GLENKENS GAZETTE News from Balmaclellan, Carsphairn, Mossdale, New Galloway and St John’S Town of Dalry

GLENKENS GAZETTE News from Balmaclellan, Carsphairn, Mossdale, New Galloway and St John’s Town of Dalry

December/January 2019-20 ISSUE 115 FREE FIRST BLACKCRAIG WINDFARM AWARDS ANNOUNCED It has been a busy time eligible applications were received representing a range of groups and for all concerned since organisations. These were all assessed in detail by Foundation Scotland who the Blackcraig Windfarm are contracted by Temporis Capital Ltd Community Fund opened to administer the fund. The trustees of the Glenkens & District for applications in June. Trust then considered the detailed First a wide variety of community reports, running to nearly 150 pages, groups attended outreach sessions over two meetings in mid-October. SEE CENTRE held across the area and then Steps to ensure that any potential SPREAD put in a huge amount of effort to conflicts of interest were properly submit applications. Thirty-nine addressed were taken before the trustees reviewed and discussed every report prepared by Foundation Scotland. There were wide ranging discussions on how the applications met the requirements and criteria of the fund, how they benefited the wider community, how the applicants had demonstrated that the proposal was good value for money and how groups had worked together. The trustees were delighted with the quality of the applications and the thought and preparation that had gone into them and were encouraged and inspired by the efforts made by a huge number of people. A summary of the applications and decisions is available at www.founda tionscotland.org.uk/news/glenkens- communities-share-wind-farm-cash Children at Dalry school celebrate the success of an application for a climbing structure. Continued on p10... Rockfield Community Aquisition Passes Stage One The wild area referred to as which will need a more detailed plan - if you would like to be more involved Rockfield, in Dalry, has begun please contact Nikki on nichola_ the process of becoming [email protected] Villagers who were asked would like the community-owned. area to remain a kind of wild place with Featured in the April/May issue of the native plants/trees, indigenous foraging, Gazette, a small piece of unkempt land paths for walking and a bike track behind Underhill was open to community accessible to young people. purchase. A local group has been formed The Rockfield Project would like to to take this forward, and the Rockfield say a big thank you to the Glenkens Project submitted a successful Stage Community Shop for a grant of £500 One proposal to the Council. It is hoped towards the costs of a site appraisal to submit the Stage Two proposal soon, and initial works. The plot is pictured above, looking towards Kenbank. A Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) ini�a�ve www.glenkensgaze�e.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 2 Glenkens Gazette page 3 COMPARING THE GENERAL ELECTION CANDIDATES When you open a visibility and attention on the national Liberal Democrat) and Ted Thompson stage and would like our MP to be a (Labour) are all firmly in favour of paper or turn on the TV flagbearer for the region, thus being Scotland remaining part of the UK or radio at the moment better able to champion local causes. and wish to prevent the division and Negotiating the UK’s departure disruption they claim would come from there are so many from the EU has been fraught; what another independence referendum. is the best way forward to limit the Laurie also points out that the last three issues being debated division Brexit has caused? years of Brexit paralysis underlines the and with emotions Ted Thompson (Labour) lays the immense difficulties we would face if we blame squarely on the Conservatives left the UK and has considerable doubts running high it is hard for having called the EU referendum about the promises of a frictionless work to figure out the and then for invoking Article 50 without border. a plan. His party would renegotiate What is the response of you and best way forward. another deal with the EU, followed by your party towards the declaration It is certainly going to make it difficult a confirmation vote of that deal versus of a climate emergency? when we get to the polling booth on 12 remaining in the EU. He personally is in All candidates are in broad agreement December. Would it be best to vote for favour of remaining. on this one. Alister Jack (Scottish the candidate whose party represents Richard Arkless (SNP) points out Conservative and Unionist) states that your views on Brexit? But do they that as Dumfries and Galloway voted to his party are committed to protecting also represent your views on Scottish remain in the EU referendum, we are the planet for future generations which independence, or climate change? Who now being taken out of the EU against is why they support net-zero emissions do you feel would best serve Dumfries our will. His answer is for Scotland by 2045. and Galloway? Do you want change to become an independent EU state Ted Thompson (Labour) believes or more of the same? It is quite hard by seeking another independence we do have a climate emergency and to find a candidate whose views align referendum. that his party’s manifesto and Green completely with yours so some sort of Alister Jack (Scottish Conservative Economy pledges address this. compromise may be required. and Unionist) feels that the deal Prime McNabb Laurie (Scottish Liberal To try and get a clear picture of what Minister Boris Johnson has struck with Democrat) agrees that there is a climate the candidates-to-be Dumfries and the EU works for Scotland and he emergency but argues that some of Galloway’s next MP are offering, we therefore wants to implement that deal the response needs to come at a local have asked them all four questions on and end the uncertainty. level, as well as through government some of the main issues so that you can McNabb Laurie (Scottish Liberal and international bodies. He stresses the compare their answers. Democrat) feels the EU referendum importance of working with partners in What do you think are the was flawed with unrealistic promises the UK and the EU, and that his party main issues facing Dumfries and made. If his party achieved a majority recognise that global problems need Galloway? government they would revoke Article 50 global solutions. Richard Arkless (SNP) and Alister and stop Brexit; otherwise they would Richard Arkless (SNP) also sees Jack (Scottish Conservative and work with partners to seek a second climate change as a real emergency and Unionist) both highlight the need for referendum. points out that the Scottish government investment in order to tackle problems Scotland has been part of the UK already has plans such as the Green with transport infrastructure. They also for over 300 years; what are your Deal, Climate Emergency Skills Action focus on the NHS with Arkless concerned views on the union going forward? Plan, Mission Zero Transport initiative, about the distance some people have No surprises that Richard Arkless phasing out of new petrol and diesel to travel for health services, and Jack (SNP) is passionately in favour of cars by 2032, decarbonising railways on the need to fill GP and consultant Scottish independence, although he by 2035 and scheduled flights by 2040. vacancies in the area. points out that he used to think we were He admits these plans sound ambitious McNabb Laurie (Scottish Liberal “too wee and too poor” to go it alone. but feels even more must be done and Democrat) and Ted Thompson However, he now believes that our per that if he was elected as our MP climate (Labour) felt boosting the local economy capita tax revenues and levels of GDP change would be his emergency. and retaining young folk in Dumfries and are good enough for independence and We hope this might have helped in Galloway was of particular importance, that in the modern world small countries your decision on who to vote for. At with Thompson wanting to create green do better. the end of the day, whatever you do high-tech jobs. Laurie is also concerned Alister Jack (Scottish Conservative decide, your vote counts so please about Dumfries and Galloway’s lack of and Unionist), McNabb Laurie (Scottish make sure you remember to vote! Glenkens Gazette page 2 Glenkens Gazette page 3 In Memory of Alan Wright: 1932-2019 Alan Wright, who in Dalry winning awards in Britain in Bloom contests, as well as the visit died in October, will of Radio 4’s Gardener’s Question be missed by folk in Time. He was also a stalwart of the Glenkens Flower and Vegetable Show, the Glenkens but also donating the Maude Wright Trophy by gardeners all over after his wife died in 2002. At the Galloway and beyond. Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012, he He had an extensive knowledge planted a wonderful flower display in of plants, flowers and vegetables the McNaught fountain, and continued which he generously shared as well with seasonal flower displays in the as proffering advice on all things village until handing over that baton horticultural, from germinating seeds to Jane Trueman in 2017. to fixing garden equipment. Although Alan gradually started to Alan started off as a chemical wind down the business when his engineer but had always had a keen wife became ill, he was still selling bedding plants and compost five interest in gardening. This led him and Alan Wright at the Dalry fountain, next his wife Maude, together with their years ago and was always on hand to his beautiful flower display, for the Jubilee celebrations in 2012. Photograph daughters Susan, Judith and Lyndsay, to help, encourage and advise other taken by Hilda McAdam. to move to Dalry in 1972, taking gardeners. He remained sought after over the cattlefeed and ironmongery answering questions such as “why to grow a honeysuckle over an arch in business and adding a garden centre, haven’t my carrots germinated”, his garden: after three attempts and which then became Rural Supplies. “what’s wrong with this shrub”, “what three dead honeysuckles, he turned The family soon became thoroughly rose will thrive in this climate”, etc, to Alan for advice, who suggested a involved in village life and Alan, and last November when asked how to particular variety which, many years at different times, served on the fix a broken greenhouse door, he just later, is still happily romping over the Community Council and the Town Hall mended it himself. arch. This is just one example of how Committee. He was heavily involved One local resident said that when he moved to this area he was determined Alan’s memory will live on. Get On It Transport: Freelance Work Available Having finished our consultations with young people, CatStrand are On behalf of the Glenkens now ready to launch our ‘Get On Community Shop I would like It Transport’ pilot, with the aim of to thank all supporters and helping young people living in rural volunteers, especially Alison Stewatry to move around more easily. Davies from New Galloway There are two buses; a Dalry - Kirkcudbright bus and Blackcraig Wind Farm (approximately two hours) and a Kirkcudbright local loop bus (approximately one hour), each of which Community Fund *. visits a number of pick-up locations on the way. Each bus will run twice on every Sunday throughout the We have received a grant from Blackcraig to pilot period (from 22 December to 23 February). fund the refurbishment of the shop, which is We’re now looking for a pool of adults to be on board great news. The shop will close on 14 December these buses. For every journey, we need one adult with work getting underway in the new year, and on board who can consult young people about the we hope to re-open around Easter time. Merry bus service and gather feedback, as well as check Christmas and a happy New Year, and thank you registration and be on hand in case of an emergency. for all your support. Shirley For these positions you must: - Have an up-to-date PVG to work with young people The next round of Glenkens Community - Be able to invoice us for your time (the rate is £10p/h) Shop grants will be in July 2020. - Be able to commit to both runs for one or more days (either on the Dalry or Kirkcudbright loop bus). * with funding from Blackcraig Wind Farm (Scotland) Limited, administered by Foundation Scotland working in partnership To find out more email [email protected] with The Glenkens & District Trust. Glenkens Gazette page 4 Glenkens Gazette page 5

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THINK GLOBALLY, ACT LOCALLY IN GALLOWAY Councillor Dougie a climate emergency and appointed Campbell, recently Councillor Campbell appointed as D&G’s to his role, a move attracting support Environment Champion, across all the political took the phrase ‘Think parties and with only Globally, Act Locally’ one objection. Since then he has as his theme when he drawn up a 12-point addressed the first event action plan which staged by the Glenkens aims to put climate and environmental Councillor Campbell’s talk was followed by a lively question Climate Group. concerns at the and answer session in the CatStrand. The phrase, first coined by the heart of all the radical Scottish thinker and scientist, council’s policies colleagues, including his fellow Patrick Geddes, was particularly and actions, from transport to representatives from Dee & Glenkens, appropriate for an event which started education and from social policy to and was heartened by the enthusiastic with the screening of a film starkly infrastructure. He outlined plans to response of council officers. laying out the latest understanding promote local consultation to enable The Glenkens Climate Group is part of climate change globally and went anyone to contribute their views of the D&G Climate Group and can be on to hear of Dumfries & Galloway’s on how the council addresses the contacted at glenkensclimategroup@p response. challenges facing us all. He stressed rotonmail.com Earlier this year the council declared that he had had full support from From Pony Express to Royal Mail...

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 Fiona Clubb making How much more greener can you Tues & Thurs 6-6.30 pm get? No fuel just, literally, green- FOR APPOINTMENTS AT BOTH SURGERIES good use of the new powered...Getting the mail sent is OR IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY much more achievable now that she 01556 502263 Royal Mail postbox can pop along to the new postbox, just � � which has been a pleasant ride away from her home at VETERINARY SURGERY Blackmark Farm on her Highland pony OAKWELL ROAD installed at the end of Brie! This lovely photograph was sent CASTLE DOUGLAS the Water o’ Ken road. in by Kath Martin from Carsphairn. Glenkens Gazette page 6 Glenkens Gazette page 7 Alive and Kicking at Loch Ken Exciting things are the area. We want to showcase all the activities happening at Loch Ken, you can do on the loch, as well as the beautiful with the appointment views you can only see of a new full-time from the water. We want to see thriving businesses development worker. around the loch, creating Barnaby Fryer has started in role employment opportunities recently to run the Loch Ken Alive so that people won’t have project. We caught up with Barnaby to leave the area to find to find out a bit more about the work.” project and what he’ll be getting up to. To achieve these aims, Barnaby says: there are four main “First and foremost, Loch Ken Alive strands to Loch Ken Alive. Alan Smith, chair of Loch Ken Trust, with Barnaby is about bringing all the Loch Ken These are laid out below, Fryer, Loch Ken Alive officer communities together to ask ourselves together with some of the ‘what do we want this area to look like key questions we would The area covered by Loch Ken Alive in 10 years’ time?’ At a time when we like to hear your thoughts on. runs from Dalry in the north to are facing uncertainty at home and • Develop a Loch Ken Plan: What do Castle Douglas in the south taking in abroad, how can we build a thriving, we want the future of Loch Ken to look Balmaclellan, New Galloway, Parton, prosperous, sustainable community like? How do you see Loch Ken in 10 Crossmichael, Glenlochar, Laurieston, around Loch Ken?” years’ time? What would you like to see Balmaghie and Mossdale along the way. Barnaby believes that Loch Ken has more of? What puts you off visiting the The project is a partnership between all the resources in place to do exactly Loch? the Galloway Glens Landscape that. Although he and his family have • Launch an online information hub for Partnership, Loch Ken Trust and the moved to the area for the job, he is no Loch Ken: What kind of information Southern Uplands Partnership. Barney stranger to the Galloway glens. would you like to see on a Loch Ken is based with the Galloway Glens team “I have been a regular visitor to the website? How would you like to access in Castle Douglas, but will be getting area for over a decade, to visit family,” it eg mobile, app, computer? out and about regularly to all the says Barnaby. “There is something • Stage a series of festivals and events communities around the Loch. magical about this place. From the over the next three years: Do you “I’m really keen to hear the views of amazing natural landscapes to the currently attend any events at Loch everyone who lives, works or plays friendly communities, the passionate Ken? What kind of events and festivals around Loch Ken,” continues Barnaby. local businesses and entrepreneurial would you visit? “We can’t build the Loch Ken Plan spirit all combine to make this a real • Run a campaign to promote the Loch without the voices of the Loch Ken gem at the heart of Galloway. Ken area: How would you promote the people!” “Through Loch Ken Alive, we want Loch Ken area? What story should we Pop in and see Barnaby to tell him your to tell people all about the wonderful be telling about Loch Ken to attract thoughts, or you can get in touch at natural and cultural heritage of visitors? barnaby.fryer@lochkenalive. Kirkcudbright Bridge Images and words by John Smith John says: “The Writers’ Café, I recall the story and the poetry walks that Ken Of the man in the boat Words have organised have Under the bridge given me a new lease of life, both Who pointed out in my photography and in my Exposed and corroded writing and I recommend them to Steel reinforcements anyone who wants to share their Then came the scaffolding I have a photo of that too endeavours with others.”

Our second crossing From town to Castle Sod It bounds. The first, I’m told Damaged by ice floes, Yes, ice floes While the second Nearly carried away By tanker caught Broadside by the tide Glenkens Gazette page 6 Glenkens Gazette page 7 Fundraising at the Salon There’s more than businesses who donate great raffle prizes are also amazing - thank you!” just hair and massage The Macmillan coffee afternoon raised a happening at Hair by grand total of £772.50, and the fundraising afternoon in aid of mental health awareness Jayne in Dalry. received great support for our local Over the last few months there have been community and we all enjoyed a lovely two fundriasing events held at the salon - a relaxing afternoon while raising an amazing Macmillan coffee afternoon and an afternoon £384, which was donated to Supporting Minds to raise awareness of mental health issues. in Castle Douglas. Firstly Jayne would like to say a very big Jayne says: “A big thank you to those who thank you to everyone involved with both came to both these events - our community is events. She says: “Thank you so much to very special. Wishing everyone a very merry all the bakers and soup makers out there Christmas and a happy New Year from Blair - you know who you are; too many of you and Jayne.” to mention by name, but you are amazing Pictured: visitors enjoy coffee and cakes at and we couldn’t do it without you all. We the Macmillan fundraising afternoon. have a great team of helpers, and our local

Kindling available

GLENKENS ROUTE Thursdays: 12noon-1pm – Crossmichael 1-2pm – Parton/Loch Ken Holiday Park 2-4pm – Balmaclellan area 4-5.30pm – The Hidden Road Fridays: 8-10.30am – Dalry 10.30-11am – Glenlee Area 11am – New Galloway 12noon – New Galloway Shop 2pm – Mossdale area 3-4pm – Laurieston to Gatehouse Please note that all times are approximate. 07966 103 912 [email protected]

Fleet Fish aims to provide top quality produce which is sourced as locally as possible. We take pride in offering friendly door-to-door service tailored to our customers’ needs. Glenkens Gazette page 8 Glenkens Gazette page 9 Our New Glenkens Community Police Officer: Amy Baird PC Amy Baird is our community police officer? A This is a very new challenge for me new community police having just started the role in October. I am looking forward to meeting you all officer in the Glenkens. at some point whether that is through We thought we’d find out a little more community councils, school visits or about her with a few questions in the just out and about on my patrols. Gazette, to help us become better Q What made you choose the Glenkens aquainted with someone who will role? hopefully be with us for a while. A Having lived and worked within the Q Where are you from and what is Stewartry for the majority of my life your working history (what areas of I want to help to deliver a Policing policing, or other work areas if you service that I feel the people of the would like to mention those)? Glenkens deserve. A I have recently been appointed a Q What have you enjoyed so far, or are new role as a Community Constable looking forward to, about working in within the Stewartry Community the Glenkens? Policing Team based at Castle Douglas, with my primary responsibility being A I am looking forward to getting crime. I hope to carry out proactive for the Glenkens area. I have 12 years to know the people and places well, patrols in relation to these issues and of service within the Police, having working with the community to help always welcome any information from started my career at Stranraer and keep people safe in their local area. the public. then Kirkcudbright and Castle Douglas Q Do you have any particular areas Amy says: “Please feel free to come respectively. The last 8 years of which you will be focusing on over the coming and discuss any issues or concerns you I have spent within the Roads Policing months? have with me and, in the meantime, I Unit, a role which I thoroughly enjoyed, A Our main priorities for Policing are look forward to meeting you out and however having returned to work after tackling anti-social behaviour, drug about in all of your towns and villages a period of maternity leave this new dealing and substance misuse, homes in the Glenkens.” role came up at just the right time. being broken into, protecting vulnerable See the Diary section on p26 for Dalry Q What do you like about being a people at risk of harm and violent Police Station drop-in dates/times.

ULTRASOUND PREGNANCY SCANNING

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For bookings and info: Duncan Kennedy 07860 474001 [email protected] www.passcan.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 8 Glenkens Gazette page 9 CatStrand Highlights We are counting down from Moniaive’s celebrated choristers. to Christmas and beyond In the New Year Dark Sky Jazz returns with a bang as at CatStrand with plenty we welcome one of the most of events to get you into innovative and dynamic jazz groups on the new wave Nordic the festive spirit. jazz scene, WAKO. The group Local superstars CatStrand Youth bring their four piece sound to Players present their pantomime CatStrand on Friday 10 January. Beau Jest on 6, 7 and 8 December If the dark days are getting to and CatStrand Ukes are back for you, why not head along to one their Christmas party on Tuesday 10 of our Mid Winter Film Festival December. screenings, taking place across The Sugar Revue Burlesque the Glenkens with complimentary Variety Show returns with a new hot toddies and blankets line-up of acts from the glittering to keep you cosy. There’s best of the Scottish burlesque scene something for everyone across on Friday 13 December - this is one the weekend... On Saturday 11 for over-18s only. Jan at Dalry Town Hall you can Our Wee Book House+ event this indulge in a heart-warming Irish season sees the lovely Crossmichael documentary, The Man Who Church playing host to an afternoon Cairn Chorus with Conversations of Sheep. Wanted to Fly, about 70-year- performance from the Cairn Chorus old County Cavan man, Bobby, on Saturday 21 December, based this who is determined to fly a Hall on Sunday 12 January serves up year on Hugh McMillan’s work, the plane. For those looking to embrace a breathtakingly atmospheric tale of Conversations of Sheep. Hugh will be the bleakness of the season Welsh anguish that will hit the spot. present to read some of his poetry super-natural, folk-horror film Gwen For tickets or further information and the church hall will serve up teas screening in Carsphairn at Lagwgyne visit www.catstrand.com or call and mince pies following the concert 01644 420 374. GLENKENS WALL MURAL FEATURE Our newly created programme and connecting in an inspiring, energetic intergenerational communities programme joined forces to group has reinforced my belief in the mural at CatStrand design the mural – looking at shapes and transformative power of the arts.” symbols that summed up the Glenkens Finally, we would like to thank Hope and is now in place; the for them – then worked on creating it everyone from culmination of the over a number of workshops led by Hope our community London. The final design was created at who helped to hard work of an the Men’s Shed in Balmaclellan where make this project the group applied acrylic paint to six a reality, and we intergenerational group sheets of 7 foot long perspex. Other invite everyone from our community and members of the community have also to come and view helped out by creating templates, our stunning new local artist Hope London. moving materials, preparing the garden mural. The project, which began in the space and installing the mural. Lead Katy Billington, summer of 2018, aimed to renovate the artist, Hope London, said: “Working with Youth Arts wall in our sculpture garden with a piece communities has long been part of my Coordinator of art which represented the Glenkens practice as an artist. I work with people through the eyes of the community. Red of all ages, backgrounds and abilities kites, lochs and the Galloway Forest to unleash creative Dark Sky Park, for example, all feature potential and in abstract and colourful patterns. growth. Creating a Volunteers from our youth arts CatStrand mural with Glenkens Gazette page 10 Glenkens Gazette page 11 Blackcraig Funding THE DAD for Local Projects JOKE Continued from front page... infrastructure and facilities recognising The list on the Foundation Scotland that GCAT has a strong track record of PLAGUE website demonstrates the wide range successful delivery on a large scale and Reporting here from Carsphairn of projects and activities funded and that it supports and enables significant The epidemic has spread far and there are too many to mention in this additional community-led activity wide short article. However some examples across the area. No-one knows quite how it started are new fire doors in Balmaclellan All involved have learned a lot though Poor taste is often implied Hall, replacement of the roof on the this process and GDT, with Foundation Men’s Shed in Balmaclellan including Scotland, will be reviewing how it went They’ve named it the dad joke the installation of photo voltaic panels, to refine how the process will run in the plague replacement of the floor in the Memorial future. A cure has yet to be found Hall in Crossmichael, contributing to the GDT are also moving forward with the These jokes should never be told long required lift in New Galloway Town work to develop a community action Outside a primary playground Hall, supporting the charity shop in plan. This plan will be of general use Dalry to ensure it is properly fitted out in helping to lay out key community They say there’s a man in Dalry after the renovation works being carried development strategies for the whole Who’s named as patient zero out by The Pamela Young Trust as well area and will enable them to draw on Adults give him wide berth as several awards to projects focused this to identify future fund priorities. But the kids think of him as a hero on environmental improvement and It will also help GDT to decide on That catalyst first joke other activities in the arts. appropriate opening and closing dates Was Mr Spock’s third ear Monies were awarded to three for applications in 2020. A good plan Left and right of course playgroups in the area in recognition depends on effective input from right And Space, the final ‘front ear’ of the importance of the work they do across the area and plans are being and also the ongoing challenges they developed to make this happen. There So, if you hear these words face in funding this important work. will be more information available on ‘have you heard the one about’ Glenkens Community and Arts Trust Ltd this is due course. Cover your ears and la la la (GCAT) were awarded money towards Fiona Smith, Chairman, GDT Until after the last word is out

necessary. You don’t want to choke the poor things when they start into THE GARDEN SPOT growth in the spring. Sometimes I get a good time to plan for next season Finally, remember to clear away all whilst you can still remember a bit the fruit tree leaves, and the debris the impression that about the last season, and get on to from tomato and potato plants - either ordering plants for spring delivery and burn or take to the recycling centre. nothing much is seeds. You don’t want to leave last year’s happening in the Speaking of which, winter is the infections to carry over to the new perfect time to plant anything you buy year. if you have an empty pot or two, garden at this time ‘bare-rooted’. This is the old way of you should still be able to find some buying plants – not potted up. Plenty spring bulbs in the shops or garden of year. of places online still sell bare-rooted centre, just make sure they are nice The main crops and flowers are all plants. They just arrive in the post and firm. Get them planted for some over, the garlic and spring bulbs are and you get them straight in, much bonus spring colour. peeking their heads above the cold cheaper and they get away well in the The Intrepid Gardener ground but waiting for better weather. spring. Why not plant a The spring cabbage seems to be just couple of apple trees if sitting there and even the compost you have space? Make heap has slowed down its rotting. sure that they are in Then I remember, it’s like the start of the same pollination a race, everyone is on their starting group, are suitable blocks, building up energy and waiting for our climate in the for the signal. West and that you get In this calm before the spring stakes and ties ready. growing spurt, now is the time to see Local dessert varieties to all those little jobs you have put off: ‘Galloway Pippin’ and clean the used pots that you just flung ‘Bloody Ploughman’ in the corner, clean and check over all work well together as the tools, replace any consumables does the sweet cooking (twine, labels, canes, netting and variety ‘Hawthornden’. fertiliser/lime etc) - there are often Speaking of fruit trees, bargains to be had at this time of year. hopefully they have You can also top-dress the soil with put on a bit of growth garden compost, farmyard or horse over the summer, so (if manure, and wood ash if you can get they are staked), check it (don’t use coal ash or soot). It’s also the ties and loosen if Loosening tree tie before raking up leaves. Glenkens Gazette page 10 Glenkens Gazette page 11 �� Glenkens Community kindly donated some badminton Centre is making plans rackets, and Dalry Town hall for a new look in 2020. contributed A new committee was formed in April a net and after both Kath Peace and Helen Keron shuttlecocks. stood down from their committee In September, roles. Both are to be thanked for their the centre hard work over the years, especially hosted a Kath Peace who has been part of the foraging event community centre for 30 years! as part of the The new committee is Carylann Glenkens Food Williamson (chair); Ann McEwen(vice Trail, and we chair): Kath Peters (secretary) and hope to be David Hill (treasurer). The committee part of the hope to create a fresh way forward for developing and will be in circulation soon. We the centre with a focus on health and festival next year too. also have a Facebook page and wellbeing. Bright Stars Nursery continue to posters around the area with details The community centre has recently provide care and support for the of activities available, as well as been awarded £1,784 from the under-2s and are open three days per regular activities listed in the Regular Blackcraig Windfarm Trust and the week, with afternoon provision too. Events section on p27 of this Gazette. funds will be used to help turn the Yoga classes are on a Wednesday Looking forward to the future! centre into a hub for the area which evening at the new time of 5.30pm will provide a range of wellbeing with more classes planned in the New Glenkens Community activities for all ages. It is intended Year – a morning Centre Committee not only to increase the range of session and also a activities available, but also to create new healthy back an information centre with a small programme. office where groups and people can The long- have private meetings. We hope this standing Kickback facility will be available for hire soon Martial Arts group once a few small jobs are done. still runs on a In 2020, a community coffee Thursday evening, morning is planned, initially fortnightly and is one of the with the hope that it will become largest groups more regular as more volunteers are in Dumfries & recruited. It will be a casual affair, just Galloway. teas, coffees and maybe some home Brownies and baking and a purely social activity Guides are also where people can come together and still going strong have a chat (and maybe plan some on a Tuesday new users groups too!). evening. The committee want the people of New users groups the Glenkens to get used to using are welcome. their community centre again and see Anyone interested it as a place to connect and have fun. in setting up a A new sign has been designed and group, please get ordered for outside, funded by Dalry in touch with our Community Properties Trust (who treasurer Dave own the building). The trust are also Hill who manages funding the upgrade of the toilets. In bookings. September, £500 was awarded from New members Scotmid towards new badminton are invited too as equipment, and now groups and are any ideas on individuals can enjoy a game of how people would badminton on Monday evenings from like to see their 5-9pm, and Saturday mornings too. centre develop - Table tennis will soon be available as consultation forms well at the same times. are available for The Glenkens Community Shop people to complete Glenkens Gazette page 12 Glenkens Gazette page 13 Glenkens Gazette page 12 Glenkens Gazette page 13 NEW RECTOR FOR ST Christmas Tasting Evening MARGARET’S New Galloway Community Shop had already settled on Thursday The Revd Pam Swift has 12 December for its popular been appointed as Rector of Christmas tasting evening before MPs thought it would be a good St Margaret’s Church, New time to have a general election. Galloway. Rather than change the date, After a special service at the end of the shop will be offering local November, led by Bishop Mark Strange, the residents the chance of going out Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, to vote and sample the delights of Pam started her ministry at the beginning of the festive fare on offer Advent. Her plans include a special Christmas this Christmas. Carol service on 22 December at 6pm which Local suppliers including she is hoping will be an opportunity for Steilhead Cider, Professor everyone, even non-church goers, to enjoy Pods Sauces, The Bottle List, the Christmas spirit. Saucy Desserts and Fabby Over the years she has worked in Leeds Cakes will be offering the chance and Glasgow, as well as rural areas close to Pam and her dog Penny to sample their wares and learn Hadrian’s Wall and hospital Chaplaincies in outside St Margaret’s Church. more about their products. The the north of England. She has ministered to shop now stocks produce from the homeless and those on the fringes of society and has a strong calling some 25 local businesses. to help anyone in need. She says: “I was delighted when I was offered the post at St Margaret’s So, before or after selecting the and I’m very much looking forward to joining the local community of party of your choice, come and New Galloway and the wider one of the Glenkens. Be assured there will select some treats for the festive always be a welcome, human and canine, at the Rectory.” season. The tasting session will She and her collie, Penny, are keen walkers so please extend a welcome run from 5-7pm. Everyone is if you bump into them around the village. welcome - see you there!

Gillespie Gifford & Brown LLP Solicitors and Estate Agents Dumfries & Galloway 01556 503744 www.ggblaw.co.uk All legal advice Offices in Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie Kirkcudbright and Dumfries Glenkens Gazette page 14 Glenkens Gazette page 15

Wright’s Shop & Post Office Dalry SHOP LOCAL Licensed convenience store and newsagent stocking a range of local suppliers. THIS CHRISTMAS - We would like to thank all our customers for their continued support and pass on best wishes for the Festive season - Here in the Glenkens we are in the wonderful position Festive Season Opening Times: of having a wealth of local producers, retailers, Christmas Eve: 7am - 5pm Christmas Day: closed crafters, artists and artisans on our doorstep. Boxing Day: 8am - 2pm Quite literally, we don’t have to leave our little part of the world to Hogmanay: 7am - 5pm 1st January: closed gather everything we could possibly want for a wonderful festive season. 2nd January: 8am - 2pm So why not challenge yourself this year - see if you can shop for Normal Opening Times (both shop & PO): Christmas entirely in the Glenkens! Monday to Friday: 7am – 6pm Committing to shopping local may mean a little more creative thinking... Saturday: 8am – 6pm Sunday: 8.30am – 4pm How about opting for interesting alternatives such as vouchers for treats like a haircut, massage or day out, or making time to take friends or Galloway hampers & wreaths in stock family out for a meal as a refreshing change from all the stuff so often Tel: 01644 430 225 accumulated at this time of the year?

14th December 11th January 10am-12.30pm For further information or to book a stall ring 01644 430 454 or visit www.dalrytownhall.co.uk Entrance by donation - proceeds towards Dalry Town Hall Refurbishment Fund North of Castle Douglas, A713 Ayr Road Glenkens Gazette page 14 Glenkens Gazette page 15 SHOP LOCAL

WISHING ALL OUR CUSTOMERS THIS CHRISTMAS A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR! Here in the Glenkens we are in the wonderful position Christmas Menu of having a wealth of local producers, retailers, 1-24 December - BOOKINGS FOR XMAS crafters, artists and artisans on our doorstep. PARTIES BEING TAKEN - Quite literally, we don’t have to leave our little part of the world to We will be closed from 13-30 Jan for gather everything we could possibly want for a wonderful festive season. winter refurb & staff hols, So why not challenge yourself this year - see if you can shop for re-opening Fri 31 Jan Christmas entirely in the Glenkens! 01644 430 241 www.theclachaninn.co.uk Committing to shopping local may mean a little more creative thinking... How about opting for interesting alternatives such as vouchers for treats like a haircut, massage or day out, or making time to take friends or family out for a meal as a refreshing change from all the stuff so often accumulated at this time of the year?

There’s more than just hair and massage happening at the salon! Our Macmillan Cafe was again a great success - we raised £772.50. Thank you to eveyone who came along and supported the event. We held a mental health awareness fundraising afternoon which brought in an amazing total of £384 which was donated to Supporting Minds in Castle Douglas. Jayne and Blair wish all their customers a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

01644 430 525 07876 397 725 Glenkens Gazette page 16 Glenkens Gazette page 17 The 51st Annual Carsphairn Burns Supper Celebration Friday 17th January 2020 Lagwyne Hall Carsphairn 7pm for 7.30pm Price £15, seats must be reserved in advance by emailing [email protected] or phoning Davey on 07710 124255 - Brian Edgar: Immortal Memory - - Bruce Mckenzie: Toast to the Lassies -- Katie Morrison: Reply to the Laddie - - Music by Bruce Mckenzie - - Catering by Ayrshire Catering - Early booking is recommended as 2019 event was over subscribed. Glenkens Gazette page 16 Glenkens Gazette page 17 Movement in Pregnancy, New Motherhood and Beyond The birth journey is a and tailored yoga postures for pregnant and postpartum rite of passage; a baby people. It transformed my is born, and a mother experience of pregnancy, and I is born. still find the practices incredibly supportive to me as a new We shift and become new beings, mother. and our bodies go through a There is a saying “42 days huge transformation, housing for 42 years”, meaning that a and growing another human. As woman’s robust health in the well as the physical upheaval, the first 42 days of motherhood emotional disorientation can be can set her up for 42 years profound. of radiance and wellbeing. I am a yoga teacher living in the Creating a wellbeing regimen Glenkens and I had my first baby for pregnancy and the six months ago. I enjoyed my postpartum period need not pregnancy and even look back on be complicated. Mineral-rich the 22-hour birth with rose-tinted a community and out into nature. food, the support of loved ones spectacles…the pain fades pretty And it’s nice to know that in caring and getting plenty of rest are all fast when you are presented with for ourselves, we care for our little essential. However, movement a tiny human gift at the end of the ones too. is also essential as it counters ordeal! Amy teaches vinyasa yoga on the stagnation of circulation When you fall pregnant, a serious Tuesday evenings at the Old and energy which leads to pain amount of letting go needs to Smithy in Balmaclellan. She and tension. Whether it’s 10 happen. We must learn to slow is running two events in early minutes of stretching, a dance in down and stop pushing ourselves. December for pregnant and the kitchen with your little one For me, as a yoga teacher, this postpartum women. The first, or getting out for a walk in this was challenging - I was used ‘Restore and Nurture: A Yoga beautiful landscape we call home, to a strong daily yoga practice, Workshop for New Parents’ is it all contributes. but as my body was changing, on 7 December and the second, This little being becomes your my practice needed to change. ‘Softening Through Intensity: A entire world, but it is also Morning sickness meant that yoga Pregnancy Yoga Workshop’ is on important to make sure your was completely off-limits for a 14 December. Both run from 10am needs are met. Parenthood can few weeks. However, I was lucky to 12pm, and are £5 to attend. take a lot from us and modern life enough in week 26 to take my To book a class or a workshop, makes demands of us in all sorts pregnancy and post-natal yoga please call the CatStrand on of other ways. Movement gets teacher training in Glasgow with 01644 420 374 or visit Rowan us out of our heads and into our the awesome Charlie Speller. We Tree Yoga & Wellbeing on bodies. It is vital to our physical learned breathwork, bodywork Facebook to find out more. wellbeing. It gets us together as Amy Fowler Beavers’ Annual Fun Day Out The annual Beavers’ whom were from the Glenkens: Curran (acknowledged for 15 Tim Thorne (acknowledged for years of service). Drew Low fun day was held at five years of service) and Diana Kirroughtree Visitor Centre. The event was attended by Beavers from the Glenkens as well as Dalbeattie, Minnigaff and Twynholm. The group went orienteering and enjoyed den-building organised by the Kirroughtree staff. Three Beaver Leaders received service awards from Galloway Scout chairman Drew Low, two of Beavers from the Glenkens, Dalbeattie, Minnigaff and Twynholm. Glenkens Gazette page 18 Glenkens Gazette page 19 HALLOWEEN AT DALRY PRIMARY Firstly, everybody parade, and we had to try to walk Next we wrapped each other in in character. toilet paper as mummies. Karol and came to school dressed Then we played four corners - Jayden’s groups won. James in P1 won. Then we tried to After we wrapped our mummies in their Halloween catch marshmallows on a string, we sat down then went for break. costumes. while we were on our knees with Everyone had a great time. Everyone looked terrific. At our hands behind our backs. Once Laya & Karol, P6 9.15am we all went through to the game had ended we went to the hall and we had a costume get a drink and a biscuit.

Freya, Esme and Eleanor in scary Halloween costumes, and Emily and Oakley playing the marshmallow-on-a-string game. FoDS and CatStrand Halloween This year Friends of Dalry School (FoDS) and CatStrand joined forces to host a joint kids Halloween party. The idea is to alternate venues each year so that we can have one bigger, better Glenkens Halloween party rather than clashing parties in different locations. This year’s party, held at the CatStrand, was a great success with children of all ages enjoying games, snacks, dancing and generally having fun, being spooked out by eachother’s excellent Halloween costumes. Later on in the evening was a Youth Halloween event for over-12s, during which a scary film was shown and scary food eaten...

Some of the older Halloween revellers enjoying the evening’s scary goings-on. Glenkens Gazette page 18 Glenkens Gazette page 19 one from Dalry to Kirkcudbright, via numerous stops and a second which CATSTRAND YOUTH will be a loop from Kirkcudbright to movement to learn how to master CALL OUT FOR YOUNG Gatehouse and surrounding areas. the puppets and people who like PERFORMERS AND Full details will be published soon music to learn how put together a MUSICIANS (S1+) on CatStrand Youth’s facebook page soundtrack. Our first meeting will be Interested in performance? Want and website so stay tuned. For now held at CatStrand on Thursday 12 to learn how to create a soundtrack? though, here are some key details: December from 6-8pm. Come along Fancy mastering puppets? - The bus will run every Sunday for to find out how to be involved! As part of a community performance ten weeks from 22 December YOUTH BUS SET TO LAUNCH on climate change on 22 February, - It’s free! Our Get On It Transport Initiative is a group from CatStrand Youth are - It’s for young people aged 13-26 in full swing and we are now set to getting together to perform a short - To use the bus, young people will launch our first pilot which will be a retelling of an ancient story about need to register with CatStrand Youth bus service for young people running flooding. and U18s will need parental consent. on Sundays. This has been designed Led by storyteller Anne Errington, More details will follow, but if you’d based on the feedback we’ve had we’re holding a series of workshops like to express interest in receiving from various youth groups. in preparation for this. We specifically updates or get a consent form, There will be two routes available – need people who like controlled please email [email protected] Top Bands Turn Out for Battle The night of the Battle of the Bands event was a joy, from beginning to end. Young people get such a bad reputation yet everyone who attended was polite, engaged and organised from the start. We got an audience of 71 plus five acts in Castle Douglas Town Hall. They were all really good, and it was a very tough call for the judges to pick a winner. We ended up splitting the prize, with a three-piece band called The Fuzzkills from Dumfries and Ecclefechan winning the performance slot at Knockengorroch festival, with local band Pure Silver winning the Eden Festival slot and Ya’el Du Toit-Burns, who was a solo singer/ songwriter, winning the recording studio session at Circa 16. A massive thanks to our judges who gave their time on Saturday night to support the event. They each had their unique perspective and experience which helped them to pick up the strengths and weaknesses of each competitor. Bernstrum and the Men (which was my favourite band name) did a great Smiths cover, already had their own group of female fans and, although they came away without a prize, were charismatic and added an element of fun to the night. H2 (Hannah and Hamish) from Dalbeattie, after a false start and a bit of a sound level tweak, did a fabulous acoustic set and cover of the band Cage the Elephants’ Cigarette Daydream. All in all a great night for live music and it was even more special as it was emerging youth talent creating the sounds, and, the best bit of all, both Eden and Knockengorroch have given their support for next year and all our contestants will still be young enough to enter again! With a year to prepare, I’d expect to see more entrants next year and it grow from strength to strength. Catherine Phillips Glenkens Gazette page 20 Glenkens Gazette page 21 TECHNOLOGY EXPLAINED: BROADBAND This is the first of a short series ‘microfilter’, a matchbox sized device which trying to listen to someone speaking splits apart the phone and the internet loudly… about 10 to 15 metres in clear of articles explaining what you signal. If you don’t have a microfilter, or air but a lot less through walls. The signal need to know to get the best it is faulty, you get lots of noise on the weakens with distance. Each router works out of technology, kept simple telephone and the internet works badly on one of several channels, if you have or not at all. They are only about £4 to close neighbours, then perhaps their with just the stuff you need. replace. routers operate on the same channel as In basic terms, your internet connection The ‘internet’ cable from the microfilter yours, if so, you can improve your signal by enables a flow of information both ways (strictly called ADSL or something else changing your router’s channel (too detailed between your device (computer, laptop, ending in DSL) goes to your router. The to explain here). Otherwise you can get tablet or smartphone) and everywhere router does several things (originally it was your Wi-Fi signal to parts of the house that else on the planet. Some printers can also several different boxes): it decodes the are currently a black spot by using a ‘Wi-Fi connect to your home network and they ADSL so your devices can use it, it sends extender’. Two main types are available: would also be a ‘device’ for the purpose of bits of the signal to the right device and powerline, this transmits the signal through this article. switches between them, finally it provides your electric circuit and you need to have a Years ago, we had dial-up connections Wi-Fi – a wireless connection using a form pair; and a Wi-Fi Access Point which picks where it completely took over your phone of radio signal so that you don’t need to up the Wi-Fi signal and passes it further on. line and worked very slowly, speeds up plug your device into the router. There now...that wasn’t too painful, to about 0.25GB (think of the amount of Wi-Fi is quite a weak signal – think of was it? Paul Goodwin water coming out of a water pistol). Then we got broadband - some clever soul worked out how to speed it up and jam it down the same wire as the telephone at up to 8GB (think of the amount of water from a garden hose). More recently we got high-speed broadband by getting fibre optics (a kind of thin, glass cable) to the BT cabinet and then by copper telephone wire from there to your home, giving speeds up to 48GB (think of water coming out of a fireman’s hose). You can check what you are actually receiving, by googling ‘broadband speed test’ and run one of those that you find – anything less than 2GB down is pretty poor. Now, when the phone cable arrives at your house, the first thing you need is a Glenkens Gazette page 20 Glenkens Gazette page 21

go up and have a look in the New Year! Polmaddy is a site Path Making of particular archaeological significance, and is an It’s exciting times at excellent place for an the Galloway Glens atmospheric walk or picnic. Jonathan Barrett, Land office as our ‘Accessing Management and Access Officer for the Galloway Glens the Galloway Glens’ said: “We are delighted to projects really start to have got started on this excellent project. This is an gain traction. historic route that was the You may have seen helicopters flying main route into the Glenkens near Carsphairn as they deliver the from the north for more than aggregate for path surfacing up in the a thousand years, foothills of the Rhins of Kells. and so it’s fantastic Those flights are for the revival of to be able to open it the Glenkens Pilgrims Way, also known back up. When the as the Pack Road – the old pilgrims’ path is completed, I route that runs from Carsphairn to am hoping to work New Galloway via Polmaddy. Records with local community show that King James IV walked on groups to create pilgrimage on this path to Whithorn in some interpretation the late 15th Century and it has been of the many historical described as the A713 of its time! sites along the way, Phase 1 for the Galloway Glens making it even more Pack Road project involves reviving interesting for walkers an existing but disappearing path and riders.” over open moorlands and re-creating This work has been the original path through forestry largely funded by the to create a 7km stretch between ‘Improving Carnavel (just south of Carsphairn) Public and the deserted ‘ferm toun’ Access’ fund, settlement of Polmaddy (opposite a European Dundeugh). The moorland, behind Agri- the Bradenoch and Bardennoch Hills, Environment has many sites of archaeological scheme interest, including cairns, early farm being steadings and Christian sites, and so administered the creation of this path (which will be by Scottish suitable for walkers, off-road cyclists Natural and horse-riders) will be a great Heritage. improvement to access to this local They are heritage. The work is being carried also funding out by WJ Murray, with support from two more Skyhook Helicopters, and started Galloway in early November. It includes the Glens path laying of new geo-grid and geo- improvement textile based paths, signposting projects and way marking and carrying out – the Torrs For more details on these and other drainage improvements, and should Point path above Kirkcudbright Bay Galloway Glens projects, see our be completed by Christmas. The new and the Blackpark to Threave path out website at www.gallowayglens.org path will be waymarked from both the of Castle Douglas. Both of these paths For updates on the path construction Carnavel and Polmaddy ends, so do will be accessible for all, including progress, follow us on Facebook, wheelchair users and pushchairs, and Twitter or Instagram, @GallowayGlens will open up access to new areas from or Jonathan can be contacted on within the towns. [email protected] Glenkens Gazette page 22 Glenkens Gazette page 23 Dalry Then and Now Exhibition Dalry Town Hall was the bringing the grand total of viewers beyond 200. setting for the historical On behalf of the many people who enjoyed the exhibition, the exhibition ‘Dalry Then Dalry Heritage Group would like and Now’ organised by to thank all of those who loaned items for display and everyone the local heritage group. who helped set up and man the Over the course of the weekend exhibition and, of course, those visitor numbers came to around 146, who helped clear it all away too. and then the primary school came Photograph: visitors browsing along for a look on the Monday, old photographs at the exhibition. GLENKENS PLACE NAMES: PART ONE Over the next few then Troquhain, in Balmaclellan place-names come to mind, this time parish, is a Brittonic name, suggested located close together in the remote issues of the Gazette to be derived from ‘tref chwaen’ north of Carsphairn parish. These or ‘homestead of an exploit’, with are Petillery Hill and Minishtree, Mike Ansell, from New speculation that this might be overlooking the Water of Deugh. If Galloway, will look at the site of an old battlefield. It is the place-name Petillery had occurred interesting to note the two place- in North-East Scotland, it would some of our Glenkens names Torwilkie and Torwatletie immediately be looked-on as a Gaelic nearby, which may also incorporate place-name incorporating a Pictish place-names and the Brittonic generic element tref. (Pictish was a language closely related their history. It has been considered that the lost to Brittonic) loan word, ‘pett’, a ‘land- Brittonic name of Trevercarcou, which share’ or ‘portion’, with the whole Place-names can provide many may have been the earlier name being ‘pett na h-iolaire’; ‘portion of clues as to the past history, land- for Earlstoun, potentially with the the eagle’. However, in the south-west use, culture and environment of the derivation ‘homestead of the torrents’ this is more likely to be a wholly Gaelic landscape around us. In a series of referring to the pre-hydro scheme name, probably ‘pait na h-iolaire’, articles I intend to use the rich place- waterfalls. However, other suggestions the hump of the eagle. Minishtree is name heritage of the Glenkens to have been made that this place was situated about 600m from the Ayrshire help illuminate otherwise inaccessible probably in Balmaclellan and, if so, the border and may represent Britonnic aspects of our past. Our knowledge cluster of potentially Brittonic place- ‘minidd-istre’, ‘border upland’. Thanks and understanding of local place- names in this area may imply the to Alan James (pers comm) for these names will hopefully soon be further later survival of a Brittonic speaking suggestions. It is interesting to note enhanced with the publication of the community there. This idea might be that a few kilometres to the west results from the ‘Place-names of the further strengthened by the lost place- is Erriff, from Gaelic ‘airbhe’, also Galloway Glens’ project. name Le Contrefe which has been meaning ‘boundary which straddles We will look at the parishes considered to be in Balmaclellan, and the district boundary’. These place- of Carsphairn, Dalry, Kells and relate to a central homestead covering names testifiy to the longevity of our Balmaclellan, with these names the whole of the Glenken, and may be county boundaries. themselves being discussed later in a Gaelicised version of Brittonic pen(n) The final place-name I would the series. But first, a brief summary + tref, for a land holding at the end mention is Trolane, near Dalry, which of the language strata that existed in [of something]. It is worth perhaps might contain the Brittonic element our area. also mentioning the term ‘farchier’ ‘tref’. However, it is probably more The earliest known language spoken in a charter of 1422 which has been likely to be derived from Gaelic ‘tòrr in the Glenkens was Brittonic, related identified by Alan Millikan as being leathan’, ‘broad mound’. to Welsh. This had probably died out near Killochie in Balmaclellan parish, In summary, then, we have a limited before AD1000 and evidence for the and assuming this represents Gaelic but interesting group of Brittonic language in our place-names is limited ‘fartair’, noted the conclusion that this and possible-Brittonic place-names but none the less very interesting. could be a Gaelic version of Welsh in the Glenkens, with the cluster in From the period 900-1000AD the ‘gwyrthyr’, ‘a fortress’. Balmaclellan hinting perhaps at the Glenkens would have been thoroughly A further two potentially Brittonic later survival of a Brittonic speech Gaelicised and the majority of our community and possibly some surviving place-names were coined kind of wider territorial centre in Gaelic. This language probably here. In the next edition of the died out locally in the seventeenth Gazette we will look at the parish century (although this is a debated names themselves and what the topic to which we will return). place-name Glenken(s) might Scots place-names are common itself represent. and are generally more recent and, Information, thoughts and ideas finally, we have standard English from a number of experts in the place-names continuing to be field of language and history created. There is little evidence for have been used in this article - Scandinavian place-names in the please get in touch if you would Glenkens. like further information on these Starting off with the earliest background resources at evidenced stratum of place-names [email protected] Glenkens Gazette page 22 Glenkens Gazette page 23

LOCAL HISTORY with TED COWAN Robert Heron’s Last Letter I have published from the doctor to one of his any one friends; a variety of jeux d’esprit, person. several articles on in verse and prose, and many I have New Galloway’s abridgements of large works. written In the beginning of 1799 I was also a great variety of compositions polymath, Robert encouraged to come to London. in Latin and French, in favour Here I have written a great of which I have been honoured Heron (1764- 1807). multiplicity of articles in almost with the testimonials of liberal His last known letter lists his every branch of literature, my approbation. accomplishments. It is a sad and, education in Edinburgh having I have invariably written to serve in the best sense of the word, comprehended them all. The the cause of religion and morality, pathetic specimen reviewing London Review, the Agricultural pious Christian education, and a rather sad life, lived but not Magazine, the Universal Magazine, good order in the most direct honoured: the Anti-Jacobin Review, the manner. I have considered what I Ever since I was eleven years of Public Characters, the Annual have written as mere trifles, and I age I have mingled with my studies Necrology, with several other have incessantly studied to qualify the labour of teaching or writing to periodical works, contain many myself for something better. I can support and educate myself. During of my communications. In such prove that I have for many years about twenty years, while I was in of these publications as have read and written one day with constant and occasional attendance been reviewed, I can show that another from twelve to sixteen at the University of Edinburgh, I my anonymous pieces have been hours a day. As a human being taught and assisted young persons distinguished with very high praise. I have not been free from follies at all periods in the course of I have written also a short system and errors; but the tenor of my education, from the alphabet to of Chemistry, and I published a few life has been temperate, laborious, the highest branches of humble, quiet, and science and literature. to the utmost of my I read lectures on the “I can prove that I have for power, beneficent. I law of nature, the law can prove the general of nations, the Jewish, many years read and written tenor of my writings the Grecian, the Roman, to be candid, and ever and the canon law. And one day with another from adapted to exhibit then on feudal law, and the most favourable on the several forms of twelve to sixteen hours a day.” views of the abilities, municipal jurisprudence dispositions, and established in modern Europe. I weeks since a small work called exertions of others. For the last printed a syllabus of these lectures, the Comforts of Life, of which the ten months I have been brought which was approved; they were first edition was sold in one week, to the very extremity of bodily and as introductory to the professional and the second edition is now in pecuniary distress. study of law, and to assist rapid sale. In the newspapers – the I shudder at the thoughts of gentlemen who did not study it Oracle, the Porcupine, when it perishing in a jail. professionally in the understanding existed, the General Evening Post, 92 Chancery Lane, Feb. 2nd, of history. the Morning Post, the British Press, 1807. (In confinement) I translated Fourcroy’s Chemistry the Courier - I have published Just two months later he was twice, Savary’s Travels in Greece, my reports of the debates in removed from Newgate to a Demourier’s Letters, Gesner’s parliament, and I believe a greater hospital where he died on 13 April. Idyls in part, an abstract of number of fugitive pieces than Zimmerman on Solitude, and a I know to have been written by Ted Cowan great diversity of smaller pieces. I wrote A Journey through the Western Parts of Scotland, which David Tallontire has passed through two editions; A Family History of Scotland in six volumes CHIMNEY SWEEP 8vo; A Topographical Account of and friends Scotland, which has been several Covering the Glenkens & further afield coming to stay? times reprinted; a number of 07709 144 299 communications in the Edinburgh - wood burners - mul�-fuel stoves - Short of space? Magazine; many prefaces and - open fires - Agas - Rayburns - Cosy country cottage critiques. A Memoir of the Life - birds nest removal with CCTV inspec�on - of Burns, which suggested and - cer�ficates issued - feel free to call for advice - available (sleeps 4) promoted the subscription for his Find me on Facebook Call Fiona on family, has been reprinted, and 01644 420 227 formed the basis of Dr Currie’s life of him, as I learned by a letter www.covenanters-holidaycottagescotland.co.uk Glenkens Gazette page 24 Glenkens Gazette page 25 A SUCCESSFUL YEAR FOR SPALDING Spalding Bowling Club Pictured: Back row, left to right - John Peacock, held their presentation Ray Heard, Duncan Jordon, John McNally, dinner at the Clachan George Dempster, Inn, Dalry. Sharon Fishwick, Paul President Elizabeth Peacock Nicolson, Val Russell, presented the prizes at the annual Colin Ramsay. Front dinner. The club would like to thank row, left to right: Phil and Laura and all the staff at the Ladies’ Champion Kate Clachan Inn for a delicious meal. Also Bone, Club President a big thank you goes out to everyone Elizabeth Peacock, at the club who have made this Gents’ Champion another successful season. Gordon McAdam. Val Russell Latest Fundraising Success Abbas Rest for SW Scotland RnR Coffee Mossdale man, Robin been spent getting 36 veterans their HGV driving licences.” Hood, completed his The training programme, run by Morning latest fundraiser in aid of SWSRnR, offers to fund a practical qualification for veterans, enabling The Abbas Rest Coffee South West Scoltand RNR them to return to work with key skills (SWSRnR). in a new field. There are not enough Morning was a great Robin towed Jock, a giant wooden trained HGV drivers in the region, success once again. statue of a soldier, for 342 miles. so it’s a great area to go into. The Thanks to all who supported and “To date over £10,000 has been reason there are so few trained drivers donated towards this event – without raised, with money still coming in,” is because it is very expensive to your help it would not happen. says Robin. “The money so far has undergo the training, which is where Avril Brown SWSRnR is able to step in. Glenkens Gazette page 24 Glenkens Gazette page 25 Glenkens Gazette page 26 Glenkens Gazette page 27 DECEMBER & JANUARY

Dalry, closes for refurb until spring Sat 11, Mid Winter Film Festival: Dirt Rd Sat 14, GCT Bus Trip, see p25 To Lafayette, 2pm, Crossmichael Church DECEMBER Sat 14, Glenkens Farmers Market, Hall Sun 1, Community Christmas Concert, 10am-12.30pm, Dalry Town Hall Sat 11, Mid Winter Film Festival: The New Galloway Town Hall, see posters in Sat 14, Dean Owens & The Southerners, Man Who Wanted To Fly (12A), 7.30pm, shops for details 7.30pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Dalry Town Hall Sun 1, Corsock Craft Fair, 11am-3pm, Sun 15, Glenkens Children’s Christmas Sat 11, GCT Bus Trip, see p25 orsock Village Hall Party, 3pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall Sun 12, Mid Winter Film Festival: Gwen Mon 2, Dalry Police Station Drop-in, Tue 17, Great Composers: In Search 6-7.30pm (15), 2pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn Of Beethoven, 7.30pm, CatStrand, New Sun 12, Mid Winter Film Festival: Piano Fri 6, Dalry Primary School Christmas Galloway Fayre, 1.15-3pm, Dalry School To Zanskar + Q&A, 7pm, CatStrand, New Sat 21, Cairn Chorus: The Conversations Galloway Fri 6 at 7pm, Sat 7 at 7.30pm, Sun 8 at of Sheep, 2pm, Crossmichael Parish 3pm, CatStrand Youth Players Christmas Fri 17, Carsphairn Burns Supper, 7pm, Church Lagwyne Hall, see p17 Panto, CatStrand, New Galloway Tue 31, Hogmanay Party, Balmaclellan Fri 17, Dark Sky Jazz: Wako, 7.30pm, Sat 7 & Sun 15, Santa’s Grotto, 10am- Village Hall 3pm, Kirroughtree Visitor Centre, see CatStrand, New Galloway p18 Sat 18, Family-Friendly Bingo, 4-6pm, Sat 7, Christmas Craft Fair, 11am-4pm, New Galloway Town Hall Mossdale Village Hall JANUARY Fri 24, Burns Night, 7.30pm, CatStrand, Sun 8, Christms Fayre, 11am-3pm, Fri 3, Dalry Police Station Drop-in, 3- New Galloway Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn 4.30pm Sun 26, First Piano On The Moon, Tue 10, Ukulele Christmas Party, Thu 9, Mid Winter Film Festival: Woman 2.30pm, CatStrand, New Galloway 7.30pm, CatStrand, New Galloway At War (12A) + Discussion Panel, Fri 31, Newberry & Verch, 7.30pm, Wed 11, Dalry Film Club: The Green 7.30pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Dalry Town Hall Book (12A), 7.30pm, Dalry Town Hall Thu 12, Tasting Evening, New Galloway Community Shop, see p13 Thu 12, CatStrand Youth Performers & DALRY HOGMANAY CEILIDH Musicians Meeting, see p19 Tuesday 31 December, 9pm to 1am, Dalry Town Hall Fri 13, Sugar Revue Burlesque (18+), 7.30pm, CatStrand, New Galloway Come and celebrate the New Year together! There will be a live band and pot Sat 14, Tabletop Sale, 1-3pm, Dalry luck finger buffet,(BYOB or bring refreshments over from local pubs and food Community Centre to share, as well as your dancing shoes). Everyone welcome! Sat 14, Glenkens Community Shop, Entry by suggested £5 donation at the door, children welcome and are free. LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUPS Glenkens Community Shop: Contact Shirley McNaught on [email protected] on 07955 743 022 or drop by the charity shop on Main CatStrand: Contact Chris Jowsey at [email protected] Street, Dalry 01644 420 374 or pop in to the CatStrand Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING): Contact Ros Schools: Pop into the school office or call Dalry Primary on Hill on [email protected] 01644 430 105 (for Nursery/ELC too), Dalry Secondary on Dalry Communities Properties Trust (DCPT): Contact 01644 430 259 or Kells on 01644 420 340 Andi Holmes on [email protected] or 07729 292 Carsphairn Heritage Group: carsphairnheritagegroup@ 126 gmail.com Dalry Town Hall: Contact Jim Reid on 01644 430231 or Bright Stars - Glenkens Community Nursery: Contact [email protected] [email protected] New Galloway Community Enterprises (NGCE): Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership (GGLP): Contact Sam Rushton on 07741 656601 or Contact McNabb Laurie on [email protected] [email protected] or pop into New If you would like to add your community Galloway Community Shop organisation to this list please get in touch with the Balmaclellan Community Trust: Contact Julia Higgins Gazette - contact details are on the back page. Glenkens Gazette page 26 Glenkens Gazette page 27 REGULAR EVENTS CatStrand, New Galloway: Brownies & Guides, Tues, Brownies Mossdale Painters, Wed 9.30am, 6-7.30pm & Guides 6-8.15pm Mossdale Village Hall Film Makers’ Club, Mon 7-8.30pm Yoga, Wed 5.50-6.45pm, for info call Chat, Cuppa & a Cake, Wed 10am- Exercise to Music: Mon 9.30- Carylann on 07817 400 287 2.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall 10.30am Brownies, Thurs 6-7.30pm Community Choir, Wed 3.30- MMM Adult Colours & Dance: Kickback Martial Arts, Thurs 6- 4.30pm, Dalry Secondary School 2.30pm-3.30pm 7pm for children, 7-9pm for adults Cub Scouts, Wed 6.45-8pm, New MMM Health, Play & Creative Galloway Scout Hut Movement: 3-7yrs, Mon (term-time) New Galloway Town Hall: Gentle Dru Yoga, Wed 7.30-9pm & 3.45-4.30pm Glenkens Art Workshop, Mon 2- Thu 12.30–2pm, Laurieston Village MMM Children’s Grades & Youth 4pm during term-time Hall, contact 450269 Dance: 8-16yrs, Mon (term-time) LING Elevenses & Lunches, Tues Youth Writing, 1st Thurs each 4.30-5.30pm 11am-2pm month (during term time) 3.30-5pm, Youth Volunteer Meet-up, 1st Tues Fast Broadband Access, Tues ages 10-15, Dalry Library of the month, 6-8pm, FREE PIZZA 11am-2pm Kettlebells, Balmaclellan Village Choreographic Skills Lab, Mon Skills for Life, get up to speed on Hall, Thurs 6-7pm (term-time) 7-8.30pm, ages 12-18 current technology, Tues 2-4pm, for Carsphairn SWI, 3rd Thurs of the Animation Club, Tues 4-6pm (starts info call CD IT Centre on 01556 503 month, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn, for 12 Feb then fortnightly) 167 further info call Christine on 01644 Gentle Tai Chi: Wed 10am IT Drop-in Sessions, Tues 4.30- 460 577 Wendletrap Tai Chi, Wed 2-3.30pm 6.30pm throughout Jan and Feb. Coffee & Craft, Fri 9am-12noon, Game Tech, last Wed each month, Covering topics such as support with Lagwyne Hall 6-8pm benefits/job applications, building Folk Music Session, 4th Fri each Writers’ Cafe, 2nd Thurs each confidence with laptop/tablet/phone, month 7.30/8pm till closing, Ken month 7-9pm all ages welcome. Bridge Hotel Sing it Out, Thurs 11am -12pm Table Tennis & Carpet Bowls, Tues Gentle Tai Chi, Fri 10-11am, Dalry CatStrand Ukes, 1st & 3rd Thurs 7-9pm Town Hall each month, 1–3.30pm Circuits, Tues 5.30-6.30pm Golf Junior Coaching, Sat 10-11: Yoga, Tues 6.30-7.30pm & Thurs Zumba, Wed 7.30-8.30pm, 11+ 30am, New Galloway Golf Course, 9.15-10.45am Circuits, Sat 8-9am see p8 Learn the Whistle, (starts Various Locations: Restoring Footpaths, Sat 10am- 28 Feb; 8-week block. Ages 4- 1pm, phone 420 632 to confirm Hatha Yoga, Mon 10-11.15am, 12 - 3.45-4.30pm; Age 12+ & Junior Golf & Come-and-Try for Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn Adults - 5-6.30pm). Contact all ages, New Galloway Golf Course, Carsphairn Post Office, Wed [email protected] to find out more Sat 10am 1.15-3pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn Zumba Gold, Fri (term-time) 9.30- Yoga and Meditation Evening, Dalry WI, 3rd Tues each month 10.30am, CatStrand, 16+ every 3rd Sunday of the month, 7p- 2pm, Dalry Town Hall (except Jun, Jul 9pm, Drumwhill, Mossdale. Contact Glenkens Community & Aug) Rachael 01644 450269 to book. Centre, Dalry: Beavers, Tues 6–7.15pm, New Men’s Shed, Old Smiddy, Badminton, Mon 4-9pm & Sat 9am- Galloway Scout Hut Balmaclellan. Opening times: Mon 12noon, for info contact Kath on Dog Training, Tues & Thurs 7pm, 9.30am-4pm & 6.30-8.30pm; Wed 07811 957 576 Dalry Town Hall. Contact: Eric 460 9.30am-1pm & woodcarving from 2- Bright Stars Nursery, Tues, Wed & 670 Thurs 9am-3pm 4pm; Fri 9.30am-12noon. Glenkens Community Councils Dalry Library Balmaclellan Community Council Dalry Community Council Meetings: Tuesdays 10.30am-2pm Meetings: Last Monday each month, 1st Monday each month, 7pm, Dalry 7.30pm, Balmaclellan Village Hall Town Hall. Fridays 11am-4.30pm For further informa�on contact Castle Carsphairn Community Council New Galloway & Kells Community Douglas library on 01556 502 643 Meetings: Last Monday each month, Council Meetings: 2nd Monday each 7pm, Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn. month, 7.30pm, New Galloway Town Hall. Full minutes of local Community Council meetings can be viewed at Dalry Library. USEFUL Fri 8 Nov, 7.30 pm, Balmaclellan Village CHURCH TIMES Hall. Communion Service: 27 Oct, NUMBERS: 10am, Dalry Church. 17 Nov, 11.15am, CHURCH OF SCOTLAND: Sunday ● Pot-hole Hotline: 0845 276 0000 Services: Balmaclellan 10am: 1st. Carsphairn Church. Carsphairn 11.15am: 1st,2nd, 3rd, SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH: ● Police, non-emergency: 101 4th. Dalry 10am: 2nd, 4th. Kells St Margaret’s, New Galloway: Holy 10am: 3rd. Kells 10am: 3rd. Special Communion, 10.30am every Sun & Wed. ● Doctor: 01644 420 234 Services/Events: Family Service, 13 CATHOLIC CHURCH SERVICES: ● NHS 24: 08454 24 24 24 Oct, 10am, Dalry Church. Quiz Night, Kirkcudbright: Sun Mass, 9.30am. Dalbeattie: Sat Mass, 5pm. ● D&G Council: 030 33 33 3000 Glenkens Gazette page 28 MORE THAN JUST FOOD FROM THE FOOD TRAIN As temperatures fall too - Food Train ‘Extra’ is an odd jobs and seasons change service where, for a small fee, volunteers there is one constant are happy to change throughout the year; lightbulbs, defrost freezers, hang the familiar sight of curtains or reset clocks, to name but Food Train delivery a few of the jobs vans winding their way regularly done. There is also a through the Glenkens. befriending service As a registered Scottish Charity to help combat which will celebrate its 25th social isolation and anniversary in 2020 there is, for loneliness. This some, confusion about what the is funded by The organisation does. Some think that Big Lottery and D&G it is a sort of ‘food bank’ or meals- Health and Social Care on-wheels scheme. In fact, the Partnership. There is Food Train’s purpose is to support a 1-2-1 home visit older people to enable them to befriending service, continue living in their own homes and group outings to a should they so wish. The charity’s variety of destinations. core service, funded by Dumfries Popular trips have & Galloway Health and Social Care included Threave Partnership, is a grocery shopping Gardens, Galloway and delivery service. Customers’ Lodge and the Afternoon grocery orders are collected on a Film Club at CatStrand. Monday and shopped and delivered From humble on a Thursday in the Glenkens. beginnings when Customers pay for their shopping in 1993 a group of on receipt, plus an additional £5 socially-minded folk in delivery charge. Dumfries identified a Top: Food Train Friends outing to Threave Garden. Some customers like to get out to need for such a service, Above: It takes a lot to stop the Food Train - the shops but appreciate the service the Food Train has their dedicated team deliver in all weathers. for heavier items or for the winter gone from strength months, while others rely on the to strength and, If you think you or someone service for all their shopping year- after expanding across Dumfries you know might need some round. Shopping is done in the Co- and Galloway, branched out yet assistance with grocery op, Tesco and Sunrise Wholefoods in further and now covers seven local shopping, odd jobs or just a Castle Douglas and can be delivered authority areas over Scotland. Here friendly face to pop in now and weekly, fortnightly, monthly or just in the Stewartry a small friendly again, call Stewartry Food Train occasionally. team of staff and volunteers are on 01556 288 427. The charity offers other services just a phone call away.

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Design & co-ordination: WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Sarah Ade Submit events, activities, news stories, cartoons, reviews, tips & [email protected] techniques, fiction, photos, ads or ideas... Contact Sarah Ade on Printing:Stranraer & 07727 127 997 or [email protected] Wigtownshire Free Press FEB/MAR COPY DEADLINE: 5 JAN 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