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Spring 2016

Working for Lochmaben

90 years of Golf in Lochmaben

President Hal McGhie drives off at the 15th The approach to the new 15th green *Celebrating the refurbishment of holes 15 and 16

President Hal McGhie cuts the cake *Celebrating the 90th Anniversary of Lochmaben Golf Club (See page 12)

The Initiative is very grateful for the continuing support of The Lochmaben Community Council Contact us on the Website at www.lochmaben.org.uk, by phone to 01387 810094(Chairman) Or 07762326711 (Vice-Chairman), or in writing. Correspondence should be clearly marked for the Initiative and left at the Town Hall.

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New Bird Hide Thanks to Roy Thorburn for all the work he did to construct the splendid new hide.

Lochmaben Castle Update Further to the information in the last Newsletter, a presentation, ‘, the Future’, was given and well received at the recent AGM of the Castle Loch Lochmaben Community Trust by Adrian Cox, an archaeologist with Historic Environment . We may see a possible archaeological ‘dig’ at the site. Watch this space!

Congratulations to Lawson McLean who was named ‘Volunteer of the Year’ at the recent and Eskdale Sports Award ceremony. A well-known face in Lochmaben where he now lives and is a regular dog-walker, Lawson is a long-term member and ex-captain of Golf Club. He has been coaching golf in schools and at his Club for many years and in 2015 coached over 500 schoolchildren. A well- deserved award!

Lochmaben Primary 3 pupil Emma Jardine sacrificed eight inches of her lovely golden hair to a good cause recently. Her mum, Susan, decided that Emma’s hair needed cutting and discussed with her daughter doing it for charity. They chose the Little Princess Trust to benefit from this generosity. They use human hair to make hair pieces and wigs for children who have lost theirs through chemotherapy treatment for cancer. Emma also asked for sponsorship for the event and she raised the fantastic sum of £400 for the trust. This kind hearted little girl really deserves our praise for such a splendid effort. Well done, Emma! Anyone else out there who could do the same?

The chairs in Lochmaben Town Hall Chamber Room have been restored to their original condition recently by a local retired professional furniture restorer. They were showing signs of serious deterioration and the Community Council decided to have them refurbished at its cost. Hopefully, they will last for a few more generations to come.

It is often said that young offenders should be doing something to pay back the community for their misdemeanours. Well this is happening in our area soon and we will be able to see for ourselves the results. Many ‘closed’ cemeteries, including Lochmaben Old Cemetery, will have the grass cut by these youngsters three times over the summer period. Although these graveyards are no longer used for burials, they are still the last resting place for many local residents and are visited by descendants and also researchers into family history. So it is surely important that they be reasonably well maintained for such visitors as a mark of respect for our forebears.

The Friends of Lochmaben Hospital annual Art Exhibition will take place on Friday 29th and Saturday 30th April in the Church Hall from 10 am to 4 pm each day. Admission is £1 and includes tea/coffee and biscuits. About 30 local and talented artists exhibit their work in various forms and mediums as well as photographs, and all to a high standard, and are certainly well worth viewing. Local nursery children will also have a display of their paintings and drawings. Commission from sales of the items will raise funds to buy amenities for the patients of Lochmaben Hospital.

A reminder that ALL dogs must now be chipped for identification. The law came into force recently and fines will be imposed for non-compliance. Local vets can carry out this service for a small charge.

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Annandale Sailing Club 2016 Beverley Wilkinson, Secretary, writes………….. The 2016 sailing season has started and the dinghies are back on Castle Loch on Sundays. We are starting our new season with a bang, making some improvements to the inside of the clubhouse to make it even better for new and existing members. This year we are celebrating our 60th year and we will be having some rather special celebrations during the summer to celebrate this landmark in our history. We are having a social on 20th August to celebrate and if you want to join us we'd love to see you - everyone is welcome! We had a pretty exciting winter too! Especially for our junior members. In November, Rebecca Coles won "Young volunteer of the Year" at the and Galloway life awards and followed this up in January with "RYA Scotland Young person of the Year” award. Both were awarded to her for her work with the young members of the club in the "Oppie group" that she started at our club. To mark how successful the group actually is, one of the members of the group, Anna Miller, picked up Stewartry Sports Council "Newcomer to Sport Award 2015" at an award ceremony in Castle Douglas in November. The Oppie group is especially for youngsters starting out in sailing from age 7-11 and meets weekly during the season. Further information can be found by contacting Rebecca Coles through Rear Commodore Helen Coles, who can be contacted through the Annandale Sailing Club Website. Dates for the diary: Open day - 8th May from 12 pm - come and have a joyride with us and find out more! Tuesday Supported Practice sessions - Tuesday evenings from 3rd May to 30th August at 7pm- for those who are starting out or just honing their skills. Social Sailing Sundays 5th June & 3rd July - come and sail with us - try a new boat - bring a picnic and have a fun day. You can sail with us twice before you need to become a member of the club and membership starts from only £36.00 per year! Information about any of our events can be found by visiting our website or contacting the secretary through the committee pages, www.annansail.co.uk or on Facebook www.facebook.com/AnnandaleSailingClub We would love to see you soon!

Lochmaben Bridge Club Lochmaben Bridge Club closed for the season on 28th March and will reopen on Monday 3rd October. This is a very friendly and popular club and plays social bridge in the Golf Club each Monday throughout the winter. Lockerbie Bridge Club meets on a Wednesday in the Queens Hotel and plays throughout the year. The summer season starts on 27th April and is informal, with the slightly more serious winter season starting in mid-September. Anyone wanting more details about either club should phone Ian Stewart on 01387 810394.

Craft Group A new Craft Group, meeting on alternate Mondays in the Church Hall, would welcome new members. Meetings take place between 2-4 pm. Would you like to join us? You are welcome to join in the friendly chat, work on your own crafts and perhaps get ideas from other members.There are occasional visits from demonstrators with a variety of skills. For more information, contact Barbara Aitken 01387 810740 or Alayne Smith 01387 810396 Next meeting will be on Monday, 18th April, then every 2 weeks. (Enter the Church Hall by the Side Entrance.)

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Lochmaben Art Group The Art Group is meeting in the Portacabin on Fridays. 10am to 12noon. No experience required. Charge is £3.00 per session. All welcome. Contact Anne Johnston on 01387 810257

Lochmaben Bowling Club The club will re-open for season 2016 on Saturday April 16 at 1.30pm for 2.00pm. New members will be made very welcome. Enquiries: - Hazel Sloan, Secretary, 01387 811830 or: - Ian Vidler, 01387 811839

Lochmaben Friendship (over 60s) Mary Ross writes………… Our 2016 programme began with our usual Festive Lunch on 13th January in the Kings Arms Hotel, Lockerbie, which was much enjoyed by all. On 3rd February, our Speaker was Dawn Haggerty who spoke about planning for Later life. This also involved donations instead of a table top sale which raised over £200. Well done Ladies! On 2nd March, we had a hands on demonstration by Ann Hornell from the Crazy Daisy Crafts shop in . We had to make a paper flower, some more successfully than Others, but it was a lot of fun! The Maura's Trophy Competition for the prettiest scarf was won by Violet Sinclair, 2nd was Joan Hunter and 3rd Ann Kirkpatrick. On 13th March, 34 members and friends went to the Buccleuch Centre at to see ‘Sunshine on Leith’ performed by the Langholm Operatic Society. As usual, this was an excellent show. We had a lovely meal at the Douglas Hotel afterwards. On 6th April, we had our annual Guest Day in the Church Hall with guests from Cumberland Street Day Centre, Hightae and Dalton Golden Years. Ian Warner entertained on his accordion. On 8th May we have our AGM. We are also having John White from the Over 50's Forum to give a talk. On 8th June, we have our annual outing. This year we are going to the Factory Outlet Shop at Cumnock then on to Dumfries House followed by High Tea at the Lochside Hotel. We have a break during July and August and resume on 7th September. Meetings are held on the 1st Wednesday of the month in the Portacabin. Old and new members will be made very welcome. For more details and any further information, please contact Mary Ross, President, on 01387 810256. Our Group is for over 60s.

Lochmaben Church Guild Myra Turnbull, Convenor, writes………….. We held a very successful soup and sandwich lunch in February and thanks to everyone's generosity raised the excellent sum of £600. This money will be sent to the two charities we are supporting this session. On Friday 20th May, 2016, at 7.30pm, we are hosting Dumfries Male Voice Choir in concert in the church, solely to raise much needed funds for the church itself. I'm sure we can count on your enthusiastic support for what will be a highly entertaining evening. Tickets will be widely available nearer the time. Check ww.lochmabenchurchofscotland.org.uk for programme details or phone 01387 811981.

*Want to have a good Spring Clear-out? There’s a Car boot/Garage Sale taking place on Sunday 15th May throughout Lockerbie, Hightae and Lochmaben. WATCH OUT FOR POSTERS for details.

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Pickleball in Lockerbie and Lochmaben Why not come along and try the American game of Pickleball? A mix of Tennis, Badminton and Table Tennis, it is suitable for all age groups and abilities and very easy to learn. Whilst we do have a few annual competitions, most weeks we play for fun and exercise. In Lockerbie we have sessions in the Town Hall on a Tuesday and a Thursday, from 6- 30 to 8-30pm. We have another session during the day from 2-00pm. In Lochmaben we have one session in the Community centre round by the Primary School, Fridays from 6-30 to 8-00pm. Why not come along and try Pickleball? As I said, all ages from 8 to 80 are welcome! Contact me, Colin Howe, on 01387 810009 if you need more details.

S4Fun Over the course of the last 6 months, S4Fun members have had much joy and pleasure singing many new songs learned with Jenny Agnew and Lynn Kirton. Thank you to both ladies! We have also enjoyed entertaining different groups:- On Sunday, 13 th December, we took part in the Lockerbie & District Rotary Annual Christmas Concert; on Thursday, 17 th December, we sang at The Lochmaben Senior Citizens’ Lunch and, in the afternoon, at Lochmaben Community Hospital; on December 21 st, we held our own Christmas Celebration of Songs’ Open Evening with light refreshments which proved to be a very happy evening of music which was enjoyed by all. If you have never been to one of our Open Evenings, why not come along with your friends and family to our next one, on Monday 30 th May at 7.30pm ( and yes, with light refreshments!)? You might be pleasantly surprised and encouraged to join us for our next session, which starts on Monday, August 29 th, 7.30pm to 8.45pm in the Church Hall. (Please use the side door to the left of the building.) The first session is still free, thereafter £1.50. As Jenny said in the last report, ‘We welcome anyone who likes the idea of singing the blues away.’ Come along and experience the ‘FEEL GOOD’ factor! Further information, if required, from Jenny Agnew on 01387 811632 or Sheila Wade on 01387 810791 Session dates for spring/summer 2016 Mondays April 11 th; 18 th; 25th Monday May 2nd No S4Fun Mondays May 9 th; 16 th; 23rd Monday Last evening May Open Evening 30 th Look out for posters Monday Starts again August 29 th

Lochmaben Tennis Club Lochmaben Tennis Club is looking forward to a summer of good weather and even better tennis. Come along and enjoy our popular social tennis sessions. Over 50's group 1-3pm Tuesdays. Tea and tennis sessions 1-2pm Thursdays. Junior Coaching Tues and Thurs after school. Junior club night Thurs 6-7pm. Mixed Doubles Sessions Sunday 10.30 - 12.30pm All welcome. Membership forms available from Costcutter, Post Office and Community Centre Contact Pat Burnett 01387 811558 or Mary Park 01387 810627 for further details

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Health and Social Care Integration –update by Howard Baisden, Chairman, Lochmaben & District Initiative.

Readers may know that the Scottish Government are in the process of integrating Health and Social Care provision across Scotland. So far as are concerned a Health and Social Care Locality Plan has been produced and there have been a number of public consultation meetings held. This is against a background of increasing problems with the provision of Health and Social Care Services. For example, we are all living longer and needing more care, referrals to social workers are increasing each year. The number of people suffering from dementia is likely to double in 20 years, and money available is reducing because of increased demand on services. The primary care NHS prescription drugs budget for is enormous (£7 million has been allocated this year with a projected overspend of a further £1.8 million) and there are difficulties recruiting and retaining GPs in rural areas. These factors, along with others, require a new partnership between communities and Health and Social Services in order to give resilience and support to the community.

There were two meetings held in the Church Hall in Lochmaben about this integration as it affects our part of the Annan valley. They were held on the 8th January and the 5th March and were well attended, lively meetings, originally organised by Dr Ann Shukman. On each occasion Jill Osborne (3rd Sector) and Elaine Lamont (NHS) attended, as well as residents of Lochmaben, Templand and the Royal Four Towns, At the meeting on 5th March, Darren Bryan (Health Improvement NHS- this area’s Link Worker) also attended. Elaine Lamont stressed that it was important that people were consulted about their wishes when it came to individual care pathways, and that active support for service users’ independence, choice, and control were essential. Jill Osborne indicated that the 3rd Sector could help to find funding to support or train volunteer groups or individuals in the community to take on some responsibility for roles in the new integrated system. Amongst the suggestions put forward by people attending the meeting were the need for a “hub”, or drop-in centre (whether it be Town Hall, Library, Community Centre, or Portacabin) as a point where the support network could be accessed. Consideration was also given to establishing a group of people, similar to those who had interviewed people for the Lochmaben Voices project, who could, with appropriate training, interview people about their needs in their own homes. This Newsletter was considered as a possible vehicle for letting people know how they could access the system. A leaflet could also be produced listing groups and social networks who could offer assistance, to be available at a “hub”, or circulated with this Newsletter. It was felt that a widely publicised single point of reference, either an email address or a phone number, was essential so that information about a person’s needs could be appropriately directed and help tailored to that individual. Health and Social Care Integration formally started on 1 st April. The authorities are now working on how to deliver the commitments made in the Locality Plan. Darren Bryan (see above) has been asked to make contact with people/groups who are interested in working together in the community to take forward local care planning.

Watch this space!

Lochmaben Pipe Band Alan Hope, Pipe Major, writes…………. The band have been practising very hard over the long winter months in preparation for the new season, which is fast approaching. In the winter months, the band learns new material, and then it is all pieced together with the drum corps to give it a full band sound. Once all the new material has been memorised by every player then it is played over and over in order to fine tune and get all players playing together as one. We have made a great start this year which has seen the band holding its annual Scottish Night at the Community Centre on Saturday 19 th March. The night was

6 well supported and we would like to thank all those who came along to listen to the band performing the new material. We were delighted to have the amazing Cellar Rats Six Hands band playing on the night as well. On Saturday 26 th March the band travelled to to take part in the Ayrshire, Dumfries and Galloway branch Solo and Band championships. There were a large number of our young players taking part in the Solo contests which saw Owen Muir take first place in the juvenile open contest with Callum Bertram second and Amy Ritchie third, all of them pipers with the band. Mark McRobert was first in the juvenile drumming and Iain Dalgliesh was second. Cheyanne Nelson was second in the adult tenor contest and leading drummer Norrie Thomson was third in the adult solo drumming. This was a magnificent achievement for the players and for the band. The band then competed against bands from Ayrshire and the south of Glasgow area in the indoor band contest playing their medley set. We finished second in the grade 3 contest and first in the grade 2 contest where we were first for piping and first for drumming and crowned Ayrshire, Dumfries and Galloway Branch Indoor Champions, 2016. The band continue to practise every Tuesday and Thursday with an additional Sunday practice each month in preparation for the outdoor season which will see the band travelling to Gourock on Sunday 8 th May. This will then be followed by trips to Dunbar, Paisley and Belfast in May and June. The band will also be taking part in the Dumfries Guid Nychburris parades, Lochmaben Gala and Annan Riding of the Marches. July will see the band return to Paisley for another competition and then on to Dumbarton. In August, with a trip to North Berwick, the band will prepare for the World Pipe Band Championships at Glasgow Green. During the summer months the band will hopefully have good weather so we can practise outside on practice nights. Please come along and listen.

The Royal Four Towns The Residents run a varied programme of friendly Activities and Events in their Hall at Hightae. New Members and Visitors will be made very welcome. Mondays evenings 1st in Month, Sept to April SWI (Scottish Women’s Institute) [was SWRI] Tuesdays afternoons 2 meetings in each month Craft Group afternoon 3rd in month Golden Years evenings Each week Scot. Country Dancing Wednesdays mornings Each week Hightae Artists’ painting sessions early Each week Tai Chi evenings Thursdays mornings Each week Under 5s Group evenings Each week Old Tyme Dancing Fridays mornings Last of each month (except Coffee Morning and Dec.) Book Exchange In addition:- *In support of HALL FUNDS, there are Dances in March and September, a popular CRAFT FAIR in October and other Events *In addition to TALKS and DEMONSTRATIONS, the WRI and GOLDEN YEARS organise visits to places of interest *The HIGHTAE ARTISTS hold EXHIBITIONS *The Annual SHOW and GALA is held in the second week of August *An ACT OF REMEMBRANCE followed by Refreshments is held on Remembrance Sunday *A FAMILY SOCIAL EVENING marks the switching on of the Christmas Lights For more detailed information on Activities and Events please contact the Booking Secretary, Teresa, on 01387 810702

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Is this Quercus Oak the oldest tree in Lochmaben? (Except that it isn’t really in Lochmaben.) A familiar sight to walkers and cyclists, it stands on what was the Halleaths Estate, the centre point of which was the building below.

Now demolished, Halleaths House was a splendid residence, and where it once stood can still be easily identified. Of the original estate, the Walled Garden, the Home Farm, the West Lodge, the Stables and several other buildings remain, as does the fencing on a long narrow field running north which was once used to exercise horses kept there. The officers in the camp established in the area during World War 2 were billeted in this grand building. If anyone has information/photographs about the camp, please contact the Website or a member of the Initiative. N.B. Lochmaben Walk 5, ‘Halleaths & River Annan’ (copies available in the Library) takes you around this interesting area.

NEWS…….NEWS…… Readers are reminded that elections to the take place on Thursday 5th May at various polling stations in the area. This is an important part of the country’s democratic process, hard fought for and bravely defended in various wars and conflicts over the years. Please exercise your democratic duty and vote for whichever candidate you prefer.

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What do YOU think? We are all being encouraged these days to exercise more and to adopt a healthier lifestyle. An idea has been suggested to the Initiative to set up a Trim Track where we could all exercise outside on different pieces of equipment and at times of our own choosing. The picture illustrates the idea.

Do you think it would be an idea worth following up? We’d need to apply for funding, a venue etc., but if there was a lot of interest it might prove to be worthwhile. Please text YES or NO to 07778220463 or post your response YES or NO on the Community Facebook page or simply sign the sheet in the Library to let us know what you think. Before we could get funding we’d have to show there was a great deal of support for the idea.

Lochmaben Action Group Helen Middleton, Secretary, writes……… The Action Group is on the look-out for a new Treasurer. This is an important position, without which the Committee could not carry on. The Action Group meets once a month in the Portacabin and arranges the renting out of the premises, well used at present by a variety of Groups. Could someone volunteer to help? Lots of help will be available to the person taking over. The Lunch Club is looking for helpers with the Thursday Lunches. This popular get-together of senior citizens is a weekly club with a happy atmosphere and you would be made most welcome. Can you help either appeal? If so contact Helen on 01387 810926 or any committee member.

NEWS…..NEWS….. It is often thought that apprenticeships for young people are a thing of the past. Nothing, however, could be further from the truth, as local roofing tile company Russell Roof Tiles has proved. They recently took on two young lads, one from Dumfries and one from Lockerbie, to train at their premises at Halleaths near Lochmaben. In their two sites, the other at Burton-on-Trent, Russell Roof Tiles have 50 young people on their books as trainees, 11 of them under 25. Managing director, Andrew Hayward, is a firm believer in nurturing talent in his workforce thereby enhancing the company’s assets. He went on to say that there is a huge skills’ gap in manufacturing, especially in the construction sector and it is vital to find and encourage young people who they can train and help to shape the future of the business. This particular company, formerly the Annandale Tile Company, employs many local people and hence is important to the economy of Lochmaben and district. 9

Castle Loch Lochmaben Community Trust Update Darren Flint, Project Officer writes……………… You don’t need me to tell you that was certainly a damp winter. From November through to early February the area was repeatedly hit by storms and torrential downpours leading to the footpaths around the loch being impassable for much of the time. I’m pleased to say that the waters have now subsided, Lochfield Cottage is all cleaned up and the 3- mile circuit path now repaired and open (if a little muddy in patches).

The early signs of spring are now putting on a show. The chiffchaff is singing and sand martins feeding over the loch following their long migration back from Africa. The willow trees are full of catkins, white violets in bloom near the castle and bright yellow marsh marigold on the loch water fringes. All of these provide valuable nectar for those insects emerging hungry from the long winter hibernation. On warm April days look out for peacock and tortoiseshell butterflies and large queen bees. It can’t be long before we see the first orange tip butterflies flying through the woods and across the grassland. The males look exactly as the name suggests, with bright orange markings on their wing tips.

Volunteers: All the work of the Trust and the never ending ‘to do’ list of tasks around the site rely on the hard work and kind support of many volunteers. We couldn’t achieve all that we do without this large network of people. This includes those who beaver away behind the scenes doing the admin and funding bids, the many people who turn out in all weathers to litter pick, fix the potholes and maintain the paths, those that bake cakes to keep the workers well fed and the kind people who regularly make a financial donation. December and January volunteering was focused on the flood damage clear up. We cleaned through Lochfield Cottage and removed mountains of flood debris covering the footpaths – not once, not twice, but three times in quick succession.

Up and coming events: Friday, 6 th May: Bat Talk & Walk: Come and enjoy an introduction to the bats of Castle Loch with this nocturnal walk led by local bat expert, Freda Seddon. Be sure to wear suitable outdoor clothing. Start at Lochfield Cottage: 8.15pm Saturday, 28th May: Painting Competition: Spend a day around the loch painting its views, wildlife or something up close. Categories: Under 12’s - Free, 12-16 - £2, Professional/amateur adults - £5. 10- 3pm, judging by 4pm. The registration forms will soon be available on the website.

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Media & awards: We always receive lots of welcome support from the local media including the Annandale Herald, DG Standard and D&G Life Magazine. Back in November 2015 we were also the lucky recipients of the prestigious RSPB Nature of Scotland best Community Initiative award. The year ahead: Following on from all the questionnaires undertaken last year about the possible uses for Lochfield Cottage, we are now working with Potters Architects in Dumfries to look at creating a small visitor centre and educational space. We also have a chance to complete the last piece of the footpath jigsaw, with the extension of the current footpath along the edge of Castle Mains wood, which will mean people no longer have to walk along the verge of the Dalton road. All of this will take a lot of planning and funding, which is currently being explored.

Ways to support - www.castleloch.org.uk/getting-involved  Join the Castle Loch Lochmaben Community Trust - it is free to join and the more members we have the stronger our applications will be for securing funds for projects and maintenance. Forms are on our website or pick one up at the Post Office.  If you are able to financially support the work we do, we have a Regular Giving or one-off donations scheme.  Virgin Money Giving is a great way to raise sponsorship money for the work at Castle Loch. If you are doing any sponsored activities and would like to donate please see our website for further information.  We have an Amazon Wish list of bits and pieces we need – just search for Castle Loch under the Wish list on the Amazon website  Buy our branded clothing – this makes for an unusual Christmas present and order forms are available online or from the Post Office.  Come along and volunteer – we meet at Lochfield Cottage, next to the A709 car park, on the  1 st Saturday and 3 rd Thursday each month between 10am and 1pm. If you have an email address, I can add you to my regular volunteers’ update, which outlines up and coming tasks. Also we are looking for people to help out on the day of the sponsored walk as safety marshals. Once again a big thank you to everyone for your continued support and I look forward to seeing you around the loch sometime soon. If you happen to be passing Lochfield Cottage, do pop in and say hello. Or drop me a line on [email protected]

Lochmaben Youth Group As reported in the last Newsletter, due to cuts in Council Funding for Youth Workers, there is, regrettably, now no Youth Group operating in Lochmaben. It seems it is down to the community to take it on. If you are interested in helping out by giving up 1 or 2 hours per month as a volunteer, your involvement would be greatly appreciated. The Initiative would also like to hear from anyone operating a Community Group willing to involve youngsters in worthwhile projects and in providing them with positive experiences. Please contact Kenelma McCrae at [email protected].

NEWS……….NEWS……. Readers are invited to inspect a mock up of a single bed room unit as it will be installed in the new DGRI hospital when it opens in a year or two. Somewhat controversially, all 344 rooms in the new facility will be single occupancy with the hope for a benefit in infection reduction, privacy and less noise disturbance. Located on the ground floor of DGRI close to the main dining room, the mock up will be open to the public every Tuesday and Wednesday during April and May between 1 pm and 2 pm and again from 6 pm till 7.30 pm.

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Lochmaben Scottish Women’s Institute (SWI) Motto: "For Facts, Fun and Friendship” SUBSCRIPTION: Membership: £20.00 Visitor: £2.00 per visit (MUST join after 2 visits) Meet on the second Tuesday of the month at 7.30 pm in the Church Hall

Congratulations to Lochmaben Golf Club Michael Dickie, Secretary, writes…….. This year is a very special year for the club as it is celebrating its 90 th Anniversary. The original nine hole course was built on land rented from local farmer Andrew Tweedie of Castlehill Farm. Five times Open Champion James Braid designed the course which was established in 1926. In the early days the thirty members had the added hazard of sheep grazing on the course. Over the years, the club has purchased land and the course has gone from a 9 hole to an 18 hole course, with a membership of around 600. On the 9 th April this year, a further course extension was officially opened by Club president Hal McGhie who made the first drive on the extended 15 th and 16 th holes. He was accompanied by Club Captains Ray Allbrooke and his daughter Deborah Bodell (the Ladies’ Captain) and Junior Captain Callan Harkness (see front cover). During the day members took part in a team competition and in the afternoon there was a special competition for our youngsters. The day was a huge success, being blessed with both terrific weather and a full entry. The fun competition was for club members and invited guests from local clubs.

The winning local team on the day were Jimmy Lennox (2), Liam Graham (3), Stuart Furfey (4) and David Furfey (5) with Club Captain Ray Allbrooke (1) and Ladies’ Captain Debbie Bodell (6). The winning away team were from Sanquhar.

In the clubhouse there was a display of photographs, press cuttings and videos detailing the club’s history. In the evening the President cut this magnificent anniversary cake followed by a social evening which was enjoyed by all.

*New members are always welcome and youngsters will receive tuition from our volunteer coaches Maitland Pollock and Jimmy Lennox. For details of membership contact Secretary, Michael Dickie.

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Lochmaben Church of Scotland, Scottish Charity SC004644 Rev Paul Read, Minister, writes………… OUR WORLD As I write, spring has sprung, and we are enjoying this in Lochmaben. What a beautiful A tremendous change occurred with the area this is? We live on a planet where there industrial revolution: whereas it had taken all are more than 7 billion people and you might of human history until around 1800 for world be interested to know some facts as of today’s population to reach one billion, the second “worldometer”. billion was achieved in only 130 years (1930), Current World Population the third billion in less than 30 years (1959), 7,409,125,586 the fourth billion in 15 years (1974), and the Today 17th March at 13-00hrs fifth billion in only 13 years (1987). Births today 216,229 - Deaths today 90,551  During the 20th century alone, the Population Growth today 125,678 population in the world has grown from This year Births 30,017,835 - Deaths this year 1.65 billion to 6 billion. 12,570,651  In 1970, there were roughly half as Population Growth this year 17,447,185 many people in the world as there are Top 3 Largest Countries by Population (live) now. 1 China 1,407,965,485  Because of declining growth rates, it 2 India 1,293,964,616 will now take over 200 years to double 3 U.S.A. 323,444,846 again. At the dawn of agriculture, about 8000 B.C., World Population by Religion the population of the world was approximately According to a recent study (based on the 2010 5 million. Over the 8,000-year period up to 1 world population of 6.9 billion) by The Pew A.D. it grew to 200 million (some estimate 300 Forum, there are: 2,173,180,000 Christians million or even 600, suggesting how imprecise (31% of world population), of which 50% are population estimates of early historical periods Catholic, 37% Protestant, 12% Orthodox, and can be), with a growth rate of under 0.05% per 1% other. year. These few facts are staggering; especially in the light of the most well-known verse in the Bible – John 3 v 16 “For God so loved the world…………………..” When you read this brief article, Lochmaben Parish Church will have welcomed many to Church Contacts hear Stainer’s “Crucifixion” and have been Church Website: Lochmaben Parish Church reminded of God’s love for the world. Facebook page: Lochmaben Church God be with you in this corner of that New Twitter link: Lochmaben Church wonderful world.

NEWS…….NEWS….. The church at Hightae closed for good recently after the congregation was merged with Dalton and St Mungo. It must surely have been one of the oldest church buildings in the area, having opened for worship in 1798. The actual building is owned by the church session and no decision has yet been taken regarding its future. Very often such buildings are put on the open market and can be converted into private homes.

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In Days Gone By

Sharing a 90 th birthday with Lochmaben Golf Club is, of course, our Queen, born 21 st April 1926. She visited the Royal Burgh on 16 th October, 1956, when she was just 30 and is seen here in the Town Hall with Provost Campbell and Town Clerk Jimmy Stevenson.

Anyone remember the visit?

MEN’S SHED Colin Howe writes……… In case you don't know, a Men’s Shed is a larger version of the typical man's shed in the garden-a place where he feels at home and pursues practical interests with a high degree of autonomy. It offers this to a group of such men where members share the tools and resources they need to work on projects of their own choosing, at their own pace and in a safe, friendly and inclusive venue. They are places of skill-sharing and informal learning, of individual pursuits and community projects of purpose, achievement and social interaction, a place of leisure where men come together to work or socialise. Currently, we meet on a Wednesday and a Friday from 2-00 to 4-00pm, at a Portacabin on the Rostrum Sportswear Company site, next to the Church Hall in Princes Street, Lochmaben. We have had numerous hand and machine tools donated which are tending to fill up the Portacabin. If anyone knows of a larger building we would be very pleased to hear from you. Why don't you come and visit us? You don't have to have a need to make anything. We tend to spend more hours blethering and drinking coffee! Contact on: 01387 810009

Welcome to Lochmaben Online Lochmaben and District Community Initiative is very grateful to Tom Russell for all the work he does running the Website and keeping it current. Website Homepage: - www.lochmaben.org.uk This website has been created by the Lochmaben and District Community Initiative to provide information about the community of Lochmaben and the surrounding district for residents and visitors. Please explore the website to learn more about Lochmaben. There are also several interesting leaflets available, intended to keep you informed about the Royal Burgh. A Burgh Brochure, A Town Trail, details of 6 Burgh Walks and a Town Flyer.  The colour version of this Newsletter is online after distribution and the photographs in colour are well worth a look.  A Facebook Page will soon be operational on the Website  It is of great help in maintaining the website if anyone who notices material which is out-of-date lets us know. A quick note on the Contact Us button should rectify the matter  It would be good if more old photographs of life in Lochmaben (school class photographs, for instance,) could be sent in to be added to the website. The photographs will all be returned.

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Further to the item in the last Newsletter, and thanks to Jim Sloan who now lives in Rankine Heights, we have a map showing exactly where St Thomas’ was sited. The map shown here is also on the Website.

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Lochmaben and District Initiative intends to publish another Community Newsletter in autumn 2016. As you know, the Newsletter goes to all households in the Burgh so it is a good publicity and information opportunity. Please submit items you would like to be included from 1 st September 2016. To the Website at www.lochmaben.org.uk Online to [email protected] The leaflet ‘Keep it Local’ will also go to print again in October 2016 so, if you want to have your name added, please contact Sandy Grant (01387 810487) who will make the necessary arrangements. The Initiative is sorry that in the current edition of ‘Keep it Local’ the telephone number for Sandhu Taxi Hire is wrong. It should be 07901651453 OR 07544192970. Apologies for the inconvenience, especially to the businessman who has had to put up with all the calls for a taxi.

Lochmaben and District Community Council

A concert in aid of the Senior Citizens Christmas Party is to be held at Lochmaben Community Centre on Saturday 14th May 2016 at 7.00pm Featuring: Eddie Rose "SCOTLAND’S SON OF FUN". Tickets: £10.00 which includes a light supper - Bar available Tickets available from Pettigrew's Pet Shop, Kennedy Fruit Shop and Pam Linton 01387 811258. Lochmaben CC is looking forward to a good turnout, so come along and support this worthy cause.

Litter Picking Residents are invited to join the next Litter Pick on the 28th April 10am-1pm, meeting at the Town Hall. If you can come along, you’ll be very welcome. Stout gardening gloves would be advisable.

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Traffic issues in Lochmaben Tony Hancock, Vice Chairman of the Community Council writes………… Concerns raised by local residents relating to speeding/traffic issues in the Lochmaben area have resulted in the Lochmaben Community Council writing to the Director of Planning and Environmental Services at D&G Council, with suggestions designed to slow down traffic that is passing through the Town, which, if applied, would result in a safer environment for all local residents.

The suggestions included a detailed list of concerns relating to problems at both the eastern and western approaches to the Town on the A709, as follows:

Vehicles from the eastern direction , who are exceeding the 30mph speed limit, encountering traffic that is accelerating coming out of the Town in the opposite direction, along the section of road from the Sailing Club to Lochmaben Church. This is of particular concern to pedestrians using the narrow pavement, particularly when it is raining. There is an added hazard for local residents exiting from their driveways, when trying to turn left or right as the speeding traffic appears very quickly from both directions. Similar problems also exist with regard to the western approach to the Town on the A709. Due to the downhill slope, traffic only slows down after reaching the bad corner at Broadchapel Road junction. As with the eastern approach, traffic accessing the A709 from Maxwell Bank Road, Woodlands/The Hospital, Broadchapel Road, plus private properties on the Dumfries Road, are faced with speeding traffic approaching from both directions. For cyclists, the road at this point is close to a no go area. Steep banking on the south side of the carriageway compresses passing vehicles closer to the edge of the pavement, putting householders, recreational walkers and school-bound children in grave danger.

In an effort to slow down traffic approaching the Town, the Community Council have suggested to D&G Council that the existing 30mph speed limit be extended outwards of the town by 100 metres, also that the reactive speed signs also be moved 100 metres. In addition, a 20mph speed limit be applied the full length of the High Street. There are two other areas of concern: The "S” bends on the B7020 entering Lochmaben from Annan, where 10 accidents have occurred in the past 4 years, plus the "S" bends after the Halleaths turn-off on the A709, where there have been fatalities in recent years. It was suggested that 40mph speed limits should be installed at both these areas of concern.

The response from D&G Planning and Environmental Services was that they did not consider any action was justified, with the exception of the "S" bends on the B7020, which would receive some attention, but no details of what were forthcoming.

Traffic passing through the Town has increased dramatically over the past decade, resulting in the A709 becoming the busiest non-trunk road in the South of Scotland, if not Scotland! 2,500 vehicles, including 750 HGV's, pass through the Town on a daily basis during the week. A survey revealed that over 50% are exceeding the speed limit on entering the Town.

We believe that action needs to be taken and would welcome comments and suggestions from local residents who have a concern about traffic/safety issues in the Town.

Comments can be posted at the Town Hall, addressed to- c/o Lochmaben Community Council

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Jaybees Kerry writes………………… It’s been a busy few months in the hive with lots going on, the most exciting of which was Jackie being awarded the DG Life “Business Person of the Year” Award. This was thoroughly well deserved and was made even more special by the fact that all our lovely families voted for Jackie. We are all very proud of her. Although the wet weather didn’t stop us getting out in our new outdoor classroom, we are delighted that this has improved and enabled us to start accessing the forest again. We recently celebrated World Book Day by dressing up as our favourite characters and we were all busy making surprises for our lovely mums for Mother’s Day. In ELCC we have been learning all about Katie Morag and used the stories to help us learn our addresses and we made visits to the post office to send out our mums’ surprises. As springtime is nearly upon us we are starting the think about our plant box in the High Street and what we will plant in it this year and what vegetables/fruit we will be planting in our own garden. We will be celebrating Easter with various crafts and activities and visits from the baby lambs. Gala time is a huge event in our calendar and we look forward to supporting the various events on the lead-up to Gala Day like the Coffee Morning and Easter Egg Hunt. We are currently putting our thinking caps on to decide what our theme will be for this year’s parade. Jaybees (Childcare) Ltd., Blacklocks Vennel, Lochmaben, DG11 1NP.

Annandale Transport Initiative DAY TRIP PROGRAMME 2016 Now that we are entering spring and the warmer weather makes going outside more inviting, why not consider travelling on one of our day trips? We provide reasonably priced trips to various destinations in northern and Scotland.

Departure DAY DATE DESTINATION L’maben WED 27th Apr AYR 09:35 THUR 28th Apr PEEBLES 09:30 ROTHBURY FOOD AND CRAFT MON 2nd May FESTIVAL 09:35 FRI 6th May WINDERMERE 09:35 TWEEDBANK RAILWAY/MAP OF TUE 10th May SCOTLAND 09:35 MON 16th May NEWCASTLE 09:35 WED 25th May DURHAM 09:35 THUR 26th May PEEBLES 09:30 FRI 3rd June MELROSE/ABBOTSFORD 09:35 THU 9th June KESWICK 09:35 WED 15th June CULZEAN CASTLE 09:35

FRI 17th June SELKIRK COMMON RIDING tbc TUE 21st June ALNWICK 09:35 WED 29th June LOGAN BOTANIC GARDENS 09:35 17

THUR 30th June PEEBLES 09:30 ANTIQUES ROADSHOW HOLKER WED 6th July HALL 09:35 MON 11th July WAVERLEY STEAMER 09:35 TUE 19th July CALLENDAR HOUSE/KELPIES 09:35 ULLSWATER FISH SUPPER TUE 26th July CRUISE 09:35 THUR 28th July PEEBLES 09:30 FRI 29th July SKIPTON 09:35 FRI 5th Aug SOLWAY COAST 09:35 THU 11th Aug CRAGSIDE 09:35 MON 15th Aug CLYDE VALLEY 09:35 TUE 23rd Aug HEXHAM 09:35 THUR 25th Aug PEEBLES 09:30 WED 31st Aug AYR 09:35 FRI 9th Sept MELLERSTAIN HOUSE 09:35 MON 12th Sept MORECAMBE 09:35 FRI 16th Sept SKIPTON 09:35 TUE 20th Sept STIRLING 09:35 WED 28th Sept RICHMOND 09:35 THUR 29th Sept PEEBLES 09:30 FRI 7th Oct KELSO 09:35 WED 12th Oct KESWICK 09:35 WED 19th Oct BURY MARKET 09:35 TUE 25th Oct BRAEHEAD 09:35 THUR 27th Oct PEEBLES 09:30 Further information on all ATI services Office 72-74 High Street, Lockerbie, DG11 2AA Tel - 01576 203053 Email - [email protected] Website – www.atibus.org.uk

Lang may yer lum reek! We came into possession of a publication from Creetown called ‘500 wirds and expressions frae Creeton an roon aboot’. Here’s a few examples! We could maybe do the same here.

Nane o’ yer lip none of your cheek In guid fettle feeling good Hingin’ the gither Keeping well….just! In a guddle in a mess A stooshie a rumpus Hankert efter was keen on Gi’en it laldie putting effort into A wee pickle a small amount Ca’ canny be careful Get doon on yer hunkers Squat down Am gan tae gan tae I’m going to go to Gie’s a shot o’ yer ba’ Let me play with your ball

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Legacy Items from Day of the Region, 2013 A reminder that legacy items from DOR 2013 are distributed throughout the community and are available on loan from the contact people in each community group. Please note that a Loan Form has to be completed when an item is borrowed. The groups, contact people and suggested equipment are as follows:- Group Contact Person Equipment which can be borrowed Lochmaben School Sheona Muir various sports equipment items Association Art Group Carol Paget art brushes & drawing boards Tennis Club Mary Park portable tennis ball machine Lochmaben Little People Lisa Duff various toddler toys Lochmaben Initiative Tom Russell digital projector Lochmaben Community Tony Hancock laptop computer Council Sing4fun Jenny Agnew portable recorder Golf Club Michael Dickie Junior golf equipment & practice nets. If you have any difficulty reaching any of the contact people, Tom Russell is available to help on 01387 810502 or [email protected]

Primary School Dates for summer term 2016 May Day Holiday Monday 2 May Teachers (Inset) Friday 3 June Schools Close Friday 1 July Summer Holiday from Monday 4 July Teachers (Inset) Wednesday 17 August Pupils Return Thursday 18 August

NEWS…….NEWS….. The Mossburn Animal Centre at Hightae has been visited recently by graffiti artists who painted a whole wall with a colourful montage of shapes in the form of a Spring Fling Mural which features as a visitor attraction on the Arts and Crafts Festival Trail taking place across our region this month. The mural will be one of the big attractions for art lovers to view as they drive around our region.

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Spotlight Sandy Grant Born in Cambuslang, Sandy moved on with his family to Glasgow where he was educated. When he left school, he worked in a Shipping Office before he enrolled at the Agricultural College in Glasgow where his interest in farming and rural affairs was developed. Now with a clear idea of what he wanted, and spreading his wings, he headed off for the University of North Wales in Bangor where he graduated after 4 years with an Honours Degree in Agriculture. He took up an appointment in Bedfordshire as a Lecturer at the Shuttleworth Agricultural College there. Next port of call was the University of Dublin where he lectured and practised General Farm Management. His Glasgow roots must now have been calling him home for he then took up a position at the West of Scotland College Advisory Service as an Advisor to farmers, a post he filled with distinction for the rest of his working days. He moved to Lanark where he stayed for 6 years, enjoying the direct contact he now had with local farmers, advising them on all aspects of the agricultural scene. It was in 1972 that Sandy moved to Lochmaben, to the house in Marjoriebanks where he still lives today. The Heft was the first house built on the hill there and Sandy and Sheila quickly settled into family life, raising their two daughters. Sandy continued to enjoy a very varied working life and, as agriculture changed, he learned to respond to new challenges, also becoming something of an innovator and expert on Texel sheep.

Despite this very busy work schedule, Sandy actively participated in community activity with great enthusiasm. He served on the Gala Committee for ten years, took part as a Game Leader in ‘It’s a Knockout’ and served on the Community Council as Treasurer, also for ten years. Whilst he was on the Community Council, the problem of controlling the Fringe Lily on the Mill Loch arose. By this time the Lochmaben & District Community Initiative had come into being and Sandy, a founder member, was the Treasurer (a post he has held for 16 years). He was instrumental in negotiating the contract with SNH and led from the front in the practical efforts made to keep the invasive plant at bay, overseeing a group of enthusiastic if somewhat challenged volunteers from the Initiative who did the job for 6 years. The Information Boards around the Loch were also the result of his industry, he encouraged the creation of the Sculptures at the Castle Loch and he oversaw the installation of the Speed Control signs on the approaches to the town on the A709. He became an elder in Lochmaben Church in 1974 and today is Treasurer of the Free Will Offering Scheme. He has been the Co-ordinator of the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme at Marjoriebanks, has played a leading role in the Gardens Competition and found time to serve as Chairman of Parent Teachers’ Associations in both Lochmaben Primary and Lockerbie Academy. His association with Education thus renewed, Sandy was latterly a lay member of the Schools’ Inspectorate, giving school buildings and facilities the once over as part of the Inspections, a highly responsible task. He has been a member of the Lochmaben Golf Club since 1974 and has served as Captain and Greens Convenor there. In the latter role, his experience in farming stood him in good stead and it was whilst he was in post that the club extended their course to 18 holes after which the club has gone from strength to strength. In his private life, Sandy is a keen gardener, enjoys being a member of the Annandale Speakers’ Club and is a member of the Probus Club. In the 44 years that Sandy has lived in Lochmaben, he has made a huge contribution to community life. His know-how, hard work and willingness to get involved to make things happen have been exemplary, of great benefit to the Royal Burgh and a tribute to the nature of the man. As was his reply when asked his opinion of the time he has spent here—‘I wouldn’t have stayed as long if I hadn’t enjoyed it--.’

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