11 10 430 https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/1/247/GlenkensGazette101.pdf 2c59e76f3d6d37a6e08be26644ead8a9 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette 101 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Description An account of the resource <p>Find out more about the Gazette: <a href="https://glenkens.scot/gazette-home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Glenkens Gazette home page</a> If you would like to submit an article or take out an advert, please email the editor Sarah Ade: <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="mailto:glenkensgazette@hotmail.com">glenkensgazette@hotmail.com</a></p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is a member of, and regulated by <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.impressorg.com/">Impress</a>.</p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is an initiative of Glenkens Community &amp; Arts Trust (SC032050) and represents the voice of the community (not necessarily the views of GCAT).</p> Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document GLENKENS GAZETTE News from Balmaclellan, Carsphairn, Mossdale, New Galloway and St John’s Town of Dalry August/September 2017 ISSUE 101 FREE KEEP CATSTRAND DRY Campaign Launches channel excess water away should the Glenkens Community CatStrand burn overflow again.” & Arts Trust have Creative Director Simon Davidson warned: “After two centuries without a launched their new single recorded flood event at the site, CatStrand has been hit three times Keep CatStrand Dry in four years so, of course, insurance campaign and, with companies are very nervous about securing our future even with the celebrity supporters defences we currently have in place. like Outlander’s Sam In essence, if we got hit again this winter then CatStrand is finished, the also appreciate the ongoing support Heughan and Billy place would have to close down. What of our other funders. However, it is Elliot star Gary Lewis, this wall will give us is the protection important to understand that all of this funding is strictly project they’re hoping to specific and therefore cannot reach their target of “...if we got hit again this be used for any other purpose, hence the need to raise £44,000 before the winter then CatStrand is additional funds to meet the winter sets in. cost of the flood wall. Without finished, the place would Project Coordinator and CatStrand youth intern Joe Taylor said: “We need the money because our existing defences aren’t enough to guarantee CatStrand will not suffer another flood like the one that devastated it in 2015. This campaign will help GCAT raise enough money to construct a new flood management system to the rear of the building which will have to close down.” we need to plan into the future and continue delivering activities and events for the people of the Glenkens.” General Manager Brian Edgar said: “We are delighted with the recent confirmation of funding from Big Lottery and Leader (see p9) and this additional protection everything that we do is in jeopardy but by contributing to the campaign people can help to ensure that this vital community resource is secured for the future.” You can help by logging into www.crowdfunder.co.uk/ keep-catstrand-dry or visit www.catstrand.com to find out more. Playgroup Offers Funded Places for Two-Year-Olds Glenkens Children’s Club (GCC) Playgroup is thrilled to offer funded places for twoyear-olds from August. This is a landmark victory for the group as, since the Council cut funded places in 2011, local parents have fought hard to maintain a playgroup in the area as there is no other facility offering pre-school education for this age group. Gaining this recognition from the Council hopefully heralds a more stable future for GCC and, with the new Scottish Government initiatives in early learning and childcare moving towards the 2020 target of 1140 hours per year, the Glenkens will hopefully see funded options for pre-school education continue to broaden. To find out more about funded places for two-year-olds, or to enrol your child for Playgroup, please get in touch with Playgroup Manager, Amy, on 07511 549 413 or playgroupmanager@gcc.co.uk A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) ini�a�ve GCC Playgroup offers a staffed session in a Care Inspectorate registered facility where you can leave your child to play and learn. It runs from 9.15am to 11.45am on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during termtime at the Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry. www.glenkensgaze�e.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 2 CHARITABLE STATUS FOR LING Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING) are pleased to announce that they have now been registered with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) as a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO). Being registered with a charity number gives us greater recognition, especially when applying for extra funding - for example, to make the town hall more user-friendly in terms of access and toilets. Summer weekends at New Galloway Town Hall The New Galloway Story has popped up again for the summer weekends with some new information, pictures, photos and DVDs about our historical Royal Burgh. We would love to hear from anyone who has information to share or who can tell us a story about old New Galloway or who would like be a curator when The Story is on display. On Saturdays The Story in the main hall will be accompanied in the lesser hall by local crafters with a variety of wares to tempt you with. If you would like to book a table just give us a ring. On Sundays in the lesser Bowling cup handover from Tom Carlyle to David Grieve. hall there will be Table Top on various projects developing or Sales. I’m sure there will be a variety improving footpaths around New of pre-loved items on offer. Again, Galloway, as well as a long distance ring us to book a table. path from Carsphairn. Another LING Community Lunches continue project relates to the management of through the summer months so, if a walled garden. it’s too wet or too hot to be in the If you would like to be involved in garden, or just to enjoy the good any of these projects please let us company, come along for coffee or know. lunch between 11am and 2pm. These LING at The Alternative Games times suit the bus timetable. We will be at the Alternative After a good winter and spring Games again with various fun season Town Hall Sports will restart activities including The Round the Carpet Bowls in September. Also, Ruins Run, a seven-mile off-road with the two good tables donated by run; a Children’s Lucky Dip; a local schools, Kells & Crossmichael, Tombola stall and a Car Boot Sale. Table Tennis will continue through There will be information about the summer on Tuesday evenings The New Galloway Story and an between 7pm and 9pm. No need to opportunity to become a Friend of join a club, this is open to all. New Galloway Town Hall. LING and The Galloway Glens To find out more or book tables, etc, Project please call Ros on 01644 420 632. LING are working with the team Ros Hill MANY HAPPY RETURNS FOR BRASS BAND The rafters of Carsphairn Church will be ringing once again to the sound of brass when Dunaskin Doon Band returns on Saturday 28 October to stage an autumn concert in aid of church funds. The band is back in the village after a much-acclaimed performance last year. It will be the band’s fourth appearance at the church in eight years. Newly promoted to the First Section, Dunaskin Doon competed against bands from across the UK in the Second Section at the National Brass Band Championships in Cheltenham last September and finished in a creditable 8th position – the highestplaced Scottish band in all four contesting sections. The concert will start at 7.30pm and light refreshments will be served during the interval. As last year, there will be no admission charge, but donations at the door are requested. Dunaskin Doon Band take the applause at last year’s concert in Carsphairn Church. Glenkens Gazette 40 Years of the Scottish Alternative Games This year sees the 40th anniversary of the famous Scottish Alternative Games. The Lowland alternative to the more traditional Highland Games was the brainchild of the late Mungo Bryson from Parton. When he was trying to think of a suitable event to commemorate the Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1977, he found an old rusty gird and cleek on his farm one day and, together with Mungo’s fertile imagination, the idea was born. Initially called The Parton Games, they were soon rebranded to The Scottish Alternative Games and moved from Parton to their current venue in New Galloway, Scotland’s smallest Royal Burgh, in 2001. As well as attracting thousands of happy spectators and participants over the years the quirky event has featured in the national media, most recently on Channel 5’s Champion’s of the World with Rory McGrath in 2013 and on BBC Countryfile with Ben Fogle in 2008. The friendly, homespun nature of the event has certainly stood the test of time and is the secret of its success, with people returning year after year. Another unique feature of the Games is that all the ‘medals’ are edible - a gold medal is a haggis, silver is a clootie dumpling and bronze a scotch pie! Some events have come and gone over the years like Spinnin’ the Peerie and Flingin’ the Herd’s Bunnet, but the main Alternative Games event has always been The Gird ‘n’ Cleek World Championship. The ‘gird’ is an iron hoop and it is guided by the ‘cleek’, or handle, as the competitors race around an oval track. People from all over the globe have competed ‘race’ to the finish line. The Tractor Pull was introduced when the Games moved to New Galloway and is another strength test to see who can pull a 1960 Massey Fergusson tractor in the fastest time over 20 yards. The Alternative Run, introduced last year, is not a race but a social run at your own pace, starting and finishing in the arena and taking in some of the fantastic scenery of the Glenkens. You can even try your hand at Archery. This was a popular ...the fun lasts all afternoon but the memories will last forever! but the world title has never left the UK before and, in fact, has only been taken out of Scotland on one occasion in 1987 - this is one sport at which Scotland can truly claim world dominance! Other events which have been there from the start include Hurlin’ the Curlin’ Stane – much like the shot putt but using a curling stone instead; Tossin’ the Sheaf – a real test of skill and technique, throwing a sheaf of corn over a high bar using a pitch fork; and the hugely popular Snail Racing - a surprisingly competitive side-show which generates great excitement throughout the day as the snails 2016 Mens’ Gird ‘n’ Cleek final gets underway. Gazette Archives The planned celebratory 100th issue exhibition of Gazette past issues is postponed until we page 3 manage to unearth the past issues. We had all the past issues, right back to the start, nicely stored in the CatStrand prior to the flood. We thought they had survived the flood but, attraction when it was first introduced at New Galloway and we were delighted that the ancient skill was back as an activity last year again after a few years’ absence. All events can be entered on the day and all necessary equipment is provided – just bring yourself, your family and friends, some competitive spirit and, most importantly, your sense of humour. If you prefer just to watch, that’s fine too. As well as all the events in the main arena, the annual Classic Vehicle Show will take pride of place beside the main entrance and there will be lots of other entertainment including the Lockerbie Pipe Band, CatStrand Ukulele Band and Craft Stalls, with a Barbecue, Beer and Teas available all afternoon too. No doubt Mungo never thought that his spur-of-the-moment idea in 1977 would still be going strong 40 years later! We hope that the event has stayed true to his original ethos of a family day out with a difference. Come and join us as we celebrate those 40 years of smiles - the fun lasts all afternoon but the memories will last forever! Come along on Sunday 6 August, 2pm, The Park, New Galloway. unfortunately, it is looking more and more likely that perhaps they didn’t as various potential storage places are searched without any luck. We’ll keep you posted on progress, and hopefully will upload as many past issues as we do have online so people can view them. Sarah Ade Glenkens Gazette page 4 sponsored by EVERYTHING listed in the Glenkens Freecycle section is FREE - you just need to contact the owner and go and pick it up! If you would like to list something on this page, please get in touch with Sarah on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk VARIOUS Late 70s’ vintage 4/5 persons frame tent; wicker picnic hamper; 30 fire bricks; 2 wooden opening windows 66cm X 55cm; 4 large pond baskets 40cm square; camping gaz 2.72kg (6lbs). Contact: Cynthia on 420 605 Carton of 100 unused yellow Jiffy envelopes, size 00 (will take A6 card, maximum depth 25mm); old Tower Compact slow cooker (electric) ceramic pot and lid, 3 litre capacity. Contact: 460 526 WANTED Rabbit hutch. Contact: 07920 066 167 PERMACULTURE GATHERING AT THE HIDDEN MILL The Hidden Mill on the Hidden Road, outside Balmaclellan, hosted this year’s Scottish Permaculture Gathering. In the region of 200 attendees gathered from Galloway, Scotland and as far away as Australia. People enjoyed a large range of activities related to sustainability - there were useful workshops on problem solving in community groups, low carbon trade and green building. People were able to try their hand at some old-world skills such as blacksmithing, scything and lactofermentation. The aim of the event was to showcase a range of skills and issues close to permaculture’s heart. It was also a chance to bring together some of Galloway’s great green talent; local herbalist Alex Ross hosted a very popular tour of the hedgerow, enlightening her listeners on the The Forest School children’s area was a hive of activity. The central area provided food and an opportunity for people to gather and chat throughout the weekend. wonders of weeds. Throughout the weekend, Auchencairn’s master willow weaver, Trevor Leat, created a spectacular living willow sculpture a nest-like structure built for climbing up into for a different perspective on the landscape. The Forest School children’s area was particularly vibrant - there were about 50 children present, with skilled Forest School leaders and enthusiastic helpers offering activities such as creating bug hotels, den building and cooking over an open fire. Local Forest School Leader, Sissy Stavridi, said: “We had a wonderful time. The children loved creating dens from forest materials - especially getting messy with natural clay, and decorating them. They didn’t want to stop building - wonderful to see the children’s truly happy faces!” The event also marked the completion of the Tesco funded children’s permaculture forest garden at the Mill, where they hope to host lots more exciting educational activities for children and young people in and around the Glenkens. Lorraine Ishak, one of the event organisers, said: “The gathering went to off like a charm, it was really humbling how many people contributed before, during and after to make the event so successful. This is the spirit of a co-created event and, in my opinion, where the magic happens. It’s exactly this kind of collaboration of skills and intent that we need to meet our current social political and environmental challenges. It was especially pleasing to see the mix of local Galloway folk and the permaculture enthusiasts equally enjoying the offering and getting involved.” Anyone interested in knowing more about the site or using it for something please get in touch with Lorraine on lorraine.ishak@gmail.com Glenkens Gazette page 5 sponsored by Five Years On... The Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere was officially five years old on 23 July 2017. The application for designation had to be approved by both Scottish and UK Government, and then an international committee based in Paris made up of representatives from around the world who debated the application and recognised that SW Scotland had something unique and special. As a region we should be immensely proud of this achievement and should be quoting it at every opportunity because, in its simplest form, the Biosphere brings us an opportunity to brand and market the businesses and communities of SW Scotland under an international banner; it lets us stand out from the rest of the crowd. The easiest way to tie your business in with the Biosphere is to sign up as a ‘Proud Supporter’, joining over 220 businesses, organisations and individuals who have shown their support already. This association to the positive ethos of the Biosphere can only help in attracting new customers and opportunities. As we look back over the first five years we can record some really positive achievements that help lay the foundations for the Biosphere to continue to grow. Back in 2012 we were one of the first participants in the Giants in the Forest project which brought in artists to work with children in the Glenkens to create a ‘giant’ from twigs, moss and bracken. The giant, twinned with similar giants created in the North Devon and Dyfi Biospheres, was hung from the trees along Raiders Road (then relocated to Threave). Since then the Biosphere has worked with a range of environmental artists who seek to promote the special qualities of the region including Sanctuary, Rosnes benches and the Environmental Arts festival. More recently we have worked with some of our ‘Proud Supporter’ sign-ups to promote an opportunity to Explore the Biosphere with the production of three itineraries Biosphere in action. Over the last five years, we are beginning to see other bodies pick up on elements the Biosphere focuses on in their own land management plans. Discussion has been stimulated with local farmers and land managers about how land use will need to adapt as a result of BREXIT. The Biosphere provided the impetus for a water vole survey which involved training local people in understanding the life-cycle of water voles, what the field signs were of their presence and their value in indicating good wetland management. As we move forward into the next five-year period there are many new and exciting opportunities. We are working on a certification mark that will enable products and services to be branded with the Biosphere logo. We are working with partners from Norway, Finland and Iceland to explore how we can support businesses in the promotion of ecotourism opportunities that celebrate our natural and cultural heritage. And we continue to work with communities to use the Biosphere ‘Sense of Place’ approach to identify the unique attributes of our rural communities. The role of the Biosphere is not to deliver everything itself but to share and nurture the Biosphere ethos through providing an overarching framework that will bring about new actions in our local area and, where necessary, challenge current practices – in short, to live up to the accolade of UNESCO Biosphere status and encourage its use in promoting the region. For further informatio visit www.gsabiosphere.org.uk Ed Forrest, GSA Biosphere Coordinator Discussion has been stimulated with local farmers and land managers about how land use will need to adapt as a result of BREXIT. including one based on Loch Ken and the River Dee. The downloadable leaflet has a detailed route that takes visitors from Castle Douglas on a circuit of Loch Ken, promoting some of the key opportunities to experience natural, cultural and recreational experiences along the way. The Biosphere has been involved since the beginning in working with partners to support and explore the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) funded £5m Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership (GGLP) project. One of the reasons given by HLF for supporting the bid was the UNESCO Biosphere association. As the GGLP moves into the implementation phase in 2018, it will be a shining example of the Glenkens Gazette page 6 New Zealand Flatworm Study There have been expressions of interest in the Glenkens about the New Zealand flatworm and how to stop the spread of this non-native invasive species. The flatworm was brought in in the 1960s to the UK with imported plants, but it is not known how far it has travelled since. It is certain, however, that it is rife in parts of the Glenkens. Scientists at the University of Aberdeen need members of the public to help them better understand how far the New Zealand flatworm has spread and what effect this species is having on the local environment. The flatworm eats our native earthworms, which are essential for good soil quality and the food chain. Dr Annie Robinson from the University explains: “The New Zealand Flatworm Survey has allowed us to create a good picture of many areas. However, we are still lacking enough data to help us determine their existence in other parts of the country. Carrying out the survey is really straightforward; search your garden, allotment, school grounds or public spaces for 10 minutes, focussing on dark damp places like under pieces of wood, stones or plastic.” New Zealand flatworms are between 5-15cm long, flat with a dark brown topside and a creamy pale underside and edge, and often found curled up like a Swiss roll. They are pointed at both ends and covered in sticky mucus, trails of which are left wherever they have been. Below is an adult flatworm, a flatworm egg in comparison to a one pence piece, and flatworm hatchlings. If you think you have found a New Zealand flatworm, please take a photo and submit it along with its location at www.opalexplorenature.org/ nzflatworm - you can also find further information on this site. Reporting where you don’t find any flatworms is also very useful as knowing where the New Zealand flatworm is absent is just as important in managing their spread as knowing where they are. The species is very difficult to control once established. They are able to survive without food for over a year by shrinking their body mass to 10% of their original weight. New Zealand flatworms are spread by moving topsoil or rooted plants between places, which allows this species to move from garden to garden. Current understanding of where in the UK they exist is very limited, but knowing their distribution could help target FHB Fencing Dalry Domestic and Agricultural Fencing 01644 430 495 (Peter) or 07767 795 498 (Jonathan) HIGHLAND BEEF from THE GLENKENS STEAK ROASTS MINCE CASSEROLE LORNE pre-pack frozen Blackmark Dalry Castle Douglas DG7 3UG 01644 460532 www.highland.scot initiatives to prevent further introductions. The SNH website states that under Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1992 it is an offence to release a New Zealand flatworm into the wild, illustrating the seriousness of the spread of these pests and the need to control them when found. The site also states that the most important action at the present time is to reduce the spread of flatworms in plant containers. This requires strict hygiene in plant nurseries and gardens, especially for soil which is known to be infected. If possible, plants should be planted with bare roots or from seed into clean soil. Some treatment is possible for infected plant pots; immersing pots in water overnight may make most of the flatworms leave the pots allowing them to be captured. However, any egg capsules will remain in the soil. Glenkens Gazette page 7 NEW GALLOWAY IN BLOOM Some readers may have noticed that New Galloway has been transformed with tubs of flowers and hanging baskets. The ground at the junction of Kirk Road and Newton Stewart Road has had a make over, for the benefit of visitors and residents alike. We would like to thank Derek Thomson (WH Mcwilliams Ltd), CatStrand, the Alternative Games, The Smithy, Williamson & Henry, The Cross Keys, the Post Office and New Galloway & Kells Community Council for their donations, all of which helped buy plants and containers. We would also like to thank Dumfries & Galloway Council and Jenny Walker for their donation of plants. We hope you all enjoy our efforts to brighten the town! Linda & Marion A&B Sinclair Welding & Fabrication Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents Dumfries & Galloway 01556 503744 www.ggblaw.co.uk All legal advice Offices in Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie Kirkcudbright and Dumfries Decorative Ironwork Design, Manufacture & Installation Service • Garden/Driveway Gates • Handrails & Balustrades • Garden Features, etc Mobile Welding Service • Agricultural & Forestry • Fabrication & Repairs Contact Andy Sinclair: Mobile - 07896 168 724 Home - 01644 430 332 Glenkens Gazette page 8 Glenkens Gazette page 9 Connecting in Communities Connecting in Communities (CiC) is an exciting new participation and community involvement project running for the next three years under the auspices of the Glenkens Communities & Arts Trust (GCAT). As a follow-up to the highly successful Connecting in Retirement (CiR) project, CiC will focus on creating partnerships with local groups and clubs as well as critical organisations like the NHS, Social Services, Age Scotland and third sector D&G for example. This in return will offer a wider scope of activities and events ‘open to all’, but will extend to remove barriers for those who find it harder to participate - older folks, those who are disabled, housebound or are unpaid carers. The project will provide many more opportunities for volunteering in the Glenkens. GCAT has secured funding from both The Big Lottery and LEADER and appointed two staff to run the project. Brian Jones, who ran the CiR project, will lead and Chris Jowsey starts a new role as Volunteering and Participation Officer. Both can be contacted Brian Jones, Lindsey Smith and Chris Jowsey with at the CatStrand on Connecting in Retirement cheque. 01644 420374 or at brian@catstrand.com Workshop, Ukulele for Beginners, or chris@catstrand.com Ale Tasting (over 18s only) and a Connecting in Communities is Rock Music Night! aimed at a wider audience in terms A key aim of the project is to get of age, ability and location and more volunteers running more things offers something for everyone for themselves, with back-up and across the Glenkens; the current support from the project team, so if favourites such as Men’s Shed, you want to get involved, get in touch. Ukulele Band, Writing Workshop We don’t have all the ideas either, and Digital Photography will all so if you have a bright idea for the continue plus we plan to try new Community we’ll see if we can help evening Yoga Sessions, a Young you bring it to life. Chris Jowsey Persons’ Motorcycle Maintenance Glenkens Gazette page 10 DALRY FILM NIGHTS Dalry Town Hall will be starting its winter season of films in September supported by the British Film Institute (BFI) through Driftwood Cinema. Showings of films in the Town Hall were very popular between January and April and we hope that the winter programme will be just as appealing. The films were chosen by visitors to the Glenkens Farmer’s Market in July. The programme after Christmas will be announced over the next few months. Some dates for your diary are: The Commitments on 6 September, Trainspotting2 on 20 September, Hairspray on 18 October and Jackie on 15 November. In addition, in partnership with the CatStrand, we will be expanding the programme to offer films aimed at and selected by young people from the Glenkens aged 15-25 as part of a BFI-funded Movies After Dark project, screening between October and December. Anyone interested in finding out more about this project should turn to the article on p16, or contact Aidan at the CatStrand on aidan@catstrand.com MARIE CURIE WIGTOWN BOOK FESTIVAL life, Shakespeare and the Year Wigtown Book Festival THANKS takes place in Scotland’s of Innovation, Architecture and Thank you to all who contributed to the success of the Marie Curie Blooming Great Tea Party and Swishing Evening. We have been able to contribute £400 to Marie Curie as well as passing on clothes to the Dalry Community Shop and the Dumfries Marie Curie Shop. Thank you all, Ros and Julia National Book Town from Friday 23 September to Sunday 2 October. Design. With over 280 events for adults, young people and children there’s something for everyone. Join us for a 10-day literary celebration in which this year we take inspiration from island Patsy Gilroy I am delighted to have been elected as one of the Local Councillors for the new Dee and Glenkens Ward. If you would like to get in touch, my contact details are: patsy.gilroy@dumgal.gov.uk 07825 633153 Rebecca Giblin Wigtown. GLENKENS ROUTE Thursdays: 12noon-1pm – Crossmichael 1-2pm – Parton/Loch Ken Holiday Park 2-4pm – Balmaclellan area 4-5.30pm – The Hidden Road Fridays: 8-10.30am – Dalry 10.30-11am – Glenlea Area 11am – New Galloway 12noon – New Galloway Shop 2pm – Mossdale area 3-4pm – Laurieston to Gatehouse Please note that all times are approximate. 07966 103 912 fleetfish@hotmail.com Fleet Fish aims to provide top quality produce which is sourced as locally as possible. We take pride in offering friendly door-to-door service tailored to our customers’ needs. Glenkens Gazette page 11 CatStrand Highlights Contemporary music dominates our summer schedule with some famous faces and also a few familiar names appearing at the CatStrand in August and September. As a prelude to the Scottish Alternative Games we are throwing a NEON PARTY featuring young Kirkcudbright rock band Black Mango (Fri 4 Aug). The 5-piece have been getting rave reviews for their performance at Gatehouse Music Festival and are tipped for big things. The night also features Shade and a DJ. Classical/world guitarist Simon Thacker’s reputation as one of the world’s leading exponents of the instrument (The Herald) precedes his Karmana show (Fri 11 Aug). The concert itself will be an extraordinary musical experience of guitar and cello where the audience is transported through a “kaleidoscopic world of tradition-expanding sounds incorporating Scottish, Roma, and Indian cultures.” Meanwhile, Dark Sky Jazz Club returns after a truly extraordinary opening night with two concerts from world-renowned artists. Trio Red (Fri 25 Aug) are a piano, bass & drums trio described by the Guardian as a “world class trio…riveting and complex”. Meanwhile Zoe Rahman (Sat 23 Sept) needs no introduction after her storming trio here last year. The piano maestro described by Metro as having “breathtaking musical imagination” returns with Scottish saxophonist Laura MacDonald to mesmerise and delight with a new set. August closes with a concert by US singer-songwriter and multiinstrumentalist AJ Croce (Thu 31 Aug). Described by Rolling Stone as “one of the greatest young songwriters” and a personal favourite of the legendary Willie Nelson, Croce has adoring audiences all over the globe who may also know his father, the acclaimed Jim Croce. September sees a debut at CatStrand for Boo Hewerdine (Sat 9 Sept). Best known as a member of The Bible and key collaborator of Eddi Reader, Hewerdine also has famous fans such as Andrew Marr! His new album Swimming in Mercury has been a regular on the CatStrand turntable. The end of September will see one of the biggest stars of the 1970s and 80s play CatStrand. Elton John favourite and former Glastonbury headliner Judie Tzuke (Thu 28 Sept) brings her intimate and hugely popular Songs & Stories tour to New Galloway with a set that will include both old favourites such as “Stay With Me Til Dawn” as well as new songs reworked for an acoustic performance. A late booking in our programme is Fox & Hounds Theatre Co who will be performing three plays at CatStrand (Sat 16 Sept) after a run at the Edinburgh Zoe Rahman Festival. The blossoming Galloway-based company are performing a double bill of Tennessee Williams entitled Talk to Me Like the Rain and Let Me Listen and Ivan’s Window followed by their own piece 1 in 2 Chance. Some other highlights to watch out for are our first Movie in the Park (Sat 19 Aug) which will feature Sundance Festival double winner Me, Earl & The Dying Girl [12A]. We also have our annual CatStrand Ukes Summer Party (Tues 19 Sep) and our revamped OPEN STAGE (Wed 9 Aug & Wed 13 Sept). All of these events are FREE ENTRY. Tickets for our 10th Anniversary Showcase in October are ON SALE NOW so if you want tickets for Dougie MacLean, Craig Hill, Rachel Sermanni, and much more, get in quick! For more details and to keep updated with event announcements visit www.catstrand.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter. The CatStrand Team See our latest brochure or visit our website for programme details. Book online at www.catstrand.com or call 01644 420374. JENNY’S DESIGN Mobile Hairdresser • Home Visits • Nursing Homes & Residential • The Elderly & Disabled • Blow Drying • Setting • Perms • Cuts • Toupees • Wig Styling NVQ Level 3 Hairdressing, NVQ Level 4 Social Care Call Jenny on 07554 009 624 Glenkens Gazette page 12 Scotland to Sahara: Update from the Overlanders I write this update on a cool evening at the end of another hot day, within the giant cedar forests of the Middle Atlas mountains. We have trekked some fantastic hikes over the past few days here, discovering all manner of natural sights. The sprawling city lights of Azrou glimmer in the distant valley, far below our mountain-side base camp. There are even a few troops of Barbary apes who pass by our place some days, with tiny new babies clinging on, I’m unsure of the term for a monkey or ape baby? Perhaps an ‘apelet’, maybe ‘monkling’, or a ‘chimpette’? Suggestions welcome please... Brief interludes of France and Spain preluded a lengthy tour of sunny Portugal which was thoroughly enjoyable. It was then time to change continent once more, Africa welcomed us for the journey South. Tarfaya in the Western Sahara was the aim: we are happy to report a status of ‘mission complete’. This town was originally founded, under British colonial rule, by Scottish trader and adventurer Donald Mackenzie. The castle he had built there is quite impressive, reminiscent of many such stone forts back home. The Tarfaya strip was, until recent times, the Southern border of Morocco. This line still remains on many maps. We then headed inland to the desert proper. This was a really amazing experience. After a couple of weeks there the heat was becoming quite tiresome though, so the direction became North to the mighty High Atlas mountain range. Morocco has such a wide array of terrains and climates. The mountains may have their feet in the scorching desert, but the heights still remain covered in snow! Living outside every day, whilst ‘sleeping in the sky’ of our roof top tent every night for the past three months, has been an eye opening adventure. The common belief of wild camping being dangerous, or not possible within Europe, has proved quite incorrect. The majority ofthe time has been spent in this type of self-created camp. We have only used official campsites when the area is too heavily populated, or to top up our Wifi contact in the absence of cyber cafes. The outdoors lifestyle seems exceedingly good for health and spirit, suggesting that maybe our modern climate controlled, centrally heated lifestyles do nothing to aid Kaerus parked up on the ‘Cami Ral’ trail, overlooking the city of Barcelona. wellbeing. Of course the plentiful sunshine helps too! Kaerus the Defender has been outstanding, putting up with all conditions asked of her without so much as a grumble. A nod of respect to hard wearing, hand built British engineering. The hospitality and general friendly responses throughout this trip have Tarfaya...was originally founded, under British colonial rule, by Scottish trader and adventurer Donald Mackenzie. been quite heart warming - whether it be tea with nomads, shooting the breeze with camel herders, meals with mountain Berber families or shared evenings with the many likeminded individuals out exploring the world. The only exception has been when we pass ‘must see tourist sights’. These areas, which to most people are the only locations to see when visiting a country, are are not genuine and attract quite unpleasant, greedy individuals. They become only interested in milking money from the seemingly rich tourists, who arrive in sun-burnt flocks by way of tour buses, before taking countless selfies and piling back onto the bus. Could it be suggested that surely the local economy benefits from these influxes of sightseers? Not really, the areas and people that sorely need economic help are far from these sites, genuine local residents who would really benefit from an extra customer or two at their cafe, guest house or farm produce stall. Look a wee bit beyond the realms of guidebooks or package tour destinations - you won’t be disappointed. If you would like a further glimpse into our adventures, visit www.kaerus-overland.weebly.com There is also a ‘donate’ link to our chosen charity of Medecins Sans Frontieres. Much awareness has been raised for MSF throughout this trip, they really make a difference to so many lives globally - check out their website for current stories. Ben Ade Glenkens Gazette page 13 GETTING INTO GOLF New Galloway Golf Club is in the middle of an excellent season. The club’s membership has increased this year and the junior section coaching continues to be well attended. In May the club hosted the Dumfries & Galloway Primary Schools Championship. The entry for this was the biggest since the start of the annual competition and all those who played had a fantastic day. In June the club held it’s Captains Day with the Jack McQueen Trophy for the members, the new Les Burton Trophy for the juniors and a putting competition for juniors and their parents. The winners were: in the Jack McQueen Trophy, Ronnie Ritchie; The Les Burton juniors, Fiona McQueen; and the putting competition, Sophie & Chrissy Roberts. Following the fun, members and guests were treated to some excellent curries. Ian Brown Sophie and Chrissy Roberts, winners of the putting competition. SUMMER AT SPALDING Spalding Bowling Club held its open triples which were won by John Crawford, Stewart Gilmore and Jackson Pringle from Castle Douglas. Beaten finalists were John McGarrie, Stewart Crossan and Joe Caldow from Auchencairn. Also pictured are President Mat Taylor and Valerie Russell, who presented the prizes on behalf of The Sponsors - GTR Contractors, Dumfries and The Clachan Inn, Dalry. Valerie Russell Glenkens Gazette page 14 Educating Individuals in a Unique Environment The academic year 2016/2017 opened with celebrations of 85th and 50th anniversaries of the Dalry School buildings. What made the celebrations special was the enthusiastic drive of the parents as they launched FodsFest 2016. Rarely can a community be seen to come together in this way, setting an amazing example for our young people. Inside our three unique school settings, the staff work on a daily basis to provide young people with stimulating learning within a beautiful landscape: so many activities in the space of a year. Highlights of joint activity were the night-time visits to the Dark Skies Observatory on our doorstep at Loch Doon and the daytime activities at the Galloway Activity Centre at the end of the year. Such activities broaden individual horizons, encouraging children to break their own ground and to have their own unique response to stimulus acknowledged and developed. The schools are a focus for communities at key times of Harvest, Christmas and Easter with associated events and celebration. Christmas fairs, school plays, charity coffee mornings - all offer young people opportunities to take their own active role in their community. The sense of taking responsibility starts early on and the P1/2/3 French café morning was evidence of this, as was Kells musical café. Visits out of school include local public information events and, further afield, Carsphairn primary spent a day in a huge primary in Maryhill (Glasgow), demonstrating their confidence, good manners and enthusiasm for learning in a very different setting. Cluster primaries stayed in Edinburgh and Carlingwark, growing in competence and independence each time. The secondary made it down to the Eden Project taking in a production in Stratford upon Avon, the Black Country Living Museum and the Centre for Alternative Technology in mid-Wales. Four days, three countries and nearly 1000 miles - small schools can do big stuff! Historians visited the Devils Porridge, artists visited Edinburgh galleries, geographers took every opportunity to be out and about and outdoor activities of every sort were baton) has been a good opportunity for them and good role modelling for younger pupils. What makes us most proud is the great commitment and outstanding sportsmanship exhibited by our young people. This is what led to Amy Peacock being awarded Player of the Day at the Paul Jones finals in Kirkcudbright. All Glenkens’ schools this year have changed the focus of parents’ evenings to a collaborative learning conversation where pupil, parent and staff can examine strengths and key areas for development. We have all learnt much through the process and look forward to refining it next year. The great work done in primaries is what leads to the overall success of young people in secondary, as the schools add value to each and every pupil. Having the same staff who know them well is one of the key factors in that success. Having no limits to their learning is a second. With no setting in the secondary, every pupil has equal access to the highest levels and all can achieve more than they thought they could. So from entering nursery to the point where they are moving on from the secondary, Glenkens pupils are encouraged to take on opportunity and to be more than they thought they could be. From playing with spiders in the school garden with nursery pupils to sharing the dawn with the outgoing S4 from the roundhouse at Malthrawn of Mabie, my time in the Glenkens has been very special. A sense of wonder, reflection, expectation, gratitude and excitement for the future. Isn’t that what our school days should give us all? It has been a real pleasure to have had the privilege of working with this very special group of children, parents and staff. Jenny Smith, Acting Headteacher ...Glenkens pupils are encouraged to take on opportunity and to be more than they thought they could be. explored through the secondary Activities Afternoon. Secondary pupils have just returned from Barcelona where they spent four days being inspired by this beautiful city. Visitors to our schools have included hair-raising scientists and furry spiders, peace advocates and wildlife photographers. Each brings new faces, new ideas and stimulation. Sport has figured highly in all sectors throughout the year with many young people participating. Table tennis, netball, badminton and cross country have all been competitive sports with some pupils performing at national level. Primary football has been given a great boost by David Steward, who has tirelessly coached and supported the Glenken’s team to success in the Small Schools Tournament and stunning displays from both boys’ and girls’ teams in the Paul Jones tournament. The support offered to David by secondary pupil Cameron Wilke (with Andrew Ramsay now picking up that Check out the Glenkens schools’ Glenkens Gazette page 15 OUR SMALL SCHOOLS In Scotland, our rural areas are lucky to have so many wonderful small schools. The isolated nature of the communities, set among wild glens and windswept islands, means that what has historically been eclipsed by larger-scale offerings in other parts of the country have remained, for no other reason than that they are the only viable option, as small mixed-age learning environments. Children can’t be expected to travel for hours to and from school, so schools must stay small and within their communities in order give their small children space to grow up in and they began looking for jobs in Scotland. Jenny was given a post at Douglas Ewart High School in Newton Stewart, first as a biology teacher and then as Depute Head. She then transferred to Dalbeattie High School in 2005 as Depute, encouraging Bruce to join her as they were short of teaching staff. For a short while she was Acting Head in Dalbeattie before joining the Glenkens Cluster. We have been very lucky to have Jenny here, even for just a short time – we would have liked longer. Incredibly articulate, humorous and empathetic, Jenny posesses the ability to communicate clearly with Acting Head of the Glenkens Cluster from both parents 2014-2017, Jenny Smith. and children. With a keen through being set in the heart of interest in the the students’ own communities; psychology, all-through school benefits of learning and teacher-pupil relationships that development grow from pre-school right of young up until school-leaving age, people, Jenny has a hunger to giving teachers an in-depth learn and a genuine interest in the understanding of what works environment in which she works. for each child. And building This means that nothing becomes communities – when children stagnant, and her enthusiasm grow up and learn in their home draws out the best from teachers community, forging alliances with and pupils alike – an openness those around them, they are to new concepts and ideas keeps much more likely to return and things fresh. settle there. Jenny is also keenly aware, with For areas such as the Glenkens, over 30 years as a teacher, of what their remote situation offers a works and what doesn’t. In the unique educational setting where constant tide of educational flux, children benefit from some holding on to elements which work of the best learning on offer is sometimes hard - not letting the whilst developing an empathy tide of current policy sweep away towards and understanding of the key concepts which have taken community in which they live. years to get right. Sarah Ade Jenny has also been a staunch On behalf of parents in the supporter of the unique benefits of Glenkens I would like to thank what rural schools Jenny for working so hard on our, have to offer – things and our young people’s, behalf. that other larger and more urban schools We wish her well in her retirement just can’t provide. which I’m sure she will fill with Features such as adventures for many years to real community engagement, come - please keep us posted! These little microcosms offer a type of high quality education the overarching system is now trying to re-construct in its larger schools... to cater to the children who live there. These little microcosms offer a type of high quality education the overarching system is now trying to re-construct in its larger schools; ‘vertical’ systems are being created, where each large school is basically formed into a number of small all-through schools. In the Glenkens, a rural part of Dumfries and Galloway, Acting Head of the Glenkens Cluster, Jenny Smith, is retiring. In the three years she has been in place, Jenny has been an amazing asset to our wee group of schools, winning the hearts of students, teachers and parents alike. Born and raised in Birmingham, Jenny left university in 1980 and joined Surrey County Council as an engineer. Her teaching career began in 1983 as a biology teacher in Gravesend, Kent, following which she joined a boys’ school in Maidstone and then became Head of Sixth Form at Rochester Grammar School for Girls. Having started a family with her husband, Bruce, they decided to Launch of Youth Consulta�on Glenkens Gazette page 16 Glenkens Community and Arts Trust (GCAT) and a number of other local organisa�ons, including Sleeping Giants, have come together to run Glenkens Youth Voice – an important and first-of-its-kind consulta�on with young people aged 12–25 from the Glenkens. Over the summer and autumn of 2017 young people will be able to have their voices heard in a range of fun and interac�ve ways. The consulta�on is the result of cha�ng to young people who come along to CatStrand, young people at Dalry school, as well as a number of local organisa�ons. From these informal discussions GCAT know that young people’s needs are not being met - this includes on issues surrounding health, social opportuni�es, safety, employment and transport. Young people need and deserve local services designed with them in mind which can support them if they have a problem, or which can provide them with fun, young-person-friendly ac�vi�es, and opportuni�es that they can access in their local area. The consulta�on is being designed to find out what and how best local organisa�ons and bodies can support young people in the area to meet these needs, and will take place through opportuni�es carried out by trained and Disclosure Scotland cleared staff, as well as an online and in-school survey. More informa�on about the consulta�on and how the informa�on gathered will be used can be seen on the CatStrand Youth website www.catstrandyouth.co.uk Aged 12-25? CatStrand Youth Arts team will be out and about, talking to you and listening to your views at events like the Alterna�ve Games in New Galloway, Neon Night at CatStrand and in schools in September. Look out for pop up wishing trees, graffi� walls, tweet boxes and Big Brother Diary rooms where you can tell us what you think about the Glenkens around your village. An Instagram compe��on will also be launched and a whole range of other ways you can tell us how you feel, what’s important to you and what you need to help thrive here in the Glenkens. Follow us @catstrandyouth to find out about the Instagram compe��on. Look out for the youth voice ac�vity in your area, and fill in the online survey available through www.catstrandyouth.co.uk for your chance to enter a prize draw and have your say. Movies A�er Dark Project CatStrand You now taking boo events and works Summer – more d full programme ca www.catstrandyo facebook.com/cats call Aidan on 016 CatStrand has received funding from the Bri�sh Film Ins�tute and Film Hub Scotland for a project launching this August in Dalry, New Galloway, Kirkcudbright and Castle Douglas that will see more of the films you want to see up on the big screens around your local area. We’re seeking young people 15-25 who are into watching movies to create the programme of films on tour which will be targeted at this age group. Programming groups will be recruited across the towns and villages involved in the project to come up with, watch and search out the best films to grace screens in the Tollbooth Arts Centre, CatStrand, The Fullerton and Dalry Film Club this winter. The programming groups will meet in September with industry experts to make their selec�ons for screenings throughout October – December. Interested in ge�ng involved in film programming? Looks great on the CV, gives you insight into the film industry (perfect for wannabe film makers) and it’s a good excuse to watch films for free for cinema fans or up and coming film cri�cs. Email aidan@catstrand.com 30 Days of Summer in the Glenkens Glenkens Gazette page 17 CatStrand’s summer programme for young people 12-25 has launched and offers an amazing and diverse mix of opportuni�es over a 30-day period for young people throughout the Glenkens. Highlights include some firsts for CatStrand – the first ever Game Jam event. A game jam is a gathering of people for the purpose of planning, designing and crea�ng one or more games within a short span of �me, usually ranging between 24 and 72 hours. On 2 and 3 August CatStrand will be host to professional game animators and programmers who will help young people create their own 2.5D game over two days of a�ernoon workshops! Gamers will be lucky enough to meet Zoe Sams, tools programmer for AA Games Companies and a member of the Board of Directors for the Interna�onal Game Developers Associa�on. She’ll be speaking about routes into the games industry on Thursday 3 August. If that wasn’t enough for gaming fans, CatStrand will be opening up the cinema for big screen gaming both nights a�er the workshops PLUS we’ll have an Oculus virtual reality sta�on to try out and a FIFA championship the following week for the pros out there. These workshops see the launch of CatStrand new monthly gaming sessions – Game Tech – for over-12s to come and try out the latest XBOX 1 games using the big screen and opportuni�es to work on game development projects and coding with support from uth Arts are University West of Scotland’s game department for free on the last Wednesday of the month. okings for all shops over the details and the an be found on outh.co.uk or strandyouth or 644 420 374. More firsts this Summer include an outdoor movie screening in New Galloway park with the help of local company Dri�wood Cinema’s portable screening facility and CatStrand’s new inflatable sofas providing comfy seats. The one night only outdoor cinema will be showing Me and Earl and the Dying Girl – winner of both the US Drama�c Audience Award and the Grand Jury Prize at the 2015 Sundance Fes�val. The 12a rated film will be screened at 9.30pm in the park on the 19 August and is FREE. Ice cream, a barbecue and hot drinks will be on sale from 8.30pm – cinema goers are encouraged to bring a picnic, snacks and a blanket to keep cosy whatever the weather. An umbrella might not go amiss either... An under-18s gig on Friday 4 August will see Kirkcudbright rock band Black Mango and singer Shade take to the stage in CatStrand, in a first for New Galloway. The gig and DJ set is open to anyone over 13 (and under 18) and will run from 8-11pm. CatStrand Youth Arts are looking forward to welcoming members of the Creetown Youth Ini�a�ve youth clubs in Newton Stewart, Creetown and Kirkcudbright to the gig. There will be free minibus transport between Castle Douglas and New Galloway, as well as from the other Glenkens villages, before and a�er the gig for young people in need of a li� (seats need to be booked in advance, with parental consent, so get in touch). A great chance to see this up and coming local band and get your glow on – let’s make this event a hit and hopefully CatStrand UV neon party nights will become a regular thing, suppor�ng fantas�c local talent. Glenkens Gazette page 18 DETECTIVE FICTION: The Foreign Sleuths There are many fictional foreign detectives available for our pleasure. Many are written by British authors (often having lived or worked abroad for many years) and others have been translated into English. Perhaps the two most famous are Inspector Montalbano and Commissario Brunetti, the creation of Donna Leon. Some of the detectives appear in a long series of books and others only in one or two. I should also point out that if the book is rather too gruesome I tend not to be terribly interested. Boris Akunin has created two detectives, Sister Pelagia, a Russian nun who is often dragged against her will into solving crimes and Erast Fandorin, the C.19th Moscow detective. Dave Robicheaux from Louisiana by James Lee Burke is popular. Colin Cotterill has created the delightful Dr Siri Paiboun in Laos. Lindsey Davis has dipped into classical Rome to create two detectives, Flavia Albia, the female detective and Marcus Didius. Michael Dibdin has given us Inspector Aurelio Zen from modern day Italy and Sam Eastland Inspector Pekkala who tries to solve crime through the chaos of Tsarist and Stalinist Russia. Inspector Van der Valk by Nicholas Freeling will recall the TV series and the soundtrack for many readers. Kerry Greenwood produced the delightful, if rather frothy and frisky, Phryne Fisher in early C.20th Australia and Michele Giuttari, once Head of the Florence Police Force, has given us Chief Superintendent Ferrara. Jason Goodwin introduced Yahim the eunuch from C.19th Istanbul. Vaseem Khan’s Inspector Chopra of India is worth reading. Harry Kemelman has created the popular American Rabbi David Small and Philp Kerr the 1930s’ German Bernie Gunther. Camilla Lackberg’s Falck and Hedstrom are examples of the very popular Nordic detectives. Gloomy Nordic thrillers are not to everyone’s taste. Precious Ramotswe from Botswana is the creation of Alexander McCall Smith and she is a joy to read. Arkady Renko by Martin Cruz Smith is always well written, Gorky Park is almost a classic by now. One of my personal favourites is Ivy Litvinov’s District Procurator Nikulin. It was published in 1930 when she was married to Maxim Litvinov, one of the leading Bolshevik figures. Henning Mankell’s Kurt Wallander should be reasonably familiar to many. Ben Pastor ‘s Martin Bora tries to fight crime on behalf of the German Wehrmacht in World War Two. The irony of investigating killings in the middle of war is nicely handled. Louise Penny has created the bestselling Chief Inspector Gamache from modern Quebec. Sara Paretsky has given us the famous Chicago private investigator, V. I. Warshawski and Robert Parker has given us the American Sheriff, Jesse Stone. Michael Pearce has the Egyptian Mamur Zapt keeping the British Empire in this part of the world safe. Stalinist Russia again provides the background for Captain Korolov by William Ryan. Maj Sjowall and Per Wahloo have given us the Swedish detective Martin Beck and Anne Zouroudi the quite delightful Greek Hermes Diaktoros. Qui Xiaolong’s Inspector Chen battles corrupt Chinese officials and the changing face of modern Chinese society. If readers have their favourites, please contact us, don’t keep them a big secret. HAIR BY JAYNE Richard 26 Main Street, Dalry Arkless MP Hair by Jayne is pleased to announce the addition of a New Hairstylist. Emma Perrott will be joining the Salon from September, specialising in weddings/occasion hair and colour correction. Open Tues-Sat by appointment: 01644 430 525 or 07876 397 725 Dumfries & Galloway Constituency Richard operates an open-door policy please just pop in to either office at any time during opening hours. Constituency Office Dumfries Unit 7, High Street, Loreburne Shopping Centre, Dumfries, DG1 2BD Tel: 01387 265698 Mon-Fri 10am-4pm Constituency Office Stranraer 36-38 Charlotte Street, Stranraer, DG9 7EF Tel: 01776 705800 Mon/Tue/Thurs/Fri 10am-2pm Email: richard.arkless.mp@parliament.uk www.richardarkless.scot Glenkens Gazette page 19 Sun Shines on Gardens of Excellence The Glenkens Transport Initiative (GTI) has been busy during the first half of the year running a variety of interesting excursions. The trips to the Gardens of Excellence benefited from good weather. In April, Logan Botanic Garden was visited when everyone enjoyed a talk from the head gardener and the beautiful display of spring flowers. The trip to Burnside Garden disclosed the newly planted arboretum containing trees from around the world. May saw a trip to Woodfall Garden with its amazing walled garden, which totally captivated everyone. Corsock House garden was visited for the National Garden Scheme and in June, Broughton House, Anwoth Old Schoolhouse Garden and Cally Gardens all provided inspiration for people to try ideas in their own gardens. Excursions for the second half of the gardening year are now planned with a keen eye on timing visits to appreciate the maximum beauty of each individual garden. In August, Ardwell House Garden and Glenwhan Happy travellers on the Gardens of Excellence GTI Trip. Garden are to be visited, Dawyck Botanical Garden. the former GTI runs these excursions for offering landscaped gardening, the the benefit of our community. latter displaying a beautiful mixed Pick-up points for each trip garden with wild flower woodlands. are available around the area Opportunities to restock one’s plant so if you want an enjoyable collection will also be available. informative day out with likeIn September, Craigengillan Estate minded individuals, contact the is the venue with its famous rock CatStrand to book your seat. and water garden, kitchen garden, hot beds and palm house. The The GTI Team season is rounded off with the spectacular autumn colours of Follow us on facebook and twi�er and make sure to sign up for our newsle�er - see website for details… www.gallowayglens.org Glenkens Gazette page 20 FARMERS’ MARKET RNLI Success SEEKS NEW The annual Glenkens Coffee Evening fundraiser for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) took place in Dalry Town Hall. This year the event got off to a terrific start as guests were entertained by pupils from Dalry Primary School who sang a selection of sea shanties to great applause. Stalls selling home baking, plants, books, tombola and RNLI souvenirs were all busy and the raffle proved very popular as well. The Committee are very grateful for all who helped and are delighted to report that just over £1,000 was raised for RNLI funds. Often known as the fourth emergency service, the Lifeboats do not receive any government funding and are reliant on the generosity of the public so many thanks to all our supporters here in the Glenkens. STALLHOLDERS The long-established Glenkens Farmers’ Market is held on the second Saturday of each month in Dalry Town Hall, and is a regular date for both stallholders and the general public alike. People come from all over the Glenkens to buy and to sit down for a coffee, chat and some homemade cake. It’s not unusual to see customers filling their bags with a month’s supply of corn bread from The Little Bakery or to be drawn to Carson’s stall by the smell of a sizzling burger. The Balmaclellan Smokehouse offers smoked cheeses, fish and meats. There is home baking to be bought as well as jams, marmalade, honey and plants, as well as a beautiful selection of hand-made cards. A recent addition has been the offering of fine chocolates from In House Chocolates in Castle Douglas, for that special treat. Right now the market has room for one or two more stalls and would be happy to hear from anyone interested. To find out more or book a table call Jean Lockerbie on 01644 430 454. Chocolates at the Farmer’s Market. Glenkens Gazette page 21 Arndarroch Open Garden The garden at Arndarroch will be opened to the public on Sunday 20 and Saturday 26 August by the Dumfries and Galloway Canine Rescue. 40% of the proceeds will go to the Carsphairn Church Fabric Account which funds the repairs and maintenance at the church. The garden at Arndarroch has been developed from the hillside over the last 26 years. The whole garden is wildlife friendly including the numerous rabbits! Many birds find nesting places in the trees and shrubs whilst others are helped by unusual nest boxes. Garden waste material is used in the woodlands to provide homes for many mammals and countless smaller creatures. There is a good collection of herbaceous perennials, trees and shrubs – some rare- and seats are available so that one can sit and savour the magnificent views. Entrance to the gardens is £3.50, school children – and younger - are free. Children enjoy the space and the intriguing corners of the garden and there will be a treasure hunt, with prizes, for them. Teas (all home baking) are £2.50 and there will be the usual excellent plant stall and small craft exhibition. The garden is open from 2-5pm and dogs on leads are welcome. Teas will not be available on Saturday 26. Arndarroch is on the B7000 five miles from Carsphairn and Dalry. View over Kendoon loch and the hills beyond with, in the foreground, Rocky the Kendoon monster, who often visits the garden. t: 01292 550954 m: 07766 978568 e: rj.mcculloch@aol.co.uk www.rjmcculloch.co.uk RJ McCulloch is a family run plumbing, heating and renewables company that is a trusted provider of affordable heating solutions. At RJ McCulloch we embody the concepts of quality, technical skills and customer satisfaction. Our aim is to provide our customers with a no-nonsense and reliable service for many years to come. From a rural cottage to a country estate, we can design and install a heating system to suit your needs. Our highly experienced installation and service engineers are fully qualified in all areas of Gas, Oil, LPG, Biomass, Heat pumps and Solar Thermal. RJ McCulloch recently installed a Mitsubishi Ecodan heat pump for Gary and Liz at St John’s Town Of Dalry to replace their electric storage heaters and hot water immersion system. They are now experiencing reduced fuel costs, more efficient central heating and hot water and also benefiting from the renewable heat incentive available to home owners and businesses alike installing renewable technology. Happy owners of a new Eco Dan boiler, Gary and Liz, with Ross McCulloch. Please feel free to contact Ross for advice relating to any plumbing or heating queries you may have. Glenkens Gazette A key element of Watson Birds is to ensure that the best scientific work on raptors (eagles, harriers, buzzards, kites etc) is made available to the public. Hence our day of presentations in Dalry Town Hall on 23 September. Also, there will be lots of information from local experts about where to watch birds in Dumfries & Galloway, the results of recent surveys, and the proposed additions to the local golden eagle population. It will be preceded on 22 September by a similar series of presentations in Edinburgh. There is so much hearsay and speculation about birds of prey, all too often based on prejudice. So we are bringing first rate scientists to talk to anyone interested in an informative and non-technical way about their work. We are particularly fortunate in having one of the world’s leading raptor scientists, Professor Ian Newton FRS, to lead us off on the page 22 day. Modern techniques of radio tracking the paths of golden eagles will be another highlight revealing the places in Scotland where these magnificent birds just vanish, a point which the Scottish Government has registered strong concern. And in the afternoon, our local experts, including Chris Rollie and Andrew Bielinski who both live in Dalry, and representatives from the NTS and WWT Caerlaverock, will be talking about special local bird places. Paintings, prints and books by Donald Watson will be available for sale. It is a pleasure to be hosting this event in the Dalry Town Hall with its excellent facilities. We will provide light refreshments and ask for an entrance charge of £10. In addition, we plan that The Clachan will provide a light lunch for payment. I hope to see many local people as well as bird interests there on 23 September. To book, please either phone the CatStrand on 01644 420 374 or email roger.dodin@btinternet.com Please see ad on p29 for full programme. Roger Crofts Frank a poem by Kevin Ade He was late coming gently from the Irish side stirring the dusk just a little but really nothing much before the wind picked up and sucked the fire into the chimney stem uncertain what he should pursue he thrashed at everything throughout the dark, wet night Watched the afternoon clouds lowering dark upon the glen the gloom slithering down the brae He was here, alright! And we like Porphyria‘s lover hid by the stoves and fireplaces from his roaring wings waiting not for Porphyria – No! But for the dawn When came that wind casually as the night the whistle rattling the leafless roses against the window pane Dreading what Frank may leave behind scattered and broken in the mud torn apart across the ground and of course the rain surreptitiously and we were in it Frank howling outside the door * The morning came dour as the evening had been before tho‘ the wind was soft We‘d been waiting all day through the oaks Not so the water Dykes were down every burn and river had burst their banks the flow sweeping now streaming where there never had been such streams before rising up to the Dalry graves the valley now a loch tearing at the bridges the tarmacadamed roads filling kitchens and carpets with cold, cold mud, an unanchored car floating by among children’s toys the only colour in the brown wet sludge Frank laughed Whistled again among the chimney pots a victory dance and left us stunned, to this black, silent night. Glenkens Gazette page 23 MOSSDALE ART GROUP Every Wednesday morning, a lively group of folk arrive at Mossdale Village Hall, get themselves a mug of coffee, and chat amiably as they sort out the various materials they will be using over the next couple of hours. They are folk from all over the Glenkens, with different backgrounds, and a fair range of ages. The one thing they all have in common is a love of producing art, in its many and various forms. There’s some who love watercolour, some who prefer pastels, or inks, textures as well as colours. Every person is encouraged, regardless of experience, and there’s always someone around the table willing to offer tips, if asked. The emphasis is not necessarily on producing perfect ‘works of art’, but rather on enjoying the opportunity to experiment, to play, to have fun. And we do. We welcome additions to the group, whether they have been painting for years, or have never picked up a paintbrush – the ability to draw is not necessary, as the wealth of ideas, materials and techniques will give everyone the opportunity to express themselves. If you’re intrigued, or even just mildly curious, please feel free to drop in for a coffee and chat, and see what kind of things we do. Our new ‘term’ begins on Wednesday 13 September and runs until mid-December. You’ll be very welcome. Carol Salsbury 12th August 9th September 10am-12.30pm For further information or to book a stall ring 01644 430 454 or visit www.dalrytownhall.co.uk Entrance by donation - proceeds towards Dalry Town Hall Refurbishment Fund North of Castle Douglas, A713 Ayr Road Glenkens Gazette page 24 LOCAL HISTORIANS ON MEMORIAL TRAIL The Glenkens Story history group staged two field trips this summer, developing themes which proved popular last year. The Rev Dr David Bartholomew returned to the trail of the Covenanters starting at the imposing monument at Auchencloy, long out of sight in the forest but now revealed by the clear felling. He told the story of the martyrs who died there or were subsequently killed. The party then headed north to the remarkable tombstones in Kells kirkyard and on to Carsphairn where the farmer at Garryhorn kindly showed the visitors round the building where the dragoons led by the notorious Grierson of Lag stabled their horses. David’s vivid description of the manhunt conducted by Lag from the farm and leading to the death of Covenanter John Dempster on Meaul Hill was typical of the memorable tales he shared. The visit concluded with a visit to Barscobe Castle, returning to Earlston Castle and its historic oak, famed in the Covenanting story of Alexander Gordon. Paul Goodwin, completing his tour of the war memorials of the Glenkens, started by picking up the Covenanter theme as the party met at the Covenanter Memorial in Dalry. The Covenating monuments are now recognised as war memorials by the Imperial War Museum thanks to the efforts of Paul. The tour continued to Dalry war memorial and kirkyard and on to the Town Hall with its impressive memorial to all who served in the two World Wars, simple crosses distinguishing those who died. Paul explained the many different ways communities chose to record service and death with varying criteria deciding who should be The field trip visits the remote Covenanters’ memorial at Auchencloy. recorded and how they should be described. Carsphairn with its beautifully located war memorial and further graves in the distinctive church underlined the many moving ways the victims of war are remembered. Paul has compiled a record of all in the Glenkens who fell in the wars and is researching the biographical details. These deaths are being published in chronological order in the Glenkens Gazette. Photo of the Issue Sponsored by the Ken Bridge Hotel This issue’s winner is Bob Peace whose atmospheric early morning photograph of Loch Ken, taken from the Marina lay-by, wins a meal for two at the Ken Bridge Hotel’s Sunday carvery. Competition judges Dave and Sue said: “Very interesting and varied set of photographs this issue. Lovely view of Clatteringshaws and great to see the tawny owl chicks and hear that they successfully fledged, but we think the winner this time is the lovely view of loch Ken through the mist.” Glenkens Gazette page 25 War Updates for Start of 1917 There were no war deaths reported in the Glenkens in January or February 1917. In fact, the gap from the death of William Maitland on 18 November 1916 to that of David McCheyne on 13 March 1917 mirrored the respite of the previous two winters. David McCheyne of High Street, New Galloway joined the Army in September 1915 and had seen nearly two years’ service in France. He was one of six brothers who served in the war, one (Alex) having died in 1916 and two more would follow before the war was out. Although there are four McCheyne names on the Kells parish war memorial, there were actually five siblings lost as a result of the war - a sister who had been living in France died during the German occupation. David was the son of roadman James McCheyne and had worked for Mr Mitchell, sub-postmaster in New Galloway, firstly as a telegraph messenger and later in Mr Mitchell’s business as a cycle agent; he was also a part-time postman. David was serving in France as a Lance Corporal when he was severely injured by a gunshot to the thigh on 12 March and died of his wounds a day later. The flag on New Galloway Town Hall was flown at half-mast as a sign of respect. He is commemorated on the Kells War Memorial. John Martin had been born at Allangibbon Bridge, Dalry, but when he enlisted into the Kings Shropshire Light Infantry, on 31 March 1916, he was living with his family in Bridgnorth. He was the eldest son of the late Mr Joseph Martin and Mrs Martin. He was killed Would you like the opportunity to have your own online business, with support from a team? Do you like healthy living and high quality skin care? Yes? Then please contact Katy Caie, Arbonne Independent Consultant, on 07756 506 496 or visit http://catrionacaie.arbonne.com instantaneously by a piece of shell worst month of the war for losses on 18 March. John was just 23 years from the Glenkens. With the last old and is named on the Dalry War two men above, there would be a Memorial. A few years ago, I was further seven deaths before the fortunate enough to be allowed month was out but these will be the to photograph a family framed subject of a further article. memorial, including a memorial Paul Goodwin plaque (‘death penny’) and that photograph accompanies this article. David Cuthbertson, the son of roadman David Cuthbertson, joined the Cameron Highlanders on 1 March 1916 and went to the front in June of that year. David had previously lived at Barlae, Dalry. He was wounded in the leg on the Somme and, after a spell in hospital in Birmingham, returned to the Front in January 1917. He was killed on 7 April at Arras at the age of 34 years and is commemorated on the Dalry War Memorial. George Kirk was the son of a shepherd from Burnhead, New Galloway. A shepherd like his father, he enlisted in September 1914 and arrived at the Front on Christmas day of that year. He was invalided home in 1915 with Enteric fever but returned to the Front in 1916. He was 23 years of age when he was killed almost instantly by a bullet whilst attacking the second line of German trenches on 9 April. George is named on the Kells and Sorbie war memorials. April 1917 would prove Top: Photograph of Cuthbertson from the Dumfries & Galloway to be the Standard, 28 April 1917; Above: John Martin, Dalry. Wright’s Shop & Post Office Dalry Licensed convenience store and newsagent stocking a range of local suppliers including Corsons and Irvings Bakers, Ballards and Dalmellington Country Butchers and Mitchells Fruit and Veg. Opening Times (both shop & PO): Monday to Friday: 7am – 6pm Saturday: 8am – 6pm Sunday: 8.30am – 4pm Tel: 01644 430 225 THE STEWARTRY VETERINARY CENTRE CASTLE DOUGLAS SURGERY HOURS Mon-Fri 2.00-2.30 pm & 5-6 pm Sat 2-2.30 pm DALBEATTIE SURGERY HOURS Mon, Wed, Fri 3-3.30 pm Tues & Thurs 6-6.30 pm FOR APPOINTMENTS AT BOTH SURGERIES OR IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY � 01556 502263 VETERINARY SURGERY OAKWELL ROAD CASTLE DOUGLAS � Glenkens Gazette page 26 Who Do We Think We Were? This reminiscence, by Marion Bone of Dalry, takes us back to the New Galloway Show in all its former glory, during the 1940s. Her family came over to the Show every year from Ayrshire, with their horses. Later on, of course, Marion came to Dalry, and has stayed in the Glenkens ever since. Wherever you started out, and however long you have lived in the Glenkens, your story could feature here in the months to come. Please send your contribution of no more than 500 words - by email to margaret.elphinstone@ dircon.co.uk or hand in a copy at Catstrand marked ‘Glenkens Gazette - WDWTWW’. Next issue’s contribution will be from Gordon Hill, featuring the literal ups and downs, if not the loneliness, of a long distance runner. HAPPY MEMORIES: New Galloway Show Avril Bridgeman’s reminiscences of the New Galloway Show days brought back happy memories of visiting the show with my father and brother when I was a child in the 1940s. My father and mother farmed in Ayrshire for all of their lives, first at Barr and then at Pinwherry, both very small Ayrshire villages in the Stinchar Valley. My father’s father had been a blacksmith at Lendalfoot where Dad grew up. There they were familiar with horses, sea-life and the comings and goings of the fishing fleet as well as farming. My granpa had four sons and three daughters. Sadly one son drowned in the River Stinchar and one daughter died of appendicitis. This was not uncommon in those times. My mother’s family had relocated from the Ballantrae area to Little Robert, Morag and Marion Jamieson, in the field Pinmore in 1904. This was to at Cairnwhin Farm, Pinmore. be nearer the railway statiion at Pinwherry. There they - she was about my age and so I had were able to send their lamb, known a companion for the day. One of the as mutton then, to the meat market things I do remember was the tannoy in Glasgow. By being near a railway and music; at one point a voice called station the meat arrived at the market out over the tannoy “Would Miss Lillias on the same day it left the farm, thus McWilliam please come to the Show ensuring it was fresh. Ring”. Well to me this was living... Miss Back to the Glenkens Show, as it is McWilliam appeared on this large horse now known. The ponies we had were all dressed for the occasion, as was the a Shetland known as Dainty and a horse. What excitement! coloured standing at 14-plus hands The day was finished off at The Hill known as Charm. Both ponies were Farm at Balmaclellan, where my Aunt greatly loved by us all but especially by had prepared a delicious tea for us all. Robert, my brother. He and my cousin They had a windmill in the fields at The Jack would ride Charm at the New Hill in those days and we always went Galloway Show. over the fields to see it before starting It was a great day of excitement. the drive home. My Father would point We at Pinmore were up early to get out all the interesting places along the the chores done before the long drive way, name the hills and where the best (in those days) over to New Galloway. sheep came off and who farmed where We would arrive in good time to find as we drove along through the New everything prepared the night before Galloway Hills, after a wonderful day in - stalls set up, sheep, cattle, horses, the Glenkens. not to mention people, milling about in Quite unaware was I that one day anticipation for the day’s events. I would come to live and work in the Just like most memories of happy bonnie Glenkens with my husband. days in childhood, the sun was always Here we have reared a family and are shining. My Aunt Kate had arranged now great grandparents to three boys for me to be taken around by Mary and one girl in the Glenkens. Smith, I think she was, from Barnhillies Marion Baird Bone (nee Jamieson) GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL � 01644 420234 � New Galloway Golf Club Founded 1902 www.nggc.co.uk - 01644 420737 Buggies now available for hire VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME Glenkens Gazette page 27 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN The Smallest Royal Burgh in Scotland Think of a British king anxious to buy Scottish support in a civil war that became a revolution. mid nineteenth-century at which time it enjoyed an annual revenue of £3 8s 2d and an expenditure of £1 13s 1d. Eat your heart out Dumgal! The original charter envisaged a council of 19 men (women were not an option) consisting of a provost, four bailies, a dean of guild, a treasurer and 13 councillors, later Add an aristocrat willing to be reduced to a provost, two bailies bought, part of whose price was and six councillors. In 1832 there the right to establish a royal burgh. were only 14 electors, thus rendering Consult a humourist journalist named the place a ‘rotten burgh’, subject Anthony Troon who was very popular to political chicanery. The provost in his day for his contributions to the lived in London and the Town Clerk Scotsman newspaper. He wrote an in Kirkcudbright. As Troon ironically article dated 8 March 1975 about noted, ‘it is to the burgh’s credit and New Galloway, founded in 1630 by Sir fond memory that it never allowed John Gordon of Lochinvar, courtesy of the bright flame of paradox to wane Charles I. The community was never down three and a half centuries of prosperous. It numbered 452 in the anomalous history’. John J Paterson, late father of Dave of the Kenbridge Hotel, resisted invitations to join the council while his own father was provost, as he had been for 15 years following service as a councillor for 35. Also his grandfather had been town clerk; ‘we’ve been linked with the council for 100 years’. The last council election was in 1962. As Mr Paterson put it, ‘you could say that apathy’ led to rare elections, thus saving money. ‘As in many small places the ratepayers have been quite happy to Some of the last Town Coucillors (reft to right) Jack let the councillors go McQueen, Ewart Muir, Robert Wood and ahead with things’. Provost John Paterson. Troon had another view – democracy by invitation. The provost believed that animosity had been avoided because New Galloway never used political labels, a practice that should be revived as soon as possible to avoid wrecking council elections with irrelevant propaganda and vitriol. Functionaries were regularly informed on the street about problems or things that needed mending, usually sorted by a prompt phone call. The local plumber was a one-man water department, since replaced at much greater cost by a water board. One controversial issue was parking on only one side of the main street, necessitated because of increased tourist traffic. ‘It was getting so that you couldn’t turn the bus’. Troon could not resist mentioning that ‘the provost operates the local bus service’; he was wrong – he ran taxis. Treasurer Robert Wood was also Convener of the Town Hall, managed from his flat across the road. Bailie Jack McQueen, the local postman was the unpaid winder-up of the burgh clock. Troon clearly had great affection for the burgh, the status of which would be abolished by regionalisation in 1975. New Galloway, like the other Glenkens villages, operated on the basis of trust and pride in the community, though of course there always folk who were critical of the ‘Toon Coonsil’. We will return to this theme in a future column. Meanwhile I leave the last word to Troon. ‘People can laugh about small-town ways and never know the security of positive identity and the warmth of its rituals. The incomprehensible exchange of civilities in this place (i.e. to outsiders) is a tendril of a root of a venerable community’. Ted Cowan Glenkens Gazette page 28 GLENKENS MEN’S SHED UPDATE The Glenkens Men’s Shed, based in the Old Smiddy at Balmaclellan, continues to go from strength to strength. The ‘Shed’ held a highly successful sale of work during the Spring Fling, many thanks to all those who supported us on a very blustery weekend in May. The sale of bug-hotels was particularly brisk and the box of unwanted tools also proved surprisingly popular. The selection of bikes for sale was rather less popular and aided by further donations we ended up with three more than we started with! The funds raised have helped with the upgrade of our somewhat meagre facilities; why not pop in and see for yourself on any Monday or Wednesday morning between 10 and 12. Our next sale of work will be on the weekend of the New Galloway Alternative Games, with a stall at the CatStrand on Saturday 5 August and another during the games themselves on Sunday 6. We should have a good selection of bikes this time, including some children’s, so come and grab a bargain for some cycling family fun. Funds raised will help towards beefing up security at the shed after the unfortunate spate of crime in our area. Motorcycle refurbishment projects are still running apace and it’s planned to run a series of workshops later in the year, aimed at introducing young people to the art of motorbike maintenance. Under the watchful eye of mechanical guru John Fagan and in conjunction with CatStrand Youth Co-ordinator Aidan Nicol, this will be a chance for 16-25 year olds to get their hands dirty. Look out for further announcements to come and learn useful new skills, have fun and catch the biking bug! Donations of tools, bikes and wood especially are always welcome, and a tremendous help to our cause; so before you visit the recycling centre Dalry’s Defibrillator Box When British Telecom decided to close Dalry’s remaining phone box due to lack of use, the Community Council negotiated the takeover of the kiosk at the junction of Main Street and Underhill to house a defibrillator. Masterminded by Dalry Community Councillors Andi Holmes and Graham West, the defibrillator is now in its new position and ready for use if required. Full instructions accompany it and it is simple to use. “There are very few emergency medical situations where lay person intervention can mean the difference between life and death. Cardiac arrest is one but without quick access to a defibrillator there is little hope of a successful intervention,” said Ian Howie, who supports communities with defibrillator training. “By making this defibrillator available on a 24hr basis the chances of surviving a Cardiac Arrest in Dalry have significantly improved”. Dalry Community Council are grateful to BT who are providing the electricity required to keep the defibrillator’s battery at a regular temperature in the winter. Tom Plummer’s boat - seven years and counting so far... or build a bonfire, get in touch. We’ll see if we can make use of your unwanted or unloved items. Contact Brian Jones or Chris Jowsey at the CatStrand on 01644 420374 or by email at brian@catstrand.com or chris@catstrand.com And finally a big thank you goes to Dr Ian Johnston, who has generously provided us with a cache of timber to enable our on-going projects to continue. Cheers Ian! The Men’s Shed Team FLOWER & VEG SHOW Saturday 26 August once again sees the The Glenkens Society Annual Flower and Vegetable Show - reckoned to be the oldest flower show still existing in Scotland and probably all of Britain having been established in 1831. So come on all you budding gardeners, bakers, knitters, etc - get thinking about what you can enter (entry forms are now in local shops) this year to help us keep our wee show going. The closing date for entries is Monday 21 August. This year’s theme for the adult photograph is ‘A Water Scene ‘ and for juniors is ‘A Vehicle’ There is also a class for hanging basket, tubs, etc, which will be judged on site during week running up to the show. There are so many of these scattered throughout our villages so please enter yours. If you have visitors with you that week with children, they can enter too. The hall will be open to the public for viewing from 2pm and the presentation of trophies will be at 3pm. Please support your local show! Hilda McAdam Glenkens Gazette page 29 Sunday 23 September, Dalry Town Hall CATSTRAND SUMMER CRAFT FAIR SATURDAY 5TH AUGUST 11am – 4pm Range of local cra� stalls CatStrand Gi� Shop Licensed Café/Bar Stalls s�ll available, if you would like a stall please contact Wendy on 01644 420 374 or email wendy@catstrand.com - three changing cask ales & cider - fresh, seasonal & local food - en suite accommodation - open all day every day - award-winning food, beer & atmosphere - en-suite accommodation - 20% off takeaway discount - country sport & walkers facilities - 01644 430 241 www.theclachaninn.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 30 AUGUST & SEPTEMBER AUGUST Wed 2 & Thurs 3, Game Jam, CatStrand, New Galloway, see p17 Fri 4, Neon Night, CatStrand, New Galloway, see p17 Sat 5, Backroom Vintage Pop-up Shop, 10am-4pm, New Galloway, see p29 Sat 5, CatStrand Summer Craft Fair, 11am-4pm, CatStrand, New Galloway, see p29 Sun 6, Alternative Games, New Galloway, see p3 Mon 7-Sun 12, World Gold Panning Championships, Moffat, see p6 Sat 12, Farmers’ Market, 10am-12.30pm, Dalry Town Hall, see p20 & 23 Sat 19, Movie in the Park, 8.30pm, New Galloway, see p17 Sat 19, GTI Bus Trip: Galloway Country Fair, see p8 Sun 20, Arndarroch Open Garden, 2-5pm, see p21 Sun 20, GTI Bus Trip: Gulf Stream Gardens, Ardwell House Garden, see p8 Sat 26, Backroom Vintage Pop-up Shop, 10am-4pm, New Galloway, see p29 Sun 26, Arndarroch Open Garden, 25pm, see p21 Sun 26, Flower & Veg Show, Dalry Town Hall, 2pm, see p28 SEPTEMBER Wed 6, Film: Trainspotting2, Dalry Town Hall, see p10 Sat 9, Farmers’ Market, 10am-12.30pm, Dalry Town Hall, see p20 & 23 Wed 13, GTI Bus Trip: Devil’s Porridge, Eastriggs, see p8 Sat 16, Craft Fair, Dalry Town Hall, 07759 494 952 Wed 20, Film: Hairspray, Dalry Town Hall, see p10 Fri 22-Sun 2 Oct, Wigtown Book Festival, see p19 Sat 23, Watson Birds Talks, Dalry Town Hall, see p22 & 29 Sun 24, GTI Bus Trip: Restoration Garden, Craigengillan Estate, see p8 Sat 30, Backroom Vintage Pop-up Shop, 10am-4pm, New Galloway, see p29 OCTOBER Sat 7, Carsphairn’s Got Talent, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn, 460 545 Glenkens Gazette page 31 REGULAR EVENTS CatStrand, New Galloway: Exercise to Music: Mon, 10-11am Margaret Morris dance 1: 3-7yrs, Mon (term-time), 3.45-4.30pm Margaret Morris dance 2: 8-16yrs, Mon (term-time), 4.30-5.15pm Youth Volunteer Meet-up, Tues, 68pm, FREE PIZZA Choreographic Skills Lab: Mon (term-time), 7 - 8.30pm ages 12-18 Gentle Tai Chi: Wed, 10am, 60+ Wendletrap Tai Chi, Wed, 2-3.30pm Glenkens Writing Group: First Wed each month 3-5pm Sing it Out: Thurs, 11am -12pm CatStrand Ukes: Thurs, 1pm – 3.30pm 60+ Zumba Gold: Fri (term-time), 1011am, CatStrand, 16+ Saturday Art Club: 2nd & 4th Sat of the month, 10am–12noon, to book call 420 374 Catstrand Youth Players: Sun during term time, 2pm Glenkens Acoustic Sessions: last Sun of the month, 2-4pm Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry, (contact Kath on 430 281): Paint & Art: Mon, 2-4pm GCC Playgroup: Tues, Wed & Thurs, 9.15-11.45am, contact Miriam 07514 320 101 Guides: Tues during term-time, 68pm, contact: Kath 430 281 Good Neighbours’ Club: Tues, 2pm Brownies: Thurs 6-7.30pm Kickback Martial Arts: Thurs, 7-9pm Thursday Craft Group: Thurs, 2-4pm Glenkens Children’s Club: Fri, 10am-12noon New Galloway Town Hall: LING Lunches: Tues, 11am-2pm Indoor Sports: Tues, 7-9pm Zumba: Wed, 7.30-8.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall, 11+ Footcare by Stewartry Care: Thurs by appointment (Tel: 01556 504699), New Galloway Town Hall Various Locations: Hatha Yoga, Mon, 10-11.15am, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn, more info at www.carsphairn.org Carsphairn Post Office: Tues, 1-3pm, Lagwyne Hall Beavers: Tues, 6–7.15pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Dog Training: Tues & Thurs, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. Contact: Eric 460 670 Mossdale Painters: Wed, 9.30am, Mossdale Village Hall Cub Scouts: Wed, 6.45–8pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Carsphairn Heritage Centre, 1 June to 25 September, Thurs to Mon, 10am-4pm Glenhaven Gallery, Thurs-Sun, 12noon4pm, Main St, Dalry Youth Writing Group: Thurs (during term time), 3.30-5pm, ages 10-15, Dalry School Coffee & Craft Group: Fri, 9am12noon, Lagwyne Hall Folk Music Session, 4th Fri each month, 7.30/8pm till closing, Ken Bridge Hotel Glenkens Community Councils Balmaclellan Community Council Meetings: 4th Monday each month, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall. CHECK OUT NEW FACEBOOK PAGE! Carsphairn Community Council Meetings: Last Monday each month, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn. Dalry Community Council Meetings: 1st Monday each month, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. New Galloway & Kells Community Council Meetings: 2nd Monday each month, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall. Full minutes of local Community Council meetings can be viewed at Dalry Library. Thanksgiving & Lunch, Kells CHURCH TIMES Harvest Church. 24 Sept, 12noon: Harvest CHURCH OF SCOTLAND Sunday Services - Balmaclellan 12noon: 1st. Carsphairn 10.30am: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th. Dalry 9am: 1st, 2nd(Aug), 3rd, 4th(Aug). Dalry 12noon: 4th (Sept). Kells 10.30am: 2nd(Aug), 3rd, 4th. Special Services/Events:10 Sept, 10.30am: United Family Service & bbq, Carsphairn Church then Community Garden. 24 September, 10.30am: Thanksgiving & Lunch, Dalry Church then Dalry Town Hall. Communion Services: 27 Aug, 10.30am, Kells Church SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH: St Margaret’s, New Galloway: Holy Communion, 10.30am every Sun & Wed. CATHOLIC CHURCH SERVICES: Kirkcudbright: Sun Mass, 9.30am. Dalbeattie: Sat Mass, 5pm 713 Pop-up Bistro, Carsphairn Shop & Tearoom, last Friday each month, contact 460 568 Scouts: Thurs, 7–8.30pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Gentle Tai Chi: Fri 10-11am, Dalry Town Hall Family and friends coming to stay? Short of space? Cosy country cottage available (sleeps 4) Call Fiona on 01644 420 227 www.covenanters-holidaycottagescotland.co.uk To hire the MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) behind Dalry School call Sonja Tranter on 430 244 or Nicolette Wise on 430 218. Dalry Library Tuesdays 12noon-3.30pm Fridays 10am-12noon & 1-4.30pm For further library van stops and informa�on contact Castle Douglas library on 01556 502 643 ADVERTISE IN THE GAZETTE (price per issue incl VAT) SMALL: 6cm x 6cm, £37.80 (+ 10% off with series discount) 1/4 PAGE: 9cm w x 13cm h, £81.90 (+ 25% off with series discount) 1/2 PAGE: 18cm w x 13cm h, £151.20 (+ 25% off with series discount) FULL PAGE: 18cm w x 27cm h, £252 (+ 25% off with series discount) Call 07727 127 997 VAT Reg. No. 882 8361 87 USEFUL NUMBERS: ● Pot-hole Hotline: 0845 276 0000 ● Police, non-emergency: 101 ● Doctor: 01644 420 234 ● NHS 24: 08454 24 24 24 ● D&G Council: 030 33 33 3000 Glenkens Gazette page 32 COMMUNITY SHOP OPENS New Galloway’s Community Shop is now officially open for business after almost three years of effort by local people to save the Royal Burgh’s last general store from closure. Lynsey Hogg, pictured at the door of the shop, has been appointed general retail manager. Lynsey grew up in Castle Douglas and has extensive experience in food retailing. Three part-time assistants - Andrea Smith, Jacqui Morton and Tamsin Geddes - have been appointed and will support Lynsey in maintaining the new opening hours of 8am-6pm Monday to Saturday and 8am4pm on Sunday, closing for lunch everyday from 1-1.30pm. Lynsey says: “I’m delighted to be involved in this community project and am focused on ensuring the shop is able to provide good value, quality food to all.” As well as managing the shop Lynsey will be in charge of other planned businesses including holiday flat rentals as they come on stream. The shop will look much the same for several months while preparations are made for the refurbishment. Later in the year the shop will move to temporary premises until renovation is finished. Work will then start on converting the house into self-catering holiday flats, due for completion next year. The shop and attached house have been bought by New Galloway Community Enterprises (NGCE) Ltd, a community benefit society owned by some 250 members and friends of the local community who raised almost £25,000 in share capital. Two thirds of the shareholders live in the New Galloway area. Purchase was made possible thanks to a grant from the Big Lottery’s ‘Growing Community Assets’ fund. Mike Brown, Chair of NGCE, says: “The Board would like to thank all of our funders and the many local people who have been so encouraging and supportive throughout this long process, not least Jim and Margaret Hopkins. We wish them all the best in their retirement.” Farewell to Jim & Margaret The New Galloway community came out in force to say farewell to Jim and Margaret Hopkins who have retired as owners of the village store. More than 100 people packed into the Cross Keys to say “thank you” for 26 years’ service from Jim and Margaret and shop assistant Marie McClurg. An excellent buffet was laid on by the hotel and the Smithy, and music included the CatStrand Ukelele Band and pianist Jim McPhee. Margaret is well known for writing poems to commemorate important events and this occasion was no exception. Irene Dawson is pictured reading Margaret’s poem to the well-wishers watched by Margaret (second left), Marie (second right) and Jim (far right). YOUR HOTLINE TO HARBRO PRODUCTS JIM on 07900 246 100 FROZEN DOG FOOD Penpont, Thornhill, DG3 4JS Tel: 01848 330 419 Mob: 07900 246 100 jim.campbell@harbro.co.uk www.harbro.co.uk - Free Flow Chicken, 2kg…£5.05 - Free Flow Beef, 2kg…£5.95 - Tripe Mince, 400g…£1.20 - Chicken & Rabbit Mince, 400g...£1.13 15% - Beef Chunks, 1kg...£3.50 - Tripe Chunks, 1kg...£3.25 Paddywack…£2.49 - Duck Wings...£2.49 - Marrowbone...£2.49 15% THINK…HARBRO All products at very compe��ve prices and delivery if required WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Submit events, activities, news stories, cartoons, reviews, tips & techniques, fiction, photos, ads or ideas... Contact Sarah Ade on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk OCT/NOV COPY DEADLINE: 5 SEPT Design & co-ordination: Sarah Ade sarah.ade@gmail.com Printing:Stranraer & Wigtownshire Free Press www.stranraer-freepress.co.uk The Glenkens Gaze�e is an ini�a�ve of the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust, a Registered Sco�sh Charity No. SC032050  Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette 101 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GG_101 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource GCAT Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2017 Description An account of the resource Editor: Sarah Ade https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/1/248/GlenkensGazette102.pdf b0e75b2ff9a5c6a42ac6f6b1974532ee Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette 102 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Description An account of the resource <p>Find out more about the Gazette: <a href="https://glenkens.scot/gazette-home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Glenkens Gazette home page</a> If you would like to submit an article or take out an advert, please email the editor Sarah Ade: <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="mailto:glenkensgazette@hotmail.com">glenkensgazette@hotmail.com</a></p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is a member of, and regulated by <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.impressorg.com/">Impress</a>.</p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is an initiative of Glenkens Community &amp; Arts Trust (SC032050) and represents the voice of the community (not necessarily the views of GCAT).</p> Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document GLENKENS GAZETTE News from Balmaclellan, Carsphairn, Mossdale, New Galloway and St John’s Town of Dalry October/November 2017 ISSUE 102 FREE HAPPY BIRTHDAY CATSTRAND It’ll never work. There aren’t enough people. It’s an awful lot of money. Who’ll come? What will there be to do? And so the stream of constant doubts and questions continued. Actually, it proved to have an extremely positive effect. It meant that this small group of volunteers, who had come together round each other’s kitchen tables, became completely focussed and committed to realising a joint vision. That vision was first and foremost to improve the eyesore that was the old Victorian primary school at the entrance to New Galloway, Scotland’s smallest Royal Burgh, and to do something that would benefit the whole of the Glenkens. That was 16 years ago in 2001, when our rural community was very much in the shadow of the foot-and-mouth disease crisis. If we didn’t do anything to help ourselves, then no-one else would. And just because we live in a beautiful but quiet corner of South West Scotland, why should we be denied access to quality events and services that people in the central belt take for granted? Those were the first stirrings and the inspiration behind setting up of the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT). Fast forward six years with £1 million successfully raised from a variety of public and private sources to the opening, by HRH The Princess Royal, of CatStrand – a brand new, contemporary, state-of-the-art centre in the very heart of the Glenkens. Our aim was always to try to be all things to all people by providing quality arts, business, community and tourism facilities under the one roof. And that’s exactly what’s happened. Indeed, the current CatStrand programme is testimony to the quality and diversity of activities that are now regularly hosted and supported throughout the year. Continued on p4... Children from all of the Glenkens primary schools enjoyed a day full of activities to celebrate Roald Dahl Day. Children and staff from Carsphairn (pictured), Dalry and Kells Primaries dressed up for the occasion and completed activities related to many of the famous author’s most memorable stories and characters. Continued on p15... A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) ini�a�ve www.glenkensgaze�e.co.uk Glenkens Gazette Keep CatStrand Dry Campaign Success CatStrand will get the best 10th birthday present it could have wished for with the installation of the new flood wall to back up existing flood management measures and protect the building from a repeat of the catastrophic flooding experienced in January 2015. The ‘Keep CatStrand Dry’ campaign was launched at the end of June and co-ordinated by student intern Joe Taylor. With the fantastic amount of almost £45,000 raised at the time of going to press, the combined SAT 25th NOV 11am- 4pm Crowdfunding and local campaign is now very close to the original target meaning that work can commence in October. GCAT Chairman Alan Smith said, “To raise this amount of money in such a short time is unbelievable, with donations received from as far away as Australia and the USA, plus an page 2 throughout the design process was to avoid any possibility of increasing any flood risk to other properties. It will enhance The prime consideration throughout the design process was to avoid any possibility of increasing any flood risk to other properties. outstanding local response”. CatStrand General Manager Brian Edgar added, “We are incredibly grateful for all the fantastic support from the local community and beyond. Installation of the overflow channel will finally bring peace of mind to everyone involved at CatStrand whenever we have heavy rain.” This final piece in the CatStrand flood management plan will see the construction of an overflow channel designed to catch any excess flood water and route it safely around the building. The prime consideration all the existing measures already put in place and was selected as the best solution after extensive research and consideration involving Flooding Risk Assessments Ltd, Scottish Flood Forum, Dumfries & Galloway Council, Scottish Fire & Rescue Service amongst others. The system was designed by Stewart Engineers Ltd., structural engineers based in Dumfries who have an excellent reputation and considerable experience throughout the UK. When in place, the combination of all the measures will avoid any build-up of water as has happened in the past and allow excess water, unable to pass through the existing culvert to spill gradually into the overflow channel and pass safely around the building and into other existing drainage and watercourses. Anyone who would like to know more about the flood management system is welcome to call at CatStrand to view the plans on site and further information is also available at our website www.catstrand.com Glenkens Gazette REMEMBERING JOYCE HUNTER-BLAIR Joyce Hunter-Blair was born Joyce Graham on 8 February 1937 on the family fruit farm in Cape Province, South Africa. When the Second World War broke out, her father was recalled to the Royal Navy and so her mother decided to move the family back to the UK, initially to Hampshire and then to Newlands in Dumfriesshire before moving to Creetown. After the war the family moved back to South Africa, but Joyce was soon to return to the UK spending some time with her married sister in Ireland and then taking a job in London working for the Reader's Digest. Joyce met Frank Hunter Blair in 1955 and they married in 1957 when she moved into Marbrack, Carsphairn. Moving to Marbrack was the start of Joyce’s sixty year relationship with the Glenkens. From the start, she entered wholeheartedly into what it meant to be a farmer’s wife in the Glenkens and inevitably she saw many changes to practice on the farm. Marbrack was an idyllic place to bring up her five children giving them the freedom to roam, and play and develop in ways that today one can only envy. Then, after Frank’s untimely death in 2000, Joyce moved to Dalry where she happily settled into village life. Joyce’s interests were varied. Gardening was a great love and FHB Fencing Dalry Domestic and Agricultural Fencing 01644 430 495 (Peter) or 07767 795 498 (Jonathan) page 3 she managed to work miracles with Marbrack soils both in the production of vegetables and fruit and flowers. She could draw very well, particularly little line drawings of animals; dogs and horses being favourites. She enjoyed cards, bridge in particular, and was an inveterate and accomplished letter writer. Joyce, Frank and their son Peter provided the secretariat of Carsphairn Show for well over twenty years between them. She was a stalwart of the Rural and a member for sixty years. She was appointed President of the Stewartry Federation of Rurals and represented the Rural on the Meat and Livestock Commission. She was a leading light in the Carsphairn Heritage Centre, involved in the detailed research, planning and execution of each year’s exhibition. She was also a member of the local branch of the RNLI and a loyal supporter of CatStrand. Although Joyce was Top: Joyce with husband Frank at Marbrack involved in many facets of in the late 1950s. Above: Joyce surrounded by life in the Glenkens and her grandchildren, and great-grandson, on her further afield, she was 80th birthday. first and foremost a wife, were benefits likely to come to mother, mother-in-law, the area. In the words of her grandmother, great-grandmother, son, Pat: "Mum was a strong, aunt, great-aunt and a wonderful independent, forthright, clever, friend to many. While a respecter beautiful and caring woman." and lover of tradition, she also Joyce died on 15 July 2017 and embraced, encouraged and will be sadly missed by many. promoted change, especially so where she believed there Susie Seed and Cathy Agnew Minding Feet Professional Foot Health Treatments Holistic Foot Therapies Patricia Lavelle MAR FHP CNHC Professional Foot Health Practitioner 07789 246 833 www.mindingfeet.com Glenkens Gazette page 4 sponsored by EVERYTHING listed in the Glenkens Freecycle section is FREE - you just need to contact the owner and go and pick it up! If you would like to list something on this page, please get in touch with Sarah on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk VARIOUS Deckchair, hardly used. Contact: 460 516, if no answer leave a message. D&G Life magazines - back issues 2 (Nov 2006) to 109 (Dec 2016). Contact: 07941 126 323 Two boxes of light bulbs. Energy saving and incandescant. Bayonet Continued from front page... There are numerous diverse projects for young and old alike: Connecting in Communities, CatStrand Youth Arts, CatStrand Cinema, Creative Skills, Classes and Workshops including the innovative Men’s Shed project, Health and Wellbeing activities, the Glenkens Transport Initiative, and of course the eagerly anticipated Glenkens Gazette, now in its 18th year of publication. The vibrant and innovative arts and events programme covers classical music, folk, jazz, dance, contemporary theatre as well as literature and the visual arts and crafts. There really is something for everyone at CatStrand. So the old school has indeed been improved and given a new lease of life for future generations to enjoy. CatStrand now prides itself on being recognised as a 5-Star tourist attraction. It offers a café, shop, bar and gallery as well Would you like the opportunity to have your own online business, with support from a team? Do you like healthy living and high quality skin care? Yes? Then please contact Katy Caie, Arbonne Independent Consultant, on 07756 506 496 or visit http://catrionacaie.arbonne.com and screw. Some coloured. Contact: Sue on 075 637 18011 Computer desk; two plastic swing bins, one has a lid. Contact: June on 420 361 WANTED Twin tub washing machine. GCC Playgroup is looking for a lockable garden storage container and a small fridge. Contact 07511 549 413 People to play tennis with and people interested in starting a book group. Contact: June on 420 361 Contact 07707 932755 or 07824 481463 as being a quality meeting space and conference venue. We’ve provided peer to peer mentoring for many would-besimilar projects across Scotland and welcomed visitors from across the globe. A memorable inscription in our Visitor’s Book reads: ‘I wish our community had a CatStrand’. Looking back, it’s interesting to realise that phrases like improving quality of life / skills development / youth opportunity / creating employment opportunities / civic pride / making a real difference / combatting rural isolation, are not just buzzwords and jargon to obtain funding. They are genuine objectives that have been achieved and evidenced at CatStrand over the last ten years. The creative programmes and community activities now regularly promoted are way beyond our initial vision all those years ago. So has it worked? The answer is a resounding Yes. One specific positive factor Wright’s Shop & Post Office Dalry Licensed convenience store and newsagent stocking a range of local suppliers including Corsons and Irvings Bakers, Ballards and Dalmellington Country Butchers and Mitchells Fruit and Veg. Opening Times (both shop & PO): Monday to Friday: 7am – 6pm Saturday: 8am – 6pm Sunday: 8.30am – 4pm Tel: 01644 430 225 to emerge from the recent flooding disaster when CatStrand was closed for 8 months, was just how much people realised they missed the place. As a community I think we are better connected, better networked and certainly better known. New Galloway is now firmly on the regional and national map – for performers, audiences, residents, visitors, businesses and house buyers. There’s a thriving welcoming creative community in the Glenkens with a reinvigorated sense of civic pride. But CatStrand couldn’t continue to work without the fantastic combined commitment, energy and enthusiasm of the whole team: staff, directors, volunteers, friends, patrons and above all the community. Ten years is certainly a good moment for reflection but definitely a good moment for celebration too. HAPPY 10TH BIRTHDAY CATSTRAND and here’s to the next decade! Cathy Agnew THE STEWARTRY VETERINARY CENTRE CASTLE DOUGLAS SURGERY HOURS Mon-Fri 2.00-2.30 pm & 5-6 pm Sat 2-2.30 pm DALBEATTIE SURGERY HOURS Mon, Wed, Fri 3-3.30 pm Tues & Thurs 6-6.30 pm FOR APPOINTMENTS AT BOTH SURGERIES OR IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY � 01556 502263 VETERINARY SURGERY OAKWELL ROAD CASTLE DOUGLAS � Glenkens Gazette page 5 sponsored by Latest Business Supporters of the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere It never fails to amaze me the great businesses that are within our Biosphere, not only working hard to run their business but working hard to support the region economically, environmentally, and supporting the communities in which they live and operate. Our latest ‘Proud Supporters’ signing up to the principles of our Biosphere Charter are wide and varied all offering something unique to this special place. Salad Brew in Borgue is a small company growing fruit and veg using a combination of organic and hydroponic methods. Scaur Glen Soaps in Thornhill make handmade soaps, bath goodies and fragranced treats in a huge range of fragrances. Franca Bruno in Gatehouse of Fleet is not only passionate about the jewellery she sells but is passionate about promoting the outstanding natural beauty of the area to customers who come into the shop. Another business to sign up supporting tourism in the region is Discover Scotland Holiday Cottages in Castle Douglas, who encourage visitors to the cottages to take care of the environment while enjoying the wildlife that the area has to offer. In the Glenkens, Scroggie Hall Organic Farm in Balmaclellan has for the last 17 years tried a variety of ways using organic and biodynamic methods to restore their hill farm. Helping neighbours as much as they can, they aim to support living as a thriving community - one that welcomes guests and visitors both locally and overseas through their work. In Whithorn, The Wee Garden Gallery believe in the need to promote the area and other business around them so that they can all survive. We have nearly 90 businesses signed up as ‘Supporters of the Biosphere’. The more we shout about this special place and our UNESCO Biosphere accolade, the more we will put this part of South West Scotland on the map. You can sign up as a ‘Proud Supporter’: www.gsabiosphere.org.uk/getinvolved/charter Marie McNulty, Business Development Officer, Galloway & Southern Ayrshire Biosphere How Do You Prepare for Winter? Do you look forward to winter, or does it fill you with dread? In the NHS Stewartry Health and Wellbeing Team, we are interested to hear how individuals and communities prepare for and stay well over winter. We would also like to hear about the challenges faced and to explore ways that we can work together to overcome these. Challenges may include keeping active, keeping warm, avoiding isolation, staying positive and being prepared for severe events such as flooding and snow. We are also talking with our colleagues at Garden Hill Primary Care Centre about how they prepare for winter – thinking about themselves and their patients. One of our podiatrists was telling us about the effects the cold weather can have on foot health... so thermometers and information about home Energy Scotland will be provided to staff to give out during home visits. They can pass this on and even refer to Home Energy Scotland if they feel it would help you. We don’t just think about winter. In August, we visited New Galloway with a group of disabled experts workers, the farming communities’ young people and children, as well as partner organisations, about what matters to them about their health and wellbeing. This is part of the Health and Wellbeing in the Farming Community project, in partnership with National Farmers Union Scotland and Dumfries & Galloway Council. We would like to hear from and talk to as many groups and individuals as possible about staying well and how we can work together to support this. If you would like to join in the conversation and/or for us to visit your group or organisation, please contact Sue Vest, Community Health & Wellbeing Development Worker for the Stewartry, on sue.vest@nhs.net or 01556 505724. You can ring the same number and ask for Stella Milsom, Health and Wellbeing Project Co-ordinator, to join in the Health and Wellbeing in the Farming Community Big Conversation, or email her at stella.milsom@nhs.net We would also like to hear about the challenges faced and to explore ways that we can work together to overcome these. from Capability Scotland. They visited the CatStrand, Community Shop, Post Office and Town Hall, sharing their thoughts on how to improve accessibility. This feedback will contribute to some real changes and to some funding applications. We have also been out and about meeting members of the farming community as part of the health and wellbeing Big Conversation which runs until the end of November. We are looking to hear from as many members of the farming community as we can; farmers, farmers’ spouses and partners, farm Glenkens Gazette page 6 AN INTERVIEW WITH IAN PATRICK Ian Patrick is a local author who has recently had his first novel published. The Gazette finds out a bit more about him and what inspired Rubicon. Can you tell us a little about yourself? My name is Ian Patrick. I spent many of my younger years travelling, as my father was in the forces. My secondary education was in Nottingham, where I scraped through the education system and left school at sixteen. After a short spell in the Civil Service I moved to London, aged nineteen, for a career in the Metropolitan Police. I spent 27 years as a police officer, the majority as a detective within the Specialist Operations Command. How did you get into writing? Is it something you’ve always wanted to do? I’ve written for fun for over twenty years. A life in policing is a life of writing! I had never considered turning my hand to novel writing until a few years ago when I was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. Rubicon is my debut. Where do you get your inspiration? Life. I have seen so many sides to the human psyche that it became impossible for stories to cease arising in my head. There is always a fear that ideas for a book won’t happen. So far, so good. How would you describe your writing to anyone who hasn’t read your book? Raw. I seem to have found a voice that I enjoy writing in and wish to develop this as far as I can. I don’t dwell on unnecessary description. I know readers want concise language, not words for words’ sake. As a reader it’s something I notice, so figured my writing would reflect that. I also like a book to keep me gripped. It’s my hope my writing will achieve this goal. Feedback has been positive so I’m very happy. Where do you write? Thankfully I don’t need peace and quiet to write. I was writing in the back room at Dalry Community Centre whilst my youngest was at Playgroup. This was fine in the summer but when winter arrived, I was struggling! The editor of this newspaper sent me to see Phil and Laura at The Clachan Inn, to write an article for the Gazette. They took pity on me and invited me to write there. I didn’t have to think twice! Having an open fire and a coffee was all I needed to keep me going. Thanks to their hospitality I now have a second novel written. What are your views on libraries being closed? I strongly oppose the idea of shutting a library. I grew up knowing that the library was the Ian Patrick place to go if I needed research for school or to get a book to read. It’s a hub for a community, especially when you live rurally. The mobile service is paramount too. The library at Dalry has held some wonderful storytime sessions for the younger children. In a time where we are all getting sucked into a phone culture, stopping to read is vital. I would love to see more people reading and talking about books they have read. I would like to say a huge thanks for having me here and to the wonderful community who has got to know me and supported my writing. If you wish to read Rubicon it’s available on Amazon.co.uk or you can request it through the library. Pictured: The cover image of Ian’s book debut, Rubicon; writing in the back room at GCC Playgroup; a cosier setting at the Clachan Inn. Glenkens Gazette page 7 Scottish Alternative Games Heavy rain from around midday didn’t deter the crowd at the 40th Anniversary of the Scottish Alternative Games, with a decent number of spectators assembled, all prepared for whatever the elements could throw at them! As it turned out, the first event had to be a ‘throwing’ one in the hope that the track would dry out a bit to allow the gird ‘n’ cleek racing to take place later in the day. The event was opened in traditional fashion by Lockerbie & District Pipe Band and as they marched or maybe squelched out of the arena, the six intrepid entrants for the ‘round the ruins’ Alternative Run event left on their mystery tour led by ultra-marathon runner Gordon Hill. The opening event was the Men’s Tossin’ the Sheaf competition which attracted a good number of participants. The decision was made when the rain was at its heaviest to keep the snails in their training camp at CatStrand and the races would be run there throughout the afternoon so that the punters could at least dry out a bit. As always, the little racers didn’t disappoint the crowds as they slid along the track, bribed by beer and lettuce leaves! The Snail Racing was organised by CatStrand’s youth volunteers and the commentator for the day was David Grimwood, impeccably dressed in suitable race-going attire. The CatStrand Ukulele Band also took up camp out of Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents Dumfries & Galloway 01556 503744 www.ggblaw.co.uk All legal advice Offices in Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie Kirkcudbright and Dumfries the rain and entertained the crowd between races. As the rain eased off slightly, it was possible to hold the Tractor Pull and the Hurlin’ the Curlin’ Stane events later in the day, but unfortunately the damage had been done and the waterlogged track proved just too dangerous to even attempt any competitive Gird ‘n’ Cleek racing. It was decided that it would be too dangerous even to attempt any competitive Gird ‘n’ Cleek racing and Kelsie Marshall would keep her world champion title for another year. In the end though, despite the weather, the incredible spirit of the Games prevailed once again. Organisers would like to thank everyone who helped and who came along to support and to compete, with each other and with the elements! Roll on 2018 and hopefully a nice sunny day - that really would be ‘alternative’. Glenkens Gazette page 8 Fare £3.00 return MONTHLY Glenkens Gazette DALRY’S DEFIBRILLATOR IS BACK ON TRACK One of Dalry’s defibrillators that was housed in the newly acquired phone box at the corner of Main Street and Underhill was found to be missing in late August. Unfortunately, it was not taken for its correct purpose – helping someone who is having a heartattack. It was eventually found on the school playing fields, luckily still working but without its case. Police suspect it was taken by people who did not realise it has no other use than for helping start someone’s heart. Dalry’s Community Council have discussed whether there should now be a lock on the phone box but advice from the British Heart Foundation suggests that this will add difficulty in an emergency where every minute can count. Accordingly, the defibrillator is back in the phone box and easily accessible to anyone who needs it, day or night. The defibrillator comes with written and spoken instructions, making it simple to use, even by someone who has not had training. And it only operates if it is needed as it can sense whether someone’s heart requires help. However, Dalry Community Council are hoping to run a training event in December - please look out for posters for details. As it takes an ambulance at least 20 minutes to get to the Glenkens, they are also looking into starting a First Responder team. If you are interested in becoming a community First Responder you would be trained in a wide range of emergency skills, and would be able to provide an early intervention in situations such as a heart or asthma attack, before the professional ambulance crew arrives. This improves patient survival and recovery. Dalry Community Councillor Nicolette Wise has anecdotal evidence of the enormous help to rural communities that are provided page 9 by having a First Responder team. A few years ago, her cousin was staying in a remote cottage in Wigtonshire when her husband had a heart attack. She called 999 and then tried to administer CPR but being distressed and frightened couldn’t remember exactly what to do. She was worried about how long it would take for an ambulance to arrive, but within minutes a neighbour appeared with a defibrillator, calmly set to work and saved her husband’s life. He was a First Responder and had been contacted by the ambulance service. As well as being nearby and having the training and equipment, because he was local he knew where the cottage was – down a fairly inaccessible farm track that the ambulance could have wasted precious minutes in finding. If anyone would be interested in helping set up a team and being trained as a First Responder, please contact Nicolette Wise on 01644 430 218 or email stjdalry@gmail.com Glenkens Gazette page 10 CATSTRAND YOUTH Emerging artists Luke Fitch & Fraser Irvine are launching their exhibition at CatStrand with a drinks reception and chance to meet the artists on 9 October. Luke Fitch is a portrait painter from Corsock and you can expect to see some local residents from the Glenkens amongst this exhibition of his latest work. Luke was selected for Upland’s ‘Emerge’ project for young artists, and this exhibition marks the end of his mentorship. Also exhibiting is Fraser Irvine, a young landscape artist from Dumfries, whose complimentary subject matter works perfectly alongside Lukes. New Youth Music Rehearsal Space at CatStrand CatStrand Youth Arts are offering a free rehearsal space for bands, singers or musicians under 25 in New Galloway. Each Wednesday night from 6-7pm a drop in will be open to anyone who wants to come and find out more, play or meet other musicians. Space for acoustic musicians to jam, a drum kit and fully plugged in set-up available in the auditorium for bands. From 7-9pm half-hour or hour slots are bookable for bands or individuals who want to rehearse in the auditorium by themselves or have tracks recorded using our studio set up with assistance from Ruari Barber-Fleming, member of funk band Gracefell, guitarist and protools trainer from Castle Douglas. Voice coaching will also be available at the drop-in sessions once a month. If you’d like to book a slot for your band or group, get in touch with aidan@catstrand.com or message @catstrandyouth on Facebook. Or come along to a drop-in any time. The first session will start on Wednesday 18 October, running weekly till Christmas and into the New Year. Patsy Gilroy I am delighted to have been elected as one of the Local Councillors for the new Dee and Glenkens Ward. If you would like to get in touch, my contact details are: patsy.gilroy@dumgal.gov.uk 07825 633153 GLENKENS ROUTE Thursdays: 12noon-1pm – Crossmichael 1-2pm – Parton/Loch Ken Holiday Park 2-4pm – Balmaclellan area 4-5.30pm – The Hidden Road Fridays: 8-10.30am – Dalry 10.30-11am – Glenlea Area 11am – New Galloway 12noon – New Galloway Shop 2pm – Mossdale area 3-4pm – Laurieston to Gatehouse Please note that all times are approximate. 07966 103 912 charliecoid@hotmail.com Fleet Fish aims to provide top quality produce which is sourced as locally as possible. We take pride in offering friendly door-to-door service tailored to our customers’ needs. Glenkens Gazette page 11 CatStrand Highlights CatStrand celebrates its 10th Birthday in October with the spectacular Big 10 Festival – ten events in ten days! We kick off with the legendary Dougie MacLean (5 Oct) unsurprisingly this event has already sold out, but please contact our Box Office as there is a waiting list for any returns. If you can’t see Dougie, there is plenty more to be going on with. Luke Daniels’ Polyphon Chronicles (Fri 6 Oct) is an intriguing blend of contemporary folk blended with Victoriana using an old electrophon machine from the late 19th century. Our new art exhibition by young Upland artists Luke Fitch and Fraser Irving launches (Mon 9 Oct) while our youth volunteers have chosen the movie Pixels [12] (Tues 10 Oct) for their Animate Club screening. Prepare for “riotous” comedy and get your tickets quick for Scottish comedian Craig Hill (Thu 12 Oct) and also book early for Scottish Album of the Year Awards 2017 nominee Adam Holmes and the Embers in a DOUBLE BILL with the much lauded Rachel Sermanni (Fri 13 Oct). Finally, there is the Big 10 Party (Sat 14 Oct) hosted by Fred MacAulay and featuring a variety of acts and of course plenty of Fred’s comedy. The party is FREE to attend but, due to anticipated demand, we’re running a ballot for tickets. Please let us know if you’d like to attend by sending an email to simon@catstrand.com with your name and contact details. Alternatively, drop into CatStrand (or phone in) and leave your name with our Box Office staff. Good luck! The fun doesn’t end with the Big 10 Festival and after a short rest, we’re back with a full programme for October and November. The Glenkens Story presents Alistair Livingston discussing the Galloway Levellers (Sun 22 Oct). Our second Glenkens Story event features Dr Jo Miller (Dalry Town Hall, Sat 25 Nov) discussing ‘Traditions of Music-Making in the Glenkens’. Our now established Dark Sky Jazz Club series continues with the incredibly gifted Phllip Clouts Quartet (Fri 27 Oct). The first of our new Live Literature events, which include a reading followed by a workshop, begins with renowned poet Valerie Gillies (Sat 28 Oct) before we welcome acclaimed author Stuart Paterson (Sat 4 Nov). Both events are FREE, but booking is required. CatStrand’s now legendary Halloween Party is back on Tues 31 Oct, and this year sees the return of the much loved (but often dampened…) Lantern Parade. Come and make your own lantern at a special workshop in Balmaclellan Village Hall on Sat 21 Oct (10.30am – 12.30pm). We’re delighted to welcome Japanese classical pianist Reiko Fujisawa (Fri 3 Nov) whose programme will include pieces by Takemitsu, Ades, Beethoven, and Schubert. Other CatStrand debuts this month include Twelfth Day (Sat 11 Nov) a fiddle, harp and voice duo from Orkney/ Peebles who are creating a big stir in the traditional scene with their highly original compositions and performances. Young up-and-coming band Gracefell (Fri 17 Nov) will be headlining their first CatStrand show in a gig-type atmosphere while the voice of the recent iPhone adverts Blick Bassy (Sun 19 Nov) will be bringing his uniquely thrilling and addictive Cameroonian songs to New Galloway on a rare Scottish foray. We look forward to seeing you at CatStrand over the coming months! The CatStrand Team The traditional story of Robinson Crusoe is told with a few unexpected twists. The Crusoe family have supposedly been left a fortune by their long-lost Uncle Horatio, but the drawback is they have to get to a remote desert island to dig it up. They recruit the local ship’s captain and his motley crew to take them there and the adventures begin... The Youth Players have gone from strength to strength since they were formed and the annual panto is always one of the highlights of the CatStrand year. Tickets always sell out quickly so make sure you book your tickets soon... Dougie MacLean Youth Players Panto 2017 The CatStrand Youth Players’ seventh annual pantomime will be Robinson Crusoe & The Pirates by Paul Reakes, to be staged on 8, 9 and 10 December. Glenkens Gazette SCOTLAND TO SAHARA AND HOME AGAIN Fifteen thousand kilometres and six months later, here we are, back in our homeland of Alba. The ‘Scotland to Sahara’ journey has presented so many amazing sights whilst most definitely enriching the soul somewhat. Brought home also is a much refreshed appreciation for the beautiful, albeit slightly damp, Glenkens. The countries we explored comprised of Spain, Portugal, France, England, Belgium and of course the awesome lands of Morocco. In regards to fundraising for ‘Doctors Without Borders’, numerous donations were pledged by people we met along the way and also from friends back home, many followers of our internet blog also donated online. Why not read the news updates and inspiring work of this charity for yourself at www.msf.org.uk It seems the first question many people ask us now is; so did you have many vehicle breakdowns? Not a single one; Kaerus the land- based vessel of discovery put up with all tasks asked of her with ease and reliability. We used pretty much all of the living equipment packed and the extra gizmos fitted - the only items left unused were the comprehensive stock of emergency spare parts. page 12 for dish-washing, all make life on the road pleasant rather than galling. We carry around 120 litres in the onboard tanks, a calorifier utilises wasted heat from the engine to keep piping hot water always on tap. The entire system is pressurised with marine diaphragm pumps which use very little power, yet create similar pressures to those found in a house. A multi-stage charcoal filter keeps all water safe to drink, which saved us a lot of money on bottled water; the plastic bottled water culture creates far too much unnecessary toxic waste. This said, it is sensible to keep a few litres of bottled water in stock for emergencies. We do have many exciting ideas for possible future voyages, when circumstances and funds allow. A few stories and photos from this trip can be seen on the blog, and archives of posts from the last six months are available too at www.kaerus-overland.weebly.com If anyone has any questions or would like help preparing for their own trip, please feel free to get in touch via email - we are happy to help and pass on useful advice. For now it is farewell, but I will leave you with a quote from the American poet, Robert Frost. “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I, I took the one less travelled by, and that has made all the “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I, I took the one less travelled by, and that has made all the difference.” I once read a report, from a seasoned overlander of many decades, that the design of Defender seats are the best for long periods of travelling behind the wheel; I can confirm that this is very true. To anyone planning a long trip with a vehicle, one of the most important things to consider is water. The ability to carry sufficient water, have hot showers (or cold ones in very hot days!), filter drinking water and have a sink difference”. Ben Ade JENNY’S DESIGN Mobile Hairdresser • Home Visits • Nursing Homes & Residential • The Elderly & Disabled • Blow Drying • Setting • Perms • Cuts • Toupees • Wig Styling NVQ Level 3 Hairdressing, NVQ Level 4 Social Care Call Jenny on 07554 009 624 Exploring the national park in Valencia, Spain. Glenkens Gazette Poetry Success A member of the Glenkens Writers’ Group has won national recognition for her poetry. Stella Cruickshank’s poem, The Book Festival, was published as ‘Poem of the Day’ in the Herald newspaper as the 2017 Edinburgh International Book Festival was opening. Until recently Stella lived in Parton, and has been a member of the CatStrand-based writers since the group formed three years ago under the auspices of the Connecting in Retirement project. Stella, who only started writing poetry when she joined the Glenkens Writers, says: “I was amazed and delighted to see the poem in the Herald. It’s inspired me to continue writing poetry.” There’s no literary tradition in her family, she explains, but she gets great satisfaction out of writing. And for anyone thinking of joining the Glenkens Writers her advice is simple: “Go for it! Don’t be inhibited even if you’ve never written before. Our tutor, Margaret Elphinstone, has an amazing ability to draw writing out of people.” Lesley Munn, poetry editor of the Herald, commented: “Here is a fresh voice, conjuring up both the physical, if imaginary, scene of the old brushwielder in the park and slyly commenting on the verbosity of much that is said at literary festivals (poets excluded of course!).” A new Start to Write workshop begins at the CatStrand on 17 October and will meet monthly - see p26. page 13 The Book Festival by Stella Cruikshank “What is it you’re doing?” I enquired of the old man brushing the path. “I’m sweeping up all the words they left behind. So many words. Each year it’s the same. I find them piled in corners; In the flower beds; And the wind catches them: They get blown up And tossed about: Ideas get caught in the branches.” “But why so many left behind?” “O People just throw them about; So careless.” He fills the sack in his barrow. “But what is this? Why is this path clear? No waste here Not a spare word.” “This is where the poets met.” He replied. Glenkens Gazette A RE-SHUFFLE FOR GLENKENS SCHOOLS page 14 The Glenkens Cluster has had a re-shuffle, and is now separated into the Glenkens Cluster of Primary Schools under one head teacher, and Dalry Secondary School, which has become a satellite of Castle Douglas High School and is being managed by a Depute Head from Castle Douglas. Let’s meet the new primary Head Teacher, Paul Scrimshaw, and the secondary Depute Head, Alison Cook. Paul Scrimshaw Where are you from? I was born in the village of Bolton upon Dearne, in the heart of the South Yorkshire coalfields. My father was a coal miner along with most other men in the village. My parents had high aspirations for my brothers and me and we all went to university. My parents certainly wanted a different life for us other than working down the mines. This was actually very far-sighted of them as by the mid-1980s the mines were closing down. Fortunately I was already well on my way to becoming a teacher. What is your previous teaching experience, or other job experience? I have had a varied career having taught at all stages of the primary and have even had some secondary experience. I started my career working in a Special School in Lambeth, London, before moving back to Yorkshire in 1992. I worked in a multicultural infant school in Huddersfield before gaining further experience in other primary schools. My first Headteacher post was in a large primary school in Malton, North Yorkshire, before I moved back to Huddersfield to take on the role in a school which housed special provision for deaf children and children with developmental delay. In 2011, after years of spending every holiday in Scotland, we moved north and I took up the post as Headteacher of Gordon Primary school in Huntly, Aberdeenshire. Almost seven years on we have landed in the Glenkens. What inspired you to come to the Glenkens? Since moving to Scotland we have used Dumfries and Galloway as a meeting point to spend weekends with family and friends. The area is stunning and we always felt completely relaxed when visiting. We had been considering a move here for a while and, when our house in Yorkshire finally sold in February of this year, we felt the time was right. When the post of headteacher for the Glenkens Cluster was first advertised I was not in a position to apply. However, when it was re-advertised I knew it was meant to be and the rest, as they say, is history. What do you think of the Glenkens so far? I always thought my drive to work in Aberdeenshire was pretty beautiful but having spent the last two weeks driving up the side of Loch Ken, I am left speechless by the stunning scenery. My dad came to stay last week and we travelled many miles in the evenings, driving to different beaches, lochs, RSPB reserves and the amazing forest roads. My wife and I are also enjoying lots of new walks with the dogs. I hear you like Star Wars... When the original Star Wars film was released in 1977 my dad took us to see it. My younger brother and I were hooked from that moment on. I wouldn’t say I was obsessed, but leaving presents from colleagues and children in Aberdeenshire had a familiar theme. What do you see as the key benefits of a small rural allthrough school? Having worked in small and large schools - rural, town and inner city schools - for me, one of the key benefits of children attending smaller rural schools is the sense of almost being like a large family. Although the secondary part of Dalry School is now technically a separate school, the close links between the two schools support children moving from the primary to the secondary phase. As Headteacher of the three primary Paul Scrimshaw, Head Teacher for the Glenkens Cluster of Primary Schools. schools, I need to ensure that the children from Kells and Carsphairn have all the opportunities for transition which the children at Dalry Primary enjoy. Do you have any ideas/plans/ changes in mind for the school? I have lots of ideas and plans but in the first instance I am taking a little time to gather the thoughts of staff, parents and children. Once I have had the opportunity to do this we will then look at the way forward. Everyone working together to provide the very best outcomes for the children has to be at the heart of everything we do. At the moment all I can say is watch this space... but not for too long! Is there anything else you would like to say to parents/ students/the local communities? My first few weeks living and working in the Glenkens have been wonderful. The children in the Glenkens are wonderful and I have spoken to many parents and local people who have all been warm, friendly and helpful. We are so excited to be exploring lots of new places. However, it feels like home already. Glenkens Gazette Alison Cook What are your first impressions of Dalry? I’m really enjoying being in Dalry school – I feel like I’ve been here for ages already! Everyone has been so friendly and helpful and both staff and pupils have been very welcoming which has helped me settle in to the school. What you notice immediately when you arrive here is the fact that it feels like one big family. All staff – teaching and non-teaching, primary and secondary - all work together to offer amazing and unique opportunities for the pupils in the school. I love the drive to work from Crossmichael; the scenery and views from the school are stunning – the sun always seems to shine here! What is your vision for the school? To move the school forward in line with regional and national policies page 15 whilst ensuring the school’s own identity and sense of community remains uncompromised. My aim is that every young person leaving Dalry school is happy and ready to face the next stage in their lives with the relevant skills and confidence. What is your background? I grew up in Castle Douglas and attended Castle Douglas Primary and Castle Douglas High School. We moved to Castle Douglas from Straiton when my father got a job as livestock auctioneer at Wallets Marts. I left CDHS to study music at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (now the Conservatoire) and was taught piano by Doreen Prentice. I taught Music at Cathkin High School in Cambuslang and very quickly found an interest in Pupil Support. I was PT Pupil Support for 6 years before returning to the Stewartry. I moved back here in 2010 when I took up post as Depute EDINBURGH BOOK FESTIVAL Dalry Secondary School’s S2 class trip to the Edinburgh Book Festival was graced with sunshine and blue skies. The tented festival village in Charlotte Square was looking every bit as charming as in the programme – perfect for picnicking and icecreams between author events and signings. Our choice of authors was spot on - Elizabeth Wein and David Almond were very different in their approach to writing but both were entertaining and inspiring, with stories about all sorts from Scottish freshwater pearls to the messiness inside our heads. The young writers in our group found them both encouraging in their advice: “Write what you care about (not just what you know)” from Elizabeth Wein, and “Write in the words you speak, even if it’s different from Standard English” from David Almond. Jane Banner, School Librarian Alison Cook, Acting Depute Head for Dalry Secondary School. Headteacher at Castle Douglas High School. We have recently moved from the Haugh of Urr to Crossmichael. Roald Dahl Day Continued from front page... The children also raised in excess of £50 which will go towards one of Roald Dahl’s favourite charities, dedicated to supporting sick children in hospital. Pictured are: Bottom - Dalry Primary, Below: Kells Primary. Glenkens Gazette KELLS PRIMARY SCHOOL: A HIDDEN GEM Tucked away at the back of New Galloway, with beautiful views of the hills beyond the playing field, Kells Primary is a vibrant and happy little school. Founded in 1743, Kells is one of the three Glenkens cluster primary schools, but is often overlooked, possibly because it is named after the Parish and not New Galloway itself – in an estate agent’s particulars recently, the nearest school was described as four miles away, when the house in question backed onto the Kells school playground! However, some families have travelled over 15 miles to attend the school by choice, and the Parent Council are keen to make sure Kells School is more widely recognised by parents as an excellent option for new pupils, especially as schools further south such as Crossmichael and Castle Douglas approach capacity. “We chose Kells after considering a range of other schools in the Stewartry,” says Dr Ian Johnston, Parent Council chair. “We lived near Castle Douglas at the time, but felt the 20-minute journey was well worth making for the friendly, supportive environment and warm family feel we found in Kells. We’ve never for an instant regretted our decision. Our son loves going to school and is looking forward to moving on to Dalry Secondary with friends he has made at Kells and, thanks to joint activities, across the Glenkens cluster.” Staff, pupils and parents are looking forward to an increased emphasis on inter-school activities in the Glenkens under new cluster head teacher Paul Scrimshaw, but Kells also has a unique character of its own. The small class sizes (Kells currently has 30 pupils) mean an exceptional teacher to pupil ratio (1: 11, P1-P3 and 1:19, P4-P7), as well as excellent support staff and a clear dedication to parental and community involvement. This results in a learning focus that is flexible and adaptive, led by pupils’ needs and ability in any particular subject area rather than purely by age. For example, in the P1-3 class, both the reading and maths groups are mixed across the age range according to what works best for each pupil at that point in their learning. Some children are confidently working beyond their average age level, whereas others appreciate the extra time to really get to grips with a subject. P1-3 teacher, Mrs Lynda Muir, also using everything from stop-motion animation to creating a French café to explore their way around Europe. Meanwhile, the P1-3 pupils are getting stuck in and already selling their school garden produce in the New Galloway Community Shop - which Kells pupils played a part in creating. “My two boys (P2 and P4) are flourishing at Kells,” says Mary Smith, whose eldest son went to a larger school in the area before joining Kells in P2. “His previous school was good, but the environment and people at Kells, and the New Galloway community, are helping him to really shine. Both boys are eager to go to school each day and come home full of ideas and enthusiasm – I can’t ask for more than that.” Kells School is always keen to be part of its community, and this year will see many more events staged within the Burgh itself. But the school is also always open to visitors – if you think your children would thrive at Kells, or any of the Glenkens cluster schools, contact Mr Scrimshaw to come and see the children and staff in action at any time. Or if you’d like to join our fantastic volunteers at the schools and get to know our lovely children, please get in touch as well – people to read with the children, speakers of Scots dialects and people with traditional skills to pass on are particularly welcomed, but all offers are hugely appreciated. The community and the schools working together is always the most powerful way to help our children become the best that they can be! Kells Primary School Parent Council ...pupils help each other out, sharing skills and knowledge without being prompted... uses an Active Learning approach in order to encourage and support pupils to work at tasks on their own initiative and to continue to learn through play. One of the strengths of this approach is the way all pupils help each other out, sharing skills and knowledge without being prompted: “We learn how to get lots of things done and how to be kind to each other,” says Jennifer, P3. The size of the school also means that there is more scope for the curriculum to be approached in fun and original ways, with plenty of opportunity for pupils to experiment and explore – something that Mr Graeme Thompson, who joined the school this year as P4-7 teacher, is making the most of: “Kells is a wonderful school. We are all working together to build interesting, exciting learning activities for the children with a strong dose of enthusiasm and positivity.” After a hugely successful school den-building day involving local tradesmen and volunteers last term, this term P4-7 pupils are page 16 Glenkens Gazette page 17 Carsphairn Community Council Launches Revamped Website Carsphairn Community Council are pleased to announce the launch of their newly revamped website. www.carsphairn.org has been an invaluable resource to the community for many years and now, having been updated, contains more interesting and useful information than ever before. Volunteers have used all the best bits of the old site and added some new features. With calendar pages making sure that you never miss a community event or community council meeting, the site also provides information about our active community groups and local attractions, as well as links to other sites of interest, from the local five-day weather forecast to the latest planning applications. We hope that the new site will continue to be a fantastic asset for both locals and visitors alike, and that everyone will be able to find something of interest. We’d love to hear from you if you think we’ve missed anything, have something you’d like to see, or to - three changing cask ales & cider - fresh, seasonal & local food - en suite accommodation - open all day every day - award-winning food, beer & atmosphere - en-suite accommodation - 20% off takeaway discount - country sport & walkers facilities Christmas bookings now being taken 01644 430 241 www.theclachaninn.co.uk let us know about any mistakes we might have made. If so, please email webmaster@carsphairn.org With many thanks to our new webmaster who has done/is doing a great job! Liz Holmes, Chair, Carsphairn Community Council Follow us on facebook and twi�er and make sure to sign up for our newsle�er - see website for details… www.gallowayglens.org Glenkens Gazette page 18 ANOTHER AWARD FOR BROOKFORD From the moment they decided to open Brookford as a Bed and Breakfast, Ronnie and Angie Bradford were determined to minimise their impact on the beautiful and unspoilt area that is the Glenkens. “Whilst we focused on a customer-centred approach, we were always mindful of building a business that would be as environmentally friendly as it is customer friendly,” says Ronnie. In March 2017 Brookford were awarded the Visit Scotland Thistle Award for the Most Hospitable B&B in Scotland. Having achieved their goal of providing the very best in Scottish hospitality, the couple have now set their sights on achieving the highest standards required of Gold status through membership of The Green Tourism Business Scheme; and they seem to have made a pretty good start by achieving a Silver Award. “Our aim is simply to continue offering the very best visitor experience whilst minimising the impact of all the environmental and ecological elements it takes to maintain those standards. “All our kitchen and laundry appliances have been replaced with A or A+ rated machines. Wherever possible we use ecofriendly laundry and cleaning products. A smart meter allows us to constantly monitor our power use and a daily usage target helps keep us focussed on our usage,” continues Ronnie. All the lights in the property have been changed, where possible to LED including the exterior lights which have been chosen also for their low light pollution. In the absence of water metering, all of the flow rates from taps, toilets and showers have been checked and restricted to optimise the use of the water in the property. In the dining room, the preserves are homemade using our home grown or locally sourced berries and fruit. All bread is homemade. The breakfast menu meats are sourced from within a 40-mile radius - all helping reduce Brookford’s ‘food miles’. “We ask guests to choose their breakfast each evening, which means that we produce very little food waste and what we do produce is either fed to our neighbours’ hens (from where we source our eggs), or is composted for use in the garden and greenhouse,” says Angie. They have even installed a water butt in the garden to collect rain water for use in the garden and greenhouse...roll on Gold Award! Glenkens Gazette page 19 Connecting In Communities Update The Connecting In Communities project continues to move on at pace: tai chi, exercise to music, digital photography and the writing group all roll on, with more new and exciting events are coming soon. Did you see the highly acclaimed photo exhibition in CatStrand’s Pyramid Gallery? Why not join the group and have a go yourself? The Glenkens Men’s Shed is expanding in numbers and will soon be adding a Monday evening session to its opening times. Fundraising for the new window and mezzanine floor continues and work should commence this autumn. A new evening yoga class with Amy Fowler begins a six-week trial on Thursday 19 October at 6.30pm - places are limited so book early! A new beginners’ writing group kicks-off on Tuesday 17 October at 3.15pm under the expert tutelage of Margaret Elphinstone - remember there’s a book in all of us! Names are being taken for the proposed First Aid courses and if you like your music loud and proud, tickets are going fast for the Rocktober gig on 28 October. A free shuttle bus is available for this event and entry is also free, but booking is essential as spaces are limited so grab yours now. “FM” are a top North-East rock band who specialise in Led Zeppelin and AC/DC covers along with their trademark hard rock and blues. The popular ‘Keep Taking the Tablets’ courses restart on Tuesday 3 October, and look out for the planned Social Media Awareness and Internet Safety presentations. Connecting In Communities supports CatStrand’s volunteer cohort and if you would like to get involved, there a number of opportunities available. Got an idea to help your community? Contact Brian Jones or Chris Jowsey on 01644 420 374 and we’ll see if we can help. Glenkens Gazette page 20 MENS SHED MONDAYS Manshed The Glenkens Mens Shed are planning to open on Monday evenings from 6.30pm until 9pm starting this autumn. If anyone is interested in attending an evening session and joining the Shed would they please contact either Brian Jones (brian@catstrand.com) or Chris Jowsey (chris@catstrand.com)or phone 01644 420374. Abbas Rest Coffee Morning Abbas Rest annual coffee morning will be held in Dalry Town Hall on 21 October from 10am to 12noon. Any donations towards rafle, tombola, cake stalls would be gratefully received. Please contact Avril Brown on 430 526. I would like to take this opportunity to remember Barbara Colbenson, who supported me with Abbas Rest for 14 years. She will be sadly missed. Avril Brown Christmas Coffee Morning St Margaret’s Ladies’ Guild and Glenkens Churches Guild are holding a Christmas Coffee Morning. This year it will be held on Wednesday 6 December in New Galloway Town Hall, from 10.30am to 12noon. In addition to coffee, shortbread and mince pies there will be stalls, a tombola and a lucky dip. Please come along and support this joint venture. Job Vacancy GCC Playgroup Manager Enthusiastic, nurturing, child-centred person needed to take on the management and development of GCC Playgroup. Closing date for applications Friday 6 October. For a full job description please contact: theglenkenschildrensclub@gmail.com Men by Barry Bryan-Dixon Early to bed early to rise, we are the Manshed guys. Brian, Tom, Rob, John, Ali and Drew, Chris, Stewart, Ned and Tom, Barry, Ned, Kevin, Tom, Tam and Mr Mague. We meet up two days or three every week, couple of hours of banter, jokes and laughter we seek. Where the time goes we don’t know, beavering away making things that we sell and show. We have all different skills to see us through, we learn new skills from each other, yes we do. The big green doors open so wide, Let’s have a really good old look inside. Someone is building a model boat, six feet long, eighteen inches wide, we know it will float. Various bits of machinery for working with wood, saws, sanders, drills look so good. Bicycle workshop for maintenance and repairs, bicycles galore waiting patiently in pairs. Motorcycles all in a line, being restored over time. Metalwork machinery and tools, this and that on different spools. Enter yet through a smaller door, big boys toys, wood drills, sanders, wood lathe, hand tools galore. Tables, benches, wine racks, bug hotels, signs, bird tables, wood turning, and carving come to mind. I mustn’t forget our resident guest Gary the Gorilla, he’s a very big and handsome fella. A behive of activity, working, laughing, joking, and jawing. Glenkens Gazette page 21 WATSON BIRDS AND BARONE Barone, the former home of Donald and Joan Watson, has now been sold. The new owners, Graham and Jean West, formerly lived at Craighead in the village and are committed to creating a Donald Watson Memorial Garden, with paths, a bird hide, seating and making the garden open for public access. This is great news as it echoes what we had hoped to do. Many thanks in anticipation to Graham and Jean. Roger Crofts Barone garden, soon to be the Donald Watson Memorial Garden. Arndarroch Open Garden Annikki Lindsay would like to thank everyone who supported the Arndarroch Open Galloway Hills Rally If you wondered why all the cars were parked outside New Galloway on the Laurieston road around mid-September, the answer is the Galloway Hills Rally. This was the 44th year of the rally, held in the Galloway Forest surrounding Castle Douglas, and including a stage at Cairn Edward. This year’s champion was Jock Armstrong from Castle Douglas, pictured below in the winning car, a Subaru Impreza. Garden this year. £517 was raised which will go to Carsphairn Church Fund and Dumfries Canine Rescue Centre. © Lindsay @ Photo Sport 14th October 11th November 10am-12.30pm For further information or to book a stall ring 01644 430 454 or visit www.dalrytownhall.co.uk Entrance by donation - proceeds towards Dalry Town Hall Refurbishment Fund North of Castle Douglas, A713 Ayr Road Glenkens Gazette page 22 REBELS AND MUSICIANS Local revolt and the joys of musicmaking feature in The Glenkens Story’s winter programme. The Galloway Levellers tore down dykes and defied the authorities in 1724 but what were their motives? Well-known local historian Alistair Livingston draws on his researches to come up with a radical explanation - were they not so much rebels as pioneers of capitalism? Alistair is speaking at the CatStrand at 2.30pm on Sunday 22 October. Musician and scholar Dr Jo Miller grew up in Dalry and during the 1980s conducted field work on musicmaking and dance in the Glenkens. Her interviewees included an older generation who took the story back many decades. In this talk she will tell stories from her research illustrated by pictures, music and the words of local people. Expect to be surprised and entertained and catch a glimpse of some well known faces from the past. This event will be held in Dalry Jo Miller Town Hall at 3pm on Saturday 25 November. Tickets for both events are available from the CatStrand. Photo of the Issue Sponsored by the Ken Bridge Hotel This issue’s winner is Carrie Lawrenson with a gorgeous image of sunset over Loch Ken. Carrie wins a meal for two at the Ken Bridge Hotel’s Sunday carvery. Competition judges Dave and Sue said: “The lovely rich colours captured in the photograph of the sunset gets our vote this issue.” Glenkens Gazette War Updates: Early 1917 The last update of deaths in WW1 took us to the death of George Kirk on 9 April 1917, and the losses continued through what was to be the worst month of the war in terms of the deaths of men from the Glenkens. Joseph Tait Shaw of High Park Farm, Balmaclellan, was assisting his mother in the running of the farm when he enlisted into the London Scottish in December 1915. He was killed on 16 April 1917 at the age of 27, and is buried at Heninel Cemetery near Arras. Joseph is commemorated on the Balmaclellan memorial. Captain Alexander Clark Kennedy of Knockgray, Carsphairn, was the fourth son of the late Captain and Mrs Clark Kennedy, a family with a notable tradition of military service. He was serving with 1st/ 5th Kings Own Scottish Borderers when he was in the Palestine campaign on 19 April 1917 and is buried at Gaza. His brother Archibald would be killed later in the war and another brother (William) would win the Victoria Cross and go on to unveil the Carsphairn War Memorial after the war. Alexander was 33 years old and is commemorated on the Carsphairn memorial. Captain Walter Douglas Kennedy (known as Douglas) was serving in the Palestine campaign with the Royal Scots Fusiliers when he was killed on 19 April 1917 at the age of 31. He was the tenant of Marbrack Farm, Carsphairn. His brother Charles was killed earlier in the war and a third brother, Robert, was killed in the Boer war. All three brothers are listed on a memorial plaque on the outside of the rear of Carsphairn Church. William Dunbar was a gardener at Troquaine House, Balmaclellan, when he enlisted into the Kings Own Scottish Borderers in June 1916. He was killed near Vimy Ridge, where his brother John had been killed two weeks earlier. He was born in 1886 at Glenlair, Corsock, the son of James McPhearson Dunbar and Agnes (Charteris) Dunbar of Glenlair. He was the husband of Margaret (Smith) Dunbar of Troquhaine Cottage, Balmaclellan, who he married in 1911 in Kelton, Castle Douglas. He was reported missing in action on 23 April 1917 and is named on the Corsock War Memorial, together with his brother John of the Canadian Infantry who was killed on 9 April 1917. William is also listed on the Balmaclellan memorial. He was 30 years old when he was killed. George McGaw was a butcher in New Galloway when he enlisted in November 1915 into the King’s Own Scottish Borderers. On arrival in France in October 1916, he was transferred to the Royal Scots Fusiliers. Born 1896 in Crossmichael, he was the son of the late Susan (Smith) McGaw and Charles McGaw of High Street, New Galloway. He was killed in action on 23 April 1917 at the age of 21 and is buried in Wancourt British Cemetery, France. He is listed on the Kells Parish memorial. Andrew Doyle was an apprentice baker before he enlisted into the Highland Light Infantry in September 1914. The son of Mr and Mrs Thomas Doyle of Kirkland Street, Dalry, he was just 21 years old when he died. He was awarded the Military Medal for previous bravery on 5, 10 and 11 April, and is listed on the Dalry memorial. James Jackson enlisted into the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders in September 1915 and before this he was employed on farm work at Viewfield, New Galloway. He joined his battalion in France in January 1916 but was wounded at Hulloch, near Loos, in June. He returned to the front in March 1917 and was killed near Arras. Born in New Galloway, he was the son of Peter and Mary (McQueen) Jackson of 130 Stricklandgate, Kendal, Westmorland and of Parkhouse, Kirkcudbright. He page 23 was killed in action on 28 April 1917 and is buried in the Tank Cemetery, Guemappe, France. He is named on the memorial and roll of honour in Twynholm Parish Church and on the Twynholm Parish War Memorial. The Tank Cemetery is a mass grave in which 64 men of the 7th Camerons are buried. These casualties were the result of an attack on Cavalry Farm during the Battle of Arras. James Jackson is listed on the Kells Parish memorial and was aged just 19 at the time of his death. To be continued... Paul Goodwin Glenkens Gazette page 24 Who Do We Think We Were? This issue features Gordon Hill’s experiences of long distance running. The ‘Man v Horse’ is an annual race over 22 miles, where runners compete against riders on horseback. Gordon took up long distance events in 2005, and is still in the running. If Gordon’s piece reminds you of your own sport, hobby or past glories, your story could also feature on this page. Please send your reminiscence, of any time or any aspect of your life, wherever you come from, and however long you have lived in the Glenkens, by email to margaret.elphinstone @dircon.co.uk or hand in a copy at CatStrand marked ‘Glenkens Gazette - WDWTWW’. Apologies for a caption error in the last edition - the farm where Marion Bone grew up was at Barr, not Pinmore. The next contribution will be a reminiscence from Margaret Lamont who was evacuated from Edinburgh to New Galloway during the war. Lakeland 50 Run 2013: A Personal View Fifteen miles up and down mountains in pitch darkness, lashing rain, paths and tracks turned into uneven muddy slippery torrents, increasing wind and cold with just a head torch for guidance and to follow the self navigate route. Gradually getting knackered. 45 miles done, 5 miles from the end, must keep going, another age it seems but can only be 15 mins, and I’m at the next checkpoint. People are dropping out with hypothermia here, 3.7 miles before the end, checkpoint people rushing about with hot tea and large sheets of tinfoil to wrap people in! All accompanied by the sound of the torrential rain hammering on the roof of the open sided shelter. I think I’m still on the right side of marginal – yes, they let me run on. No one allowed out of the last checkpoint in these wild conditions without another runner as companion. Mine’s a good navigator, thank goodness! Mountains in the dark, wet and cold at 3 am when you’re knackered is not a good place to get lost! It wasn’t like that at 11:30 that morning when we started. A lovely day with the spectacular mountains and lakes ahead. Sunny intervals and varied running on tracks and footpaths. Stiff climb to start with, more walk than run, through the pretty village of Pooley Bridge, up up up, to a ridge, down, down, down. That’s the pattern for the run, long ups and long downs, through woods, over fields, little bits of road, bridges and stepping stones. Variations from good footpath to boulder strewn obstacle courses as we go along. At last, the first checkpoint at my predicted time. Friendly helpful people, food and drink to keep us going. Over the top with a two thousand plus foot climb (hot then very hot, dripping hot and roasting!), too steep and hot to run the last bit. Superb panorama at the top. Down to the next (Mardale Head) checkpoint. The day passes, running, walking, scrambling, up, down. Sunshine and a couple of thunderstorms for company. Ambleside, 35 miles done, raining and dark. Checkpoint, encouragement from spectators and off into the looming black mountains. Now the fun stops. Stair rods of Gordon Hill at Man vs. Horse Cross Country Marathon, 2012. rain, paths are rivulets, must struggle on another fifteen miles. On through the dark, miles coming up ever more slowly. Next checkpoint is a superb marquee all lit up and with chimnea fires, lovely comfy couches and blankets to pull over my sodden body as I eat and drink. So easy to stop but no, must push on, under 10 miles to go. Last checkpoint with all the drama there, up, up, up onto last ridge and down on the worst path ever made, more a rocky channel. It’s a struggle to keep going but I know I can finish. It’s beginning to get light and we hit a better track and run the last half mile into the wonderful reception at the end. There’s wife Ros coming out of the shadows to join us as we run into Coniston and then we’re done and through the door with all those people still up at 5 am to cheer us in! Then a medal, food, glorious food and the best mug of tea in the world! GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL � 01644 420234 � New Galloway Golf Club Founded 1902 www.nggc.co.uk - 01644 420737 Buggies now available for hire VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME Glenkens Gazette page 25 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN The More Things Change The More They Stay The Same Following the publication of the British Census in 1901 a Glenkens shepherd asked; “How long is the exodus to continue?” I have for long been puzzled by the fact that the folk of Dumfries and Galloway seem quite unaware that loss of population in the later nineteenth century in some cases exceeded that of Highland counties. Although the situation was particularly bad in Galloway we have no tradition of clearance, of cruel and unusual measures to drive people off the land. We are still debating rural depopulation while trying to come up with suggestions about how to retain population, especially the young. We have a numerous older population of residents, of whom I am one, but those who demonise the elderly in newspapers and television programmes should be aware that if these people were not here there would be a huge hole in the local economy. What is required is the oft-invoked, but seldom realized, affordable housing. It may surprise some readers that this debate has been ongoing for over a century. Considerable discussion was generated by the publication of the 1901 Census, which showed that many parishes achieved maximum population in 1861, declining thereafter. The Scottish growth rate between 1851 and 1901 was plus 54.8% while the southwest rate was minus 21.7%. Kells came in at minus 19.5%. Below the southwest growth rate were our other villages: Balmaclellan minus 46.6%, Carsphairn minus 58.5%; and Dalry minus 33.3%. The perceived problem in Glenkens was that although the Scottish population as a whole was growing, their parishes were severely declining. As the Scotsman reported, the empty regions of Scotland were becoming more empty, as the most crowded (the cities) continued to attract. Dumfries and Galloway were being drained like the Highlands. “The Dumfries and Galloway were being drained like the Highlands. life and movement, the very soul of Scotland thus settles more and more in towns.” Explanations were as effortlessly advanced then, as now, without offering any solutions. City life was exciting while country life had become duller and village life gloomier. The energetic were departing while the “easy-going and the apathetic remained”. Towns provided superior facilities for the whole family such as shops, libraries, cheaper housing and nearness to schools, churches and doctors. It seems that women were often keen to swap the burden of rural isolation, which was often unbearable, for city clamour and companionship. Some critics blamed technology for reducing rural workers by one third. Farmers retained cottages for their employees rather than retirees. Agriculturalists who changed contracts regularly had little affection for, or loyalty to, the countryside. In addition the working-man was often “the least cared for of any of the commodities on the farm”. To make matters worse it was well-established that there was an overall depression in farming. Costs of transport to markets were rising. A further irritation was the management of landed estates by men who had no knowledge of agricultural matters. Agricultural reports also pointed to restrictive leases and rising rates of tuberculosis as problems. Ironically as folk were fleeing the countryside urban dwellers were increasingly sentimentalising it. There had long been an assumption that rurality equated with healthy living, innocence, nature and love of landscape while the cities were smoky dens of crime, temptation and brutality. One writer who nurtured such notions was our own SR Crockett, an accomplished novelist, but one who shamelessly romanticised Galloway, and the Glenkens in particular, as did some talented poets and shoals of less wellendowed versifiers. For we are the same things our fathers have been, We see the same sights that our fathers have seen, We drink the same stream, and we feel the same sun, And we run the same course that our fathers have run. Willie Knox Ted Cowan Glenkens Gazette page 26 OCTOBER & NOVEMBER SEPTEMBER Sat 30, Backroom Vintage Pop-Up Shop, 10am-4pm, Woodbank, High St, New Galloway Sat 30, Coffee Morning & Craft Fair, 10am-2pm, Castle Douglas Town Hall OCTOBER Tue 3, Kells School Fundraising Coffee Morning, 10am-12noon, Cross Keys, New Galloway Thu 5, Dougie MacLean, 7.30pm, CatStrand, SOLD OUT Thu 5, Fundraising Coffee & Raffle, 2-3.30pm, Hair by Jayne, 26 Main St, Dalry Fri 6, The Polyphon Chronicles, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 7, The Ivor Novello Story, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sun 8, Police Drop-In, 9-10.30am, Dalry Police Station Mon 9, Dalry CC Meeting (CHANGE OF DATE), 7pm, Dalry Town Hall Wed 11, Blanche & Butch, 7.30pm, CatStrand Thu 12, Stewartry Birdwatchers Talk, 7.30pm, Kells School, New Galloway Thu 12, Craig Hill, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 13, Adam Holmes & the Embers AND Rachel Sermanni, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 14, Glenkens Farmers’ Market, 10am-12noon, Dalry Town Hall, see p21 Sat 14, 10th Anniversary Party, 7.30pm, CatStrand Wed 18, Dalry Film Night, Dalry Town Hall Wed 18, Horizontal Collaboration, 7.30pm, Glencairn Memorial Institute, Moniaive Sat 21, Abbas Rest Coffee Morning, 10am-12noon, Dalry Town Hall Sun 22, Alistair Livingston, 2.30pm, CatStrand Sun 22, GTI Bus Trip, see p8 Fri 27, 7.1.3 Pop-Up Bistro, Carsphairn Tearooms, to book call 460 568 Fri 27, GTI Bus Trip, see p8 Fri 27, Dark Sky Jazz Club, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 28, Dunaskin Doon Band, 7.30pm, Carsphairn Church Sat 28, Rocktober, 8pm, CatStrand Tues 31, CaStrand Halloween Party & Lantern Parade, from 6pm Police Station Thu 9, Stewartry Birdwatchers Talk, 7.30pm, Kells School, New Galloway Sat 11, Glenkens Farmers’ Market, 10am-12noon, Dalry Town Hall, see p21 Sat 11, Twelfth Day, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 17, Quiz Night, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall Fri 17, Gracefell, 7.30pm, CatStrand Wed 15, Dalry Film Night, Dalry Town Hall Sun 19, Blick Bassy, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 24, 7.1.3 Pop-Up Bistro, Carsphairn Tearooms, to book call 460 568 Fri 24, Way Down Wanderers, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 25, Jo Miller, 3pm, Dalry Town Hall Sat 25, Backroom Vintage Pop-Up Shop, 10am-4pm, Woodbank, High St, New Galloway Sat 25, CatStrand Xmas Shopping Day, 11am-4pm, CatStrand Thu 30, Dark Sky Jazz Club, 7.30pm, CatStrand NOVEMBER DECEMBER Fri 3, Reiko Fujisawa, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 4, Stuart Paterson, 11am Talk , 1pm Workshop, CatStrand Sun 5, Police Drop-In, 1-2.30pm, Dalry Sat 2, Xmas Craft Fair, 11am-4pm, Mossdale Village Hall Glenkens Gazette page 27 REGULAR EVENTS CatStrand, New Galloway: Exercise to Music: Mon, 10-11am Margaret Morris dance 1: 3-7yrs, Mon (term-time), 3.45-4.30pm Margaret Morris dance 2: 8-16yrs, Mon (term-time), 4.30-5.15pm Youth Volunteer Meet-up, Tues, 6-8pm, FREE PIZZA Choreographic Skills Lab: Mon (termtime), 7 - 8.30pm ages 12-18 Keep Taking the Tablets computing course, Tues, re-starts 3 Oct Beginners Writing Group, Tues, starts 17 October, 3.15pm Gentle Tai Chi: Wed, 10am Wendletrap Tai Chi, Wed, 2-3.30pm Glenkens Writing Group: First Wed each month 3-5pm Music/Jam Youth Drop-in, Wed, 6-7pm & rehearsal/recording space available for booking from 7-9pm Sing it Out: Thurs, 11am -12pm CatStrand Ukes: Thurs, 1pm – 3.30pm Yoga, Thurs, 6.30pm, starts 19 Oct for a 6-week trial Zumba Gold: Fri (term-time), 10-11am, CatStrand, 16+ Saturday Art Club: 2nd & 4th Sat of the month, 10am–12noon, to book call 420 374 Catstrand Youth Players: Sun during term time, 2pm Glenkens Acoustic Sessions: last Sun of the month, 2-4pm Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry, (contact Kath on 430 281): Paint & Art: Mon, 2-4pm GCC Playgroup: Tues, Wed & Thurs, 9.1511.45am, contact Miriam 07514 320 101 Guides: Tues during term-time, 6-8pm, contact: Kath 430 281 Good Neighbours’ Club: Tues, 2pm Brownies: Thurs 6-7.30pm Kickback Martial Arts: Thurs, 7-9pm Thursday Craft Group: Thurs, 2-4pm Glenkens Children’s Club: Fri, 10am12noon New Galloway Town Hall: LING Lunches: Tues, 11am-2pm Indoor Sports: Tues, 7-9pm Zumba: Wed, 7.30-8.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall, 11+ Footcare by Stewartry Care: Thurs by appointment (Tel: 01556 504699), New Galloway Town Hall Various Locations: Hatha Yoga, Mon, 10-11.15am, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn, more info at www.carsphairn.org Mens Shed Mondays, 6.30pm, Balmaclellan Carsphairn Post Office: Tues, 1-3pm, Lagwyne Hall Beavers: Tues, 6–7.15pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Dog Training: Tues & Thurs, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. Contact: Eric 460 670 Mossdale Painters: Wed, 9.30am, Mossdale Village Hall Cub Scouts: Wed, 6.45–8pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Carsphairn Heritage Centre, 1 June to 25 September, Thurs to Mon, 10am-4pm Glenhaven Gallery, Thurs-Sun, 12noon4pm, Main St, Dalry Youth Writing Group: Thurs (during term time), 3.30-5pm, ages 10-15, Dalry School Coffee & Craft Group: Fri, 9am-12noon, Lagwyne Hall Glenkens Community Councils Balmaclellan Community Council Meetings: 4th Monday each month, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall. Carsphairn Community Council Meetings: Last Monday each month, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn. CHECK OUT NEW WEBSITE! Dalry Community Council Meetings: 1st Monday each month, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. New Galloway & Kells Community Council Meetings: 2nd Monday each month, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall. Full minutes of local Community Council meetings can be viewed at Dalry Library. in Balmaclellan Church. 12 Nov, CHURCH TIMES Choir 11am: Ceremonies at New Galloway and CHURCH OF SCOTLAND Sunday Services - Balmaclellan 12noon: 1st. Balmaclellan 10.30 am 5th(Oct). Carsphairn 10.30am: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th. Dalry 10.30am: 2nd(Oct). Dalry 12noon: 2nd(Nov) 3rd 4th. Kells 10.30am: 4th. Special Services/Events:2 Oct, 10.30am: Harvest Thanksgiving, Carsphairn Church. 7 Oct, 12–2pm: Guild Soup & Sweet Lunch, Dalry Town Hall. 9 Oct, 10.30am: United Family Service for Dalry and B & K Church in Kells Church. 29 Oct, 10.30am: United Service with the Balmaclellan War Memorials, followed by Remembrance Service in St Margaret’s Church. 24 Nov, 7.30pm: Scottish Night, Dalry Town Hall. Communion Services: 22 Oct, 12noon, Dalry Church. 5 Nov, 12noon, Balmaclellan Church. 19 Nov, 10.15am, Carsphairn Church. SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH: St Margaret’s, New Galloway: Holy Communion, 10.30am every Sun & Wed. CATHOLIC CHURCH SERVICES: Kirkcudbright: Sun Mass, 9.30am. Dalbeattie: Sat Mass, 5pm Folk Music Session, 4th Fri each month, 7.30/8pm till closing, Ken Bridge Hotel 713 Pop-up Bistro, Carsphairn Shop & Tearoom, last Friday each month, contact 460 568 Scouts: Thurs, 7–8.30pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Gentle Tai Chi: Fri 10-11am, Dalry Town Hall Family and friends coming to stay? Short of space? Cosy country cottage available (sleeps 4) Call Fiona on 01644 420 227 www.covenanters-holidaycottagescotland.co.uk To hire the MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) behind Dalry School call Sonja Tranter on 430 244 or Nicolette Wise on 430 218. Dalry Library Tuesdays 12noon-3.30pm Fridays 10am-12noon & 1-4.30pm For further library van stops and informa�on contact Castle Douglas library on 01556 502 643 ADVERTISE IN THE GAZETTE (price per issue incl VAT) SMALL: 6cm x 6cm, £37.80 (+ 10% off with series discount) 1/4 PAGE: 9cm w x 13cm h, £81.90 (+ 25% off with series discount) 1/2 PAGE: 18cm w x 13cm h, £151.20 (+ 25% off with series discount) FULL PAGE: 18cm w x 27cm h, £252 (+ 25% off with series discount) Call 07727 127 997 VAT Reg. No. 882 8361 87 USEFUL NUMBERS: ● Pot-hole Hotline: 0845 276 0000 ● Police, non-emergency: 101 ● Doctor: 01644 420 234 ● NHS 24: 08454 24 24 24 ● D&G Council: 030 33 33 3000 Glenkens Gazette TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR OF THE GLENKENS Something new and exciting is happening, and it’s starting right here in our very own hidden corner of Dumfries & Galloway. A brand new company, Epic Minds, has arrived on the scene, creating audio visual virtual tour guide apps for your phone. “Epic Minds paints the landscape as you drive through it. Experience past, present and future; discover the art and architecture, the engineering and science, the sport, the industry and the wildlife,” say the Epic Minds team. And most exciting of all - they have chosen one of the main routes through the Glenkens on which to base their prototype. This route is the first of its kind and is in its test phase, so Epic Minds are asking people to try it out. What they really need is for you - and your family, friends, relatives and visitors - to download the app for free and give them some feedback on how it’s working; whether it’s interesting, what’s missing, what’s great, what’s not - and any key local information you feel has been missed. To download the app, search for Epic Minds app in your Google Play Store or iPhone App Store, or click on the link on the website homepage to download the app. When you are ready to ‘road trip’ just open up the app at the start of your journey and it will kick in when the route begins. Epic Minds would really appreciate your feedback – you can review it directly through the Apple or Android portal, through the ‘Get in Touch’ section on their website, or email more detailed comments to epicmindstest @outlook.com To find out more about Epic Minds and their apps visit www.epic minds.com page 28 ������������������� ���������������������� ������������� ����������� ������������������������������������ ���������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������ �������������������������������������� ����������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������� ����������������� ������������������������������������������� ������������������� ������������������������������������������ �������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������ ��������������������������������������� �������������������������������������� ������������� ������������������������������������������ ��������������������������������� ����������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������� ������������� ��������������������������������������� YOUR HOTLINE TO HARBRO PRODUCTS JIM on 07900 246 100 Penpont, Thornhill, DG3 4JS Tel: 01848 330 419 Mob: 07900 246 100 jim.campbell@harbro.co.uk www.harbro.co.uk - New clothing now in stock - New bird feeder range now available - 10% OFF all garden products including garden furniture - FIXED PRICES for animal feed to APRIL 2018 15%- Buckets, blocks for sheep and ca�le - ZOLVIX wormer NOW AVAILABLE - 15% THINK…HARBRO All products at very compe��ve prices and delivery if required WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Submit events, activities, news stories, cartoons, reviews, tips & techniques, fiction, photos, ads or ideas... Contact Sarah Ade on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk DEC/JAN COPY DEADLINE: 5 NOVEMBER Design & co-ordination: Sarah Ade sarah.ade@gmail.com Printing:Stranraer & Wigtownshire Free Press www.stranraer-freepress.co.uk The Glenkens Gaze�e is an ini�a�ve of the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust, a Registered Sco�sh Charity No. SC032050  Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. 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For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Description An account of the resource <p>Find out more about the Gazette: <a href="https://glenkens.scot/gazette-home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Glenkens Gazette home page</a> If you would like to submit an article or take out an advert, please email the editor Sarah Ade: <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="mailto:glenkensgazette@hotmail.com">glenkensgazette@hotmail.com</a></p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is a member of, and regulated by <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.impressorg.com/">Impress</a>.</p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is an initiative of Glenkens Community &amp; Arts Trust (SC032050) and represents the voice of the community (not necessarily the views of GCAT).</p> Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document GLENKENS GAZETTE News from Balmaclellan, Carsphairn, Mossdale, New Galloway and St John’s Town of Dalry December/January 2017-18 ISSUE 103 FREE DUNCAN WINS PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR AWARD A Glenkens photographer has won a prestigious prize with a picture of local wildlife. Duncan McNaught, who lives in Glenlee, has been named the Royal Society of Biology’s Photographer of the Year for 2017. The winning photograph, taken in Dundeuch Forest, is entitled ‘Welcome to My Humble Abode’ and features a tiny fungus gnat inside a mushroom. “Winning the RSB award was amazing, once the shock went away” says Duncan. “It was a worldwide photography competition so to be named out of all the competitors when I am from such a small area of Scotland is truly astonishing in my eyes.” The first indication of possible success came when Duncan was named as one of eleven photographers worldwide shortlisted for the award. “This competition did not reveal other entries like some do so I had no idea what I was up against but looking back at last year’s Duncan’s winning photograph, titled ‘Welcome to My Humble Abode’. winners gave me an idea that the competition was going to be extremely challenging which made choosing my particular entry difficult.” Earlier this year Duncan was highly commended in the international Sony Awards competition. Duncan grew up in Dalry and moved to Glenlee when he as 21. He worked for Scottish Power for 25 years before taking early retirement and taking up photography in earnest. • Duncan’s work is currently on display in the Carsphairn Heritage Centre - see page 3. • He talks about his photography in an interview with the Gazette on P6 A Fundraising March to Remember Glenkens man Robin Hood, who lives outside Mossdale, is planning to hike more than 400 miles from Dumfries to the Cenotaph in London pulling a huge stone statue. Photograph courtesy of the Galloway News. The statue, of a Scottish soldier, is the mascot of South West Scotland RnR. Robin hopes to raise in excess of £20,000 for the charity which supports wounded service men and women. Robin will set off next October, arriving at the Cenotaph on November 11 for the ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of the end of WW1. He said: “This is such an important anniversary and from a military perspective this is significant to me as my great grandfather was killed at Gallipoli and my grandfather, was killed at Dunkirk.” To train for the walk, Robin will build up his stamina by walking the statue from his home to Dumfries and back each week. So look out for Robin around the region – and feel free to donate to the cause! A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) ini�a�ve www.glenkensgaze�e.co.uk Glenkens Gazette The late Pam Young was very involved in Glenkens life. Her family had lived in the area for generations and she had always wanted to do something to help the community she loved and was so much a part of. She was the sort of person that people looked to for help so when she received a request for help in finding accommodation for retiring farm workers, who had previously been living in tied houses, this proved to be the catalyst that started the Pamela Young Trust which she set up in 1992 and which has been helping to provide affordable page 2 housing for those in need in the Glenkens ever since. Early on in her plans she asked her friend John Maxwell to become a trustee. As well as living in the Glenkens, John was chairman of the Stewartry Housing Committee for over ten years and continued to serve as councillor for the area when the Stewartry was absorbed into Dumfries and Galloway Council. His knowledge and experience in all matters to do with housing was of enormous value, particularly in the early days of the trust. Following Pam’s death in 2008, John Maxwell was elected chairman, a role he continued with diligence until stepping down two months ago. He remembers that “Pam’s enthusiasm was infectious and I was flattered and pleased when she asked me to become a Trustee. It has been wonderful to see her vision become a reality. The trust’s property portfolio has grown considerably over the last 25 years and it is humbling that we have been able to help so many people.” Steve Davie, a trustee since 1995, comments: “we have been lucky to have had John’s thoughtful leadership and quiet determination to further the work of the trust over so many years. He leaves the trust in excellent shape and my fellow trustees and I are all delighted to carry forward Pam’s legacy to the Glenkens.” wellbeing of New Galloway. She will work with local charities, businesses and individuals to support and empower them in these aims. Sam comes to us from a background of teaching and child support and also runs her own dance business. She is excited to be taking up this post and is looking forward to working with the New Galloway community. • In other news, NGCE will be holding its AGM on the 1st March 2017 at 7.30pm in New Galloway Town Hall - all Members are cordially invited. If you are not already a Member, you can join by buying one or more £10 shares at any time. Ask for details at the shop or email ngce5000@gmail.com • The building work to renovate the shop and house is expected to start in spring 2018 when the shop will be relocated to temporary premises within New Galloway. NGCE wishes to thank everyone who has supported the shop and the organisation over the last few months. We have been very well supported by the community and our hard-working shop staff. Mike Brown, Chair, NGCE of the ground within the centre of the village for development into a community space/garden. Community Benefit monies from Blackcraig Wind Farm should become available during the beginning of 2019 which will pave the way for further ideas and projects. The trust is currently looking to increase the number of trustees and members, as well as supporters who have skills to bring to the projects. If you would like to become involved please contact either chair, Kay Bird, on 01644 420612 or kaybird15@btinternet.com or secretary, Ailsa Malone, on ailsmalone@aol.com by Wednesday 3 January 2018. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT WORKER FOR NEW GALLOWAY New Galloway Community Enterprises Ltd (NGCE) is delighted to announce the appointment of Samantha Rushton as its Community Engagement Worker. The creation of this part-time post is an innovative step for the organisation, and Sam’s role will be to enhance the economic and social Balmaclellan Community Trust Would you like to become actively involved in the trust? The trustees of Balmaclellan Community Trust would like to invite the residents of Balmaclellan Parish to become involved in the work of the trust and its projects. These are very exciting times for Balmaclellan. The trust is currently working on the purchase We look forward to hearing from you. Kay Bird, Chair Balmaclellan Community Trust (SCIO - SC047278) Articles contributed to the Glenkens Gazette do not reflect the opinions of the paper. The Gazette stays neutral on local, political, religious and any other issues, providing a platform for members of the Glenkens communities to share their thoughts, views and opinions. Glenkens Gazette page 3 Arts & Crafts at Carsphairn Carsphairn Heritage Centre is diversifying to secure its longterm future, piloting a scheme to introduce local crafts and artwork to visitors over consecutive Saturdays in December. This will be the first time the centre has opened for winter hours and it is being done in a bid to attract a greater number of people – local residents and tourists alike – through the door. The first exhibition will be a display of photography by Duncan McNaught, winner of the 2017 Royal Society of Biology Photographic Competition (see front page story). An extremely talented amateur photographer born and bred in Dalry and now living in Glenlee, Duncan and his amazing work are well known and admired, especially by Carsphairn residents who may have attended his photographic classes in Lagwyne Hall. “It’s been a challenging year for the Heritage Centre with a steady decline in visitors and willing or able volunteer stewards,” said Karen Hall, chairman of the Carsphairn Heritage Group. “The introduction of arts and crafts will allow local artisans to showcase their work in a permanent setting in exchange for stewarding hours, so it’s a win-win scheme. If the pilot is successful then exhibitions will sit alongside the annual heritage exhibition FHB Fencing Dalry Domestic and Agricultural Fencing 01644 430 495 (Peter) or 07767 795 498 (Jonathan) Duncan McNaught’s photos adorn the walls and locally-made crafts are on display inside the new-look Carsphairn Heritage Centre. which will reopen in Spring 2018 as normal.” She added: “Carsphairn Heritage Group remains the same as always and membership to the group is still available for anyone with a local interest in the heritage of Carsphairn and the surrounding area.” Gail Challis, the centre’s crafts coordinator, commented: “The increased craft presence is intended to appeal to and attract people who may not be aware of the great work that our volunteers do every year. “We greatly appreciate the support already shown for this project and we have received some fantastic artwork and crafts, Duncan’s exhibition looks amazing! “As well as supporting the Centre, this is a great opportunity to pick up some one-of-a-kind, handmade Christmas presents that you won’t find on the high street.” HIGHLAND BEEF from THE GLENKENS STEAK ROASTS MINCE CASSEROLE LORNE pre-pack frozen Blackmark Dalry Castle Douglas DG7 3UG 01644 460532 www.highland.scot Minding Feet Professional Foot Health Treatments Holistic Foot Therapies Patricia Lavelle MAR FHP CNHC Professional Foot Health Practitioner 07789 246 833 www.mindingfeet.com Glenkens Gazette page 4 sponsored by EVERYTHING listed in the Glenkens Freecycle section is FREE - you just need to contact the owner and go and pick it up! If you would like to list something on this page, please get in touch with Sarah on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk VARIOUS Water pipe, blue, plastic 25mm diameter, 14m long. Contact: 0776 668 6402 07712 825512 Unopened 10-litre tub of Leyland Trade magnolia matt emulsion paint. Contact: Nigel at 460 545 Black and Decker 420W electric hedge trimmer, 50cm cutting blade. Contact: Nigel on 460 545 Beith Craft table , medium coloured wood, with six matching chairs, cabinet/ sideboard that has shelves and doors. Table measures closed 4’ 9”, extended table measures 6’ 4”, matching cabinet/ sideboard measures, 5’ in length by 1’ 6” width by 5’ 6” height. Lovely pieces of furniture. Free to a good home! Contact: Angie on 07766 476 125 Aquarium, 610 x 365 x 310 cm. It comes with a hood/light etc, gravel and some in-tank furniture. Contact: Room divider, beech frame with cream cotton screen. Contact: Angie on 07766 476 125 The timing of our first visit to our daughter in Australia was determined first on finding a nearby marathon and secondly that it shouldn’t be too hot! its surrounding waters are a Class A Reserve. We didn’t have time for a ride on the train, a disappointment for Gordon who enjoys trains of all sorts. Nor did we have time to take part in the Gun and Tunnel Tour. Rottnest was part of the defences in case of invasion by Japan in WWll. A thunderstorm broke out during the evening and night before the run so we were hoping that the day would not be too hot. The marathon itself was to start at 6.45am with a skirl of pipes by two young kilted lads. The bus excursion had given Gordon an opportunity to see the marathon route, not around the whole island as we had originally assumed but 4 laps around a group of salt lakes with very little overhead vegetation. The fastest runners, under three hours, were through before the heat but as time went on the heat built up to 26 degrees, being commented on as hot by the announcer. As we met Gordon starting his last lap, he was feeling the Three seater sofa and matching armchair, oak and green leather will need repairs to leather or use with a throw. Phone for info on availability and condition. Half a roll of roofing felt. Contact: Paul on 01644 430062 – evenings. WANTED OS Pathfinder maps for the Glenkens. Contact: Simon on 07426 124 982 Small chest of drawers. Contact: Simon on 07426 124 982 Gloss paint, wood preservative, compost, herbs & pond plants. Kells School, New Galloway, 420 340 Xmas decorations please baubles, tinsel, beads, from anyone having a clear out. It’s for the Gardening Club. Contact: Mrs Devlin at Dalry Primary on 430 259 or drop them into Dalry Primary School. THE ROTTNEST MARATHON Luckily the Rottnest Marathon is in October, the end of the winter in Western Australia. Rottnest is a small island about 12 miles off the coast of Fremantle. It measures seven miles long and 2.5miles wide. Our daughter had taken part last year in a relay swim from Fremantle to Rottnest. Rottnest is home to about 12,000 Quokkas, friendly, furry little marsupials. Although they are not supposed to be fed they are well aware that the cafes are good places for hanging out. There are no private vehicles on the island but there is an opportunity for a bus trip around the coast. We were lucky to see a group of dolphins playing close in to one of the white sandy beaches which surround the island. The bus driver also spied and stopped for a dugite snake crossing the road in front of us. Rottnest and heat but determined to carry on to finish in a credible 5 hours and 34 mnsute, 20 seconds. As we sat on the grass while he recovered and the awards were presented, we were surprised to hear his name called - first in the over 70s. By the evening he had already decided on another trip to OZ next year! Ros Hill Glenkens Gazette page 5 sponsored by This is a shout out to report red squirrel sightings around the Glenkens, and further afield into the rest of Dumfries & Galloway, as greys dominate the map. Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels is calling for the public to report more red squirrel sightings in Dumfries & Galloway to help paint a truer picture of the region’s native wildlife. Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels encourages the public to report their sightings of both red and grey squirrels, to help the project monitor the situation across the country. However, in Dumfries & Galloway, the sightings map does not tell the full story. The region is home to a significant population of red squirrels, but numbers have fallen rapidly in recent decades, as non-native grey squirrels have moved into their territory. Grey squirrels out-compete red squirrels for food and shelter. They also carry squirrelpox, a virus that doesn’t harm them but is deadly to red squirrels. Squirrelpox is a particular threat in Dumfries & Galloway, where outbreaks have been recorded near Lockerbie, Thornill and Moffat. However, despite these challenges, red squirrels are known to be holding on strongly in many parts of Dumfries & Galloway, with the project’s spring survey results suggesting that there are still many places with red-only populations. Dr Stephanie Johnstone, Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels Conservation Officer for the region said: “People in many parts of Dumfries & Galloway squirrel sightings is equally important. It helps us monitor the impact our work is having, and know where to focus our efforts and limited resources. “Plus, we want to show the rest of the country what a great place Dumfries & Galloway currently is for red squirrels, and demonstrate that they are still worth saving!” Red squirrels were once widespread across Scotland and, while three quarters of the UK’s red squirrels are found here, their numbers have fallen drastically to just 120,000. This is largely due to the spread of the grey squirrel, which was first introduced to Britain from North America in the mid19th Century. Residents and visitors to the Glenkens, and the wider region, can support the project by reporting their sightings of both red and grey squirrels at scottishsquirrels.org.uk Places like ... New Galloway are havens for red squirrels, yet our current sightings map would make anyone think they were grey dominated areas. are fortunate to be living so close to red squirrels, and are very used to having them around. “Places like Gatehouse of Fleet, New Galloway and New Abbey are havens for red squirrels, yet our current sightings map would make anyone think they were grey dominated areas. “It is true that small numbers of grey squirrels are moving into these areas, and it’s fantastic that local people understand how important it is that we know about these sightings, but reporting red JENNY’S DESIGN Would you like the opportunity to have your own online business, with support from a team? Do you like healthy living and high quality skin care? Yes? Then please contact Katy Caie, Arbonne Independent Consultant, on 07756 506 496 or visit http://catrionacaie.arbonne.com Mobile Hairdresser • Home Visits • Nursing Homes & Residential • The Elderly & Disabled • Blow Drying • Setting • Perms • Cuts • Toupees • Wig Styling NVQ Level 3 Hairdressing, NVQ Level 4 Social Care Call Jenny on 07554 009 624 THE STEWARTRY VETERINARY CENTRE CASTLE DOUGLAS SURGERY HOURS Mon-Fri 2.00-2.30 pm & 5-6 pm Sat 2-2.30 pm DALBEATTIE SURGERY HOURS Mon, Wed, Fri 3-3.30 pm Tues & Thurs 6-6.30 pm FOR APPOINTMENTS AT BOTH SURGERIES OR IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY � 01556 502263 VETERINARY SURGERY OAKWELL ROAD CASTLE DOUGLAS � Glenkens Gazette Continued from front page: The Gazette has been speaking to Duncan McNaught about his photography Q. What inspired you to take up photography? In my early teens, I was given a tiny 110 cartridge camera to go on holiday with. I had no idea what I was doing to begin with but I soon realised that within a photograph you can capture a moment in time for others to see which inspired me to take up photography. Q.How long have you been taking photographs? The interest in photography started about 20 years ago through experimentation, but after I changed from film to digital my interest grew to a thriving passion. Q. Does living in the Glenkens inspire you? I grew up within the Glenkens so of course it has had a huge influence in my work. What I love about the Glenkens is that I have so much at my back door just ten minutes away. It is truly a hidden page 6 gem within Scotland. Q. What is your favourite subject matter? My favourite subject matter is micro where I can get really close up to nature that is hidden from the normal eye. Individual seed heads, tiny fungi, dew drops, etc. It has truly opened up a whole other world for me. It’s certainly Duncan McNaught receives his certificate and not an easy subject £1000 prize for winning the Royal Society of Biology but the difficulty and (RSB) Photographer of the Year competition from challenges it presents professor Dame Jean Thomas, RSB president (left) and biologist and marine photographer, Linda makes it all the more Pitken, one of the competition judges. worthwhile. Q. Any tips for watch your horizon i.e. keep it level. aspiring photographers around the Q. How can we find out more Glenkens? about your work? I advise people to look at the If anybody wants some advice details within their scene even they can contact me on Facebook before switching the camera at @DMcNaughtPhotography where on. Pay particular attention to I post regularly, or via email at the background which is equally duncanmcnaughtphotography@btin important as your main subject and ternet.com Councillor Vacancies Due to the retirement of two of our councillors, Balmaclellan Community Council has two vacancies. The new members would be coopted onto the council and would have full opting rights. The community council meets once a month, usually on the last Monday of the month, and members are encouraged to participate in a number of events throughout the year run for the residents of the community. If you are interested in joining the community council as a councillor at this very busy and exciting time, and want to contribute towards decision-making within your village, please give your name, address, telephone number and email address by 5pm on Wednesday 3 January 2018 to Kay Bird, Secretary, Balmaclellan Community Council, Hillcrest, Balmaclellan, DG7 3QE. For further information you can call 01644 420612 or email kaybird15@btinternet.com We look forward to hearing from you. Alan Rumble, Chairman GAZETTE ARCHIVE UNDERWAY After discovering that the Gazette archive of past issues had been destroyed in the CatStrand flood, we thought we had lost any chance of creating a full archive of back issues. However, David Bartholomew has come to the rescue and kindly notified us that he has nearly all the back copies of the Glenkens Gazette. Previously, Paul Goodwin had generously offered to convert paper Gazettes into pdf format, suitable for uploading onto the website, thus creating a publicly available archive of past issues. Work on this is underway, and we’ll let you know when you can browse nearly two decades worth of Gazettes online! However, there are still two issues missing which David didn’t have in his collection issues 13 and 14. If anyone has these issues at home, we would be very grateful if you could get in touch and we could arrange to have them copied in order to get the full set onto the website, making our Gazette archive complete. Do you have issues 13 and 14 of the Glenkens Gazette - from around 2002? If so, please get in touch at glenkensgazette@ hotmail.co.uk or 07727 127 997 Glenkens Gazette page 7 Dalry’s Christmas Twinkle After last year’s successful Christmas Twinkle event in Dalry, how could we not have Santa and his elves visit us again this year? Last year 120 adults and children sang festive songs around our Christmas tree, ate goodies and drank hot chocolate and non-alcoholic mulled wine, whilst they eagerly awaited Santa’s arrival on his beautiful sleigh filled with presents. The atmosphere was ‘sparkling’. Christmas is a time for sharing your laughter, having fun, meeting people and making friends. Our free community event is for everyone, bringing together the young and the ‘not so young’ from all around our Glenkens Communities. So this year why not come along, wrap up warm, bring a torch if you have one, meet us around Dalry’s Community Centre’s Christmas tree, at 5.30pm on Saturday 16 December and join in the fun, sing, eat and drink. Santa and his elves plan to arrive on his sleigh at approximately 6pm. If you wish, your child can meet Santa and his elves, chat to them and give a Christmas hug, if they want to…… and if they are very good, maybe there will be a surprise in Santa’s toysack for them. This is a free event. However, the Glenkens Community Centre is now owned by our Dalry Community Property Trust, and any donation given on the night will help with the upkeep of the building and it would be gratefully received. All children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. The contact for this event is Angie Bradford on 01644430512. 26 Main Street, Dalry Jayne, Emma and Claudia would like to wish all our lovely clients a merry Christmas and a happy new year! Thank you for your support. Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents Dumfries & Galloway 01556 503744 www.ggblaw.co.uk All legal advice Offices in Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie Kirkcudbright and Dumfries Going to a Christmas party? We can now offer special occasion hair and makeup... Fancy a little gift for you or someone special? Pop in! We have a range of lovely soaps, bath melts and Galloway Candles. Thank you to everyone who joined us for our launch night, a wonderful evening was had by all. Open Tues-Sat by appointment: 01644 430 525 or 07876 397 725 Glenkens Gazette page 8 Glenkens Gazette page 9 Glenkens Men’s Shed Update It’s all ‘go’ over at the Old Smiddy in Balmaclellan, home to the Glenkens Men’s Shed. Fresh from their successful Round the Loch fundraising bike ride, which netted just over £1000 for improvement works, things are moving on at a pace. The new Monday evening sessions, which run from 6.30-8.30pm, have proved a hit and the ‘shed in a shed’ project is now complete. After a concerted effort the main shed has been cleared ahead of construction work by local steel fabricator Peter Birch to put in a mezzanine floor. The new floor will create additional work and storage spaces as well as helping keep the place warm, essential in the long winter months. Some of the shedder’s handiwork will be on display at the CatStrand Christmas shopping day. Membership is still growing and potential recruits and existing members are reminded that the £10 annual membership is due from the start of January. Prices remain unchanged for the third year running and are really good value for the facilities on offer. Anybody interested in volunteering contact chris@catstrand.com or 01644 420 374 for more information. Round the Loch fundraising team. Glenkens Gazette page 10 New Galloway Celebrates 2017 has been a great year for New Galloway, with the CatStrand’s 10th Birthday celebrations, taking over the Town Hall on a long-term lease, and the opening of the Community Shop. Volunteer projects such as the flower-bombing of the High Street seemed to pop up out of nowhere and brightened people’s lives all summer. In every village, all the time, there are hundreds of acts of unseen kindness and support going on - they are very much appreciated. So, with the amazing success and community spirit of the last year in mind, a small group of New Galloway residents has got together to organise a Christmas Celebration for the village. It will be a combination of all the traditional volunteer events - Senior Citizens Lunch, Guild Coffee morning and Santa’s Grotto - plus some extra bits and pieces. On Sunday 3 December from 3-5pm in New Galloway Town Hall, there will be a concert to give thanks and celebrate our local talent. Tickets are free but space is limited so please come and collect yours from the New Galloway Community Shop or CatStrand in advance. Following the concert, there will be mulled wine and then a gathering at the Smithy at 5.30pm to see the inaugural switching on of New Galloway’s Christmas lights! Later in the month we are delighted that Kells School, New Galloway, is bringing its everdelightful Nativity Play out of the school and into the Town Hall so that more people can enjoy the performance. That’s Thursday 14 December at 1.15pm, and there will be a Christmas fair on afterwards. There’s much more going on too, from a tasting evening at the Shop to a community Christmas lunch and, although its got a New Galloway focus, we’d be delighted to see our Glenkens friends and neighbours at any of the events too. For further information please visit the New Galloway Town Hall website https://newgallowaytown hall.wordpress.com Thanks to our local business sponsors and supporters for helping us make this happen, and in particular to the volunteers from Local Initiatives New Galloway (LING), New Galloway and Kells Community Council, New Galloway Community Enterprises (NGCE), the Glenkens Community and Arts Trust (GCAT), the Churches, the Glenkens Cubs and Beavers, Kells School and Parent Council, and many enthusiastic individuals for bringing this festive schedule together. We hope you enjoy it! New Galloway Community Patsy Gilroy GLENKENS ROUTE Thursdays: 12noon-1pm – Crossmichael 1-2pm – Parton/Loch Ken Holiday Park 2-4pm – Balmaclellan area 4-5.30pm – The Hidden Road Fridays: As one of your local councillors, my contact details are: patsy.gilroy@dumgal.gov.uk 07825 633153 8-10.30am – Dalry 10.30-11am – Glenlee Area 11am – New Galloway 12noon – New Galloway Shop 2pm – Mossdale area 3-4pm – Laurieston to Gatehouse Please note that all times are approximate. 07966 103 912 charliecoid@hotmail.com Fleet Fish aims to provide top quality produce which is sourced as locally as possible. We take pride in offering friendly door-to-door service tailored to our customers’ needs. Glenkens Gazette page 11 CatStrand Highlights December 2017/ January 2018 The Festive Season at CatStrand kicks off with a new art exhibition by Blueprint101 curated by Young Stove artist Emily Cooper. The exhibition launch (Fri 1 Dec) is at 7pm and is free for all, though might not be suitable for very young children. From profound visual art to the sensational CatStrand Youth Players panto (Fri 8 - Sun 10 Dec) which this year sends up the story of Robinson Crusoe by throwing in some pirates, some sweets, some singing and dancing, and a whole ton of corny jokes. Tickets are already selling fast so please get yours as soon as possible. From the mayhem of panto to the mayhem of the Ukes Christmas Party (Tues 12 Dec) which features the CatStrand Ukes performing your favourite festive classics and a few old faves too. There will be a free glass of mulled wine and mince pies to help get you into the Xmas mood. Moving on to the sublime and surreal world of Graham Steven and Lizabett Russo who, in Enchanted Tales (Thu 14 Dec), will be performing a brand new live score to a special collection of 1920s fairytale films in a uniquely enchanting evening. Keeping with the enchantment, we strongly recommend you come to see the fascinating and much loved play It’s a Wonderful Life: The Radio Play (Sun 17 Dec, 2pm) which is ostensibly a play of a radio play set in the 1940s about the much loved Christmas movie of the same name (It’s a Wonderful Life). After the Christmas break, January is dominated by our first ever Midwinter Film Festival which will see six films screened across the Glenkens with treats and goodies at each one. The films have been chosen by a team led by our youth intern Ruari Barber-Fleming who went to see each film before collating those which fitted our theme of rural isolation. We begin at CatStrand with God’s Own Country (15) (Fri 12 Jan) lauded as Yorkshire’s Brokeback Mountain and focusing on life in a Dales farm. We move to Dalry Town Hall for the highly acclaimed Lady Macbeth (15) (Sat 13 Jan) which is a fascinating exploration of female desire in Victorian high society. From stark morality to nature and a screening of Mersehead Short Films (Sun 14 Jan) which chart the amazing birdlife the RSPB reserve and for good measure will be followed by a poet and film maker Roseanne Watt. The first weekend closes with a move further afield and the astonishing Icelandic underground hit Rams (15) which follows the travails of two sheepfarming brothers who don’t get along. Join us in Carsphairn Village Hall from 1.30pm for free hot toddies. The following weekend sees the harrowing but hugely gripping Riverhead (15) at Balmaclellan Village Hall. Set in small Newfoundland town, the film follows a blood feud and rural tensions between two enemies. The Festival closes with the extraordinary British film The Levelling (15). Following the tale of a young woman forced to go back to her family farm and confront a father she hasn’t spoken to in years. The Spring Season brochure will be available in early January but keep an eye on our website for shows appearing as we no longer wait until the brochure is out before putting tickets on sale! We will be closing for Christmas at 4pm on Sat 23 December and will re-open on Wed 3rd Jan at 10am. We’d like to say a big THANK YOU to everyone who has supported us through this, our tenth year, and we’d like to wish you all very Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year! The CatStrand Team Club, Balmaclellan Men’s Shed, Connecting in Communities, CatStrand Youth Arts, the Watson Bird Project and of course this Glenkens Gazette. GCAT’s aims are to bring art in all its forms to the Glenkens and to enhance our community life. GCAT’s staff and volunteers do a fantastic job on the frontline in all these areas but behind the scenes, GCAT is managed by a Board of yet more volunteers. They are always open to new nominations for Directors, so if you’d be interested in helping out this fantastic local organisation and have skills and experience relevant to managing it, then do get in touch with Alan Smith, Chair, on alan.smith12345@btinternet.com The next AGM is on 29 January at 7pm in the CatStrand - all are welcome to come along and see what GCAT has been up to and its plans for the future. GCAT’s continuing success relies on community support in all forms, so do come along if you can! It’s a Wonderful Life GLENKENS COMMUNITY & ARTS TRUST After the success of the CatStrand’s 10th Birthday celebrations and the relief of building the flood wall, it’s back to business as normal for the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT). GCAT is a charitable trust whose activities cover the CatStrand, the Glenkens Transport Initiative, Glenkens Children’s Glenkens Gazette page 12 SPALDING BOWLING CLUB Spalding Bowling Club recently held their annual prize-giving dinner at the Clachan Inn, Dalry. President Mat Taylor and his son Joe presented the prizes. This year we have two new club champions, Kate Bone and Gordon McAdam. Well done to everyone - a great night was had by all. Winner of the Crozier Cup was Kimberly McAdam who, after being in the final three times, scooped a win before heading off to university. Valerie Russell Left - Kimberly McAdam, winner of the Crozier Cup. Right - Prize-giving dinner at the Clachan Inn. Photo of the Issue Sponsored by the Ken Bridge Hotel This issue’s winner is John Lindsay with this stunning shot titled Reflections at the Black Loch. John wins a meal for two at the Ken Bridge Hotel’s Sunday carvery. Competition judges Dave and Sue said: “We’ve chosen John’s photo as the winner this issue because of the spectacular array of autumn colours featured - simply stunning.” Glenkens Gazette page 13 Local Initiatives in New Galloway “So that’s what a £50 note looks like!” exclaimed Janette Davidson on being presented by Bob Glaister, treasurer of Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING), with her prize as the first winner of the draw for Friends of New Galloway Town Hall. This took place at a fundraising Cheese and Wine Evening in support of the town hall. Amidst plenty of time for chat and laughter, there was also an update about plans and developments for the town hall and a chance to browse through the New Galloway Story exhibition set out in the Upper Hall. print-outs of the wording helped This was also an opportunity for people to make out what was people to enjoy the architecture written. of the hall itself including the Downstairs in the Lesser Hall, impressive vaulted wooden people had fun trying their hand ceiling. at indoor bowls - a few more By looking high up on the walls, recruits perhaps for the popular it’s possible to make out some Tuesday sports evenings in the old Victorian sign writing. These Town Hall, with bowls on offer ‘moral maxims’ run all the way downstairs and table tennis in along both sides of the hall, the main hall. advising us, for example, to; ‘Ever help those in trouble’ or ‘Recompense to no man evil for evil’. “I’d been in here so many times, but I’d never noticed that before”, was a frequent Bob Glaister (Treasurer) points out the benefits of comment, as becoming ‘Friends of the Town Hall’. Glenkens Gazette page 14 FOOD FOR THOUGHT FOR DALRY SECONDARY PUPILS Dalry School has received an award from the ‘Food for Thought’ education fund run by Education Scotland. The theme of this year’s bid was to educate pupils on the food and drink industry while promoting sustainability and food education, closing the attainment gap. The bid, submitted by home economics teacher Susan Farquhar, was to use our already established school garden to grow produce and stage a fine dining pop up restaurant in the school for all secondary pupils using those ingredients and locally sourced ones. We would work with Fraser Cameron, ex pupil who now works at 21212 in Edinburgh, to devise a menu. The pupils would then grow the produce and work with Easterbrook Hall in Dumfries to get hands-on experience and training in all the different aspects of the industry. A group of pupils from S3/4 went to Easterbrook Hall in November. They were given a tour by the events manager Fiona Rand. The tour involved them seeing both Easterbrook Hall and Neuro’s restaurant and spa. The pupils were then divided into three groups. They rotated around different workshops for the remainder of the visit. The workshops consisted of mocktail making in their own bar, preparing and cooking a dish with the chef in the kitchen, and designing and setting tables for an event. The hands-on activities were greatly received by the pupils and they departed having a better understanding of the pressures involved in the food and drink industry, as well as new knowledge of the different roles that are involved in big businesses such as the Easterbrook Hall. Alison Cook, Depute Headteacher, Castle Douglas High School Bonfire Night Daytime Fun Primary 1-7 pupils at Dalry School were learning why Bonfire Night is celebrated. The children also took part in some outdoor learning activities; hedgehog safety, firework chalk art and made campfire popcorn and toasted marshmallows. The children worked in groups to create a ‘Bonfire Mural’ using chalk on black paper. Mrs Devlin & Mrs Turner Pupils creating firework artwork and toasting marshmallows. Glenkens Gazette page 15 KELLS PUPILS GO THE EXTRA MILE At Kells Primary School, New Galloway, we have had the opportunity to focus on raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support. set to in maths and designed sponsorship forms, working out how much money we would have to raise to hit certain targets – all good fun and interesting learning! The following account is written with whole class input as we feel that we had a super time and it would be positive to share our experience: We walked and ran six miles. It was awesome! The wind turbines were huge, colossal and impressive. We did get hungry after five minutes of walking but we managed to listen to advice and pace ourselves both with food, drink and the rate at which we climbed. We stood on top of the cairn, it made us feel excited and we put our arms out – it was like being on top of the world. Nine of us tried to join hands and measure around a turbine, we estimate that it might take about 15 children to make the circumference; we are going to check this in maths. The day was marked by some fantastic moments: Two of our classmates have never walked six miles before - one was the first to run to the furthest turbine and the other walked backwards as it helped manage and balance out the sensation felt in his legs. The laughter and excitement cut through the quiet as we approached the enormous turbines. One member of the class loudly proclaimed; “Look guys, we should be proud of all we have accomplished!” It is true, we should be and we are! It is a fantastic achievement - a big well done to everyone involved. For me, as a teacher, the thing I take away from this endeavour is everybody encouraging everyone else; happy times. We have realised that counting up (which we are still finalising) our tiny class have raised in the region of two thousand pounds for Macmillan Cancer Support. Graeme Thompson The children organised a Coffee Morning and under the wing of Ms Harper they presented themselves with great pride and confidence at the Cross Keys Hotel. Thank you to Mrs O’Hare for providing the venue! The P7 children were encouraged to be grown up and independent at this lovely hotel. Also a big thank you to one and all who supported us by donating food, money, their skills and time – much appreciated, all in the name of a splendid cause. In class we have had the opportunity to spend some time discussing health and well-being; looking at how to deal with subjects such as cancer, loss, hope, charity, and community involvement. The children were inspired to go the extra mile (quite literally) and a sponsored walk was suggested. With the help of Natural Power, RJ Mcleod and Blue Energy, a walk up onto the Blackcraig Windfarm site was organised. The children Kells pupils, teachers and parents at the base of a wind turbine. TORI WINS DANCE TROPHY Tori McMurray is a talented dancer and often helps in school with choreography, during dance sessions. The Dalry P6/7 class attended a TAG Rugby event in Kirkcudbright. Pupils really enjoyed the session and the coaches were pleased with the children’s attitude and enthusiasm. Outwith school, Tori performed in The Ballet Box dance school’s Christmas show. At the end of the show’s run, she received the Dancer of the Year trophy for her endeavours. The Ballet Box School of Dance performed at the Fullarton in Castle Douglas. Tori McMurray (P7, Dalry Primary) with her trophies. Glenkens Gazette page 16 Outdoor Learning Going Strong at Carsphairn Primary Over the years, we have grown our Outdoor Learning programme at Carsphairn Primary School. In October, the children at Carsphairn participated in a ramble to help raise money for Children in Need. Once a route was decided in the bucolic hills behind Carsphairn, the children took their sponsorship forms home to find sponsors. Incredibly, the six pupils at Carsphairn were able to raise £209.50, proving once again that being a small school is no hindrance to being able to accomplish big things! The school would also like to express thanks to the landowners for allowing us access to their land, without which this event couldn’t have happened. Over the years, the boys and girls from Carsphairn have really enjoyed the time taking our learning outdoors. Indeed, the school has benefitted greatly from the generosity of local members of the community who have granted Harvest Art The winner of the Kells Primary School Harvest Art Competition was Elizabeth Spernagel, Primary 2. She painted a beautiful picture called ‘Fields of Gold’. This painting was used on our gift tags that accompanied the harvest food Kells distributed among the elderly of New Galloway. One of those who received a food package, Mr Hamish Yoeman, liked the picture so much that he photographed and printed the picture and framed it in a lovely frame to be presented to Elizabeth. Unfortunately Mr Yoeman was unavailable to present this at the Kells assembly, but was presented to Elizabeth by Acting Principal Teacher Mrs Muir. us access to their land. Without access to these beautiful places we wouldn’t be able to do the Outdoor Learning that we have all enjoyed so much over the years. As a token of our appreciation, the children decided to make a gift for the land owners at Glenlee Estate and Knockgray. With the help of the Technology teacher Mr Murray, the children were able to design, carve and paint road end signs for Richard Agnew of Glenlee and Rory Clark Kennedy of Knockgray, as a token of our gratitude. We were able to present each with their gifts last June during Outdoor Learning sessions, as we were wrapping up the school year. Walker McKenna Carsphairn Primary pupils with Rory Clark-Kennedy, Walker McKenna and Forest School teacher Sissy Stravidi. Glenkens Children’s Christmas Party Sunday 17 December, 3pm Balmaclellan Village Hall with Magic Monty & Santa All Primary and pre-school children from the Glenkens welcome. We would appreciate if all children were accompanied by an adult. Some food will be provided but unfortunately there may not be enough for everyone - we would be grateful if you would bring a food donation. Donations for the raffle would be very welcome! Glenkens Gazette page 17 MARKET TO PLATE IN FIVE HOURS Fleet Fish, our local mobile fish and veg van, was recently interviewed by Salmonbusiness.com below is the article. With the demise of the specialist high street fishmonger in many of the UK’s towns, customers have become increasingly dependent on the fish counter of the major supermarkets. However, there is a welcome alternative for customers in many parts of the country: the ‘fish van’, or mobile fishmonger. Some of these are run by big outfits – the Seafish Industry Authority does not have figures for the total number of mobile fishmongers in the UK, but told SalmonBusiness that they know of large distribution companies e.g. Regal Seafoods, which operates 70 vans from Grimsby. Around a hundred vans in total operate from Humberside. But many are also microbusinesses, of the ‘one man – one van’ type. One such is operated by Charlie Coid, who serves the small town of Gatehouse of Fleet, in SW Scotland, and its hinterland – an area which is sparsely populated, but very busy in the tourist season with its many caravan parks and holiday chalets. His van carries a wide range of seafood, plus fresh vegetables. “Salmon is my main seller,” Charlie told SalmonBusiness. “I sell a lot of it, especially in the summer, with all the caravan sites, because people can serve it hot or cold, and it doubles up as something to have with salad. Then, of course, it’s a main ingredient for a fish pie. So it’s very versatile.” Q Fish vans are big business now – why do you think they’re so popular? A “The vans are selling fish fresh from the market to your door to your plate. The supermarkets are buying in bulk and in many cases it could have been frozen then defrosted. And the customer often doesn’t really know how long it’s been sitting on the counter, whereas the van’s coming to your door every week at a set time. You also get that personal touch and rapport with the fish-seller himself. That’s important.” Q How many days do you go up to the market in Glasgow? A “Twice a week. Tuesday and Thursday are the main business days at the market when the fresh produce comes in; I collect it from the market at 3 00 am and I’m out trading by 8 00 am, so five hours from the market to the customer’s door. You run your stock right down, then stock up again in the middle of the week. You’re constantly turning over your produce, and there’s nothing lying. That’s how you’re maintaining your freshness.” Q How many vans are stocking up in Glasgow? A “I’m not certain, but there’ll probably be over a hundred.” Charles, his uncle (who has three vans), and another couple of vans cover the whole of Dumfries and Galloway and the Stewartry – just six vans to cover a very large geographical area. “And of course, as you get further north and inland, the more sporadic your customers are. It’s a lot of driving!” His two cousins in Inveraray both operate fish vans, and they cover the whole of Argyll and Bute – another very large and sparsely-populated part of Scotland. Fleet fish was established over 30 years ago by Mary and Eric Cowan, Charlie’s aunt and uncle, and the other family fish vans stemmed off Eric’s business model. These vans now cover Argyle, Edinburgh and the Scottish Borders. Glenkens Gazette page 18 GRACEFELL GIG REVIEW Our intrepid Gazette youth reporters, Hana Ade (13) and Sky Barratt (15), went along to see local band Gracefell play at the CatStrand - and here’s what they found out... Q: Who brought the band together? A: We were in the pub and Ruari suggested the idea. “Warren used to play in a band called Cloud Nine, Liam was in a band, and I suggested we had a jam and jam we did – and we just haven’t stopped jamming!” Q: Who writes the songs or do you write them all together? A: Definitely all together. There’s no set pattern, it can start with a drum beat, it can start with a guitar riff, and then we’ll just chuck bits in after that. could hear us – it was class! Q: What advice do you have for young artists and musicians? A: Practice. Keep plugging away, just keep doing it. I think success or ‘making it’ isn’t a matter of skill, it’s a matter of persistence, it’s a state of mind - and hard work. Don’t get hung up on a bad gig. Especially where Left to right: Sky Barratt, Liam Russell (bass/ you’ve got a small vocals), Morgan McConnell (drums), Hana Ade and area like here, where Ruari Barber-Fleming (guitar) it’s embarassing, but just keep going, it’s a string broke and he couldn’t tune snowball effect, it just it...it was awful! gets bigger and better. Or that’s Q: How did you come up with your the theory! Overnight success is a name? myth. A: We put it out in a group chat Q: What’s your best gig, and your on Facebook, and we were thinking worst gig? ...success or ‘making it’ isn’t a matter of skill, it’s a matter of persistence, it’s a state of mind - and hard work. Q: What was your first gig like? A: It was at The Brewery, it was good, we weren’t miked up so noone could hear us. It was absolutely packed. Probably the most packed gig we’ve played. But there was no pressure as nobody A: This (CatStrand) gig could have been our best, and another one of our best was the Livelounge in Dumfries. The worst was on new year’s day at 11am. We shouldn’t have agreed to do the gig! We were extremely hungover; Liam’s guitar of a fall from grace, and then someone suggested Grace fell... it’s kind of like the music we’re playing, sometimes it’s a bit weird, sometimes we’re messing about. Maybe a fall from grace...and we ended up with Gracefell! The Connecting in Communities Rocktober event at the CatStrand was a rock night to remember. Top North-East rockers FM blew the crowd away with their driving rock and AC/DC & Led Zeppelin covers, whilst rock DJ MC Mal played some classic tunes. It was standing room only in the auditorium, where Anne Errington led the bopping and jiving, and great to see so many new faces at CatStrand. Rock themed burgers, lovingly crafted by Brian, Lorna and Rhoda, went down a treat, and Ian Biggar was kept busy all night running the bar - roll-on summer, party in the park anybody? On a more sedate note, Thursday evening Yoga has proved to be successful and the Photography Group’s exhibition in the Pyramid Gallery was very well received. We have had a number of new volunteers come on-board recently - many thanks, your help is greatly appreciated. We’re running some formal bar training sessions soon and the new-year will see some basic hygiene courses for the volunteers too. Please support your local Glenkens Guiding Group (Guides, Brownies and Rainbows). Come along to our Quiz Night in the Glenkens Community Centre in Dalry on Friday 15 December at 7.30pm. Our Quiz Master for the evening will be Mr Keith Dickie. This quiz is for teams of up to six members at a cost of £3 per person. The cost includes a supper. There will also be a raffle. If you would like to enter a team, please let Hilda know on 430 383 so that we know roughly how many to cater for. Hilda McAdam Rock and Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution! GUIDES FUNDRAISING QUIZ Glenkens Gazette page 19 Gleanings from the Glenkens A local writers’ group has celebrated its first four years by publishing a collection of poetry, prose and memoir. Gleanings from the Glenkens features the work of members of the Glenkens Writers’ Group, most of whom are appearing in print for the first time. The twelve writers; Roger Adams, Barry Bryan-Dixon, Stella Cruickshank, Wendy Davis, Merryn Fergusson, Gordon Hill, Philip Hussey, Ann Maxwell, Margaret Pringle, Christine Rae, Carol Salsbury and Beverley Vaux, have tackled, over their time together, a wide variety of writing styles, from sonnets and haiku to dialogue and reminiscence and this is reflected in the new publication which was launched at the CatStrand Christmas Fair. The group’s tutor, Margaret Elphinstone, says: “It has been a delight to work with such receptive and enthusiastic writers. I have been struck by the dedication each writer has shown, in finding the right words, and the right medium, to express what they have to say. The experiences of twelve lives have gone into this book: that’s a rich resource in terms of memories, ideas, humour, talent and philosophy.” The Glenkens Writers’ Group meet under the auspices of the Connecting in Communities project at CatStrand from where copies of the book can be purchased for £5.50. - three changing cask ales & cider - fresh, seasonal & local food - open all day every day - award-winning food, beer & atmosphere - en-suite accommodation - 20% off takeaway discount - country sport & walkers facilities Christmas bookings now being taken 01644 430 241 www.theclachaninn.co.uk Follow us on facebook and twi�er and make sure to sign up for our newsle�er - see website for details… www.gallowayglens.org Glenkens Gazette MANY HAPPY RETURNS FOR BRASS BAND The rafters of Carsphairn Church rang out once again to the sound of brass when Dunaskin Doon Band returned for an autumn concert, raising more than £300 for church funds. The band was back in the village after a much-acclaimed performance last year. It was the band’s fourth appearance at the church in eight years. Dunaskin Doon ended 2016 by becoming the top Second Section band in Scotland and being promoted to the First Section. Its entertaining programme of both light and classical music delighted the audience who had braved the cold, wet and windy weather to be present. page 20 Members of Dunaskin Doon Band during its autumn concert in Carsphairn Church. Funding for Community Groups Get Involved Get Inspired is a simple way for organisations to access small but important amounts of money to use for arts and creative activities for the benefit of people in their local communities. They can apply for up to £500. This is a rolling programme with a final deadline of 25 February 2018. Further information, including the guidelines and application form, can be found at www.dgunlimited.com/funding/ Glenkens Gazette page 21 Light in the Middle of Winter The hugely popular Feral Choir is performing in Dalry in December, bringing to life songs and stories that have been handed down through the generations. Forgotten Carols will be performed in Dalry Town Hall at 7.30pm on Friday 15 December. “Some of the stories behind the carols and songs I’ve found are extraordinary,” says Alison Burns, the Feral Choir’s conductor. “I’ve composed music for a carol written for a Sunday Times competition in the 1940s, as well as discovering songs from the pub carol singing tradition in the Peak District. “People who come along to hear the concert will hear a real variety of music that comes together to lead us to the turn of the year.” The choir is joined by reader Tom Pow, soloist Polly Bolton and harpist Irene Watt. See www.feralchoir.co.uk for more information and booking details. All tickets are £10. Tickets for the Dalry event can also be bought from Wright’s shop Dalry and New Galloway Community Shop. YOUTH PLAYERS PANTO PREVIEW Robinson Crusoe and The Pirates are ready to take to the stage for the seventh annual CatStrand pantomime. Rehearsals have been going well and this year’s panto promises to be the best yet, with plenty of laughter and lots of audience involvement too. The young cast have been working very hard since September to bring the panto to the stage and are looking forward to the performances. Despite their tender age, some of the Youth Players are now experienced pantomime actors, having appeared in up to five of our previous pantomimes! As usual with a pantomime story there is a fair degree of poetic licence and along the way we also encounter King and Queen Neptune, a Medicine Man, a Gorilla and a motley collection of pirates, sailors and islanders! At the time of going to press, Saturday tickets were almost sold out with the other shows selling fast too – we hope you got your tickets in time! Oh yes we do!! Glenkens Gazette page 22 QUIZ NIGHT FUN IN BALMACLELLAN Balmaclellan Village Hall Committee’s last Quiz Night proved a big success. The Hall’s Chair, Robin Jardine, welcomed everyone and the Hall’s Secretary, Kay Bird, was the quiz mistress. The quiz consisted of seven rounds including a picture round, with refreshments and a raffle at half time. Thanks to everyone who donated raffle prizes. Many thanks to all the teams who attended making it a great night and thanks to everyone who helped set up the hall and make the refreshments. Congratulations to the winners, The 49’ERS, a team consisting of players from Kirkcudbright and Corsock, (see picture of the winning team). Profits from the evening go towards the upkeep and maintenance of the village hall. Shop Thanks The Glenkens Community Shop would like to give a big thank you to all our customers and volunteers for another wonderful year. Thank you for your continued support, and wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Shirley McNaught The next quiz is to be held on Friday 26 January at 7.30pm in Balmaclellan Village Hall. Teams of 4-6 persons welcome, and entry is £4 per person which includes tea, coffee and biscuits. Kay D Bird, Christmas Lunch The Balmaclellan Senior Citizen’s Christmas Lunch is to be held on Wednesday 13 December 2017 from 12.30pm at the Kenbridge Hotel. The lunch includes a three course lunch, a drink, a raffle ticket, music and entertainment. This event is by invitation only, for residents of Balmaclellan parish, and invitations will be available at Balmaclellan Village Shop from the third week in November. GCC Baby & Toddler Friday’s 10am-12pm Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry A ‘stay and play’ group for 0-4years olds and their parents or carers. Providing a space for parents and carers with babies and toddlers to come together for vital peer support and developmental stimulation for the children. There is a mix of free play, structured activity and input from relevant professionals including health visitors, Book Bug sessions, and creative storytelling, drama and music. Free for under six months, £2 for the first child and £1 for additional children. Follow us on Facebook @GCCBabyToddler Upcoming Fundraising Events: Please watch our facebook pages for upcoming fundraising events to keep GCC funded for the remained of 2017/18 academic year - ALL SUPPORT IS MUCH APPRECIATED. A huge thank you to our local supporters - GCAT, Glenkens Community Shop, Natural Power and Cash for Kids as well as our local community groups! See p25 for details about GCC Playgroup... Glenkens Gazette Malawi Fundraiser Abbas Rest Fundraiser which will now be known as Care and Share in Malawi had a successful coffee morning in Dalry Town Hall, raising £792.04. I would like to thank all the people who supported in so many ways with generous donations to baking, raffle, tombola, bric-a-brac and also with monetary donations. Without your continual support it would not happen. A big thank you, Avril Brown page 23 Flower Show Categories Ladies and gentlemen, below is a copy of classes for the Handicraft Section for next year’s Glenkens Flower Show. Please get needles, etc, out over the winter and let us have some more entries for the Show next year! Hilda McAdam 71 – A Hand Made Card 72 – Jacket and Hat for Premature Baby (to be donated to Cresswell Maternity Hospital) 73 – Item of Embroidery 74 – Toy – Any Craft 75 – Knee Blanket – Any Craft 76 – Article of Decoupage 77 – Article made on Sewing Machine 78 – Any other Needlecraft (Sewing) 79 – Article in Wood 80 – An Original Painting 81 – Recycled Article (State Medium Used) 82 – Any Other Craft, article not specified 82A – (13-18 years only), Hand Made Bird Feeder 83 – Photograph - ‘Reflections’ COUNCILLOR Marriage Tax Allowance DOUGIE CAMPBELL This item of interest has been submitted by Paul Goodwin - something I imagine most have never heard of but might help at this time of the year. Two million couples are missing out on a government tax allowance worth £230 per year. This is half of the people eligible according to the government’s own figures. The marriage allowance can be claimed by married couples or civil partners providing one is a basic rate taxpayer and the other earns £11,500 a year or less. Claims can be backdated to 2015 when it started so you might have over £400 by Christmas if you are eligible and haven’t claimed. https://www.gov.uk/applymarriage-allowance DEE & GLENKENS For all enquiries including details of surgeries, please contact me at Email: dougie.campbell@ dumgal.gov.uk Phone: 07388 956558 Facebook: @DougieCampbellSNP Wright’s Shop & Post Office Dalry Licensed convenience store and newsagent stocking a range of local suppliers. - We would like to thank all our customers for their continued support and pass on best wishes for the Festive season Festive Season Opening Times: Christmas Eve: 8.30am - 4pm Christmas Day: closed Boxing Day: 8am - 2pm Hogmanay: 8.30am - 4pm 1st January: closed 2nd January: 8am - 4pm Normal Opening Times (both shop & PO): Monday to Friday: 7am – 6pm Saturday: 8am – 6pm Sunday: 8.30am – 4pm Galloway hampers & wreaths in stock Tel: 01644 430 225 Glenkens Gazette page 24 MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT There has been some wonderful support generated by Glenkens folk to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support. businesses who donated raffle prizes and displayed posters, the very talented Crafters and the lovely ladies who made it happen with a special thank you to all the ladies who donated delicious cakes. I look forward to hosting again next year!” Hair by Jayne hosted a fabulous fundraiser for Macmillan Cancer Support in October. The community turned out en-masse and helped to raise a staggering total of £1017.87 in support of the cause. Jayne said: “The support was incredible. It was so lovely to see the community come together on such a glorious day and help to raise money for such a worthy cause.” A vast array of cakes were quickly consumed and the event showed just how well the Dalry community will react to help raise much needed money in support of charity. Victoria Birch would also like to say a massive thank you to all who attended the Macmillan Coffee Morning and Craft Fair in Castle Douglas for their generous donations. The final total raised for was £765. Victoria says: “Many thanks also to the local Above left: Coffee Morning in Castle Douglas. Above right: Coffee Morning in Dalry. A Wonderful Life Radio Play On Sunday 17 December, CatStrand will play host to the hugely successful radio play on stage version of the much-loved Festive movie It’s A Wonderful Life. The play of a play is set in a 1940s radio studio replete with costumes, sound effects and live music as the cast recreate the American family classic for radio. One of the performers, Leonna McGilligan, who originally hails from Annan, spoke to the Gazette about its enduring popularity. Q: Leonna, this show is now in its sixth consecutive year - why do you think it is so popular with audiences in Scotland? A: It’s such a fantastic story - a true classic. The show has become a bit of a new tradition since No Nonsense Productions first staged it in Greenock in 2012. When we first took it out on tour last year it proved a real hit with the audiences, so much so that we’re back at several of last year’s venues, and also performing at new venues like CatStrand. Q: Tell us a little bit about your role in the show and how you prepared to “act for radio” (so to speak!) A: This is my second year with the show and I play a character who plays several other characters in the radio play including Zuzu Bailey and Mrs Hatch. I love being able to switch between the characters and to use an array of voices. In the past I’ve done radio commercials and voiceovers in the studio, but there’s nothing like the thrill of performing live. We have a lot of fun working on developing the characters during rehearsal and once we get on stage it really engages the audience, who are also an integral part of the show! Q: The story follows the travails of a man who feels left behind and unvalued by the world - do you think this is resonating more and more with your audiences? A: Absolutely. It’s a true morality tale, and I’m sure there are lots of people who identify with George Bailey. In the age of ‘fake news’ and social media it’s so easy to become influenced by rumour and hearsay and that’s exactly what happens to George in the story. Q: The film has become synonymous with Christmas, will the play get us in the festive spirit? A: Without a doubt! It’s a story with family and community at its very core, and don’t we all love it when the good guy wins the day? To book tickets for the CatStrand performance of It’s a Wonderful Life on 17 December either phone 420 374 or visit www.catstrand.com Leonna McGilligan Glenkens Gazette page 25 THOUGHTS ON SR CROCKETT Below are some thoughts in response to Ted Cowan’s piece on SR Crockett from the last Gazette (Issue 102), submitted by Cally Phillips. It’s good to see SR Crockett acknowledged as “an accomplished writer”, but the suggestion that he “nurtured” the erroneous views of urban dwellers by “shamelessly romanticising Galloway and the Glenkens in particular” is something of a simplification. I know I am not alone in finding in Crockett’s Galloway works realistic portrayals of rural community life, ‘warts and all’ as well as an abundance of Scots humour through which he delivers some insightful and quite biting criticisms of hierarchy, power and privilege within Scottish society. Perhaps Professor Cowan has not read Strong Mac, The Moss Troopers or Silver Sand recently? Or perhaps I am a shameless romantic myself? To my reading these (and other) works offer quite insightful commentaries about a number of the country/rural issues Prof Cowan raises. Writing in the Scots Romance style may be described as ‘romanticising’ but I find no shame in his masterly use of it. There is more than enough rural realism in Crockett if the reader cares to find it. If we claim Crockett as ‘our own’, perhaps it’s about time we started reading him more deeply and taking pride in his achievements rather than following a well worn area it would be less easy for the Church of Scotland to try and sell off Balmaghie Church and Hall as a private residence rather than as they rightly should, gift it to the local community as some kind of community/heritage centre. The local history and heritage are strong in the Glenkens and I don’t think that talking down Crockett’s contribution to the area does anything to help sustain vibrancy or pride in the current rural community. What is ‘romantic’ may be a matter of opinion, but a reading of many of Crockett’s locally based novels shows much to recommend them as ways to understand and connect with the past – for those who are not consumed by figures and statistics but who appreciate the ‘softer’ issues such as local culture. I can’t imagine Thomas Hardy would be treated thus in his local area. Or Dickens. Or indeed Walter Scott. Crockett holds his own with all of these writers and while I know many local people appreciate this, it’s sad when ‘voices of authority’ seem determined to damn him with faint praise, where they mention him at all. ...the Glenkens needs all the support it can get, and Crockett is a key figure in the history of the area... Enrol now for GCC Playgroup, Term 3: January 2017 - limited funded and private spaces available. GCC Playgroup is a Care Inspectorate registered service offering staffed (Playgroup Manager and Assistant) Early path which in essence regurgitates the erroneous views of the city towards the countryside – in which respect, sadly, the more things change the more they indeed stay the same. It seems to me that the Glenkens needs all the support it can get, and Crockett is a key figure in the history of the area – perhaps if there was more attention to his work and its significance for the Years Provision for 24 year olds. Best practice guidelines from Early Years Scotland are core to GCC Playgroup and the drive is to provide a service to nurture and develop our children’s emotional, social and behavioural wellbeing within their early year’s education, promoting your children’s first taste at independent learning through child directed play and exploration. Currently GCC Playgroup is the ONLY provision available for our two-year-old children within the Glenkens area, and the service now offers Council funded provision to eligible two-yearolds as well as private places for £6 a session. Enrol now via gccplaygro upmanager@gmail.com for limited places - sessions run on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 9.15-11.45am during term time at the Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry Don’t miss out! Follow us on Facebook (@gccpgroup) or see p22 for details of GCC Baby & Toddler sessions and further info on GCC activities. Glenkens Gazette page 26 Excerpt From the Dumfries & Galloway Standard, 26 July 1913: The Late Mr McNaught, Dalry Widespread regret was felt throughout the Glenkens when it became known the Mr RA McNaught, merchant, Dalry, had suddenly passed away on the evening of Friday last. Mr McNaught had a severe illness a little over a year ago, but he had made a wonderful recovery and on Friday last he appeared to be in his usual health, and during the day he was actively engaged in his business. In the evening he assisted to rick hay in a field belonging to him. About half past seven he left the field to go to his house. When he was a short distance from home he was observed to stagger, and a by stander came to his assistance and caught him as he was in the act of falling. It was seen that he had had a seizure and that he was unconscious. Medical assistance was at that time procured, and he was carried home. In a short while, however, he became conscious and spoke quite cheerfully to his relatives. While he was conversing with them, he had another seizure and five minutes afterwards he passed away – his illness having lasted about an hour. The deceased had been in business in Dalry for the long period of 47 years, he served his apprenticeship as a grocer with the late Mr David Cowan and was afterwards for two or three years in Dumfries in the employment of Mr Thomas Brash, grocer. He then returned to Dalry and commenced businesss on his own account. By his ability and energy, and largely on account of his obliging disposition he soon built up one of the largest business premises in the Glenkens. His original business premises were of a very old-fashioned and quaint appearance and about twenty-five years ago he acquired the site of the old baron Court House of Dalry, and created thereon extensive business premises of such a handsome appearance that they would have done credit to a very much larger place than Dalry. He had a great pride in the appearance of his premises and spare neither time nor money in keeping them in the acme of perfection. Mr McNaught had a great love for the Glenkens, and more especially for his native village – the Clachan of Dalry. He took an active and prominent part of everything affecting the well-being of the village. He was one of the oldest Freemasons in the district, having been initiatied a member of New Galloway Lodge in 1871. He was also one of the founders of the Glenkens Lodge of Oddfellows, and acted as secretary to the Lodge for many years. He was on the committee of management of the annual horse race Inscription on the fountain in Dalry reads: meeting which was formerly McNaught’s Fountain, bequeathed by the held at Dalry and he took a late R A McNaught, merchant, as a free gift leading part in the formation to the inhabitants of St John’s of the horticultural and Clachan of Dalry. agricultural show, which over twenty years ago took the place of the race meeting. He took a great interest in the Show up to his death. the Stewartry. Mr McNaught had a He was a keen curler and was one most genial personality, and he had of the most energetic members of a wide circle of acquaintances and Dalry Curling Club. To the Bowling friends. His cheery presence will be Club he presented a handsome long missed by them and by the cup for annual competition. He many visitors to Dalry, to whom was appointed registrar of Births, he was well known. He was of a Deaths and Marriages in 1870 and most generous disposition, and no held the appointment for forty one who was in need ever applied years until his resignation in the to him in vain for assistance. Mr month of May, 1912. He was a McNaught was never married. staunch Liberal in politics and a Mr McNaught has left legacies devoted member of the Established to a number of local charities and Church and he was at the time societies and a substantial sum of his death, and had been for to the Kirk Session for behoof of many years, an elder of the church the poor. Contributed by at Dalry. Two years ago he was Hilda McAdam, Dalry appointed a Justice of the Peace for Glenkens Gazette page 27 War Updates: May to October 1917 From some perspectives the Great War turned a corner in April 1917 when the United States entered the situation by declaring war on Germany, but for the first few months they had very few men trained to send to the front line so the allied losses continued unabated. Herbert McFadzean was born at Auchenshinnoch, Dalry. He was the grandson of Adam and Grace McFadzean of Ashburn Cottage, New Galloway, and he enlisted into the 6th Battalion KOSB in May 1916. He was serving at Arras when he was declared missing in action on 3 May 1917 at the age of 20 and is remembered on the Kells war memorial. Thomas Milne was employed as a gamekeeper for Mr Forbes at Earlston, Dalry, and lived at Barlae House before enlisting in the Lanarkshire Yeomanry. The regiment went to Egypt and became part of the 12th Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers in January 1917. Thomas died of wounds on 6 May 1917 at the age of 34 and is remembered on the Dalry war memorial. James Murray was born in Straiton, and was the son of John and Agnes Murray of Forrest House Lodge, Kells. He enlisted into the Royal Field Artillery in October 1915. He died of wounds on 22 May 1917 at the age of 29 and is remembered on the Kells war memorial. James McClung was the son of James and Jessie McClung of Airds, Mossdale. He was farming at Christchurch, New Zealand, when he enlisted into the New Zealand Field Artillery in September 1915. In April 1916 he went to France where he served at Armentiers, Somme, Arras, Messines and Ypres. James died on 11 June 1917 at the age of 41 and is remembered on the Kells war memorial. William Robertson was the son of James and Eliza Robertson of Ivy Cottage, Balmaclellan, and enlisted into the Highland Light Infantry in August 1914. William’s father (James) was farm manager at Blawquhairn Farm, Dalry. He went to France with his Battalion in July 1915 and died on 5 July 1917 at the age of 22. He is buried in an official Commonwealth War Grave near the South-East corner of Dalry Churchyard and is remembered on the Dalry war memorial. Albert Stevenson was born in Kirkcudbright, the son of Robert and Dorcas Stevenson. He married Maggie Conchar in 1904 at Drumrash, Parton, and by 1911 they were living with their three children in Balmaclellan. He enlisted into the Royal Scots in January 1917 and by July of that year was serving on the Western Front as a Lance Corporal where he was recommended for the Distinguished Conduct Medal. He was reported missing in action at Frezenberg Ridge near Ypres on 31 July 1917 at the age of 38 and is remembered on the Balmaclellan war memorial. It often occurs that we know much more from men of notable or wellto-do families. Such is the case with 2nd Lieutenant John Murray who was the only son of the Rev George Murray, TD, minister of the parish of Balmaclellan and his wife Elizabeth who lived at Troquhain and later at Meadowbank, New Galloway. John was commissioned into the 5th Battalion KOSB in the summer of 1916 and proceeded to France in December 1916 where he served with the 1st Battalion KOSB. He was killed at the age of just 19 by a sniper at Langemarck in the early hours of 16 August 1917. [The Battle of Langemarck was one of the most successful attacks of the 1st KOSB’s entire campaign (including the award of two Victoria Crosses)]. John is listed on the memorial to the missing at Tyne Cot. He is commemorated on the Balmaclellan war memorial. There is a stained-glass window in Balmaclellan Parish church which commemorates John and his father. The window was created by Gordon Webster whose father (Alfred) was also killed in the war. The most significant memorial to John is a large granite cross above Loch Ken between New Galloway and Mossdale. It sits a little way up the Lowran Burn and is sited so that it can be seen from the family’s former home. Over the years this memorial had been virtually lost in the undergrowth but a few years ago, the Forestry Commission kindly made a significant effort to make access to the memorial somewhat easier. I must here make special mention of Robin Hood who lives nearby and takes a keen interest in the memorial and who arranged a ceremony at the memorial on the centenary of John’s death. The final name for this article is that of William Dickson. He was born in Dalry, the son of William and Jane Dickson of Stroanpatrick, Dalry, and married Mary McMillan of Carsphairn in 1913. He enlisted in the Home Hospital Reserve (Royal Army Medical Corps) in March 1915 and was Ward Master at the Maryhill Auxiliary Military Hospital in Glasgow. He was discharged from the Army due to illness in May 1916 and awarded a Silver War Badge, and died of tuberculosis at Craigview, Carsphairn, on 26 August 1917 aged 32. He is buried in an official Commonwealth War Grave in Carsphairn Parish Churchyard. There seems to have been collaboration between the War Memorial Committees in the Glenkens to make sure that each man was commemorated on the most suitable memorial. However, uniquely, William is remembered on both the Carphairn and Dalry memorials reflecting the fact that his wife lived in one parish and his parents in the other. I would like to acknowledge the work done by Kenneth Morrison of Rockcliffe in much of the research that has gone behind this whole series of articles. Paul Goodwin Glenkens Gazette page 28 Who Do We Think We Were? Margaret Lamont’s family lived in Edinburgh, but were on holiday in Ruthwell when the outbreak of war was announced on the radio at lunchtime on 3 September 1939. Aged seven, she was evacuated with her older sister to New Galloway. She gives a fascinating picture of an evacuee’s life here between 1939 and 1941. Margaret now lives in Dalbeattie. Perhaps you have similar memories, or perhaps you grew up in quite a different time and place. Either way, if you have a connection with the Glenkens, readers would like to hear your story. Please send your contribution - of no more than 500 words - by email to margaret.el phinstone@dircon.co.uk or hand in a copy at CatStrand marked ‘Glenkens Gazette - WDWTWW’ Next time we move to the southwest of England, with memories from Stella Cruickshank. A Child’s View of Life in New Galloway, 1939-1941 When war broke out, my sister and I were sent to stay with my Great Uncle John Robb and his family at the Mains of Kenmure. Five of his nine children still lived on the farm, the younger two at school in Castle Douglas, the other three working on the farm and in the house. Ken, the youngest son, had a weekend job at McKnight’s the grocer, in New Galloway, delivering messages by bicycle. It was all a complete contrast to the sheltered suburban existence of a small family - our widowed mother and us. It turned out to be a rather happy adventure. We started school in New Galloway; there were two classrooms, one for the ‘wee ones’ and another for the older ones, which included my sister. The headmaster was Mr Wardlaw. We wrote on slates. Twenty Glasgow evacuees, with a teacher, arrived, almost doubling the size of the school. Having been at the school for three weeks, we felt like superior locals. There were many Robb family members living around New Galloway. Our paternal grandfather lived at Burnbank, opposite the smithy, having retired there from farming at Barscobe. There were also three colourful great aunts. One was a permanent resident in the Kenmure Arms. Her room was full of Maori treasures - she had been on a trip to New Zealand to housekeep for a brother, but by the time she arrived he was married! Another lived at Kenview at the top of the High Street. Her husband, Dr Cowan, had been the village doctor, and a founder member of New Galloway Golf Club. She had a parrot in the kitchen – it had a rather ripe vocabulary. The other, my namesake, lived at Bogleknowe at Balmaclellan. She was an ardent collector of alpine plants, acquired on trips to Austria and Switzerland. Sunday afternoon there was always a boiled egg cooked on her Aga. There was also an aunt at Ruthwell, another lived opposite the New Galloway Town Hall, and a third at Waterside Farm near Dalry. There, two beautiful cart horses - Gert and Daisy - did the ploughing. Butter was churned in the dairy. The shadow of war did not impinge greatly on our lives. Gas mask practice was a great joke and a source of interesting noises. When our aunt told us about the fall of France we knew it was a ‘bad thing’, but did not realise its implications. Our Brownie Pack was industrious at knitting squares for blankets and in collecting sphagnum moss for wound dressings. A highlight of the week was buying our sweetie ration of two ounces in Miss Clark’s sweet shop in the High Street. Two incidents stand out. In the park opposite the school, a board had been erected with a surface on it which would turn from yellow to green in the presence of poison gas. One morning there was general alarm: the board had turned green. It transpired that some school lads had painted it in the night. There followed copious use of the tawse! Another time there were reports of a parachute landing in woods near Castle Douglas. The Home Guard was called out in force - I remember watching them marching over the Ken Bridge – but nothing was ever found. That winter there was a very heavy snow storm followed by flooding. Many sheep were drowned in the fields by the Ken. The school playground was flooded; the big boys had to carry the small children inside. By the summer of 1941 the risk of bombing in Edinburgh was diminished, and we went home. The broad tapestry of stories told to us by my grandfather and the great aunts, and the excitement of life on the farm, have left me a rich source of memories of my sojourn in New Galloway. ...She had a parrot in the kitchen – it had a rather ripe vocabulary. GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL � 01644 420234 � New Galloway Golf Club Founded 1902 www.nggc.co.uk - 01644 420737 Buggies now available for hire VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME Glenkens Gazette page 29 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN Lamentation of the Levellers Last month Alistair Livingston presented an excellent lecture in our Glenkens Story series. He is now, thanks to his extensive research, the recognised authority on the subject of the Galloway Levellers. Following his talk several folk have asked about James Charters of Kirkland, Dalry, author of The Lamentation of the People of Galloway by the Pairking Lairds, but alas we seem to have no further information about him. Some years ago, while researching my book, Folk in Print: Scotland’s Chapbook Heritage 1750-1850, I did some work, Like Alistair, at the Hornel Library in Kirkcudbright. For those who missed the lecture, the Levellers were Lowland Scotland’s only true agrarian rebels. They banded together to resist enclosures, mainly dykes, which resulted in a reduction of the work-force since fewer hands were required to tend the livestock. In their associations and carefully worded documents explaining their actions they were clearly following covenanting practice. Protest took the form of levelling, or casting down, the offending dykes. In August 1726 Daniel Murdoch was arrested and imprisoned in Kirkcudbright, accused of distributing Charters’ verses, which also went by the name of Levellers’ Lines. Murdoch declared that he bought a ream of ballads from James Duncan, a printer in Glasgow, selling about 14 of them in Kirkcudbrightshire. He claimed that earlier in the year Samuel Gordon and George Park, merchants, had circulated copies in the south-west. Murdoch was discharged from dispersing any more prints, “as the same tended to stir up and foment ryots and disturbances of the peace and were of a calumnious and defamatory tenor”. All of these ‘merchants’ were itinerant chapmen, or hawkers, who travelled around the countryside selling clothing, knick-knacks and assorted merchandise designed to particularly appeal to lonely wives, who seldom escaped their farms or modest cot-houses. Galloway had the reputation of spawning significant numbers of chapmen who established businesses of one kind or another in England or back home once they has accrued some savings. They were generally welcomed Dalryans were clearly a stroppy lot with their hearts in the right place! as the source of news and entertainment but were often suspected of thievery and libertinism. Charters and Murdoch fittingly represented Dalry’s reputation for political dissidence, which had fed the agitation leading to the Rising of 1666. There is a story that Viscount Kenmure angrily told an opponent to go to Hell or the Auld Clachan because although, according to Alexander Trotter, he was a staunch Liberal in political principles, he had a strong dislike of the democratic ideas of the weavers and cadgers of Dalry. On one occasion 50 Dalry folk invaded New Galloway to protest militia conscription, trashing the court-house to cries of ‘Brain Kenmure; to Hell with (Laurie of) Redcastle’. Dalryans were clearly a stroppy lot with their hearts in the right place! Alistair’s talk is available online at greengalloway.blogsp ot.co.uk Ted Cowan The Lamentation of the People of Galloway by the Pairking Lairds A generation like to this Did never man behold, I mean our great and mighty men Who covetous are of gold. Solomon could not well approve The practice of their lives, To oppress and to keep down the poor, Their actions cut like knives. Among great men where shall ye find A Godly man like Job, He made the widows’ heart to sing, But our lairds make them sob. It is the duty of great men The poor folks to defend, But worldly interest moves our lairds, They mind another end. They from the hungry take the sheaf And of them corn do crave, They turn them out to ly in fields Nor house nor shelter have. The word says rob ye not the poor Nor widow in distress, Or else your wives shall widows be, Your children fatherless. For they that strain the poor man’s right Of either lands or food, The lord says he’ll debar their souls From any spiritual good. They are more forward to thrust out Poor people from their land, Than Israel was the heathen folks, When Moses did command. The lords and lairds they drive us out From maillings where we dwell, The poor man says ‘Where shall we go?’ The rich says ‘Go to hell.’ These words they spoke in jest and mocks, But by their works we know, That if they have their herds and flocks, They care not where we go. Against the poor they still prevail With all their wicked works, And will enclose both moor and dale And turn corn fields to parks. Glenkens Gazette page 30 DECEMBER & JANUARY DECEMBER Saturdays in December, Carsphairn Heritage Centre local crafts and artwork for sale, see p3 Sat 2, Xmas Craft Fair, 11am4pm, Mossdale Village Hall Sun 3, Christmas Celebration, 3-5pm, New Galloway Town Hall, see p10 Mon 4, Police Drop-in, 9am, Dalry Police Station Sun 7, Glenkens Children’s Christmas Party, 3pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall Fri 8, Sat 9, Sun 10, CatStrand Youth Players Panto, see p21 Sat 9, GTI Bus Trip: Hetland Garden Centre, Moffat, see p8 Tues 12, CatStrand Ukes Xmas Party, 7pm, CatStrand Wed 13, Balmaclellan Senior Citizen’s Christmas Lunch, 12.30pm, Ken Bridge Hotel, invite only - see Balmaclellan Village Shop for invites Thurs 14, Ornithologists’ Club Talk, 7.30pm, Kells School, New Galloway Thurs 14, Enchanted Tales, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 15, Glenkens Guides Fundraising Quiz Night, 7.30pm, Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry, see p18 Fri 15, Feral Choir: Forgotten Carols, 7.30pm, Dalry Town Hall, see p21 Sat 16, Christmas Twinkle, 5.30pm, Dalry’s Community Centre, see Sun 17, It’s a Wonderful Life: A Radio Play, 2pm, CatStrand JANUARY Thurs 4, Police Drop-in, 1pm, Dalry Police Station Thurs 11, Ornithologists’ Club 9th December 13th January 10am-12.30pm For further information or to book a stall ring 01644 430 454 or visit www.dalrytownhall.co.uk Entrance by donation - proceeds towards Dalry Town Hall Refurbishment Fund North of Castle Douglas, A713 Ayr Road Talk, 7.30pm, Kells School, New Galloway Fri 12, Film: God’s Own Country, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 13, Film: Lady Macbeth, 7.30pm, Dalry Town Hall Sun 14, Film: Mersehead Shorts & Talk, 11am, CatStrand Sun 14, Film: Rams, 2pm Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn Wed 17, GTI Bus Trip: Gretna Gateway, Carlisle, see p8 Wed 18, SWANC Talk: ‘Darkness and Light’, 7.30pm, Ken Bridge Hotel, New Galloway Fri 19, Film: Riverhead, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall Sat 20, Film: The Levelling, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 26, Quiz Night, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall Mon 29, GCAT AGM, 7pm, CatStrand Glenkens Gazette page 31 REGULAR EVENTS CatStrand, New Galloway: Exercise to Music: Mon, 10-11am Margaret Morris dance 1: 3-7yrs, Mon (term-time), 3.45-4.30pm Margaret Morris dance 2: 8-16yrs, Mon (term-time), 4.30-5.15pm Youth Volunteer Meet-up, Tues, 68pm, FREE PIZZA Choreographic Skills Lab: Mon (termtime), 7-8.30pm ages 12-18 Keep Taking the Tablets computing course, Tues, re-starts 3 Oct Beginners Writing Group, Tues, 3.15pm Gentle Tai Chi: Wed, 10am Wendletrap Tai Chi, Wed, 2-3.30pm Glenkens Writing Group: First Wed each month 3-5pm Music/Jam Youth Drop-in, Wed, 6-7pm & rehearsal/recording space available for booking from 7-9pm Sing it Out: Thurs, 11am -12pm CatStrand Ukes: Thurs, 1pm – 3.30pm Yoga, Thurs, 6.30pm Zumba Gold: Fri (term-time), 1011am, CatStrand, 16+ Saturday Art Club: 2nd & 4th Sat of the month, 10am–12noon, to book call 420 374 Catstrand Youth Players: Sun during term time, 2pm Glenkens Acoustic Sessions: last Sun of the month, 2-4pm Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry, (contact Kath on 430 281): Paint & Art: Mon, 2-4pm GCC Playgroup: Tues, Wed & Thurs, 9.15-11.45am, contact Miriam 07514 320 101 Guides: Tues during term-time, 6-8pm, contact: Kath 430 281 Brownies: Thurs 6-7.30pm Kickback Martial Arts: Thurs, 7-9pm Thursday Craft Group: Thurs, 2-4pm Glenkens Children’s Club: Fri, 10am12noon New Galloway Town Hall: LING Lunches: Tues, 11am-2pm Indoor Sports: Tues, 7-9pm Zumba: Wed, 7.30-8.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall, 11+ Footcare by Stewartry Care: Thurs by appointment (Tel: 01556 504699), New Galloway Town Hall Various Locations: Hatha Yoga, Mon, 10-11.15am, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn, more info at www.carsphairn.org Mens Shed Mondays, 6.30pm, Balmaclellan Carsphairn Post Office: Tues, 1-3pm, Lagwyne Hall Beavers: Tues, 6–7.15pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Dog Training: Tues & Thurs, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. Contact: Eric 460 670 Mossdale Painters: Wed, 9.30am, Mossdale Village Hall Cub Scouts: Wed, 6.45–8pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Carsphairn Heritage Centre & Art/ Craft Gallery, Saturdays in December Youth Writing Group: Thurs (during term time), 3.30-5pm, ages 10-15, Dalry School Coffee & Craft Group: Fri, 9am12noon, Lagwyne Hall Glenkens Community Councils Balmaclellan Community Council Meetings: 4th Monday each month, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall. Carsphairn Community Council Meetings: Last Monday each month, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn. CHECK OUT NEW WEBSITE! Dalry Community Council Meetings: 1st Monday each month, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. New Galloway & Kells Community Council Meetings: 2nd Monday each month, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall. Full minutes of local Community Council meetings can be viewed at Dalry Library. CHURCH TIMES Dalry Church. 25 Dec, 10.30am: 24h Dec, 11.30pm: Watchnight Service, CHURCH OF SCOTLAND Sunday Services - Balmaclellan 12noon: 1st. Carsphairn 10.30am: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th. Dalry 12noon: 2nd(Jan) 3rd 4th. Kells 10.30am: 2nd, 4th. Special Services/Events:10 Dec, 10.30am: United Family Service, Kells Church. 10 Dec, 6.30pm: Carols by Candlelight in Kells Church. 23 Dec, 5pm: Carsphairn Church Community Christmas Service & Children’s Party. Christmas Day Family Service, Carsphairn Church. 31 Dec, 10.30am: United Service with Choir, Balmaclellan Church. SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH: St Margaret’s, New Galloway: Holy Communion, 10.30am every Sun & Wed. CATHOLIC CHURCH SERVICES: Kirkcudbright: Sun Mass, 9.30am. Dalbeattie: Sat Mass, 5pm Folk Music Session, 4th Fri each month, 7.30/8pm till closing, Ken Bridge Hotel 713 Pop-up Bistro, Carsphairn Shop & Tearoom, last Friday each month, contact 460 568 Scouts: Thurs, 7–8.30pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Gentle Tai Chi: Fri 10-11am, Dalry Town Hall Family and friends coming to stay? Short of space? Cosy country cottage available (sleeps 4) Call Fiona on 01644 420 227 www.covenanters-holidaycottagescotland.co.uk To hire the MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) behind Dalry School call Sonja Tranter on 430 244 or Nicolette Wise on 430 218. Dalry Library Tuesdays 12noon-3.30pm Fridays 10am-12noon & 1-4.30pm For further library van stops and informa�on contact Castle Douglas library on 01556 502 643 ADVERTISE IN THE GAZETTE (price per issue incl VAT) SMALL: 6cm x 6cm, £37.80 (+ 10% off with series discount) 1/4 PAGE: 9cm w x 13cm h, £81.90 (+ 25% off with series discount) 1/2 PAGE: 18cm w x 13cm h, £151.20 (+ 25% off with series discount) FULL PAGE: 18cm w x 27cm h, £252 (+ 25% off with series discount) Call 07727 127 997 VAT Reg. No. 882 8361 87 USEFUL NUMBERS: ● Pot-hole Hotline: 0845 276 0000 ● Police, non-emergency: 101 ● Doctor: 01644 420 234 ● NHS 24: 08454 24 24 24 ● D&G Council: 030 33 33 3000 Glenkens Gazette page 32 CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE - COULD YOU SHOP LOCAL THIS CHRISTMAS? As Christmas draws near, thoughts turn to the necessary time of presentbuying... But with the wealth of local shops and businesses, craft people and eating places in the Glenkens, here’s a challenge for you - how many of your Christmas presents could you buy locally this year?! We are lucky to have five thriving village shops in the Glenkens, and there’s local food and treats on offer at all of them.The CatStrand always has a tempting array WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Submit events, activities, news stories, cartoons, reviews, tips & techniques, fiction, photos, ads or ideas... Contact Sarah Ade on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk FEB/MAR COPY DEADLINE: 5 JANUARY of gifts, lots of them locally sourced, and the many craft fairs and vintage stalls that pop up at this time of year are a real showcase for our talented local makers. Or how about getting a loved one an experience instead of more stuff - a cosy dinner out at one of our traditional pubs, a beauty voucher or a day out of sporting activities? So this year, don’t just turn to the superstores and the online megaliths - if you love the Glenkens, put your money where your heart is! Design & co-ordination: Sarah Ade sarah.ade@gmail.com Printing:Stranraer & Wigtownshire Free Press www.stranraer-freepress.co.uk The Glenkens Gaze�e is an ini�a�ve of the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust, a Registered Sco�sh Charity No. SC032050  Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette 103 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GG_103 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource GCAT Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2017 Description An account of the resource Editor: Sarah Ade https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/1/250/GlenkensGazette104.pdf 26d9db85493543d8ea47a2ab61a072a2 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette 104 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Description An account of the resource <p>Find out more about the Gazette: <a href="https://glenkens.scot/gazette-home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Glenkens Gazette home page</a> If you would like to submit an article or take out an advert, please email the editor Sarah Ade: <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="mailto:glenkensgazette@hotmail.com">glenkensgazette@hotmail.com</a></p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is a member of, and regulated by <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.impressorg.com/">Impress</a>.</p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is an initiative of Glenkens Community &amp; Arts Trust (SC032050) and represents the voice of the community (not necessarily the views of GCAT).</p> Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document GLENKENS GAZETTE News from Balmaclellan, Carsphairn, Mossdale, New Galloway and St John’s Town of Dalry February/March 2018 ISSUE 104 FREE GALLOWAY FOREST PARK FEATURES ON NATIONAL TV A new prime-time TV series is being screened featuring our very own Galloway Forest Park. The Forest, a six-part series, shows snippets of the lives of people who live and work in the park. The Galloway Forest Park has all kinds of wildlife and conservation initiatives and is a major player in the region’s tourist economy, attracting over 800,000 visitors a year. It is also the largest afforested area in the UK and a major contributor to Scotland’s commercial timber industry. “It’s not often we get programmes made about our local area, so this is a welcome appearance especially on primetime Scottish TV,” said Andi Holmes of Dalry Community Council. The Forest is produced and directed by Jack Warrender, who was brought up on the John Miller timber haulage lorries in Galloway Forest Park © Tern TV northern edge of the Galloway Forest Park and returns to the UK after a career in Hollywood. It is narrated by Scottish BAFTAwinning actor Mark Bonnar. Leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council, Dr Elaine Murray, said: “The Galloway Forest is a huge asset to the economy and environment of our region, but is probably not all that well known outside of Dumfries and Galloway. The programme is a great opportunity to showcase the forest and to inform viewers about activities and businesses which operate in the forest and the issues they face as well as its fantastic scenery, leisure opportunities and natural environment.” The Forest screens on Mondays at 7.30pm on BBC1, and missed episodes can be watched on BBC iPlayer. GLENKENS WINTER WONDERLAND This January we had the longest spell of snow the Glenkens has seen for years. And as well as snow, we also got ice...Pictured are Laya and Finn sledging, and an ice sculpture created by a burst pipe at Kells school. A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) ini�a�ve www.glenkensgaze�e.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 2 BEWARE ‘PHISHING’ SCAMS I recently received a telephone call on my landline purporting to be from Microsoft alerting me to the fact that they have "detected pornographic material and drug dealing" on my computer. New Galloway Community Shop really entered into the festive spirit this Christmas, with the help of all our supporters. a number of community projects to work on and will also become a familiar face around New Galloway no doubt. The tender documents for the renovation work were received just before Christmas and are now being assessed for the best offer, with the actual work still expected to start in the spring. The NGCE AGM is on 1 March in New Galloway Town Hall at 7:30pm - everyone is welcome, and membership can be gained at any time by buying one or more £10 shares. Enquire Needless to say, I have done neither. The caller did give me their phone number and having ended the call, I immediately dialed 1471 to get their actual number. Whilst, as far as I know, at the moment no actual fraud or cyber attack has been committed against me, the caller had some of my personal details. Having contacted the police, it seems there's currently a large number of such ‘phishing’ calls being made in Scotland at the moment. I wanted to warn people to be aware of these types of phone calls - I'm fairly sure I've escaped but others might not be so lucky. Richard Kiernan New Galloway Community Shop A tasting evening of gin, wine, puddings and goodies was much appreciated by all who braved the weather, and the shop looked beautiful throughout the season. That trend continues with a fantastic healthy-eating window display by the P4-P7 class of Kells School, New Galloway - if you haven't seen it yet, it's worth popping over for. In other news, our Community Engagement Worker Samantha Rushton has now started her new part-time role, and New Galloway residents should expect to see plenty of her in the coming months as she really gets to know our community and how best to support it. She will be joined in February and March by a sponsored student placement, Janosh Schnee, who has THE STEWARTRY VETERINARY CENTRE CASTLE DOUGLAS SURGERY HOURS Mon-Fri 2.00-2.30 pm & 5-6 pm Sat 2-2.30 pm DALBEATTIE SURGERY HOURS Mon, Wed, Fri 3-3.30 pm Tues & Thurs 6-6.30 pm FOR APPOINTMENTS AT BOTH SURGERIES OR IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY � 01556 502263 VETERINARY SURGERY OAKWELL ROAD CASTLE DOUGLAS � at the shop for more details. Thanks as ever to all our friends and helpers - your support is always very welcome! NGCE Ltd Committee Local Development Plan The Regional Council has compiled its Local Development Plan for 2018-29. The full plan can be viewed in Dalry Library, and should also be available to view online on the Council website at www.dumgal.gov.uk A couple of points of interest are that there is provision for 25 new properties in Dalry and 35 in New Galloway - take a look to find out more about what is planned for the Glenkens over the next decade. Articles contributed to the Glenkens Gazette do not reflect the opinions of the paper. The Gazette stays neutral on local, political, religious and any other issues, providing a platform for members of the Glenkens communities to share their thoughts, views and opinions. Glenkens Gazette page 3 John Maxwell 1931-2017 John Maxwell, who died in December, was well respected throughout Galloway, having been a farmer, county councillor, charity director and church warden of St Margaret’s Episcopal Church. He was born in rural South Wales and attended school in Perth where he was a keen and successful rugby player. After National Service in the Royal Horse Artillery (where he served in the Suez garrison) he studied agriculture at Cambridge University before joining the Colonial Service where he was posted to Trinidad and then Nyasaland (now Malawi). In 1963, after several years in Africa, he and his wife Ann and their family moved to the Glenkens to take up farming, swapping the tobacco and groundnuts of East Africa for sheep and beef cattle. Up until the 1960s the Glenkens Agricultural Show had been held in the Park at New Galloway but when this no longer provided enough space John offered the Mains of Kenmure and the Show has been held on Maxwell fields ever since. This quiet generosity to the community was typical of John and he was proud to be made an Honorary President for Life of the Glenkens Agricultural Society. In the 1980s he served as councillor for the Glenkens in the then Stewartry District Council, and latterly in the amalgamated Dumfries and Galloway Council. He was not interested in ‘party politics’ and stood as an independent, allowing his decisions to be guided by his strong Christian faith. His particular interest was housing and he was chairman of the housing committee for over ten years. A former colleague wrote “He was known for his insight and ability to cut to the chase, whatever the issue, and Dumfries and Galloway housing owes him a huge debt, more than they will ever realise.” After retiring from the Council, he was asked by Pam Young to join her newly-formed charitable trust which provides affordable housing to those in need. She found John’s knowledge on all things to do with housing invaluable and after she died in 2008 he was elected chairman, a role he continued with diligence until stepping down a few months ago. At a recent interview about the 25th anniversary of the Pamela Young Trust, he typically said that it was “humbling to have been able to help so many people”. Helping others less fortunate than himself was a theme that permeated all the way through his life. He was also an active member of St Margaret’s Episcopal Church in New Galloway having served for many years as vestry secretary and latterly as honorary church warden. The Rector of St Margaret’s, John Repath, commented: “In his life and in the church John was the epitome of the many men and women in the world who simply do what they think is right without any fanfares or drum beating. We remember with much thanksgiving all that he has done for St Margaret’s.” Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents Dumfries & Galloway 01556 503744 www.ggblaw.co.uk All legal advice Offices in Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie Kirkcudbright and Dumfries Glenkens Gazette page 4 sponsored by EVERYTHING listed in the Glenkens Freecycle section is FREE - you just need to contact the owner and go and pick it up! If you would like to list something on this page, please get in touch with Sarah on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk VARIOUS Traditional toboggan for toddlers, metal with wooden slats, can be pulled. Hutch (28cm x 38cm x 24cm) for hamster or mouse, good condition, with wheel, wee house, ball, water bottle and separate travel pod. Unused white worktop, 138cm x 60cm. Beech effect worktop, good condition, 154cm x 60cm. Contact: 430218 Beith dining room display/ storage unit, measures, 5’ in length by 1’ 6” width by 5’ 6” height. Lovely piece of furniture. Free to a good home! Contact: Angie on 07766 476 125 Colour Television set - Toshiba (not flat screen) with television table. In excellent order - can be seen working. Contact: 450 265 2 red armchairs (very good condition), 3 shaggy green rugs. Contact: Noreen on 420 730 5/6 x 20 litre tubs of lime wash in Brilliant white. Cost around £200 but surplus to requirements. White table and four chairs. The table is a little chipped in places but the chairs are in good condition. Donations to GCAT welcome. Contact: Fiona on 07789 903127 Parker Knoll chair for renovation. Contact: Sheila on 420 666 WANTED OS Pathfinder maps for the Glenkens. Contact: Simon on 07426 124 982 Small chest of drawers. Contact: Simon on 07426 124 982 Gloss paint, wood preservative, compost, herbs & pond plants. Kells School, New Galloway, 420 340 Old oil drum for burning rubbish/ garden waste. Contact: 07769 682 811 Lab puppy. We’re looking for a puppy for a family dog and would love to find one locally. Contact: 07769 682 811 MAGICAL HAIR ICE Here is a snap of some beautiful hair ice found on a crisp Sunday afternoon walk around one of our favourite places, Milton Park, just outside Dalry. Apparently hair ice (also known as ice wool or frost beard) is a fairly uncommon type of ice that forms on the rotten wood of broad leaf trees. In 2015 German and Swiss scientists identified the fungus exidiopsis effusa as being key to its formation. The enchanting display certainly captured our imaginations - we couldn’t quite believe its magical quality, and it got us wondering...with Christmas being such a recent memory, did Santa’s elves leave it as one final surprise? Jenna Devlin ONE ACT PLAY FESTIVAL FOR CATSTRAND YOUTH PLAYERS The CatStrand Youth Players will be entering the 2018 One Act Play Festival with three plays for the first time. Tell Me Another Story, Sing Me A Song by Jean Lenox Toddie was a huge success in the Youth Festival in 2016, winning Stewartry District and reaching the Western Finals. It is being staged again, but this time in the Open Festival. The Youth Festival entries are Rabbit by David Foxton and Exit Stage Left by Geoff Bamber - a synopsis of each of the plays follows. Rabbit - This perceptive play, set ten years after ‘the bomb’, portrays with frightening clarity the destruction of human character as social standards are lost in a struggle for power and survival. In the ruins of an abandoned building fifteen teenage survivors struggle to make sense of the desolation. Ironically, they begin to repeat their parents’ mistakes. The play ends with a thought provoking clash of personalities. Exit Stage Left - Comedy all the way as a high school drama group arrive to rehearse their latest play to discover that their teacher Mrs. Finnegan is indisposed and she has nominated one of the group to take over the session. His efforts to conduct things sensibly are constantly undermined by his cast and the revelation that Mrs. Finnegan might be a serial killer! Tell Me Another Story, Sing Me A Song - This witty look at motherdaughter relationships is a light hearted exploration of irritations and misunderstandings that build walls between a woman and her female offspring - and the love and compassion that breaks down these walls. The crisis and humour of childhood, adolescence, adulthood and old age are evoked in a celebration of dissonance and the harmony between mothers and daughters. With the light touch of fantasy, it touches some of our deepest emotions. The plays will be performed at the Fullarton in Castle Douglas on 23 and 24 Feb and at CatStrand on Thurs 15 March. Glenkens Gazette page 5 sponsored by BRINGING MORE GOLDEN EAGLES TO GALLOWAY Golden eagles had been persecuted to extinction in southern Scotland by the 1870s. This didn’t last long, however, and there are records of them returning to breed in Galloway in the early 1900s, and indeed they have bred or attempted to breed in the southwest in every decade since. War service reduced game-keeping and by the mid-1940s golden eagles were breeding successfully in two of their traditional haunts. Sheep removal for afforestation allowed habitat and prey levels to increase and by 1980 there were four breeding pairs. However, canopy closure and further afforestation has since reduced this to a precarious two pairs, with an additional one to two pairs in the Borders. A detailed SNH report in 2014 suggested that southern Scotland could potentially support between 10 and 16 pairs, and this gave fresh impetus to create a project to increase the population of golden eagles in the area. The project involves a partnership of RSPB Scotland, Scottish Land and Estates, Forestry Commission Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and Buccleuch Estates, who have been working together for more than ten years to bring the project to fruition. Support funding has been awarded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and LEADER. Recent satellite tagging of golden eagles in Scotland has shown that the southern Scottish golden eagle population is greatly isolated from larger populations in the Golden Eagle © Angus Hogg Highlands. In summer 2018, and behaviour, survival and health of for the next four years, it is planned to bring between five and the birds. This will also provide fascinating information to the public. ten young eagles per annum south Work is planned to ensure former to a location in the Moffat Hills. and potential nesting sites are The young birds will be reared and re-occupied and to identify any released using established methods additional habitat management derived from previous eagle and red measures that will bring further kite re-introduction projects, with improvements in food supplies in the support and co-operation of these areas. There will also be work raptor experts and estates. Single with local communities, schools, chicks will be collected from broods and enterprises to bring much wider of two young in the Highlands, with benefits. Scottish Raptor Study Groups being Meanwhile, it is hoped that our heavily involved in this and in the own forests in Galloway can be local provision of advice. Indeed, restructured in a way to enhance the project team will work with a existing golden eagle habitat, and variety of expert advisers, including of course we need to ensure that specialists from the Edinburgh any new afforestation doesn’t make University Dick Vet School, and things worse for eagles and other experts from Ireland and Spain. key biodiversity. Following release, each golden Chris Rollie, eagle will be satellite-tracked RSPB Area Manager, Dumfries to ensure the project builds & Galloway and Chairman, up information on the ranging JENNY’S DESIGN Would you like the opportunity to have your own online business, with support from a team? Do you like healthy living and high quality skin care? Yes? Then please contact Katy Caie, Arbonne Independent Consultant, on 07756 506 496 or visit http://catrionacaie.arbonne.com Mobile Hairdresser • Home Visits • Nursing Homes & Residential • The Elderly & Disabled • Blow Drying • Setting • Perms • Cuts • Toupees • Wig Styling NVQ Level 3 Hairdressing, NVQ Level 4 Social Care Call Jenny on 07554 009 624 Glenkens Gazette page 6 Glenkens Gazette page 7 END OF AN ERA FOR NEW GALLOWAY RURAL There have been lots of happy times over the past few years to end 96 years of the New Galloway Rural on a high note. To name but a few... November 2016 - AGM month. Joan Berkeley handed the president’s job to Louise, and nine members enjoyed the meeting. There had been final goodbyes to Betty McQueen and Anne Martin during the previous summer. Helen Keron gave her talk on proposals for the community shop, which have now happened. Cath Monk won the annual competition and was presented with the Morrison Plate. February 2017 - The Burns Lunch took place and was enjoyed by all who came. Plans were put in place by SWI HQ to create a large wall hanging to celebrate the Centenary in the summer, and a piece of canvas was received to create our masterpiece, which was done and returned to them in February. April 2017 - It was the cream tea in New Galloway town hall, which was quite popular. Lots of ladies came, and stayed, and chatted to their friends and more tables were needed for newcomers. May 2017 - Joan Berkeley was in hospital by this time, and we had updates on her condition and whereabouts at meetings. Also Joan McCosh was now poorly and missing. We had a lovely speaker, Jenny Smith, along with her dog Troy, and we learned about how Jenny worked with the mountain and helicopter rescue services to help people in distress. Sadly this was to be Troy’s last outing before his death a week later. June 2017 outing - We had a lovely trip to the museum in Dalbeattie, where the volunteers showed us around. Lots of “my mum had one of those!” August 2017 - A small group of us struggled with tea urns and cakes at the 40th Alternative Games. Last year we had to cope with hundreds of wasps, high winds and wellmeaning experts. This year it was heavy rain all day long. We were inside the beer tent so we were serving dripping wet customers - three changing cask ales & cider - fresh, seasonal & local food - open all day every day - award-winning food, beer & atmosphere - en-suite accommodation - 20% off takeaway discount - country sport & walkers facilities - 01644 430 241 www.theclachaninn.co.uk coming in out of the rain. We sold more hot drinks than the beer tent sold beer. October 2017 – The amazing CatStrand Ukulele Band came to entertain us in the big hall upstairs and other Rural groups were invited to join us. Members supplied cake and organised teas and a raffle. It did not entice many other members but we enjoyed it anyway. Sadly Joan Berkeley died at the end of August. Many of us attended her funeral in Dumfries. Joan McCosh is still in hospital. Avril, one of our long time members, decided to leave the Rural due to too many other commitments, so a discussion took place on our longterm survival. Due to the loss of members for a variety of reasons, it has been decided to close the New Galloway Rural. We would like to give a very big thank you to all who have helped in so many different ways over the years, especially during the last twelve months. We nearly made it to the 100 years! Helen Bullock, Secretary, New Galloway Rural Follow us on facebook and twi�er and make sure to sign up for our newsle�er - see website for details… www.gallowayglens.org Glenkens Gazette page 8 KEN WORDS FESTIVAL 2018 When I was approached by a group of literature lovers back in the autumn of 2015 about the possibility of running a 'writing festival', I admit I had to feign enthusiasm. The group (which included Ted Cowan, Jane McBeth, Andrew Mellor and Margaret Elphinstone) were adamant that the Glenkens needed a platform for writers and a “festival” to celebrate both local writers and historic writers who had used the Glenkens as an inspiration in the past. “Something like Wigtown Book Festival?” I asked, naively. “Not really…” came the response. “OK, performances of spoken word then?” I asked. “Not as such…” “So what then…?” I always think that if I can’t understand the vision, nobody else will! In the end, the answer came less by design than by serendipity as the group and I hastily put together the programme for Ken Words 2016 (then called Words from the Glenkens). The first “festival” featured talks by members of the group (Ted Cowan & Margaret Elphinstone) along with Birds and Burns expert Chris Rollie. There was a workshop, an open poetry stage, a film with Rab Wilson, a dinner and it closed with a concert by folk star Robyn Stapleton. All bases covered I thought. It was reasonably well attended and received but what was “it”? Had it worked as a festival and more importantly would people come back next year? I really didn’t know. In autumn 2016 I was looking ahead to Ken Words 2017 and trying to decide whether to go ahead with it or not. I was literally minutes from consigning it to the realms of “tried and failed” when fate intervened and I got a call from Andrew Mellor. “So, what are we doing for Ken Words next year Simon?” Funny he should ask. The group met again the following week and once again I asked “what is Ken Words? How do I sell it to people?” I still didn’t know. Nevertheless, we set about putting together a programme. We’d used all our “local” star resources in 2016 so I thought we needed a celebrity, a name, somebody to give the impression that whatever we were doing, it was getting more prestigious. We bandied about names and themes and what went wrong in 2016 and we finally honed the “festival” down to a concert launch (Siobhan Miller) and a day of events. BBC presenter Cameron McNeish and lauded author Tom Pow were drafted in to add heft but the key speaker for me was Dr Jo Miller, an ethnographer and musicologist who grew up in Dalry. Her closing talk at the Ken Bridge hotel was wonderful and finally enabled me to grasp what Ken Words should be about: inspiring people to write. So when the call from Andrew Mellor came in autumn 2017 about what to do this coming spring, I had a more coherent concept in mind. The steering group had shrunk a bit from the early days (myself, Andrew and Jane remain with observational input from the others) but this didn’t matter. Ken Words 2018 would inspire writers – and in order to inspire writers, we needed input from inspiring writers! Jane, Andrew and myself drew up a bucketlist of dream names and I set about inviting them. We didn’t expect to get any – but we got them all: Liz Lochhead, James Robertson, Findlay Napier, Karen Campbell, Mary Smith, Stuart Paterson and Tom Pow. The reason they were happy to come was that we had an “established” event that was “growing in popularity” - it would go beyond the mere promotion of a book or the performance of prose and poetry. Ken Words is as much about the process of writing as it is about enjoying literature and for this reason it attracts not only those who love literature, but also the region’s many aspiring writers. Going forward we’re very fortunate to have the support of the Galloway Glens project and Creative Scotland and I really hope the people of the Glenkens will continue to support Ken Words. I do feel it has the potential to become a national treasure of sorts. Fitting really as the theme of this year’s festival is “Treasures”… Simon Davidson, Creative Director, CatStrand DALRY’S CHRISTMAS TWINKLE A great night was had by all who attended Dalry’s Christmas Twinkle event. I’d like to thank those who came along and braved a cold and frosty night to listen to and enjoy the Rainbows, Brownies and Guides singing Christmas songs. We really hope you enjoyed this free community event by joining in with the singing, drinking hot chocolate, eating mince pies and sausage rolls and meeting Santa and his three elves when they arrived at the community centre on his fabulous sleigh. I’d like to thank all my volunteers who helped to provide Dalry’s Christmas Twinkle event - without your commitment we couldn’t have provided and celebrated this free community event. A huge thank you to Glenkens Community Shop for the generous grant and to 'Scottish Christmas trees' for providing a wonderful tree which brightened up our Community Centre throughout the Christmas period with the wonderful twinkling lights. Thank you to those who donated on the night to the refurbishment of the Community Centre: a total of £25.71 was raised. Angie Bradford Glenkens Gazette page 9 CatStrand Highlights The CatStrand spring brochure is now available, and is packed with a variety of top quality shows and events. We start with our ever-popular CatStrand Burns Supper (Sat 3 Feb) with a host of top-notch speakers and musicians. Dark Sky Jazz Club resumes with Glasgow-based Strata (Fri 9 Feb) bringing their unique brand of contemporary jazz to the Glenkens. If contemporary classical is more your thing, don’t miss Hebrides Ensemble (Sun 11 Feb) doing a special afternoon recital. For Valentine’s Day we’re continuing our focus on visual art and film with a special screening of the acclaimed Loving Vincent (Wed 14 Feb) which is animated entirely in the style of van Gogh’s most celebrated works. The following week we’re delighted to be hosting a new family version of HG Wells’ classic The Time Machine (Fri 23 Feb) a spectacular puppet show for all ages. Contemporary Scottish music is always a key feature of the CatStrand programme and we’re very excited to have Mike McGoldrick, John McCusker and Mike Doyle (Sat 24 Feb) performing together after their soldout Celtic Connections shows. February also sees a first for CatStrand as we launch a new season of the much lauded Exhibition on Screen films with Canaletto and the Art of Venice (Tue 27 Feb). Screening monthly, these films take you up close and personal to some of the world’s finest exhibitions - CatStrand is the only place in D&G that is currently showing these films. March begins with Ken Words 2018 (2–3 Mar) and this little festival’s ambitions get bigger each year. Now in its third outing it has managed to attract top Scottish talent such as Liz Lochhead, James Robertson, Findlay Napier, Karen Campbell, and McCusker et al Tom Pow (see article on page opposite). Other March highlights include the long-awaited return of legendary guitarist Gordon Giltrap (Thu 22 Mar). Don’t miss Dumfriesborn comedian Mark Nelson (Sat 10 Mar) on his CatStrand debut. We close March with the hotly-tipped folk combo Young’uns (Sat 31 Mar) who bring their sell-out multimedia show The Ballad of Johnny Longstaff, a musical journey from the NE of England to the Spanish Civil War. We hope to see you at CatStrand over the coming months! The CatStrand Team Glenkens Gazette page 10 Robinson Crusoe and The Pirates "The best one yet" and "brilliant show" were just two of the many positive comments as the audiences left the seventh annual pantomime staged by CatStrand Youth Players. Three full houses underlined the enduring popularity of the annual pantomime which has definitely become established as one of the most anticipated regular events in the CatStrand programme. The script was from tried and tested author Paul Reakes, who has also penned four of the previous pantos. All the principal actors gave very assured performances in the lead roles backed up by very busy chorus members who played multiple roles of villagers, sailors, pirates and islanders as the story unfolded. Whilst some of the cast were appearing in their first panto, it is easy to forget with a young cast that some of the actors are now virtually panto veterans having appeared in up to five of the previous shows. Annabelle McAdam played an excellent principal boy in the title role of Robinson Crusoe ably supported by Anna Hodson in a more challenging principal girl role than usual playing Polly Perkins and her dashing alter ego, The Crimson Hawk. Zoe Kirkpatrick was the head of the Crusoe family as Ma Crusoe and played the traditional panto dame in fine style with the brilliant comedic support of her hapless son Willy Crusoe played by panto debutant Ben Durham. The Crusoe family persuaded a reluctant Captain Bowsprit, assuredly played by Arthur Harfield, to help them in their chaotic quest to find the treasure, assisted by the Captain’s daughter Bessie Bowsprit, charmingly portrayed by Laura Edington. The baddies were brilliantly led by Fergus McClure as Blackbeard. His two sidekicks, Patch and Peg, played in fine double-act style by James Jones The cast of Robinson Crusoe and The Pirates. and Florrie Newbery, lighting by Jim Ranyard. Costumes, didn’t really want to be bad and props and make up by Helen spent most of their time trying to Kirkpatrick assisted by Alison Newbery get the audience to like them. The and scenery and staging by Rory islanders were led by a Medicine Man, Newbery, Sandy Johnston, Andrew very enthusiastically played by Anna Frew, Jimmy McKenna and The Men’s Irving, and of course the famous Shed with Rory and Sandy joining Kyle story wouldn’t be complete without Kirkpatrick as the stage crew. the friendly and charming Man Friday, After a few weeks break over played by Henry Harfield. The hilarious Christmas the members have now Gorilla must be mentioned too, played moved on to this year’s One Act Play very assuredly by another panto Festival which sees another first as debutant Dante Newbery. CatStrand enter three plays for the The ever changing chorus members first time. Tell Me Another Story, Sing deserve special credit too for quick Me A Song by Jean Lenox Toddie was changes between scenes to take a huge success in the Youth Festival on their different roles as the story in 2016, winning Stewartry District progressed with Max Wright and and reaching the Western Finals it is Charlotte Spernagel also assuming being staged again but this time in the parts of King and Queen Neptune the Open Festival and once again when the six youngest dancers from starring Zoe Kirkpatrick and Eilidh the Margaret Morris Dance Group Thomson. The Youth Festival entries performed their delightful undersea are Rabbit by David Foxton and Exit dance. Stage Left by Geoff Bamber. They A great team behind the scenes will be performed at the Fullarton worked hard too to bring the show to in Castle Douglas on 23 and 24 the stage - Directors were Brian Edgar February and then at CatStrand on and Zoe Kirkpatrick, with music and Thursday 15 March. sound effects by Simon Davidson and COUNCILLOR DOUGIE CAMPBELL DEE & GLENKENS HIGHLAND BEEF from THE GLENKENS STEAK ROASTS MINCE CASSEROLE LORNE pre-pack frozen Blackmark Dalry Castle Douglas DG7 3UG 01644 460532 www.highland.scot For all enquiries including details of surgeries, please contact me at Email: dougie.campbell@ dumgal.gov.uk Phone: 07388 956558 Facebook: @DougieCampbellSNP Wright’s Shop & Post Office Dalry Licensed convenience store and newsagent stocking a range of local suppliers including Corsons and Irvings Bakers, Ballards and Dalmellington Country Butchers and Mitchells Fruit and Veg. Opening Times (both shop & PO): Monday to Friday: 7am – 6pm Saturday: 8am – 6pm Sunday: 8.30am – 4pm Tel: 01644 430 225 page 11 Advertisement Glenkens Gazette Glenkens Gazette page 12 Dalry Secondary Christmas Outreach Dalry Secondary School pupils entertained the residents of Carlingwark House and The Golden Day Centre, Castle Douglas. This year Dalry pupils wanted to go out into the community with their music and after a successful concert in November, returned to Carlingwark House with a new Christmas programme. Ten pupils from S3 and S4 played and sang Christmas songs and led a Christmas singalong, accompanied by the ladies and gentlemen of Carlingwark House on sleigh bells and shakers. Instruments they played included bass guitar, electric guitar, trombone, piano and ukulele. The songs featured Christmas favourites and some modern versions of carols including In Dulce Jubilo and Away in a Manger. Rory and James from S4 sang two duets - Do you hear what I hear? and One Candle. All the pupils did very well despite having arrived 40 minutes late as a lorry was being pulled out of a ditch on the main road from Dalry. All in a day’s work for a performer! The following day, four pupils headed down to The Golden Day Centre in Castle Douglas to perform. Three of the four students are learning piano and were able to play a mixture of jazz, classical and Christmas music. In addition, they played violin and glockenspiel as well as singing solos and duets. James also sang some Scots songs – prompting an invitation to return around Burn’s Night to perform a mainly Scots selection. All the students from Dalry School were delighted to be able to connect with these two wonderful community groups and give their best to entertain others. Patsy Gilroy GLENKENS ROUTE Thursdays: 12noon-1pm – Crossmichael 1-2pm – Parton/Loch Ken Holiday Park 2-4pm – Balmaclellan area 4-5.30pm – The Hidden Road Fridays: As one of your local councillors, my contact details are: patsy.gilroy@dumgal.gov.uk 07825 633153 8-10.30am – Dalry 10.30-11am – Glenlee Area 11am – New Galloway 12noon – New Galloway Shop 2pm – Mossdale area 3-4pm – Laurieston to Gatehouse Please note that all times are approximate. 07966 103 912 charliecoid@hotmail.com Fleet Fish aims to provide top quality produce which is sourced as locally as possible. We take pride in offering friendly door-to-door service tailored to our customers’ needs. Glenkens Gazette page 13 KELLS PRIMARY WINTER FUN Kells’ children have returned to classes with an encouraging level of excitement, happiness and motivation. There is clear intent to enjoy, learn, think and discover. It is going to be a great 2018! Resolutions have been discussed, improvements – for both adults and children honestly identified, openly talked over… and our ethos of lifelong learning for the greater good continues. There is a strong sense that we are all in this community of learning together. We achieved a lot last year and feel that making connections has had a massive impact on our learning. The older class were fortunate to have new and energetic influences from local musicians: Kayleigh, Dale and Ian who contributed to the Christmas Show. The result was a creative and original approach to our songs. The younger class performed a beautiful Nativity and all the older children were thrilled to be able to work with their school friends. Jayne and Alison gave up their time to help make costumes and decorate the school, bringing plenty of Christmas cheer. We even got to perform in the Town Hall which was great. Go happy, shared community spirit! Following our tremendously successful fundraising for MacMillan Cancer Research, the children have continued their interest in making links with charities. Motivated by the enterprising and thoughtful Megan, the whole class have been able to make a connection with The Vatsalya Foundation in India. Mr Thompson was given a letter to take on his honeymoon in search of a suitable pen pal. Everything fell into place for the children to forge a warm and generous correspondence with Swathi and the children at the school. This is a charity that proudly provides a home for street children in Mumbai. We will be able to use different media to communicate experiences and learn about each other; sharing traditions, cultures hopes and dreams. Watch this space! Rosie set us up this year announcing “school is this place where, like, all your dreams can come true.” Long may this wonderful attitude last. The following is a short account of something unexpected that occurred at school - by Sandy Johnston, P7: On the morning of the 12th December 2017, pupils of Kells Primary School were treated to a wonderfully beautiful spectacle at the back of the school. A water pipe supplying an outdoor tap had frozen, and the water, having expanded in the pipe, caused the pipe to be ruptured. However, the ice had not sealed the pipe, and therefore the water poured out of the pipe at a high-pressure for some time until the water had frozen sufficiently to plug the pipe/it was given attention in daylight. While this was a beautiful thing to look at, it is not something that you would generally want to happen, so it is advisable to inspect and insulate all outdoor pipes every winter. Pupils were greatly excited to see this spectacle, going outside to the pipe and singing the song Let It Go from the successful film Frozen, as it was deemed appropriate to the situation. Also, they took the opportunity to take many stunning photographs, one of which is included on the front page of this issue of the Gazette. Graeme Thompson Above: Graeme Thompson with children from the Vatsalya Foundation. Below: Kells Primary Christmas Show CLASS CONSTRUCTS 3D SHAPES Dalry Primary P6/ 7 pupils have been investigating 3D shapes. This has meant a lot of time spent doing practical activities such as planning, drawing and constructing nets and skeletons for a variety of purposes such as packaging (nets) and 'wire frames' for a variety of structures (skeletons). For the wire frames, children needed to plan how much 'steel' they required to build their frame. Their aim was not only to construct the frame correctly, but spend as little as possible, by making accurate estimates of quantities and prices. Pictured are pupils with some of their shape creations. Sarah Turner Glenkens Gazette page 14 PYLONS ARE AN IMPOSITION A Personal View by Phil McMenemy, Laurieston Why care about our landscape, our flora and fauna, our archaeology and heritage, our views and aspects, our homes, our amenity and the lands where we live, work and play? Change is inevitable is it not? But is change always for the better? These and more are some of the questions that I (and, thankfully, many others) have been asking ourselves over the last two years – since plans for the new Kendoon to Tongland Reinforcement (KTR) pylon line were announced. Are we being overprotective in wishing to avoid further compromise to our region or are we being responsible citizens rightly alarmed at this imposition? There is a distinction - absolutely. I am, of course, referring to the plans SPEN have on behalf of giant Spanish company Iberdrola to reroute the transmission power lines from where they have stood for many, many generations to a new route – a new route through some very special areas of outstanding beauty, areas of peace and havens for wildlife. This feels very much like an imposition. Now, I readily admit to a bias. A bias which means I love this land. These lands are where we, as a family, take our leisure, where we live and where I (as a photographic artist) work – as I strive to capture this special, lilting, harmonious, natural Dumfries and Galloway beauty. I readily admit to a bias about wishing to protect what we have, as whether we have noticed it or not it is disappearing piece by piece – a slow erosion of what attracts folk to this region and an erosion of what it means to live here. When might we say no, when might likewise here? • a survey by the John Muir Trust found that 55% of respondents were ‘less likely’ to visit areas of "countryside industrialised by giant turbines, electricity pylons and super quarries" • Dumfries and Galloway council recognises that ‘tourism holds possibly the greatest economic potential of all industries in our beautiful but rural region’ • despite giving assurances in previously produced literature about the height of these pylons (26m) many of these will in fact be 38m in height. With an average height being 29m. In these very politically sensitive and changeable times does the ‘needs case’ really stack-up? This isn’t nimbyism ('not-in-my-back-yardism), this is protecting what we have – this is protecting these lands for the future and for our children’s children. Add your voice to the growing number of voices challenging this imposition - protect, care, sustain and nurture what we are blessed to possess and enjoy. We have the power – onwards! Have your say: contact SPEN for a feedback form and return to FREEPOST SPEN DGSR, call 0800 157 7353 or visit them online at www.spendgsr.co.uk ...55% of respondents were ‘less likely’ to visit areas of "countryside industrialised by giant turbines [and] electricity pylons..." Comment from Stephen Jack, KTR line project manager at SP Energy Networks: SP Energy Networks (SPEN) takes its responsibilities to communities and the environment very seriously. For transmission voltages at 132 000 volts (132kV) and above, overhead lines remain the reliable and economic choice for the bulk transmission of electricity over long distances. Planning the routes for these overhead lines is a complex process, balancing statutory obligations, engineering requirements, economic viability, land use and the environment. When developing the KTR project SPEN has taken a proactive we stand up for ourselves – when might enough be enough? Some further thoughts to consider: • in other areas where tourism is a priority, pylons are being removed and lines undergrounded • SPEN and Iberdrola in their literature promise ‘innovation’ ‘protection for the environment’ and ‘sustainably creating value....for the communities in which we carry out our activities’ • how is it possible to completely bury the gas pipeline, with minimal fuss, across the whole region and not do approach to evaluating these considerations. A fundamental part of this process is engaging and seeking the views of key stakeholder organisations, communities and landowners both in the Glenkens and in the other areas where the project will pass through. SPEN has consulted at each step of the process to allow everyone to have a say in the development of the project. SPEN has listened carefully to the issues raised by the communities in the Glenkens, in particular the decision not to proceed with a route parallel to the existing one east of Loch Ken, and has considered these fully in the decision making process. The feedback received from the consultations has allowed SPEN to review and test the assumptions made at each stage of the routeing and environmental assessment process. To ensure that the decisions remain transparent, following each round of consultation SPEN has published a report detailing its response to the issues raised and, where possible, how these have changed the route and design for the project. In addition, members of the SPEN project team have attended numerous meetings with community groups, landowners and interested parties to get direct feedback on proposals and explain the decisions made. SPEN will continue to engage with stakeholders, communities and landowners as the Project progresses through 2018 and beyond. Glenkens Gazette page 15 IT’S TIME TO LOOK AT THE BIGGER PICTURE A Personal View by Sarah Ade If you’ve driven along the A713 towards Ayr any time in the last few months, you may have noticed the huge amount of construction going on. Suddenly the new pylons spoken of back in 2015 are materialising, and the sheer visual impact is becoming apparent. As well as the large pylon superhighway from Glenlee to Tongland that has been so well discussed in local and national media (the KTR line – Kendoon Tongland Reinforcement), there are many smaller lines proposed to network all the new windfarms to the grid. But these applications only get shown to those residents close to where the windfarms or pylons will be situated, so the full extent of all the lines in a given area is not well publicised. Perhaps it’s time we take a step back and look at the bigger picture for our region, starting with the Glenkens. Everyone is occupied fighting their corner – sending letters to Scottish Power and to MPs regarding the particular section of line which they have been notified about and which impacts their homes and lives directly. But has anyone actually said “hang on a minute...what is our countryside going to look like with ALL these new power lines criss-crossing it?” Our area’s unspoilt natural beauty is one of its key assets and we are losing it as, day by day, our wild Galloway landscapes are slowly being eroded, pylon by pylon, turbine by turbine, as the industrialisation of our landscapes sneaks in unnoticed. Along with being the region with one of the highest proportions of commercial blanket forestry in Scotland, Dumfries and Galloway is also one of the areas set to have the most windfarms. All these farms need to have the power they produce carried into the grid – which means more pylons, power lines and substations. What do we, the people whose lives are actually being directly affected by the changes to the land around us, gain from this? Do we actually stand to gain anything? Or do we only lose. There are some incentives offered by the companies building the windfarms, carrots on sticks to ensure compliance. Land owners receive payments for having turbines built on their ground. And communities are offered community benefit funds. But is a financial incentive that benefits a few today of value to future generations when our landscape has been irreparably transformed? Perhaps it could be seen that having the privilege of owning large areas of land should bring with it a responsibility to protect that land. The unspoilt beauty of our area is its main asset; its protection should be the priority, and perhaps incentives should exist to protect it and not just allow a few to benefit in the short term. Dumfries and Galloway is rarely recognised as the area of natural beauty that it is, and its unique status as one of the country’s few remaining wildernesses is so often glossed over. Tourism is a huge part of our existing and potential economy. Protecting our area is something which we should all be trying to achieve. There are many groups who recognise this and are working towards it, both existing and proposed projects; the Galloway National Park, Biosphere, Dark Skies Park, Galloway Forest Park and the newly funded Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership Scheme and all the projects which fall under it - how will these be impacted by the web of cables and presence of so many turbines across our region? What about our quality of life? The joy we receive through living in such a beautiful, unspoilt place, and the reason so many of us choose to live in this area, is going to be severely impacted. Can we take pleasure in walking the hills in quiet contemplation, take scenic photographs of the sweeping vistas rolling out before us enjoy our spaces as we have from time immemorial, when the landscape is covered with pylons and turbines and bisected by power lines? Isn’t it time we took a look at the bigger picture – before it’s too late? Glenkens Gazette page 16 Photo of SWANC the Issue TALKS Sponsored by the Ken Bridge Hotel This issue’s winner is Eric Marshall with this stunning sunrise snap. Eric wins a meal for two at the Ken Bridge Hotel’s Sunday carvery. Competition judges Dave and Sue said: “We had some excellent entries this issue, but the winner is definitely the photograph of the sunrise.” The South West Association of Nature Conservationists (SWANC) hold talks each month, followed by lively discussion and debate. On 22 February the topic is ‘The Search for Scotland’s Native Forest Apple’. Following a call-out this autumn, a surprisingly large number of crab-apple leaf samples were submitted for DNA analysis by people across the south west. Is south west Scotland truly the centre of the crab apple universe… or did our ancestors import some orchard apples? On 22 March the topic is ‘Galloway Glens: Latest News on Galloway's £5m Heritage Lottery Project’. Galloway Glens Development Officer, McNabb Laurie, will highlight some of the exciting projects to be supported over the next five years. Come along for an informal lively evening with friends, discussing rural/environmental issues. Talks are held at the Ken Bridge Hotel on a Thursday at 7.30pm, and all are welcome. Everyone is welcome and the cost is £2. Why not come at 6pm for a pub supper beforehand? Glenkens Gazette CHARITY SHOP VOLUNTEERS NEEDED The Glenkens Charity Shop (formerly Glenkens Community Shop) is looking for volunteers. If you can spare a couple of hours a week to benefit your community, get in touch with Shirley on shirleymcnaught1@btinternet.com or pop into the shop to find out more. The shop has changed its name to the Glenkens Charity Shop to avoid confusion with other community shops in the Glenkens. Opening times are 10am to 3pm from Monday to Saturday, with a late opening on Wednesday until 4pm. Application forms for the next round of grants are available from 23 June, and these need to be returned to the Shop by 14 July. GLENKENS COMMUNITY CENTRE SEEKS SUPPORT Dalry Community Properties Trust (DCPT) which took over the ownership of the Glenkens Community Centre in April 2017 is seeking additional volunteers/trustees to help support this charitable organisation. DIY skills or fundraising experience are especially welcome to keep this old building going for the benefit of the Glenkens communities. For further information, or an informal chat, please contact the chair, Andi Holmes, on 01644 430 255 or andiholmes@hotmail.com page 17 We would like to thank the Glenkens Charity Shop for its contribution to the Forest School at the Hidden Mill, Balmaclellan. We hope a new series of sessions will commence in early spring - keep your eyes peeled for further information. The Charity Shop has contributed to 52 organisations since 2012 - thank you! Lorraine Ishak, The Hidden Mill Christmas Coffee Morning Thanks St Margaret’s Ladies’ Guild and Glenkens Churches Guild would like to thank everyone who supported their Christmas Coffee Morning. They are most grateful to the many people who took time out to support these events where there was a happy community atmosphere enjoyed by all. Glenkens Gazette Forest School at the Hidden Mill - begins early spring Ages 5 to 13; under 5s are welcome if accompanied by an adult. See you there! Get in touch to find out more at sisonitrizoni@gmail.com See the Watson Birds website for details of the presentations given at the Raptor Science conference in Dalry in September 2017 www.watsonbirds.org/ raptor-prize page 18 Any unwanted children’s clothes would be much appreciated for donation to children in Papua New Guinea. Contact: deugh2@gmail.com LOCAL INITIATIVES IN NEW GALLOWAY The Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING) AGM will take place on Thursday 15 February at 7pm in New Galloway Town Hall. It is over a year since LING took over the management of New Galloway Town Hall, preventing its closure. With a lot of goodwill, support and encouragement it is already becoming a recognised valued, well-used and financially viable community facility. LING Lunches continue to be great success providing a sociable weekly opportunity to meet up with friends and make new ones over coffee and biscuits (£1), a choice of two homemade soups (£2.50) and puddings (£2). There is still room at the table for more visitors not just from New Galloway but from elsewhere in the Glenkens. Tuesday evening sports, again a choice of two of carpet bowling and table tennis (£3 for the evening) with a regular bowling league. We will again be opening The New Galloway Story Exhibition during holiday periods, updating information as people bring in old photos and other items. A number of people have signed up as Friends of the Town Hall providing a regular income stream. (£5 per head or £8 per couple). Friends are entered into a twice yearly draw for a £50 prize. LING will be holding a Family Bingo Night in the New Galloway Town Hall on Friday 16 February at 7pm - all welcome. Glenkens Gazette page 19 Glenkens Men’s Shed Update Movement is afoot to improve the facilities at the Glenkens Men’s Shed in the Old Smiddy at Balmaclellan. Members are busily installing a mezzanine level to increase storage and working space - come and lend a hand if you can, you’re very welcome! There are also plans to construct a disabled toilet and move the meeting room downstairs, making all our facilities accessible to all. This has involved a great deal of expense but we feel it is essential for our further development. Look The Connecting in Communities band wagon rolls on. December saw another round of successful concerts by the CatStrand Ukes, raising over £250 for the ‘Maggies’ Cancer Support Charity. Look out for more gigs in the New Year, or even better get FHB Fencing Dalry Domestic and Agricultural Fencing 01644 430 495 (Peter) or 07767 795 498 (Jonathan) out for our fund-raising events the CatStrand on 420 374 or Tom in the coming months, starting Leach on 420 895. with a 70s fancy dress disco on * Building skills not required! if Saturday 24 March at the CatStrand you can drink tea or coffee and just - dancing, drinking (optional), raffle like to ‘chew the fat’ then you are and quiz all for only a fiver. welcome too - it’s only £10 a year Anyone who has any building skills* for membership. (or just enthusiasm) who wishes to become a member in 2018 and be part of this growing community should get in touch with Chris Jowsey at Ali Stewart and Stuart Rhodes working on the mezzanine floor at the Men’s Shed. your name down for our beginners’ sessions and learn yourself! All our old favourites are still running plus Thursday evening Yoga which is now firmly established in a 6.30pm time slot and proving very popular. On the volunteers front, the bar training went well (cheers Brian), hygiene courses are up and running, and dates for first aid courses should be out soon. Amongst the new things we are planning watch out for the DayTime Disco, scheduled for Friday 9 March at 11am - sounds, lights, music, dancing, bar, café, fun and frolics for all. The day-time disco concept has proved a big hit elsewhere and I’m sure it’ll go down a storm at CatStrand too: aimed at those who can’t get out in the evenings it’s an ideal opportunity for singles, couples or groups to get together and party-on down and still get home before it’s dark. Anybody interested in any of the Connecting In Communities events or simply volunteering at CatStrand should contact chris@catstrand.com or cal 01644 420374 for more information. Chris Jowsey Minding Feet Professional Foot Health Treatments Holistic Foot Therapies Patricia Lavelle MAR FHP CNHC Professional Foot Health Practitioner 07789 246 833 www.mindingfeet.com Glenkens Gazette page 20 Dalry Film Club is Surrounded Dalry Film Club has brought a new experience to their local film experience and now provides surround sound at all of its screenings. Created at the start of 2017, Dalry Film Club has had a year of successfully presenting films with the support of local social enterprise Driftwood Cinema and the British Film Institute’s Audience Development fund. Now ready to step out on its own, the group succeeded in obtaining a £2,000 Innovation Fund grant from community film distributor Filmbankmedia Ltd which has enabled the purchase of its own large 3.5m wide screen, projection equipment and surround sound system to bring the true cinema experience to audiences. The film club was set up after the Dalry Town Hall management committee conducted a poll in the village to find what further activities the residents would like to see in the hall, and film shows came top of the list. The Management Committee Chair, Jim Reid, reports: “Like many small communities in the area, Dalry suffers from poor public transport links, especially in the evening. So people without cars are particularly disadvantaged. We wanted to increase the use of the town hall for social gatherings where as many residents as were interested could come together and enjoy a relaxing evening. Film shows seemed to fit the bill. “We were very lucky to have the support of Driftwood Cinema Dalry Film Club committee members Jim who helped us to tap into Reid and Nikki Finch. financial support from the British Film Institute. However, we also hot drinks and home baking. The felt that we needed the flexibility that next screenings are Dunkirk on owning our own equipment would Wednesday 14 February and Victoria provide. So we put in a proposal to and Abdul on Wednesday 7 March. the Filmbankmedia Innovation Fund and were amazed and delighted to be About Community Cinema successful. in Dumfries and Galloway: “We are currently putting together Community Cinema in Dumfries a spring film programme comprising and Galloway is growing with 10 Dunkirk, Churchill, Victoria and Abdul groups currently running regular and The Mountain Between Us. These screenings in their community (six were the films chosen through polling of which have been established at our monthly Farmer’s Market. We in the past two years). A further are confident we can add to these to five groups run ad-hoc screenings. provide something for everyone.” Independent and community-run Films in Dalry Town Hall run permanent cinemas in the region monthly. Screenings start at 7.30pm are located at: Dumfries (Robert with doors opening at 7pm for Burns Centre Film Theatre), Newton Stewart (The Cinema), Annan (Lonsdale Cinema), Castle Douglas (The Fullerton), New Galloway (CatStrand). Dumfries and Galloway’s only commercial cinema is the Odeon in Dumfries. Glenkens Writers’ Second Edition Gleanings from the Glenkens, the anthology of work by 12 members of the Glenkens Writers' Group which was launched at the CatStrand Winter Fair, sold out its first edition by Christmas. A second edition has now been published and copies are available, priced £5.50 at CatStrand. Pictured are some of the members of the Glenkens Writers’ Group with tutor Margaret Elphinstone (2nd left back row) after the launch of Gleanings from the Glenkens. About Driftwood Cinema: Driftwood Cinema Limited is a Social Enterprise established in 2013 by Bladnoch resident Matt Kitson. Its aim is to support the development of Community Cinema in rural communities. Since 2014 Driftwood Cinema has supported eight groups to establish a cinema for their communities, with grant support from the British Film Institute, the Bank of Scotland and the School of Social Entrepreneurs. Driftwood Cinema is a not-for-profit organisation and to support their social aims. They also provide commercial screening support for organisations including outdoor film screenings. Contacts: Dalry Film Club, Jim Reid, 01644 430231 or jamescreid@hotmail.co.uk Driftwood Cinema, Matt Kitson, 07981 925629 or www.driftwoodcinema.org Glenkens Gazette page 21 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN THE WISDOM OF THE FOLK On this, the History Page, I have sung the achievements of Robert Heron of New Galloway more than once. While recently revisiting the subject of Galloway proverbs as a way of finding something about the world-view of the province’s past inhabitants I was reminded of Heron’s sympathetic remarks on such matters, remarkable because enlightenment writers tended to look down upon their country cousins as part of a solid, unthinking mass. For Heron and many others abstraction, or the development of ideas, was a major indicator of human advancement. He wrote that “Man can at no time, contemplate nature, or mingle in the scenes of life, without feeling his mind, even insensibly impelled to compare, to abstract, and to generalise. The elements of what is called philosophy, are discernible in the reasonings and practices even of savages, in those prudential maxims which are proverbially repeated among the vulgar of all nations, in the rules and methods of the most illiterate mechanic. Whenever we attempt to trace an unseen connection between any two known facts, we then philosophise.” The knowledge of the most profound philosopher and that of the ignorant peasant differ only in degree, as do “the literature and science of the most enlightened of polished nations from the proverbs, tales and customs of the rudest barbarian tribe”. This is truly a remarkably sympathetic and generous claim from an Enlightenment writer of this period who might normally be expected to focus his discussion upon a privileged elite and who, despite his refined thoughts, would have paid little attention to the majority population of social inferiors well beneath the notice of such as himself. There are published collections of Scottish proverbs dating from as far back as the sixteenth century. In 1895 and 1896 the Rev Walter Gregor was commissioned by the British Society to carry out an ethnological survey of Galloway. He was famed for his folkloristic studies of north-east Scotland but he used a network of friends and ministers to receive advice and hospitality for the Galloway project. The results were published in 1897, the year of his death. the classroom. The boy and girl who gave the most were appointed king and queen. Whisky toddy was then dispensed to the pupils. One participant reassured investigators that ‘there might be 120 scholars at Balmaclellan school and the quantity of whisky used was a bottle, so the toddy was weak. It was made very sweet’. One toast was: ‘here’s health, wealth, wit t’ guide it/Ower my throat I mean t’ guide it’. The proceedings might end with a bake, music and dancing. Gergor was able to describe in detail an entire mummers play performed at Halloween in Balmaghie. What of the proverbs? A few examples follow: They never thrive that meddle wi kirk or mill. Ministers are black craws t’ sheet at. It is unlucky t’ meddle wi craws and ministers. If the cock goes crowing to bed, he’ll rise wi a watery head. Peeweet, peeweet, I built my nest in a coo’s fit, An I rue it, I rue it. Soop (sweep) the hoose till the bride comes in. Three examples from Dalry: It is unlucky to put a pair of shoes on a table. It is unlucky to stumble when going up stairs. In going a journey on horseback, if the horse stumbles in starting, there will be no luck in the journey. This one is common from the Icelandic sagas to the Hebrides. Another fun category is placerhymes, for example, ‘The mealpoks of Girthon, The bannocks of Borgue, The puir boddies of Balmaghie’. From Kells: ‘When Loran’s broo gets on its cap, the river Dee lauchs at that’. Corsock: ‘When Skiddaw pits on her hat, Criffel soon hears word o that’ And finally, wishing you all a very Happy 2018 one more from Kells: Hoot awa, North win’, Mack the windows shiver, Hoot awa, enjoy your play, I shall be warm as ever. Whisky toddy was then dispensed to the pupils. Like many investigators of his ilk he assumed that the best folklore would be preserved in the most remote parts of Galloway, which inevitably, and luckily for us, included the Glenkens. In Laurieston he acquired the rhyme: “If February blow fresh and fair, The meal will be dear for a year and mair”. In Balmaghie the custom of washing the face in the May dew was observed. Dalry folk, believing that kittens born in May were unlucky, killed them. The three foregoing items appear in the first paragraph of Gregor’s report. At New Year it was important to cherish fires. Dalryans would never give fire to light a neighbour’s which had failed. There was a similar practice in Kells. There were many customs, too numerous to mention, which had to be observed on New Year’s Day. Another big day was Candlemas (2 February) also known as the Purification of the Virgin, though the latter aspect would have been outlawed in protestant and especially covenanting Scotland. It is surprising though that so many Ladywells which are found all over Galloway survived, since the ‘Lady’ in question is Mary. At Candlemas, the schoolchildren of Laurieston, Glenlochar, Balmaclellan and Corsock brought money to school which they placed on the teacher’s desk when entering Glenkens Gazette page 22 THE FORGOTTEN SCHOOLS: PARTON KIRK SCHOOL The first installment of two on the Parton Shools. Our first reference to a school in Parton comes from 1719. In this year the minister in Parton reported to the presbytery that he was struggling to raise the funds required to meet the salary of a schoolmaster. However, the exact year when the school was finally opened in Parton is not quite clear. It is likely that, for many years, the children had been educated inside the church building itself, rather than in a separate school building. In 1795 the Parish informed the presbytery that they were to build a new schoolhouse to replace the existing one which was “in a ruinous state”. However, the financial problems that had faced the parish in the early part of the century still caused problems. Economies in the construction of the 24 feet by 14 feet building were to be practised. These included the salvage and reuse of slates from existing buildings. This building did not last long as the parsimony and short-sightedness came home to roost. By 1809 it was no longer in a suitable condition for the education of children. A new school was built and was described by the Kirkcudbright presbytery minutes in August 1809 as, “23 feet by 16 clear, 9 feet high, four windows in the sides, two in the ends.” In 1834 the two parochial schools had a combined total of 117 scholars and the private school had 20 children. In official returns the two school are often referred to as the Parton Kirk School and Parton Merkland School. The Official Returns of Schoolmasters in Scotland to the House of Commons Report on Education in Scotland in 1838 provide some useful detail for the Parton Schools. In 1836 there were 32 boys and 28 girls aged between 5 and 15 at the kirk school. This had risen to 34 boys and 31 girls in 1837 and Mr James Johnston, at the Kirk School, appointed in 1820, received his education at Balmaghie, Dumfries Academy and Edinburgh University. Mr Johnston used three methods of punishment for under-performing or unruly children; additional or extra tasks, disgrace and, finally, “punishment on the hand”. In 1838 Mr Johnston successfully petitioned the presbytery and the Parish to build a schoolhouse to accommodate the master. It still exists today near the church. In 1851 we have the following finally convinced them of the need for a new school. Mr Kennedy of Boreland offered some land in the village for the new school. It was built in 1868, in front of the slate quarry, to replace the one near the church, by John McCulloch of New Galloway at the cost of £331. The site is still visible today. Mr William Browne was replaced in 1890 by Mr James Bell, who served until his death in 1910. Mr Thomas Glover was headmaster until 1914, when he moved to a school in Peebleshire. He was replaced by Mr George Reid from Kilmarnock. Mr Reid transferred in 1918 to the school at Minnigaff and he was replaced by Mr John S Paterson, previously an assistant master at Hawick. In 1928 Mr WA Barnetson became the master and was still there well into the 1950s. Parton School finally closed in 1964 and the majority of the children were transferred to Kells school in New Galloway. The stationmaster at Parton during some time in the 1920s or 30s was a Mr McSkimming. It looks like he had two of his boys at the school. One was killed in World War Two and the other went on to the University of Edinburgh. We also have a brief mention of a pupil from the 1950s. Dorothy Margaret Paulin, a leading literary figure in the region, sent her daughter to Parton school around 1956 and she appears to have stayed there for maybe three years before being sent to boarding school in England. Yvonne Neil was one of the children who were transferred to Kells when Parton closed. Bruce Smith Mr Johnston used three methods of punishment for under-performing or unruly children; additional or extra tasks, disgrace and, finally, “punishment on the hand”. description of “A small parish school house situated immediately inside Parton Church. About 40 boys and 40 girls attending. Salary £27 annually.” The children would also pay around three shillings per quarter in fees. Two years later, in 1853, a Mr John Johnston succeeded his father as Master of the school. It seems likely that the young John was a pupil, for at least some of his years, at the school run by his father. Sadly John Johnston died aged 33 and is buried in Twyholm Churchyard. The Johnston grave, with details of deaths in the schoolhouse, is in that churchyard. Mr William Browne replaced John Johnstone as the schoolmaster at Parton in 1858 and that he stayed until 1890. Browne knew the area well, having previously been the master at Corseglass School. Browne’s tenure lasted nearly twenty years after the end of the parish schools and the introduction of the state schools. The family grave in the church provides some further details on one of the more important masters in Parton’s history. By 1859 Browne was informing the parish that the school was in a bad condition. The ratepayers were reluctant to raise the money and it was only a verdict of ‘uninhabitable’ Parton Kirk School - the front gate is clearly in an 1861 visitation that visible of the school that closed in the 1960s. Glenkens Gazette page 23 Crockett’s Glimpses Of The Glenkens The Glenkens are Crockett’s heartland in every respect. He wrote: “I have been most successful when I have “lee’d at lairge...truth to tell, many of my ‘lees’ were grounded in this parish.” Given his talent for popular fiction, one should not underestimate the sophistication of his writing. His particular strengths lie in the keen observation of the places and people he fictionalises. In the next few issues of the Glenkens Gazette, a series of glimpses offers the modern reader an insight into the history, adventure and romance of Crockett’s Glenkens. BALMAGHIE “The sweetest and the sunniest God’s Acre in Scotland, and since such things must needs be, doubtless a right desirable place for any tired wanderer’s resting-grave.” Crockett knew that history and its narrative was written by the victors. His fiction offers an alternative perspective, foregrounding the ‘ordinary’ rural folk and keeping the traditional ‘big’ heroes in the background. Of the Balmaghie living he wrote: “The folk here like a tairgin’ maisterfu’ man. Hark ye to that! They canna bide chiels that only peep and mutter. The lads atween the waters o’ Dee and Ken tak’ a man maistly at his ain valuation, and if a minister thinks na muckle o’ himself...haith, they will e’en jaloose that he kens best, and no think muckle o’ him either!” And of the dead: “Dear dust lies in that kirkyaird, and as the years pass by, for many of us, more and more of it gathers under the kirk on the hill. The tides of the world, its compulsions, its needs, and its must be’s, lead me up the loaning but seldom. Indeed I am not often there, save when the beat of the passing bell calls another to the long and quiet rest.” In 1914 Crockett was buried in Balmaghie along with many of his forebears. “When the years are over, many or few, and our Galloway requiem, ‘Sae he’s won awa,’ is said of me, that is the bell I should like rung. And there in the high corner I should like to lie, if so the fates allot it, among the dear and simple folk I knew and loved in youth.” Balmaghie is also the setting for Crockett’s fictionalised version of the turbulent life of John Macmillan. The Standard Bearer turns what might otherwise be dry religious history into an historical adventure romance: “Suddenly a gun went off, as it seemed in deil tak’ your courting-jaunts this nicht! For had ye bidden at hame I would have gotten baith o’ the red foxes that have been killing our weakly lambs. As it is, I gat but this. “And she held up a great dog fox by the brush before throwing the body into a convenient moss-hole. “It was Alexander-Jonita, the lass whom our college-bred Quintin had once called the Diana of Balmaghie. I care not what he called her. Without question she was the finest lass in the countryside. And that I will maintain to this day.” Evocative natural description, humour, and use of local dialect all wrap round and enhance the bare history. With Crockett there are no small characters and no small stories. His flexible approach to ‘fact’ may not always appeal to historians, but to lovers of the Glenkens he should be seen as a hero in fact and fiction. Balmaghie also features in the Covenanting novels The Men of the Moss Hags and its sequel Lochinvar. Cally Phillips His fiction offers an alternative perspective, foregrounding the ‘ordinary’ rural folk and keeping the traditional ‘big’ heroes in the background. my very ear. I sprang a foot into the air, for who on honourable business would discharge a musket in that wild place at such a time. “But ere I had time to think, above me on the ridge a figure stood black against the sky...a girl’s shape it was, slim, tall, erect. She carried something in one hand which trailed on the heather, and a musket was under her arm, muzzle down. “I had not yet recovered my breath when a voice came to me. “‘Ah, Hob MacClellan, the ill For further information and insight into Crockett’s Galloway writing visit www.gallowayraiders.co.uk Crockett’s Galloway fiction was republished in a centenary edition The Galloway Collection by Ayton Publishing in 2014, and are available in paperback from the online bookseller www.unco.scot, Amazon and other retailers. The Glenkens also features in Cally Phillips 2016 work Discovering Crockett’s Galloway, Volume 2 Glenkens Gazette page 24 The Turnpike Roads of the Glenkens There were hardly any roads in the Glenkens before 1780, just tracks that were often very hilly as they avoided boggy ground. The roads were maintained badly under the statute labour system which required tenants to do six days’ work each year. In 1780 the Commissioners of Supply obtained a local Act of Parliament whereby the liability was converted to a money payment so that repairs could be carried out by contract. While an improvement on the statute labour system, the money raised soon proved insufficient to finance the great increase in road construction. So it was decided to introduce the turnpike (or toll road) system on the more important roads, and this was enabled by the Stewartry Turnpike Act of 1796. The responsibility for roads was transferred to road trustees and a number of toll roads were authorised. Four trusts had responsibility for the roads in our area – the Kells and Carsphairn Trust, the New Galloway Trust, the Parton Trust and the Minnyhive Trust. The six inch OS map of 1849 marks a number of toll points, where toll houses had been built for toll keepers to live in. Unsurprisingly toll keepers were not particularly popular and people would sometimes cut across country to avoid paying the toll. But nor did the toll keepers have a particularly easy life, being required to turn out at any hour to open the gates. One useful supplement to their income was a licence to supply wine and spirits, no doubt a welcome relief to travellers. Pedestrians were exempt and there were different tariffs for other modes of transport and for droves of animals. The first toll points were set up around 1800 in the Glenkens. There were toll houses just west of Corsock and at Clatteringshaws under the New Galloway Trust, at the Bogue and Craigmuie under the Minnyhive Trust, and at Ken Bridge and Parton under the Parton Trust. The Kells and Carsphairn Trust had toll points at Brockloch (at first at Brockloch and then moved to Lamford), at the High Bridge of Ken and at Carroch, at Strangassel (located at the south end of the present Dundeugh); and finally in 1841 created Bennan toll point, just south of Mossdale. At one time there were also toll points near Carnavel, near the Old Bridge of Deugh and at Burnfoot of Marbrack and at Liggat, and there may have been others also. In an early illustration of the Glenkens Free Church at the Bogue one can see the Bogue toll house to its left (see picture), though of these three buildings only the old manse still remains. It would be interesting to know of any other early pictures of local toll houses. Only the Corsock, Bennan and Brockloch (Lamford) toll houses still survive, though the current houses probably bear little resemblance to the original houses. The toll system continued until its final abolition by a local act of 1864. In 1890 the roads became the responsibility of the newly-formed county council. David Bartholomew Line drawing of the Bogue toll house showing the old Glenkens Free Church and its manse - only the old manse is still there today. HORDES OF VIKINGS The next meeting of the Glenkens Story history group will be held on Sunday 18 March when Professor Ted Cowan will deliver the Bill Blyth lecture in memory of the local history enthusiast and researcher who died last year. The lecture, Hordes of Vikings, will reflect the revived debate on the Vikings and Galloway following the discovery of the 'Viking Hoard'. Ted Cowan will consider whether the hoard should indeed be described as ‘Viking’ and will look at the possible influence of the Vikings in Galloway. The lecture will be held at 2.30pm in the CatStrand from where tickets, priced £5, may be obtained. Other forthcoming history events include a talk on Sunday 22 April by Dr Graeme Cavers on crannogs, the ancient artificial island settlement sites found widely in Galloway. Dr Cavers will give an account of recent investigations using modern scientific techniques and what they tell us about the role of crannogs in prehistory and later. * And advance notice of a one-day conference ‘Galloway, Gaelic’s Lost Province’, on the history of Gaelic in Galloway at the CatStrand on Saturday 8 September. Information will soon be appearing on the CatStrand website. Glenkens Gazette page 25 Who Do We Think We Were? Stella Cruickshank recounts an early memory of her father, from days fishing from Appledore, North Devon. Stella is a member of the Glenkens Writers’ Group, and until recently lived in Parton. Several readers have indicated that they too have a story they would like to tell. If the reminiscences on this page have sparked off any memories for you, please send in your 500 words of memoir, from any part of your life, whenever it was, wherever you were. Please send your contribution by email to margaret.elphinstone @dircon.co.uk or hand in a copy at Catstrand marked ‘Glenkens Gazette - WDWTWW’. Next issue’s contribution will be from Andrew Mellor, writing about his first arrival in Dalry, nearly forty years ago. The current runs unpredictable and swift. I screw up my eyes against the early evening sun, watching the small black mark on the horizon gradually become larger and larger. Now I can make out the figure of my father in the prow of the little boat, with Johnny at the helm. The water laps over my canvas shoes, and ribbons of seaweed wash against my legs, as I wait on the slip-way for them to come ashore. Johnny, in his navy oiled-wool jersey knitted by his sister, guides the small clinker-built craft between the submerged rocks, his hand on the tiller, his gentle face tanned deep chestnut by the wind. “A good day’s catch?” enquire the old fishermen on the quayside. My father holds up several large sea-bass, tied together with string threaded through their delicate pink gills, the silver and grey of their scales glowing in the last rays of the evening sun. As we draw up to the house I can see Mary standing on the threshold, hastily wiping her hands on her floral apron; as always she is wearing her tartan bedroom slippers and her thick Lyle stockings over swollen ankles. “So how are you today, Mary?” my father greets her cheerfully. “Oh, it’s terrible, Doctor.” We never learned what was so terrible, but her reply was always the same; my father would cajole her, until a smile gradually spread across her face. “How are things?” calls my father from the kitchen. “Not so bad, Doctor,” calls a voice My father holds up several large sea-bass, tied together with string threaded through their delicate pink gills, the silver and grey of their scales glowing in the last rays of the evening sun. Johnny hauls the boat up the slipway and secures her to one of the iron rings in the sea-wall, then we pile into my father’s old Austin; I squeeze in the back amid the rods, landing nets and the day’s catch. Everything in the car smells of fish. We drive the short distance to Johnny’s home, where he lives with his sister Mary and Dido, his brother. They used to live in an old terraced cottage in one of the dark cobbled streets that ran down to the harbour, but they had moved to a new bungalow on the outskirts of the village, so Mary no longer had to climb the steep, narrow staircase. But I never liked the bungalow; it always smelt of boiled vegetables and formica chairs. from the front room. Dido never came into the kitchen. Should the door be left ajar, I would glimpse a passage beyond, the walls hung with photographs of the ship Dido served on during his service in the Merchant Navy. After a few years he returned home, and has never walked again. As we drive home I look back at the front window of the bungalow, and there beyond the china horses and the plastic flowers I can see a shadowy figure, half-hidden by the curtains. Johnny died suddenly, when still quite young. My father never said anything. Looking back, I know, without Johnny, his life was diminished. GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL � 01644 420234 � New Galloway Golf Club Founded 1902 www.nggc.co.uk - 01644 420737 Buggies now available for hire VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME Glenkens Gazette page 26 FEBRUARY & MARCH JANUARY Mon 29, GCAT AGM, 7pm, CatStrand FEBRUARY Fri 2, Dalry Police Station Drop-in, 3-4.30pm Sat 3, CatStrand Burns Supper, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 9, Strata, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sun 11, Hebrides Ensemble, 3pm, CatStrand Wed 14, Film: Loving Vincent & Valentine’s Supper, 7.30pm, CatStrand Wed 14, Film: Dunkirk, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall, see p20 Thu 15, LING AGM, 7pm, New Galloway Town Hall, see p18 Fri 16, Valentine’s Bistro, 6-8.30pm, Carsphairn Shop & Tearooms, see p28 Fri 16, Family Bingo Night, 7pm, New Galloway Town Hall, see p18 Sat 17, Winter Stars, 6.30-8.30pm, Clatteringshaws, see p28 Thu 22, SWANC Talk, 7.30pm, Ken Bridge Hotel, see p16 Fri 23, HG Wells’ ‘The Time Machine’, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 23, Pop-up Bistro, 5-8pm, Carsphairn Shop & Tearooms, see p28 Sat 24, McCusker et al, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 24, Half Moon, 6.30-8.30pm, Clatteringshaws, see p28 Tue 27, Canaletto & the Art of Venice, 7.30pm, CatStrand MARCH Thurs 1, NGCE Ltd AGM, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall Fri 2-Sat 3, Ken Words Festival, CatStrand, see p8 Fri 2, Findlay Napier, 7.30pm, CatStrand Mon 5, Dalry Police Station Drop-in, 6-7.30pm Wed 7, Film: Victoria and Abdulpm, Dalry Town Hall, see p20 Fri 9, Day-Time Disco, 11am, CatStrand, see p19 Fri 9, Square One, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 9, Day-Time Disco, 11am, see p19 Sat 10, Mark Nelson, 2pm, CatStrand Sun 11, Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea, 12-4pm, Carsphairn Shop & Tearooms, see p28 Thu 15, CatStrand Youth Players, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 16, Pop-Up Paddy’s Bistro, 58pm, Carsphairn Shop & Tearooms, see p28 Sun 18, Hordes of Vikings, 2.30pm, CatStrand, see p24 Thu 22, SWANC Talk, 7.30pm, Ken Bridge Hotel, see p16 Thu 22, Gordon Giltrap, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 24, 1970’s Disco, CatStrand, see p19 Tue 27, Cézanne - Portraits of Life, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 31, The Young’uns, 7.30pm, CatStrand APRIL Sun 1, Easter Sunday Bistro, 126pm, Carsphairn Shop & Tearooms, see p28 Calling All Crafters Dalry Town Hall Management Committee plan to hold a Craft Fair in Dalry Town Hall on Saturday 7 April. Last year’s craft fair was a great success with such a variety of stalls. Anyone wishing further information or to book a stall please contact Noreen on 07759 494 952 (text or phone) or email noreenbell46@gmail.com Above is a photgraph of the damage to Dalry school roof caused by storm Eleanor on the night of 2-3 January, submitted by Paul Goodwin. Glenkens Gazette page 27 REGULAR EVENTS CatStrand, New Galloway: Film Makers’ Club, Mon, 7-8.30pm Exercise to Music: Mon, 9.30-10am Margaret Morris dance 1: 3-7yrs, Mon (term-time), 3.45-4.30pm Margaret Morris Dance 2: 8-16yrs, Mon (term-time), 4.30-5.15pm Youth Volunteer Meet-up, Mon, 68pm, FREE PIZZA Choreographic Skills Lab, Mon (term-time), 7-8.30pm, ages 12-18 Start to Write, 1st Tues each month, 3-5pm (no Feb meeting) Animation Club, Tues, 4.30-6.30pm Gentle Tai Chi: Wed, 10am Wendletrap Tai Chi, Wed, 2-3.30pm Continue to Write, 1st Wed each month, 3.15-5.15pm, (no Feb meeting) Music/Jam Youth Drop-in, Wed, 6-7pm & rehearsal/recording space available for booking from 7-9pm Writers’ Cafe, 2nd Thurs each month, 7-9pm Sing it Out, Thurs, 11am -12pm CatStrand Ukes, Thurs, 1–3.30pm Yoga, Thurs, 6.30pm Zumba Gold, Fri (term-time), 9.3010.30am, CatStrand, 16+ Saturday Art Club, 2nd & 4th Sat of the month, 10am–12noon Glenkens Acoustic Sessions, last Sun of the month, 2-4pm Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry, (contact Kath on 430 281): Paint & Art, Mon, 2-4pm GCC Playgroup, Tues, Wed & Thurs, 9.15-11.45am Guides, Tues, 6-8pm Brownies, Thurs 6-7.30pm Kickback Martial Arts, Thurs, 79pm Thursday Craft Group, Thurs, 24pm Glenkens Children’s Club, Fri, 10am-12noon New Galloway Town Hall: LING Lunches, Tues, 11am-2pm Indoor Sports, Tues, 7-9pm Zumba, Wed, 7.30-8.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall, 11+ Footcare by Stewartry Care, Thurs by appointment (Tel: 01556 504699), New Galloway Town Hall Various Locations: Hatha Yoga, Mon, 10-11.15am, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn Mens Shed Mondays, 6.30pm, Balmaclellan Carsphairn Post Office, Tues, 1-3pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn Dalry WI, 3rd Tues each month, 2pm, Dalry Town Hall (except Jun, Jul & Aug) Beavers, Tues, 6–7.15pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Dog Training, Tues & Thurs, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. Contact: Eric 460 670 Mossdale Painters, Wed, 9.30am, Mossdale Village Hall Cub Scouts: Wed, 6.45–8pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Youth Writing, Thurs (during term time), 3.30-5pm, ages 10-15, Dalry School Glenkens Community Councils Balmaclellan Community Council Meetings: 4th Monday each month, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall. Carsphairn Community Council Meetings: Last Monday each month, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn. CHECK OUT NEW WEBSITE! Dalry Community Council Meetings: 1st Monday each month, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. New Galloway & Kells Community Council Meetings: 2nd Monday each month, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall. Full minutes of local Community Council meetings can be viewed at Dalry Library. CHURCH TIMES Fellowship Dinner with Moderator of the Kells Church. 12 Mar, 7.30pm: CHURCH OF SCOTLAND: Sunday Services - Balmaclellan 12noon: 1st. Carsphairn 10.30am: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th. Dalry 12noon: 3rd 4th. Dalry 10.30am: 2nd(Feb) 4th. Kells 10.30am: 2nd, 4th. Special Services/Events:11 Feb, 10.30am: United Family Service for Dalry and B&K Churches, Kells Church. 2 Mar, 7pm: World Day of Prayer Service, Dalry Church. 11 Mar, 10.30am: United Family Service for Dalry and B&K Churches, Dalry Church. 12 Mar, 3pm: Conventicle, General Assembly, Kenbridge Hotel. 30 Mar, 7.30pm: Good Friday Service, Dalry Church. Communion Services: 25th Feb, 10.30am, Kells Church. 18 Mar, 10.15am, Carsphairn Church. 25 Mar, 12noon, Dalry Church SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH: St Margaret’s, New Galloway: Holy Communion, 10.30am every Sun & Wed. CATHOLIC CHURCH SERVICES: Kirkcudbright: Sun Mass, 9.30am. Dalbeattie: Sat Mass, 5pm Coffee & Craft, Fri, 9am-12noon, Lagwyne Hall Folk Music Session, 4th Fri each month, 7.30/8pm till closing, Ken Bridge Hotel Scouts, Thurs, 7–8.30pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Gentle Tai Chi, Fri 10-11am, Dalry Town Hall Family and friends coming to stay? Short of space? Cosy country cottage available (sleeps 4) Call Fiona on 01644 420 227 www.covenanters-holidaycottagescotland.co.uk To hire the MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) behind Dalry School call Sonja Tranter on 430 244 or Nicolette Wise on 430 218. Dalry Library Tuesdays 12noon-3.30pm Fridays 10am-12noon & 1-4.30pm For further library van stops and informa�on contact Castle Douglas library on 01556 502 643 ADVERTISE IN THE GAZETTE (price per issue incl VAT) SMALL: 6cm x 6cm, £37.80 (+ 10% off with series discount) 1/4 PAGE: 9cm w x 13cm h, £81.90 (+ 25% off with series discount) 1/2 PAGE: 18cm w x 13cm h, £151.20 (+ 25% off with series discount) FULL PAGE: 18cm w x 27cm h, £252 (+ 25% off with series discount) Call 07727 127 997 VAT Reg. No. 882 8361 87 USEFUL NUMBERS: ● Pot-hole Hotline: 0845 276 0000 ● Police, non-emergency: 101 ● Doctor: 01644 420 234 ● NHS 24: 08454 24 24 24 ● D&G Council: 030 33 33 3000 Glenkens Gazette page 28 New Galloway Celebratory Concert The people of New Galloway came together at Christmas to celebrate a year of good news. Local resident Joan Walker said: “We’ve had such an amazing year, with the opening of our own Community Shop, the CatStrand’s 10th birthday, community management of the Town Hall and the flower bombing of the High Street, we felt that we would like to mark the year in some special way.” Representatives from most of the local organisations and groups including Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING) and the New Galloway and Kells Community Council got together and planned an afternoon of entertainment for the village. The Sunday afternoon Celebratory Concert was packed to capacity and featured the children of Kells School New Galloway, the CatStrand singers, the Glenkens Cubs and Beavers, the Glenkens Church Choir, piano playing by Geoff Davidson and Jim McPhee, the CatStrand Youth Players and Community Carol singing. Brian Edgar was the excellent compere. The free concert was made possible by support from local businesses and a lot of volunteer effort and was a truly joyous community event. The concert culminated in the audience being piped down the High Street by Danny Clarke to watch the new Christmas lights being switched on, also made possible by local sponsorship and volunteer effort. Avril Bridgeman said: “It was a fantastic event and well worth all the hard work by everyone involved. It was great to see all the groups of the community working together for the benefit of New Galloway.” Happy New Year from the Galloway Lodge Team @ Cla�eringshaws We are open from the 9th to the 25th of February (10am–4pm), and then from the 24th of March to the 4th of November (10am–5pm) Please see our Facebook page for all the events that we have planned for 2018 - there will be bug hunts with the RSPB, Moth Days and more... Stargazing Events In February: 17 Feb - Winter Stars, 6.30-8.30pm 24 Feb - Half Moon, 6.30-8.30pm Tickets: Child £8, Adult £15, Family £38 (price includes food and beverages) Please call or email for further informa�on or book - 01644 420 221 (voicemail) or alan@gallowaylodge.co.uk Upcoming Events at Carsphairn Tearooms & Bistro February: Friday 16th - Valen�nes Bistro, Set Menu, 68.30pm. 2 courses - £15.95, 3 Courses - £17.95 Friday 23rd - Pop-up Bistro, Chinese Theme, 5-8pm March: Sunday 11th - Mother’s Day A�ernoon Tea, 124pm, £8.95pp, free glass of prosecco for your Mum (terms & condi�ons apply) Friday 16th - Pop-Up Paddy’s Bistro, Irish Theme, 5-8pm April: Sunday 1st - Easter Sunday Bistro, 12-6pm. Set Menu - 2 Courses, £15.95, 3 Courses - £17.95 Booking recommended 01644 460 568 WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Submit events, activities, news stories, cartoons, reviews, tips & techniques, fiction, photos, ads or ideas... Contact Sarah Ade on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk APRIL/MAY COPY DEADLINE: 5 MARCH Design & co-ordination: Sarah Ade sarah.ade@gmail.com Printing:Stranraer & Wigtownshire Free Press www.stranraer-freepress.co.uk The Glenkens Gaze�e is an ini�a�ve of the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust, a Registered Sco�sh Charity No. SC032050  Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette 104 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GG_104 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource GCAT Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2018 Description An account of the resource Editor: Sarah Ade https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/1/251/GlenkensGazette105.pdf 7fa78bc323b38a5706facd7dfcf5bcf9 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette 105 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Description An account of the resource <p>Find out more about the Gazette: <a href="https://glenkens.scot/gazette-home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Glenkens Gazette home page</a> If you would like to submit an article or take out an advert, please email the editor Sarah Ade: <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="mailto:glenkensgazette@hotmail.com">glenkensgazette@hotmail.com</a></p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is a member of, and regulated by <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.impressorg.com/">Impress</a>.</p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is an initiative of Glenkens Community &amp; Arts Trust (SC032050) and represents the voice of the community (not necessarily the views of GCAT).</p> Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document GLENKENS GAZETTE News from Balmaclellan, Carsphairn, Mossdale, New Galloway and St John’s Town of Dalry April/May 2018 ISSUE 105 FREE A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR GLENKENS CHILDCARE The future for child daycare provision in the Glenkens is looking a lot brighter these days – thanks to funding from Natural Power, Glenkens Charity Shop, Cash for Kids and local community support. A new name and revised operating hours for the existing Glenkens Children’s Club Playgroup mean that the extended service will have so much more to offer in the coming months. From August, the group will become the Bright Stars Glenkens Community Nursery, providing funded places for eligible 2 year-olds and all 35 year-olds as well as private Current GCC Playgroup children with staff and parents. wrap-around childcare. This will be for morning, afternoon and full day (9am to 3pm) sessions with a pick-up service available from Dalry School Nursery and lunch options. An Open Morning and Early Learning and Childcare Registration will take place on 18 and 19 April at the Glenkens Community Centre in Dalry where there will be the opportunity to meet staff and explore the future of Bright Stars. Continued on p3... Youth Players Win at Drama Festival The CatStrand Youth Players' performance bagged them a first at the Stewartry District SCDA Youth Festival. Exit Stage Left, written by Geoff Bamber and directed by Zoe Kirkpatrick, was the deserved winning entry, performed at The Fullarton in Castle Douglas this February, and for the fifth time CatStrand Youth Players would represent Stewartry District at the West of Scotland Finals. The play is a cleverly written comedy piece and Zoe and her young cast certainly squeezed every ounce of comedy from the piece of work” was his summing up script. Unfortunately they didn’t of the production. progress to the Scottish Final but Continued on p21... performed very well in Stewarton against the five other winning plays from the West of Scotland Division and the adjudicator praised the cast’s excellent comedy timing and teamwork. He said that there wasn’t a weak link in the cast and the direction was clever and considered. “All in CatStrand Youth Players performing Exit Stage Left all, a very strong © Ruari Barber-Fleming A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) ini�a�ve www.glenkensgaze�e.co.uk Glenkens Gazette A page 2 GLENKENS WINTER Articles contributed to the Glenkens Gazette do not reflect the opinions of the paper. The Gazette stays neutral on local, political, religious and any other issues, providing a platform for members of the Glenkens communities to share their thoughts, views and opinions. Glenkens Gazette page 3 New Galloway Shop Moves New Galloway’s Community Shop will be in temporary premises from the end of March. The business will be operating from Kitty’s Tearoom, further up the High Street. The move will allow renovation of the shop to start, followed by the conversion of the adjoining house into two selfcatering flats. Mike Brown, Chair of New Galloway Community Enterprises Ltd (NGCE), says, "We are very grateful to Sylvia Brown for renting us the premises, which were once a grocer’s shop many years ago. We aim to provide as normal a service as possible with our opening hours remaining unchanged." Lynsey Hogg, General Retail Manager, says, "We are looking forward to welcoming our customers into our temporary premises while the renovation work begins. Business will remain as usual and we will continue to offer our healthy recipe cards, seasonal fruit and veg selection and wide range of local produce." As Project Manager Helen Keron explains, the alterations to our building, funded primarily by the Big Lottery, will result in a business that is completely fit for purpose and compliant as a stand-alone AGM Defies the Weather NGCE held its AGM at the start of March in New Galloway Town Hall. Although the so-called ‘Beast from the East’ was still being felt, more than 40 members (shareholders) braved the weather and turned up in a heartening show of support. The Chair reported on a remarkable year. Only 12 months earlier the last store in the village was within a month of closing. NGCE was awaiting a delayed decision on its funding application to the Big Lottery to buy the house and shop and had been told there was only a 50 per cent chance of success. And, even if successful, it faced the daunting task of raising £20K in shares and more than doubling the membership before any award would be released. However, within a few weeks the successful award had been announced. The share offer had been launched and was well on the way to exceeding its target reaching over £24K by the end of the financial year. And, in a splendid show of solidarity from residents and friends of New Galloway, membership rose from 80 to over 250 shareholders (of whom two thirds live in the community). Several local shop and back office, plus two independent self-catering flats to let on the tourist market. A lot of the time in the renovation will be spent on ensuring disabled access, fire safety and sound insulation, as well as complete electrical re-wiring and central heating installation. The shop will move back in after approximately three months and the self-catering flats will take an estimated further three months. By autumn 2018 we should have a low-maintenance, energy-efficient community asset that will provide a sustainable income for the village for many years to come. Luce Bay Construction from Wigtown are carrying out the renovation for us. organisations are among the shareholders. The property was purchased in July and the shop opened for business with Lynsey Hogg as General Retail Manager. Longer opening hours and an increasing range of stock has seen the business build steadily. Although renovation plans fell behind schedule, the contract went out to tender at the end of 2017 and, as reported above, work is due to start in April. Another key development has been the appointment of Sam Rushton as Community Engagement Worker. The creation of this post was a key element on NGCE’s Big Lottery bid. News of her early initiatives appears elsewhere in this issue. Continued from front page... In the meantime, from May, the Playgroup will be increasing its current service from three mornings a week to morning, afternoon and full day provision (9am-3pm) for 2-5 year olds with eligible 2 year-old funded places and 2-5 year-old private places as they prepare for the launch of Bright Stars. For more information please contact glenkenscommunity nursery@gmail.com or 07511 549413 and follow the group on Facebook @BrightStarsGlenkens The Glenkens ELC also offers two other services – Glenkens Baby & Toddler Group (Facebook @GlenkensBabyToddler), a stay-and-play session for parents/carers and their children on Fridays 10am12noon, and a Holiday Club for 0-12 year-olds and their parents/carers. The next Holiday Club will run from July-August – keep an eye out for the Summer Flyer. Glenkens Gazette page 4 sponsored by EVERYTHING listed in the Glenkens Freecycle section is FREE - you just need to contact the owner and go and pick it up! If you would like to list something on this page, please get in touch with Sarah on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk VARIOUS Folding bed with mattress suitable for occasional use for a child. Not suitable for adults. Contact: Trevor on 440 683 Water pipe, blue plastic, 25mm diameter, 14m long. Contact:420 267 Contact: 430 031 Hutch for hamster or mouse, 28cm x 38cm x 24cm, good condition, with wheel, wee house, ball, water bottle and separate travel pod. Contact: 430 218 Beech effect worktop, good condition, 154cm x 60cm, call 430218 WANTED Workshop/shed space with electricity, to rent for creative projects 2/3 days a week. Contact: 07967 959511 Old bike for Carsphairn Primary School to fit to a dynamo. Contact: Carsphairn Primary on 460 269 3 entire and 2 partial slabs of polystyrene insulation - 240mm x 120 x 10. Pull-out washing line - 5 wires, 20m drying space - in original box. 2 large reels of twisted plastic wire - several metres. Kodak 3250 all in one printer/scanner with spare ink. Table-top vice fully adjustable, for small craft jobs. Singer sewing machine, 45 years old but still working. Contact: 430 218 Following the great success of the Gardens of Excellence excursions in 2017, the GTI team has announced a new series of garden visits for this year. In May the hillside garden of Dalswinton will offer a fine display of rhododendrons and azaleas. June trips include the Victorian Garden of Capenoch near Penpont in Dumfrieshire, with its raised knot garden and wild flower woodland walks. Later in the month there’s a visit to the Romantic Woodfall Gardens © Rhoda Rugg Gardens of Glenwhan and access. Castle Kennedy which For full details and bookings visit will offer a variety of plantings for www.glenkenstransport.org or the keen gardener to copy and the telephone (01644 420374) or drop armchair gardener to admire. by the CatStrand in New Galloway. The GTI team takes a pride in As one passenger in 2017 said; “An offering these enjoyable excursions for excellent day out, good company, the communities within which we live. excellent gardens, tea and cake, Local pick-up points are available and a low-floor bus is used for easy what’s not to like!” Flymo multi trim 250 electric strimmer; Small Flymo electric power hoe; Three elements for a Dimplex storage radiator - Part number XT8321. Contact: Fiona on 07789 903 127 Used postage stamps for horse charity. Drop off at 3 Midtown, Dalry, or call 07563 718 011. Thanks to everyone who donated them over Christmas. Old sideboard-type cupboard. Any condition. Contact: 07707 932 755 or 07827 481 463 GARDENS OF EXCELLENCE The season of visits starts in April with a trip to the grand estate gardens of North Cumbria, visiting Dalmain and Hutton in the Forest with their historic gardens and panoramic landscapes. A visit in late April to the springtime garden of Dawyck, with its early season colours of trees and shrubs combined with spring bulbs, will surely lift the spirits. JENNY’S DESIGN Would you like the opportunity to have your own online business, with support from a team? Do you like healthy living and high quality skin care? Yes? Then please contact Katy Caie, Arbonne Independent Consultant, on 07756 506 496 or visit http://catrionacaie.arbonne.com Mobile Hairdresser • Home Visits • Nursing Homes & Residential • The Elderly & Disabled • Blow Drying • Setting • Perms • Cuts • Toupees • Wig Styling NVQ Level 3 Hairdressing, NVQ Level 4 Social Care Call Jenny on 07554 009 624 Glenkens Gazette page 5 sponsored by The Importance of Trees Trees are important for a number of reasons, both in the countryside and in urban environments. They have sustained us throughout the ages, providing fuel, shelter, tools and food, they are also vital for many forms of wildlife for the same reasons. In the last 50 years the removal of trees and hedges from the wider landscape has reached epic proportions. In some places there is nothing left but miles and miles of flat featureless landscape, making the area not only boring but denuded of wildlife. Trees are important for soil stability and there is evidence the fungi associated with their roots and biomass generated from trees, enriches soil health. In urban areas trees act as filters that help cut pollution and air-borne particles and give shade in hot weather. In addition they remove carbon dioxide from the air and release oxygen. A mature tree produces enough oxygen for 10 people every year. They are an effective sound barrier and can limit noise trunks. Coppicing is an ancient form of woodland management where trees are cut low to the ground and regrow round the stump. The wood was used in all kinds of ways and the cleared area lets the light in to allow the understorey to thrive. Pollarding, where all the branches are cut back to the trunk has been popular in the past, and can be useful if trying to keep the height down. Topping, or cutting the top off hardwood trees can eventually kill them, by allowing disease in, or may make them unstable, due to the tree trying to recover and producing a lot of new shoots that eventually unbalance it. If you have to cut down a tree, try and replace it, ideally with two - native species naturally! Maggie Kay [Trees] have sustained us throughout the ages, providing fuel, shelter, tools and food... pollution, as well as helping to reduce stress! Looking after trees is not usually a problem. If they are damaging property they may need to be removed or reduced in size by removing some of multiple THE GALLOWAY HERMIT LOOKS AT: CRAB APPLE TREES This month I will mostly be looking for ancient crab apple trees. In my wanderings around this ancient land of Galloway I have discovered many such venerable beauties. Lurking in the quiet neglected corners where sheep are now the only ones to roam, which makes a quiet ramble around the glens a lovely peaceful experience... Crab apples are thought to be the wild ancestor of all the common domestic varieties of apple. Its Latin name is Malus sylvestris, meaning 'apple of the forest', and it can be found frequently in quiet hedges, copices and woodland edges across Europe and SW Asia. It can grow to a mighty ten metres tall, and some of the specimens I have discovered recently easily match this. The bark is dark brown and deeply cracked into small square plates. From a distance it looks rather like an elderly Rastafarian gentleman, with a dense bushy crown of dark grey that stands out against the horizon. Once you have your 'eye in', they start to appear everywhere you look in Galloway. It is a good idea to learn to spot these trees in the winter as once they are clothed in foliage and leaves, they can easily be mistaken for their cousins the hawthorn, Crataegus monogyna. The ancient mother trees of Galloway seem to in nearly every case be in close association with cairns, ruins and rocky bluffs. It is easy to forget that until the clearances and enclosures, this was a free land, busy with human activity. These wonderful old survivors from a distant past were no doubt venerated by our ancestors; for the shade they cast, the easily-carved wood they shed and, of course, for the health-giving apples they produced. So come on people – get off the roads and into the hills! Happy hunting and keep your eyes peeled... The Galloway Hermit Glenkens Gazette page 6 Glenkens Gazette page 7 KIRK’S MODERATOR VISITS GLENKENS The Church of Scotland’s most senior figure, the Moderator of the General Assembly, has been visiting the Glenkens, meeting local people and learning about life in the area. Every year the Church of Scotland elects a Moderator to chair the annual General Assembly. For the rest of the year the Moderator represents the Church and visits many different parts of the country, often pursuing his or her particular interests. The current Moderator, the Rt Rev Dr Derek Browning, has a particular concern for the life of rural communities and their efforts to build resilience. He started his visit with an openair Conventicle outside Kells Church to celebrate the life and witness of the Covenanters. The Rev Dr David Bartholomew, parish minister, led the service with traditional Psalmsinging and worship. He then visited the CatStrand see locally sourced items for sale, to hear of the work of Glenkens too,” he commented. Community & Arts Trust. “It is After visiting the church and encouraging to learn of ways in churchyard at Dalry, he attended a which the arts can help to bridge the Fellowship Dinner at the Ken Bridge interface between rural communities Hotel. In his talk, Life and Faith: A and some of Scotland’s most Disruptive Influence, Dr Browning exciting and creative performance shared his personal faith journey, a talents,” he said. He expressed story at times humorous, at times particular interest in the the wide very moving - a journey which had range of activities and training for had an inauspicious start when he all ages, including the development was expelled from Sunday School! of the Men’s Shed in Balmaclellan. A walk up the New Galloway High Street took him to the Community Shop where he learned of the development plans of New Galloway Community Enterprises and to the Town Hall where he was briefed on LING’s plans to revive the landmark building for community benefit. “It was great to hear and see how local people work hard and passionately to save, sustain and develop their local shop, with The Kirk’s Moderator, centre - holding a Glenkens so many investing as Gazette! - along with parish minister the Rev Dr David Bartholomew and representatives of GCAT, shareholders. Good to LING and NGCE. RECENTLY AWARDED ‘CAMRA PUB OF THE YEAR 2018’ - three changing cask ales & cider - fresh, seasonal & local food - open all day every day - award-winning food, beer & atmosphere - en-suite accommodation - 20% off takeaway discount - country sport & walkers facilities - 01644 430 241 www.theclachaninn.co.uk Follow us on facebook and twi�er and make sure to sign up for our newsle�er - see website for details… www.gallowayglens.org Glenkens Gazette page 8 Youth Booth Transformation The youth volunteers group at CatStrand are about to start work on the transformation of New Galloway’s disused phone box. The group bought the phonebox from BT for £1 under their 'adopt a phonebox' scheme and now, with the support of GCAT, the New Galloway Community Council and Connecting in Communities they will be creating an art installation, youth information and community information space. The group were successful in gaining funding from D&G Youth Work Choices Fund which was a fund voted on by other young people in the region. The youth volunteers have arranged workshops with Lorrie Kyle, a glass artist, to create coloured glass panels which will replace the existing glass in the phone box. The group will travel to Lorrie’s workshop in April to make their designs, and the Rekindling Creativity group have already visited Lorrie’s workshop this month to create three pieces for the booth. There will be an opportunity for 5-12 year-olds to go up to the glass workshop during the Easter schools break. The interior of the booth will be fitted out with information and resources gathered by the volunteer group from local service provides and will include mobile phone chargers for emergency use. Preparation of the phonebox for painting is underway, and the group are aiming to have it kitted out by the end of April. Anyone that would like to get involved in the project can email aidan@catstrand.com The Glass Workshop for 5-12s at Lorrie’s workshop outside Dumfries will run on Tuesday 11 April. A minibus will run from CatStrand, leaving at 10am returning at 3pm. To book a place or find out more come along to our Saturday Art Club session on Saturday 17th April at CatStrand or email aidan@catstrand.com CatStrand youth volunteers ready to transform the old phone box. Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents Dumfries & Galloway 01556 503744 www.ggblaw.co.uk All legal advice Offices in Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie Kirkcudbright and Dumfries Glenkens Gazette page 9 CatStrand Highlights After the drama of the March snows which saw our entire Ken Words Festival put on ice, I’m hoping the weather will leave the rest of spring shows alone! As things stand, I am working with the Ken Words steering group, agents and writers to reschedule the events we had planned - watch this space. Back to the present and we start April with rip-roaring comedy and tickets are already scarce for the return of Irish-Iranian comedian Patrick Monahan (Fri 6 Apr) who follows up his That 80s Show with the equally riotous That 90s Show. The comedy continues with our screening of Armando Iannucci’s hilarious film satire The Death of Stalin [15] (Wed 11 Apr) which Empire called “Iannucci’s most impressive feat yet”. If history is your thing, I strongly recommend the next Glenkens Story talk by Dr Graeme Cavers - Crannogs of Galloway (Sun 22 Apr). Our Exhibition on Screen films have been very well received and they don’t come much bigger than Vincent van Gogh: A New Way of Seeing (Tues 24 Apr) and I, Claude Monet (Tues 29 May). May sees the launch of Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival 2018 and we’re delighted to be taking part again with a variety of shows at the end of May and early June (see p20). Other highlights over spring include the return of Glenkens favourite Rob Heron and the Tea Pad Orchestra (Thu 19 Apr) and Simon Thacker’s new gypsy odyssey Songs of the Roma (Fri 4 May) which combines virtuosic guitar (Thacker) and cello (Justyna Jablonska) with the voice of Masha Natanson in the wild re-imagining of songs from Romani, Serbian, and Russian gypsy traditions. Due to popular demand (or at least a very determined demand from our growing jazz audience) there will be an additional Dark Sky Jazz Night before we break for the summer with Pat Monahan Pericopes + 1 (Sat 12 May). Finally, we launch a new art exhibition by Mary-Clare Cornwallis on Thu 29 March. Her work is wonderfully vibrant and full of the joys of spring. I hope you will come and have a look at over April and May. The CatStrand Team Glenkens Gazette page 10 CARSPHAIRN PRIMARY ADVENTURES Children at Carsphairn Primary enjoyed an extra science day, prompted by a P4 child’s question of ”Mrs Davies, what freezes faster in the snow, hot water or cold water?” posed just as we set off back from our swimming lessons. Mrs Davies, the new Principal Teacher and Science Specialist, spent the rest of the journey discussing how we could find out and what we could do on the return to school. Notes were made, more questions were asked such as; "Would it make a difference if it was windy? What about the depth of snow?" and, a personal favourite;"What if we added hot chocolate?" Back at school, equipment was gathered and the inquiries began. Anyone who would like to inspire the children further can write to the school requesting a copy of the results or can send us new results following their own experiments after all, if our investigations were successful, you'll come up with the same answers. Focus on Health Carsphairn pupils have been focusing on health and well being in all areas of the curriculum. They are challenging themselves and visitors to use a peak airflow meter to measure lung capacity and try to improve results over the term whilst using a pedometer to try to put more steps into a healthy future. So far this term they have had Tag Rugby weekly - “thank you” to John from Stewartry Rugby Club, swimming lessons at Dalmellington Pool, stamina sessions and badminton with Mr Carmichael and are about to try out yoga and meditation as they find out about Buddhism. Alongside their efforts in the Daily Mile and trying to improve their speed for cross The children enjoying their Burns Supper music and country they have appreciating the wonderful piping by Mr Wemyss. all practiced bike was loaded and chippings were handling skills and are now pogo delivered to help him out with his stick nuts! new strawberry bed whilst some The children have a request were saved to try out paper making does any reader have an old later in the term. So, we started bike that they can use to fit to a out sad about the chainsaw but dynamo please? After all, a glen ended up thrilled with the new light with solar, wind and hydro power streaming into the classroom and should have pedal power too! the possibilities of experiments Wood Possibilities later - and maybe a strawberry or In February came the tri-annual two..? lopping of the maple tree in the A Taste of Burns school grounds by the electric At the beginning of January company. Immediately the pupils Carsphairn children decided to spotted the possibilities. We could host a daytime Burn's supper for add to the surface area under the village and set out to tell Mrs our climbing frame...what about Davies all about the traditions as making paper? Can we use some she had never been to one. "We for bug hotels and a wigwam in must have a piper! Don't forget the the playground? All were terrific speeches! Should we wear kilts? suggestions but would necessitate Who will give the Selkirk Grace?" the children putting in a lot of effort Tasked with organising the event, in their break and lunchtime. As the children set to work designing the bell went they eagerly set to posters and tickets. Mr Wemyss work, jobs were allocated and the kindly offered to pipe in our haggis, digging, barrowing, shifting and toasts were written and chairs sifting began in earnest. borrowed as a good number of Payback to Iain, our local 'Carsphairnites' agreed to join in astronomy expert, was suggested the fun. And fun it was. as a thanks for the superb Mrs Davies, Principal Teacher stargazing night reported in last month's issue. The wheelbarrow Dynamic Domestic For all your cleaning requirements HIGHLAND BEEF from THE GLENKENS STEAK ROASTS MINCE CASSEROLE LORNE pre-pack frozen Blackmark Dalry Castle Douglas DG7 3UG 01644 460532 www.highland.scot Local, reliable & friendly staff Fully insured Competitive rates Now taking new clients in the Glenkens & Stewartry area Call Victoria on 07516599103 www.dynamicdomestic.co.uk Wright’s Shop & Post Office Dalry Licensed convenience store and newsagent stocking a range of local suppliers including Corsons and Irvings Bakers, Ballards and Dalmellington Country Butchers and Mitchells Fruit and Veg. Opening Times (both shop & PO): Monday to Friday: 7am – 6pm Saturday: 8am – 6pm Sunday: 8.30am – 4pm Tel: 01644 430 225 Glenkens Gazette page 11 DALRY PUPILS’ POP-UP CAFE Thursday afternoons at Dalry Secondary are an opportunity for a rolling programme offering wider activities such as mountain biking, debating and fishing. A new group has started running a pop-up café which will offer something for the community and also raise money for school funds. The first pop-up cafe offering a ‘soup and sweet’ lunch was a great success. The pupils had spent time before the big day contacting local shops, planning menus and cooking everything themselves. Customers were asked to fill in feedback forms afterwards and the comments were overwhelmingly positive: Students involved in the cafe, Hana and Caitlin, said: We were kindly donated ingredients by Tesco, The Co-op and Corson’s which were very much appreciated. All the profit we got went towards the library in school to buy the Students who organised the Pop-up Cafe. books that the pupils asked for! This was a and attentive” and “the sticky toffee big help to both the school and the pudding was restaurant-class.” community, as the pupils got their We will hopefully be running the books and the community had a pop-up cafe regularly. To find out welcoming, home-made lunch. dates and buy tickets please contact People said really nice things the school office at 01644 430 259. such as “I enjoyed the relaxed We would like to thank everyone friendly atmosphere. The table was for their support and please feel beautifully set… The girls were polite welcome to attend the next one. SCHOOLS JOIN IN POPPY PLEDGE November 11 2018 is a particularly significant date in British history. It marks the centenary of the armistice, and the end of WW1. Poppy Scotland have launched a nationwide fundraising campaign - The 1918 Poppy Pledge - to raise money for honouring the many men and woman who fought in the First World War and in the many conflicts since. The Poppy Pledge will also raise vital funds to help continue to support the Armed Forces community in Scotland today. Poppy Scotland has asked organisations around Scotland to each try to raise £1,918 to help improve the lives of ex-servicemen. Dalry Secondary School and the Glenkens Cluster primaries have signed up to take the Poppy Pledge and we have kick-started our year of fundraising by holding a ‘1918 Dress-up Day’. Pupils dressed up as suffragettes, chimney sweeps, English nannies, nurses, soldiers, munition workers, gangsters, and so on, and a 1918 themed tray bake was held later on in the day. The primary pupils were transported back in time using slates and chalk to do their work and many of the old games were played in the playground. – some more confident than others, but all striving to do their best. Hardie Walker was the first Dalry pupil to play and gave us some Pink Floyd on electric guitar, which certainly woke us all up. Hardie always sets himself challenges and he did very well- he is a musician to look out for in the future. Next up from Dalry was Rory Newbery who is sitting his N5 music this year. He played Prelude in C by Bach - a very musical performance full of dynamics (louds/ quiets). He found playing a new piano without practising on it first a bit strange but coped really well. The last performer from Dalry was James Wallace who sang Will Ye No Come Back Again. When the results were announced, Dalry were thrilled to discover that the Vocal Award went to James Wallace, who was also given the Silverware as the overall winner. James Wins Young Musician Award Three students from Dalry recently entered the Rotary Young Musician of the Year Competition. This is an opportunity for young instrumentalists and singers to showcase their talent, see others of similar standards perform and improve their own performance skills. The first heat is at local level and the Rotary Club of Castle Douglas held this at Castle Douglas High School (CDHS). There was a total of 13 performers from both Dalry and Castle Douglas, playing and singing everything from classical to traditional, through ragtime and folk Left to right: Rory Newbery, Hardie Walker and James Wallace. Glenkens Gazette page 12 SURVIVAL SKILLS AT KELLS Kells school has been alive with the sound of enthusiasm, encouragement, eagerness and hard work! If you listen you might just hear us - it’s been non-stop. Well done and thank you to all involved. As ever, great to see the children, parents, community members and staff collaborating for the greater good. We should be proud of our achievements. Planning for our current topic ‘Survival’ has been an interesting and exciting process. Sat, pens poised, ready to write down all our own ideas… Amy, hand up, announces "Well, Mr Thompson, I think we should all have a sleepover. A survival-based one - with tents and games and singing…" more hands shoot up; "with food; with a star gazing walk; with hide-andseek; with sausages; smores! a Kells tribal dance; a fort, lets build a fort; and we need head torches; and breakfast; and poetry; and storytelling”. The children were brimming with fantastic ideas... "YES! YES! all together ‘round a campfire" - all the children chimed in with gusto; "and chopping wood; we must have all of this around a survival campfire". And so we did. One afternoon we dug our fire pit. Mary arrived with her (now famous) bell tent. Amy’s gazebo went up, as did a few smaller tents. The camp was beginning to take shape. The children quickly made the bunting neatly encircle the structures. The Jolly Roger was raised to whoops and cheers. Children and parents came back to school for five o’clock armed with packs and bags… Food was brought in to share, tents too, sleeping bags slung in the corner of the hall, pyjamas piled up, torches turned on and off and some teddy bears sat guarding belongings. Heather Mackintosh arrived to help supervise our sausage sizzle. We had a blast: supper, seeing a stunning sunset, spooky walks, spookier stories, star-gazing in splendid skies, singing, both hiding and seeking, munching a midnight feast and much much more. At the end of the evening, we all wound down and beetled off to the tents set up in the hall and classroom, the perfect end to the perfect evening. The fire burned gently then went out on its own at the end of the evening, a wonderful symbol at the very heart of Tent-tastic fun at Kells Primary. our experience. The morning after we sat around the camp wearing survival costumes we had made. Toast, cereal and fruit went down a treat, and we reflected on our time. We had learned a lot. We decided embers were like memories and we’d made them with joy. We took the charcoal and wrote and drew about our time together. We had survived. The P6 and P7 children have been in Edinburgh on residential. Meanwhile the P4 pupils have built a shop - Kells Spells Community Shop. The potion bottles' labels include ingredients and nutritional facts. We also sold soup we had made over the fire to parents, making nearly £15...all in all we’ve had a very creative and industrious time. Graeme Thompson, p4-7 Class Teacher PATIO TRANSFORMATION Carsphairn pupils have transformed the patio area in their school playground. Inspired by their work on buddhism, mosaics and by the amazing hills beyond the playground, the five pupils (Crawford, Naomi, Courtney, Eilidh and Mckenzie) designed and painted the paving area. They gained national Arts Awards qualifications through the CatStrand in the process, and had a great time getting wonderfully messy with Mary Smith and teacher Mrs Davies. A CLOSE SHAVE FOR DALRY SCHOOL Recently Dalry Primary pupils and James Wallace, S4, were invited to perform at a Family Evening at the Town Hall. Those attending enjoyed the musical talents of the Primary pupils, who performed their pieces from the Galloway Music Festival. James Wallace also entertained with a selection of Scots songs and his very own musical composition written for a poem by Tommy Edgar. The highlight of the evening was David Bartholomew’s sponsored beard shave. All funds raised will go towards the purchase of new digital cameras and resources for Dalry Primary, Secondary and Nursery. The total raised so far is £251.24! If you would like to donate to Friends of Dalry School (FoDS) following David’s beard shave, you can do so by popping into, or phoning, the school on 01644 430 105 or contacting David directly. Many thanks goes to Dr Bartholomew for raising money for the Dalry schools by sporting a fresher face for spring, and to Dalry Church for hosting a very enjoyable evening. Jenna Devlin, p3-5 Class Teacher Glenkens Gazette NEW SCHOOL ROLE Walker McKenna, former principal teacher at Carsphairn Primary, has recently changed his role in the Glenkens Cluster of primary schools. What is your new role in the Glenkens Cluster and what does it entail? The official title of my new role is Partnership Principal Teacher (PT). In our new structure, each school has its own Principal Teacher, each of whom has one non-teaching day per week to develop school targets. While those PTs are not teaching, I will be covering their classes. When I am not teaching, I am working closely with Mr Scrimshaw on Partnership-wide projects such as school trips, assessment and being a spare set of hands around all three schools. Although we have dealt with a lot of change within the Glenkens, I do think that the new management structure gives us a chance to work much more cohesively, so we can share more of the wonderful things that are happening at all three schools. What do you enjoy most about your new role? I am very much enjoying my new role and being able to spend time at all three schools across the partnership. As a teacher, it is great for me to meet and to get to know the kids better at Kells and Dalry, and learn the nuances that make each school unique. Although part of my role is to help us work more closely by sharing good practice and reducing bureaucracy across the partnership, I hope that we can also celebrate the differences between the schools and indeed the three communities. Do you miss Carsphairn? Absolutely. Working at Carsphairn was an incredible experience for me. Teaching the same children for up to seven years in some cases meant that I really got to know the kids at Carsphairn and their background, and was really able to work closely with families to develop the whole child. As an educator, having the freedom I had at Carsphairn really allowed me to develop my approach, while still tailoring the curriculum to the children of Carsphairn. Between the staff I have worked with over the years at Carsphairn, and the way I felt embraced by the community as a whole, I will always feel like Carsphairn is my Scottish home [Walker is from Canada]. What do you see as the key benefits/strengths of our cluster here in the Glenkens? I am struck now by the same things that struck me when I started in the Glenkens many years ago, our children are so lucky to have so much support. Class sizes are relatively small and teachers really know their children and their families. We have volunteers from within the community helping with reading, after-school clubs and bikeability training. We have community organisations that reach out to work with schools from the Catstrand to the Heritage Centre. All this going on means that a child growing up in the Glenkens, must see and feel that support and further make them feel like a significant part of their community. What do our schools offer that larger, more urban schools can’t? Working in smaller schools usually means that multi-composite classes are made, having more year groups in the same class. In the page 13 Glenkens composite classes are the norm, and although teaching in a differentiated classroom can be challenging for a teacher, it also allows teachers to work with the same child for a number of years. That time really allows for the relationship to develop and for teachers to really know their pupils. Last year Carsphairn went on a trip to a big primary school in Glasgow, and were able to see for themselves what the differences were. They recognised how lucky they were to have as much one-to-one teacher time and to have such a wonderful environment right outside the school gates. What are your goals over the coming year? Certainly for this academic year, I am spending most of my time getting to know the kids and staff across the Glenkens. Having a responsibility for Assessment across the partnership, I am getting the chance to see what practice is really working at each of the schools and trying to make sure good practice is shared so all children in the Glenkens benefit. In austere times we also have to make sure that we are getting the most out of our resources. Author’s Success Carsphairn author Hana Ade, 13, a member of Glenkens Random Writers group, is to have her short story The Crow published in a new book, Confluence. The book has been created as part of the Upland project which worked with professional photographic artist, Laura Hudson Mackay, and Celtic storyteller, Anne Errington, both based in Dumfries and Galloway, along with photographers and storytellers from Morocco. Confluence is an international collaboration between photographic artists and storytellers, and looks to bridge cultures and highlight common links within the Arabian and Celtic storytelling traditions. The Glenkens Random Writers group. Glenkens Gazette page 14 DALRY SECONDARY’S NEW MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE Since last summer, Castle Douglas High School and Dalry Secondary School have been joined in partnership under the one senior leadership team. There has been a process of recruitment to three out of the four posts, with only Mrs Cook having been in post on a permanent basis prior to the current school year. Since my appointment starting in February, the team is now fully in place and consists of Mr James Smith (headteacher); myself Mrs Lorraine Gillies (depute head teacher); Mr Alister Cathro (depute head teacher) and Mrs Alison Cook (depute head teacher). Under the overall leadership of Mr Smith, each of the depute head teachers have specific remits which cover aspect of both schools, but my own remit has the most significant role in Dalry Secondary. Ordinarily I am based on site at Dalry on Monday mornings, Tuesday mornings, Thursday all day and Friday mornings, although this is flexible and is dependent on the needs of both schools. Mr Smith is based in Dalry on Wednesday mornings, Mrs Cook on Monday mornings and Mr Cathro on Tuesday mornings. In addition, Mr Bannister and Mrs Acheson have a management role and are on site on a full-time basis. Although not originally from Dumfries and Galloway, I have worked all of my career in the local area, firstly as a chemistry teacher, then an assistant then principal teacher of guidance (now pupil support), then as part of the Left to right: Lorraine Gillies, James Smith, Alison Cook and Alister Cathro. multi-agency youth justice team and most recently as pupil support manager working with secondary schools across the whole authority area supporting the development of practice to meet the needs of all learners. Quite a journey, having originally intended to come to Dumfries and Galloway only to complete my two-year probationary training as a teacher of chemistry! So, how would I reflect on my first six weeks? Dalry is a lovely little school and the staff and pupils have made me feel very welcome. It can be difficult settling in to a new environment and finding out how everything works and where everything is located, so it has been much appreciated that my endless questions have been answered with patience and understanding. Thus far my key aim has been to get to know the young people and staff and to meet some of the parents and members of the community: all of whom are crucial partners in providing the best learning experiences for our young people. I’ve had some lovely experiences: dressed as a suffragette at the 1918 day, seeing the pupils thrive in their achievement organising the pop up Food Hygiene Awards Congratulations to S3 pupils who have recently been awarded their Elementary Food Hygiene Certificate. The REHIS Elementary Food Hygiene qualification is the most widely recognised food safety qualification in Scotland. Intended for everyone who handles food, it provides a general introduction to food hygiene issues including hazard analysis and provides the necessary knowledge and information needed to underpin good food safety practices. café, hearing of all the successes of many of the pupils at recent music festivals, ice skating competitions and as part of wider community involvement. We’ve had fantastic engagement in learning conversations at a fully attended parents night, a freecycle world book day event enabling and encouraging reading at no cost to anyone, a school excursion to a local workplace, pupils completing SQA assignments and assessments and staff busy preparing the senior students for their forthcoming examinations. We’ve also had to contend with bad weather which necessitated a temporary closure. All this, and it’s not even April! I am keen to involve parents and carers in planning and supporting their young people’s education and am hopeful that I can foster positive relationships with the wider community. I look forward to building on the strengths of Dalry School in the coming terms and to utilising the chances for both schools to benefit from the greater opportunities the partnership can bring. Lorraine Gillies, Depute Head Teacher Glenkens Gazette page 15 Spring Fling 2018 will encourage visitors to enjoy the Glenkens countryside and drop in to meet artists and makers with studios in the surrounding area. The open studios weekend, from 26 to 28 May, features 86 specially selected visual artists and craft makers across Dumfries and Galloway. Organisers Upland provide colour-coded suggested routes allowing visitors to take in a variety of studios and enjoy superb countryside. The Pink Route runs from Castle Douglas to New Galloway and on to Kirkpatrick Durham and Corsock, taking in both sides of Loch Ken. Photographer Phil McMenemy, who runs the Laurieston Gallery, is among those they can drop in on. Visitors will find a variety of beautifully taken and presented pictures and can expect a warm welcome from their host. Further on, at Mossdale, there is the textile artist Jo Gallant. As well as pieces for sale, there will be work in progress, photos, design work and explanations of materials and technical process. Visitors can also use Jo’s fabric to decorate their own cotton bag to take away for just £5. Elsewhere there will be the chance to encounter landscape artist Angela Lawrence, painters Jane Howe and Patti Lean, printmaker Pamela Grace, and maker of fabulous practical pottery Clare Dawdry. Upcoming Events at Carsphairn Tearooms & Bistro April: Sunday 1st: Easter Sunday Bistro, Set Menu, 12-6pm Friday 13th & 27th: Mexican-themed Bistro, 5-8pm May: Friday 4th & Friday 25th: American-themed Bistro, 5-8pm June: Saturday 2nd: Carsphairn Show Bistro, 4-8pm Booking recommended 01644 460 568 New to Spring Fling this year is rug-maker Penny Lilley who says: “...I use rag rug technique utilising the bright colours and textures of recycled fabrics. Come and have a cup of tea while I demonstrate how I work.” There is also the opportunity to see the work of Michal Sur, a specialist in infrared black and white photography, whose images are unusual and very striking. Other places to stop are Piper’s Forge at Kirkpatrick Durham, which is the base for architectural and sculptural metalworker Adam Both. For those who love jewellery, Natalie Vardey is a must-see attraction, in Corsock, along with Amanda Simmons who creates the most astonishing glasswork. For full details and the suggested routes see www.spring-fling.co.uk Glass by Amanda Simmons Glenkens Gazette page 16 Photo of the Issue Sponsored by the Ken Bridge Hotel This issue’s winner is Phil Day with this enchanting photograph of a red squirrel and great tit. Phil wins a meal for two at the Ken Bridge Hotel’s Sunday carvery. Competition judges Dave and Sue said: “We have never seen a picture of a red squirrel and bird sharing a feeder and for that reason this has got to be the winner this issue, what a lovely photograph and how lovely for Phil to see this in his garden.” Glenkens Gazette SUBSTATION EXTENSION ANGERS RESIDENTS Glenlee residents are angered by plans by Scottish Power Energy Network (SPEN) to extend the electricity substation. Residents are pressing for the extension to be moved to the other side of the plot, further away from their homes. "We are all extremely disappointed that SPEN has not listened to our concerns regarding the extension to the substation. With this huge structure impinging right onto our gardens, there has been no consideration given as to how this will affect our lives and house prices. We have suggested moving the substation to the opposite side of the power station, away from our homes, and have been told that this is being considered. The question is, why hadn’t this been looked into prior to development?" page 17 Glenkens Men’s Shed Members of the Glenkens Men’s Shed are feeling ‘flushed’ with success after the new accessible toilet was installed. Our gratitude and thanks go out to the Glenkens Charity Shop in Dalry for helping fund this, and to CatStrand for donating the sliding door. Work on the mezzanine floor is almost complete too, with the safety rails in place and the floor boards firmly positioned, well done to the hard working ‘shedders’ who have devoted considerable time and effort to make this happen. Now where can we get the money to sort the roof? Our thoughts and prayers are with Christine and Stuart Rhodes at this time, after Stuart recently suffered a heart attack; get well soon Stuart, we’re all thinking of you - best take it easy for a while and just come along, supervise and drink coffee. The Glenkens Men’s Shed website is now up and running, under the watchful eye of web master Ned Maxwell, who took time out from his gorilla project to launch the site. Why not see it for yourself at www.glenkensmens-shed.com We’ll be taking part in the first Dumfries and Galloway Shedfest on 9 May at Dalbeattie Town Hall, where sheds from all over the region will gather to demonstrate their wares. Watch out soon for our new Men’s Shed sign, currently under construction by famed local artist and scrap-metal sculptor Jim Clubb. The days are growing longer so it’s time to get out on your bike. Luckily, Kevin Telfer is doing amazing work on refurbing old machines upstairs in the shed, so there’s no excuse - if you haven’t got one, give us a try and we’ll see if we can sort you something for a modest fee. Membership is still growing but new recruits are always welcome - contact Brian or Chris at the CatStrand on 420 374 or Tom Leach on 420 895. Chris Jowsey Glenkens Gazette page 18 MOSSDALE HALL’S 70TH ANNIVERSARY 2018 marks the 70th anniversary of Mossdale Village Hall which was opened on 7 May 1948. The story began at a public meeting on 14 June 1943 when it was agreed by the folk of Mossdale to “get all the public funds and property pooled together and to raise funds to build a recreation hall”. Fundraising activities included whist drives, dances and free gift sales, events usually held in the school with committee and AGM meetings held in the station waiting room (Mossdale being the location of New Galloway station). At a meeting on 30 May 1946 Mr Davidson, architect, “spoke favourably of the site on the Airds road opposite the football field and alongside the railway loading bank.” The community has always been very grateful to Miss Henniker-Hughan of Airds for donating that land. The committee learned that the Seamen’s Institute had a hut valued at £600 for sale at Troon; a deputation was selected to inspect and, if suitable, purchase the hut. In March 1948 the committee discussed the hall’s official opening and “agreed the dance arranged for 7 May should be an old-time one as it was hoped this would be the opening night of the hall”. The hall was opened on 7 May 1948 by the Rev JWT Dickie MC from Laurieston and his Prayer of Dedication included: “We thank Thee for those who conceived the plan, who laboured in so many various ways to realise it and for all who by their interest, their energy and their gifts made its realisation possible. May it prove of real value to all, young and old, who dwell here – a place where they can meet for refreshment of body, mind and spirit for all healthful pleasures. May no word of malice or falsehood ever be spoken within these walls and no unrighteous deed ever done within them.” FLASH FICTION COMPETITION Are you a writer? Do you enjoy flash fiction? As part of a new initiative,The Gazette are seeking writers to take part in a competition that will run bimonthly. In each issue a new topic will be allocated. We are looking for the best fiction in 450 words, maximum. In addition, you have 50 words to tell us a little about yourself and what inspired the piece you’ve written. If you’re a winner your story will be published in the next edition. Each entry will be judged by Ian Patrick, a local author, and the winner will receive a £10 Amazon voucher to spend on a book of their choice. What have you got to lose? Here are the rules: It must be your own work. It must be no more than 450 words. It must be Fiction. Minimum age of entry 12years with no maximum age limit. It must include a separate 50 words about yourself and what inspired your story. Publication will include print, Facebook and Twitter. Email your entry to glenkens gazette@hotmail.co.uk by the 5 May 2018 where it will be allocated a number and sent to the judge. The judge's decision is final. No late entries will be accepted. Now get writing! It would be nice, if perhaps optimistic, to think these sentiments are always respected. It says much that, through both good and challenging times, for 70 years a very small community has managed to build, maintain and enjoy a range of activities in what started out as a temporary building. We are planning to celebrate the hall’s 70th anniversary on Sunday 6 May. Please visit our Facebook page for more information about hall activities and letting arrangements www.facebook.com/ mossdalevillagehall Glenkens Gazette page 19 POTENTIAL FOR COMMUNITY FACILITY Hidden away out of view behind Dalry’s Town Hall is Dumfries & Galloway Council’s former local roads depot, now only consisting of a large shed and section of land. In September 2015 Dalry Community Council carried out a public opinion survey on local issues. One of the elements of the survey was the potential aquisition (by asset transfer) of the former Council yard behind the Town Hall for community use. On the survey, the suggestion was posed that the site would assist with emergency resilience plans and possibly provide a local recycling point, and the surrounding area could also become a village picnic site. The survey response was nearly nine to one in favour of the proposal, with twenty-nine people also saying they would be willing to get involved. Following on from this, we need to form an action group to take this community project forward, whether it is gardening/landscaping work, DIY/building skills or fund raising. Any little bit you can assist with (even occasionally) gets the job done. If enough supporters don’t come forward soon, the site will probably be auctioned off by the regional council for private development, and Dalry will have missed out on creating a valuable village asset for maintenance facility; a home for an Eco-Fuels (eg log briquettes) Buying Collective; a community recycling facility, including local composting; community assets repair workshop, eg public benches; a facility for the GGLP Dalry to Castle Douglas Canoe Trail; new disabled friendly public toilets, also available for Town Hall users; small garages for private rental (providing community income); community garden and seating area; the Town Hall kitchen or Clachan Inn could potentially provide outdoor catering; land to extend the Town Hall if needed, eg meeting/storage rooms or space to house an emergency generator for electricity outages. All of the above could be possible to help improve Dalry village, but we need more volunteers to make this happen. If you are interested in learning more please get in touch - you don’t have to live in Dalry to get involved. Email stjdalrycc@gmail.com or phone 07729 292126, or leave your name and contact details at Wright’s Shop or Dalry Library. Andi Holmes If enough supporters don’t come forward soon, the site will probably be auctioned off by the regional council for private development... current and future generations. The successful Lottery bid by Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership (GGLP) means that Dalry should benefit from additional visitors and their spending. However, local facilities like our public toilets fall below current standards. The former Council depot land could be used to provide: Winter Resilience equipment storage and Dog Training Party Real Dog Training Scotland had its Christmas fancy-dress party at Dalry Town Hall. to Dumfries and Galloway Canine Rescue. Thanks go to Margaret Schoffield for the chocolate cake and Jessica Nash for hosting the games and judging the fancy-dress. If your New Year's resolution is to train your dog, look up our website at www.realdogtrainingscotland .co.uk Eric Broadhurst We were overwhelmed by people's generosity, with the amount raised on the night being £150, plus £100 carried over from 2016 from people who couldn’t make the party. The money raised has gone FHB Fencing Dalry Domestic and Agricultural Fencing 01644 430 495 (Peter) or 07767 795 498 (Jonathan) Minding Feet Professional Foot Health Treatments Holistic Foot Therapies Patricia Lavelle MAR FHP CNHC Professional Foot Health Practitioner 07789 246 833 www.mindingfeet.com Glenkens Gazette page 20 D&G ARTS FESTIVAL 2018 Scotland’s largest rural performing arts festival opens its 39th event on 25 May in Dumfries. The annual Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival covers the entire 3,600 square miles of Dumfries and Galloway, showcasing a wonderfully diverse programme of music, theatre, dance and spoken word for over 10 days. A few snippets of what’s on are... Multi award-winning neo-trad band Elephant Sessions bring their energetic gig to the CatStrand, New Galloway, on 26 May. Comedian Carina MacLeod gives an hilarious spin on her health issues in Fibro My Arth at Twynholm Village Hall on 27 May. New York-based Doonhamer Ben Bryden returns to the region with his jazz/indie rock sounds in Bright Noise. He comes to Colvend public hall, on 31 May. After his popular performances at last year’s festival, novelist, playwright and performer Alan Bisset returns to the region with more hilarious antics from his straight-talking single mum Moira Bell. More Moira Monolgues comes to the CatStrand, New Galloway, on 31 May. In the afternoon that day, Alan takes to the floor for an entertaining debate, focused on the question: Just how sustainable is rural touring? BBC personality and Gaelic singer Mary Ann Kennedy brings her first solo tour to the Gordon Memorial Hall, Castle Douglas, on 31 May. Tales of Beeswing and Beyond is a collection of tales, new and old, from Beeswing and the surrounding hills, rivers and roads. Told through music and theatre and created and performed by members of Loch Elephant Sessions Arthur Camphill Community, the show comes to the Cresset Hall, Loch Arthur, on 1 June. Sculpture, dance, music and sound come together in an imaginative collaboration between visual artist Alexander Ruth; dancer and choreographer Elisabeth Schilling; and musician Phil Niblock. Sixfold: A Nexus takes place at the CatStrand, New Galloway, on 1 June and will be preceded by a performance by the CatStrand’s youth dance group Choreo Skills Lab. From the creator of the hit show Black Is the Color of My Voice comes a new story about the 20th-century African-American experience. Against a powerful soundtrack of original music and traditional gospel and blues sung live, two women 42 years apart become involved in the struggle for civil rights. Apphia Campbell gives another masterful performance in Woke and comes to the Fullarton Theatre, Castle Douglas, on 2 June. To find out more visit www.dgartsfestival.org.uk Glenkens Gazette page 21 HELEN JUDGES AT CRUFTS Helen Broadhurst, from outside Dalry, has been showing dogs for 40 years. As well as showing dogs, Helen has also judged dog shows both at home and abroad. This year she had the once in a lifetime chance to judge at Crufts. Asked to judge the Border collie dogs, it was a difficult decision with Continued from front page... For the first time the Youth Players had three entries in the Festival and Tell Me Another Story, Sing Me a Song starring Zoe Kirkpatrick and Eilidh Thomson was competing in the Open Festival – another first! This play was entered under our senior SCDA registered team Glenkens ’73 Club, the first time the famous name had appeared at the Festival since 2009! Definitely a year of ‘firsts’... Our other production was Rabbit 428 Border collies entred into the section - the highest number of entries in the pastoral group. On previous occassions Helen has also won best dog and best bitch at Crufts, as well as breeding the youngest Border collie to ever win best of breed at Crufts. She is currently campaining her beloved papillons. Helen (third from the left) with the winners at this year’s Crufts. by David Foxton, involving a cast of 15. It was directed by Brian Edgar and the adjudicator described it as "a brave and ambitious choice" which produced "memorable moments of theatre and a moving final image". Tell Me Another Story, Sing Me A Song by Jean Lenox Toddie was previously entered in the Youth Festival in 2016 and reached the Western Final. Such an excellent play deserved another airing and the challenge of competing in the Open Festival against long established, experienced clubs such as Crossmichael Drama Club and 88 Theatre was one which Zoe and Eilidh relished. In the end the production was placed a very creditable third, closely behind the two aforementioned clubs, narrowly missing out on a place at the Western Final. The three plays provided a The three plays provided a diverse evening of excellent entertainment for a full house at CatStrand on 15 March, with many good comments as the audience left. DEAR GAZETTE, I would like to thank Sarah Ade and Phil McMenemy for their articles in the last issue prodding us to defend the unspoilt natural beauty of our area from creeping industrialisation by turbines and power line pylons. Above is a reader’s interpretation of the existing and proposed windfarms and pylon networks in the Glenkens. Each windfarm will also have/need a network of single or double wooden-poled power lines carrying electricity to the nearest substation. The many reasons for saving our stunning landscape surely outweigh the community bribes for allowing it to be wrecked for corporate profit. SPEN, of course, will continue going through the motions of politely engaging with stakeholders and communities. But at the end of the day SPEN's first duty is to their owner, the Spanish energy giant Iberdrola, and its stockholders in Bilbao. As Phil mentions, power transmission lines are being undergrounded in sensitive scenic areas south of the border. What's good enough for England is surely good enough for beautiful south-west Scotland. And thanks to pressure from campaigners the term 'undergrounding' is suddenly part of the conversation with SPEN. A National Park in Galloway is the only thing that would provide necessary protection for safeguarding our tourism prospects from wobbly planning and the relentless spread of ugliness. From now on, it will make no sense to talk about SPEN's proposal without relating it to current proposals for a National Park. Unfortunately the situation is not helped by the poor attitude of the Scottish Government, but this could change overnight with a ministerial shuffle. Together, let's make sure the word 'undergrounding' translates into action. Future generations will never forgive us if we allow the vandals to win. Kind regards, Stuart Littlewood Glenkens Gazette page 22 NGCE Community Engagement Initiatives New Galloway Community Enterprises’ (NGCE) new community engagement worker, Sam Rushton, has been busy over the last two months putting in place various new initiatives designed to enhance the social and economic wellbeing of New Galloway. Her part-time post is funded by the Big Lottery ‘Growing Community Assets’ programme, has brought a valuable new resource into the parish of New Galloway and Kells, and the benefit is already being seen by local residents and organisations. Several projects are already underway as Sam reports: Group Oil Purchasing Plans are progressing well for a scheme to facilitate bulk purchasing of domestic heating oil. This project has been researched by Janosh Schnee, who has been with us for 10 weeks, funded by Bright Green Business. We are also receiving advice and support from Cooperative Development Scotland. Business Networking In mid-March, we held our first Business Networking meeting, kindly hosted by The Smithy in New Galloway. It was a great opportunity for local businesses to meet up, share information about their business, and identify what would be useful to enable their business to thrive and grow when operating out of the Glenkens. We would encourage anyone who has a business based in the Glenkens (large or small or just starting up) to join us at The Smithy on Thursday 26 April from 6-7pm. Dementia Awareness Evening NGCE, The CatStrand and Alzheimer’s Scotland are working in partnership to present a dementia awareness-raising workshop in the Catstrand on Tuesday 20 May at 7.30pm. The event is open to anyone wishing to know more about dementia and the impact it can have on individuals and families. Particular focus is on how individuals and communities can support people affected by Dementia. Sam’s wider remit includes helping New Galloway and Kells residents to access help, advice and support locally and regionally for many issues; creating Sam Rushton, social NGCE Community opportunities Engagement Worker. and activities within New Galloway and Kells; starting up or growing a local business in the parish. It’s exciting times for NGCE as this critical role becomes established and we look forward to seeing how it develops and any cross-region working that can also be facilitated as part of the role. Sam works part-time and is based at the back of the shop. Please feel free to drop in and see her, ring (01644 420633) or email SamCEW @newgallowaycommunity.shop Patsy Gilroy GLENKENS ROUTE Thursdays: 12noon-1pm – Crossmichael 1-2pm – Parton/Loch Ken Holiday Park 2-4pm – Balmaclellan area 4-5.30pm – The Hidden Road Fridays: As one of your local councillors, my contact details are: patsy.gilroy@dumgal.gov.uk 07825 633153 8-10.30am – Dalry 10.30-11am – Glenlee Area 11am – New Galloway 12noon – New Galloway Shop 2pm – Mossdale area 3-4pm – Laurieston to Gatehouse Please note that all times are approximate. 07966 103 912 charliecoid@hotmail.com Fleet Fish aims to provide top quality produce which is sourced as locally as possible. We take pride in offering friendly door-to-door service tailored to our customers’ needs. Glenkens Gazette page 23 LOCAL INITIATIVES IN NEW GALLOWAY Annual General Meeting LING is pleased to welcome four new Trustees on to the Board, and is also thrilled with the many offers of help as and when needed. If you would like to be involved in any way please get in touch. Members of LING Last summer LING was registered as a Charity under the Scottish Charitable Organisation (SCIO). This will help when applying for funding. Another thing which would really help is to register as many as possible as Members of LING. There is no charge, but our membership will indicate the support of the community. Friends of New Galloway Town Hall The Friends of the Town Hall and supporters enjoyed a friendly cheese and wine evening last summer. Friends of the Town Hall contribute to general funds on a regular basis enabling charges to users to be kept as low possible. To become a friend contact Bob Glaister at rtdglaister@aol.com or talk to Ros Hill on 420 632. After the AGM cheques of £100 each from donations from the Christmas Celebrations were presented to Heather McIntosh on behalf of the Cubs and Beavers, and to Helen Keron on behalf of Kells School. LING is now pleased to welcome the ongoing steering group as a sub-committee. The Cubs and Beavers have booked to try out New Age Kurling and Kells School is also planning a visit. LING members raise their glasses as the New Galloway painting is unveiled Also following the AGM this newly hung framed print of a painting of New Galloway donated by William and Elizabeth Johnstone was unveiled by Heather McIntosh and Ros Hill in New Galloway Town Hall. The original painting by Adam Bruce Thomson is held in the National Gallery of Modern Art in Edinburgh. Exhibition of New Galloway Paintings, Photographs and Artefacts The New Galloway Story will be popping up again in The Town Hall during holiday weekends and a special exhibition of paintings, photographs and artefacts of New Galloway is being planned. The paintings and photographs will be images of the borough both as it is now and as it was in the past. If you have any items you think might be suitable for the exhibition please do get in touch with Avril and Ray Bridgeman on 420 438 or raymond.bridgeman@ btinternet.com Grants With increased use the Town Hall is developing a more lived-in feeling. Tuesday Elevenses and Lunches are now seated more comfortably with the soft chairs acquired through grants from Natural Power and the Stewartry Area Committee. They are attended mainly by folk from New Galloway and Dalry and also occasionally by passersby. A grant from the Glenkens Charity Shop had enabled the purchase of new planters and open signs. The NHS Integrated Care Fund has again contributed. Visitors who have attended have commented on the friendly atmosphere. It is a drop-in so no need to book just come along, and if you need help with transport let us know. New Galloway Town Hall moves into the 21st Century With funding from Loreburn Housing Association we have been able to install Broadband and host a Curious about Computers series of drop-in workshops run by the Castle Douglas IT Centre. They are able to donate two of the laptops to leave with us. We are investigating ways in which we can fund continuation of support. LING has already received a small amount of funding from the CD Co-op Local Fund towards setting up an internet cafe - if you are a member of the Co-op sign in to add your vote to contribute to the next rounds! In the meantime you are welcome to access broadband on your own laptop or tablet on Tuesday mornings or evenings. Eyes Down for Bingo LING recently held its first ever fund-raising Family Bingo Evening in the Town Hall. The necessary Bingo machine, cards and daubers were generously donated by Loreburn. For Bob Glaister, LING Treasurer, this was a new experience – first LING members at unveiling of painting. ever time at a bingo session, let alone first time as actual caller! But he did us proud. Eyes were firmly down from 7.30pm onwards so that numbers were not missed in the pursuit of prizes generously donated. Tea, coffee and a wide range of delicious traybakes were on sale with free squash and biscuits available for children. The next bingo session is already being planned into the busy New Galloway social scene. Circuit Training Many folk who enjoy getting up early were sorry when Willer left the area. However, under the CatStrand Connecting programme John Fagan has stepped into the breach, starting up a group in the Town Hall from 8-9am on Saturday mornings. Love Food: Hate Waste LING is hosting a free workshop in New Galloway Town Hall on Tuesday 10 April. This will be run by Kim Young, Project Manager for Zero Waste Scotland. The workshop is free, but booking in advance will be necessary as numbers will have to be planned around. All ages are welcome. It is recommended that a food waste diary sheet is completed for the week before. For further info please contact LING secretary Ann Glaister at raglaister@aol.com or Ros Hill at ros.hill@ rathanhouse.me.uk or 420 632. Town Hall Family Activity Sports Day Dumfries & Galloway Community Sports Team will run a two hours drop-in of varied activities in both halls on Friday 13 April. Fundraising Friday Night is Music Night Friday 18 May is the date to come to a ‘lightsome’ concert of melodies for everyone with Geoff Davidson and the Vintage Ensemble with Director Jonnie Dowswell and guests Janette Davidson and Yinpianni. Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership Project LING’s project includes the restoration and management of a nearby walled garden, the conservation and improvement of the woodland paths beside the Golf Course and other longer distance paths. This will be coming on stream in the early summer. Anyone interested in taking part in such outdoor activities please contact Gerry Cinderby on 420 852 or Ros Hill on 420 632. Ros Hill Glenkens Gazette page 24 War Updates: September-November 1917 I hope that readers will forgive these death reports of the Autumn of 1917 being later than I intended. Oddly enough this parallels what happened to many families whose loved ones were reported ‘missing in action’. It was often weeks or months (or in some cases years) before ‘missing’ was clarified as ‘prisoner of war’, ‘died’ or frustratingly ‘presumed dead’. And of course, there was the added anguish of ‘no known grave’ in many cases to deny a sense of closure. John Twynholm Little had been a gamekeeper at Garple Cottage, Holme, Balmaclellan when he enlisted in November 1914. He was born in 1892 in Glencairn, Dumfriesshire the son of John and Agnes Little of Torwatletie, Balmaclellan. By 22 September 1917 he had been promoted to Lance Corporal when he was wounded, and then died of his wounds at the age of 25. He is recorded on the Balmaclellan war memorial. Thomas Bryden Wilson enlisted at the beginning of the war in September 1914. Born 1895 in Kells Parish, Kirkcudbrightshire the son of the late Thomas Wilson and of Jane (Bryden) Wilson, (later Jardine) and step-son of John Jardine of Main Street, Dalry. His grandfather was James Bryden of Dukieston, Dalry. Tom died of wounds on 27 September 1917 at the age of 22 and is recorded on the Dalry war memorial. Those who have read previous articles will be familiar with the name McCheyne. Six McCheyne brothers served in the Great War and James was to be the third to die (a fourth would come soon after). James was the son of James and Mary (Mulholland) McCheyne of High St New Galloway. James was born in 1890 in Kirkcudbright and was the husband of Janet (Adams) McCheyne of Maryhill, Glasgow who he married in 1909 in Kelvin, Glasgow. He died of wounds on 3 October 1917 at the age of 26 and is commemorated with three of his brothers on the Kells war memorial. James Kidd Gordon was employed as an assistant to Mr Reid, Merchant, in New Galloway when he enlisted in February 1917. He joined his battalion (the 6th KOSB) in France in August 1917. Born in 1898 at Mount Pleasant, New Galloway, the son of John and Marion (Kidd) Gordon. John was slightly wounded by a piece of shrapnel on 20th October 1917 and was to make his own way to a clearing station for further treatment but nothing further was heard of him. He was reported missing in action at the age of 19 and is recorded on the Kells war memorial. John Lambie was born 1891 in Carsphairn, the son of James and Janet (Wilson) Lambie of Woodhead, Carsphairn, and later of Dalmellington, Ayrshire. John was a shepherd like his father. John enlisted into the Royal Field Artillery and served with 460th Battery. He was killed in action on 20 October 1917 at the age of 26 and is recorded on the Carsphairn war memorial. George Murray Mckie was born in 1879 in Balmaclellan, the son of James and Margaret (McRobert) McKie. A carpenter, George worked in Gatehouse-of-Fleet before he emigrated to Canada. He enlisted in May 1915 at Calgary, Alberta. He was reported missing in action on 27 October 1917 at the age of 38 and is on the War Memorials in Gatehouse-of- Galloway’s Artificial Islands Crannogs, the ancient artificial island settlements found in many Galloway lochs, are the subject of the next Glenkens Story lecture at the CatStrand at 2.30pm on Sunday 22 April. Because water-logging preserves wooden and other organic artefacts that don't usually survive on other archaeological sites, crannogs are a particularly valuable resource or archaeologists using the latest scientific techniques. Dr Graeme Fleet and Balmaclellan. Thomas McEwen was a gardener at Glenlee, Kells in 1911. He was born in 1882 at St Michael’s St, Dumfries where his name was registered as McKune. This illustrates a common thread of fluidity of the spelling of names at the time. He was the son of David and Mary (Campbell) McKune of Maxwelltown, Kirkcudbrightshire and husband of Isabella (McMorrine) McEwen who he married in 1902 in Dumfries. Thomas was serving with 1/4th (Border) Battalion, King’s Own Scottish Borderers when he was killed in action at the age of 33 on 2 November 1917 and is named on the Dumfries War Memorial, the Greyfriars Church memorial in Dumfries and on the Kells war memorial. It has proven very difficult to obtain photographs of most of those commemorated on the Glenkens war memorials (including those killed in World War 2). If anyone has any photographs of those commemorated or knows where they can be found then please email me memorials@ paulgoodwin.me.uk so that we can commemorate the men to the best of our ability. Paul Goodwin Above left, John Little; above right, Thomas Wilson. Cavers will give an overview of recent investigations of crannog remains in Galloway, considering what they tell us about the people who lived there in prehistoric and early historic times. Tickets, priced £5, can be purchased from www.catstrand.com and 01644 420 374. Photograph: How an inhabited crannog might have looked - image by Dr Graeme Cavers. Glenkens Gazette page 25 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN GALLOWAY: GAELIC’S LOST PROVINCE On 8 September 2018, the CatStrand will host what is believed to be the first academic conference to closely scrutinise the history of Gaelic in Galloway. It will focus on the origins and duration of Galloway Gaelic, and the remarkable demise of the language in the fifteenth or sixteenth century, issues about which there remain considerable doubts and disagreements. It seems that Gaelic disappeared rather suddenly, and there are differing views about when and how it became established. The first Gaelic speakers probably crossed from Ireland in early AD. Then the Gall-Gaidheil, who gave Galloway its name, possibly originating in the islands of the Clyde arrived in possibly the 10th century. Balmaclellan was formerly thought to have been named for MacLellans who migrated southwards due to Gordon patronage, in the 13th century. This view has been revised to suggest that the MacLellans were actually members of the longestablished Galloway kindred known as the Canes. By 1600 Gaelic in Galloway seems to have been all but finished, but were there some survivals? ‘Galloway’ in the period 1100-1200 seems to have extended into Carrick, Ayrshire, and east to the far side of Annandale. Some references suggest the term, Galwegians, included everybody south of the Clyde at that time. By the 12th century the Lords of Galloway had emerged under their rí or king, Fergus. They engaged in internecine mayhem as they fought one another, as well as the hostile armies of the Scottish kings. The legacy of both sides survives in our remarkable concentration of mottes, primitive castle sites, such as those at Dalry and Balmaclellan. The Galwegians were known as bare-arsed, vicious, psychopathic warriors. Gaelic reposes in numerous placenames. Central to the province’s history was the Galloway Forest extending from the west of the Loch Trool, the Forest of Buchan, to the New Forest around Glenkens. Robert Bruce fought a civil war against Balliol supporters in Galloway. The king encouraged settlement in the Forest, which had its own laws down to the 16th century. present on a 16th century poem, Òran Bagraidh which seems to point to feuding between the Kennedys and some other Galloway clans, perhaps in the 15th or 16th centuries. It contains several local place names. John McDiarmid (1790-1852) was the son of the minister (presumably a Gaelic speaker) of the Highland Church in Glasgow. John was one of the founders of The Scotsman who later moved to Dumfries to edit the Dumfries Courier. He also published a few books including ‘Picture of Dumfries and its Environs’ (1832). In the latter he has the following passage. ‘The Gaelic language, or at least a dialect of that tongue, seems to have lingered longer in Galloway than in any other portion of Scotland on the southern side of the Forth, with the exception of the islands of Man and Arran. Some years ago we visited a respectable gentleman in Galloway who died about the age of 66, and whose mother, as we understand, attained to a much more lengthened term of years. At table the conversation turned on the amazing number of farms whose names could be traced to the Gaelic. This, the gentleman said, was not at all to be wondered at, as he had often heard his mother say that in her younger days the servants and common people in Galloway knew little of either Lowland Scotch or English, and were in the habit of conversing in Gaelic. It is just possible that our memory may deceive us, and that in place of his mother, our authority meant his grandmother; but even then the statement strikes us as very remarkable’. So far there are expressions of interest from Dublin to Inverness. Be there! For tickets and further information contact The CatStrand. Ted Cowan The Galwegians were known as barearsed, vicious, psychopathic warriors. The conference will open with Prof Thomas Clancy of Glasgow University, speaking on the Gaelicisation of Galloway. His colleague Prof Rob O Maolalaigh will discuss Galloway Gaelic, while Dr Fiona Edmonds will look at Gaelic across the Solway. Dr Donald McWhannell will explore the origins of Galloway Cinella or kindreds while Prof Richard Oram will investigate the social and economic structure of the medieval province and Prof Hector MacQueen will review Galloway’s Gaelic law and society. Dr Aonghas Maccoinnich will be ‘Looking for the Gaidhealtachd; identifying Gaels in the historical record 1560-1700’. Glenkens own Michael Ansell co-organiser of the conference will explore the ceathramhan (units of land) of the Cree Valley, Alistair Livingstone will consider the transition from Gaelic to Scots. His two articles on Gaelic in Galloway have recently appeared in D&G Transactions. Wellknown authority Ronnie Black will Glenkens Gazette page 26 THE FORGOTTEN SCHOOLS: PARTON MERKLAND SCHOOL The parish of Parton had two or three schools but they were founded rather later than most in the Glenkens. Sadly we are missing most of the church records for Parton during the 18th and 19th centuries. The few fragments we have indicate that the Kirk was unable to provide a school for the parish in the early years of the 1900s. However, by 1834 the population of Parton supported three schools. The various Gazetteers [Bartholomew’s, Groomes or Lewis’s Topographical] tell us that in 1801 the population was 426, peaking in 1831 at 827, then falling a little to 783 in 1836. In 1834 the two parochial schools had a combined total of 117 scholars and the private school had 20 children. In official Returns the two school are often referred to as the Parton Kirk School and Parton Merkland School. The Merkland School is further to the north east towards Corsock and the site is still visible in a field. In 1836 it had 20 boys and 8 girls with 21 boys and 8 girls in 1837. The School at Merkland is stated by one of its Headmasters to have been founded in 1805 and the Life of James Clerk Maxwell by Lewis Campbell informs us that he was anxious that this school continued its existence. Mr John Donaldson was one of the earliest, if not the first, schoolmasters here. Mr Alexander Knox, Headmaster at the Merkland School from 1829, received his education at the Parton [Kirk] school and at Dumfries Academy. Knox appears to have been headmaster for nearly 50 years. The school day lasted from 10am until 3pm in the winter. In the summer the Merkland continued until 4pm in the afternoon to allow for a midday break. It was recognised that attendance was higher in the winter since the children were needed on the farms during the summer months; few rural children attended until the oat and potato crops were secured. The curriculum almost puts modern schools to shame. English, Greek, Latin, Mathematics, Modern Languages, Arithmetic, Geography, History, Religious Instruction and Catechism filled the day. Schoolmastering was not well paid and around the 1840s we have a reference to the retired schoolmaster, Mr John Donaldson, who was the master at the Merkland School before Alexander Knox. He was living on his pension and his wife, Elizabeth was forced to apply to the Presbytery for poor relief. Donaldson died, “at an advanced age” in 1847. The 1868 National Gazetteer still refers to two schools in the village. Mr Browne at Parton earned £48 and a Mr Alexander Knox, at Merkland, earned £32. The Merkland School is still mentioned in the local papers in 1939. Bruce Smith JACK WINS POETRY COMPETITION Jack Howard from Dalry recently won the Writers’ Forum magazine poetry competition. Jack was born in Blackburn, Lancashire, and has moved progressively north. He lives with his partner, a textile artist, in Dalry, where they also run a small gallery on summer weekends. Jack says he chose the poem The Dance as it is one of his favourites. When asked what he enjoys most about writing poetry, Jack said: “Getting things out of my system and seeing ideas developing in print”. Having moved to Dalry four years ago, Jack, who also writes short stories, says: “The Glenkens is a wonderful place - I cannot help being inspired by it’s beauty and it’s people. I like its rhythm, it’s people and it’s closeness to nature”. The Dance by Jack Howard and she wove a tapestry dancing forwards and backwards to the rhythms of the colours of the silks the threads of her hair irridescent in the moonlight and I stood spellbound bewitched by her movements and by the subtle hues of her weave and by the softness of her touch SUMMER THEATRE FESTIVAL The Fresh Face Theatre Festival is an exciting new residential festival for young people aged 12–16 to showcase their talents and develop new skills in theatre. Based at CatStrand on 26, 27 and 28 July, the booking cost includes all food, workshops, shows and and even though her space now filled with other thoughts remains and even though the memories of her soft caresses and of her sweet kisses dim the feeling remains and her tapestry hangs on my wall swaying gently in the breeze matching the rythms of her dance camping - £5 per day or £10 for the whole weekend. Youth theatre groups get a weekend ticket for £50 for up to eight people. Places are limited so book soon! For bookings and further information contact zoe@catstrand.com or phone 01644 420374 or visit www.catstrand.com Glenkens Gazette page 27 Crockett’s Glimpses Of The Glenkens This, the second in the Glimpses series, focuses on Laurieston and offers the modern reader an insight into the history, adventure and romance of Crockett’s Glenkens. LAURIESTON ‘Whinnyliggate has few recreations, save those of standing about the bridge on summer evenings, and in quietly subdued tones, talking over its own domestic affairs. But in addition it has its quoitinggreen.’ Most people in the Glenkens will be aware that Laurieston has an older name – Clachanpluck. Fewer may know that Crockett fictionalises it as Whinnyliggate (the real Whinneyliggate is further south.) The reason for his fictionalising is easy to see in the many references he makes to the people of the village which, though humorous, are often far from complimentary. He places it in its natural surroundings as follows in The Loves of Miss Anne, set in the 18th century: ‘The village itself strolled down a whinny knowe in a meandering fashion, and whenever the gardens stopped, the broom and the gorse would be looking at you over the dyke. The commonest birds were of the same scheme of colour— mostly grey and brown and yellow— the yellow-yoit, the whinchat and the stonechat. Only at Whinnyliggate the whinchat lived on the moors among the stones and the stone-chat close to the houses among the whins…To this day there is a ‘lane’ which cuts the village in two about the middle. Now in Galloway this is not a woodland walk, but a slow, sleepy, peaty stream, and it was dammed just below the bridge permanently by a weir—as well as frequently elsewhere by unwary fishermen who attempt to catch trout in its murky pools.’ He also gives us an overview of the people, offering an explanation of why he fictionalises both time and place: ‘Curiously enough there is a solid difference in character between the inhabitants of the two principalities. Above-Bridge and Below-Bridge could not be said to have no dealings the one with the other, but it is certainly true that they had as few as possible. of somebody’s brow, is, of course, Below-Bridge. There in the forenights a jovial crowd of ploughmen and orra (odd) men forgather. In my time the prettiest girls all belonged to this part of the country. Though with small claims to beauty, and our lodge being a considerable distance off through the woods, I myself was always at heart Below-Bridge.’ Crockett began his schooldays in Laurieston and there are many more stories of it in Lads’ Love, A Stickit Minister’s Wooing, Love Idylls, A Galloway Herd and Kit Kennedy. For my money one of the best descriptions of the village and its inhabitants comes in The Smiddy Parliament in Raiderland. But I leave the reader to explore that for themselves. Cally Phillips For further The reason for his fictionalising is information and into Crockett’s easy to see in the many references insight Galloway writing visit he makes to the people of the village www.gallowayraiders .co.uk Crockett’s which, though humorous, are often Galloway fiction far from complimentary. was republished in Above-Bridge folk are generally haughtier, more quarrelsome, louder in argument, hungrier, yet with less to appease that hunger. They carry their noses more in the air, owing possibly to the superior elevation of their cottage feus upon the crest of the brae. The shop where they sell cravats and imitation linen collars has always been AboveBridge. Below-Bridge, on the other hand, is universally kindlier, sweeter, humaner, more humoursome in its outlook upon the world. It wears a portlier belly, and, with more of the good things of this life, makes less pretence of gentility. It was apt to laugh in its sleeve at Above-Bridge. The blacksmith’s shop, with its perennial clinka-clank of heartsome labour, tolling the hours in the sweat a centenary edition The Galloway Collection by Ayton Publishing in 2014, and are available in paperback from the online bookseller www.unco.scot, Amazon and other retailers. The Glenkens also features in Cally Phillips 2016 work Discovering Crockett’s Galloway, Volume 2 THE STEWARTRY VETERINARY CENTRE CASTLE DOUGLAS SURGERY HOURS Mon-Fri 2.00-2.30 pm & 5-6 pm Sat 2-2.30 pm DALBEATTIE SURGERY HOURS Mon, Wed, Fri 3-3.30 pm Tues & Thurs 6-6.30 pm FOR APPOINTMENTS AT BOTH SURGERIES OR IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY � 01556 502263 VETERINARY SURGERY OAKWELL ROAD CASTLE DOUGLAS � Glenkens Gazette page 28 Who Do We Think We Were? Who is this strange man with the baby, who landed in Dalry in 1973? This is not a competition; the answer is below. Andrew Mellor recollects how he and Anne, and almost immediately Amy Mellor first arrived in the Glenkens. Perhaps this makes you think of your first arrival here, or perhaps you have always belonged here? Either way, you too have a story to tell. Please send in your 500 words of memoir, from any part of your life, whenever it was, wherever you were. Please send your contribution - of no more than 500 words - by email to margaret.elphinstone@ dircon.co.uk or hand in a copy at CatStrand marked ‘Glenkens Gazette - WDWTWW’. Next issue’s contribution will be from Barry Bryan-Dixon, remembering his time in Northern Ireland. The Land of the Midnight Butcher I wonder if folk who move from a city to the Glenkens today are as much struck by the foibles of rural life as my wife and I were when we moved here from Dundee in July 1973. Leaving behind the tenements and cobbled streets of the city of jute, jam and journalism where we had spent the first few years of our married life, we rattled off in our ancient Reliant three-wheeler on an eventful journey which took all day and which ended in a pretty little woodland cottage on Glenlee Estate with a view across the Glen to Dalry. There was so much to learn. You didn’t go to the shops, many of them came to you, including a butcher’s van which often didn’t arrive until well after bedtime – you just left a note of what you wanted wrapped round some money in a box by your front door. Births and deaths were registered not in an office but in Cowan Fergusson’s front room - with political opinions thrown in for free. And people didn’t knock on a neighbour’s door when visiting – they just walked in. The birth of our daughter, Amy, just a few days after our arrival, closely followed by the start of my teaching career, added to the novelty of the situation. Dalry School in 1973 was unique. The corridors were covered with colourful murals depicting an idyllic world inhabited by white horses and dancing nudes. The classrooms, bursting at the seams with the last throes of the baby boom, were ruled over by a disparate collection of teachers ranging from the formidable Miss Barr, who had arrived with evacuees from Glasgow at the start of the War, to Miss Hydes (soon to become Mrs Porteous), who could easily be mistaken for one of the S4 girls. The school’s jannie was Frank Dalziel, a gentle giant and an expert poultry keeper. He encouraged me to keep some birds. When one of our ducks went lame I found Frank whiling away a long evening class duty sitting by his wee cupboard in the school’s cloakroom surrounded by a pile of feathers plucked from the next day’s dinner. After listening to my description of the duck’s symptoms he said that nothing could be done. “Ye”ll just have to kill it,” he advised. I said that I had never killed anything, asked if he would do it for me, and was taken aback by his blunt reply. “ No, I won’t.” “Why not?” I whimpered. “Because, if you’re going to keep birds, you have to learn how to kill them. But don’t worry. I’ll tell you how to do it.” Another lesson learned. Early in 1974 we moved into the Old Schoolhouse in Dalry. This had a productive walled garden inhabited by an old man who had the use of part of the ground in exchange for odd jobs and wisdom. Eddie McCreadie had come to the Glenkens from Ulster in the 1930s to work on the Galloway Power scheme. Ironically, the wee house in Kirkland Street where he lived with his “housekeeper”, Amy, still had no electricity. Inside it was like a museum. Eddy, flat-capped and bent with arthritis, could often be found rocking back on a kitchen chair with his feet propped on the rail of an old cast iron kitchen range on which were drying an (unwashed!) hanky or two. On the wall were pictures of his heroes – King Billy and Ian Paisley – while in a corner a battery powered wireless poured out Scottish dance tunes. Eddie taught me how to use a scythe and how to mend a wheelbarrow. It has to be said that some of his tips - such as how to get rid of a wasps’ byke with nothing more than a long pole and a plastic sack - were a little dubious but, who knows? They might come in useful one day. GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL � 01644 420234 � New Galloway Golf Club Founded 1902 www.nggc.co.uk - 01644 420737 Buggies now available for hire VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME Glenkens Gazette page 29 NEW GALLOWAY HELP THE LIFEBOATS CELEBRATORY EVENTS The Glenkens Fundraising Branch of the RNLI is holding a Coffee Evening in Dalry Town Hall on Thursday 17 May at 7pm, and warmly invite Glenkens folk to join them. As well as enjoying a cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit, there will be lots of stalls including delicious home-baking and a selection of RNLI Souvenirs. You can stock up on plants for your flowers beds or vegetable patch, browse the large selection of books and try your luck at the Tombola stall. All proceeds go to the Lifeboats who do not receive any government funding for their vital service keeping our coastal waters safe and therefore rely on the generosity of the public. Balmaclellan Quiz Nights Balmaclellan Village Hall Committee ran another quiz night recently, which was a great success and a good night had by all. Thirteen teams took part and the winners were the Plumber’s Mates from Dalry, well done to them. Over £330.00 was raised, through entry fees and a raffle which has gone to the upkeep and maintenance of the Village Hall. A big thank you to everyone who attended and continue to support the hall. The next quiz night is to be held on Friday 27th April 2018, at 7.30pm at Balmaclellan Village Hall. Teams of 4-6 people welcome. Kay Bird, Secretary, Balmaclellan Village Hall Following the successful Christmas Concert and Christmas Light switch on in New Galloway, the organising committee have decided to continue. Originally this committee was formed for a one-off event to celebrate the many great things that had made 2017 so memorable. A meeting of the committee was held in January and we all felt that having brought together representatives from most of the organisations and groups in New Galloway it would be a shame to let it be dissolved. We therefore decided to call it the Celebratory Events Committee and it has been agreed that it can be a sub-committee of LING which is an organisation for the benefit of the public of New Galloway. This group was never intended to be fund raising. Hopefully we can continue that way with the support of the community and have free events but with donations for the community and local causes. The next event we are planning is a “PICNIC IN THE PARK” to celebrate the Royal Wedding, it will be held on Sunday 20 May. No details yet, but watch out for Posters and information in the near future. Eat Cake For Scotland’s Air Ambulance St Margaret’s Church annual Plant and Bake Sale will take place on Saturday 28 April from 10am to 1pm, outside the church in Kenbridge Road, New Galloway. This year, all the proceeds will go to Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance. The SCAA is a registered charity that assists the Scottish Ambulance Service by providing a helicopter air ambulance for time-critical emergencies anywhere in Scotland. They rely 100% on donations from their supporters. Stock up on tomato plants, vegetable seedlings, house plants, annuals and herbaceous plants, all lovingly grown locally by church members. At the same time a delicious selection of home-baking, jams and marmalades will be available inside the church, and teas and coffees will also be offered - outside if the weather is clement, inside if not! Evening with Ted Cowan at Balmaclellan Village Hall Ted Cowan gave a very interesting and entertaining talk on Balmaclellan in Scotland History, Clans, Covenanters and Characters. Over 50 people attended braving the very cold and unpredictable weather. Ted gave a 50 minute talk which was followed by a substantial buffet and an opportunity afterwards to reconvene and the floor was opened up for a questions and answers session. Many thanks to Ted Cowan for being so generous with his time, everyone enjoyed the evening and hopefully we can hold other similar events in the future. Robin Jardine, Chair, Balmaclellan Village Hall Village Hall Committee representatives presenting a bottle of whisky as a thank you. Left to right: Jim Kirkpatrick (Hall Keeper), Kay Bird (Secretary) Ted Cowan and Robin Jardine (Chair). Glenkens Gazette APRIL page 30 APRIL & MAY Sun 1, Carsphairn Tearoom Bistro, 12noon-6pm, see p15 Tue 3, Drop-in, 9-10.30am, Dalry Police Station Fri 6, Patrick Monahan, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 7, Craft Fair, Dalry Town Hall, Sun 8, GTI Bus Trip, see p6 Tue 10, Love Food: Hate Waste, 2.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall, see p23 Wed 11, Film: The Death of Stalin, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 13, Puppet Animation Festival: Myths of the Vikings, 2pm, CatStrand Fri 13, Family Activities, 10am-12noon, New Galloway Town Hall Fri 13, Carsphairn Tearoom Bistro, 58pm, see p15 Sat 14, Spalding Bowling Club Green Opening Day, 2pm, Dalry Thu 19, Rob Heron & the Tea Pad Orchestra, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 21, D&G Science Festival, 12noon5pm, Easterbrook Hall, Dumfries, see back page Sat 21, D&G Science Festival, 12noon- 5pm, Easterbrook Hall, Dumfries, see back page Sun 22, Glenkens Story Lecture: Graeme Cavers - Crannogs, 2.30pm, CatStrand, see p24 Tue 24, Vincent Van Gogh: A New Way of Seeing, 7.30pm, CatStrand Thurs 26, Glenkens Business Networking, 6-7pm, The Smithy, see p22 Fri 27, Carsphairn Tearoom Bistro, 58pm, see p15 Fri 27, Quiz Night, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall, see p29 Sat 28, Plant & Bake Sale, 10am-1pm, outside church on Kenbridge Road, New Galloway, see p29 Sat 28, GTI Bus Trip: Spring Garden, see p6 MAY Fri 4, Carsphairn Tearoom Bistro, 58pm, see p15 Fri 4, Songs of the Roma, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 5, Drop-in, 1-2.30pm, Dalry Police Station Sun 6, Mossdale Hall Anniversary Celebration, see p18 Sun 13, GTI Bus Trip, see p6 Thu 17, RNLI Coffee Evening, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall, see p29 Fri 18, Music Night Fundraising Concert, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall Sun 20, Picnic in the Park, New Galloway, see p29 Tue 20, Dementia Awareness Eve, 7.30pm, CatStrand, see p22 Thu 24-Sun 27, Knockengorroch World Ceilidh, see back page Fri 25, Carsphairn Tearoom Bistro, 58pm, see p15 Sat 26, Elephant Sessions, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 26-Mon 28, Spring Fling Open Studios, see p15 Tue 29, I, Claude Monet, 7.30pm, CatStrand Thu 31, Alan Bisset, CatStrand, see p20 JUNE Fri 1, Sixfold: A Nexus & CatStrand’s youth dance Choreo Skills Lab, see p20 Sun 3, GTI Bus Trip, see p6 May 26-28, Spring Fling Open Studios, see p15 Sat 2, Carsphairn Tearoom Bistro, 48pm, see p15 SCOUT GROUP SALE The Glenkens Scout Group are holding their annual jumble sale in the Scout Hut in New Galloway on Saturday 5 May from 2-4pm and Sunday 6 May from 1.30-3pm. We are collecting for the sale in the villages on Wednesday 2 May in the evening. The group are small, so we are appealing for anyone who can help with sorting from 6.45 onwards, either on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday, before the sale, or on the sale weekend. This would be much appreciated. Any queries, please phone Heather on 420 375. Glenkens Gazette page 31 REGULAR EVENTS CatStrand, New Galloway: Film Makers’ Club, Mon, 7-8.30pm Exercise to Music: Mon, 9.30-10am Margaret Morris dance 1: 3-7yrs, Mon (term-time), 3.45-4.30pm Margaret Morris Dance 2: 8-16yrs, Mon (term-time), 4.30-5.15pm Youth Volunteer Meet-up, Mon, 68pm, FREE PIZZA Choreographic Skills Lab, Mon (term-time), 7-8.30pm, ages 12-18 Start to Write, 1st Tues each month, 3-5pm (no Feb meeting) Animation Club, Tues, 4.30-6.30pm Gentle Tai Chi: Wed, 10am Wendletrap Tai Chi, Wed, 2-3.30pm Continue to Write, 1st Wed each month, 3.15-5.15pm Music/Jam Youth Drop-in, Wed, 6-7pm & rehearsal/recording space available for booking from 7-9pm Writers’ Cafe, 2nd Thurs each month, 7-9pm Sing it Out, Thurs, 11am -12pm CatStrand Ukes, Thurs, 1–3.30pm Yoga, Thurs, 6.30pm Zumba Gold, Fri (term-time), 9.3010.30am, CatStrand, 16+ Saturday Art Club, 2nd & 4th Sat of the month, 10am–12noon Glenkens Acoustic Sessions, last Sun of the month, 2-4pm Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry, (contact Kath on 430 281): Paint & Art, Mon, 2-4pm GCC Playgroup, Tues, Wed & Thurs, 9.15-11.45am Guides, Tues, 6-8pm Brownies, Thurs 6-7.30pm Kickback Martial Arts, Thurs, 79pm Thursday Craft Group, Thurs, 24pm Glenkens Children’s Club, Fri, 10am-12noon New Galloway Town Hall: LING Lunches, Tues, 11am-2pm Indoor Sports, Tues, 7-9pm Zumba, Wed, 7.30-8.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall, 11+ Saturday Circuits, 8-9am with John Fagan Various Locations: Hatha Yoga, Mon, 10-11.15am, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn Mens Shed Mondays, 6.30pm, Balmaclellan Carsphairn Post Office, Tues, 1-3pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn Dalry WI, 3rd Tues each month, 2pm, Dalry Town Hall (except Jun, Jul & Aug) Beavers, Tues, 6–7.15pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Dog Training, Tues & Thurs, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. Contact: Eric 460 670 Mossdale Painters, Wed, 9.30am, Mossdale Village Hall Cub Scouts: Wed, 6.45–8pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Youth Writing, Thurs (during term time), 3.30-5pm, ages 10-15, Dalry School Glenkens Community Councils Balmaclellan Community Council Meetings: 4th Monday each month, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall. Carsphairn Community Council Meetings: Last Monday each month, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn. CHECK OUT NEW WEBSITE! Dalry Community Council Meetings: 1st Monday each month, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. New Galloway & Kells Community Council Meetings: 2nd Monday each month, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall. Full minutes of local Community Council meetings can be viewed at Dalry Library. CHURCH TIMES 7.30pm: Quiz Night, Dalry Town Hall. & K Churches, Dalry Church. 27 Apr, CHURCH OF SCOTLAND: Sunday Services - Balmaclellan 12noon: 1st. Carsphairn 10.30am: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th. Dalry 12noon: 1st(Apr), 3rd, 4th. Dalry 10.30am: 2nd(May), 5th(Apr). Kells 10.30am: 2nd(Apr), 4th. Special Services/Events:1 Apr, 7am: Easter Dawn Service, New Galloway Park, followed by breakfast in NG Lower Town Hall. 1 Apr, Easter Sunday services, 10.30am, Carsphairn & Kells Churches; 12noon, Dalry Church. 8 Apr, 10.30am, United Family Service for Dalry and B 29 Apr, 10.30am, United Service with Choir, Dalry Church. 13 May, 10.30am, United Family Service for Dalry and B & K Churches, Kells Church. 26 May, 2–4pm, Plant Sale & Cream Teas, Balmaclellan Village HallCommunion Services: 6 May, 12noon, Balmaclellan Church SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH: St Margaret’s, New Galloway: Holy Communion, 10.30am every Sun & Wed. CATHOLIC CHURCH SERVICES: Kirkcudbright: Sun Mass, 9.30am. Dalbeattie: Sat Mass, 5pm Coffee & Craft, Fri, 9am-12noon, Lagwyne Hall Folk Music Session, 4th Fri each month, 7.30/8pm till closing, Ken Bridge Hotel Scouts, Thurs, 7–8.30pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Gentle Tai Chi, Fri 10-11am, Dalry Town Hall Family and friends coming to stay? Short of space? Cosy country cottage available (sleeps 4) Call Fiona on 01644 420 227 www.covenanters-holidaycottagescotland.co.uk To hire the MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) behind Dalry School call Sonja Tranter on 430 244 or Nicolette Wise on 430 218. Dalry Library Tuesdays 12noon-3.30pm Fridays 10am-12noon & 1-4.30pm For further library van stops and informa�on contact Castle Douglas library on 01556 502 643 ADVERTISE IN THE GAZETTE (price per issue incl VAT) SMALL: 6cm x 6cm, £37.80 (+ 10% off with series discount) 1/4 PAGE: 9cm w x 13cm h, £81.90 (+ 25% off with series discount) 1/2 PAGE: 18cm w x 13cm h, £151.20 (+ 25% off with series discount) FULL PAGE: 18cm w x 27cm h, £252 (+ 25% off with series discount) Call 07727 127 997 VAT Reg. No. 882 8361 87 USEFUL NUMBERS: ● Pot-hole Hotline: 0845 276 0000 ● Police, non-emergency: 101 ● Doctor: 01644 420 234 ● NHS 24: 08454 24 24 24 ● D&G Council: 030 33 33 3000 Glenkens Gazette Knockengorroch World Ceilidh music festival will take place from Thursday 24 to Sunday 27 May in the hills above Carsphairn. This year founder member of legendary hip-hop band Jurassic 5, Cut Chemist, drops in from the US for a rare one-off date in Scotland. Pioneers of international music fusion Transglobal Underground return after their last visit to Knockengorroch in 2007, and African female powerhouse Les Amazones d’Afrique tackle love, page 32 oppression and female empowerment with ancient rhythms blended seamlessly over funk, blues and dub. The diverse line-up incorporates top music to dance to from across the world with more than a healthy splash of traditional Scottish sounds. This four-day festival, based in the Glenkens, has been running since 1998. A festival run by a family, for families, in the very broadest sense of the word, it attracts young and old to the banks of the glittering river Deugh at the foot of Cairnsmore of Carsphairn. As well as music the festival WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Submit events, activities, news stories, cartoons, reviews, tips & techniques, fiction, photos, ads or ideas... Contact Sarah Ade on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk APRIL/MAY COPY DEADLINE: 5 MARCH © Douglas Robertson features a children’s area and procession, creative, heritage and environmental workshops, a cinema, sauna, healing area, real ales and ciders, global shopping stalls, fire shows, circus, comedy, theatre, storytelling and lots more! Book now for advance tickets, concessions available. Under 11’s free, ages 11-16 half-price. Dogs on leads with responsible owners welcome. To find out more visit www.knockengorroch.org.uk Design & co-ordination: Sarah Ade sarah.ade@gmail.com Printing:Stranraer & Wigtownshire Free Press www.stranraer-freepress.co.uk The Glenkens Gaze�e is an ini�a�ve of the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust, a Registered Sco�sh Charity No. SC032050  Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette 105 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GG_105 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource GCAT Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2018 Description An account of the resource Editor: Sarah Ade https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/1/252/GlenkensGazette106.pdf c692a637c9b242a257d2d32d07475c87 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 106 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Description An account of the resource <p>Find out more about the Gazette: <a href="https://glenkens.scot/gazette-home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Glenkens Gazette home page</a> If you would like to submit an article or take out an advert, please email the editor Sarah Ade: <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="mailto:glenkensgazette@hotmail.com">glenkensgazette@hotmail.com</a></p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is a member of, and regulated by <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.impressorg.com/">Impress</a>.</p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is an initiative of Glenkens Community &amp; Arts Trust (SC032050) and represents the voice of the community (not necessarily the views of GCAT).</p> Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document GLENKENS GAZETTE News from Balmaclellan, Carsphairn, Mossdale, New Galloway and St John’s Town of Dalry June/July 2018 ISSUE 106 FREE CLACHAN INN WINS PUB OF THE YEAR AWARD The Clachan Inn continues to scoop awards, being named best pub in the region. It was no easy task as the competition was strong. The Clachan Inn was voted Overall Dumfries & Stewartry Winner and Stewartry Area Winner Campaign for Real Ale at the CAMRA Pub of the Year Awards 2018. The Clachan isn’t a stranger to recognition, having received CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) awards in 2014 and 2016. As a result of the hard work and dedication of owners Laura Burnie and Phil Papworth, along with a committed team of staff, they have now accomplished the overall award. Laura said: “We’re thrilled; really delighted. We’re just trying to make the place a fun and relaxing community hub by serving great food and craft Clachan Inn owners Phil Papworth and Laura Burnie at the front with Trevor Hayward from CAMRA © Phil Robinson. beers. Our gin range also goes down well too!" I can vouch for this as I write and dine there - may their success continue. Congratulations Laura and Phil! Ian Patrick GLENKENS TAXI SERVICE The Glenkens is set to get better connected with a new taxi service coming into operation. T&C Taxis of Dalmellington is proposing to operate a Glenkens taxi service. From 1 July, a taxi will be dedicated to the Glenkens, available for journeys from contracted school taxi services to fast food delivery or running you and your mates home from the pub. Company owner Jim Ireland says: "I’ve been considering a taxi service in this area for a while. I now have a car free, and as I already have the relevant licencing to operate in the area, it seems like a good time to try it out." To get in touch with T&C Taxis, either to find out more about the Glenkens service or to book the taxi, call 01292 550 100. T&C Taxis have vehicles and drivers licensed to operate in East Ayrshire (Sub Zone South) and Dumfries and Galloway (Sub Zone Stewartry Area). They are currently looking for A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) ini�a�ve drivers for both areas – please get in touch with Jim Ireland by text for further details - 07747 466 835. www.glenkensgaze�e.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 2 Connecting in Communities Celebrates The Connecting in Communities (CiC) project celebrated its first birthday in May. The project, which is funded by LEADER and the Big Lottery is a three-year community enhancement programme aimed at the Glenkens. Run by Brian Jones and Chris Jowsey, based at CatStrand, CiC has something for everyone and offers a wide ranging variety of events and activities. To answer the time-honoured question of “what have the Romans ever done for us” here is a synopsis of what we have achieved in the last year: The Men’s Shed and Uke Band go from strength to strength, with growing membership and around £1000 raised for various charities from our frequent gigs. We’ve run 1st Aid, Food Safety and Tablets courses and on the health and wellbeing front we’ve added biweekly Fitness Training and evening Yoga to the existing Pilates, Yoga, Zumba and Tai Chi sessions. On the music front the Singing group continues to thrive, Beginners Ukes are strumming nicely, Rocktober blew the top off the auditorium and everyone had a hoot at the Day-Time and Fancy Dress Discos. For the creative amongst us, there are now two writing groups and a monthly writer’s café, plus the artistic Rekindling Creativity sessions, Margaret Morris Movement, Knit and Blether and the quarterly Afternoon Tea Club film shows. On a more serious note though, CiC has also been building partnerships with a number of local and national organisations. We’re working with Sam Rushton from New Galloway Community Enterprise, Grace and Debz from Sleeping Giants and supporting LING (Local Initiatives in New Galloway) by outsourcing activities to the Town Hall. CiC works with Third Sector D&G and on a number of projects and D&G Council on various Health and Wellbeing initiatives. We also work with Age Scotland, various D&G Day Centres and Friendship Groups and the Crichton Campus Care Project is using CiC as a potential model for wider roll-out. More recently we are working with Better Lives Partnerships to explore possibilities for young adults on the Autistic Spectrum and we must say thanks to the Music for All Charity and John Douglas music who have provided the Beginners Ukes instruments and equipment. Looking to the future, CiC is working with Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership on developing the Old Smiddy in Balmaclellan as a heritage hub and CatStrand annex. This will provide an additional multi-use venue, space for young people, modern IT facilities, library and potentially a small recording studio. Waiting in the wings we have the Volunteers Night and Umbrella Party, Art Classes, Grease 40th Birthday showing, Line dancing, Community Cooking (in Dalry), Games Afternoons, the Tricky Hat “Flames” and another Rock Night. Want to know more or get involved? Brian and Chris can be contacted on 01644 420374 or by email brian@catstrand.com or chris@catstrand.com CiC and CatStrand rely heavily on volunteers to support the plethora of events and activities that go on, if you have time to spare and something to offer please get in touch, we’d love to have you onboard. Do you have an idea, comment or complaint? Look out for our Wishing Trees which will be appearing during June at various locations for you to give us your thoughts and feedback, we’d really like to hear from you! Chris Jowsey, Volunteer & Participation Officer, GCAT MIDSUMMER POETRY Acclaimed poet Stuart Paterson will lead a Midsummer Poetry Walk starting from Balmaghie on Saturday 23 June from 11.30am to 3pm. The walk begins in the area where the Galloway Viking Hoard was found. Along the way, Stuart will encourage participants to make a poetic response to the landscape and its story. This event follows on from last year’s Poetry Walk from Dalry to Waterside, led by Tom Pow. He cites that walk in his afterword to Allan Wright’s recent book of Galloway photographs, saying how he considers "Galloway to be a participatory landscape rather than one of spectacle." He also talks about the sense of adventure he finds in the landscape and the poignancy of its history: this land too is rucked with the bones and blood guide books never chart History will, no doubt, be much in the minds of this year’s writer-walkers. Dr David Bartholomew, who was present when the Galloway Viking Hoard was discovered and has some interesting theories about its origins, hopes to join the folk enjoying the midsummer richness of Balmaghie on this gentle twomile walk. Just 15 places are available - book now at www.catstrand.com or call 01644 420 374. Balmaghie Kirk yard Glenkens Gazette One Hundred Years a Hero The Carsphairn Heritage and Craft Centre celebrates the centenary year since the end of the First World War with an exhibition entitled One Hundred Years a Hero. Featuring William Hew Clark Kennedy who, 100 years ago, was one of 627 soldiers who were awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military decoration, the exhibition tells how he received the medal for valour whilst leading the 24th battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Forces in late August and early September 1918. William fought in France during the war and it was only after he was severely wounded following his action at the Battle of Arras that he returned to England. His VC citation details his bravery and leadership in leading his troops in a successful advance. The Clark Kennedy family and the local community are delighted that a Government-sponsored centenary memorial stone will be erected at Carsphairn war memorial on Monday 27 August. The stone laying ceremony will be followed by a service in the village church and a reception in Lagwyne Hall. After a successful and wellreceived pilot scheme last November page 3 and December, the centre is now displaying the work of local crafts people. There’s a wide range of contemporary and heritage crafts for sale, all of which are handmade in the Glenkens area. The Heritage and Craft Centre is open until Sunday 30 September between 10am and 4pm every Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Bank Holiday Monday. From Thursday 5 July to Monday 27 August inclusive, the centre will be open every day apart from Tuesday and Wednesday. Visit www.carsphairn.org/ heritagecentre for further details. Top: William Hew Clark Kennedy VC. Above: Karen Hall, who chairs the Carsphairn Heritage Group, casts an eye over the One Hundred Years a Hero exhibition. ARNDARROCH OPEN GARDEN The garden at Arndarroch will be opened to the public on Sunday 29 July. Organising the event are the Dumfries & Galloway Canine Rescue, who will receive 60% of the proceeds, with the remainder going to the Carsphairn Church Fabric Account which funds repairs and maintenance to the church. The garden at Arndarroch has been developed from the hillside over the last 27 years. The whole garden is wildlife friendly including the numerous rabbits. Many birds find nesting places in the trees and shrubs whilst others are helped by unusual nest ‘boxes’. Garden waste material is used in the woodlands to provide homes for many mammals and countless smaller creatures. There is a good collection of herbaceous perennials, trees and shrubs - some rare - and seats are available so that one can sit and savour the magnificent views. Entrance to the gardens is £3.50 for adults and free for children aged 16 and under. Children enjoy the space and the intriguing corners of the garden, and there will be a puzzle for them to do with a prize if they find all the answers. Teas (and home baking) are £2.50 and there will be the usual excellent plant stall and, for the first time, colourful, decorative and useful patchwork items for sale. The garden is open from 2 to 5pm. Dogs on leads are welcome. Arndarroch is on the B7000 five miles from Carsphairn and Dalry. Glenkens Gazette page 4 sponsored by EVERYTHING listed in the Glenkens Freecycle section is FREE - you just need to contact the owner and go and pick it up! If you would like to list something on this page, please get in touch with Sarah on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk VARIOUS needs mending. Also mattress if wanted. Contact: 01644 430218 2 children’s wooden beds with mattresses, size 2ft 6inchs by 5ft 6inches, good condition. Contact: 01644 450 265 Lovely old piano. A beautiful sounding piano in its day and could be again. Free and ready for collection now. Contact: Dave on 01644 420 211 Microwave, Morphy Richards. Good working order. Contact: Davie on 430446 Lovely girl's four-poster single bed, white painted wood, one post Single bed and mattress with two pull-out drawers underneath. Contact: 01644 430218 FOLLOW THE WATER, FEEL THE BURN... In this issue I will mostly be following burns and looking for waterfalls. After a rather cold and dismal start to the year the sun is finally shining on this corner of the world. The bright green leaves and flowers of spring have cheered the place up considerably; the blackthorn and gorse have put on a particularly good display this year. There are plenty more still to come: the ash has barely begun to put its leaves out while the hawthorn and crab apple trees have yet to flower. All things considered it is an excellent time to get your boots on and get out into the hills. The tricky bit is always deciding where to start and where to head. The Glenkens are blessed with a large number of beautiful burns that feed into Loch Ken and following them either up to or down from their source can make for a very pleasant journey of discovery. Some burns tumble steeply down from the high hills, whilst others meander slowly through rolling moors or along the marshy glen floors. The longer ones tend to flow through a variety of scenery so you never know what is around the bend. Burns tend to be situated away from the roads, which makes for peace and quiet, although there are many places where you can see them from your car and stop to admire them. Often you will find that you can’t see any houses or other manmade structures, nor hear any traffic noise, just the birds. At the moment that means especially the skylark which is busily advertising its presence. In areas that have been cleared for pasture trees tend to survive by the sides of the burns, for where the water has cut down into the rock and left steep banks it is harder for the sheep and cattle to graze the tasty young saplings. Farmers also tend to build fences and dykes away from the water’s edge to stop their beasts from falling into the water. This means Dynamic Domestic For all your cleaning requirements HIGHLAND BEEF from THE GLENKENS STEAK ROASTS MINCE CASSEROLE LORNE pre-pack frozen Blackmark Dalry Castle Douglas DG7 3UG 01644 460532 www.highland.scot local, reliable & friendly staff fully insured competitive rates now taking new clients in the Glenkens & Stewartry area Call Victoria on 07516599103 www.dynamicdomestic.co.uk WANTED Wardrobe/chest of drawers and any old lawn mowers/garden machinery (any condition). Contact: Steve on 07845 562 217 We are looking for someone who has the patience and skill to paint an egg and dart frieze in the entrance hall as the final step in our long and arduous house renovation. Contact: Dave on 01644 420 211 that following the burn gives you the best chance of the shade that trees cast, should the sun continue to shine. The cool damp atmosphere also encourages luxuriant growth of mosses, lichens and ferns that give some burns a truly magical feel. For me though, the best reason to follow burns is to find rocks and waterfalls and pools. There are quite a number of waterfalls in the Glenkens; some are fairly well-known, such as the Holy Linn near Dalry. Others can be found on the Ordnance Survey maps. But many remain to be discovered while out wandering, overlooked for whatever reason by the mapmakers. Where there are waterfalls there are normally pools, so if the sun continues to shine and you’re feeling brave, don’t forget your swimmers! Happy hunting... The Galloway Hermit Wright’s Shop & Post Office Dalry Licensed convenience store and newsagent stocking a range of local suppliers including Corsons and Irvings Bakers, Ballards and Dalmellington Country Butchers and Mitchells Fruit and Veg. Opening Times (both shop & PO): Monday to Friday: 7am – 6pm Saturday: 8am – 6pm Sunday: 8.30am – 4pm Tel: 01644 430 225 Glenkens Gazette page 5 sponsored by NUTS ABOUT CRAB APPLES Dear Galloway Hermit, I share your love of ancient crab apples. And we are not alone. Back in autumn 2017, I received a request from Rick Worrell, a Perthshire researcher - did we have any crab apple trees in Galloway? My answer, of course, was YES, there are lots here. Say more? Rick is hugely enthusiastic about wild crab apple trees, and realised that because they occur sporadically rather than being a dominant woodland tree, they tend to get forgotten by UK forest policy. So he set out to survey Scotland’s maligned native forest apples, and prove that they are not just a recent garden escapee. Rick was looking for leaf samples - just one leaf from each tree, in a plastic bag, with silica crystals. DNA analysis would indicate their genetics… are they cross-bred with sweet orchard apples, or are they the genuine wild apples, long-lived trees with scented blossom and small tart fruit? Was this a wild goose chase, or more of a bear hunt (after all, didn’t bears, wild boar and wild cattle originally eat the fallen fruit and spread apple seeds)? I emailed a few friends locally to ask could they help - could they send me some crab apple leaves - so I could give them to Rick and his colleague James Renny during their flying visit to Galloway. To my surprise, my request went viral and I received more than 60 leaves from people who had gathered a leaf from trees across the region (luckily, just before the first frost). It turns out that many, many folk in Galloway are nuts about crab apples. Then, in February 2018, Rick returned to Galloway with the results. How exciting. The DNA analysis (by Marcus Ruhsum at Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh) showed that most (more than 75%) of the Galloway crab apple samples are native Scottish forest apples. The graph shows just how native - the length of the green line shows how wild the DNA is (anything that is half-and-half is a recent hybrid). Galloway is truly at the core of our crab apple universe. It's one of the most crab-apply places in the UK (there are lots in the Lakes, too). If you want to find out more, visit www.reforestingscotland.org/ wordpress1/wordpress1/wp-content/ uploads/2017/09/Worrell-CrabApple.pdf for the article Rick Worrell wrote last year for Reforesting Scotland; he’ll write another this autumn which will include the results of the Galloway research. We’re hoping, that as a result of the interest shown in the talk at the Ken Bridge, that perhaps someone will start a native crab apple nursery in the region, stocked with regional crab apples. And it’d be interesting to learn more about cows-andapples - are many of the crab apple trees in old cow-pastures? Don’t the apple seeds germinate perfectly in cowpats? Is ‘apple wooded pasture’ (cattle-grazed open woodlands and scraggy parks) part of the story, an old Galloway tradition? Mas, SWANC How native are the crab apple trees of Galloway? The length of the green line illustrates how ‘wild’ (sylvestris) the crab apple DNA is. This research was carried out by Rick Worrell and James Renny using DNA science by Marcus Ruhsum (Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh) on samples gathered during autumn 2017. Glenkens Gazette page 6 Glenkens Gazette page 7 NEW GALLOWAY GOLF CLUB With the change of the clocks, New Galloway Golf Club swung into its summer season. The course is in superb condition and ready to receive all visitors who wish to play. The club is offering golf coaching to the local community and anyone who would like to try the game can telephone the club or come along to the course on Saturday mornings when arrangements will be made to suit individual circumstances. The club's coaches are now also busy coaching junior golfers, both in the schools during the week and at the course on Saturday mornings. The Saturday junior coaching is from 10 to 11:30am. The club is grateful to the Glenkens Charity Shop for their generous grant to purchase sets of junior golf clubs, which enables them to provide the equipment to those who come along without clubs. Ian Brown Coaches with some of the junior golfers, sporting the new clubs purchased with funding from the Glenkens Charity Shop, prior to the first session of the season. RECENTLY AWARDED ‘CAMRA PUB OF THE YEAR 2018’ - three changing cask ales & cider - fresh, seasonal & local food - open all day every day - award-winning food, beer & atmosphere - en-suite accommodation - 20% off takeaway discount - country sport & walkers facilities - 01644 430 241 www.theclachaninn.co.uk Follow us on facebook and twi�er and make sure to sign up for our newsle�er - see website for details… www.gallowayglens.org Glenkens Gazette page 8 COMMUNITY BALMACLELLAN COUNCIL NEWS COMMUNITY COUNCIL ELECTIONS On 26 April the remaining elected members of Balmaclellan Community Council informed co-opted members and local residents that the Community Council had been dissolved. This was due to the number of elected members falling below the threshold of five as a result of recent resignations. The ex-Community Councillors were keen to re-establish quickly and 20 signatures have already been collected and submitted In the next few months D&G Council are expected to approve a new Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils and all community councils will be expected to sign up to this. to D&G Council with a view to starting this process. Joann Scott has confirmed the intention to put a notice in the Galloway News on Thursday 31 May announcing the Balmaclellan Community Council election. The date of the poll will be Thursday 19 July and the nomination period will be open from 31 May to 21 June. There are nine council vacancies to be filled and members of Balmaclellan parish are encouraged to put themselves forward for what could be a very exciting time in the parish’s development. A good cross-section of the community will ensure healthy debate over a variety of issues surrounding the future role of community councils. Community councils are likely to have new responsibilities as ‘Participatory Budgeting’ increasingly gives local people a real say over how budgets are spent. Sanquhar Academy has led the way with giving young people the chance to determine how windfarm benefit monies are spent locally. Another exciting reason for people to stand is to ensure that young people and those on low incomes can help shape new and more effective ways of involving all sectors of local communities. Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents Dumfries & Galloway 01556 503744 www.ggblaw.co.uk All legal advice Offices in Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie Kirkcudbright and Dumfries Glenkens Gazette page 9 CatStrand Highlights It is summer season and CatStrand is branching out over the coming months to bring more events right into your village. Summer is arguably our busiest time of year in terms of tourists and visitors, and this means loads of festivals, shows and activities all over the region. Rather than compete with these fantastic events, we tend to ease off over July and August and take time to fix those shingles and recharge those batteries for the busy autumn and winter to come. HOWEVER...we still have a packed summer brochure and loads of amazing shows over June and July in particular. June sees the 39th Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival getting under way and, as usual, CatStrand has a wide mixture of shows from raucous Scots trad band Elephant Sessions (Sat 26 May) through to conceptual dance from Sixfold (Fri 1 Jun) which also features the sublime talents of our Choreo Skills Lab youth dance group. Redbridge Arts bring us the interactive musicological play Turntable (Sat 2 Jun) and then we have performance and improvised poetry from Hannah Lavery & Jenny Lindsay (Sun 3 Jun). We’re delighted to be sponsoring Dalry Film Club for their next season of films which starts with The Greatest Showman (PG) on Wed 6 Jun (note the change of date from our brochure) with more to follow in the autumn. Young Scottish multi-instrumentalist and singer Kirsty Law brings her highly acclaimed Young Night Thought concert to CatStrand on Thu 22 Jun, lauded by the likes of Karine Polwart and the Scotsman Kirsty is ably supported by pedal harpist Esther Swift (Twelfth Day) and drummer Owen Curtis (Pictish Trail). Before we have time to catch breath, the hugely talented Kinny Gardner will be rolling into CatStrand for his innovative puppet theatre show Cinder-ella which is FREE (Fri 22 Jun, 10.30am) and suitable for ages 4–8. For a change of scene, why not join BBC Poet in Residence Stuart Paterson on the rearranged Ken Words Poetry Walk & Picnic to Balmaghie (Sat 23 Jun). We’re delighted to be continuing our Exhibition on Screen films over the summer and what better for June than Painting the Modern Garden: Monet to Matisse [U] (Tue 26 Jun). If classical music is more to your taste, then the virtuosic Tee Trio are performing a vibrant programme of Smetana, Tailleferre, Mendohlssohn and Schubert (Fri 29 Jun). July veers course once again Markus K with the enigmatic American blues fusionist Markus K (Fri 13 July) doing his now world renowned oneman band show. Of course, summer wouldn’t be summer without a comedy show and if you liked Mark Nelson you’ll LOVE the new toast of Scottish comedy Ashley Storrie who brings her Adulting show here on Sat 21 July. Loved by Dawn French and a regular on Breaking the News, she won The Sun’s Best Scottish Performance of 2017. Don’t miss it. Looking ahead, we’re delighted to have the likes of Kiki Dee (Fri 16 Nov), Kris Drever & Boo Hewerdine (Sat 13 Oct), Miles Hunt (Thu 29 Nov), and Mary Ann Kennedy (Fri 7 Sept) on the eve of our first ever Galloway Gaelic Conference (Sat 8 Sep). Tickets are available for all these shows now... OUR NEW SUMMER BROCHURE IS OUT NOW! So make sure to grab yourself a copy... The CatStrand Team Community Engagement News Well, it’s certainly been a busy and exciting time in New Galloway over the last few months. There has been so much been going on and Community Engagement projects are really beginning to take shape. A drop-in session was held in New Galloway Town Hall offering advice on topics such as 'How will the introduction of Universal Credit affect me?' and 'How can I use my digital device to access housing?'. We also had the Citizens Advice Bureau offering consultations. The information was greatly appreciated by those who attended and people commented that they now feel better prepared to manage the changes that are being made to the benefit system very soon. We aim to have more opportunities like this in the future, so do let me know what subjects you would like to learn more about. During the month of June 'Wishing Trees' will appear around the New Galloway and Kells parish. These are beautiful trees on which you are invited to write your ‘wish’ for our community. We need your help to make them blossom! We hope this joint initiative between Connecting in Communities, Local Innitiatives in New Galloway (LING) and the Community Engagement Worker will help us really understand what people want to see happening in New Galloway and Kells. In other news, we held our second Glenkens Business Network meeting at The Smithy Tearooms in April. This fantastic event has provided local businesses with the opportunity to get together and find ways to support each other. A Facebook group has been created - Glenkens Business Network - to keep us in touch and maintain support beyond the meetings. Any local businesses (large or small) from around the Glenkens are welcome to join us at our next meeting on Thursday 7 June 6pm at The Smithy or request to join the Facebook group. Finally, I am launching a series of women’s activity sessions at the Galloway Activity Centre, where we have been given the chance to try some of the activities on offer, have some fun and meet other people. We are hoping to arrange a monthly session between June and September. To find out more or make suggestions, please contact me on 07741 656 601. Sam Rushton, Community Engagement Worker, New Galloway Glenkens Gazette page 10 FLASH FICTION COMPETITION Are you a writer? Do you enjoy flash fiction? Well get writing! Each issue the Glenkens Gazette will run a flash fiction competition for short sories (under 450 words), with a different subject each time. This issue’s subject is ‘Time’. Rules: It must be your own work. It must be no more than 450 words. It must be Fiction. Minimum age of entry 12 years with no maximum age limit. It must include a separate 50 words about yourself and what inspired your story. The winning entry will be published in the next issue of the Glenkens Gazette, including an online presence on the Gazette website, Facebook and Twitter. Entries will be judged by local author Ian Patrick, and the winner will receive a £10 Amazon voucher to spend on a book of their choice. What have you got to lose? Email entries to glenkens gazette@hotmail.co.uk by the 5 July 2018. The judge's decision is final and no late entries will be accepted. The winner of the April/May Flash Fiction Competition is Paul Goodwin with The Flitting Cart (printed below). About the Author: I am now exceedingly close to drawing my state pension and in my fiftieth year in paid employment. I have done bookkeeping, accounting and worked with computers – now it is time for my artistic side to escape… THE FLITTING CART I started life in 1914 in Edinburgh – my master who built me would ‘flit’ families from place to place in the dead of night leaving the rent owing; but I would carry all their worldly goods to their new (secret) home. Then my master went off to the war in France. His wife (my mistress) would look after me and do the odd ‘flit’ but fewer after the rent strikes because this meant that the new law in the winter of 1915 froze the rents to make them affordable. Then came the day of the telegram, my mistress screamed, then beat me, then ignored me for a whole year, my master would not be coming home. I waited in the yard, in the rain. My second life began when my mistress’s son (young master) dragged me out of the yard, cleaned me up and painted his name proudly on the side. I had never had a name. Instead of skulking around in the dead of night, I now paraded proudly from the market to the theatre area to sell fruit to the theatre goers. Eventually war came again, the young master went off to war, and I was taken from Edinburgh to Glasgow at the time of the blitz to be a fire cart. I was not badly damaged like many of the other carts I saw, but not well cared for either. After the war I returned to Edinburgh with faded paint and was relieved to see that the young master had returned safe from the war. I was kept in a shed as the young master (now older) had bought a war surplus van to continue his trade with fruit and veg. One day a neighbour needed to move house but could not afford to hire a van. I was pressed into service for an old-fashioned moonlight flit. The young girl of the house made a sign ‘flitting cart’ and pinned it over the faded ‘fruit seller’ and ‘fire cart’ signs. Afterwards, word got around and I was often borrowed for moonlight flits (silent you see - no engine). One day, when I could not fit down a close, I was abandoned on a ‘midden’. After moldering there for many a year, I was found by a young conservation student and brought back to life in evenings whilst he studied at university. Just before he graduated, he gave me to his professor and asked her to make good use of me. This is how I came to be serving out my days, sitting here in this museum. It’s been an interesting life! Glenkens Gazette page 11 Photo of the Issue Sponsored by the Ken Bridge Hotel This issue’s winner is Vikki Dempster with a seasonal shot of a Balmaclellan robin gathering food for its young. Vikki wins a meal for two at the Ken Bridge Hotel’s Sunday carvery. Competition judges Dave and Sue said: “There were, as always, some lovely photos submitted this issue, but the winner this time is the Robin with a beak full of insects to feed its young - indicative of summer and the nesting season.” Glenkens Gazette page 12 KNOCKENGORROCH COMES TO CATSTRAND Knockengorroch visited the Catstrand in April with fantastic performances from Josie Young and Pablo Lafuente, winners of the BBC 2 Young Folk Awards 2017. They brought guest players Signy Jacobsdottir (percussion) and Innes White (guitar). Also playing were Morag Brown and Lewis Powell-Reid. A wine and nibbles reception started the evening with a brief history of the festival and its importance to the local area. A short film backed up the speech and then it was the turn of the music. The unsurpassed musical talent of all the singers and musicians entertained an eager crowd, and showed how folk music is very much alive and well in the region and throughout Scotland. With Knockengorroch World Ceilidh festival happening 24-27 May at Knockengorroch Farm, Carsphairn, this evening of music and song went down a treat to whet the appetites of many who will be attending. Thanks to the CatStrand for hosting and Dumfries & Galloway Regional Arts fund. Josie Young & Pablo Lafuente © I Patrick Photography From Glenkens to Down Under From 4 to 40 degrees, midgie bites to snake bites, sand to snow... and back again... Scotland vs Australia; not rugby but a change of life. Rolling green landscape, Corbetts and lochs, whisky and snow-covered landscapes versus a flat, barren, red dusty oven with animals that will kill you at every turn... Why were we going back?! Within hours of landing at Perth (Western Australia not Perthsire) I had seen the azure blue sea lapping white sandy beaches in numerous small coves on the way to Geraldton and our friend’s bath temperature swimming pool with floating chair and an ice cold beer! The penny had dropped, I had forgotten what everyday life was all about. We emigrated to Australia back in 2008. Melbourne was our first port of call followed by a campervan tour of the east coast. Being avid scuba divers we were in and out of the ocean throughout our trip. Sydney, too busy. Cairns, too hot. Brisbane, too Brisbaney, but we did listen to humpback whale songs whilst diving which was very cool. Melbourne, we decided, was the place to be. Three years in Melbourne, home of Neighbours, saw us become advanced cave divers and owners of Mackenzie the dog, who you may see in New Galloway (now adopted, thank you Paul - we are forever in your debt). With itchy feet again, we hooked up the camper trailer and headed west across the Nullabor desert via Esperance, Fremantle (for six months) to our final destination of Geraldton, 500 kilometres north of Perth and the last city (large town) until Darwin some 3740 kilometres away. Three years in Geraldton, (you may notice a pattern here) saw the arrival of Thomas William Pardoe to our family and the purchase of our new house by the beach. Itchy feet again or was it the fact that Mark wanted to wear a jumper and coat again? We decided to move to Scotland. Overton Cottage, New Galloway became our home for … you guessed it, three years! Glorious Scotland, beautiful New Galloway. Castles and Corbetts, snow and clear, crisp Winter skies; Spring bringing its beautiful flowers strolling through the bluebell woods and making dens. Summer bringing occasional blue skies, lots of midgies and rain but long holidays for visits abroad to Cyprus and France. Amazing Autumn with the stunning colour changes and crisp leaves for stomping in. We had missed these changes in seasons and opportunities for spending time with family and friends. We found work and made friends, being welcomed into the local community. Thomas started playgroup and nursery and transitioned to school. We tried to throw a stuffed sack over a raised bar with a pitchfork and chased a round metal thing around the park. Even raced snails! Diversity at its best! Hedgerow brewing became a happy pastime with cider being a speciality (we hope Mark didn’t poison anyone). Walks around beautiful lochs, mountain biking that sometimes ended at the pub, golf, pilates and the Otter Pool. We even managed to pursue our scuba diving in the Isle of Whithorn. Visits to CatStrand, The Smithy and beyond the Glenkens to Cream of Galloway, Cally Palace and further afield to Ayrshire and Glasgow, along with a few trips up and down the M6. Above all else, wonderful new friends to share it all with. But the three-year hourglass was running out of sand and the sun, beach and warm sea was calling us back. After much deliberation and weighing up the pros and cons, we decided to pack Heather, Mark and Thomas up Overton Cottage and put it up for sale (on the market through Hewats if anyone is interested...). Our house, here in Geraldton, has won the day. 400 meters from the beach and a 20-minute cycle along the shore of the Indian Ocean to the centre of town. Everything within a 10 minute car ride. Weekends away to Monkey Mia feeding wild dolphins and kayaking trips along the coast to see turtles, eagle rays and baby sharks. Emus walking about and baby kangaroos chasing their mothers across the road. Playing golf in shorts. Camping on the beach, scuba diving in the warm water and surf life-saving for Thomas. We loved our time in the Glenkens but warm weather wins the day! For the time being anyway – who knows where we might be three years from now … Thank you New Galloway for having us and making us feel so welcome. Our door is always open for any intrepid Glenkens travellers who feel the call of distant shores and sunny climes...take a look, a world away, at www.visitgeraldton.com.au Mark, Heather and Thomas Pardoe Glenkens Gazette Local Organisations in the Glenkens Over the next few issues of the Glenkens Gazette we will look at some of the many community groups and organisations in the Glenkens. In this issue, let’s find out a little more about the Dalry Community Properties Trust (DCPT). DCPT was formed in September 2015 to take over the Glenkens Community Centre from Dumfries & Galloway Council. We are a registered Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO). Our purpose is to look after the Community Centre building in Dalry for its users (eg the Children’s Playgroup), and any other properties the trust may later own. We are looking to acquire the former council depot for the benefit of the Town Hall and the people of Dalry, and have now formed a working group to take this community project forward. There is also the possibility of obtaining the rough ground between Underhill and the B7000 for a community-lead development - we are interested to hear the communities views on potential uses. There are currently six DCPT Trustees; however, we would welcome those interested to come and join us. Please contact DCPT chair, Andi Holmes, on andiholmes@hotmail.com page 13 Dalry Town Hall Song Sharing Sessions The Town Hall's lovely space and acoustics have made it a very enjoyable venue for the first of what will hopefully become regular (monthly or bi-monthly) gatherings. Bringing together folks from the Glenkens, Moniaive and Laurieston keen to share a song or a tune without forcing their voices against background noise, the event was a resounding success. Around twenty singers and ‘sing-alongers’ sat around in a friendly circle, some with musical instruments (from egg shakers to double bass). Refreshments could be brought, or obtained from the Clachan, and hot drinks could be made in the kitchen. More such sessions have been warmly requested, and two forthcoming Song Sharing evenings will take place in Dalry Town Hall from 8-11pm on Friday 20 July and Friday 17 August. More info phone or text Anne (07846 252 848), Blue (07934 361 526) or David (07999 871 001). Anne Chaurand Glenkens Gazette page 14 Elephant in the Room Ignored by an opinion piece by Stuart the Big Battalions Littlewood, New Galloway The scheme to upgrade the GlenleeTongland power line continues to infuriate local people and trample their wishes. At a packed meeting in Laurieston SPEN were told again, in no uncertain terms, that switching the pylon route from the east side of Loch Ken to the west was wrongheaded and indefensible. Following earlier public concerns the Scottish Government has insisted SPEN considers undergrounding. SPEN is reported saying it will "investigate all alternative options" and instruct an independent consultant "to fully scope out" opportunities for undergrounding stretches of the line where appropriate. The main stakeholders (that's us who live and work here) seem agreed that SPEN should stick to the present pylon route down the east side of the loch where it has been for the last 80 years. That would conform with Holford Rules and cause least damage, disruption and distress. A frequently mentioned objection to upgrading this route is its proximity to the SSSI at Livingstone, but that could easily be resolved by undergrounding. I therefore asked SPEN's Stephen Jack after the meeting whether SPEN had instructed its undergrounding consultant to look into burying the existing line for the short distance where it crosses Loch Ken near the SSSI. The answer was "No". So much for promises to scope all undergrounding options. SPEN doesn't see ScotGov's directive as including a re-examination of the existing eastern route, which local people have made clear time and again is their preference. Whatever is said to SPEN goes in one ear and out the other. Scottish Power is in business to maximise profit and minimise cost for its owner, the Spanish energy GLENKENS ROUTE Thursdays: 12noon-1pm – Crossmichael 1-2pm – Parton/Loch Ken Holiday Park 2-4pm – Balmaclellan area 4-5.30pm – The Hidden Road Fridays: 8-10.30am – Dalry 10.30-11am – Glenlee Area 11am – New Galloway 12noon – New Galloway Shop 2pm – Mossdale area 3-4pm – Laurieston to Gatehouse Please note that all times are approximate. 07966 103 912 charliecoid@hotmail.com Fleet Fish aims to provide top quality produce which is sourced as locally as possible. We take pride in offering friendly door-to-door service tailored to our customers’ needs. giant Iberdrola. They care little about Galloway's glorious landscape, heritage and tourism prospects. We can see what they've done to nearby South Ayrshire and Carsphairn, and they'll continue their vandalism all the way to Tongland if ScotGov allows it. No wonder the long-winded consultation process is seen as a sham. The elephant in the room is the long-delayed Galloway National Park. This precious area, which includes Glenkens, needs protection from ugly industrialisation before it's too late. Any talk of power lines must go hand-in-hand with the strict safeguards applicable to national parks, otherwise tourism will be compromised and D&G's economic decline never ending. Glenkens community councils still haven't got together to strengthen their hand, making themselves irrelevant and leaving their communities powerless against the big battalions. Glenkens Gazette page 15 POSTCARDS FROM ETHIOPIA Gazette founder and former Dalry resident Matthew Newton has been travelling the globe on his bicycle. Here are a few anecdotes from his travels in Ethiopia... Keba is nine years old. Every morning before school she fetches water for her family. It’s 5km each way but she never complains. Schooling is free in Ethiopia. It’s 8 km each way but she never complains. Her two sisters stay at home helping their mother prepare food and make baskets to sell. One day they hope to have shoes and perhaps a cow. But they know it’s unlikely and they never complain. She asked how I fetched water to my house. I explained I had several taps. “Inside your house?” she asked incredulously. I told her that folk in my country with taps in their houses drive miles to buy water in bottles. She smiled and told me not to joke with her. Malola works at the Chancho Hotel. She’s been there since leaving school four years ago. She’s 18 and enjoys her job. It’s hard work and long hours. I asked her what she did. She thought for a minute, smiled and then said “everything”. She asked me what I did. I thought for a minute, smiled and then said “nothing”. “But you must do something...” she said. I answered that I travel, meet people and take their pictures. “That’s cool” she said. I think she’s right. Bakery girls. Top class bread and confectionery served with a smile. They work six days a week from 5am to 9pm. I asked if they enjoyed their jobs. They thought that was a strange question from a strange guy. They’re probably right. The orange sellers. Nothing else. No bananas. No apples. No strawberries. Just oranges. I asked why. Oranges are good, they said. And to prove it, they gave me one. They were right as well. Oranges are good. Lellita has a shop by the roadside in Bahir Dar. She opens whenever she wants. I bought some peanuts. There wasn’t much else to eat. We had to hold up fingers to agree a price. She looked at the colour of my arm and asked if I was ok. I looked at the colour of her arm and asked if she was ok. After a moment she laughed and called her sister over. They agreed my skin wasn’t a good colour. “Do you have shops in your country?” they asked. I answered “yes”. “Do they sell peanuts?” they continued. “Some”, I replied. “Some...” they pondered...” Our peanuts are the best. Maybe they will help your skin?” After a moment I laughed. As I rode off I realised that I’ll never see them again but I’ll always remember them. And their peanuts. The honey seller in Addis Ababa. He is 15 and walks around town selling honey from a bucket. His family keep hives to the north of the city. You are welcome to try before you buy. If you do buy he fills a plastic bag with a ladle. If you don’t buy he smiles and waves goodbye. Keba carrying water; the orange sellers; the honey seller; Malola (right, wearing pink); bakery girls; Lellita in her shop. FHB Fencing Dalry Domestic and Agricultural Fencing 01644 430 495 (Peter) or 07767 795 498 (Jonathan) Glenkens Gazette page 16 DALRY PRIMARY’S NEW POLYTUNNEL Dalry Primary Gardening Club are very excited to show off their wonderful new polytunnel that has been built in the school garden. The polytunnel is already in full use, with a huge variety of seeds and seedlings growing well in their new surroundings. The Gardening Club is looking to develop skills in permaculture this term, with Lorraine Ishak from the Hidden Mill helping members to build their knowledge of ‘no dig’ and edible perennial gardening. They are very excited and hope to grow lots of yummy produce for the Home Economics class in the Secondary to use, as well as enjoy themselves! A huge thank you to Mr Harvie for building the poly tunnel and to former Glenkens Cluster Head Teacher, Mrs Smith, for securing funding for the purchase of the poly tunnel. It will certainly be a cherished and well used legacy. Pupils in the polytunnel with Jenny Smith, former Glenkens Cluster Head Teacher. May the Fourth Be With You... A long time ago in a galaxy not too far away, P2-4 were enjoying a Lego Star Wars Challenge in the P4/5 class. The pupils were given the challenge to plan and build a vehicle that would safely transport a passenger to Earth. To inspire the pupils further they watched a Lego Star Wars video clip, looking closely at the shapes and designs of different Star Wars vehicles. They then planned their design, thinking carefully about the best way to develop a working parachute physics in action! We then tested them by releasing our builds from a height. Some creations were definitely more successful than others, with some crashing to Earth with a bump! However, all pupils gave each other very sensible advice on how to improve their designs for next time. The Star Wars theme then continued through into Friday Fun Time, with a selection of activities for the pupils to choose from...Yoda been silly to miss it! Jenna Devlin Pupils working on the Lego Star Wars Challenge SCHOOLS ENJOY OUR DARK SKIES We are very lucky within the Glenkens to be a part of the Galloway Dark Skies Park and local schools have been celebrating having this resource on our doorstep. Last year boys and girls from across the partnership travelled to the Dark Sky Observatory at Loch Doon. This year we have built upon that by having the ‘Pop-Up Planetarium’ visit Dalry School Hall, with all primary children across the Glenkens Cluster getting the chance to experience the planetarium and watch a presentation Pop-up planetarium in Dalry School Hall about the universe. This event was made possible through funding from the Edina Trust which helps to fund science-based learning in schools. Other recent projects funded by the Edina Trust across the Glenkens include the construction of a polytunnel in the school garden at Dalry, and an observatory/bird hide at Kells Primary. Walker McKenna Friends of Dalry School (FoDS) would like to thank David Bartholomew and everyone who kindly sponsored him for his ‘Beard Shave’. The money raised, just short of £300, will go to towards replacing four digital cameras for Dalry Primary and Secondary School. FoDS are in the process of purchasing the cameras for school use this term. Glenkens Gazette page 17 Glenkens Cluster Visit Edinburgh Primary school children from the Glenkens Cluster have visited Edinburgh. The purpose of the trip was for the pupils to grow independence, learn more about the capital city of Scotland and get used to being away from home. They first started their journey at eight o’clock on Wednesday morning and travelled to BT Murrayfield where they got a guided tour of the stadium by an Argentinian tour guide. They even got to see the Scotland international players train! Then it was off to Holyrood were they met our local MSP Finlay Carson. After the exciting time at parliament the pupils had a quick walk to Dynamic Earth just across the road. One of the children called Christy said that she loved Dynamic Earth because of the 3D films. Another child called William said he liked the man on the television who could talk to you and you could talk to him and try to make him dance! Then at eight o’clock the pupils had a ghost walk which was very entertaining. At the start they told stories about the market and the crimes which took place. Then they were taken under the South Bridge and saw the vaults that were found not that long ago. Then it was back to the hotel for bed though not all the children went to bed when they were told to! Thursday was an early start to some pupils as they had to be up and dressed by eight o’clock. It was a good thing too because then the pupils went to Camera Obscura where they had so much fun trying all the optical illusions. Then they walked up to the magnificent Edinburgh Castle where some of the pupils played hide and seek. Then they walked around the grounds until one o’clock where they met up with the other Glenkens Cluster pupils outside Edinburgh Castle pupils and witnessed the cannon going off. They the children were sad that their trip were then off to Greyfriars Bobby was nearly over but happy because which is a memorial for a dog that sat some of the children were missing at its owner’s grave until the dog sadly home. After breakfast the children died. The pupils even got to see the were told to pack their bags and put grave of the owner and then some of them on the bus. Then everyone went the children got to see Tom Riddle’s a quick walk up Arthur’s Seat to get grave which is where JK Rowling got rid of some of the children’s energy. the name for one of her characters. This didn’t work very well because the At 7 o’clock the children had a disco. They had so much fun, they even had a children were still hyper on the bus home! After this they walked to the proper DJ! Most of the children had so bus. The Falkirk Wheel was the next much fun dancing, others were doing stop before home. The children got to cartwheels and hand stands at the see the small kelpies and the big ones, bottom of the dance floor. Isobel,one of they were spectacular! Then it was the children, said she loved the disco home time. Some of the children said because all the children danced for 2 they wanted to stay for the weekend. hours straight and it was so much fun. Best trip ever! Isobel Stevenson, P7 Friday was a fun and sad day. Mostly SCIENCE FESTIVAL K’NEX CHALLENGE Children from across the Glenkens met at Carsphairn Primary School to compete in the Cluster K’Nex Challenge 2018. The competition, which is organised through the Glasgow Science Festival, is an engineering challenge which requires pupils to work in pairs using K’Nex to design and construct a surprise structure. The winners would go on to the next round, the Dumfries and Galloway Regional Final at the Crichton Campus in Dumfries. This year, the Cluster challenge was to design a Ferris wheel, with at least six hang down seats and a handle to help it turn. This was no easy task considering the children had no idea beforehand what they would be building. With only one hour to draw out their design and then construct their Ferris wheel, the boys and girls from Kells, Dalry and Carsphairn all had a great time working in teams to beat the clock. All of the children had a good time and there were several strong designs to be judged. In the end, the winners of the Cluster Challenge were Lola Jordan (Dalry Primary) and Courtney Smith (Carsphairn Primary) with a brilliant design. The regional final saw young engineers from across Dumfries and Galloway face a new challenge of designing a helicopter. Due to a scheduling clash, the Glenkens were represented by the runner-up team of Dante Newbury (Kells Primary) and Crawford King (Carsphairn Primary), who stepped in admirably and designed a brilliant helicopter. Although they didn’t quite make Alice and Reece hard at work it through to the next round, they certainly did experience how much fun engineering and design can be. The K’Nex Challenge is a great way for the young people of the Glenkens to work across the partnership, build social ties and engage with their learning in a fun way. Great work from all our P5s and P6s, and keep on engineering! Walker McKenna Glenkens Gazette page 18 Pupils’ Update on Kells Primary School If you read this article you will find out about our K’Nex BMX bike – built by the P4 boys! K’nex is a construction toy a bit like Lego or Meccano. We worked really hard to build a life size replica of a BMX. It was so annoying sometimes!! But we did it! We have been learning to work hard and persevere in class. We found working together a bit frustrating at times because there are four of us and we had different ideas about how it should work. We realised if we split into pairs and brought our ideas together it would help us solve problems. Now, let me tell you how we built it. Let’s begin… We found it hard to clip together, some parts were complicated to make and it was difficult to get the measurements correct. We used tape to hold parts in place, we even used a bulldog clip at a crucial moment to stop it falling to pieces. Some bits were really easy and went smoothly. Sam was our ‘Go To Man’ when we needed extra help because he uses Lego loads and we know he is good at this kind of problem solving. Noah was preparing smaller pieces to help keep the construction together. Alex worked out how to measure the circumference of the bicycle wheel and actually made the K’Nex pedals and wheel turn. Stanley from our class thinks we should cycle to Australia and become world famous. We didn’t!! Instead, the real BMX in class (which we call the BMXercise bike) has helped us keep fit and learn our decimals and distances. The bike was designed by Danny (a pupil who is now at Dalry Secondary). It was built from blueprints he drew by a friendly guy called Uula at the Hidden Mill. We have ‘cycled’ to Thurso so far! Maybe one day we will reach Australia – but we do need a giant bridge on the sea (we have built a brilliant bridge before from K’Nex, perhaps it will help us ride to Australia after all!). Alex, Noah, Sam and Stanley Kells Spells; building our own school shop. We have been fashioning a shop from material we have recycled and bits that have been donated. We have an amazing opportunity ahead of us! We have spent time developing our ideas, teamworking and learning and trying different skills. We are all working together and making new and different friendships along the way! We now know how to saw, drill and measure wood. We have done some angles too. We were careful and safe, even though we may have bashed Mister Thompson’s hand with a rather large hammer (like Thor’s hammer)! Our shop is a square based structure (of 2.43 metres). We worked out different proportions to make it look smart. We did this after looking at the Vitruvian Man by Leonardo da Vinci – based on the ideas of Vitruvius who was an ancient Roman architect. When we have completed our project we aim to make and sell items to raise money for our charities. Presently this will all be based on our fashion topic – The Greatest Show – it will be super fun. We have also made two outdoor blackboards so that the younger children have a chance to do some outdoor writing. The older class are hoping to use them to give updates to our parents so they can see what we’ve been up to! Fiona and Reahanne Above - Stanley, Alex, Sam and Noah with their bicycles. Below - pupils and teachers creating Kells Spells Glenkens Gazette page 19 ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL SEASON FOR CATSTRAND YOUTH PLAYERS The fourth performance of the Festival-winning play Exit Stage Left brought the curtain down on another successful Youth Players season. The play was staged again as part of the first of The Fullarton’s new regular drama evenings called The Drama. There are various dates earmarked in the calendar throughout the year when local groups and performers will have the opportunity to book a slot and perform their one act play. The inaugural bill also included the other winning play from the Stewartry Festival, The Beach Hut performed by Crossmichael Drama Club. Both plays treated the appreciative audience to a hilarious evening of comedy and showed why they won their respective categories at the Stewartry Drama Festival and then went on to each win creditable third places in the West of Scotland Finals. The Drama series was certainly launched in fine style and the Youth Players hope to take part again on a regular basis in the future. In the run-up to the summer break, the Youth Players will meet occasionally to read scripts and plan for next season’s panto and Festival. Then during the summer holidays, the Fresh Face Theatre Festival takes place from 26-28 July. Based at CatStrand, this will give local members the opportunity to meet up with other youth theatres. Regular Youth Players rehearsals will start again in early September. Congratulations go to everyone who has helped to make this one of the busiest and most successful seasons so far. The Exit Stage Left Team. Glenkens Gazette page 20 War Updates: December 1917 to March 1918 The Great War (continued) Robert Corrie enlisted into the 15th (Tramways) Battalion of the Highland Light Infantry in June 1916 and was wounded at St Quentin. He was the son of Thomas Corrie and Janet (Haugh) Corrie of Balmaclellan. Robert married Barbara McKnaight of Barnbarroch, Colvend, in 1902. He was promoted to Lance Corporal and was reported missing in action on 2 December 1917 at the age of 37. He is commemorated on the war memorials at Balmaclellan, Dalbeattie and Colvend. 30 December 1917 would see a tragedy that took the lives of two Glenkens men. John Wright of Balmaclellan and George Ferguson of Dalry were both onboard the Troopship 'Aragon', which had sailed from Marseilles and was waiting to enter Alexandria harbour, when she was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine UC-34. Over 600 of the 2,700 passengers were lost. John Wright was born in Sorbie, Wigtownshire, the son of John and Matilda (Adams) Wright of Killochy, Balmaclellan. He was working as a cheesemaker on his father’s farm when he enlisted in 1/5th Battalion, Royal Scots Fusiliers in May 1917 but was suffered a head injury in a train crash at Catterick Camp in September 1917 and spent some time in hospital before being posted to Palestine. His body was not recovered; he is commemorated on the Balmaclellan War Memorial. He was 33 years old. George Ferguson was born in Dalry, the second youngest son of Oswald and Elizabeth (McLauchlan) Ferguson of Kirkland Street, Dalry. George was a postman and the greenkeeper at Dalry golf and bowling clubs before he enlisted into the Royal Engineers June 1917. George had three brothers in the Army, a fourth discharged with wounds and a fifth rejected by the Army but working in a munitions factory. George’s body was one of those recovered and he was buried in the Alexandria (Hadra) War Memorial Cemetery at the age of 22 leaving a widow and young child. George is commemorated Robert Corrie and George Ferguson on his parents’ gravestone in sea on 12 January 1918 at the age Dalry churchyard and on the Dalry of just 19. During a snowstorm the War Memorial. destroyers Narborough and Opal ran We have reported on the McCheyne aground on South Ronaldsay, Orkney. family before in previous articles and Only one sailor survived the wrecks. have seen that three sons of James Francis’s body was not recovered and Mary (Mulholland) McCheyne and he is named on the Plymouth of High Street, New Galloway, had Naval Memorial as well as on the already been killed in the war. Francis Kells Parish War Memorial in New Wallace McCheyne would be the Galloway. fourth brother to die. From Francis’s Samuel Thomas McKie was born obituary in the Kirkcudbrightshire in Balmaclellan, the son of Agnes Advertiser, we know that the father Jane McKie. He was a farm servant (James) had also lost two nephews when he enlisted in the KOSB in June in the war and a daughter who died 1915. He transferred to the machine in France. A further two sons also gun corps and was posted to France served in the army but survived. in March 1916. On 25 March 1918 Francis’s mother (Mary) had died he was killed in action at the age of in 1904 and his father (James) left just 19, and is buried in Bancourt Scotland for Canada in November British Cemetery, France. Samuel is 1919 at the age of 63. Francis was commemorated on the Balmaclellan a motor driver at Penman’s Motor War Memorial. The minimum age to Works in Dumfries and at Gretna serve overseas was 19 at the time. when he enlisted into the Royal Navy As Samuel was 19 when he was in December 1916. He served on the killed in 1918, he must have lied destroyer HMS Marvel until December about his age to have served at the 1917 when he was transferred to front since 1916. Paul Goodwin HMS Narborough. Francis was lost at T&C TAXIS - Glenkens 01292 550 100 - Contracts - School Services - Private Hire - Airport Work - Courier Service - Fast Food Delivery Service - Glenkens Gazette page 21 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN EVOKING GLENKENS David M’Clamroch (1772-1854) bore an old Galloway name which, like many of his kindred, he changed to Landsborough. animal) a shell and a New Zealand The plant were named after him. He was following the friend and correspondent many verses are of the top scientists of the day, embedded in David Landsborough’s continuing with his own researches much longer poem, Arran A Poem until he died. in six cantos, 1828, dedicated to Sir One of his much appreciated William Miller Baronet. In it he recalls efforts for his native glen was his his childhood in Dalry and his feelings assistance in setting up the Free as he ponders the cruel fate of some Church at Bogue Toll, preaching at local covenanters. Ted Cowan its opening service in 1845. Many of the On hallowed ground I stood, and silver Ken, Glenkensians that In gliding near my feet, still seemed to sob day truly believed As in remembrance of those days of blood; that they were the * * * inheritors and the defendants of the Well might these early feelings be recalled, seventeenth-century For even the scenery some resemblance bore: covenanters many of And though of scenery in childish years whom had suffered I took no note, unconsciously, perchance, so painfully for their I felt even then its influence on my mind. faith. He was born in Dalry where he attended the Free School, moving on to Dumfries Academy and Edinburgh University studying to become a minister. He earned some funds to aid his learning by working as a tutor to the family of Sir William Miller, Lord Glenlee whose estate is just across the river from Dalry. Miller was influential in Landsborough’s appointment as assistant at the old church of Ayr. Later he became minister at Stevenston, proving a popular appointment. He supported the Kilsyth Revival but lost some of his following, as well as much of his income when he joined the Free Church at the Disruption of 1843. However his lasting contribution was in natural history. He made a detailed study of the island of Arran which he could view daily, weather permitting, from the mainland, eventually publishing Excursions to Arran which reported on much of his scientific study. He was greatly honoured David Lansborough in Old Age © when a seaweed, a North Ayrshire Heritage Trails zoophyte (invertebrate Daily I saw the rich and fertile vale, Through which irriguous flowed the silver Ken; And rural Grennan Bank and Molloch Hill, And lovely Glen of Holm, where Garpel pours ‘Twixt wooded cliffs her almost hidden stream. Daily I saw Glenlee’s romantic glades With oaks bestudded, which have bravely stood Innumerous brumal blasts; while, like the leaves Which autumn strews, the fleeting sons of men, Race after race have quickly passed away. – Daily I saw dark Lowran’s high-peaked hill, And Kenmure’s noble towers, near which the Ken As if to shew her grandeur and her strength Ere she her name surrenders to the Dee. Daily I saw the circling range of hills, Of every size and shade, around the vale: But little thought I in those early years How much of beauty all I saw contained. I wist not that in hills of various shade— In glens, and winding stream and fertile plain, In coppice-skirted lake—there was so much To fill the heart with exquisite delight. Glenkens Gazette page 22 Who Do We Think We Were? This issue features Barry Bryan Dixon, remembering his days as a soldier in Northern Ireland. Messing About on the Lough “Corporal, you are seconded to the 15/19 Royal Hussars on Operation Banner for a tour of four months. You will be notified of your flight details.” 5th of April flight to Northern Ireland from Dusseldorf. My first detachment was at Cookstown then with Alpha Squadron at the Beleek Police Station with the Royal Ulster Constabulary on the bank of the River Erne. Because the river flowed into Lough Erne we were responsible for patrolling the lough, which we did in a sixteenfoot landing craft. There would be four or five of us in the craft. The men were armed with 7.62 self loading rifles. I was issued with a 9mm Browning Pistol, and a Sterling sub-machine gun. Sometimes the Unit puppy would decide it was a good idea to jump into the craft with us, so we would have to take it back to the station. 1000 hours one sunny morning we fuelled up and loaded our weapons. We were ready to patrol Lough Erne to win hearts and minds. Once out in the lough we became more alert. The plan was to talk to locals, who were mostly friendly. We visited hot spots to search. This was always a bit tense because we never knew if we would be welcomed by incoming enemy fire. We had just left one of these hot spots when we heard shouting. We could see a yacht. Someone was waving to us. Weapons at the ready and the adrenaline flowing we approached. As we got closer we noticed the man who was shouting to us was holding a bottle in one hand. We ordered him to put it down and move away from it which he did. “Come on lads, it’s only a bottle of whiskey!” He was about five feet ten, stripped to the waist, very tanned with a mass of ginger hair, and a Scottish accent. “Come on lads, come aboard!” Once we established that the bottle had whiskey in it we told him to follow us into Lusty Beg Island harbour. We berthed and went aboard his yacht, stowing our weapons in the bow. Being the medic I was usually last on or off the vessel, so I stood aft of the main mast. There I noticed a brass bar with lines and figures marked on it, like a protractor. I asked what it was for. He stood over me, hands on hips. “Are you alright laddy?” “Fine thanks,” I whimpered. “Show me what angle the yacht is leaning at.” “40 degrees.” “What’s the maximum before we capsize?” “50 degrees, son.” I don’t drink whiskey straight. I have to put coke or lemonade in it. I know, I know, sacrilege. To my amazement this man came out with a bottle of June 1975, St Angelo base, Inniskillin, Northern Ireland coke for me, ice cold at that. We sailed with him for about half an hour. We all had a drink or two. We all shook hands, and then returned to to our own landing craft to complete our patrol. “If we come across each other again, let’s do the same.” We were lucky to get away with it once without pushing our luck a second time. Whoever you were, thank you for sharing your whiskey with us and leaving us with very pleasant memories of that day 33 years ago. Even though we patrolled the lough regularly, we never saw him again. ‘Who Do You Think You Were?’ has now run for fourteen issues. We have had a great variety of stories, from people who have led very different lives. Some have focussed on childhood memories, others on more recent times. What they all have in common is that they are connected to the Glenkens, either by living here today, or by close association over many years. Feedback from readers has been very encouraging, confirming that it has been a popular feature. The series is taking a break but it is hoped that it will return at a later date. There are many more stories out there which we haven’t yet heard, and yours could be one of them... GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL � 01644 420234 � New Galloway Golf Club Founded 1902 www.nggc.co.uk - 01644 420737 Buggies now available for hire VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME Glenkens Gazette page 23 Crockett’s Glimpses Of The Glenkens This, the third in the Glimpses series, focuses on Woodhall Loch. WOODHALL LOCH “Woodhall Loch is like many another. Half its beauty is in the seeing eye. Yet not only the educated or the intellectual may see.” The loch runs alongside the four mile stretch from the Duchrae to Laurieson. Crockett describes one small part of it as follows: “I know a bank, where the wild thyme grows—with an infinitude of other things. You will find it past Blates Mill, past the Bogle Thorn, just where the loch opens out, and when, standing on tiptoe at the side of the road, you can see far away, set on the selvage of the northern moorland, the chimneys of the Duchrae. “Now look down. Between you and the rippling water what a blaze of colour! You will hardly find such a wealth of flowers anywhere else in Galloway. The loch, alternate white and blue according as the sunlight or the breeze catches it, stretches away for all its length of three miles, cloud and firwood mirroring themselves upon it.” These days it is all too easy to ignore nature, especially that with which we have a familiarity. I suggest that Woodhall Loch is one such place. Crockett observes: “for others who think more of themselves than did Ebie Farrish the ploughman, the art of admiring nature is chiefly a matter of habit and leisure. The scytheman, the ploughman, the lowland hind, even the ordinary farmer, see little of the mysteries of that Nature in the midst of which they work, dull-eyed as the browsing bullocks.” Crockett knows the beauty and also the history of the place: “A certain name-changing fiend brought into our Erse and Keltic Galloway a number of mongrel names, probably some Laird Laurie with a bad education and a plentiful lack of taste, who, among other iniquities, called the ancient Clachan-of-Pluck after himself - Laurieston. His mansion-house he changed from the ancient and honourable ‘Grenoch,’ by manfully resisted. By that time a considerable distance had been put between the cottage and the wayfarers. The loch was very blue beneath. The little waves sparkled distractingly. The wind waved the yellow broom in a way it really ought not to. The universe was illarranged for a small boy attending school that day.” Like Ebie Farish, we might also find something special in this most ordinary of places. If we look through Crockett’s eyes: “He saw the stars, which were perfectly reflected a hundred yards away on the smooth expanse, first waver, then tremble, and lastly break into a myriad delicate shafts of light, as the water quickened and gathered. He spat in the water, and thought of trout for breakfast. But the long roar of the rapids of the Dee came to him over the hill, and brought a feeling of stillness with it, weird and remote. Uncertain lights shot hither and thither under the bridge, in strange gleams and reflections. The ploughman was awed.” Crockett’s writing reveals that it is a place of many possibilities – in fact and fiction. There are more descriptions of Woodhall (Grenoch) Loch in Men of the Moss Hags, The Dark o’ the Moon, The Lilac Sunbonnet, Kit Kennedy, Sweethearts at Home, and Raiderland. Cally Phillips For further information and insight into Crockett’s Galloway writing visit www.gallowayraiders.co.uk “I know a bank, where the wild thyme grows—with an infinitude of other things...” which name it stands in Pont’s map of (about) 1611, to the commonplace Woodhall. Later the loch had a like fortune. Loch Grenoch became Woodhall Loch (or in the folk speech of the parish, Wudha’ Loch).” Crockett walked this way every day to school and was perhaps led astray like his character Kit Kennedy, by his dog: “The tempter gambolled in front, barking joyously. He said as plain as print, ‘Now then, we’re off! Hurrah for the water!’ But for awhile - for at least as much as a quarter of an hour—Kit DALRY HERITAGE GROUP EXHIBITION WEEKEND Entitled One Hundred Years in Dalry, the exhibition and related activities will run from Friday 5 to Sunday 7 October. The weekend will start with an ‘old time music hall’ event in Dalry Town Hall on Friday 5 October. If anyone has any old memorabelia, photos, clothes or literature from the last 100 years that could form part of our exhibition, please contact Hilda McAdam at 10 Throughgate, Dalry, or phone 01644430 383. THE STEWARTRY VETERINARY CENTRE CASTLE DOUGLAS SURGERY HOURS Mon-Fri 2.00-2.30 pm & 5-6 pm Sat 2-2.30 pm DALBEATTIE SURGERY HOURS Mon, Wed, Fri 3-3.30 pm Tues & Thurs 6-6.30 pm FOR APPOINTMENTS AT BOTH SURGERIES OR IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY � 01556 502263 VETERINARY SURGERY OAKWELL ROAD CASTLE DOUGLAS � Glenkens Gazette page 24 Listening to the Gaelic Silences Castle Douglas historian Alistair Livingstone is one of the contributors to the first ever conference on Gaelic in Galloway which is being held at the CatStrand in September. He has been telling Mike Brown how silence in the historical record reveals much of the story. The dog which didn’t bark provided Sherlock Holmes with a vital clue in Conan Doyle’s story, Silver Blaze. Alistair Livingstone, more accustomed to delving into topics well-supplied with written sources, is resorting to similar measures as he prepares his contribution. Place name evidence of a Gaelic past abounds on our local maps, either in plain sight, such as the numerous "Airies" - hill pastures for cattle - or well disguised by the erosion of time and other tongues. However the shift from Gaelic, and the manner and time of its disappearance, is harder to discern. For that, Alistair turns to the silences. Andrew Symson’s 'A Large Description of Galloway' written in the late 17th century provides a wealth of detail on Galloway life but makes no mention of Gaelic being used. Two centuries earlier and there is a record of a Galloway parish petitioning the Pope because they have not been provided with a Gaelic-speaking priest. Alistair does not believe there was a dramatic ‘death of Gaelic’ moment nor a change driven by migration. Rather there was a gradual shift in the way languages were used. Both Gaelic and Scots would have co-existed for several centuries. Many people would have been bi-lingual, intuitively using the appropriate language - a process known as ‘diglossia’ - depending on whether speaking to family and neighbours or dealing with authority or trading with outsiders. During the Wars of Independence there was also a civil war going on between the Bruces and the Balliols, the latter supported by Gaelic speaking ‘kindreds’ such as the MacDowalls and McCullochs. But as allegiances and people flowed north and south the Gaelic speakers would already have to be bi-lingual. Subsequently the Lordship of Galloway was revived but with a Scots-speaking Douglas, Archibald the Grim. Later, burgh records reveal the universal adoption of Scots for administration. Alistair however does cite one significant date: 1513, the Battle of Flodden. In the disastrous defeat of James IV, the last Gaelic-speaking King of Scots, Galloway like all of Scotland lost much of its leadership. And there was cultural loss too. Local magnates for instance had had their clarsach players, the Gaelic speaking McBratney bards, closely tied to the Western Isles, a tradition that vanishes after Flodden. As a historian, Alistair is not only concerned with the loss of Gaelic, but also with the history lost along the way. There is a rich tradition relating to the Bruces for instance, but where is the legacy of legend, poetry and ballads recounting the story of the early Lords of Galloway. Is this another casualty of the loss of Gaelic and its culture? Galloway: Gaelic’s Lost Province is being held on Saturday 8 September at CatStrand, New Galloway. Glenkens Gazette page 25 Thanks to Good Neighbours Marie Curie Please could I Daffodil acknowledge the Appeal 2018 kindness and support offered to myself and my husband Ron when I was recovering from an operation. I would like to thank Brian and Erica Portous, who looked after my wee dog, and also Charlotte McClellan for the personal care given, and to her son Shawn who painted a lovely picture of my dog (right). Bridie Corrie Glenkens Charity Shop Grants Now Open Application forms for Glenkens Charity Shop grants will be available in the shop from Saturday 23 June for the next round of funding. The deadline for applications is Saturday 14 July. The shop are always keen for new vounteers - please stop by and pick up an application form and have a chat any time; even a couple of hours a week would be a great help. GLENKENS & DISTRICT TRUST SURVEY A big thank you to the many people who last autumn completed the survey that the Trust had commissioned from Stewartry CVS. The good news is, that many more households than expected completed and returned the surveys, and expressed their thoughts and ideas fully where there was space to do so. Because of the volume of replies and comments received from the seven communities that were surveyed it has taken much longer than anticipated for the data to be input and collated. By the time the June/July edition of the Glenkens Gazette is published the input stage will have been completed and the process of consultation with the seven communities begun. Alan Rumble, Acting Chair, Glenkens & District Trust (SC042489) Thanks to the generosity of everyone in the Glenkens, and the help of participating outlets, £155.44 was raised for Marie Curie Cancer Care during this year’s Daffodil Appeal. On top of this, the countertop cans raised a further £151.60 throughout the year. Our donations go towards much needed practical nursing care for terminally ill people in our area. Marie Curie nursing services are totally free to patients and their families, and the Daffodil Campaign is a vital part of fundraising for the charity. Please keep adding your loose change to the distinctive Marie Curie yellow cans when you see them as every penny will help. Natalie Vardey Glenkens Gazette page 26 JUNE & JULY MAY Thu 31, Alan Bissett presents: Stand Up for Sustainability, 2pm, CatStrand Thu 31, Alan Bissett presents: More Moira Monologues, 7.30pm, CatStrand JUNE Open until Sun 30 Sept, Carsphairn Heritage & Craft Centre, 10am-4pm, Fri-Sun, see p3 Fri 1, Sixfold: A Nexus, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 2, Michael J McCarthy & Redbridge Arts present: Turntable, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 2, Carsphairn Tearoom Bistro, 4-8pm Sun 3, Drop-in: Dalry Police Station, 3-4.30pm Sun 3, GTI Bus Trip, The Victorian Garden, see p6 Sun 3, Jenny Lindsay & Hannah Lavery present: This Script & Other Drafts, 2.30pm, CatStrand Wed 6, FILM: The Greatest Showman (PG), 7.30pm, Dalry Town Hall Thu 7, Glenkens Business Network, 6pm, The Smithy, New Galloway, see p9 Thurs 7, GTI Bus Trip: Charles Rennie Macintosh exhibition, see p6 Sun 10, GTI Bus Trip, The Romantic Gardens, see p6 Tues 19, Element Power: Supplier Day Event, Thurnhill Community Centre, see p24 Thu 21, Kirsty Law: Young Night Thought, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 22, Krazy Kat Theatre Co presents: Cinder-ella, 10.30am, CatStrand Sat 23, Midsummer Poetry Walk, 11.30am-3pm, starts Balmaghie, see p2 Sat 23, GTI Bus Trip, Woodfest, see p6 Tue 26, Exhibition on Screen: Painting the Modern Garden - Monet to Matisse, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 29, Tee Trio, 7.30pm, CatStrand JULY Mon 2, Drop-in: Dalry Police Station, 6-7.30pm Sun 8, GTI Bus Trip, The Natural Gardens, see p6 Fri 13, Markus K, 7.30pm, CatStrand Thu 19, Balmaclellan CC Elections (nomination period will be open from 31 May to 21 June), see p8 Fri 20, Song Sharing Sessions, 811pm, Dalry Town Hall Sat 21, Ashley Storrie: Adulting, 7.30pm, CatStrand Tue 24, GTI Bus Trip, The Gulf Stream Gardens, see p6 Sun 29, Arndarroch Open Garden, 2-5pm, see p3 Tue 31, EoS: David Hockney, 7.30pm, CatStrand AUGUST Sat 4, The Hot Seats, 7.30pm, CatStrand Glenkens Gazette page 27 REGULAR EVENTS CatStrand, New Galloway: Film Makers’ Club, Mon, 7-8.30pm Exercise to Music: Mon, 9.30-10am Margaret Morris dance 1: 3-7yrs, Mon (term-time), 3.45-4.30pm Margaret Morris Dance 2: 8-16yrs, Mon (term-time), 4.30-5.15pm Youth Volunteer Meet-up, Mon, 68pm, FREE PIZZA Choreographic Skills Lab, Mon (term-time), 7-8.30pm, ages 12-18 Start to Write, 1st Tues each month, 3-5pm (no Feb meeting) Animation Club, Tues, 4.30-6.30pm Gentle Tai Chi: Wed, 10am Wendletrap Tai Chi, Wed, 2-3.30pm Continue to Write, 1st Wed each month, 3.15-5.15pm Music/Jam Youth Drop-in, Wed, 6-7pm & rehearsal/recording space available for booking from 7-9pm Writers’ Cafe, 2nd Thurs each month, 7-9pm Sing it Out, Thurs, 11am -12pm CatStrand Ukes, Thurs, 1–3.30pm Yoga, Thurs, 6.30pm Zumba Gold, Fri (term-time), 9.3010.30am, CatStrand, 16+ Saturday Art Club, 2nd & 4th Sat of the month, 10am–12noon Glenkens Acoustic Sessions, last Sun of the month, 2-4pm Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry, (contact Kath on 430 281): Paint & Art, Mon, 2-4pm GCC Playgroup, Tues, Wed & Thurs, 9.15-11.45am Guides, Tues, 6-8pm Brownies, Thurs 6-7.30pm Kickback Martial Arts, Thurs, 79pm Thursday Craft Group, Thurs, 24pm Glenkens Children’s Club, Fri, 10am-12noon New Galloway Town Hall: LING Lunches, Tues, 11am-2pm Indoor Sports, Tues, 7-9pm Zumba, Wed, 7.30-8.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall, 11+ Saturday Circuits, 8-9am with John Fagan Various Locations: Hatha Yoga, Mon, 10-11.15am, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn Mens Shed Mondays, 6.30pm, Balmaclellan Carsphairn Post Office, Tues, 1-3pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn Dalry WI, 3rd Tues each month, 2pm, Dalry Town Hall (except Jun, Jul & Aug) Beavers, Tues, 6–7.15pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Dog Training, Tues & Thurs, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. Contact: Eric 460 670 Mossdale Painters, Wed, 9.30am, Mossdale Village Hall Cub Scouts: Wed, 6.45–8pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Youth Writing, Thurs (during term time), 3.30-5pm, ages 10-15, Dalry School Coffee & Craft, Fri, 9am-12noon, Lagwyne Hall Folk Music Session, 4th Fri each month, 7.30/8pm till closing, Ken Glenkens Community Councils Balmaclellan Community Council Meetings: POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE 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. Castle: 18 June, 3pm. CHURCH TIMES Earlstoun Service of Union & Linking: 27 June, CHURCH OF SCOTLAND: Sunday Services - June: Balmaclellan 12noon: 1st. Carsphairn 10.30am: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th. Dalry 12noon: 3rd, 4th. Kells 10.30am: 2nd, 4th. July: Balmaclellan 9.45am: 1st. Carsphairn 11.15am: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th. Carsphairn 10.30am: 5th. Dalry 9.45am: 2nd, 4th. Kells 9.45am: 3rd. Special Services/Events: United Family Service (Kells/Dalry): 11 June, 10.30am, Kells Church. Conventicle 7pm, Dalry Church. United Service with Choir: 29 July, 10.30am, Carsphairn Church. Communion Services: 1 July, 11.15am, Carsphairn Church SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH: St Margaret’s, New Galloway: Holy Communion, 10.30am every Sun & Wed. CATHOLIC CHURCH SERVICES: Kirkcudbright: Sun Mass, 9.30am. Dalbeattie: Sat Mass, 5pm Bridge Hotel Scouts, Thurs, 7–8.30pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Gentle Tai Chi, Fri 10-11am, Dalry Town Hall Junior Golf & Come-and-Try for all ages, Sat, 10am, see p7 Family and friends coming to stay? Short of space? Cosy country cottage available (sleeps 4) Call Fiona on 01644 420 227 www.covenanters-holidaycottagescotland.co.uk To hire the MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) behind Dalry School call Sonja Tranter on 430 244 or Nicolette Wise on 430 218. Dalry Library Tuesdays 12noon-3.30pm Fridays 10am-12noon & 1-4.30pm For further library van stops and informa�on contact Castle Douglas library on 01556 502 643 ADVERTISE IN THE GAZETTE (price per issue incl VAT) SMALL: 6cm x 6cm, £37.80 (+ 10% off with series discount) 1/4 PAGE: 9cm w x 13cm h, £81.90 (+ 25% off with series discount) 1/2 PAGE: 18cm w x 13cm h, £151.20 (+ 25% off with series discount) FULL PAGE: 18cm w x 27cm h, £252 (+ 25% off with series discount) Call 07727 127 997 VAT Reg. No. 882 8361 87 USEFUL NUMBERS: ● Pot-hole Hotline: 0845 276 0000 ● Police, non-emergency: 101 ● Doctor: 01644 420 234 ● NHS 24: 08454 24 24 24 ● D&G Council: 030 33 33 3000 Glenkens Gazette page 28 BALMACLELLAN MEN’S SHED WINS AT SHEDFEST Glenkens Men’s Shed took part in the inaugural Dumfries & Galloway Shedfest in Dalbeattie. There were entries from sheds all over the county and more cake per capita than a bake-off final! The shedders covered themselves in glory with a well received and amusing presentation, and took the prestigious 1st prize in the 'Best Hand Made' competition. Tom Plummer’s lovingly constructed scale model (it's six feet long) of a French fishing skiff seeing off all the competition, and generating envy and interest from all in attendance. Well done Tom, another seven years should see it completed! Our hand-carved otter was also much admired and we wish Tesco, so give us a helping hand woodcarving wizard Bill Wiseman a and cast your tokens in our direction speedy recovery after his recent fall when you do the shopping - every - get well soon Bill. little helps. Chris Jowsey The shed continues to grow and we have just donated a real boat to Kells school which, under the expert guidance of Mr Thompson, will soon become a pirate ship, “ahoy me hearties”, enjoy the fun... We are also one of the current options in the Tesco Bags of Help scheme in Castle Douglas Tom Plummer’s winning model skiff. Ted's Trek for Climate Change Glenkens-based Ted Leeming, ex managing director at Natural Power Consultants and professional landscape photographer with his wife Morag Paterson, can’t sit still for long - literally - and has started a new exciting environmental initiative called Zero Footprints. With this project he is seeking to bring together his two passions in the form of a website acting as "The Voice of Photographers Exploring Climate Change". The idea is threefold, Ted explains: "We want to raise awareness and educate on issues surrounding climate change by presenting exemplary photos on the subject on the website. The images are donated to the site free of charge by some of the worlds leading photographers where they can be purchased, with all the profits going directly to charities offsetting climate change. "We also help people to Ted atop Monte Galero – Day 15 better understand how WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Submit events, activities, news stories, cartoons, reviews, tips & techniques, fiction, photos, ads or ideas... Contact Sarah Ade on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk AUG/SEPT COPY DEADLINE: 5 JULY much carbon they emit themselves, via a simple carbon calculator and how much it would cost to offset. It’s surprisingly cheap to offset your carbon footprint, with a return flight from Glasgow to New York costing less than £8". To raise the profile for the project and money for their charity, Ted is trekking solo 260 miles across the stunning mountains of the Maritime Alps in northern Italy along the Alta Via Del Monti Liguri. With over 60,000 feet of ascent he will be camping most of the way and will be carrying his own food and drink. "If all goes well it should take about three weeks to complete and, whilst excited at the challenge, I am hoping I don’t get too close to the local wild boar, wolves, snakes and scorpions. That said, blisters are of equal concern!" If you would like to support Ted’s walk please visit www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/edward-leeming To find out more about Zero Footprints visit www.zerofootprints.org Design & co-ordination: Sarah Ade sarah.ade@gmail.com Printing:Stranraer & Wigtownshire Free Press www.stranraer-freepress.co.uk The Glenkens Gaze�e is an ini�a�ve of the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust, a Registered Sco�sh Charity No. SC032050  Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette 106 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GG_106 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource GCAT Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2018 Description An account of the resource Editor: Sarah Ade https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/1/253/GlenkensGazette107.pdf f47276fd8fc83ed7a82102d7bbfd664b 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 107 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Description An account of the resource <p>Find out more about the Gazette: <a href="https://glenkens.scot/gazette-home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Glenkens Gazette home page</a> If you would like to submit an article or take out an advert, please email the editor Sarah Ade: <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="mailto:glenkensgazette@hotmail.com">glenkensgazette@hotmail.com</a></p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is a member of, and regulated by <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.impressorg.com/">Impress</a>.</p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is an initiative of Glenkens Community &amp; Arts Trust (SC032050) and represents the voice of the community (not necessarily the views of GCAT).</p> Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document GLENKENS GAZETTE News from Balmaclellan, Carsphairn, Mossdale, New Galloway and St John’s Town of Dalry August/September 2018 ISSUE 107 FREE VOSCARS AWARD FOR GLENKENS CHILDCARE Glenkens Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) is celebrating after winning an award. The group, which is based at Glenkens Community Centre in Dalry, was named Stewartry Community Group of the Year 2018 at Third Sector Dumfries & Galloway’s Voscars (the voluntary sector's version of the Oscars) ceremony in Dumfries. "We’re absolutely over the moon," said group chair Danielle WilsonSmith. "This award represents years of hard work and dedication by parents and volunteers, and acknowledges how important and highly valued this early years childcare resource is within the communities of the Glenkens. Pictured: Children and parents enjoying the Glenkens ELC summer programme at a Forest School session. Continued on p7... Energy Minister Welcomes Natural Power Expansion Scotland’s Energy Minister, Paul Wheelhouse MSP, has visited Natural Power’s global headquarters in the Glenkens to mark the launch of a new £540K ‘ControlCentre’ and open the Fred Olsen Renewables Brockloch Rig Wind Farm. The control centre is the largest independently operated 24/7 control room in the UK, managing more than 175 renewable energy assets located accross the UK, Ireland, France and the US, and employing 19 staff. Stephen Trotter, Managing Director at Natural Power, said: “To ensure Natural Power remains at the forefront of asset management, real time data provision and security requirements, this investment is designed to deliver the next decade of services. So we embarked on a market-leading programme that included the design and build of a new control services facility at our global headquarters.” Continued on p4... The new ControlCentre at The Green House, Forrest Estate, Dalry. A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) ini�a�ve www.glenkensgaze�e.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 2 Uniting Glenkens Communities I attended a recent meeting at Dalry Town Hall titled Glenkens Forum. Despite its remit of ‘challenges of an ageing population and lack of opportunities for young people’ (important local issues), the discussion focused predominantly on wind farms, community benefit and the new Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN) pylons. As has been the case in many such meetings I have attended over the last seven years, opinion was often divided. However, the one thing that we seemed to agree upon was that the Glenkens people and groups need to work more closely together if we are to have any influence over outside organisations (eg wind farm companies and SPEN). Being united, even if we have our disagreements (which is perfectly normal), will help us better negotiate with external agencies and look after our collective interests. One participant suggested that ‘The Glenkens’ should become one community council area, pooling our resources, an idea I have loosely favoured for several years. However, the concept was not warmly received. Whilst I was chair of Dalry Community Council I tried to initiate a Community Council Forum to better work together on local issues, but again it attracted little support. The national picture seems to be one of wanting separation from unions that are not working as well as they could. Any ‘relationship’ needs to be fair and open for all the parties involved, otherwise it is doomed to failure. However that should not poison us to the benefits of co-operating. The Glenkens has experienced many years of division and I don’t see it has served us well. Perhaps it is now time to buck the trend and examine ways we can work together, through mediums like regular Community Forums on important local issues. We can carry on as we are, but as the popular expression goes 'If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got'. My suggestion is that we put our collective heads together to find new ways to collaborate in the Glenkens for all our good. Our collective future may well depend on it! Andi Holmes COMMUNITY BENEFITS CLARIFICATION I have heard a lot recently about the Blackcraig wind farm community fund, but nothing that answered my basic questions about it. One of the reasons I attended the initial Glenkens Sustainability Forum meeting was in the hope of making sense of it all. While I gained a clear sense that I was not alone in my confusion, and of the frustration present in the area about the seeming inability of the Glenkens to work together on issues that matter, I came away more befuddled about the community fund than ever. It is certainly difficult to contribute to an effective debate when you don’t have a clear understanding of the situation as it stands. Beginning to doubt my cognitive abilities, I phoned Angus Robertson, director of Blue Energy Sustainable Community Initiatives (BESCI) – a social enterprise set up to manage Blue Energy community funds - for clarification. Here is what he told me: BESCI will manage the community fund from Blackcraig wind farm. This fund is at the current industry standard of £5,000 per megawatt installed – which translates as an annual fund of around £254,000 minus expenses and administration costs. This is intended for the lifetime of the project – likely to be 25 years - and will continue with any transfer of ownership. There is no contract that he is aware of, but it community council members. Applications can be made at any point over the lifetime of the funding, and they will be looking for good, high-quality, sustainable projects. There will be no local Trust or other body needed to hold or distribute the fund. Angus Robertson says he has no plans to hold a public meeting but has already met with members of the community individually at their request and will be back in the area towards the end of August. If you would like to meet or have any questions you can get in touch with him at angus.robertson@b esci.org.uk or go to www.besci.org.uk for further info. Hopefully this will be useful to anyone else in my position and encourage direct contact for further queries. As for working together, going on this information now is certainly the time – not to be distracted, confused and divided by rumours, solo agendas or personal grievances, but to concentrate, as many already do, on building healthy, forward-thinking community councils and a culture of cooperation towards shared goals across the Glenkens. Mary Smith ...building healthy, forwardthinking community councils and a culture of cooperation towards shared goals across the Glenkens. is agreed standard practice across the industry and there is no reason to think it will be any different in this case. The fund will open to applications from May 2019, with the application process available online. Applications are made direct by community projects within a still-to-be-defined area and will be assessed in partnership with a local panel which will include Glenkens Gazette page 3 IT'S ALL GO FOR CONNECTING IN COMMUNITIES The Glenkens will be rocking again this October with another Rocktober gig even bigger and better than last year’s. The gig will feature a top local rock band, disco, bar and music quiz. The organisers may hire an up-and-coming rock/blues band as support so if you’re band is ready for exposure, give Chris. Ring on 420 374. Look out for posters with details of the venue, times, artists and the free shuttle bus - it’s all systems go for Saturday 20 October, and tickets will only be a fiver. It’s not all just rock and roll though; our volunteers here at CatStrand were nominated in the Third Sector Dumfries & Galloway VOSCARS in the Culture & Heritage section for the Stewartry, coming a close second. We also ran our own volunteers ‘Thank You’ night supporting Volunteers Week; a splendid night was had by all as we joined the Umbrella Party to celebrate completion of CatStrand’s latest flood defences. Looking ahead, plans and fundraising for developing the Old Smiddy in Balmaclellan as a heritage hub are close to completion, and hopefully work will commence in the early autumn. This will provide an additional multi-use venue, space for young people, modern IT facilities, library and potentially Chris Jowsey (left) and Brian Jones film making recording facilities. with their Voscars certificates. Our Volunteers BBQ is on Friday 31 August and will feature a Want to know more or get presentation of the Flames collaborative performance starring some unlikely, but involved? Brian and Chris can be contacted on 01644 420 well-known, faces. 374 or brian@catstrand.com or Our regular fitness sessions are now chris@catstrand.com well established on a Tues/Sat in New Connecting in Communtieies and Galloway Town Hall, but there will CatStrand rely heavily on volunteers now also be a Kettlebell Plus class to support the plethora of events and starting on Thursday 6 September in activities that go on - if you have time Balmaclellan Village Hall from 7.30to spare please get in touch as we’d 8.30pm. Also look out for the Let’s love to have you on-board. Motivate training course, open to all, on Chris Jowsey, 16 Aug at 1.30pm. Volunteer & Participation Officer BALMACLELLAN NEEDS ITS SHOP! How would Balmaclellan survive if the shop at its heart closed? My family and I have lived here for four years and, from the very beginning, we’ve been fed and watered by Balmaclellan Stores. They have an amazing variety of stock, happily getting items in on request, and we have been aided and protected by products as wide-ranging as logs, bottled gas, and tick removers, as well as being kept informed of how the local community works - including where to get particular things done, who would know about niche areas, and whether the cat that was living in our garden when we moved in belonged to anyone... Debbie and her parents, who own the shop, have always been so helpful; if we have ever asked for something the chances are that Debbie has it in, but if not she is always willing to get it if possible. To save us space and travelling, Debbie suggested and now bulk-buys our dried dog food and wild bird feed, which she stores and lets us buy one bag at a time. The shop has always been a great support to our holiday cottage business, also in Balmaclellan, including providing their marvellous and highly acclaimed home-made cakes and pies. In fact, our guests have regularly commented about what an amazing shop it is. I realise the shop is at the heart of the village. It would be terrible to lose it. Direct and indirect communication happens through the shop - it gives company to many people, and provides a valuable target and resting place for a pleasant walk. Debbie gives many free services including delivering goods to people who for various reasons cannot get to the shop; holds post if people are unable to receive it due to being away, working, etc; operate a free cash machine; witnesses forms; provides friendship and support to anyone who needs it, and much more besides. On more than one occasion, they have literally taken cash from their own pocket to give to customers when the cash machine has been empty, or said "take what you need and pay when you're next passing". Try getting service like that at one of the supermarkets! I am hoping to remind people about what an invaluable community resource this is, and that we need to repay the support it gives us. The incredible variety of goods and services - at very competitive prices (often cheaper than competitors near and far) - are provided by a business with all its accompanying overheads, with Debbie only taking a small salary once these have been settled. Unlike other shops in the Glenkens, it has no other income; for instance others have community funding, a supporting income from the Post Office, and room to be able to diversify to provide a lovely cafe and bistro, etc. Therefore I am not only asking people to shop as much as possible in Balmaclellan, but I am also calling on the community to find ways of helping to fund some of the shop (in consultation with Debbie, of course). If the shop were ever to close, Balmaclellan would lose its last public facility - what will there be for locals, or to encourage visitors or newcomers? Unlike the other villages, we have no cafes, Post Offices, pubs, or visitor centres to support and encourage a sense of community and enhance village life. I know of many people who come from outside of the village to use the shop, and I hope they will join with us to continue to support the shop to help sustain its future. Balmaclellan would be a very hungry, thirsty, lonely, unsupported and quiet place if it didn't have the shop. So please, support Balmaclellan Village Stores. Denise MacDonald-Kiernan Glenkens Gazette page 4 sponsored by EVERYTHING listed in the Glenkens Freecycle section is FREE - you just need to contact the owner and go and pick it up! If you would like to list something on this page, please get in touch with Sarah on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk VARIOUS Chairs in need of reupholstery: reproduction Queen Anne style (1 mousenibbled) x 2. Parker Knoll style (needs new cushioning) x 1. Rocker x 1. Can be delivered. Contact: Ros on 01644 420 632 Burley Bee/Minnow bike trailer, collection only. Contact 01644 420 462 Little multi-fuel Wenlock cast iron stove with stainless steel flue pipe mark 1 with back boiler, needs some attention. Contact: 01644 430 529 70 hardback A4 envelopes. 1 Epson black ink cartridge, for Epson Stylus Colour printer 800/850/850Ne/1520. Contact: 01644 460 516 WANTED 1/2 lb honey/jam/chutney jars. With or without lids. Can collect. 07941 126 323 Used postage stamps for horse charity. Drop off at 3 Midtown, Dalry, or call 07563 718 011. Thanks to everyone who donated them over Christmas. Stainless steel kitchen utensils/pots, etc and wooden trays/boxes with compartments for sorting. Contact Dalry ELC/ Nursery at gw08devlinjenna01@ ea.dumgal.sch.uk New Natural Power ‘ControlCentre’ Continued from front page... The new facility has been designed for Natural Power’s next decade of growth, with the flexibility to add new services where required, to upgrade software that will improve service delivery and to accommodate work with specialist suppliers whenever necessary – vitally important in an ever-changing industry. Paul Wheelhouse, Energy Minister, said: “I am delighted to open this new facility and welcome the significant investment by Natural Power and the Fred Olsen Group in the Scottish energy sector and, of course, it is tremendous to see investment in such a facility in a rural region such as Dumfries and Galloway.” One of the assets being managed through the ControlCentre is Brockloch Rig Wind Farm, located 8km north east of Carsphairn. It consists of 30 2.05MW turbines with a total installed capacity of 61.5MW. Fred Olsen said: “The investment in Brockloch Rig creates two new milestones for Fred Olsen Renewables. Firstly it takes us past 500MW of operating capacity in Scotland, and secondly it brings the total invested in Paul Murton was in the Glenkens filming for his Grand Tours of Scotland with Tern TV. competition to write an epitaph for his gamekeeper’s gravestone and the competition was won by one of the local ministers. Paul was filmed reading the poem in Kells churchyard, alongside the gravestone of John Murray. After visiting Kells churchyard the film crew drove down to Mossdale to film the old New Galloway station, and then finished the day up at Clatteringshaws. The BBC will air the programme in September or October, so make a note in your diaries. Scotland to almost three quarters of a billion pounds. The new investment in Brockloch Rig produces more output from 10 turbines than the original 36 turbines achieved in 1996. “Instead of the traditional five year operations contract with the turbine supplier, we are engaging Natural Power to run this project after just two years. This approach is being rolled out across our fleet where the original turbine manufacturer’s warranties expire, creating over 40 jobs within the Natural Power servicing team in Scotland.” Grand Tours of the Glenkens Filming began with Paul pikefishing on Loch Ken alongside local fish and wildlife experts Robin Ade and Tim Ewing. He then went on to the Ken Bridge Hotel to take a look at a replica of a legendary pike which had been produced by Robin for hotel owner Dave Paterson. The story of the monster pike is that John Murray, gamekeeper to Viscount Kenmure in the late 18th century, had presented his master with a 72lb pike caught after the latter had grumbled that there was "no fish bigger than a minnow" in the loch! Viscount Kenmure held a Paul Murton (right) with Robin Ade in front of Robin’s reproduction of the monster pike, situated by the bar in the Ken Bridge Hotel. Glenkens Gazette page 5 sponsored by Footpaths and the Local Economy The link between footpaths and the local economy may not seem obvious, but our extensive network of local footpaths could be one of our most valuable assets. Improving access, mapping and sign posting paths would encourage greater use by residents and tempt visitors to stay a while, thus helping the local economy. The Glenkens could become an established walking area. With these thoughts in mind, a number of applications were made to the Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership (GGLP) by Local initiatives in New Galloway (LING), and those successful were the restoration of the footpath in the New Galloway Golf Course wood, clearing and maintaining footpaths and the partial restoration of the walled garden on the Garroch Estate. Work has already started on these projects, which rely totally on volunteer expertise and labour with the grant for materials restricted to 40% of the total cost. This is a five-year project for GGLP, but the intention is that future generations will continue to preserve this local heritage. The more volunteers we have the quicker improvements can be made, so please contact Ros Hill on 01644 420 632 or Gerry Cinderby on 01644 420 852 or email cinderbyg@gmail.com to volunteer. Assistance has also been given to the GGLP and D&G Council in helping two other projects forward. The Core Path which presently ends at Cairn Edward means walking along the A762 into New Galloway. With the help of a local landowner, an off-road route has been identified through old mixed woodland, linking into the Golf Course woodland path. Another project we have cooperated on is the concept of a long-distance path from Carsphairn to New Galloway, and linking to the Core Path described above. This will mainly use existing forest tracks operated by the Forestry Commission and Forrest Estate, but also some private landowners who have been supportive. Applications for funds to work on these improvements have been made by D&G Council to the Improving Public Access Fund which is managed by Scottish Natural Heritage. We hope to see you with hoes and spades one day and will keep you informed of progress. Gerry Cinderby Not So Bonnie Galloway? Plastic rubbish clogging up our beaches and oceans has received a lot of publicity recently. But littering is a perennial problem everywhere and with a reduced DGC litter collection service the problem appears to have multiplied in the Glenkens with many of our roadsides chock-a-block with rubbish. Dalry Community Council receives constant complaints about roadside litter with much discussion about what to do about it. Dumfries & Galloway Council is not alone in having their funding cut and having to make drastic cuts to our public services. Putting up council taxes does not come close to balancing the books and inevitably the repair of potholes, roadside grass cutting and litter collection is not up to the same standard as in the past. What can we do to help? A cursory analysis of the problem indicates that the bulk of the litter on the roadsides appears to be thrown from passing vehicles but some is local – on an Easter spring-clean one family collected 19 bags of dog poo that had been left in the hedges between Moss Roddock quarry and St John’s Way, despite there being a designated dog-poo bin just down the road at St John’s Seat. Perhaps our local families could start a trend for a different type of Easter egg hunt every spring – for every bag of litter collected a chocolate reward! Many folk who walk round our villages regularly pick up rubbish and dispose of it – this seems a sensible Liitter collected on the verges on the A702 and public-spirited way just east of Dalry. of keeping our Glenkens villages looking nice. local group, such as the Scouts, Perhaps all walkers could keep take responsibility for a particular a bag in their pocket to pop any stretch of road by having regular rubbish in and take back to a bin. clean-ups. In the States, where I And we can all be vigilant and ask have seen this idea in operation, people nicely to take their rubbish they have a sign on the roadside home if we see someone littering. saying ‘This stretch of the A123 is Also, the DGC Community Safety cared for by Anytown Scout Group’. Team are able to issue Fixed Penalty Please, everyone - have a think Notices of £80 to anyone found and come up with some more ideas. littering. They can be contacted by The days of assuming someone else telephone on 030 3333 3000, or by will deal with the problem are over; email at communitysafetyteam it is down to us now. @dumgal.gov.uk Nicolette Wise, Chair, Another idea would be to have a Dalry Community Council Glenkens Gazette page 6 Glenkens Gazette page 7 CHILDCARE IN THE GLENKENS Continued from front page... "The group has wonderful volunteers, dedicated staff and amazing local support – thank you so much to everyone who has been involved in the group since its inception right through to today." The Glenkens Holiday Club is well underway for 2018 - Glenkens Out of Summer - and the events are thriving. Still to come is 'Holiday Club meets Youth Arts' and the end of summer 'Garden Party featuring Molly Mixtures'. Follow our Facebook page @GlenkensBabyToddler to keep an eye out on dates and events. On Tuesday 21 August Bright Stars Glenkens Community Nursery will open its doors for the new term. Offering 9am-3pm childcare provision children aged 2-5 on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. Funded as well as private places are available - get in touch now to secure your place as only a small number are available. There is also a pick-up service available from Dalry School Nursery, allowing children to have the morning at the school nursery and afternoon at Bright Stars. Follow our Facebook page @BrightStarsGlenkens to find out more or get in touch. Glenkens Baby and Toddler Group will be offering two sessions a month for 'Stay & Play' activities for 0-5 year-olds from September. We will be welcoming a new ELC practitioner into the group who will help to organise the sessions and activities alongside parents/carers. For one of the monthly sessions, Bright Stars will host and groups will be able to enjoy activities together. Follow our Facebook page @GlenkensBabyToddler for dates and times. New for 2018/19 is Glenkens After School Club, a service offering after-school activities from 3-6pm for P1-7s. Currently this service is being planned with the help of the community, so please join the Facebook group - Glenkens After School Club - to keep up to date and help shape the service. Grab an enrolment form as soon as they are available as spaces will go fast. After School Club aims to launch from 20 August. Also under review is a Breakfast Club for 2018/19, a service offering pre-school breakfast from 7.30am9am. If you may be interested in this service and feel there is a need, please get in touch at glenkenselc@gmail.com - further information on this will follow throughout 2018/19. Coming up on 10 August at 11am in Glenkens Community Centre will be Glenkens ELC AGM. Please come along and support the group, whether it's through volunteering, taking on a committee member role or just letting us know your thoughts, please pop along. Over the past 12 months great change and growth has taken place amongst our childcare groups and we are, as always, very grateful to our local and national supporters - Natural Power Ltd, GCAT, Glenkens Charity Shop, Cash for Kids and the Big Lottery Fund. Fundraising is a large focus for the groups to keep them affordable and accessible for all the community. If you have any ideas for fundraising or grant opportunities please let us know. Glenkens ELC is under the umbrella of the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT), charity number SC032050. Danielle Wilson-Smith, Chair, Glenkens ELC RECENTLY AWARDED ‘CAMRA PUB OF THE YEAR 2018’ - three changing cask ales & cider - fresh, seasonal & local food - open all day every day - award-winning food, beer & atmosphere - en-suite accommodation - 20% off takeaway discount - country sport & walkers facilities - 01644 430 241 www.theclachaninn.co.uk Follow us on facebook and twi�er and make sure to sign up for our newsle�er - see website for details… www.gallowayglens.org Glenkens Gazette page 8 SPALDING BOWLING CLUB Spalding Bowling Club held its open triples, sponsored by the Clachan Inn. It was won by a Home Club triple of Ian Cullen, Ray Heard, and Paul Nicolson. Beaten finalists were Stewart Crossan, Joe Caldow and John McGarrie, from Auchencairn. Gordon McAdam is also pictured, along with daughter Annabelle, and Steve Papworth who presented the trophy on behalf of the Clachan Inn. A great day was had by all. Valerie Russell NEW GALLOWAY GOLF CLUB With all this brilliant weather New Galloway Golf Club has been extremely busy. in June and a superb day was had by all. The day started with Dave’s Fledglings playing for the Les Burton Trophy. Some excellent scores were returned with the winner turning out to be the Captain's own The club held its Captain’s Day granddaughter, Chloe Aitken. Later in the day there was a putting competition in which the parents and grandparents partnered the juniors. The winners were Hector McCulloch and his granddad, Ian. The main competition was for the Jack McQueen Quaich. The winner of the Junior prize was Jack's granddaughter, Fiona McQueen; the Gents' Captain’s Day prize winners with club winner was Anthony Captain, Ian Brown. Graham and the Ladies' winner, and overall winner, was Janette Davidson. The picture shows all the prize winners on the day together with the captain. Following the golf, members were treated to a fantastic buffet. June was also the Club's Seniors Open, and this had one of the biggest entries in many years. The overall winner was the Club's own Jeff Sutcliffe, with the winner of the scratch prize being Dumfries & County's Ian Brotherston. Now that the school holidays are here our junior coaching programme continues on Saturday mornings at 10-11:30am. We are only too happy to see any new juniors looking to give golf a go... Ian Brown Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents Dumfries & Galloway 01556 503744 www.ggblaw.co.uk All legal advice Offices in Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie Kirkcudbright and Dumfries Glenkens Gazette page 9 CatStrand Highlights Summer has been wonderful so far! Searing temperatures, the World Cup, Wimbledon and of course the 39th Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival which we loved here at CatStrand. If July was quiet events-wise, August is the start of the crescendo and we’re delighted to welcome back the American old-time livewires The Hot Seats (Sat 4 Aug) on the eve of the world-famous Scottish Alternative Games (Sun 5 Aug). This is their 10th anniversary tour so it seemed fitting to bring them back to 10-yearold CatStrand five years after their first sell-out show here. We expect another sell-out too and an absolute blazer of a concert. For something more esoteric, head to Sulwath Brewery for the brand new Enigma Sessions (Fri 10 Aug), a new night of live music in intimate surroundings curated by our young intern Ruari Barber-Fleming. Indeed, Ruari is also featuring with his new music project Frozen Shores. A unique evening is in store also featuring Stornoway’s own Mother Night. The following weekend we have our annual Movie in the Park which is the quirky, funny, and intelligent story about awkward teens The Perks of Being a Wallflower [12] featuring Emma Watson (Harry Potter) and rising star Logan Lerman. If wartime history is more your thing, come and watch the Oscar-winning Gary Oldman in Darkest Hour [PG] (Wed 22 Aug) which many have said is the actor’s finest hour on celluloid. Staying with films, the Dalry Film Club movie in September is the multi-Oscar scooping Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri [15] (Wed 5 Sept) which the Telegraph called a “gut-twisting comedy to make you stand up and hoot”. We’re delighted to be hosting the first Galloway Gaelic Conference (Sat 8 Aug) featuring top academics and experts from all over the country. Entitled Galloway: Gaelic’s Lost Province the conference is already close to sold out so please get your tickets soon. On the eve of the Conference there will be a very special concert by legendary BBC Radio 3 presenter and Gaelic singer Mary Ann Kennedy (Fri 7 Sept). Tickets are available separately. Dalry Town Hall is the venue for one of the greatest country Americana bands on the live circuit Amanda Anne Platt and the Honeycutters (Fri 14 Sept). The sensational fivepiece band are touring all the way from North Carolina, USA. Lauded as “remarkable” (Rock ‘n‘ Reel Magazine) this will be another great night in the village. Finally, we welcome back the Dark Sky Jazz Club with a brand new series of artists fresh from the blossoming Scottish contemporary jazz scene. One of the finest of this current crop, described by BBC Radio 3 as “classy and well-crafted”, are the Brian Molley Quartet (Fri 28 Sept) who play their debut at CatStrand and I can guarantee this sax quartet will blow you away with a combination Calling Crafters! Dalry Town Hall Management Committee will be holding another craft fair on Saturday 3 November. Anyone who would like to book a table please contact Noreen on 07759 494 952 or 01644 420 730 or at noreenbell46@gmail.com 21 MAK of gorgeous tone and astonishing dexterity. Looking ahead Kiki Dee (Fri 16 Nov) is understandably close to sell out, and Kris Drever & Boo Hewerdine (Sat 13 Oct) are not far behind. Look out for Canadian comedy sensation and TV regular Glenn Wool in February 2019 and a quick note to say that for the first time ever, CatStrand will host its legendary Burns Supper on Burns Night itself (Fri 25 Jan). Tickets are available for all these shows now. Look out for our winter brochure at the start of September. The CatStrand Team Glenkens Gazette page 10 FLASH FICTION COMPETITION Are you a writer? Do you enjoy flash fiction? Well get writing! Each issue the Glenkens Gazette will run a flash fiction competition for short sories (under 450 words), with a different subject each time. This issue’s subject is ‘Summer’. Rules: It must be your own work. It must be no more than 450 words. It must be Fiction. Minimum age of entry 12 years with no maximum age limit. It must include a separate 50 words about yourself and what inspired your story. The winning entry will be published in the next issue of the Glenkens Gazette, including an online presence on the Gazette website, Facebook and Twitter. Entries will be judged by local author Ian Patrick, and the winner will receive a £10 Amazon voucher to spend on a book of their choice. What have you got to lose? Email entries to glenkens gazette@hotmail.co.uk by 5 September 2018. The judge's decision is final and no late entries will be accepted. The winner of the April/May Flash Fiction Competition is Sue Wiseman with The Day That Time Stood Still (printed below). Competition judge Ian says: “Congratulations Sue, an entertaining and original story.” About the Author: Many years ago I lived near London just yards away from the Greenwich Meridian. On New Years Eve we’d all stand astride 0 degree Longitude singing Auld Lang Syne, waiting for the stroke of midnight when we’d have one foot in the old year and one in the new. THE DAY THAT TIME STOOD STILL 32 Acacia Avenue Mavis, placing a pie on the oven, looked up as her husband came in, hot and dishevelled from the garden. “Finished the lawn, Jim?” “No. Bit of trouble with the mower. I’ll sort it out tomorrow morning when our Alan comes round.” “Ok. Dinner in about half an hour.” Broadcasting House London This is John Humphries and Sarah Montague in the ‘Today’ studio bringing you up to date on the catastrophic events following the sudden disappearance of the Greenwich Meridian yesterday. You’ll note we don’t have any time signals today. It is still unclear whether this is terrorist related. Brexit negotiations have been halted while emergency meetings are held to discuss the Meridian crisis. Sky News Stock markets around the world have ceased trading as most computers are out of action. International flights are grounded and ocean going vessels are experiencing unprecedented difficulties. BBC Radio 198 Longwave We regret we are unable to issue the shipping forecast due to the loss of GMT. 32 Acacia Avenue “All this hoo-hah about Greenwich Meridian, funny really what with it passing right through our back garden and through the Nicholson’s place in Tredegar Drive, right through their carp pond.” Jim added. A car door slammed. “I think that’s our Alan. I’ll put the kettle on.” Channel 5 News Network Rail say some trains are still running albeit without timetables. Passengers report they have not noticed any difference. ITN The Kremlin has denied any involvement with the disappearance of the Greenwich Meridian. 32 Acacia Avenue “So what’s wrong with this mower, dad?” “I was doing the lawn yesterday and something got snagged around the blade. I don’t know what it is, I can’t really describe it.” Jim unlocked the shed door. “I tried to cut it with a Stanley knife but I couldn’t, it’s too tough, so I thought if I could pull it and find the end I could just unwind it – except that there was no end. I kept pulling and pulling, nearly two hours I was at it.” He opened the shed door to reveal it full, base to apex, with a strange kind of filament, knotted, tangled, clumped into solid masses or strung out like spiders’ web at first glistening then almost transparent. Some of it started to avalanche onto the path. Alan looked aghast. “There’s miles of it, “ said Jim, “hundreds of miles..Thousands..” “You know what this is?” said Alan. “Err, yes son, I think I might do. I suppose I’ll have to own up and get something done about it.” Alan took out his phone and keyed in 999. “Yes dad, I think you will.” Glenkens Gazette A National Park for All Proposals for Galloway National Park rightly focus on protecting our landscape and environment. But, what if we’re missing the chance to put people at the centre too? I’m concerned the social and economic challenges we face aren’t being given enough attention, nor the potential of ground-breaking Land Reform and Community Empowerment legislation. Can a national park care for our communities as much as our countryside? While visitors to our beautiful region may think life here is idyllic, it’s a sad fact that for many in Galloway and the Glenkens, life can be a struggle. Since I was elected, I’ve seen this first hand. Higher heating, transport and food costs, the lowest average wages in Scotland and brutal welfare reforms all contribute to rural poverty, with people increasingly reliant on foodbanks right here among us. Our local economy is fragile: Brexit-induced uncertainties over farming and fishing; a higher than average ageing population; poor transport links and insufficient career opportunities and affordable housing, especially for young people. Of course, these are matters for local and national government to address - it’s something I and my colleagues do daily - but we need wide-ranging partnership working too – and that’s where I believe a national park could be key. Cairngorms is one of two existing national parks in Scotland, and I’d like to see their approach shape Galloway’s national park campaign, with a built-in commitment to by Councillor Dougie Campbell shared priorities with public bodies, including community organisations, local authorities and the Scottish Government. In their Partnership Plan, Cairngorms recognise that planning policies might stifle much-needed business development, or the construction of affordable homes. We need to ensure from the outset that creating a Galloway National Park doesn’t mean a moratorium on growth, or potential conflict with the desires of local people. This is particularly important now Community Empowerment legislation allows communities to control assets like unused council properties, to deliver services locally - a good example being Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING). What would Galloway National Park’s relationship be with communities seeking more autonomy over decisions that affect them? Similarly, Land Reform rights enable communities to buy land for affordable housing and sustainable infrastructure projects. Will this transformational legislation be at the forefront of any national park thinking here? It’s hard for people to travel between isolated areas if they don’t have access to transport. There’s a pledge in the Cairngorms Partnership Plan to support community transport. We already have Glenkens Transport Initiative delivering an excellent service here, but there’s potential to expand significantly – so could this be another partnership priority for our national park? Like Galloway, tourism is vital to the Cairngorms. However, their plan also prioritises supporting diverse employment, including forestry, agriculture, food and Milton Park Mystery Dear Glenkens Gazette, I was just wondering how long your paper been in publication? The thing is, years ago - around 1963 - I stayed with my parents at the Milton Park Hotel, near the Village of Dalry. One day we spoke with this page 11 elderly local man, who told us that three maids had died in the hotel under mysterious cicumstances (I think it had happened at some time in the 1950s). This is something which has constantly been on my mind, and something that I have never been able to confirm, and I was wondering if any of your readers may New Galloway Town Hall, now run as a community hub by LING © Les Bell drink, aiming to increase education and training opportunities too. So, could Galloway National Park capitalise on our amazing local produce by promoting our existing Council Food and Drink Strategy? National parks need foresters, instructors, rangers, managers – might we include a commitment to providing the Living Wage and apprenticeships for our young folk? This is the future I want for Galloway. Vibrant, diverse, inclusive and people-centred. Sharing partnership priorities, taking advantage of land reform and community empowerment rights, growing our economy and capitalising on our wealth of resources and people – these have to flourish in any proposals for Galloway National Park, alongside our precious natural environment. Let’s expand the debate to include us all. have heard of this? If so, I would be very grateful to learn more of the story... Sincerely, Alan Robertson, North Vancouver Can any Gazette readers help Alan to figure out the Milton Park mystery...? Glenkens Gazette page 12 BUSINESS IN THE SPOTLIGHT This new section in the Gazette will showcase a different local business each issue, giving readers a taste of the diverse and flourishing entrepeneurial world of the Glenkens. If you would like to feature your business, please email an article of up to 500 words with a photograph to glenkensgazette@ hotmail.co.uk Along the Hidden Road at Balmaclellan is a hidden business – Galloway Flowers, an artisan flower grower and florist. Galloway Flowers Rosie Gray working in her hidden garden. pea expecting a delicious perfume, only to discover none. From seed-sowing to planting to arranging, these flowers travel a distance counted in steps. My partner, Ken Leslie, has worked tirelessly to create raised beds essential to raise flowers productively. He’s keen to ensure this becomes an even richer haven for wildlife and wild flowers too. By encouraging a healthy population of birds, hedgehogs, frogs and toads, pests are naturally balanced without harmful pesticides, etc. chefs and farmers have embraced the ‘field to fork’ concept, valuing the quality and diversity of locally grown produce, more are discovering the delights of locally-grown, scented and seasonal flowers. Growing in Galloway does present challenges of course – last winter’s cold, the late spring and low rainfall this summer. But keen gardeners all our lives, we aren’t afraid of experimenting to find best varieties and methods. Most of our flowers grow outside, with a greenhouse and polytunnels used for blooms early ...encouraging a healthy population Perhaps you’re surprised anybody of birds, hedgehogs, frogs and toads, would (or could) grow flowers in Galloway? Certainly the weather presents pests are naturally balanced without challenges, but we’ve done just that for harmful pesticides... three years. The flowers are cut, arranged and delivered locally as bouquets, as well as for weddings and funeral tributes with a difference. I often add interesting foliage, grasses, seed heads and herbs to make informal ‘just picked from the garden’ style bouquets. In winter, we make seasonal wreaths and last year enjoyed a fun afternoon making Christmas wreaths at the CatStrand too. I love growing scented flowers and foliage as this quality has disappeared from so many flowers. To me, it’s so disappointing to pick up a rose or sweet A small artisan business like this is unusual. The UK cut flower business is huge, but few are now grown here - around 90% of flowers sold are grown abroad, mainly in Holland, Africa and South America. While this has made flowers available with a supermarket shop, choice is limited to those tough enough to stand the long journey. Few are fragrant, and many traditional cut flowers are rarely available to buy. But interest in these flowers is growing, particularly for weddings. Just as top and late in the season. In 2017, the last chrysanthemums were cut at Christmas, despite the snow! Flowers are cut fresh to order by telephone or online for local delivery and collection. I’ve been selling flowers at Kirkcudbright farmers market and Loch Arthur farm shop since 2016 too. The flower field isn’t open to visitors, but please get in touch if you would like to order or to find out more - www.gallowayflowers.co.uk or 01644 420 407. Rosie Gray Carers Wanted Wednesday 26 September: for holiday/sick cover To work as part of a team, caring for disabled lady in Dalry. Experience desired but not essential as training can be given. PVG can be discussed. Pay above minimum wage. 01644 430 135 Glenkens Gazette page 13 You DALRY LIBRARY Thank The leaders and NOTICE BOARD youngsters of the Librarian Angela Miller is delighted with her new notice board, provided by Dalry Community Council for displaying public information. Following recent refurbishment by D & G Council the Gourlay Memorial Library is much improved and can now be hired for groups and meetings. It is currently used for local Gaelic Classes on Monday evenings, Young Writers after school on Thursdays (monthly) and Bookbug on a Tuesday morning (also currently monthly). It is hoped that D & G Council’s more flexible approach to the building will lead to increased usage both inside and in the garden. To find out more, please contact Angela in the Library (phone: 01644 430 234) during opening hours, or email her at: angela.miller@dumgal.gov.uk Librarian Angela Miller beside Dalry Library’s new community notice board. Glenkens Cubs and Beavers would like to thank supporters of their annual Jumble Sale. Gratitude goes to all those who donated goods and those who came along and purchased at our recent jumble sale - the final total raised was £993. A huge thank you also goes to the group committee, parents and helpers who were amazing - we couldn’t do it without you. Cub Pack meetings restart on Wednesday 5 September, 6.458pm. If you are between eight and 101⁄2, boys or girls, and would like to come along and give Scouting a try you will be very welcome. In the meantime, thank you again for your support, it is much appreciated. Heather, Hannah and Doug (Cub Leaders) and Diana, Tim and Chrissie (Beaver Leaders) Glenkens Gazette RHINNS O’ KELLS CHALLENGE CUP The Rhinns o’Kells Challenge Cup will be held on Saturday 8 September. Anyone wishing to take part is invited to meet at The Thistle in Dalmellington Square (Snug Bar) for registration at 8am, after which a bus will be provided to take entrants to the start of the walk - the bus leaves at 8.30am. The walk starts at the Forest Lodge near St Johns Town of Dalry, and is a strenuous walk over nine tops, back to Loch Doon and finishing at Drumjohn (approximately 20 miles). Transport back to Dalmellington will then be provided, and there will be food and presentation of the Cup to the winner, and medals for the walkers. The total cost to participate is £14. For further information on the Dalmellington Walking Weekend please contact Drew Filson on 07772 871 946. Left to right: Sheila McLean, Sharon & David Scott and Kenneth Filson leaving Carlins Cairn with Views of Loch Doon in the background. GLENKENS ROUTE Thursdays: 12noon-1pm – Crossmichael 1-2pm – Parton/Loch Ken Holiday Park 2-4pm – Balmaclellan area 4-5.30pm – The Hidden Road Fridays: 8-10.30am – Dalry 10.30-11am – Glenlee Area 11am – New Galloway 12noon – New Galloway Shop 2pm – Mossdale area 3-4pm – Laurieston to Gatehouse Please note that all times are approximate. 07966 103 912 charliecoid@hotmail.com Fleet Fish aims to provide top quality produce which is sourced as locally as possible. We take pride in offering friendly door-to-door service tailored to our customers’ needs. page 14 New Galloway Exhibition The exhibition of paintings, photographs and artefacts from New Galloway was enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. As well as showcasing past social life, the event, organised by Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING), allowed former pupils of Kells School (the building which is now the CatStrand) to re-live memories of their childhood, aided by the digital display of photographs and postcards. Former classmates from as far apart as Bath and Turriff attended the event. The upper town hall served as a gallery, with over 50 works of art in various genres featuring New Galloway and the surrounding area. In the lower hall were records of local ancestry in a Voters Roll dated 1909–1910. The fact that some people stayed for hours and others even returned the second day indicated the success of the weekend. Thanks to all who supported it. Raymond Bridgeman Glenkens Gazette page 15 Laurieston’s Handmade Beach Once upon a time there was no beach. Well, that’s not strictly true – there’s always been a shoreline since the melting glaciers of the last ice age left lots of drumlins around the Laurieston area. People have swum in Woodhall Loch for a very long time. The water flowing out of Lochenbreck was believed to have healing powers. Once it was a popular spa. Laurieston Hall was a tuberculosis (TB) hospital until shortly before becoming what has evolved into its present day community. Taking the air and water was an important part of the healing process. My own connection from that era is that my son John Henry’s grandfather, Dr Cairns, was a TB specialist who used to send his patients there. My first recollections of the shoreline are from when Jeannie (my late wife), myself and a very small John Henry used to come on visits to Laurieston Hall. I remember visiting the loch one day with our friend Margaret, and looking up to see a kingfisher sitting on a branch just above us. Somehow that moment cemented my bond with the loch, making me want to always have it as a part of my life. By this time John Henry had grown old enough to be coming down from the village to the Hall whenever he got the chance, to play snooker and table tennis and make liberal use of its other facilities. Mutterings began: “Roland what are you going to do in return?”. Well, the rest is history. I managed to convince both Hall residents and the Forestry Conservator that a wee beach at the boundary of the Hall’s land was needed and that this would be possible with no more than a trowel. The forces of nature will always win, so best to work with them wherever possible. The small burn coming off designed as a sun trap. the hill was depositing its sand and - Break the ice and go in for a dip; gravel into swampy undergrowth they do it regularly in Scandinavia the wrong place to be of any use. The and Russia and live to tell the tale. answer: dig out a shallow channel to Teilhard de Chardin coined the word divert the water through 90 degrees ‘conscientisation’ when speaking so that it would flow southwards to of the phenomenon of matter the spot where it now merges with being able to organise itself over the loch. immense periods of time gradually to Once done, winter deluges (and the achieve higher and higher levels of odd summer one) did much of the ‘complexity consciousness’. For him rest of the job so long as one kept the the purpose of life and the universe channel of the burn cleared out. was this endless striving over billions The beach is not just somewhere of years by the matter/energy that with enough sand to ensure space are you and me, and countless to sunbathe and to wade into deep generations to come, to reach the water comfortably. It is the point at ultimate point of an unimaginable which waves break and produce a consciousness which today’s religions myriad of different sounds as water speak of as ‘God’. gurgles up into crannies between the That all brings me back to where boulders. we started – the ice ages which What of the future? The beach is provided the materials and for me a living entity constantly interacting the inspiration to build a beach, with all who use it. It is a statement experiment with a bit of living of our relationship with the natural land art, get grounded, practice world. It is a place of surprises – the mindfulness – call it what you mother otter playing with two of her will. What matters is that it’s just young off the rocks at the end of the one more pointer towards our breakwater, the sudden visitation understanding of that extraordinary of a kingfisher streaking across the process we have been born into. loch, the red squirrel looking for nuts The beach is something dynamic dropped into the Loch and washed up and, above all, it’s a wonderful place onto the beach. to reflect on what life’s all about and The beach is somewhere to be to recharge one’s batteries in order to creative – the materials are all there. be more creative and adventurous in They don’t have to stay in their our quest towards self-determination present configuration. So, here are for our own, our species and the a few tips on how to ensure future natural world’s futures. generations can share in what is best Roland Chaplain, Balmaclellan of what is there at present: - If you see an interesting-looking boulder bring it to the beach. - Avoid throwing boulders into the water on the sandy bit (people have now got used to not breaking their toes when they race in for a swim). - If you’re feeling agile and energetic, explore up the burn and clear out any vegetable debris (that might occasionally include fallen trees). - Autumn storms can throw up large amounts of leaves, twigs and branches. If left they will provide nutrition for midges and flies and eventually a migration of other vegetation across the beach. - Strip off at any time of year; low-angle winter sun is particularly good Roland Chaplain and his beach, as for you, and the beach is �� ����������������������������������� ������� ���������������������������� ����������������������������� ������������������������������� ������������������������ ��������������������� Roland Chaplain has been working for the last 30 years on creating a beach on the banks of Woodhall Loch. Recently, the Scottish Daily Mail ran a feature on Roland and his handmade beach. The Gazette hears from Roland first-hand how it all came about... me to trap a good bit of sand to start. Now it stretches out for more than 12 metres (39ft) and took hundreds of rocks and boulders to build.’ Everything is explained with a boyish zeal that lights up his cartoonish features and reinforces the impression that Mr Chaplain might have stepped from the pages of a Roald Dahl novel, with his tangle of bleached wire for eyebrows and shock of white hair. Yet the net results of 33 years of excavation are truly breathtaking. The once-shallow channel at the end of the burn now easily swallows up Mr Chaplain’s rangy 6ft 2in frame. The beach ‘complex’ now incorporates a sandy bay looking north-east with its elegant lines of stone marking where the sand trails off gently into the positively balmy waters and a separate, high-backed sun-bathing zone of fine gravel facing south-west. S ������������������� �������������� ������������ ���������������� �������������� ����������� �������������� ������������ ���������������� bus, car or bicycle depending on the weather to carry on what was becoming an obsession. The Nineties came and went, as did the Noughties and his son grew up and emigrated to Australia where he now has his own young family. And yet Mr Chaplain’s devotion to his beach never faltered. He can trace his interest in waves and water patterns back to early childhood and his parents’ arrival as impoverished refugees from Germany just days before the outbreak of the Second World War. Born in 1941 when the family lived by the sea in Bournemouth, he found an instant connection with beaches as a youngster. ‘My mother was half-Prussian and half-Scottish and my father was a nomadic trader who remained stateless throughout his life, so it was difficult in the war,’ he said. ‘There was a lot of racial bullying and I ended up a bit of a loner, I suppose. When the bullies realised I was quite physically tough they ran, but I still tended to do things on my own and I think I am not easily distracted once I want to do something. ‘We were really poor and learned how to get out and pick chestnuts and brambles and I even remember going to shops and begging for food. I also became pretty adept at beachcombing and finding things I could sell for money after storms. That’s where it all started, this understanding of how sand behaves with different wave structures. It has kept with me through my career in meteorology.’ His experience with forecasting and reading weather conditions equipped him with the know-how to manipulate the flow of sand onto his beach at the southern end of the mile-long loch. ‘I needed northerly winds to blow down the loch, producing big enough waves to sweep the sand along to my beach. ‘The trick was to build curved breakwaters which would cause the currents induced by the breaking waves to spin round gently and deposit sand and gravel but carry only the finer mud and leaf debris out into deep water. ‘Just a little bit of wall allowed MALL fish nibble lazily at wildflower seeds floating on the loch shaded by birch, beech and alder. ‘It is very satisfying, seeing how it has evolved and how it behaves in different weather conditions,’ said Mr Chaplain as he surveyed his handiwork. It has been described as ‘land art’ – similar to the stylised works of such practitioners as Charles Jencks and Andy Goldsworthy – where form and function merge and submerge. Mr Chaplain is wary of such praise, arguing that nature has created its own aesthetic. ‘It is meant to look as natural as possible, while still working as a beach. But I don’t neatly line up all the white boulders together or anything like that. ‘It’s not pretty-pretty art, it was built for recreation and you could just smash it up any time and start again.’ Not that he wishes destruction upon his hard-fought creation. ‘I would love to pass this on to others to maintain it. I’m getting older now, I’m not going to do very much more to it. To extend any further out would need a huge amount of material to build up the wall. ‘I now come down here mainly to have my swim or just to enjoy nature, to see otters playing or swans and ducks with their young or just to listen to the waves breaking on the rocks.’ It may have taken more than three decades, but Roland Chaplain appears finally to have found his own patch of heaven on earth. For him, life truly has been a beach. featured in the Scotish Daily Mail. Glenkens Gazette page 16 Farewells and Achievements at Dalry Dalry Secondary School would like to pay tribute to some long serving members of staff who are retiring. Mrs Mary Nurse, Mr Tom Carmichael and Mrs Ros Henry have taught English, Physical Education and Music respectively for many years at Dalry. I am sure that, as a community, we wish them well as they depart and enter a new phase of their life in retirement. Mrs Susan Farquhar will also leave us at the end of the session to take up a position at Dumfries High School. Newly appointed in these positions after the summer will be Mrs Emma Stockwell as teacher of English, Mr Liam Fleming as teacher of Physical Education, Mrs Susan St Joseph as teacher of Music and Miss Rachel Crossan as trainee teacher of Home Economics. We will also miss Mr Paul Goodwin who is retiring from his position as network administrator. Paul has been a fantastic ambassador for the school and has ensured that the Information Technology available in Dalry has consistently been fit for purpose and serving the young people in their learning. Paul has many other strings to his bow that he has regularly made use of to provide opportunities for Dalry's students (see Paul's article on p24). House System: During this term we have taken the first steps to introducing a house system involving all pupils, led by elected house captains to encourage recognition of sporting and academic achievements as well as positive behaviour and citizenship achievements and contributions. The houses established are Goodwin House and Mulloch House, and congratulations go to the chosen house captains, Florrie Newbery and Jake Finlay. Sports Day: The re-introduction of a competitive sports day at Dalry Secondary School was a tremendous Wright’s Shop & Post Office Dalry Licensed convenience store and newsagent stocking a range of local suppliers including Corsons and Irvings Bakers, Ballards and Dalmellington Country Butchers and Mitchells Fruit and Veg. Opening Times (both shop & PO): Monday to Friday: 7am – 6pm Saturday: 8am – 6pm Sunday: 8.30am – 4pm Tel: 01644 430 225 Dalry Secondary Sports Day, showcasing the breathtaking scenery which is the backdrop to the school playing field. success. The day consisted of a range of races, both individual and team relays, as well as very competitive egg and spoon and three-legged races and a fun inter-house pupils and staff game of rounders. Poppy Pledge: Dalry Secondary and Cluster Primaries have jointly taken on the challenge of raising £1918 during the year to help ex-servicemen and women and their families impacted by conflict. Music Achievements: Dalry Secondary pupils have surpassed even their own high standards with some exceptional musical achievements this term. Rory Newbery, Hardie Walker and James Wallace all performed in the Castle Douglas Rotary Young Musician of the Year Competition, all three were a credit to the school and James won the vocal award as well as the silverware as overall winner. At the Galloway Music Festival Hardie Walker won first place on electric guitar, James was first in two classes, including with distinction in Scots solo singing and the S1 group performance also took first place with distinction. James also sang at the Big Burns Supper in January along with pupils from P7, Jessica Nash from S1 and Sarah McCreath and Grace Jeffery Temple from S2 who played flute. Dalry is truly a hotbed of musical talent out and about across the region and we thank Mrs Henry for her commitment to supporting the talents of the young people. Pupil Parliament: Next session it is planned to raise the profile of the young people’s voice by holding monthly consultation sessions, when Mrs Gillies will meet elected representatives of each year group. It is hoped this will provide the opportunity for young people to make suggestions, raise concerns and to be consulted on all appropriate aspects of school life. Elections will be held early in the new term and we hope you will encourage your young people to consider participating and experiencing the democratic process. Lorraine Gillies , Dalry Secondary School School Blog: Keep up to date with what’s been happening in school via https://blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/dg/ dalrysecondary/ Headteacher/Depute Headteacher availability in Dalry School: From the new school term (Tuesday 21 August) times during which senior managers will be based on site at Dalry School will be: Mr Smith Friday mornings; Mrs Gillies Monday & Tuesday mornings and all day Thursdays; Mrs Cook Thursday mornings; Mr Cathro Tuesday late morning/afternoon. At all other times Mr Bannister and Mrs Acheson (Principal Teachers) will be fulfilling management roles. For further information contact 01644 430 259 or gw08officedalry@ea.dumgal.sch.uk Glenkens Gazette page 17 HEALTH AND WELLBEING WEEK Dalry Primary and Nursery/Early Learning Centre (ELC)took part in their Health and Wellbeing (HWB) Week organised by teachers Miss Joss and Mrs Devlin. All pupils from Nursery to P7 were given the opportunity to plan and personalise their own week by signing up to a range of workshops. Topics focused on developing skills, knowledge and understanding about physical and mental health, nutrition, and sports science, and ranged from orienteering to baby care to ninja warriors! The activities were facilitated by class teachers, ELC staff and volunteers who kindly offered their skills and expertise. As part of our close partnership working within the Cluster, Kells and Carsphairn Primaries also joined Dalry pupils for workshops on the Wednesday. Feedback from all three schools was that pupils and staff really enjoyed being able to play and learn together. A few of the pupils’ favourites were Lego ‘n' Chill, Megan’s Gymtastic Gymnastics, Art Therapy, River Walk and Nature Hunt and Play Cafe... HWB Week culminated in the rescheduled and much anticipated Children in Need Ramble. Pupils and staff from Kells and Dalry Primaries completed a six kilometre hill walk up and over the Mulloch Hill, with the ELC joining in for part of the walk. Everyone met back at Dalry school for a community picnic and some well-earned ice pops. It was a wonderful, and challenging, event during which pupils raised over £550 for Children in Need. Well done and thank you to everyone who took part. A huge thank you to all Dalry staff for their support, input and enthusiasm, and for Kells staff and pupils for getting involved too. Also a special thank you to our volunteers who kindly gave their time to support and enhance our HWB week: Kirstie and Blair Templeton (Nutrition, Gardening and Sports Massage); David Steward (Football Coach); Stewart Gibson (Mountain Rescue); Anne McEwan (Baby Care); Angela Orro (Tesco Community Champion for sponsoring the Play Cafe food); and to staff members - Mrs Banner, Miss Andrew, Mr Carmichael and Mrs Henry - for offering their specialist input across the week. HWB Week was such a success that pupils are already planning next year’s event. "It was brilliant - I learned so much and did lots of really fun things. My favourite activities were definitely art therapy and gymnastics. I can’t wait for next year!" Esme P3, Dalry... well, watch this space! Jenna Devlin Pupils, teachers and parents at the top of the Mulloch Hill on the fundraising Children in Need Ramble. Farewell to Stronord Outdoor Centre We live in a time of constant change, throwing out the old and bringing in the new. But some changes are harder than others, and it is with great sadness that I report on the passing of Stronord Outdoor Centre, nee Stronord School. I have many connections with this place; as a former pupil of Minnigaff Primary School, several of my classmates moved from Stronord School, which closed in the 1960s. As a teenager, I would cycle from our farm at Low Blackcraig on warm summer evenings to play volleyball at Stronord with the other youngsters from nearby. I have used the centre as a Cub Leader with Minnigaff Pack. However, the biggest connection I have with Stronord is as a teacher at Dalry Secondary School. For all of the time I have been here, and many years before, p7 pupils of the Glenkens have gone on a two-day residential stay at Stronord. It has become a kind of rite-of-passage and, come cloud, sun, wind, midges or rain - or all of them - has always been a huge success. So many pupils have climbed the rock faces and cycled the trails of the Galloway Forest, enjoyed the fun of the playparks and the slopes of Cairnsmore; and at the heart of those trips was Stronord - two dorms, a kitchen and a social area. Not fancy, not bang-up-to-date, noticeably connected with its history as a country school. I know that so many pupils of my school and many others across the region will have happy memories of this place. Mine consist of ridiculous football matches with pupils in the grounds until darkness or midges drove us indoors. Evenings of entertaining youngsters with card tricks, charades, magic and general nonsense with not a hint of technology in sight. And so it was that Ruben, Olivia, Sandy, Isobel, Reece, Codie, Campbell, Sophie and Izak joined Mrs Acheson and me for our final trip. With perfect weather, we had a fantastic time, provided for by our instructors Mike, Alex and Ed. Self-catering for the first time Conquering Cairnsmore - 2018 P7 students, the last group of Glenkens students to visit Stronord Outdoor Centre. ever, as Carol our stalwart cook was not available, we tucked into pizza instead of roast chicken…for the first and last time at Stronord. The food tasted great, but with a bitter taste of sadness for me in knowing that we were the last group that would ever pass through those doors. RIP Stronord: Cause of death unknown, mourned by many hundreds of your sons and daughters. Paul Bannister, Teacher of Maths, Physics and many visitors to Stronord Glenkens Gazette The Best Job in the World page 18 by Paul Goodwin Well I thought that I had retired back in 2007; aged 54 and recovering from a heart procedure which included three stents. I cannot remember who delivered the message that “the school needs someone to look after their computers. You know about computers, don’t you?” Well, previous jobs including programmer, business/systems analyst and project manager hardly fitted me for the role of fixing PCs and printers; besides I was not looking for a full-time job. Well, it was only part time and less than a three-minute walk from home... it would be rude to refuse - so I gave it a shot. I must have done something right at the interview because I got the job. Although I ended my formal education at age fifteen and am not a teacher, I have always enjoyed the learning environment and have been an advocate of lifelong learning for very many years, often being a trainer and even teaching Accounting for four years in the ‘70s. Apart from learning the job, I soon discovered that there was a gap in after school activities, so with the Head Teacher’s encouragement I ran the Technology Club for nine years (ably assisted by pupil Emily Biggar in later years). I remain a STEM ambassador (Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths) and look forward to helping out with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics in the Glenkens schools in the future if it falls within my experience. Paul Goodwin presenting the Goodwin Trophy to the I feel honoured team captain of the winning Goodwin House at the 2018 to have been sports day. permitted to contribute to a number of school honour of having a house named activities such as Remembrance after me. I was able to donate a assemblies, history projects, plaque for the house competition, Golden Time activities such as which suits my personal stamp collecting or rocks and vision where everyone has the minerals and just about anything opportunity to contribute to the to do with plants or gardening team’s success regardless of their along with taking photographs and abilities. videos of school events. I don’t Now that I have retired, I would suppose that they will miss my like to thank those members of awful jokes though. staff (you know who you are) who Perhaps the most amazing thing have encouraged me in developing that happened in my ten and a new skills in creative writing, half years was when they reothers who have put up with introduced the house system for my ineptitude when it comes to sports in the Secondary school anything artistic or skilful (I can recently. The pupils were asked to be downright dangerous with a suggest and then vote on names tool in my hands) and who overall for the two houses. They chose have helped to make this the best Mulloch (for the nearby hill) and job I ever had (and just about Goodwin (after me)! Even though the worst paid!). Truth be told, I was awarded the British Empire I would have done much of this Medal in the Queen’s birthday stuff for free and I look forward to honours list in 1983, nothing in contributing to life in the Glenkens my life has prepared me for the schools for some years to come. Abbas Rest Coffee Morning 29 September, Dalry Town Hall 10am-12noon Help towards raffle, bottle stall and baking for both stall and teas would be gratefully appreciated. Please contact Avril Brown on 01644 430 526 From Glenkens to Down Under Correction In the last issue of the Gazette, it mistakenly stated in the article ‘From Glenkens to Down Under’ that Overton Cottage would be for sale through Hewats. This is not the case - the cottage will be available through Helen Steele at Williamson & Henry, New Galloway. Glenkens Gazette page 19 Galloway Glens Scheme is Underway The Galloway Glens Scheme will be supporting more than 35 exciting and varied projects up and down the Ken/Dee valley in the coming five years, all looking to showcase our unique heritage and put the area ‘on the map’. The last two years have been spent planning and developing the scheme and five years of activity has now kicked off, a couple of projects are getting underway immediately and others will be starting soon. The scheme has six headline aims: - To better record and understand the Natural and Cultural Heritage of the area - To support sustainable communities through education and heritage skills training - To encourage people to visit the area and engage with the heritage - To improve access to the Natural Heritage of the area - To increase use and therefore sustainability of the community buildings in the area - To support the habitats and species of the area and mitigate negative environmental impacts. A series of launch events were held through July and, with additional staff shortly joining the Galloway Glens Team, levels of activity are increasing. One of the first recipients of funding was the Glenkens Red Squirrel Group. Another Glenkens-based activity also now underway is the LING project to make improvements to Garroch Estate walks & walled garden and the footpaths at New Galloway Golf Club. McNabb Laurie, Galloway Glens Team Leader, said: “The principle of a ‘landscape partnership’ scheme is that by undertaking a range of projects in a co-ordinated manner, you end up with real momentum which can lead to landscape- scale benefits. We have a range of projects that have derived from speaking to people and communities over the last couple of years and are excited to now be able to start getting things underway. Our thanks, as always, go to the Heritage Lottery Fund for their generous award and Dumfries & Galloway Council for their support.“ Nick Chisholm, Galloway Glens Project Officer, added: “Please keep an eye on our social media pages and the scheme website for details of what is taking place, and how you can get involved. We are confident the Scheme will be a great boost for the area, both for residents and visitors.” d Glenkens Gazette page 20 READING SIGNS OF OUR GAELIC PAST The first conference on Galloway’s Gaelic heritage is being staged in September, bringing together many of the leading experts in the field. “Galloway: Gaelic’s Lost Province” is a one-day event at the CatStrand, New Galloway, which will explore the contribution of Gaelic to the region’s heritage. The historical record is scant and there are many questions on how Gaelic came to be spoken in the area and how and when it died out, but the evidence on the ground is abundant. The names of farms and villages as well as natural features on the landscape are a rich legacy though the original Gaelic has often been overlaid and distorted by subsequent generations of Scots and English speakers. Michael Ansell, one of the conference organisers, has researched this place name heritage and the illustrations above are from his collection. He has identified the probable Gaelic origins of some of the farm names familiar on our roadsides - clockwise, from top left,: Achadh an teine (field of the fire) , Cnocan Liath (grey hillock), An Grianan (the sunny spot), Doire sheilich (willow wood), Carn iarach (lower cairn), Druim rais (shrubby ridge). Co-organiser, Professor Ted Cowan, who will chair the conference says: “This is an important event in the study of Galloway’s history. For many Scots, and others, Gaelic is associated with the Highlands and Islands while the place of Gaelic in the South West has long been overlooked, although the early Lords of Galloway were Gaelic speakers. We hope that this conference will start to redress the balance and reveal a clearer picture of the part Gaelic culture played in our past. Among the ten speakers are Dr Aonghas MacCoinnich of Glasgow University and Castle Douglasbased historian Alistair Livingstone. Dr MacCoinnich, who will describe what the historical record tells us about Gaelic culture in Galloway, says: “This is an important conference which will at last bring together the latest research on the extent of Gaelic in south west Scotland. I will be discussing the status of the Gaelic language and attitudes toward the language in Scotland during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries and why this might illuminate the comparative lack of evidence for the south west’’. Alistair Livingston will explore how Gaelic gave way to Scots and English. “There was no ‘death of Gaelic’ moment,” he argues. “The languages co-existed for two centuries but when Gaelic faded from use we lost a legacy of legend, poetry and folk history.” The full programme, which can be found at www.catstrand.com is attracting widespread interest and more than two thirds of the places have been taken up. Tickets for the day-long event (£30, students £20, including finger buffet lunch) can be purchased on the website or from 01644 420 374. The conference is sponsored by Gàidhlig Dumgal and Beltie Books. The Glenkens Men’s Shed A successful time has been enjoyed by the Glenkens Men Shed at the Shed Fest in Dalbeattie where Tom Plummer’s model boat won the best artefact award - well done Tom. Furthermore, the Shed received nominations at the VOSCARS (volunteer Oscars) ceremony, held at the Learning Campus in Dalbeattie, in the Health, Wellbeing and Sport in the Stewartry section. The sale of work at the CatStrand Craft Fair helped boost coffers to the tune of just over £100. Well done to everyone who helped out on the day! The Shed members would like to thank all those people who supported our bid from Bags of Help scheme organised by Tesco. It looks as though we came top in the public voting and as a result hope to be in receipt of a grant to further many of the improvements we have planned for the shed. Unfortunately it is with great sadness that we have to announce the loss of one of our founder members . Rob McLaughlin sadly passed away after falling ill at the shed. Our thoughts are with his wife Ann and his family at this sad time. Rob and his enthusiasm will be sorely missed by all the members. On a more positive note Stuart Rhodes is fully fit and back at the Shed as well as playing golf. Welcome back Stuart. Don’t forget if you want to be part of this exciting period in the Shed’s development new members are very welcome. Please contact Brian or Chris at the Catstrand 420374 or Tom Leach on 420 895. Glenkens Gazette page 21 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN Multicultural Scotland As the date of our Gaelic Galloway conference at the Catstrand approaches on 9 September, it is perhaps time to stress that Gaelic is not the only language and culture that played a significant part in our history. Robert Louis Stevenson once observed that it is the mark of the Scot of all classes “that he remembers and cherishes the memory of his forebears, good or bad, and there burns alive in him a sense of identity with the dead even to the twentieth generation”. Three hundred years earlier, George Buchanan asserted that the purpose of writing Scottish History was “to restore us to our own ancestors and our own ancestors to us”. Certain names, unmistakably Scottish, can be solemnly intoned in the nation’s proud role call of heroes and achievers — such as Stewart, Bruce, Wallace, Lindsay, Hay, Sinclair, Ramsay, Grant, Fraser, Gourlay, Menzies, Boswell, Barclay, MacLeod, Gunn, Lamont, MacLachlan, to name but a few. Yet every single name on this list indicates that the original founder of the family originated somewhere else, that the revered ancestors were not Scottish at all, but rather incomers. In strictly genealogical terms a surprisingly high proportion of us have come from ‘away’. Indeed, although historians have perhaps expended a disproportionate amount of ink upon clans and families, one of the main dynamos driving Scottish historiography since medieval times, has been the fortunes of ‘New Scots’ - those who were, and those who wished to be. It was a national conceit, as well as a total fabrication, that the Scots had originated in the vicinity of the Black Sea, travelling through the Mediterranean to settle in their land of choice, having driven out the Britons and destroying the Picts. Resisting attacks by Norwegians, Danes and English they supposedly lived free under 113 kings, “the line unbroken by a single foreigner”, until the death of Alexander III in 1286 and the outbreak of the Wars of Independence ten years later. In legend at least, the Scots, the people who gave their name to the country, were themselves incomers. The earliest inhabitants of Britain recorded in sources that can properly be distinguished as historical were the Britons. Like the Scots at Dunadd they favoured the occupation of naturally defensible outcrops and hills as at Dumbarton, Stirling, Edinburgh, Traprain Law in East Lothian and Trusty’s Hiil at Gatehouse. These were the people who claimed St Patrick, St Mungo, and King Arthur as their own. They were Welsh-speakers known to their kinsfolk in the south as ‘The Men of the North’. where they returned as Normans (Northmen) in the 11th century when the first of their number in Scotland fought alongside Macbeth as mercenaries at the battle of Dunsinnan. Later clans such as the MacQuarries, the MacKinnons and the MacMillans claimed the ancestry of Macbeth who, in their eyes, represented the last great Gaelic king of Scots, a challenge to the encroachment of centralising authority and a mirror of their own aspirations as supporters of the Lordship of the Isles in the 14th and 15th centuries. In the 11th century English asylum seekers fled William the Conqueror’s brutal conquest and, in particular, his devastation of the north of England. A chronicler related that farm houses and cottages throughout the south of Scotland were over-run with English refugees, “both men and maidens”, including Princess Margaret, who would become the queen of Malcolm III and whose name would be enshrined in a chapel at Edinburgh Castle and a ferry across the Forth. David I granted lands to vassals from his English estates acquired through marriage; one such was Robert Bruce who obtained Annandale, and another Walter who became Steward of David’s household and received grants in Renfrew and Kyle. They continued to come in successive reigns. I lived for 15 years in Canada and I consider Scotland cannot yet call itself a multicultural society. It is quite possible for Scots to live and die in our glen without encountering folk from different ethnic, racial or religious backgrounds. However, a beginning has been made. We in the south-west have depressing predictions about declining population and insufficient young to take care of the old. Scotland welcomes immigrants from the world and the rest of the UK, but the message is that those who wish to join us should leave their racist assumptions behind. Since we are all bairns of the World we have no time for them. Ted Cowan ...the Scots... who gave their name to the country, were themselves incomers. The Angles were a Germanic tribal people forced to migrate to a declining Roman Britain because, due to global warming, rising sea-water was inundating their settlements; some settled in the river valleys of the eastern Borders where they transformed the Brittonic place name Dineden into the more familiar Edwinsburh. Surnames begin to be used about 1300. The Angles had much in common with the Vikings, the dazzling sea-raiders, mostly Norwegian in Scotland’s case, who were driven out through pressure of population in the homeland where, quite simply, the people outstripped the resources necessary to maintain them. They settled mainly in Northern Scotland, maintaining a presence in Scottish waters for half a millennium. Their heroic exploits were preserved in poetry and saga, arguably the greatest literary achievements of medieval Europe. Some of the Vikings found their way from Orkney to Normandy from Glenkens Gazette page 22 The Great War: April-July 1918 In general, I have only included in this series of articles those men who are recorded on the four main civic memorials of Balmaclellan, Carsphairn, Dalry and Kells. However, I feel that I must make an exception in the case of Nathan Henry. Nathan Major Henry was the son of police Sergeant Herbert Henry and his wife Matilda, and lived at St John’s Cottage, Dalry. He was born in Girthon (Gatehouse of Fleet) and was working as a gardener at Glenlee Park when he enlisted into the Kings Own Scottish Borderers in August 1917. Nathan was reported missing in action on 11 April 1918 and is buried at Pont-du-Hem Military Cemetery, La Gorgue, France. He was 20 years of age. His name does not appear on any Glenkens civic war memorial or in Gatehouse of Fleet, but he is recorded on the Dalry Town Hall Roll of Honour with a cross against his name denoting that he died. He also appears on the Dalbeattie school memorial and the Dalbeattie Town memorial. David McMillan was born in Carsphairn where his parents (Robert and Mary) were married. We know that in 1901 he was living in Cleurie, Carsphairn, but his parents later moved to Twomerkland Farm, Moniaive. David was working as a ploughman when he enlisted into the Cameron Highlanders in December 1915. He was declared missing in action on 18 April 1918 at the age of 31. He is listed on the Carsphairn and Glencairn (Moniaive) war memorials. James Hewitson was a steam engine road-roller driver when he enlisted in May 1915 in the Motor Transport section of the Army Service Corps. He was transferred to an Infantry Training Battalion in February 1917 and posted to the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment in France. He was awarded the Military Medal for bravery in 1917. James was born in Dalry, the son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Thomson) Hewitson of Darsalloch, Kells. David married Euphemia Middleton in 1916 in Kilmarnock and his widow later moved to Barre, Vermont, USA. James was reported missing in action on 25 April 1918 at the age of 30. He is listed on the Kells parish war memorial. Matthew Maxwell Stewart (pictured) was born in New Galloway, the son of James and Janet (Smith) Stewart of Meadow View, New Galloway. He enlisted in February 1916 into the Kings Own Scottish Borderers and before that he worked in his father’s carting business. At some time, he was transferred to the Army Service Corps and then later to the Kings Own Royal Lancashire Regiment. Matthew was reported missing in action on 26 April 1918 at the age of 24 and is named on the Kells parish war memorial. Matthew’s brother William had died of his wounds in May 1915 and had been the first man from New Galloway to volunteer. George Hunter Buck was born in Carsphairn, the only son of William and Isabella (Hunter) Buck of Woodpark, Balmaclellan. Before the war he had been a gardener at Troquhain Gardens. George enlisted into the Cameronians in November 1915 and served at the Somme, Arras and Ypres, rising to the rank of Lance Corporal. He was wounded three times and was awarded the Military Medal. George died of wounds in the second Australian Casualty Clearing Station near St Omer on 22 July 1918 at the age of 24, and is buried in Longuenesse (St Omer) Souvenir Cemetery, France. George Buck is unique in being the only man to appear on two of the Glenkens war memorials, those in Balmaclellan and Carsphairn. Few photographs survive of those who died, and of those that do, many are poor, low-quality images from newspapers. For example, I have a photograph of George Buck but it is so poor that perhaps only his mother could recognise him. If you have any images that I have not included (or better ones) then I would welcome them to make sure that those who died are remembered the best that we can memorials@paulgoodwin.me.uk Paul Goodwin GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL � 01644 420234 � New Galloway Golf Club Founded 1902 www.nggc.co.uk - 01644 420737 Buggies now available for hire VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME Glenkens Gazette page 23 Crockett’s Glimpses Of The Glenkens This, the fourth in the Glimpses series, focuses on The Duchrae. THE DUCHRAE “The farm I know best is also the loveliest for situation. It lies nestled in green holm crofts.” Crockett was born at Little Duchrae in 1859, and loved it all his life. He writes about it extensively in many of his novels and stories. It features in Covenanting stories and throughout history right up to his contemporary day. Over this time he fictionalises it as Black Dornal and Drumquhat. The stories give us a good insight into Crockett’s early life and the Glenkens as it was in the mid19th century. From his earliest personal memory he recalls: ‘It was a warm harvest day—early September, most likely —all the family out at the oats, following the slow sweep of the scythe or the crisper crop of the reaping-hook. Silence in the little kitchen of the Duchrae! Only my grandmother padding softly about in her list slippers (or hoshens), baking farles of cake on the ‘girdle,’ the round plate of iron described by Froissart. The door and windows were open, and without there spread that silence in comparison with which the hush of a kirkyard is almost company—the silence of a Scottish farmyard in the first burst of harvest.’ Beyond the gates of home we find Crae Hill where many of Crockett’s characters came to life: ‘Chiefly, however, I love the Crae Hill because from there you get the best view of the Duchrae.’ The trout spurt this way and that as your shadow falls on the water. With what a pleasant sound the wavelets ripple about your legs as you mount Auld Cairnsmore, the big granite bowlder in the middle. On rushes the Crae water with a little silvery waterbreak and a smooth glide over a stone which it has worn away till its head is beneath the surface. Then with three strides and half a jump you are on the pine-needles, and the resinous smell of the firs stings your nostrils. Verily it is good to be young and to taste these things. They are good to taste even if one is old.’ Of the range of stories to be found, my favourites are the 19th century Drumquhat tales. They show us the lives of the rural working class, not rose tinted, but with a definite rustic charm. They allow us to glimpse back at times long gone. The Duchrae features in stories in many of Crockett’s Galloway stories including The Men of the Moss Hags, Kit Kennedy, Love Idylls, Lads’ Love, A Galloway Herd and others. Cally Phillips For further information and insight into Crockett’s Galloway writing visit www.gallowayraiders.co.uk “I know a bank, where the wild thyme grows—with an infinitude of other things...” We also get a glimpse of the Crae Stepping Stones: ‘at Dan’s Ford, is the most practical and delightsome set of stepping-stones in the world, just tall enough for one to slip off and splash unexpectedly into the coolness of the water.’ Crockett describes it in more detail: ‘There are just ten stepping-stones big and little. You wade chin deep in the creamy spray of meadow sweet to get to them. Gowans tickle your chin as you turn up your trousers. 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 � HIGHLAND BEEF from THE GLENKENS STEAK ROASTS MINCE CASSEROLE LORNE pre-pack frozen Blackmark Dalry Castle Douglas DG7 3UG 01644 460532 www.highland.scot Glenkens Gazette page 24 Photo of the Issue Sponsored by the Ken Bridge Hotel This issue’s winner is Georgina Smith with a gorgeous Glenkens sunset titled The Heart of Dumfries & Galloway. Georgina wins a meal for two at the Ken Bridge Hotel’s Sunday carvery. Competition judges Dave and Sue said: “The photograph is just gorgeous, and captures perfectly the beauty of a summer evening in the Glenkens.” How to Enter: any photos taken in the Glenkens can be entered - landscapes, wildlife, portraits, action shots... Email them to glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 25 Walled Garden Requires Friends Many local people will be familiar with Garroch Walled Garden, set within the Garroch Estate near Glenlee, Dalry. Work on the walled garden as part a community gardening project is part of the bigger ‘Exploring New Galloway’ project facilitated by Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING), which has received funding of £21,000 over a period of 5 years from the Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership (GGLP), with a further private donation of £2,000 also having been received. The GGLP funding can only be drawn down if there is match funding but this can be in kind, and can take account of volunteer time. So, the more volunteer hours put into the garden, the more money can be released from the funding. The project includes work at Garroch Estate, as well as at New Galloway golf course woods to improve, map and signpost footpaths. A fun morning was had at the walled garden when we had our first community gardening working group meet. A combination of basic tasks such as cleaning the bothy, weeding plants and bushes from the walls and strimming long grass in the car park were tackled. Volunteer Mick was disappointed that his strimmer was broken, and vowed to buy another as soon as possible, but he used the handtrimmers to tidy round the bothy. Meanwhile, placement student Lizzie did some ‘bracken bashing’ which apparently gets rid of bracken, an invasive species, more effectively than cutting it. The task also happens to be quite therapeutic. Pigs have now been released in a section of the garden, guarded by electric fencing, to root out and fertilise an area for vegetable patches. This could take several months; certainly in the time we were there working the pigs spent most of their time lazing around, keeping out of the heat in the shade of their shelter. The enthusiastic group of local volunteers interested in providing some TLC to the Walled Garden on the Garroch Estate has evolved following the public meeting at New Galloway Town Hall on 21 June. Details and plans of how the Walled Garden should be looked after are being discussed. If you would like to be part of this please contact us. The footpaths group had already been set up by Gerry Cinderby, who is involved with both the footpaths and the garden. He highlighted the economic benefits the projects could bring to the area by attracting tourists and long-distance walkers, and said: “We have a grant for materials, and landowner support, but need your help to make it happen – why not join us and have some fun in the process!” The broad remit of GGLP is to connect communities to their natural and cultural heritage. Having always welcomed visitors walking within the Estate, landowner Nick Roper-Caldbeck is fully supportive of the garden being adopted as a ‘community garden’, and he is keen to see it used for food production again. He remembers a time when three full-time gardeners were employed to tend it, and the produce was sent to be sold in Covent Garden via New Galloway Station at Mossdale. The walls of the garden have been standing for Weeding the wall at the Garroch Estate walled garden. approximately 100 years; the plans weren’t put down for building them until 1912. We are interested in finding out anything we can about its history. Do you have any memories, pictures, anecdotes, or documents relating to the Garroch walled garden which you would be willing to share? Contact has been made with various local horticulturalists and gardeners who are willing to offer advice and help with planning the garden. But we always need more hands on deck so please get in touch if you would like to get involved. Working groups currently meet at: Restoring Footpaths; golf course on Saturdays 10am1pm and Gardening at Garroch; walled garden or New Galloway Town Hall on Sundays 2.304.30pm, or Wednesdays 10am1pm (phone or email to check). To get involved with either project, or if you have any redundant garden tools you would like to donate, please contact Ros Hill on 420 632 or ros.hill@rathanhouse.me.uk Ros Hill, LING Glenkens Gazette page 26 AUGUST & SEPTEMBER JULY Sun 29, Bring a Picnic, Garroch Walled Garden, 2.30-5pm. All welcome. Contact Ros 01644 420632 for directions or lifts. Tue 31, EoS: David Hockney, 7.30pm, CatStrand AUGUST Sat 4, The Hot Seats, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sun 5, GTI Bus Trip: The Grand Estate Gardens, Penrith. See p6 Sun 5, Scottish Alternative Games, see ad below Fri 10, Glenkens ELC AGM, 11am, Glenkens Community Centre, see p7 Fri 10, Enigma Sessions with Frozen Shores + Mother Night, 8pm, Sulwath Breweries, Castle Douglas Thu 16, Let’s Motivate training course, open to all, 1.30pm, Cat- Strand, see p3 Fri 17, Song Sharing Sessions, 8-11pm, Dalry Town Hall Sat 18, Movie In The Park: The Perks of Being a Wallflower, 9.30pm, New Galloway Park Wed 22, FILM: Darkest Hour, 7.30pm, CatStrand Tue 28, EoS: The Impressionists, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 31, CatStrand Volunteers BBQ, see p3 Fri 31, Tricky Hat presents The Flames, 7.30pm, CatStrand SEPTEMBER Wed 5, FILM: Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 7, Mary Ann Kennedy, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 8, Rhinns o' Kells Challenge Cup, meet at The Thistle, Dalmellington Square, for registration, 8am, see p14 Sat 8, Galloway Gaelic Conference: Gaelic’s Lost Province, CatStrand Fri 14, Amanda Anne Platt & the Honeycutters, 7.30pm, Dalry Town Hall Sun 16, GTI Bus Trip: The Lakeland Garden, Garlieston. See p6 Wed 19, FILM: Arcadia, 7.30pm, CatStrand Tue 25, FILM: EoS: Vermeer, 7.30pm, CatStrand Wed 26, Dougie Campbell Councillor Surgeries, 2-3pm, Catstrand; 3.30-4.30pm, Dalry Town Hall, see p12 Fri 28, Brian Molley Quartet, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 29, Abbas Rest Coffee Morning, 10am-12noon, Dalry Town Hall, see p18 OCTOBER Sun 6, GTI Bus Trip: The Botanic Garden, Edinburgh. See p6 Glenkens Gazette page 27 REGULAR EVENTS CatStrand, New Galloway: Film Makers’ Club, Mon, 7-8.30pm Exercise to Music: Mon, 9.30-10am Margaret Morris dance 1: 3-7yrs, Mon (term-time), 3.45-4.30pm Margaret Morris Dance 2: 8-16yrs, Mon (term-time), 4.30-5.15pm Youth Volunteer Meet-up, Mon, 68pm, FREE PIZZA Choreographic Skills Lab, Mon (term-time), 7-8.30pm, ages 12-18 Start to Write, 1st Tues each month, 3-5pm (no Feb meeting) Animation Club, Tues, 4.30-6.30pm Gentle Tai Chi: Wed, 10am Wendletrap Tai Chi, Wed, 2-3.30pm Continue to Write, 1st Wed each month, 3.15-5.15pm Music/Jam Youth Drop-in, Wed, 6-7pm & rehearsal/recording space available for booking from 7-9pm Writers’ Cafe, 2nd Thurs each month, 7-9pm Sing it Out, Thurs, 11am -12pm CatStrand Ukes, Thurs, 1–3.30pm Yoga, Thurs, 6.30pm Zumba Gold, Fri (term-time), 9.3010.30am, CatStrand, 16+ Saturday Art Club, 2nd & 4th Sat of the month, 10am–12noon Glenkens Acoustic Sessions, last Sun of the month, 2-4pm Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry, (contact Kath on 430 281): Paint & Art, Mon, 2-4pm GCC Playgroup, Tues, Wed & Thurs, 9.15-11.45am Guides, Tues, 6-8pm Brownies, Thurs 6-7.30pm Kickback Martial Arts, Thurs, 79pm Thursday Craft Group, Thurs, 24pm Glenkens Children’s Club, Fri, 10am-12noon New Galloway Town Hall: LING Elevenses & Lunches, Tues, 11am-2pm Indoor Sports, Tues, 7-9pm Saturday Circuits, 5.30-6.30pm Zumba, Wed, 7.30-8.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall, 11+ Saturday Circuits, 8-9am Various Locations: Hatha Yoga, Mon, 10-11.15am, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn Mens Shed Mondays, 6.30pm, Balmaclellan Carsphairn Post Office, Tues, 1-3pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn Dalry WI, 3rd Tues each month, 2pm, Dalry Town Hall (except Jun, Jul & Aug) Beavers, Tues, 6–7.15pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Dog Training, Tues & Thurs, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. Contact: Eric 460 670 Mossdale Painters, Wed, 9.30am, Mossdale Village Hall Cub Scouts: Wed, 6.45–8pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Youth Writing, Thurs (during term time), 3.30-5pm, ages 10-15, Dalry School Balmaclellan Village Hall, Kettlebell Plus, Thurs, 7.30-8.30pm, starts 6 Sept Coffee & Craft, Fri, 9am-12noon, Lagwyne Hall Folk Music Session, 4th Fri each month, 7.30/8pm till closing, Ken Bridge Hotel Scouts, Thurs, 7–8.30pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Glenkens Community Councils Balmaclellan Community Council Meetings: POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE 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. at Kells House. United Service with CHURCH TIMES bbq Choir, Balmaclellan Church, 30 Sept, CHURCH OF SCOTLAND: Sunday Services: Balmaclellan 9.45am: 1st. Balmaclellan 10.30am: 5th.Carsphairn 11.15am: 1st,2nd,3rd,4th. Dalry 9.445am: 2nd,4th. Kells 9.45am: 3rd. Special Services/Events: Hew ClarkKennedy VC Commemoration Service 27 Aug, 12noon, Carsphairn war memorial. United Family Service, Kells Church, 9 Sept, 10.30am followed by 10.30am Communion Services: 2 Sept, 9.45am, Balmaclellan Church SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH: St Margaret’s, New Galloway: Holy Communion, 10.30am every Sun & Wed. CATHOLIC CHURCH SERVICES: Kirkcudbright: Sun Mass, 9.30am. Dalbeattie: Sat Mass, 5pm Gentle Tai Chi, Fri 10-11am, Dalry Town Hall Golf Junior Coaching, Sat, 10-11: 30am, New Galloway Golf Course, see p8 Restoring Footpaths, Sat 10am1pm, phone 420 632 to confirm Junior Golf & Come-and-Try for all ages, Sat, 10am Gardening at Garroch, Sun 2.304.30pm or Wed 10am-1pm, phone 420 632 to confirm Family and friends coming to stay? Short of space? Cosy country cottage available (sleeps 4) Call Fiona on 01644 420 227 www.covenanters-holidaycottagescotland.co.uk To hire the MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) behind Dalry School call Sonja Tranter on 430 244 or Nicolette Wise on 430 218. Dalry Library Tuesdays 12noon-3.30pm Fridays 10am-12noon & 1-4.30pm For further library van stops and informa�on contact Castle Douglas ADVERTISE IN THE GAZETTE (price per issue incl VAT) SMALL: 6cm x 6cm, £37.80 (+ 10% off with series discount) 1/4 PAGE: 9cm w x 13cm h, £81.90 (+ 25% off with series discount) 1/2 PAGE: 18cm w x 13cm h, £151.20 (+ 25% off with series discount) FULL PAGE: 18cm w x 27cm h, £252 (+ 25% off with series discount) Call 07727 127 997 VAT Reg. No. 882 8361 87 USEFUL NUMBERS: ● Pot-hole Hotline: 0845 276 0000 ● Police, non-emergency: 101 ● Doctor: 01644 420 234 ● NHS 24: 08454 24 24 24 ● D&G Council: 030 33 33 3000 Glenkens Gazette page 28 SUPPORT POSTIE'S FUNDRAISING RUN On Sunday 30 September, local postman Ian Oliver will be taking part in the Great Scottish Run, a 13.1 mile half marathon through Glasgow. Having previously raised money for Macmillan, RNIB, MIND, Paul O’Gorman Leukemia Research, Make a Wish Foundation and Together for Short Lives, this time Ian is raising money for the Beatson Cancer Charity based at the Gartnavel Hospital in Glasgow. Ian says: "As many of you know my wife Fiona was diagnosed with two forms of leukaemia at Easter, and has been a resident of the Beatson since then, undergoing chemotherapy in preparation for a bone marrow transplant sometime towards the end of July. Unfortunately many residents of the Glenkens have had firsthand experience, either as a patient or as a visitor, of the Beatson. The care and understanding they provide not only to all those battling various types of cancer, but also to friends and family of those there for treatment, is not only amazing but also very welcome. "The aim of the run is to help continue the provision of this extra care and support for the families affected. I will be putting out sponsor/donation forms and change boxes in local shops, and there will be a Just Giving page online - anything you can spare will be gratefully received. "I would also like to take this opportunity to urge everyone to consider not only giving blood, but also to be a bone marrow donor. If you are under 30, Anthony Nolan provide a register, and for those WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Submit events, activities, news stories, cartoons, reviews, tips & techniques, fiction, photos, ads or ideas... Contact Sarah Ade on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk OCT/NOV COPY DEADLINE: 5 SEPT Ian Oliver next to his post van. over 30 DKMS provide a similar service. All relevant information can be found online - by donating either, you would potentially be saving someone’s life." If you would like to donate, visit www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/Ian-Oliver5 Design & co-ordination: Sarah Ade sarah.ade@gmail.com Printing:Stranraer & Wigtownshire Free Press www.stranraer-freepress.co.uk The Glenkens Gaze�e is an ini�a�ve of the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust, a Registered Sco�sh Charity No. SC032050  Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette 107 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GG_107 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource GCAT Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2018 Description An account of the resource Editor: Sarah Ade https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/1/254/GlenkensGazette108.pdf ffb3fba0c05d365d2cc97be4216ccf28 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 108 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Description An account of the resource <p>Find out more about the Gazette: <a href="https://glenkens.scot/gazette-home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Glenkens Gazette home page</a> If you would like to submit an article or take out an advert, please email the editor Sarah Ade: <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="mailto:glenkensgazette@hotmail.com">glenkensgazette@hotmail.com</a></p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is a member of, and regulated by <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.impressorg.com/">Impress</a>.</p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is an initiative of Glenkens Community &amp; Arts Trust (SC032050) and represents the voice of the community (not necessarily the views of GCAT).</p> Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document GLENKENS GAZETTE News from Balmaclellan, Carsphairn, Mossdale, New Galloway and St John’s Town of Dalry October/November 2018 ISSUE 108 FREE Future Secured for Glenkens Charity Shop The Glenkens Charity Shop can breathe a sigh of relief as its future is now secure due to the purchase of the property by the Pamela Young Trust. During the six years the Glenkens Charity Shop has been running, it has become a vital part of the community in many ways. The shop offers grants to people and organisations within the community, as well as a place to volunteer your time, get to know your neighbours, and a space to pop into and have a chat. Charity shop founder and manager, Shirley Left to right: volunteer Ann, manager Shirley, McNaught, said: volunteer Betty and Pat, a valued customer. “To date we have managed to put without the support of everyone in over £45,200 the Glenkens.” back into the community, and we Continued on p23... honestly would never have done it BALMACLELLAN OLD SMIDDY PROJECT GETS GREEN LIGHT Glenkens Community and Arts Trust Ltd (GCAT) are delighted to announce that their project for development of The Old Smiddy in Balmaclellan is now fully funded. Works commenced in late September, and are anticipated to be complete with the building ready for opening next summer. This project has only been possible through the generous support of the Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership Scheme, LEADER and private individuals. It is anticipated that the project will build on the success of the existing Balmaclellan Men’s Shed which operates to the rear of the site. The intention is to create a cultural and heritage centre which will be a major asset not only to The Old Smiddy will be able to the Glenkens but to the wider relieve this pressure both via Dumfries and Galloway area. As additional office accommodation well as the core community and and space for activities and heritage slants the aim is to create events. Continued on p11... a true multi-use building which can adapt to the needs of regular users as well as attracting new visitors to the area. There will be a gallery space which will permanently house a changing display of paintings by the highly acclaimed ornithological artist Donald Watson who lived in St John’s Town of Dalry. CatStrand Hosts First Ever Galloway GCAT’s main asset, Gaelic Conference - See Story on p23... the CatStrand in Pictured: left to right - Prof Roibeard O New Galloway, has Maolalaigh, Prof Ted Cowan, Ronnie Black, Alistair become a victim of Livingston, Dr Aonghas Maccoinnich, Prof Richard its own success and Oram, Prof Thomas Clancy, Dr Fiona Edmands and is regularly bursting Michael Ansell. at the seams. A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) ini�a�ve www.glenkensgaze�e.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 2 ONE HUNDRED YEARS IN DALRY EXHIBITION WEEKEND Dalry Heritage Group’s One Hundred Years in St John’s Town of Dalry exhibition will run from Friday 5 to Sunday 7 October in Dalry Town Hall. Our exhibition this year envelops change, continuation and celebration within our village. The dates encompass the end of World War I, examining the effects the war had in the local community. Other aspects of the village are also explored. Photographs, articles and exhibits, including a costume display, help to tell the story of the last hundred years in Dalry. All events take place in the Town Hall, opening with a concert on Friday 5 October at 7.30pm. The following day the exhibition is open from 2-6pm, and on Sunday from 2-5pm. All are welcome, and entry is free except for the concert on Friday evening which is £3. Annie Hill, Dalry Heritage Group Dalry around 100 years ago © Dalry Heritage Group New Galloway Community Shop Returns to ‘New’ Premises New Galloway's community shop has now moved back into its refurbished premises on the High Street. comments, the shop has succeeded in these aims. Lynsey goes on to say: “The magnificently refurbished shop with improved product displays now allows us to expand our butchery and bakery selection, and also to work with new local suppliers.” During this initial period the management structure has been the NGCE Board, representing 260 shareholders and providing overall direction, project manager Helen Keron overseeing and implementing developments, and Lynsey as full-time shop manager along with four part-time shop assistants running the shop. Shop manager, Lynsey Hogg, Sam Rushton, NGCE’s said: “Well, here we are, just community engagement worker, over a year after taking over the has now moved into her office shop in New Galloway. The shop at the shop where she temporarily existed for offers community and seven months in the wellbeing support to original premises and local residents. The then for five months in next step is to complete Kitty’s Tearoom before the fitting out of the returning to our ‘new’ adjoining house, which shop in August after will operate as two refurbishment.” self-catering holiday After consulting with properties. customers and the If you haven’t had a community, the initial look at the new shop priority was to build up yet, why not call in and the stock of the shop have a browse. Lynsey to offer a wide range and the rest of the New of everyday products, Galloway Community including low cost Shop staff would like to essentials. Lynsey feels thank the shop’s regular that, judging by an customers for their increase in turnover New Galloway’s newly refurbished community shop. ongoing support. and many favourable Glenkens Gazette page 3 SHOP LOCAL IN THE GLENKENS Here in the Glenkens we’re incredibly lucky to have so many wonderful local amenities. We have a library, fire station, farmer’s market, fuel station/ garage with sandwich bar, two Post Offices, three village shops and a fourth with a cafe/bistro, a charity shop, a cafe, a fresh fish & veg van, five hotels offering food and some of whom are award-winning, a whole host of self-catering accomodation of which a number are also award-winning, an arts and community venue hosting world-class events and activities, an international music festival, numerous craft fairs throughout the year...in fact, the more I think about it, the more things spring to mind, so I’ll just stop there. We have a huge amount on offer, and a wonderful sense of community which is often noted by visitors and newcomers to the area. However, the real reason for writing this article is that the thought crossed my mind recently, when someone I was talking to was bemoaning the cost of a pint of milk in the local shop, that we won’t continue to have the amazing diversity of shops and venues, activities and events in the Glenkens if people don’t use them. Things may be a little more expensive sometimes locally - not always, I hasten to add - but it seems it’s worth paying a little extra for the convenience of having the availability close to home, both now and into the future. The cost of transport alone to travel anywhere else to buy things means that, economically, it is probably still a sensible choice. But even if it’s a little dearer, I am happy to pay a bit extra to support our local businesses. And of course, supporting local business supports our community, making us all healthier and happier. How about you? With Christmas fast approaching, it’s a great time to think local, shop local and support our local Glenkens businesses... The Editor SAT 24th NOV 11am- 4pm 13th October 10th November 10am-12.30pm For further information or to book a stall ring 01644 430 454 or visit www.dalrytownhall.co.uk Entrance by donation - proceeds towards Dalry Town Hall Refurbishment Fund North of Castle Douglas, A713 Ayr Road Glenkens Gazette page 4 sponsored by EVERYTHING listed in the Glenkens Freecycle section is FREE - you just need to contact the owner and go and pick it up! If you would like to list something on this page, please get in touch with Sarah on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk Encyclopedia of Gardening, 22 Volumes, good condition. Contact: 01644 430 539. 3 x Edimax wifi range extenders, 2 x TP link and 2 x Nanostation line of sight transmitters. All working when removed. Contact:07769 680 938. Galloway Cattle Society Herd Books 1954 to 1970 inclusive. Contact: 07769 680 938. Upright piano in good working order. Steel frame. All notes & pedals work but would benefit from re-tuning after moving & re-varnishing the front. It will take several people to lift it into a van or similar. From smoke and pet free home. Collection from Mochrum near Knockvennie. Contact: 01644 440 683 or trevprocter@aol.co.uk HOW GLENKENS BUSINESSES CAN BENEFIT FROM THE BIOSPHERE The Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Culture and Tourism, Fiona Hyslop, officially launched the new Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere Certification Mark. The certification will be awarded to businesses that can demonstrate high standards in delivering environmental and sustainable development benefits. Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere has been recognised internationally as a world class environment for people and nature. The Biosphere offers a fantastic array of landscapes, wildlife, cultural heritage and learning opportunities for communities, businesses and visitors. The launch of the certification mark was an opportunity to highlight the global value of the UNESCO designations and the potential of the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere to support sustainability, economic development and tourism in South West Scotland. Fiona Hyslop said: “This certification award...is a significant development which aligns with our priority to further promote the south of Scotland and Ayrshire as a tourism destination.” Dr Beth Taylor, Chair of the UK National Commission for UNESCO, said: “UNESCO’s Biosphere Reserves are the world’s only globally recognised designation for demonstrating excellence in sustainable development. Biospheres bring value to their communities by leveraging the powerful UNESCO brand and collaborating with the global UNESCO network.” Over recent months a successful pilot scheme has taken place with local businesses from the accommodation, food & drink and outdoor activity sectors taking part. To find out more about the new certification mark and how it could benefit your local business visit www.gsabiosphere.org.uk or email marie@gsabiosphere.org.uk ALISTER JACK MP VISITS CATSTRAND Alister Jack, recently elected MP for Dumfries & Galloway, visited CatStrand along with his wife Ann. They met with GCAT Board Chairman Alan Smith, General Manager Brian Edgar and CatStrand staff. Although Alister was already aware of many of the projects and activities based at CatStrand, he was keen to hear more about them and also about plans for the future. Earlier in the day he had visited the Men’s Shed at Balmaclellan and had also been shown the plans for the development of the Old Smiddy building. Left to right: Alan Smith, Ann Jack, Alister Jack, Brian Edgar. Glenkens Gazette page 5 sponsored by STUDY PUBLISHED ON LOCH KEN FISH POPULATION During 2016 and 2017, the Galloway Fisheries Trust (GFT) undertook a study of the fish, fisheries and anglers of Loch Ken. The study’s aims were to assess the fish populations in the Loch and the extent to which angling around the loch assists the local economy, as well as seeking to better understand the impact of the North American signal crayfish on the fish populations and identify recommendations for the future management of the coarse fishery. The study was commissioned by the Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership Scheme (GGLP) as part of the Partnership’s development phase and was managed and funded by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and GGLP. The key finds of the study were: - Loch Ken continues to be a popular fishery particularly for visiting anglers from outwith Dumfries & Galloway, with most anglers stating they are ‘satisfied’ or ‘very satisfied’ with their angling experience on the loch. The loch provides good overall catches during much of the year. Many match anglers feel that if more suitable fishing sites were available, then more matches would be held. - The presence of signal crayfish is felt to negatively impact on the angling, particularly through interference with baits. At present, however, it appears that the coarse fish population in Loch Ken can support the fishery in spite of this presence. - The main fish species being targeted by anglers on the loch are bream, roach, pike, perch and to a lesser extent dace and ruffe. Consideration of the overall health of these fish populations, including growth rates, suggested all were healthy. - The population of large perch in Loch Ken is felt by anglers to have increased in recent years due to these fish feeding on juvenile crayfish. Examination of perch growth Loch Ken angler with his catch. rates did find a large increase Management Group, production of in growth rates in perch over four a five-year fishery management years old. plan, improved enforcement). - Some degree of biosecurity is Nick Chisholm, GGLP project undertaken by over half of anglers officer who will be leading on on the loch to help reduce the risk activities around the loch in coming of transfer of invasive non-native years, said: “Loch Ken is one of species (signal crayfish). coarse angling’s best kept secrets. Information and data was ... The presence of crayfish is not collected via stake holder events, ideal, but this report illustrates the distribution of an angler a healthy and self-sustaining questionnaire, interviews with fishery. On the mainland of the anglers fishing (creel surveys), British Isles there are very few seine netting and through angling wild stillwater fisheries of this matches. magnitude; an angler could spend A number of recommendations weeks exploring by bank and are provided regarding boat and find something new on understanding the fish populations every visit. There are some key recommendations on this report that need to be taken forward so that Loch Ken can re-establish its rightful place as the UK’s best large wild stillwater.” Jamie Ribbens, Senior Fisheries Biologist from Galloway Fisheries Trust in the loch and the future who undertook the report, said: development of Loch Ken as an “This was an interesting piece of important coarse fishery. These work to be involved in delivering include: and it was encouraging to see how a) better promotion/increased healthy the coarse fish population accessibility (improving access of Loch Ken is. GFT would like at angling areas, creation of new to thank the many anglers and fishing pegs for angling matches) angling clubs who assisted us b) future monitoring of fish during this study. There are many populations (collection of data opportunities to develop this from matches, seine netting, creel fishery further for the benefit of surveys) the local community and anglers c) management of the fishery from around the UK and we look (improved governance through forward to working further with formation of Loch Ken Fisheries GGLP in the future.” The presence of crayfish is not ideal, but this report illustrates a healthy and self-sustaining fishery. Glenkens Gazette page 6 Glenkens Gazette page 7 THE GARDEN SPOT New to the Glenkens, or new to gardening? Then step forward... All of us gardeners have our own way of doing things. However, there may be gardeners out there who are incomers to the Glenkens or others who are taking up gardening for the first time and you might welcome a few tips relating to local growing conditions. TV programmes like Gardeners World and Beechgrove Garden (also Gardeners Question Time on Radio 4) are all very well, but local knowledge always helps. Look around to see what grows well in other people’s gardens. Generally, the soil in the Glenkens is acid and very free draining, but adding well-rotted garden compost, horse manure or farmyard manure will always put life and body into the soil. Being acid, you must add garden lime if you are growing plants that need alkali conditions – such as brassicas (cabbage, sprouts, etc). On the other hand, you will find that acid lovers such as rhododendrons, azaleas, Himalayan (blue) poppies and even blueberries can be grown more easily than in other areas. The mild(ish) wet winters and free-draining soil mean you can get away with things that wouldn’t work elsewhere; for example, I will be leaving my dahlia tubers in the ground and not lifting them – but I will probably put a double handful of old compost around the top of each plant in November for added protection. Well, the sun is out, so I am off to plant my garlic bulbs for next year... From the Desk of the Galloway Glens Scheme This regular column will give a snapshot, aside from the headline project stories, of what we are learning about our heritage and the dayto-day life of working on a scheme like this. This issue’s column, to kick things off, features McNabb Laurie, Team Leader: I have been involved in the scheme since April 2016. The development phase culminated in the submission of the stage 2 application to the Heritage Lottery Fund. I thought I knew the Ken/Dee valley beforehand, but it has been fascinating to really get under the skin of the area over the last couple of years. Now that the scheme is in its five year ‘delivery’ phase, we are able to start spending money on a number of projects. The biggest positive step of the last couple of months has undoubtedly been the recruitment of other members of the Galloway Glens team - to assist in delivery but also to share the experience with. Recruiting in D&G is different to my experience down South, but we were fortunate to have competitive processes with some really good candidates. It is horrible not to be able to employ all of the good people we met but it has been great to have Nick Chisholm join us as Project Officer. At the same time we were delighted to welcome Jude Crooks onto the team as Administrator. Jude, a Laurieston resident, is well able to keep the team in order. We will be joined by two new staff members shortly. We have been lucky to have such a range of supporters. Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Environment Team saw the potential for the scheme back in 2015. Our Board and Working Groups have been a great asset, providing advice, counsel and strategic direction. Foremost amongst this support, we were so very lucky to have the chairmanship of Sir Alex Fergusson who guided us through the challenges of the development phase. I am in no position to add the clamour of goodwill and wishes from the great and the good over the last couple of months but on a personal level I am proud to have known him and very thankful for his guidance. I have talked about this scheme pretty solidly for the last couple of years (apologies to anyone seated next to me at social events) but the employment of staff and now expenditure on projects has started to make the potential of the scheme seem real. We aim to explore and better understand the heritage of the area, giving a genuine boost to the local economy as a result. Please sign up for our newsletter and follow us on facebook and twitter. If you think there is an opportunity to shout about our heritage, please let us know. www.gallowayglens.org Glenkens Gazette page 8 Meet the Stewartry Birdwatchers Interested in birds and other branches of natural history? If ‘yes’, why not come along to the Stewartry birdwatchers indoor meetings which have been held in Kells School, New Galloway, since 1976. Each year we have eight talks from September to April which we hope will appeal to all those who enjoy the countryside. This session started off in September with a very interesting talk by our chairman, Jeremy Brock, on a sixweek overland journey he and his wife made through Northern Turkey to Georgia in 2015 entitled Overland to the Caucasus for Birds. He gave a portrait of the relatively unknown country of Georgia and its birds, including mention of some of its flora and history. Our next talk on 11 October is Forty Years on the Farne Islands by Graham Wren, who has spent several summers over many years on these islands studying the breeding birds and also monitoring the grey seals. He will compare the breeding bird populations of the 1970s with the quadrupled breeding seabird population of the present day which has resulted in problems of severely reduced vegetation. Now there is a threat to the already fragile puffin nesting habitats from the expanding population of grey seals. We welcome Hayley Anne Douglas on 15 November with a talk titled Tag-nTrack: Lesser Black-backed Gulls for a look at these birds as you have never seen them before. Not everybody’s favourite bird in seaside towns but through satellite tracking we can follow their daily lives and show there is more to this species than stealing chips. Our final talk before Christmas on 13 December is by Ian Bainbridge on The Shorebirds of the Solway. With such a long coastline in the south of this region this talk should be of special interest. Ian will explain the identification, distribution, abundance, migration and other wonders of these wading birds and also answer the intriguing question ‘which wader nests in two different countries in the same year?' Officially we are called the Stewartry Branch of the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club (SOC). All are welcome - although we have the word ‘ornithologist’ in our title we are not a scientific body with Lesser black-backed gull. dry-as-dust speakers; rather should the emphasis be on the word CLUB with friendly and informal meetings. Throughout the year, the more active members also go on excursions to interesting locations on the coast as well as inland...weather permitting of course. If birds and all aspects of the countryside interest you please come along to our meetings - and bring your friends along too! Non-members are always welcome. Contacts: chairman - Jeremy Brock on 01557 815 098, vicechairman – Peter Swan on 01556 502 144, secretary – Joan Howie on 01644 420 280. Joan Howie RECENTLY AWARDED ‘CAMRA PUB OF THE YEAR 2018’ - three changing cask ales & cider - fresh, seasonal & local food - open all day every day - award-winning food, beer & atmosphere - en-suite accommodation - 20% off takeaway discount - country sport & walkers facilities - 01644 430 241 www.theclachaninn.co.uk Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents Dumfries & Galloway 01556 503744 www.ggblaw.co.uk All legal advice Offices in Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie Kirkcudbright and Dumfries Glenkens Gazette page 9 CatStrand Highlights New Era Beckons for CatStrand JM Barrie, the enigmatic author of Peter Pan, is often credited with the saying “Nothing is really work unless you would rather be doing something else.” As I look back on my five wonderful years at CatStrand – two as youth arts officer and three as creative director – I can only agree. For much of my time here, it never felt like 'work' - I simply loved both roles. When I took on the youth arts role in 2013, originally to cover a six-month sabbatical from marine archaeology, I had no idea that I would go on to become creative director. Evidently CatStrand gets into your veins! The subsequent years have seen many highs, from the young film makers scooping a prestigious award at the Edinburgh Film Festival up to CatStrand’s 10th Anniversary Festival. There have been lows too, and a 10th birthday certainly looked in doubt after the flood of 2015 closed the venue for nine months. However, even when morale was at its lowest I never thought for a minute that we’d actually close down. Why? Quite simply because the people of the Glenkens wouldn’t let it. CatStrand is the manifestation of our will to have culture, art, entertainment – call it whatever you like - thriving on our doorstep, and as long as we want this, it will exist. So why have I given up 'the best job in the world'? Well, for those of you who haven’t yet heard, I am taking on the role of centre director of Moat Brae House in Dumfries. It’s a new challenge, a fantastic project, and an incredible opportunity to further my own aspirations to help regenerate Dumfries & Galloway. The garden at Moat Brae is of course internationally renowned for being JM Barrie’s inspiration for Peter Pan, but the primary reason behind the 10-year restoration project is to create a national Centre for Children’s Literature and Storytelling. Some of you will know that my journey into the arts began with youth projects designed to nurture interest and develop skills in young people across the region, and my first CatStrand role gave me a wealth of experience of youth music, film-making and ultimately literature. In many ways the Moat Brae role is the culmination of all my aims and ambitions, it was an opportunity that I couldn’t pass up. I’ll be really sad to leave CatStrand. It was always more than a job, it became part of me, and as I Simon Davidson characters helped make every day different – there really was never a dull moment! Of course there was the odd occasion when it DID feel like work, but I have to say the vast majority of the time it didn’t. It was a pleasure and a joy to work in such a place and I feel privileged to have contributed what I imagine will be a very small segment of what will become CatStrand’s long history. So it’s not 'goodbye' from me – indeed I’ll be attending CatStrand shows in the future; it’s my local theatre! And who knows, if time allows, I may even offer my services as a volunteer. Whatever happens, I wish CatStrand and all who sail in her a long and prosperous future. NOTE: Applications for the Creative Director post at CatStrand close on Fri 28 September at 12pm. ...there really was never a dull moment! often said to my wife Zoe, I was never really off-duty. The board, staff and volunteers have all been absolutely wonderful and I can’t thank them enough for their energy and dedication. The people who use CatStrand with all their colourful YOUTH PLAYERS’ CHRISTMAS PANTO The much anticipated Youth Players annual panto will be staged on Friday 7, Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 December. This year’s story is one of the best known of all - Cinderella. Tickets are on sale now so be sure to book yours early as they are sure to sell out. The script is by our favourite panto author Paul Reakes who has written many of our past pantomimes and this one is true to his style with a few twists to the original story and some great characters contributing to a laugha-minute show for the young and young at heart. Whilst there are a few new characters and unexpected deviations along the way, the traditional storyline still underpins the plot as poor Cinders is forced to carry out every wish of her cruel stepmother and ugly stepsisters. Since Prince Charming left to travel the world, the King has died and the country is being governed in the Prince’s absence by the selfish Duke of Verruca. However, Prince Charming learns of his Father’s death and returns to take up his duties but the devious Duke does not want to relinquish his position and tries everything with the help of his hapless henchmen Nip and Tuck to hold on to power. Luckily, the faithful Buttons, his friends and of course the Fairy Godmother manage to achieve the happy ending - don’t miss it!! Glenkens Gazette page 10 FLASH FICTION COMPETITION Are you a writer? Do you enjoy flash fiction? Well get writing! Each issue the Glenkens Gazette will run a flash fiction competition for short sories (under 450 words), with a different subject each time. This issue’s subject is ‘Seasons’. Rules: It must be your own work. It must be no more than 450 words. It must be Fiction. Minimum age of entry 12 years with no maximum age limit. It must include a separate 50 words about yourself and what inspired your story. The winning entry will be published in the next issue of the Glenkens Gazette, including an online presence on the Gazette website, Facebook and Twitter. Entries will be judged by local author Ian Patrick, and the winner will receive a £10 Amazon voucher to spend on a book of their choice. What have you got to lose? Email entries to glenkens gazette@hotmail.co.uk by 5 November 2018. The winner of the August/September Flash Fiction Competition is Ian Knox with In the Beginning (printed below). Competition judge Ian says: “Congratulations Ian, a thought provoking piece.” About the Author - Ian says: “In my youth I travelled widely, then settled in Dalry where I live and work. I travel more in my mind now, though still love being out in nature.” IN THE BEGINNING At the beginning of time God had a thought and part of that thought crystalised into the earth. Out of that fiery ball I was born, forming part of the mountain range people call the Rhinns of Kells. As the earth cooled we were covered in early plants as God willed life and light into the world. Then huge tropical forests sprang up and the first forms of life slithered over me. Huge dinosaurs thundered past and the air was thick with scent. The Wright’s Shop & Post Office Dalry Licensed convenience store and newsagent stocking a range of local suppliers including Corsons and Irvings Bakers, Ballards and Dalmellington Country Butchers and Mitchells Fruit and Veg. Opening Times (both shop & PO): Monday to Friday: 7am – 6pm Saturday: 8am – 6pm Sunday: 8.30am – 4pm Tel: 01644 430 225 world was filled with struggling life. Raptors screamed across the skies. Time ticked on. Bang! The earth was shaken by a meteor. The skies darkened, the sun was blocked out, life retreated, and we were covered in tonnes of snow and ice. In that murky world we slept, until gradually the skies cleared. I was torn from my mother rock in the big melt, carried down the mountain slopes by a glacier and finally spat out on a wee mound at the foot of Millyea. I’m there to this day. Watching! Time tocked and cavemen camped around me hunting mammoth, temperate forests sprang up filled with new creatures. Millions of years passed and slowly humans, developed, became conscious. God came briefly amongst us to show us a path to the light. Centuries past hillwalkers stopped by me to take in the view and marvel at the beauty and contemplate the universe. A sculptor put a couple of eyes on me. I look out! Time ticked. BOSH! suddenly the world was filled with light and realisation. In this new world matter didn’t matter. Time was timeless, stretching infinitely back and infinitely forward. We were all connected. We shone for each other. We shone with each other. We all shine together; we are all part of the light... I see! Glenkens Gazette page 11 Milton Park Mystery Solved Last issue included a request from Alan Robertson from North Vancouver as to whether Gazette readers could help him solve a mystery that had been puzzling him for over 50 years... Alan had stayed with his parents in the Milton Park Hotel in the 1960s and heard a story about three maids dying at the hotel. Over the years, he had wondered what happened to those girls, until he finally contacted the Gazette last issue to ask whether any readers may know the answer. We had a good response to the piece, and a number of local folk got in touch to give the Gazette the facts. Below is an account of the sad incident that lead to the deaths of three local girls. The girls who died were called Adeline Hunter, Linda Carruthers and Cathy Johnstone. They would all have been school-leaving age (around 15) and were staying in the staff quarters of the Milton Park Hotel. Their room was upstairs, Class photo submitted by Hilda McAdam: Cathy Johnstone is in the middle row, fourth in from the right in a white blouse. Linda Carruthers is one of the two girls in front of Cathy, not in a row, and she is the one on the left. Adeline Hunter is in the front row, third from the right. above the boiler room. The heating system was faulty, leading to a leak of carbon monoxide gas. The gas made its way up from the boiler room into the girls bedroom, causing their tragic and untimely deaths. Many thanks to Hilda McAdam Joyce Thacker, Jean Galloway and Gordon McQueen for getting in touch with details of the incident. OLD SMIDDY PROJECT GETS GOING Continued from front page... The Old Smiddy will be one of the early beneficiaries in the Galloway Glens Scheme suite of projects and GCAT are really looking forward to working with other Galloway Glens Scheme participants. Alan Smith, Chairman of GCAT, said: “This development will be a great addition to what we are already doing at the CatStrand and to our other projects such as Bright Stars Glenkens Community Nursery, Glenkens Transport Initiative, Glenkens Gazette and the Men’s Shed. Whilst the new building will have a major impact on Balmaclellan village centre the aim is to provide an asset which will benefit a much wider audience of locals and visitors.” McNabb Laurie, Galloway Glens Team Leader, said: “The Galloway Glens Scheme has secured more than £2.7million from the Heritage Lottery Fund to support projects that ‘connect people to their heritage’ and this ambitious proposal ticks all boxes from our point of view. The CatStrand has been such a successful venue over the last ten years and this Old Smiddy Project will massively increase the facilities available to the people of Dumfries & Galloway, and visitors to the region. We will be working with GCAT in the construction phase to highlight traditional Galloway building methods and explore training opportunities. When the building is complete, it will be ideal to host a range of other projects we will be undertaking over the next five years. “The Galloway Glens Scheme derived from efforts by the Council’s Economic Development department, as well as a range of partners, and it is clear this building will be a great economic boost for the Stewartry and beyond. Our partnership board were delighted to be able to support this project and it is great news that it is now fully funded and able to get underway.” Ed Forrest, Coordinator for Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere and member of the Galloway Glens Partnership Board, welcomed the news that GCAT have now secured full funding for the Old Smiddy saying: “GCAT and its approach to developing dynamic communitybased initiatives embodies the whole ethos of UNESCO Biospheres. They are the envy of many of our international Biosphere visitors who come to see examples of best practice that they can then aspire to emulate back in their own countries. The Old Smiddy promises to be yet another example to add to that growing portfolio of excellence.” Glenkens Gazette page 12 BUSINESS IN THE SPOTLIGHT This section showcases a different local business each issue, giving readers a taste of the diverse and flourishing entrepeneurial world of the Glenkens. If you would like to feature your business, please email an article of up to 500 words with a photograph to glenkensgazette@ hotmail.co.uk In the late nineteen seventies, after several visits, my wife and I vowed to someday make our home in the Glenkens. It took us another thirty years to get here but, in 2005, we finally made it. We spent twelve blissful years in this most beautiful part of the world, which sadly came to an end when my wife died in early 2017. After spending many months staring at four walls, I decided I had to do something - but what? Coincidently, my central heating system was on its last legs. Having spent some time working in the central heating industry in the 1990s, I had a good knowledge of the marketplace. I spent some considerable time investigating what had changed over the last twenty years. I found that, apart from some efficiency improvements to boilers, almost everything was as I remembered. Precise Heating Solutions There was one very notable exception to this. A few years ago, while on a trip down south, I saw a range of thermodynamic, electric radiators, so advanced, and of such a high build quality, that they left a lasting impression on me. They were manufactured by Intelliheat. I checked the company’s website to discover that they have continued with their cutting edge, eco-design, technological advancements. On the way, they have picked up numerous awards and accredidations, including the NF+++, Europe’s highest efficiency and quality accreditation, the only heating company to achieve this. I was convinced that Intelliheat was the company to entrust with my heating requirements. It also occurred to me, that if they were right for me, then they would surely be right for many people in the Glenkens. I contacted Intelliheat and had what was to be the first of many discussions and meetings. My initial idea of being able to supply their products locally blossomed into an exclusive contract covering all of Scotland! In July, the Intelliheat Cali Sense Eco system was installed at my home. Now that the temperatures are falling, the system is proving to be simply incredible. Every room is its own ‘zone’, so I can program each room individually. They even know if you are in or out, and adjust accordingly! This has a huge effect on running costs, which are proving to be even less than I had anticipated. Theoretically, electricity should be the best form of heating as it is pure energy at the point of supply, and therefore 100% efficient. The problem has been in what we connected to it, eg boxes of bricks, etc, all of which competed for the total inefficiency award. Intelliheat have spent many years researching, developing and improving their products. Intelliheat were the first electric heating suppliers to offer Wi-Fi connectivity. Indeed, the An example of an latest Cali Intelliheat radiator in Ian I-Sense Lundy’s home, Dalry. not only has builtin Wi-Fi in every unit, but will also scan your whole system and send energy saving recommendations to your phone or laptop. So - no maintenance, no pipes, no pumps, no bricks, no disruption, with standard installation taking less than a day, and all at less cost than a normal wet system - this is surely the future of heating. Precise Heating Solutions Ltd are the exclusive suppliers of the Intelliheat range in Scotland, and have the full product and technical support of Intelliheat Ltd. If you would like to know more about what the systems do, and how they do it, please give us a call on 07383 017 959, or visit www.precisehs.co.uk We would be delighted to have a chat or answer any questions you may have. Ian Lundy, Dalry for Dalry residents to discuss and prioritise the ideas that came out of the survey. It was interesting to note that most of the ideas were ones that would work for the whole of the Glenkens, reinforcing the view that the Glenkens communities are best working together. The Glenkens District Trust (GDT) commissioned the survey and after the workshop many questions and concerns about the GDT were raised with Alan Rumble, the Acting Chair. The atmosphere became heated and Nicolette Wise, Dalry Community Council Chair, ruled that as this was not a constituted Community Council meeting, with no agenda or minute taker, it was not therefore the right time for such discussions. However, she asked Alan Rumble to take back to the GDT board the growing frustration felt by many people over the apparent lack of transparency and communication surrounding the GDT. Glenkens Community Survey A consultation on last year’s Glenkens Community Survey was held in Dalry Town Hall, ably facilitated by Karen Lewis and her team from The Hub in Dumfries. The survey results for Dalry were presented followed by a workshop Glenkens Gazette page 13 Getting Active and Giving it a Go... It’s been a fantastic summer full of activities in and around New Galloway. Stewartry Active Sports kindly loaned the community a set of goal posts and nets, and so games of football and penalty shoot-outs have been enjoyed by both the young and not so young. It was suggested that a regular time was set, so that those wishing to have a game of football could pop along to the park and know that someone would be there to join them. As a result, Wednesday evening Community Football and Fun in the park sessions from 7-9pm started, and what a success it has been! In fact, so much so, we don’t want to lose it as the nights draw in, and so from November we are moving the session to a Sunday at 2.30pm. Everyone from the Glenkens is welcome and information will be posted on the ‘Community Engagement Activities New Galloway and Kells’ Facebook page. As well as football, our Ladies Give it a Go! sessions have been a fantastic opportunity to get together and try something new. Once a month, different people each time, have been meeting up at the Galloway Activity Some local ladies enjoying paddleboarding at one of the Ladies Centre to try Give it a Go! sessions at the Galloway Activity Centre. activities such as kayaking, 7.30pm to share ideas and plan a paddleboarding and archery. programme. It was enjoyed so much, the All ladies 16 years and over from ladies involved have suggested that the Glenkens are welcome to join we get together to plan regular, us. free or low-cost activities for ladies For further information contact of all ages to enjoy together. Sam Rushton on samCEW@newg Therefore, we are holding a ‘Bring allowaycommunity.shop or 07741 a Plate’ supper at New Galloway 656 601. Town Hall on Friday 2 November at Glenkens Gazette page 14 JOINT OIL PURCHASING GROUP As autumn sets in and the winter months approach, we begin to think about keeping warm, switching on our heating and lighting our fires. At the beginning of this year many people within the community expressed an interest in finding out more about a proposed joint oil purchasing group within the community. Saving money and doing our bit for the environment. Well good news, it’s happening! This project will be co-ordinated by the New Galloway Community Engagement Worker (CEW), Sam Rushton, and is a New Galloway Community Enterprises initiative. After talking to other communities who successfully co-ordinate group oil purchasing, we are adopting the model that oil orders will be collated monthly and submitted to the oil company by the CEW. Order requests can be placed via telephone, email or through New Galloway community shop. Each customer will be billed and pay for their oil directly to the oil company. The greater the collated order, the bigger discount we will receive per litre from the oil company. As well as saving money, we are doing our bit for the environment by reducing the number of tankers coming into our community. If you are interested in signing up for group purchasing or would like more information please contact Sam Rushton on samCEW@newgall owaycommunity.shop or 07741 656 601 or pop into the New Galloway Community Shop. Sam Rushton, Community Engagement Worker, New Galloway Are You Prepared For Winter? With autumn already here and winter just around the corner, some of the media are making ‘shock’ claims of an early October freeze and the World Meteorological Organisation is predicting a 70% chance of another El Niño event before the end of this year. Whatever the reality, it is up to us to be ready to deal with what comes, whether as individuals or as communities. Everything will be fine, right up until the point that it isn’t! Dumfries and Galloway Council resilience staff have said that in a national or regional emergency we in the Glenkens would be on our own initially as the focus of their relief efforts would be on the bigger towns. The electricity goes off, the roads are impassable (snow, flooding, fallen trees, take your pick) what are you going to do? Can you still keep warm (fire, bottled gas heater), what are you going to cook and eat, how many days supply of food and medicines do you keep? Most of us will probably cope (grumpily) for a day or two, though it would be much harder for the elderly or infirm. How about a week with no power, no heating, no shopping, no telephone or internet, maybe even no water (private supplies often rely on electric pumps)? Could you manage? Do you have local family or friends with resources you could stay with? Community Councils also have a part to play in helping their residents through extreme weather. They have been encouraged and supported by Dumfries and Galloway Council to have pavement gritters, shovels, torches and other emergency equipment, but they also need volunteers to help them deliver, particularly to the vulnerable. Why not contact your local Community Council and ask about their Winter Resilience plans and if they need any assistance? It may only be autumn, but this is the time to check your supplies and stock up on what you may need in an emergency whilst you can. Hopefully disaster won’t strike this winter, but if it does, a little preparation now could save bigger problems later. WINTER RESILIENCE CHECKLIST Heat and Light: Do you have a means to keep warm that is not dependant on electricity? eg a fire or bottled gas heater. Do you have an alternative source of light for when it gets dark? eg torches, lanterns, candles. Food and Water: Do you have one weeks supply of food for everyone in your household? (That is not dependant on refrigeration or freezing for storage) eg tinned, dried and ‘long life’ food (including eggs, biscuits, chocolate). Do you have a means to cook the above food (if required) without electricity? eg on the fire, camping gas stove or spirit burner. Do you have an alternative source of drinking water if your normal supply stops? eg bottled water, nearby river/spring, rain water collector and water filters. Health Care: Do you keep at least one weeks supply of medicines on hand? Do you require regular/daily assistance for a medical condition? If your carer cannot get through, can a nearby friend or neighbour help? Communication and Transport: Do you have a landline telephone with a nonwireless hand set? (Wireless handsets require electricity to work). If not, do you have a nearby friend or neighbour with one? If you live in a remote location, are you able to get into your nearest village for supplies, help or the doctors? Glenkens Gazette page 15 Glenkens Wood Fuel Buying Club Are you interested in becoming part of a Glenkens Wood Fuel Buying Club? What is it? It is a group of individuals who use wood fuels like wood chip, briquettes, wood boiler pellets and kiln dried logs. Together they bulk purchase these items (usually by the pallet load) to get a better rate and share the savings. (There is a local Wood Fuel Cooperative in Dumfries that can deliver). The problem for some wood fuel users is storing a big purchase, but in Dalry we now have a large shed the Club could use for this purpose. Bulk buying would mean you only pay around 60% of the individual pack price, eg £3 instead of £5. Over a winter that could save you £100+! If you’re interested, get in touch with Andi Holmes on 07729 292126 or andiholmes@hotmail.com Compressed sawdust briquettes. Dalry Film Club Bags Some Help Dalry Film Club has been successful in obtaining financial support through the Bags of Help scheme run through the Castle Douglas Tesco store. Chair of the Club, Jim Reid, said: “The support has allowed us to purchase new loudspeakers for the front of the hall to improve sound quality and also to complete our blackout system with further blinds. The blackouts will allow us to extend our season from the start of September into early June without a problem with ambient light. “We are also grateful for support from the the CatStrand who are helping us with licensing, with publicity through their brochure and with ticket sales. Our patrons can now obtain tickets for our shows through the CatStrand website and ticket desk as well as at the door.” The autumn season opened in September with the brilliant Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri GLENKENS ROUTE Thursdays: 12noon-1pm – Crossmichael 1-2pm – Parton/Loch Ken Holiday Park 2-4pm – Balmaclellan area 4-5.30pm – The Hidden Road Fridays: 8-10.30am – Dalry 10.30-11am – Glenlee Area 11am – New Galloway 12noon – New Galloway Shop 2pm – Mossdale area 3-4pm – Laurieston to Gatehouse Please note that all times are approximate. 07966 103 912 charliecoid@hotmail.com Fleet Fish aims to provide top quality produce which is sourced as locally as possible. We take pride in offering friendly door-to-door service tailored to our customers’ needs. and continues with Their Finest on 10 October, The Shape of Water on 27 October, Some Like it Hot on 14 November (this is a fundraising show with a performance from the CatStrand Ukulele Band), The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society on 28 November, Hugo on 14 December and Lost In Paris on 28 December. Meanwhile, the committee is working towards an exciting spring season. The Club is also available for celebration shows such as birthday or wedding anniversary shows - get in touch on jamescreid@hotmail.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 16 Glenkens Cluster Staff Shuffle There have been some changes to staffing over the summer in the Glenkens Primary schools. In larger primary schools there are many opportunities for professional development and teachers can change stage and year group in order to learn and enhance their skills. In small schools this is severely restricted. However, having a partnership of schools can provide opportunities for a change. Two of our Principal teachers, Mrs Muir and Mrs Turner, have taken this opportunity to develop their careers and have essentially swapped bases. Mrs Muir is now based in Dalry and Mrs Turner has moved over to Kells, in New Galloway. Mrs Devlin and Mrs Haynes have also taken advantage of a change to enhance their skills as teachers. Mrs Devlin has moved to Nursery and Mrs Haynes is focussing on Art and Music across the partnership. Cluster Head, Paul Scrimshaw, said: “Children benefit greatly when teachers are afforded the opportunity to develop their skills. Teachers become revitalised, as do we all, when undertaking new opportunities. This transfers to their daily teaching and learning. Also, children in our small schools can have the same teacher for a number of years. Different teachers have different interests, qualities and skills. It is important for children to have a range of experiences with teachers, teaching styles and interests. I am sure most people will have one stand out teacher who was an inspiration. Their personal interests and enthusiasms can influence children in many ways. My own interest in art was sparked by a primary teacher when I reached my last year of junior school. His enthusiasm for drawing and painting was infectious.” We also have some new teachers in the partnership. Mrs Houston, Miss Sey and Mrs Welsh have joined us this session. In order to get to know our Glenkens teachers a little better each teacher (except two who are off on sick leave) were asked three questions - 1) Where were you and what did you teach before you came to the Glenkens Partnership; 2) What is your favourite hobby/ pastime; 3) What did you like best about school when you were a child. Here are their responses. Miss Sey (P6/7 teacher, Dalry): 1) I was in Aberdeen working as a nursery practitioner and studying primary teaching at University. 2) My favourite hobbies are going for walks and cooking. I am finding lots of new walks in Dumfries and Galloway, and entertaining friends and family at weekends. 3) My favourite part of primary school was being creative with the art materials in golden time. Mrs Houston (P4/5 teacher, Dalry): 1) I previously taught Primary 1/2 at Hardgate Primary school. 2) I enjoy spending time with my daughter. I also enjoy playing/ watching football. 3) As a child I enjoyed learning about geography, in particular the environmental aspects. I loved taking part in sports activities too. did a degree in palaeoanthropology, and I worked as an archaeologist for some time. I was also very good at sport at school and enjoyed both athletics and gymnastics. Mrs Turner (P1/2/3/4 teacher, Kells): 1) I taught at Dalry Primary for five years, and before that I worked at Twynholm and Kirkcudbright Primaries. 2) Out of school, I enjoy reading and cooking, and eating out with friends. One of the main reasons my husband and I moved to Dumfries and Galloway was because of the beautiful countryside, and we enjoy exploring both the local area and further afield in our camper van with our black Labrador, Hetty. 3) When I was at school the subjects I enjoyed most were French and drama. On reflection, I don’t think I was particularly talented in either but the positivity and enthusiasm of my teachers meant that I participated with passion and this is something I try to emulate in my own teaching. In later years I became interested in social history and as a result decided to undertake a degree in history at Leeds University. Mr Thompson (P5/6/7, Kells): 1) I have travelled and taught in diverse schools (primary and secondary), universities, orphanages and kindergartens. Including a range of both mainstream and special educational settings. Travelling and working from Zimbabwe to Spain via Poland, China and Honduras... then from Cambridge to Kells. 2) Adventuring and wandering with my two best friends; Laura and Bamba. Eating sandwiches and looking through binoculars (not at the same time). 3) When we were given freedom and treated with respect - these moments are great memories. Mr Haynes (Music & Art teacher accross the Cluster): 1) After having my two boys, I taught the P4/5 class at Penpont, and then came to the Glenkens Cluster where I taught in the Nursery before changing to my current role. 2) I enjoy music and playing/singing with the family. My husband and my two boys play guitar and drums. I also enjoy baking and cake decorating and cross stitch embroidery. 3) When I was a girl at school, I loved music and played flute, recorder or piano at assemblies and sang in the choir. I also enjoyed acting and creative writing. It is important for children to have a range of experiences with teachers, teaching styles and interests. Mrs Welsh (P4/5 teacher, Dalry): 1) I taught P6/7 at Lochside Primary School before coming to work in the Glenkens. 2) My favourite hobby is music. I enjoy playing the piano and saxophone. 3) I liked progressing my learning through trips the best when I was a child. Mrs Muir (P1/2/3 teacher, Dalry): 1) I taught at Kells Primary for the past 10 years. Previous to that I taught in Stranraer, and I have also taught in the Highlands and in Australia. 2) I have two hobbies that take up most of my time out of school. The first is music. I play classical guitar, violin, all sizes of recorders, flute, piano and am currently learning how to play the alto saxophone. My second passion is dance. My husband and myself go to dance class up to three times a week, dancing ballroom, Latin and salsa. 3) When I was at school the subject I most liked was history. At university Left to right: New teachers Miss Sey, Mrs Houston and Mrs Welsh. Glenkens Gazette page 17 ALL NEW GLENKENS NURSERY A new term brings a fresh start in Dalry ELC (formerly Dalry Nursery) with a change in nursery teacher and the development of two brand new learning environments. Jenna Devlin, the new nursery teacher (previously Dalry's P4/5 class teacher), is a passionate believer and advocate of outdoor and open-ended play. Over the summer, alongside co-worker Julie Moore and a whole host of amazing volunteers, she has transformed both the indoor and outdoor learning spaces. A natural, calming indoor space invites the children to explore, create and inquire, supported through carefully chosen resources. You will not find many traditional 'toys', however, as the children are encouraged to use their own imaginations to create their play. There has also been a'cull' of plastic toys, with the ELC instead offering real-life objects such as bone china cups, items made from natural materials and, a firm favourite so far...lots and lots of coloured pebbles, beads and buttons. With these openended resources, the possibilities for children are expanded. Outdoors, the space which was previously part of the primary school playground is now an exciting shared space where both primary and the ELC children can play. The children are immersed in an environment where they can build, using items such as wood, hammers, nails and screws. They can climb and jump and guddle in as much mud, sand and water as their hearts desire. Jenna said: "We want our children to become resilient, caring and confident individuals. Our outdoor area is designed with risky play in mind, where children are encouraged and supported to assess their own and other's safety, thinking carefully about the impact of their actions on the environment and people around them." So far the ELC have found the children to be really thriving, engaged and immersed in a whole range of learning opportunities, and have received lots of positive feedback from parents and carers. Jenna continues: "Our goal is to create as rich a learning environment as possible, and to think outside the box in terms of resources, materials and play opportunities. When observing the children play each day, at any given moment, the smiles and engagement are obvious - so far we must be getting something right!" As with all new projects, however, it is always evolving, and Jenna is keen to work closely with the new P1-3 teacher over the forthcoming year to really embed play in the Early Years learning experiences. At present there is a morning once a week when the P1s come and play with the ELC children in their outdoor area. "This is a really wonderful experience for both the nursery-age children and the P1s; straight away you see the younger children using the materials and resources differently, watching the ‘big ones’. The older children bring different skills, ideas and interests, it's really magical to see them play so effectively together," says Jenna. Mrs Devlin also has plans to use the wooded area at the far end of the playground once a week to develop a 'forest schools' approach, where the children will build fires, dens and investigate another 'wilder' environment. Jenna concludes by saying: "In Dalry ELC our motto is ‘Learning and Growing Together’. This illustrates close partnership working with families, and growing resilient, caring, happy and confident young people together. This is what we're all about - it really is the best job in the world!" Dalry ELC would like to give special thanks to the Glenkens Charity Shop, Mr & Mrs Firth, Mrs & Mrs Elder, Mrs Davies, Angela Orro, Andy Holmes, Tony, Fergus, Jayde, William, Miriam and Chrissy for their help, effort and kindly donated resources. It is hugely appreciated by everyone at Dalry ELC and Primary. Top: Jenna and Julie. Above: Happy children playing at Dalry ELC. Glenkens Gazette page 18 NEW TEACHERS JOIN DALRY SECONDARY SCHOOL Pupils and staff of Dalry Secondary School have returned refreshed and ready to benefit from the opportunities of the new school year. For staff this comes with a sense of pride and achievement on behalf of our previous S4 pupils who performed very well, and were rewarded with good results in their SQA examinations. We are delighted to welcome new staff in some departments: Mr Fleming in PE who is busy extending the curricular experiences able to be offered and will make available extra-curricular ones too in the near future; Miss Crossan and Mrs Porteous who are offering a range of courses across home economics and hospitality, with Miss Crossan leading a group of enthusiastic students aiming to excel in the upcoming Future Chef competition, and we look forward to Mrs Stockwell joining us soon in the English department. Our thanks go to Mrs Nurse for agreeing to continue for a period to ensure pupils have continuity. New teachers were asked for a few words of introduction - here is a ‘hello’ from Mr Fleming: Hi! My name is Mr Fleming and I am the new Physical Education teacher at Dalry Secondary. I would like to thank everyone - pupils, parents and staff - for their kind welcome, and I’m looking forward to a happy and active future at the school :) funds to help continue to support the armed forces community in Scotland today. Poppy Scotland has asked organisations around Scotland to each try to raise £1,918 to help improve the lives of ex-servicemen. The young people of Dalry Secondary have already raised several hundred pounds through themed fund-raising activities. Watch out for the following events, and let’s see if we can reach the grand total of £1,918: ● Thursday 11 October – Coffee Morning in Dalry School, 10am12noon; come along for a selection of delicious baking, teas and coffees, as well as bric-a-brac, toys and a chance to win prizes. Any contributions of cakes, traybakes, bric-a-brac and raffle prizes would be greatly appreciated, and can be handed into the school. ● Wednesday 7 November; Dalry Secondary School presents Archie Dobson’s War, a BBC play set in 1914 featuring drama, music and dance. During the interval refreshments will be served. All proceeds from the evening will go towards the Poppy Pledge. Closer to Christmas, keep your eyes peeled for details of our popular lunchtime Pop-up Café, which will again be open to the community, with proceeds going to Poppy Scotland. Pupils' Poppy Pledge Dalry Secondary School have signed up to Poppy Scotland’s 1918 Poppy Pledge to commemorate the centenary of the armistice and the end of World War One. The 1918 Poppy Pledge aims to raise money for honouring the many men and women who fought in the First World War and in the many conflicts since. The Poppy Pledge will also raise vital New PE teacher, Mr Fleming. S3 PUPILS GIVE GOLF A GO Pupil Report - Golf at Dalry Secondary As part of our S3 sport and fitness preference, we are having an 8-week trial golf session at New Galloway golf club. The professional golf coach is called Ross Murdoch from Dumfries driving range. So far he has taught us how to putt, chip and pitch the ball. He has also taught us all the parts of the golf club, how to properly grip the different golf clubs, and Ross also taught us a basic posture drill. Ross has been building up how far we can hit the golf ball, up to 100 yards. Pupils learn new skills at New Galloway Golf course with professional golf coach, Ross Murdoch. Glenkens Gazette page 19 CatStrand Youth Booth Launch CatStrand Youth Volunteers were proud to unveil their Youth Booth to the public in a culmination of six months of work by the team of 12 to 16 year-olds. After successfully applying for funding through the D&G Council Year of Young People Youth Choices funding programme, the youth volunteer team started working with local glass artist Lorrie Kyle to transform the disused phone box in New Galloway into an art installation and youth information centre. The group cleaned the phone box, painted an undercoat and gave it two coats of their chosen dark blue top coat paint, inspired by Doctor Who, over several evenings over the summer where they were seen clad in forensic suits, gloves and masks. The panels were created over the course of design workshops at the CatStrand and sessions at Lorrie Kyle’s glass studio outside Dumfries, where the designs were turned into fused glass panels. The Booth contains information posters and leaflets on youth issues from mental health to LGBT support, online safety to youth funding opportunities, as well as a local bus timetable and posters for local events and activities which will be regularly updated. A light box, gumball machine, phone charging unit and light-up mirror are also in the process of being installed as Proud CatStrand Youth Voluneers standing part of their design. outside the Youth Booth. At the unveiling, CatStrand youth board member and who had seen the youth booth youth volunteer Aiden Taylor, 16, progressing or been involved in the gave a speech, which was followed design and making of the glass. by a launch event at the CatStrand Youth volunteer Kaelan Johnston, where the volunteers served 13, said: “It was fun designing the mocktails and laid on a buffet. In glass and seeing how it turned out, attendance were Council youth and it was really fun to help organise services representatives for the the project which I feel it will be a Stewartry, youth programmers from good help to young people in the Young Promoters Group (YPG) in community.” Dumfries, members of DumfriesThe Booth will continue to develop, based creative collective The Stove, and it is hoped the project can GCAT board chairperson Alan Smith, continue to expand and will be deputy head teacher for Dalry there for years to come as a centreSecondary School Lorraine Gillies, piece for the great contribution and a wide variety of community young people are making to their members both young and old community. 'GET ON IT' YOUTH TRANSPORT FORUM Young people in the Glenkens have called for the Council and local transport providers to ‘get on it’ when it comes to their transport needs. CatStrand Youth, under the Glenkens, Community & Arts Trust (GCAT), has secured an award from the Year of Young People National Lottery Fund towards a transport forum project. The project will run in partnership with Kirkcudbright Youth Project, D&G Youth Services and Aberdeenshire’s Work With Young People project as a follow-up to their recent youth consultation which surveyed young people across the Glenkens aged 12-25 about their needs living in this area. In the consultation, 55% of young people asked said transport links were an issue and respondents voted it as their top priority for change to enable them to lead successful lives in the area. It was voted as the major issue preventing access to and participation in social activity, limiting job opportunities and contributing to feelings of isolation and loneliness amongst young people. Starting in September 2018, recruitment for Youth Transport Forum groups in the Glenkens, Castle Douglas and Kirkcudbright will take place through schools and youth service partners. These young people will then be given the opportunity to look at transport in their area of the Stewartry in-depth before putting forward two young people from each group to form a cross-Stewartry forum. This forum will travel to Aberdeenshire to meet other young people working with their councils on local transport initiatives, before designing a pilot scheme based on their findings. Schemes could incorporate new bus routes, Uberstyle taxi services, bike hire or any other models they think could work for young people in the area. Pilots will be tendered out to local providers and trialled and monitored over 10 weeks next year. Advocacy and presentation skills training will be delivered to the young people participating in the project by the organisation Sleeping Giants, and Dumfries & Galloway Youth Services, to enable them to best Some of the CatStrand Youth members who spearheaded the Youth Transport Forum initiative. present their findings to a range of stakeholders. The end result is hoped to be an evidenced report on a service that would make a difference to local young people, which will be presented by young people to the Council and service providers locally to seek continuation of the service or a service which incorporates learning from the year-long project. Any young people aged 12-25 interested in participating in the Glenkens, Kirkcudbright or Castle Douglas forums can get in touch with aidan@catstrand.com for info on how to get involved. Glenkens Gazette page 20 Volunteer Barbecue with Flames Connecting in Communities (CiC) is a project aimed at improving the lives of those living and working in the Glenkens. Volunteers form a huge part of the CiC programme, especially here at the CatStrand where CiC is based. In order to show our gratitude, a ‘thank you’ barbecue was hosted at the CatStrand. Very many thanks to all our volunteers - we hope you enjoyed the night; your efforts really are appreciated. The night also included the Flames, a Tricky Hat Theatre Company performance utilising local, untapped talent. The show featured music, singing and some thoughtprovoking memories in a unique audio-visual display. Balmaclellan is currently featuring heavily in the CiC calendar; keepfit fans are delighted with the new kettlebell sessions, every Thursday night from 7.30-8.30pm in the village hall. The Men’s Shed is booming and the Smiddy Project is officially off the ground (see front page). The line-up for this year’s Rocktober has been confirmed; as well as the rock disco, music quiz, bar, free buses to and from the event, top local rockers Voodoo Sun will be headlining the show. Expect a heady mix of classic rock and blues, and feel free to dress up for the event - it’s all free, but booking is recommended for the gig and essential if you want a seat on the buses. Watch out for our posters with all the details. Our local MP, Alister Jack, took time out from his busy schedule to visit both the Glenkens Men’s Shed and CiC at CatStrand this summer - for details of his visit see separate articles in this issue. CiC and CatStrand rely heavily on volunteers to support the numerous events and activities that go on - if you have time to spare please get in touch as we’d love to have you on board. To find out more, or get involved, contact Brian or Chris on 01644 420374 or brian@catstrand.com or chris@catstrand.com Chris Jowsey, Volunteer & Participation Officer, CatStrand NEW GALLOWAY MEMORIAL BENCH The New Galloway Celebratory Events Committee (NGCEC) have decided that funds raised at the Picnic in the Park should go towards a memorial bench. The ‘Lest we Forget’ galvanised steel bench will commemorate 100 years since the end of the first world war, in line with events being held later this year, and the bench should be in position for the Remembrance Service on 11 November. It is planned that the bench be sited beside the path leading up to the New Galloway war memorial. NGCEC, a sub-committee of Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING), would like to thank Balmaclellan, Kells and Dalry Churches, St Margaret’s Church, Loreburn Housing Association and the Alternative Games for their generous support for this project. Our next event will be a Scottish-themed concert and Christmas lights switch-on planned for 2 December. Any proceeds from donations will be used for the benefit of the whole community. Glenkens Gazette page 21 Scottish Alternative Games 2018 There was no threat of rain and the sun even shone for a while – was it the right day? Yes it was! The Games had suffered a few wet and windy days in the last few years but this time conditions were perfect for this annual day of unique entertainment. All qualifiers for the Gird ‘n’ Cleek World Championship were in fine form and a great race was had, with the crowd enjoying one of the best finals for many years. The lead changed several times throughout the two laps, but in the end Alexander McKenna prevailed and reclaimed his crown after a nineyear gap. Close behind and claiming the silver medal was Arthur Harfield with Alice McIntosh in the bronze medal position. The Tractor Pull attracted plenty of entrants but the Men’s competition produced a familiar winner with Ralph Spernagel, and Alexander McKenna had enough energy left from his ongoing Gird ‘n’ Cleek efforts to secure the silver medal. The Ladies event was a bit of a family affair with Cairan Murdoch once again taking gold, with her sister Tracey Nicholson as runner-up. The Quad Bike Pull for the juniors attracted the biggest queue of the day in the arena as the youngsters showed off their strength! Some impressive times were recorded here Spectators enjoying this year’s Games in the sunshine. too with once again the Murdoch family the usual bribery of Guinness and emerging victorious with Holly lettuce leaves. Murdoch taking gold, Yvie Murdoch The Alternative Games, now in its silver and their cousin Carla fifth decade, has certainly stood the Nicholson winning bronze. test of time as the quirky events The Snail Racing attracted big and unique atmosphere continue to crowds as the punters rolled up encourage many families to return to support each of the three races year after year from all over Britain during the afternoon which were to enjoy the day with the locals. kindly sponsored by Forrest Estate, Many first time visitors this year Natural Power and WH McWilliam have vowed to return again too Ltd. The specially trained racing put the 4th of August 2019 in your snails were in fine form and were diary now! Brian Edgar encouraged to the finishing line with GLENKENS MEN'S SHED NEWS It’s all systems go up at the Glenkens Men’s Shed... The new tearoom nears completion, electrical improvements are underway, the mezzanine floor is in use, the new double glazed window looks great and we have a brilliant new sign. All thanks to Tesco’s Bags of Help scheme; a heartfelt thankyou to everyone who voted for us in the Castle Douglas store, where we won the June competition, receiving £4000. We would also like to thank Angela Orro, Tesco’s Community Champion for the Bags of Help; Jim Clubb for the new sign, made from recycled metal and tools from the shed; John, Gill and Michelle for refurbishing the doors; local builder Raymond Wilkie, for the expertise in fitting the new window; and to all the Shedders for their help in building the new tea room, especially Stuart, Martin, Tam and Ali - cheers everybody! There’s loads more going on too - we’re hosting the Men’s Shed Electronics Team from Hamilton soon, so look out for bangs and flashes as the boys and girls build electronic gadgets from scratch. On a different note, hopefully there’ll be no bangs or flashes whilst local electrician Derek McCrone upgrades the shed wiring, a pre-curser to getting our metal working facility up and running... Men’s Shed work will be for Left to right: Alan Smith (GCAT Chair), Martin sale at the CatStrand on their and Gill Warnock (Shedders), Chris Jowsey Christmas Shopping day (Volunteer Participation Officer), Tom Leach (Shed Chairman) and Alister Jack (MP). see ad on p3. The shed, located behind the Old Smiddy in Glenkens Men’s Shed is supported Balmaclellan, is a great place to by Connecting in Communities, a relax, unwind, do stuff, learn new LEADER and Big Lottery funded skills or just drink coffee and chat. project. If you want to join the shed, Some members are dab hands at or find out more, either call in at the baking too, so there’s often cake to shed or contact Brian/Chris on 420 be had! 374 or Tom on 420 895. Local MP Alister Jack visited this Normal Shed opening times are: summer and was impressed by the Monday 9.30am-4pm & 6.30range of activities available to our 8.30pm, Wed 9.30am-1pm & members and the valuable service woodcarving from 2-4pm, and Fri the shed provides to our community. 9.30am-12noon. Our AGM is coming up on 6 Chris Jowsey, November, 10am at the CatStrand. Glenkens Men’s Shed Treasurer Glenkens Gazette page 22 GLENKENS WITHOUT PYLONS? Kendoon to Tongland 132kV Reinforcement (KTR) Project A great deal of progress has been made in the past couple of months in our efforts to persuade Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN) and the Scottish Government to underground the entire project to protect the Galloway environment. Galloway Without Pylons now has a website - www.gallowaywithoutpylons.o rg - to which content is being added on a daily basis as information comes to light and support is gathered. I will outline the latest position with the Project, and in order to be 100% accurate have included verbatim part of an email received from SPEN on 6 August: “In regards to the cable studies, as intimated previously, we will be working on this assessment over the coming months (likely into early 2019). As you will note, the requirements of the scoping only require SPEN to consider undergrounding at the ‘pinch points’ identified on the proposed OHL routes. However, following consideration of the third round consultation feedback, including that received from yourself, SPEN have also committed to consider potential cable options for a continuous cable route between Glenlee and Tongland based on a ‘blank sheet’ approach. “Going forward, the next opportunity for stakeholders and communities to get involved in the project will be at the application stage. The key thing to note about this consultation is that, unlike the last three rounds of consultation undertaken on KTR, this is a formal process and will be undertaken by the Scottish Ministers. Therefore all comments and views (informed by the EIAR, undergrounding report, etc) The photograph (by Stuart Littlewood) shows Stroan will be made direct to the Loch. The pylons would run to the east of the loch Scottish Ministers, not SPEN.” with the closest pylon less than 250m away. It is therefore imperative that those in the responsible for administering a £500m community who want the KTR fund for GB electricity transmission Project underground become active owners to mitigate the impact of now so that we can launch an existing electricity infrastructure on the effective campaign. visual amenity of nationally designated Two relevant pieces of information landscapes. The primary objective have come to light: Firstly, that SPEN of VISTA (Visual Impact of Scottish have targeted Dumfries & Galloway for Transmission Assets) is to use the a revolutionary, wide scale ‘integrated Ofgem funding to deliver the maximum network management zone’ across the benefit for nationally designated area, which involves increasing the landscapes in the north of Scotland. distribution of electricity from 90MW So, in the north of Scotland, some to 290MW. I have asked SPEN if the pylons will be removed and the line extra 200MW is coming from wind under-grounded to avoid unwanted turbines already built, but to date I economic and environmental haven’t received an answer. I believe impacts. Ofgem recognise the fact this policy has huge implications for the that undergrounding both desirable whole of D&G, and that everyone who and practical, so why not protect lives, works and invests here should Galloway now and put the KTR Project understand what is happening. This underground from the start. strategy has not been shared by SPEN To join Galloway Without Pylons at either public or private meetings that (charitable status applied for), please I have attended, and one has to wonder email info@gallowaywithoutpylons.org why. Secondly, that the electricity or call Paul Swift on 01644 450 352 and gas markets regulator (Ofgem) is membership is free. Paul Swift Galloway Glens Exploring New Galloway The work on the Golf Course Paths has been completed for the time being with a new boardwalk, better drainage of boggy bits and other areas cleared back. Following surveys of people interested in the Garroch Walled Garden a plan is coming together on how to go ahead with this project. The general consensus is to proceed carefully taking consideration of the peace and quiet of the place and what is already there. Although the overgrown walls looked quaint, we were aware that the climbers could lead to damage so they have been weeded out. The pigs who found the garden a bit hot in the summer are now back rooting around an area which, if there is interest, may become either individual or communal allotments. A steering group is being set up to help guide activities which will include planting up the pergola with new roses and other climbers and daffodils and other spring bulbs between the posts. Enquiries are being made with local producers about the possibility of local production of cider or apple juice. The entrance gate from the car park has been repaired complete with netting to keep the rabbits out. We have acquired the redundant tables from The Smithy and these will be in place soon. Information about the project and current plans has been put up in the bothy by the walled garden. If you missed the beginning set up but would like to be involved please get in touch. New Galloway Town Hall With all this out of door excitement the Town Hall has not been forgotten. During the summer with support from Loreburn, three sessions were run by Let’s Get Sporty with active activities in the Main Hall and board games in the Lesser Hall. Another two sessions will take place during half term. The twice weekly Circuit Training Sessions started earlier in the year continue to be well attended. Table Tennis continued during the summer and Carpet Bowling re-started in September. Following funding from the Glenkens Charity Shop, LING’s New Galloway Story is progressing with its plan of developing a story of its many shops and businesses. With agreement from NEW GALLOWAY PROJECTS UPDATE current owners this could lead to informative window displays of their property’s previous roles. Also liaison with CatStrand Youth is enabling interesting individual stories of the past to be recorded through interviews. We would love to hear from you if you have any memories of your own or of others which could contribute to our knowledge of the past life of New Galloway. Another grant to LING from the Charity Shop will be put towards a commercial dishwasher. A Town Hall car park space has been purchased with grant funding from the D&G Area Committee. With space for two cars, this will particularly benefit those who find difficulty walking up from the main car park. Access the Town Hall Fast Broadband with your own laptop between 11am and 2pm on Tuesdays when the hall is open for Elevenses and LING Lunches. Other times and arrangements are being investigated. Let us know what you need. Ros Hill, Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING) Glenkens Gazette page 23 OLDEST FLOWER SHOW IN SCOTLAND This year’s Glenkens Flower and Vegetable Show was a resounding success. Entries numbered over 100, a significant increase on last year’s participants. The Glenkens Horticultural Society was established in 1831 and is the longest-running flower show in Scotland, and perhaps the whole of the UK – research is currently ongoing to find this out. Various entries, prize winners and happy visitors to the Glenkens Horticultural Society Annual Flower & Vegetable Show 2018. First Ever Galloway Gaelic Conference The CatStrand was filled to capacity for Galloway, Gaelic’s Lost Province, the first ever conference on the history of the Gaelic language spoken in Galloway. The event, organised by Professor Ted Cowan and Michael Ansell, attracted leading academics in the field. Evidence of Galloway’s Gaelic-speaking past, its origin and decline, was examined through place names and names of people, and in public, private and religious records. Audience feedback reported a widespread demand for further events on the subject. GLENKENS CHARITY SHOP SECURED Continued from front page... “This is what our team had always hoped to be able to achieve within our small community and it still surprises us every day how successful it has been, not just as a shop but as a meeting place.” This year has been a challenge as the owners of the shop premises, Larry and Moira, decided to sell the shop. Shirley said: “We wish them both well as they move on to new adventures. The future of our enterprise being unknown has been stressful, worrying whether the new buyers would let us continue or if they had they own plans. There were various options being offered, but it is with a massive thank you to the Pamela Young Trust that we are now secure, and can breathe a sigh of relief. The Pamela Young Trust has bought our little shop and will be refurbishing throughout the winter. Sadly, this means that we shall be closed for most of the winter months, but we are planning on having a few ‘sale days’ in Dalry Town Hall and we will keep people informed via notice boards and our Facebook page. “Due to the shop temporarily closing, if you have anything you would like to donate there is no time like the present.” The shop’s grant allocation meeting will take place in November as usual, and application forms will be available to pick up in the shop from 22 October, to be returned by 10 November for consideration at the meeting on 15 November. If anyone would like to find out more, or perhaps voluneer their time in the shop, you can contact the Glenkens Charity Shop via their Facebook page, or call the shop on 07895494746. Glenkens Gazette page 24 Lieutenant Colonel Clark Kennedy Colonel William Hew Clark Kennedy is one of Carsphairn’s most famous sons, certainly from the perspective of the military. Campbell (Deputy Lord Lieutenant), Mr A Hugh Clark Kennedy (complete with Colonel Clark Kennedy’s medals, including VC, proudly worn in remembrance), Colonel Andrew Lussier - Canadian Army (Colonel Clark Kennedy had served with the Canadians), Councillor Dougie Campbell (D&G Council), Mrs Elizabeth Holmes (Carsphairn Community Being an ex-serviceman myself, it Council), Lt Col Alan Murray MBE was an honour to attend the unveiling (Legion Scotland) and Carsphairn of a commemorative paving stone Primary School. at Carsphairn War Memorial. These All due pomp and ceremony was stones are being provided by the included with an excellent piper and UK government to commemorate bugler. Reverend David Bartholomew the awarding of the Victoria Cross did his usual sterling work and (VC) - the nation’s highest award for the Lord Lieutenant, Sir Malcolm bravery - and are being unveiled at Ross and Lady Ross were also in an appropriate place of memorial for attendance in one of Sir Malcolm’s each VC recipient on or around the final engagements before retiring. I centenary of the award. know that I have missed recognising It is worth mentioning here that the Carsphairn War Memorial was unveiled and recording many of the others who attended, for which I apologise. by the same Colonel Clark Kennedy, The unveiling ceremony was followed on land donated by the Clark Kennedy by a well thought out and inclusive family of Knockgray. church service where mention was Wreaths were laid by Mrs Anna made of the origin of the poppy as a symbol of remembrance and its connection to Carsphairn (also via Canada). The great-great grandfather of the author of ‘In Flanders Fields’, one Marmaduke McCrae, is buried in Carsphairn churchyard. What the members of Carsphairn school lacked in numbers, they made up March down the main street in Carsphairn for the VC stone for in confidence unveiling ceremony for Colonel Clark Kennedy. Lieutenant Colonel William Hew Clark Kennedy, VC, CMG, DSO & Bar, ED and enthusiasm as they led the congregation in a rendition of Pack Up Your Troubles and It’s a Long Way to Tipperary. The church service was followed by a reception and buffet at a packed Lagwyne Hall, where VIPs mingled freely and the pupils of Carsphairn School particularly enjoyed speaking to Col Lussier of the Canadian Army and having their photograph taken with him. Readers will have noted that I have made little mention of the brave Colonel Clark Kennedy’s military service or the acts which led to the award of the Victoria Cross or his Distinguished Service Order and bar. I could not do justice to the facts in the space available in this publication but I would urge the reader to look up the facts online using your favourite search engine. Sadly, the Carsphairn Heritage and Craft Centre where Colonel Clark Kennedy is the subject of this year’s exhibition will be closed for the season by the time this issue of the Glenkens Gazette is published. Paul Goodwin CENTENARY OF THE ARMISTICE: COMMEMORATIONS IN THE GLENKENS The Glenkens has four civic war memorials and fifteen other memorials commemorating the dead of the Great War. To mark the centenary of the Armistice, at 2.30pm on Saturday 3 November Paul Goodwin will give an illustrated talk at the CatStrand. Paul is a resident of Dalry and has been identifying, recording and researching the War Memorials of Dumfries and Galloway since 2006 - readers may be familiar with Paul’s series of articles on Great War casualties published in the Glenkens Gazette since 2014. The talk will explain how the memorials came to be created and will recall the stories of some of the men and women whose names appear on them. It complements a CatStrand exhibition on the story of the memorials and the legacy of the Great War which will be on display for the month of November. The display, in words and pictures, will illustrate the raising of the war memorials and contain a tribute to those who died. There will also be contributions from local schools about the coming of the peace. The hope is that those attending Remembrance Services on 11 November will do so with a greater understanding of the memorials and the men, and women, named on them. This event will be of particular interest to relatives of those commemorated on the Glenkens memorials. If you are attending and have a connection with a name on a local memorial please let Paul know in advance if possible at memorials@paulgoodwin.me.uk Glenkens Gazette page 25 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN When Gypsies Were Kings At one time Galloway was known for its population, admittedly quite small, of folk variously known as the Gypsies, the Tinkers, the Travellers, or the Tinkler Gypsies. These ‘Lords of Little Egypt’ are thought to have arrived in Scotland around 1500. One authority on these people was Andrew McCormick, sometime provost of Newton Stewart who interviewed and photographed the travellers in their camps whenever he could, as well as learning their secret cant or language, studying their customs and collecting their stories and folklore. He preserved many Romany superstitions. Galloway tinklers would turn back if they met a ‘gleyeyed’ woman, one with a strabismus. At New Year the most desired ‘first foot’ was a donkey, which failing that a sheep. All believed in witches; many asserted they had heard pipers playing in caves or underground. The tinklers travelled in gangs usually designated by the family name of their leader, a name which all did not necessarily share. There were gangs of Baillies, Millers, Kennedys, MacMillans, Marshalls, Watsons, Wilsons and O’Neills. Some claimed descent from members of the broken clans after Culloden. Most traced their origins to India and Spain. By the time McCormick interviewed them the Romany bloodlines, if they had ever existed, must have been very thin indeed. They often fell foul of the law; women as well as men were accused of theft, vagrancy, riot and murder and were punished by branding on the cheek, whippings and hangings. Otherwise the travellers made cans and knives as well as horned spoons, mended pots and pans, or found casual work. They also were dealers in horses, practising horse whispering and doctoring when required. There is ample evidence that they enjoyed their way of life, difficult though it could be. One man testified that “I canna sleep in a hoose an the door lockit”, but many feared that their way of life was under serious threat, a woman telling the provost that “we that it is now almost impossible to recover the actual individual. The King of the Gypsies of the Western Lowlands and last King of the Picts was allegedly born around 1671 and died at Kirkcudbright in 1792 at the age of 120 years. He claimed to have fought at the Battle of the Boyne. He became King of the Galloway gypsies, having, it was rumoured, murdered his predecessor. He was married seventeen times, fathering four children after he passed the hundredyear mark. He joined the army several times to acquire the bounty and then quit. He was a murderer, a wife beater, a thief and a smuggler though many sang his praises finding him honest, trustworthy and wellintentioned. One farmer who was asked if Marshall and his gang ever stole while working for him, replied “Not they; they were like the craws – they aye gaed awa frae their nests to steal”. John MacTaggart in his Gallovidian Encyclopedia brilliantly captured Billy’s evasive qualities both good and bad. “He was kind, yet he was a murderer - an honest soul, yet a thief - at times a generous savage - at other times a wild pagan. He knew both civil and uncivilized life - the dark and fair side of human nature. In short, he understood much of the world - had no fear - a happy constitution - was seldom sick - could sleep on a moor as soundly as in a feather-bed - took whisky to excess - died in Kirkcudbright at the age of 120 years”. McCormick thought that there was no dwelling in Galloway that did not know the name, Billy Marshall. Though many of his deeds were shameful he, like his people, represented a certain freedom of action that was beyond the reach of most folk. The travellers who existed in the open air in all weathers, sleeping on the ground, living on their wits, in touch with nature, inhabited a lost world increasingly the envy of the average worker. Tradition turned Billy and his people into phantoms that merged the uncertainties, unpredictabilities, quirks, viciousness, tragedies and sheer joy of nature itself. Ted Cowan ... [they] inhabited a lost world increasingly the envy of the average worker. ... Please get in touch for October/November Glenkens dates and locations. get the name o being a bad lot, and God kens we’re far frae gude; but they’re no a tinklers that wield the budget” which was to suggest that there was social and governmental responsibility for their plight. There are at least two versions of the Tinker’s Loup or Linn story, an episode on the Ken at the Earlston estate north of Dalry. A linn is a waterfall or torrent. One concerns a man who jumped for his life, when chased by dragoons, but McCormick collected an alternative verbal account at the ‘exact’ spot on Earlston Linn. According to this version a tinkler had been mending pans at Nether Carminnow. When his dinner was delayed he was so hungry that he seized a pan full of puddings and took off with the cottars in hot pursuit. He ‘lowpit’ the linn, “wi’ the pan o puddins in his teeth, sat doon and ate them, and then threw the pan back to the owner and went his way”. McCormick’s informant pointed out the exact rock on which the fugitive sat! The most famous of the Galloway gypsies was William or Billy Marshall about whom there was so much tradition, story and general confusion Glenkens Gazette page 26 The Great War: Aug-Sept 1918 With the benefit of hindsight, we now know that, one hundred years ago the Great War was approaching its end. Germany was simply running out of men to send to the front as were the allies, including the British Empire, and it was the increasing numbers of Americans being sent to France and Flanders that was tipping the balance in our favour. Gilbert Anderson was a gamekeeper at Milton Park, Dalry, when he enlisted in June 1916 into the Kings Own Scottish Borderers. He was gassed near Arras in August 1917 and evacuated to hospital in Newcastle, eventually returning to France. Gilbert was born at Glenlee, the son of George and Janet (Houston) Anderson. He was the husband of Maggie Jane (Dickson) Anderson of High St, New Galloway, who he married in 1913 and was father to two children. Gilbert was killed in action on 1 August 1918 at the age of 32. He is listed on the Kells parish memorial. William Kerr was born in Sanquhar, Dumfriesshire, the son of Thomas and Agnes (Henderson) Kerr of Holmhead, in the Dalry parish towards Moniaive. He had been employed by Major McCall of Caitloch, Moniaive, and was a shepherd at Barbuie, Moniaive, when he enlisted in November 1915. William died on 26 August 1918 at the age of 24, and is listed on the Dalry war memorial and is also named on the Glencairn Parish War Memorials in Moniaive. Captain Archibald Douglas Hewitt Clark Kennedy was born in London, the son of the late Captain Alexander William Maxwell Clark Kennedy of Knockgray, Carsphairn, a family with a long history of military service. His mother was The Honourable Lettice Lucy, third daughter of the fourth Viscount Lifford. Archibald had pre-war service with the 4th Royal Scots volunteers, and with the Bombay Light Horse. He had worked for the Standard Life Insurance Company in Edinburgh and India, and then the Law, Union and Rock Insurance Company in London before volunteering at the outbreak of war and joining the Royal Scots Fusiliers. He served in Gallipoli, Egypt and Palestine before transferring to France as a Captain and was mentioned in dispatches in January 1918 for distinguished service. He died on 18 September 1918 during the advance on Cambrai at the age of 30. His brother Alexander had been killed in April 1917 and his other brother, William, was awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery just the month before Archibald was killed. Archibald is listed on the Carsphairn war memorial which was unveiled by his brother William and stands on land donated by the Clark Kennedy family. Samuel Dalziel was born at Rosebank, Parton, the son of Samuel and Jane Todd (Wallace) Dalziel of Ewanstone, Balmaclellan and had at one time worked at Cubbox prior to enlistment into the Kings Own Scottish Borderers. Sam had been wounded three times and we know that his second wound was to the thigh (in March 1918) and he was admitted to the Red Cross hospital in Dundee. He was living in Argrennan Mains, Tongland, when he enlisted into the Kings Own Scottish Borderers in June 1916. Sam had been promoted to Corporal before he was killed in action on 30 September 1918 at the age of 21. Sam is listed on the war memorials in Balmaclellan and Tongland. Unfortunately I have been unable to obtain photographs of any of the men named in this article so if you have any, then please get in touch memorials@paulgoodwin.me.uk Paul Goodwin CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR Sat 3 Nov 10am-3pm Dalry Town Hall A great opportunity to do some Christmas shopping all items are hand crafted. - pottery - felt hats crotched tea cosies - painted glass - scrap scultpture - tweed pictures - aprons - cushions - toys - clocks - knitted garments - homemade cakes - jams/jellies - local photos - and more! There will also be tea/coffee, homebaking and soup for sale throughout the day. Glenkens Gazette page 27 Crockett’s Glimpses Of The Glenkens This, the fifth in the Glimpses series, focuses on Castle Douglas. CASTLE DOUGLAS “Little town, once built at the foot of a hill and ever since running a race up it—I do not know whether you are very proud of me, but at any rate I am proud of you.” The Crockett family moved from Duchrae to Castle Douglas in 1867. Samuel Rutherford lived there until 1876, winning the Galloway Bursary to Edinburgh University. He wrote extensively about Castle Douglas in his fiction, but renamed it Cairn Edward, perhaps to spare the blushes of the locals. The Railway, the Market, the Cotton Mill, The Kirk on the Hill, Cowper’s school, various local hotels, hostelries and shops, the Mechanics Institute and the Cross are all treated to Crockett’s evocative powers of description. Carlingwark Loch, Little Dublin and Threave get a mention too. Banks feature frequently and the ‘characters’ of Castle Douglas (good and bad) are given full credit. “So, exactly at four of the oldfashioned gold-faced watch which had ticked all night by his bedstead in the house of Tibby Allen, spinster, gossip, and householder in Queen Street, Cairn Edward, Mr Christopher Kennedy stepped out into the little white street of the burgh, clean swept of people, and with the sunshine flooding it silently and emptily from end to end just as if it were a fine summer Sabbath day during the morning diet of worship.” From high to low, no resident of CD is excluded: “In a town like Cairn Edward a local Do-Nothing is apt to attach himself to a livery stable, and there to acquire a fine coppery nose and a permanent ‘dither’ about the knees. He is spoken of curtly and even disrespectfully as ‘that waister Jock Bell.’ In cities he becomes a mere matter for the police, and the facetious reporter chronicles his two-hundredth appearance before the magistrate.” There were surely a plethora of interesting folk to pick from: “For in Galloway, at least as between the male sex, sympathy is with the strong man who leaves his mark. And the fame of Pin McMyn, who dibbled his wooden leg into the soil baker.” There are plenty of familiar places described as well as those now long gone: “The museum had long become the manège of a cycle agency, and that in turn had lately been swept away to provide for the needs of extra ‘siding’ accommodation at Cairn Edward Station.” Crockett’s keep observation offers a social history from an individual perspective: “They drove up the street of the little town - then scarce more than a village. All was in darkness. To the moon had been left the task of lighting the burgesses home. Country visitors, except on market days, were not looked for - certainly not welcomed. Man, woman, and child in Cairn Edward - all were expected to know the way to their own doors in the dark. For the moon, though a party to the contract, not infrequently did not come up to time, owing to stress of weather, temper, and feminine whimsies.” You can find Crockett’s Castle Douglas in more than ten of his Galloway novels and stories including Rose of the Wilderness, The Stickit Minister, The Stickit Minister’s Wooing, Kit Kennedy, The Smugglers, Rogues’ Island, Strong Mac, Lads’ Love, Cinderella and Bog Myrtle and Peat. Unlock the Cairn Edward key and a whole new old world is your oyster. Cally Phillips He wrote extensively about Castle Douglas in his fiction, but renamed it Cairn Edward, perhaps to spare the blushes of the locals. at the butt end of Cairn Edward Railway Station and fought six Irish drovers, hath not yet passed away.” Crockett also treats us to the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the town he loved: “He would call to mind the extended satisfaction of a penny Cairn Edward loaf, a production of human skill which gave as much crust in proportion to as little bread as has ever yet been compassed by merely human For further information and insight into Crockett’s Galloway writing visit www.galloway raiders.co.uk THE STEWARTRY VETERINARY CENTRE CASTLE DOUGLAS SURGERY HOURS Mon-Fri 2.00-2.30 pm & 5-6 pm Sat 2-2.30 pm DALBEATTIE SURGERY HOURS Mon, Wed, Fri 3-3.30 pm Tues & Thurs 6-6.30 pm FOR APPOINTMENTS AT BOTH SURGERIES OR IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY � 01556 502263 VETERINARY SURGERY OAKWELL ROAD CASTLE DOUGLAS � HIGHLAND BEEF from THE GLENKENS STEAK ROASTS MINCE CASSEROLE LORNE pre-pack frozen Blackmark Dalry Castle Douglas DG7 3UG 01644 460532 www.highland.scot Glenkens Gazette page 28 Photo of the Issue Sponsored by the Ken Bridge Hotel This issue’s winner is John McBeth with his photograph of the bridge at Loch Stroan. John wins a meal for two at the Ken Bridge Hotel’s Sunday carvery. How to Enter: any photos taken in the Glenkens can be entered - landscapes, wildlife, portraits, action shots... Email them to glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 29 COMMUNITY OFFICER: TAM DINGWALL Thomas, or Tam, Dingwall is our new Community Officer here in the Glenkens. Tam says: Some folk may remember me from previously being in the Stewartry Community Team about four years ago. Basically, I have been a Police Officer for 13 years and spent a lot of my service as a detective in the CID. I have worked in Stranraer, Newton Stewart and the Stewartry previously. I married a girl local to Castle Douglas, hence the move through here. I am married with four children and reside in Castle Douglas. I am excited to be the new Glenkens Community Officer and think it is a beautiful and safe part of the region which is how I would like it to stay. If anyone wants to contact me they can email me on stewartryCPT@scot land.pnn.police.uk or phone 101 and ask to speak with me. Get in touch if you have any issues at all, or even just for a craic. Cheers, Tam GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL � 01644 420234 � New Galloway Golf Club Founded 1902 www.nggc.co.uk - 01644 420737 Buggies now available for hire VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME Glenkens Gazette page 30 OCTOBER & NOVEMBER SEPTEMBER Sat 29, Abbas Rest Coffee Morning, 10am-12noon, Dalry Town Hall, see p18 OCTOBER Mon 1, Drop-in, 1-2.30pm, Dalry police station Thurs 4, Macmillan Fundraiser, 2pm, Hair by Jayne, Dalry, see p26 Fri 5, One Hunderd Years in Dalry exhibition: Concert, 7.30pm, Dalry Town Hall, see p2 Sat 6, GTI Bus Trip: Royal Botanic Garden, see p6 Sat 6-Sun 7, Dalry Heritage Group’s One Hunderd Years in Dalry Exhibition, Sat 2-6pm & Sun 2-5pm, see p2 Wed 10, Dalry Film Club: Their Finest, Dalry Town Hall, see p15 Thu 11, Poppy Pledge Coffee Morning, 10am-12noon, Dalry Secondary School, see p18 Thu 11, Stewartry Birdwatchers Talk: Forty Years on the Farne Islands, 7.30pm, Kells School, New Galloway, see p8 Sat 13, Glenkens Farmers’ Market, 10am-12.30pm, Dalry Town Hall, see p3 Mon 15 & 22, Forest School (6yrs and under), 10am-12.30pm, The Hidden Mill, Balmaclellan, see p32 Wed 17 & 24, Forest School (12+ yrs), 10am-12.30pm, The Hidden Mill, Balmaclellan, see p32 Fri 19, Balmaclellan War Memorial First in Scotland: Talk by Paul Goodwin, 6.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall Mon 22, Charity Shop Grants, application available 22 Oct from shop, to be returned by 10 Nov, see p23 Sat 27, GTI Bus Trip: Creative & Christmas Crafts Show, see p6 Sat 27, Dalry Film Club: The Shape of Water, Dalry Town Hall, see p15 NOVEMBER Thu 1, Drop-in, 3-4.30pm, Dalry police station Fri 2, Ladies Give it a Go! 'Bring a Plate' Supper, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall, see p13 Sat 3, Centenary of the Armistice Talk: Paul Goodwin, 2.30pm, CatStrand, see p24 Sat 3, Craft Fair, 10am-3pm, Dalry Town Hall, see p26 Tue 6, Men’s Shed AGM, 10am, CatStrand, see p21 Wed 7, Dalry Secondary School Presents: Archie Dobson’s War (fundraiser for Poppy Scotland), Dalry Secondary School, see p18 Sat 10, Glenkens Farmers’ Market, 10am-12.30pm, Dalry Town Hall, see p3 Wed 14, Dalry Film Club: Some Like it Hot (fundraiser with CatStrand Ukulele Band), Dalry Town Hall, see p15 Thu 15, Stewartry Birdwatchers Talk: Tag-n-Track: Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 7.30pm, Kells School, New Galloway, see p8 Sat 24 Nov, CatStrand Xmas Shopping Day, 11am-4pm, CatStrand, see p3 Wed 28, Dalry Film Club: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society, Dalry Town Hall, see p15 DECEMBER Sat 1, GTI Bus Trip: Gretna Gateway & Carlisle, see p6 Fri 7, Sat 8 Sun 9, Youth Players Panto, CatStrand, see p9 Glenkens Gazette page 31 REGULAR EVENTS CatStrand, New Galloway: Film Makers’ Club, Mon 7-8.30pm Exercise to Music: Mon 9.30-10am Margaret Morris dance 1: 3-7yrs, Mon (term-time) 3.45-4.30pm Margaret Morris Dance 2: 8-16yrs, Mon (term-time) 4.30-5.15pm Youth Volunteer Meet-up, Mon 68pm, FREE PIZZA Choreographic Skills Lab, Mon (termtime) 7-8.30pm, ages 12-18 Start to Write, 1st Tues each month 35pm (no Feb meeting) Animation Club, Tues 4.30-6.30pm Gentle Tai Chi: Wed 10am Wendletrap Tai Chi, Wed 2-3.30pm Continue to Write, 1st Wed each month 3.15-5.15pm Music/Jam Youth Drop-in, Wed 6-7pm & rehearsal/recording space available for booking from 7-9pm Writers’ Cafe, 2nd Thurs each month 7-9pm Sing it Out, Thurs 11am -12pm CatStrand Ukes, 1st & 2nd Thurs of the month, 1–3.30pm Yoga, Thurs 6.30pm Zumba Gold, Fri (term-time) 9.3010.30am, CatStrand, 16+ Glenkens Acoustic Sessions, last Sun of the month 2-4pm Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry: Paint & Art, Mon 2-4pm GCC Playgroup, Tues, Wed & Thurs 9.15-11.45am Guides, Tues 6-8pm Brownies, Thurs 6-7.30pm Kickback Martial Arts, Thurs 7-9pm Thursday Craft Group, Thurs 2-4pm Glenkens Children’s Club, Fri 10am- 12noon New Galloway Town Hall: LING Elevenses & Lunches, Tues 11am-2pm Fat Broadband Access, Tues 11am-2pm Table Tennis & Carpet Bowls, Tues 7-9pm Circuits, Tues 5.30-6.30pm Zumba, Wed 7.30-8.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall, 11+ Circuits, Sat 8-9am Various Locations: Hatha Yoga, Mon 10-11.15am, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn Carsphairn Post Office, Tues 1-3pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn Dalry WI, 3rd Tues each month 2pm, Dalry Town Hall (except Jun, Jul & Aug) Beavers, Tues 6–7.15pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Dog Training, Tues & Thurs 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. Contact: Eric 460 670 Mossdale Painters, Wed 9.30am, Mossdale Village Hall Cub Scouts: Wed 6.45–8pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Youth Writing, Thurs (during term time) 3.30-5pm, ages 10-15, Dalry School Kettleball, Balmaclellan Village Hall, Thurs 7.30-8.30pm Coffee & Craft, Fri 9am-12noon, Lagwyne Hall Folk Music Session, 4th Fri each month 7.30/8pm till closing, Ken Bridge Hotel Scouts, Thurs 7–8.30pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Gentle Tai Chi, Fri 10-11am, Dalry Town Hall Golf Junior Coaching, Sat 10-11: Glenkens Community Councils Balmaclellan Community Council Meetings: POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE 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. Kells Church, 11am; Dalry CHURCH TIMES 10.30am; Church, 12noon. CHURCH OF SCOTLAND: Sunday Services: Balmaclellan 9.45am: 1st. Carsphairn 11.15am: 1st,2nd (Oct),3rd,4th. Dalry 9.45am: 2nd (OCt),4th. Kells 9.45am: 3rd. Special Services/Events: Family Service, Dalry Church, 14 Oct, 9.45am. Quiz Night, Balmaclellan Village Hall, 2 Nov, 7.30pm. Remembrance Sunday Services: 11 Nov, Carsphairn Church, Communion Services: 28 Oct, 9.45am, Dalry Church. 18 Nov, 11.15am, Carsphairn Church. SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH: St Margaret’s, New Galloway: Holy Communion, 10.30am every Sun & Wed. CATHOLIC CHURCH SERVICES: Kirkcudbright: Sun Mass, 9.30am. Dalbeattie: Sat Mass, 5pm 30am, New Galloway Golf Course, see p8 Restoring Footpaths, Sat 10am1pm, phone 420 632 to confirm Junior Golf & Come-and-Try for all ages, Sat 10am Men’s Shed, Old Smiddy, Balmaclellan. Opening times: Mon 9.30am-4pm & 6.30-8.30pm; Wed 9.30am-1pm & woodcarving from 24pm; Fri 9.30am-12noon. Family and friends coming to stay? Short of space? Cosy country cottage available (sleeps 4) Call Fiona on 01644 420 227 www.covenanters-holidaycottagescotland.co.uk To hire the MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) behind Dalry School call Sonja Tranter on 430 244 or Nicolette Wise on 430 218. Dalry Library Tuesdays 12noon-3.30pm Fridays 10am-12noon & 1-4.30pm For further library van stops and informa�on contact Castle Douglas ADVERTISE IN THE GAZETTE (price per issue incl VAT) SMALL: 6cm x 6cm, £37.80 (+ 10% off with series discount) 1/4 PAGE: 9cm w x 13cm h, £81.90 (+ 25% off with series discount) 1/2 PAGE: 18cm w x 13cm h, £151.20 (+ 25% off with series discount) FULL PAGE: 18cm w x 27cm h, £252 (+ 25% off with series discount) Call 07727 127 997 VAT Reg. No. 882 8361 87 USEFUL NUMBERS: ● Pot-hole Hotline: 0845 276 0000 ● Police, non-emergency: 101 ● Doctor: 01644 420 234 ● NHS 24: 08454 24 24 24 ● D&G Council: 030 33 33 3000 Glenkens Gazette CELTIC HARMONIES BORN IN A STORM Ten musical artists came together to create Gaelic-inspired sounds at Barscobe House, Balmaclellan. Focussing on the mysterious Galloway Gaelic song Oran Bagraidh, the artists have been working together to create compositions inspired by the song, the landscape and each other. Taking the theme of multiple identities, they have been exploring commonalities and differences between languages, regional histories and musical sensibilities, dipping into traditional, experimental and electronic sounds. Despite storm Ali causing a power cut in the middle of recording sessions, the artists have created material which will be used to create an album of poetry and music inspired by past peoples and languages of Galloway. The residency has involved a selection of highly acclaimed musicians and poets. Renowned poet Rody Gorman said: “This has been an extraordinarily productive collaboration with, as its origins, an enigmatic element of the corpus of Gaelic tradition in Scotland and Ireland as well as other traditions... A particularly pleasing element of the enterprise has been that newly created material has emphasised the specifically local as exemplified in the song Oran Bagraidh.” Oran Bagraidh ‘Song of Defiance’ is allegedly the only surviving example of the extinct dialect of Galloway Gaelic, spoken across the region from the 5th to 18th century, alongside English, early Welsh and Scots. The Oran Bagraidh Residency is produced by Katch Holmes for Knockengorroch as part of the organisation’s ‘Off Site’ programme. The recorded work will be released in WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Submit events, activities, news stories, cartoons, reviews, tips & techniques, fiction, photos, ads or ideas... Contact Sarah Ade on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk DEC/JAN COPY DEADLINE: 5 NOV page 32 From the back, left to right: Mary Anne (Bragod), Lorcan Mac Mathuna, Josie Duncan, Rody Gorman, Bob Evans (Bragod), Barnaby Brown, Gwyneth Glyn, Doimnic MacGiolla Bhríde, Conor Caldwell, Katch Holmes, Ben Seal and MacGillivray. February 2019, produced by Ben Seal. It will be followed by a tour of the UK and Ireland. The project is funded by Creative Scotland, Arts Council Ireland and PRS Foundation and supported by Barscobe Heritage Trust. Thanks go to W Bone for saving the sessions through supplying a generator during the power cut. Design & co-ordination: Sarah Ade sarah.ade@gmail.com Printing:Stranraer & Wigtownshire Free Press www.stranraer-freepress.co.uk The Glenkens Gaze�e is an ini�a�ve of the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust, a Registered Sco�sh Charity No. SC032050  Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette 108 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GG_108 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource GCAT Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2018 Description An account of the resource Editor: Sarah Ade https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/1/255/GlenkensGazette109.pdf 5287ced03f437099c28b58f41c92e52d 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 109 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Description An account of the resource <p>Find out more about the Gazette: <a href="https://glenkens.scot/gazette-home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Glenkens Gazette home page</a> If you would like to submit an article or take out an advert, please email the editor Sarah Ade: <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="mailto:glenkensgazette@hotmail.com">glenkensgazette@hotmail.com</a></p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is a member of, and regulated by <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.impressorg.com/">Impress</a>.</p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is an initiative of Glenkens Community &amp; Arts Trust (SC032050) and represents the voice of the community (not necessarily the views of GCAT).</p> Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document GLENKENS GAZETTE News from Balmaclellan, Carsphairn, Mossdale, New Galloway and St John’s Town of Dalry December 2018/January 2019 ISSUE 109 FREE Best Café Award is Served Up to Carsphairn Tearooms From shortlisted finalist in 2016 to winner this year... Carsphairn shop and tearoom has come out on top in the Best Café category of the 2018 Dumfries & Galloway Life Awards – a fantastic achievement just three years after having to close temporarily when floods devastated their premises. “We’re absolutely over the moon to receive this award which is fantastic recognition for all the hard work that has gone into rebuilding the business after we were forced to close for refurbishment and remodelling work,” beamed proprietor Lindsay Duncan. “We’ve had fantastic support from locals and visitors alike and when the news came out about our win, my phone never stopped buzzing with messages of congratulation.” Lindsay and her partner Paul Smith have transformed the shop and tearoom into a community hub that had been lacking in Carsphairn after the village pub closed many years ago. Especially successful have been the monthly themed bistro Paul, Courtney and Lindsay are thrilled to receive evenings in which recognition from Dumfries & Galloway Life. their 11-year-old daughter Courtney us since we came to the village plays a big part, waiting on tables. over four years ago,” said Lindsay The Carsphairn business beat whose enterprise last year also three other finalists to the title. won the Community Tearoom of “It was an extremely tough the Year award from the Scottish competition and we are so grateful Food Awards and Academy. to everyone who has supported Glenkens Pot Luck Supper Success Mary Smith reports on the first Ladies’ Pot Luck Supper at New Galloway Town Hall. Arriving on your own is sometimes a bit nerve-wracking, but it felt relaxed and welcoming as soon as I went in. There was an amazing spread of food and the conversation buzzed with good humour. I met people I knew well, many I knew a little or recognised, and some completely new faces. I know that a lot of work went into planning, spreading the word, setting up and clearing up, not to mention everyone who had prepared food and come along on the night. It was great to see a lot of familiar faces from New Galloway and the Glenkens but also people from further away, which shows that through events such as this we are attracting and welcoming people to the area as well as just entertaining ourselves! get your name put on the mailing list Community engagement worker for upcoming events and activities: Sam Rushton, who organised the samCEW@newgalloway event, said: “I was really pleased community.shop with the success of the Ladies’ Pot Luck Supper. 48 people attended, and the feedback was excellent. Thanks to everyone who gave their time to help out and to come along. During the evening we gathered ideas for more events and activities which I will be working with people to take forward”. You can keep in touch through Facebook @CommunityEngagem Ladies of the Glenkens and further afield enjoying entActivitiesNew the Pot Luck Supper organised by New Galloway’s GallowayandKells, or A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) ini�a�ve community development worker Sam Rushton. www.glenkensgaze�e.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 2 DUNCAN SHORTLISTED FOR AWARD Duncan McNaught, from Dalry, has been shortlisted in the British Photography Awards in the Macro category. The entry which made the shortlist is titled Inkcaps. Duncan says: “Inkcaps must be my favourite fungi to photograph. They don’t last long, so its always a treat to find some nice specimens before they wither and die. This particular group were in a rather dark part of the forest at Glenlee, so I decided to use my hand-help LED torch with some coloured plastic on the lens to create some nice light. I also placed a piece of reflective card behind the fungi to brighten up the shot. “This image is the result of several shots stacked together in Adobe Photoshop to create more depth of field. I also used my remote cable release between each shot to prevent any movement.” Duncan seems to be consistently topping the bill with his amazing macro shots of nature’s wonders. He says: “My first recognition was in 2017, when I was commended in the Sony World Photography competition with my image Above: Inkcaps by Duncan McNaught, the photograph which made the shortlist in this year’s British Photography Awards. Below: Duncan McNaught. titled Tiny Jewels. Then, also in 2017, I came first in The Royal Society of Biology competition with my photograph titled Welcome to my Humble Abode. At the beginning of 2018 I came second in the Botanical section of The Scottish Nature Photography Awards with my image titled Nature’s Umbrella. Then this November I won the Dumfries & Galloway Life award for Visual Artist/Maker 2018.” We’ll look forward to hearing about Duncan’s next achievement as it seems certain there will be more to come... Ian’s Great Scottish Run On a bright dry Sunday morning at the end of September I completed the 13.1 mile Great Scottish Run through Glasgow in 1hr 37mins in 1100th position out of 15000, with help from some local support. I have spent the last month collecting an overwhelming amount of money that has been donated from over 200 individual sponsors, locally and online, to achieve a grand total of £4,097 for the Beatson Cancer Charity. A big thank you to everyone who donated their hardearned cash, and especially to New Galloway Post Office, New Galloway Community Shop, Wright’s shop in Dalry, Balmaclellan Village Stores, CatStrand and Carsphairn Tearooms, who kindly held sponsor forms and collected money for me, and to New Galloway fire station who held their own collection. Myself and my girls would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their offers of support, wishes, blessings and prayers over the past eight months, with a special thank you to those who have brought us meals and cakes - it has been greatly appreciated. As for Fiona, she has had three rounds of the most intensive chemotherapy available, total body radiation therapy and a bone marrow transplant, returning home to the Glenkens at the end of August. She has to visit DGRI weekly to be monitored, with a long road ahead - only time will tell if the treatment has been effective. Ian Oliver Glenkens Gazette Why Should I Vote? A new Councillor for the Dee and Glenkens ward of Dumfries and Galloway Council will be decided at the by-election on 13 December and by the time this Glenkens Gazette is published we will all have received our voting cards. Local elections tend to have a low voter turnout. This is surprising because the dictionary definition of voting is the expression of opinion or preference and surely everyone here in the Glenkens has an opinion on local government? The areas that Dumfries & Galloway Council govern include Housing, Planning and Building, Schools, Waste and Recycling, Administration of Benefits, Community Safety, Business Support and Advice, Trading Standards, Leisure including Sports and Visitor Attractions, Libraries, Local Care Services, Support for Children and Families, Public Transport, Road Works, Street Lighting – all of these are vital for us and our community. Please, Glenkens voters, exercise your right to vote! How can we expect our children to take page 3 Our ancestors fought for the right to vote. Universal suffrage in the UK, allowing all adults over 21 to vote, did not happen until 1928, only 90 years ago. There has been much written about women achieving the vote but it should also be noted that prior to the 1918 Act, when women over 30 gained the vote, men could only vote if they owned property. Our system of voting is that those elected are accountable to the people they govern, be that local or national. Five candidates have been nominated for this byelection and the local press has carried information about each one. [Two of the candidates have chosen to include information in this issue of the Gazette, which can be found on p11]. This can also be found online and many of them have published leaflets. Please study what the candidates say and vote for who you think will do the best job for your community. Nicolette Wise ...the dictionary definition of voting is the expression of opinion or preference and surely everyone here in the Glenkens has an opinion on local government? responsibility for their actions if we do not take responsibility for the way in which we are governed? Jayne would like to thank everyone for making the salon such a great success! Our Macmillan Cafe was again a great success - we raised £736. Thank you to eveyone who came along and supported the event. - we now stock Wild Olive soaps, shower smoothies & bath melts - 8th December 12th January 10am-12.30pm For further information or to book a stall ring 01644 430 454 or visit www.dalrytownhall.co.uk Entrance by donation - proceeds towards Dalry Town Hall Refurbishment Fund North of Castle Douglas, A713 Ayr Road Jayne, Emma and Blair wish all their customers a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year! 01644 430 525 07876 397 725 Glenkens Gazette page 4 sponsored by EVERYTHING listed in the Glenkens Freecycle section is FREE - you just need to contact the owner and go and pick it up! If you would like to list something on this page, please get in touch with Sarah on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk OFFERED Neoprene Muckboots, size 5, green, unisex style, fairly wide fit, very good condition, fully waterproof. Contact: Sue on 07563 718 011 Set of four wall lights with glass shades. Good condition. Contact: 01644 450 265 WANTED Old skateboard, for moving hay/ straw bales. Contact: 07563 718 011 Thank you to everyone who has been saving used postage stamps which I pass on to the Bransby Horses charity, which raises funds from the sale of them. With Christmas coming, I hope you'll all be kind enough to continue dropping them in my letterbox at 3 Midtown, Dalry – or ring me and I'll collect them: 07563 718 011. Thanks again, Sue. House to let wanted, New Galloway area, local family, entry any time between now and autumn 2019, long-term let. Contact: Mary 07967 959 511 Fire bricks from old storage heaters. Contact: Simon on 07426 124 982 GLENKENS BIRD WATCHERS The Glenkens is a wonderful place to get to know about birds, with diverse habitats ranging from forests to wetlands. Stewartry Birdwatchers is a branch of the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club (SOC). Both members and nonmembers are very welcome to attend talks held on a monthly basis from September to March in Kells School, New Galloway. A wide variety of bird-related topics are covered by interesting and informative speakers. On 13 December Ian Bainbridge will give a talk Shorebirds of the Solway answering, among other things, the intriguing question “which wader nests in two different countries in the same year?” 2019 kicks off on 17 January with a photographic feast with Mick Durham, a semi-professional wildlife photographer specialising in Scottish subjects. His talk, The Wildlife of Shetland, is about the rich and varied flora and fauna found on these islands in the summer months. On 14 February well-known wildlife artist Keith Brockie will give a talk entitled The Teuchat Glen: Wildlife on a Highland Perthshire Estate. This should be of particular interest as it is about a conservationminded grouse shooting estate featuring deer, mountain and brown hares, raptors, red and black grouse and many other bird species, with the main star of the talk being the lapwing and the problems it faces. Kat Keogan will give a talk on 14 March about seabird breeding habits. These birds are globally threatened, with one of the key reasons for this being our changing climate. The season ends on 28 March with David Lingard’s talk Birdwatching in Italy and the Work of LIPU. David will explain the work of Italy’s equivalent of our RSPB. Weather permitting, Stewartry Birdwatchers arrange birdwatching excursions and are especially keen to help beginners with bird identification. So, young or old, if you would like to find out a little more about the birds who share our habitat, why not come along, or get in touch to find out more (call secretary Joan Howie on 420 280). Joan Howie, Secretary, Stewartry Birdwatchers Glenkens Gazette page 5 sponsored by REDUCE POLLUTION AND INCREASE YOUR STOVE’S FUEL ECONOMY TOO David Tallontire, a chimney sweep based in Dalbeattie who covers the Glenkens, is backing a national campaign to help reduce pollution and keep flues safe. He has signed up to the BurnRight campaign, which was formulated by chimney sweeps and professionals in the solid fuel industry in an effort to educate people on how to use their woodburners and multi-fuel stoves correctly. If not properly operated, appliances can not only pollute the atmosphere, but also pose a risk to life and property. David said: “The BurnRight campaign has come at a critical time, as the government is looking closely at emissions from domestic fires. “The root of the problem is that wood is often not burned at a high enough temperature. If it’s not hot enough, unburned fuel vapours travel up and out of the chimney causing unnecessary pollution. “There is a real lack of awareness with some of these issues and most people who use a stove don’t even know there is a problem, let alone think that they might be a part of it. “The design of the stove and the moisture content of the wood are two factors that affect the burning temperature but the most important thing is the way the user controls the air supply to the stove. Basically, if the air supply is closed off too much, the wood can’t burn hot enough. Closing the air off too much does not save fuel, it wastes fuel!” BurnRight seeks to help people who use stoves to get it right and make a difference to the air quality where they live. Not only is this good news for the environment, but users will save money, their chimney will be cleaner - and therefore safer - and the chimney and the stove will last longer too. The campaign is being spearheaded by professional chimney sweeps across the country. David said: “We have a unique perspective of the stove, the fuel, the chimney and the customer’s burning habits and can advise accordingly.” For a full guide you can visit the BurnRight website, which includes video demonstrations which explain best burning practice www.burnright.co.uk To find out more you can also get in touch with David Tallontire on 01556 612944 or 07709144299. THE GARDEN SPOT Last month I planted my garlic bulbs for next year, but soon realised that I had forgotten to add garden lime. So, I had to go back and rectify my mistake. Sometimes it seems that gardening is all about making mistakes and learning from them. Last February, I found a pack of daffodil bulbs and one of tulips that I had forgotten to plant. The daffys were reasonably firm so I found a spot in the border that was vacant and planted them (more in hope than in expectation). The tulips looked OK too so I planted them up in a pot and left them outside. You know, they all came up and flowered! A little late, and a little on the short side, but a ‘wee bonus’ – pun intended... Now, do you know about the New Zealand Flatworm? There was an article in the Gazette last year about these horrors. Here is a photo of one from my own garden. Flatworms = no earthworms (at least, not many). So, top-dressing the soil with manure or compost is a waste of time as there are no worms to pull it down, it all has to be dug in. We don’t want these things spreading, so if you have them in Chimney sweep David Tallontire. your garden (you will know by the lack of earthworms), then don’t pass on plants to other people unless they too are already New Zealand flatworm. infested. If you don’t have them in your garden (lucky you), be very careful where you get your plants and only take them from a trusted source. Now to get the catalogues out to order seeds for next season! The Intrepid Gardener Glenkens Gazette page 6 Glenkens Transport Initiative www.glenkenstransport.org email gti@catstrand.com phone 01644 420374 mobile 07841 512449 DECEMBER 2018 - JANUARY 2019 EXCURSIONS REGULAR SERVICES Wednesday Evenings Glenkens - Castle Douglas (Tesco) Out 1900 1905 1915 1925 1930 1937 1940 (Registered Route) Dalry (Underhill) New Galloway (CatStrand) Mossdale Lauriston Townhead of Greenlaw Castle Douglas (Market St) Castle Douglas (Tesco) Return 2115 2110 2100 2050 2047 2037 2035 Booking not required Thursdays Glenkens - Castle Douglas Day Centre Passengers not attending the day centre may also use this service. Outbound pickups: Dalry (Underhill) 1015; New Galloway (CatStrand) 1030 Pickups can also be arranged from Balmaclellan, Parton and Crossmichael bus stops or from passengers’ homes. Return service leaves Castle Douglas Community Centre 1430. Return Fare £3.00 Booking required. Fridays Glenkens to Newton Stewart Outward Pickups: Dalry (Underhill) 0930; New Galloway (Town Hall) 0940, (CatStrand) 0942 Return Pickup Newton Stewart (Aldi Car Park) 1130 Return Fare £3.00 Booking required. Due to changes to the time of public swimming this service will not call at the MONTHLY Merrick Centre for the foreseeable future. Glenkens - Ayr - Saturdays Usually the last Saturday of each month see www.glenkenstransport.org for dates Pickups New Galloway (CatStrand) 0930, Dalry (Underhill) 0940, Carsphairn (1000) Leaves Ayr 1500 Fare (each way) £3.50/ Concessions £3.00 2018 December 1, Saturday Gretna Gateway & Carlisle - Christmas Shopping Pickups: Dalry (Underhill) 0930; New Galloway (CatStrand) 0940; Crossmichael (Shop) 0950, Castle Douglas (British Legion, Market Hill) 1000. Fare £7. Concessions £6. December 15, Saturday Hetland Garden Centre and Moffat Christmas Lights and Shopping Pickups: Dalry (Underhill) 0930; New Galloway (CatStrand) 0940; Crossmichael (Shop) 0950, Castle Douglas (British Legion, Market Hill) 1000. Fare £7. Concessions £6. 2019 January 12, Saturday Gretna Gateway Sales Pickups: Dalry (Underhill) 0930; New Galloway (CatStrand) 0940; Crossmichael (Shop) 0950, Castle Douglas (British Legion, Market Hill) 1000. Fare £7. Concessions £6. Seats must be booked in advance online at www.catstrand.com or by phone 01644 420374 PATIENT TRANSPORT GTI has just started operating a car-based patient transport scheme to get people to and from hospital if they don’t have their own transport or are unable to drive. Initially, the service will be in response to referrals from the Scottish Ambulance Service but the aim is to extend it to anyone with a genuine need and to include journeys to out-of-region hospitals. …I’d like to gather as much information as possible about the extent of the need for this service in the Glenkens so if you have observations or suggestions or if you are in need of patient transport please email them to gti@catstrand.com or phone Glen on 07841 512449. Booking required. MINIBUS HIRE 8, 15 and 16 seat minibuses for hire information and bookings www.glenkenstransport.org/hire email gti@catstrand.com or call 01644 420374 DRIVERS WANTED GTI requires volunteer and paid drivers. MiDAS training provided. Interested? – Please phone or email. Glenkens Gazette page 7 From the Desk of the Galloway Glens Scheme This regular column will give a snapshot, aside from the headline project stories, of what we are learning about our heritage and the day-today life of working on a scheme like this. This issue is from Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership (GGLP) project officer, Nick Chisholm: In early 2018 I was looking for a new challenge, having spent the last three and a half years in environmental consultancy, when I saw the advert for the Galloway Glens Scheme Project Officer. I was lucky enough to be offered the post and joined the team in May. The first challenge has been trying to get to know both the range of projects and the range of people involved in them. It has been really heartening to see the enthusiasm that was built up over the development stage, with everyone raring to go. We really hit the ground running with two organisations in particular, the Glenkens Red Squirrel group and the Kirkcudbright Development Trust. Both of these groups were clearly champing at the bit and as soon as the green light for project start was given, they were up and running. Both projects show the importance of having enthusiastic volunteers that are passionate about what they do. A key aim of the GGLP Scheme is to try and get as many organisations to work together as possible to maximise the outcomes for the area. These two initial projects could not have epitomised this any better, with strong links being created that will help to improve red squirrel conservation in the south of the region and also offer great opportunities to educate the public on what more can be done. Due to the work of the Kirkcudbright Development Trust, the Barhill Woods project is pretty much completed. The new hide is up and running and it is heartening to see the increase in usage, particularly parents with very young children who can now walk with pushchairs from the town and into the woods. The hide has been a great success, with pictures taken from it appearing across social media. There has recently been a visit from a semi-professional German wildlife photographer because of this coverage. If you have a spare hour or so and would like to see red squirrels and other local wildlife at close range, a trip to the hide at DG7 1TB is well recommended. Now a number of months have passed and more projects have started across several themes, with many more due to start shortly. A number of staff- members have also been appointed by our partners. Within the theme of Understanding the Galloway Glens, Gilbert Márkus is now in post as the researcher for the Place Names project; within the theme Visiting the Galloway Glens, Laura Davidson has started with the Biosphere Experience project; and finally in the Natural Landscapes theme, Ed Tooth has recently been employed as the Black Grouse officer. Meanwhile in the GGLP Castle Douglas office, the project team is now at full strength with the appointment of Jonathan Barrett as the land management and access officer and Helen Keron as the education and community engagement officer joining myself, McNabb and Jude. There is still a huge amount to do but I think we have made a great start! Please sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. If you think there is an opportunity to shout about our heritage, please let us know. Please sign up for our newsletter and follow us on facebook and twitter. If you think there is an opportunity to shout about our heritage, please let us know. www.gallowayglens.org Glenkens Gazette page 8 GALLERY AT LAURIESTON WINTER SHOW The Gallery at Laurieston is once again proud to host some of the region’s best artists and makers. This year’s impressive Winter Show 2018 cast list includes: Hazel Campbell, Clare Dawdry, Lisa Rothwell-Young, Gary Craig, Peter Wareing, Pamela Grace and Phil McMenemy. The gallery is open most days during the build-up to Christmas for you to call in to keep supporting our local creatives in this wonderful local gallery. Phil is available to be contacted on 01644 450 235 and welcomes your visit to browse the quality Scottish art on display. Further information on the exhibition can be found on the ad on the back page River Dee: Winter by Hazel Campbell, one of the of this issue of the Gazette. artworks which will be on display at the winter show. Galloway Glens Biosphere Experience A new project has recently started called the Galloway Glens Biosphere Experience. The aim of the project is of boosting tourism in the area by developing a series of bookable packages for visitors and locals. Run by Laura Davidson of the Southern Uplands Partnership, the project wants to connect people to the natural, cultural and artistic heritage of the area. The project is looking to support and assist local businesses and individuals who are able to offer authentic experiences tied in with the themes of our natural resources, landscape and people. This might include a food-anddrink theme, seeing how local producers work and then following up with a cookery class utilising the product. Alternatively, a weekend of arts-andcrafts, spending time with a variety of artists and enjoying taster sessions of what they do. There will also be a focus on nature, wildlife and landscape including the history and stories that shaped the area. Working closely with the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere and the Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership team, Laura is currently welcoming input from existing businesses or those with an idea that they would like to progress. It is hoped to hold some open meetings in the Glenkens area over the next few months to allow everyone to share their ideas for the project. Anyone interested in finding out more about the project can email Laura directly on laura@sup.org.uk or follow the Facebook page @experiencegalloway Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents Dumfries & Galloway 01556 503744 www.ggblaw.co.uk All legal advice Offices in Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie Kirkcudbright and Dumfries Glenkens Gazette page 9 CatStrand Highlights CatStrand’s festive season kicks-off in traditional style with the annual Youth Players pantomime. On stage at 7.30pm on Friday 7, Saturday 8 and 2pm on Sunday 9 December will be the traditional story of Cinderella...but with a few twists. Don’t miss one of the most popular events of the year! Friday 14 December sees the last Dark Sky Jazz Club of 2018, featuring the Alyn Cosker Trio. They present exciting, fresh electric jazz and their recent album KPF has created quite a buzz on the jazz scene. The Christmas Ukulele Party will be on Tuesday 18 December at 7pm (please note change from date published in the CatStrand brochure) - free admission even includes a glass of mulled wine. CatStrand Open Stage was relaunched in October and Wednesday 19 December sees the Christmas Open Stage hosted by local singer- songwriter and poet Alan McClure. This popular evening is open to everyone, whether you want to perform or just be in the audience. Admission is free and no pre-booking is required. Our final event of the year is the Christmas choir concert on Saturday 22 December at 4pm, for which The Cairn Chorus will return to CatStrand as part of their Star of Wonder tour. All the usual regular events will continue until CatStrand closes on Sunday 23 December for the festive break, re-opening on Thursday 3 January. The Midwinter Film Festival runs from Thursday 10 until Sunday 13 and featuring five films shown in various locations - CatStrand, Dalry Town Hall and Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn. A season ticket for this is only £20. Friday 18 sees the return of local theatre company Fox & Hounds with their production of I’m Missing You, a much acclaimed show from this talented company. January will be brought to a close with another much-anticipated The CatStrand Ukes in performance. annual event, the CatStrand Burns Supper. For the first time it will actually be on the bard’s birthday, 25 January. All the usual ingredients of speeches, poems, songs, music and of course the haggis supper will be in order. Tickets are much sought after so be sure to book early! All at CatStrand wish everyone a merry Christmas and a very happy New Year - thanks to everyone for your tremendous support throughout 2018 and we look forward to welcoming you over the festive season and into 2019. Glenkens Gazette page 10 FLASH FICTION COMPETITION Are you a writer? Do you enjoy flash fiction? Well get writing! This issue’s subject is ‘Rebel’ to tie in with Scottish Book Week. Rules: It must be your own work. It must be no more than 450 words. It must be Fiction. Minimum age of entry 12 years with no maximum age limit. It must include a separate 50 words about yourself and what inspired your story. The winning entry will be published in the next issue of the Glenkens Gazette, including an online presence on the Gazette website, Facebook and Twitter. Entries will be judged by local author Ian Patrick, and the winner will receive a £10 Amazon voucher to spend on a book of their choice. Email entries to glenkens gazette@hotmail.co.uk by 5 January 2019. The winner of the October/November Flash Fiction Competition is Jean Gibbon with Bruno (printed below). Competition judge Ian says: “Congratulations Jean. A seasonal reminder of how we must care more for all sentient beings without shelter." About the Author - Jean lived in Glenkens for around 25 years, moving here from Lockerbie. She is married to a hill farmer, loves dogs and has always been moved by canine loyalty: “Whether they are given an oil drum or piece of carpet or the best sofa for a bed, they are always there for you,” she says. BRUNO That was no ordinary dog howl. A dog in pain, agony. Cara lifted her head and looked out of the small panel window of her tiny bedroom above the shop. It was almost time to open up, Christmas Eve shoppers would be calling in early for their vegetable orders, and the wholesale van would be drawing up any moment. She pulled on a fleece and ventured out to the windswept street. The howl came again, and she followed the noise up the little lane adjacent to the shop. “Oh Harry!” Cara stifled a scream. The howling stopped. She quickly extracted her mobile and called an ambulance although she knew Harry had left this world. “Oh Harry, you said you David Tallontire CHIMNEY SWEEP Covering the Glenkens & further afield 07709 144 299 or 01556 612944 - wood burners - mul�-fuel stoves - open fires - Agas - Rayburns - birds nest removal with CCTV inspec�on - cer�ficates issued - feel free to call for advice - Find me on Facebook were going up to the shelter last night,” she cried. But she knew the problem. The problem was sitting beside Harry, a shaggy tail flapping dejectedly on the ground and big sad brown eyes boring right into her soul. “I know, I know Bruno. You were not allowed in there.” The blue lights screamed to a halt and in minutes Harry was gone, his cardboard box bed shuffled aside and the lane once again dark. The dog had slunk behind a parked car and the howling started again. “Oh Bruno, what are we going to do with you?” Cara could still see the grief and confusion on his face. She remembered Harry telling her how Bruno had “chosen” him when, under the arches one Christmas, he was having one of his low spells. “He must have thought a master is for life, not just for Christmas. But now it was Christmas again and there was no master. Later that day Cara stroked his fur, and tried to coax the animal to eat. Plates of chicken, a bone from the butchers, but nothing would lift his spirits. Customers enquired, other shopkeepers called in. Cara asked each visitor: do you know anyone who would give Harry’s old dog a home? But a tramp’s flea bitten mongrel was not going to make any child happy on Christmas morning. “Days later you’ll still be here, a modern day Greyfriars Bobby. If I had a butchers shop you’d be happy, but a greengrocers..? “Oh Bruno, what are we going to do? It’s Christmas, and yes, a dog is for life, and you fulfilled your loving duty....I have no option, do I?” She looked directly into Bruno’s eyes, and they both knew the answer. THE STEWARTRY VETERINARY CENTRE CASTLE DOUGLAS SURGERY HOURS Mon-Fri 2.00-2.30 pm & 5-6 pm Sat 2-2.30 pm DALBEATTIE SURGERY HOURS Mon, Wed, Fri 3-3.30 pm Tues & Thurs 6-6.30 pm FOR APPOINTMENTS AT BOTH SURGERIES OR IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY � 01556 502263 VETERINARY SURGERY OAKWELL ROAD CASTLE DOUGLAS � Glenkens Gazette page 11 BY-ELECTION IN THE GLENKENS Following the resignation of one of the councillors representing the Dee and Glenkens Ward on Dumfries & Galloway Council, a by-election will be held on Thursday 13 December. Two candidates chose to submit a brief statement about their policies and themselves to the Gazette, which are published below. GLEN MURRAY: SNP Glen says: Born and bred in the Stewartry, I was educated at Kirkcudbright Academy. For a number of years I lived in Dalry, where my children went to the primary school there. I was secretary of Dalry Community Council and convenor of the group that got the playpark installed in the village. I was also very active in the successful campaign to prevent the closure of Carsphairn and Kells primary schools. I’ve lived in Kirkcudbright for the last 18 years but still work in the Glenkens as manager of GTI. This initiative provides essential community transport services across the area which are of particular value to our older and more isolated or vulnerable citizens. Through GTI I’ve contributed to the region’s community transport public social partnership’s achievements in developing local transport services, including establishing a patient transport scheme and developing better transport arrangements for our young people. I understand very well the pressures faced by people living and working in our rural communities and the damage done by continued austerity and the increasing cost of living being caused by the impending exit from the EU. I combine skills and personal qualities learned over a varied career with a wealth of unmatched experience on issues Glen Murray, SNP candidate. affecting our rural towns and villages in Dee and Glenkens and, as your councillor, I will be a strong and highly respected voice for all the communities in our beautiful area. LAURA MOODIE: GREEN Laura says: If you elect me as your councillor, I will... • Fight for investment in reliable, affordable and integrated public transport • Continue to campaign against cuts to education, particularly additional support for learning. • Protect funding for carers support. • Argue for a new recycling policy that reduces financial and physical waste and tackles the scourge of plastic pollution. • Encourage the community economy to flourish through investment in small businesses, promoting the region to visitors and attracting more young families like my own. • Support the Galloway Without Pylons campaign and argue for a better and more resilient solution to upgrading our energy infrastructure. I am the only candidate returning to the ballot for this election. As a community councillor, activist, charity worker and campaigner, I believe in putting power back in the hands of our communities. I will work hard for everyone in Dee & Glenkens to create a stronger community, a sustainable local economy and a better environment for our children to grow up in. If elected as Dumfries & Galloway’s first Green Councillor, I will fight for the interests of the community of Dee & Glenkens and be a strong independent voice in the Council chamber. Laura Moodie, Green Party candidate. Use your vote to elect someone you know will stand up for people, and the planet, and who has a track record of working hard with and for her local community. Vote for positive change. The other candidates running in the by-election are Pauline Drysdale (Conservative), Jennifer Blue (UKIP) and Colin Wyper (Independent). Glenkens Gazette THE MEN’S SHED Every little helps as the saying goes, and that’s certainly true up at the Glenkens Men’s Shed based in Balmaclellan. Located behind the Old Smiddy (now well into its redevelopment phase to create a new community space) the Shed continues to thrive. Our new tea room looks brilliant - many thanks to all those ‘shedders’ who helped pull this together. The tea room’s official title is the Ian McDonald Room and was named after one of our members who sadly passed away earlier this year. Ian was an inspiration to us all and the catalyst behind the new room and accessible facilities. Next up is the Rob McLaughlin memorial workroom and bench. Rob was one of our founder members who also passed away suddenly in the summer our thoughts remain with Ann who continues to support the Shed. The Tesco Bags of Help funding has been vital in the ongoing development of the Shed and its facilities; we are most grateful to all in the community who voted for us. Next up is the Co-op Local Community Fund which came on-stream in October - please help the shed by picking us as your local good cause when shopping at the Co-op. Other fund raising activities in the New Year will include a Race Night and Fancy Dress Disco we hope to see you there! Electronics Workshop hosted by Hamilton Men’s Although we are known Shed - at the rear are Dave and Frank from as the Glenkens Men’s Hamilton Men’s Shed, and seated, left to right, are Shed, we have a number Ian Biggar, Kevin Richardson and Andi Holmes. of lady members and promote inclusiveness. We have been working from young people. with other organisations such as Glenkens Men’s Shed is supported Capability Scotland and the Visibility by Connecting in Communities, a charity to encourage attendance from LEADER and Big Lottery funded all areas of our community. project. To get in touch call in at the Membership fees for 2019 have Shed or contact Brian/Chris on 420 been set at £15 for the year and 374 or Tom on 420 895. subscriptions at £2 per week for Normal Shed opening times are: as many sessions as you like. So if Mon 9.30am-4pm & 6.30you want to see what goes on, join 8.30pm; Wed 9.30am-1pm & the gang, pursue a hobby with a bit Woodcarving from 2-4pm; Fri of company, lend a hand or learn a 9.30am-12.30pm. new skill, then please join us - we’d Chris Jowsey, especially like to hear Glenkens Men’s Shed Treasurer GLENKENS ROUTE Thursdays: 12noon-1pm – Crossmichael 1-2pm – Parton/Loch Ken Holiday Park 2-4pm – Balmaclellan area 4-5.30pm – The Hidden Road Fridays: 8-10.30am – Dalry 10.30-11am – Glenlee Area 11am – New Galloway 12noon – New Galloway Shop 2pm – Mossdale area 3-4pm – Laurieston to Gatehouse Please note that all times are approximate. 07966 103 912 page 12 charliecoid@hotmail.com Fleet Fish aims to provide top quality produce which is sourced as locally as possible. We take pride in offering friendly door-to-door service tailored to our customers’ needs. Glenkens Gazette page 13 RENTING IN THE GLENKENS Are you a landlord, looking for a tenancy or considering renting out a property in the Glenkens? Private rented accommodation is vital to the area which is why our local housing trust (the Pamela Young Trust) is so important. By providing secure, affordable longterm rents to people with local connections they are giving young people the opportunity to set up home here, the elderly to retire locally and encouraging families to stay in the area, helping to keep the schools, communities and businesses flourishing. However, the Pamela Young Trust is mainly centred in Dalry and has a limited number of properties suitable for larger families. This leaves a significant gap in the Glenkens housing market for private landlords, yet rented properties in the Glenkens can be hard to come by. Often the only way to find out about what’s available is by word of mouth, or being in the right place at the right time. Local community engagement worker Sam Rushton has been approached by a number of people looking for help finding housing and has agreed to look at ways we can make the local private rented market more match properties with tenants. From there, we may be able to look at ways to support landlords and tenants who rent long-term and incentivise property owners to choose to let on a longer-term basis. If you think this is a worthwhile idea and would like to get involved, or have your property listed on the local database, please contact Sam on 07741 656 601 or samCEW@ newgallowaycommunity.shop Sam is also encouraging local landlords to get involved in the Glenkens Business Network (GBN) for support, information and opportunities locally. There is a closed Facebook group @GlenkensBu sinessNetwork, or get in touch to be placed on the GBN email list. This leaves a significant gap in the Glenkens housing market for private landlords, yet rented properties in the Glenkens can be hard to come by... accessible for both prospective tenants and landlords accross the Glenkens. The place to start seems to be with a database of local landlords and rental properties that is free and easy to access, helping to ULTRASOUND PREGNANCY SCANNING ����������������� �������������������������������� ��������������������������������� ��������������������� ����������������������������� For bookings and info: Duncan Kennedy 07860 474001 dk@passcan.co.uk www.passcan.co.uk Mary Smith Glenkens Gazette page 14 Kells School’s Latest Adventures Thursday the first of November the inhabitants of Kells Primary set out ready for adventure! We met on the rubber playground, ready to start the fun. First we discussed our five senses, spilt into groups and off we went cameras and clipboards at the ready. One group found an interesting cobweb that had dew on it - spectacular. When we had found lots of interesting objects, we laid out lots of hoola hoops. We made different sections, depending on the different senses and in the bobbly section there was a mysterious bobbly hat; I wonder if a hippy had anything to do with that? Next we headed up to the gazebo, for the Grand Opening. (Little recap: the gazebo is a large wooden building situated at the top of our playground. For many years the gazebo has just been a storage space. Recently we tidied it out and finally got rid of all the junk. Yippee! Recap finished.) We sang a ‘Happy Gazebo to You’ song, cut the ribbons and finally entered. Next we choose what activities we would like to do. We built a GYM (gymnasium), out of wood. We did some construction, some creative art and some exercise. We also did some wood piling and some vegetable cutting ready to make our famous camp fire soup on bonfire night. Afterwards we made boats out of leaves and twigs and floated them down the stream. This was really fun and almost made us late for lunch! After lunch (eaten in the gazebo) a few people snuck inside (even though we spent all day outside) to make a birthday banner for a very special Teacher – he thought he had kept it a secret. We put his favourite things on it and then the children signed it all Kells Primary School pupils with, somewhere, top secret. Then we teacher Mr Thompson. hid it in the cupboard, very secret... At the end of the day we gathered around the bonfire which made a massive photo was glistening like the moon on a frame out of planks of wood and dark night. During the night there made an abstract collage for our were some amazingly fun activities art piece: Bearded Man. After this on offer including sparklers, cooking we were really excited so we had sausages and soup, playing with a two-minute leaf fight that was glow sticks, hide-and-seek, and awesome; all the boys ganged up having a whole lot of fun in the on the girls. You may be able to darkness. We also raised a great guess who won… (boys). £81.63 which we plan to use Finally Mister Thompson drove his towards our fundraising for a bell van up to the top of the hill, and tent. we put on some rather loud, rather We would like to thank all crazy, music that had a lot of bass the parents and carers, family and we all had a mad, energymembers, teachers and friends burning outdoor dance! for providing us with these At six o’clock on Monday the fifth opportunities. of November the party began. The Fiona Edgar & Stefan Perkins, p7 children of Kells Primary School Dalry Secondary’s Brand New Breakfast Club Breakfast - the most important meal of the day. It has been shown that eating a healthy breakfast before starting the school day is linked to improved concentration, better test scores, increased energy, a higher intake of vitamins and minerals, and even a healthier body weight. Breakfast is especially important for young students whose brains use up about half of the body’s energy. With this in mind, Dalry Secondary has established a new Breakfast Club to ensure that we never have any child or young person’s education suffering because they are hungry. It is available for all and is a chance not only to grab some breakfast but also to socialise with friends in a relaxed atmosphere prior to the start of the school day. Pupils chatting and enjoying breakfast in the school cafeteria. It’s proving to be very popular and the elected members of the pupil council are currently looking at how the pupils would like to see it develop to become even more appealing. Glenkens Gazette page 15 EARLY LEARNING IN THE GLENKENS What a positive start to an exciting new year it’s been at Dalry Early Learning & Childcare (ELC), formerly Dalry Nursery, situated in Dalry Primary School. August and September saw lots of exploring our surroundings and the open-ended learning resources we have created in our new ‘curiosity and enquiry-based’ nursery environment. The hard work put in to this new setting has paid off - we are seeing the most magically creative and collaborative learning taking place. This type of engagement is something that we firmly believe would not take place with conventional toys and games. The summer term also saw us enjoying daily outdoor play in the new Primary/ELC outdoor area. Here we can guddle, dig, pour and splash, investigate bugs, wildlife and plants, climb, adventure, balance and create in a variety of outdoor situations. We also love to have the primary school children in to play during breaktimes; the older children usually bring a different and varied style of play, which is enjoyed by the ELC children, and the ‘big ones’ are incredibly sensitive and caring to the younger ones. We have also been utilising the community park behind Throughgate to offer a more diverse and ‘wild play’ experience. The park’s everchanging scenery has stimulated wonderful learning around the seasons, biodiversity and interdependence, something which cannot be taught in an indoor, synthetic, adult-led environment. We have been learning about Bonfire Night, Diwali and Poppy Day, allowing the children to lead the way in asking questions. These lines of enquiry have led us to look at light and dark, shadows and puppetry...so much fun! We have also welcomed a lot of visitors - the police came in to tell us about being kind and helping others; some of our parents enjoyed telling us about their experiences with the armed forces during Poppy Day; Morag from Energise involved us in a community art project (watch this space); and Charlie the Fish Van Man visits every Friday for the children to choose and pay for their own healthy snack from his van. However, I think our favourite ELC children having fun with our outdoor blackboard. visitors of all are the parents and family members when they come in for our monthly ‘Stay & Play’ sessions. For the rest of the Christmas term we intend to continue to investigate our exciting and diverse resources and enjoy daily outdoor play. If you would like regular updates on Dalry ELC, please ‘like’ and follow our open Facebook page - have a look around and please feel free to leave a comment or two. Jenna Devlin Wright’s Shop & Post Office Dalry WISHING ALL OUR CUSTOMERS A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR! The restaurant & rooms will be closed from 14 to 24 January to carry out maintenance and repairs (the bar will remain open in the evenings), re-opening on Thursday 24 January. 01644 430 241 www.theclachaninn.co.uk Licensed convenience store and newsagent stocking a range of local suppliers. - We would like to thank all our customers for their continued support and pass on best wishes for the Festive season Festive Season Opening Times: Christmas Eve: 7am - 5pm Christmas Day: closed Boxing Day: 8am - 2pm Hogmanay: 7am - 5pm 1st January: closed 2nd January: 8am - 2pm Normal Opening Times (both shop & PO): Monday to Friday: 7am – 6pm Saturday: 8am – 6pm Sunday: 8.30am – 4pm Galloway hampers & wreaths in stock Tel: 01644 430 225 Glenkens Gazette page 16 GLENKENS GUIDES CULINARY VISIT 1st Glenkens Guide Unit enjoyed an outing to Station House Cookery School, Kirkcudbright, instead of holding their usual weekly meeting at the Glenkens Community Centre. They were joined at the Cookery School by guides from Kirkcudbright, and all the girls were given instruction by Nick, the owner and head chef, on the safe and correct use of kitchen knives, preparation of vegetables, rice and curry spices, and a demonstration of how to make an Indian flatbread. The girls then went through into the work stations and prepared their own vegetable curry, rice and flatbread. Nick is an excellent teacher, showing great patience and sympathy when working with such young cooks. The cookery school is a really good place to learn new culinary skills, and there are several courses on offer throughout the year. 1st Glenkens Guide Unit will be holding a Quiz Night on Friday 18 January to raise funds for the Unit and to help guide member Sarah McCreath raise funds towards the cost of attending an International Guide Camp next summer. Anyone interested in entering a team in the quiz should contact Hilda McAdam on 430 383. The quizmaster will be Keith Dickie. Your support will be gratefully Spooktacular Halloween Friends of Dalry School (FoDS) hosted their annual Spooktacular Halloween Party at Dalry Town Hall. It was a huge success, with around 50 children enjoying the evening’s entertainment of dooking for apples, donuts-on-a-string, pumpkin-putting and worms-and-eyeballs-in-the-flour. Thank you very much to everyone who came to support this event. It was lovely to see so many younger children and new faces too. Thanks also go to the wonderful FoDS team, who never fail to host a brilliant event. Keep your eyes peeled for updates on the new FoDS committee - the current role-bearers wish them the best of luck with their future fundraising ventures. We are sure they’ll be amazing! For updates and info visit www.facebook.com/ friendsofdalryschool Sophie preparing her veg for the curry. appreciated, whether by entering a team, donation of a raffle prize, or help with providing a supper. New members to our Guide Unit are always welcome. Please go online to Girlguiding UK ‘Join Us’, or contact Kathryn Peace for more information on 430 281. Kath Peace Jenna and Julie hard at work... DALRY SECONDARY’S POPPY PLEDGE Dalry Secondary School would like to thank everyone who gave their support to the school over the past eight months regarding the Poppy Pledge. Fancy Dress Day, ‘Billet Night’, Guess the Sweeties in a Jar, Guess the Bear Name, and a Coffee Morning which featured Lorna’s famous cake raffle. The events culminated in a night of drama and song with a performance of Archie Dobson’s War and a community singalong led by The Lyric Community Singers. The evening was a great success, both educational and fun. Special thanks to Alaena Warren, This has been a major commitment Sue St Joseph, the Lyric Community and would not have been achieved singers, and also to the Fox & Hound without the drive and enthusiasm of Theatre Company. history teacher Mrs Warren, who has Throughout the campaign local motivated everyone. businesses have generously donated We have had a Tray Bake Sale, 1918 raffle prizes or agreed to take donation tins. The monies raised contributed greatly to the overall target; for instance, Wright’s shop in Dalry filled four tins, raising £370! S1 pupils displaying grand total raised. Special thanks also to the Galloway Activity Centre for donating such a wonderful prize - a weekend at one of their eco bothies, which raised £354. The grand total raised is a whopping £2,295.30, a fantastic sum for a small school and community to achieve. Poppy Scotland has sent its thanks personally to everyone. Most importantly, the pupils have actively contributed to helping exservicemen around Scotland with shelter, PTSD and other issues. They have taken pride in this, and worked together to achieve a common goal. Some pupils have challenged themselves and achieved more than they thought possible, and others have shown real leadership and commitment. A special thanks to our fourth year girls, Florrie Newbery, Caitlin Blackett and Laura Edington. Many, many local businesses supported our fundraising efforts and we would like to give them a huge ‘thank you’. Lorraine Gillies Glenkens Gazette page 17 Blackcraig Community Benefit After a period of uncertainty Temporis Capital, the new owners of Blackcraig Windfarm, have confirmed that they will honour the community benefit payments of £264,500 per annum for the next 25 years. This confirmation was given at a meeting held by Emma Harper MSP, Finlay Carson MSP and local councillor Dougie Campbell. The Glenkens & District Trust, which was set up with the purpose of, among other things, advancing community development by distributing windfarm community benefit monies, has welcomed this statement and is planning to meet Temporis shortly to discuss how the monies could be used to bring the maximum benefit to our communities. The current membership of the Trust includes the Community Councils of Balmaclellan, Balmaghie, Corsock & Kirkpatrick Durham, Crossmichael, Parton, New Galloway & Kells and St Johns Town of Dalry. The Trust has also announced the appointment of Fiona Smith as their independent chairman with immediate effect. Fiona, who lives in Balmaclellan, has worked as the General Counsel at two FTSE 100 companies. She has also been a non-executive director of Coventry Building Society and is currently a These significant funds coming into the wider Glenkens over the next 25 years have the potential to make a material difference. The Trust wants this money to be used wisely and has already received initial feedback from its members that it needs to ensure it gets the maximum benefit for the area as a whole. It recognises that by working across the wider area it is better placed to achieve this. The immediate priorities of the Trust are: to engage with Temporis Capital to understand their requirements, and to finalise the outputs from the recent surveys, report back to and receive further feedback from our wider Glenkens community. The Trust will then take forward whatever actions are required to make it an effective organisation for the benefit of the communities it serves. Public meetings will be held in the first quarter of 2019 to present up to date plans. In the meantime, if you have any questions please contact Fiona Smith at glenkensdistricttrust@ outlook.com The Trust ... needs to ensure it gets the maximum benefit for the area as a whole. non-executive director at Manchester Building Society. In deciding to appoint her as chair the trustees believe she is the right person to lead a reinvigoration of The Glenkens & District Trust with the support and assistance of a committed and enthusiastic board. Electric heading finally comes of age - for less cost than a HEATING SOLUTIONS standard wet system! Uniquely awarded the NF+++, Europe’s highest efficiency and manufacturing accreditation. HALF-PRICE STANDARD INSTALLATION FOR ALL DECEMBER ORDERS! AAA rated. • Ground-breaking technology - systems that know when you are in or out, and adjust energy use accordingly - they even check the weather! • TPI and V27 self-learning technology to detect, analyse and adapt to the user’s lifestyle. • Intelligent, interactive Wi-Fi. • Separate programme timing and temperature control for each individual room. If you would like further information, please call 0800 171 2942 or visit www.precisehs.co.uk Precise Heating Solutions Ltd registered in Scotland No. SC606152 Glenkens Gazette page 18 Glenkens Business Network At the beginning of this year a group of Glenkens-based businesses got together at The Smithy in New Galloway to share tea, coffee, cake and ideas. It was agreed that the aim of the group would be to help give Glenkens-based businesses of all types the opportunity to network, skill share, access information and advice, learn from each other’s experience and create more opportunities for businesses to flourish here in the Glenkens. Four meetings have been held so far, with 20 local businesses attending. Topics discussed have included supporting young people in our community with job and work experience opportunities, and becoming General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) compliant and using social media to boost your business. Guest speakers have included D&G Business Gateway and the IT Centre, Castle Douglas, as well as award-winning B&B owner Ronnie Bradford who shared his business journey with us. It is hoped that the Glenkens Business Network will continue to grow, develop and become an asset to the community. Our next meeting will be on Thursday 24 January from 6-7pm at the CatStrand. All local businesses, large and small, are welcome - just come along! If you have been before, why not bring a friend along... Find us on Facebook @glenkensbusinessnetwork Sam Rushton, Community Engagement Worker, New Galloway & Kells library-style basis. These could range from smaller tools like jeweller's screwdrivers to mend your glasses, to medium-sized things like drain rods and power tools, to larger items like scaffolding and cement mixers. As a new scheme, we have got to clarify how to keep track of people that would like to be involved, and how the scheme would run efficiently and safely. For instance, we could set it up as an informal network with a list of names, contact details and a list of what tools or skills people could offer. Tools would be lent out on an informal basis and the arrangements would be purely between the two people. Alternatively, if we get enough interest and can raise funds, we could make it much more formal, getting some insurance to cover breakages, and maybe some storage for tools that belong to the Tool Network/Library. Tool libraries already exist elsewhere in the world – a very successful one being in Edinburgh – so why not in the Glenkens? Firstly though, we want to find out the level of interest in taking part in the project - what you could offer and what the project could do for you. If you would be interested in this project, please contact Richard or Denise on 420 286 or rkiernan@iee.org. There are a number of us interested in lending our own tools and have our own wish lists, and the Men's Shed have also kindly said that they can donate some tools too. We look forward to hearing from you! Richard & Denise Kiernan A GLENKENS TOOL LIBRARY How many of us have tools lying around unused for most of the time that other people could potentially use? How often have you needed a tool for a short time and have had to spend time and money to hire it, then spent even more time and money driving to and from Dumfries to collect it? Have you ever bought a tool for one job because the difference between buying and hiring was so little, whilst thinking "I bet someone near here has got one but I don't know who to ask!"? All of these apply to us. We want to start a community-run scheme where tools are offered on a Photo of the Issue Sponsored by the Ken Bridge Hotel This issue’s winner is Susan Currie with A Wee Glenkens Dug Getting Ready for Christmas. Susan wins a meal for two at the Ken Bridge Hotel’s Sunday carvery. Competition judges Dave and Sue said: “The photograph of the dog is so well framed and, with Christmas just around the corner, we felt this shot had to take the winning seat this issue.” How to Enter: any photos taken in the Glenkens can be entered - landscapes, wildlife, portraits, action shots... Email them to glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 19 SPALDING BOWLING CLUB Spalding Bowling Club held its Annual Prizegiving dinner at The Clachan Inn Dalry. President Gordon McAdam and his wife Sarah presented the prizes. A great night was had by all and special thanks go to Phil, Laura and staff at The Clachan for a lovely meal. Pictured are, left to right: (back row) Kate Bone, Valerie Russell, Ann Hamilton, Robin Bell, John Peacock, John McNally, Paul Nicolson, (front row) Ladies’ Champion Elizabeth Peacock, Gents’ Champion Gordon McAdam, Sarah McAdam, Janet Braithwaite and Sharon Fishwick. Valerie Russell Rocktober at the CatStrand This October saw CatStrand once again hosting Connecting in Communities’ annual Rocktober music-fest. There was standing room only as the crowd were blown away with hard rocking sets from The Outfit and Voodoo Sun. Between sets DJ CJ filled the gaps with some ‘Old’s Cool’ tunes and a tricky little rock quiz, while Jim Ranyard worked his magic on the lights and sound desk. Andrew Frew was the busiest man in the house, doing a roaring trade at the bar, whilst the international audience boogied on down with visitors from as diverse a range as Finland, France, Hungary and Geordieland enjoying the show. CatStrand normally hosts a more sedate music scene, but for those who appreciate their music loud and proud with a Voodoo Sun performing at CatStrand’s Rocktober 2018. rockier edge, look out for Sticky Fingers on Saturday 13 April 2019. Chris Jowsey ĀȀ̀ЀԀ‫܀؀‬ЀࠀԀऀ਀଀଀ఀഀ ฀ༀကԀᄀఀࠀሀጀሀఀ̀ЀԀ᐀Ȁ଀ԀᔀЀЀ ᘀԀ‫܀؀‬ЀࠀᜀЀࠀ᠀Ԁᤀఀ଀ሀ ĀȀ̀ЀԀ‫ࠀ܀؀‬Ԁऀ਀̀Ԁ଀ఀЀഀ̀Ѐఀ฀ԀఀༀԀက‫܀‬Ȁ฀ᄀԀሀȀ‫܀‬ᄀԀሀ‫܀‬฀ጀԀ᐀ࠀࠀఀᔀᘀ‫ऀ܀‬ᘀఀЀ ḀȀࠀЀ᠀̀ഀԀἀԀ ࠀ̀Ѐᬀ଀ጀ̀ഀԀἀԀ!Ȁ""ጀ̀"Ѐࠀ̀ ᨀԀ᠀̀଀ȀࠀᬀԀ‫܀‬Ȁᄀఀ‫܀‬ԀᰀȀጀᄀЀԀ ᐀Ȁ଀Ԁ̀ᴀЀԀ‫܀؀‬ЀࠀᜀЀࠀ᠀ Glenkens Gazette ORAN BAGRAIDH Knockengorroch’s Oran Bagraidh album, created at Barscobe House, outside Balmaclellan, launches at Celtic Connections on Saturday 2 February. The launch event is at the Mitchell Theatre, Glasgow, 7.30pm - book your tickets now before they sell out. The Oran Bagraidh album was created during the residency that took place in the Glenkens in September this year. Ten leading traditional poets and musical artists took part in the exciting, multi-lingual week of creation. The artists worked together to create a new arrangement of the Galloway Gaelic Oran Bagraidh song – translating to ‘Song of Defiance’. This song is allegedly the only surviving example of the extinct dialect of Galloway Gaelic, spoken across South West Scotland from the 5th to 18th century, and mentions several place names in the Glenkens parish of present-day. Musicians and artists/ poets included awardMusicians gathered in Barscobe House, winning Scots/ Gaelic Balmaclellan, during the residency. singer Josie Duncan, lauded Irish song archaelogist Lorcan Mac The album will be the first Mathuna, former Welsh poet laureate commissioned, produced and and singer Gwyneth Glyn, celebrated released by Knockengorroch and is Irish Sean-Nós singer Doimnic Mac available for pre-order now. Giolla Bhríde, Belfast fiddler Conor The project is funded by Caldwell, ancient instrument virtuoso Creative Scotland, Arts Council Barnaby Brown, poet, singer and Ireland and PRS Foundation and performance artist MacGillivray, supported by Barscobe Heritage widely published poet Rody Gorman Trust. For futher information visit and medieval Welsh duo Bragod. www.oranbagraidh.com On Barscobe Hill These small pieces were written by Rody Gorman during the Oran Bagraidh residency at Barscobe House (see above article). They are extracts from a sequence of haiku-like tercets, all relating to the immediate locality and with a placename reference of Gaelic provenance in each piece, many mentioned in the song Òran Bagraidh. Air Cnoc Bhàrr Sguab [On Barscobe Hill] na fir a’ saodadh a’ chruidh san fheasgar air Bealach nan Sluagh a’ dol à sealladh uidh air n-uidh [the men driving the cattle in the evening over the Slock of the Balloch going out of sight little by little] is carson a bhios mi gun sgur a’ caoidh mun fheadhainn a bh’ ann ‘s a dh’fhalbh am Baile MhicIllFhaolain ‘s Baile MacAoidh? [and why I am forever lamenting about all those that were there and aren’t anymore in Balmaclellan and Balmaghie?] an crodh Gàidhealach a’ briseadh na beàrna ‘s a’ cumail orra thairis air Carrsa Feàrna [the Highland cattle making a breach and carrying on past Carsphairn] gun fhiosta, breacadh-rionnaich a-mach às an adhar air a’ mhòintich page 20 os cionn Ach an t-Sionnaich [suddenly, a mackerel sky on the moor above Auchenshinnoch] letheach am falach, am bad far an rachadh na balaich ris a’ bhreacach aig Sruthan Salach [half hidden, the flocktuftspot where the boys used to go fishing for trout at Stroanshalloch Burn] na sgòthan a’ bagairt ach fhathast – na sìtheanan air Bàrr an t-Sagairt [the clouds threatening but still – the fairy-knollflowers on Bartaggart Hill anns an Taigh Mhòr le grèin i mBarr Scuab ar maidin, dìreach a’ bruidhinn rium fhèin [in the Big House in the sun in Barscobe on my own in the morning just quarreltalking with myself] eadar mi ‘s leus, reith leis fhèin cho math, mo thruaighe, air an t-slighe tro Chasan Beithe [between me and the light, a tup on its own as well on the way through Cassenvey] air ais, a chiall, nach ait an dèidh nam bliadhnaichean a thoirt gun triall air Creag a’ Chait [back strange after years not going to the rocky hill at Craighit] èist! - breacan-beithe a’ ceileireadh ri beul na h-oidhche am badeigin aig Achadh Reithe [listen! – a chaffinch warbling in the evening in some tuftplace in the field at Auchrae] mu dheireadh thall ‘s a-bhos nam huidhe air an tulaich mar cheann-uidhe shuas air Monadh Buidhe [at long last sat on a knoll as my destination up on Monybuie Hill] dìreach searrach agus a làir far an do chuireadh blàr là dhan robh ‘n saoghal an Cùil an Àir [just a mare and her foal where a battle was fought long ago at Kilnair] gun charachadh, corra-ghritheach ‘s an uair sin a’ togail ‘s a’ dìreadh mar sin ri Beinn nam Fitheach [not moving, a heron and thathourtime then lifting and climbing up Benaveoch] am feur gorm na gheamhar agus an t-earrach ùr air tighinn ann an Clach Reamhar [the bluegreen grass in blade now that the freshnew spring has arrived in Clachrower] as t-fhoghar am bàrr a’ Bhinnein far an robh mi uair a bh’ ann le MacIllFhaolain ‘s MacIllFhinnein [in autumn on the creamcroptop of Bennan where I was onehourtime with MacLellan and McLennan] díreach creatlach de chró tí mar a mbíodh lena ló de chluichí ag Teach Mór Dhál Rí [just straightup the skeletonframe of a hovel where there used to be such games at the Big House in Dalry] seachain! caochán nach bhfeicfeá faoi bhun do bhonn ar Shrón Fraochán [mind! a blind rill you might not see under your feet at Stroanfreggan] mo chuimhne de shíor ar shuirí ach gur imigh sí an lá sin i mBarr Mhuirí [thinkremembering about love all the time but it’s all gone that day in Barmurrie] Glenkens Gazette page 21 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN LOCHENBRECK Lochenbreck (Loch of Trout) on what was the Woodhall Estate, Balmaghie, was for a long time - “time immemorial” according to one reporter - a place of resort for folk in search of cures for such diseases as ague, stomach pains and “many female weaknesses” at the nearby Chalybeate well. There was a small house offering lodgings but in 1790 it lacked a road. Feus or building leases, however, were to be had on “very moderate terms”. By 1844 an inn was available - S R Crockett referred to it as a spa and hotel which, in 1904, was “renewing its youth”. In 1908 it was taken over as a private house. The loch is still very popular with fishermen. When the Arctic explorer, John Richardson from Dumfries, published his book on Fishes in the Fauna BorealiAmericana or the Zoology of the Northern Parts of British America series, an enormous project which he conceived and launched, he illustrated the entry on salmo fario, or Scottish burn trout, with a specimen from Lochenbreck. He and his brother Peter, who lived at Disdow, Gatehouse, were, like so many who preceded and followed them, much taken with the loch and its surrounding scenery. Lochenbreck is just off the glorious Lauriston – Gatehouse road. It inspired Malcolm Harper to verse: Dear aye to me is the bricht glancing Burnie That rins mang the rocks in the deep shady dell But dearer an brichter to me than them a is The lassie I lo’ed at Lochenbreck Well! He recalled that during bad weather the lads and lassies staying at the hotel would retreat to the Well House for “fun, frolic and banter”. Kenick Hill to the east of the loch was known as the ‘Hill of Health’. On the same theme an analyst opined that the well waters would be found efficacious as a beverage. “The mineral ingredients of which the waters are composed are sulphate and carbonate of lime, with iron and traces of carbonate of magnesia.” Burns probably looked for something more stimulating when, or rather if, he passed through. It was claimed on the basis of no evidence that he wrote his song ‘Scots Wha Hae’ in the Change House at Lochenbreck when he was en-route to Kirkcudbright. For amusement there were bowling and croquet greens. A mile away on the Lauriston road stood Burnside Cottage, home of two sisters, Tibbie and Maggie McGhie, who were said to be the “last representatives of the McGhies of Balmaghie”, a clan which some believed to be one of the oldest in Galloway. Tibbie composed poems and organised levees in her cottage, for the hotel guests and others who showed up for the crack and the fun, as well as for a glimpse into the Galloway past. One of her poems entitled Thoughts on First Seeing a Railway Train requires no explanation: An auld wife she sat down to sew, As wi her specs she luked through; She saw a train come across the Dee, Oh! What a woner’s thing, said she. Maggie reputedly attended to domestic matters, keeping the cottage immaculate and the hens fed. The painting by Malcolm Harper is unusual in showing an interior. The seated lady is probably Maggie but I may be wrong, and any information on the two ladies would be very welcome. The closest metropolis was and is Clauchanpluck, uninspiringly renamed Lauriston by a nineteenth century proprietor. It was for a time the meeting place for the presbytery of Kirkcudbright. Crockett attended the local school. Some years ago, when I asked a resident how many folk living in the village were actually born there, he replied that there used to two but one had recently emigrated to Crossmichael! Ted Cowan N ew Galloway Golf Club Foun ded 1902 www.n g gc.co.uk - 01644 420737 Buggies now available for hire Maggie McGhie’s Cottage by Malcolm Harper VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME Glenkens Gazette page 22 The Great War: The Final Chapter By the time you read this, the commemorations of the centenary of the Armistice will be drawing to a close. The final Glenkens deaths from the war are: Matthew Brown Hyslop was the son of Daniel and Caroline (Spiers) Hyslop of Mosscroft, Balmaclellan, and was working in Shirmers Farm, Balmaclellan, when he enlisted into the Royal Marines Artillery in June 1918. He died on 25 October 1918 of pneumonia at his brother-in-law’s farm of Poundland, Dunscore, and is buried in Balmaclellan Parish Churchyard. He was 23 years old when he died and is listed on the War Memorials of Balmaclellan and Dunscore. George Henry Thompson (Thomson on military records) was the son of the late John and Margaret (Wilson) Thompson of Kirkland Street, Dalry. George was a farm servant living at Kirkland Street, Dalry, when he enlisted into the Ayrshire Yeomanry Reserve in November 1914. He died of influenza and pneumonia at the age of 28 on 10 November 1918 and is named on the Dalry war memorial. Jane Lauder Nodwell was born in Hawick, Roxburghshire, the daughter of Samuel and Janet (Lockerbie) Nodwell of the Cross Keys Hotel, New Galloway. She was a nurse with the Red Cross Voluntary Aid Detachment at Yorkhill War Hospital, Glasgow. She died on 19 November 1918 of influenza at Glasgow at the age of 24 and is buried in Kells Parish Churchyard. Jane is named on the Kells Parish memorial in New Galloway. In many cases, the names of VAD nurses were not added to war memorials but the local War Memorial Committee chose to add her name and she is the only female name on a Great War memorial in the Glenkens. John Anderson was born in Carsphairn, the son of Thomas and Mary (McRoberts or Baird or Newall) Anderson of Liggate, Carsphairn. He married Margaret Boyes (Beattie) of Liggate and later of Paisley in 1896 in Holywood, Dumfriesshire. John enlisted in June 1918 in the Remounts Service of the Royal Army Service Corps, they were responsible for the purchase and training of horses. He died of pneumonia in the Windy Knowe Auxiliary Military Addenda and corrigenda: It seems inevitable that, once something is published, new information comes to light and errors are pointed out. Such is the case with Alexander Neilson, so here is the amended version: Alexander Neilson (Nelson in service records) was born at Waterside, New Galloway, and by 1901 was living as a boarder at 18 Back Street in Dalry. In 1911 he was a ploughman at Chapelcroft Farm, Buittle, having been educated at the Dalbeattie Higher Grade Public School and he emigrated to Canada in about 1913. He was the son of Elizabeth Neilson of Hawthon Place, Southwick Road, Dalbeattie (his mother died in 1919). He enlisted at Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, in January 1915, sailed from Montreal in June 1915, and was posted to the 5th Battalion Canadian Infantry in France in August 1915. He served at Armentieres and Ypres before being killed in action on 2 June 1916 at the age of 21. He is named on the Dalry and Dalbeattie war memorials, and on the Dalbeattie school memorial and the Royal British Legion Roll of Honour now in Dalbeattie Parish Church. This series of articles has been running for as long as the Great War itself; all of the articles are available online in archive copies of the Glenkens Gazette - www.glenkensga zette.co.uk The articles are dedicated to the men who died and to the orphans, widows and bereaved parents of those killed and, especially, to those who may have survived but whose lives were irrevocably changed by war. Further information can be found at www.warmemscot.s4.bizhat.com It’s been a significant task, but an honour… Paul Goodwin ...she is the only female name on a Great War memorial in the Glenkens. Hospital in Blundellsands, near Liverpool, on 11 February 1919 at the age of 47. He is buried in Carsphairn churchyard and is named on the Carsphairn War Memorial. Much later was the final death to be listed in the Glenkens. William Campbell was born in Dalry, the son of William James and Janet (Connell) Campbell of Loch Howie, Balmaclellan. William was apprenticed to the blacksmith in Balmaclellan when he enlisted into the Cameron Highlanders in December 1914. He died on 27 April 1925 at Blowplain Farm, Balmaclellan, of tuberculosis and effects from a shell-wound. He was 29 years old and is listed on the Balmaclellan war memorial. His brother Anthony was killed on the Somme in 1916. I am not aware of any later death (than 1925) added to any Great War memorial in Scotland. HOUSE REPAIRS JOINERY Semi-retired Furniture Maker & Builder in GLENKENS AREA ...special rates for inclusion of tea, cake and friendly banter... Call Pete on 07970 462 088 Glenkens Gazette page 23 Crockett’s Glimpses Of The Glenkens The Glenkens are Crockett’s heartland in every respect. He wrote: ‘I have been most successful when I have “lee’d at lairge…truth to tell, many of my “lees” were grounded in this parish.’ In this final Glenkens glimpse I leave Crockett to describe it for you himself: THE GLENKENS “And now we come to the heart of the matter. Every traveller’s road in Galloway leads him at long and last to the Glenkens - and yet they want a railway, and set poets to ask for it! But we who are of the older day prefer to think of the Glenkens as it was in the year of Bothwell Brig, when a certain William Gordon, of Earlstoun, rode away through these sweet holms and winding paths south toward the Duchrae. Nowhere, to my thinking, is the world so gracious as between the green woodlands of Earlstoun and the grey Duchrae Craigs. For (writes the hero) ‘The pools of the Water of Ken slept, now black, now silver, beneath us. They were deep set about with the feathers of the birches, and had the green firs standing bravely like men-atarms on every rocky knoll. Then the strath opened out, and we saw Ken flow silver-clear between the greenest and fioweriest banks in the world. The Black Craig of Dee loomed on our right side as we rode, sulky after the burning of last year’s heather. And the great Kells range sank slowly behind us, ridge behind ridge of hills whose very names make a storm of music - Millyea, Milldown, Millfire, Corscrine, and the haunted fastnesses of the Meaull of Garryhorn in the head end of Carsphairn. The reapers were out in the high fields about Gordonston by daybreak, with their crooked reaping-hooks in their hands, busily grasping the handfuls of grain and cutting them through with a pleasant ‘risp’ of sound. Cocks crowed early that morning, for they knew it was going to be a day of fervent heat. It would be as well, therefore, to have the pursuit of slippery worm and rampant caterpillar over betimes in the dawning. Then each chanticleer could stand in the shade and scratch himself applausively with alternate foot all the hot noontide, while the wives clucked and nestled in the dusty holes along the banks, interchanging intimate reflections upon the moral character of the giddier and more skittish young pullets of the farmyard.’ Furthermore, I have another reason for remembering the Glenkens. It was a favourite cycling route of Sweetheart’s and mine - in the good years when cats were kittens, and dogs were puppies, and sheep were lambs, and Sweethearts had not yet grown up! “We skimmed under the imminent side of the Bennan Hill, now purple and golden-brown with the heather and the dying bracken. On our right, by the lochside of Ken, we passed the little cottage which thirty years ago was known to all in the neighbourhood as Snuffy Point, from an occupant who was said to use so much snuff that the lake was coloured for half a mile round of a deep brown tint whenever he sneezed. A little farther on is a deep tunnel of green leaves, down which we looked. It leads to Kenmure Castle. Sweetheart and I always stop just here to dream. It seems as if we could stretch our arms and float down into the wavering infinitude of stirring leaves. “In another minute we had come to the summit of the hill, and were sliding smoothly down the long, cleanly-kept street of New Galloway. Not a cur barked in our track - a fact so very remarkable that Sweetheart asked why. ‘Because New Galloway is a royal burgh,’ I said for a complete answer. “We passed the entrance to that fascinating Clatteringshaws road, which leads through the wildest scenery that can be reached by wheels in the south of Scotland. Soon we were steering northward along the green holms of the Ken, and, as we looked to the west, the sun was beginning to sit low on the horizon.’ One may spend, as I have done, many hospitable months in Dalry, housed somewhere in the bright smiling village clambering up its long slope, or, better still, provided for in the comfortable Lochinvar Hotel. It is a fine centre for excursions - yet better as a starting-place for the hill-climber, the botanist, the photographer. There is interest on every side.” SR Crockett, 1859-1914 I hope this series of Glenkens Glimpses has awakened an interest both in the places and history of the Glenkens, and the joy that can be found discovering them through the fiction of SR Crockett. Cally Phillips For further information and insight into Crockett’s Galloway writing visit www.gallowayraiders.co.uk Crockett’s Galloway fiction was republished in a centenary edition The Galloway Collection by Ayton Publishing in 2014 and are available in paperback from the online bookseller www.unco.scot, Amazon and other retailers. The Glenkens also features in Cally Phillips 2016 work Discovering Crockett’s Galloway Volume 2 Glenkens Gazette page 24 New ‘Our Heritage’ Grants A new grant is available for local projects. McNabb Laurie of the Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership (GGLP) said:”We are delighted to now be launching the ‘Our Heritage’ Small Grants Scheme. We have £100,000 to spend over coming years on local projects that connect people to the heritage of the Galloway Glens area and support the scheme’s six aims, including education, access improvements and visitor facilities.” GGLP are looking to make awards of up to £5,000 in value, and to support projects that aren’t part of their headline ‘suite’ of projects, thus assisting emerging POLICE OUTREACH Community PC Tom Dingwall will be working in the Glenkens on a Stewartry-wide Crime in the Home initiative. On Thursday 20 December from 10am to 4pm Tom will be in New Galloway, Dalry and Carsphairn at various times throughout the day to speak to people, especially the elderly, about how to stay safe in their homes. Tom says: “The initiative provides information on how criminals are targeting people via the telephone or online and defrauding them of money. We are handing out small cards for people to keep beside their phones to remind them of possible scams and what to look out for.” The initiative is in relation to a rise in crimes whereby people are becoming victims without even leaving their own homes. Especially elderly/vulnerable people are being targeted by opportunities that might present themselves in coming years. There is a brief application process completed application forms must be submitted by 7 January, and a decision on successful applications will be made in February 2019. If you have a project idea, or would like to find out more, please visit www.gallowayglens.org scammers claiming to be from the bank or even the police fraud department. They state that there is unusual activity on the victim’s account and they need to move their money to keep it safe - to an account set up by the fraudsters. They are also engaging the victim in conversation, gathering information which they use to create online banking profiles. These profiles take minutes to create, and give the scammer full access to people’s money, which is then changed into Euros, making it very difficult for police to trace. Glenkens Gazette page 25 Abbas Rest HELP FOR CASTLE Fundraiser DOUGLAS HOSPITAL The coffee morning held in Dalry Town Hall raised £810.70, which will go a long way to help maintain the bore holes for water. I would like to thank all the people who supported in so many ways with generous donations towards the raffle, baking, bottle stall, books, bric-a-brac and also the generous money donations. Without your help it would not be possible. Many thanks, Avril Brown CHRISTMAS COFFEE MORNING hosted by St Margaret’s Ladies’ Guild & Glenkens Churches Guild Wednesday 5 December New Galloway Town Hall 10.30am to 12noon - coffee, shortbread, mince pies, stalls, tombola, lucky dip Please come along and support this joint venture Knowing what a valuable resource Castle Douglas Cottage Hospital is for the Glenkens communities, St Margaret’s Ladies’ Guild decided to donate all the money raised from their Tombola at the Alternative Games in Guild president Christine Rankin commented: “We all know of people who have benefitted from the excellent care at Castle Douglas Hospital, often bridging the gap between DGRI and going home, and we were delighted to raise £269 for the Friends of Castle Douglas Hospital who do so much to help our communities”. CHARITY SEEKS NEW TREASURER Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING) is growing apace, managing - and possibly soon acquiring - the lovely old Town Hall, and getting involved in outdoor developments too. We are looking for a new treasurer to take over from early in 2019. They would play a full part, with the other eight trustees, in planning and implementing future developments. This is a voluntary position, and could be a beneficial first step for someone looking to return to work or change direction in their career, it may help a younger person to develop their CV, or it might enable a retired person TRUSTEES SOUGHT Dalry Community Properties Trust (DCPT), who took over ownership of the Glenkens Community Centre in April 2017, August to the Friends of Castle Douglas Hospital. are seeking additional volunteers/trustees to help support this charitable organisation. DIY or fundraising experience would be especially useful in to share the experience gained over a lifetime in a way which supports their community. Prior financial experience would be valuable, but shadowing would be an option and training opportunities could be made available; the most important qualification is a real interest in engaging with the financial implications of the charity’s purposes. The current treasurer, Bob Glaister, will happily continue to assist with aspects of the role - for example recruiting and supporting ‘Friends of the Town Hall’. He has carried out the role for nearly four years and will continue as a trustee but, living partly at a distance, as he does, is proving too challenging for him to stay in the post for the longer-term. Please contact Bob in the first instance at rtdglaister@aol.com if you are interested in finding out more. order to help maintain the old school building for its community users, but anyone with or without these skills who is willing to support DCPT would be very welcome. For further information, or an informal chat, please contact chair Andi Holmes on 07729 292126 or andiholmes@hotmail.com Glenkens Gazette page 26 DECEMBER & JANUARY DECEMBER Sat 1, GTI Bus Trip, see p6 Wed 5, Guild Christmas Coffee Morning, 10.30am, New Galloway Town Hall Thu 6, Christmas Tasting, 5-7pm, New Galloway Shop, see p23 Fri 7 & Sat 8 (7.30pm), Sun 9 (2pm), CatStrand Youth Players Pantomime: Cinderella, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 8, Glenkens Farmers’ Market, 10am12.30pm, Dalry Town Hall Thu 13, Dee & Glenkens Ward Bi-election Thu 13, Stewartry Birdwatchers Talk, 7.30pm, Kells School, New Galloway, see p4 Fri 14, Film: Hugo, Dalry Town Hall Fri 14, Alyn Cosker Trio, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 15, GTI Bus Trip, see p6 Sat 15, Santa’s Grotto, 10am-3pm, Kirroughtree, see back page Sat 16, Glenkens Children’s Christmas Party, 3pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall, see p25 Tue 18, Christmas Ukulele Concert, 7pm, CatStrand Thu 20, Crime in the Home Mobile Unit, 10am to 4pm, see p24 Sat 22, Cairn Chorus: Star Of Wonder, 4pm, CatStrand Fri 28, Film: Lost in Paris, Dalry Town Hall GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services JANUARY Thu 10, Film: Hereditary, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 11, Film: Edie, 7.30pm, DALRY TOWN HALL Sat 12, Film: Pin Cushion, 2pm, CatStrand Sat 12, GTI Bus Trip, see p6 Sat 12, Film: Mary Shelley, 7.30pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn Sat 12, Glenkens Farmers’ Market, 10am12.30pm, Dalry Town Hall Sun 13, Film: Dark River, 7.30pm, CatStrand Mon 14 to Thu 24, Clachan Inn restaurant closed, see p15 Thu 17, Stewartry Birdwatchers Talk, 7.30pm, Kells School, New Galloway, see p4 Fri 18, Fox & Hound Theatre Co present: I’m Missing You, 7.30pm, CatStrand Thur 24, Glenkens Business Network, 67pm, CatStrand, see p18 Fri 25, Catstrand Burns Supper, 7.30pm, CatStrand The Surgery High Street New Galloway FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL 01644 420234 The 50th Annual CARSPHAIRN BURNS SUPPER Golden Celebration Friday 18 January 2019 Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn 7:00pm for 7:30pm Special ticket price £10 pp. Tickets must be reserved in advance by contacting: hall.karen@btinternet.com or Davie on 07710124255 This year’s Speakers & Artists include: Grierson Dunlop –The Immortal Memory Andrew Hunter Blair –Toast to the Lassies Helen Campbell – Reply from the Lassies Bruce McKenzie - Music Glenkens Gazette page 27 REGULAR EVENTS CatStrand, New Galloway: Film Makers’ Club, Mon 7-8.30pm Exercise to Music: Mon 9.30-10.30am Margaret Morris dance 1: 3-7yrs, Mon (term-time) 3.45-4.30pm Margaret Morris Dance 2: 8-16yrs, Mon (term-time) 4.30-5.15pm Youth Volunteer Meet-up, 1st Tues of the month, 6-8pm, FREE PIZZA Choreographic Skills Lab, Mon (termtime) 7-8.30pm, ages 12-18 Animation Club, Tues 4-6pm (last session 4 Dec till Spring) Gentle Tai Chi: Wed 10am Wendletrap Tai Chi, Wed 2-3.30pm The Glenkens Writers, Wed 12 Dec, 9 Jan, 13 Feb, 3.15-5.15pm (NB No spaces at present) Game Tech, last Wed each month, 68pm Writers’ Cafe, 2nd Thurs each month 7-9pm Sing it Out, Thurs 11am -12pm CatStrand Ukes, 1st & 3rd Thurs each month, 1–3.30pm Yoga, Thurs 9.15-10.45am & 6.307.30pm Zumba Gold, Fri (term-time) 9.3010.30am, CatStrand, 16+ Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry: Paint & Art, Mon 2-4pm GCC Playgroup, Tues, Wed & Thurs 9.1511.45am Guides, Tues 6-8pm Brownies, Thurs 6-7.30pm Kickback Martial Arts, Thurs 7-9pm Thursday Craft Group, Thurs 2-4pm Glenkens Children’s Club, Fri 10am12noon New Galloway Town Hall: LING Elevenses & Lunches, Tues 11am-2pm Fat Broadband Access, Tues 11am-2pm Table Tennis & Carpet Bowls, Tues 79pm Circuits, Tues 5.30-6.30pm Zumba, Wed 7.30-8.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall, 11+ Circuits, Sat 8-9am Various Locations: Hatha Yoga, Mon 10-11.15am, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn Carsphairn Post Office, Tues 1-3pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn Dalry WI, 3rd Tues each month 2pm, Dalry Town Hall (except Jun, Jul & Aug) Beavers, Tues 6–7.15pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Dog Training, Tues & Thurs 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. Contact: Eric 460 670 Mossdale Painters, Wed 9.30am, Mossdale Village Hall Cub Scouts: Wed 6.45–8pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Gentle Dru Yoga, Thu 12.30–2pm, Laurieston Village Hall, contact: 450 269 Youth Writing, 1st Thurs each month (during term time) 3.30-5pm, ages 1015, Dalry Library Kettleball, Balmaclellan Village Hall, Thurs 7.30-8.30pm Coffee & Craft, Fri 9am-12noon, Lagwyne Hall Folk Music Session, 4th Fri each month 7.30/8pm till closing, Ken Bridge Hotel Scouts, Thurs 7–8.30pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Gentle Tai Chi, Fri 10-11am, Dalry Town Hall Golf Junior Coaching, Sat 10-11: 30am, New Galloway Golf Course, see p8 Glenkens Community Councils Balmaclellan Community Council Meetings: Last Monday each month, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall Carsphairn Community Council Meetings: Last Monday each month, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn. Dalry Community Council Meetings: 1st Monday each month, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. New Galloway & Kells Community Council Meetings: 2nd Monday each month, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall. Full minutes of local Community Council meetings can be viewed at Dalry Library. 11.30pm. Christmas Day Family CHURCH TIMES Dec, Service, Dalry Church, 10.30am. CHURCH OF SCOTLAND: Sunday Services: Balmaclellan 9.45am: 1st. Carsphairn 11.15am: 1st,2nd,3rd,4th. Carsphairn 10.30am: 5th(Dec). Dalry 9.45am: 2nd, 4th. Kells 9.45am: 3rd. Special Services/Events: Family Service, Dalry Church, 9 Dec, 9.45am. Carols by Candlelight, Carsphairn Church, 9 Dec, 6.30pm. Watchnight Service, Kells Church, 24 Restoring Footpaths, Sat 10am-1pm, phone 420 632 to confirm Junior Golf & Come-and-Try for all ages, Sat 10am Men’s Shed, Old Smiddy, Balmaclellan. Opening times: Mon 9.30am-4pm & 6.30-8.30pm; Wed 9.30am-1pm & woodcarving from 2-4pm; Fri 9.30am12noon. United Service, Carsphairn Church, 30 Dec, 10.30am. SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH: St Margaret’s, New Galloway: Holy Communion, 10.30am every Sun & Wed. CATHOLIC CHURCH SERVICES: Kirkcudbright: Sun Mass, 9.30am. Dalbeattie: Sat Mass, 5pm Family and friends coming to stay? Short of space? Cosy country cottage available (sleeps 4) Call Fiona on 01644 420 227 www.covenanters-holidaycottagescotland.co.uk To hire the MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) behind Dalry School call Sonja Tranter on 430 244 or Nicolette Wise on 430 218. Dalry Library Tuesdays 12noon-3.30pm Fridays 10am-12noon & 1-4.30pm For further library van stops and informa�on contact Castle Douglas library on 01556 502 643 ADVERTISE IN THE GAZETTE (price per issue incl VAT) SMALL: 6cm x 6cm, £37.80 (+ 10% off with series discount) 1/4 PAGE: 9cm w x 13cm h, £81.90 (+ 25% off with series discount) 1/2 PAGE: 18cm w x 13cm h, £151.20 (+ 25% off with series discount) FULL PAGE: 18cm w x 27cm h, £252 (+ 25% off with series discount) Call 07727 127 997 VAT Reg. No. 882 8361 87 USEFUL NUMBERS: ● Pot-hole Hotline: 0845 276 0000 ● Police, non-emergency: 101 ● Doctor: 01644 420 234 ● NHS 24: 08454 24 24 24 ● D&G Council: 030 33 33 3000 Glenkens Gazette page 28 GLENKENS GIG BUS The aim of the Gig Bus is to provide a low cost, ad-hoc transport solution to get people in the Glenkens to and from events in and around the Region. One of the biggest drawbacks to living in this rural idyll is poor public transport, which is non-existent at evenings and weekends. If you want to get to any of the principle conurbations such as Dumfries or Castle Douglas, out of hours, and lack your own transport then you are effectively stuck; which is particularly harsh on both the young and elderly. Registered groups have access to the services offered by the Glenkens Transport Initiative (GTI) but individuals, small groups and families don’t qualify for this. Taxis, where available, are prohibitively expensive so another solution is required... enter the Gig Bus! Connecting in Communities (CiC), funded by LEADER and the Big Lottery, is a three-year project aimed at enriching the lives of those who live and work in the Glenkens. CiC is trialling the concept over the next few months to test its viability. The plan is simple; people register their contact details, (name, mobile and email) with CiC on 01644 420374 and when an event comes up they would like to attend contact CiC who’ll publicise the ‘gig’ and if there is sufficient interest, run a minibus to/from the event. There will be a small charge to cover the bus costs for each event dependant of time, distance, etc. Individuals would be responsible for making their own ticketing arrangements for events and, sadly, under 18s will not be able to access the service without an ������������ ���������� ������� �������������������������� �������������������������������� ����������������� ����������������� ����������������� accompanying adult - but otherwise there are few restrictions. So why not sign up today, suggest your favourite upcoming event (a Christmas party perhaps? New Year celebration?), and let’s get the ball rolling! Chris Jowsey, Volunteer and Participation Officer, CiC ����������������� ��������������� ������������������������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������� ���������������� �������������������������������������������������� ������������� ����������������� ����������������� ������������������������������ ���������� ����������������������� ������������������������������ ����������������������� �������������������� �������������������� ������������������������ ������������������������ �������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������� ������ �������������������������������������� �� ����������������������� �������� ������������������������������������������� �� ���������������������������������������������� �������� ����������������� �� ������������������������������ ������������������������������� � �������� ������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������������ ���������������������������������������������� ������������������������ ��������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������ ����������������� �������������������������������������������� WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Submit events, activities, news stories, cartoons, reviews, tips & techniques, fiction, photos, ads or ideas... Contact Sarah Ade on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk FEB/MAR COPY DEADLINE: 5 JAN ����������������� �������������������������������������������� ��������������������������� Design & co-ordination: Sarah Ade sarah.ade@gmail.com Printing: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 109 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GG_109 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource GCAT Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2018 Description An account of the resource Editor: Sarah Ade https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/1/256/GlenkensGazette110.pdf 87b1130f14e5557d2d7cde965bf9c50a 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 110 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Description An account of the resource <p>Find out more about the Gazette: <a href="https://glenkens.scot/gazette-home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Glenkens Gazette home page</a> If you would like to submit an article or take out an advert, please email the editor Sarah Ade: <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="mailto:glenkensgazette@hotmail.com">glenkensgazette@hotmail.com</a></p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is a member of, and regulated by <span>&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.impressorg.com/">Impress</a>.</p> <p>The Glenkens Gazette is an initiative of Glenkens Community &amp; Arts Trust (SC032050) and represents the voice of the community (not necessarily the views of GCAT).</p> Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document GLENKENS GAZETTE News from Balmaclellan, Carsphairn, Mossdale, New Galloway and St John’s Town of Dalry February/March 2019 ISSUE 110 FREE THE HIDDEN BENEFITS OF VOLUNTEERING Here in the Glenkens we’re incredibly lucky to have such a strong sense of community. However, it has been shown that people are feeling increasingly alienated from their communities, which in turn leads to less community involvement and all kinds of psychological and physiological health problems in individuals. In a recent study, it was found that almost 70% of the population in the UK regard themselves as lonely – these are epidemic proportions. One of the ways to allow people to feel more connected to those people around them, and therefore find a greater sense of personal fulfillment, is to volunteer within their local community. “Our social connections are fundamental to our daily experience, to the ways that we make meaning in our lives and to quality of life and life satisfaction. At best, being socially connected – and having roles to play with the friends, colleagues, family members, neighbours, and even casual acquaintances in our lives – provides a sense of purpose, comaraderie, belonging and identity,” states the report Trapped in a Bubble, funded by the Red Cross and Co-op. The report goes on to say: “Support or services that instil a sense of purpose, a tangible output, are ideal. For example, volunteering one’s time...” Volunteering within our local community can build connections vital to our well-being and give us a sense of fulfillment and purpose in our lives. Friends are made, and we feel of value to the community and to the people around us. We are genuinely needed, valued and appreciated, and in turn this supports us through feelings of self-worth and satisfaction, right through to joy and contentment. And of course, the whole community benefits from the input of active people. In this issue of the Glenkens Gazette, we will give an overview of some of the community organisations which enrich life here in the Glenkens – and who always need more hands on deck. To find out more see the spread on pages 14 & 15... The School in Need of Children Raising Hundreds for Children in Need Carsphairn Primary School held a coffee morning in aid of Children in Need, coming in as one of the top schools in the country in terms of money raised per pupil taking part. Carsphairn is the smallest primary school in the Glenkens but, when the school puts on an event, the local community rally round and support the school in tremendous fashion. At the Children in Need coffee morning, the classroom was bursting at the seams with folk enjoying tea or coffee with their home baking. The incredible figure of over £227 was raised, and the event had a fantastic atmosphere and was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended. Carsphairn Primary pupils had baked cakes in school, and others were provided by parents, community members and teachers. Just a month later, the school put on their annual Christmas show, and held a quiz night. Again, there was a great turnout of the community to watch a truly unique performance. It is always a challenge to put on a performance when there are not many pupils, but a challenge such A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) ini�a�ve as this is exactly where Carsphairn school excels. Between the class teacher, Mrs Welsh, and the pupils, they put together a performance which included both actors up on the stage and some pre-filmed sections carried out as part of their class work in school. So as well as learning about drama and live performance, they also had the opportunity to learn about screen performance. This term Carsphairn Primary will go to the Glasgow Science Centre to join several other small schools where they will participate in various workshops together. Irene McCreath,Chair, Carsphairn Parent Teacher Council www.glenkensgaze�e.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 2 The News from Balmaclellan After a somewhat tumultuous year Balmaclellan Community Council is once again up and running. Following the election in July there were some returning members as well as some new faces. As always, our main focus is representing the needs of our community to the regional council. In the next few months the Balmaclellan Community Trust website should be going live and 460 the community council will have a page on there along with a number of other Balmaclellan groups. The plan is for all our minutes to be accessible on there as well as any information about upcoming events. We also have a Facebook page which is updated regularly (www.facebook.com/balmaclellancc). Working in tandem with the Balmaclellan Community Trust and concerned locals the derelict building in the village has now been made safe. There is also now a quarterly newsheet being distributed to every household in the parish. In November Paul Goodwin presented a fascinating talk on the history of the village war memorial which was well attended. In December our Christmas events were incredibly successful and received a huge amount of support from the Glenkens and local businesses. The Ken Bridge provided a delicious meal for our seniors and some wonderful raffle prizes were donated. The children’s party? We were overwhelmed with the generosity from local businesses and, again, locals who donated raffle prizes. The Glenkens Community Shop, CREFL, Tesco (Castle Douglas), Co-Op (Castle Douglas), New Galloway Community Council, Wilko and Morrisons (Dumfries) are amongst the many who supported us. Thank you also to the local primary schools who lent us the red suit. We had nearly 60 children attend (we were getting a bit nervous that Santa would run out of presents) and it was an extremely enjoyable afternoon for all involved. What next? Our current priority is maintaining the village hall and we will be running many more events there in the future including crafting mornings and more quiz nights to help fund this. In the long term we hope to eventually replace the hall with a more modern (easier to heat) building with a layout more suited to village needs. Ailsa Malone, Secretary, Balmaclellan Community Council Glenkens Gazette Remembering Alastair Livingstone We were all shocked by the sudden passing of Alastair Livingstone on 3 November 2018, aged just 60. A local historian and activist he brought an impressive range of talents to the study of his native Galloway with special interests in the history of Castle Douglas and the Glenkens. In what, sadly, was to prove one of our last discussions he lectured the Rev. David Bartholomew and me on the activities of local covenanters as part of the Galloway Glens project. He researched in depth the rise and fall of Gaelic in the kingdom of Galloway, publishing two important articles on the subject in Dumfries and Galloway Transactions, with a third to appear as part of the 10am-12.30pm For further information or to book a stall ring 01644 430 454 or visit www.dalrytownhall.co.uk Entrance by donation - proceeds towards Dalry Town Hall Refurbishment Fund North of Castle Douglas, A713 Ayr Road down dykes erected in the great cattle parks by eighteenth century lairds. By so doing they were putting some farmers and potentially many cottars out of work. The protesters were to prove Scotland’s only rural rebels, who were somewhat demystified by Alastair’s investigations which also uncovered new evidence that greatly enhanced our understanding of the movement. He was the ideal grad student who knew exactly what he wished to study and usually had an excellent knowledge of where his sources were to be found. I often confided to colleagues that his thesis wrote itself with a minimal input from the candidate’s supervisors, a view with which his external examiners concurred. It was a pleasure and a privilege to work with him. Galloway has lost a truly dedicated and insightful historian. Ted Cowan Group Oil Purchasing Flower We are up and Show running! At the Entries end of November New Galloway Oil Purchasing Scheme placed their first order with oil fuel distributors based at Thornhill, Allison and Hunter, achieving a fantastic 3p per litre (6%) discount on heating oil. 9th February 9th March proceedings of the conference last September on ‘Galloway, Gaelic’s Lost Province’. He was also fascinated, as we all should be, by the achievements of those Glenkensians who took themselves off to Manchester to become the cotton magnates of Britain. When cotton was king, the kings of cotton were from Glenkens! Alastair worked tirelessly on various local projects such as the Threave paths and numerous others, including support of the Galloway National Park Project. I had for years admired from afar the various causes in which he became involved and I welcomed the opportunity to work with him on his postgraduate research at the University of Glasgow’s Crichton Campus. His topic was The Galloway Levellers, the agriculturalists who knocked page 3 Community members who used the scheme said, “Wow, I saved £18 on my oil by purchasing it using the scheme”, “I can’t believe how simple the process was”, “Delivery was so prompt” and “I will definitely be using this service again.” Our next order was placed at the beginning of January and a discount of 2p per litre (4.6%) was achieved. We will continue to order at monthly intervals (first Monday of the month) during the winter/spring period, reducing to bi-monthly during the summer months. Anyone in the Glenkens area can join and make use of the scheme, although the oil-supplier reserves the right to place restrictions concerning distance and access issues. We are saving money and doing our bit for the environment by reducing the number of tankers coming into our community. If you are interested in signing up for group purchasing, require an information pack or wish to discuss further please contact Sam Rushton at samCEW@new gallowaycommunity.shop, phone 07741 656 601 or pop into New Galloway Community Shop. Our next orders will be: Monday 4 February and Monday 4 March. Sam Rushton, Community Engagement Worker (CEW) Below are the Handicraft Classes for 2019 Glenkens Flower Show (24 August), giving you plenty of time to get making... Hand Made Card; Teddy; Item Cross stitch; Toy - any craft; cushion - any craft; Child’s Hat & Mitts/Gloves - any craft; Article on Sewing Machine; Any Other Needle Craft; Article in Wood - not furniture; Original Painting or Drawing; Article Recycled Material; Any Other Craft Article. The class for 12 to 18 year-olds is for a Bug Hot made from Natural Materials. The category for this year’s Photographic Competition is ‘Castles’. For further info call Hilda on 01644 430 383. Glenkens Gazette page 4 Glenkens Gazette page 5 sponsored by sponsored by EVERYTHING listed in the Glenkens Freecycle section is FREE - you just need to contact the owner and go and pick it up! If you would like to list something on this page, please get in touch with Sarah on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk OFFERED Neoprene Muckboots, size 5, green, unisex style, fairly wide fit, very good condition, fully waterproof. Contact: Sue on 07563 718 011 Set of four wall lights with glass shades. Good condition. Contact: 01644 450 265 WANTED Any unwanted garden equipment for Garroch Walled Garden Community Project. Condition immaterial (we at present have a rusty rake, and not much else...!). Anything will be gratefully received. Contact: 420 664. Old skateboard, for moving Electric heading finally comes of age - for less cost than a HEATING SOLUTIONS standard wet system! Uniquely awarded the NF+++, Europe’s highest efficiency and manufacturing accreditation. AAA rated. • Ground-breaking technology - systems that know when you are in or out, and adjust energy use accordingly - they even check the weather! • TPI and V27 self-learning technology to detect, analyse and adapt to the user’s lifestyle. • Intelligent, interactive Wi-Fi. • Separate programme timing and temperature control for each individual room. If you would like further information, please call 0800 171 2942 or visit www.precisehs.co.uk Precise Heating Solutions Ltd registered in Scotland No. SC606152 hay/straw bales. Contact: 07563 718 011 House to let wanted, New Galloway area, local family, entry any time between now and autumn 2019, long-term let. Contact: Mary 07967 959 511 Fire bricks from old storage heaters. Contact: Simon on 07426 124 982 LOCAL INITIATIVES IN NEW GALLOWAY Can we own our Town Hall again? The Town Hall was originally owned by The Burgh Council until it was transferred in the 1970s first to The Stewartry and then to Dumfries & Galloway Council. We now have the opportunity to bring it back into local ownership. Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING) has secured grants to appoint consultants to investigate the viability and feasibility of doing this. It is now nearly three years since LING took over the day to day management of the Town Hall. Over this time we have seen its use increase both with LING events and activities and hired out to other users. The main limit to further development and expansion is the lack of accessibility to the upstairs Main Hall. D&G Council are unwilling to fund the installation of a lift and grants are not available to LING as we do not own the building. The way forward therefore is to investigate the feasibility of Volunteers hard at work at the Walled Garden. taking over the ownership of the building Street, this will be really useful for the process of asset transfer from the those who find the climb from the Council to the Community. main car park difficult. A New Car Park Exploring New Galloway With funding assistance from A working party on Wednesday Stewartry Area Committee, LING mornings has been making great has purchased a small car park area progress in the Garroch Estate Walled opposite the side door of the Town Garden. Ros Hill Hall. With parking limited on the High THE GARDEN SPOT Now that the snowdrops are up, it is time to set about many of those jobs that we do in the dormant season. Cleaning pots and tools, ordering seeds, summer bulbs and seed potatoes and making a plan for the garden for the coming season. Bare rooted trees and bushes should be planted now (my new rose has just gone in). Fruit trees should be pruned now, cut out the damaged and crossing branches and when you prune, always leave a short stub – this is where the new fruit will form. The same applies to wisteria, prune last year’s growth back to 2/3 buds – if you cut out last year’s growth back to old wood, you are pruning out this year’s flowers! Don’t prune plums or cherries though, they should only be done in the summer. I have decided to be more adventurous in my planting this year. In the ornamental garden I have already planted a yellow flowered magnolia and will be trying again with sea holly and blue poppies. I have also taken delivery of some more exotic seeds but these will have to be started off in the propagator in the greenhouse. The real adventures this year will be in the veg plot where I will ONLY be growing veggies or varieties that you cannot get in Tesco. For tatties I will go for pink fir apple which is the finest salad potato (even if it is ugly). For root crops; salsify or scorzonera, and I might give oca another try. In the greenhouse, I will be trying new varieties of tomato and chilli. Last year I had great success with sweetcorn and sweet potato (see photo). The latter is a climber and needs greenhouse heat, but it’s well worth the effort. If, like me, you like to use any left-over seeds from last year, I recommend you throw any old carrot seeds away and buy new – they really don’t keep well. The Intrepid Gardener Sweet potatoes. Glenkens Gazette page 6 UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE The University of the Third Age is an international movement whose aims are the education and stimulation of mainly retired members of the community - those in their third ‘age’ of life. It is commonly referred to as U3A (from Wikipedia). U3A membership is not related to a specific age but to a period in one’s life (the third age) after Dalry ELC Polytunnel Dalry Early Learning & Childcare (ELC) would like to thank Marta McDonald for the kind donation of the polytunnel, and Mr and Mrs Elder for the woodchips. The tunnel will be a fantastic resource for the children, especially over the winter months. However, the polytunnel was sadly vandalised between 4pm Wednesday 16 and 8am Thursday 17 January. Two youths were spotted in or around the school that evening. If anyone has any information which would be helpful, please contact Dalry Primary School on 01644 430 105. Jenna Devlin, Dalry ELC Teacher New Galloway Golf Club Founded 1902 www.nggc.co.uk - 01644 420737 Buggies now available for hire VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME the second age of full-time employment and parental responsibility. Anybody in their third age can join U3A and this includes people who are working part-time. There is no lower age for membership. The Stewartry U3A has over 300 members, and has a monthly meeting in Castle Douglas Parish Church (at each meeting there is an interesting talk), organised trips and a whole host of interest groups who meet regularly, including Latin, lunch clubs, line dancing and local history – and that’s just the Ls! If you are no longer in full-time employment, and have an active mind, check out their website at www.stewartryu3a.org.uk (it’s a great website by the way). Paul Goodwin Glenkens Gazette page 7 EX-KELLS PRIMARY PUPILS... The current Kells school is 50 years old this year, and we’re planning some celebrations. From the Desk of the Galloway Glens Scheme This issue is from Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership (GGLP) Education & Community Engagement Officer, Helen Keron: My first three months in this role has been full of meetings and planning as I try and understand how best to move my projects forward. Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to meet me; things are really beginning to firm up now. The Business Academy is well underway, with our first free event ‘Maximising the Income from Your Accommodation Business’ happening at the Clachan Inn, Dalry, on 31 January. More events will be happening monthly, in partnership with Business Gateway – see the advert over-page for details of this and other upcoming events. I am also excited to be starting our Community Archaeology programme ‘Can You Dig It’ very soon. This will be happening at a few locations over the Galloway Glens area, and will consist of talks and walking surveys as well as a summer dig. All are welcome to these free events. Biosphere Explorers is a lovely project being run by the Crichton Carbon Centre to introduce primary school children to the very special place that they live in. Ken Words is a Glenkens Community & Arts Trust literature project based out of the CatStrand, hosting writers’ cafes and poetry walks – all levels of experience are welcome at these informal and inspiring events (see p24 of this issue). I have also been working with the schools in the area to see how we can best use some of the other Galloway Glens projects to tie in with the curriculum, and also offer new opportunities that don’t exist at present. One very exciting plan in development is to offer Modern Apprenticeships in Rural Skills in the area, which we will be seeking work placement providers for in due course. Also we hope to start ‘Galloway Glens Goes Wild’ in the summer, for P5/P6 pupils to re-discover what they can do for free in the outdoors. A focus throughout my planning has been on removing barriers to attendance. Most Galloway Glens events are free or heavily subsidised, and I will also be working with each project to produce accessibility postcards about events, provide information and make them as accessible as possible. All of the 35 Galloway Glens projects aim to either connect people with their local heritage or to support sustainable rural communities. I hope that over the next four years you will see a real difference to this area thanks to these projects. They have been enabled by the Heritage Lottery Fund and partnership funding, but also by the huge amount of volunteer effort put in by our community project partners. Thank you to all of you, these things wouldn’t happen without you! To find out more visit www.gallowayglens.org, sign up for our email newsletter, follow us on Facebook and Twitter @Gallowayglens, or get in touch with me on 07827 306 866 or Helen.keron@dumgal.gov.uk We’d love to have people’s memories, photos and stories of Kells school from pre-1969, when it was in the CatStrand building, as well as from the current school. To get in touch, please call Kells school on 01644 420 340. Mary Smith, Chair, Kells Parent Teacher Council GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL 01644 420234 Glenkens Gazette page 8 New Appointment at CatStrand As reported in the October issue, CatStrand’s creative director, Simon Davidson, had left to take on a new role as Centre Director at the soon-to-open Moat Brae Centre for Children’s Literature in Dumfries. The Glenkens Community & Aart Trust board took the opportunity of reviewing some of the existing job roles in the organisation and advertised for the role of Arts, Culture & Heritage Manager, effectively a replacement for the previous creative director role albeit with a slightly adjusted remit. The Board were delighted with the number and quality of applicants, but were unanimous in agreeing that Aidan Nicol had exactly the range of talents and experience required for the job. Aidan will already be familiar to many people as she has been very successfully leading and developing CatStrand’s Youth Arts Project for almost two years. Aidan grew up in Shetland but has lived and worked all over Scotland. This has included working for arts festivals and delivering arts projects ranging from coordinating the Hebrides International Film Festival to running film education charities in Edinburgh to working as a production coordinator on documentary TV series in Aberdeen. In 2017 she finally Aidan Nicol, CatStrand’s new Arts, Culture & found her way down to Heritage Manager. the warmer climes of forward to working with CatStrand’s Bonny Galloway and to dedicated and talented team. I am CatStrand. Aidan says: “I am passionate about very happy to have found such a creative, innovative and friendly continuing the celebration of the community here in the Glenkens. arts which CatStrand has achieved Thanks for making me so welcome.” over the last decade, and look ‘CAMRA PUB OF THE YEAR 2018’ - three changing cask ales & cider - fresh, seasonal & local food - open all day every day - award-winning food, beer & atmosphere - en-suite accommodation - 20% off takeaway discount - country sport & walkers facilities - 01644 430 241 www.theclachaninn.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 9 CatStrand Highlights Spring has sprung, at least at CatStrand, and February ushers in a new programme of events and activities to ease us into 2019 and keep us going through these gradually lengthening days. We begin on Friday 1 February with an event for classical music lovers and those that enjoy a good story. Pianist Reiko Fujisawa returns to CatStrand for a spoken word and music recital celebrating the extraordinary life of Clara Schumann which will see Reiko perform Clara’s compositions alongside that of composers she was closely associated with including Brahms, Beethoven, Chopin and her husband Robert Schumann. Reiko is joined by Crawford Logan who will narrate the story of Clara’s life through readings that will tie together this evening of story and music which The Times described as “a total joy”. February also promises a moving contemporary dance piece from Dundee based company Shaper/ Caper. Within this Dust features cinematic elements as well as expressive theatre and dance in an exploration of the events of 9/11, taking inspiration from Richard Drew’s iconic photographs of a man falling from the world trade centre. The performance in the evening on Friday 8 February will be preceded by a performance from our choreo skills lab dancers, performing their own pieces and a piece devised during a workshop run by Shaper/Caper that day. Anyone who would like to participate in the dance/movement workshop delivered by the company with support from Sara Lockwood is welcome to join in, the session will run from 11-5pm at the town hall in New Galloway. The workshop is free and open to ages 12+. Please contact aidan@catstrand.com for more information on the workshop. Dark Sky Jazz promises to light up the dreary February nights, this month featuring Graham Costello’s STRATA who make their debut at CatStrand as part of their tour of new album ‘Obelisk’ on Saturday 16 February. New lunchtime theatre is on the menu with our Play & a Piece events. Join us for a sandwich and hot or cold drink whilst enjoying classic one act plays from Rapture Theatre from 1pm on Tue 12 Feb, Thurs 7 March and Tue 26th March. Open Stage returns on Wednesday 20 February with host Alan McClure for an entertaining evening of music, song, spoken word, stories, magic and more. Everyone is welcome to perform or just sit back and enjoy a night of entertainment. It’s a free event and there’s no need to book a slot to play, just come along and join in from 7.30pm. Is your New Years’ resolution to try something new? Ollie Rigg is bringing his trad tin whistle skills to CatStrand as we kick off Learn the Whistle groups starting on Thursday 28 February. The new weekly groups, supported by Connecting in Communities and CatStrandYouth, will run for 4-12s and over 12s & adults on Thursday afternoons for an 8 week block. Contact chris@catstrand.com to find out more. We’re delighted to have the Scottish Chamber Orchestra’s Big Ears Little Ears trio performance coming to CatStrand on Sunday 17 March. This interactive introduction to classical music is for ages 012 and accompanying adults to experience the magic of orchestras. Get up close with instruments and musicians in a relaxed child friendly environment. Under 18s go free and it’s only £5 for grown-ups - that’s got to be a lovely way to spend a morning with your wee ones. Our full spring brochures are available now from CatStrand, or take a look online at www.catstrand.com Within This Dust © Shaper/Caper Glenkens Gazette page 10 THE CATSTRAND YOUTH PLAYERS' SPRING SEASON Fresh from the success of their hugely successful pantomime in December, CatStrand Youth Players move on to Festival Season with three one-act plays currently being rehearsed to take part in the Stewartry round of the SCDA Drama Festival at the end of February. The festival, to be held in The Fullarton Theatre, Castle Douglas, from 20-23 February, is one of the biggest for many years having attracted thirteen entries. A four-night festival is very rare anywhere in Scotland nowadays, with many districts sadly struggling to even muster enough entries to have a competition at all. The Stewartry is definitely the hotbed of community drama in Scotland! The Youth Players have been proud to represent the Stewartry District in the West of Scotland Finals on five occasions in the past ten years and this year’s cast members will be trying to emulate last year’s success when Exit Stage Left, directed by Zoe Kirkpatrick, won the Stewartry round and progressed to the next round in Stewarton. The plays will be performed all together at CatStrand on Friday 15 March at 7.30pm and will each appear at The Fullarton during the Stewartry Festival on the dates noted beside the plays below. The Dust of the Street by Harry Glass A very popular festival play by renowned Scottish playwright Harry Glass. Set in the Jewish ghetto of Warsaw in July 1942 at the beginning of the Nazis’ Glenkens Gazette page 11 FINAL FLASH FICTION This will be the last of these competitions but I’d like to thank all of those who have taken part. It’s been a pleasure to read your work. If anyone has any suggestions for a future writing feature/ competition, please contact Sarah at glenkensgazette @hotmail.co.uk Ian Patrick The winner of the December/January Flash Fiction Competition is Paul Goodwin with Classroom Rebel (printed below). Competition judge Ian says: “A unique approach that fits well with the theme. Congratulations, Paul." About the author: After many years of writing about how things are… now, in retirement, I am greatly enjoying writing about how I imagine things to be. Sort of shaking off the shackles and rules; and just letting my imagination run free. Classroom Rebel Thank you for that introduction madam chairman… The cast take a bow at the end of their three night run of ‘Cinderella’ in December - one of the most successful panto seasons to date with every show selling out! Photo by Ian Biggar. infamous “Final Solution” pogrom, when day after day, thousands of men, women and children, innocent of any crime, were taken to their death. The play is a moving tribute to the persistence and bravery of the children, turned smugglers, who endangered themselves countless times in order to sustain their families and the community as a whole. (Second play on stage at The Fullarton on Thursday 21 February.) The Tick of the Clock by Ron Dune This will be the first UK production of this amusing play from American playwright Ron Dune. Being late is not just a habit for Don Hault, it’s a lifestyle. In fact, being late causes him to lose his job, his girlfriend, his best friend, and his self-respect. But then, while in the depths of despair, he meets a mysterious street vendor who offers him a very special watch. Don soon finds out that this watch does not tell time, it gives it. With the simple push of a button he is able to freeze time. His new found power seems to be the solution to all his problems, but of course, time has a way of catching up with us all. (Second play on stage on Friday 22 February.) Bar and Ger by Geraldine Aron Another well-known play telling the tender, simple story of the relationship between a sister and her younger brother. Described in realistic, down to earth language, episodic flashes of dialogue span a period of seventeen years and are linked by the sister’s narrative. Produced to acclaim throughout the world, Geraldine Aron’s unique style and remarkable feeling for words ensures the play is still as fresh and poignant today as it was when it was first written in 1980. (Second play on stage on Saturday 23 February.) Please come along and support the Youth Players if you can, Festival tickets are available direct from The Fullarton at www.thefullarton.co.uk and tickets for the CatStrand show can be purchased at www.catstrand.com Ladies and Gentlemen – as you know from the introduction, I previously taught maths in an inner-city school that had more than its share of challenges from the surrounding estate. My student - let’s call him Jack. He was a little less disruptive than some, sometimes he even handed in his homework although rarely of a good quality. Very soon I began to notice that he seemed to get the right answers to hard questions but get easier ones wrong. I kept my own counsel. On one occasion Jack and another lad had been particularly boisterous so I held them back as the class left. “Consider this your last warning, any more of that nonsense and it will be detention”. The other lad left but Jack held back. “Does that mean that I get to stay behind and do more maths Mr Platts?” “Exactly,” I replied. “Good,” he said as he left. I should point out here that Jack came from a well-known family. Well known to the police and social services that is. There was usually at least one of the family on remand, serving a sentence or wearing a tag. Anyway, the very next lesson, right at the end, just before the bell, Jack stood up and threw a paper aeroplane directly at me, bold as brass. “Jack, detention!” Was my immediate reaction. He just smiled. Jack turned up promptly for his detention and worked hard on the exercises I set him. As he left at the end, he thanked me. And as I do with all detention work, I dropped it straight into the bin while he watched – I think the pointlessness of it gets across sometimes. He seemed disappointed but left in silence. On a hunch, I removed his work from the bin and started to look through it. I was astounded! It was almost the best work I have seen from someone of his age, not without its faults but well above the standard I had come to expect. About a week later, Jack was again misbehaving in class, just enough to earn a detention, this time one of several students. At the end of the detention period I asked him to stay behind and he watched as I removed his newly completed work from the bin. Excellent work last week Jack, well done. Jack soon got a reputation for being the class rebel, earning more detentions than anyone else. His maths improved as I was able to coach him when noone else was around. You see he needed to survive amongst his peers. Jack is now at university – the ‘white sheep’ of the family. The Gazette would like to give a huge thank you to Ian for running the Flash Fiction competition, and generously donating each issue’s winning prize of a £10 Amazon book voucher. We’ve had some great entries, and hope people will continue sending in their stories. Wright’s Shop & Post Office Dalry Licensed convenience store and newsagent stocking a range of local suppliers including Irvings Bakers, Ballards and Dalmellington Country Butchers and Mitchells Fruit and Veg. Opening Times (both shop & PO): Monday to Friday: 7am – 6pm Saturday: 8am – 6pm Sunday: 8.30am – 4pm Tel: 01644 430 225 THE STEWARTRY VETERINARY CENTRE CASTLE DOUGLAS SURGERY HOURS Mon-Fri 2.00-2.30 pm & 5-6 pm Sat 2-2.30 pm DALBEATTIE SURGERY HOURS Mon, Wed, Fri 3-3.30 pm Tues & Thurs 6-6.30 pm FOR APPOINTMENTS AT BOTH SURGERIES OR IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY � 01556 502263 VETERINARY SURGERY OAKWELL ROAD CASTLE DOUGLAS � Glenkens Gazette page 12 WHAT DID JAMES CLERK MAXWELL DO? I’ve passed through Parton many times over the last 20 years, often wondering what this James Clark Maxwell actually did to warrant a sign with his name on it. I had heard rumours of course, “Einstein’s Einstein” being the most intriguing, though I never really followed this up (given the enormity of what was implied I now can’t imagine why). That was until recently when research commenced as part of our current Energise art project exploring the past, present and future of the Galloway hydros and their interactions with the local community, energy and climate change. And what I discovered has been truly amazing... In 1861 Maxwell published a paper On Physical Lines of Force, which in language I can understand seems to be the discovery that electricity, magnetism and light are manifestations of the same phenomena, thinking that paved the way for much modern scientific thought and the advancement of many things we simply take for granted today. He would stand easily in a room with Franklin, Faraday or Nikola Tesla. Imagine for just a moment a world without TV or radio, electric lighting, computers, DVDs, iPhones, vacuum cleaners, air conditioning, fridge freezers, electric drills or Xboxes...the list goes on. Many of the magnificent advances in science, medicine and technology of the 20th century and the building blocks of industry were based on his discoveries. His work led to an Electricity Act in the 1920s with the intent to form a nationalised electricity grid network linking all (almost) homes and industries across the UK to a stable electricity supply - one of the cornerstones of modern society. This in turn led to the construction of the Galloway Hydro Electric Scheme in the 1930s that now forms part of the unique heritage of the Galloway Glens and which provides power equivalent to some 59,000 homes a year James Clerk Maxwell © George J Stodart. from its six dams. The hydros are now an accepted (certainly not the case at their hydrological cycle, global energy, construction) and integral part lifestyle and climate change. Our of the community, with people final creative bodies of work are interacting with them in many beginning to take form, though we different ways. And yet many continue to be influenced by our simply take them for granted, as ongoing community engagements I did James Clark Maxwell, one and thinking. It will be very of history’s truly great scientific exciting to see final works evolving thinkers, who I consider to be in the coming months. one of the founding fathers to the In the next edition of the Gazette we will bring you more on the project as it nears its completion, including information on local events in the Galloway Glens to share our experiences with the community, together with details of our exhibition at Gracefield Arts Centre in second industrial revolution. But the fascinating story of James Dumfries in May. In the meantime, if you have any photos, anecdotes, Clark Maxwell forms just one small stories or comments please get in element of the wider project, set touch. up by Uplands Arts Development, But for now, driving through which involves two artist residencies interpreting the themes Parton will never be quite the same again... in different ways. Explorations Ted Leeming, including community and personal Leeming + Paterson Photography identity with the scheme, the ...the discovery that electricity, magnetism and light are manifestations of the same phenomena, thinking that paved the way for much modern scientific thought and the advancement of many things we simply take for granted today. Glenkens Gazette page 13 Artists Uncover Tales of the Dam Builders Artists investigating the story of the Galloway Glens’ dams, reservoirs and power stations are uncovering fascinating glimpses of a colourful cultural past. Ted Leeming and Morag Paterson have been talking to people of all ages across the area about their thoughts, memories and attitudes towards the huge hydro projects of the 1930s. Morag said: “The response has been tremendous and we’d love to hear more. We’ve lived in this area for more than 20 years ourselves, but the stories people tell us are helping us see the entire landscape through new eyes. “For many there is a pride in being home to a huge source of renewable energy and a real sense of the importance of green power for the future. “Some older residents have told us about the impact that the arrival of up to 2,000 construction workers had on this remote rural area – especially when they needed to let off steam. “We’ve heard how the camps had their own football teams and competed in the local league – with Glenlee winning the cup in 1932. “And then there are stories about how the men hired a local bus to take them round the pubs and offload them back at the camps ‘pickled with drink’ at the end of the night. “But there were other sides to life in the construction camps. We heard how the local minister Thomas P Hitman regularly did a round trip of 160 miles on his pushbike to attend to the spiritual needs of the men and organise recreational activities. It seems the Church eventually bought him a motorbike.” The project, called Energise, Earlstoun dam, part of the Galloway hydro electric scheme. focuses on the history and legacy of the Galloway hydro electric scheme, exploring perceptions and responses to climate change with specific regard to renewable energy. The artists have engaged with young people through schools and with the general public through open sessions, and by inviting people to write using special postcards that have been distributed round public buildings. Once their research is complete Leeming and Paterson, who are internationally renowned photographers, and Dundeebased artist Jason Nelson, along with fellow artist Cat Major, will create artworks inspired by what they have learned. Energise has been set up by Dumfries & Galloway’s Upland Arts Development organisation. Amy Marletta, projects director at Upland Arts Development, said: “Just about everyone in the Galloway Glens has been affected by the hydro schemes. They help power people’s homes, give us areas to go walking or cycling, and clearly made a big difference to local society when they were being built. “We are really pleased that people from the area are really getting involved and making their contribution to Energise.” The project is supported by Creative Scotland and the Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership. McNabb Laurie, Galloway Glens team leader, said: “The Galloway hydro scheme, constructed in the 1930s, continues to be a distinctive influence on the valley. “At the time of commissioning it employed 90 staff. Automation and technological advances have reduced that to around 25 but, with an average electricity output each year of about 90% of Dumfries & Galloway’s annual requirement, the technology is still performing well today and the scheme is a notable player in the national energy mix. “Initial results from this project have been very interesting and I urge anyone interested to visit the project’s Facebook page for progress.” If you would like to contact Leeming and Paterson with your thoughts, views and memories about the dams then email info@leemingpaterson.com or call 07917 102 693, or to find out more visit www.weareupland.com COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS IN THE GLENKENS... Glenkens Gazette page 14 Glenkens Gazette page 15 VOLUNTEER A LITTLE TIME - SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY, SUPPORT YOURSELF On this page we have an overview of the community organisations in the Glenkens who provide all kinds of services and activities to our communities. These groups are always looking for more hands on deck as, without volunteers, they couldn’t provide the services they do. So please get in touch, there’s plenty of choice - they would love to hear from you! Glenkens Community Shop The Glenkens Community Shop in Dalry is now approaching its seventh year and what a year it is going to be, with our new renovation and refit, thanks to the Pamela Young Trust. Since opening in 2012 we have given back over £50,000 to Glenkens community projects and individuals. Here in the shop we are always looking for volunteers to help us continue in this work. It’s also a great way to make new friends and become part of a thriving community. If you can spare 2.5 hours or more a week, we would love to hear from you. Call in or ring 07955 743 022 CatStrand Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING) CatStrand relies on volunteers to help run and manage all our events and services. LING took over the management of New Galloway Town Hall from D&G Council nearly three years ago. Extra volunteers would be much welcomed to help at our regular Tuesday LING Lunches, Tuesday evening Sports or upcoming Sunday Family Afternoons of Jigsaws, Board games and Pool. ‘Exploring New Galloway’ is a Galloway Glens project where LING volunteers are improving and maintaining the Golf Club footpaths, and footpaths and tracks within the Garroch Estate. The Walled Garden at The Garroch is also being improved, with overgrowth being trimmed back and some new climbing roses already planted. Volunteer working parties for paths and the garden take place on a regular basis and all are welcome. With more activity comes more admin and the need to keep people aware of what’s going on, as well as the ongoing background committee work. So do come and join us in whatever way you would like! Contact: ros.hill@rathanhouse.co.uk Volunteers installing a community noticeboard outside Wright’s Shop, Dalry. Dalry Community Properties Trust (DCPT) DCPT is a charitable organisation (SCIO) established in 2015 to own and care for community buildings and land in the Dalry area. We rely on a board of voluntary trustees to carry out our important community work which includes ownership of the Glenkens Community Centre, plus interests in two plots of village land. Additional trustees and volunteers are now being sought to enable us to carry forward an exciting range of projects in 2019, including a community garden, local recycling facilities, a visitor bothy or camping area and a Small Business Zone. Experience of gardening, DIY, fundraising and organising events is particularly welcome, however, willingness to get involved and help out is just as important. Please contact Andi Holmes for a chat about becoming a member of DCPT and helping to shape the future of our local community. Contact: andiholmes@hotmail.com phone: 07729292126 Dalry Town Hall Dalry Town Hall is a fine old building that is one of the main social centres for the village and for the wider Glenkens community. Volunteers and regulars at Glenkens Community Shop. As the management committee, our job is to keep the building in good repair through hiring out the hall to others but also through organising and managing social events. As a small but active team we presently run the Glenkens Farmers’ Market on a monthly basis, fortnightly film shows, ceilidhs, craft fairs, quizzes, song & tune sharing sessions and whatever else we can think of that will appeal to the community. We are currently developing a project under the banner of the Galloway Glens that we hope will make the hall into a local heritage hub to celebrate our common history. We are looking for others to join our team to help maintain and develop this interesting building in the centre of Dalry. To find out more ring Jim Reid on 01644 430231 So, if you could you spare a little time to help out then please come and join us. We are looking for enthusiastic people of all ages to join our fantastic team of volunteers. There are loads of ways to get involved, it’s great fun and training is available. You could help with stewarding at events, working in the café, bar, reception or shop, minibus driving, or if you’re under 25 come and see what the youth volunteers are up to (it involves a lot of pizza!)... Contact chris@catstrand.com or call CatStrand on 01644 420 374 or pop in and see us. Balmaclellan Community Trust During the next year Balmaclellan Community Trust’s main priority, along with Balmaclellan Village Hall Trust and the Community Council, is to continue to maintain the village hall. We are hoping this year to facilitate the painting of the village hall and also to organise new events such as craft mornings and coffee mornings, while continuing to support existing events such as our popular quiz nights and craft fairs. We are always looking for people who would be willing to help at any of our events or as a member of the Trust. Do get in touch if you can spare some time to help out in Balmaclellan. To get in touch contact Julia Higgins (chair) at julia.higgins55@outlook.com Schools The Glenkens partnership of schools includes Carsphairn, Dalry and Kells (New Galloway) Primary Schools, as well as the Dalry Early Learning and Childcare (Dalry ELC) which serves Glenkens children from 3-5 years old. In addition, we have the Bright Stars Glenkens Community Nursery in Dalry, which offer places to children from 2-5 years old, and Dalry High School, now in partnership with Castle Douglas High School. Volunteers from the community are welcomed in all these settings, to come in and work with children or support the staff. PVG checks may be required, depending on the role, but the school can help with this. Pop into the school office or contact Bright Stars on glenkensco mmunitynursery@gmail.com Children and parents enjoying the Bright Stars holiday activities. New Galloway Community Enterprises (NGCE) New Galloway’s Community Engagement Worker, Sam Rushton, is working on a variety of projects and activities that are of community benefit. Projects to date include an oil-fuel buying cooperative (see p5), a pot luck supper, citizen advice bureau surgeries, an alzheimer’s information session, and football sessions in the park. Sam needs help with things such as co-ordinating orders and deliveries for the oil buying project, administrative tasks such as photocopying and scanning, designing posters to advertise and promote community engagement projects, delivering posters around the community, and advertising events and activities, among many other things. If you have any other skills or ideas that you feel that you could offer, please do get in touch. The shop also offers volunteering opportunities to people looking to start or re-start working in a retail job. Get in touch with Sam on 07741656601, samCEW@newgallowaycommunity.shop or pop into New Galloway Community Shop. This article has been sponsored by the Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership Scheme, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. One of the key aims of the Galloway Glens Scheme is to support sustainable communities, and volunteers are a key part of a thriving community. Contact Helen Keron, the Galloway Glens Education & Community Engagement Officer, on helen.keron@dumgal.gov.uk for more details. Please get in touch if we have missed your community organisation and we’d be happy to include it in a future issue of the Gazette. Glenkens Gazette page 16 GIVING OUR YOUNG PEOPLE A VOICE It’s an exciting time to be involved in schools in the Glenkens – there are challenges as always but also, very importantly, lots of positive dialogue, creative ideas and action for working together to move forward with energy and enthusiasm. That’s what makes our schools a positive place for our children, a positive part of the community and attracts families to the area. With this in mind, the schools will be working with the Gazette on a new section, starting next issue, entitled ‘Pupil Voice’. Glenkens pupils have lots to say and we are keen that they have a strong voice within their schools and in the wider community, so we are supporting pupils to take the lead in contributing not only school news but also their views and opinions on school life and beyond. It can also be a space for parents, staff and other community members who are involved to contribute constructive news and experiences. Watch this space - and please do get involved! Mary Smith, Kells Parent Council chair Ian Johnston, Dalry Parent Council chair Irene McCeath, Carsphairn Parent Council chair Schools Competition Carsphairn Primary News S3 pupils from Dalry Secondary School enjoyed a taste of college life when they participated in the Schools Competition. In their teams, they went to different workshops at D&G College. Everyone learned new skills and enjoyed working in a team. Some comments from the students were: "I learned a lot and it was cool to be in a real studio," "We should do it again next year!" "It was really fun and you made friends," "I enjoyed the experience because we got to learn a new trade and meet new people." Dalry pupils having fun. Special congratulations go to our prize winners Hana Ade-Macrae & Sarah McCreath who received 1st Prize in Digital Photography; Andrew Ramsay & Andrew Burrows who received 2nd in the Wallpapering Challenge; Grace Jeffery Temple & Euan Hockey who received 3rd Prize in Visual Communications. Kells Christmas Concert This year for the Kells Christmas Concert we had loads of different songs that we learned. We sang The Snowman, The Penguin Song, Rocking around the Christmas tree and everyone loved The Hippopotamus for Christmas. It went very well. In the Snowman there was an actual snowman on stage and the Megan did a brilliant job making the face. The Penguin song had loads of penguins. Jake and Sanna were both really brave being chiefs of the penguins. In the Christmas tree song everyone had loads of fun! When we played the saxophones AKA: carrots and parsnips, everyone gave it their all. Finally the Hippopotamus song that everyone enjoyed some people were dancing and there was a hippopotamus going up and down the hall. I felt happy and proud, especially when I played the clarinet, Fiona played the violin and Rosie the piano. The songs were the best bit and everyone sang to the best of their ability. At the end the audience got mince pies, drinks and biscuits. I’m sure that the parents all enjoyed the show. I think that it was the best Christmas show we have ever done. I hope we have the same fun next year. Sophie Roberts, Kells Primary Kells Primary pupils performing at their Christmas concert. It was a busy term two for us here at Carsphairn. We made our Calendar which celebrates memories of our 295 year old school (available to pick up for free in the village hall). We also put on a play called A Christmas Saga - it was a challenge with our small numbers but with the use of technology we put on a great performance! The performance was followed by festive beverages and snacks, before we started our amazing Christmas Quiz. Well done to all the teams that took part but it was Hillbillies that came out on top. Thank you for everyone's continued support. Naomi & Crawford, P7, Carsphairn Primary Attendees enjoying Carsphairn Primary’s Christmas events. Glenkens Gazette page 17 Kells Primary’s New Adventures The Primary 4-7 class at Kells have been doing regular Forest Friday sessions. These are amazing opportunities giving us the skills to become confident individuals; learning happily together, taking risks, making decisions, solving problems and living! A few activities we have explored are: cutting wood, building bridges (not walls!), lighting fires, cooking out and building together - we even went on an expedition to find the North Pole (well done Rosa)! Last week we decided as a class that we should stay at base and explore the gazebo (see last issue), also there was a weather warning and we have to respect that. We drew concentric circles on the floor and we applied geometry to measure shapes! We formed a mandala (a Buddhist design based on circles and the universe). When the entire floor was completed it looked like a pebble had just been dropped into a pool of sparkling water! Next we wrote important ideas, connecting our words. Sticking with earth themed thoughts and things that we had learned about life in school… like: when all the space was filled with ideas, the words written in chalk, so that one day they would all disappear… we stood around this piece of artwork, we were all so connected it felt Ideas and connecting words written in chalk in the concentric circles as if we were all of the mandala in the Kells Primary gazebo. holding hands. We took turns to walk who is always there by our side when into the centre of our mandala and we need him, Ms Harper who is an have a chance to read something out amazing person to have around and loud, something we felt deeply. Some is wonderful at looking after us if we of the adults and children were in need anything. tears, this was such a beautiful thing But… finally a huge thank you to - it was like we were a big family Mister Thompson for the last two – connected! years as our teacher, we feel as if We know that things begin and we have finally climbed to the top of things come to an end. What we the biggest mountain out there with believe is that they last. As a you… however, you have also taught connected team we have understood us that we can still climb higher, so much together. We are so grateful to always look up, to strive and to for this process and we couldn’t have believe. Thank you for helping us achieved this without Mary who led realise that life is so meaningful and the mandala activity and is always more fun than we expected; it is a (up to her neck!) in the river with us fantastic view from here! and happy to help in any way, Sam Fiona Edgar, P7, Kells Primary Dalry Primary Christmas Show When it came to the time when we had to start thinking about our Christmas show, the P6/7 decided to write it by ourselves. We decided to base it on the film The Greatest Showman, but with a difference - The Greatest Snowman - and we also changed up the characters a bit. Everybody was snow people, and we had The Greatest Snowman and the singing lady, a snow-wife, three snow children and people like that. Everybody went to the North Pole in the play so it was all polar bears and snow people. On the journey to the North Pole they met a polar bear that is vegetarian, a rapping sloth, Santa, a snowman with a yellow birth mark, a reindeer with a blue nose, a very tall elf called Torrance (which means tall) and a singing lady. Two people also made up the dances for some of the Dalry Primary performing The Greatest Snowman. songs and we changed most of the song words as well. We made all of the props and painted them and stuff like that. It went really well because everybody learned their lines in such a short amount of time, and they remembered them all really well. Everybody had so much fun when we practised it, and when we showed everybody that came to watch it. We did our Christmas show two times, on a Monday night and a Tuesday afternoon. On the Monday we did one of the songs again because everybody loved it so much. Lola & Joe, P6, Dalry Primary Glenkens Gazette page 18 BUSINESS IN THE SPOTLIGHT This section Rachel Hattersley: showcases a different local business each Dru Yoga Teacher issue, giving readers a taste of the diverse and flourishing entrepreneurial world of the Glenkens. If you would like to feature your business, please email an article of up to 500 words with a photograph to glenkensgazette@ hotmail.co.uk Hello, I’m Rachael and I just moved to Galloway in August. I am loving it here. All the wide open spaces, the water, the landscape and the sheer vastness of nature! We moved here quite by chance, upon finding a property at the top of Woodhall Loch whilst looking for something with all of the above, but a little nearer to our previous home in Yorkshire. And so far it doesn’t disappoint. We were looking for somewhere with space and community and I am very much enjoying becoming part of the community up here too. I am already teaching yoga at Balmaghie/Laurieston Village Hall, and we have a little group that’s slowly growing. It’s perfect for complete beginners, and we are learning about our bodies and how to move in slow, gentle, compassionate ways to create more peace and stillness in our minds, better movement and freedom in our bodies, and a smile in our hearts. I have also been offering my first treatments from the spare room at home overlooking the loch, which makes the most wonderful picturesque treatment room and is a total joy. Yoga is a practice of union or balance. Of bringing mind, body and spirit together so we can be at one with ourselves and the world. It can literally help with anything. Anything physical, Rachael with her class at Laurieston Village from stiffness, pain and injuries Hall. to diabetes, high and low total re-education for me over the blood pressure, migraines and last 12 years, learning to listen and headaches; right through to mental respond to my body and mind and to and emotional challenges. And is give them what they need. And I am particularly great at giving us the all the happier for it. space to breathe and to be, when life I love the work I do, and I love is getting on top of us. seeing people become happier and The style of yoga I teach is called healthier and more at one with Dru Yoga which means ‘still point’. It is themselves, and know that it ripples yoga combined with Tai Chi to create out far and wide in to all areas of their beautiful, flowing movements that lives. From work to relationships to allow our bodies to soften, relax and how confident they are in themselves, flow and really focuses on the energy and that is a beautiful thing in the of the practice and on feeling on top world. of the world. The beauty of this is The work I do has helped me to find that it makes it accessible to anyone my natural flow, just in the same way and everyone - all ages, shapes, sizes nature has hers, and it’s nice to bring and conditions are welcome. It is these things together here in Galloway. very modifiable, and there is always Classes are on Thursdays from something we can do and join in 12.30–2pm at Laurieston Village with. My classes are about creating a Hall, and treatments are available welcoming environment, a place we to support physical, mental can learn about ourselves and our bodies and about coming together as a and emotional health (visit my website www.aspiretobe.net community. to find out more) at my home The type of treatments I offer are in Mossdale - please get in also about working with energy and touch on 01644 450 269 or bodies and minds. Bodies often know rachael@aspiretobe.net what they need and minds are often Rachael Hattersley desperate to switch off! It’s been a HOUSE REPAIRS JOINERY Semi-retired Furniture Maker & Builder in GLENKENS AREA ...special rates for inclusion of tea, cake and friendly banter... Call Pete on 07970 462 088 Glenkens Gazette page 19 What’s Happening With Watson Birds Many readers may have thought the Watson Bird Project had died a death, but no - it is still alive and kicking, and we are hoping for faster progress this year. In autumn 2017 we held two one-day workshops on raptor research. For the first time, we held an event outside the Glenkens, at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh. Led by internationally renowned raptor scientist Ian Newton, eight speakers brought the 70-strong audience up-to-date on the latest raptor science research. The following day we repeated much of the programme, but also added speakers who discussed local bird watching opportunities. Again, an audience of 70 were present. At both events pictures and books by Donald Watson were available to purchase, which, combined with participants fees, support from two sponsors and an entrance charge meant that we more than covered our costs. We did not run the Watson Raptor Science Prize in 2018 as two of our three judges have asked to stand down, and it has not been possible to recruit replacements as yet. Preparations are underway for the Watson Birds component of the Dalry Heritage part of the Galloway Glens scheme. Waymarking for two trails, preparation of a commentary on an app, recording of oral history of the Watsons and development of an orientation hub at the Town Hall are the key elements which are the Watson Birds contribution. In Dalry, it is particularly pleasing to see the work at Barone by new owners, the Wests, in preparation for the Watson Bird Garden. They are very committed to public access to the garden, which stretches alongside their house from the street to the northern boundary wall. Graham has been working to the plan drawn up by Chris Rollie, Andrew Bielinski and myself. Car parking will be provided, and we have just signed an agreement between Watson Birds (through the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust [GCAT], our parent organisation) and the Wests to complete the garden arrangements, which in turn will mean that it can be grant-aided. Additionally, the Wests intend to establish a café in Barone. This is a facility that many in the village have been wanting for a long time. It will be an opportunity to promote the project and the related activities, and to display some of our Watson paintings. We have agreement from the Pamela Young Trustees to use the memorial garden for project work and will be in discussion with the school about various partnership working possibilities next year. Bird boxes will be placed around the village to cater for the many different species - we are likely to contract the Men’s Shed folk in Balmaclellan (if they are up for it) to undertake this work to designs provided by Andrew Bielinski. With the agreement of the Dalry Town Hall Committee, we have installed a superb painting of raptors by Donald Watson in the Town Hall, along with a description of Donald. Finally, the conversion of the Smithy in Balmaclellan as a GCAT project gives us an opportunity to have some of Donald’s archive on display, and hopefully, this will come to fruition later this year. Spreading the project around the Glenkens is most appropriate as Donald painted throughout the area. Thank you for your continuing interest and support - we look forward to keeping you updated as works progress. Roger Crofts Photo of the Issue Sponsored by the Ken Bridge Hotel This issue’s winner is Robin Hood with this beautiful shot of a rainbow over Loch Ken. Robin wins a meal for two at the Ken Bridge Hotel’s Sunday carvery. Competition judges Dave and Sue said: “Such a stunning picture, and it really lifts the spirits, perfect for this time of year.” How to Enter: any photos taken in the Glenkens can be entered - landscapes, wildlife, portraits, action shots... Email them to glenkensgazette@hot mail.co.uk If you are a winner the Gazette will send you out a voucher - please call the Ken Bridge to book your meal, and make sure to take your winner’s voucher along with you. Glenkens Gazette page 20 TREASURES AND NAMES IN HISTORY The Glenkens Story history group starts the year with a couple of lectures, returning to the amazing story of the ‘Galloway hoard’ and discovering what place names can tell us about our history. In September 2014 Derek McLennan and a group of fellow metal detectorists searching in a Galloway field discovered the richest collection of rare and unique Viking-age objects ever found in Britain and Ireland. The Rev Dr David Bartholomew, who was one of the detectorists present at the discovery, will reveal new details about the collection when he speaks at the CatStrand on Sunday 24 February. His talk, The Galloway Hoard – The Story of its Discovery and its Astonishing Treasures, will discuss the different theories on how it came to be buried there and explore some of the unanswered One of the stunning treasures from the questions that it Galloway Hoard. raises. Names and the People of Gilbert Márkus Galloway. Exploring the placeis currently working as a placenames in this area, he will shed names researcher with the light on two thousand years Galloway Glens Landscape of history, describing the way Partnership. A Medieval historian people named their landscape and affiliate researcher at the and how names helped to create University of Glasgow, he has the world we now live in. published and lectured widely on Both lectures begin at 2.30pm place-names as a window onto and tickets, priced £5, are the past. On Saturday 30 March available from CatStrand, New he will speak at the CatStrand Galloway on 01644 420374 or on Hearing their Voices: Placewww.catstrand.com ULTRASOUND PREGNANCY SCANNING ����������������� �������������������������������� ��������������������������������� ��������������������� ����������������������������� For bookings and info: Duncan Kennedy 07860 474001 dk@passcan.co.uk www.passcan.co.uk Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents Dumfries & Galloway 01556 503744 www.ggblaw.co.uk All legal advice Offices in Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie Kirkcudbright and Dumfries Glenkens Gazette page 21 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN GLENKENS THE MOVIE? The latest Scottishthemed movie to pop out of my TV is one entitled Outlaw King (2018) starring Chris Pine of Star Trek fame in the title role featuring one of Scotland’s genuine heroes, namely Robert Bruce. Thankfully Chris’s Scottish accent is actually quite guid, better than Mel’s in Braveheart. Overall the film is well cast with the usual parade of hairy, bearded Scottish thespians grunting and slashing their way to glory. The story takes place in the period 1306 to 1310, from the murder of John Comyn at Dumfries through to Bruce’s victory at Loudon Hill, a battle which the movie greatly hypes as a kind of forerunner of Bannockburn four years later. In fact, the cinematic events focus on what might be termed Bruce’s Galloway years which, as attentive readers will doubtless recall, was discussed in this column some years ago. That short article discussed the battle of Glentrool in 1307 suggesting that legends about the victory gave rise to the tradition of another battle successfully fought by the king at Moss Raploch, at one time known as the battle of Craigencallie, beside what is now Clatteringshaws reservoir. Later tales related that the three sons of the widow of Craigencallie were rewarded by Bruce with a grant of the estate of Cumloden. The sons supposedly recommended that Bruce should order his men to round up wild and tame horses, as well as goats, to provide the appearance and sound of a large army. The English, unnerved by the allnight din, broke when attacked at daybreak. According to 17th century testimony, “there is a very big stone in the centre of the flow, which is called the King’s Stone to this day, to which he leaned his back, till his men gathered up the spoil”, an account that reeks of invention. Heroes do not rest while their men do the tidying up! More convincing is the information, if true, that many weapons had recently been found in the moss by peat-cutters but no trace of Meccas. It is not all bad news, however. The recent BBC series on The Galloway Forest produced some excellent television, as well as promotion for Galloway. Paul Murton recently introduced his viewers to Galloway lochs and most of his career has been about Scotland and her history. But one disappointment is Outlander. Professionally, I have sometimes felt deeved to death first by the books and now by the TV series. A frequent question is, “how authentic is the series?” Answer, “just as authentic as you would think concerning the story of a women who travels some hundreds of years back in time from 1945 to Jacobite Scotland when she touches a prehistoric standing stone!”. There are legions of Outlander tours all over the Heilands but few of them, though I hope I am wrong about this, ever comes to the Glenkens where the star of the show, Sam Heughan, was born in Balmaclellan. The Old Man of Storr in Skye has now featured in so many films – MacBeth, Game of Thrones, etc that he had to turn visitors away, telling them the island was shut. The message seems clear - tourists may or may not visit places seen in movies, but they are much more likely to follow-up on named sites. If film makers can go to Skye they can certainly make it to Galloway, where places must be named from here on in and local enterprise should pick up the sword for Bruce and the Glenkens alike. Ted Cowan When Walter Scott was at the height of his fame as a novelist, folk wrote to him suggesting that his next book be based on their area once they realised that he had single-handedly turned Loch Lomond and the Trossachs into tourist Meccas. them (the weapons) is known to have survived. What is disappointing is that the movie makers came nowhere near Galloway in the making of the film. Glasgow University cloisters stands in for Greyfriars, Dumfries. There are many glorious shots of the Highlands. Something could surely have been made of Kenmure Castle or Threave. The scenery around Glentrool and the mountainscapes behind Clatteringshaws are as pristine as they are stunning. Movies play a huge part in the promotion of tourism these days. When Walter Scott was at the height of his fame as a novelist, folk wrote to him suggesting that his next book be based on their area once they realised that he had singlehandedly turned Loch Lomond and the Trossachs into tourist Glenkens Gazette page 22 Language Conference Planned on Galloway Scots The first ever conference on Galloway Gaelic, staged at the CatStrand last September, was a sellout event, attracting widespread interest and much praise for its comprehensive range and the quality of its presentations. Fired by the experience, the organisers, Ted Cowan, Michael Ansell and Mike Brown, are planning another day-long event focussing this time on the distinctive Scots tongue - the leid or language of the southwest. Gallovidian Scots is still spoken, but for the last few hundred years, like other variants of Scots, its relationship with English has been fluid. For many speakers it survives as an enrichment of their English vocabulary or as a second language they use in parallel with English, preference being given to one or the other depending on circumstance and context. All over the world languages and dialects are under threat and fears have been frequently expressed that the native "Speak" of Galloway is dying out. This conference will assess its historic, current and future status. The conference, planned for the CatStrand on Saturday 7 September, will explore the origins of Galloway’s distinctive branch of Scots, the way it has both co-existed with and borrowed from other languages, and has, for several centuries, competed with English, and indeed influenced the English spoken in these parts. Surveys, some conducted recently, have mapped the use of Gallovidian Scots and the conference will draw on this work to assess the current health and future prospects of the language. Programme details and booking arrangements for The Speak of Galloway event will appear in the next edition of the Gazette. provided to the Community Councils. However, the immediate priority is to get a decision from Temporis Capital (TC) on who they wish to use to distribute the community benefit payments from Blackcraig. Representatives of GDT, individual Community Councils and local organisations met representatives of TC in a series of meetings at CatStrand over 17 and 18 January. These were helpful and constructive meetings, with TC restating their commitment to the payments and also their wish for the decisions on how the money should be spent to be made locally by people who know the area. They also support the awards being based on merit and want the money to be spent for the benefit of our communities. GDT set out their position, what they have achieved to date and what they have planned to ensure that they would be in a position to distribute the money effectively later in the year. While GDT accepted that they have no track record yet they explained that, as this was the first wind farm to make community benefit payments in this specific area, this was not a surprising position and they had the capability, experience and mind set to make it happen. In view of the very tight timescales GDT, if appointed, would also expect to work with TC and other third party providers to get all the necessary arrangements put in place. TC wants the fund to be open for applications in May. The Fund Catchment Area (the area that awards would be made to) is a topic that is being carefully considered by TC. The seven individual community councils and GDT set out what areas they thought should be covered. GDT reiterated how the seven community councils are working well together and to have any excluded from the Fund Catchment Area would be divisive in our communities. A decision from TC is expected in February. Fiona Smith, Chair, GDT UPDATE FROM THE GLENKENS AND DISTRICT TRUST The Glenkens and District Trust (GDT) have held two board meetings. Fiona Smith, the new chairman, has also attended the majority of the Community Councils making up the membership and plans are in place for her to attend the rest. Representatives of all seven Community Council members of the Trust attended the board meetings. The meetings were very positive, covering a wide range of topics with contributions from everyone present. The cohesiveness of the group was apparent, with a shared view about what GDT should do and a strong wish to work together for the benefit of our communities as a whole. Key areas of agreement related to the purpose of the Trust, the need to open up our membership to individuals and the need to develop good and transparent processes and criteria for awards. Detailed feedback is being Glenkens Gazette CHILDHOOD MEMORIES: JENE CHAMBERS I have wonderful memories of growing up on a fruit and vegetable farm in Kent, with my sister who was older than me, and brother six years younger. My father did not own the farm, he managed it for the elderly farmer. We were there when war was declared in 1938. Our cottage was the far end one of three. All three had connecting cellars, useful during air raids. Entrance was made by ladder, made by my father from the room above. A trap door was also at ground level in all three cellars leading outside. We were on high ground and could see across to the River Thames to London. We were able to see the German bombers, following the Thames to London, and the guns firing at them. As time went by the few Spitfires we had, that early, flying down at them. When the German planes were damaged, they would turn to their nearest way back to France which was Kent, and drop their bombs. We were in direct line of them. It was a large farm, and had craters in fields around us. Our cottage being on the far end, had bombs so close nearest at the top of the garden. I remember we children were in the cellars mostly on our own. The adults had to keep the produce going on the farm. The raids were coming morning, mid day and evening regularly. We had to organise getting to school. There were four of us girls around twelve years old. All gathered together. My brother also now ready for school, there were no other boys. It was a two mile plus walk along country road. We had four houses only on the way to school. We tried to make it to one of them otherwise we scrambled under the hedge with the noise of dog fights in the sky overhead. I remember, clearly, and can still visualise her, Mrs Puxley, a homely middle aged lady. Her house was halfway down a hill, long garden path to her front door with steps. We would try every time to get to her, as she would somehow feed us lemonade and biscuits. One Saturday afternoon, no one was at work. Dad saw what he thought was an incendiary bomb coming down. They always come by parachute. He came back with a German airman. He was badly injured in a thigh. Mum took him in the kitchen and did what she could for him. Richard Hearne, the actor who knew dad, came and took the airman to hospital. He was the only person with transport. We children were looking out of the trap doors from the cellar. The airman was very young and fair haired. He looked straight at us. My father was told page 23 Jene Chambers some time afterwards that he did not survive. At school we sat in the half finished concrete shelter, those of us who could not get home for lunch. We had a Scottish teacher who sat with us. One end was open to the sky. The raids were usually on during our lunch break. Some of the German planes made a screaming noise as they dived. On one lunch time the local swimming pool was bombed. No one was hurt. Many thanks to Jon Nimmo and Teri O’Loughlin for submitting this story from Jene of her childhood memories. If you would like to submit something to the Gazette, please do get in touch either by email at teriandjon@tiscali.co.uk or call 01644 420 247. What is This Mystery Object...? Do you know what this metal implement, or part of an implement, may have been used for? It was found by metal detector, about a foot underground, in a farmer’s field in the upper Glenkens. It measures around 14 inches, and is made of a cast bronze. Perhaps readers might be able to shed some light on the object’s useage as, so far, it’s a mystery... Glenkens Gazette page 24 KEN WORDS WRITING PROJECT Ken Words is a newly-funded Galloway Glens community writing project which hopes to nurture response in words to place and landscape. You’ll find details of its on-the-ground activities in the CatStrand spring brochure, and keep an eye out for pieces of new writing in future issues of the Gazette... If you’re interested in finding out more, please feel welcome to get in touch with me, Jane McBeth, at jane.kenwords@gmail.com or leave a message at the CatStrand (01644 420374) and I’ll get back to you. whisht! the river would speak with our silence An Interview with Actor Scott Kyle Local author Ian Patrick interviews Scottish actor Scott Kyle, who featured in shows such as Outlander and The Greater Game. What project(s) are you working on now? This month I wrapped on season two of the hit television show Trust Me, in the show I play (Bobby) who is the best friend and best man of Richard Rankin’s character (Alex). It was great to film some scenes with Richard who I went to school with, did pantomime with and worked on Outlander with. I’ve also just completed a critically acclaimed sold out run of The Greater Game where I starred alongside Harry Potter actor James Phelps in the west end of London. The show is scheduled to tour the UK in 2019. Keep an eye on @GreaterGameplay on Twitter for more updates. I have been booked to do some more filming in 2019, but at this point I can’t share the details, and I have two other projects that I’m really enjoying being part of. Keep an eye on my website for full details - www.scottkyle.co.uk What part of Scotland are you from? I’m from Glasgow and it’s a city I love to call home, every time I’m away from home I always tell the people I meet how great Glasgow is. What’s your fondest memory of living in Scotland? There are so many magical moments from over the years, but probably my fondest memory would be meeting my now wife for the first time in our local swing park. As soon as I met Karen I knew she was my soul mate and the girl I wanted to be with for the rest of my life. As a writer I spend the majority of my time at home. I wondered how much time you spend away from home and how you cope with this? It really depends on the project, through my acting work I have been fortunate enough to travel to some amazing places (America, Canada, Germany, France, Jordan, Italy, Finland and England). The toughest one was probably recently when I was away for six weeks in London, because I felt near, but it wasn’t close enough to go home on my one day off. What book are you reading now? Finding Your Own North Star by Martha Beck. This was a gift from actress Victoria Gibson who I worked with on The Greater Game. What music are you enjoying? I enjoy a whole range of different music so it’s difficult to list just one, but if I had to I would say Bruce Springsteen. Which scriptwriter do you enjoy working with and why? I enjoyed working with an author called Des Dillon the most as we developed a play together called The Blue Hen. It was the first time I had been involved so heavily with a writer developing a script. If I’m having a bad day I can sack writing and start again the next day. How do you manage this, as an actor, when you just don’t feel like turning up but have to? It’s easy if you just put yourself in the shoes of the audience who are running in or attending a performance to try and forget their troubles for a couple of hours. I also turn myself over to a higher power and ask it to make me an instrument of... As an actor do you prefer stage Scott Kyle. or film? Stage in my 20s film and television in my 30s so not sure what my 40s has in store. Who inspired you to act and whom do you enjoy working alongside? The person who inspired and invited me to act was my wife Karen, who suggested I go to college and give it a go. Along the way I have learned from everyone I have worked with and enjoyed in some way the process of collaborating with them. The experiences that stand out to me though would be working with director Ken Loach on The Angels’ Share. The other one would be working with director Philip John and actor Stephen Walters on Outlander, as they were incredible professionals whom I learned so much from. Where do you see yourself in five years time? In the garden with Karen and hopefully a couple of kids, being visited regularly by Jess the neighbour’s cat - I wouldn’t care what job I’m doing if I can achieve this goal. Glenkens Gazette page 25 Glenkens Gazette page 26 FEBRUARY & MARCH JANUARY Fri 31, Business Academy: Maximising the Income of your Accomodation Business, 5.30pm, Clachan Inn, Dalry, see p6 FEBRUARY Fri 1, Reiko Fujisawa, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 8, Within This Dust, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 8, Within This Dust Dance/ Movement Workshop, 11am-5pm, New Galloway Town Hall (book via CatStrand) Fri 8, Dalry Police Station Drop-in, 12.30pm with PC Dingwall Sat 9, Glenn Wool, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 9, Glenkens Farmers Market, 10am-12.30pm, Dalry Town Hall, see p2 Tue 12, Play & a Piece, 1pm, CatStrand Thu 14, Stewartry Birdwatchers Talk, 7.30pm, Kells School, New Galloway Sat 16, Dark Sky Jazz Club: Strata, 7.30pm, CatStrand Wed 20, Open Stage, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sun 24, Glenkens Story: The Galloway Hoard, 2.30pm, CatStrand Tue 26, Exhibition on Screen:Young Picasso, 7.30pm, CatStrand Thu 28, LING AGM, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall MARCH Fri 1, Dalry Police Station Drop-in, 1011.30am with PC Dingwall Sun 3, McGoldrick, McCusker & Doyle, 7.30pm, CatStrand Thu 7, Play & a Piece, 1pm, CatStrand Sat 9, Glenkens Farmers Market, 10am-12.30pm, Dalry Town Hall, see p2 Wed 13, Blue Rose Code, 7.30pm, CatStrand Thu 14, Stewartry Birdwatchers Talk, 7.30pm, Kells School, New Galloway Sat 16, Fancy Dress Disco, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sun 17, Big Ears Little Ears, ages 0-12, CatStrand Wed 20, FILM: The Rider, 7.30pm, GLENKENS ROUTE Thursdays: 12noon-1pm – Crossmichael 1-2pm – Parton/Loch Ken Holiday Park 2-4pm – Balmaclellan area 4-5.30pm – The Hidden Road Fridays: 8-10.30am – Dalry 10.30-11am – Glenlee Area 11am – New Galloway 12noon – New Galloway Shop 2pm – Mossdale area 3-4pm – Laurieston to Gatehouse Please note that all times are approximate. 07966 103 912 charliecoid@hotmail.com Fleet Fish aims to provide top quality produce which is sourced as locally as possible. We take pride in offering friendly door-to-door service tailored to our customers’ needs. CatStrand Tue 26, Play & a Piece: Rapture Theatre, 1pm, CatStrand Wed 27, Dalry Film Club: Mamma Mia 2 - Sing Along, 7.30pm, Dalry Town Hall Fri 29, Ross Ainslie & Ali Hutton: Symbiosis, 7.30pm, CatStrand Thu 28, Stewartry Birdwatchers Talk, 7.30pm, Kells School, New Galloway Sat 30, Glenkens Story: Place-Names and the People of Galloway, 2.30pm, CatStrand Glenkens Gazette page 27 REGULAR EVENTS CatStrand, New Galloway: Film Makers’ Club, Mon 7-8.30pm Exercise to Music: Mon 9.30-10.30am Margaret Morris dance 1: 3-7yrs, Mon (term-time) 3.45-4.30pm Margaret Morris Dance 2: 8-16yrs, Mon (term-time) 4.30-5.15pm Youth Volunteer Meet-up, 1st Tues of the month, 6-8pm, FREE PIZZA Choreographic Skills Lab, Mon (termtime) 7-8.30pm, ages 12-18 Animation Club, Tues 4-6pm (starts 12 Feb then fortnightly) Gentle Tai Chi: Wed 10am Wendletrap Tai Chi, Wed 2-3.30pm Game Tech, last Wed each month, 68pm Writers’ Cafe, 2nd Thurs each month 7-9pm Sing it Out, Thurs 11am -12pm CatStrand Ukes, 1st & 3rd Thurs each month, 1–3.30pm Yoga, Tues 6.30-7.30pm & Thurs 9.1510.45am Learn the Whistle, (starts 28 Feb; 8week block. Ages 4-12 - 3.45-4.30pm; Age 12+ & Adults - 5-6.30pm). Contact chris@catstrand.com to find out more Zumba Gold, Fri (term-time) 9.3010.30am, CatStrand, 16+ Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry: Paint & Art, Mon 2-4pm GCC Playgroup, Tues, Wed & Thurs 9.15-11.45am Guides, Tues 6-8pm Yoga, Wed 7.30-8.45pm, for info call Carylann on 07817 400 287 Brownies, Thurs 6-7.30pm Kickback Martial Arts, Thurs 7-9pm Thursday Craft Group, Thurs 2-4pm Glenkens Children’s Club, Fri 10am12noon New Galloway Town Hall: LING Elevenses & Lunches, Tues 11am-2pm Fat Broadband Access, Tues 11am2pm Table Tennis & Carpet Bowls, Tues 7-9pm Circuits, Tues 5.30-6.30pm Zumba, Wed 7.30-8.30pm, 11+ Circuits, Sat 8-9am Family Games: Jigsaws, Games & Pool, Sun 2.30–4.30pm Various Locations: Hatha Yoga, Mon 10-11.15am, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn Carsphairn Post Office, Tues 1-3pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn Dalry WI, 3rd Tues each month 2pm, Dalry Town Hall (except Jun, Jul & Aug) Beavers, Tues 6–7.15pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Dog Training, Tues & Thurs 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. Contact: Eric 460 670 Mossdale Painters, Wed 9.30am, Mossdale Village Hall Cub Scouts: Wed 6.45–8pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Youth Writing, 1st Thurs each month (during term time) 3.30-5pm, ages 1015, Dalry Library Kettlebells, Balmaclellan Village Hall, Thurs 6-7pm Carsphairn SWI, 3rd Thurs of the month, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn, for further info call Christine on 01644 460 577 Coffee & Craft, Fri 9am-12noon, Lagwyne Hall Folk Music Session, 4th Fri each month 7.30/8pm till closing, Ken Bridge Hotel Scouts, Thu 7–8.30pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Dru Yoga, Thu 12.30–2pm, Laurieston Village Hall Gentle Tai Chi, Fri 10-11am, Dalry Town Hall Golf Junior Coaching, Sat 10-11: 30am, New Galloway Golf Course, see p8 Restoring Footpaths, Sat 10am1pm, phone 420 632 to confirm Junior Golf & Come-and-Try for all ages, New Galloway Golf Course, Sat 10am Men’s Shed, Old Smiddy, Balmaclellan. Opening times: Mon 9.30am-4pm & 6.30-8.30pm; Wed 9.30am-1pm & woodcarving from 24pm; Fri 9.30am-12noon. Family and friends coming to stay? Short of space? Cosy country cottage available (sleeps 4) Call Fiona on 01644 420 227 www.covenanters-holidaycottagescotland.co.uk Dalry Library Tuesdays 10.30am-2pm Fridays 11am-4.30pm For further informa�on contact Castle Douglas library on 01556 502 643 ADVERTISE IN THE GAZETTE (price per issue incl VAT) Glenkens Community Councils SMALL: 6cm x 6cm, £37.80 (+ 10% off with series discount) 1/4 PAGE: 9cm w x 13cm h, £81.90 (+ 25% off with series discount) 1/2 PAGE: 18cm w x 13cm h, £151.20 (+ 25% off with series discount) FULL PAGE: 18cm w x 27cm h, £252 (+ 25% off with series discount) Full minutes of local Community Council meetings can be viewed at Dalry Library. Call 07727 127 997 Balmaclellan Community Council Meetings: Last Monday each month, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall Carsphairn Community Council Meetings: Last Monday each month, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn. Dalry Community Council Meetings: 1st Monday each month, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. New Galloway & Kells Community Council Meetings: 2nd Monday each month, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall. CHURCH TIMES 7pm. World Day of Prayer Service, Carsphairn Church, Fri 1 Mar, 2.30pm. Services: Balmaclellan 9.45am: 1st. Carsphairn 11.15am: 1st,2nd,3rd,4th. Dalry 9.45am: 2nd, 4th. Kells 9.45am: 3rd. Kells 10.30am: 5th (Mar) Special Services/Events: Holy Communion, Kells Church, 17 Feb, 9.45 am. Beetle Drive, Dalry Town Hall, Fri 22 Feb, St Margaret’s, New Galloway: Holy Communion, 10.30am every Sun & Wed. CHURCH OF SCOTLAND: Sunday SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH: CATHOLIC CHURCH SERVICES: Kirkcudbright: Sun Mass, 9.30am. Dalbeattie: Sat Mass, 5pm VAT Reg. No. 882 8361 87 USEFUL NUMBERS: ● Pot-hole Hotline: 0845 276 0000 ● Police, non-emergency: 101 ● Doctor: 01644 420 234 ● NHS 24: 08454 24 24 24 ● D&G Council: 030 33 33 3000 Glenkens Gazette page 28 WHAT’S SO GOOD ABOUT CARSPHAIRN PRIMARY? A personal view... When I heard recently that Carsphairn Primary School is once again at risk of closure, I felt my heart sink. This has been the case in the past, when numbers were low. But the community would rally round to ensure this key element wasn’t lost. So I wonder - is today's Carsphairn community strong enough...? I’m hopeful that it is, because saving the school is really key to safeguarding the community as a whole. Carsphairn village is situated on the picturesque north-western edge of our beautiful region, and has been providing primary education to Glenkens children for almost 295 years. One might think such an expansive legacy, coupled with the reputation of providing high quality education, would be enough to encourage a steady flow of new parents and children to the community. But, as with so many areas of rural Scotland, the proportion of families with school-age children is dwindling. Yet all over the UK the dream of so many people is still that, when they have children, they would like to live in the countryside, perhaps in or near to a small but well-appointed village with beautiful landscapes and nature on their doorstep, yet with easy road access to nearby towns and facilities... Carsphairn ticks all these boxes. It’s less than an hour from Ayr by A-road, and only an hour and a half from Glasgow, so commuting distance if you work in the city. But the full potential of this village can only ever be realised if younger generations once again make their lives here, ensuring a vibrant, thriving community. In considering a school for their chidren, reservations are often held by parents in regard to low pupil numbers in small schools. There is, however, no evidence that larger schools are any better educationally - in fact, smaller schools often come out on top both academically and in the wellbeing stakes. Ofsted (the national office for standards in education) themselves have reported the following: "The quality of teaching is generally better in small schools rather than larger schools", that small schools have a "positive ethos", "provide an important place in the community", and that they consistently return "good standards of behaviour in children". Not so long ago, tutors were recognised as the best means of educating children whose parents could afford it. Today, the bespoke teaching experience offered at a school such as Carsphairn is quite unique, and not unlike this privileged Carsphairn Primary School © www.carsphairn.org communities these days. Relying on a school to provide all of a young person’s needs is a rather unrealistic and also dangerous strategy in which any school is likely to fall short. You would be hard pushed to find an ex-pupil of Carsphairn Primary who did not benefit greatly from their time at the school. Call me biased, as an ex pupil myself, but the education and experiences offered are, in my opinion, worth fighting for and protecting for future generations - I, for one, would like to send my own children there. The school is not only an educative hub, but is vital to this rural community in so many ways - without it the village risks dropping into an indefinite hibernation, with no pull for new families to make their home in the parish. The low numbers of families and children in the upper Glenkens is only the current scenario, which we know from experience will change with time - in our rural areas there are always ups and downs in the number of children. But facilities like the school are vital to a community and, once lost, are gone forever. They also can’t just sit awaiting possible future interest, as it’s just not realistic to have an empty school - the community needs to pull together now and recognise the value of the school as a part of the whole, and its necessity to a healthy and vibrant community. So I suppose the million dollar question is...how do you draw the younger generation back to Carsphairn...? A former Carsphairn Primary pupil The school is not only an educative hub, but is vital to this rural community... teaching scenario. Large schools are forced, through necessity, to deal with ‘crowd control’ as a main imperative in the classroom, with very little time for each individual pupil and their particular needs. In a small school, the teacher has time to give each child the individual attention they deserve, allowing them to flourish academically as well as receive the support necessary to grown into confident, capable members of society. The idea that children will lack appropriate socialisation is another oft-held misconception. Having just a few children in the school, along with teachers and staff, gives plenty of opportunity to build confidence and social awareness. In the Glenkens we are very lucky as the primary schools work together as a ‘cluster’. This means lots of opportunities for students to mix with pupils from the other schools. And of course school isn’t the only element to a child’s life - there are lots extra-curricular activities available for children within easy driving distance of our Glenkens WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Submit events, activities, news stories, cartoons, reviews, tips & techniques, fiction, photos, ads or ideas... Contact Sarah Ade on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk APR/MAY COPY DEADLINE: 5 MAR Design & co-ordination: Sarah Ade sarah.ade@gmail.com Printing: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 110 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GG_110 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 2019 Description An account of the resource Editor: Sarah Ade