9 10 430 https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/1/227/GlenkensGazette81.pdf 731d7ad995167dccb97796da8f504486 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette 81 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Description An account of the resource <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 2014 ISSUE 81 FREE DALRY’S LAST SUBPOSTMISTRESS RETIRES Dalry sub-postmistress Florance Ruddock will be selling her last book of stamps on Wednesday 30 April. The Post Office will then move down the street to Wright’s Shop where the new local Post Office will operate with Lyndsay Forbes at the helm. Florance moved to the Glenkens and became Dalry’s subpostmistress in 1997 after a few years in the same role at Annbank in Ayrshire. “We used to bring the caravan to Castle Douglas when the boys were small so we knew and liked the area,” says Florance. Although retiring, she and husband Andrew have no plans to leave Dalry other than a visit to their son in Oklahoma. “We need to make a few renovations so that we can move downstairs and have a proper front door but other than that I am looking forward to putting my feet up and enjoying all the things in the village that I couldn’t do in the past while I was working.” The Post Office has seen many changes over the last 20 years with the introduction of plenty of new rules and regulations. The advent of the internet and mobile phones has contributed to a decline in the number of letters and cards sent but conversely an increase in the postage of parcels and packages. Continued on p9... Marathon for Local Postie Local postman Ian Oliver and his wife Fiona are taking on the Edinburgh Marathon on Sunday 25 May. This is their first marathon event and training round the Glenkens, whilst beautiful, is also very hard work! “Weather conditions have not been great for training purposes,” says Ian, “but I feel relatively confident that if we make it through the 16week training schedule running around the Glenkens, the 26.2 miles in Edinburgh is definitely achievable.” Ian and Fiona have decided to run for the charity Together For Short Lives. “We are incredibly fortunate to have four healthy children. We wanted to run for a charity that supports those children who have tragically been diagnosed with a terminal or life threatening illness, and which also crucially supports their families. Together For Short Lives works to ensure that these children and their families throughout the UK get the best possible care and support whenever and wherever they need it.” If you would like to support Ian and Fiona and help them to raise as much money as possible for this charity please visit their web donation A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) ini�a�ve page at www.justgiving.com/ Fiona-Ian. Sponsor forms/ donation boxes will also be available at local businesses in the Glenkens. Continued on p15... www.glenkensgaze�e.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 2 Watson Bird Festival 2014 Have you the skills Festival? Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) is looking for someone to fill the post of parttime organiser for the festival which is scheduled for 20/21 September. Anyone interested should write to GCAT’s general manager Brian Edgar at CatStrand, New Galloway, describing their skills and qualifications. It is going to be hard to match the quality of events that were included in last year’s programme but the Watson Birds team is determined to make this happen. Now that fund-raising has begun Renowned wildlife photographer, Laurie Campbell, giving tips to GCAT Director, Will for the conversion of Barone (the Watson Adam, at his workshop which was part of family’s former home last year’s Watson Bird festival. required to organise this year’s Watson Bird Rosy Glow The Rosy Glow section is a space for people to include, anonymously if they like, their thanks, admiration and general positivity about something a local person or organisation has done that has made them feel good. “Hi Sarah, Just read the latest issue and excellent as usual. We enjoy keeping up with the area news and were sorry to see the flooding. Dalry will always have a place in our memories; quite a magical place in some ways. All the best.” Matthew & Gill, formerly of Newton’s Shop “We’d just like to thank the CatStrand volunteers for the welcome they gave us on our visit in February. We were delighted to be warmly greeted and were seated in the cafe where your helpful volunteers served us fantastic tea and coffee, with J2O for the children. “We all also had scones, which were described by our daughter in Dalry) into a study centre and home for the Watson Collection of archives and paintings, the annual festival is more important than ever. Events will be held to interest serious bird enthusiasts, as well as local people with more general interests who are interested in the life and work of one of the Glenkens’ best known inhabitants. Brian Edgar or Watson Birds project director Roger Crofts would be delighted to hear from anyone who would be able to help with ideas for events, offers of practical help or donations of money or items of ornithological interest. Please support the 2014 Watson Bird Festival in any way that you can and thereby help to make the opening of the Watson Bird Centre in Dalry come several wing beats closer. Andrew Mellor, chairman, GCAT as ‘the best she’d ever tasted’. Without your community facility we would have left New Galloway with a feeling of disappointment that nothing was open on a Saturday afternoon. Instead I am sipping some fine malt whisky from one of your CatStrand nosing glasses, having just been reading a book we bought in your shop!” The Sayer Family You can text or email your Rosy Glow comments to the Gazette (contact details on back page). Cllr Finlay Carson wInterior and Exterior wFree Estimates wFully Insured wOver 10 years professional experience 25% DISCOUNT FOR FIRST TIME CUSTOMERS (domestic work only) 01556 504 325 / 07516 846 229 Cleaning service based in Dalry and covering the Glenkens area. For a reliable service at a reasonable price, call Laura on: 07936219514 Castle Douglas & Glenkens for an appointment Tel: 07825 633 185 or email: finlay@finlaycarson.co.uk www.finlaycarson.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 3 Photo of the Issue: ‘Spring is in the Air’ Sponsored by the Ken Bridge Hotel This issue’s winner is Mary McIlvenna with Clatteringshaws. Mary wins a lovely meal for two at the Ken Bridge Hotel Sunday Carvery. Dave and Sue, competition judges and owners of the Ken Bridge, said: “They are all spectacular and show the region off at its finest, but the composition of rocks and water at Clatteringshaws we felt was a wonderful mix of vibrant colours and great scenery.” We will keep all entries on file and if they suit a future theme/season, they will be re-considered. GLENKENS COMMUNITY SHOP The Glenkens Community Shop has been running now for two years and has gone from strength to strength. Over the Christmas holidays the shop had a facelift and it is currently awaiting brand new signage to complete its new look. The shop sells a multitude of items from tableware to towels, bicycles to baby clothes - it’s a great place to pick up a bargain. And the shop has become a vibrant community hub with a hardworking core of local volunteers and many regular shoppers. And the shop benefits the community in another way too - profits from the sale of items go towards providing grants for local people, groups and organisations and the shop has helped many local applicants. The owners of the shop building have offered to sell the shop to the community for a very reasonable price which is an opportunity not to be missed - please see the ad below for further information about this and how you can help. If you would like to volunteer at the shop, please do drop in and speak to one of the volunteers at the desk as they are always in need of more hands on deck. Community Shop Purchase Dear Customers, The Glenkens Community Shop has been given the opportunity to buy the building in which it is situated for a very reasonable price. Once bought, the building will be held in trust to protect this little asset for the community. The Community Shop, which has become a real community hub over the two years it has been open, uses the funds it raises to support local people, groups and organisations through providing grants. But in order to buy the shop we need your help... Any ideas you may have for funding the purchase, or donations towards the cost, will be gratefully received - please drop into the shop between 10am and 3pm and ask for Shirley. Many thanks, Shirley McNaught Shirley McNaught (centre) with volunteers Libby Richie (right) and Elizabeth Peacock (left) Glenkens Gazette page 4 sponsored by EVERYTHING listed in the Glenkens Freecycle section is FREE - you just need to contact the owner and go and pick it up! If you would like to list something on this page, please get in touch with Sarah on 07727 127 997 or email glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk. Please remember that people list their items in good faith that they will go to an appreciative home - items are not to be collected simply to sell on. Various Two interior doors, 73 mm width, painted white, good condition. Contact: Gerry on 420 852 HP laser printer 5P, complete with cartridge. Contact: 460 516. Outdoor Rotary Airer, complete with ground spike. Contact: 460 516. Greenhouse glass, was a 13’x8’ greenhouse, dismantled, part of greenhouse there too if you want it. Contact: 420 379 Small electric mower Electric cooker, Tiara Tricity Bendix. Contact: 430 667 Child’s white plastic chair Small Flymo electric strimmer For above items contact: Cynthia on 420 605 - PLEASE NOTE that these are not available until 21 April. Small Bosch electric strimmer Black & Decker electric hedgecutter 1960/1970s roof rack for car with gutters 4 wooden stacking chairs 4 Ercol wooden dining chairs Men in Hats Men in Hats – a group of three men and a woman who play drums, electric guitar and two keyboards – put on a show in Dalry on 22 February. Band members live near Ecclefechan, though all except the drummer originally came up from GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL � 01644 420234 � Wright’s Shop Dalry Licensed grocer & Newsagent, soon to include the Post Office. Please see article on front page for details of the changes Opening Times: Monday to Friday: 7am – 6pm Saturday: 8am – 6pm Sunday: 8.30am – 4pm Tel: 01644 430 225 Box of small fire bricks. WANTED Set of 12 stair rods with clips. Contact: Sue on 07563 718 011 England, and they perform classic pop music from the 50’s to the present day. The group tour all over the south of Scotland and northern England. Due to the range of time from which the music came, there was something for everyone. However, unfortunately, the first half was extremely loud, spoiling the enjoyment for some of the audience, but they turned it down at the interval and people seemed to be really enjoying themselves! Mrs Maggie Phillips W BONE WHB JEEPS THE GARAGE, DALRY PETROL & DIESEL SALES SERVICE & REPAIRS MOTs, TYRES, BATTERIES ALL AT COMPETITIVE PRICES OPEN 8.30AM - 6.00PM (SIX DAYS) 10AM - 6PM SUNDAYS - FUEL 24 HOURS SHOP • SANDWICH BAR • LOTTERY Tel: 01644 430208 Fax: 01644 430669 jeeps@whbjeeps.co.uk www.whbjeeps.co.uk The Fleet Fish van is in the Glenkens on Tuesdays & Wednesdays every week. Anyone wishing me to call, please phone Mary on above mobile no. www.facebook.com/fleetfish www.fleetfish.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 5 sponsored by WILD SPRING FESTIVAL The Dumfries & Galloway Wild Spring Festival will welcome 39 species returning to their Spring homes,one of the biggest wildlife homecomings in Scotland. spring. The Wild Spring Festival’s events will bring people close to a wide array of mammals, birds, fish and other fauna.” Festival events take place across Dumfries & Galloway and the Wildlife experts are hoping for a recently designated Galloway record number of birds, insects, and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO mammals and fish species to Biosphere, which recognises the return to their Spring home in outstanding natural environment Dumfries & Galloway this year. and the way in which the local And to celebrate Homecoming community works to conserve it. Scotland 2014, the region’s Events where you might see Wild Spring Festival (taking some of the homecoming place from 5 April to 5 May) is species are: offering over 100 family-friendly • Mull of Galloway Guided Walk. events where participants could Join the RSPB Ranger to explore discover some of these species. Scotland’s most southerly tip Many of the events are free and spring is a great time to spot most hosted by local wildlife seabirds on the cliffs and if guides and experts. you’re lucky perhaps a porpoise Peter Norman, biodiversity or basking shark. (Numerous officer at Dumfries & Galloway dates throughout the festival) Council, said: “Dumfries & Galloway is teeming with wildlife • Guides in the Hides at the Caerlaverock Wetland Centre. all year round, but Spring offers An expert will be in the newly the unique opened two-storey awe-inspiring Sir Peter Scott opportunity to Observatory and see the return of around the hides a huge number and towers every of migrating day between 11am wildlife species and 3pm to point – some rare. out the different This year we birds on the expect that the reserve. local osprey • Wild Wednesday population will at the RSPB continue to grow Mersehead and, after good Reserve. Take part breeding season in fun activities weather last looking at the summer, fingers wildlife around the are crossed for reserve. Looking an increase in for the smallest numbers of local © Wild Seasons and Keith Kirk, animal to the www.dumfriesandgalloway nightjars.” naturalhistory.co.uk nosiest bird and Wilma Finlay, discovering how chair of Destination Dumfries you can help the wildlife in your & Galloway, said: “What better garden. (9 April) way to celebrate Homecoming • Fish Up Close at Torhouse Scotland 2014 than to come Trout Farm, Wigtown. This will to the home of so many be a tour of Torhouse Trout, a migrating species during the “Dumfries & Galloway is teeming with wildlife all year round, but Spring offers the unique aweinspiring opportunity to see the return of a huge number of migrating wildlife species...” fully operational rainbow trout farm. (11 April) • Mocha and Moths at Mersehead. Not all moths are brown, dull and boring – view some recent finds as they are released and find out more about the various species found in the area, with a morning coffee to enjoy. (17 April & 1 May) • April Moths at the Eskrigg Reserve. Help expert Jim Rae identify any moths caught the previous night. This event is very much weather dependent. (24 April) • Good Friday Walk at the RSPB Crook of Baldoon Reserve. Catch the tide with the Warden for an informative walk through the reserve. Learn how the RSPB is ‘Giving Nature A Home’. Bring binoculars and walking boots. (18 April) **Booking is essential for some of the events. Some Spring Homecoming species to be sighted in the Glenkens are: Hen Harrier and Peregrine, Lapwing, Common Sandpiper, Curlew, Nightjar (these nocturnal birds are incredibly rare and difficult to find anywhere else in Scotland), Swift, Sand Martin, House Martin, Swallow, Wheatear, Redstart, Pied Flycatcher, Wood Warbler, Ring Ouzel, Blackcap, Garden Warbler, Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Sedge Warbler and Reed Warbler. Also butterflies and moths including Red Admiral, Painted Lady and (sometimes) Clouded Yellow butterflies and Silver Y moth. For further information visit www.wildspringfestival.com Ed Forrest Glenkens Gazette page 6 CARSPHAIRN BURNS SUPPER On 17 January Carsphairn held its annual Burns Supper. Pictured at the event are: Ted Cowan - proposer of Toast to ‘The Immortal Memory of Robert Burns’, Jim McDowall proposer of Toast to ‘The Lassies’, Bronnen Pears who ‘Addressed the Haggis’, David Bartholomew who gave the Selkirk Grace, Rachel Seed who replied on behalf of ‘The Lassies’, James Wallace Junior - our singer for the evening, Andy McCartney - the regular Piper, and Robert McTurk who chaired the supper and gave two wonderful recitations. 1914 REMEMBERED The current history display in the CatStrand features the local connections of the novelist S R Crockett of The Raiders fame, who was born near Laurieston. We are particularly pleased to have on display a copy of The Raiders on loan from Avril Bridgeman of New Galloway. This book had been presented as a school prize to her mother, Rhona Milligan, when a pupil in the old Kells School and so has returned ‘home’ to the building that is now the The Kells School class of 1939. In the centre of the picture, with striped jersey, is Rhona Milligan, whose school prize that year CatStrand. features in the current SR Crockett exhibition in the CatStrand. Tickets are still available - as we go to press - for the day of talks on Saturday 5 April marking the centenary of Crockett’s death , commemoration dinner at the Ken Bridge Hotel, and for the bus tour of Crockett locations on the following day - contact the CatStrand for bookings. Later in the year we plan to mount an exhibition “Home by Christmas….” recalling the first months of the First World War as it affected the life and people of the Glenkens. Do you have pictures, letters, diaries or other memorabilia from that period that you could lend to the exhibition? Perhaps you have a photograph of a relative who joined up in these early days, a card or letter they sent back from action, or a diary kept by someone they left behind at home. If you think you can help please contact Mike Brown on 420 267 or Brian Edgar on 420 374. FHB Fencing New Galloway Golf Club Founded 1902 www.nggc.co.uk v 01644 420737 v Buggies now available for hire VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME Family and friends coming to stay? Short of space? Cosy country cottage available (sleeps 4) Call Fiona on 01644 420 227 or 07789 903127 Dalry Domestic and Agricultural Fencing 01644 430 495 (Peter) or 07767 795 498 (Jonathan) Glenkens Gazette page 7 CatStrand Update As you will know from the last issue of the Gazette, the CatStrand was flooded twice in December. The wooden floors in the auditorium and reception area were damaged and repair work commenced on 8 March. We are unsure how long this work will take, but we are determined to keep the building open for business and the classes and events which cannot be held in the CatStrand will be relocated to other local venues as required. Please bear with us through this essential work and please phone first to check the details of any events before travelling. We would like to sincerely thank everyone who has helped us through the last few months, the many volunteers as well as particular thanks to Adrian Morley, New Galloway Town Hall, Dalry Town Hall Committee and Mr Gray and the staff at Kells School. Aside from the flooding issues, there have been several other major developments in the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) family. Glenkens Transport Initiative (GTI) continues to go from strength to strength and we now have four buses available (see p16). The Watson Birds Project has now progressed into the detailed planning and fundraising stage for the development of Barone (see p2). The Glenkens Children’s Club now have extra Playgroup sessions each week due to popular demand as their numbers continue to grow. The Connecting in Retirement Project has blossomed, with lots of new ideas being explored for the future. Our Youth Arts programme continues to grow too, with further success for the Youth Players at the SCDA Festival and more projects lined up for the Young Film Makers just two examples. On the health and fitness theme, access to the gym facilities at Dalry School has now been arranged for the young people of the area on Wednesday evenings. We have also had a few staff adjustments at the CatStrand with programming & events manager Lauren Glasgow becoming parttime and part-time youth arts officer Simon Davidson taking on a full-time role. My first six months as General Manager have certainly been eventful. Hopefully the next six months will be too, but without the aquatic issues! Bella Hardy Please feel free to contact me BBC Radio 2’s Folk Singer of the at any time if you have any Year 2014 award, will make an suggestions or comments that you would like to make regarding appearance on 28 May. the CatStrand or any of the Brian Edgar, GCAT projects, on 420 374 or GCAT General Manager briangm@catstrand.com For full listings see our May is an exciting month in latest brochure or visit Dumfries & Galloway and as www.catstrand.com usual the CatStrand will be taking To book tickets call the part in the action. The company CatStrand on 01644 420 recognised for the popular weekly 374. And don’t forget to show at the Oran Mor in Glasgow ‘like’ us on Facebook! are bringing A Play, A Pie, and A Pint to The CatStrand as part of the Dumfries & Galloway Arts festival on 18 May. Spring Fling also returns to the CatStrand with an exhibition of brand new Modern, High Performance Wood work from Geoff Forest who Briquettes delivered to your door will display his intricate willow designs and give demonstrations over the spring fling weekend Order online: 24–26 May. Music highlights or Phone: consist of a special show from Manran who will give a rare, intimate concert of their blend of Gaelic and English, traditional and contemporary music on 29 May. Bella Hardy, winner of Advert for Glenkens Gazette Wood Fuel Home Delivery every Monday Hotter than Logs, cheaper than Coal www.woodfuel.coop 01387 731 210 Glenkens Gazette page 8 The Story of Natural Power Natural Power has been providing products and consultancy services to the renewable energy industry for almost 20 years. The consultancy – founded in 1995 by Ted Leeming, Neil Douglas and Stuart Hall – moved to Dumfries and Galloway in 1997 and first employed staff in 2000. Its global headquarters is the iconic Green House, near Dalry, opened in 2001. Built into the landscape with sustainability in mind, its outwardly humble appearance disguises an ambitious, thriving business that is growing and diversifying constantly. The company has departments covering all renewables technologies including onshore and offshore wind, solar, wave & tidal, hydro and biomass. Here, Natural Power employs around 90 staff, working in Construction, Geotechnical, Planning and Development Services, Asset Management and Technical Services, in addition to the company’s Control Centre, which manages some 29 per cent of all UK wind farm capacity onshore for the various clients. The process of building a renewable energy project such as a wind farm is complex. From identifying a suitable site through close local stakeholder and community consultation – and initial studies into how much power could be produced there – the farm has to be planned and consents obtained. Construction, by comparison, is a quicker process and once in operation, it must be maintained and managed. At the end of its lifespan – usually around 20 years – the site is repowered or taken down and the land is returned to its greenfield state. Natural Power is the only consultancy that can handle every stage of a client’s renewable energy project. It’s something the company prides itself on: a 360-degree approach that is unrivalled. The company has blazed a progress as the company does. Natural Power is also helping energy developers to achieve the Scottish Government’s ambitious renewable energy targets, aiming to meet 100 per cent of electricity demand from renewables by 2020. The firm has worked on some of the country’s most prominent projects and has recently issued a guidance document to coastal communities around Scotland which will help in the uptake of community-owned wave and tidal farms. Ted Leeming, one of Natural Power’s first three employees, is now Managing Director. He said: “When we founded Natural Power back in 1995, of course we were ambitious, but the growth and sustained success that we’ve experienced has been beyond all of our expectations. We have a great team here at Natural Power and I know that they will continue to help to develop our business, our profile and our capabilities further.” With the opening of a new office in Stirling – Scotland’s largest renewable energy consulting office – Natural Power continues to thrive and expand; this new office already employs over 95 people. The company is currently recruiting extensively: visit www.naturalpower.com/jobs for more information. A great majority of the 90 people employed at the Green House live in the surrounding area, helping to contribute to Dumfries and Galloway’s prosperity. remarkable trail from humble beginnings. From three employees in a basement flat in Glasgow, it now has 14 offices in six countries, employing over 300 people. These include bases as near as Stirling and Inverness, and as far-flung as France and Sweden to New York and Chile. A great majority of the 90 people employed at the Green House live in the surrounding area, helping to contribute to Dumfries and Galloway’s prosperity. The community benefits from highly-skilled local jobs and Natural Power’s continuous approach to its employees’ learning and development means that they The Green House, Forrest Estate, Dalry Glenkens Gazette page 9 Dalry Community Council Update Forthcoming Dalry Community Council meetings are held at 7pm in Dalry Town Hall and will be on Monday 7 April and Monday 19 May (this will be the Annual General Meeting followed by a regular meeting). There are no meetings currently planned for June. All residents of Dalry are most welcome to attend. At the AGM all those present (of the village) get to vote for their choice of office bearers from the elected committee. Allangibbon Bridge update: Dumfries & Galloway Councils’ Roads Department is planning to resurface ‘The (Allangibbon) Bridge’ in the next financial year (from April). Due to the recent timber lorry accident and pressure from Dalry Community Council, they are now looking at expanding repairs to include the accident prone corner. Lord Sinclair has very kindly offered to donate some land beside the problem bend to assist in this much needed improvement to our local roads which take such a hammering from heavy haulage vehicles. This upgrade is now long overdue. Andi Holmes Carsphairn Heritage Group 2014 Our annual exhibition this year is an amalgam of the old and the new. This is because, in 1997, the Carsphairn Heritage Group presented an exhibition called ‘Petticoat Rule’. Our presentation in 2014 continues to explore this theme, with further tales and reminiscences, both ancient and modern, about the lives of the women in the village and near environs of Carsphairn. Members of the group took great delight in unearthing and amassing artefacts, pictures and the written word. We hope you will visit the Heritage Centre and enjoy the experience we offer in, “Petticoat Tales, The Gentle Touch, Women of Carsphairn”. We have also an extensive archive of family history records which enlarges each year as people share with us their family records showing their roots in Carsphairn. The exhibition opens on Good Friday, 18 April, and is open weekends and Bank Holidays until the end of May from 10.30am to 5pm weekdays and Sundays from 2pm until 5pm and thereafter until the end of September daily except Wednesdays. Anna Campbell Sub-Postmistress Retires Continued from front page... Florance does feel it is a shame that so much of the personal contact has disappeared with benefits and state pensions now paid directly into accounts and TV licences being dealt with online. But the best part of the job has been getting to know people and earning their trust. “I feel privileged that folks come to me for help and I do like it when they leave with a smile on their faces,” she says. She will miss the constant flow of people with all their news and chat but is delighted the service will continue, albeit a few doors down the road. To allow this change to take place there will be a short period of disruption to current services at Wright’s Shop. Work will start on Monday 31 March and last for around 10 days. During this time a limited service will be available in the shop which will continue to supply the basics including papers, bread and milk. Normal service will be resumed working around the installation of the T. H. CARSON BUTCHERS See us at Dalry Farmers Market on 2nd Sat each month. We deliver every Thursday Give us a call, no order too small! THE CROSS, MILL ST, DALBEATTIE 01556 610 384 new Post Office which will open for business on Wednesday 30 April at 1pm. The improvements to Wright’s will see more self-service with a greater range of stock. And the stationery, cards and pet foods which locals have been able to buy at the Post Office in the past will now be available at Wright’s. The Glenkens Gazette and its readers wish Florance all the best for her retirement and thank her for all the cheerful and helpful service over the last 17 years, and we wish the best of luck to Lyndsay and her staff at Wright’s in their new venture. Glenkens Gazette page 10 KELLS SCHOOL UPDATE Scots Verse Competition On the afternoon of Tuesday 11 February Kells held their annual Scots Verse competition. Staff were delighted character from a book. The Pupil Council also organised a second hand book sale. All pupils received a £1 book token which was used to purchase one of the special World Book Day titles. that Mike Duguid was once again able to come and listen to the pupils recite their poems and decide the first, second and third places. The pupils who were given a place will now represent Kells at the Galloway Music Festival in March. Live Music Now Fraser Langton and Juliette Philogene from Live Music Now visited P5-7 in March for the second session on Pitch, Pulse and Magic. The pupils thoroughly enjoyed the one-hour session, which included listening to Fraser and Juliette playing ‘Peter and the Wolf’ and then discussing particular parts of that piece of music. Fraser and Juliette also gave some of the pupils the opportunity to conduct them while they were playing the clarinet and piano. World Book Day 2014 Kells Primary celebrated World Book Day by dressing up as their favourite Scots Verse: Mike Duguid with P1-4 class Food & Farming Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents Selling properties across Dumfries & Galloway 01556 503744 www.ggblaw.co.uk All legal advice Offices in Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie Kirkcudbright and Dumfries Four P5 girls from Carsphairn Primary visited Wallets Mart on Monday 3 March during the Food & Farming Days presented by the Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET). It was a chance for the pupils to learn more about what food we produce locally and in other parts of Scotland. We looked at tractors and then enjoyed learning about different types of cattle and got a turn at trying their hand at milking Mabel, a life size fibreglass cow. We learned all about different dairy products made from locally produced milk. RHET has been putting on the Food & Farming Days for a few years now and it is a really smooth operation that made for a great day out that the P5 girls really enjoyed. Sarah McCreath, P5, Walker McKenna milking Mabel the cow. Glenkens Gazette page 11 Glenkens Gazette page 12 Glenkens Gazette page 13 Glenkens Gazette page 14 Glenkens Gazette page 15 Carsphairn’s Talented Young Artists Spring Fling is Scotland’s premier arts and crafts open studios event and takes place every year in Dumfries & Galloway. Each year a competition is run across all the schools in the region to produce a poster for the event. There is a winner for each school, and an overall winner for the whole region. All the children at Carsphairn Primary worked very hard to produce excellent posters; little did we know at the time how well we would do... The winning poster for Carsphairn School this year was by P2 pupil Crawford King, out-painting the older pupils in the school to win the school award. But that wasn’t the only winning poster from Carsphairn; our other P2 pupil, Naomi McCreath, won the poster competition for Overall winner Naomi McCreath, P2, with all of Dumfries the director of education, Colin Grant. • Pensions • Savings • Investments • Retirement Options • Inheritance Tax Planning • Life Assurance • Income & Critical Illness Protection • Mortgages • Home Insurance Free Confidential Initial Consultation Tel: 01671 403080 Fax:- 01671 402549 Email: brian.edgar@marrfinancial.co.uk Web: www.marrfinancial.co.uk 61 Victoria Street NEWTON STEWART, DG8 6NL **NEW** Yorkshire Building Society Agency – Now Open Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. For mortgages we can be paid by commission or a fee of usually £300 or a combination of both. For Home Insurance we usually offer products from a limited panel of providers. & Galloway! Keep your eyes open for her poster featuring a belted Galloway cow which will be used to promote Spring Fling 2014. Naomi has won a £100 prize for herself and an additional £100 for the school, and the whole school will go to Gracefield Art Centre in Dumfries on March 14 to support Naomi and Crawford as they collect their prizes. On behalf of all the staff and pupils at Carsphairn, I would like to Continued from front page... congratulate both Two weeks after taking part in P2 pupils for their the Edinburgh Marathon (see hard work and front page), Fiona Oliver will be beautiful posters. embarking on the Edinburgh Moonwalk Marathon, a power The whole school walking event through the night would also like in aid of Breast Cancer charities. to also thank Mrs This will be the third time Bielinski, the school that Fiona has taken part in art teacher, for all this event. If you would like her support in so to support Fiona in raising many wonderful money for Breast Cancer art projects like the charities such as Maggies and Spring Fling posters Breakthrough Breast Cancer, and the Carsphairn please visit her web donation calendar. page at http://wtwalk.org/ Walker McKenna moonwalkscotland2014/fiona-13 Postie Runs Marathon Aileen McLeod MSP working for you across the South of Scotland Postal address: Unit 7 Loreburn Shopping Centre High Street, Dumfries, DG1 2BD Email: aileen.mcleod.msp@scottish.parliament.uk Tel: 01387 255 334 Please check www.aileenmcleod.org for regular surgery, constituency and parliamentary updates Glenkens Gazette page 16 Glenkens Transport Initiative With the minibus previously owned by the Stewartry Sports Council based in Castle Douglas being no longer available, much of the demand for this vehicle is now being met by Glenkens Transport Initiative (GTI). The main user of the Sports Council bus was Castle Douglas High School, although other Castle Douglas based usergroups have also registered with GTI. Training for a number of new drivers to Midas Standard has been held, and another 16-seat minibus made available by the Council to cater for the extra demands. This means that GTI now has four vehicles available, one based at the CatStrand, one at Dalry School and two in Castle Douglas. GTI are now regarded by Dumfries & Galloway Council as a “mature and successful transport initiative”. We have benefited considerably from the partnership with the Council, who own both vehicles in Castle Douglas, but allow them to be used by GTI when not being used for duties such as the school transport to Castle Douglas High School already operated by GTI. COMMONWEALTH GAMES: On Saturday 26 July a flotilla of 250 boats will sail into Glasgow from Greenock as part of the Commonwealth Games celebrations, and GTI will run a trip to witness this special occasion – see local posters/ website for details. USE YOUR BUS: We all know how successful GTI is, but more use could be made of the four vehicles we now have available, especially by the 50 user-groups registered with GTI. Many groups never use a minibus – it only costs £15 (for six hours) and no more than 50p per mile (depending on the vehicle), so now’s the time to plan a day or evening out for your group – ring the CatStrand now to book a bus! Keith Cooper, GTI Recycle Your Old Mobile Dalry school are now collecting unwanted mobile phones for recycling - even broken ones. Money raised will help to buy defibrillators for local communities. You can donate your old mobile at Dalry, Kells or Carsphairn schools or hand it in at the Glenkens Community Shop in Dalry. �������� ��������� ���������������� ������� ���������� ���������� ����������������������� ������������ �������������������� ���������������������� ����������������� ����������������������� �������������� ������������������������������������������ ������������������������������ ���������� ����������� ���������� ����������������������� Glenkens Gazette Golf Club News Since the last edition of the Gazette, the Club has suffered vandalism on the practice putting green. One evening one or more persons broke into the Clubhouse and caused damage by taking divots from the putting green. The police were informed and no doubt investigations are ongoing. If you have any information regarding this incident then please contact the local police. The winter season is now drawing to a close and the Club is looking forward to a very successful 2014 season. This will start by the driving in of the Captain on 30 March, followed by the opening day competition which consists of a Captain’s Team against the Vice Captain’s Team. A full fixture list has been prepared for the season. The Club is still looking for a sponsor for the Seniors Open in June, and if you would like to be involved please contact the Club Captain on 450 265. We are looking to purchase a verti-drainer to enable the drainage of the course to be improved, and have already raised some funds for the purchase, but any further donations would be gratefully received. We are involved in a Dumfries & Galloway Marketing Strategy which involves not only golf clubs but hotels, guest houses and those providing accommodation for visitors to the region, as well as all local attractions. If anyone wants to get involved please contact the Captain on 450 265. The purpose is to attract more visitors to THE KEN BRIDGE HOTEL New Galloway page 17 the region and, in particular, the Glenkens. The Club website has been upgraded - www.nggc.co.uk Some competitions to note are: Sunday 25 May - Natural Power Men’s Open, Thursday 5 June - Senior Men’s Open, Sunday 27 July - Tilhill Open 4BBB. The Club still has some memberships available and anyone who is interested should contact the Secretary on 420 737 - Juniors and ladies would be particularly welcome. Jeff Sutcliffe, Captain, New Galloway Golf Club Bargatton Sand & Gravel Supplying sand and gravel for all your farming needs, as well as households and businesses both large and small. Open 7 Days Beautiful Riverside Location MEALS SERVED 12.00 - 2.00pm, 5.30 - 8.30pm Bed & breakfast en suite accommodation 01644 420 211 mail@kenbridgehotel.co.uk www.kenbridgehotel.co.uk We stock washed fine sand, coarse sand and gravels at competitive prices. For further details contact: Angus Wilson, Quarry Manager - 07715 606 685 James Mair - 07793 085 243 Email: loch.bargatton@live.co.uk Bargatton Quarry, Laurieston, Castle Douglas, DG7 2PS Open 7 days Mon-Fri Weekends by arrangement Delivery can be arranged - subject to quantity Glenkens Gazette page 18 Youth Players Grab the Moment The Stewartry Round of the 2014 Scottish Community Drama Festival saw the biggest entry in living memory with 14 plays being presented over five entertaining sessions. Seven youth plays and seven adult plays were vying for the trophies and for the honour of progressing to represent the Stewartry at the West of Scotland Finals. The Youth Players had two entries. Sing When You’re Winning by Mark Rees was on stage in the Saturday afternoon session and the large cast of seventeen gave a lively portrayal of the trials and tribulations of a rather wayward girls’ football team that had somehow managed to get to a cup final. The audience enjoyed the humour of the play and the adjudicator, Bruce Adam, praised the cast for their nice clear voices and maintaining a good pace, particularly in the early part of the play. He also gave the director credit for marshalling such a large cast effectively and for some nice touches with the use of the background music at various times. The other entry was Bar & Ger by Geraldine Aron which opened the festival on the Wednesday evening. This play is a challenging two-hander which tells the life story of a brother and sister through the re-enactment of 25 different episodes from their childhood and teenage years. The direction was particularly praised for the skilful creation of stage pictures which can be difficult with a minimal set and only two actors, the subtle changes from comedy to pathos were also well handled. The characters were played by Jordan Pears and Lowena Lindsay and they were both commended for their relaxed vocal and physical performances. The adjudicator was particularly impressed by their mature comic timing and excellent stage presence. He felt that both actors interacted well to deliver the for the first time as Lillias was a founder member of Glenkens ’73 Club and an inspiring figure on the amateur drama scene in the local area and throughout Scotland for many years. The plays were staged again at the CatStrand on 6 and 7 March and both attracted some great comments from the audience members. The emotion in the audience during the final scene of Bar & Ger was tangible and one audience member even remarked that the production wouldn’t have been out of place in the West End! The Youth Festival was won this year by Birchvale Youth Players with their excellent performance of Ron Nichol’s The Edge and they represented the Stewartry District at Campbeltown on 16 March and won again; we wish them all the best at the Scottish Final at Nairn in June. The Youth Players will now begin work on their next productions which will be staged on 13 & 14 June. The adjudicator was particularly impressed by their mature comic timing and excellent stage presence. comedy and pathos of the play culminating in the very moving final stage picture which was his choice for the ‘Best Moment of Theatre’ from all 14 plays and winner of the Lillias Thomson Memorial Trophy. It is the first time that the Youth Players have won this sought after award and very appropriate that the trophy should be back in the Glenkens Cast of Sing When You’re Winning © John Scott Photography TAKEOVER & MAKEOVER OF NEW GALLOWAY TOWN HALL New Galloway Town Hall will be open to the public during the weekend of 10 and 11 May. This will give everyone an opportunity to see the hall and comment on proposals for a makeover and also to discuss their ideas of how they would like to use the hall. D&G Council has made clear that they can only support the transfer to the local community if they present a viable and sustainable business plan for its future so we need to show we will use it - or we’ll lose it. Glenkens Gazette page 19 REEL ‘EM IN Dalry Angling Association (Dalry AA) is set to start the 2014 fishing season with a bang, announcing a host of new initiatives designed to offer members a huge boost in value for money. Robert Edgar, chairman of the association, spoke about the new plans. “Financially, the association has been on a firm footing for some time,” he said, “but the new committee felt the time had come to use some of this cash to improve facilities for members. The first task was to invest something in the fishing on Earlstoun Loch as this had been neglected for some time...with the help of Peter and Jonathan from FHB Fencing we have now completely renovated the inside of the boathouse”. The fishing season on the river Ken and Carsfad will open on Saturday 15 March and in preparation for this the club has already carried out the stocking of Carsfad. The River Ken is restricted to fly-only fishing until 1 May but anglers on Carsfad can use fly, spinner or worm as soon as the season opens. The association will be running two competitions for members which for 2014 will come with the added bonus of tackle prizes for winners. The first event is the Junior Championship to be held on 29 June on the River Ken. 19 July sees the adults battle it out on Carsfad in a flyonly contest with the victor set to carry away a fantastic new Daiwa fly rod from their 2014 collection. Association secretary Garry Priddy has also been busy expanding the Ticket-Exchange Scheme with neighbouring associations. Commenting on the new waters open for 2014 Garry explained; “We have enjoyed a ticket-exchange agreement with Dalbeattie Angling Club for a number of years and this will continue, but have managed to extend this to include Drumgrange and Kiers Fishing Club and Ayr Angling Association, giving Dalry AA members access to some of the best salmon fishing in the southwest of Scotland” Full voting membership of Dalry AA is open to residents of Dalry and associate membership is available to all residents of the Glenkens. Membership fees for the 2014 season are: Adult Full and Associate Members £15, Full-Time Students - £5, Juniors - £1. Contact Club Secretary Garry Priddy on 07719 046 676 for further info. ALEX FERGUSSON MSP FOR GALLOWAY & Events in Dalry Town Hall Holds regular advice surgeries at: On Saturday 19 April there will be a Craft Fair in Dalry Town Hall. Constituency Office, New Market Street, Castle Douglas, DG7 1HY To book a table please contact Jean Lockerbie on 430 454. On Saturday 14 June there will be a Scottish Concert with entertainment by Ian Muir on accordion and singer Linton McMillan. After a gap of over 10 years we are to reintroduce a Burns Supper in Dalry. This will take place on Saturday 31 January 2015. The main speaker at this will be Mr Chris Rollie from Dalry who is very well known in Burns circles. We hope to have this event every two years, on alternate years to Dalry School’s Burns Night. Please keep these dates in your diary. Jean Lockerbie WEST DUMFRIES on the 2nd Friday of every month from 5pm Telephone free on 0800 028 7260 for an appointment or to make any alternative arrangement. You can visit Alex’s website at: www.alexfergusson.org.uk or contact him by e-mail at: alex.fergusson.msp@scottish.parliament.uk Glenkens Gazette page 20 The Joys of Spring Spring is the season of expansiveness and joy. The sun warms, the days grow longer and the signs of new life burgeon and blossom everywhere. Compiled from mindfulness based studies and reports are ten of the most effective ways for maintaining maximum happiness and energy levels at this growth time of year. No1 Mindfulness meditation. Studies show that regular meditating can permanently re-wire the brain and is the single most effective and lasting way to live a happier life. No 2 Exercise. 2014 is the year of the Commonwealth Games in Scotland and the benefits of exercise on happiness cannot be over stated. Mindfulness researcher Daniel Segal writes that exercising is the best ways to activate dopamine and other natural feel good opiates and neurotransmitters. No manmade substance or stimulus can trigger them in the same way. No 3 Random acts of kindness. In his book ‘flourish’ professor Martin Selgman found that doing a kindness for someone produces the single most reliable momentary increase in well being of any exercise tested and also contributes to longevity. No 4 Being in nature. In the ‘Happiness Advantage’ by Shawn Anchor making time to be in nature delivers major benefits. Spending twenty minutes or more outside not only boosts positive mood but broadens thinking enabling our minds to see ‘the wood from the trees’. According to the American Meteorogical Society happiness is maximised at a temperature of 13.9°C. No 5 Habit releasers. Lent, which occurs during springtime, is often seen as having to give up something you really enjoy but it could be seen as a very effective and well timed way to boost energy levels. Letting go of ingrained habits can hugely influence our zest for life and hence the new opportunities and choices we are able to make. No 6 Getting enough rest and sleep. According to the University of Surrey less than six hours’ sleep tampers with our body chemistry leading to increased risk of stroke and heart disease. The BPS Research Digest found that sleep-deprived people are much more susceptible to negative emotions like fear and anger. No 7 Planning a holiday but not actually going on one. In a study published in the journal of applied research in quality of life the anticipation at the planning stage is the best part of holiday making and can boost happiness for eight weeks. It’s also a lot cheaper. But you probably have to believe you might go. No 8 Building positive social connections with family members and friends. The old adage that happiness can make you successful but success cannot make you happy seems to stand up to trial testing. In the British Household Panel Survey an increase in the level of social ...exercising is the best ways to activate dopamine and other natural feel good opiates and neurotransmitters. No man- made substance or stimulus can trigger them in the same way. involvement is worth up to an extra £85,000 a year in terms of life satisfaction. No 9 Creativity. The essence of creativity is play which feeds and nurtures the soul. From knitting to drawing to music making, creativity produces a state called ‘flow’ which engenders a deep sense of satisfaction and promotes neural plasticity in the brain. No 10 Smiling. Smiling can alleviate pain and make us feel better so long as it’s backed up by positive thoughts. Studies carried out on customer service workers showed that fake smiling made them feel worse as the day progressed. Real smiles engage the eye sockets enabling us to do our work and daily tasks better as does laughing and ‘novelty’ in life. So whether its watching lamb gangs getting up to mischief or soaking up the sunshine under a cherry blossom tree, happy springtime! Debra Hall If you would like to find out more please contact Debra Hall (‘True Nature’), a practitioner with 23 years’ experience in the field of mindfulness, on debra.ha@hotmail.co.uk or 01644 430 013. Glenkens Gazette page 21 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN Destruction of a Glenkens Lady At 11.30pm on Boxing Day 2013 one of the finest trees in Glenkens came to grief. The copper beech which had guarded the east end of Ken Bridge for over 100 years was felled by one of the most vicious storms to hit these parts in recent memory. The centurylong harmony of wood and wind was shattered forever by a ferocious gale and lashing rain. Peering into the mirk from Dalarran House we could see nothing but had long been anxious that, in the event of a storm, the graceful dame might land on our roof. When its demise came we heard, rather than saw it. The tempest seemed to fall silent for an instant followed by a loud crackle that sounded for all the world like a huge piece of Velcro coming apart. Next we heard the awesome chaotic din of splintering as the great tree crashed. Car headlights gradually revealed that one huge bough had fallen towards the river and parallel to the edge of the bridge, spilling some of its branches into the roadway. The other part collapsed neatly along the roadside in the direction of Dalry, its branches reaching just over halfway across the road. It is well known that beeches have notoriously shallow roots, making them vulnerable to fierce weather, but in this case daylight would reveal that it was the trunk that snapped - unsurprisingly since it was hollow. She was not a huge specimen of fagus sylvatica purpurea, only some 70 feet tall; her sisters are sometimes over twice that height. Her girth was 12 feet four inches (330 cms). According to tree calculators that should give her a lifespan of around 130 years and a birthdate circa 1884. As the human race evolved trees were probably the first objects of worship. The ancient Mayans of Mexico believed that a great tree linked Sky, Earth and the Underworld. The of it is the noise of human existence, onwards from of old…It is the past, the present and the future; what was done, what is doing, what will be done; the infinite conjugation of the verb To Do.” The crash of the Kenbridge copper beech destroyed a complete universe from her highest branches to her roots. The tawny owls will now hold their nightly vigils on other trees, the squirrels scamper on other branches; birds will alight elsewhere and myriads of insects will seek refuge among her offspring. ‘So generations in their course decay;/So flourish these, when those are past away’. One thing is certain. On Boxing Day 2013 a tree fell in the forest and we heard it! In memoriam. ...its trunk reaches up heaven-high, spreads its boughs over the whole Universe…Its boughs are the histories of Nations. The rustle of it is the noise of human existence, onwards from of old… Hindustaniss also had their Cosmogonoic Tree. Thomas Carlyle was fascinated by the magnificent conception of the Viking tree Iggdrasill as a symbol of Old Norse philosophy, as well as a metaphor for the whole of Humanity’s unceasing activity on this planet - no-one better captured its essence. Its roots, he wrote, are “deep down in the kingdoms of Hela or Death; its trunk reaches up heavenhigh, spreads its boughs over the whole Universe… Is not every leaf of it a biography, every fibre there an act or word? Its boughs are the histories of Nations. The rustle Ted Cowan Ken Bridge Copper Beech © Padeapix Glenkens Gazette page 22 APRIL & MAY For CatStrand events please check details/venue during renovations - see p7 APRIL Sat 5 Apr to Mon 5 May, Wild Spring Festival, accross the region, see p5 Sat 5 & Sun 6, Celebration of the Life & Works SR Crockett (1859-1914), CatStrand, see p6 Mon 7, Singing Workshop, 7.30pm, CatStrand, see p11 Wed 9, GTI Bus Trip to Wigtown Wed 9, Photography Workshop, CatStrand, see p13 Fri 11, Puppet Animation Festival: The Little Red Hen, 1.45pm, CatStrand Wed 16, Open Stage, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 18, Tommy Smith & Brian Kellock, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 18, Carsphairn Heritage Centre Opens, see p9 Sat 19, Craft Fair, Dalry Town Hall, 10am-4pm Sat 19, Spalding Bowling Club opens for play, 2pm; old and new members welcome. Thu 24, Film: Philomena, 7.30pm, CatStrand Thu 25, The Taking of Zena Charbonne, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sun 27, The Dardanelles, 7.30pm, CatStrand MAY Sat 3, Life Drawing Class with Kathleen Wheeler, 10pm, CatStrand Thu 8, Film: Wind of Change, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 10 & Sun 11, New Galloway Town Hall Open Days, see p18 Sat 17, 7.30pm, Cahlen Morrison and Eli West, CatStrand Sun 18, A Play, A Pie & A Pint, 7.30pm, CatStrand Wed 28, Bella Hardy, 7.30pm, CatStrand Thu 29, Manran, 7.30pm, CatStrand CASTLE DOUGLAS NOW MOT CENTRETESTING MOTs £45 BIKES Unit 6, Greenlaw Business Park, Castle Douglas, DG7 2LH Tel: 01556 503 090 Open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 6pm THE STEWARTRY VETERINARY CENTRE CASTLE DOUGLAS SURGERY HOURS Mon-Fri 2.00-2.30 pm & 5-6 pm Sat 2-2.30 pm DALBEATTIE SURGERY HOURS Mon, Wed, Fri 3-3.30 pm Tues & Thurs 6-6.30 pm FOR APPOINTMENTS AT BOTH SURGERIES OR IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY � 01556 502263 � VETERINARY SURGERY OAKWELL ROAD CASTLE DOUGLAS DALRY UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB The Return of Dalry United FC - Football is coming back to the Glenkens this summer! Dalry United FC has been reformed and the club will be competing in the Sunday Amateur League for 2014. Our generous sponsors, AB Welding & Fabrication, have kindly provided us with our new kits. We, as a team, would like to involve the wider community - we have already got a squad together but would welcome any additions to the team, both on and off the pitch. The league season starts in a few weeks and we have already had a few friendlies with some encouraging results. Training sessions are once a week with games on Sundays. If you would like to play or help out in any other way please let us know. For further details contact Cameron Ross on 07453 715129. GTI WEDNESDAY BUS SERVICE (registered route) Outward Journey: 19:00 Dept. Dalry (Underhill) 19:05 New Galloway 19:15 Mossdale 19:25 Laurieston 19:30 Townhead of Greenlaw 19:37 Castle Douglas (Market St) 19:40 Castle Douglas (Tesco) Return journey: 20:35 Dept. Castle Douglas (Tesco) 20:37 Castle Douglas (Market St) 20:47 Townhead of Greenlaw 21:50 Laurieston 21:00 Mossdale 21:10 New Galloway 21:15 Dalry To book a Glenkens Transport Initiative (GTI) bus or for more information please contact keith cooper, GTI Administrator, on 01644 420 374. Glenkens Gazette page 23 REGULAR EVENTS CatStrand (New Galloway): Exercise to Music: Mon, 10-11am Ukelele Group, Mon, 11.15am, 60+ Ukelele Improvers, Mon, 1pm, 60+ Free Computer Training; Beginners & Improvers, Mon (starting 4 Nov), 1.30pm Margaret Morris Movement Adult Dance Class, Mon, 2.30-3.30pm, contact Sara on 01556 612854 Children’s Dance Class: Mon during term time, 3.45-4.45pm age 3-7, 4.30-5.30pm ages 8-15 Let’s Cook, Tues, 10am Carers’ Coffee & Chat: Tues, 10am-12noon Let’s Cook, Tues, 10am Teen Spirit: Tues during term time, 7-8:30pm (P7-S3) and 8-9:30pm (S3+) Gentle Tai Chi, Wed, 10am, 60+ Sing it Out: Thurs, 11am -12pm Pilates: Thurs, 4.15-5.15pm & 5.30-6.30pm Knit & Blether Club, last Fri each month, 2pm, 60+ Afternoon Tea Club: 2nd Fri each month, 2pm Saturday Art Club: 2nd Sat each month, 10am–12noon Zumbatomic, last Sat each month,10-10.45am Catstrand Youth Players: Sun during term time, 2pm Glenkens Acoustic Sessions, last Sun of the month, 2-4pm Glenkens Community Centre (Dalry): (contact Kath 430 281) Glenkens Children’s Club: Mon & Fri, 9.15-11.45am Paint & Art: Mon, 1.30-4.30pm & Wed, 7-9pm Ballroom & Latin Dance Class: Mon, 7.15, for more info call Sam Rushton on 420 672 GCC Playgroup, Tue & Thurs, 9.2011.50am, contact keronh@me.com Good Neighbours’ Club: Tues, 2pm Kickback Martial Arts: Thurs, 7-9pm Thursday Craft Group: Thurs, 24pm Brownies: Wed, 5.30-6.45pm Guides: Tue during term-time, 6.15pm, contact: Kath 430 281 Various Locations: Texas Hold ‘em Poker, Mon, 7.15pm, Cross Keys Hotel, New Galloway Mother & Toddlers: Tues, 9.4511.15am, New Galloway Town Hall Beavers: Tues, 6–7.15pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Dog Training: Tue & Wed, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. Contact: Eric 460 670 Tai Jitsu: Wed, Junior Class (age 614), 6-7pm; Senior Class, 7-8.30pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn, contact David on 07547 134 276, see p5 Glenkens Community Councils Balmaclellan Community Council Meetings: 3rd Monday each month, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall. Carsphairn Community Council Meetings: Last Monday each month, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn. Dalry Community Council Meetings: 1st Monday each month, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. New Galloway & Kells Community Council Meetings: 2nd Monday each month, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall. CHURCH OF SCOTLAND: Halfmark, Carsphairn; 9 May, 7.30pm, Quiz Night, Dalry Town Hall; 11 May, 10.30am, Family Service, Dalry Church; 31 May, 2 - 4pm, Plant Sale & Teas, Balmaclellan Village Hall Full minutes of local Community Council meetings can be viewed at Dalry Library. Sundays: Balmaclellan 12noon 1st, Carsphairn 10.30am 1st 2nd 3rd 4th, Dalry (Apr) 12noon 1st 3rd 4th, Dalry (May) 10.30am 2nd, Dalry (May) 9am 1st 3rd 4th, Kells 10.30am 2nd(Apr) 3rd 4th Special Services/Events: 13 Apr, 10.30am, United Family Service, Kells Church; 18 Apr, 7.30pm, Good Friday Service, Dalry Church; 20 Apr, 7am, Easter Service, New Galloway Park & breakfast in New Galloway Town Hall; 27 Apr, 3pm, Conventicle, Communion Services: 4 May, 12noon, Balmaclellan Church SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH: St Margaret’s, New Galloway: Holy Communion, 10.30am every Sun & Wed CATHOLIC CHURCH SERVICES: Gatehouse of Fleet: Sat, 6pm. Kirkcudbright: Sun, 9.30am. Dalbeattie: Sun, 11am Wednesday Quiz Night, Wed, 8.30pm, Cross Keys Hotel, New Galloway Stewartry Camera Club: Wed, 7.30pm, Ringford Village Hall, runs Wed 11 Sept till end Mar Zumba: Wed, 7.30-8.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall, £4 Mossdale Painters: Wed, 9.30am, Mossdale Village Hall Cub Scouts: Wed, 6.45–8pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Carsphairn Post Office, Thurs, 9.30-11.30am, Lagwyne Hall Coffee & Craft Morning, Thurs, 9.30-12noon, Lagwyne Hall Hard of Hearing Group Drop-in, 2nd Thurs each month, 10am-12noon, Castle Douglas Town Hall Scouts: Thurs, 7–8.30pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Dance Your Socks Off, Sat, 23.30pm, adults & children (age 8+), Dalry Town Hall, contact Debra 430 013 To hire the MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) behind Dalry School call Sonja Tranter on 430 244 or Nicolette Wise on 430 218. Dalry Library Tue: 2-4.30pm & 5.30-7.30pm Fri: 11.15am-1:15pm & 2-4.30pm. There are 23 mobile library stops - to find out where and when please phone 430 234. ADVERTISE IN THE GAZETTE (price per issue incl VAT) SMALL: 6cm x 6cm, £37.80 (+ 10% off with series discount) 1/4 PAGE: 9cm w x 13cm h, £81.90 (+ 25% off with series discount) 1/2 PAGE: 18cm w x 13cm h, £151.20 (+ 25% off with series discount) FULL PAGE: 18cm w x 27cm h, £252 (+ 25% off with series discount) Call 07727 127 997 VAT Reg. No. 882 8361 87 USEFUL NUMBERS: ● Pot-hole Hotline: 0845 276 0000 ● Local Police: 0845 600 5701 ● Doctor: 01644 420 234 ● NHS 24: 08454 24 24 24 ● D&G Council: 030 33 33 3000 Glenkens Gazette page 24 HISTORICAL TEAROOM TOURS Teas, history and tours combine to create a new unique and exciting ‘must do’ event for Glenkens locals, visitors and holidaymakers during the Easter holidays. Crossmichael & Parton Parish Church near Castle Douglas are launching a ‘Victorian Tearoom and History Tours’ venture on 6 April. You are invited into their 850-year-old church to enjoy tea and cakes while admiring the historic architecture and learning more about the adventurous, the brave, the crazy and the heroic exploits of characters who have made the church and the village such an incredible part of Galloway history. In the year of the Homecoming and also the 100th anniversary of World War I, church members have created a historic trip through the ages using the information in church records and the stories of the people buried within its grounds and combined it with a Victorian tea room experience to create a fascinating day out for all the family. T C TYRES Mobile Tyre Fitting Specialist & Supplier Tom Craig, previously manager at ATS Euromaster, Castle Douglas, started his mobile service when ATS closed in 2012. TC Tyres offers tyre fitting, balancing & repairs (car,van, motor cycle, trailer & agricultural vehicles). Tyres supplied or own tyres fitted, work done at your work or home, batteries also supplied and fitted. Tom Craig Staunch covenanters, heroic war veterans and the story of one brave local lass who walked all the way to London to save her sister’s life are all documented and can be enjoyed in the setting of the church, whose tower is only one of two of its type in the UK, to make this event a definite date for your diary. The project will run from 11am to 4pm from Sat 5 to Mon 7 April, Thurs 10 to Mon 14 April and finally Thurs 17 to Sun 20 April. The idea behind the project is to give church funds a much needed boost while opening its doors to the wider community. For further info, or to book a tour, contact Ahrlene Fuller on 01556 670615 or ahrlene.fergus on@btinternet.com The Clachan Inn, Dalry, is under new management and has an exciting new range of meals on the menu as well as upcoming music and events. Local girl Laura Burnie, from Parton, and partner Philip Papwoth, originally from Hertfordshire, took over the pub on 17 of October last year. Phil works alongside chef Jac Davidson while Laura manages the bar and restaurant. Phil and Laura have a new menu ready to be launched on Mother’s Day weekend, and regularly host live music in the bar and bothy areas of the pub. The Clachan is open daily from 12 noon, with food served 12 noon to 2pm and 6pm to 9pm, and is featured in the Good Beer Guide 2014 for real ales and craft beers - why not come along and try some out while enjoying great food and quality live music. En suite accommodation, bed & breakfast available. Keep an eye on the board outside the pub for upcoming music and events. 07557 511 436 VAT Registered WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Submit events, activities, news stories, cartoons, reviews, tips & techniques, fiction, photos, ads or ideas... Contact Sarah Ade on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk JUNE/JULY COPY DEADLINE: MON 6 MAY Design & co-ordination: Sarah Ade sarah_ade@tiscali.co.uk Printing:Stranraer & Wigtownshire Free Press www.stranraer-freepress.co.uk The Glenkens Gaze�e is an ini�a�ve of the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust, a Registered Sco�sh Charity No. SC032050  Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette 81 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GG_081 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource GCAT Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2014 Description An account of the resource Editor: Sarah Ade https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/1/228/GlenkensGazette82.pdf e91bd92287aaa106636abd5db64c5f61 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette 82 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Description An account of the resource <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 2014 ISSUE 82 FREE TT RACE CHALLENGE FOR LOCAL SIDECAR BIKER Glenkens resident Ewan Walker is taking part in the 2014 Isle of Man TT (Tourist Trophy) Race. Ewan Walker with sidecar passenger Dicky Gale. “The TT is the greatest and oldest motorcycle race in the world - it was first run in 1907 - and to take part is not only a huge challenge but a privilege as well and is a lifetime ambition for me,” says Ewan. Ewan will be entering with a sidecar motorcycle. He says: “The bike I am running is a chassis built by Gordon Shand from Auchentiber (near Kilwinning) and a tuned tuned Suzuki GSXR 600 engine. My sidecar passenger is Dicky Gale from the Isle of Man, although local man Tony Moore used to passenger me on short circuits.” Continued on p8... Open for Business: Dalry Post Office at New Location The Post Office in Dalry has now moved into Wright’s Shop, 17-19 Main Street (opposite the Clachan Inn). Following the refurbishment of the shop, the Post Office opened for business on 30 April when subpostmistress Florance Ruddock closed the former branch. Lyndsay Wright and her staff at Wright’s Shop are operating a local Post Office branch including postal services, cash withdrawals via chip and pin, bill payments, phone top-ups, Post Office card accounts and foreign currency.The Post Office now also benefits from the longer opening hours of the shop. Lyndsay is delighted with the changes to the shop and is very pleased with the positive responses she has received from customers. She would like to thank her customers for their continued support and understanding during the disruption, and she looks forward to continuing her work within the village. A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) ini�a�ve Lindsay at the new Post Office counter. www.glenkensgaze�e.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 2 THE FOOD TRAIN You may have seen the Food Train vans out and about – but do you know what we do? The Food Train is a local charity and voluntary organisation providing a weekly service delivering groceries to older people living in Dumfries and Galloway. Any person aged 65 and over living in D&G who has difficulty doing their grocery shopping due to ill health, disability, frailty or mobility problems can enjoy the benefits of their local Food Train. Every week volunteers collect shopping lists from our customers, in person or by phone. Volunteer shoppers make the orders up in the shop; the orders are packed in boxes complete with till receipt and the original shopping list. The orders are then collected by other delivery volunteers, and on receipt customers pay for their shopping plus a £3 charge for each delivery (and £1 a year membership). In the Stewartry we shop in Castle Douglas in the Co-op, Tesco and Sunrise. People can refer themselves, or be referred by others and enrolling is easy: there is no assessment process and no application form to fill in. The Food Train is flexible and easy to use, and a phone call to the branch office is all it takes to set it up. It can be used weekly, fortnightly or monthly; it can be used short-term while recovering from an illness, or for as long as it’s needed. If you are an older person struggling with your grocery shopping you can let the Food Train take the strain. the size of the job, and time required to complete it. We rely on volunteers to deliver our services – volunteer shoppers, volunteer drivers and co-drivers, admin and ‘EXTRA’ volunteers. They do a fantastic job, and our customers really appreciate the chat and care they give when delivering the shopping or undertaking odd jobs. We are looking for additional volunteers, so if you think you might like to join the team please get in touch to find out more. The Stewartry branch office has recently moved to Castle Douglas. You can phone Area Co-ordinator Jif Hyde on 07507 321874, email jif@thefoodtrain.co.uk or contact us through our website www.thefoodtrain.co.uk Food Train also offers its ‘EXTRA’ service to anyone aged 65 and over. Our volunteers do odd jobs that folk are unable to do themselves, for example; defrosting freezers, cleaning the inside of windows, hanging curtains. Food Train also offers its ‘EXTRA’ service to anyone aged 65 and over. Our volunteers do odd jobs that folk are unable to do themselves, for example defrosting freezers; cleaning the inside of windows; hanging curtains. (No jobs are undertaken that would require a qualified tradesperson.) EXTRA jobs cost £3 upwards depending on Annual Glenkens Flower and Vegetable Show The Glenkens Horticultural Society’s Annual Flower and Vegetable Show takes place this year on Saturday 16 August in Dalry Town Hall. With sections for vegetables, plants, flowers, flower arrangements, handicrafts, photography, baking & produce and a junior section, there really is something for everyone. The only requirement for taking part is that you are resident in the Glenkens. The Society is proud to be one of the oldest in Scotland having been founded in 1831 – help keep it going by entering this year! Schedules and entry forms are available from local shops. Glenkens Gazette Photo of the Issue page 3 Sponsored by the Ken Bridge Hotel This issue’s winner is Jayne Grimwood with a cute snap of a red squirrel taken near Loch Ken. Dave and Sue, competition judges and owners of the Ken Bridge Hotel, said: “After having considered all the entries we chose Jayne Grimwood’s photo as the winner; the squirrel has got a lovely look of cheekiness and liveliness, and is also sadly a reminder of a disappearing world.” Jayne wins a meal for two at the Ken Bridge Hotel’s renowned Sunday Carvery. We will keep all entries on file and if they suit a future theme/season, they will be re-considered. “Thank You” SWIMMING FOR OVER-60s from the Scouts The leaders and youngsters of Arrangements have been made for a group of people aged over 60 from the Glenkens Scout Group would the Glenkens to attend Kirkcudbright like to thank the group committee, parents and friends of Scouting for Swimming Pool on a weekly basis. This activity is being totally funded by the supporting them at their recent CatStrand Connecting in Retirement Project, and is annual jumble sale. therefore totally free to participants. Transport is also provided, if required, again totally free. Weekly sessions will be held each Thursday afternoon from 2-3pm, starting on Thursday 22 May. Anyone interested should inform Reception at the CatStrand on 01644 420 374; transport will be from the CatStrand every Thursday at 1pm. Money Raised For Patient Transport A recent Plant and Cake sale organised by the Ladies Guild at St. Margaret’s Church in New Galloway raised over £350 for the Order of St John which in this area provides patient transport and emergency equipment for organisations such as Mountain Rescue. St Margaret’s Ladies Guild president, Christine Rankin, commented: “We were delighted by the number of people who came, despite the rain, and supported this helpful and much needed organisation by buying home-made cakes and jams and stocking up on plants and seedlings for the garden. And this year we were able to offer tea and coffee as well”. Our thanks also go to the kind people of the Glenkens and beyond who donated items for the sale and those who came and purchased. We raised a massive £1,156. The group are fortunate to have their own premises and this amount helps to pay for hall insurance, repairs, equipment replacement, activities, badges and much more. All leftover clothing, shoes, bags, belts and soft toys are recycled. Thank you all again, Heather, Cub Scout Leader Great Daffodil Appeal 2014 Thanks to the generosity of the communities and participating outlets in the Glenkens area, £144.14 was raised for Marie Curie Cancer Care during this year’s Daffodil Appeal. A 100% increase on last year’s total, it will go towards much needed practical nursing care to terminally ill people in our area. The Daffodil Campaign is a vital part of fundraising for the charity and their services are totally free to patients and their families. The Glenkens has generously supported it since 1996. Glenkens Gazette page 4 sponsored by EVERYTHING listed in the Glenkens Freecycle section is FREE - you just need to contact the owner and go and pick it up! If you would like to list something on this page, please get in touch with Sarah on 07727 127 997 or email glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk Various Greenhouse glass, was a 13’x8’ greenhouse, dismantled, part of greenhouse there too if you want it. Contact: 420 679 Round 14’ trampoline, in good condition apart from cover that goes round the edge which will need repair or replacement. Contact: 430 218. Box of small fire bricks; 1960/1970s roof rack for car with gutters. Contact: Cynthia on 420 605 Furniture Three wooden garden armchairs, perhaps teak, not 100% sure. Contact: Annikki on 460 640. Child’s white plastic chair. Contact: Cynthia on 420 605 Two armchairs, yellow covers, bit battered in places but really comfy. Contact: 430 218. WANTED Old carpet (but not rotting) for fruit garden paths. Contact: Cynthia on 420 605 Scottish Alternative ‘Commonwealth’ Games The 2014 Games on Sunday 3 August will coincide with the closing day of that other big sporting event happening this summer, the Commonwealth Games. In recognition of this, our own Alternative Games will take on a Commonwealth theme this year with a few twists to the usual format. All the popular quirky events will be included of course, with the Gird n’ Cleek World Championship leading the way, but look out for some guest appearances from international musicians GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE W BONE General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL � 01644 420234 � Wright’s Shop Dalry Licensed convenience store & newsagent, now including Dalry Post Office. Please come in and see our newly refurbished self-service shop. Opening Times (both shop & PO): Monday to Friday: 7am – 6pm Saturday: 8am – 6pm Sunday: 8.30am – 4pm Tel: 01644 430 225 and performers amongst other surprises. Full details will be confirmed in due course but if you are a local organisation and are interested in having a fundraising stall or you are an artist, craftsperson, food producer, etc and would like to reserve a place, please contact Brian Edgar on 420 374 or briangm@catstrand.com WHB JEEPS THE GARAGE, DALRY PETROL & DIESEL SALES SERVICE & REPAIRS MOTs, TYRES, BATTERIES ALL AT COMPETITIVE PRICES OPEN 8.30AM - 6.00PM (SIX DAYS) 10AM - 6PM SUNDAYS - FUEL 24 HOURS SHOP • SANDWICH BAR • LOTTERY Tel: 01644 430208 Fax: 01644 430669 jeeps@whbjeeps.co.uk www.whbjeeps.co.uk The Fleet Fish van is in the Glenkens on Tuesdays & Wednesdays every week. Anyone wishing me to call, please phone Mary on above mobile no. www.facebook.com/fleetfish www.fleetfish.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 5 sponsored by What is the issue with North American signal crayfish? North American signal crayfish, first formally recorded in Scotland in 1995, are wellknown in the Glenkens and have now been recorded in a number of other locations across Dumfries & Galloway. Signal crayfish can be 2-15cm long and are a very aggressive and highly adaptable species. They can have a significant adverse impact on our native freshwater animals and plants in any river, loch or pond that they inhabit. In running waters extensive burrows may destabilise banks, causing erosion and bank collapse. They also prey on fish eggs and young fish, and compete for food and habitat which further impacts on the populations of native fish. Signal crayfish are one of many non-native species in Scotland introduced by humans. Once established some, such as signal crayfish, become invasive and can cause problems for recreational users and others who rely on our rivers and lochs for their livelihoods. Unfortunately no long-term solution has yet been found to eradicate signal crayfish once they are established. Research continues to try to find suitable control techniques and to prevent the movement of signal crayfish within rivers and between catchments. Trapping trials have concluded that although numbers may be reduced during the short-term, traps favour the capture of larger individuals. An unintended consequence of selective harvesting is the increased growth and earlier maturation of juvenile crayfish, which can cause the population to increase. It is not, therefore, a sustainable long-term solution. It is illegal to trap signal crayfish for personal consumption or for onward sale due to the significant and unacceptable risk of introduction to other waters which are presently unaffected by crayfish. Any trapping for scientific purposes, or to limit numbers, requires a licence. Many water-users, businesses and associated organisations across the region and further afield are hugely concerned that other water bodies could also become infested with signal crayfish. Until a longterm solution can be found the only way of protecting unaffected waters is to prevent the movement of any crayfish or their eggs, which could find their way to new locations. The law is therefore clear; that it is an offence to be in possession of a live crayfish or to set a crayfish trap in Scotland without a licence. They must not be transported or released into the wild (including returning live animals caught by accident to the water or ground). If you take a signal crayfish from the water (accidentally or otherwise) do not take it away, as females may be carrying eggs which could be spread to other waters. It should be humanely dispatched and buried close to where it was found. Please help to prevent the spread of all invasive non-native species by ‘checking, cleaning and drying’ all equipment that is used in water before using it elsewhere, and spread awareness with others. For more information on the Check Clean Dry campaign visit www.nonnativespecies.org/ checkcleandry If you see a signal crayfish outwith the Glenkens area please report it to Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) by contacting Scotland’s Environmental and Rural Services (SEARS) 24/7 Customer Service Helpline on 08452 302050, or email info@sears.scotland.gsi.uk If you come across a crayfish trap, do not handle it or remove it from the water. Please report it to Police Scotland by calling 101. For more information SEPA and Scottish Natural Heritage are holding a ‘dropin’ event on Saturday 5 July from 12-3pm at The Cross Keys Hotel, New Galloway. Dumfries & Galloway North American Signal Crayfish Action Group Over the Easter Break four crayfish/crab creels were found set in Loch Ken near to Green Island. It is illegal to set these traps and for anyone to trap the North American Signal Crayfish that are in Loch Ken. Anyone with any information about this or any other illegal trapping in Loch Ken is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. You can also visit its website at www.crimestoppers-uk.org Glenkens Gazette page 6 Glenkens Church News Central Table Communion at Carsphairn Once a year the historic central communion table is used during the celebration of the Lord’s Supper in Carsphairn Church. This year this service will be held on Sunday 6 July at 10.15am. Visitors would be welcome to join members at this service at which the 1647 communion cups will be used. Carsphairn Church acquired these cups under the ministry of Rev John Semple very early in its history, just before the start of the turbulent Covenanting period. Semple drew people from far and wide to his celebrated communion services at Carsphairn. He was a leader of the Covenanting ministers and once stood up to Oliver Cromwell at a meeting in Edinburgh – for which he suffered six months in prison! Conventicle at Halfmark The conventicle this year will be at Halfmark in Carsphairn parish, and will now be on Sunday 8 June at 3pm, as opposed to the earlier advertised date of 27 April. Halfmark is a ruined cottage situated roughly midway between Garryhorn and Carnavel which was inhabited until around the middle of the 19th century. In Covenanting times a man by the name of McRory lived there. He was quietly reading his Bible one Sunday morning having put his cattle out to pasture when Grierson of Lagg, who was stationed locally at Garryhorn, came by with his soldiers. Lagg shot him dead on the spot. Parking will be at Garryhorn, from where it is an easy walk down a grassy track to the place where the open-air service will be held. However, to get to Halfmark itself, which is a few hundred yards further on, wellies will be needed to ford the Garryhorn Burn. T C TYRES Mobile Tyre Fitting Specialist & Supplier Tom Craig, previously manager at ATS Euromaster, Castle Douglas, started his mobile service when ATS closed in 2012. TC Tyres offers tyre fitting, balancing & repairs (car,van, motor cycle, trailer & agricultural vehicles). Tyres supplied or own tyres fitted, work done at your work or home, batteries also supplied and fitted. Tom Craig 07557 511 436 VAT Registered Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents Selling properties across Dumfries & Galloway 01556 503744 www.ggblaw.co.uk All legal advice Offices in Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie Kirkcudbright and Dumfries Glenkens Gazette page 7 CatStrand Update We are thrilled to share what we have in store at the CatStrand over June and July to fill those summer nights. Show our local youngsters your support and attend the CatStrand Youth Players – An Evening of One Act Plays on Friday 13 June; prepare to be impressed by these truly talented young people. The avant-garde theatre company Plutot La Vie make a comedic return this year with their brand new production La Tragedie Comique on Friday 27 June. Expect beauty, imagination and French people; jouir! The standard of music this summer is as exceptional as ever starting with the double-platinum record selling Irish singersongwriter Kieran Goss on Friday 20 June. The Mae Trio will cross our path on Saturday 12 July as part of their debut tour of Scotland. After storming Celtic Connections, these Australian girls have charmed their way into the hearts of a legion of Scots. Recipients of the 2013 Folk Alliance Youth Award at the National Folk Festival in Australia, they really are one of a kind and perfect listening for long summer nights. A little closer to home is Mike Daly’s Dixieland Rhythm Kings Jazz Band. Join us on Friday 18 July for a sparkling night of jazz music; get your bookings in early for this popular act. For kids and those young at heart, drop-in on our summer kids film Mr Peabody and Sherman on Thursday 24 July. This matinee screening will feature popcorn and hotdogs for the authentic cinema The Mae Trio experience…and grown-ups will enjoy the movie too! There is so much to explore, from workshops to exhibitions and more - check the CatStrand website for full details or pick up a brochure. We hope to see you soon! The CatStrand Team For full listings see our latest brochure or visit www.catstrand.com To book tickets call the CatStrand on 01644 420 374. And don’t forget to ‘like’ us on Facebook! �������� ��������� ���������������� ������� ���������� �������������������� ���������������������� �������������������� ���������������������� ����������������� ����������������������� �������������� ������������������������������������������ ������������������������������ ���������� ����������� ���������� ����������������������� Glenkens Gazette Isle of Mann TT Continued from front page... The TT is not a rally but a road race run on closed public roads. It was because the Isle of Man had its own set of road laws that the race was allowed to run originally, as racing on the main roads of the UK mainland was forbidden. For anyone interested in taking part in a race like the TT, Ewan goes on to say: “To compete in the TT you need several years of racing experience, to hold a National Licence, to achieve satisfactory results in the previous season and also two events in the current year. Entry to the TT is free but the preparation and spares needed to support the bike during the event cost quite a lot of money; after all, the course is 37.5 miles long with three laps to each race and two races, as well as all the practice laps, maybe 12 or 14”. You can watch the 2014 TT on various sports channels as page 8 well as the TT’s own You Tube channel, and Manx Radio also covers it. In conclusion, Ewan says: “Motorcycle racing is great fun and brings you into contact with some real characters. Also most of the meetings are full weekends so a good social life comes with it - details of most meetings can be found on posters on the notice board of the Clachan Inn in Dalry.” Ewan would like to thank his sponsors which include Kevin Asworth Machined Timber Products, IOM Ltd, KCP New Cummnock, D”n”G Motorcycles and the Clachan Inn, Dalry. MOUNTAIN RESCUE MISSION On the morning of Saturday 29 March observant Dalry people would have noticed a large number of vehicles outside the Police Station from about 9.30am onwards. Particularly noticeable would have been the vehicles of the Galloway Mountain Rescue Team (MRT) and the Moffat MRT who were holding their joint exercise locally. Less obviously, the local Scouts were involved too. Every Mountain Rescue training exercise has a purpose and quite commonly an exercise will be based on a scenario. The March scenario was that a group of Scouts had set out to do the three Cairnsmores Challenge (Cairnsmore of Fleet, Cairnsmore of Dee and Cairnsmore of Carsphairn). The Scouts had split up and got lost, one group of four somewhere near Craignarget (northern end of Cairnsmore of Fleet) and the other group, also of four, on the southern slopes of Cairnsmore of Dee. The scenario required the Scouts to be cold and tired. I went with the team on Craignarget and the other team had a well known local Dalry resident, Bob Peace, with them. The team on Cairnsmore of Dee were found by our SARDA (Search and Rescue Dog Association) dog and the only problem there was that the dog, Troy, loves children and stayed to be petted instead of going back to bring his handler to the location. The team on Craignarget was found in the edge of the forest by a group made up of both Moffat and Galloway MRT personnel. They were supposedly hypothermic so the appropriate First Aid was to make them warm - it was a warm day! Due to time constraints both groups of Scouts were evacuated from the hill quite quickly after being found, and everyone came back to The Clachan Inn for a debrief, soup and sandwiches. Overall, it was an excellent day for both MR teams and for the Scouts. Both the Galloway and the Moffat teams have a series of exercises throughout the year and it’s important that they’re able to respond quickly and skilfully whenever needed. If anyone wants to join the Galloway team please visit www.gallowaymrt.org.uk/team_ joinus.htm The local Scout Group meets in New Galloway. Scouts are for young people, boys and girls, aged between 101⁄2 and 14, and meetings are usually on a Friday at 7.30pm (sometimes other days). Between the ages of 14 to 18 there are the Explorer Scouts. Explorers are usually on a Thursday at 7.30pm. If you’re interested in either Scouts or Explorers, contact David Adamson on 01644 430 104 or email scouts@dbleadamson.plus.com We also have an active Cub Scout section for age 8 to 101⁄2 and Beaver Scouts for those aged six to eight. David Adamson Glenkens Gazette Golf Club News We are now into the golfing season and it is a busy time at the club. The course is in excellent condition after the very wet winter and the greens are the best they have been at the start of a season for many years. The club has recently purchased a new tractor and verti-corer and it is hoped that this will help with the work on the drainage of the course, particularly if we are going to experience wet winters like the last one. The season was started with the Captain, Jeff Sutcliffe, driving-off after which a match was played between the Captain and Vice Captain’s teams. The Captain’s Team were the winners and the cup was presented in the clubhouse after all players had enjoyed a buffet. The Celts Challenge, a competition to celebrate the life of the past president, Chris Thomas, was a mixed event and very well attended. The winners were the Lancaster family; Sandy, Paul and Philip. Sunshine was the order of the day and everyone enjoyed the game. page 9 Tony Graham and his partner Gavin Aitkenhead are working through the rounds in the Kirkcudbrightshire four ball better ball championship and Sandy Harvie and Tony Graham are through to the next round of the national Daily Celts Challenge winners were the Lancaster family; Paul, Sandy and Philip. Mail Foursomes competition. an active part is now well The Glenkens Trophy Open, a under way with all golf clubs mixed event which has attracted within the region together a lot of interest, was played with accommodation providers on May Day. The Men’s Open, taking part. Any accommodation sponsored by Natural Power, provider within the Glenkens takes place on Sunday 25 May who would like to take part in and the Senior Men’s Open on this project which hopes to bring Thursday 5 June. more visitors to the area in 2015 and beyond or would like more Dates for your diary are information about the project Thursday 18 to Saturday 20 should contact Jeff Sutcliffe on September for Day of the 450 265. Region. The Golf Club is taking part in this year’s event, offering Memberships are still available the chance of a free 9-hole and junior coaching will be round, putting competition, teas/ starting soon - please contact coffees and tray bakes and a the club for more details. ‘brocante’ (superior second hand Jeff Sutcliffe, goods sale). Captain & Match Secretary, The Dumfries and Galloway New Galloway Golf Club Golf Partnership in which New Galloway Golf Club is taking Spalding Bowling Club Dalry’s Spalding Bowling Club opened the green for play on 19 April. The glorious sunshine brought out a good attendance. Eliz Peacock, the president’s wife, threw the silver jack and opened the green for play. After tea and cakes a friendly game was played between the president’s side and the vicepresident’s. Anyone who would like to come along and try their hand at bowling is very welcome. Please come along on a Wednesday night at 7pm; bowls will be provided - wear flat-soled shoes. Eliz Peacock Opening day at Spalding Bowling Club. Glenkens Gazette page 10 DALRY PRIMARY MUSIC SUCCESS Dalry Primary had a very successful week at the Galloway Music Festival. P1/2 took part in the Action Song and Singing games category and were praised for their ‘high quality singing’. In the Group Music Making category P3/4/5 took 1st place with their Egyptian Medley composition. The judges were particularly impressed with pupil conductor, Olivia, who led the performance beautifully. P5/6/7 took part in the Ceilidh class and were up against Dalry’s own S3 Secondary group in this category. P5/6/7 took first place with their arrangement of Scottish songs. There were also a number of solo entries for voice and piano. James (P7) took 2nd place in the Scot Solo Song category and Lucy (P3) took 3rd place in the Grade 1 piano solos. The other soloist performed well and achieved merit scores as well. Depute head teacher Annette P1/2 students performing. Craig said: “The children all performed to a very high standard and were a credit to the school.” Glenkens Cluster Residential Recently P6 and 7 pupils from the Glenkens visited Edinburgh for a three-day residential experience. On the afternoon of the first day the pupils from Carsphairn, Dalry and Kells visited the Camera Obscura and Edinburgh Castle. After dinner the pupils went on an organised ghost walk around The Royal Mile and the city vaults. They were told a number of stories about life in Edinburgh hundreds of years ago. Day two began with a walk up Arthur’s Seat. Unfortunately it was wet and windy, but the pupils still enjoyed the view of Students meet local MSP Alex Fergusson. the city. The group then walked down to the Scottish Parliament to meet local MSP, Mr Alex Fergusson, for a guided tour of the building. After lunch we walked across the road to Holyrood for a guided tour of the Palace. The afternoon was completed with a visit to Dynamic Earth where the pupils enjoyed the galleries explaining how the planet was created as well as watching a film show on space at the planetarium. On the last day we visited the National Museum of Scotland before leaving Edinburgh. The trip home was broken with a visit to the Falkirk Wheel. Zane Gray FUTURE GLENKENS ENGINEERS Once again this year, P6 pupils from across the Glenkens participated in the K’Nex Challenge. The K’Nex Challenge is supported by the Glasgow Science Festival and it gives pupils the opportunity to develop their design, problem solving and teamwork skills in a fun setting. Following on from the cluster challenge, the top team from each school in the cluster was invited to the regional final at Dumfries Academy on 2 May. Representing the Glenkens, from Kells Primary were Finlay McGaw and Hardy Walker; from Dalry School were Euan Belienski and William Nash; and Caitlin Blackett and Rachel McCreath represented Carsphairn Primary. The challenge at the regional final was to design and build a forklift that had a working pulley system for the forklift and also had a steering mechanism. All three teams came up with very clever designs and created fabulous forklifts. Although none of the teams from the Glenkens came away the overall winner, all pupils involved had great fun, and really should be proud in the way they represented the community. Glenkens Gazette page 11 Glenkens Gazette page 12 Glenkens Gazette page 13 Glenkens Gazette page 14 Glenkens Gazette page 15 CatStrand Youth Players After the pressure and ultimate success of the Festival entries this year, the Youth Players have switched their attention to their next productions due to be staged at the CatStrand on Friday 13 June. The plays chosen couldn’t be more different: a classic youth comedy written by the inimitable Alan Ayckbourn will open the evening and will be followed by the UK premiere of a brand new play from prolific Canadian playwright, Bradley Hayward. Ernie’s Incredible Illucinations follows the trials and tribulations of Ernie’s exasperated parents as they try to get to the bottom of their son’s unique and worrying ability to bring his thoughts to life. This leads to various sticky situations developing before their eyes with inevitable consequences. The best doctors don’t believe it can actually happen until Ernie proves it to them in person! Larger than life characters are brought to life on the stage by a large cast assisted in no small measure by Alan Ayckbourn’s keen eye for comedy. Selfie deals with the contemporary phenomenon of the ‘selfie’ – taking a photo of yourself on your mobile phone and then sending it to somebody or posting it on the various social media sites. In keeping with the subject matter, the play is written in a very modern style and as you would expect incorporates the use of technology too. • Pensions • Savings • Investments • Retirement Options • Inheritance Tax Planning • Life Assurance • Income & Critical Illness Protection • Mortgages • Home Insurance Free Confidential Initial Consultation Tel: 01671 403080 Fax:- 01671 402549 Email: brian.edgar@marrfinancial.co.uk Web: www.marrfinancial.co.uk 61 Victoria Street NEWTON STEWART, DG8 6NL **NEW** Yorkshire Building Society Agency – Now Open Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. For mortgages we can be paid by commission or a fee of usually £300 or a combination of both. For Home Insurance we usually offer products from a limited panel of providers. Through his skilfully written and humorous script the author subtly succeeds in illustrating the good and the bad side of social media through the different experiences of eight teenagers. Membership of CatStrand Youth Players is free and all the expenses of rehearsals, scripts, royalties and productions costs are funded entirely from their own box-office income. Your support is therefore much appreciated and allows us to continue to produce quality youth drama at the CatStrand. Please come along and support the Youth Players’ final productions before the summer break, we are sure you will enjoy the latest offerings. Rehearsals will start again for the next season on Sunday 7 September to begin preparations for the Christmas Pantomime. Aileen McLeod MSP working for you across the South of Scotland Postal address: Unit 7 Loreburn Shopping Centre High Street, Dumfries, DG1 2BD Email: aileen.mcleod.msp@scottish.parliament.uk Tel: 01387 255 334 Please check www.aileenmcleod.org for regular surgery, constituency and parliamentary updates Glenkens Gazette page 16 Glenkens Transport Initiative In recent years the growth and success of the Glenkens Transport Initiative (GTI) has attracted compliments and much praise from not only people in the Glenkens but also from across Dumfries and Galloway and other parts of Scotland. The trips we regularly run, none of which have ever cost more than £6, are also struggling for support, and only recently a planned visit to Dumfries House was cancelled because not one person showed any interest. Likewise, although transport is often available in connection with events at the CatStrand, there is very little interest, even though it means no parking problems and no restrictions on having a drink the mini buses being based in Castle Douglas and two in the Glenkens. We have total flexibility where these vehicles are used giving GTI the ability to deal with most transport requests. It is rather disappointing that user groups based near Castle Douglas seem to make more use our facilities and use them for such things as walking festivals, golf trips and social events. The cost of using a vehicle is reasonably cheap and it is far more environmentally friendly than everyone using cars. If you have any queries about GTI including vehicles available and how to use them, driver training or any matter please contact me on 01644 420 374 or gti@catstrand.com It is therefore rather surprising and somewhat disappointing how little use of GTI is now made by the people the initiative was originally designed to help – the residents of the Glenkens. It is therefore rather surprising and somewhat disappointing how little use of GTI is now made by the people the initiative was originally designed to help – the residents of the Glenkens. There are, of course, exceptions including the Wednesday evening service to Castle Douglas, the ‘senior swimming’ on a Tuesday and the regular use of a vehicle by Dalry and Kells School. Many people think we are extremely lucky having 56 user groups registered with GTI and yet throughout 2013 only 24 of those groups actually used a bus and some of them only once! We are very lucky having our own qualified Midas trainer/ examiner, Jon Nimmo, making it easy to get drivers trained, and many of our volunteer drivers are prepared to help if a driver is needed. New Galloway Golf Club Founded 1902 www.nggc.co.uk v 01644 420737 v Buggies now available for hire VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME – watch out for free transport to some future events... The GTI Committee took the opportunity a few years ago to apply to be on the Dumfries & Galloway Council’s approved list for providing transport. This together with the recent demise of the Stewartry Sports Council has led to a number of opportunities to provide transport for the Council as well as a steady influx of requests for transport from other organisations and new user groups based in the Stewartry. We now have four vehicles at our disposal, three with 16 seats and one with eight seats, two of Family and friends coming to stay? Short of space? Cosy country cottage available (sleeps 4) Call Fiona on 01644 420 227 or 07789 903127 Some upcoming trips are: Sunday 15 June Arndarroch Open Garden, High Carsphairn Road. Sun 29 June – Loch Lomond Monday 14 July – Largs and Cumbrae Island Sat 26 July – Glasgow and Commonwealth Games Flotilla Sat 9 August – Mull of Galloway Further trips will be added; suggestions are always welcome. Keith Cooper, GTI Administrator FHB Fencing Dalry Domestic and Agricultural Fencing 01644 430 495 (Peter) or 07767 795 498 (Jonathan) Glenkens Gazette page 17 How To Beat Doorstep Crime From bogus callers to rogue traders, doorstep criminals are cunning, creative, and often very convincing. Anyone can be fooled as these people are professional conartists. However, the over 60s are often specifically targeted. What is Doorstep Crime? There are two main types: 1 - Bogus callers try to get into your home or obtain personal details by pretending to be someone they’re not, including council staff, meter readers, charity collectors or police officers. In reality, they are criminals trying to steal cash and valuables. 2 - Rogue traders usually coldcall, claiming to be workers offering to make repairs or carry out work on your house, garden or driveway. In reality they charge inflated prices for shoddy or unnecessary work. We do not recommend dealing with cold-callers for property maintenance and repairs to your home. What can I do? - Be on guard if someone turns up unexpectedly - Use a door chain or bar - Always put the chain on before opening the door - Keep it on while talking to callers - Don’t feel embarrassed; genuine callers expect you to be careful - If you don’t have a door chain, check from the nearest window. Remember, door chains can be easily fitted - If you’re not sure, don’t answer the door. Who should I call... ...If I feel threatened, unsafe or suspicious of a caller? Contact the police immediately on 999. THE KEN BRIDGE HOTEL New Galloway Open 7 Days Beautiful Riverside Location MEALS SERVED 12.00 - 2.00pm, 5.30 - 8.30pm Bed & breakfast en suite accommodation 01644 420 211 mail@kenbridgehotel.co.uk www.kenbridgehotel.co.uk …if I see something suspicious in my area, or want more advice about doorstep crime? Contact the police on 101; try and take a note of vehicle details or registration numbers and descriptions of anyone suspicious. …if I want to contact the police anonymously? Contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. You can also visit its website at www.crimestoppers-uk.org …to find out more about home safety services? - Contact your local police station on 101 to arrange a free security survey. - Contact your local Trading Standards; some operate No Cold Calling zones or have lists of approved traders. Ian Dunn, Glenkens Community PC Bargatton Sand & Gravel Supplying sand and gravel for all your farming needs, as well as households and businesses both large and small. We stock washed fine sand, coarse sand and gravels at competitive prices. For further details contact: Angus Wilson, Quarry Manager - 07715 606 685 James Mair - 07793 085 243 Email: loch.bargatton@live.co.uk Bargatton Quarry, Laurieston, Castle Douglas, DG7 2PS Open 7 days Mon-Fri Weekends by arrangement Delivery can be arranged - subject to quantity Glenkens Gazette page 18 THE HARMONY OF SPRING For some it’s woolly willow catkins by the roadside, for others the delight of gambolling lambs in the fields, the vanguard swallows fresh home from South Africa or myriad other colourful images that confirm the arrival of spring. shallows. Although I’ve heard an odd bird overhead, I’ve yet to be lucky this year. These brilliant big waders, with their uniquely evocative calls, greatly increased in numbers in the pre-forestry and presilage post-war decades in the southwest, but this was to be short-lived. More recently their numbers have crashed throughout much of the British Isles, but especially in Ireland and south and west Britain due to habitat change. Many thousands lost their moorlands here directly to forestry, but recent research has confirmed that forestry also has a negative effect on whaups grouse (I saw two). Conifer maturation has pushed both species out of the immediately forested areas, but it is hoped that the second rotation will at least provide homes for some of the latter. As a boy from coal-mining New Cumnock, in the early 1970s I walked several times from the Afton over onto the Water of Deugh, fascinated by the chambered cairn a little downstream from Brownhill. At that time the Deugh was on the This year, for me, it was the New Cumnock fishing ticket – it rattling calls and gathering of a may be still – and my paternal couple of dozen sand martins male relations were all keen over the Water of Ken, just above fishers, so much so that I often the confluence had the job of holding with the Garroch polythene bags full Burn. Following of (brown) trouts as repeated flooding they caught them of their riverside with the worm in a nest burrows in falling, black-tea2012, the depleted coloured water with colony enjoyed a almost unbelievable bumper breeding regularity. Planting season last year had then only and are now back recently begun and in profusion. These the spring landscape resilient birds have on the upper Deugh evolved to deal with well beyond its boundaries, was one of open moorland alive a range of disasters, natural and probably due to harbouring with whaups and black grouse. otherwise, that affect variously predators. Hen harriers were regular, too, their sand bank homes, their Although some raptors predate and I even saw golden eagle once wintering grounds or their them, most nests are lost at the or twice. running the gauntlet of a 3,000egg stage and ground predators Whilst beauty is, of course, in mile journey between the two. like foxes appear to be the major the eye of the beholder, I must The 1970’s drought in the Sahel culprits. Land-use change has say I don’t think I would be saw them hit their lowest levels also seen them decline on the alone in my feelings regarding in living memory, but in recent continent and the UK now holds the industrial transformation that years these indomitable mites about a quarter of the global afforestation and clearfelling has (only 1/2 oz or 14g!) have been population. brought to this area. It now looks widespread and are the earliest There are still a few pairs on the like a war-zone. of our summer migrant birds, moorlands north of Carsphairn Finally, not being a `sportsman’ usually seen heading north over and it was great to hear them myself, I clearly can’t appreciate rivers and lochs in mid to late singing this morning (6 May) as the thrill that shooters get from March. I love them. I looked and listened for black killing their quarry, although Around this time I also love I am certainly not opposed to to hear oystercatchers making (legal) shooting in principle. their first nocturnal forays However, I’m certain that, like upstream to their inland me, many shooters will also breeding places from their fail to appreciate the thrill that coastal wintering quarters – how accompanied the shooting of excited they sound. Also, on a whaup by someone on the early morning and dusk walks Ken at Dalry early on Saturday down the Ken at Dalry in March, morning a couple of weeks when Earlstoun isn’t generating, ago. Sadly, that’s one I won’t I usually scan downstream from be seeing feeding in the mossy the swinging brig in the hope of shallows in future. seeing a whaup (curlew) feeding Chris Rollie on invertebrates in the mossy A ‘lekking’ black grouse © Angus Hogg. Whilst beauty is, of course, in the eye of the beholder, I must say I don’t think I would be alone in my feelings regarding the industrial transformation that afforestation and clearfelling has brought to this area. It now looks like a war-zone. Glenkens Gazette page 19 Open Garden Annikki Lindsay is once again opening her beautiful garden at Arndarroch to the public for a fundraising event this June. This will be the garden’s 20th opening as Annikki has been holding an open garden now for 17 years, since the garden was only six years old, with the first three years opening twice a year. “The 2.5 acre garden is a semi-natural, wildlife friendly environment,” says Annikki. “There are views over Kendoon Loch and the Cairnsmore hills and red kites circle over the garden as well as peregrine falcons occasionally. There are collections of herbaceous plants, shrub and trees including a Clootie Tree and an Anvil Tree (these are my little joke; when you visit a sign explains what they are!) and over 20 different types of bamboo. There are also rockeries and a small woodland walk.” For children there will be a treasure hunt as well as the chance to perhaps see Rocky the Kendoon Monster, and even fairies in the garden! There will also be an exhibition of patchwork and quilting (the quilter will be present), a plant and cake stall and teas for £2.50. The Open Garden is on Sunday 15 June from 2-5pm, entry is £3.50 with children under 16 free and dogs on leads are welcome. Funds raised will go towards the Glenkens Children’s Club and Dumfries & Galloway Canine Rescue Centre. Arndarroch is situated on the The Clachan Inn, Dalry, is open every day from 12 noon serving great food, awardwinning ale and offering a variety of live music. Food is served from 12 noon to 2pm and 6pm to 9pm, with the new menu proving very popular so booking is recommended at peak times (current menu can be viewed on our website). Come and experience award-winning cask ales and a great selection of wines, malts, ciders, beers and freshly ground coffee. With summer on its way there are plenty of events planned at the Clachan - keep an eye on the boards outside for all up coming events. 01644 430241 mail@theclachaninn.co.uk B7000, 5 miles from Dalry or Carsphairn; Follow the blue signs till you see blue balloons at the end of the drive – the postcode is DG7 3UD. For further details contact Annikki Lindsay on 460 640 or email annikkilindsay@gmail.com ALEX FERGUSSON MSP FOR GALLOWAY & WEST DUMFRIES Holds regular advice surgeries at: Constituency Office, New Market Street, Castle Douglas, DG7 1HY on the 2nd Friday of every month from 5pm Telephone free on 0800 028 7260 for an appointment or to make any alternative arrangement. You can visit Alex’s website at: www.alexfergusson.org.uk or contact him by e-mail at: alex.fergusson.msp@scottish.parliament.uk Glenkens Gazette page 20 War Graves in the Glenkens Although most war graves are in large cemeteries erected near the battlefields of WW1 or WW2, there are many individual war graves back here in UK. These are soldiers who died of wounds or illness ‘at home’. There are five such graves in the Glenkens and these have recently been highlighted by new Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) signs placed at the entrance to the churchyards. Some of these graves have official Commonwealth War Graves Commission pattern gravestones but other families preferred to have a private stone erected - the photos show an example of each. The official war graves of the Glenkens are: - John Anderson, WW1, Carsphairn (official stone) - William Dickson, WW1, Carsphairn (private stone) - Matthew Hyslop, WW1, Balmaclellan (private stone) - Robert Little, WW2, Dalry (private stone) - David Robertson, WW1, Dalry (official stone) In addition to these official war graves, there are many other family gravestones which record the deaths in war of family members and yet others which record military service although the person may not have died in war. There are four such in Balmaclellan, none in Carsphairn, eight in Kells and twenty-two in Dalry; some of these record more than one war death. One such non-CWGC grave worth noting is that of Jane Nodwell in Kells Churchyard. Jane was a member of the Red Cross and died of illness. The rules were much stricter to be granted official war grave status for such organisations – if she had been a member of the Armed Forces then she would have qualified. However, despite being listed on the Kells War Memorial, her grave remains a private one and does not have official war grave status. You can find much more about all of these gravestones and the people recorded in the Scottish War Graves Project at http://sco ttishwargraves.phpbbweb.com Paul Goodwin Remembrance Poppies – The Glenkens Connection Marmaduke McCrae was born in Old Cumnock in 1776 and was farming at the Holm of Dalquhairn, Carsphairn, when his son David was born in 1800. David was farming at Dukieston in Kells parish when his son Thomas was born in 1820. Dukieston is now a ruin on Forrest Estate. Thomas farmed in Laurieston and his son David was born in 1845. A few years later, Thomas and his family emigrated to Guelph, Ontario. David became an army officer and had a family of his own, one of whom John, born on 30 November 1872, is the key part of this history. John McCrae also joined the Army and served in the Boer War and the First World War where he became a medical officer. He was in charge of a field hospital during the Second Battle of Ypres and it was there that he wrote the poem In Flanders Fields following the death of his friend Alexis Helmer in 1915.The poem was published soon after in Punch magazine. In Flanders Fields was the inspiration for the poppy to be adopted as a symbol of remembrance and the poem is used in remembrance services across the world. Marmaduke’s gravestone can be seen in Carphairn Churchyard and memorials to John McCrae can be seen the world over. To the right is an original handwritten, signed version of the poem. Paul Goodwin Glenkens Gazette page 21 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN THE BATTLE OF BANNOCKBURN This month marks the 700th anniversary of the most iconic battle in Scottish history, fought on 23 and 24 June to preserve the freedom and independence of the nation of Scots against the mighty army of England’s Edward II. Robert Heron of New Galloway (1764-1807) wrote A New History of Scotland from the earliest Times…to 1748 in five thick volumes, a fascinating work which seems to have been almost completely forgotten. Heron was a genuine product of the Scottish Enlightenment, a polymath who wrote on numerous subjects. He was steeped in Scottish literature, had absorbed every enlightenment publication worth reading, but sadly was a self-confessed waster and boozer. He was disappointed that the field of Bannockburn retained no conspicuous vestiges of the battle, in which ‘freedom spurned tyranny to the earth, and crushed his neck in the dust’. Nothing remained to show it was ‘once the scene of an engagement decisive of the fate of Scotland’, save for the stone that supported the royal standard. This year the site has acquired a shiny new visitor centre portraying the battle using the latest high tech. Bannockburn was Scotland’s greatest victory, as might have been predicted since it was fought on a particularly auspicious day, that of John the Baptist, Scotland’s favourite saint, having baptised Scotland’s own St Andrew, ‘first-called’ of the disciples, who advised his brother Peter, of the coming of the Messiah. The victory, against apparently overwhelming odds, was iconic because it was fought for the most sublime of causes, namely the defence of king, country and community. Bannockburn represented invincible corroboration of the legend that Scotland, specially favoured by God, had never been a conquered country, unlike England. More practically, defeating the greatest military force in Europe gave the Scots a massive psychological boost. It was claimed that the English army marching north was 20 continued to defy the Bruce regime until the 1350s. The ‘Black Douglas’, Bruce’s loyal lieutenant, was granted the regality of Buittle, a bridgehead for the almost total Douglas takeover of Galloway by the mid-15th century. Another Bruce stalwart, Thomas Randolph, received estates in Parton. Native McMillan landowners in the Glenkens, Gylbricht McMalene and Gilruth McMolene, of Brockloch and Knockengorroch (Carsphairn) had their lands forfeited, for supporting the English. The Church in Galloway continued to oppose Bruce who attempted modest pacification by granting the patronage of Kells to Whithorn Abbey for the damage it had suffered in the wars. Whithorn thereafter had the right to nominate the priest of Kells. This process was known as ‘appropriation’, whereby the revenues of the parish were siphoned off by the beneficiary. Quite often in such cases insufficient funds were left behind to maintain the parish priest and the fabric of his kirk. Two World Wars have taught us to commemorate, rather than celebrate, battles. The loss of life in the Anglo-Scottish wars was horrendous. Both Edward II and Robert I would have preferred to avoid the battle. From a Scottish point of view it was about resistance to tyrannical invasion, occupation and conquest by an alien despot. Much water has flowed down the Bannock Burn since 1314. A conflict that took place 700 years ago must be seen in its context of time and circumstance. Today we engage in very different battles. Ted Cowan From a Scottish point of view it was about resistance to tyrannical invasion, occupation and conquest by an alien despot. miles from end to end. The amount of booty looted from the field was valued at an unbelievable £3 million in 1874. Scotland was suddenly a place to be reckoned with, Bruce a warlord to be admired and his battle-hardened veterans to be envied and respected. Every year thereafter the elaborate celebrations at the Feast of John the Baptist, handily corresponding to Midsummer’s Day, would recall Bannockburn and the noble aspirations it symbolised. What was the impact of Bannockburn on the Glenkens? If a referendum had been held in 1314 even more of the inhabitants of Galloway would have voted ‘No’ than are expected to do so 700 years later. Galloway had little love for the Bruce cause. Robert’s brother Edward was violently imposed on the province as Lord of Galloway. The Galwegians Glenkens Gazette page 22 JUNE & JULY JUNE Thurs 5, Senior Men’s Open Golf Tournament, New Galloway Golf Club, see p9 Wed 11, Open Stage, CatStrand Fri 13, CatStrand Youth Players Performance, CatStrand, see p15 Sun 15, Movie Brunch: Osage County, CatStrand Sun 15, Arndarroch Open Garden, High Carsphairn Road, see p19 (GTI bus service operating - see p16) Fri 20, Kieran Goss, CatStrand Tue 24 & Wed 25, Weaving Workshop with Katie Russell, CatStrand Dixieland Rhythm Kings Jazz Band, CatStrand Sat 19 & Sun 20, The Art Fri 27, La Tragedie of Movement: Drawing/ Comique, Catstrand Painting Workshop, Sun 29, GTI Bus Trip: Loch CatStrand Lomond, see p16 Thu 24, Film: Mr Peabody & Sherman, CatStrand JULY Sat 5, Crayfish Drop-in Event, 2-3pm, Cross Keys Hotel, New Galloway, see p5 Sat 12, The Mae Trio, CatStrand Mon 14, GTI Bus Trip: Largs & Cumbrae Island, see p16 Sat 26, GTI Bus Trip: Glasgow & Commonwealth Games Flotilla, see p16 AUGUST Sun 3, Scottish Alternative ‘Commonwealth’ Games, see p4 Sat 9, GTI Bus Trip: Mull of Galloway, see p16 Fri 18, Mike Daly’s T. H. CARSON BUTCHERS See us at Dalry Farmers Market on 2nd Sat each month. We deliver every Thursday Give us a call, no order too small! THE CROSS, MILL ST, DALBEATTIE 01556 610 384 THE STEWARTRY VETERINARY CENTRE CASTLE DOUGLAS SURGERY HOURS Mon-Fri 2.00-2.30 pm & 5-6 pm Sat 2-2.30 pm DALBEATTIE SURGERY HOURS Mon, Wed, Fri 3-3.30 pm Tues & Thurs 6-6.30 pm FOR APPOINTMENTS AT BOTH SURGERIES OR IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY � 01556 502263 � VETERINARY SURGERY OAKWELL ROAD CASTLE DOUGLAS GTI WEDNESDAY BUS SERVICE (registered route) Outward Journey: 19:00 Dept. Dalry (Underhill) 19:05 New Galloway 19:15 Mossdale 19:25 Laurieston 19:30 Townhead of Greenlaw 19:37 Castle Douglas (Market St) 19:40 Castle Douglas (Tesco) Return journey: 20:35 Dept. Castle Douglas (Tesco) 20:37 Castle Douglas (Market St) 20:47 Townhead of Greenlaw 21:50 Laurieston 21:00 Mossdale 21:10 New Galloway 21:15 Dalry To book a Glenkens Transport Initiative (GTI) bus or for more information please contact keith cooper, GTI Administrator, on 01644 420 374. Glenkens Gazette page 23 REGULAR EVENTS CatStrand (New Galloway): Exercise to Music: Mon, 10-11am Ukelele Group: Mon, 11.15am, 60+ Ukelele Improvers, Mon, 1pm, 60+ Free Computer Training; Beginners & Improvers: Mon (starting 4 Nov), 1.30pm Margaret Morris Movement Adult Dance Class: Mon, 2.30-3.30pm, contact Sara on 01556 612854 Children’s Dance Class: Mon during term time, 3.45-4.45pm age 3-7, 4.30-5.30pm ages 8-15 Let’s Cook: Tues, 10am Carers’ Coffee & Chat: Tues, 10am-12noon Teen Spirit: Tues during term time, 7-8:30pm (P7-S3) and 8-9:30pm (S3+) Gentle Tai Chi: Wed, 10am, 60+ Sing it Out: Thurs, 11am -12pm Pilates: Thurs, 4.15-5.15pm & 5.30-6.30pm Swimming for Over 60s: transport to Kirkcudbtight from CatStrand at 1pm Knit & Blether Club: last Fri each month, 2pm, 60+ Afternoon Tea Club: 2nd Fri each month, 2pm Saturday Art Club: 2nd Sat each month, 10am–12noon Zumbatomic: last Sat each month,10-10.45am Catstrand Youth Players: Sun during term time, 2pm Glenkens Acoustic Sessions: last Sun of the month, 2-4pm Glenkens Community Centre (Dalry): (contact Kath 430 281) Glenkens Children’s Club: Mon & Fri, 9.30-11.45am Paint & Art: Mon, 1.30-4.30pm & Wed, 7-9pm Ballroom & Latin Dance Class: Mon, 7.15, for more info call Sam Rushton on 420 672 GCC Playgroup: Tue & Thurs, 9.2011.50am, contact keronh@me.com Good Neighbours’ Club: Tues, 2pm Kickback Martial Arts: Thurs, 7-9pm Thursday Craft Group: Thurs, 24pm Brownies: Wed, 5.30-6.45pm Guides: Tue during term-time, 6.15pm, contact: Kath 430 281 Various Locations: Texas Hold ‘em Poker: Mon, 7.15pm, Cross Keys Hotel, New Galloway Mother & Toddlers: Tues, 9.4511.15am, New Galloway Town Hall Beavers: Tues, 6–7.15pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Dog Training: Tue & Wed, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. Contact: Eric 460 670 Bowling for Beginners: Wed, 7pm, Spalding Bowling Club, Dalry (opposite The Garage) Tai Jitsu: Wed, Junior Class (age 6- Glenkens Community Councils Balmaclellan Community Council Meetings: 3rd Monday each month, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall. Carsphairn Community Council Meetings: Last Monday each month, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn. Dalry Community Council Meetings: 1st Monday each month, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. New Galloway & Kells Community Council Meetings: 2nd Monday each month, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall. CHURCH OF SCOTLAND: Sundays: Balmaclellan 12noon with Church Choir, 10.30am, Carsphairn Church 1st, Carsphairn 10.30am 1st 2nd 3rd 4th, 5th (June), Dalry 9am 1st 2nd (Jul) 3rd 4th, Kells 10.30am 2nd 3rd 4th Special Services/Events: 8 June, United Family Service (Kells/ Dalry), 10.30am, Kells Church; 8 June, Conventicle, 3pm, Halfmark, Carsphairn (parking at Garryhorn farm, then 10 minute easy walk); 29 June, United Service Communion Services: 6 July, 10.15am Carsphairn Church Communion (using central table) SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH: St Margaret’s, New Galloway: Holy Communion, 10.30am every Sun & Wed CATHOLIC CHURCH SERVICES: Gatehouse of Fleet: Sat, 6pm. Kirkcudbright: Sun, 9.30am. Dalbeattie: Sun, 11am 14), 6-7pm; Senior Class, 7-8.30pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn, contact David on 07547 134 276, see p5 Wednesday Quiz Night: Wed, 8.30pm, Cross Keys Hotel, New Galloway Stewartry Camera Club: Wed, 7.30pm, Ringford Village Hall, runs Wed 11 Sept till end Mar Zumba: Wed, 7.30-8.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall, £4 Mossdale Painters: Wed, 9.30am, Mossdale Village Hall Cub Scouts: Wed, 6.45–8pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Carsphairn Post Office: Thurs, 9.30-11.30am, Lagwyne Hall Coffee & Craft Morning: Thurs, 9.30-12noon, Lagwyne Hall Hard of Hearing Group Drop-in: 2nd Thurs each month, 10am-12noon, Castle Douglas Town Hall Scouts: Thurs, 7–8.30pm, New Galloway Scout Hut To hire the MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) behind Dalry School call Sonja Tranter on 430 244 or Nicolette Wise on 430 218. Dalry Library Tue: 2-4.30pm & 5.30-7.30pm Fri: 11.15am-1:15pm & 2-4.30pm. There are 23 mobile library stops - to find out where and when please phone 430 234. ADVERTISE IN THE GAZETTE (price per issue incl VAT) SMALL: 6cm x 6cm, £37.80 (+ 10% off with series discount) 1/4 PAGE: 9cm w x 13cm h, £81.90 (+ 25% off with series discount) 1/2 PAGE: 18cm w x 13cm h, £151.20 (+ 25% off with series discount) FULL PAGE: 18cm w x 27cm h, £252 (+ 25% off with series discount) Call 07727 127 997 VAT Reg. No. 882 8361 87 USEFUL NUMBERS: ● Pot-hole Hotline: 0845 276 0000 ● Local Police: 0845 600 5701 ● Doctor: 01644 420 234 ● NHS 24: 08454 24 24 24 ● D&G Council: 030 33 33 3000 Glenkens Gazette page 24 GLENKENS CLUSTER HEAD TEACHER RETIRES Fraser Simpson, head teacher of the Glenkens Cluster of schools, is retiring at the end of June after 12 years at Dalry. His time at Dalry School has seen many changes, most notably the formation of the Glenkens Cluster – Glenkens Nursery, Carsphairn, Dalry and Kells Primaries and Dalry Secondary all coming under the umbrella of one head teacher. Other highlights of the last 12 years for Fraser include the ski trips, the annual geography trips to Glasgow and making it to the Small Schools Football Cup final in 2009. But it is the daily working with young people ranging from toddlers to teenagers that has been the best part of the job. “Every child only gets one shot at education and an environment like the Glenkens is a fantastic opportunity for them to grow and learn,” says Fraser. “There is a great sense of pride at the S4 Leaving Assemblies as those who we have taught and guided, often from the age of three, move on as successful, confident young adults.” Apart from a brief spell as a Cllr Finlay Carson Castle Douglas & Glenkens for an appointment Tel: 07825 633 185 or email: part-time football reporter for DC Thomson when he was a student in Edinburgh, Fraser has been a teacher all his working life. There had never been any question in his mind about his chosen career - in fact the only decision was whether to train as a geography or PE teacher. Geography won the day. Three years at Dunblane High School was followed by seven years at Wallace High in Stirling. Then in 1987 he and his wife Mags moved to Stranraer when he was appointed principal teacher at Stranraer Academy. In 1996 he joined Douglas Ewart High School in Newton Stewart as assistant head where he remained until coming to Dalry. Dalry Secondary may be one of the smallest high schools in Scotland but it is firmly at the forefront in delivering top quality education, as the national exam league tables demonstrate year after year. Paul Bannister, principal teacher pupil support at Dalry, comments: “Fraser always puts the needs of pupils first – every decision made in school has been for their benefit.” Asked what advice he would give his successor, Fraser said: “What makes a school effective are strong and positive relationships with staff, pupils, parents and the wider community – this is much more important than Standards and Quality Reports or School Improvement Plans which will not work on their own without good relationships.” Having gone straight from university and teacher training college to his first job, Fraser is planning a ‘gap year’ for his retirement and it will be no surprise to a generation of pupils that this will involve going to all the Falkirk FC games. Golf, cycling and a bit of travel in the camper van are also on the agenda. Andrea Ramsay, chair of the School Parent Council, voices the good wishes of all parents for his retirement and the Glenkens Gazette and the wider community of the Glenkens also wish him all the best. CASTLE DOUGLAS NOW MOT CENTRETESTING MOTs £45 BIKES finlay@finlaycarson.co.uk www.finlaycarson.co.uk WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Submit events, activities, news stories, cartoons, reviews, tips & techniques, fiction, photos, ads or ideas... Contact Sarah Ade on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk Unit 6, Greenlaw Business Park, Castle Douglas, DG7 2LH Tel: 01556 503 090 Open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 6pm Design & co-ordination: Sarah Ade sarah_ade@tiscali.co.uk AUG/SEPT COPY DEADLINE: FRI 4 JULY The Glenkens Gaze�e is an ini�a�ve of the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust, a Registered Sco�sh Charity No. SC032050  Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette 82 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GG_082 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource GCAT Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2014 Description An account of the resource Editor: Sarah Ade https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/1/229/GlenkensGazette83.pdf c866d326c98fabfa252fb5e77492c49f Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette 83 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 2014 ISSUE 83 FREE Day of the Region in New Galloway Join New Galloway’s weekend party... New Galloway will take centre stage in September when it hosts a weekend of events celebrating the Day of the Region (DoR). There will be a diverse programme of free events ranging from fishing to singing, golf to photography and cooking to wildlife-watching, demonstrating the wealth of activities people enjoy accross the wider area. The Day of the Region is a Europe-wide initiative to encourage grass-roots rural community activity and cooperation, and capture the wonderful array of activities that go on throughout the year. Four years ago Dumfries & Galloway was the first region in the UK to take part, and New Galloway is one of eight communities in the region which have been accepted for this year’s celebration which runs from 19-21 September. New Galloway & Kells Community Council has set up a steering group to run the event, led by the council’s chair, George Scott. He says: “The Day of the Region is an opportunity to showcase the many interesting and varied activities that we enjoy in the region and especially in New Galloway. We hope to encourage people and places to connect with each other and to encourage people to to share resources, find new friends, and have fun. It will also provide local people with an opportunity to volunteer in their communities and share their skills and interests.” The entire event is free and George and the other volunteer organisers look forward to Galloway Forest Dark Sky events are part of the DoR activities (photo by Keith Muir) welcoming everyone from across the Glenkens and beyond. “Whether you are interested in walking, cycling, photography, crafts or music, or have a love of the countryside, food or history, this is your opportunity to find out what is going on in your community and be part of it,” he says. Continued on p19... AFRICAN VISIT FOR CARSPHAIRN PRIMARY It has been yet another incredibly busy term at Carsphairn Primary. 23 May was a very special day in the school as we had visitors from Ghana. The African drumming Group was on its way to perform at the main stage of the Knochengorrach World Ceilidh Festival, but stopped in at the school to entertain and educate pupils, parents and community members. Everyone in attendance learned a little about the different styles of drums and songs, and also had a chance to play the drums and learn some traditional African dances. Continued on p10... Carsphairn Primary pupils and staff with African drumming group. A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) ini�a�ve www.glenkensgaze�e.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 2 GLENKENS COMMUNITY CENTRE It’s been a busy few months behind the scenes at the Glenkens Community Centre, with the plans for community ownership progressing apace. Because of the clear desire voiced by the wider community to see Dalry Town Hall and the Community Centre working closely together, we formed a steering committee from representatives of the Community Centre and Town Hall management committees, Dalry community council and some independent voices to ensure that the solution we arrive at is one that will benefit the area as a whole (full list of steering committee members below). At our inaugural meeting in May, we determined that the will was there to see the Community Centre and the Town Hall managed by one Trust, or SCIO (Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation), as they are formally known nowadays. Under this umbrella organisation each building would retain a management committee with responsibilities (as now) for rent-setting, bookings management and internal maintenance. The new Trust would be responsible for grant and fundraising to facilitate external maintenance and running costs, plus advertising and promotion and any other roles that would be better done as a joint effort. We believe that this will provide a model that will allow the buildings to work in a complementary fashion, each playing to its strengths to provide the community with the facilities it needs, and indeed to become more than the sum of their parts. It is also a model that could be expanded to include other public buildings in Dalry, as and if required. To achieve this model, there are some legal issues regarding the existing (and very old) Town Hall Trust that need to be overcome, but Will Adam is very kindly working hard on this on our behalf new windows) is extremely small and any external maintenance would almost certainly continue on the same ad-hoc basis as before. At the next meetings of the Management Committee and the Steering Committee, due in early September, we will therefore discuss whether we would like to continue towards the purchase anyway. Early indications are that we should capitalise on our momentum and proceed with the purchase. In summary, the Community Centre will certainly remain open for the foreseeable future, with a handover to community ownership still very likely. The potential of community ownership and working in partnership with the Town Hall open up a vista of possibilities for the future which we are very excited about. If you have any questions or comments, do get in touch: keronh@me.com Helen Keron, Chair, Glenkens Community Centre management committee Members of the steering committee (listed by person, position and what organisation they represent) are: Helen Keron (chair), Glenkens Community Centre; Jack Howard (secretary), Glenkens Comminity Centre; Jean Lockerbie, Dalry Town Hall; Sonya Trantor, Dalry Town Hall; Andi Holmes, Dalry Community Council; Gerald Bell, Dalry Community Council; Ronnie Bradford, Independent, Will Adam, legal advice. We are all very excited about the possibilities that community ownership and working so closely with the Town Hall offer. Gardener Required for Carsphairn Community Garden This is a paid post for a self-employed gardener. Please contact Carsphairn Community Council secretary: carsphairncc@gmail.com and we are confident of finding a route to our desired outcome. We have also been successful in our application for a £3000 grant from Awards For All to fund the transition costs. Communications with D&G Council continue cordially, although we were surprised to hear last month that due to changing Council priorities, they are not now insisting on a sale to us in the immediate future. We can now continue as we are under the new Management Agreement for the medium-term. However, the amount of money the Council has available for upgrades (such as Glenkens Agricultural Society Annual Show Saturday 9th August Mains of Kenmure, New Galloway Cattle, Sheep, Goats, Poultry, Horses, Show Jumping, Fancy Dress Pony, Pets & Dogs, Crookmaking, Refreshments, Sheep Shearing Demo Schedules from Fiona McIntyre: 01848 200 531 or fiona_mcintyre@hotmail.co.uk E.B.IRVING FORESTRY CONTRACTOR AND SUPPLIER OF QUALITY FIREWOOD THROUGHOUT THE STEWARTRY THANK YOU TO ALL OUR CUSTOMERS! WE LOOK FORWARD TO CONTINUING TO SUPPLY YOU WITH A FIRST CLASS SERVICE For information/orders please call: 07795 678562 or 01556 610667 Glenkens Gazette by the Ken Photo of the Issue: Sponsored Bridge Hotel page 3 This issue’s winner is Fraser McCormick with this tranquil snap of the Otter Pool along Raider’s Road. Dave and Sue, competition judges and owners of the Ken Bridge Hotel, said: “The entries this issue are all very good and all very different. The character of the dog shines through, we love the way the water photos show the interaction between stone and water and we love the vibrant colours of the poppies. I think that on this occasion our winner is the otter pool.” Fraser wins a meal for two at the Ken Bridge Hotel’s renowned Sunday Carvery. We will keep all entries on file and if they suit a future theme/season, they will be re-considered. Victorian Tours & Local Talent Mountains of scones, lashings of Victoria sponge and layers of scrumptious chocolate cake were all lovingly devoured over the Easter holidays at Crossmichael & Parton Church as their experimental Victorian Tearoom and Tour project was launched and proved to be a resounding success. The event made an amazing £1,930 and, more importantly, Crossmichael and Parton Church gained many new friends and Cllr Finlay Carson Castle Douglas & Glenkens for an appointment Tel: 07825 633 185 or email: finlay@finlaycarson.co.uk www.finlaycarson.co.uk supporters with people coming from far and wide to enjoy the experience of tea inside the church - and the chance to ‘journey through time’ on the popular history tours round the church and graveyard. A special thank you has to go to all the volunteer tearoom staff, shop and front foyer staff and of course the very busy bakers who did a sterling job keeping the cake stands full. “It just wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity and time of all the volunteers who stepped up to the mark and produced a really excellent event that everyone – without exception – really enjoyed,” said event co-ordinator Ahrlene Fuller. The event was so successful that ‘Tearoom and Tours’ will open its doors every Friday, TT Tumble Ewan Walker, the Glenkens resident featured in the last Gazette, had a near miss at the recent Isle of Man TT Race. Ewan, who ran the race with a sidecar motorbike, says: “Unfortunately I came off at around 130mph. I suffered a Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 4pm until Sunday 17 August. “This time we want to encourage local young people to take part,” added Ahrlene. “In addition we would love to hear from local musical groups, singers, choirs, acting groups, artists and craftworkers all interested in showcasing their talents in a very unique venue, and who would like to perform and exhibit their work over the summer holiday period at our event,” explained Ahrlene. Anyone who would like to volunteer – you do not need to be a church member - to help either with baking, with the tearoom, with the shop or as a history tour guide will be made more than welcome and if you would like to perform at the event please call Ahrlene on 01556 670615. broken pelvis and tore all the ligaments out of my left knee. My passenger, luckily, was OK but the bike sustained heavy damage. I’d like to give a mention to Nobles Hospital on the Isle of Man and the Royal Liverpool Hospital who both provided excellent care and to whom I am very grateful.” Ewan is on the mend and says he will definitely be going back to the island for another go. Glenkens Gazette page 4 sponsored by EVERYTHING listed in the Glenkens Freecycle section is FREE - you just need to contact the owner and go and pick it up! If you would like to list something on this page, please get in touch with Sarah on 07727 127 997 or email glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk Various Metal folding fire escape ladder. 15ft long. Contact: 07766 686 402 Two four-drawer steel filing cabinets. Contact: Brian Edgar on 420 374. Furniture IKEA open wooden wardrobe with white cotton cover. Perfect for a child’s or spare room. Wood currently painted turquoise but easy to re-paint. Contact Helen, New Galloway: 07789 693 698. Modern Oak King size headboard. Charles Rennie MacIntosh style. Excellent condition. Contact Alan: 07769 680 938 Old Oak Drop Leaf Kitchen/ Dining table. Seats six. Contact Alan: 07769 680 938 WANTED Book cases not needed anymore. Contact Andi: 430 255 Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING) Town Hall: The makeover of the Lower Hall has received many positive comments. The Open Days in May were abuzz with people reminiscing about the ‘olden days’ over the marvellous display of photos, postcards and pamphlets put together by Avril Bridgeman. People of all ages discussed what activities could happen now. Both the surveys and the open days have resulted in a flood of ideas. LING are looking at ways in which these can be initiated in the next few weeks and months. They include an oral history group; regular dances, discos, ceilidhs; badminton, table tennis and other sport & exercise for all ages; gardening; cooking; drop-in lunch & activity club...and lots more....If you are interested in helping to get your idea going, please let us know. An updated business plan will be presented to D&G Council to take forward discussions about the future management and ownership of the Hall. early days, but the proposal would be to source grant funding that would allow for an outright purchase of the shop and attached house. Income from the shop and house rental would then come directly to the community. If an economically sustainable model could be found, this would even be able to contribute to other activities in the area, as well as maintaining a critical facility for the village. owned shops in the area for real-life experience. It has identified the Big Lottery ‘Growing Community Assets’ fund and the Scottish Land Fund as two potential avenues for funding. The next step will be to hold an open meeting. At this meeting, LING will share with the community the information it has gained, and invite any views on the idea. The meeting will be held at 7:30pm on 12 September at New Galloway Town Hall. An update on the plans for the Town Hall will also be given at this meeting. Without tangible evidence of community support, any applications for grant funding will certainly fail, so if you think this sounds like an exciting prospect then please do come to the meeting. Whether you’d just like to continue using our local shop, or whether you’d like to get more involved at this early stage, come along and we’ll see if we can make it happen together! LING would like to thank Jim and Margaret Hopkins and Marie McClurg for their support of the idea so far, and look forward to working with them as we hopefully take this further. Without tangible evidence of community support, any applications for grant funding will certainly fail, so if you think this sounds like an exciting prospect then please do come to the meeting. General Store: LING is also considering an exciting move to buy Hopkins’ shop in New Galloway for the community. It is extremely The shop would be managed professionally as a community shop - ideas at the moment include buying and selling of local garden produce, selling locally baked bread, recovering the alcohol license and selling fresh sandwiches, as well as all the staples. Moving the Post Office in may be an option too. So far, LING has taken advice from Community Ownership Scheme Scotland and the Plunkett Foundation, and will be visiting various community- Glenkens Gazette page 5 sponsored by Pick Up Sticks... This July the Hidden Road saw a unique event at the residence of Lorraine Ishak and Uula Jero. Lorraine and Uula recently purchased Ironmacannie Mill and are working hard to make a living off the land. The event was hosted by a group called Pick Up Sticks and the aim was to bring skilled craftspeople together to share their expertise and help develop projects. Stiles, ladders and paths were built in the mornings, and in the afternoons attendees shared knowledge and skills ranging from green woodworking to botanical walks and woodland folklore. Throughout the event everyone enjoyed home-cooked food and campfire music. In total around 60 people took part. Lorraine says: “It was magic to see such a proactive collective working hard to help us maintain the mill, they also built us a cracking compost toilet. In the future, we would really like to develop green tourism in the area, working with local talent to make a ‘glamping’ hut or two. We are keen on permaculture and art, and would love to be a hub for information on low impact living.” Having only been here since October, the couple are really enjoying getting to know the area and, with their two children (Aarni who is three and Untamo who is ten months) they are enjoying settling into Glenkens life. Uula says: “It’s a sad fact that our generation has lost many of its hand skills and knowledge. Skill share events give an opportunity for people to empower themselves by preserving valuable information Compost toilet in the making. for future generations. It’s a kind of new optimism in the face of the twin challenges of peak oil and climate change. We were really happy to see a good number of crafts people from the Glenkens and other parts of Galloway here to contribute.” The couple are keen to hear from local people who would like to find out more - get in touch on ironmaccanniemill@gmail.com Arndarroch Open Garden Annikki Lindsay held another wonderfully successful open garden in June to raise funds for the local Glenkens Children’s Club (GCC) as well as D&G Canine Rescue. Wright’s Shop Dalry Licensed convenience store & newsagent, now including Dalry Post Office. Please come in and see our newly refurbished self-service shop. Opening Times (both shop & PO): Monday to Friday: 7am – 6pm Saturday: 8am – 6pm Sunday: 8.30am – 4pm Tel: 01644 430 225 A total of £816 was made, of which £326.40 will go to GCC. Annikki said: “The weather was fine but midges were a bit of problem. I used to have a ‘midgie machine’ which cleared the garden of the only wildlife I do not like but it came to the end of its life this year. I think the visitors did enjoy the garden, the exhibition and the teas.” Noah Gilbert (aged four) said he had a great time at the garden, and particularly liked the Rocky Monster and the treasure hunt. His little sister (aged two) liked the sparkly balls and the sweeties at the end! Annikki would like to give a big thank you to the tea ladies, who have done the job for ten years, and to everyone else who helped with the open garden. Glenkens Gazette page 6 Fundraising Raffle for James Orr Painting Well known Scottish artist James Orr has kindly donated one of his paintings to the Glenkens Community and Arts Trust (GCAT). The beautiful painting of Balmaghie Church will resonate with many people in the Glenkens. Balmaghie’s most famous minister was John Macmillan (1669-1753) founder of the sect known as the Macmillanites, which later merged with the Reformed Presbyterians. He believed, among other things favouring the Kirk over the State, that the Solemn League and Covenant of 1643 remained as relevant for posterity as when it was first written. A later Balmaghie minister, HMB Reid, wrote his biography. SR Crockett later made Macmillan the hero of his novel The Standard Bearer which he dedicated to Reid. Crockett, a native of the parish, is buried in the graveyard of Balmaghie, the ‘Kirk Above Dee Water’. James Orr was born in Glasgow and now lives in Ayrshire. He began painting full-time in 1990 when he gave up his business to concentrate entirely on art. He exhibits regularly in the annual Royal Scottish Academy and Royal Glasgow Institute exhibitions as well as in a number of London galleries. He has also exhibited overseas; in New York, Hong Kong, Brussels, Paris and Dublin. Orr paints in acrylic which suits his style perfectly. His paintings are always bold and full of light and colour. He is fascinated by the various aspects of the sea around coastlines, and bases his work on the variety of colour found particularly around the coasts of Scotland. They are joyful paintings which celebrate the simple pleasures of life. His works are held in many private and corporate collections in US, Canada, France, Belgium and Hong Kong, including the collection of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. The painting is being raffled, the launch of which will be at the Friends of the CatStrand evening (featuring a talk by Euan Robson on painters Oppenheimer and Houston) on Saturday 26 July. After that, tickets will be available from the CatStrand and the painting will be on display there. Tickets cost £1 each and come in books of five. Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents Selling properties across Dumfries & Galloway 01556 503744 www.ggblaw.co.uk All legal advice Offices in Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie Kirkcudbright and Dumfries Glenkens Gazette page 7 CatStrand Update It has been a fantastic summer so far with plenty of music and entertainment for all. This is set to continue with much more to round off the summer and on into the autumn. We are so pleased to take part in the Commonwealth Games Celebrations which will take the form of a very special Scottish Alternative Commonwealth Games on Sunday 3 August from 2pm. Expect a colorful commonwealth flavor to the Games this year with Ayawara African drummers and more to be announced. The Games will of course include the usual favorites such as the Gird ‘n’ Cleek World Championship, Hurlin’ the Curlin’ Stane, ‘Tossin’ the Sheaf’, Snail Racing and many more. Of course don’t miss the everentertaining Open Stage on 13 August; a chance to practice your party piece and get a free drink for your efforts! Dr Guy Cuthbertson will join us at the CatStrand on 15 August for an evening of readings of his latest publication - a biography of Wilfred Owen. In this book, Owen is honored as one of the leading poets of the First World War. Mark the centenary of the First World War with accounts of life in the trenches; the event includes tea and coffee. A magical afternoon is in store for the wee ones on Saturday 23 August. The Little Fawn Caravan will stage shadow animation, storytelling and puppetry with original music from Alasdair Roberts all from inside their merry caravan. Following each 20 minute performance is a 30 minute workshop to produce your own puppet pal. One of the hottest and most entertaining old-time bands on the circuit Sheesham & Lotus & Son will take the stage at the CatStrand on Friday 12 September. As entertaining to watch as they are to listen to, this trio will transport you to a by-gone era and strum up some real excitement with banjo, jawharp and an array of other home made instruments. Finally, in the comedy arena, Franchesca Martinez will make a stand-up appearance with a show to accompany her newest publication. Top class entertainment from this award-winning iconic comedienne and TV regular will take place on 25 September. The CatStrand Team For full listings see our latest brochure or visit www.catstrand.com To book tickets call the CatStrand on 01644 420 374. And don’t forget to ‘like’ us on Facebook. �������� ��������� ���������������� ������� ���������� �������������������� ���������������������� �������������������� ���������������������� ����������������� ����������������������� �������������� ������������������������������������������ ������������������������������ ���������� ����������� ���������� ����������������������� Glenkens Gazette page 8 Glenkens Art Workshop Exhibition 2014 Calling local artists – it’s not too late to enter your work... The Glenkens Art Workshop are proud to announce that their next exhibition, which aims to provide a showcase for the work of local artists, will take place at the Community Centre, Dalry, between Friday 22 and Sunday 24 August. Artists from the region are invited to submit their work. For further details and entry forms contact Christine on 430 070 or sscr1971@hotmail.co.uk or Tom on 420 386 or t_leach1@sky.com The Glenkens Art Workshop meets twice a week, on Monday afternoons and Wednesday evenings, in the Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry. We are a small friendly group and welcome all ages - and enthusiasm counts as much as experience! from the members of Glenkens Art Workshop business which engendered focused work ethics and the motto of their joint enterprise is: “Not so much a business – more a way of life!” It all began in the early 1980s when Mary and Eric returned from their life as a young married couple in Australia to support a family business in Scotland. They started with a small van to bring fresh produce (with the main emphasis on fish) to widespread outlying communities, many of them farmers, in the Stewartry. The business grew steadily. Twice weekly overnight trips to the markets in Glasgow required bigger vans and the installation of refrigerating facilities at Mary and Eric’s property in Gatehouse of Fleet. What is the secret of Eric and Mary’s success? Long hours, extremely hard work and a determined commitment to the welfare of communities around the area. In return for this tremendous output of energy, Fleet Fish customers, especially those in remote and isolated areas, see Eric and Mary as a lifeline not only for the quality of goods that they supply, but for the friendship and contact that their regular calls provide. Orders are placed in advance, messages are left and exchanged and there is a huge emphasis on trust and satisfaction. Days and times when Fleet Fish visits the Glenkens are listed below, but you can give them a ring to arrange a meeting point if you live further afield (see contact details in ad below). Tuesday - 11am: Crossmichael Village, Parton Mill/Parton. 1.30pm: Loch Ken Holiday Park. 2pm: Kenbridge Area. 3pm: Balmaclellan Village to Corsock. 5pm: Balmaclellan, Hidden Road. 6pm: New Galloway. 6.30pm: Laurieston/over Hill Road to Gatehouse. Wednesday - 10.30am: Laurieston Village, 11am: Slagarie/Hensol & Surrounding Area, 12.30pm Mossdale Village & Surrounding Area, 1.30pm-2.30pm: New Galloway, 3–5pm: Glen Lee/Allan Gibbon Bridge/Dalry, 5.30pm: St Johns Way. Friday - 5.30pm: Corsock. A FISHY BUSINESS Fleet Fish is a company which has been delivering fresh fish and other produce to the Glenkens for almost 30 years. Eric and Mary Cowan supply the freshest fish, together with quality vegetables and food, through their mobile service. Eric’s background as a buyer and manager for the catering trade honed the skills required to search out quality suppliers and the freshest products. Mary was brought up in a thriving family The newest Fleet Fish member, Mary and Eric’s nephew Charles who now covers the Glenkens area. GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL � 01644 420234 � W BONE WHB JEEPS THE GARAGE, DALRY PETROL & DIESEL SALES SERVICE & REPAIRS MOTs, TYRES, BATTERIES ALL AT COMPETITIVE PRICES OPEN 8.30AM - 6.00PM (SIX DAYS) 10AM - 6PM SUNDAYS - FUEL 24 HOURS SHOP • SANDWICH BAR • LOTTERY Tel: 01644 430208 Fax: 01644 430669 jeeps@whbjeeps.co.uk www.whbjeeps.co.uk The Fleet Fish van is in the Glenkens on Tuesdays & Wednesdays every week. Anyone wishing me to call, please phone Mary on above mobile no. www.facebook.com/fleetfish www.fleetfish.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 9 GOLF SEASON IN FULL SWING History was in the making again at New Galloway Golf Club on 3 July when Alex Long, grandson of club secretary Ian Brown, played an exhibition game against Jack Turner, son of New Zealand professional golfer Greg Turner. As Greg has been playing in the Irish Senior Open, the Swiss Open and the Seniors Open at Porthcawl, Jack came to the Glenkens to stay with his grandfather, club member Roddy Herman. Pete Long, Alex’s father, played Greg Turner in an exhibition match for the club during the centenary celebrations in 2002 – so it was again history in the making! The recent beautiful summer weather has shown the golf course off at its best – and the competitions have come thick and fast with several Open competitions being well supported. In June, the Seniors Open provided a clean sweep of the prizes by local members Stuart Jamieson winning the Seniors Championship and Kenny Grierson the Scratch Cup. The New Galloway team finished in 5th place in this year’s Kirkcudbrightshire Team Championship played over the Southerness course when the toast of the club was Ian Brown with the best handicap score of 79-9-70, just one ahead of grandson Alex , who also came 3rd in the Kirkcudbrightshire Junior Championship played at Gatehouse. Captain’s Day on 5 July was extremely well supported with over 50 members and guests enjoying a social occasion with competitive golf. Marena McClymont won the Ladies Quaich, Michael Sutcliffe won the Guests’ Quaich and Ian McQueen won the Jack McQueen Trophy, named after the former Captain and greenkeeper at the club who passed away 20 years ago. Mrs McQueen presented the trophies and prizes to the winners. Junior coaching will be starting shortly, so if you are aged 517 please get in touch with the Captain on 01644 450265 to Southwest Scotland RnR SW Scotland RnR started five years ago to give holidays to injured soldiers throughout southwest Scotland. Jennefer Tobin, CEO and charity founder, said: “Since then we have had 450 to stay in my little house in Carsethorn, south of Dumfries. They come in groups of 10 and spend days out on sporting, competitive and fun activities; we feed them well and make them comfortable.” Our aim is to see them sleeping and laughing by the end of the week and I am pleased to tell you this happens without fail.” SW Scotland RnR see it as our responsibility to assist injured men from within the general community to the best possible life they can attain. “We are a local charity; we do not have assistance from significant funds,” says Jennefer. “The Armed Forces Community Covenant Fund has now recognised us and supported our work. We have opened our doors to veterans, and with 8% of the Scottish population of ex-serviceman being veterans we are glad for publicity so that more of these men can find us.” Alex Long and Jack Turner on the final green. register your interest. The free sessions will be held 4-6pm on Thursdays. More ladies are now taking up golf as it is extremely good exercise, social and doesn’t necessarily take up a lot of time. Free coaching for ladies will be starting, so please ring the Club Secretary on 420 737 if you are interested. You can find out more about the club at www.nggc.co.uk or phone the Secretary on 420 737 for excellent offers on green fees and membership. Glenkens Gazette page 10 CARSPHAIRN SCHOOL REPORT Continued from front page... To ensure that nothing and no one gets left out, rather than writing an article for each and every event and trip we have had this term, I would like to present an end of term report listing most of the exciting things that have been happening down the road at the Glenkens smallest primary. On 2 May, two of our P6 girls (Rachel McCreath and Caitlin Blackett) went to Dumfries Academy to compete in the K’Nex Challenge against other pupils from across Dumfries and Galloway. Their task was to plan and build a forklift with an operational pulley system and a steering mechanism. We were out of the school to cheer on the Commonwealth Baton Relay in Castle Douglas on 19 June. The children had made bunting and a banner before the big day, and the whole school enjoyed a lovely afternoon out. Also, we have spent a lot of time learning this year about science. We had live teleconferencing sessions with former BBC weather presenter Heather ‘the weather’ Reid, where the children learned all about extreme weather and its effects on people’s lives. We did experiments to filter dirty water, and learned all about the water cycle. To wrap up all this fascinating science work, on 10 June the school went on a trip to the Glasgow Science Centre. We have also researched different species of animals that live outside the UK and learned how these animals had adapted to their environment. On 30 July, we had a morning out for Forest Schools at Drumjohn. The children had a chance to build dens, create floral signs and meet and pet some horses, big dogs, small dogs and bearded dragons. Finally, as the children had so much fun learning about different animals, the school PTC funded an excellent trip to Blair Drummond Safari Park on 1 July. We also had some sad farewells this year as our sole P7, Reuben Phillips, is moving up to Dalry Secondary next year; we wish him all the best. Although it is sad to see Reuben go, we are also looking forward to our two new P1 pupils starting in August. Another big change is that Reuben’s mother, Maggie Phillips, has stepped down as chair of the Carsphairn PTC after four years being in the role. Maggie has made countless contributions to the school, and we would like to give her our heartfelt thanks. Finally, all the staff, pupils and parents would like to wish our head teacher Fraser Simpson all the best in his retirement. It has been a brilliant year and we are all looking forward to starting back up in August! Walker McKenna Glenkens Cyclist Wins Championship William Sainsbury (16) from New Galloway has won the Youth Category at the Scottish Downhill Association Scottish cycling championships in Glencoe. William, a 5th year pupil at Castle Douglas High School, has been riding competitively at a national level for two years. Kells Sports Day On Wednesday 18 June Kells held their annual Sports Day. Clatteringshaws House Captain Finlay McGaw and Vice Captain Amy Laye receiving the trophy from Zane Gray. We were very lucky with the weather and the pupils all gave 100% during all the activities and races, plus they gave each other lots of encouragement. The scores were as follows: 1st - Clatteringshaws 454 points, 2nd - Bennan 429 points, 3rd - Kenmure 375 points. Zane Gray Depute Head Teacher, Kells Primary School Glenkens Gazette page 11 Glenkens Gazette page 12 Glenkens Gazette page 13 Glenkens Gazette page 14 Glenkens Gazette page 15 Dalry School Trip to Belgium & France In the year marking the 100th anniversary of the start of World War 1, a group of thirty nine pupils and staff from Dalry School visited the Battlefields of Belgium and then spent two days in the fabulous city of Paris. The visit to Belgium began with a visit to the WW1 Museum at Paschendale, which gave an insight into the horrors of trench warfare. This message was underlined a few miles later when the group visited the war cemetery at Tyne Cot, a very moving and emotional place. At Hill 62 we were able to experience real trenches and tunnels, before travelling the short distance to the town of Ypres, which was flattened during the war and has now been re-built into a beautiful little town. We then visited the memorial and battlefield at Vimy Ridge, an area which was gifted in perpetuity to Canada in recognition of the Canadian soldiers who fought and died there. Again a very moving visit, enhanced by the large number of Canadian WW2 veterans present. From the French–Belgian border it was, ‘next stop Paris’ and the Eiffel Tower. We also took a bateau mouche sail on the Seine, visited the Sacre Couer, walked through the Pigalle area past the world famous Moulin Rouge. The final day was spent at Disneyland, a fantastic experience for children of all ages …. even those over 50! From here it was a short run to Calais, an even shorter ferry journey to Dover and a long sleepy drive to Dalry. A superb trip, with such a variety of experiences. Thanks go to The Galloway Association ����������������������������������������������������� • Pensions • Savings • Investments • Retirement Options • Inheritance Tax Planning • Life Assurance • Income & Critical Illness Protection • Mortgages • Home Insurance Free Confidential Initial Consultation Tel: 01671 403080 Fax:- 01671 402549 Email: brian.edgar@marrfinancial.co.uk Web: www.marrfinancial.co.uk 61 Victoria Street NEWTON STEWART, DG8 6NL **NEW** Yorkshire Building Society Agency – Now Open Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. For mortgages we can be paid by commission or a fee of usually £300 or a combination of both. For Home Insurance we usually offer products from a limited panel of providers. The Vimy Ridge. of Glasgow and The Holywood Trust who contributed funds to allow the school to make the trip more affordable for anybody who wanted to participate. A final pat on the back to the goodhumoured, well-behaved young people who made our six days a pleasure for the staff and our top-notch driver, ‘Big Jim’. Aileen McLeod MSP working for you across the South of Scotland Postal address: Unit 7 Loreburn Shopping Centre High Street, Dumfries, DG1 2BD Email: aileen.mcleod.msp@scottish.parliament.uk Tel: 01387 255 334 Please check www.aileenmcleod.org for regular surgery, constituency and parliamentary updates Open Gardens’ Glenkens Gazette page 16 Glenkens Children’s Club (GCC) GCC Playgroup and Glenkens Children’s Club (GCC) have celebrated the end of another excellent year in the Glenkens Community Centre. Playgroup has seen 14 children through the year, and has increased its opening hours to three mornings a week due to demand. GCC has seen over 80 separate children (with their accompanying adults), and much fun has been had by all! Playgroup has very sadly said goodbye to play leaders Lucy and Gemma at the end of the summer term; we wish them the very best in their future endeavours. Playgroup’s funding is assured for the next academic year so it will be open as before for two and three-year-olds, but it may be over-subscribed this year so if you’d like to assure a place, contact keron@me.com as soon as possible. GCC continues to support parents and carers of babies and toddlers in the area while providing plenty of fun activities for the little ones. Glenkens Children‛s Club Summer Holiday Programme Made possible by funding from Glenkens Community Shop Mondays and Fridays, 09:30 – 11:30 Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry Ages 0-12yrs most welcome, with an adult August Friday 1 - Bushcraft session at GlenLee Estate – den building, fire tarting! Monday 4 - Martial Arts taster Monday 11 - Gymnastics / acrobatics Friday 15 - Party day - more details later! Also on Friday 8 August Debra Hall will be running a ‘Mindfullness‛ session for parents while children play. ‘Like‛ our Facebook page, Glenkens Children‛s Club, for more details and updates Look out for our fundraising ceilidh on Friday 1st August in New Galloway Town Hall, in partnership with the Alternative Games! New Galloway Golf Club Notice is hereby given that: The AGM of the management committee of Dalry Town Hall will be held on Monday 15 September at 7pm. Any person aged 18 or over and resident within the Parish of St John’s Town of Dalry may attend. At this time, the committee is considering registering the organisation as a charity, but for this to proceed we must have the consent of the trustees since they are the persons in whose name the legal title to the Town Hall stands. It is not entirely clear to the committee just who the present trustees are, so we ask that all persons who are or think they may be trustees attend the meeting, and also contact the secretary in advance to advise of their standing in this matter. If any person who is not a trustee has any information as to the identity and/or whereabouts of any trustee, it would be appreciated if you could contact the secretary and pass on any relevant information. The secretary is Sonja Tranter; St John’s House, 12 Midtown, Dalry, DG7 3UT, tel: 430 244. Dalry Town Hall Management Committee Family and friends coming to stay? Short of space? Cosy country cottage available (sleeps 4) Buggies now available for hire Call Fiona on 01644 420 227 - 01644 420737 VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME Helen Keron, Chair, GCC DALRY TOWN HALL www.nggc.co.uk Founded 1902 The group runs on Mondays and Fridays from 9.30 to 11.30am and is £2 per child (babies free). GCC has received funding from the Glenkens Community Shop to hold an exciting programme of events over the summer. The Club would like to thank the Shop for this funding - they have been consistent supporters of GCC and we are most grateful. We would also like to thank Mrs Annikki Lindsay for her ongoing support through her excellent Open Gardens. GCC’s management committee would also like to thank all the voluntary supporters of GCC and Playgroup who have made the year so successful. Without a lot of effort from a lot of people, we wouldn’t be able to provide the children with these fantastic facilities - thank you! www.covenanters-holidaycottagescotland.co.uk FHB Fencing Dalry Domestic and Agricultural Fencing 01644 430 495 (Peter) or 07767 795 498 (Jonathan) Glenkens Gazette page 17 GLENKENS TRANSPORT INITIATIVE (GTI) Changes have been made to the booking system for GTI trips, making it easier for passengers, staff at the CatStrand and drivers. Trips will be advertised in the Glenkens Gazette, the CatStrand brochure, at www.catstrand.com as well as in local shops, and you can book tickets through the CatStrand (tickets must be paid for at time of booking). The following trips have been arranged for later in the year: Mon 6 October – Lake District; Sat 25 October – Glasgow, Hobbycraft Exhibition, Transport Museum, etc; Sat 1 November – Ayr, Shopping/Nat Hunt Racing; Sun 23 November – Edinburgh, Xmas lights switch on, Xmas Markets, Firework Display – Late evening return; Mon 8 December – Hetland Hall Garden Centre & Moffat. DRIVERS WANTED: The success of GTI has put increasing demands on our drivers and we need to recruit more, both on a voluntary basis or on some occasions for payment. All user groups should have their own driver but sometimes need a volunteer to help out, whilst drivers for GTI trips, the Wednesday evening route into Castle Douglas, weekly swimming trips and events like the Spring Fling have to be found from our pool of qualified drivers. For further information please contact me at the CatStrand (420 374) or at gti@catstrand.com XMAS & NEW YEAR TRANSPORT: You will soon be planning your social events for Christmas and New Year period. Remember in addition to a 16seater mini bus, we now have a smaller mini bus which can carry eight passengers. We expect considerable demand for the use of these vehicles, so please book soon to avoid disappointment. Keith Cooper GTI Administrator THE KEN BRIDGE HOTEL New Galloway The Loss of an Icon Dear Gazette, On our most recent visit to Dalry, we were saddened to see that the iconic Scots pine standing alone on the ridge to the east of Fintloch Hill above New Galloway has been felled. We’re sure there were good reasons for this, but this beautiful tree – which we’ve always thought of as ‘the willow-pattern tree’ – will be a loss to the skyline from the upper parts of Dalry. Any chance of a replacement being planted? Thanks for such an excellent local magazine; we always enjoy it. Best wishes, Philip & Frances Culver Bargatton Sand & Gravel Supplying sand and gravel for all your farming needs, as well as households and businesses both large and small. Open 7 Days - Beautiful Riverside Location MEALS SERVED 12.00 - 2.00pm, 5.30 - 8.30pm Bed & breakfast en suite accommodation 01644 420 211 mail@kenbridgehotel.co.uk www.kenbridgehotel.co.uk NEW WEDDING BROCHURE NOW AVAILABLE We stock washed fine sand, coarse sand and gravels at competitive prices. For further details contact: Angus Wilson, Quarry Manager - 07715 606 685 James Mair - 07793 085 243 Email: loch.bargatton@live.co.uk Bargatton Quarry, Laurieston, Castle Douglas, DG7 2PS Open 7 days Mon-Fri Weekends by arrangement Delivery can be arranged - subject to quantity Glenkens Gazette page 18 MARATHON UPDATE Bikeability Local Postman, Ian Oliver, and his wife Fiona would like to sincerely thank all those who donated and supported them for the Edinburgh Marathon and Edinburgh Moonwalk. They are completely overwhelmed by the generosity people have shown by raising £1087.90 for Together For Short Lives, a charity for terminally ill children and their families, and nearly £200 for Walk the Walk Charity, supporting breast cancer charities. Ian ran the Marathon in 3hrs 49 mins and Fiona completed it in 4hrs 30mins. Fiona also completed the Moonwalk starting her speedwalk at midnight in central Edinburgh and covering the 26.2 miles in 5hrs 59mins. The couple say: “A huge thank you to all who donated. A Marathon is definitely not to be underestimated, and despite the training we both found it really hard. Knowing that we’ve raised so much money makes the pain worthwhile...but I’m not sure we’ve caught the marathon bug!” Ian runs the Great North Run, a half Marathon, in September but has had a wee break from running before training kicks in again. Dalry Primary School has eight more competent cyclists to add to the ranks. Pupils took part in a series of Bikeability 1 sessions where they practised figure-of-eights, emergency braking, riding with one hand off the handlebars, ‘hi 5s’, starting off safely and bike checks, among other things. Training took place in the MUGA, around the school and on the playing field. Bikeability trainers Linda and June were thrilled with the group, who worked hard to improve their skills. Staying safe on a bike in the Glenkens means lots of practice, to learn how to share the road safely with other transport (wood lorries, delivery vans, cars and caravans). Bikeability training takes place on the road instead of only around the school, introducing the skills needed to share the road with the real world of traffic. June and Linda are available to run a two-day Bikeability course for parents and children - date to be decided in August. Call 01644 420 361 or email Junehay@glenkensbb.co.uk for info and to check the date of the course. PB Engineering, established in 2012, provides a wide range of services such as: - CNC pressbrake services - CNC profiling (from 0.5 to 25mm) - alloy welding mobile fabrication & welding - lathe & milling services - galvanizing & powder coating - fully Lloyds EMEA coded welding (EN287-1:2011) - stainless steel balustrade and other stainless steel services - fast lead times - catering for bulk orders Our new CNC profiling machine lets us use the latest CAD/CAM technology available to design and cut out almost any intricate one off shape or large quantity orders from a cutting area of 3m x 1.5m. We also have the use of our 3m 100 Tonne CNC pressbrake to enable us to fold materials ranging from 0.5mm to 10mm plate with a guillotine from 3m up to 10mm thick. We also have a three-tonne digger with driver for hire. At PB Engineering our aim is to accommodate all your fabrication needs whatever the size of job. Please give us a call to discuss your requirements. The Yard, Grennan, Dalry, DG7 3SB 07748 809 562 peter@pbengineering.net www.pbengineering.net Glenkens Gazette page 19 Day of the Region BARN OWLS & LOCAL HISTORY Continued from front page... The event will start with a launch party on Friday 19 September in the CatStrand with a play and film, both locally directed and produced, followed by a party to set the mood for the next two days. Planned activities include: an RSPB stall, Galloway Forest Dark Sky events, Access Arts, arts and craft workshops, Turning Point Scotland, family photo-shoot, guitar lessons, drumming and music, golf tasters, pub quiz, film show, BBQ, parade, wildlife workshops, Richard Lines Let’s Cook, edible jewellery, dog show and dog training, bowling club, kids’ face painting, gentle tai chi, karate self-defence lessons, Galloway Astronomical Society, Crocketford Belly Dance Collective, Building Healthy Communities, fishing, choir singing, an artistic maze, children’s dance workshop, music in the park on Sunday and a lantern parade - whew! And that’s is just a taster; for the full list of events look out for the leaflet. Bill Blyth of Blowplain is a rather extraordinary man. As well as having a library of beautiful books and texts on local history he is a fount of local knowledge, and also an avid wildlife enthusiast. We will follow up on some of Bill’s historical items of interest from the area in future issues of the Gazette, but in the meantime below is a shot of the lovely barn owl nest in his barn. Bill and his wife Mary have been keeping an eye on both parents and young, and know where both the male and female owls go to roost; apparently they don’t always stay in the nest with their young. Bill and Mary also feed the parent owls; a luxury not many owl families can boast of! By the time this Gazette is on the shelves these lovely babies will have flown the nest, assured of a warm welcome if ever they should choose to return to raise a family of their own. The Clachan Inn, Dalry, is open every day from 12 noon serving great food, awardwinning ale and offering a variety of live music. Food is served from 12 noon to 2pm and 6pm to 9pm, with the new menu proving very popular so booking is recommended at peak times (current menu can be viewed on our website). Come and experience award-winning cask ales and a great selection of wines, malts, ciders, beers and freshly ground coffee. With summer on its way there are plenty of events planned at the Clachan - keep an eye on the boards outside for all up coming events. 01644 430241 mail@theclachaninn.co.uk www.theclachaninn.co.uk ALEX FERGUSSON MSP FOR GALLOWAY & WEST DUMFRIES Holds regular advice surgeries at: Constituency Office, New Market Street, Castle Douglas, DG7 1HY on the 2nd Friday of every month from 5pm Telephone free on 0800 028 7260 for an appointment or to make any alternative arrangement. You can visit Alex’s website at: www.alexfergusson.org.uk or contact him by e-mail at: alex.fergusson.msp@scottish.parliament.uk Glenkens Gazette page 20 MR NEWTON’S MUNRO CHALLENGE Matthew Newton, formerly of Newton’s Shop, Dalry, and founder of the Glenkens Gazette, has undertaken a fundraising challenge. Matthew will be visiting the four furthest corners of Scotland and climbing five Munros. He says: “I’ve never attempted anything like this so unfortunately cannot say when I hope to pass through Dalry. I take a ferry from Aberdeen to Lerwick and reach the most Northerly point of Scotland before heading back to the mainland through Orkney. After climbing the most northerly Munro, Ben Hope, I will head across to Skye and catch the boat to St Kilda for a day visit. Then on to the Mull of Galloway via Fort William and Oban after climbing the most westerly Munro and Ben Nevis. After Dalry I will head towards Glasgow and then back to Aberdeen, climbing Ben Lomond and Mount Kean. Peterhead is the most easterly point, where I will finish the challenge. I am raising money on just giving for Cancer Research. My grandmother had cancer so in a way it is in her memory.” To follow Matthew’s progress visit his Facebook page, The 4 corners and 5 Munro Challenge, and if you would like to make a donation go to his Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/matthewnewton2014 SR Crockett Remembered The centenary of Galloway author SR Crockett has been celebrated by a number of events in the Glenkens and with the news that many of his novels are being republished 100 years after his death. Samuel Rutherford Crockett was born in 1859 at Little Duchrae farm near Laurieston and became one of the best known novelists of his time with more than 70 titles including The Raiders and The Grey Man. When The Lilac Sunbonnet was published it sold 100,000 copies on the first day. Crockett, although now little known, was a friend of RL Stevenson and JM Barrie and rubbed shoulders with celebrities of the time. Some 100 people attended a day of talks organised by Professor Ted Cowan in New Galloway Town Hall sponsored by the Saltire Society. Douglas Gifford assessed Crockett’s contribution to Scottish literature and Margaret Elphinstone discussed the influence of Galloway on his writing. Pam Snell described his years as a minister in Penicuik and his controversial decision to give up the ministry to be a novelist. In the evening there was a colourful celebration dinner at the Ken Bridge Hotel with many of the company adopting period dress for the occasion. The following day Crockett enthusiasts visited key sites in the area. They were welcomed into Little Duchrae by the present tenants, Barry and Terry Farley, visited the Crockett Memorial in Laurieston and his grave in Balmaghie Kirkyard, as well as locations featured in Crockett novels including Lochinvar and Earlstoun Castle. Crockett enthusiast Cally Philips chose April 16, the anniversary of Crockett’s death, to launch her republication of 32 of his novels, all with Galloway connections and many long out of print. They are available electronically or as printon-demand from www.aytonpu blishing.co.uk or Amazon.co.uk. Speaking at her launch event at Wigtown she asked: “Why isn’t there a Crockett Trail? If the red kites can have one, why not Galloway’s most famous author?” It is hoped to establish a small Crockett archive in the Glenkens with materials presented by the author’s biographer, Islay Donaldson. Islay, who was an enthusiastic supporter during preparations for the conference, sadly died on 29 April aged 92. Meanwhile a small exhibition on Crockett’s life and work continues at the CatStrand in New Galloway. Glenkens Gazette page 21 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN Mad Sir Uchtred Of The Hills After delivering talks recently on SR Crockett’s novella, Mad Sir Uchtred of the Hills, some folk were kind enough to suggest that I might print a version in the Gazette. Published in 1894 it shows Crockett pushing the boundaries of fiction. Uchtred has been described as ‘Gothic’ but if so it is strangely Calvinistic, yet romantic, in character. Uchtred has been cast out by God because although a onetime covenanter he has abjured the covenants in the interests of self-advancement to become a persecutor of covenanters. In better times he won the love of the beautiful Philippa, adored by many men including Uchtred’s loathsome brother, Randolph, a total waster. Although Uchtred knows that Philippa is devoted to him his hatred for his brother grows; “a still and deadly hatred – the hate that can let pass ninetynine opportunities and kill at the hundredth”. When Uchtred is sent to eject a non-conformist minister from his kirk he rides into the church on his war horse. He orders the burning of the minister’s possessions but the reverend solemnly curses him. Uchtred instantly reacts, “as a strained fiddle-string snaps, so a chord twanged in his head”. He flees away over the Galloway moors, shedding his clothing as he does so, becoming at one with the landscape in returning to nature. Upon Clashdaan the madness came on him as “he fled along the shaggy tops of the lonely hills, till on the bare scalp of the Merrick, close under the lift with all the other mountains crouched and dwarfed beneath him, he had a vision. “He saw himself like Lucifer, Star of the Morning, flash out of the blackness between the tingling points of light, for a moment curve in trailing fire across the firmament, and plunge into the lake of eternal fire in which burn for ever all the sins and despairs of the universe.” For three years the madman ranges over mountain and moor acquiring Belus the cat as his god. He inhabits a similar landscape to William Nicholson’s Brownie of Blednoch. A great hunt is organized by Randolph using bloodhounds to finally dispose of Uchtred who “yammered and spluttered in his rage, and his hate was not like the hate of a sane man, but far more terrible”. The brothers finally confront one another, Uchtred intent upon murder until he hears the tolling of the church bell far down the mountain. The brothers make their peace with one another. Uchtred achieves redemption. When first read the story seems as crazy as Uchtred but on closer scrutiny it has a certain charm in its blend of local folklore and covenanting belief, not to mention the spirits and devils that we all know inhabit the Galloway wastelands in the hours of darkness. The piece is most memorable as an essay on the ageold relationship between Nature and Christianity, damnation and redemption, life and death, commitment and rejection. Historically Maclellan of Barscobe was the hero of the Glenkens Rising in 1666 yet he later abjured the covenant and was murdered in 1682 as a traitor to the cause, possibly Crockett’s inspiration for his story. The Galloway topography is recognisable; the local traditions are accurately described. I suggest you all read this rich tale and think of Uchtred the next time you climb the Galloway hills. Ted Cowan ...“a still and deadly hatred – the hate that can let pass ninety-nine opportunities and kill at the hundredth”. The Clog & Shoe Workshop unique handmade footwear open 10am - 5pm weekdays Easter Mon to 31st October please ring to arrange a visit at other times Tel: 01644 420 465 visit our new online shop at www.clogandshoe.co.uk Phillipa takes herself to Clashdaan in search of Uchtred. While asleep in the wilderness the cat leaves her with the mark of the beast on her neck. She is saved by Uchtred who has warred on her behalf during the night. T. H. CARSON BUTCHERS See us at Dalry Farmers Market on 2nd Sat each month. We deliver every Thursday Give us a call, no order too small! THE CROSS, MILL ST, DALBEATTIE 01556 610 384 Glenkens Gazette page 22 JUNE & JULY AUGUST Sun 3, Scottish Alternative Games, from 2pm, New every Fri, Sat & Sun until Sun Galloway Park 17, 11am-4pm, Tearoom & Mon 4, GCC Martial Arts Tours, Crossmichael & Parton Taster, 9.30-11.30am, Church, see p3 Glenkens Community Centre, Fri 1, Alternative Games see p16 & 24 Ceilidh, 8pm-12am, New Fri 8, Lorraine McAslan & John Galloway Town Hall Lenehan, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 1, GCC Bushcraft Session, 9.30Fri 8, GCC Mindfullness 11.30am, Glenlee Estate, see p16 session, 10-11am, Glenkens Community Centre, see p16 Sat 9, Glenkens Show, see p2 Sat 9, GTI Bus Trip: Mull of Galloway, see p16 Mon 11, GCC Gymnastics/ Acrobatics session, The Alternative to the Commonwealth Games! 9.30-11.30, The Gird ‘n’ Cleek World Championship Glenkens Tossin’ the Sheaf Community Hurlin’ the Curlin’ Stane - Tractor Pull - Tug o’ War - Snail Racing Lockerbie Pipe Band - Classic Car Show Centre, see p16 Music from the Commonwealth Barbecue, Teas, Stalls, Sideshows, Bar... and more! Wed 13, Open Stage, 7.30pm, SUNDAY 3rd AUGUST CatStrand 2pm, THE PARK, NEW GALLOWAY Admission £4 Adult/£1 Child Thurs 14, A UNIQUE DAY OUT SW Scotland FOR ALL THE FAMILY! RnR Quiz Profits support local charities and good causes. Night, 7.30pm, Plus...look out for posters for the ceilidh Clachan Inn, on Friday 1st August! see p9 The Scottish Alternative Games 2014 THE STEWARTRY VETERINARY CENTRE CASTLE DOUGLAS SURGERY HOURS Mon-Fri 2.00-2.30 pm & 5-6 pm Sat 2-2.30 pm DALBEATTIE SURGERY HOURS Mon, Wed, Fri 3-3.30 pm Tues & Thurs 6-6.30 pm FOR APPOINTMENTS AT BOTH SURGERIES OR IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY � 01556 502263 VETERINARY SURGERY OAKWELL ROAD CASTLE DOUGLAS � Fri 15, Talk: Wilfred Owen by Dr Guy Cuthbertson, CatStrand Fri 15, GCC Party, 9.3011.30am, Glenkens Community Centre, see p16 Sat 16, Glenkens Flower & Vegetable Show Thu 12, Film: 12 Years A Slave, CatStrand Fri 22 - Sun 24, Glenkens Art Workshop Exhibition, see p8 Sat 23, Little Faun Theatre presents The Pied Piper of Hamelin by Sokobauno Puppet Theatre, CatStrand SEPTEMBER Fri 12, LING Open Meeting, New Galloway Town Hall, see p4 Mon 15, AGM of Dalry Town Hall management committee, 7pm, see p16 Thurs 18 - Sat 20, Day of the Region (DoR) New Galloway, see front page. Fi 19, Sheesham and Lotus & Son, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 19, Musical Evening in Kells Church, 7 pm, part of DoR. Sat 20, Blood Orange by Electric Theatre, 7.30pm, CatStrand Thu 25, Franchesca Martinez, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 26 Sept–Sun 5 Oct, Wigtown Book Festival, see p20 GTI WEDNESDAY BUS SERVICE (registered route) Outward Journey: 19:00 Dept. Dalry (Underhill) 19:05 New Galloway 19:15 Mossdale 19:25 Laurieston 19:30 Townhead of Greenlaw 19:37 Castle Douglas (Market St) 19:40 Castle Douglas (Tesco) Return journey: 20:35 Dept. Castle Douglas (Tesco) 20:37 Castle Douglas (Market St) 20:47 Townhead of Greenlaw 21:50 Laurieston 21:00 Mossdale 21:10 New Galloway 21:15 Dalry To book a Glenkens Transport Initiative (GTI) bus or for more information please contact keith cooper, GTI Administrator, on 01644 420 374. Glenkens Gazette page 23 REGULAR EVENTS CatStrand (New Galloway): Exercise to Music: Mon, 10-11am Ukelele Group: Mon, 11.15am, 60+ Ukelele Improvers, Mon, 1pm, 60+ Free Computer Training; Beginners & Improvers: Mon (starting 4 Nov), 1.30pm Margaret Morris Movement Adult Dance Class: Mon, 2.30-3.30pm, contact Sara on 01556 612854 Children’s Dance Class: Mon during term time, 3.45-4.45pm age 3-7, 4.30-5.30pm ages 8-15 Let’s Cook: Tues, 10am Carers’ Coffee & Chat: Tues, 10am-12noon Teen Spirit: Tues during term time, 7-8:30pm (P7-S3) and 8-9:30pm (S3+) Gentle Tai Chi: Wed, 10am, 60+ Sing it Out: Thurs, 11am -12pm Pilates: Thurs, 4.15-5.15pm & 5.30-6.30pm Swimming for Over 60s: transport to Kirkcudbtight from CatStrand at 1pm Knit & Blether Club: last Fri each month, 2pm, 60+ Afternoon Tea Club: 2nd Fri each month, 2pm Saturday Art Club: 2nd Sat each month, 10am–12noon Zumbatomic: last Sat each month,10-10.45am Catstrand Youth Players: Sun during term time, 2pm Glenkens Acoustic Sessions: last Sun of the month, 2-4pm Glenkens Community Centre (Dalry): (contact Kath 430 281) Glenkens Children’s Club: Mon & Fri, 9.30-11.45am Paint & Art: Mon, 1.30-4.30pm & Wed, 7-9pm Ballroom & Latin Dance Class: Mon, 7.15, for more info call Sam Rushton on 420 672 GCC Playgroup: Tue & Thurs, 9.2011.50am, contact keronh@me.com Good Neighbours’ Club: Tues, 2pm Kickback Martial Arts: Thurs, 7-9pm Thursday Craft Group: Thurs, 24pm Brownies: Wed, 5.30-6.45pm Guides: Tue during term-time, 6.15pm, contact: Kath 430 281 Various Locations: Texas Hold ‘em Poker: Mon, 7.15pm, Cross Keys Hotel, New Galloway Mother & Toddlers: Tues, 9.4511.15am, New Galloway Town Hall Beavers: Tues, 6–7.15pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Dog Training: Tue & Wed, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. Contact: Eric 460 670 Bowling for Beginners: Wed, 7pm, Spalding Bowling Club, Dalry (opposite The Garage) Tai Jitsu: Wed, Junior Class (age 6- Glenkens Community Councils Balmaclellan Community Council Meetings: 3rd Monday each month, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall. Carsphairn Community Council Meetings: Last Monday each month, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn. Dalry Community Council Meetings: 1st Monday each month, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. New Galloway & Kells Community Council Meetings: 2nd Monday each month, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall. Full minutes of local Community Council meetings can be viewed at Dalry Library. CHURCH OF SCOTLAND: Sundays: Balmaclellan: 12noon 1st, Carsphairn: 10.30am 1st 2nd 3rd 4th, 5th, Dalry: 9am 1st 3rd 4th(Aug), Dalry: 10.30am 2nd (Aug), 5th (Aug), Dalry 12noon 4th (Sept), Kells: 10.30am 3rd 4th Special Services/Events: 10 Aug, 10.30am; United Service with B & K Church in Dalry Church, 31 Aug, 10.30am; United Service with Glenkens Church Choir, Dalry Church, 14 Sept, 10.30am; United Family Service, Carsphairn Church, followed by bbq, 28 Sept, 12noon; Harvest Thanksgiving, Dalry Church & Harvest Lunch in Dalry Town Hall Communion Service: 24 Aug, 10.30am, Kells Church SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH: St Margaret’s, New Galloway: Holy Communion, 10.30am every Sun & Wed CATHOLIC CHURCH SERVICES: Gatehouse of Fleet: Sat, 6pm. Kirkcudbright: Sun, 9.30am. albeattie: Sun, 11am 14), 6-7pm; Senior Class, 7-8.30pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn, contact David on 07547 134 276, see p5 Wednesday Quiz Night: Wed, 8.30pm, Cross Keys Hotel, New Galloway Stewartry Camera Club: Wed, 7.30pm, Ringford Village Hall, runs Wed 11 Sept till end Mar Zumba: Wed, 7.30-8.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall, £4 Mossdale Painters: Wed, 9.30am, Mossdale Village Hall Cub Scouts: Wed, 6.45–8pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Carsphairn Post Office: Thurs, 9.30-11.30am, Lagwyne Hall Coffee & Craft Morning: Thurs, 9.30-12noon, Lagwyne Hall Hard of Hearing Group Drop-in: 2nd Thurs each month, 10am-12noon, Castle Douglas Town Hall Scouts: Thurs, 7–8.30pm, New Galloway Scout Hut To hire the MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) behind Dalry School call Sonja Tranter on 430 244 or Nicolette Wise on 430 218. Dalry Library Tue: 2-4.30pm & 5.30-7.30pm Fri: 11.15am-1:15pm & 2-4.30pm. There are 23 mobile library stops - to find out where and when please phone 430 234. ADVERTISE IN THE GAZETTE (price per issue incl VAT) SMALL: 6cm x 6cm, £37.80 (+ 10% off with series discount) 1/4 PAGE: 9cm w x 13cm h, £81.90 (+ 25% off with series discount) 1/2 PAGE: 18cm w x 13cm h, £151.20 (+ 25% off with series discount) FULL PAGE: 18cm w x 27cm h, £252 (+ 25% off with series discount) Call 07727 127 997 VAT Reg. No. 882 8361 87 USEFUL NUMBERS: ● Pot-hole Hotline: 0845 276 0000 ● Local Police: 0845 600 5701 ● Doctor: 01644 420 234 ● NHS 24: 08454 24 24 24 ● D&G Council: 030 33 33 3000 Glenkens Gazette page 24 Scottish Alternative Games With sports fever gripping the nation this year and the Commonwealth Games upon us, along comes the real alternative to the World Cup, Ryder Cup and the Commonwealth Games – New Galloway’s own Scottish Alternative Games. The famous annual event is now in its 38th year and unlike the other major events of the summer, offers absolutely everyone a chance to win a medal. Even the ‘medals’ are alternative and take the form of edible Scottish delicacies such as Haggis, Scotch Pies and Clootie Dumplings. The official Gird ‘n’ Cleek World Championships take centre stage as usual and all the other popular events will be held too around too with the Classic including Tossin’ the Sheaf, Car Show, stalls, barbecue Hurlin’ the Curlin’ Stane, Tractor and musical entertainment Pull and Snail Racing. throughout the day. To mark the year of the Why not come along to New Commonwealth Games, a flavour Galloway Park on Sunday 3 of the Commonwealth will be August and be part of the brought to New Galloway with Scottish Alternative Games music from other parts of the 2014 – after all, where else world complementing the Scottish could you go out for the day sound from the pipes and drums and potentially return home as of Lockerbie Pipe Band. a World Champion! The event is renowned for The Alternative Games its family atmosphere and has Ceilidh is back by popular welcomed visitors from all over demand on Friday 1 August the world since 1977, many in New Galloway Town people returning year after year to Hall, and this year will be enjoy the unique experience. fundraising for Glenkens All of the events can be Children’s Club - look out for entered on the day and any posters for further details. necessary equipment is provided, but if you prefer to be less energetic and just watch the quirky events in the arena then there will be plenty of World Gird ‘n’ Cleek Championship 2013. other attractions FESTIVAL - FRIDAY 19 TO SUNDAY 21 SEPTEMBER Friday Sunday 6.30pm onward: Informal reception open to the public and opening of art exhibition (exhibitors are John Threlfall, Paul Collin, Frances Godfrey, Sheena Mccurrach, Michal Sur and Dalry Art Group), Dalry Town Hall 9-10am: Bird ringing demonstration, Barone garden, led by Andrew Bielinski Saturday 10am-5pm: Art exhibition, Dalry Town Hall 10am Children’s event in village and at Dalry Town Hall 11am: Guided bird trail around Dalry led by Chris Rollie 11am-2pm: visits to Barone to view house & studio (please go to Dalry Town Hall to book a place) 2-5pm: Watson Raptor Science prize presentations and debates, Lochinvar Hotel 8pm: Musical entertainment by local artists, Dalry Town Hall (tickets £3) 10am-4pm: Art exhibition, Dalry Town Hall 10.30am-1pm: Watson Art Trail minibus tour led by Chris Rollie 2-3pm: Art workshop by John Threlfall, Dalry Town Hall 3-5pm: Visits to Barone (please go to Dalry Town Hall to book a place) 5pm onwards: Ceildh, The Clachan Inn, Dalry Supported by D&G Council A Galloway & Southern Ayrshire Biosphere project For any further information or tickets please call the CatStrand on 01644 420 374 or visit the Watson Bird website - www.watsonbirds.org WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Submit events, activities, news stories, cartoons, reviews, tips & techniques, fiction, photos, ads or ideas... Contact Sarah Ade on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk OCT/NOV COPY DEADLINE: 5 SEPTEMBER Design & co-ordination: Sarah Ade sarah_ade@tiscali.co.uk Printing:Stranraer & Wigtownshire Free Press www.stranraer-freepress.co.uk The Glenkens Gaze�e is an ini�a�ve of the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust, a Registered Sco�sh Charity No. SC032050  Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette 83 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GG_083 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource GCAT Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2014 Description An account of the resource Editor: Sarah Ade https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/1/230/GlenkensGazette84.pdf b171dcba00e3fd074d21004f9a45a945 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette 84 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Description An account of the resource <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 2014 ISSUE 84 FREE HELP SAFEGUARD OUR GLENKENS RED SQUIRRELS The grey squirrels are coming back to Galloway in strength and urgent action is required to save the native red squirrel. That was the dramatic message delivered by squirrel expert Heinz Traut at a ‘Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels’ event held recently in New Galloway which has led to local residents forming the Glenkens Red Squirrel Group. The new group’s aim is to tackle the recent increase in grey squirrels in the area. The greys, a species introduced from North America, pose a significant threat to our red squirrels through competition for food and habitat, but more critically by spreading squirrelpox disease. Greys are immune to the disease they carry but it is lethal when passed on to the reds. “Many people living in England have seen their red squirrel populations decimated over the last decades,” says Caroline, one of the group. “We are extremely lucky in Dumfries and Galloway to have a large wild population of red squirrels and need to do everything we can to protect them to ensure that current and future generations On the left is a red squirrel and on the right a grey. Photo © northeastwildlife.co.uk of people can enjoy these magical animals, which have become something of an icon for Scottish wildlife.” The assistance of local residents is critical, whether it be reporting red or grey squirrel sightings to the group, or participating in practical conservation tasks, such as surveys or grey squirrel control. The Glenkens Red Squirrel Group is looking for someone to take the role of group co-ordinator and for a secretary to facilitate communication for the group and take minutes. As it develops the new group hopes to carry out education projects and promote awareness of red squirrel conservation throughout the Glenkens. For more information contact Martin Webber (07771 667 120) who is acting as interim group co-ordinator. For information on Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels, a project of the Scottish Wildlife Trust, or to report a red or grey squirrel sighting, please visit www.redsquirrels.org.uk Victory for Angling Family The sky dawned a misty grey for the Dalry Angling Association’s competitions day and fish were hard to tempt, but the sun was shining on Luke and Jamie Dovaston as they made a clean sweep of the club silverware and prizes. Continued on p8... Photo: Junior champion Jamie Dovaston with Dalry Angling Association chairman Robert Edgar. Glenkens Gazette page 2 Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING) New Galloway Town Hall: The LING committee are following up suggestions for activities and events made in the surveys and open days in the summer. They are liaising with the organisation Let’s Get Sporty to set up activities, especially for younger people. LING have applied for a grant from the Day Opportunities Putting You First Fund to restart the weekly lunch group, and keep a look out for badminton, indoor bowls and a gardening group starting-up... In order for the Town Hall to be transferred from D&G Council, LING have to show a likely continuing income. Apart from letting charges and fundraising events, LING will be asking for regular contribution pledges from residents. For instance, £2 a month from 150 people would raise £3,600 a year - enough to ensure sufficient income to cover likely annual maintenance costs. New Galloway Store: A questionnaire will be circulated to find out what people buy at the moment and how they would like to see the shop developed. This is necessary to show grant funders that the shop would be financially sustainable. Ros Hill Finally, after two years of campaigning by Dalry Community Council about safety issues on the Dalry side of the Allangibbon bridge, the regional council have agreed to road improvements. Dumfries & Galloway Council have included upgrading the dangerous corner whilst carrying out resurfacing works on the bridge itself. This will involve super-elevating the bend to remove the negative camber. Whilst the work will unfortunately cause temporary disruption to traffic, it is hoped that it will bring an end to the regular accidents that have blighted this section of the A713. However, there is still the issue of accidents and actual road deaths occurring a little further up the road at Carsphad. This very scenic area by the reservoir has now claimed two lives in as many years, and must be close to an official ‘accident black spot’ designation. We, as a society, really need to end this policy of putting finances before human life; people are more important than pounds! Andi Holmes, Chair, Dalry Community Council Update on the Allangibbon Bridge Following numerous accidents mainly involving large lorries, DALRY’S ‘BAD WINTER’ PLAN It might seem a bit premature to be thinking about the winter months when we are still in late summer but the old adage ‘forewarned is forearmed’ still holds good today. is critical in such a situation but many homes require electricity for heating pumps even if the fuel is oil or gas. Dalry Community Council have been working on their plan for some months now and decided that in such a situation the first thing would be to look after our vulnerable neighbours, in their own homes if possible, by supplying warmth, hot food and light. ...all the smart-phones and computers in the Although we are living in an increasingly technical age in which world are unable to help if help can be available at the touch of the power fails... a button, all the smart-phones and computers in the world are unable to help if the power fails, particularly for a prolonged period. Dumfries and Galloway (D&G) Council has recently been encouraging communities to prepare a Resilience Plan which means having a plan and facilities in place so that the community can look after its own in the event of an emergency. Every community will have different needs but here in the Glenkens the most likely scenario would be bad weather such as severe flooding or snow cutting us off and/or a prolonged power cut. Keeping warm Without electricity the approach needs to be ‘low tech’ so a small supply of battery-powered lamps (each battery can run for three days), food and drink thermos flasks and covered hot-water bottles have all been purchased. Dalry Community Council has also obtained a tworing camping stove and stock of gas canisters. The plan here is to keep people warm by blanket-wrapping them with a hot-water bottle whilst providing hot food and drink twice daily with light to read by. We are very grateful to the Glenkens Community Shop which has funded many of our purchases and we hope to augment our stores further over the coming months. We would also like to add to our team of volunteers who have alternative heating methods such as a wood-burning stove or solid-fuel range: please contact Jim Reid on 430 231 if you would be happy to have your name added to the list. Another aspect of a potential emergency is mobility and D&G Council have given us a gritspreader, shovels and clothing to help keep pavements and paths clear in the event of snow and ice. However, none of the above help can happen without volunteers. Should a heavy snow fall or big storm take place during the working day, many residents may be away from the community and unable to return to look after elderly family or neighbours; the more of us who sign up to help, the better we will all be able to cope. Let us hope we have another mild winter, but it is better to be prepared - if you think you could help in any way during an emergency, please volunteer by contacting your community council. Glenkens Gazette page 3 by the Ken Photo of the Issue: Sponsored Bridge Hotel This issue’s winner is Caroline Jardin with this charming shot entitled The Humble Bumble. Dave and Sue, competition judges and owners of the Ken Bridge Hotel, said: “Once again it was so hard to choose a winner, but the photo of the bumble bee is just lovely.” Caroline wins a meal for two at the Ken Bridge Hotel’s renowned Sunday Carvery. We will keep all entries on file and if they suit a future theme/season, they will be re-considered. you’re a fan of GERMAN TV IN DALRY IfFacebook, check A film crew from German TV station ZDF (their equivalent of BBC2) visited Dalry in the run up to the referendum to interview residents on their views and the splits it might have been causing in families and the community This was brought about by a letter Andi Holmes of Dalry had written which was printed in the Galloway News and the Scotsman, a few weeks earlier. The ZDF team had already been working on the rifts opening up between family members and communities in Edinburgh and were looking for a more rural location to film for comparison. The German public were very interested in the referendum debate as, having relatively recently reunified there country after a lengthy divide; they can’t understand why anyone would want to split their nation up. The film crew focused on the divide within Andi’s own family, but also interviewed several other residents of Dalry to canvass their opinions as well. Andi says they were a delight to work with, very professional, and not trying to create their own angle. They asked some very sensible questions and got some very honest answers. Andi hopes they come back sometime after the referendum vote to see what impact it has had on rural Scotland after the dust has settled. out a new page that has been set up by local resident Helen Keron. Search for What’s Going On Glenkens and then ‘Like’ the page to receive regular updates on community and social events, important meetings and other local issues. Also feel free to message the page to add your community events and activities. Helen has also created a page for toddlers; if you have pre-school aged children, check out Preschoolers in the Glenkens for childoreinted activities. New Drop-in For The Glenkens The Dumfries & Galloway (D&G) Hard of Hearing Group is pleased to announce that they have started regular Glenkens drop-in sessions. These will run between 10am and 12noon at New Galloway Town Hall on the first Friday of every month. D&G Hard of Hearing Group are a voluntary group, funded by Putting You First, who hold drop-in sessions across the region. People who have hearing aids can come along, get their aids maintained and get advice and support. On average we support 312 people across D&G each month. We understand that there are a number of people who would benefit from having a local service in the Glenkens. If you have hearing loss and would like some help and advice please do come along to see us. To get in touch call Julie Turner on 07896 342878 or email juliedghhg@gmail.com and to find out more visit www.dghhg.org.uk Glenkens Gazette page 4 sponsored by EVERYTHING listed in the Glenkens Freecycle section is FREE - you just need to contact the owner and go and pick it up! If you would like to list something on this page, please get in touch with Sarah on 07727 127 997 or email glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk Various Chest freezers x 2, width 85cm, depth 55cm, height 84cm. Working. Dimplex Focal Point Fire, Hursley Model HUR20, Optiflame and 2kW fan heater. Marble hearth green, length 163cm, depth 38cm, height 6.5cm. Needs restoration. Aluminium patio doors double glazed. Height 197cms, width 172cms. Have been lying outdoors for many years but may be useful for cold frames, etc. Garden Canes. Approx 100 used bamboo canes. Plant Pots. 300+ used plant pots round and square 9cm-13 cm. For all the above items contact: Mary on 420 613 Dell computer monitor and keyboard, both in good working condition. Contact: 420 258 Wooden fire surround, mantle- shelf with smaller lower shelf. Reeded columns on either side. Approx 137cm long by 118cm high with aperture 92cm long by 85cm high. Currently varnished but would be a suitable subject for marbling. Contact: Sue on 07563 718 011 (evenings) Furniture Three-tier glass table, ideal for TV unit or office, 22” high, 18”deep,43”long. Contact: Chrissy on 07824 810 305 Light-coloured wooden child’s desk. Small donation to Glenkens Children’s Club requested if suitable for your use. Contact: Helen on 07789 693 698 Bookcase, dark stain, length 278cm, depth 31cm, height 110cm. Splits in half to move. Very good condition. Contact: Mary on 420 613 Bookcases x 2, dark stain, length 88cm, depth 30cm, height 150cm. Very good condition. Contact: Mary on 420 613 WANTED Scythe, sledge hammer, pick axe, tin sheets, Dutch oven, tree saplings. Contact: Simon on 07426 124 982 Toy tools/tool box/tool bench for an 18-month-old who seems to find the screw-driver wherever we put it...Contact: Sarah on 07727 127 997 Dressage girth about 38”. Contact: Sue on 07563 718 011 (evenings) Does anybody happen to have things such as: sticklebricks, those little trike & trailer combos, wooden puzzles, etc; anything suitable for 12-24 month year-old! Contact: Sarah on 07810 256 299 Plastic coal bunker to buy (about 10 cwt capacity). Contact: Louise on 07845 412 300 or 07901696694 after 7pm. “Freecycle has for us been a great way to unload items that are no longer required and gain much needed space into the bargain! We have also managed to freely acquire goods locally that would otherwise cost us money and inconvenience if we had to outsource them. We can feel positively that we have done something to save waste and the environment by keeping this turnover of goods local. Long may it continue!” Andi Wright’s Shop Dalry Licensed convenience store & newsagent, now including Dalry Post Office. Please come in and see our newly refurbished self-service shop. Opening Times (both shop & PO): Monday to Friday: 7am – 6pm Saturday: 8am – 6pm Sunday: 8.30am – 4pm Tel: 01644 430 225 Glenkens Gazette page 5 sponsored by The Masonry Stove Local builder Paul Moslin, who lives in Dalry, has been working for the last ten years on creating a modern version of a traditional Swedish masonry stove. Originally inspired by a Hungarian friend who built one for him in Ireland, Paul has since built six and is now happy that he has perfected his version of the stove. The design Paul uses is called a kakelugn and was created in 1767 by Swedish inventor Carl Johan Cronstedt. Cronstedt’s system increased the efficiency of the woodburning stove roughly eightfold by directing smoke and heated gases along flues that wound up and down inside a brick-built stove. Using this system, you only had to light a short fire in the morning and evening for the heat to then radiate into the building day and night. This design had significant social and economical consequences throughout Sweden and later Europe and America, and is still used up to the present day in these countries. Cronstedt’s invention also had significant environmental impact because it saved forests from excess usage – something which is hugely relevant today with the focus on reducing our carbon footprint. Paul uses modern fire-bricks and fire-cement, along with other forms of ultra-efficient insulation, to create his own custom-made masonry stove. He says: “They have been making them in the USA for 50 years or so. The style of stove originates in Northern Europe, Russia and Scandinavia, countries where wood fuel has been the major heat source for hundreds of years. Much less wood is used for the amount of heat output. The thermal stove weighs about two tonnes, and heats up with just an armful of sticks a day. It begins to heat up within an hour (straight away right in front of the stove door), and you can also use the fire to cook, either by building a purpose-built oven into the structure or just using the fire box itself.” To have a stove built costs about £5,000, and takes three men about a week to build. Rupert Harvey of Drumbuie Farm, along the Garroch Glen, who is a local firewood contractor and self-confessed firewood fanatic, has been burning wood all his life. Rupert had one of Paul’s masonry stoves retro-fitted in his farmhouse in November 2013, and is thrilled with the results. Masonry stove at Drumbuie with a lime-plaster finish. – roast chicken, casseroles, whatever we like.” The stove at Drumbuie has a lime-plaster finish, but it can be tiled and the shape can be made to suit the building it is going into – the traditional pillar shape, or even with seating built-in. Paul says: “The most efficient way to build a thermal store is in the centre of an open-plan building, with a wall of each room built onto the stove. Another benefit is that because the stove is so fast-burning, you don’t get creosote building up in the chimney, and barely get any ash or smoke at all as smoke and ash are made up of all the un-burnt solids from a fire. You only need to clean the ashes out every couple of months! So it’s less dusty and messy than a standard woodburning stove.” Cronstedt’s system increased the efficiency of the wood-burning stove roughly eightfold by directing smoke and heated gases along flues that wound up and down inside a brick-built stove. He says: “I wanted to try it out and am really happy with how it has turned out. They are the most efficient way of burning your wood, and are just so easy to live with. The heat you get is a really nice heat; not stuffy like your standard central-heating systems, but a dry, cosy heat; there is definitely a different quality to it.” Rupert’s sons, Joe and Hamish, are also enthusiastic about the stove. Hamish says: “We make dinner in it almost every night If you would like to find out more, visit Paul’s website at www.moslinstoves.co.uk or get in touch with him on 430 504 or mail@timbergates.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 6 CARERS TRANSITION PROJECT Putting You First is supporting a groundbreaking, regionwide initiative aimed at helping carers to cope when their circumstances change. The Carers Transition Project has introduced a ‘Counselling for Carers’ service available through Relationships Scotland and Cruse Bereavement Care Scotland. Putting You First is a five-year change programme for Health, Care and Support services in Dumfries & Galloway. Sue Madigan, project coordinator for the project, says: “While caring can be rewarding, it is also important to recognise that taking on or losing caring responsibilities can be very difficult and stressful. Becoming a carer is often life-changing in terms of finances, employment and hopes for the future.” Life can change in the blink of an eye and turn your whole world upside down. For example, a young man of 29 now finds himself caring for his wife. They met at university, got married and made plans for the future. However, her health deteriorated rapidly; over a short space of member or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental-health or addiction problems. Census reports between 2008 and 2010 estimate the number of carers in the region to be between 14,000 and 22,000. Sue Madigan believes the real figure could be even higher. She says: “There are a lot of hidden carers needing support, many of them young people for whom it may be time to leave home or go to university, but they are worried and confused. It is estimated that some 70% of carers experience stress and anxiety during their role. We want to help.” Life can change in the blink of an eye and turn your whole world upside down. time he had to leave work and become a full-time carer for his wife. Stress and depression began to take hold. In situations such as this people can find support through the Dumfries & Galloway Carers Centre who work to improve support, services and recognition for anyone living with the challenges of caring, unpaid, for a family For further information contact Sue on 01387 251 245 or sue@rsdg.org.uk, or for information on the Dumfries & Galloway Carers Centre call 01387 248 600 or email info@dgalcarers.org Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents Selling properties across Dumfries & Galloway 01556 503744 www.ggblaw.co.uk All legal advice Offices in Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie Kirkcudbright and Dumfries Glenkens Gazette page 7 CatStrand Update A terrific mix of family-friendly fun and sophisticated artsofferings are available at the CatStrand over October and November. The Elements World Theatre in association with SWAN Productions present Lockerbie: Lost Voices on Saturday 4 October. Connect with this tragic disaster 25 years later through a life-affirming story of loss followed by a ‘Question & Answer’ session from the cast and creative team. We warmly welcome back Lorna Reid to the CatStrand for her laid-back Lounge Sessions. Lorna and her superb band will play their newest jazz arrangements, as well as some old favourites, on Friday 10 October - a night not to be missed. This autumn the CatStrand is working in partnership with a number of film festivals to engage youngsters, and the young at heart, with contemporary film-making. From Luminate we present Advanced Style on Thursday 23 October, Discovery Film Festival’s Short’s For Wee One’s 2014 on Saturday 8 November, and Into Film Festival will present a very special schools’ screening on Wednesday 12 November (for more information or to book a school visit email bookings@intofilm.org). The CatStrand Halloween Party takes place on Friday 31 October at 6pm, followed by our popular spooky Lantern Parade and then to finish off the evening there will be a screening of the CatStrand Young Filmmakers’ Club’s newest production. Finally, the CatStrand Christmas Lorna Reid Shopping Day will be held on Saturday 29 November - come along and pick out unique gifts for friends and family whilst enjoying some mulled wine, a mince pie and some festive cheer. The CatStrand Team For full listings see our latest brochure or visit www.catstrand.com To book tickets call the CatStrand on 01644 420 374. And don’t forget to ‘like’ us on Facebook. �������� ��������� ���������������� ������� ���������� �������������������� ���������������������� �������������������� ���������������������� ����������������� ����������������������� �������������� ������������������������������������������ ������������������������������ ���������� ����������� ���������� ����������������������� Glenkens Gazette page 8 NEW GALLOWAY GOLF CLUB Dalry Angling The season is now entering its final stages and, thanks to the excellent summer weather, all the competitions have been played. The course has been in great condition and visitor numbers have been good. Toast of the club is Marena McClymont who defeated Elena Rogers in the Ladies Club Championship in a closely fought contest. The Johnstone Trophy was won by Marena McClymont, playing with Iain McQueen, who beat Chris McIntyre and Jeff Sutcliffe again in a very close match. Coronation Cup winner was Gavin Aitkenhead, and the MacMillan Cup winner Tony Graham. By the time you read this article the Day of the Region will have come and gone; hopefully we will have had a good turn-out at the club and raised sufficient money to purchase a defibrillator for use not only for golf club members but for residents at the top of New BOWLING Spalding Bowling Club has had another successful enyoyable and happy season. The green closes for play on Continued from front page... Mr & Mrs McGurkin, winners of the Laurieston Cup, with Jeff Sutcliffe (right). Galloway High Street. The Laurieston Cup Mixed Open Greensomes attracted players from far and wide, with the winners, Mr and Mrs McGurkin, coming from Doon Valley. The winter season is almost upon us and winter membership is available - call 01644 420 737 for more information. The Annual Dinner and Prize Presentation Evening takes place at the Ken Bridge Hotel on Saturday 8 November. Jeff Sutcliffe, Captain & Match Secretary Monday 15 September. This year the champions are John Peacock, runner-up S Harvie, and in the Ladies, Eliz Peacock, runner-up Moira Jones. Our Prize-giving and Social will be held at The Clachan Inn on Friday 7 November at 7.30pm. Eliz Peacock New Galloway Toddlers New Galloway Toddler Group has been running for many years but recently there has been a drop in the number of children attending. Of course, in our rural area numbers of children fluctuate, but if the decline continues the group will run the risk of closure which would be a great shame as it is the only toddler group in New Galloway and, apart from the Glenkens Children’s Club held in Dalry, the whole of the Glenkens. The group runs every Tuesday in term-time from 9.45-11.30am in New Galloway Town Hall, and has a great variety of toys to suit all babies and young children. The cost is just £2 which includes a snack for little ones and a cuppa for parents/ carers. So please, if you live in the Glenkens and have young children, do pop in. If you would like any more information please contact Chrissy on 07824 810 305 or Fiona on 07900 985 837. The morning started on the River Ken where, despite the recent stocking, a cold northerly wind kept the fish deep and faroff. So far off that young Jamie, a pupil at Dalry Secondary School, waded out well over the tops of his wellingtons to snare the only fish landed and, as a reward for his soaking, the George McAdam trophy plus a fly-fishing outfit donated by Wishaw-based tackle manufacturer, Daiwa Sports. In the afternoon, the adults ventured out on a extremely dour Earlstoun Loch, trying to find a trout willing to chance the now increasingly cold north wind and take a nip at the angler’s fly. Despite the unseasonal weather, Luke Dovaston managed to tempt two hardy brown trout to rise and, in doing so, won the trophy and with it a New Daiwa Lexa Fly rod. Annual Abbas Rest Coffee Morning The coffee morning, in aid of Abbas Rest Orphans, will take place on Saturday 18 October from 10am to 12noon in Dalry Town Hall. We do hope you will once more support this event as there are still children needing your help. Many come to the centres suffering from malnutrition, malaria and many different infections, so it is important that they receive medical care as well as food and clothing. We will be very grateful for any donations towards the cake and bottle sales tables and the raffle, as well as help on the stalls or in the kitchen. We look forward to seeing you - for more information please contact Avril Brown on 430 526 or Barbara Colbenson on 430 090. Glenkens Gazette page 9 YOUNG SOLDIER REMEMBERED A young local man who lost his life in the First World War has been remembered at a ceremony held by the charity South West Scotland RnR (SWSRnR) at the war memorial overlooking Loch Ken. The memorial is to second lieutenant John Murray,whose father was a farmer and minister at Balmaclellan, who served with the Kings Own Scottish Borderers (KOSB) and died aged 19. There was a piper in attendance - Michael Hogarth from Innerleithen, ex-KOSB and also ex-pipe major of the 1st Battalion Karate: I recently gave a class talk in my English lesson. I chose to talk about karate because I have been going to karate for a long time, about seven years. Karate comes from the Japanese words ‘kara’ which means open and ‘te’ which means hand. It is thousands of years old and was founded on the Japanese island of Okinawa which had a ban on weapons so people learned how to fight. It has been further PERSONAL HELPER REQUIRED Male or female, no experience needed, to help disabled woman live independently in her own home with her husband and son. Help with personal care, domestic work, pet care. To work a flexible rota including 24-hour shifts at £169.40 and 11-hour day shifts/13-hour night shifts at circa £84. Phone 07984 673231 for an application form of the Royal Regiment of Scotland - and local minister David Bartholomew conducted a service paying respect to this man who lost his life so young in defence of his country. The people attending were also formerly of the KOSB and had been in conflicts in more recent times. These ex-servicemen have enjoyed the benefits of the care and hospitality of SWSRnR, based at Carsethorn, and we felt this ceremony was therapeutic to our former KOSB combatants as they had all served with the same regiment. This event was featured on Border TV and by word-ofmouth we found John Murray’s nephew, 78-year-old William Johnston, who laid a wreath at the memorial. Robin Hood, SWSRnR developed from other martial arts. It teaches that technique is everything, like a young girl who knows the right technique can defeat a fully grown man. You do gradings to move up belts, and are assessed on four main areas: basics, sparring, katas and ippon kumite. Basics are the basis of all karate and a chance to concentrate on your techniques and stances. In the beginning you generally learn four stances: forward leaning stance, backstance, kibba dachi and catstance, and as you progress you learn more stances. Stances are the most important thing in karate. Different classes have different uniforms and you can get a The Clog & Shoe Workshop unique handmade footwear open 10am - 5pm weekdays Easter Mon to 31st October please ring to arrange a visit at other times Tel: 01644 420 465 visit our new online shop at www.clogandshoe.co.uk William Johnston, David Bartholomew and piper Michael Hogarth. Photograph by Melissa Priddy range of colours and styles although it is a uniform like that one on the right we wear at Dalry. The belt order is white, red, yellow, orange, green, blue, purple, purplebrown, brown, brown-white, brown-black, black-red then black. Emma Jordon S2 Glenkens Gazette page 10 NEW SCHOOL HEAD’S MESSAGE Duke of There were some common Edinburgh Having taken up themes in what you would like post as the acting Award Meeting to see changed, which are as headteacher of the Glenkens cluster schools, I would like to say a huge thank you to the community for your warm and open welcome. You have made it possible for me to get to know what matters to you and to see what makes living in the Glenkens so special. Having listened to what you have to say and having read the comments you have offered, it is clear that you value the following in the education offered to your young people: - The small schools with their capacity for treating children as individuals in their community - The approachability of staff and good parent/school partnerships - The good qualifications students leave S4 with and the personal qualities they develop follows:- The extent to which the schools work together to develop consistent approaches, within and between the stages - Improved use of the natural environment and a focus on physical activity in the Secondary phase. This is a very simplified summary as there were many specific and individual comments offered. We look forward to working with the community in tailoring education in the Glenkens to the needs of individuals, utilising the advantages of the environment whilst tackling the potential limitations of a rural location. I firmly believe that the benefits of the Glenkens, massively outweigh the limitations and that between us we should be able to further develop an enviable and unique educational provision. Jenny Smith, Acting Headteacher On Monday 6 October, Mr Gary Kirkpartick (Department of Education development worker, Dumfries & Galloway Council) will address a meeting at 7pm in Dalry school, to which all parents/carers of S3 and S4 students are cordially invited. This invitation is also extended to those individuals and organisations in the community who may have a part to play in helping and supporting our young people to achieve the Award in any one of the four Award sections of Service, Skill, Physical Activity and Expedition. Gary will be giving an outline of the Award and of the training opportunities available to helpers. Further information will be distributed through the school, but this is an ideal opportunity for the wider community to come together and focus on what we can offer our young people. Kells Primary DALRY STUDENTS ‘TRI’ HARD and run, in quick succession. Students from Dalry Rag Bag Bin School They showed determination and travelled Kells Primary pupils decided at a recent assembly that they would like to make the local community aware that the school has a rag bag recycling bin. This special bin is for the recycling of unwanted clothes, pairs of shoes and blankets. Kells receive a payment for every kilogram of textiles collected. This money goes into school funds to subsidise transport costs and the hosting of events like visiting theatre groups or storytellers. The rag bag bin is situated next to the other bins in the playground to the left of the gazebo. Please feel free to use it or contact the school office for more details. Thank you, Kells Primary to Kirkcudbright on Tuesday, 2 September to take part in a regional ‘minitri’ event. Designed to introduce young people to the sport of triathlon as part of a national programme, participants had to swim, cycle real resilience in completing the event; they should be very proud of what they achieved. Our thanks go to parents who gave up time to support their young people. It was a pleasure to watch young people enter into something so wholeheartedly. Jenny Smith Glenkens Gazette page 11 Glenkens Gazette page 12 Glenkens Gazette page 13 Glenkens Gazette page 14 Glenkens Gazette page 15 Carsphairn Primary School As with the rest of the Glenkens cluster, there have been many changes at Carsphairn Primary. With three new pupils starting (including two in P1), the school roll is now sitting at twelve. After a very enjoyable summer everyone has returned refreshed and ready for an exciting new year. This term we are learning all about our local community. We are lucky to have the Carsphairn Heritage Centre so close, as we are learning from the ‘Petticoat Tales – the Gentle Touch of Carsphairn Women’ exhibit. It has worked out especially well because this year, nine of our eldest pupils are girls. As we did last year, we will try to incorporate this theme into the Carsphairn Calendar, which will be on sale before Christmas. Carsphairn Primary School pupils. Guide Trip to Denmark Last year I was one of ten Guides from all over Scotland to be selected to take part in an international camp in Denmark. The camp took place this summer during the holidays. It was a great experience. Before we arrived at the camp, which was in Stevninghus in southern Denmark, we had a day sightseeing in Copenhagen where we saw the Little Mermaid and went to Tivoli Gardens. The theme of the camp was The Vikings Strike Back and we did various activities such as blacksmithing, sword-making and pioneering. We had a day out to a Danish town where we went to the beach and looked round the shops. We also had a day in Legoland, which was absolutely fantastic. There was another group of Scottish scouts on the camp and on one of the days both of the Scottish groups taught the other people on the camp some Scottish dances and songs – 2,000 scouts and guides singing 500 Miles was pretty cool! There were people on the camp from all over Europe and there was also a group of scouts from Israel and a group from Los Angeles. I had to raise some of the money for the camp myself and I would like to thank everyone who gave me money to help me fundraise and also Guiding Scotland and the Stewartry Guides for their contributions. Without them it Ellen in Guide uniform. would have been a lot harder to raise all the money I needed. It was a great trip and I would encourage other Guides to go on selections for a chance to go on an international camp as it is a brilliant opportunity to meet people from other countries, to learn about their cultures and to try lots of new activities. Ellen Bielinski W BONE WHB JEEPS THE GARAGE, DALRY PETROL & DIESEL SALES SERVICE & REPAIRS MOTs, TYRES, BATTERIES ALL AT COMPETITIVE PRICES OPEN 8.30AM - 6.00PM (SIX DAYS) 10AM - 6PM SUNDAYS - FUEL 24 HOURS SHOP • SANDWICH BAR • LOTTERY Tel: 01644 430208 Fax: 01644 430669 jeeps@whbjeeps.co.uk www.whbjeeps.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 16 GREAT SUMMER FOR GLENKENS KIDS Glenkens Children’s Club (GCC) has had its most successful summer so far, with people travelling from as far afield as Castle Douglas and Crossmichael to attend the exciting programme of events. The theme of the holidays was ‘Mind and Body’, with fun physical activities set up for the children every Monday, and a Mindfulness course for parents and carers on Fridays. The children, ranging in age from 0-10, tried their hand at zumba, martial arts, gymnastics, Margaret Morris dance, and even an outdoor bushcraft session. We also had a roller disco, a sports day and of course our second birthday party, with some sessions having over 30 children in attendance. We were able to put this programme on at no extra cost to users largely thanks to a grant from the Glenkens Community Shop in Dalry, and GCC couldn’t exist without the superb childoriented facilities that the Glenkens Community Centre offers. We would also like to thank all of the people who shared their skills and enthusiasm over the summer to give the children such great experiences. Roberts. They were previous stalwart volunteers at GCC, and with their joint extensive experience in child-care and nursery teaching, they have already got the new term off to a great start. Playgroup is at the Community Centre on termtime Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 9.10-11.40am, and is £5 for two-year-olds and free for children from the term after they turn three. There are still a few places left, so ring Sue on 07935 882470 during Playgroup hours if you’d like to join. I would like to thank the Glenkens Community Shop, Mrs Annikki Lindsay, Natural Power and everyone who attended the very successful Ceilidh in New Gallloway Town Hall in August for supporting GCC - we couldn’t do it without you. We also couldn’t keep going without the committed volunteers who really do make GCC what it is. We would also like to thank all of the people who shared their skills and enthusiasm over the summer to give the children such great experiences. During term-time GCC caters predominantly to 0-3 year olds and runs on Mondays and Fridays, 9.30–11.30am, in the Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry. The cost is £2 for first child, £1 for subsequent children and babies are free. In other news, GCC Playgroup has new staff, Sue Curtis and Chrissy ����������������������������������������������������� • Pensions • Savings • Investments • Retirement Options • Inheritance Tax Planning • Life Assurance • Income & Critical Illness Protection • Mortgages • Home Insurance Free Confidential Initial Consultation Tel: 01671 403080 Fax:- 01671 402549 Email: brian.edgar@marrfinancial.co.uk Web: www.marrfinancial.co.uk 61 Victoria Street NEWTON STEWART, DG8 6NL **NEW** Yorkshire Building Society Agency – Now Open Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. For mortgages we can be paid by commission or a fee of usually £300 or a combination of both. For Home Insurance we usually offer products from a limited panel of providers. Thank you all, as ever! Helen Keron, Chair, GCC Aileen McLeod MSP working for you across the South of Scotland Postal address: Unit 7 Loreburn Shopping Centre High Street, Dumfries, DG1 2BD Email: aileen.mcleod.msp@scottish.parliament.uk Tel: 01387 255 334 Please check www.aileenmcleod.org for regular surgery, constituency and parliamentary updates Glenkens Gazette Just Published The Galloway Hills: The area covered by this book is the central massif, bounded on the south by the Queen’s Way, to the east by the Glenkens, to the north by Dalmellington and Straiton, and to the west by the Hill Road to Newton Stewart. The book covers a variety of aspects, from the geology of the mountains, details of the lochs and rivers, to the present desire for conservation and enjoyment of the hills. There is also historical information including the times of Robert the Bruce and his connections with the district, as well as the many associations with the persecuted Covenanters. The many air-crashes that have occurred in these hills are related in detail, as well as other deaths, in particular death on the hills during blizzards. The book is now on sale, and can be bought at the CatStrand or at www.carnpublishing.com/ Galloway where there is also more information available about the book. page 17 A copy of each of these Zero Footprint: Having lovely built their own low-carbon books will home, Ted Leeming and be up for Morag Paterson decided grabs in to explore a similar the next concept with their work, issue in this case with literally of the ‘zero footprint’ – all the Gazette as shots are taken from a special an area of roughly one Christmas square metre directly outside their kitchen door. giveaway, Ted Leeming and so keep Morag Paterson are your eyes professional landscape peeled! photographers based in the Glenkens. They work collaboratively, jointly signing their work to reflect the shared creative vision. Zero Footprint is a cloth-covered, 112-page hardback limited-edition book, and costs £40 - it is available to buy at the CatStrand or to order call 01644 430 004 or visit www.leemingpaterson.com THE KEN BRIDGE HOTEL New Galloway Bargatton Sand & Gravel Supplying sand and gravel for all your farming needs, as well as households and businesses both large and small. Open 7 Days - Beautiful Riverside Location MEALS SERVED 12.00 - 2.00pm, 5.30 - 8.30pm Bed & breakfast en suite accommodation 01644 420 211 mail@kenbridgehotel.co.uk www.kenbridgehotel.co.uk NEW WEDDING BROCHURE NOW AVAILABLE We stock washed fine sand, coarse sand and gravels at competitive prices. For further details contact: Angus Wilson, Quarry Manager - 07715 606 685 James Mair - 07793 085 243 Email: loch.bargatton@live.co.uk Bargatton Quarry, Laurieston, Castle Douglas, DG7 2PS Open 7 days Mon-Fri Weekends by arrangement Delivery can be arranged - subject to quantity Glenkens Gazette page 18 WHINNYMUIR – WHAT’S IN A NAME? Whinnymuir is the name of the last house on the right leaving Dalry on the Moniaive road. This name is particularly appreciated in the spring, when the yellow whins (gorse) brighten the rising ground beyond the house on the old track over the Mulloch. However, the use of the name, when there is no topographic feature bearing that specific title, suggests a contributory and deeper significance in folk lore and ancient funereal custom. The ancient practice of the ‘lyke wake’ (watch over a corpse prior to burial) is well attested. Hugh Miller, writing in the 1830s, ventured the opinion that the custom was “far beyond the reach of history or tradition”. Sir Walter Scott in his Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border, quotes a dirge sung over the corpse, spelling out the challenges of purgatory, the first of which was Whinny-muir with its vicious spikes: When thou from hence away are paste, Every night and alle; To Whinny-muir thou comest at laste; And Christe receive thye saule. If ever thou gavest hosen and shoon, Every night and alle; Sit thee doon, and put them on; And Christe receive thye saule. If hosen and shoon thou ne’er gavest nane, Every night and alle; The whinnes shall pricke thee to the bare bane; And Christe receive thye saule. From Whinny-muir when thou mayst pass, Every night and alle; To Brigg o’ Dread thou comest at laste; And Christe receive thy saule. Having survived Whinny-muir, the final hurdle was the purgatory fire beneath the Bridge of Dread, into which the unworthy would fall, as recounted in the remaining verses. Scott acknowledged the North Yorkshire origin of the dirge which he recorded, but it is clear that Whinny-muir was not any particular place in Yorkshire or elsewhere, but a metaphorical phrasing in terms that all could understand for the hazardous route that the departing soul had to face, to test his or her charity in life. It is significant that Scott’s book was published in a newly-edited form in the 1920s, followed by the house in 1929. Knowledge of the dirge may well have played a part in the choice of name, reflecting both the picturesque position of the house and the traditional significance as recorded by Scott. Presumeably to maintain the whins connection, a patch was introduced into the garden landscaping, still flourishing, but prudently of a smaller and much more manageable variety. Mr and Mrs Wise prefer to think of their home as being on the road to heaven rather than on the path through purgatory but, however viewed, the name’s evocation of long gone beliefs is fascinating. Perhaps it is still an incentive to watch our ways and in both senses to pull our socks up! Alan Pallister, Balmaclellan Alternative Games 2014 This year New Galloway gave a Commonwealth theme to the Alternative Games, with international flags flying and various acts who had appeared in Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games performing during the afternoon. The terrible weather in the morning didn’t deter the crowd and rain soon gave way to sunshine. The main arena events then got underway with no shortage of willing competitors; several heats were required in some of the Gird n’ Cleek age-groups to establish the finalists. The Tossin’ the Sheaf competition saw a new champion in the men’s event with five-times World Gird n’ Cleek Champion, Neil Armstrong, turning his attention to Cars, organised by Rex Dressler, a different skill and winning with a provided an appropriate backdrop height of 21 feet. to the event while members of The popular Tractor Pull was the Commonwealth Youth Circus keenly contested too, but entertained the young and the unfortunately due to the time lost young-at-heart with their circus to the heavy rain just after the skills workshops. start of the events there wasn’t The organisers would like to thank time to stage the Hurlin’ the Curlin’ all the helpers, stall holders and Stane, and conditions were still everyone who came along and a bit slippery to hold the Tug o’ War. However, there was plenty of other entertainment around including the ever-popular Snail Racing attracting plenty of attention for the various races during the afternoon. An impressive Gird ‘n’ Cleek medallists, left to right, are Alexander turn-out McKenna (Bronze), John McQueen (Gold) and Kelsie Marshall (Silver). Photgraph by Fraser McCormick. of Classic Glenkens Gazette Stewartry Birdwatchers Are you interested in birds and other branches of natural history? If so, why not come along to the Stewartry Birdwatchers meetings this winter? Since 1976 monthly meetings have been held in Kells School, New Galloway. Meetings start at 7.30pm and run from September to April - all are welcome. Throughout the year excursions are arranged to interesting locations such as Caerlaverock and Mersehead for Barnacle Geese, inland to the Mennock Pass for the elusive Ring Ouzel, across to Loch Ryan for Brent Geese and numerous waders, or to woodlands for small birds such as migrant warblers. Beginners are welcome as these trips are an excellent way to learn how to identify birds, butterflies, flowers, etc. This winter’s session got off to a flying start on Thursday 25 September when Keith Kirk gave his presentation ‘Galloway Gems’. Keith, one of our Dumfries & Galloway Rangers, is an excellent photographer who always accompanies his photographs with interesting and unusual bits of information. On Thursday 9 October there will be an illustrated talk, ‘The Decline of Seabirds’, by Allan Whyte. Allan, who is employed by the RSPB, has been researching the worrying pollution of our marine environment and what needs to be done to ensure that Scotland remains one of the most important places in the world for seabirds. Jim Cassels’ illustrated talk on 13 November is ‘The Birds of Arran’. Jim retired to Arran and is now bird recorder for the local natural history society. Thursday 11 December sees the return of another popular speaker, Angus Hogg, with his illustrated talk ‘Ayrshire Birds ; the changing scene’. Angus is a long-term resident of the southern part of that county and has produced the Ayrshire bird report for many years. Joan Howie, Secretary, Stewartry Branch of Scottish Ornithologists’ Club (the SOC) page 19 DO YOU RECOGNISE THIS MAN? Dalry school has uncovered a folder with personal papers and family photographs of Sergeant John Joseph Marshall who served in the Highland Light Infantry during WW1 and later. We presume these were loaned some years ago to a teacher who has now left. We would like to return these to the family. If you believe this is your family member, please contact Mrs McCall at Dalry school (01644 430 259). ALEX FERGUSSON MSP FOR GALLOWAY & WEST DUMFRIES Holds regular advice surgeries at: Constituency Office, New Market Street, Castle Douglas, DG7 1HY on the 2nd Friday of every month from 5pm Telephone free on 0800 028 7260 for an appointment or to make any alternative arrangement. You can visit Alex’s website at: www.alexfergusson.org.uk or contact him by e-mail at: alex.fergusson.msp@scottish.parliament.uk Days and times when Fleet Fish visits the Glenkens are listed below, but you can give them a ring to arrange a meeting point if you live further afield. Tues- 11am: Crossmichael Village, Parton Mill/ Parton. 1.30pm: Loch Ken Holiday Park. 2pm: Kenbridge Area. 3pm: Balmaclellan Village to Corsock. 5pm: Balmaclellan, Hidden Road. 6pm: New Galloway. 6.30pm: Laurieston/over Hill Road to Gatehouse. Wed - 10.30am: Laurieston Village, 11am: Slagarie/Hensol & Surrounding Area, 12.30pm Mossdale Village & Surrounding Area, 1.30pm2.30pm: New Galloway, 3–5pm: Glen Lee/Allan Gibbon Bridge/Dalry, 5.30pm: St Johns Way. Fri - 5.30pm: Corsock. Also on Friday stances at Dalbeattie 9am-12.45pm & at Loch Arthur Farm Shop shop, Beeswing, from 1pm onward. www.facebook.com/fleetfish www.fleetfish.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 20 KARS CASTLE OF CARSPHAIRN Local historian Bill Blyth of Blowplain, Balmaclellan, revisits the story of Kars Castle. The castle’s remains can be found by taking the track running east off the A713 just north of Dundeugh and crossing the bridge to a car park. The ruins are in woodland just south of the car park. The ‘lost’ Castle of Kars is truly a sad sight today. ‘Lost’ in a maturing Forestry Commission plantation, with trees growing tightly against the crumbling walls, and in the ruins itself fallen and decaying trees. ‘Lost’ also in the sense that it is sometimes erroneously referred to as Dundeugh Castle. Kars is situated on a raised embankment protected to the south, west and east by the fast-flowing Deugh River. The modern parish of Carsphairn derives its name from Kars. McKerlie, in his ‘History of Lands and Owners in Galloway’ (1993), states in confirmation of the name “there is a pool in the Deugh at the Castle still called the Kars Pool and beside it a bridge had existed”. Timothy Pont in his map, drawn up in approximately 1590, published in Blaeu’s Atlas of 1660, quite distinctly shows Kars Castle with a tower symbol situated near the junction of waterways. The map also shows, a short distance away inland, Dundeugh Castle, again quite distinctly marked with a tower symbol. Today all that remains of the castle at Dundeugh is a large pile of stones and an old orchard. Dundeugh in its later years had become a farmhouse. At the time of Pont’s Survey it is almost certain that Kars was a substantial ruin and to some extent Dundeugh Castle had replaced it. growing in the centre. Today the vault has all collapsed, but there remains the rotting stump and limb of an oak tree. Although Trotter labels this sketch ‘Dundeugh Castle’, it is almost certainly Kars Castle. McKerlie’s description of the remains in 1893 would support this. The ruin has obviously been quarried over many centuries. Much of the good stone, including the facing stones and lintels, have gone and been used in building elsewhere. The nearby medieval village of Polmaddie is likely to be contemporary with Kars and would have supplied the castle with labour and victuals. Polmaddie would have been the original village of the area long before Carsphairn itself came into being. No doubt one day the site of Kars will be cleared of the growing and decaying trees. Another generation will excavate the site properly and expose the foundations so that a proper analysis and understanding can be made and a fuller history emerge. In an age when conservation and heritage are very much in vogue, how can such an important and potentially lovely site be treated with such great insensitivity? This is an excerpt from an article by Bill Blyth which first appeared in the Carsphairn Heritage Centre Newsletter No 18 in 1992. ... Loch Doon Castle appears to have been one of the three chief fortresses of the Earls of Carrick (Robert the Bruce’s family), the other two having been Turnberry and possibly Kars Castle at Dundeugh. McKerlie also states: “the only remains of the castle now left consist of a single arch”. About fifty years prior to his visit there had been two arches. Trotter, in his ‘East of Galloway Sketches’ (1901), states that Loch Doon Castle appears to have been one of the three chief fortresses of the Earls of Carrick (Robert the Bruce’s family), the other two having been Turnberry and possibly Kars Castle at Dundeugh. Trotter’s sketch of Kars in 1865 shows the arch and the vaulted basement with a large oak tree Memories of Shops and Shopping objects such as bills, ads and even equipment that we could borrow. Not so long ago there were numerous shops in the area. We are looking for photographs and stories of shops and shopkeepers as well as If you can help, please contact Avril Bridgeman on 01644 420 438 or Mike Brown on 01644 420 267. Currently the local history display in the CatStrand features the life and work of SR Crockett in his centenary year, but this will shortly be replaced by a display on the Christmas Craft Fair Saturday 25th October Castle Douglas Town Hall 10am-2.30pm Free Entry For table bookings please contact Jane on 01644 470 004 shops of the Glenkens. GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL � 01644 420234 � Glenkens Gazette page 21 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN The Glenkens Story: Sharing Our History Somebody once observed that all history is local even though some of it is of national or even world significance. Glenkens must be one of the least known glens in Scotland. People enter and leave it without knowing it by name. There is nothing to tell visitors about its existence yet it has been a major highway linking the Solway with the Central Belt since prehistoric times. The Romans knew of it and probably had a name for it. It was occupied at different times by Welsh, Scottish, English and Irish peoples with a dusting of Vikings and Normans. Scotland is a nation of immigrants and some of them liked what they found here: clean rivers abounding with fish, woodlands and rough pasture, the flood-enriched arable of the Ken valley. Although the glen is mentioned in many books and other sources there is no single-volume devoted to its rich and fascinating history. Starting next January there are plans to create an informal group of folk interested in all or any aspects of our history, from the Ayrshire border to the foot of Loch Ken. Under the umbrella title, The Glenkens Story: Sharing Our History, we are planning around six meetings per year to give people an opportunity to share historical knowledge and interests. Suggested topics so far include the shops of the Glenkens villages, the history of our homes, metal detecting our past, personal reminiscences, folk tales, Glenkens landholding - in short anything about the glen’s past. Trust (GCAT), will hold events in venues across the area. The times are propitious. I have the honour to chair the European Ethnology Research Centre (EERC) based in the School of Scottish Studies at Edinburgh University. Ethnology is concerned with change of all kinds, from the use of buildings to the way we dress, from what we eat to relationships in families and communities. The centre recently has embarked upon an ambitious project on the regional ethnologies of Scotland, of which the first volume will be the Regional Ethnology of Dumfries & Galloway to appear in two volumes. The first will be documentbased up to about 1900, the second will draw heavily on oral recordings currently in progress throughout the region, including the Glenkens, which I hope will have a notable presence. For more information on The Glenkens Story watch out for the next issue of Glenkens Gazette and the January CatStrand programme. Ted Cowan If you have information or suggestions to share contact me or Lizanne Henderson (01644 420 839), Mike Brown (01644 420 267) or Tom Carlisle (01644 420 750). It is hoped The Glenkens Story will become a community effort organised by the community for the community. New Galloway Golf Club Following the success of this year’s conference we will organise an annual Crockett Day event. Field trips and small exhibitions are possibilities. Further ideas are most welcome. We hope to build on and share the inspirational work already being achieved by groups and individuals in Carsphairn, Crossmichael, Parton and Dalry while encouraging others to pursue their particular interests. It is hoped The Glenkens Story will become a community effort organised by the community for the community. The group, operating under the auspices of the Glenkens Community & Arts Family and friends coming to stay? Short of space? www.nggc.co.uk Cosy country cottage available (sleeps 4) Buggies now available for hire Call Fiona on 01644 420 227 Founded 1902 - 01644 420737 VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME www.covenanters-holidaycottagescotland.co.uk FHB Fencing Dalry Domestic and Agricultural Fencing 01644 430 495 (Peter) or 07767 795 498 (Jonathan) Glenkens Gazette page 22 OCTOBER & NOVEMBER OCTOBER Sat 4, Lockerbie : Lost Voices, 7.30pm, CatStrand Mon 6, Duke of Edinburgh Awards Meeting, 7pm, Dalry School, see p10 Wed 8, Open Stage, 7.30pm, CatStrand Thu 9, SOC Talk: The Decline in Seabirds, 7.30pm, Kells School, see p19 Sat 18, Abbas Rest Coffee Morning, 10am-12noon, Dalry Town Hall, see p8 Fri 10, Lorna Reid’s Lounge Sessions, 7.30pm, CatStrand Thu 23, Film: Advanced Style, 2pm, CatStrand Sat 25, Happy Jack by John Godber, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 31, The CatStrand Halloween Party, 6pm, CatStrand NOVEMBER Sun 2, Zoe Muth & The Lost High Rollers, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 7, Spalding Bowling Club Prize-giving & Social, 7.30pm, Clachan Inn, Dalry, see p8 Fri 7, Illustrated The CatStrand Trip Saturday 29th November Talk:Round to the Amazon, 11am-5pm 7.30pm, Join us for a relaxing afternoon of Christmas shopping, and buy all your presents locally at the CatStrand. Shop for a seasonal selection of handmade and quality gifts to fill all the eagerly awaited Christmas stockings! With a range of stalls presenting local craft and produce, this is an ideal opportunity to find unique and special gifts for family and friends. Enjoy a glass of mulled wine while you browse. If you would like to have a stall at the Christmas Shopping Day, please get in touch with Wendy at the CatStrand. THE STEWARTRY VETERINARY CENTRE CASTLE DOUGLAS SURGERY HOURS Mon-Fri 2.00-2.30 pm & 5-6 pm Sat 2-2.30 pm DALBEATTIE SURGERY HOURS Mon, Wed, Fri 3-3.30 pm Tues & Thurs 6-6.30 pm FOR APPOINTMENTS AT BOTH SURGERIES OR IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY � 01556 502263 VETERINARY SURGERY OAKWELL ROAD CASTLE DOUGLAS � Mossdale Village Hall Sat 8, Mairearad and Anna, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 8, NG Golf Club Annual Dinner & Prize Presentation, Ken Bridge Hotel, see p8 Sat 8, Discovery Film Festival: Shorts for Wee Ones, 1pm 3+ (under 3’s welcome), CatStrand Wed 12, Into Film Festival presents School’s Concerts, 10am, in conjunction with CatStrand see p7 Thu 13, SOC Talk: Birds of Arran, 7.30pm, Kells School, see p19 Fri 14, Box Fresh and Squish by Room 2 Manoeuvre, 7.30pm, CatStrand Thu 20, Film: Belle, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 29, Mossdale Craft Fair, 10am-4pm, Mossdale Village Hall Sat 29, CatStrand Christmas Shopping Day, 11am-5pm, CatStrand SYRIA: THE COUNTRY BEHIND THE CRISIS The last three years of violent conflict in Syria have left the country near to collapse. Neighbourhoods have been flattened, families torn apart and lives destroyed. We all read the headlines but it is hard to envisage, particularly if we don’t know much about the country. Alan and Philippa Pallister visited Syria in 1995 and found an enchanting country and people with a fascinating and wide-ranging history. To give an impression of what Syria was like before the current crisis, they will be giving an illustrated talk on Wednesday 22 October at 7.30pm in St Margaret’s Church, New Galloway. There is no charge for entry but donations to the Syria Appeal may be given. GTI WEDNESDAY BUS SERVICE (registered route) Outward Journey: 19:00 Dept. Dalry (Underhill) 19:05 New Galloway 19:15 Mossdale 19:25 Laurieston 19:30 Townhead of Greenlaw 19:37 Castle Douglas (Market St) 19:40 Castle Douglas (Tesco) Return journey: 20:35 Dept. Castle Douglas (Tesco) 20:37 Castle Douglas (Market St) 20:47 Townhead of Greenlaw 21:50 Laurieston 21:00 Mossdale 21:10 New Galloway 21:15 Dalry To book a Glenkens Transport Initiative (GTI) bus or for more information please contact keith cooper, GTI Administrator, on 01644 420 374. Glenkens Gazette page 23 REGULAR EVENTS CatStrand (New Galloway): Exercise to Music: Mon, 10-11am Ukelele Group: Mon, 11.15am, 60+ Ukelele Improvers, Mon, 1pm, 60+ Free Computer Training; Beginners & Improvers: Mon (starting 4 Nov), 1.30pm Margaret Morris Movement Adult Dance Class: Mon, 2.30-3.30pm, contact Sara on 01556 612854 Children’s Dance Class: Mon during term time, 3.45-4.45pm age 3-7, 4.30-5.30pm ages 8-15 Let’s Cook: Tues, 10am Carers’ Coffee & Chat: Tues, 10am-12noon Teen Spirit: Tues during term time, 7-8:30pm (P7-S3) and 8-9:30pm (S3+) Gentle Tai Chi: Wed, 10am, 60+ Sing it Out: Thurs, 11am -12pm Pilates: Thurs, 4.15-5.15pm & 5.30-6.30pm Swimming for Over 60s: transport to Kirkcudbtight from CatStrand at 1pm Knit & Blether Club: last Fri each month, 2pm, 60+ Afternoon Tea Club: 2nd Fri each month, 2pm Saturday Art Club: 2nd Sat each month, 10am–12noon Zumbatomic: last Sat each month,10-10.45am Catstrand Youth Players: Sun during term time, 2pm Glenkens Acoustic Sessions: last Sun of the month, 2-4pm Glenkens Community Centre (Dalry): (contact Kath 430 281) Glenkens Children’s Club: Mon & Fri, 9.30-11.45am Paint & Art: Mon, 1.30-4.30pm & Wed, 7-9pm Ballroom & Latin Dance Class: Mon, 7.15, for more info call Sam Rushton on 420 672 GCC Playgroup: Tues & Thurs, 9.20-11.50am, contact keronh@me.com Good Neighbours’ Club: Tues, 2pm Kickback Martial Arts: Thurs, 7-9pm Thursday Craft Group: Thurs, 24pm Brownies: Wed, 5.30-6.45pm Guides: Tue during term-time, 6.15pm, contact: Kath 430 281 Various Locations: Texas Hold ‘em Poker: Mon, 7.15pm, Cross Keys Hotel, New Galloway Mother & Toddlers: Tues, 9.4511.15am, New Galloway Town Hall Beavers: Tues, 6–7.15pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Dog Training: Tues & Wed, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. Contact: Eric 460 670 Bowling for Beginners: Wed, 7pm, Spalding Bowling Club, Dalry (opposite The Garage) Glenkens Community Councils Balmaclellan Community Council Meetings: 3rd Monday each month, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall. Carsphairn Community Council Meetings: Last Monday each month, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn. Dalry Community Council Meetings: 1st Monday each month, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. New Galloway & Kells Community Council Meetings: 2nd Monday each month, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall. Full minutes of local Community Council meetings can be viewed at Dalry Library. CHURCH OF SCOTLAND: Sundays: Balmaclellan: 12noon 1st, Carsphairn: 10.30am 1st 2nd 3rd 4th, Dalry: 12noon 2nd (Nov) 3rd 4th, Dalry: 10.30am 2nd (Oct), Kells: 10.30am 2nd(Nov) 3rd 4th Special Services/Events: 5 Oct, 10.30 am: Harvest Thanksgiving, Carsphairn Church, 12noon: Harvest Thanksgiving, Balmaclellan Church, followed by Harvest Lunch in Village Hall. 12 Oct, 10.30am: United Family Service for Dalry and B & K Church in Dalry Church. 18 Oct, 1012: Abbas Rest Coffee Morning, Dalry Town Hall. 7 Nov, 7.30pm: Quiz Night in Balmaclellan Village Hall. 11 Nov, 11am: Ceremonies at New Galloway and Balmaclellan War Memorials, followed by Remembrance Service in Kells Church. 28 Nov, 7.30pm: Scottish Night, Dalry Town Hall. 30 Nov, 10.30am: United Service with the Choir in Kells Church Communion Services: 26 Oct, 12noon, Dalry Church, 2 Nov, 12 noon, Balmaclellan Church; 16 Nov, 10.15am, Carsphairn Church SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH: St Margaret’s, New Galloway: Holy Communion, 10.30am every Sun & Wed CATHOLIC CHURCH SERVICES: Gatehouse of Fleet: Sat, 6pm. Kirkcudbright: Sun, 9.30am. Dalbeattie: Sun, 11am Tai Jitsu: Wed, Junior Class (age 614), 6-7pm; Senior Class, 7-8.30pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn, contact David on 07547 134 276, see p5 Wednesday Quiz Night: Wed, 8.30pm, Cross Keys Hotel, New Galloway Stewartry Camera Club: Wed, 7.30pm, Ringford Village Hall, runs Wed 11 Sept till end Mar Zumba: Wed, 7.30-8.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall, £4 Mossdale Painters: Wed, 9.30am, Mossdale Village Hall Cub Scouts: Wed, 6.45–8pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Carsphairn Post Office: Thurs, 9.30-11.30am, Lagwyne Hall Coffee & Craft Morning: Thurs, 9.30-12noon, Lagwyne Hall D&G Hard of Hearing Group Drop-in: 1st Friday each month, 10am-12noon,New Galloway Town Hall on the first Friday of every month. To hire the MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) behind Dalry School call Sonja Tranter on 430 244 or Nicolette Wise on 430 218. Dalry Library Tue: 2-4.30pm & 5.30-7.30pm Fri: 11.15am-1:15pm & 2-4.30pm. There are 23 mobile library stops - to find out where and when please phone 430 234. ADVERTISE IN THE GAZETTE (price per issue incl VAT) SMALL: 6cm x 6cm, £37.80 (+ 10% off with series discount) 1/4 PAGE: 9cm w x 13cm h, £81.90 (+ 25% off with series discount) 1/2 PAGE: 18cm w x 13cm h, £151.20 (+ 25% off with series discount) FULL PAGE: 18cm w x 27cm h, £252 (+ 25% off with series discount) Call 07727 127 997 VAT Reg. No. 882 8361 87 USEFUL NUMBERS: ● Pot-hole Hotline: 0845 276 0000 ● Local Police: 0845 600 5701 ● Doctor: 01644 420 234 ● NHS 24: 08454 24 24 24 ● D&G Council: 030 33 33 3000 Glenkens Gazette page 24 GLENKENS ART WORKSHOP EXHIBITION 2014 The Glenkens Art Workshop Exhibition 2014 was a great success with over 80 entries on display. sculptures as well as fine art in a wide variety of media. The work displayed from the children of the three Glenkens Primary Schools was of a high standard and much appreciated by all who came. Our thanks go to all the children and their schools for their excellent Between Friday 22 and Sunday 24 August, the Community Centre, Dalry, was host to the work of artists contributions. We believe that we have been one of the few exhibitions to have had three generations of the from in and around the Glenkens. The Glenkens Art same family exhibiting! Workshop meets twice a week, on Monday afternoons The standard was again very high and the comments and Wednesday evenings, in the Glenkens Community from the visitors who attended were very positive and Centre, Dalry. Total encouraging. entries for the open During the three days of the exhibition there was a exhibition were 87, slightly disappointing number of visitors; 111 compared varying from cement to 145 last year. We will have to consider how to gorillas, machineincrease this footfall as the excellent work by all these embroidery, paper local artists, young and old alike, deserves a bigger and better showcase in the future. Our thanks go to the Community Centre for allowing us to use their building and to all those people who helped set up, oversee and take down the exhibition as well as to all the contributors. The Glenkens Art Workshop members are a small, friendly group and we welcome all ages - and enthusiasm counts as much as experience! So please feel free to come along to one of our sessions, or get in touch on glenkensart@sky.com or 420 386. Tom Leach Artwork by Grace Jeffery-Temple, P6, Carsphairn Primary School and concrete gorillas by Ian Knox. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Submit events, activities, news stories, cartoons, reviews, tips & techniques, fiction, photos, ads or ideas... Contact Sarah Ade on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk DEC/JAN COPY DEADLINE: 5 NOVEMBER Design & co-ordination: Sarah Ade sarah_ade@tiscali.co.uk Printing:Stranraer & Wigtownshire Free Press www.stranraer-freepress.co.uk The Glenkens Gaze�e is an ini�a�ve of the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust, a Registered Sco�sh Charity No. SC032050  Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette 84 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GG_084 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 October/November 2014 Description An account of the resource Editor: Sarah Ade https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/1/231/GlenkensGazette85.pdf 24dae3dcf72004a42abc647f13ea6f57 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette 85 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Description An account of the resource <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 2014/15 ISSUE 85 FREE DALRY TREASURE HUNTER WITNESSES VIKING FIND A metal-detecting trip with friends turned into an historic occasion for Glenkens minister, David Bartholomew of Dalry, when one of his companions, Derek McLennan, unearthed a Viking treasure trove. The find is one of the largest Viking hoards ever discovered in this country and has excited experts worldwide. It includes a uniquely wide range of articles including gold, silver, glass, enamel and textiles. The location on the fringes of the Glenkens is being kept secret. Stuart Campbell, head of the National Museum of Scotland’s treasure trove unit, said: “This is a hugely significant find, nothing like this has been found in Scotland before in terms of the range of material this hoard represents. There’s material from Ireland, from Scandinavia, from various places in central Europe and perhaps ranging over a couple of centuries.” Finding the Treasure - read David Bartholomew’s report on p7. Photograph: This silver Carolingian pot, possibly the largest ever found, was part of the hoard. Carsphairn Young Shepherds Win Awards Rebekah (age 14) and Reuben Philips (age 12) of Carsphain enjoyed the Scottish Smallholder and Grower Festival in Lanark. Reuben came first in the Rare Breeds Survival A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) ini�a�ve Trust young shepherd competition with his sister Rebekah very close in second. Rebekah also came second in the young goat handler competition and third in the milking goat competition. Reuben will be going on to the UK final next summer. Rebekah will be broadening her skills and experience as she takes on the training of a working collie, alongside doing her work experience at a large working farm. Rebekah and Reuben attend Dalry School. www.glenkensgaze�e.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 2 Strong Support for Shop A proposal that the local community should buy the shop in New Galloway has received substantial backing in a survey of residents. 132 local people, over 80 per cent of those surveyed, completed questionnaires. 130 respondents backed the idea and 26 people offered practical help. A steering group is now seeking advice and assistance from the Plunkett Foundation and the Community Ownership Support Service which specialise in aiding community initiatives. Visits are planned to community shops already operating in Auchencairn, Carsphairn, Palnackie and elsewhere to learn from their experiences. As reported in previous Gazettes, Jim and Margaret Hopkins, the shop’s owners, are planning to retire and wish to sell the shop. For further information contact Helen Keron on keronh@me.com Watson Bird Festival Fun The Watson Bird Festival, attracted many visitors over the weekend of 19-21 September. People flocked to visit the events on offer including an art exhibition with local and more renowned artists. Live performances, science talks and - a definite favourite - a live owl display, where people could interact and get to know real live owls! The purpose of the festival is to celebrate the work of Donald Watson, a keen birder and wonderful artist. Project Officer Lynsay Bradford said; “In generating a festival, we can however the project would like create community involvement to promote events throughout as well as reach further afield the year to generate more local to people including artists and interest and widen the audience scientists.” further afield, to help promote the importance of Donald’s work. The event ran over three days with a successful opening of the exhibition on the Friday evening. Saturday and Sunday were filled with events that appealed to many people of all ages and abilities. The Raptor Science prize was well attended with Dutch speakers Ben Koks and Raymond Klaassen, promoting their Satellite tracking journal papers. The Watson Bird Festival is an annual event; Murdo and Esme enjoying the owl display. CHRISTMAS COFFEE MORNING Town Hall from 10.30am to 12noon. St Margaret’s Ladies’ Guild and In addition to coffee, shortbread and mince pies Balmaclellan & Kells Guild are holding there will be stalls, a tombola and a lucky dip. a Christmas Coffee Morning on Please come along and support this joint venture. Saturday 6 December in New Galloway Joan Walker The Galloway Raiders GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE The S.R. Crockett online literary society. Member discounts on all Crockett books and ebooks from Ayton Publishing Ltd. General Medical & Dispensing Services 257 8 200 0184 FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL Join now at www.gallowayraiders.co.uk (membership is free) The Surgery High Street New Galloway 10% pensioner discount available � 01644 420234 � Glenkens Gazette page 3 by the Ken Photo of the Issue: Sponsored Bridge Hotel This issue’s winner is Finlay Carson with this view over Loch Ken. Dave and Sue, competition judges and owners of the Ken Bridge Hotel, said: “We had so many lovely shots to choose from we just couldn’t decide this time. After much deliberating, this tranquil view over Loch Ken seemed to really stand out”. Finlay wins a meal for two at the Ken Bridge Hotel’s renowned Sunday Carvery. Abbas Rest Fundraiser Thanks A coffee morning held in Dalry in aid of Abbas Rest Orphanages in Malawi raised £672.71. We would like to thank all the people who supported us in so many ways with donations towards the sales table, raffle, bottle stall, baking and money donations. We would also like to thank all the people who staffed the stalls and helped in the kitchen, waited on tables and provided transport as, without you, this would not have been possible. We were very pleased to welcome Jim Walsham, the treasurer for Abbas Rest, as well as Madge Irving, one of the trustees, who had recently returned from a visit to the orphanages. This visit was to review how we can best develop, and continue to deliver, the support our donations provide. Our thanks once again, Avril Brown and Barbara Colbenson Support for Observatory The Knowe Bed & Breakfast, Carsphairn, opened for business in August 2013 and proprietor Karen Hall quickly noticed that much of their custom came from visitors brought in by the Dark Sky Park. a fabulous new night-reflective sign to help direct visitors to the observatory from the Loch Doon Road. It seems many of their Tripadvisor reviews had mentioned the lack of signage and that some guests heading to the observatory had even got lost, making them late for their session! The staff at The Karen said: “Over the last 14 months I have noticed many of our bookings have been in association with The Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park, which as you know is an amazing addition to our already beautiful area. Many of our guests are staying at The Knowe B&B in order to visit the Forest Park and/or The Scottish Dark Sky Observatory near Loch Doon. As the Observatory are charityKaren Hall with David Warrington, run and rely on donations to Astronomer at the Scottish Dark Sky support them, I offered to donate Observatory, with the new sign. Observatory were thrilled at my offer and several weeks later the sign is now up and directing visitors perfectly and without fuss to this fabulous facility.” On accepting the sign Mark Gibson of Craigengillan Estates said: “As a registered charity and relatively new business we are delighted to know that one of our stated ‘Core Aims’ - re-generation of our local area - is clearly being fulfilled and that visitors are not only visiting our area to attend the observatory but are choosing to stay for longer. We are thrilled to know that the business we are generating is assisting other local businesses and that working together in attracting visitors to the area has provided tangible benefits on both sides. We are delighted to receive this nightreflective sign, donated by The Knowe B&B, and hope that we can continue to work closely with them and other local businesses in the future.” Glenkens Gazette page 4 sponsored by EVERYTHING listed in the Glenkens Freecycle section is FREE - you just need to contact the owner and go and pick it up! If you would like to list something on this page, please get in touch with Sarah on 07727 127 997 or email glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk Various Large quantity of egg boxes, only used once. Contact: Jean on 420 372 Board game - ‘Triology’ - never been used so all cards, discs etc in place. Call 430218 Jigsaw puzzle murder mystery ‘Death by Diet’, no pieces missing. Call 430218 WANTED Hot water storage tank, tin sheets. Contact: Simon on 07426 124 982 Filing cabinet for Dalry Community Council (2 or 3 drawer preferred over a 4 drawer, but any will do). Contact: 430 255 Child’s bike seat to suit 3/4yr old. Initially to borrow please to see if she likes it! Contact: 430 120 Gent’s wind-up pocket watch. Contact: Jean on 420 372 Life-saving Equipment in the Glenkens Dalry Community Council has recently bought a defibrillator for the village, to add to the one currently housed in Dalry school. Carsphairn has a defibrillator which is kept in the village shop, and in New Galloway the Catstrand houses one. The Galloway Activity Centre on Loch Ken also has one, so between them these simple devices could massively increase the likelihood of surviving a cardiac arrest. Training organised by Dalry CC in October was very well attended and delivered some simple but important messages about heart attacks and cardiac arrests. Heart attacks are serious and painful but you may be able to function through them. If you feel that you are having a heart attack, ring for an ambulance immediately as some heart attacks culminate in cardiac arrest. At this point, every minute of delay in getting THE STEWARTRY VETERINARY CENTRE CASTLE DOUGLAS SURGERY HOURS Mon-Fri 2.00-2.30 pm & 5-6 pm Sat 2-2.30 pm DALBEATTIE SURGERY HOURS Mon, Wed, Fri 3-3.30 pm Tues & Thurs 6-6.30 pm FOR APPOINTMENTS AT BOTH SURGERIES OR IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY � 01556 502263 VETERINARY SURGERY OAKWELL ROAD CASTLE DOUGLAS � the heart working properly again reduces the chance of survival by 10%. Manual cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can help, but the best thing is to get to a defibrillator. Defibrillators are sophisticated devices that administer a controlled electric shock to the heart, effectively ‘jump-starting’ it back into normal operation. However, they are also extremely simple to use. Even if you have never used one, if you know where to find one in an emergency and can turn it on it will then speak to you and direct you through all the actions you need to take. It is important to note that you cannot hurt someone by mistake with a defibrillator. If they are unconscious but have a healthy heart, it will not shock them. Some tips to remember if you suspect someone has had a cardiac arrest are: - Check it is safe to approach them (cardiac arrest can also be caused by electrocution - don’t join the casualty list) - Try and rouse them - Shout for help and send someone for the nearest defibrillator - Listen and look for normal breathing by putting your ear over their mouth and looking down towards their chest. - If they are not breathing, ring 999 and request an ambulance immediately. - Start CPR until the defibrillator is available - Turn the machine on. It will then instruct you on what to do. The most important thing is to remember that this equipment exists and where your closest one is. Access will be easy, because time is of the essence. For further information, and details of where the Dalry Community Council set will be located, contact Andi Holmes on 430 255. There will also be more training events arranged locally - watch out for them on posters and Facebook. Glenkens Gazette page 5 sponsored by Recycle Locally with Glenkens Schools DALRY: Dalry School has had a few containers that have been collecting various items for recycling. One of the containers was for old spectacles. These can be sent via a charity for reuse by people in need in developing countries. We are proud to be sending a contribution of 19 pairs off. Thank you to everybody that donated. We continue to collect batteries and printer cartridges for recycling and are about to send off the mobile phones that were being collected to allow another defibrillator to be purchased. Please send any of these items into school that you would like added to the recycling bins. KELLS: To enable Kells School to keep their Rag Bag Bin, which raises funds for the school, they need to collect over 600kg of clothes each year to keep the puposebuilt bin in the school playground. for the school to lose the Rag Bag Bin service so let’s make sure we support them. if Gazette readers would keep the bin in mind when they have any old clothes, shoes or blankets which would otherwise go in the rubbish, Kells Primary would be very grateful. Shed Shout-out The Glenkens People’s Shed (see article on back page) would like to put a shout-out for donations of hand tools - items like saws, screw 220kg was collected in drivers, hammers, etc would be September, which generated gratefully appreciated. Please get £88 for the school, and another in touch with Brian Jones at the uplift is planned for December. CatStrand (420 374). It would be a terrible shame Glenkens Gazette page 6 GOLF CLUB New Galloway Golf Club finished the season in style when the dinner and prize presentation evening took place at the Ken Bridge Hotel. The season was celebrated by the Lady Captain and Gents Captain presenting the cups and trophies to the winners. Marena McClymont was the most successful lady player whilst Alex Long and John McQueen were the pick of the gents section. The Senior Section goes from Winners with their cups and trophies. strength to strength 7.30pm in the Clubhouse. and Terry Haine The club is always on the look won the Alan Walker Memorial out for new members so if you Shield. Alex Long also celebrated want to get fit in 2015 then being called up into the South why not give us a call - 01644 of Scotland squad. The annual 420737. Jeff, general meeting of the club takes Captain & Match Secretary place on Thursday 4 December at BOWLING This year is the first time in the history of Spalding Bowling Club that husband and wife have won the Gents Champion and Ladies Champion in the same year. The annual prizegiving. The champions were John and Elizabeth Peacock, with Sandie Harvie and Moira Jones as runners-up. Eliz Peacock Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents Selling properties across Dumfries & Galloway 01556 503744 www.ggblaw.co.uk All legal advice Offices in Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie Kirkcudbright and Dumfries Glenkens Gazette page 7 CatStrand Update Festivities begin with the fantastic Mike Vass on 5 December for an evening of contemporary folk accompanied by Innes Watson of The Treacherous Orchestra. doon, have a (free!) mince pie and some mulled wine, and enjoy the music. Aleksander Kudijczyk will make his third appearance at the CatStrand on 14 December. He will perform a solo Chopin recital. It wouldn’t be Christmas without a Christmas film and This pair represent a new wave of folk musicians making a stir in Scotland - mixing technology with trad they create a sound like no other that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They will perform a collection of relaxed compositions written with December in mind so coorie Mike Vass this year Miracle on 34th St (1947) will give you that warm fuzzy feeling. Share this classic with the whole family on 19 December. We bring in the New Year with an exhibition from The Glenkens Art Workshop - come and support this local art group and see some of their brand new work. This will be the group’s third exhibition at the CatStrand and it is highly anticipated as always (the exhibition launches on 8 January). The CatStrand Team For full listings see brochure or www.catstrand.com To book tickets call 01644 420 374. And don’t forget to ‘like’ us on Facebook. CatStrand FINDING THE Youth Players TREASURE The fourth annual Youth Players’ Panto will be Sinbad the Sailor by Paul Reakes. This promises to be a fun-packed pantomime for all the family with plenty of audience participation and comedy moments. Our hero Sinbad, sets off on the good ship ‘Golden Hawk’ to the Island of Zalabar to rescue Princess Yasmin from the clutches of the evil magician Vazar. Despite the attempts of Black Hook and his nasty pirates, Sinbad tries his best to carry out his mission helped (and sometimes hindered) by the Captain and his hapless First Mate as well as the ship’s cook, Dame Semolina Sinbad, and her troublesome pet monkey Monty. Will Sinbad succeed in his quest? The cast will take to the stage on Friday 12 and Saturday 13 December at 7.30pm, with an additional matinee performance on Sunday 14 at 2pm. Tickets are available from the CatStrand Box Office priced at £6 for adults and £4 for children - all three performances were virtually sold out last year so please book your tickets early to avoid disappointment. After Christmas, the company will switch their attention to the 2015 One Act Play Festival hoping to repeat their recent successes at the Stewartry round and make their fourth appearance at the West of Scotland Finals. Continued from front page...David said: “What a privilege to be there as the hoard was unearthed – first an upper decoy hoard, which in its own right was quite remarkable; and then four inches or so below it the main hoard which included a large Carolingian silver pot which has still to be emptied of its contents. What is even more remarkable is that this find was made on the fringes of the Glenkens.” The hoard also includes an early Christian silver cross, which may have been taken by the Danish Vikings when they plundered the monastery of Lindisfarne. Many incredible artifacts were found, and even the cloth in which the silver pot was wrapped for its preservation was remarkable. The treasures were all taken up to the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. It will take time however for the whole story to be told. Four arm rings and a silver ingot having just been unearthed. Glenkens Gazette page 8 CASTLE DOUGLAS FOOD BANK It’s tough for some families these days with the cost of living rising all the time. It is with this in mind that I invite you to consider supporting Helping Hands Food Bank in Castle Douglas. Together we can make a difference. The food bank is run from 3a King Street, Castle Douglas (on the big roundabout opposite the old Station Hotel). It is set behind the houses and accessed by a short drive, and is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11am to 12noon. The project runs on a ticketbased system and currently tickets are available via health visitors and district nurses at the Garden Hill Medical Centre. They may also be available through the Glenkens Medical Practice. A ticket entitles the bearer to collect food from the Food Bank. If it is established in consultation with the agencies that there is an ongoing need, a further ticket will be issued for the following month, and so on. Are you able to buy an extra can of soup or packet of pasta, a tin of meat or a jar of sauce? Non-perishable items for the Food Bank can be left in the Community Shop, Dalry, at the CatStrand, or at the local shops in Dalry, New Galloway, Balmaclellan and Carsphairn; also at local churches at the time of Sunday morning worship. They can also be left at a collection point in the Co-op in Castle Douglas. If anyone has enquiries about obtaining emergency food they are encouraged to contact New Life Church on 01556 505 855 and leave a message for a call back. David Bartholomew Treasurer Jean Marsden comments: “Newspaper and television accounts daily reveal the horror of so many people’s lives and we felt strongly that we must do something to help. Part of the remit of the Ladies Guild is to help those less fortunate than ourselves and due to our various fundraising activities we are pleased to have been able to make a substantial donation”. Photograph: From left to right, Jenny Repath, Jean Marsden and Christine Rankin of the Ladies Guild, and Lorna Porteous and Olive Bell from Dumfries and Galloway Red Cross, receiving the cheque outside St Margaret’s Church in New Galloway. St Margaret’s Ladies Guild Digs Deep for the Red Cross At the recent AGM of the St Margaret’s Ladies Guild, the plight of refugees in the Middle East and those suffering from the ebola epidemic in Africa was discussed and it was unanimously agreed to make an immediate donation of £800 to the Red Cross to help in their humanitarian work in these areas. The Clog & Shoe Workshop unique handmade footwear The Fleet Fish van is in the Glenkens on Tuesdays & Wednesdays every week. Anyone wishing me to call, please phone Mary on above mobile no. Christmas Deliveries order forms available fleetfishfruitandveg@gmail.com www.facebook.com/fleetfish www.fleetfish.co.uk open 10am - 5pm weekdays Easter Mon to 31st October please ring to arrange a visit at other times Tel: 01644 420 465 visit our new online shop at www.clogandshoe.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 9 A DECADE ON THE BUS Keith Cooper, administrator for the Glenkens Transport Initiative (GTI) for almost a decade, has decided to hang up his keys and the Glenkens Gazette wishes him all the best in his retirement. The first few years are probably the most important time for any new project as foundations are laid for the future. In the early days GTI was reliant on government funding and passenger numbers were very low. To have reached the position we are today where the initiative is financially self-sustainable, and last year over 5,000 passengers were carried, means that the foundations have been well and truly set. I recently received an email from the secretary of the Scottish Community Transport Association saying that GTI was an example to all community transport initiatives in Scotland on what could be achieved from small beginnings to the benefit of a rural community with limited public transport. We must never forget that in a rural community transport must always be the main priority because without it people suffer from social exclusion, are unable to get to hospitals, shops, places of interest and meet other people, and their health and quality of life deteriorates. I have always been very grateful to Cathy Agnew and the Glenkens Community and Arts Trust (GCAT) board at that time for having the foresight to buy the first minibus and forming and supporting GTI in its early days. The Clachan Inn Dalry Food served daily from 12noon to 2pm & 6pm to 9pm New winter menu now available Log fire, real ales, en-suite accomodation Live music events Open for Christmas Day drinks from 12noon to 2.30pm Now taking bookings for our Christmas menu - and don’t forget our Christmas party on Friday 19 December with a live band in the bothy! 01644 430 241 mail@theclachaninn.co.uk www.theclachaninn.co.uk Much of the recent growth of GTI has been the result of the link with Dumfries & Galloway Council and the support received from them has been invaluable. Finally, I must thank Bob Peace, Brian Edgar and all of the GTI committee who have helped me over recent years, all the volunteer drivers who have kept the wheels turning and, last but not least, those people in the Glenkens who make regular use of the wonderful asset you now have. I was told by Bob Peace to enjoy my retirement by “walking the legs off my dog, getting my golf handicap down and keeping out of Susan’s way”. I can think of no better way of achieving the last than by carrying on driving the bus from time-to-time, which will also allow me to keep in touch with many of you. Best Wishes, Keith Cooper Glenkens Gazette page 10 Developing Talent for the Future The Pentathlon is an event which combines the five sporting disciplines of pistolshooting, fencing, swimming, horse-riding and running. GB Penthalon recently sponsored a Biathlon in Annan Sports Complex as part of a nationwide programme to encourage under-nine-yearolds up to under-17-year-olds to compete. William Nash, a P7 pupil at Dalry School, competed in the under-12-year-old category. He ran 800 metres in two minutes and 57 seconds, coming in joint-first. The second event took part at Annan swimming pool where William had to swim 50 metres, where he came in fourth. Those that had competed in this event will find out in January if they qualify for the next round which will take place in London. William Nash with his winning medal. Dalry CARSPHAIRN SCHOOL REPORT School We are well into another wonderful year at Carsphairn Primary. We try our best to bring our learning outdoors, and this year is no different. So, the pupils thought the best way to introduce our new headteacher, Jenny Smith, to our parents, carers and community as a whole was to invite everyone on a local hike together. We were very lucky to have Elizabeth Peacock from Walking for Health safely guide us for the three hour hike up to the old lead mines in the hills behind our school. It was a great day, enjoyed very much by everyone that took part. To continue along with our ‘outdoor learning’ theme this term we had countryside ranger Elizabeth Tindale visit the school to continue our Forest School programme. We have been building fires and different types of shelters, and even cooking. Our pupils enjoy being presented with opportunities to work with fire and sharp cutting tools, which if mishandled could obviously be dangerous. However, outdoor learning gives pupils an opportunity to identify potential risks and hazards themselves, so they learn to make safe decisions in a controlled environment. Finally, we must also quickly mention halloween and some of the wonderful costumes that the children wore to school. Our wee monsters, zombies and princesses had the chance to show their true colours! Brilliant costumes and scary stories showed what young, imaginative minds and a little hard work are capable of producing. Tech Club Dalry School Technology Club is now in its seventh season and is proving more popular than ever with a total of 23 members attending the first session. This season is more popular than ever with a total of 23 members attending the first session. For the first time, these came from all three of the Glenkens Primary schools plus Dalry Secondary. It is a credit to the pupils that they want to come along after school to find out more about the information and communications technology that increasingly affects us all in our daily lives. The Club always focuses on state-of-the-art technology and over the years has introduced many pupils to their first look at smartphones, tablets and other developing technology. This season we will cover 3D printing, setting up a home network, and threats to the internet, amongst other subjects. Glenkens Gazette page 11 Glenkens Gazette page 12 Glenkens Gazette page 13 Glenkens Gazette page 14 Glenkens Gazette page 15 SERAFINA WINS BOOK COMPETITION Serafina Green from Dalry Primary recently won the Primary Award in the 2014 Reading Zone Picture Book Competition. Serafina’s picture book, Xandra Wants a Dog, was considered to be outstanding by the judges. It was selected as the winner of the primary category by author and illustrator Guy ParkerRees. He said: “ Wonderful illustrations and bold splashy washes made this book a real winner. I loved the imaginative use of photography and the thoughtful observations and details. Very well done Serafina.” Kells Children Raise Over £1,000 Pupils in primary seven at Kells Primary raised £1178.18 by hosting a Macmillan Coffee Morning at the Cross Keys Hotel in New Galloway. Students planned and advertised the coffee morning and served parents and friends of the school on the day. They also made collection tins for local businesses to collect donations for the charity. The pupils would like to thank everyone from the local community who supported the event. Zane Gray Health and Well-Being Moves are afoot in the Glenkens to help us all develop the motivation and desire to become healthy in every sense - physically, emotionally, socially and mentally. Young people who are being educated within the framework of Curriculum for Excellence have health and well-being up there with literacy and numeracy as being fundamental to success. Everything we can do as a community to enhance these aspects will support the development of our young people. Leading by example is the most effective method. A recent Dalry School assembly was based on the quote “A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step”. Young people are being encouraged to build their personal fitness levels and to see it as being something achievable by persistent effort in the right direction. Maybe that’s a good place for us all to start. Jenny Smith, Glenkens Partner Headteacher W BONE WHB JEEPS THE GARAGE, DALRY PETROL & DIESEL SALES SERVICE & REPAIRS MOTs, TYRES, BATTERIES ALL AT COMPETITIVE PRICES OPEN 8.30AM - 6.00PM (SIX DAYS) 10AM - 6PM SUNDAYS - FUEL 24 HOURS SHOP • SANDWICH BAR • LOTTERY Tel: 01644 430208 Fax: 01644 430669 jeeps@whbjeeps.co.uk www.whbjeeps.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 16 Memorial to Rob Watson Sharing On the beautiful sunny Knowledge evening of Thursday 25 An Ayrshire and Arran tourism team has been visiting Carsphairn Heritage Centre on a learning journey visiting heritage and community groups en route to the Isle of Whithorn. The visit was organised by Julie Sloan. The 19 members of the group represented Ayrshire College, Dundonald Community, Girvan Visitor Information Centre, Biosphere, Ballantrae Development Company, Ailsa Horizon and Ladyburn B&B. Joyce Hunter Blair and Ruth Williams welcomed them and answered many questions from the setting up of the heritage centre to how we deal with windfarm people. They were also interested in the volunteering system which successfully runs the centre. September, a granite memorial to the late Rob Watson, estate manager at Forrest Estate for almost 50 years, was formally unveiled. Rob had been head forester and then estate manager at ‘The Forrest’ since January 1953 until his eventual retirement in 2002. It had been his childhood dream to create a forest and that dream was fulfilled at Forrest Estate, a place he loved dearly. As well as being in charge of the forestry operations, he was also responsible for the planning and construction of the many roads and bridges which traverse the estate, one of which is named after him. In addition he oversaw the development of the three hydro-electric schemes and was instrumental in developing ����������������������������������������������������� • Pensions • Savings • Investments • Retirement Options • Inheritance Tax Planning • Life Assurance • Income & Critical Illness Protection • Mortgages • Home Insurance Free Confidential Initial Consultation Tel: 01671 403080 Fax:- 01671 402549 Email: brian.edgar@marrfinancial.co.uk Web: www.marrfinancial.co.uk 61 Victoria Street NEWTON STEWART, DG8 6NL **NEW** Yorkshire Building Society Agency – Now Open Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. For mortgages we can be paid by commission or a fee of usually £300 or a combination of both. For Home Insurance we usually offer products from a limited panel of providers. the farming enterprises for the estate. Rob and his wife Mary had moved to the Glenkens from Northumberland in 1953 and Mary was also very much involved in the running of Forrest Lodge house. Employees past and present who had worked on the estate over the years with Rob, Mr and Mrs Fred Olsen, representatives of Fred Olsen & Co, and several of the Olsen family attended the evening. Rob’s family was represented by his daughters, Marjorie and Margaret, his grandchildren, Hannah, Henry, and William, and his sons-in-law, Jack Pringle and Jeremy Sainsbury. The memorial is sited at the head of the glen between Forebush and Burnhead bridges and looks up to Shinmount. Aileen McLeod MSP working for you across the South of Scotland Postal address: Unit 7 Loreburn Shopping Centre High Street, Dumfries, DG1 2BD Email: aileen.mcleod.msp@scottish.parliament.uk Tel: 01387 255 334 Please check www.aileenmcleod.org for regular surgery, constituency and parliamentary updates Glenkens Gazette page 17 GAZETTE BOOK GIVEAWAY In this issue of the Glenkens Gazette we have three wonderful local books on offer as a festive giveaway. Crockett compiled by Cally Phillips (Q3) are all up for grabs. All you have to do is answer a question related to the theme of the book to be in with a chance of winning...The questions are: 1 - Find a photograph all in aprons (give the page number) 2 - Where was the spectral sighting mentioned in one of the articles in this issue? 3 - Where is S R Crockett’s memorial situated? Please either send answers to: Glenkens Gazette, CatStrand, New Galloway, DG7 3RN or email glenkensgazette@hotmai l.co.uk Good luck and best wishes for the year ahead! Sarah Ade, Editor, Glenkens Gazette Galloway and beyond. 100 years after his Gifted in the art of natural death, the first new description, Crockett paints in collection of stories prose. In the selection chosen for A Cameronian Christmas and by S R Crockett since Winters’ Tales he gives us 1909 has been released aOther seasonal treat that will last long and brings together into the darkest days of winter. While we are all familiar with some of his fictional Dickens’ transformational and writing about the redemptive Christmas stories, Crockett offers us porridge in place Christmas period and of turkey and snow in place of a winter season in rural roaring hearth – and our spirits are somehow the better for it. S R Crockett was born at Little Duchrae, Laurieston, in September 1859 and died in April 1914. He was a prolific writer of historical adventure romance stories of Galloway as well as further afield. Find out more about S R Crockett and his Glenkens connections by joining The Galloway Raiders at www.gallowayraiders.co.uk or purchase a copy of the book at www.aytonpublishing.co.uk Zero Footprint by Leeming & Paterson (Q1), The Galloway Highlands by Dane Love (Q2) and A Cameronian Christmas and Other Winters’ Tales; S.R. A Cameronian Christmas THE KEN BRIDGE HOTEL New Galloway Bargatton Sand & Gravel Supplying sand and gravel for all your farming needs, as well as households and businesses both large and small. Open 7 Days - Beautiful Riverside Location MEALS SERVED 12.00 - 2.00pm, 5.30 - 8.30pm Bed & breakfast en suite accommodation 01644 420 211 mail@kenbridgehotel.co.uk www.kenbridgehotel.co.uk NEW WEDDING BROCHURE NOW AVAILABLE We stock washed fine sand, coarse sand and gravels at competitive prices. For further details contact: Angus Wilson, Quarry Manager - 07715 606 685 James Mair - 07793 085 243 Email: loch.bargatton@live.co.uk Bargatton Quarry, Laurieston, Castle Douglas, DG7 2PS Open 7 days Mon-Fri Weekends by arrangement Delivery can be arranged - subject to quantity Glenkens Gazette page 18 DALRY CHOCOLATIER Eco Talks Dalry resident Suzanne Dawson has just set up a new business designing and creating artisan chocolates. Suzanne and her husband Jonathan have lived in the Glenkens for 10 years, during which time Suzanne has been inspired by the abundance of handmade products in the area. She undertook her training in chocolate making in February 2014 and upon returning set up Cocoa Kalula. The fledgling company prioritises selecting the best raw ingredients and you can be assured that every Cocoa Kalula chocolate is handmade by Suzanne at her home in Dalry, offering unprecedented colour and taste sensations which delight the palate. Suzanne says: “Cocoa Kalula’s ethos is ‘luxury is all about how you feel’ and after eating our chocolates you will appreciate the difference”. Presently Suzanne is working on her chocolate designs and packaging for Christmas - get in touch if you would like to make a Christmas order: you can contact Suzanne on 430 461 or s.dawson984@btinternet.com Suzanne Dawson with her range of Cocoa Kalula chocolates. The South West Association of Nature Conservation (SWANC) have announced their winter programme: Jan 22 - How Climate Change is Affecting our Wildlife: are birds, butterflies and beetles having to change their habits or homes? Feb 26 - Small Homes, Huts, and Cabins – How to Live Lightly in the Country: what are the rules? What are the problems? When does a hut become a home? Mar 26 - Getting On and Off the Beaten Track: regional experts discuss new ways of improving rural transport, so we can become a bit less reliant on our cars. Apr 23 - The Beavers are Back: is this good news? Do they upset fisheries? Are they a menace? Talks are held at the Ken Bridge Hotel at 7.30pm.For further information please contact mas@craigfarm.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 19 The Great War – 100 Years On One hundred years ago, the Great War was in full swing. Regular soldiers had all gone off with the British Expeditionary Force to France and Flanders (Belgium) and the Territorial Battalions had been mobilised and gone off for training – the local 5th Battalion of the Kings Own Scottish Borderers was in Tillicoultry preparing to go to the front. A big recruiting campaign was going on to get all fit and able bodied men to enlist which they were doing in large numbers. On top of this, large numbers of horses were being conscripted. This meant that most of the farm and estate work had to be done by women, children and men too old to fight, and then with not enough horses to do the job. The middle classes and better paid workers would have had staff at the time and these were leaving either to join the Army or to fill the gaps left by those joining up. Life was changing fairly rapidly in the Glenkens and, as it turns out, life would never return to the way it was before. The Glenkens had lost its first son on 14 September 1914 when Captain Augustus Ernest Cathcart of the Kings Royal Rifle Corps was killed in France. He is buried in Paissy Churchyard. His family were from Yorkshire but his Scottish home was Brockloch near Carsphairn and the family owned the lead mines at Woodhead. His brother was killed in the Boer War and is commemorated on a plaque on the rear outside wall of Carsphairn Church. Augustus was 39 years old when he was killed and left a widow and a six month old daughter. Captain Augustus Ernest Cathcart is remembered on the Carsphairn War memorial and at ALEX FERGUSSON MSP FOR GALLOWAY & WEST DUMFRIES Holds regular advice surgeries at: Constituency Office, New Market Street, Castle Douglas, DG7 1HY on the 2nd Friday of every month from 5pm Telephone free on 0800 028 7260 for an appointment or to make any alternative arrangement. You can visit Alex’s website at: www.alexfergusson.org.uk or contact him by e-mail at: alex.fergusson.msp@scottish.parliament.uk his old school, Eton. If you have photographs or family details of any WW1 soldiers commemorated on local war memorials, please contact Paul Goodwin on 01644 430 062 or memorials@paulgoodwin.m e.uk so they can be included in future articles. Paul Goodwin Captain A E Cathcart Wright’s Shop Dalry - we would like to wish all our customers all the best for the Festive Season Licensed convenience store & newsagent, now including Dalry Post Office. Festive Season Opening Times: Christmas Eve: 7am - 5pm Christmas Day: closed Boxing Day: 8am - 1pm Hogmanay: 7am - 5pm 1st January: closed 2nd January: 8am - 1pm Normal Opening Times (both shop & PO): Monday to Friday: 7am – 6pm Saturday: 8am – 6pm Sunday: 8.30am – 4pm Christmas hampers made-to-order Tel: 01644 430 225 Glenkens Gazette page 20 A Winter’s Ghost Story A little-known murder mystery surrounds a farm in the Parish of Balmaclellan. On the 1 June 1529, a letter was received at the court in Haddington describing the “slaughter and murder” of a man named Donald McEwin at Corse Farm. In the letter seven men and three women were named as being accountable for the killing. Archivists are still working on this story and we don’t yet know if any further particulars of this case have survived. The letter refers to “ Hew Johnsoun, Master and his assignes one or more – of the gift of all and sundry the goods movable and unmovable tackle, steadings debts and others whatsoever which pertains to John Cairns in Cassenvey in the Parish of Balmaclellan. Andro Colyn his servant, Dungall Cairns brother to the said John. Cuthbert McKill, John Makmullan servant to the Dungall, Jonet Cairns, Bridok Cairns, Sythock Hair, Gilbert Makgympseis and Jonet Cannan and now pertaining or any shall happen or pertain to our Soverain Lord and his estate through being of the said persons fugitive from the law and at the horn [an outlaw; rebel against the King] for art and part of the slaughter of Donald McEwin in the Cors of Balmaclellan.” This story was relatively unknown within the Parish but an interesting episode occurred some years ago. A testimony was given from a young man who told of an eerie event he had witnessed early one morning while staying at Corse Farm. He explained he had been woken by whistling which he had thought was a cockerel at first. He got out of bed and went to the window where on opening the blind he looked out and saw a horse and rider, followed by four horses pulling a hay cart, a man was driving the horses, and another was in the cart with hands bound and a chain around his neck. A small group of people, about 10 to 15 were walking behind the cart carrying torches. They were mainly men but also one or two women wearing long greyish skirts, and wearing bonnets. They followed a road that was not the same as the existing road and which continued through the farm dykes. The witness said he heard murmuring noises as the group moved from behind the house towards The Craig. He watched them for about a minute and a half as they went around the corner. He added “I could still see the glow, but then it vanished.” We don’t know if there is any connection between this ghostly vision and the history of the murder at The Corse, but it is certainly an unusual coincidence describing the group of men and women and the one poor soul bound by chains in the hay cart slowly being taken off to some unknown fate. Bill Blyth, Blowplain Farm If anyone has any further information about the ghostly sightings at Corse Farm, the Gazette would like to hear from you. The Glenkens Story Update Next March it is planned to launch ‘The Glenkens Story: sharing our history’ with a gathering to celebrate and share the research already being undertaken by groups and individuals. Everyone with an interest in the history of the Glenkens is welcome to take part. (See the last edition of the Gazette for details). We are already laying plans for a programme for later in the year including another event celebrating the life and work of S.R. Crockett as well as visits to local sites of various historic significance. If you have information or interests to share or suggestions to offer please contact Ted Cowan, Lizanne Henderson (420 839), Mike Brown (420 267) or Tom Carlisle (420 750). Further details will appear in the next Gazette. New Galloway shops: Since requesting information in the last Gazette more details are emerging of shops in the area. After reading the recent appeal, Christina Hockey, who moved into Columbine on New Galloway High Street three years ago, reported that she had found the sign for McLellan’s bakery which had once operated from the house (see picture). If you can help with this project please contact Avril Bridgeman on 420 438 Transcribing Robert Heron: Ted Cowan is looking for help in transcribing the diary of Robert Heron. “I have a photstat of the diary of Robert Heron of New Galloway, man of the Enlightenment, polymath, and first memorialist of Robert Burns; it has never been published. A small remuneration is available for anyone locally who might be interested in transcribing it (the hand is not difficult and I can do the awkward bits).” If you can help, contact Ted on 420 839. Glenkens Gazette page 21 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN Darkness Visible The United Nations has proclaimed 2015 ‘The International Year of Light’. While the main theme will be the application of light science and technology to future developments, it will also celebrate the achievements of individuals such as Parton’s James Clerk Maxwell (18311879). Maxwell, born in Edinburgh, was brought up at Glenlair where he conducted some of his earliest experiments. In a lecture entitled ‘A Dynamic Theory of the Electro-Magnetic Field’, presented to the Royal Society of London he announced, “We have strong reason to conclude that light itself - including radiant heat and other radiation, if any - is an electromagnetic disturbance in the form of waves propagated through the electro-magnetic field according to electro-magnetic laws”. The paper, published in 1865, has since been hailed by those qualified to judge, including Max Planck and Albert Einstein, as one of the greatest breakthroughs in nineteenth-century science. Maxwell’s theories may be beyond the comprehension of many of us, but we all have ideas about light. The earliest verses of Genesis are very familiar: ‘And God said, “Let there be light.” Since the beginning of time humankind has striven to extend the day, pushing back against night’s darkness. Despite dire and pertinent warnings about future power shortages we all take light for granted. We seldom stop to consider that the extension of illumination, which we now enjoy through such projects as the Glenkens Hydro Scheme, marks one of the greatest differences in the everyday experiences of our ancestors and us. For most folk over the centuries activities requiring light ended at sunset. Dwellings of the Galloway poor were said to be as dark by day night and pall thee in the dunnest smoke of hell”. In reality the majority could not afford outdoor lights, which were in any case unreliable, just as candles indoors, if used at all, were beyond the means of most. Locals used to collect rushes from the shores of Loch Ken. Gathered in high summer, the plants would be thrown into water to keep the peel supple before it was removed, leaving the pith intact. The piths or cores were then bleached and dried for about a week after which they were dipped in scalding fat until saturated. Rushes made from tallow, usually evilsmelling mutton fat, were said, by a man in 1911 who used to make them when younger, to give a dismal light; “darkness visible”. Today one electric light bulb supplies the equivalent of 100 candles. Movies or dramas on historical themes always show the sets as far too richly lit. When folk told tales of Fairyland they always remarked on the brightness of the illuminations in the fairy court. Such conspicuous brightness equated with fabulous wealth, dismissed by canny Scots, including no doubt the frugal Glenkensians, as “sheer extravagance”. All the best for the Festive Season - may your days be merry and bright! Ted Cowan Since the beginning of time humankind has striven to extend the day, pushing back against night’s darkness. New Galloway Golf Club as by night; central hearths and a ‘lumm’, or hole in the roof, created a near impenetrable internal fog of smoke. Another legacy of God’s binary organisation was the notion of light as good and darkness as bad, the latter haunted by spirits, monsters and the Devil himself, as well as thieves, murderers, adulterers and drunkards. Those occasional nights of pure Galloway darkness, which render the wayfarer quite blind, and feel almost physical in their oppressiveness, are reminiscent of Lady MacBeth’s, “Come thick Family and friends coming to stay? Short of space? www.nggc.co.uk Cosy country cottage available (sleeps 4) Buggies now available for hire Call Fiona on 01644 420 227 Founded 1902 - 01644 420737 VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME www.covenanters-holidaycottagescotland.co.uk FHB Fencing Dalry Domestic and Agricultural Fencing 01644 430 495 (Peter) or 07767 795 498 (Jonathan) Glenkens Gazette page 22 DECEMBER & JANUARY DECEMBER Thu 4, NG Golf Club AGM, 7.30pm, the clubhouse, New Galloway Fri 5, Mike Vass, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sat 6, Film: Frozen, 3pm, CatStrand Sat 6, Christmas Coffee Morning, 10.30am-12noon, New Galloway Town Hall Sat 6, Santa’s Grotto & Christmas Craft Fair, 10am4pm, New Galloway Town Hall Wed 10, Open Stage, 7.30pm, CatStrand Fri 12, Christmas Dance, 8pm, New Galloway Town Hall (see ad below) Fri 12 & Sat 13, CatStrand Youth Players Panto, 7.30pm, CatStrand see p7 Sun 14, Glenkens Church Choir Carols by Candlelight, 6.30pm, Balmaclellan Church Sun 14, Aleksander Kudajczyk, 7.30pm, CatStrand Sun 14, CatStrand Youth Players Panto, 2pm, CatStrand (see p7) Fri 19, Film: Miracle on 34th Street (1947), CatStrand Fri 19, Clachan Christmas Clachan Fair All things change and so it is planned to change the Clachan Fair too. To spread the fun in 2015 we’re having a few events through the year to raise money for a more traditional Clachan Fair in 2016. There will be something for all ages so keep your eyes open for details. We’d love more ideas and help so if you feel you could do this please contact Party, The Clachan Inn, Dalry JANUARY Thu 8, Exhibition: Glenkens Art Workshop, CatStrand opening hours, CatStrand Fri 16, Carsphairn Burns Supper, Lagwyne Hall Thu 22, SWANC Talk: How Climate Change is Affecting our Wildlife, 7.30pm, Ken Bridge Hotel, see p18 Sat 31, Dalry Burns Supper, see below Sonja Tranter on 07912481454 or rwilkie@toucansurf.com One way everyone can help is with the raffle. If everyone in Dalry sold some tickets to family and friends we would have a really good fundraiser. There will be a raffle in 2015 and tickets should be available sometime in the new year. Dalry Burns Supper Returns After a gap of over 10 years we are to re-introduce a Burns Supper in Dalry. This will take place on Saturday 31 January 2015. The main speaker at this will be Mr Chris Rollie from Dalry who is very well known in Burns circles. We hope to have this event every two years, on alternate years to Dalry School’s Burns Night. Please keep these dates in your diary. Jean Lockerbie Glenkens Gazette page 23 REGULAR EVENTS CatStrand (New Galloway): Exercise to Music: Mon, 10-11am Ukelele Group: Mon, 11.15am, 60+ Ukelele Improvers, Mon, 1pm, 60+ Free Computer Training; Beginners & Improvers: Mon (starting 4 Nov), 1.30pm Margaret Morris Movement Adult Dance Class: Mon, 2.30-3.30pm, contact Sara on 01556 612854 Children’s Dance Class: Mon during term time, 3.45-4.45pm age 3-7, 4.30-5.30pm ages 8-15 Let’s Cook: Tues, 10am Carers’ Coffee & Chat: Tues, 10am-12noon Teen Spirit: Tues during term time, 7-8:30pm (P7-S3) and 8-9:30pm (S3+) Gentle Tai Chi: Wed, 10am, 60+ Sing it Out: Thurs, 11am -12pm Pilates: Thurs, 4.15-5.15pm & 5.30-6.30pm Glenkens Acoustic Sessions: last Sun of the month, 2-4pm Glenkens Community Centre (Dalry): (contact Kath 430 281) Glenkens Children’s Club: Mon & Fri, 9.30-11.45am Paint & Art: Mon, 1.30-4.30pm & Wed, 7-9pm Ballroom & Latin Dance Class: Mon, 7.15, for more info call Sam Rushton on 420 672 GCC Playgroup: Tues & Thurs, 9.20-11.50am, contact keronh@me.com Good Neighbours’ Club: Tues, 2pm Kickback Martial Arts: Thurs, 79pm Thursday Craft Group: Thurs, 24pm Brownies: Wed, 5.30-6.45pm Guides: Tue during term-time, 6.15pm, contact: Kath 430 281 Various Locations: Afternoon Tea Club: 2nd Fri each month, 2pm Saturday Art Club: 2nd Sat each month, 10am–12noon Zumbatomic: last Sat each month,10-10.45am Catstrand Youth Players: Sun during term time, 2pm Texas Hold ‘em Poker: Mon, 7.15pm, Cross Keys Hotel, New Galloway Mother & Toddlers: Tues, 9.4511.15am, New Galloway Town Hall Beavers: Tues, 6–7.15pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Dog Training: Tues & Wed, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. Contact: Eric 460 670 Bowling for Beginners: Wed, Balmaclellan Community Council Meetings: 3rd Monday each month, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall. Carsphairn Community Council Meetings: Last Monday each month, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn. Dalry Community Council Meetings: 1st Monday each month, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. New Galloway & Kells Community Council Meetings: 2nd Monday each month, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall. Knit & Blether Club: last Fri each month, 2pm, 60+ Glenkens Community Councils Full minutes of local Community Council meetings can be viewed at Dalry Library. CHURCH OF SCOTLAND: Sundays: Balmaclellan: 12noon 1st, 4th, Carsphairn: 10.30am 1st 2nd 3rd 4th, Dalry: 12noon 2nd (Jan) 3rd 4th (Jan), Kells: 10.30am 2nd 3rd 4th (Jan) Special Services/Events: 6 Dec, 10.30am: Guild Coffee Morning, New Galloway Town Hall. 14 Dec, 10.30am: United Family Service, Kells Church. 14 Dec, 6.30pm, Carols by Candlelight with Glenkens Church Choir, Balmaclellan Church. 23 Dec, 5pm: Carsphairn Church Community Christmas Service & Children’s Party. 24 Dec, 11.30pm: Watchnight Service, Dalry Church. 25 Dec, 10.30am: Christmas Day Family Service, Carsphairn Church. 28 Dec, 10.30am: United Service with Choir, Kells Church. SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH: St Margaret’s, New Galloway: Holy Communion, 10.30am every Sun & Wed CATHOLIC CHURCH SERVICES: Gatehouse of Fleet: Sat, 6pm. Kirkcudbright: Sun, 9.30am. Dalbeattie: Sun, 11am 7pm, Spalding Bowling Club, Dalry (opposite The Garage) Wednesday Quiz Night: Wed, 8.30pm, Cross Keys Hotel, New Galloway Stewartry Camera Club: Wed, 7.30pm, Ringford Village Hall, runs Wed 11 Sept till end Mar Zumba: Wed, 7.30-8.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall, £4 Mossdale Painters: Wed, 9.30am, Mossdale Village Hall Cub Scouts: Wed, 6.45–8pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Carsphairn Post Office: Thurs, 9.30-11.30am, Lagwyne Hall Coffee & Craft Morning: Thurs, 9.30-12noon, Lagwyne Hall D&G Hard of Hearing Group Drop-in: 1st Friday each month, 10am-12noon,New Galloway Town Hall on the first Friday of every month. Scouts: Thurs, 7–8.30pm, New Galloway Scout Hut To hire the MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) behind Dalry School call Sonja Tranter on 430 244 or Nicolette Wise on 430 218. Dalry Library Tue: 2-4.30pm & 5.30-7.30pm Fri: 11.15am-1:15pm & 2-4.30pm. There are 23 mobile library stops - to find out where and when please phone 430 234. ADVERTISE IN THE GAZETTE (price per issue incl VAT) SMALL: 6cm x 6cm, £37.80 (+ 10% off with series discount) 1/4 PAGE: 9cm w x 13cm h, £81.90 (+ 25% off with series discount) 1/2 PAGE: 18cm w x 13cm h, £151.20 (+ 25% off with series discount) FULL PAGE: 18cm w x 27cm h, £252 (+ 25% off with series discount) Call 07727 127 997 VAT Reg. No. 882 8361 87 USEFUL NUMBERS: ● Pot-hole Hotline: 0845 276 0000 ● Local Police: 0845 600 5701 ● Doctor: 01644 420 234 ● NHS 24: 08454 24 24 24 ● D&G Council: 030 33 33 3000 Glenkens Gazette page 24 GLENKENS PEOPLE’S SHED Work is progressing on the Glenkens People’s Shed, a new opportunity for everyone in the area to practice and learn woodworking and other skills. With the kind permission of the owner, a section of the Old Smiddy in Balmaclellan is being adapted to house the Shed which is part of the Connecting in Retirement Big Lottery four-year project. Work on the Shed is progressing well and insulated partitions and new electrics are in place. Benches and a range of tools are being procured, some donated or grantfunded. Two activities are scheduled to start by the end of this year. One is the resurrection of the wood carving class that used to be run in Dalry School by Bill Wiseman. The other activity will be wood turning and it is hoped to have two lathes in place and appoint a tutor for people who want to try their hand. The Shed movement - originally ‘Men’s Sheds’ - started in Australia in the 1990s to enable men of all ages to socialise and share activities they might other wise undertake in their own sheds. The Glenkens People’s Shed will enable men and women to share the tools, skills and resources they need to work on projects of their own choosing, at their own pace, in a safe friendly environment. A Shed’s activities usually include making or mending in wood (for example carpentry, joinery, turning, carving, furniture renovation etc) and may include WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Submit events, activities, news stories, cartoons, reviews, tips & techniques, fiction, photos, ads or ideas... Contact Sarah Ade on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk FEB/MAR COPY DEADLINE: 5 JANUARY activities as varied as bike repair, upholstery, boat renovation or model engineering. One of the major objectives is to help younger people in the area to learn new skills or crafts from some of the local craftswomen and craftsmen who will use the Shed. To find out more about the Glenkens People’s Shed contact Brian Jones on 01644 420374 or email brian@catstrand.com Testing out some of the Shed’s new equipment. Design & co-ordination: Sarah Ade sarah_ade@tiscali.co.uk Printing:Stranraer & Wigtownshire Free Press www.stranraer-freepress.co.uk The Glenkens Gaze�e is an ini�a�ve of the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust, a Registered Sco�sh Charity No. SC032050  Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette 85 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GG_085 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource GCAT Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2014 Description An account of the resource Editor: Sarah Ade https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/1/232/GlenkensGazette86.pdf 568eb0d71c2d450edbc6a347e5ac58bf 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 86 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 2015 ISSUE 86 FREE GLENKENS COMMUNITY SHOP DISPENSES MORE CHEER Glenkens Community Shop in Dalry has now distributed £15,415 to local organisations since it opened three years ago. More than 20 local organisations have received grants of up to £500 from the charity shop including schools, town halls, several children’s groups, walking groups and numerous others. The Glenkens Children’s Club summer activity programme for example was fully funded last year by a community shop grant enabling more than 60 children to sample various physical activities during the summer holidays. New Galloway Mother & Toddlers group is among recipients in the latest round of funding. Fiona Oliver, treasurer of the group, says: “We are extremely grateful to the Glenkens Community Shop for this grant. This will ensure the group can sustain itself for a whole year, providing an excellent play and social environment for babies, toddlers and parents alike in New Galloway Town Hall.” She also added, “Please continue to use and support the Glenkens Community Shop. Without grants such as these our local groups would struggle to provide a wide range of activities and amenities for our rural but thriving community.” Continued on p19... Shirley McNaught and volunteer Annie outside the shop on Dalry’s Main Street. CATSTRAND FLOOD APPEAL The CatStrand suffered huge damage when it was flooded again on Wednesday 14 January. The damage is far worse than last year’s flood, both because of the increased volume of water that came into the building and because the water was muddy this time. The building was at one point full of water to a depth of about 2’, and small boulders were swept into the building. The damage has not yet been quantified but a large amount of stock from the shop, all of the floors and a lot of the kitchen equipment appear to have been given way and the burn water damaged beyond repair. The was flowing directly into the entire building is sodden and building. filthy. Continued on p7... Staff were alerted to the flood late at night on the 14th, in the aftermath of the terrible rain that fell that evening. Despite staying late into the night and with the support of the local fire brigade, the damage had mostly been done by the time they got there, due to the fact that the retaining wall at the culvert to the Flood damage in the hallway by the computer side of the building had A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) ini�a�ve desks in the CatStrand. www.glenkensgaze�e.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 2 REMEMBERING GODFREY It is with a heavy heart that I tell you about the loss of a dear friend to many and pillar of the local community, Godfrey Smith, who died on 12 January. Godfrey ran the Clog and Shoe Workshop in Balmaclellan and was the last traditional clogmaker in Scotland and one of very few left in the whole of the UK. He was also a vital part of our Glenkens community, involving himself in so many valuable community initiatives, charitable projects and supporting many local young people in finding their direction in life. Godfrey will be remembered as a friend to many, as well as a mentor, teacher, husband, father, godfather and in so many generous and supportive roles; I don’t think I ever heard anyone utter a bad word about him in all the time I knew him. Having moved to the area in the early 1970s, Godfrey married Sheila Mackay and lived in Dalry for some time. Then the couple bought the old school in Balmaclellan where they raised their three boys – Pete, Sandy and Vondy. With an intense interest in community and supporting the next generation, Godfrey was involved in Balmaclellan Community Council for many years, Southwest Community Woodlands which, among other things, created the community woodland of Taliesin outside Castle Douglas, the South West Association of Nature Conservation(SWANC) group, as well as establishing the Afghan Schools Trust with Robin Ade. He also provided accommodation and activities for a group of children from Chernobyl after the terrible nuclear disaster, was instrumental in creating the youth apprenticeship scheme in the area and was pivotal in battling to stop the burial of nuclear waste in the Galloway hills. The Glenkens will be an emptier place without Godfrey Godfrey outside the workshop with some of his unique handmade footwear. and he will be sorely missed, but he will be remembered for many years to come in so many positive ways through the lives he influenced. Sarah Ade If you would like to make a donation to the Afghan Schools Trust in memory of Godfrey, please visit www.afghanschools.org GCAT Annual General Meeting The Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) AGM was held as planned on Monday 19 January, although it had to be relocated to New Galloway Town Hall due to the flooding. Discussions naturally centred on the recovery plans from the flood, but Alan Smith, new chair of GCAT and Brian Edgar, general manager, also gave an overview of the year’s very successful activities. All of the GCAT projects (the CatStrand, the Gazette, GTI, the Watson Bird project, Connecting in Retirement, Youth Arts, Glenkens Children’s Club and GCC Playgroup) have gone from strength to strength and many have attracted new funding. Core funding remains an issue, and all support from the community, friends and patrons is very much appreciated. Alan Smith expressed his great thanks to Andrew Mellor, outgoing Chair, for all his hard work over the last few years and for his steady hand guiding the projects. John Crallan was co-opted as a new director, and Margaret Elphinstone stepped down after her three year tenure. She was also thanked for her thoughtful contributions and most helpful perspectives. Immediate plans were discussed and it was generally agreed that an engineering solution to the flooding issue is of critical importance, as neither the staff, board or community could bear to see a reoccurrence. Robert Peace gave a vote of thanks at the end to all the staff and volunteers who had done so much already to recover the situation, which was very much appreciated by all concerned. Copies of the general manager’s report and annual accounts are available for review at the CatStrand’s temporary office, Rosebank Cottage, just in front of McWilliam’s yard in New Galloway, accessed between Kirk Road and the Newton Stuart road. Glenkens Gazette page 3 by the Ken Photo of the Issue: Sponsored Bridge Hotel This issue’s winner is John Peacock with this striking shot of the view from Mossroddoch Loch overlooking Meikle Milyea. Dave and Sue, competition judges and owners of the Ken Bridge Hotel, said: “There were three excellent entries this issue, but we both agree that John Peacock’s view of Meikle Millyea gives a lovely feel of the grandeur of the local scenery at this time of year”. John wins a meal for two at the Ken Bridge Hotel’s renowned Sunday Carvery. Viewing Our GAZETTE GIVEAWAY Dark Skies In this issue of the Glenkens Gazette we have a family ticket for an evening session at the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory as well as three wonderful local books to give away to the first four people to answer the following question, linked to one of this issues’s articles. What cattle-related exhibition will be running in the Glenkens during February? Please either send answers to: Glenkens Gazette, CatStrand, New Galloway, DG7 3RN or email me at glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk Good luck! Sarah Ade, Editor, Glenkens Gazette Soup & Sweet Lunch Balmaclellan & Kells Guild are holding a Soup and Sweet lunch on Shrove Tuesday, 17 February, in New Galloway Lower Town Hall from 12 noon to 2 pm with entry at £4 per person. In addition to a variety of homemade soups and sweets followed by a cup of tea or coffee there will be a tombola and a stall with home baking. Proceeds from this event will go to Diabetes UK. Everyone is most welcome so please come along and support this worthy cause. The Scottish Dark Sky Observatory is Scotland’s only publicly accessible, research grade observatory located in a ‘gold tier’ Dark Sky Park – and one of only two in the world. It occupies a fantastic hilltop site on the northern edge of the Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park, under some of the darkest skies in the UK. Located by Loch Doon, near Dalmellington, SDSO is open to the public, as well as amateur and professional astronomers. We aim to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds with the beauty and wonder of the universe. Packages are available for schools and other educational groups. Discounts are also available for group bookings of 20 guests or more. For more information please contact 01292 551118 or info@scottishdarkskyobservatory.co.uk or visit www.scottishdarkskyobservatory.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 4 sponsored by EVERYTHING listed in the Glenkens Freecycle section is FREE - you just need to contact the owner and go and pick it up! If you would like to list something on this page, please get in touch with Sarah on 07727 127 997 or email glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk Various Hutch for rabbit or guinea-pig, good condition and includes water-bottle. Contact: 430 218 Two children’s rocking horses. Furry horse, neighs when ear is squeezed, and a toddler-sized retro metal and plastic horse. Not perfect condition but still some fun left in them! Contact: Sarah on 430 065 Mustard yellow portable TV. Contact: Debra on 430 013 DVD player with remote. Contact: Debra on 430 013 Small deep red three-seater settee, length 1.66m. Not perfect but quite useable. Contact Will or Marion on 430 338 Leg swing exercise machine. Contact: Lesley or Miguel on 420 877 WANTED Tin sheets. Contact: Simon on 07426 124 982 Beginner requires German conversation lessons. Contact: 420 267 A small bale of hay and also of straw if possible - will pay but not sure where to get them locally... Contact: Sarah on 07727 127 997 GREY SQUIRREL CONTROL IN THE GLENKENS Over recent months more and more sightings of grey squirrels have been reported in the Glenkens. We need your support to help control the spread and threat that these cute but invasive animals pose. They out-compete red squirrels for habitat and food, usually replacing them within 15 years. This threat is magnified by the squirrel pox virus carried by the grey squirrel which is fatal to our native red squirrels, killing them within 15 days. THE STEWARTRY VETERINARY CENTRE CASTLE DOUGLAS SURGERY HOURS Mon-Fri 2.00-2.30 pm & 5-6 pm Sat 2-2.30 pm DALBEATTIE SURGERY HOURS Mon, Wed, Fri 3-3.30 pm Tues & Thurs 6-6.30 pm FOR APPOINTMENTS AT BOTH SURGERIES OR IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY � 01556 502263 VETERINARY SURGERY OAKWELL ROAD CASTLE DOUGLAS � The Glenkens were a stronghold for red squirrels, but less of them are now being seen. Why? Simply because of the spread of the slightly bigger grey squirrel. We can reverse this process by controlling the continuing spread of grey squirrels. Evidence in other areas of Dumfries and Galloway shows a proven record where eradication of grey squirrels has led to a return of our native red squirrel. Help us to re-establish former numbers of the very popular and iconic red squirrel in the Glenkens. Please report your squirrel sightings, both red and grey, to Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels at www.scottishsquirrel survey.co.uk Robert Peace Photo of a Glenkens red squirrell taken by Philip Day along the Garroch Glen, near Dalry. If you wish to become involved with the Glenkens Red Squirrel Group please contact martin.webber@ forestry.gsi.gov.uk Glenkens Gazette page 5 sponsored by Tell us about your passion! A benefit of Scotland’s first Biosphere is that it can help to open doors to new opportunities. The international designation has been awarded in recognition of its potential to become a world class place for involving communities who have a passion for living and working in a way that benefits people and nature. The Glenkens is in the middle of the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere and hosts an amazing combination of culture, wildlife and countryside. It is easy to see why people care about their surroundings, want to find out more and know it is worth taking a closer look. Of course the more you look the more you find out and then want to pass on your new found knowledge to others or take positive action to take care of our environment. This kind of approach is exactly what the Heritage Lottery Fund wants to promote through its Landscape Partnership Schemes. The schemes knit together many projects over a well-defined area to involve people with the improvement of local built, natural and cultural heritage. Dumfries and Galloway Council is beginning to develop a Landscape Partnership Scheme for the Ken/Dee river catchment and are keen to hear from individuals, groups or organisations with aspirations to enhance the area between Carsphairn and Kirkcudbright. An enormous range of projects might be included in a Landscape Partnership Scheme as long as they improve conditions for both local communities and local heritage. Your projects might help people develop rural skills such as drystane dyking or learn about recording ancient trees and the special wildlife they support, such as the tree lungwort lichen. Perhaps your project will research the development of towns and villages in the area, discover why some prospered and others never got beyond the initial plan or maybe you are fascinated by the unusual ‘Adam and Eve’ headstones in your local graveyard and want to involve volunteers in recording and preserving them for future generations to enjoy. Your idea might be about undertaking physical improvements or telling a story about the special qualities, characteristics and identity that makes the Glenkens different from other places. The size of a Landscape Partnership Scheme means they require two or three years to evolve but it is important that local people get involved in the early stages to suggest ideas and help them develop. Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Partnership are excited by this opportunity to provide a lasting improvement to the Glenkens. You could influence the project by answering the following questions: 1. What do you value most about the natural or cultural heritage of the Glenkens? 2. What do you tell visiting friends and family they should experience when they come to stay with you in the Glenkens? 3. What one change or enhancement would make the Glenkens a better place to live, work or visit? Please send your responses to karen.morley@dumgal.gov.uk and if you’d like to be involved in the ongoing public consultation let her know so you can be added to our mailing list. Nic Coombey Glenkens Gazette page 6 Carsphairn Burns Supper Blizzard conditions on Friday 16 January did not deter attendees at the 46th Carsphairn Annual Burns Supper. Guests were welcomed by Chairman, Robert McTurk, to a traditional hot meal of haggis, neeps and tatties, followed by trifle. The meal was preceded by Andy McCartney piping in The Haggis, which was carried by Poosey Nancy for the evening, Karen Hall. The Rev David Bartholomew then ‘Addressed The Haggis’ with gusto, followed by giving the Selkirk Grace. The toast to ‘The Immortal Memory of Robert Burns’ was ably proposed by Finlay Carson, who included many quotations of Burns’ work within his speech. Robin Jardine proposed a suitably tongue in cheek toast to Photo: Left to right - David Bartholomew, Andy McCartney, James Wallace, Finlay Carson, Pauline Brown, Robert McTurk and Robin Jardine. ‘The Lassies’, which raised much laughter. This was ably replied to, on behalf of The Lassies, by Pauline Brown. James Wallace entertained the guests with a beautiful unaccompanied rendition of the song ‘Ye Banks and Braes’, and after some community singing, with accompanist Margaret Sloan, Robert McTurk ended the evening with a climax in an exciting performance of the ever popular ‘Tam o’ Shanter’. Another successful Carsphairn Burns Supper was rounded off with a Vote of Thanks, by David Gibbon to all who had contributed to the evening and the singing of Auld Lang Syne. Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents Selling properties across Dumfries & Galloway 01556 503744 www.ggblaw.co.uk All legal advice Offices in Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie Kirkcudbright and Dumfries Glenkens Gazette page 7 CatStrand Update February and March 2015 is a really exciting couple of months at the CatStrand. The fantastic line-up includes Bongo Fury! from Children’s Classic Concerts, RM Hubbert, Susan Calman, and Daimh. Slava Sidorenko starts off on Friday 20 February with a solo piano recital. This Ukrainian musical talent will perform in partnership with Greyfriars Concerts. More classical music with Children’s Classic Concerts’ Bongo Fury!, an afternoon of musical mayhem for all the family. When they are not playing in international ensembles and orchestras, world-renowned percussionists Owen Gunnell and Oliver Cox perform bespoke children’s classical music concerts proving that classical music can be fun. A very special treat not to be missed on Saturday 21 February. We are thrilled to welcome Susan Calman to the CatStrand as part of her stand-up comedy tour Lady Like. Susan is one of Scotland’s biggest names in comedy, regularly featuring on television and radio. As a household name and a personal favorite to many, tickets are in high demand so book early to avoid disappointment. Contemporary visual art exhibition The Droving Project will take over the Pyramid Gallery for February, produced by Katriona Holmes and featuring the work of photographer Alice Myres. The exhibition runs from Monday 2 February to Sunday 3 March. Susan Calman by Steve Ullathorne Change of Venues: Due to flood damage events will take place in various venues outside of the CatStrand, please call the box office for more information 01644 420 374. The CatStrand Team CATSTRAND FLOODS AGAIN Continued from front page... In the morning of the 15th, more than 20 volunteers and staff arrived with shovels, brushes and boxes to save what they could and clear out the rest. Brian Edgar, the CatStrand general manager, said: “The scale of the damage is unprecedented and frankly heartbreaking. We would like to say a big ‘thank you’ to all the people who turned up to help, and to the others who have expressed their support including the fire brigade, Natural Power, local town hall committees and Kells School. We don’t yet know our exact plans for the future, but we will do our absolute best to re-locate all planned events and performances and to cancel as few as possible”. Alan Smith, recently elected Chair of the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT), said; “Our priority at the moment is getting the building safe and secure and getting the staff able to work unsure of plans for events and again. We can then concentrate performances will be able to ring on getting the building repaired through as usual. and re-opened, while working with In the light of this disastrous the Council and others to ensure event, Helen Keron, a director that a robust engineering solution of GCAT, said: “We can all do is found to prevent this happening our bit to help this facility that ever again.” He added his thanks offers so much to the Glenkens to the staff and volunteers, who communities get back on its as ever have worked above and feet by continuing to buy tickets beyond in support of this very and attend events. The worst popular local charity. thing that could happen now In the short term, the is for numbers to drop, just CatStrand staff will relocate when the CatStrand needs our to Rosebank Cottage (located help the most.” There is also at the junction of Kirk Road a website set up for anyone and the Newton Stewart who would like to donate; road in New Galloway, www.justgiving.com/ over the road from the CatstrandFloodAppeal doctor’s surgery), from where they can offer information on events and performances, sell tickets and will even be offering tea, coffee and cakes for sale. Phone numbers to contact them remain unchanged, so anyone More flood devestation at the CatStrand. Glenkens Gazette page 8 Guides Go Bowling Glenkens Guides have enjoyed a trip to LA Bowling in Ayr thanks to guide Emily Biggar who did much of the research and planning for the outing as part of a guiding challenge. The guides, along with their leaders and young leaders, were able to enjoy a session of bowling and also a session in the Lazer Zone. Afterwards, keeping in the Christmas spirit, they enjoyed a meal together, provided by LA Bowling as part of their Supper Bowl Package. It was a very good way in which to finish up the guide programme for 2014, and everyone agreed that they had really enjoyed the fun. We would like to acknowledge that funding for a large part of this outing was provided by Glenkens Community Shop, and we are very grateful for that. It is also extremely convenient to be Emily Biggar, Annabelle able to use the McAdam and Cara Ramsay minibus transport offered by Glenkens Transport Initiative, with thanks also to our volunteer driver, Mr Robert Peace. Guides have a very varied programme of activities, much of it chosen and organised by the girls themselves. Meetings are on Tuesday evenings in Glenkens Community Centre. Please contact Mrs Kathryn Peace for further information on 01644 430 281. W BONE WHB JEEPS THE GARAGE, DALRY PETROL & DIESEL SALES SERVICE & REPAIRS MOTs, TYRES, BATTERIES ALL AT COMPETITIVE PRICES OPEN 8.30AM - 6.00PM (SIX DAYS) 10AM - 6PM SUNDAYS - FUEL 24 HOURS SHOP • SANDWICH BAR • LOTTERY Tel: 01644 430208 Fax: 01644 430669 jeeps@whbjeeps.co.uk www.whbjeeps.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 9 GLENKENS COMMUNITY MOSSDALE CENTRE UPDATE VILLAGE Plans for the HALL purchase of the Glenkens Community Centre are progressing well, with the first stage application form accepted by Dumfries & Galloway Council. The Community Centre steering group commissioned an independent survey of the Centre in December which showed that although some moderate work for woodworm and damp joists is required the Centre is overall in very good condition for its age. D & G Council has also been carrying out extensive work on the Centre in preparation for any handover including replacing and repairing window frames and facias and painting of exterior woodwork. The management committee and steering group are excited about the possibilities for the Centre and are meeting in January to make the final purchase decision. If it is agreed on all sides, the Centre could be in community ownership by the summer, at which point grants would be sought to cover the required work and get the Centre on to a sustainable footing. I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has helped in the process so far, and in particular to Mr Will Adam who has provided invaluable advice and assistance. Helen Keron, Chair, Glenkens Community Centre We would like to thank everyone who came to support us at our Craft Fair and to extend our appreciation to the stall holders who continue to support us year after year. On the day, we raised over £500 which will help towards the upkeep and maintenance of the hall. The Craft Fair not only raises money for the hall but provides a place to meet up with old friends, have a cup of coffee and a chat. Mossdale Village Hall Committee Glenkens Gazette page 10 REFLECTION ON A GLENKENS CHRISTMAS As a newcomer to the traditions of the Glenkens schools, it was a privilege to be part of these community celebrations as the cluster headteacher. The Christmas Coffee morning in Dalry was a busy, colourful and entertaining event, which was very well attended by parents/carers and friends of the school. The young people enjoyed preparing for it and their enthusiasm rubbed off on their visitors. Now thoroughly in the mood and as a first true test of their preparation, members of Dalry School used their musical skills to entertain at the Guid Neighbours event. With the first public performance under their belt, many also performed on the following evening in Dalry School at the joint Primary / Secondary concert. ‘The Magical Christmas Jigsaw’ was pieced together with skill and lots of practice by the primary pupils. The singing was great and the timing of some of the key characters was masterful. The packed Dalry school hall was full of warmth and delight. Carsphairn’s Christmas Fair took place on the wettest, windiest, coldest day of the season so far, but inside was welcoming and enterprising. The calendar contains much of interest and if you weren’t brave enough to experience the weather on the day, there maybe a few still available at £4, from the primary school. Next was the Kells Christmas show and the traditional nativity story was the underlying theme in ‘Children of the World’. The combined effort of the young people, their staff and willing supporters produced a great performance full of colour, humour and good singing, with all the children involved on stage. Carsphairn’s ‘The Smallest Angel’ was a triumph and at short notice the ‘smallest angel’ did a stunning job. Lots of costume changes were a challenge and one that everyone managed really well. Again, everyone was involved and everyone gave their all. After three evenings of entertainment, I left feeling that the Glenkens must have something special in the water to produce so much talent from these small communities, or, that with such individual attention, talents are brought to the fore. The secondary Snow Ball was the opportunity for young people to dress up in order show off their dancing skills at a social event. The final event of the Christmas term was the combined schools Church Service on the final day of term in Dalry Parish Church. Walking down on a cold winter’s morning, to be together as a community to celebrate and reflect on the meaning of Christmas, was the highlight of my year. Young people who can adapt to the range of situations they experienced in the space of a week are a real credit to the families of the Glenkens. They listened, they sang, they responded appropriately and the performance of the nursery children brought a tear to the eye. It was lovely. Walking back to Dalry School for hot chocolate and shortbread was the icing on the cake and again emphasised how important schools at the centre of their communities can be. I have been very lucky to be allowed to be part of it and wish all the communities the very best for 2015. Jenny Smith, Acting Headteacher, Glenkens Cluster CARSPHAIRN SCHOOL REPORT 2014 was another busy and fun year at Carsphairn Primary. The school wrapped up yet another busy year with the annual Carsphairn PTC Christmas fayre, our school play, parents’ open morning the and Christmas party. A special “thank you” goes to the Carsphairn PTC for funding a school trip to the Gaiety Theatre in Ayr to see the Beauty and the Beast pantomime and enjoy wonderful meal at The Stage Door Café. Also, for a little fun at the end of the year, we had a visit to the school from Zoolab. The children all had a chance to look at and handle different animals such as rats, snakes, giant millipedes and lizards. Zoolab is turning into a bit of an annual tradition and the children always love the chance to see the various creepy-crawlies. This term we will be looking back at different historical periods starting with the ancient Egyptians . Then we will be moving on to more recent history, when we learn about the Titanic. Finally, to round up the term we will be taking our learning outside again to look at history in a hands-on way - we will be working with representatives from Beyond the Beep, using metal detectors around the Carsphairn area to see if we can discover any artifacts that we can research to find out more about our local history. Happy New Year wishes from all the staff and pupils at Carsphairn Primary school. We would remind you to pick up a 2015 Carsphairn Calendar with all school holidays The Zoolab visit. marked within. Calendars can be purchased for £4 at the Carsphairn shop or The Garage in Dalry. Glenkens Gazette page 11 Glenkens Gazette page 12 Glenkens Gazette page 13 Glenkens Gazette page 14 Glenkens Gazette page 15 PLANNING CONTINUES FOR NEW GALLOWAY SHOP The steering group exploring a community purchase of the New Galloway shop has completed a factfinding tour of other community-owned shops in the area. These visits were very interesting and provided useful learning to assist the long journey towards a communityowned shop. The group is also investigating potential uses for the house accompanying the shop, as the chosen option must make a positive and valuable difference to the community. The impact on the community is one of the most important factors that will encourage national funding bodies to support a funding bid, and without large grant funding the project will not get off the ground. The next step is to use the information from our local survey to undertake further research about the feasibility of this project. The steering group is about to apply for an initial grant to undertake this research. Feasibility studies will help to build a picture as to how sustainable this project would be, and provide an idea as to what model of operation would best work for the shop and house, and the results will form the basis of a large grant ����������������������������������������������������� • Pensions • Savings • Investments • Retirement Options • Inheritance Tax Planning • Life Assurance • Income & Critical Illness Protection • Mortgages • Home Insurance Free Confidential Initial Consultation Tel: 01671 403080 Fax:- 01671 402549 Email: brian.edgar@marrfinancial.co.uk Web: www.marrfinancial.co.uk 61 Victoria Street NEWTON STEWART, DG8 6NL **NEW** Yorkshire Building Society Agency – Now Open Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. For mortgages we can be paid by commission or a fee of usually £300 or a combination of both. For Home Insurance we usually offer products from a limited panel of providers. application. As reported in previous issues of the Gazette, a survey of local people showed 130 backing the idea of a community shop with two opposed. Jim and Margaret Hopkins, the shop’s owners, are planning to retire and wish to sell the shop and house. We thank them and Marie McClurg for their continued support for this project, and also the tenants and management committees of Carsphairn, Auchencairn and Palnackie community shops for giving us their time and allowing us to learn such useful lessons. For further information or to get involved, contact Helen Keron on keronh@me.com Aileen McLeod MSP working for you across the South of Scotland Postal address: Unit 7 Loreburn Shopping Centre High Street, Dumfries, DG1 2BD Email: aileen.mcleod.msp@scottish.parliament.uk Tel: 01387 255 334 Please check www.aileenmcleod.org for regular surgery, constituency and parliamentary updates Glenkens Gazette page 16 Wold-wide Celebrations at Kells Kells Christmas Concert opened by the P1-4 recorder group playing Ode to Joy, followed by the whole class singing Christmas Dinner and Jingle Bells. P5-7 then performed Children of the World for parents and friends of the school. The play explored Christmas traditions in specific countries around the world. P57 worked really hard this term learning songs, lines, stage directions and also managing numerous costume changes. Kells School also held their annual PTA Musical Café to raise money for school funds, which was most successful. Photo - Musical Cafe. DALRY SCHOOL’S FESTIVE FUN Dalry Primary and Secondary schools’ 2014 Christmas was a huge success. There was music before the concert and during the intermission, and the school hall was full to bursting with an expectant audience. All seven years of primary performed together in a lavish and entertaining musical spectacular entitled The Magical Christmas Jigsaw. The lead part was the Jigsaw Seller, played by Cosmas Green, who carried it off with style and exuberance. At the start of the second half, instrumentalists from Dalry Secondary played The Hall of the Mountain King by Grieg, while the primary and secondary students crept in or joined in organised groups to enact the story to a surprised audience - Dalry School’s very first flash-mob! The entertainment continued with music and singing, culminating in the whole school finale which had everyone singing along. Brilliant! DALRY SCHOOL GETS REVVED UP Residents of Dalry are used to passing motorsport traffic heading North to the Forrest Estate, but recently two of the vehicles paid a visit to the joint Dalry School. These were a rescue unit, and a Junior 1000cc rally car owned by 13 year-old Dalry secondary pupil Lewis Winder. The visit was organised by GoMotorsport’s regional development officer, Alison Clark, ahead of the Britpart Borders Hill Rally. Alison spoke to the P6/7 pupils about the design and construction of competition cars, Scotland’s success in motorsport, different types of motorsport, and focused heavily on safety. The pupils were amazed when she carried out a few experiments, including trying to set her race suit on fire! She also spoke to ‘Design and Technology’ pupils in the senior school, where the pupils examined carbon fibre and titanium parts from a Formula 1 car compared to their equivalent from a standard road car. Jake Finlay, P7, in the driving seat of Lewis Winder’s rally “Dumfries and car, with Alison Clark. Galloway has Forrest Estate on the doorstep, been a hotbed of talent for motor and regular motor sporting sporting champions. David events to spectate at and Coulthard and Allan McNish have compete in, there’s no excuse competed and won against the for Dumfries and Galloway world’s best. Currently, we not providing us with more have Ross Wylie from Thornhill champions”, Alison said. as British GT4 champion and If you are interested in taking David Bogie was Scottish Rally part in motorsport events in Champion from 2009-2013. Scotland, or would like Alison We need to plant the seeds of to visit your school, then please motorsport in youngsters now, contact her on scotland@gomoto so we can harvest a new crop rsport.net or call 07950 914433. of talent in the future. With the Glenkens Gazette page 17 THE MOOSIE’S STORY... Charlotte Spernagel, a primary 6 pupil at Kells School, tells a story in Scots about the mouse in Robert Burns’ poem To a Moose. Here is The Moosie’s Story... Ah woke up in ma hoosie yin mornin’ an athin wis normal. It wis late Autmn so a’ the nuts had fa’en frae the trees . Ah went tae fin yin as usual an scampered back an sterted eatin’ it. It wis very tasty, ah then ran tae’ fin a leaf wi’ a drop o’ watter oan it an lapped frae it thirstily . Ah found some feathers oan the way back an took them tae ma hoosie an’ arranged them nicely in a wee corner. Ah wis awfy proud o’ ma bonnie wee hoose. Suddenly ah heard an awfy loud noise. Ah poked ma hied oot tae see whit it wis .Through the corn ah saw a big THING that wis comin towards ma hoosie. Ah hastily bolted fae ma hoose. So much fer ma hoose, the thing had crashed right throo it! The thing stopped and something sterted moovin towards me. Ah sterted shouting, “YOU DESTROYED MA HOOSIE!” “Am so very sorry ah destroyed yer hoose”, the thing said calmly. “YER SORRY?”ah shouted back. “Yes, ahm very sorry.” “NOO, AH HAE NAEWHERE TAE GO!”, ah said an’ scampered off intae the forest. Ah sterted gather sticks tae build anaither hoose. Ah found a good tree an sterted building ma new hoose. Ah found some leaves an’ put them on the roof and flair and THE KEN BRIDGE HOTEL New Galloway it sterted comin thegether. Ah found feathers, berries, nuts an moss. Ah used moss fer the flair, put the berries an nuts in a corner and the feathers went in the ither corner. It wis no as bonnie as ma auld hame but, ach weel, it wis shelter at least. Ah spent the winter eatin the berries and nuts an’ eating snaw for water. Ah lived forevermore in ma wee hoose. GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL � 01644 420234 � Bargatton Sand & Gravel Supplying sand and gravel for all your farming needs, as well as households and businesses both large and small. Open 7 Days - Beautiful Riverside Location MEALS SERVED 12.00 - 2.00pm, 5.30 - 8.30pm Bed & breakfast en suite accommodation 01644 420 211 mail@kenbridgehotel.co.uk www.kenbridgehotel.co.uk NEW WEDDING BROCHURE NOW AVAILABLE We stock washed fine sand, coarse sand and gravels at competitive prices. For further details contact: Angus Wilson, Quarry Manager - 07715 606 685 James Mair - 07793 085 243 Email: loch.bargatton@live.co.uk Bargatton Quarry, Laurieston, Castle Douglas, DG7 2PS Open 7 days Mon-Fri Weekends by arrangement Delivery can be arranged - subject to quantity Glenkens Gazette page 18 Christmas Party Goes to the Dogs Real Dog Training Scotland had its Christmas Party at Dalry Town Hall. Homemade biscuits bones were enjoyed by the dogs, made by Margret Schofield who also donated the sausages for the race. The games couldn’t have happened without our Santa’s little Helper Jessica Nash, aged nine. £100 was raised during the night and has been donated to Dumfries & Galloway Canine Rescue. Canine Christmas fun. If your New Year’s resolution is to train your dog do come along - all welcome. Classes run on a Tuesday and Wednesday evening at 7pm in Dalry Town Hall. For further information contact Eric on 460 670. A FOND FAREWELL It seems incredible that it must be 35 years since I started to ‘man’ the New Galloway Office every Wednesday. It was almost on a whim that I bought the then derelict Kentley’s Café and converted it to a house/ office. Initially “Kentleys” was my main home until marriage required an upsize to Borgue. I always felt that it was important to provide a local service within the large geographical area of Glenkens and I am pleased that although I am retiring in the spring of this year, the team at Williamson and Henry, Ross Ireland, Ian Rodger, David Hall and Karen Baird, as well as my daughter Helen Steele and myself, remain committed to the New Galloway Office. I am particularly pleased that it is Helen, who joined the firm as a solicitor in the summer of 2014, who is going to be the ‘new face’ in New Galloway on Wednesdays. Just as a sort of ‘Hail’ Helen and ‘Farewell’ Ian, I had just arranged a very informal get-together at CatStrand in April but sadly due to the recent and devastating floods at CatStrand, this will no longer be possible. To give our support, the Firm is going to make a donation to CatStrand towards Photo: Ian Rodger, Helen Steele, Ross Ireland, its refurbishment, David Hall, Karen Baird, Ian Steele. instead of having a clients to call any Wednesday. rearranged social There is no need for any sort event. of appointment, but if coming I will be attending the New specially and there is any time Galloway office as usual, with which particularly suits, you Helen, until the 1st April, and could perhaps let me know so would like to invite clients that I can make sure both Helen and friends to pop in on any and I are in and free at that time. Wednesday between now and Ian Steele then. To get in touch please call 420 Over the period of 35 years, I 440 (Wed only) or 01557 330 realise it is actually impossible to 692, or email isteele@williamso recollect who all I have come in nandhenry.co.uk or hsteele@ contact with but I want to make williamsonandhenry.co.uk a point of asking friends and Jeffers Has a Pun.... A few funnies to lighten your day, brought to you courtesy of local Gazette reader Jeff Sutcliffe: Q: How does Moses make his tea? A: Hebrews it.. Venison for dinner again? ...Oh deer! A cartoonist was found dead in his home... Details are sketchy. I used to be a banker, but then I lost interest. Haunted French pancakes give me the crepes. Glenkens Gazette Community Spirit in Balmaclellan After Christmas Balmaclellan residents gathered for a lunch in the village hall. Everyone brought Christmas leftovers to share, including turkey and vegetable soup, pies, cakes (including mince pies), and drinks such as wine, cider, tea and coffee. Everybody enjoyed the informal and friendly atmosphere. Thanks to the community council and the hall committee for organising the event. The committee meets regularly and is keen to try different ideas to involve Balmaclellan residents in activities that they enjoy or find useful or helpful, and try to think of ways to use our village hall. Photo taken by Arran MacDonald-Kiernan. ALEX FERGUSSON MSP FOR GALLOWAY & WEST DUMFRIES Holds regular advice surgeries at: Constituency Office, New Market Street, Castle Douglas, DG7 1HY on the 2nd Friday of every month from 5pm Telephone free on 0800 028 7260 for an appointment or to make any alternative arrangement. You can visit Alex’s website at: www.alexfergusson.org.uk or contact him by e-mail at: alex.fergusson.msp@scottish.parliament.uk page 19 Dalry Shop Continued from front page... Toddler group sessions are every Tuesday morning, 9.4511.30am through term-time and cost £2 for a snack-aged child and £1 per additional child. The shop, on Dalry’s Main Street, is staffed exclusively by volunteers and all profit is given out in grants. Mrs Shirley McNaught, manager of the Glenkens Community Shop, said: “We were delighted to give out this money to sustain our local community and help it thrive. It couldn’t happen without the people who donate goods to the shop, the people who buy from the shop and of course our shop volunteers, who do a marvellous job! A big ‘thank you’ to them all.” The Glenkens Community shop is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 3pm. Shirley would like to encourage people to come in and browse the ever-changing stock - and of course buy and so help others in the community. Smile Daddy I am Dying Smile Daddy I am Dying is the title of a biography written about Mossdale man Robin Hood. The book charts his journey to raise money to find a cure for the condition Alex, his daughter, was born with in 1989. Robin’s story is compelling, and also sad as his daughter died in 2008. The title came from words said by Alex to her father when they had been told by the consultant all hope was lost. Robin is delighted this book is being published, and says: “This will let people know what a remarkable daughter I had who achieved so much despite all she endured and I am proud to say that I was her Father”. The book will be available in March, priced at £7.95, in many shops locally with proceeds going to charity. Glenkens Gazette page 20 The Droving Project Comes to New Galloway Why we became Scottish cattle drovers for the day… Three cows, a filmmaker, a photographer, a sound artist, a musician and a writer walked along an ancient drovers’ track across the regional border from Knockengorroch farm in Galloway to Bellsbank town in East Ayrshire. The walk re-traced a journey that people have made with their cattle for hundreds of years. The Droving Project is a collaborative arts project which addresses the ancient cattle culture of Scotland by following one of the many drovers’ pathways that cross this country. In so doing it comments on rural life and farming today and touches on the art and psychology of walking. People in Scotland have walked with cattle for over a thousand years. Current legislation made a re-creation of this journey much more complicated. The route crossed five different farms altogether. As bringing cattle onto a working livestock farm imposes a thirteen-day standstill of all animals, the cows would have been unable to walk the sevenmile route in less than eight weeks. As a result, walkers set out from Knockengorroch cowless, and met up with the cows three miles into the route where they had been moved thirteen days previously. The history of cattle in South West Scotland goes back beyond record. Cattle are indigenous to the UK and were once the lifeblood and wealth of the country. The project was not set up to be a re-enactment of history, but an exploration of contemporary values, in a very real (wet) and present setting, drawing parallels with people in many other parts of the world who still walk with their cattle, camels, reindeer or yaks, to reach fresh pastures or trade. Herdspeople have been lauded for their low impact on the environment, their creative thinking and innovative approach to environmental challenges. The people in Scotland, and particularly in upland areas, have also lived for many hundreds of years as partial nomadic herdsmen, a section of social history often forgotten. Towns such as Bellsbank that lost the mainstay of their livelihood with the closure of the coalmines are common in many areas in Scotland. Before the industrial revolution people in these areas farmed and kept livestock. The industrial age is over so what is next for towns in rural areas like these? ...suggesting that a slower way of life may be beneficial... The Droving Project gently nudges people to consider questions such as these, while suggesting that a slower way of life may be beneficial for our psyche and the health of the natural environment. The Droving Project, funded by Creative Scotland, features awardwinning photographer Alice Myers, film producer Stevie Whiteford, writer Catrina Davies, Nick Jenkins of the Lorraine Macauley Band and sound artist Pete Smith. The results will come to the CatStrand for a month from Tuesday 3 February after having been exhibited at the Doon Valley Museum in Dalmellington since October 2014 - please contact the CatStrand on 01644 420 374 to find out alternative arrangements while repairs are being made to the building. For more information contact Katriona Holmes at thedrovingprojec t@yahoo.co.uk or visit www.thedrovingproject.org DROP IN AND SHARE SOME HISTORY Friday 20 March will be a historic day for local history with the start of a new project, The Glenkens Story: Sharing Our History, open to everyone interested in exploring our past. The project will be launched in Dalry Community Centre as a ‘drop-in’ event with a chance to sample the range of local history activity in the area. Free and open to all, the event will feature displays, talks, demonstrations and the opportunity to discuss local history issues. Existing organisations such as Carsphairn Heritage Group and Dalry Historical Society will be represented as well as numerous informal interest groups. We will be planning future activities such as visits to historic sites, gathering oral history and local research projects - come and share your particular local history interest. The event, free and open to everyone, will run from 3.307.30pm. Drop in whenever you like and stay for as long as you like. Look out for posters and flyers with more details or email mbrown99@dircon.co.uk to be put on our mailing list. For more details contact Mike Brown (420 267), Ted Cowan & Lizanne Henderson (420 839) or Tom Carlisle (420 750). Glenkens Gazette page 21 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN McMILLAN’S GALLOVIDIAN ENCYCLOPAEDIA One of Galloway’s greatest literary productions is The Scottish Gallovidian Encyclopaedia by John Mactaggart of Borgue (1791-1830), a noted wit and an assiduous collector of oral information drawn from the Galloway folk. The first edition of 1824 had to be withdrawn because it gave serious offence to the great and the good, but it was reprinted in 1876 and in subsequent runs. The author’s ambition was to preserve the original antiquated and natural curiosities of the South of Scotland, “containing sketches of eccentric characters and curious places, with explanation of singular words, terms and phrases, interspersed with poems, tales, anecdotes, etc. . . . illustrative of the ways of the peasantry, and manners of Caledonia”. He pronounced himself a proud peasant and a fiercely patriotic Scot. He became an engineer through the patronage of John Rennie who built the Ken Bridge.His publication was truly unique and it remains immensely valuable. The Wigtown Book Festival commissioned local Dumfries and Galloway poet, Hugh McMillan, to produce his own version, inspired by Mactaggart. As Hugh would acknowledge, comparisons between the two projects are invidious. For one thing McMillan was given eight months to produce his book, while Mactaggart claimed that he began collecting as a child. Both men are talented poets, both enjoy philosophising and both enjoy social criticism. McMillan is to be congratulated on producing an enthralling, idiosyncratic collection which will appeal to readers with a good sense of humour and a taste for strong drink. Throughout he develops his idea of Dumfries and Galloway as a ghost landscape. For him the Wickerman movie incorporates and perpetuates myths about the region which are not so different from those confronted by SR Crockett. As this self-described “broken down history teacher” travels around he reflects on JM were huge, particularly in the 19th century, but 3,500 left the region to go abroad between 2006 and 2012. All of this suggests the book is much darker than in fact it is. But fortunately the McMillan humour is never far away and some of it is wicked. By way of contrast he has a poem ‘Carsphairn’, a place which once advertised for settlers: “the last wurd in colonization a wis telt/a mean they advertised doon south fir settlers/like the Wild West, ken, here’s a slice o land fir ye/dinna fash aboot the savages they’re a extinct”. He defines the King or Queen of Clatteringshaws as “a generic term for a hopelessly deluded person, simultaneously mad but entertaining, a lover of history who has lost his or her reason after too many nights thinking in an empty room and far too many house doubles”. He recounts his adventures travelling in our area by bus, - “50 minutes to travel 13 miles and half an hour into the journey we were further away than when we started” - of being trapped in the Crosskeys, New Galloway, by a hunting party, and (local hoteliers take note) of the drouthy visitor’s perpetual anxiety when in Galloway about whether any of the pubs will be open! The Loch Ken crayfish also fall under his gaze. As will be obvious by now Hugh McMillan’s Galloway Encyclopedia is an invaluable treasure trove of multifarious information about the area attractively, thoughtfully and wittily presented. The author, his illustrator Hugh Bryden, and all others involved are to be congratulated. Ted Cowan He scoffs at Burnsians and Rotarians who toast the Queen but exclude women from their events. Barrie’s rather stained reputation and John Buchan’s 39 Steps. Mactaggart-like he quotes a man who tells him that “Wigtown has always been a dump and now it is a dump with a book festival!” He scoffs at Burnsians and Rotarians who toast the Queen but exclude women from their events. He muses on the tragic coincidence that three of the UK’s worst transport disasters took place in the region. The Gretna or Quintinshill railway disaster in 1915; the wreck of the Princess Victoria en route from Stranraer to Larne in 1947and Pan Am Flight 103 in 1988 in Lockerbie. One acquaintance describes Galloway as a place where depopulation has become a tourist attraction. A visit to Carsethorne prompts thoughts of the region’s regrettable emigration history. Past numbers The book costs £15 from local bookshops or online. to Glenkens Gazette page 22 FEBRUARY & MARCH JANUARY Sat 31, Dalry Burns Supper, 7pm, contact 430 454 FEBRUARY Mon 2 - Sun 3 Mar, Exhibition: The Droving Project, contact CatStrand for details (420 374) Thu 12, Ornithology Talk: Hen Harriers and Grouse by Sonja Ludwig, 7.30pm, Kells School, New Galloway Fri 20, Slava Sidorenko, contact CatStrand for details (420 374) Sat 21, Children’s Classic Concerts’ Bongo Fury! Contact CatStrand for details (420 374) Thu 26, SWANC Talk: Small Homes, Huts & Cabins - Rules and Regulations, 7pm, Ken Bridge Hotel, New Galloway MARCH Fri 13, Susan Calman: Lady Like tour, contact CatStrand for details (420 374) Fri 20, The Glenkens Story: Sharing Our History, dropin event from 3.30-7.30pm, Dalry Community Centre, see p20 Dalry Town Hall is currently in need of a new Secretary, and would also welcome anyone who would be interested in helping to run this historic building for the community. Please contact the Chair, Jean Lockerbie on 430 454 for further information. New Galloway Golf Club Family and friends coming to stay? Short of space? www.nggc.co.uk Cosy country cottage available (sleeps 4) Buggies now available for hire Call Fiona on 01644 420 227 Founded 1902 - 01644 420737 VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME www.covenanters-holidaycottagescotland.co.uk Wright’s Shop Dalry Licensed convenience store & newsagent, now including Dalry Post Office. Please come in and see our newly refurbished self-service shop. Opening Times (both shop & PO): Monday to Friday: 7am – 6pm Saturday: 8am – 6pm Sunday: 8.30am – 4pm Tel: 01644 430 225 The Fleet Fish van s in the Glenkens on Tuesdays & Wednesdays every week. Anyone wishing me to call, please phone fleetfishfruitandveg@gm ail.com www.facebook.com/ Thu 24, SWANC Talk: Improving Rural Transport, 7pm, Ken Bridge Hotel, New Galloway APRIL Thu 2, Ornithology: Short Illustrated Talks, 7.30pm, Kells School, New Galloway Correspondence Secretary Required By Carsphairn Community Council. Post runs April to October in the first instance. Salary negotiable, training given. Attendance of CC meetings not necessary. Please email with outline experience and salary expectation: carsphairncc@gmail.com Application closing date: 05/03/15 FHB Fencing Dalry Domestic and Agricultural Fencing 01644 430 495 (Peter) or 07767 795 498 (Jonathan) Glenkens Gazette page 23 REGULAR EVENTS CatStrand (New Galloway): Exercise to Music: Mon, 10-11am Ukelele Group: Mon, 11.15am, 60+ Ukelele Improvers, Mon, 1pm, 60+ Free Computer Training; Beginners & Improvers: Mon (starting 4 Nov), 1.30pm Margaret Morris Movement Adult Dance Class: Mon, 2.30-3.30pm, contact Sara on 01556 612854 Children’s Dance Class: Mon during term time, 3.45-4.45pm age 3-7, 4.30-5.30pm ages 8-15 Let’s Cook: Tues, 10am Carers’ Coffee & Chat: Tues, 10am-12noon Teen Spirit: Tues during term time, 7-8:30pm (P7-S3) and 8-9:30pm (S3+) Gentle Tai Chi: Wed, 10am, 60+ Sing it Out: Thurs, 11am -12pm Pilates: Thurs, 4.15-5.15pm & 5.30-6.30pm Glenkens Acoustic Sessions: last Sun of the month, 2-4pm Glenkens Community Centre (Dalry): (contact Kath 430 281) Glenkens Children’s Club: Mon & Fri, 9.30-11.45am Paint & Art: Mon, 1.30-4.30pm & Wed, 7-9pm Ballroom & Latin Dance Class: Mon, 7.15pm, for more info call Sam Rushton on 420 672 GCC Playgroup: Tues & Thurs, 9.20-11.50am, contact keronh@me.com Good Neighbours’ Club: Tues, 2pm Kickback Martial Arts: Thurs, 79pm Thursday Craft Group: Thurs, 24pm Brownies: Wed, 5.30-6.45pm Guides: Tues during term-time, 6.15pm, contact: Kath 430 281 Various Locations: Afternoon Tea Club: 2nd Fri each month, 2pm Saturday Art Club: 2nd Sat each month, 10am–12noon Zumbatomic: last Sat each month, 10-10.45am Catstrand Youth Players: Sun during term time, 2pm Texas Hold ‘em Poker: Mon, 7.15pm, Cross Keys Hotel, New Galloway Mother & Toddlers: Tues, 9.4511.15am, New Galloway Town Hall Beavers: Tues, 6–7.15pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Dog Training: Tues & Wed, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. Contact: Eric 460 670 Bowling for Beginners: Wed, Balmaclellan Community Council Meetings: 3rd Monday each month, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall. Carsphairn Community Council Meetings: Last Monday each month, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn. Dalry Community Council Meetings: 1st Monday each month, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. New Galloway & Kells Community Council Meetings: 2nd Monday each month, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall. Knit & Blether Club: last Fri each month, 2pm, 60+ Glenkens Community Councils Full minutes of local Community Council meetings can be viewed at Dalry Library. CHURCH OF SCOTLAND: Sundays: Balmaclellan: 12noon 1st, Carsphairn: 10.30am 1st 2nd 3rd 4th, Dalry: 12noon 3rd 4th, Kells: 10.30am 2nd (Mar) 3rd 4th Special Services/Events: Feb - 8th, 10.30am: United Family Service for Dalry and B & K Churches in Dalry Church; 9th, 7.30pm: Fellowship Dinner, Kenbridge Hotel; 21st, 12.30pm: Dalry Church Family Lunch; 27th, 7pm: Beetle Drive, Dalry Town Hall. Mar - 6th, 7pm: World Day of Prayer Service, Carsphairn Church; 8th, 10.30am: United Family Service for Dalry and B & K Churches in Kells Church; 27th, 7pm: Dalry Church Easter Party; 29th, 10.30am: United Service, Dalry Church; 29th, 6.30pm: Faure’s Requiem with Glenkens Church Choir, Carsphairn Church. Communion Services: 22 Feb, 10.30am, Kells Church; 15 Mar, 10.15 am, Carsphairn Church; 15 Mar, 12 noon, Dalry Church. SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH: St Margaret’s, New Galloway: Holy Communion, 10.30am every Sun & Wed CATHOLIC CHURCH SERVICES: Gatehouse of Fleet: Sat, 6pm. Kirkcudbright: Sun, 9.30am. Dalbeattie: Sun, 11am 7pm, Spalding Bowling Club, Dalry (opposite The Garage) Wednesday Quiz Night: Wed, 8.30pm, Cross Keys Hotel, New Galloway Stewartry Camera Club: Wed, 7.30pm, Ringford Village Hall, runs Wed 11 Sept till end Mar Zumba: Wed, 7.30-8.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall, £4 Mossdale Painters: Wed, 9.30am, Mossdale Village Hall Cub Scouts: Wed, 6.45–8pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Carsphairn Post Office: Thurs, 9.30-11.30am, Lagwyne Hall Coffee & Craft Morning: Thurs, 9.30am-12noon, Lagwyne Hall D&G Hard of Hearing Group Drop-in: 1st Friday each month, 10am-12noon, New Galloway Town Hall. Scouts: Thurs, 7–8.30pm, New Galloway Scout Hut To hire the MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) behind Dalry School call Sonja Tranter on 430 244 or Nicolette Wise on 430 218. Dalry Library Tue: 2-4.30pm & 5.30-7.30pm Fri: 11.15am-1:15pm & 2-4.30pm. There are 23 mobile library stops - to find out where and when please phone 430 234. ADVERTISE IN THE GAZETTE (price per issue incl VAT) SMALL: 6cm x 6cm, £37.80 (+ 10% off with series discount) 1/4 PAGE: 9cm w x 13cm h, £81.90 (+ 25% off with series discount) 1/2 PAGE: 18cm w x 13cm h, £151.20 (+ 25% off with series discount) FULL PAGE: 18cm w x 27cm h, £252 (+ 25% off with series discount) Call 07727 127 997 VAT Reg. No. 882 8361 87 USEFUL NUMBERS: ● Pot-hole Hotline: 0845 276 0000 ● Local Police: 0845 600 5701 ● Doctor: 01644 420 234 ● NHS 24: 08454 24 24 24 ● D&G Council: 030 33 33 3000 Glenkens Gazette page 24 GET INVOLVED WITH WATSON BIRDS The Watson Birds project wishes all of you a Happy New Year! So what’s on for Watson Birds in 2015? As a small charity in a community our engagement with local residents is vital. We aim to provide events and activities throughout the year to keep you all enthused and informed on the development of Watson Birds. Our first item involves a visit to Dalry secondary school, where Watson Birds project officer Lynsay Bradford and RSPB events & learning officer, Kirsty Griffiths, will be helping the pupils understand and develop useful skills for the Big Garden Bird Watch 2015. The children will learn about Donald Watson, his passion for bird watching and how they can help gather valuable information. The results and pictures from this event will be on www.watsonbirds.org Dalry pupils will also be participating in Robert Burns festivities, but with a twist. Linda Biggar, a secondary school teacher, will get the pupils to analyse a poem by Rabbie about birds. They will work out what bird species were mentioned in the poem and using online resources research each bird mentioned to create an informative poster for the Watson Birds project to display. Later in the year Watson Birds hopes to create events such as an art competition, Songs in the Park with a songbird specialists and possibly a public art display to reflect the changes in Dalry and memories of Donald Watson and his family. Speaking of memories, project officer Lynsay is looking for local young people to help gather a beautiful public space offerimg memories of Donald Watson a multifunctional area for the from the local community and community and local schools record them orally to preserve to use. However, it is currently those precious moments for ever. overgrown and unsafe for school An informal event will be held visits which is why we require which will help create an archive your help - so please get in touch for Watson Birds, promote if you would like to be involved. future events, and volunteers Lynsay says: “I believe that can also gain a vital Duke of this club will be a stepping-stone Edinburgh Award for volunteering for the project. It will get local and community engagement. people involved and help the If you are interested, require community gain ownership of information or know of somebody the project as well as develop a with lots of local stories and safe and social environment for memories that include the everyone to meet in”. Watson family we would love If you would like to be to hear from you - please see involved or find out more contact details at the end of this please contact Lynsay article. on 07718700978 or Plans for Barone, Donald lynsay@watsonbirds.org Watson’s former home in Dalry, are under discussion at present and an update will be posted in due course on the Watson Birds website. However, we are planning to get local Watson Birds Project needs your help to create a community garden! people involved as much as we · Be part of a team · Learn new skills can, so we’ve · Develop local areas decided to start a · Get outdoors and active new group - the · Volunteer & boost your CV Watson Garden Club. The club Our vision: will run on a ü Volunteer run community garden group volunteer basis ü Sharing of knowledge and skills and will require ü Develop a beautiful public space ü Create and area for outdoor education a small group of ü Sensory garden locals to commit to meeting on a regular basis Interested? to maintain All we need is your interest and commitment to get the Watson Garden the garden at Group up and running. For information please contact Lynsay on Barone. It is intended that the 07718700978 or email Lynsay@watsonbirds.org garden become 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 86 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GG_086 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 2015 Description An account of the resource Editor: Sarah Ade https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/1/233/GlenkensGazette87.pdf 9bef2c668c441f06d0dbcb3f04e8708e 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 87 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 2015 ISSUE 87 FREE Great News for Local Children’s Groups It’s been a good few months for the preschool community groups in the Glenkens. More than £14,000 of funding has been secured to maintain their existence for at least the next 18 months, which means they can all plan for success instead of existing term to term. Nearly 30% of the funding has come from very local individuals, charitable groups and employers, which is a fantastic testament to the social commitment and sustainability of our area. GCC Playgroup has secured a second grant from the Big Lottery Community and Families fund, which will assure its future until at least August 2016. GCC Playgroup chair, Helen Keron, said: “We were delighted to be allocated this money from the Children enjoying the GCC Playgroup. Big Lottery, as it represents a are doing a fantastic job in real vote of confidence in what giving the little ones their very we are achieving at Playgroup. first taste of independence and We have had 10 children on learning in a fun and secure the books so far this year, with environment, and the children another five expected before all love it”. the summer. Sue and Chrissy Continued on p6..... MAGIC MEMORY FOR MATHS Dalry S1 pupil and ‘Memory Marvel’ Annabelle McAdam managed the astonishing feat of memorising pi to 28 digits. Annabelle McAdam It took her about six minutes to memorise the numbers and A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) ini�a�ve she could then repeat them. Five days later she could still repeat the series of numbers with no warning and with only two errors. Maths teacher Mr Bannister said: “I am amazed and wanted to know how Annabelle managed it”. Annabelle said: “We do Kim’s game a lot at Guides and I said the numbers over and over to memorise them”. www.glenkensgaze�e.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 2 CATSTRAND RECOVERY IN FULL SWING The flood recovery work at the CatStrand is in full swing now, with the stripping out of damp internals completed and the drying out commenced as we go to press. The water damage was such that the building will be stripped back to solid walls a metre up from the ground in most places. All floors, the mobile seating in the auditorium and all kitchen and shop units will be removed. This very comprehensive stripping out allows for absolute assurance during the drying phase, which is expected to take three weeks. Once the building has been certified dry, then the re-fit can commence. The current expected re-opening date is July 2015. The insurers are being very supportive of all the issues, and will cover full replacement back to the original standard, including damaged art installations. The CatStrand team is taking the opportunity to see how the building layout can be optimised to improve the experiences of visitors, but the footprint and the feel of the building will remain unchanged from before the flood. The Flood Risk Assessment, including a full topographical survey of the catchment area for the burn, is also underway and, although not complete, is already suggesting some structural changes that will absolutely minimise the risk of a repeat event. D&G Council are also designing a new headwall for the burn inlet which will be constructed in association with rebuilding the boundary wall. The CatStrand programme of events continues largely unchanged, now at various venues across the Glenkens villages. Do keep on supporting the venture by attending performances if you can - some non-New Galloway ����������������� ��������� ��������������������� ������������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������� �������������������������� ��������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������� ��������������������������� ����������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������������� ���������������������� ������������������������������������������������ ��������������������������������������������� ������������� ��������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������ ��������������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������������� ������������������������������������� �������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������ ������������������������������� �������������������������������������������������������� MINDFULNESS people have already reported that they are enjoying the unexpected upside of being able to walk to events! There is a fundraising event planned for the CatStrand to help with the inevitable costs not covered by the insurance. It will be a table dinner and dance at New Galloway Town Hall on 16 May. If you would like to host a table or donate a prize for auction, get in touch with Margaret Watson through the CatStrand on 01644 420 374. Finally, the team at the CatStrand would like to thank all members of the Glenkens community for their ongoing support of our efforts. It remains a difficult time, and we are all missing our beautiful building. But thanks to an enormous amount of hard work by a lot of people - staff, directors and volunteers alike - we are on track to be back up and running just as soon as possible. Thanks again to all. GLENKENS CLUBS & SOCIETIES FAIR Dalry Community Council is planning an event in September to showcase the many and varied clubs and societies that operate across the Glenkens. It is hoped to be held in the Glenkens Community Centre and Dalry school hall and will provide a one-stop shop where you can come along and see all the different opportunities available in the local area. From toddler groups to karate to craft groups to Good Neighbours, and with at least 20 others in between, there really is something for every age on offer in the Glenkens. We want to celebrate this and let everyone know what’s out there. More details will be published closer to the time, but mark 12 September from 10am to 12noon in your diaries and come along to see what new people you could meet and new activities you could take part in. Contact Nicolette Wise of Dalry Community Council for more details or offers of help on 430 218 or nicolettewise@aol.com. Glenkens Gazette Photo of the Issue: COMMUNITY Sponsored by the Ken Bridge Hotel page 3 SHOP BID ENTERS NEXT STAGE The process of buying the New Galloway shop for the community has moved into its next phase with an application being prepared for initial project funding. This funding will pay for the professional preparation of the detailed business proposal that is required before an application can be made for a grant to purchase the shop. As the Gazette went to press a public meeting had been organised by the New Galloway shop steering group to update the community on developments and to set up a formal organisation to prepare and submit the bid for initial project funding. The proposal to purchase the shop received substantial backing from the community last year but if our grant applications, firstly for initial project funding and subsequently for the purchase of the shop, are to succeed, we will need to provide funders with evidence of continuing widespread support in the community. Please look out for posters and flyers with reports of progress and requests for further assistance. For further information or to get involved, contact Helen Keron on keronh@me or 01644 420 656. THE KEN BRIDGE HOTEL New Galloway This issue’s winner is Michelle Bell with her ‘Cheeky Wee Fox’. Dave and Sue, competition judges and owners of the Ken Bridge Hotel, said: “An interesting selection but we think that ‘Bold le Renard’ realising he’s been caught and looking straight at the camera is fun.” Michelle wins a meal for two at the Ken Bridge Hotel’s renowned Sunday Carvery. Local Lib Dem Open 7 Days - Beautiful Riverside Location MEALS SERVED Candidate 12.00 - 2.00pm, 5.30 - 8.30pm The chair of Carsphairn Community Council has announced he intends to stand as the Liberal Democrat general election candidate for the Dumfries and Galloway constituency. Andrew Metcalf is also vice chair of the Carsphairn Community Trust, a director of Carsphairn Renewable Energy Fund Ltd, a board member of the IT Centre in Castle Douglas, chair of Clachan Fair Dalry and a director of Stewartry Council for Voluntary Service. Bed & breakfast en suite accommodation 01644 420 211 mail@kenbridgehotel.co.uk www.kenbridgehotel.co.uk NEW WEDDING BROCHURE NOW AVAILABLE Glenkens Gazette page 4 sponsored by EVERYTHING listed in the Glenkens Freecycle section is FREE - you just need to contact the owner and go and pick it up! If you would like to list something on this page, please get in touch with Sarah on 07727 127 997 or email glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk Various 14-inch Technosonic TV with built-in VHS player and recorder; Pacific 240v DVD player; golf clubs, 3-9 irons, right handed. Contact Nigel on 460 545 19” TV, good working order. Contact: 460 235 Cardboard packing boxes as used by removal firms. Contact: Sue on 07563 718011 Epsom Stylus Photo 1400 colour printer - A4 and A3 + lots of colour cartridges. As new. Donation to Mary’s Meals would be appreciated. Contact: 450 265 for more details. Four brown leather sofas (the ones from the cafe/ gallery at the CatStrand). Some water damage as they got wet around the bottom during the flood but if dried out should be ok. Contact: Brian or Lindsey on 420 374 WANTED Tin sheets. Contact: Simon on 07426 124 982 SPALDING BOWLING CLUB Spalding Bowling Club in Dalry will open for play on 18 April at 2pm. After the silver jack has been played and the green declared open for the season there will be tea and biscuits. GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway � 01644 420234 � 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 OPENING FRIDAY, APRIL 3RD THE STICKETY LICKETY TEAHOUSE at Barstobrick Visitors Centre nr Ringford, DG7 2AT OPEN 10am till 4pm FROM WEDNESDAY TO SUNDAY LUNCHES BRUNCHES, SNACKS, CAKES COFFEES & SUNDAY ROASTS FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL � Everyone is then invited to play in a friendly game between the President and the Vice President. All are welcome to come along to play or watch - it would be lovely to see you there. Eliz Peacock � Also enjoy county walks, fishing, horse-riding and enter our FREE Easter Wildlife Quiz to win a prize. A Great Day Out For All the Family! ��������������������� �������������������������������� �������������������������� ������������������ �� ������������ Glenkens Gazette page 5 sponsored by For the first time ever, two of Scotland’s prestigious nature festivals are uniting to showcase over 150 family-friendly events taking place in the south of Scotland throughout April, May and June. Dumfries & Galloway Wild Spring Festival (Scotland’s largest and longestrunning wildlife festival) has joined forces with the Scottish Borders Nature Festival to celebrate the diversity of flora and fauna that can be discovered throughout the area in a fascinating programme of events. To mark Scotland’s Year of Food & Drink, both festivals are also set to reveal a series of events with a special focus on the area’s outstanding natural larder. Almost all events will be free or charge a modest admission of around £6 per person. Most are led by local wildlife or conservation experts and take in a host of natural delights including the iconic red squirrel, migrating geese, bats, badgers, butterflies and moths, otters, red kites, osprey, red deer, goats, gannets and sharks. Project Manager for the Southern Uplands Partnership and spokesperson for the South of Scotland Wild Festivals, Pip Tabor, said: “By uniting Dumfries & Galloway Wild Spring Festival and the Scottish Borders Nature Festival we hope to shine a spotlight on the naturally inspiring countryside, forests, gardens and coastline (around 250 miles of it) across the south of Scotland. “There are so many wonderful experiences on offer for families and wildlife enthusiasts from near and far to discover the outstanding areas of natural beauty in Dumfries & Galloway and the Scottish Borders. Many events at these festivals are free and the local nature reserves and forestry visitor centres are second to none, offering the perfect way to get out in the fresh air and explore the south of Scotland this Spring.” Organisations staging festival events include the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), the Forestry Commission, the Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT), the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT), Borders Forest Trust, Scottish Borders Council and Dumfries & Galloway Council, as well as a variety of independent local heritage attractions and estates. and hand-held thermal camera units for all participants to use on the tour. • Wild Forest Food: the Future in Ettrick Forest at Corehead Farm. Join the Borders Forest Trust for a walk in the young native woodland that is helping to restore the historic Ettrick Forest. Identify the trees, learn about their folklore and sample some of the food produce that the forest will provide, such as cob nut biscuits and birch sap cordial. (Saturday 25 May). • Moth Breakfast at Whitmuir Organics, West Linton: Enjoy some delicious local produce for breakfast while overnight moth traps are opened and the beasties are identified and released. (Saturday 6 June). • Arty Otters at Harestanes Visitor Centre: Visitors can drop into the Harestanes Countryside Visitor Centre and make their own otter inspired artwork under tuition. (Saturday 23 May) **Booking is essential for some of the events – please see the website for further information on dates, times, costs and kit required. For the latest news about the Dumfries & Galloway Wild Spring Festival and the Scottish Borders Nature Festival visit www.wildseasons.co.uk “There are so many wonderful experiences on offer for families and wildlife enthusiasts from near and far to discover the outstanding areas of natural beauty...” The full programme will be announced soon but highlights include: • Stars ‘n’ Stripes Badger Watching at Caerlaverock WWT: Witness these fascinating nocturnal creatures from a cosy vantage point with a mug of hot chocolate in hand. (Monday 6 April to Sunday 19 April from 8pm) • Wilderness Canoe Trip at Galloway Activity Centre: Take a peaceful paddle along picturesque Loch Ken, one of the best ways to spot wildlife (daily throughout the Dumfries & Galloway Wild Spring Festival) • Nocturnal Wildlife Tours in Dumfries & Galloway: The Dumfries & Galloway Wild Spring festival will see the launch of the first ever nocturnal wildlife tours of their kind in the UK. The tour will involve transport in a vehicle fitted with thermal night vision Male siskin. Glenkens Gazette page 6 Children’s Groups Secured Continued from front page... Playgroup is open for children aged two and three on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings in the Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry. It runs from 09.10am to 11.40am and costs £5 for two year olds - three year olds are free. Ring Sue Curtis, Playgroup Manager, on 07935 882 470 with any enquiries. Glenkens Children’s Club (GCC) was also delighted to be offered core funding by Natural Power Consultants. This grant will assure the future of GCC for this year and the next, and it is hoped to use the funds for matching other donations. GCC has also been most generously supported this year by the Glenkens Community Shop, the Guild at St Margaret’s Church, Mrs Annikki Lindsay’s Open Garden and the employees of Natural Power, for which they are also extremely grateful. Children’s Club runs on Monday and Friday mornings, also at the Glenkens Community Centre, welcoming group. And finally, New Galloway Mother & Toddlers group was also delighted to receive funding from the Glenkens Community Shop in their latest round of community grants. Fiona Oliver, chair of the group, said; “We are extremely grateful to the Glenkens Community Shop for this Grant donation. Please continue to use and support the Glenkens Community Shop. Without grants such as these our local groups would struggle to provide a wide range of activities and amenities for our rural but thriving community.” New Galloway Mother & Toddlers Group runs in New Galloway Town Hall every Tuesday morning, 9.45am to 11.30am through term-time and cost £2 for a snack-aged child and £1 per additional child. Glenkens Children’s Club (GCC) was also delighted to be offered core funding by Natural Power Consultants. This grant will assure the future of GCC for this year and the next... from 09.30am to 11.30am. It is a ‘Stay & Play’ toddler group, for children aged 0-3 with their relevant adult. It costs £2 for the first child, £1 for subsequent children - if you’ve got preschool children at home, do come along to this friendly and Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents Selling properties across Dumfries & Galloway 01556 503744 www.ggblaw.co.uk All legal advice Offices in Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie Kirkcudbright and Dumfries Glenkens Gazette page 7 CatStrand Update The CatStrand events have been relocated and in some cases the dates have changed too. For more information and updates please check the website (www.catstrand.com), facebook page (www.facebook.com/ thecatstrand) or call the CatStrand on 01644 420 374. Don’t miss the concert from Rura at Dalry Town Hall on 15 April. This fresh young act is at the forefront of Scottish folk, presenting flute, whistle, fiddle, bodhran and the voice of extraordinary singer/songwriter Adam Holmes. Salthouse David Ross will present a talk on the histories of the two old companies which operated on the Dumfries-Stranraer railway. The Port Road: Men, Mails, and Mechinations will take place at The Ken Bridge Rura Hotel on 22 April. Folk fusion band Salt House will round off the spring season with a programme including the reworking of old ballads along side their own writing lead by the stunning voice of Siobhan Miller. Taking place at Balmaclellan Village Hall on 24 April. Critically acclaimed drama Normal/Madness by Kidder Theatre will be presented in partnership with the Dumfries and Galloway arts festival on Friday the 22nd of May. Based on the real experiences of writer Fiona Geddes, the play explores the journey of understanding for a young woman caring for her schizophrenic mother. The CatStrand Team NEW GALLOWAY GOLF CLUB With the return of spring New Galloway Golf Club is now open for the season. The course has come through the winter well and with the renovation of the fourth medal tee everything looks bright for the Club. In conjunction with Club Golf, New Galloway members are also introducing an extensive junior coaching package with coaching sessions in local schools and on the course itself. The first of these sessions will be held over the Easter holidays, on 13, 15 and 17 April from 10am to 12noon. All youngsters are very welcome to attend. Further information can be obtained from the Club’s junior convenor, David Aitken, on 460 556. Ian Brown Glenkens Gazette page 8 DALRY ANGLING ASSOCIATION Dalry Angling Association have commenced stocking of Carsfad Loch, and the plan is to stock Earlstoun Loch and the River Ken during the course of the season. Memberships fees for 2015 are now due - fees remain the same as last year: Adults £15, juniors £1 (up to school leaving age) and full-time students £5. Memberships can be paid at the offices of Brandecosse Ltd at the back of Wrights Shop. Photo: New Galloway resident James Anderson with an 8lb brown trout caught on the River Ken outside Dalry. Glenkens Transport Initiative Wednesday Evening Bus Service GTI Excursions 2015 (registered route) April 9th Thursday Dalry to Castle Douglas and Back 1900 1905 1915 1925 1930 1937 1940 Outward Journey Depart Dalry (Underhill) New Galloway Mossdale Lauriston Townhead of Greenlaw Castle Douglas (Market Street) Castle Douglas (Tesco) 2035 2037 2047 2050 2100 2110 2115 Return Journey Depart Castle Douglas (Tesco) Castle Doulgas (Market Street) Townhead of Greenlaw Laurieston Mossdale New Galloway Dalry Enjoy the spring blossoms at this wonderful garden. Logan Botanic Gardens Fare £6/ concession £5. Admission to gardens: adult £6.00/ concession £5.00 April 23nd Thursday Lake District Fare £7/ Concession £6 Suggestions are invited for one or two excursions in May and throughout the summer. If there’s somewhere you’d like to go and you think others would too, email Glen on gti@catstrand.com or phone 01644 420374. GTI has 8 and 16 seat minibuses for hire. Hirers must be registered GTI user groups. For more information or to book call 01644 420374. W BONE WHB JEEPS THE GARAGE, DALRY PETROL & DIESEL SALES SERVICE & REPAIRS MOTs, TYRES, BATTERIES ALL AT COMPETITIVE PRICES OPEN 8.30AM - 6.00PM (SIX DAYS) 10AM - 6PM SUNDAYS - FUEL 24 HOURS SHOP • SANDWICH BAR • LOTTERY Tel: 01644 430208 Fax: 01644 430669 jeeps@whbjeeps.co.uk www.whbjeeps.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 9 Mossdale: New Village Hall? Mossdale Village Hall is in need of some repairs. As age comes to us all, the hall is no stranger to this and is now showing its years. The well-used stage is no longer fit to produce any music, let alone an encore. The walls have many a ‘smile line’ and the floor has been danced upon to its exhaustion. There is a notion to build a new hall which will allow us as a committee to provide some more added extra annual events to our local and wider community. A new hall would provide exciting new premises and enable us to welcome friends old and new to Hole in the stage. The Clachan Inn, Dalry, is open every day from 12 noon serving great food, awardwinning ale and offering a variety of live music. Food is served from 12 noon to 2pm and 6pm to 9pm and booking is recommended at peak times (current menu can be viewed on our website). Come and experience award-winning cask ales and a great selection of wines, malts, ciders, beers and freshly ground coffee. With summer on its way there are plenty of events planned at the Clachan - keep an eye on the boards outside for all up coming events. 01644 430241 mail@theclachaninn.co.uk Come and check out our new Spring Menu! Mossdale Village Hall. a greater variety of entertainment and sporting activities and other events. Please look out for further details and a questionnaire coming your way as we welcome your views and ideas as to how we can utilise the new fabulous community facility. Exciting times are upon us and we look forward to sharing them with you all. Michelle Bell, Secretary, Mossdale Village Hall Committee, Glenkens Gazette page 10 CARSPHAIRN TREASURE HUNTERS This term, the pupils at Carsphairn Primary School have been learning about history. Since this term is particularly long, we have decided to look at history in three different ways. By learning about the Egyptians we will learn about ancient history, by learning about the Titanic we can discover more modern history and we are also finding out about how we learn about history. We started the term focusing on Egypt, and the kids have done some independent research to write a class report about the Ancient Egyptians. We used a combination of books from our library and chose the best websites on the internet to find information. We then went through the seven steps of writing to produce our reports on several different aspects of Ancient Egyptian life. We also constructed our own sarcophogi, and looked at the process of mummification – which we all agreed was pretty gross! Next we started learning about the Titanic. For homework, we were all tasked with the job of constructing scaled models of the ship using recycled materials. We think our parents enjoyed this as much as we did! We also learned about the details of what happened on the fateful night that the Titanic struck the iceberg, and why it mattered if you were travelling in first class or third class. Finally, to celebrate everything we will have learned this term about the Titanic, we are going on a school trip to Belfast to see the Titanic Belfast Exhibition. It will be a long day, but we are looking forward to taking our own boat/ferry journey across the water to Northern Ireland. Finally, we have been really lucky to have Beyond the Beep visit our school to teach us all about responsible metal detecting, which fits in very well with the outdoor learning ethos at our school. Sharon and Derek from Beyond the Beep were able to provide us with all the metal detecting and digging equipment and expertise required to search the fields behind our school grounds. We unearthed all kinds of artefacts such as old toys, coins and other random items, and we are still researching to find out as much as we can about everything we have discovered. It has been a really great way to learn that we Summer Events in Wigtown This summer Wigtown has some great events, including their renowned Wigtown Book Festival. Wigtown Writers’ Gathering: Fri 1 May, 9.30am to 4.30pm, County Buildings, Wigtown. The Spring Kist and Tearoom: Sat 2 and Sun 3 May, 10am to 4pm, County Buildings, Wigtown. Wigtown Spring Book Weekend: 1, 2 and 3 May. Wigtown Book Festival Dinner & Charity Auction: Fri 15 May, 7pm, County Buildings, Wigtown. Lorna Reid in Concert: Sat 23 May, 7.30pm, Wigtown Primary School, New Road, Wigtown. Wigtown Poetry Competition 2015: main prize £1500, closing date is Fri 29 May. For more on these events please visit www.wigtownbooktown.co.uk or www.dgartsfestival.org.uk have loads of history right in our own backyard! To show off all that we have been learning about history, we will be having an open house at the school at 10am on 2 April. Everyone is invited and we would love to have you visit our wonderful wee school. So if you are interested in history, or just want to see what the pupils at Carsphairn have been up to, we hope we can see you in April. Walker McKenna Glenkens Gazette page 11 Glenkens Gazette page 12 Glenkens Gazette page 13 Glenkens Gazette page 14 Glenkens Gazette page 15 MAKING THE MOST OF OPPORTUNITIES Since Christmas, young people in the Glenkens have been getting out and about to a range of events. In February, Dalry School pupils Erin McGaw from S2 and Rebekah Phillips from S3 participated in their first Procurator Fiscal’s Public Speaking competition at St Joseph’s College in Dumfries. Taking it in their stride, they spoke very well on a difficult subject of ‘Society thinks that everyone should be thin and beautiful’ with the Dalry team speaking to the title ‘Society needs healthy bodies and beautiful minds’. The girls were congratulated on their teamwork and research. The feedback they got was constructive and their scores for a first outing were very impressive. Jordan Lawrie (S3) of Dalry School recently travelled to Bathgate Academy to compete at national level in the National Schools Table Tennis Championships. Winning two and losing two games, Jordan has come back with an experience at national level and some useful advice. The support of his family in attending both the competition and training opportunities in Dumfries is not to be underestimated and very much appreciated by Jordan. The Primary Regional Cross Country was attended by a number of P5, P6 and P7 students from Dalry and Kells primary schools. The young people ran really well and have set themselves new targets for next year. William Nash came fourth in the P7 boys’ event and has gone on to compete independently in Stranraer the following weekend, where he ran 1400 metres and came third with a time of five minutes and 35 seconds. Dalry School representatives from S1 and S2 descended on Bladnoch Rugby Club along with The winning ‘Group Music Making’ team of Dalry P3/4/5 at the Galloway Music Festival. over a hundred other young Seniors came away with the people from D&G schools for the Newton Stewart Bowling Club Senior Regional Cross country Trophy for their percussion event. All our young people playing. completed their courses showing We have been proud of the way perseverance in some cold and the students have been prepared boggy conditions. to push their boundaries and In March Dalry School S1 expand their experiences. Now boys had their first taste of the they are looking forward to new pitch at Palmerston, where they challenges in the summer term. took part in the regional seven-a-side ‘Cashback Sevens’ competition. They enjoyed the experience and learned a lot from it. The Galloway Music Festival in Newton Stewart gave a platform for the youthful musical talent of the Glenkens. Postal address: Dalry P3/4/ Unit 7 5 won their Loreburn Shopping Centre ‘Group Music High Street, Dumfries, DG1 2BD Making’ class Email: and many other aileen.mcleod.msp@scottish.parliament.uk students from Tel: Dalry and Kells 01387 255 334 performed well in a wide range Please check of classes, both as individual www.aileenmcleod.org and group for regular surgery, constituency performances. and parliamentary updates The Dalry Aileen McLeod MSP working for you across the South of Scotland Glenkens Gazette THIS SPRING WITH WATSON BIRDS Come to Dalry in April and join in a range of bird-related activity. Golden Eagle Egg Hunt: Thursday 9 April, 12.30-3.30pm beginning at Barone (54 Main, Street, Dalry). Join the Watson Birds Project for a Golden Eagle Egg Hunt around St John Town of Dalry. Start at Barone and get a map for clues to find the eggs. When you find the egg, however, be careful not to move it as mummy Eagle will be watching! Simply write the code on paper provided - the aim is to find all the codes and return back to Barone. Donald Watson Birds Trail: Tuesday 14 April, 12.30– 3.30pm. Meeting at Barone (54 Main Street, Dalry). Start at Barone and witness your first spot of the day, on the back of the bird lies a clue to the next. Simply follow the clues to the next bird, remember when you find each clue to write the name of the species that you find. A fun day out for the family and a great learning experience. Bird Ringing Barone Garden: Sat 25 April, drop-in session from 9am - 12noon with Andrew Bielinski, North Solway Ringing Group, at Barone (54 Main St, Dalry). Bird ringing or bird banding is a technique used in the study of wild birds, by attaching a small, individually ����������������������������������������������������� numbered, or plastic • Pensions • Savings • Investments metal tag to their • Retirement Options legs or wings, so that various • Inheritance Tax Planning aspects of the • Life Assurance bird’s life can • Income & Critical Illness be studied by Protection • Mortgages • Home Insurance Free Confidential Initial Consultation Tel: 01671 403080 Fax:- 01671 402549 Email: brian.edgar@marrfinancial.co.uk Web: www.marrfinancial.co.uk 61 Victoria Street NEWTON STEWART, DG8 6NL **NEW** Yorkshire Building Society Agency – Now Open Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. For mortgages we can be paid by commission or a fee of usually £300 or a combination of both. For Home Insurance we usually offer products from a limited panel of providers. page 16 the measurements taken during the capture, such as moult, fat content, age, sex, wing and tail. An added bonus is when the bird is recaptured later, providing information on migration, longevity, mortality, population numbers and feeding behaviour. Wildlife and Bird Photography Competition: open from 2 April, closing date Saturday 2 May. Watson Birds Project encourages you to capture stunning images of wildlife and birds around the Glenkens. The competition is separated into three categories - ages 5-13, ages 13-18, and 18+. Do you think you’ve got what it takes to capture the winning photograph? If so, give it a go - simply email the final image to lynsaybradford @gmail.com, along with your name, age (if you are under 18), address and contact details by Saturday 2 May 2015. Please put WATSON BIRDS PHOTO COMP as subject. We will then choose three winning photographs from each category. Entries are submitted on the understanding that they may be reproduced on the website and other publications of the Watson Bird Project. Glenkens Gazette page 17 CatStrand Youth Players The Youth Players entered two plays for this year’s Scottish Community Drama Association Festival with the Stewartry District round being held at the Fullarton Theatre over five sessions from 25 to 28 February. Amateur drama is certainly flourishing in the Stewartry and this, once again, was by far the biggest festival in Scotland with 14 entries. The Youth Players’ ambitious production of ‘I Never Saw Another Butterfly’ by Celeste Raspanti was placed third, winning the Aitchison Trophy. The play was a very moving piece of theatre with demanding roles for the three main characters played by Zoe Kirkpatrick, Eleanor Jones and Mathew Godridge ably supported by another eight young actors. The story was based on the true account of a Czech Holocaust survivor, Raja Englanderova, who was held in the Jewish Ghetto of Terezin near Prague during the German occupation. The adjudicator also seemed very impressed to the point where his public adjudication suggested that a higher place than third was forthcoming. The audience feedback too was very positive and hopes were high as the Saturday evening presentations approached but in the end it was to be third place this time. The cast are very grateful to Iva Pennington for all her help with the pronunciation of all the Czech words and names in the script. The second production was ‘Dream Jobs’ by Graham Jones, a well known piece of youth theatre depicting the plight of five teenage girls as they wait for an interview with their careers adviser. Each of them has a dream job, all of them either a bit too glamorous or academically beyond the limited The CatStrand Youth Players cast of ‘I Never Saw Another Butterfly’. ability of the girls. a fashion model whilst walking Each character had their spot in on crutches after unfortunately the limelight as they acted out a breaking her ankle a few weeks scene based on their glamour jobs ago. such as a fashion model, a dancer Both plays were directed by or an air hostess. Slowly they Brian Edgar with sound effects came to realise that none of them and music by Simon Davidson. was ever going to achieve their The plays will be presented ‘Dream Jobs’, except for Joan who again in Dalry Town Hall only ever wanted to get married during April, at the time of and have a family – it transpired going to press the date had that she had achieved part of her not been finalised but please ambition already, although not in look out for the posters, check the way she would have liked, as www.catstrand.com or phone she was expecting a baby. The 420 374 for further details. adjudicator also praised the cast of Dream Jobs for their strong characterisations and particularly praised the ‘fantasy’ scenes where they left reality and overplayed Supplying sand and gravel for all their idealistic your farming needs, as well as perception of households and businesses both their dream job. Whilst this large and small. production wasn’t We stock washed fine sand, coarse sand and placed this time it also received gravels at competitive prices. high marks and was very well received by the For further details contact: audience. Angus Wilson, Quarry Manager - 07715 606 685 There were James Mair - 07793 085 243 many memorable Email: loch.bargatton@live.co.uk comedy Bargatton Quarry, Laurieston, Castle Douglas, DG7 2PS moments, not least the game attempts of Lucy Olley, who was playing Delivery can be arranged - subject to quantity Angela, to act out her scene as Bargatton Sand & Gravel Open 7 days Mon-Fri Weekends by arrangement Glenkens Gazette URG AND I: Part I One man’s story of living with a broken ankle... I broke my ankle. It’s a very weird experience for me, as I’ve never broken a bone before. Now all my routines, assumptions, and predispositions are suspended or questioned. To begin with I thought it was just a sprain. Couple of days off work. No sweat. Then I thought I’d better check with the doctor, get an X-ray maybe. The next day I was in hospital and had a ‘slab’ (a bulky bandage/cast hybrid designed to support the limb) put on it. Next Thursday I get a full cast which will bring a whole new set of experiences. Until then I am adjusting to the brick attached to my left leg, to the almost continuous (although rarely intense) pain, to one-legged and double-crutched hopping, and various other little (or not so little) discomforts that arrived unexpected and unannounced, in company with this throbbing lump. I shall call it Urg. Living alone I have no-one to beg favours of when Urg makes things difficult. My house is small and merrily cluttered (some would say ‘a complete mess’) and I have found that negotiating (on crutches) the fermenting blackberry wine, the easel, bookshelves and two tables while carrying a cup of coffee is impossible. So I leave the crutches by the sink, hop around the wine, and, leaning on the easel here or a bookshelf there, gradually make my way to the couch, set my coffee on the table and then return, hop-foot, for the crutches. Urg complains throughout the duration of this safari. Going to bed is fun. I have to climb a set of polished wood stairs. Urg refuses to co-operate, so I leave the crutches at the page 18 And Urg has to be in just the right position before he will settle down, otherwise he complains painfully. As for rolling over or adjusting my (or Urg’s) position - well, even if he does want to move he complains when we do. This normally brief little adjustment has become a slow, delicate and painful affair. Eventually of course we fall asleep. Then we wake up. That happens two or three times. Then we wake up and it is morning. At this point a third character becomes involved. His name is Senor Bladder. It doesn’t matter if Urg and I are perfectly happy, warm and comfortable and have no desire to move, Senor Bladder is very insistent. So Urg and I have to take Senor Bladder downstairs. Urg objects. Nevertheless we are forced to once again slide laboriously downstairs to where I left the crutches. Now here’s a warning. When moving from a high point (a stair) into crutches, beware the tendency to pivot forward uncontrollably. I nearly poled through the front window this morning. Only tripping over the couch saved me. Urg was not amused. Anyway, once Senor Bladder is calmed down Urg and I sit and watch the day loom. That’s what we’re doing now. Watching the day loom. We do have one thing to look forward to. This afternoon we’re going to have a bath. I haven’t told Urg yet. Kevin Ade So I leave the crutches by the sink, hop around the wine, and, leaning on the easel here or a bookshelf there... Urg complains throughout the duration of this safari. New Galloway Golf Club bottom and clamber backwards, one step at a time, up to the second floor and into my room, holding Urg in the air all the way. Then there’s getting into bed. I can’t just slip Urg between the covers like the little eel on my other leg. I have to flip the bedclothes back, gently lift Urg into place upon the mattress, cover him with the bedclothes and then use the little eel to adjust them around Urg if need be – which is usually the case. Family and friends coming to stay? Short of space? www.nggc.co.uk Cosy country cottage available (sleeps 4) Buggies now available for hire Call Fiona on 01644 420 227 Founded 1902 - 01644 420737 VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME www.covenanters-holidaycottagescotland.co.uk FHB Fencing Dalry Domestic and Agricultural Fencing 01644 430 495 (Peter) or 07767 795 498 (Jonathan) Glenkens Gazette page 19 Exploring the World of Work One of the big issues young people face when thinking about the future is a lack of experience and knowledge about the seemingly endless possibilities in the world of work. Dalry is seeking to enlist the help of the community in developing weekly ‘case studies’ of different jobs which can be shared, in person, with groups of young people. We know we have adults in the community who between them have a wealth of experience to share and if we can encourage large numbers of you to spare us a small amount of time each, then the young people of the Glenkens will be in a stronger position to make their choices for the future. If you would be prepared to talk about your job for about 10 minutes, based on a series of short questions, and then be prepared to answer any questions that arise, for no more than five more minutes, probably on a Wednesday afternoon at either 1.30pm or 3.10pm, then I would be very interested in hearing from you. We know many of you have been working for yourselves in ‘niche’ employment and your enterprising approach could be a great inspiration to others. This is all about awareness-raising and different stories, presented by someone from outside school, are very powerful. Please get in touch with the school office on 01644 430259 and leave your name, job title, ALEX FERGUSSON MSP FOR GALLOWAY & WEST DUMFRIES Holds regular advice surgeries at: Constituency Office, New Market Street, Castle Douglas, DG7 1HY on the 2nd Friday of every month from 5pm Telephone free on 0800 028 7260 for an appointment or to make any alternative arrangement. You can visit Alex’s website at: www.alexfergusson.org.uk or contact him by e-mail at: alex.fergusson.msp@scottish.parliament.uk YOUR SCHOOL NEEDS telephone number and contact address, if you can see your way to giving us a little of your time. At the end of April, we will send out further information to all those who have volunteered and we can start planning for the school session starting in August. We look forward to widening the experience of young people with your help. YOU! Jenny Smith, Headteacher MAMMA’S GRILL RESTAURANT @ LOCHINVAR HOTEL OPENING FRIDAY 17th APRIL ENJOY THE RELAXED ATMOSPHERE OF OUR REFURBISHED RESTAURANT SERVING CHARGRILLED STEAKS & MEATS STONE OVEN COOKED PIZZAS BOOKING BEING TAKEN 01644 430 107 TAKE AWAY PIZZA AVAILABLE Glenkens Gazette HISTORY LAUNCH DRAWS CROWDS It was standing room only in the Glenkens Community Centre in Dalry when Professor Ted Cowan launched The Glenkens Story project and introduced the first speaker of the day, Anna Campbell of the Carsphairn Heritage Group. She was followed by local farmer, Bill Blyth, on his life- time of book-collecting, the Rev. David Bartholomew on the Covenanter trail and Dr Lizanne Henderson on the Glenkens witches. Almost 150 people dropped in during the day-long launch to view the displays or listen to speakers including Michael Ansell on discovering history through place names, Professor Joseph Murphy on how ‘natural’ resources shape history, Paul Goodwin on the military past and Alison Burgess with oral history gathered locally. The displays by the Carsphairn Update on the War: 100 Years On Well the war was not over by Christmas (as many people had thought) and the Glenkens had lost its first son, Augustus Cathcart of Carsphairn, on 14 September 1914. Although he was never to be listed on any Glenkens memorial, Lieutenant Frederick WJM Miller was killed in action on 23 October 1914. His father was Sir William Miller Bart of Glenlee although the family by then were no longer connected with the area. The Kirkcudbrightshire Advertiser (fore-runner of the Galloway News) printed a letter from the minister at Kells on 13 November to report that a cottage occupied by refugees (from Belgium) had been given rent free by Mrs Turner and that valuable assistance had also been given by Miss Turner. The next man to fall would be Arthur Rennie on 12 March 1915. Aged 29 and a former gardener at Kenmure Castle, he is listed on the Kells war memorial. He was the fifth son of the late 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 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 Fleet Fish van s in the Glenkens on Tuesdays & Wednesdays every week. Anyone wishing me to call, please phone Mary on above mobile no. fleetfishfruitandveg@gmail.com www.facebook.com/fleetfish www.fleetfish.co.uk page 20 and Dalry Heritage groups, showings of historic films and the finds of the local metal detectors attracted crowds. Enthusiastic visitors gave Avril Bridgeman and Tom Carlyle copious information for their history of the New Galloway shops. Having established that many local people want to discover more about their history, The Glenkens Story project will soon be announcing its next events. Watch out for posters and flyers. Mike Brown, mbrown99@dircon.co.uk constable Rennie of Carsphairn and a brother of police sergeant Rennie of Dalry. An edition of the Kirkcudbrightshire Advertiser of 25 December 1914 contained a Roll of Honour with the names of all those serving in the armed forces. The numbers were Dalry (32), Kells (40), Carsphairn (18) and Balmaclellan (9) and it is also known that a teacher from Kells school was serving at the front as a war correspondant so that makes exactly 100 men from the Glenkens serving at home or overseas. The local Territorial Battalion (5th Bn Kings Own Scottish Borderers) were in training near Stirling at this time in preparation for service overseas at Gallipoli. Paul Goodwin Glenkens Gazette page 21 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN OLD MORTALITY Balmaclellan must be one of the least known villages in Scotland. Nestling into the side of its hill it is easily missed from the Corsock road and the road to Bogue Toll. Highlanders retreating from Derby in 1746. Thereafter he joined the Cameronians who still adhered to the covenants. He began to transport slabs from his quarry to place on the unmarked graves of covenanting martyrs. One commentator suggests that he may have suffered from religious mania. Soon he was spending all his time repairing memorials of covenanters who perished during the ‘Killing Times’, the martyrs of the suffering bleeding remnant. For 40 years, known variously as the ‘Hewer’, the ‘Letterer’ or the ‘Headstoneman’ and eventually as ‘Old Mortality’, much had his narratives the circumstantiality of an eyewitness’. Scott had first been told about Paterson by Joseph Train, an exciseman with antiquarian interests based at Newton Stewart. Train was so smitten by Scott that he presented him with various artifacts for his private museum. He was, however, stopped from handing over St John’s Chair by the irate inhabitants of Dalry. It remains in the village, as it should. Scott had no sympathy with the covenanters whom he detested as repugnant anachronisms. Whenever he wrote about them his works were greeted with howls of outraged anguish from the devout, notably the minister and biographer, Thomas McCrie, who could not understand how a person of judgement and candour found it possible to condemn the covenanters, men ‘who had been betrayed, insulted, harassed, pillaged and treated in every way like beasts, rather than reasonable creatures by a perfidious, profane, profligate junto of atheists and debauchees’. Paterson’s grandson Nathaniel was born at Achie, Kells to become in time a successful minister On a visit home in later life he wrote: ‘I rode over to Kells and could have wept at the changes I saw – trees cut down and the house razed; but let this remind us of the grand change coming – “the house not made with hands”’ (2 Corinthians 5.1.) He invented a type of lifeboat and when the Free Church was built at Bogue Toll he preached the first sermon. His four sons, all successful men, emigrated to New Zealand, Australia and Canada. The Balmaclellanites are to be congratulated on keeping alive the memory of Old Mortality. Ted Cowan Delivery people regularly appear at our door asking the whereabouts of Balmaclellan almost as if it were a sister community to Brigadoon or Glocca Morra. Few see the sculpture built in to the wall of the kirkyard when approaching the village from the west. There, reclining on a tombstone, is Old Mortality, his ancient horse standing beside him. The sculptor was John Corrie who produced his work in 1840, a copy of which now stands at Dumfries Museum. There is a more ambitious piece by James Thom in which Sir Walter he followed his calling, allegedly Scott sits on an upright gravestone refusing charity. His wife established talking to the man and the horse a school at Balmaclellan to earn a in the Laurel Hill Cemetery, family income, which Paterson so Philadelphia. The information board conspicuously failed to provide. here notes that ‘it was due to the She died in 1785. Old Mortality efforts of Balmaclellan Community joined his major clients when he Council and local people that these died in 1801 and was buried at statues have been restored, brought Caerlaverock. back to the village and re-sited in Scott met Paterson at Dunnottar September 2000’. I believe that the in 1793, an encounter described, statues were brought from the Holm more or less accurately we assume, where they were in a sad state of in Chapter One of Old Mortality. The disrepair; perhaps someone can stonemason spoke as if he was a confirm this? contemporary of the covenanters ‘so Old Mortality, who inspired the much had he identified his feelings title of Scott’s novel of the same and opinions with theirs, and so name, was a real person, Robert Paterson (1716-1801). He was a stonemason who worked at Corncockle Quarry, Lochmaben. He married Elizabeth Gray from Closeburn and through the good offices of the local Kirkpatrick laird he obtained the lease of a quarry at Gatelawbrig, Morton. His house was ruined Statue of Old Mortality and his horse in Balmaclellan. and he was captured by Soon he was spending all his time repairing memorials of covenanters who perished during the ‘Killing Times’, the martyrs of the suffering bleeding remnant. Glenkens Gazette page 22 APRIL & MAY APRIL Fri 3, The Stickety Lickety Teahouse opens, Barstobrick Visitors Centre, see p4 Mon 6 - Sun 19, Badger Watching, Caerlaverock, see p5 Wed 8, Open Stage, 7pm, Clachan Inn, Dalry Thu 9, Watson Birds: Golden Eagle Egg Hunt, 12.30-3.30pm, Barone, Dalry, see p16 Mon 13, Tue 14, Wed 15, Windy Rig Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund Consultations, see ad below Tue 14, Watson Birds: Donald Watson Birds Trail, 12.30-3.30pm, Barone, Dalry, see p16 Wed 15, Rura, 7.30pm, Dalry Town Hall Fri 17, Mamma’s Grill Restaurant opens, Lochinvar Hotel, Dalry, see p19 Sat 18, Spalding Bowling Club opens for play, Dalry, see p4 Sat 18 & Sun 19, Life Painting, 10am - 3pm, New Galloway Town Hall Wed 22, David Ross; The Port Road - Men, Mails and Mechinations, 7.30pm, Ken Bridge Hotel (change of date) Thu 23, SWANC talk: The Beavers are Back - is this good news? Do they upset fisheries? Are they a menace? 7.30pm, Ken Bridge Hotel. For info email mas@craigfarm.co.uk Sat 25, Learn to Weave on a Rigid Heddle Loom, 10am 3pm, New Galloway Town Hall Sat 25, Bird Ringing, 9am-12noon, Barone, Dalry, see p16 Fri 24, Salt House, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall Sun 26, Creative Journals for Artists, 10am - 12pm, New Galloway Town Hall Sun 26, Glenkens Acoustic Sessions, 2-4pm, Clachan Inn, Dalry Thu 30, Documentary: International Human Rights Film Festival – Riot From Wrong, 7.30pm, Dalry Town Hall MAY Fri 1, Sat 2 & Sun 3, Wigtown Book Festival Dinner & Charity Auction, see p10 Fri 1, Wigtown Writers’ Gathering, see p10 Sat 2, Mindfullness Course, see p2 Sat 2 & Sun 3, The Spring Kist & Tearoom, Wigtown, see p10 Sat 16, CatStrand Fundraising Dinner & Dance, New Galloway Town Hall Thu 21 - Sun 24, World Ceilidh Festival, Knockengorroch Farm, Carsphairn, see back page Fri 22, Normal/Madness by Kidder Theatre, Balmaclellan Village Hall, 7.30pm Sat 23, Wild Spring Festival: Arty Otters, see p5 Sat 23, Lorna Reid, 7.30pm, Wigtown Primary School, New Road, Wigtown Mon 25, Wild Spring Festival: Wild Forest Food, see p5 Sun 31, Glenkens Acoustic Sessions, 2-4pm, Clachan Inn, Dalry Dalmellington Outreach Service Post Office: Carsphairn The Post Office is changing the day it brings its service to Carsphairn. It will now be every Tuesday from 1-3pm in Lagwyne Hall. Glenkens Gazette page 23 REGULAR EVENTS CatStrand - RELOCATED UNTIL JULY -see below: Exercise to Music: Mon, 10-11am, New Galloway Town Hall Margaret Morris Movement Adult Dance Class: Mon, 2.30-3.30pm, contact Sara on 01556 612854, New Galloway Town Hall Children’s Dance Class: Mon during term time, 3.45-4.45pm age 3-7, 4.30-5.30pm ages 8-15, New Galloway Town Hall Gentle Tai Chi: Wed, 10am, 60+, New Galloway Town Hall Play it By Ear: Wed, 2pm, Kells School, New Galloway Sing it Out: Thurs, 11am -12pm, Cross Keys Hotel, New Galloway Pilates: Thurs, 4.15-5.15pm & 5.306.30pm, Dalry Community Centre CatStrand Yukes: Thurs, 1pm – 3.30pm 60+ Cross Keys Hotel, New Galloway Knit & Blether Club: last Fri each month, 2pm, 60+ Afternoon Tea Club: 2nd Fri each month, 2pm, postponed until further notice Saturday Art Club: 2nd Sat each month, 10am–12noon, New Galloway Town Hall Zumbatomic: last Sat each month, 10-10.45am Catstrand Youth Players: Sun during term time, 2pm, postponed until the summer Glenkens Acoustic Sessions: last Sun of the month, 2-4pm, The Clachan Inn, Dalry Glenkens Community Centre (Dalry): (contact Kath 430 281) Glenkens Children’s Club: Mon & Fri, 9.30-11.45am Paint & Art: Mon, 1.30-4.30pm & Wed, 7-9pm Ballroom & Latin Dance Class: Mon, 7.15pm, for more info call Sam Rushton on 420 672 GCC Playgroup: Tues & Thurs, 9.20-11.50am, contact keronh@me.com Good Neighbours’ Club: Tues, 2pm Kickback Martial Arts: Thurs, 7-9pm Thursday Craft Group: Thurs, 24pm Brownies: Wed, 5.30-6.45pm Guides: Tues during term-time, 6.15pm, contact: Kath 430 281 Various Locations: Ukelele Group: Mon, 11.15am, 60+, New Galloway Town Hall Ukelele Improvers, Mon, 1pm, 60+, New Galloway Town Hall Mother & Toddlers: Tues, 9.4511.15am, New Galloway Town Hall Beavers: Tues, 6–7.15pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Dog Training: Tues & Wed, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. Contact: Eric 460 670 Bowling for Beginners: Wed, 7pm, Spalding Bowling Club, Dalry (opposite Glenkens Community Councils Balmaclellan Community Council Meetings: 3rd Monday each month, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall. Carsphairn Community Council Meetings: Last Monday each month, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn. Dalry Community Council Meetings: 1st Monday each month, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. New Galloway & Kells Community Council Meetings: 2nd Monday each month, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall. Full minutes of local Community Council meetings can be viewed at Dalry Library. CHURCH OF SCOTLAND Sunday Services - Balmaclellan 12noon: 1st. Carsphairn 10.30am: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th. Dalry (Apr) 12noon: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th. Dalry (Apr) 10.30am: 2nd. Dalry (May) 9am: 1st, 3rd, 4th. Kells 10.30am: 2nd (May) 3rd, 4th, 5th (May). Special Services/Events: 3 Apr, 7.30pm, Good Friday Service, Balmaclellan Church. 5 Apr, 7am, Easter Dawn Service, Carsphairn Community Garden followed by breakfast in the Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn. 12 Apr, 10.30am, United Family Service, Dalry Church. 24 Apr, 7.30pm, Quiz Night, Dalry Town Hall. 10 May, 10.30am, United Family Service, Kells Church. 10 May, 3pm, Conventicle by Garple Burn, Grennan, Balmaclellan parish. 30 May, 2-4pm, Plant Sale and Cream Teas, Balmaclellan Village Hall. 31 May, 10.30 am, United Service with Choir, Kells Church. Communion Service: 3 May, 12noon, Balmaclellan Church. SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH: St Margaret’s, New Galloway: Holy Communion, 10.30am every Sun & Wed CATHOLIC CHURCH SERVICES: Gatehouse of Fleet: Sat, 6pm. Kirkcudbright: Sun, 9.30am. Dalbeattie: Sun, 11am The Garage) Wednesday Quiz Night: Wed, 8.30pm, Cross Keys Hotel, New Galloway Stewartry Camera Club: Wed, 7.30pm, Ringford Village Hall, runs Wed 11 Sept till end Mar Zumba: Wed, 7.30-8.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall, £4 Mossdale Painters: Wed, 9.30am, Mossdale Village Hall Cub Scouts: Wed, 6.45–8pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Carsphairn Post Office: Thurs, 9.30-11.30am, Lagwyne Hall Coffee & Craft Morning: Thurs, 9.30am-12noon, Lagwyne Hall D&G Hard of Hearing Group Dropin: 1st Friday each month, 10am12noon, New Galloway Town Hall. Scouts: Thurs, 7–8.30pm, New Galloway Scout Hut To hire the MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) behind Dalry School call Sonja Tranter on 430 244 or Nicolette Wise on 430 218. Dalry Library Tue: 2.30 - 6pm W S NEIME Fri: 2.30-6pm T Sat: 10am - 12noon There are 23 mobile library stops - to find out where and when please phone 430 234. ADVERTISE IN THE GAZETTE (price per issue incl VAT) SMALL: 6cm x 6cm, £37.80 (+ 10% off with series discount) 1/4 PAGE: 9cm w x 13cm h, £81.90 (+ 25% off with series discount) 1/2 PAGE: 18cm w x 13cm h, £151.20 (+ 25% off with series discount) FULL PAGE: 18cm w x 27cm h, £252 (+ 25% off with series discount) Call 07727 127 997 VAT Reg. No. 882 8361 87 USEFUL NUMBERS: ● Pot-hole Hotline: 0845 276 0000 ● Local Police: 0845 600 5701 ● Doctor: 01644 420 234 ● NHS 24: 08454 24 24 24 ● D&G Council: 030 33 33 3000 Glenkens Gazette page 24 KNOCKENGORROCH WORLD CEILIDH COMES OF AGE The Glenkens’ own international world and roots music festival, Knockengorroch World Ceilidh, celebrates its eighteenth year. Taking place in the hills above Carsphairn village at Knockengorroch Farm since 1998 with an audience then of 350, the festival expects 2,500 to 3,000 people this May. World Ceilidh is the longestrunning annual music festival in Dumfries & Galloway with many current visitors having grown up at the event. Organiser Liz Holmes says: “We have had births, marriages and ashes scattered at the festival, so our theme in our eighteenth year is coming of age and rites of passage which is very fitting. We are absolutely delighted with our line-up which covers music from all walks of life and backgrounds, rich and diverse, and reflecting the commonality of music which Knockengorroch has always promoted.” Looking beyond the UK, the festival welcomes Aziza Brahim from the Western Sahara with depths of desert blues and hints of flamenco. Her performance will be followed by a film and talks on the situation of the Western Saharan refugees, exiled for more than 40 years. Two of Scotland’s leading traditional fusion bands, The Peatbog Faeries and Shooglenifty, headline Saturday and Sunday nights, both also going strong after many years; a lot of dancing is guaranteed with both these wonderful bands. Cutting-edge contemporary sounds are represented amongst others by Young Fathers, another Scottish act who against the odds recently became Mercury Prize Winners - the most prestigious prize in music in the UK. There will be seven venues, including a brand new club night dance tent bursting with DJs and dance acts, with something to suit everyone’s musical tastes. Further attractions include music sessions, workshops, theatre, dance, comedy, fire, games, silent disco, open mic, kids’ activities, massage and therapies, a sauna, real ales, good food and global shopping. World Ceilidh runs from 21 to 24 May at Knockengorroch and welcomes all ages. Information can be obtained from the festival’s website and facebook page - www.knockengorroch.org. uk and www.facebook.com/ knockengorroch. Knockengorroch’s main stage. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Submit events, activities, news stories, cartoons, reviews, tips & techniques, fiction, photos, ads or ideas... Contact Sarah Ade on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk JUNE/JULY COPY DEADLINE: 5 MAY 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 87 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GG_087 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Glenkens Gazette Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource GCAT Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2014 Description An account of the resource Editor: Sarah Ade https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/1/234/GlenkensGazette88.pdf bb20571929aeeb203c39fb2028d0a843 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 88 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 2015 ISSUE 88 ROAD CLOSURE THREAT TO CARSPHAIRN SHOP The A713 main road through the Glenkens is a vital artery along the Gretna to Ayr Tourist Route for caravanners, motorists and lorry drivers alike. But to one couple in Carsphairn, it is more than a road – it is a crucial part of their livelihood. Paul Smith and Lindsay Duncan run the village shop and so news of the proposed road closure by the Ayrshire Roads Alliance for five successive weekends from the end of May for FREE resurfacing work to the south of Dalmellington came as a complete bombshell. They are concerned that the prolonged closures will have a devastating effect on their business. “We only took over the shop last September and we were looking forward to our first busy summer period, but the road closures will kill our passing trade for up to six weeks,” said Lindsay. Photograph: Carsphairn village shopkeepers Paul Smith and Lindsay Duncan face a difficult time during the A713 road closures. Story continued on p3... KELLS SCHOOL RECEIVES FUNDRAISING AWARD Kells school pupils with Angela McCormack and ‘Mugsy’. Recently Angela McCormack, Senior Fundraising Manager with Macmillan Cancer Support, together with ‘Mugsy’ the Macmillan Mascot, presented Kells Primary with an award and A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) ini�a�ve certificate to recognise the school and the community’s wonderful fundraising efforts over the last 22 years. Since 1993 the school has taken part in the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning every year, and with the help of the community, has raised £11,863.76 for this worthwhile cause. Recognition needs to be paid to Mrs Plummer, former Head Teacher at Kells Primary, the staff involved over the years, together with former pupils and the members of the community for all their support. www.glenkensgaze�e.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 2 Organisation Set Up to Advance Shop Bid A well-attended meeting of local residents in late March set up the New Galloway Development Association 2015, a necessary step towards securing funding to buy the New Galloway shop for the community. The association, a constituted unincorporated group, has a nine-strong committee which is preparing an application for initial project funding. This will allow us to present a professional bid for the grants needed to buy the property. This stage requires further evidence of community support and how people feel about the local economy generally. We carried out a further survey which has been well supported, with a response rate of over 75%. The results are still being analysed but there is overwhelming agreement on the importance of continuing to have a shop. Many thanks to all those who responded very quickly to the questionnaire. We expect to have the grant application in by the end of June and to hear back by the end of September at the latest. We are continuing to visit other community shops and ventures to learn more and several of us went to Witherslack community shop in Cumbria in April to hear about their experiences. This trip was sponsored by the Plunkett Foundation who provide support to most of the community shops in the UK. They have allocated us a mentor to help us with our business plan and grant application. We learnt some great lessons from the trip and the clear message that community shops can work and make a huge difference to village life. For further information contact Helen Keron on keronh@me or 01644 420 656. Helen Keron CATSTRAND WELL ON Flower & THE ROAD TO RECOVERY Veg Show After what has perhaps seemed like a slow few months from the outside, the CatStrand is well on the way towards its planned reopening in the summer. Enormous amounts of work have been going on behind the scenes by staff and board members to get back open as soon as possible. Having been thoroughly stripped back, the building is now officially dry, and as we go to press, tenders have been received to start the reinstatement work at the end of May. This work is fully covered by the insurance, so the CatStrand will be as good as new by the summer! Of critical importance, of course, is the need to ensure that the building does not flood again. A comprehensive Flood Risk Assessment has been completed by Flooding Risk Assessment Ltd, a local firm, which has quantified the problem and provided the scenarios that any solution must be able to cope with. The next steps are to commission this design solution, and implement any works before the winter. To help fund this next stage of design, which is not covered by the insurance, the Catstrand held a very successful fundraising dinner in New Galloway town hall at the end of May. Margaret and Louise did a fantastic job of decorating the hall, five gallant hosts provided a three-course meal for their tables, Sam and Wendy did an excellent Saroc demonstration that got everyone up on to the dance floor, and many generous souls donated auction and raffle prizes to generate more funds. Thanks to everyone who contributed and attended, the event raised almost £6000, which is a critical boost to the CatStrand’s efforts to get back on its feet at this time. The board of the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust and the staff of CatStrand would like to say again how very much they appreciate the moral and actual support from the community at this difficult time. We look forward to joining you in celebrating our re-opening within the next few months. Helen Keron Arrangements have now been made for the 2015 Glenkens Flower and Vegetable Show which this year is on 15 August. The classes in the Vegetable Section remain the same as do the Pot Plant Section. In the Cut Flower Section the class for Floribunda Roses has been replaced with Any Other Rose and in the Gladiola class the number has been reduced to one Spike. The classes for Decorative, Handicrafts and Children’s classes are in the brochure/ entry form which can be found in local retail outlets. The Photograph for this year is Sunset In the Produce Section there is now a class for Six Eggs. Last year we were very disappointed that there were no entries in the Hanging Baskets, Trough or Tub Class. In the Glenkens there were some lovely Baskets. PLEASE could we ask people to enter this year. These are judged in-situ and the winner receives The General Holden Cup. Glenkens Gazette page 3 FOOD TRAIN Photo of the Issue: Sponsored by the Ken Bridge Hotel This issue’s winner is Duncan McNaught with this lovely shot of a blue tit in his Glenlee garden. Duncan wins a meal for two at the Ken Bridge Hotel’s renowned Sunday Carvery. CARSPHAIRN ROAD CLOSURE Continued from front page... “We rely very heavily on people travelling through the village who stop off at our tea rooms – that’s the major part of our business. Tourists and especially bikers, who arrive in groups of ten or more, make a point of calling in for a cup of tea or lunch,” said Lindsay. “Without this trade, we are going to suffer dreadfully.” Lindsay added: “If I could, I would move those road signs that will take people away from Carsphairn.” Chair of Carsphairn Community Council, Andrew Metcalf, said: “There has been no account taken of important local events; some fairly minor adjustments made but still major disruption and inconvenience for locals and businesses. They refuse to consider night time closures as is the case in Ayr where alternative routes do not require such a long detour; there will be a major blow to local businesses during the tourist season.” Ayrshire Roads Alliance have amended their total road closure plans for the weekends in the face of mounting pressure from various groups and individuals including the organisers of the Carsphairn and Straiton shows. Although the A713 will be closed to traffic from 8.30am to 5pm on the Saturday and Sunday, it is proposed to reopen it for one hour at midday to allow vehicles through under convoy. From 5pm, all traffic will be convoyed through the site overnight until 8.30am the next day. “Even with these concessions, there is going to be a lot of confusion for motorists because the road signs are not at all clear,” said Paul. “They just tell travellers to seek alternative routes, but to where? The whole thing has not been well planned at all. “The loss to our business will be massive. I just hope we can survive until the end of June without this vital passing trade. It could close us down.” A Plant and Cake Sale at St Margaret’s Church in New Galloway raised £500 for ‘Food Train Friends’, the award winning befriending service run by Dumfries and Galloway’s Food Train. Not only does the Scottish charity provide a vital grocery delivery service for older people who have difficulty doing their own shopping but they also offer household help, home visits and phone calls, outings and group activities. Christine Rankin, St Margaret’s Ladies Guild President, says: “We all know that old age can be hard, especially when infirmity makes people housebound. ‘Food Train Friends’, run by local volunteers, not only helps with weekly shopping but the befriending service helps combat loneliness as well. We are delighted to be supporting this vital work through our outreach programme”. Fundraising cake table. stall and raffle were very popular and Lifeboats Fundraiser tombola helped bring in funds. books all enjoying a busy evening. In addition the Another successful evening was held at Dalry Town Hall to raise money for the RNLI. The Glenkens committee were delighted that the fundraising event raised just over £700 with stalls selling RNLI souvenirs, home baking, plants and The Glenkens has a long history of fundraising for the lifeboats which have always been funded by the generosity and kindness of its many supporters. With increasingly more people being rescued every year, that continuing support is vital. Glenkens Gazette page 4 sponsored by EVERYTHING listed in the Glenkens Freecycle section is FREE - you just need to contact the owner and go and pick it up! If you would like to list something on this page, please get in touch with Sarah on 07727 127 997 or email glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk Various Brother knitting machine with cones of knitting yarn, wool. Contact: Annikki on 460 640 Folding glass shower screen consisting of two decorated panels approx 3’ high x 2’ wide unfolded. Contact: Andi on 430 255 Vick’s CleanAir air purifier, virtually unused. Contact: 430 380 WANTED Plant and tree seedlings, chicken wire, tin sheets, any building materials. Contact: Simon on 07426 124 982 RAISING AWARENESS FOR EB Local man Robin Hood is walking 600 miles from Kirkwall on Orkney to Mossdale, calling in at Nairn, Inverness, Fort William, Glasgow, and finishing back home. “I will be pulling a supermarket trolley with copies of my book in, and calling in at those locations as they helped me raise millions of pounds for DEBRA over the last 20 years. I’ll be giving some people a copy of the book to say thank you.” The journey will take a month and Robin hopes to set off some time in July. Robin’s daughter Alex died in 2008 from a rare skin condition that forms part of Epidermolysis bullosa (EB), a devastatingly painful skin blistering illness. Robin has recently released a book entitled ‘Smile Daddy, I’m Dying’, as featured in a previous Gazette. The book has been endorsed by Bill Clinton and Gordon Brown and can be bought at www.smiledaddyimdying.co.uk or in local book shops. Profits go towards more research into EB. Knit-One-Bike-One Knit 1 Bike 1 is the name Janet Renouf-Miller, from Dalmellington, is giving to her cycling and yarn journey around Scotland which will culminate in a book and exhibition in the Glenkens. 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 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 An artistic meander round Scotland on a Brompton folding bicycle...uniting Scottish textile artists... quirky artwork with fibre and yarn...connecting with others by giving free workshops in exchange for a bed for the night and a hot meal...this is Janet’s vision for Knit 1 Bike 1. Janet sets off in June and will be offering free mini knitting and crochet workshops all over Scotland. She is crocheting and knitting what she sees on the journey and the work will form an exhibition which she hopes will be on display locally. The real and imaginary stories of these objects will be told in the book and the exhibition. She will be returning home via New Galloway and Carsphairn on her way back to Dalmellington and on the final night she will stay at Hawkrigg campsite, near Carsphairn, where she will host her final mini-workshop and have a celebratory do with friends and Janet with her bike. others in the local area. Janet is fundraising for the project and donations can be given via www.createwithfibre .co.uk. To follow Janet on her journey, visit her Create With Fibre Facebook page. Glenkens Gazette page 5 sponsored by SOUTH WEST ASSOCIATION FOR NATURE CONSERVATIONISTS (SWANC) VISIT TO CREE VALLEY COMMUNITY WOODLAND Discussions last year on creating a community woodland in the Glenkens and the recent talk on Carrifran prompted a number of SWANC members to express interest in learning more about the experience and achievements of the Cree Valley Community Woodland Trust (CVCWT) www.creevalley.com Our Watson Raptor Science Prize was taken to the Scottish Nature Fair at Musselburgh. selection and foraging success during the breeding period. They concluded that individual diet specialisation has a knock-on effect on foraging efficiency in this wide-ranging raptor, highlighting “the role of individual behaviour as a driving force of intra-population niche variation”. In the autumn we are planning a full session on presentations by all prize-winners and runners-up who have not yet had the opportunity to speak about their work. Please join us for a Watson Birds sponsored debate about the future of our land - Looking After Our Land: New Approaches Lead To New Horizons - as part of the Crichton Conservations series. Given the poor attendance of previous events and continuing financial loss, it has been decided not to hold a Watson Birds Festival this year. Roger Crofts There will be a SWANC visit to the Trust’s property on Saturday 6 June led by Andrew Bielinski of the RSPB who is also a trustee of the CVCWT. The visit, which will run from 10am to around 5pm, will cover woodland creation and management, the tree nursery, archaeology and training and will provide insight into the working of the Trust and the RSPB in the area. For practical reasons the size of the party will be limited to 20. If you wish to join this visit please email Mike Brown on mbrown99@dircon.co.uk to book a place. Places will be allocated in order of application and a reserve list will be held if there are more than 20 applicants. Although no charge will be made for the visit, donations will be invited which will be shared among CVCWT, RSPB and SWANC. Please note that the visit will entail walking over tracks and rough ground. Further information will be sent to those who have secured places. An Update from LITTERBUGS Watson Birds The 2015 runner-up, Dr Julien Terraube-Monich from the Department of Biology, University of Turku, Finland, spoke on ‘Patterns and implications of individual diet specialisation in a generalist predator’. The session talk was chaired by Roger Crofts, director of Watson Birds, and the discussion session by Prof Des Thompson, Chair of the Watson Raptor Science Prize Selection Panel. Dr Terraube-Monich and his colleagues studied whether individual variations in the diet of radio-tracked male Montagu’s harriers were associated with patterns of foraging habitat This photo shows two bags of rubbish collected from the roadside by local walkers, plus two more already packed by litterbugs who then threw them out of their vehicle into the ditch, all within half a mile of the litter bin. Rubbish clearing costs the Council and therefore us the ratepayers extra money. What do these litterbugs think when they turn our beautiful countryside into a rubbish tip and why do the rest of us tolerate such behaviour? Gerry Cinderby, New Galloway Glenkens Gazette page 6 GLENKENS GUITAR DAY This May, the newly started South West Scotland Classical Guitars held their first open event in Dalry Town Hall. Being a ‘classical’ guitarist often has the regrettable side effect to set you apart from the popuarity of other guitar styles - the fun of bands, the social aspects of orchestral instruments playing - while you are immersed in a solitary passion with your discreet but difficult instrument. It’s always been a pet ambition of mine to bring together classical guitarists of all ages and levels to play together, to share some music and fun, and possibly rub shoulders with other styles of music without feeling intimidated. I moved down from Glasgow within the last couple of years, where amongst other things I used to direct a guitar ensemble of school children, ‘Guitar Galore’. I do miss this and would love to build up other groups in the Glenkens. Using Dalry Town Hall for the event seemed a great idea and worked out really well. I planned the day with the help of Eva Popov, who teaches near Dalbeattie. The participants were mostly from Dumfries and Galloway, including a couple from Dalry, but also a couple from Glasgow. The acoustics of Dalry Town Hall are ideally suited to unamplified guitars, many people commented on how good the sound was. The concert at the end of the session was warmly received by an audience who, I guess, was not too sure at first what to expect. Neither had I been, really, until the day came together, but my aspiration for future gatherings, hopefully enlarged to include other styles and a wider age group, has been very much encouraged by the very enjoyable day and positive feedback. Anne Chaurand Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents Selling properties across Dumfries & Galloway 01556 503744 www.ggblaw.co.uk All legal advice Offices in Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie Kirkcudbright and Dumfries Glenkens Gazette page 7 CatStrand Update This summer’s selection of fantastic events will take place throughout the Glenkens. Venues are located in New Galloway, Dalry and Balmaclellan so make sure to check when booking tickets. We are thrilled to welcome Susan Calman to Balmaclellan for her rescheduled show ‘Lady Like’. This comedy event was moved from 13 March to 25 June and there are still tickets left. Don’t miss this Radio 4 News Quiz regular and star of the Scottish comedy scene. Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas will light up Balmaclellan Village Hall on 11 June with their duo of cello and violin. The pair compose the most stunning resurrections of cello playing in traditional music with Haas providing rhythmic playing to accompany master fiddle player Fraser. One of Scotland’s foremost trumpet players Colin Steele and band perform an evening Alasdair Fraser of jazz in Dalry on 17 July. Highly original and melodic, the trio will include guitar and bass and deliver a programme of thoughtful and engaging music. The CatStrand Team CATSTRAND YOUTH PLAYERS Each character had their own is open again. Rehearsals have The Youth Players glamorous dream job and slowly already started for two one act recently staged their came to realise that they could plays, Numbers by Kieron Barry only realistically get the usual and Pig Tale by Ron Nichol. 2015 Festival plays in mundane jobs. Once again this Rehearsals will be held Dalry Town Hall. Both production had to be adapted throughout the summer period productions were very slightly but for very different in conjunction with other drama workshops, please look well received by out for further details an appreciative The emotive I Never Saw as part of the CatStrand Youth Arts Summer audience. Another Butterfly delivered The emotive I Never Saw Another Butterfly delivered the harrowing story of life in the Terezin Ghetto during the Second World War. The play could never be described as entertaining in the traditional sense but hopefully it was appreciated as a memorable and emotive piece of theatre with an important message in the year marking the 70th anniversary of the end of the war. The second play of the evening hopefully cheered the audience up a little before they went home – Dream Jobs told the story of five teenage girls waiting on their interview with their career’s adviser. the harrowing story of life in the Terezin Ghetto during the Second World War. reasons - one of the actors had to perform at the Festival with a broken ankle resulting in her very limited movement. Thankfully she had now recovered and was able to move freely this time!! The Youth Players now move on to their next productions. Normally the next show would be in June before breaking for the summer holidays but due to the situation with the CatStrand building at the moment, the next production will be staged in early September when the building Programme. As soon as the show is over, rehearsals will then start to get ready for the fifth annual Christmas pantomime to be held on 11, 12 and 13 December. Glenkens Gazette page 8 Spalding Bowling Club Season Starts Good weather brought out a sizeable crowd for the opening of the Spalding Bowling Club. The President, Peter Hamilton, welcomed everyone and asked Valerie Russell to throw the silver Jack and first two bowls. Valerie then declared the green open and wished everyone a happy and successful season. The season then started with 36 people enjoying a friendly game. Valerie Russell Valerie Russell declaring the green open. W BONE WHB JEEPS THE GARAGE, DALRY PETROL & DIESEL SALES SERVICE & REPAIRS MOTs, TYRES, BATTERIES ALL AT COMPETITIVE PRICES OPEN 8.30AM - 6.00PM (SIX DAYS) 10AM - 6PM SUNDAYS - FUEL 24 HOURS SHOP • SANDWICH BAR • LOTTERY Tel: 01644 430208 Fax: 01644 430669 jeeps@whbjeeps.co.uk www.whbjeeps.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 9 GLENKENS FOOTBALL CLUB The newly formed Glenkens Football Club is already into its first season in the Stewartry Sunday Amateur League. With many members having been part of last year’s Dalry United FC it was decided to reform and progress as Glenkens FC into the 2015 season. The new club is very grateful for the support that they have received from Natural Power Consultants Ltd, New Galloway Community Council, Scott Ferguson Garden Maintenance and Dalry Community Shop which has allowed them to meet registration expenses and to buy new strips, training gear and equipment for the forthcoming season. Unfortunately, due to a lack of suitable facilities meeting the requirements of the Amateur League, the team are unable to play home games anywhere in the Glenkens. ‘Home Turf’ for Glenkens FC is to be in Crocketford which will be shared with another member team of the league. Although Glenkens FC proudly sporting their new strips. the team would and a narrow extra-time cup much prefer to be defeat to last season’s league able to play their home games somewhere in the Glenkens it has champions being two of the highlights from the early fixtures. proved impossible and Michael The club always welcomes Lawrie (Head Coach) has worked help of any kind whether it be tirelessly to secure the use of coaching, playing, book-keeping the pitch at Crocketford for the or however you feel you might be forthcoming season. able to contribute. Please contact The season has already started Michael Lawrie (07704669677) or and results have been very Aaron Edgar (07917034450) for encouraging so far with an further information. emphatic 6-1 win in the league New Galloway Golf Club New Galloway Golf Club started the new season in great fashion with the course in beautiful condition. The scheduled competitions have all gone ahead, notably the Ladies Open, the Glenkens Tankard Greensomes which was won by club member, Marena McClymont and her partner from Newton Stewart Helen Fox. The club’s junior programme is now in full swing with club GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL � 01644 420234 � volunteers presently working in the local schools introducing pupils to golf. Upcoming events include the Gentlemen’s Seniors Open on Thursday 4 June and Captains Day on Saturday 27 June; the Winners of the Celts Challenge – John club’s main social event of the McQueen, David Aitken and Ronnie Ritchie season. – receive the Chris Thomas Memorial Trophy New Galloway Golf club from the lady captain, Chris McIntyre. continues to work hard to the local community on this involve itself with the local subject. Immediate membership community and is looking for is also available to anyone ways to do this. We would interested in playing golf. welcome any suggestions from Ian Brown 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 10 CARSPHAIRN SCHOOL’S BELFAST ADVENTURE In our effort to continue to expose the pupils at Carsphairn Primary School to as many rich learning experiences as possible, we have in our latest term had the opportunity to visit Belfast Titanic to support some of the learning we did last term. It was a great day out, which was enjoyed by all. We had a chance to travel on a pretty big boat ourselves, as we took the ferry over to Larne and had a few pleasant surprises along the way. It was an early start, with the GTI bus and our usual volunteer driver Keith Cooper collecting us from the school at 7:30am. We tiredly made our way down to Cairnryan and boarded the ferry with no problems at all. On the ferry we ate the biggest bacon rolls ever! It was neat to travel across the Irish Sea and travel to a different country with our school. When we got to Larne, we drove our bus across to Belfast city right down to Pupils enjoy the ferry crossing. the waterfront where the long trip home. The highlight of Titanic Belfast exhibition the trip back was on the ferry, has been built. It is a very when the Captain invited us up impressive building and to the bridge of the ship and interesting to find out that this is let us actually drive the ferry! the exact location where Titanic We had another delicious meal was initially launched on 31 May, on the ferry and were home in 1911 - over 100 years ago. We Carsphairn by 8:30pm! It was learned about all the men and a great visit and we want to women who worked to build the thank Mr Cooper, Mrs Duncan, ship and saw some real artefacts Ms Tranter and Mrs Mackinnon from the ship herself. for coming along and making the Once we completed the tour trip so much fun. of Titanic Belfast, we began the Walker McKenna Dancing in the Glenkens Four young people from Dalry School joined with Dalbeattie High School for Y Dance training in January. They enjoyed the opportunity to work with people from other schools and with the tutors of the Y Dance course. The four girls followed up on their training by choreographing their own dance, practising for many hours and then competing in the regional Choreography They were keen to take part competition in Dumfries High after having some gymnastics and dance input from Active Schools at School in March. This was a great experience an after-school club in Dalry. and gave the young people lots of ideas for the future as well as the determination to compete again next year. What happened next was brilliant. Younger students watching the girls rehearsing Amy, Emily, Emma and Rebekah. asked if the S3 would teach them the dance. This led to an after-school activity for the Dalry primary children which they thoroughly enjoyed. News spread and Carsphairn Primary was the next target for the girls’ efforts. After a four-week afterschool activity in Carsphairn Village Hall, Carsphairn Primary children performed the dance for their friends and family. Amy, Emily, Emma and Rebekah have shared a happy and healthy activity with a large number of young people, through their own effort and enthusiasm. They are to be commended for their efforts and they will be able to use this activity as part of their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Well done ladies and thank you. Jenny Smith, Headteacher Glenkens Gazette page 11 Glenkens Gazette page 12 Glenkens Gazette page 13 Glenkens Gazette page 14 Glenkens Gazette page 15 CARSPHAIRN RESILIENCE TEAM Residents of Carsphairn have come together to form a Resilience Team in order to support each other in extreme circumstances when the community may have to cope for hours, or even days, before any aid from other agencies is available. The Team is made up of volunteers from the community and is not a replacement for other agencies, but can be a source of practical help, advice and equipment. A draft Resilience Plan for 2015 has been drawn up and hazards identified such as isolation of the community through severe weather resulting in blizzards, flooding and gale force winds; the loss of critical utilities such as electricity or telephones due to adverse weather; foot and mouth disease, or other event affecting the rural community. In order to identify issues and develop the plan further, a successful consultation event was held in Lagwyne Hall. Representatives from Dumfries and Galloway Council, Scottish Flood Forum, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Stewartry Council of Voluntary Service, Stewartry Community Safety Forum, Age Scotland and British Heart Foundation were also in attendance. If you think you can help, or for further information, please contact co-ordinator, Trevor Molineux on trevorgtm@talktalk.net Kendoon Monster, and even fairies in the garden! There will also be an exhibition of beautiful cushions using many different crafts, a plant stall and teas. Entry is £3.50, with children under 16 free, and dogs on leads are welcome. Funds raised will go towards the Glenkens Children’s Club and Dumfries & Galloway Canine Rescue Centre. Arndarroch is situated on the B7000, five miles from Dalry or Carsphairn; follow the blue signs till you see blue balloons at the end of the drive – the postcode is DG7 3UD. There may be a GTI minibus running to the event contact the CatStrand on 420 374 for information. Arndarroch Garden Open Day With kind permission of Annikki Lindsay, Arndarroch garden will be open to the public on 12 July, from 2-5pm, for a fundraising event. This will be the garden’s 21st opening, so come along and celebrate its ‘Coming of Age’! The 2.5 acre garden is a seminatural, wildlife-friendly garden with fantastic views over Kendoon Loch and the Cairnsmore hills. Red kites circle over the garden as well as the odd peregrine falcon. There are collections of herbaceous plants, shrubs and trees, over 20 different types of bamboo, rockeries and a small woodland walk. For children there will be a treasure hunt as well as the chance to perhaps see Rocky the For further details contact Annikki Lindsay on 460 640 or email annikkilindsay@gmail.com Aileen McLeod MSP working for you across the South of Scotland Postal address: Unit 7 Loreburn Shopping Centre High Street, Dumfries, DG1 2BD Email: aileen.mcleod.msp@scottish.parliament.uk Tel: 01387 255 334 Please check www.aileenmcleod.org Photograph of Arndarroch garden by Mary McIlvenna. for regular surgery, constituency and parliamentary updates Glenkens Gazette page 16 Natural Power Rallies to Good Cause The team from Natural Power got on their bikes again this year for the 10th Drumlanrig Challenge. The 17 team members along with a handful of friends and family, joined forces to take on the challenging route. This year’s weather conditions made it one of the toughest yet, with the team battling through gruelling headwinds for much of the journey. With deteriorating conditions and the failure of some of the team to read a crucial signpost, adding a detour of many more miles to the clock, it was with sheer determination (and cake!) that the team were all able to finish. With a hearty lunch under their belts, courtesy of the fantastic band of volunteers, the hardest core element within the group pushed on to complete the afternoon circuit, putting a further 60 punishing miles on the clock. Natural Power spokesperson and chair of the Charity and Sponsorship Committee, Shane Bermingham said “Natural Power was delighted to take part in a well organised cycle challenge that helps raise funds for much needed disaster relief programmes across the globe. As well as being a fun event, with the best cake selection, it gave staff a good chance to catch up and test their fitness on a sometimes challenging route”. The combined efforts of the team helped to raise over £15,000 for the fund, which will provide much needed aid to some of the world’s poorest communities. ����������������������������������������������������� • Pensions • Savings • Investments • Retirement Options • Inheritance Tax Planning • Life Assurance • Income & Critical Illness Protection • Mortgages • Home Insurance Free Confidential Initial Consultation Tel: 01671 403080 Fax:- 01671 402549 Email: brian.edgar@marrfinancial.co.uk Web: www.marrfinancial.co.uk 61 Victoria Street NEWTON STEWART, DG8 6NL **NEW** Yorkshire Building Society Agency – Now Open Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. For mortgages we can be paid by commission or a fee of usually £300 or a combination of both. For Home Insurance we usually offer products from a limited panel of providers. The Fleet Fish van is in the Glenkens on Tues & Wed. Charles will be the new proprietor of Fleet Fish from 1st July 2015. fleetfishfruitandveg@gmail.com www.facebook.com/fleetfish www.fleetfish.co.uk Bargatton Sand & Gravel Supplying sand and gravel for all your farming needs, as well as households and businesses both large and small. We stock washed fine sand, coarse sand and gravels at competitive prices. For further details contact: Angus Wilson, Quarry Manager - 07715 606 685 James Mair - 07793 085 243 Email: loch.bargatton@live.co.uk Bargatton Quarry, Laurieston, Castle Douglas, DG7 2PS Open 7 days Mon-Fri Weekends by arrangement Delivery can be arranged - subject to quantity Glenkens Gazette page 17 Glenkens Story Launch Success More than 100 people attended at some stage during the launch of The Glenkens Story history project at the Glenkens Community Centre in Dalry. The five-hour programme featured a succession of brief talks on a wide variety of local history topics and was accompanied by a display of the historical interests of numerous local groups and individuals. Two site visits to local places of historical interest are scheduled for the summer (see forthcoming events below) and a lecture on The Lowland Clearances in the autumn. Photographs: Left: Bill Blythe of Blowplain Farm featured in the talks programme and also displayed examples of his collection of documents on local history. He is discussing them with two other participants, Professor Ted Cowan and Anna Campbell of the Carsphairn Heritage Group. Right above: Avril Bridgeman and Tom Carlyle gather more information for their work on the history of New Galloway shops and trades at their stall. Bottom: Talks on a wide range of topics attracted enthusiastic audiences. Glenkens Story: CUB SCOUTS AS GUARD Upcoming Events Sunday 26 July, 10.30am - 3.30pm: Visit to the lost farms of Blackwater of Dee (above the Raiders’ Road) Local historian and placenames expert Michael Ansell will lead a visit to the sites of old farmsteads in the hills above the Blackwater of Dee. The cost (to cover transport) is £5 per person payable to CatStrand (420 374). Saturday 22 August, 10.30am: Visit to the remains of the Carsphairn lead mines. To book, email mbrown99@dircon.co.uk Joining instructions will be sent out to those attending nearer the time. Autumn (date and venue to be announced): Lecture: The Lowland Clearances OF HONOUR Douglas Fitch married Hannah McAndrew at 3pm on Saturday 2 May in Corsock Church. The 1st Glenkens Cub Scout Pack were the delightful guard of honour outside the church after the service while a piper played and led everyone back up the road to the village hall for a wonderful reception party afterwards. Hannah has been an assistant leader with Heather McIntosh at the Cub Pack for the last ten or so years and Doug now joins them as a helper. Doug and Hannah are both potters working from their workshop at Lochdougan House, Kelton, Castle Douglas and from their Devon workshop at Hollyford in Crediton. Hannah McAndrew and Douglas Fitch with their guard of honour. Photograph © Claire Borlase. Glenkens Gazette URG AND I: Part II One man’s story of living with a broken ankle... The Bath Before we had our bath Urg and I had poached eggs (green, organic) on toast for lunch. With ground flax seed. I’m hoping the flax will help with Urg’s moodiness. A sort of unipedal valium. I don’t have a TV, which I don’t regret. Urg, however, is a different kettle of fish. He likes a smog of sound in the background while he revels in his inertia. So I leave the radio on all day. Last night a voice announced: “I’m Paul Kennedy….and this….is Ideeers”. Urg was snoring before he got to ‘i-deeers’. (It’s really weird having a lump on the end of your leg which snores). Most of the time Urg just lies there and lets radio’s blur wash over him, but there are some who make him twitch: “Hello. I’m Barbara Bud…” “…and I’m Carol Off, and we’re funny aren’t we Barbara?” “Yes we are. And this is ‘As It Happens’”. Urg complains intensely when they start up. “As what happens?” he snarls. One evening they talked to an English copper about a large rabbit he’d caught. The pain was excruciating. That certainly happened. Anyway, ‘The Debaters’ has just come on. I think we’ll have our bath now. That was a lark. While getting undressed I tried to take Urg off as though he were a sock. I had to remind myself that he was coming into the bath with me. Actually getting in was interesting. I couldn’t step in because Urg refused outright to get wet or bear my weight. So I sat on the toilet seat, put my good leg in, stood up carefully (Urg well raised), did a pas de une (I love ballet) so that I was facing the taps, then lowered myself into the water while Urg stood propped in the corner. All went well thereafter, although Urg seemed a little nonplussed at the bathing routine, but I think he liked the heat. Getting out offered new challenges. page 18 I turned sideways in the tub (still sitting) and folded both legs over the side. I then lifted myself with my arms, pushed up, leaned forward and gradually transferred my weight to my good leg, grabbed the edge of the cabinet, pulled and pushed with arms and leg and stood, dripping, six feet from the towel. Of course I reached the towel. Couple of hops over the clothes which have made their way onto the floor. A clumsy drying of a carefully balanced body and I sit back down. One sock for the right foot. Shirt. That’s the easy part. The rest is a carefully but clumsily executed operation, a gentle manipulation of underwear and trousers around Urg’s sensitive bulk, followed by an easier arrangement with the good foot, upon which I balance my weight while I draw the clothing up to my waist. Phew! I am increasingly appreciative of the difficulties faced by the physically challenged, especially Siamese twins. Urg is not Siamese, but he complains like a spoiled cat and is maddeningly attached to my leg. You must excuse us now. We’re going to sit down for a few hours. Urg insists on it. Kevin Ade CARSPHAIRN CEILIDH FUNDRAISER Carsphairn Pastoral and Horticultural Society held a dance in the newly refurbished Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn which was very well attended. During the night a Charity Auction took place in aid of the Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RSABI). Various items were kindly donated by local farmers resulting in a fantastic £751 being raised which was a tremendous effort for a small community. The Society would like to thank all donators and also all the purchasers for their generosity which made the night a great success. New Galloway Golf Club Presenting the cheque to Tessa Rouse from RSABI (right) are (from left) society president Hugh Clark Kennedy, Rory Clark Kennedy and secretary Anne Finlay. Family and friends coming to stay? Short of space? www.nggc.co.uk Cosy country cottage available (sleeps 4) Buggies now available for hire Call Fiona on 01644 420 227 Founded 1902 - 01644 420737 VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME www.covenanters-holidaycottagescotland.co.uk FHB Fencing Dalry Domestic and Agricultural Fencing 01644 430 495 (Peter) or 07767 795 498 (Jonathan) Glenkens Gazette UPDATES ON THE WAR 100 years on...April 1915 was a relatively quiet month with only one death reported amongst the men of the Glenkens serving at the front. George Lavender Bell was killed on 25 April at the age of 29 whilst serving with the Australian Forces in the first day of the Gallipoli campaign. That day would later be commemorated as Anzac day. George had immigrated to Australia before the war and had been one of the first to enlist. His mother still lived at Brighouse Farm, Corsock and his name appears on the Corsock and Balmaclellan war memorials. David Paterson of Cubbox, Balmaclellan had been also been serving with the Australians when he was killed on 8 May, also at Gallipoli at the age of 25. He had been working as a butcher in Australia when he enlisted. He was declared missing in action and is commemorated on the Helles Memorial and on the Balmaclellan war memorial. James Gordon of the Queens Own Cameron Highlanders was only 23 years old when he was declared missing just the day after David Paterson. Born on the Isle of Bute, he had been a gamekeeper on the Garroch Estate before enlisting and is commemorated on the Le Touret Memorial, France. He is commemorated on the Kells war memorial and on the Kingarth Parish war memorial, Isle of Bute. William Stewart of the Queens Own Cameron Highlanders was 30 years old when he died of wounds in France on 13 May. Reported to be the first man from New Galloway to enlist, he had been promoted to Sergeant and was the son of James and Janet Stewart of Meadow View, New Galloway. William is buried at Le Touquet, Paris and is commemorated on the Kells war memorial. The final death, also on 13 May, was that of James Faed of The ALEX FERGUSSON MSP FOR GALLOWAY & WEST DUMFRIES Holds regular advice surgeries at: Constituency Office, New Market Street, Castle Douglas, DG7 1HY on the 2nd Friday of every month from 5pm Telephone free on 0800 028 7260 for an appointment or to make any alternative arrangement. You can visit Alex’s website at: www.alexfergusson.org.uk or contact him by e-mail at: alex.fergusson.msp@scottish.parliament.uk page 19 Bungalow, New Galloway. James was a midshipman in the Royal Navy and a member of a famous family of artists; James Faed, only 15 a large when he died. painting by his father (also James) can be seen upstairs in New Galloway Town Hall. James was buried at sea at the Dardenelles (Gallipoli) after his ship HMS Goliath was torpedoed. He is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent, and on the Kells war memorial and the St Margaret’s Church war memorial and also has a plaque in his name in St Margaret’s Church, New Galloway. James was just 15 when he was killed and had been in the Royal Navy since the age of 13. There was no age bar to Midshipmen (trainee officers) serving on ships in zones of war at the time. Paul Goodwin Glenkens Gazette page 20 Carsphairn Kirk: a Church in the Heart of the Hills Carsphairn Kirk: A Church in the Heart of the Hills is the subject of the Carsphairn Heritage Group’s 2015 exhibition as this year we celebrate the 200th anniversary of the building of the current church. The exhibition does not start then but delves further back in history to the beginnings of the church in the area, the turbulent Covenanting times and the structure of the pre 1815 church building. Through his research Dr Bartholomew has discovered more about the central communion table, the only one still being used in the South of Scotland. Committee members of the group have researched into church life since 1815 and the exhibition is a rich gathering of articles, artefacts and wonderful photographs portraying the life and importance of a church in an upland community throughout the last four hundred years. The central communion table will be used for the Communion service on 5 July (see p22). There will also be a soup and sweet lunch served in Lagwyne Hall between 1pm and 2.30pm that day; all are welcome to come along before the service which is at 3pm. Anna Campbell MORE ON OLD MORTALITY In the last issue of the Glenkens Gazette Ted Cowan, in his article on Old Mortality, asked if anyone could confirm where the statue had come from previous to its current location by Balmaclellan church. We have had two people respond to this query, so here is a little more about the Old Mortality statue. Professor Ted Cowan, in his informative article on Old Mortality, referred to the statue built into the Balmaclellan kirkyard wall, and sought confirmation that it had been rescued from a sorry state in the grounds of The Holme about a mile out of the village. been a statue of Old Mortality in Balmaclellan before this, which some people will remember. It was brought to the village in the 1960s by ‘Achie’ Corrie, the smith at the time and a descendant of John Corrie, the sculptor of all four existing statues of Old Mortality. It was installed on the small green in the centre of the village, near where petrol pumps later stood, and remained there until about 1987, when it was handed over to the Newton Steward Museum, where it can still be seen. It is partnered by the figure of a watchful Cameronian, a member of the group who strove to maintain Covenanting principles even when the main struggle was over. With thanks to Tom Corrie for jogging my memory on the facts. This is indeed correct. There are two seperate statues forming an ensemble – one of Old Mortality recumbent on a gravestone and the other of his horse standing by. They had stood for a century or more in woodland at The Holme, and are marked on the 1909 edition of the OS map. In the course of that time the figure of Old Mortality had suffered severe damage, with the head and legs broken off. When the decision was made at the time of the millenium to display them more fittingly, the statues were removed and taken to the workshop of Martin Holden at Dalshangan for the very considerable restoration necessary, before transfer to Balmaclellan and mounting on the prepared kirkyard site. Some confusion may arise from the fact that there had Statue in broken and much deteriorated state at The Holme. Dear Glenkens Gazette, After reading the Article about Old Mortality I contacted a former neighbour, Peter McNicol (formerly of Walkerhill, Balmaclellan), as I recalled him and my late father, George Lothian, moving the Statue at the Holm. Undernoted is an extract from his reply. I do hope that this will be of interest and help to you. “With reference to the Article on Old Mortality he was definitely down at the Holm big house. I used to rent the fields off Lord Templeton and Old Mortality was on the banks of the Garple burn down in the front of the Holm House. It was in a sorry state in those days in the 60s and 70s. The hand was broken off and the ears of the horse were also missing; also the foot of Old Mortality was missing. The Statue was moved from down at the front of the Holm House by myself (Peter McNicol), Joe Corrie (Blacksmith), Gordon Wallace (Estate Manager at the Holm) and George Lothian (Bogue Toll) with George’s Tractor and Buck Rake and a lot of ropes. It was moved to the Holm Farm home of Lord & Lady Templeton. It was later moved to the Village under the care of Joe Corrie and was placed at the Petrol pumps near to the Smiddy. It was later moved to the Churchyard”. Yours sincerely, Margaret W Lothian MBE, Crossmichael Glenkens Gazette page 21 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN THE KILLING OF THE CURATE OF CARSPHAIRN The Carsphairn Heritage Group has imaginatively staged an exhibition to mark the 200th anniversary of their church, which is famous for preserving the most unique communion table in Scotland. Visit, and check out the photographs of the last two beadles of the kirk who look as if they had just stepped out of the pages of a Crockett novel. In darker times Carsphairn was noted for a shocking episode, which took place in November 1684, namely the murder of Peter Peirson, the local minister, or more accurately, curate, since he was of the Episcopalian persuasion. Two contemporary accounts of the affair have survived though neither seems entirely clear about exactly what happened. Further distortion occurs because of the bias of the authors who in the heated atmosphere of ‘The Killing Times’ or the ‘good ill times of persecution’, of covenanting legend, were motivated as much by propaganda as they were by perspicacity. Following the rescue of covenanting prisoners at Enterkin Pass in July of 1684 the Scottish government intensified its pursuit of the righteous. A dragoon was killed by ‘Black’ James McMichael, the fowler or gamekeeper of Maxwelton, from the Clachan of Dalry. As legislation became harsher and more repressive the covenanters retaliated with declarations; ‘We utterly detest and abhor that hellish principle of killing all who differ in judgement or persuasion from us, it having no bottom upon the word of God’. However any opposing the Covenanted Work of Reformation would be appropriately punished. Robert Wodrow, historian of the persecutions, recounts the story of a 73 year old woman from Carsphairn who was arrested because her son attended a conventicle. When she refused to swear that she would never again see, or shelter, the offender, she was scourged through the streets of Dumfries. Two of the most vicious pursuers of covenanters were John Graham of Claverhouse, based for some time at Kenmure Castle, and the notorious Robert Grierson of Lag who had an estate at Garryhorn, Carsphairn. they were friends of the curate, went to his door, putting Peirson in a rage, threatening to unleash broadsword and pistol. They called for help and another two of the company, McMichael and Roger Padzen from Sanquhar approached. The other version has McMichael knocking on the door to be met by the well armed clergyman whom he shot in the chest in selfdefence. Wodrow, like some of those present, thoroughly condemned the episode though he compared it to the assassination of Archbishop Sharp in Magus Muir near St Andrews in 1679, in providing evidence to opponents that the covenanters were guilty of ‘the hellish and Jesuitical principle of asassination’. He possibly exaggerated, however, in asserting that Peirson was an open defender of popery, alleging that on a visit to James McVirk [MacTurk?] at Holm of Dalquhairn, he spoke in favour of purgatory. The extreme covenanters branded him ‘a man of death, both by the law of God and man’, but they expelled the perpetrators of the crime, condemning ‘the fact not material murder’. Black McMichael was killed within the year. Others were later known to be ‘flies’ (spies) prompting suggestions that the murder was the action of agents provocateurs. But spare a thought for the victim! The recent General Election has once again demonstrated how easily and misleadingly one side can disgracefully demonise the other. Peter Peirson might have been just as zealous and convinced of his own righteousness as the covenanters were of theirs. In flushing out rebels he behaved as a good citizen. No one likes informers but should a man be vilified because of his loyalty to the state and thus willing to expose miscreants and wrongdoers? ...vicious pursuers of covenanters were John Graham of Claverhouse, based for some time at Kenmure Castle, and the notorious Robert Grierson of Lag... There Lag regularly held courts, often assisted by Peter Peirson who informed on parishioners who would later be interrogated and fined, or worse. Those ‘about the head of the Water of Ken’ were particularly noted. Peirson was described as unmarried, violent, surly-natured, horridly severe, blustering and bold, openly provoking some of his flock by stating, ‘he feared none of the whigs, nor anything else but rats or mice’. Nonetheless he seems to have kept a small armoury in the manse. Some locals decided to attempt to reason with him. A group headed by James McMichael met at Muirbroke [Marbrack?] ‘three miles from the kirk of Carsphairn’. Learning that Peirson was at home they decided to visit him. Accounts vary. One states that two of them, announcing Ted Cowan Glenkens Gazette page 22 JUNE & JULY JUNE Thu 4, Gentlemen’s Seniors Open, NG Golf Club, see p9 Sat 6, Carspairn Show, see ad below Sat 6, SWANC visit to Cree Valley Woods, see p5 Wed 10, Open Stage, 7.30pm, Clachan Inn Thu 11, Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas, 7.30pm, Dalry Town Hall Sat 20, The East Pointers, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall Thu 25, Susan Calman: Lady Like, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall Sun 28, Glenkens Acoustic Session, 2-4pm, Clachan Inn, Dalry JULY Sat 4, Carsphairn Historic Walk, see below Sun 12, Arndarroch Open Garden, 2-5pm, see p15 Fri 17, The Colin Steele Trio, 7.30pm, Dalry Town Hall Sat 18 & Sun 19, Portraiture with Katharine Wheeler, 10am-3pm, New Galloway Town Hall Sun 26, Glenkens Acoustic Session, 2-4pm, Clachan Inn, Dalry Sun 26, Glenkens Story Event: The Lost Farms of Blackwater of Dee, see p17 Fri 31, Film: Blackbird, 7pm, venue to be confirmed (call 420 374) Walking Group Glenkens Walking Group are a small informal group of friends who meet on Monday and Wednesday afternoons by the Bank in Dalry to share transport to various walks within the Glenkens of 3 to 5 miles. The pace is adapted within reason to suit the ability of whoever turns up on the day, so the elderly and less fit can participate. We do not take dogs and each walker is responsible for their own actions and safety. Anyone interested in joining us should contact one of our walk leaders: John or Isobel McBeth (430 539), Elizabeth Peacock (430 581), Gerry Cinderby (420 852) or Terry Haine (420 880). Carsphairn CHURCH BICENTENARY their historic long communion This year is the Historic table which was constructed bicentenary of in 1775, and to this end the Walks significant work Kirk Session has decided to On 4 July at 10.30am and 2.30pm there will be a chance to undertake a historic walk through the village starting at the Heritage Centre. There will be stories about the houses, inns, churches, shops, school etc. The walk, led by Anna Campbell, will last approx. 1.5 /2 hours and will finish with tea and shortbread either at The Knowe or in Lagwyne Hall if it’s wet. No need to book ahead, just turn up. Cost is £2 per adults and £1 for children. JENNY’S Mobile Hairdresser Nursing Homes & Residential The Elderly & Disabled Home Visits NVQ Level 3 Hairdressing NVQ Level 4 Social Care Contact - 07554 009 624 being done on Carsphairn Church building. The church is celebrating this milestone with a special service on 5 July. It is hoped that as many people as possible will be able to attend this service which will include communion around CARSPHAIRN SHOW SATURDAY 6 TH JUNE SHEEP JUDGING, SHEEP DOG TRIALS CHILDRENS‛ SPORTS & PET SHOW, OPEN DOG SHOW GREAT ANNUAL HILL RACE INDUSTRIAL SECTION IN LAGWYNE HALL For further details, please ring Show Secretary on 01644 430467 or visit www.carsphairn.org/carsphairn-show hold the service at 3 pm in the afternoon, rather than in the morning. Beforehand there will be the opportunity to share a soup and sweet lunch in the Lagwyne Hall from 1pm2.30pm. The church anticipates a good attendance of its own members, but also hopes that many people from other congregations and from the wider community will be able to come along on the day. David Bartholomew Correspondence Secretary Required For New Galloway & Kells Community Council. Modest honorarium available for 1-2 hours a week. Community Council meeting attendance not mandatory. Enquiries to Margaret Watson, acting chair, at maggs.watson272@ btinternet.com by 10th June. Glenkens Gazette page 23 REGULAR EVENTS CatStrand RELOCATED UNTIL JULY - see below: Exercise to Music: Mon, 10-11am, New Galloway Town Hall Margaret Morris Movement Adult Dance Class: Mon, 2.30-3.30pm, contact Sara on 01556 612854, New Galloway Town Hall Children’s Dance Class: Mon during term time, 3.45-4.45pm age 3-7, 4.30-5.30pm ages 8-15, New Galloway Town Hall Gentle Tai Chi: Wed, 10am, 60+, New Galloway Town Hall Play it By Ear: Wed, 2pm, Kells School, New Galloway Sing it Out: Thurs, 11am -12pm, Cross Keys Hotel, New Galloway Pilates: Thurs, 4.15-5.15pm & 5.30-6.30pm, Dalry Community Centre CatStrand Yukes: Thurs, 1pm – 3.30pm 60+ Cross Keys Hotel, New Galloway Knit & Blether Club: last Fri each month, 2pm, 60+ Afternoon Tea Club: 2nd Fri each month, 2pm, postponed until further notice Saturday Art Club: 2nd Sat each month, 10am–12noon, New Galloway Town Hall Zumbatomic: last Sat each month, 10-10.45am Catstrand Youth Players: Sun during term time, 2pm, postponed until the summer Glenkens Acoustic Sessions: last Sun of the month, 2-4pm, The Clachan Inn, Dalry Glenkens Community Centre (Dalry): (contact Kath 430 281) Glenkens Children’s Club: Mon & Fri, 9.30-11.45am Paint & Art: Mon, 1.30-4.30pm & Wed, 7-9pm Ballroom & Latin Dance Class: Mon, 7.15pm, for more info call Sam Rushton on 420 672 GCC Playgroup: Tues & Thurs, 9.20-11.50am, contact keronh@me.com Good Neighbours’ Club: Tues, 2pm Kickback Martial Arts: Thurs, 79pm Thursday Craft Group: Thurs, 24pm Brownies: Wed, 5.30-6.45pm Guides: Tues during term-time, 6.15pm, contact: Kath 430 281 Various Locations: Ukelele Group: Mon, 11.15am, 60+, New Galloway Town Hall Ukelele Improvers, Mon, 1pm, 60+, New Galloway Town Hall Mother & Toddlers: Tues, 9.4511.15am, New Galloway Town Hall Beavers: Tues, 6–7.15pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Dog Training: Tues & Wed, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. Contact: Eric 460 670 Bowling for Beginners: Wed, 7pm, Spalding Bowling Club, Dalry (opposite The Garage) Wednesday Quiz Night: Wed, 8.30pm, Cross Keys Hotel, New Galloway Glenkens Community Councils Balmaclellan Community Council Meetings: 3rd Monday each month, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall. Carsphairn Community Council Meetings: Last Monday each month, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn. Dalry Community Council Meetings: 1st Monday each month, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. New Galloway & Kells Community Council Meetings: 2nd Monday each month, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall. Full minutes of local Community Council meetings can be viewed at Dalry Library. CHURCH OF SCOTLAND Sunday Services - Balmaclellan 12noon: 1st. Carsphairn 10.30am: 1st (June), 2nd, 3rd, 4th. Dalry 9am: 1st, 2nd (July), 3rd, 4th. Dalry 10.30am: 2nd (June). Kells 10.30am: 2nd (July) 3rd, 4th. Special Services/Events: 14 June, 10.30am, United Family Service (Kells/ Dalry), Dalry Church. Communion Service: 5 July, 3pm, Carsphairn Church (using central table). SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH: St Margaret’s, New Galloway: Holy Communion, 10.30am every Sun & Wed CATHOLIC CHURCH SERVICES: Gatehouse of Fleet: Sat, 6pm. Kirkcudbright: Sun, 9.30am. Dalbeattie: Sun, 11am Stewartry Camera Club: Wed, 7.30pm, Ringford Village Hall, runs Wed 11 Sept till end Mar Zumba: Wed, 7.30-8.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall, £4 Mossdale Painters: Wed, 9.30am, Mossdale Village Hall Cub Scouts: Wed, 6.45–8pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Carsphairn Post Office: Tues, 1- 3pm, Lagwyne Hall Coffee & Craft Morning: Tues, 1- 3pm, Lagwyne Hall D&G Hard of Hearing Group Drop-in: 1st Friday each month, 10am-12noon, New Galloway Town Hall. Scouts: Thurs, 7–8.30pm, New Galloway Scout Hut To hire the MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) behind Dalry School call Sonja Tranter on 430 244 or Nicolette Wise on 430 218. Dalry Library Tue: 2.30 - 6pm W S Fri: 2.30-6pm NEIME Sat: 10am - 12noon T are 23 mobile library stops There - to find out where and when please phone 430 234. ADVERTISE IN THE GAZETTE (price per issue incl VAT) SMALL: 6cm x 6cm, £37.80 (+ 10% off with series discount) 1/4 PAGE: 9cm w x 13cm h, £81.90 (+ 25% off with series discount) 1/2 PAGE: 18cm w x 13cm h, £151.20 (+ 25% off with series discount) FULL PAGE: 18cm w x 27cm h, £252 (+ 25% off with series discount) Call 07727 127 997 VAT Reg. No. 882 8361 87 USEFUL NUMBERS: ● Pot-hole Hotline: 0845 276 0000 ● Local Police: 0845 600 5701 ● Doctor: 01644 420 234 ● NHS 24: 08454 24 24 24 ● D&G Council: 030 33 33 3000 Glenkens Gazette TEAM GALLOWAY RALLY TO THE CAUSE Four local lads - Tom Hudson, Malcolm Middleton, Kevin WilsonSmith and Gareth EarlPayne - together make up Team Galloway. The group are participating in the Help for Heroes (H4H) 4x4 European Rally, a non-speed touring assembly that will be part military history tour, part off-road driving. The rally benefits the charity Help for Heroes who raise money to support members of the Armed Forces who have been wounded in the service of their country. H4H 4x4 European Rally 2015; The Final Mission, will start on 13 June and journey over 2000+ miles through seven European countries, following the path and telling the story of the Allied Invasion through Europe. “We have a strong connection to the British Armed Forces, with team members having served and/or currently serving in the Royal Navy, Regular Army, Territorial Army and ACF. We also have strong family connections to the forces,” says Kevin. “We will be camping throughout the rally and will have to be self-sufficient. We are covering all the costs of the rally ourselves so all donations go straight to H4H.” The European Rally event has raised over £800,000 for H4H since 2010. To donate, visit www.bmycharity.com/ teamgalloway or text TCAL99 £10 to 70070. One of Team Galloway’s page 24 Kevin Earl-Payne and Tom Hudson at the Ladies’ Night fundraiser in Balmaclellan. fundraising activities was a Ladies Night ‘Swishing’ Event. At this fun clothes-swap tea-party cocktail evening in Balmaclellan Village Hall, an impressive £350 was raised. “We would like to thank Rachel Hudson for organising a fantastic evening,” says Kevin. “It was amazing to see such strong community spirit in the Glenkens, with local businesses providing fantastic raffle prizes and Dalry Community Shop loaning amazing vintage props for the ‘Cocktail Tearoom’.” MAMMA’S GRILL RESTAURANT @ LOCHINVAR HOTEL OPENING FRIDAY 17th APRIL ENJOY THE RELAXED ATMOSPHERE OF OUR REFURBISHED RESTAURANT SERVING CHARGRILLED STEAKS & MEATS STONE OVEN COOKED PIZZAS BOOKINGS BEING TAKEN 01644 430 107 TAKE AWAY PIZZA AVAILABLE WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Submit events, activities, news stories, cartoons, reviews, tips & techniques, fiction, photos, ads or ideas... Contact Sarah Ade on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk AUG/SEPT COPY DEADLINE: 5 JULY Design & co-ordination: Sarah Ade sarah.ade@gmail.com Printing:Stranraer & Wigtownshire Free Press www.stranraer-freepress.co.uk 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 88 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GG_088 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 2015 Description An account of the resource Editor: Sarah Ade https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/1/235/GlenkensGazette89.pdf 10e267c135a066a008f473fc39259150 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 89 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 2015 ISSUE 89 WHAT CAN YOU DO IN THE GLENKENS? The Glenkens will be celebrating the diversity of activities and interest groups in the area at the first Clubs and Societies Fair on 12 September. The massive variety of activities on offer in the area, from Art to Zumba - via just about every letter of the alphabet in between - will be showcased at the event. Clubs and societies run primarily by volunteers will be invited to the Fair to advertise FREE their activities and to let local people know what help they need. There is a phenomenal amount of good work done, largely unseen and unsung, by volunteers in this area, and they are always keen to get new recruits. The Fair, which is the initiative of Dalry Community Council, will take place from 2-5pm on Saturday 12 September at the Glenkens Community Centre in Dalry. There will also be sport and activity taster sessions run by the Council across the road in Dalry school. The event will also feature local businesses that offer useful services. Continued on page 3... Award for Cub Leader A Glenkens Scout worker has been honoured in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for 50 years’ service to the movement. Heather McIntosh with her British Empire Medal. Heather McIntosh of New Galloway has been awarded the British Empire Medal for her work as Cub Scout Leader with the 1st Glenkens pack. Heather says the announcement was “wonderful news” and came as a complete surprise. “I would like to share the accolade with family and friends, all fellow Scouters in Galloway, Hannah and A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) ini�a�ve Doug, leaders of the pack, and the kind folk of the Glenkens and beyond who help the group in many different ways.” She also wants to share it with all the children who have been members of the pack over the years, right up to the present. “I hope my commitment has touched their young lives in some way.” Heather was born in Mossdale but moved to New Galloway when she was five. She had already been a Brownie, Guide and Cadet when local Scout leader Bob Carruthers asked her to help with the cubs “for an hour a week” in 1964. Continued on page 2... CatStrand Film Makers film shortlisted at Edinburgh International Film Festival! See p13 for details... Glenkens Gazette page 2 FUNDING BID TO SAVE NEW GALLOWAY SHOP A bid has been made to the Big Lottery Growing Community Assets fund to buy the Hopkins shop in New Galloway which is facing closure. The detailed funding application, submitted at the end of June, seeks funds to buy the shop and house and meet the cost of renovations and some of the initial operating costs. As well as a community shop it is intended to create two self-catering flats and workshop space available for rent. Competition for this fund is extremely strong, with a 30% success rate. A response is expected by the end of August. The bid has been made by New Galloway Community Enterprises (NGCE) Ltd, a community benefit society formed in June 2015. A community benefit society can trade commercially but all profits must be re- invested in the community. A brief recruiting drive has already resulted in 75 members and the membership drive will continue if the application is successful. The NGCE management committee - Helen Keron (chair) Sarah Parry (vice-chair) Margaret Watson (secretary) Jean Marsden (treasurer) David Briggs, Mike Brown, Emma Curtis and Dawn Spernagel would like to thank everyone for their support, including Jim and Margaret Hopkins. Your Chance to Become a Community Councillor In October 2015 communities in Dumfries and Galloway will have the opportunity to elect new members for their Community Council. Community Councillors are local people elected by members of their community to represent their views on a wide variety of subjects such as planning applications, public transport, the environment, conservation and licensing matters. Community Councils may be involved with local projects and events, and many are in receipt of community windfarm benefits which are used to benefit their communities. There are currently over 80 active Community Councils in Dumfries and Galloway and members for them must be nominated by the public. Anyone age 16 years or over, living in the Community Council area and registered to vote in local government elections, can be nominated for their Community Council and, if elected, training will be provided to enable people to fulfil their role. There are some areas of the region where there are no active Community Councils, but if there are sufficient people in one of those areas who are interested in developing one, support can be provided to set up a new Community Council. The deadline for nominations is Friday 25 September and information about how to nominate people is on Dumfries & Galloway Council’s website. Advice and support to reestablish Community Councils will be provided by local Area Framework teams who may be contacted via the Council Contact Centre on 030 33 33 3000. Continued from front page... By 1965 she was Cub Scout Leader and has been ever since. She “begs to differ” over his “hour a week” claim having been heavily involved not only with the pack but with wider scouting activities including the post of district commissioner for Cub Scouts. She has seen major changes over the years: the arrival of girls as well as boys in the pack, changes in uniforms and new activities and badges. The Cub Scout programme reflects the modern world with activities such as disability awareness, global issues, conservation, computing and martial arts. However, in a tradition dating back to ‘Wolf Cubs’, she is still known as ‘Akela’ to the children and her Cub Scouts still love ‘sausage sizzles’ and camping, but now one of the novelties is washing up dishes in a basin - a new experience for those who have grown up to the sound of a dishwasher. “I believe scouting helps the children to develop life-long skills, boosts their confidence and creates thoughtful independent people. And,” she adds with a laugh, “it’s about having fun.” Cub Award for Heather Glenkens Gazette page 3 Photo of the Issue: Glenkens Clubs Sponsored by the Ken Bridge Hotel Competition judges, Dave and Sue at the Ken Bridge Hotel, said: “14 superb photos, and it is so difficult to choose a winner, we really wish the Gazette could publish all of them. In the end we have chosen Kyle Butterworth as the winner with his atmospheric scene of Clatteringshaws loch”. Kyle wins a meal for two at the Ken Bridge Hotel’s renowned Sunday Carvery. Continued from front page... So look out for the advertising closer to the time, and do come along if you can. It’s free, and there will be a take-home directory of all the activities. You might just surprise yourself with what’s out there, and pick up a brand new hobby at the same time! The list of sponsors confirmed at time of going to press include the Glenkens Community Shop, the Galloway Association of Glasgow and Dalry and New Galloway Community Councils - thanks to all of them for their support. To get involved contact Nicolette at nicolettewise@aol.com or 430 218. Local Initiatives in New Galloway Following the very successful Open Days last year a new Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING) committee was formed. Then due to various personal reasons there has been a gap in developments. Recently Dumfries & Galloway Council have intimated that they will be considering closing New Galloway Town Hall unless the community can produce a viable plan for its ongoing use and sustainability. This is being submitted and in the autumn we will be setting up activities and groups which have been requested. The Town Hall does not appear to be registered under the Council as Common Good Glenkens Community Shop Grants allocated in July 2015 Ist Glenkens Guide Unit Glenkens Community Centre Dalry School Tech Club The Ex Servicemen’s Club (DCC) Society’s Fair Dalry Town Hall Dalry Bowling Club Good Neighbours Club Glenkens Art Workshop Craft Club Dalry Rural Glenkens Children’s Club Dalry Community Council The Glenkens Shed £125 £500 £380 £500 £500 £300 £200 £200 £280 £200 £200 £300 £500 £500 Total - £4,685 Thank you to all volunteers and customers who make this possible. despite the fact that financial reports of the previous Burgh Council list it as such. It appears that other properties were acquired for revenue raising and these contributed to the Town Hall’s upkeep. If anyone has any information about this, please let us know. An open meeting will be held in September and a new committee elected. Ros Hill, 01644 420 632 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 4 sponsored by EVERYTHING listed in the Glenkens Freecycle section is FREE - you just need to contact the owner and go and pick it up! If you would like to list something on this page, please get in touch with Sarah on 07727 127 997 or email glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk Various White melamine ‘conti’ board. Contact: 430 690 Compost Tumbler needs a new home. Contact: Annikki on 460 640 Oval shaped extending teak dining room table made by William Lawrence. Max width 3’ 3”, length 4’ 6” extends to 5’ 10”. Good condition. Detachable legs. Free to good home but any donation to Riding for Disabled welcome. Contact: Keith on 450 201 Mattress for double bed. Clean, little used but surplus to requirements. Contact: Alan on 07769 680938 Corby trouser press. Perfect working order.Contact: Fiona on 420 227 Basic computer table. Contact: June on 420 361 Double bed frame. Contact: 07876 353 557 Wood chip, ideal for garden paths etc. Bring own bag to fill. Contact: 430 218 Vick’s CleanAir air purifier, virtually unused. Contact: 430 380 WANTED Plastic bath. Contact: Corina on 07790 052 937 3/4 drawer filing cabinet with lock. Contact: 01556 670 239 Petrol mower/strimmer, any condition, preferably working. Contact: Simon on 07426 124 982 CLACHAN FAIR FUN Fun has not been forgotten this year even though there has been no Clachan Fair Week. The first event was the Fun Dog Show at Newfield Farm where money was raised for the Dumfries & Galloway Canine Rescue as well as Clachan Fair funds. The show started with an agility demonstration followed by a Have a Go at Agility event. This was enjoyed hugely by all dogs and their owners. Many thanks to Diana Lord and the STARS for all the fun. Then 21 competitors took part in the Dog Show and judge Vorna Gilkes had some difficult decisions to make. All the dogs were looking their best but after much deliberation Bailey (springer-cross-Labrador), owned by Trudie Mitchell, won best in show. Reserve was Kim (golden-red Labrador), owned by Paul Cain. A big thank you to all our generous sponsors and all the competitors for such a great day out. The Clachan Fair June Weekend started off with the Splash Party. When you let over 100 children loose with paddling pools, water guns, water balloons and water pistols of all shapes and sizes, you end up with a very wet but great fun event. With hotdogs and burgers for tea at the barbecue, altogether it was an afternoon to remember. The parents who stayed seemed to enjoy it too. The adults (and some of the children) then enjoyed a quiz night on Saturday during which the Clachan Fair raffle was drawn with about 15 prizes to be won. These were the first events in the new-look Clachan Fair with activities being spread throughout the year rather than concentrated into one week. Further events are planned for later in the year so please watch out for posters. Next year should see a more traditional Fair over a weekend, including the usual stalls and parade as well as other events throughout the year. If you have any ideas please let us know, and we are always on the look out for new members of the committee and volunteers to help at events. Sally Hooker Glenkens Gazette page 5 sponsored by SIGN UP TO THE BIOSPHERE CHARTER Do you have a passion for your place? The Biosphere Partnership has ambitious goals and wants as many people as possible to share an enthusiasm for this special place by signing up to the new Biosphere Charter at gsabiosphere.org.uk By agreeing with the six principles of the Biosphere Charter, you can demonstrate that you are proud to be a supporter of the Biosphere designation and are playing your part in promoting and developing the sustainability of the area. The six principles of the Biosphere are: 1) - Help conserve the natural resources of the Biosphere 2) - Support the economy to benefit people and nature 3) - Promote cultural heritage and local products 4) - Contribute to health and wellbeing of the community 5) - Develop knowledge, understanding and research 6) - Raise awareness of the Galloway and southern Ayrshire Biosphere We believe that the more supporters who sign up to the six Biosphere principles the greater the benefits will be. Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere, simply known as a Biosphere, is an international designation awarded by UNESCO to areas renowned for their special environments which are valued by local people. By providing a distinctive badge associated with this special place we can help promote the best environments, local products and services. Using the badge will help others recognise and understand the high quality of our environment and the more we know about our surroundings the more we will want to care for it. Together we will make life better for people and for nature. Anyone who signs the FREE Biosphere Charter will receive a Biosphere Charter certificate and a (highly desirable and exclusive) ‘Proud Supporter’ window sticker. Information on events and a regular enewsletter will also be supplied to Biosphere supporters and we also hope to invite people to take part in a ‘Learning Journey’ in the Biosphere. Community groups or businesses that are located within the Biosphere area will also be permitted to use the Biosphere brand on promotional materials and website. We are currently developing an interactive map on the Biosphere website which will have hyperlinks to supporters’ websites and, for community groups, a link to a dedicated page. The web page will highlight what you have identified as special about your place under six headings, Wildlife & Natural Beauty, Heritage & Culture, Inspiration, Tranquillity, Recreation & Enjoyment and Local Produce. Eventually we hope that settlements in the Biosphere area will adopt the Charter and badge themselves as Biosphere Communities on their entrance signs. Landscape Partnership Scheme Update: Dumfries & Galloway Council has now submitted a first stage application for the Galloway Glens Project to the Heritage Lottery Fund Landscape Partnership Scheme. A successful bid will lead to a period of community project development before a second stage application is submitted. Glenkens Gazette Get on Your Bike! Natural Power employees have been participating in Love to Ride the UK’s first national cycling challenge, notching up almost 4,000 miles and topping the leader board in the SME category in Scotland. The National Cycle Challenge is a fun, free competition that gets employees motivated and encourages colleagues to experience first-hand the joys and benefits of riding a bike. It is also a major part of Bike Week and supported in partnership with Cyclescheme and CTC, the national cycling charity. The three week challenge took place between 8 and 28 June. This year 2,119 organisations from across the UK took part in the challenge, including Scottish Natural Heritage, Ofcom, Google, NHS and Aviva. Fiona Grubb, Head of Business Development and Marketing at Natural Power led the initiative as Challenge Champion. She said: “This is a fantastic initiative to encourage our team to be active and outdoors, whether it’s cycling to work or taking on an adventurous, mountain-biking expedition at the weekend. We’re delighted that so many staff took on the challenge and it’s been great to see some healthy competition amongst our people!” page 6 The National Cycle Challenge is the main event for Bike Week 2015. It is an annual opportunity to promote cycling, and show how cycling can easily be part of everyday life by encouraging ‘everyday cycling for everyone’. Demonstrating the social, health and environmental benefits of cycling, the week aims to get people to give cycling a go all over the UK. Find out more at www.lovetoride.net Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents Selling properties across Dumfries & Galloway 01556 503744 www.ggblaw.co.uk All legal advice Offices in Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie Kirkcudbright and Dumfries Glenkens Gazette page 7 CatStrand Update The essential repairs to the CatStrand building have proved to be more extensive than first anticipated as several further issues have been discovered as the work progressed. However, everyone is working very hard to complete the reinstatement programme to allow CatStrand to re-open as soon as possible. At the moment we anticipate being able to open again by midSeptember and are planning an exciting ‘Welcome Back’ Festival Weekend of events in October to celebrate being back home in our newly refurbished venue again. Please look out for details being announced on the website and in local media in due course. We appreciate that the work has taken longer than initially hoped due to various circumstances beyond our control and we are working hard to minimise any further delay and we look forward to welcoming our many patrons and friends back to the building soon. In the meantime, we are extremely grateful to all of the other local venues for helping us to continue with most of our planned events and activities throughout this difficult period. To allow the staff to fully concentrate on planning the re-opening as effectively as possible, we have not arranged many events during August and September other than the regular classes and activities. The repairs are progressing well and after the lengthy stripping-out and drying-out phase from January through to April, the re- plastering has now been completed and the toilets have been refitted. The next stage will see the wooden not covered by insurance and floors re-laid, the kitchen we are extremely grateful to installed and then the remaining all who have contributed to the floor coverings can be laid fund so far. and decorating completed. Everyone at CatStrand greatly A great deal of thought has appreciates the tremendous gone into the planning of the support and understanding re-fit and the opportunity has shown since January and now at been seized to make some long last we can see the light at improvements to the fixtures the end of the tunnel. We hope and the layout where possible to see you in CatStrand soon! within the parameters allowed Brian Edgar, by our insurance company. We General Manager, hope you will agree that the 2015 version of CatStrand will be even better than the original! In relation to the flooding problem, we instructed an independent Flood Risk Assessment and have also been working closely with Dumfries & Galloway Council and The Scottish Flood Agency to find the best possible solution to prevent any future recurrence. A Caro flood FOR barrier system is to be fitted GALLOWAY & to all of the WEST DUMFRIES vulnerable external doors around the Holds regular advice surgeries at: building. In Constituency Office, New Market addition, as a result of the Street, Castle Douglas, DG7 1HY Flood Risk Assessment, on the 2nd Friday of every month from 5pm various further preventative Telephone free on 0800 028 7260 measures for an appointment or to make are being considered in any alternative arrangement. relation to the You can visit Alex’s website at: Cat Strand burn itself. Our Flood www.alexfergusson.org.uk Appeal has helped to meet or contact him by e-mail at: some of the alex.fergusson.msp@scottish.parliament.uk additional costs ALEX FERGUSSON MSP Glenkens Gazette Spalding Bowling Club page 8 Spalding Bowling Club held a very successful Triples Tournament. The sponsors were the Clachan Inn, Dalry, Gordon McAdam Plumbing, Dalry, and Brian Pringle Services, Corsock. The picture shows Gordon McAdam (centre) and club president Peter Hamilton (right) with (from left) runners-up Brian McClune, Stevie Little and Robert McClune, and winners Scott Davis, Alan Davis and Eric Montgomery. W BONE WHB JEEPS THE GARAGE, DALRY PETROL & DIESEL SALES SERVICE & REPAIRS MOTs, TYRES, BATTERIES ALL AT COMPETITIVE PRICES OPEN 8.30AM - 6.00PM (SIX DAYS) 10AM - 6PM SUNDAYS - FUEL 24 HOURS SHOP • SANDWICH BAR • LOTTERY Tel: 01644 430208 Fax: 01644 430669 jeeps@whbjeeps.co.uk www.whbjeeps.co.uk Glenkens Gazette STRESS RELIEF THE ‘SNOOPY’ WAY The American creator of the Peanuts comic strip, in which ‘good ole’ Charlie Brown and his philosophical pet beagle, Snoopy, starred, held the unique philosophy of “I am only going to dread one day at a time”. Despite his ability to produce comforting, feel-good cartoons, Schultz had regular panic attacks and would often descend suddenly into a feeling of ‘impending doom.’ Dread, panic attacks and doom can all be descriptions of what can be described in today’s parlance as symptoms of stress. Stress is the feeling of being under too much mental or emotional pressure. When you are up against something you find threatening, your body produces chemicals which enable you to become stronger and more alert – the so-called ‘fight or flight’ response. These were historically to survive physical threats, such as a stampede of wooly mammoths. Our stress now is usually in response to something which negatively triggers our emotions and we don’t know what to do. Maybe your manager is giving you a hard time at work or you really want to be able to say ‘No’ to someone, but every time you see them, you end up saying ‘Yes’. If this keeps happening with no rest or relaxation, we start to experience the physical and emotional effects of stress. Examples of these are headaches, stomach upsets, loss of libido, feeling overwhelmed, becoming moody and agitated, and avoiding people and situations. The way we speak to ourselves greatly affects how we can deal with our responses. Research shows that if we are able to talk kindly and encouragingly to ourselves, our stress levels will reduce. Examples of such positive self-talk could be ‘I can handle this’ and ‘I am doing “Every day in every way, I am getting better and better.” GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL � 01644 420234 � page 9 endorphins to help us feel calm, soothed and hopeful. • Take time out to do the things you enjoy which do not include screens - put down your iphone and step away from the laptop! Run a bubble-bath, curl-up with a good book, day-dream out of the window, paint a picture; silence can really help. • Drink more water: stay hydrated. For every cup of tea and coffee you have, drink half a cup to a cup of water. Cut down on the red wine! • Get connected with others; join a group, catch-up with a friend, have a good belly laugh, volunteer. Find a way of being with others in a shared way. • Take Snoopy’s advice and accept the things you cannot control. Read Peanuts for more canine-inspired wisdom. Gill Stanyard the best I can’. This is not a new concept. Over a hundred years ago, Emile Coue saw the power of positive thinking and came up with the famous affirmation: “Every day in every way, I am For help with lowering your stress and getting better and living a brighter life, Gill is qualified in better’’. Some top tips for stress relief are: • Exercise: just 30 minutes walking a day releases powerful feel-good Stress Management, specialising in walk and talk sessions, guided meditations and visualisations and coaching to increase your confidence and feel ok being you. Contact Gill at blueskiesventure@outlook.com or phone 01387 780 260. I look forward to hearing from you - cost is never a barrier. 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 10 ALL CHANGE FOR GCC After a very successful initial three years, it’s all change at Glenkens Children’s Club (GCC) this summer. the needs of the children. So I would firstly like to say a massive ‘thank you’ to all the office bearers and helpers, past and present, of New Galloway toddler group over the many years it has been running. In From small beginnings in particular Chrissy, Fiona and 2012, the Club has grown and Irene have done a fantastic grown until it now includes a job this year. This very friendly packed summer programme, group has just become part GCC Playgroup and GCC New of GCC, although nothing will Galloway. change in the way that it runs. We are all delighted that so Then I would like to say thank many volunteers and staff you to the secretaries of GCC continue to work together so - first Emma, then Lorraine. hard to provide such great They have contributed an facilities for the pre-school enormous amount to the club, children of the Glenkens. We and their efforts are very much are also most grateful for the appreciated. level of support from our wider Dawn has been the treasurer of community, with both moral and Children’s Club since it started, financial support offered often. and has worked tirelessly in this It is now time for the old often hidden role, with only the committee to step down as occasional scream of frustration. their children grow and move Thank you so much - the Club on, and a new committee to be wouldn’t have been able to run elected. This ensures that the without you. clubs are always managed by The staff of Playgroup, Sue, people who really understand Chrissy and Ailsa, have done a fantastic job this year. The children in their care (Activities run at Dalry Community Centre & New Galloway Town Hall) have adored their time JULY: there, and Mon 20 - Drama Session, 10–11:30am, Dalry Playgroup Tue 21 - Stickers & Colouring, 10-11am, New Galloway will of Fri 24 - Bushcraft Session, meet at 10am at Forkins (up the Glenlee road). Come dressed for the weather and course stay on for a picnic if it’s nice weather. continue Mon 27 - Wild Foraging with Galloway Wild Foods, places with Sue limited; booking essential through keronh@me.com. £10 and Chrissy per adult & 2 children, £2 per extra child, £5 per extra into next adult. 10am start. year. Tue 28 - Sensory Session, 10-11am, New Galloway Playgroup Fri 31 - Fundraising Family Ceilidh, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall. Tickets from the CatStrand - 420 374. ends this AUGUST: year with Sat 1 - Hula Hoop Workshop, 10am, Dalry Park or 11 children Community Centre if raining. on the Sun 2 - The Scottish Alternative Games, 2pm, books, New Galloway Park. although Fri 7 - Zumbatomic with Sam Rushton, 10am, Dalry there will Mon 10 - Storytelling & Songs with Susi Sweetpea, be space 10am, Dalry for more Tue 11 - Sensory Session, 10-11am, New Galloway wee ones in Fri 14 - Free Play/Water Fight?! August as Mon 17 - End of Holiday Party, 10am, Dalry the big ones Tue 18 - Coffee Morning - all ages welcome, 10-11am, leave for New Galloway nursery. Glenkens Children’s Club Summer Programme I also want to say thank you to all the non-committee members who have worked so hard on the club. Whether it’s thinking of ideas, running a mini-Olympics, gardening with the children, washing up, deep-cleaning the playgroup room - there is so much to be done, and the only way to do it is with many hands. Thank you all, it couldn’t have happened without you. The new Chair of Glenkens Children’s Club (GCC) and the Vice-chair of GCC Playgroup is Sarah Parry, mother of Brigid. The Vice-chair of GCC Dalry is Dave Stevenson, father of Isobel, Elizabeth and Mahala. The Vice-chair of GCC New Galloway is Lucy Lees, mother of Jennifer and Patrick. The Secretary of GCC is Miriam Stevenson, mother of Isobel, Elizabeth and Mahala. I thank them for picking up the baton and have every confidence that children’s club in all its forms will continue to go from strength to strength under their management. I would also like to thank the staff and board members of GCAT and the CatStrand, who have supported GCC in many ways since it started - we are proud to be a GCAT project Thank you all, Helen Keron, outgoing Chair of GCC GCC Playgroup: 09.1011.40am on Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays at the Glenkens Community Centre. 2-3 years & two-year-olds pay £5/session, three-year-olds are free. Ring Sue on 07935 882 470 in Playgroup hours for more info. GCC Dalry: 10am-12noon, Mondays & Fridays, at the Glenkens Community Centre. Geared towards 0-3 yrs. Babies free, older children £2/session with 2nd/subsequent children £1 each. GCC New Galloway: 9.45am11.30am on Tuesdays at New Galloway Town Hall. Geared towards 0-3 years. Babies free, older children £2/session, 2nd/ subsequent children £1 each. Glenkens Gazette page 11 Glenkens Gazette page 12 Glenkens Gazette page 13 Glenkens Gazette page 14 Glenkens Gazette page 15 Mrs McIntosh Retires A presentation was made to Mrs Heather McIntosh by pupils and parents to say thank you for her service to Kells Primary. Mrs McIntosh has been a classroom assistant and playground supervisor at the school for 19 years and she will be missed by the children, parents and staff. Everyone at Kells wishes her a relaxing retirement! Heather McIntosh with Kells School Pupils. GLENKENS CAMP RESILIENCE The experience of camping outdoors has been linked with success and, throughout the Glenkens schools this year, we have been working at improving the outdoor experiences our young people have. The primary schools have been working with the Ranger service and independently in a variety of outdoor learning locations - and responsible metal detecting at Carsphairn was a new venture. In the secondary school, we have been building confidence through a residential experience at the outdoor centre of Stronord. For young people transferring into Dalry’s S1 there was camping on the school field, followed by a camp near Auchencairn and building towards expedition work for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Not always warm and comfortable, but our young people have learnt that they are more resilient than they thought, that 3am is a cold time of night, that wood fires keep the midges off and that carrying a fully laden rucksack is hard work. The staff have been impressed by the enthusiasm and ‘stickability’ of young people. Now we are starting younger, logically students should be more ambitious and we are excited to see how far they can get in the time they are with us. Life Savers: Literacy, numeracy, health and wellbeing are the cornerstones of young peoples’ success and anything family, friends and schools can do to encourage them is priceless in the development of our young people. Reading to children of every age is so important in developing a community that reads. Let us take every opportunity for counting games, estimating and playing with numbers. Eating well, sleeping soundly and good exercise levels keep us well in mind and body - something we all need to aim for. Young people are taught about these things in school but good habits are ‘caught’ not taught and so, as adults in the community, we must each play our part and try to give that good example. However, things do go wrong and the secondary pupils have been finding out what to do when someone becomes unresponsive with no breathing or pulse. As part of the final days activities in school, the British Heart Foundation training manikins were used to make sure students and staff have the basic skills for saving a life. With the defibrillator installed at the Dalry Primary entrance for emergency use, what we need now is for every member of the community to be confident that they could step in and preserve life until the defibrillator is applied. There is lots of information and a downloadable app at: www.bhf.org.uk/heart-health/nationof-lifesavers/call-push-rescue The best way to learn something is to teach it, so if any family would like their young person to bring home one of the training dummies, they should phone the school office and we will arrange for one to go home with them for a few nights. In this way we hope young people will reinforce their learning and develop a community skill that can help save lives until the emergency services can reach us. In the interim, we hope everyone has a good and safe summer. Jenny Smith, Head Teacher Walking the hills above Carsphairn. Glenkens Gazette URG AND I: Part III One man’s story of living with a broken ankle... Senor Bladder woke us early this morning. We had hobbled downstairs by 6.30am, glaring at the frost, the compacted frozen snow (which my rubber-tipped crutches easily slip upon) and snarling at the radio. Later we sat with our coffee and waited. Not for anything in particular. We just waited. This happens sometimes. Maybe we’ll read a little, write a little, but generally just wait. Yesterday I took Urg to the hospital. He had to get a change of clothes. A melodramatic technician removed his slab and replaced it with a sparkling green cast. Hard as nails and rather slippery. The technician’s first comment was that Urg had not been kept raised enough. He knew this because Urg’s toes were still bruised; (“I told you so”, said Urg). Then the technician asked if I had hardwood floors or lino. “Yes”, I answered. “When this dries”, he said, peering intently, even excitedly, into my eyes, “it will be very slippery!”. I think he was smiling. “I guarantee,” he continued, “absolutely guarantee!” (his eyes were widening gleefully), “that if you fall down you will break your leg right there!” He tapped my thigh. “Right there!” he repeated. “Really?” I answered. “‘Oh, yes! Oh, yes!” he replied. But he wasn’t done page 16 suffering zombies Batpiddle! This was crazy stuff! The consultant’s eyes were bulging with excitement - he looked like Ben in the TV series Lost. Urg and I fled the hospital in a state of nervous exhaustion, but at least it wasn’t raining. This morning we had a bath. Masochism, you say. Well, not quite. But very tense. A tense bath. After I’d run the water I dried the entire bathroom. Then we gingerly stepped in. Urg was way up there. It’s surprising how difficult it is to bathe without splashing once, but I managed it. Then came the exit. Standing up I quickly dried my leg above the cast. I didn’t want any water running down my body and onto the cast that way. I dried the rest of me and sat down. Then it hit me! What if I sweat? Oh my God, no! Does this mean I’ll have to give up my threesomes with the girls from the grocery store? What will we do for six days of the week? (We take Sundays off for tea). Urg and I had better go now. I think we are hallucinating. Perhaps I got water on the cast after all, and this is the first stage – HELP!! ‘...If you don’t, then the water will start a chemical reaction with the cast and it will ROT YOUR FLESH!’ yet; “Now…” (he was just finishing up the cast) “you cannot” – he stressed the word dramatically – “get this wet!” “No?” I enquired innocently. “No! If you get this wet you have five hours to get to the hospital!”. “I do?” Said I. “Yes!” He replied fanatically, beginning to froth at the mouth. “If you don’t, then the water will start a chemical reaction with the cast and it will ROT YOUR FLESH!” Holy ����������������������������������������������������� • Pensions • Savings • Investments • Retirement Options • Inheritance Tax Planning • Life Assurance • Income & Critical Illness Protection • Mortgages • Home Insurance Free Confidential Initial Consultation Tel: 01671 403080 Fax:- 01671 402549 Email: brian.edgar@marrfinancial.co.uk Web: www.marrfinancial.co.uk 61 Victoria Street NEWTON STEWART, DG8 6NL **NEW** Yorkshire Building Society Agency – Now Open Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. For mortgages we can be paid by commission or a fee of usually £300 or a combination of both. For Home Insurance we usually offer products from a limited panel of providers. Kevin Ade MAMMA’S GRILL RESTAURANT @ LOCHINVAR HOTEL NOW OPEN ENJOY THE RELAXED ATMOSPHERE OF OUR REFURBISHED RESTAURANT SERVING CHARGRILLED STEAKS & MEATS STONE OVEN COOKED PIZZAS BOOKINGS BEING TAKEN 01644 430 107 TAKE AWAY PIZZA AVAILABLE Glenkens Gazette page 17 Abbas Rest Appeal Our annual coffee morning in aid of Abbas Rest Orphans will take place on Saturday 17 October in Dalry Town Hall from 10am to 12noon. We do hope that you will once again support this event. Funds are still badly needed as the oldest part of the large building in the Chiringa Centre had been declared dangerous and had to be demolished. New toilets, bathrooms, kitchen and the children’s accommodation have had to be replaced. At the new centre in Muona everything is going well, and work is going ahead for a new borehole made possible by some large donations. The children’s education is also gradually improving and Dear Glenkens Gazette, I have some ideas that I would like to share with readers... What are people’s thoughts on forming a ‘Bus Users Group’, to help focus transport providers with an informed and broadly based perspective on transport locally? Also, is there any interest in forming a ‘Bike Club’ to encourage children and their parents to enjoy cycling around the Glenkens by offering skills-sharing in a safe environment during school holidays? Also available could be opportunities to arrange group trips to mountain bike centres, as well as recycling Aileen McLeod MSP working for you across the South of Scotland Postal address: Unit 7 Loreburn Shopping Centre High Street, Dumfries, DG1 2BD Email: aileen.mcleod.msp@scottish.parliament.uk Tel: 01387 255 334 Please check www.aileenmcleod.org for regular surgery, constituency and parliamentary updates clothes and uniforms have been purchased. None of these things would have happened without the funds raised by coffee mornings and other fundraising events. We would be very grateful for any donations towards the raffle, bottle, cake and bric-a-brac stalls or cash donations, as well as any help you can give on the stalls or in the kitchen. We look forward to seeing you, and for more information please contact Avril Brown on 430 526 or Barbara Colbenson on 430 090. children’s and adult’s bikes with help from The Glenkens Shed project. I’d also like to volunteer to offer my services for child-minding/elderly-personminding/baby-sitting when I’m available. (I am a retired health visitor, with enhanced Disclosure Scotland in another voluntary capacity). It would need to be within cycling distance of Balmaclellan, plus I’d prefer a ‘barter’ basis than monetary exchange (for example, babysitting in exchange for a bottle of wine!). If anyone would like to discuss these ideas further please get in touch on junehay@glenkensbb.co.uk All the best, June Bargatton Sand & Gravel Supplying sand and gravel for all your farming needs, as well as households and businesses both large and small. We stock washed fine sand, coarse sand and gravels at competitive prices. For further details contact: James Mair - 07793 085 243 Email: loch.bargatton@live.co.uk Bargatton Quarry, Laurieston, Castle Douglas, DG7 2PS Open Monday to Friday Weekends by arrangement Delivery can be arranged - subject to quantity Glenkens Gazette page 18 AIR CRASHES ON CORSERINE Corserine will be well known to most readers. Lying in Kells Parish, it is the highest hill of the Rhinns of Kells at a height of 814 metres or 2,670 feet if you prefer. In a little over eight years, five separate aircraft crashed on this hill resulting in a loss of 16 lives. On 9 January 1939, Avro Anson serial L9153 left Prestwick on a Navigation Exercise (Navex) flight when it crashed into the Western Slope of Corserine near Downies Burn killing Flying Officer Iain Shields, Mr Norman Duff, Leading Aircraftman Gordon Betts and Leading Aircraftman Henry Briggs. The wreckage was found still smouldering the next day by shepherd William McCubbin. Meanwhile, Tiger Moth serial L6932 had set out from Prestwick to find the crashed Anson and, in poor weather, it crashed very close to the original crash site. However pilot Pete Barrow and his photographer escaped uninjured (this was on 10 January). Various pieces of wreckage remain at the crash sites. 23 October 1942 saw another Anson crash, this time just 150 metres North West of the summit of Corserine. Anson Serial DG787 was on a night Navex from Jurby on the Isle of Man when it failed to return. Two days later a Home Guard unit in the area notified RAF Wigtown of a crashed aircraft and a search and rescue team from Wigtown recovered the bodies of: Sergeant Joseph Millinger, Sergeant Charles Lunny, Sergeant Petr Haas (Czech) and Flight Lieutenant Vaclav Jelinek (Czech). The site was cleared of all large wreckage but some small burnt fragments can still be found. On 20 January 1944, Mosquito serial DD795 was on a cross country training exercise from RAF High Ercall in Shropshire when it flew into high ground on the South Eastern side of Corserine near Scar of the Folk. Flight Sergeant Kenneth Mitchell and Flight Sergeant John Aylott were both killed. The Mosquito was known as the wooden wonder and most of the aircraft burnt in the crash, leaving very little remains. Immediately following the crash, the wreckage was covered with snow and despite four other aircraft searching for it along its route, it was not found until 11 February, some three weeks later. This wreckage was Location of the plane crashes. also found by shepherd William McCubbin, who found the first crash five years earlier. On 10 April 1947, a Belgian Air Force C47 (military version of the DC3 airliner) was on a ferry flight from Belgium to Prestwick with three passengers and a crew of three when it became lost in poor conditions and crashed just to the North of Corserine on Carlins Cairn. The men who died were Capt Roger Loyen, Adj Andre Dierickx, Adj Felix Curtis, Capt Olivier Lejeune, Adj Michel Cardon and Adj Andre Rodrique. Little if any wreckage is to be found at the crash site although, like the other crash sites, the scar is still visible. If you visit any of these sites, please be aware of the Protection of Military Remains Act, which makes it an offence to remove any wreckage from military crash sites without a licence. There are no local memorials to any of these crashes. Paul Goodwin Glenkens Gazette page 19 Special Places around Balmaclellan THE HOLY LINN Garple Burn The Holy Linn is a natural and very beautiful amphitheatre with lovely flat rock underfoot and ledges and rocks to sit on in a semicircle facing the waterfall. It is surrounded by trees and in particular the oak trees which it is believed the early pre-Christian people revered. One can easily imagine their high priest beside the waterfall addressing the tribe. The Holy Linn is so unique and special these earlier peoples may have travelled many miles to attend. ST JOHN’S CHAIR St John’s Chair is a river stone probably taken from the Garple Burn or the River Ken. Today sited at the top of Dalry, it may also have initially been used by pre-Christian priests at the Holy Linn in Balmaclellan, and certainly if he wished, a high priest would have ordered it moved for his use. The Novantae lived in this area for hundreds or possibly thousands of years and had control of all the resources of the land, long before any Romans and later Normans arrived. THE HOLY CROFT One day a few years ago I followed the Garple Burn, just a New Galloway Golf Club little further on from the Holy Linn. I walked into a little sheltered holm, beside the Garple with sharply rising ground on the South West side, and which probably had trees growing on it in Covenanting times. I was very struck by the sense of hallowed peace there and felt a great reluctance to leave. I did not know about this place until I researched it afterwards. It is known as the Holy Croft and is shown on the first ordnance map survey of 1854. COVENANTING TIMES Sometime during the mid 17th Century a number of baptisms were taking place at the Holy Linn when the people were all dispersed by the dragoons. It was agreed to meet again a few days later at the shepherd’s cottage at a certain time in the Holy Croft. An account of this happening is given in Pages 282-283, Lights and Shadows by John Barbour of Bogue, 1824; a very rare book. I feel sure this lovely place must also have been used by the earlier Celts for some of their own festivals and meetings. Family and friends coming to stay? Short of space? www.nggc.co.uk Cosy country cottage available (sleeps 4) Buggies now available for hire Call Fiona on 01644 420 227 Founded 1902 - 01644 420737 VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME www.covenanters-holidaycottagescotland.co.uk St John’s Chair. RING CAIRNS OF THE EARLY PEOPLE ON GAVELS MOOR On Thorniehill Farm near Balmaclellan there is a small field of ring cairns. They are between 3000 and 4000 years old. Ring Cairns are found on old uncultivated land always with the same shape and dimensions – a ring of stones covered with grass with a stone-filled hollow at the centre of the ring. The hollow was probably used for a burial. The rings measure 25ft across and is 1ft high. These ring cairns were very well made, with care, and are proof of the existence of the early people in the area. Bill Blyth, Blowplain FHB Fencing Dalry Domestic and Agricultural Fencing 01644 430 495 (Peter) or 07767 795 498 (Jonathan) Glenkens Gazette page 20 CARSPHAIRN LEAD MINES There will be a remains of the lead mines in the hills above Carsphairn and relate their history. Participants should be able to walk over rough ground and be equipped with suitable footwear, be clad for the prevailing weather in the hills and bring a packed lunch. There is no charge for this visit but the party size will be limited to 20 and pre-booking is essential. To book, email mbrown99@dircon.co.uk or call 01644 420 267. The next event planned by The Glenkens Story will be a talk in November (date to be confirmed) on the Lowland Clearances. Peter Aitchison and Andrew Cassell, authors of the book and BBC radio series of the same name, will speak on the impact of The Lowland Clearances on the Glenkens and neighbourhood. The talk will be accompanied by archive audio recordings. The Glenkens Story: Sharing Our History operates under the auspices of GCAT’s Connecting in Retirement Project. TV and telegraph had all yet to be invented, so all news had to Two hundred years ago, be carried by messengers. This details were still arriving in the meant that reports of the battle Glenkens of the great Battle travelled at the speed of a man at Waterloo, in present-day on horseback at best. Belgium, which was fought on History has not recorded the 18th June 1815. This was the last names of all those who fought nor great battle before the advent of even those who were killed but photography; news was slow to a few local connections include arrive because telephones, radio, a gravestone in Crossmichael to John Halliday, Sergeant in the 52nd Regiment of Foot who died in France in 1817 and therefore would have served The Clachan Inn, Dalry, is Waterloo. open every day from 12 noon at Captain Alexander Clark Kennedy serving great food, awardof Knockgray winning ale and offering (Carsphairn) was instrumental in en suite accommodation. the capture of Food is served from 12 noon to 2pm and the French eagle 6pm to 9pm and booking is recommended of the 105th at peak times (current menu can be Regiment at viewed on our website). Waterloo. A little further afield a significant monument to the battle stands on a hill above New Abbey and a recent TV programme about the monument contains contributions by myself and Margaret Heuchan (former teacher at Dalry and Carsphairn schools and now Head Teacher at New Abbey). The programme is available online so use your favourite search engine to look for ‘Border Life’ and choose episode 69. chance to spend a day exploring the history of Woodhead lead mines above Carsphairn on Saturday 22 August at the latest event organised by The Glenkens Story project. Anna Campbell of the Carsphairn Heritage Group will lead a walk, starting at 10.30am, round the UPDATES ON TWO WARS Waterloo Traditional Country Pub & Dining 01644 430241 mail@theclachaninn.co.uk The Great War The months of June, July and August 1915 saw one death reported from the Glenkens. Private James McLeod of the machine gun section, 6th Batallion Kings Own Scottish Borderers was killed on 10 July and is buried in Le Touret cemetery on the Western Front. He was born in Old Monkland, Lanark, and was the son of the late Mr W McLeod, Calder, Coatbridge, and the late Mrs McLeod of Kirkland Street, Dalry. Sadly he now seems to be unknown in the village and no photograph of him appears to have survived. He was just 22 years old when he was killed and his effects were sent to his brother William. James is listed in the Stewartry Roll of Honour and on war memorials in Dalry and Dunscore. His death was reported in the Dumfries Standard of 21 July. If you have information about other local connections with Waterloo or photographs of anyone listed on a local war memorial, please contact memorials@paulgoodwin.me.uk Paul Goodwin Glenkens Gazette page 21 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN ROBERT HERON: THOUGHTS ON EDUCATION It is remarkable that very often, when reading literature from the past, a passage leaps out which could have been written yesterday. By one such I was struck quite recently: “It is very surprising that the greater number of our young folk, after all the solicitude which is expressed about their education from the time when they enter the nursery, till they are dismissed from the university, come out at last into the world, unable to speak their native language with any moderate copiousness of phraseology, or to write it with any tolerable share of correctness.” The writer was Robert Heron of New Galloway (1764-1807) some 220 years ago. He blamed the phenomenon of educational failure on teaching methods, an excuse that is still current, at least among politicians, but now reinforced by the welter of electronic technology available to us kids of all ages. Heron was born in New Galloway and educated at home. At age 11 he became a pupil-teacher and three years later he taught at Kelton school where he was said to have been too hard on his charges. In time he progressed to Edinburgh University where he studied for the Kirk but, having fallen in love with literature, he opted to earn his living by his pen. He wrote on many subjects including Scottish history and topography, poetry, politics, and geography, often translating works in other languages into English. Notoriously he was the author of the first Memorial of Robert Burns. He contributed articles to the third edition of Encyclopaedia Britannica, a work conceived and published in Edinburgh. He believed that he published a wider range of articles in the periodical press than anyone else. His flaw was that whenever he made money he squandered it. The first volume of his massive Scottish History was written in debtors’ prison and he died a pauper in London. I am currently engaged in a rehabilitation of this remarkable and undeservedly neglected individual, having just published the first modern reassessment of this son of the to describe some of the ‘simple visible objects’ that surround them. Having mastered such objects as flowers or trees they should then move to more complex items such as a herd of animals or a field which require more complex and inventive language. Such oral exercises would inform their literary skills as they learned to write. The big idea was to encourage the study of ‘things’ rather than words, visible objects rather than abstract relations and ‘sentiments that cannot be represented before the eyes’. To advance his theories he published almost one thousand pages in two volumes entitled Elegant Extracts of Natural History in 1792 comprising selections of good literature by a wide range of distinguished authorities, describing the Earth, the Human Species, quadrupeds, birds, fish, insects, vegetables and fossils. He thought that such topics might appeal in particular to pupils in country schools on the principle that learning is about moving from the known to the novel. He expressed the hope that boys of all ages, ‘who read with a view to amusement and instruction, without aspiring to extensive science or profound erudition would find the extracts useful’. He presumably did not endear himself to feminists of a future age when he added that he would indeed recommend his work even to ladies ‘did I not bethink me, how brutish it would be, to suppose, that ladies should read anything, save billets doux (love letters) and novels’! Many thanks to all of you who helpfully supplied information about the Old Mortality installation. Does anyone have a photograph of his statue that once stood near the petrol pumps in Balmaclellan? “...our young folk, after all the solicitude which is expressed about their education...come out at last into the world, unable to speak their native language with any moderate copiousness of phraseology, or to write it with any tolerable share of correctness.” Glenkens in the journal Review of Scottish Culture. There can be little doubt that the Scottish Enlightenment, the great eighteenth century explosion of learning and enquiry of which Heron was a product, owed much to Scottish education, particularly as represented in the parish schools. The matter is controversial but education seems to explain how so many Scottish children from quite humble backgrounds became figures of national and international importance. Heron had interesting ideas on the subject, claiming that for twenty years he ‘taught and assisted young persons, at all periods, in the course of education, from the alphabet to the highest branches of science and literature’. He believed that schoolchildren were bombarded with too many abstract ideas before they were able to understand them. He argued that the young should be encouraged Ted Cowan Glenkens Gazette page 22 AUGUST & SEPTEMBER JULY Sun 26, Glenkens Acoustic Session, 2-4pm, Clachan Inn, Dalry Sun 26, Glenkens Story: Visit to the Lost Farms of Blackwater of Dee (above teh Raider’s Road), 10.30am-3.30pm Mon 27, Wild Foraging for Kids with GCC, see p10 for details. Tue 28, GCC Kids Sensory Session, 10-11am, New Galloway Town Hall Fri 31, Alternative Games Ceilidh, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall, contact CatStrand for tickets (420 374) and may also be available on the door. AUGUST Sat 1, Hula Hoop Workshop, 10am, Dalry Park (Community Centre if raining) Sun 2, The Scottish Alternative Games 2015, 2pm, The Park, New Galloway Fri 7, GCC Zumbatomic for Kids, 10am, Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry Sun 9, GTI Bus Trip: The Kelpies & the Falkirk Wheel, see p8 Sat 15, Glenkens Flower and Vegetable Show, Dalry Town Hall. Look out for entry forms in local shops. Sat 8, Glenkens Agricultural Show, Mains of Kenmure, Dalry (see ad below) Mon 10, GCC Storytelling & Songs with Susie Sweetpea, 10am, Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry Tue 11, GCC Kids Sensory Session, 10-11am, New Galloway Town Hall Fri 14, GCC Free Play/Water Fight, 10am, Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry Mon 17, GCC End of Holiday Party, 10am, Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry Tue 18, GCC Coffee Morning, 10-11am, New Galloway Town Hall Sun 23, GTI Bus Trip: Loch Lomond (Balloch) with Boat Trip, see p8 SEPTEMBER Sat 12, Glenkens Agricultural Show, Mains of Kenmure, Dalry (see ad below) Fri 25 - Sun 4 Oct, Wigtown Book Festival, see ad on back page Glenkens Agricultural Society Annual Show Saturday 8th August Mains of Kenmure, New Galloway Cattle, Sheep, Goats, Poultry, Horses, Show Jumping, Fancy Dress Pony, Pets & Dogs, Crookmaking, Refreshments, Schedules from Fiona McIntyre: 01848 200 531 or fiona_mcintyre@hotmail.co.uk JENNY’S Mobile Hairdresser Nursing Homes & Residential The Elderly & Disabled Home Visits NVQ Level 3 Hairdressing NVQ Level 4 Social Care Contact - 07554 009 624 Glenkens Gazette page 23 REGULAR EVENTS CatStrand Activities - currently relocated until CatStrand reopens (contact 420 374 to confirm details): Exercise to Music: Mon, 1011am, New Galloway Town Hall (recommences 24 Aug) Margaret Morris Movement Adult Dance Class: Mon, 2.30-3.30pm, contact Sara on 01556 612854, New Galloway Town Hall (recommences 24 Aug) Children’s Dance Class: Mon during term time, 3.45-4.45pm age 3-7, 4.30-5.30pm ages 8-15, New Galloway Town Hall (recommences 24 Aug) Gentle Tai Chi: Wed, 10am, 60+, New Galloway Town Hall Sing it Out: Thurs, 11am -12pm, Cross Keys Hotel, New Galloway Pilates: Thurs, 4.15-5.15pm & 5.306.30pm, Dalry Community Centre CatStrand Yukes: Thurs, 1pm – 3.30pm 60+ Cross Keys Hotel, New Galloway Saturday Art Club: 2nd Sat each month, 10am–12noon, New Galloway Town Hall (recommences 12 Sept) Zumbatomic: last Sat each month, 10-10.45am Catstrand Youth Players: Sun during term time, 2pmGlenkens Acoustic Sessions: last Sun of the month, 2-4pm, The Clachan Inn, Dalry Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry, (contact Kath on 430 281): Glenkens Children’s Club: Mon & Fri, 9.30-11.45am Paint & Art: Mon, 1.30-4.30pm & Wed, 7-9pm Ballroom & Latin Dance Class: Mon, 7.15pm, for more info call Sam Rushton on 420 672 GCC Playgroup: Tues & Thurs, 9.20-11.50am, contact keronh@me.com Good Neighbours’ Club: Tues, 2pm Kickback Martial Arts: Thurs, 79pm Thursday Craft Group: Thurs, 24pm Brownies: Wed, 5.30-6.45pm Guides: Tues during term-time, 6.15pm, contact: Kath 430 281 Various Locations: Ukelele Group: Mon, 11.15am, 60+, New Galloway Town Hall Mother & Toddlers: Tues, 9.4511.15am, New Galloway Town Hall Beavers: Tues, 6–7.15pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Dog Training: Tues & Wed, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. Contact: Eric 460 670 Bowling for Beginners: Wed, 7pm, Spalding Bowling Club, Dalry (opposite The Garage) Wednesday Quiz Night: Wed, Glenkens Community Councils Balmaclellan Community Council Meetings: 3rd Monday each month, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall. Carsphairn Community Council Meetings: Last Monday each month, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn. Dalry Community Council Meetings: 1st Monday each month, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. New Galloway & Kells Community Council Meetings: 2nd Monday each month, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall. Full minutes of local Community Council meetings can be viewed at Dalry Library. CHURCH OF SCOTLAND Sunday Services - Balmaclellan 12noon: 1st. Carsphairn 10.30am: 1st 2nd(Aug) 3rd 4th 5th(Aug). Dalry 9am: 1st 2nd(Aug) 3rd 4th (Aug). Dalry 10.30am: 4th(Sept). Kells 10.30am: 2nd 3rd 4th. Special Services/Events: 30 Aug, 10.30am, United Service with Glenkens Church Choir in Carsphairn Church. 13 Sept, 10.30am, United Family Service, Kells Church, followed by barbecue and children’s games at Kells House. 27 Sept, 10.30am, Harvest Thanksgiving, Kells Church, followed by Harvest Lunch in NG Town Hall. 27 Sept, 12noon, Harvest Thanksgiving, Dalry Church, followed by Harvest Lunch in Dalry Town Hall. Communion Service: 23 Aug, 10.30am, Kells Church. SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH: St Margaret’s, New Galloway: Holy Communion, 10.30am every Sun & Wed CATHOLIC CHURCH SERVICES: Gatehouse of Fleet: Sat, 6pm. Kirkcudbright: Sun, 9.30am. Dalbeattie: Sun, 11am 8.30pm, Cross Keys Hotel, New Galloway Stewartry Camera Club: Wed, 7.30pm, Ringford Village Hall, runs Wed 11 Sept till end Mar Zumba: Wed, 7.30-8.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall, £4 Mossdale Painters: Wed, 9.30am, Mossdale Village Hall Cub Scouts: Wed, 6.45–8pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Carsphairn Post Office: Tues, 1- 3pm, Lagwyne Hall Coffee & Craft Morning: Thurs, 9am-12noon, Lagwyne Hall D&G Hard of Hearing Group Drop-in: 1st Friday each month, 10am-12noon, New Galloway Town Hall. Scouts: Thurs, 7–8.30pm, New Galloway Scout Hut To hire the MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) behind Dalry School call Sonja Tranter on 430 244 or Nicolette Wise on 430 218. Dalry Library Temporary Hours Tue: 12noon - 3.30pm Fri: 10am - 12noon & 1pm - 4.30pm There are 23 mobile library stops - to find out where and when please phone 430 234. ADVERTISE IN THE GAZETTE (price per issue incl VAT) SMALL: 6cm x 6cm, £37.80 (+ 10% off with series discount) 1/4 PAGE: 9cm w x 13cm h, £81.90 (+ 25% off with series discount) 1/2 PAGE: 18cm w x 13cm h, £151.20 (+ 25% off with series discount) FULL PAGE: 18cm w x 27cm h, £252 (+ 25% off with series discount) Call 07727 127 997 VAT Reg. No. 882 8361 87 USEFUL NUMBERS: ● Pot-hole Hotline: 0845 276 0000 ● Local Police: 0845 600 5701 ● Doctor: 01644 420 234 ● NHS 24: 08454 24 24 24 ● D&G Council: 030 33 33 3000 Glenkens Gazette page 24 Glenkens Schools Art Competition The Glenkens Schools Art Competition was another great success this year. The committee would like to showcase the winners - it was once again very hard to judge due to the high standard of entries received. However, after long deliberation, the overall winner and recipient of the Hazelwood Memorial Prize was Rhys in P3 in Dalry. In the Primary 1-3 section: 1st was Naomi, P3, Carsphairn; 2nd was James, P1, Carsphairn and 3rd was Courtney, P3, Carsphairn. In the Primary 4-7 section: 1st was Seraphina, P4, Dalry; 2nd was Florrie, P7, Kells and 3rd was Grace, P6, Carsphairn. In the Secondary School section: 1st was Rory, S1; 2nd was Skye, S1 and 3rd was Fraser, S1. Special 3D winner was Amy, P4, Kells. Our thanks go to all the children for their excellent work and to their teachers for facilitating the competition. All work will be on display at the Glenkens Annual Exhibition from 28 to 31 August at Dalry Town Hall. Tom Leach Left to right are artworks by Rory (1st in Senior section), Naomi (1st in P1-3 section) and Rhys (overall winner). WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Submit events, activities, news stories, cartoons, reviews, tips & techniques, fiction, photos, ads or ideas... Contact Sarah Ade on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk OCT/NOV COPY DEADLINE: 5 SEPTEMBER Design & co-ordination: Sarah Ade sarah.ade@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 89 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GG_089 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 2015 Description An account of the resource Editor: Sarah Ade https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/1/236/GlenkensGazette90.pdf ac7fbe6048fd7c18f65bce40a9211749 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 90 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 2015 ISSUE 90 FREE PYLON EYESORE THREAT The electricity pylon system in Dumfries & Galloway is going to be upgraded. And Dalry is set to be in the middle of the new electricity super-highway. SP Energy Networks (SPEN), formerly Scottish Power, state on their website that they are: “...making a significant investment in the Dumfries & Galloway area with the proposed modernisation and extension of the electricity transmission system. The existing 132kV system has not changed since it was built in the 1930s. Although it has served communities well for over 70 years, significant developments have taken place since then and needs of its different users have changed...It is estimated that the project will be completed in 2023.” Alan Jones is an expert in the field of electricity. As a chartered electrical engineer with a wealth of hands-on employment experience with high voltage systems as well as working on his PhD in energy efficient business practices for rural businesses, Alan does not feel that SPENs plans will benefit our region, least of all the Glenkens. He says; “The potential impacts can be described as the biggest thing to affect the region in the last century. The area will be blighted as the visual amenity value, that attracts so may tourists (over 2m last year), will be destroyed with 170km of up to 50m high pylons every 300m apart straddling the region.” Continued on p12... Is the Eurasian Lynx Set to Return to our Galloway Forests? The Galloway Forest Park is being considered as a potential site for a trial project to reintroduce the Eurasian lynx to the UK. These animals were last seen on our island 1,300 years ago, but soon we may see them roaming our forests, hills and glens once more. Having recently conducted a public survey of over 9,000 people, over half of whom are from rural areas, Lynx UK Trust feel confident that the public is supportive of this move with a staggering 91% of participants in favour of the re-introduction. Various locations across the UK are being considered as test sites, but the Forest Park seems like a favourite with Lynx UK Trust stating that Dumfries and Galloway was “wonderfully placed” to benefit from the reintroduction of the Eurasian Lynx, and going on to highlight that it could be worth millions of pounds to the local economy. Steve Piper of Lynx UK Trust said; “Galloway is an area we were always looking at because it has a lot going for it in terms of reintroducing an animal like lynx; lots of remote forestry and plenty A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) ini�a�ve of deer. We’re currently looking at a number of sites in the area which we hope can act as trial reintroduction sites for a small number of lynx. Approximately four to six animals would be released to start with and closely monitored over several years to see how they fit in.” Continued on p9... Eurasian Lynx © Erwin Van Maanen. www.glenkensgaze�e.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 2 Sad News for Watson Birds As announced some time ago, the Glenkens Community and Arts Trust (GCAT) and the Pamela Young Trust (PYT) purchased ‘Barone’ in Main Street, Dalry. The house was bought from the Watson family as a basis for the Watson Bird Centre to be run by GCAT and social housing to be provided by the PYT. Sadly, it has proved to be impossible to find the necessary funding to enable the proposed bird centre project to proceed in the form envisaged. Therefore, with great regret, GCAT trustees, with the support of the Watson Birds director and the PYT, have decided to place Barone on the market. We have undertaken lots of number-crunching to test the financial viability of every conceivable option but have had to conclude that we cannot make the proposition of half of the house as the Watson Bird Centre viable. However, all is not Chair with a View It is a particularly busy time just now for members of Dalry Community Council, and must also be for other such councillors across the region. For those who are not aware, at the time of the Gazette going to press nominations are being made for Community Councillor elections in October. Luckily for Dalry, whilst we will be losing one member, several new ones are stepping forward to join us and share the ever-increasing workload. This will hopefully bring us up to full strength with twelve councillors. For some other Stewartry CC’s it’s sadly a period of struggle to meet their minimum numbers or face dissolution. It is work that is neither paid nor glamorous, but vitally important in representing your community not only in local matters but to Dumfries and Galloway Council and the Scottish Government. To add to this stress, the Local Government Boundary Commission for Scotland is proposing to make radical changes to our existing Ward boundaries which would mean losing Castle Douglas and gaining Kirkcudbright just to try and balance the population density figures! It makes you wonder if they have nothing better to do with their day than upset applecarts? The ‘Strategic Reinforcement Project’ (read: huge pylons and new sub-stations) currently proposed by Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN) will be the biggest development to affect our region since the hydro scheme of the 1930s. The news that the hub of this operation will sit just outside Dalry is a major cause for concern as to how it will impact on our rural community. The initial consultation has now closed and we nervously await the findings. As a ‘side line’, the local wind farm connector for Loch Urr is also in the consultation stage which will add an additional ‘wooden pole’ link across our region. Whilst relatively discreet compared to steel lattice pylons, it will only add to the feeling that we are living in the middle of a spidersweb of power lines. Dalry CC recently completed a Community Survey to gauge local opinion on some important current issues. We would have liked to have asked a lot more questions but felt people might have been put off by a thick booklet! The full results are displayed on our CC notice board, and some highlights are shown below. People who said they would use ‘superfast’ broadband was a large majority; hopefully it soon will be a reality - the new green cabinets are already installed by the exchange in Dalry and are now just awaiting connection. Support for Dalry village becoming a 20mph zone in part or full was about 2:1 in favour. This is something that will take some time to achieve as there are many hoops to jump through. We will hold further public consultations on this issue before the final decision is made. lost as we will retain a sizeable strip of land on the up-street side with the possibility of a nature garden and trails and at a later date a small bird centre. In the meantime, we will ensure that the archive on long-term loan from the Watson family is properly stored. In addition, and as part of the developing ideas for the CatStrand, there is the possibility of new development which would include a gallery and archive areas for the Watson project. Roger Crofts The villages approval for obtaining the former Council Depot behind the Town Hall and having a Community Recycling Facility there was approved by about 9:1 in favour. We will progress this as quickly as we can; again there are several hoops to jump through first. Housing of our Community Defibrillator on the outside of Dalry Library was virtually unanimous and D & G Council have now given approval for this to go ahead. Library use was better than we expected at nearly 60%. Suggestions of ways to encourage more use were mixed, but using volunteers to increase opening hours is an avenue we plan to explore further with the Library Service. Public Transport use was the most disappointing, but there was 2:1 support for the Glenkens to run its own bus service. D & G Council are currently looking into new ways of delivering a reliable rural transport network, so I think all possibilities are open to discussion. Awareness of Dalry CC and its activities was pretty positive at over 2:1 - however, we need to do more to make it nearer 100%. We represent the start of the democratic process; not exactly ripping stuff, but the more who get involved in what goes on locally, the more we can achieve. The Glenkens Clubs and Societies Fair in September was well-attended. An accompanying high-quality Directory was also given out free and some copies of this invaluable guide are still available. Some think that a rural life is a quiet one; certainly not from where I’m sitting! Andi Holmes, Chair Dalry Community Council) Glenkens Gazette What Glenkens Community Centre happens The plans to purchase the Glenkens Community Centre in Dalry for the community are continuing well, with a significant milestone recently passed. The business plan was submitted to Dumfries and Galloway Council Officers in spring 2015 and then a report was submitted to the Stewartry Area Committee in late July. They recommended that the building should be sold to the Centre Management Committee for the nominal sum of £1. The sale was then agreed by the Policy and Resources Committee in late September and it is hoped that it will take place before the end of the year. Very positive feedback was received from the Stewartry Area Committee about the quality of the business plan and the work done by the Management Committee in getting to this stage, which was excellent to hear. The Glenkens Community Centre will be purchased by the Dalry Community Properties Trust (DCPT), a new SCIO (Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation) which is currently in the process of being ratified by OSCR. When this is complete, the first step will be to recruit more Trustees, so if you live in Dalry and would like to be involved in this exciting new phase of community ownership, do get in touch. The Glenkens Community Centre is being spruced-up in anticipation of the handover – DGC has replaced rotting windows and painted all of the exterior paintwork, which is very much appreciated. The Management Committee has had the curtains cleaned and re-hung and are planning to replace some of the carpets shortly. With a grant from the Glenkens Community Shop, we will buy a floor polisher to bring the main hall floor back up to standard. All in all, it’s exciting times at the Centre, and the Management Committee would like to thank everyone involved for giving so generously of their time and expertise. Helen Keron, Chair, Glenkens Community Centre Management Committee NEW GALLOWAY TOWN HALL A programme of activities and events suggested at last year’s Open Days is being put together. These include badminton, table tennis, indoor boules, sports for youngsters, a lunch club for the elderly, local history and gardening groups as well as regular discos and ceilidhs. These will be open to all residents of New Galloway, the Glenkens and further afield as well as visitors to the area. Following the successful makeover of the Lower Hall last year, a working party of volunteers is planning, with Council approval, to do the same upstairs. A business plan for New Galloway Town Hall has been submitted to Dumfries & Galloway Council. This has been requested from the Council to show that transfer to the local community can be sustainable. Ros Hill, 01644 420632 ros.hill@rathanhouse.me.uk page 3 when a community takes over? The South West Association of Nature Conservation (SWANC) winter season of talks and discussion opens with ‘Land Reform in Assynt - some impacts of our community buyouts’. Bill Ritchie and Mandy Haggith will talk about how the community buy-outs have changed things in Assynt. What happens when a community takes over land and other resources? Can community ownership and organisation help develop a sustainable, regenerated landscape while supporting its human population? Bill helped initiate the crofters’ buy-out in 1992 and the Assynt Foundation buy-out in 2005 and Bill and Mandy have both been involved in other community acquisitions. They will discuss some of the challenges and opportunities presented over the last 23 years. Has the landscape changed? Has life in Assynt changed? Thursday 22 October, 7.30pm, at the Ken Bridge Hotel, New Galloway. Open to all. Glenkens Gazette page 4 sponsored by EVERYTHING listed in the Glenkens Freecycle section is FREE - you just need to contact the owner and go and pick it up! If you would like to list something on this page, please get in touch with Sarah on 07727 127 997 or email glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk VARIOUS Vick’s CleanAir air purifier, virtually unused. Contact: 430 380 2 single mattresses, smoke and pet free home, very good condition but were cheap to start with; good for kids first mattress; not so comfy for grown-ups! Contact: 420 656 Single bed and mattress with truckle bed/mattress underneath. Contact: 430 218. White veneered fibreboard chest of drawers. Contact: 430 218 300W uplighter - gold finish. Contact: Gerry on 420852 Instant Abbs exercise machine. Contact: Gerry on 420852 Printer - Epsom Stylus CX6600, working order with 3 new colour cartridges and instruction book. Contact: Joan on 07769 730 553 Family history: five lever arch files, volumes 1 to 5 of BBC Who Do You Think You Are publications and three lever arch files of Your Family History magazines. Contact: Ann on 420 445 before 6.30pm Large grey/brown velour-covered armchair. Contact: 450 552 Mahogany display cabinet, glassfronted, 51” high, 15” deep, 48” wide, good condition. Contact: 07880 728528 Bathroom washbasin complete with taps. Contact: 450 552 Dark wood sideboard. Decorated carvings/pillars and shaped top bit. 4’9” tall, 1’9” side, 4’ deep. Contact: 07727 127 997 GARDEN Wood chip, ideal for garden paths etc. Bring own bag to fill. Contact: 430 218 Compost tumbler looking for a new home. Contact: Annikki on 460 640 Strawberry plants; surplus one and two-year-old plants which produce lots of fruit and runners for bringing on new plants (Dalry). Contact: Sue on 07563 718 011 Large builder’s style wheelbarrow good clean condition but tyre needs repair. Contact: 450 552 Do you need rotted horse manure for your garden? Come and collect with bags or trailer (New Galloway). Contact: Sue on 07563 718 011 WANTED Any excess/past-it garden fruit & veg. Too many apples/windfalls? Cabbages/lettuces gone to seed? Too many courgettes and the slugs have been at them? Then they would be perfect for our piggies! Please contact: Sarah on 07727 127 997 Wood burning stove. Contact: Simon on 07426 124 982 Wendy House, preferably wooden. For granddaughter’s visits. Contact: marieonou@btinternet.com Strong plastic beer crate for standing on. Contact: Sue on 07563 718 011 FOR SALE ‘Celebrity’ recliner chair - large size. This has only been used for eight weeks and is as new. Dual motor lift and tilt covered in a neutral fabric. Cost over £1,000. Offers invited. Contact: 07769 730 553 NEW GALLOWAY COMMUNITY SHOP PLANS PROGRESS TO THE NEXT STAGE New Galloway Community Enterprises Ltd (NGCE) has successfully passed the first stage of its application to the Big Lottery Growing Community Assets for grant funding. NGCE is a Community Benefit co-operative company and was formed in June this year with a mandate to create a community shop, self-catering tourist accommodation and lowrent office or workshop space in New Galloway. If successful, the grant will be used to buy Hopkins Shop and the attached house and storerooms to achieve this aim. The company was informed in mid September that their Stage One application had been successful and that the next stage therefore was to apply for development funding. This would then allow them to create a comprehensive business plan and Stage Two application for the full amount of funding. As the Gazette goes to press, these further application forms have not yet been received, so the definitive timeline is not yet clear. However, the decision turnaround time for development funding is weeks rather than months so, if successful, the company should be well on with the business case by the end of this year. At the same time, the company will be working up a Share Offer, to allow interested people to buy shares and show material support for the project. More details on this in due course. The volunteers who are running this project would like to thank the community of New Galloway for its support so far, including especially Jim and Margaret Hopkins and the members of NGCE. If anyone would like to join the team, get in touch with Helen Keron on keronh@me.com - it is open to all New Galloway residents and all are welcome. Glenkens Gazette page 5 sponsored by REUSE MATTERS Below are just a few of the many positive reactions of visitors to the clothes swap event organised by Reuse Matters in Dalry this September. “Fantastic - tank you. Loads of new things to wear!” “Haven’t enjoyed myself so much for ages - keep up the good work.” “Absolutely fantastic ‘feel-good’ factor. Met lovely, lovely people – got some fantastic clothes. Thank you with all my heart.” “Brilliant fun, got lots of lovely materials and was able to get completely carried away!” “Fabulous – love it every time. Fantastic way to pass on clothes and also a great social afternoon with some lovely women. Thank you.” “Excellent idea, great FUN - thank you.” At the clothes swap, people were invited to donate their gently used, unwanted clothes and exchange them with others, free of charge. These clothes swaps (also known as ‘swishing’ parties or ‘swap shops’) first appeared in the 90s and are becoming more and more popular as a means to acquire good quality clothes for free in a fun atmosphere. During the afternoon in Dalry 51 people came through the door, bringing in an impressive 162kg of good-quality clothes and accessories. At the end, after 2 1/2 hours of ‘shopping’, we were left with just 82kg – which means that 80kg of lovely clothes were taken home by their happy new owners. As an extra treat, there was an upcycling demonstration at the event, run by one of the project’s excellent workshop leaders, Denise, who showed people how old clothes can be turned into something new and fun. The project Reuse Matters aims to reduce textile waste ending up in landfill by re-using and up-cycling unwanted clothes and household textiles - an excellent way of saving energy and conserving the environment. (Up-cycling is the action of taking something that would normally be thrown away or recycled and turning it into something beautiful and useful.) “The project idea was borne from the evidence of poor recycling rates in Scotland combined with Creetown Initiative’s extensive experience in environmental/ carbon reduction projects. Every year in Scotland, potentially reusable textiles are sent straight to landfill. For example 2,300 tonnes of jumpers and 1,600 tonnes of t-shirts,” explains Kevin Dodd, senior project officer at Creetown Initiative Ltd, from which the Reuse Matters project is run. The project hopes to collect five tonnes of textile in the area that covers DG6, 7 and 8 before March 2016. The leftover textile will be up-cycled and reused or donated to charity. Over the course of the project there will also be up-cycling workshops, drop-in sessions for clothing repair and embellishment, basic sewing lessons and specialist textile techniques workshops in the midDumfries & Galloway region - all for free. The workshops are run by experienced textile artists and are accessible for all ages and levels of sewing-experience. Jolanda Bastein For details please check our facebook page (Reuse Matters Creetown) or contact us on joland a.creetown@gmail.com or kevin_ creetown@yahoo.co.uk or phone 01671 820654. Glenkens Gazette page 6 A LOCAL PROFILE: KATCH HOLMES TALKS ABOUT THE DROVING PROJECT A multimedia exhibition celebrating the cattle droving history of the Glenkens is going on show at the Gracefield Arts Centre in Dumfries. The creative producer of The Droving Project is Katch Holmes who also runs the Knockengorroch World Caeilidh Festival which is held on her parents’ farm outside Carsphairn. Katch explains: “The Droving Project started because I heard about the drovers, probably from my dad, and the routes that lie around Knockengorroch. I became fascinated about the fact that they made this long journey from Scotland to London with thousands of cattle and I thought what an amazing journey it would have been and would still be. I was also interested in how different our relationship to animals was then - cows especially were Scotland’s wealth and much of people’s survival in the uplands depended upon their cattle.” Katch continues; “I realised that a journey to London with cows on foot was nigh on impossible and so pitched for a shorter walk in Dumfries and Galloway. We walked from Knockengorroch to Bellsbank with three cows, Alice Myers an award winning photographer, filmmaker Stevie Whiteford, Sound designer Pete Smith, fiddler Nick Jenkins, botanist Liam Kelly, writer Catrina Davies, a vet and two drovers. The resulting work made from the drove can be seen as part of an exhibition at Gracefield Arts Centre in Dumfries until 24 October 2015. There will also be a day of curated talks about issues that the project raises on 3 October at Gracefield Arts Centre. The talks are free to attend but you need to book in advance by calling Gracefield Arts Centre on 01387 262 084. To find out more visit www.thedrovingproject.org Support for CatStrand St Margaret’s Church Ladies Guild recently donated £500 to the CatStrand Flood Appeal following their successful tombola stall at the Alternative Games in August. Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents Selling properties across Dumfries & Galloway 01556 503744 www.ggblaw.co.uk All legal advice Offices in Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie Kirkcudbright and Dumfries The photo below shows, from left to right, Jenny Repath, Christine Rankin and Jean Marsden from St Margaret’s with Simon Davidson and Brian Edgar from the CatStrand. Glenkens Gazette page 7 CatStrand Update The staff and volunteers of the CatStrand and GCAT are all most excited to be re-opening the doors of the CatStrand imminently. It’s been a long haul since the flood in January, but the GCAT team, together with the wider community, have really worked together to get the building repaired and open again, and it’s now perhaps even better than before. Keep an eye out for the opening date in early October and come in to see the new look! To mark this major milestone, the CatStrand is hosting a weeklong festival to say ‘Welcome Back’ and ‘Thank You’ to all our friends and supporters - old and new. It’s the Home and Dry Festival and it begins on Friday 23 October with Launch Party for Friends & Patrons. It then continues across that weekend with Canadian Ben Rogers & Edinburgh’s The Jellyman’s Daughter on Saturday night and Norfolk trio The Templewood Ensemble on the Sunday. There’s plenty on in the week too with Rapture Theatre’s The Last Yankee and the documentary movie Amy, and then it culminates on Sunday 1 Nov with Ricky Ross (Deacon Blue). And don’t forget our Halloween party on Sat 31 October - plenty of scary fun for all the family, so get those costumes on and join us for face painting and a lantern parade from 6pm. For older children and those with a strong disposition there is the world premiere of the latest Halloween film Aggy & the Fishbones, produced by the award-winning CatStrand Young Film Makers. All the regular GCAT groups will be moving back to the CatStrand very soon, and we would like to thank all the many venues that have allowed them to continue throughout this year - New Galloway Town Hall, Kells School, Dalry Town Hall, Glenkens Community Centre and Balmaclellan Village Hall to name a few. We have very much appreciated your community support over this difficult time. We would also like to thank Maybelle and Derek Thomson for their very generous loan of Rosebank Cottage throughout this period, which has allowed the CatStrand to carry on in spirit if not in the building! And lastly, we would like to thank all of the many people who have gone over and above in support of the CatStrand - without their efforts, we may never even have got to this stage. On a more technical note, you may know that the board of directors of GCAT commissioned a flood risk assessment and topographical survey back in January in order to get a technical basis for any remedial works to minimise the risk of the flooding happening again. The results of these have been shared with Dumfries & Galloway Council and the outcome is a shared project between GCAT and DGC to try and ensure that any future heavy rain stays in the existing waterways instead of building up and bursting in. In practical terms, this means that DGC has constructed a new headwall, trash screen and overflow across the CatStrand burn further upstream from the CatStrand building. A reinforced boundary wall will be built to the side of the building and the S-shaped culvert that takes the CatStrand water under the building will be taken out and replaced with a straight culvert, in order to reduce back pressure. The CatStrand burn will continue on its original path under the building, exiting in to the park as before. In addition, the CatStrand building now has portable flood defences that will be erected at every door in the event of a heavy rain forecast, and the door that burst open last time has been replaced with a glass wall. It is very much hoped and expected that the combination of these measures will keep the water within its planned confines, while making preparation for any overflow that may occur. So thanks again to everyone who has helped, in so many ways, and welcome back to all who have missed us - we’re home and dry at last! The CatStrand Team Glenkens Gazette page 8 Photo of the Issue: Sponsored by the Ken Bridge Hotel Competition judges Dave and Sue, from the Ken Bridge Hotel, chose Digger with a View by Steve McCallie this issue with an unusual perspective looking out over the Rhinns of Kells. Sue said: “The entries were just all so lovely, it makes you realise what a beautiful area we live in.” Steve wins a meal for two at the Ken Bridge Hotel’s renowned Sunday Carvery. PHOTO COMPETITION RULES: Entries must be taken in the Glenkens and can be of any subject - landscape, portrait, action-shot, pets, wildlife, nature, etc - so get snapping and send in your photos! Glenkens Transport Initiative Wednesday Evening Bus Service Dalry to Castle Douglas and back (registered route) 1900 1905 1915 1925 1930 1937 1940 Outward Journey Depart Dalry (Underhill) New Galloway Mossdale Lauriston Townhead of Greenlaw Castle Douglas (Market Street) Castle Douglas (Tesco) 2035 2037 2047 2050 2100 2110 2115 Return Journey Depart Castle Douglas (Tesco) Castle Doulgas (Market Street) Townhead of Greenlaw Laurieston Mossdale New Galloway Dalry GTI has 8 and 16 seat minibuses for hire. Hirers must be registered GTI user groups. For more information or to book call 01644 420374. GTI Excursions October 2015 Phone the CatStrand (01644 420374) or see GTI page on the CatStrand website for more details and to book. Hetland Garden Centre & Carlisle Shopping Monday 12 October Hetland Garden Centre and Carlisle are great places to shop. Pickups: New Galloway (CatStrand) 0930; Dalry (Bank) 0940, Crossmichael (Shop) 1000, Castle Douglas (Montgomery’s Corner) 1010 Fare £7. Concessions £6. Hobbycraft Exhibition Glasgow Saturday 24 October Pickups: New Galloway (CatStrand) 0930, Dalry (Bank) 0940, Carsphairn (Shop) 1000 Fare £7. Concessions £6. Glenkens to Ayr and Back Saturday 31 October; Saturday 28 November Pickups: New Galloway (CatStrand) 0930, Dalry (Bank) 0940, Carsphairn (Shop) 1000 Leaving Ayr 1500 Fare £3.50, Concessions £3.00 each way. If there’s somewhere you’d like to go and you think others would too, email Glen on gti@catstrand.com or phone 07841 5124494. W BONE WHB JEEPS THE GARAGE, DALRY PETROL & DIESEL SALES SERVICE & REPAIRS MOTs, TYRES, BATTERIES ALL AT COMPETITIVE PRICES OPEN 8.30AM - 6.00PM (SIX DAYS) 10AM - 6PM SUNDAYS - FUEL 24 HOURS SHOP • SANDWICH BAR • LOTTERY Tel: 01644 430208 Fax: 01644 430669 jeeps@whbjeeps.co.uk www.whbjeeps.co.uk Glenkens Gazette Golf Club Update Lynx ReWith the summer drawing to a close New Galloway Golf Club can reflect on some terrific scoring on the course by the members during the season. The club has also been very busy with visitors who have all commented on the excellent condition of the course. During the summer the club has held weekly coaching courses for local youngsters. These have been well-attended and it is terrific to see the progress the children are making. At the end of September the club’s greenkeeper, Brian Porteous, is retiring. Brian has been the face of the club for 28 years and is well-known locally. The members of the club would like to thank him for all his hard work over the years and wish him well in his retirement. Ian Brown SPALDING BOWLING CLUB After a very successful year at Spalding Bowling Club the season has come to end with the green re-opening in April (date to follow). This year’s Ladies Champion is Ann Hamilton and Gents Champion is John McBeth (pictured). Valerie Russell ENJOY WALKING? Would you like to explore the hidden pathways in the Glenkens? Then why not meet the Glenkens Walking Group; we are an informal group of mostly retired people who meet next to the Bank in Dalry at 1.30pm on Mondays and Wednesdays to share cars, if needed, to the start of the walk. We do not take dogs because we often GLENKENS MEDICAL PRACTICE General Medical & Dispensing Services The Surgery High Street New Galloway FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL � 01644 420234 � encounter farm animals. Some of our walks are accessible to powered wheelchair users and we always finish with a cup of tea/coffee and biscuits. For those who may doubt their ability or are slowing down a bit the Wednesday walks are a maximum of three miles at an easy pace. To get in touch call Isobel or John on 430539, Gerry on 420852 or Elizabeth on 430581. 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 � page 9 introduction Continued from front page... Steve Piper continued; “The primary driver of whether all this can happen is public and stakeholder opinion, and Scottish Natural Heritage who would have to licence such a reintroduction. We’re in the process of submitting formal applications at present.” The general public may be in favour of seeing these big cats released in our woodlands, but not everyone is quite so supportive; the National Sheep Association (NSA) have branded the project as having potentially devastating consequences for our upland sheep. Lynx UK Trust chief scientific advisor to the project, Dr Paul O’Donoghue, said; “Lynx have proven themselves across Europe to be absolutely harmless to humans and of very little threat to livestock, whilst bringing huge benefit to rural economies and the natural ecology... It’s wonderful that the general public want to see lynx given the chance to do the same here.” What are your thoughts about having the Eurasian lynx roaming our forests in the Glenkens? A full public consultation is due to be launched in Scotland before Christmas to give everyone the chance to learn more and have their say. Glenkens Gazette page 10 How would you feel if you had trouble reading this? Maybe you do... Dalry School involves the community to help children with their reading development - and we need volunteers. Teachers are very aware of how a person’s ability to read and understand competently, as well as to enjoy literature, can greatly affect every aspect of life at home, school or work. Dalry School is fortunate to have literacy support from members of the community in the form of a Volunteer Reader Scheme (VRS). With them, pupils from Primary 1 (P1) to Secondary 4 (S4) are given the chance to improve their reading skills, oneon-one, and to share and enjoy a book during the school day. A volunteer spends about 20 minutes listening to a pupil reading and then discusses the story and helps the pupil hone their skills and boost their confidence. Both pupils and volunteers gain a great deal of satisfaction and enjoyment from this scheme. Pupils are also able to increase their achievement in all subjects because literacy is the key to understanding. The electronic age places additional strains on a pupil’s reading development and good old-fashioned ‘reading a book’ provides a much needed balance! If you would like to know more about becoming a Volunteer Reader, please contact Dalry School Office (430 259) and mention VRS. tokens that were significantly less toxic than the LINKING PAST & PRESENT producing lead-based tokens of the past. Carsphairn Parish Church celebrated its bicentenary over the summer. Staff and students at Dalry School were proud to be involved in the production of the commemorative communion tokens. Communion tokens were issued in Scotland in the turbulent times of the 17th and 18th centuries as a way of indicating that the recipients had undertaken a period of instruction prior to receiving communion in the Presbyterian church. Each kirk or minister would issue their own tokens to individuals in their congregation as they completed preparation and became communicant members. Mr Murray used his research skills to combine historic designs with modern meturalagy in ����������������������������������������������������� • Pensions • Savings • Investments • Retirement Options • Inheritance Tax Planning • Life Assurance • Income & Critical Illness Protection • Mortgages • Home Insurance Free Confidential Initial Consultation Tel: 01671 403080 Fax:- 01671 402549 Email: brian.edgar@marrfinancial.co.uk Web: www.marrfinancial.co.uk 61 Victoria Street NEWTON STEWART, DG8 6NL **NEW** Yorkshire Building Society Agency – Now Open Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. For mortgages we can be paid by commission or a fee of usually £300 or a combination of both. For Home Insurance we usually offer products from a limited panel of providers. The production of the individual Perspex-lidded boxes was the handiwork of the students. The labour was a gift and the church covered the cost of the materials. There are some tokens on display in the Carsphairn Heritage centre. There are also a few still available for purchase - if you wish to have a commemorative token, please speak to David Bartholomew. STEWARTRY BIRDWATCHERS Interested in birds and other branches of natural history? If ‘yes’ why not come along to the Stewartry Birdwatchers’ meetings this winter? Since 1976 members and friends have held their monthly meetings in Kells School, New Galloway, from September to April. Throughout the year the more active go on excursions to interesting locations on the coast as well as inland. Places such as Caerlaverock and Mersehead for wintering Barnacle Geese and many species of ducks, the Mennock Pass for the elusive Ring Ouzel, across to Loch Ryan for Brent Geese and numerous species of waders, or to woodlands for small birds such as migrant warblers in the summer. This winter’s session got off to a flying start when Mark Pollitt, manager of the Dumfries & Galloway Environmental Resources Centre based in Kirkgunzeon, gave his talk Gardening for Wildlife. On 8 October Chris Waltho, who has studied the Common Eider in the Clyde for over forty years, will give a talk on The Spectacled Eider Duck. On 12 November Glen Chilton will describe his globetrotting adventures while searching for birds that were formally declared extinct. Swifts are the subject of the talk on 10 December by husband and wife team Edmund and Tanya Hoare. All welcome - see Diary on p22 for a full list of talks. Glenkens Gazette Emma’s Wild Eats We’ve been out in all weathers scouring the woodlands for free things we can eat. As my grubby, sodden daughters will tell you we make time most days to crawl around outside (often in my work clothes in full view of colleagues, trousers tucked into socks for fear of ticks). We find more to bring home as we swat up on what is not going to put us on the loo for days. Our world of wild food is expanding and we’d like to share our learning experiences. However, please don’t think for a second I really know what I’m talking about, or am in any way qualified. This year we’ve eaten various seafood, shore food, forest, and field food. We’ve savoured the most luxurious ceps and chanterelles, the most surprising sea rocket, samphire, sea radish seed pods and hog weed seeds, and the most unusual orange peel fungus and jew’s ears. What have we been finding recently? Mushrooms! The photo below demonstrates a pretty good example of a typical haul from a short September hunt. A tip; once you learn how to identify a russula mushroom, you would struggle to come home empty-handed - they are fairly easy to learn to identify and lots are good to eat. It’s been a great year for chanterelles, although by the time you read this the frost may have moved us on to other foragers delights such as sloes, crab apples, haws, hazelnuts and elderberries, as well as various other types fungi. There are some great websites and books to help with plant and fungi identification; I recommend Galloway Wild Foods which is brimming with fact and humour. So stick on your wellies and autumn socks, and be ‘wild’ and ‘free’! Emma Aileen McLeod MSP working for you across the South of Scotland Postal address: Unit 7 Loreburn Shopping Centre High Street, Dumfries, DG1 2BD Email: aileen.mcleod.msp@scottish.parliament.uk Tel: 01387 255 334 Please check www.aileenmcleod.org for regular surgery, constituency and parliamentary updates page 11 Local foraging enthusiast Emma Gibson will be sharing some of her wild food experiences with us over the next few issues. Foraging is a wonderful, fun and healthy way to explore our countryside, but please make sure to do your own research before eating things you find! Check out Emma’s new blog to read more on her foraging adventures at http:// emmaswild.my-free.website/ and www.emmaswild.co.uk Bargatton Sand & Gravel Supplying sand and gravel for all your farming needs, as well as households and businesses both large and small. We stock washed fine sand, coarse sand and gravels at competitive prices. For further details contact: James Mair - 07793 085 243 Email: loch.bargatton@live.co.uk Bargatton Quarry, Laurieston, Castle Douglas, DG7 2PS Open Monday to Friday Weekends by arrangement Delivery can be arranged - subject to quantity Glenkens Gazette PYLON UPGRADE Continued from front page... “The upgrade is due in the main to the rapid expansion of renewable generation in the region and as demand for electricity in Dumfries & Galloway is falling the excess needs to be exported to load centres in England and Wales”. Alan continues; “Dalry is the chosen location for a large substation that will connect the new, upgraded 132kV network to a new 400kV supergrid network. Many people in the region have not objected simply because they claim to be unaware of the project.” This new system has the potential to have huge knock-on effects for Glenkens communities. Members of the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Partnership met recently with representatives from Scottish Power Energy Networks to discuss concerns over the proposed developments. Joan Mitchell, chair of the Biosphere Partnership Board, expressed the Biospheres concerns: “The Biosphere is not against appropriate development and recognises the need for upgrading transmission networks to create a locally smart network that is able to benefit local residents and businesses. However, we need to ensure that the impacts locally are outweighed by the benefits the region receives and the initial proposals put forward do not provide that reassurance at this stage.” Power to the People? I sincerely hope that everybody living in the Glenkens, indeed Dumfries and Galloway, is by now very much aware of the huge upgrade to the national grid in this region proposed by Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN). Make no mistake about it, this programme of replacing the existing pylons with ones double their size and adding new substations the area of three football pitches will make the biggest impact on our rural lives since the hydro scheme of the 1930s. Dumfries & Galloway will not look the same afterwards for generations to come. At the most basic level, the reality is that the existing network, built over 70 years ago, is in need of replacement - no argument there. Additionally, we are told that the lines are now at capacity, and need to be upgraded to cope with a growing demand, which seems logical enough? However what is being proposed is not just one step up, but two, way beyond the likelihood of our usage. This isn’t just about meeting current or future regional needs, but of upgrading the National Grid’s transmission of power between Ireland, Scotland and England with one of the hubs, linking five of the largest type of pylon lines, sitting just outside of St John’s Town of Dalry. If it helps to try and understand this in terms of the roads it is like proposing to upgrade the A713 and A712 to motorways, with new service stations at Dalry and Newton Stewart, when all we actually need are the dodgy bends taken out and some overtaking lanes. What it all comes down to is that running the new power lines above ground through Dumfries and Galloway is seen as an easier and cheaper option than underwater or underground cables. Damage to the environment, tourism or quality of life does not enter the financial equation here - but in my opinion it should. If it was about building two new motorways through the page 12 And these concerns may only be only scratching the surface. The article below, Power to the People, reflects more on the impact of these proposals on the Glenkens. Glenkens there’d be a riot - and justifiably so! There is no doubt that we have become a ‘power hungry’ society, where ‘manual’ has been replaced by ‘electric’. However, there is change afoot; LED lighting, ‘AAA’ rated appliances and wind-up radios are increasingly popular, as are solar panels and small wind turbines. Is the real demand for power increasing or are we starting to manage with less? In our household we are now using slightly less power than in the past, and certainly could consume less if we made an effort. If everyone could manage to do that then where is this growing demand coming from? Yes, there are more houses in the Glenkens now compared with the 1930s, and more electrical equipment, but it’s getting to be more efficient; I think we’ve already peaked in demand and arguably don’t need to be encouraged to use more. If England and Ireland have power issues, they need to re-examine how to resolve it for themselves without running motorways through the middle of the Glenkens! Andi Holmes, Dalry Glenkens Gazette page 13 GLENKENS ART EXHIBITION 2015 The annual Glenkens Art Exhibition was held at Dalry Town Hall this year in an attempt to increase the number of visitors. Over 200 people took advantage of the weather and the venue to view the 70 exhibits, plus all the beautiful artwork from the schools’ Art Competition. This was nearly double the number from 2014 when the exhibition was held in its usual location at the Glenkens Community Centre. The local artists did themselves proud once more with work of a high standard and varied content. Despite the relatively low number of entries it was a pleasure to see several new artists contributing to the show this year. The number of sales of work was up to an encouraging six this year. Our thanks go to the Town Hall Management Committee for and all the volunteers who helped and without whose assistance it could not be held. We are also indebted to the Dalry Charity Shop for their grant towards the cost of holding the exhibition. The exhibition was very well received by visitors from as far afield as Shropshire, Ayr, Edinburgh, London, North Uist, Oxford, Kent and Powys. Great Spotted Woodpecker by Susan Bielinski and Sea Eagle by Bill Wiseman. Apollo5 Returns to Dalry Apollo5 made a welcome third visit to the Glenkens and clocked up a full-house at Dalry Town Hall. They presented a thrilling, varied and enthralling programme of music to suit all tastes. Composers such as Finzi, Brahms, Holst and Vaughan sat comfortably with Duke Ellington, Sondheim and Bob Dylan to create a memorable, relaxed evening’s entertainment. New Galloway Golf Club One of the highlighs of the evening appealing particularly to the Scottish audience was an arrangement by Clare of the traditional song Will ye go to Flanders. Another favourite was a haunting rendition of Alexander L’Estrange’s arrangement of Purcell’s Dido’s Lament. On a much happier note were the title song of their new album recently released, With a Song in my Heart and the Andrews Sisters’ Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, both arranged by Matt Greenwood for Apollo5. The group is part of the Family and friends coming to stay? Short of space? www.nggc.co.uk Cosy country cottage available (sleeps 4) Buggies now available for hire Call Fiona on 01644 420 227 Founded 1902 - 01644 420737 VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS WELCOME New members to the Art Group are always welcome. Please come along on Monday 2-4pm and Wednesday 7-9pm at the Glenkens Community Centre, or contact Christine Rhodes on 430 070 or Tom Leach 420 386. www.covenanters-holidaycottagescotland.co.uk charitable foundation Voces Cantabiles Music and is involved in its innovative education programme aiming to inspire creativity through music. The programme, led by VOCES8, reaches 20,000 young people annually, working in over 200 schools in the UK, France, Germany, Sweden, the USA and Asia. Charlotte, Clare, Alex, Ciaran and Greg are very grateful to the wonderful audience who turned out to hear them on a beautiful summer evening enabling them to continue to contribute to the work of VCM and to be able to give a small donation to Dalry Town Hall funds. Sheila Adams FHB Fencing Dalry Domestic and Agricultural Fencing 01644 430 495 (Peter) or 07767 795 498 (Jonathan) Glenkens Gazette page 14 LOCAL HISTORY Glenkens Story: TAKES TO THE HILLS Upcoming Events The lost settlements of the Blackwater of Dee and the ruins of the Carsphairn lead mines were the destinations of the first two history visits organised by The Glenkens Story project. well as the ruins of their houses and the school, the remains of the smelting plant, flues and chimneys can be clearly seen as well as a network of mill lades and reservoirs and even the lazy-bed gardens of the workers. Anna explained that although the mine entrance is now sealed, there are local people with childhood memories of exploring the disused tunnels and galleries. Traces of the ventilation shafts remain, one surrounded by a substantial stone dyke and a ring of rowan trees planted, it is said, to ward off evil spirits. The Glenkens Story would like to thank Anna Campbell, Michael Ansell and minibus driver Jon Nimmo. Details of upcoming spring trips will appear in the next edition of the Gazette. If you would like to suggest a destination for a history trip, contact Mike Brown 420 267 or mbrown99@dircon.co.uk The Lowland Clearances remembered JENNY’S Wright’s Shop & Post Office Dalry Place-names enthusiast Michael Ansell led a party up the Blackwater of Dee in July, explaining the origin and meaning of the farmstead names and outlining their varied histories. While some were abandoned in the ‘little ice age’ of the 1690s, others survived for longer, some being occupied in living memory. From the mid 20th century most were overplanted by forest, now being cleared. Unravelling the meanings of names can be complicated with Brythonic, Gaelic, Scots, Irish and English all featuring, often with misleading results. At Nether Gairloch for instance there is no loch: the name is a corruption of the Gaelic ‘Gearr Learg’ - a short slope. The second trip, in August, was led by Anna Campbell of the Carsphairn Heritage Group, and headed out to the remains of the Woodhead lead mine. The mine was active from 1838 to 1873 and Start of the lead mine tour, near the site of at one time more than 300 the smelter. The smelterers lived in the row of people lived at Woodhead. As houses in the background. Mobile Hairdresser Nursing Homes & Residential The Elderly & Disabled Home Visits NVQ Level 3 Hairdressing NVQ Level 4 Social Care Contact - 07554 009 624 Everyone has heard of the Highland Clearances but little is said of the Lowland Clearances, yet they changed the face of places such as Galloway and we live with the consequences today. On Sunday 22 November at 2.30pm at the CatStrand Peter Aitchison and Andrew Cassell, authors of the book and radio series on the Lowland Clearances, will relate the story of Scotland’s ‘Silent Revolution’ and discuss the implications for Galloway. This event is organised by The Glenkens Story history project and is part of Book Week Scotland 2015. Tickets £5, including light refreshments, available from the CatStrand. 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 15 LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN THE LANGUAGE OF GLENKENS Many of us are interested in the puzzle of why and when Gaelic disappeared as the spoken language of Galloway. It may have survived into the early 16th century but then very quickly vanished except in place-names. Gaelic is gone and, however much it may be regretted, it will never return. Meanwhile another language is disappearing before our ears and our eyes, while nobody seems to be paying attention to, or caring very much about, what is happening. I refer to the Scots leid and the Glenkens dialect thereof, which can still be daily heard from the mouths of many of our residents. Sad to say, with the passing of the older generation, Scots as a living language will follow Gaelic into oblivion. Gaelic already receives much more financial support than Scots, as well as a dedicated TV channel; in comparison Scots is a poor relation. It was not always thus. Around the turn of 19th and 20th centuries several local writers championed the use of our native tongue. Malcolm Harper published many local poems in Scots in his book The Bards of Galloway, the best of whom was the itinerant William Nicholson of Borgue whose wanderings doubtless led him to the Glenkens. SRCrockett promised in 1906 to write “a real Galloway book, in the full dialect, to be understood only by those to the manner born” but he was not spared to do so. He wrote the introduction to a remarkable and absorbingly eccentric volume by Dr Robert De Bruce Trotter of the Glenkens medical dynasty, Galloway Gossip or The Southern Albanich 80 years ago. The book is written entirely in the Galloway vernacular and since his family had close ties with this area he sheds much light on the language of our glen. He recalls that in his day Dalry and Polmaddy were pronounced without the letter ‘l’ as Da’ry and Powmaddy. The locals called Castle Douglas ‘Castle Dirt’. He laments that Clachanpluck has “turn’t genteel, an they ca’t Laurieston noo—only they dinna say Lowryston—that’s ower Scotch—they say Larry’stown; that’s suppost tae be English ye ken”. He relates that folk bought a ‘long-tail blue’ to get married, the garment then becoming known as the ‘Sunday Coat’; “amang the puir folk this waddin coat haes tae last them a’ their days for gaun tae ye kirk, for kirsnins an burials an ither gran (on its back) or goes through a ‘lunkie’ (specially constructed gap in a dyke)? Equally obscure might be a shepherd’s ‘clicky’ (crook). Language is a very important part of identity and even though, as Trotter points out, some people “consider Scotch origin to be the lowest possible depths of degradation”, Scots is a language in its own right, a development from Northern English. In the 19th century it was fashionable to argue that Scots was closer to the original Anglo-Saxon than the latter was to modern English. One Scottish wit, puzzled by all the talk about Anglophones and Francophones, dubbed himself an Anglo-saxophone! Kelso Kelly published a glossary to SRCrockett’s novels which are a mine of information on the Glenkens dialect. The glen has also produced many poets who have written in Scots and the tradition survives from James Trotter’s ‘Clachan Fair’ to Tommy Edgar’s ‘Clachan Capers’. To quote Trotter once more, “A suppose ye ken yt Gallowa’s hotchin wi poets; a wasp’s-bike’s nothin like till’t! gudefor little doylocks, maist o them, fond o onything but wark. Some o them haes nae objection tae drink though”. He meant no ill for he was mocking himself, as well as others. Might it be an idea to invite what might be the last generation who have a lifetime’s knowledge of the doric to compile a glossary of the Glenkens dialect? In such a project the spoken word would be even more valuable than the written. Dictionaries are full of definitions but speakers better understand the nuanced meanings. We will return to this theme in future articles but meantime if any one is interested (all words welcome) please contact me through the Glenkens Gazette. Ted Cowan “Did ye ever see a lass at the fit o’ the cless? A’m sure ye didna...If it wusna for their sisters learning them at hame, the lads wud be a at the fit thegither in a cludder”. occasions. There’s a wheen o’ them noo-a-days disna fash the kirk much”. Many of the young ones on the farms go ‘spluntin’ (courting) at night. Trotter reveals his feminist credentials by asking; “Did ye ever see a lass at the fit o’ the cless? A’m sure ye didna. They’r ey at the ither en, fowr or five o them afore ye come tae the lads; deed! If it wusna for their sisters learning them at hame, the lads wud be a at the fit thegither in a cludder”. The trouble with Trotter’s information is that he admits that many folk, himself included, just make up what they do not know and so are guilty of ‘whuds’(lies). They haver or blether as well as talking sense. Trotter realizes that as the language dies so too do culture and identity. Words become redundant as the means of subsistence changes while other words are invented over time (think of computer-speak!). How many folk today would know what it means when a sheep turns ‘avel’ Glenkens Gazette A SAD AND LONELY MOOR The Story Of Old Mortality: Part I The whaup rose lazily on brown speckled wings, its long curved beak opened; an eerie cry echoed over the lonely moor. The cry could have been the first two syllables of a wail of anguish, uttered by a newly widowed bride, as she found her laddy, ruthlessly shot by ‘Bloody Lagg’, a hundred years before. Could the DNA of a moorland bird carry a folk memory of that soulful scream for fifty generations? The scene had changed little in the century past; it had changed little in the previous ten thousand years, since the great ice retreated. Glacial moraine had softened imperceptibly each season with the growth and decay, of heather, blaeberry and bog cotton, washed by the rains of ten millennia. The whaup had risen from the wet moor alerted by a bark, the sound of a roe buck challenging an intruder. Alerted, a fox following a sheep path winding its way among the heather, halted its stealthy progress to scan the slope of the hillside below, its dark ears cocked and keen eyes focused. A small movement behind a heather clad knowe was enough. The vixen turned tail and stole away unseen, looking back momentarily after a hundred yards to confirm her suspicions before trotting on out of sight. Robert Paterson saw neither the roe nor the fox, though he glanced at the curlew as it soared above. Head down, he led his faithful white horse, laden with a pannier on either side, each basket cradling a carved freestone slab. The year was 1786, the only change in the scene before him in a century, was a Galloway dyke recently erected by gnarled hands and back-breaking toil. This drystane dyke, like many others was built to enclose the previously open moor, delineating a new laird’s ownership. The dykes, like the froth on a calm sea, informed the knowledgeable eye of the presence of rock below the smooth surface. Built by Irish peasants, generously allowed to break their backs doing this unrelenting toil, in lieu of rents which could not be paid from rotting crops and famine at home. These dykes would be a long lasting feature on the rolling Galloway hills. A gang of labourers would drag the stone from the surrounding area, on horse drawn sledges. Smaller stones would form the base, built double faced, - this was the doublin’. Once two or three feet high a horizontal layer of ‘throughbans’ was laid to hold the two faces together, and above that larger single stones were set, before finally, carefully picked copes or tapstanes were laid and pinned in place to form a level top. As Robert led his horse on the hole. They would take a breather now and again and look down on the Dee Valley below, or glance at the Carsphairn hills to the North, before turning again to face the climb. Approaching a patch of old heather, a grouse exploded into the air and flew off on whirring wings, crying indignantly the characteristic - ‘Go back!’ ‘Go back!’ Its flurried departure left the scent of the purple heather flower hanging in the air. All of a sudden Robert and his mare rounded the shoulder of the rise and they were at the top. Not a peak, but a surprisingly level plateau; not covered in heather or blaeberry, but short cropped grass, as bare as any bowling green. Sheep are shrewd; they know that the top of the hill is where the cooler breezes reach, where the flies and midges are fewer. This is the place they head for on a warm summer evening and as a result, it is well used, well grazed and with its regular sprinkling of sultana-like sheep droppings, well fertilised. Robert headed for the two small ice-rounded boulders near the centre of the grass, and tied his horse to a gnarled thorn tree, as old as time. Perhaps it too, like the whaups, had witnessed the evil deed that happened here? The two glacial erratics, as these stones are correctly termed, had been carried from a near-bye knowe to mark the resting place of the two lads. King Charles II, arrogantly certain of the divine right of kings, had decreed that all his subjects must worship his Episcopalian clerics. Presbyterian ministers were driven from their homes and their congregations hunted down and shot by government dragoons, often without reason, without trial. The two lads who perished here were loyal to the king but knew nothing of theology, or politics and unable to answer Graham of Claverhouse’s questions were instantly shot dead. Weeping neighbours buried them where they had died. John Nelson, Crossmichael Could the DNA of a moorland bird carry a folk memory ... for fifty generations? sheep track which ran alongside the dyke, the mosses had already softened the faces of the whinstone. Silver grey circles of lichen, some coarser, darker, some orange, others brown. Below a solitary old tree, green sphagnum moss had established itself in the moist shady environment. Robert knew the mosses, lichen and algae so well from his regular forays into old churchyards. He smiled as he watched a young weasel pop out from a hole in the wall and nimbly run along the ‘causeway’ of topstones five feet above any prey. He stooped to pick a handful of blaeberries as he skirted a bog and ate them with relish. Later as he and his mare traversed the slope, he knelt beside the crystal clear burn, lowered his head and drank his fill. His mare took the chance too, and drank deeply from a shallow pool gouged by the water on some wet winter’s day. The burn trickled and tinkled its way among the pebbles, down towards the bog below. Robert urged his horse up the heather clad hill, following one of many sheep tracks, skirting each rocky outcrop and hillside bog- page 16 Glenkens Gazette page 17 SCOTTISH ALTERNATIVE GAMES The typical Scottish summer weather rarely deters Alternative Games competitors. This was the fifteenth year that the event has been held in New Galloway and a good crowd gathered to step back in time and enjoy the traditional events first held in Parton in 1977. The competitors included reigning World Gird n’ Cleek Champion, John McQueen, from Castle Douglas, and several previous champions and world finalists looking to take the title off John’s hands. There was a good international presence too with several regular competitors and lots of new challengers from south of the border together with overseas entrants in several events representing France, Canada, Spain, Russia and The Netherlands. The strength events also attracted big entries and the men’s competitions were largely dominated by three competitors, Jayde Devlin, Ralph entertained in the Tea Tent. Spernagel and Craig Fergusson As always, the Games attracted claimed Gold, Silver and Bronze many returning competitors and respectively in the Tractor Pull audience but also embraced and the Hurlin’ the Curlin’ Stane. many first time visitors too. The The Classic Car competition has smiling faces and appreciative become a great favourite at the comments received were Games in recent years and the testament to the enduring best turned-out vehicle is voted popularity of the unique event for by the crowd. This year’s with many people pledging a clear winner in the count was the return next year. MGA 1600 owned by Morton Davidson. Snail Racing may seem a rather sedate event but the biggest noise of the day is always heard from the Snail Racing Paddock as another race approaches the finish line! Jeremy Sainsbury hosts the paddock as only he knows how, whipping the expectant crowd into a frenzy and bribing the snails into action when necessary. Stallholders all enjoyed a good trade throughout the afternoon and between the pipe band’s appearances John McQueen receiving the Gird n Cleek World Championship trophy for the in the arena, the ‘Four second year in a row. String Pickers’ ukulele band Great War Update: The Battle of Loos The battle of Loos resulted in a great number of deaths in September 1915. The Glenkens perhaps had more than its share of deaths reported, six in total with five of those coming from Dalry and all during the first two days of the battle. Lance Corporal George Hamilton of Front Street was reported missing presumed dead at the battle of Loos on 25 September 1915. He was aged 34 and left a widow (Frances) and two children. Private Robert Hamilton was the son of Robert and Mary Hamilton of Main Street, and was also reported missing at the battle of Loos on 25 September. He was aged 21. Both Robert Hamilton and George Hamilton were serving with 12th Battalion of the Highland Light Infantry. Private Alexander McCulloch was the youngest son of Mr and Mrs Walter McCulloch, of Courthill, and was reported missing on 25 September at the age of 31. He had been a prominent and leading golfer and footballer. His parents’ Golden Wedding was quietly celebrated just six months after his death. Andrew McNaught was the son of Robert and Agnes McNaught, of Midtown, and was aged just 19 when he was reported missing, also on 25 September. Both Andrew and Alexander McCulloch had been serving with 7th Battalion the Kings Own Scottish Borderers. Archie Mair was the only son of William and Elizabeth Mair of Gordiestoun (near Lochinvar and now a ruin) and had been one of the first to enlist in August 1914. He was serving with 6th Battalion the Queens Own Cameron Highlanders when he was reported missing at the battle of Loos on 26 September at the age of 23. Archie’s grandfather (Archibald) had farmed near Drongan in Ayrshire and Archie is also listed on the Ochiltree War memorial. Sergeant Robert McGaw was serving with 9th Battalion the Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) when he was reported missing on the 25 of September. He was aged 29 and was the son of Charles and Susan McGaw. Robert had been a gamekeeper at Corsock House wehen he enlisted in September 1914. His brother would be killed later in the war. Robert is also listed on the Corsock war memorial. These would be the only Glenkens men killed in August and September 1915 but in just two days, the Glenkens had lost six men and not one of their bodies was ever found. They are all commemorated on the Loos memorial along with over twenty thousand other British and Commonwealth soldiers from the battle of Loos who have no known grave. Paul Goodwin Glenkens Gazette page 18 OCTOBER & NOVEMBER OCTOBER Sat 3, McMath the Silent Page, 7.30pm, Dalry Town Hall Thu 8, Stewartry Bird Watchers talk - Chris Waltho Spectacled Eider Ducks in Europe, 7.30pm, Kells School, New Galloway, see p10 Wed 21, Writing in the Woods and on the Water; wildlife writer Mandy Haggith speaking about her poetry and prose, 2pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Fri 23, Launch Party (Friends & Patrons), CatStrand, New Galloway Sat 24, Ben Rogers & The Jellyman’s Daughter, CatStrand, New Galloway Sun 25, The Templewood Ensemble, CatStrand, New Galloway Tue 27, Rapture Theatre: The Last Yankee, CatStrand, New Galloway Thu 29, Film: Amy (15), CatStrand, New Galloway Sat 31, Halloween Party & Film Premiere, CatStrand, New Galloway Thurs 22, SWANC Talk; What Happens when a Community Takes Over? 7.30pm, Ken Bridge Hotel, New Galloway, see p3 until Sat 24, Droving Project exhibition - part of The Land exhibition, Gracefield Arts Centre, Dumfries, see p6 NOVEMBER Sun 1, Ricky Ross, CatStrand, New Galloway Sat 7, Film: Brief Encounter (U) & Romantic Supper, Supper From 6pm, Film 7.30pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Thu 12, Stewartry Bird Watchers talk - Glen Chilton Rediscovering ‘Extinct’ Species, 7.30pm, Kells School, New Galloway, see p10 Fri 13, Karine Polwart & Emma Pollock, 7.30pm, CatStrand, ALEX FERGUSSON MSP FOR GALLOWAY & WEST DUMFRIES Holds regular advice surgeries at: Constituency Office, New Market Street, Castle Douglas, DG7 1HY on the 2nd Friday of every month from 5pm Telephone free on 0800 028 7260 for an appointment or to make any alternative arrangement. You can visit Alex’s website at: www.alexfergusson.org.uk or contact him by e-mail at: alex.fergusson.msp@scottish.parliament.uk New Galloway Wed 18, Film: Two By Two (U), 10am, Free (Schools Only), CatStrand, New Galloway Fri 20, Ragazze Quartet, 7.30pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Sat 21, Craft Fair, 10am to 3pm, Mossdale Village Hall Sun 22, Talk by Peter Aitchison & Andrew Cassell on the Lowland Clearances, CatStrand, New Galloway, see p14 Thu 26, Film: The Bridge Rising (12), 7.30pm (Includes Q&a With Film Makers), CatStrand, New Galloway Sat 28, Christmas Shopping Day, 11am–4pm, Free, Includes Mulled Wine & Mince Pies, CatStrand, New Galloway DECEMBER Thu 10, Stewartry Bird Watchers talk - Tanya and Edmund Hoare Our Disappearing Swifts, 7.30pm, Kells School, New Galloway, see p10 Glenkens Gazette page 19 REGULAR EVENTS CatStrand Activities - currently relocated until CatStrand reopens (contact 420 374 to confirm details): Exercise to Music: Mon, 1011am, New Galloway Town Hall (recommences 24 Aug) Margaret Morris Movement Adult Dance Class: Mon, 2.30-3.30pm, contact Sara on 01556 612854, New Galloway Town Hall (recommences 24 Aug) Children’s Dance Class: Mon during term time, 3.45-4.45pm age 3-7, 4.30-5.30pm ages 8-15, New Galloway Town Hall (recommences 24 Aug) Gentle Tai Chi: Wed, 10am, 60+, New Galloway Town Hall Sing it Out: Thurs, 11am -12pm, Cross Keys Hotel, New Galloway Pilates: Thurs, 4.15-5.15pm & 5.306.30pm, Dalry Community Centre CatStrand Yukes: Thurs, 1pm – 3.30pm 60+ Cross Keys Hotel, New Galloway Saturday Art Club: 2nd Sat each month, 10am–12noon, New Galloway Town Hall (recommences 12 Sept) Zumbatomic: last Sat each month, 10-10.45am Catstrand Youth Players: Sun during term time, 2pmGlenkens Acoustic Sessions: last Sun of the month, 2-4pm, The Clachan Inn, Dalry Glenkens Community Centre, Dalry, (contact Kath on 430 281): Glenkens Children’s Club: Mon & Fri, 10am-12noon Paint & Art: Mon, 1.30-4.30pm & Wed, 7-9pm Ballroom & Latin Dance Class: Mon, 7.15pm, for more info call Sam Rushton on 420 672 GCC Playgroup: Tues, Wed & Thurs, 9.10-11.40am, contact Sue on 07709 929 482 Good Neighbours’ Club: Tues, 2pm Kickback Martial Arts: Thurs, 79pm Thursday Craft Group: Thurs, 24pm Brownies: Wed, 5.30-6.45pm Guides: Tues during term-time, 6.15pm, contact: Kath 430 281 Various Locations: Ukelele Group: Mon, 11.15am, 60+, New Galloway Town Hall Glenkens Walking Group, Mon & Wed, 1.30pm, contact Gerry on 420 852 Mother & Toddlers: Tues, 9.4511.15am, New Galloway Town Hall Beavers: Tues, 6–7.15pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Dog Training: Tues & Wed, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. Contact: Eric 460 670 Glenkens Community Councils Balmaclellan Community Council Meetings: 3rd Monday each month, 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall. Carsphairn Community Council Meetings: Last Monday each month, 7pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn. Dalry Community Council Meetings: 1st Monday each month, 7pm, Dalry Town Hall. New Galloway & Kells Community Council Meetings: 2nd Monday each month, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall. Full minutes of local Community Council meetings can be viewed at Dalry Library. CHURCH TIMES at New Galloway and Balmaclellan War Village Hall. 8th Nov, 11am: Ceremonies CHURCH OF SCOTLAND Sunday Services - Balmaclellan 12noon: 1st. Carsphairn 10.30am: 1st 2nd, 3rd 4th. Dalry 12noon: 1st 2nd(Nov) 3rd 4th. Dalry 10.30am: 2nd (Oct), 5th (Nov). Kells 10.30am: 3rd 4th. Special Services/Events: 4th October, 10.30am: Harvest Thanksgiving, Carsphairn Church. 12th October, 10.30am: United Family Service for Dalry and B & K Church in Dalry Church. 17th October, 10-12: Abbas Rest Coffee Morning, Dalry Town Hall. 6th Nov, 7.30pm: Quiz Night in Balmaclellan Memorials, followed by Remembrance Service in St Margaret’s Church. 27th Nov, 7.30pm: Scottish Night, Dalry Town Hall. 29th Nov, 10.30am: United Service with the Choir in Dalry Church. Communion Service: 25th Oct, 12noon, Dalry Church. 1st Nov, 12 noon, Balmaclellan Church. 15th 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 Bowling for Beginners: Wed, 7pm, Spalding Bowling Club, Dalry (opposite The Garage) Wednesday Quiz Night: Wed, 8.30pm, Cross Keys Hotel, New Galloway Stewartry Camera Club: Wed, 7.30pm, Ringford Village Hall, runs Wed 11 Sept till end Mar Zumba: Wed, 7.30-8.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall, £4 Mossdale Painters: Wed, 9.30am, Mossdale Village Hall Cub Scouts: Wed, 6.45–8pm, New Galloway Scout Hut Carsphairn Post Office: Tues, 1- 3pm, Lagwyne Hall Coffee & Craft Morning: Thurs, 9am-12noon, Lagwyne Hall D&G Hard of Hearing Group Dropin: 1st Friday each month, 10am12noon, New Galloway Town Hall. Scouts: Thurs, 7–8.30pm, New Galloway Scout Hut To hire the MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) behind Dalry School call Sonja Tranter on 430 244 or Nicolette Wise on 430 218. Dalry Library Temporary Hours Tue: 12noon - 3.30pm Fri: 10am - 12noon & 1pm - 4.30pm There are 23 mobile library stops - to find out where and when please phone 430 234. ADVERTISE IN THE GAZETTE (price per issue incl VAT) SMALL: 6cm x 6cm, £37.80 (+ 10% off with series discount) 1/4 PAGE: 9cm w x 13cm h, £81.90 (+ 25% off with series discount) 1/2 PAGE: 18cm w x 13cm h, £151.20 (+ 25% off with series discount) FULL PAGE: 18cm w x 27cm h, £252 (+ 25% off with series discount) Call 07727 127 997 VAT Reg. No. 882 8361 87 USEFUL NUMBERS: ● Pot-hole Hotline: 0845 276 0000 ● Local Police: 0845 600 5701 ● Doctor: 01644 420 234 ● NHS 24: 08454 24 24 24 ● D&G Council: 030 33 33 3000 Glenkens Gazette page 20 Glenkens Clubs & Societies Fair The Glenkens Clubs and Societies Fair was judged to be a great success by those who attended. 25 Clubs and Societies from across the Glenkens were represented in person, and over 100 people came along to find out what they could do in the area. Many thanks are due to the volunteers who came out to represent their clubs and societies and did a great job of advertising the wide variety of things to do. In particular, the sports representatives in the school hall were very much appreciated, as were the ukulele band, who never fail to bring a bit of joy to an event. People were also delighted with the free Directory that they received which lists over 80 clubs and societies, as well as a host of useful information at the back about other community facilities and services. Thanks are due to Helen Keron who did the data gathering and Martha Schofield (www.mschofielddesign.co.uk) who converted the information into a thing of beauty. If you didn’t get a Directory and would like one there are still a few left at various shops, or contact Nicolette Wise on 430 218. Thanks are also due to our many sponsors who allowed us to stage the event and issue the Directory for free. They are the Glenkens Community Shop in Dalry, the Ross Family Fund through Foundation Scotland, The Galloway Association of Glasgow, Dalry Community Council and New Galloway & Kells Community Council. The idea for the initiative came from Dalry Community Council. As Alex Fergusson, MSP, said in the introduction to the Directory; “Volunteers are the life-blood of rural communities and without them, the wealth of groups and recreational activities that are available simply would not happen. How lucky we are in the Glenkens to have so many people putting in their time and energy for the benefit of the community as a whole.” Thank you all! The CatStrand Saturday 28th November 11am-4pm Join us for a relaxing afternoon of Christmas shopping, and buy all your presents locally at the CatStrand. Shop for a seasonal selection of handmade and quality gifts to fill all the eagerly awaited Christmas stockings! With a range of stalls presenting local craft and produce, this is an ideal opportunity to find unique and special gifts for family and friends. Enjoy a glass of mulled wine while you browse. If you would like to have a stall at the Christmas Shopping Day, please get in touch with Wendy at the CatStrand. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Submit events, activities, news stories, cartoons, reviews, tips & techniques, fiction, photos, ads or ideas... Contact Sarah Ade on 07727 127 997 or glenkensgazette@hotmail.co.uk DEC/JAN COPY DEADLINE: 5 NOVEMBER Design & co-ordination: Sarah Ade sarah.ade@gmail.com Printing:Stranraer & Wigtownshire Free Press www.stranraer-freepress.co.uk The Glenkens Gaze�e is an ini�a�ve of the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust, a Registered Sco�sh Charity No. SC032050  Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Glenkens Gazette 90 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GG_090 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 2015 Description An account of the resource Editor: Sarah Ade