8 10 155 https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/1/231/GlenkensGazette85.pdf 24dae3dcf72004a42abc647f13ea6f57 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 85 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 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:  <a href="mailto:glenkensgazette@hotmail.com">glenkensgazette@hotmail.com</a> The Glenkens Gazette is a member of, and regulated by  <a href="https://www.impressorg.com/">Impress</a>. The Glenkens Gazette is an initiative of Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (SC032050) and represents the voice of the community (not necessarily the views of GCAT). 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 2014/15 ISSUE 85 FREE DALRY TREASURE HUNTER WITNESSES VIKING FIND A metal-detecting trip with friends turned into an historic occasion for Glenkens minister, David Bartholomew of Dalry, when one of his companions, Derek McLennan, unearthed a Viking treasure trove. The find is one of the largest Viking hoards ever discovered in this country and has excited experts worldwide. It includes a uniquely wide range of articles including gold, silver, glass, enamel and textiles. The location on the fringes of the Glenkens is being kept secret. Stuart Campbell, head of the National Museum of Scotland’s treasure trove unit, said: “This is a hugely significant find, nothing like this has been found in Scotland before in terms of the range of material this hoard represents. There’s material from Ireland, from Scandinavia, from various places in central Europe and perhaps ranging over a couple of centuries.” Finding the Treasure - read David Bartholomew’s report on p7. Photograph: This silver Carolingian pot, possibly the largest ever found, was part of the hoard. Carsphairn Young Shepherds Win Awards Rebekah (age 14) and Reuben Philips (age 12) of Carsphain enjoyed the Scottish Smallholder and Grower Festival in Lanark. Reuben came first in the Rare Breeds Survival A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) ini�a�ve Trust young shepherd competition with his sister Rebekah very close in second. Rebekah also came second in the young goat handler competition and third in the milking goat competition. Reuben will be going on to the UK final next summer. Rebekah will be broadening her skills and experience as she takes on the training of a working collie, alongside doing her work experience at a large working farm. Rebekah and Reuben attend Dalry School. www.glenkensgaze�e.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 2 Strong Support for Shop A proposal that the local community should buy the shop in New Galloway has received substantial backing in a survey of residents. 132 local people, over 80 per cent of those surveyed, completed questionnaires. 130 respondents backed the idea and 26 people offered practical help. A steering group is now seeking advice and assistance from the Plunkett Foundation and the Community Ownership Support Service which specialise in aiding community initiatives. Visits are planned to community shops already operating in Auchencairn, Carsphairn, Palnackie and elsewhere to learn from their experiences. As reported in previous Gazettes, Jim and Margaret Hopkins, the shop’s owners, are planning to retire and wish to sell the shop. For further information contact Helen Keron on keronh@me.com Watson Bird Festival Fun The Watson Bird Festival, attracted many visitors over the weekend of 19-21 September. People flocked to visit the events on offer including an art exhibition with local and more renowned artists. Live performances, science talks and - a definite favourite - a live owl display, where people could interact and get to know real live owls! The purpose of the festival is to celebrate the work of Donald Watson, a keen birder and wonderful artist. Project Officer Lynsay Bradford said; “In generating a festival, we can however the project would like create community involvement to promote events throughout as well as reach further afield the year to generate more local to people including artists and interest and widen the audience scientists.” further afield, to help promote the importance of Donald’s work. The event ran over three days with a successful opening of the exhibition on the Friday evening. Saturday and Sunday were filled with events that appealed to many people of all ages and abilities. The Raptor Science prize was well attended with Dutch speakers Ben Koks and Raymond Klaassen, promoting their Satellite tracking journal papers. The Watson Bird Festival is an annual event; Murdo and Esme enjoying the owl display. CHRISTMAS COFFEE MORNING Town Hall from 10.30am to 12noon. St Margaret’s Ladies’ Guild and In addition to coffee, shortbread and mince pies Balmaclellan & Kells Guild are holding there will be stalls, a tombola and a lucky dip. a Christmas Coffee Morning on Please come along and support this joint venture. Saturday 6 December in New Galloway Joan Walker The Galloway Raiders GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE The S.R. Crockett online literary society. Member discounts on all Crockett books and ebooks from Ayton Publishing Ltd. General Medical & Dispensing Services 257 8 200 0184 FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL Join now at www.gallowayraiders.co.uk (membership is free) The Surgery High Street New Galloway 10% pensioner discount available � 01644 420234 � Glenkens Gazette page 3 by the Ken Photo of the Issue: Sponsored Bridge Hotel This issue’s winner is Finlay Carson with this view over Loch Ken. Dave and Sue, competition judges and owners of the Ken Bridge Hotel, said: “We had so many lovely shots to choose from we just couldn’t decide this time. After much deliberating, this tranquil view over Loch Ken seemed to really stand out”. Finlay wins a meal for two at the Ken Bridge Hotel’s renowned Sunday Carvery. Abbas Rest Fundraiser Thanks A coffee morning held in Dalry in aid of Abbas Rest Orphanages in Malawi raised £672.71. We would like to thank all the people who supported us in so many ways with donations towards the sales table, raffle, bottle stall, baking and money donations. We would also like to thank all the people who staffed the stalls and helped in the kitchen, waited on tables and provided transport as, without you, this would not have been possible. We were very pleased to welcome Jim Walsham, the treasurer for Abbas Rest, as well as Madge Irving, one of the trustees, who had recently returned from a visit to the orphanages. This visit was to review how we can best develop, and continue to deliver, the support our donations provide. Our thanks once again, Avril Brown and Barbara Colbenson Support for Observatory The Knowe Bed & Breakfast, Carsphairn, opened for business in August 2013 and proprietor Karen Hall quickly noticed that much of their custom came from visitors brought in by the Dark Sky Park. a fabulous new night-reflective sign to help direct visitors to the observatory from the Loch Doon Road. It seems many of their Tripadvisor reviews had mentioned the lack of signage and that some guests heading to the observatory had even got lost, making them late for their session! The staff at The Karen said: “Over the last 14 months I have noticed many of our bookings have been in association with The Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park, which as you know is an amazing addition to our already beautiful area. Many of our guests are staying at The Knowe B&B in order to visit the Forest Park and/or The Scottish Dark Sky Observatory near Loch Doon. As the Observatory are charityKaren Hall with David Warrington, run and rely on donations to Astronomer at the Scottish Dark Sky support them, I offered to donate Observatory, with the new sign. Observatory were thrilled at my offer and several weeks later the sign is now up and directing visitors perfectly and without fuss to this fabulous facility.” On accepting the sign Mark Gibson of Craigengillan Estates said: “As a registered charity and relatively new business we are delighted to know that one of our stated ‘Core Aims’ - re-generation of our local area - is clearly being fulfilled and that visitors are not only visiting our area to attend the observatory but are choosing to stay for longer. We are thrilled to know that the business we are generating is assisting other local businesses and that working together in attracting visitors to the area has provided tangible benefits on both sides. We are delighted to receive this nightreflective sign, donated by The Knowe B&B, and hope that we can continue to work closely with them and other local businesses in the future.” 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 quantity of egg boxes, only used once. Contact: Jean on 420 372 Board game - ‘Triology’ - never been used so all cards, discs etc in place. Call 430218 Jigsaw puzzle murder mystery ‘Death by Diet’, no pieces missing. Call 430218 WANTED Hot water storage tank, tin sheets. Contact: Simon on 07426 124 982 Filing cabinet for Dalry Community Council (2 or 3 drawer preferred over a 4 drawer, but any will do). Contact: 430 255 Child’s bike seat to suit 3/4yr old. Initially to borrow please to see if she likes it! Contact: 430 120 Gent’s wind-up pocket watch. Contact: Jean on 420 372 Life-saving Equipment in the Glenkens Dalry Community Council has recently bought a defibrillator for the village, to add to the one currently housed in Dalry school. Carsphairn has a defibrillator which is kept in the village shop, and in New Galloway the Catstrand houses one. The Galloway Activity Centre on Loch Ken also has one, so between them these simple devices could massively increase the likelihood of surviving a cardiac arrest. Training organised by Dalry CC in October was very well attended and delivered some simple but important messages about heart attacks and cardiac arrests. Heart attacks are serious and painful but you may be able to function through them. If you feel that you are having a heart attack, ring for an ambulance immediately as some heart attacks culminate in cardiac arrest. At this point, every minute of delay in getting 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 � the heart working properly again reduces the chance of survival by 10%. Manual cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can help, but the best thing is to get to a defibrillator. Defibrillators are sophisticated devices that administer a controlled electric shock to the heart, effectively ‘jump-starting’ it back into normal operation. However, they are also extremely simple to use. Even if you have never used one, if you know where to find one in an emergency and can turn it on it will then speak to you and direct you through all the actions you need to take. It is important to note that you cannot hurt someone by mistake with a defibrillator. If they are unconscious but have a healthy heart, it will not shock them. Some tips to remember if you suspect someone has had a cardiac arrest are: - Check it is safe to approach them (cardiac arrest can also be caused by electrocution - don’t join the casualty list) - Try and rouse them - Shout for help and send someone for the nearest defibrillator - Listen and look for normal breathing by putting your ear over their mouth and looking down towards their chest. - If they are not breathing, ring 999 and request an ambulance immediately. - Start CPR until the defibrillator is available - Turn the machine on. It will then instruct you on what to do. The most important thing is to remember that this equipment exists and where your closest one is. Access will be easy, because time is of the essence. For further information, and details of where the Dalry Community Council set will be located, contact Andi Holmes on 430 255. There will also be more training events arranged locally - watch out for them on posters and Facebook. Glenkens Gazette page 5 sponsored by Recycle Locally with Glenkens Schools DALRY: Dalry School has had a few containers that have been collecting various items for recycling. One of the containers was for old spectacles. These can be sent via a charity for reuse by people in need in developing countries. We are proud to be sending a contribution of 19 pairs off. Thank you to everybody that donated. We continue to collect batteries and printer cartridges for recycling and are about to send off the mobile phones that were being collected to allow another defibrillator to be purchased. Please send any of these items into school that you would like added to the recycling bins. KELLS: To enable Kells School to keep their Rag Bag Bin, which raises funds for the school, they need to collect over 600kg of clothes each year to keep the puposebuilt bin in the school playground. for the school to lose the Rag Bag Bin service so let’s make sure we support them. if Gazette readers would keep the bin in mind when they have any old clothes, shoes or blankets which would otherwise go in the rubbish, Kells Primary would be very grateful. Shed Shout-out The Glenkens People’s Shed (see article on back page) would like to put a shout-out for donations of hand tools - items like saws, screw 220kg was collected in drivers, hammers, etc would be September, which generated gratefully appreciated. Please get £88 for the school, and another in touch with Brian Jones at the uplift is planned for December. CatStrand (420 374). It would be a terrible shame Glenkens Gazette page 6 GOLF CLUB New Galloway Golf Club finished the season in style when the dinner and prize presentation evening took place at the Ken Bridge Hotel. The season was celebrated by the Lady Captain and Gents Captain presenting the cups and trophies to the winners. Marena McClymont was the most successful lady player whilst Alex Long and John McQueen were the pick of the gents section. The Senior Section goes from Winners with their cups and trophies. strength to strength 7.30pm in the Clubhouse. and Terry Haine The club is always on the look won the Alan Walker Memorial out for new members so if you Shield. Alex Long also celebrated want to get fit in 2015 then being called up into the South why not give us a call - 01644 of Scotland squad. The annual 420737. Jeff, general meeting of the club takes Captain & Match Secretary place on Thursday 4 December at BOWLING This year is the first time in the history of Spalding Bowling Club that husband and wife have won the Gents Champion and Ladies Champion in the same year. The annual prizegiving. The champions were John and Elizabeth Peacock, with Sandie Harvie and Moira Jones as runners-up. Eliz Peacock Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents Selling properties across Dumfries & Galloway 01556 503744 www.ggblaw.co.uk All legal advice Offices in Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie Kirkcudbright and Dumfries Glenkens Gazette page 7 CatStrand Update Festivities begin with the fantastic Mike Vass on 5 December for an evening of contemporary folk accompanied by Innes Watson of The Treacherous Orchestra. doon, have a (free!) mince pie and some mulled wine, and enjoy the music. Aleksander Kudijczyk will make his third appearance at the CatStrand on 14 December. He will perform a solo Chopin recital. It wouldn’t be Christmas without a Christmas film and This pair represent a new wave of folk musicians making a stir in Scotland - mixing technology with trad they create a sound like no other that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They will perform a collection of relaxed compositions written with December in mind so coorie Mike Vass this year Miracle on 34th St (1947) will give you that warm fuzzy feeling. Share this classic with the whole family on 19 December. We bring in the New Year with an exhibition from The Glenkens Art Workshop - come and support this local art group and see some of their brand new work. This will be the group’s third exhibition at the CatStrand and it is highly anticipated as always (the exhibition launches on 8 January). The CatStrand Team For full listings see brochure or www.catstrand.com To book tickets call 01644 420 374. And don’t forget to ‘like’ us on Facebook. CatStrand FINDING THE Youth Players TREASURE The fourth annual Youth Players’ Panto will be Sinbad the Sailor by Paul Reakes. This promises to be a fun-packed pantomime for all the family with plenty of audience participation and comedy moments. Our hero Sinbad, sets off on the good ship ‘Golden Hawk’ to the Island of Zalabar to rescue Princess Yasmin from the clutches of the evil magician Vazar. Despite the attempts of Black Hook and his nasty pirates, Sinbad tries his best to carry out his mission helped (and sometimes hindered) by the Captain and his hapless First Mate as well as the ship’s cook, Dame Semolina Sinbad, and her troublesome pet monkey Monty. Will Sinbad succeed in his quest? The cast will take to the stage on Friday 12 and Saturday 13 December at 7.30pm, with an additional matinee performance on Sunday 14 at 2pm. Tickets are available from the CatStrand Box Office priced at £6 for adults and £4 for children - all three performances were virtually sold out last year so please book your tickets early to avoid disappointment. After Christmas, the company will switch their attention to the 2015 One Act Play Festival hoping to repeat their recent successes at the Stewartry round and make their fourth appearance at the West of Scotland Finals. Continued from front page...David said: “What a privilege to be there as the hoard was unearthed – first an upper decoy hoard, which in its own right was quite remarkable; and then four inches or so below it the main hoard which included a large Carolingian silver pot which has still to be emptied of its contents. What is even more remarkable is that this find was made on the fringes of the Glenkens.” The hoard also includes an early Christian silver cross, which may have been taken by the Danish Vikings when they plundered the monastery of Lindisfarne. Many incredible artifacts were found, and even the cloth in which the silver pot was wrapped for its preservation was remarkable. The treasures were all taken up to the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. It will take time however for the whole story to be told. Four arm rings and a silver ingot having just been unearthed. Glenkens Gazette page 8 CASTLE DOUGLAS FOOD BANK It’s tough for some families these days with the cost of living rising all the time. It is with this in mind that I invite you to consider supporting Helping Hands Food Bank in Castle Douglas. Together we can make a difference. The food bank is run from 3a King Street, Castle Douglas (on the big roundabout opposite the old Station Hotel). It is set behind the houses and accessed by a short drive, and is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11am to 12noon. The project runs on a ticketbased system and currently tickets are available via health visitors and district nurses at the Garden Hill Medical Centre. They may also be available through the Glenkens Medical Practice. A ticket entitles the bearer to collect food from the Food Bank. If it is established in consultation with the agencies that there is an ongoing need, a further ticket will be issued for the following month, and so on. Are you able to buy an extra can of soup or packet of pasta, a tin of meat or a jar of sauce? Non-perishable items for the Food Bank can be left in the Community Shop, Dalry, at the CatStrand, or at the local shops in Dalry, New Galloway, Balmaclellan and Carsphairn; also at local churches at the time of Sunday morning worship. They can also be left at a collection point in the Co-op in Castle Douglas. If anyone has enquiries about obtaining emergency food they are encouraged to contact New Life Church on 01556 505 855 and leave a message for a call back. David Bartholomew Treasurer Jean Marsden comments: “Newspaper and television accounts daily reveal the horror of so many people’s lives and we felt strongly that we must do something to help. Part of the remit of the Ladies Guild is to help those less fortunate than ourselves and due to our various fundraising activities we are pleased to have been able to make a substantial donation”. Photograph: From left to right, Jenny Repath, Jean Marsden and Christine Rankin of the Ladies Guild, and Lorna Porteous and Olive Bell from Dumfries and Galloway Red Cross, receiving the cheque outside St Margaret’s Church in New Galloway. St Margaret’s Ladies Guild Digs Deep for the Red Cross At the recent AGM of the St Margaret’s Ladies Guild, the plight of refugees in the Middle East and those suffering from the ebola epidemic in Africa was discussed and it was unanimously agreed to make an immediate donation of £800 to the Red Cross to help in their humanitarian work in these areas. The Clog & Shoe Workshop unique handmade footwear The Fleet Fish van is in the Glenkens on Tuesdays & Wednesdays every week. Anyone wishing me to call, please phone Mary on above mobile no. Christmas Deliveries order forms available fleetfishfruitandveg@gmail.com www.facebook.com/fleetfish www.fleetfish.co.uk open 10am - 5pm weekdays Easter Mon to 31st October please ring to arrange a visit at other times Tel: 01644 420 465 visit our new online shop at www.clogandshoe.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 9 A DECADE ON THE BUS Keith Cooper, administrator for the Glenkens Transport Initiative (GTI) for almost a decade, has decided to hang up his keys and the Glenkens Gazette wishes him all the best in his retirement. The first few years are probably the most important time for any new project as foundations are laid for the future. In the early days GTI was reliant on government funding and passenger numbers were very low. To have reached the position we are today where the initiative is financially self-sustainable, and last year over 5,000 passengers were carried, means that the foundations have been well and truly set. I recently received an email from the secretary of the Scottish Community Transport Association saying that GTI was an example to all community transport initiatives in Scotland on what could be achieved from small beginnings to the benefit of a rural community with limited public transport. We must never forget that in a rural community transport must always be the main priority because without it people suffer from social exclusion, are unable to get to hospitals, shops, places of interest and meet other people, and their health and quality of life deteriorates. I have always been very grateful to Cathy Agnew and the Glenkens Community and Arts Trust (GCAT) board at that time for having the foresight to buy the first minibus and forming and supporting GTI in its early days. The Clachan Inn Dalry Food served daily from 12noon to 2pm & 6pm to 9pm New winter menu now available Log fire, real ales, en-suite accomodation Live music events Open for Christmas Day drinks from 12noon to 2.30pm Now taking bookings for our Christmas menu - and don’t forget our Christmas party on Friday 19 December with a live band in the bothy! 01644 430 241 mail@theclachaninn.co.uk www.theclachaninn.co.uk Much of the recent growth of GTI has been the result of the link with Dumfries & Galloway Council and the support received from them has been invaluable. Finally, I must thank Bob Peace, Brian Edgar and all of the GTI committee who have helped me over recent years, all the volunteer drivers who have kept the wheels turning and, last but not least, those people in the Glenkens who make regular use of the wonderful asset you now have. I was told by Bob Peace to enjoy my retirement by “walking the legs off my dog, getting my golf handicap down and keeping out of Susan’s way”. I can think of no better way of achieving the last than by carrying on driving the bus from time-to-time, which will also allow me to keep in touch with many of you. Best Wishes, Keith Cooper Glenkens Gazette page 10 Developing Talent for the Future The Pentathlon is an event which combines the five sporting disciplines of pistolshooting, fencing, swimming, horse-riding and running. GB Penthalon recently sponsored a Biathlon in Annan Sports Complex as part of a nationwide programme to encourage under-nine-yearolds up to under-17-year-olds to compete. William Nash, a P7 pupil at Dalry School, competed in the under-12-year-old category. He ran 800 metres in two minutes and 57 seconds, coming in joint-first. The second event took part at Annan swimming pool where William had to swim 50 metres, where he came in fourth. Those that had competed in this event will find out in January if they qualify for the next round which will take place in London. William Nash with his winning medal. Dalry CARSPHAIRN SCHOOL REPORT School We are well into another wonderful year at Carsphairn Primary. We try our best to bring our learning outdoors, and this year is no different. So, the pupils thought the best way to introduce our new headteacher, Jenny Smith, to our parents, carers and community as a whole was to invite everyone on a local hike together. We were very lucky to have Elizabeth Peacock from Walking for Health safely guide us for the three hour hike up to the old lead mines in the hills behind our school. It was a great day, enjoyed very much by everyone that took part. To continue along with our ‘outdoor learning’ theme this term we had countryside ranger Elizabeth Tindale visit the school to continue our Forest School programme. We have been building fires and different types of shelters, and even cooking. Our pupils enjoy being presented with opportunities to work with fire and sharp cutting tools, which if mishandled could obviously be dangerous. However, outdoor learning gives pupils an opportunity to identify potential risks and hazards themselves, so they learn to make safe decisions in a controlled environment. Finally, we must also quickly mention halloween and some of the wonderful costumes that the children wore to school. Our wee monsters, zombies and princesses had the chance to show their true colours! Brilliant costumes and scary stories showed what young, imaginative minds and a little hard work are capable of producing. Tech Club Dalry School Technology Club is now in its seventh season and is proving more popular than ever with a total of 23 members attending the first session. This season is more popular than ever with a total of 23 members attending the first session. For the first time, these came from all three of the Glenkens Primary schools plus Dalry Secondary. It is a credit to the pupils that they want to come along after school to find out more about the information and communications technology that increasingly affects us all in our daily lives. The Club always focuses on state-of-the-art technology and over the years has introduced many pupils to their first look at smartphones, tablets and other developing technology. This season we will cover 3D printing, setting up a home network, and threats to the internet, amongst other subjects. Glenkens Gazette page 11 Glenkens Gazette page 12 Glenkens Gazette page 13 Glenkens Gazette page 14 Glenkens Gazette page 15 SERAFINA WINS BOOK COMPETITION Serafina Green from Dalry Primary recently won the Primary Award in the 2014 Reading Zone Picture Book Competition. Serafina’s picture book, Xandra Wants a Dog, was considered to be outstanding by the judges. It was selected as the winner of the primary category by author and illustrator Guy ParkerRees. He said: “ Wonderful illustrations and bold splashy washes made this book a real winner. I loved the imaginative use of photography and the thoughtful observations and details. Very well done Serafina.” Kells Children Raise Over £1,000 Pupils in primary seven at Kells Primary raised £1178.18 by hosting a Macmillan Coffee Morning at the Cross Keys Hotel in New Galloway. Students planned and advertised the coffee morning and served parents and friends of the school on the day. They also made collection tins for local businesses to collect donations for the charity. The pupils would like to thank everyone from the local community who supported the event. Zane Gray Health and Well-Being Moves are afoot in the Glenkens to help us all develop the motivation and desire to become healthy in every sense - physically, emotionally, socially and mentally. Young people who are being educated within the framework of Curriculum for Excellence have health and well-being up there with literacy and numeracy as being fundamental to success. Everything we can do as a community to enhance these aspects will support the development of our young people. Leading by example is the most effective method. A recent Dalry School assembly was based on the quote “A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step”. Young people are being encouraged to build their personal fitness levels and to see it as being something achievable by persistent effort in the right direction. Maybe that’s a good place for us all to start. Jenny Smith, Glenkens Partner Headteacher W BONE WHB JEEPS THE GARAGE, DALRY PETROL & DIESEL SALES SERVICE & REPAIRS MOTs, TYRES, BATTERIES ALL AT COMPETITIVE PRICES OPEN 8.30AM - 6.00PM (SIX DAYS) 10AM - 6PM SUNDAYS - FUEL 24 HOURS SHOP • SANDWICH BAR • LOTTERY Tel: 01644 430208 Fax: 01644 430669 jeeps@whbjeeps.co.uk www.whbjeeps.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 16 Memorial to Rob Watson Sharing On the beautiful sunny Knowledge evening of Thursday 25 An Ayrshire and Arran tourism team has been visiting Carsphairn Heritage Centre on a learning journey visiting heritage and community groups en route to the Isle of Whithorn. The visit was organised by Julie Sloan. The 19 members of the group represented Ayrshire College, Dundonald Community, Girvan Visitor Information Centre, Biosphere, Ballantrae Development Company, Ailsa Horizon and Ladyburn B&B. Joyce Hunter Blair and Ruth Williams welcomed them and answered many questions from the setting up of the heritage centre to how we deal with windfarm people. They were also interested in the volunteering system which successfully runs the centre. September, a granite memorial to the late Rob Watson, estate manager at Forrest Estate for almost 50 years, was formally unveiled. Rob had been head forester and then estate manager at ‘The Forrest’ since January 1953 until his eventual retirement in 2002. It had been his childhood dream to create a forest and that dream was fulfilled at Forrest Estate, a place he loved dearly. As well as being in charge of the forestry operations, he was also responsible for the planning and construction of the many roads and bridges which traverse the estate, one of which is named after him. In addition he oversaw the development of the three hydro-electric schemes and was instrumental in developing �� • Pensions • Savings • Investments • Retirement Options • Inheritance Tax Planning • Life Assurance • Income & Critical Illness Protection • Mortgages • Home Insurance Free Confidential Initial Consultation Tel: 01671 403080 Fax:- 01671 402549 Email: brian.edgar@marrfinancial.co.uk Web: www.marrfinancial.co.uk 61 Victoria Street NEWTON STEWART, DG8 6NL **NEW** Yorkshire Building Society Agency – Now Open Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. For mortgages we can be paid by commission or a fee of usually £300 or a combination of both. For Home Insurance we usually offer products from a limited panel of providers. the farming enterprises for the estate. Rob and his wife Mary had moved to the Glenkens from Northumberland in 1953 and Mary was also very much involved in the running of Forrest Lodge house. Employees past and present who had worked on the estate over the years with Rob, Mr and Mrs Fred Olsen, representatives of Fred Olsen & Co, and several of the Olsen family attended the evening. Rob’s family was represented by his daughters, Marjorie and Margaret, his grandchildren, Hannah, Henry, and William, and his sons-in-law, Jack Pringle and Jeremy Sainsbury. The memorial is sited at the head of the glen between Forebush and Burnhead bridges and looks up to Shinmount. Aileen McLeod MSP working for you across the South of Scotland Postal address: Unit 7 Loreburn Shopping Centre High Street, Dumfries, DG1 2BD Email: aileen.mcleod.msp@scottish.parliament.uk Tel: 01387 255 334 Please check www.aileenmcleod.org for regular surgery, constituency and parliamentary updates Glenkens Gazette page 17 GAZETTE BOOK GIVEAWAY In this issue of the Glenkens Gazette we have three wonderful local books on offer as a festive giveaway. Crockett compiled by Cally Phillips (Q3) are all up for grabs. All you have to do is answer a question related to the theme of the book to be in with a chance of winning...The questions are: 1 - Find a photograph all in aprons (give the page number) 2 - Where was the spectral sighting mentioned in one of the articles in this issue? 3 - Where is S R Crockett’s memorial situated? Please either send answers to: Glenkens Gazette, CatStrand, New Galloway, DG7 3RN or email glenkensgazette@hotmai l.co.uk Good luck and best wishes for the year ahead! Sarah Ade, Editor, Glenkens Gazette Galloway and beyond. 100 years after his Gifted in the art of natural death, the first new description, Crockett paints in collection of stories prose. In the selection chosen for A Cameronian Christmas and by S R Crockett since Winters’ Tales he gives us 1909 has been released aOther seasonal treat that will last long and brings together into the darkest days of winter. While we are all familiar with some of his fictional Dickens’ transformational and writing about the redemptive Christmas stories, Crockett offers us porridge in place Christmas period and of turkey and snow in place of a winter season in rural roaring hearth – and our spirits are somehow the better for it. S R Crockett was born at Little Duchrae, Laurieston, in September 1859 and died in April 1914. He was a prolific writer of historical adventure romance stories of Galloway as well as further afield. Find out more about S R Crockett and his Glenkens connections by joining The Galloway Raiders at www.gallowayraiders.co.uk or purchase a copy of the book at www.aytonpublishing.co.uk Zero Footprint by Leeming & Paterson (Q1), The Galloway Highlands by Dane Love (Q2) and A Cameronian Christmas and Other Winters’ Tales; S.R. A Cameronian Christmas THE KEN BRIDGE HOTEL New Galloway Bargatton Sand & Gravel Supplying sand and gravel for all your farming needs, as well as households and businesses both large and small. Open 7 Days - Beautiful Riverside Location MEALS SERVED 12.00 - 2.00pm, 5.30 - 8.30pm Bed & breakfast en suite accommodation 01644 420 211 mail@kenbridgehotel.co.uk www.kenbridgehotel.co.uk NEW WEDDING BROCHURE NOW AVAILABLE We stock washed fine sand, coarse sand and gravels at competitive prices. For further details contact: Angus Wilson, Quarry Manager - 07715 606 685 James Mair - 07793 085 243 Email: loch.bargatton@live.co.uk Bargatton Quarry, Laurieston, Castle Douglas, DG7 2PS Open 7 days Mon-Fri Weekends by arrangement Delivery can be arranged - subject to quantity Glenkens Gazette page 18 DALRY CHOCOLATIER Eco Talks Dalry resident Suzanne Dawson has just set up a new business designing and creating artisan chocolates. Suzanne and her husband Jonathan have lived in the Glenkens for 10 years, during which time Suzanne has been inspired by the abundance of handmade products in the area. She undertook her training in chocolate making in February 2014 and upon returning set up Cocoa Kalula. The fledgling company prioritises selecting the best raw ingredients and you can be assured that every Cocoa Kalula chocolate is handmade by Suzanne at her home in Dalry, offering unprecedented colour and taste sensations which delight the palate. Suzanne says: “Cocoa Kalula’s ethos is ‘luxury is all about how you feel’ and after eating our chocolates you will appreciate the difference”. Presently Suzanne is working on her chocolate designs and packaging for Christmas - get in touch if you would like to make a Christmas order: you can contact Suzanne on 430 461 or s.dawson984@btinternet.com Suzanne Dawson with her range of Cocoa Kalula chocolates. The South West Association of Nature Conservation (SWANC) have announced their winter programme: Jan 22 - How Climate Change is Affecting our Wildlife: are birds, butterflies and beetles having to change their habits or homes? Feb 26 - Small Homes, Huts, and Cabins – How to Live Lightly in the Country: what are the rules? What are the problems? When does a hut become a home? Mar 26 - Getting On and Off the Beaten Track: regional experts discuss new ways of improving rural transport, so we can become a bit less reliant on our cars. Apr 23 - The Beavers are Back: is this good news? Do they upset fisheries? Are they a menace? Talks are held at the Ken Bridge Hotel at 7.30pm.For further information please contact mas@craigfarm.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 19 The Great War – 100 Years On One hundred years ago, the Great War was in full swing. Regular soldiers had all gone off with the British Expeditionary Force to France and Flanders (Belgium) and the Territorial Battalions had been mobilised and gone off for training – the local 5th Battalion of the Kings Own Scottish Borderers was in Tillicoultry preparing to go to the front. A big recruiting campaign was going on to get all fit and able bodied men to enlist which they were doing in large numbers. On top of this, large numbers of horses were being conscripted. This meant that most of the farm and estate work had to be done by women, children and men too old to fight, and then with not enough horses to do the job. The middle classes and better paid workers would have had staff at the time and these were leaving either to join the Army or to fill the gaps left by those joining up. Life was changing fairly rapidly in the Glenkens and, as it turns out, life would never return to the way it was before. The Glenkens had lost its first son on 14 September 1914 when Captain Augustus Ernest Cathcart of the Kings Royal Rifle Corps was killed in France. He is buried in Paissy Churchyard. His family were from Yorkshire but his Scottish home was Brockloch near Carsphairn and the family owned the lead mines at Woodhead. His brother was killed in the Boer War and is commemorated on a plaque on the rear outside wall of Carsphairn Church. Augustus was 39 years old when he was killed and left a widow and a six month old daughter. Captain Augustus Ernest Cathcart is remembered on the Carsphairn War memorial and at ALEX FERGUSSON MSP FOR GALLOWAY & WEST DUMFRIES Holds regular advice surgeries at: Constituency Office, New Market Street, Castle Douglas, DG7 1HY on the 2nd Friday of every month from 5pm Telephone free on 0800 028 7260 for an appointment or to make any alternative arrangement. You can visit Alex’s website at: www.alexfergusson.org.uk or contact him by e-mail at: alex.fergusson.msp@scottish.parliament.uk his old school, Eton. If you have photographs or family details of any WW1 soldiers commemorated on local war memorials, please contact Paul Goodwin on 01644 430 062 or memorials@paulgoodwin.m e.uk so they can be included in future articles. Paul Goodwin Captain A E Cathcart Wright’s Shop Dalry - we would like to wish all our customers all the best for the Festive Season Licensed convenience store & newsagent, now including Dalry Post Office. Festive Season Opening Times: Christmas Eve: 7am - 5pm Christmas Day: closed Boxing Day: 8am - 1pm Hogmanay: 7am - 5pm 1st January: closed 2nd January: 8am - 1pm Normal Opening Times (both shop & PO): Monday to Friday: 7am – 6pm Saturday: 8am – 6pm Sunday: 8.30am – 4pm Christmas hampers made-to-order Tel: 01644 430 225 Glenkens Gazette page 20 A Winter’s Ghost Story A little-known murder mystery surrounds a farm in the Parish of Balmaclellan. On the 1 June 1529, a letter was received at the court in Haddington describing the “slaughter and murder” of a man named Donald McEwin at Corse Farm. In the letter seven men and three women were named as being accountable for the killing. Archivists are still working on this story and we don’t yet know if any further particulars of this case have survived. The letter refers to “ Hew Johnsoun, Master and his assignes one or more – of the gift of all and sundry the goods movable and unmovable tackle, steadings debts and others whatsoever which pertains to John Cairns in Cassenvey in the Parish of Balmaclellan. Andro Colyn his servant, Dungall Cairns brother to the said John. Cuthbert McKill, John Makmullan servant to the Dungall, Jonet Cairns, Bridok Cairns, Sythock Hair, Gilbert Makgympseis and Jonet Cannan and now pertaining or any shall happen or pertain to our Soverain Lord and his estate through being of the said persons fugitive from the law and at the horn [an outlaw; rebel against the King] for art and part of the slaughter of Donald McEwin in the Cors of Balmaclellan.” This story was relatively unknown within the Parish but an interesting episode occurred some years ago. A testimony was given from a young man who told of an eerie event he had witnessed early one morning while staying at Corse Farm. He explained he had been woken by whistling which he had thought was a cockerel at first. He got out of bed and went to the window where on opening the blind he looked out and saw a horse and rider, followed by four horses pulling a hay cart, a man was driving the horses, and another was in the cart with hands bound and a chain around his neck. A small group of people, about 10 to 15 were walking behind the cart carrying torches. They were mainly men but also one or two women wearing long greyish skirts, and wearing bonnets. They followed a road that was not the same as the existing road and which continued through the farm dykes. The witness said he heard murmuring noises as the group moved from behind the house towards The Craig. He watched them for about a minute and a half as they went around the corner. He added “I could still see the glow, but then it vanished.” We don’t know if there is any connection between this ghostly vision and the history of the murder at The Corse, but it is certainly an unusual coincidence describing the group of men and women and the one poor soul bound by chains in the hay cart slowly being taken off to some unknown fate. Bill Blyth, Blowplain Farm If anyone has any further information about the ghostly sightings at Corse Farm, the Gazette would like to hear from you. The Glenkens Story Update Next March it is planned to launch ‘The Glenkens Story: sharing our history’ with a gathering to celebrate and share the research already being undertaken by groups and individuals. Everyone with an interest in the history of the Glenkens is welcome to take part. (See the last edition of the Gazette for details). We are already laying plans for a programme for later in the year including another event celebrating the life and work of S.R. Crockett as well as visits to local sites of various historic significance. If you have information or interests to share or suggestions to offer please contact Ted Cowan, Lizanne Henderson (420 839), Mike Brown (420 267) or Tom Carlisle (420 750). Further details will appear in the next Gazette. New Galloway shops: Since requesting information in the last Gazette more details are emerging of shops in the area. After reading the recent appeal, Christina Hockey, who moved into Columbine on New Galloway High Street three years ago, reported that she had found the sign for McLellan’s bakery which had once operated from the house (see picture). If you can help with this project please contact Avril Bridgeman on 420 438 Transcribing Robert Heron: Ted Cowan is looking for help in transcribing the diary of Robert Heron. “I have a photstat of the diary of Robert Heron of New Galloway, man of the Enlightenment, polymath, and first memorialist of Robert Burns; it has never been published. A small remuneration is available for anyone locally who might be interested in transcribing it (the hand is not difficult and I can do the awkward bits).” If you can help, contact Ted on 420 839. Glenkens Gazette page 21 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN Darkness Visible The United Nations has proclaimed 2015 ‘The International Year of Light’. While the main theme will be the application of light science and technology to future developments, it will also celebrate the achievements of individuals such as Parton’s James Clerk Maxwell (18311879). Maxwell, born in Edinburgh, was brought up at Glenlair where he conducted some of his earliest experiments. In a lecture entitled ‘A Dynamic Theory of the Electro-Magnetic Field’, presented to the Royal Society of London he announced, “We have strong reason to conclude that light itself - including radiant heat and other radiation, if any - is an electromagnetic disturbance in the form of waves propagated through the electro-magnetic field according to electro-magnetic laws”. The paper, published in 1865, has since been hailed by those qualified to judge, including Max Planck and Albert Einstein, as one of the greatest breakthroughs in nineteenth-century science. Maxwell’s theories may be beyond the comprehension of many of us, but we all have ideas about light. The earliest verses of Genesis are very familiar: ‘And God said, “Let there be light.” Since the beginning of time humankind has striven to extend the day, pushing back against night’s darkness. Despite dire and pertinent warnings about future power shortages we all take light for granted. We seldom stop to consider that the extension of illumination, which we now enjoy through such projects as the Glenkens Hydro Scheme, marks one of the greatest differences in the everyday experiences of our ancestors and us. For most folk over the centuries activities requiring light ended at sunset. Dwellings of the Galloway poor were said to be as dark by day night and pall thee in the dunnest smoke of hell”. In reality the majority could not afford outdoor lights, which were in any case unreliable, just as candles indoors, if used at all, were beyond the means of most. Locals used to collect rushes from the shores of Loch Ken. Gathered in high summer, the plants would be thrown into water to keep the peel supple before it was removed, leaving the pith intact. The piths or cores were then bleached and dried for about a week after which they were dipped in scalding fat until saturated. Rushes made from tallow, usually evilsmelling mutton fat, were said, by a man in 1911 who used to make them when younger, to give a dismal light; “darkness visible”. Today one electric light bulb supplies the equivalent of 100 candles. Movies or dramas on historical themes always show the sets as far too richly lit. When folk told tales of Fairyland they always remarked on the brightness of the illuminations in the fairy court. Such conspicuous brightness equated with fabulous wealth, dismissed by canny Scots, including no doubt the frugal Glenkensians, as “sheer extravagance”. All the best for the Festive Season - may your days be merry and bright! Ted Cowan Since the beginning of time humankind has striven to extend the day, pushing back against night’s darkness. New Galloway Golf Club as by night; central hearths and a ‘lumm’, or hole in the roof, created a near impenetrable internal fog of smoke. Another legacy of God’s binary organisation was the notion of light as good and darkness as bad, the latter haunted by spirits, monsters and the Devil himself, as well as thieves, murderers, adulterers and drunkards. Those occasional nights of pure Galloway darkness, which render the wayfarer quite blind, and feel almost physical in their oppressiveness, are reminiscent of Lady MacBeth’s, “Come thick 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 22 DECEMBER & JANUARY DECEMBER Thu 4, NG Golf Club AGM, 7.30pm, the clubhouse, New Galloway Fri 5, Mike Vass, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 6, Film: Frozen, 3pm, CatStrand Sat 6, Christmas Coffee Morning, 10.30am-12noon, New Galloway Town Hall Sat 6, Santa’s Grotto & Christmas Craft Fair, 10am4pm, New Galloway Town Hall Wed 10, Open Stage, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 12, Christmas Dance, 8pm, New Galloway Town Hall (see ad below) Fri 12 & Sat 13, CatStrand Youth Players Panto, 7.30pm, CatStrand see p7 Sun 14, Glenkens Church Choir Carols by Candlelight, 6.30pm, Balmaclellan Church Sun 14, Aleksander Kudajczyk, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sun 14, CatStrand Youth Players Panto, 2pm, CatStrand (see p7) Fri 19, Film: Miracle on 34th Street (1947), CatStrand Fri 19, Clachan Christmas Clachan Fair All things change and so it is planned to change the Clachan Fair too. To spread the fun in 2015 we’re having a few events through the year to raise money for a more traditional Clachan Fair in 2016. There will be something for all ages so keep your eyes open for details. We’d love more ideas and help so if you feel you could do this please contact Party, The Clachan Inn, Dalry JANUARY Thu 8, Exhibition: Glenkens Art Workshop, CatStrand opening hours, CatStrand Fri 16, Carsphairn Burns Supper, Lagwyne Hall Thu 22, SWANC Talk: How Climate Change is Affecting our Wildlife, 7.30pm, Ken Bridge Hotel, see p18 Sat 31, Dalry Burns Supper, see below Sonja Tranter on 07912481454 or rwilkie@toucansurf.com One way everyone can help is with the raffle. If everyone in Dalry sold some tickets to family and friends we would have a really good fundraiser. There will be a raffle in 2015 and tickets should be available sometime in the new year. Dalry Burns Supper Returns After a gap of over 10 years we are to re-introduce a Burns Supper in Dalry. This will take place on Saturday 31 January 2015. The main speaker at this will be Mr Chris Rollie from Dalry who is very well known in Burns circles. We hope to have this event every two years, on alternate years to Dalry School’s Burns Night. Please keep these dates in your diary. Jean Lockerbie Glenkens Gazette page 23 REGULAR EVENTS CatStrand (New Galloway): Exercise to Music: Mon, 10-11am Ukelele Group: Mon, 11.15am, 60+ Ukelele Improvers, Mon, 1pm, 60+ Free Computer Training; Beginners & Improvers: Mon (starting 4 Nov), 1.30pm Margaret Morris Movement Adult Dance Class: Mon, 2.30-3.30pm, contact Sara on 01556 612854 Children’s Dance Class: Mon during term time, 3.45-4.45pm age 3-7, 4.30-5.30pm ages 8-15 Let’s Cook: Tues, 10am Carers’ Coffee & Chat: Tues, 10am-12noon Teen Spirit: Tues during term time, 7-8:30pm (P7-S3) and 8-9:30pm (S3+) Gentle Tai Chi: Wed, 10am, 60+ Sing it Out: Thurs, 11am -12pm Pilates: Thurs, 4.15-5.15pm & 5.30-6.30pm Glenkens Acoustic Sessions: last Sun of the month, 2-4pm Glenkens Community Centre (Dalry): (contact Kath 430 281) Glenkens Children’s Club: Mon & Fri, 9.30-11.45am Paint & Art: Mon, 1.30-4.30pm & Wed, 7-9pm Ballroom & Latin Dance Class: Mon, 7.15, for more info call Sam Rushton on 420 672 GCC Playgroup: Tues & Thurs, 9.20-11.50am, contact keronh@me.com Good Neighbours’ Club: Tues, 2pm Kickback Martial Arts: Thurs, 79pm Thursday Craft Group: Thurs, 24pm Brownies: Wed, 5.30-6.45pm Guides: Tue during term-time, 6.15pm, contact: Kath 430 281 Various Locations: Afternoon Tea Club: 2nd Fri each month, 2pm Saturday Art Club: 2nd Sat each month, 10am–12noon Zumbatomic: last Sat each month,10-10.45am Catstrand Youth Players: Sun during term time, 2pm Texas Hold ‘em Poker: Mon, 7.15pm, Cross Keys Hotel, New Galloway Mother & Toddlers: Tues, 9.4511.15am, New Galloway Town Hall Beavers: Tues, 6–7.15pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Dog Training: Tues & Wed, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. Contact: Eric 460 670 Bowling for Beginners: Wed, Balmaclellan Community Council Meetings: 3rd 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. Knit & Blether Club: last Fri each month, 2pm, 60+ Glenkens Community Councils Full minutes of local Community Council meetings can be viewed at Dalry Library. CHURCH OF SCOTLAND: Sundays: Balmaclellan: 12noon 1st, 4th, Carsphairn: 10.30am 1st 2nd 3rd 4th, Dalry: 12noon 2nd (Jan) 3rd 4th (Jan), Kells: 10.30am 2nd 3rd 4th (Jan) Special Services/Events: 6 Dec, 10.30am: Guild Coffee Morning, New Galloway Town Hall. 14 Dec, 10.30am: United Family Service, Kells Church. 14 Dec, 6.30pm, Carols by Candlelight with Glenkens Church Choir, Balmaclellan Church. 23 Dec, 5pm: Carsphairn Church Community Christmas Service & Children’s Party. 24 Dec, 11.30pm: Watchnight Service, Dalry Church. 25 Dec, 10.30am: Christmas Day Family Service, Carsphairn Church. 28 Dec, 10.30am: United Service with Choir, Kells Church. SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH: St Margaret’s, New Galloway: Holy Communion, 10.30am every Sun & Wed CATHOLIC CHURCH SERVICES: Gatehouse of Fleet: Sat, 6pm. Kirkcudbright: Sun, 9.30am. Dalbeattie: Sun, 11am 7pm, Spalding Bowling Club, Dalry (opposite The Garage) 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 Zumba: Wed, 7.30-8.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall, £4 Mossdale Painters: Wed, 9.30am, Mossdale Village Hall Cub Scouts: Wed, 6.45–8pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Carsphairn Post Office: Thurs, 9.30-11.30am, Lagwyne Hall Coffee & Craft Morning: Thurs, 9.30-12noon, Lagwyne Hall D&G Hard of Hearing Group Drop-in: 1st Friday each month, 10am-12noon,New Galloway Town Hall on the first Friday of every month. Scouts: Thurs, 7–8.30pm, New Galloway Scout Hut 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 Tue: 2-4.30pm & 5.30-7.30pm Fri: 11.15am-1:15pm & 2-4.30pm. 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 24 GLENKENS PEOPLE’S SHED Work is progressing on the Glenkens People’s Shed, a new opportunity for everyone in the area to practice and learn woodworking and other skills. With the kind permission of the owner, a section of the Old Smiddy in Balmaclellan is being adapted to house the Shed which is part of the Connecting in Retirement Big Lottery four-year project. Work on the Shed is progressing well and insulated partitions and new electrics are in place. Benches and a range of tools are being procured, some donated or grantfunded. Two activities are scheduled to start by the end of this year. One is the resurrection of the wood carving class that used to be run in Dalry School by Bill Wiseman. The other activity will be wood turning and it is hoped to have two lathes in place and appoint a tutor for people who want to try their hand. The Shed movement - originally ‘Men’s Sheds’ - started in Australia in the 1990s to enable men of all ages to socialise and share activities they might other wise undertake in their own sheds. The Glenkens People’s Shed will enable men and women to share the tools, skills and resources they need to work on projects of their own choosing, at their own pace, in a safe friendly environment. A Shed’s activities usually include making or mending in wood (for example carpentry, joinery, turning, carving, furniture renovation etc) and may include 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 activities as varied as bike repair, upholstery, boat renovation or model engineering. One of the major objectives is to help younger people in the area to learn new skills or crafts from some of the local craftswomen and craftsmen who will use the Shed. To find out more about the Glenkens People’s Shed contact Brian Jones on 01644 420374 or email brian@catstrand.com Testing out some of the Shed’s new equipment. Design & co-ordination: Sarah Ade sarah_ade@tiscali.co.uk 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 85 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GG_085 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 2014 Description An account of the resource Editor: Sarah Ade https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/1/230/GlenkensGazette84.pdf b171dcba00e3fd074d21004f9a45a945 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 84 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 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:  <a href="mailto:glenkensgazette@hotmail.com">glenkensgazette@hotmail.com</a> The Glenkens Gazette is a member of, and regulated by  <a href="https://www.impressorg.com/">Impress</a>. The Glenkens Gazette is an initiative of Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (SC032050) and represents the voice of the community (not necessarily the views of GCAT). 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 2014 ISSUE 84 FREE HELP SAFEGUARD OUR GLENKENS RED SQUIRRELS The grey squirrels are coming back to Galloway in strength and urgent action is required to save the native red squirrel. That was the dramatic message delivered by squirrel expert Heinz Traut at a ‘Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels’ event held recently in New Galloway which has led to local residents forming the Glenkens Red Squirrel Group. The new group’s aim is to tackle the recent increase in grey squirrels in the area. The greys, a species introduced from North America, pose a significant threat to our red squirrels through competition for food and habitat, but more critically by spreading squirrelpox disease. Greys are immune to the disease they carry but it is lethal when passed on to the reds. “Many people living in England have seen their red squirrel populations decimated over the last decades,” says Caroline, one of the group. “We are extremely lucky in Dumfries and Galloway to have a large wild population of red squirrels and need to do everything we can to protect them to ensure that current and future generations On the left is a red squirrel and on the right a grey. Photo © northeastwildlife.co.uk of people can enjoy these magical animals, which have become something of an icon for Scottish wildlife.” The assistance of local residents is critical, whether it be reporting red or grey squirrel sightings to the group, or participating in practical conservation tasks, such as surveys or grey squirrel control. The Glenkens Red Squirrel Group is looking for someone to take the role of group co-ordinator and for a secretary to facilitate communication for the group and take minutes. As it develops the new group hopes to carry out education projects and promote awareness of red squirrel conservation throughout the Glenkens. For more information contact Martin Webber (07771 667 120) who is acting as interim group co-ordinator. For information on Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels, a project of the Scottish Wildlife Trust, or to report a red or grey squirrel sighting, please visit www.redsquirrels.org.uk Victory for Angling Family The sky dawned a misty grey for the Dalry Angling Association’s competitions day and fish were hard to tempt, but the sun was shining on Luke and Jamie Dovaston as they made a clean sweep of the club silverware and prizes. Continued on p8... Photo: Junior champion Jamie Dovaston with Dalry Angling Association chairman Robert Edgar. Glenkens Gazette page 2 Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING) New Galloway Town Hall: The LING committee are following up suggestions for activities and events made in the surveys and open days in the summer. They are liaising with the organisation Let’s Get Sporty to set up activities, especially for younger people. LING have applied for a grant from the Day Opportunities Putting You First Fund to restart the weekly lunch group, and keep a look out for badminton, indoor bowls and a gardening group starting-up... In order for the Town Hall to be transferred from D&G Council, LING have to show a likely continuing income. Apart from letting charges and fundraising events, LING will be asking for regular contribution pledges from residents. For instance, £2 a month from 150 people would raise £3,600 a year - enough to ensure sufficient income to cover likely annual maintenance costs. New Galloway Store: A questionnaire will be circulated to find out what people buy at the moment and how they would like to see the shop developed. This is necessary to show grant funders that the shop would be financially sustainable. Ros Hill Finally, after two years of campaigning by Dalry Community Council about safety issues on the Dalry side of the Allangibbon bridge, the regional council have agreed to road improvements. Dumfries & Galloway Council have included upgrading the dangerous corner whilst carrying out resurfacing works on the bridge itself. This will involve super-elevating the bend to remove the negative camber. Whilst the work will unfortunately cause temporary disruption to traffic, it is hoped that it will bring an end to the regular accidents that have blighted this section of the A713. However, there is still the issue of accidents and actual road deaths occurring a little further up the road at Carsphad. This very scenic area by the reservoir has now claimed two lives in as many years, and must be close to an official ‘accident black spot’ designation. We, as a society, really need to end this policy of putting finances before human life; people are more important than pounds! Andi Holmes, Chair, Dalry Community Council Update on the Allangibbon Bridge Following numerous accidents mainly involving large lorries, DALRY’S ‘BAD WINTER’ PLAN It might seem a bit premature to be thinking about the winter months when we are still in late summer but the old adage ‘forewarned is forearmed’ still holds good today. is critical in such a situation but many homes require electricity for heating pumps even if the fuel is oil or gas. Dalry Community Council have been working on their plan for some months now and decided that in such a situation the first thing would be to look after our vulnerable neighbours, in their own homes if possible, by supplying warmth, hot food and light. ...all the smart-phones and computers in the Although we are living in an increasingly technical age in which world are unable to help if help can be available at the touch of the power fails... a button, all the smart-phones and computers in the world are unable to help if the power fails, particularly for a prolonged period. Dumfries and Galloway (D&G) Council has recently been encouraging communities to prepare a Resilience Plan which means having a plan and facilities in place so that the community can look after its own in the event of an emergency. Every community will have different needs but here in the Glenkens the most likely scenario would be bad weather such as severe flooding or snow cutting us off and/or a prolonged power cut. Keeping warm Without electricity the approach needs to be ‘low tech’ so a small supply of battery-powered lamps (each battery can run for three days), food and drink thermos flasks and covered hot-water bottles have all been purchased. Dalry Community Council has also obtained a tworing camping stove and stock of gas canisters. The plan here is to keep people warm by blanket-wrapping them with a hot-water bottle whilst providing hot food and drink twice daily with light to read by. We are very grateful to the Glenkens Community Shop which has funded many of our purchases and we hope to augment our stores further over the coming months. We would also like to add to our team of volunteers who have alternative heating methods such as a wood-burning stove or solid-fuel range: please contact Jim Reid on 430 231 if you would be happy to have your name added to the list. Another aspect of a potential emergency is mobility and D&G Council have given us a gritspreader, shovels and clothing to help keep pavements and paths clear in the event of snow and ice. However, none of the above help can happen without volunteers. Should a heavy snow fall or big storm take place during the working day, many residents may be away from the community and unable to return to look after elderly family or neighbours; the more of us who sign up to help, the better we will all be able to cope. Let us hope we have another mild winter, but it is better to be prepared - if you think you could help in any way during an emergency, please volunteer by contacting your community council. Glenkens Gazette page 3 by the Ken Photo of the Issue: Sponsored Bridge Hotel This issue’s winner is Caroline Jardin with this charming shot entitled The Humble Bumble. Dave and Sue, competition judges and owners of the Ken Bridge Hotel, said: “Once again it was so hard to choose a winner, but the photo of the bumble bee is just lovely.” Caroline wins a meal for two at the Ken Bridge Hotel’s renowned Sunday Carvery. We will keep all entries on file and if they suit a future theme/season, they will be re-considered. you’re a fan of GERMAN TV IN DALRY IfFacebook, check A film crew from German TV station ZDF (their equivalent of BBC2) visited Dalry in the run up to the referendum to interview residents on their views and the splits it might have been causing in families and the community This was brought about by a letter Andi Holmes of Dalry had written which was printed in the Galloway News and the Scotsman, a few weeks earlier. The ZDF team had already been working on the rifts opening up between family members and communities in Edinburgh and were looking for a more rural location to film for comparison. The German public were very interested in the referendum debate as, having relatively recently reunified there country after a lengthy divide; they can’t understand why anyone would want to split their nation up. The film crew focused on the divide within Andi’s own family, but also interviewed several other residents of Dalry to canvass their opinions as well. Andi says they were a delight to work with, very professional, and not trying to create their own angle. They asked some very sensible questions and got some very honest answers. Andi hopes they come back sometime after the referendum vote to see what impact it has had on rural Scotland after the dust has settled. out a new page that has been set up by local resident Helen Keron. Search for What’s Going On Glenkens and then ‘Like’ the page to receive regular updates on community and social events, important meetings and other local issues. Also feel free to message the page to add your community events and activities. Helen has also created a page for toddlers; if you have pre-school aged children, check out Preschoolers in the Glenkens for childoreinted activities. New Drop-in For The Glenkens The Dumfries & Galloway (D&G) Hard of Hearing Group is pleased to announce that they have started regular Glenkens drop-in sessions. These will run between 10am and 12noon at New Galloway Town Hall on the first Friday of every month. D&G Hard of Hearing Group are a voluntary group, funded by Putting You First, who hold drop-in sessions across the region. People who have hearing aids can come along, get their aids maintained and get advice and support. On average we support 312 people across D&G each month. We understand that there are a number of people who would benefit from having a local service in the Glenkens. If you have hearing loss and would like some help and advice please do come along to see us. To get in touch call Julie Turner on 07896 342878 or email juliedghhg@gmail.com and to find out more visit www.dghhg.org.uk 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 Chest freezers x 2, width 85cm, depth 55cm, height 84cm. Working. Dimplex Focal Point Fire, Hursley Model HUR20, Optiflame and 2kW fan heater. Marble hearth green, length 163cm, depth 38cm, height 6.5cm. Needs restoration. Aluminium patio doors double glazed. Height 197cms, width 172cms. Have been lying outdoors for many years but may be useful for cold frames, etc. Garden Canes. Approx 100 used bamboo canes. Plant Pots. 300+ used plant pots round and square 9cm-13 cm. For all the above items contact: Mary on 420 613 Dell computer monitor and keyboard, both in good working condition. Contact: 420 258 Wooden fire surround, mantle- shelf with smaller lower shelf. Reeded columns on either side. Approx 137cm long by 118cm high with aperture 92cm long by 85cm high. Currently varnished but would be a suitable subject for marbling. Contact: Sue on 07563 718 011 (evenings) Furniture Three-tier glass table, ideal for TV unit or office, 22” high, 18”deep,43”long. Contact: Chrissy on 07824 810 305 Light-coloured wooden child’s desk. Small donation to Glenkens Children’s Club requested if suitable for your use. Contact: Helen on 07789 693 698 Bookcase, dark stain, length 278cm, depth 31cm, height 110cm. Splits in half to move. Very good condition. Contact: Mary on 420 613 Bookcases x 2, dark stain, length 88cm, depth 30cm, height 150cm. Very good condition. Contact: Mary on 420 613 WANTED Scythe, sledge hammer, pick axe, tin sheets, Dutch oven, tree saplings. Contact: Simon on 07426 124 982 Toy tools/tool box/tool bench for an 18-month-old who seems to find the screw-driver wherever we put it...Contact: Sarah on 07727 127 997 Dressage girth about 38”. Contact: Sue on 07563 718 011 (evenings) Does anybody happen to have things such as: sticklebricks, those little trike & trailer combos, wooden puzzles, etc; anything suitable for 12-24 month year-old! Contact: Sarah on 07810 256 299 Plastic coal bunker to buy (about 10 cwt capacity). Contact: Louise on 07845 412 300 or 07901696694 after 7pm. “Freecycle has for us been a great way to unload items that are no longer required and gain much needed space into the bargain! We have also managed to freely acquire goods locally that would otherwise cost us money and inconvenience if we had to outsource them. We can feel positively that we have done something to save waste and the environment by keeping this turnover of goods local. Long may it continue!” Andi Wright’s Shop Dalry Licensed convenience store & newsagent, now including Dalry Post Office. Please come in and see our newly refurbished self-service shop. Opening Times (both shop & PO): Monday to Friday: 7am – 6pm Saturday: 8am – 6pm Sunday: 8.30am – 4pm Tel: 01644 430 225 Glenkens Gazette page 5 sponsored by The Masonry Stove Local builder Paul Moslin, who lives in Dalry, has been working for the last ten years on creating a modern version of a traditional Swedish masonry stove. Originally inspired by a Hungarian friend who built one for him in Ireland, Paul has since built six and is now happy that he has perfected his version of the stove. The design Paul uses is called a kakelugn and was created in 1767 by Swedish inventor Carl Johan Cronstedt. Cronstedt’s system increased the efficiency of the woodburning stove roughly eightfold by directing smoke and heated gases along flues that wound up and down inside a brick-built stove. Using this system, you only had to light a short fire in the morning and evening for the heat to then radiate into the building day and night. This design had significant social and economical consequences throughout Sweden and later Europe and America, and is still used up to the present day in these countries. Cronstedt’s invention also had significant environmental impact because it saved forests from excess usage – something which is hugely relevant today with the focus on reducing our carbon footprint. Paul uses modern fire-bricks and fire-cement, along with other forms of ultra-efficient insulation, to create his own custom-made masonry stove. He says: “They have been making them in the USA for 50 years or so. The style of stove originates in Northern Europe, Russia and Scandinavia, countries where wood fuel has been the major heat source for hundreds of years. Much less wood is used for the amount of heat output. The thermal stove weighs about two tonnes, and heats up with just an armful of sticks a day. It begins to heat up within an hour (straight away right in front of the stove door), and you can also use the fire to cook, either by building a purpose-built oven into the structure or just using the fire box itself.” To have a stove built costs about £5,000, and takes three men about a week to build. Rupert Harvey of Drumbuie Farm, along the Garroch Glen, who is a local firewood contractor and self-confessed firewood fanatic, has been burning wood all his life. Rupert had one of Paul’s masonry stoves retro-fitted in his farmhouse in November 2013, and is thrilled with the results. Masonry stove at Drumbuie with a lime-plaster finish. – roast chicken, casseroles, whatever we like.” The stove at Drumbuie has a lime-plaster finish, but it can be tiled and the shape can be made to suit the building it is going into – the traditional pillar shape, or even with seating built-in. Paul says: “The most efficient way to build a thermal store is in the centre of an open-plan building, with a wall of each room built onto the stove. Another benefit is that because the stove is so fast-burning, you don’t get creosote building up in the chimney, and barely get any ash or smoke at all as smoke and ash are made up of all the un-burnt solids from a fire. You only need to clean the ashes out every couple of months! So it’s less dusty and messy than a standard woodburning stove.” Cronstedt’s system increased the efficiency of the wood-burning stove roughly eightfold by directing smoke and heated gases along flues that wound up and down inside a brick-built stove. He says: “I wanted to try it out and am really happy with how it has turned out. They are the most efficient way of burning your wood, and are just so easy to live with. The heat you get is a really nice heat; not stuffy like your standard central-heating systems, but a dry, cosy heat; there is definitely a different quality to it.” Rupert’s sons, Joe and Hamish, are also enthusiastic about the stove. Hamish says: “We make dinner in it almost every night If you would like to find out more, visit Paul’s website at www.moslinstoves.co.uk or get in touch with him on 430 504 or mail@timbergates.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 6 CARERS TRANSITION PROJECT Putting You First is supporting a groundbreaking, regionwide initiative aimed at helping carers to cope when their circumstances change. The Carers Transition Project has introduced a ‘Counselling for Carers’ service available through Relationships Scotland and Cruse Bereavement Care Scotland. Putting You First is a five-year change programme for Health, Care and Support services in Dumfries & Galloway. Sue Madigan, project coordinator for the project, says: “While caring can be rewarding, it is also important to recognise that taking on or losing caring responsibilities can be very difficult and stressful. Becoming a carer is often life-changing in terms of finances, employment and hopes for the future.” Life can change in the blink of an eye and turn your whole world upside down. For example, a young man of 29 now finds himself caring for his wife. They met at university, got married and made plans for the future. However, her health deteriorated rapidly; over a short space of member or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental-health or addiction problems. Census reports between 2008 and 2010 estimate the number of carers in the region to be between 14,000 and 22,000. Sue Madigan believes the real figure could be even higher. She says: “There are a lot of hidden carers needing support, many of them young people for whom it may be time to leave home or go to university, but they are worried and confused. It is estimated that some 70% of carers experience stress and anxiety during their role. We want to help.” Life can change in the blink of an eye and turn your whole world upside down. time he had to leave work and become a full-time carer for his wife. Stress and depression began to take hold. In situations such as this people can find support through the Dumfries & Galloway Carers Centre who work to improve support, services and recognition for anyone living with the challenges of caring, unpaid, for a family For further information contact Sue on 01387 251 245 or sue@rsdg.org.uk, or for information on the Dumfries & Galloway Carers Centre call 01387 248 600 or email info@dgalcarers.org Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents Selling properties across Dumfries & Galloway 01556 503744 www.ggblaw.co.uk All legal advice Offices in Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie Kirkcudbright and Dumfries Glenkens Gazette page 7 CatStrand Update A terrific mix of family-friendly fun and sophisticated artsofferings are available at the CatStrand over October and November. The Elements World Theatre in association with SWAN Productions present Lockerbie: Lost Voices on Saturday 4 October. Connect with this tragic disaster 25 years later through a life-affirming story of loss followed by a ‘Question & Answer’ session from the cast and creative team. We warmly welcome back Lorna Reid to the CatStrand for her laid-back Lounge Sessions. Lorna and her superb band will play their newest jazz arrangements, as well as some old favourites, on Friday 10 October - a night not to be missed. This autumn the CatStrand is working in partnership with a number of film festivals to engage youngsters, and the young at heart, with contemporary film-making. From Luminate we present Advanced Style on Thursday 23 October, Discovery Film Festival’s Short’s For Wee One’s 2014 on Saturday 8 November, and Into Film Festival will present a very special schools’ screening on Wednesday 12 November (for more information or to book a school visit email bookings@intofilm.org). The CatStrand Halloween Party takes place on Friday 31 October at 6pm, followed by our popular spooky Lantern Parade and then to finish off the evening there will be a screening of the CatStrand Young Filmmakers’ Club’s newest production. Finally, the CatStrand Christmas Lorna Reid Shopping Day will be held on Saturday 29 November - come along and pick out unique gifts for friends and family whilst enjoying some mulled wine, a mince pie and some festive cheer. The CatStrand Team For full listings see our latest brochure or visit www.catstrand.com To book tickets call the CatStrand on 01644 420 374. And don’t forget to ‘like’ us on Facebook. �� Glenkens Gazette page 8 NEW GALLOWAY GOLF CLUB Dalry Angling The season is now entering its final stages and, thanks to the excellent summer weather, all the competitions have been played. The course has been in great condition and visitor numbers have been good. Toast of the club is Marena McClymont who defeated Elena Rogers in the Ladies Club Championship in a closely fought contest. The Johnstone Trophy was won by Marena McClymont, playing with Iain McQueen, who beat Chris McIntyre and Jeff Sutcliffe again in a very close match. Coronation Cup winner was Gavin Aitkenhead, and the MacMillan Cup winner Tony Graham. By the time you read this article the Day of the Region will have come and gone; hopefully we will have had a good turn-out at the club and raised sufficient money to purchase a defibrillator for use not only for golf club members but for residents at the top of New BOWLING Spalding Bowling Club has had another successful enyoyable and happy season. The green closes for play on Continued from front page... Mr & Mrs McGurkin, winners of the Laurieston Cup, with Jeff Sutcliffe (right). Galloway High Street. The Laurieston Cup Mixed Open Greensomes attracted players from far and wide, with the winners, Mr and Mrs McGurkin, coming from Doon Valley. The winter season is almost upon us and winter membership is available - call 01644 420 737 for more information. The Annual Dinner and Prize Presentation Evening takes place at the Ken Bridge Hotel on Saturday 8 November. Jeff Sutcliffe, Captain & Match Secretary Monday 15 September. This year the champions are John Peacock, runner-up S Harvie, and in the Ladies, Eliz Peacock, runner-up Moira Jones. Our Prize-giving and Social will be held at The Clachan Inn on Friday 7 November at 7.30pm. Eliz Peacock New Galloway Toddlers New Galloway Toddler Group has been running for many years but recently there has been a drop in the number of children attending. Of course, in our rural area numbers of children fluctuate, but if the decline continues the group will run the risk of closure which would be a great shame as it is the only toddler group in New Galloway and, apart from the Glenkens Children’s Club held in Dalry, the whole of the Glenkens. The group runs every Tuesday in term-time from 9.45-11.30am in New Galloway Town Hall, and has a great variety of toys to suit all babies and young children. The cost is just £2 which includes a snack for little ones and a cuppa for parents/ carers. So please, if you live in the Glenkens and have young children, do pop in. If you would like any more information please contact Chrissy on 07824 810 305 or Fiona on 07900 985 837. The morning started on the River Ken where, despite the recent stocking, a cold northerly wind kept the fish deep and faroff. So far off that young Jamie, a pupil at Dalry Secondary School, waded out well over the tops of his wellingtons to snare the only fish landed and, as a reward for his soaking, the George McAdam trophy plus a fly-fishing outfit donated by Wishaw-based tackle manufacturer, Daiwa Sports. In the afternoon, the adults ventured out on a extremely dour Earlstoun Loch, trying to find a trout willing to chance the now increasingly cold north wind and take a nip at the angler’s fly. Despite the unseasonal weather, Luke Dovaston managed to tempt two hardy brown trout to rise and, in doing so, won the trophy and with it a New Daiwa Lexa Fly rod. Annual Abbas Rest Coffee Morning The coffee morning, in aid of Abbas Rest Orphans, will take place on Saturday 18 October from 10am to 12noon in Dalry Town Hall. We do hope you will once more support this event as there are still children needing your help. Many come to the centres suffering from malnutrition, malaria and many different infections, so it is important that they receive medical care as well as food and clothing. We will be very grateful for any donations towards the cake and bottle sales tables and the raffle, as well as help on the stalls or in the kitchen. We look forward to seeing you - for more information please contact Avril Brown on 430 526 or Barbara Colbenson on 430 090. Glenkens Gazette page 9 YOUNG SOLDIER REMEMBERED A young local man who lost his life in the First World War has been remembered at a ceremony held by the charity South West Scotland RnR (SWSRnR) at the war memorial overlooking Loch Ken. The memorial is to second lieutenant John Murray,whose father was a farmer and minister at Balmaclellan, who served with the Kings Own Scottish Borderers (KOSB) and died aged 19. There was a piper in attendance - Michael Hogarth from Innerleithen, ex-KOSB and also ex-pipe major of the 1st Battalion Karate: I recently gave a class talk in my English lesson. I chose to talk about karate because I have been going to karate for a long time, about seven years. Karate comes from the Japanese words ‘kara’ which means open and ‘te’ which means hand. It is thousands of years old and was founded on the Japanese island of Okinawa which had a ban on weapons so people learned how to fight. It has been further PERSONAL HELPER REQUIRED Male or female, no experience needed, to help disabled woman live independently in her own home with her husband and son. Help with personal care, domestic work, pet care. To work a flexible rota including 24-hour shifts at £169.40 and 11-hour day shifts/13-hour night shifts at circa £84. Phone 07984 673231 for an application form of the Royal Regiment of Scotland - and local minister David Bartholomew conducted a service paying respect to this man who lost his life so young in defence of his country. The people attending were also formerly of the KOSB and had been in conflicts in more recent times. These ex-servicemen have enjoyed the benefits of the care and hospitality of SWSRnR, based at Carsethorn, and we felt this ceremony was therapeutic to our former KOSB combatants as they had all served with the same regiment. This event was featured on Border TV and by word-ofmouth we found John Murray’s nephew, 78-year-old William Johnston, who laid a wreath at the memorial. Robin Hood, SWSRnR developed from other martial arts. It teaches that technique is everything, like a young girl who knows the right technique can defeat a fully grown man. You do gradings to move up belts, and are assessed on four main areas: basics, sparring, katas and ippon kumite. Basics are the basis of all karate and a chance to concentrate on your techniques and stances. In the beginning you generally learn four stances: forward leaning stance, backstance, kibba dachi and catstance, and as you progress you learn more stances. Stances are the most important thing in karate. Different classes have different uniforms and you can get a The Clog & Shoe Workshop unique handmade footwear open 10am - 5pm weekdays Easter Mon to 31st October please ring to arrange a visit at other times Tel: 01644 420 465 visit our new online shop at www.clogandshoe.co.uk William Johnston, David Bartholomew and piper Michael Hogarth. Photograph by Melissa Priddy range of colours and styles although it is a uniform like that one on the right we wear at Dalry. The belt order is white, red, yellow, orange, green, blue, purple, purplebrown, brown, brown-white, brown-black, black-red then black. Emma Jordon S2 Glenkens Gazette page 10 NEW SCHOOL HEAD’S MESSAGE Duke of There were some common Edinburgh Having taken up themes in what you would like post as the acting Award Meeting to see changed, which are as headteacher of the Glenkens cluster schools, I would like to say a huge thank you to the community for your warm and open welcome. You have made it possible for me to get to know what matters to you and to see what makes living in the Glenkens so special. Having listened to what you have to say and having read the comments you have offered, it is clear that you value the following in the education offered to your young people: - The small schools with their capacity for treating children as individuals in their community - The approachability of staff and good parent/school partnerships - The good qualifications students leave S4 with and the personal qualities they develop follows:- The extent to which the schools work together to develop consistent approaches, within and between the stages - Improved use of the natural environment and a focus on physical activity in the Secondary phase. This is a very simplified summary as there were many specific and individual comments offered. We look forward to working with the community in tailoring education in the Glenkens to the needs of individuals, utilising the advantages of the environment whilst tackling the potential limitations of a rural location. I firmly believe that the benefits of the Glenkens, massively outweigh the limitations and that between us we should be able to further develop an enviable and unique educational provision. Jenny Smith, Acting Headteacher On Monday 6 October, Mr Gary Kirkpartick (Department of Education development worker, Dumfries & Galloway Council) will address a meeting at 7pm in Dalry school, to which all parents/carers of S3 and S4 students are cordially invited. This invitation is also extended to those individuals and organisations in the community who may have a part to play in helping and supporting our young people to achieve the Award in any one of the four Award sections of Service, Skill, Physical Activity and Expedition. Gary will be giving an outline of the Award and of the training opportunities available to helpers. Further information will be distributed through the school, but this is an ideal opportunity for the wider community to come together and focus on what we can offer our young people. Kells Primary DALRY STUDENTS ‘TRI’ HARD and run, in quick succession. Students from Dalry Rag Bag Bin School They showed determination and travelled Kells Primary pupils decided at a recent assembly that they would like to make the local community aware that the school has a rag bag recycling bin. This special bin is for the recycling of unwanted clothes, pairs of shoes and blankets. Kells receive a payment for every kilogram of textiles collected. This money goes into school funds to subsidise transport costs and the hosting of events like visiting theatre groups or storytellers. The rag bag bin is situated next to the other bins in the playground to the left of the gazebo. Please feel free to use it or contact the school office for more details. Thank you, Kells Primary to Kirkcudbright on Tuesday, 2 September to take part in a regional ‘minitri’ event. Designed to introduce young people to the sport of triathlon as part of a national programme, participants had to swim, cycle real resilience in completing the event; they should be very proud of what they achieved. Our thanks go to parents who gave up time to support their young people. It was a pleasure to watch young people enter into something so wholeheartedly. Jenny Smith Glenkens Gazette page 11 Glenkens Gazette page 12 Glenkens Gazette page 13 Glenkens Gazette page 14 Glenkens Gazette page 15 Carsphairn Primary School As with the rest of the Glenkens cluster, there have been many changes at Carsphairn Primary. With three new pupils starting (including two in P1), the school roll is now sitting at twelve. After a very enjoyable summer everyone has returned refreshed and ready for an exciting new year. This term we are learning all about our local community. We are lucky to have the Carsphairn Heritage Centre so close, as we are learning from the ‘Petticoat Tales – the Gentle Touch of Carsphairn Women’ exhibit. It has worked out especially well because this year, nine of our eldest pupils are girls. As we did last year, we will try to incorporate this theme into the Carsphairn Calendar, which will be on sale before Christmas. Carsphairn Primary School pupils. Guide Trip to Denmark Last year I was one of ten Guides from all over Scotland to be selected to take part in an international camp in Denmark. The camp took place this summer during the holidays. It was a great experience. Before we arrived at the camp, which was in Stevninghus in southern Denmark, we had a day sightseeing in Copenhagen where we saw the Little Mermaid and went to Tivoli Gardens. The theme of the camp was The Vikings Strike Back and we did various activities such as blacksmithing, sword-making and pioneering. We had a day out to a Danish town where we went to the beach and looked round the shops. We also had a day in Legoland, which was absolutely fantastic. There was another group of Scottish scouts on the camp and on one of the days both of the Scottish groups taught the other people on the camp some Scottish dances and songs – 2,000 scouts and guides singing 500 Miles was pretty cool! There were people on the camp from all over Europe and there was also a group of scouts from Israel and a group from Los Angeles. I had to raise some of the money for the camp myself and I would like to thank everyone who gave me money to help me fundraise and also Guiding Scotland and the Stewartry Guides for their contributions. Without them it Ellen in Guide uniform. would have been a lot harder to raise all the money I needed. It was a great trip and I would encourage other Guides to go on selections for a chance to go on an international camp as it is a brilliant opportunity to meet people from other countries, to learn about their cultures and to try lots of new activities. Ellen Bielinski W BONE WHB JEEPS THE GARAGE, DALRY PETROL & DIESEL SALES SERVICE & REPAIRS MOTs, TYRES, BATTERIES ALL AT COMPETITIVE PRICES OPEN 8.30AM - 6.00PM (SIX DAYS) 10AM - 6PM SUNDAYS - FUEL 24 HOURS SHOP • SANDWICH BAR • LOTTERY Tel: 01644 430208 Fax: 01644 430669 jeeps@whbjeeps.co.uk www.whbjeeps.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 16 GREAT SUMMER FOR GLENKENS KIDS Glenkens Children’s Club (GCC) has had its most successful summer so far, with people travelling from as far afield as Castle Douglas and Crossmichael to attend the exciting programme of events. The theme of the holidays was ‘Mind and Body’, with fun physical activities set up for the children every Monday, and a Mindfulness course for parents and carers on Fridays. The children, ranging in age from 0-10, tried their hand at zumba, martial arts, gymnastics, Margaret Morris dance, and even an outdoor bushcraft session. We also had a roller disco, a sports day and of course our second birthday party, with some sessions having over 30 children in attendance. We were able to put this programme on at no extra cost to users largely thanks to a grant from the Glenkens Community Shop in Dalry, and GCC couldn’t exist without the superb childoriented facilities that the Glenkens Community Centre offers. We would also like to thank all of the people who shared their skills and enthusiasm over the summer to give the children such great experiences. Roberts. They were previous stalwart volunteers at GCC, and with their joint extensive experience in child-care and nursery teaching, they have already got the new term off to a great start. Playgroup is at the Community Centre on termtime Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 9.10-11.40am, and is £5 for two-year-olds and free for children from the term after they turn three. There are still a few places left, so ring Sue on 07935 882470 during Playgroup hours if you’d like to join. I would like to thank the Glenkens Community Shop, Mrs Annikki Lindsay, Natural Power and everyone who attended the very successful Ceilidh in New Gallloway Town Hall in August for supporting GCC - we couldn’t do it without you. We also couldn’t keep going without the committed volunteers who really do make GCC what it is. We would also like to thank all of the people who shared their skills and enthusiasm over the summer to give the children such great experiences. During term-time GCC caters predominantly to 0-3 year olds and runs on Mondays and Fridays, 9.30–11.30am, in the Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry. The cost is £2 for first child, £1 for subsequent children and babies are free. In other news, GCC Playgroup has new staff, Sue Curtis and Chrissy �� • Pensions • Savings • Investments • Retirement Options • Inheritance Tax Planning • Life Assurance • Income & Critical Illness Protection • Mortgages • Home Insurance Free Confidential Initial Consultation Tel: 01671 403080 Fax:- 01671 402549 Email: brian.edgar@marrfinancial.co.uk Web: www.marrfinancial.co.uk 61 Victoria Street NEWTON STEWART, DG8 6NL **NEW** Yorkshire Building Society Agency – Now Open Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. For mortgages we can be paid by commission or a fee of usually £300 or a combination of both. For Home Insurance we usually offer products from a limited panel of providers. Thank you all, as ever! Helen Keron, Chair, GCC Aileen McLeod MSP working for you across the South of Scotland Postal address: Unit 7 Loreburn Shopping Centre High Street, Dumfries, DG1 2BD Email: aileen.mcleod.msp@scottish.parliament.uk Tel: 01387 255 334 Please check www.aileenmcleod.org for regular surgery, constituency and parliamentary updates Glenkens Gazette Just Published The Galloway Hills: The area covered by this book is the central massif, bounded on the south by the Queen’s Way, to the east by the Glenkens, to the north by Dalmellington and Straiton, and to the west by the Hill Road to Newton Stewart. The book covers a variety of aspects, from the geology of the mountains, details of the lochs and rivers, to the present desire for conservation and enjoyment of the hills. There is also historical information including the times of Robert the Bruce and his connections with the district, as well as the many associations with the persecuted Covenanters. The many air-crashes that have occurred in these hills are related in detail, as well as other deaths, in particular death on the hills during blizzards. The book is now on sale, and can be bought at the CatStrand or at www.carnpublishing.com/ Galloway where there is also more information available about the book. page 17 A copy of each of these Zero Footprint: Having lovely built their own low-carbon books will home, Ted Leeming and be up for Morag Paterson decided grabs in to explore a similar the next concept with their work, issue in this case with literally of the ‘zero footprint’ – all the Gazette as shots are taken from a special an area of roughly one Christmas square metre directly outside their kitchen door. giveaway, Ted Leeming and so keep Morag Paterson are your eyes professional landscape peeled! photographers based in the Glenkens. They work collaboratively, jointly signing their work to reflect the shared creative vision. Zero Footprint is a cloth-covered, 112-page hardback limited-edition book, and costs £40 - it is available to buy at the CatStrand or to order call 01644 430 004 or visit www.leemingpaterson.com THE KEN BRIDGE HOTEL New Galloway Bargatton Sand & Gravel Supplying sand and gravel for all your farming needs, as well as households and businesses both large and small. Open 7 Days - Beautiful Riverside Location MEALS SERVED 12.00 - 2.00pm, 5.30 - 8.30pm Bed & breakfast en suite accommodation 01644 420 211 mail@kenbridgehotel.co.uk www.kenbridgehotel.co.uk NEW WEDDING BROCHURE NOW AVAILABLE We stock washed fine sand, coarse sand and gravels at competitive prices. For further details contact: Angus Wilson, Quarry Manager - 07715 606 685 James Mair - 07793 085 243 Email: loch.bargatton@live.co.uk Bargatton Quarry, Laurieston, Castle Douglas, DG7 2PS Open 7 days Mon-Fri Weekends by arrangement Delivery can be arranged - subject to quantity Glenkens Gazette page 18 WHINNYMUIR – WHAT’S IN A NAME? Whinnymuir is the name of the last house on the right leaving Dalry on the Moniaive road. This name is particularly appreciated in the spring, when the yellow whins (gorse) brighten the rising ground beyond the house on the old track over the Mulloch. However, the use of the name, when there is no topographic feature bearing that specific title, suggests a contributory and deeper significance in folk lore and ancient funereal custom. The ancient practice of the ‘lyke wake’ (watch over a corpse prior to burial) is well attested. Hugh Miller, writing in the 1830s, ventured the opinion that the custom was “far beyond the reach of history or tradition”. Sir Walter Scott in his Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border, quotes a dirge sung over the corpse, spelling out the challenges of purgatory, the first of which was Whinny-muir with its vicious spikes: When thou from hence away are paste, Every night and alle; To Whinny-muir thou comest at laste; And Christe receive thye saule. If ever thou gavest hosen and shoon, Every night and alle; Sit thee doon, and put them on; And Christe receive thye saule. If hosen and shoon thou ne’er gavest nane, Every night and alle; The whinnes shall pricke thee to the bare bane; And Christe receive thye saule. From Whinny-muir when thou mayst pass, Every night and alle; To Brigg o’ Dread thou comest at laste; And Christe receive thy saule. Having survived Whinny-muir, the final hurdle was the purgatory fire beneath the Bridge of Dread, into which the unworthy would fall, as recounted in the remaining verses. Scott acknowledged the North Yorkshire origin of the dirge which he recorded, but it is clear that Whinny-muir was not any particular place in Yorkshire or elsewhere, but a metaphorical phrasing in terms that all could understand for the hazardous route that the departing soul had to face, to test his or her charity in life. It is significant that Scott’s book was published in a newly-edited form in the 1920s, followed by the house in 1929. Knowledge of the dirge may well have played a part in the choice of name, reflecting both the picturesque position of the house and the traditional significance as recorded by Scott. Presumeably to maintain the whins connection, a patch was introduced into the garden landscaping, still flourishing, but prudently of a smaller and much more manageable variety. Mr and Mrs Wise prefer to think of their home as being on the road to heaven rather than on the path through purgatory but, however viewed, the name’s evocation of long gone beliefs is fascinating. Perhaps it is still an incentive to watch our ways and in both senses to pull our socks up! Alan Pallister, Balmaclellan Alternative Games 2014 This year New Galloway gave a Commonwealth theme to the Alternative Games, with international flags flying and various acts who had appeared in Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games performing during the afternoon. The terrible weather in the morning didn’t deter the crowd and rain soon gave way to sunshine. The main arena events then got underway with no shortage of willing competitors; several heats were required in some of the Gird n’ Cleek age-groups to establish the finalists. The Tossin’ the Sheaf competition saw a new champion in the men’s event with five-times World Gird n’ Cleek Champion, Neil Armstrong, turning his attention to Cars, organised by Rex Dressler, a different skill and winning with a provided an appropriate backdrop height of 21 feet. to the event while members of The popular Tractor Pull was the Commonwealth Youth Circus keenly contested too, but entertained the young and the unfortunately due to the time lost young-at-heart with their circus to the heavy rain just after the skills workshops. start of the events there wasn’t The organisers would like to thank time to stage the Hurlin’ the Curlin’ all the helpers, stall holders and Stane, and conditions were still everyone who came along and a bit slippery to hold the Tug o’ War. However, there was plenty of other entertainment around including the ever-popular Snail Racing attracting plenty of attention for the various races during the afternoon. An impressive Gird ‘n’ Cleek medallists, left to right, are Alexander turn-out McKenna (Bronze), John McQueen (Gold) and Kelsie Marshall (Silver). Photgraph by Fraser McCormick. of Classic Glenkens Gazette Stewartry Birdwatchers Are you interested in birds and other branches of natural history? If so, why not come along to the Stewartry Birdwatchers meetings this winter? Since 1976 monthly meetings have been held in Kells School, New Galloway. Meetings start at 7.30pm and run from September to April - all are welcome. Throughout the year excursions are arranged to interesting locations such as Caerlaverock and Mersehead for Barnacle Geese, inland to the Mennock Pass for the elusive Ring Ouzel, across to Loch Ryan for Brent Geese and numerous waders, or to woodlands for small birds such as migrant warblers. Beginners are welcome as these trips are an excellent way to learn how to identify birds, butterflies, flowers, etc. This winter’s session got off to a flying start on Thursday 25 September when Keith Kirk gave his presentation ‘Galloway Gems’. Keith, one of our Dumfries & Galloway Rangers, is an excellent photographer who always accompanies his photographs with interesting and unusual bits of information. On Thursday 9 October there will be an illustrated talk, ‘The Decline of Seabirds’, by Allan Whyte. Allan, who is employed by the RSPB, has been researching the worrying pollution of our marine environment and what needs to be done to ensure that Scotland remains one of the most important places in the world for seabirds. Jim Cassels’ illustrated talk on 13 November is ‘The Birds of Arran’. Jim retired to Arran and is now bird recorder for the local natural history society. Thursday 11 December sees the return of another popular speaker, Angus Hogg, with his illustrated talk ‘Ayrshire Birds ; the changing scene’. Angus is a long-term resident of the southern part of that county and has produced the Ayrshire bird report for many years. Joan Howie, Secretary, Stewartry Branch of Scottish Ornithologists’ Club (the SOC) page 19 DO YOU RECOGNISE THIS MAN? Dalry school has uncovered a folder with personal papers and family photographs of Sergeant John Joseph Marshall who served in the Highland Light Infantry during WW1 and later. We presume these were loaned some years ago to a teacher who has now left. We would like to return these to the family. If you believe this is your family member, please contact Mrs McCall at Dalry school (01644 430 259). ALEX FERGUSSON MSP FOR GALLOWAY & WEST DUMFRIES Holds regular advice surgeries at: Constituency Office, New Market Street, Castle Douglas, DG7 1HY on the 2nd Friday of every month from 5pm Telephone free on 0800 028 7260 for an appointment or to make any alternative arrangement. You can visit Alex’s website at: www.alexfergusson.org.uk or contact him by e-mail at: alex.fergusson.msp@scottish.parliament.uk Days and times when Fleet Fish visits the Glenkens are listed below, but you can give them a ring to arrange a meeting point if you live further afield. Tues- 11am: Crossmichael Village, Parton Mill/ Parton. 1.30pm: Loch Ken Holiday Park. 2pm: Kenbridge Area. 3pm: Balmaclellan Village to Corsock. 5pm: Balmaclellan, Hidden Road. 6pm: New Galloway. 6.30pm: Laurieston/over Hill Road to Gatehouse. Wed - 10.30am: Laurieston Village, 11am: Slagarie/Hensol & Surrounding Area, 12.30pm Mossdale Village & Surrounding Area, 1.30pm2.30pm: New Galloway, 3–5pm: Glen Lee/Allan Gibbon Bridge/Dalry, 5.30pm: St Johns Way. Fri - 5.30pm: Corsock. Also on Friday stances at Dalbeattie 9am-12.45pm & at Loch Arthur Farm Shop shop, Beeswing, from 1pm onward. www.facebook.com/fleetfish www.fleetfish.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 20 KARS CASTLE OF CARSPHAIRN Local historian Bill Blyth of Blowplain, Balmaclellan, revisits the story of Kars Castle. The castle’s remains can be found by taking the track running east off the A713 just north of Dundeugh and crossing the bridge to a car park. The ruins are in woodland just south of the car park. The ‘lost’ Castle of Kars is truly a sad sight today. ‘Lost’ in a maturing Forestry Commission plantation, with trees growing tightly against the crumbling walls, and in the ruins itself fallen and decaying trees. ‘Lost’ also in the sense that it is sometimes erroneously referred to as Dundeugh Castle. Kars is situated on a raised embankment protected to the south, west and east by the fast-flowing Deugh River. The modern parish of Carsphairn derives its name from Kars. McKerlie, in his ‘History of Lands and Owners in Galloway’ (1993), states in confirmation of the name “there is a pool in the Deugh at the Castle still called the Kars Pool and beside it a bridge had existed”. Timothy Pont in his map, drawn up in approximately 1590, published in Blaeu’s Atlas of 1660, quite distinctly shows Kars Castle with a tower symbol situated near the junction of waterways. The map also shows, a short distance away inland, Dundeugh Castle, again quite distinctly marked with a tower symbol. Today all that remains of the castle at Dundeugh is a large pile of stones and an old orchard. Dundeugh in its later years had become a farmhouse. At the time of Pont’s Survey it is almost certain that Kars was a substantial ruin and to some extent Dundeugh Castle had replaced it. growing in the centre. Today the vault has all collapsed, but there remains the rotting stump and limb of an oak tree. Although Trotter labels this sketch ‘Dundeugh Castle’, it is almost certainly Kars Castle. McKerlie’s description of the remains in 1893 would support this. The ruin has obviously been quarried over many centuries. Much of the good stone, including the facing stones and lintels, have gone and been used in building elsewhere. The nearby medieval village of Polmaddie is likely to be contemporary with Kars and would have supplied the castle with labour and victuals. Polmaddie would have been the original village of the area long before Carsphairn itself came into being. No doubt one day the site of Kars will be cleared of the growing and decaying trees. Another generation will excavate the site properly and expose the foundations so that a proper analysis and understanding can be made and a fuller history emerge. In an age when conservation and heritage are very much in vogue, how can such an important and potentially lovely site be treated with such great insensitivity? This is an excerpt from an article by Bill Blyth which first appeared in the Carsphairn Heritage Centre Newsletter No 18 in 1992. ... Loch Doon Castle appears to have been one of the three chief fortresses of the Earls of Carrick (Robert the Bruce’s family), the other two having been Turnberry and possibly Kars Castle at Dundeugh. McKerlie also states: “the only remains of the castle now left consist of a single arch”. About fifty years prior to his visit there had been two arches. Trotter, in his ‘East of Galloway Sketches’ (1901), states that Loch Doon Castle appears to have been one of the three chief fortresses of the Earls of Carrick (Robert the Bruce’s family), the other two having been Turnberry and possibly Kars Castle at Dundeugh. Trotter’s sketch of Kars in 1865 shows the arch and the vaulted basement with a large oak tree Memories of Shops and Shopping objects such as bills, ads and even equipment that we could borrow. Not so long ago there were numerous shops in the area. We are looking for photographs and stories of shops and shopkeepers as well as If you can help, please contact Avril Bridgeman on 01644 420 438 or Mike Brown on 01644 420 267. Currently the local history display in the CatStrand features the life and work of SR Crockett in his centenary year, but this will shortly be replaced by a display on the Christmas Craft Fair Saturday 25th October Castle Douglas Town Hall 10am-2.30pm Free Entry For table bookings please contact Jane on 01644 470 004 shops of the Glenkens. GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL � 01644 420234 � Glenkens Gazette page 21 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN The Glenkens Story: Sharing Our History Somebody once observed that all history is local even though some of it is of national or even world significance. Glenkens must be one of the least known glens in Scotland. People enter and leave it without knowing it by name. There is nothing to tell visitors about its existence yet it has been a major highway linking the Solway with the Central Belt since prehistoric times. The Romans knew of it and probably had a name for it. It was occupied at different times by Welsh, Scottish, English and Irish peoples with a dusting of Vikings and Normans. Scotland is a nation of immigrants and some of them liked what they found here: clean rivers abounding with fish, woodlands and rough pasture, the flood-enriched arable of the Ken valley. Although the glen is mentioned in many books and other sources there is no single-volume devoted to its rich and fascinating history. Starting next January there are plans to create an informal group of folk interested in all or any aspects of our history, from the Ayrshire border to the foot of Loch Ken. Under the umbrella title, The Glenkens Story: Sharing Our History, we are planning around six meetings per year to give people an opportunity to share historical knowledge and interests. Suggested topics so far include the shops of the Glenkens villages, the history of our homes, metal detecting our past, personal reminiscences, folk tales, Glenkens landholding - in short anything about the glen’s past. Trust (GCAT), will hold events in venues across the area. The times are propitious. I have the honour to chair the European Ethnology Research Centre (EERC) based in the School of Scottish Studies at Edinburgh University. Ethnology is concerned with change of all kinds, from the use of buildings to the way we dress, from what we eat to relationships in families and communities. The centre recently has embarked upon an ambitious project on the regional ethnologies of Scotland, of which the first volume will be the Regional Ethnology of Dumfries & Galloway to appear in two volumes. The first will be documentbased up to about 1900, the second will draw heavily on oral recordings currently in progress throughout the region, including the Glenkens, which I hope will have a notable presence. For more information on The Glenkens Story watch out for the next issue of Glenkens Gazette and the January CatStrand programme. Ted Cowan If you have information or suggestions to share contact me or Lizanne Henderson (01644 420 839), Mike Brown (01644 420 267) or Tom Carlisle (01644 420 750). It is hoped The Glenkens Story will become a community effort organised by the community for the community. New Galloway Golf Club Following the success of this year’s conference we will organise an annual Crockett Day event. Field trips and small exhibitions are possibilities. Further ideas are most welcome. We hope to build on and share the inspirational work already being achieved by groups and individuals in Carsphairn, Crossmichael, Parton and Dalry while encouraging others to pursue their particular interests. It is hoped The Glenkens Story will become a community effort organised by the community for the community. The group, operating under the auspices of the Glenkens Community & Arts 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 22 OCTOBER & NOVEMBER OCTOBER Sat 4, Lockerbie : Lost Voices, 7.30pm, CatStrand Mon 6, Duke of Edinburgh Awards Meeting, 7pm, Dalry School, see p10 Wed 8, Open Stage, 7.30pm, CatStrand Thu 9, SOC Talk: The Decline in Seabirds, 7.30pm, Kells School, see p19 Sat 18, Abbas Rest Coffee Morning, 10am-12noon, Dalry Town Hall, see p8 Fri 10, Lorna Reid’s Lounge Sessions, 7.30pm, CatStrand Thu 23, Film: Advanced Style, 2pm, CatStrand Sat 25, Happy Jack by John Godber, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 31, The CatStrand Halloween Party, 6pm, CatStrand NOVEMBER Sun 2, Zoe Muth & The Lost High Rollers, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 7, Spalding Bowling Club Prize-giving & Social, 7.30pm, Clachan Inn, Dalry, see p8 Fri 7, Illustrated The CatStrand Trip Saturday 29th November Talk:Round to the Amazon, 11am-5pm 7.30pm, Join us for a relaxing afternoon of Christmas shopping, and buy all your presents locally at the CatStrand. Shop for a seasonal selection of handmade and quality gifts to fill all the eagerly awaited Christmas stockings! With a range of stalls presenting local craft and produce, this is an ideal opportunity to find unique and special gifts for family and friends. Enjoy a glass of mulled wine while you browse. If you would like to have a stall at the Christmas Shopping Day, please get in touch with Wendy at the CatStrand. 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 � Mossdale Village Hall Sat 8, Mairearad and Anna, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 8, NG Golf Club Annual Dinner & Prize Presentation, Ken Bridge Hotel, see p8 Sat 8, Discovery Film Festival: Shorts for Wee Ones, 1pm 3+ (under 3’s welcome), CatStrand Wed 12, Into Film Festival presents School’s Concerts, 10am, in conjunction with CatStrand see p7 Thu 13, SOC Talk: Birds of Arran, 7.30pm, Kells School, see p19 Fri 14, Box Fresh and Squish by Room 2 Manoeuvre, 7.30pm, CatStrand Thu 20, Film: Belle, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 29, Mossdale Craft Fair, 10am-4pm, Mossdale Village Hall Sat 29, CatStrand Christmas Shopping Day, 11am-5pm, CatStrand SYRIA: THE COUNTRY BEHIND THE CRISIS The last three years of violent conflict in Syria have left the country near to collapse. Neighbourhoods have been flattened, families torn apart and lives destroyed. We all read the headlines but it is hard to envisage, particularly if we don’t know much about the country. Alan and Philippa Pallister visited Syria in 1995 and found an enchanting country and people with a fascinating and wide-ranging history. To give an impression of what Syria was like before the current crisis, they will be giving an illustrated talk on Wednesday 22 October at 7.30pm in St Margaret’s Church, New Galloway. There is no charge for entry but donations to the Syria Appeal may be given. GTI WEDNESDAY BUS SERVICE (registered route) Outward Journey: 19:00 Dept. Dalry (Underhill) 19:05 New Galloway 19:15 Mossdale 19:25 Laurieston 19:30 Townhead of Greenlaw 19:37 Castle Douglas (Market St) 19:40 Castle Douglas (Tesco) Return journey: 20:35 Dept. Castle Douglas (Tesco) 20:37 Castle Douglas (Market St) 20:47 Townhead of Greenlaw 21:50 Laurieston 21:00 Mossdale 21:10 New Galloway 21:15 Dalry To book a Glenkens Transport Initiative (GTI) bus or for more information please contact keith cooper, GTI Administrator, on 01644 420 374. Glenkens Gazette page 23 REGULAR EVENTS CatStrand (New Galloway): Exercise to Music: Mon, 10-11am Ukelele Group: Mon, 11.15am, 60+ Ukelele Improvers, Mon, 1pm, 60+ Free Computer Training; Beginners & Improvers: Mon (starting 4 Nov), 1.30pm Margaret Morris Movement Adult Dance Class: Mon, 2.30-3.30pm, contact Sara on 01556 612854 Children’s Dance Class: Mon during term time, 3.45-4.45pm age 3-7, 4.30-5.30pm ages 8-15 Let’s Cook: Tues, 10am Carers’ Coffee & Chat: Tues, 10am-12noon Teen Spirit: Tues during term time, 7-8:30pm (P7-S3) and 8-9:30pm (S3+) Gentle Tai Chi: Wed, 10am, 60+ Sing it Out: Thurs, 11am -12pm Pilates: Thurs, 4.15-5.15pm & 5.30-6.30pm Swimming for Over 60s: transport to Kirkcudbtight from CatStrand at 1pm Knit & Blether Club: last Fri each month, 2pm, 60+ Afternoon Tea Club: 2nd Fri each month, 2pm Saturday Art Club: 2nd Sat each month, 10am–12noon Zumbatomic: last Sat each month,10-10.45am Catstrand Youth Players: Sun during term time, 2pm Glenkens Acoustic Sessions: last Sun of the month, 2-4pm Glenkens Community Centre (Dalry): (contact Kath 430 281) Glenkens Children’s Club: Mon & Fri, 9.30-11.45am Paint & Art: Mon, 1.30-4.30pm & Wed, 7-9pm Ballroom & Latin Dance Class: Mon, 7.15, for more info call Sam Rushton on 420 672 GCC Playgroup: Tues & Thurs, 9.20-11.50am, contact keronh@me.com Good Neighbours’ Club: Tues, 2pm Kickback Martial Arts: Thurs, 7-9pm Thursday Craft Group: Thurs, 24pm Brownies: Wed, 5.30-6.45pm Guides: Tue during term-time, 6.15pm, contact: Kath 430 281 Various Locations: Texas Hold ‘em Poker: Mon, 7.15pm, Cross Keys Hotel, New Galloway Mother & Toddlers: Tues, 9.4511.15am, New Galloway Town Hall Beavers: Tues, 6–7.15pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Dog Training: Tues & Wed, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. Contact: Eric 460 670 Bowling for Beginners: Wed, 7pm, Spalding Bowling Club, Dalry (opposite The Garage) Glenkens Community Councils Balmaclellan Community Council Meetings: 3rd Monday each month, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall. Carsphairn Community Council Meetings: Last Monday each month, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn. Dalry Community Council Meetings: 1st Monday each month, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. New Galloway & Kells Community Council Meetings: 2nd Monday each month, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall. Full minutes of local Community Council meetings can be viewed at Dalry Library. CHURCH OF SCOTLAND: Sundays: Balmaclellan: 12noon 1st, Carsphairn: 10.30am 1st 2nd 3rd 4th, Dalry: 12noon 2nd (Nov) 3rd 4th, Dalry: 10.30am 2nd (Oct), Kells: 10.30am 2nd(Nov) 3rd 4th Special Services/Events: 5 Oct, 10.30 am: Harvest Thanksgiving, Carsphairn Church, 12noon: Harvest Thanksgiving, Balmaclellan Church, followed by Harvest Lunch in Village Hall. 12 Oct, 10.30am: United Family Service for Dalry and B & K Church in Dalry Church. 18 Oct, 1012: Abbas Rest Coffee Morning, Dalry Town Hall. 7 Nov, 7.30pm: Quiz Night in Balmaclellan Village Hall. 11 Nov, 11am: Ceremonies at New Galloway and Balmaclellan War Memorials, followed by Remembrance Service in Kells Church. 28 Nov, 7.30pm: Scottish Night, Dalry Town Hall. 30 Nov, 10.30am: United Service with the Choir in Kells Church Communion Services: 26 Oct, 12noon, Dalry Church, 2 Nov, 12 noon, Balmaclellan Church; 16 Nov, 10.15am, Carsphairn Church SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH: St Margaret’s, New Galloway: Holy Communion, 10.30am every Sun & Wed CATHOLIC CHURCH SERVICES: Gatehouse of Fleet: Sat, 6pm. Kirkcudbright: Sun, 9.30am. Dalbeattie: Sun, 11am Tai Jitsu: Wed, Junior Class (age 614), 6-7pm; Senior Class, 7-8.30pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn, contact David on 07547 134 276, see p5 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 Zumba: Wed, 7.30-8.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall, £4 Mossdale Painters: Wed, 9.30am, Mossdale Village Hall Cub Scouts: Wed, 6.45–8pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Carsphairn Post Office: Thurs, 9.30-11.30am, Lagwyne Hall Coffee & Craft Morning: Thurs, 9.30-12noon, Lagwyne Hall D&G Hard of Hearing Group Drop-in: 1st Friday each month, 10am-12noon,New Galloway Town Hall on the first Friday of every month. 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 Tue: 2-4.30pm & 5.30-7.30pm Fri: 11.15am-1:15pm & 2-4.30pm. 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 24 GLENKENS ART WORKSHOP EXHIBITION 2014 The Glenkens Art Workshop Exhibition 2014 was a great success with over 80 entries on display. sculptures as well as fine art in a wide variety of media. The work displayed from the children of the three Glenkens Primary Schools was of a high standard and much appreciated by all who came. Our thanks go to all the children and their schools for their excellent Between Friday 22 and Sunday 24 August, the Community Centre, Dalry, was host to the work of artists contributions. We believe that we have been one of the few exhibitions to have had three generations of the from in and around the Glenkens. The Glenkens Art same family exhibiting! Workshop meets twice a week, on Monday afternoons The standard was again very high and the comments and Wednesday evenings, in the Glenkens Community from the visitors who attended were very positive and Centre, Dalry. Total encouraging. entries for the open During the three days of the exhibition there was a exhibition were 87, slightly disappointing number of visitors; 111 compared varying from cement to 145 last year. We will have to consider how to gorillas, machineincrease this footfall as the excellent work by all these embroidery, paper local artists, young and old alike, deserves a bigger and better showcase in the future. Our thanks go to the Community Centre for allowing us to use their building and to all those people who helped set up, oversee and take down the exhibition as well as to all the contributors. The Glenkens Art Workshop members are a small, friendly group and we welcome all ages - and enthusiasm counts as much as experience! So please feel free to come along to one of our sessions, or get in touch on glenkensart@sky.com or 420 386. Tom Leach Artwork by Grace Jeffery-Temple, P6, Carsphairn Primary School and concrete gorillas by Ian Knox. 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@tiscali.co.uk 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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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 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:  <a href="mailto:glenkensgazette@hotmail.com">glenkensgazette@hotmail.com</a> The Glenkens Gazette is a member of, and regulated by  <a href="https://www.impressorg.com/">Impress</a>. The Glenkens Gazette is an initiative of Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (SC032050) and represents the voice of the community (not necessarily the views of GCAT). 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 2014 ISSUE 83 FREE Day of the Region in New Galloway Join New Galloway’s weekend party... New Galloway will take centre stage in September when it hosts a weekend of events celebrating the Day of the Region (DoR). There will be a diverse programme of free events ranging from fishing to singing, golf to photography and cooking to wildlife-watching, demonstrating the wealth of activities people enjoy accross the wider area. The Day of the Region is a Europe-wide initiative to encourage grass-roots rural community activity and cooperation, and capture the wonderful array of activities that go on throughout the year. Four years ago Dumfries & Galloway was the first region in the UK to take part, and New Galloway is one of eight communities in the region which have been accepted for this year’s celebration which runs from 19-21 September. New Galloway & Kells Community Council has set up a steering group to run the event, led by the council’s chair, George Scott. He says: “The Day of the Region is an opportunity to showcase the many interesting and varied activities that we enjoy in the region and especially in New Galloway. We hope to encourage people and places to connect with each other and to encourage people to to share resources, find new friends, and have fun. It will also provide local people with an opportunity to volunteer in their communities and share their skills and interests.” The entire event is free and George and the other volunteer organisers look forward to Galloway Forest Dark Sky events are part of the DoR activities (photo by Keith Muir) welcoming everyone from across the Glenkens and beyond. “Whether you are interested in walking, cycling, photography, crafts or music, or have a love of the countryside, food or history, this is your opportunity to find out what is going on in your community and be part of it,” he says. Continued on p19... AFRICAN VISIT FOR CARSPHAIRN PRIMARY It has been yet another incredibly busy term at Carsphairn Primary. 23 May was a very special day in the school as we had visitors from Ghana. The African drumming Group was on its way to perform at the main stage of the Knochengorrach World Ceilidh Festival, but stopped in at the school to entertain and educate pupils, parents and community members. Everyone in attendance learned a little about the different styles of drums and songs, and also had a chance to play the drums and learn some traditional African dances. Continued on p10... Carsphairn Primary pupils and staff with African drumming group. A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) ini�a�ve www.glenkensgaze�e.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 2 GLENKENS COMMUNITY CENTRE It’s been a busy few months behind the scenes at the Glenkens Community Centre, with the plans for community ownership progressing apace. Because of the clear desire voiced by the wider community to see Dalry Town Hall and the Community Centre working closely together, we formed a steering committee from representatives of the Community Centre and Town Hall management committees, Dalry community council and some independent voices to ensure that the solution we arrive at is one that will benefit the area as a whole (full list of steering committee members below). At our inaugural meeting in May, we determined that the will was there to see the Community Centre and the Town Hall managed by one Trust, or SCIO (Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation), as they are formally known nowadays. Under this umbrella organisation each building would retain a management committee with responsibilities (as now) for rent-setting, bookings management and internal maintenance. The new Trust would be responsible for grant and fundraising to facilitate external maintenance and running costs, plus advertising and promotion and any other roles that would be better done as a joint effort. We believe that this will provide a model that will allow the buildings to work in a complementary fashion, each playing to its strengths to provide the community with the facilities it needs, and indeed to become more than the sum of their parts. It is also a model that could be expanded to include other public buildings in Dalry, as and if required. To achieve this model, there are some legal issues regarding the existing (and very old) Town Hall Trust that need to be overcome, but Will Adam is very kindly working hard on this on our behalf new windows) is extremely small and any external maintenance would almost certainly continue on the same ad-hoc basis as before. At the next meetings of the Management Committee and the Steering Committee, due in early September, we will therefore discuss whether we would like to continue towards the purchase anyway. Early indications are that we should capitalise on our momentum and proceed with the purchase. In summary, the Community Centre will certainly remain open for the foreseeable future, with a handover to community ownership still very likely. The potential of community ownership and working in partnership with the Town Hall open up a vista of possibilities for the future which we are very excited about. If you have any questions or comments, do get in touch: keronh@me.com Helen Keron, Chair, Glenkens Community Centre management committee Members of the steering committee (listed by person, position and what organisation they represent) are: Helen Keron (chair), Glenkens Community Centre; Jack Howard (secretary), Glenkens Comminity Centre; Jean Lockerbie, Dalry Town Hall; Sonya Trantor, Dalry Town Hall; Andi Holmes, Dalry Community Council; Gerald Bell, Dalry Community Council; Ronnie Bradford, Independent, Will Adam, legal advice. We are all very excited about the possibilities that community ownership and working so closely with the Town Hall offer. Gardener Required for Carsphairn Community Garden This is a paid post for a self-employed gardener. Please contact Carsphairn Community Council secretary: carsphairncc@gmail.com and we are confident of finding a route to our desired outcome. We have also been successful in our application for a £3000 grant from Awards For All to fund the transition costs. Communications with D&G Council continue cordially, although we were surprised to hear last month that due to changing Council priorities, they are not now insisting on a sale to us in the immediate future. We can now continue as we are under the new Management Agreement for the medium-term. However, the amount of money the Council has available for upgrades (such as Glenkens Agricultural Society Annual Show Saturday 9th August Mains of Kenmure, New Galloway Cattle, Sheep, Goats, Poultry, Horses, Show Jumping, Fancy Dress Pony, Pets & Dogs, Crookmaking, Refreshments, Sheep Shearing Demo Schedules from Fiona McIntyre: 01848 200 531 or fiona_mcintyre@hotmail.co.uk E.B.IRVING FORESTRY CONTRACTOR AND SUPPLIER OF QUALITY FIREWOOD THROUGHOUT THE STEWARTRY THANK YOU TO ALL OUR CUSTOMERS! WE LOOK FORWARD TO CONTINUING TO SUPPLY YOU WITH A FIRST CLASS SERVICE For information/orders please call: 07795 678562 or 01556 610667 Glenkens Gazette by the Ken Photo of the Issue: Sponsored Bridge Hotel page 3 This issue’s winner is Fraser McCormick with this tranquil snap of the Otter Pool along Raider’s Road. Dave and Sue, competition judges and owners of the Ken Bridge Hotel, said: “The entries this issue are all very good and all very different. The character of the dog shines through, we love the way the water photos show the interaction between stone and water and we love the vibrant colours of the poppies. I think that on this occasion our winner is the otter pool.” Fraser wins a meal for two at the Ken Bridge Hotel’s renowned Sunday Carvery. We will keep all entries on file and if they suit a future theme/season, they will be re-considered. Victorian Tours & Local Talent Mountains of scones, lashings of Victoria sponge and layers of scrumptious chocolate cake were all lovingly devoured over the Easter holidays at Crossmichael & Parton Church as their experimental Victorian Tearoom and Tour project was launched and proved to be a resounding success. The event made an amazing £1,930 and, more importantly, Crossmichael and Parton Church gained many new friends and Cllr Finlay Carson Castle Douglas & Glenkens for an appointment Tel: 07825 633 185 or email: finlay@finlaycarson.co.uk www.finlaycarson.co.uk supporters with people coming from far and wide to enjoy the experience of tea inside the church - and the chance to ‘journey through time’ on the popular history tours round the church and graveyard. A special thank you has to go to all the volunteer tearoom staff, shop and front foyer staff and of course the very busy bakers who did a sterling job keeping the cake stands full. “It just wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity and time of all the volunteers who stepped up to the mark and produced a really excellent event that everyone – without exception – really enjoyed,” said event co-ordinator Ahrlene Fuller. The event was so successful that ‘Tearoom and Tours’ will open its doors every Friday, TT Tumble Ewan Walker, the Glenkens resident featured in the last Gazette, had a near miss at the recent Isle of Man TT Race. Ewan, who ran the race with a sidecar motorbike, says: “Unfortunately I came off at around 130mph. I suffered a Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 4pm until Sunday 17 August. “This time we want to encourage local young people to take part,” added Ahrlene. “In addition we would love to hear from local musical groups, singers, choirs, acting groups, artists and craftworkers all interested in showcasing their talents in a very unique venue, and who would like to perform and exhibit their work over the summer holiday period at our event,” explained Ahrlene. Anyone who would like to volunteer – you do not need to be a church member - to help either with baking, with the tearoom, with the shop or as a history tour guide will be made more than welcome and if you would like to perform at the event please call Ahrlene on 01556 670615. broken pelvis and tore all the ligaments out of my left knee. My passenger, luckily, was OK but the bike sustained heavy damage. I’d like to give a mention to Nobles Hospital on the Isle of Man and the Royal Liverpool Hospital who both provided excellent care and to whom I am very grateful.” Ewan is on the mend and says he will definitely be going back to the island for another go. 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 Metal folding fire escape ladder. 15ft long. Contact: 07766 686 402 Two four-drawer steel filing cabinets. Contact: Brian Edgar on 420 374. Furniture IKEA open wooden wardrobe with white cotton cover. Perfect for a child’s or spare room. Wood currently painted turquoise but easy to re-paint. Contact Helen, New Galloway: 07789 693 698. Modern Oak King size headboard. Charles Rennie MacIntosh style. Excellent condition. Contact Alan: 07769 680 938 Old Oak Drop Leaf Kitchen/ Dining table. Seats six. Contact Alan: 07769 680 938 WANTED Book cases not needed anymore. Contact Andi: 430 255 Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING) Town Hall: The makeover of the Lower Hall has received many positive comments. The Open Days in May were abuzz with people reminiscing about the ‘olden days’ over the marvellous display of photos, postcards and pamphlets put together by Avril Bridgeman. People of all ages discussed what activities could happen now. Both the surveys and the open days have resulted in a flood of ideas. LING are looking at ways in which these can be initiated in the next few weeks and months. They include an oral history group; regular dances, discos, ceilidhs; badminton, table tennis and other sport & exercise for all ages; gardening; cooking; drop-in lunch & activity club...and lots more....If you are interested in helping to get your idea going, please let us know. An updated business plan will be presented to D&G Council to take forward discussions about the future management and ownership of the Hall. early days, but the proposal would be to source grant funding that would allow for an outright purchase of the shop and attached house. Income from the shop and house rental would then come directly to the community. If an economically sustainable model could be found, this would even be able to contribute to other activities in the area, as well as maintaining a critical facility for the village. owned shops in the area for real-life experience. It has identified the Big Lottery ‘Growing Community Assets’ fund and the Scottish Land Fund as two potential avenues for funding. The next step will be to hold an open meeting. At this meeting, LING will share with the community the information it has gained, and invite any views on the idea. The meeting will be held at 7:30pm on 12 September at New Galloway Town Hall. An update on the plans for the Town Hall will also be given at this meeting. Without tangible evidence of community support, any applications for grant funding will certainly fail, so if you think this sounds like an exciting prospect then please do come to the meeting. Whether you’d just like to continue using our local shop, or whether you’d like to get more involved at this early stage, come along and we’ll see if we can make it happen together! LING would like to thank Jim and Margaret Hopkins and Marie McClurg for their support of the idea so far, and look forward to working with them as we hopefully take this further. Without tangible evidence of community support, any applications for grant funding will certainly fail, so if you think this sounds like an exciting prospect then please do come to the meeting. General Store: LING is also considering an exciting move to buy Hopkins’ shop in New Galloway for the community. It is extremely The shop would be managed professionally as a community shop - ideas at the moment include buying and selling of local garden produce, selling locally baked bread, recovering the alcohol license and selling fresh sandwiches, as well as all the staples. Moving the Post Office in may be an option too. So far, LING has taken advice from Community Ownership Scheme Scotland and the Plunkett Foundation, and will be visiting various community- Glenkens Gazette page 5 sponsored by Pick Up Sticks... This July the Hidden Road saw a unique event at the residence of Lorraine Ishak and Uula Jero. Lorraine and Uula recently purchased Ironmacannie Mill and are working hard to make a living off the land. The event was hosted by a group called Pick Up Sticks and the aim was to bring skilled craftspeople together to share their expertise and help develop projects. Stiles, ladders and paths were built in the mornings, and in the afternoons attendees shared knowledge and skills ranging from green woodworking to botanical walks and woodland folklore. Throughout the event everyone enjoyed home-cooked food and campfire music. In total around 60 people took part. Lorraine says: “It was magic to see such a proactive collective working hard to help us maintain the mill, they also built us a cracking compost toilet. In the future, we would really like to develop green tourism in the area, working with local talent to make a ‘glamping’ hut or two. We are keen on permaculture and art, and would love to be a hub for information on low impact living.” Having only been here since October, the couple are really enjoying getting to know the area and, with their two children (Aarni who is three and Untamo who is ten months) they are enjoying settling into Glenkens life. Uula says: “It’s a sad fact that our generation has lost many of its hand skills and knowledge. Skill share events give an opportunity for people to empower themselves by preserving valuable information Compost toilet in the making. for future generations. It’s a kind of new optimism in the face of the twin challenges of peak oil and climate change. We were really happy to see a good number of crafts people from the Glenkens and other parts of Galloway here to contribute.” The couple are keen to hear from local people who would like to find out more - get in touch on ironmaccanniemill@gmail.com Arndarroch Open Garden Annikki Lindsay held another wonderfully successful open garden in June to raise funds for the local Glenkens Children’s Club (GCC) as well as D&G Canine Rescue. Wright’s Shop Dalry Licensed convenience store & newsagent, now including Dalry Post Office. Please come in and see our newly refurbished self-service shop. Opening Times (both shop & PO): Monday to Friday: 7am – 6pm Saturday: 8am – 6pm Sunday: 8.30am – 4pm Tel: 01644 430 225 A total of £816 was made, of which £326.40 will go to GCC. Annikki said: “The weather was fine but midges were a bit of problem. I used to have a ‘midgie machine’ which cleared the garden of the only wildlife I do not like but it came to the end of its life this year. I think the visitors did enjoy the garden, the exhibition and the teas.” Noah Gilbert (aged four) said he had a great time at the garden, and particularly liked the Rocky Monster and the treasure hunt. His little sister (aged two) liked the sparkly balls and the sweeties at the end! Annikki would like to give a big thank you to the tea ladies, who have done the job for ten years, and to everyone else who helped with the open garden. Glenkens Gazette page 6 Fundraising Raffle for James Orr Painting Well known Scottish artist James Orr has kindly donated one of his paintings to the Glenkens Community and Arts Trust (GCAT). The beautiful painting of Balmaghie Church will resonate with many people in the Glenkens. Balmaghie’s most famous minister was John Macmillan (1669-1753) founder of the sect known as the Macmillanites, which later merged with the Reformed Presbyterians. He believed, among other things favouring the Kirk over the State, that the Solemn League and Covenant of 1643 remained as relevant for posterity as when it was first written. A later Balmaghie minister, HMB Reid, wrote his biography. SR Crockett later made Macmillan the hero of his novel The Standard Bearer which he dedicated to Reid. Crockett, a native of the parish, is buried in the graveyard of Balmaghie, the ‘Kirk Above Dee Water’. James Orr was born in Glasgow and now lives in Ayrshire. He began painting full-time in 1990 when he gave up his business to concentrate entirely on art. He exhibits regularly in the annual Royal Scottish Academy and Royal Glasgow Institute exhibitions as well as in a number of London galleries. He has also exhibited overseas; in New York, Hong Kong, Brussels, Paris and Dublin. Orr paints in acrylic which suits his style perfectly. His paintings are always bold and full of light and colour. He is fascinated by the various aspects of the sea around coastlines, and bases his work on the variety of colour found particularly around the coasts of Scotland. They are joyful paintings which celebrate the simple pleasures of life. His works are held in many private and corporate collections in US, Canada, France, Belgium and Hong Kong, including the collection of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. The painting is being raffled, the launch of which will be at the Friends of the CatStrand evening (featuring a talk by Euan Robson on painters Oppenheimer and Houston) on Saturday 26 July. After that, tickets will be available from the CatStrand and the painting will be on display there. Tickets cost £1 each and come in books of five. Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents Selling properties across Dumfries & Galloway 01556 503744 www.ggblaw.co.uk All legal advice Offices in Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie Kirkcudbright and Dumfries Glenkens Gazette page 7 CatStrand Update It has been a fantastic summer so far with plenty of music and entertainment for all. This is set to continue with much more to round off the summer and on into the autumn. We are so pleased to take part in the Commonwealth Games Celebrations which will take the form of a very special Scottish Alternative Commonwealth Games on Sunday 3 August from 2pm. Expect a colorful commonwealth flavor to the Games this year with Ayawara African drummers and more to be announced. The Games will of course include the usual favorites such as the Gird ‘n’ Cleek World Championship, Hurlin’ the Curlin’ Stane, ‘Tossin’ the Sheaf’, Snail Racing and many more. Of course don’t miss the everentertaining Open Stage on 13 August; a chance to practice your party piece and get a free drink for your efforts! Dr Guy Cuthbertson will join us at the CatStrand on 15 August for an evening of readings of his latest publication - a biography of Wilfred Owen. In this book, Owen is honored as one of the leading poets of the First World War. Mark the centenary of the First World War with accounts of life in the trenches; the event includes tea and coffee. A magical afternoon is in store for the wee ones on Saturday 23 August. The Little Fawn Caravan will stage shadow animation, storytelling and puppetry with original music from Alasdair Roberts all from inside their merry caravan. Following each 20 minute performance is a 30 minute workshop to produce your own puppet pal. One of the hottest and most entertaining old-time bands on the circuit Sheesham & Lotus & Son will take the stage at the CatStrand on Friday 12 September. As entertaining to watch as they are to listen to, this trio will transport you to a by-gone era and strum up some real excitement with banjo, jawharp and an array of other home made instruments. Finally, in the comedy arena, Franchesca Martinez will make a stand-up appearance with a show to accompany her newest publication. Top class entertainment from this award-winning iconic comedienne and TV regular will take place on 25 September. The CatStrand Team For full listings see our latest brochure or visit www.catstrand.com To book tickets call the CatStrand on 01644 420 374. And don’t forget to ‘like’ us on Facebook. �� Glenkens Gazette page 8 Glenkens Art Workshop Exhibition 2014 Calling local artists – it’s not too late to enter your work... The Glenkens Art Workshop are proud to announce that their next exhibition, which aims to provide a showcase for the work of local artists, will take place at the Community Centre, Dalry, between Friday 22 and Sunday 24 August. Artists from the region are invited to submit their work. For further details and entry forms contact Christine on 430 070 or sscr1971@hotmail.co.uk or Tom on 420 386 or t_leach1@sky.com The Glenkens Art Workshop meets twice a week, on Monday afternoons and Wednesday evenings, in the Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry. We are a small friendly group and welcome all ages - and enthusiasm counts as much as experience! from the members of Glenkens Art Workshop business which engendered focused work ethics and the motto of their joint enterprise is: “Not so much a business – more a way of life!” It all began in the early 1980s when Mary and Eric returned from their life as a young married couple in Australia to support a family business in Scotland. They started with a small van to bring fresh produce (with the main emphasis on fish) to widespread outlying communities, many of them farmers, in the Stewartry. The business grew steadily. Twice weekly overnight trips to the markets in Glasgow required bigger vans and the installation of refrigerating facilities at Mary and Eric’s property in Gatehouse of Fleet. What is the secret of Eric and Mary’s success? Long hours, extremely hard work and a determined commitment to the welfare of communities around the area. In return for this tremendous output of energy, Fleet Fish customers, especially those in remote and isolated areas, see Eric and Mary as a lifeline not only for the quality of goods that they supply, but for the friendship and contact that their regular calls provide. Orders are placed in advance, messages are left and exchanged and there is a huge emphasis on trust and satisfaction. Days and times when Fleet Fish visits the Glenkens are listed below, but you can give them a ring to arrange a meeting point if you live further afield (see contact details in ad below). Tuesday - 11am: Crossmichael Village, Parton Mill/Parton. 1.30pm: Loch Ken Holiday Park. 2pm: Kenbridge Area. 3pm: Balmaclellan Village to Corsock. 5pm: Balmaclellan, Hidden Road. 6pm: New Galloway. 6.30pm: Laurieston/over Hill Road to Gatehouse. Wednesday - 10.30am: Laurieston Village, 11am: Slagarie/Hensol & Surrounding Area, 12.30pm Mossdale Village & Surrounding Area, 1.30pm-2.30pm: New Galloway, 3–5pm: Glen Lee/Allan Gibbon Bridge/Dalry, 5.30pm: St Johns Way. Friday - 5.30pm: Corsock. A FISHY BUSINESS Fleet Fish is a company which has been delivering fresh fish and other produce to the Glenkens for almost 30 years. Eric and Mary Cowan supply the freshest fish, together with quality vegetables and food, through their mobile service. Eric’s background as a buyer and manager for the catering trade honed the skills required to search out quality suppliers and the freshest products. Mary was brought up in a thriving family The newest Fleet Fish member, Mary and Eric’s nephew Charles who now covers the Glenkens area. GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL � 01644 420234 � W BONE WHB JEEPS THE GARAGE, DALRY PETROL & DIESEL SALES SERVICE & REPAIRS MOTs, TYRES, BATTERIES ALL AT COMPETITIVE PRICES OPEN 8.30AM - 6.00PM (SIX DAYS) 10AM - 6PM SUNDAYS - FUEL 24 HOURS SHOP • SANDWICH BAR • LOTTERY Tel: 01644 430208 Fax: 01644 430669 jeeps@whbjeeps.co.uk www.whbjeeps.co.uk The Fleet Fish van is in the Glenkens on Tuesdays & Wednesdays every week. Anyone wishing me to call, please phone Mary on above mobile no. www.facebook.com/fleetfish www.fleetfish.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 9 GOLF SEASON IN FULL SWING History was in the making again at New Galloway Golf Club on 3 July when Alex Long, grandson of club secretary Ian Brown, played an exhibition game against Jack Turner, son of New Zealand professional golfer Greg Turner. As Greg has been playing in the Irish Senior Open, the Swiss Open and the Seniors Open at Porthcawl, Jack came to the Glenkens to stay with his grandfather, club member Roddy Herman. Pete Long, Alex’s father, played Greg Turner in an exhibition match for the club during the centenary celebrations in 2002 – so it was again history in the making! The recent beautiful summer weather has shown the golf course off at its best – and the competitions have come thick and fast with several Open competitions being well supported. In June, the Seniors Open provided a clean sweep of the prizes by local members Stuart Jamieson winning the Seniors Championship and Kenny Grierson the Scratch Cup. The New Galloway team finished in 5th place in this year’s Kirkcudbrightshire Team Championship played over the Southerness course when the toast of the club was Ian Brown with the best handicap score of 79-9-70, just one ahead of grandson Alex , who also came 3rd in the Kirkcudbrightshire Junior Championship played at Gatehouse. Captain’s Day on 5 July was extremely well supported with over 50 members and guests enjoying a social occasion with competitive golf. Marena McClymont won the Ladies Quaich, Michael Sutcliffe won the Guests’ Quaich and Ian McQueen won the Jack McQueen Trophy, named after the former Captain and greenkeeper at the club who passed away 20 years ago. Mrs McQueen presented the trophies and prizes to the winners. Junior coaching will be starting shortly, so if you are aged 517 please get in touch with the Captain on 01644 450265 to Southwest Scotland RnR SW Scotland RnR started five years ago to give holidays to injured soldiers throughout southwest Scotland. Jennefer Tobin, CEO and charity founder, said: “Since then we have had 450 to stay in my little house in Carsethorn, south of Dumfries. They come in groups of 10 and spend days out on sporting, competitive and fun activities; we feed them well and make them comfortable.” Our aim is to see them sleeping and laughing by the end of the week and I am pleased to tell you this happens without fail.” SW Scotland RnR see it as our responsibility to assist injured men from within the general community to the best possible life they can attain. “We are a local charity; we do not have assistance from significant funds,” says Jennefer. “The Armed Forces Community Covenant Fund has now recognised us and supported our work. We have opened our doors to veterans, and with 8% of the Scottish population of ex-serviceman being veterans we are glad for publicity so that more of these men can find us.” Alex Long and Jack Turner on the final green. register your interest. The free sessions will be held 4-6pm on Thursdays. More ladies are now taking up golf as it is extremely good exercise, social and doesn’t necessarily take up a lot of time. Free coaching for ladies will be starting, so please ring the Club Secretary on 420 737 if you are interested. You can find out more about the club at www.nggc.co.uk or phone the Secretary on 420 737 for excellent offers on green fees and membership. Glenkens Gazette page 10 CARSPHAIRN SCHOOL REPORT Continued from front page... To ensure that nothing and no one gets left out, rather than writing an article for each and every event and trip we have had this term, I would like to present an end of term report listing most of the exciting things that have been happening down the road at the Glenkens smallest primary. On 2 May, two of our P6 girls (Rachel McCreath and Caitlin Blackett) went to Dumfries Academy to compete in the K’Nex Challenge against other pupils from across Dumfries and Galloway. Their task was to plan and build a forklift with an operational pulley system and a steering mechanism. We were out of the school to cheer on the Commonwealth Baton Relay in Castle Douglas on 19 June. The children had made bunting and a banner before the big day, and the whole school enjoyed a lovely afternoon out. Also, we have spent a lot of time learning this year about science. We had live teleconferencing sessions with former BBC weather presenter Heather ‘the weather’ Reid, where the children learned all about extreme weather and its effects on people’s lives. We did experiments to filter dirty water, and learned all about the water cycle. To wrap up all this fascinating science work, on 10 June the school went on a trip to the Glasgow Science Centre. We have also researched different species of animals that live outside the UK and learned how these animals had adapted to their environment. On 30 July, we had a morning out for Forest Schools at Drumjohn. The children had a chance to build dens, create floral signs and meet and pet some horses, big dogs, small dogs and bearded dragons. Finally, as the children had so much fun learning about different animals, the school PTC funded an excellent trip to Blair Drummond Safari Park on 1 July. We also had some sad farewells this year as our sole P7, Reuben Phillips, is moving up to Dalry Secondary next year; we wish him all the best. Although it is sad to see Reuben go, we are also looking forward to our two new P1 pupils starting in August. Another big change is that Reuben’s mother, Maggie Phillips, has stepped down as chair of the Carsphairn PTC after four years being in the role. Maggie has made countless contributions to the school, and we would like to give her our heartfelt thanks. Finally, all the staff, pupils and parents would like to wish our head teacher Fraser Simpson all the best in his retirement. It has been a brilliant year and we are all looking forward to starting back up in August! Walker McKenna Glenkens Cyclist Wins Championship William Sainsbury (16) from New Galloway has won the Youth Category at the Scottish Downhill Association Scottish cycling championships in Glencoe. William, a 5th year pupil at Castle Douglas High School, has been riding competitively at a national level for two years. Kells Sports Day On Wednesday 18 June Kells held their annual Sports Day. Clatteringshaws House Captain Finlay McGaw and Vice Captain Amy Laye receiving the trophy from Zane Gray. We were very lucky with the weather and the pupils all gave 100% during all the activities and races, plus they gave each other lots of encouragement. The scores were as follows: 1st - Clatteringshaws 454 points, 2nd - Bennan 429 points, 3rd - Kenmure 375 points. Zane Gray Depute Head Teacher, Kells Primary School Glenkens Gazette page 11 Glenkens Gazette page 12 Glenkens Gazette page 13 Glenkens Gazette page 14 Glenkens Gazette page 15 Dalry School Trip to Belgium & France In the year marking the 100th anniversary of the start of World War 1, a group of thirty nine pupils and staff from Dalry School visited the Battlefields of Belgium and then spent two days in the fabulous city of Paris. The visit to Belgium began with a visit to the WW1 Museum at Paschendale, which gave an insight into the horrors of trench warfare. This message was underlined a few miles later when the group visited the war cemetery at Tyne Cot, a very moving and emotional place. At Hill 62 we were able to experience real trenches and tunnels, before travelling the short distance to the town of Ypres, which was flattened during the war and has now been re-built into a beautiful little town. We then visited the memorial and battlefield at Vimy Ridge, an area which was gifted in perpetuity to Canada in recognition of the Canadian soldiers who fought and died there. Again a very moving visit, enhanced by the large number of Canadian WW2 veterans present. From the French–Belgian border it was, ‘next stop Paris’ and the Eiffel Tower. We also took a bateau mouche sail on the Seine, visited the Sacre Couer, walked through the Pigalle area past the world famous Moulin Rouge. The final day was spent at Disneyland, a fantastic experience for children of all ages …. even those over 50! From here it was a short run to Calais, an even shorter ferry journey to Dover and a long sleepy drive to Dalry. A superb trip, with such a variety of experiences. Thanks go to The Galloway Association �� • Pensions • Savings • Investments • Retirement Options • Inheritance Tax Planning • Life Assurance • Income & Critical Illness Protection • Mortgages • Home Insurance Free Confidential Initial Consultation Tel: 01671 403080 Fax:- 01671 402549 Email: brian.edgar@marrfinancial.co.uk Web: www.marrfinancial.co.uk 61 Victoria Street NEWTON STEWART, DG8 6NL **NEW** Yorkshire Building Society Agency – Now Open Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. For mortgages we can be paid by commission or a fee of usually £300 or a combination of both. For Home Insurance we usually offer products from a limited panel of providers. The Vimy Ridge. of Glasgow and The Holywood Trust who contributed funds to allow the school to make the trip more affordable for anybody who wanted to participate. A final pat on the back to the goodhumoured, well-behaved young people who made our six days a pleasure for the staff and our top-notch driver, ‘Big Jim’. Aileen McLeod MSP working for you across the South of Scotland Postal address: Unit 7 Loreburn Shopping Centre High Street, Dumfries, DG1 2BD Email: aileen.mcleod.msp@scottish.parliament.uk Tel: 01387 255 334 Please check www.aileenmcleod.org for regular surgery, constituency and parliamentary updates Open Gardens’ Glenkens Gazette page 16 Glenkens Children’s Club (GCC) GCC Playgroup and Glenkens Children’s Club (GCC) have celebrated the end of another excellent year in the Glenkens Community Centre. Playgroup has seen 14 children through the year, and has increased its opening hours to three mornings a week due to demand. GCC has seen over 80 separate children (with their accompanying adults), and much fun has been had by all! Playgroup has very sadly said goodbye to play leaders Lucy and Gemma at the end of the summer term; we wish them the very best in their future endeavours. Playgroup’s funding is assured for the next academic year so it will be open as before for two and three-year-olds, but it may be over-subscribed this year so if you’d like to assure a place, contact keron@me.com as soon as possible. GCC continues to support parents and carers of babies and toddlers in the area while providing plenty of fun activities for the little ones. Glenkens Children‛s Club Summer Holiday Programme Made possible by funding from Glenkens Community Shop Mondays and Fridays, 09:30 – 11:30 Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry Ages 0-12yrs most welcome, with an adult August Friday 1 - Bushcraft session at GlenLee Estate – den building, fire tarting! Monday 4 - Martial Arts taster Monday 11 - Gymnastics / acrobatics Friday 15 - Party day - more details later! Also on Friday 8 August Debra Hall will be running a ‘Mindfullness‛ session for parents while children play. ‘Like‛ our Facebook page, Glenkens Children‛s Club, for more details and updates Look out for our fundraising ceilidh on Friday 1st August in New Galloway Town Hall, in partnership with the Alternative Games! New Galloway Golf Club Notice is hereby given that: The AGM of the management committee of Dalry Town Hall will be held on Monday 15 September at 7pm. Any person aged 18 or over and resident within the Parish of St John’s Town of Dalry may attend. At this time, the committee is considering registering the organisation as a charity, but for this to proceed we must have the consent of the trustees since they are the persons in whose name the legal title to the Town Hall stands. It is not entirely clear to the committee just who the present trustees are, so we ask that all persons who are or think they may be trustees attend the meeting, and also contact the secretary in advance to advise of their standing in this matter. If any person who is not a trustee has any information as to the identity and/or whereabouts of any trustee, it would be appreciated if you could contact the secretary and pass on any relevant information. The secretary is Sonja Tranter; St John’s House, 12 Midtown, Dalry, DG7 3UT, tel: 430 244. Dalry Town Hall Management Committee Family and friends coming to stay? Short of space? Cosy country cottage available (sleeps 4) Buggies now available for hire Call Fiona on 01644 420 227 - 01644 420737 VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME Helen Keron, Chair, GCC DALRY TOWN HALL www.nggc.co.uk Founded 1902 The group runs on Mondays and Fridays from 9.30 to 11.30am and is £2 per child (babies free). GCC has received funding from the Glenkens Community Shop to hold an exciting programme of events over the summer. The Club would like to thank the Shop for this funding - they have been consistent supporters of GCC and we are most grateful. We would also like to thank Mrs Annikki Lindsay for her ongoing support through her excellent Open Gardens. GCC’s management committee would also like to thank all the voluntary supporters of GCC and Playgroup who have made the year so successful. Without a lot of effort from a lot of people, we wouldn’t be able to provide the children with these fantastic facilities - thank you! www.covenanters-holidaycottagescotland.co.uk FHB Fencing Dalry Domestic and Agricultural Fencing 01644 430 495 (Peter) or 07767 795 498 (Jonathan) Glenkens Gazette page 17 GLENKENS TRANSPORT INITIATIVE (GTI) Changes have been made to the booking system for GTI trips, making it easier for passengers, staff at the CatStrand and drivers. Trips will be advertised in the Glenkens Gazette, the CatStrand brochure, at www.catstrand.com as well as in local shops, and you can book tickets through the CatStrand (tickets must be paid for at time of booking). The following trips have been arranged for later in the year: Mon 6 October – Lake District; Sat 25 October – Glasgow, Hobbycraft Exhibition, Transport Museum, etc; Sat 1 November – Ayr, Shopping/Nat Hunt Racing; Sun 23 November – Edinburgh, Xmas lights switch on, Xmas Markets, Firework Display – Late evening return; Mon 8 December – Hetland Hall Garden Centre & Moffat. DRIVERS WANTED: The success of GTI has put increasing demands on our drivers and we need to recruit more, both on a voluntary basis or on some occasions for payment. All user groups should have their own driver but sometimes need a volunteer to help out, whilst drivers for GTI trips, the Wednesday evening route into Castle Douglas, weekly swimming trips and events like the Spring Fling have to be found from our pool of qualified drivers. For further information please contact me at the CatStrand (420 374) or at gti@catstrand.com XMAS & NEW YEAR TRANSPORT: You will soon be planning your social events for Christmas and New Year period. Remember in addition to a 16seater mini bus, we now have a smaller mini bus which can carry eight passengers. We expect considerable demand for the use of these vehicles, so please book soon to avoid disappointment. Keith Cooper GTI Administrator THE KEN BRIDGE HOTEL New Galloway The Loss of an Icon Dear Gazette, On our most recent visit to Dalry, we were saddened to see that the iconic Scots pine standing alone on the ridge to the east of Fintloch Hill above New Galloway has been felled. We’re sure there were good reasons for this, but this beautiful tree – which we’ve always thought of as ‘the willow-pattern tree’ – will be a loss to the skyline from the upper parts of Dalry. Any chance of a replacement being planted? Thanks for such an excellent local magazine; we always enjoy it. Best wishes, Philip & Frances Culver Bargatton Sand & Gravel Supplying sand and gravel for all your farming needs, as well as households and businesses both large and small. Open 7 Days - Beautiful Riverside Location MEALS SERVED 12.00 - 2.00pm, 5.30 - 8.30pm Bed & breakfast en suite accommodation 01644 420 211 mail@kenbridgehotel.co.uk www.kenbridgehotel.co.uk NEW WEDDING BROCHURE NOW AVAILABLE We stock washed fine sand, coarse sand and gravels at competitive prices. For further details contact: Angus Wilson, Quarry Manager - 07715 606 685 James Mair - 07793 085 243 Email: loch.bargatton@live.co.uk Bargatton Quarry, Laurieston, Castle Douglas, DG7 2PS Open 7 days Mon-Fri Weekends by arrangement Delivery can be arranged - subject to quantity Glenkens Gazette page 18 MARATHON UPDATE Bikeability Local Postman, Ian Oliver, and his wife Fiona would like to sincerely thank all those who donated and supported them for the Edinburgh Marathon and Edinburgh Moonwalk. They are completely overwhelmed by the generosity people have shown by raising £1087.90 for Together For Short Lives, a charity for terminally ill children and their families, and nearly £200 for Walk the Walk Charity, supporting breast cancer charities. Ian ran the Marathon in 3hrs 49 mins and Fiona completed it in 4hrs 30mins. Fiona also completed the Moonwalk starting her speedwalk at midnight in central Edinburgh and covering the 26.2 miles in 5hrs 59mins. The couple say: “A huge thank you to all who donated. A Marathon is definitely not to be underestimated, and despite the training we both found it really hard. Knowing that we’ve raised so much money makes the pain worthwhile...but I’m not sure we’ve caught the marathon bug!” Ian runs the Great North Run, a half Marathon, in September but has had a wee break from running before training kicks in again. Dalry Primary School has eight more competent cyclists to add to the ranks. Pupils took part in a series of Bikeability 1 sessions where they practised figure-of-eights, emergency braking, riding with one hand off the handlebars, ‘hi 5s’, starting off safely and bike checks, among other things. Training took place in the MUGA, around the school and on the playing field. Bikeability trainers Linda and June were thrilled with the group, who worked hard to improve their skills. Staying safe on a bike in the Glenkens means lots of practice, to learn how to share the road safely with other transport (wood lorries, delivery vans, cars and caravans). Bikeability training takes place on the road instead of only around the school, introducing the skills needed to share the road with the real world of traffic. June and Linda are available to run a two-day Bikeability course for parents and children - date to be decided in August. Call 01644 420 361 or email Junehay@glenkensbb.co.uk for info and to check the date of the course. PB Engineering, established in 2012, provides a wide range of services such as: - CNC pressbrake services - CNC profiling (from 0.5 to 25mm) - alloy welding mobile fabrication & welding - lathe & milling services - galvanizing & powder coating - fully Lloyds EMEA coded welding (EN287-1:2011) - stainless steel balustrade and other stainless steel services - fast lead times - catering for bulk orders Our new CNC profiling machine lets us use the latest CAD/CAM technology available to design and cut out almost any intricate one off shape or large quantity orders from a cutting area of 3m x 1.5m. We also have the use of our 3m 100 Tonne CNC pressbrake to enable us to fold materials ranging from 0.5mm to 10mm plate with a guillotine from 3m up to 10mm thick. We also have a three-tonne digger with driver for hire. At PB Engineering our aim is to accommodate all your fabrication needs whatever the size of job. Please give us a call to discuss your requirements. The Yard, Grennan, Dalry, DG7 3SB 07748 809 562 peter@pbengineering.net www.pbengineering.net Glenkens Gazette page 19 Day of the Region BARN OWLS & LOCAL HISTORY Continued from front page... The event will start with a launch party on Friday 19 September in the CatStrand with a play and film, both locally directed and produced, followed by a party to set the mood for the next two days. Planned activities include: an RSPB stall, Galloway Forest Dark Sky events, Access Arts, arts and craft workshops, Turning Point Scotland, family photo-shoot, guitar lessons, drumming and music, golf tasters, pub quiz, film show, BBQ, parade, wildlife workshops, Richard Lines Let’s Cook, edible jewellery, dog show and dog training, bowling club, kids’ face painting, gentle tai chi, karate self-defence lessons, Galloway Astronomical Society, Crocketford Belly Dance Collective, Building Healthy Communities, fishing, choir singing, an artistic maze, children’s dance workshop, music in the park on Sunday and a lantern parade - whew! And that’s is just a taster; for the full list of events look out for the leaflet. Bill Blyth of Blowplain is a rather extraordinary man. As well as having a library of beautiful books and texts on local history he is a fount of local knowledge, and also an avid wildlife enthusiast. We will follow up on some of Bill’s historical items of interest from the area in future issues of the Gazette, but in the meantime below is a shot of the lovely barn owl nest in his barn. Bill and his wife Mary have been keeping an eye on both parents and young, and know where both the male and female owls go to roost; apparently they don’t always stay in the nest with their young. Bill and Mary also feed the parent owls; a luxury not many owl families can boast of! By the time this Gazette is on the shelves these lovely babies will have flown the nest, assured of a warm welcome if ever they should choose to return to raise a family of their own. The Clachan Inn, Dalry, is open every day from 12 noon serving great food, awardwinning ale and offering a variety of live music. Food is served from 12 noon to 2pm and 6pm to 9pm, with the new menu proving very popular so booking is recommended at peak times (current menu can be viewed on our website). Come and experience award-winning cask ales and a great selection of wines, malts, ciders, beers and freshly ground coffee. With summer on its way there are plenty of events planned at the Clachan - keep an eye on the boards outside for all up coming events. 01644 430241 mail@theclachaninn.co.uk www.theclachaninn.co.uk ALEX FERGUSSON MSP FOR GALLOWAY & WEST DUMFRIES Holds regular advice surgeries at: Constituency Office, New Market Street, Castle Douglas, DG7 1HY on the 2nd Friday of every month from 5pm Telephone free on 0800 028 7260 for an appointment or to make any alternative arrangement. You can visit Alex’s website at: www.alexfergusson.org.uk or contact him by e-mail at: alex.fergusson.msp@scottish.parliament.uk Glenkens Gazette page 20 MR NEWTON’S MUNRO CHALLENGE Matthew Newton, formerly of Newton’s Shop, Dalry, and founder of the Glenkens Gazette, has undertaken a fundraising challenge. Matthew will be visiting the four furthest corners of Scotland and climbing five Munros. He says: “I’ve never attempted anything like this so unfortunately cannot say when I hope to pass through Dalry. I take a ferry from Aberdeen to Lerwick and reach the most Northerly point of Scotland before heading back to the mainland through Orkney. After climbing the most northerly Munro, Ben Hope, I will head across to Skye and catch the boat to St Kilda for a day visit. Then on to the Mull of Galloway via Fort William and Oban after climbing the most westerly Munro and Ben Nevis. After Dalry I will head towards Glasgow and then back to Aberdeen, climbing Ben Lomond and Mount Kean. Peterhead is the most easterly point, where I will finish the challenge. I am raising money on just giving for Cancer Research. My grandmother had cancer so in a way it is in her memory.” To follow Matthew’s progress visit his Facebook page, The 4 corners and 5 Munro Challenge, and if you would like to make a donation go to his Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/matthewnewton2014 SR Crockett Remembered The centenary of Galloway author SR Crockett has been celebrated by a number of events in the Glenkens and with the news that many of his novels are being republished 100 years after his death. Samuel Rutherford Crockett was born in 1859 at Little Duchrae farm near Laurieston and became one of the best known novelists of his time with more than 70 titles including The Raiders and The Grey Man. When The Lilac Sunbonnet was published it sold 100,000 copies on the first day. Crockett, although now little known, was a friend of RL Stevenson and JM Barrie and rubbed shoulders with celebrities of the time. Some 100 people attended a day of talks organised by Professor Ted Cowan in New Galloway Town Hall sponsored by the Saltire Society. Douglas Gifford assessed Crockett’s contribution to Scottish literature and Margaret Elphinstone discussed the influence of Galloway on his writing. Pam Snell described his years as a minister in Penicuik and his controversial decision to give up the ministry to be a novelist. In the evening there was a colourful celebration dinner at the Ken Bridge Hotel with many of the company adopting period dress for the occasion. The following day Crockett enthusiasts visited key sites in the area. They were welcomed into Little Duchrae by the present tenants, Barry and Terry Farley, visited the Crockett Memorial in Laurieston and his grave in Balmaghie Kirkyard, as well as locations featured in Crockett novels including Lochinvar and Earlstoun Castle. Crockett enthusiast Cally Philips chose April 16, the anniversary of Crockett’s death, to launch her republication of 32 of his novels, all with Galloway connections and many long out of print. They are available electronically or as printon-demand from www.aytonpu blishing.co.uk or Amazon.co.uk. Speaking at her launch event at Wigtown she asked: “Why isn’t there a Crockett Trail? If the red kites can have one, why not Galloway’s most famous author?” It is hoped to establish a small Crockett archive in the Glenkens with materials presented by the author’s biographer, Islay Donaldson. Islay, who was an enthusiastic supporter during preparations for the conference, sadly died on 29 April aged 92. Meanwhile a small exhibition on Crockett’s life and work continues at the CatStrand in New Galloway. Glenkens Gazette page 21 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN Mad Sir Uchtred Of The Hills After delivering talks recently on SR Crockett’s novella, Mad Sir Uchtred of the Hills, some folk were kind enough to suggest that I might print a version in the Gazette. Published in 1894 it shows Crockett pushing the boundaries of fiction. Uchtred has been described as ‘Gothic’ but if so it is strangely Calvinistic, yet romantic, in character. Uchtred has been cast out by God because although a onetime covenanter he has abjured the covenants in the interests of self-advancement to become a persecutor of covenanters. In better times he won the love of the beautiful Philippa, adored by many men including Uchtred’s loathsome brother, Randolph, a total waster. Although Uchtred knows that Philippa is devoted to him his hatred for his brother grows; “a still and deadly hatred – the hate that can let pass ninetynine opportunities and kill at the hundredth”. When Uchtred is sent to eject a non-conformist minister from his kirk he rides into the church on his war horse. He orders the burning of the minister’s possessions but the reverend solemnly curses him. Uchtred instantly reacts, “as a strained fiddle-string snaps, so a chord twanged in his head”. He flees away over the Galloway moors, shedding his clothing as he does so, becoming at one with the landscape in returning to nature. Upon Clashdaan the madness came on him as “he fled along the shaggy tops of the lonely hills, till on the bare scalp of the Merrick, close under the lift with all the other mountains crouched and dwarfed beneath him, he had a vision. “He saw himself like Lucifer, Star of the Morning, flash out of the blackness between the tingling points of light, for a moment curve in trailing fire across the firmament, and plunge into the lake of eternal fire in which burn for ever all the sins and despairs of the universe.” For three years the madman ranges over mountain and moor acquiring Belus the cat as his god. He inhabits a similar landscape to William Nicholson’s Brownie of Blednoch. A great hunt is organized by Randolph using bloodhounds to finally dispose of Uchtred who “yammered and spluttered in his rage, and his hate was not like the hate of a sane man, but far more terrible”. The brothers finally confront one another, Uchtred intent upon murder until he hears the tolling of the church bell far down the mountain. The brothers make their peace with one another. Uchtred achieves redemption. When first read the story seems as crazy as Uchtred but on closer scrutiny it has a certain charm in its blend of local folklore and covenanting belief, not to mention the spirits and devils that we all know inhabit the Galloway wastelands in the hours of darkness. The piece is most memorable as an essay on the ageold relationship between Nature and Christianity, damnation and redemption, life and death, commitment and rejection. Historically Maclellan of Barscobe was the hero of the Glenkens Rising in 1666 yet he later abjured the covenant and was murdered in 1682 as a traitor to the cause, possibly Crockett’s inspiration for his story. The Galloway topography is recognisable; the local traditions are accurately described. I suggest you all read this rich tale and think of Uchtred the next time you climb the Galloway hills. Ted Cowan ...“a still and deadly hatred – the hate that can let pass ninety-nine opportunities and kill at the hundredth”. The Clog & Shoe Workshop unique handmade footwear open 10am - 5pm weekdays Easter Mon to 31st October please ring to arrange a visit at other times Tel: 01644 420 465 visit our new online shop at www.clogandshoe.co.uk Phillipa takes herself to Clashdaan in search of Uchtred. While asleep in the wilderness the cat leaves her with the mark of the beast on her neck. She is saved by Uchtred who has warred on her behalf during the night. T. H. CARSON BUTCHERS See us at Dalry Farmers Market on 2nd Sat each month. We deliver every Thursday Give us a call, no order too small! THE CROSS, MILL ST, DALBEATTIE 01556 610 384 Glenkens Gazette page 22 JUNE & JULY AUGUST Sun 3, Scottish Alternative Games, from 2pm, New every Fri, Sat & Sun until Sun Galloway Park 17, 11am-4pm, Tearoom & Mon 4, GCC Martial Arts Tours, Crossmichael & Parton Taster, 9.30-11.30am, Church, see p3 Glenkens Community Centre, Fri 1, Alternative Games see p16 & 24 Ceilidh, 8pm-12am, New Fri 8, Lorraine McAslan & John Galloway Town Hall Lenehan, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 1, GCC Bushcraft Session, 9.30Fri 8, GCC Mindfullness 11.30am, Glenlee Estate, see p16 session, 10-11am, Glenkens Community Centre, see p16 Sat 9, Glenkens Show, see p2 Sat 9, GTI Bus Trip: Mull of Galloway, see p16 Mon 11, GCC Gymnastics/ Acrobatics session, The Alternative to the Commonwealth Games! 9.30-11.30, The Gird ‘n’ Cleek World Championship Glenkens Tossin’ the Sheaf Community Hurlin’ the Curlin’ Stane - Tractor Pull - Tug o’ War - Snail Racing Lockerbie Pipe Band - Classic Car Show Centre, see p16 Music from the Commonwealth Barbecue, Teas, Stalls, Sideshows, Bar... and more! Wed 13, Open Stage, 7.30pm, SUNDAY 3rd AUGUST CatStrand 2pm, THE PARK, NEW GALLOWAY Admission £4 Adult/£1 Child Thurs 14, A UNIQUE DAY OUT SW Scotland FOR ALL THE FAMILY! RnR Quiz Profits support local charities and good causes. Night, 7.30pm, Plus...look out for posters for the ceilidh Clachan Inn, on Friday 1st August! see p9 The Scottish Alternative Games 2014 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 � Fri 15, Talk: Wilfred Owen by Dr Guy Cuthbertson, CatStrand Fri 15, GCC Party, 9.3011.30am, Glenkens Community Centre, see p16 Sat 16, Glenkens Flower & Vegetable Show Thu 12, Film: 12 Years A Slave, CatStrand Fri 22 - Sun 24, Glenkens Art Workshop Exhibition, see p8 Sat 23, Little Faun Theatre presents The Pied Piper of Hamelin by Sokobauno Puppet Theatre, CatStrand SEPTEMBER Fri 12, LING Open Meeting, New Galloway Town Hall, see p4 Mon 15, AGM of Dalry Town Hall management committee, 7pm, see p16 Thurs 18 - Sat 20, Day of the Region (DoR) New Galloway, see front page. Fi 19, Sheesham and Lotus & Son, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 19, Musical Evening in Kells Church, 7 pm, part of DoR. Sat 20, Blood Orange by Electric Theatre, 7.30pm, CatStrand Thu 25, Franchesca Martinez, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 26 Sept–Sun 5 Oct, Wigtown Book Festival, see p20 GTI WEDNESDAY BUS SERVICE (registered route) Outward Journey: 19:00 Dept. Dalry (Underhill) 19:05 New Galloway 19:15 Mossdale 19:25 Laurieston 19:30 Townhead of Greenlaw 19:37 Castle Douglas (Market St) 19:40 Castle Douglas (Tesco) Return journey: 20:35 Dept. Castle Douglas (Tesco) 20:37 Castle Douglas (Market St) 20:47 Townhead of Greenlaw 21:50 Laurieston 21:00 Mossdale 21:10 New Galloway 21:15 Dalry To book a Glenkens Transport Initiative (GTI) bus or for more information please contact keith cooper, GTI Administrator, on 01644 420 374. Glenkens Gazette page 23 REGULAR EVENTS CatStrand (New Galloway): Exercise to Music: Mon, 10-11am Ukelele Group: Mon, 11.15am, 60+ Ukelele Improvers, Mon, 1pm, 60+ Free Computer Training; Beginners & Improvers: Mon (starting 4 Nov), 1.30pm Margaret Morris Movement Adult Dance Class: Mon, 2.30-3.30pm, contact Sara on 01556 612854 Children’s Dance Class: Mon during term time, 3.45-4.45pm age 3-7, 4.30-5.30pm ages 8-15 Let’s Cook: Tues, 10am Carers’ Coffee & Chat: Tues, 10am-12noon Teen Spirit: Tues during term time, 7-8:30pm (P7-S3) and 8-9:30pm (S3+) Gentle Tai Chi: Wed, 10am, 60+ Sing it Out: Thurs, 11am -12pm Pilates: Thurs, 4.15-5.15pm & 5.30-6.30pm Swimming for Over 60s: transport to Kirkcudbtight from CatStrand at 1pm Knit & Blether Club: last Fri each month, 2pm, 60+ Afternoon Tea Club: 2nd Fri each month, 2pm Saturday Art Club: 2nd Sat each month, 10am–12noon Zumbatomic: last Sat each month,10-10.45am Catstrand Youth Players: Sun during term time, 2pm Glenkens Acoustic Sessions: last Sun of the month, 2-4pm Glenkens Community Centre (Dalry): (contact Kath 430 281) Glenkens Children’s Club: Mon & Fri, 9.30-11.45am Paint & Art: Mon, 1.30-4.30pm & Wed, 7-9pm Ballroom & Latin Dance Class: Mon, 7.15, for more info call Sam Rushton on 420 672 GCC Playgroup: Tue & Thurs, 9.2011.50am, contact keronh@me.com Good Neighbours’ Club: Tues, 2pm Kickback Martial Arts: Thurs, 7-9pm Thursday Craft Group: Thurs, 24pm Brownies: Wed, 5.30-6.45pm Guides: Tue during term-time, 6.15pm, contact: Kath 430 281 Various Locations: Texas Hold ‘em Poker: Mon, 7.15pm, Cross Keys Hotel, New Galloway Mother & Toddlers: Tues, 9.4511.15am, New Galloway Town Hall Beavers: Tues, 6–7.15pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Dog Training: Tue & Wed, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. Contact: Eric 460 670 Bowling for Beginners: Wed, 7pm, Spalding Bowling Club, Dalry (opposite The Garage) Tai Jitsu: Wed, Junior Class (age 6- Glenkens Community Councils Balmaclellan Community Council Meetings: 3rd Monday each month, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall. Carsphairn Community Council Meetings: Last Monday each month, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn. Dalry Community Council Meetings: 1st Monday each month, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. New Galloway & Kells Community Council Meetings: 2nd Monday each month, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall. Full minutes of local Community Council meetings can be viewed at Dalry Library. CHURCH OF SCOTLAND: Sundays: Balmaclellan: 12noon 1st, Carsphairn: 10.30am 1st 2nd 3rd 4th, 5th, Dalry: 9am 1st 3rd 4th(Aug), Dalry: 10.30am 2nd (Aug), 5th (Aug), Dalry 12noon 4th (Sept), Kells: 10.30am 3rd 4th Special Services/Events: 10 Aug, 10.30am; United Service with B & K Church in Dalry Church, 31 Aug, 10.30am; United Service with Glenkens Church Choir, Dalry Church, 14 Sept, 10.30am; United Family Service, Carsphairn Church, followed by bbq, 28 Sept, 12noon; Harvest Thanksgiving, Dalry Church & Harvest Lunch in Dalry Town Hall Communion Service: 24 Aug, 10.30am, Kells Church SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH: St Margaret’s, New Galloway: Holy Communion, 10.30am every Sun & Wed CATHOLIC CHURCH SERVICES: Gatehouse of Fleet: Sat, 6pm. Kirkcudbright: Sun, 9.30am. albeattie: Sun, 11am 14), 6-7pm; Senior Class, 7-8.30pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn, contact David on 07547 134 276, see p5 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 Zumba: Wed, 7.30-8.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall, £4 Mossdale Painters: Wed, 9.30am, Mossdale Village Hall Cub Scouts: Wed, 6.45–8pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Carsphairn Post Office: Thurs, 9.30-11.30am, Lagwyne Hall Coffee & Craft Morning: Thurs, 9.30-12noon, Lagwyne Hall Hard of Hearing Group Drop-in: 2nd Thurs each month, 10am-12noon, Castle Douglas Town Hall Scouts: Thurs, 7–8.30pm, New Galloway Scout Hut 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 Tue: 2-4.30pm & 5.30-7.30pm Fri: 11.15am-1:15pm & 2-4.30pm. 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 24 Scottish Alternative Games With sports fever gripping the nation this year and the Commonwealth Games upon us, along comes the real alternative to the World Cup, Ryder Cup and the Commonwealth Games – New Galloway’s own Scottish Alternative Games. The famous annual event is now in its 38th year and unlike the other major events of the summer, offers absolutely everyone a chance to win a medal. Even the ‘medals’ are alternative and take the form of edible Scottish delicacies such as Haggis, Scotch Pies and Clootie Dumplings. The official Gird ‘n’ Cleek World Championships take centre stage as usual and all the other popular events will be held too around too with the Classic including Tossin’ the Sheaf, Car Show, stalls, barbecue Hurlin’ the Curlin’ Stane, Tractor and musical entertainment Pull and Snail Racing. throughout the day. To mark the year of the Why not come along to New Commonwealth Games, a flavour Galloway Park on Sunday 3 of the Commonwealth will be August and be part of the brought to New Galloway with Scottish Alternative Games music from other parts of the 2014 – after all, where else world complementing the Scottish could you go out for the day sound from the pipes and drums and potentially return home as of Lockerbie Pipe Band. a World Champion! The event is renowned for The Alternative Games its family atmosphere and has Ceilidh is back by popular welcomed visitors from all over demand on Friday 1 August the world since 1977, many in New Galloway Town people returning year after year to Hall, and this year will be enjoy the unique experience. fundraising for Glenkens All of the events can be Children’s Club - look out for entered on the day and any posters for further details. necessary equipment is provided, but if you prefer to be less energetic and just watch the quirky events in the arena then there will be plenty of World Gird ‘n’ Cleek Championship 2013. other attractions FESTIVAL - FRIDAY 19 TO SUNDAY 21 SEPTEMBER Friday Sunday 6.30pm onward: Informal reception open to the public and opening of art exhibition (exhibitors are John Threlfall, Paul Collin, Frances Godfrey, Sheena Mccurrach, Michal Sur and Dalry Art Group), Dalry Town Hall 9-10am: Bird ringing demonstration, Barone garden, led by Andrew Bielinski Saturday 10am-5pm: Art exhibition, Dalry Town Hall 10am Children’s event in village and at Dalry Town Hall 11am: Guided bird trail around Dalry led by Chris Rollie 11am-2pm: visits to Barone to view house & studio (please go to Dalry Town Hall to book a place) 2-5pm: Watson Raptor Science prize presentations and debates, Lochinvar Hotel 8pm: Musical entertainment by local artists, Dalry Town Hall (tickets £3) 10am-4pm: Art exhibition, Dalry Town Hall 10.30am-1pm: Watson Art Trail minibus tour led by Chris Rollie 2-3pm: Art workshop by John Threlfall, Dalry Town Hall 3-5pm: Visits to Barone (please go to Dalry Town Hall to book a place) 5pm onwards: Ceildh, The Clachan Inn, Dalry Supported by D&G Council A Galloway & Southern Ayrshire Biosphere project For any further information or tickets please call the CatStrand on 01644 420 374 or visit the Watson Bird website - www.watsonbirds.org 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 SEPTEMBER Design & co-ordination: Sarah Ade sarah_ade@tiscali.co.uk 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 83 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GG_083 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 2014 Description An account of the resource Editor: Sarah Ade https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/1/228/GlenkensGazette82.pdf e91bd92287aaa106636abd5db64c5f61 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 82 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 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:  <a href="mailto:glenkensgazette@hotmail.com">glenkensgazette@hotmail.com</a> The Glenkens Gazette is a member of, and regulated by  <a href="https://www.impressorg.com/">Impress</a>. The Glenkens Gazette is an initiative of Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (SC032050) and represents the voice of the community (not necessarily the views of GCAT). 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 2014 ISSUE 82 FREE TT RACE CHALLENGE FOR LOCAL SIDECAR BIKER Glenkens resident Ewan Walker is taking part in the 2014 Isle of Man TT (Tourist Trophy) Race. Ewan Walker with sidecar passenger Dicky Gale. “The TT is the greatest and oldest motorcycle race in the world - it was first run in 1907 - and to take part is not only a huge challenge but a privilege as well and is a lifetime ambition for me,” says Ewan. Ewan will be entering with a sidecar motorcycle. He says: “The bike I am running is a chassis built by Gordon Shand from Auchentiber (near Kilwinning) and a tuned tuned Suzuki GSXR 600 engine. My sidecar passenger is Dicky Gale from the Isle of Man, although local man Tony Moore used to passenger me on short circuits.” Continued on p8... Open for Business: Dalry Post Office at New Location The Post Office in Dalry has now moved into Wright’s Shop, 17-19 Main Street (opposite the Clachan Inn). Following the refurbishment of the shop, the Post Office opened for business on 30 April when subpostmistress Florance Ruddock closed the former branch. Lyndsay Wright and her staff at Wright’s Shop are operating a local Post Office branch including postal services, cash withdrawals via chip and pin, bill payments, phone top-ups, Post Office card accounts and foreign currency.The Post Office now also benefits from the longer opening hours of the shop. Lyndsay is delighted with the changes to the shop and is very pleased with the positive responses she has received from customers. She would like to thank her customers for their continued support and understanding during the disruption, and she looks forward to continuing her work within the village. A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) ini�a�ve Lindsay at the new Post Office counter. www.glenkensgaze�e.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 2 THE FOOD TRAIN You may have seen the Food Train vans out and about – but do you know what we do? The Food Train is a local charity and voluntary organisation providing a weekly service delivering groceries to older people living in Dumfries and Galloway. Any person aged 65 and over living in D&G who has difficulty doing their grocery shopping due to ill health, disability, frailty or mobility problems can enjoy the benefits of their local Food Train. Every week volunteers collect shopping lists from our customers, in person or by phone. Volunteer shoppers make the orders up in the shop; the orders are packed in boxes complete with till receipt and the original shopping list. The orders are then collected by other delivery volunteers, and on receipt customers pay for their shopping plus a £3 charge for each delivery (and £1 a year membership). In the Stewartry we shop in Castle Douglas in the Co-op, Tesco and Sunrise. People can refer themselves, or be referred by others and enrolling is easy: there is no assessment process and no application form to fill in. The Food Train is flexible and easy to use, and a phone call to the branch office is all it takes to set it up. It can be used weekly, fortnightly or monthly; it can be used short-term while recovering from an illness, or for as long as it’s needed. If you are an older person struggling with your grocery shopping you can let the Food Train take the strain. the size of the job, and time required to complete it. We rely on volunteers to deliver our services – volunteer shoppers, volunteer drivers and co-drivers, admin and ‘EXTRA’ volunteers. They do a fantastic job, and our customers really appreciate the chat and care they give when delivering the shopping or undertaking odd jobs. We are looking for additional volunteers, so if you think you might like to join the team please get in touch to find out more. The Stewartry branch office has recently moved to Castle Douglas. You can phone Area Co-ordinator Jif Hyde on 07507 321874, email jif@thefoodtrain.co.uk or contact us through our website www.thefoodtrain.co.uk Food Train also offers its ‘EXTRA’ service to anyone aged 65 and over. Our volunteers do odd jobs that folk are unable to do themselves, for example; defrosting freezers, cleaning the inside of windows, hanging curtains. Food Train also offers its ‘EXTRA’ service to anyone aged 65 and over. Our volunteers do odd jobs that folk are unable to do themselves, for example defrosting freezers; cleaning the inside of windows; hanging curtains. (No jobs are undertaken that would require a qualified tradesperson.) EXTRA jobs cost £3 upwards depending on Annual Glenkens Flower and Vegetable Show The Glenkens Horticultural Society’s Annual Flower and Vegetable Show takes place this year on Saturday 16 August in Dalry Town Hall. With sections for vegetables, plants, flowers, flower arrangements, handicrafts, photography, baking & produce and a junior section, there really is something for everyone. The only requirement for taking part is that you are resident in the Glenkens. The Society is proud to be one of the oldest in Scotland having been founded in 1831 – help keep it going by entering this year! Schedules and entry forms are available from local shops. Glenkens Gazette Photo of the Issue page 3 Sponsored by the Ken Bridge Hotel This issue’s winner is Jayne Grimwood with a cute snap of a red squirrel taken near Loch Ken. Dave and Sue, competition judges and owners of the Ken Bridge Hotel, said: “After having considered all the entries we chose Jayne Grimwood’s photo as the winner; the squirrel has got a lovely look of cheekiness and liveliness, and is also sadly a reminder of a disappearing world.” Jayne wins a meal for two at the Ken Bridge Hotel’s renowned Sunday Carvery. We will keep all entries on file and if they suit a future theme/season, they will be re-considered. “Thank You” SWIMMING FOR OVER-60s from the Scouts The leaders and youngsters of Arrangements have been made for a group of people aged over 60 from the Glenkens Scout Group would the Glenkens to attend Kirkcudbright like to thank the group committee, parents and friends of Scouting for Swimming Pool on a weekly basis. This activity is being totally funded by the supporting them at their recent CatStrand Connecting in Retirement Project, and is annual jumble sale. therefore totally free to participants. Transport is also provided, if required, again totally free. Weekly sessions will be held each Thursday afternoon from 2-3pm, starting on Thursday 22 May. Anyone interested should inform Reception at the CatStrand on 01644 420 374; transport will be from the CatStrand every Thursday at 1pm. Money Raised For Patient Transport A recent Plant and Cake sale organised by the Ladies Guild at St. Margaret’s Church in New Galloway raised over £350 for the Order of St John which in this area provides patient transport and emergency equipment for organisations such as Mountain Rescue. St Margaret’s Ladies Guild president, Christine Rankin, commented: “We were delighted by the number of people who came, despite the rain, and supported this helpful and much needed organisation by buying home-made cakes and jams and stocking up on plants and seedlings for the garden. And this year we were able to offer tea and coffee as well”. Our thanks also go to the kind people of the Glenkens and beyond who donated items for the sale and those who came and purchased. We raised a massive £1,156. The group are fortunate to have their own premises and this amount helps to pay for hall insurance, repairs, equipment replacement, activities, badges and much more. All leftover clothing, shoes, bags, belts and soft toys are recycled. Thank you all again, Heather, Cub Scout Leader Great Daffodil Appeal 2014 Thanks to the generosity of the communities and participating outlets in the Glenkens area, £144.14 was raised for Marie Curie Cancer Care during this year’s Daffodil Appeal. A 100% increase on last year’s total, it will go towards much needed practical nursing care to terminally ill people in our area. The Daffodil Campaign is a vital part of fundraising for the charity and their services are totally free to patients and their families. The Glenkens has generously supported it since 1996. 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 Greenhouse glass, was a 13’x8’ greenhouse, dismantled, part of greenhouse there too if you want it. Contact: 420 679 Round 14’ trampoline, in good condition apart from cover that goes round the edge which will need repair or replacement. Contact: 430 218. Box of small fire bricks; 1960/1970s roof rack for car with gutters. Contact: Cynthia on 420 605 Furniture Three wooden garden armchairs, perhaps teak, not 100% sure. Contact: Annikki on 460 640. Child’s white plastic chair. Contact: Cynthia on 420 605 Two armchairs, yellow covers, bit battered in places but really comfy. Contact: 430 218. WANTED Old carpet (but not rotting) for fruit garden paths. Contact: Cynthia on 420 605 Scottish Alternative ‘Commonwealth’ Games The 2014 Games on Sunday 3 August will coincide with the closing day of that other big sporting event happening this summer, the Commonwealth Games. In recognition of this, our own Alternative Games will take on a Commonwealth theme this year with a few twists to the usual format. All the popular quirky events will be included of course, with the Gird n’ Cleek World Championship leading the way, but look out for some guest appearances from international musicians GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE W BONE General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL � 01644 420234 � Wright’s Shop Dalry Licensed convenience store & newsagent, now including Dalry Post Office. Please come in and see our newly refurbished self-service shop. Opening Times (both shop & PO): Monday to Friday: 7am – 6pm Saturday: 8am – 6pm Sunday: 8.30am – 4pm Tel: 01644 430 225 and performers amongst other surprises. Full details will be confirmed in due course but if you are a local organisation and are interested in having a fundraising stall or you are an artist, craftsperson, food producer, etc and would like to reserve a place, please contact Brian Edgar on 420 374 or briangm@catstrand.com WHB JEEPS THE GARAGE, DALRY PETROL & DIESEL SALES SERVICE & REPAIRS MOTs, TYRES, BATTERIES ALL AT COMPETITIVE PRICES OPEN 8.30AM - 6.00PM (SIX DAYS) 10AM - 6PM SUNDAYS - FUEL 24 HOURS SHOP • SANDWICH BAR • LOTTERY Tel: 01644 430208 Fax: 01644 430669 jeeps@whbjeeps.co.uk www.whbjeeps.co.uk The Fleet Fish van is in the Glenkens on Tuesdays & Wednesdays every week. Anyone wishing me to call, please phone Mary on above mobile no. www.facebook.com/fleetfish www.fleetfish.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 5 sponsored by What is the issue with North American signal crayfish? North American signal crayfish, first formally recorded in Scotland in 1995, are wellknown in the Glenkens and have now been recorded in a number of other locations across Dumfries & Galloway. Signal crayfish can be 2-15cm long and are a very aggressive and highly adaptable species. They can have a significant adverse impact on our native freshwater animals and plants in any river, loch or pond that they inhabit. In running waters extensive burrows may destabilise banks, causing erosion and bank collapse. They also prey on fish eggs and young fish, and compete for food and habitat which further impacts on the populations of native fish. Signal crayfish are one of many non-native species in Scotland introduced by humans. Once established some, such as signal crayfish, become invasive and can cause problems for recreational users and others who rely on our rivers and lochs for their livelihoods. Unfortunately no long-term solution has yet been found to eradicate signal crayfish once they are established. Research continues to try to find suitable control techniques and to prevent the movement of signal crayfish within rivers and between catchments. Trapping trials have concluded that although numbers may be reduced during the short-term, traps favour the capture of larger individuals. An unintended consequence of selective harvesting is the increased growth and earlier maturation of juvenile crayfish, which can cause the population to increase. It is not, therefore, a sustainable long-term solution. It is illegal to trap signal crayfish for personal consumption or for onward sale due to the significant and unacceptable risk of introduction to other waters which are presently unaffected by crayfish. Any trapping for scientific purposes, or to limit numbers, requires a licence. Many water-users, businesses and associated organisations across the region and further afield are hugely concerned that other water bodies could also become infested with signal crayfish. Until a longterm solution can be found the only way of protecting unaffected waters is to prevent the movement of any crayfish or their eggs, which could find their way to new locations. The law is therefore clear; that it is an offence to be in possession of a live crayfish or to set a crayfish trap in Scotland without a licence. They must not be transported or released into the wild (including returning live animals caught by accident to the water or ground). If you take a signal crayfish from the water (accidentally or otherwise) do not take it away, as females may be carrying eggs which could be spread to other waters. It should be humanely dispatched and buried close to where it was found. Please help to prevent the spread of all invasive non-native species by ‘checking, cleaning and drying’ all equipment that is used in water before using it elsewhere, and spread awareness with others. For more information on the Check Clean Dry campaign visit www.nonnativespecies.org/ checkcleandry If you see a signal crayfish outwith the Glenkens area please report it to Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) by contacting Scotland’s Environmental and Rural Services (SEARS) 24/7 Customer Service Helpline on 08452 302050, or email info@sears.scotland.gsi.uk If you come across a crayfish trap, do not handle it or remove it from the water. Please report it to Police Scotland by calling 101. For more information SEPA and Scottish Natural Heritage are holding a ‘dropin’ event on Saturday 5 July from 12-3pm at The Cross Keys Hotel, New Galloway. Dumfries & Galloway North American Signal Crayfish Action Group Over the Easter Break four crayfish/crab creels were found set in Loch Ken near to Green Island. It is illegal to set these traps and for anyone to trap the North American Signal Crayfish that are in Loch Ken. Anyone with any information about this or any other illegal trapping in Loch Ken is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. You can also visit its website at www.crimestoppers-uk.org Glenkens Gazette page 6 Glenkens Church News Central Table Communion at Carsphairn Once a year the historic central communion table is used during the celebration of the Lord’s Supper in Carsphairn Church. This year this service will be held on Sunday 6 July at 10.15am. Visitors would be welcome to join members at this service at which the 1647 communion cups will be used. Carsphairn Church acquired these cups under the ministry of Rev John Semple very early in its history, just before the start of the turbulent Covenanting period. Semple drew people from far and wide to his celebrated communion services at Carsphairn. He was a leader of the Covenanting ministers and once stood up to Oliver Cromwell at a meeting in Edinburgh – for which he suffered six months in prison! Conventicle at Halfmark The conventicle this year will be at Halfmark in Carsphairn parish, and will now be on Sunday 8 June at 3pm, as opposed to the earlier advertised date of 27 April. Halfmark is a ruined cottage situated roughly midway between Garryhorn and Carnavel which was inhabited until around the middle of the 19th century. In Covenanting times a man by the name of McRory lived there. He was quietly reading his Bible one Sunday morning having put his cattle out to pasture when Grierson of Lagg, who was stationed locally at Garryhorn, came by with his soldiers. Lagg shot him dead on the spot. Parking will be at Garryhorn, from where it is an easy walk down a grassy track to the place where the open-air service will be held. However, to get to Halfmark itself, which is a few hundred yards further on, wellies will be needed to ford the Garryhorn Burn. T C TYRES Mobile Tyre Fitting Specialist & Supplier Tom Craig, previously manager at ATS Euromaster, Castle Douglas, started his mobile service when ATS closed in 2012. TC Tyres offers tyre fitting, balancing & repairs (car,van, motor cycle, trailer & agricultural vehicles). Tyres supplied or own tyres fitted, work done at your work or home, batteries also supplied and fitted. Tom Craig 07557 511 436 VAT Registered Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents Selling properties across Dumfries & Galloway 01556 503744 www.ggblaw.co.uk All legal advice Offices in Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie Kirkcudbright and Dumfries Glenkens Gazette page 7 CatStrand Update We are thrilled to share what we have in store at the CatStrand over June and July to fill those summer nights. Show our local youngsters your support and attend the CatStrand Youth Players – An Evening of One Act Plays on Friday 13 June; prepare to be impressed by these truly talented young people. The avant-garde theatre company Plutot La Vie make a comedic return this year with their brand new production La Tragedie Comique on Friday 27 June. Expect beauty, imagination and French people; jouir! The standard of music this summer is as exceptional as ever starting with the double-platinum record selling Irish singersongwriter Kieran Goss on Friday 20 June. The Mae Trio will cross our path on Saturday 12 July as part of their debut tour of Scotland. After storming Celtic Connections, these Australian girls have charmed their way into the hearts of a legion of Scots. Recipients of the 2013 Folk Alliance Youth Award at the National Folk Festival in Australia, they really are one of a kind and perfect listening for long summer nights. A little closer to home is Mike Daly’s Dixieland Rhythm Kings Jazz Band. Join us on Friday 18 July for a sparkling night of jazz music; get your bookings in early for this popular act. For kids and those young at heart, drop-in on our summer kids film Mr Peabody and Sherman on Thursday 24 July. This matinee screening will feature popcorn and hotdogs for the authentic cinema The Mae Trio experience…and grown-ups will enjoy the movie too! There is so much to explore, from workshops to exhibitions and more - check the CatStrand website for full details or pick up a brochure. We hope to see you soon! The CatStrand Team For full listings see our latest brochure or visit www.catstrand.com To book tickets call the CatStrand on 01644 420 374. And don’t forget to ‘like’ us on Facebook! �� Glenkens Gazette Isle of Mann TT Continued from front page... The TT is not a rally but a road race run on closed public roads. It was because the Isle of Man had its own set of road laws that the race was allowed to run originally, as racing on the main roads of the UK mainland was forbidden. For anyone interested in taking part in a race like the TT, Ewan goes on to say: “To compete in the TT you need several years of racing experience, to hold a National Licence, to achieve satisfactory results in the previous season and also two events in the current year. Entry to the TT is free but the preparation and spares needed to support the bike during the event cost quite a lot of money; after all, the course is 37.5 miles long with three laps to each race and two races, as well as all the practice laps, maybe 12 or 14”. You can watch the 2014 TT on various sports channels as page 8 well as the TT’s own You Tube channel, and Manx Radio also covers it. In conclusion, Ewan says: “Motorcycle racing is great fun and brings you into contact with some real characters. Also most of the meetings are full weekends so a good social life comes with it - details of most meetings can be found on posters on the notice board of the Clachan Inn in Dalry.” Ewan would like to thank his sponsors which include Kevin Asworth Machined Timber Products, IOM Ltd, KCP New Cummnock, D”n”G Motorcycles and the Clachan Inn, Dalry. MOUNTAIN RESCUE MISSION On the morning of Saturday 29 March observant Dalry people would have noticed a large number of vehicles outside the Police Station from about 9.30am onwards. Particularly noticeable would have been the vehicles of the Galloway Mountain Rescue Team (MRT) and the Moffat MRT who were holding their joint exercise locally. Less obviously, the local Scouts were involved too. Every Mountain Rescue training exercise has a purpose and quite commonly an exercise will be based on a scenario. The March scenario was that a group of Scouts had set out to do the three Cairnsmores Challenge (Cairnsmore of Fleet, Cairnsmore of Dee and Cairnsmore of Carsphairn). The Scouts had split up and got lost, one group of four somewhere near Craignarget (northern end of Cairnsmore of Fleet) and the other group, also of four, on the southern slopes of Cairnsmore of Dee. The scenario required the Scouts to be cold and tired. I went with the team on Craignarget and the other team had a well known local Dalry resident, Bob Peace, with them. The team on Cairnsmore of Dee were found by our SARDA (Search and Rescue Dog Association) dog and the only problem there was that the dog, Troy, loves children and stayed to be petted instead of going back to bring his handler to the location. The team on Craignarget was found in the edge of the forest by a group made up of both Moffat and Galloway MRT personnel. They were supposedly hypothermic so the appropriate First Aid was to make them warm - it was a warm day! Due to time constraints both groups of Scouts were evacuated from the hill quite quickly after being found, and everyone came back to The Clachan Inn for a debrief, soup and sandwiches. Overall, it was an excellent day for both MR teams and for the Scouts. Both the Galloway and the Moffat teams have a series of exercises throughout the year and it’s important that they’re able to respond quickly and skilfully whenever needed. If anyone wants to join the Galloway team please visit www.gallowaymrt.org.uk/team_ joinus.htm The local Scout Group meets in New Galloway. Scouts are for young people, boys and girls, aged between 101⁄2 and 14, and meetings are usually on a Friday at 7.30pm (sometimes other days). Between the ages of 14 to 18 there are the Explorer Scouts. Explorers are usually on a Thursday at 7.30pm. If you’re interested in either Scouts or Explorers, contact David Adamson on 01644 430 104 or email scouts@dbleadamson.plus.com We also have an active Cub Scout section for age 8 to 101⁄2 and Beaver Scouts for those aged six to eight. David Adamson Glenkens Gazette Golf Club News We are now into the golfing season and it is a busy time at the club. The course is in excellent condition after the very wet winter and the greens are the best they have been at the start of a season for many years. The club has recently purchased a new tractor and verti-corer and it is hoped that this will help with the work on the drainage of the course, particularly if we are going to experience wet winters like the last one. The season was started with the Captain, Jeff Sutcliffe, driving-off after which a match was played between the Captain and Vice Captain’s teams. The Captain’s Team were the winners and the cup was presented in the clubhouse after all players had enjoyed a buffet. The Celts Challenge, a competition to celebrate the life of the past president, Chris Thomas, was a mixed event and very well attended. The winners were the Lancaster family; Sandy, Paul and Philip. Sunshine was the order of the day and everyone enjoyed the game. page 9 Tony Graham and his partner Gavin Aitkenhead are working through the rounds in the Kirkcudbrightshire four ball better ball championship and Sandy Harvie and Tony Graham are through to the next round of the national Daily Celts Challenge winners were the Lancaster family; Paul, Sandy and Philip. Mail Foursomes competition. an active part is now well The Glenkens Trophy Open, a under way with all golf clubs mixed event which has attracted within the region together a lot of interest, was played with accommodation providers on May Day. The Men’s Open, taking part. Any accommodation sponsored by Natural Power, provider within the Glenkens takes place on Sunday 25 May who would like to take part in and the Senior Men’s Open on this project which hopes to bring Thursday 5 June. more visitors to the area in 2015 and beyond or would like more Dates for your diary are information about the project Thursday 18 to Saturday 20 should contact Jeff Sutcliffe on September for Day of the 450 265. Region. The Golf Club is taking part in this year’s event, offering Memberships are still available the chance of a free 9-hole and junior coaching will be round, putting competition, teas/ starting soon - please contact coffees and tray bakes and a the club for more details. ‘brocante’ (superior second hand Jeff Sutcliffe, goods sale). Captain & Match Secretary, The Dumfries and Galloway New Galloway Golf Club Golf Partnership in which New Galloway Golf Club is taking Spalding Bowling Club Dalry’s Spalding Bowling Club opened the green for play on 19 April. The glorious sunshine brought out a good attendance. Eliz Peacock, the president’s wife, threw the silver jack and opened the green for play. After tea and cakes a friendly game was played between the president’s side and the vicepresident’s. Anyone who would like to come along and try their hand at bowling is very welcome. Please come along on a Wednesday night at 7pm; bowls will be provided - wear flat-soled shoes. Eliz Peacock Opening day at Spalding Bowling Club. Glenkens Gazette page 10 DALRY PRIMARY MUSIC SUCCESS Dalry Primary had a very successful week at the Galloway Music Festival. P1/2 took part in the Action Song and Singing games category and were praised for their ‘high quality singing’. In the Group Music Making category P3/4/5 took 1st place with their Egyptian Medley composition. The judges were particularly impressed with pupil conductor, Olivia, who led the performance beautifully. P5/6/7 took part in the Ceilidh class and were up against Dalry’s own S3 Secondary group in this category. P5/6/7 took first place with their arrangement of Scottish songs. There were also a number of solo entries for voice and piano. James (P7) took 2nd place in the Scot Solo Song category and Lucy (P3) took 3rd place in the Grade 1 piano solos. The other soloist performed well and achieved merit scores as well. Depute head teacher Annette P1/2 students performing. Craig said: “The children all performed to a very high standard and were a credit to the school.” Glenkens Cluster Residential Recently P6 and 7 pupils from the Glenkens visited Edinburgh for a three-day residential experience. On the afternoon of the first day the pupils from Carsphairn, Dalry and Kells visited the Camera Obscura and Edinburgh Castle. After dinner the pupils went on an organised ghost walk around The Royal Mile and the city vaults. They were told a number of stories about life in Edinburgh hundreds of years ago. Day two began with a walk up Arthur’s Seat. Unfortunately it was wet and windy, but the pupils still enjoyed the view of Students meet local MSP Alex Fergusson. the city. The group then walked down to the Scottish Parliament to meet local MSP, Mr Alex Fergusson, for a guided tour of the building. After lunch we walked across the road to Holyrood for a guided tour of the Palace. The afternoon was completed with a visit to Dynamic Earth where the pupils enjoyed the galleries explaining how the planet was created as well as watching a film show on space at the planetarium. On the last day we visited the National Museum of Scotland before leaving Edinburgh. The trip home was broken with a visit to the Falkirk Wheel. Zane Gray FUTURE GLENKENS ENGINEERS Once again this year, P6 pupils from across the Glenkens participated in the K’Nex Challenge. The K’Nex Challenge is supported by the Glasgow Science Festival and it gives pupils the opportunity to develop their design, problem solving and teamwork skills in a fun setting. Following on from the cluster challenge, the top team from each school in the cluster was invited to the regional final at Dumfries Academy on 2 May. Representing the Glenkens, from Kells Primary were Finlay McGaw and Hardy Walker; from Dalry School were Euan Belienski and William Nash; and Caitlin Blackett and Rachel McCreath represented Carsphairn Primary. The challenge at the regional final was to design and build a forklift that had a working pulley system for the forklift and also had a steering mechanism. All three teams came up with very clever designs and created fabulous forklifts. Although none of the teams from the Glenkens came away the overall winner, all pupils involved had great fun, and really should be proud in the way they represented the community. Glenkens Gazette page 11 Glenkens Gazette page 12 Glenkens Gazette page 13 Glenkens Gazette page 14 Glenkens Gazette page 15 CatStrand Youth Players After the pressure and ultimate success of the Festival entries this year, the Youth Players have switched their attention to their next productions due to be staged at the CatStrand on Friday 13 June. The plays chosen couldn’t be more different: a classic youth comedy written by the inimitable Alan Ayckbourn will open the evening and will be followed by the UK premiere of a brand new play from prolific Canadian playwright, Bradley Hayward. Ernie’s Incredible Illucinations follows the trials and tribulations of Ernie’s exasperated parents as they try to get to the bottom of their son’s unique and worrying ability to bring his thoughts to life. This leads to various sticky situations developing before their eyes with inevitable consequences. The best doctors don’t believe it can actually happen until Ernie proves it to them in person! Larger than life characters are brought to life on the stage by a large cast assisted in no small measure by Alan Ayckbourn’s keen eye for comedy. Selfie deals with the contemporary phenomenon of the ‘selfie’ – taking a photo of yourself on your mobile phone and then sending it to somebody or posting it on the various social media sites. In keeping with the subject matter, the play is written in a very modern style and as you would expect incorporates the use of technology too. • Pensions • Savings • Investments • Retirement Options • Inheritance Tax Planning • Life Assurance • Income & Critical Illness Protection • Mortgages • Home Insurance Free Confidential Initial Consultation Tel: 01671 403080 Fax:- 01671 402549 Email: brian.edgar@marrfinancial.co.uk Web: www.marrfinancial.co.uk 61 Victoria Street NEWTON STEWART, DG8 6NL **NEW** Yorkshire Building Society Agency – Now Open Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. For mortgages we can be paid by commission or a fee of usually £300 or a combination of both. For Home Insurance we usually offer products from a limited panel of providers. Through his skilfully written and humorous script the author subtly succeeds in illustrating the good and the bad side of social media through the different experiences of eight teenagers. Membership of CatStrand Youth Players is free and all the expenses of rehearsals, scripts, royalties and productions costs are funded entirely from their own box-office income. Your support is therefore much appreciated and allows us to continue to produce quality youth drama at the CatStrand. Please come along and support the Youth Players’ final productions before the summer break, we are sure you will enjoy the latest offerings. Rehearsals will start again for the next season on Sunday 7 September to begin preparations for the Christmas Pantomime. Aileen McLeod MSP working for you across the South of Scotland Postal address: Unit 7 Loreburn Shopping Centre High Street, Dumfries, DG1 2BD Email: aileen.mcleod.msp@scottish.parliament.uk Tel: 01387 255 334 Please check www.aileenmcleod.org for regular surgery, constituency and parliamentary updates Glenkens Gazette page 16 Glenkens Transport Initiative In recent years the growth and success of the Glenkens Transport Initiative (GTI) has attracted compliments and much praise from not only people in the Glenkens but also from across Dumfries and Galloway and other parts of Scotland. The trips we regularly run, none of which have ever cost more than £6, are also struggling for support, and only recently a planned visit to Dumfries House was cancelled because not one person showed any interest. Likewise, although transport is often available in connection with events at the CatStrand, there is very little interest, even though it means no parking problems and no restrictions on having a drink the mini buses being based in Castle Douglas and two in the Glenkens. We have total flexibility where these vehicles are used giving GTI the ability to deal with most transport requests. It is rather disappointing that user groups based near Castle Douglas seem to make more use our facilities and use them for such things as walking festivals, golf trips and social events. The cost of using a vehicle is reasonably cheap and it is far more environmentally friendly than everyone using cars. If you have any queries about GTI including vehicles available and how to use them, driver training or any matter please contact me on 01644 420 374 or gti@catstrand.com It is therefore rather surprising and somewhat disappointing how little use of GTI is now made by the people the initiative was originally designed to help – the residents of the Glenkens. It is therefore rather surprising and somewhat disappointing how little use of GTI is now made by the people the initiative was originally designed to help – the residents of the Glenkens. There are, of course, exceptions including the Wednesday evening service to Castle Douglas, the ‘senior swimming’ on a Tuesday and the regular use of a vehicle by Dalry and Kells School. Many people think we are extremely lucky having 56 user groups registered with GTI and yet throughout 2013 only 24 of those groups actually used a bus and some of them only once! We are very lucky having our own qualified Midas trainer/ examiner, Jon Nimmo, making it easy to get drivers trained, and many of our volunteer drivers are prepared to help if a driver is needed. New Galloway Golf Club Founded 1902 www.nggc.co.uk v 01644 420737 v Buggies now available for hire VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME – watch out for free transport to some future events... The GTI Committee took the opportunity a few years ago to apply to be on the Dumfries & Galloway Council’s approved list for providing transport. This together with the recent demise of the Stewartry Sports Council has led to a number of opportunities to provide transport for the Council as well as a steady influx of requests for transport from other organisations and new user groups based in the Stewartry. We now have four vehicles at our disposal, three with 16 seats and one with eight seats, two of Family and friends coming to stay? Short of space? Cosy country cottage available (sleeps 4) Call Fiona on 01644 420 227 or 07789 903127 Some upcoming trips are: Sunday 15 June Arndarroch Open Garden, High Carsphairn Road. Sun 29 June – Loch Lomond Monday 14 July – Largs and Cumbrae Island Sat 26 July – Glasgow and Commonwealth Games Flotilla Sat 9 August – Mull of Galloway Further trips will be added; suggestions are always welcome. Keith Cooper, GTI Administrator FHB Fencing Dalry Domestic and Agricultural Fencing 01644 430 495 (Peter) or 07767 795 498 (Jonathan) Glenkens Gazette page 17 How To Beat Doorstep Crime From bogus callers to rogue traders, doorstep criminals are cunning, creative, and often very convincing. Anyone can be fooled as these people are professional conartists. However, the over 60s are often specifically targeted. What is Doorstep Crime? There are two main types: 1 - Bogus callers try to get into your home or obtain personal details by pretending to be someone they’re not, including council staff, meter readers, charity collectors or police officers. In reality, they are criminals trying to steal cash and valuables. 2 - Rogue traders usually coldcall, claiming to be workers offering to make repairs or carry out work on your house, garden or driveway. In reality they charge inflated prices for shoddy or unnecessary work. We do not recommend dealing with cold-callers for property maintenance and repairs to your home. What can I do? - Be on guard if someone turns up unexpectedly - Use a door chain or bar - Always put the chain on before opening the door - Keep it on while talking to callers - Don’t feel embarrassed; genuine callers expect you to be careful - If you don’t have a door chain, check from the nearest window. Remember, door chains can be easily fitted - If you’re not sure, don’t answer the door. Who should I call... ...If I feel threatened, unsafe or suspicious of a caller? Contact the police immediately on 999. THE KEN BRIDGE HOTEL New Galloway Open 7 Days Beautiful Riverside Location MEALS SERVED 12.00 - 2.00pm, 5.30 - 8.30pm Bed & breakfast en suite accommodation 01644 420 211 mail@kenbridgehotel.co.uk www.kenbridgehotel.co.uk …if I see something suspicious in my area, or want more advice about doorstep crime? Contact the police on 101; try and take a note of vehicle details or registration numbers and descriptions of anyone suspicious. …if I want to contact the police anonymously? Contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. You can also visit its website at www.crimestoppers-uk.org …to find out more about home safety services? - Contact your local police station on 101 to arrange a free security survey. - Contact your local Trading Standards; some operate No Cold Calling zones or have lists of approved traders. Ian Dunn, Glenkens Community PC 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: Angus Wilson, Quarry Manager - 07715 606 685 James Mair - 07793 085 243 Email: loch.bargatton@live.co.uk Bargatton Quarry, Laurieston, Castle Douglas, DG7 2PS Open 7 days Mon-Fri Weekends by arrangement Delivery can be arranged - subject to quantity Glenkens Gazette page 18 THE HARMONY OF SPRING For some it’s woolly willow catkins by the roadside, for others the delight of gambolling lambs in the fields, the vanguard swallows fresh home from South Africa or myriad other colourful images that confirm the arrival of spring. shallows. Although I’ve heard an odd bird overhead, I’ve yet to be lucky this year. These brilliant big waders, with their uniquely evocative calls, greatly increased in numbers in the pre-forestry and presilage post-war decades in the southwest, but this was to be short-lived. More recently their numbers have crashed throughout much of the British Isles, but especially in Ireland and south and west Britain due to habitat change. Many thousands lost their moorlands here directly to forestry, but recent research has confirmed that forestry also has a negative effect on whaups grouse (I saw two). Conifer maturation has pushed both species out of the immediately forested areas, but it is hoped that the second rotation will at least provide homes for some of the latter. As a boy from coal-mining New Cumnock, in the early 1970s I walked several times from the Afton over onto the Water of Deugh, fascinated by the chambered cairn a little downstream from Brownhill. At that time the Deugh was on the This year, for me, it was the New Cumnock fishing ticket – it rattling calls and gathering of a may be still – and my paternal couple of dozen sand martins male relations were all keen over the Water of Ken, just above fishers, so much so that I often the confluence had the job of holding with the Garroch polythene bags full Burn. Following of (brown) trouts as repeated flooding they caught them of their riverside with the worm in a nest burrows in falling, black-tea2012, the depleted coloured water with colony enjoyed a almost unbelievable bumper breeding regularity. Planting season last year had then only and are now back recently begun and in profusion. These the spring landscape resilient birds have on the upper Deugh evolved to deal with well beyond its boundaries, was one of open moorland alive a range of disasters, natural and probably due to harbouring with whaups and black grouse. otherwise, that affect variously predators. Hen harriers were regular, too, their sand bank homes, their Although some raptors predate and I even saw golden eagle once wintering grounds or their them, most nests are lost at the or twice. running the gauntlet of a 3,000egg stage and ground predators Whilst beauty is, of course, in mile journey between the two. like foxes appear to be the major the eye of the beholder, I must The 1970’s drought in the Sahel culprits. Land-use change has say I don’t think I would be saw them hit their lowest levels also seen them decline on the alone in my feelings regarding in living memory, but in recent continent and the UK now holds the industrial transformation that years these indomitable mites about a quarter of the global afforestation and clearfelling has (only 1/2 oz or 14g!) have been population. brought to this area. It now looks widespread and are the earliest There are still a few pairs on the like a war-zone. of our summer migrant birds, moorlands north of Carsphairn Finally, not being a `sportsman’ usually seen heading north over and it was great to hear them myself, I clearly can’t appreciate rivers and lochs in mid to late singing this morning (6 May) as the thrill that shooters get from March. I love them. I looked and listened for black killing their quarry, although Around this time I also love I am certainly not opposed to to hear oystercatchers making (legal) shooting in principle. their first nocturnal forays However, I’m certain that, like upstream to their inland me, many shooters will also breeding places from their fail to appreciate the thrill that coastal wintering quarters – how accompanied the shooting of excited they sound. Also, on a whaup by someone on the early morning and dusk walks Ken at Dalry early on Saturday down the Ken at Dalry in March, morning a couple of weeks when Earlstoun isn’t generating, ago. Sadly, that’s one I won’t I usually scan downstream from be seeing feeding in the mossy the swinging brig in the hope of shallows in future. seeing a whaup (curlew) feeding Chris Rollie on invertebrates in the mossy A ‘lekking’ black grouse © Angus Hogg. Whilst beauty is, of course, in the eye of the beholder, I must say I don’t think I would be alone in my feelings regarding the industrial transformation that afforestation and clearfelling has brought to this area. It now looks like a war-zone. Glenkens Gazette page 19 Open Garden Annikki Lindsay is once again opening her beautiful garden at Arndarroch to the public for a fundraising event this June. This will be the garden’s 20th opening as Annikki has been holding an open garden now for 17 years, since the garden was only six years old, with the first three years opening twice a year. “The 2.5 acre garden is a semi-natural, wildlife friendly environment,” says Annikki. “There are views over Kendoon Loch and the Cairnsmore hills and red kites circle over the garden as well as peregrine falcons occasionally. There are collections of herbaceous plants, shrub and trees including a Clootie Tree and an Anvil Tree (these are my little joke; when you visit a sign explains what they are!) and over 20 different types of bamboo. There are also rockeries and a small woodland walk.” For children there will be a treasure hunt as well as the chance to perhaps see Rocky the Kendoon Monster, and even fairies in the garden! There will also be an exhibition of patchwork and quilting (the quilter will be present), a plant and cake stall and teas for £2.50. The Open Garden is on Sunday 15 June from 2-5pm, entry is £3.50 with children under 16 free and dogs on leads are welcome. Funds raised will go towards the Glenkens Children’s Club and Dumfries & Galloway Canine Rescue Centre. Arndarroch is situated on the The Clachan Inn, Dalry, is open every day from 12 noon serving great food, awardwinning ale and offering a variety of live music. Food is served from 12 noon to 2pm and 6pm to 9pm, with the new menu proving very popular so booking is recommended at peak times (current menu can be viewed on our website). Come and experience award-winning cask ales and a great selection of wines, malts, ciders, beers and freshly ground coffee. With summer on its way there are plenty of events planned at the Clachan - keep an eye on the boards outside for all up coming events. 01644 430241 mail@theclachaninn.co.uk B7000, 5 miles from Dalry or Carsphairn; Follow the blue signs till you see blue balloons at the end of the drive – the postcode is DG7 3UD. For further details contact Annikki Lindsay on 460 640 or email annikkilindsay@gmail.com ALEX FERGUSSON MSP FOR GALLOWAY & WEST DUMFRIES Holds regular advice surgeries at: Constituency Office, New Market Street, Castle Douglas, DG7 1HY on the 2nd Friday of every month from 5pm Telephone free on 0800 028 7260 for an appointment or to make any alternative arrangement. You can visit Alex’s website at: www.alexfergusson.org.uk or contact him by e-mail at: alex.fergusson.msp@scottish.parliament.uk Glenkens Gazette page 20 War Graves in the Glenkens Although most war graves are in large cemeteries erected near the battlefields of WW1 or WW2, there are many individual war graves back here in UK. These are soldiers who died of wounds or illness ‘at home’. There are five such graves in the Glenkens and these have recently been highlighted by new Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) signs placed at the entrance to the churchyards. Some of these graves have official Commonwealth War Graves Commission pattern gravestones but other families preferred to have a private stone erected - the photos show an example of each. The official war graves of the Glenkens are: - John Anderson, WW1, Carsphairn (official stone) - William Dickson, WW1, Carsphairn (private stone) - Matthew Hyslop, WW1, Balmaclellan (private stone) - Robert Little, WW2, Dalry (private stone) - David Robertson, WW1, Dalry (official stone) In addition to these official war graves, there are many other family gravestones which record the deaths in war of family members and yet others which record military service although the person may not have died in war. There are four such in Balmaclellan, none in Carsphairn, eight in Kells and twenty-two in Dalry; some of these record more than one war death. One such non-CWGC grave worth noting is that of Jane Nodwell in Kells Churchyard. Jane was a member of the Red Cross and died of illness. The rules were much stricter to be granted official war grave status for such organisations – if she had been a member of the Armed Forces then she would have qualified. However, despite being listed on the Kells War Memorial, her grave remains a private one and does not have official war grave status. You can find much more about all of these gravestones and the people recorded in the Scottish War Graves Project at http://sco ttishwargraves.phpbbweb.com Paul Goodwin Remembrance Poppies – The Glenkens Connection Marmaduke McCrae was born in Old Cumnock in 1776 and was farming at the Holm of Dalquhairn, Carsphairn, when his son David was born in 1800. David was farming at Dukieston in Kells parish when his son Thomas was born in 1820. Dukieston is now a ruin on Forrest Estate. Thomas farmed in Laurieston and his son David was born in 1845. A few years later, Thomas and his family emigrated to Guelph, Ontario. David became an army officer and had a family of his own, one of whom John, born on 30 November 1872, is the key part of this history. John McCrae also joined the Army and served in the Boer War and the First World War where he became a medical officer. He was in charge of a field hospital during the Second Battle of Ypres and it was there that he wrote the poem In Flanders Fields following the death of his friend Alexis Helmer in 1915.The poem was published soon after in Punch magazine. In Flanders Fields was the inspiration for the poppy to be adopted as a symbol of remembrance and the poem is used in remembrance services across the world. Marmaduke’s gravestone can be seen in Carphairn Churchyard and memorials to John McCrae can be seen the world over. To the right is an original handwritten, signed version of the poem. Paul Goodwin Glenkens Gazette page 21 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN THE BATTLE OF BANNOCKBURN This month marks the 700th anniversary of the most iconic battle in Scottish history, fought on 23 and 24 June to preserve the freedom and independence of the nation of Scots against the mighty army of England’s Edward II. Robert Heron of New Galloway (1764-1807) wrote A New History of Scotland from the earliest Times…to 1748 in five thick volumes, a fascinating work which seems to have been almost completely forgotten. Heron was a genuine product of the Scottish Enlightenment, a polymath who wrote on numerous subjects. He was steeped in Scottish literature, had absorbed every enlightenment publication worth reading, but sadly was a self-confessed waster and boozer. He was disappointed that the field of Bannockburn retained no conspicuous vestiges of the battle, in which ‘freedom spurned tyranny to the earth, and crushed his neck in the dust’. Nothing remained to show it was ‘once the scene of an engagement decisive of the fate of Scotland’, save for the stone that supported the royal standard. This year the site has acquired a shiny new visitor centre portraying the battle using the latest high tech. Bannockburn was Scotland’s greatest victory, as might have been predicted since it was fought on a particularly auspicious day, that of John the Baptist, Scotland’s favourite saint, having baptised Scotland’s own St Andrew, ‘first-called’ of the disciples, who advised his brother Peter, of the coming of the Messiah. The victory, against apparently overwhelming odds, was iconic because it was fought for the most sublime of causes, namely the defence of king, country and community. Bannockburn represented invincible corroboration of the legend that Scotland, specially favoured by God, had never been a conquered country, unlike England. More practically, defeating the greatest military force in Europe gave the Scots a massive psychological boost. It was claimed that the English army marching north was 20 continued to defy the Bruce regime until the 1350s. The ‘Black Douglas’, Bruce’s loyal lieutenant, was granted the regality of Buittle, a bridgehead for the almost total Douglas takeover of Galloway by the mid-15th century. Another Bruce stalwart, Thomas Randolph, received estates in Parton. Native McMillan landowners in the Glenkens, Gylbricht McMalene and Gilruth McMolene, of Brockloch and Knockengorroch (Carsphairn) had their lands forfeited, for supporting the English. The Church in Galloway continued to oppose Bruce who attempted modest pacification by granting the patronage of Kells to Whithorn Abbey for the damage it had suffered in the wars. Whithorn thereafter had the right to nominate the priest of Kells. This process was known as ‘appropriation’, whereby the revenues of the parish were siphoned off by the beneficiary. Quite often in such cases insufficient funds were left behind to maintain the parish priest and the fabric of his kirk. Two World Wars have taught us to commemorate, rather than celebrate, battles. The loss of life in the Anglo-Scottish wars was horrendous. Both Edward II and Robert I would have preferred to avoid the battle. From a Scottish point of view it was about resistance to tyrannical invasion, occupation and conquest by an alien despot. Much water has flowed down the Bannock Burn since 1314. A conflict that took place 700 years ago must be seen in its context of time and circumstance. Today we engage in very different battles. Ted Cowan From a Scottish point of view it was about resistance to tyrannical invasion, occupation and conquest by an alien despot. miles from end to end. The amount of booty looted from the field was valued at an unbelievable £3 million in 1874. Scotland was suddenly a place to be reckoned with, Bruce a warlord to be admired and his battle-hardened veterans to be envied and respected. Every year thereafter the elaborate celebrations at the Feast of John the Baptist, handily corresponding to Midsummer’s Day, would recall Bannockburn and the noble aspirations it symbolised. What was the impact of Bannockburn on the Glenkens? If a referendum had been held in 1314 even more of the inhabitants of Galloway would have voted ‘No’ than are expected to do so 700 years later. Galloway had little love for the Bruce cause. Robert’s brother Edward was violently imposed on the province as Lord of Galloway. The Galwegians Glenkens Gazette page 22 JUNE & JULY JUNE Thurs 5, Senior Men’s Open Golf Tournament, New Galloway Golf Club, see p9 Wed 11, Open Stage, CatStrand Fri 13, CatStrand Youth Players Performance, CatStrand, see p15 Sun 15, Movie Brunch: Osage County, CatStrand Sun 15, Arndarroch Open Garden, High Carsphairn Road, see p19 (GTI bus service operating - see p16) Fri 20, Kieran Goss, CatStrand Tue 24 & Wed 25, Weaving Workshop with Katie Russell, CatStrand Dixieland Rhythm Kings Jazz Band, CatStrand Sat 19 & Sun 20, The Art Fri 27, La Tragedie of Movement: Drawing/ Comique, Catstrand Painting Workshop, Sun 29, GTI Bus Trip: Loch CatStrand Lomond, see p16 Thu 24, Film: Mr Peabody & Sherman, CatStrand JULY Sat 5, Crayfish Drop-in Event, 2-3pm, Cross Keys Hotel, New Galloway, see p5 Sat 12, The Mae Trio, CatStrand Mon 14, GTI Bus Trip: Largs & Cumbrae Island, see p16 Sat 26, GTI Bus Trip: Glasgow & Commonwealth Games Flotilla, see p16 AUGUST Sun 3, Scottish Alternative ‘Commonwealth’ Games, see p4 Sat 9, GTI Bus Trip: Mull of Galloway, see p16 Fri 18, Mike Daly’s T. H. CARSON BUTCHERS See us at Dalry Farmers Market on 2nd Sat each month. We deliver every Thursday Give us a call, no order too small! THE CROSS, MILL ST, DALBEATTIE 01556 610 384 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 GTI WEDNESDAY BUS SERVICE (registered route) Outward Journey: 19:00 Dept. Dalry (Underhill) 19:05 New Galloway 19:15 Mossdale 19:25 Laurieston 19:30 Townhead of Greenlaw 19:37 Castle Douglas (Market St) 19:40 Castle Douglas (Tesco) Return journey: 20:35 Dept. Castle Douglas (Tesco) 20:37 Castle Douglas (Market St) 20:47 Townhead of Greenlaw 21:50 Laurieston 21:00 Mossdale 21:10 New Galloway 21:15 Dalry To book a Glenkens Transport Initiative (GTI) bus or for more information please contact keith cooper, GTI Administrator, on 01644 420 374. Glenkens Gazette page 23 REGULAR EVENTS CatStrand (New Galloway): Exercise to Music: Mon, 10-11am Ukelele Group: Mon, 11.15am, 60+ Ukelele Improvers, Mon, 1pm, 60+ Free Computer Training; Beginners & Improvers: Mon (starting 4 Nov), 1.30pm Margaret Morris Movement Adult Dance Class: Mon, 2.30-3.30pm, contact Sara on 01556 612854 Children’s Dance Class: Mon during term time, 3.45-4.45pm age 3-7, 4.30-5.30pm ages 8-15 Let’s Cook: Tues, 10am Carers’ Coffee & Chat: Tues, 10am-12noon Teen Spirit: Tues during term time, 7-8:30pm (P7-S3) and 8-9:30pm (S3+) Gentle Tai Chi: Wed, 10am, 60+ Sing it Out: Thurs, 11am -12pm Pilates: Thurs, 4.15-5.15pm & 5.30-6.30pm Swimming for Over 60s: transport to Kirkcudbtight from CatStrand at 1pm Knit & Blether Club: last Fri each month, 2pm, 60+ Afternoon Tea Club: 2nd Fri each month, 2pm Saturday Art Club: 2nd Sat each month, 10am–12noon Zumbatomic: last Sat each month,10-10.45am Catstrand Youth Players: Sun during term time, 2pm Glenkens Acoustic Sessions: last Sun of the month, 2-4pm Glenkens Community Centre (Dalry): (contact Kath 430 281) Glenkens Children’s Club: Mon & Fri, 9.30-11.45am Paint & Art: Mon, 1.30-4.30pm & Wed, 7-9pm Ballroom & Latin Dance Class: Mon, 7.15, for more info call Sam Rushton on 420 672 GCC Playgroup: Tue & Thurs, 9.2011.50am, contact keronh@me.com Good Neighbours’ Club: Tues, 2pm Kickback Martial Arts: Thurs, 7-9pm Thursday Craft Group: Thurs, 24pm Brownies: Wed, 5.30-6.45pm Guides: Tue during term-time, 6.15pm, contact: Kath 430 281 Various Locations: Texas Hold ‘em Poker: Mon, 7.15pm, Cross Keys Hotel, New Galloway Mother & Toddlers: Tues, 9.4511.15am, New Galloway Town Hall Beavers: Tues, 6–7.15pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Dog Training: Tue & Wed, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. Contact: Eric 460 670 Bowling for Beginners: Wed, 7pm, Spalding Bowling Club, Dalry (opposite The Garage) Tai Jitsu: Wed, Junior Class (age 6- Glenkens Community Councils Balmaclellan Community Council Meetings: 3rd 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. CHURCH OF SCOTLAND: Sundays: Balmaclellan 12noon with Church Choir, 10.30am, Carsphairn Church 1st, Carsphairn 10.30am 1st 2nd 3rd 4th, 5th (June), Dalry 9am 1st 2nd (Jul) 3rd 4th, Kells 10.30am 2nd 3rd 4th Special Services/Events: 8 June, United Family Service (Kells/ Dalry), 10.30am, Kells Church; 8 June, Conventicle, 3pm, Halfmark, Carsphairn (parking at Garryhorn farm, then 10 minute easy walk); 29 June, United Service Communion Services: 6 July, 10.15am Carsphairn Church Communion (using central table) SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH: St Margaret’s, New Galloway: Holy Communion, 10.30am every Sun & Wed CATHOLIC CHURCH SERVICES: Gatehouse of Fleet: Sat, 6pm. Kirkcudbright: Sun, 9.30am. Dalbeattie: Sun, 11am 14), 6-7pm; Senior Class, 7-8.30pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn, contact David on 07547 134 276, see p5 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 Zumba: Wed, 7.30-8.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall, £4 Mossdale Painters: Wed, 9.30am, Mossdale Village Hall Cub Scouts: Wed, 6.45–8pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Carsphairn Post Office: Thurs, 9.30-11.30am, Lagwyne Hall Coffee & Craft Morning: Thurs, 9.30-12noon, Lagwyne Hall Hard of Hearing Group Drop-in: 2nd Thurs each month, 10am-12noon, Castle Douglas Town Hall Scouts: Thurs, 7–8.30pm, New Galloway Scout Hut 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 Tue: 2-4.30pm & 5.30-7.30pm Fri: 11.15am-1:15pm & 2-4.30pm. 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 24 GLENKENS CLUSTER HEAD TEACHER RETIRES Fraser Simpson, head teacher of the Glenkens Cluster of schools, is retiring at the end of June after 12 years at Dalry. His time at Dalry School has seen many changes, most notably the formation of the Glenkens Cluster – Glenkens Nursery, Carsphairn, Dalry and Kells Primaries and Dalry Secondary all coming under the umbrella of one head teacher. Other highlights of the last 12 years for Fraser include the ski trips, the annual geography trips to Glasgow and making it to the Small Schools Football Cup final in 2009. But it is the daily working with young people ranging from toddlers to teenagers that has been the best part of the job. “Every child only gets one shot at education and an environment like the Glenkens is a fantastic opportunity for them to grow and learn,” says Fraser. “There is a great sense of pride at the S4 Leaving Assemblies as those who we have taught and guided, often from the age of three, move on as successful, confident young adults.” Apart from a brief spell as a Cllr Finlay Carson Castle Douglas & Glenkens for an appointment Tel: 07825 633 185 or email: part-time football reporter for DC Thomson when he was a student in Edinburgh, Fraser has been a teacher all his working life. There had never been any question in his mind about his chosen career - in fact the only decision was whether to train as a geography or PE teacher. Geography won the day. Three years at Dunblane High School was followed by seven years at Wallace High in Stirling. Then in 1987 he and his wife Mags moved to Stranraer when he was appointed principal teacher at Stranraer Academy. In 1996 he joined Douglas Ewart High School in Newton Stewart as assistant head where he remained until coming to Dalry. Dalry Secondary may be one of the smallest high schools in Scotland but it is firmly at the forefront in delivering top quality education, as the national exam league tables demonstrate year after year. Paul Bannister, principal teacher pupil support at Dalry, comments: “Fraser always puts the needs of pupils first – every decision made in school has been for their benefit.” Asked what advice he would give his successor, Fraser said: “What makes a school effective are strong and positive relationships with staff, pupils, parents and the wider community – this is much more important than Standards and Quality Reports or School Improvement Plans which will not work on their own without good relationships.” Having gone straight from university and teacher training college to his first job, Fraser is planning a ‘gap year’ for his retirement and it will be no surprise to a generation of pupils that this will involve going to all the Falkirk FC games. Golf, cycling and a bit of travel in the camper van are also on the agenda. Andrea Ramsay, chair of the School Parent Council, voices the good wishes of all parents for his retirement and the Glenkens Gazette and the wider community of the Glenkens also wish him all the best. CASTLE DOUGLAS NOW MOT CENTRETESTING MOTs £45 BIKES finlay@finlaycarson.co.uk www.finlaycarson.co.uk 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 Unit 6, Greenlaw Business Park, Castle Douglas, DG7 2LH Tel: 01556 503 090 Open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 6pm Design & co-ordination: Sarah Ade sarah_ade@tiscali.co.uk AUG/SEPT COPY DEADLINE: FRI 4 JULY 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 82 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GG_082 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 2014 Description An account of the resource Editor: Sarah Ade https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/1/227/GlenkensGazette81.pdf 731d7ad995167dccb97796da8f504486 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 81 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 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:  <a href="mailto:glenkensgazette@hotmail.com">glenkensgazette@hotmail.com</a> The Glenkens Gazette is a member of, and regulated by  <a href="https://www.impressorg.com/">Impress</a>. The Glenkens Gazette is an initiative of Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (SC032050) and represents the voice of the community (not necessarily the views of GCAT). 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 2014 ISSUE 81 FREE DALRY’S LAST SUBPOSTMISTRESS RETIRES Dalry sub-postmistress Florance Ruddock will be selling her last book of stamps on Wednesday 30 April. The Post Office will then move down the street to Wright’s Shop where the new local Post Office will operate with Lyndsay Forbes at the helm. Florance moved to the Glenkens and became Dalry’s subpostmistress in 1997 after a few years in the same role at Annbank in Ayrshire. “We used to bring the caravan to Castle Douglas when the boys were small so we knew and liked the area,” says Florance. Although retiring, she and husband Andrew have no plans to leave Dalry other than a visit to their son in Oklahoma. “We need to make a few renovations so that we can move downstairs and have a proper front door but other than that I am looking forward to putting my feet up and enjoying all the things in the village that I couldn’t do in the past while I was working.” The Post Office has seen many changes over the last 20 years with the introduction of plenty of new rules and regulations. The advent of the internet and mobile phones has contributed to a decline in the number of letters and cards sent but conversely an increase in the postage of parcels and packages. Continued on p9... Marathon for Local Postie Local postman Ian Oliver and his wife Fiona are taking on the Edinburgh Marathon on Sunday 25 May. This is their first marathon event and training round the Glenkens, whilst beautiful, is also very hard work! “Weather conditions have not been great for training purposes,” says Ian, “but I feel relatively confident that if we make it through the 16week training schedule running around the Glenkens, the 26.2 miles in Edinburgh is definitely achievable.” Ian and Fiona have decided to run for the charity Together For Short Lives. “We are incredibly fortunate to have four healthy children. We wanted to run for a charity that supports those children who have tragically been diagnosed with a terminal or life threatening illness, and which also crucially supports their families. Together For Short Lives works to ensure that these children and their families throughout the UK get the best possible care and support whenever and wherever they need it.” If you would like to support Ian and Fiona and help them to raise as much money as possible for this charity please visit their web donation A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) ini�a�ve page at www.justgiving.com/ Fiona-Ian. Sponsor forms/ donation boxes will also be available at local businesses in the Glenkens. Continued on p15... www.glenkensgaze�e.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 2 Watson Bird Festival 2014 Have you the skills Festival? Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) is looking for someone to fill the post of parttime organiser for the festival which is scheduled for 20/21 September. Anyone interested should write to GCAT’s general manager Brian Edgar at CatStrand, New Galloway, describing their skills and qualifications. It is going to be hard to match the quality of events that were included in last year’s programme but the Watson Birds team is determined to make this happen. Now that fund-raising has begun Renowned wildlife photographer, Laurie Campbell, giving tips to GCAT Director, Will for the conversion of Barone (the Watson Adam, at his workshop which was part of family’s former home last year’s Watson Bird festival. required to organise this year’s Watson Bird Rosy Glow The Rosy Glow section is a space for people to include, anonymously if they like, their thanks, admiration and general positivity about something a local person or organisation has done that has made them feel good. “Hi Sarah, Just read the latest issue and excellent as usual. We enjoy keeping up with the area news and were sorry to see the flooding. Dalry will always have a place in our memories; quite a magical place in some ways. All the best.” Matthew & Gill, formerly of Newton’s Shop “We’d just like to thank the CatStrand volunteers for the welcome they gave us on our visit in February. We were delighted to be warmly greeted and were seated in the cafe where your helpful volunteers served us fantastic tea and coffee, with J2O for the children. “We all also had scones, which were described by our daughter in Dalry) into a study centre and home for the Watson Collection of archives and paintings, the annual festival is more important than ever. Events will be held to interest serious bird enthusiasts, as well as local people with more general interests who are interested in the life and work of one of the Glenkens’ best known inhabitants. Brian Edgar or Watson Birds project director Roger Crofts would be delighted to hear from anyone who would be able to help with ideas for events, offers of practical help or donations of money or items of ornithological interest. Please support the 2014 Watson Bird Festival in any way that you can and thereby help to make the opening of the Watson Bird Centre in Dalry come several wing beats closer. Andrew Mellor, chairman, GCAT as ‘the best she’d ever tasted’. Without your community facility we would have left New Galloway with a feeling of disappointment that nothing was open on a Saturday afternoon. Instead I am sipping some fine malt whisky from one of your CatStrand nosing glasses, having just been reading a book we bought in your shop!” The Sayer Family You can text or email your Rosy Glow comments to the Gazette (contact details on back page). Cllr Finlay Carson wInterior and Exterior wFree Estimates wFully Insured wOver 10 years professional experience 25% DISCOUNT FOR FIRST TIME CUSTOMERS (domestic work only) 01556 504 325 / 07516 846 229 Cleaning service based in Dalry and covering the Glenkens area. For a reliable service at a reasonable price, call Laura on: 07936219514 Castle Douglas & Glenkens for an appointment Tel: 07825 633 185 or email: finlay@finlaycarson.co.uk www.finlaycarson.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 3 Photo of the Issue: ‘Spring is in the Air’ Sponsored by the Ken Bridge Hotel This issue’s winner is Mary McIlvenna with Clatteringshaws. Mary wins a lovely meal for two at the Ken Bridge Hotel Sunday Carvery. Dave and Sue, competition judges and owners of the Ken Bridge, said: “They are all spectacular and show the region off at its finest, but the composition of rocks and water at Clatteringshaws we felt was a wonderful mix of vibrant colours and great scenery.” We will keep all entries on file and if they suit a future theme/season, they will be re-considered. GLENKENS COMMUNITY SHOP The Glenkens Community Shop has been running now for two years and has gone from strength to strength. Over the Christmas holidays the shop had a facelift and it is currently awaiting brand new signage to complete its new look. The shop sells a multitude of items from tableware to towels, bicycles to baby clothes - it’s a great place to pick up a bargain. And the shop has become a vibrant community hub with a hardworking core of local volunteers and many regular shoppers. And the shop benefits the community in another way too - profits from the sale of items go towards providing grants for local people, groups and organisations and the shop has helped many local applicants. The owners of the shop building have offered to sell the shop to the community for a very reasonable price which is an opportunity not to be missed - please see the ad below for further information about this and how you can help. If you would like to volunteer at the shop, please do drop in and speak to one of the volunteers at the desk as they are always in need of more hands on deck. Community Shop Purchase Dear Customers, The Glenkens Community Shop has been given the opportunity to buy the building in which it is situated for a very reasonable price. Once bought, the building will be held in trust to protect this little asset for the community. The Community Shop, which has become a real community hub over the two years it has been open, uses the funds it raises to support local people, groups and organisations through providing grants. But in order to buy the shop we need your help... Any ideas you may have for funding the purchase, or donations towards the cost, will be gratefully received - please drop into the shop between 10am and 3pm and ask for Shirley. Many thanks, Shirley McNaught Shirley McNaught (centre) with volunteers Libby Richie (right) and Elizabeth Peacock (left) 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. Please remember that people list their items in good faith that they will go to an appreciative home - items are not to be collected simply to sell on. Various Two interior doors, 73 mm width, painted white, good condition. Contact: Gerry on 420 852 HP laser printer 5P, complete with cartridge. Contact: 460 516. Outdoor Rotary Airer, complete with ground spike. Contact: 460 516. Greenhouse glass, was a 13’x8’ greenhouse, dismantled, part of greenhouse there too if you want it. Contact: 420 379 Small electric mower Electric cooker, Tiara Tricity Bendix. Contact: 430 667 Child’s white plastic chair Small Flymo electric strimmer For above items contact: Cynthia on 420 605 - PLEASE NOTE that these are not available until 21 April. Small Bosch electric strimmer Black & Decker electric hedgecutter 1960/1970s roof rack for car with gutters 4 wooden stacking chairs 4 Ercol wooden dining chairs Men in Hats Men in Hats – a group of three men and a woman who play drums, electric guitar and two keyboards – put on a show in Dalry on 22 February. Band members live near Ecclefechan, though all except the drummer originally came up from GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL � 01644 420234 � Wright’s Shop Dalry Licensed grocer & Newsagent, soon to include the Post Office. Please see article on front page for details of the changes Opening Times: Monday to Friday: 7am – 6pm Saturday: 8am – 6pm Sunday: 8.30am – 4pm Tel: 01644 430 225 Box of small fire bricks. WANTED Set of 12 stair rods with clips. Contact: Sue on 07563 718 011 England, and they perform classic pop music from the 50’s to the present day. The group tour all over the south of Scotland and northern England. Due to the range of time from which the music came, there was something for everyone. However, unfortunately, the first half was extremely loud, spoiling the enjoyment for some of the audience, but they turned it down at the interval and people seemed to be really enjoying themselves! Mrs Maggie Phillips W BONE WHB JEEPS THE GARAGE, DALRY PETROL & DIESEL SALES SERVICE & REPAIRS MOTs, TYRES, BATTERIES ALL AT COMPETITIVE PRICES OPEN 8.30AM - 6.00PM (SIX DAYS) 10AM - 6PM SUNDAYS - FUEL 24 HOURS SHOP • SANDWICH BAR • LOTTERY Tel: 01644 430208 Fax: 01644 430669 jeeps@whbjeeps.co.uk www.whbjeeps.co.uk The Fleet Fish van is in the Glenkens on Tuesdays & Wednesdays every week. Anyone wishing me to call, please phone Mary on above mobile no. www.facebook.com/fleetfish www.fleetfish.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 5 sponsored by WILD SPRING FESTIVAL The Dumfries & Galloway Wild Spring Festival will welcome 39 species returning to their Spring homes,one of the biggest wildlife homecomings in Scotland. spring. The Wild Spring Festival’s events will bring people close to a wide array of mammals, birds, fish and other fauna.” Festival events take place across Dumfries & Galloway and the Wildlife experts are hoping for a recently designated Galloway record number of birds, insects, and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO mammals and fish species to Biosphere, which recognises the return to their Spring home in outstanding natural environment Dumfries & Galloway this year. and the way in which the local And to celebrate Homecoming community works to conserve it. Scotland 2014, the region’s Events where you might see Wild Spring Festival (taking some of the homecoming place from 5 April to 5 May) is species are: offering over 100 family-friendly • Mull of Galloway Guided Walk. events where participants could Join the RSPB Ranger to explore discover some of these species. Scotland’s most southerly tip Many of the events are free and spring is a great time to spot most hosted by local wildlife seabirds on the cliffs and if guides and experts. you’re lucky perhaps a porpoise Peter Norman, biodiversity or basking shark. (Numerous officer at Dumfries & Galloway dates throughout the festival) Council, said: “Dumfries & Galloway is teeming with wildlife • Guides in the Hides at the Caerlaverock Wetland Centre. all year round, but Spring offers An expert will be in the newly the unique opened two-storey awe-inspiring Sir Peter Scott opportunity to Observatory and see the return of around the hides a huge number and towers every of migrating day between 11am wildlife species and 3pm to point – some rare. out the different This year we birds on the expect that the reserve. local osprey • Wild Wednesday population will at the RSPB continue to grow Mersehead and, after good Reserve. Take part breeding season in fun activities weather last looking at the summer, fingers wildlife around the are crossed for reserve. Looking an increase in for the smallest numbers of local © Wild Seasons and Keith Kirk, animal to the www.dumfriesandgalloway nightjars.” naturalhistory.co.uk nosiest bird and Wilma Finlay, discovering how chair of Destination Dumfries you can help the wildlife in your & Galloway, said: “What better garden. (9 April) way to celebrate Homecoming • Fish Up Close at Torhouse Scotland 2014 than to come Trout Farm, Wigtown. This will to the home of so many be a tour of Torhouse Trout, a migrating species during the “Dumfries & Galloway is teeming with wildlife all year round, but Spring offers the unique aweinspiring opportunity to see the return of a huge number of migrating wildlife species...” fully operational rainbow trout farm. (11 April) • Mocha and Moths at Mersehead. Not all moths are brown, dull and boring – view some recent finds as they are released and find out more about the various species found in the area, with a morning coffee to enjoy. (17 April & 1 May) • April Moths at the Eskrigg Reserve. Help expert Jim Rae identify any moths caught the previous night. This event is very much weather dependent. (24 April) • Good Friday Walk at the RSPB Crook of Baldoon Reserve. Catch the tide with the Warden for an informative walk through the reserve. Learn how the RSPB is ‘Giving Nature A Home’. Bring binoculars and walking boots. (18 April) **Booking is essential for some of the events. Some Spring Homecoming species to be sighted in the Glenkens are: Hen Harrier and Peregrine, Lapwing, Common Sandpiper, Curlew, Nightjar (these nocturnal birds are incredibly rare and difficult to find anywhere else in Scotland), Swift, Sand Martin, House Martin, Swallow, Wheatear, Redstart, Pied Flycatcher, Wood Warbler, Ring Ouzel, Blackcap, Garden Warbler, Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Sedge Warbler and Reed Warbler. Also butterflies and moths including Red Admiral, Painted Lady and (sometimes) Clouded Yellow butterflies and Silver Y moth. For further information visit www.wildspringfestival.com Ed Forrest Glenkens Gazette page 6 CARSPHAIRN BURNS SUPPER On 17 January Carsphairn held its annual Burns Supper. Pictured at the event are: Ted Cowan - proposer of Toast to ‘The Immortal Memory of Robert Burns’, Jim McDowall proposer of Toast to ‘The Lassies’, Bronnen Pears who ‘Addressed the Haggis’, David Bartholomew who gave the Selkirk Grace, Rachel Seed who replied on behalf of ‘The Lassies’, James Wallace Junior - our singer for the evening, Andy McCartney - the regular Piper, and Robert McTurk who chaired the supper and gave two wonderful recitations. 1914 REMEMBERED The current history display in the CatStrand features the local connections of the novelist S R Crockett of The Raiders fame, who was born near Laurieston. We are particularly pleased to have on display a copy of The Raiders on loan from Avril Bridgeman of New Galloway. This book had been presented as a school prize to her mother, Rhona Milligan, when a pupil in the old Kells School and so has returned ‘home’ to the building that is now the The Kells School class of 1939. In the centre of the picture, with striped jersey, is Rhona Milligan, whose school prize that year CatStrand. features in the current SR Crockett exhibition in the CatStrand. Tickets are still available - as we go to press - for the day of talks on Saturday 5 April marking the centenary of Crockett’s death , commemoration dinner at the Ken Bridge Hotel, and for the bus tour of Crockett locations on the following day - contact the CatStrand for bookings. Later in the year we plan to mount an exhibition “Home by Christmas….” recalling the first months of the First World War as it affected the life and people of the Glenkens. Do you have pictures, letters, diaries or other memorabilia from that period that you could lend to the exhibition? Perhaps you have a photograph of a relative who joined up in these early days, a card or letter they sent back from action, or a diary kept by someone they left behind at home. If you think you can help please contact Mike Brown on 420 267 or Brian Edgar on 420 374. FHB Fencing New Galloway Golf Club Founded 1902 www.nggc.co.uk v 01644 420737 v Buggies now available for hire VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME Family and friends coming to stay? Short of space? Cosy country cottage available (sleeps 4) Call Fiona on 01644 420 227 or 07789 903127 Dalry Domestic and Agricultural Fencing 01644 430 495 (Peter) or 07767 795 498 (Jonathan) Glenkens Gazette page 7 CatStrand Update As you will know from the last issue of the Gazette, the CatStrand was flooded twice in December. The wooden floors in the auditorium and reception area were damaged and repair work commenced on 8 March. We are unsure how long this work will take, but we are determined to keep the building open for business and the classes and events which cannot be held in the CatStrand will be relocated to other local venues as required. Please bear with us through this essential work and please phone first to check the details of any events before travelling. We would like to sincerely thank everyone who has helped us through the last few months, the many volunteers as well as particular thanks to Adrian Morley, New Galloway Town Hall, Dalry Town Hall Committee and Mr Gray and the staff at Kells School. Aside from the flooding issues, there have been several other major developments in the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) family. Glenkens Transport Initiative (GTI) continues to go from strength to strength and we now have four buses available (see p16). The Watson Birds Project has now progressed into the detailed planning and fundraising stage for the development of Barone (see p2). The Glenkens Children’s Club now have extra Playgroup sessions each week due to popular demand as their numbers continue to grow. The Connecting in Retirement Project has blossomed, with lots of new ideas being explored for the future. Our Youth Arts programme continues to grow too, with further success for the Youth Players at the SCDA Festival and more projects lined up for the Young Film Makers just two examples. On the health and fitness theme, access to the gym facilities at Dalry School has now been arranged for the young people of the area on Wednesday evenings. We have also had a few staff adjustments at the CatStrand with programming & events manager Lauren Glasgow becoming parttime and part-time youth arts officer Simon Davidson taking on a full-time role. My first six months as General Manager have certainly been eventful. Hopefully the next six months will be too, but without the aquatic issues! Bella Hardy Please feel free to contact me BBC Radio 2’s Folk Singer of the at any time if you have any Year 2014 award, will make an suggestions or comments that you would like to make regarding appearance on 28 May. the CatStrand or any of the Brian Edgar, GCAT projects, on 420 374 or GCAT General Manager briangm@catstrand.com For full listings see our May is an exciting month in latest brochure or visit Dumfries & Galloway and as www.catstrand.com usual the CatStrand will be taking To book tickets call the part in the action. The company CatStrand on 01644 420 recognised for the popular weekly 374. And don’t forget to show at the Oran Mor in Glasgow ‘like’ us on Facebook! are bringing A Play, A Pie, and A Pint to The CatStrand as part of the Dumfries & Galloway Arts festival on 18 May. Spring Fling also returns to the CatStrand with an exhibition of brand new Modern, High Performance Wood work from Geoff Forest who Briquettes delivered to your door will display his intricate willow designs and give demonstrations over the spring fling weekend Order online: 24–26 May. Music highlights or Phone: consist of a special show from Manran who will give a rare, intimate concert of their blend of Gaelic and English, traditional and contemporary music on 29 May. Bella Hardy, winner of Advert for Glenkens Gazette Wood Fuel Home Delivery every Monday Hotter than Logs, cheaper than Coal www.woodfuel.coop 01387 731 210 Glenkens Gazette page 8 The Story of Natural Power Natural Power has been providing products and consultancy services to the renewable energy industry for almost 20 years. The consultancy – founded in 1995 by Ted Leeming, Neil Douglas and Stuart Hall – moved to Dumfries and Galloway in 1997 and first employed staff in 2000. Its global headquarters is the iconic Green House, near Dalry, opened in 2001. Built into the landscape with sustainability in mind, its outwardly humble appearance disguises an ambitious, thriving business that is growing and diversifying constantly. The company has departments covering all renewables technologies including onshore and offshore wind, solar, wave & tidal, hydro and biomass. Here, Natural Power employs around 90 staff, working in Construction, Geotechnical, Planning and Development Services, Asset Management and Technical Services, in addition to the company’s Control Centre, which manages some 29 per cent of all UK wind farm capacity onshore for the various clients. The process of building a renewable energy project such as a wind farm is complex. From identifying a suitable site through close local stakeholder and community consultation – and initial studies into how much power could be produced there – the farm has to be planned and consents obtained. Construction, by comparison, is a quicker process and once in operation, it must be maintained and managed. At the end of its lifespan – usually around 20 years – the site is repowered or taken down and the land is returned to its greenfield state. Natural Power is the only consultancy that can handle every stage of a client’s renewable energy project. It’s something the company prides itself on: a 360-degree approach that is unrivalled. The company has blazed a progress as the company does. Natural Power is also helping energy developers to achieve the Scottish Government’s ambitious renewable energy targets, aiming to meet 100 per cent of electricity demand from renewables by 2020. The firm has worked on some of the country’s most prominent projects and has recently issued a guidance document to coastal communities around Scotland which will help in the uptake of community-owned wave and tidal farms. Ted Leeming, one of Natural Power’s first three employees, is now Managing Director. He said: “When we founded Natural Power back in 1995, of course we were ambitious, but the growth and sustained success that we’ve experienced has been beyond all of our expectations. We have a great team here at Natural Power and I know that they will continue to help to develop our business, our profile and our capabilities further.” With the opening of a new office in Stirling – Scotland’s largest renewable energy consulting office – Natural Power continues to thrive and expand; this new office already employs over 95 people. The company is currently recruiting extensively: visit www.naturalpower.com/jobs for more information. A great majority of the 90 people employed at the Green House live in the surrounding area, helping to contribute to Dumfries and Galloway’s prosperity. remarkable trail from humble beginnings. From three employees in a basement flat in Glasgow, it now has 14 offices in six countries, employing over 300 people. These include bases as near as Stirling and Inverness, and as far-flung as France and Sweden to New York and Chile. A great majority of the 90 people employed at the Green House live in the surrounding area, helping to contribute to Dumfries and Galloway’s prosperity. The community benefits from highly-skilled local jobs and Natural Power’s continuous approach to its employees’ learning and development means that they The Green House, Forrest Estate, Dalry Glenkens Gazette page 9 Dalry Community Council Update Forthcoming Dalry Community Council meetings are held at 7pm in Dalry Town Hall and will be on Monday 7 April and Monday 19 May (this will be the Annual General Meeting followed by a regular meeting). There are no meetings currently planned for June. All residents of Dalry are most welcome to attend. At the AGM all those present (of the village) get to vote for their choice of office bearers from the elected committee. Allangibbon Bridge update: Dumfries & Galloway Councils’ Roads Department is planning to resurface ‘The (Allangibbon) Bridge’ in the next financial year (from April). Due to the recent timber lorry accident and pressure from Dalry Community Council, they are now looking at expanding repairs to include the accident prone corner. Lord Sinclair has very kindly offered to donate some land beside the problem bend to assist in this much needed improvement to our local roads which take such a hammering from heavy haulage vehicles. This upgrade is now long overdue. Andi Holmes Carsphairn Heritage Group 2014 Our annual exhibition this year is an amalgam of the old and the new. This is because, in 1997, the Carsphairn Heritage Group presented an exhibition called ‘Petticoat Rule’. Our presentation in 2014 continues to explore this theme, with further tales and reminiscences, both ancient and modern, about the lives of the women in the village and near environs of Carsphairn. Members of the group took great delight in unearthing and amassing artefacts, pictures and the written word. We hope you will visit the Heritage Centre and enjoy the experience we offer in, “Petticoat Tales, The Gentle Touch, Women of Carsphairn”. We have also an extensive archive of family history records which enlarges each year as people share with us their family records showing their roots in Carsphairn. The exhibition opens on Good Friday, 18 April, and is open weekends and Bank Holidays until the end of May from 10.30am to 5pm weekdays and Sundays from 2pm until 5pm and thereafter until the end of September daily except Wednesdays. Anna Campbell Sub-Postmistress Retires Continued from front page... Florance does feel it is a shame that so much of the personal contact has disappeared with benefits and state pensions now paid directly into accounts and TV licences being dealt with online. But the best part of the job has been getting to know people and earning their trust. “I feel privileged that folks come to me for help and I do like it when they leave with a smile on their faces,” she says. She will miss the constant flow of people with all their news and chat but is delighted the service will continue, albeit a few doors down the road. To allow this change to take place there will be a short period of disruption to current services at Wright’s Shop. Work will start on Monday 31 March and last for around 10 days. During this time a limited service will be available in the shop which will continue to supply the basics including papers, bread and milk. Normal service will be resumed working around the installation of the T. H. CARSON BUTCHERS See us at Dalry Farmers Market on 2nd Sat each month. We deliver every Thursday Give us a call, no order too small! THE CROSS, MILL ST, DALBEATTIE 01556 610 384 new Post Office which will open for business on Wednesday 30 April at 1pm. The improvements to Wright’s will see more self-service with a greater range of stock. And the stationery, cards and pet foods which locals have been able to buy at the Post Office in the past will now be available at Wright’s. The Glenkens Gazette and its readers wish Florance all the best for her retirement and thank her for all the cheerful and helpful service over the last 17 years, and we wish the best of luck to Lyndsay and her staff at Wright’s in their new venture. Glenkens Gazette page 10 KELLS SCHOOL UPDATE Scots Verse Competition On the afternoon of Tuesday 11 February Kells held their annual Scots Verse competition. Staff were delighted character from a book. The Pupil Council also organised a second hand book sale. All pupils received a £1 book token which was used to purchase one of the special World Book Day titles. that Mike Duguid was once again able to come and listen to the pupils recite their poems and decide the first, second and third places. The pupils who were given a place will now represent Kells at the Galloway Music Festival in March. Live Music Now Fraser Langton and Juliette Philogene from Live Music Now visited P5-7 in March for the second session on Pitch, Pulse and Magic. The pupils thoroughly enjoyed the one-hour session, which included listening to Fraser and Juliette playing ‘Peter and the Wolf’ and then discussing particular parts of that piece of music. Fraser and Juliette also gave some of the pupils the opportunity to conduct them while they were playing the clarinet and piano. World Book Day 2014 Kells Primary celebrated World Book Day by dressing up as their favourite Scots Verse: Mike Duguid with P1-4 class Food & Farming Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents Selling properties across Dumfries & Galloway 01556 503744 www.ggblaw.co.uk All legal advice Offices in Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie Kirkcudbright and Dumfries Four P5 girls from Carsphairn Primary visited Wallets Mart on Monday 3 March during the Food & Farming Days presented by the Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET). It was a chance for the pupils to learn more about what food we produce locally and in other parts of Scotland. We looked at tractors and then enjoyed learning about different types of cattle and got a turn at trying their hand at milking Mabel, a life size fibreglass cow. We learned all about different dairy products made from locally produced milk. RHET has been putting on the Food & Farming Days for a few years now and it is a really smooth operation that made for a great day out that the P5 girls really enjoyed. Sarah McCreath, P5, Walker McKenna milking Mabel the cow. Glenkens Gazette page 11 Glenkens Gazette page 12 Glenkens Gazette page 13 Glenkens Gazette page 14 Glenkens Gazette page 15 Carsphairn’s Talented Young Artists Spring Fling is Scotland’s premier arts and crafts open studios event and takes place every year in Dumfries & Galloway. Each year a competition is run across all the schools in the region to produce a poster for the event. There is a winner for each school, and an overall winner for the whole region. All the children at Carsphairn Primary worked very hard to produce excellent posters; little did we know at the time how well we would do... The winning poster for Carsphairn School this year was by P2 pupil Crawford King, out-painting the older pupils in the school to win the school award. But that wasn’t the only winning poster from Carsphairn; our other P2 pupil, Naomi McCreath, won the poster competition for Overall winner Naomi McCreath, P2, with all of Dumfries the director of education, Colin Grant. • Pensions • Savings • Investments • Retirement Options • Inheritance Tax Planning • Life Assurance • Income & Critical Illness Protection • Mortgages • Home Insurance Free Confidential Initial Consultation Tel: 01671 403080 Fax:- 01671 402549 Email: brian.edgar@marrfinancial.co.uk Web: www.marrfinancial.co.uk 61 Victoria Street NEWTON STEWART, DG8 6NL **NEW** Yorkshire Building Society Agency – Now Open Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. For mortgages we can be paid by commission or a fee of usually £300 or a combination of both. For Home Insurance we usually offer products from a limited panel of providers. & Galloway! Keep your eyes open for her poster featuring a belted Galloway cow which will be used to promote Spring Fling 2014. Naomi has won a £100 prize for herself and an additional £100 for the school, and the whole school will go to Gracefield Art Centre in Dumfries on March 14 to support Naomi and Crawford as they collect their prizes. On behalf of all the staff and pupils at Carsphairn, I would like to Continued from front page... congratulate both Two weeks after taking part in P2 pupils for their the Edinburgh Marathon (see hard work and front page), Fiona Oliver will be beautiful posters. embarking on the Edinburgh Moonwalk Marathon, a power The whole school walking event through the night would also like in aid of Breast Cancer charities. to also thank Mrs This will be the third time Bielinski, the school that Fiona has taken part in art teacher, for all this event. If you would like her support in so to support Fiona in raising many wonderful money for Breast Cancer art projects like the charities such as Maggies and Spring Fling posters Breakthrough Breast Cancer, and the Carsphairn please visit her web donation calendar. page at http://wtwalk.org/ Walker McKenna moonwalkscotland2014/fiona-13 Postie Runs Marathon Aileen McLeod MSP working for you across the South of Scotland Postal address: Unit 7 Loreburn Shopping Centre High Street, Dumfries, DG1 2BD Email: aileen.mcleod.msp@scottish.parliament.uk Tel: 01387 255 334 Please check www.aileenmcleod.org for regular surgery, constituency and parliamentary updates Glenkens Gazette page 16 Glenkens Transport Initiative With the minibus previously owned by the Stewartry Sports Council based in Castle Douglas being no longer available, much of the demand for this vehicle is now being met by Glenkens Transport Initiative (GTI). The main user of the Sports Council bus was Castle Douglas High School, although other Castle Douglas based usergroups have also registered with GTI. Training for a number of new drivers to Midas Standard has been held, and another 16-seat minibus made available by the Council to cater for the extra demands. This means that GTI now has four vehicles available, one based at the CatStrand, one at Dalry School and two in Castle Douglas. GTI are now regarded by Dumfries & Galloway Council as a “mature and successful transport initiative”. We have benefited considerably from the partnership with the Council, who own both vehicles in Castle Douglas, but allow them to be used by GTI when not being used for duties such as the school transport to Castle Douglas High School already operated by GTI. COMMONWEALTH GAMES: On Saturday 26 July a flotilla of 250 boats will sail into Glasgow from Greenock as part of the Commonwealth Games celebrations, and GTI will run a trip to witness this special occasion – see local posters/ website for details. USE YOUR BUS: We all know how successful GTI is, but more use could be made of the four vehicles we now have available, especially by the 50 user-groups registered with GTI. Many groups never use a minibus – it only costs £15 (for six hours) and no more than 50p per mile (depending on the vehicle), so now’s the time to plan a day or evening out for your group – ring the CatStrand now to book a bus! Keith Cooper, GTI Recycle Your Old Mobile Dalry school are now collecting unwanted mobile phones for recycling - even broken ones. Money raised will help to buy defibrillators for local communities. You can donate your old mobile at Dalry, Kells or Carsphairn schools or hand it in at the Glenkens Community Shop in Dalry. �� Glenkens Gazette Golf Club News Since the last edition of the Gazette, the Club has suffered vandalism on the practice putting green. One evening one or more persons broke into the Clubhouse and caused damage by taking divots from the putting green. The police were informed and no doubt investigations are ongoing. If you have any information regarding this incident then please contact the local police. The winter season is now drawing to a close and the Club is looking forward to a very successful 2014 season. This will start by the driving in of the Captain on 30 March, followed by the opening day competition which consists of a Captain’s Team against the Vice Captain’s Team. A full fixture list has been prepared for the season. The Club is still looking for a sponsor for the Seniors Open in June, and if you would like to be involved please contact the Club Captain on 450 265. We are looking to purchase a verti-drainer to enable the drainage of the course to be improved, and have already raised some funds for the purchase, but any further donations would be gratefully received. We are involved in a Dumfries & Galloway Marketing Strategy which involves not only golf clubs but hotels, guest houses and those providing accommodation for visitors to the region, as well as all local attractions. If anyone wants to get involved please contact the Captain on 450 265. The purpose is to attract more visitors to THE KEN BRIDGE HOTEL New Galloway page 17 the region and, in particular, the Glenkens. The Club website has been upgraded - www.nggc.co.uk Some competitions to note are: Sunday 25 May - Natural Power Men’s Open, Thursday 5 June - Senior Men’s Open, Sunday 27 July - Tilhill Open 4BBB. The Club still has some memberships available and anyone who is interested should contact the Secretary on 420 737 - Juniors and ladies would be particularly welcome. Jeff Sutcliffe, Captain, New Galloway Golf Club Bargatton Sand & Gravel Supplying sand and gravel for all your farming needs, as well as households and businesses both large and small. Open 7 Days Beautiful Riverside Location MEALS SERVED 12.00 - 2.00pm, 5.30 - 8.30pm Bed & breakfast en suite accommodation 01644 420 211 mail@kenbridgehotel.co.uk www.kenbridgehotel.co.uk We stock washed fine sand, coarse sand and gravels at competitive prices. For further details contact: Angus Wilson, Quarry Manager - 07715 606 685 James Mair - 07793 085 243 Email: loch.bargatton@live.co.uk Bargatton Quarry, Laurieston, Castle Douglas, DG7 2PS Open 7 days Mon-Fri Weekends by arrangement Delivery can be arranged - subject to quantity Glenkens Gazette page 18 Youth Players Grab the Moment The Stewartry Round of the 2014 Scottish Community Drama Festival saw the biggest entry in living memory with 14 plays being presented over five entertaining sessions. Seven youth plays and seven adult plays were vying for the trophies and for the honour of progressing to represent the Stewartry at the West of Scotland Finals. The Youth Players had two entries. Sing When You’re Winning by Mark Rees was on stage in the Saturday afternoon session and the large cast of seventeen gave a lively portrayal of the trials and tribulations of a rather wayward girls’ football team that had somehow managed to get to a cup final. The audience enjoyed the humour of the play and the adjudicator, Bruce Adam, praised the cast for their nice clear voices and maintaining a good pace, particularly in the early part of the play. He also gave the director credit for marshalling such a large cast effectively and for some nice touches with the use of the background music at various times. The other entry was Bar & Ger by Geraldine Aron which opened the festival on the Wednesday evening. This play is a challenging two-hander which tells the life story of a brother and sister through the re-enactment of 25 different episodes from their childhood and teenage years. The direction was particularly praised for the skilful creation of stage pictures which can be difficult with a minimal set and only two actors, the subtle changes from comedy to pathos were also well handled. The characters were played by Jordan Pears and Lowena Lindsay and they were both commended for their relaxed vocal and physical performances. The adjudicator was particularly impressed by their mature comic timing and excellent stage presence. He felt that both actors interacted well to deliver the for the first time as Lillias was a founder member of Glenkens ’73 Club and an inspiring figure on the amateur drama scene in the local area and throughout Scotland for many years. The plays were staged again at the CatStrand on 6 and 7 March and both attracted some great comments from the audience members. The emotion in the audience during the final scene of Bar & Ger was tangible and one audience member even remarked that the production wouldn’t have been out of place in the West End! The Youth Festival was won this year by Birchvale Youth Players with their excellent performance of Ron Nichol’s The Edge and they represented the Stewartry District at Campbeltown on 16 March and won again; we wish them all the best at the Scottish Final at Nairn in June. The Youth Players will now begin work on their next productions which will be staged on 13 & 14 June. The adjudicator was particularly impressed by their mature comic timing and excellent stage presence. comedy and pathos of the play culminating in the very moving final stage picture which was his choice for the ‘Best Moment of Theatre’ from all 14 plays and winner of the Lillias Thomson Memorial Trophy. It is the first time that the Youth Players have won this sought after award and very appropriate that the trophy should be back in the Glenkens Cast of Sing When You’re Winning © John Scott Photography TAKEOVER & MAKEOVER OF NEW GALLOWAY TOWN HALL New Galloway Town Hall will be open to the public during the weekend of 10 and 11 May. This will give everyone an opportunity to see the hall and comment on proposals for a makeover and also to discuss their ideas of how they would like to use the hall. D&G Council has made clear that they can only support the transfer to the local community if they present a viable and sustainable business plan for its future so we need to show we will use it - or we’ll lose it. Glenkens Gazette page 19 REEL ‘EM IN Dalry Angling Association (Dalry AA) is set to start the 2014 fishing season with a bang, announcing a host of new initiatives designed to offer members a huge boost in value for money. Robert Edgar, chairman of the association, spoke about the new plans. “Financially, the association has been on a firm footing for some time,” he said, “but the new committee felt the time had come to use some of this cash to improve facilities for members. The first task was to invest something in the fishing on Earlstoun Loch as this had been neglected for some time...with the help of Peter and Jonathan from FHB Fencing we have now completely renovated the inside of the boathouse”. The fishing season on the river Ken and Carsfad will open on Saturday 15 March and in preparation for this the club has already carried out the stocking of Carsfad. The River Ken is restricted to fly-only fishing until 1 May but anglers on Carsfad can use fly, spinner or worm as soon as the season opens. The association will be running two competitions for members which for 2014 will come with the added bonus of tackle prizes for winners. The first event is the Junior Championship to be held on 29 June on the River Ken. 19 July sees the adults battle it out on Carsfad in a flyonly contest with the victor set to carry away a fantastic new Daiwa fly rod from their 2014 collection. Association secretary Garry Priddy has also been busy expanding the Ticket-Exchange Scheme with neighbouring associations. Commenting on the new waters open for 2014 Garry explained; “We have enjoyed a ticket-exchange agreement with Dalbeattie Angling Club for a number of years and this will continue, but have managed to extend this to include Drumgrange and Kiers Fishing Club and Ayr Angling Association, giving Dalry AA members access to some of the best salmon fishing in the southwest of Scotland” Full voting membership of Dalry AA is open to residents of Dalry and associate membership is available to all residents of the Glenkens. Membership fees for the 2014 season are: Adult Full and Associate Members £15, Full-Time Students - £5, Juniors - £1. Contact Club Secretary Garry Priddy on 07719 046 676 for further info. ALEX FERGUSSON MSP FOR GALLOWAY & Events in Dalry Town Hall Holds regular advice surgeries at: On Saturday 19 April there will be a Craft Fair in Dalry Town Hall. Constituency Office, New Market Street, Castle Douglas, DG7 1HY To book a table please contact Jean Lockerbie on 430 454. On Saturday 14 June there will be a Scottish Concert with entertainment by Ian Muir on accordion and singer Linton McMillan. After a gap of over 10 years we are to reintroduce a Burns Supper in Dalry. This will take place on Saturday 31 January 2015. The main speaker at this will be Mr Chris Rollie from Dalry who is very well known in Burns circles. We hope to have this event every two years, on alternate years to Dalry School’s Burns Night. Please keep these dates in your diary. Jean Lockerbie WEST DUMFRIES on the 2nd Friday of every month from 5pm Telephone free on 0800 028 7260 for an appointment or to make any alternative arrangement. You can visit Alex’s website at: www.alexfergusson.org.uk or contact him by e-mail at: alex.fergusson.msp@scottish.parliament.uk Glenkens Gazette page 20 The Joys of Spring Spring is the season of expansiveness and joy. The sun warms, the days grow longer and the signs of new life burgeon and blossom everywhere. Compiled from mindfulness based studies and reports are ten of the most effective ways for maintaining maximum happiness and energy levels at this growth time of year. No1 Mindfulness meditation. Studies show that regular meditating can permanently re-wire the brain and is the single most effective and lasting way to live a happier life. No 2 Exercise. 2014 is the year of the Commonwealth Games in Scotland and the benefits of exercise on happiness cannot be over stated. Mindfulness researcher Daniel Segal writes that exercising is the best ways to activate dopamine and other natural feel good opiates and neurotransmitters. No manmade substance or stimulus can trigger them in the same way. No 3 Random acts of kindness. In his book ‘flourish’ professor Martin Selgman found that doing a kindness for someone produces the single most reliable momentary increase in well being of any exercise tested and also contributes to longevity. No 4 Being in nature. In the ‘Happiness Advantage’ by Shawn Anchor making time to be in nature delivers major benefits. Spending twenty minutes or more outside not only boosts positive mood but broadens thinking enabling our minds to see ‘the wood from the trees’. According to the American Meteorogical Society happiness is maximised at a temperature of 13.9°C. No 5 Habit releasers. Lent, which occurs during springtime, is often seen as having to give up something you really enjoy but it could be seen as a very effective and well timed way to boost energy levels. Letting go of ingrained habits can hugely influence our zest for life and hence the new opportunities and choices we are able to make. No 6 Getting enough rest and sleep. According to the University of Surrey less than six hours’ sleep tampers with our body chemistry leading to increased risk of stroke and heart disease. The BPS Research Digest found that sleep-deprived people are much more susceptible to negative emotions like fear and anger. No 7 Planning a holiday but not actually going on one. In a study published in the journal of applied research in quality of life the anticipation at the planning stage is the best part of holiday making and can boost happiness for eight weeks. It’s also a lot cheaper. But you probably have to believe you might go. No 8 Building positive social connections with family members and friends. The old adage that happiness can make you successful but success cannot make you happy seems to stand up to trial testing. In the British Household Panel Survey an increase in the level of social ...exercising is the best ways to activate dopamine and other natural feel good opiates and neurotransmitters. No man- made substance or stimulus can trigger them in the same way. involvement is worth up to an extra £85,000 a year in terms of life satisfaction. No 9 Creativity. The essence of creativity is play which feeds and nurtures the soul. From knitting to drawing to music making, creativity produces a state called ‘flow’ which engenders a deep sense of satisfaction and promotes neural plasticity in the brain. No 10 Smiling. Smiling can alleviate pain and make us feel better so long as it’s backed up by positive thoughts. Studies carried out on customer service workers showed that fake smiling made them feel worse as the day progressed. Real smiles engage the eye sockets enabling us to do our work and daily tasks better as does laughing and ‘novelty’ in life. So whether its watching lamb gangs getting up to mischief or soaking up the sunshine under a cherry blossom tree, happy springtime! Debra Hall If you would like to find out more please contact Debra Hall (‘True Nature’), a practitioner with 23 years’ experience in the field of mindfulness, on debra.ha@hotmail.co.uk or 01644 430 013. Glenkens Gazette page 21 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN Destruction of a Glenkens Lady At 11.30pm on Boxing Day 2013 one of the finest trees in Glenkens came to grief. The copper beech which had guarded the east end of Ken Bridge for over 100 years was felled by one of the most vicious storms to hit these parts in recent memory. The centurylong harmony of wood and wind was shattered forever by a ferocious gale and lashing rain. Peering into the mirk from Dalarran House we could see nothing but had long been anxious that, in the event of a storm, the graceful dame might land on our roof. When its demise came we heard, rather than saw it. The tempest seemed to fall silent for an instant followed by a loud crackle that sounded for all the world like a huge piece of Velcro coming apart. Next we heard the awesome chaotic din of splintering as the great tree crashed. Car headlights gradually revealed that one huge bough had fallen towards the river and parallel to the edge of the bridge, spilling some of its branches into the roadway. The other part collapsed neatly along the roadside in the direction of Dalry, its branches reaching just over halfway across the road. It is well known that beeches have notoriously shallow roots, making them vulnerable to fierce weather, but in this case daylight would reveal that it was the trunk that snapped - unsurprisingly since it was hollow. She was not a huge specimen of fagus sylvatica purpurea, only some 70 feet tall; her sisters are sometimes over twice that height. Her girth was 12 feet four inches (330 cms). According to tree calculators that should give her a lifespan of around 130 years and a birthdate circa 1884. As the human race evolved trees were probably the first objects of worship. The ancient Mayans of Mexico believed that a great tree linked Sky, Earth and the Underworld. The of it is the noise of human existence, onwards from of old…It is the past, the present and the future; what was done, what is doing, what will be done; the infinite conjugation of the verb To Do.” The crash of the Kenbridge copper beech destroyed a complete universe from her highest branches to her roots. The tawny owls will now hold their nightly vigils on other trees, the squirrels scamper on other branches; birds will alight elsewhere and myriads of insects will seek refuge among her offspring. ‘So generations in their course decay;/So flourish these, when those are past away’. One thing is certain. On Boxing Day 2013 a tree fell in the forest and we heard it! In memoriam. ...its trunk reaches up heaven-high, spreads its boughs over the whole Universe…Its boughs are the histories of Nations. The rustle of it is the noise of human existence, onwards from of old… Hindustaniss also had their Cosmogonoic Tree. Thomas Carlyle was fascinated by the magnificent conception of the Viking tree Iggdrasill as a symbol of Old Norse philosophy, as well as a metaphor for the whole of Humanity’s unceasing activity on this planet - no-one better captured its essence. Its roots, he wrote, are “deep down in the kingdoms of Hela or Death; its trunk reaches up heavenhigh, spreads its boughs over the whole Universe… Is not every leaf of it a biography, every fibre there an act or word? Its boughs are the histories of Nations. The rustle Ted Cowan Ken Bridge Copper Beech © Padeapix Glenkens Gazette page 22 APRIL & MAY For CatStrand events please check details/venue during renovations - see p7 APRIL Sat 5 Apr to Mon 5 May, Wild Spring Festival, accross the region, see p5 Sat 5 & Sun 6, Celebration of the Life & Works SR Crockett (1859-1914), CatStrand, see p6 Mon 7, Singing Workshop, 7.30pm, CatStrand, see p11 Wed 9, GTI Bus Trip to Wigtown Wed 9, Photography Workshop, CatStrand, see p13 Fri 11, Puppet Animation Festival: The Little Red Hen, 1.45pm, CatStrand Wed 16, Open Stage, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 18, Tommy Smith & Brian Kellock, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 18, Carsphairn Heritage Centre Opens, see p9 Sat 19, Craft Fair, Dalry Town Hall, 10am-4pm Sat 19, Spalding Bowling Club opens for play, 2pm; old and new members welcome. Thu 24, Film: Philomena, 7.30pm, CatStrand Thu 25, The Taking of Zena Charbonne, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sun 27, The Dardanelles, 7.30pm, CatStrand MAY Sat 3, Life Drawing Class with Kathleen Wheeler, 10pm, CatStrand Thu 8, Film: Wind of Change, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 10 & Sun 11, New Galloway Town Hall Open Days, see p18 Sat 17, 7.30pm, Cahlen Morrison and Eli West, CatStrand Sun 18, A Play, A Pie & A Pint, 7.30pm, CatStrand Wed 28, Bella Hardy, 7.30pm, CatStrand Thu 29, Manran, 7.30pm, CatStrand CASTLE DOUGLAS NOW MOT CENTRETESTING MOTs £45 BIKES Unit 6, Greenlaw Business Park, Castle Douglas, DG7 2LH Tel: 01556 503 090 Open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 6pm 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 DALRY UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB The Return of Dalry United FC - Football is coming back to the Glenkens this summer! Dalry United FC has been reformed and the club will be competing in the Sunday Amateur League for 2014. Our generous sponsors, AB Welding & Fabrication, have kindly provided us with our new kits. We, as a team, would like to involve the wider community - we have already got a squad together but would welcome any additions to the team, both on and off the pitch. The league season starts in a few weeks and we have already had a few friendlies with some encouraging results. Training sessions are once a week with games on Sundays. If you would like to play or help out in any other way please let us know. For further details contact Cameron Ross on 07453 715129. GTI WEDNESDAY BUS SERVICE (registered route) Outward Journey: 19:00 Dept. Dalry (Underhill) 19:05 New Galloway 19:15 Mossdale 19:25 Laurieston 19:30 Townhead of Greenlaw 19:37 Castle Douglas (Market St) 19:40 Castle Douglas (Tesco) Return journey: 20:35 Dept. Castle Douglas (Tesco) 20:37 Castle Douglas (Market St) 20:47 Townhead of Greenlaw 21:50 Laurieston 21:00 Mossdale 21:10 New Galloway 21:15 Dalry To book a Glenkens Transport Initiative (GTI) bus or for more information please contact keith cooper, GTI Administrator, on 01644 420 374. Glenkens Gazette page 23 REGULAR EVENTS CatStrand (New Galloway): Exercise to Music: Mon, 10-11am Ukelele Group, Mon, 11.15am, 60+ Ukelele Improvers, Mon, 1pm, 60+ Free Computer Training; Beginners & Improvers, Mon (starting 4 Nov), 1.30pm Margaret Morris Movement Adult Dance Class, Mon, 2.30-3.30pm, contact Sara on 01556 612854 Children’s Dance Class: Mon during term time, 3.45-4.45pm age 3-7, 4.30-5.30pm ages 8-15 Let’s Cook, Tues, 10am Carers’ Coffee & Chat: Tues, 10am-12noon Let’s Cook, Tues, 10am Teen Spirit: Tues during term time, 7-8:30pm (P7-S3) and 8-9:30pm (S3+) Gentle Tai Chi, Wed, 10am, 60+ Sing it Out: Thurs, 11am -12pm Pilates: Thurs, 4.15-5.15pm & 5.30-6.30pm Knit & Blether Club, last Fri each month, 2pm, 60+ Afternoon Tea Club: 2nd Fri each month, 2pm Saturday Art Club: 2nd Sat each month, 10am–12noon Zumbatomic, last Sat each month,10-10.45am Catstrand Youth Players: Sun during term time, 2pm Glenkens Acoustic Sessions, last Sun of the month, 2-4pm Glenkens Community Centre (Dalry): (contact Kath 430 281) Glenkens Children’s Club: Mon & Fri, 9.15-11.45am Paint & Art: Mon, 1.30-4.30pm & Wed, 7-9pm Ballroom & Latin Dance Class: Mon, 7.15, for more info call Sam Rushton on 420 672 GCC Playgroup, Tue & Thurs, 9.2011.50am, contact keronh@me.com Good Neighbours’ Club: Tues, 2pm Kickback Martial Arts: Thurs, 7-9pm Thursday Craft Group: Thurs, 24pm Brownies: Wed, 5.30-6.45pm Guides: Tue during term-time, 6.15pm, contact: Kath 430 281 Various Locations: Texas Hold ‘em Poker, Mon, 7.15pm, Cross Keys Hotel, New Galloway Mother & Toddlers: Tues, 9.4511.15am, New Galloway Town Hall Beavers: Tues, 6–7.15pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Dog Training: Tue & Wed, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. Contact: Eric 460 670 Tai Jitsu: Wed, Junior Class (age 614), 6-7pm; Senior Class, 7-8.30pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn, contact David on 07547 134 276, see p5 Glenkens Community Councils Balmaclellan Community Council Meetings: 3rd 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. CHURCH OF SCOTLAND: Halfmark, Carsphairn; 9 May, 7.30pm, Quiz Night, Dalry Town Hall; 11 May, 10.30am, Family Service, Dalry Church; 31 May, 2 - 4pm, Plant Sale & Teas, Balmaclellan Village Hall Full minutes of local Community Council meetings can be viewed at Dalry Library. Sundays: Balmaclellan 12noon 1st, Carsphairn 10.30am 1st 2nd 3rd 4th, Dalry (Apr) 12noon 1st 3rd 4th, Dalry (May) 10.30am 2nd, Dalry (May) 9am 1st 3rd 4th, Kells 10.30am 2nd(Apr) 3rd 4th Special Services/Events: 13 Apr, 10.30am, United Family Service, Kells Church; 18 Apr, 7.30pm, Good Friday Service, Dalry Church; 20 Apr, 7am, Easter Service, New Galloway Park & breakfast in New Galloway Town Hall; 27 Apr, 3pm, Conventicle, Communion Services: 4 May, 12noon, Balmaclellan Church SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH: St Margaret’s, New Galloway: Holy Communion, 10.30am every Sun & Wed CATHOLIC CHURCH SERVICES: Gatehouse of Fleet: Sat, 6pm. Kirkcudbright: Sun, 9.30am. Dalbeattie: Sun, 11am 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 Zumba: Wed, 7.30-8.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall, £4 Mossdale Painters: Wed, 9.30am, Mossdale Village Hall Cub Scouts: Wed, 6.45–8pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Carsphairn Post Office, Thurs, 9.30-11.30am, Lagwyne Hall Coffee & Craft Morning, Thurs, 9.30-12noon, Lagwyne Hall Hard of Hearing Group Drop-in, 2nd Thurs each month, 10am-12noon, Castle Douglas Town Hall Scouts: Thurs, 7–8.30pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Dance Your Socks Off, Sat, 23.30pm, adults & children (age 8+), Dalry Town Hall, contact Debra 430 013 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 Tue: 2-4.30pm & 5.30-7.30pm Fri: 11.15am-1:15pm & 2-4.30pm. 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 24 HISTORICAL TEAROOM TOURS Teas, history and tours combine to create a new unique and exciting ‘must do’ event for Glenkens locals, visitors and holidaymakers during the Easter holidays. Crossmichael & Parton Parish Church near Castle Douglas are launching a ‘Victorian Tearoom and History Tours’ venture on 6 April. You are invited into their 850-year-old church to enjoy tea and cakes while admiring the historic architecture and learning more about the adventurous, the brave, the crazy and the heroic exploits of characters who have made the church and the village such an incredible part of Galloway history. In the year of the Homecoming and also the 100th anniversary of World War I, church members have created a historic trip through the ages using the information in church records and the stories of the people buried within its grounds and combined it with a Victorian tea room experience to create a fascinating day out for all the family. T C TYRES Mobile Tyre Fitting Specialist & Supplier Tom Craig, previously manager at ATS Euromaster, Castle Douglas, started his mobile service when ATS closed in 2012. TC Tyres offers tyre fitting, balancing & repairs (car,van, motor cycle, trailer & agricultural vehicles). Tyres supplied or own tyres fitted, work done at your work or home, batteries also supplied and fitted. Tom Craig Staunch covenanters, heroic war veterans and the story of one brave local lass who walked all the way to London to save her sister’s life are all documented and can be enjoyed in the setting of the church, whose tower is only one of two of its type in the UK, to make this event a definite date for your diary. The project will run from 11am to 4pm from Sat 5 to Mon 7 April, Thurs 10 to Mon 14 April and finally Thurs 17 to Sun 20 April. The idea behind the project is to give church funds a much needed boost while opening its doors to the wider community. For further info, or to book a tour, contact Ahrlene Fuller on 01556 670615 or ahrlene.fergus on@btinternet.com The Clachan Inn, Dalry, is under new management and has an exciting new range of meals on the menu as well as upcoming music and events. Local girl Laura Burnie, from Parton, and partner Philip Papwoth, originally from Hertfordshire, took over the pub on 17 of October last year. Phil works alongside chef Jac Davidson while Laura manages the bar and restaurant. Phil and Laura have a new menu ready to be launched on Mother’s Day weekend, and regularly host live music in the bar and bothy areas of the pub. The Clachan is open daily from 12 noon, with food served 12 noon to 2pm and 6pm to 9pm, and is featured in the Good Beer Guide 2014 for real ales and craft beers - why not come along and try some out while enjoying great food and quality live music. En suite accommodation, bed & breakfast available. Keep an eye on the board outside the pub for upcoming music and events. 07557 511 436 VAT Registered 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 JUNE/JULY COPY DEADLINE: MON 6 MAY Design & co-ordination: Sarah Ade sarah_ade@tiscali.co.uk 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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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 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:  <a href="mailto:glenkensgazette@hotmail.com">glenkensgazette@hotmail.com</a> The Glenkens Gazette is a member of, and regulated by  <a href="https://www.impressorg.com/">Impress</a>. The Glenkens Gazette is an initiative of Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (SC032050) and represents the voice of the community (not necessarily the views of GCAT). 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 2014 ISSUE 80 FREE WET AND WILD IN THE GLENKENS Monday 30 December 2013 saw flood levels in the Dee catchment area at their highest since records began in 1977, with over 2” of rainfall within 12 hours in parts of the Galloway hills. Communities in the Glenkens were heavily hit all round with extreme wind, power cuts and severe flooding. Accross the area trees were blown onto power lines, causing power-cuts which for some lasted days. And just when things seemed to have settled down a bit, the rain came on. Homes, businesses, venues, farms and many roads were affected, with some properties under two feet of water. Worst affected by the water were Carsphairn and New Galloway, with the main road in Carsphairn becoming impassable and in New Galloway the road from the Ken Bridge to Quarry This photo, taken by Jayne Grimwood, shows the extent of the flooding; it is looking over the main road by the Grennan, towards the Ken Bridge which you can see in the middle left of the picture. Corner was more river than road with portions of the tarmac being swept away. More than eight properties in Carsphairn were flooded while New Galloway’s CatStrand was also badly affected. The flooding has been the worst for many years - it was reported that the last time you could take a boat down the main road in Carsphairn was 60 years ago, and if anyone had been inclined this time they could have had a good run! Brian Edgar, New Galloway resident and general manager at the CatStrand, said: “It’s the worst flooding I’ve seen in my lifetime (53 years), and everyone I’ve met says it’s the worst that they have ever seen.” Glenkens Guides Win Top Award Two local Girl Guides have won Guiding’s highest award. 1st Glenkens Guides enjoy a celebratory cake made by Kimberley who is working towards her Confectioner’s Badge. A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) ini�a�ve Patrol Leaders Kimberley McAdam and Ellen Bielinski of the 1st Glenkens Guide Unit have achieved prestigious BadenPowell Challenge badges after months of planning and hard work. Kimberly and Ellen had to select and complete ten challenges covering a balance of five life skills - healthy lifestyles, global awareness, discovery, skills and relationships, and celebrating diversity. Ellen says her favourite challenge was helping at Brownie Meetings to fulfil a community service challenge. Story continued on p8... www.glenkensgaze�e.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 2 Support for Community Centre The move towards transferring the Glenkens Community Centre from Dumfries & Galloway Council to community ownership continues apace. At a very well-attended Open Meeting in January, those present showed unanimous support for keeping the Centre open. In Hard of Hearing Group Hi Sarah, Many thanks for getting our piece in the Gazette last issue - on the back of this, I have already met one potential volunteer! I will keep you updated once I have recruited volunteers with a start date for a Glenkens drop-in. Thanks again, Julie Turner Cllr Finlay Carson Castle Douglas & Glenkens for an appointment Tel: 07825 633 185 or email: finlay@finlaycarson.co.uk www.finlaycarson.co.uk particular, strong enthusiasm was shown for creating a Trust or similar organisation that would own the community centre but could also be extended if requested to the other public buildings in Dalry such as the town hall, the library and of course the red phone box. Helen Keron, Chair of the Community Centre, said: “We were delighted both with the high turn-out and the very positive feedback that the management committee received for the work done so far and for their plans for the future. Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed so constructively.” The next steps are to obtain a structural survey of the building, refine the business case for the running of the centre and to create the Trust that will form the backbone of the new structure. As ever, any and all offers of help are gratefully accepted. Helen Keron Glenkens Business Association (GBA) The GBA has been taking a sabbatical over the last year! If you are a new business or organisation and would like to be included in the next issue of The Glenkens Directory just contact Alan Rumble (420 250) or Ros Hill (420 632) Rosy Glow The Rosy Glow section is a space for people to include, anonymously if they like, their thanks, admiration and general positivity about something a local person or organisation has done that has made them feel good. “I should like to mention Wright’s shop, Dalry for the friendly welcome and helpfulness of lindsay and her staff.” A Dalry Resident You can text or email your Rosy Glow comments to the Gazette (contact details on back page). Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING) Constructive discussions are now being held with Dumfries & Galloway Council to work out how the community can take over management or ownership of the Town Hall. If you would like to be involved in this or have any ideas for using it or for other initiatives for New Galloway please contact Ros Hill on 420 632 or at ros.hill@rathanhouse.me.uk CASTLE DOUGLAS MOT CENTRE MOTs £45 Unit 6, Greenlaw Business Park, Castle Douglas, DG7 2LH Tel: 01556 503 090 Open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 6pm Glenkens Gazette Photo of the Issue: ‘Wild Weather’ page 3 Sponsored by the Ken Bridge Hotel This issue’s winner is David Bartholomew with Bridge to Nowhere. The shot of the suspension bridge in Dalry really shows how high the water was. There were some other great photographs illustrating the level of flooding around the Glenkens so we thought we’d include some others too. We will keep all entries on file and if they suit a future theme/season, they will be re-considered. Photos, clockwise, are David Bartholomew’s picture of the suspension bridge in Dalry, Ben Ade’s shot of the road from New Galloway to the Ken Bridge, Nigel Martin’s photo of the A713 in Carsphairn, Paul Goodwin’s picture the Ken Bridge and a shot of mopping up at the CatStrand. 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. Please remember that people list their items in good faith that they will go to an appreciative home - items are not to be collected simply to sell on. Various Ladies bicycle, 21 gears, quite old but good condition. Contact: 460 516 CRT screen. Black with black stand. Not HD but can be used with video tapes and DVDs. Contact: 420 632 Upright piano. Contact: Sarah on 430 417 Maxim 14” tv and built in dvd player with technica freeview box. Contact: 450 685 Two garden seats needing a new home and some TLC. Phone 460640’ HP laser printer 5P. Contact: Ken on 460 516 Child/Baby 1 large oval trampoline – excellent quality when new (bought in 2000). It no longer has a safety net. Contact: Bryher on 430 039 1 baby newborn car seat. Contact: Bryher on 430 039 1 car booster seat. Contact: Bryher on 430 039 A selection of toy babies, clothes and equipment. Contact: Bryher on 430 039 Electrical 8 downlighters 50 watts. Contact: Ann on 420 445 Dell computer monitor, 15inch screen. Contact: Ann on 420 445 Dell keyboard. Contact: Ann on 420 445 Dell speakers. Contact: Ann on 420 445 Logitech QuickCam S7500 with box, software & manual (for Skype). Contact: Ann on 420 445 Panasonic Colour TV, 16.5” x 11.5” Wright’s Shop Dalry Licensed grocer & newsagent with filled rolls, pies and hot & cold drinks to take away. Local supplier of Corson’s Bakers, Ballard’s Butchers and Mitchell’s Fruit & Veg Opening Times: Monday to Friday: 7am – 6pm Saturday: 8am – 6pm Sunday: 8.30am – 4pm Tel: 01644 430 225 Remington electric foot spa. Contact: Fiona on 07789 903127 Pifco electric facial sauna. Contact: Fiona on 07789 903127 Samsung 800w microwave. Looks good as new and works perfectly but Contact: Alan on a bit grotty inside. 07769 680938 FOR SALE ‘Breyer’ red jeep and horsebox set. They are large (traditional size) and Bronnen has decided to sell them! These cost £50 each new! Selling for £30 each/£50 for both. Contact Bryher on 430 039 on 430 039 Hamster cage, Rotastak – large cage with lots of accessories, levels etc. (used for 1 hamster only, now clean and ready for new resident). £25 (bought for £40+). Contact: Bryher on 430 039 W BONE WHB JEEPS THE GARAGE, DALRY PETROL & DIESEL SALES SERVICE & REPAIRS MOTs, TYRES, BATTERIES ALL AT COMPETITIVE PRICES OPEN 8.30AM - 6.00PM (SIX DAYS) 10AM - 6PM SUNDAYS - FUEL 24 HOURS SHOP • SANDWICH BAR • LOTTERY Tel: 01644 430208 Fax: 01644 430669 jeeps@whbjeeps.co.uk www.whbjeeps.co.uk Lovely old style Pram (new in 1996), with suspension, complete with hood, waterproof cover, cosy, nearly new wheels. £25 ono. Contact: Bryher on 430 039 Karate outfit – Blitz Sports white cotton, size childs 0/130. £7.50. Contact: Bryher on 430 039 Karate outfit – Blitz Sports red silky style top with black trousers size 2/150. £12. Contact: Bryher The Fleet Fish van is in the Glenkens on Tuesdays & Wednesdays every week. Anyone wishing me to call, please phone Mary on above mobile no. www.facebook.com/fleetfish Glenkens Gazette page 5 sponsored by PROS AND CONS OF WOOD AS A FUEL Every fuel has its own pros and cons, and wood fuel is no different. fuel. There is no doubt that good management of our woodlands for timber production is highly beneficial, but there is a danger that this will lead to naturally fallen timber being taken to feed this market for wood instead of being left on the woodland floor as a highly valuable habitat for a myriad of flora and fauna. Of course, the wood has to come from somewhere, so where is best? - FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) is an independent, non-governmental, not for profit organization established to promote the responsible management of the world’s forests. Try to make sure your timber started its journey to is relatively dry), and store undercover over summer ready for use the following winter, then traditional logs are also the most economic option. - Manufactured Briquettes are I use wood fuel, but I also sell it the new kids on the block. These in its many different forms, so I modern, high performance get feedback from hundreds of briquettes are consistent in customers which I will précis to size, moisture content and help you choose the best fuel for performance. They are clean your household. and easy to handle, stack and store. Being less than half Environmental Considerations the moisture content and of I know most of you will skip greater density than traditional this and I fully understand logs they generate more heat, why. I also have had enough of more consistently and over a being preached at by the global longer period, and are generally warming lobby. Like the majority made from timber waste from of you I just want to stay warm manufacturing processes. at the lowest possible monetary Whereas you might put two or cost. However, if you want to three logs on the fire at one factor in environmental time, you will only need one issues, the beauty of wood Whereas you might put good quality briquette, any fuel is that it is carbon and you risk creating dioxide neutral, in that it two or three logs on the fire at more a furnace! Quality is the absorbs as much carbon only proviso. There are one time, you will only need dioxide during its growing plenty of inferior quality, life as it emits whilst one good quality briquette, poorly compacted, cheap burning to keep us warm. briquettes out there. They any more and you risk It is also fully renewable give briquettes a bad name. over a relatively short creating a furnace! Price? 40 to 100 year growing cycle. If the wood you This you might find difficult your fireplace from one of these are burning is a waste product to believe, but facts are facts. sustainably managed woodlands. or comes from FSC (Forest Most people pay about £60 for a Stewardship Council) certificated - Arboricultural Waste is builders ‘dumpy’ or ‘tote’ bag of wood generated as a result woodland, so much the better. logs. Many log sellers describe of woodland management So wood gets a big tick in the this as approximately 1 cubic professionals pruning or environmental box. metre. Measure it (height x removing trees that have, for Wildlife Issues width x depth) and you will find instance, grown to the stage most tote bags contain between In my opinion this is not quite where they are a potential 600 and 700 litres, not 1,000 so clear-cut. The proliferation of danger to the general public litres. If those logs are dried wood stove installations over the using roads, footpaths, down to 20% moisture content last decade looks set to continue gardens and other public places. (ready to burn without creating into the foreseeable future. Lots This is a very common source of tar in your chimney) then the of wood stoves require lots of average ‘builders bag’ will weigh wood and most folk want to burn logs and they are usually cheap because the arboriculturalist has approx. 200kg. That means you only hardwood, which comes already been paid for taking the require five bags to equal one from our deciduous trees like timber down and can afford to tonne. 5 x £60 = £300. Good oak, ash, beech, sycamore, elm sell cheap to clear it away. The quality briquettes cost between and so on. Many of these tree £250 and £350 per tonne. No species, like ash and oak provide problem is that it is rarely dry enough to burn right away. wonder there is a massive highly valuable wildlife habitat What Form is Best? movement by enlightened folk whilst growing, and all provide to burning briquettes instead of invaluable habitat whilst they - Traditional Logs are most decay after death. logs. people’s first choice. They are readily available and if you are The forestry lobby want us Rowland Parke able to purchase ‘late winter to bring ‘under managed’ Wood Fuel Co-operative felled timber’ (when the sap is woodlands into management to down and newly felled timber help meet this market for wood Glenkens Gazette Originating in the United States in the 1980’s, the concept behind Neighbourhood Watch was simple; working together can help to improve your community. Currently, Dumfries and Galloway already has a significant number of active Neighbourhood Watch schemes. Whilst many schemes are long-established, there are new schemes being established all the time. Some areas of Scotland - Fife and Grampian, for example - have formed Regional Associations to provide focus and support for local schemes and to share good practice. Following discussions by a group of Dalry residents and the Stewartry Crime Reduction Officer, it has been decided to look at the re-instatement of a Neighbourhood Watch group in Dalry, open for all present and page 6 future residents to join. The Neighbourhood Watch scheme is designed to bring local people and organisations together to address community safety and security issues. It is not just about local crime or antisocial activity but helps tackle issues of cyber-crime, internet fraud and unsolicited cold callers or visitors. Some of the benefits of Neighbourhood Watch include: - Local issues can be shared and addressed. - Support and practical advice given to those affected by identified issues. - Residents work together to make their community better. - Opportunity to bring the residents and the other community organisations of Dalry together. - Being a member may qualify you for a discount on your home insurance (speak to your insurance provider) The first meeting of the proposed Dalry Neighbourhood Watch, to which all residents are invited to attend, will take place on Monday 17 February in Dalry Town Hall at 7pm. Anyone who lives in the village and is interested in finding out more is urged to come along to discuss the need for and the benefits of having a Neighbourhood Watch group for Dalry. For more information about Neighbourhood Watch in Scotland, please visit www.neighbourhood watchscotland.co.uk CELEBRATING SR CROCKETT Here’s a date for your diaries: the weekend of Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 April 2014 will be a variety of events celebrating the life and works of S R Crockett. The weekend starts on Saturday 5 April with the CatStrand hosting A celebration and commemoration of the life and work of Samuel Rutherford Crockett. The work of Galloway’s best known and best-loved storyteller, on the 100th anniversary of his death, will be remembered through speakers such as Margaret Elphinstone, Alison Burgess, Douglas Gifford and Ted Cowan. Tickets are £10 per person, and are available from the CatStrand on 01644 420 374. On Saturday evening at 7.30pm at the Ken Bridge Hotel there will also be an S R Crockett Celebratory Dinner; an evening of excellent food, poetry and song. A three-course meal will be served and period costume is optional. Advance booking and payment is essential - tickets are £25 per person, and are available from the Ken Bridge Hotel on 01644 420 211. And to round-up the weekend, a tour of Crockett sites in the Glenkens is planned for Sunday 6 April; look out for further information about these events. Ted Cowan FHB Fencing New Galloway Family and friends coming to stay? Golf Club Short of space? Founded 1902 Cosy country cottage available (sleeps 4) www.nggc.co.uk v 01644 420737 v Buggies now available for hire VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME Call Fiona on 01644 420 227 or 07789 903127 Dalry Domestic and Agricultural Fencing 01644 430 495 (Peter) or 07767 795 498 (Jonathan) Glenkens Gazette page 7 February and March are set to bring in 2014 in style at the CatStrand with a world-class selection of music, film and theatre. The MOO Man documentary by A Heathcote and H Bachelier tells the story of a dairy farmer and his attempt to save his family farm. Described as heartwarming, a tear-jerker of a movie about the incredible bonds between man, animal and countryside, it is definitely one to see. Thinking of something to do for Valentine’s Day? How about treating your otherhalf to an evening of fiesta romance! Enjoy a pre-event supper with a Mexican wist as Rapido Mariachi serenade you at your table. After that there is a full mariachi concert in the auditorium led by the stunning vocals of Venezuelan Carmen Moore. Tickets are available with or without the meal. Other very special musical offerings are from the Dave Donohoe Band on Friday 21 February, and the James Brothers on Saturday 22 February; these local acts are not to be missed. And the musical highlight of the spring season is sure to be the talents of duo Kris Drever (Lau) and Eamon Coyne (Salsa Celtica, Treacherous Orchestra). Don’t miss the CatStrand Youth Players as they present their SCDA Festival plays on Thursday 6 and Friday 7 March. This year they will present Sing When You’re Winning by Mark Rees and Bar & Ger by Drever & Coyne CatStrand Highlights Geraldine Aron. Fingers crossed for another prize this year! If you attended Rob Heron & the Tea Pad Orchestra last April you will remember what a foot-stomping show it was. This talented bunch return to the CatStrand on Saturday 15 March as part of their UK tour of their new album. Come along and enjoy - you won’t be disappointed. For full listings see our latest brochure or visit www.catstrand.com, and to book tickets call the Box Office on 01644 420 374. A Soggy Draw Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents Selling properties across Dumfries & Galloway 01556 503744 www.ggblaw.co.uk All legal advice Offices in Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie Kirkcudbright and Dumfries The draw must go on: Fire fighters came to the CatStrand’s rescue during flooding at their final event of 2013. Unfortunately the Feral Choir concert had to be abandoned as the CatStrand was bailed out, but they are due to make a return in 2014. The CatStrand Christmas hamper still had to be won so Fire Fighter Lee Cawthorne did the honours; well done to the winner, CatStrand volunteer Marie Davie! Glenkens Gazette Guides Receive Award Continued from front page... Kimberly’s favourite challenge had been taking up a new interest - horse riding - and pursuing it over a length of time. The two fourteen-yearolds also also had to attend the Baden Powell Adventure weekend in Edinburgh. Kimberley says she enjoyed making new friends among many other Guides from around Scotland and working in small groups to explore Edinburgh and complete challenges. Both girls undertook fundraising to help with the cost of their adventure, and involved their Patrols in some parts of their challenges. This included planning all aspects of a patrol outing to Edinburgh Zoo. Mrs Barbara Murray, the Girl Guide County Commissioner, page 8 their willingness to take on a challenge, their ability to plan their own activities, and their determination to be reliable and to do their best at all times. Although many of the challenges can be built into the Patrol programme, quite a lot has to be done outwith Guide time which requires more willpower and determination. The 1st Glenkens Guide Unit meets on Wednesdays in Glenkens Community Centre and would welcome new members. Guides are aged 10 to 14 years old. Contact Mrs Peace on 01644 430281 for more information, or go on-line to GGUK to register your interest and someone will then contact you. ...both girls gained their awards because of their willingness to take on a challenge, their ability to plan their own activities, and their determination to be reliable and to do their best at all times. congratulated the girls and presented them with their Baden-Powell Challenge badges at a ceremony in December. Their unit leaders say both girls gained their awards because of TIME FLIES FOR RETIREMENT PROJECT As the saying goes, time flies when you’re having fun as the Big Lottery funded Connecting in Retirement project has completes its first year. Numerous activities, events and regular groups have taken place or continue to thrive. The Ukulele groups - there are now two, beginners and improvers - are thriving and to date and a few of the group members have now performed in public at both the Christmas Shopping Day and the December Tea Dance. There are now two sessions of Tai Chi taking place weekly, Tuesday for improvers and Wednesday for a more gentle form and those folks who may suffer from a long term condition. Getting really good feedback on how this has been having a positive effect on peoples’ health and wellbeing. We are now looking to start a new yoga class so keep an eye open for news on that in the next few weeks. As mentioned a number of afternoon Tea Dances have taken place which have been wellattended and supported. We are looking to start a regular dance group where you can learn or improve your ballroom skills; watch this space. Also Adult Dance/Movement sessions take place every Monday afternoon. This is based on the Margaret Morris Movement theme. Another Lets Cook session took place, again well supported. There is another session booked, starting in March to take place in Dalry Community Centre. Some of the original group members were involved in the making of a film called Age is but a Number check the CatStrand website to view (www.catstrand.com). A Knit & Blether group meets every two weeks on a Friday afternoon and a potography course took place, run by local photographer Phil McMenemy, with an exhibition of pictures taken by participants planned for February/ March. We are looking to start a digital photography group with the aim of having regular trips out and guest speakers. Also planned for 2014 are a Shared Memories group who will discuss and write about memories of the past, Heartstart course training which teaches you what to do in a life threatening emergency, Beginners and Improvers Computing courses, an Art Workshop for bcginners run by local artist Pam Grace, and an Over 60’s Benefit Reform and Entitlements seminar. By popular demand a second Start to Write course run by local author Margaret Elphinstone is scheduled for early February. If you are interested in any of the above activities or events or have other ideas in mind Brian would love to hear from you - call into the CatStrand for a cuppa and a chat with him or get in touch on 420 374 or brian@catstrand.com Phil McMenemy photography group participants Glenkens Gazette page 9 Enterprising Pupils Raise Funds A BREATHE Three enterprising OF FRESH AIR young pupils from Kells Primary School have been raising money for the Philippines Typhoon Appeal. Bronnen Pears, Jasmin Adam and Rory Newbery worked together and without any adult support to raise the astonishing sum of £229.85. They placed collection jars in local shops and also recently completed a sponsored bike ride. The children would like to say a big thank you to everyone from the Glenkens who sponsored them. Christmas at Dalry On Friday 6 December Dalry School held their annual Coffee Morning. Stalls included, baking, bric-a-brac, tombola, holly bunches and lots of games. the Christmas show Tinsel and Tea- Towels. This was a story about the school being inspected the week of the School Nativity play and the teachers and children getting organised for the big event. The second half of the evening was filled with a variety of performances from the Secondary music classes. The whole school then returned to the stage for the Christmas finale, a medley of traditional Christmas songs. A total of £513.98 was raised and the school would like to say thank you to everyone that helped make the day a success. On Wednesday 10 December Dalry School held their concert. Performances included P6/7 singing the opening songs Christmas Samba and This is what Christmas mean to me. P15 then performed Primary Children performing Tinsel and Tea Towels T. H. CARSON BUTCHERS See us at Dalry Farmers Market on 2nd Sat each month. We deliver every Thursday Give us a call, no order too small! THE CROSS, MILL ST, DALBEATTIE 01556 610 384 Dalry School has a new outdoor shelter/ classroom in the playing field which will be used both by pupils during break times and also during class times as a ‘breakout’ space and outdoor classroom. The structure has been designed, built and erected by Sandy Harvie, School Technician, and was made possible due to funds raised by Friends of Dalry School (FoDS)over the past few years at various events and activities. Pupils are already using this shelter at breaks and “loving it” and teaching staff are “very impressed with the design and workmanship and are really looking forward to using it”. The aims of Friends of Dalry school are to raise funds towards school funds to assist with new equipment and resources, school transport costs for trips and visits out with the school, and to provide fun activities for pupils. Their next fundraising event is a Table Top Sale in the Glenkens Community Centre on Sunday 26 January from 12noon to 3pm. For more information on FoDS get in touch on friends ofdalryschool@icloud.com or like their facebook page to stay informed of future events. Glenkens Gazette page 10 CATSTRAND YOUTH PLAYERS PANTOMIME Aladdin by John Morley, the third annual Youth Players pantomime played to three full houses at the CatStrand on 6th ,7th and 8th December. All of the audiences seemed to thoroughly enjoy the traditional story brought to life on stage by Aladdin, Widow Twankey, Wishee Washee, Abanazar and a host of other colourful characters. The principal characters were in safe hands with some of the ‘veteran’ youth players taking the main roles, Lowena Lindsay ably anchored the whole show in the title role of Aladdin and of course ended up living ‘happily ever after’ with the Princess, beautifully played by Maia Smyth. Abanazar, villainously portrayed by Eleanor Jones, thought that he should marry the Princess too of course but with the aid of the mischievous Genie of the Lamp (Freddie Grimwood), Aladdin won in the end. The comedy characters kept the laughter going throughout with accomplished performances from Zoe Kirkpatrick as Widow Twankey, Jordan Pears as Wishee Washee and Mathew Godridge and Eilidh Thomson as the Emperor and Empress of China. The supporting roles were played by Eilidh Stalker, Rory Newbery, Hannah Grieve, Emma Olley, Lucy Olley, Laura Edington, Georgiana Grimwood, Toby Wise, Florrie Newbery, Lauren McKinna and Anna Hodson. The pantomime was directed by Brian Edgar and Nancy Plummer with music & sound by Simon Davidson and set design by Lauren Glasgow, Jimmy McKenna and Keith Birkhead. Another hugely successful production with everyone already looking forward to the next panto which is scheduled for 5th, 6th and 7th December. However, the next productions for the Youth Players will be for the SCDA Drama Festival at the end of February. This year the entries are ‘Bar and Ger’ by Geraldine Aron, a challenging Kells School Musical Cafe Kells PTA held a Muscial Cafe afternoon recently which raised £517 towards school funds. The pupils performed a few songs to entertain the parents as they enjoyed a cup of tea and some home baking. The Parents and friends also had the the opportunity to participate in some competitions plus purchase some homebaking. The PTA would like to thank all those who attended the event. two-hander telling the story of a brother and sister as they grow up and ‘Sing When You Are Winning’ by Mark Rees, a humorous musical story of the trials and tribulations of a girls football team. The plays will be performed in the festival at The Fullarton in Castle Douglas on Wednesday 26th February and Saturday 1st March respectively. Then both plays will be staged again at the CatStrand on 6th and 7th March at 7.30pm. The Youth Players are hoping to follow on the success of last year when they won the Stewartry Festival and then narrowly missed out on a place at the Scottish Finals when they came a very close second at the Western Finals in Glasgow with their production of ‘LittleBro Morning and BigSis Afternoon’ by Mike Tibbetts. Glenkens Gazette page 11 Glenkens Gazette page 12 Glenkens Gazette page 13 Glenkens Gazette page 14 Glenkens Gazette page 15 latter of Laurieston in 2013 the whom often 2013 has been a great year for Laurieston. This year the village has been both celebrating and securing its past for future generations, as well as embracing its present with a variety of community events. The Memorial to one of Lauriestons most famous sons, Samuel Rutherford Crockett, has been tidied up and given a new face lift. SR Crockett (1859-1914) was a novelist and poet, and probably most well-known for his work, The Raiders, published in 1894, a novel still considered a ‘mustread’ for those living in or visiting Galloway. Crockett was a contemporary of both Robert Louis Stevenson and JM Barrie, stayed with him at his home when he served as minister for the Free Church of Scotland in Penicuik, near Edinburgh. The writer, whose works are full of both elements of Scottish history and of his native Galloway, was born at Little Duchrae, Balmaghie, Laurieston; the son of a Galloway farmer. On the weekend of 6 April, a series of Crockett-related events is planned - see p6 of this issue of the Gazette for details of this. A year of austerity hasn’t held back this little community with their village hall being a venue for many events. Events included; Laurieston is not the last in raising funds for those in need either with the 2013 annual Duck Race, being held on the river 8888 and marshalled by Des Hadnet; it raised both smiles and funds. One shouldn’t forget the annual • Pensions • Savings • Investments • Retirement Options • Inheritance Tax Planning • Life Assurance • Income & Critical Illness Protection • Mortgages • Home Insurance Free Confidential Initial Consultation Tel: 01671 403080 Fax:- 01671 402549 Email: brian.edgar@marrfinancial.co.uk Web: www.marrfinancial.co.uk 61 Victoria Street NEWTON STEWART, DG8 6NL **NEW** Yorkshire Building Society Agency – Now Open Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. For mortgages we can be paid by commission or a fee of usually £300 or a combination of both. For Home Insurance we usually offer products from a limited panel of providers. Laurieston Flower show either which is gaining a reputation, and saw the amount of entries significantly up. Local businesses are seeing more and more visitors and holiday makers discovering the delights and scenery of Laurieston. Spring Fling and other exhibitions this year by artists and photographers such as Phil McMenemy have brought many to the area. Phil’s exhibition at The Gallery has seen visitors from as far as way as Edinburgh and the north of England making a point of pulling off the welltrodden routes and venturing further afield. The Earth’s Crust bakery originally set up in 2011 by Tom & Pavlina van Rooyen has seen another successful year. Tom has seen his baking courses and involvement in the Flavour Fortnight take off with a lot of courses fully subscribed. 2013 has been another great and positive year for this little Glenkens’ community. Laurieston hopes that more of both, their Aileen McLeod MSP working for you across the South of Scotland Postal address: Unit 7 Loreburn Shopping Centre High Street, Dumfries, DG1 2BD Email: aileen.mcleod.msp@scottish.parliament.uk Tel: 01387 255 334 Please check www.aileenmcleod.org for regular surgery, constituency and parliamentary updates n Glenkens Gazette HAPPY NEW BUS The Glenkens Transport Initiative (GTI) has another busy year to look forward to with a probable extension of the Rural Transport Solutions Project and the Stewartry Sports Council recommending GTI to their members as an alternative transport provider. In addition the new smaller minibus now available for use and gives another option for transport to people in the Glenkens. It has already been used for two GTI trips when there was not enough demand for the larger vehicle – once to Glasgow before Xmas and then to Ayr on Thursday 2 January and it is anticipated it will be a great asset to the community. The amount charged for fuel for the minibuses has been amended to take into account the different sizes with the smaller vehicle (eight seats) being charged at 40p per mile and the larger vehicle (16 seats) at 50p per mile. We have received a number of suggestions for trips during the coming year including the Falkirk Wheel, Loch Lomond and Deny Museum, Dumbarton, Dumfries House, Strathclyde Park for the Commonwealth Games Triathlon, Antique and Collectors Fairs in Ayr and a Farmers’ Market in Dumfries – the more suggestions we get the better. Two trips that are already arranged are to Dobbies Garden Centre in Ayr on Saturday 22 March and to Wigtown during the Easter school holidays on Wednesday 9 April for a brief talk by the Countryside Ranger and a visit to the nearby Nature Reserve. Tickets for trips will once again page 16 be available approx. Four weeks prior to each trip and must be paid for when booking – unfortunately no refunds will be made unless the trip is cancelled by GTI. Eye-catching posters are being printed giving details of trips and new leaflets for distribution at local shows designed, but the best publicity is word of mouth – please remember to tell new neighbours or your visitors to the area about GTI and what we offer, as more passengers are always welcome. Keith Cooper GTI Administrator Glenkens Gazette page 17 NEW GROWTH FOR NATURAL POWER A team of 30 staff from international renewable energy consultancy Natural Power’s Dalry and Stirling offices hung up their razors in November to raise awareness of men’s health, raising £1,800 for charity in the process. Movember is an annual campaign which encourages men (dubbed Mo Bros) to grow moustaches and encourage their surrounding communities to support them. The campaign aims to fund men’s health programmes; the Movember campaign’s long-term vision is to have a lasting impact on awareness of prostrate cancer, mental health and other men’s health issues. Natural Power’s team of Mo Bros, supported by many of their Mo Sista colleagues, started the month of November fresh-faced and all ended the month with some very interesting upper lip topiary. Ted Leeming, Managing Director of Natural Power, commented: “I am delighted that so many of Natural Power’s staff took on the Movember challenge. Not only have the team raised an incredible sum for a fantastic cause, they also showed great team work – something I am very proud of within our company. A special thank you goes to Natural Power’s IT Assistant, James Wilson, who organised the team and provided vital weekly encouragement to all involved.” The company offer consultancy, management and due diligence services across the onshore wind, offshore wind, wave, tidal, biomass, pv and hydro sectors. Established in the mid 1990s Natural Power has been at the heart of many groundbreaking projects and products for more than two decades, and has expanded internationally to employ over 270 renewable energy experts across Europe and North America. Natural Power would like to thank all of those who supported the team in their efforts to raise such a great amount of money for Movember. Natural Power is a leading independent renewable energy consultancy and products provider with its headquarters, The Green House, situated at Dalry’s Forrest Estate. THE KEN BRIDGE HOTEL New Galloway Open 7 Days Beautiful Riverside Location MEALS SERVED 12.00 - 2.00pm, 5.30 - 8.30pm Christmas menus now available for intimate dinners, groups or party nights. Bed & breakfast en suite accommodation 01644 420 211 mail@kenbridgehotel.co.uk www.kenbridgehotel.co.uk 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. Wishing all our customers a happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year. For further details contact: Angus Wilson, Quarry Manager - 07715 606 685 James Mair - 07793 085 243 Email: loch.bargatton@live.co.uk Bargatton Quarry, Laurieston, Castle Douglas, DG7 2PS Open 7 days Mon-Fri Weekends by arrangement Delivery can be arranged - subject to quantity Glenkens Gazette page 18 What’s Happened in Dalry in 2013 2013 saw more and more visitors homing in on this attractive and energetic community. Saturday of each month, has grown attracting vendors from both Castle Douglas and Dalbeattie as well as Glenken producers. They now have a well-known butcher, baker, and grocer at the market, and the range of products available also include smoked fish and cheeses, fresh vegetables, jams, jellies, chutneys, and a variety of arts and crafts. Jean Lockerbie of the Dalry Town Hall Committee and toddlers, whilst the second provides an activity room with sand pit, water-play, mini-library, arts & crafts, wendy house and much more. The third room is a large hall given over to physical Enterprises set up to showcase activities with bicycles and a the best of Dalry’s assets have climbing frame. For older children succeeded in engaging those of two to for years, August 2013 within the community and saw the start of the of the GCC drawing in guests from further Playgroup. At this age family afield. members and carers do not have The Watson Bird Festival held to stay with the children, and the four ticketed events last year facility is run by Lucy and using a variety of venues Such enterprises not only Gemma. Helen Keron, in Dalry as well as New chair, said: “It was succeed as an attraction, but GCC Galloway’s CatSrand. The a great year for both programme of events was wellChildrens’ Club and they also bring revenue in to the received with high numbers the Playgroup. The Club attending each event. The has gone from strength the community. ultimate triumph for the to strength and it has project was the purchase of been great to see the said: “The Farmers’ Market has Donald Watson’s former home. Playgroup take off, with both proved very popular and has Roger Crofts, Director of the the children and their families a following of people that buy project, said: “I am delighted enjoying the facilities provided.” enthusiastically. It has also with the progress being made The now bi-annual Clachan Fair managed to draw in a range at achieving our ambitions for always proves a big draw, with a of visitors to the village.” Such Watson Birds.” range of activities for young and enterprises not only succeed as Another successful local old. an attraction, but they also bring enterprise serving the community revenue in to the community. Two local businesses saw big is the Dalry Farmers’ Market. changes this year: The village The younger children of the The market, held on the 2nd shop, previously Newton’s, is Glenkens have under new ownership and is now had something Wright’s Shop; Lindsay Forbes, to shout nee Wright, is originally from about too. Dalry and has taken on the shop The Glenkens as a family business. The Clachan Children Club Inn is under new management; (GCC), aimed Laura Burnie, originally from at children Parton, and her partner Phil from birth to three-years-old, Papworth took on the pub at the FOR end of October. celebrated its GALLOWAY & first anniversary Watch this space for 2014. If you have anything you WEST DUMFRIES in July 2013. would like to add about The unique something that has happened that Holds regular advice surgeries at: facilities are offered have over 2013 in Dalry, or any of the Glenkens communities, proved very Constituency Office, New Market please get in touch. popular and are bringing in Street, Castle Douglas, DG7 1HY children from GLENKENS on the 2nd Friday of every month from 5pm all round the Glenkens, and MEDICAL PRACTICE as far afield as General Medical & Telephone free on 0800 028 7260 Castle Douglas. Dispensing Services The Club is held for an appointment or to make in the Glenkens The Surgery any alternative arrangement. Community High Street Centre in Dalry New Galloway You can visit Alex’s website at: and focuses around three www.alexfergusson.org.uk FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL rooms. The first room provides or contact him by e-mail at: � 01644 420234 � carpeted play alex.fergusson.msp@scottish.parliament.uk aarea for babies ALEX FERGUSSON MSP Glenkens Gazette page 19 The new series of the BBC Alba’s programme, Farpaisean ChonChaorach, featuring the Carsphairn Dog Trials, was aired on Monday 7 January. Farpaisean Chon-Chaorach is a successful series that showcases Sheep Dog Trials and competitions. The programme begins each series by filming 2 or 3 Open Sheep Dog Trials across Scotland, and follows some of the competitors up through the ranks to the National Sheep Dog Trials, where 150 dogs compete for the title of Scottish Champion. It is out of these competitors that 15 dogs are chosen to represent Scotland in the International Sheep Dog Trials held annually between England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. The programme featured wellknown competitors in the Dog Trial world and was won by Peter Hetherington and his dog, Pete. Many of the competitors had connections with Carsphairn including the competition judge, David Armstrong, who worked as a shepherd at Lamford and Brown Hill. The episode included footage of the Carsphairn show, the Heritage Centre and the village. It included interviews with Farpaisean Chon-Chaorach presenters Secretary of the Carsphairn Show, Jean Gibbon, and Chair of the Heritage Centre, Anna Campbell. Many well-known faces from Carsphairn and the Glenkens can be seen. The Wallace family of Fingland were singled out for a special feature by the programme, focusing on their families’ famous dog, Loos, who damed 4 Supreme International champions. The filming of the Carsphairn Sheep Dog Trials was brought to the attention of BBC ALBA by the International Sheep Dog Trials Society. Life-long member of the Society and local Carsphairn shepherd, David McMillan, met with the programme makers to show them the venue. Davy said, “It was a very misty day when they drove down to view the location and learn about the show and the village. I told them about the history of Carsphairn, and the show, and explained that it was one of the oldest agricultural shows in Scotland. Just as the meeting was about to end the mist lifted, and the hills came into view. I think that it was the stunning scenery that sold it to them in the end”. Carsphairn school teacher, Walker McKenna, told the Gazette: “It was great to show off our little community and have it show-cased to a wider audience.” 2014 is a very special year as Scotland hosts the World Sheep Dog Trials in Tain, Ross’shire, and 2015 will see the International Sheep Dog Trials brought to Dumfries & Galloway, and held at Miekleholm Farm, Parkgate. Sara McNeill cause difficulties for people. Thanks are due to Community Councillor Jim Reid for his hard work on this project. Dalry Community Council Update Dalry Community Council has been working with Dumfries & Galloway Council to develop its Winter Resilience Plan, so it can help Dalry residents to be better prepared for whatever the winter weather throws at us. Last year’s March snow and recent high winds, heavy rain and flooding this year highlight how quickly changing weather patterns can Thanks to a donation from the Glenkens Community Shop, Dalry Community Council is now in a position to make its first purchases of equipment for handing out in an emergency to Dalry residents. This includes hot water bottles, battery-powered lanterns and hot drink/soup thermos flasks. The Community Council plans to expand its emergency stock pile as additional funding is obtained. In addition, snow clearing equipment has been requested from Dumfries and Galloway Council to help improve our ability to deal with heavy snow fall. The Community Council would appreciate hearing from any Dalry residents who are experiencing weather related problems, so we can gather information about flooding hot spots, blocked drains, sewers etc. so it can be passed onto Dumfries and Galloway Council for attention. In the first instance e-mail Jim Reid at: jamescreid666@gmail.com, or letters to 52 Main Street, Dalry, DG7 3UW. Andi Holmes, Chair, Dalry Community Council Glenkens Gazette page 20 NEW GALLOWAY GOLF CLUB 2014 is off to a good start for New Galloway Golf Club depite the wet weather. The Annual General Meeting of the Golf Club took place in December when the following officials were elected for the 2014 season: Captain - Jeff Sutcliffe, Vice Captain - Ian Brown, Treasurer - Iain McQueen, Secretary - Ian Brown, Match Secretary - Jeff Sutcliffe, Webmaster - Wave Tyrrell, Committee - Dick Tulloch, Terry Haine, Elena Rogers, Tony Graham, Dave Nielsen, Neville White, David Aitken, Ladies Representative - Gerry MacKechnie. The Club for a number of years now has suffered from the lack of visitor numbers which have declined over the past four or five years. The decrease has meant that the Club has not met its budget. The Committee therefore has made the decision to increase subscriptions in order for the Club to continue for the foreseeable future. More members, particularly young members and ladies, are also needed as the current membership are getting older. The Club offers the chance of playing on a superb nine-hole course with fantastic views of the Glenkens and Loch Ken. Whether you just want to come and play socially or like the competitive aspect, the Club is for you. You don’t have to play 18 holes as the course offers the chance of 9, 15 or 18 holes so it can be fitted around the time you have to spare. Please contact the secretary for more information or membership. The first competition of 2014 was played on New Years Day - the Ne’er Day Trophy. This competition had not been played for many years due to the weather; however this year, although very wet, the competition was played and the winner was Dave Nielsen. Sunday 30 March sees the start of the season with the annual Captain v Vice Captain competition followed by refreshments in the Clubhouse. Jeff Sutcliffe, Captain & Match Secretary New Galloway Golf Club THE SCHULE AT BALMACLELLAN This poem was contributed by Bill Blyth. It was written in a local Galloway dialect which is fast dying out. Written around 18501860 by someone who immigrated to America. The Schule at Balmaclellan Twa score o’ years hae past awa Syn a at first a hae mine When tae the schule as boys we gaed Nae days like thae syn syne. For whiles our hans were blue wi cauld Our heids were fu o spellin As up the braes and roon the turns We gaed to Balmaclellan. O’er Greenhead heicht doon bye Troquain And on bae Scroggieha Frae every cot and fermtoon Cam bairnies big and sma. Barmorrow, Bogleknowe, Toonhead and oot frae every dwellin Wae slates & books & glossy looks A gan tae Balmaclellan. And doon bye Babby Bairdo, they cam Frae Ewanston & Barlay Lochside & Corse & Barnwaas As far as Cassenvey Frae Killochy & Mavisgrove, their Numbers ever swelling, Up by the Towe, Gateside, Knocklae, and into Balmaclellan. Fae far off moorland Corriedoo Drumanister, Knockman Wae whangs o cheese & soda scones Tin flasks & billy cans Thae sonsie lads and lassies braw The cauld bleek winds dispelling A tae the “swat of learning” cam At Bonnie Balmaclellan. The schule hummed like a hive o’ bees We grammar, coonts, dictation But this we never heard oorsels We made sae mush moration The maister wad put in his gaf The taws did some compelling For some had little in their pows That gaed tae Balmaclellan. And when at history and dates They’d glower & fidge & claw Their bubbly nose wipe on their cuff They couldna dae it ava A whustle frae the maister’s luif His glare disaster spellin And yet the best of scholars cam Frae the schule at Balmaclellan. Some had buits & other clogs And wheen were barefoot too ome were snod & weel put on Wi open manly broo. Noo far & wide o ’er sea & tide They’re found a hame tae dwell Tho lost to sight, tae memory dear, Ever is Balmaclellan. Roon “Faimey’s panshon” escapade Wae Billy, Dod and Tot And Toper, Piefer, Vulcan Queen But Dickie crooned the lot The Aqua Vitae still runs doon The primrose sweetly smellin But gone is mony a weel kent face Far, far frae Balmaclellan. attributed to ‘Whinnie’ Aqua Vitae = name of the burn which runs through Balmaclellan; Vulcan = Blacksmith. McQueen was the blacksmith at this time. If anyone knows where Babby Bairdo is, please get in touch and let us know. Footnote by Bill Blyth, Blowplain: “I walked to school in Balmaclellan with other children in 1940. With my gas mask slung over my shoulder and carrying a piece bag as there were no school dinners in those days. Walking to school taught us self-reliance and resilience. A school car was put on later in the year driven by Mrs Watret of Midpark who drove very conscientiously for many years. Glenkens Gazette page 21 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN The Glenkens Rebellion: Aftermath the battle. Many of those who escaped execution were hounded for the rest of their lives. Estimates of the numbers killed at the battle of Rullion Green differ widely. It was claimed that only four or five died on the government side while fifty of the rebels perished. Some suggested that 100 covenanters were slaughtered on the field, including some forty of ‘the westland men’, while 300 were dispatched as they fled by the peasantry of Lothian. Upwards of 130 were captured and imprisoned in Edinburgh. The victorious General Tam Dalyell preached a gospel of extermination; all rebel supporters were to be removed or destroyed. Scotland’s Royal Commissioner, the Duke of Rothes, opined that those ‘damd incorrigeable phanaticks’ whom he characterized as ‘nyaffs’, must be suppressed and he set off on a progress to pacify ‘those parts where the frenzy first took its rise’, namely the Glenkens and Galloway. An example was to be made of two rebellious participants: Hew McKail a 26-year-old minister from Edinburgh who suffered from tuberculosis and who pulled out of the march before the battle to be subsequently arrested by Dalyell, and Neilson of Corsock who had promised protection to the captive Turner, who, in turn, attempted unsuccessfully to intercede on his behalf. Both were brutally tortured, their legs shattered by the vicious ‘boot’, an iron contraption into which the leg was inserted, followed by the hammering in of as many wedges as were required to produce a result. Both went bravely to their deaths. Alexander sixteen people in Dalry, among them, unusually, two women, Margaret Tod and Bessie Gordon. The wanted list included Robert Gaa, smith in Clachan, and one each of McCall, Chapman, McMichael, Douglas, McAdam, Girvan, McCutcheon and McNaught. Listing such things may appear boring but many of the personal and place-names of those sought have survived, a circumstance which, I would argue, brings those folk of the past, and the terrible fears they must have faced, much closer to us. Thus wanted in Dalry were: (original spelling retained) Crichtoun in Knoksting and in Fingland, Ferguson in Trostan, McCall in Craigincore, Roan in Stroanpatrick, Neilson in Clachan, and Gordon and MacMillan there, MacMillan in Ardindarroch, McQuhannel in Kirkland of Dalry, Miller in Auchinshinoch and Cannon in Blackmark. In Kells were Bennoch in Strangfastnet, McLeive in Barskelloch, McCall in Airy, McAdam in Newtoun and for others there. Balmaclellan parish: Milliken in Fell, Gordon in Crogo, Dempster in Hill, Kersan in Killochy, Raine in Cubboks. In Carsphairn, Cannon in Formartoun, McMitchell in Knokinrioch, McMillans in Stronggashell, Kiltarsan and Bredinoch, McIlnay in Polundow, Logan in Locheid, Crauford in Drumjoan, Cunningham in Longfoord, McAdam in Waterheid and Hannay there, McAdam in Bow, McMillan younger in Brokloch, Ferguson in Woodhead, Cubbison in Mosse, McAdam in Knokgray, MacMillan in Bank, Smith at Bridge of Deuch, Wylie in Smeiton, Malcolm in Netherholm and McColm in Netherglen. What happened to them all we cannot know but the names of these folk who, for refusing to attend church and resisting subsequent fines, were treated like terrorists, should be cherished in the annals of Glenkens and of Scotland. Many of those who escaped execution were hounded for the rest of their lives. It is always difficult to ascertain exactly what happened in history but this period is particularly difficult because covenanting apologists, understandably, took a completely biased and one-sided view of their heroes while supporters of the Crown exaggerated enemy atrocities and motivations. We cannot always be sure that the ‘martyrdoms’ depicted by Robert Wodrow in his History of the Sufferings actually happened because we often lack corroborative evidence. He argued that the covenanters were not guilty of treason because they acted in self-defence, which is rather a stretch, while government officials were none too picky about their victims, often accusing people who were nowhere near Dalry or Rullion Green. What cannot be doubted was the vindictive punishment inflicted on these ‘poor naked country lads who had never seen war’ and their families, following Robertson, minister of Urr, was also executed. Remarkably Maclellan of Barscobe eluded capture until 1682 when Claverhouse allegedly planned to have him hung drawn and quartered, a fate he averted by rejecting the covenant. A year later he was murdered as a traitor to the cause by fellow-covenanter Robert Grierson of Mylnemark. Among those sentenced to death at Ayr on Christmas Eve 1666 were John Graham, James Smith and John Short of Old Clachan of Dalry, and, from Carphairn, Alexander MacCulloch and John McCoull. In 1667 the quartering of troops led to further atrocities at the properties of Gordon of Holm of Dalry and Gordon of Earlston. Specifically named in commissions were the Cannons of Barnchalloch and Barley, Gordon of Garrery in Kells, Henry Grier in Balmaclellan, Gordon younger of Holm and Dempster of Corriedoo. Even after the Duke of Lauderdale introduced an indemnity the persecution continued. In 1668 the authorities still sought Ted Cowan Glenkens Gazette page 22 DECEMBER & JANUARY FEBRUARY Fri 7, Film: The MOO Man, 7.30pm, CatStrand Wed 12, 7.30pm Fri 14, Valentines Day with Rapido Mariachi, 7pm, CatStrand Mon 17, 1st Dalry Neighbourhood Watch meeting, see p6 Fri 21, The Dave Donohoe Band, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 22, The James Brothers, 7.30pm, CatStrand MARCH Sat 1, Kris Drever & Eamon Coyne, 7.30pm, CatStrand Thu 6 & Fri 7, Youth Players: Festival Plays 2014, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 15, Rob Herron and the Tea Pad Orchestra, Tom Craig, previously manager at 7.30pm, ATS Euromaster, Castle Douglas, CatStrand started his mobile service when ATS Sat 22, GTI closed in 2012. Bus Trip to Dobbies TC Tyres offers tyre Garden fitting, balancing T C TYRES Mobile Tyre Fitting Specialist & Supplier & repairs (car,van, motor cycle, trailer & agricultural vehicles). Tom Craig 07557 511 436 VAT Registered 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 APRIL Sat 5, SR Crockett event, CatStrand & Ken Bridge Hotel, see p6 Sun 6, Tour of SR Crockett sites, see p6 Wed 9, GTI Bus Trip to Wigtown, see p16 Friends of Dalry School Race Night Tyres supplied or own tyres fitted, work done at your work or home, batteries also supplied and fitted. THE STEWARTRY VETERINARY CENTRE Centre in Ayr, see p16 on Saturday 22 March Thurs 27, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 29, The Secret Life of Suitcases by Lewis Hetherington and Ailie Cohen, 3pm, CatStrand Sun 30, Golf Club Annual Captain v Vice Captain Competition, see p20 Saturday 8th March Dalry Town Hall doors open 7pm, 1st Race 7.30pm Adults only. Bar, hot snacks & raffle. All welcome £2.50 admission. Tickets available in advance: email friendsofdalryschool@ icloud.com or call 07500 554751 All proceeds towards new video and IT equipment for Dalry School. GTI WEDNESDAY BUS SERVICE (registered route) Outward Journey: 19:00 Dept. Dalry (Underhill) 19:05 New Galloway 19:15 Mossdale 19:25 Laurieston 19:30 Townhead of Greenlaw 19:37 Castle Douglas (Market St) 19:40 Castle Douglas (Tesco) Return journey: 20:35 Dept. Castle Douglas (Tesco) 20:37 Castle Douglas (Market St) 20:47 Townhead of Greenlaw 21:50 Laurieston 21:00 Mossdale 21:10 New Galloway 21:15 Dalry To book a Glenkens Transport Initiative (GTI) bus or for more information please contact keith cooper, GTI Administrator, on 01644 420 374. Glenkens Gazette page 23 REGULAR EVENTS CatStrand (New Galloway): Exercise to Music: Mon, 10-11am Ukelele Group, Mon, 11.15am, 60+ Ukelele Improvers, Mon, 1pm, 60+ Free Computer Training; Beginners & Improvers, Mon (starting 4 Nov), 1.30pm Margaret Morris Movement Adult Dance Class, Mon, 2.30-3.30pm, contact Sara on 01556 612854 Children’s Dance Class: Mon during term time, 3.45-4.45pm age 3-7, 4.30-5.30pm ages 8-15 Let’s Cook, Tues, 10am Carers’ Coffee & Chat: Tues, 10am-12noon Let’s Cook, Tues, 10am Teen Spirit: Tues during term time, 7-8:30pm (P7-S3) and 8-9:30pm (S3+) Gentle Tai Chi, Wed, 10am, 60+ Sing it Out: Thurs, 11.30am 12.30pm Pilates: Thurs, 4.15-5.15pm & 5.30-6.30pm Knit & Blether Club, last Fri each month, 2pm, 60+ Afternoon Tea Club: 2nd Fri each month, 2pm Saturday Art Club: 2nd Sat each month, 10am–12noon Zumbatomic, last Sat each month,10-10.45am Catstrand Youth Players: Sun during term time, 2pm Glenkens Acoustic Sessions, last Sun of the month, 2-4pm Glenkens Community Centre (Dalry): (contact Kath 430 281) Glenkens Children’s Club: Mon & Fri, 9.15-11.45am Paint & Art: Mon, 1.30-4.30pm & Wed, 7-9pm Ballroom & Latin Dance Class: Mon, 7.15, for more info call Sam Rushton on 420 672 GCC Playgroup, Tue & Thurs, 9.2011.50am, contact keronh@me.com Good Neighbours’ Club: Tues, 2pm Kickback Martial Arts: Thurs, 7-9pm Thursday Craft Group: Thurs, 24pm Brownies: Wed, 5.30-6.45pm Guides: Tue during term-time, 6.15pm, contact: Kath 430 281 Various Locations: Texas Hold ‘em Poker, Mon, 7.15pm, Cross Keys Hotel, New Galloway Mother & Toddlers: Tues, 9.4511.15am, New Galloway Town Hall Beavers: Tues, 6–7.15pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Dog Training: Tue & Wed, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. Contact: Eric 460 670 Tai Jitsu: Wed, Junior Class (age 6- Glenkens Community Councils Balmaclellan Community Council Meetings: 3rd Monday each month, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall. Carsphairn Community Council Meetings: Last Monday each month, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn. Dalry Community Council Meetings: 1st Monday each month, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. New Galloway & Kells Community Council Meetings: 2nd Monday each month, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall. Full minutes of local Community Council meetings can be viewed at Dalry Library. CHURCH OF SCOTLAND: Sundays: Balmaclellan: 12noon: 1st., 5th (Mar), Carsphairn: 10.30am: 1st,2nd,3rd,4th. Dalry: 12noon: 1st,3rd, 4th. Dalry 10.30am 2nd (Mar), Kells: 10.30am: 2nd (Feb),3rd,4th Church, 14 Mar, 5.30pm, Church Ceilidh, Dalry Town Hall, 30 Mar, 10.30am, United Service with Choir, Balmaclellan Church Communion Services: 23 Feb, 10.30am, Kells Church, 16 Mar, 10.15am, Carsphairn Church, 16 Mar, 12noon, Dalry Special Services/Events: 9 Feb, Church 10.30am, United Family Service for Dalry, Balmaclellan & Kells Churches in Kells Church. SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH: 28 Feb, 7pm, Beetle Drive, Dalry Town Hall, 4 St Margaret’s, New Galloway: Holy March, 12noon, Guild Soup & Sweet Lunch, Communion, 10.30am every Sun & Wed New Galloway Town Hall, 7 Mar, 7pm, World CATHOLIC CHURCH Day of Prayer Service, Dalry Church, 9 Mar, SERVICES: Gatehouse of Fleet: 10.30am, United Family Service for Dalry, Sat, 6pm. Kirkcudbright: Sun, 9.30am. Balmaclellan & Kells Churches in Dalry Dalbeattie: Sun, 11am 14), 6-7pm; Senior Class, 7-8.30pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn, contact David on 07547 134 276, see p5 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 Zumba: Wed: 7.30-8.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall, £4 Mossdale Painters: Wed, 9.30am, Mossdale Village Hall Cub Scouts: Wed, 6.45–8pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Carsphairn Post Office, Thurs, 9.30-11.30am, Lagwyne Hall Coffee & Craft Morning, Thurs, 9.30-12noon, Lagwyne Hall Hard of Hearing Group Drop-in, 2nd Thurs each month, 10am-12noon, Castle Douglas Town Hall Scouts: Thurs, 7–8.30pm, New Galloway Scout Hut 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 Tue: 2-4.30pm & 5.30-7.30pm Fri: 11.15am-1:15pm & 2-4.30pm. 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 24 End of an Era Balmaclellan Smithy closed at the end of 2013 after over a hundred years of family service to local farmers and the community as a whole. Thomas Corrie took over as blacksmith at the beginning of the twentieth century, and his grandson, also Thomas, has carried the business through to the present day. In this time, the role of teh smith and the smithy has had to adapt to changing demands. To move on from the traditional forge work and teh shoeing of horses, the smithy operations were transferred to a new site a short distance down the road, using the former village inn premises. This provided more space and allowed the introduction of new equipment for the maintenance of farm machinery and a wider range of engineering work. An office and petrol station were built across the road. Now the relentless evolution of management of farming operations and associated equipment has eroded teh business to the extent that it can no longer continue, and Tom Corrie has reluctantly decided to lay down his tools, bringing to an end three generations of family achievement. The contribution of the smithy to the life o fthe village and the locality will be greatly missed. Photos: Top - Thomas Corrie (left) and Louis Smith, Tom’s assistant in recent years, at the doorway of the Smithy prior to final closure. Bottom - Tom’s father, Joe Corrie, whom many will remember, at the entrance to the old smithy. On the wall is a poster advertising the Glenkens Mounted Sports of 1947. Advert for Glenkens Gazette Want to work with children? Become a registered Childminder Wood Fuel Home Delivery every Monday Modern, High Performance Wood Briquettes delivered to your door Work from your own home Be your own boss Provide a service for local families Take the first step to becoming a childminder with SCMA. Hotter than Logs, cheaper than Coal Order online: www.woodfuel.coop or Phone: 01387 731 210 We offer free SCMA Induction Training and on-going friendly support. We’re here for you, so get in touch. Ann Hadland ann.hadland@childminding.org 01581 300659 www.childminding.org 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: MON 6 JAN Design & co-ordination: Sarah Ade sarah_ade@tiscali.co.uk 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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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 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:  <a href="mailto:glenkensgazette@hotmail.com">glenkensgazette@hotmail.com</a> The Glenkens Gazette is a member of, and regulated by  <a href="https://www.impressorg.com/">Impress</a>. The Glenkens Gazette is an initiative of Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (SC032050) and represents the voice of the community (not necessarily the views of GCAT). 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 2013/14 ISSUE 79 FREE CHEERS! CARSPHAIRN BUYS ITS FORMER PUB Carsphairn is celebrating the securing of funds to buy Greystones, the former pub in the village. Carsphairn Community Trust have been awarded funding to buy the building for use as a community asset. Greystones, at the heart of the village, shut its doors as a public house in January 2007. The property has been decaying for more than three years and has been a concern for the village since the death of its last owner. In 2011 Carsphairn Community Council decided, after an independent survey of community needs, to set up a committee to Carsphairn residents toast the success of the new venture, and celebrate the handover of cheque from the Chairman of Carsphairn Renewable Energy Fund Ltd to the Secretary of Carsphairn Community Trust. research the potential. In 2012 a local company offered to purchase the building to give the community time to create the appropriate body and apply for funding to buy the space. Continued on P7... Watson Bird Project Buys Barone The Watson Bird Centre project has passed a key milestone with the purchase of part of Barone, the Watson family home. This means that plans to create a centre in Dalry to celebrate the work of the famous bird artist Donald Watson and his son Jeff, a leading environmentalist who produced the definitive study of the golden eagle, can now go ahead. This announcement comes four years after the project’s director, Roger Crofts, first launched the idea of creating a focal point in Dalry. He believes that with two highly successful Watson Bird Festivals, the establishment of the academically respected Watson Raptor Science Prize and, now the purchase of part of Barone, the whole project is going from strength to strength: “This is a huge step forward for the project. Now we can start to A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) initiative bring the old house to life with Donald’s studio, almost as he left it, and create exhibition space and study facilities with the interesting Watson archives and a bird observatory in the garden.” Continued on P18... Donald Watson www.glenkensgazette.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 2 COMMUNITY CENTRE UPDATE Since the last edition of the Gazette, matters have moved on apace with the Glenkens Community Centre in Dalry. Papers have now been signed with Dumfries & Galloway Council that puts the centre into a transition period where the council still owns the building but the centre pays many more of the bills. Because of this, the rents have had to be increased, but the centre remains a viable and vibrant community facility. The transition period lasts until June 2014 when the management committee will either have to buy the centre for a nominal sum or allow the council to close it. The management committee remains committed to our user groups’ clear mandate to keep the centre open if at all possible and has therefore commenced exploring options for the longterm future of the centre. In doing so, they are bearing in mind all the other public buildings in the Glenkens and Hard of Hearing Group Glenkens Drop-in The Dumfries & Galloway Hard of Hearing Group would like to set up a drop-in clinic in one of the Glenkens villages. They are a voluntary group, funded by Putting You First, and have drop-ins across Dumfries & Galloway where people who have hearing aids can come along and get their aids maintained, get advice and support. Currently the local drop-in is in Castle Douglas Town Hall on the 2nd Thursday of the month between 11am and 12noon. The group has been investigating venues in the Glenkens to make it easier for local residents here to attend, but they need volunteers. If you have a couple of hours a month to spare and would like to gain skills to be able to maintain hearing aids, get in touch with Julie Turner on 07896 342 878 or juliedghhg@gmail.com or visit www.dghhg.org.uk Family and friends coming to stay? Short of space? Cosy country cottage available (sleeps 4) Call Fiona on 01644 420 227 or 07789 903127 hope to work with all concerned to find the best solution for the community and individual user groups. To this end, there will be an Open Meeting at the community centre at 7:30pm on Monday 13 January, to which all interested parties are cordially invited. Please do come along if you’d like to help us form a plan that is right for the community. Thanks to everyone for their support so far, Helen Keron,Chair, Glenkens Community Centre Rosy Glow The Rosy Glow section is a space for people to include, anonymously if they like, their thanks, admiration and general positivity about something a local person or organisation has done that has made them feel good. “Well done Gill! Your ‘Rosie Glow’ section is a splendid positive idea. It gives me an opportunity to say many thanks to the Glenkens Transport Initiative (GTI) and the volunteer drivers who give up their time to transport us to some interesting venues.” Libby Ritchie “I am leaving the Glenkens to move to the coast at Sandy Hills and would like to say goodbye to everyone. I will miss the light on the hills, the chats in the street and the waves through the windows!” Gill Stanyard You can text or email your Rosy Glow comments to the Gazette (contact details on back page). VACANCIES Full & part time carers for Glenkens & Castle Douglas areas. Competitive rates of pay. Full training provided. Driving license essential. For an application pack please phone 01556 504699, email us at enquiries@ stewartrycare.co.uk or call into our office 43 Cotton Street, Castle Douglas, DG7 1AR. www.stewartrycare.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 3 Photo of the Issue: ‘Changing Seasons’ Sponsored by the Ken Bridge Hotel This issue’s winner is Andrew Mellor with a striking shot of a waxwing. Competition judges Dave and Sue of the Ken Bridge Hotel said: “There were some wonderful submissions again, but one clear winner... There was a photo from the Ken Bridge which was lovely, and a great shot of autumn leaves which showed the spectacular range of colours that make autumn in this area a joy, but the photograph of the waxwing feeding is something that few people will have seen, and therefore we have chosen this.” Andrew will receive a meal for two at the Ken Bridge Hotel Sunday Carvery. Send in your entries for the next issue and it could be you next time! We will keep all entries on file and if they suit a future theme/ season, they will be re-considered. Abbas Rest Orphans A very successful coffee morning was held in Dalry on Saturday 5 October in aid of the Abbas Rest Orphans in Malawi. We would like to thank everyone who supported us with their presence as well as help on the stalls, serving teas, baking and donations, which raised a wonderful total of £626. THE KEN BRIDGE HOTEL New Galloway Open 7 Days Beautiful Riverside Location MEALS SERVED 12.00 - 2.00pm, 5.30 - 8.30pm Christmas menus now available for intimate dinners, groups or party nights. Bed & breakfast en suite accommodation 01644 420 211 mail@kenbridgehotel.co.uk www.kenbridgehotel.co.uk We were very pleased that the three trustees for Abbas Rest Orphans - Richard Willis, Jim Walsham and our new trustee Madge Irvine - were able to attend and talk to people individually about the work of Abbas Rest. It was good to hear that the building of the new orphan centre at Muona has now begun although the cost has risen steeply, so our effort is very acceptable. Thanks again to everyone for your help. Avril Brown & Barbara Colbenson 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. Wishing all our customers a happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year. For further details contact: Angus Wilson, Quarry Manager - 07715 606 685 James Mair - 07793 085 243 Email: loch.bargatton@live.co.uk Bargatton Quarry, Laurieston, Castle Douglas, DG7 2PS Open 7 days Mon-Fri Weekends by arrangement Delivery can be arranged - subject to quantity 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. Please remember that people list their items in good faith that they will go to an appreciative home - items are not to be collected simply to sell on. Various Box of random books if anyone would like them on a variety of subjects from running to chess etc. Contact: Gill on 07971 769 785 Furniture Armchairs (two) a bit battered but comfortable. Covered in yellow damask. Contact: 430 218. Swivel office chair, grey fabric, (armchair type). Contact: 460 516. Small blue square shelf unit on wheels; suitable for coffee table/bedside table/media unit. Contact: Sarah on 07727 127 997 Electrical HP laser printer 5P. Contact: Ken on 460 0516 Chest freezer; 50”, 141 cubic feet. Contact: Neville on 450 685 WANTED Any spare pots - terracotta and glazed, for my new garden. I am also looking for THE STEWARTRY VETERINARY CENTRE CASTLE DOUGLAS SURGERY HOURS Mon-Fri 2.00-2.30 pm & 5-6 pm Sat 2-2.30 pm DALBEATTIE SURGERY HOURS Mon, Wed, Fri 3-3.30 pm Tues & Thurs 6-6.30 pm FOR APPOINTMENTS AT BOTH SURGERIES OR IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY The Fleet Fish van is in the Glenkens on Tuesdays & Wednesdays every week. Anyone wishing me to call, please phone Mary on above mobile no. www.facebook.com/fleetfish Wright’s Shop Dalry Orders being taken for Christmas Hampers. Holly wreaths and other festive goodies now in stock. Opening Times: Monday to Friday: 7am – 6pm Saturday: 8am – 6pm Sunday: 8.30am – 4pm Tel: 01644 430 225  01556 502263  VETERINARY SURGERY OAKWELL ROAD CASTLE DOUGLAS a microwave, any spare rugs, a double mattress, in good condition, and a tall standing lamp. Contact: Gill on 07971 769 785 Drums; snare drum, symbols, stands, etc. Contact: 07500 556 014 An iphone4; will pay cash. Contact: 07500 556 014 Crystalyx Tubs. Don’t leave them blowing around in the field - they are great for growing tomatoes! Contact: Bob on 430 281 “Right from the outset I’ve had fun putting ads in the Freecycle page. It’s not just about finding that someone needs something you no longer have room for. It’s about chatting to all those nice re-cycling-minded people who ring up, and making new acquaintances.” Sue Wiseman Glenkens Gazette page 5 sponsored by APOLOGY The Gazette would like to sincerely apologise for any implied association between the Eco Feature article in the October/November issue of the Gazette and the page’s sponsor, Natural Power. The article was purely an opinion piece attributed to a reader, and in no way reflected the views of the Glenkens Gazette or of Natural Power Consultants Ltd. THE GREAT HEATING FUEL DEBATE Most households have had this heating debate from time to time; oil, gas, coal or wood? Here in the Glenkens most of us don’t have access to the most economic option of mains gas, so are pretty much locked in to oil as a main heating fuel. The challenge is how to use as little of this expensive fuel as possible. After addressing the essentials of insulation and draft-proofing, the next item on the ‘tick box’ is supplementary heating. Most of us have a chimney, and sadly most still have open fires. Open fires are massively inefficient; the average open fire wastes approximately 80% of its generated heat straight up the chimney. This effectively means that about £8 in every £10 of fuel is wasted. Given that you have an existing chimney, fitting a good quality wood or multi-fuel stove should be considered. By using a stove rather than an open fire you will more than halve your fuel use, and much more than double the heat generated within your home. The downside of course is the cost of purchase and installation. Even so, given the long life of a good quality stove (20 to 40 years) and the astonishing increase in heat output over an open fire, it is an option worth considering. Running a single wood or multifuel stove in your house should vastly decrease your spend on expensive oil or gas. Of course there is also a cost to running a stove, but kilowatt for kilowatt this is well below burning fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas. Here are the options for fuelling a multi-fuel stove... - Coal-based products: high calorific value of around 68,000kWh/tonne. Tends to be expensive, dirty to handle and the cheaper coals leave a lot of unburnt ‘clinker’. - Traditional Logs: lower calorific value of around 3-4,000kWh/ tonne. First choice if you can get a good reliable supply of dry hardwood logs of the right size and at a reasonable cost. You need decent dry storage and logs can be messy and awkward to handle. - Wood Briquettes: medium calorific value of around 4.5 -5,500kWh/ tonne. Briquettes have the advantage over logs of being clean, consistent, easy to handle, carry, stack and store. Modern highperformance wood briquettes have improved massively from the early days. Of course you can still buy cheap rubbish, but the best quality briquettes are made with modern, highcompaction equipment. These high performance briquettes exceed traditional logs in terms of calorific value (heat generated) and can be lower in price. They also come in several different forms; some light easily and come to temperature quickly, others burn slower and generate a steady heat, while others are perfect for overnight burning. If you can get dry, locallyproduced logs at the right price, then of course that’s your first choice. But if your local logs are damp, dirty and difficult to handle why not give briquettes a go? Like many hundreds of others who have been converted, you may be pleasantly surprised. Rowland Parke, Wood Fuel Co-operative Glenkens Gazette page 6 Successful Season at the Golf Club The dinner was well attended with Gerry MacKechnie (Lady Captain) & Jeff Sutcliffe (Club Captain) hosting the evening which consisted of a pictorial review of the season and the presentation of prizes. The major prize winners were: Anne McQueen - Ladies Club Champion, Jonathan Dale Gentlemen’s Club Champion, Stuart Jamieson - MacMillan Cup Champion, and Scott Jamieson Coronation Cup Champion. The Winter Programme is now in full swing and the drainage work undertaken on the course during the summer appears to have been successful. The Senior Section meets on a Prize winners with their trophies. New Galloway Golf Club celebrated the end of the 2013 season in style with their Annual Dinner and Prize Presentation Evening at the Ken Bridge Hotel. Thursday morning at 9.30 and plays over the 15-hole course. Wigtownshire County was the course played on the first of the Senior Outings and there are further outings scheduled to be played at Portpatrick and Stranraer in the New Year. There is a Coffee Morning arranged for Saturday 7 December from 10am to 12noon at which there will be gifts for sale together with information about the club for anyone who would like to take up membership. Winter memberships are available and anyone interested should contact the Club Secretary, Ian on 01644 420737. All the Club’s results can be found by visiting either the Club website www.nggc.co.uk or www.masterscoreboard.co.uk. The Club’s Annual General Meeting is to take place on Thursday 5 December at 7.30pm in the clubhouse. Jeff Sutcliffe, Captain & Match Secretary New Galloway Golf Club CLACHAN FAIR UPDATE N ew Galloway Golf Club Founded Foun ded 1902 www.ng www.n g gc.co.uk v 01644 420737 v Buggies now available for hire VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME Cllr Finlay Carson Castle Douglas & Glenkens for an appointment Tel: 07825 633 185 or email: finlay@finlaycarson.co.uk www.finlaycarson.co.uk It seems a long time since Dalry Clachan Fair but you may be interested in how much money was made. The profit for the week was £1500. Grants are being made to the Town Hall and other organisations which support activities in the Glenkens. An amount has been held back to help with expenses for the 2015 Fair. Financially there have been more successful Clachan Fairs but we’re sure everyone who joined in the events had a good time! New ideas are always welcome to make the next fair even better. Sally Hooker GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL  01644 420234  W BONE WHB JEEPS THE GARAGE, DALRY PETROL & DIESEL SALES SERVICE & REPAIRS MOTs, TYRES, BATTERIES ALL AT COMPETITIVE PRICES OPEN 8.30AM - 6.00PM (SIX DAYS) 10AM - 6PM SUNDAYS - FUEL 24 HOURS SHOP • SANDWICH BAR • LOTTERY Tel: 01644 430208 Fax: 01644 430669 jeeps@whbjeeps.co.uk www.whbjeeps.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 7 CARSPHAIRN COMMUNITY PURCHASE Continued from front page... A group of highly motivated people in Carsphairn, led by David McMillan, created the Carsphairn Community Trust which came into being earlier this year. The purchase and development of Greystones as a sustainable community hub for the benefit of all is their first project. Within months of their creation the Trust had already applied for the funding for Stage 1. Steve Cowley, Chairman of the Trust, told the Gazette: “The trustees of the Carsphairn Community Trust are delighted that our primary objective has been achieved. We have managed to secure funding in order to purchase the old ‘Greystones’ building for the use and benefit of the Carsphairn community. We would like to thank everyone for their support and patience so far, and hope that the community as a whole will share our anticipation of the exciting challenges and achievements which lie ahead.” Steve continued to say that the funding was sufficient to ensure that the building can be made both wind and water tight. Carsphairn resident and former Chairman of the Community Council, Xmas Coffee Morning Following last year’s successful event Balmaclellan & Kells Guild together with St Margaret’s Ladies’ Guild are holding a Christmas Coffee Morning. This will be held in New Galloway Town Hall on Wednesday 11 December from 10.30 am to 12 noon. In addition to coffee, shortbread and mince pies there will be stalls, a lucky dip and tombola. Please come along and support this joint venture. JEFFERS THE GARDENER SAYS... ...Unless you have a green thumb, about the only thing you can raise with a seed catalogue is your hopes. ...Work well done never needs re-doing, unless of course it’s weeding. ...What we need is more people raising beans and fewer people spilling them. Matt Hickman said: “It is so exciting to hear such good news. I can honestly say that as someone that was involved in the very early stages of the project that I am aware of the hard work, effort, and tenacity that was required to see it through. A round of applause to everyone concerned. Well done!” Sara McNeill Glenkens Gazette page 8 MANAGING THE WINTER BLUES WITH MINDFULNESS Bringing light into the darkness - the mindful way to avoid winter S.A.D. -ness and depression. It was a wonderful summer of sunshine. Happiness came easily. As winter approaches, however, and the days draw in to long, dark nights, this is the time of year when the black dog of depression is most likely to visit and can be very difficult to shake off. One in three people, two thirds of whom are women, will suffer from some form of depression, anxiety or panic attacks during their lifetime. According to the World Health Organisation it afflicts about 120 million people worldwide. of it coming back. Oxford Mindfulness Centre Director Professor Mark Williams and his team in Oxford University’s Department of Psychiatry are responding to the pressing need for new ways to prevent depression. They are world leaders in research into the prevention of depression through mindfulness. They assert that Mindfulness can be a true life-saver and the evidence base is there to prove it. The results of trials are striking. They show that in patients with three or more previous episodes importance because it means that sustaining recovery from depression depends on learning how to keep mild states of depression from spiralling out of control. Mindfulness is certainly not a quick fix. It takes time and patience to change negative thought patterns permanently but with a bit of know-how and training you can turn the tide. Simple methods to calm the mind and repair mood can be learnt and improvements experienced quite quickly. The charity Anxiety UK urges anyone who suffers from anxiety and panic attacks to cut out caffeine and sugary ‘energy’ drinks and increase hydration levels with drinking more water. Trying to establish good sleep patterns and reducing ‘screen-time’ can also be extremely helpful. Getting out into nature and taking some form of exercise which naturally releases dopamine, the neurotransmitter responsible for happy mood states, is also extremely important. ...Oxford University’s Department of Psychiatry ... are world leaders in the field of research into the prevention of depression through mindfulness. Depression is a terrible thing to feel and the fact that mental health is still such a taboo subject means that sufferers often feel very lonely and isolated. There can be a sense from those around that they just need to ‘pull themselves together’ or from themselves that they just need a ‘good kick up the backside’. I have heard these words many times, but never seen this approach work. When you are in the quicksand what you actually need is for someone to throw you a rope, something that is actually going to work and the sooner the better. Currently the most commonly used treatment for depression is antidepressant medication. However, once the episode has past, and a person has stopped taking the antidepressants, depression tends to return and understandably one of the biggest fears for anyone who has been depressed is the dread of depression, mindfulness is as effective as antidepressants in preventing new episodes but has none of the side effects. New research shows that during any episode of depression a connection is formed between the mood that was present at that time and negative thinking patterns, so even when people feel well, the link between negative moods and negative thoughts can be sparked off by relatively small events. For example, you could find out your account is overdrawn or you didn’t get an interview for a job you weren’t originally sure you wanted anyway and the next thing you know your mind is telling you you’re a failure, etc. This sounds unlikely but because the mind has a tendency towards negativity, catastrophising and black-andwhite thinking it is actually very common and is of enormous Savouring happiness by consciously reflecting on all the things you feel appreciation and gratitude for in your life by keeping a gratitude journal by your bed and writing or drawing the positive things that have happened throughout the day, however small, can also be extremely helpful. Then the natural processes of stilling and deepening and turning inwards, which are all winter’s gifts, can be fully savoured and enjoyed. If you would like to find out more please contact Debra Hall (‘True Nature’), a practitioner with 23 years’ experience in the field of mindfulness, on debra.ha@hotmail.co.uk or 01644 430 013. Glenkens Gazette page 9 Over the past couple of months we have enjoyed the phenomenal Rapture Theatre, Lunasa and Son Al Son, and this high standard of act is set to continue throughout Christmas and the New Year. Highlights not to be missed include a special festive concert from Heidi Talbot & Friends on Wednesday 4 December. The line up will feature John McCusker, Andy Cutting, Ian Carr and Ewan Vernal and it is taking place in Dalry Town Hall. Other Christmas celebrations include a return of the popular Feral Choir with their atmospheric carols and readings on Friday 20 December and, giving a classical selection of festive favourites, are the Grayfriars Christmas Ensemble on Friday 13 December. The Youth Players return with their latest Pantomime - Aladdin. Prepare to boo, hiss and split your sides on Friday 6, Saturday 7 and, a special added matinee performance on Sunday 8 December. This really is one of the highlights of the year! Pick up some unique gifts at the CatStrand Christmas Shopping Day on Saturday 30 November. Browse local crafts and unique gift stalls while enjoying a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie. Brighten up the January evenings with the massive Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents Selling properties across Dumfries & Galloway 01556 503744 www.ggblaw.co.uk All legal advice Offices in Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie Kirkcudbright and Dumfries Heidi Talbot CatStrand Highlights hit film Sunshine on Leith screening on Thursday 17 January; this film is a must-see and full of feel-good fun. Of course January wouldn’t be complete without a CatStrand Burns Supper; enjoy traditional haggis neeps and tatties in the company of friends - book your place early to avoid disappointment. For full listings see our latest brochure or visit www.catstrand.com, and to book tickets call the Box Office on 01644 420 374. Glenkens Gazette page 10 WATSON BIRD FESTIVAL 2013 Everyone who attended this year’s Watson Bird Festival was thrilled by the quality and variety of the programme. Indeed, there were so many events to attend, participants needed to plan carefully to ensure that they fitted them all in. Dalry Town Hall displayed excellent bird paintings from local school children showing that there are many talented budding artists in the Glenkens. They stood alongside a variety of paintings from professional artists, some old favourites returning and new ones joining us for the first time. Anne Errington showed her superb shadow puppets and told stories to all who would listen, enthralling young and old alike. Two science lectures demonstrated admirably the quality of research being undertaken to elucidate some of the complexities of raptors and their past and present environments. Those who could not join us outstanding. Those attending the photographic master class with Laurie, Morag Patterson and Ted Leeming learnt so much and we plan more workshops in the future. The festival always has its music. On Saturday evening we were treated to the magical sounds of the wellknown Scottish folk group The Whistlebinkies. And we ended on Sunday in The Clachan Inn with a session of young and old musicians with a splendid variety of instruments. Chris Rollie deserves special mention for opening eyes to the way that Donald Watson looked at the landscape as preparation for his paintings. He guided groups around the walking trail at Dalry and the longer art trail around the Glenkens to formally launch them and the brochures we have produced. Please pick up a copy at local shops or from the CatStrand. Although numbers were down on last year, we had a successful festival. We are reviewing what we learnt so that next year’s festival will be even better in content and attendance. So if you have any thoughts and ideas please let me know. Chris Rollie deserves special mention for opening eyes to the way that Donald Watson looked at the landscape as preparation for his paintings. Darren Woodhead giving a talk and demonstration in Dalry Town Hall. at the CatStrand for Laurie Campbell’s visual extravaganza of his wildlife photographs missed a rare treat. The quality of the photography was quite Roger Crofts, Watson Birds Director roger@watsonbirds.org 07803 595 267 T. H. CARSON BUTCHERS See us at Dalry Farmers Market on 2nd Sat each month. We deliver every Thursday Give us a call, no order too small! THE CROSS, MILL ST, DALBEATTIE 01556 610 384 Glenkens Gazette page 11 Glenkens Gazette page 12 Glenkens Gazette page 13 Glenkens Gazette page 14 Glenkens Gazette page 15 ALL ABOARD Kells Primary’s Fantastic Fundraising THE BOOK Since 1993 Kells Primary has raised a staggering £10,671.80 for Macmillan Cancer Support. This year P7 Kells pupils raised £1,235.33 for the charity with a coffee morning 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. They also made collection tins for local businesses to collect donations for the charity. The children invited the charity’s fundraising manager, Angela McCormack, to the school recently to receive the cheque. The school would like to thank the Cross Keys Hotel and all the members of the local community who supported the coffee morning. BUS Pupils at Carsphairn make the most of the mobile library when it stops in the village every third Tuesday morning. As well as the usual returning and borrowing of books, mobile library man Graeme Cartner welcomed pupil librarians Reuben, Caitlin and Rachel (and the school library cat Dewey!) for a training session on the Dewey classification system. They learnt how the nonfiction is organised on the shelves and found all sorts of interesting books - well worth a look. To find out the mobile library rota of times and places in the Glenkens contact 01387 253 820. Kells pupils handing over the cheque to Angela McCormack. Carsphairn Castle Visit On the last day before the October break, the boys and girls from Carsphairn Primary took a trip to Stirling Castle. After learning all about the Scottish Wars of Independence, the children were keen to see the location of the Battle of Stirling Bridge. We had learned about the weapons used to attack castles, such as a battering ram, trebuchet and a siege tower; and were able to have a first hand look at how the castle defended itself. We learned all about how people living inside the castle would try to survive while the castle was under siege, and how Stirling Castle itself had changed hands several times. The views from the castle were brilliant and we were able to see the location of the Battle for Stirling Bridge and the Battle of Bannockburn, as well as the Wallace Monument. All in all, we had an excellent day and the children were able to have a lot of fun while they were learning about the history of Scotland. We would like to thank Keith Cooper and the Glenkens Transport Initiative for getting us safely to and from Stirling; we think he enjoyed the castle as much as us! Carsphairn Primary Glenkens Gazette page 16 Glenkens Gazette page 17 Community Transport Initiatives Receive Deserving Recognition At the recent Community Transport Association (Scotland) conference in Edinburgh, a £1million boost for Community Transport was announced. This was the result of a parliamentary enquiry and debate into the work done by Community Transport Initiatives across Scotland. This enquiry had received 80 written submissions, including one from the Glenkens Transport Initiative (GTI), and it had become apparent there was a pressing need to replace old and worn out vehicles. This cash injection will be used for this, and whilst GTI will not qualify for any funding at this time, it was very obvious that the profile and work done by Community Transport has been heightened considerably. DRIVER TRAINING: We are very lucky to have our own qualified Midas Trainer, Jon Nimmo, who recently attended a refresher course in Edinburgh to allow him to continue Trip to Peebles; despite some heavy rain the this training. If you trip was enjoyed by all. would like to attend one of his courses please contact either NEW BUS: By the time you Jon or myself on 01644 420 374 read this the new eight-seater or gti@catstrand.com mini bus will be available! Finally, to all our travellers and SPRING PLANNING: As you will know we run very few trips in helpers, thank you for your support during the past year January, February and March as - have a happy Christmas and a it’s often not a good time of the safe and healthy New Year. year to be travelling, but if you have any ideas for trips in 2014 Best Wishes, Keith Cooper, please let me know. GTI Administrator ALEX FERGUSSON MSP FOR GALLOWAY & WEST DUMFRIES Holds regular advice surgeries at: Constituency Office, New Market Street, Castle Douglas, DG7 1HY on the 2nd Friday of every month from 5pm Telephone free on 0800 028 7260 for an appointment or to make any alternative arrangement. You can visit Alex’s website at: www.alexfergusson.org.uk or contact him by e-mail at: alex.fergusson.msp@scottish.parliament.uk Glenkens Gazette page 18 Watson Bird Project continued from front page... The purchase of one half of the property has been made possible by a major donation from Viscount Gough who has been a patron and admirer of Donald’s work for many years. Andrew Mellor, Chairman of GCAT, paid tribute saying; “without Lord Gough’s very generous donation, the project would not have been able to proceed.” Speaking on behalf of the Watson family, Donald’s daughter Louise said that seeing her childhood home becoming the focus for activities relating to the study and appreciation of birds was a fitting tribute to the work of her father and brother. “We are also selling part of the property to the Pamela Young Trust which has pleased the family greatly. This separate project will see the provision of two social housing units for local people.” Following the sale of Barone, the development of the capital funding plan and working with the design team under Architect John Murray from Moniaive, will be the next step. Andrew Mellor believes that the creation of the Watson Bird Centre has the potential to bring lasting benefit • Pensions • Savings • Investments • Retirement Options • Inheritance Tax Planning • Life Assurance • Income & Critical Illness Protection • Mortgages • Home Insurance Free Confidential Initial Consultation Tel: 01671 403080 Fax:- 01671 402549 Email: brian.edgar@marrfinancial.co.uk Web: www.marrfinancial.co.uk 61 Victoria Street NEWTON STEWART, DG8 6NL **NEW** Yorkshire Building Society Agency – Now Open Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. For mortgages we can be paid by commission or a fee of usually £300 or a combination of both. For Home Insurance we usually offer products from a limited panel of providers. to the Glenkens. “If you would like to get involved in any way or would like to make a donation to the project, please contact me, Roger Crofts or Brian Edgar.” For further information on the Watson Bird Project visit www.watsonbirds.org Aileen McLeod MSP working for you across the South of Scotland Postal address: Unit 7 Loreburn Shopping Centre High Street, Dumfries, DG1 2BD Email: aileen.mcleod.msp@scottish.parliament.uk Tel: 01387 255 334 Please check www.aileenmcleod.org for regular surgery, constituency and parliamentary updates Glenkens Gazette page 19 CARSPHAIRN IN 2013 In the next few issues the Gazette will take a look back over the past year for each of the Glenkens villages and applaud some of the achievements of dynamic individuals and communities. Carsphairn has blossomed this year, showing its trademark fighting response to what initially looked to be a fairly dire set of events. The village shop and tearoom sadly had to close, but due to the hard work and determination of Carsphairn Village Shop Ltd (CVSL) a new tenant was found quickly and it has reopened with new, bright livery and loads of fresh ideas. The Post Office too saw a temporary closure, but is now open every Thursday morning in the Lagwyne Hall. The relocating of the Post Office gave rise to another bright idea; a community craft morning where all those interested in local and traditional crafts come together and work on their various projects; a definite silver lining to what initially seemed a very dark cloud. For some years the closure of the Greystones pub has been a loss for the village but as reported on the front page, action is now being taken to bring Greystones into community use. Business too is booming in this small village, successfully bringing in visitors from far and wide. Carsphairn now has two B&Bs in the heart of the village. Interestingly, Kirkholm and The Knowe B&Bs are housed in former church properties. Kirkholm, with its views of the Crogan and over to Carnavel hill topped by the King’s Burial Cairn, is the former Free Church of Scotland kirk. The Knowe, area, but it is beginning to gain an excellent reputation further afield. Those interested in family history, and in Carsphairn’s place in Scottish history, are becoming visitors to Centre. D&G Family History Centre recently published a booklet of memorial inscriptions in the churchyard as amended by Mrs Jean Gibbon of the Heritage Centre. One of the most visual displays of the value of the centre can be seen in the kirkyard itself; the Jamieson family from Australia contacted the Heritage Centre to discover information about their family. The result was that the memorial to the Jamieson family in Carsphairn’s kirkyard was renovated and once again stands as a proud monument to the lives of their ancestors. Once again the Knockengorroch Community Interest Group (Carsphairn’s biggest employer) staged the Knockengorroch World Ceilidh, a great selection of music and entertainment for all.This year 3000 people attended another successful event. Carpshairn’s glorious hills provided a backdrop for BBC Alba’s filming of working-dog trials. The blustery winds… blustery winds did spook the competitors a little but the programme will have introduced many more people to the area’s wonderful scenery. All in all 2013 has, despite the various challenges, proved a great year for Carsphairn. The opening of the Core Paths has also brought in many new visitors. Carsphairn’s enterprising and dynamic community have again worked hard and made it an even better place to live and work. Here’s to 2014! Sara McNeill Carpshairn’s glorious hills provided a backdrop for BBC Alba’s filming of working-dog trials. which contains many of the rather beautiful original features of buildings from this age, is the former Free Church of Scotland manse. The B&Bs are run by new-comers to the area who fell in love with both Scotland and the village. The biggest boon for Carsphairn, though, is that there is now somewhere to stay for the many people who are discovering the delights of this wonderful little village. The Heritage Centre, a fabulous resource of local history and knowledge, has had its busiest year yet. The creative and informative exhibitions have always drawn in those from the local View over the village from the Community Garden. Glenkens Gazette page 20 The Road to the Gallows In the final hour of 13 January 1862 a horse drawn omnibus made its way along the main street in New Galloway: the only passenger was a young mother with her baby, a boy just over a year old. The woman, who had been forced to leave her three little daughters with their grandmother in Dalry, was being taken to the police house following her arrest for the brutal murder of her neighbour. The wife of PC John Robson welcomed the prisoner, despite the charges against her, and made tea. Meanwhile the officer travelled to Kirkcudbright to get instructions from the chief constable. PC Robson was out of his depth, used to dealing with petty crime and debtors, the usual occupants of the small New Galloway gaol. No-one had been charged with murder in the whole of south west Scotland for more than a generation, but by morning rumours of the death of Anne Hannah as she went about her washing on a cold winter morning would be the cause of shock and horror across the region. Unaware of the storm that lay ahead, Mary Robson sat with 27year-old Mary Reid, or Timney as she’d been known since her marriage to an Irish labourer a decade before. As the baby slept on her knee, Mary Timney talked about the arguments she’d had with her older neighbour, Anne Hannah, who kept house for her two brothers at Carsphad farm, three miles north of Dalry. In recent weeks the two women had fought over woodcollecting and the theft of turnips from the farm but Mary denied, and would continue to deny, that she had killed Anne Hannah. But Mary Timney was a young woman with a reputation for being volatile; some claimed that she drank and had been seen with men other than her husband, a man 20 years her senior. When a reporter arrived at Dalry from Dumfries only days later there were many people who were only too happy to share the gossip and rumours that abounded in the small community. When Anne Hannah had been discovered dying from horrific head injuries on her kitchen floor, her friend had not sought help from Mary, although her house stood only 60 yards away. Instead, Agnes McLellan had turned south to get help from the lodge at Knocknalling. When Anne Hannah died later that day PC Robson went straight to the one room cottage that was the home of the Timneys and arrested Mary, despite her protestations that she was innocent. No one believed Mary Timney and as the stories of the murder reached the newspapers across Scotland, judge, Lord Deas. Living up to his nickname of ‘Lord Death’, given to him by his colleagues, he told Mary that she would be hanged. Her desperate pleadings did nothing to change his mind, but they had an effect on the public. In the following weeks many backed a campaign for a reprieve as details of Mary’s difficult life became known and she admitted to a struggle with her neighbour that had resulted in Anne’s death. Thousands signed petitions across the region in an attempt to change Mary’s sentence to one of imprisonment. Despite backing from several members of parliament, and the victim’s own twin brother William, the Home Secretary refused to interfere with the sentence and on 29 April 1862 Mary was hanged on a gallows at Dumfries prison in Buccleuch Street, before a crowd of more than 3,000 onlookers. Mary’s distressing and public death prompted outrage across Scotland. Dumfries MP William Ewart, a life-long abolitionist, made another attempt to change the law on capital punishment with the resulting Royal Commission bringing an end to public executions. Mary Reid or Timney, who spent most of her life living quietly in the remote community of the Glenkens, went down in history as the last woman ...by morning rumours of the death of Anne Hannah as she went about her washing on a cold winter morning would be the cause of shock and horror across the region. soon everyone had just one opinion of the young woman. She was depicted in black and white as a “savage and implacable monster.” Living in poverty, the family had no money for legal advice and after several weeks in Kirkcudbright prison, and after her baby was taken from her, Mary made a wild accusation blaming her own mother for the murder. The evidence against her, though Jayne Baldwin has written the first circumstantial, was seen book examining the Glenkens Murder as damning; a bundle Mary Timney, The Road to the of bloodstained clothes discovered in the Gallows, available priced £7.95 from rafters of the cottage, independent booksellers and online and a wooden beetle retailers. (a heavy tool used for beating material) found Jayne will be doing a talk about the hidden beneath a press. case at the CatStrand on Saturday Despite the fact that 7 December at 2pm, hosted by the the key witnesses had been four young girls, Carsphairn Heritage Group; please including Mary’s eldest contact the CatStrand for further daughters aged just details and to book on 420 374. nine and seven, it took only twenty minutes Two poems written in the Glenkens for the jury to find her about the Carsphad or Glenkens Murder guilty of murder; but what shocked people are available to see at the Carsphairn most was the sentence Heritage Centre, along with a file of given by the Edinburgh information about the case. Glenkens Gazette page 21 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN The Glenkens Rebellion: The Road to Rullion Green The covenanters had endorsed their rebellion at Dalry by capturing the Governor of the South-West, LieutenantColonel Sir James Turner, at Dumfries. They then continued, marching up the Cairn to Glencairn Kirk at Kirkland, and on 16 November 1666 returned to the Old Clachan of Dalry where the whole sad escapade began. Andrew Symson, episcopalian minister of Kirkinner and author of A Large Description of Galloway (1684), cited a witness’s manuscript journal. “At night Andrew Gray and Sir James were lodg’d at Mr Chalmers of Waterside’s house, being on the other side of the river of Kenn, not far from the Old Clachan”. About eleven at night, fearing that the Earl of Annandale and Lord Drumlanrig were approaching, “Gray march’d immediately, though the night was very dark and raining, and the way very bad, eight miles to Carsphairn”, where Turner was lodged for one night in a country house which also quartered 16 horsemen and another night at the house of Gordon of Knockgray, who was then a prisoner in Kirkcudbright. The mysterious Gray absconded with Turner’s hoard never to be seen again. The question of whether Gray, described in one source as an Edinburgh merchant, was an agent provocateur, has never been satisfactorily answered. What was certain was that the outlook for the rebels was as grim as the wet November weather. Wallace of Auchans who was appointed commander. Next day, 21 November, a royal proclamation pronounced the insurrection to be an ‘open, manifest and horrid rebellion, and high treason’; the rebels faced the ultimate penalty if they failed to submit within 24 hours, much too short a period for the word to travel throughout Galloway where the covenanters were attempting to recruit. At Lanark the force, now numbering around 800, subscribed anew the Solemn League and Covenant of 1643, declaring that they were acting in self defence. The whole world knew that Charles II had sworn to adhere to the covenants and to defend the Church of Scotland but instead had established episcopal government, Penicuik. The rebels had tried to persuade Turner to adopt the covenant to no avail; he retorted that Turner was not for turning! But he did promise some of the covenanters that if they protected him during the ensuing battle he would ensure their lives were spared, only to later betray his cynical pledge. The outcome was not in doubt. Psalm-singing and the pious utterings of preachers were no defence against government weaponry and an estimated 3,000 troops. The whigs charged and for a time all was confusion as the troops engaged hand to hand. ‘They mixed like chessmen in a bag’ wrote one witness. The ill-armed peasant army was demolished. ‘Whig’ originating in Galloway and Ayrshire as a term for a rural buffoon, and later a Presbyterian or covenanter is thought to have derived from the Old Scots verb, ‘whig’, to drive horses, ‘whiggam’ being the cry the driver used. A contemporary poem stresses its inadequacy. The weapons included halbards, dirks, slings, flails, spears, pikes, spades, plough coulters, scythes, arrowless bows and rusting guns. ...“Gray march’d immediately, though the night was very dark and raining, and the way very bad, eight miles to Carsphairn”... They moved on to Dalmellington as Turner was deaved with promises of his imminent demise and a tedious lecture on the covenant by the radical minister, John Welch. At Ayr they were joined by James ‘in its height of tyranny’, with subsequent fines, imprisonment, quarterings of soldiers and abuse of the people. At Lanark the ragged little army split with the main body heading for Edinburgh while the rest made for Glasgow. Wallace seems to have hoped for some kind of parley with the authorities but Edinburgh was fortified and barred against him and worse, the “Muscovite Beast’, Lieutenant-General Tam Dalyell of the Binns was in close pursuit, a man who refused to cut his long beard after the execution of Charles I, 17 years earlier and who, in covenanting mythology, beat the Devil at cards by cheating! In desperation Wallace led his diminishing force – deserters outnumbered recruits – along the edge of the Pentlands to make a stand at Rullion Green near The cleverest men stood in the van, The Whigs they took to their heels and ran, But such a raking ne’er was seen, As the raking o the Rullion Green To be concluded... Ted Cowan Glenkens Gazette page 22 DECEMBER & JANUARY DECEMBER Mon 2, Bus Trip – Hetland Hall Garden Centre and Moffat Wed 4, Heidi Talbot & Friends, 7.30pm, Dalry Town Hall Thurs 5, New Galloway Golf Club AGM, 7.30pm, the clubhouse, see p6 Fri 6, Sat 7 (7.30pm) & Sun 8 (2pm), CatStrand Youth Players Pantomime: Aladdin by John Morley, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 7, Bus Trip – Glasgow Sat 7, Mary Timney Talk by Jayne Baldwin, 2pm, CatStrand, see p20 Wed 11, Xmas Coffee Morning, 10.30am12noon, New Galloway Town Hall, see p7 Wed 11, Open Stage Christmas, 7.30pm, CatStrand Wed 11, Open Stage Christmas, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 20, Forgotten Carol’s: The Feral Choir, 7.30pm, CatStrand JANUARY Mon 13, Glenkens Community Centre Open Meeting, 7.30pm, Community Centre, Dalry at 7:30pm, see p2 Fri 17, Film: Sunshine on Leith, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 31, CatStrand Burns Supper, 7pm, CatStrand CARSPHAIRN SHEEPDOG TRIALS Sheepdog trials filmed in Carsphairn will be shown on BBC Alba each week until Tuesday 4 March. DATE FOR YOUR DIARY The weekend of Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 April 2014 will host a variety of events celebrating the life and works of SR Crockett. Contact the CatStrand (420 374) and the Ken Bridge Hotel (420 211) for further info, and look out in the next issue of the Gazette for more details. CARSPHAIRN BURNS SUPPER Friday 17th January 7.30 for 8pm “Immortal Memory” to be proposed by Mr Ted Cowan To reserve tickets (£10) phone Jean Gibbon on 01644 460 244 (please note change to a Friday) GTI WEDNESDAY BUS SERVICE (registered route) Outward Journey: 19:00 Dept. Dalry (Underhill) 19:05 New Galloway 19:15 Mossdale 19:25 Laurieston 19:30 Townhead of Greenlaw 19:37 Castle Douglas (Market St) 19:40 Castle Douglas (Tesco) Return journey: 20:35 Dept. Castle Douglas (Tesco) 20:37 Castle Douglas (Market St) 20:47 Townhead of Greenlaw 21:50 Laurieston 21:00 Mossdale 21:10 New Galloway 21:15 Dalry To book a Glenkens Transport Initiative (GTI) bus or for more information please contact keith cooper, GTI Administrator, on 01644 420 374. Glenkens Gazette page 23 REGULAR EVENTS CatStrand (New Galloway): Exercise to Music: Mon, 10-11am Ukelele Group, Mon, 11.15am, 60+ Ukelele Improvers, Mon, 1pm, 60+ Free Computer Training; Beginners & Improvers, Mon (starting 4 Nov), 1.30pm Margaret Morris Movement Adult Dance Class, Mon, 2.30-3.30pm, contact Sara on 01556 612854 Children’s Dance Class: Mon during term time, 3.45-4.45pm age 3-7, 4.30-5.30pm ages 8-15 Let’s Cook, Tues, 10am Carers’ Coffee & Chat: Tues, 10am-12noon Let’s Cook, Tues, 10am Teen Spirit: Tues during term time, 7-8:30pm (P7-S3) and 8-9:30pm (S3+) Gentle Tai Chi, Wed, 10am, 60+ Sing it Out: Thurs, 11.30am 12.30pm Pilates: Thurs, 4.15-5.15pm & 5.30-6.30pm Knit & Blether Club, last Fri each month, 2pm, 60+ Afternoon Tea Club: 2nd Fri each month, 2pm Saturday Art Club: 2nd Sat each month, 10am–12noon Zumbatomic, last Sat each month,10-10.45am Catstrand Youth Players: Sun during term time, 2pm Glenkens Acoustic Sessions, last Sun of the month, 2-4pm Glenkens Community Centre (Dalry): (contact Kath 430 281) Glenkens Children’s Club: Mon & Fri, 9.15-11.45am Paint & Art: Mon, 1.30-4.30pm & Wed, 7-9pm Ballroom & Latin Dance Class: Mon, 7.15, for more info call Sam Rushton on 420 672 GCC Playgroup, Tue & Thurs, 9.2011.50am, contact keronh@me.com Good Neighbours’ Club: Tues, 2pm Kickback Martial Arts: Thurs, 7-9pm Thursday Craft Group: Thurs, 24pm Brownies: Wed, 5.30-6.45pm Guides: Tue during term-time, 6.15pm, contact: Kath 430 281 Carsphairn Post Office & Craft Morning, Thurs, 9.30-11.30am, Lagwyne Hall Texas Hold ‘em Poker, Mon, 7.15pm, Cross Keys Hotel, New Galloway Mother & Toddlers: Tues, 9.4511.15am, New Galloway Town Hall Beavers: Tues, 6–7.15pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Dog Training: Tue & Wed, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. Contact: Eric 460 670 Tai Jitsu: Wed, Junior Class (age 6- To hire the MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) behind Dalry School call Sonja Tranter on 430 244 or Nicolette Wise on 430 218. Various Locations: Glenkens Community Councils Balmaclellan Community Council Meetings: 3rd Monday each month, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall. Carsphairn Community Council Meetings: Last Monday each month, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn. Dalry Community Council Meetings: 1st Monday each month, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. New Galloway & Kells Community Council Meetings: 2nd Monday each month, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall. Full minutes of local Community Council meetings can be viewed at Dalry Library. CHURCH OF SCOTLAND: Sundays: Balmaclellan: 12noon: 1st. Carsphairn: 10.30am: 1st,2nd,3rd,4th. Dalry: 12noon: 1st,2nd(Jan),3rd, 4th. Kells: 10.30am: 2nd (Jan),3rd,4th Special Services/Events: 8 Dec, 10.30am: United Family Service, Dalry Church 8 Dec, 6.30pm: Carols by Candlelight in Kells Church, with Glenkens Church Choir 21 Dec, 5pm: Carsphairn Church Community Christmas Service and Children’s Party 14), 6-7pm; Senior Class, 7-8.30pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn, contact David on 07547 134 276, see p5 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 Zumba: Wed: 7.30-8.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall, £4 Mossdale Painters: Wed, 9.30am, Mossdale Village Hall Cub Scouts: Wed, 6.45–8pm, New Galloway Scout Hut 24 Dec, 11.30pm: Watchnight Service, Carsphairn Church 25 Dec, 10.30am: Christmas Day Family Service, Balmaclellan Church 29 Dec, 10.30am: United Service with Choir, Dalry Church. SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH: St Margaret’s, New Galloway: Holy Communion, 10.30am every Sun & Wed CATHOLIC CHURCH SERVICES: Gatehouse of Fleet: Sat, 6pm. Kirkcudbright: Sun, 9.30am. Dalbeattie: Sun, 11am Hard of Hearing Group Drop-in, 2nd Thurs each month, 11am-12noon, Castle Douglas Town Hall Scouts: Thurs, 7–8.30pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Dalry Library Tue: 2-4.30pm & 5.30-7.30pm Fri: 11.15am-1:15pm & 2-4.30pm. 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 20 is the Limit The villages of the Glenkens could be transformed by this simple measure, enabling safer walking and cycling. The council has drawn up a list of priorities to limit the speed of motor traffic in some of our communities (see p24 of Broadcast magazine, recently distributed to all D&G households and available online). 20mph zones will be considered in locations where ‘need and support’ can be demonstrated by the community (with a minimum of ﬁve residents showing support). Reducing the large number of short journeys by car and replacing them with journeys on bikes or walking can improve our fitness and health. Cycling can also improve our communities by reducing congestion, improving air quality and reducing the amount of carbon we produce. The Cycling Action Plan for Scotland (2013) from Transport Scotland included key points on extending and improving cycling infrastructure, together with more 20mph areas and greater support for vulnerable road users (which includes the children of the Glenkens). Cycling means different things to different people. For a child, it may be a fun activity to do with friends, for an adult it may be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to get to work. At the National Access Forum recently, Professor R Mitchell, of Glasgow University’s Institute of CHRISTMAS TREES & Venison For Sale Norman trees - no needle drop - Open House Sale - Saturday 14 December between 10am and 4pm or by appointment Free delivery within the Glenkens area. We also have venison bags ready to go... We are situated off the B729 between Moniaive and Carsphairn. Strahanna Farm, Water o’ Ken Tel: 01644 460 660 Email: strahannastalking@gmail.com WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Submit events, activities, news stories, cartoons, reviews, tips & techniques, fiction, photos, ads or ideas... Contact Sarah Ade on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk FEB/MAR COPY DEADLINE: MON 6 JAN page 24 Health & Wellbeing, pointed to evidence on the restorative effect of being out of doors in natural surroundings, with rates of healing increased and stress and fatigue reduced. Next year a National Walking Strategy will be published with January 2014 seeing consultation with stakeholders, and at a recent Planning, Housing and Environment committee confirmation of a £158,000 grant from Transport Scotland for Cycling, Walking & Safer Streets projects was accepted by D&G Council. Can we in the Glenkens do some of this? June Hay LOCAL GRANTS AVAILABLE The deadline for applications for Glenkens Community Shop grants is Saturday 14 December. The volunteers at the Glenkens Community Shop wish all our customers and donors a merry Christmas and a happy New Year - thank you! The association’s objectives are: (a) The advancement of citizenship and community development within the Glenkens. (b) The relief of those in need by reason of age, disability, financial hardship or any other disadvantage. Both organisations and individuals can apply for a grant. Application forms are available from Glenkens Community Shop, 34 Main St, Dalry and should be addressed for the attention of Shirley McNaught. Design & co-ordination: Sarah Ade sarah_ade@tiscali.co.uk Printing:Stranraer & Wigtownshire Free Press www.stranraer-freepress.co.uk The Glenkens Gazette is an initiative of the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust, a Registered Scottish Charity No. SC032050 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. 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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 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:  <a href="mailto:glenkensgazette@hotmail.com">glenkensgazette@hotmail.com</a> The Glenkens Gazette is a member of, and regulated by  <a href="https://www.impressorg.com/">Impress</a>. The Glenkens Gazette is an initiative of Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (SC032050) and represents the voice of the community (not necessarily the views of GCAT). 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 2013 ISSUE 78 FREE CARSPHAIRN SHOP RE-OPENS The Carsphairn shop and tearoom is open again. The communityowned business re-opened on Wednesday 4 September after a four month closure. The unexpected ill health of the tenant, Linda Szafran, had forced her and her husband to end the tenancy early. Linda and Chris, who had run the shop for over nine years, were enthusiastic in their support of local events and were very much part of the community. Carsphairn Village Shop Limited (CVSL), that owns and manages the shop on behalf of Carsphairn community, immediately took steps to find a new tenant and in August it was announced that the successful applicant was Christine Lockhart, together with her husband Ian (pictured). Christine, originally from Kirkconnel, has spent the last 20 years in Girvan with Ian, a Dunscore lad. Story by Sara McNeill, continued on page 16... COUNCIL CUTS THREATEN COMMUNITY CENTRE Dumfries & Galloway Council has withdrawn funding support for the Glenkens Community Centre in Dalry from 2014. The decision is the result of an ongoing review of leisure services in Dumfries and Galloway. The council needs to save £200,000 from its leisure services budget and is doing this by closing a number of town halls and community centres across the region. The council’s aim is to have ‘fewer but better’ services of this kind. Local groups, however, feel that having a ‘better’ facility somewhere else will, given the limited public transport links available, have no positive impact on their way of life. Glenkens Community Centre is currently home to Brownies, Guides, an art group, a craft group, a karate club, the Good Neighbours club and Glenkens Children’s Club and GCC Playgroup. The closure would have impact across the community, from tiny babies to people of 80+ years. It is used about a 1000 hours a year, or an average of three hours a day every day, so is well-used and supported by the community. The good news for A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) ini�a�ve the community is that the centre is not being unilaterally shut, as is the case in other areas. Because of the high usage levels, the council has offered to sell the centre to its Management Committee for a nominal sum in early 2014. This would mean that the centre has to pay for its electricity and cleaning itself, which can be managed by raising the rents, but also accept responsibility for maintaining this old and complicated building which is not water-tight at present due to various ongoing issues with the windows and roof. Taking on the centre would be a big responsibility involving large sums of money which would have to be raised through grant applications. Continued on page 19... www.glenkensgaze�e.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 2 Local Playgroup Running Again Last year the Glenkens Playgroup was forced to close due to council funding cuts but, just a year later, hard-working mums have managed to re-establish a Playgroup two mornings a week. The GCC Playgroup, affiliated with the Glenkens Childrens Club (GCC), opened its doors to eight children aged from two to four on Tuesday 20 August at the Glenkens Community Centre in Dalry. Helen Keron, Chair of the Playgroup, said: ”We are excited to see all the hard work on grant applications and Care Inspectorate registration over the last year pay off and to see the Playgroup open again. We said there was an ongoing demand for the Playgroup when the council pulled its funding in 2012, forcing its closure, and we were right, especially with more families expected to move to the new houses in Dalry. “The children love it, and it’s so important for them to start learning to play away from mum and dad or their carer at this critical age of two. “Thanks again to everyone who has supported us in this effort, we really do appreciate it.” Lucy Hermon and Gemma Green are the new Playgroup staff. Lucy said: “I feel really lucky to be getting to spend time with the children. They are amazing! It has been exciting researching topics and activities to encourage enjoyable learning experiences. We are very grateful to have the Community Centre, with such excellent facilities and toys to offer the children. This agegroup is creative and engaging, and we hope to build on these qualities by facilitating a happy, positive learning environment.” GCC Playgroup is funded by the Big Lottery Fund and at present is secured for one academic year, although the committee expects to start grant applications soon to secure further funding. It is open 9.20-11.50am on Tuesday and Thursday mornings during WELCOME BRIAN The new Glenkens Community and Arts Trust (GCAT) General Manager is that weel kent Glenkens personality, Brian Edgar. There cannot be many people in the Glenkens who have not come across Brian at some point, either through his work as a financial adviser (which he continues to do) or through his many voluntary roles. He grew up at Kirkland Farm in Dalry and followed his father, Tommy, onto the amateur dramatic stage, where he developed a life-long love for drama and the arts. He has been involved in the development of the CatStrand and of the Glenkens Transport Initiative (GTI) from the start. He now faces the task of moving GCAT forward at a time when there are a number of exciting challenges to be faced. I know that Brian has the energy, commitment and organisational skills that will be needed as the GCAT umbrella grows to cover new projects and developments in existing ones: his tireless voluntary work in the community with people of all ages has demonstrated that. He will, of course, be assisted by the many excellent volunteers and employees on whom the success of GCAT depends. I hope that everybody in the Glenkens will give Brian, and the GCAT teams in all the projects, the support they need and deserve. Andrew Mellor, GCAT Chairman term-time to children aged 2-4, and each session costs £5. It is held at the Glenkens Community Centre, opposite Dalry School. The Glenkens Children’s Club runs in the same premises, catering for children of all ages (accompanied by a parent/carer) on Monday and Friday mornings throughout the year. GCC and GCC Playgroup are projects under the Glenkens Community and Arts Trust (GCAT) umbrella, and would like to thank the board and staff of GCAT for their ongoing support. For more information contact Helen Keron on keronh@me.com. To register a child for Playgroup, contact Lucy Hermon, GCC Playgroup Manager, on lucy@gccplaygroup.co.uk The new GCC Playgroup in action A local Playgroup is once again running in the Glenkens. THANK YOU Thanks to Carsphairn Renewable Energy Fund Ltd (CREFL) for their grant of £300 towards Gazette running costs and our first ever Gazette-dedicated computer. MUGA FOR HIRE The MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) behind Dalry School is available for hire outwith school hours. It is a great community facility for anyone in the Glenkens wanting to play some tennis or a friendly football game and, from only £5 per hire (call for details), provides great value for money. Dalry Community Council is now responsible for bookings - for more information or to hire the MUGA, please call Sonja Tranter on 430 244 or Nicolette Wise on 430 218. Glenkens Gazette page 3 Photo of the Issue: ‘Thoughts of Summer’ Sponsored by the Ken Bridge Hotel This issue’s winner is Jeff Sutcliffe with a striking photograph of a peacock butterfly contrasting beautifully against yellow sunflowers. Dave and Sue of the Ken Bridge Hotel, judges of the Photo of the Issue Competition, said: “This picture is so poignant; as autumn draws upon us, this is a reminder of the beautiful summer we have just had.” Jeff will receive a meal for two at the Ken Bridge Hotel Sunday Carvery. Send in your entries for the next issue and it could be you next time! We will keep all entries on file and if they suit a future theme/season, they will be re-considered. Carsphairn Coffee & Crafts Carsphairn has set up a coffee morning to meet on a Thursday. This was originally created to support the Post Office, which is also at Lagwyne Hall and is open between 9.30 and 11.30am. A craft group has developed alongside the coffee morning, exchanging tips, advice and sympathy. The gathering is informal between 9.30am and 12noon every Thursday and everybody is welcome, whether they are a crafter or not. For more information email Ruth at ruth.kensglen@gmail.com or phone 460 516, or just pop in for a cuppa, a friendly welcome and see what’s happening. THE KEN BRIDGE HOTEL New Galloway Open 7 Days Beautiful Riverside Location MEALS SERVED 12.00 - 2.00pm, 5.30 - 8.30pm Renowned Ken Bridge Sunday Lunch Carvery, ‘The Best in the West’, now in its 8th year. Bed & breakfast en suite accommodation 01644 420 211 mail@kenbridgehotel.co.uk ww.kenbridgehotel.co.uk Bargatton Sand & Gravel Supplying sand and gravel for all your farming needs, as well as households and businesses both large and small. In Stock: Sharp sand, building sand, washed gravels including peagravel and 20-40mm draining gravel. £15 per tonne + VAT. Aggregate mix £15.50 per tonne + VAT. For further details contact: Angus Wilson, Quarry Manager - 07715 606 685 James Mair - 07793 085 243 Email: loch.bargatton@live.co.uk Bargatton Quarry, Laurieston, Castle Douglas, DG7 2PS Open 7 days Mon-Fri Weekends by arrangement Delivery can be arranged - subject to quantity 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 glenken sgazette@hotmail.co.uk. Please remember that people list their items in good faith that they will go to an appreciative home - items are not to be collected simply to sell on. Various Kilner screw-top glass jars for bottling or storage. Six 1 litre size, three 1/2 litre. Call 01644 420267 Three boxes of bubble wrap and air pocket packaging. Contact: Helen on 07789 693 698 Cycle rack. Suitable for hatchback car. Contact: Nigel on 460 545 Wine and cheese tray. Unused gift. Contact: Kath on 460 545 Red post box, old but serviceable. Contact: 460 516 Grey swivel office chair (armchair type). Contact: 460 516 Plastic mop bucket, unused. Front and rear car mats – would suit small car. Contact Kath on 460545 Barrow full of chunky sawdust. Contact: Emma on 07884 131 787 Furniture Two G-plan chairs, beige, 1 ladies and 1 gents. Contact: Martin on 430 526 Electrical HP Laserjet 1100 printer. A4 format plus a spare cartridge. Contact: Ian on 420 324 before 6pm Kodak colour cartridges 10 C X 2 wrong order from Amazon brand new. Contact: John on 430 539 Electrolux ‘Superbroom’ lightweight upright vacuum cleaner. Contact: Kath on 460 545 Epson Photo 1200 inkjet printer plus two colour cartridges and a Wright’s Shop Dalry Licensed grocer and newsagent with a wide range of filled rolls, pies, cold drinks and ice cream also available. Opening Times: Monday to Friday: 7am – 6pm Saturday: 8am – 6pm Sunday: 8.30am – 4pm Tel: 01644 430 225 “The Freecycle page in the Glenkens Gazette is such a great resource. We all seem to acquire a lot of ‘stuff’ over the years, much of which gets buried in a cupboard and forgotten. By putting your ‘no longer wanted’ items in Freecyle you can free-up valuable space at home and it is a great feeling when someone rings up sounding really excited about acquiring your battered old shelves, chimney pot covers, broken strimmer or too-small riding boots (all these items we could have found homes for several times over in the last year).” Nicolette CD, A3 format. Contact: Ian on 420 324 before 6pm UHF indoor antenna/aerial for digital or analogue TV reception. Contact: Nigel on 460 545 A BT Response 55 answering machine. Contact: Ian on 420 324 before 6pm 39.5cm x 55.5cm. Contact: Sue on 07563 718 011 Building/DIY WANTED Stainless steel double sink complete with monobloc tap. Good condition. Can be uplifted from Dalry. Contact: 430 387 5 Hollow concrete blocks (18 X 9) and 3 hollow concrete blocks (9 X 9). For collection from Dalry. Contact: Paul on 07973 174 342 White bathroom suite including electric shower and over bath screen. Can be seen currently installed but being taken out midOct. Contact: Alan on 07769 680 938 2 modern pine cupboard doors, Gardening Three Field Maple trees and one Horse Chestnut tree, all about 1.5m and in pots need a good home! Contact: Bob on 430 281 Crystalyx Tubs. Don’t leave them blowing around in the field - they are great for growing tomatoes! Contact: Bob on 430 281 Wanted - up to 70 used red bricks for garden edging, able to collect. Contact: Paul on 07973 174 342 Drum kit wanted plus stands symbols, etc. Contact: Gareth on gareth181982@msn.com Jam jars, preferably with lids. Contact: 420 267 Looking for an old bike; ladies or gents. Contact: Roger on 01556 680 338 Glenkens Gazette After a cold winter and very cold, late, spring, I expected nothing more than what we’ve become accustomed to in recent years – a soaking wet summer. What a pleasant surprise we all had! Though we had May (hawthorn) blossom and bluebells in June – fully a month late - nature caught up and lapped up the bounties of dry, even warm, weather. On my evening walks down the Water of Ken at Dalry, I could almost feel the relief in the bird and insect world. Seemingly endless broods of siskins, redpolls, long-tailed tits, mavis – even the sand martins had young (they were washed out three or four times last spring). Some weeks later, in late July, I wandered deep in thought along the Ken flood bank near the confluence with Garroch Burn and Glenlee outlets, sometimes page 5 a good spot for dippers. Almost subconsciously, I became aware of a rippling flickering noise over the water and was immediately transported back over 40 years to hearing a similar sound floating over the Afton Water on a hazy August day near my boyhood home at New Cumnock. Although I hadn’t consciously remembered the scene in the interim, I could now perfectly recall it. I remember looking up and seeing something flying - thinking it must be some small mechanical model aeroplane, it was so loud but no, it was an insect, probably a common hawker or golden-ringed dragonfly, with a damaged wing making the noise. Lost in these thoughts of yesteryear, I now looked over the Ken fully expecting to see the same but, although I continued to hear it, I couldn’t pick out the beast (even with my specs on!). Frustration was setting in and, as I stood gazing fruitlessly over the water, it dawned on me that the sound was nothing other than the crackling of overhead cables �� • Pensions • Savings • Investments • Retirement Options • Inheritance Tax Planning • Life Assurance • Income & Critical Illness Protection • Mortgages • Home Insurance Free Confidential Initial Consultation Tel: 01671 403080 Fax:- 01671 402549 Email: brian.edgar@marrfinancial.co.uk Web: www.marrfinancial.co.uk 61 Victoria Street NEWTON STEWART, DG8 6NL **NEW** Yorkshire Building Society Agency – Now Open Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. For mortgages we can be paid by commission or a fee of usually £300 or a combination of both. For Home Insurance we usually offer products from a limited panel of providers. carrying current from Glenlee power station! I continued on down the bank and, not for the first time, marvelled at the wonders of the human brain in somehow being able to store memories from long ago that seem long lost, until triggered by something. Just how does this work, I wonder? Perhaps we’ll never know. Chris Rollie APOLOGY The Gazette would like to sincerely apologise for any implied association between the Eco Feature article in the printed issue of the October/ November issue of the Gazette and the page’s sponsor, Natural Power. The article was purely an opinion piece attributed to a reader, and in no way reflected the views of the Glenkens Gazette or of Natural Power Consultants Ltd. Aileen McLeod MSP working for you across the South of Scotland Postal address: Unit 7 Loreburn Shopping Centre High Street, Dumfries, DG1 2BD Email: aileen.mcleod.msp@scottish.parliament.uk Tel: 01387 255 334 Please check www.aileenmcleod.org for regular surgery, constituency and parliamentary updates Glenkens Gazette page 6 Glenkens Gazette page 7 Monday 9 September saw the official opening of the Jubilee Path and Picnic Area in the centre of Mossdale. A ribbon at the Village Hall end of the path was cut by lifelong resident Mr John Halliday, whose father was largely responsible for organising the fundraising and building of the Hall in the 1940’s (see photo of Mr Halliday cutting the ribbon). Plaques at the picnic area were then unveiled by local MSP, Alex Fergusson. The land was very kindly donated to the village in 1946 by Miss Henniker-Hughan of Airds Estate to enable a village hall to be erected with the surrounding ground used for recreation by inhabitants of the Mossdale area. The path and picnic area, which adjoins the Red Kite car park, were created to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, made possible by a generous grant from the Big Lottery Fund (Awards for All). Granite for the picnic area bench was kindly donated by Mr James Ingall (great nephew of Miss Henniker-Hughan) from Photograph by Jill Haslam Mossdale Jubilee Path and Picnic Area a platform of the former New Galloway Station. In keeping with the railway theme, the picnic area is edged with wooden sleepers. The scheme was designed and built by Mr John Robson of Crossmichael. UP A DEGREE Abbas Rest Appeal A Carsphairn resident has proved that life doesn’t just begin at 40, but that a new working life can start at over 50... Kath Martin has just gained her BSc degree in mental health nursing from the University of Western Scotland in Ayr after three years of intense study. She started work at Ailsa Hospital in Ayr as a nursing assistant when she moved to Carsphairn from Lancashire almost five years ago. “Working at a special needs facility in Lancashire was very rewarding and, as soon as I started work at Ailsa Hospital, I knew that I wanted to develop my knowledge and skills in mental health nursing,” Kath said. During her three years of study Kath has been on various job placements, but she most enjoyed working at the acute admissions ward at Crosshouse Hospital in Kilmarnock. Kath is now working as a nursing assistant at Crosshouse Hospital until her full registration comes through, which will entitle her to move up to the post of staff nurse. “Going back to full-time education has been three years of hard mental slog, but nothing can beat the feeling of achievement at gaining a university degree at the age of 51!” she smiled. Our annual coffee morning in aid of Abbas Rest Orphans will take place in Dalry Town Hall on Saturday 5 October from 10am to 12noon. We do hope you will support this event as funds are badly needed for the new orphanage at Muona which is in the process of being built, as well as the usual expenses for food, clothing and medicines for the children. We will be grateful for any donations towards the raffle, bottle, cake and bric-a-brac stalls, as well as any help you can give on the stalls or in the kitchen. We look forward to seeing you, and for more information please contact Avril Brown on 430 526 or Barbara Colbenson on 430 090. Barbara Colbenson Rosy Glow Gazette reader Gill Stanyard has suggested a new section for the Gazette. The Rosy Glow section will be a space for people to include, anonymously if they like, their thanks, gratitude, admiration and general positivity about something a local person or organisation has done that has made them feel good. You can text or email your Rosy Glow comments to the Gazette (contact details on back page). This lovely idea will be started off by Gill herself. “Thanks to the CatStrand for organising the trip to the garden of Cosmic Speculation; it was a great afternoon.” Glenkens Gazette page 8 Wind farms are something we are becoming increasingly aware of across the region, particularly in and around the Glenkens where many proposed sites are situated. Recently a number of people got together to voice their concerns; below is a reader’s opinion piece on this topic. Torrential rain and weather warnings were not enough to stop a large group of people walking along the shores of Loch Urr on Sunday 8 September to highlight how distressed they are at the proposed wind farm development by E.ON. Residents from many communities including Dalry, Corsock, Moniaive, Dunscore, Gelston, Penpont, Thornhill, Ringford, Kirkpatrick Durham and Portpatrick came to voice their concerns and show politicians, D&G Councillors, wind farm developers and the landowners who have ‘sold out’ to them, that ‘enough is enough’. Communities are particularly worried because the planning application for the proposed wind farm at Loch Urr will be made directly to the Scottish Government, rather than going first to the D&G Planning Department, because the capacity of the development is 50MW. Many people attending the event were shocked by the map on display in Corsock Village Hall that showed the enormous number of wind farms proposed for this part of Galloway, which would result in thousands of acres of land being used for wind farm developments. Cllr Finlay Carson Castle Douglas & Glenkens for an appointment Tel: 07825 633 185 or email: Liz Cole, proprietor of The Moniaive Chocolatiers, said: “I have grave concerns about the number of wind farms being proposed around Moniaive. My business relies on tourism and is likely to be impacted by the proposed wind farms as many tourists come to Galloway because of the unspoilt beauty of the landscapes around here.” The whole landscape is at risk of being transformed into something beyond recognition with wind turbines visible from every viewpoint and nearly every road. John and Hilary Craig, of Whiteside, Dunscore, said: “We think many people in Dumfries and Galloway, and even D&G Councillors, are unaware of the huge cumulative impact that so many turbines in such a small area will have on the landscape, wildlife and local communities. Over 200 giant turbines more than 120 metres tall are being proposed within a 10km radius.” So far, seven different wind farm developers have focused on the GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway finlay@finlaycarson.co.uk FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL www.finlaycarson.co.uk  01644 420234  area to make as much money as they can from the massive subsidies that are being offered. Dumfries and Galloway is already generating a significant amount of renewable energy from the hydroelectric schemes throughout the region, and already has more than its fair share of wind farms. Trevor Procter Christmas Craft Fayre Saturday 16th November Castle Douglas Town Hall 9.30am-3.30pm Free Entry Hall proceeds will be donated to German Shepherd Rescue Scotland. A fantastic opportunity to find a unique gift for your loved ones. For table bookings please contact Jane on 01644 470 004 or Nicola at n.kphotography@yahoo.co.uk W BONE WHB JEEPS THE GARAGE, DALRY PETROL & DIESEL SALES SERVICE & REPAIRS MOTs, TYRES, BATTERIES ALL AT COMPETITIVE PRICES OPEN 8.30AM - 6.00PM (SIX DAYS) 10AM - 6PM SUNDAYS - FUEL 24 HOURS SHOP • SANDWICH BAR • LOTTERY Tel: 01644 430208 Fax: 01644 430669 jeeps@whbjeeps.co.uk www.whbjeeps.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 9 CatStrand Highlights The last few months have been very busy at the CatStrand with top quality musical performances from all over the world. This autumn we can look forward to many more quality events... Rapture Theatre returns on Wednesday 2 October with The Collection by Mike Cullen. Lúnasa, internationally acknowledged as being the finest traditional Irish instrumental band of recent times, visit on Wednesday 30 October. On Friday 15 November we have the exciting string trio, VAMM, formed in 2012 by Catriona Macdonald from Blazin’ Fiddles, Patsy Reid from Breabach and Norwegian Marit Failt. They create a dynamic yet intimate sound that will take your breath away. On the dancing front we welcome Bright Night International and Xena Productions on Wednesday 16 October who will present 925 & Heartbeats, featuring elements of contemporary dance, acrobatics, hip-hop and beatboxing in a dancetheatre experiment. And if you would rather be dancing yourself, come along to the CatStrand Salsa Night on Saturday 9 November and dance to Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents Selling properties across Dumfries & Galloway 01556 503744 www.ggblaw.co.uk All legal advice Offices in Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie Kirkcudbright and Dumfries the music of Son al Son; with a multi-national line up of musicians, they will play in the ‘son’ style made popular in 1920’s Havana. There will be a beginners’ salsa lesson prior to the show. November is brought to a close with the popular CatStrand Christmas Shopping Day on Saturday 30 November, from 2pm to 5.30pm; come along and enjoy a glass of mulled wine whilst you browse a range of locally produced gifts to solve your Christmas shopping problems. We don’t get time to draw breath after that as we welcome back Heidi Talbot & Friends on Wednesday 4 December, to Dalry Town Hall. After her much acclaimed visit to the CatStrand in 2011, the award-winning Irish folk singer returns with her brilliant band, including her multi-instrumentalist husband John McCusker. Then it’s back to the CatStrand for our very own Youth Players with their annual pantomime; this year we are transported to China for the traditional tale of Aladdin by John Morley. The panto will run for three performances, on Friday 6 and Saturday 7 December at 7.30pm, and on Sunday 8 December at 2pm. For full listings see our latest brochure or visit www.catstrand.com, and to book tickets call the Box Office on 01644 420 374. Glenkens Gazette page 10 Alternative Games Guild Funds weather was kind to the Games Youth Theatre The this time around with the sun shining Guild President, Christine Rankin, commented: “Following our successful Tombola stall at the Alternative Games, we were delighted to donate the proceeds to the CatStrand Youth Players. We have helped the Playgroup and the Children’s Club in the past and felt that the older children and teenagers in our community could benefit from our fundraising this time. And we have all much enjoyed the Youth Players’ performances in the past and look forward to their continuing success”. Pictured are the Youth Players with Christine Rankin (left) and Jean Marsden from the Ladies Guild. for most of the afternoon, unlike the monsoon conditions of 2012! There was no shortage of competitors for the various events either, with several heats having to be held in the various age groups of the Gird n’ Cleek competition to find the line-up for the World Championship Final later in the afternoon. The World Championship Gird n’ Cleek Final had a very high quality field who all had to battle hard to win their various qualifiers. Once again the Alternative Games achieved their aim: everyone seemed to have a smile on their face and had a good time. Centre is World Championship Winner for the 3rd year running, Neil Armstrong, left is Alexander McKenna (Bronze) and right is Kelsey Marshall (Silver) The Ladies Guild at St Margaret’s Church in New Galloway recently gave the CatStrand Youth Players a cheque for £250. Tai Jitsu Update The Carsphairn Tai Jitsu class finally have the new mats they worked so hard to secure. Instructor David Birdsall says: “I can now teach to the standard that is required for the students to improve. Anybody is welcome to come along - young, not-so-young, fit, unfit, strong, not-sostrong. It’s not just about self defence, it’s about having fun! “The mats cost £700 and were funded by YouthBank. Without this funding we would not have been able to afford the mats, which would have meant the activity would have stopped as the old mats were not safe enough. So for any young people who are thinking of doing something and you need funding - go to YouthBank. It is an excellent organisation with great staff.” Tai Jitsu Classes run on Wednesday evenings with juniors at 6pm and seniors at 7pm. Glenkens Gazette page 11 Glenkens Gazette page 12 Glenkens Gazette page 13 Glenkens Gazette page 14 Glenkens Gazette page 15 SCHOOL SINGING This term at Dalry the Wednesday afternoon activity offered by the music department was ‘A Capella’ singing. Five S1 and S2 students elected to do this and have all really enjoyed the challenge. The sessions begin with warm–ups and games to get the voice and body ready for action and everyone loosened-up. Then there is work on singing in harmony using chord patterns. This was hard at first, but gradually students are getting more confident about holding parts by themselves. Students get to choose the songs they would like to learn and have chosen ‘That’s What Makes You Beautiful’ by One Direction. They are now singing it in small groups and adding their own choreography and are learning to beatbox, and have had great fun using microphones. They will, over the next few weeks, learn to sing a variety of songs with harmony parts including Scottish folk songs. A recent evaluation of the course demonstrated that all students felt that the variety of skills they were learning were both worthwhile and highly enjoyable. Mindfulness Carsphairn - Gone Just before the school summer holidays, Mrs Henry offered Dalry students a course entitled Music, Mood and Meditation during their Wednesday Afternoon Activities. The focus of this course was to introduce students to the study and practice of Mindfulness. Put simply, Mindfulness is simply awareness of each moment of your life as it is happening; being aware of moment-to-moment sensations and experiences helps us focus, concentrate, put what is past firmly in the past and stops us worrying about the future. In the course, students were learning to focus on the breath, being aware of each breath as it enters and leaves the body and, when the mind wanders (as it inevitably does), to bring it back to the breath. Part of the learning experience was to eat mindfully - to savour each taste, each tiny part of the food and think about the journey that food has made to land on your plate. Students were challenged to eat at least one meal or part of a meal mindfully during the week. They also listened to music mindfully - not just overhearing it as a soundtrack to their other activities, but being fully aware of each instrument, variation and note as it occurred. In the last week students went out to the churchyard, walking mindfully, being aware of each step that their feet made and the colours, smells and sensations that they experienced on the walk. We all learned that focussing on the here and now means that we actually participate in our own lives fully. This helps us to maximise our experiences and cope with problems better. Ros Henry, S1 & S2 pupils to the Animals! After such wonderful weather this summer it was great to see everyone back at Carsphairn Primary school. Sometimes it can be difficult to come back to school after such a long time away, but this year we planned something fun early on to get everyone excited. Zoo Lab came to visit, and they brought all kinds of exciting animals that the pupils and staff were able to pick up and hold. Most of the animals were either gross or scary, but everyone was brave; we held a snail the size of our fists, cockroaches, a corn snake and a rat! There was also a tarantula, but we weren’t allowed to hold it. Everyone had a lot of fun and it helped us forget that our summer holiday was over. Walker McKenna Creative Writing Success for Kells Before the summer holidays pupils from Kells Primary took part in a Creative Writing Competition organised by Wigtown Book Festival on ‘The Dark Sky’. The school was delighted to find out recently that four pupils had been awarded prizes. Freya Spernagel was third in the P1-4 category. In the category for P5-7 pupils, Erin McGaw was first, Yelena Wolffe was second Glenkens Gazette page 16 Have you heard of Dalry School VRS? Because of its history and complexity, the English Language is a powerful but challenging tool for both children and adults. Dalry School has a strong tradition of encouraging literacy across the curriculum, as well as at home and in the wider community. Teachers of all subjects are aware of how a person’s ability to read and understand competently as well as to enjoy literature can greatly affect every aspect of life at home, school or at work. Dalry School is fortunate to have literacy support from members of the community in the form of Volunteer Readers. The Volunteer Readers’ Scheme (VRS) is now in its fifteenth year, giving pupils from P1 to S4 the chance to improve their reading skills and to share and enjoy a book during the school day. A Volunteer spends about 20 minutes listening to a pupil reading, discussing the story and helping the pupil to hone their skills and boost their confidence. Both pupils and volunteers gain a great deal of satisfaction and enjoyment from the scheme. What we read and where we read it may be changing with the advent of electronic… everything! However, the skills and enjoyment of reading still depend on a firm foundation of literacy, and VRS helps us to build that. If you would like to know more about VRS, or would like to become a Volunteer Reader, please contact Dalry School Office on 430 259. KELLS GO BOWLING XMAS PANTO P5-7 pupils from Kells Primary recently visited Spalding Bowling Club. The children received coaching from club member Mr Hamish Sinclair, and thoroughly enjoyed the sessions - they are looking forward to returning to the club in June 2014. Carsphairn Shop Continued from front page... Christine has a background in retail and says that she has always loved the idea of running a small enterprise at the heart of a rural community. And they are no strangers to the village as the couple lived in Carsphairn for three and a half years, and were married in Carsphairn Church. When Ian decided to accept a job farming in the area, they heard that the shop was up for rent and applied for the tenancy. Christine is hoping that the community will be pleased to see an essential community facility re-open and that everyone will support them in their new business. She says: “I would very much like to hear from people. Please let me know what you would like me to stock on a regular basis.” The tea room is also back in business, serving a variety of hot and cold snacks such as baked potatoes, sandwiches, cakes, and soups. The hope is to create a vibrant, homely, warm atmosphere that is attractive to locals, visitors, and passers-by. Both Ian and Christine are thrilled to be back in what they consider to be ‘real countryside’. “It is nice to see that Carsphairn hasn’t changed much. The village is a little bit bigger, maybe a little bit quieter, and the hills have definitely become a little bit steeper,” says Ian, “but it is great to be back.” Rehearsals are well underway for this year’s CatStrand pantomime, Aladdin by John Morley. The 22 cast members are all working hard under the direction of Brian Edgar and Nancy Plummer to ensure that the show is ready for taking to the stage in early December. After last year’s visit to the Wild West, this time we are off to the Far East for everyone’s favourite pantomime story featuring Widow Twankey, Wishee Washee, Abanazer and our hero Aladdin along with a host of other colourful characters. Be prepared to boo and hiss at the baddies, and more importantly to cheer and help Aladdin and his friends to defeat the wicked Abanazer and ensure that everyone lives happily ever after. The performance dates are Friday 6 & Saturday 7 December at 7.30pm and, due to popular demand, there is an extra Sunday Matinee performance this year on 8 December at 2pm with special rates for children. Tickets are on sale now from the CatStrand Box Office (420 374) Please book your seats early to avoid disappointment! Glenkens Gazette page 17 Apollo5 In Dalry Savoury Success On Thursday 8 August Apollo5 touched down again and the sun shone for their second visit to Dalry. This time the concert was held in the Town Hall to the enjoyment of an audience of local music lovers and some from as far away as Ayrshire. Donations from the appreciative audience went to the Town Hall and to the work of Voces Cantabiles Music (the music education charity to which Apollo5 belongs). Sheila Adams BOWLING NEWS Spalding Bowling Club has enjoyed a good bowling season with most members regularly attending our sweeps and club competitions. We held two very successful open tournaments with our own club teams coming out on top. The first competition was the triples with Gordon McAdam, John McNally and Sandy Harvie the winners. The final of our pairs competition was contested by two father-and-son teams. The winners were Jack & Gary Priddy. This year our Gents’ Champion is Arthur McFegan, runner up Matt Taylor and in the Ladies’, Elizabeth Peacock won with Mabel Young as runner-up. Our annual prize giving and Social will be held at the Clachan Inn on Friday 1 November. Eliz Peacock ALEX FERGUSSON MSP FOR GALLOWAY & WEST DUMFRIES Holds regular advice surgeries at: Constituency Office, New Market Street, Castle Douglas, DG7 1HY on the 2nd Friday of every month from 5pm Telephone free on 0800 028 7260 for an appointment or to make any alternative arrangement. You can visit Alex’s website at: www.alexfergusson.org.uk or contact him by e-mail at: alex.fergusson.msp@scottish.parliament.uk Well known for making ice cream, the Finlay Family at Rainton Farm, home of Cream o’ Galloway, have gone in a more savoury direction. Having made cheese throughout the 1800s and early 1900s, the industrialisation of cheese making meant that small-scale farmhouse production became uncompetitive in the 1960s, and the last batch of Rainton cheddar was made in 1971. But with the resurgence in appreciation for artisan produce made in traditional ways, the team at Rainton have decided to use the farm’s organic milk for cheese as well as ice cream. The most popular cheese so far has been the ‘Black Douglas’, a soft, pressed cheese with cracked black pepper which is then rolled in toasted oatmeal. And new developments haven’t stopped with the cheese; the staff at Cream o’ Galloway are delighted to be taking over the operation of the new Visitor Centre at Kirroughtree in the Galloway Forest Park. The new cheeses, together with Rainton Farm beef, will feature strongly on the menu of both Cream o’ Galloway and Kirroughtree Visitor Centre alongside, of course, a delicious range of luxury ice cream. We look forward to welcoming you soon! The Cream o’ Galloway Team Glenkens Gazette page 18 Retirement Project Gets Cooking Would you like to learn more about cooking for yourself, healthy eating, planning meals or cooking on a budget? Then come along for the fourweek course based at the CatStrand, starting on Tuesday 15 October. On a more musical note, The existing Ukulele Group Improvers Session has continued throughout the summer season, and runs on Mondays at 1pm (starting 7 Oct). For anyone over 60 interested in learning the ukulele, a begginers’ group will run on Mondays at 11.15am (starting 7 Oct). to travel to a variety of places, used in connection with events at the CatStrand and, in time, possibly used for hospital visiting. The new bus will be brand new and silver in colour and it is hoped we will take delivery of it during November, in time for the Christmas and New Year period. UPCOMING TRIPS To contact Brian Jones about these or any other ideas for the over-sixties, please call the CatStrand on 420 374. NEW BUS ON THE WAY The Glenkens Transport Initiative (GTI) continues to move forward, always taking into account the needs of the people of the Glenkens. Therefore, when the time came to dispose of the old Renault after 11 years of sterling work in the community, the Committee decided an 8-seater mini bus would be a valuable addition to what we can offer you. This vehicle, another Renault with wheelchair accessibility, will be available on similar terms to our other vehicles, although because it is a smaller vehicle younger drivers without a D1 on their Driving Licence will be able to use it after undertaking a Midas Training Course, held locally by Jon Nimmo. It is hoped this vehicle will be used by groups of all ages wishing SCHOOL TRANSPORT & RURAL TRANSPORT SOLUTIONS PROJECT The new school run from Crossmichael to Castle Douglas High School, following which transport is provided for a number of people living in Castle Douglas to the Adult Resource Centre near Carlingwark Loch, is now well under way. This provides us with a regular source of income while giving us access to the Council-owned 16-seater Fiat Orion when it is not being used for these duties, particularly at weekends. 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 The Fleet Fish van is in the Glenkens on Tuesdays & Wednesdays every week. Anyone wishing me to call, please phone Mary on above mobile no.  01556 502263  VETERINARY SURGERY OAKWELL ROAD CASTLE DOUGLAS Sat 2 Nov - Ayr – Xmas shopping or perhaps a day at the Races. Sat 30 Nov – Linlithgow Palace – free entry to the birthplace and residence of Mary Queen of Scots, to mark St Andrew’s Day. Mon 2 Dec – Hetland Hall Garden Centre and Moffat; we are grateful to the Glenkens Community Shop in Dalry for a generous donation towards the cost of extra Xmas trips. Sat 7 Dec – Glasgow – Xmas shopping or visit Kelvingrove Museum etc. E-MAIL ADDRESS GTI now has it’s own dedicated email address – gti@catstrand.com - therefore, if you have any queries or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me either via email or through the CatStrand (420 374). Keith Cooper, GTI Administrator FHB Fencing Dalry Domestic and Agricultural Fencing 01644 430 495 (Peter) or 07767 795 498 (Jonathan) Glenkens Gazette page 19 COMMUNITY CENTRE Continued from front page... Helen Keron, Chair of the Centre Management Committee, said: “We were very disappointed to hear this news from the council, especially as the Centre has such thriving user groups. It seems a shame to put so much community action at risk for the sake of the relatively small sums saved. However, we are working positively with the council to try and find a solution that will keep this building open, certainly for the next school year and hopefully beyond that.” All suggestions of how to manage the centre in future, or offers of help, would be much appreciated by the Committee who feel their responsibilities to the building and to the community very strongly. In particular, they are looking for a new secretary; contact Helen Keron on keronh@me.com for more information or if you would like to help. Coffee Morning Balmaclellan & Kells Church is holding a Coffee Morning in New Galloway Town Hall on Wednesday 2 October from 10.30am to 12noon. There will also be a sales table. This event is to replace the previously planned Coffee Morning which had to be cancelled due to snow in March – hopefully it will be better weather this time. Getting to Know Our Community Constable PC Ian Dunn, new Community Constable in the Glenkens, discusses how our local bobby can be of service. “As Community Constable, my role is to provide a link between Police Scotland and the local Communities that we serve. To provide help, advice and reassurance as well as law enforcement. It is very much a ‘two way street’, as without the assistance of the public, it is very difficult to efficiently police such a wideranging rural area.” PC Dunn goes on to say: “I was first introduced to Dumfries and Galloway some thirty years ago when holidaying here with my wife, a ‘Gatehouse girl’. I fell in love with the charm and beauty of the area and the Family and friends coming to stay? warmth of the people. It took us a few years, but in 1996 I managed to secure both employment and a home in the area and moved here with our three sons. In 2008 I fulfilled a childhood ambition to become a Police Officer and have served in the Galloway Division since then at Newton Stewart, Kirkcudbright and Castle Douglas before securing the position of Community Constable. “I feel very privileged to be able to live and work in such a beautiful part of the country. In my role as Community Constable I hope to be able to return this, helping people to feel safe, secure and able to enjoy living and working here too. I hope to promote this with our many seasonal visitors so that they too can enjoy our towns, villages and countryside in a safe and responsible manner.” PC Dunn encourages members of the community to contact him for help and advice on any matter which may concern them. He can be contacted through the Area Control Room in Dumfries by using the new 101 number, or by email at ian_dunn@scotland.pn n.police.uk for non-urgent enquiries. In any emergency, please use 999. New Galloway Short of space? Golf Club Cosy country cottage available (sleeps 4) www.nggc.co.uk Call Fiona on 01644 420 227 or 07789 903127 Founded 1902 v 01644 420737 v Buggies now available for hire VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME Glenkens Gazette page 20 WW1 Centenary Commemoration A meeting took place on Tuesday 3 September regarding a programme of WW1 Centenary Commemoration events. As there were only five of us it was insufficient to elect a committee, so the meeting continued informally. Paul Goodwin outlined his vision of a committee that would co-ordinate (but not run) a programme of events and arrange a centralised bid for a grant from Heritage Lottery Funds. Glenkens schools are keen to be involved with topical visits. Anna Campbell, representing the Carsphairn Heritage Group, expressed the wish that research should be done into those that survived and not concentrate solely on those who were killed. Also research should be done on how the war affected the families and others left in the Glenkens. The next meeting will be in early November (venue and date to be decided) and it is hoped that more will attend in order to allow things to proceed. If you would like notification of the next meeting, please let Paul have your contact details. In the meantime, a plea for information - if you have any information about the Glenkens during this period; the erection of war memorials, if you know of anyone who served in WW1 - here or elsewhere, killed or survived - please get in touch so we can properly record details and honour the memory of those who served. Paul Goodwin ww1centenary@paulgoodwin.me.uk 07973 174342 NEW GALLOWAY GOLF CLUB The course has been in excellent condition and those visitors who have played it have commented on that fact. Toast of the club is Scott Jamieson who followed in his father’s footsteps by winning the Coronation Cup, a knock-out competition which ran throughout the season. Scott also made history by winning five of the monthly medals. The Club Champion is Jonathan Dale who defeated Kenny Grierson in the 36 hole final. After the first 18 holes Jonathan was one hole down, but the break obviously did him good and he stormed ahead to win quite comfortably in the end. Linda Brown and Alex Long retained the Johnstone Trophy. The four ball better ball Open sponsored by Tilhill saw players come from around the area, but local members Dick Tulloch and Sandy Harvie won with a superb score of 57. A bench was presented by the members to Elspeth Thomas, the wife of the late President, Chris Thomas, who died recently and who was a great supporter of the Club for many years. The bench is sited behind the 8th tee and looks down Loch Ken - it can be accessed by the woodland walk. The seniors will start their winter programme on Thursday 3 October, meeting at 9.15am for 9.30am start. Applications are now being taken for next season - for a good deal on membership, phone 420 737 and mention this article in the Gazette. Please visit our website for more information Jeff Sutcliffe www.nggc.co.uk T. H. CARSON BUTCHERS See us at Dalry Farmers Market on 2nd Sat each month. We deliver every Thursday Give us a call, no order too small! THE CROSS, MILL ST, DALBEATTIE 01556 610 384 Bench in memory of Christopher Thomas. The 2013 season is now almost complete and thankfully we have had a summer which has meant most of the fixtures have been played. Glenkens Gazette page 21 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN The Glenkens Rebellion A previous column of the Gazette (Feb/March 2011) looked at the military occupation of the Glenkens in the early 1660s, a dismal experience for the inhabitants as they had dragoons quartered on their estates and farms. People were abused, their persons violated, while huge fines were imposed upon individuals for nonattendance at the established church, as the Scottish state attempted to suppress the dangerous political tenets of the Covenanters, who held conventicles (church services in barns or the open air) in defiance of the government. In a clear example of how violence breeds violence the situation erupted on 13 November 1666. What followed has been known as ‘The Pentland Rising’ since 1667 because two weeks later (28 November) the rebels came to grief at Rullion Green on the slopes of the Pentland Hills, near Penicuik. The event was the subject of young Robert Louis Stevenson’s first publication, but ‘Pentland’ is a misnomer since the rebellion was inspired by the outraged men of Glenkens. John Maclellan, laird of Barscobe in Balmaclellan parish, had been hiding out in the hills with three associates. They visited the Clachan of Dalry seeking supplies, on the way encountering, at Midtown, Corporal George Deanes and three other soldiers who were driving a few labourers to the farm of a man named Grier, whose corn they were to thresh to pay his fine for nonattendance. While in the alehouse at the Clachan they heard that the soldiers were torturing Grier who, having been bound hand and foot, was threatened with being stripped naked and spread-eagled on a hot gridiron (used for baking bread). Barscobe and his cohorts intervened, tempers flared, loud words were exchanged, soldiers attacked with swords drawn, and one of the local men fired his pistol loaded with broken claypipes, the only ammunition he had, wounding Deanes. Grier was freed and the soldiers captured. It is clear that the situation was not premeditated. Word of the affray reached Balmaclellan where a conventicle was taking place. The minister, Thomas Verner, or Warner, who had been outed in 1663, was at that time a farmer at Lochinvar, and was under investigation by the authorities. In his absence, the service was conducted by Alexander Robertson, minister of Urr. Since the conventiclers were likely to be deemed complicit in the Grier episode, they joined Barscobe and next day they attacked sixteen other members of the Dalry garrison, killing one. Rebellion now seemed the only option. The hated commandant of the South-West, Lieutenant-Colonel Sir James Turner, was based at Dumfries. Much of the social and political unrest in Galloway was attributed to him and his pernicious actions, but in his Memoirs he claimed that he had never exceeded his orders and, if anything, was guilty of leniency. A self-admitted drunkard, described as a butcher and a bibulous despot by his opponents, he confessed that “I had swallowed in Germanie (where he served as a mercenary) a very dangerous maxim which military men then too much followed, which was that so we serve our master honestly it is no matter what master we serve”. The rebels had been joined by some fifty horsemen and 150 men on foot when Barscobe entered Dumfries to capture Turner. His party also included John Neilson of Corsock, minister’s son Alexander Robertson, McCartney of Blaiket (north-east of Haugh of Urr), James Callum, Glover in Dumfries and a mysterious character named Andrew Gray who seemed to appear from nowhere. Their quarry appeared at the window, “a vision of night cap, night gown, drawers and socks”, begging for mercy, to which Neilson assented. When Gray wanted to shoot Turner, Neilson replied that he should “as soon shoot me for I have given him quarters”. For whatever reason Gray took charge of Turner’s papers and considerable amounts of cash that he kept in a chest. Turner, still ‘in his flannels’ was placed upon a Galloway pony barebacked, while the covenanters, at the cross, pledged their loyalty to the king and their adherence to the covenants. The belief of these simple men was that Charles II’s counsellors, rather than the king himself, were responsible for the evils that beset them, but ironically their best hope lay in using Turner as a hostage while they appealed to the merciless royal Scottish advisors in Edinburgh. In truth they had no real options and no experience whatsoever of the deadly situation in which they now found themselves. To be continued... Ted Cowan The Clog & Shoe Workshop unique handmade footwear open 10am - 5pm weekdays Easter Mon to 31st October please ring to arrange a visit at other times Tel: 01644 420 465 visit our new online shop at www.clogandshoe.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 22 OCTOBER & NOVEMBER OCTOBER Club Sat 5, Coffee Morning for Abbas Rest Tue 1 to Thu 31, Exhibition: Jennie Orphans, 10am, Dalry Town Hall Ashmore - Leafworks, CatStrand Sat 5, Street Workshop with Bright Tue 1, International Day for Older Night International, 11-12.30am, People Celebration Tea Event, 2pm, CatStrand CatStrand Wed 9, Open Stage, 7.30pm, Wed 2, Coffee Morning, 10.30am, New CatStrand Galloway Lower Town Hall Thu 10, Jarlath Henderson & Ross Wed 2, Rapture Theatre: The Ainslie, 7.30pm, CatStrand Collection by Mike Cullen, 7.30pm, Sat 12, The Pictish Trail, 7.30pm, CatStrand CatStrand Thurs 3, Seniors Winter Programme Wed 16, Bright Night International begins, 9.15am, New Galloway Golf & Zena Productions present 925/ Heartbeats, 7pm, CatStrand Sun 20, Trunk, 11am, CatStrand Wed 23, Home Safety & Security Seminar, 1pm, CatStrand The CatStrand Wed 23 Oct Saturday 30th November to Wed 4 Dec, Digital Photography 2-6pm Course, 10.30am, CatStrand Thu 24, National Youth Film Festival: Beasts of the Southern Wild, 2pm, CatStrand Fri 25, Monsters’ Ball, 8.30pm, CatStrand Sat 26, Film: Room on the Broom, 2pm, CatStrand Sat 26, Lantern Making Workshop, 3-5pm, CatStrand Wed 30, Lunasa, 7.30pm, CatStrand Thu 31, CatStrand Halloween Parade, 6pm, CatStrand NOVEMBER Fri 1 Nov to Sun 1 Dec, Exhibition: Katie Russell – Landscapes & Water Fri 1, Spalding Bowling Club Annual Prize Giving & Social, Clachan Inn Sat 2, Literature: Chiew Siah Tei (Friend’s Event), 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 2, Balmaclellan Bonfire Night, 6.30pm Sat 2, Bus Trip: Ayr – Xmas shopping or perhaps a day at the Races Sat 2, Life Drawing with Katharine Wheeler, 10am-3pm, CatStrand Fri 8, Quiz Night, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall Sat 9, Son Al Son CatStrand Salsa Night, 7.30pm, CatStrand Wed 13, I could Eat a Horse: Films About Food, 7pm, CatStrand Thu 14, Start to Write Workshop, 1.30pm, CatStrand Fri 15, VAMM, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 16, Christmas Craft Fayre, 9.30am-3.30pm, Castle Douglas Town Hall Sat 16, Eco Drama: What on Earth am I Eating? Food Miles Workshop, 3.304.30pm, CatStrand Sat 16, Eco Drama: The Forgotten Orchard, 2pm, CatStrand Tue 19 & Wed 20, Weaving Workshop with Katie Russell, 10am-3.30pm, CatStrand Sun 24, Make Your Own Sock Creature, 12.15-1.45pm, CatStrand Fri 29, Scottish Night, 7.30pm, Dalry Town Hall Sat 30, Bus Trip – Linlithgow Palace Sat 30, Craft Fair, 10am - 4pm, Mossdale Village Hall Sat 30, Christmas Shopping Day, 25pm, CatStrand Balmaclellan GTI WEDNESDAY BUS SERVICE Bonfire Night Outward Journey: Return journey: (registered route) Sat 2 Nov, 6.30pm We’re not sure exactly what will be on offer in the way of food, etc, as we only have a very small committee this year - anyone willing to help out please get in touch on 420 603 or 420 604. 19:00 Dept. Dalry (Underhill) 19:05 New Galloway 19:15 Mossdale 19:25 Laurieston 19:30 Townhead of Greenlaw 19:37 Castle Douglas (Market St) 19:40 Castle Douglas (Tesco) 20:35 Dept. Castle Douglas (Tesco) 20:37 Castle Douglas (Market St) 20:47 Townhead of Greenlaw 21:50 Laurieston 21:00 Mossdale 21:10 New Galloway 21:15 Dalry To book a Glenkens Transport Initiative (GTI) bus or for more information please contact keith cooper, GTI Administrator, on 01644 420 374. Glenkens Gazette page 23 REGULAR EVENTS CatStrand (New Galloway): Exercise to Music: Mon, 10-11am Ukelele Group, Mon (starting 7 Oct), 11.15am, 60+ Ukelele Improvers, Mon (starting 7 Oct), 1pm, 60+ Free Computer Training; Beginners & Improvers, Mon (starting 4 Nov), 1.30pm Margaret Morris Movement Adult Dance Class, Mon, 2.30-3.30pm, contact Sara on 01556 612854 Children’s Dance Class: Mon during term time, 3.45-4.45pm age 3-7, 4.30-5.30pm ages 8-15 Saturday Art Club: 2nd Sat each month, 10am–12noon Zumbatomic, last Sat each month,10-10.45am Catstrand Youth Players: Sun during term time, 2pm Glenkens Acoustic Sessions, last Sun of the month, 2-4pm Glenkens Community Centre (Dalry): (contact Kath 430 281) Let’s Cook, Tues (starts 15 Oct), 10am Glenkens Children’s Club: Mon & Fri, 9.15-11.45am Paint & Art: Mon, 1.30-4.30pm & Wed, 7-9pm Ballroom & Latin Dance Class: Mon, 7.15, for more info call Sam Rushton on 420 672 Carers’ Coffee & Chat: Tues, 10am-12noon GCC Playgroup, Tue & Thurs, 9.2011.50am, contact keronh@me.com Teen Spirit: Tues during term time, 7-8:30pm (P7-S3) and 8-9:30pm (S3+) Good Neighbours’ Club: Tues, 2pm Kickback Martial Arts: Thurs, 7-9pm Thursday Craft Group: Thurs, 24pm Brownies: Wed, 5.30-6.45pm Guides: Tue during term-time, 6.15pm, contact: Kath 430 281 Let’s Cook, Tues (starts 15 Oct), 10am Gentle Tai Chi, Wed (starting 2 Oct), 10am, 60+ Sing it Out: Thurs, 11.30am 12.30pm Pilates: Thurs, 4.15-5.15pm & 5.30-6.30pm Knit & Blether Club, last Fri each month, 2pm, 60+ Afternoon Tea Club: 2nd Fri each month, 2pm Various Locations: Texas Hold ‘em Poker, Mon, 7.15pm, Cross Keys Hotel, New Galloway Mother & Toddlers: Tues, 9.4511.15am, New Galloway Town Hall Beavers: Tues, 6–7.15pm, New Glenkens Community Councils Balmaclellan Community Council Meetings: 3rd Monday each month, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall. Carsphairn Community Council Meetings: Last Monday each month, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn. Dalry Community Council Meetings: 1st Monday each month, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. New Galloway & Kells Community Council Meetings: 2nd Monday each month, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall. Full minutes of local Community Council meetings can be viewed at Dalry Library. CHURCH OF SCOTLAND: Sundays: Balmaclellan: 12noon: 1st. Carsphairn: 10.30am: 1st,2nd,3rd,4th. Dalry: 12noon: 1st,2nd(Nov),3rd, 4th. Kells: 10.30am: 2nd (Oct),3rd,4th Special Services/Events: 6 Oct, 10.30am: Harvest Thanksgiving Service in Carsphairn Church followed by Harvest Lunch in Lagwyne Hall. 6 Oct, 12 noon: Harvest Thanksgiving Service in Dalry Church followed by Harvest Lunch in Dalry Town Hall. 13 Oct, 10.30am: United Family Service in Kells Church. 27 Oct, 6.30pm: Vivaldi’s Gloria with Glenkens Church Choir. 10 Nov, 11am: Ceremonies at New Galloway & Balmaclellan War Memorials followed by Remembrance Service in St Margaret’s Church, New Galloway. Communion Service: 27 Oct, 12 noon, Dalry Church. 5 Nov, 12 noon, Balmaclellan Church. 17 Nov, 10.15 am, Carsphairn Church. SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH: St Margaret’s, New Galloway: Holy Communion, 10.30am every Sun & Wed CATHOLIC CHURCH SERVICES: Gatehouse of Fleet: Sat, 6pm. Kirkcudbright: Sun, 9.30am. Dalbeattie: Sun, 11am Galloway Scout Hut Dog Training: Tue & Wed, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. Contact: Eric 460 670 Tai Jitsu: Wed, Junior Class (age 614), 6-7pm; Senior Class, 7-8.30pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn, contact David on 07547 134 276, see p5 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 Zumba: Wed: 7.30-8.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall, £4 Mossdale Painters: Wed, 9.30am, Mossdale Village Hall Cub Scouts: Wed, 6.45–8pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Carsphairn Coffee, Craft & Post Office Morning, Thurs, 9.3011.30am, Lagwyne Hall Scouts: Thurs, 7–8.30pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Folk Music Session: 1st Sat each month, 8pm, The Clachan Inn, Dalry Dalry Library (Tel: 430 234) Opening Times: Tue: 2-4.30pm then 5.30-7.30pm; Fri: 11.15am-1:15pm then 2-4.30pm. There are 23 mobile library stops - to find out where and when please phone. 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 24 DALRY SCHOOL’S FAB NEW LAB Dalry School’s Science Lab has undergone a complete transformation during the school summer holidays. Miss Patterson, teacher of Science, Chemistry and Physics, says: “As you can see from the photographs, the lab has been completely modernised through a six-week refurbishment programme. Not only has this improved the facilities within the lab but it has created a fantastic work space for teaching and learning. I returned to work after the summer break, not only delighted with this year’s examination results (well done Chemists and Phyicists!) but also with the design of the new laboratory.” And Miss Patterson wasn’t the only one pleasantly surprised - here are some of the students’ comments: James Bosworth, S4: “Looks modern, spacious and laid out well; more like high-tech lab.” Michael Smith, S3: “The new science lab rules. I wish every room in the school looked like this!” Lee Murray, S4: “It is a colourful and happy place to work.” Kimberly McAdam, S3: “The science lab is a nice place to work now that it has been done up. It also looks a lot bigger than it used to.” Hamish Harvey, S3: “The science lab is fab!” Photos (top to bottom): the old lab, room under construction, the new lab. Glenkens Community & Arts Trust require a Fundraising & Development Officer An opportunity for an experienced and motivated individual to join us as Fundraising & Development Officer, having overall responsibility for raising funds and maintaining income streams, marketing and planning; developing effective partnerships with local and national arts organisations, etc. This is a part-time, salaried post, 16 hours per week, and is based at the CatStrand in New Galloway. For more information and details of how to apply, visit www.catstrand.com Closing date: Wednesday 16 October 2013, 5pm. Interviews week commencing Monday 21 October 2013 WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Submit events, activities, news stories, cartoons, reviews, tips & techniques, fiction, photos, ads or ideas... 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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 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:  <a href="mailto:glenkensgazette@hotmail.com">glenkensgazette@hotmail.com</a> The Glenkens Gazette is a member of, and regulated by  <a href="https://www.impressorg.com/">Impress</a>. The Glenkens Gazette is an initiative of Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (SC032050) and represents the voice of the community (not necessarily the views of GCAT). 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 2013 ISSUE 77 FREE Ian’s Cycling Success Dalry resident Ian Knox has raised nearly £6000 on a 250 mile charity bike ride across Malawi. Ian says: “A huge thank you to everyone who sponsored me on this worthwhile adventure for such a needed cause. The final total raised was £5,710.90, and overall by the 28 cyclists it will be in the region of £62,000. The money will be given to the Mulanje Mission Hospital to distribute through a number of vital health care projects.” Continued on p19... Ian (kneeling 2nd up from the person lying down) with other fundraisers. FOREST SCHOOLS FOR CARSPHAIRN In the final few weeks of the 2012/13 school year, pupils from Carsphairn Primary School took their learning to the forest where the boys and girls had six sessions in the beautiful Glenlee Forest. Children had the opportunity to learn different knots, enjoy a scenic hike around the forest, traverse the Craigshinnie Burn, learn about some of the flora and fauna, build their own shelters, find all kinds of hiding places and even make and drink a hot cup of tea! Forest schools are a type of outdoor education in which children visit forests, learning personal, social and technical skills. Activities build independence and self-esteem, and highly valuable personal skills are also developed such as teamwork and problem solving. Carsphairn Primary pupils pictured with teacher Walker McKenna. Continued on p15... A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) initiative Register Now for Superfast Broadband Dumfries & Gallowayregional council has committed £12.6 million to providing superfast broadband to households and businesses across the region. The South of Scotland Broadband Plan recognises how important this investment is by putting infrastructure in place to ensure that superfast broadband can be delivered to those areas that do not currently receive it. To make sure Glenkens households get on the map for new superfast broadband, go online and register at: www.southofscotland broadband.co.uk www.glenkensgazette.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 2 Love to Eat An entrepreneurial duo in New Galloway has started up a new Glenkens business. Helen Keron and Dawn Spernagel have created Love To Eat, a company offering highquality home-made frozen meals. Ingredients are sourced as locally as possible, with meat from Grierson’s butchers in Castle Douglas, fresh fruit and vegetables and free-range eggs, as well as seasonal extras from their own gardens. These topquality ingredients are used to create a varied and seasonal menu of mains, puddings, soups and breads that can be kept in the freezer until needed. Helen says: “We got the idea from those busy days we all have when you just don’t feel like - or have time to - cook from scratch. Yet you still want to eat high quality, tasty food made from ingredients you would choose yourself. As there was nothing like that on offer around here, we decided to fill the niche!” The business, which started in February 2013, is really taking off, with many repeat customers around the Glenkens. This initial success has prompted the pair to expand further afield to include Castle Douglas, as well as catering for local businesses. One interesting development that Dawn and Helen didn’t for days when life’s too short Quality home-cooked frozen meals, puddings, soups and bread See www.lovetoeatglenkens.com for full menu & find us on Facebook for seasonal additions. Order on the website or call 07940 745 339 10% off your order in August (one per household) if you quote Gazette1 SO LONG SEAN PAUL expect was providing meals for elderly customers who are looked after by carers. In response to this, they have modified a number of their meals to be microwaveable instead of oven-cook in order to allow them to be prepared and served in a very short time. Dawn has always been interested in seasonal food and runs a number of ‘specials’ through their Facebook page. These are keenly watched for by loyal customers, and everything from Wild Garlic Pesto to Elderflower and Gooseberry Jam gets snapped up straight away. “When they’re gone, they’re gone!” says Dawn. “I have always loved foraging and sourcing seasonal fruit and veg to make delicious food for my family, and its exciting now to be able to offer it to a wider audience. They seem to love it just as much as we do!” It’s great to see new enterprises starting up in the Glenkens and with the energy and enthusiasm the pair are putting into their business - from choosing only the best ingredients to providing that little bit of extra customer care - this small business is set to go from strength to strength. After two very successful and innovative years as the General Manager of the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT), Sean Paul O’Hare is moving back to his native Ireland to manage the Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre in County Dublin. It goes without saying that all of us who have worked with him are sorry to see him go. We will miss his energy, sense of humour, imagination and friendship. However, we congratulate him on the exciting challenge he is taking up. I hope that he will not forget the time he spent in the Glenkens and that this move might help to foster the development of cultural and artistic links between similar rural communities in Galloway and Ireland. The post of GCAT General Manager has now been advertised and we hope to hold interviews in the week beginning the 5 August. Andrew Mellor Roger That Roger Crofts, from Dalry, received an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science at the recent Glasgow University graduation ceremony at The Crichton Campus. Roger is Director of Watson Birds, Chair of the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere and a Director of the Crichton Carbon Centre. Glenkens Gazette page 3 Photo of the Issue: ‘Midsummer Madness’ Sponsored by the Ken Bridge Hotel This issue’s winner is this action shot of two house martins by David Birdsall. Dave and Sue of the Ken Bridge Hotel, judges of the Photo of the Issue Competition, said: “We loved this shot and thought it was just so perfect for the time of year, but we’d also like to give a special mention to Mary McIlvena for her wonderful shot Misty Morning at Clatteringshaws; it was a difficult choice.” David will receive a meal for two at the Ken Bridge Hotel Sunday Carvery. Send in your entries for next issue and it could be you next time! We will keep all entries on file and if they suit a future theme/season, they will be re-considered. Mossdale Jubilee Path & Picnic Area The footpath and picnic are now almost complete, and by the time this is printed the picnic tables and benches should have been installed too. There will be an official opening, hopefully in September, so look out for details nearer the time. The project has been designed and carried out by John Robson of Crossmichael and, in keeping with the railway history of Mossdale, he has edged the picnic area with railway sleepers and utilised some granite that was originally part of the station platform. We are indebted to the grant from the Big Lottery Fund without which this project would not have been possible Jill Haslam Farewell from the Newtons Our move to Inverurie went well and we were very touched by the fond farewells from all our customers.  Matthew & Gill THE KEN BRIDGE HOTEL New Galloway • Pensions • Savings • Investments • Retirement Options • Inheritance Tax Planning • Life Assurance • Income & Critical Illness Protection • Mortgages • Home Insurance Open 7 Days Beautiful Riverside Location Free Confidential Initial Consultation MEALS SERVED 12.00 - 2.00pm, 5.30 - 8.30pm Tel: 01671 403080 Fax:- 01671 402549 Email: brian.edgar@marrfinancial.co.uk Web: www.marrfinancial.co.uk Renowned Ken Bridge Sunday Lunch Carvery, ‘The Best in the West’, now in its 8th year. Bed & breakfast en suite accommodation 61 Victoria Street NEWTON STEWART DG8 6NL Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. For mortgages we can be paid by commission or a fee of usually £300 or a combination of both. For Home Insurance we usually offer products from a limited panel of providers. 01644 420 211 mail@kenbridgehotel.co.uk ww.kenbridgehotel.co.uk 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 glenken sgazette@hotmail.co.uk. Please remember that people list their items in good faith that they will go to an appreciative home - items are not to be collected simply to sell on. Various Gent’s bicycle – just a bit of oil and TLC to get it running again! Contact: Nigel on 460 545 Projector screen. Contact: Gerry on 420 852 Plastic mop bucket, unused. Contact: Kath on 460 545 Front and rear car mats – would suit small car. Contact: Kath on 460 545 A caravan awning that we don’t know the size of. It may be complete kit, or not. Contact: Emma on 07885 611 360 Non-stick baking tray with lip on 2 sides, 40cm x 35cm (too big for my oven). Contact: 430 218 Vintage mantle clock, Westminster chime circa 1940s. Doesn’t work due to removal men packing it upside-down! If anyone likes tinkering with old clocks, they are very welcome to it. Contact: Sue on 07563 718 011 ‘Airbox’ Compressor made by Simair. Needs some TLC, suitable for airbrush work. Contact: 01556 503649 Strimmer (petrol), works but the line feed is no longer automatic. Contact: 430 218 Furniture G-Plan round coffee table, wood with Glass top. Contact: Lindsey on 01556 670 545 (eves) We have an old sun lounger, padded. Contact: Emma on Apollo5 in Concert Dalry Town Hall 7.30pm Thursday 8th August Donation on the door 07885 611 360 “The Glenkens Freecycle page Leather swivel high-backed has been brilliant for me; a great office chair, new but broken mechanism; maybe easy to way to de-clutter without having fix. Contact: Emma on 07885 to do anything!” Alan 611 360 IKEA Pello Chair with blue Contact Nigel on 460 545 cushions. Contact: Lindsey on A2 Epsom printer needs good 01556 670 545 (eves) home - although for a donation Shoe rack (white). Contact: Gerry to golf club funds would be on 420 852 appreciated! Contact: Jeff at New ‘memory foam’ single jeffsutcliffe@btinternet.com mattress, barely used. Contact: Sony 28” older style tv in working Lindsey on 01556 670 545 (eves) order complete with stand. Digibox also available. Quite big & heavy to carry so probably KELLS SCHOOL UNIFORM: easier with two to carry. Contact: (Contact: Paula on 07884 247 trevprocter@aol.co.uk or 440 683 420) 2 x yellow M & S polo shirt, age 5 (23” chest). Any old wooden stepladders, it 1 x yellow M & S polo shirt, age 7 doesn’t matter if they’re broken (24 1/2” chest). as they are to sit plants on in the garden. Contact: Gill on 430 1 x Kells yellow polo shirt - 26” 156 or beebole@hotmail.co.uk chest Green checked summer school I am looking for volunteers dress, age 6-7 yrs. who would like counselling as 2 x Kells sweatshirt - 26” chest practice for my course. I have just completed the first year of a 1 x Kells sweatshirt - 28” chest. Sheepskin liner for pram / buggy. four-year course in Therapeutic Contact: Paula on 07884 247 420 Counselling and Psychotherapy, based at the College of Holistic BabyBjorn nave blue papoose. Contact: Paula on 07884 247 420 Medicine in Glasgow. The course is fully accredited with the Huggababy sling - dark green. British Association of Counselling Contact: Paula on 07884 247 420 and Pyschotherapy (BACP). All sessions are free, but a £7 room rental charge will need to UHF indoor antenna/aerial for be covered. Contact me in full digital or analogue TV reception. confidence on 430 156. Children’s WANTED Electrical Glenkens Gazette page 5 sponsored by Upcycyling The eco word of the moment is ‘upcycling’ and it is something we can all consider when it comes to our waste products. Everyone’s heard of recycling, but upcycling is the conversion of waste into something of use. The modern generation has become incredibly wasteful and we are labelled the ‘throwaway generation’. We have a tendency to regard everything as disposable and those objects in our lives that we no longer require are just thrown away. However, upcycling is not a new concept; our grandparents and older relatives would often spend their long winter evenings converting old products into something new and useful. In fact, in developing countries, where raw materials are expensive and not so easy to come by, upcycling is common practice. The fashion and art worlds have long been trying to inspire us to upcycle what we see as waste. One of the most famous examples of this is Picasso’s ‘Bullshead’ sculpture, and even here in the Glenkens you can find examples such as the CatStrand’s trademark sheep, created by artist Silvy Weatherall from the old school shed! Admittedly, not all of us are that talented, but perhaps we should all take a second look at the things we are throwing out. So where do you start? There is a plethora of websites with information on how to upcycle everything from bathtubs to clothing, bedsheets to tyres. I recently visited a Glenkens resident who, on having a new bathroom suite put in, upcycled her old plastic bath tub. She used wood from old pallets to build a frame around it, painted the wood and filled the tub with plants. It looks great; you’d never guess it was something otherwise destined for the rubbish dump. Upcycling seems a sensible and eco-friendly concept, and can also inform our purchasing habits. There are more and more companies out there who are upcycling old products and turning them in to everything from jewellery to garden furniture, paving to post-andrail fencing. So why not reimagine your waste today! “Nature does not know the concept of waste; the only species capable of making something no-one desires is the human species.” Gunter Pauli, Zero Emissions Research and Initiatives. Sara McNeill Saturday 28th September Individual & team competitions – lots of fun for all dogs! Barstobrick Indoor Arena, Ringford, Castle Douglas, DG7 2AT In aid of Dumfries & Galloway Canine Rescue Centre (Charity SCO31991) Entry forms from: www.caninerescue.co.uk/dogolympics Cllr Finlay Carson Castle Douglas & Glenkens for an appointment Tel: 07825 633 185 or email: finlay@finlaycarson.co.uk www.finlaycarson.co.uk GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL  01644 420234  W BONE WHB JEEPS THE GARAGE, DALRY PETROL & DIESEL SALES SERVICE & REPAIRS MOTs, TYRES, BATTERIES ALL AT COMPETITIVE PRICES OPEN 8.30AM - 6.00PM (SIX DAYS) 10AM - 6PM SUNDAYS - FUEL 24 HOURS SHOP • SANDWICH BAR • LOTTERY Tel: 01644 430208 Fax: 01644 430669 jeeps@whbjeeps.co.uk www.whbjeeps.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 6 Glenkens Gazette page 7 Brian Jones, Community Projects Officer at the CatStrand, is keen to hear from residents in the Glenkens who are over sixty and would like to join the newlyformed Connecting in Retirement group to help define and implement activities and events. To date a number of activities have taken place or are ongoing. The Ukulele Group is proving very successful with participants building up a repertoire of songs and aiming to expand and perhaps join with a youth group of ukulele players. A trip was arranged to a Dumfries garden which was especially opened for the group. A ten-week Gentle Tai Chi course started on Tuesday 2 July, run in conjunction with Morag Curtis from the NHS Building Healthy Communities Stewartry Project. Sessions are aimed at helping folk with a long-term health condition. The hope is to have more of these sessions in outreach locations where Glenkens Transport Initiative (GTI) buses would be provided Other activities scheduled are: a free six-week ‘Taking the First Steps in Computing’ course starting from Monday 15 July. Starting Tuesday 30 July, a free ‘Let’s Cook’ four-week course is where participants can learn more about healthy eating, planning meals and cooking on a budget. Early October sees a one-day ‘Home Safety and Security Awareness Day’ in conjunction The Ukelele Group enjoying their session. Retiring in Style with the CatStrand with representatives from the Police, Fire Brigade and other associated Agencies. If you are interested in any of these activities or have ideas for other activities Brian would love to hear from you - feel free to call in to the CatStrand to have a cuppa and a chat with him, or get in touch on 420 374 or brian@catstrand.com £500 for Castle Douglas Hospital League of Friends Dalry Womens Rural Institute (WRI) had a wonderful 90th party. DANGEROUS LITTER Please think about others when you throw away litter which could be dangerous. On Wednesday 10 July a quantity of broken glass and litter had to be cleared from the ‘beach’ area on the far side of the wooden pedestrian bridge in Dalry. The glass was from Carlsberg and Magners cider bottles which seemed to have been opened by breaking the necks against a tree. In June there was also a lot of broken glass in Dalry children’s playpark from Vimto bottles; the fact that children will very likely be playing there with bare feet over the summer doesn’t bear thinking about... Broken glass is an obvious danger both to people and animals, particularly to children. Please dispose of litter responsibly. Balmaclellan Community Council meet on Monday 2 September at 8pm for their AGM followed by the usual agenda. All welcome. The Ladies Guild at St Margaret’s Church in New Galloway has given Castle Douglas Hospital League of Friends a cheque for £500. St Margaret’s Ladies Guild President, Christine Rankin, commented: “Following our successful Plant and Bake Sale in May, we were delighted to donate the proceeds to Castle Douglas Hospital through the League of Friends who do so much for the hospital and its patients. Many of our friends and neighbours have benefitted from the care at Castle Douglas Hospital and we are always happy to help in any way we can”. Glenkens Gazette page 8 Multicultural Shop Call-out I am now working at Dumfries & Galloway Multicultural Centre and, after witnessing the success of our Dalry Community Shop, I thought a similar community shop within the Multcultural Centre would be a good idea. The aim is to raise money and to aid the empowerment of members through improving their conversational English, promoting confidence, providing work experience and reducing social isolation. Most importantly, we want to create an atmosphere of happiness and fun. The shop will also stock Fairtrade goods and crafts and artwork by members, and welcome packs for people arriving from overseas to the region. I am looking for donations of any kind clothes, books, jewellery, pictures, general bric-a-brac, etc, as well as plant pots and plants to brighten up the front of the Centre. I also need volunteers to help run the shop, so if you know of anyone, send them my way. And next time you’re in Dumfries, come in and see me! The Centre is the Georgian sandstone building with stone steps and two pillars outside at the back of Marks & Spencers (Old Assembly Close, just off Irish Street). Many thanks, Gill Stanyard Aileen McLeod MSP working for you across the South of Scotland Postal address: Unit 7 Loreburn Shopping Centre High Street, Dumfries, DG1 2BD Email: aileen.mcleod.msp@scottish.parliament.uk Tel: 01387 255 334 Please check www.aileenmcleod.org for regular surgery, constituency and parliamentary updates Glenkens Gazette page 9 CatStrand Highlights The CatStrand has had a great summer so far, and the fun is set to continue with our line-up of events over the coming months. This season we will be making a contribution to the Scottish Alternative Games on Sunday 3 August with The Stu Brown Sextet. These outstanding musicians will be playing the jazz music of Raymond Scott, made recognisable from his work for the Loony Tunes Cartoons of the 1940s. This will take place on the evening of Saturday 2 August, and there will be an animation workshop earlier in the day to create visuals to accompany the performance. Classical music from The Jones Trio will take place on Friday 9 August; father and daughter cellists, Nicholas and Gabriella Jones join up with pianist John Thwaites to deliver a programme of Beethoven, Mozart and Debussy. We are also pleased to welcome Steven Osborne and Jean Johnson as part of the Watson Birds Festival on Friday 20 September. Steven Osborne is one of Britain’s foremost musicians, and we are Bargatton Sand & Gravel Supplying sand and gravel for all your farming needs, as well as households and businesses both large and small. In Stock: Sharp sand, building sand, washed gravels including peagravel and 20-40mm draining gravel. £15 per tonne + VAT. Aggregate mix £15.50 per tonne + VAT. For further details contact: Angus Wilson, Quarry Manager - 07715 606 685 James Mair - 07793 085 243 Email: loch.bargatton@live.co.uk Bargatton Quarry, Laurieston, Castle Douglas, DG7 2PS Open 7 days Mon-Fri Weekends by arrangement Delivery can be arranged - subject to quantity delighted that he will be giving a concert here. Dogstar Theatre present The Baroness on Wednesday 11 September starring the brilliant Roberta Taylor (pictured). Closely following this production will be another more contemporary style of theatre created by the multi-award-winning David Leddy. The comedy caper, Long Live the Little Knife, will be performed on Wednesday 18 September, a newly developed show with support from the RSC and the British Museum. We conclude the summer season programme with a special show from Roddy Hart and the Lonesome Fire, a group of young musicians from Glasgow who combine classic Americana with Celtic soul. Catch this up-and-coming group on Friday 27 September. For full listings, or to book tickets, call 01644 420 374 or visit www.catstrand.com Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents Selling properties across Dumfries & Galloway 01556 503744 www.ggblaw.co.uk All legal advice Offices in Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie Kirkcudbright and Dumfries Glenkens Gazette page 10 CHILDREN’S CLUB CELEBRATES FIRST YEAR Glenkens Children’s Club (GCC) celebrates its first birthday this July. It’s been a busy year for the group, which is going from strength to strength. More than 15 children routinely attend with their parents or carers during term time, enjoying the bikes, sand and water play, and plenty of dressing-up fun. A varied selection of activities is offered, from baking to planting, library sessions to painting and collage. And of course there’s always time for some very messy play! We’ve had an influx of new recruits in the shape of some adorable newborns, who have recently enjoyed a course of free Baby Massage and we’ve invested in some beautiful bright baby toys and equipment to make them feel just as at home as the toddlers. Another important aspect of the Club is holiday activities for all children up to secondary school age. This summer’s programme is jam-packed with events - take a look below to see what’s on, or visit our website (www. glenkenschildrensclub.co.uk) or find us on Facebook for further details. And then there’s our first birthday party! Come and celebrate with us on Friday 16 August, 9.15-11.45am for some party games, dancing, face painting and, of course, some birthday cake. Playgroup plans are progressing fast since we received the £10,000 grant from the Big Lottery Fund. We have staff appointed and Care Inspectorate registration is nearly complete. Playgroup will start on Tuesday 20 August and run on Tuesday and Thursday mornings in term-time, from 9.15-11.45am at the Dalry Community Centre. It is open to all children aged 2-4 and will cost £5 per session. Contact Helen Keron on keron@me.com for more details or to register a child. None of these things would have happened without the efforts of the amazing group of parents and carers that support GCC. I would like to thank them deeply for their moral and practical support over the past year. In particular I would like to thank the old and new members of the committee - with others, they routinely go above and beyond to ensure that the children of the area have these excellent facilities and activities available. GCC is an affiliated member of the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT), and again I would like to thank the staff and board there for their ongoing support, which has been instrumental in allowing us to grow in this way. So do come along, have some fun, meet some grown-ups and make the second year even better than the first! Helen Keron, GCC Chair ALEX FERGUSSON MSP FOR GALLOWAY & WEST DUMFRIES Holds regular advice surgeries at: Constituency Office, New Market Street, Castle Douglas, DG7 1HY on the 2nd Friday of every month from 5pm Telephone free on 0800 028 7260 for an appointment or to make any alternative arrangement. You can visit Alex’s website at: www.alexfergusson.org.uk or contact him by e-mail at: alex.fergusson.msp@scottish.parliament.uk Glenkens Gazette page 11 Glenkens Gazette page 12 Glenkens Gazette page 13 Glenkens Gazette page 14 Glenkens Gazette page 15 Sunny Sports Day A GREAT GRADING The sun was shining and a great day was had by all at the Dalry Nursery and Primary annual sports day. Mathew applied himself fully and his manners, dedication and attitude have been outstanding. A special thanks go to the other students who helped him achieve this. Now that the Senior students have managed to get the funding for mats, I am hoping to get the Carsphairn community to come together and help the Junior students put forward a proposal for funding for extra equipment. I am sure this will be a rewarding meeting, and a great learning experience for the Juniors as they will be included in decision-making about the Club. Dave Birdsall, Club Instructor Rhys and Christy in the beanbag race. The morning took the form of a potted sports event, including a variety of sporting activities such as throwing, jumping and agility. To round off the morning, the Nursery children took part in some traditional races. A picnic lunch was then held on the playing field, with parents and families enjoying the relaxed atmosphere. The afternoon session included traditional races. All the activities added up to earn points for the house teams. It was a close-run competition, with the winning house this year being Earlstoun. The girl sports champion was Emily (P7) and the boys sports champion was Cameron (P6). The school would like to thank Newton’s shop in Dalry, Tesco and the Co-op for providing fruit and water for refreshments, and the parents, friends and members of the community that came along to support the school. Carsphairn Tai Jitsu Club recently held its first grading. Mathew Dovaston achieved his yellow belt and was awarded a Distinction, which is the highest award when grading. Forest Schools Continued from front page... Part of the Forest Schools ethos is to allow children to assess risk independently to help them make safe decisions. Although taking the learning outside is a lot of fun, pupils had to make sure that they were being safe and responsible. Before we left for the forest, everyone had to dress in proper footwear and waterproof clothing and make sure that backpacks contained everything we needed that day. With help from leader Cecelia Franklin, pupils set boundaries and used rope to highlight any hazards. When it was time to leave the forest, everything was packed up and tidied away so that we would leave no trace. Carsphairn Primary would like to thank all the people that have made these sessions possible. The pupils are really hoping to return to Forest Schools in the autumn, when there should be fewer midges! In the future, it is hoped that all Glenkens Cluster schools, including Kells Primary and Dalry School, will also have the chance to experience outdoor learning the Forest Schools way. Walker McKenna BECK GOLDSMITH CatStrand youth worker Rebecca, aka Beck Goldsmith, is going from strength to strength with her music career. Rebecca says: “I’ve now signed a record contract. The deal is a partnership between a strong independent label and Island Records, so I get the backing of a major label but still keep a lot of independence and control - best of both worlds!” Her new album will be released in September, and will include the song I Vow to Thee My Country, originally used for a BBC TV trailer, as well as some other traditional songs with contemporary arrangements and some of her own original songs too. Glenkens Gazette page 16 Spare Room Doom KELLS NEWS This April heralded sweeping new changes in welfare reform. One of the changes, nicknamed the ‘bedroom tax’ by Labour, has been seen to have had the biggest effect on people. The new legislation affects residents in social housing who are of working age, that is, those aged over 16 and under 61, and who are in receipt of Housing Benefit. If a tenant has one spare room, their benefit will be cut by approximately 14% of the rent they pay each week (an average of £11). For two or more spare rooms, this percentage increase to 25% (an average of £20 per week). This leaves tenants liable to pay their landlord the difference between the housing benefit payment and their rent. Dumfries & Galloway Council has already responded to the implications of the bedroom tax by allocating £500,000 to help people who are facing financial difficulty due to the cuts. The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) has increased the money it gives the council for discretionary housing payments from £72,000 in 2012/13 to £232,000 for 2013/14. Discretionary housing payments are short-term awards given to help people pay their rent. Early indications show a significant increase in people applying for discretionary payments in March and April as a direct result of these changes. Local councillor Brian Collins, SNP councillor for the Glenkens ward, is chair of a new subcommittee created to support those affected. Brian commented on the discretionary housing payment fund: “The focus of this fund will be to assist those tenants who are unable to improve their current situation and have no alternative means to access funds. We want to support people who are experiencing financial difficulties as a result of welfare reform.” MSP Russell Brown points out that due to housing shortage in the region, many will suffer as there will be nothing they can do to avoid the cut. If you would like to apply for a descretionary housing payment, you can either apply online at http://www.dumgal.gov.uk/CH ttpHandler.ashx?id=4762&p=0 or can pick up a form from the local council office in Castle Douglas. Gillian Stanyard Kells Primary have had a busy summer season. At the annual Sports Day pupils all gave 100% during all the activities and races, with the Clatteringshaws team coming first. Clatteringshaws House Captains Erin McGaw and Mia Walker are pictured below with the Sports Day trophy. Kells Primary recently won the rounders competition at Crossmichael Primary’s Small School Sports Tournament. P5-7 pupils visited Dumfries Aviation Museum as part of their World War Two topic. The pupils were History Detectives, investigating local people who were stationed at the airbase during the war. Pupil Amberleigh HackwoodWilliams recently won an Energy Agency calendar competition organised in association with D & G Council. Her winning poster is used for the month of January in the calendar issued to all schools in the region. GLENKENS TO GLASTONBURY How did brothers Ben and Joe Cormack, heavy metal guitarists who grew up in Balmaclellan, end up playing at Glastonbury with The Pictish Trail? It’s a far cry from the early days of learning guitar at Kells Primary with Annie Winstanley and studying with Doug Carroll as teenagers. The connection is the Isle of Eigg, where Johnny Lynch, of band The Pictish Trail, now lives. Eigg has a thriving music culture and vibrant community, and the brothers returned there some years ago and built a house. “As The Pictish Trail,” Ben explained, “Johnny is the best-selling artist on the Fifebased label Fence Records, and mainly performs on his own. We have our own heavy metal band, The Massacre Cave, with two mainland friends, and when Fence Records held their first Away Game mini festival on Eigg four years ago, we were surprised to be asked to play. Johnny was really impressed by our set and that’s how it all began.” Another Eigg resident, drummer Brendan Greene, completes the line-up for The Pictish Trail’s band. Ben says: “It’s very odd to think that, after all the years of dedicated heavy metal practice, we found ourselves on the Park Stage as a folk backing band. Having said that, we bring a rock element to Johnny’s music, and literally let our hair down! He’s a very generous man, and it’s been great fun.” Asked what the best part of playing at Glastonbury was, Ben replied, “KT Tunstall said The Pictish Trail was the best act she’d seen all weekend.” The Pictish Trail will be playing at the CatStrand in October so book your ticket now! Glenkens Gazette page 17 Summer Fun CYCLING FUN Cool There’s loads going on at Cream Carsphairn School Parent Teacher Committee (PTC) along with Carsphairn Church Social Committee applied for funding from Carsphairn Renewable Energy Fund Ltd (CREFL) and arranged a day of mountain biking at Drumlanrig Castle for a group of pupils from P4 to S3. Despite a very damp start, a great day was had by all (including the parents who didn’t cycle but walked in the grounds), and hopefully this will be done again, as all the children had a great time. Thanks go to June Hay and Martin Temple for arranging the day, and also to Claire and Maggie for providing transport for the children. Maggie Phillips (Mrs) Some of the children with June and Martin. o’ Galloway this summer. New for 2013, Tractor & Trailer rides run daily in the school holidays, there are wildlife events during the week and you even have the chance to make your very own ice cream! The new Tractor & Trailer rides are proving popular, visiting the highest point of the farm for a fabulous view over the Galloway Hills and Fleet Bay. Everyone’s welcome to join in with ‘Pond Dipping’ on Tuesdays, ‘Night Mammal Explorer’ on Wednesdays and ‘Hedgerow Safari’ on Thursdays - plenty of opportunity to get up close and personal with the wildlife. ‘Ready Steady Freeze’ is a superb activity that continues to thrill both young and old! You can be the creator of your very own dream ice cream. This activity is fun for all, great for a birthday party for all ages, and even fantastic fun for a hen party or a family gathering! ‘Ready Steady Freeze’ runs each Monday to Thursday in July & August at 4pm or get in touch to book your own exclusive session for up to 18 people. Call 01557 815 222 or email lizzie@creamogalloway.co.uk to check availability, or check our website for details booking is strongly recommended for all events. Glenkens Gazette page 18 Clachan Fair Day rounded off a successful week of fun events for the whole family, young and old, in Dalry. Despite the rain, which didn’t stop people making most of the day, The Galloway Pipe and Drums Band led off the parade with the Clachan Lad and Lass following behind in a open-top car, kindly driven by Tom Corrie. After much deliberating, judge Jim Hume MSP gave first prize to Dalry Primary with their World War II evacuees theme, and Carsphairn Primary received the Silver Plate for best vehicle float with their Viking ship theme. Events on the school field saw the Fire Brigade getting hosed-down by the children. In the team games, a boys versus girls tug-o-war was won by the fairer sex. Later in the afternoon Jim Hume conducted the prize giving. Hilda McAdam won the best dressed house/window competition. Cameron Wilkie and Drife Finlay took the under 14s Doubles Tennis Tournament trophies (kindly sponsored by Natural Power), and Drife was the overall winner of the Mulloch Race with Joshua Lawrie being the first primary entry to finish. This year’s fair hosted for the first time a ‘Fun Show for Dogs’, which had over 28 entries and all dogs and owners behaved impeccably. Some other events which took place throughout the week were the Walking Teasure Hunt, Whist Galloway Pipe & Drums Band A Fair Success Drive and Pet Show. The finale on Saturday was an evening of Scottish Music in the Town Hall with Ewan McGowan, William Williamson and friends, which was much enjoyed by all. The Committee would like to say a big thank you to all the volunteers who took the time to help, and also to all the people and local businesses who gave so generously throughtout the week to make the 2013 Clachan Fair such a success. THE LIE OF THE LAND PROJECT Dumfries & Galloway has some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere in Scotland, but many of our youngsters pass through it every day and take it for granted. In addition, the attractions of the X-Box, Playstation, computer and mobile phone mean that fewer young people than previously now get outside to investigate the landscape which surrounds them. To redress the balance just a little, the Education Department of Dumfries & Galloway Council, together with the National Scenic Area (NSA), recently took 18 S2 pupils from four local secondary schools (including Dalry) into some of the most scenic locations across the Stewartry. Funded by the NSA together with the Holywood Trust and the schools themselves, this project was supported by film maker John Wallace and writer Jackie Galley who helped the young people express and record their responses to places as diverse as the Galloway Forest, Screel Hill and the Carrick Shore. Based at the Stronord Outdoor Centre, transport was courtesy of the Glenkens Transport Initiative (GTI). The final outcomes of this project will be a booklet and a film which will receive its World Premiere in Castle Douglas Town Hall on the 27 of September. The Premiere, which has been incorporated into the inaugural Environmental Arts Festival Scotland, will be hosted by the pupils themselves, with an invited audience of over 250 due to attend. Keith Walker 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 The Fleet Fish van is in the Glenkens on Tuesdays & Wednesdays every week. Anyone wishing me to call, please phone Mary on above mobile no.  01556 502263  VETERINARY SURGERY OAKWELL ROAD CASTLE DOUGLAS FHB Fencing Dalry Domestic and Agricultural Fencing 01644 430 495 495 (Peter) or 07767 795 498 (Jonathan) Glenkens Gazette page 19 KELLS GTI SCHOOL RUN ENDS After six years of providing transport for pupils travelling to and from Kells School, Tuesday 2 July was the end of the road for this service operated by Glenkens Transport Initiative (GTI). A review carried out by Dumfries & Galloway Council into school transport has meant that transport needs have been reduced and GTI have been asked to provide transport for pupils from Crossmichael to Castle Douglas instead. It is likely this service will be operated using a Rural Transport Solutions vehicle belonging to the Council, and will involve providing some transport in the Castle Douglas area to the Adult Resource Centre. Exact details are not yet known, but we have to remember that being involved in providing such MALAWI CYCLE Continued from front page... Mulanje hospital covers a population of 55,000 people, many in isolated villages with little or no health care and massive problems caused by Aids, mother and infant mortality during birth, malaria in the wet season and general malnutrition. 66% of all admissions are Aidsrelated and the population of Malawi is 50% children due to Family and friends coming to stay? transport must remember this is our financial bread-and-butter, and without such income we would not be able to cater for the needs of people in the Glenkens. NEW WEDNESDAY EVENING TIMETABLE With effect from Wednesday 7 August, the service operated from Dalry into Castle Douglas and back will have a slightly different timetable. The bus will still leave Underhill, Dalry, at 7pm, but will return from Castle Douglas at 8.35pm, arriving back in Dalry at 9.15pm – a lot better in the winter evenings, and you will still get the same amount of time for your shopping. Full details of new timetable are shown on p22. MORE AND MORE TRANSPORT The last few weeks have seen a record number of requests for transport and we have never said ‘no’ – not yet! We recently supplied transport for a new the affects of Aids. However, life expectancy has gone up from an average of 37 to 57 years, so progress is being made. Ian goes on to say: “You wouldn’t credit this backdrop of human misery as the people of Malawi are so friendly, spontaneous and happy. They have a very communal approach to life, much of which goes on along the roadside so cycling through gave us a good opportunity to witness it. Often we would be cycling project run over three days by the Education Department involving pupils from Dalry School and other schools in the area. The group stayed at Stronord Educational Centre (see article on p18, opposite). FORTHCOMING TRIPS More trips will hopefully be added in due course but the following are dates for your diaries (to book call 01644 420 374): Sat 7 Sept – Glasgow: Silverburn, Braehead, or visit the city centre by ferry! Sat 12 Oct – Carlisle Sat 2 Nov – Ayr: Shopping, Nat Hunt Racing, etc. Sat 7 Dec – Glasgow: Kelvingrove area, but easy access to city centre, etc. Thank you to those new drivers who have volunteered to help us – we still need more and free training is still available, so please get in touch with me if you can help. Keith Cooper, GTI Administrator along with Malawians carrying a goat strapped to their bike or other huge loads of sugar cane, maize, etc. “The bike ride took us through some stunning and varied African scenery. The challenge was very well managed and we were very well looked after by our tour guide Henck, his Kenyan and Malawian helpers, our tour doctor and EMMS (the organising charity) representative.” N ew Galloway Short of space? Golf Club Cosy country cottage available (sleeps 4) www.ng www.n g gc.co.uk Call Fiona on 01644 420 227 or 07789 903127 Founded Foun ded 1902 v 01644 420737 v Buggies now available for hire VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME Glenkens Gazette page 20 FIRST WORLD WAR CENTENARY COMMEMORATIONS I believe the time is right to discuss how the people of the Glenkens wish to commemorate the centenary of the outbreak of World War One. Many groups and organisations are now beginning their plans and Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grants may be available if their criteria can be met. I have already approached a few groups and individuals who I thought might have useful ideas and have been encouraged so far, including receiving a supportive mail from Alex Fergusson MSP. Therefore, I have arranged an informal meeting where views can be aired and we can see if there are sufficient grounds to continue. It might make sense to organise a small programme of events. Some ideas are: a minibus trip around the WW1 war memorials of the Glenkens, a bus trip to the Scottish National War Memorial in Edinburgh Castle, guest speakers for a talk(s) in the CatStrand, research/display into how life in the Glenkens changed during and immediately after the first world war, a school bus trip to Devil’s Porridge exhibition and possibly Quintinshill rail disaster, Glenkens children create a memorial plaque/stone/sculpture. Activities would be either recorded (for DVD) or published as a book, whichever is most suitable, and this would form a permanent record of how we commemorated the centenary. Hopefully each item would be either subsidised or funded in full by an HLF grant. The meeting is to be in the CatStrand Cafe on Tuesday 3 September at 4pm. Coffee or Tea is on me. I would be grateful if you could come along with your ideas, or contact me if you cannot make the meeting: centenary@paulgoodwin.me.uk or 07973 174342. Paul Goodwin, Dalry Busy Time at the Golf Club The last couple of months have been very busy at New Galloway Golf Club. We started with Give Golf a Go, a day geared to encouraging would-be golfers to come and have a go. Then the Kirkcudbrightshire Golfers Association held its Stroke Play Some of the seniors at the Seniors Open enjoying themselves. and Match Play Championship on the course. The Kirkcudbrightshire Golfers Association Team Championship also took place on the course, with seven teams from the area competing for the Shield. The New Galloway Team was leading up to the last group when Ross Murray recorded a 68 to take the Shield for Southerness. All the players from the other clubs commented on how good the condition of the course was. Two of our Juniors, Scott Jamieson and Alex Long, competed in the Kirkcudbrightshire Junior Championship around the Kirkcudbright course. Playing in testing conditions, both boys played particularly well with Alex coming second in the Scratch Competition and Scott coming in eighth in the Handicap Competition. T. H. CARSON BUTCHERS See us at Dalry Farmers Market on 2nd Sat each month. We deliver every Thursday Give us a call, no order too small! THE CROSS, MILL ST, DALBEATTIE 01556 610 384 Captain’s Day saw 40 members enjoy the competition and then refreshments in the clubhouse, where the presentation of prizes took place. The Jack McQueen Quaich was won by Terry Haine, Erica Porteous was the leading lady, the winning junior was Alex Long and the winning guest was Michael Sutcliffe. The Seniors Open attracted players from near and far, with over 50 people taking part on a beautiful summer’s day. The Open Championship, sponsored by Natural Power, also attracted a good entry from the area and scores were excellent. We are now well through the season, but if you are inspired to come and join the Club get in touch on 01644 420 737 or visit www.nggc.co.uk. Jeff, Captain & Match Secretary Glenkens Gazette page 21 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN The Man Who Founded New Galloway Sir John Gordon of Lochinvar (15991634), founder of New Galloway, did not live to see his dream realised. He was the son of Sir Robert Gordon who was the inspiration in 1622 behind the proposed colonization of New Galloway (now Cape Breton) in Nova Scotia, and who “built ships destined to propagate the fame of the Scottish name” beyond the Equator. John was held responsible, along with his enterprising father, for the illegal seizure of a ship of Middelburg, capital of Zeeland, and its cargo. This was profoundly embarrassing for Charles I who wished at that time to maintain good relations with the Netherlands. From his father he also inherited savage feuds with the families of Herries and the Earls of Galloway, both sides having to put up sums of 20,000 merks as guarantees of good behaviour. In fact Sir John Gordon appears to have been of rather a docile nature. While he was growing up his family stayed at Rusco, near Gatehouse of Fleet, as well as at Greenlaw, at the foot of Loch Ken and, of course, Kenmure Castle which he was credited with “having brought to the perfection of a complete fabric as it never was before”. As a young man he resided for a time in France with the somewhat crazed evangelical minister, John Welch who was exiled by James VI for his radical religious views. As patron of Anwoth, Gordon attempted to persuade the covenanting minister John Livingstone to accept the charge and, when he declined, it was offered to Samuel Rutherford, one of the giants of the Covenanting revolution. Welch, Livingstone and Rutherford all figure in John Howie’s hugely influential Scots Worthies (1775), a collection of the biographies of those who served and/or suffered on behalf of the Scottish Reformation. Surprisingly perhaps, Sir John Gordon finds a place in the book too, largely because his friend, Rutherford, tended him in his dying months and wrote ‘The Last and Heavenly Speech and Glorious Departure of John Viscount Kenmuir’ (1649). The theme concerns Kenmure’s fears which gradually turn to joy and certainty as he prepares to meet Christ, ‘coming leaping over the mountains and skipping over the hills’. In 1633 the king, in Scotland for his coronation, created him Viscount of Kenmure and Lord of Lochinvar but since he disagreed with Charles in matters of politics and religion he withdrew from Edinburgh supposedly on account of his wife’s ill-health. He later claimed that he feared “incurring the indignation of my prince and the loss of further honour”. According to Rutherford he deeply regretted his action on his deathbed, whence he warned “it is pure popery is coming among you”. Such divided loyalties would haunt the House of Kenmure until the execution of the sixth Viscount in 1716. In 1629 Kenmure was granted a charter to erect a royal burgh to be called the burgh of Galloway on a part of the barony of Earlston, lying upon the Water of Ken. Commentators have always assumed that the geographical description refers to Dalry though the village is not specifically mentioned in the document. Almost two years later Sir John changed his mind about the site when another charter allowed for the creation of a royal burgh on part of the lands of Roddings in the barony of Kenmure. The new site was probably preferred because the river ceased to be navigable north of Loch Ken. Robert Gordon, of Knockbrex, is listed as burgh commissioner of ‘Newgalloway’ in the parliament of June 1633 which also ratified the earlier charter authorizing “ane hail and frie burgh royall to be callit in all tyme coming the burgh of Galloway’” By 1648 New Galloway, sometimes known as Newton, had a provost, one James Gordon. In a taxation rolL for 1649 the burgh was among those that paid the least monthly amount. It was never to reach its hoped-for potential but it is of interest to note that a New Galloway in Canada had been named some eight years before there was a New Galloway in Galloway! Ted Cowan JEFFERS THE GARDENER SAYS... ...The best way to raise a successful garden is by trowel and error! ...Nothing discourages an allotment keeper more than watching his family eat the entire allotment at one meal. ...A gardener is a woman who loves flowers, or a man who hates weeds. ...April showers bring May flowers - with the help of spading, fertilizing, planting, watering and weeding! Glenkens Gazette page 22 AUGUST & SEPTEMBER JULY Starts Mon 15, six-week ‘Taking the First Steps in Computing’ course, see p7 Mon 22, Glenkens Children’s Club: ‘Arty Crafty’ Workshop, Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry, 9.1511.45am, see p19 Fri 26, Glenkens Children’s Club: Roller Disco, Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry, 9.15-11.45am, see p19 Mon 29, Glenkens Children’s Club: Treasure Hunt, Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry, 9.15-11.45am, see p19 Starts Tues 30, four-week ‘Let’s Cook’ course, see p7 AUGUST Fri 2, Glenkens Children’s Club: Window Decoration Making, Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry, 9.1511.45am, see p19 Sat 3, The Stu Brown Sextet: Twisted Toons - The Music of Raymond Scott, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sun 4, Scottish Alternative Games, start 2pm, New Galloway Town Park Mon 5, Glenkens Children’s Club: Outdoor Activity/Bouncy Castle, Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry, 9.15-11.45am, see p19 Wed 7, Open Stage,7.30pm, CatStrand Thurs 8, Apollo5 in Concert, Dalry Town Hall, 7.30pm Fri 9, The Jones Trio, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 9, Glenkens Children’s Club: Jewellery Making, Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry, 9.1511.45am, see p19 Sat 10, Glenkens Show, Mains of Kenmure, New Galloway, see ad below Mon 12, Glenkens Children’s Club: Baking, Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry, 9.15-11.45am, see p19 Fri 16, Glenkens Children’s Club: 1st Anniversary Birthday Party, Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry, 9.1511.45am, see p19 Fri 16, Film: Song for Marion, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 23, Jaipur Kawa Brass Band & Curry Night, 7.30pm, CatStrand SEPTEMBER Mon 2, Balmaclellan CC AGM, 8pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall Tues 3, Centenary Commemoration Meeting, 4pm, CatStrand Café, see p20 Wed 4, Gordie MacKeeman & His The Alternative Games The Games return to New Galloway Town Park once more on Sunday 4 August for the 13th year. After the rather aquatic nature of last year’s televised event, it is to be hoped that it will be lucky thirteen and the weather will be a bit kinder this time around. All of the usual favourites will be featured, with everyone having the opportunity to compete for the Gird n’ Cleek World Title as well as take part Glenkens Agricultural Society Annual Show Saturday 10th August Mains of Kenmure, New Galloway Cattle, Sheep, Goats, Poultry, Horses, Show Jumping, Fancy Dress Pony, Pets & Dogs, Crookmaking, Refreshments, Children’s Entertainer - Magic Monty - Magic & Balloon Modelling Schedules from Fiona McIntyre: 01848 200 531 or fiona_mcintyre@hotmail.co.uk Rhythm Boys, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 7, GTI Bus Trip, Glasgow: Silverburn, Braehead, see p19 Wed 11, Dogstar Theatre: The Baroness - Karen Blixen’s Final Affair by Thor Bjorn Krebs, 7.30pm, CatStrand Wed 18, David Leddy/Fire Exit: Long Live the Little Knife, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 20, Steven Osborne and Jean Johnson, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 20 to Sun 22, Watson Birds Festival, mainly in Dalry, see back page Sun 22, Gerry Cambridge Poetry Reading, 2pm, CatStrand Thurs 26, Film: The Great Gatsby, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 27, Roddy Hart and the Lonesome Fire, 7.30pm, CatStrand 27 Sept – 6 Oct, Wigtown Book Festival, see p8 Sat 28, Dog Olympics, Barstobrick Indoor Arena, Ringford, see p5 OCTOBER Sat 12, GTI Bus Trip, Carlisle, see p19 Advance Notice of Youth Players’ Panto: This year’s production will be ‘Aladdin’ on Fri 6 & Sat 7 Dec at 7.30pm, and Sun 8 Dec at 2pm at the CatStrand. in the Tossin’ the Sheaf, Hurlin’ the Curlin’ Stane, Balmaclellan Skittles and Tractor Pull. The racing snails are already in training and will be at peak fitness for their big day! If you would prefer to try something musical rather than physical, then you can learn to play the samba drums in time to perform with the rest of the band later in the afternoon. Whatever instrument you play, bring it along and enjoy playing with fellow musicians in the Acoustic Music Tent. See the back page of this Gazette for further details. Brian Edgar GTI WEDNESDAY BUS SERVICE (registered route) New times start Wed 7 August. Outward Journey: 19:00 Dept. Dalry (Underhill) 19:05 New Galloway 19:15 Mossdale 19:25 Laurieston 19:30 Townhead of Greenlaw 19:37 Castle Douglas (Market St) 19:40 Castle Douglas (Tesco) Return journey: 20:35 Dept. Castle Douglas (Tesco) 20:37 Castle Douglas (Market St) 20:47 Townhead of Greenlaw 21:50 Laurieston 21:00 Mossdale 21:10 New Galloway 21:15 Dalry To book a Glenkens Transport Initiative (GTI) bus or for more information please contact keith cooper, GTI Administrator, on 01644 420 374. Glenkens Gazette page 23 REGULAR EVENTS CatStrand (New Galloway): Exercise to Music: Mon, 10-11am Margaret Morris Movement Adult Dance Class, Mon, 2.30-3.30pm, contact Sara on 01556 612854 Children’s Dance Class: Mon during term time, 3.45-4.45pm age 3-7, 4.30-5.30pm age 8-15 Carers’ Coffee & Chat: Tues, 10am-12noon Teen Spirit: Tues during term time, 7-8:30pm (P7 - S3) and 8-9:30pm (S3+, Duke of Edinburgh) Sing it Out: Thurs, 11.30am 12.30pm Pilates: Thurs, 4.15-5.15pm & 5.30-6.30pm Afternoon Tea Club: 2nd Fri each month, 2pm Family Film Club: 1st Sat each month, 11am Saturday Art Club: 2nd Sat each month, 10am–12noon Zumbatomic, last Sat each month,10-10.45am Catstrand Youth Players: Sun during term time, 2pm Glenkens Acoustic Sessions, last Sun of the month, 2-4pm Glenkens Community Centre (Dalry): (contact Kath 430 281) Glenkens Children’s Club: Mon & Fri, 9.15-11.45am Paint & Art: Mon, 1.30-4.30pm & Wed, 7-9pm “The Gazette was a great way to advertise my new business - Lion Heart Confidence. I got calls from potential Ballroom & Latin clients almost straight away. It’s great Dance Class: Mon, 7.15, for more info value for money and a good read, making call Sam Rushton on it an enjoyable way to stay connected and 420 672 share information in our community.” Gill Good Neighbours’ Club: Tues, 2pm Kickback Martial Arts: Thurs, 7-9pm Thursday Craft Group: Thurs, 24pm Brownies: Wed, 5.30-6.45pm Guides: Tue during term-time, 6.15pm, contact: Kath 430 281 Various Locations: Texas Hold ‘em Poker, Mon, 7.15pm, Cross Keys Hotel, New Galloway Mother & Toddlers: Tues, 9.4511.15am, New Galloway Town Hall Beavers: Tues, 6–7.15pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Dog Training: Tue & Wed, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. Contact: Eric 460 670 Tai Jitsu: Wed, Junior Class (age 6-14), 6-7pm; Senior Class, 78.30pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn, contact David on 07547 134 276, see p5 Wednesday Quiz Night, Wed, Glenkens Community Councils Balmaclellan Community Council Meetings: 3rd Monday each month, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall. Carsphairn Community Council Meetings: Last Monday each month, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn. Dalry Community Council Meetings: 1st Monday each month, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. New Galloway & Kells Community Council Meetings: 2nd Monday each month, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall. Full minutes of local Community Council meetings can be viewed at Dalry Library. CHURCH OF SCOTLAND: Sundays: Balmaclellan: 12noon: 1st. Carsphairn: 10.30am: 1st,2nd (Aug),3rd,4th, 5th (Sept). Dalry: 9am: 1st,2nd(Aug),3rd, 4th. Dalry: 10.30am: 2nd(Sept). Kells: 10.30am: 2nd (Aug),3rd,4th Special Services/Events: 8 Sept, 10.30am, United Family Service, Dalry Church, followed by a bbq & children’s treasure hunt, Manse, Dalry. 22 Sept, 10.30am, Harvest Thanksgiving, Kells Church, followed by Harvest Lunch in NG Town Hall. 29 Sept, 10.30am, United Service with Glenkens Choir, Carsphairn Church Communion Service: 25 Aug, 10.30am, Kells Church. SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH: St Margaret’s, New Galloway: Holy Communion, 10.30am every Sun & Wed CATHOLIC CHURCH SERVICES: Gatehouse of Fleet: Sat, 6pm. Kirkcudbright: Sun, 9.30am. Dalbeattie: Sun, 11am 8.30pm, Cross Keys Hotel, New Galloway Stewartry Camera Club: Wed, 7.30pm, Ringford Village Hall, runs Wed 11 Sept till end Mar Zumba: Wed: 7.30-8.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall, £4 Mossdale Painters: Wed, 9.30am, Mossdale Village Hall Cub Scouts: Wed, 6.45–8pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Scouts: Thurs, 7–8.30pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Folk Music Session: 1st Sat each month, 8pm, The Clachan Inn, Dalry Dalry Library (Tel: 430 234) Opening Times: Tue: 2-4.30pm then 5.30-7.30pm; Fri: 11.15am-1:15pm then 2-4.30pm. There are 23 mobile library stops - to find out where and when please phone. 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 24 FESTIVAL - FRIDAY 20 TO SUNDAY 22 SEPTEMBER Friday 6-8pm ‘Watson Raptor Science Prize’ (Presentation, Talk & Debate) official Festival opening, Dalry Town Hall 8pm - Classical Concert with Steven Osborne & Jean Johnson, CatStrand, New Galloway. Saturday 8.30am-12noon - Bird Ringing with Andrew Bielinski, Barone, Dalry 10am-12noon - Guided Walk with Chris Rollie, meet outside Dalry Town Hall 10am-4pm Exhibition/Shadow Puppetry with Anne Errington, Dalry Town Hall 10am-6pm - Photography Masterclass, various venues (limited availability) 2-5pm - ‘History of Eagles in Britain & Ireland’ Presentation and Discussion, Lochinvar Hotel, Dalry 6 -8pm - Laurie Campbell; Talk & Discussion, CatStrand, New Galloway 7-10pm - Whistlebinkies in Concert, Dalry Town Hall Sunday 10.30-11.30am - Gerry Cambridge Poetry Workshop (Ages 7-12) 10am-4pm Exhibition/Shadow Puppetry with Anne Errington, Dalry Town Hall. 10am-6pm - Photography Masterclass, various venues (limited availability) 1pm - Demonstration with Darren Woodhead, Dalry Town Hall 2-3pm - Gerry Cambridge; Poetry Readings, CatStrand, New Galloway 4-6pm – Acoustic Session, Clachan Inn, Dalry For any further information or tickets please call The Catstrand on 01644 420 374 and ask for Aaron or alternatively e-mail - aaron@watsonbirds.org or visit the Watson Bird website - www.watsonbirds.org. Wright’s Shop Dalry G&M Newton now under new ownership. New proprietor Lyndsay Forbes and her family look forward to meeting everyone and settling into life in the Glenkens. Licenced grocer and newsagent with a wide range of filled rolls, pies, cold drinks and ice cream also available. Opening Times: Monday to Friday: 7am – 6pm Saturday: 8am – 6pm Sunday: 8.30am – 4pm Tel: 01644 430 225 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: FRI 6 SEPT Design & co-ordination: Sarah Ade sarah_ade@tiscali.co.uk Printing:Stranraer & Wigtownshire Free Press The Glenkens Gazette is an initiative of the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust, a Registered Scottish Charity No. SC032050 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette 77 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GG_077 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 2013 Description An account of the resource Editor: Sarah Ade https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/1/222/GlenkensGazette76.pdf ed683d5f7135e096199fab7501d2cd8f 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 76 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 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:  <a href="mailto:glenkensgazette@hotmail.com">glenkensgazette@hotmail.com</a> The Glenkens Gazette is a member of, and regulated by  <a href="https://www.impressorg.com/">Impress</a>. The Glenkens Gazette is an initiative of Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (SC032050) and represents the voice of the community (not necessarily the views of GCAT). 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 2013 ISSUE 76 FREE Fond Farewell to Gazette Founder Left to right: Mathew Newton, new owner Lindsey Forbes, Gill Newton Dalry shopkeeper and founder of the Glenkens Gazette, Matthew Newton, and his wife Gill, are moving to Aberdeen at the beginning of July. Since their arrival in Dalry nearly 18 years ago, they have been involved with every aspect of community life and they will be sorely missed. Neither Matthew nor Gill had any experience of running a retail outlet, but after being made redundant from the NHS Matthew decided the time had come to fulfil a life-long dream of being selfemployed, and so started the search for a village shop to run. Having looked all over Scotland, they decided that the shop in Dalry that Mr Kerr was selling fitted the bill, and they took over the business in September 1995. A steep learning curve followed, made easier according to Gill by the excellent staff and patient customers! However, that first winter was very testing when the extremely bad weather deprived them of water and power for over a week and made it almost impossible to get supplies in for the village. Luckily, a massive truck with snow tracks from their main supplier managed to get through. Their children, Imogen and Sean, both attended Dalry School and Gill has high praise for the way the school helped them both settle in. For Imogen in particular it was a big change from her High School in Glasgow, where she was one of 1200 pupils. Both children took advantage of the many clubs and groups, with Sean enjoying football and Imogen joining the youth drama group. A proud moment for them all was when the group’s play ‘Dream Jobs’ won against stiff competition from adult groups at the Stewartry Drama Festival. By Nicolette Wise, continued on page 6... CORE PATHS UP AND RUNNING This year saw the One hundred of these key paths can now be found crossing the region, with nine of them in the Glenkens itself, geared for the use of all outdoor users - hill walkers, cyclists and horse riders. D&G Council was obliged under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act of 2003 to locate and investigate a number of key or main paths in the region that would provide the public with routes that fulfilled a variety of objectives: functional, educational and recreational. The routes would be primarily off-road and would promote, for Photo by Bob Peace adoption of the Core Paths Plan for Dumfries and Galloway (D&G). example, safer access to school or a route to a particular place of interest. It also gave landowners the means to manage and navigate outdoor users through their land, while at the same time recognising the general public’s right of responsible access or ‘right to roam’. The research started in 2006 when the D&G’s Outdoor Access Service kicked off the Core Paths plan by consulting with Community Councils, landowners and the general public. Communities and individuals were asked to mark maps with the routes which they used or wished to use. Some of the paths suggested were already physically there and were in use, but some new paths were proposed. By Sara McNeill, continued on page 2... A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) ini�a�ve www.glenkensgaze�e.co.uk Glenkens Gazette Continued from front page... Each was assessed according to specific criteria including natural hazards, state of repair and relevance to the ‘Core Paths Plan’ objectives. This year these paths have been made a legal entity in themselves. It should be pointed out though that they are not owned by the Council and remain at all times in the ownership of the landowner through whose land the paths pass. There is a variety of walks all with different types of paths and through different landscapes, of varying distances and requiring different levels of fitness. One of page 2 the conditions of becoming a core path was the ability of the path to be brought up to a suitable standard, and all efforts will be made to ensure that the paths are both passable and navigable. To assure your safety and wellbeing in walking, cycling or horse riding along these routes it is essential to remember that the land which you are traversing provides the local landowner with a livelihood. You have to be aware and accept that the outdoors cannot be made risk-free. This includes not only making sure that you have the right fitness level for the walk, but also wearing the appropriate clothing and footwear as well as carrying maps, food, water, and a mobile phone. Look out for signage as you may well be entering an area where shooting is taking place or cows are calving; it is always better to avoid areas with young livestock, especially if you have a dog with you. Dogs must be kept under control on short leads. The Core Paths Plan can be viewed in all libraries and Customer Service Centres in Dumfries and Galloway. Alternatively, the routes are available online at www.dumgal.gov.uk/corepaths For more information on access rights, please visit: www.outdooraccess-scotland.com CORE PATHS AROUND CARSPHAIRN In this and future issues of the Gazette we will feature Core Paths in different parts of the Glenkens. In this edition we focus on the Carsphairn area. The Carsphairn Community Council area is nearly 100 square miles. A lot of the Core Paths routes, as mentioned in the front page feature, are already established and used, and indeed those who know this tranquil and remoter area of the Glenkens may already be familiar with them. Those who frequent our award-winning Heritage Centre will definitely recognise the routes as some of the Centre’s former Heritage Walks. The area is so ideal for the project that the Core Paths have been split in to two. The first area of paths are to be found off the A713 and the second off the less central B729 (known locally as the back road between Carsphairn and Moniaive). There are six centrally located Core Paths: Upper Deugh Trail, Knockengorroch Trail, Holm and Garryhorn Trail, Cairnsmore Trail, Knockgrey Trail, and the Dundeugh Trail. The first four walks are to be found north of the village on both sides of the A713. The Upper Deugh and Knockengorroch trails are appropriate for both walkers, cyclists and horse riders. It is a mixture of tarmac and forestry tracks that takes in an ancient burial cairn, wild moorland and with an Ordnance Survey map one can discover the remains of an area that used to be more densely populated. The Holm and Garryhorn Trail is a fascinating walk that takes you through a landscape that played an important part in not just local history but in the history of Scotland in general. The walk wends its way through an old abandoned mining village where the standing remains of a whole community can still be seen, and it isn’t hard to conjure up the life lived there. If it is views that you seek then you may want to give the Cairnsmore walk a go. It is a circular route (descending on the Knockgrey Trail or vice versa) that takes you past the Green Well of Scotland, with its many legends, and up the famous Cairnsmore of Carsphairn. It has to be said that this is a walk for the more fit amongst you and it will take about an hour and a half to reach the summit. The views are stunning and on a good day you can see both England and Northern Ireland. The last Core Path off the A713 is the Dundeugh Trail, based around Dundeugh Hill; bordered on three sides by water it is suitable for horses, walkers and cyclists, and frequented and greatly loved by all local dog owners. There are the remains of two ancient castles in the Local artist Robin Ade with the Carsphairn Core Paths signboard for which he did the artwork. The board is situated at the junction between the A713 and B729 just outside Carsphairn village. area which can be found with a bit of perseverance and a good map. The charm of this walk is that a section of the walk takes you along the banks of the Kendoon Loch, with its abundant wildlife. Once you are feeling confident with the main route do discover all the little tracks that cross over and intertwine it. Some take you down to the suspension bridges with their lovely views up the rivers, and some take you on quirky routes through the forest. The Carsphairn Core Paths really help you to discover what is our most far-flung Glenkens landscape and community. Why don’t you take advantage of these accessible and wellmaintained routes, and discover some of the local secrets and hidden gems? You won’t be disappointed! Sara McNeill Glenkens Gazette page 3 The 2013 Golf Season is now well under way at New Galloway Golf Club. As a result of reading the article in the last issue of the Gazette readers will already have pencilled in their diary Saturday 1 June for Give Golf A Go at New Galloway Golf Club; hopefully this article will act as a reminder. It is a free event, and you don’t even need your own clubs - just come along to the Club and try it out. Members will be on hand to help from 10am to 3pm. The Captain’s drive-in was late this year due to the atrocious weather. However, a good number of members and friends turned out to see the Club Captain, Jeff Sutcliffe, drive off along with the Lady Captain, Gerry MacKechnie, after which all members played in the Celts Challenge - the first time the competition had been played to celebrate the life of Chris Thomas, the Club’s President who died last year. Chris had always given great support to the Club and this was a fitting way to honour his loyalty. Work has been completed on the course drainage system, which hopefully will mean less days lost to bad weather. By the time you read this article, all the greens will have been topped, dressed and, with the right weather, will once again be the envy of all the courses in the area. The Ladies Team have won through to the 4th Round of the Daily Mail National Team Competition, their next game Jeff Sutcliffe and Gerry MacKechnie THE 19TH HOLE being away to St Medan Golf Club. All the Club’s competition results can be seen on the Club’s website - www.nggc.co.uk or www.masterscoreboard.co.uk We have had a number of visitors playing the course, several from overseas, and they all comment that the course is in excellent condition and the views magnificent. The Club is looking to improve the woodland walk in the near future which is an amenity for the community and tourists alike. Captain and Match Secretary, Jeff Sutcliffe �� • Pensions • Savings • Investments • Retirement Options • Inheritance Tax Planning • Life Assurance • Income & Critical Illness Protection • Mortgages • Home Insurance Free Confidential Initial Consultation Tel: 01671 403080 Fax:- 01671 402549 Email: brian.edgar@marrfinancial.co.uk Web: www.marrfinancial.co.uk 61 Victoria Street NEWTON STEWART DG8 6NL Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. For mortgages we can be paid by commission or a fee of usually £300 or a combination of both. For Home Insurance we usually offer products from a limited panel of providers. 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 glenkens gazette@hotmail.co.uk Please remember that people list their items in good faith that they will go to an appreciative home - items are not to be collected simply to sell on. Various Bundle of 25 BBC Good Food magazines. Contact: Margaret on 460 250 Steel bath (no taps), not bad condition but more as a water trough than bathing. Contact: Andi on 430 255 Set of Deer Antlers. 70cm at widest point. Contact: Alan on 07769 680 938 Furniture Dark wood IKEA coffee table, extendable with storage inside and shelf underneath. Contact: 430 218 4 Victorian dining chairs. Been reupholstered ( removeable seats ) but now faded. Contact: Alan on 07769 680 938 Various bits of pine shelving - might need a DIY enthusiast! Contact: 430 218 Small round wine table. Red leather top. 50cm tall by 30cm wide. Contact: Alan on 07769 680 938 IKEA white cot bed, currently without 4th side, but could be put back on. Will need new mattress. Would suit 18month to 3 years as is, from birth with 4 sides. Smoke and pet free home. Contact: Helen on 07789693698. 4 cushions for patio chairs. Brown all weather covers. 47cm x 50cm. Brand new still in packaging. Contact: Alan on 07769 680 938 Clothing/Shoes Long black riding boots, size 5. Contact: 430 218 Children’s ‘Kangaroo’ child’s car booster seat, has a head rest so really comfy for long journeys. Contact: 430 218 Electrical Creda Easyload Condensair ( condenser ) tumble dryer. For spares or repair. Motor works and tumbles etc but doesn’t heat up. Contact: Alan on 07769 680 938 Sky Digibox made by Grundig (one of the better ones apparently?). Box works, but no working card. Contact: Andi on 430 255 WANTED Horseradish root. Contact: Sue on 07554 644 993 (pref evenings) Small plastic tube about 4” long used to show pansies and violas at flower shows. Contact: Louise on 07901 696 694. Tent pegs - any kind. Contact: Sue on 07554 644 993 (pref eve) Chains (small and large lengths), winches, hand-winches, cables, pulley systems, wheelbarrow, hammers, files, gardening tools, etc. Can collect. These would help me greatly as I only have full use of one arm, and pulleys, etc, will help me with things like logs and bags of coal. Contact: Dave on 07547 134 276. Unwanted Spectacles Needed Do you have any unwanted (prescription) spectacles? Why not donate them to a good cause? Vision Aid Overseas is a charity which will put them to good use in third world countries. Leave your old glasses at Carsphairn, Kells or Dalry School or in the Glenkens Community Shop in Dalry. Art Show The Glenkens Art Group will hold its annual exhibi�on in the Community Centre in Dalry from Friday 14 to Sunday 16 June. It opens at 12 noon on Friday and closes at 4pm on Sunday. Work will be by ar�sts from all over the region, including an exhibi�on of pain�ngs entered in the Glenkens Schools Art Compe��on. Glenkens Gazette page 5 sponsored by New funding available for energy-saving measures... Our region will benefit from Scottish Government funding to the tune of £1.27 million. This is the sixth highest funding allocation in Scotland. The key purpose of the funding is to tackle fuel poverty in our region and the focus will be on whole street solid wall insulation, free loft and cavity wall insulation and a whole house approach to energy saving. The range of measures available include new heating systems, solar panels, double glazing and thermal insulation. Many properties in our region have a solid wall construction and are built using traditional stone materials. This new scheme will provide access to funding to tackle the poor thermal insulation normally associated with these properties. This is a particular issue in rural locations, such as the Glenkens. Eligibility for each scheme will be assessed on a case by case basis by the Energy Agency with the applicant’s post code, council tax band and income level dictating the level of help available. This will ensure that the free support is focused on those that need it the most. The funding for 2013/ 2014 is three times greater than last year’s allocation, and will allow the Council and its partners to implement a strong programme of works across our region. The loft and cavity wall scheme will continue from April 2013 with the solid wall insulation project and whole house scheme to follow in early summer. Community Energy Project Meetings are being held with representatives from the Community Councils of the Glenkens to agree a plan to take this project forward. We hope to provide information to the community about home insulation and types of sustainable energy. In the meantime be careful of the ‘special offers’ you are being offered by coldcalling companies. Check whether the company is registered with the Government Green Deal and that any deal being offered is really worth your while. Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING) New Galloway Town Hall: At last things appear to be moving. D&G Council have introduced a new format for their asset management. In the Stewartry, New Galloway Town Hall is now featuring on their immediate list, so look out for ways to put your views forward. To be viable and able to be used by the whole community, it will be necessary for a lot of upgrade work to be done – disability access, upgrade to toilets and kitchen, as well as a replacement of the heating system. This can only happen if we can justify appropriate grant applications with evidence about present and future use. As well as fundraising activities over the next few months, there will be meetings and surveys involving the whole community to find out what people would like to see happening. But don’t wait; if you have any immediate ideas or would like to offer particular skills or general support, please get in touch on 420 632 or ros.hill@rathanhouse.me.uk Ros Hill Carsphairn Show Saturday 1st June Livestock Judging, Sheep Dog Trials, Industrial Section, Pet Show, Dog Show, Hill Race and Dance at night. Glenkens Gazette page 6 Continued from front page... Gill feels strongly that her children have achieved so much by living in the Glenkens: “The school, the community spirit and all the groups, volunteer-led, gave them a really good start,” she comments. Matthew has been involved with many of the local groups and organisations, including 12 years with Dalry School Board, first as a parent member, then a spell as Chairman and latterly, once his children had left school, as Clerk. Head Teacher Fraser Simpson says;“Matthew was a great support over the years that he was Clerk to the School Board. Despite being inundated with minutes, D&G papers, Scottish Executive memos and so on, he always remained calm and effective and had a wicked sense of humour at just the right time. A real gentleman and pillar of the community”. In addition, Matthew has been involved with the Clachan Fair, the Town Hall Committee, the Community Council and the Heritage Group. Hilda McAdam, Chairman of the Heritage Group, says; “Matthew was an active member, particularly during the production of ‘A Day in Dalry’, our book recording life in Dalry at the millennium”. By 2000, Matthew felt that although there was so much going on in the area, there was no newsletter highlighting all that was going on in the community. Having noted that Moniaive had a newsletter, he asked their advice and, with help from local councillor George Prentice, got a grant to help with printing and paper. Thus the first Glenkens Gazette was put together on the Newtons’ kitchen table! It quickly became a great success, but after two years Matthew found he did not have the time needed to keep producing it and so the newly formed Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) took over. Now in its 13th year, it has become part of the fabric of life in the Glenkens and it gives Matthew great pleasure to see it going from strength to strength. Running a local shop, open seven days a week, is so much more than the sum of its parts. Aileen McLeod MSP working for you across the South of Scotland Postal address: Unit 7 Loreburn Shopping Centre High Street, Dumfries, DG1 2BD Email: aileen.mcleod.msp@scottish.parliament.uk Tel: 01387 255 334 Please check www.aileenmcleod.org for regular surgery, constituency and parliamentary updates Newspapers, groceries, local baking, coffee and filled rolls at lunchtime, ice-creams and sweets, beer and wine, dry cleaning and general information point all combine to make it an important part of village life. Gill says; “We have particularly enjoyed taking on young people as staff and seeing them grow and develop into confident young adults”. Matthew adds: “All our staff, both past and present, have been so supportive, as have our customers. Even in these difficult economic times, when people have to shop more carefully, they still continue to support their local shop”. Now that their daughter is married and settled in Aberdeen, Matthew and Gill feel the time has come to retire and move up there, particularly as there is a grandchild due later in the year. They are delighted that Lyndsay Forbes (nee Wright - pictured on front page) is taking over the business and wish her every success. Lyndsay was ten when her family moved to Dalry and ran the Garden Centre. After leaving school she moved away, but now comments: “It’s so nice to be coming home!” Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents Selling properties across Dumfries & Galloway 01556 503744 www.ggblaw.co.uk All legal advice Offices in Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie Kirkcudbright and Dumfries Glenkens Gazette page 7 To Thine Own Lion-Heart Be True There is an old Italian saying: ‘È meglio vivere un giorno da leone che cento anni da pecora’, which translates as: ‘It is better to live one day as a lion than 100 years as a sheep’. Undoubtedly, it is hard to be a lion (even on a good hair day), for that would mean taking a fearless and bold approach to life. How many of us can honestly say we do that? What is it that stops us? If you followed the old Zen adage of ‘leap and the net will appear’, what would you be doing differently with your life? For many people it is a lack of self-esteem and confidence which stops them from achieving their goals and embracing life. Selfesteem is how we measure our worth. It can be seen in the ways in which we think about ourselves and the beliefs we hold. If we have low self-esteem, we feel overwhelmed, powerless and lost. Thoughts such as ‘I am unloveable’, ‘I am not good enough’, ’it’s all my fault, I’m a terrible person’ or ‘I should have done that/should have done this’ all come from the core beliefs we hold about ourselves deep inside of us. These then become our patterns of thinking about ourself, which influence what our place is in the world. The bad news is that low selfesteem can make us ill. Feeling bad about ourselves, allowing others to treat us dis-respectfully and holding onto our emotions, such as anger and fear, can lead to suppressed immunity and high levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Not to mention depression and anxiety. The good news (hooray!) is that we can change the way we feel about ourselves through learning new positive ways to think about ourselves, setting new goals, finding our voice and being supported. My new course, Lion Heart Confidence, is designed to support you to challenge the beliefs you hold about yourself which are limiting your potential. You can learn new ways to communicate which will help you to reduce conflict and feel empowered. Most importantly, it will allow you to meet your best self. Living life with confidence can be seen as a marriage between trust and courage. Trust in yourself to know what the right thing to do is and have courage to carry out your conviction. We develop trust in ourselves when we remain authentic and do what we think is best, regardless of what others may think, and we accomplish goals that we set, regardless of any mistakes we may have made along the way. We can all be lions all of the time if we learn how to have a lionheart. Gill Stanyard For more information on booking a place on a Lion-Heart Confidence Course ,or for 11 sessions to help improve confidence, please email lionheartconfidence@outlook.com or phone 07971 769 785. There is a free session of laughter Yoga included in the course - designed to naturally release endorphins and let go of stress and worry. ARNDARROCH OPEN GARDEN The 2 1⁄2 acre garden is a wildlife-friendly, semi-natural environment with views over Kendoon Loch and Cairnsmore of Carsphairn. Red kites circle overhead and peregrine falcons may also be spotted. There are good collections of herbaceous plants, shrubs and trees, including a Clootie Tree and an Anvil tree. Over 20 different bamboos provide interest all year round, and a woodland was planted in 2000 and a second bog garden in 2012. There will be an exhibition of photographs by Mary McIlvenna, plus a plant stall where you can buy some of the varieties of plant you see growing. Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on leads. Entry is £3.50, with children under 16 free, and teas are available for £2.50. Arndarroch is on the B7000, five miles from Dalry or Carsphairn, and the postcode is DG7 3UD. Follow the blue signs till you see the blue balloons at the turning to the drive. Beneficiaries: D&G Canine Rescue Centre 70%, Glenkens Children’s Club 30%. Photograph by Mary McIlvenna Support Glenkens Children’s Club and Dumfries & Galloway Canine Rescue Centre by visiting Arndarroch Garden, by the kind permission of Annikki Lindsay, on Sunday 30 June from 2 to 5pm. Glenkens Gazette Bowling Spalding Bowling Club opened the green for play on Saturday 20 April. In front of a good turn-out of spectators the President John Peacock invited his wife Eliz to throw the SilverJack and declared the green open for play. After a cup of tea 24 people played in a friendly Sweep. Anyone is welcome to come along and have a try and new members are always welcome. Sweep nights are on Mondays and Saturdays, at 7pm. You can play at other times - just ask any of the members. page 8 Over £750 Raised for Lifeboats Another successful evening was held at Dalry Town Hall to raise money for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) in May. The Glenkens Committee were delighted to report that over £750 was raised. Mrs Nicolette Wise spoke about the RNLI ethos of using volunteers wherever possible and how this could be admirably demonstrated by Mrs Jean Maltman, who recently stepped down from the Glenkens Committee having joined in 1970. Her exceptional 42 years of volunteering for the Lifeboats was applauded. The Kirkcudbright Lifeboat Station was last year joined by two new recruits who have settled in and are doing well. The Glenkens Committee hope the money raised will go towards the costs of their official training in Poole later this year. Return of the Mulloch Hill Race The Mulloch Hill Race is to be run as part of Dalry’s Clachan Fair on Sat 15 June at 3.15pm, starting from the school playing field. This is a short race with winners in three classes: adult, secondary age child and primary age child. Entry is on the day from 2.30pm, no fee but donations accepted. Fun runners and walkers welcome. Bargatton Sand & Gravel Supplying sand and gravel for all your farming needs, as well as households and businesses both large and small. In Stock: Concrete sand, building sand, washed gravels including peagravel and 20-40mm draining gravel. £15 per tonne + VAT. Aggregate mix £15.50 per tonne + VAT. For further details contact: Angus Wilson, Quarry Manager - 07715 606 685 James Mair - 07793 085 243 Email: loch.bargatton@live.co.uk Bargatton Quarry, Laurieston, Castle Douglas, DG7 2PS Open 7 days Mon-Fri Weekends by arrangement Delivery can be arranged - subject to quantity Glenkens Gazette page 9 Photo of the Issue: ‘Summer in the Glenkens’ Sponsored by the Ken Bridge Hotel This issue’s winner is this lovely shot of a bee by Nicola Kenyon. Dave, owner of the Ken Bridge Hotel and judge of the Photo of the Issue Competition, says: “We were so impressed with the quality of the entries; any one of them could have won. We’d like to give a special mention to Fraser McCormick for his photograph of Kendoon Loch.” Competition winner Nicola, 23, says: “I am a young local photographer who took this picture in my mother’s garden in New Galloway. I stood for over an hour to capture this shot but I am very pleased with the outcome.” Nicola will receive a meal for two at the Ken Bridge Hotel. We will keep all entries on file and if they suit a future theme/season, they will be re-considered. PLANTS, CAKES & CREAM TEAS Balmaclellan & Kells Church are holding a Plant Sale with cream teas and a cake stall in Balmaclellan Village Hall on Saturday 25 May. It will run from 2pm to 4pm, and entry costs £2.50 per person with proceeds in aid of church funds. Please come along and support this event. Margaret Morris Movement THE KEN BRIDGE HOTEL New Galloway - a holistic dance technique Enhance your health and wellbeing while developing your creative side. Created over a century ago, this modern dance technique is accessible to all and remains as relevant as ever to the needs of the individual looking for a movement method that focuses on posture, breathing, co-ordination, relaxation & fitness, at the same time as developing the creative dimension in all of us. Open 7 Days Beautiful Riverside Location MEALS SERVED 12.00 - 2.00pm, 5.30 - 8.30pm Classes for Adults at the CatStrand, New Galloway, are on Mondays 2.30 to 3.30pm during term-time. Classes for early years at CatStrand, New Galloway, are on Mondays 3.45 to 4.30pm and 4.30pm to 5.30pm for upper primary and youth. Renowned Ken Bridge Sunday Lunch Carvery, ‘The Best in the West’, now in its 8th year. Bed & breakfast en suite accommodation For further information, contact Sara on 01556 612854 or sara.lockwood @sky.com mail@kenbridgehotel.co.uk ww.kenbridgehotel.co.uk 01644 420 211 Glenkens Gazette page 10 The recent Glenkens Transport Initiative (GTI) trip to the Lake District, rearranged because of bad weather, proved to be success despite the rain. A day of changing weather meant that the route and itinerary were regularly reviewed in an effort to make the most of improving overhead conditions. There was coffee in Caldbeck, followed by a murky drive past Bassenthwaite Lake. Then we headed on past Thirlmere to Grasmere for lunch and on to Rydal Water and Windermere. We took time out for a quick group photograph before passing Pooley Bridge and back up the M6 home. REFUNDS: Unless a trip is cancelled or re-arranged by GTI, no refunds will be made if someone who has booked a seat cannot go. This is the same as if you booked a seat on public transport or a seat at the theatre, so do your best to find someone else to take your place if you can’t go. WEDNESDAY EVENING SERVICE TO CASTLE DOUGLAS: An application has been submitted to the Traffic Commissioner to slightly alter the times of this service with effect from Wednesday 7 Kath Bates, Libby Ritchie, Mary Dougan, Evelyn McMurray, Syd and Daphne Precious, Dot Struthers, Jean Winstanley SEVEN LAKES IN ONE DAY August 2013. The departure time from Underhill will remain as at present (7pm), but journey times will be adjusted with the return journey being back in Dalry by 9.15pm; don’t worry, you will still have a similar amount of time for your shopping, and you’ll be home earlier! Full details will be in the next issue of the Gazette. Keith Cooper Introducing PC Ian Dunn PC Ian Dunn will be taking over from Bryan Bruton as Community Constable for the Glenkens. In the next issue of the Gazette we will have an interview with Ian, discussing the role of Community Constable and what this means for residents of the Glenkens. Ian says: “I feel very privileged to be able to live and work in such a beautiful part of the country and I have found the people so welcoming since moving here. In my role as Community Constable I hope to be able to return this, helping people to feel safe, secure and able to enjoy living and working here too.” “I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible in the coming years and hope to become as integral a part of your Community as Constable Bryan Bruton has been.” Family and friends coming to stay? New Galloway Short of space? Golf Club Cosy country cottage available (sleeps 4) www.nggc.co.uk Call Fiona on 01644 420 227 or 07789 903127 Founded 1902 v 01644 420737 v Buggies now available for hire VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME Glenkens Gazette page 11 The CatStrand welcomes the summer with a programme of fantastic music, theatre and workshops. World-class folk act Lau will take the stage on Friday 28 June, and a new collaboration of four of the finest singers and musicians from Ireland and America will perform a mixture of Americana and Irish traditional music, along with contemporary songs and tunes, on Tuesday 2 July. Described as “old-time music with attitude”, Americana livewires The Hot Seats bring some Virginian sunshine to the Glenkens on Wednesday 31 July. Bringing music and dance together, we present Betsy Thunder; a collaboration from musician Plum and choreographer Emma Jayne Park, director of Black Swan Dance Theatre. See what they developed during their residency at Dance Base on Saturday 1 June. As well as dance, enjoy some top-class theatre this summer. The CatStrand are taking part in Refugee Week by presenting Some Other Mother on Wednesday 19 June, a poetic drama by AJ Taudevin about the trials of an African family claiming asylum in Scotland. Young theatrelovers are sure to enjoy Tall Stories Theatre Company’s My Little Brother the Robot on Tuesday 16 July. Over the summer months there will be plenty of workshops for all ages, ranging from life-drawing to drama and film-making. And as a final snippet of what’s on, you can watch the documentation of the lives of eleven-year-olds from around the world preceded by films made by young people from the Glenkens in I am Eleven, screening on Friday 19 July . For full listings, or to book tickets, call 01644 420 374 or visit www.catstrand.com Come along to the CatStrand Cafe for a brand new menu with breakfast and lunch ideas - Cafe now open for food on Saturdays and Sundays too. ALEX FERGUSSON MSP FOR GALLOWAY & WEST DUMFRIES Holds regular advice surgeries at: Constituency Office, New Market Street, Castle Douglas, DG7 1HY on the 2nd Friday of every month from 5pm Telephone free on 0800 028 7260 for an appointment or to make any alternative arrangement. You can visit Alex’s website at: www.alexfergusson.org.uk or contact him by e-mail at: alex.fergusson.msp@scottish.parliament.uk Some Other Mother CatStrand Highlights Glenkens Gazette page 12 Carsphairn Primary Goes Fizz, Boom, Bang! At Carsphairn this term, the children are learning about the human body and its systems. The children launched their new science topic with some help from the experts at Edinburgh International Science Festival. Science experts Laura Henderson and Rebecca Thirgood, from Generation Science, came to our school to talk about chemical reactions in a presentation they call ‘Fizz, Boom, Bang!’ We soon found out why... The children did a number of experiments to create chemical reactions, then used their skills of observation to decide which materials gave the best fizz, boom or bang. And of course, we all dressed up like scientists in safety goggles, safety gloves and lab aprons. We learned about acids and alkaline materials, the four signs of a chemical reaction and even designed our own experiment. It was a great afternoon and a fun way to get our new science topic started. All the pupils would like to give a special thank you to the Edina Trust for donating the funding for this inspiring visit. Walker McKenna Wednesday Afternoons at Dalry School There’s now an established activity at this time of year at school where pupils can choose to learn more about camp-craft and go on two camps on Wednesday nights, packing up and getting back for school the next day. Camp 1 was at Taliesin, where the pupils baked tatties in the campfire, and one pupil produced this CatStrand Youth Players The Youth Players enjoyed yet more success at the West of Scotland Finals in Glasgow. This was their third appearance in the past four years, this time with the very challenging production of ‘Little Bro Morning & Big Sis Afternoon’ by Mike Tibbetts. The performance at the Stewartry District Festival in February had swept up three trophies and received an excellent adjudication magnificant dessert (pictured) which we were all jealous of! Camp 2 is going to take advantage of the art installation in the Dark Sky park. We’re hiring warm suits from the CatStrand, so just need a clear night. Here’s hoping... Linda Biggar too, so expectations were high for the trip to the Eastwood Theatre. The young cast had one hour to rehearse on the Eastwood stage and get used to the new venue. They certainly did not disappoint, taking the play to a new level and wowing their new audience with their very mature performances of an extremely difficult and very emotional piece. As the adjudicator had commented at Castle Douglas: “I have previously watched this play being performed by an entirely adult cast and they did not achieve the level of intensity and emotion that was sustained by this young but very talented cast.” The only concern at this stage was that the play had run slightly over the maximum time allowed, which meant three penalty points deducted. However, even taking this into account, it wasn’t until the last club took to the stage in the evening (Kirkintilloch Youth Players) that a serious challenge was presented! Everyone waited with baited breath for the adjudicator’s verdict, and the CatStrand Youth Players were delighted to be awarded the Ross Arthington Memorial Trophy for second place. Thankfully the time penalty had not made any difference to the placings; we were well clear in second place. A hat-trick of ‘silver medals’ at the Western Finals achieved in the space of four years is absolutely fantastic, and everyone should be very proud of this achievement. The CatStrand Youth Players are now firmly established on the Scottish Youth Drama scene and surely it can only be a matter of time before an appearance at the Scottish Final! The next productions will take place at the CatStrand on Thursday 6 and Friday 7 June at 7.30pm. After the emotion of ‘Little Bro’, we thought it appropriate to stage an evening of comedy, so book your tickets now (see p11 for CatStrand booking details). After these performances, the Youth Players will break for the summer and meet again from the beginning of September to begin rehearsing for the Christmas Panto. Brian Edgar Glenkens Gazette page 13 Tai Jitsu Teamwork The young people of Carsphairn have banded together to buy new equipment for their Tai Jitsu Club. David Birdsall, Club instructor, said: “After a lot of searching and asking for support for the young people of the area in buying training mats for use in the village hall, we are pleased to announce that we have secured our first funding from YouthBank. “As the instructor, I am very pleased with the attitude and determination of the young people in Carsphairn to prove that they are willing and capable of finding the funding needed that was not available locally. Well done!” Each week a ‘Carsphairn Tai Jitsu Junior Student of the Week’ is chosen from Club members. David says: “This is awarded to the student that used good manners, behaved well in class, listened and tried hard. All the students achieve this, but every week a student shines out.” The school holidays are on their way; but no need to get bored - this year there will be plenty on offer in the Glenkens. ON A ROLL Summer Scheme REBECCA’S Young people can take part in different activities each week thanks to the Glenkens Summer Scheme, a project run by the CatStrand and supported by D&G Council and the Holywood Trust. There will be regular drop-in sessions as well as workshops, trips and projects with everything from film making to Forest Park adventures to choose from. See below for details of some of the activities on offer, and keep an eye out for the full Summer Scheme timetable coming soon. Nightingale Stage Academy: Monday 8 to Friday 12 July, 9am to 3pm, Ages 6 to 16, £60. Filmmaking with Scene 1 Take 1, Monday 15 to Friday 19 July, 10am to 4pm, Ages 10 to 18, £20. Painting Workshop with Robyn Wade, Wednesday 24 July, 9.30am to 1pm, Ages 10 to 16, Free. Twisted Loons Animation, Saturday 3 August, Age 8 to 12, £3. Big Groove Samba Workshop, Sunday 4 August, 3pm, All ages, free. Street Workshops with Bright Night International (Parkour, Beatboxing, Breakdance), Wednesday 7 & Thursday 8 August, Ages 8+, £4 per workshop or £10 for all three. PLUS Keep an eye out for: Drop-in activities/ sport & games/dance leadership/Forest Park adventures/youth trips and more! You may have noticed that this issue our Youth Banter section is missing...This is because CatStrand Youth Worker Rebecca, aka Beck Goldsmith, is having an exciting time with her music career taking off. But watch this space for a jam-packed Youth Banter next issue! Featured on the front page of the last Gazette for having her rendition of ‘I Vow to Thee My Country’ played on a BBC TV trailer, Rebecca is on a roll... She says: “It’s been a bit of a roller-coaster since the last issue of the Gazette. Our version of I Vow to Thee My Country seems to have taken on a life of its own! BBC Radio 2 played it on their Good Morning Sunday show and were inundated with feedback. It got into the iTunes top 100 and almost topped the Amazon Folk Chart... I’m now writing songs for a new album, which will hopefully be out before Christmas. Thanks everyone for your support and encouragement so far.” So watch this space - we’ll keep you updated on Rebecca’s star progress. T. H. CARSON BUTCHERS See us at Dalry Farmers Market on 2nd Sat each month. We deliver every Thursday Give us a call, no order too small! THE CROSS, MILL ST, DALBEATTIE 01556 610 384 Glenkens Gazette page 14 ‘Connecting in Retirement’ Opportunities for Over Sixties The CatStrand’s new ‘Connecting in Retirement’ project is now underway. This is a four-year project, funded by the Big Lottery, which aimis to reduce social and rural isolation among Glenkens residents aged sixty-plus. The project has already attracted a great deal of attention and support from numerous individuals and groups based in the Glenkens. Brian Jones, who was appointed in February as the Community Projects Officer at the CatStrand, is keen to hear from any Glenkens residents aged over 60 who would like to join a newly-formed activity committee to plan and implement activities and events. The project aims to create sustainable groups, activities and partnerships which will enable those who might feel isolated to become involved in the Glenkens communities. This would include more use of community transport to enable people to attend more activities and events as well as take part in regular outings. To date a number of regular session are taking place where the sixty-plus aged group are involved - these include Exercise to Music, Pilates and Zumba Gold. A five-week Learn to Play the Ukulele class is also underway with professional music tutor Stuart Butterworth, with participants already playing a number of songs. This has proved to be very popular so the current group looking to continue as well as other new groups likely to start. Also planned is both an IT Awareness drop in day on Saturday 1 June, followed by a six-week beginners/improvers IT class at the CatStrand. For those people wanting a gentle form of exercise, a ten-week Tai Chi class is being scheduled to start in July, to run in conjunction with the Stewartry Building Healthy Communities team run by Morag Curtis. For those who would like to take part in basic cooking and nutritional advice, a taster session followed by a sixweekly preparation and cooking session is 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 The Fleet Fish van is in the Glenkens on Tuesdays & Wednesdays every week. Anyone wishing me to call, please phone Mary on above mobile no.  01556 502263  VETERINARY SURGERY OAKWELL ROAD CASTLE DOUGLAS planned to happen in the July/August timeframe. Below are some more activities for sixty-plus folks in the Glenkens: • Beginner/Improvers photography with a professional photographer running a six week course with included outings. • Awareness sessions for home safety and fire prevention. • Awareness session on the latest universal benefits scheme • Befriending older members of the Glenkens communities. • Walking groups • Regular events like Tea Dances or Games afternoons • Breakfast Club and learn a foreign language • Astronomy and the Dumfries & Galloway Dark Skies project • Learning general DIY skill • Art and craft sessions If you are interested in any of the above activities or events or have others in mind Brian would love to hear from you and feel free to call in to the CatStrand to have a coffee or tea and a chat with him - 01644 420374 or brian@catstrand.com FHB Fencing Dalry Domestic and Agricultural Fencing 01644 430 495 (Peter) or 07767 795 498 (Jonathan) Fiona Hyslop Visits CatStrand page 15 Left to right: Cathy Agnew, Brian Collins, Fiona Hyslop Glenkens Gazette Fiona Hyslop MSP, Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, stopped at the CatStrand recently on her tour of the region promoting a new arts partnership. The Culture Secretary was meeting people and seeing projects which will benefit from the new £400,000 Place Partnership between Creative Scotland and Dumfries and Galloway Council. Cakes & Plants for Waverley Care A recent Cake and Plant sale organised by the Ladies Guild at St Margaret’s Church in New Galloway raised over £400 for Waverley Care, Scotland’s leading charity providing care and support for HIV and Hepatitis C sufferers and their families. St Margaret’s Ladies Guild President, Christine Rankin, commented: “Church members had provided a wealth of delicious cakes as well as ransacking their gardens and greenhouses for plants. We were delighted with the success of the sale, helped I am sure by the sunshine!” Apollo 5 to Revisit Dalry Having wowed locals last year with their stunning performance, the charitable a cappella ensemble returns to the Glenkens this August. Apollo 5 have been praised for their eye-catching performances, with a wide-ranging repertoire of retro jazz, pop, classical and Christmas a cappella. The five young professional singers, who perform regularly on Resonance FM and BBC Radio 2, give engaging and entertaining performances. The group is part of the charitable foundation, Voces Cantabiles Music, and is involved in the foundation’s innovative education programme which aims to inspire creativity through music. The programme, led by VOCES8, reaches 25,000 young people annually, working in over 200 schools in the UK, France, Sweden the USA and Asia. Apollo5 are proud to be working in collaboration with Red Balloon Learner Centres in the UK. The aim of Red Balloon is the recovery of severely bullied children. The group is working with students to encourage them to grow in confidence and find their voice through singing together, in order to encourage them back into mainstream education and employment. The concert will be held in Dalry Town Hall on Thursday 8 August at 7.30pm. Funds raised from the performance will go to the group’s charitable foundation, with a portion going to support Dalry Town Hall. Glenkens Gazette page 16 COVENANTER MEMORIAL STONE Here is a picture of the new memorial stone laid at the Covenanter burial site near the Palfern Burn on Sunday 28 April. Also in the picture is the belt taken off one of the Covenanters by Stewart McSkimming when the bodies were first discovered in 1977 during Forestry planting operations (see article in last issue of the Gazette) and given to Alastair Penman for restoration. You can see a nick in it from what may have been the fatal wound inflicted on its owner. The belt has a pouch for gunpowder up the centre of it leading to a brass dispenser for loading powder into a musket. David Bartholomew Watson Bird Update The results of some very creative work by pupils at Carsphairn, Dalry and Kells were the key attraction at the Watson Birds Eggs and Nests day on Easter Saturday in Dalry Town Hall. The imagination and creativity of the children was evident in all of the displays and delighted responses of the 100 plus visitors on the day. Watson Birds representatives attended the Scottish Bird Fair at Hopetoun House and were pleased at how many people were not only interested in our project, but expressed a willingness to join us for our third Festival in September (Friday 20 to Sunday 22). On the fund-raising front we are Cllr Finlay Carson Castle Douglas & Glenkens for an appointment Tel: 07825 633 185 or email: finlay@finlaycarson.co.uk www.finlaycarson.co.uk making steady progress. Our Feathers campaign for activities and events has now topped £25,000, a quarter of the way towards our £100,000 target. Most significantly, we have received an anonymous donation of £100,000 to help purchase Barone. Together with funds provided by the Pamela Young Trust as partners in our project, we are now in a position to begin formal negotiations with the Watson family for purchase of the house. We are gathering a collection of Donald Watson’s paintings on loan from various sources which will be on display in Dalry Town Hall and the CatStrand, to remind everyone of the excellence of Donald’s art and the ambitions of our project. Festival plans are well underway, with some new items this year; photographic master classes and GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL  01644 420234  talks on wildlife photography, talks and debates led by the winner and runner up for this year’s Watson Raptor Science Prize, and the formal opening of our walking and car/cycle trails. In addition, we will have music concerts, poetry and an art exhibition and a talk by one of the artists, Darren Woodhead, whose work is currently on display at the CatStrand to emphasise the importance of our bird project as part of the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT). For further information, Aaron Edgar, our part-time project officer based at the CatStrand, can be contacted on aaron@watsonbirds.org or 01644 420374, or you can get in touch with me on roger@watsonbirds.org or 07803 595267. Roger Crofts, Director Watson Birds W BONE WHB JEEPS THE GARAGE, DALRY PETROL & DIESEL SALES SERVICE & REPAIRS MOTs, TYRES, BATTERIES ALL AT COMPETITIVE PRICES OPEN 8.30AM - 6.00PM (SIX DAYS) 10AM - 6PM SUNDAYS - FUEL 24 HOURS SHOP • SANDWICH BAR • LOTTERY Tel: 01644 430208 Fax: 01644 430669 jeeps@whbjeeps.co.uk www.whbjeeps.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 17 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN Alexander Murray: Linguistic Genius Two hundred years ago Alexander Murray died. He was born at Dunkitterick in 1775 to his 70 year old father and his second wife. We all know his monument on the Queensway but how many of us really question why he deserves such a memorial? The obelisk marking his grave in Greyfriars’ churchyard, Edinburgh, succinctly captures local pride in his achievement: “Erected by Admirers chiefly connected with Galloway, to Commemorate the Genius and Fame of the Shepherd Boy who rose to be the most eminent Linguist and Oriental Scholar of his day”. From humble beginnings in the wilds of Galloway he became the only person in Britain who could translate a letter written in Ethiopic for George III. He was not strictly a Glenkens man but he had connections here. His father, who grew up in Kells, worked for Mr Lawson of Clatteringshaws. Murray senior had enough education to teach his son to read and write. Alexander’s maternal grandfather lived near New Galloway where the boy was briefly taught by William Gordon. There he was mocked as a child from the moors of Minnigaff for his idiosyncratic pronunciation. There too, according to himself, in that wellknown den of iniquity, he ran wild for the first and only time in his life: “I learned to swear, lie and do bad tricks”. He was gradually acquiring an interest in languages. Later he received from his cousin, John Heron, father of another lad o’ pairts, Robert Heron of New Galloway, a Hebrew lexicon. By year, dying of tuberculosis aged 37. His History was not published until 1823. Murray’s true contribution was that of comparing the grammars, vocabularies and alphabets of languages to discover the relationships between them. He was one of those who discovered Indo-European, an ancient hypothetical language which was the root of so many others from English to Sanskrit and Icelandic to Abyssinian. the time he went to Edinburgh University he knew Latin, Greek, French, something of Hebrew, Anglo-Saxon, Gothic, German, Welsh and Gaelic. All were largely self-taught because due to poor health and poverty he had a total of only about sixty weeks of schooling. His secret was in his favourite book. “If I had a copy of the Bible in any language of which I knew the alphabet, I could make considerable progress in learning it without grammar or dictionary”. Locally he was famous for memorising and reciting great chunks of the good book. He continued his studies at Edinburgh moving into Asiatic languages and especially Sanskrit, knowledge of which was brought to the west largely by Scots serving in India. He became editor of the Scots Magazine and also of James Bruce’s Travels to Abyssinia. Then he became minister of Urr, where he worked on his great two-volume History of European Languages before his appointment as Professor of Oriental Languages at Edinburgh, a post he held for less than a For example the same word crops up in languages far apart, such as ‘father’, which is ‘vater’ in German, ‘pater’ in Latin and ‘pitar’ in Sanskrit. Such awareness led in turn to important questions about the origins of language itself, which we are still asking, since it is our basic human possession. In Murray’s day it was believed that the first language was Hebrew, spoken in the Garden of Eden and, of course, the language of the Bible. He demonstrated that there were languages older than Hebrew thus potentially questioning biblical teachings and his own faith. His discoveries were as important as later nineteenth-century revolutionary breakthroughs in such fields as geology, natural history and science. As he wrote, “I wish to combine etymology with the study of the human mind, and to trace the history of nations in the history of language”. This man who grew up listening to the sheep and the birds in the shadow of Craignelder was truly a giant and a genius. Think on that the next time you pass his monument at the Grey Mare’s Tail! Ted Cowan Glenkens Gazette page 18 APRIL & MAY MAY 3pm, see p3 Sat 1, IT Awareness drop in day, Sat 25, Plant Sale, Balmaclellan CatStrand, see p14 Village Hall, see p9 Sat 1, Plum Tunes: Betsy Thunder, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 31, Film: The Quartet, Wed 5, Open Stage, 7.30pm, 7.30pm, CatStrand CatStrand Sun 9 to Sat 15, Clachan Fair Week, various locations around 25 May – 8 June, Exhibition: Dalry, see ad below Geoff Forrest, CatStrand Thurs 11 – Sun 30, Exhibition: Sat 1, Carsphairn Show, see p5 The Suitcase of the Dying Village Sat 1, ‘Give Golf a Go’, 10amby Tom Pow, CatStrand Fri 14, Alasdair Roberts Trio, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 14 Sun 16, Art Exhibition, Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry Sat 15, Mulloch Sunday 9 to Saturday 15 June 2013 Hill Race, 3.15pm, school playing field (see below) Wed 19, Some Other Mother by AJ Taudevin, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 21, Film: Les Miserables, PARADE DAY SATURDAY 15 JUNE 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 28, Lau, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sun 30, Arndarroch Open Garden, 2 - 5pm, see p7 JUNE St John’s Town of Dalry Clachan Fair Week Fun for everyone! From the Fun Show for Dogs to the Quiz Night... ...and lots more! Watch out for programmes and posters around the Glenkens for details of individual events Scottish Alternative Games Sunday 4th August New Galloway Park 2 pm CEILIDH NEW GALLOWAY TOWN HALL fRIDAY 2ND aUGUST, 8.30PM JULY Tue 2, Pauline Scanlon, Noriana Kennedy, Jefferson Hamer, & Méabh O’Hare, 7.30pm, CatStrand Tue 16, Tall Stories: My Little Brother the Robot, 2pm, CatStrand Fri 19, Film: I am Eleven, 7.30pm, CatStrand Wed 31, The Hot Seats, 7.30pm, CatStrand Tue 2 – Wed 31, Exhibition: Colin Park, CatStrand Mon 8 - Fri 12, Nightingale Stage Academy, 9am-3pm, Showcase finale Friday, CatStrand, see p13 Wed 24, Painting Workshop with Robyn Wade, 9.30am–1pm, CatStrand, see p13 Mon 15 - Fri 19, Filmmaking with Scene 1 Take 1, 10am-4pm, Screening on Fri 19, CatStrand, see p13 Sat 20, Workshop: Life Drawing with Katharine Wheeler, 10am– 3pm, CatStrand Wed 31, The Hot Seats, 7.30pm, CatStrand AUGUST Thurs 1, Stewartry Show, Stewartry Rugby Club, Castle Douglas, see p5 Fri 2, Alternative Games Ceilidh, New Galloway Town Hall, 8.30pm Sat 3, Dumfries & Lockerbie Agricultural Show, Showfield, Park Farm, Dumfries, see back page Sun 4, Scottish Alternative Games, New Galloway Town Park, 2pm Thurs 8, Apollo 5, Dalry Town Hall, 7.30pm, see p15 GTI WEDNESDAY BUS SERVICE (registered route) Outward Journey: 19:00 Dept. Dalry (Underhill) 19:10 New Galloway 19:25 Mossdale 19:35 Laurieston 19:40 Townhead of Greenlaw 19:47 Castle Douglas (Market St) 19:50 Castle Douglas (Tesco) Return journey: 20:45 Dept. Castle Douglas (Tesco) 20:47 Castle Douglas (Market St) 20:52 Townhead of Greenlaw 21:00 Laurieston 21:10 Mossdale 21:25 New Galloway 21:35 Dalry To book a Glenkens Transport Initiative (GTI) bus or for more information please contact keith cooper, GTI Administrator, on 01644 420 374. Glenkens Gazette page 19 REGULAR EVENTS CatStrand (New Galloway): Exercise to Music: Mon, 10-11am Margaret Morris Movement Adult Dance Class, Mon, 2.30-3.30pm, contact Sara on 01556 612854 Children’s Dance Class: Mon during term time, 3.45-4.45pm age 3-7, 4.30-5.30pm age 8-15 Paint & Art: Mon, 1.30-4.30pm & Wed, 7-9pm Ballroom & Latin Dance Class: Mon, 7.15, for more info call Sam Rushton on 420 672 Good Neighbour’s Club: Tues, 2pm Kickback Martial Arts: Thurs, 79pm Carer’s Coffee & Chat: Tues, 10am-12noon Thursday Craft Group: Thurs, 24pm Teen Spirit: Tues during term time, 7-8:30pm (P7 - S3) and 8-9:30pm (S3+, Duke of Edinburgh) Brownies: Wed, 5.30-6.45pm Sing it Out: Thurs, 11.30am 12.30pm Various Locations: Pilates: Thurs, 4.15-5.15pm & 5.30-6.30pm Afternoon Tea Club: 2nd Fri each month, 2pm Family Film Club: 1st Sat each month, 11am Saturday Art Club: 2nd Sat each month, 10am–12noon Zumbatomic, last Sat each month,10-10.45am Catstrand Youth Players: Sun during term time, 2pm Glenkens Acoustic Sessions, last Sun of the month, 2-4pm Glenkens Community Centre (Dalry): (contact Kath 430 281) Glenkens Children’s Club: Mon & Fri, 9.15-11.45am Guides: Tue during term-time, 6.15pm, contact: Kath 430 281 Texas Hold ‘em Poker, Mon, 7.15pm, Cross Keys Hotel, New Galloway Mother & Toddlers: Tues, 9.4511.15am, New Galloway Town Hall Beavers: Tues, 6–7.15pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Dog Training: Tue & Wed, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. Contact: Eric 460 670 Tai Jitsu: Wed, Junior Class (age 6-14), 6-7pm; Senior Class, 78.30pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn, contact David on 07547 134 276, see p5 Wednesday Quiz Night, Wed, 8.30pm, Cross Keys Hotel, New Galloway Stewartry Camera Club: Wed, Glenkens Community Councils Balmaclellan Community Council Meetings: 3rd Monday each month, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall. Carsphairn Community Council Meetings: Last Monday each month, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn. Dalry Community Council Meetings: 1st Monday each month, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. New Galloway & Kells Community Council Meetings: 2nd Monday each month, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall. Full minutes of local Community Council meetings can be viewed at Dalry Library. CHURCH OF SCOTLAND: Sundays: Balmaclellan: 12noon: 1st. Carsphairn: 10.30am: 1st,2nd,3rd,4th. Dalry: 9am: 1st,2nd(Jul),3rd, 4th. Dalry: 10.30am: 2nd(Jun). Kells: 10.30am: 2nd,3rd,4th,5th(Jun). Special Services/Events: 9 June, United Family Service, 10.30am, Dalry Church. 9 June, Clachan Fair Songs of Praise, 6.30pm, Newfield Green, Dalry. 30 June, United Service with Church Choir, 10.30am, Kells Church, 7 July, Communion Service, 10.15am, Carsphairn Church. Communion Services: 7 July, 10.15am, Carsphairn Church. SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH: St Margaret’s, New Galloway: Holy Communion, 10.30am every Sun & Wed CATHOLIC CHURCH SERVICES: Gatehouse of Fleet: Sat, 6pm. Kirkcudbright: Sun, 9.30am. Dalbeattie: Sun, 11am 7.30pm, The Tolbooth, Kirkcudbright Zumba: Wed: 7.30-8.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall, £4 Mossdale Painters: Wed, 9.30am, Mossdale Village Hall Cub Scouts: Wed, 6.45–8pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Scouts: Thurs, 7–8.30pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Folk Music Session: 1st Sat each month, 8pm, The Clachan Inn, Dalry The Clog & Shoe Workshop unique handmade footwear open 10am - 5pm weekdays Easter Mon to 31st October please ring to arrange a visit at other times Tel: 01644 420 465 visit our new online shop at www.clogandshoe.co.uk Dalry Library (Tel: 430 234) Opening Times: Tue: 2-4.30pm then 5.30-7.30pm; Fri: 11.15am-1:15pm then 2-4.30pm. There are 23 mobile library stops - to find out where and when please phone. 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 20 Children’s Club Gets Go-ahead for Growth Glenkens Children’s Club (GCC) has received a £10,000 grant from the Community and Families Fund, part of the Big Lottery Fund. The money will be used to re-start playgroup facilities in the Glenkens. Situated in Dalry Community Centre, the playgroup will run two mornings a week, starting in the new school year. This is a welcome step back towards what the Glenkens Playgroup used to offer before it was closed due to Council budget cuts in July last year. GCC Chair Helen Keron said: “We are absolutely delighted that the Big Lottery Fund agreed with us that some community childcare provision for two-tothree-year-olds is essential in the Glenkens area.” GCC Playgroup will run on a Tuesday and Thursday, with the Glenkens Children’s Club (where parents/carers must be in attendance) continuing to run on a Monday and Friday morning. GCC is part of the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) group of community initiatives. Helen said: “We are indebted to the support of the GCAT staff and board in their help in the management of the Children’s STAFF REQUIRED Playgroup Manager & Playgroup Assistant Exciting opportunity to shape and run the new GCC Playgroup. Posts are for two mornings a week, term-time only, at Dalry Community Centre. Manager: To start-up and manage the new GCC (Glenkens Children’s Club) Playgroup, with the support of the parent-led committee. You will be registered as self-employed and duties will include updating policies, Care Inspectorate registration, etc, responsibility for day-to-day running of the Playgroup, child safety and wellbeing, all administration and adherence with the Early Years Curriculum. To have degree level qualification in childcare, or to be prepared to work towards this standard, and to have experience of running a Playgroup or Nursery. Hourly rate starting at £10. Assistant: You will be registered as selfemployed and duties will be to assist the manager in child safety and well-being and day-to-day running of the Playgroup. Some relevant experience with the pre-school agegroup preferred. Hourly rate starting at £6.50. Contact Helen Keron at keronh@me.com for info or apply with CV and covering letter. Application deadline 15 June 2013. 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: MON 8 JULY Club and support in our plans for expansion.” GCAT Chair Andrew Mellor said: “We are delighted to hear that the Children’s Club has been so successful in obtaining this funding and I look forward to seeing how the new venture develops over the next year.” For more details about the Playgroup, or to enrol children, contact Helen Keron on keronh@me.com, or visit www.glenkenschildrensclub.co.uk DUMFRIES & LOCKERBIE AGRICULTURAL SHOW on Saturday 3 August 2013 The Showfield, Park Farm, Dumfries Beef & Dairy Cattle, Sheep, Goats, Clydesdales, Horses and Ponies Home & Garden Industries, Walking Sticks, Craft Fair and Food Festival. Entertainment for all... Grand Parade of Livestock at 2.15pm Admission £14; OAP £9; Accompanied Children Free; Car Park £3 Livestock schedules available shortly. Home & Garden Industries schedules available now. Please contact: Mrs E Bicket, Secretary, 15 Fruid’s Park Ave, Annan, DG12 6AY Tel: 01461 201 199 Design & co-ordination: Sarah Ade sarah_ade@tiscali.co.uk 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 76 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GG_076 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 2013 Description An account of the resource Editor: Sarah Ade