businesses, as well as bringing the people of the Glenkens together as circumstances allow. There will be a varied timetable of outdoor events including some favourites from last year; ‘Ready Steady Cook’, foraging and cookery demonstrations, plus some new and exciting ideas. Elements of the programme will be delivered online, to make it accessible to everyone. Do make sure that you are ready and set up to use Zoom - get in touch if you need help as we wouldn’t want you to miss out on the fun. After our long period of lockdown, the team hope that you are ready to enjoy this month-long celebration of local food and drink. “Please be reassured that all events will be planned and delivered with your utmost safety in mind. Contingency plans will be in place if circumstances change between now and September,” says Sam. Keep an eye out for event programmes which will be available from local shops around the Glenkens. For more information follow the Facebook page Glenkens Food Month or you can email glenkensfoodmonth @gmail.com if you have any questions. 2020 NOW ONLINE! Nikos’ Greek Restaurant Re-launching from the start of August New Mediterranean Mezze Menu New Wine List New Desserts Fresh new interior ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ Scheme - 50% off your bill (excl. alcohol) up to the value of £10pp Mon/Tues/ Wed throughout August 2020 For more updates please join our Facebook group Nikos Greek Restaurant To claim one free dessert (per table/booking) quote: ‘GAZETTE’ when ordering during Aug/ Sept/Oct 2020 (minimum spend £20) Opening Times:Monday to Saturday 11am-2pm then 5-9pm 139 King St Castle Douglas DG7 1DX Tel: 01556 504345 ORDER ONLINE OR BY PHONE Fleet Fish source a large selection of top quality fish, fruit and vegetables from market place to your door. We also stock chicken, sausages and cold meats plus eggs, milk and cheese. Much more than a fish van! Order before 9pm Sunday for delivery the following Friday 07966 103 912 charliecoid@hotmail.com www.fleet-fish.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 12 THE GARDEN SPOT Naked ladies, tomatoes and garden safety. There, that got your attention, didn’t it?! I wrote that to remind myself what I wanted to write about, but I thought that I would leave it in. In gardening, you always need to be thinking ahead, especially for the ornamental garden. Flower beds can look a bit sad in the autumn as the summer blooms die away. Naked Ladies are an ideal autumn flower but I suggest you use their proper name of ‘colchicum’ if you look for them on the internet to save any embarrassment. Plant these large bulbs in a sunny position by the end of August and you will get a good show of crocus-type flowers (without leaves) around October, with half a dozen or more blooms from each bulb. In the spring you will get the leaves, looking a bit like hostas, but these die down by mid-summer. Try and remember where you plant them so you don’t damage the bulbs for next year; it’s always good to have something a little different to look at. There is a lot to worry about with fruit and veg at this time of year. Tomatoes can be a little tricky, especially in a greenhouse. They need a steady and constant supply of water and can suffer from fruit splitting, blossom end-rot, yellow leaves and blight to name but a few, but the condition that I want to concentrate on is tomato leaf curl. Some varieties suffer from this more than others and it is caused by the plant being too hot and dry, especially when contrasted with cool night temperatures. To minimise leaf curl, on hot sunny days open all the windows, doors and vents and it helps to ‘damp down’ the greenhouse by watering the ground, Leaf curl on tomato ‘Shirley’. gravel, path or whatever surface you have; not the leaves themselves as that will promote scorch and possibly blight. The best treatment for leaf curl is prevention - by shading the greenhouse during the summer months (approximately May to late August) and this can be either by using a type of plastic shading which you fix to the greenhouse roof and walls or a type of whitewash which is painted on to the glass in late April and removed in September. Make a note for next year. The garden is full of sharp and heavy things, not to mention the dubious chemicals that some insist on using; nor nature’s hazards of bees, ants, wasps and a whole load of poisonous plants. Now I don’t want to put anyone off gardening; on the contrary, but I do think that a healthy respect for the dangers is a good thing. I should know as I recently suffered an injury caused when I carelessly swung a full bag of compost around, knocked a block off of a wall and hey presto, I was limping for six weeks. And the commonest serious garden accident? Bending over and stabbing yourself in the eye with a sharp cane (put an empty pot or a safety cap on top). Be safe and you will enjoy the garden all the more. The Intrepid Gardener Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents Dumfries & Galloway 01556 503744 www.ggblaw.co.uk All legal advice Offices in Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie Kirkcudbright and Dumfries Glenkens Gazette page 13 Waterside Hill Plantation Proposal Continued from front page... Andrew Mellor, who taught geography at Dalry School for many years, believes that the exceptional 360 degree panorama that can be enjoyed from the top of the hill must be protected. “The project plan that I have seen is not well presented - I don’t know how ordinary members of the public can be expected to make sense of it - but it looks like some Scots Pine will be planted 10 to 15 metres below the summit cairn. It doesn’t take much imagination to realise that within a few years the open land that is being left at the top of the hill will have no views at all. Walkers on the Southern Upland Way would have to pass through a corridor of conifers, and evidence of the old pack road which extended to Carsphairn and beyond may be lost.” Waterside Hill is also the site of the Witches’ Score, a physical feature recording a folk tale some believe provided the inspiration for Robert Burns’ Tam o Shanter. - ‘Springing from his horse in a little meadow, he pulled the beast shuddering beside him, and drawing his sword described a circle in the turf around them…’ Thus, it is said, Adam Forrester made a mark on Waterside Hill to save himself from the witches who were intent on killing him and who had pursued him after he had View from Waterside Hill by Jill Bowes. spied them dancing with the Devil in Dalry Kirk. Or so the tale goes. Andrew Mellor says, “if the proposed planting goes ahead, it will be very difficult if not impossible for anyone to visit the Score.” Balmaclellan resident, Ted Cowan, emeritus professor of Scottish History at Glasgow University, shares this concern. “There are a number of competing claims to have provided the inspiration for Burns’ tale but there is no doubt that this is a very important piece of Glenkens folklore. Its physical manifestation should be preserved and public access to it should be maintained. What a shame it would be if future generations were no longer be able to visit this link with our past.” - Shop online: www.ballardsbutchers.co.uk Email: shop@ballardsbutchers.co.uk Tel: 01556 502 501 Free Local Delivery Tues & Fri (orders over £20) Wide Variety of Local Produce Butcher Meat Fruit & Veg Milk & Bread Available to order TIME TO RETHINK FORESTRY IN OUR REGION? Glenkens Gazette page 14 With over 3,200 acres of new plantations currently in the pipeline for the area we should be considering what we want future planting in this area to consist of and how we want our region to look for the next generations before it’s too late. The Scottish Government are pushing for a large increase in forest cover of all types in Scotland. Dumfries & Galloway already has 31% forestry coverage (the highest proportion in the UK) of which 78% is commercial softwood and only 9.4% is native woodland (the remaining 15.6% is classed as open space within the forest and other mixed woodland). Some community areas such as Carsphairn have approximately 55% of their land area already planted with commercial softwood and New Galloway approximately 59%, with less than 1% of the total area being native hardwood. And yet still more forestry proposals pour in. It is therefore critical for the local environment that any future planting addresses this imbalance by insisting that forest developers increase the proportion of hardwoods planted as these in turn will increase diversity of plants and wildlife and mitigate the well-documented negative effects of large softwood plantations which are responsible for nutrient depletion and have historically caused acidification in watercourses. Large monoculture softwood plantations at current planting densities effectively create an ecological desert allowing very little light to reach the forest floor creating dead zones. The Government’s The visual impact of commercial plantations can be seen in the above photograph taken near forestry strategy does Muirdrochwood, Carsphairn. acknowledge these issues and the overall objective is to plant 25-30% Sitka spruce makes up more hardwood/native species but this than 99% of commercial softwood is not happening here in Galloway. plantations but, in countries such Developers still seem to be pushing as Norway, they have classified the ahead with majority softwood species as invasive and there are plantations. Scottish Forestry’s moves in Ireland to do the same. own website cites, in reference to Carbon sequestration and the their plans for south Scotland; ”The environment are frequently cited as objective is to maximise returns by reasons to plant more Sitka spruce but producing large volumes of sawmill there is scientific evidence that these timber”, with no mention for diversity are not the best trees to plant if these or communities. At the moment the goals are to be met. industry is driven by maximum profit Recent times have also shown us with little regard for local people, how important quality outdoor spaces the environment or indeed a quality are for local communities to utilise product. for relaxation and exercise and all future developments should surely include paths and routes for the public to use and enjoy. It is recognised that the forestry sector is important for jobs in the Forestry has a long-term impact of wider area but so is tourism and the hundreds of years visually, but the environment. It is therefore important environmental impact will carry on for to look after this land for future centuries. So much habitat has been generations, to think how we want this lost already that native species such landscape to look and find the correct as curlew, black cock and hen harriers balance when it comes to future of have become a rarity. Forestry has forestry development in Galloway also caused a fundamental land use and all areas of Scotland. Proper change, turning our communities from predominantly rural farming areas with engagement with local communities is a critical part of this and the only way local ownership into areas owned by we can get the right tree in the right non-resident investors with no real place! Joseph Seed, Corsock care for the place itself. At the moment the industry is driven by maximum profit with little regard for local people, the environment or indeed a quality product. Communities for Sustainable Forestry A new group, Communities for Sustainable Forestry (CSF), has been formed to bring together concerned individuals in the Glenkens and further afield. The group was created in response to the high volume of unsustainable forestry applications that have recently come into the region. These applications claim to be beneficial to the environment and community but when closely scrutinised it is clear that they do not benefit either and exist to fulfil government objectives without properly considering local context. Joseph Seed, Chair of Corsock & Kirkpatrick Durham Community Council, and Katch Holmes, of Knockengorroch Festival, Carsphairn, are two of the key founding members. Katch says: “The Scottish Government has a remit to plant more trees and CSF support sustainable forest creation when it is genuinely done to benefit communities, tourism and the environment. “At a time when we are facing a planetary environmental emergency it is vital that forests are properly planned to capture carbon, conserve threatened species and habitats, offer community access and benefit local economies by providing jobs and enhancing landscapes.” To find out more visit the group’s Facebook page or email communitiessustainableforestry@gmail.com Waterside Hill: A Part of Our Village Glenkens Gazette As a resident of Dalry of some thirty years I feel qualified to comment on the iconic importance of both the landscape and open country qualities of Waterside Hill and its environs to the Dalry community and its numerous visitors. A walk to the top of Waterside Hill, with its unparalleled panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, was established as a popular pursuit of local people long before the Southern Upland Way (SUW) brought a much wider appreciation of this attraction. These views would be effectively ruined by this proposal. The overwhelming complaint in surveys of SUW walkers has been of too much Sitka spruce, and this scheme proposes to create yet more of a tunnel effect through coniferous woodland on the edge of an outstandingly attractive village valued for its open landscape setting and unhindered views to the Kells range. Dumfries & Galloway is the most afforested region in the UK, and any reasonable balance of land uses in this part of Galloway was exceeded long ago by the large-scale blanket afforestation of open country. This view is almost universally held by the nonforester community, and indeed many in the forestry sector concur privately. Some years ago, the Local Forestry Framework (a local authority and multiagency community initiative) identified this area as sensitive, with no or only very limited opportunities for further planting. I believe for Dalry residents’ recreational and spiritual attachment to the open nature of Waterside Hill alone, Many readers will have walked up Waterside Hill, across the Ken from Dalry. What a view we are blessed with; a full circle of Galloway’s best. To the north east the bold rounded hill of the Cairnsmore of Carsphairn now tranquil after its fiery beginning a few hundred million years ago. The upper reaches of the Ken valley with the Galloway Power Scheme infrastructure now well settled in the landscape. The magnificent ridge of the Rhinns of Kells striding southwards. And the view down the Ken/Dee valley with the loch shimmering in the sunlight and the wee hill of Screel showing in the background. It is a fine place to see sunrise and sunset and to see and hear a variety of moorland birds. Or just to sit on the top and to contemplate. How lucky we are to live in such a place. Let’s not forget also that this hill is the setting for Dalry. It is seen from many parts of the village, enclosing our view, page 15 this proposal should not receive public funding support, but then there is the intrinsic biodiversity interest of the area and its additional importance to the local community, tourists and long-distance walkers of the SUW. Waterside Hill comprises the foraging areas of at least five pairs of red kites and a pair of peregrine falcons. These species are listed in Annex 1 of the EU Birds Directive, and as such require protection of their habitats outwith designated areas. Several red data species of conservation concern breed on Waterside Hill itself including cuckoo, many pairs of skylark and several pairs each of whinchat and linnet. Curlew also breed in some years, but the regular breeding pairs on neighbouring Hannaston forage on Waterside. Recent research has shown that afforestation also has an impact on neighbouring land through increased ground predators, and afforestation here would not only result in the loss of these priority species on Waterside Hill, but would most likely result in the further loss of curlew and lapwing on neighbouring land too. There is a supporting cast of less nationally threatened bird species, such as stonechat, whitethroat, reed bunting, etc, but they all add to the attractive ambience for walkers on the hill, and all would be lost through the proposed afforestation. The rough southwest facing slope of the hill along the SUW down to the Garroch Burn is particularly rich in butterflies, including a notable colony of small pearl-bordered fritillaries, which would be threatened by afforestation. To conclude, it is difficult for me to overstate the importance of Waterside Hill as an open landscape and recreational area to locals and visitors to the Glenkens, and especially Dalry. This importance has only been accentuated by the recent lockdown, and this has served to awaken the local community’s consciousness to what is about to be lost if this proposal goes ahead. The open views to the magnificent Rhinns of Kells would be severely compromised by this scheme and the imposition of a further 70 hectares of largely conifer forestry so close to Dalry would have a severe negative impact on its attractiveness, and indeed on the standing of the forest industry in an area which feels it is already doing more than its fair share of furthering national forestry targets. ...it is difficult for me to overstate the importance of Waterside Hill as an open landscape and recreational area to locals and visitors to the Glenkens, and especially Dalry. Skylark © RSPB Images. giving us a guide to immediate past and present weather. At a time when the setting of settlements is at long last recognised as being important for residents this ‘sense of place’ is not to be tampered with without residents’ views being properly sought. Are we to lose all of this, and the easy access up the hill, because of an unthought-out scheme to grab government funds to plant yet more conifers? Surely not. Given five weeks and two days to consult, and without any public presentation to the local Community Council, is hardly the way to gain community support for the planting scheme. Have we not too much conifer monoculture already? Do our views not matter? Is grabbing grant for short term gain really appropriate? Surely not! But there is an alternative. In true Dalry fashion, we have chatted about this in our little impromptu gathering in the middle of Main Street. Rather than giving us a very limited time to respond to a near-100% conifer Chris Rollie, Dalry planting application, why not ask us to develop our own ideas for the hill? This is fully in keeping with the much vaunted Scottish Government mantra of community participation. I’m sure we do not want to own the land, but we do want some ownership on what happens to it. That is at the heart of the Scottish Government’s Statement of Land Rights and Responsibilities, a really trail blazing initiative. The local community and expert residents in the area, of whom there are many, should be invited to develop a scheme which safeguards the environment, including ecological, cultural, access and visual aspects of this important piece of land. This could comprise planting more trees to supplement the deciduous ones already there, providing a link to the deciduous woodlands across the valley, also encouraging more birds to use it, more native plants to grow, and capture some carbon too. Sounds a better idea all together doesn’t it? Roger Crofts, Dalry Memories of Waterside Hill Glenkens Gazette My siblings and I were carried up it as babies. We learned about what grows there from our parents as curious toddlers and ran down it with glee once we’d reached the top as boisterous youngsters. As adults, we met friends and family on its craggy shoulders, weaving countless conversations together with happy memories. By the cairn at the top, our eyes drawn back to the village that nurtured us, we breathed in its splendour. It’s achingly beautiful up there on a crisp clear winter’s day when soft sunlight turns the surrounding hills pink, purple, blue. Or in the spring when the hill and the landscape is blushing with verdant life once again. It is, and has been, an anchor in all our lives in so many ways – it is a part of us. It feels like an old friend. page 16 Waterside hill also meant a lot to our mum, who passed away in 2016, and it is a place we can go to remember her wonderful spirit and vivacity for life, her The late Annie Winstanley helps a young child climb the cairn at natural ability to the summit of Waterside Hill. inspire in us a love for nature, learn about life, love, the history of the community and area. To allow them to feel a connection the landscape. The memories we have of to place, a familiarity to the land and our mum are imbued in that landscape. to the grandmother they never got to As we move on in our lives, we want meet; to feel a sense of where they to pass this on to our children; to take came from, who they are and their small them to Waterside Hill where they can be but interwoven place in the fabric of the free to discover the wonders of nature, universe. Amy Winstanley A GLENKENS SHANGRI-LA I first visited Garroch Glen nearly forty years ago with my old mentor, Dick Roxburgh, who regarded the place as a local Shangri-La. I suspect, like many other Dalry residents, I now regard it similarly and indeed it has been a lockdown salvation to me in numerous pilgrimages on foot to the sylvan mysteries of Hannaston and Garroch woods, designated as Water of Ken Woodlands Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Behind Earlstoun power station I generally leave the Southern Upland Way (SUW) and follow the ancient pack road up and over the shoulder of Waterside Hill. This is a breeding place for resident stonechats and migrant whinchats, so beloved of artist Donald Watson and a real blessing to have such attractive and relatively scarce passerines so close to Dalry. There are often a few linnets and whitethroats about the whins, too. Beyond the gate at the top, a wee knowe off to the right affords a fantastic view of the Glenkens including the magnificent Rhins of Kells, Earlstoun reservoir and the Carsphairn trinity of Cairnsmore of Deugh, Beninner and Moorbrock. On sunny days in spring and summer the plateau of Waterside Hill is serenaded by skylarks, while in the rushes below a few coalheids (reed buntings) mark their own territories with more subtle songs. Beyond ruined Cavan to the north lie the lightly-grazed hollows and humps of Hannaston, a pastoral delight of wild flowers and an occasional breeding whaup, snipe and even a peewit or two at times. Such places are all too rare in these days of silage and conifer afforestation. Descending into Hannaston Wood is to enter another, privileged world amongst a profusion of redstarts, treecreepers and even a few wood warblers and pied flycatchers, together with more common woodland species. Roe deer and brown hare are there and I sometimes hear myself apologise for disturbing them as I move slowly through the tall oak and ash trees. Bluebells don’t last long, but at their peak are sensational in their shimmering iridescence. Time permitting, I continue over Garroch Burn and into the more mature Garroch Woodlands with their hidden wetlands calling kites and buzzards. Dunveoch Hill beyond offers yet more seminatural habitats and on one extended walk during lockdown I recorded 71 bird species, not including several village standards like jackdaw and collared dove! Usually I return by the Coom Burn and Water of Ken, but in the butterfly season I often follow the SUW, where the lower slopes of Waterside Hill by Garroch Burn hold a colony of small pearl-bordered fritillaries, amongst other delights, whilst up on the hill itself rocky outcrops are ablaze with stonecrop and thyme, as homely Dalry re-appears below. To my mind the afforestation of this area would be utter sacrilege, adding insult to injury to this area that has seen more than enough alien coniferous forests already. Chris Rollie, former RSPB Area Manager On the Southern Upland Way, over the shoulder of Waterside Hill, looking across the Glenkens to the Rhinns of Kells over Earlstoun reservoir towards the hills at Carsphairn, and deeper down in the Garroch Glen, including a close-up of some sundew plants, a rare red-listed endangered species which thrive on the hillside. Give Your Views on Proposed Developments in Our Parish Glenkens Gazette Given that Carsphairn has the smallest population of any of the parishes of the Glenkens we are very proud of our professional website, and the new interactive planning page is the icing on the cake. Carsphairn has faced a veritable tsunami of windfarm development proposals over the past few years and as the news has come in recently that the Quantans Hill project, previously abandoned by E.ON, has been resurrected by Vattenfall as part of their “South West Scotland Green Energy Hub” it was felt important to encourage as much feedback from the page 17 community as possible. It is, after all, little more than a mile from the village and will impact on the lives of many of the people we were elected to represent should planning consent ultimately be granted. In addition to responding to new wind farm developments as they come in (rather too fast for our liking), we are now also faced with an increasing number of consultations for new forestry plantations. Currently we are aware of plans in the pipeline to plant approximately 2000 acres of land in Carsphairn currently under low density pastoral agriculture with predominantly Sitka spruce “nothin” commercial forestry. It seems that the sudden rush for new forestry reflects the fact that there is uncertainty as to whether grants for ‘Woodland Creation’ will continue. To us, as the community’s statutory representatives, it is really important that local people make their feelings about these proposals crystal clear to us. Please don’t be shy! Let the CC know exactly what you think. Once forestry applications are submitted, people can also comment through the forestry case register to make their views known: www.casebook.forestry.scot/w/ webpage/prhome I would also like to thank our webmasters for creating the map (easily accessible from the home page of Carsphairn.org under “planning”) and donating the significant time, effort and creativity that has clearly gone in to make the whole website quite as splendid as it is. Liz Holmes, Chair, Carsphairn Community Council government says about encouraging community engagement. If a development is turned down by D&G Council, it is then appealed to the government’s Energy Consents Unit which, in the vast majority of cases, waves it through. If a development is granted permission, there is no right of appeal for its opponents. In the case of Cornharrow, it was refused by D&G and then the ECU. So the scope was changed and now it is back on the table. The current Quantans Hill proposal is a rehash of an E.ON project that was withdrawn in 2016. Developers just keep on knocking at the door until someone lets them in – and there’s nothing anyone can do about it. What Glenkens needs now is a unified voice that can effectively challenge what’s going on – at a local, regional and national level. As was shown by our planners when they supported a laydown area on the edge of our village, even a surge of local opposition tends not to have any effect. Where are our councillors and MSPs? Instead of all the community councils and Glenkens residents acting individually, we should set up some kind of forum whereby we can measure the strength of feeling against these developments, whether wind farms or commercial forestry. We need an online place where people, their democratic representatives, natural history experts, flora and fauna specialists, heritage conservationists, ecological activists, tourism businesses and anyone who is interested in protecting our environment can act in concert against the rich and powerful. We need to level the David v Goliath playing field. I suggest a forum entitled GUARD – Glenkens United Against Rampant Development. It’s about time the ‘little people’ had the opportunity to speak out against our way of life being eroded as the surrounding countryside is sold off for a few pieces of silver. PS As I am not tech savvy, it would need someone who feels as strongly as me to set up a website and Facebook page so that we can start to muster the troops and present a unified opposition to the onslaught of this unwanted industrialisation of our beautiful environment. I can be contacted on njmartin260651@ gmail.com Carsphairn Coming Under the Cosh As a resident of Carsphairn, I am particularly concerned about the increasing number of planning proposals by local landowners and resource-rich companies which will stifle our community by taking away our rural environment. Developments are getting ever closer to the places where we live. It would appear that, while Scotland and the rest of the UK has been in lockdown because of the coronavirus, windfarm and commercial forestry companies have been taking advantage by working away behind the scenes to sneak through their plans with the minimum of consultation. The suspension of community council meetings and public gatherings, coupled with a poor broadband service, is being used as a back door to get developments progressed without seriously addressing public concerns. At the moment, the whole planning system would appear to be Graphic for illustrative purposes only, based on information extracted from skewed against the public, interactive map on Carsphairn community website – see the planning page for full copyright accreditation http://carsphairn.org/CCPlanning despite what the Scottish Nigel Martin, Carsphairn OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF MIND Glenkens Gazette Having become aware of the strength of local views regarding the planting of Waterside Hill, I wish we could muster the same determined attitude regarding the march of wind farms in our area. To the east and north-east of Dalry our landscape is changing dramatically to accommodate wind farms. It appears that because these cannot be viewed from Dalry windows there is little opposition to this desecration of our Galloway uplands and it is left in the main to the country dwellers, the tiny minority who are most affected, to oppose this never-ending onslaught of our landscape and wildlife. This brings me to the subject of forestry. Renewable developments in Scotland on state managed forests have removed 6,994 hectares of forest. This equates to 2,000 trees per hectare, which is 13.9 million trees. This figure does not include private forests for which no-one has compiled a total. We know that certainly in Galloway and south Ayrshire most wind farms are sited in place of private forests. We can therefore very conservatively double this figure to closer to 30 million trees. This will cause a major problem to the forestry industry as these will have to be replaced in the future. These figures do not include the many miles of power lines and pylons where swathes of forestry have been removed to service wind farms. The forestry of the ‘60s and ‘70s, when large areas were planted with an even- page 18 aged monoculture of Sitka spruce, has fortunately been left far behind. These were largely planted as a tax advantage for wealthy investors. Modern forestry schemes are far more enlightened with much thought given to varied species and open spaces but, as with any investment, a return is required and the bread and butter of the forestry industry is still Sitka spruce. If we look at the forestry on our hills today we see a mosaic of trees of varying ages, from clear-felled areas through the whole age structure to fully matured trees. This has created a habitat that is much richer in wildlife, accommodating many species of birds and animals including our iconic red deer and red squirrels. Spruce trees are particularly helping the red squirrel population because the invading greys cannot sustain themselves on the spruce cone seeds alone whereas the reds can, being a smaller bodied animal. Spruce and pine cones also provide a bonanza for all our seed eating species such as crossbill, siskin, finch and the tit family of birds. To the uninitiated, standing dead trees seen following a clearance may be thought of as inefficiency but it is in fact the opposite as they are purposely left. The reason for these is to benefit raptors as perches. As the vegetation recovers so do the vole numbers in particular. The raptors in turn reduce the vole population, so helping to avoid damage to the newly planted trees. The species using the perches tend to be predominately buzzards but also kestrels and owls - barn, tawny and long-eared. This is one example of present forestry activity working in line with nature rather than opposing it. There is no doubt that when an area of hill is planted, the open hill species will be misplaced but it is my belief that a sensitively designed plantation will hold far more wildlife than an open hill. I would agree that the Glenkens and Galloway in general have adopted more than their fair share of spruce forest just as it has wind farms. Taken as a whole, the Waterside Hill development is insignificant in proportion to the total coverage of forestry, however it is a major issue for the local population. The overall design of Waterside Hill appears to be fairly enlightened, incorporating what is required for forests today. One saving grace with the existing maturing spruce forests is that after harvesting, at approximately 40 years old, they can be and should be redesigned to incorporate all the design features we would want nowadays for wildlife and amenity. The key to all of this is simply light levels ie the more light the more wildlife. Forest designs should maximise internal spaces, creating as much internal edging as possible. We learnt many years ago that the forest edges were the richest for birds, etc, either exterior or interior. Any examples I have heard of spoiling of views can and would be addressed as an ongoing concern by the forestry company responsible. In defence of forestry, people would be well advised go out to a forest to look and listen. They are not dead as some people would have you believe. I spent the majority of my life working in forestry and, now retired, I spend my leisure time walking in forests enjoying the wildlife. We are so privileged living in Galloway where we are free to roam on extensive forest John Wykes, Dalry tracks. PROTECTING OUR SPECIAL PLACES: Stroanfreggan Iron Age Fort The Stroanfreggan Iron Age Fort is one of those special places which is curiously invisible. is somewhat mystical with all manner of interesting crags. The remains of past settlements and human activity is plentiful enough to fire the historical imagination as the area is explored. The fort is a scheduled ancient monument and is described by Historic Environment Scotland as a “prehistoric domestic and defensive hill fort”. It is mentioned along with its sister hillfort, Mochrum Fell, in the book The Lost Dark Age Kingdom of Rheged by Toolis & Bowles. These special places are part of our culture and belong to a group which have inspired many a classic book, film or play. The Scottish Government in its recently published Culture Strategy for Scotland says: “Place: community, landscape, language and geography – is important and reflects the creativity of the past and provides inspirations for cultural expression Situated on the B729 between Carsphairn today.” and Moniaive, by the Smittons bridge near I feel scarce need to read a book in the Water o’ Ken road turning, from the order to understand this special place. road it is easy to overlook. Rather than The landscape of Stroanfreggan with all being one of those places you look in at, of its ancient edifices is a novel in itself. it is one of those places you must look out Just being there and feeling the place, from. Present and past seem to merge on is enough. I would be devastated to see the realisation that this is still this part of Galloway over an excellent site for combatting run by developments which invasion. compromise its integrity. This The strength of the vantage is fort was built to protect a as evident today as it was when community from invasion and occupied, and immediately I hope it will continue to serve imparts a sense of immense that purpose today. security and belonging. The If you have any Special site commands excellent views Places which you feel are under of the Rhinns of Kells, the threat, please email me through Cairnsmore of Carsphairn and fclubb@btinternet.com the peaceful Water of Ken. To Fiona Clubb, Carsphairn the north the upland plateau View up the Water o’ Ken from the iron age fort. If you have an opinion on commercial forestry or wind farm development in the Glenkens that you would like to share please get in touch; we’d love to hear your views on how best to achieve a balance regarding commercial land development our area - glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 19 CLIMATE CONVERSATION However we’re involved with it, I think it’s likely that we have a much closer relationship with and awareness of our natural environment here in the Glenkens than those in more urban areas. We may well be more able to notice changing weather patterns and wildlife populations, to feel more affected by them, and perhaps also feel more empathy for other lives in the world who are already experiencing the consequences of these changes far more than us. I am in awe of the number of people locally involved in positive action to support our environment and community, from running and supporting local shops to committing time to raising awareness and lobbying those in power - the importance of strong local community, and taking positive action at a local level, is something being highlighted across the country and the Glenkens is already a great example of how this can work. And it’s clear that, as with any big issue that’s going to affect our lives and those of our children, it needs as many of us as possible becoming involved in the conversation about climate and biodiversity, to take different views and perspectives into account, have access to the information we need to act effectively as a community in response to these issues, and to use this action to help influence the change needed at a larger level. The Gazette has kindly agreed to a space in each issue dedicated to highlighting some of the issues and initiatives taking place, and to share concerns, views and responses from a wide a range of us as possible. There will also be space to do this on the Gazette Facebook page. For starters, I thought I would contact people at the forefront of taking action on climate change in Dumfries and Galloway and ask them a few key questions such as what, from their perspective, can we do that actually makes a difference? Below are some responses to these questions from Laura Moodie, Green MSP candidate for South Scotland 2021. How can we best influence those in a position to make decisions? • By making our views known and being aware of who has power over what decisions. People do have power in democracies but often you need to do some work to find out who has accountability in what area. A lot of the climate change actions we can make relate to our most local level of government - the Council. • Keep an eye on planning applications (your community council should be sent them weekly). Take part in consultations on things like climate action plans and the Local Development Plan: https://www.dumgal. gov.uk/ldp2. The Local Development Plan is the council’s 5-year plan for building and development. It’s the document that underpins decision making on planning and investment and it’s what you need to refer to and quote from if you want to successfully object to planning applications. Handily, climate change is referenced early on in the document so if a proposal is made locally that will harm the environment, use it to object or make a comment. • Write to the local press and make your views known • Write to your 3 local councillors and make your views known: https://www. writetothem.com/ • Vote and make sure your councillors know your vote relates to their approach to the environment. A lot of what Councils do takes place in frameworks set at National Level - Scottish Government. This is where you need to lobby about strategic infrastructure projects, changing taxation and funding systems, tightening legislation etc. We have 8 representatives at this level - 1 constituency MSP and 7 regional MSPs. • Finally - talk to people. It’s amazing how much common ground you can find through face-to-face discussion. Don’t make assumptions about people’s views until you’ve asked them. Make climate issues a topic of local discussion and interest. What key things do you feel make the most difference locally, both for mitigation and adaptation? On a purely technical level in terms of what emits greenhouse gases, the top three locally that impact everyone are: • Transport • How we heat our houses • Food waste Some communities are looking at practical solutions to the rural transport conundrum, for example setting up local groups to organise lift shares. Going somewhere? Send a message to the group and someone may need a lift or ask you to collect something, saving journeys. In terms of emissions from a single sector, I am increasingly concerned about the growing numbers of slurry lagoons and tanks being built. There were 7 applications for slurry lagoons to D&G Council just in the last month. These emit enormous amounts of greenhouse gases including nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide, methane and ammonia. Some Danish research indicates emissions could be reduced by 38% just by covering them but there is no requirement to do so. If all those applied for were built, it would release thousands of tonnes of greenhouse gases. Is there anything that seems positive but that could actually make matters worse? • Electric cars (I say this as an EV owner) they can be part of the solution to reducing emissions but what we really need to do is wean people off individual metal boxes as a transport solution. If we swapped every current fossil-fuel car for an EV we wouldn’t even get close to coping with climate change, not to mention the “self-charging hybrids” that are barely electric at all. We need to promote active travel so people can stop using cars for short journeys and to better link up public transport as well as build essential infrastructure (like a new railway linking Dumfries & Stranraer). We also need to encourage folk to do more things remotely or locally. There’s a local food hub being set-up in Twynholm which is really interesting and could be replicated elsewhere (think of it like a farmers’ market but all the producers are really local and you order online in advance). Like focusing on producing and distributing food in your local area. • Tree planting - not all trees are equal. Mass reforesting with a monoculture cash crop like Sitka spruce only shunts the problem down the road and can actively damage other vital habitats. We need to promote mixed native broadleaf forestry, for the long term, sensitively managed and in sites unsuitable for other uses. There’s lots of Scotland where that is feasible. • Recycling - I cringed when a local news reporter said it was “one of the best things we could do for the environment” recently. It’s not. It’s the last resort. When all else has failed, the least we can do is recycle our waste. We need to look much more at reducing waste in the first place, and making manufacturers produce repairable goods as well as simply reducing how much we consume’. Thanks to Laura Moodie for her clear and detailed response. Check back here in the next issue for more on local initiatives having a positive impact and thoughts from Dougie Campbell, Dumfries & Galloway Council’s environment champion. Most importantly we would like your thoughts on the issues, what should be included and responses to Laura’s points, so please get in touch glenkensgazette@ hotmail.com Mary Smith VENUES OPEN! Glenkens Gazette page 20 As lockdown begins to ease, local venues are starting to reopen. We would like to encourage you to visit them - at this time our local busineses really need our support. Also - how exciting is it to be able to go out for a meal, or go kayaking round the loch or just meet up with friends again?! Below are some of our local venues whose doors have reopened - please phone to check opening times, etc, as they are liable to change depending on current Government guidelines as we move out of the COVID-19 lockdown. The Café at Clatteringshaws is open daily from 11am to 4pm. Admire the stunning view over Clatteringshaws loch while you enjoy some freshly made coffee, cake or something savoury. Drop by or call ahead to reserve a table by calling 07946 258 104 or messaging the cafe on Facebook. GAC are delighted to be able to reopen and welcome customers to the centre again to experience some fantastic activities. Currently the centre is offering half day activity sessions. To book call 01556 502 011, email gac@ lochken.co.uk, visit www.lochken. co.uk or visit GAC on Facebook. The Lochside Café is open from 9.30am to 5.30pm daily, and the GAC team look forward to giving you a warm welcome! The Clachan Inn, Dalry, is currently open Wednesday to Sunday from 12noon-10pm with lunches being served 12noon2pm and evening meals 5.308.30pm. Food on Sundays is served 12-4pm. The Clachan would like to thank their takeaway customers for supporting them throughout lockdown - they are continuing to run a takeaway service from Thursday to Sunday. To book a table or find out more call 01644 430 241, email mail@ theclachaninn.co.uk or visit www.theclachaninn.co.uk The Smithy, New Galloway, is now open Thursday to Sunday from 11:30 to 3pm for lunch or takeaway. Takeaway is also available on Friday and Saturday evenings from 5 to 7pm. The menu is still focused on fresh local ingredients and the coffee is still just as good as it was before lockdown. Bookings and orders can be made by calling 01644 420269. The Smithy would like to thank customers and suppliers for their support during lockdown. CatStrand’s cafe service and gift shop are now open to the public three days a week. Pop by for a coffee, a scone and a chat with physically distanced seating open outside and inside. Staff and volunteers are looking forward to welcoming customers back and thank them for their ongoing support. For current opening times for Carsphairn Tearoom please call 01644 460568, visit www. carsphairntearoom.co.uk or find them on Facebook. Glenkens Gazette page 21 VIRTUALLY KNOCKENGORROCH Local Knockengorroch festival organiser, Katch Holmes, gives us an overview of their lockdown virtual World Ceilidh. A child giggles. “Get her off me. Please, we’re about to go live. Please just take her away…” So goes the unconventional opener to Saturday’s Virtually Knockengorroch festival evening’s programme. Not the usual opening lines to a live broadcast, but then, what is normal for live broadcast music festivals? Fast forward several hours to Guinean Griot and Afro Celt Sound System member N’Faly Kouyate, illuminated in the beam of a car’s headlights in his village of Siguiri, Guinea, playing exquisite balafon. His fellow band members sit in little boxes on the screen alongside a captive ‘live’ studio audience on Zoom whilst hundreds watch on Facebook, YouTube and Twitch. A live interview with Afro Celt founder Simon Emmerson sees him checkingin with all the band members and then premiere a brand new video, The Lockdown Gorroch Reel, created during lockdown for Knockengorroch. The audience whoop, cheer and offer enthusiastic messages in the chat boxes This was my ‘new normal’ when we attempted our first festival online. Knockengorroch is a family-run, annual roots and dance music festival outside Carsphairn, taking place at my family’s smallholding, Knockengorroch Farm. Established in 1998 we programme artists from across the world, with a strong emphasis on traditionally-based music from the islands of the North Atlantic. A May event, we are of the first of the season, and one of the first to announce postponement after the COVID-19 lockdown. We’ve built up a strong community over the years and as the festival dates drew closer it felt important to mark them. With little other choice, little time and not much knowledge of ‘how’, I decided to run Virtually Knockengorroch, an online celebration of the event. Most live streams I had seen were done ‘presentationally’, with artists playing to an audience they can neither see nor hear. From the beginning, I knew that wasn’t how a ‘virtual’ Knockengorroch could 8th August • 12th September 10am-12.30pm * Dependent on the government’s guidance at the time regarding COVID-19 * For further information or to book a stall ring 01644 430 454 or visit www.dalrytownhall.co.uk Entrance by donation - proceeds towards Dalry Town Hall Refurbishment Fund North of Castle Douglas, A713 Ayr Road be. The participation of our audiences make the event for all of us, not least our artists. I knew that any festival we created had to incorporate the people as well as feature incredible music. A three-day festival programme mirrored the actual event, featuring live music and DJs from the original line-up. Audiences were encouraged to donate to a Justgiving fundraiser to raise funds to reimburse the artists. Artists rose to the challenge brilliantly, some performing for the first time online. Legendary Scottish ‘acid croft’ band Shooglenifty debuted a brand new video created in lockdown for Virtually Knockengorroch for their track ‘Black Dog’. James Mackintosh said: “We were delighted to be able to join the Virtually Knockengorroch Festival as representatives of Shooglenifty. The whole event was great fun with some great performances. We’ll look forward to seeing everyone under the stars at some point in the hopefully not too distant future, for a celebration of life, love and live music in person!” Afro Celt Sound System founder Simon Emmerson said: “‘It was an amazing experience. We had N’Faly Kouyate playing his grandfather’s ancestral balafon and singing live and direct, illuminated by car headlights. His tribute to his recently departed mentor Mory Kante was incredibly moving.” Glenkens Gazette page 22 Glenkens Gazette page 23 The Story of the Galloway Hydros: Part I The Galloway Hydros’ story begins in 1899 when the Marquess of Ailsa initiated investigations into the hydro potential of the Doon catchment by raising Loch Doon. The burgh of Ayr revived the proposal in 1921 to replace their struggling coalpowered generator but on both occasions development was frustrated by estimates of cost and distribution difficulties. Inspired perhaps by actions in Ayrshire, three worthies (including William McLellan) in Kirkcudbrightshire commenced a study of the Dee catchment in 1922. Although the potential was far greater than first thought, the scheme required construction of large storage reservoirs so again cost together with the problem of distribution of power to a widely dispersed population halted progress. The Electricity (Supply) Act 1926 and formation of the National Grid eased problems with export and distribution of power, allowing promoters of hydro schemes to utilise their catchments more efficiently. The flexibility of hydro power to respond to spikes in demand in stark contrast to coal powered stations was quickly recognised by the National Grid who became supportive of hydro development. The most dramatic spikes occurred around the Remembrance Day two minute silence. The Kirkcudbrightshire scheme was revised to operate on a peak load basis to help the grid operate without demand spikes causing dimming then overloading of equipment. The scheme was extended to utilise catchments of the Ken, Deugh and Doon and the Galloway Water Power Bill received Royal Assent in May 1929. Opposition to the scheme was fierce, diverse and daunting; issues included fishing, aesthetics, coal interests, antiquities, industries and community interests. Galloway poet WGM Dobie captured the mood in the ‘Modern Raiders’: A raider comes today who kills The glories of our glens and hills With unheroic Acts and Bills 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! Loch Doon Castle was to be largely submerged until the promoters buckled to public pressure and relocated the structure via a causeway to a site donated by the Marquess. Bruce’s Stone was (by chance) marginally above top water level of Clatteringshaws Loch. It was however the subject of delicate and prickly negotiations with landowner the Earl of Mar who claimed direct descent from Bruce. The Earl bought Clatteringshaws Farm in 1927 for £1,200 but sought £4,500 in January 1929 to accommodate the new loch in which the Moss Raploch 1307 battlefield was to be submerged. Settlement was agreed three months later at £1,900 subject to the Earl retaining the site of the stone; surprisingly, he gifted the site to the National Trust only three years later. Constructed during the Great Depression, the Galloway Hydros proved to be a magnet to the unemployed population who were often prompted to seek work in Galloway by labour exchanges across the country. Despite obligations to engage local labour first, in practice they suffered discrimination; workers were charged up to half their income for camp accommodation even when they were working within easy reach of home. This remained an issue of bitter contention throughout the works. The Presbytery of Kirkcudbright appointed a missionary, the Reverend TP Hitman, to attend to the spiritual welfare of the workforce from August 1932. He was an inspired appointment as in addition to religious services (aided by donations from the promoter’s directors), he organised concerts, indoor games, sports, libraries, reading rooms and first aid. Many facilities were open to local communities which helped with integration and fears that the huge construction encampments would overwhelm neighbouring communities proved unfounded. The Reverend CH Dick was moved to publish a Second Edition of Highways and Byways in Galloway and Carrick in 1938. It remained a powerful eulogy to the area though deeply mournful of amenities lost or dominated by the hydro scheme including Tinkler’s Loup and Earlstoun Linn. The Galloway Hydros with its bold and imaginative works combining catchments of the Dee, Doon and Ken, the biggest turbines, highest fish ladders and largest remotely controlled power stations remained the largest hydro scheme in the UK until the 1950s. No opening ceremonies were conducted in 1935/6 when the power stations commenced service; it was not until McLellan’s memorial plaque was unveiled at Tongland in 1938 that Lord Meston remarked on the achievements of the scheme – tempered by notes of apology. Although the Galloway Hydros were widely admired within the Institution of Civil Engineers as recorded in contemporary publications, public commemoration and knowledge remains rare. A memorial to the men who died during construction was erected adjacent to the remote surge shaft at Glenlee where sadly access is now restricted by a three metre high steel fence. An extraordinary collection of construction stage photographs was uploaded by James Bell which may be copies of prints held at Tongland (two examples below, and more of which can be found at https://www. flickr.com/photos/72399139@N03/ sets/72157628632448449). Further photos and details are accessible on the excellent Carsphairn Heritage site at www.carsphairn.org/ CarsphairnArchive Drax recently acquired the scheme from Scottish Power along with two other iconic hydro schemes, the Falls of Clyde (completed in 1926) and Cruachan (completed in 1965) and they are investing to preserve the works for future generation. By raising awareness of hydro power, its longevity and also the potential of tidal schemes around the UK to provide reliable power whilst also protecting against rising sea levels and improving transportation, my hope is to help ensure future investment in green energy is based on responsible and informed choices. Production of hydro turbines could enable Rolls Royce migrate towards a sustainable future. Subject titles which I‘d like to cover in future articles include Innovations, Amenity, Fishing, Designers, Workforce, Introduction of Electrical Power and Transportation. Feedback is welcome and any anecdotes, records or photographs would be gratefully received (please email glenkensgazette@ hotmail.co.uk). Acknowledgements: Tunnel & Dam by George Hill. Ian Keown Pictured: Far Left Glenlee pipework. Left foundations at Glenlee. Glenkens Gazette page 24 GLENKENS PLACE NAMES: PART V One of the strange things about placenames generally, and in the south-west of Scotland in particular, is how certain types of place-names cluster in specific areas. Dr Gilbert Markús has written about this in his excellent blog in respect of the Gaelic place-name generic earrann, which means a land portion or share, sometimes with religious connections. Gilbert has pointed out that we have distinctive earrann place-names in the upper Glenkens (all but one, Arndarroch, in Balmaclellan parish). I count eight in our area, the same total as Gilbert gives but I would include Ewanston which was Armakewne in 1466, probably for Earrann Mhic Eoghain or MacEwan’s portion and would probably leave out Dalarran given there is no record of a farm of this name and the the broad, flat dail (equivalent to Scots holm) is kidneyshaped when viewed from the height above at Fintloch (An Fionn Tulach, the while hill). Dail Àrainn would I think then mean ‘kidney holm’, describing its shape much in the same way as the kidney-shaped Loch Arron (Loch Àrainn) near the Merrick. Be that as it may, eight or nine of these earrann placenames is quite a remarkable number given their general scarcity elsewhere in Scotland (outside Menteith). They also do not seem to occur in Ireland or the Isle of Man. I won’t go into more detail on these names now, readers can follow up on Gilbert’s blog if they wish. Daphne Brooke also wrote about earrann place-names in her paper The Glenkens 1275-1456 in the transactions of the Dumfries and Galloway Natural History and Antiquarian Society (1984, pp 41-56). Another Gaelic term relating to the administration of units of land in medieval times is the ceathramh. This means a quarter, in this case a ‘quarterland’. The fact it refers to a fraction of a whole does not necessarily mean there was a specific hierarchical unit into which the ceathramh was nested. Gilbert Markús has noted in connection with the ceathramh land units on the Isle of Bute that they seem to have had a more general ‘district’ sense rather than a set area or value: think ‘Latin Quarter’ of Paris which does not imply a quarter of that city. However, established opinion has been that the ceathramh was a subsidiary part of a greater unit called a dabhach and this despite no charter affirmatory evidence for Galloway that the dabhach land denomination unit existed here. This claim is made on the basis of some place-names in anglicised form incorporate dabhach as ‘doch/doach’. An example from our area is the Doach Steps on the Polharrow up the Forrest Glen. However I think that most of these place-names in Galloway refer to fish-traps (dabhach literally means a vat or pot) and that the Polharrow example is a fish-trap re-interpreted as stepping stones. But back to clusters of ceathramhan. I estimate that there are around seventy place-names in ceathramh in Galloway, mainly in Wigtownshire and the centre/west of the Stewartry. This is almost as many as in the whole of the Isle of Man. By contrast there are almost none in Carrick or Dumfriesshire and the distribution of the ceathramh place-name type stops almost precisely on the boundary of Galloway as we understand that term today. The place of ceathramh in neighbouring areas to Galloway is taken by names relating to pennylands, in Gaelic peighinn, leth-pheighinn and fàirdean (pennyland, half-pennyland and farthingland respectively). These are extremely common and indeed cluster strongly in Carrick and Upper Nithsdale. They are usually anglicised as pin/leffin/farden respectively. In medieval times there was clearly a difference in land control, administration and management between Galloway and the surrounding areas. In land denominations Galloway shows similarity with parts of Ireland and the Isle of Man and a few other parts of Scotland whereas Ayrshire and Nithsdale seem to have inherited the same pennyland based system that prevailed in parts of the inner Hebrides. This may have been related to different control being exercised over these areas from either Dublin/ Man (ceathramhan) or via the incoming GallGhàidheal from the Hebrides peighinn, leth-pheighinn and fàirdean. But all this is shrouded in mist! As far as the upper Glenkens is concerned, our area went with Galloway in that there are likely examples of ceathramh or quarterland placenames but no pennyland place-names whatsoever. We have two different place-names here meaning ‘black quarterland’. Duchrae, a large farm on the uplands near Lochinvar, is most likely derived from Gaelic An Dubh-Cheathramh meaning the black quarterland. In this case the adjective is pre-fixed to the noun, something while not the norm, is not unusual in Gaelic especially relating to colours (note Fintloch above). There is another farm of this name just outside our area in Balmaghie parish. The other is Corriedoo. In my view Corriedoo is not likely to refer to a coire, cauldron, or corrie but this probably represents An Ceathramh Dubh, the black quarterland with the conventional noun/adjective order in Gaelic. Carminnows appears as Kirremonnow in 1615, pointing to a derivation in ceathramh, probably An Ceathramh Meadhonach, the middle quarterland. While I have argued earlier for another derivation for Carnavel, Sir Herbert Maxwell in his The Place-Names of Galloway, p 58 suggests Ceathramh n’ abhall, presumably for Ceathramh an Abhaill, quarterland of the apple. Perhaps more contentiously, in the western reaches of Kells and Carsphairn parishes are the placenames Curnelloch and Kirreoch. These only survive as burn names today and are at the southern and northern ends respectively of the broad valley of the Cooran Lane between the Dungeon of Buchan and the Rhinns of Kells. It could be that the former represents a lost farm, potentially sited where there are some good fields around the former holding of Back Garrary (such as Davie’s Holm) and it may be derived from Ceathramh an eallaich the quarterland of the cattle. Kirreoch could stand for An Ceathramh Riabhach and perhaps the farm of this name preceded the ruins at or around Sheil not far to the north. A further suggestion that a ceathramh may have been located in this area could be the place-name Fallincherrie Scar, describing a cliff where Craigtarson, Carlin’s Cairn and Corserine meet. Ballycherry, near Dingwall is in Gaelic Baile a’ cheathraimh, farmstead of the quarterland. Depending on how Fallincherrie was pronounced (I would be interested to know if anyone has heard a local pronunciation) this could represent faillín cheathraimh, the small cliff of the quarterland. The origin of our quarterlands are lost in time but they still leave an imprint on the land today. It is possible that farms such as Corlae and Cornharrow represent ceathramhan as well. The former may stand for Ceathramh an laoigh, the quarterland of the calf and the latter Ceathramh na h-airbhe, quarterland of the boundary. At the moment these must remain speculative and the Place-Names of Kirkcudbrightshire web-site gives a different derivation for both.It is likely that many of the older named farms in the Glenkens were originally quarterlands even if not necessarily named as such. Later reorganisations into Merklands and their Gaelic equivalent Marg gave us place-names such as Muirdrochwood, Marg na Drochaide (merkland of the bridge). This is a good example of a place-name (which is pronounced Mardrochit today) being gentrified and being made to sound ‘respectable’. Michael Ansell, Carsphairn Glenkens Gazette page 25 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN A COUNTRY OF PALACES AND COTTAGES A person knows he is in trouble when his mother advises: “when you write to me let me know how many children you have and their names”! John Neilson who had moved from Balmaghie to Quebec was once again in Isabel’s bad books. John was a busy man always full of good intentions but that was not enough for his old Ma. Seventeen years later John had to remind his nephew, Samuel Jr, that it was unmannerly not to answer a letter, even to an entire stranger and a much greater offence when family-mail was concerned. Canadian-born Samuel was now attending Glasgow University, studying French, logic and accountancy, and his dad demanded a “memorandum of money spent”. Isabel was not happy about “the new fashioned doctrines of the times” but such matters fascinate historians and the family correspondence is full of information about changes overtaking Galloway and wars waged overseas. William Neilson, who lived at Gatehouse, told his brother about the death of Nelson, Prime Minister William Pitt, and the ongoing struggle with Napoleon. He was pleased that his grandson was learning Latin; the boy was the son of William’s daughter Margaret who lived with her husband and six children at Genoch “near the kirk of Balmaghie”. Gatehouse could now boast a coffee room which took a London newspaper daily, rendering the town as posh then as it is now! William thought that John should come home since war had broken out between America and Britain in 1812. Many Americans, unhappy that they did not continue northwards at the end of the Revolution, sought to liberate Canada only to discover that the Canadians did not wish to be liberated. The Brits burned the White House to teach the Yankee upstarts a lesson. When John visited Galloway in 1816 he found “a country of palaces and cottages”. On departing he advised his student nephew to adhere to the Church of Scotland, avoiding young men and a headlong rush to destruction, and to beware of “loose conversation concerning women”. About the last mentioned he says more but you, dear readers, can peruse it yourselves! Don’t fight, always apologise, do not take offence, use mild language, don’t drink and “keep account of every farthing that you spend to be submitted to me”. Such a lengthy list might suggest that Samuel had already stepped off the path of righteousness. Or could it have been a younger John? Additionally, he stressed the desirability of neat handwriting. “The end of writing is to be understood; this is effected by clearness in the expression and plainness in the characters used; uniting the two with as much despatch as they are susceptible of, is perfection”. The first victory you have to gain is over the wisdom of Granny Neilson: “I maun improve your time will, an fa in wi ne gauding company”, (you must improve your time well and not fall in with frivolous folk). He thought nothing of asking his brother in Quebec to send him 300 or 400 feet of red pine of lengths from 13 to 21 feet long. In the decade 1810-20 people were selling up and emigrating. Poor labourers lacked food and employment. William was of the view that taxation was proving ruinous. A new word was becoming current – radical. There were demands for annual parliaments, universal suffrage, even cries of equality and liberty, breeding fierce opposition from the establishment. Young Sam and his pals finishing up at university were predictably all ‘King and Country’, though Sam thought that Britain was not the place it assumed it was and he yearned for the clean air of Canada. In 1826 many hundred poor weavers were out of employment, most of them hoping to be soldiers. Will writes telling Sam the loch trout fishing is just settling in and he would like to see him again “on the borders of the Galloway Lochs and rivers working the finny race and partaking at times of the hospitality of the natives of the high lands”. Thomas Edgar, a native of Balmaghie, was on his way to Quebec for employment. Ever since the early days the Quebec Neilsons had asked relatives at home to recruit likely candidates from the Auld Country. Latterly they could almost be described as emigration agents. The Reform Act of 1832 arrived at the same time as cholera hit Dumfries. William continued to resent the current state of affairs. Nearly half of the British community were becoming beggars and slaves. “Emigration very considerable, a great many of the middle and respectable classes are moving off to a better and less burdened country where the reward for industry is not taken from them by laws made by the few self-elected lords on the earth.” This is a fascinating collection well worth a visit. Well done Kenneth Veitch! “Emigration very considerable, a great many of the middle and respectable classes are moving off to a better and less burdened country where the reward for industry is not taken from them by laws made by the few selfelected lords on the earth.” yourself. It is to be hoped that Sam had learned the appropriate Glasgow response – “Gie’s Peace”! His uncle, Willie Neilson, was more understanding. When Sam was visiting Gatehouse the two would meet at Dalmellington and fish the lochs, especially Lochenbreck, on the way home. Dornald Loch was good for gades (pike); Loch Grannochs, Whinnie, Fleet and Pool of Ness were also favoured. Will remembered a very large pike they caught one Sunday morning; “it was still alive when our mother returned from Kirk”. He truly represented the voice of Old Galloway, quoting in Scots Ted Cowan Glenkens Gazette Local Initiatives For Dalry Local Initiatives For Dalry (LIFD) have been working hard to keep people’s spirits up during lockdown. Plant Swap Shop Thank you so much to everyone that shared, swapped and donated at the plant swap shop. We will be happily sending a cheque to Dumfries and Galloway Mental Health Association, CD for the amazing sum of £168.56. Absolutely fantastic! Big Village Bake Off - Bake Sale Following our successful unmanned bake sale during the VE Day Celebrations, LIFD have sent an incredible donation of £357.80 to our Glenkens Medical Practice as a thank you for the amazing work and care they provide our community with. A huge thank you to the LIFD bakers and Jayne’s Hair Salon for organising and setting up the stall each day and to everyone that bought some of the yummy goodies. What a wonderful community we live in. Spoonville The creation of St ‘Spoonville’ of Dalry has been great fun. On the corner between Throughgate and Kirkland Street is a mini map of Dalry, with streets marked. People have been creating their families out of wooden spoons and placing them in the correct location of Spoonville, a mini page 26 version of Dalry. Feel free to join in! Scarecrow Festival! Dalry’s show of scarecrows to lift the spirits and brighten people’s day was truly amazing. Thanks to everyone who got involved. Stones of Kindness Beautiful painted stones are still popping up in and around the village. I bet you’ve spotted some! If you see one when you’re out and about, why not take a photo and post on the LIFD Facebook page? And even better, how about joining in and make your very own painted stones and hiding them for someone to find while out walking? We feel so grateful for living in such a kind and caring community and hope that everyone stays happy and healthy as we move forward out of lockdown. Please keep your eyes peeled for further LIFD community engagement opportunities in the future. If you would like to get in touch or join the group please check visit the LIFD Facebook page or contact Angie Bradford on 01644 430 512. The LIFD Team Top: Plant Swap Shop. Above Left: A few Stones of Kindness. Above Right: Spoonville. Glenkens Gazette page 27 Top Tips for Looking After Your Teeth With dental practices being closed during lockdown, it has never been so important to take a preventative approach to oral health. Dr Maria Papavergos (Mrs Maria Yerburgh), is a general dental practitioner who lives on Barwhillanty Estate, Parton. Maria is a passionate advocate of holistic health and wellbeing, and in this article offers her expertise aiming to impact both your oral and systemic health in a positive way. By sharing her top tips for looking after your teeth at home, she hopes to empower you with some knowledge to make lifestyle and dietary choices that nurture your oral microbiome and help you stay free from dental disease and pain in these challenging times. 1) Use a Fluoride toothpaste (1450ppm adults, 1000ppm children under three years). Fluoride is an established, effective remineralising agent. It has the capacity to rebuild the enamel on your tooth surface, thus protecting against dental decay. 2) Brush first thing in the morning and last thing at night as a minimum. 3) Brushing after a mealtime/snack (especially a sweet snack/drink) helps reduce your risk of tooth decay. Leave 30 minutes before brushing to reduce erosive effects. 4) If you use a mouth rinse, rinse at a SEPARATE time to brushing (ie after a snack) so as not to dilute the effects of the fluoride. 5) Spend at least two minutes brushing your teeth. Electric toothbrushes have timers and smaller heads which aid technique. 6) Brush accurately and meticulously, but not vigorously. 7) Interdental cleaning, ie flossing, interdental brushes and tongue brushing/ scraping are good practices. 8) For all denture wearers, always take your dentures out at night. Brush and clean them in warm soapy water (washing up liquid). If you wear partial dentures, make sure you brush your teeth without your dentures in, giving particular attention to the teeth adjacent to the denture. 9) Eat a diet with a large variety of fresh fruit and vegetables and low in refined carbohydrates. 10) Swap some of your snacks, not always opting for something sweet. Try veggie sticks with hummus, peanut butter topped toast/oatcakes or fresh fruit as a tooth-friendly alternative. 11) Keep well hydrated by drinking water/milk regularly. Limit fruit juice/ squash. If drinking plant-based milk, always check for added sugar. 12) Choose fresh whole fruit. Limit dried fruit, and fruit consumed in juiced or blended form. 13) Eat whole foods/grains and try to cook from scratch. Less processed foods = a lower glycemic index and reduced sugar content. 14) Be mindful of hidden sugars sauces, ketchup, preserves, purées and dried fruit. Indulge in these knowingly; it is the frequency of intake that increases potential damage to teeth. To learn more from Maria, follow her on Instagram @thelifestyledentist The construction team have continued to make good progress since reopening the site in late May, with additional measures in place to create a safe working environment in accordance with Scottish Government’s COVID-19 guidelines. Works are still well underway to prepare the site for the installation of the turbines in early 2021. Reducing Construction Traffic: We are pleased to have been able to significantly reduce traffic on local roads by producing some of the materials required on-site. Blasting took place throughout June and July to provide aggregate for access tracks throughout the site. Tracks have been constructed to allow vehicles to move around easily, even in wet weather, and will remain in place for the operating life of the project. Improving Local Roads: please contact Doug Wilson on doug.wilson@statkraft.com or The installation of ten additional call 07542 754642. passing places along the B729 went smoothly, the passing places are For up to date information on large enough to allow an HGV to pull construction progress, visit www. in and allow traffic to pass safely. statkraft.co.uk/windyrig Originally designed as a temporary measure, we are pleased to have been able to work with D&G Council to ensure these new passing places will remain after the construction to make travel along the B729 safer for local residents in the future. Preparing For Turbine Blade Deliveries Laydown Area: In early June we commenced work on the blade laydown area just outside Carsphairn. The work to establish the laydown area will take until September to complete. This area will be temporary to allow the turbine blades to be transferred to a blade adapter and then delivered to the site. We are currently operating a text message Top: Track construction taking place on service to alert residents the Windy Rig site. Above: Passing place to potential disruption - if construction along the B729. you would like to be added Advertisement WINDY RIG CONSTRUCTION UPDATE Glenkens Gazette CatStrand Youth Arts It’s summer! And we’ve got some great mini courses lined up for you: • Creative Sketchbooks with illustrator Lucy Hadley – 29th/30th/31st July – 10.30am - 1pm (ages 12+) • Dance with Scottish Dance Theatre’s Joao Castro – 5th/6th/7th August – 11am - 1pm (ages 10+) • Photography with artist and For Enjoyment founder Frank Hayes – 6th/7th/ 8th August – 2 - 4pm (ages 12+) All sessions are free and you can choose to attend one, two or all sessions in a course, although we’d advise all three to get the most out of it. They will be held online via a Zoom group. You’ll need parental permission to take part and will be emailed a zoom link, meeting ID and password in advance. To book your place email katy@catstrand.com. Materials can be supplied beforehand. We’re also planning a couple of oneoff online workshops for our under-12s, so keep your eye out on our website at www.catstrandyouth.co.uk or visit Facebook page for updates. For further information please email katy@catstrand.com Katy Billington, CatStrand Youth Arts Coordinator Creative Writing Course John Dean, a novelist who is part of the CatStrand Writers’ Cafe, is offering creative courses during lockdown. Crime writer John has been a creative writing tutor for twenty years. His online course is aimed towards writing groups who may be page 28 struggling to meet in person during the current coronavirus restrictions, aiming to provide a creative spark during lockdown. The course, which runs in eight parts and can begin at a time and date to suit the group, will help writers to improve their technique and therefore their chances of being successful, either in competitions or submissions to publishers. John said: “A lot of writers are telling me that they are struggling to find their motivation the longer that the lockdown restrictions continue and I hope that my course will help to spark some creativity. “Hopefully, I can also help aspiring writers to develop their craft and, because the course is online, it does not matter where they live.” You can contact John at deangriss@ btinternet.com or ring 07889 554 931. For more about John’s work visit www.johdean.ning.com Glenkens Gazette page 29 GO WILD SUMMER ONLINE Last summer, young people thoughout the Galloway Glens area spent days discovering and exploring local wild places through the Galloway Glens ‘Go Wild’ programme of day camps, and had their enthusiasm and conservation work recognised through the John Muir Trust’s ‘Discover’ Award. This year the Go Wild project has been impossible due to COVID-19 restrictions, so we decided to move online instead. The Galloway Glens Online John Muir Awards is a supported John Muir Award programme for families and individuals across the Galloway Glens area (and beyond) to help give outdoor activities focus, support and recognition at a time when we perhaps need it more than ever. Thirty families and individuals are taking part, and the programme has proved particularly popular in the gorgeous Glenkens. John Muir was a passionate environmentalist and founder of the first National Parks. At the turn of the last century, he radically taught that the environment is not just a commodity, a resource or even a backdrop to achieving our ‘personal best’, but intrinsically part of what we are. Over his fascinating life spent in Scotland and North America he approached the world fearlessly with wonder, curiosity and wholehearted love and respect for every aspect of nature. That’s what the John Muir Trust and their awards aim to encourage in our modern lives. We hope that this flagship online programme will help towards producing resources and inspiration for more to do the same. The Awards require you to discover, explore, conserve and share experiences of wild places, and so far Glenkens families have included wild swimming, woodland walks, canoeing, wildlife photography, litter-picking, dog-poo posters, pond dipping, river walking, tree identification and lots of tree climbing in their work. We think John Muir would be proud and we’re excited to see what else takes place over the summer months. Bow-making at last summer’s Galloway Glens ‘Go Wild’ project days. For more details about the programme, see www.gallowayglens.org/projects/ galloway-glens-explorers or contact helen.keron@dumgal.gov.uk You can find out more about John Muir, his life and the Awards at www. johnmuirtrust.org Mary Smith, Galloway Glens Online John Muir Awards Project Co-ordinator Wright’s Shop & Post Office ULTRASOUND PREGNANCY SCANNING Dairy & Sucklers; Ageing, Twin & Barren Detection. Friday grocery delivery and daily paper round now available within Dalry - please phone to enquire. Trailer system includes triplets, marking and shedding. stocking a range of local suppliers • Express Bakery bread • • Irvings biscuits & cakes • • Ballards & Dalmellington Country Butchers meat & pies • • Mitchells fruit & veg • Pregnancy and number of pups. For bookings and info: Duncan Kennedy 07860 474001 dk@passcan.co.uk www.passcan.co.uk Shop & Post Office open 7 days Monday to Friday 7am–6pm Saturday 8am–6pm Sunday 8.30am–4pm Tel 01644 430 225 Glenkens Gazette page 30 ADVERTISE IN THE GAZETTE (price per issue incl VAT) SMALL: 6cm x 6cm, £37.80 (+ 10% off with series discount) 1/4 PAGE: 9cm w x 13cm h, £81.90 (+ 25% off with series discount) 1/2 PAGE: 18cm w x 13cm h, £151.20 (+ 25% off with series discount) FULL PAGE: 18cm w x 27cm h, £252 (+ 25% off with series discount) Call 07727 127 997 VAT Reg. No. 882 8361 87 GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL 01644 420234 LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUPS Glenkens Community Shop: Contact Shirley McNaught on 07955 743 022 or drop by the charity shop on Main Street, Dalry Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING): Contact Ros Hill on ros.hill@rathanhouse.co.uk Dalry Communities Properties Trust (DCPT): Contact Andi Holmes on andiholmes@hotmail.com or 07729 292 126 Dalry Town Hall: Contact Jim Reid on 01644 430231 or jamescreid@hotmail.co.uk Glenkens Community Centre: Contact Carylann Williamson on williamsoncarylann@gmail.com New Galloway Community Enterprises (NGCE): Contact Sam Rushton on 07741 656601 or samCEW@newgallowaycommunity.shop or pop into New Galloway Community Shop Balmaclellan Community Trust: Contact Julia Higgins on julia.higgins55@outlook.com CatStrand: Contact Chris Jowsey at chris@catstrand.com 01644 420 374 or pop in to the CatStrand Schools: Visit the school office or call Dalry Primary on 01644 430 105 (for Nursery/ELC too), Dalry Secondary on 01644 430 259 or Kells on 01644 420 340 Carsphairn Heritage Group: carsphairnheritagegroup@ gmail.com Bright Stars - Glenkens Community Nursery: Contact glenkenscommunitynursery@gmail.com Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership (GGLP): Contact McNabb Laurie on mcnabb.laurie@dumgal.gov.uk If you would like to add your community organisation to this list please get in touch with the Gazette - contact details are on the back page. Glenkens Gazette page 31 Many events and activities are still on hold at the time of going to print due to the COVID-19 lockdown. Please check government guidelines for up-to-date information on social activities during August & September. Glenkens Community Councils Balmaclellan Community Council Meetings: Last Monday each month, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall Carsphairn Community Council Meetings: Last Monday each month, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn. Dalry Community Council Meetings: 1st Monday each month, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. New Galloway & Kells Community Council Meetings: 2nd Monday each month, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall. Full minutes of local Community Council meetings can be viewed at Dalry Library. CHURCH TIMES CHURCH OF SCOTLAND: Search on YouTube under Balmaclellan, Kells and Dalry linked with Carsphairn’. The words of the reflection and prayers are accompanied by pictures of the Glenkens and soft music. David is also happy to send these directly to people by email if they contact him at dbartholomew@churchofscotland.org.uk Paper copies can also be provided to those who do not have internet access. Contact David on 01644 430 380 if you would like to receive these resources, or simply if you would like to have a chat. SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH: St Margaret’s, New Galloway: Open for quiet reflection & prayer, 10.30am every Sun & Wed (for info contact 01644 420 467). Dalry Library & Customer Service Centre Tuesdays 10.30am-2pm Fridays 11am-4.30pm For further information contact Castle Douglas library on 01556 502 643 USEFUL NUMBERS: ● Pot-hole Hotline: 0845 276 0000 ● Police, non-emergency: 101 ● Doctor: 01644 420 234 ● NHS 24: 08454 24 24 24 ● D&G Council: 030 33 33 3000 Glenkens Gazette page 32 CORSOCK KIDS CLUB GETS PLANTING Corsock Kids Club have been hard at work planting flowers to brighten up the village. Bedding plants were provided by D&G Council and, using funds received through the Corsock & Kirkpatrick Durham Community Council Blackcraig Microgrant scheme, planters and pots were purchased. Then local children (with adult supervision) set to work with much enthusiasm. Maintaining social distancing throughout, this was a great opportunity for the kids to take part in some planting fun. JOB OPPORTUNITY Glenkens Community & Arts Trust require a Business Support Assistant An exciting opportunity for an experienced and enthusiastic individual to work in the Business Support Team based at the CatStrand, New Galloway. This is an attractive opportunity to help provide financial and administrative support to local projects. A knowledge of Xero and Microsoft Office is desirable but not essential. Business Support Assistant Officer based in New Galloway, 24 hours per week on a flexible basis. For more information and details of how to apply visit www.catstrand.com Closing date: Friday 21st August 2020 Interviews week commencing 24th August 2020 WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! 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: 5 SEPT Design & co-ordination: Sarah Ade sarah.ade@gmail.com Printing: www.instantprint.co.uk The Glenkens Gazette is an initiative of the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust, a Registered Scottish 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 119 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GG_119 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 2020 Description An account of the resource Editor: Sarah Ade https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/1/265/GlenkensGazette118.pdf fa4d08e9100df429672e6f7bbf960c43 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 118 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, Corsock, Crossmichael, Kirkpatrick Durham, Laurieston, Mossdale, New Galloway, Parton and St John’s Town of Dalry June/July 2020 ISSUE 118 FREE CELEBRATING VE DAY Friday 8 May 2020 marked 75 years since Victory in Europe (VE) Day in 1945. Across the Glenkens, communities made plans to celebrate this event in creative, thoughtful ways, in light of our current lockdown situation. New Galloway Community Events Committee, alongside other local organisations, had planned a big celebration on Sunday 10 May with a tea party in the park and including an exhibition of memorabilia, 1940s music, other entertainment and a service at the War Memorial. However, due to the lockdown restrictions and social distancing requirements, they celebrated “in our homes and on our doorsteps” instead. Homes and streets were awash with bunting, poppies and pictures. At 11am, village folk stood still on their doorsteps and took a moment to remember those who gave their lives, followed by a community sing-along of We’ll Meet Again. Many commented on how moving and uniting this was, which was intensified due to our current situation. Afterwards, people lingered outside to catch up with friends and neighbours and enjoyed the social interaction and chat that we have so missed, even if it was at a distance. At 3pm, the rain stopped, the sunshine broke through and the birds sang as our present day heroes, fire fighter John McGaw and nurse Lynn Grieve, laid a beautiful wreath made by Maybelle Thomson at the War Memorial. Residents out on their daily exercise stood in silence to observe, and others John McGaw and Lynn Grieve laying the wreath at joined by the power of New Galloway War Memorial. social media. remember forever. Thanks to all the The day continued with volunteers who made it happen, and to deck chairs appearing on doorsteps, everyone who took part, in whatever and residents enjoying tea, cake, the way. odd glass of bubbly, laughter and a loud See inside for more on VE Day chat with their nearest neighbours. celebrations across the Glenkens, Although this event was not as as well as some memories from originally planned, the community came those who remember the 1945 day together, remembered, celebrated in itself. style and made it a day that we will The COVID Safety Network Former Dalry School pupil Adam Winstanley has set up an ambitious social enterprise to enable personal protective equipment (PPE) to be distributed among the most needy organisations in the country. Through this project Adam and cofounders Hannah Wright and Kris Small have gathered a collective of people in order to work towards addressing the health threats of COVID-19. Adopting an open-source design process has enabled a much faster response and allows the team to engage directly with communities to offer free protection for front line staff. The Gazette has been speaking to Adam to find out more about the project: What inspired you to start the COVID Support Network? After seeing the experience in other countries online I started to think about whether we could learn and prepare for the impact of COVID in my own community. I was energised by the positive response everywhere to act selflessly. The COVID Safety Network team - Adam (right), Continued on p10... Hannah (centre) and Kris (left). A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) initiative www.glenkensgazette.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 2 Sew Your Own Fabric Face Mask Having had an enquiry as to whether the Gazette could offer instructions for a home-made face mask, we asked the talented Anne McEwan of Dalry and she very kindly obliged. Here are the instructions for your own home-made pleated fabric face mask with a pocket for a changeable filter. The mask can be used by tying the ties into a loop on either side which goes around the ears or by using the top and bottom ties to tie behind the head. You can adjust the width of the mask by using a wider piece of fabric at the start. Materials: Piece of cotton fabric 20”x 10”; 4 x 11” pieces of elastic/ribbon/ string for ties. 4) Cut the elastics/ties 8) Sew the sides closed 11) Turn the mask the right way round 15) Check the pocket opens easily 1) Cut out the material 5) Fold and press with the wrong side showing 12) Iron in pleats 9) Cut off the extra bits of the ties 2) Press and pin both shorter sides (0.5”) 3) Sew both hems 6) Keep an overlap of 13) Pin the pleats about 1” 7) Pin a piece of elastic/tie into each corner 10) Check all seams 14) Sew the pleats in place 16) The mask is ready to use Glenkens Gazette page 3 Marking 75 Years Since VE Day Occasionally we are called on in life to do something unexpected for which we feel illprepared. This happened to me on 8 May when I was honoured to be asked to lay a wreath at the local War Memorial as the start of Dalry’s VE 75 celebrations. On VE day in 1945, people attended services of remembrance at cathedrals, churches and at local memorials in vast numbers prior to getting on to the serious business of celebration. Of course, I have taken part in remembrance ceremonies and other public events in the past, but only as a contributor or member of a team. I even once helped organise a cathedral service, but that was all about seating plans and timings with me comfortably in the background. With social distancing in force, it would be me, ‘front and centre’ with a photographer and the odd passer-by as witnesses. The day before saw me sorting a clean shirt, jacket and regimental tie, polishing my shoes and medals and dusting off my old service glengarry that I last wore when serving as the Paymaster of the Gordon Highlanders. Then came a second request – “would I consider sitting in the back of a jeep and being paraded around the village, with the wreath, on the way to the memorial?” How could I refuse? I knew that I would find this embarrassing and uncomfortable, but it was not about me. If I could bring a little cheer during lockdown as I was paraded around the village and if that helped those who saw us pass feel as if they were part of the Remembrance act, then that was the point. At 10.15am, Gordon Currie collected me in his ex-army Jeep and I climbed into the back clutching the wreath, ready to display to anyone as we drove past. With my hat on straight, we began a slow drive around the town, waving, showing the wreath and even making the odd salute when it seemed appropriate. On arrival at the War Memorial I fixed the wreath (made by Esme and Murdo Devlin). I had prepared a few words to say aloud, to anyone nearby, but also to the fallen whose names I would read out. I had chosen to read the exhortation of remembrance from Binyon’s Dalry’s VE Day wreath laid by Paul Goodwin poem For the Fallen and at the War Memorial outside the church, I read the nine names of with Gordon’s Jeep in the background. those who died in service in WW2. A recording of the last post was played and the two choked with a lump in my throat, but it minutes silence was observed. was a close thing. With task completed, I walked back up My thanks to the wreath makers, the hill. Like many, my emotions seem the driver and those who made the to be running closer to the surface arrangements, especially Jenna Devlin during this lockdown so I was glad that and Angie Bradford. Paul Goodwin I had not stumbled over the words or Community Cupboards New Galloway Community Enterprises is delighted to have secured funding from the Prince’s Countryside Fund (PCF) in order to create Community Cupboards as part of our COVID-19 response. The PCF grant has been amplified by a donation from Julian Wontner of the Barscobe family, for which we’re most grateful. The Community Cupboards will be stocked with basic food and household supplies and are available for all to take from. You can use them if you’ve temporarily run out of something and can replace it soon - or if you are short of supplies, take what you need, there is no need to replace them. They will also contain craft items for children plus books and jigsaws, available to take away for free, so if you see a Community Cupboard pop over and have a look! They’re open 24 hours a day, not staffed or locked - we are confident that people won’t abuse this new resource. We’re asking for donations to the Community Cupboards if you can, of non-perishable food staples and the other supplies. Just pop them directly into the Cupboards. Of course we would ask that you only donate if your household is symptom-free, and that you wash your hands before donating to or taking from the Community Cupboards. The Community Cupboards are not intended to replace the excellent work being done by the Stewartry Foodbanks, just to be a local, easily accessible community resource for emergencies. If you need more support, there are three food bank services in the Stewartry: the Stewartry Food Bank in Kirkcudbright which can be accessed through the D&G Council help line 030 33 33 300, the Helping Hands food bank in Castle Douglas, which can be contacted directly on 01556 505855, and the new Heart of Galloway food bank in the visitor centre in Castle Douglas, which can be contacted directly on 07730 788335. They can all deliver to the Glenkens if you can’t get out. So look out for the Community Cupboards! One will be in New Galloway, in the small car park opposite the Town Park, next to the phone box. At the time of writing, we’re not quite sure where the others will be located, but hopefully you’ll see one near you soon! New Galloway Community Enterprises Glenkens Gazette page 4 sponsored by FREE If you would like to list something on this page, please get in touch on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk 4-drawer metal filing cabinet, 18” wide x 25” deep x 53” high. Mamia baby snuggle nest (cloth ‘nest’ for infant to lie in). Contact: Lorna on 07703 303 805 Bath lift, Mangar Health, lightweight battery-powered, actuator driven. Contact: 01644 430 373 FOR SALE Bass drum, 22” black Yamaha Power V, £20. Contact: Blue on 07934 361 526 Rangemaster Classic 110 gas cooker, good condition for 10 years old, burgundy and black, £200 ono, buyer to uplift from Castle Douglas. Contact: Andi on 07729 292 126 WANTED Old lawn mowers/strimmers/ other small machinery. Nonrunners/broken welcome. Contact: 07845 562 217 POETRY COMPETITION EXTENSION We have decided to extend the topic for last issue’s poetry competition for another issue as we only received two entries - so get your writing hats on! The theme is ‘Ma Hame Toon’, and it doesn’t have to be in Scots dialect; just a poem about what home means to you. You can either drop your entry into Wright’s Shop, judges of the competition, or email it over to the Gazette at glenkensgazette@ hotmail.co.uk Please submit entries by 5 July 2020. The winner will have their poem printed in the August/September edition of the Glenkens Gazette and receive a voucher for £10 for Wright’s Shop, Dalry. by the Ken Photo of the Issue Sponsored Bridge Hotel This issue’s winner is Isabel Blyth with this uplifting evening sunset photographed at Blowplain Farm, Balmaclellan. Isabel wins an evening meal for two up to the value of £30 at the Ken Bridge Hotel. Competition judges Dave and Sue said: “As always, we had lots of stunning entries and choosing the winner was hard. But Isabel’s sunset captures all the elements of a tranquil Glenkens evening, so this is our choice for this issue.” How to Enter: any photos taken in the Glenkens can be entered - landscapes, wildlife, portraits, action shots... Email them to glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk If you are a winner the Gazette will send you out a voucher - please call the Ken Bridge to check opening times in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Gordon McAdam N ew Galloway Golf Club Founded Foun ded 1902 www.ng www.n g gc.co.uk - 01644 420737 Buggies now available for hire VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME Plumbing & Heating HOUSE REPAIRS JOINERY 22 Kirkland Street St John’s Town of Dalry Semi-retired Furniture Maker & Builder in GLENKENS AREA 01644 430 393 07834 321 789 Call Pete on 07970 462 088 ...special rates for inclusion of tea, cake and friendly banter... Glenkens Gazette page 5 sponsored by HIDDEN VEG A new venture is growing, tucked away on the Hidden Road, near Balmaclellan. Hidden Veg is a small market garden, aiming to provide quality produce for local people. The polytunnel is up and is filling nicely with salads, chard, beans, tomatoes and courgettes – all being grown using ecological methods with organic fertilsers and inputs. In the outdoor beds there will be beetroots, more salads and more beans and peas. Sounds like a beantastic season on the way! The team behind Hidden Veg are Abi and Bruce. Each has over 20 years of organic veg growing experience, and are passionate advocates of local food. They have recently moved to the area – although they have long-standing Galloway connections – and are very excited to be adding their contribution to the already vibrant local food culture here. Abi says: “We love growing and producing food – it’s a kind of addiction. I’d always rather be gardening than anything else. We also love to connect with other people who have similar goals and ideas. There is an increasing number of market gardeners across the region, and we’re looking forward to working with others to bring more flavours to the local food scene”. Hidden Veg will not just be about growing food. The team are also experienced food educators and love sharing their knowledge with other people. The initiative is based at The Hidden Mill, which is becoming known locally as a place for learning sustainable skills such as off-grid living and permaculture. New programmes are being developed that will see different courses and workshops being offered in organic growing and other food explorations. The original plan for Hidden Veg was to connect with cafes, pubs and restaurants to sell their tasty food. However, with lockdown likely to continue for a while yet, Hidden Veg will be supplying local people. They can deliver by bike within a 10-mile radius and will be taking orders soon. If you’re interested in buying their produce, follow them on facebook – they plan to have an online shop open soon https://www.facebook. com/HiddenVegDG/. You can also email them at hello.hiddenveg@ gmail.com Renewing an Old Aquaintance Well I managed to drop a twelve-pound block of concrete on my big toe the day before lockdown began. The A&E doctor looked at the X-Ray and said “you’ve smashed it” (I don’t think she meant that as a measure of success!). So, my lockdown has been more restricted than it might have been and significant exercise is difficult. Reading (books and magazines), sorting ‘stuff’, gardening; I have been through all the usual suspects. Yesterday I set about cleaning the door of the greenhouse, a window on the summerhouse and windows on the garage. Then, with a bucket of soapy water still in hand, thought “what else can I do? and remembered a totally neglected bicycle at the back of the garage that hadn’t turned a wheel in over five years. It soon came back why I parked it up; a medical problem, gears didn’t work properly and life got in the way. Now it sat there with two flat tyres, covered in a layer of filth. I dragged it into the light and swear it winced. A scrub with soapy water, tyres pumped up and some oil in aching joints (the bike’s, not mine) and it looked much better. I found that some of the gears worked, so put new batteries in the lights, climbed aboard and wobbled off. Luckily my broken toe didn’t complain too much. In its first three-mile outing, the chain came off once but I coaxed it back on. There is still work to be done on the old girl but it’s great to be a cyclist again. I just thought I’d relay this little anecdote in case anyone else has any long-forgotten projects sitting in a corner of the garage or a dark cupboard, just waiting to be unearthed... Paul Goodwin, Dalry Glenkens Gazette page 6 Brass Played in Recognition Carsphairn residents celebrated the 75th anniversary of VE Day with a mini-concert of wartime songs performed by Nigel and Kath Martin. The socially distanced audience in the village’s community garden showed their appreciation of the impromptu performance with long rounds of applause after every piece of music. Nigel and Kath, who both play cornet with Kilmarnock Concert Brass, entertained the enthralled listeners with a repertoire which included It’s a Long Way to Tipperary, Pack up your Troubles, If You Were the Only Girl in the World, A Nightingale Sang in Berkley Square and White Cliffs of Dover. Many of the audience sang along during the show which ended with renditions of We’ll Meet Again and Land of Hope and Glory. Nigel and Kath have also been playing various pieces during the weekly Clap for Carers in Carsphairn. “Kath is a mental health nurse at Ailsa Hospital in Ayr and wanted to play in appreciation of her colleagues who are on the frontline in the battle against Coronavirus,” says Nigel. In March (before the pandemic kicked in) Kilmarnock Concert Brass band qualified for the national brass band championships in Cheltenham in September where it will represent Scotland in the fourth section. Carsphairn residents celebrate the 75th anniversary of VE day with Kath and Nigel Martin’s performance of wartime songs in Carsphairn Community Garden. Corona Virus Comparisons Born in Hackney General Hospital in the East End of London in December 1941 I was evactuated to the West Country, along with my mother, around the end of January 1942. Shortly after this we were relocated to Essex. We lived in a three-bedroom house with my Nan, Grandad, and my two aunts. When the war started, the government issued ration books with tokens for food, clothing, petrol and other items. Water was rationed too - only so many inches of water in each bath, and the whole family used the same water. When finished, the bath water was used to flush the toilet, and the washing-up water and washtub water was also recycled in this way. Each family was allocated so many ounces of everyday food per week, such as bacon, sausages, cuts of meat, sugar, butter if you could get it, margarine/lard and perhaps two and a half eggs per household. We could get powdered milk and egg which was tightly controlled too. Fresh and tinned fruit was very scarce - I didn’t know what a banana was until I was six years old - and sweets, chocolate and other confectionery were also hard to come by. With no central heating it was very cold at night, especially in winter, so we usually slept with our winter coats over our blankets to keep us warm. We used to wake up and see ice and icicles on the inside of the windows. Generally three houses shared one bomb shelter and our street had about fifteen houses, so there were five shelters. Many houses had allotments and every allotment had an allotment group who would grow different vegetables and share them out among the community. Teamwork and community spirit were very important throughout the UK. During my 22 years military service in the army I often had to move out at a moment’s notice, packing up all my belongings. There are various types of ‘standby’ you can be put on; two hour, 12 hour, 24 hour... Usually you were free to make short journeys around the barracks at these times, but it could be more restrictive. In the army you got yourselves organised for the daily routines breakfast; first parade and briefing; physical training; drill (marching); maintenance of our equipment; football, basket ball, or hand ball... In the evening we would have quizzes. We were allowed one beer in the evening and could watch TV. Being in a lockdown situation is nothing unusual for a soldier; they could be on a covert operation in the field for two or three days at a time. Often there would be only dry/cold food to eat and they would not be allowed to move from their position - which could be in a ditch in the middle of nowhere over-looking a target’s (enemy) house. I was once sent to be medical cover in Northumberland at the RAF Bombing and Rifle Range for six weeks where I was in this single story bungalow with just my bed, a phone (for military use only), a book and some magazines. I was confined to the building for the full six weeks, only allowed out to attend any injured troops in the field if I was called out. My only line of communication was writing letters to my family. The current lockdown has similarities to all of these situations - evacuation and wartime living; being a soldier on standby, ready to move on any time; and lockdown experiences in the army, ‘waiting it out’ with no outside contact. In all of these instances we have to obey rules and regulations, wait for orders. We learn to make our own entertainment and find things to do; we chill out, reminisce, catch up on tasks that need doing, share what we can, help each other wherever possible. Community spirit surfaces and connects us, despite the obstacles. Barry Bryan-Dixon Glenkens Gazette page 7 EDIBLE PERENNIALS FOR THE LAZY GARDENER Growing food from seed is a faff. easily be propagated from cuttings. Once in, there is no end to these joyful Some people have the patience and plants, edible perenials attention to detail to make it appear which can naturalise effortless. However, I find that fiddling to form patches of around with spacing, watering, potting effortless food. We on and pinching out a bit tedious, all find the Welsh onions to flourish, peak and perish within the unstoppable, producing short months of a Scottish season. This large fleshy green tops labour of compressed food production which can be cut for is still needed to be able to enjoy sweet Mediterranean vegetables, but there are the pot and new growth returns quickly. They modest perennial heroes thriving in the cluster up providing bulbs for eating and Scottish climate that can provide lush giving away in the autumn. and abundant food from early march The Babbington leek also emerges in onwards. early spring ready for harvest: simply Foraging is a gateway drug to edible cut their slender garlicky stems and perennial gardening. By the time March they will grow another, leaving a few to has gone we have feasted on wild garlic form bulbs that appear on their flower and hazelnut pesto and ground elder heads which can be used to increase salads; the first flush of nettles offers the patch. It can take a few years to up a heavenly spannakopita. really establish a patch, but each year I truly crossed the threshold, however, the plant under the round grows in size when a friend gave me a Daubertons and potential yield. varigated perennial kale. With its bright Alpine strawberries, whilst tiny, grow green/white foliage the Daubertons happily in the shade and produce an is both decorative and sweet - we intensity of flavour more akin to Haribo affectionatly refer to it as salad kale than would seem natural. because it is so light and fresh in Trust me, there is a sorrel for every flavour. It doesn’t look out of place in occasion. a decorative border and can offer food Relentlessly productive, bush fruits all year round with gentle harvesting. and orchards can continue to thrive It should live for about five or so years even when abandoned for long if you nip off the flower buds, and can periods. But if you treat them well - pruning in the winter and mulching the base with cardboard and manure - you can expect bigger yields of better fruits. This type of productive gardening is not new. The potager has been popular in France for centuries, combining decorative gardening with fruit, veg and herbs to great aesthetic effect. Edible forest gardens aim to emulate the natural woodland system but Top: variegated kale, decorative and tasty. Above: with food growing on all levels, Welsh onions begin to grow in early spring. Right: canopy, small tree, climbers Greek spannakopita, delicious made with nettles. David Tallontire CHIMNEY SWEEP Covering the Glenkens & further afield 07709 144 299 - wood burners - multi-fuel stoves - open fires - Agas - Rayburns - birds nest removal with CCTV inspection - certificates issued - feel free to call for advice - Find me on Facebook Family and friends coming to stay? Short of space? Cosy country cottage available (sleeps 4) Call Fiona on 01644 420 227 www.covenanters-holidaycottagescotland.co.uk bushes and ground cover. Some perennials like asparagus possibly take as much attention as an annual crop, with meticulous weeding and a high nutrient demand. However the pleasure in watching the annual progress towards a stronger, better yielding patch seems more rewarding, like compound interest on your efforts. Steven Barstow, author of Around the World in 80 Plants, advocates the eating of Hostas. Mowed when the spikey shoots first emerge, they will still continue to grow into normal looking hosta foliage. I haven’t seen hosta eating recommended anywhere else but I have tried them and can report hosta shoots stir-fried are an extra special sesasonal treat. Steven has made a verdant productive edible paradise in his back garden in cold and damp Norway. This gives me hope and encourages me to continue with the experiment. Further reading: Fruit & Vegtables for Scotland; Plants for a Future Database; Around the World in 80 Plants. Glenkens Gazette page 8 Volunteering to Safely Support Our Communities New Galloway’s callout for volunteers is bringing a heartwarming response from local residents, keen to lend a helping hand during coronavirus. Many of us are benefitting from their grocery deliveries and cheery smiles. But what is it like being a volunteer, putting aside the concerns of normal life and work, to support others isolated at home? We asked the team why they want to volunteer, and how it makes them feel. A wide variety of reasons came through in the (mainly anonymous) replies, but common to all is a desire to help others: “I volunteered to help the local community in whatever way I could” and “I like to give what I can when I can”. In a close-knit community where family ties are important, one volunteer says, “Helping is in my DNA. I get it from my mother, and I think my daughter gets it from me”. For another, “I have a share in the shop inherited from my mother!” Caring for the elderly in our communities is of particular concern to volunteers: “I thought I might be able to help those who weren’t able to leave their homes”. Another volunteer points out “how tricky it is for some elderly/infirm people to get to the shops. Things like milk, juice and tinned foods can be surprisingly heavy – things that other people just take for granted”. Within the whole community there is a keen desire to support the New Galloway Community Shop to “continue its good work”, as “I see it as important to the community”. “Steep learning curve” is a phrase that crops up frequently, as volunteers adapt their skill-sets to the new normal. Taking grocery orders by phone demands considerable specificity: “Would that be old potatoes or new?”, “Which chewy treats does your dog prefer?” And for ROWAN HOLIDAY COTTAGE volunteer drivers, delivering in the Glenkens can be an adventure, “It felt like a treasure hunt…just where is that house? It’s not on the map!” and “I did wish some houses had numbers…I needed a postie’s expert knowledge!” The youngest volunteer is Finlay McGaw, an S5 pupil at Castle Douglas High School. As is happening all over Scotland, Finlay’s exams are disrupted and plans for university application put on hold. Not wanting to sit at home, he has been manning the phones and writing down grocery orders for the shop, and he and his sister deliver supplies to the local food bank co-ordinator in Laurieston. Finlay is upbeat about the situation: he enjoys his new ‘office’ in one of the beautiful selfcatering holiday apartments beside the shop, and is impressed by how the staff and volunteers are keeping everything thoroughly clean, and as virus-free as possible. Finlay joins a groundswell throughout the world in hoping we will pay much more attention to the environment, when all this is over. It can be difficult to take first steps towards volunteering: as one respondent puts it, “I have learned that many people are willing to help but don’t always think they have anything to offer, or the confidence to step forward”. Another felt “initially quite nervous; it was disconcerting to have to wear gloves and keep an unnatural distance from people”. However without exception, all mention how rewarding volunteering is: “I get a sense of satisfaction and fulfilment”; “it feels good to be part of a group and see the community coming together to help one another”, and, “…our hearts were warmed by the gratitude of those who were waiting for their supplies. That was really lovely”. Volunteer co-ordination is a joint initiative between New Galloway and Kells Community Council and New Galloway Community Enterprises (NGCE); part of their Community Resilience Plan, formulated to support and get information out into the community. According to 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 4 Star Rated - Sleeps Six Dog friendly - Private Parking Secluded Garden An ideal base for exploring Galloway... 07503 958 710 FOR APPOINTMENTS AT BOTH SURGERIES OR IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY  01556 502263 VETERINARY SURGERY OAKWELL ROAD CASTLE DOUGLAS  Volunteer Finlay McGaw on telephones at New Galloway Community Shop. NGCE Community Engagement Worker, Sam Rushton, the project has “grown legs” and will have lasting effects well into the future. In these strange and difficult times, “the joy of people coming together has been a journey, not a chore” - sentiments echoed in the poem Papatūānuku (Mother Earth) being circulated by Jacinda Ardern, prime minister of New Zealand: We’ll stop, we’ll cease We’ll slow down and stay home Time to plant           Time to wait                      Time to notice                             To whom we belong. Or, as one volunteer puts it, “I am pleased to have helped in a small way”. If you would like to more information or to volunteer, contact ngcommunityhelpteam@gmail.com or call 07741 656 601. Patti Lean Glenkens Gazette page 9 CatStrand Highlights CatStrand’s Exhibitions Go Online CatStrand’s current Washi Umi O Koete exhibition has been taken online in a newly created virtual gallery space which you can visit at www.catstrand. com/virtualgallery As the lockdown measures meant CatStrand had to close its doors shortly after the exhibition was hung, we hope this online gallery will be a way for people to view the exhibition from the comfort of their homes. The exhibition is a collaborative project instigated by former Balmaclellan and New Galloway resident Chrissie Heughan between Fife Dunfermline Printmakers Workshop (FDPW) and Mino Art Info, Japan. This exhibition brings together the ancient Japanese tradition of papermaking – washi (‘wa’ Japanese, ‘shi’ paper) - and contemporary Scottish printmaking. The result is a stunning collection of original hand-made prints on five different types of hand-made Japanese paper. Set up in 1981 as an artist-run cooperative, FDPW provides a wider range of fine art printing facilities. FDPW members contribute work to galleries and exhibitions, both nationally and internationally. Indeed, it was thanks to international connections that the idea for this exhibition came about. In 2001 FDPW member Chrissie Heughan participated in an exchange visit to the Japanese city of Mino, a papermaking region and UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site. Then in 2016 the papermakers invited Chrissie to collaborate on a project showcasing the skills of both papermakers and printmakers. Thirteen FDPW members responded, experimenting at length to see how the different papers reacted to various techniques – screen printing, collagraph, etching, linocut and woodblock. Inspiration came from sources as diverse as the Forth Bridges, Aberdour Pier, standing stones, beehives and selkies. Over a period of three months each artist produced an edition of 10 original prints. Exhibited at Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop earlier this year, the prints were simultaneously exhibited in Mino. An exciting and thought-provoking celebration of a collaboration between Scottish artists and Japanese artisans, ‘Washi Umi O Koete’ is also a wonderful example of how art can help build bridges between diverse cultures. Local photographer Ian Biggar was engaged to capture the exhibition at CatStrand for use in the virtual gallery space. On the day of photographing, CatStrand’s glass ceiling caused sunny shadows to criss-cross the work - making this a somewhat lengthy process and waiting game. Luckily CatStrand’s coffee machine was still working. Despite challenges Ian captured images to the highest standard for use in the online gallery - and these will then be supplied to the artists at the FDPW to support them to engage with other online gallery spaces and projects. The gallery also features downloadable exhibition notes for which Chrissie Heughan provided additional content and information as well as several short videos available online about the papermaking process and Mino, the area of Japan where the paper was produced. Post lockdown this way of capturing and presenting CatStrand’s exhibitions will continue as part of the arts programme digital offer. Aidan, GCAT’s Arts Manger, hopes this will offer ‘a great way to showcase the regional artists which we feature in the gallery space, encourage visitors to venture to CatStrand from further afield (once it’s safe to do so) and to support local artists to receive high quality digital assets post exhibiting with us that will help them to thrive’. Next up for virtual exploring will be CatStrand’s Photography Group and their planned exhibit, so watch this online space! Aidan Nicol, Arts, Culture & Heritage Manager, CatStrand Gallery at CatStrand © Ian Biggar NOW ONLINE! ORDER ONLINE OR BY PHONE Fleet Fish source a large selection of top quality fish, fruit and vegetables from market place to your door. We also stock chicken, sausages and cold meats plus eggs, milk and cheese. Much more than a fish van! Order before 9pm Sunday for delivery the following Friday 07966 103 912 charliecoid@hotmail.com www.fleet-fish.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 10 Continued from front page... How did you get people on board? Generally, most companies and individuals were very willing to help but often due to the lockdown and COVID restrictions it was tricky to get the material to where it needed to be, but not impossible. Who is participating? We have a wide range of business, Government, academia and partners in the collective network. Our core team in Glasgow includes the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Kelvinside Academy and volunteer groups, as well as many individual contributors including those with 3D printers, engineers, teachers, artists, architects, friends and family! What kind of items are you making? We are making reusable, recyclable visor shields developed with the local Glasgow Hospital. Also, we have created a complete PPE solution boxed for care homes. We have other prototypes being developed continually, including a respirator design based on an international academic collaboration called the Pneumask project that originated at Stanford University. How do you know your PPE is going to be up to the standard necessary for NHS, etc? We directly engage with the people using the products, so we have a feedback mechanism in place informing us of the necessary infection control procedures, which form part of our certification and standard process for medical device compliance. We have independent experts in each field whom we consult to enable our designs to be both functional for the end-user and compliant with NHS regulations. We also cross-refer to international standards such as WHO, EU and CDC. How do you plan to move forward with COVID Safety Network? We wish to build on the foundations we have to increase the production of vital equipment, as well as work on innovative projects that help accelerate future product development and enhanced designs for the communities we serve. One of our core principles with the design process is to think about the entire supply Virtual LING (Local Initiatives in New Galloway) Lunches are still on the table every Tuesday. well cleared by the Galloway Glens LING Exploring New Galloway group. Our PEEPs (local baby group) people can join in online with D&G Lifelong Learning Facebook. This is open to all with learning ideas and stories. Castle Douglas IT Centre can offer individual help for those who are struggling to get to grips with unexpectedly needed technology to cope with our new way of life. Following requests, a new Arts & Crafts group is planned as soon as possible, but in the meantime do let me know if you are interested in this. It’s incredible to realise that it is a year since we started our feasibility study on taking over the Town Hall. Apart from the chain with regard to holistic and inclusive ecological mechanisms. We find ways to use recycled materials, focus on reusable designs and avoid damaging waste and unnecessary chemicals and parts. We want our network to be able to give greater clarity and coordination for a rapid response to this evolving threat. What can people do to help? We are always looking for more assistance - technical volunteers for making and to expand the network as well as materials and resources that can assist with manufacturing and delivery. Anyone can get in touch via the website and social media to help. We have funding calls for donations which go directly into the production process to supply more PPE where it is needed. Who do people get in touch with if they need a support pack or specific PPE items? It depends on a lot of factors such as logistics, high-risk areas and regional authority. There is a lack of consistent information which is a problem, but we are working hard to support everyone who gets in touch. We welcome ideas to expand and build a wider network to support those who support us so please get in touch. With all our collective ingenuity, creativity, practicality and generosity we can make the impact needed to save lives. To find out more visit www. covidsafetynetwork.com or find them on Facebook. VIRTUAL LUNCHES & MORE As our lockdown continues, remember to join us on Facebook - Local Initiatives in New Galloway. Please remember to ‘Like’ what you see and feel free to send in your own favourite soup or pudding photo. Don’t forget to keep fit for Carpet Bowls and Table Tennis with the various online exercises with Sam and John, as well as walks in the woods by the golf course, so situation with COVID-19, this has been delayed because D&G Council has realised that it is a ‘Common Good Property’ so comes under different legal arrangements. This relates to properties which were in the ownership of the Burgh Council at the time of Local Government re-organisation in the 1970s. For some reason New Galloway properties were never set up with its own ‘Common Good Fund’. The Burgh Council papers are held at the Kirkcudbright Museum but if you have any records or other information, I would appreciate if you would let me know on 01644 420 632 or ros.hill@rathanhouse.me.uk In the meantime, all the best! Ros Hill, LING chairman Pictured is a series of three photographs taken by Dalry resident Paul Goodwin on 30 April. He spotted a funnel cloud - like a mini tornado - forming on Meikle Millyea and was quick enough to catch it on camera. Some of you may have seen the pictures already as Paul sent them in to BBC Scotland who featured it on the weather report that day. Glenkens Gazette page 11 Straight from the Horse’s Mouth There’s something going on and I’m not sure what it is. I may be a humble Fell pony but I do like to be properly informed. My Person and the Other Person who owns the yard where I live most comfortably with my mates Bill, a big Welsh cob, and Kate, a rather posh exracehorse, like nothing better than a good chinwag…yackety yackety yak. But no anymore. Now they work a shift system with only one here at a time and when they do meet, they stand several metres apart and shout. I think there has been a falling out. More mysteriously, once my Person has finished her work here she drives away in her tin box muttering that she’s going to do the Lock Down which I think is a kind of dance. She says everyone’s doing it so it must be the latest craze. I do get a few snippets of information from her though. The Queen, she says, is doing the Lock Down at Windsor (hope she doesn’t have the music on too loud) where she can ride her Fell pony, Emma, who is not unlike me. Can’t be much fun for the pony, traipsing around Windsor Great Park with a lady in a headscarf on your back…and I am reliably informed that it is absolutely forbidden to dump this particular lady in the mud. The most fun you can hope for is to get hair all over the royal jodhpurs. And speaking of hair, my Person keeps groaning on about how hers is a mess because no hairdressers are working. Well, I have to agree. It does look like a lump of old sheep’s wool that’s been caught on the barbed wire all winter, but why all the fuss? What is so good about sitting there, having bits cut off, shampoo, smelly stuff and hot air blown over you and, worst of all, drinking that revolting brown liquid they all seem to like. Why not just shed the winter hair and grow a sleek, shining new summer hairdo like I do? She tells me that some people are wearing masks. Now that idea I do like! If she gets one, we could pretend to be Dick Turpin and Black Bess and go around holding people up. But what people? There don’t seem to be many around and not many tin boxes on the road either. We’ve had no visitors of late. Usually they arrive with trailers and sacks and collect poo from the much heap which I am told they put on their rhubarb and potatoes. I’m not sure I would fancy it. I hope they cook it well. Last Friday was my birthday, and what did I get? An apple and some swede. My Person says she can’t go to the shops Ælfwynn meditating on the intriguing behaviour of people. to buy me treats because she is old! Rubbish! It’s just an excuse for being stingy. I am calling a committee meeting – us, the sheep and the chickens – to see if we can work out what is going on and what we can do about it. Watch this space… by Ælfwynn (with a little assistance from Sue Wiseman) Glenkens Gazette page 12 Glenkens Gazette Galloway Place-names Database Launched On 12 May, the ‘Placenames of the Galloway Glens: The Language of the landscape’ online seminar took place, with more than 80 people from across the world ‘dialling in’ to take part. The event was led by the University of Glasgow’s Professor Thomas Clancy and the Galloway Glens Place-names researcher Gilbert Márkus, about the ongoing project to study local placenames, how they are formed and what they can tell us about our landscape. This project is a partnership between the University of Glasgow and the Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership Scheme. For more than a year, Gilbert Márkus has been working to catalogue placenames across seven parishes right in the heart of Galloway: Carsphairn, Dalry, Balmaclellan, Kells, Parton, Crossmichael and Balmaghie. The seminar marked the unveiling of an online place-names database, which allows users to analyse and search the findings of Gilbert’s work, exploring the origin of names, the languages involved, probable age of names and what the names are trying to tell us about the landscape. More than 2,500 place names have been analysed and logged on the database. The database is now available to all, here: https://kcb-placenames.glasgow. ac.uk Gilbert said: “I’m really looking forward to getting feedback from users of the database. It isn’t just a collection of names and interpretations. It is marked up so that people can analyse the data in all kinds of interesting ways, seeing clusters and patterns in the distributions for example, which will offer new insights. The launch is just the beginning.” page 13 The Wait A Poem for VE Day by Esme, age 10 Crowds of people gather as they listen with uncertainty and hope, Their faces filled with visions of peace. The warmth of bodies anxiously waiting for the news, I taste the fear in the May air around me, swirling past like a Spitfire racing home. Churchill, his voice crackling through the speakers, a moment of silence, Words of freedom, words of promise. Excitement rushes through our bodies as we rejoice, Happiness oh happiness! Galloway Glens Place-names researcher Gilbert Márkus. When We Walked in Crossmichael Crossmichael Parish has experienced so much history. There are glacial erratics - large iceworn stones left by retreating glaciers, some like ton weight stone potatoes, dug up in our fields. 5000-year-old clay pots, Roman ruins, twenty mottes, forts, or burial mounds, even Viking treasures, and legends exist of Mons Meg, Mary Queen of Scots and Robert Burns passing through the area. Records show of Templar Knights, a Crimean soldier, great bravery and sacrifice during WW1. ‘Modern’ industry, railways and large hydro-schemes can be seen, contrasting with our ancient church with its iconic graveyard with inscriptions recording (for example) JM Barrie’s Captain Hook and a Covenanter Martyr from the ‘Killing Times’ and much more. This rich and varied history became the creative inspiration for a group of local authors, working with the Gallery Writers in Kirkcudbright. Funded by the board of the newly-established Crossmichael Heritage Centre they created a collection of prose and poetry to explore the sense of place that Crossmichael offers. The book also includes poignant photographs from the Crossmichael archive and contemporary images of the village by award winning local photographer, John M Smith. When I Walked Here began when the writers visited the heritage centre then enjoyed guided tours of the churchyard, which stands opposite the building, allowing themselves to be inspired by the real-life stories of those buried there. However, this book is not simply a history project and the writers were given a free An angel in Crossmichael churchyard photographed by John M Smith. hand to use the inspiration of their visit to develop ideas for their work, to see where the images and stories took them. The result is stories and poems dealing with everything from the dread of wartime to the nostalgic recollection of summer picnics, from religious fervour to romantic relationships, from love of nature to compelling characters, from distant war zones to water monsters. Oh, and also some teddy bears! It is appropriate that Crossmichael should be celebrated in a book because, in addition to its general history, the parish has strong literary connections. Residents include poets Samuel Wilson (1784-1863) of Burnbrae, near Clarebrand, and William Neill (19222010), an important figure in the ‘Scottish Literary Renaissance’. The book was launched during Kirkcudbright’s first book week, during March 2020. Copies of the book can be obtained from alexandraemail221@gmail.com at a cost of £6.50 each. Proceeds from the sales will support the Crossmichael Heritage Centre. You can find out more about the Gallery Writers at https://gallerywriters. wordpress.com and more about Crossmichael Heritage Centre at www. crossmichael.org/crossmichael-heritagecentre Alex Glenkens Gazette page 14 USERS NEEDED FOR GLENKENS COMMUNITY CENTRE Glenkens Community Centre Due to Covid 19 the Glenkens Community Centre’s AGM has been postponed until it is permitted to hold a public meeting. Sadly, the future of the centre is in the balance because currently there are not enough groups using the centre and it is becoming difficult to keep it financially viable. For the centre to have a bright future it needs to have more people involved and using it. The centre belongs to the community and we need to find out what people think about this situation. Does anyone want to rent a space for a small business? Or does someone want to run a class? We also need volunteers and new committee members. So, if you are A Lovable Clerical Detective Some readers may well be aware of the books introducing Sidney Chambers, a Canon of Ely Cathedral, who also dabbles in solving mysteries and other detective tasks. He is a comparatively recent addition to the ranks of the fictional detectives. At the moment there are seven books and they really are a joy to read. The books by James Runcie are finely crafted and are based around the village of Granchtchester near Cambridge. They are set around the 1950s and they have a lovely cosy and warm feeling to them. The author is the son of Robert Runcie, once Archbishop of Canterbury, and the clerical heritage is clear. The clerical and church context is not allowed to dominate the book or the plot. The first book, Sidney Chambers and the Shadow of Death, contains six DALRY interested in getting involved, have a good idea or just want to have your say about this lovely community space please get in touch or come along to the AGM (date tbc). We will keep people informed via local posters and on our Facebook page or you can contact Glenkens Community Centre Management Committe chair Carylann Williamson at wililiamsoncarylann@gmail.com short stories of reasonable length and introduces the five main characters that appear through the other books. The books have led to a very popular ITV series, The Grantchester Mysteries, with James Norton as Canon Chambers and Robson Green as his detective friend. The series is highly recommended to those who like gentle and lovable characters with a background that it historically accurate and which enhances and contributes to the plot. The plots are gentle, if not slow, but that is a welcome change to the frantic pace of many modern books Bruce Smith Glenkens Gazette page 15 Protecting Our Special Places In the Glenkens we are blessed with many Special Places. Some are of national importance, and some are a private oasis, while many belong to communal folklore and culture. What they all share is a contributory factor to our joint wellbeing; they are our Natural Health Service. The ability of special places to deliver social, economic and environmental benefit is undisputable, yet residents in and around the upland periphery of the Glenkens are facing a fierce and lonely battle to protect them. Strong political forces have chosen to argue that many of our special places are without value. It is in this political battlefield that regional planners must decide which of our special places will be sacrificed and which will be protected. Whatever place you hold dear in your heart may be the next to fall as the strength of national interest overpowers local need. Unless we act as a community to define the key elements of our Natural Health Service in the Glenkens, these special places are going to be blighted in the name of absentee colonial benefit. I live in the Carsphairn area and have identified seven major landscape areas which I consider to be Special Places, each of which has the potential to deliver significant socio-economic and environmental benefit to the whole of the Glenkens. In addition, there are countless smaller special places in our community which deliver wellbeing. They all deserve our protection. In recent times we have come to understand how effective or ineffective our private curtilage is, in delivering wellbeing. The special place at the bottom of your garden may be of paramount importance in restoring mental health at times of overwhelming stress. As we come out of lockdown, I imagine that many of us will rush to our own heartfelt and sorely missed special place. Some may go to the pub, others will go to the golf course, some will visit a favourite country park, while I will be riding up the Southern Upland Way to the Benbrack Striding Arch in the company of a very good friend. These desires go beyond mere aspiration. They are part of our psychological basic need for liberty and belonging. I am planning to showcase the socioeconomic-environmental value of Glenkens Special Places which I have dubbed our Natural Health Service. I hope the wider community can unite in the joyous task of identifying and celebrating our cultural heritage so that these Special Places may find protection in the hearts of people. Over the next few issues of the Glenkens Gazette I will showcase some of our Glenkens special places which I feel to be under threat. Fiona Clubb, Blackmark Farm Wright’s Shop & Post Office ULTRASOUND PREGNANCY SCANNING Dairy & Sucklers; Ageing, Twin & Barren Detection. Trailer system includes triplets, marking and shedding. Pregnancy and number of pups. For bookings and info: Duncan Kennedy 07860 474001 dk@passcan.co.uk www.passcan.co.uk Please phone if you would like to place an order or arrange delivery. stocking a range of local suppliers • Express Bakery bread • • Irvings biscuits & cakes • • Ballards & Dalmellington Country Butchers meat & pies • • Mitchells fruit & veg • Shop & Post Office open 7 days Monday to Friday 7am–6pm Saturday 8am–6pm Sunday 8.30am–4pm Tel 01644 430 225 Glenkens Gazette Miss Dowey During Term 3 and before the schools were closed because of the Coronavirus, the P3,4,5 class at Dalry Primary were lucky enough to have a lovely student teacher called Miss Dowey. page 16 She was very kind and she listened about what we wanted to learn. Miss Dowey taught us about the rainforest and Religious Education. She also did some art with us like painting and drawing. Over two lessons we drew and painted a selection of animals from the rainforest; I drew a black panther because they are cool animals. My favourite thing of her time with us was when we learned how to filter water. Miss Dowey collected muddy water and we were given the task of working out how to filter the water to make it clearer. To make it even trickier we had a budget that we had to stick within to buy materials to filter it. We had materials like marbles, sand, a sieve, and paper to choose from. It was good fun and we all worked together in teams of three to solve the problem. That lesson taught me an important life skill, because if I was in a forest camping and I ran out of water I now know how to filter water so it is safer to drink. I think that Miss Dowey will be a really great teacher when she finishes her training. Good luck at your next school! Esme, P5 Lockdown Crafts and Cooking During lockdown, teachers in the Glenkens Primary Schools Partnership, which includes Dalry and Kells schools, have been planning home learning activities for the children to do, whilst the schools are shut. Aside from the usual reading, spelling, writing and maths, the children have been cooking, making things, drawing and painting. This has been very helpful with the health and wellbeing of the children during these challenging times. Across the two schools the children having been participating in these activities, and have kept in touch with their teachers with emails and photographs. One family have even taken on caring for the garden and poly tunnel at Kells. It’s been lovely to stay in touch with the children and see what they have been doing. Mrs Haynes Pictured are some of the amazing activities that Dalry and Kells school children have been keeping busy with at home. GALLOWAY MUSIC FESTIVAL 2020 The Galloway Music Festival 2020 managed to go ahead this year, just prior to us all going into lockdown. Nine children from Kells and Dalry Schools competed in several different classes with great success. Dalry P4-7 Recorder Group (Esme, Daisy, Maddy, Owen, Imogen, Aiden and Charlie) came first with their performance of Clown Dance, winning the Burgess Cup. Maddy and Owen came first in the recorder duet beginner class, with Irish Lullaby, with Esme and Daisy coming a very close second playing Fais Dodo. Owen playing Old Macdonald and Imogen playing Skateboard Ride, came joint second in the beginner descant solo class. Sophie and Megan from Kells won their recorder duet with Boogie Blues, taking home the Penningame Cup. Megan also came first playing Kitty Lie Over on the penny whistle, winning the Philgown cup. In addition, Sophie took home the Carty Cup for her rendition of Daisy Bell on the clarinet. Mrs Muir would like to thank the hard work of all the children involved, and for their exemplary behaviour representing the two schools at the Music Festival. Well done to all! Glenkens Gazette page 17 SOMETHING NEW AT DALRY SCHOOL After the schools closed in March, something exciting happened in the playing field behind Dalry School... The much-anticipated climbing structure which the children were involved in choosing, and which was generously funded by a grant from Blackcraig Community Fund, has been installed! At present, with the government restrictions in place during lockdown, it cannot be used (hence the safety tape around it), but when the schools go back after the summer, or if restrictions are lifted during the summer holidays, children will have a whole new play area to explore. This project was supported by Blackcraig Wind Farm Community Fund with funding from Blackcraig Wind Farm (Scotland) Limited, administered by Foundation Scotland working in partnership with The Glenkens & District Trust. Dalry Secondary Home Learning Prior to 20 March, Dalry Secondary pupils and staff were busy. S4 were working towards completing coursework and preparing for the upcoming examinations when our young people could demonstrate all the skills and knowledge they have been developing for many years. Junior pupils were working hard too and were beginning to look forward to their well-earned Easter holidays. Since the school closed to pupils on that date, everyone has been developing their skills in digital literacy and teachers have moved their classrooms from the building to digital platforms accessible to all pupils in their homes, allowing learning to continue. Those who need it have been provided with the necessary IT. School now consists of uploaded teaching resources, recorded lessons, assignments for pupils to complete that are marked by teachers, messaging and live video conferencing of lessons. Arrangements have also been made to ensure that those entitled to free school meals can access the nutrition they need. Some teaching staff are also involved in volunteering at the CDHS/ Dalry and Dalbeattie childcare hub (in Dalbeattie campus) where they are supervising and supporting children of key workers such as NHS staff as well as other vulnerable children who cannot be looked after safely at home. Mrs Gillies, Depute Headteacher, is also part of a team of science teachers volunteering with a local company producing solutions for testing PPE equipment being used in the NHS. With no immediate end in sight, teachers are working closely with the SQA to ensure that - whilst the examination diet has been cancelled our young people’s abilities, skills and knowledge get the recognition they deserve. We are also planning for all of our normal transitions: S4 heading off to CDHS, “virtually” for now, or to employment or future learning elsewhere; S1 and S2 moving on to the next step in their Broad General Education journey; S3 moving into their S4 Senior Phase; and, after the summer, to our new S1 becoming part of the Dalry Secondary Community. For now our message is: stay home, stay safe, look after your emotional wellbeing, and keep learning! Dalry Secondary Staff Dalry Community Choir On 16 May 2019 Dalry Community Choir started up, as a result of a few ‘strands’ that came together. I was a new teacher at the school, and keen to run some sort of activity involving the school and the community; our school was mindful of the well-being of its members and wanted to do something to facilitate this. As a singer, I felt some sort of singing group would be a good starting point. I did wonder, though, what my wellbeing might be like as a result. We were constrained by the days/ times when I am at Dalry, fitting in with everyone’s commitments, and the hours when the school was open. Immediately after school was thought to be the optimum time because staff (and possibly pupils) would still be in school, and we hoped community members might also be able to join us. We started on a Thursday; then we had a timetable change, which also resulted in a change of staff hours, so we had to move to a Wednesday. Initially, the group consisted of just staff members. Then a few members of the community came along; once, even a few pupils attended. If everybody comes, which is rarely the case, there are 12 of us; the least there has been is three, but we keep singing. We meet for a community singsong, to experience the buzz of singing in harmony, and sing for the sheer joy of singing. There are no auditions, and we don’t have to be able to read music – we just enjoy singing together as part of a group of a variety of ages. The repertoire is mixed and is tailored to meet the skills and interests of the participants. But, we keep having interruptions! First, the summer holidays, then a break in the autumn because of extra panto rehearsal time, and now we’re in lockdown because of COVID-19. We are trying to keep singing, though; as part of my homeschool teaching/learning experience, I’ve been creating a series of Microsoft SWAY documents that can be circulated to choir members – these include the lyrics, sheet music and backing tracks which choir members can access and hopefully sing along to. You can follow the link on the school blog https://blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/dg/ dalrysecondary And the answer, dear reader, to the question I posed at the start about what being involved in this community choir might do for my well-being? It is at times stressful – having the resources planned and prepared, the prospect of a rehearsal at the end of a busy and sometimes challenging day. But as soon as everyone arrives and we start singing, all the stresses slip away and both my physical and mental well-being are restored; I hope others feel the same. I really miss my time with the choir – the people and the singing, and look forward to being able to sing together again. Perhaps one day you’ll come and join us? Mrs Sue St Joseph Glenkens Gazette page 18 Glenkens Gazette page 19 Glenkens Gazette page 20 Marta’s Amazing Garden Builds It was a Sunday morning when Olek asked: ”Mother, do you need this wood in the basement?” To which I responded, “Yes son, why?” “Oh I just wanted to make something productive” “Like what?” “I don’t know…” “Give me an idea… so I can tell you if you can or cannot have it.” “I want to make a tree house.” “ Go for it, you can have the wood. Let me know if you need any help.” 30 mins later… “I don’t really know how to make it…” “Hmmm…Ok then… let’s figure it out together.” And as I was on holiday that week, we spent most of the time in the garden building it. The idea came from Olek spending the previous weekend enjoying the ability to climb our tree for the first time. He spent a bit of time up there, away from Karol and I. However, it wasn’t very comfortable… When we started, nothing was straight, more of a wave design to the floor, and I thought “at least water will run off easily”. Then by some miracle it even turned out square... which by all means was not intentional; more like the last thing on my mind! One of the days as we were building, Karol said… I always dreamed about a tree house. “Would be great if it had a fireman’s pole...” The only thing that came to my mind was… “are you kidding me?!” The words that made it out were slightly different; “sweetheart this is very difficult and I am sorry, I’ve no idea how to do it, how it’ll hold in place and so on…” It took me two days of pondering and then we just went for it. In the meantime, support poles were a difficult challenge as I didn’t have the right screws so I called a friend to see if he had any spare ones. We videochatted, it turned out that my plan of action for attaching poles needed improvement, as he was drawing and explaining I took screenshots. We hung up… then five tries and four hours later, the first pole was up. The other three Olek and I did in an hour, having got the hang of it. Karol was a great helper throughout the whole process too, cutting boards and supporting with positive chat. To finish it off - I realised I didn’t have enough wood for the wee barriers. Our neighbour offered pallets he had in a shed, and we used a couple of them, but it still wasn’t enough. However, as I woke the next day I remembered big shelves in the basement… it turned they were built just from the right kind of wood so, an hour later and lots of shifting and lifting and we had everything needed to finish the treehouse. Both boys painted it. Inspired by our treehouse creation, Karol decided to take on one of his own. His project started with Captain America’s shield which we created form cardboard. As we were discussing colours and painting it he was playing with boxes in the kitchen and said; ”How about for our next creative task we’ll build a tank? Do you remember that big box I had my baby toys in?” “Yes, I do, we still have it.” However, the massive box was very sizeable when Karol was four. Him now being 10, apparently the box had shrunk. Karol had his heart set on the tank idea though, so I said; “How about we’ll use wood?... but if we do, we’ll have to wait until the weekend before we start.” So in the meantime we used the baby toy box and made a den in the living room, in which Karol slept over the next few nights. We also used our creative time to design and discuss the tank. Then the weekend arrived and we set to work. It took two days and four afternoons plus one more day to finish We had great time and a few challenges too. Karol’s project didn’t require dismantling of any more shelves; however, basement ceilingto-be is no more and a couple of other house-related projects will have to wait now too. Karol learned how to drill, cut wood, sand, measure, glue, find things that can be used in a different way - like an old fridge shelf which made a perfect windscreen. We painted the tank with a protective layer; however when we can go freely to shops, we will venture out to find colours Karol likes. Marta McDonald, Dalry Glenkens Gazette page 21 NAOMI’S FARMING UPDATE In the past month so many new things have happened. Such as: I went camping in my tent in the garden, I have started to help my mum with the milking of the goats, I have baked a cake, I feed our pet calf every morning and I have made a lot more progress with taming the goat kids. I was bored one Friday afternoon, so I went, got my tent, set it up and spent the next few nights in it. It was really fun. The WIFI just barely reached the tent which I was happy about. It was nice to get away from my family too. I had to take it down though because it was windy, and it was about to be blown away. I also had a campfire where I got the frying pan and cooked some bacon for my lunch and then I got some marshmallows and my sister and I roasted them. I have recently been helping my mum with milking the goats. The first day I just milked one goat, but I had to leave some for her kid. The second day I milked two goats, but they did not have kids this year, so I had to get all the milk. I really love milking goats, but it hurts my arms a lot, so I do not do it very often, but I’ve started to do it more. I have also made a lot more progress with trying to tame the kids. Some are still quite scared, and some are still a bit too friendly. But it is getting a lot better. We now have a pet calf which I feed every morning. We are going to try and get her to walk with a halter but we haven’t had much success yet, but we are going to keep trying so then next year we might be able to bring her to a show. Her name is Juliet. She is bouncy, so it is hard to get her to even stand still. I participated in the 2.6 challenge. This was a challenge to raise money for Guides and Brownies. It was held because the London marathon was cancelled due to COVID-19 so on London marathon day I cycled to the Glenkens Fish Farm and back which is 2.6 miles. For the challenge you could do something 26 or 2.6 times. We also have 13 chicks and two poults with more hatching right now! We have some black chicks and some yellow ones. The yellow ones are called nankins and the black ones are called Scots dumpys. I prefer the nankins because I find that they are cuter, but I love them all a lot. I have also been helping my mum in the garden by digging a trench then putting in the compost, raking a bit of the soil back, then putting the potatoes in and then putting in the rest of the soil. I also planted some cauliflowers into some pots. There were normal ones and Naomi with their pet calf, Juliet. purple ones! I don’t know what they are going to look like but I’m excited to see them once they have grown. And last of all there is VE day. For VE day I made some bunting which I put up at our road end. My mum made a cake as well which was delicious. Recently I have also made a cake which tasted nice too. My mum also made a Swiss roll at the same time as the cake for VE day. It was a Victoria sandwich cake with cream and raspberries. This month has been jam-packed with things and so will next month I hope, so stay tuned for the next edition to hear what happens next! Naomi McCreath, age 12 - Shop online: www.ballardsbutchers.co.uk Email: shop@ballardsbutchers.co.uk Tel: 01556 502 501 Free Local Delivery Tues & Fri (orders over £20) Wide Variety of Local Produce Butcher Meat Fruit & Veg Milk & Bread Available to order Glenkens Gazette page 22 What Does VE Day Celebrate? That VE Day commemorated the end of the war is a common misconception. Recently we celebrated the 75th anniversary of VE Day and several news headlines added the phrase “and the End of the War” but omitted “in Europe”. A missive from the Dumfries & Galloway Regional Council to all Community Councils detailing the proposed celebrations for the anniversary of the end of the war, prompted me to point out the error. I had a polite reply agreeing that I was correct but that the details were about the VE Day and details on the VJ Day celebrations would be published shortly. That was three months ago and I am not aware of any announcement for VJ Day on 15 August. I remember pointing out a similar omission on the 70th anniversary, but it made no difference; 15 Aug passed largely forgotten. As one of the generation born around that time and with a father and several neighbours who fought in India and Burma, I grew up hearing the names Arakan, Donbaik, Tiddim Road, Kohima and more. My Dad’s good pal Jim Bell, who ran the Lochinvar Garage in Dalry, often visited on a Sunday afternoon and the two recalled the places and campaigns (and perhaps with the presence of two young boys, without mention of the brutality and death) that they experienced just 10 or more years earlier. I know more now of the horrors of the Burma campaign and was reminded last week during the Captain Tom documentary of the appalling conditions and brutal foe facing our troops. Britain at one point was struggling against the superior numbers of the Japanese army and was in ‘managed retreat’ towards India. Dad’s cousin William, captured in the fall of Singapore, was now a slave in a Japanese copper mine. My father was born in 1918, died 1995 and went to Crossmichael School before going to Castle Douglas High School. When clearing Dad’s desk after his death I found many letters sent home from the far east. The censor’s scissors ensured that only oblique references were made of places and outcomes; the following are examples of ways of getting round the censor with creative language. Dad was in the Indian Mountain Artillery with their field guns disassembled and carried by mules The sun is burning in the diamond sky. over Vultures gathering where the scattered bodies lie. mountainous The khaki masses in a scorched field of brown. ridges and Flies swarming round them and sunlight blazing down. deep gullies. One letter I see them through the glasses and some chaps seem to sleep. said that Through bushes in the hollow as if posing for a leap. he had Attitude of many show the pain in which they died. been doing Over them the carrion birds and ragged pinions glide. much “hill I lift my gaze and shudder for beyond the dreary scene. climbing” A wounded man is lying by a little patch of green. and as a A bullet got him yesterday, he cannot get away. result felt He must lie among his slaughtered mates, all through the pretty fit. He burning day. mentioned the Tinker’s We cannot get him in – it’s half a mile to go. Loup (above The enemy’s between us with machine guns in a row. Dalry) and No comrade, we cannot help you, much as we want to try. stated that We will have to stay here and wait, and watch you – die. the tinker I watch him and I find I cannot tear my eyes away. had nothing I keep him in the glasses all through the hell-short day. on him and He sits up sometimes trying to brush away the flies. some! In Or drag himself from the grim graveyard where he lies. a memoir written 40 It is grand and terrible to watch him fight to keep alive. years later His water bottle’s dry, but his burning lips still strive. he recalled To draw life from a dry mouth, that has no life to give. ordering the He seems to say the rest are dead – but somehow I must live. guns to shell Then came the dark and how the battle ended was not seen. his own OP But in the morning, nothing moved by the little patch of green. (Observation His strength had failed him and his tortured soul had fled away. Post) as it The war may be forgotten but the memories will stay. was about to be overAfter I am out of it, there’s one thing sure. run by the This thing I will remember – how sick and helpless. enemy. I peered through glasses and watched – a comrade die. He and his Dombaik, Burma, 1943 colleagues abandoned the OP, everybody but aye ready to help. We jumped the Khud (deep ravine) and escaped under had quite a gathering of Glenkens lads yesterday morning – Gallacher, the curtain of shellfire. After that Jardine, McMinn, McDowall, Paterson, narrow escape the letter continued McQueen, McMath, JD and myself. ‘We are not following the old school The last six all from New Galloway motto now.” (‘Forward’ was the old (excluding JD & Dad).The envelope CD High School motto, meaning states ‘Posted from ships’ and Passed Dad’s regiment were in retreat). “Had by censor No 45. There is no date on visions of joining cousin William, the letter or envelope but it would be but changed my mind” - quite an late February/early March 1942. understatement! I found, too, a poem written by Among Dad’s letters was a story another gunner who observed an of his regiment’s voyage to Burma. appalling death from his OP, which is They were heading for the Western included above. desert when Singapore fell and the Britain celebrated the end of war ship was diverted for the Far East in Europe. Those who fought the (they had to repaint all the artillery Japanese called themselves ‘The jungle green instead of the desert Forgotten Army’ and continued to fight colours) He wrote that he had a for another three months after VE Day. great time on the voyage with a lot Let’s not let them be forgotten of Glenkens boys: “We have had a again on the forthcoming 75th good voyage – weather good – it anniversary on 15 Aug. Remind was lovely at sunrise this morning. your councillors and MSPs that I was pretty sick at first day out but there should be a celebration too nothing much compared with the of VJ Day - perhaps this time ‘We majority. For dry land sailors we soon will remember them’... got our sea legs. JD (Jim Bell) keeps John Nelson, well and cheery as also Jock Little, Spearford, Crossmichael while Cheery McQueen is still cursing The Burma Casualty Glenkens Gazette Local Initiatives for Dalry Local Initiatives For Dalry (LIFD) are a group of local volunteers bringing hope, joy and unity to our community with engaging events and activities, as we all stay at home, stay safe and shield. Stones of Kindness LIFD launched a Stones of Kindness hunt across the Glenkens, starting on Monday 18 May to mark the start of Mental Health Week. What’s not to like about a walk in the fresh air whilst finding a precious piece of art work created by someone else, a mood booster or what?! Perfect to give you a little ‘LIFD’ for the day... We’re asking our communities, old, young and anything in between to decorate a stone (with or without a message of kindness). Take the stone with you on your next walk and ‘hide’ it (in a visible place!), have a look around on your walk, if you find any more Stones of Kindness take a photo of it and post it on LIFD’s Facebook page or email gw08devlinjenna01@ ea.dumgal.sch.uk. Once you’ve done this, please leave it for someone else to find. Let’s keep this going through lockdown and beyond, to spread a bit of love and cheer across the Glenkens. Nb Please do not touch the stones. Plant Swap Shop There’s also going to be an unstaffed ‘Plant Swap Shop’ on Main Street in Dalry (location tbc) for the foreseeable future. Gardening is widely known to help boost physical and mental health, so why not have a go? How it works - maybe you have an abundance of seedlings or plants that you’d quite like to swap for a variety of others? Quite simply, head to the Plant Swap Shop (on your daily walk or when in Dalry to get supplies) and take one page 23 and leave one. Please maintain all COVID-19 guidelines whilst using the Swap Shop. Happy gardening! Scarecrow Festival Just for fun... create a scarecrow! Any design, any theme and display it outside your home. Make someone smile with your creativity as they pass by. If you don’t live in the village, take a photo and post it onto our LIFD Facebook page or email gw08devlinjenna01@ea.dumgal.sch. uk for us to share with others. Join in! Let’s spread smiles with a little LIFD. Report Squirrel Sightings It may be tempting to think everything is on hold but the plight of the Red Squirrel continues, with the advance of the invading grey squirrel not respecting any lockdown period. It is so important that everyone continues to record sightings of squirrels across our area, as we are one of the last bastions for the red squirrel in southern Scotland. We need reports of a sighting of either a red or a grey squirrel – simply visit www.scottishsquirrels. org.uk to input your sighting. Reports are sought whether the squirrels are alive or dead – any dead grey squirrels on the road are still a vital report, confirming their presence. Unfortunately, here in the Corsock area, there have been recent reports of grey squirrels on the Corsock House and Crofts estates. We need your support for all efforts to protect our lovable red squirrels – or in no time at all there will be no reds left! Thanks to everyone across the Glenkens who are already helping our red squirrels. If you would like to do more (post lockdown) please contact bobpeace@btinternet.com or caroline.pridham@birdlife.org to join the Glenkens Red Squirrel Group. Many thanks, The Corsock Squirrel Crew 13th June • 11th July 10am-12.30pm * Dependent on the government’s guidance at the time regarding COVID-19 * For further information or to book a stall ring 01644 430 454 or visit www.dalrytownhall.co.uk Entrance by donation - proceeds towards Dalry Town Hall Refurbishment Fund North of Castle Douglas, A713 Ayr Road Glenkens Gazette page 24 Crossmichael Woodland Walk Plans are now being finalised for improving the walk that runs through the community woodland on the outskirts of Crossmichael village, heading towards Culgruff House. The project is being led by Crossmichael & District Community Council, and is being funded by the Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership Scheme and by Blackcraig Wind Farm Community Fund with funding from Blackcraig Wind Farm (Scotland) Limited, administered by Foundation Scotland working in partnership with The Glenkens & District Trust. The woodland, owned by the Shedden family of Crossmichael, is in the management and care of Crossmichael & District Community Council and the path is part of a popular circular local walk. The path improvements will provide an better path surface, drainage, gates, picnic tables and a new footbridge. Discussions are underway now about when the work can get underway – precise timings and timescales will depend on national developments and guidance. Richard Middleton, chairman of the Crossmichael & District Community Council, upon seeing the plans being finalised, said: “The community woodland in Crossmichael is a well-loved amenity and the community council is keen to enable residents to make the most of it. In particular, we have for a long time wanted to improve the main path, which gets very wet in bad weather, and also to make it more accessible for folk with buggies and wheelchairs.” These improvements form part of the broader Galloway Glens ‘Out & About’ project that sees a range of work taking place up and down the valley, focused on improving access for all abilities to the amazing natural environment we have in Galloway. Jonathan Barrett, Galloway Glens Land Management & Access Officer, said: “This project will significantly improve the usability of this part of the core path as well as enhancing access to and the facilities of the community wood which is a treasured local asset. Particular thanks to the Crossmichael Community Council and the Shedden family as landowners for bringing this project forward and to the National Lottery Heritage Fund, supported by lottery players across the country.” News Update: Windy Rig Wind Farm Following announcements in late March, and as many local residents will know, the construction site at Windy Rig was temporarily closed on Tuesday 24 March 2020. Advertisement Throughout the closure we closely monitored the Scottish and UK Government and industry guidance and light activity resumed on site in May with a view to assessing what is required to allow the safe resumption of construction. The safety of our own staff, our contractors and the local community is of utmost importance. The next phase of the work being undertaken on site throughout May and June is solitary by nature – individual workers sitting in enclosed machinery cabs preparing ground works. This will enable us to work safely and in accordance with Scottish Government construction guidance. For up to date information on construction progress visit www.statkraft.co.uk/windyrig Are you a regular user of the B729? Receive text messages to be told about any large deliveries or additional activity on the route to our site. Contact Doug Wilson if you would like to be added, at doug.wilson@statkraft.com or call 07542 754 642. Glenkens Gazette For the Love of Scrubs The cottage industry lives again across Dumfries & Galloway as many work to create and distribute essential personal protective equipment for the NHS. As part of the UK-wide For the Love of Scrubs campaign, housebound makers across the region have downed the gardening tools and taken up their fabric shears to meet demand and protect our NHS. Co-ordinators local to the different corners of D&G are sourcing approved fabric, elastic, labels and pins and delivering to the doorsteps of skilled volunteers; page 25 they in turn are printing patterns, cutting hundreds of pieces and over-locking their love and appreciation into the finished articles before leaving them on the doorstep again to be collected and taken where needed. To find out more visit the NHS D&G For the Love of Scrubs Facebook page. Pictured: In Corsock, preschooler Siena scrubs up well in her Mum’s handywork. The Mystery of Huntingdon 290 Continued from last issue... When Earl David died in 1219 the earldom passed to his son John then reverted to the English crown in 1237. An important Scottish power-base close to English nerve centres was thus removed and with it Scotland’s remarkable influence in the south. Earl David and other members of the family are said to be buried at Saltre Abbey (present-day Sawtry, just north of Huntingdon), founded in 1147 by Simon de Senlis the younger, Countess Maud’s son from her earlier marriage. But that’s only the start of the story. The Huntingdon brood continued to make history hundreds of miles to the north. In 1290, when the legitimate line of William the Lion petered out, Earl David’s descendants were prime candidates for the Scottish throne. One of his girls, Isobel of Huntingdon, married the 4th Lord of Annandale. Their grandson, the 7th Lord of Annandale, became King Robert I (Robert the Bruce). One of his grand-daughters, Devorguilla Princess of Galloway, married John Balliol, founder of Balliol College, Oxford (this Balliol not to be confused with their son, the younger John Balliol, who became King of Scotland in 1292 after a contest with 12 other claimants). Balliol the Younger’s claim was through Devorguilla, daughter of Margaret of Huntingdon, Earl David’s eldest daughter. The other leading contender, de Brus (Bruce), 6th Lord of Annandale, was the son of Isobel, the second daughter of Earl David. He was one generation older and supposedly “closer” to the throne. In tricky situations like this it was customary to invite a foreign monarch to choose. The notorious bully Edward ‘Longshanks’, hungry for supreme lordship over Scotland, seized his chance. He selected Balliol, then proceeded to make his life a misery... so much so that Balliol resigned the crown in 1296 and was locked in the Tower for his impudence. Scotland was again without a king and menaced by the English. The bloody struggle for independence began, led by William Wallace. In 1306, to make absolutely certain of the crown that should have been his father’s, the 7th Lord of Annandale murdered his rival the Red Comyn, Guardian of Scotland, on the altar steps of Greyfriars Church in Dumfries, an offence for which he was excommunicated. Nevertheless, within weeks he was crowned King Robert I. So enraged were Longshanks and Bruce’s enemies the Comyns and Balliols, that Bruce was forced into hiding in the wilds of Galloway and his family made to suffer. The men were executed and the ladies “caged”. Nearly everyone’s hand was against him. How this great-great-grandson of David and Maud, with a small band of followers, turned the tables and finally triumphed at Bannockburn is the stuff of legend. Does any of this explain the mystery of the MidSteeple mileplate? Could Huntingdon to this part of the world to rate a mention alongside London? We know that after the Border wars and the Union with England the legitimate cattle trade between Galloway and the South was considerable. In 1697 a proposal for a proper drovers’ road from New Galloway to Dumfries White-sands was backed by James Earl of Galloway, Alexander Viscount of Kenmuir and John Viscount of Stair among other major landowners. The herds tended to change ownership at the great market in Dumfries before being driven down to lucrative outlets in Norfolk and Suffolk, according to one source. But they would have reached Huntingdon first. We may assume that this trade was just as important to the local economy in medieval times but must have been severely disrupted between 1300 and 1600 by the Border troubles, which made drives southwards through the Debatable Lands vulnerable to attack by the notorious reivers. If there were epic cattle drives from Dumfries and Galloway they’d have ended with the arrival of the railways in the mid-1800s. The cattle trade hadn’t been a fixed and settled business with permanent buildings, so few if any records survive. And the rail connection at Castle Douglas in 1859 changed everything. Huntingdon Castle, rebuilt by William the Conqueror in 1068, was enlarged by David and Maud, who presumably lived there from time to time until 1124 when David’s kingly duties took them to Scotland. The castle was dismantled in 1174 by a furious Henry II after the revolt against him by his own family. Huntingdon by then had passed to David the 3rd Earl after William the Lion (his brother) ascended the Scottish throne in 1165, but the castle was still held at the time by William, who had unwisely sided with the rebels. William was already in dispute with Henry over the earldom of Northumbria and, as one of the leaders of an armed rebellion, was made to pay dearly. Stuart Littlewood ...a proposal for a proper drovers’ road from New Galloway to Dumfries White-sands was backed by James Earl of Galloway... and its close neighbour St Ives - which was the venue of one of the four Great Fairs in medieval England drawing traders even from Europe - have been a major destination for cattle drives from the north? With huge landholdings north and south of the border, the earls of Huntingdon would almost certainly have been cattle barons, perhaps using their Huntingdon outpost to push northern beef into the rich markets of the south. We know that vast herds were rested and fattened on the lush meadows of the Great Ouse at St Ives before meeting buyers up from London and across from The Midlands and Norwich. On the town’s coat of arms are four “bulls’ heads proper”, although the cattle market is long gone. I turned up nothing meaningful at the Huntingdon end, where the sense of history is fixed chiefly on Oliver Cromwell, their one-time MP. So can anyone here explain why Huntingdon was important enough Glenkens Gazette page 26 GLENKENS PLACE NAMES: PART IV In this edition I would like to look at what place-names can tell us about the different wild animals that frequented the Glenkens in the past. lines in the poem is Bhite brocach Carsa Fèarn (they would be badger hunting in Carsphairn). Auchenshinnoch, a farm on the high ground east of the Ken in Dalry parish is derived from Gaelic Achadh nan sionnach, field of the foxes. This place-name is still pronounced Achenshinnoch locally. Up the Gaithill Road mentioned earlier is the ruined farmstead of Craigshinnie, situated under Creag Sionnaich, fox’s cliff. Of course there is a difficulty with placeThe Gaelic word for goat, gobhar, is names featuring an animal of some sort sometimes difficult in place-names to to decide whether the name was coined distinguish from odhar, dun coloured. because of the common frequency of that However there are several likely ‘goat’ animal species in that location or because place-names in our area. Rinn Gobhair, it had been seen there as a rare one-off Ringour meaning Goat Point on the side of and therefore name-worthy occurrence. Loch Ken. On the slope of Millyea, noted Nonetheless it is interesting to look at the on a 1768 plan (see The Place-Names types of wild animals commemorated in of the Galloway Glens website) is a rock our local place names. called the Achneygour Stone, probably I will start off with the cat, more likley from Achadh nan Gobhar, field of the the wild cat. The Place-Names of the goats. On the ridge above lie the Lochans Galloway Glens is an excellent resource for of Auchniebut, possibly Achadh nam Boc, local place-names and is a collaboration field of the bucks. Craigengower, Creag between the Galloway Glens and Glasgow a’ Ghobhair, rock of the goat, is a minor University (https://kcb-placenames. top on Beinn Naoimhe or Blackcraig, glasgow.ac.uk). It shows seven placementioned above. Knockower at the names in the Upper Glenkens north end of the Rhinns could be incorporating the Gaelic element cat the dun coloured hill or goat hill and (spelled as in English). However two of Craigower near Craigshinnie also those listed are likely to be mistaken, could be either. the website entry for Ballingear being Perhaps unsurprisingly, given that confused with Ballingait (which is a lot of the Glenkens comprised part supposed by the website to represent of the hunting Forest of Buchan, deer Gaelic Baile nan cat, farmstead of feature in our local place-names. the cats), which place is in fact a A tributary of the Polmaddy, rising former farm located somewhere near between Meaul (Gaelic Meall, a lump) Craigenbay. This place-name will and Craigchessie (pronounced Craiglikely be from Gaelic Baile an Geata, jessie for Gaelic Creag Deasach, farm of the gate, a place-name still south facing cliff) is the small Blaree remembered from the road from Burn. This must be named for a Glenlee up the Craigshinnie Glen, the level field in the area, Gaelic Blàr Gaithill Road. I am also very doubtful Fèidh, deer sward. Close by, between that Catbellie, the former name for Creag a’ Chait, Craighit, near Garryhorn - Wild the Polmaddy and Forrest Glens is Burnfoot, just south of New Galloway, Cat Slack is behind the hill. Craigmaharb for Gaelic Creag na derives from the cat or wild cat as h-earba, rock of the hind. Another suggested (very hesitantly) by the Castlemaddy), from Gaelic Clais Bruic, Gaelic word for a hind is eilid as seen in website. So leaving these two to one side badger’s den. Cassinbrok is a lost placeCraignelder in the Polmaddy glen and a noticable northern distribution of wildcat name near Strongassel and The PlaceCraignaltie (both from Gaelic Creag na place-names remain. Names of the Galloway Glens website has h-eilde) on the lower slopes of Benbrack Behind Garryhorn farm rises a rocky hill this tentatively as Gaelic Carse a’ bhruic, (Gaelic Beinn Bhreac, speckled mountain), called Craighit. This is from Gaelic Creag a’ the badger’s carse. However it seems to beside Blackcraig or Cairnsmore of Dee chait, Rock of the (wild) cat. In the photo me more likely to be Gaelic Casan Bruic, (Gaelic Càrnas Mòr, large cairn shaped above one can see the upstanding rocks badger’s path. The badger also seems hill). Close to Craignaltie is Hind Craig, a where it could be imagined would make a to put in an appearance at Marbrack/ direct translation. good den location for a wild cat. That this Moorbrock near Cairnsmore of Carsphairn The final Gaelic animal place-name was the case is further backed up by the (Càrnas Mòr, big cairn shaped hill). The I’d like to mention is rather interesting. Scots place-name Wild Cat Slack which Place-Names of the Galloway Glens site There is a burn on the Forrest Estate appears on an estate map of 1839 (shortly makes a good case for Marbrack and called Altibeastie. This is possibly from to be placed on line at National Library Moorbrock being connected and probably Allt na Bèiste, burn of the beast, possibly of Scotland). Old Norse slakki, adopted originating in Gaelic Marg Bruic, badger meaning otter (bèist-dubh). Note however as a Scots word slack, is ‘a small shallow merkland. Incidentally there are a cluster The Place-Names of the Galloway Glens valley, a hollow in the ground’. This feature of Marg place-names around Carsphairn website gives several alternatives, the appears to be the glen of the un-named (Marscalloch, Muirdrochwood, Culmark, most likely in my view being Allt na Bèiste, burn between Craighit and Black Craig. Bridgemark, Marbrack) that we will return burn of the cattle. Of the other four wild cat placeto in a later edition. There are a few Scots animal names names three are in the remote northern An eastward spur of Corserine on the in the Upper Glenkens, oddly two extremities of Carsphairn parish and Rhinns of Kells terminates in the rocky cliff commemorating the polecat, Fumart all have preserved a slightly different of Craigbrock, above Loch Harrow. This will Liggat (gate) at Earslton and Fumart anglicised form of the specific ‘cat’ be Creag Bruic, badger rock or cliff. Glen up the valley of Glenlee. The Scots element. These are two places called As mentioned before, the jury is still out alternative to sionnach, fox or Tod is seen Allwhat from Gaelic Ail Chat, wild-cats’ on the provenance of the supposed only in Todstone farm, also near Earlston with rock and Polwhat, Gaelic Poll Chat, for Galloway Gaelic poem, Òran Bagraidh but another Todstone near Burnfoot south of wild-cats’ burn. The final wild-cat placeit is interesting, given the prevalence of New Galloway. It could be that a personal name in our area is Dalwhat for Dail Chat, badger place names in the upper Glenkens name is involved here however. wild-cats’ haugh, somewhat incongruously and Carsphairn in particular that one of the Michael Ansell, New Galloway on the slope of Beinn Naoimhe, sacred mountain, now Blackcraig Hill. The Place-Names of the Galloway Glens website suggests that the anglicisation of Gaelic cat in the genetive singular as ‘hit’ is unusual however this is not the case in Galloway where outside the Glenkens we find forms such as Craigenhitt, Craig Het, Craiget, Craighit, Dalhet and Altehet (this last being Gaelic Allt a’ Chait, Burn of the wild-cat) . This perhaps suggests two things, one that wild-cats were once well distributed (unsurprising) but also suggests the Galloway Gaelic pronunciation was perhaps somewhat different from that in the rest of Scotland (the genitive singular element chait being pronounced something like ‘hatch’ currently). The next beast I’d like to discuss is the badger. The Gaelic word for this is broc, giving rise to the familiar Brock the Badger in English. Gaelic Broclach, a badger warren ocurs in two Carsphairn Brockloch place-names and indeed all the Glenkens badger references share a remote northerly distribution with that of the wildcat. Solitary badgers are referred to in Carsphairn parish at Clashbrook Bog (near Glenkens Gazette page 27 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN Letters from Balmaghie A fascinating series of letters, 267 in all, dated between 1789 and 1845, concerning the Neilsons of Balmaghie and their associates in Scotland and Canada, has just been made available online. This resource is provided by Kenneth Veitch of the European Ethnological Research Centre, School of Scottish Studies, Edinburgh University, the organisation that last year published Dumfries and Galloway: People and Place. [Since the original spelling is somewhat erratic for modern readers I have silently amended some words] Three years ago I wrote a short piece in the Glenkens Gazette about the Balmaghie Bookmen who became the leading publishers of ‘useful knowledge’ in Quebec and thus Canada, in the late 18th and mid 19th centuries. This new collection enables us to find out more about the family, especially those who remained at home. The person who attempted to make sure that relatives stayed in touch on both sides of the Atlantic was Isobel Neilson who was always badgering her sons, Samuel and John, to write to her. Typically of emigrant letters the folk at home never receive enough information, in fact less, as time goes by, and the interests of the parties become more specialised or obscure. Both sons were the biggest publishers in Canada, John becoming a prominent politician and philanthropist. Isobel stayed at Livingstone Boat, so named for the ferry across the Dee at that point. She later moved to Laganorie and Gatehouse. When Samuel learned that another brother, William, had ambitions to be a carpenter, he sent him a pile of the best available texts on all kinds of building and architecture, a neat example of knowledge transported from the New World to the old instead of the other way about. Sam believed that knowledge was the noblest ornament of human nature, as did the whole family, and there was much more to carpentry than might be assumed today; the Glenkens men who became the Kings of Cotton in Manchester also based their phenomenal success on joinery apprenticeships. Isobel sent Dumfries newspapers out to Quebec. Newsprint was often the last link with the Auld Country for emigrants. In Ontario, and doubtless elsewhere in Canada, in the 1980s, queues began to form around lunch time on the sabbath for copies of the Sunday Post. Isobel asked Sam to acquire fur for a cloak requested by ‘Mrs Lorie of Woodhall’ if it was not very expensive. It turned out to be too dear but folk continued to assume fur would be cheaper at source than in Scotland. Sam’s cousin Andrew Brown, the first of the family to emigrate, wrote from Greenock while awaiting a ship through all the parish, and in Crossmichael likewise, and that part of Grenlaws Estate called Casayend and Carlinwork and Black Park which he sold to the Dowglasess, at present possessed by men of the name of Douglas who has erected a Stepel [steeple] and a Councel house and prison and made it a burrow [burgh] where they have one Bilie [i.e. baillie] and six Counselers to be elected every three years. They now call it the burrow of Casteldouglas and they are now carrieng on the Cotton work there as well as Gatehouse, Kirkcudbright and Dumfries. They have built several houses for that purpose both there and in other places in the Countrie.” Not all was upbeat. “George Brown boatman is lost in the water six weeks ago; he threw himself out of the boat for he was rather wrong in his mind; we got him a corpse in about four hours; he has left a wife and eight children in a poor melancholy condition.” Occasionally the days of lang syne came to mind, as in a letter that William wrote to John in Quebec joyfully recalling the happiness of their childhood. It would take someone who knew, or knows, Balmaghie really well to fully interpret the following. “I have been several times at the Dornald (Dornell) of Balmaghie, and had the pleasure of crossing over the ground where we spent a part of our youthful days about the wod perk, bog é loch, breakus muir, the Mickle drum, the wee dornal, the wee dornal hill, the green hights, the reans nest, the mid hill, the mur dycke, the grey craig, the sput, the all barn, the seugh yard, the brae abune the spring wall, the falls loch gour, the nitchle brae, the dramans slap, an out the road to Belly Mack an Lauriston.” Some are obvious, others not so, but all are evocative. Sam believed that knowledge was the noblest ornament of human nature, as did the whole family... back to Canada remarking on the great changes that had taken place in Galloway since he had left it a decade earlier. “It seems to be almost another land, the vast improvements in agriculture has altogether altered the appearance of the surface, and the great number of well regulated manufactures of different kinds draws such a quantity of money to the country that [the value of money is less appreciated], to which if we add the great improvement that the manners of the inhabitants has undergone we will not wonder at their former way of life being altogether changed and must conclude that the country is becoming new.” Samuel’s brother-in-law sent welcome news of home. “In respect of Balmaghie parish it is much altered for there is not a gentleman dwelling in the parish but Mr Lowrie in Woodhall and he is going to his new building in Crofts of Crossmichael this spring and Mr Muir is said to come home to Livingston this Summer but agriculture and farm houses is much improven in this parish both on the Duchra and Balmaghie estets [estates] and This is a very rich source with lots more to come but if you cannot wait, you can read more at: www.regionalethnologyscotland. llc.ed.ac.uk/written/selectedletters-neilson-family-galloway-andquebec-1789-1845 Ted Cowan Glenkens Gazette page 28 BUSINESS IN THE SPOTLIGHT Many local businesses are working hard to Fleet Fish ensure they are able to continue to provide their services. In this issue, Fleet Fish, a delivery service providing fresh fish, fruit, veg and more, talk about how they have adapted to cope with the current coronavirus crisis. “It was a difficult decision for us to move online as our customers were used to the ‘old service’,” says Charlie of Fleet Fish. He continues: “Our normal service was a weekly door to door service offering fresh fish, fruit and vegetables. We were struggling to work within social distancing guidelines due to COVID-19 and we were concerned that due to the distance we covered and the volume of people we were in contact with that we could potentially spread the virus - which was a concern for both our customers and our family. Online allowed a ‘contact free’ service as produce was paid for online and we simply needed to drop the delivery at the door. “Going online has been a very steep learning curve for us - changing our business model was not something we had in our plans! However, our customers have been very supportive and have adapted very well. People have been very accommodating. Our produce is sourced at Glasgow market and due to supply/demand the choice can vary but people have been very flexible and understanding. We also stock chicken, sausages and cold meat plus eggs, milk and cheese. “We are very pleased that our previous customer base appear to have followed us online and we have also been able to offer a service to vulnerable people who are self isolating in rural areas. Our product range is available to view at www.fleet-fish.co.uk - people are asked to order and pay online before Sunday 9pm and their order will be delivered the following week. The Glenkens delivery day is Friday. “We understand that not everyone has access to the internet - if family members can place an order for people that is the easiest option but we can also take orders over the phone. “This way of working could potentially be our ‘new normal’ - but we will seek feedback from our customers before we make any decisions.” You can order online or by phone. Order before 9pm Sunday for delivery the following Friday at www.fleet-fish. co.uk or, if you don’t have access to the internet, call Charlie on 07966 103 912. activity from prehistoric times with numerous stone cairns including Cairn Avel, whose construction predates the Egyptian Pyramids, and later Christian era monuments together with abandoned steadings and enclosures. This improved part of the route ends at the ruins of the agricultural settlement or ferm toun of Polmaddy which was finally abandoned in the early 1800s. Despite the historic importance of the route, it was gradually disappearing and urgent attention was required to save a route rich in the history of the area. The improved path is proving to be a very popular walking route over wild upland terrain with magnificent views of the Rhins of Kells, through peaceful forest planting to emerge at the enigmatic ruins of Polmaddy. Jonathan Barrett, Galloway Glens Land Management & Access Officer who led on the delivery of the path improvements, said: “The recently completed Glenkens Pilgrims Way project has seen the completion of 7km of improvement works to revive what was barely accessible to all but the most determined walker. Although this was a technically demanding project it presented a once in a lifetime opportunity to preserve and protect a much loved and historically important local path route for future generations. The next step will be to plan suitable signage and interpretation that allows the user to better understand the surrounding landscape as they pass. “Galloway Glens would like to give particular thanks to landowners along the route for their support: The Sinclair Family, Czernin Kinsky Scottish Company Ltd and Forestry & Land Scotland.“ The Fleet Fish van delivers all around the Glenkens each Friday. Walk the Glenkens Pilgrims Way A new path has been created from the deserted settlement of Polmaddy to Carsphairn, entitled the Glenkens Pilgrims Way. The path construction works are now complete, with plans underway for the signage and other interpretation features along the route. The historic path route, known locally as the Pack Road, is part of what was for more than 500 years the main route for travellers and the movement of goods from the North down through the Glenkens to the coast. This path formed an important part of the network of pilgrim routes across southwest Scotland which brought pilgrims from Glasgow and Edinburgh to the cradle of Christianity in Scotland at Whithorn. Historic records show that King James IV used part of this route on one of his many pilgrimages on foot in the late 1490s to visit the shrine of Saint Ninian. The upland part of the route, south of Carsphairn, provides evidence of human Glenkens Gazette page 29 BUTTERFLY COLLAGE COMPETITION Dalry Community Council had a difficult time judging last issue’s butterfly collage competition. All the entries were colourful, engaging and made us smile; we think the Glenkens has some talented young artists and hope they all continue to draw and paint the world as they see it. After much deliberation, first prize goes to Liam McMiken, age six, and second prize goes to Casey Patterson, also age six, with all other entires (pictured below) receiving a runnerup prize. Thank you to everyone for taking part - you have brightened our day! Dalry Community Council Men’s Shed Lockdown Lowdown Last May business was booming at the Glenkens Men’s Shed with internal development work nearly complete. Work was progressing nicely at The Smiddy too, looking pristine with its new roof, restored fascia, and cedar clad extension. Fast forward twelve months and the Smiddy is up and running and the Men’s Shed has finally got a roof that doesn’t leak! Not only is the Shed now watertight, it also has a fantastic array of solar panels, producing lots of lovely kilowatt hours of free electricity from the exceptional weather we’ve enjoyed of late. For the technically minded the Shed’s new roof panels can produce up to 12KW of electricity and saves about 2.5 tonnes of CO2 per year, whilst contributing towards the Scottish Government’s ambition to have 1GW of locally owned energy by 2020. Many thanks to Gill Warnock from GCAT (and Shed member) who masterminded the new roof project and contractors Solarae who did the installation. The Shedders are eternally grateful to an anonymous donor, SP Energy Networks Green Economy Fund and Blackcraig Wind Farm Community Fund (administered by the Glenkens Community Trust) for supporting this project. New roofs and panels aren’t the only thing new at the Shed; we now also have a fabulous metalwork room, courtesy of the Galloway Glens scheme. Sadly, everything is on hold whilst the COVID-19 restrictions continue, but the shedders are meeting up in cyberspace in the meantime and are primed and ready for when lockdown ends. Although we are the Glenkens Men’s Shed, we are gender neutral, and like to promote inclusiveness, encouraging attendance from all areas of our community. Membership fees are £15 per year and subscriptions at £1 per week for as many sessions as you like. So if you want to see what goes on, meet new people, pursue a hobby, lend a hand or learn a new skill, then please join us, whatever age you are. Glenkens Men’s Shed is supported by Connecting in Communities, a LEADER and Big Lottery funded project. To find out more, contact Chris or Brian on 01644 420 374 or email chris@catstrand. com or brian@catstrand.com Normal (non-lockdown) Shed opening times are: Mon 9.30am-1pm & 6.30-8.30pm; Wed 9.30am-1pm & Woodcarving 2-4pm; Fri 9.30amChris Jowsey, 12.30pm. Glenkens Men’s Shed Treasurer Glenkens Gazette Scarecrows in Balmaghie As well as delivering food and vital medicines to self-isolating community members, as part of their response to the COVID-19 crisis, Balmaghie Community Council’s newly formed community resilience team have been trying to cater to both the social and emotional needs of community members during these challenging times. In addition to offering support such as a friendly phone call, local trained volunteers from in and around Bridge of Dee, Glenlochar and Laurieston have been offering free ‘laughter yoga’ sessions to cheer villagers up, as well as access to free professional mental health support from a local qualified counsellor. Similarly, to help with the isolation and boredom that many have felt during lockdown and to help build community spirit, the community resilience volunteers have developed a six-week programme of ‘sociably distant village challenges’ with varied activities designed to suit all members of the community. This has included weekly puzzles, treasure hunts, quiz sheets, knitting challenges, an online ‘pub quiz’, as well as competitions for the best window display and most recently a scarecrow competition which has been the most popular event so far. Over the weekend of 9/10 May, 24 households across the three villages of Laurieston, Bridge of Dee and Glenlochar, displayed their scarecrows, many of which were themed around the current Grace’s winning scarecrow. page 30 crisis, either offering words of encouragement or poking light hearted fun at the situation we all find ourselves in. Volunteers from each village took pictures on their daily walks and entries were posted on the Balmaghie Community Council Facebook page so Dougie Campbell, local councillor for Dee and Glenkens, could pick a winner. The winner was Grace, aged 10, from Bridge of Dee, with the Brown family (also from Bridge of Dee) taking first runnerup prize. Dougie said that the bright attention-grabbing colours of Grace’s clown scarecrow and the lovely message to key workers was what made her entry stand out. Shirley Thomson, chair of Balmaghie Community Council, commented: “The community spirit even during these difficult times has been tremendous and we are so thankful to the volunteers for all their hard work. We’ve had lots of positive comments from community members who are grateful to have things to occupy them. We hope to keep at least some activities going even after restrictions ease so we can keep some of the connections which have been made during our time in lockdown.” To keep up to date with the activities of Balmaghie Community Council and their community resilience team, you can follow them on Facebook, or to access support from the community resilience team, call or text 07745 188 845 or email grace@sleeping-giants.org.uk Glenkens Gazette page 31 DO YOU LIVE IN BALMACLELLAN OR NEW GALLOWAY? Local charity Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) is asking everyone in Balmaclellan and New Galloway to get involved in helping tackle the climate crisis. They are researching the potential for local renewable energy projects and they need your help to understand how energy is used in people’s everyday lives, and what projects people would like to see investigated. Since last year Gill Warnock, who usually works part-time for the Galloway Community Transport part of GCAT (formerly GTI), has attended six day-long workshops run by Community Energy Scotland (CES). These were full of information about the potential community energy projects that could benefit our communities. Gill learned about the latest thinking on things like low carbon transport, smart networks, low carbon heating and smart buildings, and she is now leading this project for GCAT with the help of a CES adviser. Answers to the survey will help identify viable community energy projects that would be supported locally in Balmaclellan and New Galloway. Funding restrictions have limited the project to two villages at the moment. The information from the survey needs to be analysed by the end of June, so Gill is asking that people in these communities, if they haven’t already done so, could please complete and return their survey now. If you have any questions email Gill directly (details below - along with website details if you prefer to complete the survey online). Drop off your completed survey at the box outside the CatStrand’s front door (New Galloway) or at Balmaclellan Stores. The information being gathered about our rural communities isn’t available anywhere else so it is really important that we build the case for local energy projects in order that funding can be secured for our communities. Gill says that there are no plans in place yet as ideas for potential projects are still at an early stage, so feedback and ideas are very welcome. An example of a local community energy project is that last year GCAT led the replacement of the dilapidated roof on the Men’s Shed in Balmaclellan and installed solar PV panels onto the new roof (see article on p29). This project has also opened up further possibilities of, for example, electric vehicle charging points which could be connected to the panels so visitors can re-charge their vehicles while they visit the Men’s Shed or the Smiddy. Also, battery storage could be added to the system so the renewable energy generated by the panels is Gill (and Hamish) admiring the new solar PV hard at work in sunny Balmaclellan available during the evenings or less sunny days. Using the feedback from this survey, the hope is that the Glenkens can benefit from more community energy projects such as these, potentially reducing people’s energy bills and lowering our carbon footprint to help preserve our beautiful surroundings. Missing your survey? Complete the survey online at https://tinyurl.com/gcatenergy Or email Gill Warnock and ask for a copy to be delivered to your home: gillenergy@pm.me Another Accolade for Duncan Multi-award-winning local photographer Duncan McNaught has bagged another prestigious prize with his striking shot entitled Lonesome Larch. The photograph won Duncan the title of Scottish Nature Photographer of the Year at the annual Scottish Nature Photography Awards where entries are submitted by professional and amateur photographers from around the world. Duncan says: “My entry, Lonesome Larch, was taken from the Raiders Road early morning last Autumn. This is my first win in the Scottish awards; in 2017 I was placed second in the same category, to make first this year is a fantastic achievement particularly during these troubled times. “Galloway Forest Park has been particularly hit with the virus phytophthora ramorum, which attacks and kills vast areas of larch trees. I was out early one morning last year hoping to get a few shots of the morning mist. On my way home I spotted this lonesome larch amongst the Duncan’s award-winning photograph, Lonesome Larch. sitka spruce trees showing “I now wonder if it evaded the virus its full autumn due to its location, away from the other colours. I guess it was a seedling that had taken root amongst the other trees. larch trees in the forest.” Glenkens Gazette page 32 APPLICATIONS SOUGHT FOR SMALL GRANTS SCHEME The Galloway Glens Scheme is focused on connecting people to the heritage of the Ken/Dee Valley while boosting the local economy and supporting sustainable communities. The ‘Our Heritage’ Small Grants Scheme has been set up to provide awards of up to £5,000 to projects that allow people to connect to the natural, cultural or built heritage of the Ken/Dee Valley. A budget of £100,000 has been allocated towards this, with more This window display in New Galloway says it all really... than £51,000 awarded so far to 16 projects from Carsphairn in the North to Kirkcudbright in the South. Galloway Glens Administrator, Jude Crooks, said: “We welcome applications for original and exciting projects that help communities and visitors alike to look after, learn about, access and celebrate the Galloway Glens landscape in an enjoyable and rewarding way, and which support our aim of connecting people and communities to their heritage.” For details of the projects supported to date, to review the guidance or to make an application visit https:// gallowayglens.org/our-heritagesmall-grants-scheme For this fourth round of Small Grants Scheme funding the deadline for applications is 14 September 2020. “I liked the picture on back page of the last Gazette, accompanying the Knockengorroch Festival piece. I also have difficulty getting the duvet cover on...” Sue Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents Dumfries & Galloway 01556 503744 www.ggblaw.co.uk All legal advice Offices in Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie Kirkcudbright and Dumfries Glenkens Gazette page 33 OUR GLENKENS FIREFIGHTERS At the end of April, a forest fire blazed in the Galloway Forest Park outside Mossdale. The fire raged for days, and for days and nights firefighters from our local New Galloway branch along with other firefighting teams worked relentlessly to quench the blaze. Helicopters were drafted in to drop water at key points, and firefighters kept fighting the blaze until eventually they had it under control. Situations such as this remind us that we are so very lucky to have such brave and capable Glenkens reserve firefighters. If you would like to join the New Galloway branch of the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service, call 01387 252 222 or visit www.firescotland.gov.uk/yourarea/west/local-stations/dumfries to find out more. Pictured: Left and below left - after weeks with no rain, the fire rages accross the Galloway Forest Park. Below right - some members of the New Galloway branch of the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service. Glenkens Church of Scotland The Revered David Bartholomew is preparing weekly reflections that can be accessed on YouTube. This snapshot of a wild boar swimming across Loch Kendoon was taken by Eric Broadhurst, photographed from the B7000 High Carsphairn road, looking east. Eric said it was swimming so fast that by the time he got his camera out it had almost crossed the loch! Search on YouTube under ‘Balmaclellan, Kells and Dalry linked with Carsphairn’. The words of the reflection and prayers are accompanied by pictures of the Glenkens and soft music. David is also happy to send these directly to people by email if they contact him at dbartholomew@ churchofscotland.org.uk Paper copies can also be provided to those who do not have internet access. Contact David on 01644 430 380 if you would like to receive these resources, or simply if you would like to have a chat. Glenkens Gazette page 34 Food Bank The Castle Douglas Development Forum operates the Heart of Galloway Foodbank. They are open for pick-ups every day from 12noon to 2pm, and they also have a 24-hour dedicated phone line where you can ring up for help 07730 788 335. They are aware of the potential problem of people in the Glenkens getting to CD and they do deliver, and are already helping several people in the Glenkens. The service is great, and if you ring up in the morning, you can have a parcel delivered that afternoon. There is also a national number (0800 111 400) which will take you through to Dumfries & Galloway Council where their social work department is operating a triage system in case people require other help in addition to food parcels. LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUPS Glenkens Community Shop: Contact Shirley McNaught on 07955 743 022 or drop by the charity shop on Main Street, Dalry Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING): Contact Ros Hill on ros.hill@rathanhouse.co.uk Dalry Communities Properties Trust (DCPT): Contact Andi Holmes on andiholmes@hotmail.com or 07729 292 126 Dalry Town Hall: Contact Jim Reid on 01644 430231 or jamescreid@hotmail.co.uk New Galloway Community Enterprises (NGCE): Contact Sam Rushton on 07741 656601 or samCEW@newgallowaycommunity.shop or pop into New Galloway Community Shop Balmaclellan Community Trust: Contact Julia Higgins on julia.higgins55@outlook.com CatStrand: Contact Chris Jowsey at chris@catstrand.com 01644 420 374 or pop in to the CatStrand Schools: Pop into the school office or call Dalry Primary on 01644 430 105 (for Nursery/ELC too), Dalry Secondary on 01644 430 259 or Kells on 01644 420 340 Carsphairn Heritage Group: carsphairnheritagegroup@ gmail.com Bright Stars - Glenkens Community Nursery: Contact glenkenscommunitynursery@gmail.com Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership (GGLP): Contact McNabb Laurie on mcnabb.laurie@dumgal.gov.uk If you would like to add your community organisation to this list please get in touch with the Gazette - contact details are on the back page. Glenkens Gazette page 35 Events and activities are on hold at the time of going to print due to the COVID-19 lockdown. Please check government guidelines to find out up-to-date guidelines on social activities during June and July. Glenkens Community Councils Balmaclellan Community Council Meetings: Last Monday each month, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall Carsphairn Community Council Meetings: Last Monday each month, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn. Dalry Community Council Meetings: 1st Monday each month, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. New Galloway & Kells Community Council Meetings: 2nd Monday each month, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall. Full minutes of local Community Council meetings can be viewed at Dalry Library. CHURCH TIMES CHURCH OF SCOTLAND: Services are cancelled during this time. The minister will provide resources by email each week to anyone who would like them in the form of prayers, hymns, and a reflection on a bible reading. You can email David at dbartholomew@ churchofscotland.org.uk or call 01644 430 380 for further information or even if you would just like to have a chat during these difficult times. SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH: St Margaret’s, New Galloway: Open for quiet reflection & prayer, 10.30am every Sun & Wed (for info contact 01644 420 467). Dalry Library & Customer Service Centre Tuesdays 10.30am-2pm Fridays 11am-4.30pm For further information contact Castle Douglas library on 01556 502 643 USEFUL NUMBERS: ● Pot-hole Hotline: 0845 276 0000 ● Police, non-emergency: 101 ● Doctor: 01644 420 234 ● NHS 24: 08454 24 24 24 ● D&G Council: 030 33 33 3000 Glenkens Gazette page 36 ALTERNATIVE GAMES MILESTONE This August would have seen the 20th Scottish Alternative Games in New Galloway. However, it will be no surprise to anyone that the long running event has had to be postponed this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The event began in Parton in 1977 when the late Mungo Bryson had the initial idea for the quirky event when he found an old rusty gird ‘n’ cleek while clearing out a shed at his farm. Gird ‘n’ Cleek Racing has been the main feature of the Games ever since and the event has even claimed to be the official world championships in the historic sporty game. In the early years the annual attraction was known as The Parton Games but after a few years of increasing popularity and national press exposure the name was changed to The Scottish Alternative Games which perfectly summed up the alternative quirky nature of the activities and led to the strapline being added on advertising – the Lowland Alternative to the Highland Games. Events have varied greatly over the years and have included things such as Flingin’ the Herd’s Bunnet – propelling a shepherd’s cap like you would a frisbee; The Last Fling – often held at Parton to appropriately close the Games and was simply throwing a cobbler’s last as far as you could; and The Uphill Struggle which was a team game involving pushing a big round bale up a slope! Whilst the bunnet flingin’ was abandoned due to the fact it was very prone to the BALMACLELLAN VILLAGE SHOP We will deliver - please get in touch... - cash machine - winter fuel (peat, logs) - Flo Gas - Dalmellington Butcher pies/meat - Marchbank Bakers delivery every Friday - 01644 420 321 and the ever popular Snail Racing. A new event introduced since the Games took up residence in New Galloway is The Tractor Pull which now even has a wee brother event, The Quad Bike Pull to satisfy demand from younger participants. Other constants throughout the years have been the famous ‘unique atmosphere’ that many people comment on and also the many families from around the region and throughout the UK who return year after year to compete at the Games or simply to enjoy the day as a spectator. Many people started coming to the Games with their parents or grandparents many years ago and are now bringing their own children! Although the cost of running the event has inevitably increased over the years with the cost of insurance, advertising, printing etc. being a major outlay in the run up to the Games, the cost of admission has been kept as low as possible to make it affordable for families to come along. Any surplus funds over the years have been used to support various charities and local good causes. When the Games initially moved from Parton they were organised by a sub-committee of New Galloway Community Council but now the small organising committee is separately constituted. The committee are very grateful to everyone in the community who helps in any way to ensure that the Games happen every year and would always welcome new members to join the committee. Please look out for the AGM which will be advertised in the Gazette and is usually planned around October. Obviously with there being no 2020 event funds are fairly limited for distribution this year but if you are a member of a local organisation and would like to apply for a grant from the Alternative Games, please email bjedgar19@gmail.com for an application form. Similarly, any other enquiry regarding the Games can be sent initially to Brian Edgar on the same email. Many people will miss the Alternative Games this year but rest assured that the 20th Scottish Alternative Games in New Galloway will have even more reason to be celebrated in 2021! GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE ADVERTISE IN THE GAZETTE detrimental effects of wind and rain, there is no doubt that the latter two maybe didn’t meet health and safety requirements with the likelihood of a stray cobbler’s last landing amongst the crowd or a big bale rolling backwards and flattening the family who were supposed to be propelling it up the hill. However some of the original events from 1977 are still held today – Gird ‘n’ Cleek Racing of course but also Tossin’ the Sheaf, Hurlin’ the Curlin’ Stane All ages enjoying last year’s Games. General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL 01644 420234 (price per issue incl VAT) SMALL: 6cm x 6cm, £37.80 (+ 10% off with series discount) 1/4 PAGE: 9cm w x 13cm h, £81.90 (+ 25% off with series discount) 1/2 PAGE: 18cm w x 13cm h, £151.20 (+ 25% off with series discount) FULL PAGE: 18cm w x 27cm h, £252 (+ 25% off with series discount) Call 07727 127 997 VAT Reg. No. 882 8361 87 Supported by an award from Blackcraig Wind Farm Community Fund with funding from Blackcraig Wind Farm (Scotland) Limited, administered by Foundation Scotland working in partnership with The Glenkens & District Trust. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! 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 AUG/SEPT COPY DEADLINE: 5 JULY Design & co-ordination: Sarah Ade sarah.ade@gmail.com Printing: www.instantprint.co.uk The Glenkens Gazette is an initiative of the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust, a Registered Scottish 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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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 -SPECIAL EDITION - MA News from -Balmaclellan, Carsphairn, Corsock, Crossmichael, Kirkpatrick Durham, Mossdale, New Galloway, Parton and St John’s Town of Dalry 202 Y 0 Produced in partnership with local community councils and funded by the Blackcraig Community Fund. COMMUNITIES WORKING TOGETHER The communities of the Glenkens have come together to create an interim issue of the Gazette to inform and entertain people during these extraordinary times. The Glenkens Gazette has pooled its resources with local community councils to give you relevant information for people in each community, as well as what we hope are interesting, informative, fun and useful articles during the COVID-19 lockdown. You will find the centre spread is a pull-out of community council information which you can remove and put on your pinboard or attach to the wall, or just cut out the section relevant to your community. The rest of this short but valuepacked issue is full of seasonal stories, recipes, gardening tips, foraging advice, competitions, health and wellbeing ideas, photography pointers and more that are all relevant to staying safe by staying at home at this time. We have arranged to have this issue of to your door to ensure no one misses out. We hope you enjoy your read! FARMING IN THE GLENKENS A Young Farmer’s View On our farm in spring we get lots of baby animals. It can get hectic at times but is overall fun. On our farm we have goats, sheep, cows, pigs, chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys and a sheepdog. But only some of them have babies because if we got all the animals to have babies, we would be so busy we wouldn’t get any sleep! The animals that we do get babies from are goats, sheep, cows and chickens. The goat babies are called kids and are extremely cute. They will nibble you and jump on you but are still well behaved most of the time. This year we have had 11 kids and some of then can be little devils. But some of them are quite shy and will run away from you when you walk up to them but that will be because they just aren’t used to people yet. The sheep babies are called lambs as a lot of people know. They are a lot more shy than the kids but that’s because we have so many that they don’t get to realise that we are friendly because we don’t spend enough time with them. This year we have so far had 90 lambs and still some to come. I, myself, have four of my own lambs, three girls and one boy. The cow babies are called calves. They can also be quite shy, like the lambs but can also be friendly. This year we have nine calves and a lot more to come. I don’t pay as much attention to the calves, but I love them just as much as the goats and the sheep. I went to my uncle’s to help and I was able to feed the pet calves there. The chicken babies are called chicks. They can be friendly but unlike all our other animals we keep them with their mothers until they grow up to an adult so you usually can’t get to the chicks without being attacked by the mothers. Right now, we have four chicks and some more to come. We did have more chicks but some of them died, sadly. Me and my sisters also have some jobs we must do to help on the farm. My jobs are to fill the goats’ water tub, let the ducks out and collect the duck eggs, feed some of the chickens, feed the dog and to play with the kids. The A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) initiative Naomi working hard at her favourite farm task, playing with the goat kids. last job is an unusual job, but we want the kids to be friendly when we take them to shows so we need to make them friendly by playing with them. Personally, it is my favourite job of them all. Naomi McCreath, Polquhanity Farm www.glenkensgazette.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 2 SPRING FLOWER PHOTOGRAPHY The current lockdown is a great opportunity to hone your photographic skills. Multi-award-winning local photographer Duncan McNaught gives some tips for getting the best snaps, even if you just have a phone camera. Duncan says: Try and avoid bright conditions - the best light for garden flower photography is in early morning or evening when the sun is not bright in the sky, or an overcast day is ideal. If using a digital camera or mobile phone to take your shots, try to take side-on shots rather than face-on. Get as close as you can, but not too close - all lenses have a minimum focus distance so if you get too close your shots will be blurred Look closely in the background of your shot before you press the button; are there any distractions such as bright highlights detracting from the focal point, twigs/leaves that don’t do anything to enhance your shot, an ugly piece of fencing/shed in shot, etc. Backgrounds in any photo are just as, if not more, important than your main subject; take time to check it out well. A spray bottle filled with clean tap water is ideal to add some sparkle to your shots; a few good sprays onto the petals or leaves of a flower can make such a difference to your photos. Some people like to photograph butterflies - certainly not an easy subject to get right, but again early morning when they have not taken to the wing is ideal. Dandelion season is upon us now, the seed heads make for some really creative shots, particularly if it’s wet and windy outside. Just gather a few dandelion heads up, use some tape or blue tack to stick them down, place any coloured paper, foil or clothing (I’ve used a blue t-shirt before) behind the flower. Again, get as close as you can, aiming to fill the frame, and take your shot. A small LED torch can be helpful to add some light; try shining it on your background rather than the subject for some creative lighting. A bonus tip, and something I use a lot, with some really great benefits, is sweetie papers as filters. The translucent ones from Quality Streets, or similar are ideal, placed over the lens of a torch gives you some beautiful colored light. A great way to get some really creative effects, with the extra bonus that you have an excuse now to eat a few sweeties too. For the more creative approach how This makes for some amazing abstract images. One of the most important things in photography is to keep your camera/ phone steady, particularly in shady or darker conditions, or if you are using a big heavy lens. To keep it simple, you can either use a tripod if you have one, or a bean bag - or anything that will hold your chosen camera will work too. The self-timers fitted to most cameras are perfect - just set your equipment up, get focused, press the self-timer button and step away till it takes the shot. Even on a tripod, this is an ideal way to get much sharper shots, which makes such a difference, especially if you may wish to have them printed. Light is hugely important in taking a good photograph. If it’s too bright, for example, then perhaps a different time of day would be better, or use some shade such as a piece of card, paper or even yourself to reduce the light. Equally, if it’s a little too dark how about an old CD to reflect some light back onto your subject, or some tin foil, and a torch is really useful. You can often get a better effect if you place some tissue paper or a simple clean white yogurt pot or similar over the front of your torch to create some nice diffused light. Don’t ever be fooled into thinking you need expensive equipment to take good photos as it’s simply not true. Photography is more about being creative and looking for ways to use light to your best advantage in every shot you take. Pictured are some of Duncan’s close-up shots of flowers, illustrating how light and water can accentuate an image. If anyone would like to ask Duncan any questions please contact him on Facebook at Dmcnaughtphotography or email me at Dmcnaughtphotography@gmail.com Don’t ever be fooled into thinking you need expensive equipment to take good photos as it’s simply not true. about a saucer of milk with a few random drops of food coloring added, then a few drops of ordinary dish soap - this makes some amazing patters to photograph, and is a bit something different to do with the kids. On a similar theme, for indoor photography days use a clear glass bowl, preferably not too deep (a lasagne dish for example) and place some brightly colored paper or similar underneath. Add a few drops of cooking oil to the water, give it a gentle stir, and photograph directly over the water ensuring you keep your camera/phone parallel with the water. Glenkens Gazette page 3 Supporting the Spread of and pictures Corona Kindness ...rainbows appearing in windows Since the lockdown started on the 23 March, our Glenkens communities have been flooded with both spontaneous and planned acts of kindness. Through initiatives that have coordinated volunteering offers, raised awareness of need, celebrated, thanked or promoted wellbeing, we are witnessing our community quickly and sensitively responding to our needs at this unprecedented time. We see rainbows and pictures appearing in windows to cheer up passers-by and offer a message of hope. Christmas lights have been switched back on to lift our spirits and brighten up the streets for our NHS and frontline workers who travel past them on their way to work. Sunflowers are being planted in anticipation of the better times to come. Our weekly diary now includes the Thursday 8pm date on our doorsteps, where we join and witness the moving sound of applause for our brave NHS and key workers. It’s so great to see again a smile or wave from our friends and neighbours. For some it may be the only human contact of the week. We have even danced on our doorstep! On our daily walking exercise, Teddy bears peer at us from windows, home-made bunting or decorated stones brighten our paths and Easter window displays are beautiful – all uniting us and providing diversions to fill our newly acquired time. Last weekend, the Easter Bunny hopped into the Glenkens, spreading chocolate and cheer for Glenkens children - a welcome treat following their own challenges of staying at home and not seeing friends. Meals and cakes are being made and delivered. Phone calls and socially-distanced chats take place, making us all feel supported and grateful that we live in and are a part of this community. Our local businesses have risen to the challenge in many innovative ways, and we are grateful again for being in such a relatively self-sufficient community. On social media we are being treated to entertaining Tik Toks (short repeated videos, often humorous) and photographs of the beautiful sights and natural wonders of our local environment, that perhaps we now have more time to notice and appreciate. Let us not forget how we and our community have responded. Keep your pictures, videos and creations and when the time is right, we can look at ways of collating, sharing and celebrating what we as a community did in response to Covid 19. We should be proud of all that we have done and achieved! If anyone wishes to have or make bunting for their windows or share their photos or TikToks on social media please contact SamCEW@ newgallowaycommunity.shop or call Sam on 07741 656 601. And remember to email or post anything you would like to include in the next issue of the Gazette to glenkensgazette@hotmail. co.uk or you can post items to CatStrand, New Galloway, DG7 3RN. to cheer up passers-by and offer a message of hope. Christmas lights have been switched back on to lift our spirits and brighten up the streets for our NHS and frontline workers who travel past them on their way to work. Sunflowers are being planted in anticipation of the better times to come. Thomas Edgar watches the Easter Bunny through the window; rainbows have sprung up all over the Glenkens, along with Christmas lights to show support for our key workers; local businesses are going above and beyond to help (Kate’s farm eggs can be picked up from the ‘hutch’ opposite the playpark in Dalry); Teddy bears in windows wait to be spotted, brightening up children’s walks. Glenkens Gazette page 4 Tom’s Feel-good Isolation Film List So this year hasn’t started off the most convenient for the human race, not just for film addicts with all the cinemas closing, but for everybody else as well. with great performances - a good film all round. (Not available on Netflix, can be rented on Amazon Prime for £3.99) FERRIS BUELLER’S DAY OFF: Hands-down for me this feels the most heartfelt of them all; a great hangout film, with enough action to keep you gripped throughout. (Available on Netflix, can be rented on Amazon Prime for £2.99) MOONRISE KINGDOM: Wes Anderson remains one of the most prolific and unique directors going. Full of familiar Wes faces, Moonrise Kingdom is a must-see for anybody into artistic film-making and camera work. (Not available on Netflix, can be rented on Amazon Prime for £3.99) LORD OF THE RINGS TRILOGY: Award-winning cinema, a good 10 hours of fantasy and action that’ll transport you right to Middle Earth. (Available on Netflix, can be rented on Amazon Prime for £3.99 [per film]) SOME LIKE IT HOT: A comedy classic - don’t be put off by the age of the film; it’s a barrel of laughs, slapstick mishaps, great dialogue. I hadn’t seen something so funny in a good few years, and you can’t beat the punchline at the end of the film, amazin! (Not Available on Netflix, can be rented on Amazon Prime for £2.99) O’ BROTHER WHERE ART THOU: You’ve got to have a Coen Brothers film on the list, and while Fargo, Burn After Reading and The Big Lebowski are all very good, very funny films, none of them are quite as warmhearted, merry and fun as O’ Brother Where Art Thou. (Not available on Netflix, can be rented on Amazon Prime for £2.99) ANY PIXAR FILM, LIKE, EVER: I was going to try and put down a film, and then I thought; every single film is fantastic. One of my favourite studios (and I’m not afraid to say that), I have always had a blast watching through a PIXAR film. So...there are my personal quarantine flicks - I hope you enjoy them as much as I did! Thomas Limbey together, lockdown is all about keeping folk apart... So, we’ve had to come up with new and creative ways to keep the community connected. Men’s Shedders are keeping in touch with a phone cascade system, one person rings two others, they ring two more each and so on. The singing group, adult dance and Shona’s pilates class have all tried various methods of digital connection. By far the most popular method of getting together digitally has been using the online platform Zoom (see article on p6). In February most people in the Glenkens had never heard of Zoom (it’s a video conferencing platform generally used for business), but by April loads of people were using it on a regular basis. It’s nothing new to Brian and Chris, both of whom have a background in telecoms, so we’ve seized the opportunities Zoom offers to get our activities on-line and back into the community. So far we have Amy’s Tuesday night yoga class on Zoom, instigated a Wednesday night pub quiz, got the photography group zooming their photographs to each other and, working with John from JP Fitness, have started three different fitness classes. If mental and physical workouts aren’t your thing, we’ve also got a plant-pot challenge check out our Facebook page @connectingincommunities Obviously not everyone has the technology to utilise Zoom, or even Facebook and email, but we’re working with our funders to see what other solutions technology can offer. Meanwhile stay home, stay safe, and shop locally - the village shops are doing an absolutely brilliant job of keeping us supplied; thanks folks, you really are lifesavers! Please look out for your neighbours too, even if it’s just a chat on the phone or over the garden wall (from a safe distance). Isolation can be really hard, and a simple chat or act of kindness can keep spirits up. CiC is here to help in these difficult times, so if you have a good idea to help the community or need some support in something you’re already doing, please get in touch. To find out more about any of our activities please contact Brian or Chris on brian@catstrand.com or chris@catstrand.com Chris Jowsey, Volunteer & Participation Officer While the world is in lockdown and we remain stuck inside away from the perils of thou-that-shall-not-be-named, it’s important to keep our heads held high and our moods up. There are thousands and thousands of feel-good movies out there, films that lift the spirits, make you smile and take your minds far away to a whole other world. These are my favourite, personal picks for something to take your mind away from all that outside... LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE: Full of great acting from people like Steve Carrell, Toni Collete and Paul Dano, great writing and hilarious gags. If the finale doesn’t bring a big grin to your face then I don’t know what will. (Not available on Netflix, can be rented on Amazon Prime for £3.99) CHEF: What starts as a great food flick turns to a powerful story of bonding, Little Miss Sunshine - guaranteed to bring a smile... Connecting in Communities (CiC) is a LEADER and Big Lottery funded project, aimed at improving the lives of those living and working in the Glenkens. Targeting loneliness and isolation has been a key driver in our success over the last three years, bringing people together across the Glenkens for a wide variety of activities. But now the COVID-19 pandemic has thrown a huge spanner in our well-oiled works. Just as we were celebrating the opening of the Smiddy in Balmaclellan and getting new and exciting events running, the necessary social isolation measures mean we’ve all had to stay at home. Our project is all about getting people Glenkens Gazette page 5 The Reality of Exercising at Home Well it’s week four of lockdown and life has certainly changed for us all. The gyms are shut, exercise classes cancelled, the golf course is out of bounds... This has resulted in me engaging in ONE Oti Mobuse Dance class, watching Joe Wicks whilst drinking tea and eating my fifth biscuit, making an unrealistic pledge to exercise every morning starting from ‘tomorrow’ and spending hours on end watching people on YouTube finding innovative and often hilarious ways of exercising. We all know the importance of exercise and the health and wellbeing benefits that this brings. However, at this time of uncertainty, stress and change to our daily routines, physical activity and exercise may not always be happening. I have known for a long time that I partake most readily in ‘exercise in disguise’, such as engaging in physical activities such as walking the dog whilst chatting to a friend or dance classes where I am learning a new routine or dance style. The reality is that my motivation to exercise comes from supporting others in their physical activity, social interaction achieved through group exercising, peer pressure of regularly attending, the joy I find in music and the reward of a cuppa and chat following the class. Therefore, I am in total admiration and awe of those who are continuing their exercise journey in their makeshift gyms and using their permitted one hour of exercise productively. At this point my regular class participants will now be chuckling at the fact that I am not even following my own advice and raising my baked bean tins above my head to tone my arms. So, my four-week ‘research period’ has ended and ‘tomorrow’ has arrived and for those who, like me, would like to exercise in their home, I am sharing the following information • Turn on the BBC1 at 6.55am or 8.55am Monday, Wednesday or Friday and join the Green Goddess or, if that’s too early, join Mr Motivator on BBC 1 each day on HealthCheck UK Live • Contact Connecting in Communities (brian@catstrand.com or chris@ catstrand.com) for their increasing programme of online classes including kettlebells, circuits, yoga and Zumba (see page opposite for more) • Visit the NHS online www.nhs. uk/live-well/exercise for a wonderful range of exercise activities suitable for all levels of fitness, including sitting exercises, strength exercises and gymfree workouts • Take a step outside or open your window and take five deep breaths, do four shoulder rolls and three stretches, notice two things around you, and have one positive thought. Remember - keep it simple and safe, set realistic goals, and even a little movement or exercise will make us feel a lot better. So, to my class attendees, friends, local instructors, Local Initiatives in New Galloway, Connecting in Communities “Thank You” for what you are offering us at this time, and l look forward to seeing you again when our ‘in person’ classes and activities resume! Sam Rushton Maria Yerburgh is offering free live 30-minute yoga sessions on Sunday mornings at 11am. Follow ‘Barwhillanty Estate’ Facebook page to join the sessions. Writing in a Time of Crisis FOOD BANK The Glenkens Writers Group is no longer meeting but some members are sharing their writing on-line as they experience the Coronavirus crisis. This group has been joined by others who feel drawn to write about what is happening. “We are all in a very strange and unprecedented situation, which may not feel great but could galvanise some interesting writing,” says Margaret Elphinstone, who convenes the Glenkens Writers Group. “Many people find writing about these difficult times extremely helpful. It also provides a historical record of what people locally are experiencing and their reactions to events.” Articles, in prose or poetry, can take the form of a diary, observations or reflections and opinions. The only requirement is that contributions must be of less than 500 words and submitted electronically. Group members share their writing with one another and discuss their writing online. They agree not to circulate other people’s work outside the group without the writer’s permission. We have space for a few more writers, but may have to set an upper limit if the editor is inundated with applications. To find out more, contact Margaret on margaret.elphinstone@dircon.co.uk On behalf of Stewartry Food Bank, (SFB), I would like to thank everyone in your communities, large and small, who have so generously supported us. Donations of goods and cash have poured in - so much so that our bank balance has increased, the stock room is full, and we have had to begin storing food in another room so please, no more donations of food at present. We could not achieve anything without the ready support of so many volunteers - thank you. SFB, Stewartry Council for Voluntary Services (SCVS) and Heart of Galloway Food Bank in Castle Douglas are now trying to coordinate referrals and deliveries. This initiative is in its early stage but should you or anyone you know be in need of help, please contact Heart of Galloway on 07730 788 335. Again, thank you all for your support - keep safe and well. Marian Dixon, SFB Glenkens Gazette page 6 WILDLIFE WATCHING What a very strange start to spring we’ve had, four weeks into lockdown as I write. Peacock butterfly © Andrew Bielinski Just as the dry, warmer weather arrives, we’re all confined to our homes and the immediate countryside around our villages – but nature is in full swing and we can all enjoy the wildlife around us and the early signs of the season. The dawn chorus of our resident birds such as robins, blackbirds and song thrushes is being joined by willow warblers and chiffchaffs, whilst swallows and house martins are beginning to appear in the sky. The newts have small larvae (sometimes known as efts) - we have palmate newts in our pond and this is the most frequently found species in this part of the world, although smooth (or common) newts and the rare great crested newt are also found in the Glenkens. Searching around ponds at night with a torch is a good way of finding newts, as they come into shallow areas to carry out their courtship dance. Hedgehogs are also active in the garden at night, having emerged from hibernation a few weeks ago – telltale black, sticky droppings on the lawn are evidence of their nocturnal foraging. The great daytime foragers are the bumblebees and other early insects busy gathering nectar and searching for places to make their nests. Big queen red-tailed bumblebees are especially active at the moment, but look for the smaller mining bees and hoverflies that are also on the wing. Butterflies are also back – small tortoiseshells and peacocks and, my favourite early spring butterfly, the orange tip. Yes, spring is here – let’s enjoy it! Andrew Bielinski How to Have an Online Coffee Morning Ok, so you’ve phoned your parents/children/ grandchildren/friends... but wouldn’t it be nice to actually see them, even in lockdown? Well if you have a computer, tablet or smartphone with a working camera, then you are in luck as you can make a video call. If you have a choice of devices I would recommend using the one with the biggest screen. All of these apps are free and using them is free if you connect via broadband and it is within any allowance you have. If you have Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp on your phone, you can use these to have video calls, and you can create a ‘group’ and have more than one person. Messenger also works on your computer/tablet - if you are able to access Facebook, you can make Messenger calls. Skype is a great all-round video call platform, and there are versions for Apple products, Windows and Android devices which all work together. Just download the app from skype.com or Apple’s App Store or Google Play (Android). You will need a Skype account to make calls. If you want to have more people on a single call (a party!) then Zoom is very popular. The person setting up the call will need a Zoom account - setting it up is all very straightforward. Once you have started your meeting, you can send out invites by email (best to phone people and ask them to check their email and click on the link). Note that anyone with the link will be able to join the meeting/party but they don’t need to have an account. So now you can see the people you care about - see that gap where the grandchild’s tooth fell out, the rainbow they painted or the Lego castle they built. You can have a virtual party with the grown-ups; or pour yourself a cuppa (or something stronger) and just hang out and chat. How about sharing a baking session with youngsters or oldies? Or a game of chess? Some obvious security advice - don’t give out personal details over Skype or Zoom, don’t click on a link unless it is one that you were expecting, and remember that the camera is on while the meeting is active and everyone on the call will be able to see and hear everything! Paul Goodwin Zoom call discussing this article. Maintaining Our Local Lifelines Many of our local grocery shops are continuing to provide a vital service for our rural communities, either by delivering orders or by making a rule of one or two people in the shop at a time. Those that are remaining open to customers are having to deep clean regularly and, with many more customers than usual, they are working very hard on our behalf. Please help them help you by planning your shopping in advance so that multiple trips are not required, and remember that we should only be shopping for essential food supplies. Government rules on social distancing in order to limit face-to-face contact are vital here. Our local shops are small businesses and if one member of staff displays COVID-19 symptoms, then the whole shop may have to close until the quarantine period has expired. This would leave our communities even more isolated. So please, take the time to plan before you venture out to the village shop. Let’s respect our key workers during this difficult time. Glenkens Gazette page 7 Community Information Pull-out This page has information relevant to the whole of the Glenkens, with specific community council area information on the following pages. Please pull out this centre spread and keep it somewhere to hand for use over the coming weeks. GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE MEDICINE Prescription collection is from the window next to the main door. Please maintain social distancing (at least 2 metres) while waiting to collect medicines. Four working days notice are necessary for repeat prescriptions so remember to order the week before you run out. No supply problems are anticipated so no need to order extra. Volunteers from Balmaclellan, Carsphairn, Dalry and New Galloway are able to collect and deliver your prescription to your door. When you phone the surgery (01644 420234) to order your repeat prescription, please find out when it will be ready. Then call the number relevant to your community (see following pages) to arrange for its collection. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, address and telephone number. Government rules on preventing the spread of the Covid virus are to avoid physical contact. Volunteers will therefore ring your door bell, step back 2 metres, and wait for you to collect the items. If no-one is available to answer the door, we will have to take the items away but will telephone you to rearrange delivery. GLENKENS-WIDE FOOD DELIVERIES & COLLECTION FOOD DELIVERIES Many local shops and food providers have set up stysems for ordering food in advance which can then be delivered to your door. Delivery is on different days for different communities so please check when phoning through your order. (Village shops are listed on the following pages, under their specific area.) • Ballard’s Butchers: orders can be made online at www.ballardsbutchers. co.uk or call 01556 502502 (they also deliver groceries) • Grierson’s Butchers: 01556 502 637 FREE SCHOOL MEALS FOODBANK Dumfries & Galloway Council will support families with children in education who have ‘Free School Meal’ entitlement. If you are struggling to feed yourself or your family please contact Heart of Galloway Foodbank on 07730 788 335. To register go to www. dumgal.gov.uk and look for ‘Schools & Childcare’ under the COVID 19 link on the Home Page or call 030 33 33 30000 SUPPORT WITH MEALS They are based in Castle Douglas at the Heart of Galloway Visitor Centre on Market Hill and are open from 12noon to 2pm, and can deliver. THE FOOD TRAIN For anyone over the age of 65 unable to shop for themselves. Stewartry Branch: 01556 288427 Email: everything@thefoodtrain.co.uk • Henderson’s Butchers: 01556 502 654 • Mitchell’s Greengrocers: 01556 502 077 PLEASE ORDER IN ADVANCE FOR: • Fleet Fish: order before 9pm Sunday evening for delivery the following week. Delivery days can be found when ordering at www.fleet-fish.co.uk or call 07966 103 912 • Roan’s Dairy: orders can be made at www.roansdairy.co.uk - please call on 01556 620 374 to check delivery times in your area. GOOD NEIGHBOURS In our remote and rural parishes it is unfeasible for many of us to attempt to offer support directly. Many community councillors are within the high risk categories themselves and thus will also be self-isolating. At this difficult time we would implore members of the community to be ‘guid nychburris’, the very best neighbours you can be. A large proportion of the community does not have access to the internet and may need help the most. Please at this time spread the word and explanation of what we are doing to those who need it, ie your family, friends and neighbours. We would like to work together and ensure no one goes without food or important household necessities and even just a friendly voice. Isolation can be lonely and we are in it together. GENERAL SAFETY FOR DELIVERIES Coronavirus is contagious. Please take every precaution to ensure you are spreading only kindness. Avoid physical contact (2m distance). Wash your hands regularly. Government rules on preventing the spread of the Covid virus is to avoid physical contact. Volunteers delivering goods will ring your door bell, step back 2 metres, and wait for you to collect the items from your doorstep. Glenkens Gazette page 8 BALMACLELLAN We can help with collecting prescriptions, delivering groceries to your home, dropping off newspapers or magazines, posting mail, dog walking or do get in touch for anything else, even if you just fancy a chat. Balmaclellan Shop Opening Times: Mon-Sat 8am-3pm, Wed half-day (closes 12.30pm) and Sun 9-11am KEY CONTACTS • Debbie (shop hours): 01644 420 321 or 07709 009 147) • Ailsa Malone (BCC secretary): ailsmalone@aol.com or 01644 420 480 or 07485 079077 • Martin Warnock (BCC chair): lochbank@pm.me or 07939 261 391 • send a message to the community’s Facebook page ‘BalmaclellanCC’ CARSPHAIRN We can help with collecting prescriptions, delivering groceries to your home, dropping off newspapers or magazines, posting mail, dog walking or do get in touch for anything else, even if you just fancy a chat. The Carsphairn shop now has an excellent stock of groceries plus fruit, vegetables and meat and is offering a delivery service as follows: fruit, vegetables and meat are available for deliveries at the beginning of the week, orders to be made by Friday 2pm by emailing lindsayduncan23@hotmail.co.uk or calling 01644 460 568 or Facebook message. Grocery deliveries are available 7-days a week from 9am-9pm. Payment can be made via BACS or card payments can be taken over the phone. KEY CONTACTS • Matt Hickman: 07531 035824 • Liz Holmes: 07718 358160 • Christine Whipp: 01644 460577 • Carsphairn Community Trust: carsphairn.trust@gmail.com • Further information is available at www.carsphairn.org CORSOCK & KPD We can help with collecting prescriptions, delivering groceries to your home, dropping off newspapers or magazines, posting mail, dog walking or do get in touch for anything else, even if you just fancy a chat. KEY CONTACTS CORSOCK: • Julie Garton (community councillor): gartju27@gmail.com or 07769 647 702 • To stay up-to-date join ‘Corsock community’ and Kirkpatrick Durham’ Facebook groups, or follow ‘CorsockKPD’ on Twitter KIRKPATRICK DURHAM: • Heather: burnbrae-australianlabradoodles@hotmail.co.uk or 07551 639 629 • Susan: susan.pery@btinternet.com or 08837 243 348 • Hazel: hazelj.young@btinternet.com or 07872 503 130 • Dee: CusackDAM@gmail.com or 07900 902 732 Glenkens Gazette page 9 CROSSMICHAEL We can help with collecting prescriptions, delivering groceries to your home, dropping off newspapers or magazines, posting mail, dog walking or do get in touch for anything else, even if you just fancy a chat. Crossmichael Shop is open between 6.30am and 6pm, Monday to Saturday, and 7.30 am to 4pm on Sunday. You can phone in orders for collection (01556 670 424); or Alan will do his best to deliver. The Thistle pub is doing take-away meals on Fridays and Saturdays, between 12.00 midday and 7.00 pm. Just turn up to order or phone in (01556 670 203). You can find the menu on Facebook. Jim will deliver up to a reasonable distance. KEY CONTACTS • Richard Middleton (CC chair): richardandjane@phonecoop.coop or 01556 670 691 • communitycouncil@crossmichael.org Order repeat prescriptions from the Health Centre in Castle Douglas (01556 505 682 or 01556 505 666, depending on the practice) as normal, then phone a volunteer to arrange collection from the pharmacy. The volunteer will need your name, date of birth and address in order to be able to collect the order - phone or email Richard (above) to arrange. MEDICINE DALRY We can help with collecting prescriptions, delivering groceries to your home, dropping off newspapers or magazines, posting mail, dog walking or do get in touch for anything else, even if you just fancy a chat. Wrights (01644 430 225) and Londis (01644 430 669) will take orders over the phone and a volunteer can then deliver your groceries to your door. However, to avoid disappointment, please phone to check availability of fresh items, or to order in advance. When you make your order, ask them when it will be ready for collection and then phone one of our volunteers to arrange delivery. Note: Post Office/banking services at Wrights are continuing as normal but customers are asked to be vigilant regarding the social distancing rules when entering the shop. The Clachan is offering a takeaway menu on Thursdays to Sundays, 5pm to 8pm. Card payments will be taken over the phone when ordering (Thursday to Sunday after 3.30pm on 01644 430241 or 07769 229005). Local delivery is possible at set times. The menu changes weekly and can be found on their Facebook page (see The Clachan Inn). Collections are carefully timed to keep social contact to a minimum. KEY CONTACTS • Will Adam: 01644 430 338 • Fiona Davidson: 01644 430 414 • Morag Paterson: 07917 102 693 • Col Sweeney: 07808 807 946 • Graham West: 07899 599 092 • Nicolette Wise: 01644 430 218 LOCAL SHOPS ARE OUR LIFELINE - LET’S KEEP IT THAT WAY! Our local shops are providing a vital service. Please help them help you by planning your shopping in advance so that multiple trips are not required. Government rules on social distancing are vital. If one member of staff displays COVID-19 symptoms then the whole shop may have to close until the quarantine period has expired. This would have a critical effect on the resilience of our communities. Glenkens Gazette page 10 MOSSDALE Mossdale community information Mossdale Shop is continuing to serve its customers via an ordering and collection system. Orders can be phoned in (01644 450 281) any morning between 9am and 11am (any day except Wednesdays) and can then be collected from a cabinet outside the shop. NEW GALLOWAY We can help with collecting prescriptions, delivering groceries to your home, posting mail, dog walking or do get in touch for anything else, even if you just fancy a chat. New Galloway Community Shop will open from 27 April for counter service on Mondays and Wednesdays 1.30-5pm and Saturdays 10am- 2pm. Counter service will be for small orders up to 8 items. The shop continues to focus on Home Deliveries by volunteers throughout New Galloway & Kells. To order, email shopteam@newgallowaycommunity.shop or put your order in the letterbox of Stroan, next to the shop. Or call 07464 551 936 between 10:30 - 12:30 and 1:30 - 3:30 on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays or 9-11 on Saturdays. Deliveries are made every day except Wednesdays and Sundays. The Smithy Tearooms – takeaway service available 5-7pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. Phone 01644 420 269 to place your order and book your collection slot in advance. Delivery can be made around the Glenkens but 2 days’ notice is required. The Post Office is open normal hours with all services, but is restricting attendance to one customer at a time. Love To Eat has a stock of home-cooked frozen meals that can be ordered on 07393 199 702. They can be delivered around New Galloway, Dalry or Balmaclellan. KEY CONTACTS • 07741 656 601 or email ngcommunityhelp@gmail.com • New Galloway volunteers are also supporting the community shop by taking and delivering orders. We can always use more volunteers – if you have any time or ideas for supporting our community, do get in touch. PARTON We can help with collecting prescriptions, delivering groceries to your home, dropping off newspapers or magazines, posting mail, dog walking or do get in touch for anything else, even if you just fancy a chat. A community mailing list for Parton has been created to provide a vehicle for sharing local news and information that is proving very useful in allowing quick dissemination of information about what’s happening with regard to local shopping and also the circulation of contact details for anyone volunteering help with collection of prescriptions, medicines, etc. Anyone in Parton parish wishing to be added to the list please email suzymercer@googlemail.com KEY CONTACTS ● Erica or Brian: 01644 470 277 ● Gilli: 07894 867 450 ● Mungo: 07711 539 220 ● Paul: 07711 663 603 ● Richard: 07517 601 788 ● Suzy: 01644 470 130 ● Tom: 07835 821 976 ● Anne: 07788 474 551 ● parton-community@googlegroups. com ● Parton community WhatsApp group send a text to Suzy on 07801 258 292 and she will add you to the group Glenkens Gazette DALRY ELC UPDATE Within Dalry Early Learning & Childcare (formerly Dalry Nursery, although we cover the whole of the Glenkens) we have a closed Facebook page which has allowed staff to keep in touch with the children and their parents. This enables us to provide activities that parents can do with their children. It is also a way of sharing pictures with each other so the children and parents don’t feel so isolated, in these times it is important to think about everybody’s wellbeing and mental health. In March we were due to have our annual Easter bonnet parade. This obviously didn’t go ahead, so we asked the children to post a picture of their bonnet if they had already made one. Staff joined in too, just to say hello. We also joined in with supporting the keyworkers with rainbow pictures, sharing them with everyone. Another time we asked for the children to post a picture with their pet. Doing these activities enables us to keep the links with the families, supporting them through this hard time and enabling the children to see each other. Everyone handles this situation differently some may be enjoying the solitude, time to relax, however, others may be anxious and struggling, our children will be feeling these emotions too. Having a younger child, trying to keep them occupied can be exhausting to a parent. Try not to do ‘everything’ for your child though. I have found that sitting back and letting the child take the lead in their play is actually rewarding. All children love to dig! Give your child a patch in the garden, a tyre filled with soil, a bucket - anything. Give them real tools to dig with; a hand trowel is just the right size and just watch. You can also add natural materials, spoons, bowls, pans and turn it into a mud kitchen. And not forgetting water - a bucket of water and your child will play for ages. Try not to worry about mess children like to explore and investigate their environment and left to enjoy will discover many new things. Art Activities for Children Start a Sketchbook Sketchbooks are great for developing our drawing skills, being creative and exploring ideas. Don’t worry about mistakes and not all sketches need to be completed. Create a sketchbook page showing signs of spring. Think about including page 11 Dalry ELC also has an open page on Facebook which everyone can look at for ideas and information and keep the community together in this time of uncertainty. Julie Moore, Dalry ELC Pictured: Archie and his rainbow; Scarlett with her Easter bonnet; Elliot and his dog Buster. notes to go with your sketches. Tip: Try and sketch lightly with your pencil. This way you don’t need a rubber! You can go over the lines you are happy with to make them stand out. Create a Butterfly Collage A collage is a work of art made by gluing pieces of different materials onto a flat surface. Collage comes from the French word “coller” which means glue. Draw the outline of a butterfly. Try and make it symmetrical so it looks the same on both sides. Tear or cut pieces of coloured/ magazine paper and arrange to create your collage. Try to make your collage symmetrical as well. Tip: If you cut out your butterfly then it doesn’t matter if you go over the edge. Gazette Art Competition Create a butterfly collage, take a photograph and email it to glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk by Friday 15 May. We will have a winner in the under 12 category and a 12+winner, so adults please do have a go too! We’re looking forward to seeing your creations, which will be printed in the next issue as well as the winner in each category receiving a £10 cash prize provided by Dalry Community Council. Glenkens Gazette page 12 Healthy Baking Options Currently with the COVID-19 outbreak we are possibly focusing more on our health and the health of our families than we have for a while. Due to restrictions placed upon us we might be turning to eating more biscuits and sweets to give us a ‘lift’ but what healthier options can we treat ourselves with? As you have more time at home maybe you would like to bake something delicious? Here are a few of my favourite recipes... GROUND NUT, PEAR & POLENTA CAKE Ingredients: 8oz butter 6-7oz sugar – ideally dark brown or coconut sugar 4 eggs 2 tsp vanilla essence 6 oz polenta 8oz ground nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans, etc) 1 Tsp baking powder 2 chopped fresh organic pears or welldrained tinned pears, cut into bite-size Method: Put all the ingredients together in your mixer except for the pears and mix for roughly 4-5 minutes or until light and fluffy looking. Remove and fold in the chopped pears. Bake in a 8 inch wide cake tin lined with greased parchment (brown) paper. Bake between 1 and 1¼ hour at 180C. If making the cake with ground almonds it may be more appropriate to use natural almond essence. SUGAR FREE DATE & WALNUT CAKE Ingredients: 225g dates 55g walnuts (or pecans) or more if you love a lot of nuts 90g butter 285ml water 110g raisins 1 tsp cinnamon 1/2 tsp nutmeg pinch salt 200g flour 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda Method: Chop dates and nuts. Put the dates, butter, water and raisins in a large saucepan. Bring to the boil and then gently simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from the cooker, cool a little and stir in the remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly. If mixture appears too thick add a little more water. Turn the mixture into a greased, lined 8” cake tin. Bake at 375/190/gas mark 5 for 45 minutes. PECAN DROP SCONES (PANCAKES) Ingredients: 2 oz ground pecans (almonds or walnuts can be substituted) 4 oz wholemeal flour 1 heaped tblsp dark brown sugar 1 heap tsp baking powder 1 organic egg 1 tsp vanilla essence 5 oz milk to mix (any milk or alternative milk will do) Method: Mix all the dry ingredients together and make a well in the centre. Mix the egg and milk together and pour into well and mix the ingredients till they resemble a very thick batter (make sure it’s not too runny). Heat and grease a thick-bottomed frying pan or griddle and pour dssp of the mix into the pan. After a few mins or when you see a bubble turn over the pancakes and cook for a minute or so on the other side. Place cooked pancakes on a wire rack with a clean, dry cloth and cover the pancakes with this after putting on rack. For more ideas on how to stay healthy sign up to my Facebook page @The Food Clinic Lorna Willock, Nutritionist, Dalry Cooking With Kids: Anne’s Pizza Swirls Anne McEwan from Dalry posts the most amazing homemade food pics on her Facebook page, so we asked her for a childfriendly recipe. Here are her pizza swirls (makes 12). Ingredients: 750 gr plain flour 1.5 tsp salt 10g dried active yeast 20ml olive oil 1 tsp sugar 450 ml luke-warm water 100 gr grated cheese 200 ml double concentrated tomato paste 1 tbs Italian herbs Knock back the dough and roll it out into a large rectangle. Method: Roll the dough up going along the longest side of the rectangle. Cut the roll of dough into 12 equal pieces. Place the swirls onto a baking tray spaced well apart. Leave them to rest for 15 min. Preheat the oven to 2000C. For the dough - mix the yeast and the sugar into the luke warm water and leave it to activate for 10-15 min. Mix the flour and salt, add the yeast mixture and the olive oil and mix together into a smooth dough. Knead the dough for a minimum of 5 minutes. Leave the dough to rest for 1-2 hours in a warm place until doubles in size. Spread the dough rectangle with the tomato paste and sprinkle the Italian herbs and the cheese on top. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until they start to brown on top. Can be eaten hot or cold. Enjoy! Glenkens Gazette page 13 Immune Boosting Garden Nibbles Whether you’re looking for something green to replace currently hardto-get shop vegetables, or just fancy practising garden foraging skills, these ‘weeds’ are far from thin on the ground! Take a two-minute stroll outdoors avoiding areas frequented by the local canine population, examine any green patch (which you know hasn’t been peed on) and you’re highly likely to spot one of these. Brimming with antioxidants, calcium, magnesium, vitamins C, A, K and iron, these pesky, uninvited garden inhabitants will enrich lockdown lunches. Most Common: Hairy Bittercress It would be more of a challenge to find a patch of ground without hairy bittercress! This tiny cress flavour-bomb is a typical brassica and may be protective against cancer. It’s around all year and makes an exceptionally good egg-andcress sandwich. Most Plentiful: Nettle, Ground Elder & Wild Garlic Early in the year when the wild garlic is around (February-April), the young leaves of nettles and ground elder are also appearing, and are perfect to add to any soup/stew. I particularly love these three ingredients and will use them daily. Outwith their season, we love them fermented (kimchi) or as pesto. Nettles contain polyphenols and there is research showing that they may help to prevent and manage inflammatory diseases such as certain types of cancer, heart disease and diabetes whilst wild garlic lowers blood pressure. Most Surprising: Rosebay Willowherb Extremely common, the beautiful willowherb you will be most familiar with towards the end of summer when it displays its striking and prodigious pink flower spikes, is also useful. Young shoots can be treated like asparagus; boiled briefly, drizzled with lemon juice and smothered in butter. Historically and currently, the leaves are rolled, fermented and dried to make a tea. The stems of mature plants can also be split to reveal the white fluffy interior pith. This can be scraped out and eaten and has a pleasant, sweet flavour with a similarity in flavour to cucumber and melon. It can also be used to thicken sauces and you may feel free to ‘take the pith’ as there is no shortage of this plant! Most Tasty: Japanese Knotweed It may well devalue your property, or prevent you re-mortgaging if it infests your garden, but young shoots (under 10 inches long) of this striking plant are extremely delicious. It is also, interestingly, used in Lyme disease treatment, and recent research claims that it is beneficial for the health of our lungs. When eating, treat it as you would rhubarb. Notes of caution: Knotweed is extremely invasive and legislation covers its control. Don’t pick more than you need, and never put any parts on your compost heap or into the bin as they’ll regrow! Also, it is often sprayed with herbicide, so be sure that the patch you pick from is untreated. Pictured: Egg and cress sandwich; wild garlic, nettle and ground elder soup; ‘wilted’ willowherb with lemon and butter; Japanese knotweed crumble Emma Gibson For more about foraged goodies visit Emma’s Instagram: eat_weeds_emma The Galloway Glens team would like to send its best wishes to all the residents of the Glenkens at this difficult time. Thanks as ever to our amazing project volunteers and staff who are working so hard to keep their projects going as well as possible. We’re working to support you, and we will get through this! Glenkens Gazette page 14 Bringing the CatStrand Home We may feel we’re missing out on the buzz of what’s on at CatStrand as the building sits empty and posters for events that should have been are covered up with cancellation signs... But new things are stirring beneath the surface as we look at ways to keep you entertained and connected from home. CatStrand’s ‘Arts Cast’ has launched, with our April edition available now, and May edition coming soon. These are podcasts which CatStrand volunteer and part-time radio producer Anthony Bird has been helping us put together from his home studio in Kirkcudbright. Anthony has been producing hospital radio and online radio shows for many years. Working with Aidan at CatStrand he has been assembling tracks, interviews, excerpts and reviews sourced from our line-up of artists and their agents to share a flavour of what’s been missed this month whilst our doors have been closed. Last month’s Arts Cast had over 60 listens and members of our audience seem to be appreciating this downloadable slice of CatStrand’s unique programme. In our April Arts Cast you can hear jazz tracks from Mezcla and pieces from Roddy Woomble’s new album, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at the film In Our Hands with film-maker Jo Barker and a discussion piece on the film from Evi Landay of the Stewartry Climate Group, who would have been helping us arrange our post-film discussions. One of our youth volunteers, Arran, has produced film and game reviews, features in the April Arts Cast. The review podcasts are also available separately on our mixcloud site and CatStrand Youth Arts website (www. catstrandyouth.co.uk) where you can read blogs from our new film programming intern Tom about his trip to the Glasgow Film Festival and his top isolation movies (see page 4). Speaking of films, we’re delighted to be adding an event to our calendar instead of cancelling one as we’re able to host the online screening of the Exhibition on Screen film Mattisse on Tuesday 26 May. Visit ticketsource or www.catstrand.com to book your tickets for these online events, where you’ll be sent a link and password on purchase of your ticket which will give you access to the film on the event date at 7pm. You’ll also be able to join us at CatStrand’s virtual cafe/bar for a chat after the film at join.me/ catstrand where friendly barman Ian Biggar will be there to greet you with a smile and maybe offer us a recipe for an artist-inspired drink to finish off the evening. Arts manager Aidan will also be in the virtual cafe/bar from 6.45pm to welcome you to the screening and offer a short, but hopefully welcome, introduction to the film. Exhibition on Screen are including notes on the film that will also be sent out to audience members on purchase of their ticket so you can delve deeper into the world of the artist they are exploring. As we work through new ways to bring you a little bit of CatStrand at home we hope you are keeping safe and look forward to welcoming you to some of our online events soon. Glenkens Gazette Hello from LING Our regular Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING) activities have stopped for now, and the village hall is looking rather forlorn with its doors closed. However, spring has sprung and the flowers on the window sills and the tubs are giving a lovely display. Keep an eye if you can on the LING Facebook page with lovely flower and landscape photos and also for fun, have a look at the Virtual Lunches... Do feel free to contribute your own photos and comments. We've been told not to forget to exercise. With none of our usual groups such as table tennis, carpet bowls, Zumba or circuit training this can be difficult, but at least we have outside spaces to keep going. Sam Rushton has an article on p5 on keeping fit at home. Also, the great work done by the Golf Course Working Party of Exploring New Galloway, a Galloway Glens Project, has greatly improved the paths, providing access to the woodland around the golf course without going on the road and there is enough space to social distance. No doubt you'll all be fit as fiddles when we get back! page 15 If the art group and others can keep painting, drawing and photographing, we can arrange a COVID -19 exhibition. The PEEPs group of parents with young babies under one had just started meeting when things had to close up. With six participating families in New Galloway, we are looking into ways they can keep linked; is there anyone else from outside New Galloway who would like to be part of the group? We would like to say a big “Thank You” to the Community Shop and the Community Council and volunteers who have arranged so quickly such an efficient and helpful order and delivery service, as well as to the other businesses who deliver. With best wishes and stay safe, Ros and LING Trustees Accessing Glenkens Churches Churches have suspended their services, but around the Glenkens they are working hard to offer alternative options. David Bartholomew (minister of the Church of Scotland congregations of Balmaclellan & Kells, Dalry and Carsphairn), Pam Swift (rector of St Margaret’s Scottish Episcopal Church in New Galloway) and Sally Russell (minister of Corsock, Kirkpatrick Durham, Crossmichael and Parton) have all put together resources to nourish the spiritual life of people in the Glenkens.   David and his wife Heidi are preparing weekly reflections that can be accessed on YouTube under ‘Balmaclellan, Kells and Dalry linked with Carsphairn’. David can also email these directly DBartholomew@churchofscotland.org. uk or paper copies can be provided just call 01644 430 380 if you would like to receive these resources, or simply if you would like to have a chat. Pam is sending out a weekly email with scripture readings - if anyone would like to join the mailing list please email her at pam.swift@live.co.uk. She is also happy to talk on the phone about anything that might be concerning people, or just for a chat, on 01644 420 467. Sally is also sending out a weekly email to her congregations with prayers, readings and reflections – SRussell@ churchofscotland.org.uk, or call 01556 503 645. Easter Sunday at Parton LOCKDOWN GARDEN SPOT As I write this, I look around my garden and see evidence of nature taking over. Signs of mice and wood pigeons in the garden and even a rabbit hole appeared in the front garden! Nature is getting bolder and the flowers don’t know about the lockdown. If you have children at home (or you feel like being one yourself) then get a shallow plastic dish, fold about six layers of kitchen roll to cover the bottom and wet it well (don’t cover with water). Sow mustard or cress seeds on the surface, keep it damp and on a windowsill; within seven Freshly planted mustard and cress seeds days you will be eating home grown food. You could also try peas the same way; they take a little longer cut the shoots when a couple of cm high and add to salad. Finally, as we can’t get out so much, take a chair into the garden for a while with a good book and a cuppa and enjoy the seasons and the wildlife. You might find your neighbour is doing the same and you can chat over the fence. Don’t think of it as sunbathing, just keeping your vitamin D levels up. The Intrepid Gardener Easy-peasy Homemade Newspaper Seedling Pots Glenkens Gazette page 16 Season’s Chorus in the Glenkens I first moved to Dalry from Ochiltree (Ayrshire) in December 1991, following my appointment as RSPB Conservation Officer for D&G almost a year earlier. In 28 years with ‘the Society’, the increasing duration of my time in Galloway was occasionally mentioned by some colleagues. Understandably perhaps, such questions were sometimes raised by superiors with more ambitious career objectives, but also by some more like-minded friends (peers) I’d made in different parts of the country. However, a few days spent in this area, with its space, scenery and variety of birdlife, soon answered such queries any might have, as it quickly became clear to them how privileged they themselves were to be here! I’m sure many of us will have similar stories, but I have no doubt that all of us will feel privileged, this year in particular, to be living in the Glenkens, and with spring coming on, too. Following a mild winter, as the daylight lengthened, birdsong began early with skittery felties (mistle thrushes) first to join the tiny group of deep winter songsters - mainly robins and wrens. I always think skitterys’ songs are like truncated, unmusical blackbirds, and their main attraction for me is in the reminder that better things are yet to come. Blue dykies (dunnocks) followed soon after with their long, level twittering warbles, so cheery and perhaps reminiscent of the much smaller yet louder and more varied wrens. Of course, this will all be Greek to those who know nothing of birdsong beyond the sheer joy in listening to them, but this needn’t always be the case. The lockdown presents many of us with more `time to stand and stare’, Returning swallows traditionally herald the start of summer... and to listen, while the gardens and village environs of the Glenkens host impressive birdsong choirs, especially in the dawn chorus and in the gloaming. Space doesn’t allow a description of them all here, but there are a few standouts to listen out for. Perhaps the most musical of these are the thrushes - the loud, fluted song of the blackbird always seems louder and more melancholy after rain; and its cousin the magnificent mavis (song thrush), my own personal favourite, with its repeated phrases, usually in threes or fours. Have a go at repeating some of these by whistling and, depending on your skill, you may catch his interest. With practice, and a certain degree of madness and/or magic, it is possible to make up your own similar phrases and take delight as the mavis builds them into his own repertoire, much in the way some have recently done with the calls of red kites, for example. These birds usually sing from above head height, which makes it easier to pick them out and confirm their identity if unsure. Other birds more often sing from lower down, like the aforementioned blue dykies. So too does a bird which is disappearing at an alarming rate down south, but which is astonishingly abundant with us, the weetie or willow warbler. A small greyish brown-green warbler with a very distinctive descending cadence of weet, weet, weet, weet, weetweetweetwtttt, which always reminds me of a small feather falling to the ground, first one way, then the other, then back again etc, the notes getting softer and lower as the feather falls. They are wonderful and can sing all day long for a few weeks in spring. Anyway, with Burns I must say `But here my Muse her wing maun cour’. Suffice to say there is a wonderful world of birdsong out there for us all, and open doors and windows into this fascinating and health-giving world for those seeking delight, which I think is just about all of us. Go on, give it a go. I promise you wont be disappointed and you just might find a certain kind of magic that lasts forever. Chris Rollie, Dalry Grow a Sunflower Competition our gardens, terraces, window boxes Dalry is calling all to and plant pots to help lift our spirits. So to lift all our spirits, why not plant Glenkens a sunflower seed and watch it grow. gardeners Great fun for kids (and educational - a bit of home horticulture!) and and non- too great fun for grown-ups. If you are struggling to get seed then let us know gardeners, young and we can send you some out - email and old... lesleyblissett52@gmail.com with your Who can grow the tallest sunflower? Or even the smallest? We are all spending more time at home and some of us are now turning name and address. Think of it as growing sunflowers to shine a light on our saviours in the NHS and the shop workers, carers, volunteers and all the ancillary staff who are helping us stay healthy and safe. So let’s get growing and have some fun! Email in photos of your flowers once they’re in full bloom (by 5 September, including height and diameter of flower heard) and photos will feature in the October/November issue of the Gazette. Lesley Blissett lesleyblissett52@gmail.com Supported by an award to Dalry Community Council from Blackcraig Wind Farm Community Fund with funding from Blackcraig Wind Farm (Scotland) Limited, administered by Foundation Scotland working in partnership with The Glenkens & District Trust. The Community Response, Resilience and Recovery Fund administered by Foundation Scotland also covered the additional costs of the last edition of the Gazette which made mailing it out door-to-door possible, for which we are very grateful. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! 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 JUN/JUL COPY DEADLINE: 10 MAY The Glenkens Gazette is an initiative of the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust, a Registered Scottish 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 117-special Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GG_117-special 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 2020 Description An account of the resource Editor: Sarah Ade https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/1/263/GlenkensGazette117.pdf f7309e9bcc0538bc0646313f6eec36ca 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 117 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 April/May 2020 ISSUE 117 FREE Supporting Our Communities How we all cope with the current coronavirus pandemic is doubly tricky as nothing like this has happened before. What is apparent, however, is the way our communities in the Glenkens have reacted to the crisis – immediately reaching out to friends and neighbours by putting in place strategies to help the vulnerable, and doing so with a minimum of fuss. Balmaclellan, Dalry and Kells & New Galloway Community Councils and Carsphairn Community Trust have all put together resilience plans. Fliers have gone out to residents with information on who to get in touch with if they require help, such as collecting groceries or prescriptions during self-isolation, or if they just want a chat. In addition, many local businesses are offering order and delivery services for meals such as Love to Eat (01644 420 841), the Smithy (01644 420 269), the Clachan Inn (01644 430 241) and Carsphairn Tearooms (01644 460 568). All the communities report that many “What is apparent...is the way our communities in the Glenkens have reacted - immediately reaching out to friends and neighbours...” more people have since offered to help in any way they can – Glenkens folk do seem to be hardwired to help their neighbours. At the time of going to press Dumfries and Galloway has one of the lowest number of cases in Scotland but this could change so it is up all of us to remain vigilant and follow the expert advice on social distancing. An example of a simple measure to help keep us safe comes from the Glenkens Medical Practice who have changed their prescription collection point to the window next to the main door to prevent people mixing inside the surgery. Continued on p7... Local children help to distribute community information fliers around Dalry. Drama Festival First For Glenkens The 2020 SCDA Stewartry Open Festival was won by CatStrand Players with their production of Henna Night by Amy Rosenthal. This is the first time that the Open Festival has ever been won by a team from the Glenkens. The play is a two-hander starring Eilidh Thomson and Zoe Kirkpatrick, directed by Brian Edgar and would have been representing Stewartry District at the West of Scotland Final in Greenock at the end of March. However, in light of the current coronavirus restrictions this has unfortunately been cancelled. Eilidh and Zoe havebeen staunch members of CatStrand Youth Players since they were 10 years old and have progressed to the Youth Western Finals on several occasions in the past. Their experience in the Youth Festivals over the past 10 years or so has certainly stood them in good stead as they, in the adjudicator’s words, “took the script off the page in a virtually flawless performance”. Continued on p7... ...STOP PRESS... Some scheduled events in this issue may now be cancelled or postponed. Please get in touch with organisers for information. Remember, it’s important to keep our distance for everyone’s health - but that doesn’t mean we can’t talk to each other; over garden fences, across the street, over the phone, by email even just a wave and a smile. CatStrand Players Director Brian Edgar receiving the award © John Scott Photography. A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) ini�a�ve Stay in touch! We’re all in this together, and nobody should feel they are facing it alone. www.glenkensgaze�e.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 2 POETRY COMPETITION WINNER Limericks, with their distinctive rhythm and rhyme, have a way of sticking in your head, and many a one, from many a year back, was recited in Wrights Shop as folk clocked the new Poetry Competition organised by Lyndsay Wright and her shop team. A good few local people turned their hand to penning their own too, including a ‘mystery rhymer’ whose lines were discovered lodged between the tinned hotdogs and soup! All entries were read aloud to get their full effect and the winner was unanimously agreed to be Christine Rae with: Winner of the February/March competition, Christine Rae, receiving her prize of a £10 Wrights Shop voucher. To Eve said old gardener Adam “We’ve nothing to show this year madam. The peas are a sight The spuds have got blight And as for the apples – we’ve had ‘em!” Christine wins a £10 voucher to spend at Wrights Shop. This issue’s theme for a poem (any form) is ‘ma hame toon’, wherever that may be… Entries to be handed in at Wrights Shop, or emailed to glenkensgazette @hotmail.co.uk, by Friday 1 May. Glenkens Community Shop Where Do You Read Your Re-opens After Refurb The Glenkens Community Shop in Dalry is scheduled to reopen on 13 April, having been closed since December for refurbishment of the premises. Look out in the next issue for a longer piece with photos of the new shop! Gazette...? Send us in a photo of where you read your Gazette... Or perhaps you send a copy out to friends or relatives in far-flung places? In which case, maybe they can send us a photo! “We’re from Stranraer and retired, and enjoy taking drives around the countryside. We are fairly regular visitors to the CatStrand, where we look forward to picking up the latest issue of the Glenkens Gazette. It’s a brilliant wee paper and we thoroughly enjoy reading it.” Mr Bell, Stranraer page 3 Advertisement Glenkens Gazette Glenkens Gazette page 4 sponsored by FREE If you would like to list something on this page, please get in touch on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk Chest Freezer - free for pick up in Dalry. Contact: 07769 892 137 Large Bag of Cat Litter. Free to collect in New Galloway. Contact: 01644 420 267 FOR SALE ION Air LP Bluetooth Turntable. Unwanted gift £45. Contact: 01644 430 373 9” stainless steel chimney cowl. Brand new, still boxed - bought in error. Cost £48 will sell for £30. Contact: Nigel 07774 778872 3-Seater Sofa. Dark brown with flip footrests, very good condition, £50. Contact: 01644 430 062 by the Ken Photo of the Issue Sponsored Bridge Hotel This issue’s winner is Christopher Lucas with a beautiful photograph looking down into the water from the viaduct at Loch Stroan. photograph. A bit like an optical illusion... And with lovely, vibrant spring colours to lift the spirits.” How to Enter: any photos taken in the Glenkens can be entered landscapes, wildlife, portraits, action shots... Email them to glenkensgazette @hotmail.co.uk Christopher wins an evening meal for two up to the value of £30 at the Ken Bridge Hotel. Competition judges Dave and Sue said: “This photo is just stunning. It has a wonderfully abstract quality, and is almost more like a painting than a If you are a winner the Gazette will send you out a voucher - please call the Ken Bridge to book your meal, and make sure to take your winner’s voucher along with you. Gordon McAdam New Galloway Golf Club Founded 1902 www.nggc.co.uk - 01644 420737 Buggies now available for hire VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME Plumbing & Heating HOUSE REPAIRS JOINERY 22 Kirkland Street St John‛s Town of Dalry Semi-retired Furniture Maker & Builder in GLENKENS AREA 01644 430 393 07834 321 789 Call Pete on 07970 462 088 ...special rates for inclusion of tea, cake and friendly banter... Glenkens Gazette page 5 sponsored by Walking the Watson Bird Trails With financial support from the Blackcraig Community Fund and the National Lottery Heritage Fund through the Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership, Watson Birds will be able to implement fully our two proposed trails. These are the Donald Watson Art Trail which runs around the Glenkens, and the Donald Watson Bird Walk around St John’s Town of Dalry. Brochures for these walks can be obtained from The Clachan Inn and the CatStrand, or from www.watsonbirds.org Dalry’s Chris Rollie will be providing a commentary to be made into an app as part of the Galloway Glens programme overall app, and I’m sure that this will be both interesting and informative. We are asked, as part of the conditions of the wind farm grant, to gather community support for these trails, and we will therefore be contacting community councils for their views to add to the many supportive comments we already have. The first exhibition at The Smiddy in Balmaclellan has been well received and we are planning a follow-up later this year, working with local groups such as Ken Words. Roger Crofts roger.dodin@btinternet.com Glenkens Gazette page 6 Words from the Library Shelves... The building that is now referred to as the Dalry Customer Service Centre, but has for decades been more familliar to Dalry folk as the William Gourlay Memorial Library, has been quietly delivering books to the Glenkens since the 1940s. It remains today a lively and treasured hub for the Glenkens, although perhaps it’s still something of a mystery to many Glenkens inhabitants! Hopefully, this regular little column will rectify that. Although we are only open two days a week, the building is also home to a number of groups such as the CatStrand Youth Writers and, until recently, Dalry’s Gaelic class. It’s a good warm room for meetings, so feel free to contact us to book! During library hours there is the monthly Bookbug session on the first Tuesday of the month at 10.30am, and on the same day you can drop in for Tech Help from 1-2pm; bring all your techno quibbles and we’ll see what we can do! This month in the children’s area we have a display on dinosaurs. Your librarian was a bit dinomad when she was little, so feel free to pick her brains and find out just how much she’s forgotten. Also, after the recent sad news about the death of thriller author Clive Cussler, we have a display of his books for the grown ups. If we don’t have the book you want, we can always try to order it in from the rest of the region. Dalry Early Learning Centre have been taking part in the Bookbug library challenge with regular visits for new books. The kids have lots of fun stamping the books and the bookbug challenge cards and are looking forward to getting their challenge certificates. If you know a small reader, you could bring them in to start on a challenge of their own. The main excitement of the month is the Annual Waste Sacks distribution, which began on Monday 9 March. This is when people who don’t have wheelie bins get their allowance for the year of waste sacks. This year the sacks will be purple, although last year’s orange sacks are good until 1 May. If you struggle with your wheelie bin, come in and let us know as there are a few solutions available! Angela, Librarian, William Gourlay Memorial Library & Customer Service Centre Balmaclellan Community Library At long last after much hard work from several volunteers, Balmaclellan Community Trust and the Village Hall Trust are happy to announce that from March 2020 a new Community Library will be opened in Balamclellan Village Hall. The library is situated in the newly refurbished Templeton Room, and initially will be open every Wednesday between 10am and 12.30pm and on Saturdays from 10am till 12pm. The hall is also opened on a Wednesday for the weekly coffee mornings, so this would be an ideal time to pop in for a coffee and cake and spend some time browsing our bookshelves. Balmaclellan Community Trust would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has donated books for the community library. Shelving for the library has been funded by the Blackcraig Windfarm Microgrant Fund, with additional shelving generously donated by the Glenkens Community Shop in Dalry. We are always grateful for anyone wishing to donate books, and do get in touch if you can spare some time to help and support in any way. Glenkens Gazette page 7 Supporting Our Communities Continued from front page... Dr Jones explains: “It is not quite business as usual but prescription requests should be put in in the normal way and we can still see patients if necessary.” Repeat prescriptions can be requested by telephone or in paper form through the letterbox on the old front door. Dr Jones is reassuring about the future availability of medicines: “We do not anticipate any supply problems from our wholesalers so there is no need to over-order or stock up.” The churches in the Glenkens have all been advised to suspend services and meetings which will be particularly challenging for many people. However, both David Bartholomew, Minister for the Church of Scotland parishes of Carsphairn, Dalry and Kells & Balmaclellan, and Pam Swift, Rector of St Margaret’s Episcopal Church in New Galloway, are putting together resources for prayer and reflection. David Bartholomew will have prayers, a selection of hymns and a reflection on a Bible reading available weekly by email and at local shops (call 01644 430 380 to sign up for emails). At St Margaret’s the church will be open on Wednesday and Sunday mornings, at 10.30am for anyone who would like some quiet time for reflection and prayer in a sacred space, and the Rector is also working on a website with daily readings (you can have managed during this time. Perhaps keep a diary highlighting unusual or interesting aspects of selfisolation – as this is going to be a good time to learn a new skill (birdwatching, painting, gardening, baking…) or perhaps a good time for some self-revelations - please let us know how you’re getting on. It would be particularly good to hear from school pupils on creative ways they’re occupying their time away from the classroom. For the adults maybe finishing that patchwork cushion or mending the lawnmower – there must be plenty of tasks we have all been putting off and we’d like to hear about them. It will be interesting and enlightening for us all to find out the most probably diverse ways people found of coping with this scenario once this has all passed. “Gentle ripples of care and support. Quiet signals of hope.” David Rhodes find out more at 01644 420 467). Looking ahead, in the June edition of the Glenkens Gazette we are hoping to publish stories showing how people If you’re a parent who finds yourself suddenly homeschooling, there are lots of online resources to suppport this - keep an eye on the Gazette Facebook page for links to resources. Our Fb page also will give information on the current situation regarding local amenities, events, support structures, etc. We are living in rapidly changing times and it might be that as things progress we create a shortened informationsheet type Gazette before the next issue is due if we think there is enough new information to be shared with everyone. Also, many people will be missing the classes and events around the Glenkens. Glenkens Community & Arts Trust are also working on a way to deliver the Connecting in Communities and Youth Arts programmes on a virtual basis. Sending thoughts of support and strength to all our readers during these unsettled times and, in the words of David Rhodes, let us continue to create “Gentle ripples of care and support. Quiet signals of hope.” The Glenkens Gazette Team CatStrand Players Drama Festival Win Continued from front page... Director, Brian Edgar said: “I was extremely proud to finally lift this trophy after over 40 years of trying as an actor and director. Zoe and Eilidh are very talented actresses and a delight to work with on stage – most of the credit is due to them and we were looking forward to presenting Henna Night again at CatStrand on 20 March and then at The Beacon in Greenock the following week. It is sad that we won’t get the chance to perform the play again at this stage but hopefully we might be able to stage it at CatStrand later in the year.” Crossmichael Drama Club were placed second and 88 Theatre were in third place. The success didn’t stop there with CatStrand Youth Players finishing in second place in the Youth Festival with Selfie by Bradley Hayward. A very contemporary play, Selfie, was brought to life by the eight cast members as they portrayed many of the issues impacting on teenagers today. The Youth Festival was won by Kirkcudbright Drama Troupe with their production of Dead Dad Dog, Newton Stewart Youth Players were third with The Secret. It is obviously not possible to set a date at the moment but hopefully later in the year we may be able to perform Selfie, Henna Night and also a third play which we had been working on featuring some of our younger talent, Ernie’s Incredible Illucinations by Alan Ayckbourn. Watch this space! Pictured: Cast of Henna Night, Eilidh Thomson and Zoe kirkpatrick. Glenkens Gazette page 8 Glenkens & District Trust Support Trustees of the Glenkens & District Trust (GDT) had a telephone conference call on 17 March to discuss the current challenges we are facing due to COVID-19. We all recognised that we are living in difficult times with no certainty as to how long this will last and how our loved ones, our communities and ourselves will be impacted in the long term. We all have a role to play to support each other during these times and are very grateful for the actions people and organisations across the area are taking to help each other in both big and small ways. We are a great community, which has achieved great things over the years, and by continuing to work together we are confident these foundations will help us weather the storm. We in GDT are committed to playing our part in this. After discussion we decided to continue with the application round that is currently underway. However, the Trustees are aware that we are in rapidly changing times due to COVID-19 and will now bear this in mind as we move through the process. Whilst there was a timetable in place for making decisions by the end of May 2020, this date is now uncertain due to the risk of unavailability of both the GDT Trustees and the Foundation Scotland workforce during the assessment and decision making process. In parallel we are also considering and exploring the implementation of an emergency funding process whereby organisations can apply for funds to help meet unexpected needs arising as a result of the current circumstances and which are aligned with the charitable purpose of the Fund. Further information regarding this will be published in due course. During this time we will continue to draw on the invaluable experience which Foundation Scotland have in managing numerous funds across Scotland who are also grappling with similar issues. Information will be available on the following website www.founda tionscotland.org.uk/programmes/ blackcraig Fiona Smith, chair, GDT Road Safety up the Lorg Glen Following on from the Pony Express article of Issue 115, featuring Fiona Clubb by the newly installed post box at the turning to the Water o’ Ken road, we have another equable equine story this issue. Here are Ben, Melissa and Flossy the cob by the recently installed salt bin on the Lorg Road up the Water Of Ken. Melissa said: “It’s a load off the minds of local residents, particularly those of us with young children, that we now have a BALMACLELLAN VILLAGE SHOP We will deliver - please get in touch... - cash machine - winter fuel (peat, logs) - Flo Gas - Dalmellington Butcher pies/meat - Marchbank Bakers delivery every Friday - 01644 420 321 supply of grit on hand for when the hazard in the landscape but, as this weather turns nasty”. was her very first time pulling the Community Councillor Matt cart, she had rather a lot of other Hickman commented: “I’d like to things on her mind already. thank the Council Roads Department for actioning our request for the salt bin and finding the funding from their much diminished budget. It's little victories like this that make it so rewarding to be part of such a proactive community group" Flossy appeared singularly unimpressed by Melissa, Ben and Flossy by the newly installed salt bin. the new potential 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 page 9 CatStrand Highlights Coronavirus - what is the impact on our delivery at CatStrand and in the Glenkens? In light of the current coronavirus outbreak and with the health of our community in mind we have been working hard to keep things running as normal at CatStrand. However, with recent developments in government guidance on social gathering, we have had to make the difficult decision to postpone all events, classes and activities with immediate effect until 31 May 2020. This position will be kept under review in the coming weeks and will be amended if necessary. We kept the café and shop open as long as possible but as a result of the directive on 23rd March, CatStrand and The Smiddy are now totally closed until further notice. Key staff will still be working mainly from home and will endeavour to respond to any enquiries as soon our events to sustain our arts as possible. You can contact us by programming and the impact of email – info@catstrand.com or by cancelling an entire season could be phone 01644 420 374; please leave devastating to our continued work a message if necessary and someone across all our projects. will get back to you. Wishing everyone in our Our communities in the Glenkens are communities, our valued audiences, at the heart of everything we do as friends and volunteers good health the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust. and best wishes as we work As many of you will have booked through this uncertain time tickets for upcoming events we will together. The CatStrand Team be in touch with you individually, but hope that you would consider holding your ticket should rescheduling be possible, or to consider your ticket as a much needed donation at this very challenging time for our organisation, as with so many others in the arts sector. We rely heavily on income from CatStrand Youth Players Selfie cast, double trophy winners at SCDA Youth Festival. 10-13 September postponed from May Wright’s Shop & Post Office Dalry’s local convenience store Li ne -u p • licensed grocers • • newsagents • m ay be su bj ec t to stocking a range of local suppliers • Express Bakery bread • • Irvings biscuits & cakes • • Ballards & Dalmellington Country Butchers meat & pies • • Mitchells fruit & veg • ch an ge . Shop & Post Office open 7 days Monday to Friday 7am–6pm Saturday 8am–6pm Sunday 8.30am–4pm Tel 01644 430 225 Glenkens Gazette page 10 LOCH KEN’S AUTUMN ENDURANCE Plans are progressing for the Autumn of Endurance events, scheduled to take place in September 2020 in and around Loch Ken. These will show off the area as one of the jewels of Southern Scotland’s landscape, and are designed to raise the profile of the region on the national stage. The events are being overseen by the newly established Loch Ken Trust and supported through Visit Scotland as part of the 2020 Year of Coasts & Waters programme. The events are: • 5-6 September – Beltie Triathlon. Swim in a slow-moving river; cycle a fast and scenic route followed by a testing run. • 11-13 September – Loch Ken Wild Swimming weekend. A weekend of wild swimming in Loch Ken, distances of 500m to 10km. • 18-20 September – Castle Douglas Bike & Food Festival. Bringing together a love of food and cycling! Food related activities through the weekend with bike events from 1km to a 90km time trail • 25-27 September – Loch Ken Paddle Festival. Dragon boat racing, kayaking and all things paddle related! • 4 October – The End Game. Test yourself against a modern pentathlon! 5km Open Water Swim, 6.5km Kayak, 40km Bike and 10km Trail Run finishing with archery and a well-earned feast. Recently, the Autumn of Endurance team were exhibiting at the Scottish Cycling, Running and Outdoor Pursuits Show (SCROPS), with lots of interest being shown in the events. They spoke to hundreds of event organisers and potential participants from around the UK. To show how reachable Loch Ken is from other parts of Scotland and Northern England, the Autumn of Endurance team used a bike and turbo trainer to pedal the distance from Loch Ken to Glasgow and back again over the course of the weekend event. Barney Fryer, Loch Ken Alive Officer, co-ordinating the Autumn of Endurance season, said: “It was great to have the chance to talk about our Autumn of Endurance programme to all the visitors to the show in Glasgow. “Endurance athletics and wild sports are becoming more popular all the time, as people realise the range of benefits to both physical and mental health. Loch Ken has some of the best swimming, running and cycling routes in the country. We are all looking forward to welcoming everyone THE GARDEN SPOT We gardeners are an optimistic bunch, we have to be. Imagine planting the tiniest of seeds, trusting it won’t just give up, no minibeast will come to eat it, and it won’t get squashed by a misplaced foot. Then, months later it has grown into a delicious carrot, a fine runner bean plant or a sunflower that towers over you. Of course, not all seeds will make it, but most will. Who but an optimist would plant a tree that won’t be at its best until long after they have left this world? Optimism with a hint of ruthlessness perhaps? If a plant dies or is not doing well, have it out! The space it leaves is an opportunity for something new. If I were a philosopher, I might think that social distancing for the virus outbreak provides similar opportunities for something new. If you can’t get out to your club or to see friends, don’t just sit in with a book or the TV, get out into the garden. If you haven’t tried gardening before, now is the perfect opportunity to have a go. It’s even the right time of year for planting most things. You can buy a reasonable selection of seeds in Tesco or Wilko. If you have the space and fancy having a bash at growing veg for the first time, there are loads to try; tatties, onions, beetroot, salads etc. Carrots - choose an early variety like Nantes as they mature quicker – you can grow these in the ground, or an old bucket full of compost or soil (punch holes in the bottom for drainage). I have even grown carrots in the flower bed of my front garden where they get mistaken for an exotic fern! The garden is a great place to get Spring flowers. The Autumn Endurance Team stand at the Scottish Cycling, Running and Outdoor Pursuits Show. this autumn for what promises to be an amazing series of events.” Alan Smith, Chairman of the Loch Ken Trust, said: “The level of interest in the events was heartening, and this was a great opportunity for the range of partners involved to start showing off what we are planning. The Autumn of Endurance Events are designed to provide a boost to the area, from accommodation businesses to those running events themselves, at a time of year when visitor levels tend to drop. Keep an eye out for further information as the plans come together.” fresh veg if the supermarket shelves are a little bare. But keep in mind that if your garden is visited by rabbits or pigeons, you might have to protect lettuces, cabbage, peas and beans with netting of some sort. You can keep tomatoes and chilli plants growing on your windowsill if you haven’t got a greenhouse, then move them outside after the danger of frost has passed (mid May at least). I recommend Sungold tomatoes, orange rather than red, small, sweet and fast growing. No need to follow the instructions on seed packets too literally either. I sometimes plant radish and lettuce seeds together in a row – the radishes are quicker and finished by the time the lettuces need the space. If you have children off school, it’s a great learning opportunity for them to see how life works. And, if you don’t know enough to teach them, learn together. Kids love stuff that grows quickly or tall, so try rocket and sunflowers. Remember that social distancing is NOT social isolation. A chat with a neighbour over the garden fence (two metres apart of course) will do wonders for the spirit and it’s a good way to pick up gardening tips as well. Fingers crossed for a great season... The Intrepid Gardener Glenkens Gazette page 11 Walking with Waterside Ways A newly formed, informal group have been coming together monthly to enjoy the wonders of Waterside Hill, Dalry. Waterside Ways is for anyone who loves Waterside Hill, whether it’s your daily walk, an occasional wander or an iconic view you enjoy from your house or workplace. It’s a landscape feature that holds great importance to many in our community with several notable bird species, cultural histories, and archaeological features, as well as being the inspiration for Robert Burns’ Tam O’ Shanter. Waterside Hill is part of the Southern Upland Way, and one of the most popular walks straight from the village, with fantastic views of Dalry village and the Glenkens in one direction, and the Rhinns of Kells and Cairnsmore of Carsphairn in the other. Waterside Ways have started a monthly walk and talk up the hill, followed by optional food or drinks at the Clachen Inn. To enable as many folk as possible the opportunity to join us, the walks are at different times and on different days. Our first outing up the hill proved very popular; 12 people enjoyed a slow paced amble, whilst sharing their stories of connectedness to this hillside. At the summit cairn, there was some chat about glacial activity and how it has shaped our landscape. It was a blustery day, but dressed for the weather, we stayed mostly dry and warm and had fantastic views of the snowy Galloway hills followed by a stimulating gathering at the pub afterwards with lots of ideas for future events. Very soon we plan have a full programme of speakers and activities on a monthly basis through the summer, which will take place during the walks. We also invite people to come forward with their ideas for activities, be it art, performance, poetry, educational talks, singing on the hillside, storytelling etc. And if you would like to take one of the unfilled slots below please drop us a line. All ideas are welcome! We’ve set up a Facebook page, Waterside Ways, which is open for anyone to join. It’s an excellent forum for sharing stories, pictures, memories and more. Next gatherings are: Sunday 26 April - 11am with Listening and Sound Gathering, Helmut Lemke (get in touch to confirm); May – date and activity TBC Monday 29 June - 6pm speaker/ activity TBC; Saturday 25 July - 2pm speaker/activity TBC; Friday 21 August - 4pm speaker/activity TBC; Sunday 27 September 3pm speaker/activity TBC. For more information please contact Kerry Morrison on 07801 709 721 or dr.kerry.morrison@gmail.com Glenkens Gazette page 12 Glenkens Gazette page 13 The Children from Belarus I recently wrote a piece in response to a request from Nicola Black of the CatStrand Singers for ideas for a song. The CatStrand Singers have been awarded a grant by the Galloway Glens, which enables them to pay Nicola properly and keep on singing. A condition of the grant is that the group should do some public performances and include songs local to the region, some of which should be new. This article has been made available to the writers who attend The Writers’ Cafe, inviting any interested person to write some lyrics. The Chernobyl Disaster and the Response in Galloway ‘Perestroika’ (restructuring) and ‘glasnost’ (openness) in the 1980s lead to the collapse of the Soviet union and allowed other countries to step in and help after the No 4 nuclear reactor at Chernobyl went into meltdown and spewed radioactive debris and dust into the atmosphere. The disaster happened on 26 April 1986, a few days before the important May Day celebrations. The people living at Chernobyl were evacuated soon after the event, but other local populations were not informed about the danger and were encouraged to turn out in the warm sunshine to celebrate. On April 28, Swedish monitoring stations reported abnormally high levels of wind-transported radioactivity and pressed for an explanation. The Soviet government admitted there had been an accident at Chernobyl. In the meantime, the plume of radiation had been swirled round the nearby countryside and then carried by high winds in a north-easterly direction. It so happened that heavily-polluted rain fell on SW Scotland, Wales and Cumbria, blew out to sea and then returned, thus delivering a double dose of radiation to the Glenkens, among other places. For years local farmers were subject to restrictions on the sale of sheep (in particular). Twenty years later, 10 farms in Scotland were still affected and it was not until 2012 that the majority of such restrictions were removed from most remaining farms. So the people of the Glenkens knew quite a lot about the Chernobyl disaster. In September 1991, I contacted an organisation called Chernobyl Children Lifeline in Surrey and offered to take two children for four weeks’ respite care as this would be beneficial to their health. I was told that the children came in groups of 10 or more, with an interpreter, and we would need to raise £3,500 for their air fares. The children would come from Belarus – because this country had the largest area affected by fallout. They would be aged between nine and 12 years old, and never have travelled out of the country before. They would all have been living in contaminated areas or have been evacuated to a city because their home had received heavy doses of radiation. Doubtfully, I began sounding out friends and neighbours. I was encouraged by Dr Sheila Neil to put an article in the Galloway News asking interested people to contact me. I was amazed by the response. It was not long before we had five families ready to accept two children each. Others got in touch offering support. The Coop offered food, a farmer in Dumfries offered eggs; the Red Cross offered to take them out; the Lions in Dalbeattie wanted to help; Rotary offered support; a hotel in Moffat invited them to visit. It was amazing! We formed a proper group with a chairman and a treasurer. We began fundraising, and somehow we raised the required amount and the children came. Because it was a great success, we couldn’t stop after just one year. We continued bringing over at least 10 children every year for eight years, with myself and Sheila MacKay at the helm. As a group we must have entertained well over 100 children over the years. Well those are the facts but they are not hugely lyrical! So here are some memories and thoughts that may help: How brave those parents must have been in Belarus to entrust their children to the care of strangers! How desperate and grateful must those parents have been, to send them? All the children brought presents for their host families. Items such as woven table runners (some taken from precious hoards as they could not afford anything new) or wooden items decorated with owners. Language was of course a barrier, and we found a Russian lady in Kircudbright who was willing to give us lessons. One of our most useful phrases proved to be ‘be careful’ (ostoroszhna!). Fortunately, the Russian word for ‘stop’ is ‘stop’. Why was ‘ostorozhna’ so important? For one thing, the children had no road sense at all. For a second, they were not used to hills and, unless restrained, would start running down the steepest of slopes. But those who could ride a bike were the worst - one lad could not be deterred from riding round Balmaclellan on the bike of his hosts’ son. Locals had to learn to avoid him on the wrong side of the road. We wanted our children to call us by our first names. Shock, horror! This seemed too disrespectful for our guests, and a lovely compromise was reached and we were known as Mrs Rhoda and Mr Dennis. The girls all seemed to love to sing. When we took them out in a car, we would get serenaded. Local people were so welcoming and supportive. The children had a ball. Living in a landlocked country, none of them had ever seen the sea before. Our lovely egg farmer had a huge catamaran and he took all of our children plus any of the host family children who wanted to come, on a trip to Heston Island and back. Bliss for all concerned. At that time Laurieston Hall had a resident circus performer and he arranged for all the children to visit the hall, eat wonderful food and try circus skills. The highlight one year was when a fire juggler entertained us more than usual by setting his hair on fire! No harm done; just some frizzled top hair. Were they ill? Not noticeably, although some of them were very pale and a few had had their thyroid glands removed. Thyroid cancer is the one cancer form that can be directly blamed on radioactive iodine in the explosion as it has a short halflife and makes straight for the thyroid gland. Where the thyroid gland is already saturated with stable iodine the gland is protected. Sadly the Belarussian diet is deficient in natural iodine. Most of the children or their families would keep in touch for a year or two after going home. One of the girls that had had her thyroid gland removed did not do so. We do not know if this is significant. All the children went home looking more rested and glowing from enjoying such a holiday. For me, that is enough. I do not need to know if their health was permanently improved. They had had a wonderful holiday they will never forget. by Rhoda Rugg Local people were so welcoming and supportive. glistening straw – very beautiful. Belarus grows flax, birch trees and cereals. It does not have much mineral wealth but does get amber from the Baltic States, so wooden pictures decorated with amber often came, along with lovely painted spoons and beautifully decorated boxes. Did anything go wrong? Well of course it did. Some of the visiting children pilfered. Coming from a soviet country, no-one was rich and many were poor. They were overwhelmed at the number of toys and possessions our children and families had. They took silly things that they thought were not valued by their Glenkens Gazette page 14 Glenkens Gazette page 15 Glenkens Gazette Support for Veterans Over the last two years local man Robin Hood has raised funds through his memorable campaigns of pulling a wooden statue across the country by foot. The money raised through his charity, SWS RnR, has gone towards re-skilling page 16 60 local Army Veterans by supporting them in achieving their HGV licences, therefore helping them get back into full time work. Robin says: “This year, between them they will contribute £228,000 in income tax instead of claiming benefits, as well as delivering the nation’s goods. And, most importantly, they have a sense of feeling valued as well as earning a living.” Pictured: Robin with the two statues he has pulled for miles to raise funds. New Galloway’s VE Day 75th Anniversary Celebrations Postponed NG Community Events Committee regret that due to the current coronavirus outbreak we have made the decision to cancel this event. We were planning a day of celebrations for the 75th Anniversary of VE Day, working with the Community Council, CatStrand, Kells School Parent Council and the Cubs & Beavers to remember the special day when the guns fell silent at the end of the war in Europe. It was to be an opportunity for us all to remember the enormous sacrifices that were made at home and abroad and to joyously celebrate as people did 75 years ago, the arrival of peace in Europe. It was to have been a truly community event for the New Galloway & Kells Parish. We were planning celebrations in New Galloway Park with food, music, games and concluding with a short ecumenical service at the war memorial. At this time when the spirit of the war is often being remembered, let us all try to think of others in our community and look forward with hope to the end of the crisis. Depending upon the length of the restrictions, perhaps it will be possible to re-schedule later in the year, maybe even in August when Japan surrendered and World War ll finally finished. Joan Walker Glenkens Gazette page 17 YOUTH TRANSPORT PILOT FEEDBACK Between December and February, CatStrand Youth piloted a youth transport project, Get On It, running free buses for young people aged 12-25 on Sunday afternoons linking rural Glenkens villages with Castle Douglas and Kirkcudbright. Everyone who used the bus provided positive feedback and we’re keen to go ahead with our second and last pilot. We are currently looking for feedback from young people about what routes, times and days they would be most likely to use the bus. If you’d like to help by providing this, please fill in our online survey at www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/99ZHZLJ or use the QR code to the right. We’re still looking for adults who can be on board to check registrations and be on hand in case of an emergency. This is a paid position and we can provide PVG registration if needed. Please get in touch with katy@catstrand.com ASAP if you think you can help with this. Katy Billington, CatStrand Youth Arts Coordinator 07891374516, katy@catstrand.com Kindling available GLENKENS ROUTE Thursdays: 12noon-1pm – Crossmichael 1-2pm – Parton/Loch Ken Holiday Park 2-4pm – Balmaclellan area 4-5.30pm – The Hidden Road Fridays: 8-10.30am – Dalry 10.30-11am – Glenlee Area 11am – New Galloway 12noon – New Galloway Shop 2pm – Mossdale area 3-4pm – Laurieston to Gatehouse Please note that all times are approximate. 07966 103 912 charliecoid@hotmail.com Fleet Fish aims to provide top quality produce which is sourced as locally as possible. We take pride in offering friendly door-to-door service tailored to our customers’ needs. Glenkens Gazette page 18 Schools Food & Farming Days Glenkens primary school children, along with others from across the Stewartry, visited Wallets Marts in Castle Douglas for an educational ‘Food & Farming’ day. These events were arranged by the Royal Highland Educational Trust, in partnership with the Galloway Glens scheme, and sought to introduce young people to the farming sector and show off the range of professions available in this industry. Activities on the day included Tom Kirkpatrick from Kirkpatrick’s Kitchen and Quality Meat Scotland demonstrating the importance of higher welfare meat; Scottish Natural Heritage and Millbank Parkland Venison handling deer and venison; Mary Smith discussing how to make good food choices; Glen Urr, Roan’s Dairy and Arla highlighting the story behind milk; demonstrations about cereal production and use; sheep management and farming; and creative, heritage skills with the Dumfries & Galloway Guild of Weavers, Spinners & Dyers. There were also live animals, milking trucks and plenty of taster foods at lunchtime. It was all rounded off with an auction of pygmy goats, courtesy of Wallets Marts staff. Fiona Jamieson, RHET Project CoOrdinator, who led the events, said: “We were delighted to partner with the Galloway Glens to offer these superb Food and Farming learning experiences. Along with our funding from the Scottish Government, partnerships like this allow us to offer more opportunities to local school children to really understand what the food and farming industry represents as well as learn about the career choices it presents. We are grateful to Wallets Marts for hosting the event, along with our numerous supporters and volunteers who helped make it happen again this year.” Helen Keron, Galloway Glens Education & Community Engagement Officer, added: “These have been a fantastic couple of days, good fun and really informative...It was fantastic to see so many children (and teachers) enjoying themselves but also learning so much. It was also great to see the passion amongst the food and farming community for passing their traditions on to the next generation – the volunteer effort involved in these days is incredible. “Thanks to all who came along and to all the supporters, especially Wallets Marts who hosted us so well. A key aim of the Galloway Glens Scheme is to let our young folk see their future can be here in Galloway. The ‘Food & Farming’ days sought to spark their imagination to the opportunities available in the industry.” A young person tries her hand at auctioneering. Indoors and Outdoors at Kells Primary World Book Day Kells Primary celebrated World Book Day this year with some familiar activities, and a new one too. We began by thinking about the main theme for World Book Day this year, which was Sharing Stories. We talked about our favourite ways to share stories and the types of stories we enjoyed sharing the most. Each child brought an unopened food can or empty plastic bottle and the book containing their favourite character to help them with the next activity. Over the following hour, each child attempted to recreate the character, using the tin or bottle as a base. You can see from the photos, some excellent characters were created using a variety of craft and everyday materials, such as coloured paper, paint, lollipop sticks and even bolts and stones! Once the characters were finished the children worked in pairs to try to match the correct book with its can, or bottle character! There were many detailed and well thought out creations. Both Hannah (P5) and Ella’s (P3) characters were judged to be the two that most resembled their book character and each girl won a prize of a book for their hard work. The activities finished with children from both classes sharing the stories they had brought to school. This time was spent with the children enjoying listening to their friends read to them and discussing the stories together. Outdoor Learning Children at Kells Primary have enjoyed spending some Wednesday afternoons out and about in their community. A couple of weeks ago we made our third visit to the Walled Garden on the Garroch Estate. This time groups of children helped some of the volunteers gardeners with moving and spreading wood chips and using maths knowledge and skills they had learned in the classroom to choose and use appropriate measuring equipment to measure some other the things they had found in the garden. The following week the children were lucky enough to be led by LING volunteers, along the trails in the woods besides the New Galloway Golf Club. Whilst doing this the children were given tips about markers and instructions they could use and incorporate into maps. This was so they could make leaflets for visitors to use to follow the trails and enjoy the beautiful scenery surrounding the village. Once the maps have been created and given the final test and with help from LING and Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership Scheme the children hope to have them published and available to the public in the village shop! Picutured: Left - World Book Day characters being created. Above - walk along New Galloway Golf Club trails. Glenkens Gazette page 19 Galloway Music Festival Success Dalry Secondary’s S3 Vocal Group has been celebrating its success in the recent Galloway Music Festival. The S3 group from Dalry won their class, as well as bagging the Wigtownshire Music Festival Trophy, with their performance of Party Favor by Billy Eilish. The Music Festival went well and the children enjoyed the experience. The group ended up with 85 points, and were commended for their performance, with encourging words from the adjudicator to perhaps stick together and keep singing. A good evening was had by all including the parents who made it along to the show. Pictured: Dalry Secondary’s S3 group winners Sophie, Jessica, Kaelan and Molly. CATSTRAND YOUTH GETS BUSY CatStrand Youth has had a fun and busy few months. Alongside our regular clubs for young people, we’ve also been rehearsing for multiple performances and running new projects and workshops. In February, our Youth Volunteers enjoyed a trip to Wigtown Book Festival’s Hooked event where they attended a workshop on lyric writing and stayed to watch the open mic night featuring spoken word and songs. In February we also held our very first sewing and upcycling workshop. Young people came up with some incredible ideas and over the course of the afternoon embellished bags and old clothes giving them a new spark of life. There was also a glove and a bag created from scratch! Also in February, CatStrand Youth held a community performance called Our Kind: Once Upon a Planet. During the show, various performance pieces from shadow puppetry, to dance, to song were woven together to create a narrative on climate change and raise awareness of our impact on the planet. This was followed by a youth-led discussion. Lots of preparation went into this show and many groups and individuals worked hard – both on stage and behind the scenes – to make it a success, so we’d like to say a massive thank you and well done to everyone who got involved! We received some very complimentary feedback about the show and are already thinking of how we can take it forwards. Our Film On Track project started over the February half-term. This project is all about adventure filmmaking. We took a group of young people – all with different experiences of biking – to Kirroughtree for a day on the trails. Accompanied by videographer Drew Johnstone, they learned how to use go pro action cameras and test out different angles, shots and narratives. The following day was spent learning how to edit all the footage and add special effects and soundtracks. The result was two amazing adventure films about biking featuring winding trails, cool jumps, silly crashes and even some biking lingo! We are keen to run more Film On Track biking and editing days so if you know of a young person who might be interested, get in touch and be sure to follow us on social media @catstrandyouth CatStrand Youth Notice: In light of the current Coronavirus outbreak, all regular youth arts groups are currently cancelled until 31 May 2020. We will plan to hold youth volunteer meetings via Facetime or Zoom, as well as any other groups that can keep working virtually. Katy and Aidan will be thinking of ideas to continue social activity online in conversation with our young people; if you have any ideas or questions do get in touch on 01644 420 374 or email katy@catstand.com or aidan@catstrand.com We hope everyone stays safe and well during this time. Katy Billington, CatStrand Youth Arts Coordinator David Tallontire CHIMNEY SWEEP Covering the Glenkens & further afield 07709 144 299 - wood burners - mul�-fuel stoves - open fires - Agas - Rayburns - birds nest removal with CCTV inspec�on - cer�ficates issued - feel free to call for advice - Find me on Facebook Top Right: Film on Track project. Above: On Track project team. Family and friends coming to stay? Short of space? Cosy country cottage available (sleeps 4) Call Fiona on 01644 420 227 www.covenanters-holidaycottagescotland.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 20 TECHNOLOGY EXPLAINED: RADIO Radio has been around for a long time - sometimes referred to as ‘wireless’ back in the day, because you used to need a license for the reception of ‘wireless telegraphy’. All radio used to be AM (Amplitude Modulation) and was short, medium or long wave. About the only thing you are likely to get on AM nowadays is BBC Radio Scotland on medium wave. I should have mentioned that this article is restricted to entertainment radio, so other uses (police, mountain rescue, air traffic and amateur [ham] Internet radio. radio, etc, is excluded). FM (Frequency Modulation) radio was the gold standard for many years but this will be phased out sometime in the future. Reception of FM in the Glenkens is patchy to say the least. DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) is a more recent way to receive radio but it’s still patchy in the Glenkens; many DAB radio sets can also receive FM. People listen to radio on their TV sets (via their Sky box) or on their smartphone, computer or tablet (using broadband). Some of the older smartphones even have an FM radio built in, although my new Samsung does not. If you are out and about, you can listen to radio on your smartphone via the internet but that could be costly in use of data if you are not connected to wifi. A good smartphone app is TuneIn. My favourite way to listen to radio is on an internet radio, plugged into the mains and connected to wifi. The sound quality is good and I can listen to any one of around 100,000 stations worldwide, although you may prefer to use one of the modern smart speakers which do much the same thing. If you have an overwhelming urge to listen to a local radio station in Christchurch, New Zealand (for example) you can do it easily on your phone, computer, smart speaker or internet radio, as long as you have an internet connection. A word now about streaming services - there is Spotify, YouTube Music, Deezer and Soundcloud amongst others and, of course, Podcasts (try the HappyFish app and the BBC Sounds app). Nowadays you can listen to the music of your choice or the Archers when it is convenient for you and not just when it is officially ‘aired’ as used to be the case. Long gone are the days when you had to retune the ‘cat’s whisker’ on the crystal and lose the BBC Light programme because dad wanted to listen to the cricket on the BBC Home Service using the only radio in the house. Listening to the radio, or watching TV for that matter, used to be a family event. Now everyone seems to listen privately. Is that a good thing? I only do technology; you will need to ask a social philosopher about that! Finally, a teenager said to me the other day (ironically, I think) “what’s radio”? I replied, “it’s like a podcast, but live”! Paul Goodwin 11th April 9th May 10am-12.30pm For further information or to book a stall ring 01644 430 454 or visit www.dalrytownhall.co.uk Entrance by donation - proceeds towards Dalry Town Hall Refurbishment Fund North of Castle Douglas, A713 Ayr Road Glenkens Gazette page 21 Visit the Ospreys at Loch Doon We are so very lucky to be living in such a beautiful place during these testing times, with so much open space to be able to enjoy whilst complying with the government’s social exclusion directive. It’s the time of year when the days are getting longer and the weather is getting warmer, and spring is in the air. Time to get out and about and soak up some vitamin D. Facilities such as cafes, restaurants and pubs are currently being asked to close their doors to slow the spread of the Covid-19 virus. However, food is able to be purchased at present on a takeaway basis from various retail outlets. Loch Doon’s Roundhouse Cafe is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat or a coffee whilst enjoying the great outdoors. Roundhouse proprietor, Brian Meechan, says : “We are happy to say that we will be open throughout the summer season for takeaway food and drinks. We continue to put the wellbeing of our staff and customers first, and therefore we are sorry to say that our new osprey lounge seating area will be closed until further notice.” Although the government guidelines state that we should avoid social gatherings and public places, getting out of the house to go for a walk and get some fresh is something we can do whilst still abiding by the recommendations for social exclusion, and some fresh air and exercise will benefit everyone’s health. “Loch Doon is a wonderful place for walking,” says Brian. “With approximately 200 square miles of the Galloway Forest Park surrounding loch meaning it should not be difficult to find an area to distance yourself from other walkers, making it safe to enjoy this outside area. Just remember to stay at least 2 metres apart from others.” There are gentle strolls along the loch from the Roundhouse car park, or along the river is the local beauty spot Ness Glen, a gorgeous river walk featuring the spectacular Dalcairney Falls. The Roundhouse Takeaway will be serving tea, coffee, hot chocolate and their full snack menu will also be available. Please be aware only one customer a time will be allowed into the premises, so Brian asks if people could queue outside to allow staff to provide their services in a safe and secure manner. NATIONAL TRUST OPEN SPACES The National Trust have taken the difficult decision to close all their gated properties (historic buildings, visitor centres, visitor facilities, cafés, shops and toilets) and suspend all events across Scotland with effect from Friday 20 March 2020. For Galloway this means closure of Threave Garden & Estate in Castle Douglas, Broughton House & Garden in Kirkcudbright, and Thomas Carlyle’s Birthplace in Ecclefechan. The Trust’s Chief Executive, Simon Skinner, said: “We know that this will be a big let-down for the many people who were looking forward to celebrating the arrival of spring at our properties after a long, hard winter. “The flipside of that is that we’re keeping many of our parklands, gardens and beautiful landscapes open to offer a green, clean and fresh respite from all the troubles we’re seeing at the moment.” Sam Gallacher, Operations Manager for the National Trust for Scotland in Dumfries & Galloway said: “Should the situation allow, we’re still really looking forward to our big event for 2020, Threave Gardening Show on 12-14 June. In the meantime... while our built properties remain closed, the National Trust for Scotland’s natural heritage properties at Rockcliffe, Venniehill in Gatehouse of Fleet and Threave Nature Reserve in Castle Douglas remain open to the public. James Hutchinson, Visitor Services Supervisor for Countryside Access & Education in Dumfries & Galloway said: “We have some wonderful natural heritage properties in Dumfries & Galloway. Our famous ospreys will soon be returning to Threave Nature Reserve, where we are hoping to host two breeding pairs for the first time following the construction of a new nest. “Rockcliffe is a real hidden gem, with beautiful coastal walks with stunning viewpoints from the Mote of Mark and Muckle Hill. Please remember to wash your hands before and after your visit and keep a safe distance from other visitors at this time.” Glenkens Gazette page 22 KICKBACK MARTIAL ARTS CLUB Brian Hilton who runs Kickback Martial Arts (KMA) club, along with his wife Nancy, tells us a bit about how the club began: It all started about 18 years ago. I was working for the County Courts at the time and teaching martial arts every night of the week and Saturday mornings, with five clubs running. My wife’s parents getting older and in need of support lived 200 miles away and my father who had support about the same distance in the opposite direction. My wife being pregnant as well, we decided it was time to move. We decided to move to be there for Nancy’s parents and start fresh. We initially thought Clubs in large towns would be the way forward, like Dumfries, Ayr, Kilmarnock. However, just by chance we heard someone talking about the last thing they wanted to do after work was drive 30 miles to Dumfries to go to the gym then drive home again. It must be the same for karate for a lot of people. So, we decided to look locally for village halls in smaller locations. We started with Thornhill and Dalry (which was on twice a week at one point), followed by Kelloholm and Muirkirk, both since closed. We also had clubs in Moniaive and Penpont at one point. We now have clubs in Patna on a Mondays, Netherthird on Tuesdays and Saturdays, Dalry on a Thursday, and we are at present looking for a club for a Friday. Kickback Martial Arts Club, Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry: Thursday evenings at 6-7pm for younger members, 7-9pm for older members. Parents can train at either time with their children if they wish. The Mystery of Huntingdon 290 Old iron mileplates in Dumfries and Castle Douglas (pictured) name Huntingdon as a main destination in the south. Why was Huntingdon so important to this part of the world? While living near Huntingdon and frequently visiting southwest Scotland I was intrigued by the old iron plate fixed to the MidSteeple in Dumfries showing the distance to key destinations: Edinburgh 72, Glasgow 74, London 330… Huntingdon 272. A similar plate - Huntingdon 290 - is set into the wall of the Douglas Arms in Castle Douglas. Why Huntingdon, of all places? The plates appear to have been cast in 1827, so prerail. Browsing the internet revealed a connection from medieval times. And an old plastic tea tray commemorating Bannockburn showed a link between the medieval kings of Scotland and the earls of Huntingdon which began when a Saxon hothead, Waltheof, was beheaded in 1076 for his part in the Rebellion of the Earls against William the Conqueror. Waltheof was the son of Earl Siward of Northumbria. In those days Northumbria extended a long way south and he should have inherited the earldom in 1065, but as he was only 10 years old he was made earl of just the Middle Anglia part – Huntingdon and Northampton. And being a mere lad he was too young for call-up to the Battle of Hastings the following year, which may explain why he escaped the ethnic cleansing by victorious Norman warlords as they rampaged across the country. Instead he became a resistance leader along with Hereward the Wake but was finally forced to surrender. For good behaviour he was rewarded in 1072 with the whole of Northumbria, although this turnaround in his fortunes was also due to his marriage to the Conqueror’s niece Judith. Then came the rebellion. Some say Judith betrayed him, others insist it was a royal conspiracy to eliminate the last of the Anglo-Saxon nobility. With Waltheof gone control of the earldom fell to Judith. In due course their daughter Maud married one of the Conqueror’s henchmen, Simon de Senlis, son of Ranulf the Rich. When Simon died on crusade in 1111 his widow, the Countess Maud of Huntingdon, although 36 and a single mum, was a very fine catch indeed. In a match arranged by the then King of England, Henry I, she married King David I of Scotland. Their union, in 1113, brought David the earldom of Huntingdon. David at that time shared the throne of Scotland with his elder brother Alexander ‘the Fierce’, but claiming his inheritance - the southern half of Scotland - was something of a problem. The brothers were close friends with Henry, who had married their sister Edith (later known by her Norman name Matilda), so young David busied himself at the English court learning Norman ways. He became a travelling justice in Henry’s administration, and his retinue included a group of Norman knights who acted as his enforcers. In 1113, with Henry’s backing, David finally made his claim in Scotland stick but to avoid trouble he continued to spend most of his time in England until brother Alexander died in 1124. As the new ruler of a united Scotland, plus Cumbria, David took his enforcers north with him. They included de Brus (Bruce) and others whose family names would become well-known. With the earldoms of Northumbria, Northampton and Huntingdon also under his belt he remained immensely influential in England. When Henry I died in 1135 David backed Henry’s daughter Matilda in the civil war against Stephen. She was, after all, his niece. Family ties however put David on the losing side and he was defeated at the Battle of the Standard in 1138. But with his army still intact he remained in control of Carlisle where, in 1149, he knighted his great-nephew, the future Henry II of England. In return Henry acknowledged Scotland’s continued control over the northern counties of England. King David, nicknamed "the Saint", died in 1153 at Carlisle aged 72, a keen gardener to the end. He outlived Maud but together they had created an extraordinary family. One of their boys, Henry of Huntingdon, produced 10 offspring including two future kings of Scotland, Malcolm IV and William I ‘the Lion’. Another of Henry of Huntingdon's sons was David, 3rd Earl of Huntingdon, a younger brother to Malcolm IV and William I. He was also Earl of Northumbria, Carlisle, Doncaster and Cambridge. He and his wife Matilda de Kevelioc produced a prodigious number of children. The eldest of these, Robert Huntingdon, was mysteriously airbrushed from official history and "died young", giving rise to speculation by some historians that this was the disinherited outlaw Robin Hood. Folk tales often refer to Robin as the Earl of Huntingdon. Could he have been? If Robin led the resistance against Prince John during Richard the Lionheart’s absence on crusade – 1190 to 1194 – he must have been born no later than c1170. Earl David was 26 in 1170 so the timeline allows for Robin to have been his son though not a product of the marriage bed. He didn’t wed Matilda until 1190. Continued next issue... Stuart Littlewood Glenkens Gazette page 23 New Era for Carsphairn Heritage Plans are moving forward at a considerable pace for Carsphairn Heritage Centre and the coming year will be as busy as any in its 30-year history. The Carsphairn Heritage Group was formed to collect and preserve local family history records, photographs, slides and significant artifacts. Constructed in 1992, the Centre has housed these collections, providing space for yearly exhibitions and creating a focus point for visitors carrying out family research. In February the group – under the new title of Carsphairn Heritage Initiative – became a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) to enable it to build on this legacy and to continue with several key projects which will secure the future of the Centre. The Carsphairn Heritage Initiative (CHI) is continuing the work started by the Heritage Group to digitise their collection and is working to take ownership of the Centre from Dumfries & Galloway Council via the Community Asset Transfer Scheme (CATS). Since 2017, volunteers have been digitising the collection of artefacts, documents and photos donated and collected over the past 30 years to: - make them accessible to people wherever they are in the world; make previously inaccessible material available to visitors and researchers; preserve the collection and the local heritage it contains; better interpret the archive and present it in an engaging manner to enhance the visitor experience. CHI is grateful to the Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership (GGLP) for additional funding towards the second phase of the digitisation project. Ownership of the Centre will enable CHI to improve the educational experience for visitors through the continued preservation of its vast collection of historical memorabilia. It is planned to make the premises more comfortable, environmentally friendly and cost-effective to run by insulating and draught-proofing. The Centre can also be used by other community groups when not needed by CHI and developed to attract a wider variety of users such as local crafts people for hosting workshops, exhibitions and educational sessions. “As part of our CATS application to the council, we have to put together a comprehensive business case to show how ownership of the Centre will benefit the community,” explained CHI interim trustee Karen Hall who used to chair the Heritage Group. ULTRASOUND PREGNANCY SCANNING ����������������� �������������������������������� ��������������������������������� ��������������������� ����������������������������� For bookings and info: Duncan Kennedy 07860 474001 dk@passcan.co.uk www.passcan.co.uk “We have to demonstrate how we will make the project sustainable in future years through, for example, funding improvements and running costs.” The interim trustees of CHI were planning to convene the first general meeting of CHI in May, but in light of Government guidance on social distancing to prevent the spread of Coronavirus, it has been postponed. “I have huge hopes for the future of Carsphairn Heritage Initiative and for the Heritage Centre in Carsphairn,” added Karen. “I hope that you will continue to support us, and we can look forward to celebrating at least another 30 years of heritage in this very special part of the world.” • As Carsphairn Heritage Group will no longer exist after mid-May, all existing members who wish to continue supporting the new charity are being requested to transfer their membership to CHI, which is a legal requirement. They will be able to join the new group for free for the first year, and will receive a special application form with their Spring newsletter which is due for distribution any day now. Anyone else wishing to support the CHI in its new venture can sign up to become a member by visiting the Carsphairn website (Carsphairn.org/HeritageGroup) where they can download a membership form. Glenkens Gazette page 24 A LOOK AT CLASSIC FEMALE DETECTIVE FICTION AUTHORS Today the books of such female authors as Donna Leon, Rebecca Tope, Carola Dunn and Patricia Cornwall are read by thousands. However it may be worthwhile to visit [or revisit] some of the excellent detective fiction produced by probably the five finest writers. The books of Margery Allingham, Agatha Christie, Ngaio Marsh, Gladys Mitchell, Dorothy Sayers and Patricia Wentworth can still be found reasonably priced, in print, in charity- and second hand bookshops and on Amazon. The first four authors have had many of their books televised and, for many, this familiarity adds to the pleasure of reading them. In addition, many can be obtained in audiobook form. Agatha Christie is probably the most well known by far. Her detective fiction provided us with 14 Miss Marple books [as well as cementing the status of Joan Hickson in our affections], 39 Poirot books and 25 other mysteries with such central characters as Mr Parker Pyne and Tommy and Tuppence Beresford. Margery Allingham wrote 21 books about her most famous creation, Albert Campion. A few have appeared as television programmes with Peter Davison as understated aristocratic detective and solver of mysteries. The Crime at Black Dudley, Mystery Mile and The Fashion in the Shrouds are excellent examples of her art. Ngaio Marsh wrote over 30 detective novels, many of them centred around the theatre. This was a lifelong passion of the author, however the theatrical background rarely overshadows the excellence of the mystery and the solution. Her central character, the gentleman Roderick Alleyn, rises through Scotland Yard. He is one of the few fictional detectives without idiosyncrasies to make them memorable. Patrick Malahide [Sgt Chisholm in Minder] played Alleyn in a number of television adaptations. Death in a White Tie and The Nursing Home Murder are two examples of the books. Gladys Mitchell wrote over 60 books and introduced Mrs Bradley as the distinguished and ferociously intelligent heroine who thrived on puzzles and mysteries. A small number of the books were televised with Diana Rigg portraying her wonderfully. People will like some of her books more than others, however, an early one, Speedy Death, will allow the reader to test the waters for her rather fast moving plots and characters. Dorothy L Sayers, author of Lord Peter Wimsey, requires little introduction here beyond this inclusion. Patricia Wentworth has been vastly underrated in my view. Her main creation, Maud Silver, is quite wonderful as a retired governess who sets herself up as a detective. There are over 30 beautifully written books such as The Chinese Shawl and The Girl in the Cellar. If Miss Marple was to your taste, then Miss Silver will also enchant. I do hope that you will find much to interest. Bruce Smith James Clerk Maxwell Science Festival Success Parton has hosted its first ever James Clerk Maxwell Family Science Festival. The event, aiming to celebrate the discoveries of a man cited as Einstein’s inspiration, was led by Threave Partnership on behalf of Parton Community Council and saw 500 people of all ages attend events in the village. Parton was home to James Clerk Maxwell, and he is buried in the Parton Kirkyard. In the village hall, participants enjoyed many hands-on experiments; firing rockets, mixing slime, making sherbet, balancing butterflies and learning about the light spectrum. Millie Julian and Charlotte Toon won glider trips in the Light Catcher photographic competition. Meanwhile in the Kirk, Professor Pumpernickel thrilled and educated with explosions, jokes and facts. Although a complete contrast, the tranquil planetarium was no less popular. The Saturday Family day followed Friday’s village hall talks on The Theory of Colour by Ben Craven PHD and The Aesthetics of Light by photographer Kim Ayers. Ben showed how light is composed and Professor Pumpernickel’s science show wows audience members. how we see it. Kim demonstrated some of project will bring appropriate public the professional light recognition and use the legacy of techniques. his achievements to inspire the next These events mark the start of generation. journey to create a permanent James The project was sponsored by Clerk Maxwell centre in Parton. Dumfries & Galloway Science Festival 150 years ago, James Clerk Maxwell and Falgunzeon Glider Club, and funded made breakthroughs that continue to by a grant through the Galloway Glens shape the world today. Science insiders ‘Our Heritage’ Small Grants Scheme. know him as one of the greats. This Glenkens Gazette Having a Blast at the Glenkens Men’s Shed The founding of a Men’s Shed in the Glenkens has been one of the best success stories in recent years. traditional metalworking skills and heritage agricultural practices to be used, with potential for training up a new generation in these skills. The installation of the new workshop has helped to attract more interest and the Men’s Shed now have a record 39 members, including a greater The Men’s Shed, located behind proportion of women members. the recently refurbished Smiddy in The Glenkens Men’s Shed Metalwork Balmaclellan, has established itself as a Project, which saw the purchase of popular and well-used place for a whole the new metal working equipment, range of group and solo trades and including a blasting cabinet, metal activities. working benches, and a rolling and The completion of the newlybending kit, has been supported by installed cold metal workshop allows a grant of £5,000 through the Galloway Glens ‘Our Heritage’ Small Grants Scheme. Much of the equipment purchased was exdisplay, getting the best value for money from the grant. The newly installed blasting cabinet has been an unexpected success, with interest from artist communities looking at carrying out glass etching. Additionally, the proximity to The Smiddy in Balmaclellan has increased opportunities for showcasing Left to right: Some of the Glenkens ‘Shedders’ - heritage and traditional skills. Stuart Rhodes, Tam Craig, Andi Holmes, Ali Both through events and practical Stewart © Galloway Glens. page 25 application, such as hosting a local blacksmith and an aluminium smelting demo, as well as providing options for furthering sustainability through the sale of goods and services. Chris Jowsey, treasurer at the Glenkens Men’s Shed, said: “This new equipment will help people and communities in the area to reconnect to the heritage skills prevalent in rural and agricultural communities, such as the Glenkens. Offering opportunities to maintain, develop and pass on these traditional skills through a range of metal working activities. Visitors to the shed have been amazed at the range of facilities available and were especially impressed with the Galloway Glens supported Metal Workshop”. Jude Crooks, Galloway Glens Administrator and lead contact for the Small Grants Scheme, said: “This equipment forms the centrepiece of the new metalworking room, allowing local metalworking skills and heritage agricultural practices to be used in the Men’s Shed, training up a new generation in these skills.” Glenkens Gazette page 26 GLENKENS PLACE NAMES: PART III Place-names can provide evidence of many different facets of life in past times, including the Glenkens folks’ attitude to superstition and supernatural beliefs generally. In this article I will have a look to see what evidence for such superstitions from the past might be found still chiselled into the map in the form of our local place-names. Small hills, mounds, cairns and so on were frequently held to be inhabited by the fairy folk or other otherworldly beings. Towards the head of the beautiful Garroch Glen lies the farm of Knocksheen, Gaelic Cnoc Sìthein meaning fairy mound. I’m not sure which particular mound the fairies were supposed to inhabit there but it would be interesting to find out! Near Carsphairn and just off the old pack road stands Carnavel neolithic long cairn. The reasons for this cairn being built in that spot had long been forgotten by the time it was named by our Gaelic speaking predecessors so perhaps they allowed their own set of beliefs and superstitions to guide them. There is a hill near Drummore on the Rhinns of Galloway called Knockaine, possibly named after Aine the daughter of the fairy king Cuilenn and the lover of Fionn mac Cumhail (Finn MacCool of Giant’s Causeway fame). It is possible that this Aine was originally a goddess figure. Ireland has many goddesses who appear in folklore as fairy queens, another was Aoibheall who was associated with East Co. Clare at Tobereevul (Aoibheall’s well). Her name means ‘beautiful’ or ‘the lovely one’ in an ironic sense perhaps as she was the queen of a couple of dozen bean-sidhe or banshees who appeared predicting death. Was this the being that Carnavel Carlin’s Cairn is named after, ie Càrn Aoibheill? The Galloway Glens place-names project doesn’t think so, preferring a derivation from Gaelic abhall, apple and suggesting that the first element is not Gaelic càrn, a heap of stones, but corran or còrn (a sickle or hook). I don’t think we will ever be certain about this place-name so you chose! It is interesting that prehistoric cairns seem to feature along the old pack road, note that just over the watershed into Ayrshire near Eriff (An Airbhe, the border) stands another named cairn, Cairnennock, Càrn nan cnoc, cairn of the hills, close again to the pack road and commanding magnificent views down Loch Doon (Loch Dùin, Fort loch or Loch a’ Bhealaich, Loch of the pass). OS map in the mid nineteenth century again is it a coincidence that the cottage on the approach to Bàrr Mairbh is today called Bogleknowe, a kind of translation (bogle meaning ghost in Scots)? Continuing along the A712 soon the hill range now known as Blackcraig comes into view, resplendent with its crown of wind-turbines. But in the past it was not the turbines’ upstretched blades appealing to the wind god that would have been seen but human worship in this unlikely place. At least going from the evidence of placenames. The old name for the hill itself was Beinn Naoimh, sacred mountain. This can be seen from the placename Benniff on the Blaeu Atlas, the survey for which was done around ...the hill range now known as Blackcraig comes into view, resplendent with its crown of wind-turbines. But in the past it was not the turbines’ upstretched blades appealing to the wind god that would have been seen but human worship... There is a legend that three kings were supposed to have been buried there and the Ordnance Survey Name-Book records that when it was excavated for dyking material a great quantity of human bones were found within. Strange things seem to be commemorated in other place-names in the Glenkens. On the high road between Dalry and Kendoon there is a curious collection of names in more or less the same boggy piece of land beside the road that heads up towards Glenshimmeroch. First there is Drummuddioch for Druim nam buideach, the ridge of the wizard. Right beside this ridge is the Minister’s Moss and also close by is Chapelyard. Close to the road again is Knockrosh or Cnoc Croise, cross hill. One can only speculate why this place has attracted these names, maybe it is just a coincidence? On the road between Balmaclellan and Troquhain there is a small hill on the righthand side going by the name of Barmorrow, possibly Bàrr Mairbh, the hilltop of the dead. This hill has given its name to the nearby Barmurrie farm. Although not recorded on the first 1600. Supporting this is the fact that a subsidiary top on the hill is called Cairn Molly today, a rendering of the Gaelic Càrn Molaidh, eulogising or praising cairn. If more evidence of the hill’s ‘holy’ nature were needed the discovery of the bronze casting of a Celtic handbell was found in 1892 near Monybuie (Monadh Buidhe, yellow moor) on the slopes of the hill. Speaking of cairns on hilltops one cannot ignore Carlin’s Cairn which with its near Rhinns of Kells neighbouring peak Corserine (Crois Rinne, athwart ridge) dominates the glen from many angles. It is unclear what the purpose building this cairn at 2,600’ above sea level served, some say as a memorial to Robert the Bruce which seems to be taking devotion a bit far. Carline is Scots for an old woman, a crone and it may well be that this is a translation of Gaelic Càrn na Cailliche of the same meaning, this being the only main Rhinns peak without a Gaelic name. In Gaelic mythology the Cailleach was a divine hag, a creator, weather or ancestor deity or even the Queen of Winter. She is named as being present on many Scottish mountains including Ben Nevis, Ben Wyvis, Ben Breac, Ben Cruachan, the Paps of Jura, Schiehallion and Lochnagar while there is a Beinn na Cailliche in Knoydart and another in Skye. So does she perhaps still keep watch on us from her mysterious cairn on top of the Rhinns? Michael Ansell, New Galloway Glenkens Gazette page 27 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN Rivers of Time... “The great River flows from the mountains to the sea. I am the River and the River is me.” Almost three years ago New Zealand passed a bill recognising that the Whanganui River on North Island holds the same legal rights, responsibilities and liabilities as a human being. The campaign to have the river as the mother of the tribe began 140 years earlier. It is the awa tupua of the Whanganui tribal collective. As one commentator explains, the Whanganui chiefs “would have considered the river a treasure beyond price. It was their food basket, their medicine cabinet, their highway, and their defensive moat. It was their healer, their priest, and their parent. It was the source of their prestige and the core of their being. It was, as the Whanganui Tribunal explained, ‘the central bloodline of their one heart’.” I came across this article when looking for something else and found it inspiring in the midst of the present gloom descending on our planet. Had earlier peoples of the Glenkens, I wondered, harboured similar views of our rivers? Has the Maori experience touched a nerve that for all of us has resonated since time immemorial. It turns out that similar campaigns have been taking place elsewhere in the world, for example legal rights have been sought for the Ganges and Yamuna in India as well as, remarkably, Lake Erie. William Wordsworth believed the River Derwent was his mother. As it happens our oldest placenames are attached to rivers. A good example is Dee of which there are two in Scotland, one each in England, North Wales and Ireland. There are also two Dee names in Spain. Dee is, of course, the river goddess. Adomnan, the biographer of St Columba, wrote about ‘the important reference’ he made to ‘the stream which in Latin may be called Nigra Dea – the Black Goddess’. Professor W J Watson, who wrote what might be described as the bible of Celtic Placenames troubled me for some time. Simply this – why did the Ken change its name? Normally the larger river takes over its lesser tributaries, but in this case it looks as if the smaller swallows the greater. Could this be a long-remembered respect for the goddess? The male form – god – is preserved in Doon, river and loch. We are particularly fortunate that an unprecedented amount of research on the placenames of the Glenkens and Galloway in general is currently underway. My friend Michael Ansell now has a welcome column in this publication. Thanks to the Galloway Glens project an excellent team, based at Glasgow University, headed by Thomas Clancy, Professor of Gaelic, and Dr Gilbert Marcus, are producing excellent material on this area for the first time in its history. In addition, there are some pockets of researchers working away on their own investigations. It is planned to display some of the material from the Balmaghie Hoard in Edinburgh this summer once the threat of the current virus is understood and controlled, as it will be. The river of knowledge is unstoppable. For more information and excellent photographs put Whanganui River into your search engine. The river of knowledge is unstoppable. of Scotland (1926), made the point that the river is the goddess. The upper part of the river is ‘the Black Water of Dee’ on the Ordnance Survey maps but he could not be sure whether or not the black goddess was an echo of Adomnan or a more modern epithet. If the former it can be placed alongside the Whanganui as a sacred maternal river. The ‘black’ element may help to explain another puzzle which has Ted Cowan The First People in Galloway The Glenkens’ annual one-day history conference this year features the inhabitants of Greater Galloway over some ten thousand years, from the retreat of the glaciers to the end of the first Christian millennium in 1000AD. The Early Peoples of Galloway conference will be held on Saturday 5 September in the CatStrand. The event brings together eight expert speakers covering topics ranging from the hunter-gatherer-fishers who arrived as the Ice Age ended, through the Romans and their allied and enemy tribes and on to the influence of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, the incursions of the Norse and the complex processes by which Christianity arrived and became established. Setting the scene for this diverse patchwork of immigration will be Richard Tipping of Stirling University who will describe the landscape which successive peoples occupied and altered, and which determined their lives and legacies. He will describe how the varied landscapes of Galloway, far from being a mere ‘background’ to human activities, can be seen to have shaped what people can do. In turn, people have shaped their landscapes, particularly in the last 6000 years, the era of agriculture. His talk will also review the evidence from scientific and archaeological investigations into Galloway’s changing environments and climates since the last Ice Age and their impacts. Full details are available on www.catstrand.com Glenkens Gazette page 28 Crossmichael CORSOCK & Hall KIRKPATRICK Village Congratulations to Crossmichael Memorial Parish DURHAM Hall on their finished hall floor Temporis Capital, the owners of Blackcraig Windfarm, make an annual payment of £2,000 to the neighbouring Community Councils to support good causes. project. The group was awarded £12,476.80 last year by the Blackcraig Community Fund to replace and reline the hall floor. Below is a before and after picture - what a difference! This week, Corsock & KPD Community Council made their second round of awards through the Micro Grant Scheme, awarding £860 to three more projects in the community council area. The awards made in this round were: Kirkpatrick Durham Recreation Bothy Gardeners - £150 contribution to the purchase of a lawnmower; Knockvennie Community Hall - £325 towards insulation and lighting costs in the hall; Kirkpatrick Durham Village Hall - £385 towards a large dishwasher for the hall. Joe Seed, chairman of the Corsock & KPD Community Council, said: “Many thanks to all that applied for money and to Temporis Capital for the funding. We have now awarded all of this year’s annual £2,000 payment to 8 great and deserving projects that will provide a direct benefit to the residents of the area. Keep an eye on the community websitewww.corsock. wixsite.com for news of events and activities around Corsock & Kirkpatrick Durham, and for future funding rounds. Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents Dumfries & Galloway 01556 503744 www.ggblaw.co.uk All legal advice Offices in Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie Kirkcudbright and Dumfries Glenkens Gazette page 29 If You Go Down to the Woods Today... This wild boar was spotted by one of our readers in the forest near Muirdrochwood. The reader cautioned that if you are planning to go walking in that area, be aware that wild boar have been seen very close to a house and apparently unworried by the sound of dogs barking nearby. CAKES & PLANT SALE The annual Cake and Plant Sale at St Margaret's, New Galloway, will be on Saturday 2 May from 10am12noon. This year all the profits from the sale will go to Mary's Meals, a nofrills Scottish charity that provides life-changing meals to some of the world's poorest children every school day. Their idea is simple and works: by providing one good meal in a place of learning, children are drawn into the classroom where they can receive an education that could one day free them from poverty. All the baking is homemade by members of the congregation and friends, and the plants include vegetable and flower annuals, perennials, shrubs and houseplants - all from local gardens. Good opportunity to add colour to your garden - and to support a great charity. Teas and coffees will also be available. Support the Lifeboats The Glenkens fundraising committee of the RNLI will be holding their annual fundraising Coffee Evening on Thursday 28 May at Dalry Town Hall, 7pm. As well as coffees and teas there will be a tombola stall, home baking, plants, books and RNLI souvenirs. And the usual wonderful array of raffle prizes. The RNLI receives no government support, despite being our valuable 4th emergency service, and is reliant on the generosity of supporters. Scout Jumble Sale The Glenkens Scout Group are holding their Annual Jumble Sale in the Scout Hall, New Galloway on Saturday 16 May from 24pm, and on Sunday 17 May from 1.30-3pm. We are collecting for the sale in the three villages on Tuesday 1 May. The Group is small, so we are appealing for anyone who can help out either, Wed, Thurs, Fri before the sale from 6.45pm onwards or on the sale weekend. Thank you. All leftover items will be recycled. Any baking would be appreciated. If you have any query, please phone Heather on 01644 420375. Glenkens Gazette page 30 APRIL & MAY Currently any organised events during April and May are likely to have been postponed due to the current government advice during the coronavirus outbreak - please see individual entries for contact numbers for information. Glenkens Community Centre Things are starting to get busier in the Glenkens Community Centre. Already we have had two community coffee mornings which have been a great success. We have had fantastic support from both volunteers and locals who have not only taken the time to come along, but also to make some amazing cakes and help out. Thanks again to everyone! The coffee mornings will continue every three weeks, or maybe more, if there is enough interest. We are also continuing with our community consultation to gather more information and ideas for the future direction of the community centre. Please get in touch or fill in the forms which are always available at the coffee mornings. Our new signage has also arrived and we hope to have this up and in place soon. Dalry Communities Properties Trust have had the fire alarm system upgraded and we are always working with them to look at any other improvements we can do to make the centre better for everyone. Sadly, Bright Stars nursery will no longer be open after July and vacating the centre. They have been providing child care for families in the Glenkens for many years and are to be thanked for their hard work. This now means that we will have a space available to let for any other businesses or groups who are looking for premises. For anyone interested please contact the management committee for more information. Meanwhile we continue to host our usual activities: Brownies and Guides, Martial Arts, Yoga and Badminton/ table tennis. Contact details can be found on our activities poster. Regular activities are postponed at present due to the current coronavirus situation - please see posters, etc, or get in touch to find out further information. Carylann Williamson, Chairperson, williamsoncarylann@gmail.com Dalry Community Centre Team LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUPS Glenkens Community Shop: Contact Shirley McNaught on 07955 743 022 or drop by the charity shop on Main Street, Dalry Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING): Contact Ros Hill on ros.hill@rathanhouse.co.uk Dalry Communities Properties Trust (DCPT): Contact Andi Holmes on andiholmes@hotmail.com or 07729 292 126 Dalry Town Hall: Contact Jim Reid on 01644 430231 or jamescreid@hotmail.co.uk New Galloway Community Enterprises (NGCE): Contact Sam Rushton on 07741 656601 or samCEW@newgallowaycommunity.shop or pop into New Galloway Community Shop Balmaclellan Community Trust: Contact Julia Higgins on julia.higgins55@outlook.com CatStrand: Contact Chris Jowsey at chris@catstrand.com 01644 420 374 or pop in to the CatStrand Schools: Pop into the school office or call Dalry Primary on 01644 430 105 (for Nursery/ELC too), Dalry Secondary on 01644 430 259 or Kells on 01644 420 340 Carsphairn Heritage Group: carsphairnheritagegroup@ gmail.com Bright Stars - Glenkens Community Nursery: Contact glenkenscommunitynursery@gmail.com Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership (GGLP): Contact McNabb Laurie on mcnabb.laurie@dumgal.gov.uk If you would like to add your community organisation to this list please get in touch with the Gazette - contact details are on the back page. Glenkens Gazette page 31 REGULAR EVENTS CatStrand, New Galloway: Film Makers’ Club, Mon 7-8.30pm Exercise to Music: Mon 9.30-10.30am MMM Adult Colours & Dance: 2.30pm-3.30pm MMM Health, Play & Creative Movement: 3-7yrs, Mon (term-time) 3.45-4.30pm MMM Children’s Grades & Youth Dance: 8-16yrs, Mon (term-time) 4.30-5.30pm Youth Volunteer Meet-up, 1st Tues of the month, 6-8pm, FREE PIZZA Choreographic Skills Lab, Mon (term-time) 7-8.30pm, ages 12-18 Animation Club, Tues 4-6pm (starts 12 Feb then fortnightly) Gentle Tai Chi: Wed 10.30am Wendletrap Tai Chi, Wed 2-3.30pm Game Tech, last Wed each month, 68pm Writers’ Cafe, 2nd Thurs each month 7-9pm Sing it Out, Thurs 11am -12pm CatStrand Ukes, 1st & 3rd Thurs each month, 1–3.30pm Yoga, Tues 6.30-7.30pm & Thurs 9.1510.45am Zumba Gold, Fri (term-time) 9.30Family Film Club, 10.30am, CatStrand, 16+ Family Film Club, sensory friendly 6-7.30pm & Guides 6-8.15pm Yoga, Wed 5.50-6.45pm, for info call Carylann on 07817 400 287 Brownies, Thurs 6-7.30pm Kickback Martial Arts, Thurs 6-7pm for children, 7-9pm for adults New Galloway Town Hall: Glenkens Art Workshop, Mon 2-4pm during term-time LING Elevenses & Lunches, Tues 11am-2pm Fast Broadband Access, Tues 11am2pm Help is at Hand, Tues 2-4.30pm, drop-in session for IT support with benefit/job applications, etc The World is at Your Fingertips, Tues 4.30-6.30pm, build confidence with laptop, tablet or phone - all ages - dropin or book a half-hour session (07895 457923). Extra IT Sessions, 4.30-6.30pm through Jan & Feb Table Tennis & Carpet Bowls, Tues 7-9pm Circuits, Tues 5.30-6.30pm Zumba, Wed 7.30-8.30pm, 11+ Circuits, Sat 8-9am Various Locations: Badminton, Mon 4-9pm & Sat 9am12noon, for info contact Kath on 07811 957 576 Bright Stars Nursery, Tues, Wed & Thurs 9am-3pm Brownies & Guides, Tues, Brownies Hatha Yoga, Mon 10-11.15am, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn Carsphairn Post Office, Wed 1.15-3pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn Dalry WI, 3rd Tues each month 2pm, Dalry Town Hall (except Jun, Jul & Aug) Beavers, Tues 6–7.15pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Dog Training, Tues & Thurs 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. Contact: Eric 460 670 Mossdale Painters, Wed 9.30am, Mossdale Village Hall Chat, Cuppa & a Cake, Wed 10am- Balmaclellan Community Council Meetings: Last Monday each month, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall Carsphairn Community Council Meetings: Last Monday each month, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn. Dalry Community Council Meetings: 1st Monday each month, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. New Galloway & Kells Community Council Meetings: 2nd Monday each month, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall. film screenings, 4pm, last Friday of the month Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry: Glenkens Community Councils Full minutes of local Community Council meetings can be viewed at Dalry Library. CHURCH TIMES CHURCH OF SCOTLAND: Services are cancelled during this time. The minister will provide resources by email each week to anyone who would like them in the form of prayers, hymns, and a reflection on a bible reading. You can email David at dbartholomew @churchofscotland.org.uk or call 01644 430 380 for further information or even if you would just like to have a chat during these difficult times. SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH: St Margaret’s, New Galloway: Open for quiet reflection & prayer, 10.30am every Sun & Wed (for info contact 01644 420 467). 2.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall Community Choir, Wed 3.30-4.30pm, music room, Dalry Secondary School Cub Scouts, Wed 6.45-8pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Gentle Dru Yoga, Wed 7.30-9pm & Thu 12.30–2pm, Laurieston Village Hall, contact 450269 Youth Writing, 1st Thurs each month (during term time) 3.30-5pm, ages 1015, Dalry Library Kettlebells, Balmaclellan Village Hall, Thurs 6-7pm Carsphairn SWI, 3rd Thurs of the month, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn, for further info call Christine on 01644 460 577 Coffee & Craft, Fri 9am-12noon, Lagwyne Hall Folk Music Session, 4th Fri each month 7.30/8pm till closing, Ken Bridge Hotel Gentle Tai Chi, Fri 10-11am, Dalry Town Hall Golf Junior Coaching, Sat 10-11: 30am, New Galloway Golf Course, see p8 Restoring Footpaths, Sat 10am-1pm, phone 420 632 to confirm Junior Golf & Come-and-Try for all ages, New Galloway Golf Course, Sat 10am Yoga and Meditation Evening, every 3rd Sunday of the month, 7p-9pm, Drumwhill, Mossdale. Contact Rachael 01644 450269 to book. Men’s Shed, Old Smiddy, Balmaclellan. Opening times: Mon 9.30am-4pm & 6.30-8.30pm; Wed 9.30am-1pm & woodcarving from 2-4pm; Fri 9.30am12noon. Clatteringshaws Lochside Cafe, 11am-3pm, 7 days a week Dalry Library & Customer Service Centre Tuesdays 10.30am-2pm Fridays 11am-4.30pm For further informa�on contact Castle Douglas library on 01556 502 643 USEFUL NUMBERS: ● Pot-hole Hotline: 0845 276 0000 ● Police, non-emergency: 101 ● Doctor: 01644 420 234 ● NHS 24: 08454 24 24 24 ● D&G Council: 030 33 33 3000 Glenkens Gazette page 32 Knockengorroch Festival Confirmed for September Knockengorroch Festival, Scotland’s longest-running greenfield festival, has unveiled the theme for this year as Celestial Beings – celebrating the event’s unrivalled place under the star-dotted skies of Galloway. Festival organisers say: “We hope that you are all safe and well at this uncertain time. We would like to confirm that Knockengorroch festival is postponed from May until 10-13 September, and tickets are now sale for this event. “We have our venue, licence, core crew and have secured many of our headliners, and expect a bill as close as possible to our intended May lineup. And there’s plenty of time to knock up a truly magnificent outfit with this year’s theme of Celestial Beings!” Organisers also want to confirm that any tickets already purchased will be valid for this September festival. In addition, if you cannot make September, your ticket/s can later be transferred to Knockengorroch Festival 27-30 May 2021. As the full programme for this year’s festival materialises, organisers are honouring the festival site’s secluded, heavenly location, which is one of the best places in the world to see the stars and part of the region’s UNESCO dark sky reserve. As well as enjoying an exciting array of traditional, electronic and world music acts, festival goers are encouraged to help bring the cosmic theme to life and take inspiration for their festival wardrobe from the heavens above, from stars and aliens to a winged God or Goddess – the sky’s the limit. Knockengorroch Festival organiser, Liz Holmes, said: “The secluded location and colourful, liberating atmosphere at Knockengorroch always gives the festival an ‘other worldly’ feel. It is a place where people can escape and enjoy the music, culture, craft and surrounding nature under a magnificent sky of stars, so it felt very fitting to base this year’s event around celestial beings and to celebrate that.” The Knockengorroch festival site is unique in every way, with its natural amphitheatre sat on a riverside meadow and set against a beautiful mountain backdrop in the Southern Uplands of Scotland. There are no shops, ATMs, petrol stations or urban ‘civilisation’ for 10 miles and, year-on-year, thousands of loyal festival goers make their way to this unique location for a weekend like no other. Since its inception, the Knockengorroch Festival has established progressive links between sounds indigenous to its natural venue ROWAN HOLIDAY COTTAGE GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway 4 Star Rated - Sleeps Six Dog friendly - Private Parking Secluded Garden FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL 07503 958 710 01644 420234 An ideal base for exploring Galloway... WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! 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 JUN/JUL COPY DEADLINE: 5 MAY and the now far-flung Celtic diaspora. Across the festival weekend, multicultural forms and musical genres will be showcased with music from all continents being presented alongside the best in Scottish talent in both traditional and contemporary fields. Some of this year’s acts will be Afro Celt Sound System, Kel Assouf, Shooglenifty, The Poozies, Moishe’s Bagel, Cut Capers, The Inexplicables and Mungo’s Hi Fi as well as BritishIraqi hip-hop artist Lowkey, Galloway’s own Zoe Bestel, and renowned Cameroonian singer-songwriter Blick Bassy’s plus many more. The festival also features comedy and theatre shows, arts, crafts, nature and heritage workshops and activities. It is open to all ages with a dedicated family camping area, children’s tent and procession plus real ales, good food and a healing area. Tickets are available at www.knock engorroch.org.uk as well as further information on this year’s festival. ADVERTISE IN THE GAZETTE (price per issue incl VAT) SMALL: 6cm x 6cm, £37.80 (+ 10% off with series discount) 1/4 PAGE: 9cm w x 13cm h, £81.90 (+ 25% off with series discount) 1/2 PAGE: 18cm w x 13cm h, £151.20 (+ 25% off with series discount) FULL PAGE: 18cm w x 27cm h, £252 (+ 25% off with series discount) Call 07727 127 997 VAT Reg. No. 882 8361 87 Design & co-ordination: Sarah Ade sarah.ade@gmail.com Printing:Stranraer & Wigtownshire Free Press www.stranraer-freepress.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 117 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GG_117 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 2020 Description An account of the resource Editor: Sarah Ade https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/1/262/GlenkensGazette116.pdf eacdb182cfb33ea807d3bbf7bd503edd 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 116 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 February/March 2020 ISSUE 116 FREE FILM STAR COMES TO DALRY Dalry is in for a feast of cinema and music on Saturday 8 February when accordionist Neil Sutcliffe, star of Dirt Road to Lafayette, will be present at a local showing of the film. The film will be shown in Dalry Town Hall followed by a ceilidh where he will be performing with his mother, Jo Miller, who grew up in Dalry, and his father, Steve Sutcliffe. Dirt Road to Lafayette also stars Scottish actor David Hayman and was scripted by Booker Prize winner James Kelman. After his mother’s death teenager Murdo (played by Neil) travels to Alabama with his grieving dad. Though an accomplished accordion player, Murdo has rejected music since the death while his father is buried in grief and has turned away from his son. However, a chance encounter by Murdo with a new form of music eventually heals the family’s wounds. Andrew Mellor, who has seen Neil perform recently, said: “I was astounded...if I hadn’t seen his fingers moving with my own eyes I would have thought that there was some sort of trick photography involved!" Neil (20) is already an accomplished musician and studies at the Glasgow Conservatoire. Jo says that they will be playing some traditional Scottish tunes at the ceilidh and there will also be an American influence, reflecting the film’s setting. Jo will guide dancers through the intricacies of the Cajun Two Step. Jim Reid of the the Dalry Film Club adds that this is an evening not to be missed: “We are enormously pleased to have been selected by Cinema For All to show this film, particularly with the local connection of its lead actor and family. Neil will also be available to answer audience questions about his film-making experiences. “The ceilidh afterwards will bring together three of the stars of the Dalry Hogmanay Ceilidh for an encore performance which will set the Town Hall ablaze with dance once again”. Film Screening & Ceilidh, Dalry Town Hall, Saturday 8 February, 7pm - teas, coffees, cakes and BYOB, £5 at the door or you can book through CatStrand on 01644 420 374. Life Membership for Brass Bandsman Carsphairn resident Nigel Martin has been awarded a Life Membership medal by the Scottish Brass Band Association (SBBA) for almost 60 years of service to banding. Nigel, who plays cornet and flugelhorn with Kilmarnock Concert Brass, first picked up a cornet at the age of 11 at school in Bury, Lancashire. He joined the Besses o’ th’ Barn Boys Band in Whitefield, Manchester, in 1964 before returning to join his hometown band, Irwell Forge, three years later where he progressed to become the band’s principal cornet. In 1987 Nigel relinquished the ‘top man’ position to take up flugelhorn, an instrument with which he has since had a long association. Moving house to the Rossendale Valley in 1992, he joined the Goodshaw Band and then the Haslingden and Helmshore Band, helping it to move up from Fourth to First Section in the contesting ranks. Nigel and his wife Kath frequently holidayed in the south-west of Scotland and often went along to Dumfries Town Band rehearsals and engagements. Eventually the lure became too strong and they moved to Carsphairn, soon becoming involved at Dunaskin Doon Band in Ayr. Following a short illness in 2018, Nigel moved to Kilmarnock Concert Brass and he continues to help bands all over the country, offering his time and expertise. Nigel said: “The medal means so much to me and I shall wear it with pride at every brass event I attend in the future. I acknowledge that most of my banding career has been in England but since my arrival in Scotland 11 years ago, my enjoyment of banding has A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) ini�a�ve been heightened by the friendliness and camaraderie of the Scottish brass community. “I still thoroughly relish putting my experience to good use in helping and encouraging younger and less able players to achieve their potential.” Nigel proudly shows off his long service medal www.glenkensgaze�e.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 2 New Galloway Community Concert A community concert was held on 1 December in New Galloway Town Hall. This was the third year the Celebratory Events Committee (a sub-committee of LING, Local Initiatives in New Galloway) have held the event and it was once again very well supported. The varied programme included items from Kells School, Glenkens Beavers and Cubs, The Wyrdy Women and a number of individual performers of all ages. The concert concluded with everyone joining in Christmas carols and songs. The piper then led everyone down to the CatStrand, where many more people joined in for mulled wine. The CatStrand singers performed and the Christmas lights were switched on in the High Street. The committee would like to thank all who supported and helped with the event. Please keep the date of Sunday 10 May free as we are planning a Tea in the Park to celebrate the 75th anniversary of VE day. This is to be a bank holiday weekend (despite what your calendar may say, the Government has moved the bank holiday this year) and everyone in the parish of New Galloway & Kells will be invited. We hope to reinvent the type of street party that was popular in 1945 with tea and entertainment. The LING Committee Pictured: Left - Andrew Frew and Brian Jones. Above - Cubs and Beavers. Wright’s Shop & Post Office - Closed Mondays Open Tuesday to Sunday - three changing cask ales & cider - fresh, seasonal & local food - award-winning food, beer & atmosphere - en-suite accommodation - 20% off takeaway discount - country sport & walkers facilities - 01644 430 241 www.theclachaninn.co.uk Dalry’s local convenience store • licensed grocers • • newsagents • stocking a range of local suppliers • Express Bakery bread • • Irvings biscuits & cakes • • Ballards & Dalmellington Country Butchers meat & pies • • Mitchells fruit & veg • Shop & Post Office open 7 days Monday to Friday 7am–6pm Saturday 8am–6pm Sunday 8.30am–4pm Tel 01644 430 225 Glenkens Gazette page 3 IN MEMORY OF BRIAN FISHWICK Brian was born on 26 January 1956 and sadly passed away on 7 January 2020. He had a variety of interests throughout his life but, in the Glenkens, Brian was best known as ‘The Squirrel Man’. He was a man with a passion, on a mission, and his mission was to rid the Glenkens of the pesky invasive grey squirrel and help the area return to being a stronghold for the iconic red squirrel. Brian was a founder member of the Glenkens Red Squirrel Group and volunteer for Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels. A strong-willed man, Brian at times was described as “as dry as sticks”, and he was always straight talking, quick with a witty remark, and prepared to say his piece on issues close to his heart, and also write it, with his opinions being published in various formats over the years. Sharon, Brian’s wife, said: “I think he is looking down at us with his usual smile saying ‘Forge ahead -make the best of life and keep looking after those pesky red squirrels’”. New Gazette Poetry Competition The Gazette is hosting a brand new competition, for all you budding poets out there. Wright’s Shop in Dalry approached the Gazette to see if we would consider running a poetry competition, since it seems there are quite a lot of poets out there in the Glenkens and it would be a great way to inspire new and aspiring poets to have a go. So, Wright’s has agreed to sponsor the new section, and Lyndsay, Susan and Jane will work together to judge competition entries. The prize for the winner each issue is a £10 voucher to spend in the shop. A theme of some kind will be given each issue, and the winning entry will be printed in the following issue. So, this issue’s theme is to submit a poem in the form of a limerick. Good luck! Pictured: Jane, Lyndsay and Susan of Wright’s Shop, our competition judges. Dalry Community Council Microgrants Last year the Blackcraig Wind Farm Community Fund paid out discretionary grants to each community council in the catchment area, to be used towards charitable projects that benefit the community. Dalry Community Council asked for applications for these micro grants from interested groups and following several meetings are now in the happy position of being able to help seven local groups through this fund. It is expected that later this year there will be a similar grant award for 2020/2021 - please keep a look out for posters outlining how to apply. New Galloway Shop AGM The Annual General Meeting of New Galloway Community Enterprises Ltd will be held at 7.30pm on Thursday 5 March in New Galloway Town Hall. We hope that as many of our Members as possible will attend as well as anyone else who is interested in the progress of our shop and other enterprises. Refreshments will be available and we are extending a special invitation to those who have recently settled in the area. We look forward to welcoming everyone. Glenkens Gazette page 4 sponsored by If you would like to list something on this page, please get in touch on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk FREE Aluminium patio table - large round glass topped table; slightly bashed, but very useable. Approx 1.2m diameter. No longer needed. Contact: 07787 406 187 Strong plastic 500ml jars with wide neck x 5. Would suit nails and screws, but not food. 90ml plastic measuring scoops x 6. Contact: Sue on 07563 718 011 Alchemilla plant (ladies mantle). Might need help to dig them up. Contact: Sue on 07563 718 011 718 011 Kodak ink for printers ESP and Hero series. Code 30 & 30cl. 1 sealed colour cartridge and 1 sealed black cartridge plus 2 part used cartridges. Contact: 01644 420 434 or 07974 026 380 Used postage stamps from your Christmas cards for horse charity. Drop them in the letterbox at 3 Midtown, Dalry, or phone and I’ll come and collect them. Contact: Sue on 07563 718 011 WANTED Plastic CD case to replace one that broke. Contact: Sue on 07563 718 011 Cool bags – can be old and tatty but large enough to store 5 litre lime wash cans over winter. Contact: Sue on 07563 FOR SALE ION Air LP Bluetooth Turntable. Unwanted gift £45. Contact: 01644 430 373 Nest of 3 mahogany tables, fully restored £25. Contact: John on 01644 430 539 CatStrand Youth Players Spring Programme The Youth Players will once again be entering the Scottish Community Drama Association ‘One Act Festival’, this year with Selfie by Canadian playwright Bradley Hayward. The group staged the play before in 2014 at CatStrand soon after it was written. As it was the first time it had been staged outside Canada - that performance was the official UK Premiere of the play! This time around, the current senior group will perform the play at The Fullarton in Castle Douglas as part of the Stewartry District Youth Festival and will be competing against five other entries to earn the right to represent the Stewartry District at the West of Scotland Youth Final in Dunoon in April. Selfie is a contemporary play, very relevant to teenage life today. It is senior year for the eight characters featured and problems are mounting for them as they prepare for the future. As they document their year, one click at a time, they come to realise that life is not about what other people see – it is about the pictures they have of themselves. Zoe Kirkpatrick and Eilidh Thomson are our longest serving and most experienced members, having been taking part in our plays and pantomimes since they were both 10 years old! They no longer qualify as ‘youths’ and this time will enter the Open Festival, competing against three other adult teams all hoping to secure a place at the next round in Greenock. They will star in a two-hander called Henna Night by Amy Rosenthal. A cleverly written dark comedy, it tells the story of Judith who has left her exboyfriend a desperate message on his answerphone saying that she is not coping with their break-up. She has bought some razor blades and some henna to either slash her wrists or dye her hair...However, it is the new girlfriend, Ros, who hears the message and rushes to Judith’s bedsit. Both of these plays will be on stage at The Fullarton on Friday 6 March and they will be performed again at CatStrand on the evening of Friday 20 March. On the same bill at CatStrand will be a third play from the younger Youth Players group. Ernie’s Incredible Illucinations is a bright comedy by the famous playwright Alan Ayckbourn. Ernie is a dreamer with a vivid imagination and extraordinary powers, his thoughts have the disconcerting habit of turning into reality with hilarious and unlikely consequences. Tickets for the festival performances will be available direct from The Fullarton from 16 February at www.thefullarton.co.uk The CatStrand show is booking now - please phone the box office on 01644 420374 for tickets, or book online at www.catstrand.com Glenkens Gazette page 5 sponsored by South West Association of Nature Conservationists (SWANC) is a wonderful local group which hosts interesting discussions on nature, wildlife and the environment. Talks are held at the Ken Bridge Hotel with the option of a relaxed pre-talk dinner. Speakers are excellent, and it’s well worth popping along if you spot a topic of interest to you. On Thursday 20 February the discussion will be titled What Can I Do About the Climate Emergency? Garry Charnock will be there to talk about how a village in Cheshire set out to become England’s first carbon-neutral village. Still on that journey after ten years, Ashton Hayes now connects like-minded communities around the world. Residents saved an average of 24% on their energy use, with some saving 50%. Emissions from air travel and car use reduced by at least 35%. And in addition to the carbon savings, the community started a woodland, a community shop, a playground and a community energy company that makes the primary school carbon-negative in summer. Sounds like some really valid potentials for the Glenkens in there... Also, Garry will discuss how best to heat your house without using fossil fuel, with an audience discussion on what techniques have worked for different people. Next, on Thursday 19 March, the topic will be Wonderful Places for Wildlife. Lee Schofield from RSPB’s Haweswater Reserve will show us that it’s not just far-away places Knepp estate (Sussex) and Glen Feshie (Perthshire) - who are pioneering new ways to care for the land, but there are some interesting examples right on our doorstep. There are a lot of conservation terms banded about at the moment - ‘wilding’, ‘rewilding’, ‘ecosystem service provision’, ‘saltus’ (letting land lie fallow for a generation)… we hear lots of talk about public goods and how farming might change, but here’s a chance to hear from landholders who have prioritised public water supplies, flooding and wildlife alongside (or ahead) of livestock production. Lee will explain how the RSPB has altered their management at Haweswater, and what has happened since. Talks start 7.30pm, followed by discussion and debate, at the Ken Bridge Hotel - everyone is welcome, and the entry cost is £2. Or why not come along at 6pm and join members of SWANC, other audience members and the speaker for a pub supper? SWANC (South West Association of Nature Conservationists) was once part of the British ANC), but is now a less organised, informal rural network. There is no formal membership, but if you want to join the e-group, please send email addresses to mas@craigfarm.co.uk. New talk organisers/suggestions always welcome. Glenkens Gazette page 6 Salmon Study on the River Dee Covering an area of 1050 km2, the River Dee is one of the largest river systems in the Solway and has a rich variety of habitats and species including some of Scotland’s best known. Under water, there cannot be a more a more iconic species than the Atlantic salmon, a colonising fish that will have entered the river during the start of the current inter glacial period. Atlantic salmon, salmo salar, (and sea trout, salmo trutta) colonised all northern Europe, taking advantage of the relative safety of freshwater for rearing their young before taking the gamble of descending into the food-rich but predator abundant sea. The abundance of these fish was truly amazing with millions of fish arriving at British coasts year after year. This abundance did not go without notice and early human settlers will have harvested the fish in huge numbers, an annual bonanza that was probably enjoyed by brown bear, wolf and other long-gone British wildlife. As we settled into farming this bonanza continued to remain important and on the Dee, like any other watercourse on these islands, the now pastoral community will have fished the river with traps and nets to get a harvest of fish, probably salted and smoked for use after the salmon run had passed. Salmon were and are an incredibly resilient species but when we industrialised, they were unable to cope with the resultant pollution and barriers in many rivers and soon disappeared. Salmon remained abundant on the River Dee until the arrival of the Galloway hydro scheme. Planning and regulation for such structures was often very poor, the drive for industry was all important and we did not realise what we were losing. Fish passage was provided but with little understanding of how this worked 8th February 14th March 10am-12.30pm For further information or to book a stall ring 01644 430 454 or visit www.dalrytownhall.co.uk Entrance by donation - proceeds towards Dalry Town Hall Refurbishment Fund North of Castle Douglas, A713 Ayr Road often it provided poor performance. Over time it has been recognised that the hydro-scheme needs to change some of its practices and a very good working relationship has been created with local fishery interests. Initiatives have been put in place to help salmon over the last few years with significant investment from the power companies. Counters on the river indicated that we had a reasonably stable population and work was apace to find ways of increasing the population over time. Despite this good work other factors around the whole of the country have put even more pressure on this population. Around Scotland, salmon numbers are so low in many areas that fisheries are no longer either viable or desirable. The annual run of fish into the Dee has collapsed from around a thousand fish to less than one hundred. This puts the species on a collision course for extinction. At the Galloway Glens Scheme, we are committed to helping our partners at the Galloway Fishery Trust find where the remaining fish are and to introduce programmes to help bolster their numbers. It is true that many of the issues may well be out of local control but by identifying where the best habitat is, where the habitat can be improved, and what that improvement is we will try and reverse this trend. It will be a long time before we have a viable salmon fishery in the river but we must try everything to make sure we do not lose the king of fish from our waters. Nick Chisholm Pictured: Above left - Tongland fish counter. Above - Annual count of salmon from River Dee (Tongland counter). Below - salmon in Tongland fish counter. Glenkens Gazette page 7 DALRY COMMUNITY CHOIR A reminder that Dalry Community Choir rehearsals have started up again for the term. Come along and join the us for a community sing-song; experience the buzz of singing in harmony, and sing for the sheer joy of singing. There are no auditions, and you don’t have to be able to read music - all you have to do is to enjoy singing and to want to do this as part of a group; everyone is welcome. 430259 or at gw08officedalry@ ea.dumgal.sch.uk We meet on Wednesdays from 3.30–4.30pm in the music room at Dalry Secondary. For further details contact Sue St Joseph at gw08stjosephsue@e a.dumgal.sch.uk or the school office on 01644 Kindling available GLENKENS ROUTE Thursdays: 12noon-1pm – Crossmichael 1-2pm – Parton/Loch Ken Holiday Park 2-4pm – Balmaclellan area 4-5.30pm – The Hidden Road Fridays: 8-10.30am – Dalry 10.30-11am – Glenlee Area 11am – New Galloway 12noon – New Galloway Shop 2pm – Mossdale area 3-4pm – Laurieston to Gatehouse Please note that all times are approximate. 07966 103 912 charliecoid@hotmail.com Fleet Fish aims to provide top quality produce which is sourced as locally as possible. We take pride in offering friendly door-to-door service tailored to our customers’ needs. Glenkens Gazette page 8 THE GARDEN SPOT Pears are normally thought of as being from warmer climes but there are a few tried and tested Scottish varieties. Why not plant a couple of trees? You will need two compatible varieties for pollination so how about ‘Green Pear of Yair’ and ‘Fair Maid’? An old gardener I once knew (long since gone to a larger garden) once said to me that “optimists plant pears, you plant them for the next generation”. You may have heard a version of this “Walnuts and pears, you plant for your heirs”. In contrast, how about a much faster maturing crop. I am thinking of shallots. A more subtle taste than onions, easier to grow and they preserve well as pickled onions. March is the perfect time to plant sets (small bulbs) but April is not too late. Then do nothing to them except keep them free of weeds and perhaps water them if we have a drought (what? - in the Glenkens!). They will be ready to harvest in July or possibly early August, whenever the top growth turns yellow and falls over. But, back to the present, apart from the usual tidying in the garden, make sure that your Wisteria is pruned back to two or three buds on all of last year’s growth, don’t prune them back to the main stem because those 2 or 3 buds are where your flowers come from. And if you have any restorative pruning to be done to hedges etc, now is the perfect time – before the birds start to nest; cut back one side of the hedge (and the top) as hard as you like, but leave the other side until next year. If your garden is lacking colour, at any time of year, then – at the time it needs colour, go around to nearby private or public gardens, see what looks good, find out what it is and vow to add that to your own garden for next year. As a starting point, try Daffodil ‘February Gold’ to have daffs in flower before anyone else or, Japanese Anemone or Chrysanthemum if you need something in flower in October. To get earlier flowers than usual, plant in a sheltered spot – for example, I have snowdrops under a hedge that were showing white buds on ULTRASOUND PREGNANCY SCANNING ����������������� �������������������������������� ��������������������������������� ��������������������� ����������������������������� For bookings and info: Duncan Kennedy 07860 474001 dk@passcan.co.uk www.passcan.co.uk 11 January, much earlier than others nearby. And what am I doing in the garden at the moment? Well, the weather is foul so I am sowing chilli seeds in the warm to grow on the kitchen windowsill and ordering bedding plants for a summer display. A final tip? If you grow fruit or vegetables and have limited space – don’t waste time growing things that you can buy in the supermarket but instead grow varieties that money just can’t buy, such as: potatoes ‘pink fir apple’, any variety of fresh runner bean, cos lettuce, strawberry ‘Cambridge Favourite’ and any thin skinned variety of tomato such as ‘Sungold’. The Intrepid Gardener Plant catalogues and chilli seeds for planting. Glenkens Gazette page 9 CatStrand Highlights Spring blooms at CatStrand with a lively line up of acts to celebrate the unfurling of a new season and a new year for GCAT in the Glenkens. Our community event programmes continue to flourish with Wee Book House + events in Crossmichael presenting multi-award-winning folk singer Siobhan Miller on Friday 27 March. Aidan O'Rourke and Kit Downes bring their 365 project with writer James Robertson to Dalry Town Hall Events programme on Thursday 2 April. James Robertson is hosting a writing workshop with Ken Words in the session house in Dalry before the show (see our brochure for more details). Lagwyne Events in Carsphairn host an afternoon of Scottish harp and classical Spanish guitar for a different Sunday afternoon on the 15 March. At CatStrand big name folk acts grace our auditorium - Indian folk jazz fusion trio Yorkston, Thorne, Khan bring their bravely original sound to the Glenkens on Sat 21 March and stars of the English folk scene The Unthanks return in May, get your tickets quick! Theatre features more prominently in our Spring season with the return of our popular Play & A Piece lunchtime theatre events including a performance from Rapture Theatre as well as One Mississippi – a play featuring as part of the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival. These events offer a piece lunch along with the show and have been very popular - so advanced booking is recommended. Newly established Wigtown theatre company Townsend Theatre Productions presents their production Ragged Trousered Philanthropists on Wednesday 27 May as an evening performance. We have family theatre/ dance performances for the under 5s, Paper Moon from the fantastic Dundee based Shaper Caper comes to CatStrand on Wed 15 April along with a variety of Stars on the English folk scene, The Unthanks family events in the Easter holidays and 4pm, screening films for children throughout D&G Arts Festival. and young people after school Support from Filmhub Scotland in a relaxed, sensory friendly has allowed us to continue our environment that is accessible to all. film discussion events with a focus If you've enjoyed the current on environmental conversations exhibition at CatStrand from this Spring including a screening Mossdale artist Patti Lean you can of British-made documentary In join her for an informal artists Our Hands with representatives talk on Sat 8 February at 2pm to from National Farmers Union of find out more about her ecologically Scotland speaking about the future based practice and residencies in of farming in our region. Iceland and Finland. There are new partnerships Here's to a new year, new season, beginning this season too with new ideas and continued growth for Newcastle University's established all the communities of the Glenkens folk and traditional music degree in 2020. showcasing final year students at Hopefully there are at least one or CatStrand as well as the launch of two events in our programme that a new social prescription referral will put a spring in your step... scheme this February. Look out for more information coming soon. For tickets or further information We are offering a new Free visit www.catstrand.com or call Family Film Club on the last 01644 420 374. Friday afternoon of the month from 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 � BALMACLELLAN VILLAGE SHOP We stock a wide range of fresh and frozen goods, as well as many other items, in our friendly, family-run shop...pop in sometime! - cash machine - winter fuel (peat, logs) - Flo Gas - Dalmellington Butcher pies/meat - Marchbank Bakers delivery every Friday - 01644 420 321 Glenkens Gazette The Wrong Nativity For this year’s Christmas show we did a play called The Wrong Nativity where we took the Nativity and added narrators. fun at the same time. It was quite tricky learning the songs but very enjoyable, our favourite song was ‘Last Christmas’. The P1s sang a bit of Santa page 10 Claus is Coming to Town all by themselves. The P7s wore a white shirt and black trousers with a Santa hat. It was very busy both in the afternoon and the evening. Everyone did extremely well! By Sophie & Charlie S, P7 We changed Mary and Joseph’s names to Maggie and Joe and we also had a talking donkey. Instead of the three wise men we changed them to the three un-wise old men. All the P7s were the narrators, while practicing the show it was hard and KELLS SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PLAY Pupils at Kells Primary took part in their Christmas performance during the last week of term. To a packed audience in the Town Hall and also the School Hall, the children performed their show Christmas Past, Present and Future to an appreciative audience. All the concepts for the different roles and scenes were thought up and developed by the children who based their ideas on conversations they thought different characters might have had, from the very first Christmas, a Victorian Christmas, Christmas Day in their own homes, this year and what Christmas might be like in the future! Dalry School Fayre Raises £500 At our Christmas Fayre we decorated jars with glitter and fake snow. We used ribbon for the outside and pine cones. We decorated pine cones to Members of the community enjoying the Christmas Fayre. make them into decorations by covering them in PVA glue and glitter. In the HE room we made gingerbread men from scratch. Once all the ingredients were mixed into a dough we flattened them out into different shapes with a cookie cutter. We had to move all the tables from all the class rooms to the hall. Then set up all the stalls and tables exactly. We also worked at the stalls. Overall, the whole school made over £500 pounds! By Joe & Eleanor, P7 Glenkens Gazette page 11 KELLS PUPILS STUDY THE WEATHER Last term, Primary 1-4 children at Kells Primary decided they wanted to learn about how they could record different types of weather. They researched how meteorologists did this and made their own measuring tools to observe and work out how the direction and speed the wind was blowing and how much rain fell over a period of time in their own community. Looking at rain, lots of the children asked questions about where the rain came from. They looked at clouds and made links between them and rainfall and then related this knowledge when making careful observations of ice and how it changed from a solid, to a liquid and finally, a gas. In the hall, the children used drama to deepen their understanding of how water particles changed. Pictured: Bottom Left - Io, P2, says “If I move around, the wind blows the windmill the opposite way”. Bottom Middle - Millie, P2, says “Tomorrow I will check the ruler on my rain gauge to see how much rain has come down”. Bottom Right - Jae, P3, says “The faster I run, the more the bag moves”. Top Left - experiments with the properties of water. Top Right wind-catchers made by Kells pupils. Enterprising Young Chocolatiers Last term P3/4/5 at Dalry Primary did an enterprise project called ‘Choco-Lattée’. We sold all our products at the Christmas Fayre. P3/4/5 baked cookies, cake pops and chocolate lolly pops. Before we could bake anything, we had to look up recipes and then worked out the cost of all the ingredients. Once we had finished everything and we had got all the ingredients we started baking in the HE Room. We then put the baking in bags and tied them with ribbons. After the Fayre we had to use maths to work out the profit or loss. We made £61 profit which made the enterprise a great success. We all had a ball doing the enterprise project. By Eleanor & Oliver Glenkens Gazette page 12 NEWS FROM DALRY SECONDARY Happy new year and welcome back to our pupils for a busy (and long) term! The S4 pupils have been revising for, and sitting, their prelim exams. These are full length exams and will give them a taste of the real thing in May. A few of the things we got up to last term are the S4 biology/ geography trip to Millport Field Studies Council (formerly the University Marine Biological Station Millport) the S1 trip to Dumfries learning about Robert Burns, a Christmas jumper day which raised £40 for charity, and the epic production of yet another incredible school panto. Another achievement has been a group working towards the John Muir Awards. The group has been working very hard over the last few months to create a new pond in the school garden, and they managed to finish it before the Christmas holidays. Pupils carried out lots of research into different designs and what was required to make the pond wildlife friendly. They looked at changing depths, and different plants they could add in the spring. They even began creating a fence from woven branches. Pupils are very much looking forward to seeing all sorts of wildlife arrive in the spring, and the Primary School children are currently enjoying the pond for pond dipping, so their hard work is already being appreciated. Pictured: Top right and right school Christmas disco. Bottom right - school panto. Bottom left - new school pond. Youth Transport Initiative ‘Get On It’ is a transport initiative project designed to look at potential solutions for the youth of the area to be more mobile. Young people have said that this is the biggest aspect of living here that they wish they could change, adding to isolation & mental health issues, impacting employment, learning and socialising and preventing young people in the area from feeling like they can make a success of their lives in the area. Funded by Big Lottery Year of Young People funding & The Holywood Trust for young people in the Stewartry area of D&G, the initiative has brought together young people from the Glenkens, Kirkcudbright, Castle Douglas and Gatehouse of Fleet to dig deeper into the issues around transport for them and to design a pilot service that aims to address some of these issues. After numerous consultations and lots of planning, they have decided to run two return bus routes on a Sunday, since there is a lack of public provision on this day. The first bus goes from Dalry to Kirkcudbright via New Galloway, Crossmichael, Clarebrand and Castle Douglas. The second route is a loop from Castle Douglas which stops at Gelston, Rhonehouse, Bridge of Dee, Twynholm, Gatehouse of Fleet, Borgue and Kirkcudbright. Both buses will run until 23 February, after which we will break and evaluate the services before launching our second pilot a few weeks later. At the end of this project, young people will report their findings to local council representatives and transport providers in order to impact decision making. The buses offer a free route for young people aged 12+. More information on using the bus and booking seats can be found on www.catstrandyouth.co.uk/getonit. We are always looking for support workers to help run these buses as paid, short term positions. Anyone who would like more information or is interested in driving the bus please contact Katy Billington, Youth Arts Coordinator at CatStrand, at 01644 420 374 or katy@catstrand.com Glenkens Gazette page 13 Youth Players Panto Takes to the Desert Once again the annual CatStrand Youth Players’ panto played to a full house at each of its three performances. The script was not one of the traditional pantomime stories but one with a difference and none the worse for that! Beau Jest, by our favourite author Paul Reakes, was loosely based on the famous book and film of the same name (almost) – Beau Geste. The action swung from a sweetie factory to the desert and back again via a foreign legion fort and the baddies’ hide-out. With lots of suspense and laughter along the way, of course it all ended up “happy ever after”, mainly due to the real heroine of the plot – Camilla the dancing camel! The main roles were very ably filled by some of the more experienced members with Hope Rowley leading the way as Trudy Trundle. In only her second pantomime, Hope took on the challenging role of pantomime dame with great enthusiasm and skilfully led much of the comedy and audience participation to great effect. Her on-stage ‘family’ were her sons Timmy and Toby Trundle. Timmy was the principal boy role played very confidently and in traditional style by Fiona Edgar showing excellent rapport and teamwork particularly with Timmy’s romantic interest and principal girl, Honey Sweet, beautifully played by Ruby Harfield. Their romantic duet was one of the highlights of the show. Toby Trundle was not quite so bright as his brother Timmy and was responsible for many of the comedy moments. James Jones made this character his own and cleverly brought every possible moment of humour to life. The ‘baddies’ were ably led by Sarah McCreath as Silas Slimy and Kay Black as Bac-Ali, both Sarah and Kay were taking part in their first pantomime but they soon had the audience ‘booing and hissing’ on demand, as is required by their roles. They were assisted in the darker side of the plot by the scheming ‘comedy baddie’ Sergeant Scar played by Huw Hodson. Huw didn’t let his pre-panto broken ankle stop him playing the loud Sergeant to great effect, with his crutches used as extra weapons at times! A fetching collection of different moustaches for every scene added to the amusement of the audience too! Trying to make sense of it all and keep some order was the dashing Captain Dubonnet of the Foreign Legion expertly played by Dante Newbery. The audience were in stitches every time Dante appeared with his deliberately bad French accent in true ‘Allo, Allo’ style. Dante also played the smaller role of Mr. Sweet in the first scene. The eccentric explorers, Professor Seymour Tombs and his wacky daughter Tabitha were played by Ben Hodson and Megan Oliver. Both young actors rose to the occasion and excelled in their first major panto roles. Other roles of chorus, factory workers, legionnaires, robbers and mummies were played by Tayler Black, Lorne Johnston and Sophie Roberts. The young dancers who opened the second half in fine style were Imogen Bell, Jennifer Freeman, Io Heyes and Bea Howat Mercer. As already mentioned, the camel was the key to solving the case and bringing the baddies to justice – responsible for bringing the hilarious camel to life were Arthur and Henry Harfield. Beau Jest was directed by Brian Edgar and Katy Billington with sound and lighting by Jim Ranyard. Dance choreography was by Sara Lockwood. Costumes, props and backstage/front of house support by Sue Lindsay, Sky Barratt, Jimmy McKenna, Naomi McCreath, Steve Davie and Marie Davie. The show was a great success with glowing reviews from the audiences, thanks to everyone who came along to support us once again. Brian Edgar Pictured: Top - Honey (Ruby Harfield) and Trudy (Hope Rowley) with Camilla the Camel. Left above - Sgt. Scar (Huw Hodson) & Toby (James Jones). Left below: Trudy Trundle (Hope Rowley). Glenkens Gazette page 14 Glenkens Gazette page 15 Glenkens Gazette page 16 Glenkens Gazette page 17 Coffee and Cakes at the Gallery Did you know there was a lovely little cafe in Laurieston serving freshly ground coffee and local cakes and goodies? Well, I didn’t... I’m sure it’s my own fault for not paying proper attention, but I knew The Gallery at Laurieston was there, and I’d heard it offered coffees. But when I popped by last December to drop off some Gazettes, I was amazed to find a bright, spacious cafe space with couches as well as tables. Plus of course the gallery space which is made up of two main areas showcasing a variety of local artists’ work, ranging from glass to jewellery, textiles to Phil’s own stunning photographs. It’s amazing how these things can pass us by when they’re right on our doorstep... I have no idea but I’ll certainly be stopping in again for coffee and cake at the Gallery in Laurieston. The gallery is open on a Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10am to 3.30pm, and on Sundays from 10am to 5pm. To find out more about artists, current exhibitions, etc, or to enquire about hiring the space, you can get in touch with owner Phil McMenemy on 01644 450 235 or visit their Fb page @GalleryAtLaurieston Sarah Ade Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents Dumfries & Galloway 01556 503744 www.ggblaw.co.uk All legal advice Offices in Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie Kirkcudbright and Dumfries Glenkens Gazette page 18 Photo of the Issue Sponsored by the Ken Bridge Hotel This issue’s winner is Kathryn Martin from Carsphairn with a beautiful photograph of her Highland pony, Cormack, on a ride up to the iron age fort at Stroanfreggan. Kathryn wins an evening meal for two up to the value of £30 at the Ken Bridge Hotel. Competition judges Dave and Sue said: “This photograph is so lovely, such a beautiful pony and he looks like he’s really enjoying being out for a ride in the hills.” How to Enter: any photos taken in the Glenkens can be entered - landscapes, wildlife, portraits, action shots...Email them to glenkens gazette@hotmail.co.uk If you are a winner the Gazette will send you out a voucher - please call the Ken Bridge to book your meal, and make sure to take your winner’s voucher along with you. THE NEXT PHASE FOR WINDY RIG WIND FARM advertisement Statkraft has announced that it has reached the next phase on Windy Rig wind farm, with a view to becoming operational in 2021. Statkraft, Europe’s largest producer of renewable energy, acquired the Windy Rig wind farm from Element Power in September 2018. It will be Statkraft’s first project to operate subsidy-free. The Statkraft construction team will be onsite and will provide regular updates to the community through The Glenkens Gazette as well as on www.statkraft.co.uk. The team will continue to meet with the Community Councils that are members of the Community Liaison Group to maintain communication during construction. The most recent meeting was held in midJanuary. Doug Wilson, Project Communications at Statkraft said: “After six years in the pipeline, it’s great to get the project underway. We commit to working with local communities to achieve a smooth construction process and will be keeping everyone updated with progress through The Glenkens Gazette.” The project will deliver a fund of approximately £216,000 per year for community groups and initiatives, and discussions around how this will be managed are also underway. For more information, see www.statkraft.co.uk/powergeneration Glenkens Gazette page 19 The Glenkens & District Trust Following on from the first round of awards for Blackcraig Wind Farm, the trustees have been looking to the future and taking steps to arrange the next round of grantmaking and to finalise a Community Action Plan for the area. Some of us met Sebastian Watson of Blackcraig Wind Farm (Scotland) Ltd in early December, for a review meeting, which went well. The company are happy with the approach we took to the awards and are pleased that money had now been released to community groups. They are planning to organise an Open Day at Blackcraig in late spring to allow local people to visit the site and we will let you know as soon as a date has been confirmed. Sebastian Watson also confirmed that payment of the next tranche of community benefit funds would be made in May. The Community Councils in our area will receive the same lump sum as in the previous round, with the majority of the balance going into the main fund for distribution. As reported in the last Glenkens Gazette we are developing a Community Action Plan (CAP). We have commissioned independent consultants, Community Enterprise, to carry out this work and they held a workshop with representatives of community groups and other service providers in early December which was well supported with over 35 people in attendance. Two community engagement events are scheduled for 6 February at The Smiddy in Balmaclellan, at 3-5pm and then 7-9pm. The objective of this work is to produce a concise document that sets out a clear vision for the wider area with priorities, either projects or service provision, that are supported by local people and a timeline for achieving them. This document will be backed up by a detailed report giving the underlying data and evidence for these priorities, which should be aspirational but also deliverable. This report will be available for community groups across the area to use to support funding applications, either to the Blackcraig fund or to other funding bodies. In addition, we in the Glenkens & District Trust will also use the output of the CAP to enable us to review our fund strategy and identify priorities to enable us to allocate money as effectively as possible in the longterm interests of the community and to meet identified community needs. The emerging themes so far are: • isolated groups need to work together more effectively • Developing community assets and spaces, and our wider environment • Economic regeneration, jobs, tourism and local wealth creation Gordon McAdam New Galloway Golf Club Founded 1902 www.nggc.co.uk - 01644 420737 Buggies now available for hire VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME Plumbing & Heating • Addressing climate change • Sustainability, local energy and improving transport and housing We want to discuss these themes and agree specific fundable projects which could potentially address them. It would be great if you could attend the event. Places are limited and can be booked ahead at www.glenkens-cap.eventbrite.co.uk We appreciate that attendance may not be possible for some of you so please get in touch for further information or to contribute ideas douglas@communityenterprise.co.uk HOUSE REPAIRS JOINERY 22 Kirkland Street St John‛s Town of Dalry Semi-retired Furniture Maker & Builder in GLENKENS AREA 01644 430 393 07834 321 789 Call Pete on 07970 462 088 ...special rates for inclusion of tea, cake and friendly banter... Glenkens Gazette page 20 TECHNOLOGY EXPLAINED: TELEVISION For this article, I thought that I would tackle the subject of Television (or TV). Years ago, when things were still analogue, this was very simple; you had a TV set and an aerial on the roof and that was it. Then it all went digital. Nowadays, to get basic free-to-view TV service (conveniently called ‘Freeview’) you either need a newer TV with its own digital tuner or, if you still have one of the older TVs, you will need a digital decoder (aka set-top-box) but in both cases you will need to connect to a rooftop TV aerial. Freeview generally provides about 70 channels but unfortunately, in the Glenkens, we have a limited service from a relay transmitter so you may only get about 20 channels. Cable TV is not available in the area so I won’t cover that further. Satellite TV is the next obvious alternative. You will need a satellite dish and in the centre of it is the LNB (I’ll come back to that later). There are two main flavours of satellite TV, Freesat or Sky. With Freesat you will need to buy a set top decoder (unless your TV has one builtin). Decoder boxes come with or without a built-in recorder – but they can all be a bit fiddly. With Sky you will also need one of their decoders (these are simpler) and, generally speaking, you will need to pay a subscription but you will be able to record programmes as well and, of course, you get far more channels. There is also or you may be able to connect to any one a non-subscription (ie free) service from of the available devices such as a Roku Sky, confusingly called ‘Freesat from Sky’; box, Google Chromecast or PlayStation 4. you will need to provide your own Sky box If you have a computer or tablet with an (you can buy these cheaply on eBay) but HDMI socket and your TV also has such Sky disables the recorder if you don’t pay a socket, you can connect the two via a subscription so you will only be able to a cable, select what you want to watch watch live programs. on your device and watch it on the big The latest generation of Sky boxes is screen. For any of these internet services called Sky Q (subscription only) and this is you will need a minimum 3MB of available far more capable, you can record up to six broadband to watch in Standard Definition, programs at the same time and there is a 5MB to watch in HD and 25MB for the multi-room option where you can connect latest 4K sets. See previous article for info several TVs in your house to watch on Broadband. different programs at the same time. Sky Finally, please remember, that if you Q uses a completely different type of LNB watch live TV, however you receive it, you which is not compatible with previous will need a TV licence. Sky boxes or Freesat. If you already have Paul Goodwin Freesat or any version of Sky before Sky Q, check your LNB. If you have one with only one or two outputs, a quick cheap upgrade is to swap it for a quad LNB (four sockets), you can then run additional cables from the other sockets to an additional Freesat or Freesat from Sky box to connect to a second TV with no additional subscription to pay. Finally, there are a whole host of internet-based TV services, some are free but most are subscription; they include Netflix, Amazon Prime, Now TV, BBC iPlayer and YouTube. You can watch these directly on your Laptop computer running BBC iPlayer, computer or tablet but modern smart TVs can often run the App you need, showing on TV via HDMI cable Glenkens Gazette page 21 First Ever Kirkcudbright Book Week The programme has been announced for the first ever Kirkcudbright Book Week, which will run from Monday 2 to Friday 6 March. The week is designed to celebrate the developing literary scene in Kirkcudbright and the wider Dumfries & Galloway area and includes a series of mainly free events featuring authors from the area. Writers appearing over the week include children’s author Alan McClure, poet Chrys Salt, crime writers Jackie Baldwin, Ian Patrick and John Dean, who is also a children’s author, novelist Jessie M Page and The Gallery Writers, plus art historian Dr Jo Chapman Campbell, who will examine The Glasgow Boys in an event at Broughton House. The week includes a celebration of World Book Day at Kircudbright Library on Thursday 5 March for younger writers and readers and at Broughton House the day before. Also, an event held on Tuesday 3 March at 11am at The Galleries in St Mary Street will see extracts read from a new book. Kirkcudbright-based Gallery Writers have been inspired by the creative possibilities offered by the history of Crossmichael. Funded by the Board of the newly-established Crossmichael Heritage Centre, they have come together to create a collection of prose and poetry currently being compiled and will read extracts. Kirkcudbright Book Week has been organised by a number of organisations and venues, which are featured in the programme. Chris Walker, from the Selkirk Arms, one of the venues hosting events, said: “This is another string to the bow of Kirkcudbright, a marvellous itinerary which should bring book enthusiasts from all over the region and wider. We’re lucky to have so many talented authors living and working in Dumfries and Galloway.” Another organisation supporting the book week is Dumfries and Galloway Council and Councillor Andy Ferguson, Chair of the Council’s Communities Committee, said: “We’re delighted to support the Kirkcudbright Book Week by providing facilities to allow it to take place. This sort of community event is exactly the type of inclusive event that our council looks to support communities in our region to run and is a fantastic example of community empowerment in action.” Councillor John Martin, Vice Chair of the Communities Committee, said: “The Kirkcudbright Book Week is something else for the community of Kirkcudbright to get their teeth into. We have seen through the Festival of Light, the Tour of Britain and other community events that the town of Kirkcudbright is a fabulous host of such events. I wish the organisers all Local crime writer Ian Patrick. the very best and would encourage all our locals, and visitors to check out the book week for themselves.” Author John Dean, who lives in the area and is one of the organisers, said: “Kirkcudbright and the surrounding area is home to some talented writers and the book week is designed to celebrate their work. It should be exciting.” Find out more at www.kirkcud brightbookweek.org or contact John Dean on 07889 554931 or deangriss@btinternet.com SCOTLAND’S WORDS OF FREEDOM One of the most famous documents in Scottish history, The Declaration of Arbroath, will be the subject of the next Glenkens Story lecture. The Declaration of Arbroath: 700 Years On will be the title of a lecture by Professor Ted Cowan during which he will describe how this document, dating from the Scottish Wars of Independence, has influenced the history of many nations. He says: "This famous text of 1320 has been called the Scottish Declaration of Independence but is surely much more. It continues to radiate universal ideas about freedom and constitutionalism shared in countries worldwide which revere democracy. It is as profound as it is unique." Many Americans, for example, believe their Declaration of Independence edition of which will appear in 2020 was based upon that of Arbroath. published by Birlinn. Both the US and Canada now annually The Glenkens Story lecture will be commemorate ‘Tartan Day’ on 6 April, delivered at 2.30pm on Saturday the date of the document. 7 March at the CatStrand. Tickets The lecture will address how such priced £5 are available from sophisticated ideas, for example, www.catstrand.com and 01644 the sovereignty of the people, were 420374. confidently articulated so early in such an allegedly remote and apparently insignificant little country as Scotland. Ted Cowan has lectured on the Declaration in New Zealand, Australia, Canada and the United States. He is the author of For Freedom Alone, a fourth Bruce’s Statue, photograph © Stirling Council Glenkens Gazette page 22 GLENKENS PLACE NAMES: PART TWO This is the second instalment of a Gazette series by Michael Ansell, from New Galloway, looking at Glenkens placenames and their history. As mentioned in the first article on Glenkens place-names, I will use the restricted definition of the Glenkens, the parishes of Carsphairn, Dalry, Kells and Balmaclellan. This edition will focus on what the parish names and that of the Glenkens overall might signify. Let’s take the name of the valley, ‘The Glenkens’ first. In early records it appears as Glenken, the terminal ‘s’ representing a later Scots plural, probably reflecting that the area is made up of several parishes. This would stand for Gaelic Gleann a’ Chean, valley of the river Ken, a river name that potentially pre-dates the arrival of Gaelic to the district. River names tend to be very conservative and can survive several language changes relatively unscathed. If so what might ‘Ken’ mean? Gilbert Márkus (Galloway Glens placenames project) suggests a Brittonic origin from can, ‘bright, shining, white’ or cant, ‘boundary, border, edge’. Alternatively Alan James has suggested that it might be connected with Gaelic ceann, ‘head, David Tallontire CHIMNEY SWEEP Covering the Glenkens & further afield 07709 144 299 - wood burners - mul�-fuel stoves - open fires - Agas - Rayburns - birds nest removal with CCTV inspec�on - cer�ficates issued - feel free to call for advice - Find me on Facebook end’ as in Ceann Mòr, ‘big head’, perhaps referring to the prominent mound the castle is built on. Dalry (in 1276, Dalri) is most likely derived from Gaelic Dail Righ, ‘king’s field or holm’ This would presumably refer originally to what is now called the Holm of Dalry. When I was growing up in the Glenkens, Dalry was frequently simply referred to as The Clachan, from Gaelic clachan, ‘kirktoun’. It might be interesting to St John’s Chair, which sits at the top of Dalry, at the junction speculate as to who where the road towards Moniaive leaves the village. the ‘king’ was that gave rise to the name Dail Righ. notably Glen Dochart. It is intriguing that there are The parish name Kells is a tricky possible elements of a ‘royal’ one but perhaps the most likely inaugural assemblage in and around derivation is from Gaelic Coille, Dalry which tends to support the ‘woodland’ plus as suffix, meaning place-name derivation mentioned ‘place of’, thus ‘place of woods’. above. Firstly there is Dalry Motte Carsphairn is from Gaelic Cars which may have been the seat of Feàrna, ‘alder haugh’ . Cars is an a native Gaelic chieftan, following element borrowed into Galloway the architectural style of the Gaelic from Scots carse and is the Norman motte. Then there is the generic place-name element in font or possible bullaun stone in many local place-names such as the kirkyaird and possibly the most Carsfad or ‘long haugh’. For the interesting component, the rough avoidance of doubt, Carsphairn seat known as St John’s Chair. This has nothing at all to do with the seat, which looks like it is composed place-name Keresban recorded in of waterwashed stone from the the Melrose Charters in the 12th River Ken is somewhat similar in Century. This matter has confused appearance to royal inaugural seats numerous academics over the years in Ireland such as that of the Ó including Professor Geoffrey Barrow. Neill at Castlereagh in Ulster. These Keresban was near Polnessan, near inauguration seats were normally present day Patna in East Ayrshire. situated on small mounds and Carsphairn is of course mentioned perhaps the Dalry one originally (as was Dalry and other Glenkens sat on Knockensee, Gaelic Cnocan places) in the Gaelic song Òran suidhe, ‘small seat-mound’ just Bagraidh, ‘a song of defiance’ across the river on Waterside farm. supposedly the only surviving piece Is this the Glenkens’ own Lia Fàil, or of Galloway Gaelic literature. The Stone of Destiny? jury is still very much out on its Balmaclellan is on record from authenticity however. 1380 and is derived from Gaelic Baile Mhic Gill’ Fhaolain, ‘settlement Information, thoughts and ideas of the son of the devotee of St. from a number of experts in the Fillan’. MacGill’ Fhaolain gave rise field of language and history have to the surname MacLellan, common been used in this article - please in Galloway. The saint’s name itself get in touch if you would like further means ‘wolf-cub’ and cults relating information on these background to Faolan existed in several parts resources at of Scotland as well as Galloway, glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 23 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN Loch Doon Castle The importance of the route through Glenkens in medieval times is highlighted by the presence of Threave Castle to the south and Loch Doon Castle just over the Ayrshire border. Thus the glen was protected by formidable defensive structures at each end. It is thought that it was built by Robert Bruce or his father in the thirteenth century when it was known as Balloch Castle, an interesting name since in Gaelic a balloch is a pass, often where the waters of a loch flow into a river or stream as in Balloch Loch Lomond and Balloch Loch Tay. Loch Doon came to mind recently when a newspaper cutting fell out of one of my books. It was from The Evening Times, Saturday 29 July, 1939, written by someone who called himself ‘Wayfarer’, which means one who travels on foot. He failed to mention that the Countess of Carrick is said to have abducted Bruce Senior, forcing him to marry her, an interesting reversal of the more familiar tales concerning male kidnappers. One of their sons was King Robert, about whom we will be hearing a great deal this year as it marks the seven-hundredth anniversary of a document known as The Declaration of Arbroath, dated 6 April 1320, an emotive appeal to freedom and independence which is now admired worldwide. It also introduced the idea of the sovereignty of the people with the full support of the king. From Doon, King Robert could easily reach the main Bruce headquarters at Turnberry while preserving access to the Clyde, Stirling and beyond. The castle was subsequently in the hands of Gille Brighde of Carrick, the Doon now run in two directions, north down picturesque Ness Glen and south towards Carsphairn. The scenery around the loch is stunning, especially towards the Galloway Hills. The burns in this part of Scotland are called ‘lanes’, Gala Lane, Carrick Lane and Elgin Lane. Places with such names as ‘Wee Hill of Craigmulloch’ demand to be conquered! The Hydro introduced elaborate salmon ladders on Doon, based on a system of ascending spirals like those on the Dee at Tongland. Another attraction is provided by the Ospreys. When Wayfarer wrote in 1939 he was fully aware that a number of military installations were introduced to the loch during the First World War but it also experienced activity when the Second War broke out. Roswell MacTavish of the Royal Canadian Airforce was killed when he crashed in the woods near the loch. In 1941 Frantisek Heki of 312 (Czechoslovak) Squadron RAF was killed on a training flight when his Spitfire hit the loch. The plane was not recovered until 1982; it was restored and is on display at Dumfries and Galloway Aviation Museum, Heathhall. A welcome addition is the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory. Ted Cowan “...this year...marks the seven-hundredth anniversary of a document known as The Declaration of Arbroath...an emotive appeal to freedom and independence which is now admired worldwide.” Kennedies, the MacLellans and the Douglases but it was suppressed by James V. In 1935, ahead of the raising of the loch level 27 feet for hydro storage purposes, the structure on Castle Island was moved to the lochside. Wayfarer was rather taken with a camper’s information that the result was two castles – the reerected structure that is the one now accessible to the public and the sadly diminished ruins on the island, but it was an enlightened initiative for its time. The new scheme was duly completed so that the waters of Family and friends coming to stay? Short of space? Cosy country cottage available (sleeps 4) Call Fiona on 01644 420 227 Loch Doon Castle © 2019 www.CastlesFortsBattles.co.uk www.covenanters-holidaycottagescotland.co.uk Glenkens Gazette Gazette Glenkens World Day of Prayer World Day of Prayer is an international, ecumenical movement of Christian women which is celebrated every year on the first Friday in March. WANTED House to Rent Three-bedroom house urgently needed to rent in the Dalry, New Galloway, Balmaclellan area. Contact: 07388 540505 Over 170 countries round the world take part, bringing together people from different races, cultures and traditions. Each year, the service is prepared by a different country which means that people from all over the world learn about the culture, and problems that women face, in that country. Here in the Glenkens, World Day of Prayer has been jointly organised for many years now by the Church page 24 24 page of Scotland Guilds of Balmaclellan, Carsphairn, Dalry and Kells, and St Margaret’s Ladies Guild in New Galloway. This year it will be held at St Margaret’s on Friday 6 March at 2pm in the afternoon. Please see posters nearer the time for more details. This year World Day of Prayer has been prepared by the women of Zimbabwe under the theme ‘Rise! Take your mat and walk’. It is always a moving and interesting service and all are welcome, men as well as women! FUNDS FOR WATERAID The congregation of St Margaret’s, New Galloway, always choose an international charity to support through their Christmas collections and this time it was WaterAid. This UK based international charity works to make clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene normal for everyone, everywhere. Since it started in 1981, WaterAid has changed lives across the world by providing clean water and toilets to over 27 million people. The Treasurer of St Margaret’s, Cathy Agnew, says: “I’m delighted to report that due to the generosity of our Christmas congregations we have been able to send a cheque for £892 to WaterAid”. Glenkens Gazette page 25 Glenkens Gazette page 26 FEBRUARY & MARCH FEBRUARY Sat 1, Ceilidh, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall, tickets from Balmaclellan Store or ailsmalone@aol.com Sat 1, Ken Words: Donald Watson Writing Workshop, 2-4pm, The Smiddy, Balmaclellan Sun 2, Dalry Police Station Drop-in, 67.30pm Tue 4, Exhibition on Screen: Lucien Freud - A Self Portrait , 7.30pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Sat 8, Film Screening & Ceilidh, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall, see front page Sat 8, Glenkens Farmers Market, 10am12.30pm, Dalry Town Hall, see p6 Sun 9, RANT, 2.30pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Thu 13, Stewartry Birdwatchers Talk: Shiant Isles: Increase in Birds After Removal of Rats by Tom Churchyard, 7.30pm, Kells School, New Galloway Thu 20, SWANC Talk: What Can I Do About the Climate Emergency? 7.30pm, Ken Bridge Hotel, see p5 Sat 22, Dark Sky Jazz: Julian Arguelles Quartet, 7.30pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Sun 23, FILM: Plastic China, 2pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Thu 27, LING AGM, 7pm, New Galloway Town Hall Thu 27, Our Kind: Once Upon a Planet, 7pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Sat 29, Family-friendly Bingo Session, 4-6pm, New Galloway Town Hall MARCH Mon 2-Fri 6, Kirkcudbright Book Week, see p21 Tue 3, Dalry Police Station Drop-in, 1011.30am Thu 5, NGCE Ltd AGM, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall, see p3 Sat 7, GCT Bus Trip: Glasgow, see p25 Sat 7, Jumble Sale, 2-5pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall Sat 7, Glenkens Story: The Declaration of Arbroath, 2.30pm, CatSTrand, New Galloway Sun 8, Confluence the World: Visions, Stories & Music for International Women's Day, 7.30pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Wed 11, Dalry Film Club: Mary Queen of Scots, 7.30pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Thu 12, Stewartry Birdwatchers Talk: Birding in the Balearics by Norman Elkins, 7.30pm, Kells School, New Galloway Fri 13, Croft and Pearce, 7.30pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Sat 14, Glenkens Farmers Market, 10am-12.30pm, Dalry Town Hall, see p6 Sun 15, Duo 53: Sophie Rocks and Sam Rodwell, 2.30pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Thu 19, SWANC Talk: Wonderful Places for Wildlife, 7.30pm, Ken Bridge Hotel, see p5 Fri 20, CatStrand Youth Players: Festival Plays, 7pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Sat 21, Ken Words Poetry Walk: Poll Madaidh on the Pack Road – arriving and departing CatStrand, 1-5pm, call 01644 420374 to book (12 places available) Sat 21, Yorkston Thorne Khan, 7.30pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Fri 27, Siobhan Miller, 7.30pm, Crossmichael Hall Sat 28, Feast of Fools, 2pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Sat 28, GCT Bus Trip: Carlisle, see p25 Sat 28, Newcastle University Showcase: Janice Burns and Jon Doran, 7.30pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Sun 29, Clare Hammond, 2.30pm, CatStrand, New Galloway APRIL Thu 2, Dalry Police Station Drop-in, 1011.30am Thu 2, Stewartry Birdwatchers Members’ Night on the theme of Scottish Islands, 7.30pm, Kells School, New Galloway Fri 3, Children's Quiz Night, 6pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall, (may be subject to change, please look out for posters locally) LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUPS Glenkens Community Shop: Contact Shirley McNaught on 07955 743 022 or drop by the charity shop on Main Street, Dalry Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING): Contact Ros Hill on ros.hill@rathanhouse.co.uk Dalry Communities Properties Trust (DCPT): Contact Andi Holmes on andiholmes@hotmail.com or 07729 292 126 Dalry Town Hall: Contact Jim Reid on 01644 430231 or jamescreid@hotmail.co.uk New Galloway Community Enterprises (NGCE): Contact Sam Rushton on 07741 656601 or samCEW@newgallowaycommunity.shop or pop into New Galloway Community Shop Balmaclellan Community Trust: Contact Julia Higgins on julia.higgins55@outlook.com CatStrand: Contact Chris Jowsey at chris@catstrand.com 01644 420 374 or pop in to the CatStrand Schools: Pop into the school office or call Dalry Primary on 01644 430 105 (for Nursery/ELC too), Dalry Secondary on 01644 430 259 or Kells on 01644 420 340 Carsphairn Heritage Group: carsphairnheritagegroup@ gmail.com Bright Stars - Glenkens Community Nursery: Contact glenkenscommunitynursery@gmail.com Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership (GGLP): Contact McNabb Laurie on mcnabb.laurie@dumgal.gov.uk If you would like to add your community organisation to this list please get in touch with the Gazette - contact details are on the back page. Glenkens Gazette page 27 REGULAR EVENTS CatStrand, New Galloway: Film Makers’ Club, Mon 7-8.30pm Exercise to Music: Mon 9.30-10.30am MMM Adult Colours & Dance: 2.30pm-3.30pm MMM Health, Play & Creative Movement: 3-7yrs, Mon (term-time) 3.45-4.30pm MMM Children’s Grades & Youth Dance: 8-16yrs, Mon (term-time) 4.30-5.30pm Youth Volunteer Meet-up, 1st Tues of the month, 6-8pm, FREE PIZZA Choreographic Skills Lab, Mon (term-time) 7-8.30pm, ages 12-18 Animation Club, Tues 4-6pm (starts 12 Feb then fortnightly) Gentle Tai Chi: Wed 10am Wendletrap Tai Chi, Wed 2-3.30pm Game Tech, last Wed each month, 68pm Writers’ Cafe, 2nd Thurs each month 7-9pm Sing it Out, Thurs 11am -12pm CatStrand Ukes, 1st & 3rd Thurs each month, 1–3.30pm Yoga, Tues 6.30-7.30pm & Thurs 9.1510.45am Zumba Gold, Fri (term-time) 9.30Family Film Club, 10.30am, CatStrand, 16+ Family Film Club, sensory friendly 6-7.30pm & Guides 6-8.15pm Yoga, Wed 5.50-6.45pm, for info call Carylann on 07817 400 287 Brownies, Thurs 6-7.30pm Kickback Martial Arts, Thurs 6-7pm for children, 7-9pm for adults New Galloway Town Hall: Glenkens Art Workshop, Mon 2-4pm during term-time LING Elevenses & Lunches, Tues 11am-2pm Fast Broadband Access, Tues 11am2pm Help is at Hand, Tues 2-4.30pm, drop-in session for IT support with benefit/job applications, etc The World is at Your Fingertips, Tues 4.30-6.30pm, build confidence with laptop, tablet or phone - all ages - dropin or book a half-hour session (07895 457923). Extra IT Sessions, 4.30-6.30pm through Jan & Feb Table Tennis & Carpet Bowls, Tues 7-9pm Circuits, Tues 5.30-6.30pm Zumba, Wed 7.30-8.30pm, 11+ Circuits, Sat 8-9am Various Locations: Badminton, Mon 4-9pm & Sat 9am12noon, for info contact Kath on 07811 957 576 Bright Stars Nursery, Tues, Wed & Thurs 9am-3pm Brownies & Guides, Tues, Brownies Hatha Yoga, Mon 10-11.15am, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn Carsphairn Post Office, Wed 1.15-3pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn Dalry WI, 3rd Tues each month 2pm, Dalry Town Hall (except Jun, Jul & Aug) Beavers, Tues 6–7.15pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Dog Training, Tues & Thurs 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. Contact: Eric 460 670 Mossdale Painters, Wed 9.30am, Mossdale Village Hall Chat, Cuppa & a Cake, Wed 10am- Balmaclellan Community Council Meetings: Last Monday each month, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall Carsphairn Community Council Meetings: Last Monday each month, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn. Dalry Community Council Meetings: 1st Monday each month, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. New Galloway & Kells Community Council Meetings: 2nd Monday each month, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall. film screenings, 4pm, last Friday of the month Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry: Glenkens Community Councils Full minutes of local Community Council meetings can be viewed at Dalry Library. CHURCH TIMES CHURCH OF SCOTLAND: Sunday Services: Balmaclellan 10am: 1st. Carsphairn 11.15am: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th. Dalry 10am: 2nd, 4th. Kells 10am: 3rd. Kells 10.30am: 5th (Mar). Special Services/Events: Fellowship Dinner, Kenbridge Hotel, 3 Feb, 7.15pm. Speaker from Mission Aviation Fellowship. Holy Communion, Kells Church, 16 Feb, 10am. Beetle Drive, Dalry Town Hall, Fri 28 Feb, 7pm. World Day of Prayer Service, St Margaret’s Church, New Galloway, Fri 6 Mar, 2.30pm. Holy Communion, Carsphairn Church, 15 Mar, 11.15am. Fellowship Dinner, Kenbridge Hotel, 30 Mar, 7.15pm; Gary Brough on Malawi. SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH: St Margaret’s, New Galloway: Holy Communion, 10.30am every Sun & Wed. CATHOLIC CHURCH SERVICES: Kirkcudbright: Sun Mass, 9.30am. Dalbeattie: Sat Mass, 5pm. 2.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall Community Choir, Wed 3.30-4.30pm, music room, Dalry Secondary School Cub Scouts, Wed 6.45-8pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Gentle Dru Yoga, Wed 7.30-9pm & Thu 12.30–2pm, Laurieston Village Hall, contact 450269 Youth Writing, 1st Thurs each month (during term time) 3.30-5pm, ages 1015, Dalry Library Kettlebells, Balmaclellan Village Hall, Thurs 6-7pm Carsphairn SWI, 3rd Thurs of the month, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn, for further info call Christine on 01644 460 577 Coffee & Craft, Fri 9am-12noon, Lagwyne Hall Folk Music Session, 4th Fri each month 7.30/8pm till closing, Ken Bridge Hotel Gentle Tai Chi, Fri 10-11am, Dalry Town Hall Golf Junior Coaching, Sat 10-11: 30am, New Galloway Golf Course, see p8 Restoring Footpaths, Sat 10am-1pm, phone 420 632 to confirm Junior Golf & Come-and-Try for all ages, New Galloway Golf Course, Sat 10am Yoga and Meditation Evening, every 3rd Sunday of the month, 7p-9pm, Drumwhill, Mossdale. Contact Rachael 01644 450269 to book. Men’s Shed, Old Smiddy, Balmaclellan. Opening times: Mon 9.30am-4pm & 6.30-8.30pm; Wed 9.30am-1pm & woodcarving from 2-4pm; Fri 9.30am12noon. Clatteringshaws Lochside Cafe, 11am-3pm, 7 days a week Dalry Library Tuesdays 10.30am-2pm Fridays 11am-4.30pm For further informa�on contact Castle Douglas library on 01556 502 643 USEFUL NUMBERS: ● Pot-hole Hotline: 0845 276 0000 ● Police, non-emergency: 101 ● Doctor: 01644 420 234 ● NHS 24: 08454 24 24 24 ● D&G Council: 030 33 33 3000 Glenkens Gazette page 28 Dalry Secondary School Parent Council Prospectus Dalry School Parent Council (PC) are so thrilled with their wee school that they have produced their very own prospectus for the Secondary School. With cuts to the regional education budget being what we mostly hear about at the moment, as well as new larger schools being built and a bigger-is-better approach to the general feel of UK education today, Dalry parents felt it was time to shout about the amazing and unique benefits of the small rural high school. With small class sizes, enthusiastic teachers, rolling green vistas stretching as far as the eye can see from classroom windows, good subject choices and an allround nurturing family feel to the school, what more could you really ask for as an academic setting for your child? PC Chair, Dr Ian Johnston, said: "Dalry Secondary school occupies a very special place in the hearts of people from Dalry itself, New Galloway, Balmaclellan and the wider Glenkens. Pupils benefit from the family feel of a small school with a full curriculum while links with Castle Douglas High School ensure that they have access to a larger community as well. Unfortunately the school is not as well known as it could be, despite being only twenty minutes from Castle Douglas, so the Parent Council has produced our prospectus in hope of drawing in more pupils, from both the local area and further afield. It really is too good a school to keep to ourselves.” ROWAN HOLIDAY COTTAGE You can view the prospectus online at www.dalryschoolparentc ouncil.wordpress.com or please drop us an email if you would like a hard copy sent out to you dalryschoolpc@outlook. com. There are also copies available in shops around the Glenkens. GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE The Surgery High Street New Galloway 4 Star Rated - Sleeps Six Dog friendly - Private Parking Secluded Garden FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL 07503 958 710 01644 420234 WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Submit events, activities, news stories, cartoons, reviews, tips & techniques, fiction, photos, ads or ideas... 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No. 882 8361 87 Design & co-ordination: Sarah Ade sarah.ade@gmail.com Printing:Stranraer & Wigtownshire Free Press www.stranraer-freepress.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 116 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GG_116 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 2020 Description An account of the resource Editor: Sarah Ade