Glencairn Gazette
Issue 28
June/July 20041
FREE to EVERY household in Glencairn and Tynron Find us on: http://www.moniaive.com
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A Star is Born!
Photo: Hugh Taylor
The cast of Grease – Winners of the Youth Section – at the entertaining ‘Stars in Moniaive’ night
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Stars In Moniaive
Another hugely entertaining night from Janice Cowan on behalf
of the Moniaive Youth Activities Club. With a bar and excellent
Indian and Scottish food it certainly was a night to remember. A
selection of photos by Hugh Taylor give a flavour of the night
but if you weren’t there – you should have been – it was a truly
spectacular night (or early morning for the Line Dancers who
kept partying to the wee small hours!). Thanks to Janice, Liz,
Sue Grant
Wendy, Scott and all involved helping her.
Diana Ross & The Supremes (Moniaive Line Dancers).
Winners of Entertainment Section.
Shelby Davis
does the Guides
proud as
Avril Lavigne.
Moniaive Line dancers, Village
People dancing to a YMCA
medley.
Left: Brian Conway is Christa
Plummer representing the
Evergreens.
Chloe Carrick as Dido
representing the Playgroup.
Below: Winner
of the Vocalist
section, Ralph as
Robbie
Williams.
Below: Johnny, Owen, Harry
& Christopher from Grease.
Left: Girls Aloud (Rachel, Chloe, Amy,
Rachel and Natalie) take a during their
whirlwind tour of Moniaive!
A record breaking
Dance your way into
‘Dashing White Sergeant’
the record books
to live pipe music
Macara Park • Saturday 5th
June • 2pm-2.30pm prompt
Sensible shoes • Highland Dress
optional! • Refreshments
Adults £2, Children £1, Family
tickets £5.
All proceeds to ChristFest 2004
2 • Glencairn Gazette 28 • June/July 2004
Wind Farms – The Learning Curve DOMESTIC HELP
The proposed spread of wind farms across our landscapes is now, and rightly so,
the most significant issue facing Dumfries and Galloway and indeed the country.
It concerns all of us, not just those who are immediately affected. These
developments are on a large industrial scale and if allowed they will be in place forever.
It is, therefore, of the greatest importance that everyone of us learns as much as we can
about wind farms, all the pros and cons, enabling us to contribute to the decision
process on whether or not they should be given planning permission. We will be held
accountable, by the generations that follow.
Proposals have now been made to construct wind farms in Glencairn. The energy
development company, in making these proposals, has circulated throughout the region
a flyer outlining their intentions and recently presented a small exhibition in
Balmaclellan and Corsock.
I attended the Corsock exhibition and found it to be rather short on content and
generally lacking in substance, especially when considering the scale of the proposed
development and the implications for the community and the environment. There were
a number of aspects to the presentation which were rather questionable: -
• a model of a wind generator with no reference to scale ;
• photographs of wind generators and their installation that seemed much smaller than
those proposed;
• posters of birds relating generally irrelevant information; nothing about the impact
of wind farms on bird populations nor indeed on any flora or fauna;
• pictures of large steel pylons carrying power lines from a wind farm; the proposal
document talks of wooden poles;
• a series of landscape photographs, too small and with no verification of the scale of
the imposed wind generators;
• only one photograph from within Glencairn (near the bowling hut?) of Fell Hill in
the mist!!! With a hand drawn sketch below it as a substitute.
In all, I found the presentation to be extremely unhelpful and would suspect that a lot
of people would not have been informed in sufficient and accurate detail to formulate
a considered opinion as to the credibility of this proposal.
Much more information is needed and this will be derived from within the
community itself. This must be comprehensive, factual and impartial so that we all can
arrive at a true and proper decision about the proposals for wind farms in Glencairn.
That we should do our homework well is surely in the interest of our children ,
grandchildren and the generations to follow.
Note: To help imagine the scale of the wind generators proposed for Glencairn sites, a
1/76 scale model of a generator with a scaled model of a Landrover and human figure
will be on display in the Moniaive Post Office over the month of June. It was made by
a professional industrial model maker.
Dr Gavin T Taylor
Blackmark Farm, Glencairn
Note from the Editorial Board
With three windfarms now at various planning stages in and around Glencairn it is up
to the community to let their views be known and heard.
Power Companies are liable to be heavily fined if they do not reach the ‘green’
energy targets set by the Government. It would appear that Glencairn and Dumfries
and Galloway are becoming a dumping ground for projects which companies find are
cheaper to build, whether they generate power or not, than to risk having to pay any
fines imposed.
Whether you feel wind farms are the future or whether you are against them let’s
have a debate on the issues raised in both the article above and the letter on page 6.
Editorial Board
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01848 200589
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01848 330267
Broadband News
Glenkens Broadband will be in
Moniaive on 3rd June at the Memorial
Institute.
They will give a presentation and talk
about their broadband service and take
registration on the day. There will be two
sessions, 4.30-6pm and 7-8.30pm to
accommodate workers and those with
small children.
If you’re desperate for Broadband why
not come along and see what Glenkens
Broadband can offer. Broadband access is
a vital tool for rural businesses.
Further details from Mike Kaye,
Glenkens Broadband Ltd 01644 430162.
A Gift for Moniaive
The French Choir Choeur à Coeur held
their concert in St Ninian’s Church on
May 8th. Those who attended report it
was a ‘marvellous evening’.
Details of the choir were printed in the
last issue of the Gazette and it is hoped
that after the success of this visit that they
will return again to delight audiences.
After the concert the Mayor of Heilles,
the village the choir comes from,
presented the people of Moniaive with a
beautiful framed oil painting of their local
church. This was an unexpected and quite
delightful act of kindness.
The picture was later handed to the
Community Council to decide where to
hang it. It was decided that the ideal place
would be St. Ninian’s Church, allowing
local people the opportunity to see and
enjoy the picture.
Sue Grant
Glencairn Gazette 28 • June/July 2004 • 3
Moniaive Lacrosse Team Compete
at Meadowbank Stadium
Moniaive Lacrosse Team, their coach, Janice Cowan, and
Headteacher, Ms McCossan, were off to an early start on
Sunday 15th May. Leaving Moniaive Primary on the
community minibus at 7.30am, the excited squad made their
way to Edinburgh to compete in the Scottish National
Lacrosse Championship at Meadowbank Stadium.
The squad won their place at the championship after beating
Sanquhar in an electrifying and emotional sudden death play off at
the Barony College in March. Despite the sweltering conditions the
team managed to get through to the quarter-finals, losing to the
eventual Championships winners St Andrews. A superb effort from
the whole team.
A day to remember. A day to be proud of.
Photos Janice Cowan
Team Members:
Rachel Holland,
Rachel
Thompson, Amy
Dykes, Johnny
Payne, Harry
Cowan,
Christopher
Wicks
Subs: Chloe
Carrick & Rory
Kilgour.
Craigdarroch Arms Hotel
High Street, Moniaive
01848 200205
To celebrate our first year at the
Craigdarroch Roger, Bobbie &
Laura would like to welcome you
to a BBQ, Ceilidh and Grand
Draw on
Saturday 31st July.
BBQ commences 4pm • Ceilidh in evening
4 • Glencairn Gazette 28 • June/July 2004
Funding Boost for Local
Childminding Group
Cairn Valley Childminding Group which covers the mid
Nithsdale area of Dumfries & Galloway are delighted to have
recently received funding from the Awards for All Lottery
Funding grant.
The group, who are members of the Scottish Childminding
Association, intend to spend the grant on bringing training
courses to the local area, outdoor and indoor play equipment
which can be loaned to other groups in the local community, and
outings and social events for minded children.
The secretary of the group Anne-Marie Flannighan says, “We
are delighted to have received this funding. We are a small group
based in a rural area and we will benefit immensely from this
grant. In particular the new play equipment, mainly outdoor, will
involve the children in active and stimulating play, which helps
encourage healthy lifestyles. We recently held an Easter Egg Hunt
at Keir Hall and park. All the local childminders and some mums
came along with their children - of which there were over 20.
There was lots for the children to do including painting hard
boiled eggs, making chocolate nests, colouring Easter pictures
and of course the Easter Egg hunt itself. Everyone had a great
afternoon.”
The picture shows some of the children proudly displaying the
Awards for All certificate.
The group, which is made up of local childminders, is one of eight
such groups in Dumfries & Galloway. As a group they provide
mutual support, advice and information to registered
childminders, parents and carers. The group promotes registered
childminding as a high quality service and meet regularly to share
information and attend training courses.
For more information about childminding in Dumfries and
Galloway contact Lindsay McDowall, SCMA Development
Officer on 01387 256697.
Christine Kerr/Anne-Marie Flannighan
Your Councillor Allan Wright
Always happy to talk to you about
any council issue on 01848 331640
You can also write to me at
Glentara, Closeburn, Thornhill
DG3 5JT
Toddler Toy library
QUALITY
DRY CLEANING
from our appointed agent: MONIAIVE POST OFFICE
• Clothing
• Bridal wear
• Curtains
• Soft furnishings
• Leather, suede and sheepskin
We can meet all your drycleaning
requirements.
The Toddler Toy Library which meets every Thursday
afternoon continues to be well supported.
At Easter the children enjoyed an Egg Hunt around the church
and can be seen here with their baskets of goodies – they made
sure no eggs were left behind for church goers on the Sunday!
Most Thursdays the children busy themselves mowing lawns,
operating a car park, manning a castle, shopping and playing
hopscotch. They also enjoy being read a story from one of the
many lovely books available. Each week you can borrow a toy
and two books to be enjoyed at home. From puzzles, railways,
building blocks, cars and farms to Thomas the Tank Engine,
Beatrix Potter and Ladybird books, there’s plenty to choose from.
The Toy Library runs from 2-3 every Thursday in St. Ninians.
Dry cleaning collected every Wednesday morning
and returned the following Wednesday.
Watch for our regular money saving
‘special offers.’
Shortridge also provide a superior linen
hire/laundering service for hotels, guest houses
and B&Bs.
For more information call us on
0845 450 1040
Alice Bainbridge
MacAlien © Grant/MAP
Glencairn Gazette 28 • June/July 2004 • 5
Letters
to the Editor
Windfarms
Dear Editor
For the last five years I have been visiting many parts of Dumfries
and Galloway meeting with friends and admiring the wonderful
landscapes. The drive from Kirkland to Moniaive and then on to
St. John’s Town of Dalry is particularly beautiful and one of my
favourites.
I recently learned from friends in Glencairn that there are
proposals to build wind farms in the region of Moniaive and on top
of Fell Hill stretching to Blackcraig Hill at Balmaclellan. Viewing
the latter from the A702 road and from the hills on the other side
of the glen will surely be heartbreaking. The wind generators will
be a monstrous imposition on one of the most magnificent glen
views in Galloway.
Glencairn’s natural, beautiful scenery is far too valuable to be
destroyed in this way. It is our heritage as it will be for future
generations.
As to the value of that inheritance, I read with some alarm and
great dismay the report in the April/May Glencairn Gazette, by
Councillor Allan Wright, that the Council are discussing proposals
on how to divide up the ‘pieces of silver’ given as community
benefit by wind farm developers/operators. There is nothing more
certain to divide and splinter the community and create extreme
disharmony within than ‘who gets the money?’. There is no fair
and satisfactory way of resolving such an issue and best not to go
down this road anyway. The loss of dignity along with the loss of
a beautiful glen is too high a price to pay for a few pieces of
scrabbled silver.
I hope and pray that Glencairn and its communities will not
suffer the all consuming blight of wind farms so that everyone,
especially all visitors, can safely enjoy a magnificent, friendly glen
for generations to come.
Best wishes
Dr Stuart McCall
Portsmouth
6 • Glencairn Gazette 28 • June/July 2004
DogFouling (Scotland) Act 2003
I would like to bring to the attention of all dog owners in the village
that the Dog Fouling (Scotland) Act 2003 came into force in
October 2003. Under the Act:
“If a dog defecates at any time upon any place to which this Act
applies and a person who is in charge of the dog at that time
fails immediately to remove the faeces from the place, that
person shall be guilty of an offence.”
Councils now have the power to issue a £50 on the spot fixed
penalty (within up to 7 days of the offence) and owners can be
fined up to a maximum of £1000. The full text of the Act can be
seen at www.scotland-legislation.hmso.gov.uk/legislation.
The incidence of dog faeces on the streets of Moniaive has
become a real issue and presents a serious risk to children, never
mind the hassle of cleaning it off your shoes or carpet. It is a
particular problem when you are walking about the village with a
two-year-old who has a tendency to let go of your hand. Contact
with canine excrement can lead to blindness due to an infection
called Toxocaracanis.
I appreciate that the vast majority of dog owners in the village
do the right thing and clean up after their pets, but I would urge the
small number who don’t to please change your ways; the penalties
can be severe. I will be asking local shops to display posters to
highlight the problem and hopefully encourage offenders to take
action before action is taken against them.
Murray Bainbridge
Birthday Thanks
Annabel Gault would like to thank everyone who came to her
birthday party in the Craigdarroch and for the presents she
received.
Cartoon Bernard Walker
Litter
Dear Gazette
I have just spent a few days in your beautiful village and must say
that I was on the whole impressed by the charm and character of
the place and the wonderful rural setting you enjoy. I have spent
many years working in the farming industry in a rural area of
England, however where we live the old ways have died out and
we have been overrun by city commuters; it is nice to see that the
more traditional ways of life still survive in other parts of the UK.
I am afraid however that my visit was spoilt somewhat by the
presence of discarded bags of rubbish on the main public highway
of Chapel Street; on the Sunday morning there were open tins,
sanitary towel boxes, waste food and other items strewn across the
street; a public health hazard, particularly for small children, not to
mention the close proximity to an establishment selling food –
hardly an incentive to go and eat in the Green Tea Room! This sort
of practice was stamped out in our area years ago by the
introduction of wheelie bins (which I note you do have in
Moniaive) by the local authority.
I fear that the many positive aspects of your beautiful village
will be lost on visitors if this is the type of thing they are
confronted with; please keep your village tidy especially with
summer just around the corner and the chance to really impress
visitors (which in turn will benefit the village economy and all its
residents.)
Steve Oakley
Hertfordshire
I told you they’d get
planning permission –
now we’ve got noisy
neighbours
Attendance and ticket sales were up at the third Moniaive Folk
Festival, and although we lost money it was still a grand and
successful weekend.
If any part of it has to be singled out as the highlight it was
Saturday night. What started as a concert featuring the Emily
Smith Band ended as a major showcase of Nithsdale talent.
Moniaive’s Dave McFadzean, recovering from a sore throat,
produced a performance that demonstrated why he has won so
many major singing competitions. Darcy Carson, from Tynron,
may be at the start of her career but after winning the junior singing
trophy (p4-7) earlier in the day, jumped at the chance to open the
main concert. Backed by Dave Orr on guitar she delighted the
audience with her singing and fiddle playing.
Reel Rhythm closed the first half of the concert with a superb
set and then went on to play for another three hours at the late night
ceilidh. This is the finest ceilidh band I have ever heard despite
most of the members still being at school. They play a mixture of
traditional, strict tempo, dance tunes and their own blend of ‘out of
the box’ humour, rhythms and a fusion of different musical styles.
Never before have heard a band introducing a rag into the set for
Strip the Willow. The effect was nothing short of magical.
I’ve watched and listened to Emily Smith since she was eleven.
By the time she was one of the singers in Kev Bailey’s Celtic
Caboodle she was showing promise of good things to come. Now
after four years studying with some of Scotland’s greatest
musicians she has emerged as the finest singer of her generation.
She’s also a pretty mean songwriter if the one she wrote about her
granny’s life is anything to go by. When she sung that there was
hardly a dry eye in the hall.
Throughout the weekend the competitions were well attended.
Local winners including Darcy Carson, Traditional Singing Junior
P4-7; Jenny Hutchison, Junior Traditional Instrumental P4-7;
Darcy Carson's band from Penpont won the group competition and
wee Kaylee Gordon lifted the Junior Traditional Singing P1-3 for
the third year in a row.
In the seniors Susan Conway won the Instrumental Trophy and
Gavin Dykes fought off a spirited performance from Scotty to
retain the Piping Cup.
Photo © Dave McFadzean
Moniaive’s Third Folk Festival
Gaberlunzie were in their usual fine fettle at the Friday night
concert with a whole new set of songs. Gordon had even learned
some new jokes.
None of this would have been possible without the financial
support from the Upper Nithsdale Area Committee and we are
indebted to the continuing good work of our councillor, Allan
Wright in obtaining this funding.
Hugh Taylor
Moniaive Action Project would
like to thank all those who gave
their time to man the festival
office, sell tickets, move chairs,
clear up etc. Special thanks to
young Owen, Carol Godridge,
and Janice for the Festival Cafe.
The Gala bar on Saturday night
went well and made £400. A
very special thank you to both
John from the garage and Alec
McMillan for the use of the
field for camping and Jimmy
for organising the skip.
Sue Grant
ALLISON & HUNTER
Prop. David W. Bonn
APPROVED COAL MERCHANT
• Suppliers of all types of Smokeless Fuels and
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Call us and we’ll deliver
Tel: 01387 252486
Fax: 01387 254494
LEAFIELD ROAD, DUMFRIES DG1 2DP
Glencairn Gazette 28 • June/July 2004 • 7
Proposed International Workcamp at Cairnhead
31 July to 15 August 2004
Students working
on a similar
project in France
with the CME and APARE. It would also highlight the
development of Cairnhead as a quality visitor centre and
reinforce a common link with Andy Goldsworthy who has
already worked with the CME in Provence.
The involvement of local young people in the programme
would be important to CCFT so if anyone would like more
information or would be interested in applying for a place on the
course please contact Molly Glencorse, Carrick, Dunreggan
Brae, Moniaive or Paul Ignatieff, Caitloch, Moniaive.
For more information on the full range of APARE heritage
workcamps and conditions to participate see www.apare-gec.org
Molly Glencorse, Chair CCFT
Dumfries and Galloway Council, in partnership with Solway
Heritage, has established links with a French Voluntary
Sector organisation called the Mediterranean Centre of the
Environment (CME), based in Avignon, France. The CME
through its sister association APARE (Association for
Regional Participation) is particularly active in developing
environment or heritage projects and building in to these the
involvement of young people.
Through local links with the CME and APARE an
opportunity has arisen to organise an international workcamp at
Cairnhead for the Summer 2004 Programme. The workshop
would involve 12 young people (aged 18yrs+) taking part in a
two week workcamp to participate in environmental tasks in the
vicinity of the byre and planned visitor parking area at
Cairnhead, in an effort to improve the visual appeal of the
landscape features on the site ( including paths, vegetation and
dykes) where visitors will eventually arrive to view the Striding
Arches. The intention is to have local youth involvement by
reserving 3-4 places on the course for local young people
thereby enabling an element of exchange.
The project is a joint venture between CCFT and Solway
Heritage. Technical specification for the project would be
provided by Solway Heritage and the work carried out under the
supervision of a local master dyker. The students would be
accommodated in Moniaive during their visit and have an
organised timetable of 35 hours per week with periods for
tourism activities such as walking, visiting local attractions etc.
CCFT members would be available during the two weeks to
assist the students and ensure that their visit to Moniaive and
Cairnhead Forest was trouble free and enjoyable.
This would be an interesting project for Cairnhead
Community Forest Trust to host. As well as improvement to the
site in advance of the arches being installed the programme
would link Cairnhead into a European Programme of Youth
Workcamps and open up opportunities for further co-operation
8 • Glencairn Gazette 28 • June/July 2004
Glencairn Community Trust
Keeping in Touch
Trust Office
Memorial Institute, Chapel St, Moniaive
Dumfriesshire, DG3 4EQ
Tel: 01848 200352 or 01848 200397
Fax: 01848 200792
Mobile: 07743 764523
Email: [email protected]
or [email protected]
Cartoon Robin McIver
ALLISON & HUNTER
OIL
Prompt efficient deliveries of domestic,
agricultural and industrial fuels and
lubricants.
Call us and we’ll deliver
01848 330398
126 Drumlanrig Street, Thornhill DG3 5LP
Thornhill Stores
Specialist Supplier of Aberdeen
Angus, & Buccleuch Scotch Beef
Family Butcher and Licensed Grocer
124a Drumlanrig Street,
Thornhill DG3 5LS
Tel: 01848 330262
Iain Howat
Electrical Contractor
Whitedyke Farm, Dunscore, Dumfries
Cartoon Bernard Walker
Home: 01387 820330
Mobile: 07710 779994
Wish I hadn’t eaten all the Easter eggs.
They’re gonna catch me for sure....
Great Fun at Cairnhead
On Thursday 22nd April I joined pupils from Marina
McClymont’s class – P1, 2 and 3, along with the Forestry
Commission, Fishery Board representatives and several grown
ups at the car park by the Slate Quarry... which now seems to go
by the name of Bail Wood.
Great excitement! Over the last few months the children had
been nurturing baby trout and salmon in an aquarium at school,
and now was the big day that they were to be released... a bit like
the school scaling!
The party was broken up into smaller groups amid tremendous
enthusiasm, but everyone got to have a go to release the tiddlers.
Luckily no-one fell in, and perhaps it was as well that the life
expectancy for some of these fish couldn’t be that great.
Once all the fish were away, we drove a little further up the
glen to plant some trees - at least replace some that had died from
the year before. Armed with shiny spades it looked like the 27
dwarfs going off to work - Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho. Again everyone was
split into smaller groups, a grown-up in charge of each, so the job
was soon finished.
I did note a wee girl in my group was a lot more interested in
a green caterpillar she had found rather than the proceedings, and
a lad had told his Mum that he had been releasing tadpoles. Still,
I’m sure everyone learnt a lot and had a great time.
Many thanks to all the children, helpers, Jim Henderson of
Nith District Salmon Fisheries Board, Robin Fuller of the
Forestry Commission Scotland for arranging the event, and Moira
McCrossan, the head teacher for allowing the children the
Robin McIver, CCFT
morning off school.
For an
informal
discussion
call us on
07760 54928
or
077439 38860
Free advice and
estimates from
specialists in property
repair, maintenance and
renovation
Domestic and
commercial work
undertaken
Large or small jobs
carried out
Glencairn Gazette 28 • June/July 2004 • 9
Photos: Sue Grant
SPOTLIGHT ON THE CAMPLEBRIDGE RIDING SCHOOL
Gary and Mel with Sonic and Bonnie
After working with horses at stables for other people Gary
Murray and Mel Kinkead finally took the plunge and
opened Camplebridge Riding School, Thornhill in February
this year.
The purpose built stabling block, full livery yard and sand
covered 20m x 40m arena were all reclaimed from a field
attached to the house.
Mel has been riding since she was four and is now an
accredited Pony Club instructor; Riding School teacher and is a
BHS Riding Road Safety Trainer. She also spent time in New
York teaching ‘western riding’. On moving to Scotland Mel
worked at stables in Annan so she could get to know people and
keep up-to-date with her skills.
Lessons take place within the arena and field. “Insurance is
very expensive for riding schools, particularly for hacking
outwith the stables so we are currently working within the
premises.” explained Gary.
They have nine horses and two foals, with another foal
expected later this month. The horses range in temperament and
size and so the stables can cater to a wide
range of ages and expertise.
Walking round the purpose built
stable block we were introduced to the
residents starting with Flynn. At 16.3
hands Flynn, a rescue horse, is known as
‘the gentle giant’. Next door is Gem who
is is expecting her foal imminently. “We
use Gem more as a brood mare than for
riding,” explained Mel. “She is very
independent and strong willed. We also
use her for lectures and demonstrations on
how to look after horses.”
Angus and Sonic are typical
Shetland ponies, small, shaggy and
rotund! Angus loves to jump and both are
used for children’s pony rides around the
field.
Beau, a thoroughbred, stands at 17.2 hands. “He was found
living wild near Penrith and although initially bit of a handful
he has settled in well and is a perfect gentleman,” said Gary, “we
are breaking him in slowly.”
Next to him is 5 year old Bonnie a Welsh cob shire. “Bonnie
is perfect for a riding school. Good mannered and stable. She is
excellent with children and ideal for disabled children to ride as
she is not easily startled.” explained Mel.
Brambles is a striking welsh strawberry roan about 18 years
old standing at 13.2 hands. “She’s good for kids to learn on,”
said Gary, “although she’s a little lazy.” Brambles is a local lass
coming from Dunscore.
Gilly is currently being brought back up to weight and fitness
after having her foal last December. She’s a steady Irish cob,
excellent for bigger teenagers.
Over the yard lives youthful looking Billy. We were surprised
to hear he was 22 years old. “He’s our spritely gentleman,” said
Mel. “He’s wonderful with children and just loves to work. He
came fifth at the cross country event at Drumlanrig last year.”
Mel and Gary have plans to extend the range of their services
by offering summer courses,
treasure hunts and games,
hosting birthday parties and
the building of a showjumping course for riders to
practice on.
Details of full rates and
services offered (including
livery) can be obtained by
calling 01848 331046.
Sue Grant/Annie Shnapp
Left Gem and right the
spritely Billie
10 • Glencairn Gazette 28 • June/July 2004
STRAVAIGING – 3. AUCHENGIBBERT HILL & TYNRON DOON
Photos © Dave McFadzean
Photos © Dave McFadzean
Auchengibbert Hill, Tynron Doon and Cairnkinna
With summer well on the way evening walks in the
countryside again fall into the realms of possibility. Often,
after the searing heat of a summer’s day, the cool of the
evening is the best time for a wander around the hills.
Wildlife is often more active at this time of day and walking
in and throughout a Nithsdale sunset can be truly
remarkable. One fine route for such an evening expedition is
the Tynron Hills of Auchengibbert and Tynron Doon.
Tynron village is the starting point for this excursion. There
is ample parking in the village hall car park at most times.
Tynron is the now shortened name for what was once called
Tynron Kirk. This was where local merchants called Laurie and
Wilson once blended the famous Tynron Kirk Whisky. This was
supplied to the House of Commons amongst other places but
that’s a story for another time.
From the hall a road, then a steep and rough track winds up
through forestry to Auchengibbert house. The whole hillside
below the house can be a solid mass of bluebells in season and
this is a fine place to linger for a while on a summer’s day.
Once the cottage is reached the route takes to the open
hillside and a brisk 200-metre climb over rough grassland leads
on to the disused Ordnance Survey pillar on top of
Auchengibbert Hill. The view opens up as you reach the
Walk No 3: Auchengibbert Hill & Tynron Doon
Left: Scaur Glen
and The Lowthers
from Tynron
Doon.
Tynron Doon from back of Dunreggan Brae
summit. Nithsdale and the Lowther Hills, Scaur and Shinnel
glens all lie before you. Cairnkinna is the prominent hill to the
north. The Keir and Maxwelton hills dominate the southern
skyline and the Carsphairn and Galloway hills rear up far to the
west.
From there the route descends to a gap and on to the western
shoulder of Tynron Doon. The fortifications of Tynron Doon hill
fort are particularly well defined from that pass. A short 100metre climb leads to the summit of this historic hill. This hill top
fortification must have seen bloody times and was occupied off
and on for several particularly unsettled and warlike centuries.
One old legend relates that the hill is haunted by the phantom of
a headless horseman.
The hilltop is peaceful nowadays and was flattened off as part
of the earthworks for the fort. There are several ditches on the
less steep western approach to the hilltop. Camling and Clonrae
farms are dwarfed by the hill and Penpont and Thornhill fill the
view to the east. This is another spot to linger for a while.
A descent can be made by the signposted route to the west
and south and on for the tarred road. This road can then be
followed back to Tynron and your car. The Ordnance Survey
Landranger map for this walk is Sheet 78 Nithsdale and
Annandale. The distance covered is 3.1 miles, ascent 1,000 feet.
Dave McFadzean
Right: Penpont,
Thornhill and the
Queensberrys
from Tynron Doon
Glencairn Gazette 28 • June/July 2004 • 11
LOCAL HISTORY...
Gravestones – Parish History in Stone
HIC JACENT BRUNI DE INGLIS
TON QUIBUS EORUMQUE PRO
GENIET DESTINATUR HIC
TUMULLIS CONDIDIT ML
?
?
?
?
?B
WB
IB
1677
HERE LIE THE BROWNS OF INGLESTON
WITH ANY OF THEIR LINEAGE
WHO MAY BE CHOSEN FOR THIS PLACE
IN THESE TOMBS LIE BURIED ML
?
?B
?
?
WB
?
IB
1677
There are few better places than a graveyard where the
history of a parish and it’s inhabitants can be studied from
contemporary sources. Unfortunately, through age and
infirmity, the inscriptions become increasingly difficult to
read.
When writing about Glencairn, John Corrie wrote, “The
earliest date that can be deciphered on any of the stones is 1637.
There are fragments of stones that may be older, but their history
is unknown.”
1637 is the date on the elaborate memorial to Stephen Lawrie
who had bought Maxwelton in 1611. On the wall of another
family plot, that of the Fergussons’ of Craigdarroch and ‘Cat
loch,’ 1675 is carved on the inscription panel.
The Browns’ stone is dated 1677. John Brown and his son
William Brown were both ministers of Glencairn in the 16/17th
centuries, rather earlier than the date and so if ML refers to
Marion Laurie, wife of WB, William Brown, the lower part of
the panel may have been carved later than the upper part.
The stone of Alexander McCubin in Marwhirn who died aged
100 in 1693, has a sad faced angel, an hour glass and other
emblems carved on the front. His family were embroiled in
covenanting events and memorials to four men killed in 1685
are preserved on replacement stones nearby.
Not all flat stones are fallen stones but flat stones from the
18th century suffer greatly from the weather. Those of the
Gibsons of Glencrosh have been raised to make them look like
table stones. This family lived in the parish from c.1654-1870.
12 • Glencairn Gazette 28 • June/July 2004
Rather than struggle with the lichen on the older stones an
easier way of finding out who lived where and when, is to use
the Glencairn Cemetery Inventory on microfiche in the Ewart
Library. Not everyone in the parish was engaged in agriculture,
as can be seen from the variety of occupations sometimes carved
on memorials, such as:
Baker
Inn-keeper
Painter
Builder
Joiner
Schoolmaster
Blacksmith
Jeweller
Pensioner
Carrier
Mason
Servant
Dyer
Minister
Shoemaker
Doctor/Surgeon
Farmer
Flesher
Hosier
Merchant
Missionary
Naval Officer
Nurse
Shepherd
Slater
Soldier
Weaver
There is also an Author, Professor of Anatomy, Student of
Divinity, ‘Taylor and Feuar’, Member of Parliament, Writer to
the Signet and an Ordinance Store Keeper.
There are a number of references to people who are buried far
from home in such places as British Columbia, Colorado,
Australia and New Zealand. The unfortunate James Austin died
in 1858 in a railway carriage near Lancaster on his way home to
Moniaive from California aged 31.
There are numerous farm names and it is possible to link the
occupiers of a farm from several stones. For example, Robert
McNae and his wife Agnes Seaton, who were both born in 1750,
were living at Craigleeran when their daughter Grizel died in
1793 aged 16, and their son Robert died in 1801 aged 11.
John Hume and his wife Elizabeth Wilson were at Craigleron
when their two daughters died in 1850 and 1855. Elizabeth also
died there in 1876.
The first wife of David Hastings, Maggie Jane Grierson, died
at Craiglearin in 1898 aged 38. He later farmed at Callside.
A.B. Hall
Sources:
Some notes on the family of Gibson of Glencrosh. T.M. Fallow
1905
The Annals of Glencairn. John Corrie 1910.
The Buildings of Scotland: Dumfries and Galloway. John
Gifford 1996.
Glencairn Cemetery Inventory. M.M. Stewart
Note: Many thanks to Antony Heald for his translation of the
memorial inscription to the Browns of Ingleston.
COMMUNITY POLICE NEWS
What a difference there has been over the past few weeks; the
days are so much longer, the weather much warmer, the leaves out
on all the trees, and lambing and calving just about over. The
season has changed to summer. The criminal mind is also turning
to the summer way of thinking. As we head for the glens for
walks, and picnics, so do the criminals - not always for the same
reasons. They know we have to leave our cars out in the country
where there are less people to watch over them. Holiday maker or
local, makes no difference to the thief, they will smash your car
window and steal your jackets, phones, binoculars, handbags,
cameras..... in fact anything which they can see from outside. So
please keep everything out of sight, in the boot, glove box, or well
hidden under the seat. If you are out in the country and someone
was interfering with your car, while you were away from it, then
you would want someone who was passing, and saw this going
on, to call the police. Please do the same if you see something
suspicious. We do not mind responding to calls which you think
are suspicious, but eventually turn out to be quite innocent. Better
that than missing the chance to catch the criminals who can cause
so much damage, misery and expense. So remember to close all
windows, put everything out of sight, lock the car and set the
alarm.
Every year our favourite beauty spots attract this type of crime,
and for some people, a lovely day out turns into a nightmare, and
that place is forever associated with the crime. Look after your
own things, and those of others; by working together we can
greatly reduce crime.
Holiday time It will soon be holiday time, and our thoughts will
be on our holiday location. Spare a thought for the home we leave
behind and help keep it secure and safe for our return. Lock all
doors and windows, including the shed and garage. Tidy up tools,
ladders and garden equipment which may be stolen, or used to
break into your home. Put bicycles and outdoor toys inside a
locked shed, or inside the house, and then they are more likely to
be there when you get back. Let a trusted friend, or neighbour,
know where you are, and maybe even give them a key so they can
check the house
occasionally. Home security should be a part of your holiday, just
like insurance, something to be taken into consideration but
should not be allowed to spoil it.
There have been a series of ATV (four wheel farm bike) thefts
recently in Dumfries and Galloway. The lighter nights and early
dawns make it easier for the thieves to see what they are doing, so
if you have such a machine, try and make it harder for them to
steal it, by taking the keys out, putting it away in a secure part of
the yard and consider fitting some security device. I am always
happy to conduct a security survey of farm yards, as well as
domestic houses, to minimise the opportunity for thieves.
Road Safety Cyclists, motorcyclists, caravans, and motor homes
are more common at this time of the year. Their drivers are
sometimes too busy enjoying the countryside, and not as attentive
as they should be to road safety. Help keep safe by allowing extra
space around such road users and make sure they have seen you
before overtaking. There is nothing to be gained by getting
frustrated with them, road rage will not improve their attention.
Remember that when you are on holiday on strange roads you
will be that person.
Drugs The next Drug Proof our Kids course will be on September
11 and 18th (both Saturdays) in Thornhill, followed by one in
Moniaive in November and December (Wednesday evenings) so
keep this in mind and look out for details in future issues of the
Gazette.
Wildlife Crime Many people come to this region to enjoy the
walks in our lovely countryside. They come specifically to see the
plants, birds and animals, and are a valuable part of the economy.
We are happy to share the treasures in our countryside, however
there is a small minority who come to steal plants, eggs, young
birds or animals; others come and destroy the good things in the
countryside. On my patrols I look out for these criminals, and
would ask that you too keep an eye out for them, and report any
suspicious activity to the police, so that future generations of local
people, and visitors, can enjoy the diversity of life we have here.
Rolf Buwert
Award for Maurean
A ‘Thanks Badge’ was presented to Maurean McIntyre for
her outstanding service to Guiding, at the Annual Review
on 5th May by the County Commissioner on behalf of The
Guide Association.
This badge is awarded to people who are not in uniform.
Maurean has been a member of ‘The Friends of Guiding’ for
approximately 38 years and has continued to help with the 1st
Cairn Valley Guides and Brownies on and off for many years.
This is a well earned award - Congratulations Maurean.
Taste of
India
At the Annual
Review,
for
Girlguiding Dumfriesshire, Nan gave
a small talk on her
trip to India. She
encouraged Elaine
Wilson and Maurean
to
model
her
Punjabi suits and
Nan modelled her
Sari.
This was a very
colourful and entertaining evening.
ALS Tait
Division
Commissioner
Glencairn Gazette 28 • June/July 2004 • 13
HEALTH... BEAUTY... LEISURE...
Free home delivery of fruit, veg, bread, meat,
dairy, ready meals, grains, pulses, snacks,
drinks, cleaning products and much more.
Your complete local
organic delivery service
Visit us at www.acmeorganics.co.uk
or phone/fax 01721 752633
for a price list.
Organic food is not new
For thousands of years mankind has been developing
methods to preserve and enhance the fertility of the soil.
Crop rotation and the use of animal manures have been (and
remain) common practice in all agricultural civilisations,
including ours. It is only since the end of the Second World
War that the farmer has embraced the routine application of
industrially produced chemicals.
At the time the argument was that the population of the world
would increase to a point where the ordinary methods of
growing crops would no longer be able to feed everyone. Things
have changed, and now farmers are paid not to grow crops in set
aside schemes. Mountains of excess food, whose production
was subsidised by government grants, are stored at vast expense.
And the population of many countries is shrinking.
So, if productivity is no longer so important, what other
reasons are there to continue to use chemicals on our farms? The
major reason is probably efficiency. Farms that used to employ
whole communities can now be farmed by a handful of workers
using tractors and chemicals. This has brought down the price of
food.
For this reason, a straight price-for-price comparison of
conventional and organic food in the shops will show you that
conventional food is cheaper. What is not obvious is that you get
much, much more for your money when you buy organic:
• You get the ‘that’s what food used to be like’ taste.
• You get the guarantee that no Genetically Modified Organisms
(GMO) have been introduced into the environment.
• You get the vitamins and minerals that food used to provide
(recent research has shown that modern food has up to 70% less
vitamins and minerals than the food produced during the Second
World War).
• You get the assurance that there will be no accidental seepage
of fertilisers into our water systems. There is disagreement about
the safety of the current levels of chemical residues in our food,
14 • Glencairn Gazette 28 • June/July 2004
but there is no doubt that we won’t be harmed by the absence of
these chemical residues.
Of course there is more to food production than how the crop
is grown. A major consideration in this age of global warming is
where the food was grown. A crop grown without the use of
chemicals, which then has to be flown half way round the world,
is still damaging to the environment.
Then there’s packaging to be considered. What do we do with
the layers of polystyrene, plastic, cardboard and paper that our
food is wrapped in? Mostly we throw it away, and it ends up in
a landfill site where it stays for generations.
South West Scotland has many collection points for paper,
glass and metal, but we still make no provision for the recycling
of plastic. Some parts of SW Scotland have no landfill sites of
their own, so we actually pay to have our rubbish driven away
and tipped into someone else’s hole!
Throughout the world people and organisations are trying to
give the consumer the power to choose the sort of world they
want for themselves and their children. SW Scotland is no
different. We have:
• farmers’ markets to enable the shopper to go direct to the
producer
• local organic delivery services that provide the rural shopper
the same choice as they would have in Edinburgh
• local dairies that collect and recycle the empty milk
containers
• local breweries producing award winning organic beers
• a network of local organic producers and processors
The choice is yours.
Rosie
Balfour
LLSA, MISPA
www.rosiebalfour.com
Aromatherapy, Remedial Massage
Sports Massage
If you have back or neck problems, suffer from migraines or
stress related conditions, phone me for an appointment.
I am the only Practitioner in Dumfriesshire who is on the
NHS Directory of Aromatherapists.
I have a range of Essential Oils, Candles, Oil Burners, Soaps
and Lavender Wheat Bags.
The Wheat Bags are used as a natural drug free relief from
stress and muscular pains.
61 Kirkpatrick Bridge, Closeburn
Tel: 01848 331323
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: 0775 477 0933
HEALTH... BEAUTY... LEISURE...
aroma*works
Notes from the Garden
What a wonderful colourful Spring this has been. The tulips in
Glencairn have been particularly glorious and all the flowering
trees. What a lot we have to look forward to.
Manure
Not a very savoury subject but one which has to find a place in
any gardening book. A well manured garden repays dividends.
All the same I prefer not to think about what has actually gone
into the making of all those tasty homegrown vegetables! Suffice
to say: “Isn’t nature wonderful?”
For that ideal present
A stunning range of hand made bath oils, body lotions,
shower gels, and shampoos
Now available in Julie Richards Hair & Beauty Salon,
Moniaive where Carol offers aromatherapy and massage.
Carol Howat 01387 820330
1. If frost is forecast use fleece to protect the new leaves of
Hydrangeas, Japanese Maple and Pieris.
2. Cut dead flower heads off winter flowering heathers, but take
care not to cut into old wood.
3. Check supports and ties on climbers and wall shrubs.
4. Provided the soil isn’t waterlogged or frozen, get on with
planting out herbaceous perennials.
5. Bulbs. Where daffodils and hyacinths are grown in beds and
borders, lift and divide them every four years when the leaves
have died down. Dry under cover and then store in a cool, airy
shed. Lift hyacinth bulbs and store them away ready for
planting in October. Throw away those that are three years old.
6. Sow biennials and hardy perennials. prepare the ground
thoroughly and carry out a war on weeds. Break the soil down
into a fine crumbly structure.
YOGA
Teddy Heycock
YOGA
for all ages and abilities
10-11.30am Tuesdays, Memorial Institute
Also individual tuition tailored to your needs
Tutor: Carol Godridge, SYTA registered teacher
Tel: 01848 200681 to book your place
An apple a day...
Surgery Hours
Dunscore
Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri
Thursday
Saturday (for
emergencies only)
Moniaive
Dumfries
9.00 – 10.15am 9.00 – 10.15am 11.00 – 1.00pm
3.45 – 5.45pm 4.45 – 5.45pm
9.00 – 10.15am 9.00 – 10.15am 11.00 – 1.00pm
3.45 – 5.45pm
9.00 – 10.00am
11 – 11.30am
EMERGENCY CALL ARRANGEMENTS 01387 820266
There is a leaflet available detailing all services. Please ask for one at the surgery
Surgeries
Kirkgate, Dunscore 01387 820266
Rosevale, Chapel St, Moniaive
01848 200244
7 Buccleuch St, Dumfries 01387 262012
Clinics Wart • Well Woman • Mother &
Baby • Healthy Lifestyle • Minor Surgery
Held at all surgeries. All doctors qualified
to provide a full range of services i.e.
Maternity Medical Services, Contraceptive,
Child Health Surveillance & Minor Surgery
Glencairn Gazette 28 • June/July 2004 • 15
Quiz and Book Sale
The Glencairn War Memorial Institute
are having another quiz, this time
anagrams of Battles. There is a £5 prize
and the quiz is available from Moniaive
Post Office.
In October we are holding another
Book Sale and donations of clean books
and videos will be gratefully received
either at the PO or Institute.
Sharon Henshall
Now where has Sharon
gone again?
Girl Guides and Gardens
Girlguiding, Dumfriesshire have been
nominated as the Charity for Scotland’s
Garden Scheme at Dabton. Please
support this event on 15th August. The
Guiders/Trefoil Guild have a tombola
stall and are selling teas and coffees. Any
donations to A. Tait 01848 200403.
Agnes Tait
COUNCILLOR ALLAN WRIGHT
Election System Worries
Are you in favour of STV? No, I prefer
Border.
It’s a joke, but it’s not at all funny for
those at the receiving end. The next
council elections will be entirely different
from everything that has gone before and
I do not believe the result will be good for
you.
You will lose the strong links you have
with a single councillor who does his best
to work for you and the others in his
ward. Instead you will have a share of
three councillors and that ‘share’ could be
a rather thin slice.
It is all being done in the name of
proportional representation, the mantra of
the Liberal Democrats and the price that
Labour has had to pay for the power
sharing agreement in the Scottish
Executive. It was a done deal and
opposition was never going to be given
more than token consideration.
Now, if you look at the domination of
Glasgow City Council by Labour and the
proportion of votes given to other party
candidates, then you can make out a case
for change.
But in a largely rural area like
Dumfries and Galloway, I believe that the
councillor/ward link is far more
important than a token move towards
proportional representation. And that is
all it is. The single transferable vote
system where you rank all candidates
MINISTER’S MUSINGS
The BIG news of the Church this month is ChristFest 2004.
A weekend full of events activities for younger children
including the Banana Club; for young folk with human table
football’, workshops, music and drama; plus floral art, drama for
adults too, music, stalls, exhibitions, seminars around ecology,
drugs, education, evangelism, signing for the deaf to name a few;
plus of course concerts, youth services, Songs of Praise with the
Moderator of the General Assembly, and a service on the Sunday
Morning when we will share Holy Communion with thousands of
friends. All denominations and none gathered as one in the
Christian Faith, in a service with Right Rev John Miller – a
previous Moderator of the General Assembly, and a man whose
parish in Castlemilk, Glasgow has taken to their hearts, a man of
the people.
In all honesty I don’t think there will be a gathering of this size
again in our area for many, many, many years! It has come about
from a suggestion made by an Elder of the Church of Scotland. It
16 • Glencairn Gazette 28 • June/July 2004
according to choice, or give your first and
second choice, or give only your first
choice, does NOT deliver proportional
representation.
It would if the whole of Dumfries and
Galloway was divided into seven wards,
each served by seven councillors. Then
you might have two Labour, two
Conservative, one Lib Dem, one SNP,
and one independent all claiming to
represent Cairn Valley. But the reality is
that three, or maybe four, current wards
will be amalgamated and that will not be
enough to give PR.
It doesn’t matter if that is not what you
want. It is a done deal.
From this councillor’s point of view,
the prospect fills me with dread. Will my
ward be amalgamated with Lochside and
Lincluden? Will I have umpteen more
community council and school board
meetings to attend in the evenings?
Some of the answers are still to come.
The Boundary Commission will do the
work but we don’t yet know whether or
not the council and councillors will be
allowed to have any input into the
organisation of the super wards. Will it be
amalgamation of existing wards or will
the commission start with a blank sheet of
paper? We do not know.
I am much reminded of the line from
Burns: “And forward, though I canna see,
I guess, and fear.”
is going to be the talk of the steamie for a long time. And I hope
you will come along.
In June we also celebrate the service given to the church by Col
Charles Wilson and Mr Eric Wilson, both of whom have been
ordained and serving Elders for more than 30 years. Commitment
and loyalty are rare commodities these days; and we not only
celebrate but thank them for their involvement over the years in
churches around the country and indeed, for Charles, in other
denominations. The Wilson lads have ‘done good’, and we hope
and pray they continue so to do. Special Service on June 6th in St
Ninian’s at 10am
And meanwhile, we look forward to our annual Conventicle,
this year at Lochenkit on June 6th at 3pm; to ChristFest in
Dumfries; to the Gala, and ‘Flower Show’; and we look forward
to more fun with some Summer ‘JAM’ with our younger children.
Christine
A tale of leather, lace and liquorice for our younger readers
Ivan the Dragon
Once upon a time there was a dragon, who lived
seven hills from here. On
Glenwhargen Craig to be
precise. His name was
Ivan Ivanovich McIvor.
Ivan was just an ordinary dragon, the
usual grey and green with just a hint of
red. The sort of colour which makes
dragons hard to see when they lie
still, which is probably why you
have never seen him. He had a sister
who lived at the side of the Glenmanna
burn. For some reason her mum had named her Susan
Ferrari Lamborgini McIvor, but the family always just called
her Sue, and her brother Ivan (or I I McI, when they were
feeling silly).
Sue and Ivan loved where they lived, as it was so quiet. They
loved lying very still on the side of the hills watching the people
coming for a picnic in the summer, and thought it great fun when
they would set up their picnic baskets and rugs right beside them,
and never know there was a dragon right next to them. Their great
big leathery wings looked just like rough bits of rock.
Now, one day, Ivan was lying sleeping, when he was woken by
the smell of liquorice, which dragons love. As he carefully opened
one eye, he saw, right in front of him, and looking straight in his
eye, a beautiful little girl, about three years old, and with the most
wonderful curly fair hair, and wearing a dress with lace on the
collar and cuffs. She had two handfuls of blue liquorice strings,
and had been putting them in ‘caves’, which were in fact Ivan’s
nostrils. She saw Ivan’s one eye open, and took that to mean he
was winking at him, so she winked back.
Normally dragons do not find human children attractive, not
having leathery wings, long snouts or claws, but this little girl was
special. Dragons can sense lots of things which people have no
idea about, and Ivan could see that this girl understood. She was
not afraid, even though she could see all of Ivan, which no one
else in her family could. Ivan immediately knew he could be
friends with this girl; the first time Ivan had had a human friend
for over three hundred years (dragons live a long time). The little
girl, who was called Annie, by the way, pushed the liquorice
forward again, but this time, without thinking, Ivan lifted his lips
and very gently his tongue grabbed the liquorice. Annie thought
this was the funniest thing she had ever seen, and would have
giggled with glee, but as she was completely deaf, and unable to
speak, she just gave the most wonderful smile. Ivor knew then
that Annie was not going to tell anyone he was there. After a while
Annie’s mum started to tidy up the picnic, and stamped the
ground twice to attract Annie’s attention then waved for Annie to
come. Annie winked again at Ivan and left.
When they were gone Ivan went to Glenmanna to visit his
sister Sue. When he told her what happened she was very cross,
because it is against the dragon code to be seen by humans. “but
it was the liquorice, I couldn’t help it, It was as blue as my tongue,
and tasted wonderful” (did I forget to say dragon’s tongues are the
brightest blue?)
As Annie lived only seven hills away, she often came up to
Glenwhargen for picnics, always bringing big bunches of blue
liquorice laces for Ivor. As she got older she was allowed to go a
little further away from her family, and eventually Ivor started to
take her on his back and they would fly down the glen to see Sue,
which did not please Sue, but she eventually accepted it. When
Annie got a boyfriend the visits became less frequent, and Ivor
missed Annie’s visits. By this time Annie was almost fully grown
up, her friends changed and most had cars or motorbikes. All her
life Annie liked to walk up in the hills, always coming back very
fresh faced and her beautiful fair hair swept back, as if she had
been facing into a very strong wind. She always wore strong
windproof clothes, because flying along the glens on the rough
back of a dragon can be sore on your clothes, but Annie always
wore a little piece of white lace somewhere; which other walkers
only sometimes noticed, but which was special to Ivan and Annie.
It was like saying hello, and reminded them of that first meeting
long ago.
I suppose Annie and Ivan, and maybe Sue too, still meet up the
glen, and if you look very carefully, and are very quiet, you might
even catch a glimpse of them, or feel a puff of wind, which could
be a dragon’s wing beat, and not every snow flake you see will be
real snow, some may be little pieces of lace tugged free by the
wind.
by Angus Von Stulpnagel Jnr.
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Contact: Carol Godridge, Ben Doran,
Ayr Street. Tel 01848 200681
Tel: 01848 200673
MILL PLANT NURSERY
Perennials, Shrubs, Trees, Compost, Hanging Baskets,
Troughs, Pots, etc. PLACE YOUR ORDER NOW!
Increased range of stock, including the unusual.
If we don’t stock it we can get it!
MILL STUDIO
Painting Courses. Five day Summer School 12-16 July
& 2-6 August. Tutoring by an experienced artist in all
painting media using the landscape around the studio
as material. BOOK NOW.
Original Paintings and Prints for sale.
Located 1.5 miles from Moniaive on B729 Ayr Road
Hours: Tues-Thurs 2.30-6pm • Sat-Sun 11-4pm • Closed
Mondays & Fridays except Bank Holidays •
Appointments possible please call.
Glencairn Gazette 28 • June/July 2004 • 17
COMPETITIONS * PRIZES * COMPETITIONS * PRIZES
£5 PRIZE CROSSWORD
1
3
2
8
5
4
6
7
9
10
13
15
16
19
23
20
25
11
14
18
21
12
17
22
24
Down
1. Doing what you are told (9)
2. Hit the rod for comedy (9)
3. Old poetically eager (4)
4. Yearns (5)
5. Pythagoras had a famous one (7)
6. Sledge (4)
7. Greek God of War (4)
11. He takes care of sports-field (9)
12. Deadlock (9)
14. Counterfeit (3)
18. Warning sound (5)
19. Too many of these Doctors now! (4)
20. Bear (Scot.) (4)
22. Shortened sea hazard (4)
Answers to issue 27. APOLOGIES FOR MISSING TWO CLUES FROM THE LAST ISSUE.
ACROSS 1. Brag, 4. Enfold, 7. Eon, 9. Oban, 10. Decorous, 11. Emu, 12. Brer, 13. Plum duff,
16. Apple dumpling, 19. Twenties, 23. Cobs, 24. Ugh, 25. Blackleg, 26. Ells, 27. Ayr, 28.
Usurer, 29. Yo-yo. DOWN 2. Robert Powell, 3. General, 4. End up, 5. Fichu, 6. Lurid, 8.
Puffing Billy, 14. Louse, 15. MEP, 17. Eft, 18. Letchery, 20. Nicks, 21. Idler, 22. Sugar.
Hand in your completed entry to the Post Office by July
17th. Answers next issue.
Caption competition No 14
The winning caption
will be printed next
issue
Competition
The winner will receive a box of chocolates.
On North Street at corner by Sundial. The winner is Yvonne
Davies of Craignee Drive. Congratulations Yvonne please
collect your chocolates from the Post Office.
Answer to No. 19
18 • Glencairn Gazette 28 • June/July 2004
The winner of last month’s
caption competition is John
Hodgeman, London, for:
Caption No 13 Winner
“You’ve got a very red nose...”
“What can I do about it?”
“Keep drinking it will turn
purple.”
Congratulations John we’ll
send your chocolates.
Photo: Susan Conway
If you think you know where this photo was taken write down
your answer and leave at the Post Office by July 17th.
How well do you know your village? No. 20
“Who stole the
door?”
Can you come up
with
a
funnier
caption? If so, drop it
into the Post Office,
Moniaive with your
name and address by
July 19th and the
winner will receive a
box of chocolates.
Photo: Sue Grant
Photo: Sue Grant
Last issue’s winner was Miss J. McCheyne of
Upminster. Congratulations your prize will be
sent to you.
Across
3. A fleet of wee boats (9)
8. NE Spanish port (6)
9. Entice (8)
10. Drugging (6)
13. Gate (5)
14. Bad mark (7)
15. Total (3)
16. His wife’s been unfaithful (7)
17. Do as well as (5)
21. In the same place (L.) (6)
23. Sweat politely (8)
24. This knight went in search of
adventure (6)
25. Concluding finer grin (9)
Glencairn War Memorial Institute Quiz
Results
Here are the answers to the Name the Plants Quiz. The
winner was Audrey Wilson with an amazing 42 out of 45
correct. Congratulations Audrey.
1. I’m Amos
MIMOSA
2. Soft pain in the back
PLUMBAGO
3. The Scottish bluebell
HAREBELL
LAVENDER
4. Dad’s Army actor
5. Know the song?
WISTARIA
6. Oracle in here with hesitation DELPHINIUM
7. Gypsy jop. LA style?
GYPSOPHILA
8. Capital self-esteem
LONDON PRIDE
9. Occupied Elizabeth
BUSY LIZZIE
10. The best policy
HONESTY
11. Poor man’s weather-glass
SCARLET PIMPERNEL
12. Wills’ cigarette
WOODBINE
13. Weighty haircut?
STONECROP
14. Harlequin’s partner
COLUMBINE
15. She offered Christ a cloth to wipe his face when carrying the
cross
VERONICA
16. Ex-Chancellor’s daughter?
NIGELLA
17. Sounds as if it makes you very cold
FREESIA
18. Mrs Bucket
HYACINTH
19. Bide, laud
BUDDLEIA
20. Hood in tatters
RAGGED ROBIN
21. Economy
THRIFT
22. Named in honour of the Virgin Mary
MARIGOLD
23. He fell in love with his own reflection
NARCISSUS
24. Border river
YARROW
25. Moses’ brother’s fishing equipment
AARON’S ROD
26. Did it lead to the Nativity?
STAR OF BETHLEHEM
27. Nail mixed-up Vera
VALERIAN
28. Leave the Royal College of Surgeons
CLEAVERS
29. Coward operetta
BITTERSWEET
30. Shellfish
PERIWINKLE
31. Revolutionary Allingham detective in drome panic
RED CAMPION
32. Niece and learner
CELANDINE
33. Noblemen and women
LORDS AND LADIES
34. Rainbow Goddess
IRIS
35. Wise man’s stamp
SOLOMON’S SEAL
36. Sort of square support
TEASEL
37. You don’t need a doctor with this
SELFHEAL (ALLHEAL)
38. Fair Lady
BELLADONNA
39. What men shave their heads for BALDMONEY
40. Account sent to Derrick?
CRANESBILL
41. First-class Bruce has lost a note FORSYTHIA
42. Scorch a ringlet of hair
CHARLOCK
43. Keep Reynard’s hand warm
FOXGLOVE
44. Is James at home?
JASMINE
45. Dope has L-plate
ASPHODEL
All proceeds from the quiz went to support the Institute.
Sharon Henshall
MONIAIVE PRIMARY
SCHOOL REPORTS
Trevor Delmarr came to our school on
Friday 26th March and put on a wonderful
mini circus for us all. He did lots of tricks
like spinning hoops around on his legs, both
arms and his neck. Some of the children
were asked to help him and they all did
really well. Trevor got Sean onto the stage
and he made him a little pretend car. Sean had to balance in a
very scarey position but he did it very well. Later the P6/7 got a
chance to learn different circus skills in special workshops. It
was a really nice end to the term.
By Sally and Iona.
Circus Delmarr
All the classes have been visiting Dumfries museum.
Last week it was the turn of the P1,2,3 to head off in the
community mini buses for their visit.
We saw a branch flying in mid-air and lots of stuffed animals
and if you pushed their tummy they made a sound. I like the
magpie best and I liked the gift shop as well.
Ewan P1
Museum Trips
Primary 3-7 are doing the play Peter Pan on the
28th of May 04.
The stars of the show are Johnny Payne as
Peter Pan and Chloe Carrick as Wendy Darling.
Tickets will be available soon!
We hope you will come along and enjoy yourselves. We will be
selling Lucky Programmes and the money will go to the
National Autistic society.
Peter Pan Production
The new houses are now built and people are living in them and
I have moved into one of them last month they are all nice inside
and we are getting our phones connected soon. There are kids
from the school like Sophie Thomas and Rowan they live next
door to me and they all like living there too.
Amy P7
The new houses
HANDY TIPS
You need:
2 x 6 slot recycled bottle carriers
6/12 1 litre plastic bottles
2 packets of plastic dripping caps from your
Kleeneze catalogue.
Easy watering for Working Gardeners
• Fill the bottles with water and attach the dripping Cap. In the
mornings, before going to work, put full bottles in your tubs
and planters, removing any empty ones.
• Keep the plastic caps from the recycled bottles and attach to
garden canes to stop you poking your eyes out!
Sharon Henshall
Glencairn Gazette 28 • June/July 2004 • 19
GLENCAIRN DIARY DATES
Diary dates for the Aug/Sept issue to Carol
Godridge on 01848 200681 or e-mail
[email protected] by 19th July.
MAY
Saturday 29th GALA BARN DANCE Hen Hoose,
Tynron 7.30 - 1am. See posters for details.
Community bus to and from Moniaive
throughout evening. Wendy Wall 200719.
JUNE
Thursday 3rd GLENKENS BROADBAND
Moniaive Memorial Institute 4.30-6pm & 78.30pm short presentation and opportunity to
register for broadband. Mike Kaye 01644
430162.
Saturday 5th RECORD BREAKING DANCE
Macara Park, Moniaive. 2pm. Watch for posters
and take part in this record breaking attempt!
Sunday 6th SERVICE 10am in St Ninian’s and at
3pm our annual Conventicle (location –
Lochenkit).
Monday 7th GLENCAIRN COMMUNITY
COUNCIL AGM 7.30pm Glencairn Memorial
Institute. All welcome.
Monday 7th TYNRON SWRI 6pm visit to
Ellisland Farm. Madge Rorison 200172.
Monday 7th MONIAIVE SCHOOL SPORTS DAY
morning in Macara Park, weather permitting.
Thursday 10th ELECTION DAY Polling Station in
Memorial Institute, Moniaive.
Friday 11th MONIAIVE ACTION PROJECT AGM
Craigdarroch Arms Hotel 7.30pm. All welcome.
Sunday 13th SERVICE 10am and 3pm in St
Ninian’s.
Tuesday 15th EVERGREEN CLUB 1pm
Craigdarroch Arms Hotel, last meeting until the
autumn. Betty McMillan 200453.
Saturday 19th MONIAIVE SCHOOL BARBEQUE
Look out for posters.
Sunday 20th SERVICE St Ninian’s.
Monday 21st MONIAIVE & DISTRICT ARTS
ASSOCIATION Summer visit to the Hunterian
Museum, Glasgow taking in the Mackintosh
House and St. Mungo’s Church. Further details
from ALS Tait on 01848 200403 or email:
[email protected].
Wednesday 23rd CAIRNHEAD COMMUNITY
FOREST TRUST Moniaive Memorial Institute
7.30pm. All welcome. Molly Glencorse 200420.
Thursday 24th MONIAIVE SCHOOL P7 LEAVING
PARTY As part of their Youth Award scheme P7
have chosen to hold a ‘farewell party’. Monies
raised to purchase gift for school. Watch for
posters.
Friday 25th MONIAIVE ACTION PROJECT AGM
Craigdarroch Arms Hotel. All welcome. Sue
200331.
Fri/Sat 25/26th MALTESE NIGHT Green Tea
House. Catherine Braid 200131.
Sunday 27th SERVICE No church service in the
parish. Worship at Christfest 2004, Park Farm,
Dumfries at 11am; Songs of Praise at 4.30pm.
Sunday 27th GARDEN OPEN The Garth, Tynron
2-4pm. Afternoon teas in Tynron Hall.
JULY
Sunday 4th SERVICE 11.45am in St Ninian’s.
Please note new time.
Sunday 11th SERVICE 11.45am and 3pm in St
Ninian’s.
Monday 12 -16th PAINTING SUMMER SCHOOL
with Melville Brotherston 200673.
Thursday 15th GALA EVENTS Bingo and Cream
Cracker Eating Competition in Craigdarroch
20 • Glencairn Gazette 28 • June/July 2004
Arms Hotel. Car Treasure Hunt from garages.
See posters for details.
Friday 16th GALA EVENTS Five-a-side Football,
Pet Show and Family Ceilidh in Macara park. See
posters for details.
Saturday 17th GALA DAY in Macara park.
Floats/fancy dress Bottom Park 11.00. Parade
leaves through village 11.30. Crowning of Queen
and opening of Gala 12.00. Evening dance with
bar and live music see posters for details.
Sunday 18th SERVICE 11.45am in St Ninian’s.
Sunday 25th SERVICE with Holy Communion in
Glencairn at 11.45 and St Ninian’s at 6pm.
Sunday 25th MONIAIVE HORSE SHOW Station
Yard, Moniaive. Mr Ewart 200579.
Monday 26th TYNRON COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Tynron Hall. Madge Rorison 200172
Fri/Sat 30/31st BARBEQUE NIGHT Green Tea
House. catherine Braid 200131.
Saturday 31st CRAIGDARROCH ARMS BBQ &
CEILIDH From 4pm. Laura 200205
AUGUST
Sunday 1st SERVICE 11.45am in St Ninian’s.
Monday 2-6th PAINTING SUMMER SCHOOL
with Melville Brotherston 200673.
REGULARS
Yoga Mondays 6.50-7pm in the Masonic Hall.
Carol Godridge 200681.
Badminton Club Memorial Institute. Starts 19th
April. 6pm-8ish £1. Beginners/younger
members come early. Experienced players from
6.45 onwards. Any adult available to supervise
occasionally please get in touch on 01848
200397.
Youth Drama Group meets Sunday at 2pm in
Redpath Cottage, North Street.
Tynron Carpet Bowling Club every Thursday
7.30pm.
Moniaive Youth Activities (MYA) Every Friday
during term time. 5-6pm Nippers (P1-P3). 67.30pm Scallywags (P4-P6). 7.30-9.30pm
Upstarts (P7-S3). Contact Janice 200352/397
Glencairn War Memorial Institute Committee
Every 4th Thursday of month in Institute. All
welcome. Sharon Henshall 200201.
Moniaive SWRI Every third Wednesday 7.30pm,
St Ninian’s. Mabel Forteath 200676.
Tynron SWRI First Monday of every month.
Helen Maxwell 200233.
Tynron Community Council Last Monday (odd
months) next meeting July. Kevin Bailey 200479.
Glencairn Community Council First Monday of
every month, Memorial Institute 7.30pm. All
welcome. Mrs Patrick 200481.
Brownies Memorial Institute, every Tuesday of
term. 6-7pm, Wendy Davies 01387 820816.
Guides Memorial Institute, every Tuesday of
term. 7-8.30pm, age 10-14. Wendy Davies
01387 820816. Note earlier finish time.
Episcopal Service Fourth Sunday of every
month at 9.30am Maxwelton Chapel. Tony
Freeman 200150.
‘JAM on Sunday’ meets 10am, Redpath Cottage,
North Street on Sundays.
Bible Studies Fortnightly on Tuesdays (next
June 1st) at the Manse 2 – 3.30pm
Rock Solid each Friday evening: 11 years plus,
Glenriddell Hall, Dunscore. If anyone needs a lift
please contact Christine.
Folk Club Watch for posters in village.
Toddlers Library in St Ninian’s Thursdays of
School Term from 2 – 3pm.
BOOKING CONTACTS
Cairn Valley Community Transport To book call
Charlie McAllan on 01387 820283.
Glencairn War Memorial Institute To book call
Jan Gretton on 01848 200146.
WANTED
We are still looking for someone
to help at Brownies.
Please contact ALS Tait on
01848 200403
BIRTHS
Congratulations to Susan Parry of Beech
Drive on the birth of her son. Welcome to the
community!
CHRISTIAN AID
The collection in the village towards the work
of Christian Aid raised the sum of £470.86
this year. Many thanks to everyone who
contributed.
William Glencorse
COMINGS & GOINGS
Donna and David Russell from Sanquhar to
Sawmill Green • Mr & Mrs Turnbull to
Shangate Cottage from Chester • Jim back
cooking in the Craigdarroch • Shane back to
shear from New Zealand • Ken & Aimee Hill
and Mike & Kath Bentley to Craigdarroch
Close House from Manchester • Nancy
Fullerton from Close House to Dumfries
DISTRIBUTION
For distribution queries or to be added to
mailing list please call Carol Godridge on
01848 200681
ADVERTISING
Contact Sue Grant on 01848 200331 or
email: [email protected]
EDITORIAL CONTACTS
We depend on you for news and ideas to
fill the Gazette so please help by
supplying diary dates, advertisements,
articles and letters. These can be handed
in at the Post Office or given to any of the
people listed below.
Annie Shnapp, Auchencheyne Cottage,
200421.
Sue Grant, Glenluiart, Moniaive
200331/401.
Sandy Hall, Craiglearan, Moniaive 200292.
Jackie Goddard, Jasmine Cottage,
Dunreggan, 200322
Deadline for the August/Sept edition is
19th July. Layout and Editing: Sue Grant.
Proofreading: William & Molly Glencorse.
The views expressed in this newsletter do
not necessarily reflect the opinions of the
editorial team. The group reserves the
right to encourage the expression of a
variety of views on subjects of interest to
the local community.