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Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Description An account of the resource <p>Find out more about the Gazette: <a href="https://glenkens.scot/gazette-home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Glenkens Gazette home page</a> If you would like to submit an article or take out an advert, please email the editor Sarah Ade: <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="mailto:glenkensgazette@hotmail.com">glenkensgazette@hotmail.com</a></p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is a member of, and regulated by <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.impressorg.com/">Impress</a>.</p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is an initiative of Glenkens Community &amp; Arts Trust (SC032050) and represents the voice of the community (not necessarily the views of GCAT).</p> Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document GLENKENS GAZETTE News from Balmaclellan, Carsphairn, Mossdale, New Galloway and St John’s Town of Dalry April/May 2018 ISSUE 105 FREE A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR GLENKENS CHILDCARE The future for child daycare provision in the Glenkens is looking a lot brighter these days – thanks to funding from Natural Power, Glenkens Charity Shop, Cash for Kids and local community support. A new name and revised operating hours for the existing Glenkens Children’s Club Playgroup mean that the extended service will have so much more to offer in the coming months. From August, the group will become the Bright Stars Glenkens Community Nursery, providing funded places for eligible 2 year-olds and all 35 year-olds as well as private Current GCC Playgroup children with staff and parents. wrap-around childcare. This will be for morning, afternoon and full day (9am to 3pm) sessions with a pick-up service available from Dalry School Nursery and lunch options. An Open Morning and Early Learning and Childcare Registration will take place on 18 and 19 April at the Glenkens Community Centre in Dalry where there will be the opportunity to meet staff and explore the future of Bright Stars. Continued on p3... Youth Players Win at Drama Festival The CatStrand Youth Players' performance bagged them a first at the Stewartry District SCDA Youth Festival. Exit Stage Left, written by Geoff Bamber and directed by Zoe Kirkpatrick, was the deserved winning entry, performed at The Fullarton in Castle Douglas this February, and for the fifth time CatStrand Youth Players would represent Stewartry District at the West of Scotland Finals. The play is a cleverly written comedy piece and Zoe and her young cast certainly squeezed every ounce of comedy from the piece of work” was his summing up script. Unfortunately they didn’t of the production. progress to the Scottish Final but Continued on p21... performed very well in Stewarton against the five other winning plays from the West of Scotland Division and the adjudicator praised the cast’s excellent comedy timing and teamwork. He said that there wasn’t a weak link in the cast and the direction was clever and considered. “All in CatStrand Youth Players performing Exit Stage Left all, a very strong © Ruari Barber-Fleming A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) ini�a�ve www.glenkensgaze�e.co.uk Glenkens Gazette A page 2 GLENKENS WINTER Articles contributed to the Glenkens Gazette do not reflect the opinions of the paper. The Gazette stays neutral on local, political, religious and any other issues, providing a platform for members of the Glenkens communities to share their thoughts, views and opinions. Glenkens Gazette page 3 New Galloway Shop Moves New Galloway’s Community Shop will be in temporary premises from the end of March. The business will be operating from Kitty’s Tearoom, further up the High Street. The move will allow renovation of the shop to start, followed by the conversion of the adjoining house into two selfcatering flats. Mike Brown, Chair of New Galloway Community Enterprises Ltd (NGCE), says, "We are very grateful to Sylvia Brown for renting us the premises, which were once a grocer’s shop many years ago. We aim to provide as normal a service as possible with our opening hours remaining unchanged." Lynsey Hogg, General Retail Manager, says, "We are looking forward to welcoming our customers into our temporary premises while the renovation work begins. Business will remain as usual and we will continue to offer our healthy recipe cards, seasonal fruit and veg selection and wide range of local produce." As Project Manager Helen Keron explains, the alterations to our building, funded primarily by the Big Lottery, will result in a business that is completely fit for purpose and compliant as a stand-alone AGM Defies the Weather NGCE held its AGM at the start of March in New Galloway Town Hall. Although the so-called ‘Beast from the East’ was still being felt, more than 40 members (shareholders) braved the weather and turned up in a heartening show of support. The Chair reported on a remarkable year. Only 12 months earlier the last store in the village was within a month of closing. NGCE was awaiting a delayed decision on its funding application to the Big Lottery to buy the house and shop and had been told there was only a 50 per cent chance of success. And, even if successful, it faced the daunting task of raising £20K in shares and more than doubling the membership before any award would be released. However, within a few weeks the successful award had been announced. The share offer had been launched and was well on the way to exceeding its target reaching over £24K by the end of the financial year. And, in a splendid show of solidarity from residents and friends of New Galloway, membership rose from 80 to over 250 shareholders (of whom two thirds live in the community). Several local shop and back office, plus two independent self-catering flats to let on the tourist market. A lot of the time in the renovation will be spent on ensuring disabled access, fire safety and sound insulation, as well as complete electrical re-wiring and central heating installation. The shop will move back in after approximately three months and the self-catering flats will take an estimated further three months. By autumn 2018 we should have a low-maintenance, energy-efficient community asset that will provide a sustainable income for the village for many years to come. Luce Bay Construction from Wigtown are carrying out the renovation for us. organisations are among the shareholders. The property was purchased in July and the shop opened for business with Lynsey Hogg as General Retail Manager. Longer opening hours and an increasing range of stock has seen the business build steadily. Although renovation plans fell behind schedule, the contract went out to tender at the end of 2017 and, as reported above, work is due to start in April. Another key development has been the appointment of Sam Rushton as Community Engagement Worker. The creation of this post was a key element on NGCE’s Big Lottery bid. News of her early initiatives appears elsewhere in this issue. Continued from front page... In the meantime, from May, the Playgroup will be increasing its current service from three mornings a week to morning, afternoon and full day provision (9am-3pm) for 2-5 year olds with eligible 2 year-old funded places and 2-5 year-old private places as they prepare for the launch of Bright Stars. For more information please contact glenkenscommunity nursery@gmail.com or 07511 549413 and follow the group on Facebook @BrightStarsGlenkens The Glenkens ELC also offers two other services – Glenkens Baby & Toddler Group (Facebook @GlenkensBabyToddler), a stay-and-play session for parents/carers and their children on Fridays 10am12noon, and a Holiday Club for 0-12 year-olds and their parents/carers. The next Holiday Club will run from July-August – keep an eye out for the Summer Flyer. Glenkens Gazette page 4 sponsored by EVERYTHING listed in the Glenkens Freecycle section is FREE - you just need to contact the owner and go and pick it up! If you would like to list something on this page, please get in touch with Sarah on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk VARIOUS Folding bed with mattress suitable for occasional use for a child. Not suitable for adults. Contact: Trevor on 440 683 Water pipe, blue plastic, 25mm diameter, 14m long. Contact:420 267 Contact: 430 031 Hutch for hamster or mouse, 28cm x 38cm x 24cm, good condition, with wheel, wee house, ball, water bottle and separate travel pod. Contact: 430 218 Beech effect worktop, good condition, 154cm x 60cm, call 430218 WANTED Workshop/shed space with electricity, to rent for creative projects 2/3 days a week. Contact: 07967 959511 Old bike for Carsphairn Primary School to fit to a dynamo. Contact: Carsphairn Primary on 460 269 3 entire and 2 partial slabs of polystyrene insulation - 240mm x 120 x 10. Pull-out washing line - 5 wires, 20m drying space - in original box. 2 large reels of twisted plastic wire - several metres. Kodak 3250 all in one printer/scanner with spare ink. Table-top vice fully adjustable, for small craft jobs. Singer sewing machine, 45 years old but still working. Contact: 430 218 Following the great success of the Gardens of Excellence excursions in 2017, the GTI team has announced a new series of garden visits for this year. In May the hillside garden of Dalswinton will offer a fine display of rhododendrons and azaleas. June trips include the Victorian Garden of Capenoch near Penpont in Dumfrieshire, with its raised knot garden and wild flower woodland walks. Later in the month there’s a visit to the Romantic Woodfall Gardens © Rhoda Rugg Gardens of Glenwhan and access. Castle Kennedy which For full details and bookings visit will offer a variety of plantings for www.glenkenstransport.org or the keen gardener to copy and the telephone (01644 420374) or drop armchair gardener to admire. by the CatStrand in New Galloway. The GTI team takes a pride in As one passenger in 2017 said; “An offering these enjoyable excursions for excellent day out, good company, the communities within which we live. excellent gardens, tea and cake, Local pick-up points are available and a low-floor bus is used for easy what’s not to like!” Flymo multi trim 250 electric strimmer; Small Flymo electric power hoe; Three elements for a Dimplex storage radiator - Part number XT8321. Contact: Fiona on 07789 903 127 Used postage stamps for horse charity. Drop off at 3 Midtown, Dalry, or call 07563 718 011. Thanks to everyone who donated them over Christmas. Old sideboard-type cupboard. Any condition. Contact: 07707 932 755 or 07827 481 463 GARDENS OF EXCELLENCE The season of visits starts in April with a trip to the grand estate gardens of North Cumbria, visiting Dalmain and Hutton in the Forest with their historic gardens and panoramic landscapes. A visit in late April to the springtime garden of Dawyck, with its early season colours of trees and shrubs combined with spring bulbs, will surely lift the spirits. JENNY’S DESIGN Would you like the opportunity to have your own online business, with support from a team? Do you like healthy living and high quality skin care? Yes? Then please contact Katy Caie, Arbonne Independent Consultant, on 07756 506 496 or visit http://catrionacaie.arbonne.com Mobile Hairdresser • Home Visits • Nursing Homes & Residential • The Elderly & Disabled • Blow Drying • Setting • Perms • Cuts • Toupees • Wig Styling NVQ Level 3 Hairdressing, NVQ Level 4 Social Care Call Jenny on 07554 009 624 Glenkens Gazette page 5 sponsored by The Importance of Trees Trees are important for a number of reasons, both in the countryside and in urban environments. They have sustained us throughout the ages, providing fuel, shelter, tools and food, they are also vital for many forms of wildlife for the same reasons. In the last 50 years the removal of trees and hedges from the wider landscape has reached epic proportions. In some places there is nothing left but miles and miles of flat featureless landscape, making the area not only boring but denuded of wildlife. Trees are important for soil stability and there is evidence the fungi associated with their roots and biomass generated from trees, enriches soil health. In urban areas trees act as filters that help cut pollution and air-borne particles and give shade in hot weather. In addition they remove carbon dioxide from the air and release oxygen. A mature tree produces enough oxygen for 10 people every year. They are an effective sound barrier and can limit noise trunks. Coppicing is an ancient form of woodland management where trees are cut low to the ground and regrow round the stump. The wood was used in all kinds of ways and the cleared area lets the light in to allow the understorey to thrive. Pollarding, where all the branches are cut back to the trunk has been popular in the past, and can be useful if trying to keep the height down. Topping, or cutting the top off hardwood trees can eventually kill them, by allowing disease in, or may make them unstable, due to the tree trying to recover and producing a lot of new shoots that eventually unbalance it. If you have to cut down a tree, try and replace it, ideally with two - native species naturally! Maggie Kay [Trees] have sustained us throughout the ages, providing fuel, shelter, tools and food... pollution, as well as helping to reduce stress! Looking after trees is not usually a problem. If they are damaging property they may need to be removed or reduced in size by removing some of multiple THE GALLOWAY HERMIT LOOKS AT: CRAB APPLE TREES This month I will mostly be looking for ancient crab apple trees. In my wanderings around this ancient land of Galloway I have discovered many such venerable beauties. Lurking in the quiet neglected corners where sheep are now the only ones to roam, which makes a quiet ramble around the glens a lovely peaceful experience... Crab apples are thought to be the wild ancestor of all the common domestic varieties of apple. Its Latin name is Malus sylvestris, meaning 'apple of the forest', and it can be found frequently in quiet hedges, copices and woodland edges across Europe and SW Asia. It can grow to a mighty ten metres tall, and some of the specimens I have discovered recently easily match this. The bark is dark brown and deeply cracked into small square plates. From a distance it looks rather like an elderly Rastafarian gentleman, with a dense bushy crown of dark grey that stands out against the horizon. Once you have your 'eye in', they start to appear everywhere you look in Galloway. It is a good idea to learn to spot these trees in the winter as once they are clothed in foliage and leaves, they can easily be mistaken for their cousins the hawthorn, Crataegus monogyna. The ancient mother trees of Galloway seem to in nearly every case be in close association with cairns, ruins and rocky bluffs. It is easy to forget that until the clearances and enclosures, this was a free land, busy with human activity. These wonderful old survivors from a distant past were no doubt venerated by our ancestors; for the shade they cast, the easily-carved wood they shed and, of course, for the health-giving apples they produced. So come on people – get off the roads and into the hills! Happy hunting and keep your eyes peeled... The Galloway Hermit Glenkens Gazette page 6 Glenkens Gazette page 7 KIRK’S MODERATOR VISITS GLENKENS The Church of Scotland’s most senior figure, the Moderator of the General Assembly, has been visiting the Glenkens, meeting local people and learning about life in the area. Every year the Church of Scotland elects a Moderator to chair the annual General Assembly. For the rest of the year the Moderator represents the Church and visits many different parts of the country, often pursuing his or her particular interests. The current Moderator, the Rt Rev Dr Derek Browning, has a particular concern for the life of rural communities and their efforts to build resilience. He started his visit with an openair Conventicle outside Kells Church to celebrate the life and witness of the Covenanters. The Rev Dr David Bartholomew, parish minister, led the service with traditional Psalmsinging and worship. He then visited the CatStrand see locally sourced items for sale, to hear of the work of Glenkens too,” he commented. Community & Arts Trust. “It is After visiting the church and encouraging to learn of ways in churchyard at Dalry, he attended a which the arts can help to bridge the Fellowship Dinner at the Ken Bridge interface between rural communities Hotel. In his talk, Life and Faith: A and some of Scotland’s most Disruptive Influence, Dr Browning exciting and creative performance shared his personal faith journey, a talents,” he said. He expressed story at times humorous, at times particular interest in the the wide very moving - a journey which had range of activities and training for had an inauspicious start when he all ages, including the development was expelled from Sunday School! of the Men’s Shed in Balmaclellan. A walk up the New Galloway High Street took him to the Community Shop where he learned of the development plans of New Galloway Community Enterprises and to the Town Hall where he was briefed on LING’s plans to revive the landmark building for community benefit. “It was great to hear and see how local people work hard and passionately to save, sustain and develop their local shop, with The Kirk’s Moderator, centre - holding a Glenkens so many investing as Gazette! - along with parish minister the Rev Dr David Bartholomew and representatives of GCAT, shareholders. Good to LING and NGCE. RECENTLY AWARDED ‘CAMRA PUB OF THE YEAR 2018’ - three changing cask ales & cider - fresh, seasonal & local food - open all day every day - award-winning food, beer & atmosphere - en-suite accommodation - 20% off takeaway discount - country sport & walkers facilities - 01644 430 241 www.theclachaninn.co.uk Follow us on facebook and twi�er and make sure to sign up for our newsle�er - see website for details… www.gallowayglens.org Glenkens Gazette page 8 Youth Booth Transformation The youth volunteers group at CatStrand are about to start work on the transformation of New Galloway’s disused phone box. The group bought the phonebox from BT for £1 under their 'adopt a phonebox' scheme and now, with the support of GCAT, the New Galloway Community Council and Connecting in Communities they will be creating an art installation, youth information and community information space. The group were successful in gaining funding from D&G Youth Work Choices Fund which was a fund voted on by other young people in the region. The youth volunteers have arranged workshops with Lorrie Kyle, a glass artist, to create coloured glass panels which will replace the existing glass in the phone box. The group will travel to Lorrie’s workshop in April to make their designs, and the Rekindling Creativity group have already visited Lorrie’s workshop this month to create three pieces for the booth. There will be an opportunity for 5-12 year-olds to go up to the glass workshop during the Easter schools break. The interior of the booth will be fitted out with information and resources gathered by the volunteer group from local service provides and will include mobile phone chargers for emergency use. Preparation of the phonebox for painting is underway, and the group are aiming to have it kitted out by the end of April. Anyone that would like to get involved in the project can email aidan@catstrand.com The Glass Workshop for 5-12s at Lorrie’s workshop outside Dumfries will run on Tuesday 11 April. A minibus will run from CatStrand, leaving at 10am returning at 3pm. To book a place or find out more come along to our Saturday Art Club session on Saturday 17th April at CatStrand or email aidan@catstrand.com CatStrand youth volunteers ready to transform the old phone box. 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 9 CatStrand Highlights After the drama of the March snows which saw our entire Ken Words Festival put on ice, I’m hoping the weather will leave the rest of spring shows alone! As things stand, I am working with the Ken Words steering group, agents and writers to reschedule the events we had planned - watch this space. Back to the present and we start April with rip-roaring comedy and tickets are already scarce for the return of Irish-Iranian comedian Patrick Monahan (Fri 6 Apr) who follows up his That 80s Show with the equally riotous That 90s Show. The comedy continues with our screening of Armando Iannucci’s hilarious film satire The Death of Stalin [15] (Wed 11 Apr) which Empire called “Iannucci’s most impressive feat yet”. If history is your thing, I strongly recommend the next Glenkens Story talk by Dr Graeme Cavers - Crannogs of Galloway (Sun 22 Apr). Our Exhibition on Screen films have been very well received and they don’t come much bigger than Vincent van Gogh: A New Way of Seeing (Tues 24 Apr) and I, Claude Monet (Tues 29 May). May sees the launch of Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival 2018 and we’re delighted to be taking part again with a variety of shows at the end of May and early June (see p20). Other highlights over spring include the return of Glenkens favourite Rob Heron and the Tea Pad Orchestra (Thu 19 Apr) and Simon Thacker’s new gypsy odyssey Songs of the Roma (Fri 4 May) which combines virtuosic guitar (Thacker) and cello (Justyna Jablonska) with the voice of Masha Natanson in the wild re-imagining of songs from Romani, Serbian, and Russian gypsy traditions. Due to popular demand (or at least a very determined demand from our growing jazz audience) there will be an additional Dark Sky Jazz Night before we break for the summer with Pat Monahan Pericopes + 1 (Sat 12 May). Finally, we launch a new art exhibition by Mary-Clare Cornwallis on Thu 29 March. Her work is wonderfully vibrant and full of the joys of spring. I hope you will come and have a look at over April and May. The CatStrand Team Glenkens Gazette page 10 CARSPHAIRN PRIMARY ADVENTURES Children at Carsphairn Primary enjoyed an extra science day, prompted by a P4 child’s question of ”Mrs Davies, what freezes faster in the snow, hot water or cold water?” posed just as we set off back from our swimming lessons. Mrs Davies, the new Principal Teacher and Science Specialist, spent the rest of the journey discussing how we could find out and what we could do on the return to school. Notes were made, more questions were asked such as; "Would it make a difference if it was windy? What about the depth of snow?" and, a personal favourite;"What if we added hot chocolate?" Back at school, equipment was gathered and the inquiries began. Anyone who would like to inspire the children further can write to the school requesting a copy of the results or can send us new results following their own experiments after all, if our investigations were successful, you'll come up with the same answers. Focus on Health Carsphairn pupils have been focusing on health and well being in all areas of the curriculum. They are challenging themselves and visitors to use a peak airflow meter to measure lung capacity and try to improve results over the term whilst using a pedometer to try to put more steps into a healthy future. So far this term they have had Tag Rugby weekly - “thank you” to John from Stewartry Rugby Club, swimming lessons at Dalmellington Pool, stamina sessions and badminton with Mr Carmichael and are about to try out yoga and meditation as they find out about Buddhism. Alongside their efforts in the Daily Mile and trying to improve their speed for cross The children enjoying their Burns Supper music and country they have appreciating the wonderful piping by Mr Wemyss. all practiced bike was loaded and chippings were handling skills and are now pogo delivered to help him out with his stick nuts! new strawberry bed whilst some The children have a request were saved to try out paper making does any reader have an old later in the term. So, we started bike that they can use to fit to a out sad about the chainsaw but dynamo please? After all, a glen ended up thrilled with the new light with solar, wind and hydro power streaming into the classroom and should have pedal power too! the possibilities of experiments Wood Possibilities later - and maybe a strawberry or In February came the tri-annual two..? lopping of the maple tree in the A Taste of Burns school grounds by the electric At the beginning of January company. Immediately the pupils Carsphairn children decided to spotted the possibilities. We could host a daytime Burn's supper for add to the surface area under the village and set out to tell Mrs our climbing frame...what about Davies all about the traditions as making paper? Can we use some she had never been to one. "We for bug hotels and a wigwam in must have a piper! Don't forget the the playground? All were terrific speeches! Should we wear kilts? suggestions but would necessitate Who will give the Selkirk Grace?" the children putting in a lot of effort Tasked with organising the event, in their break and lunchtime. As the children set to work designing the bell went they eagerly set to posters and tickets. Mr Wemyss work, jobs were allocated and the kindly offered to pipe in our haggis, digging, barrowing, shifting and toasts were written and chairs sifting began in earnest. borrowed as a good number of Payback to Iain, our local 'Carsphairnites' agreed to join in astronomy expert, was suggested the fun. And fun it was. as a thanks for the superb Mrs Davies, Principal Teacher stargazing night reported in last month's issue. The wheelbarrow Dynamic Domestic For all your cleaning requirements HIGHLAND BEEF from THE GLENKENS STEAK ROASTS MINCE CASSEROLE LORNE pre-pack frozen Blackmark Dalry Castle Douglas DG7 3UG 01644 460532 www.highland.scot Local, reliable & friendly staff Fully insured Competitive rates Now taking new clients in the Glenkens & Stewartry area Call Victoria on 07516599103 www.dynamicdomestic.co.uk Wright’s Shop & Post Office Dalry Licensed convenience store and newsagent stocking a range of local suppliers including Corsons and Irvings Bakers, Ballards and Dalmellington Country Butchers and Mitchells Fruit and Veg. Opening Times (both shop & PO): Monday to Friday: 7am – 6pm Saturday: 8am – 6pm Sunday: 8.30am – 4pm Tel: 01644 430 225 Glenkens Gazette page 11 DALRY PUPILS’ POP-UP CAFE Thursday afternoons at Dalry Secondary are an opportunity for a rolling programme offering wider activities such as mountain biking, debating and fishing. A new group has started running a pop-up café which will offer something for the community and also raise money for school funds. The first pop-up cafe offering a ‘soup and sweet’ lunch was a great success. The pupils had spent time before the big day contacting local shops, planning menus and cooking everything themselves. Customers were asked to fill in feedback forms afterwards and the comments were overwhelmingly positive: Students involved in the cafe, Hana and Caitlin, said: We were kindly donated ingredients by Tesco, The Co-op and Corson’s which were very much appreciated. All the profit we got went towards the library in school to buy the Students who organised the Pop-up Cafe. books that the pupils asked for! This was a and attentive” and “the sticky toffee big help to both the school and the pudding was restaurant-class.” community, as the pupils got their We will hopefully be running the books and the community had a pop-up cafe regularly. To find out welcoming, home-made lunch. dates and buy tickets please contact People said really nice things the school office at 01644 430 259. such as “I enjoyed the relaxed We would like to thank everyone friendly atmosphere. The table was for their support and please feel beautifully set… The girls were polite welcome to attend the next one. SCHOOLS JOIN IN POPPY PLEDGE November 11 2018 is a particularly significant date in British history. It marks the centenary of the armistice, and the end of WW1. Poppy Scotland have launched a nationwide fundraising campaign - The 1918 Poppy Pledge - to raise money for honouring the many men and woman who fought in the First World War and in the many conflicts since. The Poppy Pledge will also raise vital funds to help continue to support the Armed Forces community in Scotland today. Poppy Scotland has asked organisations around Scotland to each try to raise £1,918 to help improve the lives of ex-servicemen. Dalry Secondary School and the Glenkens Cluster primaries have signed up to take the Poppy Pledge and we have kick-started our year of fundraising by holding a ‘1918 Dress-up Day’. Pupils dressed up as suffragettes, chimney sweeps, English nannies, nurses, soldiers, munition workers, gangsters, and so on, and a 1918 themed tray bake was held later on in the day. The primary pupils were transported back in time using slates and chalk to do their work and many of the old games were played in the playground. – some more confident than others, but all striving to do their best. Hardie Walker was the first Dalry pupil to play and gave us some Pink Floyd on electric guitar, which certainly woke us all up. Hardie always sets himself challenges and he did very well- he is a musician to look out for in the future. Next up from Dalry was Rory Newbery who is sitting his N5 music this year. He played Prelude in C by Bach - a very musical performance full of dynamics (louds/ quiets). He found playing a new piano without practising on it first a bit strange but coped really well. The last performer from Dalry was James Wallace who sang Will Ye No Come Back Again. When the results were announced, Dalry were thrilled to discover that the Vocal Award went to James Wallace, who was also given the Silverware as the overall winner. James Wins Young Musician Award Three students from Dalry recently entered the Rotary Young Musician of the Year Competition. This is an opportunity for young instrumentalists and singers to showcase their talent, see others of similar standards perform and improve their own performance skills. The first heat is at local level and the Rotary Club of Castle Douglas held this at Castle Douglas High School (CDHS). There was a total of 13 performers from both Dalry and Castle Douglas, playing and singing everything from classical to traditional, through ragtime and folk Left to right: Rory Newbery, Hardie Walker and James Wallace. Glenkens Gazette page 12 SURVIVAL SKILLS AT KELLS Kells school has been alive with the sound of enthusiasm, encouragement, eagerness and hard work! If you listen you might just hear us - it’s been non-stop. Well done and thank you to all involved. As ever, great to see the children, parents, community members and staff collaborating for the greater good. We should be proud of our achievements. Planning for our current topic ‘Survival’ has been an interesting and exciting process. Sat, pens poised, ready to write down all our own ideas… Amy, hand up, announces "Well, Mr Thompson, I think we should all have a sleepover. A survival-based one - with tents and games and singing…" more hands shoot up; "with food; with a star gazing walk; with hide-andseek; with sausages; smores! a Kells tribal dance; a fort, lets build a fort; and we need head torches; and breakfast; and poetry; and storytelling”. The children were brimming with fantastic ideas... "YES! YES! all together ‘round a campfire" - all the children chimed in with gusto; "and chopping wood; we must have all of this around a survival campfire". And so we did. One afternoon we dug our fire pit. Mary arrived with her (now famous) bell tent. Amy’s gazebo went up, as did a few smaller tents. The camp was beginning to take shape. The children quickly made the bunting neatly encircle the structures. The Jolly Roger was raised to whoops and cheers. Children and parents came back to school for five o’clock armed with packs and bags… Food was brought in to share, tents too, sleeping bags slung in the corner of the hall, pyjamas piled up, torches turned on and off and some teddy bears sat guarding belongings. Heather Mackintosh arrived to help supervise our sausage sizzle. We had a blast: supper, seeing a stunning sunset, spooky walks, spookier stories, star-gazing in splendid skies, singing, both hiding and seeking, munching a midnight feast and much much more. At the end of the evening, we all wound down and beetled off to the tents set up in the hall and classroom, the perfect end to the perfect evening. The fire burned gently then went out on its own at the end of the evening, a wonderful symbol at the very heart of Tent-tastic fun at Kells Primary. our experience. The morning after we sat around the camp wearing survival costumes we had made. Toast, cereal and fruit went down a treat, and we reflected on our time. We had learned a lot. We decided embers were like memories and we’d made them with joy. We took the charcoal and wrote and drew about our time together. We had survived. The P6 and P7 children have been in Edinburgh on residential. Meanwhile the P4 pupils have built a shop - Kells Spells Community Shop. The potion bottles' labels include ingredients and nutritional facts. We also sold soup we had made over the fire to parents, making nearly £15...all in all we’ve had a very creative and industrious time. Graeme Thompson, p4-7 Class Teacher PATIO TRANSFORMATION Carsphairn pupils have transformed the patio area in their school playground. Inspired by their work on buddhism, mosaics and by the amazing hills beyond the playground, the five pupils (Crawford, Naomi, Courtney, Eilidh and Mckenzie) designed and painted the paving area. They gained national Arts Awards qualifications through the CatStrand in the process, and had a great time getting wonderfully messy with Mary Smith and teacher Mrs Davies. A CLOSE SHAVE FOR DALRY SCHOOL Recently Dalry Primary pupils and James Wallace, S4, were invited to perform at a Family Evening at the Town Hall. Those attending enjoyed the musical talents of the Primary pupils, who performed their pieces from the Galloway Music Festival. James Wallace also entertained with a selection of Scots songs and his very own musical composition written for a poem by Tommy Edgar. The highlight of the evening was David Bartholomew’s sponsored beard shave. All funds raised will go towards the purchase of new digital cameras and resources for Dalry Primary, Secondary and Nursery. The total raised so far is £251.24! If you would like to donate to Friends of Dalry School (FoDS) following David’s beard shave, you can do so by popping into, or phoning, the school on 01644 430 105 or contacting David directly. Many thanks goes to Dr Bartholomew for raising money for the Dalry schools by sporting a fresher face for spring, and to Dalry Church for hosting a very enjoyable evening. Jenna Devlin, p3-5 Class Teacher Glenkens Gazette NEW SCHOOL ROLE Walker McKenna, former principal teacher at Carsphairn Primary, has recently changed his role in the Glenkens Cluster of primary schools. What is your new role in the Glenkens Cluster and what does it entail? The official title of my new role is Partnership Principal Teacher (PT). In our new structure, each school has its own Principal Teacher, each of whom has one non-teaching day per week to develop school targets. While those PTs are not teaching, I will be covering their classes. When I am not teaching, I am working closely with Mr Scrimshaw on Partnership-wide projects such as school trips, assessment and being a spare set of hands around all three schools. Although we have dealt with a lot of change within the Glenkens, I do think that the new management structure gives us a chance to work much more cohesively, so we can share more of the wonderful things that are happening at all three schools. What do you enjoy most about your new role? I am very much enjoying my new role and being able to spend time at all three schools across the partnership. As a teacher, it is great for me to meet and to get to know the kids better at Kells and Dalry, and learn the nuances that make each school unique. Although part of my role is to help us work more closely by sharing good practice and reducing bureaucracy across the partnership, I hope that we can also celebrate the differences between the schools and indeed the three communities. Do you miss Carsphairn? Absolutely. Working at Carsphairn was an incredible experience for me. Teaching the same children for up to seven years in some cases meant that I really got to know the kids at Carsphairn and their background, and was really able to work closely with families to develop the whole child. As an educator, having the freedom I had at Carsphairn really allowed me to develop my approach, while still tailoring the curriculum to the children of Carsphairn. Between the staff I have worked with over the years at Carsphairn, and the way I felt embraced by the community as a whole, I will always feel like Carsphairn is my Scottish home [Walker is from Canada]. What do you see as the key benefits/strengths of our cluster here in the Glenkens? I am struck now by the same things that struck me when I started in the Glenkens many years ago, our children are so lucky to have so much support. Class sizes are relatively small and teachers really know their children and their families. We have volunteers from within the community helping with reading, after-school clubs and bikeability training. We have community organisations that reach out to work with schools from the Catstrand to the Heritage Centre. All this going on means that a child growing up in the Glenkens, must see and feel that support and further make them feel like a significant part of their community. What do our schools offer that larger, more urban schools can’t? Working in smaller schools usually means that multi-composite classes are made, having more year groups in the same class. In the page 13 Glenkens composite classes are the norm, and although teaching in a differentiated classroom can be challenging for a teacher, it also allows teachers to work with the same child for a number of years. That time really allows for the relationship to develop and for teachers to really know their pupils. Last year Carsphairn went on a trip to a big primary school in Glasgow, and were able to see for themselves what the differences were. They recognised how lucky they were to have as much one-to-one teacher time and to have such a wonderful environment right outside the school gates. What are your goals over the coming year? Certainly for this academic year, I am spending most of my time getting to know the kids and staff across the Glenkens. Having a responsibility for Assessment across the partnership, I am getting the chance to see what practice is really working at each of the schools and trying to make sure good practice is shared so all children in the Glenkens benefit. In austere times we also have to make sure that we are getting the most out of our resources. Author’s Success Carsphairn author Hana Ade, 13, a member of Glenkens Random Writers group, is to have her short story The Crow published in a new book, Confluence. The book has been created as part of the Upland project which worked with professional photographic artist, Laura Hudson Mackay, and Celtic storyteller, Anne Errington, both based in Dumfries and Galloway, along with photographers and storytellers from Morocco. Confluence is an international collaboration between photographic artists and storytellers, and looks to bridge cultures and highlight common links within the Arabian and Celtic storytelling traditions. The Glenkens Random Writers group. Glenkens Gazette page 14 DALRY SECONDARY’S NEW MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE Since last summer, Castle Douglas High School and Dalry Secondary School have been joined in partnership under the one senior leadership team. There has been a process of recruitment to three out of the four posts, with only Mrs Cook having been in post on a permanent basis prior to the current school year. Since my appointment starting in February, the team is now fully in place and consists of Mr James Smith (headteacher); myself Mrs Lorraine Gillies (depute head teacher); Mr Alister Cathro (depute head teacher) and Mrs Alison Cook (depute head teacher). Under the overall leadership of Mr Smith, each of the depute head teachers have specific remits which cover aspect of both schools, but my own remit has the most significant role in Dalry Secondary. Ordinarily I am based on site at Dalry on Monday mornings, Tuesday mornings, Thursday all day and Friday mornings, although this is flexible and is dependent on the needs of both schools. Mr Smith is based in Dalry on Wednesday mornings, Mrs Cook on Monday mornings and Mr Cathro on Tuesday mornings. In addition, Mr Bannister and Mrs Acheson have a management role and are on site on a full-time basis. Although not originally from Dumfries and Galloway, I have worked all of my career in the local area, firstly as a chemistry teacher, then an assistant then principal teacher of guidance (now pupil support), then as part of the Left to right: Lorraine Gillies, James Smith, Alison Cook and Alister Cathro. multi-agency youth justice team and most recently as pupil support manager working with secondary schools across the whole authority area supporting the development of practice to meet the needs of all learners. Quite a journey, having originally intended to come to Dumfries and Galloway only to complete my two-year probationary training as a teacher of chemistry! So, how would I reflect on my first six weeks? Dalry is a lovely little school and the staff and pupils have made me feel very welcome. It can be difficult settling in to a new environment and finding out how everything works and where everything is located, so it has been much appreciated that my endless questions have been answered with patience and understanding. Thus far my key aim has been to get to know the young people and staff and to meet some of the parents and members of the community: all of whom are crucial partners in providing the best learning experiences for our young people. I’ve had some lovely experiences: dressed as a suffragette at the 1918 day, seeing the pupils thrive in their achievement organising the pop up Food Hygiene Awards Congratulations to S3 pupils who have recently been awarded their Elementary Food Hygiene Certificate. The REHIS Elementary Food Hygiene qualification is the most widely recognised food safety qualification in Scotland. Intended for everyone who handles food, it provides a general introduction to food hygiene issues including hazard analysis and provides the necessary knowledge and information needed to underpin good food safety practices. café, hearing of all the successes of many of the pupils at recent music festivals, ice skating competitions and as part of wider community involvement. We’ve had fantastic engagement in learning conversations at a fully attended parents night, a freecycle world book day event enabling and encouraging reading at no cost to anyone, a school excursion to a local workplace, pupils completing SQA assignments and assessments and staff busy preparing the senior students for their forthcoming examinations. We’ve also had to contend with bad weather which necessitated a temporary closure. All this, and it’s not even April! I am keen to involve parents and carers in planning and supporting their young people’s education and am hopeful that I can foster positive relationships with the wider community. I look forward to building on the strengths of Dalry School in the coming terms and to utilising the chances for both schools to benefit from the greater opportunities the partnership can bring. Lorraine Gillies, Depute Head Teacher Glenkens Gazette page 15 Spring Fling 2018 will encourage visitors to enjoy the Glenkens countryside and drop in to meet artists and makers with studios in the surrounding area. The open studios weekend, from 26 to 28 May, features 86 specially selected visual artists and craft makers across Dumfries and Galloway. Organisers Upland provide colour-coded suggested routes allowing visitors to take in a variety of studios and enjoy superb countryside. The Pink Route runs from Castle Douglas to New Galloway and on to Kirkpatrick Durham and Corsock, taking in both sides of Loch Ken. Photographer Phil McMenemy, who runs the Laurieston Gallery, is among those they can drop in on. Visitors will find a variety of beautifully taken and presented pictures and can expect a warm welcome from their host. Further on, at Mossdale, there is the textile artist Jo Gallant. As well as pieces for sale, there will be work in progress, photos, design work and explanations of materials and technical process. Visitors can also use Jo’s fabric to decorate their own cotton bag to take away for just £5. Elsewhere there will be the chance to encounter landscape artist Angela Lawrence, painters Jane Howe and Patti Lean, printmaker Pamela Grace, and maker of fabulous practical pottery Clare Dawdry. Upcoming Events at Carsphairn Tearooms & Bistro April: Sunday 1st: Easter Sunday Bistro, Set Menu, 12-6pm Friday 13th & 27th: Mexican-themed Bistro, 5-8pm May: Friday 4th & Friday 25th: American-themed Bistro, 5-8pm June: Saturday 2nd: Carsphairn Show Bistro, 4-8pm Booking recommended 01644 460 568 New to Spring Fling this year is rug-maker Penny Lilley who says: “...I use rag rug technique utilising the bright colours and textures of recycled fabrics. Come and have a cup of tea while I demonstrate how I work.” There is also the opportunity to see the work of Michal Sur, a specialist in infrared black and white photography, whose images are unusual and very striking. Other places to stop are Piper’s Forge at Kirkpatrick Durham, which is the base for architectural and sculptural metalworker Adam Both. For those who love jewellery, Natalie Vardey is a must-see attraction, in Corsock, along with Amanda Simmons who creates the most astonishing glasswork. For full details and the suggested routes see www.spring-fling.co.uk Glass by Amanda Simmons Glenkens Gazette page 16 Photo of the Issue Sponsored by the Ken Bridge Hotel This issue’s winner is Phil Day with this enchanting photograph of a red squirrel and great tit. Phil wins a meal for two at the Ken Bridge Hotel’s Sunday carvery. Competition judges Dave and Sue said: “We have never seen a picture of a red squirrel and bird sharing a feeder and for that reason this has got to be the winner this issue, what a lovely photograph and how lovely for Phil to see this in his garden.” Glenkens Gazette SUBSTATION EXTENSION ANGERS RESIDENTS Glenlee residents are angered by plans by Scottish Power Energy Network (SPEN) to extend the electricity substation. Residents are pressing for the extension to be moved to the other side of the plot, further away from their homes. "We are all extremely disappointed that SPEN has not listened to our concerns regarding the extension to the substation. With this huge structure impinging right onto our gardens, there has been no consideration given as to how this will affect our lives and house prices. We have suggested moving the substation to the opposite side of the power station, away from our homes, and have been told that this is being considered. The question is, why hadn’t this been looked into prior to development?" page 17 Glenkens Men’s Shed Members of the Glenkens Men’s Shed are feeling ‘flushed’ with success after the new accessible toilet was installed. Our gratitude and thanks go out to the Glenkens Charity Shop in Dalry for helping fund this, and to CatStrand for donating the sliding door. Work on the mezzanine floor is almost complete too, with the safety rails in place and the floor boards firmly positioned, well done to the hard working ‘shedders’ who have devoted considerable time and effort to make this happen. Now where can we get the money to sort the roof? Our thoughts and prayers are with Christine and Stuart Rhodes at this time, after Stuart recently suffered a heart attack; get well soon Stuart, we’re all thinking of you - best take it easy for a while and just come along, supervise and drink coffee. The Glenkens Men’s Shed website is now up and running, under the watchful eye of web master Ned Maxwell, who took time out from his gorilla project to launch the site. Why not see it for yourself at www.glenkensmens-shed.com We’ll be taking part in the first Dumfries and Galloway Shedfest on 9 May at Dalbeattie Town Hall, where sheds from all over the region will gather to demonstrate their wares. Watch out soon for our new Men’s Shed sign, currently under construction by famed local artist and scrap-metal sculptor Jim Clubb. The days are growing longer so it’s time to get out on your bike. Luckily, Kevin Telfer is doing amazing work on refurbing old machines upstairs in the shed, so there’s no excuse - if you haven’t got one, give us a try and we’ll see if we can sort you something for a modest fee. Membership is still growing but new recruits are always welcome - contact Brian or Chris at the CatStrand on 420 374 or Tom Leach on 420 895. Chris Jowsey Glenkens Gazette page 18 MOSSDALE HALL’S 70TH ANNIVERSARY 2018 marks the 70th anniversary of Mossdale Village Hall which was opened on 7 May 1948. The story began at a public meeting on 14 June 1943 when it was agreed by the folk of Mossdale to “get all the public funds and property pooled together and to raise funds to build a recreation hall”. Fundraising activities included whist drives, dances and free gift sales, events usually held in the school with committee and AGM meetings held in the station waiting room (Mossdale being the location of New Galloway station). At a meeting on 30 May 1946 Mr Davidson, architect, “spoke favourably of the site on the Airds road opposite the football field and alongside the railway loading bank.” The community has always been very grateful to Miss Henniker-Hughan of Airds for donating that land. The committee learned that the Seamen’s Institute had a hut valued at £600 for sale at Troon; a deputation was selected to inspect and, if suitable, purchase the hut. In March 1948 the committee discussed the hall’s official opening and “agreed the dance arranged for 7 May should be an old-time one as it was hoped this would be the opening night of the hall”. The hall was opened on 7 May 1948 by the Rev JWT Dickie MC from Laurieston and his Prayer of Dedication included: “We thank Thee for those who conceived the plan, who laboured in so many various ways to realise it and for all who by their interest, their energy and their gifts made its realisation possible. May it prove of real value to all, young and old, who dwell here – a place where they can meet for refreshment of body, mind and spirit for all healthful pleasures. May no word of malice or falsehood ever be spoken within these walls and no unrighteous deed ever done within them.” FLASH FICTION COMPETITION Are you a writer? Do you enjoy flash fiction? As part of a new initiative,The Gazette are seeking writers to take part in a competition that will run bimonthly. In each issue a new topic will be allocated. We are looking for the best fiction in 450 words, maximum. In addition, you have 50 words to tell us a little about yourself and what inspired the piece you’ve written. If you’re a winner your story will be published in the next edition. Each entry will be judged by Ian Patrick, a local author, and the winner will receive a £10 Amazon voucher to spend on a book of their choice. What have you got to lose? Here are the rules: It must be your own work. It must be no more than 450 words. It must be Fiction. Minimum age of entry 12years with no maximum age limit. It must include a separate 50 words about yourself and what inspired your story. Publication will include print, Facebook and Twitter. Email your entry to glenkens gazette@hotmail.co.uk by the 5 May 2018 where it will be allocated a number and sent to the judge. The judge's decision is final. No late entries will be accepted. Now get writing! It would be nice, if perhaps optimistic, to think these sentiments are always respected. It says much that, through both good and challenging times, for 70 years a very small community has managed to build, maintain and enjoy a range of activities in what started out as a temporary building. We are planning to celebrate the hall’s 70th anniversary on Sunday 6 May. Please visit our Facebook page for more information about hall activities and letting arrangements www.facebook.com/ mossdalevillagehall Glenkens Gazette page 19 POTENTIAL FOR COMMUNITY FACILITY Hidden away out of view behind Dalry’s Town Hall is Dumfries & Galloway Council’s former local roads depot, now only consisting of a large shed and section of land. In September 2015 Dalry Community Council carried out a public opinion survey on local issues. One of the elements of the survey was the potential aquisition (by asset transfer) of the former Council yard behind the Town Hall for community use. On the survey, the suggestion was posed that the site would assist with emergency resilience plans and possibly provide a local recycling point, and the surrounding area could also become a village picnic site. The survey response was nearly nine to one in favour of the proposal, with twenty-nine people also saying they would be willing to get involved. Following on from this, we need to form an action group to take this community project forward, whether it is gardening/landscaping work, DIY/building skills or fund raising. Any little bit you can assist with (even occasionally) gets the job done. If enough supporters don’t come forward soon, the site will probably be auctioned off by the regional council for private development, and Dalry will have missed out on creating a valuable village asset for maintenance facility; a home for an Eco-Fuels (eg log briquettes) Buying Collective; a community recycling facility, including local composting; community assets repair workshop, eg public benches; a facility for the GGLP Dalry to Castle Douglas Canoe Trail; new disabled friendly public toilets, also available for Town Hall users; small garages for private rental (providing community income); community garden and seating area; the Town Hall kitchen or Clachan Inn could potentially provide outdoor catering; land to extend the Town Hall if needed, eg meeting/storage rooms or space to house an emergency generator for electricity outages. All of the above could be possible to help improve Dalry village, but we need more volunteers to make this happen. If you are interested in learning more please get in touch - you don’t have to live in Dalry to get involved. Email stjdalrycc@gmail.com or phone 07729 292126, or leave your name and contact details at Wright’s Shop or Dalry Library. Andi Holmes If enough supporters don’t come forward soon, the site will probably be auctioned off by the regional council for private development... current and future generations. The successful Lottery bid by Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership (GGLP) means that Dalry should benefit from additional visitors and their spending. However, local facilities like our public toilets fall below current standards. The former Council depot land could be used to provide: Winter Resilience equipment storage and Dog Training Party Real Dog Training Scotland had its Christmas fancy-dress party at Dalry Town Hall. to Dumfries and Galloway Canine Rescue. Thanks go to Margaret Schoffield for the chocolate cake and Jessica Nash for hosting the games and judging the fancy-dress. If your New Year's resolution is to train your dog, look up our website at www.realdogtrainingscotland .co.uk Eric Broadhurst We were overwhelmed by people's generosity, with the amount raised on the night being £150, plus £100 carried over from 2016 from people who couldn’t make the party. The money raised has gone FHB Fencing Dalry Domestic and Agricultural Fencing 01644 430 495 (Peter) or 07767 795 498 (Jonathan) Minding Feet Professional Foot Health Treatments Holistic Foot Therapies Patricia Lavelle MAR FHP CNHC Professional Foot Health Practitioner 07789 246 833 www.mindingfeet.com Glenkens Gazette page 20 D&G ARTS FESTIVAL 2018 Scotland’s largest rural performing arts festival opens its 39th event on 25 May in Dumfries. The annual Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival covers the entire 3,600 square miles of Dumfries and Galloway, showcasing a wonderfully diverse programme of music, theatre, dance and spoken word for over 10 days. A few snippets of what’s on are... Multi award-winning neo-trad band Elephant Sessions bring their energetic gig to the CatStrand, New Galloway, on 26 May. Comedian Carina MacLeod gives an hilarious spin on her health issues in Fibro My Arth at Twynholm Village Hall on 27 May. New York-based Doonhamer Ben Bryden returns to the region with his jazz/indie rock sounds in Bright Noise. He comes to Colvend public hall, on 31 May. After his popular performances at last year’s festival, novelist, playwright and performer Alan Bisset returns to the region with more hilarious antics from his straight-talking single mum Moira Bell. More Moira Monolgues comes to the CatStrand, New Galloway, on 31 May. In the afternoon that day, Alan takes to the floor for an entertaining debate, focused on the question: Just how sustainable is rural touring? BBC personality and Gaelic singer Mary Ann Kennedy brings her first solo tour to the Gordon Memorial Hall, Castle Douglas, on 31 May. Tales of Beeswing and Beyond is a collection of tales, new and old, from Beeswing and the surrounding hills, rivers and roads. Told through music and theatre and created and performed by members of Loch Elephant Sessions Arthur Camphill Community, the show comes to the Cresset Hall, Loch Arthur, on 1 June. Sculpture, dance, music and sound come together in an imaginative collaboration between visual artist Alexander Ruth; dancer and choreographer Elisabeth Schilling; and musician Phil Niblock. Sixfold: A Nexus takes place at the CatStrand, New Galloway, on 1 June and will be preceded by a performance by the CatStrand’s youth dance group Choreo Skills Lab. From the creator of the hit show Black Is the Color of My Voice comes a new story about the 20th-century African-American experience. Against a powerful soundtrack of original music and traditional gospel and blues sung live, two women 42 years apart become involved in the struggle for civil rights. Apphia Campbell gives another masterful performance in Woke and comes to the Fullarton Theatre, Castle Douglas, on 2 June. To find out more visit www.dgartsfestival.org.uk Glenkens Gazette page 21 HELEN JUDGES AT CRUFTS Helen Broadhurst, from outside Dalry, has been showing dogs for 40 years. As well as showing dogs, Helen has also judged dog shows both at home and abroad. This year she had the once in a lifetime chance to judge at Crufts. Asked to judge the Border collie dogs, it was a difficult decision with Continued from front page... For the first time the Youth Players had three entries in the Festival and Tell Me Another Story, Sing Me a Song starring Zoe Kirkpatrick and Eilidh Thomson was competing in the Open Festival – another first! This play was entered under our senior SCDA registered team Glenkens ’73 Club, the first time the famous name had appeared at the Festival since 2009! Definitely a year of ‘firsts’... Our other production was Rabbit 428 Border collies entred into the section - the highest number of entries in the pastoral group. On previous occassions Helen has also won best dog and best bitch at Crufts, as well as breeding the youngest Border collie to ever win best of breed at Crufts. She is currently campaining her beloved papillons. Helen (third from the left) with the winners at this year’s Crufts. by David Foxton, involving a cast of 15. It was directed by Brian Edgar and the adjudicator described it as "a brave and ambitious choice" which produced "memorable moments of theatre and a moving final image". Tell Me Another Story, Sing Me A Song by Jean Lenox Toddie was previously entered in the Youth Festival in 2016 and reached the Western Final. Such an excellent play deserved another airing and the challenge of competing in the Open Festival against long established, experienced clubs such as Crossmichael Drama Club and 88 Theatre was one which Zoe and Eilidh relished. In the end the production was placed a very creditable third, closely behind the two aforementioned clubs, narrowly missing out on a place at the Western Final. The three plays provided a The three plays provided a diverse evening of excellent entertainment for a full house at CatStrand on 15 March, with many good comments as the audience left. DEAR GAZETTE, I would like to thank Sarah Ade and Phil McMenemy for their articles in the last issue prodding us to defend the unspoilt natural beauty of our area from creeping industrialisation by turbines and power line pylons. Above is a reader’s interpretation of the existing and proposed windfarms and pylon networks in the Glenkens. Each windfarm will also have/need a network of single or double wooden-poled power lines carrying electricity to the nearest substation. The many reasons for saving our stunning landscape surely outweigh the community bribes for allowing it to be wrecked for corporate profit. SPEN, of course, will continue going through the motions of politely engaging with stakeholders and communities. But at the end of the day SPEN's first duty is to their owner, the Spanish energy giant Iberdrola, and its stockholders in Bilbao. As Phil mentions, power transmission lines are being undergrounded in sensitive scenic areas south of the border. What's good enough for England is surely good enough for beautiful south-west Scotland. And thanks to pressure from campaigners the term 'undergrounding' is suddenly part of the conversation with SPEN. A National Park in Galloway is the only thing that would provide necessary protection for safeguarding our tourism prospects from wobbly planning and the relentless spread of ugliness. From now on, it will make no sense to talk about SPEN's proposal without relating it to current proposals for a National Park. Unfortunately the situation is not helped by the poor attitude of the Scottish Government, but this could change overnight with a ministerial shuffle. Together, let's make sure the word 'undergrounding' translates into action. Future generations will never forgive us if we allow the vandals to win. Kind regards, Stuart Littlewood Glenkens Gazette page 22 NGCE Community Engagement Initiatives New Galloway Community Enterprises’ (NGCE) new community engagement worker, Sam Rushton, has been busy over the last two months putting in place various new initiatives designed to enhance the social and economic wellbeing of New Galloway. Her part-time post is funded by the Big Lottery ‘Growing Community Assets’ programme, has brought a valuable new resource into the parish of New Galloway and Kells, and the benefit is already being seen by local residents and organisations. Several projects are already underway as Sam reports: Group Oil Purchasing Plans are progressing well for a scheme to facilitate bulk purchasing of domestic heating oil. This project has been researched by Janosh Schnee, who has been with us for 10 weeks, funded by Bright Green Business. We are also receiving advice and support from Cooperative Development Scotland. Business Networking In mid-March, we held our first Business Networking meeting, kindly hosted by The Smithy in New Galloway. It was a great opportunity for local businesses to meet up, share information about their business, and identify what would be useful to enable their business to thrive and grow when operating out of the Glenkens. We would encourage anyone who has a business based in the Glenkens (large or small or just starting up) to join us at The Smithy on Thursday 26 April from 6-7pm. Dementia Awareness Evening NGCE, The CatStrand and Alzheimer’s Scotland are working in partnership to present a dementia awareness-raising workshop in the Catstrand on Tuesday 20 May at 7.30pm. The event is open to anyone wishing to know more about dementia and the impact it can have on individuals and families. Particular focus is on how individuals and communities can support people affected by Dementia. Sam’s wider remit includes helping New Galloway and Kells residents to access help, advice and support locally and regionally for many issues; creating Sam Rushton, social NGCE Community opportunities Engagement Worker. and activities within New Galloway and Kells; starting up or growing a local business in the parish. It’s exciting times for NGCE as this critical role becomes established and we look forward to seeing how it develops and any cross-region working that can also be facilitated as part of the role. Sam works part-time and is based at the back of the shop. Please feel free to drop in and see her, ring (01644 420633) or email SamCEW @newgallowaycommunity.shop Patsy Gilroy GLENKENS ROUTE Thursdays: 12noon-1pm – Crossmichael 1-2pm – Parton/Loch Ken Holiday Park 2-4pm – Balmaclellan area 4-5.30pm – The Hidden Road Fridays: As one of your local councillors, my contact details are: patsy.gilroy@dumgal.gov.uk 07825 633153 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 23 LOCAL INITIATIVES IN NEW GALLOWAY Annual General Meeting LING is pleased to welcome four new Trustees on to the Board, and is also thrilled with the many offers of help as and when needed. If you would like to be involved in any way please get in touch. Members of LING Last summer LING was registered as a Charity under the Scottish Charitable Organisation (SCIO). This will help when applying for funding. Another thing which would really help is to register as many as possible as Members of LING. There is no charge, but our membership will indicate the support of the community. Friends of New Galloway Town Hall The Friends of the Town Hall and supporters enjoyed a friendly cheese and wine evening last summer. Friends of the Town Hall contribute to general funds on a regular basis enabling charges to users to be kept as low possible. To become a friend contact Bob Glaister at rtdglaister@aol.com or talk to Ros Hill on 420 632. After the AGM cheques of £100 each from donations from the Christmas Celebrations were presented to Heather McIntosh on behalf of the Cubs and Beavers, and to Helen Keron on behalf of Kells School. LING is now pleased to welcome the ongoing steering group as a sub-committee. The Cubs and Beavers have booked to try out New Age Kurling and Kells School is also planning a visit. LING members raise their glasses as the New Galloway painting is unveiled Also following the AGM this newly hung framed print of a painting of New Galloway donated by William and Elizabeth Johnstone was unveiled by Heather McIntosh and Ros Hill in New Galloway Town Hall. The original painting by Adam Bruce Thomson is held in the National Gallery of Modern Art in Edinburgh. Exhibition of New Galloway Paintings, Photographs and Artefacts The New Galloway Story will be popping up again in The Town Hall during holiday weekends and a special exhibition of paintings, photographs and artefacts of New Galloway is being planned. The paintings and photographs will be images of the borough both as it is now and as it was in the past. If you have any items you think might be suitable for the exhibition please do get in touch with Avril and Ray Bridgeman on 420 438 or raymond.bridgeman@ btinternet.com Grants With increased use the Town Hall is developing a more lived-in feeling. Tuesday Elevenses and Lunches are now seated more comfortably with the soft chairs acquired through grants from Natural Power and the Stewartry Area Committee. They are attended mainly by folk from New Galloway and Dalry and also occasionally by passersby. A grant from the Glenkens Charity Shop had enabled the purchase of new planters and open signs. The NHS Integrated Care Fund has again contributed. Visitors who have attended have commented on the friendly atmosphere. It is a drop-in so no need to book just come along, and if you need help with transport let us know. New Galloway Town Hall moves into the 21st Century With funding from Loreburn Housing Association we have been able to install Broadband and host a Curious about Computers series of drop-in workshops run by the Castle Douglas IT Centre. They are able to donate two of the laptops to leave with us. We are investigating ways in which we can fund continuation of support. LING has already received a small amount of funding from the CD Co-op Local Fund towards setting up an internet cafe - if you are a member of the Co-op sign in to add your vote to contribute to the next rounds! In the meantime you are welcome to access broadband on your own laptop or tablet on Tuesday mornings or evenings. Eyes Down for Bingo LING recently held its first ever fund-raising Family Bingo Evening in the Town Hall. The necessary Bingo machine, cards and daubers were generously donated by Loreburn. For Bob Glaister, LING Treasurer, this was a new experience – first LING members at unveiling of painting. ever time at a bingo session, let alone first time as actual caller! But he did us proud. Eyes were firmly down from 7.30pm onwards so that numbers were not missed in the pursuit of prizes generously donated. Tea, coffee and a wide range of delicious traybakes were on sale with free squash and biscuits available for children. The next bingo session is already being planned into the busy New Galloway social scene. Circuit Training Many folk who enjoy getting up early were sorry when Willer left the area. However, under the CatStrand Connecting programme John Fagan has stepped into the breach, starting up a group in the Town Hall from 8-9am on Saturday mornings. Love Food: Hate Waste LING is hosting a free workshop in New Galloway Town Hall on Tuesday 10 April. This will be run by Kim Young, Project Manager for Zero Waste Scotland. The workshop is free, but booking in advance will be necessary as numbers will have to be planned around. All ages are welcome. It is recommended that a food waste diary sheet is completed for the week before. For further info please contact LING secretary Ann Glaister at raglaister@aol.com or Ros Hill at ros.hill@ rathanhouse.me.uk or 420 632. Town Hall Family Activity Sports Day Dumfries & Galloway Community Sports Team will run a two hours drop-in of varied activities in both halls on Friday 13 April. Fundraising Friday Night is Music Night Friday 18 May is the date to come to a ‘lightsome’ concert of melodies for everyone with Geoff Davidson and the Vintage Ensemble with Director Jonnie Dowswell and guests Janette Davidson and Yinpianni. Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership Project LING’s project includes the restoration and management of a nearby walled garden, the conservation and improvement of the woodland paths beside the Golf Course and other longer distance paths. This will be coming on stream in the early summer. Anyone interested in taking part in such outdoor activities please contact Gerry Cinderby on 420 852 or Ros Hill on 420 632. Ros Hill Glenkens Gazette page 24 War Updates: September-November 1917 I hope that readers will forgive these death reports of the Autumn of 1917 being later than I intended. Oddly enough this parallels what happened to many families whose loved ones were reported ‘missing in action’. It was often weeks or months (or in some cases years) before ‘missing’ was clarified as ‘prisoner of war’, ‘died’ or frustratingly ‘presumed dead’. And of course, there was the added anguish of ‘no known grave’ in many cases to deny a sense of closure. John Twynholm Little had been a gamekeeper at Garple Cottage, Holme, Balmaclellan when he enlisted in November 1914. He was born in 1892 in Glencairn, Dumfriesshire the son of John and Agnes Little of Torwatletie, Balmaclellan. By 22 September 1917 he had been promoted to Lance Corporal when he was wounded, and then died of his wounds at the age of 25. He is recorded on the Balmaclellan war memorial. Thomas Bryden Wilson enlisted at the beginning of the war in September 1914. Born 1895 in Kells Parish, Kirkcudbrightshire the son of the late Thomas Wilson and of Jane (Bryden) Wilson, (later Jardine) and step-son of John Jardine of Main Street, Dalry. His grandfather was James Bryden of Dukieston, Dalry. Tom died of wounds on 27 September 1917 at the age of 22 and is recorded on the Dalry war memorial. Those who have read previous articles will be familiar with the name McCheyne. Six McCheyne brothers served in the Great War and James was to be the third to die (a fourth would come soon after). James was the son of James and Mary (Mulholland) McCheyne of High St New Galloway. James was born in 1890 in Kirkcudbright and was the husband of Janet (Adams) McCheyne of Maryhill, Glasgow who he married in 1909 in Kelvin, Glasgow. He died of wounds on 3 October 1917 at the age of 26 and is commemorated with three of his brothers on the Kells war memorial. James Kidd Gordon was employed as an assistant to Mr Reid, Merchant, in New Galloway when he enlisted in February 1917. He joined his battalion (the 6th KOSB) in France in August 1917. Born in 1898 at Mount Pleasant, New Galloway, the son of John and Marion (Kidd) Gordon. John was slightly wounded by a piece of shrapnel on 20th October 1917 and was to make his own way to a clearing station for further treatment but nothing further was heard of him. He was reported missing in action at the age of 19 and is recorded on the Kells war memorial. John Lambie was born 1891 in Carsphairn, the son of James and Janet (Wilson) Lambie of Woodhead, Carsphairn, and later of Dalmellington, Ayrshire. John was a shepherd like his father. John enlisted into the Royal Field Artillery and served with 460th Battery. He was killed in action on 20 October 1917 at the age of 26 and is recorded on the Carsphairn war memorial. George Murray Mckie was born in 1879 in Balmaclellan, the son of James and Margaret (McRobert) McKie. A carpenter, George worked in Gatehouse-of-Fleet before he emigrated to Canada. He enlisted in May 1915 at Calgary, Alberta. He was reported missing in action on 27 October 1917 at the age of 38 and is on the War Memorials in Gatehouse-of- Galloway’s Artificial Islands Crannogs, the ancient artificial island settlements found in many Galloway lochs, are the subject of the next Glenkens Story lecture at the CatStrand at 2.30pm on Sunday 22 April. Because water-logging preserves wooden and other organic artefacts that don't usually survive on other archaeological sites, crannogs are a particularly valuable resource or archaeologists using the latest scientific techniques. Dr Graeme Fleet and Balmaclellan. Thomas McEwen was a gardener at Glenlee, Kells in 1911. He was born in 1882 at St Michael’s St, Dumfries where his name was registered as McKune. This illustrates a common thread of fluidity of the spelling of names at the time. He was the son of David and Mary (Campbell) McKune of Maxwelltown, Kirkcudbrightshire and husband of Isabella (McMorrine) McEwen who he married in 1902 in Dumfries. Thomas was serving with 1/4th (Border) Battalion, King’s Own Scottish Borderers when he was killed in action at the age of 33 on 2 November 1917 and is named on the Dumfries War Memorial, the Greyfriars Church memorial in Dumfries and on the Kells war memorial. It has proven very difficult to obtain photographs of most of those commemorated on the Glenkens war memorials (including those killed in World War 2). If anyone has any photographs of those commemorated or knows where they can be found then please email me memorials@ paulgoodwin.me.uk so that we can commemorate the men to the best of our ability. Paul Goodwin Above left, John Little; above right, Thomas Wilson. Cavers will give an overview of recent investigations of crannog remains in Galloway, considering what they tell us about the people who lived there in prehistoric and early historic times. Tickets, priced £5, can be purchased from www.catstrand.com and 01644 420 374. Photograph: How an inhabited crannog might have looked - image by Dr Graeme Cavers. Glenkens Gazette page 25 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN GALLOWAY: GAELIC’S LOST PROVINCE On 8 September 2018, the CatStrand will host what is believed to be the first academic conference to closely scrutinise the history of Gaelic in Galloway. It will focus on the origins and duration of Galloway Gaelic, and the remarkable demise of the language in the fifteenth or sixteenth century, issues about which there remain considerable doubts and disagreements. It seems that Gaelic disappeared rather suddenly, and there are differing views about when and how it became established. The first Gaelic speakers probably crossed from Ireland in early AD. Then the Gall-Gaidheil, who gave Galloway its name, possibly originating in the islands of the Clyde arrived in possibly the 10th century. Balmaclellan was formerly thought to have been named for MacLellans who migrated southwards due to Gordon patronage, in the 13th century. This view has been revised to suggest that the MacLellans were actually members of the longestablished Galloway kindred known as the Canes. By 1600 Gaelic in Galloway seems to have been all but finished, but were there some survivals? ‘Galloway’ in the period 1100-1200 seems to have extended into Carrick, Ayrshire, and east to the far side of Annandale. Some references suggest the term, Galwegians, included everybody south of the Clyde at that time. By the 12th century the Lords of Galloway had emerged under their rí or king, Fergus. They engaged in internecine mayhem as they fought one another, as well as the hostile armies of the Scottish kings. The legacy of both sides survives in our remarkable concentration of mottes, primitive castle sites, such as those at Dalry and Balmaclellan. The Galwegians were known as bare-arsed, vicious, psychopathic warriors. Gaelic reposes in numerous placenames. Central to the province’s history was the Galloway Forest extending from the west of the Loch Trool, the Forest of Buchan, to the New Forest around Glenkens. Robert Bruce fought a civil war against Balliol supporters in Galloway. The king encouraged settlement in the Forest, which had its own laws down to the 16th century. present on a 16th century poem, Òran Bagraidh which seems to point to feuding between the Kennedys and some other Galloway clans, perhaps in the 15th or 16th centuries. It contains several local place names. John McDiarmid (1790-1852) was the son of the minister (presumably a Gaelic speaker) of the Highland Church in Glasgow. John was one of the founders of The Scotsman who later moved to Dumfries to edit the Dumfries Courier. He also published a few books including ‘Picture of Dumfries and its Environs’ (1832). In the latter he has the following passage. ‘The Gaelic language, or at least a dialect of that tongue, seems to have lingered longer in Galloway than in any other portion of Scotland on the southern side of the Forth, with the exception of the islands of Man and Arran. Some years ago we visited a respectable gentleman in Galloway who died about the age of 66, and whose mother, as we understand, attained to a much more lengthened term of years. At table the conversation turned on the amazing number of farms whose names could be traced to the Gaelic. This, the gentleman said, was not at all to be wondered at, as he had often heard his mother say that in her younger days the servants and common people in Galloway knew little of either Lowland Scotch or English, and were in the habit of conversing in Gaelic. It is just possible that our memory may deceive us, and that in place of his mother, our authority meant his grandmother; but even then the statement strikes us as very remarkable’. So far there are expressions of interest from Dublin to Inverness. Be there! For tickets and further information contact The CatStrand. Ted Cowan The Galwegians were known as barearsed, vicious, psychopathic warriors. The conference will open with Prof Thomas Clancy of Glasgow University, speaking on the Gaelicisation of Galloway. His colleague Prof Rob O Maolalaigh will discuss Galloway Gaelic, while Dr Fiona Edmonds will look at Gaelic across the Solway. Dr Donald McWhannell will explore the origins of Galloway Cinella or kindreds while Prof Richard Oram will investigate the social and economic structure of the medieval province and Prof Hector MacQueen will review Galloway’s Gaelic law and society. Dr Aonghas Maccoinnich will be ‘Looking for the Gaidhealtachd; identifying Gaels in the historical record 1560-1700’. Glenkens own Michael Ansell co-organiser of the conference will explore the ceathramhan (units of land) of the Cree Valley, Alistair Livingstone will consider the transition from Gaelic to Scots. His two articles on Gaelic in Galloway have recently appeared in D&G Transactions. Wellknown authority Ronnie Black will Glenkens Gazette page 26 THE FORGOTTEN SCHOOLS: PARTON MERKLAND SCHOOL The parish of Parton had two or three schools but they were founded rather later than most in the Glenkens. Sadly we are missing most of the church records for Parton during the 18th and 19th centuries. The few fragments we have indicate that the Kirk was unable to provide a school for the parish in the early years of the 1900s. However, by 1834 the population of Parton supported three schools. The various Gazetteers [Bartholomew’s, Groomes or Lewis’s Topographical] tell us that in 1801 the population was 426, peaking in 1831 at 827, then falling a little to 783 in 1836. In 1834 the two parochial schools had a combined total of 117 scholars and the private school had 20 children. In official Returns the two school are often referred to as the Parton Kirk School and Parton Merkland School. The Merkland School is further to the north east towards Corsock and the site is still visible in a field. In 1836 it had 20 boys and 8 girls with 21 boys and 8 girls in 1837. The School at Merkland is stated by one of its Headmasters to have been founded in 1805 and the Life of James Clerk Maxwell by Lewis Campbell informs us that he was anxious that this school continued its existence. Mr John Donaldson was one of the earliest, if not the first, schoolmasters here. Mr Alexander Knox, Headmaster at the Merkland School from 1829, received his education at the Parton [Kirk] school and at Dumfries Academy. Knox appears to have been headmaster for nearly 50 years. The school day lasted from 10am until 3pm in the winter. In the summer the Merkland continued until 4pm in the afternoon to allow for a midday break. It was recognised that attendance was higher in the winter since the children were needed on the farms during the summer months; few rural children attended until the oat and potato crops were secured. The curriculum almost puts modern schools to shame. English, Greek, Latin, Mathematics, Modern Languages, Arithmetic, Geography, History, Religious Instruction and Catechism filled the day. Schoolmastering was not well paid and around the 1840s we have a reference to the retired schoolmaster, Mr John Donaldson, who was the master at the Merkland School before Alexander Knox. He was living on his pension and his wife, Elizabeth was forced to apply to the Presbytery for poor relief. Donaldson died, “at an advanced age” in 1847. The 1868 National Gazetteer still refers to two schools in the village. Mr Browne at Parton earned £48 and a Mr Alexander Knox, at Merkland, earned £32. The Merkland School is still mentioned in the local papers in 1939. Bruce Smith JACK WINS POETRY COMPETITION Jack Howard from Dalry recently won the Writers’ Forum magazine poetry competition. Jack was born in Blackburn, Lancashire, and has moved progressively north. He lives with his partner, a textile artist, in Dalry, where they also run a small gallery on summer weekends. Jack says he chose the poem The Dance as it is one of his favourites. When asked what he enjoys most about writing poetry, Jack said: “Getting things out of my system and seeing ideas developing in print”. Having moved to Dalry four years ago, Jack, who also writes short stories, says: “The Glenkens is a wonderful place - I cannot help being inspired by it’s beauty and it’s people. I like its rhythm, it’s people and it’s closeness to nature”. The Dance by Jack Howard and she wove a tapestry dancing forwards and backwards to the rhythms of the colours of the silks the threads of her hair irridescent in the moonlight and I stood spellbound bewitched by her movements and by the subtle hues of her weave and by the softness of her touch SUMMER THEATRE FESTIVAL The Fresh Face Theatre Festival is an exciting new residential festival for young people aged 12–16 to showcase their talents and develop new skills in theatre. Based at CatStrand on 26, 27 and 28 July, the booking cost includes all food, workshops, shows and and even though her space now filled with other thoughts remains and even though the memories of her soft caresses and of her sweet kisses dim the feeling remains and her tapestry hangs on my wall swaying gently in the breeze matching the rythms of her dance camping - £5 per day or £10 for the whole weekend. Youth theatre groups get a weekend ticket for £50 for up to eight people. Places are limited so book soon! For bookings and further information contact zoe@catstrand.com or phone 01644 420374 or visit www.catstrand.com Glenkens Gazette page 27 Crockett’s Glimpses Of The Glenkens This, the second in the Glimpses series, focuses on Laurieston and offers the modern reader an insight into the history, adventure and romance of Crockett’s Glenkens. LAURIESTON ‘Whinnyliggate has few recreations, save those of standing about the bridge on summer evenings, and in quietly subdued tones, talking over its own domestic affairs. But in addition it has its quoitinggreen.’ Most people in the Glenkens will be aware that Laurieston has an older name – Clachanpluck. Fewer may know that Crockett fictionalises it as Whinnyliggate (the real Whinneyliggate is further south.) The reason for his fictionalising is easy to see in the many references he makes to the people of the village which, though humorous, are often far from complimentary. He places it in its natural surroundings as follows in The Loves of Miss Anne, set in the 18th century: ‘The village itself strolled down a whinny knowe in a meandering fashion, and whenever the gardens stopped, the broom and the gorse would be looking at you over the dyke. The commonest birds were of the same scheme of colour— mostly grey and brown and yellow— the yellow-yoit, the whinchat and the stonechat. Only at Whinnyliggate the whinchat lived on the moors among the stones and the stone-chat close to the houses among the whins…To this day there is a ‘lane’ which cuts the village in two about the middle. Now in Galloway this is not a woodland walk, but a slow, sleepy, peaty stream, and it was dammed just below the bridge permanently by a weir—as well as frequently elsewhere by unwary fishermen who attempt to catch trout in its murky pools.’ He also gives us an overview of the people, offering an explanation of why he fictionalises both time and place: ‘Curiously enough there is a solid difference in character between the inhabitants of the two principalities. Above-Bridge and Below-Bridge could not be said to have no dealings the one with the other, but it is certainly true that they had as few as possible. of somebody’s brow, is, of course, Below-Bridge. There in the forenights a jovial crowd of ploughmen and orra (odd) men forgather. In my time the prettiest girls all belonged to this part of the country. Though with small claims to beauty, and our lodge being a considerable distance off through the woods, I myself was always at heart Below-Bridge.’ Crockett began his schooldays in Laurieston and there are many more stories of it in Lads’ Love, A Stickit Minister’s Wooing, Love Idylls, A Galloway Herd and Kit Kennedy. For my money one of the best descriptions of the village and its inhabitants comes in The Smiddy Parliament in Raiderland. But I leave the reader to explore that for themselves. Cally Phillips For further The reason for his fictionalising is information and into Crockett’s easy to see in the many references insight Galloway writing visit he makes to the people of the village www.gallowayraiders .co.uk Crockett’s which, though humorous, are often Galloway fiction far from complimentary. was republished in Above-Bridge folk are generally haughtier, more quarrelsome, louder in argument, hungrier, yet with less to appease that hunger. They carry their noses more in the air, owing possibly to the superior elevation of their cottage feus upon the crest of the brae. The shop where they sell cravats and imitation linen collars has always been AboveBridge. Below-Bridge, on the other hand, is universally kindlier, sweeter, humaner, more humoursome in its outlook upon the world. It wears a portlier belly, and, with more of the good things of this life, makes less pretence of gentility. It was apt to laugh in its sleeve at Above-Bridge. The blacksmith’s shop, with its perennial clinka-clank of heartsome labour, tolling the hours in the sweat a centenary edition The Galloway Collection by Ayton Publishing in 2014, and are available in paperback from the online bookseller www.unco.scot, Amazon and other retailers. The Glenkens also features in Cally Phillips 2016 work Discovering Crockett’s Galloway, Volume 2 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 28 Who Do We Think We Were? Who is this strange man with the baby, who landed in Dalry in 1973? This is not a competition; the answer is below. Andrew Mellor recollects how he and Anne, and almost immediately Amy Mellor first arrived in the Glenkens. Perhaps this makes you think of your first arrival here, or perhaps you have always belonged here? Either way, you too have a story to tell. Please send in your 500 words of memoir, from any part of your life, whenever it was, wherever you were. Please send your contribution - of no more than 500 words - by email to margaret.elphinstone@ dircon.co.uk or hand in a copy at CatStrand marked ‘Glenkens Gazette - WDWTWW’. Next issue’s contribution will be from Barry Bryan-Dixon, remembering his time in Northern Ireland. The Land of the Midnight Butcher I wonder if folk who move from a city to the Glenkens today are as much struck by the foibles of rural life as my wife and I were when we moved here from Dundee in July 1973. Leaving behind the tenements and cobbled streets of the city of jute, jam and journalism where we had spent the first few years of our married life, we rattled off in our ancient Reliant three-wheeler on an eventful journey which took all day and which ended in a pretty little woodland cottage on Glenlee Estate with a view across the Glen to Dalry. There was so much to learn. You didn’t go to the shops, many of them came to you, including a butcher’s van which often didn’t arrive until well after bedtime – you just left a note of what you wanted wrapped round some money in a box by your front door. Births and deaths were registered not in an office but in Cowan Fergusson’s front room - with political opinions thrown in for free. And people didn’t knock on a neighbour’s door when visiting – they just walked in. The birth of our daughter, Amy, just a few days after our arrival, closely followed by the start of my teaching career, added to the novelty of the situation. Dalry School in 1973 was unique. The corridors were covered with colourful murals depicting an idyllic world inhabited by white horses and dancing nudes. The classrooms, bursting at the seams with the last throes of the baby boom, were ruled over by a disparate collection of teachers ranging from the formidable Miss Barr, who had arrived with evacuees from Glasgow at the start of the War, to Miss Hydes (soon to become Mrs Porteous), who could easily be mistaken for one of the S4 girls. The school’s jannie was Frank Dalziel, a gentle giant and an expert poultry keeper. He encouraged me to keep some birds. When one of our ducks went lame I found Frank whiling away a long evening class duty sitting by his wee cupboard in the school’s cloakroom surrounded by a pile of feathers plucked from the next day’s dinner. After listening to my description of the duck’s symptoms he said that nothing could be done. “Ye”ll just have to kill it,” he advised. I said that I had never killed anything, asked if he would do it for me, and was taken aback by his blunt reply. “ No, I won’t.” “Why not?” I whimpered. “Because, if you’re going to keep birds, you have to learn how to kill them. But don’t worry. I’ll tell you how to do it.” Another lesson learned. Early in 1974 we moved into the Old Schoolhouse in Dalry. This had a productive walled garden inhabited by an old man who had the use of part of the ground in exchange for odd jobs and wisdom. Eddie McCreadie had come to the Glenkens from Ulster in the 1930s to work on the Galloway Power scheme. Ironically, the wee house in Kirkland Street where he lived with his “housekeeper”, Amy, still had no electricity. Inside it was like a museum. Eddy, flat-capped and bent with arthritis, could often be found rocking back on a kitchen chair with his feet propped on the rail of an old cast iron kitchen range on which were drying an (unwashed!) hanky or two. On the wall were pictures of his heroes – King Billy and Ian Paisley – while in a corner a battery powered wireless poured out Scottish dance tunes. Eddie taught me how to use a scythe and how to mend a wheelbarrow. It has to be said that some of his tips - such as how to get rid of a wasps’ byke with nothing more than a long pole and a plastic sack - were a little dubious but, who knows? They might come in useful one day. GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL � 01644 420234 � New Galloway Golf Club Founded 1902 www.nggc.co.uk - 01644 420737 Buggies now available for hire VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME Glenkens Gazette page 29 NEW GALLOWAY HELP THE LIFEBOATS CELEBRATORY EVENTS The Glenkens Fundraising Branch of the RNLI is holding a Coffee Evening in Dalry Town Hall on Thursday 17 May at 7pm, and warmly invite Glenkens folk to join them. As well as enjoying a cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit, there will be lots of stalls including delicious home-baking and a selection of RNLI Souvenirs. You can stock up on plants for your flowers beds or vegetable patch, browse the large selection of books and try your luck at the Tombola stall. All proceeds go to the Lifeboats who do not receive any government funding for their vital service keeping our coastal waters safe and therefore rely on the generosity of the public. Balmaclellan Quiz Nights Balmaclellan Village Hall Committee ran another quiz night recently, which was a great success and a good night had by all. Thirteen teams took part and the winners were the Plumber’s Mates from Dalry, well done to them. Over £330.00 was raised, through entry fees and a raffle which has gone to the upkeep and maintenance of the Village Hall. A big thank you to everyone who attended and continue to support the hall. The next quiz night is to be held on Friday 27th April 2018, at 7.30pm at Balmaclellan Village Hall. Teams of 4-6 people welcome. Kay Bird, Secretary, Balmaclellan Village Hall Following the successful Christmas Concert and Christmas Light switch on in New Galloway, the organising committee have decided to continue. Originally this committee was formed for a one-off event to celebrate the many great things that had made 2017 so memorable. A meeting of the committee was held in January and we all felt that having brought together representatives from most of the organisations and groups in New Galloway it would be a shame to let it be dissolved. We therefore decided to call it the Celebratory Events Committee and it has been agreed that it can be a sub-committee of LING which is an organisation for the benefit of the public of New Galloway. This group was never intended to be fund raising. Hopefully we can continue that way with the support of the community and have free events but with donations for the community and local causes. The next event we are planning is a “PICNIC IN THE PARK” to celebrate the Royal Wedding, it will be held on Sunday 20 May. No details yet, but watch out for Posters and information in the near future. Eat Cake For Scotland’s Air Ambulance St Margaret’s Church annual Plant and Bake Sale will take place on Saturday 28 April from 10am to 1pm, outside the church in Kenbridge Road, New Galloway. This year, all the proceeds will go to Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance. The SCAA is a registered charity that assists the Scottish Ambulance Service by providing a helicopter air ambulance for time-critical emergencies anywhere in Scotland. They rely 100% on donations from their supporters. Stock up on tomato plants, vegetable seedlings, house plants, annuals and herbaceous plants, all lovingly grown locally by church members. At the same time a delicious selection of home-baking, jams and marmalades will be available inside the church, and teas and coffees will also be offered - outside if the weather is clement, inside if not! Evening with Ted Cowan at Balmaclellan Village Hall Ted Cowan gave a very interesting and entertaining talk on Balmaclellan in Scotland History, Clans, Covenanters and Characters. Over 50 people attended braving the very cold and unpredictable weather. Ted gave a 50 minute talk which was followed by a substantial buffet and an opportunity afterwards to reconvene and the floor was opened up for a questions and answers session. Many thanks to Ted Cowan for being so generous with his time, everyone enjoyed the evening and hopefully we can hold other similar events in the future. Robin Jardine, Chair, Balmaclellan Village Hall Village Hall Committee representatives presenting a bottle of whisky as a thank you. Left to right: Jim Kirkpatrick (Hall Keeper), Kay Bird (Secretary) Ted Cowan and Robin Jardine (Chair). Glenkens Gazette APRIL page 30 APRIL & MAY Sun 1, Carsphairn Tearoom Bistro, 12noon-6pm, see p15 Tue 3, Drop-in, 9-10.30am, Dalry Police Station Fri 6, Patrick Monahan, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 7, Craft Fair, Dalry Town Hall, Sun 8, GTI Bus Trip, see p6 Tue 10, Love Food: Hate Waste, 2.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall, see p23 Wed 11, Film: The Death of Stalin, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 13, Puppet Animation Festival: Myths of the Vikings, 2pm, CatStrand Fri 13, Family Activities, 10am-12noon, New Galloway Town Hall Fri 13, Carsphairn Tearoom Bistro, 58pm, see p15 Sat 14, Spalding Bowling Club Green Opening Day, 2pm, Dalry Thu 19, Rob Heron & the Tea Pad Orchestra, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 21, D&G Science Festival, 12noon5pm, Easterbrook Hall, Dumfries, see back page Sat 21, D&G Science Festival, 12noon- 5pm, Easterbrook Hall, Dumfries, see back page Sun 22, Glenkens Story Lecture: Graeme Cavers - Crannogs, 2.30pm, CatStrand, see p24 Tue 24, Vincent Van Gogh: A New Way of Seeing, 7.30pm, CatStrand Thurs 26, Glenkens Business Networking, 6-7pm, The Smithy, see p22 Fri 27, Carsphairn Tearoom Bistro, 58pm, see p15 Fri 27, Quiz Night, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall, see p29 Sat 28, Plant & Bake Sale, 10am-1pm, outside church on Kenbridge Road, New Galloway, see p29 Sat 28, GTI Bus Trip: Spring Garden, see p6 MAY Fri 4, Carsphairn Tearoom Bistro, 58pm, see p15 Fri 4, Songs of the Roma, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 5, Drop-in, 1-2.30pm, Dalry Police Station Sun 6, Mossdale Hall Anniversary Celebration, see p18 Sun 13, GTI Bus Trip, see p6 Thu 17, RNLI Coffee Evening, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall, see p29 Fri 18, Music Night Fundraising Concert, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall Sun 20, Picnic in the Park, New Galloway, see p29 Tue 20, Dementia Awareness Eve, 7.30pm, CatStrand, see p22 Thu 24-Sun 27, Knockengorroch World Ceilidh, see back page Fri 25, Carsphairn Tearoom Bistro, 58pm, see p15 Sat 26, Elephant Sessions, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 26-Mon 28, Spring Fling Open Studios, see p15 Tue 29, I, Claude Monet, 7.30pm, CatStrand Thu 31, Alan Bisset, CatStrand, see p20 JUNE Fri 1, Sixfold: A Nexus & CatStrand’s youth dance Choreo Skills Lab, see p20 Sun 3, GTI Bus Trip, see p6 May 26-28, Spring Fling Open Studios, see p15 Sat 2, Carsphairn Tearoom Bistro, 48pm, see p15 SCOUT GROUP SALE The Glenkens Scout Group are holding their annual jumble sale in the Scout Hut in New Galloway on Saturday 5 May from 2-4pm and Sunday 6 May from 1.30-3pm. We are collecting for the sale in the villages on Wednesday 2 May in the evening. The group are small, so we are appealing for anyone who can help with sorting from 6.45 onwards, either on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday, before the sale, or on the sale weekend. This would be much appreciated. Any queries, please phone Heather on 420 375. Glenkens Gazette page 31 REGULAR EVENTS CatStrand, New Galloway: Film Makers’ Club, Mon, 7-8.30pm Exercise to Music: Mon, 9.30-10am Margaret Morris dance 1: 3-7yrs, Mon (term-time), 3.45-4.30pm Margaret Morris Dance 2: 8-16yrs, Mon (term-time), 4.30-5.15pm Youth Volunteer Meet-up, Mon, 68pm, FREE PIZZA Choreographic Skills Lab, Mon (term-time), 7-8.30pm, ages 12-18 Start to Write, 1st Tues each month, 3-5pm (no Feb meeting) Animation Club, Tues, 4.30-6.30pm Gentle Tai Chi: Wed, 10am Wendletrap Tai Chi, Wed, 2-3.30pm Continue to Write, 1st Wed each month, 3.15-5.15pm Music/Jam Youth Drop-in, Wed, 6-7pm & rehearsal/recording space available for booking from 7-9pm Writers’ Cafe, 2nd Thurs each month, 7-9pm Sing it Out, Thurs, 11am -12pm CatStrand Ukes, Thurs, 1–3.30pm Yoga, Thurs, 6.30pm Zumba Gold, Fri (term-time), 9.3010.30am, CatStrand, 16+ Saturday Art Club, 2nd & 4th Sat of the month, 10am–12noon Glenkens Acoustic Sessions, last Sun of the month, 2-4pm Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry, (contact Kath on 430 281): Paint & Art, Mon, 2-4pm GCC Playgroup, Tues, Wed & Thurs, 9.15-11.45am Guides, Tues, 6-8pm Brownies, Thurs 6-7.30pm Kickback Martial Arts, Thurs, 79pm Thursday Craft Group, Thurs, 24pm Glenkens Children’s Club, Fri, 10am-12noon New Galloway Town Hall: LING Lunches, Tues, 11am-2pm Indoor Sports, Tues, 7-9pm Zumba, Wed, 7.30-8.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall, 11+ Saturday Circuits, 8-9am with John Fagan Various Locations: Hatha Yoga, Mon, 10-11.15am, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn Mens Shed Mondays, 6.30pm, Balmaclellan Carsphairn Post Office, Tues, 1-3pm, 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 Cub Scouts: Wed, 6.45–8pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Youth Writing, Thurs (during term time), 3.30-5pm, ages 10-15, Dalry School Glenkens Community Councils Balmaclellan Community Council Meetings: 4th Monday each month, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall. Carsphairn Community Council Meetings: Last Monday each month, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn. CHECK OUT NEW WEBSITE! 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 7.30pm: Quiz Night, Dalry Town Hall. & K Churches, Dalry Church. 27 Apr, CHURCH OF SCOTLAND: Sunday Services - Balmaclellan 12noon: 1st. Carsphairn 10.30am: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th. Dalry 12noon: 1st(Apr), 3rd, 4th. Dalry 10.30am: 2nd(May), 5th(Apr). Kells 10.30am: 2nd(Apr), 4th. Special Services/Events:1 Apr, 7am: Easter Dawn Service, New Galloway Park, followed by breakfast in NG Lower Town Hall. 1 Apr, Easter Sunday services, 10.30am, Carsphairn & Kells Churches; 12noon, Dalry Church. 8 Apr, 10.30am, United Family Service for Dalry and B 29 Apr, 10.30am, United Service with Choir, Dalry Church. 13 May, 10.30am, United Family Service for Dalry and B & K Churches, Kells Church. 26 May, 2–4pm, Plant Sale & Cream Teas, Balmaclellan Village HallCommunion Services: 6 May, 12noon, Balmaclellan Church 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 Coffee & Craft, Fri, 9am-12noon, Lagwyne Hall Folk Music Session, 4th Fri each month, 7.30/8pm till closing, Ken Bridge Hotel Scouts, Thurs, 7–8.30pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Gentle Tai Chi, Fri 10-11am, Dalry Town Hall 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 To hire the MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) behind Dalry School call Sonja Tranter on 430 244 or Nicolette Wise on 430 218. Dalry Library Tuesdays 12noon-3.30pm Fridays 10am-12noon & 1-4.30pm For further library van stops and informa�on contact Castle Douglas library on 01556 502 643 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 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 Knockengorroch World Ceilidh music festival will take place from Thursday 24 to Sunday 27 May in the hills above Carsphairn. This year founder member of legendary hip-hop band Jurassic 5, Cut Chemist, drops in from the US for a rare one-off date in Scotland. Pioneers of international music fusion Transglobal Underground return after their last visit to Knockengorroch in 2007, and African female powerhouse Les Amazones d’Afrique tackle love, page 32 oppression and female empowerment with ancient rhythms blended seamlessly over funk, blues and dub. The diverse line-up incorporates top music to dance to from across the world with more than a healthy splash of traditional Scottish sounds. This four-day festival, based in the Glenkens, has been running since 1998. A festival run by a family, for families, in the very broadest sense of the word, it attracts young and old to the banks of the glittering river Deugh at the foot of Cairnsmore of Carsphairn. As well as music the festival 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 APRIL/MAY COPY DEADLINE: 5 MARCH © Douglas Robertson features a children’s area and procession, creative, heritage and environmental workshops, a cinema, sauna, healing area, real ales and ciders, global shopping stalls, fire shows, circus, comedy, theatre, storytelling and lots more! Book now for advance tickets, concessions available. Under 11’s free, ages 11-16 half-price. Dogs on leads with responsible owners welcome. To find out more visit www.knockengorroch.org.uk 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 105 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GG_105 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 2018 Description An account of the resource Editor: Sarah Ade https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/1/250/GlenkensGazette104.pdf 26d9db85493543d8ea47a2ab61a072a2 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 104 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 2018 ISSUE 104 FREE GALLOWAY FOREST PARK FEATURES ON NATIONAL TV A new prime-time TV series is being screened featuring our very own Galloway Forest Park. The Forest, a six-part series, shows snippets of the lives of people who live and work in the park. The Galloway Forest Park has all kinds of wildlife and conservation initiatives and is a major player in the region’s tourist economy, attracting over 800,000 visitors a year. It is also the largest afforested area in the UK and a major contributor to Scotland’s commercial timber industry. “It’s not often we get programmes made about our local area, so this is a welcome appearance especially on primetime Scottish TV,” said Andi Holmes of Dalry Community Council. The Forest is produced and directed by Jack Warrender, who was brought up on the John Miller timber haulage lorries in Galloway Forest Park © Tern TV northern edge of the Galloway Forest Park and returns to the UK after a career in Hollywood. It is narrated by Scottish BAFTAwinning actor Mark Bonnar. Leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council, Dr Elaine Murray, said: “The Galloway Forest is a huge asset to the economy and environment of our region, but is probably not all that well known outside of Dumfries and Galloway. The programme is a great opportunity to showcase the forest and to inform viewers about activities and businesses which operate in the forest and the issues they face as well as its fantastic scenery, leisure opportunities and natural environment.” The Forest screens on Mondays at 7.30pm on BBC1, and missed episodes can be watched on BBC iPlayer. GLENKENS WINTER WONDERLAND This January we had the longest spell of snow the Glenkens has seen for years. And as well as snow, we also got ice...Pictured are Laya and Finn sledging, and an ice sculpture created by a burst pipe at Kells school. A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) ini�a�ve www.glenkensgaze�e.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 2 BEWARE ‘PHISHING’ SCAMS I recently received a telephone call on my landline purporting to be from Microsoft alerting me to the fact that they have "detected pornographic material and drug dealing" on my computer. New Galloway Community Shop really entered into the festive spirit this Christmas, with the help of all our supporters. a number of community projects to work on and will also become a familiar face around New Galloway no doubt. The tender documents for the renovation work were received just before Christmas and are now being assessed for the best offer, with the actual work still expected to start in the spring. The NGCE AGM is on 1 March in New Galloway Town Hall at 7:30pm - everyone is welcome, and membership can be gained at any time by buying one or more £10 shares. Enquire Needless to say, I have done neither. The caller did give me their phone number and having ended the call, I immediately dialed 1471 to get their actual number. Whilst, as far as I know, at the moment no actual fraud or cyber attack has been committed against me, the caller had some of my personal details. Having contacted the police, it seems there's currently a large number of such ‘phishing’ calls being made in Scotland at the moment. I wanted to warn people to be aware of these types of phone calls - I'm fairly sure I've escaped but others might not be so lucky. Richard Kiernan New Galloway Community Shop A tasting evening of gin, wine, puddings and goodies was much appreciated by all who braved the weather, and the shop looked beautiful throughout the season. That trend continues with a fantastic healthy-eating window display by the P4-P7 class of Kells School, New Galloway - if you haven't seen it yet, it's worth popping over for. In other news, our Community Engagement Worker Samantha Rushton has now started her new part-time role, and New Galloway residents should expect to see plenty of her in the coming months as she really gets to know our community and how best to support it. She will be joined in February and March by a sponsored student placement, Janosh Schnee, who has 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 � at the shop for more details. Thanks as ever to all our friends and helpers - your support is always very welcome! NGCE Ltd Committee Local Development Plan The Regional Council has compiled its Local Development Plan for 2018-29. The full plan can be viewed in Dalry Library, and should also be available to view online on the Council website at www.dumgal.gov.uk A couple of points of interest are that there is provision for 25 new properties in Dalry and 35 in New Galloway - take a look to find out more about what is planned for the Glenkens over the next decade. Articles contributed to the Glenkens Gazette do not reflect the opinions of the paper. The Gazette stays neutral on local, political, religious and any other issues, providing a platform for members of the Glenkens communities to share their thoughts, views and opinions. Glenkens Gazette page 3 John Maxwell 1931-2017 John Maxwell, who died in December, was well respected throughout Galloway, having been a farmer, county councillor, charity director and church warden of St Margaret’s Episcopal Church. He was born in rural South Wales and attended school in Perth where he was a keen and successful rugby player. After National Service in the Royal Horse Artillery (where he served in the Suez garrison) he studied agriculture at Cambridge University before joining the Colonial Service where he was posted to Trinidad and then Nyasaland (now Malawi). In 1963, after several years in Africa, he and his wife Ann and their family moved to the Glenkens to take up farming, swapping the tobacco and groundnuts of East Africa for sheep and beef cattle. Up until the 1960s the Glenkens Agricultural Show had been held in the Park at New Galloway but when this no longer provided enough space John offered the Mains of Kenmure and the Show has been held on Maxwell fields ever since. This quiet generosity to the community was typical of John and he was proud to be made an Honorary President for Life of the Glenkens Agricultural Society. In the 1980s he served as councillor for the Glenkens in the then Stewartry District Council, and latterly in the amalgamated Dumfries and Galloway Council. He was not interested in ‘party politics’ and stood as an independent, allowing his decisions to be guided by his strong Christian faith. His particular interest was housing and he was chairman of the housing committee for over ten years. A former colleague wrote “He was known for his insight and ability to cut to the chase, whatever the issue, and Dumfries and Galloway housing owes him a huge debt, more than they will ever realise.” After retiring from the Council, he was asked by Pam Young to join her newly-formed charitable trust which provides affordable housing to those in need. She found John’s knowledge on all things to do with housing invaluable and after she died in 2008 he was elected chairman, a role he continued with diligence until stepping down a few months ago. At a recent interview about the 25th anniversary of the Pamela Young Trust, he typically said that it was “humbling to have been able to help so many people”. Helping others less fortunate than himself was a theme that permeated all the way through his life. He was also an active member of St Margaret’s Episcopal Church in New Galloway having served for many years as vestry secretary and latterly as honorary church warden. The Rector of St Margaret’s, John Repath, commented: “In his life and in the church John was the epitome of the many men and women in the world who simply do what they think is right without any fanfares or drum beating. We remember with much thanksgiving all that he has done for St Margaret’s.” 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 4 sponsored by EVERYTHING listed in the Glenkens Freecycle section is FREE - you just need to contact the owner and go and pick it up! If you would like to list something on this page, please get in touch with Sarah on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk VARIOUS Traditional toboggan for toddlers, metal with wooden slats, can be pulled. Hutch (28cm x 38cm x 24cm) for hamster or mouse, good condition, with wheel, wee house, ball, water bottle and separate travel pod. Unused white worktop, 138cm x 60cm. Beech effect worktop, good condition, 154cm x 60cm. Contact: 430218 Beith dining room display/ storage unit, measures, 5’ in length by 1’ 6” width by 5’ 6” height. Lovely piece of furniture. Free to a good home! Contact: Angie on 07766 476 125 Colour Television set - Toshiba (not flat screen) with television table. In excellent order - can be seen working. Contact: 450 265 2 red armchairs (very good condition), 3 shaggy green rugs. Contact: Noreen on 420 730 5/6 x 20 litre tubs of lime wash in Brilliant white. Cost around £200 but surplus to requirements. White table and four chairs. The table is a little chipped in places but the chairs are in good condition. Donations to GCAT welcome. Contact: Fiona on 07789 903127 Parker Knoll chair for renovation. Contact: Sheila on 420 666 WANTED OS Pathfinder maps for the Glenkens. Contact: Simon on 07426 124 982 Small chest of drawers. Contact: Simon on 07426 124 982 Gloss paint, wood preservative, compost, herbs & pond plants. Kells School, New Galloway, 420 340 Old oil drum for burning rubbish/ garden waste. Contact: 07769 682 811 Lab puppy. We’re looking for a puppy for a family dog and would love to find one locally. Contact: 07769 682 811 MAGICAL HAIR ICE Here is a snap of some beautiful hair ice found on a crisp Sunday afternoon walk around one of our favourite places, Milton Park, just outside Dalry. Apparently hair ice (also known as ice wool or frost beard) is a fairly uncommon type of ice that forms on the rotten wood of broad leaf trees. In 2015 German and Swiss scientists identified the fungus exidiopsis effusa as being key to its formation. The enchanting display certainly captured our imaginations - we couldn’t quite believe its magical quality, and it got us wondering...with Christmas being such a recent memory, did Santa’s elves leave it as one final surprise? Jenna Devlin ONE ACT PLAY FESTIVAL FOR CATSTRAND YOUTH PLAYERS The CatStrand Youth Players will be entering the 2018 One Act Play Festival with three plays for the first time. Tell Me Another Story, Sing Me A Song by Jean Lenox Toddie was a huge success in the Youth Festival in 2016, winning Stewartry District and reaching the Western Finals. It is being staged again, but this time in the Open Festival. The Youth Festival entries are Rabbit by David Foxton and Exit Stage Left by Geoff Bamber - a synopsis of each of the plays follows. Rabbit - This perceptive play, set ten years after ‘the bomb’, portrays with frightening clarity the destruction of human character as social standards are lost in a struggle for power and survival. In the ruins of an abandoned building fifteen teenage survivors struggle to make sense of the desolation. Ironically, they begin to repeat their parents’ mistakes. The play ends with a thought provoking clash of personalities. Exit Stage Left - Comedy all the way as a high school drama group arrive to rehearse their latest play to discover that their teacher Mrs. Finnegan is indisposed and she has nominated one of the group to take over the session. His efforts to conduct things sensibly are constantly undermined by his cast and the revelation that Mrs. Finnegan might be a serial killer! Tell Me Another Story, Sing Me A Song - This witty look at motherdaughter relationships is a light hearted exploration of irritations and misunderstandings that build walls between a woman and her female offspring - and the love and compassion that breaks down these walls. The crisis and humour of childhood, adolescence, adulthood and old age are evoked in a celebration of dissonance and the harmony between mothers and daughters. With the light touch of fantasy, it touches some of our deepest emotions. The plays will be performed at the Fullarton in Castle Douglas on 23 and 24 Feb and at CatStrand on Thurs 15 March. Glenkens Gazette page 5 sponsored by BRINGING MORE GOLDEN EAGLES TO GALLOWAY Golden eagles had been persecuted to extinction in southern Scotland by the 1870s. This didn’t last long, however, and there are records of them returning to breed in Galloway in the early 1900s, and indeed they have bred or attempted to breed in the southwest in every decade since. War service reduced game-keeping and by the mid-1940s golden eagles were breeding successfully in two of their traditional haunts. Sheep removal for afforestation allowed habitat and prey levels to increase and by 1980 there were four breeding pairs. However, canopy closure and further afforestation has since reduced this to a precarious two pairs, with an additional one to two pairs in the Borders. A detailed SNH report in 2014 suggested that southern Scotland could potentially support between 10 and 16 pairs, and this gave fresh impetus to create a project to increase the population of golden eagles in the area. The project involves a partnership of RSPB Scotland, Scottish Land and Estates, Forestry Commission Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and Buccleuch Estates, who have been working together for more than ten years to bring the project to fruition. Support funding has been awarded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and LEADER. Recent satellite tagging of golden eagles in Scotland has shown that the southern Scottish golden eagle population is greatly isolated from larger populations in the Golden Eagle © Angus Hogg Highlands. In summer 2018, and behaviour, survival and health of for the next four years, it is planned to bring between five and the birds. This will also provide fascinating information to the public. ten young eagles per annum south Work is planned to ensure former to a location in the Moffat Hills. and potential nesting sites are The young birds will be reared and re-occupied and to identify any released using established methods additional habitat management derived from previous eagle and red measures that will bring further kite re-introduction projects, with improvements in food supplies in the support and co-operation of these areas. There will also be work raptor experts and estates. Single with local communities, schools, chicks will be collected from broods and enterprises to bring much wider of two young in the Highlands, with benefits. Scottish Raptor Study Groups being Meanwhile, it is hoped that our heavily involved in this and in the own forests in Galloway can be local provision of advice. Indeed, restructured in a way to enhance the project team will work with a existing golden eagle habitat, and variety of expert advisers, including of course we need to ensure that specialists from the Edinburgh any new afforestation doesn’t make University Dick Vet School, and things worse for eagles and other experts from Ireland and Spain. key biodiversity. Following release, each golden Chris Rollie, eagle will be satellite-tracked RSPB Area Manager, Dumfries to ensure the project builds & Galloway and Chairman, up information on the ranging JENNY’S DESIGN Would you like the opportunity to have your own online business, with support from a team? Do you like healthy living and high quality skin care? Yes? Then please contact Katy Caie, Arbonne Independent Consultant, on 07756 506 496 or visit http://catrionacaie.arbonne.com Mobile Hairdresser • Home Visits • Nursing Homes & Residential • The Elderly & Disabled • Blow Drying • Setting • Perms • Cuts • Toupees • Wig Styling NVQ Level 3 Hairdressing, NVQ Level 4 Social Care Call Jenny on 07554 009 624 Glenkens Gazette page 6 Glenkens Gazette page 7 END OF AN ERA FOR NEW GALLOWAY RURAL There have been lots of happy times over the past few years to end 96 years of the New Galloway Rural on a high note. To name but a few... November 2016 - AGM month. Joan Berkeley handed the president’s job to Louise, and nine members enjoyed the meeting. There had been final goodbyes to Betty McQueen and Anne Martin during the previous summer. Helen Keron gave her talk on proposals for the community shop, which have now happened. Cath Monk won the annual competition and was presented with the Morrison Plate. February 2017 - The Burns Lunch took place and was enjoyed by all who came. Plans were put in place by SWI HQ to create a large wall hanging to celebrate the Centenary in the summer, and a piece of canvas was received to create our masterpiece, which was done and returned to them in February. April 2017 - It was the cream tea in New Galloway town hall, which was quite popular. Lots of ladies came, and stayed, and chatted to their friends and more tables were needed for newcomers. May 2017 - Joan Berkeley was in hospital by this time, and we had updates on her condition and whereabouts at meetings. Also Joan McCosh was now poorly and missing. We had a lovely speaker, Jenny Smith, along with her dog Troy, and we learned about how Jenny worked with the mountain and helicopter rescue services to help people in distress. Sadly this was to be Troy’s last outing before his death a week later. June 2017 outing - We had a lovely trip to the museum in Dalbeattie, where the volunteers showed us around. Lots of “my mum had one of those!” August 2017 - A small group of us struggled with tea urns and cakes at the 40th Alternative Games. Last year we had to cope with hundreds of wasps, high winds and wellmeaning experts. This year it was heavy rain all day long. We were inside the beer tent so we were serving dripping wet customers - three changing cask ales & cider - fresh, seasonal & local food - open all day every day - award-winning food, beer & atmosphere - en-suite accommodation - 20% off takeaway discount - country sport & walkers facilities - 01644 430 241 www.theclachaninn.co.uk coming in out of the rain. We sold more hot drinks than the beer tent sold beer. October 2017 – The amazing CatStrand Ukulele Band came to entertain us in the big hall upstairs and other Rural groups were invited to join us. Members supplied cake and organised teas and a raffle. It did not entice many other members but we enjoyed it anyway. Sadly Joan Berkeley died at the end of August. Many of us attended her funeral in Dumfries. Joan McCosh is still in hospital. Avril, one of our long time members, decided to leave the Rural due to too many other commitments, so a discussion took place on our longterm survival. Due to the loss of members for a variety of reasons, it has been decided to close the New Galloway Rural. We would like to give a very big thank you to all who have helped in so many different ways over the years, especially during the last twelve months. We nearly made it to the 100 years! Helen Bullock, Secretary, New Galloway Rural Follow us on facebook and twi�er and make sure to sign up for our newsle�er - see website for details… www.gallowayglens.org Glenkens Gazette page 8 KEN WORDS FESTIVAL 2018 When I was approached by a group of literature lovers back in the autumn of 2015 about the possibility of running a 'writing festival', I admit I had to feign enthusiasm. The group (which included Ted Cowan, Jane McBeth, Andrew Mellor and Margaret Elphinstone) were adamant that the Glenkens needed a platform for writers and a “festival” to celebrate both local writers and historic writers who had used the Glenkens as an inspiration in the past. “Something like Wigtown Book Festival?” I asked, naively. “Not really…” came the response. “OK, performances of spoken word then?” I asked. “Not as such…” “So what then…?” I always think that if I can’t understand the vision, nobody else will! In the end, the answer came less by design than by serendipity as the group and I hastily put together the programme for Ken Words 2016 (then called Words from the Glenkens). The first “festival” featured talks by members of the group (Ted Cowan & Margaret Elphinstone) along with Birds and Burns expert Chris Rollie. There was a workshop, an open poetry stage, a film with Rab Wilson, a dinner and it closed with a concert by folk star Robyn Stapleton. All bases covered I thought. It was reasonably well attended and received but what was “it”? Had it worked as a festival and more importantly would people come back next year? I really didn’t know. In autumn 2016 I was looking ahead to Ken Words 2017 and trying to decide whether to go ahead with it or not. I was literally minutes from consigning it to the realms of “tried and failed” when fate intervened and I got a call from Andrew Mellor. “So, what are we doing for Ken Words next year Simon?” Funny he should ask. The group met again the following week and once again I asked “what is Ken Words? How do I sell it to people?” I still didn’t know. Nevertheless, we set about putting together a programme. We’d used all our “local” star resources in 2016 so I thought we needed a celebrity, a name, somebody to give the impression that whatever we were doing, it was getting more prestigious. We bandied about names and themes and what went wrong in 2016 and we finally honed the “festival” down to a concert launch (Siobhan Miller) and a day of events. BBC presenter Cameron McNeish and lauded author Tom Pow were drafted in to add heft but the key speaker for me was Dr Jo Miller, an ethnographer and musicologist who grew up in Dalry. Her closing talk at the Ken Bridge hotel was wonderful and finally enabled me to grasp what Ken Words should be about: inspiring people to write. So when the call from Andrew Mellor came in autumn 2017 about what to do this coming spring, I had a more coherent concept in mind. The steering group had shrunk a bit from the early days (myself, Andrew and Jane remain with observational input from the others) but this didn’t matter. Ken Words 2018 would inspire writers – and in order to inspire writers, we needed input from inspiring writers! Jane, Andrew and myself drew up a bucketlist of dream names and I set about inviting them. We didn’t expect to get any – but we got them all: Liz Lochhead, James Robertson, Findlay Napier, Karen Campbell, Mary Smith, Stuart Paterson and Tom Pow. The reason they were happy to come was that we had an “established” event that was “growing in popularity” - it would go beyond the mere promotion of a book or the performance of prose and poetry. Ken Words is as much about the process of writing as it is about enjoying literature and for this reason it attracts not only those who love literature, but also the region’s many aspiring writers. Going forward we’re very fortunate to have the support of the Galloway Glens project and Creative Scotland and I really hope the people of the Glenkens will continue to support Ken Words. I do feel it has the potential to become a national treasure of sorts. Fitting really as the theme of this year’s festival is “Treasures”… Simon Davidson, Creative Director, CatStrand DALRY’S CHRISTMAS TWINKLE A great night was had by all who attended Dalry’s Christmas Twinkle event. I’d like to thank those who came along and braved a cold and frosty night to listen to and enjoy the Rainbows, Brownies and Guides singing Christmas songs. We really hope you enjoyed this free community event by joining in with the singing, drinking hot chocolate, eating mince pies and sausage rolls and meeting Santa and his three elves when they arrived at the community centre on his fabulous sleigh. I’d like to thank all my volunteers who helped to provide Dalry’s Christmas Twinkle event - without your commitment we couldn’t have provided and celebrated this free community event. A huge thank you to Glenkens Community Shop for the generous grant and to 'Scottish Christmas trees' for providing a wonderful tree which brightened up our Community Centre throughout the Christmas period with the wonderful twinkling lights. Thank you to those who donated on the night to the refurbishment of the Community Centre: a total of £25.71 was raised. Angie Bradford Glenkens Gazette page 9 CatStrand Highlights The CatStrand spring brochure is now available, and is packed with a variety of top quality shows and events. We start with our ever-popular CatStrand Burns Supper (Sat 3 Feb) with a host of top-notch speakers and musicians. Dark Sky Jazz Club resumes with Glasgow-based Strata (Fri 9 Feb) bringing their unique brand of contemporary jazz to the Glenkens. If contemporary classical is more your thing, don’t miss Hebrides Ensemble (Sun 11 Feb) doing a special afternoon recital. For Valentine’s Day we’re continuing our focus on visual art and film with a special screening of the acclaimed Loving Vincent (Wed 14 Feb) which is animated entirely in the style of van Gogh’s most celebrated works. The following week we’re delighted to be hosting a new family version of HG Wells’ classic The Time Machine (Fri 23 Feb) a spectacular puppet show for all ages. Contemporary Scottish music is always a key feature of the CatStrand programme and we’re very excited to have Mike McGoldrick, John McCusker and Mike Doyle (Sat 24 Feb) performing together after their soldout Celtic Connections shows. February also sees a first for CatStrand as we launch a new season of the much lauded Exhibition on Screen films with Canaletto and the Art of Venice (Tue 27 Feb). Screening monthly, these films take you up close and personal to some of the world’s finest exhibitions - CatStrand is the only place in D&G that is currently showing these films. March begins with Ken Words 2018 (2–3 Mar) and this little festival’s ambitions get bigger each year. Now in its third outing it has managed to attract top Scottish talent such as Liz Lochhead, James Robertson, Findlay Napier, Karen Campbell, and McCusker et al Tom Pow (see article on page opposite). Other March highlights include the long-awaited return of legendary guitarist Gordon Giltrap (Thu 22 Mar). Don’t miss Dumfriesborn comedian Mark Nelson (Sat 10 Mar) on his CatStrand debut. We close March with the hotly-tipped folk combo Young’uns (Sat 31 Mar) who bring their sell-out multimedia show The Ballad of Johnny Longstaff, a musical journey from the NE of England to the Spanish Civil War. We hope to see you at CatStrand over the coming months! The CatStrand Team Glenkens Gazette page 10 Robinson Crusoe and The Pirates "The best one yet" and "brilliant show" were just two of the many positive comments as the audiences left the seventh annual pantomime staged by CatStrand Youth Players. Three full houses underlined the enduring popularity of the annual pantomime which has definitely become established as one of the most anticipated regular events in the CatStrand programme. The script was from tried and tested author Paul Reakes, who has also penned four of the previous pantos. All the principal actors gave very assured performances in the lead roles backed up by very busy chorus members who played multiple roles of villagers, sailors, pirates and islanders as the story unfolded. Whilst some of the cast were appearing in their first panto, it is easy to forget with a young cast that some of the actors are now virtually panto veterans having appeared in up to five of the previous shows. Annabelle McAdam played an excellent principal boy in the title role of Robinson Crusoe ably supported by Anna Hodson in a more challenging principal girl role than usual playing Polly Perkins and her dashing alter ego, The Crimson Hawk. Zoe Kirkpatrick was the head of the Crusoe family as Ma Crusoe and played the traditional panto dame in fine style with the brilliant comedic support of her hapless son Willy Crusoe played by panto debutant Ben Durham. The Crusoe family persuaded a reluctant Captain Bowsprit, assuredly played by Arthur Harfield, to help them in their chaotic quest to find the treasure, assisted by the Captain’s daughter Bessie Bowsprit, charmingly portrayed by Laura Edington. The baddies were brilliantly led by Fergus McClure as Blackbeard. His two sidekicks, Patch and Peg, played in fine double-act style by James Jones The cast of Robinson Crusoe and The Pirates. and Florrie Newbery, lighting by Jim Ranyard. Costumes, didn’t really want to be bad and props and make up by Helen spent most of their time trying to Kirkpatrick assisted by Alison Newbery get the audience to like them. The and scenery and staging by Rory islanders were led by a Medicine Man, Newbery, Sandy Johnston, Andrew very enthusiastically played by Anna Frew, Jimmy McKenna and The Men’s Irving, and of course the famous Shed with Rory and Sandy joining Kyle story wouldn’t be complete without Kirkpatrick as the stage crew. the friendly and charming Man Friday, After a few weeks break over played by Henry Harfield. The hilarious Christmas the members have now Gorilla must be mentioned too, played moved on to this year’s One Act Play very assuredly by another panto Festival which sees another first as debutant Dante Newbery. CatStrand enter three plays for the The ever changing chorus members first time. Tell Me Another Story, Sing deserve special credit too for quick Me A Song by Jean Lenox Toddie was changes between scenes to take a huge success in the Youth Festival on their different roles as the story in 2016, winning Stewartry District progressed with Max Wright and and reaching the Western Finals it is Charlotte Spernagel also assuming being staged again but this time in the parts of King and Queen Neptune the Open Festival and once again when the six youngest dancers from starring Zoe Kirkpatrick and Eilidh the Margaret Morris Dance Group Thomson. The Youth Festival entries performed their delightful undersea are Rabbit by David Foxton and Exit dance. Stage Left by Geoff Bamber. They A great team behind the scenes will be performed at the Fullarton worked hard too to bring the show to in Castle Douglas on 23 and 24 the stage - Directors were Brian Edgar February and then at CatStrand on and Zoe Kirkpatrick, with music and Thursday 15 March. sound effects by Simon Davidson and COUNCILLOR DOUGIE CAMPBELL DEE & GLENKENS HIGHLAND BEEF from THE GLENKENS STEAK ROASTS MINCE CASSEROLE LORNE pre-pack frozen Blackmark Dalry Castle Douglas DG7 3UG 01644 460532 www.highland.scot For all enquiries including details of surgeries, please contact me at Email: dougie.campbell@ dumgal.gov.uk Phone: 07388 956558 Facebook: @DougieCampbellSNP Wright’s Shop & Post Office Dalry Licensed convenience store and newsagent stocking a range of local suppliers including Corsons and Irvings Bakers, Ballards and Dalmellington Country Butchers and Mitchells Fruit and Veg. Opening Times (both shop & PO): Monday to Friday: 7am – 6pm Saturday: 8am – 6pm Sunday: 8.30am – 4pm Tel: 01644 430 225 page 11 Advertisement Glenkens Gazette Glenkens Gazette page 12 Dalry Secondary Christmas Outreach Dalry Secondary School pupils entertained the residents of Carlingwark House and The Golden Day Centre, Castle Douglas. This year Dalry pupils wanted to go out into the community with their music and after a successful concert in November, returned to Carlingwark House with a new Christmas programme. Ten pupils from S3 and S4 played and sang Christmas songs and led a Christmas singalong, accompanied by the ladies and gentlemen of Carlingwark House on sleigh bells and shakers. Instruments they played included bass guitar, electric guitar, trombone, piano and ukulele. The songs featured Christmas favourites and some modern versions of carols including In Dulce Jubilo and Away in a Manger. Rory and James from S4 sang two duets - Do you hear what I hear? and One Candle. All the pupils did very well despite having arrived 40 minutes late as a lorry was being pulled out of a ditch on the main road from Dalry. All in a day’s work for a performer! The following day, four pupils headed down to The Golden Day Centre in Castle Douglas to perform. Three of the four students are learning piano and were able to play a mixture of jazz, classical and Christmas music. In addition, they played violin and glockenspiel as well as singing solos and duets. James also sang some Scots songs – prompting an invitation to return around Burn’s Night to perform a mainly Scots selection. All the students from Dalry School were delighted to be able to connect with these two wonderful community groups and give their best to entertain others. Patsy Gilroy GLENKENS ROUTE Thursdays: 12noon-1pm – Crossmichael 1-2pm – Parton/Loch Ken Holiday Park 2-4pm – Balmaclellan area 4-5.30pm – The Hidden Road Fridays: As one of your local councillors, my contact details are: patsy.gilroy@dumgal.gov.uk 07825 633153 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 13 KELLS PRIMARY WINTER FUN Kells’ children have returned to classes with an encouraging level of excitement, happiness and motivation. There is clear intent to enjoy, learn, think and discover. It is going to be a great 2018! Resolutions have been discussed, improvements – for both adults and children honestly identified, openly talked over… and our ethos of lifelong learning for the greater good continues. There is a strong sense that we are all in this community of learning together. We achieved a lot last year and feel that making connections has had a massive impact on our learning. The older class were fortunate to have new and energetic influences from local musicians: Kayleigh, Dale and Ian who contributed to the Christmas Show. The result was a creative and original approach to our songs. The younger class performed a beautiful Nativity and all the older children were thrilled to be able to work with their school friends. Jayne and Alison gave up their time to help make costumes and decorate the school, bringing plenty of Christmas cheer. We even got to perform in the Town Hall which was great. Go happy, shared community spirit! Following our tremendously successful fundraising for MacMillan Cancer Research, the children have continued their interest in making links with charities. Motivated by the enterprising and thoughtful Megan, the whole class have been able to make a connection with The Vatsalya Foundation in India. Mr Thompson was given a letter to take on his honeymoon in search of a suitable pen pal. Everything fell into place for the children to forge a warm and generous correspondence with Swathi and the children at the school. This is a charity that proudly provides a home for street children in Mumbai. We will be able to use different media to communicate experiences and learn about each other; sharing traditions, cultures hopes and dreams. Watch this space! Rosie set us up this year announcing “school is this place where, like, all your dreams can come true.” Long may this wonderful attitude last. The following is a short account of something unexpected that occurred at school - by Sandy Johnston, P7: On the morning of the 12th December 2017, pupils of Kells Primary School were treated to a wonderfully beautiful spectacle at the back of the school. A water pipe supplying an outdoor tap had frozen, and the water, having expanded in the pipe, caused the pipe to be ruptured. However, the ice had not sealed the pipe, and therefore the water poured out of the pipe at a high-pressure for some time until the water had frozen sufficiently to plug the pipe/it was given attention in daylight. While this was a beautiful thing to look at, it is not something that you would generally want to happen, so it is advisable to inspect and insulate all outdoor pipes every winter. Pupils were greatly excited to see this spectacle, going outside to the pipe and singing the song Let It Go from the successful film Frozen, as it was deemed appropriate to the situation. Also, they took the opportunity to take many stunning photographs, one of which is included on the front page of this issue of the Gazette. Graeme Thompson Above: Graeme Thompson with children from the Vatsalya Foundation. Below: Kells Primary Christmas Show CLASS CONSTRUCTS 3D SHAPES Dalry Primary P6/ 7 pupils have been investigating 3D shapes. This has meant a lot of time spent doing practical activities such as planning, drawing and constructing nets and skeletons for a variety of purposes such as packaging (nets) and 'wire frames' for a variety of structures (skeletons). For the wire frames, children needed to plan how much 'steel' they required to build their frame. Their aim was not only to construct the frame correctly, but spend as little as possible, by making accurate estimates of quantities and prices. Pictured are pupils with some of their shape creations. Sarah Turner Glenkens Gazette page 14 PYLONS ARE AN IMPOSITION A Personal View by Phil McMenemy, Laurieston Why care about our landscape, our flora and fauna, our archaeology and heritage, our views and aspects, our homes, our amenity and the lands where we live, work and play? Change is inevitable is it not? But is change always for the better? These and more are some of the questions that I (and, thankfully, many others) have been asking ourselves over the last two years – since plans for the new Kendoon to Tongland Reinforcement (KTR) pylon line were announced. Are we being overprotective in wishing to avoid further compromise to our region or are we being responsible citizens rightly alarmed at this imposition? There is a distinction - absolutely. I am, of course, referring to the plans SPEN have on behalf of giant Spanish company Iberdrola to reroute the transmission power lines from where they have stood for many, many generations to a new route – a new route through some very special areas of outstanding beauty, areas of peace and havens for wildlife. This feels very much like an imposition. Now, I readily admit to a bias. A bias which means I love this land. These lands are where we, as a family, take our leisure, where we live and where I (as a photographic artist) work – as I strive to capture this special, lilting, harmonious, natural Dumfries and Galloway beauty. I readily admit to a bias about wishing to protect what we have, as whether we have noticed it or not it is disappearing piece by piece – a slow erosion of what attracts folk to this region and an erosion of what it means to live here. When might we say no, when might likewise here? • a survey by the John Muir Trust found that 55% of respondents were ‘less likely’ to visit areas of "countryside industrialised by giant turbines, electricity pylons and super quarries" • Dumfries and Galloway council recognises that ‘tourism holds possibly the greatest economic potential of all industries in our beautiful but rural region’ • despite giving assurances in previously produced literature about the height of these pylons (26m) many of these will in fact be 38m in height. With an average height being 29m. In these very politically sensitive and changeable times does the ‘needs case’ really stack-up? This isn’t nimbyism ('not-in-my-back-yardism), this is protecting what we have – this is protecting these lands for the future and for our children’s children. Add your voice to the growing number of voices challenging this imposition - protect, care, sustain and nurture what we are blessed to possess and enjoy. We have the power – onwards! Have your say: contact SPEN for a feedback form and return to FREEPOST SPEN DGSR, call 0800 157 7353 or visit them online at www.spendgsr.co.uk ...55% of respondents were ‘less likely’ to visit areas of "countryside industrialised by giant turbines [and] electricity pylons..." Comment from Stephen Jack, KTR line project manager at SP Energy Networks: SP Energy Networks (SPEN) takes its responsibilities to communities and the environment very seriously. For transmission voltages at 132 000 volts (132kV) and above, overhead lines remain the reliable and economic choice for the bulk transmission of electricity over long distances. Planning the routes for these overhead lines is a complex process, balancing statutory obligations, engineering requirements, economic viability, land use and the environment. When developing the KTR project SPEN has taken a proactive we stand up for ourselves – when might enough be enough? Some further thoughts to consider: • in other areas where tourism is a priority, pylons are being removed and lines undergrounded • SPEN and Iberdrola in their literature promise ‘innovation’ ‘protection for the environment’ and ‘sustainably creating value....for the communities in which we carry out our activities’ • how is it possible to completely bury the gas pipeline, with minimal fuss, across the whole region and not do approach to evaluating these considerations. A fundamental part of this process is engaging and seeking the views of key stakeholder organisations, communities and landowners both in the Glenkens and in the other areas where the project will pass through. SPEN has consulted at each step of the process to allow everyone to have a say in the development of the project. SPEN has listened carefully to the issues raised by the communities in the Glenkens, in particular the decision not to proceed with a route parallel to the existing one east of Loch Ken, and has considered these fully in the decision making process. The feedback received from the consultations has allowed SPEN to review and test the assumptions made at each stage of the routeing and environmental assessment process. To ensure that the decisions remain transparent, following each round of consultation SPEN has published a report detailing its response to the issues raised and, where possible, how these have changed the route and design for the project. In addition, members of the SPEN project team have attended numerous meetings with community groups, landowners and interested parties to get direct feedback on proposals and explain the decisions made. SPEN will continue to engage with stakeholders, communities and landowners as the Project progresses through 2018 and beyond. Glenkens Gazette page 15 IT’S TIME TO LOOK AT THE BIGGER PICTURE A Personal View by Sarah Ade If you’ve driven along the A713 towards Ayr any time in the last few months, you may have noticed the huge amount of construction going on. Suddenly the new pylons spoken of back in 2015 are materialising, and the sheer visual impact is becoming apparent. As well as the large pylon superhighway from Glenlee to Tongland that has been so well discussed in local and national media (the KTR line – Kendoon Tongland Reinforcement), there are many smaller lines proposed to network all the new windfarms to the grid. But these applications only get shown to those residents close to where the windfarms or pylons will be situated, so the full extent of all the lines in a given area is not well publicised. Perhaps it’s time we take a step back and look at the bigger picture for our region, starting with the Glenkens. Everyone is occupied fighting their corner – sending letters to Scottish Power and to MPs regarding the particular section of line which they have been notified about and which impacts their homes and lives directly. But has anyone actually said “hang on a minute...what is our countryside going to look like with ALL these new power lines criss-crossing it?” Our area’s unspoilt natural beauty is one of its key assets and we are losing it as, day by day, our wild Galloway landscapes are slowly being eroded, pylon by pylon, turbine by turbine, as the industrialisation of our landscapes sneaks in unnoticed. Along with being the region with one of the highest proportions of commercial blanket forestry in Scotland, Dumfries and Galloway is also one of the areas set to have the most windfarms. All these farms need to have the power they produce carried into the grid – which means more pylons, power lines and substations. What do we, the people whose lives are actually being directly affected by the changes to the land around us, gain from this? Do we actually stand to gain anything? Or do we only lose. There are some incentives offered by the companies building the windfarms, carrots on sticks to ensure compliance. Land owners receive payments for having turbines built on their ground. And communities are offered community benefit funds. But is a financial incentive that benefits a few today of value to future generations when our landscape has been irreparably transformed? Perhaps it could be seen that having the privilege of owning large areas of land should bring with it a responsibility to protect that land. The unspoilt beauty of our area is its main asset; its protection should be the priority, and perhaps incentives should exist to protect it and not just allow a few to benefit in the short term. Dumfries and Galloway is rarely recognised as the area of natural beauty that it is, and its unique status as one of the country’s few remaining wildernesses is so often glossed over. Tourism is a huge part of our existing and potential economy. Protecting our area is something which we should all be trying to achieve. There are many groups who recognise this and are working towards it, both existing and proposed projects; the Galloway National Park, Biosphere, Dark Skies Park, Galloway Forest Park and the newly funded Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership Scheme and all the projects which fall under it - how will these be impacted by the web of cables and presence of so many turbines across our region? What about our quality of life? The joy we receive through living in such a beautiful, unspoilt place, and the reason so many of us choose to live in this area, is going to be severely impacted. Can we take pleasure in walking the hills in quiet contemplation, take scenic photographs of the sweeping vistas rolling out before us enjoy our spaces as we have from time immemorial, when the landscape is covered with pylons and turbines and bisected by power lines? Isn’t it time we took a look at the bigger picture – before it’s too late? Glenkens Gazette page 16 Photo of SWANC the Issue TALKS Sponsored by the Ken Bridge Hotel This issue’s winner is Eric Marshall with this stunning sunrise snap. Eric wins a meal for two at the Ken Bridge Hotel’s Sunday carvery. Competition judges Dave and Sue said: “We had some excellent entries this issue, but the winner is definitely the photograph of the sunrise.” The South West Association of Nature Conservationists (SWANC) hold talks each month, followed by lively discussion and debate. On 22 February the topic is ‘The Search for Scotland’s Native Forest Apple’. Following a call-out this autumn, a surprisingly large number of crab-apple leaf samples were submitted for DNA analysis by people across the south west. Is south west Scotland truly the centre of the crab apple universe… or did our ancestors import some orchard apples? On 22 March the topic is ‘Galloway Glens: Latest News on Galloway's £5m Heritage Lottery Project’. Galloway Glens Development Officer, McNabb Laurie, will highlight some of the exciting projects to be supported over the next five years. Come along for an informal lively evening with friends, discussing rural/environmental issues. Talks are held at the Ken Bridge Hotel on a Thursday at 7.30pm, and all are welcome. Everyone is welcome and the cost is £2. Why not come at 6pm for a pub supper beforehand? Glenkens Gazette CHARITY SHOP VOLUNTEERS NEEDED The Glenkens Charity Shop (formerly Glenkens Community Shop) is looking for volunteers. If you can spare a couple of hours a week to benefit your community, get in touch with Shirley on shirleymcnaught1@btinternet.com or pop into the shop to find out more. The shop has changed its name to the Glenkens Charity Shop to avoid confusion with other community shops in the Glenkens. Opening times are 10am to 3pm from Monday to Saturday, with a late opening on Wednesday until 4pm. Application forms for the next round of grants are available from 23 June, and these need to be returned to the Shop by 14 July. GLENKENS COMMUNITY CENTRE SEEKS SUPPORT Dalry Community Properties Trust (DCPT) which took over the ownership of the Glenkens Community Centre in April 2017 is seeking additional volunteers/trustees to help support this charitable organisation. DIY skills or fundraising experience are especially welcome to keep this old building going for the benefit of the Glenkens communities. For further information, or an informal chat, please contact the chair, Andi Holmes, on 01644 430 255 or andiholmes@hotmail.com page 17 We would like to thank the Glenkens Charity Shop for its contribution to the Forest School at the Hidden Mill, Balmaclellan. We hope a new series of sessions will commence in early spring - keep your eyes peeled for further information. The Charity Shop has contributed to 52 organisations since 2012 - thank you! Lorraine Ishak, The Hidden Mill Christmas Coffee Morning Thanks St Margaret’s Ladies’ Guild and Glenkens Churches Guild would like to thank everyone who supported their Christmas Coffee Morning. They are most grateful to the many people who took time out to support these events where there was a happy community atmosphere enjoyed by all. Glenkens Gazette Forest School at the Hidden Mill - begins early spring Ages 5 to 13; under 5s are welcome if accompanied by an adult. See you there! Get in touch to find out more at sisonitrizoni@gmail.com See the Watson Birds website for details of the presentations given at the Raptor Science conference in Dalry in September 2017 www.watsonbirds.org/ raptor-prize page 18 Any unwanted children’s clothes would be much appreciated for donation to children in Papua New Guinea. Contact: deugh2@gmail.com LOCAL INITIATIVES IN NEW GALLOWAY The Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING) AGM will take place on Thursday 15 February at 7pm in New Galloway Town Hall. It is over a year since LING took over the management of New Galloway Town Hall, preventing its closure. With a lot of goodwill, support and encouragement it is already becoming a recognised valued, well-used and financially viable community facility. LING Lunches continue to be great success providing a sociable weekly opportunity to meet up with friends and make new ones over coffee and biscuits (£1), a choice of two homemade soups (£2.50) and puddings (£2). There is still room at the table for more visitors not just from New Galloway but from elsewhere in the Glenkens. Tuesday evening sports, again a choice of two of carpet bowling and table tennis (£3 for the evening) with a regular bowling league. We will again be opening The New Galloway Story Exhibition during holiday periods, updating information as people bring in old photos and other items. A number of people have signed up as Friends of the Town Hall providing a regular income stream. (£5 per head or £8 per couple). Friends are entered into a twice yearly draw for a £50 prize. LING will be holding a Family Bingo Night in the New Galloway Town Hall on Friday 16 February at 7pm - all welcome. Glenkens Gazette page 19 Glenkens Men’s Shed Update Movement is afoot to improve the facilities at the Glenkens Men’s Shed in the Old Smiddy at Balmaclellan. Members are busily installing a mezzanine level to increase storage and working space - come and lend a hand if you can, you’re very welcome! There are also plans to construct a disabled toilet and move the meeting room downstairs, making all our facilities accessible to all. This has involved a great deal of expense but we feel it is essential for our further development. Look The Connecting in Communities band wagon rolls on. December saw another round of successful concerts by the CatStrand Ukes, raising over £250 for the ‘Maggies’ Cancer Support Charity. Look out for more gigs in the New Year, or even better get FHB Fencing Dalry Domestic and Agricultural Fencing 01644 430 495 (Peter) or 07767 795 498 (Jonathan) out for our fund-raising events the CatStrand on 420 374 or Tom in the coming months, starting Leach on 420 895. with a 70s fancy dress disco on * Building skills not required! if Saturday 24 March at the CatStrand you can drink tea or coffee and just - dancing, drinking (optional), raffle like to ‘chew the fat’ then you are and quiz all for only a fiver. welcome too - it’s only £10 a year Anyone who has any building skills* for membership. (or just enthusiasm) who wishes to become a member in 2018 and be part of this growing community should get in touch with Chris Jowsey at Ali Stewart and Stuart Rhodes working on the mezzanine floor at the Men’s Shed. your name down for our beginners’ sessions and learn yourself! All our old favourites are still running plus Thursday evening Yoga which is now firmly established in a 6.30pm time slot and proving very popular. On the volunteers front, the bar training went well (cheers Brian), hygiene courses are up and running, and dates for first aid courses should be out soon. Amongst the new things we are planning watch out for the DayTime Disco, scheduled for Friday 9 March at 11am - sounds, lights, music, dancing, bar, café, fun and frolics for all. The day-time disco concept has proved a big hit elsewhere and I’m sure it’ll go down a storm at CatStrand too: aimed at those who can’t get out in the evenings it’s an ideal opportunity for singles, couples or groups to get together and party-on down and still get home before it’s dark. Anybody interested in any of the Connecting In Communities events or simply volunteering at CatStrand should contact chris@catstrand.com or cal 01644 420374 for more information. Chris Jowsey Minding Feet Professional Foot Health Treatments Holistic Foot Therapies Patricia Lavelle MAR FHP CNHC Professional Foot Health Practitioner 07789 246 833 www.mindingfeet.com Glenkens Gazette page 20 Dalry Film Club is Surrounded Dalry Film Club has brought a new experience to their local film experience and now provides surround sound at all of its screenings. Created at the start of 2017, Dalry Film Club has had a year of successfully presenting films with the support of local social enterprise Driftwood Cinema and the British Film Institute’s Audience Development fund. Now ready to step out on its own, the group succeeded in obtaining a £2,000 Innovation Fund grant from community film distributor Filmbankmedia Ltd which has enabled the purchase of its own large 3.5m wide screen, projection equipment and surround sound system to bring the true cinema experience to audiences. The film club was set up after the Dalry Town Hall management committee conducted a poll in the village to find what further activities the residents would like to see in the hall, and film shows came top of the list. The Management Committee Chair, Jim Reid, reports: “Like many small communities in the area, Dalry suffers from poor public transport links, especially in the evening. So people without cars are particularly disadvantaged. We wanted to increase the use of the town hall for social gatherings where as many residents as were interested could come together and enjoy a relaxing evening. Film shows seemed to fit the bill. “We were very lucky to have the support of Driftwood Cinema Dalry Film Club committee members Jim who helped us to tap into Reid and Nikki Finch. financial support from the British Film Institute. However, we also hot drinks and home baking. The felt that we needed the flexibility that next screenings are Dunkirk on owning our own equipment would Wednesday 14 February and Victoria provide. So we put in a proposal to and Abdul on Wednesday 7 March. the Filmbankmedia Innovation Fund and were amazed and delighted to be About Community Cinema successful. in Dumfries and Galloway: “We are currently putting together Community Cinema in Dumfries a spring film programme comprising and Galloway is growing with 10 Dunkirk, Churchill, Victoria and Abdul groups currently running regular and The Mountain Between Us. These screenings in their community (six were the films chosen through polling of which have been established at our monthly Farmer’s Market. We in the past two years). A further are confident we can add to these to five groups run ad-hoc screenings. provide something for everyone.” Independent and community-run Films in Dalry Town Hall run permanent cinemas in the region monthly. Screenings start at 7.30pm are located at: Dumfries (Robert with doors opening at 7pm for Burns Centre Film Theatre), Newton Stewart (The Cinema), Annan (Lonsdale Cinema), Castle Douglas (The Fullerton), New Galloway (CatStrand). Dumfries and Galloway’s only commercial cinema is the Odeon in Dumfries. Glenkens Writers’ Second Edition Gleanings from the Glenkens, the anthology of work by 12 members of the Glenkens Writers' Group which was launched at the CatStrand Winter Fair, sold out its first edition by Christmas. A second edition has now been published and copies are available, priced £5.50 at CatStrand. Pictured are some of the members of the Glenkens Writers’ Group with tutor Margaret Elphinstone (2nd left back row) after the launch of Gleanings from the Glenkens. About Driftwood Cinema: Driftwood Cinema Limited is a Social Enterprise established in 2013 by Bladnoch resident Matt Kitson. Its aim is to support the development of Community Cinema in rural communities. Since 2014 Driftwood Cinema has supported eight groups to establish a cinema for their communities, with grant support from the British Film Institute, the Bank of Scotland and the School of Social Entrepreneurs. Driftwood Cinema is a not-for-profit organisation and to support their social aims. They also provide commercial screening support for organisations including outdoor film screenings. Contacts: Dalry Film Club, Jim Reid, 01644 430231 or jamescreid@hotmail.co.uk Driftwood Cinema, Matt Kitson, 07981 925629 or www.driftwoodcinema.org Glenkens Gazette page 21 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN THE WISDOM OF THE FOLK On this, the History Page, I have sung the achievements of Robert Heron of New Galloway more than once. While recently revisiting the subject of Galloway proverbs as a way of finding something about the world-view of the province’s past inhabitants I was reminded of Heron’s sympathetic remarks on such matters, remarkable because enlightenment writers tended to look down upon their country cousins as part of a solid, unthinking mass. For Heron and many others abstraction, or the development of ideas, was a major indicator of human advancement. He wrote that “Man can at no time, contemplate nature, or mingle in the scenes of life, without feeling his mind, even insensibly impelled to compare, to abstract, and to generalise. The elements of what is called philosophy, are discernible in the reasonings and practices even of savages, in those prudential maxims which are proverbially repeated among the vulgar of all nations, in the rules and methods of the most illiterate mechanic. Whenever we attempt to trace an unseen connection between any two known facts, we then philosophise.” The knowledge of the most profound philosopher and that of the ignorant peasant differ only in degree, as do “the literature and science of the most enlightened of polished nations from the proverbs, tales and customs of the rudest barbarian tribe”. This is truly a remarkably sympathetic and generous claim from an Enlightenment writer of this period who might normally be expected to focus his discussion upon a privileged elite and who, despite his refined thoughts, would have paid little attention to the majority population of social inferiors well beneath the notice of such as himself. There are published collections of Scottish proverbs dating from as far back as the sixteenth century. In 1895 and 1896 the Rev Walter Gregor was commissioned by the British Society to carry out an ethnological survey of Galloway. He was famed for his folkloristic studies of north-east Scotland but he used a network of friends and ministers to receive advice and hospitality for the Galloway project. The results were published in 1897, the year of his death. the classroom. The boy and girl who gave the most were appointed king and queen. Whisky toddy was then dispensed to the pupils. One participant reassured investigators that ‘there might be 120 scholars at Balmaclellan school and the quantity of whisky used was a bottle, so the toddy was weak. It was made very sweet’. One toast was: ‘here’s health, wealth, wit t’ guide it/Ower my throat I mean t’ guide it’. The proceedings might end with a bake, music and dancing. Gergor was able to describe in detail an entire mummers play performed at Halloween in Balmaghie. What of the proverbs? A few examples follow: They never thrive that meddle wi kirk or mill. Ministers are black craws t’ sheet at. It is unlucky t’ meddle wi craws and ministers. If the cock goes crowing to bed, he’ll rise wi a watery head. Peeweet, peeweet, I built my nest in a coo’s fit, An I rue it, I rue it. Soop (sweep) the hoose till the bride comes in. Three examples from Dalry: It is unlucky to put a pair of shoes on a table. It is unlucky to stumble when going up stairs. In going a journey on horseback, if the horse stumbles in starting, there will be no luck in the journey. This one is common from the Icelandic sagas to the Hebrides. Another fun category is placerhymes, for example, ‘The mealpoks of Girthon, The bannocks of Borgue, The puir boddies of Balmaghie’. From Kells: ‘When Loran’s broo gets on its cap, the river Dee lauchs at that’. Corsock: ‘When Skiddaw pits on her hat, Criffel soon hears word o that’ And finally, wishing you all a very Happy 2018 one more from Kells: Hoot awa, North win’, Mack the windows shiver, Hoot awa, enjoy your play, I shall be warm as ever. Whisky toddy was then dispensed to the pupils. Like many investigators of his ilk he assumed that the best folklore would be preserved in the most remote parts of Galloway, which inevitably, and luckily for us, included the Glenkens. In Laurieston he acquired the rhyme: “If February blow fresh and fair, The meal will be dear for a year and mair”. In Balmaghie the custom of washing the face in the May dew was observed. Dalry folk, believing that kittens born in May were unlucky, killed them. The three foregoing items appear in the first paragraph of Gregor’s report. At New Year it was important to cherish fires. Dalryans would never give fire to light a neighbour’s which had failed. There was a similar practice in Kells. There were many customs, too numerous to mention, which had to be observed on New Year’s Day. Another big day was Candlemas (2 February) also known as the Purification of the Virgin, though the latter aspect would have been outlawed in protestant and especially covenanting Scotland. It is surprising though that so many Ladywells which are found all over Galloway survived, since the ‘Lady’ in question is Mary. At Candlemas, the schoolchildren of Laurieston, Glenlochar, Balmaclellan and Corsock brought money to school which they placed on the teacher’s desk when entering Glenkens Gazette page 22 THE FORGOTTEN SCHOOLS: PARTON KIRK SCHOOL The first installment of two on the Parton Shools. Our first reference to a school in Parton comes from 1719. In this year the minister in Parton reported to the presbytery that he was struggling to raise the funds required to meet the salary of a schoolmaster. However, the exact year when the school was finally opened in Parton is not quite clear. It is likely that, for many years, the children had been educated inside the church building itself, rather than in a separate school building. In 1795 the Parish informed the presbytery that they were to build a new schoolhouse to replace the existing one which was “in a ruinous state”. However, the financial problems that had faced the parish in the early part of the century still caused problems. Economies in the construction of the 24 feet by 14 feet building were to be practised. These included the salvage and reuse of slates from existing buildings. This building did not last long as the parsimony and short-sightedness came home to roost. By 1809 it was no longer in a suitable condition for the education of children. A new school was built and was described by the Kirkcudbright presbytery minutes in August 1809 as, “23 feet by 16 clear, 9 feet high, four windows in the sides, two in the ends.” In 1834 the two parochial schools had a combined total of 117 scholars and the private school had 20 children. In official returns the two school are often referred to as the Parton Kirk School and Parton Merkland School. The Official Returns of Schoolmasters in Scotland to the House of Commons Report on Education in Scotland in 1838 provide some useful detail for the Parton Schools. In 1836 there were 32 boys and 28 girls aged between 5 and 15 at the kirk school. This had risen to 34 boys and 31 girls in 1837 and Mr James Johnston, at the Kirk School, appointed in 1820, received his education at Balmaghie, Dumfries Academy and Edinburgh University. Mr Johnston used three methods of punishment for under-performing or unruly children; additional or extra tasks, disgrace and, finally, “punishment on the hand”. In 1838 Mr Johnston successfully petitioned the presbytery and the Parish to build a schoolhouse to accommodate the master. It still exists today near the church. In 1851 we have the following finally convinced them of the need for a new school. Mr Kennedy of Boreland offered some land in the village for the new school. It was built in 1868, in front of the slate quarry, to replace the one near the church, by John McCulloch of New Galloway at the cost of £331. The site is still visible today. Mr William Browne was replaced in 1890 by Mr James Bell, who served until his death in 1910. Mr Thomas Glover was headmaster until 1914, when he moved to a school in Peebleshire. He was replaced by Mr George Reid from Kilmarnock. Mr Reid transferred in 1918 to the school at Minnigaff and he was replaced by Mr John S Paterson, previously an assistant master at Hawick. In 1928 Mr WA Barnetson became the master and was still there well into the 1950s. Parton School finally closed in 1964 and the majority of the children were transferred to Kells school in New Galloway. The stationmaster at Parton during some time in the 1920s or 30s was a Mr McSkimming. It looks like he had two of his boys at the school. One was killed in World War Two and the other went on to the University of Edinburgh. We also have a brief mention of a pupil from the 1950s. Dorothy Margaret Paulin, a leading literary figure in the region, sent her daughter to Parton school around 1956 and she appears to have stayed there for maybe three years before being sent to boarding school in England. Yvonne Neil was one of the children who were transferred to Kells when Parton closed. Bruce Smith Mr Johnston used three methods of punishment for under-performing or unruly children; additional or extra tasks, disgrace and, finally, “punishment on the hand”. description of “A small parish school house situated immediately inside Parton Church. About 40 boys and 40 girls attending. Salary £27 annually.” The children would also pay around three shillings per quarter in fees. Two years later, in 1853, a Mr John Johnston succeeded his father as Master of the school. It seems likely that the young John was a pupil, for at least some of his years, at the school run by his father. Sadly John Johnston died aged 33 and is buried in Twyholm Churchyard. The Johnston grave, with details of deaths in the schoolhouse, is in that churchyard. Mr William Browne replaced John Johnstone as the schoolmaster at Parton in 1858 and that he stayed until 1890. Browne knew the area well, having previously been the master at Corseglass School. Browne’s tenure lasted nearly twenty years after the end of the parish schools and the introduction of the state schools. The family grave in the church provides some further details on one of the more important masters in Parton’s history. By 1859 Browne was informing the parish that the school was in a bad condition. The ratepayers were reluctant to raise the money and it was only a verdict of ‘uninhabitable’ Parton Kirk School - the front gate is clearly in an 1861 visitation that visible of the school that closed in the 1960s. Glenkens Gazette page 23 Crockett’s Glimpses Of The Glenkens The Glenkens are Crockett’s heartland in every respect. He wrote: “I have been most successful when I have “lee’d at lairge...truth to tell, many of my ‘lees’ were grounded in this parish.” Given his talent for popular fiction, one should not underestimate the sophistication of his writing. His particular strengths lie in the keen observation of the places and people he fictionalises. In the next few issues of the Glenkens Gazette, a series of glimpses offers the modern reader an insight into the history, adventure and romance of Crockett’s Glenkens. BALMAGHIE “The sweetest and the sunniest God’s Acre in Scotland, and since such things must needs be, doubtless a right desirable place for any tired wanderer’s resting-grave.” Crockett knew that history and its narrative was written by the victors. His fiction offers an alternative perspective, foregrounding the ‘ordinary’ rural folk and keeping the traditional ‘big’ heroes in the background. Of the Balmaghie living he wrote: “The folk here like a tairgin’ maisterfu’ man. Hark ye to that! They canna bide chiels that only peep and mutter. The lads atween the waters o’ Dee and Ken tak’ a man maistly at his ain valuation, and if a minister thinks na muckle o’ himself...haith, they will e’en jaloose that he kens best, and no think muckle o’ him either!” And of the dead: “Dear dust lies in that kirkyaird, and as the years pass by, for many of us, more and more of it gathers under the kirk on the hill. The tides of the world, its compulsions, its needs, and its must be’s, lead me up the loaning but seldom. Indeed I am not often there, save when the beat of the passing bell calls another to the long and quiet rest.” In 1914 Crockett was buried in Balmaghie along with many of his forebears. “When the years are over, many or few, and our Galloway requiem, ‘Sae he’s won awa,’ is said of me, that is the bell I should like rung. And there in the high corner I should like to lie, if so the fates allot it, among the dear and simple folk I knew and loved in youth.” Balmaghie is also the setting for Crockett’s fictionalised version of the turbulent life of John Macmillan. The Standard Bearer turns what might otherwise be dry religious history into an historical adventure romance: “Suddenly a gun went off, as it seemed in deil tak’ your courting-jaunts this nicht! For had ye bidden at hame I would have gotten baith o’ the red foxes that have been killing our weakly lambs. As it is, I gat but this. “And she held up a great dog fox by the brush before throwing the body into a convenient moss-hole. “It was Alexander-Jonita, the lass whom our college-bred Quintin had once called the Diana of Balmaghie. I care not what he called her. Without question she was the finest lass in the countryside. And that I will maintain to this day.” Evocative natural description, humour, and use of local dialect all wrap round and enhance the bare history. With Crockett there are no small characters and no small stories. His flexible approach to ‘fact’ may not always appeal to historians, but to lovers of the Glenkens he should be seen as a hero in fact and fiction. Balmaghie also features in the Covenanting novels The Men of the Moss Hags and its sequel Lochinvar. Cally Phillips His fiction offers an alternative perspective, foregrounding the ‘ordinary’ rural folk and keeping the traditional ‘big’ heroes in the background. my very ear. I sprang a foot into the air, for who on honourable business would discharge a musket in that wild place at such a time. “But ere I had time to think, above me on the ridge a figure stood black against the sky...a girl’s shape it was, slim, tall, erect. She carried something in one hand which trailed on the heather, and a musket was under her arm, muzzle down. “I had not yet recovered my breath when a voice came to me. “‘Ah, Hob MacClellan, the ill For further information and insight into Crockett’s Galloway writing visit www.gallowayraiders.co.uk Crockett’s Galloway fiction was republished in a centenary edition The Galloway Collection by Ayton Publishing in 2014, and are available in paperback from the online bookseller www.unco.scot, Amazon and other retailers. The Glenkens also features in Cally Phillips 2016 work Discovering Crockett’s Galloway, Volume 2 Glenkens Gazette page 24 The Turnpike Roads of the Glenkens There were hardly any roads in the Glenkens before 1780, just tracks that were often very hilly as they avoided boggy ground. The roads were maintained badly under the statute labour system which required tenants to do six days’ work each year. In 1780 the Commissioners of Supply obtained a local Act of Parliament whereby the liability was converted to a money payment so that repairs could be carried out by contract. While an improvement on the statute labour system, the money raised soon proved insufficient to finance the great increase in road construction. So it was decided to introduce the turnpike (or toll road) system on the more important roads, and this was enabled by the Stewartry Turnpike Act of 1796. The responsibility for roads was transferred to road trustees and a number of toll roads were authorised. Four trusts had responsibility for the roads in our area – the Kells and Carsphairn Trust, the New Galloway Trust, the Parton Trust and the Minnyhive Trust. The six inch OS map of 1849 marks a number of toll points, where toll houses had been built for toll keepers to live in. Unsurprisingly toll keepers were not particularly popular and people would sometimes cut across country to avoid paying the toll. But nor did the toll keepers have a particularly easy life, being required to turn out at any hour to open the gates. One useful supplement to their income was a licence to supply wine and spirits, no doubt a welcome relief to travellers. Pedestrians were exempt and there were different tariffs for other modes of transport and for droves of animals. The first toll points were set up around 1800 in the Glenkens. There were toll houses just west of Corsock and at Clatteringshaws under the New Galloway Trust, at the Bogue and Craigmuie under the Minnyhive Trust, and at Ken Bridge and Parton under the Parton Trust. The Kells and Carsphairn Trust had toll points at Brockloch (at first at Brockloch and then moved to Lamford), at the High Bridge of Ken and at Carroch, at Strangassel (located at the south end of the present Dundeugh); and finally in 1841 created Bennan toll point, just south of Mossdale. At one time there were also toll points near Carnavel, near the Old Bridge of Deugh and at Burnfoot of Marbrack and at Liggat, and there may have been others also. In an early illustration of the Glenkens Free Church at the Bogue one can see the Bogue toll house to its left (see picture), though of these three buildings only the old manse still remains. It would be interesting to know of any other early pictures of local toll houses. Only the Corsock, Bennan and Brockloch (Lamford) toll houses still survive, though the current houses probably bear little resemblance to the original houses. The toll system continued until its final abolition by a local act of 1864. In 1890 the roads became the responsibility of the newly-formed county council. David Bartholomew Line drawing of the Bogue toll house showing the old Glenkens Free Church and its manse - only the old manse is still there today. HORDES OF VIKINGS The next meeting of the Glenkens Story history group will be held on Sunday 18 March when Professor Ted Cowan will deliver the Bill Blyth lecture in memory of the local history enthusiast and researcher who died last year. The lecture, Hordes of Vikings, will reflect the revived debate on the Vikings and Galloway following the discovery of the 'Viking Hoard'. Ted Cowan will consider whether the hoard should indeed be described as ‘Viking’ and will look at the possible influence of the Vikings in Galloway. The lecture will be held at 2.30pm in the CatStrand from where tickets, priced £5, may be obtained. Other forthcoming history events include a talk on Sunday 22 April by Dr Graeme Cavers on crannogs, the ancient artificial island settlement sites found widely in Galloway. Dr Cavers will give an account of recent investigations using modern scientific techniques and what they tell us about the role of crannogs in prehistory and later. * And advance notice of a one-day conference ‘Galloway, Gaelic’s Lost Province’, on the history of Gaelic in Galloway at the CatStrand on Saturday 8 September. Information will soon be appearing on the CatStrand website. Glenkens Gazette page 25 Who Do We Think We Were? Stella Cruickshank recounts an early memory of her father, from days fishing from Appledore, North Devon. Stella is a member of the Glenkens Writers’ Group, and until recently lived in Parton. Several readers have indicated that they too have a story they would like to tell. If the reminiscences on this page have sparked off any memories for you, please send in your 500 words of memoir, from any part of your life, whenever it was, wherever you were. Please send your contribution by email to margaret.elphinstone @dircon.co.uk or hand in a copy at Catstrand marked ‘Glenkens Gazette - WDWTWW’. Next issue’s contribution will be from Andrew Mellor, writing about his first arrival in Dalry, nearly forty years ago. The current runs unpredictable and swift. I screw up my eyes against the early evening sun, watching the small black mark on the horizon gradually become larger and larger. Now I can make out the figure of my father in the prow of the little boat, with Johnny at the helm. The water laps over my canvas shoes, and ribbons of seaweed wash against my legs, as I wait on the slip-way for them to come ashore. Johnny, in his navy oiled-wool jersey knitted by his sister, guides the small clinker-built craft between the submerged rocks, his hand on the tiller, his gentle face tanned deep chestnut by the wind. “A good day’s catch?” enquire the old fishermen on the quayside. My father holds up several large sea-bass, tied together with string threaded through their delicate pink gills, the silver and grey of their scales glowing in the last rays of the evening sun. As we draw up to the house I can see Mary standing on the threshold, hastily wiping her hands on her floral apron; as always she is wearing her tartan bedroom slippers and her thick Lyle stockings over swollen ankles. “So how are you today, Mary?” my father greets her cheerfully. “Oh, it’s terrible, Doctor.” We never learned what was so terrible, but her reply was always the same; my father would cajole her, until a smile gradually spread across her face. “How are things?” calls my father from the kitchen. “Not so bad, Doctor,” calls a voice My father holds up several large sea-bass, tied together with string threaded through their delicate pink gills, the silver and grey of their scales glowing in the last rays of the evening sun. Johnny hauls the boat up the slipway and secures her to one of the iron rings in the sea-wall, then we pile into my father’s old Austin; I squeeze in the back amid the rods, landing nets and the day’s catch. Everything in the car smells of fish. We drive the short distance to Johnny’s home, where he lives with his sister Mary and Dido, his brother. They used to live in an old terraced cottage in one of the dark cobbled streets that ran down to the harbour, but they had moved to a new bungalow on the outskirts of the village, so Mary no longer had to climb the steep, narrow staircase. But I never liked the bungalow; it always smelt of boiled vegetables and formica chairs. from the front room. Dido never came into the kitchen. Should the door be left ajar, I would glimpse a passage beyond, the walls hung with photographs of the ship Dido served on during his service in the Merchant Navy. After a few years he returned home, and has never walked again. As we drive home I look back at the front window of the bungalow, and there beyond the china horses and the plastic flowers I can see a shadowy figure, half-hidden by the curtains. Johnny died suddenly, when still quite young. My father never said anything. Looking back, I know, without Johnny, his life was diminished. GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL � 01644 420234 � New Galloway Golf Club Founded 1902 www.nggc.co.uk - 01644 420737 Buggies now available for hire VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME Glenkens Gazette page 26 FEBRUARY & MARCH JANUARY Mon 29, GCAT AGM, 7pm, CatStrand FEBRUARY Fri 2, Dalry Police Station Drop-in, 3-4.30pm Sat 3, CatStrand Burns Supper, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 9, Strata, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sun 11, Hebrides Ensemble, 3pm, CatStrand Wed 14, Film: Loving Vincent & Valentine’s Supper, 7.30pm, CatStrand Wed 14, Film: Dunkirk, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall, see p20 Thu 15, LING AGM, 7pm, New Galloway Town Hall, see p18 Fri 16, Valentine’s Bistro, 6-8.30pm, Carsphairn Shop & Tearooms, see p28 Fri 16, Family Bingo Night, 7pm, New Galloway Town Hall, see p18 Sat 17, Winter Stars, 6.30-8.30pm, Clatteringshaws, see p28 Thu 22, SWANC Talk, 7.30pm, Ken Bridge Hotel, see p16 Fri 23, HG Wells’ ‘The Time Machine’, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 23, Pop-up Bistro, 5-8pm, Carsphairn Shop & Tearooms, see p28 Sat 24, McCusker et al, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 24, Half Moon, 6.30-8.30pm, Clatteringshaws, see p28 Tue 27, Canaletto & the Art of Venice, 7.30pm, CatStrand MARCH Thurs 1, NGCE Ltd AGM, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall Fri 2-Sat 3, Ken Words Festival, CatStrand, see p8 Fri 2, Findlay Napier, 7.30pm, CatStrand Mon 5, Dalry Police Station Drop-in, 6-7.30pm Wed 7, Film: Victoria and Abdulpm, Dalry Town Hall, see p20 Fri 9, Day-Time Disco, 11am, CatStrand, see p19 Fri 9, Square One, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 9, Day-Time Disco, 11am, see p19 Sat 10, Mark Nelson, 2pm, CatStrand Sun 11, Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea, 12-4pm, Carsphairn Shop & Tearooms, see p28 Thu 15, CatStrand Youth Players, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 16, Pop-Up Paddy’s Bistro, 58pm, Carsphairn Shop & Tearooms, see p28 Sun 18, Hordes of Vikings, 2.30pm, CatStrand, see p24 Thu 22, SWANC Talk, 7.30pm, Ken Bridge Hotel, see p16 Thu 22, Gordon Giltrap, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 24, 1970’s Disco, CatStrand, see p19 Tue 27, Cézanne - Portraits of Life, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 31, The Young’uns, 7.30pm, CatStrand APRIL Sun 1, Easter Sunday Bistro, 126pm, Carsphairn Shop & Tearooms, see p28 Calling All Crafters Dalry Town Hall Management Committee plan to hold a Craft Fair in Dalry Town Hall on Saturday 7 April. Last year’s craft fair was a great success with such a variety of stalls. Anyone wishing further information or to book a stall please contact Noreen on 07759 494 952 (text or phone) or email noreenbell46@gmail.com Above is a photgraph of the damage to Dalry school roof caused by storm Eleanor on the night of 2-3 January, submitted by Paul Goodwin. Glenkens Gazette page 27 REGULAR EVENTS CatStrand, New Galloway: Film Makers’ Club, Mon, 7-8.30pm Exercise to Music: Mon, 9.30-10am Margaret Morris dance 1: 3-7yrs, Mon (term-time), 3.45-4.30pm Margaret Morris Dance 2: 8-16yrs, Mon (term-time), 4.30-5.15pm Youth Volunteer Meet-up, Mon, 68pm, FREE PIZZA Choreographic Skills Lab, Mon (term-time), 7-8.30pm, ages 12-18 Start to Write, 1st Tues each month, 3-5pm (no Feb meeting) Animation Club, Tues, 4.30-6.30pm Gentle Tai Chi: Wed, 10am Wendletrap Tai Chi, Wed, 2-3.30pm Continue to Write, 1st Wed each month, 3.15-5.15pm, (no Feb meeting) Music/Jam Youth Drop-in, Wed, 6-7pm & rehearsal/recording space available for booking from 7-9pm Writers’ Cafe, 2nd Thurs each month, 7-9pm Sing it Out, Thurs, 11am -12pm CatStrand Ukes, Thurs, 1–3.30pm Yoga, Thurs, 6.30pm Zumba Gold, Fri (term-time), 9.3010.30am, CatStrand, 16+ Saturday Art Club, 2nd & 4th Sat of the month, 10am–12noon Glenkens Acoustic Sessions, last Sun of the month, 2-4pm Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry, (contact Kath on 430 281): Paint & Art, Mon, 2-4pm GCC Playgroup, Tues, Wed & Thurs, 9.15-11.45am Guides, Tues, 6-8pm Brownies, Thurs 6-7.30pm Kickback Martial Arts, Thurs, 79pm Thursday Craft Group, Thurs, 24pm Glenkens Children’s Club, Fri, 10am-12noon New Galloway Town Hall: LING Lunches, Tues, 11am-2pm Indoor Sports, Tues, 7-9pm Zumba, Wed, 7.30-8.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall, 11+ Footcare by Stewartry Care, Thurs by appointment (Tel: 01556 504699), New Galloway Town Hall Various Locations: Hatha Yoga, Mon, 10-11.15am, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn Mens Shed Mondays, 6.30pm, Balmaclellan Carsphairn Post Office, Tues, 1-3pm, 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 Cub Scouts: Wed, 6.45–8pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Youth Writing, Thurs (during term time), 3.30-5pm, ages 10-15, Dalry School Glenkens Community Councils Balmaclellan Community Council Meetings: 4th Monday each month, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall. Carsphairn Community Council Meetings: Last Monday each month, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn. CHECK OUT NEW WEBSITE! 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 Fellowship Dinner with Moderator of the Kells Church. 12 Mar, 7.30pm: CHURCH OF SCOTLAND: Sunday Services - Balmaclellan 12noon: 1st. Carsphairn 10.30am: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th. Dalry 12noon: 3rd 4th. Dalry 10.30am: 2nd(Feb) 4th. Kells 10.30am: 2nd, 4th. Special Services/Events:11 Feb, 10.30am: United Family Service for Dalry and B&K Churches, Kells Church. 2 Mar, 7pm: World Day of Prayer Service, Dalry Church. 11 Mar, 10.30am: United Family Service for Dalry and B&K Churches, Dalry Church. 12 Mar, 3pm: Conventicle, General Assembly, Kenbridge Hotel. 30 Mar, 7.30pm: Good Friday Service, Dalry Church. Communion Services: 25th Feb, 10.30am, Kells Church. 18 Mar, 10.15am, Carsphairn Church. 25 Mar, 12noon, Dalry Church 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 Coffee & Craft, Fri, 9am-12noon, Lagwyne Hall Folk Music Session, 4th Fri each month, 7.30/8pm till closing, Ken Bridge Hotel Scouts, Thurs, 7–8.30pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Gentle Tai Chi, Fri 10-11am, Dalry Town Hall 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 To hire the MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) behind Dalry School call Sonja Tranter on 430 244 or Nicolette Wise on 430 218. Dalry Library Tuesdays 12noon-3.30pm Fridays 10am-12noon & 1-4.30pm For further library van stops and informa�on contact Castle Douglas library on 01556 502 643 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 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 New Galloway Celebratory Concert The people of New Galloway came together at Christmas to celebrate a year of good news. Local resident Joan Walker said: “We’ve had such an amazing year, with the opening of our own Community Shop, the CatStrand’s 10th birthday, community management of the Town Hall and the flower bombing of the High Street, we felt that we would like to mark the year in some special way.” Representatives from most of the local organisations and groups including Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING) and the New Galloway and Kells Community Council got together and planned an afternoon of entertainment for the village. The Sunday afternoon Celebratory Concert was packed to capacity and featured the children of Kells School New Galloway, the CatStrand singers, the Glenkens Cubs and Beavers, the Glenkens Church Choir, piano playing by Geoff Davidson and Jim McPhee, the CatStrand Youth Players and Community Carol singing. Brian Edgar was the excellent compere. The free concert was made possible by support from local businesses and a lot of volunteer effort and was a truly joyous community event. The concert culminated in the audience being piped down the High Street by Danny Clarke to watch the new Christmas lights being switched on, also made possible by local sponsorship and volunteer effort. Avril Bridgeman said: “It was a fantastic event and well worth all the hard work by everyone involved. It was great to see all the groups of the community working together for the benefit of New Galloway.” Happy New Year from the Galloway Lodge Team @ Cla�eringshaws We are open from the 9th to the 25th of February (10am–4pm), and then from the 24th of March to the 4th of November (10am–5pm) Please see our Facebook page for all the events that we have planned for 2018 - there will be bug hunts with the RSPB, Moth Days and more... Stargazing Events In February: 17 Feb - Winter Stars, 6.30-8.30pm 24 Feb - Half Moon, 6.30-8.30pm Tickets: Child £8, Adult £15, Family £38 (price includes food and beverages) Please call or email for further informa�on or book - 01644 420 221 (voicemail) or alan@gallowaylodge.co.uk Upcoming Events at Carsphairn Tearooms & Bistro February: Friday 16th - Valen�nes Bistro, Set Menu, 68.30pm. 2 courses - £15.95, 3 Courses - £17.95 Friday 23rd - Pop-up Bistro, Chinese Theme, 5-8pm March: Sunday 11th - Mother’s Day A�ernoon Tea, 124pm, £8.95pp, free glass of prosecco for your Mum (terms & condi�ons apply) Friday 16th - Pop-Up Paddy’s Bistro, Irish Theme, 5-8pm April: Sunday 1st - Easter Sunday Bistro, 12-6pm. Set Menu - 2 Courses, £15.95, 3 Courses - £17.95 Booking recommended 01644 460 568 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 APRIL/MAY COPY DEADLINE: 5 MARCH 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 104 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GG_104 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 2018 Description An account of the resource Editor: Sarah Ade https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/1/249/GlenkensGazette103.pdf e76e50ad11383d4ce93873cb07c17063 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 103 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 December/January 2017-18 ISSUE 103 FREE DUNCAN WINS PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR AWARD A Glenkens photographer has won a prestigious prize with a picture of local wildlife. Duncan McNaught, who lives in Glenlee, has been named the Royal Society of Biology’s Photographer of the Year for 2017. The winning photograph, taken in Dundeuch Forest, is entitled ‘Welcome to My Humble Abode’ and features a tiny fungus gnat inside a mushroom. “Winning the RSB award was amazing, once the shock went away” says Duncan. “It was a worldwide photography competition so to be named out of all the competitors when I am from such a small area of Scotland is truly astonishing in my eyes.” The first indication of possible success came when Duncan was named as one of eleven photographers worldwide shortlisted for the award. “This competition did not reveal other entries like some do so I had no idea what I was up against but looking back at last year’s Duncan’s winning photograph, titled ‘Welcome to My Humble Abode’. winners gave me an idea that the competition was going to be extremely challenging which made choosing my particular entry difficult.” Earlier this year Duncan was highly commended in the international Sony Awards competition. Duncan grew up in Dalry and moved to Glenlee when he as 21. He worked for Scottish Power for 25 years before taking early retirement and taking up photography in earnest. • Duncan’s work is currently on display in the Carsphairn Heritage Centre - see page 3. • He talks about his photography in an interview with the Gazette on P6 A Fundraising March to Remember Glenkens man Robin Hood, who lives outside Mossdale, is planning to hike more than 400 miles from Dumfries to the Cenotaph in London pulling a huge stone statue. Photograph courtesy of the Galloway News. The statue, of a Scottish soldier, is the mascot of South West Scotland RnR. Robin hopes to raise in excess of £20,000 for the charity which supports wounded service men and women. Robin will set off next October, arriving at the Cenotaph on November 11 for the ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of the end of WW1. He said: “This is such an important anniversary and from a military perspective this is significant to me as my great grandfather was killed at Gallipoli and my grandfather, was killed at Dunkirk.” To train for the walk, Robin will build up his stamina by walking the statue from his home to Dumfries and back each week. So look out for Robin around the region – and feel free to donate to the cause! A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) ini�a�ve www.glenkensgaze�e.co.uk Glenkens Gazette The late Pam Young was very involved in Glenkens life. Her family had lived in the area for generations and she had always wanted to do something to help the community she loved and was so much a part of. She was the sort of person that people looked to for help so when she received a request for help in finding accommodation for retiring farm workers, who had previously been living in tied houses, this proved to be the catalyst that started the Pamela Young Trust which she set up in 1992 and which has been helping to provide affordable page 2 housing for those in need in the Glenkens ever since. Early on in her plans she asked her friend John Maxwell to become a trustee. As well as living in the Glenkens, John was chairman of the Stewartry Housing Committee for over ten years and continued to serve as councillor for the area when the Stewartry was absorbed into Dumfries and Galloway Council. His knowledge and experience in all matters to do with housing was of enormous value, particularly in the early days of the trust. Following Pam’s death in 2008, John Maxwell was elected chairman, a role he continued with diligence until stepping down two months ago. He remembers that “Pam’s enthusiasm was infectious and I was flattered and pleased when she asked me to become a Trustee. It has been wonderful to see her vision become a reality. The trust’s property portfolio has grown considerably over the last 25 years and it is humbling that we have been able to help so many people.” Steve Davie, a trustee since 1995, comments: “we have been lucky to have had John’s thoughtful leadership and quiet determination to further the work of the trust over so many years. He leaves the trust in excellent shape and my fellow trustees and I are all delighted to carry forward Pam’s legacy to the Glenkens.” wellbeing of New Galloway. She will work with local charities, businesses and individuals to support and empower them in these aims. Sam comes to us from a background of teaching and child support and also runs her own dance business. She is excited to be taking up this post and is looking forward to working with the New Galloway community. • In other news, NGCE will be holding its AGM on the 1st March 2017 at 7.30pm in New Galloway Town Hall - all Members are cordially invited. If you are not already a Member, you can join by buying one or more £10 shares at any time. Ask for details at the shop or email ngce5000@gmail.com • The building work to renovate the shop and house is expected to start in spring 2018 when the shop will be relocated to temporary premises within New Galloway. NGCE wishes to thank everyone who has supported the shop and the organisation over the last few months. We have been very well supported by the community and our hard-working shop staff. Mike Brown, Chair, NGCE of the ground within the centre of the village for development into a community space/garden. Community Benefit monies from Blackcraig Wind Farm should become available during the beginning of 2019 which will pave the way for further ideas and projects. The trust is currently looking to increase the number of trustees and members, as well as supporters who have skills to bring to the projects. If you would like to become involved please contact either chair, Kay Bird, on 01644 420612 or kaybird15@btinternet.com or secretary, Ailsa Malone, on ailsmalone@aol.com by Wednesday 3 January 2018. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT WORKER FOR NEW GALLOWAY New Galloway Community Enterprises Ltd (NGCE) is delighted to announce the appointment of Samantha Rushton as its Community Engagement Worker. The creation of this part-time post is an innovative step for the organisation, and Sam’s role will be to enhance the economic and social Balmaclellan Community Trust Would you like to become actively involved in the trust? The trustees of Balmaclellan Community Trust would like to invite the residents of Balmaclellan Parish to become involved in the work of the trust and its projects. These are very exciting times for Balmaclellan. The trust is currently working on the purchase We look forward to hearing from you. Kay Bird, Chair Balmaclellan Community Trust (SCIO - SC047278) Articles contributed to the Glenkens Gazette do not reflect the opinions of the paper. The Gazette stays neutral on local, political, religious and any other issues, providing a platform for members of the Glenkens communities to share their thoughts, views and opinions. Glenkens Gazette page 3 Arts & Crafts at Carsphairn Carsphairn Heritage Centre is diversifying to secure its longterm future, piloting a scheme to introduce local crafts and artwork to visitors over consecutive Saturdays in December. This will be the first time the centre has opened for winter hours and it is being done in a bid to attract a greater number of people – local residents and tourists alike – through the door. The first exhibition will be a display of photography by Duncan McNaught, winner of the 2017 Royal Society of Biology Photographic Competition (see front page story). An extremely talented amateur photographer born and bred in Dalry and now living in Glenlee, Duncan and his amazing work are well known and admired, especially by Carsphairn residents who may have attended his photographic classes in Lagwyne Hall. “It’s been a challenging year for the Heritage Centre with a steady decline in visitors and willing or able volunteer stewards,” said Karen Hall, chairman of the Carsphairn Heritage Group. “The introduction of arts and crafts will allow local artisans to showcase their work in a permanent setting in exchange for stewarding hours, so it’s a win-win scheme. If the pilot is successful then exhibitions will sit alongside the annual heritage exhibition FHB Fencing Dalry Domestic and Agricultural Fencing 01644 430 495 (Peter) or 07767 795 498 (Jonathan) Duncan McNaught’s photos adorn the walls and locally-made crafts are on display inside the new-look Carsphairn Heritage Centre. which will reopen in Spring 2018 as normal.” She added: “Carsphairn Heritage Group remains the same as always and membership to the group is still available for anyone with a local interest in the heritage of Carsphairn and the surrounding area.” Gail Challis, the centre’s crafts coordinator, commented: “The increased craft presence is intended to appeal to and attract people who may not be aware of the great work that our volunteers do every year. “We greatly appreciate the support already shown for this project and we have received some fantastic artwork and crafts, Duncan’s exhibition looks amazing! “As well as supporting the Centre, this is a great opportunity to pick up some one-of-a-kind, handmade Christmas presents that you won’t find on the high street.” HIGHLAND BEEF from THE GLENKENS STEAK ROASTS MINCE CASSEROLE LORNE pre-pack frozen Blackmark Dalry Castle Douglas DG7 3UG 01644 460532 www.highland.scot Minding Feet Professional Foot Health Treatments Holistic Foot Therapies Patricia Lavelle MAR FHP CNHC Professional Foot Health Practitioner 07789 246 833 www.mindingfeet.com Glenkens Gazette page 4 sponsored by EVERYTHING listed in the Glenkens Freecycle section is FREE - you just need to contact the owner and go and pick it up! If you would like to list something on this page, please get in touch with Sarah on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk VARIOUS Water pipe, blue, plastic 25mm diameter, 14m long. Contact: 0776 668 6402 07712 825512 Unopened 10-litre tub of Leyland Trade magnolia matt emulsion paint. Contact: Nigel at 460 545 Black and Decker 420W electric hedge trimmer, 50cm cutting blade. Contact: Nigel on 460 545 Beith Craft table , medium coloured wood, with six matching chairs, cabinet/ sideboard that has shelves and doors. Table measures closed 4’ 9”, extended table measures 6’ 4”, matching cabinet/ sideboard measures, 5’ in length by 1’ 6” width by 5’ 6” height. Lovely pieces of furniture. Free to a good home! Contact: Angie on 07766 476 125 Aquarium, 610 x 365 x 310 cm. It comes with a hood/light etc, gravel and some in-tank furniture. Contact: Room divider, beech frame with cream cotton screen. Contact: Angie on 07766 476 125 The timing of our first visit to our daughter in Australia was determined first on finding a nearby marathon and secondly that it shouldn’t be too hot! its surrounding waters are a Class A Reserve. We didn’t have time for a ride on the train, a disappointment for Gordon who enjoys trains of all sorts. Nor did we have time to take part in the Gun and Tunnel Tour. Rottnest was part of the defences in case of invasion by Japan in WWll. A thunderstorm broke out during the evening and night before the run so we were hoping that the day would not be too hot. The marathon itself was to start at 6.45am with a skirl of pipes by two young kilted lads. The bus excursion had given Gordon an opportunity to see the marathon route, not around the whole island as we had originally assumed but 4 laps around a group of salt lakes with very little overhead vegetation. The fastest runners, under three hours, were through before the heat but as time went on the heat built up to 26 degrees, being commented on as hot by the announcer. As we met Gordon starting his last lap, he was feeling the Three seater sofa and matching armchair, oak and green leather will need repairs to leather or use with a throw. Phone for info on availability and condition. Half a roll of roofing felt. Contact: Paul on 01644 430062 – evenings. WANTED OS Pathfinder maps for the Glenkens. Contact: Simon on 07426 124 982 Small chest of drawers. Contact: Simon on 07426 124 982 Gloss paint, wood preservative, compost, herbs & pond plants. Kells School, New Galloway, 420 340 Xmas decorations please baubles, tinsel, beads, from anyone having a clear out. It’s for the Gardening Club. Contact: Mrs Devlin at Dalry Primary on 430 259 or drop them into Dalry Primary School. THE ROTTNEST MARATHON Luckily the Rottnest Marathon is in October, the end of the winter in Western Australia. Rottnest is a small island about 12 miles off the coast of Fremantle. It measures seven miles long and 2.5miles wide. Our daughter had taken part last year in a relay swim from Fremantle to Rottnest. Rottnest is home to about 12,000 Quokkas, friendly, furry little marsupials. Although they are not supposed to be fed they are well aware that the cafes are good places for hanging out. There are no private vehicles on the island but there is an opportunity for a bus trip around the coast. We were lucky to see a group of dolphins playing close in to one of the white sandy beaches which surround the island. The bus driver also spied and stopped for a dugite snake crossing the road in front of us. Rottnest and heat but determined to carry on to finish in a credible 5 hours and 34 mnsute, 20 seconds. As we sat on the grass while he recovered and the awards were presented, we were surprised to hear his name called - first in the over 70s. By the evening he had already decided on another trip to OZ next year! Ros Hill Glenkens Gazette page 5 sponsored by This is a shout out to report red squirrel sightings around the Glenkens, and further afield into the rest of Dumfries & Galloway, as greys dominate the map. Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels is calling for the public to report more red squirrel sightings in Dumfries & Galloway to help paint a truer picture of the region’s native wildlife. Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels encourages the public to report their sightings of both red and grey squirrels, to help the project monitor the situation across the country. However, in Dumfries & Galloway, the sightings map does not tell the full story. The region is home to a significant population of red squirrels, but numbers have fallen rapidly in recent decades, as non-native grey squirrels have moved into their territory. Grey squirrels out-compete red squirrels for food and shelter. They also carry squirrelpox, a virus that doesn’t harm them but is deadly to red squirrels. Squirrelpox is a particular threat in Dumfries & Galloway, where outbreaks have been recorded near Lockerbie, Thornill and Moffat. However, despite these challenges, red squirrels are known to be holding on strongly in many parts of Dumfries & Galloway, with the project’s spring survey results suggesting that there are still many places with red-only populations. Dr Stephanie Johnstone, Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels Conservation Officer for the region said: “People in many parts of Dumfries & Galloway squirrel sightings is equally important. It helps us monitor the impact our work is having, and know where to focus our efforts and limited resources. “Plus, we want to show the rest of the country what a great place Dumfries & Galloway currently is for red squirrels, and demonstrate that they are still worth saving!” Red squirrels were once widespread across Scotland and, while three quarters of the UK’s red squirrels are found here, their numbers have fallen drastically to just 120,000. This is largely due to the spread of the grey squirrel, which was first introduced to Britain from North America in the mid19th Century. Residents and visitors to the Glenkens, and the wider region, can support the project by reporting their sightings of both red and grey squirrels at scottishsquirrels.org.uk Places like ... New Galloway are havens for red squirrels, yet our current sightings map would make anyone think they were grey dominated areas. are fortunate to be living so close to red squirrels, and are very used to having them around. “Places like Gatehouse of Fleet, New Galloway and New Abbey are havens for red squirrels, yet our current sightings map would make anyone think they were grey dominated areas. “It is true that small numbers of grey squirrels are moving into these areas, and it’s fantastic that local people understand how important it is that we know about these sightings, but reporting red JENNY’S DESIGN Would you like the opportunity to have your own online business, with support from a team? Do you like healthy living and high quality skin care? Yes? Then please contact Katy Caie, Arbonne Independent Consultant, on 07756 506 496 or visit http://catrionacaie.arbonne.com Mobile Hairdresser • Home Visits • Nursing Homes & Residential • The Elderly & Disabled • Blow Drying • Setting • Perms • Cuts • Toupees • Wig Styling NVQ Level 3 Hairdressing, NVQ Level 4 Social Care Call Jenny on 07554 009 624 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 Continued from front page: The Gazette has been speaking to Duncan McNaught about his photography Q. What inspired you to take up photography? In my early teens, I was given a tiny 110 cartridge camera to go on holiday with. I had no idea what I was doing to begin with but I soon realised that within a photograph you can capture a moment in time for others to see which inspired me to take up photography. Q.How long have you been taking photographs? The interest in photography started about 20 years ago through experimentation, but after I changed from film to digital my interest grew to a thriving passion. Q. Does living in the Glenkens inspire you? I grew up within the Glenkens so of course it has had a huge influence in my work. What I love about the Glenkens is that I have so much at my back door just ten minutes away. It is truly a hidden page 6 gem within Scotland. Q. What is your favourite subject matter? My favourite subject matter is micro where I can get really close up to nature that is hidden from the normal eye. Individual seed heads, tiny fungi, dew drops, etc. It has truly opened up a whole other world for me. It’s certainly Duncan McNaught receives his certificate and not an easy subject £1000 prize for winning the Royal Society of Biology but the difficulty and (RSB) Photographer of the Year competition from challenges it presents professor Dame Jean Thomas, RSB president (left) and biologist and marine photographer, Linda makes it all the more Pitken, one of the competition judges. worthwhile. Q. Any tips for watch your horizon i.e. keep it level. aspiring photographers around the Q. How can we find out more Glenkens? about your work? I advise people to look at the If anybody wants some advice details within their scene even they can contact me on Facebook before switching the camera at @DMcNaughtPhotography where on. Pay particular attention to I post regularly, or via email at the background which is equally duncanmcnaughtphotography@btin important as your main subject and ternet.com Councillor Vacancies Due to the retirement of two of our councillors, Balmaclellan Community Council has two vacancies. The new members would be coopted onto the council and would have full opting rights. The community council meets once a month, usually on the last Monday of the month, and members are encouraged to participate in a number of events throughout the year run for the residents of the community. If you are interested in joining the community council as a councillor at this very busy and exciting time, and want to contribute towards decision-making within your village, please give your name, address, telephone number and email address by 5pm on Wednesday 3 January 2018 to Kay Bird, Secretary, Balmaclellan Community Council, Hillcrest, Balmaclellan, DG7 3QE. For further information you can call 01644 420612 or email kaybird15@btinternet.com We look forward to hearing from you. Alan Rumble, Chairman GAZETTE ARCHIVE UNDERWAY After discovering that the Gazette archive of past issues had been destroyed in the CatStrand flood, we thought we had lost any chance of creating a full archive of back issues. However, David Bartholomew has come to the rescue and kindly notified us that he has nearly all the back copies of the Glenkens Gazette. Previously, Paul Goodwin had generously offered to convert paper Gazettes into pdf format, suitable for uploading onto the website, thus creating a publicly available archive of past issues. Work on this is underway, and we’ll let you know when you can browse nearly two decades worth of Gazettes online! However, there are still two issues missing which David didn’t have in his collection issues 13 and 14. If anyone has these issues at home, we would be very grateful if you could get in touch and we could arrange to have them copied in order to get the full set onto the website, making our Gazette archive complete. Do you have issues 13 and 14 of the Glenkens Gazette - from around 2002? If so, please get in touch at glenkensgazette@ hotmail.co.uk or 07727 127 997 Glenkens Gazette page 7 Dalry’s Christmas Twinkle After last year’s successful Christmas Twinkle event in Dalry, how could we not have Santa and his elves visit us again this year? Last year 120 adults and children sang festive songs around our Christmas tree, ate goodies and drank hot chocolate and non-alcoholic mulled wine, whilst they eagerly awaited Santa’s arrival on his beautiful sleigh filled with presents. The atmosphere was ‘sparkling’. Christmas is a time for sharing your laughter, having fun, meeting people and making friends. Our free community event is for everyone, bringing together the young and the ‘not so young’ from all around our Glenkens Communities. So this year why not come along, wrap up warm, bring a torch if you have one, meet us around Dalry’s Community Centre’s Christmas tree, at 5.30pm on Saturday 16 December and join in the fun, sing, eat and drink. Santa and his elves plan to arrive on his sleigh at approximately 6pm. If you wish, your child can meet Santa and his elves, chat to them and give a Christmas hug, if they want to…… and if they are very good, maybe there will be a surprise in Santa’s toysack for them. This is a free event. However, the Glenkens Community Centre is now owned by our Dalry Community Property Trust, and any donation given on the night will help with the upkeep of the building and it would be gratefully received. All children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. The contact for this event is Angie Bradford on 01644430512. 26 Main Street, Dalry Jayne, Emma and Claudia would like to wish all our lovely clients a merry Christmas and a happy new year! Thank you for your support. 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 Going to a Christmas party? We can now offer special occasion hair and makeup... Fancy a little gift for you or someone special? Pop in! We have a range of lovely soaps, bath melts and Galloway Candles. Thank you to everyone who joined us for our launch night, a wonderful evening was had by all. Open Tues-Sat by appointment: 01644 430 525 or 07876 397 725 Glenkens Gazette page 8 Glenkens Gazette page 9 Glenkens Men’s Shed Update It’s all ‘go’ over at the Old Smiddy in Balmaclellan, home to the Glenkens Men’s Shed. Fresh from their successful Round the Loch fundraising bike ride, which netted just over £1000 for improvement works, things are moving on at a pace. The new Monday evening sessions, which run from 6.30-8.30pm, have proved a hit and the ‘shed in a shed’ project is now complete. After a concerted effort the main shed has been cleared ahead of construction work by local steel fabricator Peter Birch to put in a mezzanine floor. The new floor will create additional work and storage spaces as well as helping keep the place warm, essential in the long winter months. Some of the shedder’s handiwork will be on display at the CatStrand Christmas shopping day. Membership is still growing and potential recruits and existing members are reminded that the £10 annual membership is due from the start of January. Prices remain unchanged for the third year running and are really good value for the facilities on offer. Anybody interested in volunteering contact chris@catstrand.com or 01644 420 374 for more information. Round the Loch fundraising team. Glenkens Gazette page 10 New Galloway Celebrates 2017 has been a great year for New Galloway, with the CatStrand’s 10th Birthday celebrations, taking over the Town Hall on a long-term lease, and the opening of the Community Shop. Volunteer projects such as the flower-bombing of the High Street seemed to pop up out of nowhere and brightened people’s lives all summer. In every village, all the time, there are hundreds of acts of unseen kindness and support going on - they are very much appreciated. So, with the amazing success and community spirit of the last year in mind, a small group of New Galloway residents has got together to organise a Christmas Celebration for the village. It will be a combination of all the traditional volunteer events - Senior Citizens Lunch, Guild Coffee morning and Santa’s Grotto - plus some extra bits and pieces. On Sunday 3 December from 3-5pm in New Galloway Town Hall, there will be a concert to give thanks and celebrate our local talent. Tickets are free but space is limited so please come and collect yours from the New Galloway Community Shop or CatStrand in advance. Following the concert, there will be mulled wine and then a gathering at the Smithy at 5.30pm to see the inaugural switching on of New Galloway’s Christmas lights! Later in the month we are delighted that Kells School, New Galloway, is bringing its everdelightful Nativity Play out of the school and into the Town Hall so that more people can enjoy the performance. That’s Thursday 14 December at 1.15pm, and there will be a Christmas fair on afterwards. There’s much more going on too, from a tasting evening at the Shop to a community Christmas lunch and, although its got a New Galloway focus, we’d be delighted to see our Glenkens friends and neighbours at any of the events too. For further information please visit the New Galloway Town Hall website https://newgallowaytown hall.wordpress.com Thanks to our local business sponsors and supporters for helping us make this happen, and in particular to the volunteers from Local Initiatives New Galloway (LING), New Galloway and Kells Community Council, New Galloway Community Enterprises (NGCE), the Glenkens Community and Arts Trust (GCAT), the Churches, the Glenkens Cubs and Beavers, Kells School and Parent Council, and many enthusiastic individuals for bringing this festive schedule together. We hope you enjoy it! New Galloway Community Patsy Gilroy GLENKENS ROUTE Thursdays: 12noon-1pm – Crossmichael 1-2pm – Parton/Loch Ken Holiday Park 2-4pm – Balmaclellan area 4-5.30pm – The Hidden Road Fridays: As one of your local councillors, my contact details are: patsy.gilroy@dumgal.gov.uk 07825 633153 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 11 CatStrand Highlights December 2017/ January 2018 The Festive Season at CatStrand kicks off with a new art exhibition by Blueprint101 curated by Young Stove artist Emily Cooper. The exhibition launch (Fri 1 Dec) is at 7pm and is free for all, though might not be suitable for very young children. From profound visual art to the sensational CatStrand Youth Players panto (Fri 8 - Sun 10 Dec) which this year sends up the story of Robinson Crusoe by throwing in some pirates, some sweets, some singing and dancing, and a whole ton of corny jokes. Tickets are already selling fast so please get yours as soon as possible. From the mayhem of panto to the mayhem of the Ukes Christmas Party (Tues 12 Dec) which features the CatStrand Ukes performing your favourite festive classics and a few old faves too. There will be a free glass of mulled wine and mince pies to help get you into the Xmas mood. Moving on to the sublime and surreal world of Graham Steven and Lizabett Russo who, in Enchanted Tales (Thu 14 Dec), will be performing a brand new live score to a special collection of 1920s fairytale films in a uniquely enchanting evening. Keeping with the enchantment, we strongly recommend you come to see the fascinating and much loved play It’s a Wonderful Life: The Radio Play (Sun 17 Dec, 2pm) which is ostensibly a play of a radio play set in the 1940s about the much loved Christmas movie of the same name (It’s a Wonderful Life). After the Christmas break, January is dominated by our first ever Midwinter Film Festival which will see six films screened across the Glenkens with treats and goodies at each one. The films have been chosen by a team led by our youth intern Ruari Barber-Fleming who went to see each film before collating those which fitted our theme of rural isolation. We begin at CatStrand with God’s Own Country (15) (Fri 12 Jan) lauded as Yorkshire’s Brokeback Mountain and focusing on life in a Dales farm. We move to Dalry Town Hall for the highly acclaimed Lady Macbeth (15) (Sat 13 Jan) which is a fascinating exploration of female desire in Victorian high society. From stark morality to nature and a screening of Mersehead Short Films (Sun 14 Jan) which chart the amazing birdlife the RSPB reserve and for good measure will be followed by a poet and film maker Roseanne Watt. The first weekend closes with a move further afield and the astonishing Icelandic underground hit Rams (15) which follows the travails of two sheepfarming brothers who don’t get along. Join us in Carsphairn Village Hall from 1.30pm for free hot toddies. The following weekend sees the harrowing but hugely gripping Riverhead (15) at Balmaclellan Village Hall. Set in small Newfoundland town, the film follows a blood feud and rural tensions between two enemies. The Festival closes with the extraordinary British film The Levelling (15). Following the tale of a young woman forced to go back to her family farm and confront a father she hasn’t spoken to in years. The Spring Season brochure will be available in early January but keep an eye on our website for shows appearing as we no longer wait until the brochure is out before putting tickets on sale! We will be closing for Christmas at 4pm on Sat 23 December and will re-open on Wed 3rd Jan at 10am. We’d like to say a big THANK YOU to everyone who has supported us through this, our tenth year, and we’d like to wish you all very Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year! The CatStrand Team Club, Balmaclellan Men’s Shed, Connecting in Communities, CatStrand Youth Arts, the Watson Bird Project and of course this Glenkens Gazette. GCAT’s aims are to bring art in all its forms to the Glenkens and to enhance our community life. GCAT’s staff and volunteers do a fantastic job on the frontline in all these areas but behind the scenes, GCAT is managed by a Board of yet more volunteers. They are always open to new nominations for Directors, so if you’d be interested in helping out this fantastic local organisation and have skills and experience relevant to managing it, then do get in touch with Alan Smith, Chair, on alan.smith12345@btinternet.com The next AGM is on 29 January at 7pm in the CatStrand - all are welcome to come along and see what GCAT has been up to and its plans for the future. GCAT’s continuing success relies on community support in all forms, so do come along if you can! It’s a Wonderful Life GLENKENS COMMUNITY & ARTS TRUST After the success of the CatStrand’s 10th Birthday celebrations and the relief of building the flood wall, it’s back to business as normal for the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT). GCAT is a charitable trust whose activities cover the CatStrand, the Glenkens Transport Initiative, Glenkens Children’s Glenkens Gazette page 12 SPALDING BOWLING CLUB Spalding Bowling Club recently held their annual prize-giving dinner at the Clachan Inn, Dalry. President Mat Taylor and his son Joe presented the prizes. This year we have two new club champions, Kate Bone and Gordon McAdam. Well done to everyone - a great night was had by all. Winner of the Crozier Cup was Kimberly McAdam who, after being in the final three times, scooped a win before heading off to university. Valerie Russell Left - Kimberly McAdam, winner of the Crozier Cup. Right - Prize-giving dinner at the Clachan Inn. Photo of the Issue Sponsored by the Ken Bridge Hotel This issue’s winner is John Lindsay with this stunning shot titled Reflections at the Black Loch. John wins a meal for two at the Ken Bridge Hotel’s Sunday carvery. Competition judges Dave and Sue said: “We’ve chosen John’s photo as the winner this issue because of the spectacular array of autumn colours featured - simply stunning.” Glenkens Gazette page 13 Local Initiatives in New Galloway “So that’s what a £50 note looks like!” exclaimed Janette Davidson on being presented by Bob Glaister, treasurer of Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING), with her prize as the first winner of the draw for Friends of New Galloway Town Hall. This took place at a fundraising Cheese and Wine Evening in support of the town hall. Amidst plenty of time for chat and laughter, there was also an update about plans and developments for the town hall and a chance to browse through the New Galloway Story exhibition set out in the Upper Hall. print-outs of the wording helped This was also an opportunity for people to make out what was people to enjoy the architecture written. of the hall itself including the Downstairs in the Lesser Hall, impressive vaulted wooden people had fun trying their hand ceiling. at indoor bowls - a few more By looking high up on the walls, recruits perhaps for the popular it’s possible to make out some Tuesday sports evenings in the old Victorian sign writing. These Town Hall, with bowls on offer ‘moral maxims’ run all the way downstairs and table tennis in along both sides of the hall, the main hall. advising us, for example, to; ‘Ever help those in trouble’ or ‘Recompense to no man evil for evil’. “I’d been in here so many times, but I’d never noticed that before”, was a frequent Bob Glaister (Treasurer) points out the benefits of comment, as becoming ‘Friends of the Town Hall’. Glenkens Gazette page 14 FOOD FOR THOUGHT FOR DALRY SECONDARY PUPILS Dalry School has received an award from the ‘Food for Thought’ education fund run by Education Scotland. The theme of this year’s bid was to educate pupils on the food and drink industry while promoting sustainability and food education, closing the attainment gap. The bid, submitted by home economics teacher Susan Farquhar, was to use our already established school garden to grow produce and stage a fine dining pop up restaurant in the school for all secondary pupils using those ingredients and locally sourced ones. We would work with Fraser Cameron, ex pupil who now works at 21212 in Edinburgh, to devise a menu. The pupils would then grow the produce and work with Easterbrook Hall in Dumfries to get hands-on experience and training in all the different aspects of the industry. A group of pupils from S3/4 went to Easterbrook Hall in November. They were given a tour by the events manager Fiona Rand. The tour involved them seeing both Easterbrook Hall and Neuro’s restaurant and spa. The pupils were then divided into three groups. They rotated around different workshops for the remainder of the visit. The workshops consisted of mocktail making in their own bar, preparing and cooking a dish with the chef in the kitchen, and designing and setting tables for an event. The hands-on activities were greatly received by the pupils and they departed having a better understanding of the pressures involved in the food and drink industry, as well as new knowledge of the different roles that are involved in big businesses such as the Easterbrook Hall. Alison Cook, Depute Headteacher, Castle Douglas High School Bonfire Night Daytime Fun Primary 1-7 pupils at Dalry School were learning why Bonfire Night is celebrated. The children also took part in some outdoor learning activities; hedgehog safety, firework chalk art and made campfire popcorn and toasted marshmallows. The children worked in groups to create a ‘Bonfire Mural’ using chalk on black paper. Mrs Devlin & Mrs Turner Pupils creating firework artwork and toasting marshmallows. Glenkens Gazette page 15 KELLS PUPILS GO THE EXTRA MILE At Kells Primary School, New Galloway, we have had the opportunity to focus on raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support. set to in maths and designed sponsorship forms, working out how much money we would have to raise to hit certain targets – all good fun and interesting learning! The following account is written with whole class input as we feel that we had a super time and it would be positive to share our experience: We walked and ran six miles. It was awesome! The wind turbines were huge, colossal and impressive. We did get hungry after five minutes of walking but we managed to listen to advice and pace ourselves both with food, drink and the rate at which we climbed. We stood on top of the cairn, it made us feel excited and we put our arms out – it was like being on top of the world. Nine of us tried to join hands and measure around a turbine, we estimate that it might take about 15 children to make the circumference; we are going to check this in maths. The day was marked by some fantastic moments: Two of our classmates have never walked six miles before - one was the first to run to the furthest turbine and the other walked backwards as it helped manage and balance out the sensation felt in his legs. The laughter and excitement cut through the quiet as we approached the enormous turbines. One member of the class loudly proclaimed; “Look guys, we should be proud of all we have accomplished!” It is true, we should be and we are! It is a fantastic achievement - a big well done to everyone involved. For me, as a teacher, the thing I take away from this endeavour is everybody encouraging everyone else; happy times. We have realised that counting up (which we are still finalising) our tiny class have raised in the region of two thousand pounds for Macmillan Cancer Support. Graeme Thompson The children organised a Coffee Morning and under the wing of Ms Harper they presented themselves with great pride and confidence at the Cross Keys Hotel. Thank you to Mrs O’Hare for providing the venue! The P7 children were encouraged to be grown up and independent at this lovely hotel. Also a big thank you to one and all who supported us by donating food, money, their skills and time – much appreciated, all in the name of a splendid cause. In class we have had the opportunity to spend some time discussing health and well-being; looking at how to deal with subjects such as cancer, loss, hope, charity, and community involvement. The children were inspired to go the extra mile (quite literally) and a sponsored walk was suggested. With the help of Natural Power, RJ Mcleod and Blue Energy, a walk up onto the Blackcraig Windfarm site was organised. The children Kells pupils, teachers and parents at the base of a wind turbine. TORI WINS DANCE TROPHY Tori McMurray is a talented dancer and often helps in school with choreography, during dance sessions. The Dalry P6/7 class attended a TAG Rugby event in Kirkcudbright. Pupils really enjoyed the session and the coaches were pleased with the children’s attitude and enthusiasm. Outwith school, Tori performed in The Ballet Box dance school’s Christmas show. At the end of the show’s run, she received the Dancer of the Year trophy for her endeavours. The Ballet Box School of Dance performed at the Fullarton in Castle Douglas. Tori McMurray (P7, Dalry Primary) with her trophies. Glenkens Gazette page 16 Outdoor Learning Going Strong at Carsphairn Primary Over the years, we have grown our Outdoor Learning programme at Carsphairn Primary School. In October, the children at Carsphairn participated in a ramble to help raise money for Children in Need. Once a route was decided in the bucolic hills behind Carsphairn, the children took their sponsorship forms home to find sponsors. Incredibly, the six pupils at Carsphairn were able to raise £209.50, proving once again that being a small school is no hindrance to being able to accomplish big things! The school would also like to express thanks to the landowners for allowing us access to their land, without which this event couldn’t have happened. Over the years, the boys and girls from Carsphairn have really enjoyed the time taking our learning outdoors. Indeed, the school has benefitted greatly from the generosity of local members of the community who have granted Harvest Art The winner of the Kells Primary School Harvest Art Competition was Elizabeth Spernagel, Primary 2. She painted a beautiful picture called ‘Fields of Gold’. This painting was used on our gift tags that accompanied the harvest food Kells distributed among the elderly of New Galloway. One of those who received a food package, Mr Hamish Yoeman, liked the picture so much that he photographed and printed the picture and framed it in a lovely frame to be presented to Elizabeth. Unfortunately Mr Yoeman was unavailable to present this at the Kells assembly, but was presented to Elizabeth by Acting Principal Teacher Mrs Muir. us access to their land. Without access to these beautiful places we wouldn’t be able to do the Outdoor Learning that we have all enjoyed so much over the years. As a token of our appreciation, the children decided to make a gift for the land owners at Glenlee Estate and Knockgray. With the help of the Technology teacher Mr Murray, the children were able to design, carve and paint road end signs for Richard Agnew of Glenlee and Rory Clark Kennedy of Knockgray, as a token of our gratitude. We were able to present each with their gifts last June during Outdoor Learning sessions, as we were wrapping up the school year. Walker McKenna Carsphairn Primary pupils with Rory Clark-Kennedy, Walker McKenna and Forest School teacher Sissy Stravidi. Glenkens Children’s Christmas Party Sunday 17 December, 3pm Balmaclellan Village Hall with Magic Monty & Santa All Primary and pre-school children from the Glenkens welcome. We would appreciate if all children were accompanied by an adult. Some food will be provided but unfortunately there may not be enough for everyone - we would be grateful if you would bring a food donation. Donations for the raffle would be very welcome! Glenkens Gazette page 17 MARKET TO PLATE IN FIVE HOURS Fleet Fish, our local mobile fish and veg van, was recently interviewed by Salmonbusiness.com below is the article. With the demise of the specialist high street fishmonger in many of the UK’s towns, customers have become increasingly dependent on the fish counter of the major supermarkets. However, there is a welcome alternative for customers in many parts of the country: the ‘fish van’, or mobile fishmonger. Some of these are run by big outfits – the Seafish Industry Authority does not have figures for the total number of mobile fishmongers in the UK, but told SalmonBusiness that they know of large distribution companies e.g. Regal Seafoods, which operates 70 vans from Grimsby. Around a hundred vans in total operate from Humberside. But many are also microbusinesses, of the ‘one man – one van’ type. One such is operated by Charlie Coid, who serves the small town of Gatehouse of Fleet, in SW Scotland, and its hinterland – an area which is sparsely populated, but very busy in the tourist season with its many caravan parks and holiday chalets. His van carries a wide range of seafood, plus fresh vegetables. “Salmon is my main seller,” Charlie told SalmonBusiness. “I sell a lot of it, especially in the summer, with all the caravan sites, because people can serve it hot or cold, and it doubles up as something to have with salad. Then, of course, it’s a main ingredient for a fish pie. So it’s very versatile.” Q Fish vans are big business now – why do you think they’re so popular? A “The vans are selling fish fresh from the market to your door to your plate. The supermarkets are buying in bulk and in many cases it could have been frozen then defrosted. And the customer often doesn’t really know how long it’s been sitting on the counter, whereas the van’s coming to your door every week at a set time. You also get that personal touch and rapport with the fish-seller himself. That’s important.” Q How many days do you go up to the market in Glasgow? A “Twice a week. Tuesday and Thursday are the main business days at the market when the fresh produce comes in; I collect it from the market at 3 00 am and I’m out trading by 8 00 am, so five hours from the market to the customer’s door. You run your stock right down, then stock up again in the middle of the week. You’re constantly turning over your produce, and there’s nothing lying. That’s how you’re maintaining your freshness.” Q How many vans are stocking up in Glasgow? A “I’m not certain, but there’ll probably be over a hundred.” Charles, his uncle (who has three vans), and another couple of vans cover the whole of Dumfries and Galloway and the Stewartry – just six vans to cover a very large geographical area. “And of course, as you get further north and inland, the more sporadic your customers are. It’s a lot of driving!” His two cousins in Inveraray both operate fish vans, and they cover the whole of Argyll and Bute – another very large and sparsely-populated part of Scotland. Fleet fish was established over 30 years ago by Mary and Eric Cowan, Charlie’s aunt and uncle, and the other family fish vans stemmed off Eric’s business model. These vans now cover Argyle, Edinburgh and the Scottish Borders. Glenkens Gazette page 18 GRACEFELL GIG REVIEW Our intrepid Gazette youth reporters, Hana Ade (13) and Sky Barratt (15), went along to see local band Gracefell play at the CatStrand - and here’s what they found out... Q: Who brought the band together? A: We were in the pub and Ruari suggested the idea. “Warren used to play in a band called Cloud Nine, Liam was in a band, and I suggested we had a jam and jam we did – and we just haven’t stopped jamming!” Q: Who writes the songs or do you write them all together? A: Definitely all together. There’s no set pattern, it can start with a drum beat, it can start with a guitar riff, and then we’ll just chuck bits in after that. could hear us – it was class! Q: What advice do you have for young artists and musicians? A: Practice. Keep plugging away, just keep doing it. I think success or ‘making it’ isn’t a matter of skill, it’s a matter of persistence, it’s a state of mind - and hard work. Don’t get hung up on a bad gig. Especially where Left to right: Sky Barratt, Liam Russell (bass/ you’ve got a small vocals), Morgan McConnell (drums), Hana Ade and area like here, where Ruari Barber-Fleming (guitar) it’s embarassing, but just keep going, it’s a string broke and he couldn’t tune snowball effect, it just it...it was awful! gets bigger and better. Or that’s Q: How did you come up with your the theory! Overnight success is a name? myth. A: We put it out in a group chat Q: What’s your best gig, and your on Facebook, and we were thinking worst gig? ...success or ‘making it’ isn’t a matter of skill, it’s a matter of persistence, it’s a state of mind - and hard work. Q: What was your first gig like? A: It was at The Brewery, it was good, we weren’t miked up so noone could hear us. It was absolutely packed. Probably the most packed gig we’ve played. But there was no pressure as nobody A: This (CatStrand) gig could have been our best, and another one of our best was the Livelounge in Dumfries. The worst was on new year’s day at 11am. We shouldn’t have agreed to do the gig! We were extremely hungover; Liam’s guitar of a fall from grace, and then someone suggested Grace fell... it’s kind of like the music we’re playing, sometimes it’s a bit weird, sometimes we’re messing about. Maybe a fall from grace...and we ended up with Gracefell! The Connecting in Communities Rocktober event at the CatStrand was a rock night to remember. Top North-East rockers FM blew the crowd away with their driving rock and AC/DC & Led Zeppelin covers, whilst rock DJ MC Mal played some classic tunes. It was standing room only in the auditorium, where Anne Errington led the bopping and jiving, and great to see so many new faces at CatStrand. Rock themed burgers, lovingly crafted by Brian, Lorna and Rhoda, went down a treat, and Ian Biggar was kept busy all night running the bar - roll-on summer, party in the park anybody? On a more sedate note, Thursday evening Yoga has proved to be successful and the Photography Group’s exhibition in the Pyramid Gallery was very well received. We have had a number of new volunteers come on-board recently - many thanks, your help is greatly appreciated. We’re running some formal bar training sessions soon and the new-year will see some basic hygiene courses for the volunteers too. Please support your local Glenkens Guiding Group (Guides, Brownies and Rainbows). Come along to our Quiz Night in the Glenkens Community Centre in Dalry on Friday 15 December at 7.30pm. Our Quiz Master for the evening will be Mr Keith Dickie. This quiz is for teams of up to six members at a cost of £3 per person. The cost includes a supper. There will also be a raffle. If you would like to enter a team, please let Hilda know on 430 383 so that we know roughly how many to cater for. Hilda McAdam Rock and Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution! GUIDES FUNDRAISING QUIZ Glenkens Gazette page 19 Gleanings from the Glenkens A local writers’ group has celebrated its first four years by publishing a collection of poetry, prose and memoir. Gleanings from the Glenkens features the work of members of the Glenkens Writers’ Group, most of whom are appearing in print for the first time. The twelve writers; Roger Adams, Barry Bryan-Dixon, Stella Cruickshank, Wendy Davis, Merryn Fergusson, Gordon Hill, Philip Hussey, Ann Maxwell, Margaret Pringle, Christine Rae, Carol Salsbury and Beverley Vaux, have tackled, over their time together, a wide variety of writing styles, from sonnets and haiku to dialogue and reminiscence and this is reflected in the new publication which was launched at the CatStrand Christmas Fair. The group’s tutor, Margaret Elphinstone, says: “It has been a delight to work with such receptive and enthusiastic writers. I have been struck by the dedication each writer has shown, in finding the right words, and the right medium, to express what they have to say. The experiences of twelve lives have gone into this book: that’s a rich resource in terms of memories, ideas, humour, talent and philosophy.” The Glenkens Writers’ Group meet under the auspices of the Connecting in Communities project at CatStrand from where copies of the book can be purchased for £5.50. - three changing cask ales & cider - fresh, seasonal & local food - open all day every day - award-winning food, beer & atmosphere - en-suite accommodation - 20% off takeaway discount - country sport & walkers facilities Christmas bookings now being taken 01644 430 241 www.theclachaninn.co.uk Follow us on facebook and twi�er and make sure to sign up for our newsle�er - see website for details… www.gallowayglens.org Glenkens Gazette MANY HAPPY RETURNS FOR BRASS BAND The rafters of Carsphairn Church rang out once again to the sound of brass when Dunaskin Doon Band returned for an autumn concert, raising more than £300 for church funds. The band was back in the village after a much-acclaimed performance last year. It was the band’s fourth appearance at the church in eight years. Dunaskin Doon ended 2016 by becoming the top Second Section band in Scotland and being promoted to the First Section. Its entertaining programme of both light and classical music delighted the audience who had braved the cold, wet and windy weather to be present. page 20 Members of Dunaskin Doon Band during its autumn concert in Carsphairn Church. Funding for Community Groups Get Involved Get Inspired is a simple way for organisations to access small but important amounts of money to use for arts and creative activities for the benefit of people in their local communities. They can apply for up to £500. This is a rolling programme with a final deadline of 25 February 2018. Further information, including the guidelines and application form, can be found at www.dgunlimited.com/funding/ Glenkens Gazette page 21 Light in the Middle of Winter The hugely popular Feral Choir is performing in Dalry in December, bringing to life songs and stories that have been handed down through the generations. Forgotten Carols will be performed in Dalry Town Hall at 7.30pm on Friday 15 December. “Some of the stories behind the carols and songs I’ve found are extraordinary,” says Alison Burns, the Feral Choir’s conductor. “I’ve composed music for a carol written for a Sunday Times competition in the 1940s, as well as discovering songs from the pub carol singing tradition in the Peak District. “People who come along to hear the concert will hear a real variety of music that comes together to lead us to the turn of the year.” The choir is joined by reader Tom Pow, soloist Polly Bolton and harpist Irene Watt. See www.feralchoir.co.uk for more information and booking details. All tickets are £10. Tickets for the Dalry event can also be bought from Wright’s shop Dalry and New Galloway Community Shop. YOUTH PLAYERS PANTO PREVIEW Robinson Crusoe and The Pirates are ready to take to the stage for the seventh annual CatStrand pantomime. Rehearsals have been going well and this year’s panto promises to be the best yet, with plenty of laughter and lots of audience involvement too. The young cast have been working very hard since September to bring the panto to the stage and are looking forward to the performances. Despite their tender age, some of the Youth Players are now experienced pantomime actors, having appeared in up to five of our previous pantomimes! As usual with a pantomime story there is a fair degree of poetic licence and along the way we also encounter King and Queen Neptune, a Medicine Man, a Gorilla and a motley collection of pirates, sailors and islanders! At the time of going to press, Saturday tickets were almost sold out with the other shows selling fast too – we hope you got your tickets in time! Oh yes we do!! Glenkens Gazette page 22 QUIZ NIGHT FUN IN BALMACLELLAN Balmaclellan Village Hall Committee’s last Quiz Night proved a big success. The Hall’s Chair, Robin Jardine, welcomed everyone and the Hall’s Secretary, Kay Bird, was the quiz mistress. The quiz consisted of seven rounds including a picture round, with refreshments and a raffle at half time. Thanks to everyone who donated raffle prizes. Many thanks to all the teams who attended making it a great night and thanks to everyone who helped set up the hall and make the refreshments. Congratulations to the winners, The 49’ERS, a team consisting of players from Kirkcudbright and Corsock, (see picture of the winning team). Profits from the evening go towards the upkeep and maintenance of the village hall. Shop Thanks The Glenkens Community Shop would like to give a big thank you to all our customers and volunteers for another wonderful year. Thank you for your continued support, and wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Shirley McNaught The next quiz is to be held on Friday 26 January at 7.30pm in Balmaclellan Village Hall. Teams of 4-6 persons welcome, and entry is £4 per person which includes tea, coffee and biscuits. Kay D Bird, Christmas Lunch The Balmaclellan Senior Citizen’s Christmas Lunch is to be held on Wednesday 13 December 2017 from 12.30pm at the Kenbridge Hotel. The lunch includes a three course lunch, a drink, a raffle ticket, music and entertainment. This event is by invitation only, for residents of Balmaclellan parish, and invitations will be available at Balmaclellan Village Shop from the third week in November. GCC Baby & Toddler Friday’s 10am-12pm Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry A ‘stay and play’ group for 0-4years olds and their parents or carers. Providing a space for parents and carers with babies and toddlers to come together for vital peer support and developmental stimulation for the children. There is a mix of free play, structured activity and input from relevant professionals including health visitors, Book Bug sessions, and creative storytelling, drama and music. Free for under six months, £2 for the first child and £1 for additional children. Follow us on Facebook @GCCBabyToddler Upcoming Fundraising Events: Please watch our facebook pages for upcoming fundraising events to keep GCC funded for the remained of 2017/18 academic year - ALL SUPPORT IS MUCH APPRECIATED. A huge thank you to our local supporters - GCAT, Glenkens Community Shop, Natural Power and Cash for Kids as well as our local community groups! See p25 for details about GCC Playgroup... Glenkens Gazette Malawi Fundraiser Abbas Rest Fundraiser which will now be known as Care and Share in Malawi had a successful coffee morning in Dalry Town Hall, raising £792.04. I would like to thank all the people who supported in so many ways with generous donations to baking, raffle, tombola, bric-a-brac and also with monetary donations. Without your continual support it would not happen. A big thank you, Avril Brown page 23 Flower Show Categories Ladies and gentlemen, below is a copy of classes for the Handicraft Section for next year’s Glenkens Flower Show. Please get needles, etc, out over the winter and let us have some more entries for the Show next year! Hilda McAdam 71 – A Hand Made Card 72 – Jacket and Hat for Premature Baby (to be donated to Cresswell Maternity Hospital) 73 – Item of Embroidery 74 – Toy – Any Craft 75 – Knee Blanket – Any Craft 76 – Article of Decoupage 77 – Article made on Sewing Machine 78 – Any other Needlecraft (Sewing) 79 – Article in Wood 80 – An Original Painting 81 – Recycled Article (State Medium Used) 82 – Any Other Craft, article not specified 82A – (13-18 years only), Hand Made Bird Feeder 83 – Photograph - ‘Reflections’ COUNCILLOR Marriage Tax Allowance DOUGIE CAMPBELL This item of interest has been submitted by Paul Goodwin - something I imagine most have never heard of but might help at this time of the year. Two million couples are missing out on a government tax allowance worth £230 per year. This is half of the people eligible according to the government’s own figures. The marriage allowance can be claimed by married couples or civil partners providing one is a basic rate taxpayer and the other earns £11,500 a year or less. Claims can be backdated to 2015 when it started so you might have over £400 by Christmas if you are eligible and haven’t claimed. https://www.gov.uk/applymarriage-allowance DEE & GLENKENS For all enquiries including details of surgeries, please contact me at Email: dougie.campbell@ dumgal.gov.uk Phone: 07388 956558 Facebook: @DougieCampbellSNP 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: Christmas Eve: 8.30am - 4pm Christmas Day: closed Boxing Day: 8am - 2pm Hogmanay: 8.30am - 4pm 1st January: closed 2nd January: 8am - 4pm Normal Opening Times (both shop & PO): Monday to Friday: 7am – 6pm Saturday: 8am – 6pm Sunday: 8.30am – 4pm Galloway hampers & wreaths in stock Tel: 01644 430 225 Glenkens Gazette page 24 MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT There has been some wonderful support generated by Glenkens folk to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support. businesses who donated raffle prizes and displayed posters, the very talented Crafters and the lovely ladies who made it happen with a special thank you to all the ladies who donated delicious cakes. I look forward to hosting again next year!” Hair by Jayne hosted a fabulous fundraiser for Macmillan Cancer Support in October. The community turned out en-masse and helped to raise a staggering total of £1017.87 in support of the cause. Jayne said: “The support was incredible. It was so lovely to see the community come together on such a glorious day and help to raise money for such a worthy cause.” A vast array of cakes were quickly consumed and the event showed just how well the Dalry community will react to help raise much needed money in support of charity. Victoria Birch would also like to say a massive thank you to all who attended the Macmillan Coffee Morning and Craft Fair in Castle Douglas for their generous donations. The final total raised for was £765. Victoria says: “Many thanks also to the local Above left: Coffee Morning in Castle Douglas. Above right: Coffee Morning in Dalry. A Wonderful Life Radio Play On Sunday 17 December, CatStrand will play host to the hugely successful radio play on stage version of the much-loved Festive movie It’s A Wonderful Life. The play of a play is set in a 1940s radio studio replete with costumes, sound effects and live music as the cast recreate the American family classic for radio. One of the performers, Leonna McGilligan, who originally hails from Annan, spoke to the Gazette about its enduring popularity. Q: Leonna, this show is now in its sixth consecutive year - why do you think it is so popular with audiences in Scotland? A: It’s such a fantastic story - a true classic. The show has become a bit of a new tradition since No Nonsense Productions first staged it in Greenock in 2012. When we first took it out on tour last year it proved a real hit with the audiences, so much so that we’re back at several of last year’s venues, and also performing at new venues like CatStrand. Q: Tell us a little bit about your role in the show and how you prepared to “act for radio” (so to speak!) A: This is my second year with the show and I play a character who plays several other characters in the radio play including Zuzu Bailey and Mrs Hatch. I love being able to switch between the characters and to use an array of voices. In the past I’ve done radio commercials and voiceovers in the studio, but there’s nothing like the thrill of performing live. We have a lot of fun working on developing the characters during rehearsal and once we get on stage it really engages the audience, who are also an integral part of the show! Q: The story follows the travails of a man who feels left behind and unvalued by the world - do you think this is resonating more and more with your audiences? A: Absolutely. It’s a true morality tale, and I’m sure there are lots of people who identify with George Bailey. In the age of ‘fake news’ and social media it’s so easy to become influenced by rumour and hearsay and that’s exactly what happens to George in the story. Q: The film has become synonymous with Christmas, will the play get us in the festive spirit? A: Without a doubt! It’s a story with family and community at its very core, and don’t we all love it when the good guy wins the day? To book tickets for the CatStrand performance of It’s a Wonderful Life on 17 December either phone 420 374 or visit www.catstrand.com Leonna McGilligan Glenkens Gazette page 25 THOUGHTS ON SR CROCKETT Below are some thoughts in response to Ted Cowan’s piece on SR Crockett from the last Gazette (Issue 102), submitted by Cally Phillips. It’s good to see SR Crockett acknowledged as “an accomplished writer”, but the suggestion that he “nurtured” the erroneous views of urban dwellers by “shamelessly romanticising Galloway and the Glenkens in particular” is something of a simplification. I know I am not alone in finding in Crockett’s Galloway works realistic portrayals of rural community life, ‘warts and all’ as well as an abundance of Scots humour through which he delivers some insightful and quite biting criticisms of hierarchy, power and privilege within Scottish society. Perhaps Professor Cowan has not read Strong Mac, The Moss Troopers or Silver Sand recently? Or perhaps I am a shameless romantic myself? To my reading these (and other) works offer quite insightful commentaries about a number of the country/rural issues Prof Cowan raises. Writing in the Scots Romance style may be described as ‘romanticising’ but I find no shame in his masterly use of it. There is more than enough rural realism in Crockett if the reader cares to find it. If we claim Crockett as ‘our own’, perhaps it’s about time we started reading him more deeply and taking pride in his achievements rather than following a well worn area it would be less easy for the Church of Scotland to try and sell off Balmaghie Church and Hall as a private residence rather than as they rightly should, gift it to the local community as some kind of community/heritage centre. The local history and heritage are strong in the Glenkens and I don’t think that talking down Crockett’s contribution to the area does anything to help sustain vibrancy or pride in the current rural community. What is ‘romantic’ may be a matter of opinion, but a reading of many of Crockett’s locally based novels shows much to recommend them as ways to understand and connect with the past – for those who are not consumed by figures and statistics but who appreciate the ‘softer’ issues such as local culture. I can’t imagine Thomas Hardy would be treated thus in his local area. Or Dickens. Or indeed Walter Scott. Crockett holds his own with all of these writers and while I know many local people appreciate this, it’s sad when ‘voices of authority’ seem determined to damn him with faint praise, where they mention him at all. ...the Glenkens needs all the support it can get, and Crockett is a key figure in the history of the area... Enrol now for GCC Playgroup, Term 3: January 2017 - limited funded and private spaces available. GCC Playgroup is a Care Inspectorate registered service offering staffed (Playgroup Manager and Assistant) Early path which in essence regurgitates the erroneous views of the city towards the countryside – in which respect, sadly, the more things change the more they indeed stay the same. It seems to me that the Glenkens needs all the support it can get, and Crockett is a key figure in the history of the area – perhaps if there was more attention to his work and its significance for the Years Provision for 24 year olds. Best practice guidelines from Early Years Scotland are core to GCC Playgroup and the drive is to provide a service to nurture and develop our children’s emotional, social and behavioural wellbeing within their early year’s education, promoting your children’s first taste at independent learning through child directed play and exploration. Currently GCC Playgroup is the ONLY provision available for our two-year-old children within the Glenkens area, and the service now offers Council funded provision to eligible two-yearolds as well as private places for £6 a session. Enrol now via gccplaygro upmanager@gmail.com for limited places - sessions run on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 9.15-11.45am during term time at the Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry Don’t miss out! Follow us on Facebook (@gccpgroup) or see p22 for details of GCC Baby & Toddler sessions and further info on GCC activities. Glenkens Gazette page 26 Excerpt From the Dumfries & Galloway Standard, 26 July 1913: The Late Mr McNaught, Dalry Widespread regret was felt throughout the Glenkens when it became known the Mr RA McNaught, merchant, Dalry, had suddenly passed away on the evening of Friday last. Mr McNaught had a severe illness a little over a year ago, but he had made a wonderful recovery and on Friday last he appeared to be in his usual health, and during the day he was actively engaged in his business. In the evening he assisted to rick hay in a field belonging to him. About half past seven he left the field to go to his house. When he was a short distance from home he was observed to stagger, and a by stander came to his assistance and caught him as he was in the act of falling. It was seen that he had had a seizure and that he was unconscious. Medical assistance was at that time procured, and he was carried home. In a short while, however, he became conscious and spoke quite cheerfully to his relatives. While he was conversing with them, he had another seizure and five minutes afterwards he passed away – his illness having lasted about an hour. The deceased had been in business in Dalry for the long period of 47 years, he served his apprenticeship as a grocer with the late Mr David Cowan and was afterwards for two or three years in Dumfries in the employment of Mr Thomas Brash, grocer. He then returned to Dalry and commenced businesss on his own account. By his ability and energy, and largely on account of his obliging disposition he soon built up one of the largest business premises in the Glenkens. His original business premises were of a very old-fashioned and quaint appearance and about twenty-five years ago he acquired the site of the old baron Court House of Dalry, and created thereon extensive business premises of such a handsome appearance that they would have done credit to a very much larger place than Dalry. He had a great pride in the appearance of his premises and spare neither time nor money in keeping them in the acme of perfection. Mr McNaught had a great love for the Glenkens, and more especially for his native village – the Clachan of Dalry. He took an active and prominent part of everything affecting the well-being of the village. He was one of the oldest Freemasons in the district, having been initiatied a member of New Galloway Lodge in 1871. He was also one of the founders of the Glenkens Lodge of Oddfellows, and acted as secretary to the Lodge for many years. He was on the committee of management of the annual horse race Inscription on the fountain in Dalry reads: meeting which was formerly McNaught’s Fountain, bequeathed by the held at Dalry and he took a late R A McNaught, merchant, as a free gift leading part in the formation to the inhabitants of St John’s of the horticultural and Clachan of Dalry. agricultural show, which over twenty years ago took the place of the race meeting. He took a great interest in the Show up to his death. the Stewartry. Mr McNaught had a He was a keen curler and was one most genial personality, and he had of the most energetic members of a wide circle of acquaintances and Dalry Curling Club. To the Bowling friends. His cheery presence will be Club he presented a handsome long missed by them and by the cup for annual competition. He many visitors to Dalry, to whom was appointed registrar of Births, he was well known. He was of a Deaths and Marriages in 1870 and most generous disposition, and no held the appointment for forty one who was in need ever applied years until his resignation in the to him in vain for assistance. Mr month of May, 1912. He was a McNaught was never married. staunch Liberal in politics and a Mr McNaught has left legacies devoted member of the Established to a number of local charities and Church and he was at the time societies and a substantial sum of his death, and had been for to the Kirk Session for behoof of many years, an elder of the church the poor. Contributed by at Dalry. Two years ago he was Hilda McAdam, Dalry appointed a Justice of the Peace for Glenkens Gazette page 27 War Updates: May to October 1917 From some perspectives the Great War turned a corner in April 1917 when the United States entered the situation by declaring war on Germany, but for the first few months they had very few men trained to send to the front line so the allied losses continued unabated. Herbert McFadzean was born at Auchenshinnoch, Dalry. He was the grandson of Adam and Grace McFadzean of Ashburn Cottage, New Galloway, and he enlisted into the 6th Battalion KOSB in May 1916. He was serving at Arras when he was declared missing in action on 3 May 1917 at the age of 20 and is remembered on the Kells war memorial. Thomas Milne was employed as a gamekeeper for Mr Forbes at Earlston, Dalry, and lived at Barlae House before enlisting in the Lanarkshire Yeomanry. The regiment went to Egypt and became part of the 12th Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers in January 1917. Thomas died of wounds on 6 May 1917 at the age of 34 and is remembered on the Dalry war memorial. James Murray was born in Straiton, and was the son of John and Agnes Murray of Forrest House Lodge, Kells. He enlisted into the Royal Field Artillery in October 1915. He died of wounds on 22 May 1917 at the age of 29 and is remembered on the Kells war memorial. James McClung was the son of James and Jessie McClung of Airds, Mossdale. He was farming at Christchurch, New Zealand, when he enlisted into the New Zealand Field Artillery in September 1915. In April 1916 he went to France where he served at Armentiers, Somme, Arras, Messines and Ypres. James died on 11 June 1917 at the age of 41 and is remembered on the Kells war memorial. William Robertson was the son of James and Eliza Robertson of Ivy Cottage, Balmaclellan, and enlisted into the Highland Light Infantry in August 1914. William’s father (James) was farm manager at Blawquhairn Farm, Dalry. He went to France with his Battalion in July 1915 and died on 5 July 1917 at the age of 22. He is buried in an official Commonwealth War Grave near the South-East corner of Dalry Churchyard and is remembered on the Dalry war memorial. Albert Stevenson was born in Kirkcudbright, the son of Robert and Dorcas Stevenson. He married Maggie Conchar in 1904 at Drumrash, Parton, and by 1911 they were living with their three children in Balmaclellan. He enlisted into the Royal Scots in January 1917 and by July of that year was serving on the Western Front as a Lance Corporal where he was recommended for the Distinguished Conduct Medal. He was reported missing in action at Frezenberg Ridge near Ypres on 31 July 1917 at the age of 38 and is remembered on the Balmaclellan war memorial. It often occurs that we know much more from men of notable or wellto-do families. Such is the case with 2nd Lieutenant John Murray who was the only son of the Rev George Murray, TD, minister of the parish of Balmaclellan and his wife Elizabeth who lived at Troquhain and later at Meadowbank, New Galloway. John was commissioned into the 5th Battalion KOSB in the summer of 1916 and proceeded to France in December 1916 where he served with the 1st Battalion KOSB. He was killed at the age of just 19 by a sniper at Langemarck in the early hours of 16 August 1917. [The Battle of Langemarck was one of the most successful attacks of the 1st KOSB’s entire campaign (including the award of two Victoria Crosses)]. John is listed on the memorial to the missing at Tyne Cot. He is commemorated on the Balmaclellan war memorial. There is a stained-glass window in Balmaclellan Parish church which commemorates John and his father. The window was created by Gordon Webster whose father (Alfred) was also killed in the war. The most significant memorial to John is a large granite cross above Loch Ken between New Galloway and Mossdale. It sits a little way up the Lowran Burn and is sited so that it can be seen from the family’s former home. Over the years this memorial had been virtually lost in the undergrowth but a few years ago, the Forestry Commission kindly made a significant effort to make access to the memorial somewhat easier. I must here make special mention of Robin Hood who lives nearby and takes a keen interest in the memorial and who arranged a ceremony at the memorial on the centenary of John’s death. The final name for this article is that of William Dickson. He was born in Dalry, the son of William and Jane Dickson of Stroanpatrick, Dalry, and married Mary McMillan of Carsphairn in 1913. He enlisted in the Home Hospital Reserve (Royal Army Medical Corps) in March 1915 and was Ward Master at the Maryhill Auxiliary Military Hospital in Glasgow. He was discharged from the Army due to illness in May 1916 and awarded a Silver War Badge, and died of tuberculosis at Craigview, Carsphairn, on 26 August 1917 aged 32. He is buried in an official Commonwealth War Grave in Carsphairn Parish Churchyard. There seems to have been collaboration between the War Memorial Committees in the Glenkens to make sure that each man was commemorated on the most suitable memorial. However, uniquely, William is remembered on both the Carphairn and Dalry memorials reflecting the fact that his wife lived in one parish and his parents in the other. I would like to acknowledge the work done by Kenneth Morrison of Rockcliffe in much of the research that has gone behind this whole series of articles. Paul Goodwin Glenkens Gazette page 28 Who Do We Think We Were? Margaret Lamont’s family lived in Edinburgh, but were on holiday in Ruthwell when the outbreak of war was announced on the radio at lunchtime on 3 September 1939. Aged seven, she was evacuated with her older sister to New Galloway. She gives a fascinating picture of an evacuee’s life here between 1939 and 1941. Margaret now lives in Dalbeattie. Perhaps you have similar memories, or perhaps you grew up in quite a different time and place. Either way, if you have a connection with the Glenkens, readers would like to hear your story. Please send your contribution - of no more than 500 words - by email to margaret.el phinstone@dircon.co.uk or hand in a copy at CatStrand marked ‘Glenkens Gazette - WDWTWW’ Next time we move to the southwest of England, with memories from Stella Cruickshank. A Child’s View of Life in New Galloway, 1939-1941 When war broke out, my sister and I were sent to stay with my Great Uncle John Robb and his family at the Mains of Kenmure. Five of his nine children still lived on the farm, the younger two at school in Castle Douglas, the other three working on the farm and in the house. Ken, the youngest son, had a weekend job at McKnight’s the grocer, in New Galloway, delivering messages by bicycle. It was all a complete contrast to the sheltered suburban existence of a small family - our widowed mother and us. It turned out to be a rather happy adventure. We started school in New Galloway; there were two classrooms, one for the ‘wee ones’ and another for the older ones, which included my sister. The headmaster was Mr Wardlaw. We wrote on slates. Twenty Glasgow evacuees, with a teacher, arrived, almost doubling the size of the school. Having been at the school for three weeks, we felt like superior locals. There were many Robb family members living around New Galloway. Our paternal grandfather lived at Burnbank, opposite the smithy, having retired there from farming at Barscobe. There were also three colourful great aunts. One was a permanent resident in the Kenmure Arms. Her room was full of Maori treasures - she had been on a trip to New Zealand to housekeep for a brother, but by the time she arrived he was married! Another lived at Kenview at the top of the High Street. Her husband, Dr Cowan, had been the village doctor, and a founder member of New Galloway Golf Club. She had a parrot in the kitchen – it had a rather ripe vocabulary. The other, my namesake, lived at Bogleknowe at Balmaclellan. She was an ardent collector of alpine plants, acquired on trips to Austria and Switzerland. Sunday afternoon there was always a boiled egg cooked on her Aga. There was also an aunt at Ruthwell, another lived opposite the New Galloway Town Hall, and a third at Waterside Farm near Dalry. There, two beautiful cart horses - Gert and Daisy - did the ploughing. Butter was churned in the dairy. The shadow of war did not impinge greatly on our lives. Gas mask practice was a great joke and a source of interesting noises. When our aunt told us about the fall of France we knew it was a ‘bad thing’, but did not realise its implications. Our Brownie Pack was industrious at knitting squares for blankets and in collecting sphagnum moss for wound dressings. A highlight of the week was buying our sweetie ration of two ounces in Miss Clark’s sweet shop in the High Street. Two incidents stand out. In the park opposite the school, a board had been erected with a surface on it which would turn from yellow to green in the presence of poison gas. One morning there was general alarm: the board had turned green. It transpired that some school lads had painted it in the night. There followed copious use of the tawse! Another time there were reports of a parachute landing in woods near Castle Douglas. The Home Guard was called out in force - I remember watching them marching over the Ken Bridge – but nothing was ever found. That winter there was a very heavy snow storm followed by flooding. Many sheep were drowned in the fields by the Ken. The school playground was flooded; the big boys had to carry the small children inside. By the summer of 1941 the risk of bombing in Edinburgh was diminished, and we went home. The broad tapestry of stories told to us by my grandfather and the great aunts, and the excitement of life on the farm, have left me a rich source of memories of my sojourn in New Galloway. ...She had a parrot in the kitchen – it had a rather ripe vocabulary. GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL � 01644 420234 � New Galloway Golf Club Founded 1902 www.nggc.co.uk - 01644 420737 Buggies now available for hire VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME Glenkens Gazette page 29 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN Lamentation of the Levellers Last month Alistair Livingston presented an excellent lecture in our Glenkens Story series. He is now, thanks to his extensive research, the recognised authority on the subject of the Galloway Levellers. Following his talk several folk have asked about James Charters of Kirkland, Dalry, author of The Lamentation of the People of Galloway by the Pairking Lairds, but alas we seem to have no further information about him. Some years ago, while researching my book, Folk in Print: Scotland’s Chapbook Heritage 1750-1850, I did some work, Like Alistair, at the Hornel Library in Kirkcudbright. For those who missed the lecture, the Levellers were Lowland Scotland’s only true agrarian rebels. They banded together to resist enclosures, mainly dykes, which resulted in a reduction of the work-force since fewer hands were required to tend the livestock. In their associations and carefully worded documents explaining their actions they were clearly following covenanting practice. Protest took the form of levelling, or casting down, the offending dykes. In August 1726 Daniel Murdoch was arrested and imprisoned in Kirkcudbright, accused of distributing Charters’ verses, which also went by the name of Levellers’ Lines. Murdoch declared that he bought a ream of ballads from James Duncan, a printer in Glasgow, selling about 14 of them in Kirkcudbrightshire. He claimed that earlier in the year Samuel Gordon and George Park, merchants, had circulated copies in the south-west. Murdoch was discharged from dispersing any more prints, “as the same tended to stir up and foment ryots and disturbances of the peace and were of a calumnious and defamatory tenor”. All of these ‘merchants’ were itinerant chapmen, or hawkers, who travelled around the countryside selling clothing, knick-knacks and assorted merchandise designed to particularly appeal to lonely wives, who seldom escaped their farms or modest cot-houses. Galloway had the reputation of spawning significant numbers of chapmen who established businesses of one kind or another in England or back home once they has accrued some savings. They were generally welcomed Dalryans were clearly a stroppy lot with their hearts in the right place! as the source of news and entertainment but were often suspected of thievery and libertinism. Charters and Murdoch fittingly represented Dalry’s reputation for political dissidence, which had fed the agitation leading to the Rising of 1666. There is a story that Viscount Kenmure angrily told an opponent to go to Hell or the Auld Clachan because although, according to Alexander Trotter, he was a staunch Liberal in political principles, he had a strong dislike of the democratic ideas of the weavers and cadgers of Dalry. On one occasion 50 Dalry folk invaded New Galloway to protest militia conscription, trashing the court-house to cries of ‘Brain Kenmure; to Hell with (Laurie of) Redcastle’. Dalryans were clearly a stroppy lot with their hearts in the right place! Alistair’s talk is available online at greengalloway.blogsp ot.co.uk Ted Cowan The Lamentation of the People of Galloway by the Pairking Lairds A generation like to this Did never man behold, I mean our great and mighty men Who covetous are of gold. Solomon could not well approve The practice of their lives, To oppress and to keep down the poor, Their actions cut like knives. Among great men where shall ye find A Godly man like Job, He made the widows’ heart to sing, But our lairds make them sob. It is the duty of great men The poor folks to defend, But worldly interest moves our lairds, They mind another end. They from the hungry take the sheaf And of them corn do crave, They turn them out to ly in fields Nor house nor shelter have. The word says rob ye not the poor Nor widow in distress, Or else your wives shall widows be, Your children fatherless. For they that strain the poor man’s right Of either lands or food, The lord says he’ll debar their souls From any spiritual good. They are more forward to thrust out Poor people from their land, Than Israel was the heathen folks, When Moses did command. The lords and lairds they drive us out From maillings where we dwell, The poor man says ‘Where shall we go?’ The rich says ‘Go to hell.’ These words they spoke in jest and mocks, But by their works we know, That if they have their herds and flocks, They care not where we go. Against the poor they still prevail With all their wicked works, And will enclose both moor and dale And turn corn fields to parks. Glenkens Gazette page 30 DECEMBER & JANUARY DECEMBER Saturdays in December, Carsphairn Heritage Centre local crafts and artwork for sale, see p3 Sat 2, Xmas Craft Fair, 11am4pm, Mossdale Village Hall Sun 3, Christmas Celebration, 3-5pm, New Galloway Town Hall, see p10 Mon 4, Police Drop-in, 9am, Dalry Police Station Sun 7, Glenkens Children’s Christmas Party, 3pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall Fri 8, Sat 9, Sun 10, CatStrand Youth Players Panto, see p21 Sat 9, GTI Bus Trip: Hetland Garden Centre, Moffat, see p8 Tues 12, CatStrand Ukes Xmas Party, 7pm, CatStrand Wed 13, Balmaclellan Senior Citizen’s Christmas Lunch, 12.30pm, Ken Bridge Hotel, invite only - see Balmaclellan Village Shop for invites Thurs 14, Ornithologists’ Club Talk, 7.30pm, Kells School, New Galloway Thurs 14, Enchanted Tales, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 15, Glenkens Guides Fundraising Quiz Night, 7.30pm, Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry, see p18 Fri 15, Feral Choir: Forgotten Carols, 7.30pm, Dalry Town Hall, see p21 Sat 16, Christmas Twinkle, 5.30pm, Dalry’s Community Centre, see Sun 17, It’s a Wonderful Life: A Radio Play, 2pm, CatStrand JANUARY Thurs 4, Police Drop-in, 1pm, Dalry Police Station Thurs 11, Ornithologists’ Club 9th December 13th January 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 Talk, 7.30pm, Kells School, New Galloway Fri 12, Film: God’s Own Country, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 13, Film: Lady Macbeth, 7.30pm, Dalry Town Hall Sun 14, Film: Mersehead Shorts & Talk, 11am, CatStrand Sun 14, Film: Rams, 2pm Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn Wed 17, GTI Bus Trip: Gretna Gateway, Carlisle, see p8 Wed 18, SWANC Talk: ‘Darkness and Light’, 7.30pm, Ken Bridge Hotel, New Galloway Fri 19, Film: Riverhead, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall Sat 20, Film: The Levelling, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 26, Quiz Night, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall Mon 29, GCAT AGM, 7pm, CatStrand Glenkens Gazette page 31 REGULAR EVENTS CatStrand, New Galloway: Exercise to Music: Mon, 10-11am Margaret Morris dance 1: 3-7yrs, Mon (term-time), 3.45-4.30pm Margaret Morris dance 2: 8-16yrs, Mon (term-time), 4.30-5.15pm Youth Volunteer Meet-up, Tues, 68pm, FREE PIZZA Choreographic Skills Lab: Mon (termtime), 7-8.30pm ages 12-18 Keep Taking the Tablets computing course, Tues, re-starts 3 Oct Beginners Writing Group, Tues, 3.15pm Gentle Tai Chi: Wed, 10am Wendletrap Tai Chi, Wed, 2-3.30pm Glenkens Writing Group: First Wed each month 3-5pm Music/Jam Youth Drop-in, Wed, 6-7pm & rehearsal/recording space available for booking from 7-9pm Sing it Out: Thurs, 11am -12pm CatStrand Ukes: Thurs, 1pm – 3.30pm Yoga, Thurs, 6.30pm Zumba Gold: Fri (term-time), 1011am, CatStrand, 16+ Saturday Art Club: 2nd & 4th Sat of the month, 10am–12noon, to book call 420 374 Catstrand Youth Players: Sun during term time, 2pm Glenkens Acoustic Sessions: last Sun of the month, 2-4pm Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry, (contact Kath on 430 281): Paint & Art: Mon, 2-4pm GCC Playgroup: Tues, Wed & Thurs, 9.15-11.45am, contact Miriam 07514 320 101 Guides: Tues during term-time, 6-8pm, contact: Kath 430 281 Brownies: Thurs 6-7.30pm Kickback Martial Arts: Thurs, 7-9pm Thursday Craft Group: Thurs, 2-4pm Glenkens Children’s Club: Fri, 10am12noon New Galloway Town Hall: LING Lunches: Tues, 11am-2pm Indoor Sports: Tues, 7-9pm Zumba: Wed, 7.30-8.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall, 11+ Footcare by Stewartry Care: Thurs by appointment (Tel: 01556 504699), New Galloway Town Hall Various Locations: Hatha Yoga, Mon, 10-11.15am, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn, more info at www.carsphairn.org Mens Shed Mondays, 6.30pm, Balmaclellan Carsphairn Post Office: Tues, 1-3pm, Lagwyne Hall 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 Cub Scouts: Wed, 6.45–8pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Carsphairn Heritage Centre & Art/ Craft Gallery, Saturdays in December Youth Writing Group: Thurs (during term time), 3.30-5pm, ages 10-15, Dalry School Coffee & Craft Group: Fri, 9am12noon, Lagwyne Hall Glenkens Community Councils Balmaclellan Community Council Meetings: 4th Monday each month, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall. Carsphairn Community Council Meetings: Last Monday each month, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn. CHECK OUT NEW WEBSITE! 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 Dalry Church. 25 Dec, 10.30am: 24h Dec, 11.30pm: Watchnight Service, CHURCH OF SCOTLAND Sunday Services - Balmaclellan 12noon: 1st. Carsphairn 10.30am: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th. Dalry 12noon: 2nd(Jan) 3rd 4th. Kells 10.30am: 2nd, 4th. Special Services/Events:10 Dec, 10.30am: United Family Service, Kells Church. 10 Dec, 6.30pm: Carols by Candlelight in Kells Church. 23 Dec, 5pm: Carsphairn Church Community Christmas Service & Children’s Party. Christmas Day Family Service, Carsphairn Church. 31 Dec, 10.30am: United Service with Choir, Balmaclellan Church. 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 Folk Music Session, 4th Fri each month, 7.30/8pm till closing, Ken Bridge Hotel 713 Pop-up Bistro, Carsphairn Shop & Tearoom, last Friday each month, contact 460 568 Scouts: Thurs, 7–8.30pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Gentle Tai Chi: Fri 10-11am, Dalry Town Hall 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 To hire the MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) behind Dalry School call Sonja Tranter on 430 244 or Nicolette Wise on 430 218. Dalry Library Tuesdays 12noon-3.30pm Fridays 10am-12noon & 1-4.30pm For further library van stops and informa�on contact Castle Douglas library on 01556 502 643 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 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 CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE - COULD YOU SHOP LOCAL THIS CHRISTMAS? As Christmas draws near, thoughts turn to the necessary time of presentbuying... But with the wealth of local shops and businesses, craft people and eating places in the Glenkens, here’s a challenge for you - how many of your Christmas presents could you buy locally this year?! We are lucky to have five thriving village shops in the Glenkens, and there’s local food and treats on offer at all of them.The CatStrand always has a tempting array 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 JANUARY of gifts, lots of them locally sourced, and the many craft fairs and vintage stalls that pop up at this time of year are a real showcase for our talented local makers. Or how about getting a loved one an experience instead of more stuff - a cosy dinner out at one of our traditional pubs, a beauty voucher or a day out of sporting activities? So this year, don’t just turn to the superstores and the online megaliths - if you love the Glenkens, put your money where your heart is! 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 103 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GG_103 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 2017 Description An account of the resource Editor: Sarah Ade https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/1/248/GlenkensGazette102.pdf b0e75b2ff9a5c6a42ac6f6b1974532ee 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 102 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 October/November 2017 ISSUE 102 FREE HAPPY BIRTHDAY CATSTRAND It’ll never work. There aren’t enough people. It’s an awful lot of money. Who’ll come? What will there be to do? And so the stream of constant doubts and questions continued. Actually, it proved to have an extremely positive effect. It meant that this small group of volunteers, who had come together round each other’s kitchen tables, became completely focussed and committed to realising a joint vision. That vision was first and foremost to improve the eyesore that was the old Victorian primary school at the entrance to New Galloway, Scotland’s smallest Royal Burgh, and to do something that would benefit the whole of the Glenkens. That was 16 years ago in 2001, when our rural community was very much in the shadow of the foot-and-mouth disease crisis. If we didn’t do anything to help ourselves, then no-one else would. And just because we live in a beautiful but quiet corner of South West Scotland, why should we be denied access to quality events and services that people in the central belt take for granted? Those were the first stirrings and the inspiration behind setting up of the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT). Fast forward six years with £1 million successfully raised from a variety of public and private sources to the opening, by HRH The Princess Royal, of CatStrand – a brand new, contemporary, state-of-the-art centre in the very heart of the Glenkens. Our aim was always to try to be all things to all people by providing quality arts, business, community and tourism facilities under the one roof. And that’s exactly what’s happened. Indeed, the current CatStrand programme is testimony to the quality and diversity of activities that are now regularly hosted and supported throughout the year. Continued on p4... Children from all of the Glenkens primary schools enjoyed a day full of activities to celebrate Roald Dahl Day. Children and staff from Carsphairn (pictured), Dalry and Kells Primaries dressed up for the occasion and completed activities related to many of the famous author’s most memorable stories and characters. Continued on p15... A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) ini�a�ve www.glenkensgaze�e.co.uk Glenkens Gazette Keep CatStrand Dry Campaign Success CatStrand will get the best 10th birthday present it could have wished for with the installation of the new flood wall to back up existing flood management measures and protect the building from a repeat of the catastrophic flooding experienced in January 2015. The ‘Keep CatStrand Dry’ campaign was launched at the end of June and co-ordinated by student intern Joe Taylor. With the fantastic amount of almost £45,000 raised at the time of going to press, the combined SAT 25th NOV 11am- 4pm Crowdfunding and local campaign is now very close to the original target meaning that work can commence in October. GCAT Chairman Alan Smith said, “To raise this amount of money in such a short time is unbelievable, with donations received from as far away as Australia and the USA, plus an page 2 throughout the design process was to avoid any possibility of increasing any flood risk to other properties. It will enhance The prime consideration throughout the design process was to avoid any possibility of increasing any flood risk to other properties. outstanding local response”. CatStrand General Manager Brian Edgar added, “We are incredibly grateful for all the fantastic support from the local community and beyond. Installation of the overflow channel will finally bring peace of mind to everyone involved at CatStrand whenever we have heavy rain.” This final piece in the CatStrand flood management plan will see the construction of an overflow channel designed to catch any excess flood water and route it safely around the building. The prime consideration all the existing measures already put in place and was selected as the best solution after extensive research and consideration involving Flooding Risk Assessments Ltd, Scottish Flood Forum, Dumfries & Galloway Council, Scottish Fire & Rescue Service amongst others. The system was designed by Stewart Engineers Ltd., structural engineers based in Dumfries who have an excellent reputation and considerable experience throughout the UK. When in place, the combination of all the measures will avoid any build-up of water as has happened in the past and allow excess water, unable to pass through the existing culvert to spill gradually into the overflow channel and pass safely around the building and into other existing drainage and watercourses. Anyone who would like to know more about the flood management system is welcome to call at CatStrand to view the plans on site and further information is also available at our website www.catstrand.com Glenkens Gazette REMEMBERING JOYCE HUNTER-BLAIR Joyce Hunter-Blair was born Joyce Graham on 8 February 1937 on the family fruit farm in Cape Province, South Africa. When the Second World War broke out, her father was recalled to the Royal Navy and so her mother decided to move the family back to the UK, initially to Hampshire and then to Newlands in Dumfriesshire before moving to Creetown. After the war the family moved back to South Africa, but Joyce was soon to return to the UK spending some time with her married sister in Ireland and then taking a job in London working for the Reader's Digest. Joyce met Frank Hunter Blair in 1955 and they married in 1957 when she moved into Marbrack, Carsphairn. Moving to Marbrack was the start of Joyce’s sixty year relationship with the Glenkens. From the start, she entered wholeheartedly into what it meant to be a farmer’s wife in the Glenkens and inevitably she saw many changes to practice on the farm. Marbrack was an idyllic place to bring up her five children giving them the freedom to roam, and play and develop in ways that today one can only envy. Then, after Frank’s untimely death in 2000, Joyce moved to Dalry where she happily settled into village life. Joyce’s interests were varied. Gardening was a great love and FHB Fencing Dalry Domestic and Agricultural Fencing 01644 430 495 (Peter) or 07767 795 498 (Jonathan) page 3 she managed to work miracles with Marbrack soils both in the production of vegetables and fruit and flowers. She could draw very well, particularly little line drawings of animals; dogs and horses being favourites. She enjoyed cards, bridge in particular, and was an inveterate and accomplished letter writer. Joyce, Frank and their son Peter provided the secretariat of Carsphairn Show for well over twenty years between them. She was a stalwart of the Rural and a member for sixty years. She was appointed President of the Stewartry Federation of Rurals and represented the Rural on the Meat and Livestock Commission. She was a leading light in the Carsphairn Heritage Centre, involved in the detailed research, planning and execution of each year’s exhibition. She was also a member of the local branch of the RNLI and a loyal supporter of CatStrand. Although Joyce was Top: Joyce with husband Frank at Marbrack involved in many facets of in the late 1950s. Above: Joyce surrounded by life in the Glenkens and her grandchildren, and great-grandson, on her further afield, she was 80th birthday. first and foremost a wife, were benefits likely to come to mother, mother-in-law, the area. In the words of her grandmother, great-grandmother, son, Pat: "Mum was a strong, aunt, great-aunt and a wonderful independent, forthright, clever, friend to many. While a respecter beautiful and caring woman." and lover of tradition, she also Joyce died on 15 July 2017 and embraced, encouraged and will be sadly missed by many. promoted change, especially so where she believed there Susie Seed and Cathy Agnew Minding Feet Professional Foot Health Treatments Holistic Foot Therapies Patricia Lavelle MAR FHP CNHC Professional Foot Health Practitioner 07789 246 833 www.mindingfeet.com Glenkens Gazette page 4 sponsored by EVERYTHING listed in the Glenkens Freecycle section is FREE - you just need to contact the owner and go and pick it up! If you would like to list something on this page, please get in touch with Sarah on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk VARIOUS Deckchair, hardly used. Contact: 460 516, if no answer leave a message. D&G Life magazines - back issues 2 (Nov 2006) to 109 (Dec 2016). Contact: 07941 126 323 Two boxes of light bulbs. Energy saving and incandescant. Bayonet Continued from front page... There are numerous diverse projects for young and old alike: Connecting in Communities, CatStrand Youth Arts, CatStrand Cinema, Creative Skills, Classes and Workshops including the innovative Men’s Shed project, Health and Wellbeing activities, the Glenkens Transport Initiative, and of course the eagerly anticipated Glenkens Gazette, now in its 18th year of publication. The vibrant and innovative arts and events programme covers classical music, folk, jazz, dance, contemporary theatre as well as literature and the visual arts and crafts. There really is something for everyone at CatStrand. So the old school has indeed been improved and given a new lease of life for future generations to enjoy. CatStrand now prides itself on being recognised as a 5-Star tourist attraction. It offers a café, shop, bar and gallery as well Would you like the opportunity to have your own online business, with support from a team? Do you like healthy living and high quality skin care? Yes? Then please contact Katy Caie, Arbonne Independent Consultant, on 07756 506 496 or visit http://catrionacaie.arbonne.com and screw. Some coloured. Contact: Sue on 075 637 18011 Computer desk; two plastic swing bins, one has a lid. Contact: June on 420 361 WANTED Twin tub washing machine. GCC Playgroup is looking for a lockable garden storage container and a small fridge. Contact 07511 549 413 People to play tennis with and people interested in starting a book group. Contact: June on 420 361 Contact 07707 932755 or 07824 481463 as being a quality meeting space and conference venue. We’ve provided peer to peer mentoring for many would-besimilar projects across Scotland and welcomed visitors from across the globe. A memorable inscription in our Visitor’s Book reads: ‘I wish our community had a CatStrand’. Looking back, it’s interesting to realise that phrases like improving quality of life / skills development / youth opportunity / creating employment opportunities / civic pride / making a real difference / combatting rural isolation, are not just buzzwords and jargon to obtain funding. They are genuine objectives that have been achieved and evidenced at CatStrand over the last ten years. The creative programmes and community activities now regularly promoted are way beyond our initial vision all those years ago. So has it worked? The answer is a resounding Yes. One specific positive factor Wright’s Shop & Post Office Dalry Licensed convenience store and newsagent stocking a range of local suppliers including Corsons and Irvings Bakers, Ballards and Dalmellington Country Butchers and Mitchells Fruit and Veg. Opening Times (both shop & PO): Monday to Friday: 7am – 6pm Saturday: 8am – 6pm Sunday: 8.30am – 4pm Tel: 01644 430 225 to emerge from the recent flooding disaster when CatStrand was closed for 8 months, was just how much people realised they missed the place. As a community I think we are better connected, better networked and certainly better known. New Galloway is now firmly on the regional and national map – for performers, audiences, residents, visitors, businesses and house buyers. There’s a thriving welcoming creative community in the Glenkens with a reinvigorated sense of civic pride. But CatStrand couldn’t continue to work without the fantastic combined commitment, energy and enthusiasm of the whole team: staff, directors, volunteers, friends, patrons and above all the community. Ten years is certainly a good moment for reflection but definitely a good moment for celebration too. HAPPY 10TH BIRTHDAY CATSTRAND and here’s to the next decade! Cathy Agnew 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 5 sponsored by Latest Business Supporters of the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere It never fails to amaze me the great businesses that are within our Biosphere, not only working hard to run their business but working hard to support the region economically, environmentally, and supporting the communities in which they live and operate. Our latest ‘Proud Supporters’ signing up to the principles of our Biosphere Charter are wide and varied all offering something unique to this special place. Salad Brew in Borgue is a small company growing fruit and veg using a combination of organic and hydroponic methods. Scaur Glen Soaps in Thornhill make handmade soaps, bath goodies and fragranced treats in a huge range of fragrances. Franca Bruno in Gatehouse of Fleet is not only passionate about the jewellery she sells but is passionate about promoting the outstanding natural beauty of the area to customers who come into the shop. Another business to sign up supporting tourism in the region is Discover Scotland Holiday Cottages in Castle Douglas, who encourage visitors to the cottages to take care of the environment while enjoying the wildlife that the area has to offer. In the Glenkens, Scroggie Hall Organic Farm in Balmaclellan has for the last 17 years tried a variety of ways using organic and biodynamic methods to restore their hill farm. Helping neighbours as much as they can, they aim to support living as a thriving community - one that welcomes guests and visitors both locally and overseas through their work. In Whithorn, The Wee Garden Gallery believe in the need to promote the area and other business around them so that they can all survive. We have nearly 90 businesses signed up as ‘Supporters of the Biosphere’. The more we shout about this special place and our UNESCO Biosphere accolade, the more we will put this part of South West Scotland on the map. You can sign up as a ‘Proud Supporter’: www.gsabiosphere.org.uk/getinvolved/charter Marie McNulty, Business Development Officer, Galloway & Southern Ayrshire Biosphere How Do You Prepare for Winter? Do you look forward to winter, or does it fill you with dread? In the NHS Stewartry Health and Wellbeing Team, we are interested to hear how individuals and communities prepare for and stay well over winter. We would also like to hear about the challenges faced and to explore ways that we can work together to overcome these. Challenges may include keeping active, keeping warm, avoiding isolation, staying positive and being prepared for severe events such as flooding and snow. We are also talking with our colleagues at Garden Hill Primary Care Centre about how they prepare for winter – thinking about themselves and their patients. One of our podiatrists was telling us about the effects the cold weather can have on foot health... so thermometers and information about home Energy Scotland will be provided to staff to give out during home visits. They can pass this on and even refer to Home Energy Scotland if they feel it would help you. We don’t just think about winter. In August, we visited New Galloway with a group of disabled experts workers, the farming communities’ young people and children, as well as partner organisations, about what matters to them about their health and wellbeing. This is part of the Health and Wellbeing in the Farming Community project, in partnership with National Farmers Union Scotland and Dumfries & Galloway Council. We would like to hear from and talk to as many groups and individuals as possible about staying well and how we can work together to support this. If you would like to join in the conversation and/or for us to visit your group or organisation, please contact Sue Vest, Community Health & Wellbeing Development Worker for the Stewartry, on sue.vest@nhs.net or 01556 505724. You can ring the same number and ask for Stella Milsom, Health and Wellbeing Project Co-ordinator, to join in the Health and Wellbeing in the Farming Community Big Conversation, or email her at stella.milsom@nhs.net We would also like to hear about the challenges faced and to explore ways that we can work together to overcome these. from Capability Scotland. They visited the CatStrand, Community Shop, Post Office and Town Hall, sharing their thoughts on how to improve accessibility. This feedback will contribute to some real changes and to some funding applications. We have also been out and about meeting members of the farming community as part of the health and wellbeing Big Conversation which runs until the end of November. We are looking to hear from as many members of the farming community as we can; farmers, farmers’ spouses and partners, farm Glenkens Gazette page 6 AN INTERVIEW WITH IAN PATRICK Ian Patrick is a local author who has recently had his first novel published. The Gazette finds out a bit more about him and what inspired Rubicon. Can you tell us a little about yourself? My name is Ian Patrick. I spent many of my younger years travelling, as my father was in the forces. My secondary education was in Nottingham, where I scraped through the education system and left school at sixteen. After a short spell in the Civil Service I moved to London, aged nineteen, for a career in the Metropolitan Police. I spent 27 years as a police officer, the majority as a detective within the Specialist Operations Command. How did you get into writing? Is it something you’ve always wanted to do? I’ve written for fun for over twenty years. A life in policing is a life of writing! I had never considered turning my hand to novel writing until a few years ago when I was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. Rubicon is my debut. Where do you get your inspiration? Life. I have seen so many sides to the human psyche that it became impossible for stories to cease arising in my head. There is always a fear that ideas for a book won’t happen. So far, so good. How would you describe your writing to anyone who hasn’t read your book? Raw. I seem to have found a voice that I enjoy writing in and wish to develop this as far as I can. I don’t dwell on unnecessary description. I know readers want concise language, not words for words’ sake. As a reader it’s something I notice, so figured my writing would reflect that. I also like a book to keep me gripped. It’s my hope my writing will achieve this goal. Feedback has been positive so I’m very happy. Where do you write? Thankfully I don’t need peace and quiet to write. I was writing in the back room at Dalry Community Centre whilst my youngest was at Playgroup. This was fine in the summer but when winter arrived, I was struggling! The editor of this newspaper sent me to see Phil and Laura at The Clachan Inn, to write an article for the Gazette. They took pity on me and invited me to write there. I didn’t have to think twice! Having an open fire and a coffee was all I needed to keep me going. Thanks to their hospitality I now have a second novel written. What are your views on libraries being closed? I strongly oppose the idea of shutting a library. I grew up knowing that the library was the Ian Patrick place to go if I needed research for school or to get a book to read. It’s a hub for a community, especially when you live rurally. The mobile service is paramount too. The library at Dalry has held some wonderful storytime sessions for the younger children. In a time where we are all getting sucked into a phone culture, stopping to read is vital. I would love to see more people reading and talking about books they have read. I would like to say a huge thanks for having me here and to the wonderful community who has got to know me and supported my writing. If you wish to read Rubicon it’s available on Amazon.co.uk or you can request it through the library. Pictured: The cover image of Ian’s book debut, Rubicon; writing in the back room at GCC Playgroup; a cosier setting at the Clachan Inn. Glenkens Gazette page 7 Scottish Alternative Games Heavy rain from around midday didn’t deter the crowd at the 40th Anniversary of the Scottish Alternative Games, with a decent number of spectators assembled, all prepared for whatever the elements could throw at them! As it turned out, the first event had to be a ‘throwing’ one in the hope that the track would dry out a bit to allow the gird ‘n’ cleek racing to take place later in the day. The event was opened in traditional fashion by Lockerbie & District Pipe Band and as they marched or maybe squelched out of the arena, the six intrepid entrants for the ‘round the ruins’ Alternative Run event left on their mystery tour led by ultra-marathon runner Gordon Hill. The opening event was the Men’s Tossin’ the Sheaf competition which attracted a good number of participants. The decision was made when the rain was at its heaviest to keep the snails in their training camp at CatStrand and the races would be run there throughout the afternoon so that the punters could at least dry out a bit. As always, the little racers didn’t disappoint the crowds as they slid along the track, bribed by beer and lettuce leaves! The Snail Racing was organised by CatStrand’s youth volunteers and the commentator for the day was David Grimwood, impeccably dressed in suitable race-going attire. The CatStrand Ukulele Band also took up camp out of 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 the rain and entertained the crowd between races. As the rain eased off slightly, it was possible to hold the Tractor Pull and the Hurlin’ the Curlin’ Stane events later in the day, but unfortunately the damage had been done and the waterlogged track proved just too dangerous to even attempt any competitive Gird ‘n’ Cleek racing. It was decided that it would be too dangerous even to attempt any competitive Gird ‘n’ Cleek racing and Kelsie Marshall would keep her world champion title for another year. In the end though, despite the weather, the incredible spirit of the Games prevailed once again. Organisers would like to thank everyone who helped and who came along to support and to compete, with each other and with the elements! Roll on 2018 and hopefully a nice sunny day - that really would be ‘alternative’. Glenkens Gazette page 8 Fare £3.00 return MONTHLY Glenkens Gazette DALRY’S DEFIBRILLATOR IS BACK ON TRACK One of Dalry’s defibrillators that was housed in the newly acquired phone box at the corner of Main Street and Underhill was found to be missing in late August. Unfortunately, it was not taken for its correct purpose – helping someone who is having a heartattack. It was eventually found on the school playing fields, luckily still working but without its case. Police suspect it was taken by people who did not realise it has no other use than for helping start someone’s heart. Dalry’s Community Council have discussed whether there should now be a lock on the phone box but advice from the British Heart Foundation suggests that this will add difficulty in an emergency where every minute can count. Accordingly, the defibrillator is back in the phone box and easily accessible to anyone who needs it, day or night. The defibrillator comes with written and spoken instructions, making it simple to use, even by someone who has not had training. And it only operates if it is needed as it can sense whether someone’s heart requires help. However, Dalry Community Council are hoping to run a training event in December - please look out for posters for details. As it takes an ambulance at least 20 minutes to get to the Glenkens, they are also looking into starting a First Responder team. If you are interested in becoming a community First Responder you would be trained in a wide range of emergency skills, and would be able to provide an early intervention in situations such as a heart or asthma attack, before the professional ambulance crew arrives. This improves patient survival and recovery. Dalry Community Councillor Nicolette Wise has anecdotal evidence of the enormous help to rural communities that are provided page 9 by having a First Responder team. A few years ago, her cousin was staying in a remote cottage in Wigtonshire when her husband had a heart attack. She called 999 and then tried to administer CPR but being distressed and frightened couldn’t remember exactly what to do. She was worried about how long it would take for an ambulance to arrive, but within minutes a neighbour appeared with a defibrillator, calmly set to work and saved her husband’s life. He was a First Responder and had been contacted by the ambulance service. As well as being nearby and having the training and equipment, because he was local he knew where the cottage was – down a fairly inaccessible farm track that the ambulance could have wasted precious minutes in finding. If anyone would be interested in helping set up a team and being trained as a First Responder, please contact Nicolette Wise on 01644 430 218 or email stjdalry@gmail.com Glenkens Gazette page 10 CATSTRAND YOUTH Emerging artists Luke Fitch & Fraser Irvine are launching their exhibition at CatStrand with a drinks reception and chance to meet the artists on 9 October. Luke Fitch is a portrait painter from Corsock and you can expect to see some local residents from the Glenkens amongst this exhibition of his latest work. Luke was selected for Upland’s ‘Emerge’ project for young artists, and this exhibition marks the end of his mentorship. Also exhibiting is Fraser Irvine, a young landscape artist from Dumfries, whose complimentary subject matter works perfectly alongside Lukes. New Youth Music Rehearsal Space at CatStrand CatStrand Youth Arts are offering a free rehearsal space for bands, singers or musicians under 25 in New Galloway. Each Wednesday night from 6-7pm a drop in will be open to anyone who wants to come and find out more, play or meet other musicians. Space for acoustic musicians to jam, a drum kit and fully plugged in set-up available in the auditorium for bands. From 7-9pm half-hour or hour slots are bookable for bands or individuals who want to rehearse in the auditorium by themselves or have tracks recorded using our studio set up with assistance from Ruari Barber-Fleming, member of funk band Gracefell, guitarist and protools trainer from Castle Douglas. Voice coaching will also be available at the drop-in sessions once a month. If you’d like to book a slot for your band or group, get in touch with aidan@catstrand.com or message @catstrandyouth on Facebook. Or come along to a drop-in any time. The first session will start on Wednesday 18 October, running weekly till Christmas and into the New Year. Patsy Gilroy I am delighted to have been elected as one of the Local Councillors for the new Dee and Glenkens Ward. If you would like to get in touch, my contact details are: patsy.gilroy@dumgal.gov.uk 07825 633153 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 – Glenlea 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 11 CatStrand Highlights CatStrand celebrates its 10th Birthday in October with the spectacular Big 10 Festival – ten events in ten days! We kick off with the legendary Dougie MacLean (5 Oct) unsurprisingly this event has already sold out, but please contact our Box Office as there is a waiting list for any returns. If you can’t see Dougie, there is plenty more to be going on with. Luke Daniels’ Polyphon Chronicles (Fri 6 Oct) is an intriguing blend of contemporary folk blended with Victoriana using an old electrophon machine from the late 19th century. Our new art exhibition by young Upland artists Luke Fitch and Fraser Irving launches (Mon 9 Oct) while our youth volunteers have chosen the movie Pixels [12] (Tues 10 Oct) for their Animate Club screening. Prepare for “riotous” comedy and get your tickets quick for Scottish comedian Craig Hill (Thu 12 Oct) and also book early for Scottish Album of the Year Awards 2017 nominee Adam Holmes and the Embers in a DOUBLE BILL with the much lauded Rachel Sermanni (Fri 13 Oct). Finally, there is the Big 10 Party (Sat 14 Oct) hosted by Fred MacAulay and featuring a variety of acts and of course plenty of Fred’s comedy. The party is FREE to attend but, due to anticipated demand, we’re running a ballot for tickets. Please let us know if you’d like to attend by sending an email to simon@catstrand.com with your name and contact details. Alternatively, drop into CatStrand (or phone in) and leave your name with our Box Office staff. Good luck! The fun doesn’t end with the Big 10 Festival and after a short rest, we’re back with a full programme for October and November. The Glenkens Story presents Alistair Livingston discussing the Galloway Levellers (Sun 22 Oct). Our second Glenkens Story event features Dr Jo Miller (Dalry Town Hall, Sat 25 Nov) discussing ‘Traditions of Music-Making in the Glenkens’. Our now established Dark Sky Jazz Club series continues with the incredibly gifted Phllip Clouts Quartet (Fri 27 Oct). The first of our new Live Literature events, which include a reading followed by a workshop, begins with renowned poet Valerie Gillies (Sat 28 Oct) before we welcome acclaimed author Stuart Paterson (Sat 4 Nov). Both events are FREE, but booking is required. CatStrand’s now legendary Halloween Party is back on Tues 31 Oct, and this year sees the return of the much loved (but often dampened…) Lantern Parade. Come and make your own lantern at a special workshop in Balmaclellan Village Hall on Sat 21 Oct (10.30am – 12.30pm). We’re delighted to welcome Japanese classical pianist Reiko Fujisawa (Fri 3 Nov) whose programme will include pieces by Takemitsu, Ades, Beethoven, and Schubert. Other CatStrand debuts this month include Twelfth Day (Sat 11 Nov) a fiddle, harp and voice duo from Orkney/ Peebles who are creating a big stir in the traditional scene with their highly original compositions and performances. Young up-and-coming band Gracefell (Fri 17 Nov) will be headlining their first CatStrand show in a gig-type atmosphere while the voice of the recent iPhone adverts Blick Bassy (Sun 19 Nov) will be bringing his uniquely thrilling and addictive Cameroonian songs to New Galloway on a rare Scottish foray. We look forward to seeing you at CatStrand over the coming months! The CatStrand Team The traditional story of Robinson Crusoe is told with a few unexpected twists. The Crusoe family have supposedly been left a fortune by their long-lost Uncle Horatio, but the drawback is they have to get to a remote desert island to dig it up. They recruit the local ship’s captain and his motley crew to take them there and the adventures begin... The Youth Players have gone from strength to strength since they were formed and the annual panto is always one of the highlights of the CatStrand year. Tickets always sell out quickly so make sure you book your tickets soon... Dougie MacLean Youth Players Panto 2017 The CatStrand Youth Players’ seventh annual pantomime will be Robinson Crusoe & The Pirates by Paul Reakes, to be staged on 8, 9 and 10 December. Glenkens Gazette SCOTLAND TO SAHARA AND HOME AGAIN Fifteen thousand kilometres and six months later, here we are, back in our homeland of Alba. The ‘Scotland to Sahara’ journey has presented so many amazing sights whilst most definitely enriching the soul somewhat. Brought home also is a much refreshed appreciation for the beautiful, albeit slightly damp, Glenkens. The countries we explored comprised of Spain, Portugal, France, England, Belgium and of course the awesome lands of Morocco. In regards to fundraising for ‘Doctors Without Borders’, numerous donations were pledged by people we met along the way and also from friends back home, many followers of our internet blog also donated online. Why not read the news updates and inspiring work of this charity for yourself at www.msf.org.uk It seems the first question many people ask us now is; so did you have many vehicle breakdowns? Not a single one; Kaerus the land- based vessel of discovery put up with all tasks asked of her with ease and reliability. We used pretty much all of the living equipment packed and the extra gizmos fitted - the only items left unused were the comprehensive stock of emergency spare parts. page 12 for dish-washing, all make life on the road pleasant rather than galling. We carry around 120 litres in the onboard tanks, a calorifier utilises wasted heat from the engine to keep piping hot water always on tap. The entire system is pressurised with marine diaphragm pumps which use very little power, yet create similar pressures to those found in a house. A multi-stage charcoal filter keeps all water safe to drink, which saved us a lot of money on bottled water; the plastic bottled water culture creates far too much unnecessary toxic waste. This said, it is sensible to keep a few litres of bottled water in stock for emergencies. We do have many exciting ideas for possible future voyages, when circumstances and funds allow. A few stories and photos from this trip can be seen on the blog, and archives of posts from the last six months are available too at www.kaerus-overland.weebly.com If anyone has any questions or would like help preparing for their own trip, please feel free to get in touch via email - we are happy to help and pass on useful advice. For now it is farewell, but I will leave you with a quote from the American poet, Robert Frost. “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I, I took the one less travelled by, and that has made all the “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I, I took the one less travelled by, and that has made all the difference.” I once read a report, from a seasoned overlander of many decades, that the design of Defender seats are the best for long periods of travelling behind the wheel; I can confirm that this is very true. To anyone planning a long trip with a vehicle, one of the most important things to consider is water. The ability to carry sufficient water, have hot showers (or cold ones in very hot days!), filter drinking water and have a sink difference”. Ben Ade JENNY’S DESIGN Mobile Hairdresser • Home Visits • Nursing Homes & Residential • The Elderly & Disabled • Blow Drying • Setting • Perms • Cuts • Toupees • Wig Styling NVQ Level 3 Hairdressing, NVQ Level 4 Social Care Call Jenny on 07554 009 624 Exploring the national park in Valencia, Spain. Glenkens Gazette Poetry Success A member of the Glenkens Writers’ Group has won national recognition for her poetry. Stella Cruickshank’s poem, The Book Festival, was published as ‘Poem of the Day’ in the Herald newspaper as the 2017 Edinburgh International Book Festival was opening. Until recently Stella lived in Parton, and has been a member of the CatStrand-based writers since the group formed three years ago under the auspices of the Connecting in Retirement project. Stella, who only started writing poetry when she joined the Glenkens Writers, says: “I was amazed and delighted to see the poem in the Herald. It’s inspired me to continue writing poetry.” There’s no literary tradition in her family, she explains, but she gets great satisfaction out of writing. And for anyone thinking of joining the Glenkens Writers her advice is simple: “Go for it! Don’t be inhibited even if you’ve never written before. Our tutor, Margaret Elphinstone, has an amazing ability to draw writing out of people.” Lesley Munn, poetry editor of the Herald, commented: “Here is a fresh voice, conjuring up both the physical, if imaginary, scene of the old brushwielder in the park and slyly commenting on the verbosity of much that is said at literary festivals (poets excluded of course!).” A new Start to Write workshop begins at the CatStrand on 17 October and will meet monthly - see p26. page 13 The Book Festival by Stella Cruikshank “What is it you’re doing?” I enquired of the old man brushing the path. “I’m sweeping up all the words they left behind. So many words. Each year it’s the same. I find them piled in corners; In the flower beds; And the wind catches them: They get blown up And tossed about: Ideas get caught in the branches.” “But why so many left behind?” “O People just throw them about; So careless.” He fills the sack in his barrow. “But what is this? Why is this path clear? No waste here Not a spare word.” “This is where the poets met.” He replied. Glenkens Gazette A RE-SHUFFLE FOR GLENKENS SCHOOLS page 14 The Glenkens Cluster has had a re-shuffle, and is now separated into the Glenkens Cluster of Primary Schools under one head teacher, and Dalry Secondary School, which has become a satellite of Castle Douglas High School and is being managed by a Depute Head from Castle Douglas. Let’s meet the new primary Head Teacher, Paul Scrimshaw, and the secondary Depute Head, Alison Cook. Paul Scrimshaw Where are you from? I was born in the village of Bolton upon Dearne, in the heart of the South Yorkshire coalfields. My father was a coal miner along with most other men in the village. My parents had high aspirations for my brothers and me and we all went to university. My parents certainly wanted a different life for us other than working down the mines. This was actually very far-sighted of them as by the mid-1980s the mines were closing down. Fortunately I was already well on my way to becoming a teacher. What is your previous teaching experience, or other job experience? I have had a varied career having taught at all stages of the primary and have even had some secondary experience. I started my career working in a Special School in Lambeth, London, before moving back to Yorkshire in 1992. I worked in a multicultural infant school in Huddersfield before gaining further experience in other primary schools. My first Headteacher post was in a large primary school in Malton, North Yorkshire, before I moved back to Huddersfield to take on the role in a school which housed special provision for deaf children and children with developmental delay. In 2011, after years of spending every holiday in Scotland, we moved north and I took up the post as Headteacher of Gordon Primary school in Huntly, Aberdeenshire. Almost seven years on we have landed in the Glenkens. What inspired you to come to the Glenkens? Since moving to Scotland we have used Dumfries and Galloway as a meeting point to spend weekends with family and friends. The area is stunning and we always felt completely relaxed when visiting. We had been considering a move here for a while and, when our house in Yorkshire finally sold in February of this year, we felt the time was right. When the post of headteacher for the Glenkens Cluster was first advertised I was not in a position to apply. However, when it was re-advertised I knew it was meant to be and the rest, as they say, is history. What do you think of the Glenkens so far? I always thought my drive to work in Aberdeenshire was pretty beautiful but having spent the last two weeks driving up the side of Loch Ken, I am left speechless by the stunning scenery. My dad came to stay last week and we travelled many miles in the evenings, driving to different beaches, lochs, RSPB reserves and the amazing forest roads. My wife and I are also enjoying lots of new walks with the dogs. I hear you like Star Wars... When the original Star Wars film was released in 1977 my dad took us to see it. My younger brother and I were hooked from that moment on. I wouldn’t say I was obsessed, but leaving presents from colleagues and children in Aberdeenshire had a familiar theme. What do you see as the key benefits of a small rural allthrough school? Having worked in small and large schools - rural, town and inner city schools - for me, one of the key benefits of children attending smaller rural schools is the sense of almost being like a large family. Although the secondary part of Dalry School is now technically a separate school, the close links between the two schools support children moving from the primary to the secondary phase. As Headteacher of the three primary Paul Scrimshaw, Head Teacher for the Glenkens Cluster of Primary Schools. schools, I need to ensure that the children from Kells and Carsphairn have all the opportunities for transition which the children at Dalry Primary enjoy. Do you have any ideas/plans/ changes in mind for the school? I have lots of ideas and plans but in the first instance I am taking a little time to gather the thoughts of staff, parents and children. Once I have had the opportunity to do this we will then look at the way forward. Everyone working together to provide the very best outcomes for the children has to be at the heart of everything we do. At the moment all I can say is watch this space... but not for too long! Is there anything else you would like to say to parents/ students/the local communities? My first few weeks living and working in the Glenkens have been wonderful. The children in the Glenkens are wonderful and I have spoken to many parents and local people who have all been warm, friendly and helpful. We are so excited to be exploring lots of new places. However, it feels like home already. Glenkens Gazette Alison Cook What are your first impressions of Dalry? I’m really enjoying being in Dalry school – I feel like I’ve been here for ages already! Everyone has been so friendly and helpful and both staff and pupils have been very welcoming which has helped me settle in to the school. What you notice immediately when you arrive here is the fact that it feels like one big family. All staff – teaching and non-teaching, primary and secondary - all work together to offer amazing and unique opportunities for the pupils in the school. I love the drive to work from Crossmichael; the scenery and views from the school are stunning – the sun always seems to shine here! What is your vision for the school? To move the school forward in line with regional and national policies page 15 whilst ensuring the school’s own identity and sense of community remains uncompromised. My aim is that every young person leaving Dalry school is happy and ready to face the next stage in their lives with the relevant skills and confidence. What is your background? I grew up in Castle Douglas and attended Castle Douglas Primary and Castle Douglas High School. We moved to Castle Douglas from Straiton when my father got a job as livestock auctioneer at Wallets Marts. I left CDHS to study music at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (now the Conservatoire) and was taught piano by Doreen Prentice. I taught Music at Cathkin High School in Cambuslang and very quickly found an interest in Pupil Support. I was PT Pupil Support for 6 years before returning to the Stewartry. I moved back here in 2010 when I took up post as Depute EDINBURGH BOOK FESTIVAL Dalry Secondary School’s S2 class trip to the Edinburgh Book Festival was graced with sunshine and blue skies. The tented festival village in Charlotte Square was looking every bit as charming as in the programme – perfect for picnicking and icecreams between author events and signings. Our choice of authors was spot on - Elizabeth Wein and David Almond were very different in their approach to writing but both were entertaining and inspiring, with stories about all sorts from Scottish freshwater pearls to the messiness inside our heads. The young writers in our group found them both encouraging in their advice: “Write what you care about (not just what you know)” from Elizabeth Wein, and “Write in the words you speak, even if it’s different from Standard English” from David Almond. Jane Banner, School Librarian Alison Cook, Acting Depute Head for Dalry Secondary School. Headteacher at Castle Douglas High School. We have recently moved from the Haugh of Urr to Crossmichael. Roald Dahl Day Continued from front page... The children also raised in excess of £50 which will go towards one of Roald Dahl’s favourite charities, dedicated to supporting sick children in hospital. Pictured are: Bottom - Dalry Primary, Below: Kells Primary. Glenkens Gazette KELLS PRIMARY SCHOOL: A HIDDEN GEM Tucked away at the back of New Galloway, with beautiful views of the hills beyond the playing field, Kells Primary is a vibrant and happy little school. Founded in 1743, Kells is one of the three Glenkens cluster primary schools, but is often overlooked, possibly because it is named after the Parish and not New Galloway itself – in an estate agent’s particulars recently, the nearest school was described as four miles away, when the house in question backed onto the Kells school playground! However, some families have travelled over 15 miles to attend the school by choice, and the Parent Council are keen to make sure Kells School is more widely recognised by parents as an excellent option for new pupils, especially as schools further south such as Crossmichael and Castle Douglas approach capacity. “We chose Kells after considering a range of other schools in the Stewartry,” says Dr Ian Johnston, Parent Council chair. “We lived near Castle Douglas at the time, but felt the 20-minute journey was well worth making for the friendly, supportive environment and warm family feel we found in Kells. We’ve never for an instant regretted our decision. Our son loves going to school and is looking forward to moving on to Dalry Secondary with friends he has made at Kells and, thanks to joint activities, across the Glenkens cluster.” Staff, pupils and parents are looking forward to an increased emphasis on inter-school activities in the Glenkens under new cluster head teacher Paul Scrimshaw, but Kells also has a unique character of its own. The small class sizes (Kells currently has 30 pupils) mean an exceptional teacher to pupil ratio (1: 11, P1-P3 and 1:19, P4-P7), as well as excellent support staff and a clear dedication to parental and community involvement. This results in a learning focus that is flexible and adaptive, led by pupils’ needs and ability in any particular subject area rather than purely by age. For example, in the P1-3 class, both the reading and maths groups are mixed across the age range according to what works best for each pupil at that point in their learning. Some children are confidently working beyond their average age level, whereas others appreciate the extra time to really get to grips with a subject. P1-3 teacher, Mrs Lynda Muir, also using everything from stop-motion animation to creating a French café to explore their way around Europe. Meanwhile, the P1-3 pupils are getting stuck in and already selling their school garden produce in the New Galloway Community Shop - which Kells pupils played a part in creating. “My two boys (P2 and P4) are flourishing at Kells,” says Mary Smith, whose eldest son went to a larger school in the area before joining Kells in P2. “His previous school was good, but the environment and people at Kells, and the New Galloway community, are helping him to really shine. Both boys are eager to go to school each day and come home full of ideas and enthusiasm – I can’t ask for more than that.” Kells School is always keen to be part of its community, and this year will see many more events staged within the Burgh itself. But the school is also always open to visitors – if you think your children would thrive at Kells, or any of the Glenkens cluster schools, contact Mr Scrimshaw to come and see the children and staff in action at any time. Or if you’d like to join our fantastic volunteers at the schools and get to know our lovely children, please get in touch as well – people to read with the children, speakers of Scots dialects and people with traditional skills to pass on are particularly welcomed, but all offers are hugely appreciated. The community and the schools working together is always the most powerful way to help our children become the best that they can be! Kells Primary School Parent Council ...pupils help each other out, sharing skills and knowledge without being prompted... uses an Active Learning approach in order to encourage and support pupils to work at tasks on their own initiative and to continue to learn through play. One of the strengths of this approach is the way all pupils help each other out, sharing skills and knowledge without being prompted: “We learn how to get lots of things done and how to be kind to each other,” says Jennifer, P3. The size of the school also means that there is more scope for the curriculum to be approached in fun and original ways, with plenty of opportunity for pupils to experiment and explore – something that Mr Graeme Thompson, who joined the school this year as P4-7 teacher, is making the most of: “Kells is a wonderful school. We are all working together to build interesting, exciting learning activities for the children with a strong dose of enthusiasm and positivity.” After a hugely successful school den-building day involving local tradesmen and volunteers last term, this term P4-7 pupils are page 16 Glenkens Gazette page 17 Carsphairn Community Council Launches Revamped Website Carsphairn Community Council are pleased to announce the launch of their newly revamped website. www.carsphairn.org has been an invaluable resource to the community for many years and now, having been updated, contains more interesting and useful information than ever before. Volunteers have used all the best bits of the old site and added some new features. With calendar pages making sure that you never miss a community event or community council meeting, the site also provides information about our active community groups and local attractions, as well as links to other sites of interest, from the local five-day weather forecast to the latest planning applications. We hope that the new site will continue to be a fantastic asset for both locals and visitors alike, and that everyone will be able to find something of interest. We’d love to hear from you if you think we’ve missed anything, have something you’d like to see, or to - three changing cask ales & cider - fresh, seasonal & local food - en suite accommodation - open all day every day - award-winning food, beer & atmosphere - en-suite accommodation - 20% off takeaway discount - country sport & walkers facilities Christmas bookings now being taken 01644 430 241 www.theclachaninn.co.uk let us know about any mistakes we might have made. If so, please email webmaster@carsphairn.org With many thanks to our new webmaster who has done/is doing a great job! Liz Holmes, Chair, Carsphairn Community Council Follow us on facebook and twi�er and make sure to sign up for our newsle�er - see website for details… www.gallowayglens.org Glenkens Gazette page 18 ANOTHER AWARD FOR BROOKFORD From the moment they decided to open Brookford as a Bed and Breakfast, Ronnie and Angie Bradford were determined to minimise their impact on the beautiful and unspoilt area that is the Glenkens. “Whilst we focused on a customer-centred approach, we were always mindful of building a business that would be as environmentally friendly as it is customer friendly,” says Ronnie. In March 2017 Brookford were awarded the Visit Scotland Thistle Award for the Most Hospitable B&B in Scotland. Having achieved their goal of providing the very best in Scottish hospitality, the couple have now set their sights on achieving the highest standards required of Gold status through membership of The Green Tourism Business Scheme; and they seem to have made a pretty good start by achieving a Silver Award. “Our aim is simply to continue offering the very best visitor experience whilst minimising the impact of all the environmental and ecological elements it takes to maintain those standards. “All our kitchen and laundry appliances have been replaced with A or A+ rated machines. Wherever possible we use ecofriendly laundry and cleaning products. A smart meter allows us to constantly monitor our power use and a daily usage target helps keep us focussed on our usage,” continues Ronnie. All the lights in the property have been changed, where possible to LED including the exterior lights which have been chosen also for their low light pollution. In the absence of water metering, all of the flow rates from taps, toilets and showers have been checked and restricted to optimise the use of the water in the property. In the dining room, the preserves are homemade using our home grown or locally sourced berries and fruit. All bread is homemade. The breakfast menu meats are sourced from within a 40-mile radius - all helping reduce Brookford’s ‘food miles’. “We ask guests to choose their breakfast each evening, which means that we produce very little food waste and what we do produce is either fed to our neighbours’ hens (from where we source our eggs), or is composted for use in the garden and greenhouse,” says Angie. They have even installed a water butt in the garden to collect rain water for use in the garden and greenhouse...roll on Gold Award! Glenkens Gazette page 19 Connecting In Communities Update The Connecting In Communities project continues to move on at pace: tai chi, exercise to music, digital photography and the writing group all roll on, with more new and exciting events are coming soon. Did you see the highly acclaimed photo exhibition in CatStrand’s Pyramid Gallery? Why not join the group and have a go yourself? The Glenkens Men’s Shed is expanding in numbers and will soon be adding a Monday evening session to its opening times. Fundraising for the new window and mezzanine floor continues and work should commence this autumn. A new evening yoga class with Amy Fowler begins a six-week trial on Thursday 19 October at 6.30pm - places are limited so book early! A new beginners’ writing group kicks-off on Tuesday 17 October at 3.15pm under the expert tutelage of Margaret Elphinstone - remember there’s a book in all of us! Names are being taken for the proposed First Aid courses and if you like your music loud and proud, tickets are going fast for the Rocktober gig on 28 October. A free shuttle bus is available for this event and entry is also free, but booking is essential as spaces are limited so grab yours now. “FM” are a top North-East rock band who specialise in Led Zeppelin and AC/DC covers along with their trademark hard rock and blues. The popular ‘Keep Taking the Tablets’ courses restart on Tuesday 3 October, and look out for the planned Social Media Awareness and Internet Safety presentations. Connecting In Communities supports CatStrand’s volunteer cohort and if you would like to get involved, there a number of opportunities available. Got an idea to help your community? Contact Brian Jones or Chris Jowsey on 01644 420 374 and we’ll see if we can help. Glenkens Gazette page 20 MENS SHED MONDAYS Manshed The Glenkens Mens Shed are planning to open on Monday evenings from 6.30pm until 9pm starting this autumn. If anyone is interested in attending an evening session and joining the Shed would they please contact either Brian Jones (brian@catstrand.com) or Chris Jowsey (chris@catstrand.com)or phone 01644 420374. Abbas Rest Coffee Morning Abbas Rest annual coffee morning will be held in Dalry Town Hall on 21 October from 10am to 12noon. Any donations towards rafle, tombola, cake stalls would be gratefully received. Please contact Avril Brown on 430 526. I would like to take this opportunity to remember Barbara Colbenson, who supported me with Abbas Rest for 14 years. She will be sadly missed. Avril Brown Christmas Coffee Morning St Margaret’s Ladies’ Guild and Glenkens Churches Guild are holding a Christmas Coffee Morning. This year it will be held on Wednesday 6 December in New Galloway Town Hall, from 10.30am to 12noon. In addition to coffee, shortbread and mince pies there will be stalls, a tombola and a lucky dip. Please come along and support this joint venture. Job Vacancy GCC Playgroup Manager Enthusiastic, nurturing, child-centred person needed to take on the management and development of GCC Playgroup. Closing date for applications Friday 6 October. For a full job description please contact: theglenkenschildrensclub@gmail.com Men by Barry Bryan-Dixon Early to bed early to rise, we are the Manshed guys. Brian, Tom, Rob, John, Ali and Drew, Chris, Stewart, Ned and Tom, Barry, Ned, Kevin, Tom, Tam and Mr Mague. We meet up two days or three every week, couple of hours of banter, jokes and laughter we seek. Where the time goes we don’t know, beavering away making things that we sell and show. We have all different skills to see us through, we learn new skills from each other, yes we do. The big green doors open so wide, Let’s have a really good old look inside. Someone is building a model boat, six feet long, eighteen inches wide, we know it will float. Various bits of machinery for working with wood, saws, sanders, drills look so good. Bicycle workshop for maintenance and repairs, bicycles galore waiting patiently in pairs. Motorcycles all in a line, being restored over time. Metalwork machinery and tools, this and that on different spools. Enter yet through a smaller door, big boys toys, wood drills, sanders, wood lathe, hand tools galore. Tables, benches, wine racks, bug hotels, signs, bird tables, wood turning, and carving come to mind. I mustn’t forget our resident guest Gary the Gorilla, he’s a very big and handsome fella. A behive of activity, working, laughing, joking, and jawing. Glenkens Gazette page 21 WATSON BIRDS AND BARONE Barone, the former home of Donald and Joan Watson, has now been sold. The new owners, Graham and Jean West, formerly lived at Craighead in the village and are committed to creating a Donald Watson Memorial Garden, with paths, a bird hide, seating and making the garden open for public access. This is great news as it echoes what we had hoped to do. Many thanks in anticipation to Graham and Jean. Roger Crofts Barone garden, soon to be the Donald Watson Memorial Garden. Arndarroch Open Garden Annikki Lindsay would like to thank everyone who supported the Arndarroch Open Galloway Hills Rally If you wondered why all the cars were parked outside New Galloway on the Laurieston road around mid-September, the answer is the Galloway Hills Rally. This was the 44th year of the rally, held in the Galloway Forest surrounding Castle Douglas, and including a stage at Cairn Edward. This year’s champion was Jock Armstrong from Castle Douglas, pictured below in the winning car, a Subaru Impreza. Garden this year. £517 was raised which will go to Carsphairn Church Fund and Dumfries Canine Rescue Centre. © Lindsay @ Photo Sport 14th October 11th November 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 22 REBELS AND MUSICIANS Local revolt and the joys of musicmaking feature in The Glenkens Story’s winter programme. The Galloway Levellers tore down dykes and defied the authorities in 1724 but what were their motives? Well-known local historian Alistair Livingston draws on his researches to come up with a radical explanation - were they not so much rebels as pioneers of capitalism? Alistair is speaking at the CatStrand at 2.30pm on Sunday 22 October. Musician and scholar Dr Jo Miller grew up in Dalry and during the 1980s conducted field work on musicmaking and dance in the Glenkens. Her interviewees included an older generation who took the story back many decades. In this talk she will tell stories from her research illustrated by pictures, music and the words of local people. Expect to be surprised and entertained and catch a glimpse of some well known faces from the past. This event will be held in Dalry Jo Miller Town Hall at 3pm on Saturday 25 November. Tickets for both events are available from the CatStrand. Photo of the Issue Sponsored by the Ken Bridge Hotel This issue’s winner is Carrie Lawrenson with a gorgeous image of sunset over Loch Ken. Carrie wins a meal for two at the Ken Bridge Hotel’s Sunday carvery. Competition judges Dave and Sue said: “The lovely rich colours captured in the photograph of the sunset gets our vote this issue.” Glenkens Gazette War Updates: Early 1917 The last update of deaths in WW1 took us to the death of George Kirk on 9 April 1917, and the losses continued through what was to be the worst month of the war in terms of the deaths of men from the Glenkens. Joseph Tait Shaw of High Park Farm, Balmaclellan, was assisting his mother in the running of the farm when he enlisted into the London Scottish in December 1915. He was killed on 16 April 1917 at the age of 27, and is buried at Heninel Cemetery near Arras. Joseph is commemorated on the Balmaclellan memorial. Captain Alexander Clark Kennedy of Knockgray, Carsphairn, was the fourth son of the late Captain and Mrs Clark Kennedy, a family with a notable tradition of military service. He was serving with 1st/ 5th Kings Own Scottish Borderers when he was in the Palestine campaign on 19 April 1917 and is buried at Gaza. His brother Archibald would be killed later in the war and another brother (William) would win the Victoria Cross and go on to unveil the Carsphairn War Memorial after the war. Alexander was 33 years old and is commemorated on the Carsphairn memorial. Captain Walter Douglas Kennedy (known as Douglas) was serving in the Palestine campaign with the Royal Scots Fusiliers when he was killed on 19 April 1917 at the age of 31. He was the tenant of Marbrack Farm, Carsphairn. His brother Charles was killed earlier in the war and a third brother, Robert, was killed in the Boer war. All three brothers are listed on a memorial plaque on the outside of the rear of Carsphairn Church. William Dunbar was a gardener at Troquaine House, Balmaclellan, when he enlisted into the Kings Own Scottish Borderers in June 1916. He was killed near Vimy Ridge, where his brother John had been killed two weeks earlier. He was born in 1886 at Glenlair, Corsock, the son of James McPhearson Dunbar and Agnes (Charteris) Dunbar of Glenlair. He was the husband of Margaret (Smith) Dunbar of Troquhaine Cottage, Balmaclellan, who he married in 1911 in Kelton, Castle Douglas. He was reported missing in action on 23 April 1917 and is named on the Corsock War Memorial, together with his brother John of the Canadian Infantry who was killed on 9 April 1917. William is also listed on the Balmaclellan memorial. He was 30 years old when he was killed. George McGaw was a butcher in New Galloway when he enlisted in November 1915 into the King’s Own Scottish Borderers. On arrival in France in October 1916, he was transferred to the Royal Scots Fusiliers. Born 1896 in Crossmichael, he was the son of the late Susan (Smith) McGaw and Charles McGaw of High Street, New Galloway. He was killed in action on 23 April 1917 at the age of 21 and is buried in Wancourt British Cemetery, France. He is listed on the Kells Parish memorial. Andrew Doyle was an apprentice baker before he enlisted into the Highland Light Infantry in September 1914. The son of Mr and Mrs Thomas Doyle of Kirkland Street, Dalry, he was just 21 years old when he died. He was awarded the Military Medal for previous bravery on 5, 10 and 11 April, and is listed on the Dalry memorial. James Jackson enlisted into the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders in September 1915 and before this he was employed on farm work at Viewfield, New Galloway. He joined his battalion in France in January 1916 but was wounded at Hulloch, near Loos, in June. He returned to the front in March 1917 and was killed near Arras. Born in New Galloway, he was the son of Peter and Mary (McQueen) Jackson of 130 Stricklandgate, Kendal, Westmorland and of Parkhouse, Kirkcudbright. He page 23 was killed in action on 28 April 1917 and is buried in the Tank Cemetery, Guemappe, France. He is named on the memorial and roll of honour in Twynholm Parish Church and on the Twynholm Parish War Memorial. The Tank Cemetery is a mass grave in which 64 men of the 7th Camerons are buried. These casualties were the result of an attack on Cavalry Farm during the Battle of Arras. James Jackson is listed on the Kells Parish memorial and was aged just 19 at the time of his death. To be continued... Paul Goodwin Glenkens Gazette page 24 Who Do We Think We Were? This issue features Gordon Hill’s experiences of long distance running. The ‘Man v Horse’ is an annual race over 22 miles, where runners compete against riders on horseback. Gordon took up long distance events in 2005, and is still in the running. If Gordon’s piece reminds you of your own sport, hobby or past glories, your story could also feature on this page. Please send your reminiscence, of any time or any aspect of your life, wherever you come from, and however long you have lived in the Glenkens, by email to margaret.elphinstone @dircon.co.uk or hand in a copy at CatStrand marked ‘Glenkens Gazette - WDWTWW’. Apologies for a caption error in the last edition - the farm where Marion Bone grew up was at Barr, not Pinmore. The next contribution will be a reminiscence from Margaret Lamont who was evacuated from Edinburgh to New Galloway during the war. Lakeland 50 Run 2013: A Personal View Fifteen miles up and down mountains in pitch darkness, lashing rain, paths and tracks turned into uneven muddy slippery torrents, increasing wind and cold with just a head torch for guidance and to follow the self navigate route. Gradually getting knackered. 45 miles done, 5 miles from the end, must keep going, another age it seems but can only be 15 mins, and I’m at the next checkpoint. People are dropping out with hypothermia here, 3.7 miles before the end, checkpoint people rushing about with hot tea and large sheets of tinfoil to wrap people in! All accompanied by the sound of the torrential rain hammering on the roof of the open sided shelter. I think I’m still on the right side of marginal – yes, they let me run on. No one allowed out of the last checkpoint in these wild conditions without another runner as companion. Mine’s a good navigator, thank goodness! Mountains in the dark, wet and cold at 3 am when you’re knackered is not a good place to get lost! It wasn’t like that at 11:30 that morning when we started. A lovely day with the spectacular mountains and lakes ahead. Sunny intervals and varied running on tracks and footpaths. Stiff climb to start with, more walk than run, through the pretty village of Pooley Bridge, up up up, to a ridge, down, down, down. That’s the pattern for the run, long ups and long downs, through woods, over fields, little bits of road, bridges and stepping stones. Variations from good footpath to boulder strewn obstacle courses as we go along. At last, the first checkpoint at my predicted time. Friendly helpful people, food and drink to keep us going. Over the top with a two thousand plus foot climb (hot then very hot, dripping hot and roasting!), too steep and hot to run the last bit. Superb panorama at the top. Down to the next (Mardale Head) checkpoint. The day passes, running, walking, scrambling, up, down. Sunshine and a couple of thunderstorms for company. Ambleside, 35 miles done, raining and dark. Checkpoint, encouragement from spectators and off into the looming black mountains. Now the fun stops. Stair rods of Gordon Hill at Man vs. Horse Cross Country Marathon, 2012. rain, paths are rivulets, must struggle on another fifteen miles. On through the dark, miles coming up ever more slowly. Next checkpoint is a superb marquee all lit up and with chimnea fires, lovely comfy couches and blankets to pull over my sodden body as I eat and drink. So easy to stop but no, must push on, under 10 miles to go. Last checkpoint with all the drama there, up, up, up onto last ridge and down on the worst path ever made, more a rocky channel. It’s a struggle to keep going but I know I can finish. It’s beginning to get light and we hit a better track and run the last half mile into the wonderful reception at the end. There’s wife Ros coming out of the shadows to join us as we run into Coniston and then we’re done and through the door with all those people still up at 5 am to cheer us in! Then a medal, food, glorious food and the best mug of tea in the world! GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL � 01644 420234 � New Galloway Golf Club Founded 1902 www.nggc.co.uk - 01644 420737 Buggies now available for hire VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME Glenkens Gazette page 25 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN The More Things Change The More They Stay The Same Following the publication of the British Census in 1901 a Glenkens shepherd asked; “How long is the exodus to continue?” I have for long been puzzled by the fact that the folk of Dumfries and Galloway seem quite unaware that loss of population in the later nineteenth century in some cases exceeded that of Highland counties. Although the situation was particularly bad in Galloway we have no tradition of clearance, of cruel and unusual measures to drive people off the land. We are still debating rural depopulation while trying to come up with suggestions about how to retain population, especially the young. We have a numerous older population of residents, of whom I am one, but those who demonise the elderly in newspapers and television programmes should be aware that if these people were not here there would be a huge hole in the local economy. What is required is the oft-invoked, but seldom realized, affordable housing. It may surprise some readers that this debate has been ongoing for over a century. Considerable discussion was generated by the publication of the 1901 Census, which showed that many parishes achieved maximum population in 1861, declining thereafter. The Scottish growth rate between 1851 and 1901 was plus 54.8% while the southwest rate was minus 21.7%. Kells came in at minus 19.5%. Below the southwest growth rate were our other villages: Balmaclellan minus 46.6%, Carsphairn minus 58.5%; and Dalry minus 33.3%. The perceived problem in Glenkens was that although the Scottish population as a whole was growing, their parishes were severely declining. As the Scotsman reported, the empty regions of Scotland were becoming more empty, as the most crowded (the cities) continued to attract. Dumfries and Galloway were being drained like the Highlands. “The Dumfries and Galloway were being drained like the Highlands. life and movement, the very soul of Scotland thus settles more and more in towns.” Explanations were as effortlessly advanced then, as now, without offering any solutions. City life was exciting while country life had become duller and village life gloomier. The energetic were departing while the “easy-going and the apathetic remained”. Towns provided superior facilities for the whole family such as shops, libraries, cheaper housing and nearness to schools, churches and doctors. It seems that women were often keen to swap the burden of rural isolation, which was often unbearable, for city clamour and companionship. Some critics blamed technology for reducing rural workers by one third. Farmers retained cottages for their employees rather than retirees. Agriculturalists who changed contracts regularly had little affection for, or loyalty to, the countryside. In addition the working-man was often “the least cared for of any of the commodities on the farm”. To make matters worse it was well-established that there was an overall depression in farming. Costs of transport to markets were rising. A further irritation was the management of landed estates by men who had no knowledge of agricultural matters. Agricultural reports also pointed to restrictive leases and rising rates of tuberculosis as problems. Ironically as folk were fleeing the countryside urban dwellers were increasingly sentimentalising it. There had long been an assumption that rurality equated with healthy living, innocence, nature and love of landscape while the cities were smoky dens of crime, temptation and brutality. One writer who nurtured such notions was our own SR Crockett, an accomplished novelist, but one who shamelessly romanticised Galloway, and the Glenkens in particular, as did some talented poets and shoals of less wellendowed versifiers. For we are the same things our fathers have been, We see the same sights that our fathers have seen, We drink the same stream, and we feel the same sun, And we run the same course that our fathers have run. Willie Knox Ted Cowan Glenkens Gazette page 26 OCTOBER & NOVEMBER SEPTEMBER Sat 30, Backroom Vintage Pop-Up Shop, 10am-4pm, Woodbank, High St, New Galloway Sat 30, Coffee Morning & Craft Fair, 10am-2pm, Castle Douglas Town Hall OCTOBER Tue 3, Kells School Fundraising Coffee Morning, 10am-12noon, Cross Keys, New Galloway Thu 5, Dougie MacLean, 7.30pm, CatStrand, SOLD OUT Thu 5, Fundraising Coffee & Raffle, 2-3.30pm, Hair by Jayne, 26 Main St, Dalry Fri 6, The Polyphon Chronicles, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 7, The Ivor Novello Story, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sun 8, Police Drop-In, 9-10.30am, Dalry Police Station Mon 9, Dalry CC Meeting (CHANGE OF DATE), 7pm, Dalry Town Hall Wed 11, Blanche & Butch, 7.30pm, CatStrand Thu 12, Stewartry Birdwatchers Talk, 7.30pm, Kells School, New Galloway Thu 12, Craig Hill, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 13, Adam Holmes & the Embers AND Rachel Sermanni, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 14, Glenkens Farmers’ Market, 10am-12noon, Dalry Town Hall, see p21 Sat 14, 10th Anniversary Party, 7.30pm, CatStrand Wed 18, Dalry Film Night, Dalry Town Hall Wed 18, Horizontal Collaboration, 7.30pm, Glencairn Memorial Institute, Moniaive Sat 21, Abbas Rest Coffee Morning, 10am-12noon, Dalry Town Hall Sun 22, Alistair Livingston, 2.30pm, CatStrand Sun 22, GTI Bus Trip, see p8 Fri 27, 7.1.3 Pop-Up Bistro, Carsphairn Tearooms, to book call 460 568 Fri 27, GTI Bus Trip, see p8 Fri 27, Dark Sky Jazz Club, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 28, Dunaskin Doon Band, 7.30pm, Carsphairn Church Sat 28, Rocktober, 8pm, CatStrand Tues 31, CaStrand Halloween Party & Lantern Parade, from 6pm Police Station Thu 9, Stewartry Birdwatchers Talk, 7.30pm, Kells School, New Galloway Sat 11, Glenkens Farmers’ Market, 10am-12noon, Dalry Town Hall, see p21 Sat 11, Twelfth Day, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 17, Quiz Night, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall Fri 17, Gracefell, 7.30pm, CatStrand Wed 15, Dalry Film Night, Dalry Town Hall Sun 19, Blick Bassy, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 24, 7.1.3 Pop-Up Bistro, Carsphairn Tearooms, to book call 460 568 Fri 24, Way Down Wanderers, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 25, Jo Miller, 3pm, Dalry Town Hall Sat 25, Backroom Vintage Pop-Up Shop, 10am-4pm, Woodbank, High St, New Galloway Sat 25, CatStrand Xmas Shopping Day, 11am-4pm, CatStrand Thu 30, Dark Sky Jazz Club, 7.30pm, CatStrand NOVEMBER DECEMBER Fri 3, Reiko Fujisawa, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 4, Stuart Paterson, 11am Talk , 1pm Workshop, CatStrand Sun 5, Police Drop-In, 1-2.30pm, Dalry Sat 2, Xmas Craft Fair, 11am-4pm, Mossdale Village Hall Glenkens Gazette page 27 REGULAR EVENTS CatStrand, New Galloway: Exercise to Music: Mon, 10-11am Margaret Morris dance 1: 3-7yrs, Mon (term-time), 3.45-4.30pm Margaret Morris dance 2: 8-16yrs, Mon (term-time), 4.30-5.15pm Youth Volunteer Meet-up, Tues, 6-8pm, FREE PIZZA Choreographic Skills Lab: Mon (termtime), 7 - 8.30pm ages 12-18 Keep Taking the Tablets computing course, Tues, re-starts 3 Oct Beginners Writing Group, Tues, starts 17 October, 3.15pm Gentle Tai Chi: Wed, 10am Wendletrap Tai Chi, Wed, 2-3.30pm Glenkens Writing Group: First Wed each month 3-5pm Music/Jam Youth Drop-in, Wed, 6-7pm & rehearsal/recording space available for booking from 7-9pm Sing it Out: Thurs, 11am -12pm CatStrand Ukes: Thurs, 1pm – 3.30pm Yoga, Thurs, 6.30pm, starts 19 Oct for a 6-week trial Zumba Gold: Fri (term-time), 10-11am, CatStrand, 16+ Saturday Art Club: 2nd & 4th Sat of the month, 10am–12noon, to book call 420 374 Catstrand Youth Players: Sun during term time, 2pm Glenkens Acoustic Sessions: last Sun of the month, 2-4pm Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry, (contact Kath on 430 281): Paint & Art: Mon, 2-4pm GCC Playgroup: Tues, Wed & Thurs, 9.1511.45am, contact Miriam 07514 320 101 Guides: Tues during term-time, 6-8pm, contact: Kath 430 281 Good Neighbours’ Club: Tues, 2pm Brownies: Thurs 6-7.30pm Kickback Martial Arts: Thurs, 7-9pm Thursday Craft Group: Thurs, 2-4pm Glenkens Children’s Club: Fri, 10am12noon New Galloway Town Hall: LING Lunches: Tues, 11am-2pm Indoor Sports: Tues, 7-9pm Zumba: Wed, 7.30-8.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall, 11+ Footcare by Stewartry Care: Thurs by appointment (Tel: 01556 504699), New Galloway Town Hall Various Locations: Hatha Yoga, Mon, 10-11.15am, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn, more info at www.carsphairn.org Mens Shed Mondays, 6.30pm, Balmaclellan Carsphairn Post Office: Tues, 1-3pm, Lagwyne Hall 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 Cub Scouts: Wed, 6.45–8pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Carsphairn Heritage Centre, 1 June to 25 September, Thurs to Mon, 10am-4pm Glenhaven Gallery, Thurs-Sun, 12noon4pm, Main St, Dalry Youth Writing Group: Thurs (during term time), 3.30-5pm, ages 10-15, Dalry School Coffee & Craft Group: Fri, 9am-12noon, Lagwyne Hall Glenkens Community Councils Balmaclellan Community Council Meetings: 4th Monday each month, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall. Carsphairn Community Council Meetings: Last Monday each month, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn. CHECK OUT NEW WEBSITE! 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. in Balmaclellan Church. 12 Nov, CHURCH TIMES Choir 11am: Ceremonies at New Galloway and CHURCH OF SCOTLAND Sunday Services - Balmaclellan 12noon: 1st. Balmaclellan 10.30 am 5th(Oct). Carsphairn 10.30am: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th. Dalry 10.30am: 2nd(Oct). Dalry 12noon: 2nd(Nov) 3rd 4th. Kells 10.30am: 4th. Special Services/Events:2 Oct, 10.30am: Harvest Thanksgiving, Carsphairn Church. 7 Oct, 12–2pm: Guild Soup & Sweet Lunch, Dalry Town Hall. 9 Oct, 10.30am: United Family Service for Dalry and B & K Church in Kells Church. 29 Oct, 10.30am: United Service with the Balmaclellan War Memorials, followed by Remembrance Service in St Margaret’s Church. 24 Nov, 7.30pm: Scottish Night, Dalry Town Hall. Communion Services: 22 Oct, 12noon, Dalry Church. 5 Nov, 12noon, Balmaclellan Church. 19 Nov, 10.15am, Carsphairn Church. 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 Folk Music Session, 4th Fri each month, 7.30/8pm till closing, Ken Bridge Hotel 713 Pop-up Bistro, Carsphairn Shop & Tearoom, last Friday each month, contact 460 568 Scouts: Thurs, 7–8.30pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Gentle Tai Chi: Fri 10-11am, Dalry Town Hall 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 To hire the MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) behind Dalry School call Sonja Tranter on 430 244 or Nicolette Wise on 430 218. Dalry Library Tuesdays 12noon-3.30pm Fridays 10am-12noon & 1-4.30pm For further library van stops and informa�on contact Castle Douglas library on 01556 502 643 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 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 TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR OF THE GLENKENS Something new and exciting is happening, and it’s starting right here in our very own hidden corner of Dumfries & Galloway. A brand new company, Epic Minds, has arrived on the scene, creating audio visual virtual tour guide apps for your phone. “Epic Minds paints the landscape as you drive through it. Experience past, present and future; discover the art and architecture, the engineering and science, the sport, the industry and the wildlife,” say the Epic Minds team. And most exciting of all - they have chosen one of the main routes through the Glenkens on which to base their prototype. This route is the first of its kind and is in its test phase, so Epic Minds are asking people to try it out. What they really need is for you - and your family, friends, relatives and visitors - to download the app for free and give them some feedback on how it’s working; whether it’s interesting, what’s missing, what’s great, what’s not - and any key local information you feel has been missed. To download the app, search for Epic Minds app in your Google Play Store or iPhone App Store, or click on the link on the website homepage to download the app. When you are ready to ‘road trip’ just open up the app at the start of your journey and it will kick in when the route begins. Epic Minds would really appreciate your feedback – you can review it directly through the Apple or Android portal, through the ‘Get in Touch’ section on their website, or email more detailed comments to epicmindstest @outlook.com To find out more about Epic Minds and their apps visit www.epic minds.com page 28 ������������������� ���������������������� ������������� ����������� ������������������������������������ ���������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������ �������������������������������������� ����������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������� ����������������� ������������������������������������������� ������������������� ������������������������������������������ �������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������ ��������������������������������������� �������������������������������������� ������������� ������������������������������������������ ��������������������������������� ����������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������� ������������� ��������������������������������������� YOUR HOTLINE TO HARBRO PRODUCTS JIM on 07900 246 100 Penpont, Thornhill, DG3 4JS Tel: 01848 330 419 Mob: 07900 246 100 jim.campbell@harbro.co.uk www.harbro.co.uk - New clothing now in stock - New bird feeder range now available - 10% OFF all garden products including garden furniture - FIXED PRICES for animal feed to APRIL 2018 15%- Buckets, blocks for sheep and ca�le - ZOLVIX wormer NOW AVAILABLE - 15% THINK…HARBRO All products at very compe��ve prices and delivery if required 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 NOVEMBER 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 102 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GG_102 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 2017 Description An account of the resource Editor: Sarah Ade https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/1/247/GlenkensGazette101.pdf 2c59e76f3d6d37a6e08be26644ead8a9 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 101 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Description An account of the resource <p>Find out more about the Gazette: <a href="https://glenkens.scot/gazette-home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Glenkens Gazette home page</a> If you would like to submit an article or take out an advert, please email the editor Sarah Ade: <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="mailto:glenkensgazette@hotmail.com">glenkensgazette@hotmail.com</a></p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is a member of, and regulated by <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.impressorg.com/">Impress</a>.</p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is an initiative of Glenkens Community &amp; Arts Trust (SC032050) and represents the voice of the community (not necessarily the views of GCAT).</p> Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document GLENKENS GAZETTE News from Balmaclellan, Carsphairn, Mossdale, New Galloway and St John’s Town of Dalry August/September 2017 ISSUE 101 FREE KEEP CATSTRAND DRY Campaign Launches channel excess water away should the Glenkens Community CatStrand burn overflow again.” & Arts Trust have Creative Director Simon Davidson warned: “After two centuries without a launched their new single recorded flood event at the site, CatStrand has been hit three times Keep CatStrand Dry in four years so, of course, insurance campaign and, with companies are very nervous about securing our future even with the celebrity supporters defences we currently have in place. like Outlander’s Sam In essence, if we got hit again this winter then CatStrand is finished, the also appreciate the ongoing support Heughan and Billy place would have to close down. What of our other funders. However, it is Elliot star Gary Lewis, this wall will give us is the protection important to understand that all of this funding is strictly project they’re hoping to specific and therefore cannot reach their target of “...if we got hit again this be used for any other purpose, hence the need to raise £44,000 before the winter then CatStrand is additional funds to meet the winter sets in. cost of the flood wall. Without finished, the place would Project Coordinator and CatStrand youth intern Joe Taylor said: “We need the money because our existing defences aren’t enough to guarantee CatStrand will not suffer another flood like the one that devastated it in 2015. This campaign will help GCAT raise enough money to construct a new flood management system to the rear of the building which will have to close down.” we need to plan into the future and continue delivering activities and events for the people of the Glenkens.” General Manager Brian Edgar said: “We are delighted with the recent confirmation of funding from Big Lottery and Leader (see p9) and this additional protection everything that we do is in jeopardy but by contributing to the campaign people can help to ensure that this vital community resource is secured for the future.” You can help by logging into www.crowdfunder.co.uk/ keep-catstrand-dry or visit www.catstrand.com to find out more. Playgroup Offers Funded Places for Two-Year-Olds Glenkens Children’s Club (GCC) Playgroup is thrilled to offer funded places for twoyear-olds from August. This is a landmark victory for the group as, since the Council cut funded places in 2011, local parents have fought hard to maintain a playgroup in the area as there is no other facility offering pre-school education for this age group. Gaining this recognition from the Council hopefully heralds a more stable future for GCC and, with the new Scottish Government initiatives in early learning and childcare moving towards the 2020 target of 1140 hours per year, the Glenkens will hopefully see funded options for pre-school education continue to broaden. To find out more about funded places for two-year-olds, or to enrol your child for Playgroup, please get in touch with Playgroup Manager, Amy, on 07511 549 413 or playgroupmanager@gcc.co.uk A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) ini�a�ve GCC Playgroup offers a staffed session in a Care Inspectorate registered facility where you can leave your child to play and learn. It runs from 9.15am to 11.45am on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during termtime at the Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry. www.glenkensgaze�e.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 2 CHARITABLE STATUS FOR LING Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING) are pleased to announce that they have now been registered with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) as a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO). Being registered with a charity number gives us greater recognition, especially when applying for extra funding - for example, to make the town hall more user-friendly in terms of access and toilets. Summer weekends at New Galloway Town Hall The New Galloway Story has popped up again for the summer weekends with some new information, pictures, photos and DVDs about our historical Royal Burgh. We would love to hear from anyone who has information to share or who can tell us a story about old New Galloway or who would like be a curator when The Story is on display. On Saturdays The Story in the main hall will be accompanied in the lesser hall by local crafters with a variety of wares to tempt you with. If you would like to book a table just give us a ring. On Sundays in the lesser Bowling cup handover from Tom Carlyle to David Grieve. hall there will be Table Top on various projects developing or Sales. I’m sure there will be a variety improving footpaths around New of pre-loved items on offer. Again, Galloway, as well as a long distance ring us to book a table. path from Carsphairn. Another LING Community Lunches continue project relates to the management of through the summer months so, if a walled garden. it’s too wet or too hot to be in the If you would like to be involved in garden, or just to enjoy the good any of these projects please let us company, come along for coffee or know. lunch between 11am and 2pm. These LING at The Alternative Games times suit the bus timetable. We will be at the Alternative After a good winter and spring Games again with various fun season Town Hall Sports will restart activities including The Round the Carpet Bowls in September. Also, Ruins Run, a seven-mile off-road with the two good tables donated by run; a Children’s Lucky Dip; a local schools, Kells & Crossmichael, Tombola stall and a Car Boot Sale. Table Tennis will continue through There will be information about the summer on Tuesday evenings The New Galloway Story and an between 7pm and 9pm. No need to opportunity to become a Friend of join a club, this is open to all. New Galloway Town Hall. LING and The Galloway Glens To find out more or book tables, etc, Project please call Ros on 01644 420 632. LING are working with the team Ros Hill MANY HAPPY RETURNS FOR BRASS BAND The rafters of Carsphairn Church will be ringing once again to the sound of brass when Dunaskin Doon Band returns on Saturday 28 October to stage an autumn concert in aid of church funds. The band is back in the village after a much-acclaimed performance last year. It will be the band’s fourth appearance at the church in eight years. Newly promoted to the First Section, Dunaskin Doon competed against bands from across the UK in the Second Section at the National Brass Band Championships in Cheltenham last September and finished in a creditable 8th position – the highestplaced Scottish band in all four contesting sections. The concert will start at 7.30pm and light refreshments will be served during the interval. As last year, there will be no admission charge, but donations at the door are requested. Dunaskin Doon Band take the applause at last year’s concert in Carsphairn Church. Glenkens Gazette 40 Years of the Scottish Alternative Games This year sees the 40th anniversary of the famous Scottish Alternative Games. The Lowland alternative to the more traditional Highland Games was the brainchild of the late Mungo Bryson from Parton. When he was trying to think of a suitable event to commemorate the Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1977, he found an old rusty gird and cleek on his farm one day and, together with Mungo’s fertile imagination, the idea was born. Initially called The Parton Games, they were soon rebranded to The Scottish Alternative Games and moved from Parton to their current venue in New Galloway, Scotland’s smallest Royal Burgh, in 2001. As well as attracting thousands of happy spectators and participants over the years the quirky event has featured in the national media, most recently on Channel 5’s Champion’s of the World with Rory McGrath in 2013 and on BBC Countryfile with Ben Fogle in 2008. The friendly, homespun nature of the event has certainly stood the test of time and is the secret of its success, with people returning year after year. Another unique feature of the Games is that all the ‘medals’ are edible - a gold medal is a haggis, silver is a clootie dumpling and bronze a scotch pie! Some events have come and gone over the years like Spinnin’ the Peerie and Flingin’ the Herd’s Bunnet, but the main Alternative Games event has always been The Gird ‘n’ Cleek World Championship. The ‘gird’ is an iron hoop and it is guided by the ‘cleek’, or handle, as the competitors race around an oval track. People from all over the globe have competed ‘race’ to the finish line. The Tractor Pull was introduced when the Games moved to New Galloway and is another strength test to see who can pull a 1960 Massey Fergusson tractor in the fastest time over 20 yards. The Alternative Run, introduced last year, is not a race but a social run at your own pace, starting and finishing in the arena and taking in some of the fantastic scenery of the Glenkens. You can even try your hand at Archery. This was a popular ...the fun lasts all afternoon but the memories will last forever! but the world title has never left the UK before and, in fact, has only been taken out of Scotland on one occasion in 1987 - this is one sport at which Scotland can truly claim world dominance! Other events which have been there from the start include Hurlin’ the Curlin’ Stane – much like the shot putt but using a curling stone instead; Tossin’ the Sheaf – a real test of skill and technique, throwing a sheaf of corn over a high bar using a pitch fork; and the hugely popular Snail Racing - a surprisingly competitive side-show which generates great excitement throughout the day as the snails 2016 Mens’ Gird ‘n’ Cleek final gets underway. Gazette Archives The planned celebratory 100th issue exhibition of Gazette past issues is postponed until we page 3 manage to unearth the past issues. We had all the past issues, right back to the start, nicely stored in the CatStrand prior to the flood. We thought they had survived the flood but, attraction when it was first introduced at New Galloway and we were delighted that the ancient skill was back as an activity last year again after a few years’ absence. All events can be entered on the day and all necessary equipment is provided – just bring yourself, your family and friends, some competitive spirit and, most importantly, your sense of humour. If you prefer just to watch, that’s fine too. As well as all the events in the main arena, the annual Classic Vehicle Show will take pride of place beside the main entrance and there will be lots of other entertainment including the Lockerbie Pipe Band, CatStrand Ukulele Band and Craft Stalls, with a Barbecue, Beer and Teas available all afternoon too. No doubt Mungo never thought that his spur-of-the-moment idea in 1977 would still be going strong 40 years later! We hope that the event has stayed true to his original ethos of a family day out with a difference. Come and join us as we celebrate those 40 years of smiles - the fun lasts all afternoon but the memories will last forever! Come along on Sunday 6 August, 2pm, The Park, New Galloway. unfortunately, it is looking more and more likely that perhaps they didn’t as various potential storage places are searched without any luck. We’ll keep you posted on progress, and hopefully will upload as many past issues as we do have online so people can view them. Sarah Ade Glenkens Gazette page 4 sponsored by EVERYTHING listed in the Glenkens Freecycle section is FREE - you just need to contact the owner and go and pick it up! If you would like to list something on this page, please get in touch with Sarah on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk VARIOUS Late 70s’ vintage 4/5 persons frame tent; wicker picnic hamper; 30 fire bricks; 2 wooden opening windows 66cm X 55cm; 4 large pond baskets 40cm square; camping gaz 2.72kg (6lbs). Contact: Cynthia on 420 605 Carton of 100 unused yellow Jiffy envelopes, size 00 (will take A6 card, maximum depth 25mm); old Tower Compact slow cooker (electric) ceramic pot and lid, 3 litre capacity. Contact: 460 526 WANTED Rabbit hutch. Contact: 07920 066 167 PERMACULTURE GATHERING AT THE HIDDEN MILL The Hidden Mill on the Hidden Road, outside Balmaclellan, hosted this year’s Scottish Permaculture Gathering. In the region of 200 attendees gathered from Galloway, Scotland and as far away as Australia. People enjoyed a large range of activities related to sustainability - there were useful workshops on problem solving in community groups, low carbon trade and green building. People were able to try their hand at some old-world skills such as blacksmithing, scything and lactofermentation. The aim of the event was to showcase a range of skills and issues close to permaculture’s heart. It was also a chance to bring together some of Galloway’s great green talent; local herbalist Alex Ross hosted a very popular tour of the hedgerow, enlightening her listeners on the The Forest School children’s area was a hive of activity. The central area provided food and an opportunity for people to gather and chat throughout the weekend. wonders of weeds. Throughout the weekend, Auchencairn’s master willow weaver, Trevor Leat, created a spectacular living willow sculpture a nest-like structure built for climbing up into for a different perspective on the landscape. The Forest School children’s area was particularly vibrant - there were about 50 children present, with skilled Forest School leaders and enthusiastic helpers offering activities such as creating bug hotels, den building and cooking over an open fire. Local Forest School Leader, Sissy Stavridi, said: “We had a wonderful time. The children loved creating dens from forest materials - especially getting messy with natural clay, and decorating them. They didn’t want to stop building - wonderful to see the children’s truly happy faces!” The event also marked the completion of the Tesco funded children’s permaculture forest garden at the Mill, where they hope to host lots more exciting educational activities for children and young people in and around the Glenkens. Lorraine Ishak, one of the event organisers, said: “The gathering went to off like a charm, it was really humbling how many people contributed before, during and after to make the event so successful. This is the spirit of a co-created event and, in my opinion, where the magic happens. It’s exactly this kind of collaboration of skills and intent that we need to meet our current social political and environmental challenges. It was especially pleasing to see the mix of local Galloway folk and the permaculture enthusiasts equally enjoying the offering and getting involved.” Anyone interested in knowing more about the site or using it for something please get in touch with Lorraine on lorraine.ishak@gmail.com Glenkens Gazette page 5 sponsored by Five Years On... The Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere was officially five years old on 23 July 2017. The application for designation had to be approved by both Scottish and UK Government, and then an international committee based in Paris made up of representatives from around the world who debated the application and recognised that SW Scotland had something unique and special. As a region we should be immensely proud of this achievement and should be quoting it at every opportunity because, in its simplest form, the Biosphere brings us an opportunity to brand and market the businesses and communities of SW Scotland under an international banner; it lets us stand out from the rest of the crowd. The easiest way to tie your business in with the Biosphere is to sign up as a ‘Proud Supporter’, joining over 220 businesses, organisations and individuals who have shown their support already. This association to the positive ethos of the Biosphere can only help in attracting new customers and opportunities. As we look back over the first five years we can record some really positive achievements that help lay the foundations for the Biosphere to continue to grow. Back in 2012 we were one of the first participants in the Giants in the Forest project which brought in artists to work with children in the Glenkens to create a ‘giant’ from twigs, moss and bracken. The giant, twinned with similar giants created in the North Devon and Dyfi Biospheres, was hung from the trees along Raiders Road (then relocated to Threave). Since then the Biosphere has worked with a range of environmental artists who seek to promote the special qualities of the region including Sanctuary, Rosnes benches and the Environmental Arts festival. More recently we have worked with some of our ‘Proud Supporter’ sign-ups to promote an opportunity to Explore the Biosphere with the production of three itineraries Biosphere in action. Over the last five years, we are beginning to see other bodies pick up on elements the Biosphere focuses on in their own land management plans. Discussion has been stimulated with local farmers and land managers about how land use will need to adapt as a result of BREXIT. The Biosphere provided the impetus for a water vole survey which involved training local people in understanding the life-cycle of water voles, what the field signs were of their presence and their value in indicating good wetland management. As we move forward into the next five-year period there are many new and exciting opportunities. We are working on a certification mark that will enable products and services to be branded with the Biosphere logo. We are working with partners from Norway, Finland and Iceland to explore how we can support businesses in the promotion of ecotourism opportunities that celebrate our natural and cultural heritage. And we continue to work with communities to use the Biosphere ‘Sense of Place’ approach to identify the unique attributes of our rural communities. The role of the Biosphere is not to deliver everything itself but to share and nurture the Biosphere ethos through providing an overarching framework that will bring about new actions in our local area and, where necessary, challenge current practices – in short, to live up to the accolade of UNESCO Biosphere status and encourage its use in promoting the region. For further informatio visit www.gsabiosphere.org.uk Ed Forrest, GSA Biosphere Coordinator Discussion has been stimulated with local farmers and land managers about how land use will need to adapt as a result of BREXIT. including one based on Loch Ken and the River Dee. The downloadable leaflet has a detailed route that takes visitors from Castle Douglas on a circuit of Loch Ken, promoting some of the key opportunities to experience natural, cultural and recreational experiences along the way. The Biosphere has been involved since the beginning in working with partners to support and explore the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) funded £5m Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership (GGLP) project. One of the reasons given by HLF for supporting the bid was the UNESCO Biosphere association. As the GGLP moves into the implementation phase in 2018, it will be a shining example of the Glenkens Gazette page 6 New Zealand Flatworm Study There have been expressions of interest in the Glenkens about the New Zealand flatworm and how to stop the spread of this non-native invasive species. The flatworm was brought in in the 1960s to the UK with imported plants, but it is not known how far it has travelled since. It is certain, however, that it is rife in parts of the Glenkens. Scientists at the University of Aberdeen need members of the public to help them better understand how far the New Zealand flatworm has spread and what effect this species is having on the local environment. The flatworm eats our native earthworms, which are essential for good soil quality and the food chain. Dr Annie Robinson from the University explains: “The New Zealand Flatworm Survey has allowed us to create a good picture of many areas. However, we are still lacking enough data to help us determine their existence in other parts of the country. Carrying out the survey is really straightforward; search your garden, allotment, school grounds or public spaces for 10 minutes, focussing on dark damp places like under pieces of wood, stones or plastic.” New Zealand flatworms are between 5-15cm long, flat with a dark brown topside and a creamy pale underside and edge, and often found curled up like a Swiss roll. They are pointed at both ends and covered in sticky mucus, trails of which are left wherever they have been. Below is an adult flatworm, a flatworm egg in comparison to a one pence piece, and flatworm hatchlings. If you think you have found a New Zealand flatworm, please take a photo and submit it along with its location at www.opalexplorenature.org/ nzflatworm - you can also find further information on this site. Reporting where you don’t find any flatworms is also very useful as knowing where the New Zealand flatworm is absent is just as important in managing their spread as knowing where they are. The species is very difficult to control once established. They are able to survive without food for over a year by shrinking their body mass to 10% of their original weight. New Zealand flatworms are spread by moving topsoil or rooted plants between places, which allows this species to move from garden to garden. Current understanding of where in the UK they exist is very limited, but knowing their distribution could help target FHB Fencing Dalry Domestic and Agricultural Fencing 01644 430 495 (Peter) or 07767 795 498 (Jonathan) HIGHLAND BEEF from THE GLENKENS STEAK ROASTS MINCE CASSEROLE LORNE pre-pack frozen Blackmark Dalry Castle Douglas DG7 3UG 01644 460532 www.highland.scot initiatives to prevent further introductions. The SNH website states that under Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1992 it is an offence to release a New Zealand flatworm into the wild, illustrating the seriousness of the spread of these pests and the need to control them when found. The site also states that the most important action at the present time is to reduce the spread of flatworms in plant containers. This requires strict hygiene in plant nurseries and gardens, especially for soil which is known to be infected. If possible, plants should be planted with bare roots or from seed into clean soil. Some treatment is possible for infected plant pots; immersing pots in water overnight may make most of the flatworms leave the pots allowing them to be captured. However, any egg capsules will remain in the soil. Glenkens Gazette page 7 NEW GALLOWAY IN BLOOM Some readers may have noticed that New Galloway has been transformed with tubs of flowers and hanging baskets. The ground at the junction of Kirk Road and Newton Stewart Road has had a make over, for the benefit of visitors and residents alike. We would like to thank Derek Thomson (WH Mcwilliams Ltd), CatStrand, the Alternative Games, The Smithy, Williamson & Henry, The Cross Keys, the Post Office and New Galloway & Kells Community Council for their donations, all of which helped buy plants and containers. We would also like to thank Dumfries & Galloway Council and Jenny Walker for their donation of plants. We hope you all enjoy our efforts to brighten the town! Linda & Marion A&B Sinclair Welding & Fabrication 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 Decorative Ironwork Design, Manufacture & Installation Service • Garden/Driveway Gates • Handrails & Balustrades • Garden Features, etc Mobile Welding Service • Agricultural & Forestry • Fabrication & Repairs Contact Andy Sinclair: Mobile - 07896 168 724 Home - 01644 430 332 Glenkens Gazette page 8 Glenkens Gazette page 9 Connecting in Communities Connecting in Communities (CiC) is an exciting new participation and community involvement project running for the next three years under the auspices of the Glenkens Communities & Arts Trust (GCAT). As a follow-up to the highly successful Connecting in Retirement (CiR) project, CiC will focus on creating partnerships with local groups and clubs as well as critical organisations like the NHS, Social Services, Age Scotland and third sector D&G for example. This in return will offer a wider scope of activities and events ‘open to all’, but will extend to remove barriers for those who find it harder to participate - older folks, those who are disabled, housebound or are unpaid carers. The project will provide many more opportunities for volunteering in the Glenkens. GCAT has secured funding from both The Big Lottery and LEADER and appointed two staff to run the project. Brian Jones, who ran the CiR project, will lead and Chris Jowsey starts a new role as Volunteering and Participation Officer. Both can be contacted Brian Jones, Lindsey Smith and Chris Jowsey with at the CatStrand on Connecting in Retirement cheque. 01644 420374 or at brian@catstrand.com Workshop, Ukulele for Beginners, or chris@catstrand.com Ale Tasting (over 18s only) and a Connecting in Communities is Rock Music Night! aimed at a wider audience in terms A key aim of the project is to get of age, ability and location and more volunteers running more things offers something for everyone for themselves, with back-up and across the Glenkens; the current support from the project team, so if favourites such as Men’s Shed, you want to get involved, get in touch. Ukulele Band, Writing Workshop We don’t have all the ideas either, and Digital Photography will all so if you have a bright idea for the continue plus we plan to try new Community we’ll see if we can help evening Yoga Sessions, a Young you bring it to life. Chris Jowsey Persons’ Motorcycle Maintenance Glenkens Gazette page 10 DALRY FILM NIGHTS Dalry Town Hall will be starting its winter season of films in September supported by the British Film Institute (BFI) through Driftwood Cinema. Showings of films in the Town Hall were very popular between January and April and we hope that the winter programme will be just as appealing. The films were chosen by visitors to the Glenkens Farmer’s Market in July. The programme after Christmas will be announced over the next few months. Some dates for your diary are: The Commitments on 6 September, Trainspotting2 on 20 September, Hairspray on 18 October and Jackie on 15 November. In addition, in partnership with the CatStrand, we will be expanding the programme to offer films aimed at and selected by young people from the Glenkens aged 15-25 as part of a BFI-funded Movies After Dark project, screening between October and December. Anyone interested in finding out more about this project should turn to the article on p16, or contact Aidan at the CatStrand on aidan@catstrand.com MARIE CURIE WIGTOWN BOOK FESTIVAL life, Shakespeare and the Year Wigtown Book Festival THANKS takes place in Scotland’s of Innovation, Architecture and Thank you to all who contributed to the success of the Marie Curie Blooming Great Tea Party and Swishing Evening. We have been able to contribute £400 to Marie Curie as well as passing on clothes to the Dalry Community Shop and the Dumfries Marie Curie Shop. Thank you all, Ros and Julia National Book Town from Friday 23 September to Sunday 2 October. Design. With over 280 events for adults, young people and children there’s something for everyone. Join us for a 10-day literary celebration in which this year we take inspiration from island Patsy Gilroy I am delighted to have been elected as one of the Local Councillors for the new Dee and Glenkens Ward. If you would like to get in touch, my contact details are: patsy.gilroy@dumgal.gov.uk 07825 633153 Rebecca Giblin Wigtown. 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 – Glenlea 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 fleetfish@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 11 CatStrand Highlights Contemporary music dominates our summer schedule with some famous faces and also a few familiar names appearing at the CatStrand in August and September. As a prelude to the Scottish Alternative Games we are throwing a NEON PARTY featuring young Kirkcudbright rock band Black Mango (Fri 4 Aug). The 5-piece have been getting rave reviews for their performance at Gatehouse Music Festival and are tipped for big things. The night also features Shade and a DJ. Classical/world guitarist Simon Thacker’s reputation as one of the world’s leading exponents of the instrument (The Herald) precedes his Karmana show (Fri 11 Aug). The concert itself will be an extraordinary musical experience of guitar and cello where the audience is transported through a “kaleidoscopic world of tradition-expanding sounds incorporating Scottish, Roma, and Indian cultures.” Meanwhile, Dark Sky Jazz Club returns after a truly extraordinary opening night with two concerts from world-renowned artists. Trio Red (Fri 25 Aug) are a piano, bass & drums trio described by the Guardian as a “world class trio…riveting and complex”. Meanwhile Zoe Rahman (Sat 23 Sept) needs no introduction after her storming trio here last year. The piano maestro described by Metro as having “breathtaking musical imagination” returns with Scottish saxophonist Laura MacDonald to mesmerise and delight with a new set. August closes with a concert by US singer-songwriter and multiinstrumentalist AJ Croce (Thu 31 Aug). Described by Rolling Stone as “one of the greatest young songwriters” and a personal favourite of the legendary Willie Nelson, Croce has adoring audiences all over the globe who may also know his father, the acclaimed Jim Croce. September sees a debut at CatStrand for Boo Hewerdine (Sat 9 Sept). Best known as a member of The Bible and key collaborator of Eddi Reader, Hewerdine also has famous fans such as Andrew Marr! His new album Swimming in Mercury has been a regular on the CatStrand turntable. The end of September will see one of the biggest stars of the 1970s and 80s play CatStrand. Elton John favourite and former Glastonbury headliner Judie Tzuke (Thu 28 Sept) brings her intimate and hugely popular Songs & Stories tour to New Galloway with a set that will include both old favourites such as “Stay With Me Til Dawn” as well as new songs reworked for an acoustic performance. A late booking in our programme is Fox & Hounds Theatre Co who will be performing three plays at CatStrand (Sat 16 Sept) after a run at the Edinburgh Zoe Rahman Festival. The blossoming Galloway-based company are performing a double bill of Tennessee Williams entitled Talk to Me Like the Rain and Let Me Listen and Ivan’s Window followed by their own piece 1 in 2 Chance. Some other highlights to watch out for are our first Movie in the Park (Sat 19 Aug) which will feature Sundance Festival double winner Me, Earl & The Dying Girl [12A]. We also have our annual CatStrand Ukes Summer Party (Tues 19 Sep) and our revamped OPEN STAGE (Wed 9 Aug & Wed 13 Sept). All of these events are FREE ENTRY. Tickets for our 10th Anniversary Showcase in October are ON SALE NOW so if you want tickets for Dougie MacLean, Craig Hill, Rachel Sermanni, and much more, get in quick! For more details and to keep updated with event announcements visit www.catstrand.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter. The CatStrand Team See our latest brochure or visit our website for programme details. Book online at www.catstrand.com or call 01644 420374. JENNY’S DESIGN Mobile Hairdresser • Home Visits • Nursing Homes & Residential • The Elderly & Disabled • Blow Drying • Setting • Perms • Cuts • Toupees • Wig Styling NVQ Level 3 Hairdressing, NVQ Level 4 Social Care Call Jenny on 07554 009 624 Glenkens Gazette page 12 Scotland to Sahara: Update from the Overlanders I write this update on a cool evening at the end of another hot day, within the giant cedar forests of the Middle Atlas mountains. We have trekked some fantastic hikes over the past few days here, discovering all manner of natural sights. The sprawling city lights of Azrou glimmer in the distant valley, far below our mountain-side base camp. There are even a few troops of Barbary apes who pass by our place some days, with tiny new babies clinging on, I’m unsure of the term for a monkey or ape baby? Perhaps an ‘apelet’, maybe ‘monkling’, or a ‘chimpette’? Suggestions welcome please... Brief interludes of France and Spain preluded a lengthy tour of sunny Portugal which was thoroughly enjoyable. It was then time to change continent once more, Africa welcomed us for the journey South. Tarfaya in the Western Sahara was the aim: we are happy to report a status of ‘mission complete’. This town was originally founded, under British colonial rule, by Scottish trader and adventurer Donald Mackenzie. The castle he had built there is quite impressive, reminiscent of many such stone forts back home. The Tarfaya strip was, until recent times, the Southern border of Morocco. This line still remains on many maps. We then headed inland to the desert proper. This was a really amazing experience. After a couple of weeks there the heat was becoming quite tiresome though, so the direction became North to the mighty High Atlas mountain range. Morocco has such a wide array of terrains and climates. The mountains may have their feet in the scorching desert, but the heights still remain covered in snow! Living outside every day, whilst ‘sleeping in the sky’ of our roof top tent every night for the past three months, has been an eye opening adventure. The common belief of wild camping being dangerous, or not possible within Europe, has proved quite incorrect. The majority ofthe time has been spent in this type of self-created camp. We have only used official campsites when the area is too heavily populated, or to top up our Wifi contact in the absence of cyber cafes. The outdoors lifestyle seems exceedingly good for health and spirit, suggesting that maybe our modern climate controlled, centrally heated lifestyles do nothing to aid Kaerus parked up on the ‘Cami Ral’ trail, overlooking the city of Barcelona. wellbeing. Of course the plentiful sunshine helps too! Kaerus the Defender has been outstanding, putting up with all conditions asked of her without so much as a grumble. A nod of respect to hard wearing, hand built British engineering. The hospitality and general friendly responses throughout this trip have Tarfaya...was originally founded, under British colonial rule, by Scottish trader and adventurer Donald Mackenzie. been quite heart warming - whether it be tea with nomads, shooting the breeze with camel herders, meals with mountain Berber families or shared evenings with the many likeminded individuals out exploring the world. The only exception has been when we pass ‘must see tourist sights’. These areas, which to most people are the only locations to see when visiting a country, are are not genuine and attract quite unpleasant, greedy individuals. They become only interested in milking money from the seemingly rich tourists, who arrive in sun-burnt flocks by way of tour buses, before taking countless selfies and piling back onto the bus. Could it be suggested that surely the local economy benefits from these influxes of sightseers? Not really, the areas and people that sorely need economic help are far from these sites, genuine local residents who would really benefit from an extra customer or two at their cafe, guest house or farm produce stall. Look a wee bit beyond the realms of guidebooks or package tour destinations - you won’t be disappointed. If you would like a further glimpse into our adventures, visit www.kaerus-overland.weebly.com There is also a ‘donate’ link to our chosen charity of Medecins Sans Frontieres. Much awareness has been raised for MSF throughout this trip, they really make a difference to so many lives globally - check out their website for current stories. Ben Ade Glenkens Gazette page 13 GETTING INTO GOLF New Galloway Golf Club is in the middle of an excellent season. The club’s membership has increased this year and the junior section coaching continues to be well attended. In May the club hosted the Dumfries & Galloway Primary Schools Championship. The entry for this was the biggest since the start of the annual competition and all those who played had a fantastic day. In June the club held it’s Captains Day with the Jack McQueen Trophy for the members, the new Les Burton Trophy for the juniors and a putting competition for juniors and their parents. The winners were: in the Jack McQueen Trophy, Ronnie Ritchie; The Les Burton juniors, Fiona McQueen; and the putting competition, Sophie & Chrissy Roberts. Following the fun, members and guests were treated to some excellent curries. Ian Brown Sophie and Chrissy Roberts, winners of the putting competition. SUMMER AT SPALDING Spalding Bowling Club held its open triples which were won by John Crawford, Stewart Gilmore and Jackson Pringle from Castle Douglas. Beaten finalists were John McGarrie, Stewart Crossan and Joe Caldow from Auchencairn. Also pictured are President Mat Taylor and Valerie Russell, who presented the prizes on behalf of The Sponsors - GTR Contractors, Dumfries and The Clachan Inn, Dalry. Valerie Russell Glenkens Gazette page 14 Educating Individuals in a Unique Environment The academic year 2016/2017 opened with celebrations of 85th and 50th anniversaries of the Dalry School buildings. What made the celebrations special was the enthusiastic drive of the parents as they launched FodsFest 2016. Rarely can a community be seen to come together in this way, setting an amazing example for our young people. Inside our three unique school settings, the staff work on a daily basis to provide young people with stimulating learning within a beautiful landscape: so many activities in the space of a year. Highlights of joint activity were the night-time visits to the Dark Skies Observatory on our doorstep at Loch Doon and the daytime activities at the Galloway Activity Centre at the end of the year. Such activities broaden individual horizons, encouraging children to break their own ground and to have their own unique response to stimulus acknowledged and developed. The schools are a focus for communities at key times of Harvest, Christmas and Easter with associated events and celebration. Christmas fairs, school plays, charity coffee mornings - all offer young people opportunities to take their own active role in their community. The sense of taking responsibility starts early on and the P1/2/3 French café morning was evidence of this, as was Kells musical café. Visits out of school include local public information events and, further afield, Carsphairn primary spent a day in a huge primary in Maryhill (Glasgow), demonstrating their confidence, good manners and enthusiasm for learning in a very different setting. Cluster primaries stayed in Edinburgh and Carlingwark, growing in competence and independence each time. The secondary made it down to the Eden Project taking in a production in Stratford upon Avon, the Black Country Living Museum and the Centre for Alternative Technology in mid-Wales. Four days, three countries and nearly 1000 miles - small schools can do big stuff! Historians visited the Devils Porridge, artists visited Edinburgh galleries, geographers took every opportunity to be out and about and outdoor activities of every sort were baton) has been a good opportunity for them and good role modelling for younger pupils. What makes us most proud is the great commitment and outstanding sportsmanship exhibited by our young people. This is what led to Amy Peacock being awarded Player of the Day at the Paul Jones finals in Kirkcudbright. All Glenkens’ schools this year have changed the focus of parents’ evenings to a collaborative learning conversation where pupil, parent and staff can examine strengths and key areas for development. We have all learnt much through the process and look forward to refining it next year. The great work done in primaries is what leads to the overall success of young people in secondary, as the schools add value to each and every pupil. Having the same staff who know them well is one of the key factors in that success. Having no limits to their learning is a second. With no setting in the secondary, every pupil has equal access to the highest levels and all can achieve more than they thought they could. So from entering nursery to the point where they are moving on from the secondary, Glenkens pupils are encouraged to take on opportunity and to be more than they thought they could be. From playing with spiders in the school garden with nursery pupils to sharing the dawn with the outgoing S4 from the roundhouse at Malthrawn of Mabie, my time in the Glenkens has been very special. A sense of wonder, reflection, expectation, gratitude and excitement for the future. Isn’t that what our school days should give us all? It has been a real pleasure to have had the privilege of working with this very special group of children, parents and staff. Jenny Smith, Acting Headteacher ...Glenkens pupils are encouraged to take on opportunity and to be more than they thought they could be. explored through the secondary Activities Afternoon. Secondary pupils have just returned from Barcelona where they spent four days being inspired by this beautiful city. Visitors to our schools have included hair-raising scientists and furry spiders, peace advocates and wildlife photographers. Each brings new faces, new ideas and stimulation. Sport has figured highly in all sectors throughout the year with many young people participating. Table tennis, netball, badminton and cross country have all been competitive sports with some pupils performing at national level. Primary football has been given a great boost by David Steward, who has tirelessly coached and supported the Glenken’s team to success in the Small Schools Tournament and stunning displays from both boys’ and girls’ teams in the Paul Jones tournament. The support offered to David by secondary pupil Cameron Wilke (with Andrew Ramsay now picking up that Check out the Glenkens schools’ Glenkens Gazette page 15 OUR SMALL SCHOOLS In Scotland, our rural areas are lucky to have so many wonderful small schools. The isolated nature of the communities, set among wild glens and windswept islands, means that what has historically been eclipsed by larger-scale offerings in other parts of the country have remained, for no other reason than that they are the only viable option, as small mixed-age learning environments. Children can’t be expected to travel for hours to and from school, so schools must stay small and within their communities in order give their small children space to grow up in and they began looking for jobs in Scotland. Jenny was given a post at Douglas Ewart High School in Newton Stewart, first as a biology teacher and then as Depute Head. She then transferred to Dalbeattie High School in 2005 as Depute, encouraging Bruce to join her as they were short of teaching staff. For a short while she was Acting Head in Dalbeattie before joining the Glenkens Cluster. We have been very lucky to have Jenny here, even for just a short time – we would have liked longer. Incredibly articulate, humorous and empathetic, Jenny posesses the ability to communicate clearly with Acting Head of the Glenkens Cluster from both parents 2014-2017, Jenny Smith. and children. With a keen through being set in the heart of interest in the the students’ own communities; psychology, all-through school benefits of learning and teacher-pupil relationships that development grow from pre-school right of young up until school-leaving age, people, Jenny has a hunger to giving teachers an in-depth learn and a genuine interest in the understanding of what works environment in which she works. for each child. And building This means that nothing becomes communities – when children stagnant, and her enthusiasm grow up and learn in their home draws out the best from teachers community, forging alliances with and pupils alike – an openness those around them, they are to new concepts and ideas keeps much more likely to return and things fresh. settle there. Jenny is also keenly aware, with For areas such as the Glenkens, over 30 years as a teacher, of what their remote situation offers a works and what doesn’t. In the unique educational setting where constant tide of educational flux, children benefit from some holding on to elements which work of the best learning on offer is sometimes hard - not letting the whilst developing an empathy tide of current policy sweep away towards and understanding of the key concepts which have taken community in which they live. years to get right. Sarah Ade Jenny has also been a staunch On behalf of parents in the supporter of the unique benefits of Glenkens I would like to thank what rural schools Jenny for working so hard on our, have to offer – things and our young people’s, behalf. that other larger and more urban schools We wish her well in her retirement just can’t provide. which I’m sure she will fill with Features such as adventures for many years to real community engagement, come - please keep us posted! These little microcosms offer a type of high quality education the overarching system is now trying to re-construct in its larger schools... to cater to the children who live there. These little microcosms offer a type of high quality education the overarching system is now trying to re-construct in its larger schools; ‘vertical’ systems are being created, where each large school is basically formed into a number of small all-through schools. In the Glenkens, a rural part of Dumfries and Galloway, Acting Head of the Glenkens Cluster, Jenny Smith, is retiring. In the three years she has been in place, Jenny has been an amazing asset to our wee group of schools, winning the hearts of students, teachers and parents alike. Born and raised in Birmingham, Jenny left university in 1980 and joined Surrey County Council as an engineer. Her teaching career began in 1983 as a biology teacher in Gravesend, Kent, following which she joined a boys’ school in Maidstone and then became Head of Sixth Form at Rochester Grammar School for Girls. Having started a family with her husband, Bruce, they decided to Launch of Youth Consulta�on Glenkens Gazette page 16 Glenkens Community and Arts Trust (GCAT) and a number of other local organisa�ons, including Sleeping Giants, have come together to run Glenkens Youth Voice – an important and first-of-its-kind consulta�on with young people aged 12–25 from the Glenkens. Over the summer and autumn of 2017 young people will be able to have their voices heard in a range of fun and interac�ve ways. The consulta�on is the result of cha�ng to young people who come along to CatStrand, young people at Dalry school, as well as a number of local organisa�ons. From these informal discussions GCAT know that young people’s needs are not being met - this includes on issues surrounding health, social opportuni�es, safety, employment and transport. Young people need and deserve local services designed with them in mind which can support them if they have a problem, or which can provide them with fun, young-person-friendly ac�vi�es, and opportuni�es that they can access in their local area. The consulta�on is being designed to find out what and how best local organisa�ons and bodies can support young people in the area to meet these needs, and will take place through opportuni�es carried out by trained and Disclosure Scotland cleared staff, as well as an online and in-school survey. More informa�on about the consulta�on and how the informa�on gathered will be used can be seen on the CatStrand Youth website www.catstrandyouth.co.uk Aged 12-25? CatStrand Youth Arts team will be out and about, talking to you and listening to your views at events like the Alterna�ve Games in New Galloway, Neon Night at CatStrand and in schools in September. Look out for pop up wishing trees, graffi� walls, tweet boxes and Big Brother Diary rooms where you can tell us what you think about the Glenkens around your village. An Instagram compe��on will also be launched and a whole range of other ways you can tell us how you feel, what’s important to you and what you need to help thrive here in the Glenkens. Follow us @catstrandyouth to find out about the Instagram compe��on. Look out for the youth voice ac�vity in your area, and fill in the online survey available through www.catstrandyouth.co.uk for your chance to enter a prize draw and have your say. Movies A�er Dark Project CatStrand You now taking boo events and works Summer – more d full programme ca www.catstrandyo facebook.com/cats call Aidan on 016 CatStrand has received funding from the Bri�sh Film Ins�tute and Film Hub Scotland for a project launching this August in Dalry, New Galloway, Kirkcudbright and Castle Douglas that will see more of the films you want to see up on the big screens around your local area. We’re seeking young people 15-25 who are into watching movies to create the programme of films on tour which will be targeted at this age group. Programming groups will be recruited across the towns and villages involved in the project to come up with, watch and search out the best films to grace screens in the Tollbooth Arts Centre, CatStrand, The Fullerton and Dalry Film Club this winter. The programming groups will meet in September with industry experts to make their selec�ons for screenings throughout October – December. Interested in ge�ng involved in film programming? Looks great on the CV, gives you insight into the film industry (perfect for wannabe film makers) and it’s a good excuse to watch films for free for cinema fans or up and coming film cri�cs. Email aidan@catstrand.com 30 Days of Summer in the Glenkens Glenkens Gazette page 17 CatStrand’s summer programme for young people 12-25 has launched and offers an amazing and diverse mix of opportuni�es over a 30-day period for young people throughout the Glenkens. Highlights include some firsts for CatStrand – the first ever Game Jam event. A game jam is a gathering of people for the purpose of planning, designing and crea�ng one or more games within a short span of �me, usually ranging between 24 and 72 hours. On 2 and 3 August CatStrand will be host to professional game animators and programmers who will help young people create their own 2.5D game over two days of a�ernoon workshops! Gamers will be lucky enough to meet Zoe Sams, tools programmer for AA Games Companies and a member of the Board of Directors for the Interna�onal Game Developers Associa�on. She’ll be speaking about routes into the games industry on Thursday 3 August. If that wasn’t enough for gaming fans, CatStrand will be opening up the cinema for big screen gaming both nights a�er the workshops PLUS we’ll have an Oculus virtual reality sta�on to try out and a FIFA championship the following week for the pros out there. These workshops see the launch of CatStrand new monthly gaming sessions – Game Tech – for over-12s to come and try out the latest XBOX 1 games using the big screen and opportuni�es to work on game development projects and coding with support from uth Arts are University West of Scotland’s game department for free on the last Wednesday of the month. okings for all shops over the details and the an be found on outh.co.uk or strandyouth or 644 420 374. More firsts this Summer include an outdoor movie screening in New Galloway park with the help of local company Dri�wood Cinema’s portable screening facility and CatStrand’s new inflatable sofas providing comfy seats. The one night only outdoor cinema will be showing Me and Earl and the Dying Girl – winner of both the US Drama�c Audience Award and the Grand Jury Prize at the 2015 Sundance Fes�val. The 12a rated film will be screened at 9.30pm in the park on the 19 August and is FREE. Ice cream, a barbecue and hot drinks will be on sale from 8.30pm – cinema goers are encouraged to bring a picnic, snacks and a blanket to keep cosy whatever the weather. An umbrella might not go amiss either... An under-18s gig on Friday 4 August will see Kirkcudbright rock band Black Mango and singer Shade take to the stage in CatStrand, in a first for New Galloway. The gig and DJ set is open to anyone over 13 (and under 18) and will run from 8-11pm. CatStrand Youth Arts are looking forward to welcoming members of the Creetown Youth Ini�a�ve youth clubs in Newton Stewart, Creetown and Kirkcudbright to the gig. There will be free minibus transport between Castle Douglas and New Galloway, as well as from the other Glenkens villages, before and a�er the gig for young people in need of a li� (seats need to be booked in advance, with parental consent, so get in touch). A great chance to see this up and coming local band and get your glow on – let’s make this event a hit and hopefully CatStrand UV neon party nights will become a regular thing, suppor�ng fantas�c local talent. Glenkens Gazette page 18 DETECTIVE FICTION: The Foreign Sleuths There are many fictional foreign detectives available for our pleasure. Many are written by British authors (often having lived or worked abroad for many years) and others have been translated into English. Perhaps the two most famous are Inspector Montalbano and Commissario Brunetti, the creation of Donna Leon. Some of the detectives appear in a long series of books and others only in one or two. I should also point out that if the book is rather too gruesome I tend not to be terribly interested. Boris Akunin has created two detectives, Sister Pelagia, a Russian nun who is often dragged against her will into solving crimes and Erast Fandorin, the C.19th Moscow detective. Dave Robicheaux from Louisiana by James Lee Burke is popular. Colin Cotterill has created the delightful Dr Siri Paiboun in Laos. Lindsey Davis has dipped into classical Rome to create two detectives, Flavia Albia, the female detective and Marcus Didius. Michael Dibdin has given us Inspector Aurelio Zen from modern day Italy and Sam Eastland Inspector Pekkala who tries to solve crime through the chaos of Tsarist and Stalinist Russia. Inspector Van der Valk by Nicholas Freeling will recall the TV series and the soundtrack for many readers. Kerry Greenwood produced the delightful, if rather frothy and frisky, Phryne Fisher in early C.20th Australia and Michele Giuttari, once Head of the Florence Police Force, has given us Chief Superintendent Ferrara. Jason Goodwin introduced Yahim the eunuch from C.19th Istanbul. Vaseem Khan’s Inspector Chopra of India is worth reading. Harry Kemelman has created the popular American Rabbi David Small and Philp Kerr the 1930s’ German Bernie Gunther. Camilla Lackberg’s Falck and Hedstrom are examples of the very popular Nordic detectives. Gloomy Nordic thrillers are not to everyone’s taste. Precious Ramotswe from Botswana is the creation of Alexander McCall Smith and she is a joy to read. Arkady Renko by Martin Cruz Smith is always well written, Gorky Park is almost a classic by now. One of my personal favourites is Ivy Litvinov’s District Procurator Nikulin. It was published in 1930 when she was married to Maxim Litvinov, one of the leading Bolshevik figures. Henning Mankell’s Kurt Wallander should be reasonably familiar to many. Ben Pastor ‘s Martin Bora tries to fight crime on behalf of the German Wehrmacht in World War Two. The irony of investigating killings in the middle of war is nicely handled. Louise Penny has created the bestselling Chief Inspector Gamache from modern Quebec. Sara Paretsky has given us the famous Chicago private investigator, V. I. Warshawski and Robert Parker has given us the American Sheriff, Jesse Stone. Michael Pearce has the Egyptian Mamur Zapt keeping the British Empire in this part of the world safe. Stalinist Russia again provides the background for Captain Korolov by William Ryan. Maj Sjowall and Per Wahloo have given us the Swedish detective Martin Beck and Anne Zouroudi the quite delightful Greek Hermes Diaktoros. Qui Xiaolong’s Inspector Chen battles corrupt Chinese officials and the changing face of modern Chinese society. If readers have their favourites, please contact us, don’t keep them a big secret. HAIR BY JAYNE Richard 26 Main Street, Dalry Arkless MP Hair by Jayne is pleased to announce the addition of a New Hairstylist. Emma Perrott will be joining the Salon from September, specialising in weddings/occasion hair and colour correction. Open Tues-Sat by appointment: 01644 430 525 or 07876 397 725 Dumfries & Galloway Constituency Richard operates an open-door policy please just pop in to either office at any time during opening hours. Constituency Office Dumfries Unit 7, High Street, Loreburne Shopping Centre, Dumfries, DG1 2BD Tel: 01387 265698 Mon-Fri 10am-4pm Constituency Office Stranraer 36-38 Charlotte Street, Stranraer, DG9 7EF Tel: 01776 705800 Mon/Tue/Thurs/Fri 10am-2pm Email: richard.arkless.mp@parliament.uk www.richardarkless.scot Glenkens Gazette page 19 Sun Shines on Gardens of Excellence The Glenkens Transport Initiative (GTI) has been busy during the first half of the year running a variety of interesting excursions. The trips to the Gardens of Excellence benefited from good weather. In April, Logan Botanic Garden was visited when everyone enjoyed a talk from the head gardener and the beautiful display of spring flowers. The trip to Burnside Garden disclosed the newly planted arboretum containing trees from around the world. May saw a trip to Woodfall Garden with its amazing walled garden, which totally captivated everyone. Corsock House garden was visited for the National Garden Scheme and in June, Broughton House, Anwoth Old Schoolhouse Garden and Cally Gardens all provided inspiration for people to try ideas in their own gardens. Excursions for the second half of the gardening year are now planned with a keen eye on timing visits to appreciate the maximum beauty of each individual garden. In August, Ardwell House Garden and Glenwhan Happy travellers on the Gardens of Excellence GTI Trip. Garden are to be visited, Dawyck Botanical Garden. the former GTI runs these excursions for offering landscaped gardening, the the benefit of our community. latter displaying a beautiful mixed Pick-up points for each trip garden with wild flower woodlands. are available around the area Opportunities to restock one’s plant so if you want an enjoyable collection will also be available. informative day out with likeIn September, Craigengillan Estate minded individuals, contact the is the venue with its famous rock CatStrand to book your seat. and water garden, kitchen garden, hot beds and palm house. The The GTI Team season is rounded off with the spectacular autumn colours of Follow us on facebook and twi�er and make sure to sign up for our newsle�er - see website for details… www.gallowayglens.org Glenkens Gazette page 20 FARMERS’ MARKET RNLI Success SEEKS NEW The annual Glenkens Coffee Evening fundraiser for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) took place in Dalry Town Hall. This year the event got off to a terrific start as guests were entertained by pupils from Dalry Primary School who sang a selection of sea shanties to great applause. Stalls selling home baking, plants, books, tombola and RNLI souvenirs were all busy and the raffle proved very popular as well. The Committee are very grateful for all who helped and are delighted to report that just over £1,000 was raised for RNLI funds. Often known as the fourth emergency service, the Lifeboats do not receive any government funding and are reliant on the generosity of the public so many thanks to all our supporters here in the Glenkens. STALLHOLDERS The long-established Glenkens Farmers’ Market is held on the second Saturday of each month in Dalry Town Hall, and is a regular date for both stallholders and the general public alike. People come from all over the Glenkens to buy and to sit down for a coffee, chat and some homemade cake. It’s not unusual to see customers filling their bags with a month’s supply of corn bread from The Little Bakery or to be drawn to Carson’s stall by the smell of a sizzling burger. The Balmaclellan Smokehouse offers smoked cheeses, fish and meats. There is home baking to be bought as well as jams, marmalade, honey and plants, as well as a beautiful selection of hand-made cards. A recent addition has been the offering of fine chocolates from In House Chocolates in Castle Douglas, for that special treat. Right now the market has room for one or two more stalls and would be happy to hear from anyone interested. To find out more or book a table call Jean Lockerbie on 01644 430 454. Chocolates at the Farmer’s Market. Glenkens Gazette page 21 Arndarroch Open Garden The garden at Arndarroch will be opened to the public on Sunday 20 and Saturday 26 August by the Dumfries and Galloway Canine Rescue. 40% of the proceeds will go to the Carsphairn Church Fabric Account which funds the repairs and maintenance at the church. The garden at Arndarroch has been developed from the hillside over the last 26 years. The whole garden is wildlife friendly including the numerous rabbits! Many birds find nesting places in the trees and shrubs whilst others are helped by unusual nest boxes. Garden waste material is used in the woodlands to provide homes for many mammals and countless smaller creatures. There is a good collection of herbaceous perennials, trees and shrubs – some rare- and seats are available so that one can sit and savour the magnificent views. Entrance to the gardens is £3.50, school children – and younger - are free. Children enjoy the space and the intriguing corners of the garden and there will be a treasure hunt, with prizes, for them. Teas (all home baking) are £2.50 and there will be the usual excellent plant stall and small craft exhibition. The garden is open from 2-5pm and dogs on leads are welcome. Teas will not be available on Saturday 26. Arndarroch is on the B7000 five miles from Carsphairn and Dalry. View over Kendoon loch and the hills beyond with, in the foreground, Rocky the Kendoon monster, who often visits the garden. t: 01292 550954 m: 07766 978568 e: rj.mcculloch@aol.co.uk www.rjmcculloch.co.uk RJ McCulloch is a family run plumbing, heating and renewables company that is a trusted provider of affordable heating solutions. At RJ McCulloch we embody the concepts of quality, technical skills and customer satisfaction. Our aim is to provide our customers with a no-nonsense and reliable service for many years to come. From a rural cottage to a country estate, we can design and install a heating system to suit your needs. Our highly experienced installation and service engineers are fully qualified in all areas of Gas, Oil, LPG, Biomass, Heat pumps and Solar Thermal. RJ McCulloch recently installed a Mitsubishi Ecodan heat pump for Gary and Liz at St John’s Town Of Dalry to replace their electric storage heaters and hot water immersion system. They are now experiencing reduced fuel costs, more efficient central heating and hot water and also benefiting from the renewable heat incentive available to home owners and businesses alike installing renewable technology. Happy owners of a new Eco Dan boiler, Gary and Liz, with Ross McCulloch. Please feel free to contact Ross for advice relating to any plumbing or heating queries you may have. Glenkens Gazette A key element of Watson Birds is to ensure that the best scientific work on raptors (eagles, harriers, buzzards, kites etc) is made available to the public. Hence our day of presentations in Dalry Town Hall on 23 September. Also, there will be lots of information from local experts about where to watch birds in Dumfries & Galloway, the results of recent surveys, and the proposed additions to the local golden eagle population. It will be preceded on 22 September by a similar series of presentations in Edinburgh. There is so much hearsay and speculation about birds of prey, all too often based on prejudice. So we are bringing first rate scientists to talk to anyone interested in an informative and non-technical way about their work. We are particularly fortunate in having one of the world’s leading raptor scientists, Professor Ian Newton FRS, to lead us off on the page 22 day. Modern techniques of radio tracking the paths of golden eagles will be another highlight revealing the places in Scotland where these magnificent birds just vanish, a point which the Scottish Government has registered strong concern. And in the afternoon, our local experts, including Chris Rollie and Andrew Bielinski who both live in Dalry, and representatives from the NTS and WWT Caerlaverock, will be talking about special local bird places. Paintings, prints and books by Donald Watson will be available for sale. It is a pleasure to be hosting this event in the Dalry Town Hall with its excellent facilities. We will provide light refreshments and ask for an entrance charge of £10. In addition, we plan that The Clachan will provide a light lunch for payment. I hope to see many local people as well as bird interests there on 23 September. To book, please either phone the CatStrand on 01644 420 374 or email roger.dodin@btinternet.com Please see ad on p29 for full programme. Roger Crofts Frank a poem by Kevin Ade He was late coming gently from the Irish side stirring the dusk just a little but really nothing much before the wind picked up and sucked the fire into the chimney stem uncertain what he should pursue he thrashed at everything throughout the dark, wet night Watched the afternoon clouds lowering dark upon the glen the gloom slithering down the brae He was here, alright! And we like Porphyria‘s lover hid by the stoves and fireplaces from his roaring wings waiting not for Porphyria – No! But for the dawn When came that wind casually as the night the whistle rattling the leafless roses against the window pane Dreading what Frank may leave behind scattered and broken in the mud torn apart across the ground and of course the rain surreptitiously and we were in it Frank howling outside the door * The morning came dour as the evening had been before tho‘ the wind was soft We‘d been waiting all day through the oaks Not so the water Dykes were down every burn and river had burst their banks the flow sweeping now streaming where there never had been such streams before rising up to the Dalry graves the valley now a loch tearing at the bridges the tarmacadamed roads filling kitchens and carpets with cold, cold mud, an unanchored car floating by among children’s toys the only colour in the brown wet sludge Frank laughed Whistled again among the chimney pots a victory dance and left us stunned, to this black, silent night. Glenkens Gazette page 23 MOSSDALE ART GROUP Every Wednesday morning, a lively group of folk arrive at Mossdale Village Hall, get themselves a mug of coffee, and chat amiably as they sort out the various materials they will be using over the next couple of hours. They are folk from all over the Glenkens, with different backgrounds, and a fair range of ages. The one thing they all have in common is a love of producing art, in its many and various forms. There’s some who love watercolour, some who prefer pastels, or inks, textures as well as colours. Every person is encouraged, regardless of experience, and there’s always someone around the table willing to offer tips, if asked. The emphasis is not necessarily on producing perfect ‘works of art’, but rather on enjoying the opportunity to experiment, to play, to have fun. And we do. We welcome additions to the group, whether they have been painting for years, or have never picked up a paintbrush – the ability to draw is not necessary, as the wealth of ideas, materials and techniques will give everyone the opportunity to express themselves. If you’re intrigued, or even just mildly curious, please feel free to drop in for a coffee and chat, and see what kind of things we do. Our new ‘term’ begins on Wednesday 13 September and runs until mid-December. You’ll be very welcome. Carol Salsbury 12th August 9th September 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 24 LOCAL HISTORIANS ON MEMORIAL TRAIL The Glenkens Story history group staged two field trips this summer, developing themes which proved popular last year. The Rev Dr David Bartholomew returned to the trail of the Covenanters starting at the imposing monument at Auchencloy, long out of sight in the forest but now revealed by the clear felling. He told the story of the martyrs who died there or were subsequently killed. The party then headed north to the remarkable tombstones in Kells kirkyard and on to Carsphairn where the farmer at Garryhorn kindly showed the visitors round the building where the dragoons led by the notorious Grierson of Lag stabled their horses. David’s vivid description of the manhunt conducted by Lag from the farm and leading to the death of Covenanter John Dempster on Meaul Hill was typical of the memorable tales he shared. The visit concluded with a visit to Barscobe Castle, returning to Earlston Castle and its historic oak, famed in the Covenanting story of Alexander Gordon. Paul Goodwin, completing his tour of the war memorials of the Glenkens, started by picking up the Covenanter theme as the party met at the Covenanter Memorial in Dalry. The Covenating monuments are now recognised as war memorials by the Imperial War Museum thanks to the efforts of Paul. The tour continued to Dalry war memorial and kirkyard and on to the Town Hall with its impressive memorial to all who served in the two World Wars, simple crosses distinguishing those who died. Paul explained the many different ways communities chose to record service and death with varying criteria deciding who should be The field trip visits the remote Covenanters’ memorial at Auchencloy. recorded and how they should be described. Carsphairn with its beautifully located war memorial and further graves in the distinctive church underlined the many moving ways the victims of war are remembered. Paul has compiled a record of all in the Glenkens who fell in the wars and is researching the biographical details. These deaths are being published in chronological order in the Glenkens Gazette. Photo of the Issue Sponsored by the Ken Bridge Hotel This issue’s winner is Bob Peace whose atmospheric early morning photograph of Loch Ken, taken from the Marina lay-by, wins a meal for two at the Ken Bridge Hotel’s Sunday carvery. Competition judges Dave and Sue said: “Very interesting and varied set of photographs this issue. Lovely view of Clatteringshaws and great to see the tawny owl chicks and hear that they successfully fledged, but we think the winner this time is the lovely view of loch Ken through the mist.” Glenkens Gazette page 25 War Updates for Start of 1917 There were no war deaths reported in the Glenkens in January or February 1917. In fact, the gap from the death of William Maitland on 18 November 1916 to that of David McCheyne on 13 March 1917 mirrored the respite of the previous two winters. David McCheyne of High Street, New Galloway joined the Army in September 1915 and had seen nearly two years’ service in France. He was one of six brothers who served in the war, one (Alex) having died in 1916 and two more would follow before the war was out. Although there are four McCheyne names on the Kells parish war memorial, there were actually five siblings lost as a result of the war - a sister who had been living in France died during the German occupation. David was the son of roadman James McCheyne and had worked for Mr Mitchell, sub-postmaster in New Galloway, firstly as a telegraph messenger and later in Mr Mitchell’s business as a cycle agent; he was also a part-time postman. David was serving in France as a Lance Corporal when he was severely injured by a gunshot to the thigh on 12 March and died of his wounds a day later. The flag on New Galloway Town Hall was flown at half-mast as a sign of respect. He is commemorated on the Kells War Memorial. John Martin had been born at Allangibbon Bridge, Dalry, but when he enlisted into the Kings Shropshire Light Infantry, on 31 March 1916, he was living with his family in Bridgnorth. He was the eldest son of the late Mr Joseph Martin and Mrs Martin. He was killed Would you like the opportunity to have your own online business, with support from a team? Do you like healthy living and high quality skin care? Yes? Then please contact Katy Caie, Arbonne Independent Consultant, on 07756 506 496 or visit http://catrionacaie.arbonne.com instantaneously by a piece of shell worst month of the war for losses on 18 March. John was just 23 years from the Glenkens. With the last old and is named on the Dalry War two men above, there would be a Memorial. A few years ago, I was further seven deaths before the fortunate enough to be allowed month was out but these will be the to photograph a family framed subject of a further article. memorial, including a memorial Paul Goodwin plaque (‘death penny’) and that photograph accompanies this article. David Cuthbertson, the son of roadman David Cuthbertson, joined the Cameron Highlanders on 1 March 1916 and went to the front in June of that year. David had previously lived at Barlae, Dalry. He was wounded in the leg on the Somme and, after a spell in hospital in Birmingham, returned to the Front in January 1917. He was killed on 7 April at Arras at the age of 34 years and is commemorated on the Dalry War Memorial. George Kirk was the son of a shepherd from Burnhead, New Galloway. A shepherd like his father, he enlisted in September 1914 and arrived at the Front on Christmas day of that year. He was invalided home in 1915 with Enteric fever but returned to the Front in 1916. He was 23 years of age when he was killed almost instantly by a bullet whilst attacking the second line of German trenches on 9 April. George is named on the Kells and Sorbie war memorials. April 1917 would prove Top: Photograph of Cuthbertson from the Dumfries & Galloway to be the Standard, 28 April 1917; Above: John Martin, Dalry. Wright’s Shop & Post Office Dalry Licensed convenience store and newsagent stocking a range of local suppliers including Corsons and Irvings Bakers, Ballards and Dalmellington Country Butchers and Mitchells Fruit and Veg. Opening Times (both shop & PO): Monday to Friday: 7am – 6pm Saturday: 8am – 6pm Sunday: 8.30am – 4pm Tel: 01644 430 225 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 26 Who Do We Think We Were? This reminiscence, by Marion Bone of Dalry, takes us back to the New Galloway Show in all its former glory, during the 1940s. Her family came over to the Show every year from Ayrshire, with their horses. Later on, of course, Marion came to Dalry, and has stayed in the Glenkens ever since. Wherever you started out, and however long you have lived in the Glenkens, your story could feature here in the months to come. Please send your contribution of no more than 500 words - by email to margaret.elphinstone@ dircon.co.uk or hand in a copy at Catstrand marked ‘Glenkens Gazette - WDWTWW’. Next issue’s contribution will be from Gordon Hill, featuring the literal ups and downs, if not the loneliness, of a long distance runner. HAPPY MEMORIES: New Galloway Show Avril Bridgeman’s reminiscences of the New Galloway Show days brought back happy memories of visiting the show with my father and brother when I was a child in the 1940s. My father and mother farmed in Ayrshire for all of their lives, first at Barr and then at Pinwherry, both very small Ayrshire villages in the Stinchar Valley. My father’s father had been a blacksmith at Lendalfoot where Dad grew up. There they were familiar with horses, sea-life and the comings and goings of the fishing fleet as well as farming. My granpa had four sons and three daughters. Sadly one son drowned in the River Stinchar and one daughter died of appendicitis. This was not uncommon in those times. My mother’s family had relocated from the Ballantrae area to Little Robert, Morag and Marion Jamieson, in the field Pinmore in 1904. This was to at Cairnwhin Farm, Pinmore. be nearer the railway statiion at Pinwherry. There they - she was about my age and so I had were able to send their lamb, known a companion for the day. One of the as mutton then, to the meat market things I do remember was the tannoy in Glasgow. By being near a railway and music; at one point a voice called station the meat arrived at the market out over the tannoy “Would Miss Lillias on the same day it left the farm, thus McWilliam please come to the Show ensuring it was fresh. Ring”. Well to me this was living... Miss Back to the Glenkens Show, as it is McWilliam appeared on this large horse now known. The ponies we had were all dressed for the occasion, as was the a Shetland known as Dainty and a horse. What excitement! coloured standing at 14-plus hands The day was finished off at The Hill known as Charm. Both ponies were Farm at Balmaclellan, where my Aunt greatly loved by us all but especially by had prepared a delicious tea for us all. Robert, my brother. He and my cousin They had a windmill in the fields at The Jack would ride Charm at the New Hill in those days and we always went Galloway Show. over the fields to see it before starting It was a great day of excitement. the drive home. My Father would point We at Pinmore were up early to get out all the interesting places along the the chores done before the long drive way, name the hills and where the best (in those days) over to New Galloway. sheep came off and who farmed where We would arrive in good time to find as we drove along through the New everything prepared the night before Galloway Hills, after a wonderful day in - stalls set up, sheep, cattle, horses, the Glenkens. not to mention people, milling about in Quite unaware was I that one day anticipation for the day’s events. I would come to live and work in the Just like most memories of happy bonnie Glenkens with my husband. days in childhood, the sun was always Here we have reared a family and are shining. My Aunt Kate had arranged now great grandparents to three boys for me to be taken around by Mary and one girl in the Glenkens. Smith, I think she was, from Barnhillies Marion Baird Bone (nee Jamieson) GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL � 01644 420234 � New Galloway Golf Club Founded 1902 www.nggc.co.uk - 01644 420737 Buggies now available for hire VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME Glenkens Gazette page 27 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN The Smallest Royal Burgh in Scotland Think of a British king anxious to buy Scottish support in a civil war that became a revolution. mid nineteenth-century at which time it enjoyed an annual revenue of £3 8s 2d and an expenditure of £1 13s 1d. Eat your heart out Dumgal! The original charter envisaged a council of 19 men (women were not an option) consisting of a provost, four bailies, a dean of guild, a treasurer and 13 councillors, later Add an aristocrat willing to be reduced to a provost, two bailies bought, part of whose price was and six councillors. In 1832 there the right to establish a royal burgh. were only 14 electors, thus rendering Consult a humourist journalist named the place a ‘rotten burgh’, subject Anthony Troon who was very popular to political chicanery. The provost in his day for his contributions to the lived in London and the Town Clerk Scotsman newspaper. He wrote an in Kirkcudbright. As Troon ironically article dated 8 March 1975 about noted, ‘it is to the burgh’s credit and New Galloway, founded in 1630 by Sir fond memory that it never allowed John Gordon of Lochinvar, courtesy of the bright flame of paradox to wane Charles I. The community was never down three and a half centuries of prosperous. It numbered 452 in the anomalous history’. John J Paterson, late father of Dave of the Kenbridge Hotel, resisted invitations to join the council while his own father was provost, as he had been for 15 years following service as a councillor for 35. Also his grandfather had been town clerk; ‘we’ve been linked with the council for 100 years’. The last council election was in 1962. As Mr Paterson put it, ‘you could say that apathy’ led to rare elections, thus saving money. ‘As in many small places the ratepayers have been quite happy to Some of the last Town Coucillors (reft to right) Jack let the councillors go McQueen, Ewart Muir, Robert Wood and ahead with things’. Provost John Paterson. Troon had another view – democracy by invitation. The provost believed that animosity had been avoided because New Galloway never used political labels, a practice that should be revived as soon as possible to avoid wrecking council elections with irrelevant propaganda and vitriol. Functionaries were regularly informed on the street about problems or things that needed mending, usually sorted by a prompt phone call. The local plumber was a one-man water department, since replaced at much greater cost by a water board. One controversial issue was parking on only one side of the main street, necessitated because of increased tourist traffic. ‘It was getting so that you couldn’t turn the bus’. Troon could not resist mentioning that ‘the provost operates the local bus service’; he was wrong – he ran taxis. Treasurer Robert Wood was also Convener of the Town Hall, managed from his flat across the road. Bailie Jack McQueen, the local postman was the unpaid winder-up of the burgh clock. Troon clearly had great affection for the burgh, the status of which would be abolished by regionalisation in 1975. New Galloway, like the other Glenkens villages, operated on the basis of trust and pride in the community, though of course there always folk who were critical of the ‘Toon Coonsil’. We will return to this theme in a future column. Meanwhile I leave the last word to Troon. ‘People can laugh about small-town ways and never know the security of positive identity and the warmth of its rituals. The incomprehensible exchange of civilities in this place (i.e. to outsiders) is a tendril of a root of a venerable community’. Ted Cowan Glenkens Gazette page 28 GLENKENS MEN’S SHED UPDATE The Glenkens Men’s Shed, based in the Old Smiddy at Balmaclellan, continues to go from strength to strength. The ‘Shed’ held a highly successful sale of work during the Spring Fling, many thanks to all those who supported us on a very blustery weekend in May. The sale of bug-hotels was particularly brisk and the box of unwanted tools also proved surprisingly popular. The selection of bikes for sale was rather less popular and aided by further donations we ended up with three more than we started with! The funds raised have helped with the upgrade of our somewhat meagre facilities; why not pop in and see for yourself on any Monday or Wednesday morning between 10 and 12. Our next sale of work will be on the weekend of the New Galloway Alternative Games, with a stall at the CatStrand on Saturday 5 August and another during the games themselves on Sunday 6. We should have a good selection of bikes this time, including some children’s, so come and grab a bargain for some cycling family fun. Funds raised will help towards beefing up security at the shed after the unfortunate spate of crime in our area. Motorcycle refurbishment projects are still running apace and it’s planned to run a series of workshops later in the year, aimed at introducing young people to the art of motorbike maintenance. Under the watchful eye of mechanical guru John Fagan and in conjunction with CatStrand Youth Co-ordinator Aidan Nicol, this will be a chance for 16-25 year olds to get their hands dirty. Look out for further announcements to come and learn useful new skills, have fun and catch the biking bug! Donations of tools, bikes and wood especially are always welcome, and a tremendous help to our cause; so before you visit the recycling centre Dalry’s Defibrillator Box When British Telecom decided to close Dalry’s remaining phone box due to lack of use, the Community Council negotiated the takeover of the kiosk at the junction of Main Street and Underhill to house a defibrillator. Masterminded by Dalry Community Councillors Andi Holmes and Graham West, the defibrillator is now in its new position and ready for use if required. Full instructions accompany it and it is simple to use. “There are very few emergency medical situations where lay person intervention can mean the difference between life and death. Cardiac arrest is one but without quick access to a defibrillator there is little hope of a successful intervention,” said Ian Howie, who supports communities with defibrillator training. “By making this defibrillator available on a 24hr basis the chances of surviving a Cardiac Arrest in Dalry have significantly improved”. Dalry Community Council are grateful to BT who are providing the electricity required to keep the defibrillator’s battery at a regular temperature in the winter. Tom Plummer’s boat - seven years and counting so far... or build a bonfire, get in touch. We’ll see if we can make use of your unwanted or unloved items. Contact Brian Jones or Chris Jowsey at the CatStrand on 01644 420374 or by email at brian@catstrand.com or chris@catstrand.com And finally a big thank you goes to Dr Ian Johnston, who has generously provided us with a cache of timber to enable our on-going projects to continue. Cheers Ian! The Men’s Shed Team FLOWER & VEG SHOW Saturday 26 August once again sees the The Glenkens Society Annual Flower and Vegetable Show - reckoned to be the oldest flower show still existing in Scotland and probably all of Britain having been established in 1831. So come on all you budding gardeners, bakers, knitters, etc - get thinking about what you can enter (entry forms are now in local shops) this year to help us keep our wee show going. The closing date for entries is Monday 21 August. This year’s theme for the adult photograph is ‘A Water Scene ‘ and for juniors is ‘A Vehicle’ There is also a class for hanging basket, tubs, etc, which will be judged on site during week running up to the show. There are so many of these scattered throughout our villages so please enter yours. If you have visitors with you that week with children, they can enter too. The hall will be open to the public for viewing from 2pm and the presentation of trophies will be at 3pm. Please support your local show! Hilda McAdam Glenkens Gazette page 29 Sunday 23 September, Dalry Town Hall CATSTRAND SUMMER CRAFT FAIR SATURDAY 5TH AUGUST 11am – 4pm Range of local cra� stalls CatStrand Gi� Shop Licensed Café/Bar Stalls s�ll available, if you would like a stall please contact Wendy on 01644 420 374 or email wendy@catstrand.com - three changing cask ales & cider - fresh, seasonal & local food - en suite accommodation - open all day every day - award-winning food, beer & atmosphere - en-suite accommodation - 20% off takeaway discount - country sport & walkers facilities - 01644 430 241 www.theclachaninn.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 30 AUGUST & SEPTEMBER AUGUST Wed 2 & Thurs 3, Game Jam, CatStrand, New Galloway, see p17 Fri 4, Neon Night, CatStrand, New Galloway, see p17 Sat 5, Backroom Vintage Pop-up Shop, 10am-4pm, New Galloway, see p29 Sat 5, CatStrand Summer Craft Fair, 11am-4pm, CatStrand, New Galloway, see p29 Sun 6, Alternative Games, New Galloway, see p3 Mon 7-Sun 12, World Gold Panning Championships, Moffat, see p6 Sat 12, Farmers’ Market, 10am-12.30pm, Dalry Town Hall, see p20 & 23 Sat 19, Movie in the Park, 8.30pm, New Galloway, see p17 Sat 19, GTI Bus Trip: Galloway Country Fair, see p8 Sun 20, Arndarroch Open Garden, 2-5pm, see p21 Sun 20, GTI Bus Trip: Gulf Stream Gardens, Ardwell House Garden, see p8 Sat 26, Backroom Vintage Pop-up Shop, 10am-4pm, New Galloway, see p29 Sun 26, Arndarroch Open Garden, 25pm, see p21 Sun 26, Flower & Veg Show, Dalry Town Hall, 2pm, see p28 SEPTEMBER Wed 6, Film: Trainspotting2, Dalry Town Hall, see p10 Sat 9, Farmers’ Market, 10am-12.30pm, Dalry Town Hall, see p20 & 23 Wed 13, GTI Bus Trip: Devil’s Porridge, Eastriggs, see p8 Sat 16, Craft Fair, Dalry Town Hall, 07759 494 952 Wed 20, Film: Hairspray, Dalry Town Hall, see p10 Fri 22-Sun 2 Oct, Wigtown Book Festival, see p19 Sat 23, Watson Birds Talks, Dalry Town Hall, see p22 & 29 Sun 24, GTI Bus Trip: Restoration Garden, Craigengillan Estate, see p8 Sat 30, Backroom Vintage Pop-up Shop, 10am-4pm, New Galloway, see p29 OCTOBER Sat 7, Carsphairn’s Got Talent, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn, 460 545 Glenkens Gazette page 31 REGULAR EVENTS CatStrand, New Galloway: Exercise to Music: Mon, 10-11am Margaret Morris dance 1: 3-7yrs, Mon (term-time), 3.45-4.30pm Margaret Morris dance 2: 8-16yrs, Mon (term-time), 4.30-5.15pm Youth Volunteer Meet-up, Tues, 68pm, FREE PIZZA Choreographic Skills Lab: Mon (term-time), 7 - 8.30pm ages 12-18 Gentle Tai Chi: Wed, 10am, 60+ Wendletrap Tai Chi, Wed, 2-3.30pm Glenkens Writing Group: First Wed each month 3-5pm Sing it Out: Thurs, 11am -12pm CatStrand Ukes: Thurs, 1pm – 3.30pm 60+ Zumba Gold: Fri (term-time), 1011am, CatStrand, 16+ Saturday Art Club: 2nd & 4th Sat of the month, 10am–12noon, to book call 420 374 Catstrand Youth Players: Sun during term time, 2pm Glenkens Acoustic Sessions: last Sun of the month, 2-4pm Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry, (contact Kath on 430 281): Paint & Art: Mon, 2-4pm GCC Playgroup: Tues, Wed & Thurs, 9.15-11.45am, contact Miriam 07514 320 101 Guides: Tues during term-time, 68pm, contact: Kath 430 281 Good Neighbours’ Club: Tues, 2pm Brownies: Thurs 6-7.30pm Kickback Martial Arts: Thurs, 7-9pm Thursday Craft Group: Thurs, 2-4pm Glenkens Children’s Club: Fri, 10am-12noon New Galloway Town Hall: LING Lunches: Tues, 11am-2pm Indoor Sports: Tues, 7-9pm Zumba: Wed, 7.30-8.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall, 11+ Footcare by Stewartry Care: Thurs by appointment (Tel: 01556 504699), New Galloway Town Hall Various Locations: Hatha Yoga, Mon, 10-11.15am, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn, more info at www.carsphairn.org Carsphairn Post Office: Tues, 1-3pm, Lagwyne Hall 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 Cub Scouts: Wed, 6.45–8pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Carsphairn Heritage Centre, 1 June to 25 September, Thurs to Mon, 10am-4pm Glenhaven Gallery, Thurs-Sun, 12noon4pm, Main St, Dalry Youth Writing Group: Thurs (during term time), 3.30-5pm, ages 10-15, Dalry School Coffee & Craft Group: Fri, 9am12noon, Lagwyne Hall Folk Music Session, 4th Fri each month, 7.30/8pm till closing, Ken Bridge Hotel Glenkens Community Councils Balmaclellan Community Council Meetings: 4th Monday each month, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall. CHECK OUT NEW FACEBOOK PAGE! 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. Thanksgiving & Lunch, Kells CHURCH TIMES Harvest Church. 24 Sept, 12noon: Harvest CHURCH OF SCOTLAND Sunday Services - Balmaclellan 12noon: 1st. Carsphairn 10.30am: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th. Dalry 9am: 1st, 2nd(Aug), 3rd, 4th(Aug). Dalry 12noon: 4th (Sept). Kells 10.30am: 2nd(Aug), 3rd, 4th. Special Services/Events:10 Sept, 10.30am: United Family Service & bbq, Carsphairn Church then Community Garden. 24 September, 10.30am: Thanksgiving & Lunch, Dalry Church then Dalry Town Hall. Communion Services: 27 Aug, 10.30am, Kells Church 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 713 Pop-up Bistro, Carsphairn Shop & Tearoom, last Friday each month, contact 460 568 Scouts: Thurs, 7–8.30pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Gentle Tai Chi: Fri 10-11am, Dalry Town Hall 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 To hire the MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) behind Dalry School call Sonja Tranter on 430 244 or Nicolette Wise on 430 218. Dalry Library Tuesdays 12noon-3.30pm Fridays 10am-12noon & 1-4.30pm For further library van stops and informa�on contact Castle Douglas library on 01556 502 643 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 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 COMMUNITY SHOP OPENS New Galloway’s Community Shop is now officially open for business after almost three years of effort by local people to save the Royal Burgh’s last general store from closure. Lynsey Hogg, pictured at the door of the shop, has been appointed general retail manager. Lynsey grew up in Castle Douglas and has extensive experience in food retailing. Three part-time assistants - Andrea Smith, Jacqui Morton and Tamsin Geddes - have been appointed and will support Lynsey in maintaining the new opening hours of 8am-6pm Monday to Saturday and 8am4pm on Sunday, closing for lunch everyday from 1-1.30pm. Lynsey says: “I’m delighted to be involved in this community project and am focused on ensuring the shop is able to provide good value, quality food to all.” As well as managing the shop Lynsey will be in charge of other planned businesses including holiday flat rentals as they come on stream. The shop will look much the same for several months while preparations are made for the refurbishment. Later in the year the shop will move to temporary premises until renovation is finished. Work will then start on converting the house into self-catering holiday flats, due for completion next year. The shop and attached house have been bought by New Galloway Community Enterprises (NGCE) Ltd, a community benefit society owned by some 250 members and friends of the local community who raised almost £25,000 in share capital. Two thirds of the shareholders live in the New Galloway area. Purchase was made possible thanks to a grant from the Big Lottery’s ‘Growing Community Assets’ fund. Mike Brown, Chair of NGCE, says: “The Board would like to thank all of our funders and the many local people who have been so encouraging and supportive throughout this long process, not least Jim and Margaret Hopkins. We wish them all the best in their retirement.” Farewell to Jim & Margaret The New Galloway community came out in force to say farewell to Jim and Margaret Hopkins who have retired as owners of the village store. More than 100 people packed into the Cross Keys to say “thank you” for 26 years’ service from Jim and Margaret and shop assistant Marie McClurg. An excellent buffet was laid on by the hotel and the Smithy, and music included the CatStrand Ukelele Band and pianist Jim McPhee. Margaret is well known for writing poems to commemorate important events and this occasion was no exception. Irene Dawson is pictured reading Margaret’s poem to the well-wishers watched by Margaret (second left), Marie (second right) and Jim (far right). YOUR HOTLINE TO HARBRO PRODUCTS JIM on 07900 246 100 FROZEN DOG FOOD Penpont, Thornhill, DG3 4JS Tel: 01848 330 419 Mob: 07900 246 100 jim.campbell@harbro.co.uk www.harbro.co.uk - Free Flow Chicken, 2kg…£5.05 - Free Flow Beef, 2kg…£5.95 - Tripe Mince, 400g…£1.20 - Chicken & Rabbit Mince, 400g...£1.13 15% - Beef Chunks, 1kg...£3.50 - Tripe Chunks, 1kg...£3.25 Paddywack…£2.49 - Duck Wings...£2.49 - Marrowbone...£2.49 15% THINK…HARBRO All products at very compe��ve prices and delivery if required 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: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 101 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GG_101 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 2017 Description An account of the resource Editor: Sarah Ade https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/1/246/GlenkensGazette100.pdf 3edefb89dc1dea0131fcdbfb77494a60 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 100 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Description An account of the resource <p>Find out more about the Gazette: <a href="https://glenkens.scot/gazette-home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Glenkens Gazette home page</a> If you would like to submit an article or take out an advert, please email the editor Sarah Ade: <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="mailto:glenkensgazette@hotmail.com">glenkensgazette@hotmail.com</a></p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is a member of, and regulated by <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.impressorg.com/">Impress</a>.</p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is an initiative of Glenkens Community &amp; Arts Trust (SC032050) and represents the voice of the community (not necessarily the views of GCAT).</p> Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document GLENKENS GAZETTE News from Balmaclellan, Carsphairn, Mossdale, New Galloway and St John’s Town of Dalry June/July 2017 ISSUE 100 A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) ini�a�ve FREE www.glenkensgaze�e.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 2 A FEW WORDS FROM GAZETTE FOUNDER MATTHEW NEWTON In Matthew’s last interview with the Gazette, nearly seven years ago, he said: “There are so many activities and groups, and the area is home to such a wide range of talented individuals. I think the Gazette is a mirror for the Glenkens and will continue to reflect the growth and energy of its folk and their community spirit for many years to come.” Well, here we are seven years on, and still going strong! So let’s get a bit more background on the Gazette, and see what Gazette founder Matthew thinks of the publication now... Q What gave you the idea to start a Glenkens Gazette? A I had seen the Glencairn Gazette in Moniaive and thought it was a great idea. Q When did you create the first edition? A In 2000. Q How many pages was it to start with, how was it printed, where was it made? A It started at the kitchen table; sounds like a cliché but it’s true. Lots of scraps of paper spread across the table; it was like putting a jigsaw together. It was two sheets of A3 paper folded in half. I think I printed 50 copies at the school. With all the news to report it started to take up all my spare time and, with the shop to run and two young children growing up, I made the decision to pass it on to GCAT. Q Are you surprised that the Gazette is still going all these years on? A No – not at all. There is so much of interest in the Glenkens. It’s not only the beautiful countryside but the great mix of folk who live there. Q What do you think of the Gazette nowadays? A It’s all I could ever have hoped for. Every edition covers such a range of subjects. It’s what a community newsletter should be. Balanced, informative and fun to read. Q You seem to have been doing a fair bit of globe-trotting since you left the Glenkens. How does the Gazette compare to other community papers/gazettes you’ve seen in your travels? A I’ve seen quite a few and it’s the top one! Thanks go to Carsphairn Primary for the front cover design, and to Dalry Primary p3,4,5 class for the back cover design. The CatStrand Saturday Art Club also did some brilliant designs to celebrate the Gazette’s 100th issue. Pictured above: Sarah, Freya and Ruby’s ‘Sparkly Glenkens’; Alex’s Circle of Life in the Glenkens’; Jessica’s ‘100th Issue’; and Sandy’s ‘Earlstoun Power Station’. To the right is Rosie’s ‘Shark Under Ken Bridge’. Gazette founder, Matthew Newton. Q What to you does the 100th issue represent? A I think it reflects the vibrance and enthusiasm of the communities of the Glenkens. If there wasn’t so much of interest in the area it wouldn’t have lasted so long. It’s about reporting the news, not making it. “Thank you for the opportunity to give my thoughts on the past 17 years. It’s made me reflect and realise how lucky I was to spend 18 years in such a fantastic area. I wish the Gazette the very best for the next 17 years and more!” Glenkens Gazette OUR 100TH ISSUE! So this is the Glenkens Gazette’s 100th issue. Quite a benchmark. Considering its origins as an eight-sided kitchen table project with a print run of 50 on the school printer, I think we’ve come quite a long way. And it’s still growing - ever faster, it seems - as well as becoming surprisingly well-read for such a parochial publication. Apparently the last issue so interested a Times columnist that he gave the Gazette, and the ‘name the salon’ competition, a mention in his column! Also rumour has it that we got a mention on Radio Four’s News Quiz - what I wonder is, how do all these folks even know we exist? I guess what it comes down to is that what’s going on in the Glenkens is obviously so interesting that people remember it wherever they are - town, city, Scotland or the Sahara. Whatever ‘it’ may be, the Glenkens has it, so let’s keep on doing it! Thanks so much to the schools and local groups who submitted designs in celebration of the Gazette’s 100th issue - two of which are on the covers of this issue, and some more are included page 3 on Page 2, opposite. We will be having a celebratory exhibition of Gazette past issues, along with a comments book for folk to note down anything they like relating to issues past and present, or what the Gazette means to them. It will begin at the CatStrand, and then tour the Glenkens in various locations over the next few months - we hope you come along and have a look at all the amazing things that have been talked about over the last 17 years. And we’d love to also hear from you - excerpts from the comments book may be used in future issues so be sure to write something! Sarah Ade, Editor & Co-ordinator An Interview with the Editor For the 100th issue I thought readers might like to know a little more about the Gazette’s editor and her thoughts on the publication - past, present and future. What got you into starting the paper? Matthew Newton, who used to run the shop in Dalry, founded the Gazette. He passed it on to GCAT, and I took on co-ordination of the Gazette in 2006 when it was a voluntary role. Johnnie Dowswell in New Galloway was responsible for the design and it was 12 pages, black and white. I turned it into a paid role, took on design as well as overseeing the sustainability of the paper, and it has now reached 32 pages per issue. How long does it take to put an issue together? It takes me about 80-100 hours per issue, depending on how many pages there are. It isn’t a quick process as the layout must be right and I’m always conscious of making sure community issues are shared appropriately and that it’s a fun paper to read. How do you decide which story goes lead? Whichever story has the most topical relevance to the communities of the Glenkens goes on the front page. The Gazette is about the community and for the community. What’s been the funniest story you’ve reported? Hmmm...I’m not sure the Gazette does funny stories! Although I do love Sue Wiseman’s pieces - The Glenkens Hole Ceremony went down really well with readers. What’s your vision for the future of the paper? I hope the Gazette will level-out at around 32 pages and continue to be self-sustaining into the future with a larger online presence through social media. What would you like to see more of? I’d love it if the young people of the Glenkens got more involved in the paper - we have a young section sometimes and it was great when that was a regular feature. If anyone is interested in writing a piece then please get in touch. It doesn’t have to be a regular contribution; a one off piece is great too. What do you wish to say to your readers on this historic 100th edition? Thank you to all our contributers past and present - without you we wouldn’t be here! Thanks also go to our tireless steering group for finding the time to proof read each issue and giving educated and informed answers to any issues relating to the Gazette which arise, and to the CatStrand team for their ongoing support. Finally I would like to say thanks, on behalf of the community, for all the effort and energy you put into each publication and long may it continue. Ian Patrick Glenkens Gazette page 4 sponsored by EVERYTHING listed in the Glenkens Freecycle section is FREE - you just need to contact the owner and go and pick it up! If you would like to list something on this page, please get in touch with Sarah on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk VARIOUS Large quantity of glass jars. All sizes from spice to coffee. Contact: 450 655 A whole load of Letraset various styles, it’s old but children might like to play with it. Contact: Sue on 07563 718 011 Chest of drawers, three-drawer, teak in colour, width 23” x depth 16.5” x height 29.5”. Brand new. Contact: Martin on 430 526 Child’s 2 piece paddle/sand pit set. One half forms a lid for the sand pit when not in use. hardly used. Contact: Ann on 420 445 Folding bed with mattress, suitable for occasional use for a child. Not suitable for adults. From smoke and pet free home. Contact: Trevor on 440 683 Dog kennel. Contact: 460 640 WANTED Old net curtains, any condition. Contact: Sue on O7563 718 011 Petrol lawnmower. Working or reasonably repairable... Contact: Simon on 07426 124 982 NEWS FROM THE BIOSPHERE The Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere has been busy. Nic Coombey and Simon Fieldhouse have left and Ed Forrest has come on board as co-ordinator. In April the team were joined by Emma Harper MSP in hosting an event at the Scottish Parliament that brought together Scotland’s only other Biosphere, Wester Ross, for an awareness raising evening on what Biospheres are about. April also brought with it good news that a new threeyear European funding bid had been successful. This led to us hosting the opening meeting of international delegates from Greenland, Iceland, Norway and Finland who will be working together to explore how designations like UNESCO Biospheres can be best used to generate new opportunities that support the local economy. If you would like to know more about the Biosphere or to sign up as a Biosphere Proud Supporter, take a look at the website www.gsabiosphere.org.uk or get in touch with Ed at ed@gsabiosphere.org.uk WHAT THE GLENKENS GAZETTE MEANS TO OUR COMMUNITIES Congratulations to the Glenkens Gazette on reaching its 100th issue. An incredible achievement which has seen it become a regular feature of our lives, bringing local news and what goes on in the Glenkens to everyone. We look forward to its future success - not every community gets to read such a professional publication. Thanks to Matthew Newton for originally starting it and Sarah Ade for continuing his legacy. Well done! Andi Holmes, Dalry Community Council Many congratulations on your 100th issue. The Glenkens Gazzette has become an essential read for everyone keen to know what’s going on. It’s also a great way to get your message out to our community. Here’s to another hundred and more! Craig Millar, New Galloway & Kells Community Council Congratulations to the Glenkens Gazette on reaching a milestone of 100 issues. It lets us all know in the Glenkens what’s going on in our beautiful region, and all for free! Well done! Liz Holmes, Carsphairn Community Council Glenkens Gazette page 5 sponsored by A New Educational Resource in the Glenkens The Hidden Mill is a 15-acre permaculture demonstration site on The Hidden Road, near Balmaclellan. It’s a beautiful site of so-called unproductive land, yet it has a compact mix of systems; a public road and the Shirmers Burn divide the land into patches of pasture, wetland, homesteads, gardens, woodland and a mill pond. Absolutely perfect for permacultural experimentation! Through the Permaculture Association we were able to make a successful funding bid to the Tesco ‘Bags of Help’ fund. After a round of in-store voting we were awarded the maximum £12,000 to build a children’s permaculture forest garden. The design includes a greenhouse with solar powered underfloor heating, a compost loo, a round wood shelter, raised beds, a willow sculpture and a herb spiral. Despite it being arguably overscaled and under-budgeted, we are approaching the successful delivery of the project, it having been an all-consuming adventure on which we have worked fulltime with the help of some superb volunteers. The last bit of the equation, the willow structure, will be built live by Trevor Leat (local willow-crafting legend probably best known for his crafting of the wickerman at the Wickerman Festival) at the 2017 Scottish Permaculture Gathering. The gathering will be a celebration of sustainable culture, with lots of workshops and demonstrations for children and adults, including heavy horses, blacksmithing, rug making and forest schools. Anyone with an interest in organic gardening, green building or pedal-powered machines should pop in. More information is available at www.permaculture.org.uk Our longer-term hope is to act as an educational resource for groups and individuals interested in sustainability. Starting the ball rolling, we are super excited about Carsphairn school visiting to learn about plants and food production. Later this summer local Forest School teacher Sisi Stravidi will use the site to host a range of outdoor learning opportunities. To find out more or arrange a visit contact lorraine.ishak@gmail.com Lorraine Ishak PERMACULTURE Pictures: Top - Preparing ‘hugel beds’ with logs, manure, pond weed, seaweed and soil; Below - Pipes laid for the passive solar underfloor heating in the green house; Right - Lorraine harvesting from her no-dig ‘lasagne bed’. Although a mysterious term with many definitions, it’s most simply described as a whole system-based, nature-led response to climate change and peak oil, rich with practical solutions. Glenkens Gazette page 6 CatStrand Highlights We have some wonderful shows and activities lined up for June and July at CatStrand and we’re kicking off with our contribution to Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival. Award-winning musician Mairi Campbell presents Pulse (2 Jun), a one-woman theatre show about her homecoming. The very next day (3 Jun) we have two plays, the extraordinary Alan Bisset performing the hilarious Moira Monologues before the innovative one-woman show Richard III. If the election is getting you down, why not cast your vote and then come and see the Oscarsweeping La La Land [12A) (8 Jun). Our most requested genre of performing arts in the last 12 months was jazz and June sees the launch of our new Dark Sky Jazz Club with a performance by Edinburgh Jazz Festival favourites Sugarwork (23 Jun). Other musical highlights include Nashville’s Americana sweethearts The Danberrys (17 Jun), acclaimed Country band My Darling Clementine (28 Jun) and the astonishing roots duo Redwood Mountain (21 July) the latter featuring Dalry fiddler Amy Geddes. If films are your thing, we have the nearly 3hour German comedy Toni Erdmann (15), a Mark Kermode favourite and an unlikely smash at the Box Office. We also have our first Animate Club Screening which is My Life as a Courgette (PG) a stopmotion feature film which will be preceded by taster animation workshop run by our very own youth arts co-ordinator and film maker extraordinaire Aidan. The Afternoon Tea Club continues with Mr Holmes (30 Jun) and the classic 1939 version of Wuthering Heights (28 Jul). Some other highlights to watch out for are our very own CatStrand Youth Players (16 Jun) who’ll be performing two humorous plays; a Midsummer Concert of Piano Duets (in aid The Danberrys of St Margaret’s Chuch, New Galloway); and finally we’re delighted to be hosting an album launch by classical guitarist Anne Chaurand (30 Jun) who will be playing extracts from Airs d’Ecosse on the night. Entry is FREE if you want to come down and listen. We’ll be back on full pelt in September with the likes of Judie Tzuke and Boo Hewerdine and of course in October we’ll be hosting our 10-day 10-event showcase for our tenth anniversary. For more details and to keep updated with event announcements visit www.catstrand.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter. The CatStrand Team See our latest brochure or visit our website for programme details. Book online at www.catstrand.com or call 01644 420374. OFFICE BEARERS NOW ELECTED FOR BALMACLELLAN COMMUNITY TRUST The Trustees of Balmaclellan Community Trust (formerly the Balmaclellan Regeneration Project) would like to advise the community of their new charitable status with effect from 24 March 2017. Office Bearers have recently been elected for the Trust and these are Kay Bird (chair), Ailsa Malone (secretary) and Alan Rumble (treasurer). The other Trustees are Robin Jardine, Jim Kirkpatrick and Roland Chaplain. We are pleased to confirm that the Stage 2 application form for funding to purchase the land to form the Community Garden has been submitted to the Scottish Land Fund and we hope to hear good news that our application has been successful over the summer - fingers crossed! In replies to the Public Consultation Survey many residents suggested raised beds with soft fruit bushes and the Trustees of Balmaclellan Community Trust would like to thank Peter Birch of PB Engineering for donating wood for these raised beds, soft fruit bushes and other plants and shrubs towards this project. Our website will be live in the near future and will provide information on the trust, copies of the minutes of meetings, and updates on the development of the community garden. Anyone wishing to become involved in the trust, or requiring any further information, should contact the chair, Kay Bird, on 01644 420 612 or email kaybird15@btinternet.com, or the secretary, Ailsa Malone, on ailsamalone@aol.com Kay Bird, Chair, Balmaclellan Community Trust (Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) number SC047278 Glenkens Gazette page 7 HOARD TO LEAVE REGION It has been decided that the Viking Galloway Hoard is to go to Edinburgh rather than stay in our region. Cathy Agnew, Campaign chair, said: “This treasure was buried in Galloway for safekeeping 1,000 years ago – it is deeply disappointing that ... it should be allocated to the National Museum in Edinburgh where it will potentially be lost amongst so many other wonderful artefacts. “This is a most unfortunate decision for the region and for Scotland. It is doubly disappointing that a more enlightened approach has not been taken, especially as 2017 is Scotland’s Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology. “The support from the public, from academics, politicians of all parties, and so many others – across Scotland and the world – to keep the hoard in Galloway, where it would be cherished, has been Letter To The Editor I am deeply frustrated to hear that NMS has decided to remove the Galloway Viking Hoard from Galloway. A greedy decision, to take it away from a region that has fought so hard to create what would have been exactly the right and appropriate location for it (the Kirkcudbright Art Gallery), where the impact would be vastly more significant than it will in Edinburgh – magnificent as it already is. Thoroughly disappointing that NMS chooses not to support this sort of endeavor, but fight against it. I am struggling to understand the justification for a decision that removes such a valuable asset from an area where it is really needed, and a bargaining chip from a new gallery that deserves all of the help and support it can receive. Please consider this to be Carsphairn Recreation Group Activities Following on from a questionnaire sent out to Carsphairn residents, the recreation group have been holding several activities and have planned events for the rest of the year. Weekly ‘Photography for Fun’ with Duncan McNaught, and badminton sessions in the village hall have been run in six week blocks (see website for future sessions) and a series of Ladies’ Nights are planned for the village hall too. These nights will feature a variety of topics including health and beauty, baking, and Christmas gifts and decorations. The first Ladies’ Night will be held on Friday 11 August - keep an eye out for posters and posts on the website for further details. By popular request Carsphairn’s Got Talent will return on Saturday 7 October. There are no winners or prizes, just a chance to spend an evening together showcasing the talent in Carsphairn and the Glenkens. The deadline for entries is 31 July so make sure to get in on time - we need performers to make it work so do please put yourself forward! Final arrangements are being made for an art group and classes will start later in the summer. Please email carsphairnrec@gmail.com if you’d like to be added to the mailing list. You can find more details on all of the above and more at either carsphairnrec.btck.co.uk or www.carsphairn.org magnificent. It is a real shame their voices and their passion have gone unheeded. “Dumfries and Galloway Council’s bid was outstanding. It would have saved the hoard for the region and the nation in a superb, specially designed exhibition area at the new Kirkcudbright Gallery – near to where it was found. “We very much hope that even at this late stage discussions will continue and a fair compromise can be reached.” one more voice to the many pleading that arrangements are made to display the Hoard immediately, then regularly in the South West. Lamentably, although I thought NMS exists to serve Scotland, it appears ‘Scotland’ in this context means ‘the central belt’ and ‘ourselves’. It would be wonderful to be proved wrong. Kind regards, Emma Walker, Chicago, USA Glenkens Gazette page 8 Glenkens Gazette page 9 ANTIQUES ROADSHOW UNI-BUNNY At this popular event held in New Galloway Town Hall, local people brought along personal items of interest to see if they might be holding an unknown ‘treasure’. Over 70 people turned out through the showers on Easter Sunday to follow clues to baby unibunnies hidden around New Galloway. Hamish Wilson (right) examines a jug brought along by Mike Brown. This localised version of the TV programme was organised by Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING) with the support of Thomson Roddick, Dumfries auctioneers and valuers, with Hamish Wilson attending as evaluator. Items brought along included china, books, silverware, paintings, jewellery and small pieces of furniture. While some people were disappointed to learn that their ‘treasures’ had only personal rather than monetary value, others were pleasantly surprised. Of bonus to the Town Hall was the interest in the old wooden lead lined ‘punch’ bowl which was dated back to the time of George lll. This item can be viewed on display at the New Galloway Story open Days at the Town Hall. The next one is planned at weekends in July and August. While the valuations were taking place afternoon tea was provided by SWI members and LING supporters. A total of £240 was raised for Town Hall funds from the sale of tickets and home baking. Follow us on facebook and twi�er and make sure to sign up for our newsle�er - see website for details… www.gallowayglens.org Hunters then returned to the CatStrand where they collected their chocolate egg prize donated by New Galloway Community Council. Pictured is the Easter Uni-Bunny with some of her eggs, created by the girls and boys at the CatStrand’s Saturday Art Club. Glenkens Gazette page 10 COMMUNITY TEAROOM AWARD FOR CARSPHAIRN These days, it seems as though Carsphairn Shop and Tearoom is picking up as many accolades as it is winning new fans. The business has just picked up the 2017 Community Tearoom of the Year award from the Scottish Food Awards & Academy – hot on the heels of it launching a new venture, the 713 Pop-up Bistro. The first bistro event in April had a Mexican theme and, following its overwhelming success, an American-style event was held at the end of May. The plan is to hold these internationally-themed evenings every month, as a delighted Lindsay Duncan, shop proprietor, explained. “There has been nowhere in the village to dine out in an evening since the Greystones pub closed almost 10 years ago,” she said. “Trying out the pop-up bistro was a bit of a gamble, but the support we have had has been tremendous.” Bistros will be held on the last Friday of each month – the next event will be an Italian evening on 30 June. Booking is advisable by phoning 01644 460 568. She added: “We are thrilled at receiving recognition from the Scottish Food Awards for all our hard work in establishing the Carsphairn Shop and Tearoom as a ‘must visit’ place.” The business was also a runner-up in the Best Café category of the Dumfries & Galloway Life Awards. JENNY’S DESIGN Mobile Hairdresser • Home Visits • Nursing Homes & Residential • The Elderly & Disabled • Blow Drying • Setting • Perms • Cuts • Toupees • Wig Styling NVQ Level 3 Hairdressing, NVQ Level 4 Social Care Call Jenny on 07554 009 624 FHB Fencing Dalry Domestic and Agricultural Fencing 01644 430 495 (Peter) or 07767 795 498 (Jonathan) HIGHLAND BEEF from THE GLENKENS STEAK ROASTS MINCE CASSEROLE LORNE pre-pack frozen Blackmark Dalry Castle Douglas DG7 3UG 01644 460532 www.highland.scot Top: Lindsay Duncan with Paul Smith and daughter Courtney at the Scottish Food Awards ceremony in Edinburgh. Below: Carsphairn residents Nigel & Kath Martin and Karen Hall enjoy the food, drink and atmosphere of the Mexican evening. Glenkens Gazette Thistle Award for Brookford B&B At Scotland’s tourism ‘Oscars’, Dalry’s Brookford B&B won the national award for Most Hospitable B&B/ Guest House. This is a real feat considering these awards cover the whole of Scotland. Tourism Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “The Scottish Thistle Awards recognise excellence and reward the creativity and innovation that underpins Scotland’s tourism sector.“ We asked Ronnie Bradford, the owner and host at Brookford B&B, for a short comment: “Angie and I are completely elated to have our efforts recognised in this way. To be honest, being the first time we had entered the competition, we had no expectations about winning the regional final, let alone winning the national title too. “To us, hospitality comes naturally and is all about treating our Ronnie and Angie Bradford recieving their award at the guests and Scottish Thistle Awards 2016/17. recognising their needs as we would congratulations to Brookford when friends or B&B for being crowned the best family come to stay with us. in Scottish tourism. Tourism is “We are particularly proud more than a holiday experience that our guests have been so – it creates jobs and sustains generous with their praise, communities across Dumfries and enabling us to reach this stage Galloway and all finalists should of the awards.” be proud of their achievements in Doug Wilson, Regional Director reaching this stage.“ at VisitScotland, said: “Huge 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 – Glenlea 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 page 11 fleetfish@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. Bargatton Sand & Gravel Supplying sand and gravel for all your farming needs, as well as households and businesses both large and small. We stock washed fine sand, coarse sand and gravels at competitive prices. For further details contact: James Mair - 07793 085 243 Bargatton Quarry, Laurieston, Castle Douglas, DG7 2PS Open Monday to Friday Weekends by arrangement Delivery can be arranged - subject to quantity Glenkens Gazette page 12 COMMUNITY SHOP CELEBRATES FIVE YEARS The Glenkens Community Shop recently celebrated its 5th anniversary - and what an asset to the community it’s been with donations of over £30,000 from the shop going back into the communities of the Glenkens. Manager Shirley McNaught said: “We first opened our doors on 23 April 2012 and since then have been going from strength to strength. Our very first Volunteer, Avril Brown, has now been joined by other members of the community and we now have 14 regular volunteers. We are truly blessed that we live in such a wonderful communitysupporters, donors and buyers spirited area as the Glenkens. for all their wonderful items that “Our little shop has become have made our time and effort a hub where people can meet, all worthwhile.” socialise and communicate, and And thank you Shirley for pick up a bargain as well. Since creating such an asset to the opening we have given back Glenkens - may it continue a total of £34,720 to various long into the future, providing groups and individuals within the support in so many ways for communities of the Glenkens. local residents. “To thank all the volunteers for all their hard work, we had a lovely afternoon tea at the Kenmure Arms in New Galloway where a spread was provided by Liz Brannock - and what a spread it From left to right: Volunteers Lis Lewis, Janet was! Braithwaite, Ness Johnston, Elizabeth Peacock, “On a personal Betty Godwin, Shirley McNaught, Lynne Duncan, Andi note I would like Holmes, Mirla Barkhead, Avril Brown, Kathryn Peace, to thank all our and Elizabeth McFegan. TREASURE OUR AMENITIES The news that New Galloway has secured funding for a community shop totalling £800k should be celebrated. It is quite an extraordinary achievement for those involved, and a huge sum of money to keep a small village shop. However, this project is being subsidised to a level that no private individual would ever dream of sinking their own hard earned cash into. As a small business owner myself, it got me thinking. What sort of enterprises do we have already in the Glenkens? Are we all doing our best to use and therefore support what we already have? I’m writing this to try and rally some support for the businesses that survive, even in deepest darkest January, with no public funding. Many privately owned businesses keep going because families band together and make sure there’s always someone ready to give up their weekends and get up at 6am to keep everything running. They work longer hours than the business would ever be able to pay an employee to work and contribute in so many ways to the community. We would probably only realise quite how important they are if they ceased to exist. We bought our house in Balmaclellan two years ago. The fact that the shop is merely a hop, skip and a jump away was a huge attraction and definitely contributed to us considering Balmaclellan as a place to call home. We don’t need to drive to Castle Douglas (a 26 mile round trip) when we’re missing a vital ingredient for a recipe, or have just run out of milk. It is a convenience that is worth a lot to us. We didn’t quite realise quite how much it was worth until the figure of £800k came up if, in the future, the villagers needed to save the shop from closing. Balmaclellan shop is now being run by the second generation of the family. Many residents are elderly and totally rely on the shop. It is an amazing resource for the village. Not just a milk, papers and sweetie shop: I buy Lapsang Souchong tea, herbs, spices, gluten-free flour, Glenkens eggs, ecofriendly cleaning products and, of course, chocolate. They also have a vast selection of wines and the best organic cider. Shortly after moving to Balmaclellan I suffered from severe back problems and I was unable to get in my car and drive anywhere. During my recovery, I would shuffle up the street to the shop - it was sometimes the highlight of my day and I got a glimpse of what it would be like to be elderly and reliant on our fantastic ‘Village Stores’. So, what can we do if this precious resource is going to survive and breathe life into the village? Shop there of course. We’re all a bit guilty of using the shop to get Sunday papers and ‘emergency rations’ and then doing a big supermarket shop when we’re in the town but this is not going to make our village shop a sustainable business. Actually doing a proper shop and buying a range of goods encourages the shop to stock more of its unusual products alongside the everyday essentials. We really are very lucky to have this on our doorstep. Dalry is also lucky enough to have a village shop and the same sentiments apply - just think how difficult it would be for the residents if the business closed and they had to take matters into their own hands, raise vast sums of money and then all volunteer to work in the shop. Treasure what you have and use your local shops on a daily basis, and they will look after you when the road is blocked with snow or when you are too ill to drive. Zoe Davidson, Balmaclellan Glenkens Gazette page 13 Scotland to Sahara Following on from last issue, here are a few photos from Ben and Melissa’s travels... find out more or donate to Medecins Sans Frontieres at kaerus-overland.weebly.com Glenkens Gazette page 14 CARSPHAIRN PRIMARY’S URBAN ADVENTURE Recently Carsphairn Primary School boarded the GCAT bus to head to Maryhill, Glasgow to visit Oakgrove Primary School. It was for the term topic comparing urban and rural communities. Upon arriving, they got a quick tour by one of the teachers at Oakgrove, Mr Chambers. Following that, all Carsphairn pupils joined Oakgrove in the correct classes. Shortly after arriving, playtime began and everyone went out to play with their new friends. Everyone from Carsphairn was curiously looking around because the playground at Carsphairn is not as big as Oakgrove’s, which has over 250 kids. After play time, everyone came in and had some milk. In the P5 class, three Carsphairn kids (Courtney, Crawford and Naomi) played a math game. Courtney said: “I really want this maths game at our school!” Finally, after maths, everyone went for lunch and a long play. To start the afternoon, the P5s went in and had grammar. The Carsphairn P5 pupils finished first and then started some colouring. Once everybody had finished grammar, they moved on to art. For art, the P5 class were given a letter for a Gardeners Contest, so they all got into groups and designed a badge and a name for their group. Finally the day ended and the Oakgrove boys and girls all had to go home - everyone was really sad. Two of the P5 Oakgrove girls named Michaela and Morgan, who had made friends with Carsphairn P5 girls Courtney and Naomi, said: “We hope we can come to Carsphairn”. With the day over at Oakgrove, everyone climbed back onto the bus and made their way back home to Carsphairn. On the way home, everyone said they loved it and they thought it was an amazing trip. Courtney Duncan, P5 The Carsphairn children in front of Oakgrove Primary in Maryhill, Glasgow. DEADLINE I would like to thank Carsphairn Primary pupils for answering a question I asked them on a recent visit to the school; where does the term ‘deadline’ originate? The interesting answer is: “‘Deadline’ is a term originally used during the American Civil War in prisons, where if you crossed a certain line you would be, literally, killed.” Sarah, Gazette Editor CATSTRAND YOUTH ARTS It’s all go at the CatStrand as we start to launch our new programme for young people over the summer. Our regular Writing Group, Youth Players, Choreo Skills Lab and Saturday Art Club will be running to the end of June. The Edinburgh-based Improv Academy will lead a crash course in comedy improv on Friday 21 July. Then we’ve got a stop motion animation workshop running from 11am on Thurs 27 July for anyone 7+ who wants to try their hand at making their drawings come to life. This is followed by a fantastic, bittersweet animated film My Life As A Courgette (8+ Advisory) which took a team of 100 animators two years to make! From September there’ll be a regular animating club on Tuesday evenings. In June we’ll be hosting two information sessions where you can find out about new groups and opportunities in and around the Glenkens for young people and meet Aidan, the new CatStrand youth arts coordinator. Come along on Thursday 22 June, 6-8pm, at the CatStrand, New Galloway, or Saturday 24 June, 12-2pm, at Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry. A new volunteering group has been started at the CatStrand for anyone 12-18 who wants to help out at youth arts events, programme films and shows and put on their own events here at the CatStrand. Volunteers meet monthly on a Tuesday, 6-8pm, to make decisions, plan and eat free pizza! Come along on 6 June if you’d like to get involved, or email aidan@catstrand.com to find out Animated film My Life as a Courgette, screening at the CatStrand on 27 June. more. Our Choreo Skills Lab gave a wonderful performance of their work to an audience as part of their On Stage Dance Share in May. The five members work weekly together to choreograph their own pieces of dance. If you’d like to take your dancing to the next level and create pieces for others to perform, the Monday night sessions run 78.30pm for 12+. We’re delighted to report that one of the CatStrand’s youth volunteers, Joe Taylor (aged 17), has been shortlisted for the VOSCARS as Dumfries & Galloway’s young volunteer of the year. Joe has been volunteering at the CatStrand for over a year helping out with administration, developing our new youth arts website, and helping on reception. The CatStrand are also happy to welcome Cameron Lindsay, 18, to the team for the summer as a tech intern. Cameron is studying Game Development at the UWS in Paisley so will be putting his specialist skills to use developing our new Game Tech group (gaming and game design, on a Wednesday night from September) and game development workshops during the summer. To find out more about what’s happening at the CatStrand for U25s we have a new monthly e newsletter. Email aidan@catstrand.com to sign up. You can also follow our new Instagram or Twitter accounts @catstrandyouth - or ‘like’ us on facebook.com/catstrandyouth Glenkens Gazette page 15 Glenkens Schools’ Successful Opportunists This term Glenkens pupils have been having a variety of successes as they take up opportunities that have come their way. Sky Barrett in S3 had a winning entry in the NHS poster competition for her design which is both stylish and striking. Eva Gibson in S2 has had her art work exhibited in Edinburgh as part of the Royal Society of Arts Friends School Award. She was highly commended for her monoprint. The Dalry primary football team has been coached by our janitor, David Stewart, in his spare time and loyally assisted by S3 pupil Cameron Wilkie over the winter season. Now all the training is coming to a head and the Small Schools Football Tournament at Crossmichael was the opportunity for them to really show what teamwork can do. They impressed with their skill and sportsmanship which also allowed them to bring home the trophy. The secondary netball team spent a day at a tournament in Dumfries and played as many games in a day as they have played in Dalry Primary football team with their trophy. the year! They were very tired when they eventually the experience, the greater is the got home after a very long platform for creativity and success day. in the future. Taking opportunities Primary science across the and putting in the hard work cluster got a boost and the Zoolab required is what enables young introduced our young people to people to move on. Our Glenkens some interesting wildlife. students are doing it well and we This is all good experience to be are proud of them. Jenny Smith stored up and built on; the wider Comedy for CatStrand Youth Players The Youth Players bring down the curtain on a successful 2016/17 season with an evening of comedy on Friday 16 June at the CatStrand at 7.30pm. It promises to be an evening of laughter, with two one-act comedies taking the stage: All by Myself by Robert Scott (directed by Zoe Kirkpatrick): Seven years alone on a desert island after his shipwreck has driven Larry to the edge of sanity but that’s nothing compared to the shock of discovering he is not – and never has been – alone! A Simple Task by Alan Haehnel (directed by Brian Edgar): Empie has a seemingly simple first assignment at her new job – to collect a box of merchandise for the Boss. It doesn’t seem quite so simple though, when the box is guarded by an array of madcap characters and her Boss keeps changing identities! Tickets available at CatStrand or online at www.catstrand.com After the summer break, the Youth Players will start the new season on Sunday 3 September. children can hold as well as learn about; Magic Monty, local magician who is always a hit; Cumbrian Birds of Prey, a great show with beautiful birds; or any ideas you may have - please tell us! Keep an eye on our Facebook page, and there will be a schoolbag drop before the hols with our full Summer Programme. The Parent & Toddler group runs at the Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry, Fridays 10am12noon. During term time it is a parent and toddler group catering for children aged 0-4 and costs £2 for the first child and £1 for each subsequent child, babies under six months free, and a healthy snack for the children is provided as well as cups of tea and coffee and good company for the grown-ups. During the school holidays the group becomes the Holiday Children’s Club and caters for children aged 0-12, with day/ time/price the same except for special events where there may be a charge of £5 entry for the first child with £1 per subsequent child, to help us cover the cost of the event. Please come along to the AGM. And please consider taking on a role - GCC will close if there is not enough community support; we need role bearers to allow these thriving groups to continue. CHILDREN’S CLUB AND PLAYGROUP Glenkens Children’s Club (GCC) is having its AGM. We will hold it on two dates, to enable as many people as possible to attend; Wed 31 May at 12noon at the Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry, and also on Fri 2 June, at 11am, in the same location. We really need role bearers. Anyone with an interest in a child attending any GCC groups, even if it’s just every so often during the school holidays, can step up to be Treasurer, Secretary or Chair. The Parent & Todder Group, Holiday Children’s Club and GCC Playgroup are all busy and bustling. Look out for details of the Children’s Club Summer Programme with exciting events happening on Fridays over the holidays. Activities have not yet been confirmed but some ideas are visits from ZooEd with furry, feathery and scaly friends which Many thanks, The GCC Committee Playgroup children ready for the fundraising Easter Bonnet Parade. Glenkens Gazette page 16 Community Shop Hits Target Residents and friends of New Galloway have broken the £20,000 target set to secure the Big Lottery award to save the Royal Burgh’s last remaining shop. In fact, after a hectic fundraising campaign, some £22,000 worth of shares have been sold in New Galloway Community Enterprises(NGCE) Ltd, the community benefit society planning to buy Hopkins shop and house and when all pledges have been collected the total is likely to reach £24,000. In March the Big Lottery awarded NGCE a £808K grant to purchase the property, refurbish the shop, convert the house into selfcatering flats to generate income for the community and support a Community Engagement Worker to foster the social and economic wellbeing of the area over five years. However BL wanted the community to demonstrate its commitment by buying £20,000 worth of shares in NGCE. The six-week campaign finished with two lively fund-raising events in New Galloway - a concert of ragtime music by local pianist Jim McPhee and, on the night the share offer closed, a celebration dinner - “Out with a Bang” - in the Smithy Tea Rooms. “They were looking for ways of raising money for the community shop,” says Jim McPhee, “and I wondered how I could help them and help Jim and Margaret to retire. I’m not one to sit in meetings or committees but I can play the piano and like giving concerts”. Marion and David Briggs, who own the Smithy Tearoom in New Galloway, knew from experience that dinner evenings could be a great way of raising money. “It’s the easiest way to bring people together and have a good time,” says Marion. “We had a big range of people from across the community, we put them all together at three long tables and the atmosphere was absolutely electric.” “The result of the share offer has far exceeded our expectations,” says Mike Brown, Chair of NGCE. A&B Sinclair Welding & Fabrication Decorative Ironwork Design, Manufacture & Installation Service • Garden/Driveway Gates • Handrails & Balustrades • Garden Features, etc Mobile Welding Service • Agricultural & Forestry • Fabrication & Repairs Contact Andy Sinclair: Mobile - 07896 168 724 Home - 01644 430 332 “Already 240 individuals and organisations, two thirds of them based in the New Galloway area, have bought shares. We are very grateful to all these people whose generosity has ensured that this is truly a community-owned organisation.” The legal process of buying the property is now underway as is the recruitment of further staff starting with the General Retail Manager and Community Engagement Worker posts. Helen Keron, Project Manager for the bid and now the renovation project, says: “The success of the Share Offer means that the funds from the Big Lottery are now available to us for the purchase and renovation. The shop will continue to look very much as it does now for a few months, although it will be open longer hours, and then after a month-long re-fit in the autumn, it will re-open as our brand new Community Shop. “I’d like to thank Jim and Margaret Hopkins for their patience in this process, and look forward to helping to continue their legacy into the coming years.” Glenkens Gazette page 17 MOVING TO THE GLENKENS Jim and Fiona Clubb moved their fold of 25 Highland cows to Blackmark Farm near Carsphairn just over a year ago. Attracted primarily by the stunning scenery surrounding the Glenkens, the breathtaking peace, community spirit and wealth of cultural activity came as an added bonus. Blackmark is being set up as a holistic farm project which, in simple terms, means bringing the business into a package that serves community, environment and economy. The first year has been about getting to know the land, climate, community and designing infrastructure to suit the cows’ needs for the long winter. Native cattle are able to provide tremendous benefits to the natural environment and the beef produced from slow-grown pasture fed animals is “just like beef used to taste”. 100% Highland beef is available from Blackmark and Jim is currently setting up a small farm shop from where it can be purchased. The farm has a zero-waste policy and has chosen to have no council bin collection. The challenge is to work out how to recycle everything that comes on site. As a former engineer, Jim is using his artistic and welding talents to convert scrap metal into sculpture. Currently, some of these are being exhibited for sale at the CatStrand, New Galloway, and Jim also takes commissions. Fiona is interested in land management culture from all perspectives, past, present and future. The Highlanders are great for managing swards of grazing which has been overwhelmed with unpalatable dominant species. They open up the ground for greater 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 diversity. Working with horses is Fiona’s other passion and the next stage of the farm project will involve demonstrating how draught power can contribute to solving many modern upland challenges. She says: “It is sad to see declining upland communities. These lands are high in resources, slowly forgotten as traditional knowledge is lost.” The holistic project at Blackmark aims to address this problem by highlighting ways in which the hills can stay alive, and not just with the sound of music! Glenkens Gazette page 18 DEE & GLENKENS HUSTINGS Prior to elections of local councillors, a hustings was held at CatStrand, New Galloway, for the new Dee and Glenkens Ward. Eight out of the nine local council candidates took part in a hustings lasting over two hours, skillfully chaired by Prof Ted Cowan. With an audience of nearly 70 people of all ages, it was much appreciated that questions and discussions remained so focused on the bread-and-butter issues that mattered to people living in one of the remoter parts of Galloway. These included educational concerns such as fears about potential school closures and also about library provision. Some particularly thoughtful responses came from candidates surrounding the pros and cons of campaigning for full National Park status for the Galloway Hills. Afterwards members of the audience welcomed the willingness of all the candidates to work together across Party and Independent Group lines to do whatever they felt best for our area. Clr Ted Thompson (Labour) stood in for Elizabeth Maxwell. He, as well as long-standing existing councillors Patsy Gilroy (Conservative) and Jane Maitland (leader Independent Group) stressed what can be and has been achieved by parties working together. Three newcomers to the political scene came across particularly strongly: Dougie Campbell (SNP) with widespread previous experience at a senior level in Strathclyde police and the Refugee Council, as well as work with young people; Laura Moodie, Green Party, as a younger candidate with four children and a range of insights into how to work from home in a remote rural area and bring employment opportunities; Douglas Swan, Independent, with a well-kent business going back five generations, but also moving with the times and seeing the need to bring younger people to the area and not just bury the old. Finally there was Andi Holmes who, until recently, was chair of Dalry Community Council and came with the advantage of first-hand local knowledge, not that all the others hadn’t done remarkably well whilst knocking on hundreds of doors in recent weeks and picking up lots of the issues that matter to people living in the Glenkens. Roland Chaplain t: 01292 550954 m: 07766 978568 e: rj.mcculloch@aol.co.uk www.rjmcculloch.co.uk Oil and LPG boilers tailored to suit your needs... In rural areas mains gas isn’t an option - but this needn’t limit your choices of heating installations. Modern oil and LPG boilers can be an efficient and economical way to heat your home or workplace, especially for older, less insulated buildings. With over 20 years in the trade, the team at RJ McCulloch are highly experienced in the servicing and repair of lpg and oil fired boilers, and work directly for various manufacturers. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ROSS FOR ADVICE RELATING TO ANY PLUMBING OR HEATING QUERIES YOU MAY HAVE. Glenkens Gazette page 19 NEW WARD, NEW TEAM Following the local council elections in May, a new team of councillors are in place - Dougie Campbell, Patsy Gilroy and Jane Maitland have been elected as Dumfries & Galloway Councillors for the new Glenkens and Dee ward. The recent ward boundary changes meant that the Glenkens was always going to have new faces as none of our outgoing councillors were standing in our new ward. Only George Prentice stood again for election in the new Castle Douglas ward; Finlay Carson is now the area’s MSP and Brian Collins did not stand again. New councillors for the Castle Douglas ward, which includes Parton and Corsock, are Ian Howie (Independent), David James (Scottish Conservative) and John Young (SNP). With nine candidates standing for the three vacancies in the Glenkens and Dee ward, locals had plenty to choose from. All the candidates spent time canvassing in the area and a specially organised hustings event at the CatStrand gave them an opportunity to explain why they felt they were the right candidate for the job and also gave the public an opportunity to question them on specific issues. Dougie Campbell, SNP, is the only one of our councillors who is new to local politics. He and his wife moved to Gatehouse in 2011 after he retired from the police force where he had worked for many years in both rural and urban areas. This background in public service led to his decision to stand and he adds: “My experience Left to right: Dougie Campbell, Patsy Gilroy and Jane Maitland. in policing, a job which is driven by action, will I hope stand me in good stead as a councillor.” Whilst he admits he has a steep learning curve at the moment, he fully intends to attend community council meetings as often as possible in order to be visible and accessible. “Community Councils are an important aspect of community life and, for me, attending meetings will ensure I’m in contact with local views and issues,” he explains. Patsy Gilroy, Scottish Conservative, has been a DGC councillor since 1999 and, whilst she recognises the challenges of such a geographically dispersed ward, will take it in her stride having seen several boundary changes in that time. And she feels a positive aspect of the new Glenkens and Dee ward is that it takes in the whole area covered by the Galloway Glens Project. She is on the board of the GGP and is particularly interested in the idea of natural flooding which she hopes may assist in managing the flooding problems that Carsphairn has experienced in recent years. And after having spent some time canvassing in the area she is now even more aware of how important transport is for people living in the Glenkens. Jane Maitland, Independent, also has many years’ experience as a DGC Councillor in the old Dee Ward. She enjoyed canvassing in the Glenkens and meeting locals and was impressed to see that each village has its own shop. She feels that because of our relative isolation here in the Glenkens we are better served by local businesses and perhaps more resilient. A plain speaker, she says, “I will always be totally honest about any new policy or project and what the implications might be.” She is a firm believer in the Community Council enquiry service run by DGC which she says allows communities to deal directly with the Council and frees councillors to concentrate on different issues. With 13 community councils across the Glenkens and Dee Ward, our new councillors have plenty of work ahead of them but they have confirmed that they will work together to ensure that at least one of them attends as many community council meetings as possible. In the meantime, if anyone has any issues that they would like their help with, they can be contacted by email as follows: dougie.campbell@dumgal.g ov.uk; patsy.gilroy@dumgal.gov.uk; jane.maitland@dumgal.gov.uk Defibrillator for Balmaclellan Balmaclellan Village Hall will be responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the defibrillator. Iain Howie, ex-police and SCVS, and now a voluntary worker for The British Heart Foundation, provided 15 adults and four children with CPR and defibrillator training. A big thank you to Iain who will, if there is demand, provide another training session in the autumn. Anyone wishing to attend training please contact Kay Bird on 420 612. Balmaclellan Community Council and Balmaclellan Village Hall Committee are delighted to announce that the new defibrillator and heated cabinet have been installed on the front wall of Balmaclellan Village Hall. Well done to all the residents, Natural Power and Dumfries & Galloway Housing Partnership for enabling the purchase. Please note that the cabinet is NOT locked and anyone can access the defibrillator. Pads for the defibrillator to be used on small children and babies will be purchased in the very near future and are kindly being donated by Fiona and Duncan MacKinnon. Glenkens Gazette page 20 DETECTIVE FICTION: Some Minor Classics This review is of the slightly less famous, or well known, authors. largely set in London and are quirky but gently humorous. Ann Grainger’s Mitchell and Markby, the Cotswold detectives are well written. David Robert’s Lord Edward Corinth and Verity Browne clean up crime in the 1930s and 1940s. Ben Aaronovitch’s Constable Grant and DI Nightingale also has some appeal. Robin Paige’s Lord and Lady Sheridan series is a category. Patricia Wentworth and her creation Miss Jane Silver is another favourite. The British Library have recently reprinted some of our older It may well include many crime classics. Freeman Wills readers’ personal favourites Croft with Inspector French, EC but no slight has been intended Bentley with Inspector Trent and when they are described as Ronald Knox with Miles Bredon minor. are worth looking out for. Beyond such familiar individuals Other authors that may well as Morse, Dalziel and Pascoe, repay a browse or two would Taggart, Sherlock Holmes, Jane include Tasha Alexander, Marple, Brother Cadfael, Some authors from a bygone MC Beaton (Agatha Wexford and Maigret there is a vast wealth of era still have a timeless appeal. Raisin), Frances Brody (Kate Alexander), Jane detectives struggling, in Bolitho (Rose Trevelyan), little lighter in tone. Similarly, print, to hold back a vast tide Amanda Cross (Kate Fansler), Inspector Witherspoon and Mrs of well planned and, initially Carola Dunn (Daisy Dalrymple), Jeffries by Emily Brightwell perplexing, crime and to bring Peter Kerr (Bob Burns), Catriona provides come cheerful reading. the perpetrators to their well McPherson (Dandy Gilver),Sara Some authors from a bygone merited end. Many decent Sheridan (Mirabelle Bevan) and era still have a timeless appeal. authors, and detectives, may Dorothy Simpson (Inspector Edmund Crispin’s Gervase Fen, well have been omitted. If any Thanet). Margery Allingham’s Campion, reader feels strongly then they I have left out a few authors Inspector Appleby from Michael may wish to draw the books to that were either rather too Innes, Josephine Tey’s Miss our attention. gruesome or where the detective Pym, Gladys Mitchell’s Mrs Detective partnerships have or the plots failed to convince. Bradley and Ngaio Marsh with included Christopher Fowler’s Bruce Smith Inspector Alleyn all fall into this Bryant and May series. They are Richard Arkless MP Dumfries & Galloway Constituency Richard operates an open-door policy please just pop in to either office at any time during opening hours. Constituency Office Dumfries Unit 7, High Street, Loreburne Shopping Centre, Dumfries, DG1 2BD Tel: 01387 265698 Mon-Fri 10am-4pm Constituency Office Stranraer 36-38 Charlotte Street, Stranraer, DG9 7EF Tel: 01776 705800 Mon/Tue/Thurs/Fri 10am-2pm Email: richard.arkless.mp@parliament.uk www.richardarkless.scot Glenkens Gazette page 21 THE LAND OF MY VOICE I live in an old part of an old country. The sky is wide, trimmed by low hills that are fragments of the towering mountains they used to be. Worn and rounded by ice, wind and time, they enclose a broad glen that has sheltered thousands of years of human life. Here, in the craggy reaches of the Ken basin, the bones of extinct villages protrude through bare patches of the Spruce Forestry that superseded them. Landscape has always impressed itself upon me. As a very small child, I recall walking along a long, straight country road near my home that ended abruptly at the feet of the Campsie Fells. The hills towered over me in a way that made me dizzy with vertigo, a sensation I still recall quite clearly as I write. Later, we came to Galloway. The landscape captured me immediately. With my collie dog, I roamed free through our glen, always seeking the summits that would grant me views in every direction. South, the Solway coast would shimmer in the sun. North, the rolling green fields of Ayrshire could be glimpsed on a clear day. East, the hills tumbled slowly down to the Nith Valley and Dumfries. West, the Rhins of Kells loomed, still clinging to winter even late into spring. This landscape fired my eleven-yearold imagination. I daydreamed as I walked, stocking the high hillsides with dragons, the green woods with elves and the many chattering burns with fairies. I wandered in a fantastical world of my own, transported from my awkward, nomadic childhood. At my new school, we walked the hills to learn from them. Our History teacher led us on the trail of the Killing Times, showing us the savage nature of religious struggle right beneath our feet. She led us to the places where people had once gathered in secret to worship, where the roar of a waterfall drowned out their voices and the hills hid them from sight as they prayed. I felt their ghosts flicker at the edges of my perceptions. She led us to the place in our quiet village street where a public torturing had sparked an armed rebellion. In the silence of my imagination, I could still hear the screams. When you climb to the summit of one of our hills, you can see clearly the connections that criss-cross the land below. You can follow the path of the river and see how it formed the shape and configurations of the villages and farms on its banks. You can see from the patterns of the roads how they have sustained those places that remain, but you can also see the disconnected ruins of the places that died. You can see, simultaneously, how the land lies now and how it lay in the past. The old pack road that winds down View over Clatteringshaws Loch by Duncan McNaught into the glen from I dug deeper again into the secret the seaport of histories of our glen and found the Old Portpatrick is one of the marks left by Wife of Bogha, a woman who fell victim the past. Maintained now for tourists to the hysteria of Witchcraft, a woman as the Southern Upland Way, it once suspected on account of her literacy. brought vital trade to our glen. I’ve Each time we drive to our weekly shop, stood in one of the ruined villages on we pass the site of her home. In the its route. My feet planted on that old Kirkyard, at the session house, I can pack road, my hands on the tumbled pause and hear her staunchly vow her stones of the former Inn, I pictured the innocence, and I think I can hear scorn drunken revellers stumbling away from in her voice. I can follow the road they the door in the moonlight, and heard took her to Kirkcudbright, I can stand horses nickering warily in the ruined outside the cell where they starved, stable opposite at the noise. It’s just tortured and harried her for two long feet away from where the miller’s wife years to confess to crimes I know she did not believe in. I can close my eyes and marvel at the strength of character it took her to resist. I can feel my once hid Robert the Bruce from the heart break as she did at last, begging English and her husband. for death. Her voice is persistent, her That closeness to such potent suffering vivid through it, and all too history grew in me, fed my sense of easily I understand it. ‘scottishness’, built my inner voice. As One night I went for a walk past I have dug deeper into the landscape’s sunset. The sky was still awash with past, it has fed me characters that have the golden glow of the sun’s passing. added nuance to my inner voice. The clouds were inky and lined silver. I followed the Bruce throughout our The moon appeared in a disclike rend hills, stood where he watched the Battle in the clouds, a sliver of celestial magic of Glentrool unfold, slept in a bunk framed against a backdrop of cosmic on a spot he once slept. I’ve followed luminescence. Venus lingered below, him where countless others have too, peeking at the night. A mere pinprick seeking to relive the history of our of brilliance, she was dwarfed by an country. But I’ve followed others too, ominous bank of cloud as she skimmed others whose paths are much less well low over the dark spine of the Rhinns. trodden. I followed the Covenanter Beneath it all, lay the quieted glen, ‘Black’ James McMichael from the spot smudged by swirling tendrils of mist where he murdered a turncoat minister, rising from the shrouded river. through the landscape in which he hid The riot of autumn colour that clad the from the King’s forces, to the bitter hillsides was muted in the gloaming, end of his life in an unmarked grave. faded to soft, indistinct browns. The His passing became a secret hidden village appeared as brief splashes of in leather bound history books. He white light while night crept over it was brave but reckless, a savage man with dewy fingers. Bennan Hill rose in with a passionate belief, a compelling the background, conical and sinister as character who also repelled me. His Mount Doom in the last bloody light of voice was harsh, his tenor righteous, the set sun, its sides smeared with haze his passion driven by zeal. So and the murk of encroaching night. different from me, but yet, his voice I I committed each tone to memory, understood. Sometimes when I stand savoured the drama of this old part in front of our Town Hall and close my of this old country and imagined a eyes, I can still hear the creak of the thousand different sunsets that have gibbet where they hung him. I try not gilded these old hills before. to imagine the rank smell that must Angela Miller have accompanied his corpse. In the silence of my imagination, I could still hear the screams. Glenkens Gazette page 22 GLORIES OF MADAGASCAR On a cold but bright afternoon, members of New Galloway Rural were treated to a talk on far away, hot and dusty Madagascar, by Sarah and Janet Woods. We heard how, with an attitude of “if we don’t do it now, we may be too late!”, our intrepid speakers decided it was time to do it... We learned that Madagascar is an island off the coast of South Africa created long ago when it broke away from the mainland, and took with it only certain creatures. No lions, tigers, elephants or rhinoceroses were included. The animals that went on the island Nature Notes 1914 Mr Ian McCulloch of Troquhain House, Balmaclellan, recently found a large sheet of handwritten nature notes from 1914 made by four gardeners from the estate. He has permitted copies to be made and passed on to anyone with an interest. Paul Goodwin has scanned and ‘cleaned it up a little’ and has sent in the extract to the right. These notes are over a century old and are fascinating to compare with the present day - note particularly the reference to a Corncrake, a bird not seen in Galloway for many years. If anyone would like an electronic copy of the full scan (best viewed with zoom on a computer) then please email Paul on notes@paulgoodwin.me.uk developed and became special to Madagascar. We learned about the rice fields going up the side of the mountains, and how people live mainly on rice and chicken. We saw some fantastic exotic plants in amazing colours, and creatures such as chameleons, lemurs, monkeys, spiders, butterflies, and birds, which we will never see in our colder climate. It was a lovely interlude from the long cold wet days of our Scottish spring. Helen Bullock, Secretary Glenkens Gazette page 23 OBITUARY FOR BILL BLYTH OF BLOWPLAIN FARM Bill Blyth was born at home on Blowplain Farm on 28 May 1935, the first son of his parents William and Anna. His father had bought the farm in 1932 aged 21 and had moved down from Dundee to start in farming. Bill continued to live there for his 81 years except for the two years he left for his National Service when he was posted in Northern Ireland. He married Mary in 1960 and they spent their lives at Blowplain, raising their three daughters, farming, planting trees and extending the gardens. He particularly loved daffodils and with Mary planted hundreds of varieties. He had many other interests throughout his life including bee keeping and poultry, and in particular his antiquarian books about local history. He studied Galloway history for many years, building up a wonderful collection of books which were his pride and joy, and latterly contributed historical articles to the Gazette. He was ultimately a family man who loved being at home on his farm surrounded by family and friends, and will be sadly and very much missed by all. He died peacefully on 10 April and was buried at home at Blowplain surrounded by his daffodils, with a view looking out towards the Galloway hills. The Brownies Well In the area of the Glenkens there are many strange names for some of the local features. One of these is The Brownies Well located at Bogue Farm, Dalry. An explanation for this mysterious name can be found in the following text taken from the book published in 1824 Lights and Shadows of Scottish Character and Scenery by Cincinnatus Caledonius - also known as John Gordon Barbour of Dalry. “When Grierson of Lagg and Graham of Claverhouse were traversing Galloway for the destruction of Covenanters, some families, at their peril, concealed the persecuted, and carried them victuals. Among these, Ramsay of Bogue was one. He wished well at all times to his King. But he also wished well to virtue and his country. There were some sequestered spots in his farm, where the persecuted often met, and to the Holy Linn, Society Holm and Cushat Craggs, himself or his children would carry bread to the hungry. The persecutors had spies – and the doings of Ramsay was known, and he was summoned before the Council of Scotland. Who was to manage his farm in his absence? Who was to cut his corn, and carry it to the barn? For it was the eve of autumn when he was summoned away. No matter, his corn was shorn and carried to the barn-yard. Twas threshed and carried to the kiln. The fields of Ramsay were seen waving yellow on the one day, and were observed to be cut down and stooked on the next. This was observed with astonishment. But it had been whispered for some weeks past that the Bogue was frequented by brownies! They were seen issuing under night from the woods near the Garpal. They were seen, with long cloaks about the Cushie Craggs, and they had been observed cowering away from the ox-byre towards the large spring-well beyond it. No wonder then that the large crop, west from the well, was standing at night and stooked in the morning! No wonder “ae night there wasna ae threshen sheaf in a the barn, an the neist mornin’ ten pecks o’ threshen aits.” Well, blessed be the brownies. They had a strange howff about the Bogue. “Ramsay got his work very strangely wrought,” so the neighbours said. But how indeed was it wrought? And who were these brownies? The poor persecuted, who got their bread and clothes from the family of Ramsay, now cut his corn in his absence. In the moonlight they stole from the wood and the stream, and, like unearthly beings indeed, dealt heavenly gratitude to the family of their benefactor. The Covenanters Bill with some of his beautiful collection of books. Below is a submission that Bill had previously sent in to the Gazette, and he is also featured in Ted Cowan’s history piece on p27. alone were the brownies! Their victuals were sometimes carried under night to that croft, and they came to slake their thirst at the forenamed fountain. And while they stood there, under the spreading ash, often did these persecuted vow love to heaven, to one another, and gratitude to their benefactor. They got a candle by night, and in pairs threshed their sustainers grain. They took his horses under the September moon, and housed his corn, or sometimes carried the threshen grain to the mill. Through the influence of Kenmure, a friend to the persecuted and Ramsays’ own landlord, the tenant was dismissed. Although he was indeed fined. He scorned to deny the sustenance he had given, but he had not borne arms. He was therefore dismissed and returned to his family. The helpful persecuted were happy at his return. He blessed them for their harvest aid; and they blessed him for renewed shelter. He abated not his kindness. The frowns of guilty power bore small terror to him. He would not curse his king; but he would succour affliction. The storm at length abated. William of Orange landed in England. In Scotland persecution came to an end. Presbyterianism, industry, and allegiance returned. The peasantry ‘forgot not to assemble themselves together’, but they now assembled in their native churches.” Contributed by the late Bill Blyth of Blowplain, with information sourced from www.kirkcudbright.co Glenkens Gazette page 24 AIR CRASHES TO THE NORTH OF CARSPHAIRN Previous articles have told the stories of air crashes on Corserine and around Loch Doon. This article covers three air crashes to the North of Carsphairn. The first of these was that of a Spitfire which crashed on the North East of Cairnsmore of Carsphairn on 23 May 1942 killing the sole occupant, Pilot Officer David G Hunter Blair. David was only nineteen years old when he died and was the son of Capt Sir Edward Hunter Blair Bart of Straiton. Unusually for a crash in the Glenkens, this was an operational flight rather than a training mission. David served with 242 Squadron and was one of several pilots sent to provide top cover for the Queen Mary which was arriving in UK laden with US soldiers. His plane was a Spitfire Vb AD540 ‘Blue Peter’ – it had been paid for by funds raised in Newmarket and was named after the 1939 Derby winner. The pilot blacked out due to a fault with the oxygen, but came to in time to bail out. Tragically, his parachute failed to open correctly and he was severely injured and died shortly after he was found. He landed close to where the plane crashed on Cairnsmore of Carsphairn, only 15 miles from his family home. The aircraft wreckage was discovered and parts were recovered in 1993 with the assistance of a Royal Naval Sea King helicopter from HMS Gannet in Ayr. The engine has subsequently been restored and is on display at the Dumfries & Galloway Aviation Museum. There is also a small memorial at the very remote crash site and another marking the spot where he died. There are several well written articles on the web, just put ‘blue peter spitfire’ into your favourite search engine. The recovery of the wreckage was also covered by the Would you like the opportunity to have your own online business, with support from a team? Do you like healthy living and high quality skin care? Yes? Then please contact Katy Caie, Arbonne Independent Consultant, on 07756 506 496 or visit http://catrionacaie.arbonne.com TV programme Blue Peter because of the coincidence of the name and that program is currently available to view on Youtube. The second crash in this area was an Avro Anson serial DG575 which crashed on 5 December 1942 in Carsphairn Forest almost six miles North of Carsphairn. All five crew were killed. Ansons were used for general transport and also to train crews on flying multi-engined aircraft and in navigation. The final air crash in this area is by far the largest aircraft, the most recent crash and therefore, arguably, the most memorable. On 7 July 1951, Boeing B29 Tanker serial 4483950 crashed into the field to the South of Brockloch Tower killing all eleven men on board. This was a US Air Force Superfortress similar to the type used to drop the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, but this one had been converted into a tanker for air to air refuelling. In addition to the usual crew of ten, it also carried a refuelling boom operator. USAF Boeing KB-29P 44-83950 took off from RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk at at just after 9am. At 11am the aircraft contacted the controller at Prestwick, the pilot reported they were at an altitude of 14,500ft. A few minutes later the aircraft was seen by witnesses on the ground descending out of cloud over Carsphairn. The fuel tanks, containing an estimated 8,000 US gallons, exploded and completely destroyed the aircraft, scattering it over a considerable area. A memorial was unveiled on 21 September 1952 by Mrs Evelyn McMillan of Brockloch, and latterly Lamloch, Carsphairn. The memorial is situated in a dyke to the South of Brockloch tower and facing the tower but the actual crash site is about 100 yards to the west. There was actually a fourth crash in this area (on Beninner to the South of Cairnsmore) but I will carry this one Wright’s Shop & Post Office Dalry Licensed convenience store and newsagent stocking a range of local suppliers including Corsons and Irvings Bakers, Ballards and Dalmellington Country Butchers and Mitchells Fruit and Veg. Opening Times (both shop & PO): Monday to Friday: 7am – 6pm Saturday: 8am – 6pm Sunday: 8.30am – 4pm Tel: 01644 430 225 Top: Map showing crash sites. Middle: Royal Navy Sea King recovering Merlin engine from Spitfire ‘Blue Peter’ ©Alan Leishman. Below: Mrs Evelyn McMillan unveiling B29 memorial. over to the next (and final) article on Air Crashes in the Glenkens. If you have anything to add to these stories, especially photographs of the crash sites or the men involved, please get in touch on 07973 174 342. Paul Goodwin 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 25 Polharrow School The founding of the school in 1842 was due to Mr John Kennedy, the landed gentleman who built the present house at Knockalling. This family was covered by Ted Cowan in Issue 96 of the Gazette. The first Master was Mr John Cowan and he held the post for many years. There are references to prizes won in 1843 and 1855. The Post Office Directory of 1878 informs us that a Mr John Hamilton was the Master at Pollharrow School. Subsequent Masters were Mr McJannet and then a Mr Wilson. A new school was built in 1891 and was located a little further west on the other side of the Polharrow Burn. The building still remains and is known as the Schoolhouse. The roll was always rather modest and the various teachers through the years commented on the poor attendance pattern. The figures sat at around 20 children between 1900 and 1903. We do have some record of the teachers. Miss Jeannie Brown was the teacher from 1891-95, Miss Hannay, 1895-97, and then Miss Jennie Lamb, 1897-98, Miss Isobel Fisher, 1898-1900 and then Miss Mary Jane Callander from 1900. We also know that a Mrs Alexander was teaching there in the 1930s. In 1944 Miss E S McClure was appointed as Headteacher, having previously worked in Mansfield. Even at the end of the C.19th the younger scholars worked on slate and the older ones moved on to paper. The Inspectors Report for April 1892 included the section, “Miss Brown does excellent work in this small school.” Her Majesty’s Inspectors continued to be pleased with affairs at the school. In 1902 they said, “The pleasant tone which has in recent years prevailed in the School again calls for remark.” The School Log Book gives only brief glimpses of life at Polharrow. “Snow lying deep today. Obliged to open School without scholars.” (January 1895); “Special attention to cutting out and darning for girls.” (March 1895); “Some difficulty in getting homework well done.” (September 1895); “Merit Certificates for A. Hewitson and J.Smith.” (April 1901); “Two boys have left being over 14 years.” (March 1917); “The infant boys are making good progress with their knitting.” (June 1917). In the Great War the children made their contributions. However, there is not a single mention in the log book about the War or any of the national events. We know from other sources that they joined with others from Kells and Mossdale Schools to make crutches for the wounded and disabled soldiers. The children always looked forward to their Annual Festive Treat in the Town Hall, usually hosted by the ladies of Knockalling. In the Second World War the school, like all others, took evacuees. We have some of the names of the prizewinners from 1939-42 from the Dumfries and Photo of the Issue Fraser McCormick wins a meal for two at the Ken Bridge Hotel’s Sunday carvery with his shot of the Ken Bridge. Competition judges Dave and Sue said: “we wouldn’t normally choose a picture of the Ken Bridge as we have so many but it’s a nice composition showing the arches, so we’re putting that in first place for this issue. We also loved the panoramic views submitted, especially of Loch Dungeon. Well done to everybody, and congratulations on your anniversary.” The old schoolhouse, now converted into a house. Galloway Standard. Between 1939 and 1942, each year has repeats of surnames often two or three times, such as Robertson, Pringle, Denny and Thorburn, which reminds us that, in small rural schools, most children sat in the schoolroom with brothers and sisters. In 1944 the children from the school made the national newspaper with a distinctive contribution to the war effort. “When they have finished their lessons the senior pupils of Polharrow School, in the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright put away their school books and take up dusters and mops. The Education Committee has been unable to find a cleaner for the school, and the pupils are doing the work …” 18 June 1944- Sunday Post In 1947, in common with other rural primaries, the school lost its senior pupils to the new secondary department at Dalry. By 1951 it was on its last legs. Bruce Smith Sponsored by the Ken Bridge Hotel Glenkens Gazette page 26 Who Do We Think We Were? This issue features Merryn Fergusson, describing her first experiences of life as the wife of an Ayrshire farmer. The photo was taken at her wedding at (believe it or not) St Merryn Church, near Padstow in Cornwall. Several readers have indicated that they too have a story they would like to tell. I am eagerly awaiting these promised contributions, or, indeed, any others; all that is required is 500 words of reminiscence, from any part of your life, whenever it was, wherever you were. Please send your contribution - of no more than 500 words - by email to margaret.elphinstone@ dircon.co.uk or hand in a copy at CatStrand marked ‘Glenkens Gazette - WDWTWW’. Next issue’s contribution will be from Marion Bone, writing about her early memories of coming over from Ayrshire with her family for the New Galloway Show. VILLAGE LIFE: 1974 Aren’t you going to say “‘Good Morning’ to Jim?” Alex asked. I felt this rebuke was unwarranted. I was unaware that Jim was among the five men dressed in their Sunday best, that we had passed, standing in the Church porch. We had returned from honeymoon that week and I was ill prepared for life as a farmer’s wife. I was guilty of a lack of imagination as to what living in a remote Ayrshire village might entail. July is the time for ‘gatherings’ to shear and ‘mark’ the sheep. I contributed by learning to roll the shorn fleece and hold the lambs steady while marking. The hours were punctuated by meals provided by the shepherd’s wife, and this was where my initiation into ‘hogs’ and ‘gimmers’ and singular attributes such as a ‘soo mooth’ began. Jim was not strictly a herd, despite his surname being Lambie, but a grieve because as well as sheep he had care of cows and crops. I had never seen him other than with his close cropped fifties style haircut and working clothes. How was I expected to recognise him with his head covered by a hat and wearing a suit, or anticipate that he might be an Elder of the Kirk? This was only the first of many occasions where I was wrong footed in my alien world. In August I caught a chill and was ill for a week. Once I recovered more than one person asked me if I was better. I was yet to learn that this was one of the boons, as well as the banes, of village life. No-one and nothing went unnoticed. Why else had my newly acquired Uncle planned to drive through the village with a pram strapped to the roof of his car if not to fuel speculations as to why we had married with such apparent haste? As people got to know me, and I them, I would be asked in a friendly way if ‘that was you going for your messages?’ This mystifying question was solved once I realised the Scots connection with France. French I was familiar with, and ‘faire de messages’ means doing your shopping. This link helped again when I was asked for an Merryn and Alex Fergusson, St Merryn Church, near Padstow, June 20th 1974. achette at a fund raising event. Sooner than expected, but not before nine months, a baby arrived. Proudly I pushed the pram through the village. Half recognisable people would take Iain’s hand, close his fist over a coin, and ‘crossing his palm with silver’ slip the coin under his blanket. Alex became rather mercenary and suggested unnecessary walks to the shop. I joined others and their children to watch my first village wedding. When the young couple drove away to the reception the groom threw coins out of the window. With a flurry the children scampered unashamedly to fill their pockets. This tradition I learnt was called a ‘scramble’. It was, I thought, a much more generous gesture than covering newly marrieds with confetti. ...this was where my initiation into ‘hogs’ and ‘gimmers’ and singular attributes such as a ‘soo mooth’ began. GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL � 01644 420234 � New Galloway Golf Club Founded 1902 www.nggc.co.uk - 01644 420737 Buggies now available for hire VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME Glenkens Gazette page 27 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN Bill Blyth’s School Friend Bill Blyth late of Blowplain will be sadly missed by all his friends and acquaintances. At his funeral in April Balmaclellan Kirk was full to the brim. Many folk knew him in all sorts of capacities but some of us remember him best as a local historian with a deep knowledge of his parish, Galloway and the Southwest. He would drop by my house from time to time to discuss some aspect or other of the region’s past inspired by his reading, or often by his memory. He would appear with some notes or some papers which he had been studying, but which he was uncertain how to take further. We both enjoyed the crack and often our differing opinions on the matters in question, agreeing to work together to answer some of the queries he raised. Unfortunately, Bill’ s health prevented us from taking our plans further, much to my regret. Historians like me find scraps of information in books, manuscripts and printed sources which we then try to match by asking the likes of Bill if they have ever come across similar information. He had an enviable knowledge of the ground. He loved figuring out the meaning of placenames drilling into the names themselves but also by applying his knowledge of local topography. It was quite hard to shake his opinions. He was very taken with the story that a Danish prince is buried under the Dalarran Stane, arguing that the details, for example that the prince had been killed at the Battle of Dalarran, had come down to our generation through oral tradition and all over Scotland there are stories that Danish princes are buried under large monoliths and in any case if the prince had been slain would his followers have had time to bury him? Would they not have retreated at the earliest opportunity, chased out by irate Glenkensians? My views did not convince him one bit. He would not budge on the matter. One project that he had in mind was to write about a friend of his that he had met at Balmaclellan School but he was worried that some notes he attended the village school in Balmaclellan where he became good friends with Bill Blyth. At this point Bill was to have contributed a piece on his memories of Robert and their wanderings in the countryside. Robert passed the ‘Qualie’ or Qualification Exam with flying colours winning the Glenkens Bursary and the pathway to Kirkcudbright Academy, where he fell under the spell of an excellent Classics teacher, John Mackenzie. Bill had to leave school at 14 to help on the farm. Robert achieved Dux of Kirkcudbright Academy and went on to Glasgow University where, among other subjects, he studied Roman coinage under Anne S. Robertson. On graduation he joined the Royal Artillery and in 1947 he secured a post at the British Museum. A massive number of erudite publications on coinage followed. At some point Bill Blyth decided to look up Carson at the British Museum. I am not sure when, but it was a successful visit as the two reminisced about Balmaclellan. Had he been spared he would have told us more but it was typical of Bill to renew an acquaintance after such a long time. In view of the Viking Hoard campaign it is of interest that Carson succeeded in having the find’s ‘Treasure Trove’ status for gold and silver objects extended to those made of bronze. Bill was extremely proud of people like Carson who went on from ‘a wee school like Balmaclellan’ to become a leader in his or her profession. Bill also made an important mark but personally I regret that we lacked the opportunity to learn much more, especially about Glenkens, from his vast knowledge. In view of the Viking Hoard campaign...Carson succeeded in having the find’s ‘Treasure Trove’ status for gold and silver objects extended to those made of bronze. that the burial was also mentioned in poems and songs. My view is that had acquired on this individual might somehow breach copyright. The man he had in mind was Robert Andrew Glendinning Carson (19182006) who became the Keeper of Coins and Medals at the British Museum and ‘the leading British expert in Roman numismatics of his generation’. He was born at Borgue but his family had lived in the Glenkens since the mid-eighteenth century. His first schooling was at Twynholm but when his family moved farms he Robert Carson © the British Museum Ted Cowan Glenkens Gazette QUIZ NIGHT FUN Balmaclellan Village Hall’s Quiz Night was a great success. Eight teams, answered seven rounds of questions, including a picture round, based on famous people with birds in their name, well the quiz mistress was Kay Bird, Secretary Balmaclellan Village Hall, so what would you expect! Other rounds included Pot Luck, Science and Nature, Sport, Name that Year, Geography, and Music. Well done to the winners, Kells page 28 Academicals.Thank you to everyone who supported the event which raised £180.52 through the quiz and raffle, which will go towards the upkeep and maintenance of the Village Hall. Look out for details for the next Quiz Night to be held in early October 2017. Robin Jardine, Chair Balmaclellan Village Hall Wendletrap SPALDING BOWLING CLUB Tai Chi This style of authentic Tai Chi is a method of personal development, enriching the wellbeing of the body, mind, spirit and artistic sense. The course embraces relaxation techniques, mindfulness and simple repetitive Chi Gung movements and, most importantly, students are taught ‘The Form’ of Tai Chi; slow, graceful movements. Wednesdays, 2-3.30pm CatStrand, New Galloway Spalding Bowling Club’s President Mat Taylor welcomed everyone to the open day, and Mat’s son Joe Taylor threw the silver Jack and declared the green open. It was a lovely day and a great turnout, and lovely to see new members. We hope everyone has a good season! Valerie Russell As part of the Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership ‘Loch Ken Fisheries Study’ Galloway Fisheries Trust invite you to attend an End of Project Presentation Evening Wednesday 19 July 7-9pm CatStrand, New Galloway For more information, please see the Galloway Fisheries Trust Website ‘Loch Ken Fisheries Study’ Project Page and ‘Latest News’ Section. - three changing cask ales & cider - fresh, seasonal & local food - en suite accommodation - open all day every day - award-winning food, beer & atmosphere - en-suite accommodation - 20% off takeaway discount - country sport & walkers facilities - early bird menu available for June; two courses for £13 Mon-Thurs, 5.30-6.45pm - 01644 430 241 www.theclachaninn.co.uk Glenkens Gazette Scout Thank You To date, the total from our recent Glenkens Scout Group Jumble Sale stands at £1,194. The leaders, Cub Scouts and Beavers would like to say a big ‘Thank You’ to the people of the Bumper Sale! The recent Plant and Bake sale held at St Margaret’s Church, New Galloway, raised over £600 for the Stewartry branch of the Food Train and Befriending Service. Despite a damp and chilly morning, the event was very well attended and sales were brisk. A wide variety of cakes, biscuits, bread, scones, tablet, tomato and vegetable seedlings, herbaceous plants, annuals and houseplants all proved so popular that the sale finished well ahead of schedule. Ladies Guild President Christine Rankin said: “We are very grateful for everyone’s support for the excellent Food Train and Befriending Service but would stress that next year it would be a good idea to get there early to avoid disappointment!”. Calling Crafts Folk Dalry Town Hall Management Committee propose to hold a Craft Fair in Dalry Town Hall on Saturday 16 September 2017. Large tables are available at £10 each and half tables can be provided if required. To book or for more info contact Noreen Bell on 07759 494 952 or noreenbell46@gmail.com page 29 Glenkens and beyond for their support in donating and to all who came to purchase goods. A special thank you to parents, Group committee, Friends of Scouting and not forgetting the young members themselves, who worked very hard to make this happen. This is a fantastic amount of money and is very much appreciated. Yours in Scouting, Heather DALRY POLICE STATION DROP-IN THURSDAY 1 JUNE 9-10.30AM Our local PC is Chloe Ellis who can be contacted by telephone for nonemergencies on 101. FACEBOOK FOR BALMACLELLAN COMMUNIY COUNCIL Balmaclellan Communitiy Council now has a Facebook page. Posted on Facebook are the names of the community council councillors, the minutes of meetings and information on events in and around Balmaclellan. SNAIL MANAGER WANTED Manager/Promotions Executive for a very successful long established snail racing stable needed. For over 20 years now snail racing has been one of the highlights of the Alternative Games, raising many thousands of pounds for local charities. The organising committee are looking to recruit someone to undertake the planning and promotion of the event this year. This would include: signing up race sponsors, recruiting owners, pre-event promotion and preparation of snails for race day. Full training and support provided. This would NOT include on the day race commentary as this will be undertaken by our local racing pundit. Any local organisation willing to take on this role could be eligible for a percentage of the rewards. Please contact Margaret on 07770 688 514. Marie Curie Great Daffodil Appeal 2017 Thanks to the generosity of our communities and participating outlets in the Glenkens, just over £133.55 was raised for Marie Curie Cancer Care during this year’s Daffodil Appeal. The static countertop cans raised a further £172.45 throughout the year. Our donations will go towards much needed practical nursing care for terminally ill people in our area. Marie Curie nursing services are totally free to patients and their families, and the Daffodil Campaign is a vital part of fundraising for the charity. Please continue to drop in your loose change when you see the distinctive yellow cans, as every penny helps! Thank you, and congratulations to the Gazette on 100 wonderfully informative issues! Natalie Vardey GAZETTE COMMENTS... “I just thought I would let you know that I’ve heard a lot of good comments about the Gazette; a number of people mentioned how much they thought it had improved and someone said they looked forward to getting it more than the Galloway News!” “A great way to find all that’s going on in the lovely place we live. Well done - thank you.” Jenny Glenkens Gazette MAY page 30 JUNE & JULY Wed 31, GCC AGM, 12noon, Glenkens Community Centre, see p16 JUNE Thu 1, Dalry Police Station Drop-in, 910.30am, see p29 Fri 2, GCC AGM, 11am, Glenkens Community Centre, see p16 Fri 2, Mairi Campbell: Pulse, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 3, Alan Bisset: Moira Monologues, 4pm, CatStrand Sat 3, Richard III: A One Woman Show, 7.30pm, CatStrand Thu 8, FILM: La La Land, 7.30pm, CatStrand Thu 8, GTI Trip: Broughton House Garden Sat 10, Jim McPhee at the Kirkcudbright Jazz Festival (runs Thu 8-Sun 11) Fri 16, The Danberrys, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 16, CatStrand Youth Players Comedy Show, 7.30pm, CatStrand, p14 Sat 17, The Danberrys, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 17, Dalry Summer Ceilidh, part of the Great Community Get Together in memory of murdered MP Joe Cox. Sat 17, New round of grants available from Glenkens Community Shop - pick up a grant application form from the shop on Main St, Dalry. Thurs 22, Youth Activities Info Session, 6-8pm, CatStrand, see p15 Fri 23, Dark Sky Jazz Club presents: SUGARWORK, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 24, Youth Activities Info Session, 122pm, Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry, see p15 Sat 24, Glenkens Story: The War Dead Remembered, contact theglenkensstory@ gmail.com or text 07766 686 402. Sun 25, Midsummer Piano Duets, 6pm, CatStrand Wed 28, My Darling Clementine, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 30, Anne Charaund: Album Launch, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 30-Sun 2 July, Permaculture/ Sustainable Culture Gathering, The Hidden Mill, Balmaclellan, see p5 JULY Tue 5, GTI Bus Trip: New Lanark (plus Lego Brick City Exhibition), see p8 Wed 6, FILM: Toni Erdmann, 7.30pm, CatStrand Wed 12, Open Stage, 7.30pm, CatStrand Wed 19, Loch Ken Fisheries Study; End of Project Presentation Evening, 7-9pm CatStrand, see p28 Fri 21, Redwood Mountain ,7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 21, Improv Academy, CatStrand, see p15 Sun 23, GTI Bus Trip: The Grand Garden; Culzean Castle Garden, Maybole, see p8 Thurs 27, 11am, Stop Motion Animation Workshop, CatStrand, see p15 Thu 27, FILM: My Life As A Courgette, 7.30pm, CatStrand AUGUST Mon 7-Sun 12, World Gold Panning Championships, Moffat, see p6 SHOW US YOUR TALENT! Submit an application now to be part of Carsphairn’s Got Talent, 7 October - call 460 545. Closing date 31 July. CARSPHAIRN SHOW SATURDAY 3rd JUNE SHEEP JUDGING, SHEEP DOG TRIALS CHILDRENS‛ SPORTS & PET SHOW, OPEN DOG SHOW INDUSTRIAL SECTION IN LAGWYNE HALL For further info ring 01644 430 467 or visit www.carsphairn.org Glenkens Gazette page 31 REGULAR EVENTS CatStrand, New Galloway: Exercise to Music: Mon, 10-11am Margaret Morris dance 1: 3-7yrs, Mon (term-time), 3.45-4.30pm Margaret Morris dance 2: 8-16yrs, Mon (term-time), 4.30-5.15pm Youth Volunteer Meet-up, Tues, 68pm, FREE PIZZA Choreographic Skills Lab: Mon (term-time), 7 - 8.30pm ages 12-18 Gentle Tai Chi: Wed, 10am, 60+ Wendletrap Tai Chi, Wed, 2-3.30pm Glenkens Writing Group: First Wed each month 3-5pm Sing it Out: Thurs, 11am -12pm CatStrand Ukes: Thurs, 1pm – 3.30pm 60+ Zumba Gold: Fri (term-time), 1011am, CatStrand, 16+ Saturday Art Club: 2nd & 4th Sat of the month, 10am–12noon, to book call 420 374 Catstrand Youth Players: Sun during term time, 2pm Glenkens Acoustic Sessions: last Sun of the month, 2-4pm Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry, (contact Kath on 430 281): Paint & Art: Mon, 1.30-4.30pm & Wed, 7-9pm GCC Playgroup: Tues, Wed & Thurs, 9.15-11.45am, contact Miriam 07514 320 101 Guides: Tues during term-time, 68pm, contact: Kath 430 281 Good Neighbours’ Club: Tues, 2pm Brownies: Thurs 6-7.30pm Kickback Martial Arts: Thurs, 7-9pm Thursday Craft Group: Thurs, 2-4pm Glenkens Children’s Club: Fri, 10am-12noon New Galloway Town Hall: LING Lunches: Tues, 11am-2pm Indoor Sports: Tues, 7-9pm Zumba: Wed, 7.30-8.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall, 11+ Footcare by Stewartry Care: Thurs by appointment (Tel: 01556 504699), New Galloway Town Hall Family and friends coming to stay? Various Locations: Short of space? Carsphairn Post Office: Tues, 1-3pm, Lagwyne Hall 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 Cub Scouts: Wed, 6.45–8pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Carsphairn Heritage Centre, 1 June to 25 September, Thurs to Mon, 10am-4pm Glenhaven Gallery, Thurs-Sun, 12noon4pm, Main St, Dalry Youth Writing Group: Thurs (during term time), 3.30-5pm, ages 10-15, Dalry School Coffee & Craft Group: Fri, 9am12noon, Lagwyne Hall Folk Music Session, 4th Fri each month, 7.30/8pm till closing, Ken Bridge Hotel Glenkens Community Councils Balmaclellan Community Council Meetings: 4th Monday each month, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall. CHECK OUT NEW FACEBOOK PAGE! 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. Service with Choir, 30 July CHURCH TIMES United 10.30am, Dalry Church CHURCH OF SCOTLAND Sunday Services - Balmaclellan 12noon: 1st. Carsphairn 10.30am: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th. Dalry 9am: 1st, 2nd, 3rd(Jul), 4th. Dalry 10.30am 2nd(Jul), 5th(Jul). Kells 10.30am: 2nd(Jul), 3rd, 4th. Special Services/Events:Songs of Praise with Sanquhar & District Silver Band and Glenkens Church Choir, 4 June, 6pm, Newfield Green United Family Service (Kells/Dalry), 11 June 10.30am, Dalry Church 713 Pop-up Bistro, Carsphairn Shop & Tearoom, last Friday each month, contact 460 568 Scouts: Thurs, 7–8.30pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Gentle Tai Chi: Fri 10-11am, Dalry Town Hall Cosy country cottage available (sleeps 4) Call Fiona on 01644 420 227 www.covenanters-holidaycottagescotland.co.uk To hire the MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) behind Dalry School call Sonja Tranter on 430 244 or Nicolette Wise on 430 218. Dalry Library Tuesdays 12noon-3.30pm Fridays 10am-12noon & 1-4.30pm For further library van stops and informa�on contact Castle Douglas library on 01556 502 643 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) Communion Services: 2 July, 10.15am, Carsphairn Church. Although the Clachan Fair is no longer happening, we have decided still to hold the Songs of Praise. Call 07727 127 997 SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH: ● 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 St Margaret’s, New Galloway: Holy Communion, 10.30am every Sun & Wed. CATHOLIC CHURCH SERVICES: Kirkcudbright: Sun Mass, 9.30am. Dalbeattie: Sat Mass, 5pm VAT Reg. No. 882 8361 87 USEFUL NUMBERS: Glenkens Gazette page 32 YOUR HOTLINE TO HARBRO PRODUCTS JIM on 07900 246 100 Penpont, Thornhill, DG3 4JS Tel: 01848 330 419 Mob: 07900 246 100 jim.campbell@harbro.co.uk www.harbro.co.uk THINK…Dosing Ewes & Lambs/ Nematodirus, Selenium, Cobalt Deficient… THINK…Silage Sheets, Net Wrap, Bale Wrap, Stack Net THINK…Gardening, 15% Plants, Compost, and Most Westland Products THINK…Art Centre - June: Lauren Wyllie Art and Mr Clubb Metal Sculptures 15% THINK…HARBRO All products at very compe��ve prices and delivery if required 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:Stranraer & Wigtownshire Free Press www.stranraer-freepress.co.uk  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, Mossdale, New Galloway and St John’s Town of Dalry April/May 2017 ISSUE 99 FREE FIGHT CONTINUES FOR GALLOWAY TREASURE The fight to bring the Galloway Viking Hoard (GVH) back to the Stewartry where it was found is gathering momentum. The GVH campaign has been launched to support Dumfries & Galloway Council’s efforts to bring the treasures to the new art gallery in Kirkcudbright. GVH chairman Cathy Agnew says: “The campaign has stirred people up and indicated to the Council that there is a lot of support in the community for a solo bid by the Council to claim the treasure if a joint agreement can’t be reached.” The hoard is the largest Viking treasure ever found in Scotland. It was unearthed near Balmaghie Church by metal detectorist Derek McLennan three years ago. Glenkens parish minister, David Bartholomew, was one of the group present at the discovery of the hoard of a hundred gold and silver objects including fine jewellery and the largest pectoral cross ever found. Some of the objects are wrapped in rare silk cloth which has survived a 1000 years underground. Currently the hoard is held in Edinburgh by the National Museum of Scotland but GVH is backing the Council’s efforts to get the treasures returned. The Council’s Communities Committee Chairman, councillor Tom McAughtie, says: “Despite correspondence going back and forth with the National Museums of Scotland (NMS) I cannot confidently say that we’re anywhere close to reaching an agreement with them.” The council is therefore following Pectoral cross, part of the Balmaghie find. a twin track policy of seeking cooperation with NMS but also lodging a solo application to reclaim the hoard. Continued on p6... SHOP CAMPAIGN’S BIG LOTTERY AWARD New Galloway has been awarded a grant from the Big Lottery Fund to save the last shop in the Royal Burgh which was facing closure. The £800,000 award will fund a plan to purchase Hopkin’s store and attached house and convert the building into a community shop and self-catering flats targeted at the outdoor tourist trade. The award has been secured by New Galloway Community Enterprises (NGCE) Ltd, a Community Benefit Society owned by local people and supporters. Mike Brown, Chair of NGCE, said: “We are delighted to receive this supported us and Jim and Margaret grant which will mean so much for Hopkins for their patience and everyone in New Galloway. Not only understanding.” will it secure the future of the shop Continued on p7... which has a vital role in the community but it will generate income for the community through the self-catering flats and create much needed employment. It has taken two years of hard work to get to this point and we want to thank all those who have NGCE Community Share Offer launch party. A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) ini�a�ve www.glenkensgaze�e.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 2 LOCAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS: HAVE YOUR SAY This year the local council elections will be held on 4 May. What might not be so evident is that the Ward boundaries have changed since 2012, indicating that Castle Douglas has now been joined with Crocketford and the Glenkens is now part of Dee. There will be the same number of Ward Councillors. Currently Castle Douglas and the Glenkens has three Councillors: one Conservative, one Independent and one SNP. Dee Ward has two Independents and one Conservative at present. Also, most importantly, those aged 16 to 18 who have registered will be entitled to vote for the first time. Hopefully the next generation will take full advantage of this new opportunity to express their opinions. Voting numbers at Local Authority elections are traditionally low. In 2012 the turnout for Castle Douglas and Glenkens Ward was just under 42%. (By comparison, at the 2016 Scottish elections the turnout locally was nearly 60%). In 2012 the winning candidates received 904, 899 and 826 votes from an Above: old boundary. Right: new electorate of 8,014. boundary © Local Government Clearly, those who Boundary Commission decided not to vote for Scotland. back in 2012 could our bins and lighting the streets, have changed everything! to planning issues and the region’s Voter apathy, for whatever reason, potholed roads. Those who are meant the three elected candidates, elected on 4 May will affect all of were only supported by around 10% these day-to-day issues, perhaps of the eligible electorate. The Single not immediately, but during their Transferable Vote system (STV), four-year term of office. whilst complicated, is arguably the As the old saying goes “If you best system we currently have. always do what you’ve always done, However if people don’t turn out you’ll always get what you always and vote in person or by post, then got”. Do you really want more of the any system of democracy remains same? ultimately flawed. Make sure to vote in this May’s Dumfries & Galloway Council is elections. It could make more of a responsible for many aspects of our difference than you think! day-to-day lives, from emptying Andi Holmes, Dalry A&B Sinclair Welding & Fabrication Decorative Ironwork Design, Manufacture & Installation Service • Garden/Driveway Gates • Handrails & Balustrades • Garden Features, etc Mobile Welding Service • Agricultural & Forestry • Fabrication & Repairs Contact Andy Sinclair: Mobile - 07896 168 724 Home - 01644 430 332 Glenkens Gazette POLICE STATION TO STAY OPEN Dalry police station has had a stay of execution and will remain a vital community resource for the foreseeable future. At a time of public service austerity this is great news for the Glenkens. With crime rates low you may wonder why there is a need for a local station. I spoke with PC Ellis on International Women’s Day and she explained that having a community police officer is a reassurance for the public and a vital role. PC Ellis remembers visits from the community officer when she was at school and the positive reinforcement of policing this brought. PC Ellis wishes to bring back a strong bond with the community and be the person the public can come to with any matters of concern that wouldn’t necessitate a 999 call. One way this will be achieved is through a monthly drop-in session at the station. These sessions will run for an hour and a half and the page 3 public can come and speak with PC Ellis about any concerns they may have or simply to meet her and have a chat. The next session will be on Monday 3 April at 3pm. PC Ellis would like members of the community to attend where she will discuss any issues that have arisen since the last meeting. Amongst these topics are two recent financial scams and a Dumfries & Galloway Mature Drivers Scheme for the over 65s. This scheme is a multi agency approach to combat a rise in the number of injury accidents concerning mature drivers. The aim is to reduce the number of incidents and help maintain road safety. On speaking with PC Ellis I was reassured by her drive and enthusiasm to support the people of the Glenkens. She has a positive vision for the future of the area’s policing and is keen to meet as many people as she can. It isn’t viable to have the station open full time; resources are needed out on the street and not behind a desk. Demand-led policing means officers are on patrol in a position to respond to any emergency calls. It is clear that Dalry police station has been acknowledged as a need where residents have an option of bringing local issues to the police in a comfortable and supportive environment. Why not make the time on 4 April and visit. It could open your mind to what local policing means and how you can support the hopes PC Ellis has of creating a valuable police and community partnership. Ian Patrick has gone on it has got better as people were so nice.” When asked how she decided what to campaign on, Mia said: “I asked all the people I know what they thought are the main issues affecting young people. There were many common features of their responses and the key issues of mental health, equality and rural opportunity enhancement - including transport - were the ones which most people thought were important and I agreed. It makes it easy to argue the points because I really believe in them.” When considering what she has learned from running as candidate for MSYP, Mia goes on to say: “I have changed my view of this as just being a good idea for my own development and now can really see how being made a MSYP could make a difference. “I thought I was politically aware but I have realised how much more is out there and how much I can learn. Representing someone else’s view is different again. “My public speaking in the Procurator Fiscal Competition last year really helped both in speaking to an audience and in replying to questions in a hurry. I am more confident in the way I speak and in the way I can express my own and other people’s views.” Community Police Officer for the Glenkens, Chloe Ellis. MIA STANDS AS YOUTH CANDIDATE Mia Walker, a student at Dalry Secondary School, is one of six young people across Dumfries & Galloway campaigning to become Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYPs). The Scottish Youth Parliament is the democratically elected voice of Scotland’s young people. It provides a national platform for young people to discuss issues important to them and make the change they want to see. Council Leader Ronnie Nicholson said: “The Scottish Youth Parliament is a fantastic organisation that allows young people to take the lead within their own communities.” “The biggest challenge has been nerves!” says Mia. “I wasn’t confident at all at the start. As time Glenkens Gazette page 4 sponsored by EVERYTHING listed in the Glenkens Freecycle section is FREE - you just need to contact the owner and go and pick it up! If you would like to list something on this page, please get in touch with Sarah on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk VARIOUS 9 rolls of electric mesh flexi-netting with some spare wire for them. 20 aluminium poultry feed trays to fit on side of cage or chicken run - as new. Bow and arrows (nothing fancy). Contact: Rhoda on 430 031 Two Tiffany style lamps, both with slight damage on one shade but in full working order. Contact: J Harvie on 430 373 Vinyl LPs. Contact: 07827 481 463 or 07707 932 755, both after 6.30pm Five T0481 black compatible inks, and one each of T0482 (cyan), T0483 (magenta), T0484 (yellow) and T0485 (light cyan). These are suitable for the Epson Stylus Photo range of printers. They are unopened and remain in their vacuum packs. Free to anyone who can use them. Contact: Clare on 01848 200275 or 07512586770 WANTED Bike suitable for four-yearold. Contact: 07727 127 997 Table tennis table. Contact: Jayne on 07876 397 725 FOR SALE Carsphairn Heritage Centre has a rotary magazine/ book/postcard display rack for sale at £10. It’s on wheels and stands around five feet tall and can display a good number of items. Ideal for a shop, craft fair, etc. To collect from Carsphairn Heritage Centre. Contact: Karen on 460 602 Various household items for sale. Contact: Garry on 430 571 or 07906 309639 or lis.lewis49@gmail.com t: 01292 550954 m: 07766 978568 e: rj.mcculloch@aol.co.uk www.rjmcculloch.co.uk Biomass and why it’s a perfect fit for the Glenkens... With biomass you can save money on your heating bills, make money through the Scottish Government’s Rural Heat Incentive (RHI) and potentially use local or self-sourced timber to run your boiler. RJ McCulloch is MCS registered and Greendeal approved, with over 20 years experience in the trade. Ross and his team carry out detaiied pre-installation heat loss calculations prior to any fitting, ensuring that your property is suited to the type of heat source being considered. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ROSS FOR ADVICE RELATING TO ANY PLUMBING OR HEATING QUERIES YOU MAY HAVE. Glenkens Gazette page 5 sponsored by BIOMASS BOILERS, LOCAL WOOD AND THE RHI What is a biomass boiler? A biomass boiler is designed to burn solid fuels classed as biomass to create heat. There are many brands and models of biomass boilers, each designed to burn specific materials, from timber to waste agricultural materials such as straw and grain husks. The most common form of biomass fuel used in biomass boilers are timber, logs, wood chip and wood pellets. Do they produce any smoke or other emissions? A biomass boiler should not produce any smoke unless the fuel is too wet. All biomass boilers produce nitrogen dioxide (NO2); in general biomass boilers produce less nitrogen oxides than oil boilers. Using wood in place of fossil fuels helps to prevent long-term climate change since the carbon dioxide released during the burning of wood is roughly equivalent to the amount actually absorbed while the tree was growing, so they are essentially carbon neutral. Can I apply for Rural Heat Incentive (RHI) payments if I install a biomass boiler? Yes, as long as you make sure to have the boiler installed by a Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) registered tradesman and use fuel that meets the Fuel Sustainability Requirements. In a domestic setting, you would receive 4.21p per k/w hour, up to a maximum of 25,000 k/w hours per year, for a period of seven years. Can I use my own fuel? You can use any fuel suitable for your particular biomass boiler, whether it’s from a supplier or your own timber. To ensure your boiler remains efficient and tar doesn’t build up, be sure to source timber fuels with a low concentration of bark and a low moisture content. However, to receive payments through the RHI scheme you need to meet their Fuel Sustainability Requirements and register on the Biomass Suppliers List as a selfsupplier. For more information, visit https://biomass-supplierslist.service.gov.uk These Four Walls: Building Memories of a Community CARSPHAIRN HERITAGE CENTRE 2017 EXHIBITON Remains and standing buildings are part of every community but, in Carsphairn parish, old buildings have been largely undisturbed by the hand of man and natural decay and neglect has caused their ruination. The Carsphairn Lead Mines © Ben Ade These many reminders of a previous population stand beside current buildings, some adapted from their previous purpose, but all providing part of the rich heritage in an isolated parish which once boasted a far greater population than now. Old post offices, pubs, churches, isolated shepherds’ cottages, big houses, miners’ rows and other buildings (even though they might be remains or even a memory) have all played a part in the fabric of our community life. Their adaptation to our current way of life takes us through the social changes that have occurred in this community over the centuries. The rate of change has accelerated over the last fifty years but we are privileged here to have glimpses of the past in the buildings, as well as written knowledge about them and their occupants. Dates of opening: 15 April to 29 May: weekends & bank holidays only, 1 June to 25 September, Thurs to Mon. Times of opening: 10am - 4pm. Picnic area, 24 hour public toilets, car parking, admission by donation For further info contact 460 653, info@carsphairnheritage.org or www.carsphairnheritage.org or ‘like’ Carsphairn Heritage Centre on Facebook to find out more. Glenkens Gazette page 6 BALMACLELLAN REGENERATION PROJECT In October 2016 Balmaclellan Community Council (BCC), in conjunction with the Stewartry Council of Voluntary Service (SCVS), sent to all residents of Balmaclellan a Public Consultation Questionnaire to canvass ideas on ways to regenerate the centre of the village. Both BCC and SCVS were much encouraged that the response rate to the questionnaire was well above the average for this type of public consultation. Particularly pleasing was the number of residents who went to the trouble to give such good and thoughtful replies. The winner of the £100 draw was Mr Derek Gibson. Further, BCC and SCVS held a Public Consultation Feedback Session at Balmaclellan Village Hall. Residents of Balmaclellan, and other people from the communities of the Glenkens, were invited along to discuss the ideas submitted. A final Regeneration Plan is being produced by SCVS. There was a high percentage of support for a community garden to be developed on the land which was formerly the old filling station, and in a bid to obtain funding to purchase this land BCC are delighted to report that they have passed Stage 1 of the application process with The Scottish Land Fund and now have three months to submit the Stage 2 application. Work is already underway in obtaining a valuation of the land in question and gathering the necessary information. There is also an application pending with The Office of the Scottish Charity Register (OSCR) to register a two-tiered Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO), which will be known as the Balmaclellan Regeneration Trust. BCC would like to thank SCVS for their hard work and professionalism in conducting the public consultation and assisting with the SCIO application. Recognition also goes to the members of the Regeneration Project who since May 2016 have worked very hard and given up a lot of their time to get the project to this very positive stage. BCC was very pleased with the response from residents who offered to be involved in the project and we will be contacting these people in the near future. If there are any further volunteers willing to help with the project in any capacity, please contact Kay Bird, BCC secretary, on 01644 420 612 or kaybird15@btinternet.com VIKING Balmaclellan HOARD Defibrillator Continued from front page... Professor of Scottish History, Ted Cowan, who lives near Balmaclellan, says: “Those of us campaigning to bring the hoard to Kirkcudbright are strongly of the opinion that heritage artefacts should remain, where possible, in the region in which they were found. “NMS has plenty of treasures which bring visitors to the city but the Viking Hoard could make a huge difference in attracting folk to Galloway if it, or part of it, was exhibited in Kirkcudbright where the new art gallery is already being modified to ensure that it will be secure.” As the Gazette went to press more than 3000 people had signed GVH petition forms or online at www.gallowayvikinghoard.com Balmaclellan is one of the few villages in the Stewartry which does not have a defibrillator. At its meeting in November Balmaclellan Community Council decided to rectify this. It launched an appeal to raise £1200 to purchase a defibrillator and heated cabinet which will be affixed to the outside of the Village Hall. Balmaclellan Community Council has been working in conjunction with Iain Howie of SCVS who will provide free training to First Responders who can then operate the aparatus. The response to the appeal has been terrific with £1,219 being raised within eight weeks by local residents, fundraisers at local events and generous donations from Dumfries & Galloway Housing Partnership and Natural Power Consultants Ltd. A very big thank you and very well done to everyone who has supported the appeal. The community council is now liaising with SCVS regarding the purchase of the equipment. Anyone who would like to be trained in the use of this equipment and become a First Responder should contact Kay Bird, Secretary of Balmaclellan Community Council, on 420 612 or kaybird15@btinternet.com Glenkens Gazette page 7 CatStrand Highlights We have an array of events and activities on at CatStrand through April and May. On Sun 2 April local author Margaret Elphinstone is hosting a special National Library of Scotland workshop about Writing History from Original Sources. Spaces are limited to 12 so get in quick! The following Sat 8 April, we’re hosting a Scots Gaelic Day about the Glenkens with talks and song workshops (see p25). The Easter holidays include a puppet theatre show Oscar’s Amazing Space Adventure (ages 4+) on Tues 11 April at 2pm and our Into Film Club returns on 15 April and 20 May with two films specially selected by club members. We’re also continuing our successful Afternoon Tea Club on Fri 28 April and Fri 19 May. If comedy is your thing, we’re delighted to be hosting two of the hottest names on the circuit. Irish-Iranian comedian Patrick Monahan (Fri 14 April) has performed all over Europe and appeared on The One Show (BBC), Loose Women (ITV) and That 80s Show (ITV) between Fringe sellouts. Meanwhile Glaswegian Scott Gibson (Sat 6 May) is getting rave reviews for his Life After Death stand-up show with plaudits from the likes of Frankie Boyle. The Herald called him “riotously funny and at times painfully raw….” Not for the faint-hearted... Musical highlights include the return of the highly acclaimed Heidi Talbot (Fri 26 May) as part of our D&G Arts Festival Fringe programme followed closely by the world renowned Juan Martin Heidi Talbot. Flamenco Trio (Sun 28 May) who this year will be performing in Dalry Town Hall on a big stage. We also have Nashville hotshot Woody Pines (Fri 21 April) and Americana favourites Laura Cortese and the Dance Cards (Sun 21 May). All of these shows are selling fast already so please get your tickets early. We look forward to seeing you at CatStrand over the coming months. The CatStrand Team See our latest brochure or visit our website for programme details. Book online at www.catstrand.com or call 01644 420374. Ken Words Festival 2017 The second Ken Words Festival had a theme of ‘a sense of place’. The Festival launched with an exquisite concert by two-time winner of Scottish Traditional Folk Singer of the Year, Siobhan Miller. Having seen many young folk singers on CatStrand’s stage, I have to say Siobhan ranks up there with the best. The Saturday morning sessions, which both sold out, included Tom Pow’s ‘silent’ poetry walk around Waterside and Margaret Elphinstone’s poetry workshop. This brought us nicely to the Wagtongues performance in CatStrand’s foyer with brilliant recitals from numerous readers. The afternoon session opened with BBC’s Cameron McNeish whose talk Television Trails and Talk: Words in the Landscape was as enthralling as it was inspiring as he took us on a voyage of mythical adventure, showing how the landscape has shaped the character of the Scottish people through the ages. The evening session was held at the Ken Bridge Hotel where local ethnographer and musician Jo Miller delivered a hugely insightful and entertaining investigation of Glenkens music over the past century. Featuring photos of many familiar Glenkens faces, artefacts from the past, and wonderful performances of the songs themselves, Jo really captured the spirit of what Ken Words is all about. I’m delighted that the Festival is going from strength to strength and after the wonderful response from our audiences I can see it becoming an annual feature of our arts programme here. With grateful thanks to the Ken Bridge Hotel for hosting the evening session. Simon Davidson, CatStrand NEW GALLOWAY SHOP AWARD Continued from front page... The New Galloway proposal, which has been shaped by extensive local consultation, includes funding for a part-time Community Engagement Officer who will work with individuals, businesses and organisations to help people access practical assistance and information and to develop projects benefiting the area. NGCE has launched a Community Shares Offer to raise the £20,000 residents and friends of New Galloway need to contribute to the project. More than 100 people attended a Coffee Cake and Music party in New Galloway Town Hall to mark the launch. Entertainment was provided by children from Kells Primary School, violinist Fiona Edgar, classical guitarist Anne Chaurand, the CatStrand Singers and the Glenkens Ukelele Band. There’s more information on how to buy Community Shares at www.newgallowaycommunityshop. wordpress.com Glenkens Gazette page 8 Glenkens Gazette page 9 GARDENS OF EXCELLENCE We all know we live in a beautiful part of Scotland, but sometimes its nice to be reminded. In 2016 Dumfries and Galloway was voted Best Holiday Destination in Britain by fans of the flagship BBC TV Countryfile programme. Can this beautiful countryside be enhanced? The answer seems to be yes when you look at many of the fabulous gardens we have around the region. This started us thinking at the Glenkens Transport Initiative (GTI). We organise a number of excursions for everyone in our community to enjoy during the year and so for 2017 we have decided to offer trips to a range of gardens, each with their own delights. The amazing large gardens at Logan, Culzean, Dumfries House, and Corsock House will be visited as will the small gardens of Wigtownshire, the Fleet Gardens at Anworth and Cally. There will also be a special evening in the artist’s garden of Broughton House, enhanced by live music. The full summer colours will Logan Botanic Gardens. be appreciated when visiting best of gardens in South West Ardwell House and Scotland, in some places meet Glenwhan Gardens in August the garden owners or head and the series of garden visits gardeners, and enjoy a visit with will be rounded off when we a small group of like-minded visit Dawyck Botanic Garden individuals, please contact us. in October to see the autumn You can find us at the colours in the arboretum. CatStrand in New Galloway, on These inspiring garden visits 01644 420 374, or visit have been collectively given the www.glenkenstransport.org for name ‘Gardens of Excellence’ as we truly believe this is gardening full details. We look forward to seeing you! at its best in our locality. The GTI Team So if you want to see the Follow us on facebook and twi�er and make sure to sign up for our newsle�er - see website for details… www.gallowayglens.org Glenkens Gazette page 10 New Look Library Anyone who has driven up Main Street in Dalry will know there has been a lot of activity at the library over the last couple of months. Having been closed for refurbishment since 6 January, we have now reopened as Dalry Customer Service Centre; your local library is back within a newly integrated facility offering a wide range of Council services. With a new counter, equipment and layout, the facility is better able to meet your council service needs. Dalry Librarian Angela Miller is pleased with the new heating and double glazing, especially the renovated Artist’s Window, something which also caught the eye of facility patrons on the first day back. Customers found the new look to be ‘light and airy’ because of the new paintwork and greater access to the rest of the windows. The first day back was very busy, and Angela is looking forward to catching up with the folk of the Glenkens over the coming weeks. Opening times are Tuesdays from 12noon to 3.30pm and Fridays from 10am to 12noon and 1pm to 4.30pm. Book Bug Sessions will be resuming shortly pease drop in for further information. Angela says: “It would be great to see some new faces visiting the facility where a warm welcome awaits!” Top: old layout. Below: new layout. Fisheries Study Voucher Winners As part of the Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership Loch Ken Fisheries Study, all anglers who complete and return a short survey known as the Loch Ken Angling Record are entered into a monthly prize draw for a £50 fishing tackle voucher. Galloway Fisheries Trust (GFT), who are undertaking the fisheries surveys and data collection, are pleased to announce that local anglers Gordon Houston and Steve Wood were the November and December winners, and Glasgow angler Richard Vernon was the January winner. If you are an angler who fishes Loch Ken and would like to contribute to the study, the survey is available from ticket outlets around the loch including the shop and Post Office in New Galloway, Loch Ken Holiday Park at Parton and McCowans fishing tackle shop in Castle Douglas. A downloadable version of the angling record can also be found FHB Fencing Dalry Domestic and Agricultural Fencing 01644 430 495 (Peter) or 07767 795 498 (Jonathan) HIGHLAND BEEF from THE GLENKENS STEAK ROASTS MINCE CASSEROLE LORNE pre-pack frozen Blackmark Dalry Castle Douglas DG7 3UG 01644 460532 www.highland.scot at www.gallowayfisheriestrust.org By the end of July 2017, GFT hope to have received up to 250 completed Loch Ken Angling Records. The surveys are one means of gathering information from anglers to help GFT work up a set of recommendations that will help improve how the fishery is managed and promoted in the future. GFT are keen to hear from anyone with an interest in the fishery of Loch Ken. Rowan and Jamie can be contacted on 01671 40 3011 or mail@galloway fisheriestrust.org Rowan McCleary Glenkens Gazette page 11 BACKROOM VINTAGE improving upon old unloved for outdoor activities, beautiful walks Backroom Vintage, homewares to reduce waste and and we always enjoy a trip to the based in New Galloway, encourage customers to mix old beach. This is a lovely area and a and new. We aim to provide good great place to bring up children. sells upcycled and hand “I am now doing something I painted furniture love with the flexibility needed ...homewares including retro to raise a young family. I as well as vintage love interior design and have homewares including kitchenalia, collectibles and renovated three homes to date so this, teamed with my vintage crockery. retro kitchenalia, background in digital sales collectibles and and marketing, made a lot of quality vintage homewares that were sense,” Sarah concludes. vintage crockery. made to stand the test of time at “We present second-hand, old and often unloved pieces of furniture and homeware in a new and refashioned way,” says business owner Sarah Lane. “I source pieces throughout the UK, presenting a carefully curated selection of items both online and at our pop-up shop events.” Backroom Vintage sell worldwide via an online Etsy store and have customers from as far afield as Australia, the USA and Japan, as well as throughout Europe and the UK. Sarah continues: “We love it when a vintage find goes to a new home. Our customer base is very diverse, including the odd celebrity. “The focus is on reusing and reasonable prices.” Sarah and husband Paul have converted a room at the rear of their home into a pop-up shop space, the first of which was held in November last year. This year there are eight events planned starting on Saturday 15 April. “We hope that residents of the Glenkens as well as visitors to the area enjoy browsing our vintage treasures,” says Sarah. The couple moved to New Galloway three years ago to achieve a better work-life balance, and have found the area very welcoming and the people friendly. “There are lots of great places 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 – Glenlea 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 fleetfish@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. Backroom Vintage are happy to open outside of the pop-up shop dates by appointment, which can be arranged by emailing backroomv@gmail.com Bargatton Sand & Gravel Supplying sand and gravel for all your farming needs, as well as households and businesses both large and small. We stock washed fine sand, coarse sand and gravels at competitive prices. For further details contact: James Mair - 07793 085 243 Bargatton Quarry, Laurieston, Castle Douglas, DG7 2PS Open Monday to Friday Weekends by arrangement Delivery can be arranged - subject to quantity Glenkens Gazette page 12 GLENKENS MYSTERY TOURS Following the success of Ancient Rites and Customs of the Glenkens: The Hole Ceremony in Issue 96 of the Gazette, local writer Sue Wiseman brings readers another witty, hilarious and highly observant piece. Popular during the 1950s, Mystery Tours gradually fell out of favour as more exotic holiday options became available to many families. Now it seems they are being revived right here in the Glenkens, albeit using your own vehicle and following a series of jolly yellow signs pointing in the direction of somewhere, but giving no indication of where that place might be. Recently many folk setting off for work or important appointments have found themselves embarking on a long, leisurely voyage of discovery through the delightful Galloway countryside in what appears to be a trial run for a new and exciting tourist activity. I have recently had the good fortune to take part in two of these tours, the first in January when travelling from Dalmellington to Dalry. On reaching Carsfad I was directed to take the more scenic route involving turning back to Polquhanity then right onto the little C road where I was able to admire the fish farm and clatter across the iron bridge. Leading a small convoy of vehicles, I turned right and headed for the B7000 across the High Bridge of Ken and on to Hillend from where we had magnificent views across the loch and finally descended into Dalry (or into despair). Attempting to get from Dalry to Castle Douglas during February I found myself taking the mystery route starting at New Galloway, past the watery expanse of Loch Ken and on to sample the sights and sounds of Mossdale. A further stretch of open road (a little drab at this time of year but when all the wild flowers are in bloom the visitors will love it) took me to Laurieston where, from my vantage point in the Land Rover, I was afforded a fine view of the bus stop and the dog poo bin before progressing to Barstobrick Visitor Centre and then continuing down to the verdant pastures of Ringford where I turned left onto the A75 to join a stately 10mph procession lead by a tractor load of sand and a rather whiffy slurry spreader. A week or two earlier people wishing to commute between the more ... a series of jolly yellow signs pointing in the direction of somewhere, but giving no indication of where that place might be. KNIGHTHOOD FOR SIR ALEX Alex and Merryn Fergusson recently attended an investiture at Buckingham Palace at which Alex was formally knighted by HRH Prince Charles. After the ceremony Sir Alex said: “Receiving the honour of Knight Bachelor has capped a truly incredible time for me since 1999 northerly reaches of the Glenkens and Newton Stewart were rewarded with a similar meander through outstanding scenery, mud, rain and fog. What could be more exciting than finding yourself up a rutted lane in an uncharted bit of the Galloway Forest, the fuel gauge registering empty, having spent the last 14 miles following the yellow signs in the wrong direction. (This is where a folding bike in the boot comes in handy). Embark on one of these inspirational tours and you could almost forget you were trying to get to work, pick up the kids from school or get Grandma to the hospital for her dialysis. Praise must go to the organisers for all the thought, planning and ingenuity that goes into these amazing new sight-seeing experiences. when I first entered the world of politics, and I believe and hope that it reflects well on the great people of Galloway that it has been my privilege to serve in the Scottish Parliament. The messages of support and congratulations that we have received since my knighthood was announced have been completely overwhelming... What a way to go into retirement!!” Picture shows Sir Alex and Lady Fergusson in the inner quadrangle at Buckingham Palace following the investiture. Glenkens Gazette page 13 Scotland to Sahara A Glenkens couple have decided, after three years of preparation, to trade Scottish mud for African sand this spring. “It’s hard to resist the draw of warmer, drier climes during the depths of a long, dreich Galloway winter so the timing feels good to head south for us,” says local engineer Ben Ade who, along with partner Melissa Shaw, has been building a fully expedition prepared Land Rover Defender. The couple have christened the Land Rover Kaerus after the ancient Greek god of opportunity, luck and favourable moments, and kitted it out with everything necessary for travelling truly global distances, including the kitchen sink (literally!). Ben and Melissa have no fixed route or return date, intending to spend a few months meandering south to France before heading onwards towards the warmer shores of Spain and Portugal and finishing up in North Africa. Their sights are roughly set on the southernmost point of Tarfaya on the Atlantic coast of the desert, before heading inland to explore the Sahara. Tarfaya, formerly known as Port Victoria, was originally founded in the nineteenth century by a Scottish trader named Donald Mackenzie; a little slice of Scotland in a far off land to remind them of home. You can follow the couple’s progress on their blog, www.kaerus-overland.weebly.com, as well as finding out background Ben and Melissa with Kaerus, ready for their trip. info and seeing pics of the threeyear build which resulted in the journey-ready Land Rover. The pair will also be raising funds for a charity they both have great respect for, Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF). The ‘doctors without borders’ go wherever they are needed, more often than not into war-torn areas where they run a high risk to their own safety in their mission to help others. The courage of the volunteers involved makes an incredibe impact on the thousands of human lives caught hopelessly in the crossfire of the never ending political instability of our world. SPALDING BOWLING CLUB GREEN OPENING DAY SATURDAY 15 APRIL, 2pm Spalding Bowling Green, Dalry (opposite The Garage) ALL WELCOME WHY NOT COME ALONG AND GIVE IT A GO! You can make a donation to MSF via the blog and make a real immediate difference, and they’ll also be carrying a good oldfashioned collection box in order to raise funds. Keep your eyes peeled for an update on their trip in the next issue of the Gazette! Glenkens Gazette page 14 GALLOWAY GLENS PROJECTS TAKING SHAPE The Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership Scheme is a Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) scheme taking place up and down the Ken and Dee river catchment, from Carsphairn in the North to Kirkcudbright in the South. £2.7million has been provisionally secured from HLF to be spent on projects across the area that ‘connect people to their cultural, built and natural heritage’. The Scheme is now over half way through the development phase and the list of projects under consideration is starting to take shape. Development Officer McNabb Laurie clarified: “We are planning our five years of project activity, expected to run from 2018-2023. Projects supported will either come as a result of studies commissioned by the Scheme, all currently underway and approaching completion, or from project ideas that have been submitted by people and groups up and down the valley.” These project ideas have been categorised under a range of headings, the following representing only a flavour of those being developed: Accessing the Galloway Glens: A Glenkens example are proposals on Forrest Estate to improve access up Corserine. Wildlife & Habitats of the Galloway Glens: This includes support for the Glenkens Red Squirrel Group and RSPB and community woodland projects in Carsphairn. Education in the Galloway Glens: Projects under development include demonstrations of Galloway drystone dyking techniques, highlighting local peatlands and how they can be supported, and workshops teaching people about the local environment. The Board of the Galloway Glens are making the training-up of local young people in Galloway Glens Development Officer McNabb Laurie employable skills a focus with children and staff at GCC Playgroup and their of the scheme, aiming to new activity board. support anyone who wants to be able to stay in the Understanding the Galloway area as they grow up. Glens: This includes a community Heritage Hubs: Projects under archaeology project, letting people this heading include improvements try their hand at ‘dig’ skills and also to Parton Church to highlight James gaining a better understanding of Clerk Maxwell’s achievements and pre-ordnance survey maps of the legacy, pop-up heritage centres area and place names in use up and in Crossmichael and Dalry and down the valley. improvements to the Balmaclellan McNabb added: “Projects will be Smiddy. McNabb said: “Feedback developed over the next six months, was clear - don’t build anything new, with other suggestions still in the but make better use of what we have pipeline. We will be combining this already got. We are absolutely taking project work with the outputs of our this on board.” Landscape Character Assessment Visiting the Galloway Glens: which is currently underway. This A large focus of the Scheme will is being led by Northlight Heritage be to support visitor facilities, in and people may have seen the turn supporting the local economy. Sights & Sites branded events taking Projects under development include place. These will help us submit a cycling/driving tour of the valley, a really detailed proposal to HLF including an app, to highlight outlining what makes the local area historical and contemporary features special and how the projects we such as the archaeology of the area are proposing will support the local and the hydro scheme. landscape. We hope to release the full project list shortly.” WINDFARM LORRY BLOCKS A713 Local photographer Ian Biggar took some snaps of the recovery of the lorry which recently went off the road on the A713 between Dalry and Castle Douglas. Glenkens Gazette page 15 TINY JEWELS COMMENDED AT PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS Duncan McNaught of Glenlee was commended at the world’s largest photography competition. Judges of the 2017 Sony World Photography Awards honoured the work of local photographer Duncan, whose image Tiny Jewels is commended as one of the top 50 in the world in the awards’ Open Nature category. Over 227,000 images from 183 countries were submitted to the 2017 Sony World Photography Awards. Duncan said: “Being recognised by the judges at the Sony World Photography Awards is incredible – I am excited to see what opportunities being commended will present and to see my work being exhibited in London.” Anyone wishing to purchase Duncan’s work or simply follow his photographic progress can find him on Facebook @DMcNaughtPhotography Tiny Jewels, Duncan’s winning shot. THE WINNER BY A HAIR’S BREADTH The competition in the last issue of the Gazette to name Jayne Grimwood’s new hairdressing salon had an amazing response. With so many brilliant entries, it was a difficult decision for proprietor Jayne but the winner is Hair by Jayne by Mrs Ann Radley. The runner-up is Hair Care by Jayne by Miss Namirla Bankhead. Both will Richard Arkless MP win a cut and blow-dry at the new salon. Jayne would like to say a big thank you to all who entered the competition. “Also a big thank you to the Glenkens for their support and making us feel so welcome,” says Jayne. HAIR BY JAYNE 26 Main St, Dalry Dumfries & Galloway Constituency Richard operates an open-door policy please just pop in to either office at any time during opening hours. Constituency Office Dumfries Unit 7, High Street, Loreburne Shopping Centre, Dumfries, DG1 2BD Tel: 01387 265698 Mon-Fri 10am-4pm Constituency Office Stranraer 36-38 Charlotte Street, Stranraer, DG9 7EF Tel: 01776 705800 Mon/Tue/Thurs/Fri 10am-2pm Email: richard.arkless.mp@parliament.uk www.richardarkless.scot Open Tuesday to Saturday by appointment Feel free to drop into the salon and have a chat to Jayne about your hair... 01644 430 525 or 07876 397 725 Glenkens Gazette page 16 Mystery at the Men’s Shed Several of the newer members of the shed have been mystified because their projects were occasionally not in the place where they had left them. John Fagan’s Kawasaki motor cycle was still warm last Monday, Tom Plummer’s model of a French fishing boat was a little damp and the newly made logshed being painted with wood preservative had been finished. It’s a mystery but I’m sure we’ll get to the bottom of it sooner or later! Tom is making a magnificent model of a French Fishing boat which used to operate out of Barfleur. He decided to build two of them with the Kirkcudbright Sea Cadets so they could get experience of boatbuilding and eventually they would be radio controlled and we would then be able to race them either on the river or on a loch. The keels were laid about seven years ago at the Unit in Kirkcudbright but progress was slow and all the cadets who started them have now left. They stood in the corner for three years collecting dust. Since starting at ‘The Shed’ he has been thoroughly enjoying himself getting back into model boat building. John tells us that he has collected motor bikes for most of his adult life but through circumstances has had to sell a lot of them. Now he has moved into the Glenkens he’s hoping that the Kawasaki he’s working on at present will be a keeper. Chris Jowsey and he can often be heard discussing the best ways of getting bikes through their MOTs. Who knows we may soon have our own chapter of the Hell’s Angels at the shed. If you would like to come along to see any of the current projects being worked on, or start your ow, please feel free to join us. You can also see us at our upcoming ‘sale of work’ days at the CatStrand towards the end of May - look out for posters. If anyone has any suggestions as to why these strange happenings are taking place at the shed please come along and tell us or contact Brian Jones at the CatStrand (420 374) or Tom Leach on 420 386. Tom Leach 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 17 NEW GALLOWAY TOWN HALL Last month saw the first Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING) AGM since we took over the management of the Town Hall. LING Lunches were joined for a day by the Dumfries Over 50s Club. Their members enjoyed their day out and reported back on the warm welcome they had received. Our Tuesday LING Lunches and Elevenses are open to all – we have a highchair available. There is no need to book – just drop in. Judging by the level of chat, it is a very sociable meeting place for all, whether new to the area, longstanding resident or somewhere in between. With elevenses from 11am and lunches from 12.30pm the times fit in well with buses from Dalry and Balmaclellan, and we have people attending from both. If you need help with transport, please give us a ring. Tuesday Evening Town Hall Sports, from 7-9pm, is attracting a regular group to Carpet Bowling and Table Tennis but there is room for more. Under the auspices of Thomson Roddick of Dumfries, a LING Antiques Roadshow will be held on Wednesday 29 March. Keep a look out for The Giant Jigsaw Challenge. Both the LING Lunch and Sports goers have been completing jigsaws on the side. This led to the donation of one of 4,000 pieces! We have been working out how this can best be set up for all to join in. The Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership: Some of the projects submitted by LING are being considered for progression to the next stage in liaison with other organisations and include the New Galloway Story Popup Museum becoming one of a series of heritage hubs. Improving accessibility of footpaths both close to New Galloway and linking with other long distance paths is also being considered as is the possibility of managing a walled garden in a local estate. If you are interested in any of these projects, whether or not you have any experience, just get in touch on 420 632 or ros.hill@rathanhouse.me.uk Ros Hill, Chairman St Margaret’s Plant and Cake Sale St Margaret’s Church in New Galloway is holding its annual Plant and Cake Sale on Saturday 29 April from 10am to 1pm. Delicious home baking and preserves and a varied selection of flower and vegetable seedlings, herbaceous and indoor plants will all be for sale, with teas and coffees on offer inside the church. All funds raised will be donated to the Food Train Befriending Service (Stewartry branch). Glenkens Gazette page 18 DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY ARTS FESTIVAL 2017 Scotland’s largest rural performing arts festival has launched its most ambitious and diverse festival to date. The 2017 Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival takes place between 26 May and 4 June, kicking off on the evening of 26 May with Karine Polwart’s Wind Resistance at the Easterbrook Hall, Dumfries. The show will herald 10 days of international award-winning theatre; musicianship from around the world, ranging from classical to rock; comedians and street performers and the very best of Dumfries and Galloway’s talented performing artists. In their 10th anniversary year, Moniaive performance choir Cairn Chorus will bring their beautifully diverse music project, Song Cycle, to life. The amazing Blazin’ Fiddles will give two of their high-octane, energy-fuelled concerts in Newton Stewart and Dumfries. Mairi Campbell will bring her criticallyacclaimed onewoman theatre show, Pulse, to New Galloway. Adding to this year’s many festival mustsees is an hilarious evening with acclaimed Scottish stand-up comedian Mark Nelson performing alongside Ireland’s comedy superstar Micky Bartlett in Annan and Stranraer. Innovative theatre comes in the form of circus artist and theatrical performer Phil Hardie’s Welcome My Son in Dumfries; and a special ticket offer for Emily Carding’s Richard III: A One Woman Show and Alan Bisset’s hilarious Moira Monologues, both in New Galloway, Dumfries and Sanquhar. Blazin’ Fiddles A first for the festival this year is an inspirational story of a Shetland crofter who, at the age of 61, found herself cast adrift in the North Sea. Her tale is told through an incredible experience of sight and sound on Sandyhills beach, Dalbeattie. These are just a few of the many world-class performances destined for venues across the region. Tickets and a full programme from www.dgartsfestival.org.uk Glenkens Gazette page 19 Spring Fling Open Studios Spring Fling takes place each year over the last weekend of May, when artists and makers from all across the region open their studios to visitors. It provides a unique opportunity to buy or commission work from the artists, to talk to them about their work and explore some beautiful hidden corners of the region. Jo Gallant, who has her textile studio in Mossdale, will be joined this year by jeweller Beth Watson from over the border in Ayrshire. Beth creates thoughtfully designed stylish jewellery and objects which take inspiration from her local landscape and architecture whilst Jo’s love of colour and texture is evident in her work; expect to see cushions with quirky birds, landscapes and abstracts, shibori silk scarves and wall-hangings inspired by the woodlands and lochs of the Glenkens. Their studios will be open from 6-8pm on Friday 26 May and from 10.30am-5.30pm on the Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Other open studios around the Glenkens include photographer Phil McMenemy at Laurieston; Susan MacKay, glass artist, at Parton; and Amanda Simmons, glass artist, and Natalie Vardey, jeweller and silversmith, at Corsock. Spring Fling brochures are available at a wide range of outlets including CatStrand and The Smithy Tea Rooms in New Galloway, or visit www.springfling.co.uk to find out more. DRAMA FESTIVAL Pictured is a scene from CatStrand Youth Players’ production of The Terezin Promise by Celeste Raspanti, winner of Best Moment of Theatre and Third Place overall at the recent Stewartry Drama Festival. The other Festival entry, Round The World With Class 6 by Nick Warburton, finished fourth and was nominated in Best Moment and Stage Presentation categories. The plays were directed by Brian Edgar and Zoe Kirkpatrick respectively. Photo of the Issue Sponsored by the Ken Bridge Hotel Kathryn Martin wins a meal for two at the Ken Bridge Hotel’s Sunday carvery with the photograph of her pony Abbi enjoying the snow. Competition judges Dave and Sue said: “We have had lots of technicians working up on the Carsphairn wind farm recently and they have been amazed to come back down to the hotel to discover that we have been sitting with balmy weather whilst they’re getting sent off the job because of a foot of snow!” LIFEBOAT FUNDRAISER The Glenkens RNLI group are holding their annual fundraiser on Thursday 25 May in Dalry Town Hall. The highlight this year is that the Dalry School Choir will be entertaining guests at the start of the evening. This will be followed by the usual stalls, teas and coffees with homebaking. Look out for posters advertising the event from the end of April when tickets will also be available from committee members. JENNY’S DESIGN Mobile Hairdresser • Home Visits • Nursing Homes & Residential • The Elderly & Disabled • Blow Drying • Setting • Perms • Cuts • Toupees • Wig Styling NVQ Level 3 Hairdressing, NVQ Level 4 Social Care Call Jenny on 07554 009 624 Glenkens Gazette page 20 ACHIEVING AT BARCAPLE Pupils from Carsphairn Primary had a great day at Barcaple Adventure Activity Centre. The boys and girls were faced with an individual and team challenge, and had fun conquering them both. On the Team Challenge Course the children had to work together to make their way through a difficult obstacle course: climbing over 20-foot rope nets, crawling up tunnel slides and navigating through the dark of blacked-out sheds - all while transporting a bucket of water and an egg! It was great to see the older and younger children working together to achieve something as a team, figuring out their role within that team and how that role changed at every challenge. After lunch, we strapped into our climbing harnesses and tried our luck at tree climbing. Although this was an individual challenge, it was still great to hear everyone cheering on their classmates. Everyone had a great day and had plenty to brag about when they got home. A special thank you must be given to the Carsphairn PTC who were able to fund this trip to Barcaple. Next, we look forward to the launch of our 2017 outdoor learning programme when we will be taking our learning out of the class for a half-day each week. Walker McKenna FRIENDS OF DALRY SCHOOL Football Strips: Friends of Dalry School (FoDS) are delighted that after last year’s fundraising success and with joint sponsorship from RJ McLeod, we can announce that we have purchased a brand new football strip for Dalry Primary’s Football Team. The team of girls and boys from P4-7 have been training very hard with their fantastic coach David and this new strip will give them the extra confidence boost that they need for their up and coming tournaments. Conall from P7 who plays midfield for the team comments: “Our new strips look amazing, we can’t wait to wear them and to start winning!” Dalry Primary Football Team will be playing in the annual Paul Jones Football Tournament organised by the Council’s Active Schools and Community Sport Team after the Easter holidays. We would like to encourage as many parents, family members and friends to go along to the matches across the Stewartry to support our fantastic players. A huge thank you from all the players of Dalry Primary Football Team goes to FoDS committee members Mrs Moore and Bryan Spark for helping them choose and order their new strips, to RJ McLeod for their sponsorship and continuous support with various fundraising opportunities and to David their coach for all his support and positive encouragement. FoDS Donations: FoDS have very recently donated a huge sum of £1,600 to the Nursery, Primary through to S4. The Gardening Club and Secondary’s funds. hope to be able to use the poly Dalry Primary are looking forward tunnel to grow enough produce to using a part of this money to sell this summer and autumn to create and build handcrafted to parents, carers and community outdoor learning clothing stations members and will also give to with our school’s technicians. the school kitchens for lunches. These will hold a waterproof coat, The keen young gardeners hope trousers/salopettes and wellies to make enough profit to develop for every child in the primary, and their self-sustainability over the will be used daily by all classes for following years. our outdoor learning and Friday FoDS committee members are Fun Time opportunities. Mrs Devlin hugely proud that the hard work comments: “We like to get out that they put in continues to and about in all weathers, so the improve and build on the wonderful clothing station will ensure every experiences and opportunities child has the same kit and will be that our pupils have. We thank comfortable and safe when we are all our families and members of learning outdoors in all seasons. the community that continue to The stations for each class will support our events, please check make changing and storing outdoor out the FoDS Facebook page for clothing a much quicker and easier up-to-date information. process.” If you would like to know more or Dalry secondary will use the get involved with FoDS, please get money to subsidise trips for all in touch with Jenna Devlin via the year groups. Dalry secondary have School Office at 01644 430 259 or most recently taken the netball gw08devlinjenna01@ea.dumgal. team to watch a match between sch.uk FoDS Committee the Sirens and the Wasps at the Emirates Stadium in Glasgow. A write-up of this can be found on the school blog. The most recent FoDS donation will also go towards buying and building a polytunnel in the schools’ garden. This will enable all pupils to build on their horticulture-based learning experiences from nursery right Dalry Primary Football Team. Glenkens Gazette page 21 GALLOWAY MUSIC FESTIVAL Kells Primary: All the pupils from Kells competed in this year’s Galloway Music Festival. Mrs Muir’s recorder pupils returned to Kells with four trophies this year. The P6 Group won the Burgess Cup for best Recorder Group by performing Rigaudon. Sophie Roberts in P3 won the Music Shop Trophy for the Descant Recorder Solos beginner class by playing a piece called Mocking Bird. Freya Spernagel in P6 won the Cairnsmore Trophy in the Treble Recorder Solos Grade 1 for her playing of Pony Trot. There was also success in the Primary Recorder Duets class for Sarah Rothwell and Sophie Hunter. They performed the Star of County Down and won the Penninghame Cup. Zane Gray Dalry School: Dalry School, both primary and secondary schools, have again excelled at the Galloway Music Festival in Newton Stewart. From S3, James Wallace retained the trophy he won last year for the Scots Song Solo - secondary. The adjudicator praised his exciting and lovely voice with his diction and confident projection. James also came first in Grade 2 Violin. Against formidable competition, Hardie Walker from S2 came second with a very high score in the Electric Guitar Solo – the adjudicator was amazed by his versatility and command of the solo sections. From Dalry Primary School, every child took part in the Music Festival starting with the P1/ 2 class entering the Singing Games and Action Song classes. They told the story of the Three Little Pigs with style and confidence and relished the end when the Big Bad Wolf got his comeuppance! P3-5 came first in the Ceilidh Band Class with a medley of vocal and instrumental pieces including Brochan Lom and Ye Cannae Shove Yer Granny Aff a Bus. Daisy, aged seven, got a special mention for her violin solo. P5-7 had prepared a fantastic medley based on their class Space theme but had to settle for second place out of six entries after a number of instruments and costumes were left in the hold of the bus. Despite the difficulties, the pupils showed resilience at this lastminute change and got on with the job. The worst thing was that our conductor for our version of Imperial March from Star Wars didn’t have his Darth Vader costume or his conducting Light Sabre. Kells Primary pupils. Dalry Primary also entered one small Vocal Group. This trio of young ladies - Jessica, Isobel and Lucy - practised and arranged their version of So Good mainly on their own, and made an excellent job of it. They also were awarded 1st place and were commended for their great vocals, blending and tuning. Pupils from Dalry School also entered as soloists and were a credit to themselves, their parents and the school. In particular, an honourable mention must go to Fiona Edgar who entered as a pianist, violinist and singer. She was awarded three first places, a second and a third. Her Violin Solo Grade 2 not only earned her first place in that section but also an overall first. Once again Dalry School pupils have demonstrated their high level of ability in music and performance. Ros Henry Dalry Primary World Book Day Dalry Nursery and Primary children (and teachers!) all looked fabulous in their favourite book character outfits for World Book Day. Glenkens Gazette page 22 End of an Era: Dalry School Technology Club (2008 to 2017) Paul Goodwin, founder of the successful Technology Club at Dalry Secondary School and recently commended by Science Connects for his work with young people in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM), talks about the club and what it means to wrap it up. When I began a Technology Club in Dalry School in 2008 I did not imagine that it would run for a total of nine winter seasons (this year was the last). The initial aim was for me to guide club members, safely to explore and enjoy the latest in technology which had not yet made it onto the school’s syllabus and therefore to be better prepared for what the future would bring. Although the original focus was on the technology (and having a bit of fun on the way!), it soon became clear that the resulting social changes would have an even where members were challenged bigger impact on all of our lives. to produce a poster illustrating Over the nine years we have the changes in popular technology together investigated and that have occurred since they were researched both new and emerging born. technology including: tablets, I will miss the club and its smartphones (with their apps), the members but all things come to latest social media applications, an end. Here I must make special drones, electric/hybrid and selfmention of Emily Biggar who is driving cars, internet enabled the longest serving club member devices and homes, GPS and by far and for the last few years SatNav systems, dash-cams, has acted as a valued assistant contactless payments, iPlayer, leader. My thanks to Emily and to YouTube, 2D barcodes, 3D printing all members over the years who and web applications to name but helped to make the club such a a few. Strange to think that when success. we began, most of these things If anyone thinks they might had yet to be invented and none be interested in helping to were in widespread use! continue the club, please There have been well over a contact Paul on 07973 174 hundred members over the years 342 for an informal chat with the majority coming from without commitment. the upper primary in Dalry but others joining from the Secondary or travelling in from Kells and Carsphairn. Occasionally staff members or parents would come along to see what we got up to. There has always been an annual poster competition (with technology based prizes) and these usually highlighted some aspect of emerging technology. But this year, in a break Left to right : Sarah McCreath (poster competition with tradition, our theme winner), Emily Biggar, Paul Goodwin and Isobel was ‘In My Lifetime’ Stevenson (runner-up). YOUTH ARTS CO-ORDINATOR The CatStrand are delighted to welcome Aidan Nicol to the team as Youth Arts Co-ordinator. Aidan is originally from Shetland and trained as a filmmaker. Her work has taken her all over Scotland where she has organised several film festivals, and out to the Caribbean where she made a documentary about sustainable food sources. Aidan will develop a programme of activities and events designed to nurture artistic interest and develop skills in young Glenkensians. Aidan told the Gazette: “I am very excited to be joining the team and moving to the Glenkens. I’m looking forward to getting to know the area and becoming part of the community here. I can’t wait to support the area’s young people to come up with fun, engaging and far-reaching ways to get involved in the arts in their community.’ If you’d like to contact Aidan directly about participating please email aidan@catstrand.com or call the CatStrand on 420 374. Glenkens Gazette page 23 DALRY NURSERY Dalry Nursery are embracing the world of ‘loose parts play’. Loose parts are open-ended materials like cable reels, wheels, baskets, boxes and other items that encourage problem solving and child centred learning. Through loose parts play the children in the Nursery will immerse themselves in concrete experiences and explorations that occur naturally, as opposed to adult directed. This year’s annual sponsored Easter Bonnet Parade raised funds to improve our loose parts resources. We are also seeking to further improve our outdoor area and have plenty of seedlings ready to plant out. Sabine Haynes Funding For Youth Events The Youth Beatz Fringe is inviting youth groups, community groups, voluntary organisations and young people to apply for funding to enable them to host their own Youth Beatz Fringe event. The event must be targeted at young people aged 12 to 25 and be held between Friday 4 and Thursday 10 August 2017 in Dumfries and Galloway. Successful applicants will have their event promoted through all the Youth Beatz Fringe promotional materials. Projects must include Youth Beatz Fringe branding on their own promotional materials. Can you think of something fun to do as a young person, or for young people, in the Glenkens or further afield around the region? If so, get cracking and apply and you could get up to £500 for your event! The closing date for funding applications is 21 April 2017. For more information phone 01387 260 243 or email jill.hima@dumgal.gov.uk - three changing cask ales & cider - fresh, seasonal & local food - en suite accommodation - open all day every day - award-winning food, beer & atmosphere - en-suite accommodation - 20% off takeaway discount - country sport & walkers facilities Glenkens Gazette page 24 The CORSOCK SCHOOLS Covenanters of We have evidence that a small winter-termonly school operated for children of the Corsock area in the early 18th century at Drumhumphrey This was later replaced by the one in Corsock. In 1838 Drumhumphrey had 33 boys and 22 girls aged between five and 13 attending. In 1840 a new church was built in Corsock and the Rev William Corson no longer had to hold services in the schoolhouse. However, since the school building had been enlarged to allow up to 150 people to attend service from around 46 families in the immediate area, this practice continued until at least 1939. Most of the parents paid fees to the master and there was a set of charges. English was two shillings a quarter for farmers and one shilling and sixpence a quarter for tradesmen and all others. Adding writing and arithmetic to the teaching added another shilling per quarter. There was a larger school at Kirkpatrick Durham dating back to 1696, and held in the church as late as 1748. The population of the area began a marked but steady increase in the early 19th century. This was often attributed at the time to the beneficial effects of large landowners sub-letting their estates to small farmers, to the economic benefit of both parties. Educational provision in Corsock improved when the area became a Parish in its own right in 1863 and was required to have its own School Board from 1872. James Clerk Maxwell is reputed to have taken a leading role in the formation of the Board. The school at Drumhumphry was discontinued Cosmetics, Skin Care, Health & Sports Nutritional Products all products are botanically-based, vegan, gluten & cruelty free To try before you buy, host an Arbonne Party, or for advice please contact your local Arbonne Independent Consultant, Katy Caie, on 07756 506 496 or visit http://catrionacaie.arbonne.com 20% off for new customers! Just quote GKARBONNE Arbonne Independent Consultant and a new one provided in the village. Corsock Parochial School is also said to have benefitted from the financial support of James Clerk Maxwell. The Ordnance Gazetteer of Scotland 1882-84 informs us that there was a Free School with accommodation for 119 children. The average attendance in 1880 was a very healthy 97. In World War One the children and the school made their contributions. They helped to raise money, through a concert in 1914, for the Belgian Relief Fund. As World War Two threatened, the school was used to fit and instruct people in the use of gas masks for the expected German air attacks. In addition, the children of the school organised a dance in 1942 to raise money for the Prisoners Of War Fund. Regular concerts and drama productions were performed by the children during the war years. We do have some names of prizewinners from 1939 and 1941 as reported in the Dumfries and Galloway Standard. Some of the prizes were awarded by the Edinburgh Galloway Association. In 1947 the school lost its senior pupils to the new secondary department at Dalry and the reduced numbers meant that it could not long survive. The building survives as a large private dwelling today. Bruce Smith Old Galloway Just pause awhile and spare a thought For those whose bones lay mouldering Beneath this moorland sod; As children they were taught the Word; The Guid-Buik was their shield: In manhood too, their trust in God Was armour: do not yield! Look well and spare a silent prayer For the souls of Godly soldiers; They died for Christ at Bothwell Brig, Their tombstones are these boulders! In God they placed their trust, And for him too they died; Slaughtered by the Royalist swordThey had no place to hide! On every moorland, glen and hill The Covenanters died; In every kirkyard rests their bones, Forever to reside! Flesh, blood and bone long turned to dust, Lives on every tree Whose falling leave comprise their blood, Their souls and Memories! Peter Jeevar lived at Knocklae House, Balmaclellan, for 28 years until 2014 where he “fell deeply in love with Galloway”. This poem was written by him whilst he was living at Knocklae, and submitted from his new home in Cambridgeshire where friends from New Galloway send him down the Gazette, keeping him up to date with local Glenkens affairs. The old Corsock school, now a house. Wright’s Shop & Post Office Dalry Licensed convenience store and newsagent stocking a range of local suppliers including Corsons and Irvings Bakers, Ballards and Dalmellington Country Butchers and Mitchells Fruit and Veg. Opening Times (both shop & PO): Monday to Friday: 7am – 6pm Saturday: 8am – 6pm Sunday: 8.30am – 4pm Tel: 01644 430 225 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 25 DALRY’S REJUVENATING FILM NIGHT “I feel quite rejuvenated by that!” was the remark overheard from one of Dalry’s more senior residents walking the short distance home after seeing the film Sing Street at Dalry Town Hall. The film is a love story set against the start of a pop band in a rough Dublin school in the austerity 80s. The Town Hall has been showing films on a monthly basis since January. The inaugural showing was What We Did on Our Holiday, followed by Sunset Song and then Sing Street with a final showing before the summer of Castles in the Sky at 7pm on Friday 26 April. The winter season will begin in September. The films are chosen by people attending the Dalry Farmers’ Market. Our NHS Hospital; the Future and the Past was the title of the February talk to the New Galloway Rural. £1,053, this hospital being replaced in 1873 at a cost of £16,000. The current hospital cost £5m in 1975 whilst the new hospital will cost £270m when it opens in 2018. Dumfries hospitals have been famous for innovation over the centuries including being the first to use anaesthetics in theatre and the first in Scotland to have wheels on beds. When the new hospital opens in early 2018, most services will be transferred to the new site, although the Cresswell Unit on the existing The showings are provided professionally (on a surprisingly large screen) by Driftwood Cinema and receive support from the British Film Institute to allow us to test the types of film, the acoustics and what additional features are going to be popular. At the next showing we will be selling chocolates from In House Chocolates in Castle Douglas. So come and see what is meant by Community Cinema. Jim Reid, Chair, Dalry Town Hall New Galloway SWI Rural Meeting With the building of the new hospital in Dumfries, Rural members were keen to discover what the new hospital had to offer. Initially, however, they heard how the first hospital was built in 1776 for hospital site will be retained, refurbished and used for a number of outpatient clinics. Members asked a range of questions relating to ward design, use of the cottage hospitals, and accessibility. Members were particularly intrigued by the changing demographics of the hospital catchment area, which appear to have influenced the service configuration for the new hospital. Immediately prior to the talk the members enjoyed their annual Burns Lunch. Helen Bullock Scots Gaelic Day Glenkens Saturday 8th April CatStrand, New Galloway www.catstrand.com Programme: 10am - arrive & coffee 10.30am - Ted Cowan ‘Language of the Glenkens’ 11.15am - Margaret Benne� ‘Sco�sh Folklore Scots & Gaelic’ 12noon - lunch (provided by CatStrand) 12.45pm - launch of ‘Gaelic Placenames in the Glenkens’ leaflet 1pm - Scots song workshop with Nicola Black or Gaelic taster classes* 2pm - Gaelic song workshop with Margaret Benne� 3pm - tea/coffee and ho-ro-gheallaidh (party �me) 4.15pm - depart * op�on to a�end Gaelic language classes on proviso there are six or more interested par�es. All places need to be reserved and paid for in advance - the cost for the day is £15, which includes tea/coffee and lunch. To register please contact: Anndra Wilson, 4 Bank St, Wigtown, DG8 9HP 01988 402730, 07722 114518 or bel�e@me.com This event is to mark the launch of Gaidhlig Dumgal’s leaflet about Gaeelic language place names in the Glenkens. Glenkens Gazette page 26 Who Do We Think We Were? This issue’s contribution from Christine Rae describes her arrival in Dalry as a small girl, and gives a child’s eye view of what Dalry was like at that time. It doesn’t matter how old you were when you arrived in the Glenkens - we’d like to hear your story too, whether it’s a childhood memory or recollections of a later period in your life: it’s all part of our history. Please send your contribution, of no more than 500 words, to margaret.elphinstone@dircon. co.uk or hand in a copy at the CatStrand, New Galloway, marked ‘Glenkens Gazette - WDWTWW. The next issue will feature Merryn Fergusson, writing about her first experience of life in Scotland. Before my brother was born, Dad worked in a Glasgow bank. We rented an old farmhouse near Stewarton and Granny and my cousin came to stay for a year. It was wintertime but the kitchen fire kept us warm. Gran and I made it burn up every morning. We sang: “We push the damper in and we pull the damper out and the smoke goes up the chimney just the same. Glory glory alleluia and the smoke goes up the chimney just the same.” Mum said it was sacrilegious but we didn’t care. We all slept in the cosy kitchen, me in my cot, Gran and Di in the wall bed, and Mum and Dad on a sofa bed. In 1949 my Dad was asked to be temporary manager of the bank in Dalry. We rented Glenvohr in the Throughgate from Mr Gourlay. I was four, my brother six months. Outside the front door was a summer seat where I used to play ‘house’ with my doll, and talk to the children going to and from the one-teacher school (now the Community Centre). They asked my name, and I said “Rita Patricia Rosemary Anne.” They were so impressed that they gave the school kitten four names as well. As there was no English church in the village, Douglas was home christened by Rev Mullo Weir, with tea and fairy cakes marking the occasion. Some Saturdays Daddy and I would go to Castle Douglas on a big red double-decker bus, sitting on the front seat of the top deck with him reading me Thomas the Tank Engine over and over again. After a very happy year we went back to Glasgow, eventually returning to Dalry in 1960. As before, there were two hotels, the grocer’s, the bakery, the Police Station, the Post Office, and the smithy. One man with a car ran a taxi service, and there was a shop selling children’s clothes and ladies’ “necessaries”. There was now a shoe shop, whose owner repaired Christine Rae, when she first came to the Glenkens. on Newfield Holm, removing the goalposts afterwards, to free up the field for grazing. Rites of passage were major events. The show of wedding presents - all laid out and labelled - on whiteclothed tables - refreshments offered in mother’s and grandmother’s wedding china. Each lady was thanked by the bride-to-be and a photograph of the couple sent as a memento. Funerals were very formal - the service in the house, and the coffin, accompanied by men only, taken to the churchyard. All blinds were drawn, and the shops were shut for the duration. That all changed in 1969. A Church of England Rector had died and his widow went to the graveside with ladies from her family and local ladies too, including Mum and me. After that it became quite the thing for ladies to attend funerals and pay their respects. ...two hotels, the grocer’s, the bakery, the Police Station, the Post Office, and the smithy...a taxi service, ... shoe shop... a cafe, a greengrocer and a rural supplies. shoes as well as selling new, a cafe, a greengrocer and a rural supplies. He used the old cell as his office. The school now taught children up to 15, with some classes in wooden huts. A brand new school was built in the early 60s but the roof blew off in a storm so it was back to the huts. The local football team played matches GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL � 01644 420234 � New Galloway Golf Club Founded 1902 www.nggc.co.uk - 01644 420737 Buggies now available for hire VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME Glenkens Gazette page 27 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN How Things Change Many of you who are local history buffs will be familiar with the invaluable volumes of the Statistical Account and the New Statistical Account of Scotland. Their titles make them sound boring but they in fact provide short sketches of Scottish parishes - their fauna and flora, history, industry, agriculture, population, schools, kirks, landowners, etc. The first series was published in the 1790s, the second mostly in the 1830s and 1840s, thus providing a wonderful picture of the immense changes in every walk of life that were taking place in the first half of the 19th century. A Third Statistical Account, mostly written in the 1950s but not published in some cases for ten years, has been less well regarded than the first two. Recently while finishing off some work on the Regional Ethnology of Dumfries and Galloway Project, I have taken another look at the final series, which fascinate because many Glenkens folk will remember the times when Galloway was recovering from the Second World War. It is noteworthy that some subjects seem perennial, for example, “there is an undue preponderance of elderly people owing to the migration of the younger people”. The four Glenkens parishes, in common with almost all of the Stewartry’s inland parishes, had lost at least 30%, and sometimes much more of their populations in the previous hundred years. Balmaclellan numbered 1,145 folk in 1851, dropping to 550 in 1951; Carsphairn had 855 in 1851 but only 250 in 1951; Dalry recorded 1,238 in 1851 and 775 in 1951; Kells had 1091 in 1851 and 756 in 1951. Kells hoped its salvation might lie in forestry since plans were underway to plant 15,000 acres, an estimated two to three men being required for each 100 acres (an employment promise never delivered). In contrast, one shepherd might work up to 2,000 acres. All the villages rejoiced in the building of the hydro system but were disappointed that, like the forestry workers, they were housed in small units close to their work rather than in the communities. Mechanisation had made a huge difference to agriculture - milking machines and tractors made last drystone dyker departed. Education, health services, housing and living standards were improving. Pigs were no longer raised at the rear of houses in Dalry, as they had been well into the twentieth century. All houses were soon to have electricity, and Lochinvar water began to be piped to Dalry and Balmaclellan. The number of clubs and societies in the Glenkens was remarkable. Balmaclellan alone supported a Boys’ Club, Girl Guides, Badminton Club, Junior Agricultural Society, Youth Fellowship, Woman’s Guild, Women’s Rural Institute, Musical Association, Drama Group, Curling Club, Football Club, Carpet Bowling Club, Handicrafts Class and a local branch of the British Legion. Kells could boast a Masonic Lodge, a library, a weekly film show, concerts, darts, fishing and golf. Dalry had many of the same organisations, as well as a Unionist Association and a Labour Party Committee. Football pools were very popular. There was not a great deal for girls to do in the villages; they made good wives (according to the minister) but many have to leave for work. Most farmers now had cars. There was disappointment that the railway never made it to Dalry. Kenmure Castle has recently become a hotel. Cooperative efforts between the four parishes were on the increase with such bodies as the Glenkens Agricultural Society, Glenkens Society and National Bible Society. One great bonus of the war was that civil defence was on a four-parish basis. Unity was apparently bustin’ out all over! Has that wonderful vision been realised some seventy years later? The four Glenkens parishes, in common with almost all of the Stewartry’s inland parishes, had lost at least 30%, and sometimes much more... especially welcome. However, the filling in of forms was regarded as a great burden - “a permanent legacy of the recent war”. Road haulage enabled delivery of loads “even to the field in which they are required” and transported animals to market, obviating the need for weary days formerly spent in walking sheep or cattle the considerable distances involved. In 1951 silage was gradually being introduced, but slowly because many still believed “good hay is better than bad silage”. European voluntary workers were imported for seasonal farm work. Due to shortages of butcher meat after the war seven rabbit trappers were employed in Balmaclellan, killing upwards of 60,000 in one season. In Carsphairn cattle now grazed the hills and ploughing was revived to meet the demand for cattle fodder. But tradesmen had left the village and the Ted Cowan Glenkens Gazette page 28 LOCHSIDE STARGAZING Clatteringshaws’ renowned stargazing nights definitely lived up to their reputation when my daughter Laya and I went along to one in February. We started with a nice hot drink on this cold winter night, followed by delicious chicken curry with rice and naan bread - yum! Then the talk by Dark Sky Ranger Jesse Beaman of Stargazing Scotland began, explaining what could be seen in the night sky at the time of year. After a half hour or so, there was a break for us to pop outside and see if the mist had cleared enough for stargazing, which it hadn’t, before coming back in for hot chocolate and, in some cases, a strawberry tart (Laya and the other child in attendance were very impressed). The talk, interspersed with amazing astrophotography which Jesse does himself, left you yearning to go out and watch the night skies. Orion’s nebula is something visible with just a pair of binoculars which I wasn’t even aware of – an amazing point where a dead star is returning to space, and where the gases from that star are birthing new stars. We are all stardust was suddenly given new meaning through Jesse’s intensity and enthusiasm. These talks are well worth a visit, especially with the warm welcome offered by Alan and the team at Clatteringshaws Visitor Centre and convenience of its location for Glenkens residents, and the very reasonable price for the all-in experience. They also do more child-oriented sessions with craft activities whilst the adults stargaze, although for a seven year old the normal event was very manageable and an exciting evening out. Jesse says: “With more and more people taking an interest in the universe, it’s an exciting time to be offering stargazing experiences. The visitor centres ensure we can keep everyone warm and well fed whilst enjoying the beautiful skies of South West Scotland.” Sarah Ade Galloway Lodge at Cla�eringshaws Opens for the new season on 31st March 2017 Alan and his team welcome all customers to try out the new menu and to a�end the many events in 2017 Stargazing Nights (Spring) – 31st March, 7th April, 14th April and 21st April (many more dates) booking essen�al Easter Sunday we are pleased to welcome back OWL MAGIC get up close to these magnificent birds (admission free) Bug hunts with the RSPB Please see our Facebook page for more details, or to book call 01644 420 221 or email alan@gallowaylodge.co.uk ‘Mirror’ © Jesse Beaman Glenkens Gazette page 29 At New Galloway Golf Club Preparations for the new season are well in hand and the club has had several new members join during the winter months which is good to see. On the coaching front plans are well in hand with a juniors Easter Camp scheduled for Monday 3 April, Wednesday 5 April and Friday 7 April, between the hours of 10am to 12noon. This is open to all local children and anyone interested can obtain further information by calling David Aitken on 460 556. Grants GCC THANKS Thanks to everyone who supported the GCC Baby & Toddler and Playgroup jumble sale. £100 was raised. Glenkens Community Shop grant applications will be available in store on 17 June, with completed applications due back by 10 July. JAZZ PIANO Jim McPhee from Work to Brae Cottage, New Galloway, will be Trees in playing the piano Dalry Park at this year’s Dalry residents should be aware that essential maintenance to the trees in the Pamela Young Trust Memorial Park that runs between Kirkland Street and Main Street will be carried out from 2 to 5 May. Those who regularly use the Park should take note and exercise caution. Kirkcudbright Jazz Festival. 2017 is the continental anniversary of the death of Scott Joplin, the ragtime composer. Jim has been playing piano for 70 years, specialising in ragtime piano for the last five years. He has been to Sedalia for the Scott Joplin Foundation Festival. He will be playing in Kirkcudbright on 10 June at the Cochrane Hall from 2-2.30pm, and also in the Bistro Restaurant from 6-8pm. A varied selection of Joplin’s music will be performed. COMMENTS... “I loved being able to read the Gazette online and spent an hour this morning reading. I have never read so quickly.” Ruth “What a bumper issue! Fantastic work, it really shows how wonderful and diverse a place the Glenkens is to live. Really enjoyable reading.” Jenna The usual Saturday coaching is also planned to begin again in May and at this time the club will be offering coaching to any adults who would like to take up the game. Again further information can be had from David Aitken. Ian Brown SCOUT JUMBLE The Glenkens Scout Group are holding their annual jumble sale on 22/23 April. A letterbox drop nearer the time will give you details of the sale date and collection evening. If you are spring cleaning and have any unwanted clothing, shoes, handbags, books, toys and brica-brac, etc. We would be most grateful if you would keep us in mind. All unsold clothing, shoes and bags are sent for recycling. If anyone is free to help at the sale, we would be pleased to hear from you. For further info contact Heather on 420 375. Thank you, Heather, Hannah, Doug & Diana Plants & Cream Teas Balmaclellan & Kells Church are holding their annual Plant Sale with cream teas and a cake stall in Balmaclellan Village Hall on Saturday 27 May from 2-4pm. The cost will be £2.50 per person and proceeds are in aid of Church funds. Please come along and support this event. Glenkens Gazette MARCH page 30 APRIL & MAY Fri 31, Clachan Clash Tea & Memories, see p20 Fri 31, Stargazing at Clatteringshaws, see p28 APRIL Sun 2, Writing History from Original Sources, 2-4pm, CatStrand Mon 3, Wed 5 & Fri 7, 10am-12non, Golf: Juniors Easter Camp, see p29 Mon 3, Drop-In: Dalry Police Station, see p3 Tue 4, Hard of Hearing Drop-In Clinic, 10-11am, New Galloway Town Hall Fri 7, Stargazing at Clatteringshaws, see p28 Sat 8, Scots Gaelic Day Glenkens, see p25 Tue 11, GTI Trip: Logan Botanic Garden, see p8 Tue 11, Mousetale Puppets: Oscar’s Space Adventure, 2pm, ages 4+, CatStrand Wed 12, Open Stage, 7.30pm, CatStrand Wed 12, Balmaclellan & Kells Guild, New Galloway Town Hall Fri 14, Patrick Monahan, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 14, Stargazing at Clatteringshaws, see p28 Sat 15, Backroom Vintage Pop-up Shop, see p11 & p16 Sat 15, Spalding Bowling Club: Green Opening Day, see p13 Sat 15, GTI Trip: Royal Yacht Britannia, see p8 before 21 April, fund your own youth event, anywhere in D&G, see p23 Sat 15 & Sun 16, Easter Events, Kirroughtree, see ad below Sun 16, Owl Magic, Clatteringshaws, see p28 Fri 21, Stargazing at Clatteringshaws, see p28 Fri 21, Woody Pines, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 22/Sun 23, Scout Jumble Sale, see p29 Sun 23, GTI Trip: The Young Gardens, see p8 Wed 26, Dalry Film Club: Castles in the Sky, see p25 Wed 26, FILM: Julieta, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 29, Plant & Bake Sale, see p17 MAY Tue 2 - Fri 5, Pamela Young Memorial Park: Tree Work, see p29 Thu 4, Local Elections, Glenkens voting stations, see p2 Sat 6, Scott Gibson: Life After Death (over 18s), 7.30pm, CatStrand Tue 9, CatStrand Ukes Spring Party, 7pm, CatStrand Wed 10, Open Stage, 7.30pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Sat 13, Dalry Farmer’s Market, 10am- 12noon, Dalry Town Hall Sat 13, Watson Birds: Book & Art Sale, during & after Farmer’s Market, Dalry Town Hall Sun 14, GTI Trip: The Small Gardens, see p8 Tues 16, PLAY: Descent, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 19, GTI Trip: National Museum of Rural Life, see p8 Sat 20, The Glenkens Story Field Trip: On the Trail of the Covenanters, email theglenkensstory@gmail.com Sun 21, Laura Cortese and the Dance Cards, 7.30pm, CatStrand Thu 25 – Sun 29, World Ceilidh Music Festival, see p32 Fri 26, Heidi Talbot, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 27 & Sun 28, Backroom Vintage Pop-up Shop, see p11 & 16 Sun 28, GTI Trip: Corsock House Garden, see p8 until 14 May, Spring Show ‘17, The Gallery at Laurieston Thurs 25, RNLI Fundraiser, see p19 Sun 28, Juan Martin Flamenco Trio, 7.30pm, Dalry Town Hall 26 May – 4 June, D&G Arts Festival, various locations, see p18 Fri 26 – Mon 29, Spring Fling Open Studios, see p19 Sat 27, Balmaclellan & Kells Church Annual Plant Sale, see p29 Glenkens Gazette page 31 REGULAR EVENTS CatStrand, New Galloway: Exercise to Music: Mon, 10-11am Margaret Morris dance 1: 3-7yrs, Mon (term-time), 3.45-4.30pm Margaret Morris dance 2: 8-16yrs, Mon (term-time), 4.30-5.15pm Choreographic Skills Lab: Mon (term-time), 7 - 8.30pm ages 12-18 Gentle Tai Chi: Wed, 10am, 60+ Glenkens Writing Group: First Wed each month 3-5pm Sing it Out: Thurs, 11am -12pm CatStrand Ukes: Thurs, 1pm – 3.30pm 60+ Zumba Gold: Fri (term-time), 1011am, CatStrand, 16+ Saturday Art Club: 2nd & 4th Sat of the month, 10am–12noon, to book call 420 374 Catstrand Youth Players: Sun during term time, 2pm Glenkens Acoustic Sessions: last Sun of the month, 2-4pm Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry, (contact Kath on 430 281): Paint & Art: Mon, 1.30-4.30pm & Wed, 7-9pm GCC Playgroup: Tues, Wed & Thurs, 9.15-11.45am, contact Miriam 07514 320 101 Guides: Tues during term-time, 68pm, contact: Kath 430 281 Good Neighbours’ Club: Tues, 2pm Brownies: Thurs 6-7.30pm Kickback Martial Arts: Thurs, 7-9pm Thursday Craft Group: Thurs, 2-4pm Glenkens Children’s Club: Fri, 10am-12noon New Galloway Town Hall: 12noon, Lagwyne Hall Folk Music Session, 4th Fri each month, 7.30/8pm till closing, Ken Bridge Hotel Scouts: Thurs, 7–8.30pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Gentle Tai Chi: Fri 10-11am, Dalry Town Hall LING Lunches: Tues, 11am-2pm Indoor Sports: Tues, 7-9pm Zumba: Wed, 7.30-8.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall, 11+ Footcare by Stewartry Care: Thurs by appointment (Tel: 01556 504699), New Galloway Town Hall Family and friends coming to stay? Various Locations: Carsphairn Post Office: Tues, 1-3pm, Lagwyne Hall 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 Cub Scouts: Wed, 6.45–8pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Carsphairn Heritage Centre, Dates of opening: 15 April to 29 May: weekends & bank holidays only, 1 June to 25 September, Thurs to Mon. 10am - 4pm Youth Writing Group: Thurs (during term time), 3.30-5pm, ages 10-15, Dalry School Coffee & Craft Group: Fri, 9am- Glenkens Community Councils Balmaclellan Community Council Meetings: 4th 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. Special Services/Events:9 Apr, 10.30am: United Family Service for Dalry and B&K Churches, Dalry Church. 9 Apr, 6.30pm: Music for Holy Week, Carsphairn Church. 14 Apr, 7.30pm: Good Friday Service, Kells Church. 15 Apr, 2pm: Spring Teas, Dalry Town Hall. 16 Apr, 7am: Dawn Service, Dalry Church. 28 Apr, 7.30pm: Quiz Night, Call Fiona on 01644 420 227 www.covenanters-holidaycottagescotland.co.uk To hire the MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) behind Dalry School call Sonja Tranter on 430 244 or Nicolette Wise on 430 218. Dalry Library Tuesdays 12noon-3.30pm Fridays 10am-12noon & 1-4.30pm For further library van stops and informa�on contact Castle Douglas library on 01556 502 643 ADVERTISE IN THE GAZETTE (price per issue incl VAT) Church. 14 May, 10.30am: United Family Service for Dalry and B&K Churches in Kells Church. 14 May, 3pm: Conventicle, Upper Holm of Dalquhairn. Communion Services: 2 Apr, Call 07727 127 997 Town Hall. 30 Apr, 10.30am: CHURCH TIMES Dalry United Service with Choir, Kells Services - Balmaclellan 12noon: 1st. Carsphairn 10.30am: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th. Dalry 9am: 1st(May). Dalry 10.30am 2nd(Apr). Dalry 12noon: 3rd, 4th. Kells 10.30am: 2nd(May), 3rd, 4th. Cosy country cottage available (sleeps 4) 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) Full minutes of local Community Council meetings can be viewed at Dalry Library. CHURCH OF SCOTLAND Sunday Short of space? 10.15am, Carsphairn Church. 7 May, 12noon, Balmaclellan Church. 28 May, 9am, Dalry Church. 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 VAT Reg. No. 882 8361 87 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 20TH ANNIVERSARY FOR MUSIC FESTIVAL 2017 sees Knockengorroch World Ceilidh reach a significant milestone. Organiser Liz Holmes says: “20 years! We can hardly believe it ourselves and are delighted to still be bringing some of the best world, roots and Celtic music to our own glen in the Galloway hills above Carsphairn. We are also of course highlighting the region, especially the hidden gem of the Glenkens, and introduce this beautiful area to visitors who travel from all over the UK and abroad to attend - and very often to return again and again.” The bill as always covers a broad range of musical genres, from traditional to cutting edge electronic to award winning silver band classics. Heading the bill this year is Max Romeo, no stranger to reggae fans and a legend in the field of popular music with many chart hits over the years. There are a huge variety of acts performing over six stages including artists from Indonesia, Ghana, the US, England and of course Scotland. The festival also features a sauna, dedicated children’s activities, workshops in arts, crafts, heritage and environmental subjects, global shopping, acoustic sessions, a healing area, fire shows, flash mobs, real ales, ‘knocktails’ and food stalls whilst cabaret, spoken word, comedy and dance all take place across the six venues. The theme this year is Unicorns, Scotland’s national animal, celebrated in myth and legend as a magical creature full of mystery and hidden powers. The 2017 World Ceilidh is being spotlighted and celebrated as one of Visit Scotland’s partners in its programme for The Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology. World Ceilidh 2017 runs from Thursday 25 to Sunday 29 May. 10% reduction page 32 on tickets for residents of the Glenkens – Carsphairn, Dalry, New Galloway and Balmaclellan are on offer again – email info@ knockengorroch.org.uk to apply. For more info on this year’s celebration, including video footage of the artists and to buy tickets, visit www.knockengorroch.org.uk or find us on Facebook or Twitter. Main Bo Airigh stage at night. SPRING IS HERE Penpont, Thornhill, DG3 4JS Tel: 01848 330 419 Mob: 07900 246 100 jim.campbell@harbro.co.uk www.harbro.co.uk WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! 15% 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 JUNE/JULY COPY DEADLINE: 5 MAY THINK...Animal Health THINK...Rotavec, Bovigen THINK...Mag Rolls, Mag Licks THINK...Lamb and Calf Colostrum 15% THINK...Lamb Milk and Lambing Products THINK...Gardening Products THINK...HARBRO Very competitive prices - Delivery if required 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 99 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GG_099 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 2017 Description An account of the resource Editor: Sarah Ade https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/1/244/GlenkensGazette98.pdf 26fd3d8ab937db400277b85644c132f3 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 98 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 2017 ISSUE 98 GLENKENS BUSINESSES OFFER THE BEST IN HOSPITALITY When it comes to hospitality, Glenkens businesses are hard to beat. No fewer than five of them have been recognised for their outstanding role in customer service and promoting tourism in the area over the past couple of months. In the 2016 Scottish Thistle Awards – West of Scotland region – three of the fifteen categories were landed by Glenkens businesses! Brookford B&B in Dalry was voted the Most Hospitable B&B/Guest House, the town’s Clachan Inn won the Friendliest Pub/Bar category while, just down the A713, the Galloway Activity Centre at Loch Ken took the Award for Innovation in Tourism. Continued on p6... FREE QUEEN’S WAY CRANE RECOVERY: P9 Surprised and delighted… Ronnie Bradford at his Brookford B&B. CUB SCOUTS PARTY TO CELEBRATE CENTENARY The Glenkens Cub Scout Pack have celebrated 100 years of adventure with a Cub Scout Promise Party. The party took place exactly 100 years from the day when the section, then called Wolf Cubs, was launched. The Cub Scouts joined with thousands of others around the UK in renewing their Promise, pledging to do their best and to help other people. The 100th birthday cake was then cut by Hannah Fitch and Ruby Harfield. The youngsters had a fantastic, funfilled time at the party. They were joined by the Glenkens Beavers, members of the Galloway District team, friends of Scouting, parents, district chairman Drew Low, district commissioner Nigel Scott and the Lord Lieutenant of Galloway, Sir Malcolm Ross and Lady Ross. The guests were piped in to the party by Ian Wemyss. One of the Cubs, Sophie, said: “The Cubs 100 party was brilliant and we have also taken part in activities and challenges throughout the year. Being a Cub Scout is all about doing your best and I try to do this every day.” The Cub Scouts presented certificates to thank volunteers and supporters of the group who have made their adventure Cub Scouts with Heather McIntosh and piper. happen. Hannah Fitch, Commissioner’s Commendation assistant Cub Scout Leader Certificate and Hannah also and Diana Curran, Gold Beaver, received her 20-year service badge. were presented with a District Continued on p6... A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) ini�a�ve www.glenkensgaze�e.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 2 George Thompson: Scholar, Politician, Teacher, Priest George Thompson, who died in December at the age of 88 after a long period of failing health, was an exceptional son of the Glenkens. The times I spent in his company travelling across Galloway while we were campaigning for the Scottish National Party, driving to Party meetings in other parts of Scotland, or sharing a dram, were always entertaining and educational. These notes about his life are largely based on my fallible memories of those conversations. Corrections and additions are, of course, welcome. Andrew Mellor Rather like Murray of the eponymous Monument, George rose from humble Galloway beginnings to be an exceptional linguist. As well as his native English and Scots he spoke French, German, Latin, Italian, Spanish and Breton. He also had a good working knowledge of many other languages including Gaelic. He was particularly proud of the fact that, on a holiday in France, he had been taken for a native Breton speaker. His family were in service at the Garroch, where he was born, and he attended Dalry School before going on to Kirkcudbright Academy where he achieved outstanding passes in his Higher exams. A school friend, Barbara McLeish, recalls that boys and girls from the Glenkens stayed in separate hostels in Kirkcudbright, returning home (by train to Parton in Barbara’s case) only at the weekends. She says that George was a kind, gentle boy, good company and absolutely brilliant at his studies. Family finances meant that, after the Academy, higher education was out of the question so George had a varied early career. He worked at Dalry Post Office delivering telegrams in all weathers to all corners of the parish on a heavy, Post Office issue pushbike. Few homes had telephones in those days so George often knocked on front doors with news, which could bring joy - or sorrow. One farmer’s wife tested his, and the postmaster’s, patience to the limit with her habit of stopping at Dalry Post Office on her way to Castle Douglas to send a telegram home with messages like, “PUT STEW IN OVEN STOP MUM.” After the third time George had peddled the 24 mile round trip to her distant farm she was told that no more such trivia would be accepted because George had to be available to deliver life and death telegrams. On another occasion a complaint was lodged against George by a local landowner because he had committed the sin of delivering mail to an estate worker’s cottage before delivering the post to “the big house”. Such incidents may well have influenced the development of George’s strong political and humanitarian beliefs. When he was called up, the army recognised George’s abilities by posting him to the Education Corps. Here he found his vocation as a teacher and his faith as a Roman Catholic. Many years later we were discussing his varied careers and he said that that was how he would like to be remembered - as a teacher - because that was the essence of the roles he had had, including those of a politician and a priest. His conversion to Catholicism was a surprise to many in the Glenkens and Dalry, where his father was Church of Scotland session clerk. Yet more eyebrows were raised when he began a 7-year course for George at an informal gathering in New Galloway in about 1990 – not long after he had been ordained. the priesthood at the Scots College in Rome. Studies were conducted in Latin, which was no problem for George, although he did not enjoy the heat of the Roman summer in the heavy robes which the students had to wear. A family tragedy brought an end to his early priestly ambitions. His father had died and he returned to Dalry to look after his mother. He earned a living working for the Forestry Commission. In the late 1950s he went to Edinburgh University as a mature student and graduated with a double First in German and French. Then began his career as a modern languages teacher in schools including Kirkcudbright Academy. At the same time he became more and more active in the Scottish National Party. In October 1974, after a recount, he became the SNP Member Of Parliament for Galloway with the narrowest of majorities – 30 votes. I will never forget the sight, on the day after the election, of an open Triumph Herald driving up Kirkland Street with George standing on the passenger seat waving to his many friends. Glenkens Gazette For the next five years George served his constituents well. He spoke about the problems of the countryside and rural communities with eloquence. Hansard records how his intellect and command of issues enabled him to stand up to, and match, his more experienced and often patronising political opponents. His well-argued, and ultimately successful, battle against plans for test drilling in the Galloway Hills to assess their suitability for dumping nuclear waste is well recorded. However, only a few people know that he gave large sums out of his own pocket to help fund the campaigners who stood up to the might of the UK Atomic Energy Authority at the Mullwharchar Public Enquiry. George had to learn to drive after he entered Parliament – covering a constituency like Galloway on a bicycle just didn’t work – but he was never the most confident of drivers. He arrived at my door one morning with a very second-hand looking Mini after an encounter with “a big black beast” which had loomed up out of the fog on the Gate Hill Road late the previous evening. Enquiries with the page 3 farmer failed to identify the cow that had done such grievous harm to George’s car. When George lost his seat in the 1979 election (accused of being one of Jim Callaghan’s turkeys who voted for an early Christmas!) he returned to teaching as Principal Teacher Those who knew him will remember an intelligent, caring, gentle man... of Modern Languages at Annan Academy, while continuing to campaign for the SNP. He bought a cottage at Kirtlebridge next to the A74 and returned to his house in Kirkland Street in Dalry at weekends. But disaster struck. Turning onto the A74 his car was hit by another vehicle and he was severely injured. He made a remarkable recovery from head and leg injuries and returned to teaching but I am not sure that he was ever entirely at ease in the sometimesrobust atmosphere of a large comprehensive school. He liked to tell the tale of one young miscreant whom he had put on a departmental report. “Ye cannae Graeme Gordon 1930-2017 Graeme Gordon, who died suddenly in January, was an early pioneer of fish farming in Scotland and a respected figure in the rural life of the Glenkens for 50 years. Following National Service in the Army, serving in the UK, Germany and Malaya, the latter with the SAS, Graeme and his wife Kirsten moved to Africa where he worked in the milling business in Rhodesia and Zambia. He and his family returned to the Glenkens in 1966 when he started Kenmure Fisheries, a trout farm at the north end of Loch Ken, which he ran until retirement in 2000. Throughout that time he was also the driving force behind the creation of Scot Trout, a co- operative which processed and marketed trout and salmon from the major Scottish fish farms. He was on the Central Policy Committee of the Scottish NFU at a crucial time when fish farming in Scotland was in its infancy. He helped establish and chair the British Trout Association, was President of the Federation of European Aquaculture, ViceChairman of Scot Trout and Chairman of Scottish Quality Trout. In addition, he chaired SEPA (West) and worked with Stirling University to improve health and disease control in farmed fish and from which he received an Honorary Doctorate in 1996. His extensive interest and knowledge of rural matters led him to become Vice Convenor and then Convener of the Scottish Land Owner’s Federation. He was awarded an OBE in 1994. dae that,” protested the boy. “Do what?” asked George, mystified. “Call me mental…” I suspect that it was incidents like this that helped George, in the mid 1980s, to decide to return to his earlier calling. Although he was by then in his late 50s his bishop made the wise decision that he still had much to offer. After two years at a seminary in England George finally became a priest in his 61st year. He went on to serve parishioners in Dumfries and Dalbeattie for many years. Those who knew him will remember an intelligent, caring, gentle man who was a humble servant of God and a doughty fechter for the causes in which he believed. He can have no better epitaph than this verse from Lorimer’s Scots Bible which he himself chose to be given out at his ordination in 1989. Lat us cast by ilka cummer an the taiglin garment o sin an, takkin a stout hairt, rin the race at God has gien us tae rin, our een stelled on Jesus Hebrews 12: 1-2 MARY MCNAUGHT Mary McNaught from Dalry passed away on 28 December. She is sadly missed by all her family who thank everyone who came to pay their respects, with special thanks to David Bartholomew. Glenkens Gazette page 4 sponsored by EVERYTHING listed in the Glenkens Freecycle section is FREE - you just need to contact the owner and go and pick it up! If you would like to list something on this page, please get in touch with Sarah on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk VARIOUS excellent quality. Contact: 450 265 Door, 190cm x 90cm. Suitable for outbuilding, shed, etc. Contact: Annikki on 460 640 Various furniture – Ikea bedroom furniture; chest of drawers and two bedside cabinets; corner TV unit. May be more... Contact: Jean on 07832 294 899 or 420 419 Stoves single built-in electric fan oven and Stoves electric hob, both in working order. Collect from Dalry. Contact: 430 062 evenings. Two single mattresses - good as new, hardly used. Width - 77cm. Contact: 460 516 Bang and Olufsen Beocenter 3500, needs attention. Sony mini hi fi system MHC3600, needs attention. TV stand (corner) glass - excellent condition. Wooden bureau with three drawers - Aspidistra plant. Nice big healthy plant. Contact Sue: 07563 718 011 Glass display unit, approximately six-feet high. It has double glass doors, two glass side panels, with a mirrored back and interior light. Excellent condition but no interior shelves. Contact: Gail on 07742 395 728 or casagail29@aol.co.uk WANTED Large pots, tubs or hanging baskets for New Galloway in Bloom. Please leave at the Smithy or phone Linda on 420 829 to collect. Stair gate - variable width. Contact: 07770 688 514 Half a dozen house bricks. Contact Sue: 07563 718 011 Bike suitable for five-year-old. Contact: 420 267 Garden shed for GCC Playgroup as outdoor toy storage. Contact: Sarah on 07727 127 997 WW2 Stage Props/Costumes – CatStrand Youth Players are staging a play set in Prague in 1945 and would be grateful for the use of any stage props and costumes suitable to the period. Contact: CatStrand on 420 374 Mountain bike. Contact: Sarah on 07727 127 997 STAFF REQUIRED: Clatteringshaws Visitor Centre requires kitchen, waiting and counter staff for Galloway Lodge’s busy visitor centre. For more info contact Alan on 0772 0772 854 or alan@gallowaylodge.co.uk Bargatton Sand & Gravel 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 – Glenlea 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 fleetfish@hotmail.com Supplying sand and gravel for all your farming needs, as well as households and businesses both large and small. We stock washed fine sand, coarse sand and gravels at competitive prices. For further details contact: James Mair - 07793 085 243 Bargatton Quarry, Laurieston, Castle Douglas, DG7 2PS Open Monday to Friday Weekends by arrangement Delivery can be arranged - subject to quantity Glenkens Gazette page 5 sponsored by NEW GOVERNMENT INCENTIVES FOR RENEWABLE HEATING AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMPS A NEW FOCUS FOR 2017 air-conditioner. Air source heat pumps produce three kilowatts of heat for every one kilowatt of electricity put in. With traditional heating systems for every killowatt put in you get less than one back. Local company RJ McCulloch, based by Loch Doon, specialises in installing renewable heating systems. With 20 years in Air source heat pumps have hit the UK – and are being pushed bigtime as low carbon energy efficient ... a potential RHI income heating systems. the government to help with installation costs.” To give you an idea of the potential for savings through installing an air source heat pump, for an average wellinsulated two-bedroom semi-detatched house the RHI payments could be up to £2,040 per year [for the annual maximum of 20,000 kilowatt-hours] for the seven-year period the agreement runs. The cost of installing an air source heat pump is around £10,000, which can be covered by an interest-free government loan. If your home runs on oil or LPG, savings per year could be around £600, and for electric heating systems even more - up to £1,500. So over the seven year period the RHI agreement runs, this gives a potential RHI income of £14,280 and a saving on heating bills of up to £10,500. Plus ongoing savings indefinitely thereafter. of £14,280 and a saving on heating bills of up to £10,500. A popular option in other parts of Europe for over a decade, these little numbers look like a firm favourite to fit the bill for green heating in both the domestic and commercial arena. The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy have announced an increase in funding for this area from £430 million in 2015/16 to £1.15 billion in 2020/21. And this is where it gets really interesting for you and your home... New in 2017 the Scottish Government’s Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) is giving more priority to air source heat pump systems and raising the RHI payback from 7.51p to 10.02p per kilowatt-hour – an increase of almost a third. So what exactly is an air source heat pump? And why would you want one? Well, in simple terms, they take the outside air, warm it up a little, then use it to heat the water in your central heating system. A bit like the reverse operation of a fridge or a reverse the trade installing traditional heating systems such as oil, LPG and gas, they are in a good position to advise on energy efficiency and consumption. Company owner Ross says: “In order to be eligible for RHI payments you must choose a fitter registered with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). This strict code of conduct holds companies to very high standards for both the installation itself and the preinstallation detailed heat loss calculations. These calculations are carried out prior to any work to ensure the heating system will work efficiently in the location. “The changes in 2017 mean that things are really going to pick up the pace with air source heat pumps. With reduced heating bills, as well as the RHI payments, home-owners, landlords and tenants alike can all benefit. You can also get a £10k interest-free loan from Glenkens Gazette Award-Winning Hospitality Continued from front page... For the second year running, The Knowe in Carsphairn has been named best Luxury B&B in the Luxury Travel Guide’s European Awards for 2017. For the Clachan Inn’s Phil Papworth and Laura Burnie, winning the Thistle award is the icing on the cake, having won a couple of CAMRA regional pub of the year awards and a D&G Life finalist accolade last year. “This award is more about being recognised by our customers for the atmosphere and service we and our very important and valued staff provide,” said Phil. “We all work very hard at making every single person who comes through our door very welcome.” With a background in the tourism industry for 12 years, Ronnie Bradford, who has run the Brookford B&B for four years, was “surprised and delighted” to have been chosen for the award in his category. “It was totally unexpected and I was just pleased to have been among the three finalists who all happened to be from Dumfries and Galloway,” he said. Carsphairn’s Shop and Tearooms were finalists in the Best Café category of the Dumfries & Galloway Life Awards – a fantastic achievement just 12 months after having to close following the devastating floods of 30 December 2015. It’s due acknowledgement for all the effort that went into refurbishing and remodelling the premises to enable the business to fully reopen to the public last summer. “We’ve been overwhelmed by all the congratulations we’ve received on our award,” said Lindsay. “We’ve come through a difficult year but are now looking forward to 2017 with renewed optimism.” The Knowe B&B too suffered quite a bit of flood damage and had to undergo repair and redecoration work on the ground floor before being ready to receive guests again. “It is a great feeling to be endorsed by these major tourist organisations, nationally and internationally, especially for a small bed and breakfast business in a small village,” commented Karen Hall who is proprietor of The Knowe with husband Harry. At the Carsphairn Shop & Tearooms, Paul Smith and Lindsay Duncan toast their award with a cup of tea. Phil Papworth and Laura Burnie celebrate their award at the Clachan Inn. FHB Fencing Dalry Domestic and Agricultural Fencing 01644 430 495 (Peter) or 07767 795 498 (Jonathan) page 6 Richard Herman, director of the Galloway Activity Centre revealed that, in addition to the Thistle award, his business has been nominated by Finlay Carson MSP in the Rural Enterprise category of the 2017 Scottish Rural Awards. “It’s great to have been recognised for innovation and enterprise by two different organisations,” he said. “You need to innovate to move with the times and we aim to introduce a new themed activity every year.” The activity centre employs five permanent staff, a figure which increases to 30 people in the high season, and it sources whatever goods and produce it can locally to support other Glenkens businesses. Richard Herman with Ben Sharp, Galloway Activity Centre. Karen and Harry Hall outside The Knowe B&B. SCOUTS CELEBRATE Continued from front page... The Lord Lieutenant presented Heather McIntosh, Glenkens Cub Scout Leader, with her British Empire Medal that was awarded to her by the Queen in the birthday honours for services to Scouting for over 50 years and services to the local community. Heather commented: “It has been a very special evening to have received the award and I want to thank everyone for their support and friendship. Over many years I have been committed to Scouting but Scouting has given me so much more in return.” Doug Fitch, assistant Cub Scout leader, presented each Cub with a ‘Well Done’ certificate for taking part in the activities throughout the year. On behalf of New Galloway Community Council, Craig Millar, Provost of the Royal Burgh, handed over a framed 100th birthday certificate. The Glenkens Cub Scout Pack and leaders would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for joining us and making their 100th birthday celebrations special. Glenkens Gazette page 7 CatStrand Highlights The new CatStrand spring brochure has some fantastic events for the coming months. February sees the renowned CatStrand Burns Supper (Fri 10) - book early as this event always sells out! Later in the month there is a brilliant new play by Serge Perilous called A Life with The Beatles which is based on the recollections of the Fab Four’s tour manager Neil Aspinall. February also sees the return of an old favourite – the Afternoon Tea Club (Fri 24) which will feature the classic movie I Know Where I’m Going from 1942 and also sees the launch of our NEW Into Film Club (Sat 18), aimed at younger people, which starts with the film Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. March sees the second ever Ken Words Festival (Fri 3–Sat 4) which this year features guest speakers Cameron McNeish (BBC’s Roads Less Travelled) and award-winning poet Tom Pow amongst others. The weekend also features a concert by Scots Trad Musician of the Year Siobhan Miller, a poetry walk around the hills of Dalry with Tom Pow, a workshop with author Margaret Elphinstone, and a meal at the Ken Bridge with a performance by renowned music historian Jo Miller. Also in March, the Hebrides Siobhan Miller, Scots Trad Musician of the Year Ensemble returns to the CatStrand (Fri 10 ) as well as folk legend Rab Noakes (Thu 16) and the much lauded Irish folksters Rackhouse Pilfer (Tues 21). Finally, we’re delighted to have the Glenkens Story back to CatStrand for a talk (Sun 26). We look forward to seeing you at CatStrand over the coming weeks! The CatStrand Team See our latest brochure or visit our website for programme details. Book online at www.catstrand.com or call 01644 420374. Follow us on facebook and twi�er and make sure to sign up for our newsle�er - see website for details… www.gallowayglens.org Glenkens Gazette THE CASE FOR A GALLOWAY NATIONAL PARK page 8 by Alex Fergusson, President of the Scottish Campaign for National Parks Those of us campaigning for a National Park in south west Scotland see it above all as the best way of putting our Region on the map. National Park status is internationally recognised, and it would raise Dumfries and Galloway’s profile and highlight its attractions in the eyes not just of potential tourists, but of the world at large. Of course National Parks are not a magic bullet. They do not instantly conjure up development or put a stop to every undesirable change. Like every other designation they have their shortcomings and, crucially, involve compromises. But as one of those most closely involved in scrutinising the legislation that underlies National Parks as it went through the Scottish Parliament, I can assure readers that Scottish National Parks are not the sort of stifling, top-down imposition that critics portray. Unlike elsewhere in the UK, the aims laid down in the legislation make it clear from the outset that they are as much about benefiting local communities as about protecting the environment. The fact that conservation takes precedence in the event of a clash is simply a recognition of the fact that where an area’s natural assets are its primary resource, the longterm well-being of its people depends on looking after them properly. At the heart of the operation of any National Park is a locally agreed plan, fully consulted upon and regularly updated, designed to translate these aspirations into reality. That plan guides and constrains the activities of the Park Authority and other public bodies. However, the legislation stipulates unambiguously that the majority of those responsible for the dayto-day decisions in the park should be locally elected, either directly or through their role as local councillors. Their actions are open to exactly the same level of public scrutiny as those of other public bodies. And experience elsewhere shows that, in matters of planning for example, they are at least as sensitive and receptive to local sentiment as their counterparts in other authorities. Finally, and crucially, Scottish National Parks legislation is highly flexible. It was deliberately designed to make it possible to tailor the role and powers of any National Park to the needs and circumstances of the area that it covers. In the case of Galloway, these are clearly very different from those of the two existing national parks, in the Cairngorms and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. These, like the Lake District across the Solway, were parts of the country that had long been magnets for tourists and which had experienced all the pressures for development that go with widespread fame and high numbers of visitors. Managing these pressures was inevitably a key function, requiring significant staff resources. In direct contrast, in the Glenkens and across Galloway, the challenge is one of stimulating more activity and attracting more visitors. The Galloway and South Ayrshire Biosphere has already made a commendable start at this job. Its inclusive, participative philosophy and style of operation are very much what is required. But it has neither the status nor the resources that are needed to tackle the task effectively. Experience in many parts of the world has already demonstrated that Biosphere and National Park designations are perfectly compatible. For decades we have been seeking something to get tourists to ‘turn left at Gretna’ – I have no doubt at all that the creation of a Galloway National Park would do just that, as well as fostering the sustainable economic development that we so desperately need. SEE LETTERS: P16 DOG DAY AT DALRY TOWN HALL Real Dog Training Scotland had their fancy dress Christmas party at Dalry Town Hall. It was very well attended by people in good spirits, and extremely well behaved dogs. Everyone joined in the games, and donations were received for Dumfries & Galloway Canine Rescue to the tune of £170. Eric and Helen of Real Dog Training Scotland would like to thank people for making it a successful evening packed with fun and laughter. Special thanks go to Jessica Nash for helping with the games, and Margaret Schofield and Mike Coutts for donating the sausages. If your New Year resolution is to train your dog, take a look at www .realdogtrainingscotland .co.uk and come along to Dalry Town Hall training sessions on a Tuesday or Thursday at 7pm. Glenkens Gazette page 9 Crane Recovery on the Queen’s Way In an operation keenly awaited by many in the Glenkens, the 60-tonne crane which had been mired in the peaty roadside verge near Clatteringshaws for over a month was extracted. The recovery crane, which needed to be larger than the sunken one and capable of lifting 500 tonnes, came all the way from Grangemouth - at a top speed of 25mph - accompanied by two large articulated lorries carrying ancilliary parts. At a reputed cost of some £25,000 per day rental, the immediate job of lifting the smaller crane took most of the day, with it finally being laid onto a low loader at 5.30pm. The crane was then heading off to Holland for disposal. photographs and story by Ian Biggar JENNY’S DESIGN Mobile Hairdresser • Home Visits • Nursing Homes & Residential • The Elderly & Disabled • Blow Drying • Setting • Perms • Cuts • Toupees • Wig Styling NVQ Level 3 Hairdressing, NVQ Level 4 Social Care Call Jenny on 07554 009 624 Glenkens Gazette page 10 MINI DRAGONS’ DEN Last term the P3,4,5 pupils of Dalry Primary took part in a Dragons’ Den topic, where they were each given the opportunity to come up with and run a small business. They pitched their ideas to the ‘dragons’ and were given an investment of £3 each to get up and running. The topic was a huge success, with all pupils ending up with a better understanding of the business world. It culminated at the end of term in a very interesting trip to Natural Power Consultants Ltd at Forrest Estate, outside Dalry, where pupils had a Q&A session with MD Mr Sainsbury. The pupils then used their new business knowledge to sell their products at the Primary Christmas Fayre. They made an astonishing overall profit of £518.65. Thank you to all parents and carers for taking time to support the pupils with their business ventures and to RJ Pupils selling their wares at the Christmas Fayre. McLeod for the very generous donation after hearing about the pupils’ fantastic ideas from Kate Bone at Dalry Garage. The pupils are currently deciding on what to spend their hard earned profit on...exciting times ahead! Mrs Jenna Devlin FoDSFest YOUTH REVIEW: Friends of Dalry School (FoDS) would like to officially thank the sponsors who supported FoDSFest. Thanks go to Glenkens Community Shop, Eden Festival, Jake Jordan, Tony Moore, The Jack Duster Band, RJ McLeod, Martha Schofield Design, United Bricks, Galloway Activity Centre, Mary Smith, Castle Douglas Rotary, Alan Smith, Mark Turner - Activ-Schools Dumfries & Galloway, and all the wonderful performers, artists and DJs that offered their time and talents to make FoDSFest such a success. FoDsFest made Dalry School a profit of just short of £2000, a great achievement for a new music festival and a figure that will make a huge difference to Dalry’s pupils and school. The raised funds will be spent in the near future on improving the outdoor space for pupils, providing waterproof outdoor clothing for primary pupils, subsidising school trips and visitors, and many more ideas suggested by the pupils. Watch this space! If you have any suggestions on how we could spend the raised funds please get in touch with Mrs Devlin, FoDS Chairperson. They would love to hear your ideas. Little Red Riding Hood Little Red Riding Hood was performed at the Catstrand and for us it was really good. and the costumes were great. The actors were very funny and did well in their parts and occasionally forgetting the lines made it that much more funny. We will definitely come next year! by Grace Temple and Hana Ade, S1 It was obvious that the kids worked really hard on it. It was the casual-old-fashioned tale but with a unique twist to the story. It surprised us both when the lovely, prince charming, turned into a terrifying werewolf! There was a lot of audience-interaction, including three knights giving the audience sweets and a fitness class to burn off all that sugar. There were a lot of Christmassy songs to set CatStrand Youth Players’ cast of you in the winter mood Little Red Riding Hood. Dalry Primary School’s Christmas play - Lights, Camel, Action! Glenkens Gazette page 11 KIMBERLY BAGS CHIEF GUIDE AWARD At the beginning of December the Stewartry Senior Section of the Glenkens Girlguiding unit saw their first member achieve the Chief Guide Award. Kimberly McAdam has attained the second highest award in guiding having successfully completed the first two phases of each section of the senior section Look Wider programme. This has taken her over two years to complete. On the same night she was also presented with her Commonwealth Award which involved a lot of research and learning about a chosen country within the Commonwealth. This award was the final thing Kimberly needed to complete for her Look Wider scheme. The achievement was marked with a presentation ceremony at the community centre in Dalry. Mrs Barbara Murray, County Commissioner, came along to present the awards and a display of work was put on for family, friends and other guiding members. The Senior Section is open to Kimberly McAdam recieving her awards from Barbara Murray. all girls aged 14+ and meets at various venues around the Stewartry, including Dalry, on a monthly rotational basis. For more information please contact Sarah McAdam on 430 393. Schools Christmas Fundraisers The Dalry Primary Christmas Fayre raised a fantastic £572.53 for school funds and the Kells Musical Café raised a superb total of £438.08. Carsphairn Primary raised an impressive £845 Above: Dalry Secondary School pupils perform at the Christmas concert. Below: Kells Primary School Christmas play - Silent Night. through their Christmas Fair. Thank you very much to everyone who supported these events and made them such a success. Glenkens Gazette page 12 LOCH KEN FISHERIES STUDY If you are an angler or a business that benefits from the fishery of Loch Ken, you may be interested to hear about a study that is currently taking place on the loch, known as the Loch Ken Fisheries Study. This study, which is one of a number of development stage projects being managed by the Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership (GGLP), is being carried out by Galloway Fisheries Trust (GFT) with support from Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), Dumfries & Galloway Council, Scottish Natural Heritage and Scottish Environment Protection Agency. The main outcome of the study is to compile a set of recommendations that will be presented to inform a possible fiveyear project proposal that is hoped will secure HLF support. If you have ideas on how the fishery of Loch Ken might be improved upon and developed that you would like to feed into these recommendations, it is important GFT hear from you over the next few months. How you can get involved… Citizen Science – Loch Ken Angling Record As an angler fishing on Loch Ken, you can help gather fisheries data by completing and returning a short survey known as the Loch Ken Angling Record. You can pick up a record from one of the participating Loch Ken ticket outlets, which include the Loch Ken Holiday Park at Parton, JR Hopkins Newsagents and the Post Office - both in New Galloway. Alternatively, you can download the record via the project page, which you will find through the ‘Projects’ section of the GFT Loch Ken is a popular venue for coarse fishing matches. website - www.gallowayfisheries trust.org - under Loch Ken Fisheries Study. Please return completed forms by email to rowan@ gallowayfisheriestrust.org, by Photo of the Issue Sponsored by the Ken Bridge Hotel “What a fantastic assortment of photos to start the new year! “We are impressed by the range of subject matter and, as well as giving a carvery meal for two, we have decided to offer two other entries a single Sunday carvery each. “First Prize of a carvery for two goes to Kirsteen Currie for her photo of the seriously unimpressed deer, because we love the doe perfectly captured in between the stag’s horns. “The runners-up with a single carvery are Arran MacDonald-Kiernan for his beautiful rich sunset and to Lorraine Ishak for the Kenmure Castle window scene.” Competition Judges Dave & Sue, Ken Bridge Hotel post to Fisheries House, Station Industrial Estate, Newton Stewart, DG8 6ND or to a participating outlet up until June 2017. All completed forms will be entered into a monthly prize draw for a £50 angling shop voucher. Creel Record GFT will also be carrying out an interview-led questionnaire of anglers known as the Loch Ken Creel Record up to two days per month. Please take ten minutes to talk to our surveyors if you are fishing on a survey day. Angling Matches Angling matches are regularly held on Loch Ken. These events present the ideal opportunity to gather fish data as well as angler feedback on the fishery. GFT hope to attend three match days on the loch as part of this project. Stakeholder engagement - get in touch and stay in touch Through the Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership Project, there is an opportunity to improve the fishery of Loch Ken. What would you like to see being done? Please email GFT at rowan@gallow ayfisheriestrust.org or call the GFT office on 01671 40 3011 to speak to Jamie or Rowan. A report on the findings of this study will be available in August 2017. Until then, look out for progress updates via the GFT website news section and GFT Facebook and Twitter feeds. For updates on all projects that fall into the development stage of the GGLP, please see www.gallowayglens.org Rowan McCleary Glenkens Gazette page 13 Has Anybody Seen Our Shed? There is a Mens’ Shed loose in the Glenkens area... When many of the local residents were asked “Have you seen it?” they replied “We don’t know where it is!” Even the lady who lives nextdoor didn’t know it was there... We would like many more people to find our shed which is a part of the Connecting in Retirement project run by Brian Jones at the CatStrand. Since the beginning of the year the premises at the back of the old smiddy in Balmaclellan have, thanks to the 20-plus members, been transformed. We now have an enclosed office/meeting space and (the luxury!) an indoor toilet, as well as many power tools which have been bought or donated. This has allowed members - ladies as well as gentlemen - to make items that they couldn’t have produced at home. You, too, can make use of these facilities by becoming a member. The shed is open to all adults and the annual membership fee is £10 with a £1 donation for tea/coffee each time you come along. Activities at the shed include wood carving, wood turning, simple carpentry, bicycle repairs, motorcycle maintenance, clock making, life-size gorrilla modelling and making of items for sale to help fund future activities. We are very happy to accept new members of any gender who want to do their own thing, learn new skills, get involved in community projects or just come along for a cup of tea, chat and put the world to rights in a friendly and supportive environment. When agreed by the members, we have also been involved in community projects such as tendering for two new noticeboards for New Galloway, renovating benches for Balmaclellan community council, repairing the shed door for the Playgroup in Dalry, and renovating the benches and tables at the CatStrand after the flood. Future projects to be agreed by members include the possibility of making some horse jumps and assisting with upgrading the flood defences at the CatStrand. We do not have independent funding so look to potential customers to fund any ongoing projects. Please come along and find our shed - we can be found mostly on Monday mornings from 10am, all day Wednesdays and Friday mornings. These times can be extended if there is sufficient demand. Tom Leach To get in touch call Brian Jones at the CatStrand (420 374) or Tom Leach (420 386). Glenkens Gazette page 14 THE WOOD FUEL CO-OPERATIVE Keeping people warm is what the Wood Fuel Cooperative do best. The Co-operative was formed in 2011 to bring together like-minded individuals who wanted to buy wood fuel at the best possible price. You don’t have to be a member to use us and in the last six years the company has gone from strength to strength. We now have nearly 600 members and the co-operative format allows us to supply both members and non-members with briquettes, biomass pellets and kiln-dried logs at affordable prices. A lot of people live in draughty, single glazed houses and they find it prohibitively expensive to run their oil heating enough to stay warm. Customers who have been unable to keep even a single room in their house warm using logs have found that with briquettes they’re able to generate so much more heat that it’s made their homes useable again. That’s because briquettes contain half the moisture content (10%) of even kiln dried wood (20%). A low moisture content means that the energy of the fire is used to produce heat, rather than to burn off water. Most of our Dumfries and Galloway customers have come to us by word of mouth recommendations but we also trade nationally through our website. We know how important it is to give back to the community that has supported us so much. Over the Food Bank, to allow them to buy the essential items people don’t tend to donate, such as toiletries and tinopeners. Thanks to Tesco generously donating retail space, these boxes are now available from the Dumfries Tesco Extra fuel station. As a co-operative, we have two prices: one for members and one for non-members. Membership requires a single £99 loan to the Wood Fuel Co-op, which is fully refundable. We use these funds to purchase wood fuel in bulk at the lowest prices. These savings are passed on to members, who save 50p per 10kg pack of wood fuel. You only need to buy 10 packs to save £5; the equivalent to 5% interest on your loan. Alternatively, you can make a £50 donation to the Dumfriesshire Foodbank in return for lifetime honorary membership. This donation is non-refundable but hugely benefits local people in crisis and saves you money on your wood fuel – forever! Call into our store at Heathhall Industrial Estate, Dumfries, give us a ring or visit our website to find out more about our products (see ad below). Rowlande Park These boxes...cost just £5 and every penny of that goes directly to the Food Bank... the winter, we donate around two tonnes of wood fuel a month to the DG Hub’s Winter Warmth for Older People programme, to help them provide free firewood to vulnerable older people right across our region. We’re also working with the Dumfriesshire Foodbank, who help feed people in crisis accross the region. One of the ways we’re doing this is by donating 1000 Cosy Night In selection boxes of briquettes to the Foodbank. These boxes, which have everything you need for a couple of evenings’ burning, cost just £5 and every penny of that goes directly to NEW GALLOWAY GOLF CLUB Having had a very successful 2016, New Galloway Golf Club is looking forward to the start of the new season in April. With the weather behaving, the winter competitions are progressing and several new members joined the club. The club is already making plans for the various activities for the new season such as the Give Golf A Go Academy and the Junior Fledgling Coaching - watch this space for further information. Ian Brown Glenkens Gazette page 15 Emma’s Wild Eats Three Tree Teas Enjoy the longer days as we finally move into very early spring, and plants are starting to show new growth again. Having mentioned a lot of early spring plants previously, my intention was to dedicate this Wild Eats to an escapologist of garden plants, and star of the flower arrangement - honesty whilst struggling to resist the obvious puns! I do think honesty deserves a sentence or two to introduce you to a few surprising facts. Easily recognisable by its seedpods, this attractive flowering plant is actually brassica family and tastes as you might expect, this considered. The Latin name, lunaria annua is clearly inspired by the beautiful round, translucent, silvery seed pods. You can eat the leaves, flowers and seed pods before they dry out, all of which are pleasantly cabbage-like. Even the root can be prepared and eaten, if you can be bothered. My focus has however been diverted by an inspiring article by Robin Harford of Eatweeds suggesting that the beautiful and currently crisp, dry, golden-brown beach leaves that still cling to their branches are useful for making a tasty tea. Three tree teas to try: Beech leaf tea - it’s as simple as collecting a few dried leaves and steeping them in boiling water for about 15 minutes, creating a fascinatingly satisfying and pleasant tea. Pine/Spruce needle tea - similarly, remove the needles from a few sprigs and steep in boiling water. I read that, per volume, pine needles have eight times as much vitamin C as orange juice. Maybe try it with a slice of orange? Please ensure you don’t confuse any part of the very poisonous Yew for the needles you intend to collect. Birch twig tea – again, collect a few small twigs, crush them a bit and steep them in boiling water; couldn’t be easier. These provide a useful mix of vitamins and minerals but historically these plants have been used as an Pine needles, dry beech leaves and birch twigs. abortifacient, so this tea is not for you if you are pregnant. Also tannins provide some flavour, so avoid if you have kidney problems. As always, be absolutely sure what you’re picking by checking reliable sources for identification, and be aware of the possibility of an allergic reaction, but don’t let caution put you off - just be careful! Emma Check out Emma’s blog: www.emmaswild.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 16 LETTERS TO THE GAZETTE Please pass on our thanks to Bruce Smith for his article on Stroanfreggan School in the last edition of the Glenkens Gazette. Keith’s father, Donald Brander, bought Stroanfreggan School after it closed in 1965, and since then has been visited regularly by family and friends for holidays. We all have very special memories of time spent there; for instance, I recall only too well how cold it used to be Response to Article Do You Really Want a Galloway National Park? Having lived in Dartmoor National Park for 12 years I have seen how it benefits local communities, the towns on the fringe and the regional economy. It is a vital ingredient in the West Country’s promotional mix. The Dartmoor National Park Authority is controlled by mainly local people (farmers, councillors, business owners, environment professionals, etc) appointed by the county council and relevant district councils. Of its 19 members only five are directly appointed by the Secretary of State. Its statutory aims are to “conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the National Park” and “promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the National Park by the public”. In so doing it also has a duty to “foster the economic and social well-being of local communities within the National Park”. Isn’t that exactly what’s needed here? [The previous article] calls the National Park idea an “external in winter with us all in the evenings in the schoolroom snuggling inside sleeping bags, but it never occurred to me that it might have been cold enough for ink to freeze. The pioneering spirit was fine for Donald and Dorothea, but our children were less enthusiastic. Also the fabric of the building was deteriorating rapidly so, in 2012, we began extensive renovations to enlarge the house to accommodate the growing family and to make it as environmentally friendly as possible. It is now heated by a ground source heat proposition”, as if imposed from on high. I believe it is a locallyfelt need to compensate for decades of economic decline, to safeguard what’s left of our breathtaking landscapes and other priceless heritage, and to allocate the resources necessary for making it more accessible. You only have to read the Crichton Institute’s economic report to understand that a National Park in Galloway is one of several initiatives desperately needed to make Galloway competitive as a tourism destination and D&G attractive as a place to live, work and invest. The big question is this: are local people determined enough to come together and fight for the things that would bring prosperity to Scotland’s neglected south west? In its report D&G Council lists six ‘next steps’ to take the Galloway National Park idea forward. But it omits a very necessary seventh - a study group to visit some of the National Parks south of the border (say Northumberland, Lake District, Dartmoor) and report back on lessons learned and best practice. Only then can a sensible debate begin. Stuart Littlewood, New Galloway pump, the walls are all lined and insulated with 5cm of sheep’s wool insulation, and the windows are double glazed. In 2001 Donald and Dorothea invited former pupils to a reunion. We are friends with some of the former pupils and would like to meet others and learn more about the history of the school and the area. Any of your readers who would like to revisit their old school again are very welcome - please send an email to kandp@kandp.dk Patricia & Keith Brander I regularly receive copies of the Glenkens Gazette from my friend Bill Blyth from Blowplain. My friendship with Bill began on 8 July 1953 when we both reported to the barracks in Berwick upon Tweed to begin our National Service with the Kings Own Scottish Borderers (KOSB). I was 20 and Bill was only 18. We occupied adjacent beds and soon became good friends. During our basic training we were told that we would be sent to Korea to join the Royal Scots who were fighting there. However the Korean war finished during our training. We were then told we would be going to Malaya to join the Royal Scots Fusileers. In the end only half of our intake was sent to Malaya the other half was sent to join the 1st Batt KOSB at Ballykinlar in Northern Ireland. Bill and myself drew the short straw and ended up in Ballykinlar and were posted to Headquarter Company. I was sent to the pipes and drums as a piper and Bill was given a job in the company office. Our friendship continued during the two years we spent in Northern Ireland and has now lasted for 63 years. It has been a real pleasure knowing Bill and his lovely wife Mary and I hope we will have a few more years of friendship to look forward to. Donald M Campbell, Melrose The local Outlander actor featured on p12 of the last issue of the Glenkens Gazette was George Paterson, formerly of New Galloway. George now resides at Kingussie and enjoys taking part in a variety of Scottish productions as a film and TV extra, having participated in One of Us, as well as the Outlander TV series. Willie Macauley from Kirkcowan, Bill Blyth and Donald Campbell. Glenkens Gazette page 17 Makeover for Dalry Library We are improving our services to the public by bringing together the Customer Service Centre, Library and Registration office in Dalry. In order to enable us to do this Dumfries & Galloway Council require to complete some substantial works to refurbish the existing library facility and allow it to become fit for purpose. The library will be closed until Tuesday 28 February at 12pm. During this period the mobile library will be present in Dalry on Fridays from 11am – 3pm at the Library. Chair of Communities Committee, Councillor Tom McAughtrie, said, “We will be creating a facility at the existing library premises which will be fit for purpose and will have access to a wide range of information and services under one roof. “In the meantime it is great to see that a temporary provision has been put in place to ensure that the local community continue to receive a library service.” For further information contact: Mairi Copeland, PO Customer Services Strategy, 01776 888311 or mairi.copeland@dumgal.gov.uk D&G Council DALRY ON New Galloway Awaits Spring Decision on Shop COURSE TO New Galloway Community Enterprises Ltd (NGCE), the community benefit company hoping to save New Galloway’s last remaining shop from closure, is awaiting a spring announcement on whether its application for a Big Lottery grant is successful. In the final pre-decision stage, a Big Lottery (BL) assessor visited before Christmas and conducted a three-and-a-half hour scrutiny of the application with members of the management committee. It was felt the meeting went positively but applications for funding exceed the total available so there will be strong competition. NGCE held its first AGM on 3 November which was well attended by 22 members. The existing management committee was reelected and the Chair’s report and the annual accounts were received. We were pleased to welcome representatives of the Community Council, Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING) and GCAT, all of whom delivered welcome messages of support and offers of mutual cooperation. Thanks to all who came along to the AGM and also those who packed the Lower Town Hall for the Open Meeting in October. The support of our members and the wider community is most heartening and essential for the success of our application. Meanwhile NGCE is working with Community Shares Scotland to launch a Share Offer. Local residents and everyone with a connection with New Galloway will be invited to pledge to buy shares in the community-owned company if the Big Lottery bid succeeds. Raising this extra funding is a Big Lottery requirement to release any award and will meet costs such as stocking the new shop not covered by the BL. Mike Brown, Chair, NGCE CarsphairnTemporary Flood Defences D&G Council’s Economy, Environment and Infrastructure Committee have begun the construction of temporary measures for flood protection. This will consist of a combination of 800mm high concrete barriers adjacent to the A713 north of the village and along a short length within the Glebe, and an earth embankment in the field adjacent to the Heritage Centre. It is planned that the work should be completed by the end of February. Liz Holmes, Chair, Carsphairn Community Council GET NEW COMMUNITY FACILITY Dalry Community Council with Dalry Community Property Trust are in the process of acquiring the former council depot behind Dalry Town Hall for the benefit of the local community. The shed will give the community council a facility to store and maintain its winter resilience equipment, as well as allow the development of a community ecofuel collective to bulk buy the likes of biomass boiler pellets and wood briquettes. Subject to approval by D&G Council there is also potential to use part of the land for community recycling and a picnic area. Although this project is in its early stages, we would like to hear from those interested in being part of this exciting new village initiative. Please contact Andi Holmes on 430 255 or andiholmes@hotmail.com Glenkens Gazette page 18 Hardie’s Back a Beyond Band Local lad Hardie Walker has been playing the guitar since he was eight. Now, at the ripe old age of 13, he is itching to get out there and play to an audience. Having pulled a band together towards the end of 2016, with dad Ewan’s help, 2017 is looking bright - and very loud. Hardie cites Kirk Hammett of Metallica as his biggest influence, and his newly formed Back a Beyond Band plays covers of artists such as ACDC, Iron Maiden, Jimmy Hendrix and Greenday to name just a few. The band is composed of Hardie on lead guitar, Mark Stoves on rhythm guitar, Eggo on bass and Dan Goodwin on drums. A shout-out goes out around the Glenkens for a vocalist – the final piece needed to complete the Back a Beyond Band. Left to right: Eggo, Hardie and Mark. CHRISTMAS COFFEE MORNING - open all day every day - award-winning free house pub, food, cask ales & craft beer - walkers and stalkers facilities - en suite accommodation - 20% discount off takeaways February promotions: - selected two courses for £10 at midweek lunches - ‘early bird’ set menu (5.30–7pm, Mon–Thurs) two courses for £12 - Cosmetics, Skin Care, Health & Sports Nutritional Products all products are botanically-based, vegan, gluten & cruelty free To try before you buy, host an Arbonne Party, or for advice please contact your local Arbonne Independent Consultant, Katy Caie, on 07756 506 496 or visit http://catrionacaie.arbonne.com 20% off for new customers! Just quote GKARBONNE Arbonne Independent Consultant St Margaret’s Ladies Guild and Balmaclellan & Kells Guild would like to thank everyone who supported their Christmas Coffee Morning in December. We are most grateful to the many people who took time out to during this busy season to support us. There was a happy community atmosphere enjoyed by all. Clachan Clash Dalry Heritage Group are proposing bringing out a new book called Clachan Clash. If you have any old photographs, stories or memorabilia of what Dalry was like when you were young or when you moved here that we might include in the book, please get in touch. There will be a gathering on Friday 31 March in Dalry Town Hall to tell us some of your stories over a cuppa. We will also have a small exhibition in the hall that weekend of Old Dalry. Please feel welcome to join us. Hilda McAdam, 430 383 Wright’s Shop & Post Office Dalry Licensed convenience store and newsagent stocking a range of local suppliers including Corsons and Irvings Bakers, Ballards and Dalmellington Country Butchers and Mitchells Fruit and Veg. Opening Times (both shop & PO): Monday to Friday: 7am – 6pm Saturday: 8am – 6pm Sunday: 8.30am – 4pm Tel: 01644 430 225 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 19 DALRY HOGMANAY CEILIDH Dalry’s Hogmanay Ceilidh was a resounding success - for the second year running. The evening saw all ages of folk getting together to share music, dance and food at Dalry Town Hall. One of the organisers, Nicky Finch, said; “Loads of people joined in with the dancing and singing and it was excellent to see so many young children enjoying themselves. It was a full house from early on until after the Bells!” Local musicians Andrew, Susan and Ellen Bielinski, Anne Charaund, Garry Rushworth and Josie Fairlie Keast from the Humours o’ Dalry Ceilidh Band entertained us grandly and played rollicking pieces for many of the dances. It was great to hear young Laya McCallie joining the band too on the tambourine, and keeping excellent time! Fiona Edgar played some lovely violin pieces and Annabel McAdam played a beautiful set on the flute. Excellent local singers Andrew Bielinski, Angela Miller, Garry Rushworth and David Thomson performed a wide variety of emotive songs as well as singalong tunes. A few comments from the event were: “An excellent night, greatly enjoyed by all ages!” Hilda McAdam “Some amazing musical talent. Everybody enjoyed it!” James Edgar “A great evening – it would be good to have village gettogethers more often!” “We came down from Glasgow last year to stay with a friend and enjoyed the Hogmanay Ceilidh so much we came back this year!” Ruben, Avril and Eve £153.12 was raised in entry donations for the Town Hall Fund, and the quiz raised £55.57, which will be divided between The Wild Animal Hospital and The Glenkens Charity Shop in memory of Libby Ritchie. NEW YEAR FOLK SESSION I was delighted to join in the first traditional music session of the year in the Galloway at the Ken Bridge Hotel. I’ve been a regular visitor to the community over the past two years and I’m gradually becoming acquainted with many wonderful, capable people in the area. I knew there was a vibrant community of creative people living here, and I assumed there were a few musicians around, but I had no idea how many fine players were living here. I was astonished to walk into a rollicking session with at least 50 excellent players. The musical family included a wide spectrum of energetic melody makers, including younger folk just becoming acquainted with the music community, along with several more experienced enthusiasts. The party was vibrant and lively, and the atmosphere friendly and comforting. Every generation was represented, from wideeyed toddlers to knowledgeable grandparents with stories to share. Everyone present benefited from an inclusive collection of talented novices and more experienced players. In spite of the large ensemble, the music was always in sync and cohesive. While the session was accessible to everyone, the tunes were always excellent quality. I heard a lot of tunes there for the first time, and I’ve been playing sessions in Scotland regularly for about 10 years. I found it especially gratifying to be making music with several folks I’ve met and befriended as neighbors in the region, suddenly to discover they were highly competent musicians as well. In every respect the Ken Bridge New Year’s session was a wonderful event; I’m looking forward to doing it again! Steve ‘Pops’ Forman Photos by Anne Chaurand - ceilidh dancers and musicians. Christmas Twinkle Around 100 people enjoyed singing Christmas songs, drinking hot chocolate and eating mince pies at the 2016 Christmas Twinkle event at Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry. Organised by Angie and Ronnie Bradford, a collection on the night raised £57.20 for D&G Canine Rescue Centre. Thanks go to Glenkens Community Shop for their support for this community event, to those who helped on the night and to Santa and his elves who dropped by with wee gifts for the children. Glenkens Gazette page 20 Kenmure Descendent’s Birds of Wigtownshire 1890–1935 Published at Last A book about the birds of Wigtownshire that was begun by Jack Gordon more than 120 years ago has finally been printed. John Gordon McHaffie-Gordon (1876–1938), known as Jack, of Corsemalzie House in the Machars, was a prominent and well connected ornithologist, entomologist, fieldsportsman and world renowned egg-collector. His great grandfather, George McHaffie, was provost of Wigtown and married Isabella Gordon, a descendent of the Gordons of Kenmure. An amazing character, Jack spent countless hours around his home and throughout Wigtownshire recording an astonishing amount of information for his book. However, the book was to remain unfinished and unpublished for over a century. After his death in 1938, the manuscript came into the hands of Dalry’s well-known artist/author Donald Watson, and then to myself when Donald died in 2005. Friend Richard Mearns and I collated and edited Gordon’s important material, which is now published as a 200 page A4 book, fully indexed, with biographical details of his contacts and illustrated with images from John Adair’s extensive collection of old Wigtownshire postcards, together with several paintings by Gordon’s friend, James Faed Jnr. Publication is limited to 300 copies and was funded by The Galloway Association of Glasgow, Scottish Ornithologists’ Club’s Birds of Scotland Fund, Stranraer & District Local History Trust and The Dumfriesshire & Galloway Natural History & Antiquarian Society. The book costs £15 and is available directly from myself in Dalry or RSPB Crossmichael, or from The Bookshop, Wigtown, at mail@thebookshop.com. All profits are to be distributed proportionately between the funding organisations. Chris Rollie Glenkens Gazette page 21 HISTORICAL MAPS OF THE GLENKENS The Glenkens Story history project starts its 2017 programme with the Historical Maps of the Glenkens on Sunday 26 March. This year the Dumfries Archival Mapping Project (DAMP) is turning its attention to the Stewartry in its “Seek and Find” mission to record the old maps of Galloway. Archie McConnel and colleagues from DAMP will display some of the historic maps of the Glenkens and neighbouring districts they already hold in their digital collection. They will encourage discussion with the audience on what the maps reveal about the people who created and used them and the changes which have followed in our area. Archie and his colleagues will also be asking for help in tracking down and preserving undiscovered gems. Estate archives, old legal papers, and boxes of family heirlooms in the attic can all be concealing longforgotten maps which could throw new light on our local history. The DAMP team will welcome any information about old maps you know of - but please don’t bring fragile documents to this event! DAMP will follow up on any information and digitally record historically significant material for wider use. Historical Maps of the Glenkens takes place at 2.30pm at CatStrand, New Galloway, with tickets priced at £5. Our 2017 field trip programme is likely to include among other activities a return to the Covenanter trail and further explorations of the area’s war memorials. another brother (Douglas) would be killed just five months later in April 1917. Charles is commemorated on the Carsphairn War Memorial and on a family plaque on the exterior of the rear of Carsphairn Church. William Maitland of Kenmure Castle, New Galloway, was reported missing in November, aged 20, whilst serving as a Lieutenant with 5th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment attached to the 63rd Trench Mortar Battery. Although born in Chile, he spent most of his childhood in New Galloway. He was the son of Norval Maitland, nephew of James Charles MaitlandGordon, of Kenmure Castle and grandson of the Rev James Maitland of Kells Parish Church. He is remembered on Kells Parish War Memorial. William would be the last Glenkens man to be killed in 1916. This brings the total to 38 Glenkens men killed in the war so far but it would be a relatively peaceful start to 1917 with no more deaths to be reported until March of that year. Paul Goodwin Email theglenkensstory@gmail. com or contact CatStrand on 420 374 to be put on our mailing list. War Updates Nov/Dec 1916 November 1916 would prove to be another month of mourning for families in the Glenkens as it featured three more deaths. Robert James Clark of Craigielea, Dalry, was killed at the age of 20 by a German shell whilst on sentry duty. He was a joiner prior to enlisting and worked with his father, but he is also listed on the Castle Douglas Post Office memorial so we can presume that he had worked as a postman at one time. He is commemorated on the Dalry War Memorial. I wrote more extensively about Robert in the article Three Unfortunate Brothers which was published in the Glenkens Gazette in 2012. Charles Kennedy of Marbrack, Carsphairn, was aged 35 when he was killed whilst serving as a Lieutenant in the Royal Field Artillery. A brother (Robert) had been killed in the Boer War in Robert James Clark 1900 and Glenkens Gazette page 22 Who Do We Think We Were? Margaret Keith recalls washdays in her childhood, when all the women in the family did the weekly wash together, and observes how the job has changed over the years. It’s not just washdays that have changed either: this is just one example of the way lives and communities have changed too. As well as fascinating reminiscences from the Glenkens, we’ve had contributions from elsewhere, from the Forest of Dean to Wester Ross. Wherever you come from, whatever your age, you’re part of the story too, so please send in your memories. Please send your contribution - of no more than 500 words - by email to margaret.elphinstone@ dircon.co.uk or hand in a copy at CatStrand marked ‘Glenkens Gazette - WDWTWW’. The next issue will have a memoir by Christine Rae, who also lives in Dalry. I can remember the Monday washdays at my grandmother’s house with my grandmother, mother and aunt doing a combined washing in the washhouse in the back garden. The big round boiler built into a corner with the fire glowing below, the long wooden potstick used to prod the clothes, and the ‘blue’ bag to whiten the whites. Then lifting out the boiled clothes into a big tin bath, then into a sink full of icy cold water to rinse. Then, joy of joy, I was held up and allowed to help turn the handle of the huge iron mangle with its wooden rollers squeezing all the Washday Blues water out of the clothes. The clothes were then folded neatly, mangled once again, till they came out flat as pancakes, ready to be hung on drying ropes in the garden or, on wet days, on the long ropes in the washhouse. The ironing! My grandmother, mother and aunt taking turns standing at the kitchen table with its white sheet cover over blanket padding, the flat iron hot from the range, ironing shirt after shirt (and all the starched detached collars), white sheets and pillowcases, and so many other clothes all to be ironed for a large family. However did they get through their other chores? When I grew older, clothes were boiled in an aluminium, electrically heated boiler in the kitchen, the mangle became a ‘Wringer’, rubber rollered and clamped between the kitchen tub and sink. The iron plugged into an electrical socket, we no longer used the table to iron upon - we had a wooden ironing board. By my teens, my mother was the owner of an electric washing machine! Plug it in and it furiously agitated the clothes unlike an aunt’s machine on which the agitator was turned manually by a handle on the side. A hand-turned wringer unfolded out of the machine and it was a simple job to wring clothes, rinse, rewring and hang out to dry. But like everything in this life it became a thing of the past, the inthing was a twin tub and through time one arrived in our kitchen, a shining white model with large blue knobs on the front and a worktop cover. Filling from a hose on the tap, washing and spinning, emptying automatically, it was definitely our labour saving gadget of the future. From its birth the twin tub served my mother then later, me, faithfully. My aunt, grandmother and cousin, my mother holding me. My grandmother wearing her usual black ankle-length dress with her jet beads. She wore a lavender dress in high summer! Alas all good things come to an end and there was a sadness in me when the time came to part, yet an eager anticipation of the benefits to come with full automation. “I’ll send a man out with the new machine and he can collect your old one” promised the shopkeeper. On its sweetly oiled castors my old machine glided to the front door, looked at the steps and demanded to be carried. The delivery man bended down to lift - “blinking battleship this” he grunted as we edged my old friend down the steps and with much heaving into the van. I felt I had lost a friend but at the same time I was eager to try out the new. It was a lovely sunny morning, I read the instructions, loaded up, switched on and watched - it didn’t need me. I still think nostalgically of my grandmother’s wash days, the warm fire-heated washhouse and the comforting chatter of my mother, grandmother and aunt as together they did the weekly wash. GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL � 01644 420234 � New Galloway Golf Club Founded 1902 www.nggc.co.uk - 01644 420737 Buggies now available for hire VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME Glenkens Gazette page 23 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN Glendonwyn of Parton Have you ever noticed the absence of people when driving through Parton? Passers-by observe the church built by Walter Newall in 1833 and the row of attractive cottages erected for estate workers in 1901. What they do not see, behind the dwellings, is what was once a communal lavatory, now I am told revamped as a summerhouse! Village pride is advertised on a plaque in the community hall, proclaiming Floreat Partona, ‘Let Parton Flourish’. If the parish is known at all today it is probably because of its associations with the brilliant James Clark Maxwell who grew up at Glenlair and is buried in the graveyard. Robert Heron in his Journey Through the Western Counties of Scotland (1793), praised the charm and beauty of Parton House and the estate owned by Mr Glendonwyn, “the representative of a very ancient and honourable family”, which at one time enjoyed large holdings in Dumfries and Galloway. The author of a somewhat eccentric article published in the Eskdale and Liddesdale Advertiser in 1879 correctly reports that the family is first recorded, though poorly, in the reign of Alexander III (1249-1286), holding land in Eskdale and Ewes to the north of Langholm. He opined that no name can be more ancient than Glendonwyn which, from the look of it, was originally a Welsh place-name possibly deriving from the Brittonic tribes of southern Scotland. The first three or four recorded Glendonwyns were named Adam. They fought for Robert Bruce during the Wars of Independence, becoming clients of the Douglases through their association with Bruce’s loyal lieutenant, The Black Douglas. When James II smashed the power of the Douglases in 1455 the Glendonwyns somehow managed to sidestep the carnage, a remarkable achievement since they had been beholden to them for so long. Coincidentally the head of the family at the time, Simon, was the first of the family to be designated ‘of Parton’ in a charter of 1458 by which James II granted him “the whole lands of the barony of Parton in the sheriffdom of Kirkcudbright”. We will return to the later history of the Glendonwyns in a future Gazette but we should pause at this point to consider the acquisition of Parton. The Douglases were rewarded by Bruce with lands in many places including Eskdale and the Stewartry, which raises the question of whether the Glendonwyns followed Archibald Douglas, illegitimate son of the Black Douglas, westwards, when he became lord of Galloway in the 1360s. It is difficult to find out because the Parton branch is even less well documented than the Eskdale coterie. The wide empty spaces of the West and Middle Marches represented a frontier zone inhabited by folk who were already regarded as savage reivers existing by their own codes and laws. Kings throughout Europe often despatched their most rambunctious followers to expend their troublesome energies on the frontier. Contemporaries seem to have viewed the Glenkens frontier in a similar light. To the west was the Galloway Forest, matching Ettrick Forest to the east, both offering potential refuge to vagabonds and dissidents. It is probably no accident that William Wallace is first documented as an outlaw in Ettrick Forest. Robert Bruce after Bannockburn was obviously keen to open up the forests to new settlers such as woodsmen, coppicers, herders, charcoal burners and farmers. The Galloway folk had proved noteworthy opponents during his bid for the kingship and in some parts remained hostile well into the Douglas domination. Frontier-folk had to be tough and terrifying. They had to have some knowledge of Forest Laws and the legislation governing hunting and poaching, together with such matters as vermin control and perhaps some modest understanding of hydrology and ecology. In Galloway they would have had to learn Gaelic or employ people who were bilingual. My suggestion is, admittedly, on rather thin evidence, that the Glendonwyns were entrusted with these tasks. In Robert Heron’s time the owner of the Parton estate was William MurrayGlendonwyn who owned Cogarth, Barwhillanty, Boreland, Glengunnoch, Craichie, the Laggans, Fominoch, Karkenaw, Nether Dallarg, Barrs and Rhoane. At one time the holdings were much more numerous. In 1852 the estate was sold. One part was purchased by Matthew Kennedy of Chorlton Mills, Manchester, and the other by Benjamin Murray, also of Manchester, who twelve years later bought out Kennedy’s share. These were two of the new self-made men I discussed in the October/November 2016 Glenkens Gazette. Kennedy belonged to the Knocknalling family, Murray to that of Troquain, Balmaclellan. They returned home to claim, and to become, part of the Glenkens heritage. Ted Cowan Glenkens Gazette page 24 GALLOWAY LODGE AT THE LOCH Clatteringshaws Visitor Centre sits right on the banks of Clatteringshaws loch. With stunning views, forest walks, delicious food and frequent activities on offer is a bit of a hidden gem. And it may not be quite what you think it is. I had always assumed that it was a Forestry Commission run centre, as all the marketing materials are Forestry Commission. However, the centre is owned and the building is managed by the Forestry Commission, who are very supportive of the centre managers. But the centre is managed not by the Forestry Commission in fact, but by Gatehouse-based family company Galloway Lodge. The wee Gatehouse company took on management of the centre in 2013 when it was revamped from the older Forestry Commission run centre. Clatteringshaws centre manager Alan Vinnie says; “We offer great food – locally sourced, and much of it made in-house. We have child-friendly stargazing nights which are incredibly popular. We often run RSPB sessions of bug hunting and ‘Haggis Hunts’ which the kids love – and are free. And we “We have child-friendly stargazing nights which are incredibly popular.” can cater for private functions, school outings – anything really.” So how come we, in the Glenkens, hardly know of its existence?! I think we’re a bit slow to catch on sometimes and, if you’re like me, your brain is probably still in 2013 and remembering the old Forestry Commission centre with its CLATTERINGSHAWS VISITOR CENTRE Alan and his Galloway Lodge team would like to thank you for your con�nued custom at Galloway Lodge at Cla�eringshaws. We will be open February 10-26, then we are open for the season from 31 March, 10am-4pm. Come along and try our exci�ng new menu op�ons, and browse our new range of gi�s in the gi� shop. Men�on that you saw this ad in the Gaze�e when you order and you will receive a 10% discount any food from the menu. Our popular Dark Skies stargazing events will run throughout the year - follow us on Facebook, look out for local ads or call the centre for the dates and details. slightly moth-eaten stuffed badgers and the re-creation of a traditional roundhouse out the back. But there is so much more available now. There is a lovely walk to Bruce’s Stone from the Centre, with two Rosnes Benches along the route. You can fish the banks of the loch (course fishing), or take a boat out. Mountain biking is great fun along the forest tracks. Dogs are welcome in the Centre. And Red Deer Tours, den building, bird watching, moth spotting, bat viewing, stargazing and a wealth of other great activities are on offer too – follow the Centre on Facebook to stay up to date with what’s going on. “I love it here,” says Alan. “Every day is different. The loch. The light. The weather changes minute to minute. There isn’t a boring moment.” SA Glenkens Gazette page 25 STYLE IT OUT IN DALRY There’s a new hair salon opening in Dalry - and you could win a cut and blow-dry if you come up with a name for the shop! Jayne and David Grimwood have been Glenkens residents since 2001. However, in 2016 they decided to turn over a new leaf or lock perhaps... Excited about the launch of her new venture, Jayne Grimwood says; “We have had many instalments of living in the Glenkens since coming here. We have moved eight times, sometimes living in the village, and outside it. “Two years ago we decided to buy somewhere. After much consideration, we decided on the property at 26 Main Street, Dalry. There was a lot of potential - scope for a hairdressing salon, a spacious flat for our family home, as well as space for my husband David’s antiques business. We have been working hard and the property has now been developed, with my salon opening on 1 February.” So we’re going to have our very own hairdresser’s in Dalry – pretty exciting. When asked what inspired the notion of a salon, Jayne said: “I have been a mobile hairdresser in the Glenkens since 2004, having previously owned my own Salon in the centre of Bradford, West Yorkshire. Hairdressing came naturally to me, and from leaving school this is all I have ever worked at. I gained an apprenticeship at Snippers, Bradford, but soon realised I wanted my own salon. I was 19 when I opened Hair-force with my friend Shelagh. I love my job and so very much looking forward to opening a business in Dalry - everyone is so lovely in the Glenkens, we feel Richard Arkless MP Dumfries & Galloway Constituency Jayne Grimwood in her newly kitted-out salon. like we are really home here; which is a great feeling to have.” Jayne would like to offer a free cut and blow-dry someone who can come up with the best name for the salon – and a logo too if you feel inspired! Get your ideas to us here at the Gazette on glenkensgazette@hotmail.co .uk or 07727 127 997 SALON OPENING 1ST FEBRUARY BOOK YOUR HAIRCUT TODAY! Richard operates an open-door policy please just pop in to either office at any time during opening hours. Constituency Office Dumfries Unit 7, High Street, Loreburne Shopping Centre, Dumfries, DG1 2BD Tel: 01387 265698 Mon-Fri 10am-4pm Constituency Office Stranraer 36-38 Charlotte Street, Stranraer, DG9 7EF Tel: 01776 705800 Mon/Tue/Thurs/Fri 10am-2pm Email: richard.arkless.mp@parliament.uk Call Jayne on 01644 430 525 or 07876 397 725 www.richardarkless.scot 26 Main Street, Dalry Glenkens Gazette page 26 FEBRUARY & MARCH JANUARY Fri 27, Ad Libitum, 7.30pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Fri 27, Quiz Night, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall Mon 30, GCAT AGM, 7pm, CatStrand, New Galloway FEBRUARY Sat 4, GCC Fundraising TableTop-Jumble, 11am-2pm, Glenkens Community Centre, see p28 Tue 7, Hard of Hearing Drop- in Clinic, 10-11am, New Galloway Town Hall Wed 8, Open Stage, 7.30pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Thu 9, Stewartry Birdwatchers Talk; Ian Thomson; Shotguns and Birding on Malta, 7.30pm, Kells School, New Galloway Fri 10, CatStrand Burns Supper, 7.30pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Wed 15, Dalry Film Club Screening: Sunset Song, 7.30pm, Dalry Town Hall Thu 16, FILM: Bridget Jones’s Baby, 7.30pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Fri 17, GGLP Sights & Sites tea and information gathering session, Dalry Town Hall, see p21 Sat 18, FILM Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, 2pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Tues 21, PLAY: A Life With The Beatles, 7.30pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Fri 24, FILM: I Know Where I’m Going, 1pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Tue 28, Dalry Library re-opens, see p17 MARCH Fri 3, Siobhan Miller, 7.30pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Sat 4, Poetry Walk with Tom Pow or Writing Workshop with Margaret Elphinstone, from 9am, CatStrand, New Galloway Sat 4, GGLP Sights & Sites tea and information gathering session, Dalry Town Hall, see p21 Sat 4, Cameron McNeish|Tom Pow|Wagtongues, from 1pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Sat 4, Jo Miller Performance & Meal at Ken Bridge, 6pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Wed 8, Open Stage, 7.30pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Wed 8, Balmaclellan & Kells Guild, New Galloway Town Hall Thu 9, Stewartry Birdwatchers Talk; Mark Newell; Seabirds and the Isle of May, 7.30pm, Kells School, New Galloway Fri 10, Hebrides Ensemble, 7.30pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Wed 15, Dalry Film Club Screening: Sing Street, 7.30pm, Dalry Town Hall Thu 16, Rab Noakes, 7.30pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Sat 18, GGLP Sights & Sites tea and information gathering session, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn, see p21 Sat 18, GGLP Sights & Sites tea and information gathering session, Dalry Town Hall, see p21 Tues 21, Rackhouse Pilfer, 7.30pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Sun 26, Glenkens Story: Historical Maps of the Glenkens, 2.30pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Wed 29, FILM: I, Daniel Blake, 7.30pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Thu 30, Stewartry Birdwatchers; Short illustrated talks, Quiz & Easter ‘Eggstravasganza’, 7.30pm, Kells School, New Galloway Fri 31, Clachan Clash Tea & Memories, Dalry Town Hall, see p20 Glenkens Gazette page 27 REGULAR EVENTS CatStrand, New Galloway: Exercise to Music: Mon, 10-11am Margaret Morris dance 1: 3-7yrs, Mon (term-time), 3.45-4.30pm Margaret Morris dance 2: 8-16yrs, Mon (term-time), 4.30-5.15pm Choreographic Skills Lab: Mon (term-time), 7 - 8.30pm ages 12-18 Gentle Tai Chi: Wed, 10am, 60+ Glenkens Writing Group: First Wed each month 3-5pm Sing it Out: Thurs, 11am -12pm CatStrand Ukes: Thurs, 1pm – 3.30pm 60+ Zumba Gold: Fri (term-time), 1011am, CatStrand, 16+ Saturday Art Club: 2nd & 4th Sat of the month, 10am–12noon, to book call 420 374 Catstrand Youth Players: Sun during term time, 2pm Glenkens Acoustic Sessions: last Sun of the month, 2-4pm Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry, (contact Kath on 430 281): Paint & Art: Mon, 1.30-4.30pm & Wed, 7-9pm GCC Playgroup: Tues, Wed & Thurs, 9.15-11.45am, contact Miriam 07514 320 101 Guides: Tues during term-time, 6- 8pm, contact: Kath 430 281 Good Neighbours’ Club: Tues, 2pm Brownies: Thurs 6-7.30pm Kickback Martial Arts: Thurs, 79pm Thursday Craft Group: Thurs, 24pm Glenkens Children’s Club: Fri, 10am-12noon New Galloway Town Hall: LING Lunches: Tues, 11am-2pm Indoor Sports: Tues, 7-9pm Zumba: Wed, 7.30-8.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall, 11+ Footcare by Stewartry Care: Thurs by appointment (Tel: 01556 504699), New Galloway Town Hall Various Locations: Carsphairn Post Office: Tues, 1-3pm, Lagwyne Hall 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 Cub Scouts: Wed, 6.45–8pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Coffee & Craft Group: Fri, 9am12noon, Lagwyne Hall Youth Writing Group: Thurs Glenkens Community Councils Balmaclellan Community Council Meetings: 4th 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. of Prayer Service, Kells CHURCH TIMES Day Church. 13 Mar, 10.30am: CHURCH OF SCOTLAND Sunday Services - Balmaclellan 12noon: 1st. Carsphairn 10.30am: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th. Dalry 12noon: 3rd, 4th. Dalry 10.30am 2nd(Feb). Kells 10.30am: 2nd(Mar), 3rd, 4th. United Family Service for Dalry and B & K Churches, Kells Church. Special Services/Events: 12 Feb, 10.30am: United Family Service for Dalry and B & K Churches, Dalry Church. 24 Feb, 7pm: Beetle Drive, Dalry Town Hall. 4 Mar, 7pm: World SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH: Communion Services: 26 Feb, 10.30am, Kells Church. 19 Mar, 10.15am, Carsphairn Church. 26 Mar, 12noon, Dalry 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 (during term time), 3.30-5pm, ages 10-15, Dalry School Scouts: Thurs, 7–8.30pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Gentle Tai Chi: Fri 10-11am, Dalry Town Hall 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 To hire the MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) behind Dalry School call Sonja Tranter on 430 244 or Nicolette Wise on 430 218. Dalry Library CLOSED UNTIL 28 FEB Library Van: Fridays 11am-3pm outside Dalry Library For further library van stops and informa�on contact Castle Douglas library on 01556 502 643 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 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 PLAYGROUP JUMBLE SALE On Saturday 4 February, from 11am to 2pm, GCC Playgroup and Baby & Toddler group is holding a table-topjumble sale at the Glenkens Community Centre in Dalry in order to raise funds. Please come along and support the event! There will be tea, coffee, cakes and a raffle. Anyone who would like a table – for anything from bric-a-brac to craft creations to gift cards - please get in touch with Chrissy on 07824 810 305. Donations of jumble-sale goods gratefully accepted for the GCC fundraising table. t: 01292 550954 m: 07766 978568 e: rj.mcculloch@aol.co.uk www.rjmcculloch.co.uk Save money on your heating bills and earn some cash too with the Scottish Govenment’s Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). RJ McCulloch is MCS registered and Greendeal approved, with over 20 years experience in the trade. Ross and his team carry out detaied pre-installation heat loss calculations prior to any fitting, ensuring that your property is suited to the type of heat source being considered. An example of the savings which can be made fitting an air source heat pump in 2017 are: • up to £2000 per year in RHI payments (for 7-year period) • fuel savings of up to £1,500 per year • £10k interest-free government loan These figures are based on a well-insulated two-bedroom semi-detatched house with electric heating. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ROSS FOR ADVICE RELATING TO ANY PLUMBING OR HEATING QUERIESYOU MAY HAVE. EWE FEED 15% 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 APRIL/MAY COPY DEADLINE: 5 MARCH THINK well-known for quality feed THINK high energy feed THINK less twin lamb disease THINK plenty of milk from ewes 15% THINK lambs get up and go THINK......HARBRO All animal health & lambing products Very competitive prices - Delivery if required 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/. 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Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document GLENKENS GAZETTE News from Balmaclellan, Carsphairn, Mossdale, New Galloway and St John’s Town of Dalry December/Janurary 2016-17 ISSUE 97 FREE CLACHAN INN SAVED A famous Glenkens inn has been saved from closure at the hands of a London property developer. When Dalry’s Clachan Inn was put up for sale the existing managers, Phil Papworth and Laura Burnie, put in a bid to purchase the property. Unbeknown to them a higher offer had been received. They only discovered their offer had been unsuccessful when they got a phonecall from a gentleman stating that he was their new manager and they would need to get ready to shut up shop as he had plans to turn the building into houses. As luck would have it, the potential for development wasn’t quite as straightforward as the purchaser had initially thought, so the deal fell through and Phil and Laura landed the pub after all. Local lass Laura, who grew up in Parton, said: “We are just thrilled to own the building. It’s such a relief to know that it’s not been lost, and that the business isn’t going to be sold out from under us. And it’s also a huge relief to the community. From the comments people have made to us, they would have been distraught to lose the Clachan, and knocking the building down or turning it into houses would have completely altered the character of the village.” Phil went on to say: “We have a lot of local people working here who help us make the place what it is. Had we lost the pub then they would have lost their jobs here and we would have had to move away to find work elsewhere too. We love living in Dalry and we really appreciate all of the local support that we have had so far - we are really looking forward to giving something back in terms of providing a social outlet for events and music and food and general local banter and a place to hang out for a long time to come!” Laura and Phil outside the Clachan Inn. Continued on p3... CARSPHAIRN GAME FOR PUB NIGHT Carsphairn may not have had a pub in the village for nearly nine years but that didn’t deter residents from holding their own highly-successful pub games evening. Grown-ups challenge the children to a game of Twister. Some 40 people gathered in the village hall to play darts, pool, cards and dominoes – and just to chat and socialise over a beer or a glass of wine. There was even a pub quiz, a raffle and – for the children and the more agile adults – Twister! Karen Hall, proprietor of The Knowe B&B, who organised the event, was delighted by the enthusiasm of the community for the idea. “Since the Greystones pub closed, there has been no hub in the village for people to gather in an evening for a get-together, a chat and a bit of fun,” she said. “Judging by the number of residents who came along, it was a huge success.” Such was the success that more Pub Nights are already being planned... 16 December deadline to have your say on plans for local buses. See p2 for details... A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) ini�a�ve www.glenkensgaze�e.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 2 BUS SERVICE GAZETTE UNDER REVIEW STAYS NEUTRAL AGAIN... At its meeting in November the SWestrans board agreed the route specification/timetable options to be tendered for the region’s bus services. For the Glenkens area, the board agreed to seek prices for the timetables. The options are that they: • continue as they currently operate • add additional Monday to Saturday and Sunday journeys • operate reduced services Get in touch with your view on what should happen to our bus services BEFORE 16 DECEMBER: swestrans@dumgal.gov.uk The Glenkens Gazette would like to make clear that contributed articles do not reflect the opinions of the paper. The Gazette stays neutral on local, political, religious and any other issues, providing a platform for members of the Glenkens communities to share their thoughts, views and opinions. DALRY POLICE STATION DO WE NEED IT? Glenkens Community Sergeant Colin Scott gives the Gazette an update on what’s happening with Dalry police station... “No decision has been made in relation to Dalry police station with regards to whether it will close or not,” says Colin. “We are very much at a consultation, information gathering stage and would welcome any feedback or GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL � 01644 420234 � thoughts in relation to it from the local community. “One thing we are asking, in relation to all of the stations that are subject to the consultation is that if a station was to close, would there be any suitable alternative venues where members of the community could meet their local police at prearranged times such as council offices, community centres, schools, fire stations, etc. It may be that there are no suitable or better alternatives but we would ask that this is considered and feedback given to us either way. “I have not been given a deadline for this but I understand we are hoping to get as much feedback as possible prior to the end of the year.” What are your thoughts? Get in touch with Community Police Sergeant Colin Scott at colin.scott@scotland. pnn.police.uk Carsphairn Shop & Tearooms Opening Times: Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri 7am-5pm; Wed 7am-3pm, Sat 8am-4pm, -closed Sundays un�l Easter Finalists of the D&G Life Awards ‘Cafe of the Year’ 2016 - local produce & gi�s - DCUK, Galloway Candles & more - new look cafe seats 24 - Tel: 01644 460 568 Glenkens Gazette page 3 A Window into the Clachan Inn Ian Robinson meets Phil and Laura, the new owners of Dalry’s Clachan Inn. It was a crisp morning and a couple of guests were having breakfast whilst their two pointers lay at their feet. Phil and Laura have undergone an incredible journey to realise their dream of owning this iconic village inn. We discussed their vision for the future and it was wonderful to see this young couple had a dream that would keep community cohesion through a fresh and varied daily menu with the bonus of a winter lunch promotion of two courses for £10 from a set menu, starting 1 December. They plan to continue offering the Bothy function room for weddings and music. Redecoration is also on the cards but will keep the village inn ambience that they love. Phil and Laura have built a solid platform of performance with excellent food that bagged them the title of finalists for D&G Life Restaurant of the Year 2015. This year saw them as winners of the Camra Pub Of The Year and they have made the final three for the Scottish Thistle Award Friendliest Pub Of the Year 2016, with the Visit Scotland Scheme. I had visited a month ago and chosen a comfy corner of the bar to write. I overheard many conversations between tourists and locals all of whom shared a love of the open fire and great beers. Ian Robinson GALLOWAY GLENS AND THE GLENKENS There has been much publicity recently about the new Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership (GGLP) and the potential benefits to local communities. This got me thinking about why I settled here nine years ago. My response to the usual question “why do you choose to live here?” is: there is no rush and no crush, no hurries and no worries, beautiful countryside and plenty of things happening. However, our comfortable way of life is threatened by some of those features. Ours is a small population, insufficient to support some services we take for granted. Some of our shops, hotels and restaurants are at risk due to lack of trade and some have been up for sale with no takers for many years. Inevitably some owners are getting older and faced with small returns for long hours of work will close the business. Lack of work opportunities is another issue. With little prospect of employment, young people move away leaving a growing elderly population who are less inclined to seek entertainment outside their own homes. Without thriving local businesses no new jobs will be created. This worrying prospect can, however, be changed if the GGLP follow that theme. The project is aimed at the Ken/ Dee valley from Carsphairn to Kirkudbright, and is focussed on ‘People, Place and Prosperity’, and has a good chance of securing £2.9M for investment in the catchment area over the next five years. When match funding is added, this will mean an investment of over £5M in the catchment area. Many expressions of interest have been submitted from the Glenkens, illustrating the enthusiasm from Glenkens organisations to participate in ways which will improve the attractiveness of the local environment and its facilities for the benefit of residents and visitors. This is a golden opportunity to put the Glenkens on the map, to promote it to visitors as a place to stay a while and contribute to the local economy. Next time it may be possible to provide details of the ideas given the green light for further development; watch this space! Gerry Cinderby This is a golden opportunity to put the Glenkens on the map... will is there to do it. The Glenkens has a rich history which is little publicised and much of that could be demonstrated by better access to the beautiful landscape in which it is sited, for example the Covenanters sites. To attract more visitors and identify the Glenkens as a destination, we need an inspiring story to tell and take pride in the telling. Many of the ideas submitted for funding by the Glenkens Gazette page 4 sponsored by EVERYTHING listed in the Glenkens Freecycle section is FREE - you just need to contact the owner and go and pick it up! If you would like to list something on this page, please get in touch with Sarah on 07727 127 997 or email glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk VARIOUS Hutch for rabbits or guinea pigs - good condition with slide-out floor for ease of cleaning. Also water bottle that attaches to wire door. Contact: 430 218 Single bed and mattress with pull-out spare bed and mattress underneath. Contact: 430 218 Used engine oil, as much as you can take - in 20L containters. Contact: bcaenterprises@hotmail.co.uk Patio heater – old but not used much and in working order with gas canister. Also patio umbrella. Contact: 07769 730 553 Two single mattresses - good as new, hardly used. Contact: 460 516 Slimline water butt, stand and tap but no lid. Contact: 07554 644 993 90 cm wide, 44 depth, 69 height; 69 cm wide, 44 depth, 69 height. Good condition - can deliver if necessary. Contact: 450 265 Very large Swedish ivy plant in terracotta pot. Handsome plant, has outgrown my house and needs a bigger home. Indoor plant, about 4ft high when extended. Contact: Sue on 07554 644 993 30 tonnes good quality top soil for raised vegetable bed for elderly gardeners. Willing to pay commercial rate. Contact: 07776 148 002 WANTED Handsome jade plant (money plant), large. Contact:460 673 Fur coat, size 12-14. Contact: Annikki on 460 640 Ski Boots, size 7, good condition, fully adjustable. Contact: Gerry on 420852. 2 x four-drawer bedroom units, THE BARNACLE GOOSE Stewartry Birdwatchers’ winter season of talks got off to a flying start when Brian Morrell, manager of the Wildfowl & Wetlands Caerlaverock Reserve, spoke about the charismatic barnacle goose. There are three separate populations of this lovely black and white goose and those which nest on Spitzbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, winter predominately on the north and south coasts of the Solway. The 2015/16 count showed an estimated 41,000 of these geese had arrived for that winter. Hard to believe that in the late 1940s they numbered only about 300 a real conservation success. Research shows that in autumn many birds stop off at Bear Island in Norway to rest and feed for up to three weeks before continuing southwards. Amazingly some of the barnacle geese are known to fly the 1,800 miles south to the Solway in just 36 hours. Return passage to their nesting grounds in western Spitzbergen begins in mid-April with the birds stopping off on islands off the west coast of Norway for two or three weeks to rest and refuel before reaching their destination by the end of May. There is then only a four month window in which to breed, with incubation taking up one month. Some geese nest on small islands and others on high cliffs. Unbelievably tiny three-dayold goslings have been filmed making a plunge of 400feet from their cliff nests. Those goslings that survive this fall, and predation by Arctic foxes and polar bears, then have only three months in which to grow and learn to fly ready for their journey south. One of the many wonders of nature. Take a look at the Diary section at the back of this issue for the date of upcoming talks in December and January. Joan Howie Across the Glenkens many paid their respects and remembered those who gave their life for their country. Cosmetics, Skin Care, Health & Sports Nutritional Products all products are botanically-based, vegan, gluten & cruelty free To try before you buy, host an Arbonne Party, or for advice please contact your local Arbonne Independent Consultant, Katy Caie, on 07756 506 496 or visit http://catrionacaie.arbonne.com 20% off for new customers! Just quote GKARBONNE Arbonne Independent Consultant Glenkens Gazette page 5 sponsored by WILD YOUNG MOVIE MAKERS Aged 12 to 25? Come along and have a go at making a movie! The project aims to make short movies about nature in Dumfries & Galloway for the Wild Young Movie Makers project, part of Wild Film Festival Scotland. The film festival will take place in Dumfries from 24 to 26 March 2017, bringing together the very best wildlife film and photography from Scotland as well as further afield – and the Wild Young Movie Makers’ films will be shown alongside work from some of the world’s top wildlife filmmakers Simon Goodall, who runs the National Trust for Scotland nature conservation film unit, will run a series of free workshops and outdoor filming sessions across the region. These will reveal the secrets of how to capture nature’s dramatic events and put them on the screen. Simon will teach young people the importance of storytelling and how to create a documentary when working with animal ‘actors’. Simon said: “The brilliant thing about nature movies is that anyone of any age can make them. You can use smart phones, video cameras or even try your hand at animation and create something other people will love to watch. “The possibilities are endless, especially in somewhere like Dumfries & Galloway which has such a huge variety of plants, birds, animals and environments. “I’m really looking forward to sharing my experience as a professional filmmaker with a new generation. There are so many young people out there with loads of imagination and bags of talent, so it’s going to be great to see the movies they make.” We think the Glenkens is the perfect place to make a fantastic wildlife film. To find out more about the workshops and for help and support in making a film, including cameras and sound equipment available to use, contact Mary at mary@catstrand.com or on 01644 420 374. Glenkens Gazette ABBAS REST FUNDRAISER The coffee morning held in Dalry Town Hall in aid of Abbas Rest orphans raised £620.55. We would like to thank all the people who supported us in so many ways with the generous donations towards the raffle, baking, bottle stall and brica-brac, and also the generous money donations. We would also like to thank all the people who staffed the stalls, helped in the kitchen and waited on the tables and provided transport, as without you this would not have been possible. We were very pleased to welcome Muriel Wilson and Fiona Boyd, two representatives from Abbas Rest, who were able to give us up-to-date information about the orphanages. Our thanks once again, Avril Brown & Barbara Colbenson page 6 A SUCCESSFUL YEAR At the recent AGM of St Margaret’s Ladies Guild, President Christine Rankin reported on another successful year. Over £2,000 was raised for good causes, both locally and further afield including Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance, Sportsdrivingunlimited, the Red Cross and the Glenkens Children’s Club. Treasurer Jean Marsden suggested that as there were still funds available to help another charity, a donation to Shelter Box would be appropriate when so many families are being forced to flee Mosul. It was therefore agreed to donate sufficient funds to purchase a Shelter Box which will purchase a family-sized tent complete with essentials such as blankets and water carriers, providing much needed physical shelter and help for people fleeing persecution or civil war in many places in the world. The Man Who Followed His Legs (And Kept On Walking) Theatre Rewiew by Grace C J Temple, age 11 The Man Who Followed His Legs (And Kept On Walking) is an interesting play, an amazing mixture of war and comedy. It entrances the reader into the crazy world of two coal miners, whose love of football leads them to the battlefield of World War One, along with the exciting story of how a man re-discovers his reason for living. An awesome play fit for most ages. RJ McCulloch is a family run plumbing, heating and renewables company that is a trusted provider of affordable heating solutions. At RJ McCulloch we embody the concepts of quality, technical skills and customer satisfaction. Our aim is to provide our customers with a no-nonsense and reliable service for many years to come. From a rural cottage to a country estate, we can design and install a heating system to suit your needs. Our highly experienced installation and service engineers are fully qualified in all areas of Gas, Oil, LPG, Biomass, Heat pumps and Solar Thermal. RJ McCulloch recently installed a Mitsubishi Ecodan heat pump for Gary and Liz at St John’s Town Of Dalry to replace their electric storage heaters and hot water immersion system. They are now experiencing reduced fuel costs, more efficient central heating and hot water and also benefiting from the renewable heat incentive available to home owners and businesses alike installing renewable technology. Please feel free to contact Ross for advice relating to any Plumbing or Heating queries you may have. Happy owners of a new Eco Dan boiler, Gary and Liz, with Ross McCulloch. Glenkens Gazette page 7 CatStrand Highlights We’ve got a great run-up to Christmas this year. Pantomime season kicks off this year with the ever-popular (and awesomely talented) CatStrand Youth Players’ performance in their biggest production to date – Paul Reakes’ hilarious comedy Little Red Riding Hood, with a twist! The panto will run on Thursday 1 and Saturday 3, with a matinee performance on Sunday 4 Dec. The annual CatStrand Christmas Shopping Day on 26 November will showcase a variety of local arts, crafts and produce for your Christmas gifts. The Cairn Chorus return on Sunday 8 December for a joyful, soulful and occasionally raucous collection of seasonal songs. On Saturday 17 Dec experience a very special concert by Mike Heron and Trembling Bells influenced by 1960s icons the Incredible String Band - “vintage, impeccable song craft.. magical” (the Herald). Start the New Year warmed and uplifted by brilliantly upbeat world music from Senagalese/Scottish band Samba Sene and Diwan on Saturday 21 January and inspired by Ad Libitum, an acclaimed violin and accordion duo, on Friday 27 January. Remember some free tickets are available for under-18s on all events. Exhibitions in December and January include colourful, vibrant work by textile artist Jo Gallant and, in the Pyramid café, by local group Rekindling Creativity. Finally, Saturday Art Club has been one of the first to be designated a Brilliant Makers Club by national charity Access Art, thanks to all the brilliant makers who come along! Join Jo Gallant for a fabric painting and making session with them on January 14. The club would like to bring in more of our plentiful local talent – if you have a craft, skill or creative idea you’d like to share as a paid session with the art club, or you know someone who has, please contact mary@catstrand.com See our latest brochure or visit our website for programme details. Book online at www.catstrand.com or call 01644 420374. 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 - Visit our website for all informa�on about the scheme and up to date developments: www.gallowayglens.org Please also follow us on twi�er and facebook! Festive Season Opening Times: Christmas Eve: 7am - 5pm Christmas Day: closed Boxing Day: 8am - 2pm Hogmanay: 7am - 5pm 1st January: closed 2nd January: 8am - 4pm Normal Opening Times (both shop & PO): Monday to Friday: 7am – 6pm Saturday: 8am – 6pm Sunday: 8.30am – 4pm Galloway hampers & wreaths in stock Tel: 01644 430 225 Glenkens Gazette page 8 DO YOU REALLY WANT A GALLOWAY NATIONAL PARK? A personal perspective by Roger Crofts The report commissioned by Dumfries & Galloway Council from the Southern Upland Partnership on the possibility of a national park for Galloway requires careful scrutiny. The report contains many challengeable assumptions about how national park status can resolve the rural economic and social problems of the area. I set out six challenges for local residents to consider in debating the external proposition for a national park: ONE: The best national parks globally are those established by a compact between local residents and external interests led by government. The report on the other hand imposes arguments to persuade local residents without even consulting them. Do you want this external imposition? TWO: The proposal cuts across the developing, locally driven and bottom-up approach of the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere. It should be allowed to prove its worth before being summarily set aside. Do you agree that the Biosphere is worth allowing to come to fruition under local ownership? THREE: A national park under the Scottish legislation of 2000 will take control out of local community hands and place it entirely with the Scottish Parliament and Government: to approve primary legislation, establish the park authority, appoint its members, determine its budget, approve its plan and operating budget. Control will rest in Edinburgh and Holyrood, not locally. Is this what you really want to happen? FOUR: Northern Galloway does need a special injection of resources and effort to improve its economic and social prospects. Why not designate Photo of the Issue Sponsored by the Ken Bridge Hotel Competition judges Dave and Sue from the Ken Bridge Hotel chose this mysterious shot by Ian Patrick as this issue’s winner. The suggestion was for eerie Halloween shots and this one works both for spookiness and chilly winter days as we head into the New Year... “The lovely atmospheric misty scene steals it this time.” Ian wins a meal for two at the Ken Bridge Hotel’s renowned Sunday Carvery. it as a Rural Development Zone with the Scottish Government instructing all of its agencies to help in its delivery. This approach will focus on the issues which small communities are most concerned about. Would you agree? FIVE: The National Parks Act makes it clear that when there is conflict between the aims, the aim to conserve and enhance the natural and cultural heritage must be favoured. This will not be the case if the demand is to improve the economic prospects of the area. Do you prefer this approach or a more balanced approach? SIX: Finally, will a national park be able to ignore the major threats to the land and landscape of the area when Scottish Government policies demand more forestry and more renewable energy installations without any plan? There is no evidence that the two existing national parks in Scotland have been able to do so. So, what’s the point? Glenkens Gazette page 9 Join the Journey Challenge Local Girl Guide Ellen Bielinski reports on an amazing European adventure. I was fortunate to take part in the Girlguiding Join the Journey challenge which involved teams of Guides travelling to Cologne in six days, visiting as many countries and using as many different types of transport as they could en-route. The team I was in was called Happy Haggis and comprised eleven Guides and three Leaders from different parts of Scotland. Our starting point was Edinburgh and our first destination was Copenhagen, where we visited Tivoli Gardens and we also managed to incorporate a day trip to Malmo, Sweden. Next we flew to Krakow and after a trip to the salt mines embarked on the night train to Budapest. This was my favourite city because of its amazing architecture and beautiful setting on the Danube. The next day we got a train to Vienna before getting another night train to our destination of Cologne. Once in Cologne we met other Guide groups taking part in Happy Haggis team in Amsterdam the challenge and were able other girls to plan our journey; to compare notes on the different it was good being able to choose routes we had taken; our Happy where we wanted to go. Haggis team had ended up I would like to take this opportunity travelling through eight countries. to thank the Glenkens Community We were flying back from the Shop and Stewartry Girl Guides for Netherlands and so were able to their generous donations towards include a couple of extra days the trip. The experience has boosted in Amsterdam visiting the Van my self-confidence and introduced Gogh museum, the famous ‘I me to lots of amazing people and Amsterdam’ sign and the flower places. market. We also went on a canal Girlguiding, as well as being great cruise before flying back to fun, offers opportunities to meet Edinburgh. new people and experience lots of It was an amazing trip taking me new things, both in this country and to places I have never been before. abroad. Ellen Bielinski I really enjoyed working with the Bargatton Sand & Gravel Supplying sand and gravel for all your farming needs, as well as households and businesses both large and small. We stock washed fine sand, coarse sand and gravels at competitive prices. For further details contact: James Mair - 07793 085 243 Email: loch.bargatton@live.co.uk Bargatton Quarry, Laurieston, Castle Douglas, DG7 2PS Open Monday to Friday Weekends by arrangement Delivery can be arranged - subject to quantity Richard Arkless MP Dumfries & Galloway Constituency Richard operates an open-door policy please just pop in to either office at any time during opening hours. Constituency Office Dumfries Unit 7, High Street, Loreburne Shopping Centre, Dumfries, DG1 2BD Tel: 01387 265698 Mon-Fri 10am-4pm Constituency Office Stranraer 36-38 Charlotte Street, Stranraer, DG9 7EF Tel: 01776 705800 Mon/Tue/Thurs/Fri 10am-2pm Email: richard.arkless.mp@parliament.uk www.richardarkless.scot Glenkens Gazette page 10 GLENKENS HALLOWE’EN This year Hallowe’en felt like a big deal... I don’t know if it was because it was on a Monday so the weekend and Hallowe’en itself were full of parties and devillishness. Or perhaps the whole clown saga on the news, with criminals dressing up preHalloween got the mood set for extra scariness.... Whatever it was, there seemed to be a lot of hype in the run-up to the weekend, lots of costumes and lots of guisers roaming the streets of the Glenkens. New Galloway really went to town with the CatStrand’s annual halloween kids’ bash being a huge success with folk travelling from Dalry, Carsphairn, Laurieston and beyond to join the spooky revelries. Gummy worms were gobbled, donuts dangled and Mr Werewolves escaped from. Then the troops took to the streets where a massive local effort had been made at the corner by Kitty’s Tea Room – it had become Zombie Corner, with cauldrons of sweets protected by very realistic zombies. Further down the street there was a decontamination tent at which you were thoroughly disinfected of Zombie germs by some very official people in white suits, then had to carefully negotiate the body bags of not-so-lucky wanderers before even considering trickor-treating! The schools also got into the spirit of things with a ghoulish Hallowe’en party at Dalry Primary. Sarah Ade Photos: above - a scary crash outside Dalry, and right ‘Make the Mummy’ game at Dalry Primary. FRIDAY FUN-TIME HARVEST Dalry Primary’s P1-7 pupils participated in learning experiences that developed their hazard awareness, fire safety and outdoor cookery skills during their Friday Fun-time. The pupils prepared and cooked apples on a campfire, lit mini fires using steel and flints, planted crocus bulbs and listened mindfully to their surroundings, creating sound postcards. Everyone went home happy but slightly soggy after an afternoon of outdoor learning! Huge thanks to our parent/grandparent helpers who offered their time and an extra pair of hands during the afternoon. If you have a spare hour on a Friday between 2.30 and 3.25pm and would like to help/assist a small teachersupervised group during our Friday Fun-time activities, the Primary staff would be most thankful. Please get in touch with Mrs Devlin via the school office to discuss: 01644 430 259 Remember to check out our School Blog: https://blogs .glowscotland.org.uk/dg/ dalryprimary to see what’s been going on in our fantastic THANKS The pupils and staff of Carsphairn Primary school would like to thank the parents and community of Carsphairn for their generous donations to our schools’ Harvest Foodbank Food Drive. This was our first year collecting donations. The children designed and created leaflets which were dropped through all the doors in the village. We are grateful and amazed by the generosity of the parents and community. All donations were kindly received by the Helping Hands Foodbank in Castle Douglas. Walker McKenna Glenkens Gazette page 11 Table Tennis, Outdoor Learning and Electricity National Table Tennis in Dalry Stimulating interest in the sport of table tennis was the aim of the Scottish national coach Li Chao when he visited Dalry School. His mesmerising demonstration for the primary and secondary pupils was impressive and informative. What he made very clear was that the only way to improve is to practice - lots of practice. Practising thousands of shots of the same stroke allows a player to react faster than they can think in a game situation. The primary pupils were able to watch Li play with a Dumfries pupil, Danny Bajwa, who is himself now playing at national level. Secondary pupils were able to take advantage of the coaching Carsphairn Primary pupils by Carsphairn war memorial. sessions set up for them in the course of the afternoon and came away with new ideas and a deeper understanding of the commitment required to improve. When the school was Dalry Primary pupils with Scottish national table tennis given new coach Li Chao and Dumfries pupil Danny Bajwa. tables, the serviceable old the morning was very wet but ones were donated to the village the afternoon provided welcome halls and so the possibility of breaks and dramatic skies. Pupils playing in the community is there. are demonstrating increasingly Inter-village winter league...? good awareness of how to keep themselves safe and warm. Autumn Outdoors Glenkens schools are fortunate in The weather ensures that their resilience grows too. their settings for outdoor learning and the pupils have been making Energy in the Glenkens the most of opportunities. S1 pupils visited the SP Energy In Kells Primary the sudden and Network public information event plentiful leaf fall gave hours of at New Galloway Town Hall and entertainment in creating a leaf were given a customised talk to ‘wall’ with pupils experiencing the help them understand the issues relationship between height, base arising from the proposed changes width and wind effects! They are to the transfer of electricity hoping that the mounds of leaves through the Glenkens. will provide good winter shelter for The questions the young a range of wildlife; the hedgehog people asked were relevant and already visited. insightful. Their understanding In Carsphairn there has been of the variety of jobs available shelter-building and their Daily associated with these Mile has been out and about in developments was broadened the community, taking in the war memorial which was the focus of a significantly and they have demonstrated that they have community Remembrance Day. the capacity to be responsible In Dalry an afternoon of citizens in the future. outdoor activities included the Jenny Smith use of the open wood fire for toasting apples. The weather in KELLS FUNDRAISER Pupils in P7 at Kells Primary raised the fantastic total of £1073.67 by hosting a Macmillan Coffee Morning recently. They held the event at the Cross Keys Hotel in New Galloway. Pupils planned and advertised the coffee morning and served parents and friends of the school on the day. The pupils would like to thank everyone from the local community who supported the event. Zane Gray Glenkens Gazette page 12 SPALDING BOWLING CLUB Spalding Bowling Club held its annual prize-giving dinner at the Clachan Inn, Dalry. President Peter Hamilton welcomed everyone and Valerie Russell presented prizes to the Green Champions for 2016, Ann Hamilton and John McNally (pictured above). KELLS PRIMARY REMEMBRANCE Kells Primary pupils made poppy wreaths which were placed at the Kells war memorial and some of the older pupils read ‘In Flanders Fields’. GUESS THE FACE Let’s keep the OutlanderGlenkens theme going! Can you recognise this extra from the Outlander TV...? Another native of the Glenkens... Answers to glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 13 NEW GALLOWAY RURAL Helen Bullock, Secretary of New Galloway Scottish Women’s Institute (SWI or Rural), reports on the group’s busy and varied year. In November 2015 we had a talk from Ros Hill on the progress of plans for the town hall. Our December gathering was a meal at the Kenmure Arms when we all enjoyed a lovely Christmas dinner, and then we walked down to the Catstrand for the panto of Babes in the Wood. We opened the year in January with our usual lovely Burns Lunch with everybody contributing to the meal; another fabulous triumph. Our February speakers from the new hospital failed to turn up at the last minute, so we talked among ourselves and enjoyed tea and biscuits without them! Linda Adams came to entertain us with her talk on Hats & Fascinators from Flairs in Castle Douglas for the March meeting - a real ladies’ talk, and we all enjoyed it. Our April meeting was full of calories from the fabulous soups and homemade breads, trifles, tea and biscuits enjoyed by all of us and members of the public. The tables were bedecked with pretty cloths and vases of flowers. Again, thanks to all who contributed. There was a sales table of homemade jams and chutneys and we managed to raise £200 for local charities. Heather McIntosh talked to us about her life in the Cubs & Brownies movement and her BEM (British Empire Medal) for our May meeting. With a competition of spring flowers and children’s photos, it was again a colourful meeting. For our June outing we enjoyed a lovely afternoon tea at the Cally Palace, along with some husbands to help us eat all the cakes and sandwiches we could not manage. July and August are holiday months, except that traditionally New Galloway Rural runs the tea tent for the Alternative Games fun day, when we can raise funds for local charities. In September there was a talk by Judith Sauberlich and her husband about the work of the recently established charity, Blood Bikes. We donated £200 to them to top up funds. Our October meeting was a really good food demonstration by Linda McTurk and most of us went home with something for our tea – chicken drumsticks in sauces. Delicious! It was a lovely year with lots going on. One sad moment was the loss of one of our long time members, Betty McQueen, who died in June. We did manage to see her one last time at the May meeting when her daughter brought her across the road from her cottage. She was a lovely lady. Thank you all for your patience - lets hope 2017 will be as good. 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 14 GCAT INVITES EVERYONE TO GET INVOLVED! Glenkens Community & Arts Trust Ltd (GCAT) will be holding its AGM on 30 January 2017 in the CatStrand. As well as going through the formal process of presenting the accounts and electing the new Board, the current Board would like to use this as an occasion to get to know its company members, old and new. To this end, the evening will commence at 7pm with a glass of mulled wine or orange juice and some nibbles, to allow people a chance to chat and catch-up. The required business of the AGM will then take place from 7.30pm and will be followed by a brief presentation on the achievements of the GCAT projects this year. There will be another chance for people to socialise after. Our Members, Friends and Patrons are of critical importance to us at GCAT. Anyone can become a member for free by contacting us at the CatStrand on 01644 420 374. Everyone is welcome to come along to our AGM, but in order to vote on any matters or to become a Director you must be a member of GCAT Ltd. For the purposes of this year’s AGM, please register as a member before 20 January and we’d be delighted to see you there. If you are already a member, please note that all memberships were renewed in 2014 for another five-year term. ALL current registered members were sent AGM notices last year, so if you did not receive an AGM notice last year and of the scheme are available in the CatStrand, and any new Friends and Patrons are always very much appreciated. As you may know, sourcing funding for projects is difficult but do-able in the current environment. Sourcing funding for overheads such as core staff costs and the heating bill is practically impossible, so all income that we generate through our Friends and Patrons scheme is put towards core costs such as these, necessary for keeping the doors open. Finally, positions on the Board of GCAT are open to nominations from all interested members of the community. To be nominated, you will need to be a member, and will require to be proposed and seconded by two other members. If you’d like to find out more about this extremely rewarding form of volunteering, contact GCAT Chair, Alan Smith, on alan.smith12345@btinternet.com All nominations for the posts of Director need to be submitted to CatStrand by 10 January 2017. The GCAT Board Our Members, Friends and Patrons are of critical importance to us at GCAT. you were expecting one, please contact the CatStrand to check your membership status and renew if necessary. Our Friends and Patron scheme is for people who would like to support our projects financially. The two different levels of the scheme offer rewards such as a 10% discount in the shop and free entry to a ticketed event, in return for an annual subscription. Up-to-date details The Glenkens Story Almost 100 people gathered in Dalry Kirk on November 13 to mark the 350th anniversary of the Glenkens Rising. On the same date in 1666 a clash in Dalry between Covenanters and Government soldiers escalated, the Dumfries garrison was over-run, the commander captured and a rebel army was soon marching on Edinburgh only to be crushed by the troops of General Dayell in the Pentland hills. The event, organised by The Glenkens Story history project, featured talks by the Rev Dr David Bartholomew and Professor Ted Cowan (pictured). Dr Bartholomew described the commitment of the Glenkens people to the presbyterian religion despite oppressive Government efforts to impose rule by bishops. Professor Cowan stressed the significance of the event in the long Scottish tradition of resisting oppressive authority. And he called for local people to reclaim ‘The Glenkens Rising’ despite its misleading description in history as the ’Pentlands Rising’. For more information email theglenkensstory@google.com Glenkens Gazette page 15 NEW GALLOWAY TOWN HALL It is now nine months since the regional council agreed to our lease of the Town Hall. Some come for just tea or coffee and biscuits and some for a soup Since then the council have and pudding completed a range of works on the lunch which building. The long ongoing problems is supplied by with damp have been rectified local company including those affecting our next Love to Eat, door neighbours. Interior repairs but all enjoy a and decoration have been completed time to meet where they had been affected by the friends and damp, particularly the main entrance make new Avril and Allan at LING Lunch. stair and the men’s toilets. A new ones. Garden boiler has been installed so we now produce has any additions to the collection will be have reliable warmth for all the also been welcomed on loan or gifted. activities taking place. donated for sale at various times. The museum will be re-opened Local Initiatives in New Galloway Some financial support was made for the summer but may pop-up at (LING) Town Hall Sports have available from the Health & Social odd times through the winter! In attracted those who enjoy indoor Care Fund but the LING Lunch is the meantime new information will bowls and/or table tennis. After operated as a drop–in open to all be put together. If you would like a break in the summer these are ages. The recent donation of a opportunities to drop in for a cuppa up and running again on Tuesday highchair makes this easier for the and a chat about the ‘olden days’ evenings for the autumn, winter and very young. please get in touch. spring. The New Galloway Story ran at The Hard of Hearing Drop-in times The weekly LING Lunches which weekends during the summer as have been changed to Tuesday began in May have continued with a pop-up museum and both local mornings - please see the Diary around twenty people from New residents and visitors enjoyed finding section at the back of this issue for Galloway, Dalry and Balmaclellan. out about the past from displays as further details. Other visitors drop in, including one well as watching DVDs of the ‘Paddy THE GALLOWAY GLENS gentleman who was evacuated to Line’ and the 1951 Gala. LING submitted several expressions New Galloway during the war. Following the Sensing Glenkens of interest to the Galloway Glens Day, held project, some of which will be recently at the developed to the next stage in liaison CatStrand, and with other groups both within New the offer of a Galloway and across the Glenkens. cine-projector, THE FUTURE plans are afoot - Negotiations with Dumfries & for further Galloway Council for the extension of activities in the lease for the Town Hall. the spring - Continuation of existing events including an and activities and development of event linking new ones. with The - Development of the Galloway Glenkens Story history project. Glens Projects. - Development of other initiatives Donated where these arise and are appropriate items have to LING. been gladly - LING AGM is currently planned for The New Galloway Story exhibition set up in the town hall. received and Glenkens Gazette page 16 War Updates: August-October 1916 Paul Goodwin gives us an overview of World War I casualties from the Glenkens this time a century ago. Archibald McIntyre of Grennan Dairy, Dalry, was killed on 13 August 1916. He was aged only 19 and is remembered on the Dalry war memorial. Lance Corporal John McCubbing of Wylie’s Brae, New Galloway, had been missing since 17 August but would not be reported as having been killed until mid-October. He was just twenty years old and was apprenticed to his father’s building firm of Murray & McCubbing who would go on to build the Kells war memorial on which he is listed. John Brown was born in Balmaclellan, the son of Robert and Janet (Dickson) Brown of Nether Monybuie, Corsock. He is listed on the war memorials in Balmaclellan, Corsock and Moniaive. William Campbell, gamekeeper at Loch Howie, Balmaclellan, was notified that his eldest son, Gunner Anthony Campbell of the Royal Field Artillery, had been killed on 1 September. Anthony was 24 years of age, born in Dalry, and had been serving at the front since January. His brother William was wounded in action and would eventually die in 1925 and be the final name to be added to any WW1 war memorial in the Glenkens. Alexander Miller Walker was killed on 12 October, aged just 20 at the time of his death. Originally employed at Craigmuire, Balmaclellan, Alexander was a footman at Monkton House, Ayrshire, when he enlisted in October 1914. He is listed on the Glencairn memorial in Moniaive and the Balmaclellan memorial. William Galloway of Blackmark, Dalry, was killed on 17 October. He was the son of Robert Galloway and was 27 years old at the time of death. He is listed on the Dalry war memorial. William Hewitson of Drumness, Polmaddy, was killed on 18 October 1916. He was only 19 years old when he died and is listed on the Carsphairn war memorial. If you have any other information about the men of the Glenkens killed in war or any photographs, please get in touch at memorials@paulgoodwin.me.uk Glenkens Gazette page 17 Top Award For Local Writer A Balmaclellan historian has won a major prize for her work on witchcraft. Dr Lizanne Henderson has been presented in London with the 2016 Katharine Briggs Award by the prestigious Folklore Society, one of the first organisations in the world dedicated to the study of traditional culture and folklore. Her book, Witchcraft and Folk Belief in the Age of Enlightenment: Scotland, 16701740 came top of 19 entries and was praised by the judging panel: “Folkloric and other evidence meld seamlessly within this rich, original and compelling ‘history from below.’ An effective challenge to the orthodoxy that popular Scottish belief in - and fear of - witches and witchcraft declined from around 1670. A great example of how sources and concepts from folklore can inform and enrich historical research.” Dr Henderson’s book represents the first in-depth investigation of Scottish witchcraft and witch belief post 1662. Such beliefs were supposedly declining at the time of the Scottish Enlightenment when the ‘supernatural’ was being redefined at the interface between folk Dr Lizanne Henderson with the Folklore Society’s 2016 belief and the Katherine Briggs Award. philosophies of the learned. witch-hunts. However, while the eradication Dr Henderson is a lecturer in of witch beliefs equated with cultural history at the Dumfries progress for the learned, for campus of the University of many others, such as the devout, Glasgow. She recently gave wellwitch belief was a matter of faith. received talks on the subject of As a result the fear and dread her book at the Wigtown Book of witches and their craft lasted Festival and at a Glenkens Story well beyond the era of the major event at the CatStrand. Glenkens Gazette page 18 Who Do We Think We Were? Gene Pick has lived for many years near Balmaclellan where she and her late husband John settled after coming north from London, via Lochcarron, after the Second World War. She recalls the very different life she enjoyed in that Highland community. Whether you too grew up here or have arrived in the Glenkens from elsewhere, please send in your 500 words of reminiscence. It doesn’t matter how young or old you are - if you live here, you are part of Glenkens history. Please send your contributions by email to margaret.elphinstone @dircon.co.uk or hand in a copy at CatStrand marked ‘Glenkens Gazette - WDWTWW’. The next Gazette will have a memoir by Margaret Keith who lives in Dalry. We came north because of fond memories of Highland holidays taken with my husband’s Ayrshire mother in the 1930s, and our great need to get out of wartime London. We took a train to Inverness and found a mail bus that would take us to the fishing village of Ullapool where John had rented a wooden bungalow on the side of Loch Broom. Here we entered another world of time at the service of the climate and the people (a football match would start when the players turned up, for instance). Ullapool had been designed by Pulteney to house the people cleared New Galloway Golf Club On Coming to Galloway by Way of Wester Ross off their land by the Sutherlands, and stove fit for cooking and ironing with in the 1940s, there were jobs for the flat irons. But we found time to join herring fishing and lorry drivers. in the ceilidhs and make friends with Shops included a chandler owned Alec Ross released from RAF and by Kenny Buie who provided locals owner of the garage, and a car which with rope and lamps (often without he used to take us further north into payment). Add to this two hotels, a Sutherland, where we escaped the junior school and, of course, a Church solemn Sabbath. of Scotland with services in Gaelic and The local factor was another friend in English and a Free Kirk in Gaelic. who told us that a croft-house, not Our bungalow, Indian style, with wanted by the estate, was available a veranda and four bedrooms, was in Rhu, four miles to the north. It roomy enough to invite ‘writing’ became one of the first de-crofted, friends. Among the first was Lawrence for the neighbouring crofter Kenny Durrell returning from war in Stewart wanted another field. So Alexandria and his ‘Eve’, but although we bought it, altered the byre into the Summer Isles might have a study and put a Rayburn into the reminded him of Greek islands, the kitchen. Best of all, electricity came, water didn’t and we had to revive him thanks to a brilliant Scottish Secretary from the shock of a cold swim. who insisted that all houses supplied John produced a magazine where he by the great Hydro schemes should had asked several authors to explain have power lines to their doors. ‘Why I Write’. Among these was Neil So the old life went, the herring Gunn who lived near Inverness, who were over-fished, the lorry drivers visited us on a trip to the west coast. and the poachers weren’t needed We soon became friends and visited and Ullapool became a holiday Gene Pick over the next ten years, staying in destination. each other’s houses. Neil, by the way, had stayed in Dalry for his teenage education, where he lived in the Doctor’s house. The Doctor had married Neil’s elder sister and with the help of the Dalry Headmaster and a tutor who wrote for ‘The Gallovidian’ Neil passed his civil service entrance exam. Living in Ullapool, without electricity, took all hours of the day: trimming lamps, keeping a free-standing John and Gene Pick at Loch Broom c 1946. Family and friends coming to stay? Short of space? www.nggc.co.uk Cosy country cottage available (sleeps 4) Buggies now available for hire Call Fiona on 01644 420 227 Founded 1902 - 01644 420737 VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME www.covenanters-holidaycottagescotland.co.uk FHB Fencing Dalry Domestic and Agricultural Fencing 01644 430 495 (Peter) or 07767 795 498 (Jonathan) Glenkens Gazette page 19 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN THE BOOKMEN OF BALMAGHIE 2017 marks the 150th anniversary of Canadian Confederation and the creation of a new nation. Galloway has many links with Canada through emigration, the pioneering efforts of Sir Robert Gordon of Lochinvar in the 1620s and the colonizing activities of the Fifth Earl of Selkirk. Much less well known in the annals of both countries is the family of the Neilsons of Dornell, the estate neighbouring Laurieston. Samuel Neilson (1771-1793), was sent off to Quebec in 1785 to learn the book and printing trades under the supervision of his uncle, William Brown, a native of Borgue. William served his time in Philadelphia before moving to Quebec to establish the bilingual Quebec Gazette, the province’s first periodical that was designed to encourage “a thorough knowledge of the English and French languages” in the two nations. The publication included poetry and general interest articles as well as politics and foreign news. On Brown’s death his business was taken over by Samuel Neilson, the first of a Neilson clique, which had an important influence on its host city and province, following Brown’s impressive lead in presiding over nothing less than the Enlightenment of Quebec and thus Canada. When Sam died he was succeeded by his brother John (1776-1848) who had emigrated in 1791. It is striking that of the three so far mentioned two emigrated at age 15 while Sam was A&B Welding & Fabrication ANDREW SINCLAIR 21 TOWNHEAD CRESCENT ST JOHN’S TOWN OF DALRY CASTLE DOUGLAS DG7 3UR 01644 430 332 / 07896 168 724 andyandbevsinclair@yahoo.co.uk just 14. Folk grew up quicker than now in the 18th century! John married Marie-Ursule, a niece of the catholic bishop of Quebec. They had ten children, the boys being raised as presbyterians and the girls as catholics. He believed his marriage might serve as an example to reduce some of “baleful prejudices” between French and British. In his hands the business flourished and expanded. He owned the premier bookshop in Canada, the Gazette increased subscriptions, and printing prospered. A rival described him as “the largest consumer of paper in this country”. He is reputed to have published 50 to 60 per cent of the 800 books that appeared in Quebec between 1800 and 1820. He left the company to follow his political interests in 1822, handing two thirds to his eldest son, Samuel (1800-1837), who when he became very ill in 1836 conferred the business upon his brother William. John Neilson continued to be involved in societies, associations and good works; he was deeply interested in education at all levels, but particularly in rural parishes. Neilson was also deeply engaged in attempts to neutralise the many clashes between French and British, travelling to London for negotiations. As his biographers have written, “Neilson seems to have been one of the earliest exemplars of the ‘Canadian’ in the modern sense: bilingual, connected with people of various origins, optimistic about the country’s future”, a remarkable legacy of the lad frae Balmaghie. Samuel, plagued by ill heath, was not so fortunate while the two brothers who succeeded him were not quite so interested in the company or indeed Quebec. By 1850 the Neilson domination of Quebec publishing was over. Personally I think that Canada remains the last great, civilised country in the world. The Glenkens connection should be treasured and celebrated. Note: Due to an oversight my review of William Kennedy’s excellent book in the last issue of the Gazette failed to mention the title of his book, To Grasp An Opportunity. My longwindedness left no space for the inclusion of a photograph which was intended to accompany the article. Apologies to all concerned. Ted Cowan Glenkens Gazette page 20 STROANFREGGAN SCHOOL With Dalry School having recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of its secondary and 85th of its primary, Bruce Smith takes us on a journey into the past to look at the history of some of the old schools on the outer reaches of Dalry parish. Stroanfreggan School, situated towards the head of the Water o’ Ken by Smittons bridge, was set up to provide education to the children who could not get to the Dalry Free School from the northern parts of the Parish. The school slightly pre-dates Corseglass and, although the date of its foundation is not certain, it was well after 1723. This is the date of the first parish school in Glenkens at Carsphairn for the children of the miners. The building still exists and is currently a private dwelling. Most of the students were the children of the hill farmers and shepherds, mostly in the Ken and Fingland glens. The school is described in the Ordnance Gazetteer of Scotland of 1881 as having accommodation for 32 children and an average attendance of 10. During the 1890s, there is a clear level of dissatisfaction and tension around the teaching and progress at the school. This is best summed up by the following entry from June 1892. “The great coming event is the Glenkens Examination, and less apparent interest is excited than is commonly the case… The finishing of the peat loading and the preparation for sheep shearing with turnip thinning and weeding may account for the seeming apathy”. By 1927 the school board could no longer ignore the problems at the School. An experienced graduate was appointed and transport was provided for the children who lived furthest from the school. Attendance soon rose to 87.1%. By the 1930s the attendance rate was usually around 90% and many entries report perfect attendance. The HMI Reports indicate the progress and improvements in the pupils and the school through the decade. We have a valuable description from one evacuee all the way from Croydon who was sent to live at the school in 1940. John Bowman Jory responded to a national Project on culture shock to these poor souls must have been intense. In January 1940 the snow was so bad that there was no mail for over a week and food was running very short. 1941 must have been grimmer since, despite the schoolroom fire, the ink froze in the wells. The school log from 1945 to 1965 is a record of visitors to the school, road safety days, school dentists, library visits to change books, visits from music and PE specialists and the various illness suffered by the pupils (from measles to ringworm). We can see, with better communications, that the school was getting more support from the local authority. By the 1950s school trips were being organised by bus. Some of the last pupils at the school seem to have been Yvonne Grant [nee MacTaggart] who was a pupil from 1955 to 1962, and Susan Bell who left to go to Dalry Secondary in 1965. Bruce Smith ...drinking water out of the burn, serious lessons in the morning and ... emptying the school toilet pails into the burn every Saturday. JENNY’S Mobile Hairdresser • Home Visits • Nursing Homes & Residential • The Elderly & Disabled NVQ Level 3 Hairdressing, NVQ Level 4 Social Care Call Jenny on 07554 009 624 Memories of World War two in 2006 by the BBC. His four main school memories were, drinking water out of the burn, serious lessons in the morning and everyone knitting for the war effort in the afternoon and also emptying the school toilet pails into the burn every Saturday. Wartime entries are varied. The early ones refer to the difficulties created by the hasty evacuation of seven children from Glasgow. The Wright’s Shop & Post Office Dalry Licensed convenience store and newsagent stocking a range of local suppliers including Corsons and Irvings Bakers, Ballards and Dalmellington Country Butchers and Mitchells Fruit and Veg. Opening Times (both shop & PO): Monday to Friday: 7am – 6pm Saturday: 8am – 6pm Sunday: 8.30am – 4pm Tel: 01644 430 225 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 21 Glenkens Gazette page 22 DECEMBER & JANUARY DECEMBER Thu 1, CatStrand Youth Players: Little Red Riding Hood, 7.30pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Sat 3, CatStrand Youth Players: Little Red Riding Hood, 7.30pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Sun 4, CatStrand Youth Players: Little Red Riding Hood, 2pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Tue 6, Hard of Hearing Drop-in Clinic, 10-11am, New Galloway Town Hall Wed 7, Balmaclellan & Kells Guild & St Margaret’s Ladies Guild, Christmas Coffee Morning, 10.30am12noon, New Galloway Town Hall Fri 9, Christmas Concert: The Antonine Trio, 7pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Wed 14, Balmaclellan Senior Citizen’s Christmas Lunch, 12.30pm, Kenbridge Hotel (by invitation only) Wed 14, GTI Bus Trip; Hetland Garden Centre & Moffat (see p21) Thu 15, Stewartry Bird Watchers Talk; Angus Hogg ‘Birding on the Edge:The Uists’, 7.30pm, Kells School, New Galloway Fri 16, Glenkens Children’s Christmas Party, 6pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall (see back page) Sat 17, Mike Heron & Trembling Bells, 7.30pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Sun 18, Cairn Chorus: Winter Wassail, 4pm, CatStrand, New Galloway (Inc Mulled Wine & Mince Pie) We 21, FILM: The Pearl Button (12), 7.30pm, CatStrand, New Galloway JANUARY Wed 11, Balmaclellan & Kells Guild, New Galloway Town Hall Thu 12, Stewartry Bird Watchers Talk; Iain Bainbridge ‘What Did Birds Ever Do for You?’, 7.30pm, Kells School, New Galloway Thu 12, FILM: 36 (12), 7.30pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Wed 18, GTI Bus Trip; Caerlaverock Nature Reserve (see p21) Sat 21, Samba Sene & Diwan, 7.30pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Tue 26, SWANC Winter Discussion; ‘Droving Through Britain’, 7.30pm, Ken Bridge Hotel Thu 26, FILM: Court (PG), 7.30pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Fri 27, Ad Libitum, 7.30pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Mon 30, GCAT AGM, 7pm, CatStrand, New Galloway THE GAZETTE WOULD LIKE TO WISH ALL ITS READERS A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR! The Glenkens Community Shop would like to thank all the volunteers and customers for their support through 2016 and wish them all a very merry Christmas. Glenkens Gazette page 23 REGULAR EVENTS CatStrand, New Galloway: Exercise to Music: Mon, 10-11am Margaret Morris dance 1: 3-7yrs, term-time Mondays, 3.45-4.30pm Margaret Morris dance 2: 816yrs, term-time Mondays, 4.305.15pm Access All Areas Youth Arts - Making Music: Please phone CatStrand to book session. Gentle Tai Chi: Wed, 10am, 60+ Glenkens Writing Group: First Wed each month 3-5pm Sing it Out: Thurs, 11am -12pm CatStrand Ukes: Thurs, 1pm – 3.30pm 60+ Choreographic Skills Lab: Thurs (term-time), 7 - 8.30pm ages 12-18 Zumba Gold: Fridays (term-time), 10-11am, CatStrand, 16+ Saturday Art Club: twice a month, 10am–12noon, to book call 420 374 Catstrand Youth Players: Sun during term time, 2pm Glenkens Acoustic Sessions: last Sun of the month, 2-4pm Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry, (contact Kath on 430 281): Paint & Art: Mon, 1.30-4.30pm & Wed, 7-9pm GCC Playgroup: Tues, Wed & Thurs, 9.10-11.40am, contact Sue on 07709 929 482 Guides: Tues during term-time, 6.15pm, contact: Kath 430 281 Good Neighbours’ Club: Tues, 2pm Brownies: Wed, 5.30-6.45pm Kickback Martial Arts: Thurs, 79pm Thursday Craft Group: Thurs, 24pm Glenkens Children’s Club: Fri, 10am-12noon New Galloway Town Hall: LING Lunches: Tues, 11am-2pm Indoor Sports: Tues, 7-9pm Zumba: Wed, 7.30-8.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall, 11+ Footcare by Stewartry Care: Thurs by appointment (Tel: 01556 504699), New Galloway Town Hall Various Locations: Ballroom & Latin Dance: Mon, 7.30pm, Castle Douglas Primary School Carsphairn Post Office: Tues, 1-3pm, Lagwyne Hall Beavers: Tues, 6–7.15pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Glenkens Community Councils Balmaclellan Community Council Meetings: 4th 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. Glenkens Church Choir. CHURCH TIMES with 23 Dec, 5pm: Carsphairn CHURCH OF SCOTLAND Sunday Services - Balmaclellan 12noon: 1st(Dec). Carsphairn 10.30am: 1st(Dec), 2nd, 3rd, 4th(Jan). Dalry 12noon 2nd(Jan), 3rd, 4th(Jan). Dalry 10.30am 1st(Jan). Kells 10.30am: 2nd, 3rd, 4th. Church Community Christmas Service and Children’s Party. 24 Dec, 11.30pm: Watchnight Service, Carsphairn Church. 25 Dec, 10.30am: Christmas Day Family Service, Kells Church. 1 Jan, 10.30am: United Service with Choir, Dalry Church Special Services/Events: 11 Dec, 10.30am: United Family Service, Dalry Church. 11 Dec, 6.30pm: Carols by Candlelight in Dalry Church 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 Dog Training: Tues & Thurs, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. Contact: Eric 460 670 Wednesday Quiz Night: Wed, 8.30pm, Cross Keys Hotel, New Galloway Stewartry Camera Club: Wed, 7.30pm, Ringford Village Hall, runs Wed 11 Sept till end Mar Mossdale Painters: Wed, 9.30am, Mossdale Village Hall Cub Scouts: Wed, 6.45–8pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Coffee & Craft Group: Fri, 9am12noon, Lagwyne Hall Youth Writing Group: Thurs (during term time), 3.30-5pm, ages 10-15, Dalry School Scouts: Thurs, 7–8.30pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Gentle Tai Chi: Fri 10-11am, Dalry Town Hall To hire the MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) behind Dalry School call Sonja Tranter on 430 244 or Nicolette Wise on 430 218. Dalry Library Temporary Hours Tue: 12noon - 3.30pm Fri: 10am - 12noon & 1pm - 4.30pm There are 23 mobile library stops - to find out where and when please phone 430 234. 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 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 24 Lasting Legacy The Pamela Young Trust is a registered Scottish charity that has been in operation for 24 years. The brainchild of Pam Young, whose family have lived in the Glenkens for generations, the idea for the trust began when she was asked to help find accommodation for retiring farm workers who had previously been living in tied accommodation in the area. Having always wanted to give something to the community she loved, particularly to those who required help, she set up the Pamela Young Trust in 1992 for the relief of poverty by the provision of affordable housing for people living or working in the Glenkens. It is now some eight years since Miss Young died but her legacy lives on and the current trustees, all of whom have strong connections to the Glenkens, share her values and desire to help those who, for whatever reason, find themselves in reduced circumstances. Although the trust’s work is well established locally and many people have benefitted from it over the years, it may not be The late Pamela Young outside her house in Dalry. who qualifies under the terms of the trust. The trustees are particularly keen for families with young children to apply in order to help maintain the schools and other facilities within the area. To this end a website has recently been launched www.pamelayoungtrust.co.uk - where information on the trust purposes and how to apply for a tenancy can be found. ...applications are now welcome from anyone, young or old...who qualifies under the terms of the trust. widely known that although it started by providing retirement accommodation, applications are now welcome from anyone, young or old, single or with a family, COMMENTS ON THE GAZETTE “Really good issue Sarah - packed full of stuff.” Ahrlene Glenkens Children’s Christmas Party Friday 16th December, 6pm Balmaclellan Village Hall “Quick line to say that I’ve just finished reading the latest Gazette. Quite a bumper issue and packed with interesting stuff, I really enjoyed reading it.” Nicolette Magic Monty “Just a quick thank you for another great issue. You always manage to keep it fresh and a good informative read.” Matthew All Primary and pre-school children from the Glenkens welcome, accompanied by an adult. Pot-luck food table - bring along a dish and help yourself! Donations for the raffle very welcome. Santa, Raffle Wild Bird Food and Accessories Spend £35 and get 50 Fat Balls FREE New Harbro Dog Food 21% Protein - Only £8.99 per 15kg Xmas Trees (no needle drop) Holly Wreaths 15% All available from end November 15% Our Quality Sheep and Cattle Feed - Prices for the Winter Wormers and all Animal Health available at very competitive prices 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 JANUARY 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 97 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GG_097 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 2016 Description An account of the resource Editor: Sarah Ade https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/1/242/GlenkensGazette96.pdf de75ec66a9ffd1ca31bdfe03b943e1cc 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 96 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 October/November 2016 ISSUE 96 FREE GLENKENS CHILDREN’S CLUB LIVES TO PLAY ANOTHER TERM Childcare provision for under-threes in the Glenkens has been resucitated - for now - through a variety of very welcome support ranging from grants to fundraising activities. groups to continue, hopefully until Easter, includes £5,000 from WestSound’s Cash for Kids and £1,700 from local business Natural Power Consultants Ltd, as well as grants from the Glenkens Community Shop and funds raised by St Margaret’s Ladies’ Guild and the FoDSFEST Tea Tent. The group is very grateful for all the help and support it has received, and The figure which is allowing the would like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to all involved. If the Playgroup is forced to close, families in the north of the Glenkens would face round-trip journeys of over 50 miles to the nearest provision in the Stewartry, as well as the future of the Glenkens Community Centre being at risk with GCC Playgroup having a visit from a PC Lindsey Tait during the GCC and playgroup as its biggest users. From 2012 to 2014, GCC primarily relied on the Big Lottery’s Community & Families Fund which has now closed. In October the group will find out whether the Council’s Area Committee fund will provide support of any kind. The group has re-applied after being denied funding in August, despite there still being £40k left in the Area Committee pot at that time. Continued on Youth writers Review inside their ‘People Who Help Us’ theme. GAZETTE EXCLUSIVE! Interview with Outlander star Sam Heughan, Glenkens-born actor turned Hollywood heart-throb due to his role as dashing warrior Jamie Fraser in the hit TV series. See p3... A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) ini�a�ve www.glenkensgaze�e.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 2 Carsphairn Flood Mitigation Update A further public meeting has been held to advance possible mitigation measures and solutions to the serious flooding experienced by Carsphairn over recent years. The meeting, chaired by local councillor and MSP Finlay Carson, was a follow-up to an initial meeting in January this year. Representatives from Kaya Consulting, SEPA, Forestry Commission Scotland, Scottish Power and Dumfries & Galloway Council attended the meeting as well as Richard Arkless MP, with approximately 40 members of the Carsphairn community to hear of the latest developments on this issue. It was concluded that mitigation measures involving direct defenses seem to be the most effective means to prevent the village being flooded. Met Office data shows that rainfall has increased steadily over the years, completely saturating catchments prior to floods last year (evidenced by flow gauges in nearby rivers). In order to reach this conclusion, other areas were also researched. Land use and particularly afforestation and deforestation were studied to see if they were factors. Modern forestry practices and recent guidance now considers the potential flood risk. However, around Carsphairn the forestry is long established, consequently the effect is difficult to quantify. River morphology was studied – changes are minimal except for a degree of sediment movement but no real change. Sediment Deposition – the effectiveness of dredging was researched and would result in limited improvements with most areas still being affected. Suggested solutions centred on: • The installation of a walled flood defence - an 850m long wall/embankment along the West side of the A713; a 350 to 400m long wall/embankment round the southern perimeter of the village and a widened/relocated Green Head Strand downstream of the A713 • Flood warning - although there is a gauge at Bridgend upstream of Carsphairn, the close proximity of this to the village means that it is not suitable to provide a flood warning with sufficient lead-in time. The Council will continue barriers/air-vent covers/nonreturn valves to prevent sewage backflow. Some more work needs to be undertaken by Kaya using new survey data to ensure that there are no negative impacts or, if there are, that these too can be managed. Dumfries & Galloway Council will progress with landowner engagement and design works to endeavour to install temporary measures before winter. Work of this nature will be funded by Dumfries and Galloway Council. Scottish Government funding for a future scheme has not been identified yet as Carsphairn was not eligible as it was not in a Potentially Vulnerable Area. Dumfries and Galloway Council will continue to develop a permanent scheme and use every opportunity to lobby for funding assuming a costeffective scheme (where benefits exceed the costs – known as a ‘positive benefit-cost ratio’) can be achieved. Carsphairn Community Council hope to show that Carsphairn should be in a Potentially Vulnerable Area, and is hopeful that finally positive action may be taken to respond to the flooding which was devastating for those whose homes were badly flooded and who lost land. The time factor is important - the community is anxious that proposed measures should be actioned before the onset of winter. Liz Holmes, Chair, Carsphairn Community Council It was concluded that mitigation measures involving direct defenses seem to be the most effective means to prevent the village being flooded. GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway to engage with SEPA as to how predicted rainfall patterns can be used to improve warnings to partner agencies. • Property level protection - pumps for underfloor areas/ W BONE THE GARAGE, DALRY OPEN 8.30AM - 6PM (SIX DAYS) 10AM - 6PM SUNDAYS - FUEL 24 HOURS - MOT CENTRE FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL SHOP • SANDWICH BAR • LOTTERY � 01644 420234 � Tel: 01644 430 208 Fax: 01644 430 669 jeeps@whbjeeps.co.uk www.whbjeeps.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 3 CELEBRITY INTERVIEW: SAM HEUGHAN The A-list Hollywood actor, best-known for his iconic Scots role in Outlander, tells the Gazette about his Glenkens childhood and how he made it to where he is today. Do you think being born in the Glenkens has formed you as a person in any particular way? I feel very fortunate being born and raised in the Glenkens. The freedom of the countryside plus the close community were instrumental in my upbringing. I was surprised to find it was not the case in other places when I moved away from the area. The outdoor activities, fresh produce and safe environment were an ideal start in life. When did you decide you’d like to be an actor? I guess I knew from a young age I wanted to be involved but didn’t know how. Touring theatre companies which came to Galloway and school trips to Glasgow Citizens Theatre and Edinburgh Lyceum helped capture my imagination. But it wasn’t until I moved to Edinburgh and joined a youth theatre that I really began to get into acting. I guess an overactive imagination helped. The forest and hills of Galloway were where I played out great battles in my mind. What subjects did you take at school and what school/s did you go to? I went to Kells primary until we moved to Edinburgh for secondary school. I felt it gave me a strong academic understanding, plus introduced me to music and the poetry of Robert Burns, which I’d later realise I really enjoyed. The school had great teachers and really felt like an extended family. Village life means you know everyone in your class, if not whole school. The school also had an sporting emphasis which led to joining the Cub Scouts, another great community and introduction to outdoor adventures. What are your favourite things so far about the work you do? The show is a great advert for Scotland. I’m very proud to show our country to the rest of the world. I fight for it to remain authentic and I know all the cast and crew’s hard work and dedication gives it the heart. We have been lucky to travel all over the world, regularly attending conventions and other events. Our nominations to the Golden Globes and other award ceremonies mean we get to rub shoulders with a lot of my idols. It’s brought great opportunity too; I feel very lucky. What are the worst things so far about the work you do? The show has gathered great success but with that comes the loss of some privacy. I really enjoy anonymity and at times it is difficult, but our fans are so lovely that it outweighs the negative. The show has taken over our lives. We shoot 11 months a year and around 14 hours a day with travel, and sometimes more. It’s to earth. I get most star-struck by sports people. Hollywood has become very familiar: I’ve spent a lot of time there now over the years. There are cool parts, with a relaxed lifestyle, but also a lot of madness. It’s great to dip in and out - I have fun there. What advice would you give to young people in the Glenkens about following their dreams and aspirations? I went to youth theatre for a couple of years. I failed on my first attempt to get into drama school, but committed to it as a career and worked on student productions, etc, to get experience. Then I did three years’ studying before becoming a ‘professional’. I worked on stage/ tv and film of varying degrees (plus various bar work/office jobs to support myself) for 15 years before I landed Outlander. I guess what I’m getting at is that it takes dedication, hard work and a little luck. It has to be all you want to do; no back-up plan. Find a local youth theatre (I’m a patron of Youth Theatre Arts), see as much film/theatre as you can. Dream big - and believe in yourself! “I feel very fortunate being born and raised in the Glenkens.” a marathon for sure! What’s it like meeting and working with all the people most of us only see on the big screen? I’m lucky to have met some really great people. You realise everyone is the same, and actually most are really down Glenkens Gazette page 4 sponsored by EVERYTHING listed in the Glenkens Freecycle section is FREE - you just need to contact the owner and go and pick it up! If you would like to list something on this page, please get in touch with Sarah on 07727 127 997 or email glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk VARIOUS ‘Large Black’ sow, free to good home. Contact: 07727 127 997 Tag-a-long bike extension, adds extra seat and wheel for children to ride behind, bit rusty but works. Contact: 07967 959 511 Disability scooter, fairly old, electric, small, with charger. Still works bit needs some TLC. Great for getting round the shops. Has bar attached to use with hoist to lift into the car. Contact: Maggi on 07752 292 138 Strimmer, with line, battery, charger, etc. Contact: 460 516 Upright piano in good working order. Steel frame. All notes & pedals work but would benefit from re-tuning after moving. It will take several people to lift it into a van or similar. From smoke and pet free home. Collection from Mochrum near Knockvennie. Contact: Trevor on 440 683 Folding bed with mattress suitable for occasional use for a child. Not suitable for adults. From smoke and pet free home. Collection from Mochrum near Knockvennie. Contact: Trevor on 440 683 Robust red tricycle - suitable for outdoor use by 3/5-yearold. Contact: 07766 686 402 WANTED Table to use as desk, any condition. Contact: 07967 959 511 Kenwood Mixer wanted. Any age - ‘Chef’ model if possible (not hand mixer). Contact: 430 373 Exercise bike wanted. Contact: 07920 066 167 Clear plastic corrugated sheet, min 3ft x3ft. Contact: 420 634 Paddling Pool. Approx 4ft diameter and 15inch. Solid sides. Contact: 07766 686 402 Various unwanted furniture; tables, chairs, chest of drawers and other small household items. Contact: 450 679 or cathamonk@gmail.com Shop Campaign Bids for Big Lottery Support An application has been submitted to the Big Lottery’s Growing Community Assets fund for a grant to save New Galloway’s last shop from closure. If successful, the award will enable New Galloway Community Enterprises Ltd (NGCE) to buy Hopkins shop and house, convert the property to a community hub containing a community shop and two tourist self-catering flats, and provide tapered financial support over the initial years of operation. The proposal includes funding for a Community Engagement Officer to foster the wellbeing and economy of New Galloway, based on the community hub. NGCE secured a Big Lottery development grant in February and, in a hectic six months since then, architect’s plans have been produced, planning permission obtained, and a comprehensive business plan produced including measures to strengthen community resilience. A 103page application form was submitted by the end-of-August deadline. The outcome of the bid is expected around the turn of the year. NGCE is a Community Benefit company registered with the Financial Conduct Authority. The NGCE board of eight volunteers and Project Officer Helen Keron would like to acknowledge the invaluable support of Jim and Margaret Hopkins and all the people in New Galloway who have contributed to surveys, provided many positive ideas and offered much encouragement. If you want to hear more about our plans for the shop and community hub, come to New Galloway Town Hall at 7.30pm on Thursday 29 September when we will describe what happens next if we are successful in our bid. Mike Brown, Chair, NGCE Ltd Glenkens Gazette page 5 sponsored by If you are interested in birds and other branches of natural history, why not come along to some of the Stewartry Birdwatchers’ meetings? This small friendly group of enthusiasts started their 41st programme of talks in their long-established venue of Kells School, New Galloway. The first talk was given by Brian Morrell, manager of the Wildfowl & Wetland Trust’s Caerlaverock Reserve. Brian is Dumfries born-and-bred with a life-long interest in birds. He highlighted some key species - Barnacle Geese, Whooper Swans and Ospreys - and gave an update of the current situation regarding migratory arrivals. He certainly got our 41st session off to a ‘flying’ start... Throughout the year the more active members of the Stewartry group visit interesting locations on the coast as well as inland. In the summer, places such as the Mennock Pass for the elusive ring ouzel, or woodlands for small birds such as migratory warblers. In winter, the trip across to Loch Ryan is well worth the journey to see the rare brent geese and various species of divers and grebes, whilst visits to various locations on the Solway coast offer sightings of numerous species of waders. On Thursday 13 October Andy Howard, a professional wildlife photographer and guide from Inverness, will be giving a talk. Thursday 10 November sees the unexpected return of popular film-maker Gordon Yates. A few years ago Gordon decided that, after some thirty years of travelling to Dumfries & Galloway every February to show his films, he was retiring. His latest film is based on three visits to Iceland and features the great northern diver and other birds, as well as flowers and spectacular scenery. Another popular speaker returns on 15 December; Angus Hogg, a retired Ayrshire schoolteacher, will give a presentation entitled Birding on the Edge: the Uists. All are welcome at these meetings which are held monthly on Thursdays at 7.30pm in Kells School. These entertaining evenings are very suitable for children too. Joan Howie Glenkens Tree Surgeons Professional Tree work * Tree removal * Pruning * Crown reductions * Pollarding * Felling * Hedge cutting Covering Dumfries & Galloway The Glenkens - Moniaive - Glencairn area www.glenkenstreesurgeons.co.uk Richard Kirsch 07932 577840 rjbk@hotmail.com Fully Qualified & Insured - 15 years’ experience Glenkens Gazette page 6 GLENKENS CHILDREN’S CLUB UPDATE Continued from front page... Glenkens Children’s Club (GCC) is a voluntary organisation under the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) umbrella, created after D&G Council funding cuts in 2012 resulted in the closure of the existing playgroup. The group runs both parent-andtoddler sessions (Chidren’s Club) and staffed sessions (Playgroup). GCC are extremely grateful to the huge fundraising effort which has been put in by parents and local supporters, and is optimistic that this time the application to the Stewartry Area Fund will be successful, and hopefully other funding opportunities will arise to carry the group through another year at least. Children’s Club runs on Friday mornings from 10am to 12noon, and is a parent run baby-and-toddler session with fun activities, healthy snacks, health visitor visits for the little ones and peer breast feeding support. The group runs both during term time and over the school holidays. Playgroup is a term-time only Care Inspectorate registered facility and runs on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings from 9.4511.45am, and is a staffed session where parents can leave children to play. All GCC sessions run in the Glenkens Community Centre, Kirkland Street, Dalry. For further info, please visit the GCC Facebook page or website glenkensgcc.wordpress.com RECENT GCC FUNDRAISERS: At the Alternative Games in August, St Margaret’s Ladies’ Guild raised £308 at their tombola stall for the Glenkens Children’s Club. Treasurer Jean Marsden said: “We always like to support local groups at the Alternative Games and this year was our most successful ever and we hope this will help the Glenkens wee ones by allowing their Children’s Club to stay open.” FoDSFEST kindly offered a space in Annie’s Acoustic tent where GCC ran a fundraising ‘Tea in the Park’ cream teas stall, which raised over £300. Thanks to FoDSFEST, and to all the amazing volunteers who manned the stall, donated scones, helped create signage and organise things, as well as a massive thank you to Roan’s Dairy who donated the milk and Galloway Flowers for the beautiful bouquets which adorned the tables. RJ McCulloch is a family run plumbing, heating and renewables company that is a trusted provider of affordable heating solutions. At RJ McCulloch we embody the concepts of quality, technical skills and customer satisfaction. Our aim is to provide our customers with a no-nonsense and reliable service for many years to come. From a rural cottage to a country estate, we can design and install a heating system to suit your needs. Our highly experienced installation and service engineers are fully qualified in all areas of Gas, Oil, LPG, Biomass, Heat pumps and Solar Thermal. RJ McCulloch recently installed a Mitsubishi Ecodan heat pump for Gary and Liz at St John’s Town Of Dalry to replace their electric storage heaters and hot water immersion system. They are now experiencing reduced fuel costs, more efficient central heating and hot water and also benefiting from the renewable heat incentive available to home owners and businesses alike installing renewable technology. Please feel free to contact Ross for advice relating to any Plumbing or Heating queries you may have. Happy owners of a new Eco Dan boiler, Gary and Liz, with Ross McCulloch. Glenkens Gazette page 7 CatStrand Highlights October and November are jam-packed with hot stuff at the CatStrand, keeping us toasty as we move into the colder months of autumn and into winter. Glenkens for an eerily poignant and superstitiously timely presentation on witch belief in Galloway on Sunday 23 October. And finishing off the The top-class choices of film, month, on Monday music and theatre performances 31 October is start off with traditional tunes the return of from the highly acclaimed RANT the CatStrand on Sunday 2 October. Described Halloween Party Last year’s Halloween lantern parade at the as: “An irresistible journey from 6-8pm. CatStrand Halloween Party. through reels, strathspeys and Into November, a delight... by turns droll, jigs,” the BBC Radio 2 Folk we have the Alasdair Roberts pungent and lovely.” And Awards nominees are set to Trio on Friday 18 for some finishing off the month, the have feet tapping. Glasgow-based guitar and CatStrand Christmas Shopping Come and join us for the talk vocal sounds. The Observer Day will run from 10.30am to The Glenkens Story: Witch states: “His twisting melodies 4pm on Saturday 26 November, Belief in Galloway and the and cryptic imagery remain with an array of local crafts, art, foods and goodies perfect for See our latest brochure or visit our website for programme those Christmas stockings. details. Book online at www.catstrand.com or call 01644 420374. The CatStrand Team Visit our website for all informa�on about the scheme and up to date developments: www.gallowayglens.org Please also follow us on twi�er and facebook! Glenkens Gazette page 8 Finnjamboree 2016 Cara Ramsay tells us about her Girlguiding trip to Finland. My trip to Roihu Finnjamboree 2016 was a real adventure! I spent the first two days of my trip in Helsinki before heading to camp. While we were in Helsinki we visited Suomenlinna, an old sea fortress on a island, which had beautiful views and old buildings. We also visited the theme park which was great fun, the market which sold lots of yummy-looking fresh fruit, the ‘Church in the Rock’, and we took a sightseeing tour bus around the city. Our leaders also treated us to a yummy meal at The Hard Rock Cafe before we headed to camp. Camp was located twoand-a-half hours away from Helsinki, out in the countryside with masses of forests and lakes surrounding it. When we arrived at camp we were confronted with lots of boy and girls scouts of all different nationalities all setting up their campsites, building massive gateways into their camp units, tying up hammocks in the trees and some even building treehouses and bridges! At camp we slept in two big round tents with 10 of us in each. We shared our camp unit with a group of Finnish scouts who were really friendly and were happy to help us with anything. During camp we had five different ceremonies: Opening, Evening Prayer, Sub-Camp Night, Mid Camp and Closing Ceremony. I really enjoyed these ceremonies. Each ceremony would have amazing singers and dancers which got all 18,000 young people up singing and dancing together. The atmosphere at them was what I loved most, from the minute we began to march to the main stage - scouts from lots of different nationalities, all dressed up smart in their uniforms, sang and chanted and waved their countries’ flag. During the day at camp, my age group took part in lots of different themed programmes. My favourite was the craft one where I made a pretty copper Cara in her Senior Section Uniform, ready for her flight out to Finland. necklace and printed a t-shirt with the Roihu logo. I also enjoyed the water activities, and the business one where we had to make up our own business and make products which our business could sell. While I was away it was International Day so to celebrate this every country got a chance to do something. We teamed up with a group of Scottish scouts and put on our kilts and held a ceilidh where we taught scouts Scottish ceilidh dances. I enjoyed that and made friends with scouts from different countries. While I was there I got some really nice badges to add to my camp blanket and some scout neckies too. I tried lots of interesting new foods, some I don’t think I could even tell you what it was! I would like to thank everyone involved in helping fund this trip - it was an adventure of a lifetime! Cara Ramsay Carsphairn Shop & Tearooms Opening Times: Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri 7am-5pm; Wed 7am-3pm, Sat 8am-4pm, Sun 10am-3pm (closed Sundays from November to March) - Fresh and modern look Shop & Tearoom - local produce & gi�s - DCUK, Galloway Candles & more - sea�ng 24 indoors & 18 outdoors Bookings welcome! Tel: 01644 460 568 Glenkens Gazette page 9 NEW GALLERY FOR COUNTRY STORE The Country Store at Camling, Penpont, was started in the 1980s in a small building in the Camling farm steading by Jim and Anne Campbell. The original idea was to sell a few bags of calf milk to the customers who were buying calves from them which they brought up from Cheshire. The few bags of calf milk grew into other animal feeds, and another small building was made into a shop selling overalls, wellies and other goods required in the countryside. From there a new shed was built incorporating a shop area. With the help of our hard-working staff and loyal customers, the business grew and grew, and another shed had to be built. In 2013 Jim and Anne were approached by Harbro who were interested in the business. As Jim wasn’t getting any younger the decision was made to sell the business to Harbro. He was asked to stay on as manager which he was pleased to do. Harbro has 18 stores throughout Scotland from Shetland in the North to Camling in the South. They have manufacturing mills throughout Scotland, and their animal feed is of the highest quality and well respected by farmers throughout the UK. All the Harbro stores sell a full range of products for the general public as well as farmers, including leisure clothing for ladies and gents, gardening goods, garden furniture, animal health products, household goods, pet foods and bird foods. Camling store employs six local staff who serve customers from Carlisle to the Mull of Galloway. The latest idea for the store was an art gallery for local artists. Lauren Wyllie, who has been employed in the store for the past eight years, is a very talented artist and her work is the first to be displayed in the gallery for the Bargatton Sand & Gravel Supplying sand and gravel for all your farming needs, as well as households and businesses both large and small. We stock washed fine sand, coarse sand and gravels at competitive prices. For further details contact: James Mair - 07793 085 243 Email: loch.bargatton@live.co.uk Bargatton Quarry, Laurieston, Castle Douglas, DG7 2PS Open Monday to Friday Weekends by arrangement Delivery can be arranged - subject to quantity month of August. There are at least six local artists interested in using our gallery to display their work, and exhibitions will change on a monthly basis. For further information about the shop and gallery, visit www.harbro.co.uk or take a look at the ad on the back page of this issue of the Glenkens Gazette. Some of the artwork from the current exhibition by Lauren Wyllie. Richard Arkless MP Dumfries & Galloway Constituency Richard operates an open-door policy please just pop in to either office at any time during opening hours. Constituency Office Dumfries Unit 7, High Street, Loreburne Shopping Centre, Dumfries, DG1 2BD Tel: 01387 265698 Mon-Fri 10am-4pm Constituency Office Stranraer 36-38 Charlotte Street, Stranraer, DG9 7EF Tel: 01776 705800 Mon/Tue/Thurs/Fri 10am-2pm Email: richard.arkless.mp@parliament.uk www.richardarkless.scot Glenkens Gazette page 10 SCOTTISH ALTERNATIVE GAMES 2016 Rain has been the main threat to the Games in recent years but this time wind presented the challenge as organisers battled to assemble tents throughout the morning. The challenge was met however and the promise of a dry afternoon attracted the largest crowd for several years to New Galloway for the 2016 Games. Some of the Gird ‘n’ Cleek classes required extra heats to accommodate the large number of entrants and resulted in some keen competition. After an excellent final and great competition throughout the afternoon, the World Championship was claimed by New Galloway lass Kelsie Marshall. The Tractor Pull attracted plenty of entrants and this year there was a new event for juniors - the Quad Bike Pull. It attracted the biggest queue of the day in the arena as the youngsters showed off their strength. Strong gusty wind presented another challenge in the Tossin’ the Sheaf competition but it didn’t prevent some impressive heights being reached. The Snail Racing proved a great success again, and there was an impressive turnout of vehicles lined up for the Classic Car Show. Another new event this year was the Alternative Run, and archery returned to the Games for the first time for several years with Threave Bowmen Archery Club giving everyone the chance to try their hand at the ancient skill. Musical entertainment was in the capable hands of Lockerbie & District Pipe Band who opened the Games and then played again later in the afternoon and the CatStrand Ukelele Band who played various sessions under the shelter of the old oak tree beside the beer tent. The weekend itself was given a resounding musical start on Friday evening when the popular band ‘Not Guilty’ made a long awaited return to New Galloway and played at CatStrand and then Saturday evening was the turn of Alternative Curling at the Town Hall when everyone was able to try out New Age Curling, essentially curling without ice. The unique formula of the Alternative Games, first organised in 1977 by the late Mungo Bryson, never ceases to produce smiles all round. With families returning year after year from all over Britain to join locals in taking part, this popular event can look forward to its 40th anniversary in 2017 with confidence and a sense of pride. Glenkens Gazette page 11 New Routes to Help You Make Sense of the Biosphere Look out for the recently published Explore the Biosphere leaflets in venues across the region. Three routes have been developed which we feel demonstrate how the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Galloway & Southern Ayrshire Biosphere designation helps make connections between conservation, learning and development. Giving a flavour of all aspects of the Biosphere, the three routes are based around the natural assets provided by rivers and lochs at Loch Doon and Carrick Forest Drive; Loch Trool and the Cree Valley; and Loch Ken and the River Dee. The itineraries feature businesses and organisations that value the natural assets found in south west Scotland, and have shown their aspiration to be proud supporters of the Biosphere by agreeing to the six principles of the Biosphere Charter. Each route identifies places that demonstrate the role of the Biosphere to improve our lives by strengthening connections between individuals and communities, business and environment, people and nature or science and art. The leaflets include a range of of us. Rain captured in our Galloway Hills gives us much more than drinking water; it creates habitats that support a wide range of wildlife and provides resources for energy production, agriculture, education, tourism and recreation. The rivers radiating out from the Galloway Hills define the area of the UNESCO Biosphere and as well as connecting the uplands with the sea, they help to link people with nature. But the Biosphere is as much about a way of living as a place to visit so the itineraries provide a guide to help explore the area, not just to discover nature and landscapes but also to discover communities and initiatives that support the Biosphere concepts of conservation, learning and development. Find out more about the Biosphere Charter and the new Biosphere itineraries by visiting the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire Biosphere website at www.gsabiosphere.org.uk ...strengthening connections between individuals and communities, business and environment, people and nature or science and art. attractions that focus on special qualities of the Biosphere; wildlife and natural beauty, heritage and culture, inspiration, tranquillity, local produce and most importantly recreation and enjoyment. The leaflets also focus on the water that is essential to life for all Glenkens Gazette page 12 DALRY SCHOOL ANNIVERSARY Dalry School would like to thank those members of the community who were able to celebrate the birthdays of the buildings either by attending the assembly on 30 August, or by braving the rain to attend the FoDsfest on 3 September. Community support and involvement is crucial to schools and in Dalry we are fortunate to have both. The Cowan Murdoch Memorial Gym (pictured) is there for all to use and we hope that healthy, happy and achieving is now accessible for all. Sustainable Living Trip Pupils from S1 to S3 travelled from Dalry to the Black Country Living Museum in Dudley to look at the technologies of the Industrial Revolution and how they can relate to us today. Exploring the site gave a fascinating insight into what life was like 100 years ago. The evening of the first day was spent at the Swan Theatre in Stratford Upon Avon where we watched Cymbeline and were blown away by the interpretation of Shakespeare’s play in the 400th anniversary there was the challenge of trying year. Spending a night in a big to pronounce the Welsh names. country house which is now a Arriving in the dark and rain Youth hostel gave a flavour of into the Ecolodge that gave international community living. us shelter for the night was On the next morning the group different and the cloudy day travelled to Bath to look at meant no showers, as the sun the use Romans made of the had not been out enough to heat geothermal springs over 2000 the water. Lighting the stove years ago - amazing. early the next morning remedied Travelling further south that and the day was spent to Cornwall took us to looking at how the accumulation the Eden Project where of lots of small changes in the the accommodation was way we live could result in a prefabricated ‘snooze’ boxes set carbon neutral Britain. into containers. Being on site for The challenge now we have the Eden Project in the morning returned is to put all we learned meant that we had the site to into practice and to live as lightly ourselves for several hours and as possible on the planet Earth. allowed us to meander through Jenny Smith, the zones, experiencing what the Headteacher, Mediterranean and rain forest Dalry School environments really feel like. Flowers, insects, crops and building styles were all experienced in the space of a few hours. Moving on from the south west over into south Wales brought changes in accents and road signs. All The Cowan Murdoch Memorial Gym, situated in the the way up to playing field behind the school and open to the public out Machynlleth of school hours. FISHY FUN FOR DALRY NURSERY The Nursery have been back in session for a few weeks now, and the children have been busy learning about The Rainbow Fish. We have made a beautiful rainbow fish collage and now we are planning to take a trip on the Glenkens Transport Initiative minibus to Castle Douglas to go and buy our own goldfish. We also ordered the ‘Big Book’ of the Rainbow Fish from Dalry Library and the children visited the library to go and collect it, stopping to have a story with librarian Angela while we were there. David, Dalry school janitor, has been helping the Nursery children to set up a ‘BiOrb’ fish tank where our new fish will live and we are all very excited! Keep a look out in the December/January issue of the Gazette for our next adventure... Sabine Haynes, Nursery Teacher Nursery children on their visit to Dalry Library. Glenkens Gazette page 13 FoDSFest, Dalry’s first music and arts festival, took place on Saturday 3rd September - members of the Youth Writing Group review some of the highlights... FoDSFest: The Big Picture FoDSFest was organised as a fundraiser for Dalry School, and also to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the secondary and 85th anniversary of primary. For all ages, the festival was a community event showcasing local talent and included singing, dancing, ‘Tea in the Park’, ice cream, craft tent, kids zone, gymnastics show and tuck shop. Scope All about art The art tent at FoDSFest 2k16 attracted lots of young aspiring artists with its colourful exterior. Inside the tent there were mugs to paint and a storytelling session with local storyteller Anne Errington. But the fun wasn’t just on the inside, outside there was rain painting, which took advantage of the fact that it was raining, hard. At the end, one little boy was so covered in paint that he looked like a living work of art. Kid’s Zone Words: Sarah McCreath Pics: Fraser McCormick Terrific tuck shop In the little wooden shelter behind the school, there was a tuck shop selling glow sticks and 50p mixes, there were also big balloons and UV glow face and body paint. At the end of the day, while Scope was performing, everyone was waving their glow sticks in the air, and the balloons were flying everywhere. Glenkens Gazette Dalry School wasn't the only cause page 14to benefit from FoDSFest - Glenkens Children's Club and Playgroup raised over 300 pounds at their Tea in the Park tent, and Afghan Schools raised 50 pounds in the craft tent. FoDSFest was the brainchild of primary 3/4 teacher Jenna Devlin. Rachel caught up with her the week after the festival.... R: How long did it take to plan FoDSFest 2k16? Mrs D: It took nine weeks to plan FoDSFest, we started just before the school holidays. R: Would you like for FoDSFest to happen again? Mrs D: I would love to have another FoDSFest and lots of people have been asking for it to be an annual event. R: How easy or hard was it to plan? Mrs D: It was very hard to plan but I had a lot of help, at home and from the fantastic FoDS committee. R: How were you able to get everyone to play? Mrs D: We were able to get Scope to play at FoDSFest because the make-up artist for my sister’s wedding is Scope’s partner and the rest were not busy at the time of the event. R: How much did FoDSFest raise? Mrs D: At the moment it looks like FoDSFest raised in excess of 1,000 pounds for the school, this will benefit all children from Nursery right through to Secondary pupils. R: What was your favourite part? Mrs D: I love music so my favourite part of it was the live bands. R: If you could change anything what would it be? Mrs D: The only thing I would change is the weather and have sunshine instead of pouring rain! The amount of people that came to support FoDSFest on such a miserable day was incredible though. R: If you could have one person perform who would it be? Mrs D: It would be hard to choose but having Adele to perform would be fantastic. Mrs. Devlin would like to say a huge thank you to FoDS committee for helping. She would also like to say thank you to Eden festival and everyone else for helping to make FoDSFest happen. Rachel McCreath Logo by Kelsie Marshall FoDSFest sheep Glenkens Gazette page 15 Live Music At FoDSFest there were lots of music tents. One of the few performers I saw was called Mirren Thomson and she was in a band called Newton’s First Law, a punk pop band. My personal favourite was called Scope, a rapper. He played a lot of songs including ‘House in the Jungle’. At the very end Scope did some songs for people to join in too. He was so loud that everyone could hear him all the way from the other side of FoDSFest There was also a silent disco at FoDSFest. If you don’t know, a silent disco is basically a disco with headphones. Mrs Nash was one of the people running that tent. I didn’t spend much time in there myself but I know a lot of people enjoyed it. Mirren Thomson / Newton's First Law Kim Wheeler Blue and Friends Grace Temple Live music pictures courtesy of Matthew Turnbull Entertainment and Fraser McCormick Limerance There was lots going on at FoDSFest that we haven’t been able to include here... If you’re under 25 and interested in writing reviews, interviews or photography or if there’s anything else you’d like to contribute to the gazette let us know! Glenkens Gazette page 16 ediths.co.uk Arts and Crafts tent The arts and crafts tent showcased local craft, photography, charities and new enterprises such as Full Flex Audio, a local independent record label. Arran MacDonald-Kiernan interviewed stall holder Jade McCubbing, who has recently set up a business selling crafts and vintage table wear: When Jade McCubbing was young she made cards for everyone for no reason at all, just for kindness. She got a sewing machine when she was twelve. She taught herself through youtube how to crochet, designed a pattern for a pokéball and she also makes a range of special shelves for Minecraft and Lego figures. “I use loads of techniques like crochet, sewing and hand print and I work on up-cycled furniture and customised items. “When I get enough money I will have a shop - I have wanted a shop of my own since I was a child. I turned my bedroom into a shop when I was young. “I enjoy making girls things but I want to make more things for boys and more varied products following trends. “At FoDSFest the sales covered the cost and I made some on top, so I’m very pleased.” Jade says this for kids and adults alike: “Go for it. The internet is a fantastic way to learn new things - youtube is accessible to everyone these days.” Free tickets for under 18s with the Youth Access Scheme call 01644 420374 or visit catstrand. com to see what’s on Call 01644 420374 or email saral@catstrand.com Glenkens Gazette page 17 BALMACLELLAN REGENERATION Residents of Balmaclellan are excited about the prospect of improving the centre of their village which at present looks quite forlorn with an area of derelict land and dilapidated buildings. Balmaclellan Community Council has been awarded a grant by Big Lottery: Investing in Ideas in order to investigate ways of regenerating the village. The award is to encourage community engagement, investigate the feasibility of ideas put forward and create sustainability. The services of the Stewartry Council of Voluntary Service (SCVS) have been engaged and, by the end of September, a questionnaire will be sent to every household within the parish to find out the views of Balmaclellan residents. There will be public meetings for people to air their views and find out what others are thinking, and the children will also be consulted through the schools. The community would then be in a position to apply for further funding to develop these ideas which could include the development of the derelict land and dilapidated buildings in the village. A charity to be known as Balmaclellan Regeneration will be set up to organise and administer the project, and a website will disseminate news and give feedback during the project. So it’s all go in Balmaclellan and it is hoped that within a few years the village will once more have a thriving centre, making the village more attractive to current and future residents as well as tourists and visitors. HAGGIS HUNT doug@car2nist.plus.com Cosmetics, Skin Care, Health & Sports Nutritional Products all products are botanically-based, vegan, gluten & cruelty free To try before you buy, host an Arbonne Party, or for advice please contact your local Arbonne Independent Consultant, Katy Caie, on 07756 506 496 or visit http://catrionacaie.arbonne.com 20% off for new customers! Just quote GKARBONNE Arbonne Independent Consultant Chlidren took part in a haggis hunt after Church of Scotland congregations had a united family service in Dalry. Wright’s Shop & Post Office Dalry Licensed convenience store and newsagent stocking a range of local suppliers including Corsons and Irvings Bakers, Ballards and Dalmellington Country Butchers and Mitchells Fruit and Veg. Opening Times (both shop & PO): Monday to Friday: 7am – 6pm Saturday: 8am – 6pm Sunday: 8.30am – 4pm Tel: 01644 430 225 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 18 Charismatic Australian ‘MiracleWorker’ Visits Dalry to Heal the Sick A Personal View by Edmund Wise What puts the ‘St John’ into St John’s Town of Dalry? If your answer was the archaic saint then think again - this August an Australian evangelist and international ‘healer’, John Mellor, visited Dalry. His enormous social media presence says it all; YouTube videos show him ‘curing’ people with every ailment under the dreich sky, from cerebral palsy to infertility, through the power of prayer. Mellor, who will soon be the subject of a BBC documentary, has an increasingly large and dedicated following and is currently touring the UK, Switzerland, New Zealand and Australia with his wife Julie. They were invited by David Bartholomew and his wife Heidi to Dalry, the couple having been fans of his for more than five years. To his detractors he is a showman and fraudster, lulling vulnerable people into a false sense of hope. In the USA, ‘televangelists’ have earned sour reputations for similar practices. But to his supporters, John is different; he doesn’t require money and doesn’t demand a religious conversion, noted by the presence of a Muslim in the audience. All he demands is that we rid ourselves of our critical faculties and believe in God’s power to heal us. His niche popularity was keenly felt in Dalry. On both Saturday and Sunday, followers from Leeds, Glasgow and Newcastle came to be healed. “A significant number of people came from places outside of this area,” said David, acknowledging the disparity in the audience between locals and outsiders. “Some local people made it clear that they didn’t want to go.” Julie Mellor said that what attracts these people is his humility. Having originally begun as a missionary to the aboriginal peoples of Australia, he now flies all over the world to wherever there is demand for his healing. His humility can be keenly felt in his statements: “I have allowed the blind to see”. John’s abilities, he claims, have even prompted doctors to refer patients to him. However, he doesn’t perform miracles in hospitals, apparently due to medical protocol. This might be wise for the international health community: “Sometimes, peoples’ illnesses are a result of generational curses or witchcraft,” said John. But you needn’t be cynical because, according to Julie, her husband’s miracles have been noted by newspapers such as News of the World and The Sun. The event took place in two halves, the first of which could be surmised as a sales-pitch; John called up various ‘witnesses’ of his healing-powers from the audience. One such example was a young woman from Leeds who, after failing to fall pregnant for many years, went to John two years ago. He prayed for her and, low and behold, within 18 months she had a baby on the way. Another woman had a series of back and neck injuries from a car crash some years ago; after John prayed for her, she felt better. John then proceeded to call up members of the audience to give it a go, culminating in an out-oftown Asian woman falling down and weeping for the best part of 15 minutes, overcome by John’s enigmatic and rather overwhelming presence - or the love of God. Many, however, were reluctant to show such enthusiasm. A young man from Glasgow, suffering from irritable bowel syndrome and depression, was pressed by John as to whether he “felt better” upon being prayed for. Admitting that he felt slightly better, John couldn’t take lukewarm for an answer. “Has the pain completely gone?” “Um... well, no. Not really.” “Do you feel better, though?” “Well, yeah. I guess I do feel a bit better, yeah.” Some locals argued that he was putting words in peoples’ mouths. David Bartholomew acknowledged that: “It did sometimes feel that way.” Though Julie kindly informed the audience that healing can take up to 30 minutes, even a day or more, to kick in, so not to worry if nothing manifested immediately. Many locals were impressed by John’s work. Eddie Millar has suffered from great pains over many years, stating afterwards; “I’m able to move in a way I haven’t been able to before.” Rob, a local man, said that after suffering from a knee injury for 15 years, said he was able to move it for the first time. A local woman, who wished to remain anonymous, praised John’s work as “incredible”. Hail the new Saint John of Dalry...? JENNY’S Mobile Hairdresser • Home Visits • Nursing Homes & Residential • The Elderly & Disabled NVQ Level 3 Hairdressing, NVQ Level 4 Social Care Call Jenny on 07554 009 624 Glenkens Gazette page 19 ANCIENT RITES AND CUSTOMS OF THE GLENKENS: THE HOLE CEREMONY The origins of this ancient festival are lost in the mists of time. Each year around Beltane (the spring festival which coincides with the start of the tourist season along with its influx of cars, caravans, camper waggons, bikes, motorcycles and tour coaches), the Hole Ceremony takes place and continues throughout the summer in various locations across the region. The exact location of each ceremony is a closely guarded secret right up until the last minute when a group of participants (mostly strong youngish males) arrive and don the traditional, colourful costume consisting of heavy boots, bright yellow or orange jacket and shiny yellow head gear (this representing the sun). Selecting a suitable spot on the tarmac they begin erecting gaily coloured barriers, tapes and cones and, at each end of the site, they place triangular artwork depicting a man having difficulty opening an umbrella (representing rain, of which we occasionally have a little in this area). After a few more decorative touches, including pretty blue circles with white arrows on them (to represent the sky and the four winds) have been artistically placed, the final embellishment arrives. Two poles, not unlike maypoles, are borned in and erected one each end of the site along with the umbrella man. Each one is topped by an enchanting array of ever-changing coloured lights; green, amber, red and amber and back to green again. Finally, when all is in place and a long line of vehicles is assembled on either side, the age-old tradition of DIGGING THE HOLE begins. This can take several days as there are frequent stops to perform the Tea Ceremony. Mugs are brought out and a toast is drunk to the Hole Deity. Passers-by stop to admire the hole, offer advice and chat and everyone adopts the traditional stance of hands-inpockets or leaning-on-shovel, depending on which role they are playing in the festivities. Car and lorry drivers who have been waiting around watching the lovley coloured lights wind down their windows and engage in light-hearted, pantomimestyle banter with the participants each indicating that the other is a) educationally challenged or b) should go forth and multiply (I have not used the exact words for fear of infringing copyright). After a few days of fun and enjoyment the hole is filled in and the whole (excuse the pun) entourage moves on to a new hitherto secret location to delight yet another community. If you are lucky you may encounter a hole with a picturesque little redand-white striped tent perched above it into which only the initiated are allowed. While its true significance is unclear, some believe it to be a shrine to the Great God Telecom. How the exact sites are chosen is shrouded in mystery; perhaps it is related to ley lines, forces of energy, ...indicating that the other is a) educationally challenged or b) should go forth and multiply... A&B Welding & Fabrication ANDREW SINCLAIR 21 TOWNHEAD CRESCENT ST JOHN’S TOWN OF DALRY CASTLE DOUGLAS DG7 3UR 01644 430 332 / 07896 168 724 andyandbevsinclair@yahoo.co.uk alignment with the sun or stars, or sticking a pin into a map with eyes closed. Of all the recent Hole Ceremonies, most entrancing was the one held in New Galloway outside the CatStrand. How lovely that it was held so close to our own Community Arts Centre, and what a delight to visitors to the tea shop sitting outside in the sunshine enjoying their tea and cakes to have such a grandstand view. They were able to tap their feet to the energetic rhythm of the pneumatic drill and inhale the enticing aroma of the diesel generator. Another at the junction of the Ken Bridge and the A713 encouraged timber lorry drivers turning right off the bridge to join in a game of ‘betyou-can’t-get-that-vehicle-round-thistight-corner-without-backing-up-atleast-twice’. What fun they had. Long may we preserve these delightful old folk traditions which enrich our otherwise wearisome lives here in the countryside. Sue Wiseman, observer of wildlife, folk customs and life in general Glenkens Gazette page 20 Photo of the Issue Sponsored by the Ken Bridge Hotel Competition judges Dave and Sue from the Ken Bridge Hotel chose Loch Doon Beltie by Sara McNeill as this issue’s winner. “Once again difficult to choose!! We feel the Belted Galloway is the winner this time.” Sara wins a meal for two at the Ken Bridge Hotel’s renowned Sunday Carvery. POLITICS AND POSTBOXES For many hundreds, if not thousands, of years the messengers of Kings and Emperors have carried some personal correspondence in addition to their official duties but it was not until 1516 (500 years ago this year) that a formal mail system was established in Britain. in mainland Britain was erected in Carlisle in 1855 and others were erected across the country in the following years. Since the early days of post boxes, they have mostly featured the royal cypher of the reigning monarch as shown on the accompanying photo of a rare surviving Victorian box in Midtown, Dalry or the George VI box from New Galloway. When the present queen ascended the throne in 1952 this presented a problem because a number of people with (shall we say) strong views on the subject asserted that she was not Queen Elizabeth II but was in fact the first Queen Elizabeth of Scotland. Several post boxes were But there were no post poxes (or pillar boxes) until hundreds of years later. Without postage stamps there was no simple way to prepay postage, and letters had to be handed in at Post Office counters. That all changed in 1840 when postage stamps (initially with the Penny Black) were introduced. James Chalmers of Dundee is often held to be the inventor of the postage stamp. The first pillar box attacked in 1952 over the use of the Queen’s regnal number (II) with one in Edinburgh being damaged by an explosive device. The compromise solution is that Scottish post boxes now bear the Scottish Crown instead of the Royal Cypher and this may well continue when the Duke of Rothesay (Prince Charles) ascends the throne with whatever name he eventually chooses. It is believed that he is unlikely to become King Charles III because of the associations with Charles I and II; his grandfather ‘Bertie’ took the name George, becoming King George VI. Politics and the post have always been intertwined, whether it is about privatisation or the attempted renaming of Royal Mail to ‘Consignia’ – who can remember that fiasco? But one puzzle remains; why is the recently erected post box opposite Dalry Police Station missing its crown? Was it forgotten? Removed by some ne’er do well? Or removed by someone with strong republican views? Paul Goodwin Youth Players Christmas Panto The CatStrand Youth Players’ sixth annual pantomime will be presented on Thursday 1, Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 December. The 2016 show is Little Red Riding Hood by Paul Reakes and includes some twists to the traditional story; all the expected characters make an appearance but be prepared for a few surprises along the way! Tickets were in great demand last year, with three sell-out shows, so please book early to avoid disappointment. Call the CatStrand Box Office on 01644 420 374 or book online at www.catstrand.com Glenkens Gazette page 21 ABBAS REST COFFEE MORNING Our annual coffee morning in aid of Abbas Rest orphans will take place on Saturday 15 October in Dalry Town Hall, from 10am to 12noon. We do hope that you will once again support this event. Funds are still badly needed as repairs to old buildings at Chiringa are needed and, owing to the problems with the water supply there, a borehole will probably be needed in the future. The one at Muona has made life easier both at the Centre and for all the surrounding local families. None of these things would have been possible without funds raised by coffee mornings and other fundraising events. We would be very grateful for any donations towards the raffle, bottle, cake and bric-a-brac stalls, or cash donations, as well as any help you can give on the stalls or in the kitchen. We look forward to seeing you - for further info please contact Avril Brown on 430 526 or Barbara Colbenson on 430 090. On the Covenanter trail: members of The Glenkens Story history group gather beneath what remains of the Earlston Oak where Covenanter Alexander Gordon hid from the pursuing Government dragoons. The group’s latest field trip, led by David Bartholomew, visited several Covenanter sites including the Holy Linn and Dalry Kirk. The next Glenkens Story event is a talk at CatStrand on Sunday 23 October by Lizanne Henderson on Witch Belief in Galloway & the Glenkens. For more information on the group’s activities email theglenkensstory@gmail.com Children at the Abbas Rest orphanage. 350th Anniversary of Glenkens Uprising On November 13, 1666, in the midst of the Covenanting persecution, there was a clash in St John’s Town of Dalry. Four Covenanters attempted to rescue an old man being tortured by Government soldiers. One soldier was shot. The incident escalated rapidly and ended with a rebel Covenanter army marching on Edinburgh, only to be crushed in the hills outside the Capital at Rullion Green. For this reason the revolt has gone down in history as the “Pentland Uprising” but the story actually starts in Dalry. 350 years later, on 13 November 2016, that story will be told again in Dalry by The Glenkens Story history group. The Rev David Bartholomew will describe the circumstances prevailing in the Glenkens when the event occurred and its escalation into full-blown revolt. Professor Ted Cowan will outline the impact of the uprising on the history and politics of Scotland, an impact still felt to this day. The event will be held at 2.30pm in Dalry Kirk. Admission free. CHRISTMAS COFFEE MORNING St Margaret’s Ladies’ Guild and Balmaclellan & Kells Guild are holding a Christmas Coffee Morning. This year it will be held on Wednesday 7 December in New Galloway Town Hall from 10.30am to 12noon. In addition to coffee, shortbread and mince pies there will be stalls, a tombola and a lucky dip. Please come along and support this joint venture. Glenkens Gazette page 22 Who Do We Think We Were? This month features Margaret Pringle, now living in Dalry, who grew up in Edinburgh. You can see her at the Sunday School picnic she describes in the photo to the left, kneeling among the other children, in the centre of the group, wearing a rather smart jacket. The Sunday School picnic will no doubt evoke memories among many readers. If you are inspired to write 500 words of your own reminiscences on any topic, please send them to WDWTWW at CatStrand, or email to margaret. elphinstone@dircon.co.uk. Next month’s piece will be by Gene Pick from Balmaclellan, writing about life in Ullapool just after the war. MEMORIES OF CHILDHOOD I was ten years of age when the war started. I remember what life was like before that. Entertainment was provided by the radio, or wireless as it was known, cinema, and theatre. As children we used to go to the cinema matinee on Saturday and watched mainly Westerns, which were very exciting and noisy, but I remember watching King Kong which was a bit scary. Once a year we were taken to the Kings Theatre to see the Christmas pantomime, a special treat. Most deliveries were made by horse and cart. The LNER railway stables were multistorey, the horses walking from one level to the next up wide ramps. At the top end of Leith Walk, near London Road, there was a big water trough. It was there that, if a New Galloway Golf Club Sunday School picnic, near Edinburgh, 1938. Margaret Pringle is the young girl in the smart dark jacket in the centre of the picture. horse had pulled a heavy load from the docks, the waiting Clydesdale would be hitched in tandem to help pull the load further up the hill. St Cuthbert’s Co-op delivered milk by horse cart and I would go down with an empty bottle and a token which I exchanged for a full bottle. I always took the horse a piece of bread or a carrot. Public transport was provided by trams and there were not many private cars in the streets. Telephones were used in businesses but there were few privately owned. At school we played communal games in the playground, such as skipping with a long rope held by two who would turn it whilst chanting a rhyme. The participants running in singly to skip and then out followed by the next in line. Other games were tig (tag), hide-and-seek, kick-the-can and peevers (hopscotch). At home we played board games - ludo or monopoly - cards, and listened to the wireless. Without the distractions of modern IT we had time to think, to talk face to face, and to play outside. At the weekend in the summer, Family and friends coming to stay? Short of space? www.nggc.co.uk Cosy country cottage available (sleeps 4) Buggies now available for hire Call Fiona on 01644 420 227 Founded 1902 - 01644 420737 VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME www.covenanters-holidaycottagescotland.co.uk our parents would take us to play in the park whilst they would sit at the bandstand listening to the brass band. The Sunday School picnic was a highlight of the summer. We would all troop up to the local railway station where, amidst great excitement, we would travel a few miles out of town, get off at some small country station and walk to a field set aside for the occasion. We would dash off to explore and let off steam, with dire warnings not to fall in cow pats. Mothers would settle down to unpack the food and relax, just in time for our return with ravenous appetites. We didn’t drink cool drinks except on high days and holidays, when Irn Bru and lemonade were rare treats. After lunch we would have the races, a hundred yards, sack race, egg-andspoon, three-legged and then played rounders. I remember one occasion in particular when, having stood too close behind my brother who was batting, I received a glancing blow on my eyebrow which resulted in much blood and consternation, but fortunately not much damage. Margaret Pringle FHB Fencing Dalry Domestic and Agricultural Fencing 01644 430 495 (Peter) or 07767 795 498 (Jonathan) Glenkens Gazette page 23 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN THE GLENKENS COTTON KINGS Most of us are familiar with such famous engineers from the 18th and 19th centuries as James Watt, George Stevenson, William Murdoch, Thomas Telford and John Rennie who designed the Ken Bridge. Much less well-known, and hitherto virtually ignored or forgotten in their native glen, is a remarkable collection of individuals who are the subject of a most welcome new publication by William D Kennedy. Readers will probably be relieved to be assured that he has self-confessedly not produced a scholarly work, laden with footnotes, but an accessible story of four families from the Glenkens who made a crucial and massive contribution to the Manchester cotton trade. The family of William Cannan (1743-1825) rented Shiel farm on the Glenlee estate. William’s sister, Mary (d. 1768) married James McConnel (1729-1809) of Hannastoun; their son was also James McConnel. The Murrays, Adam (1767-1818) and George (1761-1855) lived in New Galloway. John Kennedy (1769-1855) was the third son and fifth child of Robert Kennedy of Knocknalling (1730-1771) and his wife Margaret Alexander (1728-1801). As John records in his ‘Early Recollections’, Knocknalling was a small estate north of Dalry purchased by his grandfather, described as a shopkeeper in New Galloway and a baillie of the burgh. Grandpa had the reputation of settling disputes by advising the parties to sort out matter over a pint of his ale. ‘Tak a pint an agree’ apparently became a local proverb. John’s father had attended Edinburgh University and could presumably be considered genteel but he suffered from depression and a lack of finance. Margaret Alexander told her sons that ‘to work and learn a trade was the way to become independent . . . that with some mechanical skill we should find employment in every part of the world’, advice with which thousands of Scots could, and would, agree in the Age of Enlightenment, the great era of enquiry, discovery and learning in which Scots played such a prominent part. All of these young Glenkensians were similarly affected. William Cannan apprenticed as a joiner in Kells and in 1772 sailed to Whitehaven and Liverpool fetching up in Chowbent outside Manchester, where he practiced as a joiner and machine maker. He soon took a business partner who was also from Glenkens, James Smith from Skeoch establishing the company of Cannan & Smith. The Murray brothers followed serving apprenticeships of £70 million. When cotton was king, the Manchester kings of cotton were from the Glenkens! However they did a lot of business in Glasgow and Paisley as well. All of these families also intermarried. Most of them kept in touch with their Galloway roots. John Kennedy succeeded to Knocknalling when his brother, David, who married Margaret of Dalshangan, died. He also acquired the farms of Blawquhairn, Mains of Earlston and Midpark of Milton, which he renamed Milton Park, remodeling the house. He endowed Polharrow school. He planned a cotton mill at what the author, seemingly reflecting contemporary usage, consistently names Arngibbon Bridge, where he also built a joiner’s shop and a smithy. Amidst all this success it would have been easy for the author to appear unduly triumphalist but to his credit he notes the downside of cotton as well: the creation of dark satanic mills, temperatures between 80 and 90 degrees, tyrannical managers and last but certainly not least, unemployment due to mechanisation so politicising the workforce. His title is not helpful since it does not convey what the book is about, a rich treasure trove of historical information about Galloway and Manchester, the men and their wives who linked the two places, including the speeches and pamphlets of John Kennedy, and the superb illustrations throughout, very many in colour. The sketches by John Kennedy Cannan of members of the family are particularly appealing. There is a great deal of information about the Glenkens in this book, some of it quite difficult to retrieve. An index would have helped. But there is no reason why the author should do all the work! William Kennedy is to be congratulated on his achievement, which will prove of great value and interest to many and which is most deserving of a wide audience. The book, priced at £35, can be ordered online through Amazon. ...four families from the Glenkens who made a crucial and massive contribution to the Manchester cotton trade. seven years to become A&G Murray. James McConnel, Cannan’s nephew walked from New Galloway to Chowbent. Another recruit was John Kennedy and probably his younger brother James. All trained as artisans in the cotton industry, specialising in the improvement of machinery to improve output, designing new equipment and manufacturing their own fabrics. In 1809 A&G Murray was the largest operation in Manchester with McConnel & Kennedy coming second. Their entrepreneurial skills were outstanding. They kept pace with an industry experiencing phenomenal expansion while endlessly improving technology. There is good evidence in this excellent study that many other folk from the Glenkens found employment in Lancashire, women as well as men. The companies survived the crash that came about on the outbreak of the American Civil War, which is estimated to have cost the industry Ted Cowan Glenkens Gazette page 24 CORSEGLASS SCHOOL With Dalry School having just celebrated its 50th anniversary of the secondary and 85th of the primary, the Gazette will take a look at some of the Dalry parish schools past and present. The first is Corseglass school, the ruin of which is situated along the Lochinvar road. The school was set up to provide education to the children of the hill farmers and shepherds of the area north and north east of the parish that could not easily get to the Dalry Free School. Even with such a school closer to the children it served, we have records of small children walking up to four miles over the hills along sheep paths, falling into flooded brooks and getting soaked to the skin by rain before repeating the ordeal at the end of school. Their education and a nice warm coal and peat fire was their reward. Our first reference is from 1844 when the Rev George Paterson reported that there were 12 pupils at the school with the Master’s salary of perhaps £20 per year. The Dumfries and Galloway Standard of 27 October 1858 informs us that Grants were being awarded to a number of schools in Dumfriesshire and the Stewartry to allow them to award School Prizes in July 1859. Corseglass was mentioned as one of them. The School Log Book from 1873, the beginning of local authority control of the Public, rather than Parish, School still exists. A weekly summary of events was to be provided by the Headteacher and the amount of information recorded varied considerably from teacher to teacher. However, we have the complete set right up to the closure in 1929. Anna Campbell in her book, Glenkens Schools Over The Centuries, extracted a few. In the 1881 Ordnance Gazetteer it was described as having been built they collected 7 shillings [35p] to buy for 37 children. We do have evidence tobacco and cigarettes for the soldiers that there once were as many as Christmas gift boxes. Both of these 48 children squeezed into the tiny commodities were highly prized and schoolhouse. appreciated by the soldiers. Dry feet We do have a reasonably complete kept trench foot at bay and prevented list of the Masters at the school, a great deal of pain and the risk of with an odd piece of detail on some amputation. Tobacco helped the men from the Presbytery and Educational get through the tedious routines records from Russell. One particularly of the trenches and to bear the interesting entry is: “...Mr John discomforts of hunger and cold with Guthrie, who was appointed in 1874 greater fortitude. The 7 shillings and was in office for about sixteen raised would have provided about 30 years… He became latterly the victim packets of fags. An impressive effort of hallucinations and had to be for such a tiny school. dismissed.” The School closed in 1929 and it is The Annual HMI Report of 1900 worth recording the last entry from praised the children for their Friday 10 May: “My appointment as educational progress but commented Head Teacher terminates today with on the great problem for schools like the closing of Corseglass School… Corseglass - irregular attendance due The pupils of this school are being to bad weather and the distance that conveyed by moter to Dalry School.” many children had to walk to and The school has long since gone but from school. the ruined walls are still visible today In January 1915 the Dalry School - pictured above. Board complained to the Parish Bruce Smith Council about the problems of flooding on the road outside the School. The Council proposed no action. In April of the same year the flooding was worse and pupils were prevented from attending. The School Board were rather less than impressed with the attitude of the Council. In common with most schools and organisations throughout the country, the children of Corseglass made Dumfries & Galloway their contribution to the war effort during the Great War. In September 1914 the log book records the children knitting socks for the Offices in Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie soldiers in the Kirkcudbright and Dumfries trenches. In December 1916 Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents 01556 503744 www.ggblaw.co.uk All legal advice Glenkens Gazette page 25 Glenkens Gazette page 26 OCTOBER & NOVEMBER SEPTEMBER Wed 28, FILM: Under the Skin, 7.30pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Thurs 29, New Galloway Community Shop & Hub, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall Fri 30, Charioteer Theatre & Teatro Milano Present: A Bench on the Road, 7.30pm, CatStrand, New Galloway OCTOBER Sun 2, RANT, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 7, The Course of True Love, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 14, Eduardo Niebla Experience, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 15, Abbas Rest Coffee Morning, from 10am to 12noon, Dalry Town Hall Fri 21, Sirocco Winds Quintet, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sun 23, Glenkens Story: Witch Belief in Galloway& the Glenkens, 2.30pm, CatStrand Wed 26, FILM: The Cabinet of Dr Caligari, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 28, The Man Who Followed His Legs (and Kept on Walking), 7.30pm, Dalry Town Hall, Ages 10+ Mon 31, CatStrand Halloween Party, 6pm–8pm, CatStrand NOVEMBER Thu 3, FILM: Hamish (PG), 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 4, Darcy DaSilva ALBUM LAUNCH ‘Delicacy’, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sunday 13, 350th Anniversary of the Glenkens Uprising, 2.30pm, Dalry Kirk. Admission free. Fri 18, Alasdair Roberts Trio, 7.30pm, CatStrand Wed 23, FILM: James and the Giant Peach, 10am, CatStrand Wed 23, FILM: The Grump (12), 7.30pm, CatStrand Sun 27, Rob Heron and the Tea Pad Orchestra, 7.30pm, CatStrand DECEMBER Wed 7, St Margaret’s Ladies’ Guild and Balmaclellan & Kells Guild Christmas Coffee Morning, New Galloway Town Hall, 10.30am12noon THANK YOU The Glenkens Gazette would like to thank the Glenkens Community Shop for their grant of £500 and Carsphairn Renewable Energy Fund Ltd for their grant of £300. This kind of support is very gratefully received and without it the Gazette would not be able to continue. Glenkens Gazette page 27 REGULAR EVENTS CatStrand, New Galloway: Exercise to Music: Mon, 10-11am Margaret Morris dance 1: 3-7yrs, term-time Mondays, 3.45-4.30pm Margaret Morris dance 2: 816yrs, term-time Mondays, 4.305.15pm Access All Areas Youth Arts - Making Music: Please phone CatStrand to book session. Gentle Tai Chi: Wed, 10am, 60+ Glenkens Writing Group: First Wed each month 3-5pm Sing it Out: Thurs, 11am -12pm CatStrand Ukes: Thurs, 1pm – 3.30pm 60+ Choreographic Skills Lab: Thurs (term-time), 7 - 8.30pm ages 12-18 Zumba Gold: Fridays (term-time), 10-11am, CatStrand, 16+ Saturday Art Club: twice a month, 10am–12noon, to book call 420 374 Catstrand Youth Players: Sun during term time, 2pm Glenkens Acoustic Sessions: last Sun of the month, 2-4pm Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry, (contact Kath on 430 281): Paint & Art: Mon, 1.30-4.30pm & Wed, 7-9pm GCC Playgroup: Tues, Wed & Thurs, 9.10-11.40am, contact Sue on 07709 929 482 Guides: Tues during term-time, 6.15pm, contact: Kath 430 281 Good Neighbours’ Club: Tues, 2pm Brownies: Wed, 5.30-6.45pm Kickback Martial Arts: Thurs, 79pm Thursday Craft Group: Thurs, 24pm Glenkens Children’s Club: Fri, 10am-12noon New Galloway Town Hall: LING Lunches: Tues, 11am-2pm Indoor Sports: Tues, 7-9pm (from September) Zumba: Wed, 7.30-8.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall, 11+ Hard of Hearing Drop-in: First Fri each month, 10am-12noon Various Locations: Ballroom & Latin Dance: Mon, 7.30pm, Castle Douglas Primary School Carsphairn Post Office: Tues, 13pm, Lagwyne Hall Beavers: Tues, 6–7.15pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Glenkens Community Councils Balmaclellan Community Council Meetings: 4th 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. Quiz Night in Balmaclellan CHURCH TIMES 7.30pm: Village Hall. 13 Nov, 11am: Choir in Balmaclellan Church. 11 Nov, CHURCH OF SCOTLAND Sunday Services - Balmaclellan 12noon: 1st. Balmaclellan 10.30am 5th(Oct), Carsphairn 10.30am: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th. Dalry 12noon 2nd (Nov), 3rd, 4th. Kells 10.30am: 2nd(Oct), 3rd, 4th. Special Services/Events: 2 Oct, 10.30am: Harvest Thanksgiving, Carsphairn Church, 12noon: Harvest Thanksgiving, Balmaclellan Church, followed by Harvest Lunch in village hall. 9 Oct, 10.30am: United Family Service for Dalry and Balmaclellan & Kells Church in Kells Church. 30 Oct, 10.30am: United Service with the Ceremonies at New Galloway and Balmaclellan War Memorials, followed by Remembrance Service in Kells Church. 27 Nov, 7.30pm: Scottish Night, Dalry Town Hall Communion Service: 23 Oct, 12noon, Dalry Church. 6 Nov, 12noon, Balmaclellan Church. 20 Nov, 10.15am, Carsphairn Church 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 Dog Training: Tues & Thurs, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. Contact: Eric 460 670 Wednesday Quiz Night: Wed, 8.30pm, Cross Keys Hotel, New Galloway Stewartry Camera Club: Wed, 7.30pm, Ringford Village Hall, runs Wed 11 Sept till end Mar Mossdale Painters: Wed, 9.30am, Mossdale Village Hall Cub Scouts: Wed, 6.45–8pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Coffee & Craft Morning: Thurs, 9am-12noon, Lagwyne Hall Youth Writing Group: Thurs (during term time), 3.30-5pm, ages 10-15, Dalry School Scouts: Thurs, 7–8.30pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Gentle Tai Chi: Fri 10-11am, Dalry Town Hall To hire the MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) behind Dalry School call Sonja Tranter on 430 244 or Nicolette Wise on 430 218. Dalry Library Temporary Hours Tue: 12noon - 3.30pm Fri: 10am - 12noon & 1pm - 4.30pm There are 23 mobile library stops - to find out where and when please phone 430 234. 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 USEFUL NUMBERS: ● Pot-hole Hotline: 0845 276 0000 ● Local Police: 0845 600 5701 ● Doctor: 01644 420 234 ● NHS 24: 08454 24 24 24 ● D&G Council: 030 33 33 3000 Glenkens Gazette page 28 2016 TOUR OF BRITAIN CYCLE RACE COMES TO THE GLENKENS It has been 10 years since the popular Tour of Britain Cycle Race came through the Glenkens on its way from Glasgow to Castle Douglas, which also hosted a stage finish for the 2005 race. The original concept of the ‘Tour of Britain’ dates back to 1945 as our own version of the famous ‘Tour de France’. The Glenkens rarely gets the opportunity to be part of a major national event like this. The sun shone (intermittently), and the bunting was up. In Dalry the Clachan Inn and the Town Hall provided refreshments for all. A good turn out welcomed the cyclists on their ride through Carsphairn and up along the high road. They came down Main Street in Dalry (see photo) to a huge cheer from the gathered crowd before all too quickly disappearing out along the A713 via Parton and Crossmichael towards the stage finish at Castle Douglas. The atmosphere was really great and we are delighted to have been part of such an experience. The only negative was that we had little or no advance contact from Dumfries and Galloway Council, the Tour organisers Sweetspot Group Ltd, or Police Scotland so we could have been better prepared for the day. Other regional authorities seem to have done much more 15% 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 NOVEMBER to involve all their communities along the route. Hopefully it will be less than 10 years before we have the opportunity to welcome the Tour of Britain to the Glenkens again. Andi Holmes, Dalry 15% 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 96 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GG_096 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 2016 Description An account of the resource Editor: Sarah Ade