Gatehouse News
NEWS, INFORMATION & WHAT’S ON IN GATEHOUSE OF FLEET | Spring 2012
From the Editor
Big Lit Day in Gatehouse of Fleet is on May 26th!
As with previous editions this Newsletter aims to cover the spring and early summer (to late July), but this year there are some important differences. Firstly, the listing of Clubs, Societies and Voluntary Groups is no longer part of the main Newsletter, but is published on a separate card for you to keep with your telephone directory or in an otherwise handy place. Because the information that it contains does not change often, it will be published annually and distributed with the spring Newsletter. Secondly, the Community Diary will also in future be produced separately. The first issue of What’s On, distributed with this Newsletter, will cover up to the end of May. Subsequent issues will continue at regular intervals. All recorded events will also be accessible on the Gatehouse website. These changes have been made possible by the generous stewardship of Graham and Margaret Wright who now look after both these publications. Once again our thanks are due to Ken Smyth for design and production. This issue we report on the usual programme of sporting and leisure events plus the addition, for the first time, of the Dumfries & Galloway Festival BIG LIT day: it is a singular honour for Gatehouse and is taking place here all day on May 26th. Last but by no means least, there is growing evidence of volunteer famine from many quarters of community activity. So if you are hiding your skills, your spare time or spare energy, and have been shy about throwing your hat into the ring of community volunteering, come out from behind that bush! Your enthusiasm can easily light some badly needed fires !
For the first time ever the Dumfries & Galloway Festival will focus all its Literature events on a single day. On May 26th from 10.00 in the morning until 10.00 at night Gatehouse will host the Festival’s Big Lit Day in venues across the town. “The Dumfries and Galloway Festival’s Big Lit Day sounds like a really exciting new venture and I am so glad to be invited to take part in it” (Linda Marlowe, actress). Audiences will be able to spend a whole day enjoying everything from a fixed price Big Breakfast at the Mill, guerrilla poets, song-writing buskers, the Saturday country market, workshops for all, a Big Lit fixed price lunch at the Murray Arms and the saucier work of Rabbie Burns. Add to the mix leading stage actress Linda Marlowe performing a drama adaptation of The World’s Wife, based on the Poet Laureate’s sparky poems about the wives of famous men; and novelists talking about the world. including Best Scottish Writer of the Year and Gatehouse resident Karen Campbell discussing policing, crime and her forthcoming novel on refugees. “We only recently moved here from Glasgow,” says Karen, “and I am really pleased to be taking part. Everyone in Gatehouse has been very friendly, so, as well as giving me the chance to talk about my novels, the festival’s a great opportunity to meet book lovers in my new community. I have to say that I’ve been really impressed with the arts and literature scene here. The Big Lit Day can only be more good news for Gatehouse.” Then there’s BAFTA nominee Alan Bissett talking about his book and performing some of his ‘one-woman show’ The Moira Monologues; David Benedictus on a chequered career and the process of writing a sequel to A A Milne’s Pooh books; and academic author Margaret Elphinstone on how to research characters for historical fiction. Stir in a Publisher’s Market featuring the cream of Scottish Pamphlet Publishers; the stories and songs of the anarchic Hamish Imlach, introduced and sung by the legendary Ewan McVicar; book launches; a literary installation involving the Kray twins and amusing reminiscences of an East End childhood; and the wonderful Katrina Porteous reprising her Radio 4 epic about the chalk horse in Oxfordshire; and you have a veritable Feast Of Literature! “The Gatehouse Big Lit Day is a really exciting new addition tour Festival” says Pam Pumprey, Chair of the Festival Board. A full programme can be viewed on the Bakehouse website: www.thebakehouse.info. Tickets are available from the Mill on the Fleet, or from 42 High Street, Gatehouse of Fleet DG7 2HS. Tel 01557 814099. Become a BIG LIT DAY Sponsor: While some of the costs are covered from Festival funds, there are opportunities to promote your business through sponsorship. Our aim is to get hundreds of additional visitors to the town with a view to increasing the reputation for hospitality of this “jewel of Galloway”, and in the process generating additional income for local businesses. We are delighted to report that, recognizing the importance of the event to the economy of Gatehouse of Fleet, the Gatehouse Development Initiative has agreed to be lead sponsor! Full information about sponsorship can be found on the Bakehouse website www.thebakehouse.info, or speak to Richard Macfarlane on 01557 814175.
BIG o
Lit o
26 May 2012 : Gatehouse of Fleet
... a festival in a day
poetry . performance . workshops meet the author . exhibitions
Around the Community Gatehouse Social History
As part of the Day of the Region 2011, Graham and Margaret Wright transcribed the 14 Girthon and Anwoth censuses from 1841 to 1901. Permission had to be obtained from the Scottish Records Office, and there are restrictions to the number of copies which can be made. The documents will imminently be available for research in Gatehouse Library and at the Information Desk in the Mill on the Fleet. There will also be copies at Kirkcudbright Museum and the Dumfries & Galloway Family History Society in Dumfries. All documents contain indexes to all the people and places. Graham and Margaret also plan to use their transcriptions to try to allocate modern house names and numbers to the addresses used by the census enumerators. This work will take some time, but when complete it will help those who want to pinpoint where their ancestors lived. This will supplement the work done by David Steel in his High Street project. Graham and Margaret’s earlier work on photographing and transcribing headstones in the old and new Anwoth and the old and new Girthon graveyards has now been put onto the internet. This information can be found on www.kirkyards.co.uk. A sister site www.kirkcudbright.co has many of the place names mentioned in the censuses with links to maps and sometimes photographs. Happy Researching !
Gatehouse WoodFuels
Owners of wood-burning stoves and open fires will be delighted to learn that thanks to an enterprising Gatehouse initiative, Gatehouse WoodFuels are now available locally. Gatehouse WoodFuels are basically what it says on the label – they provide woodfuels for stoves and open fires. But these are not just ordinary woodfuels – these are recycled woodfuels - in the form of briquettes, which tick a lot of positive boxes. They are clean, easy to handle, no mess, no spiders, no spitting and they are guaranteed dry. The moisture content is less than 10%, consistently so. And because they are dry, it
is easier to control the burn rate, they will therefore burn hotter, and will cost less per kWH than seasoned logs. The briquettes are produced by compressing combustible material such as wood bark, sawdust, straw and many other waste products into log sized briquettes. The extreme pressure causes the lignin in the wood to bind the fibres together without the need for additives. There is no glue involved. The other good thing is that these waste materials would otherwise end up on landfill sites. At a time when recycling and saving our planet is high on the agenda, this new venture should be applauded. Working with WoodFuels Co-op based in Dumfries as an authorised dealer, products can now be purchased directly from the Franca Bruno Company at Rutherford Hall or at Lawnmower Services at fleet Enterprise. You will be pleasantly surprised!
New Season at the Mill
The Mill opens fully for the new season on 31st March. The programme of temporary exhibitions begins with plant collage artist Jennie Ashmore’s new work representing the twelve months of the year. She is followed by Scottish Borders based artist Lida Hatrick. This year, as part of Spring Fling, the open studios event, the Mill is showcasing two recent graduates who have been working in the run up to Spring Fling with established local artists. Coral Beattie is a textile artist and will be showing her work in the Bookshop Gallery during Spring Fling and throughout June. Sally Hogarth, a video and installation artist, will also be showing in the Mill. The theme of young artists/emerging talent is also taken up in the Faed Gallery where the work of student illustrators from Edinburgh College of Art will be on display as part of the Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival, and to co-incide with Big Lit day whcih is being held in Gatehouse. As well as the exhibitions a number of different festival events will be taking place in the Mill. The season in the Faed Gallery starts, though, with a showing of colour photographs from pre-Revolution Russia by the photographer Sergei Prokudin-Gorskii. The popular Mill Sessions get
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underway again - they include a welcome return for singer Sean Taylor, and feature acts new to the Mill including Bellevue Rendezvous and Andrea Soler.
A labyrinth for Holy Week and Easter!
It has been a tradition that something happens in the churchyard of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church during Holy Week, so here is a challenge! Starting at 9.30am on Monday April 2nd, a group of volunteers will lay out a labyrinth in the churchyard, starting at the entrance to the church in the form of a maze and arriving back at the church door. It is proposed that the Ecumenical Walk on Good Friday – the procession of witness – will begin at the Parish Church and will then process in single file and in silence around the labyrinth for the conclusion of the walk. So the labyrinth has to be built in four days – which should be possible. Volunteers will be welcome. The path has to be safe and we hope that it will be a quiet place for meditation and prayer during the period of Eastertide. It will remain in place until May 26th. We need a small planning group first of all – if you would like to help, please contact Denis Samways on 01557 814095.
Newsletter Contributions Welcome If you would like to contribute an article or other content for future issues of the Newsletter, contact the editor: Willie McKie, 51 High Street, Gatehouse of Fleet Tel: 01557 815008 e-mail: willmckie@aol.com
Fleet Gallery
7 & 9 Fleet Street, Gatehouse of Fleet DG7 2JT 01557 814228 fleetgallery@btinternet.com
Open daily 10am - 5pm A wide range of art and gifts from Scotland and the Borders. Plus exclusive baby clothes.
gatehouse development initiative - putting gatehouse first!
Over the years a wide range of projects have been undertaken including the development of the pathway from Port Macadam to the castle; the establishment and operation of a community wind turbine at Rainton; the award winning refurbishment of the walls of the Cally Estate; and improvements in Garries Park, including play equipment for children and young people, the sensory garden and the wildflower meadow. When the threatened loss of the town’s TIC was prevented by its move to the MIll, a lease of the redundant building to the GDI was agreed with Visit Scotland. The building, now refurbished by the community, continues to support Visit Scotland’s remit through providing a small showcase for regional arts and crafts, and office space for the Region’s Biosphere Officer. The Kiosk project has also been able to enter into an arrangement with Galloway Kilts, which helps to staff the Kiosk, and has allowed this business to remain in Gatehouse. The weekly Country Market (the only one in the Region to operate all 52 weeks of the year, and without any public subsidy) comes under the GDI umbrella. Both this newsletter and the community website are managed through the Initiative.
Working closely with the Community Council, the Initiative has also helped to deliver regional events such as last year’s pilot Day of the Region, and supported community efforts to retain the Library. Every few years the GDI arranges a community survey to find out what local priorities are, and will then seek to take these wishes forward. However, suggestions and ideas are always welcome. The GDI needs more volunteer support to deliver projects, so if you would be interested in taking part, even in a small way, please come along to one of the regular meetings which are open to all. Meetings are friendly and informal. For any further information contact Ken Smyth on 01557 814458 (GDI@gatehouse-of-fleet.co.uk).
the murray usher foundation
such other things as are for the cultural, aesthetic, religious, educational or public benefit of persons of the locality, including the relief of poverty.’ Apart from an endowment and investments the Trust owns two tenanted farms, a small area of woodland, two small grazing paddocks, some amenity land and various other small areas of land, including the Brick Field, the Library building and office, the cricket pitch, the tennis court, and the Fleetside workshops. The library and its building was set up in 1856 by Horatio Murray-Stewart with a gift from him of £100 and a local collection of £100 and was managed by Library Trustees. They handed it over to the Murray Usher Foundation in 2005 and it is now run as part of the Foundation. We have a Library fund available for students, young or old, to purchase books. The chairman of the trustees was firstly Mrs Murray Usher followed by her son James and then by his son Peter. On Peter’s sad and untimely death last year, Mrs Fiona McCulloch, a former solicitor, from Gatehouse of Fleet, took over as chairman having been asked by Peter to take up this position six months be-
fore he died. The other Trustees are, at present, Mr Jeremy Brown from Walton Park, an old friend of Mrs Murray Usher’s with wide business experience; Gatehouse-born Mr Billy Craig, a farmer from Wigtown; and Mrs Fiona Hesketh and Mr Anthony Wolffe, both wellknown business-people from Gatehouse. The Foundation is administered by Smiths Gore from Dumfries (Mrs Kay Paton). At the moment the Foundation gives annual donations to Gatehouse Scout Group, Gatehouse Sheepdog Trials, the Churches of each of the four denominations in Gatehouse, Gatehouse Flower Show, Gatehouse Royal Legion, Fleet Bay Inshore Lifeboat, Gatehouse Music Society, Gatehouse Bowling Club and Gatehouse Pre-school Playgroup. It also donates every year for two Gatehouse pupils to go on an Outward Bound course to Ullswater. As well as all these, many donations are made to groups or individuals who we think come under the objects of the Foundation. In these difficult times funds available are limited, but the Foundation expects to be able to continue to maintain its support for the existing groups.
The Gatehouse Development Initiative (GDI) was launched in 2004 and provides a framework for the development of community projects. Specific aims are: To assist with the maintenance, improvement or provision of public amenities; the preservation of public buildings or sites of historic or architectural importance; the provision of recreational facilities for the public at large; the protection and conservation of the environment; and the advancement of education. Originally formed by the Community Council as a fundraising arm, it was converted to a charitable company which brought additional benefits in fundraising powers and legal protection for members. As such its activities are regulated by OSCR, the Scottish Charities Regulator. Although it is an independent body, the Initiative continues to work closely with the Community Council in a complementary role. Amongst a range of benefits, the GDI can save smaller projects the need to be formally established in their own right, can provide support or advice with fundraising, and help with insurance, indemnity cover and public liability cover.
The late Mrs Murray Usher’s family owned the Cally Estate since the 17th century. She was proud to be the Feudal Superior of the area, which enabled her to promote the interests of the people of Anwoth and Girthon and the development of Gatehouse of Fleet before the introduction of planning control. In order to continue her aims after her death she set up and endowed the Murray Usher Foundation (MUF) as a registered charity in 1981. The objects of this charity are ‘to apply the funds thereof to such public charitable or benevolent purposes as the Trustees in their absolute discretion may decide.’ There is a deed giving her wishes as to the distribution of the funds and management of the Charity for their guidance but it is not binding on them. This document details the promotion of ‘attractive, healthy and stimulating conditions of life, work and recreation’, ‘high standards of architecture’, ‘the preservation of wildlife’, ‘the protection of the beauties and amenities of the countryside’ ‘the elimination and prevention of ugliness arising from bad design, neglect or any other cause’, ‘a sense of local pride’ and lastly ‘to do
Entertainment, Leisure & Culture Gatehouse Scottish Country Dancers
After a busy season, class numbers and new dancer numbers are up. New members will be made very welcome. We look forward to dancing for the crowning of the Gala Queen and will, as usual, be encouraging members of the public to dance with us on the day. The Gala Ceilidh last year was very successful and we hope to repeat it this year, although no final decision has yet been made. Our Christmas Dance held in the Primary School was well attended, with dancers from other areas coming to join us. We look forward to another very good season in 2012.
Cream o’ Galloway Food for Thought
2012 sees the launch of a brand new event at Cream o’ Galloway: “Food for Thought” lunches. Our local business seeks to develop new ideas for the start of each season and this year is no exception. A monthly series of events including lunch will be hosted at the Visitor Centre, initially on the last Friday of the month. Themes will include cookery, ice cream making and local wildlife. The first event of the series will take the form of a farm walk to show off the innovative new dairy at Rainton which has prompted great local interest, followed by a warming lunch using beef reared on the farm. The walk will provide a fascinating insight into the future plans for the farm and the efforts being made to meet the highest standards of animal welfare, environmental husbandry and sustainability. (There will also be a chance to cuddle the lambs and meet the young calves!) Each month a special lunch will be prepared with locally produced ingredients in the friendly atmosphere for which Cream o’ Galloway is well known.
Visitor Centre Manager Helen Fenby says: “So many local people in this region are enthusiastic foodies, very knowledgeable about food production and its impact on the environment, so we are hoping for some great discussions. matched by a delicious lunch to tickle the taste buds of those who come along”.
Gatehouse Christmas Lights
For many years Gatehouse of Fleet has displayed Christmas lights on the High Street and Fleet Street, a project previously undertaken by the Lions Club who, sadly, are no longer able to manage this display. In December 2011 an urgent appeal was launched by concerned volunteers to continue with the Christmas display; the response from the community was overwhelming and in less than 10 days the people of Gatehouse raised enough money to purchase new LED lights which, along with donated silhouette lights from the Lions Club, illuminated the High Street and Fleet Street in time for Christmas. In January 2012 a committee was formed to drive the Christmas lights project forward with a view to building on the success of 2011 and creating a bigger and better display in the years to come. Fund-raising events are planned throughout 2012 and anyone wishing to contribute in any way, be it financial or by volunteering their time would be very welcome and greatly appreciated. The group has a Facebook page (regularly updated) – “Gatehouse Christmas Lights” as well as a group e-mail address – gatehouselights@btinternet.com, or phone Group Secretary Suzette Harris on 814511.
Royal Scottish Dance Society
The biennial Three Branch Charity Dance will be held in the Town Hall, Kirkcudbright between 7.30 and 11.30pm on Saturday April 21st. The Gatehouse Branch joins with other Stewartry Branches in organising the event with dancing to the music of George Meikle and the Lothian Band. All proceeds will be donated to the YMCA Drop-in Centre, Gatehouse of Fleet. Tickets at £9 from Wave – tel. 01644 430583 or e-mail Wavell@wtyrrell.plus.com. Information also on www.dumfries-rscds.org. Dancing classes will resume in the Church of the Resurrection Hall in September.
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Gatehouse Singers
The programme for our spring concert on May 11th will include two works by Vivaldi, a selection of traditional madrigals and some modern settings of Shakespeare sonnets by George Shearing, something for all tastes. So do come along! Our conductor John Duncan is retiring after this concert and we hope to have news of his successor shortly.
Forest Schools going strong!
This year, our third, some of the monthly sessions will be specifically aimed at 8’s and over. There will be the opportunity to learn woodworking skills and to tackle some interesting challenges, making a giant spider’s web and creating original tracking stories. Anyone of any age is welcome to come to Forest Schools but those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Adults without children are welcome – bring a lunch and waterproofs! More information from franklin.cecilia@gmail.com
Shooglenifty to headline Mid-Summer Music!
Clear your diaries now for the weekend 22nd24th June! The increasing stature of the Gatehouse Mid-Summer Music Festival has caught the attention of Scotland’s top good-time band Shooglenifty, and they’ll be the crowning concert stars on the Saturday night (23rd). With a full programme for two “big-uns” in the School Hall on Friday and Saturday and the accustomed complement of pub sessions, workshops and buskers, Gatehouse is once again set to become Galloway’s Music Town for the weekend. As well as Shooglenifty, the Big Stage will also feature gifted soloists Alastair Roberts and Beth Fouracre, the exotic Samba Sene and the musical mischief of handsome Humberside hunks, the Shiznitz. Filling their blues shoes at the Bank of Fleet on Sunday will be old friends Jellyroll
Gumdrop, joined this year by accordion maestro Harry Hussey, who’ll be popping up all over the place as well. So it’s going to be a great weekend! Get your tickets early from the Franca Bruno Shop or 07707 686 109 and follow the Festival on www. gatehousemusic.
The Galloway Picts Project
Stewartry Flower Club
Flower-arranging enthusiasts can expect a great night of skill and entertainment when Alison Bradley comes to give a demonstration at the Parish Church Hall, Kirkcudbright at 7.30pm on June 13th. Jointly arranged between the Stewartry , Dalbeattie and Castle Douglas Flower Clubs, tickets at £10 by e-mail to stewartryflowerclub@gatehouse.co.uk or from the Club Secretary or at the door on the night.
Interested in scouting?
Due to expanding numbers in the 80th year since its registration, the popular Gatehouse of Fleet Cub and Scout Group is looking for additional Assistant Leaders to help on a regular or flexible basis. If this rewarding opportunity interests you in any way, please contact Mark Grieve on 07925 186 839.
Gatehouse of Fleet YMCA Drop-in Centre
Winter activities began with Go-Karting at Ayr, thanks to a grant from the Area Committee, D & G Council. Fourteen drivers took part in a mini Grand Prix, won by James Harvey with Ashley Madeley in second place, Ian Carson (experienced driver and Youth Worker) third, and Kieran McClelland fourth. Four girls joined the trip, Holly Kirkpatrick being the fastest female driver. Plans are now in hand for a three-day trip to London starting on Sunday April 1st, possible thanks to a grant from the “Cashback from Communities” Fund, to be supplemented with funds being raised by the young people themselves from the Drop-in Café and Car Washes in the Car Park. Aside from the normal opening hours in the Charity Shop, which continues to provide the backbone of financial support for the Drop-in Centre, special arrangements have been made for seven Drop-in Centre members who are joining the school trip to Mongolia next October to open the shop every Sunday afternoon
44 The High Street Gatehouse of Fleet DG7 2HP
between 2pm and 4pm for the next few months. The takings raised during these special sessions will be put towards meeting the considerable costs of the expedition, and the young people will also undertake stock sorting and make donations of goods for sale to the shop.
To mark the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Dumfriesshire and Galloway Natural History and Antiquarian Society, the Society is undertaking an excavation of the Dark Age stronghold at Trusty’s Hill just outside Gatehouse of Fleet, between 19th May and 2nd June this year, and is inviting anyone who may be interested to take part. Trusty’s Hill is conspicuous amongst the hillforts of Galloway for the Pictish symbols, comprising a double disc and Z-rod and a ‘fish monster’ and ‘sword’, carved on an exposed face of bedrock at the entrance to the fort. What has intrigued archaeologists is that the stone dates from the first millennium AD when south-west Scotland was inhabited by people usually perceived to be Britons; not Picts or Scots. The Pictish symbol stone at Trusty’s Hill is unique in Galloway and potentially represents crucial evidence for the early cross-cultural exchanges that forged Dark Ages Northern Britain and led to the emergence of the Kingdom of Scotland.
to modern analysis to better understand the site in the context of the first millennium AD, when Scotland was emerging as a distinct country within the British Isles. The excavation of Trusty’s Hill is a rare opportunity to make a real difference to understanding past identities in Galloway and the formation of national identity in Scotland during the first millennium AD. An initial training day will take place in Gatehouse on Saturday 19th May, to be followed by the start of the excavation on 20th May, which will continue until Saturday 2nd June. Volunteers are welcome to join in, for the entire excavation or simply for a day. Anyone interested in taking part can contact: Dr F. Toolis, President DGNHAS, Belmont, 25 Dalbeattie Road, Dumfries DG2 7PF; or email: president@dgnhas. org.uk
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An excavation of this site was done in 1960 but did not recover the archaeological evidence that could now be used to date the occupation and destruction of the fort, the status of its inhabitants or to explicitly link the occupation of the fort with the carvings. The principle objective of the new excavation is therefore to recover archaeological evidence from Trusty’s Hill and subject this
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BIG o
Lit o
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26 May 2012
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Sport Galloway Cricket Club
Thanks to the dedication and hard work of a growing band of enthusiasts who have maintained coaching for cricketers of all ages, including a growing band of ladies and juniors, the outlook for cricket which has been played for many years at the Cally ground has never looked more promising. This in spite of, but not because of, a serious shortage of cricket-friendly weather during the 2011 season, which did not deter players and spectators alike from enjoying the games that were played at this spectacularly beautiful ground. Particular but by no means exclusive mention must be made of the major contributions made (and forecast for 2012) by Frazer Conn, our 2012 Captain, Mary Hughes for her enthusiastic coaching efforts on behalf of the ladies and juniors, and Howie Bradley for his work on the pitch and the grounds. Of special importance to all cricket lovers is the welcome news that the owners of the ground, the Murray Usher Foundation, have now concluded a long-term lease of the grounds to the Club, for which the Club is extremely grateful. The absence of a lease has acted as a barrier to the badly needed development of the pitch and the present pavilion which falls far below the standards required if Galloway is to see more cricket played in Gatehouse. Although the summer weather is beyond the control of cricketers, the installation of an all-weather pitch would extend play in a way not possible previously and is now within the reach of the Club, as funds can now be sought from sports-interested charitable bodies for this and other improvements in coaching and practice facilities and, eventually, a new modern pavilion. All these developments will take time, but they will not only make the game more attractive to local players, but also provide a more welcoming scenario to visiting teams, most of whom have to travel from Scotland’s Central Belt and who are often deterred by the combination of uncertain weather and long distance. So the scene is set for what promises to be a good season under the Captaincy of Frazer Conn, one of Scotland’s most promising young cricketers, backed up by a strong and
enthusiastic coaching team. As well as the usual programme of 1st and 2nd XI and juniors matches, there will be a welcome series of ladies matches. The Club is hoping, as in previous years, to attract a suitable amateur overseas player. Details of matches can be found in the What’s On publication, and as always spectators will be extended a very warm welcome with a cup of tea and what we expect will be some entertaining cricket.
815008, Tom Myers 814591 or John Morton 814846 if you are inteested.
Gatehouse of Fleet Snooker Club
We are now into our second year as a Club and enjoying the exclusive facility of the Club room leased to us by the Community Centre (without whom, we could not exist!). Our membership remains stable as although we have sadly lost a few members during the year, their places have been filled by new recruits. It is encouraging to find that there is growing interest in the Club and its facilities among younger players. A handicap system has been introduced and the Club is indebted to Graham Wright who has kindly taken responsibility for keeping the system up to date. A Club Championship Competition was held during the last quarter of 2011 with four groups of four players in each eliminating group, from which four semi-finalists emerged. The final was a riveting meeting between Damon Ho and Jack Donald and after a closely contested match which went to six frames, Damon Ho emerged as the winner and Club Champion by a close margin. He and the runner-up were presented with prizes at the AGM of the Club held in January. This has been followed by a Spring Ladder competition with 12 entrants which will be played before the Easter weekend. As there is no limit to the number of matches that can be played in pursuit of the top position on the Ladder, there should be plenty of snooker to come before the summer arrives and other outdoor activities become more appealing than snooker for many of us. For visitors and others who might like to taste the pleasures of a frame or two of snooker, temporary membership of the Club is available at £5/month. We are always hopeful that we can increase our permanent membership: please contact Willie McKie
Anwoth & Girthon Curling Club The season has been interesting, with close competition between the rinks, with the winners being: Girthon Horn – Steve Groome Pairs Cup – Bobby Carson & David Hannay Rinks Cup – Annie-Margaret Johnstone Rolling Rinks – David Hawker Triples Cup – David Hawker. Unfortunately the Cally Cup (six parishes) was not ours this year; we look forward to recapturing it next year. Steve Groome represented the club successfully in a group of Stewartry players who triumphed over a visiting American team. Our club would welcome new members in the next season, so those interested are invited to contact Keith Kemp 814152 or Steve Groome 814428 for more information.
Gatehouse Golf Club
At the Annual General meeting held in January, Robert Hope was elected the new Captain with Gary McClymont as Vice Captain. Jean Prentice is the new Ladies Captain. The Golf Club showed a return to profit, the first for several years, and was thus able to raise the annual membership fee by only £5 to £185 for both gents and ladies. Gatehouse now has one of the lowest rates for membership in the Region and presents good value for money. Despite the wet winter, the golf course has remained open and thanks must go to the greenkeeper, Charlie Pickthall, for all his efforts. Membership fees for juniors remain un-
changed and for primary school children the rate is only £10 for the year. The new season drives off with the Auchenlarie Cup at 9am on Sunday April 1st. The Junior Kirkcudbrightshire Championship will this year be held at Gatehouse on June 16th. For comments or enquiries about membership contact Robert on 0774 9080871 or 01557 814792.
Fleet Star Football Club
The season has been fragmented with 11 matches postponed over the winter period, five of these being home matches. Other teams have been similarly affected with waterlogged or unplayable pitches, and making up the deficit will mean many teams having to play 2 or 3 matches in the week. Results since mid-October have been poor, with 2 draws and 6 losses, position 12th in the League of 13. The next two games will be difficult against top teams Dalbeattie Star and Threave Rovers, but thereafter to the end of the playing season the opposition will offer chances to improve our position. The pitch at Garries Park continues to present drainage problems and further work will be done at the end of the season. There have been a number of regrettable acts of vandalism at the pavilion in Garries Park with two fires started on the verandah; the matter is in the hands of the police. The Club’s two draws – Weekly “3 from 20” and weekly “Super 7” continue to do well, with current jackpots of £350 and £300 respectively.
Gatehouse Green Bowling Club The Club has announced new membership plans for the coming season by promoting special coaching nights for new players within the local community. The courses are free and include all necessary equipment. Gatehouse is one of the oldest clubs in Scotland and the traditional sport has been played here for over 175 years. The welcome is warm and bowls is an easy sport to learn for people of all ages, a game of skill and tactics. Players can take part in friendly sweep nights on any of three evenings per week, and keener players may advance to more competitive areas of league and tournament play. Membership offers
great value and visitors can play for just a nominal charge. The green opens on April 21st and closes on September 15th. Special coaching nights are available on selected Thursday evenings. Sweep nights are at 6.45 every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. Contact Annie-Margaret Johnstone on 814059 for further information.
Fleet Darts League
A welcome newcomer to this Newsletter! There are 8 teams in the League: 2 from Gatehouse, 3 from Twynholm, 2 from Kirkcudbright and 1 from Borgue. Current League leadership on 19 points is shared between Bank o’ Fleet and Burnbank A, closely followed by Borgue with 15 points.
History of Gatehouse goes on sale The Gatehouse Adventure is a new publication describing the creation of the planned town of Gatehouse of Fleet. Written by local historian David Steel and richly illustrated with images of Gatehouse, The Gatehouse Adventure, which is published by the Gatehouse Development Initiative, looks behind Murray’s vision to investigate the people who actually built the houses, tannery, brewery and cotton mills in the growing town. It is available locally at £4.95 or online on the Gatehouse website.
Gatehouse News Look out for WHAT’S ON & CLUBS AND SOCIETIES Formerly the back page of the Newsletter these are now produced as seperate publications. Or check on-line at: www.gatehouse-of-fleet.co.uk
... and now we make the scones to go with our jam
coffee shop gifts cards
Galloway Lodge Preserves
Business in Focus
Each issue we feature an in-depth interview with a local business to highlight individual contributions by the business sector to the local economy. This issue our choice is McCulloch’s Keystore. The Building Nos. 50 & 52 High Street adjoin the old Town Hall building. In recent years the property has been home to Costcutter and Premier Stores. It remained closed for a couple of years until the present owners, Linda & Andrew McCulloch, opened Keystore in August 2010. History Linda manages the shop and refers to this career move as her “mid-life crisis”. Her 2 children, Jamie and Claire, are now in their twenties and after having spent the previous 10 years working in a self-employed capacity for a finance company, she felt she needed a new challenge. Originally from Irvine, Linda moved to this area (Ringford) in 1986. Ten years later she and husband Andrew moved into Gleenslack farm, following in the farming tradition of his parents and grandparents. Andrew’s family still farm at Glentoo. Linda’s parents have lived in Stranraer for some time now, her father being a retired bank manager and her mother is a keen curler. Staff So, running a general store is not exactly “in the blood”, but Linda enjoys every minute of it, at least the ones she is awake enough to appreciate. It is hard work with long hours, and there was a very steep learning curve in the early days. Thankfully she now has a stable, hard-working and reliable staff of 4 to help her : Hayley Brown, Linda (Scooby) Hill, Sharon McKinnell and Grant Ross. The “family business” is strengthened by hubby Andrew who helps out on Sunday mornings, the reward for which we are told is a packet of chocolate buttons. Linda’s mum Helen gets the bus over from Stranraer most Saturdays
Linda with Kacey
Sandgreen After only 18 months of experience Linda is expanding her business with a contract to operate the site shop at Sandgreen starting in early March this year. Every Saturday and Sunday during the off-season and every day of the week in June and July Linda or Hayley will open the shop at Sandgreen between 9.30am and 11am.
Linda McC, Hayley, Linda H and Sharon
to help out, whilst Linda’s pride and joy and a regular visitor to the shop is her grand-daughter Kacey who will be 1 year old on April 1st. The Business Linda and Andrew own the property and the business but they have a contract with Keystore as a result of which Linda has access to the benefits of their bulk purchasing power. Every three weeks Keystore has a series of promotional discounts which Linda passes on to her customers, so it’s worthwhile keeping an eye on these which are leafleted throughout Gatehouse. She is also proud to stock fresh foods from a number of local producers: fruit & veg., bread & baking, butchers’ meat, eggs, paté, ice cream, yoghurt, honey & jams. Linda has adopted a pricing philosophy which provides a sensible margin above costs, rather than watching what the competition is doing. She is always receptive to the promotion of local crafts and is prepared to stock anything that anyone requests, as long as it is available from her suppliers. Often such items will arrive the next day. Home Deliveries One of the aspects of her business that is particularly relevant in Gatehouse is home deliveries of newspapers and fresh foods to those in the community who are less able to get to the shop themselves. A phone call to make an order is all that is required and she arranges the rest, subject only to availability of staff to deliver.
Interests When it comes to interests, Linda’s new business has completely changed her life and her love of animals has to be kept on the back burner. She owns a horse which she has in the past ridden on long distance treks including ‘riding the Cheviots’ which entailed being in the saddle for 11 hours (without soreness we are told) and she has also attempted dressage but is keen to stress that her ability is consistent with that of a beginner. Nowadays her favourite pastime is walking in Galloway with husband Andrew and their dog Sally. Future Asked where she intends to go from here, Linda says she is more than happy to contemplate more of the same for as long as she can plan ahead. She likes the job, the lifestyle and loves meeting and serving her customers. She has hopes that the business will remain ‘in the family’ for a while, but it’s far too soon for definite plans. We wish her well.
Linda’s other two pals: hubbie Andrew and Sally
FRESH FRUIT & VEG : LOCAL BUTCHER MEAT : IRVINES BAKERY : LOCAL HONEY, JAM & EGGS : FILLED ROLLS TO ORDER : WHEAT & GLUTEN FREE FOODS : ORGANIC RANGE
Open Daily: Mon-Sat 7am-8pm, Sun 8am-4pm
M c CULLOCH KEYSTORE Tel 01557 814783